STONE-COLD:LONESOME ROAD

Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Part 2)

The café, once a haven of tranquility, was now a chaotic arena. Tables and chairs were overturned, and the air was filled with the clash of combat and the muffled sounds of chaos. Milo and Aria fought with a sense of urgency, their determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds.

Milo's artifact, *Two Months Off*, radiated a dazzling spectrum of colors as he unleashed its power. The concentrated beams of light sliced through the controlled patrons with precise accuracy, creating temporary pathways through the encroaching crowd. Each beam left a trail of rainbow-colored light, cutting through the darkness of their predicament.

Aria, equally resolute, moved with a fluid grace, her movements a blend of agility and combat prowess. Her strikes were precise, targeting the vital points of those under the influence of *Everybody Wants To Rule The World*. She deflected blows and countered attacks with a skill honed by years of experience.

Tears, standing amidst the chaos, observed with a mix of frustration and intrigue. Her artifact's power to control people had created a formidable defense, but Milo and Aria's tenacity was proving to be a serious challenge. Despite the chaotic situation, her composure remained unshaken.

"Is this really necessary?" Aria shouted over the noise, her voice tinged with frustration. "We're trying to stop The Shakedown, not cause unnecessary conflict."

Tears shook her head, her expression unyielding. "My orders are absolute. You are a threat to the balance of power. If you refuse to comply, then I have no choice but to subdue you."

The battle continued, the patrons still moving with an unnatural coordination. Milo and Aria managed to push through the crowd, creating a brief lull in the chaos as they regrouped. They took a moment to catch their breath, their eyes scanning the room for any possible escape routes.

"Milo," Aria said, her voice strained but determined, "we need to find a way out of here. If we don't, we'll be overwhelmed."

Milo nodded, his mind racing. He focused on his artifact, trying to understand its full potential. As he concentrated, he felt a surge of energy, and a new realization dawned on him. *Two Months Off* had the ability to not only concentrate light into a beam but also to create intense bursts of energy that could disorient and repel opponents.

With renewed determination, Milo channeled the artifact's power into a concentrated burst, creating a blinding flash of light that momentarily disoriented the controlled patrons. The sudden burst created a window of opportunity for them to make their move.

"Now, Aria!" Milo shouted.

Aria seized the moment, her agility allowing her to dart through the chaos with incredible speed. She maneuvered around the patrons, her swift movements creating openings in the otherwise impenetrable barrier.

Tears watched with growing frustration as Milo and Aria made their way towards the exit. Her artifact's power to control people was being tested to its limits, and she knew she had to act quickly to regain control.

As the duo reached the café's exit, they found themselves face-to-face with a final wave of controlled patrons. The situation was dire, and it seemed that their escape was still far from assured.

But just as it seemed they might be cornered, a sudden explosion rocked the café's entrance. The door was blown open, and a figure emerged from the smoke—a figure that Milo and Aria recognized.

"Ranheim!" Milo exclaimed, relieved to see their ally.

Ranheim Kosto, wielding his artifact *Love Dramatic*, had arrived just in time. Flames roared from his weapon as he created a path through the remaining patrons, providing a crucial opening for Milo and Aria.

Tears, realizing the situation was slipping out of her control, made a decisive move. Her artifact's influence over the patrons waned as they began to regain their senses, their movements becoming less coordinated.

In the midst of the chaos, Tears unleashed her artifact's full power, creating a final surge of energy that sent shockwaves through the café. The patrons, now disoriented, staggered and fell, their control over their actions diminished.

Milo, Aria, and Ranheim took their chance and fled through the chaos, leaving the beleaguered café behind. As they emerged into the night, they took a moment to regroup and catch their breath.

"That was close," Aria said, panting heavily. "But we made it."

Ranheim nodded, his expression serious. "We need to be cautious. Tears was only the beginning. There's more ahead of us."

Milo glanced back at the café, a mixture of relief and concern on his face. "We need to figure out what's next. This isn't over."

As they regrouped and caught their breath, Milo felt a renewed sense of purpose. The fight was far from over, and they had much more to uncover about the artifacts, the Shakedown, and their own destinies.