A cloudy gray day greeted the group as they stepped outside the inn. The previous night's rain lingered in the air, carrying with it a chill that hadn't been present yesterday. Neiva stopped abruptly at the doorstep, her green eyes widening in realization.

  "Oh crap!" She patted her pockets frantically. "I forgot something important."

  Angelo turned, brow furrowed. "What now?"

  "My pocket Red!" Neiva spun on her heel. "Give me two seconds—I'll be right back!"

  She darted back inside the inn, the door swinging behind her. Sol leaned against the weathered building, hands tucked in his silver jacket pockets as they waited. Moments later, Neiva burst back outside, a tiny crimson figurine clutched carefully in her palm.

  "All set?" Sol asked, his confident smile returning as he pushed away from the wall.

  Angelo gave a curt nod, already scanning the street for potential threats.

  "Yeah, sorry about that." Neiva examined the miniature Red in her palm with obvious affection. "Just wish this little guy had some way to attach to my stuff. I'm terrified I'll lose him somewhere."

  Inside Angelo's mind, Red's voice carried that familiar mischievous edge. "I wonder..."

  Before anyone could react, the crimson energy of the pocket Red shifted and reshaped itself, a loop of the same glowing material forming on its head, perfect for attaching to a key chain.

  The group froze, staring at the miniature figurine. Angelo's eyes narrowed dangerously.

  "What the actual hell?" Angelo's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You can manipulate that thing without even coming out?"

  Red and Blue materialized beside them, crimson and azure smoke solidifying into their gray-tinted forms. Red tapped his nose with exaggerated smugness.

  "What can I say?" His predatory grin stretched across his face. "I'm just that damn good."

  Blue, in stark contrast, appeared deeply contemplative. "This discovery transcends mere convenience," he stated, adjusting his non-existent glasses. "The implications for our understanding of energy manipulation are potentially revolutionary."

  Sol snapped his fingers, excitement lighting his face. "Hold on—he just used his power without activating his aura!"

  Neiva glanced between the obviously excited Blue and Sol, confusion clear in her expression. "So... what exactly does that mean for us non-geniuses in the group?"

  Blue and Sol crossed their arms simultaneously, mirroring each other's thoughtful posture. After several seconds of intense concentration, Blue broke the silence.

  "I cannot provide a definitive conclusion without further experimentation," he replied, his scholarly tone precise. "However, this phenomenon suggests the possibility of manipulating permanent matter without the conventional activation of one's aura—a capability presumed universally impossible until this moment."

  "But that makes no sense," Sol argued, running a hand through his silver-white hair. "If this was possible, someone would have discovered it by now. The applications would be revolutionary for energy manipulation theory."

  Blue's posture straightened further as he considered. "Perhaps our unique constitution provides advantages others cannot replicate. As entities partially comprised of energy ourselves, we may possess an intrinsic connection to our creations that conventional Aurons lack."

  "Let's test it properly," Sol suggested, detective instincts fully engaged. "Red, try moving the doll without physical contact and without activating your aura."

  Red rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine, fine. Turn me into your little lab rat, why don't ya?"

  Despite his complaints, he fixed his gaze on the miniature figure in Neiva's palm. The tiny crimson doll slowly lifted into the air, hovering inches above her hand. Red's eyes remained their natural dark color, not a hint of crimson glow to indicate aura usage.

  "Extraordinary," Blue murmured, leaning closer to observe the floating figurine. "Can you generate additional constructs through this method?"

  Red's brow furrowed in concentration, his gray-tinted form vibrating slightly with the effort. After several seconds, he dropped his hands in frustration.

  "No dice," he admitted, shaking his head. "Can't make new stuff, can't even add to what's already there. Looks like I'm stuck with whatever I've already made."

  "So he's limited to manipulating existing forged energy," Angelo summarized, eyes never leaving the floating figurine. "The real surprise was that he did it from inside without emerging the first time."

  "This is incredible!" Neiva bounced on her toes with excitement. A memory flashed across her face as she turned to Red. "Wait—this is like that puppet thing you made! You could create backup bodies with permanent energy, then if you get knocked out in a fight, you could just switch to controlling those instead!" Her gaming background made the tactical advantage immediately apparent.

  Red's eyes lit up with dangerous enthusiasm. "Hot damn, that's brilliant!" He ruffled Neiva's bright red hair approvingly. "Sugar-tits, your brain's not just for decoration after all!"

  "I must document these findings for Professor Goldstein at our earliest opportunity," Blue declared, only to realize the others had already started walking down the street.

  With a dignified huff that no one witnessed, he dissolved into azure smoke and streamed back into Angelo, drawing startled glances from passing locals who quickened their pace to avoid the strange group.

  Neiva jogged a few steps to catch up with Angelo, who was leading them toward the edge of town. "So what's today's game plan? Are we splitting the party?"

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "You and Sol will continue the gem investigation," Angelo replied, pointing toward the beach below the cliff face. "We'll be down there training. Should be far enough from town that no one will care about aura usage."

  Sol crossed his arms, disapproval clear on his face. "I still think this vigilante crusade is completely insane."

  "It's fine," Angelo said, his tone leaving no room for further argument. "You can call if you need us. And if you need reconnaissance, Red's available."

  "The hell I am!" Red's face contorted with indignation as his eyes flared crimson, jabbing a finger directly at Angelo's face. "I'm only going along with your stupid training because I want to get stronger! Don't go volunteering me like I'm your personal attack dog! You don't give the orders around here!"

  Angelo swatted the accusing finger away, his eyes flashing dangerous orange as irritation spread across his usually stoic face. "Why must you always be such an insufferable hothead?"

  Sol smoothly inserted himself between them, turning to Red with his most charming smile. "Come on now, no one's ordering anyone around. But you've got to admit, when it comes to stealth recon, you're in a league of your own. Your talent for getting into places undetected is unmatched."

  "If by 'talent' you mean his complete disregard for privacy and propriety, then I must reluctantly concur," Blue's scholarly voice echoed through their shared consciousness, dripping with dry sarcasm.

  Red paused, narrowing his eyes at Sol's obvious flattery before his trademark wild grin returned. "Funny thing is, I know you're playing me, pretty boy." He chuckled, visibly preening under the praise. "But you're right—I am the best. Fine, I'll help if you need me."

  "Perfect! That settles—" Neiva's voice died in her throat as the ground beneath her feet began to tremble. Small vibrations at first, then stronger pulses that set nearby signs and storefronts rattling.

  "Earthquake," Angelo snapped, immediately scanning for potential hazards as panicked screams erupted throughout the town.

  Just as suddenly as it began, the trembling stopped. The screams faded into confused murmurs as townspeople hesitantly resumed their activities, casting nervous glances at the ground beneath their feet.

  "That was... odd," Neiva said, steadying herself.

  "Shortest earthquake I've ever experienced," Sol agreed, brushing dust from his silver jacket.

  "Forget that," Red interrupted, pointing along the horizon where the cliffs stretched outward from town. "Look out there."

  They followed his gesture to see massive sections of the distant cliffside still shaking violently, chunks breaking away and tumbling into the ocean while the ground beneath their feet remained perfectly still.

  "It's like the earthquake is still happening," Angelo observed, his voice dropping to just above a whisper as he studied the phenomenon. "But only outside the town boundaries."

  Sol stepped forward, his detective's mind visibly racing. "That's impossible. Unless..."

  He trailed off, blue eyes narrowed in concentration as they all watched the impossible scene unfold before them.

  "Anyway," Angelo said, casual as someone discussing the weather as he strolled toward the cliff edge, "you know how to reach me if something comes up."

  Without breaking stride, he stepped off the edge and dropped from sight. Several locals gasped in horror, rushing to the cliff's edge only to see Angelo's orange aura ignite mid-fall, his body catching the air like a leaf on the wind as he glided toward the beach below.

  "Hey!" Red shouted, his face lighting up with childish excitement. "Don't leave without me!"

  He sprinted to the edge and launched himself off with arms spread wide, as if diving into a swimming pool instead of a deadly drop. His crimson aura flared around him, transforming his plummet into a controlled descent.

  Neiva and Sol exchanged looks—half amused, half concerned—before turning away from the commotion they'd caused among the shocked onlookers.

  "Well, that's that," Neiva said as they walked back toward town, her fingers absently toying with the tiny Red figurine in her pocket.

  Sol ran a hand through his silver-white hair, sighing heavily. "I guess so. Just hoping he doesn't do anything stupid like challenging their boss. Though knowing his reputation as the Angel of Death..."

  "Yeah..." Neiva's voice trailed off, her shoulders slumping slightly.

  Sol kicked a small stone out of their path, his usual confidence dimming. "Being honest? When I first partnered with him, I thought having someone with his capabilities would make finding GHOST way easier."

  "You're having second thoughts?" Neiva asked gently, glancing up at him.

  "I don't know..." Sol's mouth twisted into something between a smile and a grimace. "It's more like—with his knack for finding trouble, I'm worried I might not live long enough to even reach GHOST." Bitterness tinged his words. "You get what I mean?"

  Neiva walked silently for a moment, her bright red hair catching the weak sunlight filtering through the clouds. "Can't say I do. Angelo gave me purpose when I had none. I'd follow him anywhere, even to my grave if that's where he's headed."

  Sol let out a laugh that held no warmth. "Don't know if I should be jealous or concerned about that level of dedication."

  "Look at it differently," Neiva said, surprising wisdom coloring her voice. "Especially for someone in your position."

  "Oh?" Sol's eyebrows rose as he turned to her. "What do you mean?"

  "Well," Neiva tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, warming to her topic. "From everything you've told us about GHOST, they sound impossibly dangerous."

  Sol's gaze drifted to the distant horizon, memories darkening his expression. "From what I've uncovered, they've existed for centuries. Every nation fears them. They definitely have some heavy hitters in their ranks."

  "Then maybe this is good practice," Neiva said bluntly. "If anything, you're the crazy one here, not Angelo."

  Sol nearly stumbled at her words.

  "Think about it," she continued, gesturing with her hands. "Angelo said most of these Cliffhangers are so weak that Red could handle them alone. But you? You're hunting an organization that's stayed hidden for centuries, feared by powerful people worldwide. Compared to that, this is just a side quest."

  Sol stopped walking, momentary shock giving way to understanding as her words sank in. His trademark confident smile slowly returned. "You know what? You're absolutely right. Maybe I am the crazier one here." He looked skyward, a laugh bubbling up from deep in his chest. "If I'm scared of these small-time thugs, how am I ever going to take down those legendary ghosts?"

  Neiva's eyes widened at what happened next.

  Sol clenched his fist and drove it straight into his own cheek with a solid thwack, leaving an angry red mark. "Oof! That'll leave a bruise." He rubbed his face, grinning despite the pain. "Thanks, Neiva. I needed that reality check."

  "Um, you're welcome?" Concern wrinkled her forehead. "But was the self-punch really necessary?"

  "Sometimes you need to knock some sense into the weak part of yourself, you know?" Sol's eyes blazed with renewed determination. "No matter what insane situation the Angel of Death gets himself into, I'll be right there with him! Because if I can't handle these obstacles, I'll never be strong enough to take down GHOST!"

  Neiva's worried expression melted into a smile. "Glad I could help."

  "Seriously, Neiva, you changed my whole perspective." Sol bumped her shoulder lightly with his own. "His talent for finding trouble isn't a liability—it's training for the bigger fight ahead!"

  Their laughter died abruptly as they spotted a commotion up ahead. A chubby man with an expensive-looking long coat was creating a scene, his voice carrying down the street as townspeople hurried past, carefully avoiding eye contact.

  "Why won't anyone talk to me?" the man called out, frustration evident in his booming voice. His gaze landed on Sol and Neiva, lingering as he noticed how the locals gave them the same wide berth. Recognition flashed across his face before he hurried toward them, moving with surprising grace for someone of his size.

  "You two!" he called, waving a meaty hand.

  "What's up?" Sol asked, his charming smile sliding effortlessly back into place.

  "You're not from around here, are you?" The man's eyes gleamed with interest. "I can tell because the townspeople are ignoring you too."

  "That's right," Sol replied, maintaining his easy demeanor. "Need something?"

  The man's face broke into a warm smile that didn't quite reach his calculating eyes. "Indeed I do. But where are my manners?" He gave a slight bow, the movement oddly formal. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lavvy."