The beaten Resistance unit walked beneath a scorching sky, ash moving like snow in the air as Dr. Rhane's lab crumbled behind them. The acrid smell of smoke, metal, and blood filled every breath.
Ace knelt atop the rubble, fingers pressed against his earpiece, fighting to maintain a signal through the static. The wind howled, carrying the distant thump of fire and the fading cries of a battlefield.
Ace (grumbling):
"Come on, come on… pick up."
And then—
BZZZT!
A clean channel cut through.
Sparky (sunshine voice snapping through):
"Yo, Ace! You're sounding like a toasted marshmallow. What's happening?"
Ace grinned.
"Sparky, finally. Get us out of here. We're in bad shape. Marco's got survivors, and our crew needs serious help—we need immediate evacuation to HQ."
Sparky:
"Got it! Opening a portal now. Try not to puke during the jump!"
On the battlefield, a sudden ripple split the air. A giant, swirling portal burst open, resembling a vortex of light and sparks.
Out walked a small boy, no older than eleven. His wild, spiky blue hair bounced with each step. He was dressed in a red hoodie that was two sizes too big, baggy shorts, and rainbow-colored sneakers. A giant spiral lollipop hung lazily from his mouth.
Sparky (grinning)
"Hey, Marco! Heard you guys are in trouble."
He snapped the lollipop out with a gentle click.
"I've got your ride right here. Portal goes straight to HQ."
Marco, visibly exhausted, turned and allowed himself a brief smile.
Marco:
"That's great, Sparky. You're a lifesaver."
(He reached over, giving the boy's spiky head a firm ruffle.)
"Good work, kid."
Sparky (beaming):
"No problem, Commander Marco!"
Resistance members quickly began ushering the wounded through the portal. Von helped Justin to his feet, supporting his still-numb frame as they prepared to enter.
But just as they approached—
CRASH!
A building to their right exploded outward, stone and rubble flying like shrapnel.
"HARDENING RIGHT!!!"
A figure burst out of the smoke, arm flashing like burnished steel.
It was Bullet.
His face was smeared with blood, his uniform in shreds, and one eye swollen shut. His body trembled with pain—but his face was monstrous. Unadulterated rage blazed in his face.
Marco (eyes widening):
"Bullet… How are you still alive?"
Bullet lunged forward, hacking wildly into his hand—spitting blood onto the smoldering ground. But underneath the pain, he was laughing like a madman.
Bullet (growling):
"You bastards. I'm not going to let you get away. Not over my dead body."
"I'm going to kill you all!"
Before the fist could descend—
Ace appeared, his fiery foot crashing into Bullet's charge.
A concussive shockwave exploded out, sending both men skidding backward across the dirt, feet carving trenches into the ground.
Ace stood, cracking his neck as flames flickered across his hands.
Ace (smirking):
"You just don't quit, huh? Good. I've always wanted to dance with you."
Bullet (wiping blood from his lip, sneering):
"You? You're nothing to me. A mosquito with a lighter. I'll break your bones and feed them to the dogs."
The two men snarled at one another, the earth trembling beneath their feet. The Resistance soldiers halted in their tracks—Marco reached for his knife weakly, but Ace raised a hand.
Ace (deadpan):
"I've got this. Get everyone out. I'll hold him off.
Marco (slowly nodding):
"We'll see you on the other side. Please don't die, Ace."
Ace (playing with a toothy grin):
"Wasn't planning on it."
Von hesitated and looked over his shoulder.
Von (to Marco):
"Are we sure we should leave him?
Marco (firmly):
"Ace is one of our strongest. If anyone can ward off Bullet… It's him."
Inside the portal, Sparky waved a hand.
Sparky:
"C'mon! Tick-tock! Portals don't stay open forever! And Ace, don't worry, I'll be back for you. I hope you can handle him until I'm recharged.
Ace:
Did you forget who you're talking to? Now get going already. He smirked as the portal closed behind him.
Ace stood his ground, his fists ignited as he took a fighting stance. Before him, Bullet's body glittered like chrome, steam coiling from his muscles as he toughened both arms.
Bullet:
"I'll kill you first. Then I'll track down the rest."
Ace:
"Big talk for a man held together by bruises and duct tape."
They came at each other—
BOOM!
Fists met again, flames flying over steel. Shockwaves exploded onto the battlefield, obliterating the rubble around them. The ground split beneath them.
Ace evaded, spun, and launched a burning roundhouse kick—
A bullet deflected it on a braced forearm, retaliating with a punch that knocked Ace into a broken pillar.
Ace coughed, wiped blood from his lips, and smiled.
Ace:
"This… THIS is what I live for."