𝑾𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 (Book 2)

Chapter 5: Pursuit of Shadows

ZOE

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Velocia's words hung heavy in the air, and the weight of the situation settled deep within my chest. Sage, the one person who could shatter our sanctuary, was out there with vital information. I glanced at my friends – Oliver, Frank, and Eleanor – their expressions mirroring my mix of determination and worry.

"We can't afford to waste any time," I declared, my voice firm. "We have to find Sage before he can spill everything to the government. Velocia, you're coming with us. Your expertise will be invaluable."

Velocia nodded, her eyes reflecting the same determination. "I won't let him destroy what we've built on the island."

Eleanor stepped forward, her eyes filled with a blend of resolve and concern. "I want to help, but I believe I should stay behind to assist with the island's security. We can't leave it vulnerable."

I hesitated, reluctant to accept Eleanor's decision. "Are you sure, Eleanor? We could use your abilities out there."

Eleanor smiled, her hand finding mine. "I'm sure. Plus, I'll be in constant communication with you all. If anything happens, I'll be there to assist."

I hugged Eleanor tightly, my heart filled with a mix of gratitude and worry. "Just promise me you'll stay safe."

Eleanor chuckled softly, returning the hug. "I promise. Now go and find Sage."

Turning to Oliver and Frank, I felt a surge of determination. "We need to plan our approach carefully. Sage might be dangerous, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Oliver placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his eyes conveying unwavering support. "We'll find him, Zoe. Together."

I nodded, drawing strength from Oliver's presence. "I know we will. Let's get started on our plan. Velocia, do you have any leads on Sage's possible whereabouts?"

Velocia pulled out a small notebook, flipping through its pages. "I've been tracking his known contacts and locations. We might be able to predict his next move based on his past behavior."

As we delved into planning, Oliver gently squeezed my hand, offering me a reassuring smile. "We'll find Sage, Zoe. And we'll make sure he can't harm anyone ever again."

His words resonated within me, filling me with determination. With my friends by my side, I knew we could face any challenge that lay ahead. Amidst the planning and strategizing, the most significant moment came when Oliver and I shared a quiet hug, a silent promise passing between us. In that embrace, I found the strength to face the uncertainties of our mission. Together, we would confront Sage and protect the sanctuary we had built for all Beings.

The tension hung heavy in the air as we gathered in our makeshift headquarters on the Beings Island, preparing for our mission to find Sage. Frank stood before us, his expression resolute yet filled with a hint of sadness.

"I'm staying here with Eleanor," he declared, his voice steady. "Someone needs to protect the island while you're gone."

My heart ached at his decision, but I knew he was right. We couldn't leave the island defenseless, especially with the growing threat of the government. Velocia, Oliver, and I exchanged glances, the weight of our mission pressing down on us.

Frank's gaze softened as he looked at us. "Be careful out there. And bring Sage to justice."

"We will," I promised, my voice unwavering despite the turmoil within me.

With Frank and Eleanor seeing us off, we gathered our gear, our determination fueling our actions. As we packed, our conversation naturally drifted to Sage, the friend we had lost to betrayal.

"I still can't believe he turned his back on us," Velocia said, her voice laced with bitterness. "After everything we went through together."

Oliver clenched his fists, his eyes reflecting a mix of anger and sorrow. "We trusted him, and he used that against us."

I nodded in agreement, my jaw set. "We can't change the past, but we can ensure he faces the consequences of his actions."

We fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of our shared history with Sage lingering between us. The last time we saw him was in Phoenix, during the explosive showdown at Facility Kronos. Since then, he had vanished, leaving us with a gnawing uncertainty.

"He could be anywhere," I said, my voice low. "But we have to find him, no matter what."

With our gear packed and resolve hardened, I looked at Velocia and Oliver. Their eyes mirrored my determination, reflecting the shared purpose that bound us together.

"Time to go find Sage," I declared, my voice firm. There was no turning back now. Sage might have been a friend once, but his betrayal had pushed us into uncharted territory. We were no longer just defending ourselves – we were fighting for the safety of all Beings.

We stepped outside, the island breeze carrying the weight of our mission. As we prepared to embark on this dangerous journey, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and determination. Sage might have been a friend, but he had chosen his path, and now it was our turn to face the consequences of that choice.

With Frank and Eleanor's support echoing in our hearts, we set out, ready to confront the shadows of our past and ensure that Sage would never betray anyone again.