The crew lazied around the living area, bodies scattered wherever they'd flopped down. For a moment, the room settled into quiet before Lynx let out a long, dramatic sigh. Boredom written all over his face, he grew out a small block of ice and began tossing it in the air, getting way too invested in the little routine. One higher throw and the block shattered mid-air, a sharp crack breaking the silence as faint purple light flickered across their faces.
"Nice aim," Lynx said, turning to Zara. Another block of ice formed in his hand. "Try crushing this one." He tossed it even higher.
A small blast followed, the ice bursting apart before it could fall.
"Score!" Kymani yelled while Zara flashed a proud smile, the rest of the group watching with clear amusement.
Lynx finally sat up, tired of lying around. He glanced between his friends. "How long has this search been going on now?"
"Four days today," Valtor muttered.
"And has your dad said anything?" Lynx asked.
"Nope," Valtor replied dryly, staring at the ceiling as he remained on his back.
Zara sighed, resting her head on her arm. "So how do we even know if the coast is cear or not?"
Valtor turned his head slightly toward her. "I guess the president would inform—"
"Kymani, what are you doing?" Rowynn cut in, catching sight of him heading toward the door.
All eyes shifted to him.
"I had an idea," he said simply. "The soldier stationed down the hallway said he'd be here until the search is over."
"Okay…?" Lynx said, trying to follow.
"So if he's still there, that means the Vaticans are still around. And if he's not? Coast is clear." Kymani shrugged.
"True," Valtor admitted, "but we can't be seen lurking around the hallway… just in case."
"Way ahead of you," Kymani replied—then shimmered out of sight. The group watched the door ease open on its own, Kymani's soft footsteps fading into the hallway.
"Well, that works," Zara said, stepping forward to quietly pull the door shut.
A few seconds later, a knock sounded and they all rushed to the door. The same soldier stood there, a backpack slung over his shoulder and a small smile on his face.
The group stared at him in anticipation.
"I'm pleased to inform you all that the assigned search in Zaire has officially been concluded. The Vatican army returned to the barracks this morning."
"Really?" Lynx spoke up.
The soldier nodded. "To that effect, I'll be stepping out to return to my duty post."
The group murmured their thanks as he left. A wave of relief washed over the room, tension slipping off their shoulders.
A moment passed before Rowynn frowned. "Where's Kymani?"
"I'm right here," a voice rang beside her, making her jerk in surprise. Kymani flickered into view. "Sorry. Forgot I was still invisible." He straightened, grinning proudly.
"On the bright side—we did it. We survived the whole search without getting caught."
"Yeah, thank goodness," Lynx added, stretching his arms like he was finally letting his body relax.
Everyone began to move around, feeling lighter now—everyone except Orea. She remained seated for a moment before finally standing.
"There's something I need to tell you guys," she said, drawing their attention. She let out a shaky breath.
"These past few days… my mind hasn't been at peace. And now that the search is over, I think it's time I free myself from these thoughts."
Valtor sat up, eyes on her, while the others listened quietly.
"I think I'm ready to face my mum," she said softly. "I'd like to talk to her." She glanced around at them. "What do you guys think?"
Zara gave her a gentle smile. "You have my support."
"Mine too," Rowynn added.
"It's something you need to do to settle your mind, so we get it," Kymani said.
"He's right," Lynx agreed. "I'd give anything to see my mum again." His voice lowered, earning the group's attention. "Go for it while you have the chance." He offered her a small smile.
Touched, Orea stepped forward and pulled Lynx into a hug. When she drew back, her gaze shifted to Valtor, who hadn't said a word—just watched her with a small smile tugging at his lips.
"I'm coming with you," he said simply.
....................
Few minutes to sundown…
Covered in a face-shielding hooded overall, Orea and Valtor stepped out of the warehouse. The streets had returned to their usual calm, no trace of the Vatican forces anywhere.
The duo manoeuvred their way toward the stall where they'd first seen the woman. They stopped in front of the wood-carved sitting area — the little shade and stools. They stared at the empty space.
"She's not here", Orea muttered.
"Who are you looking for?" a voice called from a distance.
Orea moved a bit closer and found an elderly man dressed like a farmer, hat low over his face and farming tools hanging from his shoulder.
"We're here to see the owner of this stall," she replied.
"You'll have to wait a while," he said. "She usually gets here by sundown." He walked past them, heading toward the farmland they'd seen before.
Orea took a seat on one of the stools while Valtor remained standing, watching the man disappear into the fields.
Her eyes lowered to the ground. Her mind wouldn't stop running with thoughts.
What if she doesn't show up?, And if she does… am I really ready?, What if my chest tightens again? I can't run away this time — that'd be so rude…
Valtor gently placed his hand on hers, pulling her out of her thoughts. "You're ready," he said.
Orea nodded, taking a steady breath.
"Also," Valtor added quietly, "she's kind of already here."
Orea glanced toward his direction— then stood when she saw the woman approaching, completely unaware of them.
After rummaging through a basket in her hands, the woman lifted her head. She froze when she saw the two figures waiting. Her gaze landed on Orea and lingered there, breath catching. Her arms dropped while the basket slipped from her hands.
"Orea…" she whispered, voice unsteady.