JJ sat back in a chair, feigning relaxation. Despite having joined only a few weeks ago, Serene’s other Wielders – Imani, Asaka, and Dearil – had given JJ a tour of the complex. 

Granted, the base itself was only two weeks old and they’d essentially built the place, so there was no one better suited for the job. 

That in itself made it impressive. Their Gifts helped turn a small hovel into this massive space. Despite most of the walkways embedded in stone, or the rooms carved from it, JJ never felt unsafe walking across the paths on the upper stories, nor did he feel claustrophobic as he peered into the rooms. Bright lights illuminated everything and each room was equipped with specific décor that separated itself from others. He’d passed the kitchen, dining hall, workout room, one that looked like a war-council, two large bedrooms and bathrooms, and even a vegetable garden – kept alive with large fluorescent plant lights. 

The most interesting, and deadliest, room was the tour’s last stop: the explosives armory. 

It stood alone on the top floor and was easily the largest. Sweat beaded JJ’s skin and his heart started hammering as he peered inside. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of military-grade bombs waited inside, stacked atop each other. Were one to blow, the rest would set off. Not only would it blast the entire base – killing them all – it could destroy all of Howin. 

JJ wanted to rid the city of Howin’s filth, not everyone who lived there. Sure, most of them were scum and evildoers, but there had to be a few people who didn’t deserve to be blown to bits.

Now, JJ sat in the war-council room with the other three Wielders, away from the other terrorists hustling about in the various rooms. He closed his eyes, trying to control his heart. 

“Cease fretting about the bombs,” Asaka said, his buttery voice compelling JJ to immediately trust him. “They’re deactivated and plenty of measures have been taken that nothing sparks them alive.” 

“And if those don’t work, I can kill them,” Imani said. “I can seep water into them and then freeze it. The ice frosts their fuel and they won’t blow, even after they’ve thawed.” 

“Something we discovered the frustrating way,” Dearil said, combing his fingers through his brilliantly long white hair. 

“You keep bringing Kumaran up like it’s a bad thing,” Imani said. “If I hadn’t tested it, the natural elements could’ve done it in the middle of a mission. These bombs have a design flaw. It’s way too easy to get water in them.” 

“The small openings in the corners allow for airflow,” Asaka said.

“Which these bombs use to aid their destructive power,” Dearil said.

“Gives oxygen to the flame.”

“Thus spreading the explosion to greater distances.”

“Even if water splashes into them, it will seep out eventually.”

“And in its liquid form, water does nothing to the blasting agent.”

“One needs to freeze the water in order to make the fuel useless.”

“Which one did.” 

“Before a mission.” 

Imani turned away, crossing her arms, while the others gave her an identical playful smirk. It was uncanny just how alike those two were. 

“I’m sorry to ask,” JJ began, “but what’s your story? How did you three get here? With a massive number of explosives, no less.” 

“It’s a long one,” Asaka said as Dearil’s face grew grave and Imani stared at the floor. “And filled with memories we’d rather not relive. Just know that Dearil and I were hired dogs of the government. When we determined legal forces no longer served moral ones, we left.” 

“I can understand that,” JJ said. 

The worst part was, he actually could. Wasn’t that exactly why he’d left the church? 

Knock that off! he berated himself. I’m nothing like them. I left the church to do good, not blow up cities. 

“And I’m guessing you... liberated those bombs from a Peace-Keeper facility before you left,” JJ said. 

“It wasn’t easy,” Asaka said. “But as you’ll see, we have particular skills which allow us to accomplish the impossible.” 

Their Ethereal Leader Marks burned in JJ’s vision. He didn’t need to guess at what incredible feats they could perform. 

“I’m surprised I never heard of it,” JJ said. “That’s a big deal, the Peace Keepers losing all those explosives.” 

“Do you really think they’d announce such a massive failure to the public?” Asaka said. 

“Good point. So was this recently? And how did Imani get involved?” 

“It was several years ago,” Dearil said, face lightening. “We’ve helped several organizations grow in power over the years, like Stalwart, Sky-Break, and Rise.” 

JJ ran his hand through his close-cropped hair. He knew very few facts on the first two – only that they were eco-terrorists similar to Serene, though located in Roateo and Nichugo, respectively – but Rise was one of the largest anti-government terrorist organizations. They had cells in all six provinces, their largest center of activity in Mesr. 

“That’s where they met me,” Imani said. “A couple years ago, they gave Rise firepower that helped us take control of Lendria. We couldn’t have done it without them.” 

JJ’s heart skipped a beat. Lendria wasn’t Mesr’s capital, anymore. In its prime it had been a huge hub of cultural and religious significance and one of Mesr’s most unique urban sights, being located at the desert’s largest oasis. Rise’s coup against the city had been over the news two years ago. From all the reports, the once-beautiful city had practically turned to ash. Now, it was little more than a wasteland. 

“You’re the reason Rise grew so powerful,” JJ breathed. 

“They had the power within them,” Dearil said. 

“We merely shoved them in the right direction,” Asaka said. 

“One I wanted to follow,” Imani said. “Rise got so many followers from other anti-government factions after that, and plenty of other Wielders. They didn’t need me anymore, so I joined these two to help other, smaller liberators fight the good fight.” 

Which took place in Yoularnon. The people who’d brought the downfall of one of Talam’s most important cities made their new residence beneath his home. 

Had Paul been right? Was JJ in over his head? 

Then, the lights blared red. 

“What’s that?” JJ asked. 

“Intruder,” Dearil said. “An undesirable’s found the hideout.” 

“Everyone!” Braiden called, rushing into the room. “Wielders attacked Ginnie’s party. She told me, grunted, then cut-off.” 

“Where were they?” Imani asked. 

Braiden tapped his wristband. “I’ll send you the spot. But be careful. If they took out her group, then they’re strong.” 

“Don’t forget that so are we,” Dearil said. 

“Looks like you won’t have to wait to see what we can do, JJ,” Asaka said with a devious smile. “Are you ready?” 

JJ tried to smile, but his nerves only allowed for a lip-spasm. These intruders… what if they were also trying to take down Serene? Would he have to fight people he was technically on the same side with? 

I have to stay in cover. JJ rose, trying to choke his anxieties. I have to fend these people off so I can continue my infiltration. But... 

What if he were to give these Wielders some warning about how dangerous Serene actually was? Maybe they could help him. Perhaps taking down Serene wasn’t an impossible dream. 

JJ rose, steeling himself. “As I’ll ever be.”