Ilustración: Hybrid-Kira (2020)

A pleasant walk through the forest was what I needed to get my lungs used to the new air I would be breathing from now on; Pure, fresh, and with a noticeable pine smell although undoubtedly cold, that did not take away the magic of the singular place.

It had been a little over ten minutes since Adara and I began to walk along this same path, and although I blindly trusted her instincts, I cannot help but feel that uncomfortable sense of being lost in the forest. Said feeling increased and became more uncomfortable every passing moment, being accompanied by the memory of the fearsome Vortex who was close enough to turn us into his dinner, if it were not because in some inexplicable way, he recognized me in the middle of the chase.

The chilling silence begins to sharpen my senses a little. Adara had told me not to speak during the stroll, because although this was a protected area it was not impossible to find one or two wandering hybrids in search of something to eat. For my fortune, Adara always carried melee weapons with her, lethal enough to get us out of a dangerous situation.

Despite my nervousness the little hike turned out to be much calmer than I thought, and I was relieved to know that we were already close to reaching squad 15 base camp, the hunting team Adara is in command of, and who will be my new companions (and protectors) until a hybrid instructor is assigned to me, as Darius had indicated along with the council.

Finally we reached the hunter base, their meeting center was no less spectacular than what I had already seen in the center of Cilt, it was a huge clearing in the forest which had turned it into a real training ground, and despite the fact that there was not much activity in the area except for a few hybrids and humans, who were quietly wandering among the rustic buildings that housed the place, I could still deduce that this was the place where all the Cilt Hunters came after returning from their dangerous missions, which sometimes went beyond the limits of the European Metropolis.

Despite the apparent remoteness of this place with any civilization other than the center of Cilt, a few buildings stand less than a kilometer away from where we were, drawing my attention to the tallest and most imposing of all, the one with a great and deteriorated yellow "H" at its highest point.

Among the few hybrids and humans that were gathered, I managed to identify two faces that were familiar to me, there was Tori talking with a couple of humans, and the blue Porsche with whom I could exchange a few words when the squad escorted us in our entrance to Cilt. Other than the two of them, the rest of the squad were new faces, and they all seemed to be turning their attention to us, as their Captain Adara had returned.

Suddenly, a large unknown male hybrid stood in our path for a moment, I did not know where he had come from or how long he was following us, although Adara kept calm when seeing him and she kept me behind her.

- Welcome back, we already missed you Captain Adara... and I see that you have brought a visit with you.- Says the snarky hybrid with a somewhat mocking tone of voice as he approached us in an intimidating way, to which Adara responds by pushing the nose of that hybrid with her foot, leaving in him a dirt mark in the shape of the sole of her boot.

- This is not just a rookie, Rod, if you break it you will have to pay it back to Kassia, Tyler is important. Understood? - Adara answers sternly, although she kept the same mocking tone that the same hybrid had dedicated to her a few moments ago, and apparently that had been enough to calm the cravings of the hybrid, whatever he was going to do at that moment, for Adara to remind him who was in charge there.

- Ppff ... fine, I just wanted to welcome the rookie, that's all, I wasn't going to hurt him ... much. - Rod snorts loudly and backs away to free our path again, frustrated when stopped by Adara.

- Here things will be very different from what you are used to Tyler, if you want to learn to be one of ours you will have to teach yourself how to live with hybrids and that includes learning to set limits. They love rough games and physical contact, they are very large and don't know their strength sometimes. Me and your hybrid instructor will teach you everything you need to know to live peacefully in this place, you will get used to it.- She turns to see me with a convincing smile, which is enough to make me blush a little.

- Sure, I don't doubt it... although I must admit that I have a lot to learn about them... I admire hybrids, but they are very unpredictable.-

- Ha ha, they are much more than that Tyler.- She laughs lightly, while fixing her gaze to the buildings in the distance while walking. - They are all that humanity lost with time and wars, they are extremely strong beings and temperamental ... but undoubtedly kind. It is what the world needed for us humans to be a little less ... inhuman. I don't know if you understand what I mean.-

- I think I do understand. The little good that was left of humanity went away with the war ... they may teach us to live together in peace once and for all.-

-Very well, I see that you are learning, and quite quickly,- says Adara, looking satisfied with her teachings.

Finally we arrived at the place where the rest of the squad rested, they talked peacefully among themselves until they saw us arrive, Adara greets all her companions and I am not far behind, they were all very kind to me and they presented themselves cordially, it was a much warmer welcome than I expected from a group of hunters of their caliber. Until now everything was nice wherever I went, because my last name was beginning to be useful for the first time in my life.

I sat on a large fallen log that surrounded the campfire where dinner was already cooking, I got on the side closest to the blue Porsche, because it seemed that he was interested in talking to me since he saw us arrive.

- Welcome to our humble refuge boy, I didn't have time to introduce myself when we saw each other. My name is Ciro, I am a skilled hunter but our respectable captain has given me the task of training our youngest applicants to become hunters, you know, hybrid and human offspring ... or children as you call them hehe ... it is a pleasure that you have visited us.- Ciro smiles widely, the pronounced scars on his face made him look intimidating, but his sweet and careful voice makes me feel comfortable talking to him.- Although... I'm not sure what brings you here young Tyler, shouldn't you be with the Council of Leaders right now?

- Oh, I had just left the dome when Adara asked me to come visit you all, so I don't think there is much problem being around here hehe ... Right? -

- But of course it's not a problem! Having a Hopper keeping us company is the best we could ask for, isn't it girl? - Ciro gestures slightly towards one of the humans who accompanied us, she had been the only one who was not in the mood to greet anyone in that moment.-

- ... mmh? Oh yeah, whatever. - She had not raised her face when answering Ciro, clearly she was not interested in the conversation. She had her hair dyed pink at the ends and shaved on the left side of her head, as well as numerous piercings on her ears and face. Despite the girl's flamboyant appearance and her lack of interest, I decided not to focus too much on her.

- Well ... that rude girl over there is called Marione.- Ciro says out loud, making the girl get up from the ground and walk away to another place, away from the rest of the squad.- Don't take it too personal, she had a bad hunting today, she will get over it.-

- Don't worry Ciro, I'm used to people not wanting to talk to me.- Given the small silence that had occurred after Marione's departure, I decided to break the ice a bit with the Hunters. - And well... tell me more about you guys, what do you do here in Cilt? Adara has told me some things but I am still curious to know.-

- Well ... I think the name of the rank already reveals a lot of what we do here, boy.- Tori says arrogantly and seriously, causing a few laughs in the rest of the squad, while also taking place in the circle that we had formed between all of us sitting around the campfire.

- Tyler only asked one question, don't be cruel Tori.- One of the humans complains to his partner Audi, a young man with dark and rebellious hair who carried an impressive wooden bow. He appeared to be from another squad, as he wore the number 23 on his armor.

- Okay, okay, I think it's normal for a rookie like him. If you really want to know what we do besides bringing food to the whole town... well, the Hunters are Cilt's first line of defense, we are their private soldiers and rescuers, when there are problems we are the first to help. We do reconnaissance missions around the Metropolis, we search for supplies among the rubble and we try to recruit every hybrid and peaceful human. That's just a little bit of what we can do.- Tori says with a certain pride in her voice.

- And ... What about the Vortex? Do you fight with them very often? -

- Oh no, that is not our job.- Adara responds quickly before Tori could even think of a better answer.-... It is the Warriors who take care of all that's related to the Vortex, we prefer not to get our hands dirty assassinating hybrids on that way ... it's something very ruthless.- Says Adara with a hint of displeasure in her voice -... I respect the Warriors, but what they do is far from being an honorable act even if they only follow orders from the Leaders.-

- But the Vortex are bad. I mean ... Adara you know it yourself, you don't remember what happened on our way to- -

- I do not defend the Vortex cause, Tyler, but neither do I defend those who kill them solely to remain in Cilt.- Adara says sternly, silencing all of us who were there, this seemed to be something very serious. -... You do not understand that now Tyler, but the Warriors are not to be trusted, many of them are only here because they are very good at killing, and they are very unstable and dangerous, especially certain hybrids.

I am silent for a moment, because I never believed that this question would make Adara react in that way. The least I wanted was to displease her in some way and I had inadvertently succeeded. - I think that will be something I will learn eventually Adara, until I see it with my eyes I will believe it ... my best friend is a Warrior after all.- I smile in a subtle way to calm down the tense atmosphere that had been generated at that time, and both Adara as the others seem to think the same, there was no point in fighting over a simple misunderstanding.

- Well ... that's enough for me. You will learn over time, and it will be your decision to choose which ranks you will give your loyalty to... although, to be honest, the rank of Hunter would be great for you.- Adara says calmly, making the others nod.

Among all the squad they talked about the virtues they loved to be Hunters, as well as the occasional interesting anecdote from previous hunts, I listened with great interest and laughed together with them, it had been a long time since I laughed like this, with so much freedom, and with people with whom, in some strange way, I felt confident. I shared a good meal with them and we stayed chatting around the heat of the campfire until the sky began to sunset. I really didn't know how much time had passed, but I didn't want the meeting to end so soon.

The pleasant conversation is interrupted by something approaching through the forest vegetation, the Hunters are simply attentive to what could be, but they were not nervous, so it should not be something dangerous.

The low light that was still penetrating through the undergrowth of the forest does not allow me to recognize well what it was but it was obvious it was a hybrid that was running fast towards us. Said hybrid when leaving the forest was too familiar to go unnoticed, it was Iker, although he was in a hurry to get to where we were, it gave the impression that he had run from the city center because he was panting a little to be able to catch his breath. He approaches us and keeps several meters away until he stops completely, Adara gets up from her place and approaches Iker seriously, and judging by her and the rest of the Hunters, Iker's arrival was not very well received, something that did not surprise me after hearing Adara's opinion towards the hybrid Warriors, an opinion that clearly I did not share with her.

- Captain Adara... they sent me from Cilt's center to ...T- Tyler ?! What are you doing here? - The seriousness with which Iker had come seems to fade when he saw me between them, now he looked a bit surprised, and not in a good way.

- Speak, Iker. You know you shouldn't be here if not extremely necessary.- Adara speaks firmly without giving importance to Iker's reaction when seeing me among her squad, to which I can't say anything.

- Uhh ... yes, I know that, I came to tell you that Saemus's squad has finally returned. There are a few injured but nothing serious, they had an encounter with a small group of Vortex ...-

- Saemus ... - Adara puts a hand to her mouth, she seemed very worried about what Iker had just said to her. - ... take me with him Iker, I have to see it for myself.-

- Good, but before another bad thing happens ... - Iker approaches me and smiles when he sees me, at the same time that I smile when I see him almost completely recovered from his wounds. -... let's go Tyler, come with me.-

-You can't take him! It's safer for him to stay with my squad until ...-

- Until they assign him a hybrid instructor, right? ... Well, I already took care of that, I asked the Leaders to be Tyler's instructor, because it is my obligation to protect him. I was the one who found him in the first place ... according to Cilt's laws, that is my duty.- Iker responds seriously, although I noted a little sarcasm in his voice, it was clear that both did not like each other a lot.

-They haven't officially decided yet, don't be a fool Iker, you don't want to get into trouble.- Adara was really irritated at his unusually confident response.

- Well, it may not be official yet, but Kassia put him under my protection and you know it. In addition ... you do not want her or Darius to know that you disobeyed their direct orders, do you? - Darius's simple name is enough to silence Adara for a moment, and although I did not know very well what was happening and I was confused I preferred to trust Iker's words.

I get up from my seat and say goodbye to the entire squad that had stayed with me until that hour, and then walk to where Iker and Adara were. She had already entered Iker silently, it seems that this time my ingenious friend had somehow managed to get away with it.

-Iker, I missed you my friend. I was starting to believe that you had forgotten me.- I pat him lightly on his back to greet him in a better way, avoiding touching his recently healed wounds.

- Are you kidding ?, I would not forget a friend in a place like this ...- He says seriously, giving a severe look to the rest of the squad. - Let's get out of here, I don't want to continue in this place of death.- The resentment Iker had towards the squad was palpable, and although it was not wise to ask questions at the time, it would really be something to talk about later.

Iker opens his left door as that was the space that was left inside, which reminded me of the fact that this was the first time that Iker offered me a ride, which was exciting for me. Upon entering I can see that his body is noticeably more robust than Tori and Kassia's, since the free space inside was much smaller, and the muscles of his shoulders and his overall complexion was somewhat more developed, which it could be because Iker was a male, or that he exercised much more than the other two females. I entered carefully and with a little more skill than on other occasions, since I already knew what position to take so as not to bother Iker or hurt myself with his bones that also stood out a bit on his dark skin.

Once Adara and I were inside, Iker closed his doors and resumed his run to downtown Cilt. Iker was really fast, and although it was not the first time that I was carried in this way by a hybrid, the impulse was still something difficult to control, so much so that I look for something to hold on to at his door, and to my bad surprise, something slashes my hand and makes a small scratch that begins to bleed immediately. I put my hand to my mouth to try to stop the bleeding, while looking for the thing that had caused this cut, and after looking for it for a few seconds, I managed to perceive the tip of an arrow that Iker had embedded from side to side in his Left door, and this being a double-headed arrow, it was clear why it could not be removed before its tissue closed completely. The large and noticeable scar around the arrow only showed that it had not been a clean wound, and that it was possible that Iker had done himself a lot of damage when trying to remove it on his own, which apparently did not work and he had no other choice besides to leave it there. Although it was not a fatal wound and that the doors of the hybrids are as important as one more limb, it must have lost a significant amount of blood in the process.

While trying to imagine a possible scenario where someone would have been bold enough, or stupid enough, to shoot an arrow at my dear friend, I turned my face to the right side, Adara looked thoughtful and kept quiet the whole way, Not even the sudden jumps Iker made when avoiding the obstacles in the forest made her react, she just keeps her gaze down, caressing her arm in which she had deep scars.

-Is everything alright... Adara?- I ask with some concern, trying to hide the pain of my most recent injury.

- Ohh, well ... not really. - She looks me in the eye, and I could see a lot of anguish in her.- Saemus is my mate, Tyler. He went out with a group of somewhat inexperienced Hunters to teach them some new techniques, and he always came back after three or four days ... but now they came back after two and a half weeks. You don't know how much he worried me ... I didn't hear anything from him in all that time. - She looks up slightly in the direction of Iker's window to realize that we were close to the center. - That's it ... I'm worried about him. But at least I know that he is alive, that's the important thing. - She tries to hide those strong feelings with a serious voice, but she wasn't exactly good at it, her eyes were already red from holding the cry.

- You already heard Iker, he and his squad are fine, there is nothing to worry about now, okay? You will be able to see him as soon as we arrive. - I take Adara's shoulder delicately and that seems to raise her mood a little, since she gives a slight smile and rests her hand on mine.

"Thanks, Tyler." Her eyes were still full of anguish, but somehow my comment had made her feel better, even if it was for a few moments. She wanted to say something else, but prefered to remain silent so as not to break the crying, and simply returned to her original position, to which I returned my hand to my body, thinking for a moment about the scenario that awaited us.

When we got to the city center, we could see activity from where we were already, and the closer we got to the place where they attended the squad we saw more Medics in the area. The squad had not even reached the Stone Podium, as they were attended as soon as they crossed the fortress that delimited Cilt. Iker got as close to the scene as possible, but the same hybrid Medics prevented people from getting too close to them so as not to hinder the help, when Iker saw this he decided to stop and open his doors to let us out, which Adara did not take a single second to do. On the other hand, I exited carefully and stayed to one side of Iker, holding on to his door, which he kept open when dedicating all the attention in front, he does not realize that I was already outside until I squatted next to him so he could listen well among all the hustle and bustle. Adara was desperately trying to get through the barrier of the hybrid Medics, trying to convince them to let her pass in search of Saemus.

- What happened here Iker? Is it normal for Hunters to arrive like this? -

- No, it is not. It's been a long time since something like this happened, Vortex don't usually attack Hunters ... they just steal their prey and that's it. This was an organized attack.- Iker and the Hunters may not have had a precisely good relationship, but that did not prevent him from showing empathy towards them.- Luckily no one is seriously injured except for a human, but I think he can be saved... - Iker seems to sniff something, and turns slightly towards me.- T-Tyler, you're bleeding! How did you do that to yourself?

- It's only a tiny scratch Iker, nothing very serious ... - I turn to see my hand, but what I find is not too pleasant, the apparently harmless scratch turned out to be a rather deep wound, and although it did not hurt much the bleeding had intensified, so much that the blood was already running down to my elbow.- Ehh ... well, maybe it's not as small as I thought, but I will be fine, really.-

- You didn't have that when I picked you up ... oh no, you cut yourself with the arrow on my door ... right? That thing is rusty and can infect your hand Tyler.- Iker looked very worried while he inspected my wound with his eyes. -... Okay, let's do something, extend your hand so that I can see it better.-

- Don't worry Iker, there is nothing to worry about, seriously ... Wh-what are you doing Iker?! -

-Im trying to heal you, if I had told you exactly how I would, you wouldn't have even put out your hand.- Iker had passed his tongue over my hand without even noticing, the saliva made the wound burn a little more, and he had given me a little scare not knowing what he was doing, but I realized that the bleeding had stopped almost immediately. I knew that the saliva of the hybrids was one of many reasons why their wounds healed so quickly, but I had no idea that it worked equally well in humans.- I know this is weird for you, but you have to trust me ... I know what I'm doing, okay? - Iker says calmly, hoping that I would let him help me.

- O-Okay Iker, I trust you ... But are you sure it works in humans? -

- Mmmh ... I think so? - When Iker doubts, I give him a small gesture of displeasure, which is funny for him. - hahaha, but of course I'm sure! Trust me, it's not the first time I do this.-

Without his confident smile giving me any other option, I extended my hand again so that he could continue to do his thing, the pain was already quite acute, but it was a matter of a few more licks so that the pain gradually stopped and I could move my fingers without the wound bleeding again too much. Perhaps this method of healing was not at all habitual, and that I felt quite strange to receive that healing from my best friend, but being something so common between hybrids alleviated that feeling a bit. Finally Iker seems convinced that it has been enough and inspects the wound once more, and turns to see me once he was satisfied with the appearance of the wound.

- Try to keep it clean and do not use that hand for a couple of hours, you will see that it will be cured as soon as you expect it.- Iker was proud of his work, to which I can only agree and act as normal as could.-

-Thanks Iker, I will do that.- I touch his nose with my healthy hand to thank him, as I turn back to where Adara is.

It seemed that she had finally convinced the Medics to let her pass. There was a crowd at the scene and it was difficult for her to spot her mate among all the people who were there. While Adara was frantically searching for her boyfriend, I was trying to imagine the appearance of this Saemus, who, judging by his name and the high rank of Hunter that he had along with Adara, he must have been a quite stout man but above all he should be someone strong in character and physique and the only one who fit this imaginary description was one of the human Hunters who could distinguish from where he was at the time, a young man in his twenties, tall and stocky, with short brown hair, and the same it was seen that he was also looking for someone among all the people in the place.

- Hey Iker ... that guy over there is Saemus? - I say pointing at that man.

- Mmh ... I can't see it, did you forget my eyes are at everyone's knee level? - Iker says sarcastically when he can't see anything.

Adara still didn't see him, but it wasn't long until the people moved away a little and he was already more visible.

- Saemus! - Adara begins to run in the direction of the few stragglers in the squad, precisely where she had seen the boy who stood out from the crowd for his height.

She made her way through the crowd and was beginning to lose her for a moment. That absent-minded young man seems not to have seen her yet, his gaze was fixed elsewhere until he turns to the opposite side of where Adara, he heard a voice calling him, at the same time as he takes another girl in his arms and welcomed her with a kiss, but that girl was not Adara. Apparently that was not Saemus.

I managed to spot Adara again who was still running, but her target was clearly not that young man. She pauses from moment to moment and carefully drops to her knees to the ground, spreading her arms wide and moments later a large, sturdy hybrid Camaro quickly comes to fill that space, lifting his body enough to kiss his loved one.

I really couldn't believe what I was seeing at the time, as I never thought that Saemus was a hybrid.

-... Oh yes, now I see it. Yes, he is Saemus.- Iker says naturally when he can finally see Adara reunited with her peculiar partner, while I gape for a few moments.

- Saemus ... is a hybrid? -

- Uh ... yes?- Iker answers with a strange voice towards me.

- ... a hybrid Camaro? -

-I have a feeling you're somewhat impressed, Tyler.-

- Well, of course I'm going to be impressed! I mean ... I never imagined that Saemus was a hybrid, and I had never seen something like that, it is not very common ... - I think aloud trying to assimilate the singular scene, which at the same time strange, was exciting to me.

- What do you mean "not very common"? - Iker seemed to have misinterpreted my comment, because he could say that he looked somewhat offended.- Mixed couples are very normal here, there is nothing wrong with it ... -

- Oh, I did not mean that Iker, I mean that it is not common for me to see them, there are not many mixed couples in the Metropolis to remember any ... oh my, this is great, different, but great.- That seems to calm a little to Iker, who for some reason mistook my comment.

- Heh ... well, here you will be able to see many like that, it shouldn't surprise you so much.-

Shortly after Adara and Saemus had reunited after a long absence, they both returned to where Iker and I were waiting for them. Saemus's presence as he was already in front of us made Iker go back a few centimeters, it was obvious that unlike Adara, Saemus inspired him with some respect or fear, either one, although Saemus did not seem to care at the time. He saw himself as a confident hybrid of his same strength as he was a really large hybrid, his yellow skin showed numerous fresh wounds and a few scars, the deepest were scratches on his mouth which were about to slice off his lips. The three straight scars made it look a bit more intimidating, as it denoted being a battle-hardened hybrid despite the fact that its only rank was that of a Hunter as well as that of his beloved Adara.

- What a pleasure to finally meet you Tyler! Your father always told us a lot about you ... although of course, I think that they have already told you that many times throughout the day.- His voice was strong, deep and energetic, he was really a hybrid male that imposed respect and admiration on everyone who saw him.

-You have no idea how many times people have told me that, Saemus, but that's fine, I wouldn't tire of being told anyway.- I was waiting for the moment when Saemus spoke to Iker, but such a moment seemed like it wouldn't happen, so I kept talking to him. - And ... What happened to you and your squad? I knew it didn't go very well.-

- Ohh, it was terrible. The deer herds had moved further south than usual, we followed their tracks for several days but it started to rain and we lost it, after that one of my students was bitten by a snake and we had to camp another couple of days for him to make a full recovery and be able to continue. Until we finally found the herd again we followed it and got a good hunt, among my students and I we got seven, all of good size ... - Saemus sighs heavily, snorting loudly at the slight anger he showed when speaking at that moment.- ... If not for those damn Vortex we would have returned home with food, they took everything from us, and that was not enough for them. They attacked us in a group, but luckily another squad located us earlier and was able to chase them away ... although we did not recover our prey.-

- Well ... the important thing is that you returned safely dear, your lives are worth much more. Anyway I think there are still reserves in the food bank, we won't need it much.- Adara gives Saemus a little kiss on his nose to calm him down a bit, which seems to work.

- Yes, that's true ... but I can't stop thinking about it. The Vortex don't usually congregate in such large groups, it's not normal. Generally they are solitary hybrids or couples ... not packs, that is strange, I will warn Kassia about it as soon as I can. For now, I'd like you to meet some people Tyler, of course, if you don't mind.-

- Absolutely not, I like meeting people here on Cilt.- I reply somewhat excited at Saemus's proposal, and after he and Adara start heading towards an area where there were also more Hunters, I turned to see Iker to invite him to come with me. He was not convinced, but he decided to keep me company anyway.

Iker remained silent and with a more defensive position than usual, something was starting to bother him and it was quite obvious even if he didn't want to say a single word, to which I stopped for a moment to find out what was going on.

- Hey Iker, is everything alright buddy? I see that you don't feel very comfortable being close to Saemus.- I tell him in a low voice, avoiding at all costs that someone else from the squadron would listen.

- Oh, it is not that ... it is that there are too many people ... I hate crowds, that's all- . I keep by his side, showing that he was not alone in this.

Given the small delay I had had with Iker, Saemus and Adara returned together with a group of kinds and small hybrids who were seen to be of different ages, which varied between 7 and 12 years (and their respective equivalents in hybrid years). The children followed Saemus in an orderly manner, though they murmured with excitement among themselves when they saw me.

- Tyler, I present to you my greatest pride, my favorite students, the best in their class.- Saemus says out loud, eager to show off his younger apprentices in a somewhat sarcastic way.- Twenty miniature hunters who will soon form the Squad 9 to replace us, Squad 15, as the best squad in all of Cilt ... Isn't that right, dear students? -

- Yes Captain!-

The energetic and perfectly coordinated scream of the little ones startled me for a moment, causing a little laugh between the ten children and ten small hybrids that made up the unique squad. From a young age they had already been assigned their hybrid companion, which seemed to be crucial to belong to a hunter squad.

- My God, you guys are scary! - I say to the children to try to win their love, because their attention already had it from the moment they saw me. The children began to laugh more audibly now.

- Mr. Hopper, can we ask you some questions? - A boy with straight hair, black and so long that it completely covered his eyes raises his voice among his companions while raising his hand, that boy was the only one who remained somewhat serious, different from their peers.

-Of course, ask all you want, of course as long as your captain allows it.- I turn to see Adara who was now looking at us, and nods slightly. Saemus had entertained himself by talking to other fellow Hunters who were not far from there.

-Is it true that you were attacked by a Vortex?- Asks the boy curiously, making the others remain silent.

- Yes, it's true ... how did you know that? The news here runs faster than I thought.- The children laugh slightly at my comment. - Actually, if it wasn't for your captain Adara, I would not have managed to get out of that one.- The children were now much more interested in the little anecdote.

- Oh come on, I didn't save you, I was just doing my job... - Adara says with some modesty, trying not to grab the attention of her students.

- But of course you saved me! In addition, she saved me from continuing to live in a horrible and dark place called the "European Metropolis" .- I tried to add a bit of drama to the little story, hoping that Adara would go along with it, which she resisted for a minute. -... I lived in a lonely little house, not even knowing about the existence of this beautiful place... and one night, someone knocked on my door, it was late and it was raining, I was scared of who the caller was at the door at such hours ... - I approach Adara who was still arms crossed and without making a gesture, while I acted to be scared at the imaginary door that Adara had in front of her, causing the laughter of the children. - ... then , a mysterious hand appeared as soon as I opened the door, and put something strange on my neck.- I expected some reaction from Adara, and although she was not very convinced to take a role in the improvised play, the attentive glances of children make her succumb , and pretends to run her hand through the imaginary door, touching my neck, to which moments later I pretended to have become disheveled, causing the children to burst out laughing.

- So the captain made you fall asleep on the floor? - Says the same boy who asked the question, who was beginning to notice a subtle smile on his face.

- Well ... yes, I passed out, but since the passed out people do not speak, Adara will tell you the rest of the story.- I lie on the floor with my eyes half open, waiting for the reaction of the little ones, focusing their attention on Adara.

- Ehh ... well, after that I started dragging him to the door, not knowing that he was still awake enough to hear everything that was happening ... - Adara takes me by the arms and starts dragging me a couple of meters over the grass. - And when I reached the door I couldn't keep dragging it, so... -

- So Adara, since she is very strong, carried me to where Tori was waiting for us.- I quickly got up from the floor and stood in front of Adara. -... excuse me.- I apologize to Adara although she did not know what I was referring to at that moment, but soon she knew it when I was the one who was carrying her on one of my shoulders, Adara was lighter than I thought, so it was easy for me to carry her for a few more moments. -Just like this! But since I'm very heavy and she's tired that's why I'm doing it ... but she did it much better.-

- Ha ha ha Tyler, what are you doing? Put me down It is not necessary so much demonstration.- Adara laughed fake and slightly embarrassed, to which I listened at that moment and lowered her back to the ground delicately, because although I knew that what I had done had taken her by surprise, I felt the confidence to do it.

- And so, kids, it was practically my rescue, all thanks to your captain Adara.- The children applauded at the small demonstration while I rested my hand on Adara's shoulder, although Iker seemed not to be completely calm, as he looked disturbingly in the direction towards us.

- Uhm ... Tyler, get out of there.- Iker says in a low voice, almost inaudible due to the noise made by the children, although he did his best to point to whatever he was seeing at that moment.- Come here ... now.-

-Mmh?- I turned slightly back and was surprised to see Saemus standing directly behind me, he was at a short distance and his blue eyes did not see me in the same way, not with such confidence. It seemed strange to me that now his gesture was much more intimidating than before. - Oh, hi Saemus, I didn't see when you came back, your students were just asking a few questions and... -

- Yes I saw your little demonstration ... it is an interesting way to show your strength to children, young Tyler ... although not the most appropriate way, I must say ... - In a small gesture, Saemus orders the children to withdraw from the place, and they do not take longer than a few seconds to go, something was not quite right, Saemus was on the defensive and looked at Iker and me seriously.

- Tyler ... let's go.- Iker could sense it better than anyone, the tension in Saemus possibly caused by playing with Adara in that way was quite noticeable. I may never have seen a hybrid in that state, but it was clear he wasn't comfortable with me being around his girl, which Adara also gets in the way.

- Tyler was only answering the childrens' questions Saemus, there is no reason to be defensive, he didn't hurt me ... - Adara does her best to appease her mate, which seems to work for a few moments. – Let's go home, you need to rest.-

Saemus keeps his eyes fixed on me and does not move from his place despite Adara's request, and the situation did not seem to improve although I already met Iker again, ready to go along with him as soon as it was no longer dangerous to turn my back on Saemus, but he seemed not to give us the retreat without a previous clash of glances.

- Saemus, that's enough, Tyler was not doing anything to Adara, he does not want to steal her from you as she told you herself, he is smarter than that and knows that those simple games are just that ... games, and that they don't mean anything.-

- Do you dare answer, Iker? Did you forget that you no longer have a voice here? - Saemus responds with a strong and authoritative voice, making Iker angry. - It is not your duty to answer in the name of the human! –

-It is and will be until he can stand on his own in Cilt! He just doesn't know what he's doing, he doesn't know how to live with hybrids, and you don't give him a chance ... they should deny you working with humans with that temperament ... Don't you understand that it is unfair to fight with a human? Or do you want to fight someone of your own strength, Saemus? -

Iker's comment infuriates Saemus, and in a matter of a few seconds he was gathering momentum to pounce on Iker, they both meet and push each other, and even though they didn't use their teeth to attack each other on stage it was not pleasant at all, although the confrontation had ended too soon because Saemus was much bigger and stronger than Iker, so it was easy for him to put my friend in a vulnerable position when he was belly up, and with Saemus on top of putting pressure on his abdomen. They both raised a cloud of dust at the struggle, and the aggressive growls caught the attention of the others.

- Let him go! Is it me who you want right? All right! Let him go and let's fix this your way... - I say desperately pushing Saemus with my healthy hand, in a vague attempt to leave Iker alone.

- T-Tyler, stay away! - Iker had a hard time talking as he was supporting Saemus's weight on his ribs, but it seems that the large Camaro reacts to my words and he falls from Iker's body until he is again in front of me, now with no one to stand in the way.

-... Well, young Tyler, you are brave to challenge someone like me like that.- Saemus says coldly, as he releases Iker from his grasp and begins to advance, slowly.

- This is not a duel, I never challenged you ... What do you want? Do you want me to go? I will do that ... although I don't understand why if at first you seemed comfortable with my presence ... - Iker manages to reestablish himself and stands on his four wheels again, ready to protect me if necessary.

- Heh ... it shows that you didn't inherit much of your father's privileged intelligence ... Marcus ... it's a shame.-

As soon as I believed that there would be no other option besides an unfair pointless fight with Saemus, and not knowing what I could do to defend myself besides running, a notorious silence was present throughout the place, the silence puts Saemus on alert again from his surroundings as well as me, and it was a great and convenient surprise to see Kassia approaching us. Her step was calm, but her face showed a notorious disgust towards the situation. Taking advantage of the commotion of the moment, Iker resumes his position by interposing himself between Saemus and me, although it seemed that his protection was no longer necessary, since Saemus began to back away, ashamed of his attitude. The four Leaders had attended the scene to speed up aid, since Darius himself saw his partner from a distance intervening in this matter.

Kassia was already in the middle of both sides, she could be a hybrid a little smaller in size than Iker, but her mere presence pushed back even a hybrid as big as Saemus. She is silent for a few moments more, looking at us first, inspecting that nothing had happened to us, and then giving a severe look to Saemus, who did not know what to say at the time.

- Leader Kassia, I ... I'm sorry you had to see that, it's just that ... -

- Silence.- Her unusually strong voice made me nervous, I was unsure of what would happen next. - No one fights here while I'm around. I do not care which of the two started all this but you are the most experienced Saemus, it was your responsibility to avoid reaching violence, especially in the case of a human.- Saemus was too ashamed to keep his gaze on Kassia, because she was his leader, his rank could be in jeopardy if he disobeyed her.

-I'm so sorry, Leader Kassia ... It was a stupid act on my part, it won't happen again.-

- I really hope so, we will talk about it after you help me attend to your squad. - She looks back at us, less tense but equally serious. - And you Iker, you are responsible for Tyler's security, but not only It means receiving the blows from him, it is your responsibility to teach him to live with hybrids to avoid things like this, it was clear?-

-... Yes, Leader Kassia.-

- Good, now everyone go back to their business, there is nothing to see here anymore.-

Saemus turns in the direction of Adara, who had been petrified by everything that happened in those few seconds like me. She simply limited herself to accompanying Saemus to wherever they had to go at the time, though she also felt sorry for the way everything had to end, with Kassia intervening to avoid a major fight, Saemus being humiliated, and Iker taking an unnecessary beating for me. I am still confused by what that small and harmless action could cause in a few seconds, this place was really different from what I was used to.

-Are you okay Tyler?- Kassia asks with a bit of anguish, leaving aside the serious and dominant bearing with which she had intervened.

-Yes, I'm fine, just ... confused, that's all.- The brief shock had caused my hand to bleed a little again by moving it more than it should, and Iker might have to heal it again. -... Kassia, did I do something wrong? I was only joking with Adara and Saemus took it the wrong way... I don't know what I did to make him so angry.-

- Well ... this is an especially difficult season for many hybrids and anything can make them angry, especially if it is about their partner. It wasn't entirely your fault, Tyler, you have a lot to learn yet. But I am sure that Iker will be able to solve all your doubts, I trust him.- Kassia turns to the side to see behind me a little surprised.- I think Iker is already ahead of you, go with him if you don't want to sleep outdoors , the nights are usually a little cruel.-

- What? Oh ... - Iker had left the place without warning, although he had not yet traveled too far and was still quite visible among all the people who were still in the place.- Okay, uhh, then we will see each other again Kassia, thanks.-

Kassia nods and turns to return to Darius, who was already helping to transport the wounded to the Medical Bay along with his team of Medics.

- Wait Iker! - I needed to run to catch up, and once I got to be by his side I put my hand on his back.- Slower my friend... my legs are not as fast as four wheels of yours.- Iker seems to listen and he stops little by little, although his breathing was still somewhat agitated.- ... Hey, relax ... Are you okay? -

- ... No, I'm not.- It was clear that Iker was still upset, I could see it in the pupils of his eyes that were still a little constricted. - What Saemus did was stupid, he shouldn't have reacted like that ... To be honest I was afraid that something would happen to you, Ty.- His voice doubts for a moment, and he just sighs to open his throat again and let the words come out again.- I couldn't even stop him for a second to protect you... I'm starting to doubt that the Leaders have chosen a good instructor for you.-

- But ... Kassia just told me that she trusts you, Iker.- I squat in front of him so I can look him in the eye.- ... And I don't think someone like her can tell lies, not with the rank she has. - Iker had his eyes down, but little by little he gained confidence to look me in the eyes again. - Thank you Iker ... but you don't have to fight all my battles, if you do then I will never learn. Heh, honestly, I'm the type of person who has to learn the hard way.-

Iker regained his subtle smile the more I talked to him, which reassured me.

- Okay, but I can't promise anything Tyler Hopper, learn fast or you will get into problems like this or worse and I will have no choice but to offer myself as bait.- The typical sarcasm of Iker returns, and we both walk towards what seems be the place where we will spend the night.

After my friend noticed my bleeding hand again, and he gave it a couple of licks to close it again, Iker opened his doors, offering to carry me, and I gladly accepted. I was really too tired to resist the walk that awaited us. Being inside Iker, I realized I would never sit on the side where the arrow was embedded in his door, because I didn't want to slice my hand again. Iker walked calmly through the dirt trails that connected each of the Cilt sites, we passed one side of the Council Dome and entered the forest in the opposite direction to the path I had taken with Adara to go to the village of the Hunters. This new path was shorter, and the section of forest we were going through was less dense, so it still penetrated a little of the light that was left at sunset, the temperature began to drop noticeably, and there was less and less activity in Cilt.

Our destination was inside a large abandoned mine, illuminated by dim red lights that were only useful so that you did not face against one of the cave walls. That inside was a complex underground lattice in which many rooms were hidden, which could house hybrids and humans. The complex was three floors high, two elevators and stairs, and despite the fact that it was dark it was not difficult to find your way to your assigned room. Iker goes up to one of the elevators, which consisted of a platform raised by robust hydraulic pistons, the mechanism made a thunderous metallic noise, but it was the only way we could get to the second floor, which was where the room was located. Once on the second floor, Iker lets me down from him to stretch my legs for a moment, while he approaches the large door and rests his nose on the metal plate that was on it, the electronic bolt beeps slightly, and the door opens. Iker lets me through first and the room was very dark, but upon detecting movement the lights go on. It was a really simple room, it was clear that it was designed so that a hybrid and a human settled comfortably inside.

- I hope you don't mind sharing a room, it's the best I could get for you at the time ... once I finish being your instructor they will assign you a room of your own.- Iker arranges the carpet in which he slept, in addition to he handed me a sleeping bag that he had apparently been using as a pillow all this time, but still looked in good condition to protect me from the cold at night.

- Heh ... this is much more comfortable than my home in the Metropolis and you know Iker ... This is much more homey.- I sit on the carpet and stare at the gray walls of the room. - And... Is it true that you'll be my hybrid instructor? Because if so, you aren't teaching me a lot of useful things Iker.- I say sarcastically towards him, while Iker took place on his part of the carpet and stretched his body to be able to take a good position to sleep.

- As much as I wanted to start classes it is too late now ... - Iker yawns showing all his teeth and making a slight and involuntary grunt as he exhales.- You better sleep Tyler ... it has been a wild day for you ... and for me. - Iker adjusts himself and closes his eyes when taking a comfortable position, while I finish getting into the sleeping bag and lie on the floor, also looking for a somewhat more comfortable position.

- Yes, I know, it has been a crazy day ... - I yawn, also sheltering from the cold with my sleeping.- what a day ... - I lie on my side showing my back to him.- ... Iker? -

- ... Mmhh? -

"... Thank you for always protecting me ... but you are a bit stupid if you think I will let you continue to recieve the hard stuff for me and my stupidities ... that's not fair to you."

- Mmh ... heh ... you said it yourself ... one gets used to ... - He says with a barely audible voice.- ... I am a hybrid, Ty, not a snowflake ... I take worse things.- Iker murmurs until he finally falls asleep, and I hear his slight snoring from where he was. Apparently he was tired enough to drop so fast.

- ... yes ... one gets used to beatings, Iker ... - I close my eyes, equally ready to sleep.- ... but I will make sure you don't have to go through that ... never again.-

The fatigue caught up with me and ended up putting me in a deep sleep. Although what I did not know at the time, was that Iker was still awake, pretending that he had been overcome by his physical exhaustion, being able to hear the last words that I had unconsciously dedicated to him that night. Reminding him of a feeling that he had buried deep within himself for years, and that hurt to remember. 

Hybrid-Kira (2019)