Chapter 2

  The bunker hummed with an electric tension as the door slid shut behind them, sealing off the outside world. Dim lights flickered overhead, casting soft shadows across the cluttered space filled with remnants of past missions and personal mementos that whispered stories of survival. The air was thick with the scent of gun oil and stale coffee, mingling with the faint odor of sweat—a reminder of the intensity they faced every day.

  Kara, still buzzing with adrenaline from their recent mission, flopped onto a worn-out couch, laughter echoing off the concrete walls. “Did you see the look on that guy’s face right before he went down? Priceless! You’d think he’d never seen a sniper before!”

  Jade sat alone at the heavy wooden table, her rifle disassembled in front of her. The soft click of metal against metal echoed in the otherwise quiet room as she meticulously cleaned each piece. Her purple eyes flickered to the team’s kill board on the wall. Three hundred kills. Her name etched beneath the number, a grim reminder of what she’d become.

  She paused, her hands trembling slightly. Three hundred lives taken. Faces she would never know. Some were threats, yes, but others… civvies, she thought bitterly. A term meant to make them feel less human, less real.

  Her gaze drifted to her data pad on the table, the Essentia readings from their last mission glowing faintly on the screen. The numbers danced in front of her, a hypnotic array of possibilities. Essentia wasn’t just power; it was the key to something bigger—something she could barely comprehend. But the allure was undeniable.

  “I could save us all,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the bunker’s machinery.

  “What was that?” Kai’s calm voice startled her. She quickly slid the data pad under a nearby notebook, her movements sharp and deliberate.

  “Nothing,” she replied, her tone clipped. “Just thinking out loud.”

  Kai leaned against the doorway, studying her. “You’ve been quiet since the mission.”

  Jade didn’t look up, focusing instead on reassembling her rifle. “Just tired, that’s all. Convoy missions take it out of me.”

  “You mean the part where you picked off six guards without breaking a sweat?” Kai offered a small smile, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. “You were incredible out there.”

  Her hands stilled. “Yeah. Incredible.” The word tasted bitter on her tongue. She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Just another day at the office, right?”

  Kai stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Jade, if something’s bothering you—”

  “Nothing’s bothering me, Kai,” she interrupted, a bit too sharply. “I’m fine.”

  The tension hung heavy in the air as Kai hesitated. He nodded slowly, retreating toward the door. “If you need to talk, you know where to find me.”

  As he left, Jade exhaled shakily, her mask slipping for a moment. Her gaze returned to the data pad. Her fingers hovered over the screen before she pulled it back out, scrolling through the files. The calculations were incomplete, but if she could crack the equation… if she could understand the energy’s full potential…

  She shivered. The thought was intoxicating—and terrifying.

  Jade, perched on the edge of a heavy wooden table, rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a smirk. “Well, I’m officially the last one to hit 300 kills, thanks to you two showing me how it’s done. Should I throw myself a party?”

  “Only if I get the biggest slice of cake,” Kara shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And you better put my name on the invite as the guest of honor!”

  Kai leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Honestly, you’re lucky. I’m well over 400 now. Maybe you should just be grateful for the training we put you through.”

  “Training? More like me playing catch-up,” Jade quipped, but the humor in her voice masked the weight of their reality. The thrill of the mission had faded, leaving behind the stark reminder of the lives they’d taken.

  Kara leaned forward, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “So, who has the craziest kill story? I say we go around the room and compare notes. Jade’s got a pretty wild one now.”

  “I don’t know,” Kai began, scratching his chin in mock contemplation. “That time I sniped three targets from a mile away while dangling from a helicopter? That was a good one.” He feigned seriousness, leaning in as if sharing a deep secret. “It was almost like an action movie, except the explosions were real, and the stakes were higher than just my pride.”

  “Please, that’s nothing,” Kara chimed in, feigning exasperation. “Try the time I dropped a grenade in the middle of a Zoryn camp and watched it blow up their supply line. They were so busy scrambling that they didn’t even see me slip in for the intel.”

  Kai chuckled, shaking his head. “You mean the time you set off an entire chain reaction of explosives because you were trying to get the last bag of chips from the mess hall? It’s not far off from what actually happened!”

  Jade’s laugh broke through the banter, and she leaned back, relaxing for the first time since the mission. “You two make it sound easy. I had to fight off five guys at once just to prove I could hold my own. It wasn’t just a good shot; it was about survival.”

  Kara raised an eyebrow. “And the cherry on top? You shot the last one in the foot, and he still managed to yell, ‘I’m not done yet!’ before passing out.”

  Jade shrugged, a slight grin creeping onto her lips. “What can I say? It’s tough out there.”

  Kai nodded, his demeanor shifting as he looked at Jade. “You did good today, really. Not just with the kill count, but how you handled yourself. We need you on our side.”

  “Thanks, I guess. But it’s still a lot to take in,” Jade replied, her voice quieter now, the weight of their actions settling over them.

  Kara picked up on the change in mood, quickly deflecting it. “Hey, it’s not all gloom and doom. We should celebrate! We’ve got a whole lot of whiskey left over from the last job.” She grinned, leaning back into the couch as if the idea of a celebration could erase their heavy reality.

  “Now that sounds like a plan,” Kai said, his smile returning. “Let’s toast to Jade and her first milestone.”

  As the three settled into a rhythm of laughter and light-hearted banter, they clinked their glasses together, the sound echoing through the bunker. It was a moment of respite, a brief pause in their tumultuous lives as mercenaries navigating a fractured world. But as they enjoyed their drinks, the shadow of their next mission loomed in the background, a reminder that in their line of work, peace was often temporary.

  After a brief moment of camaraderie, the weight of the mission loomed large in the air. With the sun setting outside, casting an orange hue through the bunker’s small windows, the team decided it was time to unwind before the next op.

  “Alright, let’s get comfortable,” Jade suggested, her voice lightening as she began to peel off her tactical vest, revealing a simple black tank top beneath. The tension eased from her shoulders as she tossed the vest onto a nearby chair.

  Kara took a breath, then declared, “I’m going to shower first! I need to wash off the grime from today’s mission.” Without waiting for a response, she made her way to the bathroom, her excitement evident in her stride.

  As the sound of water running echoed through the small space, Jade moved to gather her own gear, but paused as she caught a whiff of the hot steam wafting from the bathroom. It smelled of soap and shampoo, an unexpectedly pleasant aroma that reminded her of a simpler time before everything changed.

  “Hey, don’t forget to leave the water on!” Jade called out, knowing Kara likely wouldn’t hear her over the spray.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Yeah, yeah! I got it!” Kara’s voice floated back, a mixture of enthusiasm and distraction as she began to sing off-key, lost in her own world.

  Jade chuckled softly, shaking her head. She quickly moved to grab her own towel, her mind racing with thoughts of the day’s events. The exhilaration of her milestone was overshadowed by the weight of their reality—Zoryn’s looming presence, the chaos they’d just escaped, and the tension that still clung to the air.

  As Kara continued to sing, Jade set about preparing for her shower, the sound of the water masking her thoughts. She began to undress, peeling off her clothes, feeling the cool air brush against her skin.

  “Did you see all those Essentia energy files and data?” Jade called out, hoping to draw Kara back into the conversation. “I mean, the sheer volume of information we have now is—”

  “What?!” Kara’s voice echoed, still lost in her own rhythm, the words drowned out by the shower. She was oblivious, her attention fully on the melodic sounds of water splashing against her body.

  Jade sighed, realizing that they were having two separate conversations. “Kara! I’m talking about the data from our mission! You know, the energy readings—”

  But her voice was lost amidst the cacophony of running water and Kara’s singing. Jade rolled her eyes, chuckling softly to herself as she prepared to step into the shower.

  “Whatever, I’ll just shower now,” Jade said, shrugging her shoulders. She glanced in the bathroom mirror, the fog from the steam beginning to obscure her reflection.

  With a deep breath, Jade stepped into the spray, the hot water enveloping her like a warm embrace. She closed her eyes, allowing the heat to wash over her, and reflected on the day’s events. The thrill of hitting 300 kills was a high, but beneath that lay a current of uncertainty.

  The water cascaded over her, soothing her muscles, and she savored the sensation. “What am I even doing?” she pondered. “Is this really what I signed up for? The thrill of it all… or the chaos?”

  As her thoughts spiraled, the sound of the bathroom door creaking open broke her concentration. “Kara, is that you?” she called out, half-expecting an answer.

  “Of course it is!” Kara’s voice responded, playful and cheerful. “I can’t get enough of this shower! It’s amazing!”

  “Just try not to take forever!” Jade warned, but it was too late. The sound of Kara’s laughter filled the air, blending with the steady rhythm of the water.

  “Got it!” Kara called back, stepping into the bathroom as Jade rinsed her hair, the steam swirling around them, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. “I’ll just be here enjoying the hot water. You know I need it after today’s adventure!”

  Jade chuckled to herself as she continued to wash, her thoughts drifting between the details of the mission and the vastness of the data they had collected. “We could actually use that information to track Zoryn’s movements more accurately. Maybe even figure out a way to turn the tide—”

  “Are you talking about Zoryn again?” Kara interrupted, the sound of her voice cutting through the fog. “Honestly, I don’t think about him at all when I’m in here. It’s just me, my singing, and this heavenly water.”

  “You really should listen sometimes,” Jade said, shaking her head. “We’re going to need all the intel we can get.”

  “Intelligence, schmintelligence!” Kara teased, her tone upbeat and excited. “I’m just trying to soak it all in—literally!”

  “Okay, okay, but don’t forget the files,” Jade replied, trying to keep a straight face. “You know, the ones that could be crucial for our next op.”

  As Kara continued to sing, Jade took a moment to appreciate the warmth and steam enveloping her. She glanced at the fogged-up mirror, her reflection blurred. It felt oddly comforting, a brief respite from the chaos of their lives.

  “Leave the water on!” Jade yelled, feeling the urgency rise in her voice. But before she could respond, she felt a splash of cold water as Kara stepped out of the shower.

  “Are you serious?!” Kara laughed, the sound echoing in the steamy room. “I can’t help it if I need to rinse off!”

  “Just don’t use all the hot water!” Jade called after her, shaking her head in mock frustration.

  Once Kara finished, she stepped out of the shower, the air thick with steam and warmth. Jade quickly rinsed off, her mind racing as she finished. Stepping out, she caught a glimpse of Kara wrapping herself in a towel, her damp hair falling in waves around her shoulders.

  Kara turned, a playful glint in her eyes. “What do you think? Should I start a singing career? The world needs to hear my talents!”

  “I think you’re better off sticking to mercenary work,” Jade said with a grin, stepping over to grab her own towel.

  As they dried off, the steam enveloped them like a warm embrace. The mirrors were fogged, and the air was thick with the scent of soap and shampoo. “What are you wearing?” Jade asked, raising an eyebrow as she tossed her towel aside.

  “Just a tank and shorts,” Kara replied, rifling through her clothes. “Gotta stay comfortable, right? Plus, I only gotta look good when we go out to save the world!”

  “Right,” Jade said, rolling her eyes. “If you say so.”

  As they finished up in the bathroom, the door swung open, and Kai popped his head in, a playful grin on his face. “Hurry up, you two! I’m starving, and I don’t want to cook alone!”

  “Okay, okay!” Kara laughed, tossing her towel aside and slipping into a pair of comfy shorts and a fitted tank top that hugged her athletic frame. The soft fabric felt refreshing against her skin, and she reveled in the ease of her movements as she prepared to relax. The lingering scent of soap still clung to her, a comforting reminder of the shower.

  “I’ll be right out!” Jade called, finishing up her own look. She slipped into a pair of cozy sweatpants and one of Kai’s oversized shirts, the fabric draping loosely around her. The shirt was still slightly damp from her recent shower, and she let her long hair flow freely, enjoying the cool air against her skin as it began to dry.

  With a last glance at herself in the fogged mirror, Jade stepped out, the warmth of the shared space wrapping around her. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, a perfect contrast to the tension of their lives as mercenaries.

  “Good luck keeping up with my amazing cooking skills,” Kara teased, stepping into the hallway. “I can almost guarantee this will be the best meal you’ve ever had!”

  “Or it will taste like burnt rubber,” Jade countered, smirking as she followed Kara into the living quarters.

  The atmosphere shifted back to lively as they moved into the main area of the bunker, where the walls were adorned with maps and mission reports. Kai was already rummaging through the kitchen, pulling out supplies for dinner.

  “Alright, what do we have tonight?” he asked, glancing at the remnants from their previous mission.

  “Mostly canned stuff and some noodles,” Jade said, assessing what was available. “We should still have some spices left. We can make it decent.”

  “Let’s spice things up, shall we?” Kara chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious as she began to help. “I’ll grab the garlic and onions.”

  Kai rolled his eyes playfully as he observed the banter between them. “You two are ridiculous. Just don’t let it get out of hand like last time, or I might have to use my ‘parental supervision’ voice.”

  “Oh, please!” Kara laughed. “You’re not my dad. You’re just here to make sure I don’t blow things up…again.”

  As they began cooking, the sounds of clattering pots and sizzling ingredients filled the air. The familiar scents of garlic and onions wafted through the space, mingling with the lingering scent of sweat and gun oil. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as they worked together, the bond between them strengthening with each shared laugh.

  “Hey, you know what? I’m feeling adventurous,” Kara declared as she added an extra pinch of spice to the pot. “Let’s make it a feast!”

  Jade looked skeptical. “You know we can’t afford to waste supplies, right? Every can counts.”

  “Relax, it’s fine!” Kara insisted, her eyes gleaming. “We’re mercenaries. We can handle a little risk!”

  “Famous last words,” Jade said, shaking her head but unable to suppress a smile.

  As they continued cooking, the atmosphere lightened, filled with the sound of friendly banter. Kai took the opportunity to check in with Kara while they worked.

  “So, how are you holding up after everything?” he asked, his tone friendly yet caring.

  Kara shrugged, stirring the pot. “I mean, it’s a lot to take in. But I’m okay. Just trying to enjoy the ride, you know? You’ve known me long enough to know I’m not one to dwell.”

  “Sure, but if anything is bothering you, you can tell me. I’m here for you.” Kai’s gaze was steady, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

  Kara brushed off the question with sarcasm. “Oh, don’t worry about me! If I ever feel the need to have a heart-to-heart, I’ll be sure to schedule an appointment. Maybe next Tuesday?”

  In a moment of semi-seriousness, she added, “But really, I’ll let you know if something’s up. I’ve known you long enough, Kai. You’ll be the first to hear about it whether you like it or not.”

  Kai nodded, satisfied but still concerned. He appreciated her honesty and resilience, even if it was wrapped in jokes.

  As the meal began to simmer, Jade’s tone shifted as she approached the topic of gear. “Hey, let’s switch it up for a moment. How’s your gear looking, Kara? We should check it before the mission tomorrow.”

  “Good idea,” Kara replied, her playful demeanor returning. “I’ll do a quick gear check, but first, I’m going to finish cooking. You two can handle the rest.”

  With that, Kara took over the cooking while Jade and Kai moved to the gear area. Kai inspected Jade’s weapons and equipment with careful attention, his demeanor shifting to that of a focused leader.

  “Let’s go over your knives first,” he suggested, pulling out her combat knives. “You’ve got the Talon and the Scorpion here. How do they feel?”

  “They’re sharp as ever,” Jade said, flipping them over in her hands, the steel glinting in the light. “But I should probably clean them before we head out.”

  Kai nodded, impressed. “Good thinking. We can’t afford to be caught off-guard. And how about your explosives?”

  Jade hesitated, debating whether to bring up the topic of Essentia energy that had been weighing on her mind. She opted to keep her thoughts to herself, focusing on the task at hand. “Everything is in order,” she replied, checking her pockets for grenades. “I’ve got a couple of smoke bombs and flashbangs ready, too.”

  Kai raised an eyebrow, impressed. “You’re prepared. Let’s hope we won’t need all of it.”

  The two shared lighthearted conversation as they continued to check over her gear. They were both aware of the tension in the air regarding the upcoming mission, but the familiarity of their interactions helped ease the weight pressing down on them.

  Eventually, the scent of dinner wafted through the air, and they heard Kara calling out from the kitchen. “Dinner is served! Come and get it!”

  As they settled down to eat, the atmosphere transformed once again into one of warmth and camaraderie. Laughter filled the air, the sound bouncing off the concrete walls as they shared stories, jokes, and plans for the future.

  “Did I tell you about the time I almost fell off the roof while sniping?” Kara exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

  “No, but I’m guessing it wasn’t pretty,” Jade replied, stifling a laugh.

  “You’d be surprised!” Kara said, her eyes twinkling. “I still got the shot off. It was amazing!”

  As the meal continued, they reveled in the banter and laughter, the food warming their bodies and spirits. With each bite, the challenges they faced felt a little lighter, the weight of their lives as mercenaries momentarily forgotten.

  Eventually, as the sun set and darkness enveloped the world outside, they retreated to their respective sleeping areas. The bunker felt alive with the echoes of their laughter, a testament to their resilience against the chaos surrounding them.

  Kara curled up on the couch, her eyes growing heavy as she drifted off to sleep. Kai, who had settled into his own spot, felt a wave of warmth as she shifted, snuggling into his chest. Her light snoring was a comforting rhythm, a stark contrast to the harsh reality of their lives.

  In the stillness of the night, Jade found herself lost in thought, reflecting on the day’s events and the future that lay ahead. She felt a mix of exhilaration and dread, the weight of the kill count hanging heavily in the air. Would they continue to be successful? Would Zoryn’s forces finally catch up to them?

  As sleep began to claim her, she silently promised herself that she would find answers—both for her and for the team. They were fighters, survivors, and together, they would face whatever darkness awaited them.

  In that moment of peace, surrounded by friends who felt like family, Jade drifted into a restless sleep, knowing that the dawn would bring new challenges and fresh opportunities. The world outside was still fraught with danger, but within the walls of the bunker, they found solace in each other—a beacon of hope in a world painted with despair.

  And as the night deepened, the bonds between them grew stronger, forged in the fires of conflict and cemented by the promise of a better tomorrow.