No Other Choice Part I

"José! José! José! Hurry up and come out! Something big has happened!"

A frantic voice screamed as a slender hand banged relentlessly on the door, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. It wasn’t every day that Cindy, usually the strict and composed member of the team, appeared so shaken. True, she often had to rein in the antics of their mischievous vice-captain, but this time, the worry etched on her face was all too real.

"Alright, alright, I’m done! What’s the rush? Can’t a guy use the bathroom in peace?"

The door finally swung open, revealing Ace’s somewhat disheveled face. He’d just gotten the chance to relax after wrapping up a mission in Arcadia.

"There’s no time for that! Come with me now!"

Cindy didn’t waste a moment. She grabbed his wrist and started dragging him away, completely ignoring his disgruntled expression. Ace narrowed his eyes, sensing that something was definitely off.

"What’s going on?" he asked, his tone sharpening.