NOBODY ELSE

The war in Arkadia-7 had reached its breaking point.

Smoke and fire stained the skies, the city reduced to a battleground where the last remnants of rebellion clashed against an unstoppable force.

Deep within the underground hideout, the Clan gathered, their faces grim, their minds burdened with the weight of their next move.

Cipher projected a three-dimensional map onto the cracked metal table, his fingers tapping rapidly against his interface. "The Government's forces are mobilizing in Sector Nine. They're not just containing the war anymore—they're here for her."

A heavy silence followed before Razor muttered, arms crossed, "They've probably been planning this for years. We were too focused on the Ascended to realize the real enemy was just waiting to make their move."

Blaze clenched his fists. "They want Myst. But not as an enemy—not even as a person. Just another fucking tool for them to control."

Flux sat apart from the others, head bowed, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. The connection he felt with Myst—Liora—was fractured. She was slipping further into being Blue Rose, and the Government would ensure there was no turning back.

Echo's voice cut through his turmoil. "We need to act fast. Before we lose her completely."

Cipher adjusted the display, zooming in on the Government's stronghold. "If we move now, we can intercept before they reinforce their blockade. But we're not just fighting soldiers anymore. We're going up against their entire system. They'll throw everything at us."

Shade leaned forward, his voice low and firm. "So what's the play? Are we here to save Myst, or are we stopping her?"

A weighted pause hung in the air. The question haunted them all. Myst's power wasn't just dangerous—it was already world-altering. If the Government harnessed it, no one would stand a chance.

Flux exhaled slowly before speaking, his voice quiet but resolute. "We bring her back. No matter what it takes."

Razor scoffed, shaking his head. "And if she doesn't want to come back?"

Flux's fingers curled into fists, his AI humming beneath his skin. "Then I'll make her remember."

Cipher gave a curt nod, already recalibrating their route. "We move at dawn. This is our last shot."

As the others dispersed to prepare for battle, Razor lingered by the exit, watching Flux with a guarded expression. "You sure you're ready for this?"

Flux inhaled sharply, feeling his AI pulse beneath his skin like a second heartbeat. "She's in there, Razor. I know she is. If there's a chance I can reach her, I have to take it."

Outside, the city roared with the sounds of war, and the battle ahead wasn't just against the Government—it was against time, against fate itself.

And Flux wasn't about to let her slip away.

Weapons were checked, ammunition counted, final preparations made. Blaze adjusted the strap of his rifle. "How long before we breach their perimeter?"

"Less than an hour if we stay undetected," Cipher replied. "After that, depends on how fast they react. Hit hard, hit fast."

Flux ran a hand through his hair, glancing at the map once more. The closer they got, the more his AI flared against his mind, pulsing in anticipation. He wasn't just going into battle—he was stepping into a moment that would define everything.

His past, his future, Liora's fate.

A firm clap on his shoulder pulled him back to the present. Razor. "Stay with us, man. Whatever happens in there, we face it together."

Flux met his gaze, nodding once. "Together."

Before they could move, a presence emerged from the shadows near the entrance. Nyx.

His hood was drawn, his stance hesitant but determined. The air tensed instantly, weapons shifting slightly in his direction.

"I'm not here to fight," Nyx said quietly. His voice lacked the cold arrogance they once knew—it was raw, stripped bare of his usual bravado. "I just… needed to see you all before you go."

A heavy pause stretched between them, with the weight of betrayal thick in the air.

Razor's jaw tightened, Blaze scoffed under his breath, and Shade folded his arms, shaking his head. "You chose your side, Nyx. Now you're here for what—absolution?"

Nyx exhaled sharply, gaze dropping. "No. I don't expect that. I know I can't undo what I did. I just… I needed to say it. I'm sorry."

Silence stretched between them, heavy with anger and something deeper—hurt.

The betrayal hadn't just been about Myst. Nyx had been their brother, and he had turned his back on them. That wound still festered.

Flux stepped forward. "You betrayed us, Nyx. You turned your back on the only family you had." His voice was low, almost dangerous. "And now, what? You think a few words will fix that?"

Nyx flinched but stood his ground. "No. I don't expect forgiveness. I just—" His voice wavered. "I just couldn't leave without letting you know I never stopped caring."

Shade narrowed his eyes. "Then why did you do it? Why sell us out?"

Nyx's fists clenched at his sides. "Because I was afraid. I thought the Ascended were the only ones who would ever keep me safe." His voice cracked, raw with emotion. "But I was wrong. You were my family, and I threw that away."

A tense beat passed. Then, to everyone's surprise, Echo stepped forward, reaching out to lightly punch Nyx in the shoulder. "You're a fucking idiot, just so you know."

Blaze let out a rough chuckle. "Yeah, a total idiot. But I guess we knew that already."

A slow, disbelieving smile tugged at Nyx's lips. The weight in his chest didn't disappear, but for the first time in a long time, he felt something close to hope.

Cipher exhaled. "Okay. We don't have time for any more dramatics. If you're in, you better keep up."

Nyx straightened. Razor clapped him on the back, smirking. "Well, if you screw up again, we'll just shoot you this time."

Nyx huffed a laugh. "Fair enough."