Echoes of Testament

The Enemy's Side

The dimly lit chamber of an underground stronghold was filled with a suffocating stillness, broken only by the faint mechanical hum of a wheelchair. Lester, Sitting confidently in it, his sharp features partially hidden under the flickering shadows cast by the dying light overhead. Across from him, lounging casually in a worn chair, was a figure cloaked in dark attire, his smirk betraying an undercurrent of mischief.

They had been talking for hours before the night truly settled, their conversation weaving through strategies, power plays, and dark humor.

The figure tapped his fingers against the armrest lazily. "You really think they're still predictable after all this time? They've grown stronger, Lester."

Lester's thin lips curled into a grin. "Strength can be a weakness when you don't know how to control it. With your powers, Lathan, you will truly throw them off."

Lathan chuckled, his eyes glinting with playful arrogance. "I might as well steal the show from you."

Leaning slightly forward in his wheelchair, Lester's grin deepened, his voice a soft, dangerous whisper. "For now, you aren't taking it away from me."

Lathan shrugged, stretching his legs lazily. "Oh well, I can't do nothing about that... yet."

They shared a knowing glance, the room heavy with the weight of unspoken threats and shared ambitions.

Back at Emjay's Base

The team gathered in the war room, tension hanging thick in the air. Maps littered the large table, alongside scattered reports and hastily scribbled notes. Emjay stood at the center, arms crossed, his expression dark with concern.

"Lester's powers are more dangerous than we anticipated," Emjay began, his voice steady despite the growing unease. "His ability to control bodies could dismantle us from within. We need to figure out how to counter it."

Kazuki leaned forward, his eyes shadowed by the memory. "When he controlled me, I noticed something... In the corner of my vision, I saw him. His body was completely paralyzed while he was controlling me. He can't move when he's using his powers."

The revelation sparked immediate reactions. Kai slammed his fist against the table, eyes gleaming with determination. "That's our opening. When he controls someone, he's vulnerable."

Emjay nodded, formulating a plan. "We exploit that. We force him to control one of us, then strike when he's defenseless. We're taking the fight to him."

The Infiltration

Under the cover of darkness, Emjay's team launched an assault on the enemy base. Explosions rocked the compound as they fought their way through relentless waves of enemy soldiers. Amid the chaos, they captured an enemy operative, pressing for information.

"Where is Lester?" Emjay demanded.

The terrified soldier stammered, "The tower... beyond the maze. That's where he is."

The team advanced, only to face a deadly labyrinth filled with traps—spiked pits, collapsing walls, and blinding smoke. Navigating the maze was a battle in itself, but through grit and teamwork, they finally emerged.

The Confrontation

They found Lester perched atop a towering building, his wheelchair precariously near the edge, silhouetted against the crimson sky. His voice echoed down, dripping with mockery. "You think you can reach me? How predictable."

Without hesitation, the team stormed the building, battling relentless waves of enemies. Blood, sweat, and fury carried them to the rooftop, where Lester awaited.

He greeted them with a cold smile. "Did you really think it would be this easy?"

Then, without warning, Lester backed up and rolled off the roof.

Gasps filled the air—but instead of falling to his death, a massive swarm of crows burst from below, catching him mid-fall. Suspended in the air, Lester sat comfortably in his wheelchair, supported by the writhing mass of black feathers. His grin grew wider.

The team watched in confusion as the crows carried him effortlessly. They realized with a jolt that Lester was controlling the crows—his power extended beyond humans. He could manipulate multiple small living creatures simultaneously, turning them into extensions of his will.

Suddenly he called out, "I hope you like mind-BLOWING surprises!", Then moved away from the building

Confusion swept over the team. Then, a beeping sound echoed from within the building.

A bomb.

Kai used his super speed to grab Nami, sprinting her to safety. Leon grabbed Yano, teleporting them out in a flash. Crimson scooped up Emjay, sliding down the building's facade at breakneck speed.

But in the chaos, Bleaf was left behind.

Moments later, the building exploded, fire and debris rexaining down.

For a heartbeat, there was only silence.

Then, from the smoke and rubble, Bleaf emerged. His body was battered, his face bloodied, and his left arm was gone, torn clean off. Yet he walked, staggering before collapsing into the arms of his rushing teammates.

The Aftermath

Back at the base, Yano tended to Bleaf in the medical wing, his wounds meticulously bandaged. He remained unconscious for a day, but when he awoke, his voice was hoarse yet steady.

"When I realized there was a bomb, I panicked," Bleaf admitted. "I didn't know what to do. But then I used my power to create the strongest shield I could. It worked... mostly. The blast was too strong, and the shield didn't cover my arm completely. Lost it in the explosion."

The team sat in silence, processing his words. Despite his loss, Bleaf's survival was a testament to his strength.

He remained in the medical wing for a week, receiving care, his resilience inspiring the team to prepare for the battles yet to come.