The mission had been tougher than expected, but successful. As the Rangers gathered in the debriefing room, Levi addressed the team, his voice firm yet tinged with relief.
"Great work out there, everyone. Akira, that move with the lightning bow was clutch," Levi praised, nodding towards Akira who managed a modest smile.
Valentina, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, chimed in, her tone teasing but proud. "And here I thought you'd fry us all by mistake, Tanaka."
Akira rolled his eyes, "Glad to disappoint you on that."
The room filled with light laughter until Agent Wilson steered them back to focus. "Alright, team. While today was a win, we can't overlook the close calls. We need to sync better. Levi, Valentina, your field dynamics are improving, but let's iron out those teamwork kinks, okay?"
Levi glanced at Valentina, catching her eye. She nodded slightly, an unspoken agreement passing between them.
Later that day, the team relaxed at Brooklyn's Diner, a popular spot they frequented, run by Eliza, who was becoming a familiar face to them all. The diner was cozy, with retro decor and a warm ambiance that felt like stepping back in time.
"Hey, Rangers! The usuals?" Eliza greeted them with her infectious smile as they settled into their favorite booth.
"Yeah, and some of those amazing chili fries, please," Amanda requested, her eyes scanning the menu for anything new.
Eliza jotted down their orders. "Coming right up! And I've got a new pie flavor today — peach melba. On the house for my favorite heroes to try."
As Eliza walked away, Levi leaned back, observing her. "She's always so upbeat. Makes you wonder what her secret is," he mused aloud.
"Might be the pie," Mbeki joked, earning a chuckle from the group.
Once they were served, the casual chatter continued, but Levi sensed an opportunity to delve deeper, turning to Valentina. "So, about earlier in the field... Thanks for having my back."
Valentina paused, her fork mid-air. "Don't mention it. We're a team, aren't we?" Her voice softened, a rare vulnerability peeking through her usual facade.
Levi nodded, appreciating the moment of sincerity. "We are. And you know, sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out to lead. Today was a bit too close."
Valentina set her fork down, her gaze meeting his. "You're doing fine, Levi. We all have doubts, but you pull us through. Just... maybe trust us a little more with the heavy lifting, okay?"
Their conversation was cut short as Eliza returned to top off their coffees. She lingered a moment, overhearing bits of their exchange. "You all handle so much pressure... If it's worth anything, I think you're doing great, Levi."
"Thanks, Eliza," Levi smiled, touched by her words.
After Eliza moved back to the kitchen, the team's discussion turned to lighter topics, but Akira seemed distant, his thoughts elsewhere. Catching him staring out the window, Amanda nudged him. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Akira shrugged, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Just thinking about how isolated I feel sometimes, even when I'm here with you all. Like my ancestors, content on their island. I hate feeling this way, detached."
Amanda reached out, touching his arm gently. "You're not alone, Akira. Maybe it's in your blood to feel that way, but it's in your power to change it. We're here, with you."
Akira managed a small smile, grateful for the comfort.
As the night wound down and the Rangers left, Eliza cleaned up, her thoughts heavy. The snippets of conversations from the evening echoed in her mind — the camaraderie, the confessions, the subtle admissions of doubt and loneliness.
She paused, wiping down the counter, her expression conflicted. Beneath her cheerful exterior, doubts about her role under General Zaraak simmered. She admired the Rangers — their resilience, their unity. They fought for each other, for good. Was she really on the right side?
Eliza sighed, a sense of resentment towards Zaraak creeping into her heart. She wasn't sure what her future held, but for the first time, she questioned if her path lay with him or if a different, braver choice awaited.
The evening had started as a simple meal but ended with revelations, both spoken and silent. As each Ranger faced their personal battles, the seeds of change were sown, not just within them but also within Eliza, whose growing doubts promised to challenge her loyalties.