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Luis knew it was risky to go back down into the sewers. He knew Ramon had sent Verdugo, his ‘right hand’, to hunt Leon down there. But Leon was taking too long to come out and meet up with him, and time was not on their side. If it meant getting the suppressant to Leon sooner, then he'd risk coming face to face with Verdugo.
This wasn't just about making amends for his crooked past. It wasn't even for the sake of saving the world from Las Plagas. Luis was doing it for Leon. Ever since he met that smart-mouthing yanqui, Luis was head-over-heels for him. He was strong, charming and handsome. But he was more than just a pretty face. He had a good heart and a strong will to do good for others. Leon reminded Luis so much of the brave knight he always dreamt of being when he was a young boy. He loved Leon. And he would risk his life for him.
The stench of the sewers grew stronger as Luis descended through the stony corridors. The underground waterways were a bit of a maze, and he hoped he wouldn't just end up more lost than Leon likely was. Now that he thought about it, the likelihood of finding where the hell Leon even was seemed like a slim chance. But there was no point in backing out now. Luckily, he recognized the lab that was kept hidden among the winding waterways, and was soon in the room that had the elevator. Leon would likely come this way.
“Leon…?” Luis called out tentatively, hand hovering over his pistol's holster.
A rasping hiss was the answer Luis received. He immediately grabbed his gun and aimed it ahead, on high alert as he looked around the room. He stood his ground, waiting to see if whatever was making that noise would approach; but nothing came. That hissing continued to echo throughout the room, but didn’t seem to get any closer.
“Leon…are you there?” Luis called out again.
“...Llluuu…iisss…”
Luis froze. Did he really just hear that? Did whatever was out there just say his name? Verdugo wasn’t capable of speech as far as he knew. But the other possibility was an even more horrifying thought. Sucking in a deep breath, Luis forced himself to move forward to investigate.
“L-Leon?” Luis whispered, cautiously creeping forward and peering around the corner. He caught a glimpse of what he was certain was Verdugo and quickly ducked back behind the wall once more.
If that was Verdugo, he’d be dead by now. He knew that. The thing was an incredibly keen hunter, and inhumanly fast. So if it was still down here, Luis wouldn’t be breathing anymore. So just what was over there? Gathering his nerves, he peeked out once more. Verdugo was there, but it was dead, lying lifeless on the floor.
“Did Leon do that?” Luis pondered out loud.
“L…Luu…is…” a pained, garbled voice rasped from somewhere nearby, but unseen. “H-hhelp…m-meee…”
“Leon!” Luis stopped hesitating and rushed forward, trying to find where Leon was hiding.
He wasn’t prepared for what he found.
Huddled in the corner, trembling in fear and pain, was Leon. Or…what little was left of him. His clothes were ripped to shreds, barely hanging around his larger body. His forearms and legs were much longer, the skin there covered in large, almost armor like scales. Fingers and toes tapered into long, sharp talons. A long, segmented tail sprouted from the base of his spine, with a large scythe-like spike at the end of it. His dirty-blond hair still remained intact, the soft locks draping over his face as his head hung low to the floor.
“Mierda…I was too late…” Luis gasped, covering his mouth from the shock of the sight before him.
Leon’s head snapped up, and Luis got a look at his face. His facial features were all still there, though dark purple veins painted the skin across his face. His once bright blue eyes were now a fiery orange, with slitted animalistic pupils. His ears were long and pointed, standing upright, almost cat-like in appearance now. Two large fangs jutted out from either side of his mouth, looking almost like the mandibles of an insect. Shortly after noticing Luis, Leon quickly stood up, revealing just how much bigger he was now. He must have gained at least another foot in height. Leon let out a hiss as he stalked towards Luis. Luis backed away, hand trembling as he struggled to keep his grip on his gun.
“Leon…” He raised his gun. “Please forgive me…”
Leon snarled and charged at him.
He closed his eyes and squeezed the trigger.
BANG!
Luis slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw were those burning orange irises mere inches from his face. Glancing beyond Leon’s head, he then saw the fresh bullet hole made in the wall behind him. Next he noticed the large, scaly hand that was gripping his forearm, causing the misfire. Leon got to him first. And even if he had managed to hit him with the shot, it was ridiculous to think that one handgun bullet would be enough to do anything to Leon in his new form.
Ah… Luis thought solemnly. So this is it, then?
He closed his eyes, ready to accept his fate.
“I’m sor-” he was interrupted when his body was jerked forward and then crushed up against Leon’s torso.
It took him a moment to process what was happening. Leon was hugging him. Large arms wrapped tightly around Luis’ body and held him in an almost too-tight grip. Still in shock, but not complaining either, Luis moved to wrap his own arms around Leon. The monstrous man started to tremble, his entire body shuddering as guttural sobs suddenly burst out, the sound reverberating deep within his chest and vibrating against Luis’ entire body.
“Shh…shh…” Luis tried to soothe him, unsure of what else he really could do in this situation. He rubbed small circles along Leon's back, trying not to flinch as his fingers brushed against the quills that protruded from each vertebra.
“I'm so sorry, Leon.”