Rising Tensions

The camp was quiet, but the stillness was tense, as if the air was electric before a storm. Located in a forest hollow between thick trees and ramshackle fortifications, the second temporary rebel base was a place to rest while awaiting the rebel doctors. The main mission was simple—remove the imperial marks implanted in the five otherworlders safely.

The unit had camped following a long trek from the first camp, although none of them felt truly safe. Tents were pitched at random, campfires burned low, and the guards rotated like clockwork. But all was officially above board; undercurrents of tension fermented—among the rebels, between the otherworlders, and even among themselves.

Zero sat alone next to a small fire, poking at the embers with a stick. Ash, the baby wolf lying beside him, shifted softly in his sleep. Zero's eyes wandered to the edge of the camp, where the otherworlders lay under a covered canopy. He was closer to them than to the rebels now, not because of shared history, but because of shared uncertainty.

Elise sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed as she leaned against a log. She had soft facial features and a kind nature that somehow made the harshness of this world seem less daunting. Her long brown hair was pulled back, and she clutched a well-worn book she hadn't let go of since they escaped.

Vivian, tucked around by her fiery red hair and sharp golden eyes, was constructing delicate threads of mana between her fingers, perfecting her newfound art—Mana Thread. She wasn't hot-headed, not really, but she had become dependable, watching others with a hawk-like keenness.

Felix and Damon, boys the same age as Zero, stood off to one side. They had made no secret of their distrust, teasing Zero more than once over being an enigma with no history. Their eyes still pinched when he approached, and Marcus, the older man, was off sharpening a blade, though his hands shook every time someone bellowed in the distance.

Despite the escape, not everyone was relieved. Around the camp, arguments broke out between rebel soldiers in hushed tones.

"We shouldn't have brought them," one grumbled.

"If they've got imperial marks, it's only a matter of time before we're found."

"We're not ready to fight again…"

"We leave them behind, they'll drag us all down."

Zero heard it all. He said nothing, but his grip on the stick tightened.

He was not alone in being affected by it. Vivian's gaze flew from face to face, watching the mood. Elise fidgeted uncomfortably and cast a worried glance Zero's way.

Lastly, Sienna stood near the command tent, arms crossed. She was face-stone, wearing dark leather and a short cloak that blew softly in the wind. Holt paced at her side, fidgety, with spear in hand, and Lyra sat on top of a crate, eyes flicking over the trees, bow slung across her back. Garrick leaned over a map with two other rebels, his voice low and steady.

Zero stayed at arm's length from being part of the rebel leadership. His role here was not definite. Just one more outsider.

Elise eventually sat down beside him silently, offering a small smile.

"How is Ash?" she asked, peeking down at the sleeping dog.

"Tired," replied Zero softly. "He walked most of it."

"He's adorable," she said, reaching out and stroking Ash's fur delicately. "He's one lucky dog to have you.".

Zero had no idea what to say. He was made nervous by the compliment. Elise must have sensed it.

"You don't say much," she said, giggling nervously.

"I guess I never had to," he said.

There was a moment of silence between them, not unpleasurable but sensitive. Then Vivian appeared, her voice even but strained. "We might have a problem."

Zero and Elise both looked up.

Vivian nodded towards a couple of rebels grumbling in the corner. "There's rumor of splitting away from us. Leaving the five of us behind. Maybe even you."

Zero's eyebrows furrowed. "They wouldn't…"

"They would," Vivian said. "They consider us liabilities. I don't blame them. We're branded, after all."

Her tone wasn't bitter, just matter-of-fact.

Elise looked horrified. "But they promised we'd be safe…"

"They promised a lot of things," Vivian breathed.

Zero exhaled, eyes flicking to the command tent. "What about Sienna? Holt? Lyra?"

"Sienna won't leave us. Not without good reason. Holt might grumble but he won't abandon you," Vivian said. "But the rest? I'm not so sure."

Just then, the tent flap opened and Garrick emerged. His expression was hard to read as he approached, stopping a few paces away.

"Food's ready," he said to them bluntly, eyes flicking from Zero to Vivian, then Elise. "Eat while you can. Tomorrow the doctors come."

He lingered there for a moment, seemingly weighing whether or not to go on.

"You three be careful who you trust," he said to them before he turned and left.

Vivian stood there watching him. "Was that a warning or advice?"

Zero shook his head. "Maybe both."

Cut to the Empire

Metal echoed as soldiers in jet-black uniforms marched in formation. In the darkened hallways of an imperial outpost, Rika stood still, watching from a balcony as her specially handpicked task force took their positions below.

She was no longer that wide-eyed young girl who had entered this world with Leo two years before. Her hair was tied back, her eyes cold and hard. A long sword was at her side, and her imperial uniform glowed under the light of the torches.

Behind her, a junior officer approached, clearly upset.

"The scouts confirmed it. They've set up a second temporary camp. The signal is live."

"Good," Rika replied without turning.

And the rebels?"

The officer said.

Rika's tone was sharp. "Irrelevant. The mark is working. We'll track them down."

She turned on her heel, pushing past him. "Get the vanguard on alert. We leave at dark."

"But, ma'am—"

She wheeled around. "Do not question me. The Emperor entrusted this to me, and I will bring them back."

The officer swallowed hard and bowed. "Yes, Commander Rika.".

She stepped into the shadows, her figure vanishing as the rhythm of war drums began to echo down the corridors.