The sun melted into the ocean like a copper coin sinking into dark water, painting the sky in streaks of orange and purple as they emerged from the mine entrance. Long shadows stretched across the rocky ground, turning the cliff face into a canvas of darkness and dying light.

  Josef glanced nervously over his shoulder, his weathered face tightening. "You folks should head out first. Best if we're not seen together."

  "Smart move," Sol agreed, running a hand through his silver-white hair. His confident smile dimmed slightly as he added, "If we need to find you again, will you be here?"

  Josef nodded, his eyes darting to the mine entrance. "Yes, but keep the other miners in the dark about our chat. If you come looking and run into my colleagues, just say my wife sent you to fetch me."

  "Oh!" Neiva suddenly perked up, her green eyes widening as a thought struck her. She twisted a strand of bright red hair around her finger. "I just remembered something important. Do you know that Rorck guy we met earlier?"

  Josef's forehead creased in confusion. "Name doesn't ring any bells. What's he look like? Might know him by face."

  "He's kind of..." Neiva scrunched her nose, trying to find the right words. "Worn down? His hair reminds me of Angelo's, but light brown and way messier. Like he's never seen a comb."

  "Ah, him." Recognition flashed across Josef's face, followed by something darker. "Strange one, that fellow. Stands out in both appearance and how he carries himself."

  "Understatement of the century," Angelo muttered, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

  Josef leaned forward, voice dropping conspiratorially. "Strangest thing is, the Cliffhangers give him a wide berth. Complete no-go zone."

  Sol's eyebrows shot up with interest. "Any idea why? That's not exactly standard gang behavior."

  Josef shrugged, his shoulders rising and falling like worn mountains. "Couldn't tell you. Initially thought maybe he just creeped them out, but when every single member avoids someone..." He left the implication hanging in the air between them.

  "Do you know where we might find him?" Neiva asked, her natural curiosity getting the better of her.

  Red's face split into that predatory grin that made him look like a cat spotting an injured bird. "Someone's got a little crush, hmm?"

  "That's not—I didn't—" Neiva spluttered, her cheeks turning nearly as red as her hair.

  "Couldn't say for certain," Josef replied, cutting through the awkward moment. "But you'll typically spot him anywhere with a good view of the horizon."

  "Ohhh, so he's scouting for the ladies. My man!" Red snickered, elbowing the air next to him. "Respect the hustle."

  Josef blinked in confusion. "Not that kind of view! Scenic outlooks, clifftops, anywhere you can see for miles."

  "Must you sexualize every minor detail?" Blue's exasperated tone echoed in their shared mind. "Your juvenile commentary is both inappropriate and utterly irrelevant to our current objectives."

  "Never misses a chance to be an absolute pain in the ass," Red muttered, rolling his eyes dramatically.

  Angelo sighed, the sound carrying the weight of someone who'd had this exact conversation a thousand times before. "I think we've gotten everything useful here. Let's head back before it gets darker."

  They bid Josef farewell and began making their way down the same path they'd seen Rorck take earlier, picking carefully over loose rocks that shifted treacherously underfoot in the fading light.

  "Why aren't we just flying down?" Neiva asked after nearly losing her footing for the third time. "Would be way faster than this dungeon crawl."

  Angelo gestured toward the darkening sky. "It's practically nighttime. We'd light up the sky like glow sticks at a concert. All we need is another Cliffhanger screaming in our faces about using auras."

  "Actually quite strategic on their part," Sol observed, nimbly navigating the treacherous path. "Hard to organize resistance when everyone has to stay grounded and move slow. Classic crowd control tactic."

  Red bounced on his heels, excitement radiating from his gray-tinted form. "I've got the perfect plan: we find where their boss lives, then I slip in as smoke and wait till the big man's catching Z's. Then—" He drew his finger across his throat with a disturbing level of enthusiasm.

  A visible shudder ran through Neiva's body. "Wait—that's actually terrifying. You could literally do that to anyone, couldn't you? Just slip in while they're sleeping and..." She trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

  "Or he could get himself captured again," Angelo cut in sharply. "Only this time, they'd be ready. Jar with a tighter lid."

  Blue's azure smoke emerged from Angelo's body, taking physical form with that scholarly precision that somehow made even standing still look formal. "If I might interrupt this disturbingly detailed discussion of potential assassination methods," he said, adjusting his non-existent collar, "Angelo, might I borrow your phone? I wish to contact Joe Sturm's associate and evaluate whether they possess the necessary scientific qualifications to warrant the Professor's attention."

  Angelo's eyebrows pulled together. "Seriously? Can't this wait until tomorrow?"

  "Yeah, what's the rush, Blueberry?" Red chimed in, his wild grin spreading wider. "Hot date?"

  A small laugh escaped Neiva's lips before she could clap her hand over her mouth. "No way—is Blue actually being impatient? Our Blue? The walking encyclopedia of perfect self-control?"

  Blue's usually flawless posture stiffened further, creating an almost comical effect. "I—that is to say—your assumption is—" He cleared his throat, visibly struggling to regain his composure. "I have my reasons, which I am not obligated to disclose."

  "Now, now," Sol interjected with a playful wink at Neiva, "let's not tease the poor guy. What's the harm in letting him make his call?"

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  "I appreciate your support, Solomon," Blue replied with genuine relief, completely missing the mischievous glint in Sol's eyes.

  "Fine, whatever." Angelo pulled out his phone and handed it over with a resigned sigh. "Just make it quick."

  Blue scrolled through the messages with meticulous precision until he found Joe's text with his friend's contact information. He dialed the number with careful deliberation, holding the phone slightly away from his ear as if it might bite. The group unconsciously leaned closer, curiosity pulling them toward the conversation.

  "Brian speaking, who's calling?" A calm, measured voice came through the speaker.

  Blue straightened his already perfect posture, as if the caller could somehow see him. "Greetings, Brian. My name is Blue, associate of Joe Sturm. He recommended facilitating a professional meeting between yourself and the distinguished Professor Albert Goldstein."

  "Blue! Hello there!" Brian's voice instantly warmed with enthusiasm. "Joe's told me all about you and your 'companions.' I've thoroughly studied Professor Goldstein's research regarding your condition—absolutely fascinating material!"

  "I appreciate your academic interest," Blue replied, his scholarly tone carrying a hint of pride. "The purpose of my communication is to arrange an in-person evaluation of your qualifications and scientific approach. However..." He paused, brow furrowing slightly. "Perhaps I've been somewhat shortsighted in my planning."

  "How so?" Brian asked politely.

  "Our current location is Thunderclap Port, and our timeline remains indeterminate," Blue admitted, the words clearly difficult for someone who preferred precision. "The logistics may prove challenging."

  "That's actually perfect timing!" Brian's excitement was palpable even through the phone. "I'm practically in your neighborhood—staying in Pinekeep right now!"

  Blue's eyebrows rose slightly. "What brings you to such a remote location?"

  "Joe told me about this rather unconventional concert he's organizing," Brian explained, his voice dropping the enthusiasm. "Decided to tag along, with the research I was working on getting canceled and all of that."

  Red practically lunged at the phone, pressing his face against Blue's as he shouted, "Hold up—rock boy's there right now?" Blue struggled to maintain his grip on the device while simultaneously trying to push Red away with his free arm.

  "One moment please," Brian's voice grew distant as he called to someone nearby. "Joe! Someone's asking for you on the phone!"

  A few moments later, a familiar confident voice filled the air. "Hello? Who's this?"

  "How's it hanging, rock boy?" Red grinned, practically vibrating with excitement.

  "Wait—Angel, is that you?" Joe asked, clearly surprised.

  Red made an exaggerated buzzer sound, like a game show contestant giving the wrong answer. "Strike one! Guess again!"

  "No way!" Joe's voice lit up with recognition. "Blood Red? Dude, it's been forever! How's my favorite chaos machine running these days?"

  Blue lunged for the phone, his normally composed face twisted with frustration. "This communication is absolutely unacceptable!" he sputtered, trying to pry the device from Red's grip. "Your behavior undermines the entire purpose of this professional exchange!"

  "Sounds like your blue buddy is there too," Joe chuckled through the speaker, clearly amused by the commotion.

  Neiva covered her mouth, but couldn't stop her laughter from bubbling out as she watched the two duplicates wrestle like siblings fighting over a toy.

  Red twisted away from Blue's grasp, holding the phone just out of reach. "Hey rock star, why don't you and your nerd come join our little adventure?" he called out, ducking under Blue's arm with surprising agility. "Things are about to get interesting!"

  "Nerd?" Brian's voice carried a hint of offense through the speaker.

  Joe steamrolled right over Brian's protest. "I dunno, man. You guys already made me set up this whole refugee concert thing..."

  Something flickered in Angelo's eyes—that spark of sudden inspiration that always meant trouble was brewing. His orange aura erupted around him like a gentle flame, smoky energy tendrils shooting out to wrap around both Red and Blue. With one sharp yank, he pulled them backward, sending them stumbling away as the phone slipped from their grasp. Angelo dove forward, snatching it from the air with practiced ease.

  "It's me," he said flatly, straightening up and brushing dust from his shirt.

  "There he is!" Joe's voice brightened immediately. "I'd know that enthusiasm-free voice anywhere! The Angel of Death himself!"

  Angelo's mouth twitched into something that might almost be a smile. "Good to hear you too, rock star." He made a sharp cutting motion with his free hand, glaring at Red and Blue with a look that could freeze fire. "Both of you, shut it."

  Red made an exaggerated face behind Angelo's back while Blue straightened his non-existent tie, trying to reclaim some dignity.

  "Sorry about Red," Angelo continued, his tone shifting subtly. "Ignore everything he said. Trust me, you don't want to come here. This place is nothing but trouble."

  Sol's eyebrows shot up as he caught the false note in Angelo's voice, his detective instincts picking up on the obvious play.

  "... What kind of trouble?" Joe asked, his voice suddenly alert with interest.

  Angelo turned slightly, giving Sol a knowing look. "Complete disaster zone. Town's basically hostage to a dangerous gang. Only a matter of time before everything goes to shit." He laid it on thick, his voice dropping dramatically on the last words.

  The line went quiet for a moment before—

  "Brainy! Pack your stuff! We're heading to Thunderclap!" Joe's excited voice nearly blew out the phone's speaker.

  "What? No!" Angelo protested, his voice utterly unconvincing. "I literally just told you to stay away!"

  "And miss watching the Angel of Death take down an entire gang? No chance!" Joe sounded like a kid who'd just been offered free ice cream. "This is songwriting gold! I can already hear the guitar riffs!"

  "That's not what I—" Angelo began.

  "Can't hear you over the sound of me throwing clothes in a bag! See you soon!" Joe cut him off.

  "Hey, that's my phone!" Brian's voice faded as Joe was walking away with it.

  After a moment of shuffling noises, Brian's voice returned, clearer this time. "Is Blue still there?"

  Blue immediately perked up, straightening his back to perfect posture as he stepped forward. "Present and accounted for, Brian!" he called, still trying to hold Red at bay with one arm. "I am indeed still in attendance!"

  "Guess I'll see you there too," Brian laughed nervously. "Once Joe sets his mind on something, it's like trying to redirect a freight train with a feather."

  Blue nodded as if Brian could see him. "While the circumstances of our meeting have been... somewhat compromised by certain parties," he shot a pointed look at Red, "I nevertheless anticipate our professional exchange with great interest. We shall await your arrival."

  "Great! Looking forward to it!" And with that, the call ended.

  A beat of silence fell over the group before Angelo pocketed the phone and continued walking down the path as if nothing unusual had happened.

  Red bounded after him like an annoyed puppy. "What the actual hell was that?" he demanded, poking Angelo's shoulder repeatedly. "You totally stole my thunder!"

  "You're seriously accusing me of stealing?" Angelo didn't even break stride. "That's rich coming from you."

  Neiva hurried to catch up, nearly tripping over a loose stone in her haste. "Yeah, what was that about, Angelo? That whole 'oh no, don't come here' thing with the most obvious reverse psychology ever?"

  Angelo kept his eyes on the path ahead, his face unreadable in the deepening twilight. "Joe's an evolved Auron in the Triple A. Figured we could use the backup."

  "So you really are serious about confronting these Cliffhangers," Sol said, his voice losing its usual playful edge as he fell into step beside them.

  Angelo stopped abruptly, turning to face them all. The last rays of sunset caught in his eyes, making them glint like amber. "Dead serious. I'll give them the same chance I give everyone—reform or face the consequences." His voice dropped to that dangerous quiet tone that had made criminals tremble. "Their choice."

  Sol crossed his arms, the silver flecks in his hair catching the fading light. "But you said it yourself—your whole approach only works when they actually fear death. Right now, you're not exactly in a position to scare anyone."

  "You're right." Angelo nodded once, his jaw set with iron determination. "That's why I need to defeat their leader first. Cut off the head and the body follows." His eyes hardened. "Once I take down 'The Hanger,' the rest will understand exactly what it means to face the Angel of Death."

  The setting sun cast long shadows across their faces as they stood there, the weight of Angelo's words hanging in the air between them like storm clouds gathering before lightning strikes.