Location: Downtown Transit Grid – 22:13 PM
You were moving with Lia through the underground checkpoint—trying to relocate ECO and regroup—when the lights above flickered.
Kairo's voice crackled in over comms:
"She's here. It's Seris."
You didn't hesitate. "Where?"
But you already knew. Because her voice came from behind you—
"Hello, old friend."
She stepped from the shadows, in black Echo armor, eyes glowing like coals in deep winter. Her staff hummed to life.
Lia immediately stepped forward, blade drawn.
"No. This one's mine," you said quietly.
Seris tilted her head. "You always did protect your little squad. It's cute."
She surged forward. The fight erupted.
You blocked her strikes—barely. She moved with purpose, not fury. She wanted to win, but more than that… she wanted to break you.
"You never answered me," she hissed as she slammed her staff into your side—your vision flashed red.
You coughed blood. "Because you already knew."
Above ground – Police Dispatch
Leon's team intercepted the emergency call:
"Unknown enhanced individuals fighting near the old transit hub—witnesses confirmed Echo symbols."
Leon cursed under his breath. "He's in there."
He turned to his squad.
"Move out. Heavy gear. No delays."
Back Below – Battle, Midpoint
You and Seris were both bleeding now—staff clashing with fists, throwing each other across the station.
Lia tried to assist—but Seris summoned a kinetic barrier, locking you two inside a closed combat loop.
"It could've been us," she growled.
You grabbed her wrist mid-strike, slammed her into the wall.
"It still could have," you breathed, "if you hadn't chosen him."
"You left me!"
She struck your jaw. You barely stayed on your feet.
"I waited for you."
BOOM.
The barrier shattered.
Police stormed in.
Leon at the front, weapon drawn. "DROP IT, BOTH OF YOU!"
But Seris turned her gaze toward the nearest squad member and unleashed a blast of pressure that sent two officers flying.
Suddenly the entire underground was chaos. Shots fired. Barriers raised.
Seris was pinned briefly—but she smiled through the blood. "This is what he wanted. A city at war."
And in a sudden motion, she tossed a pulse bomb toward the ceiling.
"See you soon."
BOOM.
Smoke, debris, screaming.
She vanished into the smoke—leaving you standing among bleeding officers, collapsed allies, and a very pissed-off Leon.
Leon stormed toward you.
"You brought this here?"
You didn't answer.
He grabbed your collar, eyes burning. "You're getting too close to this. I don't know who the hell you think you are anymore."
You shoved his hand away.
"I'm the only one willing to go where you won't."
Leon stared at you, then turned and shouted for medics.
"You better be right," he muttered.