The Protectors

Chapter 11 - Friend or Foe

On that very day, the protectors gathered at the headquarters in London. The team consisted of Miguel, Izumi, Mia, Alex, Max, and Emile. Miguel's persuasive presence convinced Victor to allow the team to embark on a mission to rescue Luna from the ashes claw base. Emile had spent the entire week training with Lola, honing his mental strength and resilience. Thanks to her powers, he had made significant progress. Izumi was leading the mission, but she understood that it held personal significance for Miguel. As they made their way to the van, Izumi asked Miguel a question that had been on her mind, "Does she know you're her father?" Miguel remained unfazed by the question. He knew that Luna had overheard him mention it to Victor. "No, she thinks I'm her uncle," he replied. "You know how complex, political, and dangerous our world is. I couldn't risk her involvement. But when her powers manifested, I had no choice. However, that was the one secret I had kept from her." Izumi didn't necessarily agree with Miguel's decision. "You should have told her, but I understand. I empathize with your situation. However, when you do find her, you need to tell her," she conveyed her point without overstepping. Miguel respected her honesty. "I will. It's time," he affirmed. They all climbed into the van, with Izumi taking the wheel once again. The atmosphere was tense as they drove, each member mentally preparing for what lay ahead. Finally, they arrived at the nearest road to the base. Izumi gave the order for Max to scout ahead. In a flash, Max disappeared and quickly returned. "It's empty. There's no one here. It seems like they've been attacked. I found decaying ashenclaw corpses around the corner on the other side," he reported. Miguel wasted no time and, utilizing his wind manipulation power, flew directly over the cave.

"Freaking hell," Izumi muttered quietly. "Alright guys, Mia, Alex, Emile? You can head back to the van if you want. I'm just going to take a look around and try to find Miguel." Emile looked irritated at her suggestion. "Are you joking?" Luna's disappearance had him worried. What if something had happened to her? "I need to see for myself," Izumi understood his frustration. "I get it, okay? Just tone down the attitude next time, alright?" she replied. "Yeah, my bad, captain," he sounded sincere. That wasn't the way he should be speaking to his superior. "I think he's fighting," Alex spoke up. He was usually quiet on missions, only speaking up when he sensed something. So Izumi quickly drew her swords. "Max!" he grabbed her and they vanished into thin air. Emile wasted no time either, running into the cave with Alex and Mia close behind. Miguel was trapped in the hole that Gabrielle had created. "Where is she? What have you done with her?" Miguel was furious, shouting at nothing. "I'll kill you all!" he unleashed his powers, and sharp winds destroyed the cave around him. "Give her to me, or I'll behead all of you!" Max and Izumi teleported right next to the person responsible for Miguel's anger, it didn't take long for them to notice her. It was Sapphire. Her power could only be an illusion because what was happening didn't make sense. Izumi pressed her sword against Sapphire's neck. "Stop what you're doing, or I'll kill you," she threatened. But there was not a hint of fear in Sapphire's blue eyes. She didn't move, didn't say anything. In a split second, a lightning bolt from the sky struck Izumi and Max where they stood. Max managed to escape grabbing Izumi just in time and teleporting them to L, who he had spotted in the distance charging up the bolt.

Izumi approached L, who appeared delighted to see her. "It's been a while, old friend," she greeted him. Suddenly, L disappeared in a flash of lightning, leaving Izumi bewildered. She turned to Max, a sense of urgency in her voice. "We have to leave immediately, Max. Find the others and get them out of here," she urged. Max, taken aback by Izumi's uncharacteristic fear, questioned her. "Are you sure?" he asked. Izumi nodded, assuring him, "I'll be fine." Max prepared to teleport, but just as he was about to do so, a single drop of water fell from the sky and landed on his jacket. Once he had teleported to where he had left the others, In an instant, Gabrielle materialized in her human form, holding a knife to Max's throat and wrapping her legs around his waist from behind. Max couldn't believe his eyes. Who was she, and how did she appear out of nowhere? Trying to negotiate his way out of the situation, Max asked, "What do you want?" Confident in his ability to charm his way out, he continued, "Clearly, I don't want to provoke you, considering you're a dangerous girl." Gabrielle silenced him, tightening her grip around his neck. "Stop talking," she commanded, choking him. Max struggled to resist, but his strength waned, and he eventually lost consciousness. "Too easy," Gabrielle remarked, satisfied. "Now, let's find what we came for and get out of here." With that, she ventured back into the cave, the same entrance through which Emile, Alex, and Mia had entered.