James sat on the damp, cool floor of the abandoned rat dungeon and faced his teammates, a solemn expression etched on his face. Maria's small flames flickered, casting eerie shadows on the underground lair's walls, amplifying the moment's gravity.

"I found something today." He began, his voice resonating in the confined space. "While at home, trying to distract myself from... everything, I rummaged through my dad's old stuff. He kept a box of personal belongings, mostly memories. I've stopped digging through it for the last few months, but today, I guess I needed to feel connected to him somehow."

His teammates listened intently, sensing the importance of what he was about to reveal. James didn't often speak of his family; whenever he did, it was because of something important.

"In the box, I found an old phone among photographs and various keepsakes. It's one of those models from before the System, you know?" James's voice held a tinge of nostalgia as he dug through his pockets, revealing the old device to the others. "I was surprised it still worked. I found a charger and powered it up." With that, he turned it on, which it managed to do after a few seconds of stillness.

The start-up sound rang very loud, startling the others and making James chuckle. "There were several unread messages on it. Most were old, some spam, others personal texts from friends and acquaintances. But one message stood out. It was sent just a day after Miss Walker disappeared. Which is very weird, because this phone has been turned off for years."

The group shifted uncomfortably, the mention of James' father and the vulnerability with which he was opening up bringing concern to their faces.

"The text was from a number saved as 'Love,' which might be my mother's. I haven't heard from her in years, not since she left shortly after Dad returned from his deployment. But this message." James hesitated, a mix of confusion and disbelief in his voice. "It was addressed to me."

His teammates exchanged glances, the weight of the revelation settling over them. James had very deliberately avoided ever mentioning the woman, so hearing him be so open about her was a new experience.

"The message was vague, saying someone was safe and would be busy for a while. At first, I thought it might be about my mom, but the timing... it's too coincidental. It was sent right after Miss Walker went missing. I think... I think it's about her. That she's alive and out there somewhere. And that whoever has my mom's phone might be with her."

Lauren spoke up, her voice steady despite the turmoil on her face. "That's a significant assumption. Why would your mother have information about Miss Walker? What's her connection to all this?"

James sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know much about her, honestly. My last memory of her is vague. She mentioned something about going to Siberia for some urgent business. She was always secretive and involved in things she never talked about. Dad's journal hinted at her having connections with dangerous people."

Daniel interjected, his analytical mind piecing together the information. "Siberia? That could be linked to the events there years ago. There was a huge area that blew up after the Russians sent nuclear bombs into an S-rank dungeon, and it spilled everywhere. I think a huge chunk is condemned for more than a thousand years. It used to be a huge story, but people don't talk about it much these days. It's just a good reminder as to why you don't just drop nuclear weapons on dungeons, despite how easy it sounds."

James nodded, acknowledging Daniel's insight. "Exactly. The timing of her departure and the events in Siberia made me wonder if she was involved somehow. Maybe as an Awakener, maybe something else. Dad's journal was always vague about her activities, but he seemed to believe in her abilities, almost with a sense of awe. I wouldn't say I like thinking about her, too many old wounds, but I can recognize she probably was a very resourceful person. If she survived this long and Awakened, it'd be like her to be involved in something like this."

Maria leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Do you think she might be a high-ranked Awakener then? Involved in covert operations or something of that nature?"

James exhaled slowly, a pensive look crossing his face. "I've always had this... feeling about her. It's hard to explain. Like she was part of a world much bigger and more dangerous than I knew. I tried hard not to think of her because being abandoned so soon after Dad came back from deployment always hurt too much. I guess it's possible she became a high-rank Awakener. Dad's confidence in her abilities suggests she was no ordinary person, though, at the time, the System had still not arrived, so he was referring to her as a normal person."

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Lauren raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "Are you sure it's not just wishful thinking? Maybe you're hoping she's this mysterious, powerful figure because it'd give some meaning to her leaving."

The question stung, but James pushed aside the hurt, understanding Lauren's need for clarity. "It might be. I won't deny that a part of me wants to believe she's more than just someone who abandoned us, despite having spent the last years doing my best to forget about her. But the pieces fit too well. The timing of her departure, the nature of her work, the message coinciding with Miss Walker's disappearance, and the fact that it came to Dad's old number. It feels like more than just a coincidence. I can't think of anyone else who could have sent this if not her or someone in close contact with her."

I don't have that much to go on, mainly because I can't remember stuff about her. My MIND is high these days, but it doesn't help with memories that have already degraded with time. Still, considering how Dad talked about her, if there is someone who could survive the mess that's Siberia and somehow be involved in a shadowy conspiracy spanning across the globe, it's her.

Ezekiel, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "If she is involved, it could mean she's caught up in something big. Maybe she's on the run or deep undercover. That could explain the cryptic message and why it was sent to your dad’s phone."

James nodded, feeling a sense of validation from Ezekiel's words. "Exactly. And if she's involved with Miss Walker's situation, it could be a lead we can follow. We need to figure out what she knows, why she sent that message, and how it's connected to everything happening with the AA."

The team fell into a contemplative silence; each member lost in thought, considering the implications of what they had learned.

James looked at his teammates, a determined glint in his eyes. "We need to tread carefully. This isn't just about finding Miss Walker anymore. It's about uncovering a conspiracy that could go to the very top. We're in this together, and we'll find the truth, no matter where it leads us." The group nodded in agreement, a newfound resolve settling over them.

"I'm still hung up on why they would need us." Lauren said. "I understand that we are a point of contact, but why would they think someone like Miss Walker would break cover for us? Yes, she likes us, but if she was driven into hiding, she wouldn't give it up to contact us."

James sighed. He could understand the Rogue's frustration with the lack of an answer. The whole thing was still shrouded in mystery, and most of what they had was speculation based on assumptions that might very well prove incorrect. "I don't think that was their main prong of investigation. Likely, they just wanted to check every possibility. The bigger question is why, exactly, they want to get their hands on Miss Walker. It didn't look like the kind of effort you'd organize to save someone."

"I agree." Daniel said. "That is the most pressing question. We know she was snooping around for something, and James has told us the Director reacted weirdly when she informed him of her rank-up."

"More than that." James interrupted. "She was already aware of it and didn't seem particularly surprised that people at the agency's helm might have something of a grudge towards her when I asked about it."

"So, we know there was some tension between her and the Director, shortly after she disappeared after being drafted, alongside several other high-ranking Awakeners. And now we know that the AA is still looking for her, likely because they think she's alive and want to prevent her from talking about something. Lastly, James' mom's possible message." Ezekiel recapped, earning nods from all around.

We don't have much to go on, but there is still something there. It's pretty evident that, while we don't have all the answers, our suspicion that a conspiracy might be going on is correct. Now, we just need to find out what it's about and who's involved. It's easier said than done, but we can't let it go. Especially now that mom might be involved.

"About the message." Maria said, breaking the silence. "Do you think we should reply? Even if it's been six months, it could still be worth a try."

James pulled out the phone, staring at the screen thoughtfully. "It's a risk. Whoever sent this was very careful not to be too specific, which makes me think it's not secure. But it might also be our only lead. If we're vague enough, we might learn something without giving too much away."

After a brief discussion, they agreed on a simple message: "Thank you for the information. If possible, a meeting would be beneficial."

James typed the message and sent it, a sense of anticipation filling him as it disappeared into the digital ether. He knew it was a long shot, but it was one he had to take.

Turning their attention back to the AA and their recent interrogations, the team discussed their next moves. "We need to keep our activities regular.” James suggested. "We can't tip off anyone that we might be onto something. But we should also start looking for allies, or at least information. Mr. Bethany might know something, or he might even be involved."

Lauren nodded in agreement. "I'll see if I can reach out to him subtly. He's always been supportive, and if he's not involved, he might be able to help us or at least point us in the right direction."

"Meanwhile, we keep training, keep going on missions, and stay alert.” Daniel added. "If the AA - or a rogue faction within it - is keeping an eye on us, we need to be ready for anything."

As the meeting drew to a close, the team members rose from the floor, their resolve strengthened. They knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they also knew they weren't alone. Together, they would uncover the truth, no matter what it took.

James pocketed the old phone, feeling its weight more significant than before, if just in his imagination. As he made their way out of the dungeon, back into the night air of Coney Island, James was lost in his thoughts, contemplating the complex web of intrigue he had found themselves caught in. The night was quiet, but for James, the silence was filled with the promise of answers yet to come.