The streets of Eldora were quieter than usual, the tension of recent events weighing heavily on everyone's minds. Axel Killamon walked beside Asaya Vance and Brooke, the three of them heading back to the Swords of Symphony's headquarters after their interrogation of the kidnappers. The revelation of Code Zyro, or "The Sweet Ones," had cast a dark shadow over what had originally seemed like a straightforward mission.
Axel's mind raced. They had barely scratched the surface of Code Zyro's intentions, and now they knew Brooke was in their crosshairs. But why her? What made her so important to them?
Brooke, for her part, seemed unbothered on the surface. Her usual calm, calculating demeanor remained intact, though Axel noticed a slight tension in her posture. Asaya, walking slightly ahead, radiated his usual confidence, but even he seemed more alert than usual.
"We need to tell Xavier," Asaya said, breaking the silence. "If these 'Sweet Ones' are coming after us, we need a plan."
"Agreed," Brooke replied, her voice measured. "But let's not act rashly. We don't know their full capabilities yet."
Axel remained silent, still processing everything. His mind wandered to his own struggles. He still hadn't unlocked his special manifestation, and with Code Zyro looming over them, the pressure to catch up with the others weighed on him. He clenched his fists, feeling a mixture of frustration and determination.
As they approached the Swords of Symphony headquarters, the massive stone building loomed over them, its tall spires a symbol of the power and prestige the squadron commanded. Inside, they would find Xavier, Kyro, and the other Lances, ready to plan their next move.
When they entered the main hall, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Xavier stood at the center of the room, arms crossed, while Kyro leaned against a wall, deep in thought. Jorgensen Cruyff, the Viking-like Lance with the battle axe, sat with his usual stoic expression, his large frame making the room seem smaller. The final Lance, Talia Faren, Azoth's twin sister, stood calmly beside Jorgensen, her sharp eyes scanning the room as though calculating every possible outcome.
The moment the trio walked in, all eyes turned to Brooke.
"So," Xavier began, "it looks like we've got a new enemy."
"Code Zyro," Kyro muttered, almost to himself. "I've heard the name before. A group obsessed with indulgence and freedom at any cost. I didn't think they'd target someone like Brooke."
Brooke raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't they?"
Kyro shrugged. "You're too rational. They want chaos, and you represent order. You think things through. They probably see you as a threat to their ideology."
Asaya crossed his arms. "Doesn't matter what they think. They're going down."
Xavier stepped forward, his voice steady but serious. "We need to handle this carefully. Code Zyro is dangerous, and we don't know how many of them are out there. We can't afford to be reckless."
Axel felt a chill run down his spine. It was one thing to face regular criminals, but an organization like Code Zyro? That was something entirely different. He glanced at Brooke, wondering if she truly grasped how much danger she was in.
"We'll protect you," he said quietly, almost to himself, though Brooke gave him a small, appreciative nod.
Talia Faren, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "They won't strike immediately. Code Zyro is methodical in their chaos. They'll try to lure you in, make you second-guess yourself, wear you down until they're sure they'll win." Her cold, calculating gaze locked on Brooke. "Never strike until victory is guaranteed."
Brooke nodded. "Then we'll be ready."
Jorgensen grunted, shifting slightly in his seat. "Good. Let's crush them before they get the chance."
Xavier held up a hand. "Not so fast. We need more information first. Asaya, Brooke, and Axel, you three are going back out."
"Back out?" Axel asked, surprised. "But we just got back."
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "There's been another kidnapping. Same area, same pattern. We think it might be related to Code Zyro, but we need confirmation. This time, don't just focus on the captors—look for any signs of the Sweet Ones."
Asaya grinned, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Finally, some action."
Brooke gave a small, determined smile. "We'll handle it."
Axel nodded, though he felt a slight unease. Another kidnapping? If Code Zyro was involved, they couldn't afford to take this lightly. And with everything hanging in the balance, he knew he needed to step up.
As the three of them left the headquarters and made their way back into the city, the streets felt eerily quiet. The weight of the dead recruit still hung over them, even if no one said it out loud. It was a reminder that even though they were strong, they weren't invincible.
Brooke broke the silence as they moved toward the area where the latest kidnapping had occurred. "You okay, Axel?" she asked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
"Yeah," he lied, though his mind was racing. He wanted to prove himself, to show that he could be more than just a regular recruit. He knew he had potential, but he was still chasing after that elusive special manifestation. What if he never unlocked it?
As they approached the rundown district where the kidnapping had taken place, the tension thickened. They could hear the quiet sobs of the families left behind, mourning the loss of their children. The streets were nearly empty, the few people who remained casting wary glances at the trio.
Brooke led the way, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any clues. Asaya followed closely behind, his hands glowing faintly with plasma energy, ready for anything.
Axel's heart pounded in his chest. This time would be different. He would find a way to make himself useful, manifestation or not.
As they turned a corner, they spotted a figure lurking in the shadows. He was slim, dressed in tattered clothing, but there was something off about him—something unnatural.
Brooke tensed. "There," she whispered.
Asaya grinned. "Let's take him down."
Before they could act, the man turned to face them, a twisted smile on his lips. "The Sweet Ones will be free," he hissed, raising his hand.
Without warning, a blast of sickly sweet-smelling smoke enveloped the street, clouding their vision. Axel's instincts kicked in, and he dodged to the side just in time to avoid a sharp object that whizzed past him.
"Stay alert!" Brooke shouted, her voice cutting through the fog.
Axel could barely see, but he heard the clash of energy as Asaya unleashed his plasma, cutting through the smoke. The figure in the shadows moved with unnatural speed, slipping between attacks as if he was playing with them.
Axel's heart raced. I need to do something. I can't keep relying on them.
And then, in the chaos, something clicked. It was as if a switch had flipped inside him. He felt a surge of energy, a weight pressing down on him from all sides. Suddenly, the gravity around him shifted, and he realized what was happening.
His special manifestation had finally awakened