Dr. Lewis's office was quiet, save for the soft hum of the holotable as he flipped through mission logs and reports.

Seated across from him were Ember and Exeo, their expressions sharp, attentive, and brimming with a barely restrained energy as they listened to him recount what had happened during their absence.

"To start," Dr. Lewis began, adjusting his glasses and casting a measured look at the two brothers, "With your absence, Val has taken the role, and is now the leader of Team Unknown. He's proven himself… well, in ways that I'm not sure any of us anticipated. He's handled missions and threats that not many could stand against, even as an ARM user."

Ember's eyes glinted with pride, though he said nothing, merely nodding in encouragement for Dr. Lewis to continue. Exeo's expression was equally stoic but held an undercurrent of intensity, his gaze fixed on the doctor.

Dr. Lewis continued, his voice steady, "Val led missions against Black Lotus, Hades' Wrath, and their allies in the underworld. He's… changed, matured, in ways that I think both of you would be proud of."

Ember's grin spread, an almost predatory smile that spoke of his eagerness to get back into the fray. "That's my brother," he murmured with a hint of mischief. "So, what's the plan? I heard there was a new recruit. Where does the new recruit fit into all this?" His interest was clear, his curiosity piqued by the mention of a potential new addition to Team Unknown.

Dr. Lewis cleared his throat, shaking his head with a small sigh. "Ah, the recruit—Corporal Reyes. He's promising, yes, but currently undergoing two years of training under General Luis. The boy's good, but not quite… ready for the likes of you just yet." He shot Ember a warning look. "I'd suggest you hold off on any ideas involving him. The poor corporal's been through enough."

Ember feigned a look of disappointment, though a spark of interest lingered in his eyes. "Fair enough, Doc. I'll be patient… for now." He exchanged a knowing look with Exeo, who chuckled quietly, a rare softness reaching his gaze as he glanced back at Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Lewis gave a slight nod, then cleared his throat, his tone softening. "With all that being said, I know you both will want to see him… Val's still unconscious in the medical bay."

The brothers shared a glance, a mixture of relief and concern passing between them. Without another word, they rose to their feet, and Dr. Lewis stepped aside to let them go, though he didn't miss the quiet determination in their expressions.

The medical bay was silent save for the soft hum of monitors, their dim glow casting faint light over Val's still form. His face was peaceful, his breaths steady, though the faint bruises and cuts on his skin bore testament to the trials he had endured.

As Ember and Exeo entered, they were met by a familiar sight—Val's team, seated nearby with expressions that ranged from solemn concern to a quiet, pensive calm. Bo, Riggs, and Fon immediately stiffened at the sight of the two Bellator brothers, their usual confidence tempered by a flicker of unease.

Exeo offered them a small nod. "Bo. Riggs. Fon. Been a while, hasn't it?"

Bo managed a small smile, though his posture remained tense. "Exeo, Ember… It's good to see you both again."

Fon gave a shaky grin, though his eyes flickered with a hint of apprehension. "Yeah… uh, definitely great to see you both… alive and, well, here."

Riggs, ever the sarcastic one, muttered under his breath, "And here we thought Val was intense…" He shot a sidelong glance at Ember, who raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Ember chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. "What, did you all expect us to stay gone forever?" he teased, though his tone held a hint of warmth. "Come on, don't look so grim. We're back, and things are about to get interesting."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Bo, Riggs, and Fon exchanged glances, visibly shuddering as if remembering past encounters with the brothers' unique brand of 'intensity.' They all respected Val deeply, but his older brothers had a reputation that went beyond respect—they were both legendary and, frankly, a little terrifying.

After a moment, Ember's gaze softened as he looked at Val's team. "Thank you… for standing by him. You all have been there when we couldn't. We owe you for that."

Riggs, surprised by the uncharacteristically sincere tone, stammered, "Uh… well, yeah, we'd follow Val anywhere."

Ember gave a satisfied nod, then gestured toward the door. "Go on. Let us have a few moments with him."

The team exchanged glances, then nodded, understanding the unspoken request. They filed out of the room, each one glancing back briefly as if to ensure that Val was in safe hands.

Once they were gone, the room fell silent, and the two brothers moved closer to Val's bed.

Ember stood at his side, his gaze fixed on his younger brother's face, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Exeo stood at the foot of the bed, his eyes solemn, filled with a mixture of pride and lingering worry.

Hours passed in quiet vigil, the two of them watching over Val, waiting for the moment he would wake. They had faced countless battles, seen things that would haunt lesser men, yet here, by Val's side, they felt an uncharacteristic stillness—a shared recognition of the journey they had all endured to reach this point.

Finally, just as dawn's faint light began to creep into the room, Val's eyelids fluttered. He stirred, his brow furrowing as he fought through the lingering haze of sleep.

Ember leaned forward, his face looming into Val's vision. "Rise and shine, little brother," he murmured, his tone a teasing echo of past years.

Val blinked, his gaze unfocused, then sharpened as he registered the familiar face mere inches from his own. He bolted upright, his eyes wide with shock.

"Ember?" His voice was barely more than a whisper, disbelief coloring every syllable.

Ember chuckled, clapping a reassuring hand on Val's shoulder. "Yes, it's me. And Exeo's here too."

Exeo stepped into view, offering Val a gentle nod, his expression a rare blend of warmth and relief. "You didn't think we'd leave you all alone out here, did you?"

For a moment, Val could only stare, his gaze flicking between his brothers, as if fearing that they might vanish if he looked away. But as the reality of their presence settled over him, the disbelief gave way to an overwhelming wave of emotion.

"You're… you're really here, you're back," he whispered, his voice cracking as tears welled in his eyes. A choked sob escaped him, his shoulders trembling as the years of worry, fear, and loneliness surged to the surface, unrestrained.

Ember's teasing smile softened, and he wrapped an arm around Val's shoulders, pulling him into a firm, protective embrace. "Yes, we're here, Val. We're not going anywhere."

Exeo joined them, his hand resting gently on Val's back as he murmured, "You've carried so much for so long. It's alright, Val. We're here now."

Val's control shattered, and he buried his face against Ember's shoulder, the tears falling freely as he clung to them, his heart a tangled mess of relief and sorrow.

The weight he had carried alone, the burden of responsibility, the constant battle against the Void's consuming power—it all melted away at that moment, leaving only the profound, indescribable sense of belonging.

"I… I thought I'd lost you both," he choked out, his voice muffled against Ember's shoulder. "I tried… I tried so hard to bring you back."

Ember tightened his hold, his own voice thick with emotion. "We know, Val. And you did it. You brought us back."

Exeo's hand remained steady on Val's back, his voice calm but filled with a quiet strength. "You've grown so much, Val. Stronger than we ever imagined."

For a while, they remained like that—three brothers reunited, their bond forged through trials and strengthened by the unbreakable love they shared. Val's sobs gradually subsided, though the tears continued to fall as he clung to the two people who had always been his anchor, his reason to fight.

Eventually, Val pulled back, wiping at his eyes with a shaky smile. "I… I don't even know where to start."

Ember laughed softly, ruffling Val's hair with a fond grin. "Start with resting up. You look like you've been through hell."

Val chuckled, his voice hoarse. "I guess I have."

Exeo placed a hand on Val's shoulder, his gaze steady, unwavering. "And you made it back, Val. You made it back, and we're here now. Together."

A profound sense of peace settled over Val, a feeling he hadn't known in years. For the first time since his journey with the Void had begun, he felt whole.

They sat together in silence, the weight of the past few years finally easing as they shared in the quiet strength of their bond. The world outside would call for them again soon, but for now, at this moment, they were simply brothers—bound by blood, by loyalty, and by a love that would endure beyond any battle, beyond any darkness.