The damp cave walls glistened in the lantern light, making shadows dance as water droplets fell from stalactites overhead. The rhythmic rush of the waterfall outside muffled their voices, nature's own privacy screen for this clandestine meeting.

Sol settled into the folding chair opposite the blue-haired woman, metal legs scraping against stone. His blue eyes studied her carefully, noting the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers nervously traced the edge of the makeshift table.

"So, the Heart of Geovale," Sol began, then paused, his usual confident smile softening. "Actually, before we dive into that mystery, maybe introduce yourself? Hard to trust someone when I don't even know their name."

She glanced up, tucking a strand of dark blue hair beneath her worn beanie. "I'm Samantha," she offered, shoulders relaxing slightly. "Most people just call me Sam."

"Well, hello Sam." Sol leaned back, a genuine warmth replacing his detective's intensity. "I'm Solomon, but friends call me Sol." They both smiled, a shared understanding between them. He tilted his head, eyes brightening with curiosity. "You obviously know what I'm investigating, which raises the question—how?"

"I spoke to Josef and—" she started.

Sol's expression darkened instantly. "He told you about us?" He slammed his palm against the table, making the lantern jump. "Damn it. I specifically asked him to keep quiet."

"No, no!" Sam raised her hands defensively, eyes widening. "Josef didn't betray your confidence. I just... connected some dots." Her fingers twisted together nervously. "When strangers come asking questions about the Heart, it's not exactly difficult to figure out what they're after."

Sol's tension eased, his playful confidence returning. "Fair enough. So what are you, then? Local detective? Former security?"

"Nothing that impressive," Sam replied with a bitter half-smile. "Just someone who's had ten years to think about that night." She straightened in her seat, resolve hardening her features. "But that's not important right now. What matters is why I needed all this secrecy." Her eyes darted around the cave, voice dropping almost to a whisper. "I believe Hugo—the Hanger himself—stole the Heart of Geovale with his Cliffhangers."

Sol's eyebrows shot up, silver hair catching the lantern light as he leaned forward. "That's quite the accusation. The timing is definitely suspicious, but..." He tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. "What evidence supports this theory?"

Sam's shoulders slumped. "Technically? Nothing concrete." Her gaze dropped to her hands. "No smoking gun, no confession, nothing that would stand up to scrutiny."

"Then maybe it wasn't the Cliffhangers after all," Sol suggested, hope flickering across his face. "Why would the thieves stick around the scene of their crime for a decade? Doesn't make strategic sense."

"Because," Sam leaned forward, eyes suddenly intense, "anyone who's ever seriously investigated this mystery has disappeared. Anyone who digs too deep ends up dangling from the cliff's edge." She shuddered visibly. "That's why I couldn't risk being seen with you. They're watching, always watching."

Sol stroked his chin, detective's mind whirring. "I don't know... the Cliffhangers aren't exactly subtle. Could they really execute such a perfect heist without leaving a single trace? Even master criminals make mistakes."

"Don't underestimate Hugo." Sam's voice hardened, years of fear giving her words weight. "The jovial brute act? It's exactly that—an act. There's a calculating mind behind that beer-commercial smile." She eyed him with sudden suspicion. "You sound like you have someone else in mind."

Sol's jaw tightened, blue eyes growing cold. "I do. An organization that specializes in disappearing acts—both evidence and witnesses. They pride themselves on leaving nothing behind."

"Well, I haven't seen any sign of mysterious outsiders operating in Thunderclap." Sam crossed her arms defensively. "And believe me, I've been watching."

"They wouldn't be obvious," Sol countered, leaning forward. "In fact, what if a member of the organization I'm hunting infiltrated the Cliffhangers years ago? Perfect cover—hide in plain sight."

"I couldn't say." Sam shook her head, exhaustion momentarily overtaking her features. "All I know is that asking questions about the Heart is dangerous. I wanted to investigate back when it first happened, but..." Her voice trailed off, heavy with regret. "I have a son. I can't risk leaving him alone with no one."

Something in her words tugged at Sol's heart. He softened his tone. "What happened to his father, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Hugo happened." Bitterness laced each syllable as Sam stared into the lantern flame. "Three years after the Heart vanished, once the Cliffhangers had secured their chokehold on the town, Hugo implemented his version of 'fair distribution' of mining profits." Her hands clenched into fists. "My husband had enough. Said someone needed to stand up to the tyrant."

A single tear formed at the corner of her eye, catching the lantern light like a tiny diamond. "The next time I saw him, Hugo had gathered the entire town at the cliff's edge. He..." Her voice cracked, the tear finally breaking free. "He personally placed the noose around my husband's neck."

She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket, dabbing at her eyes. "I've continued investigating on my own since then. Baby steps, staying out of sight, but never giving up."

Sol's expression hardened, righteous anger burning in his blue eyes. "Don't worry, Sam. I have a feeling Hugo will soon have an appointment with justice's messenger." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And the Angel of Death doesn't reschedule."

Hope flickered across Sam's face like fragile candlelight. "I've been praying for that day."

"Let's meet again," Sol suggested, standing up and offering his hand. "Next time, I'll bring my team. With their skills and your knowledge, we might finally crack this case wide open."

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Streetlamps cast long shadows across Thunderclap Port's empty streets as Neiva watched Angelo's retreating back. Her chest tightened with each step he took away from her, frustration building like pressure in a shaken bottle. The cobblestones beneath her feet seemed to vibrate with her emotions until something inside her finally snapped.

Her blue aura erupted around her like gentle flames as she sprinted forward. With newfound Auron strength, she leapt high into the night air, flipping gracefully over Angelo before landing directly in his path. Her blue eyes blazed with determination and hurt as she blocked his way.

Angelo froze, genuine alarm flashing across his usually stoic face. "Are you insane?" he hissed, glancing nervously at the darkened windows around them. "Power down before someone sees you!"

"Forget the Cliffhangers!" Neiva's voice cracked with emotion, her blue aura pulsing brighter with her anger. "What's wrong with you? You think I haven't noticed how you've been avoiding me?"

"Keep your voice down," Angelo warned, his eyes flaring dangerous orange in the darkness. "You're going to wake the entire town and bring those thugs down on us."

"I don't care!" Neiva's words echoed between the buildings as tears welled in her eyes. "You talk to Red and Blue! You talk to Sol! It's just me you're treating like I don't exist!" She jabbed a finger into his chest. "STOP IGNORING ME!"

Angelo took a step back as if she'd physically struck him. His jaw trembled, breath catching in his throat as he struggled to maintain his composure.

"I have no idea what came over you," Neiva continued, hands gesturing wildly as her emotions poured out. "When I was kidnapped, you were relieved to see me! You were proud I became an Auron!" Her voice dropped to a desperate whisper. "So why are you like this now? What did I do wrong?"

Her knees buckled as the fight drained out of her. She crumpled to the ground, burying her face in her hands. "What did I do? What did I do...?" she repeated, each word smaller than the last.

Angelo's hard expression finally cracked, genuine concern replacing his stern mask. He dragged a hand down his face, then ran it through his dark hair with a deep sigh that seemed to come from his very soul.

"You didn't do anything wrong," he admitted, the words clearly costing him something to say.

"Then why...?" Neiva looked up at him through tear-streaked fingers. "Why do I deserve this from the person I care about most?" Her voice broke on the final word.

Angelo rubbed his forehead, shoulders slumping with invisible weight. "You don't deserve it," he said quietly, his voice barely audible above the night sounds. "It's not your fault."

Silence fell between them, broken only by Neiva's quiet sobs and the distant sound of waves against the cliffs. Angelo stood rooted in place, clearly trapped in his own private hell.

"Angelo." Red's voice cut through their shared mental space, unusually serious without its typical manic energy. "Tell her the truth. Get it off your chest. You and Blue once demanded I accept my existence. Now it's your turn to accept YOUR circumstances. Neiva's your student, your friend—and she's also a metal Auron. Just. Like. HER."

The last word like a hammer to his face, Angelo turned away from Neiva, gazing up at the full moon hanging over the town. The empty street, the silver light, the confrontation—it all felt too familiar. "Huh," he muttered, a soul-deep sigh escaping his lips. "Just like back then. The universe loves its sick jokes."

"Huh?" Neiva lifted her head.

He squared his shoulders, decision made. "Fine. I'll tell you."

Neiva stared at him with a blank expression, wiping tears from her cheeks as she watched his back tensely.

"The truth is..." Angelo's hands clenched at his sides. "I despise metal Aurons. I hate them with every fiber of my being." He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes meeting hers. "So when you turned out to be one... I didn't know how to deal with it."

"But why?" Neiva asked, voice small and uncertain. "Why do you hate metal Aurons so much?"

"Because of the Grim Reaper." Angelo's eyes narrowed, haunted by memories that clearly still cut deep. "She was an evolved metal Auron... And my biggest regret."

Neiva's eyes widened as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks, the revelation hitting her like a physical blow.

"I made mistake after mistake after MISTAKE!" Angelo suddenly shouted, kicking a loose stone with enough force to send it skittering across the street. "First I chased after that STUPID rumor! Then I actually went to MEET the bitch after she lured me to her house!" He threw his hands up, rage pouring off him in waves. "I ignored Red's warnings! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!"

His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, the air around him shimmering as his control slipped. But then, without warning, a memory rose unbidden:

Bill's grin could have lit up the street by itself. "Not a chance! I'm with you all the way!"

Like a puppet with cut strings, his entire body seemed to collapse in on itself. His voice, when it came again, was hollow with defeat.

"But my biggest mistake was taking him with me," he whispered, the words hanging in the night air like a confession. "I was supposed to be his superior. I'd faced all kinds of criminals before—some incredibly cunning. I should have been more careful, but..."

"But what?" Neiva prompted gently, rising to her feet.

Angelo finally turned to face her fully, unshed tears making his eyes gleam in the moonlight. "But I liked him. I liked his company." The admission broke something inside him, tears finally spilling down his cheeks. "He was the first person who ever enjoyed being around me, even though I was... weird."

"What about Harry?" Neiva asked softly, her own anger forgotten. "Wasn't he your childhood friend?"

"Harry was always a prick." Angelo shook his head, wiping his tears roughly with the back of his hand. "We trained together, but he was never friendly. I never felt accepted by him, not like with Bill."

"Now I understand why you hated Nova so much," Neiva said, realization dawning on her face.

Angelo looked down at the cobblestones. "Yeah... She has Jill's powers and Bill's aura color." He winced visibly. "Like some twisted cosmic joke." His eyes met Neiva's again. "And to make things worse, she has my mother's name."

Neiva's hand flew to her mouth. "That's right! How could I have been so blind?" Fresh tears streamed down her face.

"Why are you crying again?" Angelo asked, genuine confusion in his voice.

"Because I don't know what to do now!" Neiva sobbed, hugging herself tightly. "Now that I understand, how can I possibly be angry with you? Every time you see me use my powers, you probably think of her." She shook her head furiously. "I've been hurting you without even knowing! But..." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I can't change what I am. I'm stuck like this, aren't I?" Her body trembled with quiet sobs.

Angelo's expression softened, something unfamiliar and vulnerable crossing his typically severe features. "No, it's not you who needs to change. It's me." He took a hesitant step toward her. "I can't let the ghosts of my past control my future."

Then Angelo did something that made Neiva gasp in surprise—something that even shocked Red and Blue through their mental connection. He wrapped his arms around her in an awkward but genuine hug.

"I'm sorry, Neiva," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm sorry I was cruel to you. I promise I won't let Jill have her way with me anymore."

She returned his embrace fiercely, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Does that mean you'll train me too? Not just Red and Blue?"

"Yes," Angelo answered, the simple word carrying the weight of a solemn oath. "I will."

Back at the waterfall cave, Red seemed to have his wild energy back as he made circles above their heads, the sudden movement made Sam look up, eyes widening in panic "What the heck is that?!" She moved backwards quickly, her chair scraping the rocky floor.

Outside the cave, hidden among the shadows, Blue perched on a high branch overlooking the area. His eyes glowed with piercing azure light as something in the distance caught his attention.

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