As Fan made her way to her mother's room, Fourth moved closer to Gemini and spoke in a hushed tone, "Her mother isn't in the room. I have sensed someone slipped out of the house while we were still in Fan's room. Now I can confirm it was her mother."

Gemini whispered back to Fourth, his voice stern, "Did you break your promise and use your power again?"

"No need to worry," Fourth reassured his boyfriend, his tone comforting. "Using my power in a small radius doesn't have any negative effects on me."

"Even so, you should remain cautious," Gemini replied, concern evident in his expression. He couldn't help but wonder about the whereabouts of Fan's mother. Based on the information he gathered, this situation could potentially turn troublesome.

----

"Trouble sleeping?" Fourth glanced at Fan, offering a warm smile as she emerged from her room, where the other girls were still asleep. She made her way to the kitchen, where the guys had spent the night. Fourth gently stroked Gemini's hair, who was peacefully asleep next to him, he knew that his boyfriend had likely been dealing with stress all day and deserved this moment of rest.

A slight nod and a mirrored smile from Fan, and she began pouring herself a glass of water. With thoughts of the earlier conversation he had shared with Gemini, Fourth's curiosity nudged him to speak up, "Everything alright with your mother?"

For a fleeting second, Fan's movements stuttered, a shadow of worry clouding her features. Swiftly, she composed herself with another smile, replying, "It's nothing worth worrying about. She's just tired and prefers to stay in her room."

"It can't truly be 'nothing' if your parents are even considering the idea of selling you," Fourth's voice held a gentle undercurrent of sympathy. Unbeknownst to Fan, he was also aware that she was keeping the truth about her mother's sudden disappearance hidden.

An array of emotions—surprise, vulnerability—swept across Fan's face in the wake of Fourth's incisive words. There was no mistaking that his intuition had struck home.

"How did you find out?" She asked, her curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"Gemini filled me in on the details he observed at the scene near the place you met our group and tried to hide it from us while taking us back to your home." Fourth's response was honest, without any attempt to withhold the truth.

"What did he see?" Fan's voice betrayed a mix of surprise and worry; she had thought she had concealed that part well.

"Nothing much," Fourth chose his words carefully to avoid sounding confrontational towards Fan. "Gemini observed two lifeless bodies, both males in their middle age. The absence of any signs of zombification indicated that they were killed by someone while still human."

Fourth noticed Gemini shifted slightly, seeking a more comfortable position on his lap. He mumbled something in a cute manner, prompting a smile from him. Playfully, he poked Gemini's cheek and continued, "Connecting the dots, it seems plausible that they were your father and his friend. This conclusion gains further support from your mother's inquiries about their whereabouts when you returned home."

"They were indeed my father and his friend," Fan admitted, pulling out a chair and taking a seat at the kitchen table. She appeared surprisingly composed, given the gravity of the situation. It seemed like she had no regret for her action. "So, do you think I'm responsible for their deaths?"

"Yes," Fourth replied with a directness that matched his previous honesty. He continued, his face reflecting his understanding towards Fan, "But my intuition tells me it was a matter of self-defense."

"Really? Why do you think so?" Fan nodded in acknowledgment, her face a mix of sadness and anger as she seemed to relive the events involving her father and his friend.

"This conclusion is a result of discussions between Gem and myself," Fourth began to explain while he was studing Fan's reactions. He should have used his power to read her mind and gather all the information they needed, but GemGem had forbidden him from doing so. Therefore, he sighed and opted for the traditional way instead, "First, let's delve into why your father and his friend confronted you."

"Alright, what's the reason?" Fan inquired.

"Their actions seemed odd, as they had little to gain from the altercation except for one crucial aspect," Fourth disclosed, revealing a pivotal detail. "After piecing things together, it became evident that their motives were centered around your immunity to zombie infection. There's a strong possibility that they wanted to exploit your unique condition. The world we're living in right now, with the ongoing zombie apocalypse, has created a desperate search for a cure or a solution to halt the spread of the infection."

Fan's expression tightened as the weight of Fourth's words settled in. Her father's intentions were becoming clearer, and they were far from benevolent.

"It's a grim possibility," Fourth continued, "but it's plausible that your father saw you as a valuable asset. This can drive people to extreme lengths."

Emotion welled up in Fan's eyes – a mixture of sorrow, anger, and acceptance. She confessed, her voice quivering, "My father and his friend admitted that there's a group of people within the city who wanted to conduct experiments on me. They promised to ensure the safety of my parents and siblings if I agreed to their demands."

"And you agreed, right?" Fourth's observation pierced through, catching the telltale signs of tears in Fan's eyes. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper, "Yes, I believed them and gave in. I was desperate, willing to do anything to ensure my siblings' safety."

"But your father didn't stop at that, did he?" Fourth's voice carried a note of understanding as he navigated this sensitive conversation. This topic struck a chord within him, conjuring memories of his own father – a man who had been far from virtuous. In fact, the reason why he had come back to Thailand was because of him and the truth behind his mother's death.

"Yes," Fan responded with a mix of bitterness and resignation. Her expression held a tinge of mockery as she referred to him as her father, acknowledging the bitter truth of their relationship. "When I came with them to meet the city's group, they revealed their true intentions. They didn't just want me. They wanted all my siblings as well. And my father," she paused, her smile hollow, "that man agreed without hesitation. He claimed that he had raised us, and it was time for us to repay him."

Fourth listened intently, his empathy for Fan mingling with his own complex emotions. "And then you resisted, leading to your injuries," he continued, piecing together the unfolding story.

"Yes," Fan affirmed with a solemn nod. "But it wasn't my hand that brought about their demise." A glint of grim satisfaction danced in her eyes, reflecting her thoughts on her father's ultimate fate. "The city's group took matters into their own hands – they deemed it necessary to eliminate my father and his friend, all in an effort to forcefully secure me and my siblings. Their true intentions had been concealed all along. They never intended to bring them into the city's safe haven."

"In the midst of that chaotic turmoil, a sudden frenzy erupted among the zombie mutants that swarmed the space around the city's safe haven," Fan continued, recounting the tumultuous events. "Amid the chaos, I seized the opportunity and managed to escape, eventually finding my way to all of you."

As Fan shared her story, Fourth's mind cast back to his own experiences during that chaotic time. The memory of a sinister and malevolent presence creeping over the landscape resurfaced – a dark and evil consciousness had enshrouded the area. In a desperate attempt to safeguard his friends, Fourth had wielded his unique abilities, creating a shield to obscure their presence. The effort had taken a considerable toll on his energy, a cost that resonated deeply within him. It became evident that the malevolent force had also exerted an influence on the mutated zombies, exacerbating their aggression.

Amidst their conversation, Fan's gaze shifted to Ton, her younger brother, who lay peacefully asleep next to Mark. The scene brought a rare sense of contentment and happiness to her heart, a welcome respite from the trials of her life.

Following her gaze, Fourth broached a question that had been nagging at him, "What are your plans moving forward? I know your mother isn't here. Do you have any idea where she might have gone? She likely knew your father's intentions as well."

Fan's response was candid and tinged with sadness, "I believe she might have journeyed to my father's friend's camp, hoping to find him there. Despite the hardships and abuse she endured from my father, her feelings for him were genuine." She let out a sigh, her expression reflecting her uncertainty, "Now, I'm at a loss as to what steps to take next."

"You can't remain here," Fourth urged, his tone laden with concern. "It's only a matter of time before your mother and your father's friend's group discover the truth. Who knows what they might do once they do."

Just as Fourth was about to continue, a familiar surge coursed through the air, instantly overwhelming him. He would have collapsed if Gemini hadn't swiftly woken up, cradling him in his lap to provide a measure of safety. The necklace around Gemini's neck emitted a faint, soothing light, casting an otherworldly glow in the midst of tension.

Fourth's throbbing headache began to subside as Gemini's touch provided relief. Simultaneously, Gemini sensed an unsettling presence, one that mirrored his own power but seemed more raw and impure. The room trembled, and Fan winced in pain, clutching her healed zombie bite scar on her arm as the sensation intensified.

Gemini tenderly caressed his boyfriend's cheek, his concern palpable as he inquired, "What is causing this?"

"It's the same presence I sensed back at the spider monsters' camp," Fourth responded, seeking solace by inching closer into Gemini's lap. In this proximity, the intensity of his pain lessened, as if Gemini's presence was acting as a balm to his discomfort.

"Is it the spider monster again?" Gemini's voice resonated with determination. He was prepared to unleash his power if it meant protecting Fourth from any harm – he had endured enough, especially considering how it had affected Fourth.

"No, it's not the spider monster or its minions," Fourth's eyes were firm as he slowly recovered from the headache. It seemed that the presence was not as aggressive and ruthless as the first time he had experienced it. "This presence originates from the city's safe haven. I had my doubts previously, but this time, I'm certain."

Gemini's surprise was palpable after hearing Fourth's words. The revelation that something within the safe haven was the source of these unsettling occurrences left him bewildered. He couldn't help but question what could be happening within those supposedly secure walls. Should they continue seeking refuge there, or would it be wiser to avoid it altogether?

If the shaking of the ground hadn't already roused everyone from their slumber, the piercing howls and frantic screams of the monsters outside certainly did. Their agitation had escalated to a point of no return, driving them into a frenzied rampage once more.

Seeing the escalating chaos outside, Fan swiftly gathered her siblings, their expressions contorted with pain from the remnants of their bite marks, mirroring her own experience. She knew she had to be the pillar of strength for them, particularly her younger twin sisters, whose cries filled the air. Ton, though visibly shaken, displayed a level of resilience, his pallid complexion betraying his anxiety.

"What is happening? Why are the monsters acting like this?" The questions weighed heavily in the air, voiced by Mick as panic crept into his tone. His eyes darted around the room, mirroring the unease that was spreading among the group. The cacophony of approaching monster voices only added to the growing tension.

The other girls from Fan's room soon emerged, their faces etched with genuine worry. The once-quiet shelter had transformed into a scene of uncertainty and fear as everyone tried to comprehend the surge of aggression among the monsters and the ominous presence emanating from the city's safe haven.

Fourth closed his eyes, scanning the area with a sense of urgency. Swiftly, he conveyed the situation to everyone, "The monsters seem to be truly agitated. They've started to rampage and are heading in the direction of the city's safe haven."

Fan's surprise was evident, yet nobody questioned how Fourth had acquired this information. Mark chimed in, sharing his perspective, "Perhaps we should move now. What if we go in the opposite direction, away from the safe haven?"

A hint of defeat tinged Fourth's smile as he shook his head, "That won't work. I sense that more monsters are converging from that direction. If we head that way, we'll soon be overwhelmed."

Gemini promptly understood Fourth's reasoning, "So our best option is to head towards the safe haven ourselves. It might sound risky, but it's probably our best shot."

Mick's expression betrayed his apprehension. He reluctantly voiced his concerns, "Can't we just stay here and wait for the monsters to calm down?"

"No, they won't calm down." Fourth's tone carried unwavering conviction, the lingering dark presence in the air still palpable. Though weakened, its persistence indicated that the monsters were unlikely to relent. "Staying here is no longer safe."

In a moment of chilling confirmation, the door of Fan's house was assaulted by a powerful force, validating Fourth's warning. The loud bang startled everyone, and determination flashed in Gemini's eyes. Swiftly taking charge, he issued orders, "Everyone, gather useful items. It seems like we'll have to make a run for it."

As Fourth moved towards the door, Gemini swiftly reached out and grabbed his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace. His whisper against Fourth's neck sent shivers down his spine, a mix of chill and tickle intertwining, "Not so fast, cute boy. This time, I'm taking the lead."

Fourth attempted to reason with him, but Gemini's husky and raspy voice, right at his ear, rendered his words almost moot, "Don't you dare use your power to deal with them."

Did he feel it right? Gemini playfully nipped at his earlobe, his touch igniting a fire within Fourth. Fourth's face turned a shade redder, but luckily, everyone was either busy gathering supplies or focused on the door, so no one noticed. Fourth relented before Gemini could escalate things any further. "Fine. They are all yours then."

"Good boy," Gemini rewarded him with a heated press of his lips against Fourth's cheek. His eyes smoldered with desire for his alluring FotFot. "Let your boyfriend handle them."

Gemini's fingers traced a delicate path along Fourth's jawline, his touch igniting sparks of desire despite the looming danger. Fourth's eyes lifted, meeting Gemini's intense gaze, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them, a shared understanding of their bond.

But their moment was abruptly shattered as the door of the shelter was thrown open with a resounding crash, snapping Fourth's attention back to the impending danger. Monstrous figures burst into the room, their grotesque forms illuminated by the flickering light of candles.

A collective gasp filled the air as the group found themselves face-to-face with a nightmarish horde of mutated zombie monsters. Their eyes were vacant, devoid of reason, while their snarling mouths revealed rows of sharp, decaying teeth. Their forms were a grotesque fusion of human and animal, emanating a putrid stench that made some of the group's members gag in revulsion.

The entrance of the hideous monsters ignited a chorus of terrified screams and cries from Fan's younger siblings. Her heart constricted as she bore witness to their unfolding terror. A wave of desperation overcame her as she struggled to find a way to console them amid the maelstrom of chaos. The cacophony of noise seemed to draw the attention of the mutated monsters, their grotesque forms swiveling towards the source of the sound.

Amid the nightmarish creatures, one figure stood out, grotesque in its own right – an unsettling fusion of a lion's body, pale white skin, and a multitude of eyes. Its head bore an eerie resemblance to a human's, and with an abrupt, predatory pounce, it lunged towards Fan and her terrified siblings.

In that heart-stopping moment, Fan's eyes betrayed a profound sense of defeat. The odds were starkly against them, and she recognized the grim reality of their predicament. The monstrous creature closed in, its malicious intent evident. With a steadying breath and unwavering determination, Fan enveloped her younger siblings in a protective embrace, determined to shield them from the looming threat. Together, they braced themselves for what felt like an inevitable confrontation with their terrifying fate.

After a few tense seconds, Fan noticed something peculiar – she hadn't felt the anticipated impact from the lunging monster. Slowly, she cautiously opened her eyes, only to be met with a jolt of shock that made her heart nearly leap from her chest. The monstrous creature was suspended just inches away from her, its snarling visage frozen in place.

Before Fan could fully process this surreal scene, she felt herself tumbling backward, landing on her backside with a thud. The realization struck her: time seemed to have come to a standstill around the monsters, freezing them in mid-lunge. The other mutated creatures were also trapped in the same eerie suspension. It was a sight beyond comprehension, defying the laws of reality.

As her mind raced to grasp the situation, Fan instinctively scrambled back, her protective grip on her siblings never faltering. Nook and Lisa approached her with reassuring smiles, their presence a comfort in the midst of the inexplicable.

"Fan, we need to leave now. No time to hesitate," Nook urged, her tone urgent. The group sprang into action, guiding her around the frozen monster, while Love and Milk provided assistance to the younger ones.

Fan's gaze remained fixed on the suspended monstrosity, her astonishment mingled with a growing sense of unease. Her voice trembled as she voiced the question that echoed in her mind, "What happened to them? Why are they frozen in the air like that?"

Nook exchanged a brief glance with Lisa, a understanding passing between them. "There's no time to explain," Lisa replied cryptically, urgency lacing her words.

As they hurriedly exited the house, the once-maddening screams and howls of the mutant zombie monsters became suddenly clear. The cacophony of noise reverberated through the air of the moonless night, surrounding them with a chilling reminder of the chaos outside. It felt as though they were trapped in the deepest recesses of hell itself.

With a trace of blood wiped away from under his nose, Gemini firmly grasped his boyfriend shoulder, his touch conveying reassurance and resoluteness. "Lead the way, cute boy, and I'll handle the rest." he declared, a spark of excitement in his eyes as he relished the opportunity to wield his power once again. The sensation of using his abilities had been absent for some time, and he found himself yearning for its empowering embrace.

--- New chapter!!🥳🥳🥳 Share some thoughts as usual na everyone🤗🤗🤗 ---