Sol burst from the forest edge, thoughts running wild in his head. The weathered buildings of Thunderclap Port spread before him, bathed in late afternoon light. His silver aura flickered and died the moment he crossed into town limits as several Cliffhangers shot him warning glances from across the street. He pretended not to notice, keeping his gait casual despite their stares.

As he approached the inn, a familiar figure caught his eye—Angelo walking toward the same destination from the opposite direction. Sol raised his hand in an easy wave.

Angelo returned the gesture with a halfhearted lift of his own hand, his expression unreadable as always.

They met at the inn's entrance, worn wooden steps creaking beneath their feet.

"Found anything interesting?" Sol asked, his confident smile never wavering despite the built up fatigue from the long day.

Angelo's eyes flicked toward the nearby Cliffhangers before answering. "That's what I should be asking you. Any breakthroughs on your Geodite investigation?"

Sol's lips quirked into a knowing smile as he nudged his head toward the door. "Let's catch up inside. My legs are killing me."

Angelo hesitated, shoulders tensing almost imperceptibly before he forced himself forward. Something in his expression suggested he'd rather be anywhere else.

The hallway's floorboards complained with each step as they made their way to their shared room. When Sol pushed the door open, Neiva's head shot up, her face brightening instantly.

"You're back!" she exclaimed, jumping up from her cross-legged position on the bed. "Did you find anything?"

Angelo slipped past without acknowledging her, making straight for the chair furthest from where she stood. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Neiva's smile faltered, her eyes tracking Angelo's deliberate avoidance. Red and Blue exchanged meaningful glances that spoke volumes.

Sol cleared his throat, dropping his silver jacket on the bed. "So... how's the training coming along? Anyone discover any new superpowers while I was gone?"

Neiva's face lit up again, practically vibrating with excitement. "Actually, yes! I finally figured out my aura type!" She bounced on her toes, hands clasped together. "You're looking at Thunderclap's newest metal Auron!"

Angelo visibly winced, his fingers tightening around the armrest.

"A metal Auron, huh?" Sol's smile tightened, hand unconsciously drifting to his chest. "Just like our friend Nova, who decided my ribcage needed some extra ventilation."

Angelo flinched again, harder this time.

"Don't be such a downer," Neiva teased, flicking her bright red hair over one shoulder. "Want me to show you the positive side of metal manipulation? I could probably stitch that wound up way prettier than whatever Red managed."

"I'm touched by the offer," Sol chuckled, gesturing toward a small brown bottle on his dresser. "But I've already hit up the local doc for some Regenwater this morning." He snapped his fingers, suddenly remembering. "Which reminds me—Red!"

Red jumped like he'd been shocked, eyes wide and unfocused. "What?! Who?! Where's the fire?!"

Sol studied him with narrowed eyes. "You okay there? You're jumpier than usual, and that's saying something."

Red's eyes darted toward Angelo before flashing his typical manic grin. "I'm not jumpy, YOU'RE jumpy! What d'you want?"

"Doc said I need these magic stitches removed once the internal bleeding stopped," Sol explained, tapping his chest. "Mind doing the honors? I'd rather not tear them out myself."

"Ah, piece of cake," Red drawled, not even bothering to activate his aura. He simply flicked his wrist toward Sol's chest, the crimson stitches dissolving into mist that hung in the air like bloody fog. With his other hand, he made a grabbing motion toward Neiva.

She yelped in surprise as her pocket Red figurine and phone floated out from her pocket. The crimson mist drifted lazily across the room and merged with the puppet before it dropped back into her outstretched hands.

"Show-off," she muttered, though her eyes sparkled with undisguised admiration.

Sol checked his reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall, examining the angry red line across his chest. It looked awful, but at least it wasn't bleeding anymore. The skin around it was already knitting together, the Regenwater doing its work.

"So," Angelo finally broke his silence, voice tight with impatience. "Are you going to share what you found, or are we supposed to guess?"

Sol's confident smirk returned full-force. "I've got something that would make even the most jaded detective's heart skip a beat."

"Cut the dramatic crap and spill it already!" Red demanded, bouncing on his heels. "The suspense is killing me!"

Sol pulled a crumpled paper from his pocket, smoothing it against his thigh. "You know those movie scenes where someone bumps into the protagonist and mysteriously slips them a note? That actually happened to me today." He waved the paper between his fingers. "Complete with cryptic riddle and shit."

Red snatched the paper before Sol could protest, cackling as he examined it. "Holy crap, this is so cliche I can't even!" His eyes danced with mischief. "What's next, a treasure map with 'X marks the spot'?"

"Let me see!" Neiva squeezed in beside him, her green eyes widening as she scanned the page. A giggle escaped her lips, growing in pitch as she continued reading.

Meanwhile, Angelo and Blue seemed locked in an unspoken competition for who could roll their eyes harder.

Red cleared his throat dramatically, holding the paper at arm's length like a royal proclamation. "'The Heart beats still beneath shadows cast by those who stole its light,'" he intoned, voice pitched absurdly low, while Neiva's muffled giggling grew stronger. "'Look where the eagle's shadow falls at midday—'"

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Sol lunged forward, snatching the paper back with an exasperated huff. "Laugh all you want, but whoever left this knows about the Heart of Geovale—and they know we're looking for it."

Blue stroked his chin, expression thoughtful despite the mockery moments before. "This development does present intriguing possibilities for our investigation. The clandestine nature of the communication suggests a source with significant information who fears retribution for sharing it openly."

"In normal-person speak," Angelo cut in, his voice cold as ice, "Someone wants to meet in secret. Now just need to figure out where."

"Already have." Sol tucked the paper carefully into his pocket, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Found the meeting spot—hidden cave behind a waterfall, classic hideout material. Note says to come alone after dark, no followers."

"And you're actually considering this obvious trap?" Blue's scholarly tone couldn't hide his disbelief.

"Of course it might be a trap," Sol replied, tapping his temple with one finger. "That's why I want to bring some backup that nobody would notice." His eyes slid meaningfully between Red and Blue.

A wicked grin spread across Red's face, eyes lighting up with understanding. "Oh, I see what you're putting down. One of us does the sneaky-sneak invisible thing while the other plays telephone. Not bad, pretty boy."

"Thanks," Sol's smile widened. "Gotta hand it to you, Red, you're smarter than you look."

"Ha! You got that right—" Red's expression suddenly soured. "Hey!"

"Consider it a triple-play," Angelo muttered from his corner. "You managed to insult all three of us at once."

Sol chuckled, spreading his hands innocently. "It's a gift. So, can I count on you two for some invisible backup tonight?"

Blue adjusted his non-existent tie, straightening to his full height. "While I typically avoid entanglements in potentially questionable activities, this particular scenario presents no apparent ethical dilemmas. The gathering of information through observation falls well within acceptable parameters."

"I'll take that as a yes?" Sol raised an eyebrow.

"Count us in," Red translated, bouncing with barely contained excitement. "I've been dying to see some real action since flame-boy flew off with his tail between his legs."

Sol clapped his hands together once, his silver eyes gleaming. "Perfect! Let's hash out the details before sunset."

Night had fallen over Thunderclap Port like a heavy blanket, windows winking out one by one until only a scattered few remained lit. The group moved through the darkened streets—Sol leading the way with purpose, Angelo and Blue following close behind, and Neiva trailing near Angelo despite his obvious attempts to ignore her presence.

A sharp voice cut through the quiet. "Halt!"

They froze as a Cliffhanger stepped from the shadows, his gaze flicking between them and the distant forest below. His eyebrow arched with suspicion. "What are you lot doing wandering around this late?"

Sol turned, his usually playful demeanor replaced by something harder, more dangerous. "We had a little disagreement that needs settling," he said, voice tight with convincing aggression. "Since your boss doesn't allow auras in town, we're taking it outside. Now buzz off."

The Cliffhanger's mouth curved into an eager grin. "Oh? Sounds like entertainment. Mind if I watch the show?"

"Only if you don't mind becoming part of it," Angelo added, his voice dropping to that deadly quiet that had made criminals tremble. "The Angel of Death doesn't have spectators."

The color drained from the Cliffhanger's face. He swallowed hard, taking an unconscious step backward. "On second thought," he stammered, "you can just tell me who won tomorrow, yeah?" Without waiting for an answer, he scurried off into the darkness.

They watched him until he disappeared around a corner before continuing toward the town's edge. The moment they reached the boundary, Sol glanced over his shoulder.

"All clear, Red," he murmured. "You can come out now."

Crimson smoke leaked from Angelo's body, swirling into the night air and circling around Sol like an impatient mosquito.

Angelo rolled his shoulders, as if adjusting to Red's absence. "If you get in trouble, I'll be there in seconds," he said flatly. "Don't do anything stupid."

"Your concern is touching," Sol replied, flashing his trademark confident smile. He turned toward the forest path, Red's smoke still dancing annoyingly around his head. "Let's go before our friend decides to bring reinforcements."

"I shall accompany you with utmost discretion," Blue confirmed, stepping into place behind Sol. Before following, however, he paused, turning toward Neiva with an expression that almost resembled worry. Then he was gone, disappearing into the darkness after Sol.

Angelo turned without a word and walked past Neiva, his shoulders rigid with tension.

She watched him for a moment, cheeks puffing with frustration before jogging to catch up. "So," she tried, voice deliberately casual, "what do you think they'll find out there? Buried treasure? Secret underground base? Boss fight with rare loot drops?"

Angelo kept walking, his gaze fixed straight ahead. After an uncomfortable silence, he finally muttered, "...Who knows..."

"Okay..." Neiva brushed her hair behind her ear, undeterred. "But you'll fill me in, right? Don't leave me hanging on the cliffhanger!" Her attempt at humor fell flat as Angelo continued his stony silence.

After several more excruciating minutes of one-sided conversation, Neiva's patience snapped. "Hey," she called, but he kept walking. "Angelo?" Nothing. She lunged forward, grabbing his shoulder. "What is your problem?!"

Angelo whirled around, his eyes blazing orange like burning coals. "BACK OFF!" he snapped, jerking away from her touch as if it burned him.

Neiva froze, her hand still outstretched, shock written across her face.

He averted his gaze, eyes fading back to normal as he realized what he'd done. Without another word, he quickened his pace, shoulders hunched with visible discomfort.

Deep in the forest, Sol approached the waterfall with Red's crimson smoke drifting alongside him. Even Blue had grown unusually quiet, making the sounds of the night—rustling leaves, chirping insects, the rush of falling water—seem unnaturally loud.

"There," Sol whispered, pointing toward the silvery curtain of water gleaming in the moonlight. "Can you slip inside while you're smoke? Check if someone's waiting?"

Blue nodded once. "The gaseous state should easily penetrate the water barrier without detection."

Red's smoke drifted forward, threading through the falling water and into the darkness beyond. Inside the cave, Red activated his energy vision, transforming the pitch blackness into a landscape of crimson colored lights.

"There is an individual present," Blue's voice dropped to a whisper as he relayed what Red was seeing. "They appear to be seated at some type of table."

"Any weapons?" Sol asked quietly. "Does it look like an ambush?"

"Negative. Their posture suggests waiting rather than preparing to attack. They appear to be... resting their head in their hands."

"Good enough for me," Sol decided. "I'm going in. Check the surroundings and make sure we weren't followed."

Blue nodded once, and began scanning the area, his eyes glowing piercing blue.

Sol approached the waterfall with careful steps, the cold spray hitting his face as he pushed through. The moment the water's rhythm was disturbed, Red saw the figure's head snap up.

"Who's there?" a feminine voice called out, fear threading through the question.

Sol's silver aura ignited around him, casting soft light across the cave's damp walls. He held his hands up, palms forward. "Pretty sure I'm the one you invited," he replied, keeping his voice light despite his caution.

The tension visibly drained from her shoulders. She reached for something beside her, and a moment later, a lantern flickered to life, illuminating them both properly. She was a woman in her early thirties with dark blue hair tucked beneath a worn beanie, her eyes sharp but tired.

"You solved it," she breathed, relief evident in her voice. "Thank goodness. I was afraid I'd made it too complicated. Thought I might be camping out here for days."

Sol chuckled, casually sliding his hands into his pockets as he approached the small folding table where she sat. "Not to sound ungrateful for the puzzle, but why all the cloak-and-dagger routine? A simple 'meet me behind the waterfall' would've worked."

"I have my reasons," she replied, fingers nervously tracing the edge of the table. "Good ones."

"I'm sure you do." Sol's expression hardened as he pulled out the chair opposite her, the metal legs scraping against stone. "So, the Heart of Geovale. I'm all ears."

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