Axel and Becca stood in silence, surveying the burnt grasslands.

  Four Watchers accompanied them, scouring the area for any signs or clues.

  One of the Watchers whistled sharply, drawing their attention, "Over here!"

  Axel move at blinding speed to the Watcher's side, "What did you find?" he asked.

  The Watcher pointed at the grass. There, amid the ashes, were melted knives embedded in the scorched earth.

  Becca caught up, her eyes widening as she took in the sight, "Do you think Ivy's okay?" she asked.

  Axel didn't respond immediately. His expression was calm, his gaze steady as he continued examining the scene.

  Becca frowned, her worry morphing into frustration.

  She gave him a light punch on the arm, "Why are you so calm? Ivy's in danger, and you're acting like everything's fine! What's wrong with you?"

  Axel glanced at her briefly, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips, but he said nothing.

  Moments later, another Watcher called out. Axel moved over at the speed of lightning, and Becca followed closely behind.

  The Watcher gestured to a small patch of sand where a sweet message had been scrawled—a heart with an "I" on one side and an "A" on the other.

  Becca folded her arms, irritation etched on her face, "What is happening? Why can't you just move like a normal person?"

  Axel finally turned to her, his grin widening, "It's all right. We can go back and wait for now," he said, walking over to Diego, his horse.

  Becca's frustration boiled over. She marched up to him, "What do you mean, 'it's all right'? How can you stay so composed? What if—what if the last time you saw Ivy was the last time? What if she's hurt or… worse?"

  She quickly wiped a tear from her cheek, but Axel had already noticed.

  He mounted Diego and asked calmly, "Is this about Ivy, or are you speaking from personal experience? Tell me, Becca—where's Emily's father?"

  Becca froze, her words caught in her throat.

  Axel's expression softened slightly, "I'm sorry if I struck a nerve. But you have to understand—I trust Ivy with my life. I know she's strong, and she'll find her way back. She's never given me a reason to doubt her." His tone turned firm again. "Now, are we leaving or not?"

  Reluctantly, Becca climbed onto Diego behind him. "Fine," she muttered, gripping his waist. "I just hope you're right."

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Axel turned to the Watchers and commanded, "Keep searching the area. If you find anything, report back immediately." The Watchers saluted before continuing their investigation.

  As they rode away from the grasslands toward Neverport, Becca noticed Axel veering off course, "Where are we going?" she asked.

  Axel didn't reply, instead guiding Diego toward the coastline.

  Becca decided to hold her tongue and wait.

  When they arrived at the beach, Axel dismounted and let his swords fall onto the hot sand.

  He pulled off his shirt, wiping the sweat from his brow.

  "CREEP! What the hell?" Becca shrieked, covering her eyes.

  Axel smirked, "Relax. It's scorching out here, and we're near the coast. I'd rather not sweat through my shirt while we train."

  "We can train another time!" Becca snapped. "Or, I don't know, keep your shirt on?"

  Axel's smirk faded, his demeanor shifting.

  He cracked his knuckles, his tone growing serious, "Becca, something big is coming. Worst case, you'll be here in Neverport, and I'll be on the front lines. If you can't handle sparring with me, how will you survive a real battle?"

  Before she could respond, he drove his foot into her stomach, sending her sprawling onto the sand.

  Gasping for air, she looked up, startled by the fire in his eyes.

  "You're the same girl who killed William with fire in your soul," Axel said coldly. "I want to see that fire again. In battle, we'll face more than swords—magic, monsters, horrors you can't imagine. If you can't stand up to me, you won't stand a chance against them."

  His right arm began to glow faintly, energy radiating from it. "Get up. Show me what you've got."

  ---

  Pi and Jay entered Neverport unnoticed, their attire blending seamlessly with the locals.

  Pi looked around, observing the lively streets. Children played, merchants bartered, and laughter filled the air, "Even amidst the chaos, their happiness persists," Pi mused. "If Joseph could see the peace this village has achieved, perhaps he would spare them his wrath. Don't you think?"

  Jay coughed violently, blood trickling from his nose.

  Pi's expression darkened with concern. "Are you all right, my friend?"

  Jay exhaled sharply, steam escaping from his nostrils as he tried to suppress his frustration, "Probably a side effect of the Hax. When will you be able to make more?" His movements were sluggish, his voice strained.

  Pi guided Jay to a bench, helping him sit, "Rest here. If fortune favors us, we'll find someone who can help heal you."

  Jay gritted his teeth, holding his head in his hands as frustration consumed him.

  Leaving Jay to rest, Pi wandered the village, searching for Axel.

  It wasn't long before he encountered a young girl with a sour expression, "Excuse me, young lady. Do you know where Axel is?" he asked.

  Emily glared at him, "He's with my mommy… somewhere," she replied, her tone laced with irritation.

  "Do you hate him?" Pi asked, crouching to meet her gaze.

  Emily pouted. "He's just a weird butt," she muttered, avoiding his eyes. But when she glanced up and saw the scar on Pi's face, curiosity flickered in her expression.

  "How'd you get that?" she asked.

  Pi chuckled softly. "From a very scary monster," he said.

  Before Emily could ask more, her friends called out to her, "Yo, Emily! Let's go play!"

  "I'm coming!" she shouted back.

  Turning to Pi, she added, "If you need Axel, wait at the presence room—it's to the right of here." Then, she dashed off to join her friends.

  Pi straightened, murmuring to himself, "Even now, you find ways to make people despise you, but you clearly different from back then."

  A light tap on his back interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he found Jay standing behind him, "Did you find the place?" Jay asked.

  "Yes. A little girl pointed me in the right direction," Pi replied. "But you shouldn't be walking—"

  Jay cut him off, shaking his head, "No time for that. Let's get this over with."

  Pi sighed, reluctantly agreeing, "Fine. Follow me."

  As they approached the large, wooden presence room, three guards patrolled its perimeter.

  Jay donned his mask while Pi's eyes glowed with a vivid purple light, a faint mist emanating from his body.