The boots and arms being readied rang through the tunnels.
The base of the Resistance—more frequently than not, chattering with discussion—was subdued now. Not in fear, but focused on the job ahead.
Individuals honed blades, double-checked equipment, pored over maps, and wrote letters they would never dispatch wherever Von looked.
Von sat on a crate, putting on the specialized gloves Ace had made for him—a reinforced pair that would allow him to better grasp and control objects with his levitation ability.
"They're padded with focus-threaded microsteel," Ace said, sitting beside him. "Won't build you up, but might allow you to get a sense of weight. Control is the key, kid."
Von nodded briefly. "Thanks… for all that."
Ace smiled, then nudged him. "You're a whole lot different from that frightened kid I first met. Still clumsy—but hey, it's progress."
A Resistance tech over by them handed Marco a small metal box.
"Smoke-beacons. Launch one, and the technology inside will disorient thermal sensors for a minute. Might give us cover from Scarlett's view."
Marco tested one, then tossed one to Von.
"You'll need it more than I will."
Von took it reluctantly. "You think I'm prepared for this?"
Marco looked him dead in the eye.
"You won't feel ready. Not until it's already begun. That's the difference between surviving… and leading. You've got the instincts. Now trust them."
Later, Von found Ace staring into a small fire pit, his hand glowing with soft flames. He was burning something—an old photo.
Von sat beside him in silence.
"Was that family?" Von asked gently.
Ace didn't answer at first. The fire crackled.
"That was… a reminder. Of who I used to be. Before the fire woke up in me."
He glanced sideways.
"Justin's like a little brother. Always getting into trouble. Always grinning like nothing could hurt him. You… you grounded him. You gave him something real."
Von bowed his head.
"And now he's suffering because of me…"
Ace cut him off curtly.
No. He's injured because people like Rhane are out there. Your presence with him gave him the strength to do what he needed to do."
He stood and put a hard hand on Von's shoulder.
"Make it worth it."
At lights-out, a moment earlier, Marco called everyone together.
The best team Emberfall had to offer gathered:
Marco, Blade-Winged Commander.
Ace, fire dancing on the ends of his fingers.
Sera, an illusionist who could conceal sound and light.
Bren, a former engineer turned explosives expert.
Toma is a stealth close-quarters combatant with the echo's reflexes.
And Von, green but learning.
"This is our team," Marco said. "We move together. We don't leave anyone behind. And when we get to the lab—Von leads the way."
Von's eyes grew wide. "Me?"
"You know Rhane's building better than any of us," Marco said. "We get you in. You take us to the prisoners. But what about Bullet? What if he shows up? Then I'll handle him, so don't worry.
Emphases:
Von nodded slowly.
"Okay. Let's bring them home."