𝑾𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 (Book 2)

Chapter 6: Lost Documents, Hidden Truths

ZOE

The road stretched out before us, winding its way through picturesque landscapes and endless possibilities. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over our surroundings. I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of nature, even amidst the weight of our mission.

As we traveled, our conversations flowed like a gentle stream. Oliver, Velocia, and I shared stories, dreams, and fears beneath the vast, open sky. Velocia, her eyes reflecting the hues of the setting sun, spoke with a fire that matched the angry glint in her eyes.

"I don't want to understand him, Zoe," Velocia said, her voice edged with fury. "He betrayed us, betrayed me. I trusted him, and he tore that trust apart. I want justice. I want him to pay for what he's done."

Oliver nodded in understanding, his expression grave. "We can't let his betrayal slide. He needs to face the consequences, whatever they may be."

The night fell, and we found ourselves in a small town nestled between rolling hills. The aroma of home-cooked meals wafted through the air as we settled into a local diner. Frank and Eleanor's absence was palpable, their presence felt in the empty chairs at our table.

Velocia, her eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight, spoke earnestly. "I can't forgive him, Zoe. Not after everything we've been through. He was more than a friend; he was my heart, and he turned his back on us."

I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll make sure he faces the consequences, Velocia. He won't escape the truth."

Our conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, reminiscing about the adventures we'd shared, finding solace in the familiarity of friendship. As the night deepened, we left the diner, the stars above us twinkling like distant beacons of hope.

Under the vast, starlit sky, Oliver turned to me, his eyes reflecting the constellations above. "We'll find Sage, Zoe. And when we do, we'll face whatever comes our way, together."

His words echoed in my heart, reinforcing our bond and determination. With a renewed sense of purpose, we continued our journey, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, all the while cherishing the camaraderie that made our shared mission possible.

The helicopter's blades whirred into the night sky, carrying us away from the small town and toward Phoenix, the city where our destinies had collided and shattered. I exchanged a glance with Oliver, his eyes reflecting the faint glow of the helicopter's dashboard lights. The ride was silent, the anticipation hanging thick in the air.

As we landed in Phoenix, the city lights below seemed to flicker with memories of the past. Dan, the Being pilot who had ferried us here, looked at us with a mix of concern and determination. "I can't stay any longer," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "If the government finds out I flew Beings, they'll come after me. You folks need to be careful."

"Thank you, Dan," Oliver said, his tone sincere. "We appreciate everything you've done for us."

We stepped out of the helicopter, watching as it ascended back into the dark sky, leaving us alone in the city that had once been a battleground. The remnants of the Beings facility lay before us, a haunting reminder of the battles fought and the secrets lost.

Zoe tightened the straps of her backpack, her mind racing with thoughts of Sage and the elusive document. "We need to find out what was in that document," she said, her voice firm. "It might hold the key to understanding Sage's plans."

Oliver nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the desolate landscape. "Sage must be hiding among the Beings," he said, his voice low. "He wouldn't have anywhere else to go."

With determination burning in our hearts, we ventured toward the site of the explosion. The once-imposing structure was now reduced to rubble and debris, the ground scarred by the aftermath of the battle. We tread carefully, our footsteps echoing in the eerie silence.

As we explored, the enormity of our mission weighed heavily on us. The government's relentless pursuit of Beings, the secrets buried within the document, and the betrayal of a former ally; it was a burden that tested our resolve. But we pressed on, driven by the need for answers and justice.

"Zoe," Oliver said, his voice gentle, breaking the silence that enveloped us. "We'll find Sage and uncover the truth. We won't let his betrayal go unanswered."

I met his gaze, gratitude swelling within me for the unwavering support of my friends. "I know," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within. "We'll face whatever comes our way, together."

With renewed determination, we delved deeper into the remnants of the Beings facility, ready to confront the shadows of our past and uncover the secrets that could change the course of our future.

The night air was heavy with the weight of our purpose as we delved deeper into the remnants of the Beings facility. Velocia, Oliver, and I moved cautiously, our eyes scanning every corner for the slightest hint of Sage’s presence. The moon cast eerie shadows, making the debris-strewn corridors even more sinister.

Velocia’s grip tightened around her weapon, her determination evident in the way her jaw was set. “We need to find him,” she said, her voice firm. “We can’t afford to let him slip through our fingers.”

Oliver nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp as he scanned their surroundings. “Agreed. But we have to be careful. Sage is clever; he won’t make this easy for us.”

I felt a mix of frustration and determination churning within me. Sage’s betrayal had cut deep, and I was driven by the need for answers. “We should split up,” I suggested, my voice steady. “Cover more ground that way. But stay in communication. If anyone finds something, we regroup immediately.”

With a shared nod, we separated, each of us venturing into a different section of the facility’s ruins. My steps were careful, my ears attuned to any sound that might betray Sage’s presence. As I moved, memories of our past encounters with Sage played in my mind, reminding me of the friendship we had once shared.

Hours passed, the search growing more intense with every passing moment. Velocia’s voice crackled over the communicator. “I found something. Meet me in the central hall.”

We hurried to her location, anticipation fueling our steps. In the central hall, Velocia stood over a pile of debris, her eyes fixed on a crumpled document partially buried beneath the rubble. As I read the contents, realization dawned on me. It was a fragment of the document we had lost during the explosion at Facility Kronos.

“This could be vital,” I said, my voice filled with a mix of hope and urgency. “It might contain information about Sage’s plans or his whereabouts.”

Oliver’s eyes narrowed as he studied the document. “We need to find the rest of it. It might hold the key to stopping Sage.”

Velocia’s expression hardened. “Let’s not waste any more time. We need to track down the other pieces of this document and locate Sage before he can cause more harm.”

With renewed determination, we set out once more, our mission clear: to uncover the truth, confront Sage, and ensure that justice was served for the betrayal that had shaken us to our core.