“That was more bothersome than expected,” Asaka said, placing a hand on the landfill. 

“He was quite the loathsome opponent,” Dearil said, inspecting his singed hair. 

“She wasn’t someone to take lightly either,” Imani said through clenched teeth, holding onto her bloody arm. “The amount of pressure she can force on that water is insane.” 

JJ leaned against the wall, aching and tired. If the Leaper had shot that kind of water at JJ, it would have been impossible for him to block it with his winds. And the Dancer... the spiked temperature and shimmering, orange glows about the hallway and the previous room were evidence enough of his strength. 

Not to mention the collapse blocking their path. 

“I’m going to kill that bastard,” Dearil growled, approaching the landfill. 

Asaka interceded, placing a burnt hand on Dearil’s chest. 

“He deserves to die!” Dearil said. 

“He will,” Asaka said. “But not now. Clearing this rubble will be a waste of effort.” 

“The ether won’t take me because of this.” 

“It’ll exhaust you. How do you expect to fight that Flame Dancer after you clear this?” 

“He was slowing. You saw it. We can easily–” 

“Calm, friend.” 

Dearil shook, then took a deep breath. 

“They escaped, for now,” Asaka said. “They will pay for what they’ve done. But later. We must return and report these events to our leader.” 

The trek back was slow, methodical, silent. A dull gape expanded in JJ’s chest. Even if he’d fought seriously, he’d have been useless. These Wielders were far more skilled than him and that Wave Leaper didn’t appear interested in helping. 

So much for them doing good. 

Activity bustled in the hideout, with members carrying medical supplies, what looked like luggage, and even bombs. A few turned to JJ’s group, but Asaka held up his hand. 

“We are alright,” Asaka said. “But we will be in the medical room. Please send Braiden to us as soon as you can. We have much to discuss.” 

Braiden appeared in the room ten minutes later. By then, Asaka and Dearil placed salves on their burns; a Serene member stitched and properly bandaged Imani’s arm. JJ sat on a bed in the corner: he didn’t have any injuries which required attention. 

“What happened?” Braiden asked as he barged into the room. “A sinkhole destroyed a street topside. Did that have anything to do with our uninvited guests?” 

Asaka detailed the fight, succinctly covering what type of Wielders they were and how they fought. 

“The man has Peace-Keeper training,” Asaka concluded. “And he’s skilled.” 

“The woman didn’t,” Imani put in. “But she trained somewhere.” 

“Can you take them?” Braiden asked. 

“We would have already,” Asaka said. 

“Had they not run like cowards,” Dearil said. 

“They are nothing to fear. Should we run into them again...” 

“They’ll be dead.” 

“Good,” Braiden said. “I don’t like them knowing where our hideout is.” 

“With that said, we should hasten the next step in the plan,” Asaka said. 

“Instead of in five days, we need to attack Wilkins’ headquarters tomorrow,” Dearil said. 

“To-tomorrow?” Braiden sputtered. 

“While those two Wielders are nothing to fear,” Asaka began, “it is entirely possible they could bring their intel to the Peace Keepers.” 

“The Peace Keepers would eventually investigate their claims,” Dearil said. 

“Two Wielders we can handle easily.” 

“Eight is a different story.” 

“So we strike.” 

“Before they have a chance to breathe.” 

It was almost amazing how in-sync those two were. JJ was still reeling from the fight, yet they were ready to speed-up Serene’s schedule. Could JJ find a way to slow them down without making himself look suspicious? 

“What if those Wielders also report it to the police?” JJ asked. “The Peace Keepers could let them hunt us down, too.” 

“I’m not worried about the police,” Braiden said, scratching his cheek. “Especially with that road destroyed. Cops are keeping people away from the hole. And the Peace Keepers haven’t let them investigate us yet. Why would they start now?” 

“They could stumble onto us because of the hole,” JJ said. “I know Yoularnon’s cops aren’t the Peace Keepers’ biggest fans, but they’d report anything they discovered.” 

“What do you suggest?” A light shone in Braiden’s dark eyes. He gave JJ a brilliant smile. “Oh, I understand. Aidan told me you had an idea about getting his boy and ours out of that prison. Are you thinking we should do that now?” 

“Um, well–” JJ began. 

“It could work,” Asaka said. “If the cops are distracted here in Howin, we could swiftly strike the police department and free our allies.” 

“When I mentioned that,” JJ put in, “I didn’t think we’d do it... now.” 

“But this is an opportune moment,” Dearil said. “If we can cause a greater disturbance because of the sinkhole, maybe even start a riot, we can gather greater police activity here.” 

“Leaving the department weaker,” Asaka said. “We can save our allies.” 

“And acquire more weapons to help our cause.” 

“But it would have to be done today.” 

“Within the hour, even.” 

“Can we even do that?” JJ’s breath was growing rapidly, sweat glistening his skin. “I mean, this is happening really fast.” 

“It’s alright,” Imani said, patting JJ on the shoulder and giving him a reassuring smile. “The pacing’s similar to Lendria. Once the boulder dropped from the mountaintop, it rolled until the job was done.” 

And Lendria was left a pile of rubble and ash. 

“I’ll contact Aidan,” Braiden said. “Get his gang to start that riot. That’ll give us time to plan the strike.” 

“If you move fast enough, we can attack before those Wielders file an official report,” Asaka said. 

“Though if they are going to the department, they may get there before you do,” Dearil said. “It may be smart for us to go there with you.” 

“It is also smart for us to rest,” Asaka said. “To regain our strength before the operation tomorrow. I am sure whatever crew Braiden uses will be sufficient in dealing with two tired Wielders.” 

Asaka and Dearil shared a hostile look. It didn’t appear like they disagreed often. Braiden ignored it, still thinking. 

“Asaka’s right,” Braiden said, nodding. “I know the guys for this job. We’ll use one of your surprise-attack tactics to get them. You all rest up. Next time you see me, we’ll have our friends back and even more weapons!” 

Braiden left, his enthusiasm inversely proportional to JJ’s current optimism regarding his plan.