Forged In Freedom

Chapter 5: As if time stood still

After the return of Seraph and Blaze, their report to Legion brought troubling news. New enemies were brewing, and a city lay just beyond the forest's edge. Blaze still wore a torn, soot-streaked jacket from their encounter, with a name roughly scrawled onto the fabric: The Patroller.

Legion's face was hard, contemplative, as he stood before the team.

"We have no choice but to split up," Legion finally declared, his voice steady, though the weight of the decision was evident in his gaze. "One group will chase the man Blaze and Seraph encountered—the one called The Patroller. The other will investigate the city and its possible connection to these new enemies."

The name hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. Blaze gave a grim nod, confirming their first brush with the man. Gaia, standing near the back, shifted slightly, her expression unreadable.

"I'll be sending B.B., Karma, and Ace to the ruins," Legion continued. "You're the best suited to face The Patroller. Your skills and experience in dealing with unknown threats are why I'm counting on you."

B.B. nodded, accepting his assignment without question. Karma's eyes flicked toward Phoenix briefly before she fell back into her usual demeanor, offering only a knowing smile. Ace, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and caution.

"As for the rest of you," Legion turned to Phoenix, Blaze, Gaia, and Seraph, "you're coming with me. We'll investigate the city. Phoenix's drones will give us an edge in reconnaissance."

There was a pause as Legion glanced toward Gaia. "We'll handle it. Stick together, and trust your instincts."

With the teams decided, they moved to gear up. Echo, Silver, and Arch were left behind to care for the injured Kai and Blink, and as the team prepared to leave, B.B. walked over to the two, his protective nature apparent.

"We'll be back before you know it," B.B. said, his voice low but reassuring as he laid a hand on Blink's shoulder. She nodded weakly, a faint smile of trust lingering in her eyes. Kai grunted from his hospital bed, too proud to admit his concern. "Keep each other strong while we're gone."

With a final nod from Legion, both teams headed out, led by Blaze and Seraph to the location where they had first encountered The Patroller. The dense canopy above cast long shadows as they moved swiftly. Soon, Phoenix's drones were buzzing in the air, scanning the forest and beyond.

"Wait," Phoenix's voice cut through the quiet, her eyes fixed on her tablet. "I've got something. Ruins—up ahead. Looks ancient."

The team gathered around her, the image of the Neolucrus Ruins flickering on the screen. Weathered stone structures, half buried in the earth, but unmistakably important.

"That's where we first saw him," Blaze muttered, his voice grim as he adjusted his jacket. "The Patroller's home, no doubt."

Karma's eyes sparkled briefly, and she leaned toward Phoenix, her usual playful grin tugging at her lips. "Sharp work. Always knew you had a knack for finding what we need."

Phoenix shot her a small, appreciative look. "It's just the drones. They do most of the work."

Karma smirked, her hand flicking out in a casual attempt for a high five. "Still, good eyes running 'em."

Phoenix hesitated, then lightly tapped her hand against Karma's, her expression softening. "Thanks."

As the team neared the Neolucrus Ruins, a strange silence settled over the forest. The ancient stone structures loomed ahead, covered in thick vines and weathered by time, their presence imposing and foreboding.