Richard hurried upstairs and across the halls, trying not to slip on the floor or bump into anyone nearby. Once he found the room, he slammed the door open and hurried inside. Everyone in the room greeted him as he closed the door behind him.

Mindy wasted no time getting Richard up to speed with information regarding Claudia and Emily. He listened to every word as he let them sink in. When she finished, he lowered his head and stared at his hands.

“So, that’s it, huh?” Richard bit his lip. “I thought she was my friend.

“We’re sorry about what had happened. I wish I knew what your relationship was like,” Claudia said. “If only I had asked about it sooner, I didn’t want to assume, however.”

“It’s ok,” Richard replied. “You didn’t know. Besides, we had just met that day.”

“Funny, Charlie said the same thing.” Lily pointed out.

Richard looked away and went silent. Ken excused himself, about to leave the room, when the doors opened, and two familiar figures stood before it: Cyborg and Lightning.

“Hey, is everyone here?” Cyborg asked.

“Yep, just about,” Ken replied.

“That’s good to hear,” Lightning added, “Because we got something to show you guys.

Cyborg stepped aside as Lightning pulled a wheelchair closer to them. Howler sat in the wheelchair, also covered in bandages. Lightning pushed him into the room as Cyborg followed from behind before closing the door.

“You again?” Richard asked, taking a step back. “Wait, don’t you work for—?”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Well, not anymore,” Howler uttered through his teeth. “But I know where your enemy’s hideout is.”

“Really? What’ll it take for you to tell us?”

“Nothing, I’ll tell you. Since that group betrayed me, I don’t care what happens to them anymore.” He admitted. “The boss’s name is Emily, she’s hiding in a warehouse in a remote distance behind a couple of buildings. It’s pretty far from where one of our old hideouts used to be, but you could probably make it there if you’re fast enough.”

“Huh, is that all?” Ken asked, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, pretty much.” Howler stated.

“Thanks for the help, Howler.”

“Look, man, I’m sorry for double-crossing you. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Well, what you’ve done was helpful, so I guess it makes up for that. However, if you want to be loyal and rejoin my guild, you’ll have to pass the initiation again.”

“Aw man, that stinks, but thank you.”

“Ok, so we know where she’s at.” Mindy reminded the group. “Now we just need to think up a plan to get there, while dealing with their lackeys.”

“I have an idea,” Richard spoke up. “Everyone, listen up.”

He told everyone about his plan, which involved everyone’s cooperation.

“Interesting, I like it,” Mindy replied with enthusiasm. “I think this plan just might work.”

“I know I’ve messed up in the past,” Richard mentioned to everyone in the room. “But I want to make things right. I know it’s selfish of me to ask for your help, but I need your cooperation to help save this city and stop Emily at all costs. Will you help me?”

“Are you kidding? Of course, we will!” The others exclaimed in unison.

“Thanks, everyone,”

“Hold up.” Charlie interrupted. “Before you leave, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.” He held out a gray cube with holes on the side. “As promised, here’s this box. Keep it close to you, the contents inside are the key to stopping this. It’s only got one use, so make sure you don’t lose it.”

“Thanks,” Richard said as he took the item and put it in his pocket.

The rest of the group looked out toward the horizon and prepared for the final battle ahead of them.