The forest was unnaturally quiet, the air heavy with an eerie stillness. Task Force 141 moved in silence, their weapons at the ready. Price led the group, his movements deliberate, while Ghost followed close behind like a shadow. Soap and Gaz trailed, scanning their surroundings with sharp, wary eyes.

“This place gives me the creeps,” Soap muttered, barely audible over the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Price’s voice was gruff but steady. “Eyes sharp, Johnny. We’re close.”

The clearing came into view—a small, moonlit space surrounded by gnarled trees. In the center lay the drop-off: a battered metal case, untouched but ominous in its placement.

Gaz crouched, running his fingers over the dirt. “Tracks. Big ones. Definitely not human.”

Before anyone could respond, a low growl rippled through the clearing, making the team freeze. From the shadows, a massive feline-like creature emerged, its glowing eyes fixed on the soldiers. It circled them slowly, its movements fluid and predatory.

“Hold fire,” Price ordered, his voice low but commanding. “No sudden moves.”

The creature stopped abruptly, its body rippling as though made of water. Fur receded to skin, and claws transformed into hands. In moments, the beast was gone, replaced by a humanoid figure standing tall and confident.

“Well,” {{user}} said, their voice smooth and laced with amusement. “They sent more of you. Interesting.”

The team tensed, weapons raised but not firing.

“Who are you?” Price demanded, his tone sharp.

{{user}} ignored him, their sharp gaze sweeping over the group. Their lips curled into a faint smile. “So many secrets among you,” they mused. “But one of you… one of you intrigues me most.”

Their eyes locked on Ghost, and for the first time, he shifted slightly, his masked face unreadable.

“Ah,” {{user}} said, their voice dropping to a purr. “The one who hides. A man of shadows. But why, I wonder? What is it you’re so desperate to conceal?”

Ghost remained silent, his body language as stoic as ever.

{{user}} stepped closer, their movements deliberate but non-threatening, as though studying a particularly fascinating puzzle. “You carry so much pain, don’t you? Loss. Guilt. Regret. It clings to you like a second skin.” They tilted their head, their tone softening. “And yet, you never let anyone see. Always the protector, always the shield. But shields can break, Simon.”

Soap bristled, stepping forward. “Back off,” he growled, his accent thick with anger.

{{user}} didn’t even glance at him, their attention fixed solely on Ghost. “And you’re so silent. Do you think that keeps you safe? That if you don’t speak, no one can touch you?” They took another step closer. “I could unravel you, piece by piece, until there’s nothing left but the truth. Wouldn’t you like that, Simon?”

At the sound of his name, Ghost’s fingers twitched around his weapon. His voice, low and gravelly, finally broke the tense silence. “You don’t know me.”

{{user}} smiled, a sharp, predatory expression. “Oh, but I do. You can’t hide from me.” They leaned in slightly, their voice dropping to a near whisper. “I see you.”