The Guardians continued their trek through the Ember Mountains, the air growing hotter and heavier with each step. The fiery landscape suited Leo, who seemed to thrive in the heat, his usual energy undiminished. Calypso, however, walked at a measured pace, her calm demeanor unaffected by the oppressive surroundings.
Leo couldn't resist throwing a glance her way every now and then. She looked so unbothered, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her expression as serene as the endless void she claimed to wield.
"How are you not melting right now?" Leo asked, walking alongside her.
She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into the faintest hint of a smirk. "I'm used to extremes. Space isn't exactly a temperate place."
Leo chuckled. "Well, if you need a break from the cosmic cold, welcome to my domain." He gestured grandly to the lava flows and smoldering rocks around them.
Calypso's smirk deepened. "You're awfully proud of a place that's trying to cook us alive."
"Hey, fire's not just destructive," Leo countered. "It's life. Warmth. Passion."
"And danger," Calypso added.
He grinned. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Tensions in the Team
Ahead of them, Bruce and Skye were discussing the best route forward, while Zane walked silently beside Jasmine, keeping a watchful eye on her after the previous battle. The group dynamic was shifting—battle scars had a way of doing that.
"Hey, lovebirds," Leo called out to Bruce and Skye, his voice full of mischief. "Are we actually going somewhere, or are you two planning our next couple's retreat?"
Bruce turned, his brow furrowing. "Focus, Leo. We're in hostile territory."
Skye, however, smirked. "Don't be jealous just because you don't have someone to share a rock with."
Leo laughed. "Touché." He turned back to Calypso. "Did you hear that? Apparently, I'm single because I don't share my rocks. Who knew?"
Calypso's expression remained calm, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Maybe it's because you talk to rocks like they're your friends."
"Harsh," Leo said, clutching his chest dramatically. "But fair."
A Dangerous Path
The group pressed on, eventually coming to a narrow ledge that overlooked a river of lava. The heat was nearly unbearable, and the sulfuric air stung their lungs.
"We'll have to cross here," Bruce said, his voice grim. "One at a time. The ledge is too narrow for more than that."
"I'll go first," Leo volunteered, stepping forward with his usual bravado.
"Of course you will," Calypso muttered, but there was no malice in her tone.
Leo winked at her before stepping onto the ledge. "Don't worry, star-girl. I'll make sure it's safe for you."
As he carefully made his way across, the ledge crumbled slightly under his weight, sending a few small rocks tumbling into the lava below. He paused, his confidence faltering for a moment.
"Be careful, Leo," Calypso called, her voice unusually soft.
He glanced back at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then he grinned. "You worried about me?"
"Just hurry up," she replied, turning away, but not before he caught the faintest hint of color on her cheeks.
A Heated Encounter
Once everyone had crossed safely, they paused to catch their breath. The oppressive heat made it hard to think, let alone strategize, and tensions were running high.
"Let's keep moving," Bruce said, his tone firm.
"Hold on," Leo said, glancing at Calypso. "You okay? You've been quiet."
"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice lacked its usual steadiness.
Leo frowned, stepping closer. "Fine isn't convincing."
Calypso sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm not used to this kind of heat. It's... different."
Without thinking, Leo placed a hand on her shoulder. "Here, let me help."
She raised an eyebrow. "What are you going to do? Set me on fire to cancel it out?"
He smirked. "Close. Just trust me."
Before she could protest, he conjured a small flame in his hand, manipulating it carefully. The heat around them shifted, the oppressive warmth receding slightly as he redirected the ambient fire toward himself.
Calypso blinked, surprised. "That's... better."
"See? Fire's not all bad," Leo said, his grin widening.
She gave him a rare, genuine smile. "Maybe not. But don't let it go to your head."
"No promises," he replied, but there was a softness in his voice that hadn't been there before.
The Group's Observation
From a distance, Skye nudged Bruce, gesturing toward Leo and Calypso. "Looks like someone's finally making progress."
Bruce glanced over, his expression unreadable. "Leo? Progress? That's debatable."
"Give him credit," Skye said with a grin. "He's trying."
Zane, standing nearby, rolled his eyes. "We don't have time for this."
Jasmine smiled faintly. "Sometimes, Zane, a little humanity is what keeps us going."
Zane didn't respond, but his gaze lingered on Jasmine for a moment before he turned away.
