The Enemy's Plans – Lathan and Lester
In the dimly lit chamber of the enemy stronghold, shadows stretched across the floor. A single overhead light flickered, casting a rhythmic glow. Lathan stood near the window, gazing at the distant horizon where clouds hung heavy and dark. His usual arrogance was replaced by a cold focus, the kind that signaled intent beyond words.
Lester sat in his wheelchair near the center of the room, fingers steepled beneath his chin. His sharp gaze didn't waver. "So, you think it's time?" he asked, voice cutting through the stillness like a blade.
Lathan's lips curled into a smirk. "Not think. Know. They're hanging by a thread, Lester. One push, and everything they've built—every bond, every promise—comes undone. I'll take them apart from within. Make them doubt everyone—even themselves. Trust me, by the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late."
Lester's gaze was steady, yet calculating. "You're confident. Confidence is good—but overconfidence is a killer. Don't let that be your downfall."
Lathan's smirk widened. "I know their strengths, their weaknesses. Kai's impulsive, Crimson's reckless, Kazuki overthinks, and even Emjay's calm can fracture under enough pressure. I'll exploit every flaw. I won't just fight them—I'll break them. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. They won't see me coming."
Silence stretched between them for a beat, the tension in the room thick enough to cut. Lester finally spoke, voice dropping to a near whisper, "Make sure it's clean. Precise. No room for error. If you fail... there may not be another chance."
Lathan chuckled darkly. "Failure isn't in the cards, Lester. This is personal now. I'll be the last face they see—the face of their defeat."
Another pause, then Lester nodded once. "Then go. Make it count. End this farce of their so-called 'unbreakable trust.' Break them so thoroughly they'll never recover."
Lathan turned toward the door, his grin feral. "Oh, I will. By the time I'm done, there won't be anything left to pick up. This will be legendary."
Emjay's Team – A Moment to Breathe
Back at the base, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Conversations were quieter, glances sharper. The knowledge that Lathan could be anyone weighed on them like an unseen hand pressing down. In the main meeting room, Emjay's team gathered around the table, exhaustion etched into every face.
Nami broke the silence, rubbing her temples. "We've been pushing ourselves to the edge. Constant missions, planning, watching over our shoulders every second. We're burning out. If we don't pull back, Lathan won't have to break us—we'll do it ourselves."
Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're suggesting we just... take a break? With all that's going on?"
"Exactly," Nami said firmly. "We can't fight him when we're this worn down. One day. One day to clear our heads, reset, and come back stronger."
Kazuki leaned back. "She's right. We're making mistakes we wouldn't normally make. We're second-guessing each other. That's exactly what Lathan wants."
Emjay considered their words, his gaze drifting to each member of his team. Finally, he nodded. "One day. Everyone, do whatever you need to. Clear your heads. Tomorrow, we go back in. Sharper. Ready. Lathan won't wait forever."
Relief swept through the room. It wasn't much—but it was something.
Small Escapes – Personal Moments
Kazuki found solace at the shooting range, the rhythmic bang of gunfire grounding him. Each bullet that hit its mark was a reminder that some things were still within his control. Nami practiced with her blades under the open sky, every swing releasing built-up tension. Leon sat beneath a tree, watching the wind dance through the leaves, trying to let go of the guilt still clinging to him.
But Kai and Crimson? They had a different idea entirely.
Pizza and Laughter – Kai & Crimson
"Dude," Kai said, grinning as they approached a small pizza joint tucked away on a quiet street, "we deserve this. I've been dreaming about melted cheese for weeks."
Crimson snorted. "Speak for yourself. I'm here for the ranch pizza. Pure art, man."
Kai groaned. "Ranch pizza should be illegal. I'm serious. Cheese pizza—plain, perfect, no weird sauces ruining it."
"And that's why you have the taste buds of a cardboard box," Crimson shot back. "Ranch is life."
Inside, the warm scent of garlic, cheese, and fresh dough wrapped around them like a blanket. Sliding into a booth, Kai stretched out with a sigh. "This is the dream, man. No bullets, no missions. Just pizza and chill vibes."
"Amen to that," Crimson grinned. "I'd fight a hundred enemies if it meant this afterward. Hell, I might anyway just for fun."
Their pizzas arrived—Kai's a gleaming cheese masterpiece, Crimson's ranch-drenched monstrosity steaming in all its controversial glory.
Kai took a bite, eyes closing in bliss. "Heaven. Absolute heaven."
Crimson bit into his slice. "See? This is what life's about. Balance, bro. One day you're dodging explosions, the next you're stuffing your face with pizza. Perfect system."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while before Kai spoke again. "You ever think about what life would've been like if we weren't... y'know, soldiers?"
Crimson leaned back. "Honestly? Probably working some boring job. Maybe a gym trainer—beat people up legally. Might've even opened my own place. 'Crimson's Gym: We Punch Problems Away.' Catchy, right?"
Kai laughed. "Yeah, I'd sign up. I always figured I'd travel, y'know? Beaches, mountains, stuff that doesn't explode. See the world beyond warzones."
Crimson smirked. "Instead, we're here. Fighting psychos like Lathan and Lester. Guess life's funny like that. Still... wouldn't trade this team for anything. Even if Kazuki's a buzzkill."
Kai grinned. "Hey, speaking of team disasters—remember when I tripped during that mission and face-planted into that wall?"
Crimson burst out laughing. "Legendary! Best moment of my life. Your face was priceless. Like—" he mimicked the crash, complete with sound effects.
Kai groaned. "One time, and you'll never let it go."
"Damn right I won't. It's a gift that keeps on giving."
Their laughter echoed through the cozy restaurant, the world outside forgotten—until the window shattered.
Glass rained down as a grenade rolled across the floor. Without thinking, both dove behind their booth as it exploded with a concussive blast. Patrons screamed, chaos erupting in an instant.
Kai's eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding me—we can't even eat in peace!"
Crimson peeked over the booth, spotting masked enemies pouring in. "Looks like lunchtime's over."
They exchanged a glance, grinning despite the danger. Kai extended a hand. "Dap it up?"
"Always," Crimson smirked.
Their fists bumped before they vaulted over the table. Kai blurred forward, disarming an attacker with practiced ease while Crimson tackled another, slamming him into the counter.
"Think they'll let us take the pizza to go?" Kai shouted, ducking a punch.
Crimson laughed, dodging a kick. "If they ruin my ranch pizza, I swear—this gets personal!"
Their laughter mingled with the chaos, punches thrown between jokes and quips. In that moment, they weren't just soldiers—they were friends refusing to let darkness snuff out their light.
Smiling.