The compound was dead quiet.
The air was perpetually cold, the black-glass walls of Unit 7 flickered with dull red emergency lights.
And then poof.
The Obsidian dropped onto the metal floor like smoke solidifying into flesh, squirming in a silent scream. Its charred chest glowed faintly with residual energy.
"Medic!" one of the soldiers shouted, racing forward with a stun rifle drawn. "This one's hurt, get the scientists down here, now!"
Footsteps echoed through the corridor as two white-coated assistants rushed in. One of them, a younger tech with trembling hands, yanked a communicator off his belt.
"Get General Pitman on the line. Now. Tell him we have a problem."
General Cory Pitman strode through the corridor with military precision, his jaw tight, boots echoing sharply off the concrete.
When he entered the operations bay, silence fell.
"Where is it?" he asked.
"Unit 7, sir," one of the medics said as General Cory Pitman entered the corridor. "It rematerialized ten minutes ago. Injured. Tissue damage is severe."
Cory's jaw tensed. He moved through the sliding doors into the holding chamber, where the Obsidian Reaper lay strapped to a reinforced table, dark matter tendrils flickering around its body. Its breathing was shallow. A cracked arm glowed faintly, broken and blackened.
He approached with cold precision.
"Reaper. What happened?" Cory asked.
The creature's eyes fluttered open. Its voice buzzed like a corrupted radio signal.
"There were two others... one human. The other... cosmic," Reaper rasped. "She stopped me from apprehending the target. She was strong. There were multiples of her..."
Reaper groaned, glancing down at its shattered arm. "She crushed me."
Cory's brow raised. "Run the memory playback," he barked at the nearest tech.
The monitor on the wall blinked to life, grainy footage crackling onto the screen.
It began with Brevin sprinting through a shadowy alley, panic in his movements. The Obsidian followed close behind. Then came a flash, and two women emerged from opposite ends. One was knocked into a dumpster. The other, lean and fast, dodged the strike, flipped upright, and then...
Glitch. The screen stuttered.
Then came the real strike. The woman appeared in front of Brevin like a guardian, attacking Reaper with force. Suddenly, another copy of her appeared, an exact duplicate and together they took Reaper down, one of them crushing its arm with cosmic precision.
Cory's expression darkened.
"Zoom in on that one. The attacker," he ordered.
The camera enhanced the woman's face. Cory's eyes narrowed.
"That's her. The suspect we were monitoring in California," he said. "How the hell is she in Colorado? And with whom?"
"Zoom in on the other one," Cory snapped.
The screen shifted. The other woman's face came into focus.
And Cory froze.
He didn't breathe. Didn't blink.
His ex-wife. Anika.
He hadn't seen her in almost two decades. not since their divorce. And yet, there she was, standing defiant and radiant as ever. Older, yes, but her presence had only deepened. She looked stronger. Sharper. Still graceful. Still hauntingly beautiful.
Now a threat.
Cory's hands clenched at his sides.
"Isn't that Dr. Ani—"
"Don't," he cut off the assistant sharply, eyes flaring. "Deploy a pursuit unit. I want them all found."
He turned to the technician. "Send Obsidian-02 with them."
"But sir," the assistant hesitated, "Echo still struggles with her human memories. She—"
"Did I not make myself clear?" Cory snapped.
The assistant paled. "Yes, sir. Of course." He grabbed his walkie. "Send Echo and a tactical team to Denver. Full recon mode."
Cory turned back to Reaper, whose body twitched under the weight of cosmic wounds.
"Don't let this happen again," Cory said coolly. "Rest. Your upgrade cycle begins tomorrow."
He left without another word, his boots echoing off the steel floor.
Outside the chamber, Lieutenant Colonel Monroe approached with a crisp salute.
"General Pitman, sir."
Cory turned. "Ah, Lieutenant Colonel Monroe. What can I do for you?"
"My daughter has a gymnastics competition tomorrow afternoon she's been reminding me every other hour. Requesting permission to attend?"
Cory's features softened slightly. "Of course! Wishing her the best of luck, and tell your wife, Kelly, that we miss having her bakery treats around here. She still owes me a batch of those cinnamon sugar cookies, and the peanut butter bars."
Lieutenant Colonel Monroe chuckled. "Will do, sir. Thank you."
Cory nodded, then turned and made his way into his private office. The door hissed shut behind him.
Inside, he stepped to his desk, tapped the control pad, and pulled the surveillance footage back up freezing it on Anika's face.
He stared at her image for a long, silent moment.
"All these years, you've been like a ghost," he muttered under his breath. "Now here you are... still meddling. Still working in the shadows."
He leaned closer to the screen, his voice lowering into a growl.
"How are you finding them? Where are you hiding? What are you planning, Anika?"
The room didn't answer, but the fire behind his eyes had already reignited.
The wind blew softly across the campus of the University of Oklahoma. It was a calm, sunny afternoon.
"Remember, we've got a quiz next Tuesday, and your final will be that Friday," the Kinesiology professor announced. "It's in the syllabus, but I'm reminding you now."
Sabrina Monroe flipped her long ginger hair over her shoulder, popped in one AirPod, and slung her gym bag over one shoulder. She tucked her textbook under her arm and headed for the door, scrolling through her playlist until she landed on her competition night mix.
Class was done for the week. Her focus now? Regionals.
As the star gymnast of the university, all eyes would be on her tonight.
But Sabrina didn't feel pressure. She felt ready.
Outside, the sunlight hit her freckled face just right, and the breeze played through her hair like it knew her name.
"Brinaaaa!" a voice called.
She turned just in time to catch her best friend Zuri sprinting up to her, arms open wide.
"Zuri!" Sabrina grinned, accepting the hug.
"Girl! I'm so glad it's the weekend. What time's the competition, boo?"
"6:30 tonight," Sabrina said, laughing. "And yes, I already asked Coach, you're good to be on the floor with us."
"Yasss! You know I gotta support my girl," Zuri said, gathering her thick curls into a ponytail. "Your dad coming?"
"My mom said he told her he was... but we'll see." Sabrina rolled her eyes. "He's always busy with work."
"Fingers crossed he shows. What you getting into before then?"
"Probably heading to the gym for a quick run-through, then swinging by my mom's. She's been begging me to come over all week."
"I knew Mrs. Kelly was gonna get bored the minute you and Jillian moved out," Zuri laughed. "My parents were thrilled to see me go."
"Girl, your mom stayed dropping you off at my house," Sabrina teased.
"You wanna come with me?"
"Hell yeah," Zuri said. "I'm tryna see if I still got it. Might tumble a little."
"You shouldn't have quit in the first place," Sabrina said, laughing.
"I know, I know... I let that stupid ex of mine talk me outta everything. But honestly, I needed that break. I was on the verge of burnout."
"Yeah," Sabrina nodded. "I feel that."
Zuri bumped her gently with her hip. "Okay, but what about you? Why haven't I been updated on your love life, Miss Mysterious?"
Sabrina smiled shyly. "I'm still figuring it out."
Zuri gasped. "Girl, what?! You like her! just go for it!"
"I do like Gina," Sabrina admitted. "But I'm still healing from Braxton. That whole thing left a mark."
"Ugh. Fuck Braxton," Zuri snapped. "Mama's boy let his mom ruin your relationship. Then she turned around and picked some man over him, and that dude kicked his ass out! Karma's a bitch."
"Yeah," Sabrina sighed. "I guess I just wanted better closure."
"Closure is overrated," Zuri said, rolling her eyes. "Gina's been rocking with you since freshman year. After that little summer fling y'all had, I'm telling you go for it. Just don't kick me to the curb again like last time, or we're throwing hands boo."
Sabrina burst out laughing. "I promise I won't! I'm sorry I did that before... I just didn't know how you'd react to me being bi. I was scared."
Zuri wrapped her in a big hug.
"Sis, you know I'm in your corner regardless of what you do or who you dip your toes in the water with." Zuri said smiling.
"You're the best," Sabrina said, hugging her back.
Her phone pinged. It was her mom.
Are you still coming by? ~Mom~
Sabrina smiled.
"Alright, we better head to practice," she said, unlocking her car. "My mom's already buggin'."
The gym was quiet except for the rhythmic echo of sneakers against the mat and the occasional clang of weights in the far corner.
Sabrina nailed her dismount from the balance beam, landing light on her toes. She stood tall, arms raised in flawless form.
"Still got it," she said under her breath, smiling.
Zuri clapped from across the gym floor, attempting a quick roundoff into a back handspring. Her form was strong until her foot landed just slightly off.
"Whoa—ow, ow—SHIT!" Zuri cried, collapsing hard onto the mat.
"Zuri!" Sabrina rushed over, heart thudding as panic rose.
Zuri was lying on her back, teeth gritted, her hand gripping her ankle.
Sabrina dropped beside her. "What happened? What let me see."
Zuri moved her hand and Sabrina saw it. The ankle was already swelling. It was angled too far left. Twisted.
"I think I rolled it bad," Zuri groaned.
Sabrina's pulse kicked up. Her breath caught in her throat. She looked around the empty gym no medics, no coach, no one but them.
She took a deep breath, grounding herself.
Stay calm. Just breathe.
As she exhaled, everything around her seemed to slow. The fluorescent lights dimmed in her peripheral vision. The sounds of the gym softened to a hush.
And she could hear Zuri's heartbeat. Fast. Erratic. In pain.
Sabrina blinked, startled. But her hands moved instinctively. She gently cupped them around Zuri's swollen ankle.
"I got you. Just breathe with me," she said softly.
A faint green shimmer flickered around her fingertips. It pulsed once then glowed steady, a soft, herbal light wrapping the twisted joint like warm moss.
Zuri gasped. "O—oh! Wait... girl what did you just do? The pain's, it's gone."
Sabrina's eyes widened. The light faded as quickly as it came.
"I—I don't know," she stammered, pulling her hands away. "Maybe all that Kinesiology and Anatomy finally kicked in." She forced a laugh.
Zuri blinked at her, confused but relieved. "Well damn, sis. You picked the right major. When you open your physical therapy practice, I better get free sessions for life."
Sabrina laughed nervously, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Deal. But let's not test my miracle hands again today, okay?"
Zuri sat up, testing the ankle. "Girl It doesn't even hurt anymore."
"Thank goodness" Sabrina sighed in relief as they packed up their bags. "Wouldn't want you missing the competition. I need my bestie there."
Sabrina glanced toward the glass doors leading to the hallway.
Someone was standing there.
A man, barely visible beyond the reflection. Tall, still, wearing a black jacket and sunglasses. Watching.
Sabrina blinked and looked again but he was gone.
She shook her head. Probably just a parent or campus security, she told herself. Still, a chill crawled up her spine.
Sabrina and Zuri pulled into the familiar gravel driveway of her childhood home.
The porch lights were already on, and the smell of cinnamon rolls drifted from the open kitchen window. Her mom, Kelly, never missed a chance to bake when company was coming.
"Mrs. Kelly stay acting like it's Thanksgiving," Zuri said, stepping out the jeep.
Sabrina laughed. "She's been trying to finally start her bakery business."
As they stepped inside, Kelly greeted them with open arms, flour still dusting her hands.
"My girls!" Kelly beamed from the kitchen. "Y'all better wash up and grab something before we head out."
"Yes ma'am!" they answered in unison, laughter in their voices as they kicked off their shoes and headed to the shower.
The doorbell rang.
"I got it!" Sabrina called, jogging toward the front door.
She swung it open and broke into a wide grin.
"Dad!"
Lieutenant Colonel Monroe stood tall in his uniform, boots polished, presence commanding yet warm. She ran straight into his arms.
"There's my champion," he said, his voice calm and steady as he wrapped her in a firm hug.
Over his shoulder, Sabrina's eyes flicked to the street.
A car sat parked a few houses down, engine off.
It was the same man she'd caught a glimpse of outside the gym.
Black sunglasses. Still. Watching.
Her breath caught. A flicker of unease pricked the back of her neck.
"You ready for tonight?" her dad asked, pulling back just enough to look at her.
Sabrina blinked and forced a smile. "Oh yeah. I'm ready."
"Oh, she's more than ready," Zuri chimed in, walking up behind them and holding out a hand.
He grinned and matched her in their elaborate handshake like clockwork. "Zuri! It's always good to see you."
"You too, sir. Been keeping your girl here in line while you're off playing G.I. Joe."
Lieutenant Monroe laughed. "And I appreciate you for that."
He gave his wife a a sweet kiss, then he yelled.
"Alright ladies imma get freshened up and we're heading out in ten!"
The gymnasium buzzed with bright lights, echoing cheers, and the rhythmic thump of music between routines. Sabrina stood near the edge of the mat, chalk dust coating her palms, her expression focused.
Her name was announced. Final round.
She stepped out onto the mat like it was second nature, her movements precise, fluid. Every twist, every flip, every landing nearly flawless. The judges nodded with appreciation, scribbling down scores as the crowd erupted.
But then, mid-pose in her final sequence, her gaze swept the bleachers.
He was there.
The man in sunglasses. Still. Watching.
His presence chilled the air, even among the cheers.
Her foot hesitated. It was only half a second just long enough to throw off her momentum. She recovered quickly, but not perfectly.
The music ended. Applause thundered. But her heart was pounding for a different reason.
When the scores came in, Sabrina placed second. A near-perfect meet... almost.
She stepped off the floor and was immediately met with her parents' proud smiles.
"You were incredible, baby," her mom said, pulling her into a hug.
"Very proud of you," her dad added, although a subtle crease of concern furrowed his brow. "That last pass was a little off. Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Sabrina said quickly. "Just... got distracted for a sec. But I'm fine."
She forced a smile. She didn't want to worry them.
Zuri popped up beside her, practically buzzing.
"Girl, you were still fire up there! And guess what? There's an after-party at Kappa House. We have to go. I'm not taking no for an answer."
Sabrina hesitated.
"C'mon," Zuri said, nudging her. "You came in second out of like thirty people. You still showed out. You deserve to celebrate."
Sabrina exhaled slowly. The tension in her chest hadn't fully left.
"Alright," she said finally. "Let's go."
Zuri grinned, already texting someone.
"And don't worry, I'll drive. All you gotta do is show up and glow."
They walked out of the building together, the sounds of the meet fading behind them...
unaware of the storm beginning to build.
The bass thumped through the walls of the Kappa House, rattling picture frames and echoing off beer-stained floors. Laughter and chatter bounced off every surface. Lights flickered between red and purple, catching on solo cups and the glitter on girls' eyelids. The air smelled of cologne, perfume, cheap liquor, and warm sweat.
Sabrina stepped into the crowd beside Zuri, instantly alert. Her gymnast instincts kicked in scanning the exits, clocking the rowdy energy. Her hoodie was tied around her waist, and her crop top hugged her tightly, but she still didn't feel fully at ease.
"Relax, Brina," Zuri said, nudging her with her elbow. "Look who's here."
Sabrina cracked a small smile, but her focus shifted when she spotted a familiar figure across the room.
Gina.
The brunette leaned against the wall near the back deck, hair curled effortlessly, dimples showing as she laughed with a friend. She wore a soft gray crop top and black ripped jeans, her presence radiant and grounded same as always.
Zuri saw it too. "Go," she said, pushing her gently. "I got you. I'll mingle and grab us drinks."
Sabrina weaved through the crowd, heartbeat quickening. Gina's eyes lit up when she saw her.
"Sabrina Monroe," Gina said, her smile warm. "Heard you killed it tonight."
Sabrina blushed slightly. "Took second place."
"Still proud of you. I know how hard you've worked."
They talked for a moment, slipping back into familiar rhythm easy, playful, something soft buzzing just underneath. Gina stepped in a little closer, and Sabrina leaned into it.
But then—
Gunfire cracked through the air. Screams erupted. The music cut out in an instant, and chaos unfolded.
People pushed past them, screaming and scattering. Gina grabbed Sabrina's arm, eyes wide.
"What the hell was that?!"
"Sabrina!" Zuri came rushing through the hallway, out of breath. "There's some man he just started shooting! He hit two people already. Come on! we gotta go!"
The three turned to run toward the back exit, but the man in sunglasses appeared in the crowd like a shadow ripping through light.
He raised the gun.
"Gina, move!" Sabrina yelled.
But the shot rang out first.
The bullet struck Gina in the side of her head. Her body jerked back and collapsed like a dropped.
Sabrina screamed. The world slowed.
Her body locked, breath frozen. Her vision tunneled. She fell to her knees beside Gina, hands trembling, eyes wide.
"No... no no no..."
All sound drained away. She couldn't even hear her own heartbeat anymore.
Then—click.
The soft metallic sound of the gun reloading echoed through her ears like thunder.
She stood up slowly, as if pulled by something ancient inside her. Her hands glowed an orange light pulsing like a heartbeat through her palms.
The man raised his gun toward Zuri.
"NO!"
A shockwave burst from Sabrina's hands. A glowing orange shield shimmered to life in front of Zuri just in time. The bullet ricocheted off the force field, sizzling into the wall.
Another shot fired. The shield expanded, now a glowing bubble protecting Zuri entirely.
Zuri gasped, wide-eyed.
Another victim cried out nearby the bullet hit them in the arm. Sabrina turned, instinct guiding her.
She bolted forward, legs pumping like springs. With explosive speed, she drop-kicked the shooter square in the chest, launching him into a stack of folding chairs.
He scrambled, dazed, reaching for a knife.
Sabrina flipped over a table, landed hard, and met him head on. He swung the blade she ducked. Coming with a quick blowout to his chest making him fall forward and she came up with a hard knee to his head. Blood gushing from his nose and mouth.
Her father's voice echoed in her head from long-ago training: "Control the wrist. Leverage the joint. Use their force against them."
She twisted his arm, disarming him with a clean sweep, the blade clattering to the floor.
He growled and punched her in the ribs once, then struck her two more times same spot. Pain shot through her sides, but she didn't fall.
He slammed her to the ground and began choking her.
Her legs bent sharply, flexibility kicking in. She pulled her knees to her chest, then kicked him square in the lower back. He howled and loosened his grip.
Sabrina coiled and launched a double-kick to his chest, sending him stumbling.
BANG!
A final gunshot cracked through the room.
The man froze... then collapsed.
Sabrina looked up, breathless.
Zuri stood several feet away, trembling, the gun falling from her hands.
They stared at each other. The moment held in the air like a stretched note.
Then they ran...