Smith Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana

———Red———

I wake to the low thrum of a helicopter flying past my window, the vibrations rattling the glass and sending faint tremors through the walls. Below, the blaring honks of car horns filter up from the streets. It's a jarring contrast to home—on Naurus, it was the songs of birds that woke me, not the mechanical roar of the city. I already miss it.

Dragging myself out of bed, I shuffle to the door, opening it to the quiet click of well-oiled hinges. No creak, no resistance—it feels wrong, unnatural, like everything else in this too-perfect place.

Stepping into the open room beyond, I spot Alyse perched on the couch. She's holding a thin piece of glass, her fingers dancing across its surface as it lights up under her touch.

"Oh, Red! Thank the gods you're finally awake! You have to see this—look!" She waves me over excitedly, thrusting the sliver of glass in my direction.

I squint at it, still groggy. "What is it?"

"It's a screen! But you can touch it and make it do things! Watch, I already—"

A sharp knock at the door interrupts her.

"It's Kylen," a voice calls from the other side. "Are you guys up yet?"

"Come on in! I was just showing Red this glass screen!" Alyse shouts, practically bouncing in her seat.

The door opens, and Kylen steps inside, smiling faintly. "Oh, the tablet," he corrects her. "Yeah, it's pretty neat, huh?"

"Tablet?" Alyse echoes, her brow furrowing as she turns the device over in her hands. "Why call it that? It's nothing like the stone tablets back home."

Kylen chuckles, stepping further into the room. "Different world, different names. Trust me, you'll get used to it. Anyway, I came to take you guys up to the penthouse. Got your rooms cleared out and ready."

Alyse's eyes widen. "The penthouse? What's that? Is it, like, the royal chambers of this tower?"

Kylen smirks. "Something like that. It's the top floor of the building. Bigger rooms, better views, more privacy. Figured you two deserve a proper space after... everything."

"Better view of all the metal and stone outside?" I mutter under my breath, still trying to shake the grogginess.

"Hey, you might actually like it," Kylen says with a shrug. "Come on, I'll show ya."

Alyse is already on her feet, clutching the tablet like it's a priceless artifact. "You mean we're going to live up there? Together? Like the old days?"

"Exactly like the old days," Kylen says, smiling softly. "Except with fewer trees and way more technology."

He gestures for us to follow him. Alyse practically skips to his side, and I trail behind, still rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

Kylen leads us to the elevator at the far end of the hallway. The mirrored doors slide open soundlessly, revealing an interior lined with soft golden lights. Alyse steps in first, immediately captivated by the edgeless window built into the walls.

"Okay, this is magic," she says, spinning in place to take it all in.

Kylen laughs. "It's not magic—it's tech. Screens, like that tablet you've got. This one shows the city as we move."

The doors close, and the elevator begins its smooth ascent. The walls shimmer, displaying a perfect view of the city below as though we were suspended in the air. Alyse presses her face closer, her breath fogging up the illusion.

"Wow... It really does feel like flying."

I cross my arms, leaning against the back wall. "Yeah, until it pranks us and makes us all think we're falling to our deaths."

Kylen shakes his head. "You're such an optimist, Red."

The elevator glides to a halt, and the doors open to reveal the penthouse. Alyse gasps audibly, rushing past Kylen to take it all in.

The space is massive, with sleek, modern furnishings bathed in natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. The city sprawls out below, its skyline stretching to the horizon.

"This... is ours?" Alyse whispers, spinning around in awe.

"Yep," Kylen says, stepping inside. "The whole place."

Alyse races toward the windows, pressing her hands against the glass. "I can see everything! Red, come look!"

I step in slowly, taking in the polished floors, the minimalist decor, the sheer vastness of it all. It's impressive, sure, but it doesn't feel like home.

Kylen claps me on the back. "What do you think?"

I glance at him, shrugging. "It's... fine."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with my lack of enthusiasm. "You'll warm up to it. Trust me."

Alyse spins back around, her excitement radiating off her in waves. "Can we stay here forever?"

Kylen laughs. "I guess that's up to you."

His tone is light, but I catch the flicker of something in his eyes—worry, maybe, or doubt. Whatever it is, he doesn't let it linger.

"Alright," he says, clapping his hands together. "I'll let you two settle in. Alyse, your room's on the left, and Red, yours is on the right. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs, Claire said she needed to talk to me about something... urgent."

As he heads back to the elevator, Alyse immediately starts exploring, her energy boundless. I stand in the center of the room, staring out at the city below.

Different world, different names, different everything.

I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it.

"I miss it too," Alyse says softly, stepping up behind me. "But we can't just keep clinging to what we lost. We have to keep moving forward, especially now that we have Kylen back. Don't shut him out, Red. Not after everything."

I let out a sigh and nod. "Yeah, you're right. I haven't exactly made it easy on him, have I?" I glance toward the elevator. "I'll go talk to him."

Alyse smiles, the kind that could make anyone feel a little lighter. "Good. I'll stay here and explore this place. It's huge."

Just as she says that, the elevator doors slide open, and Kylen steps out with Claire by his side. His expression is tense, but he masks it well.

"Red," he says, motioning me over. "We've got a situation. Figured you might want to tag along and get some air."

"What's going on?" Alyse asks, already curious.

"Someone intercepted one of our shipments," Kylen explains. "They stole something valuable—something critical for the portal."

I straighten, my earlier thoughts forgotten. "Where are we headed?"

"Chicago," Kylen replies. "We need to check the scene, see if we can find any leads."

"Do you need me to come?" Alyse asks.

Kylen shakes his head, but there's warmth in his tone. "No, you've earned a break. Besides, Red and I could use the time to catch up."

Alyse grins. "Brother bonding time, huh? Fine by me. I want to explore this tower anyway—it feels like its own little city."

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Claire chuckles, stepping forward. "I can give you the grand tour if you want. I know every hidden corner."

"Please!" Alyse says, bouncing on her toes like a kid.

Kylen smirks faintly before turning back to me. "You ready?"

I nod. "Let's go."

As we step into the elevator, I glance back one last time at Alyse. She's already deep in conversation with Claire, her excitement infectious. For the first time in a long while, she looks like the sister I used to know—unburdened, even if just for a moment.

I can't help but feel a small pang of guilt. We're here because of me, because of everything that happened. But maybe Kylen's right. Maybe there's a way forward after all.

The elevator ride is silent at first, the hum of the machinery the only sound. Kylen stands next to me, his gaze fixed on the sleek, reflective walls. I catch his reflection and see a hint of unease in his expression.

"So," I say, breaking the silence. "What exactly are we looking for in Chicago?"

Kylen glances at me, his mask of calm slipping back into place. "We had a prototype in the shipment—something we've been working on to stabilize the portal. Whoever took it either knows what they're doing or got really lucky."

"And you think we'll find them just by visiting the scene?"

Kylen shakes his head. "Not exactly. But the shipment was marked with a tracking device. It went dark near the docks, but we're hoping to pick up some trace of it there. If nothing else, it's a starting point."

The elevator dings, and the doors slide open to the underground garage. A sleek black car waits for us, its engine purring softly. Kylen tosses me the keys.

"You're driving."

I raise an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

He shrugs. "You need the practice. Earth traffic isn't exactly like the empty roads on Naurus, is it? Besides the cars practically drive themselves anymore. It'll help you out."

I climb into the driver's seat, adjusting to the unfamiliar feel of the car. Kylen slides into the passenger seat, tapping away on a tablet.

As we pull out of the garage, the city sprawls out before us—gleaming skyscrapers, endless streams of cars, and neon signs casting colorful reflections on the wet pavement. It's overwhelming, chaotic, and yet, there's an energy to it that I can't deny.

-

Kylen glances up from his tablet. "You've been quiet."

"Just... taking it all in," I admit. "It's so different here. Feels like I don't belong."

He nods, his expression softening. "I felt the same way at first. It's a lot to process, but you'll adapt. You always do."

"Do you miss it?" I ask. "Naurus, I mean."

He hesitates, his fingers pausing on the screen. "Every day. But there's no going back—not yet, anyway."

I grip the wheel tighter, his words hitting harder than I expected. The weight of what we've lost—and what we're fighting for—settles heavy on my chest.

The rest of the drive passes in a blur of lights and noise. A long two hours by the time we reach the docks, the city feels like a distant memory, replaced by the quiet isolation of the waterfront.

Kylen points to a fenced-off area near the edge of the pier. "That's where the tracker last pinged. Let's take a look."

We step out of the car, the cold air biting at my skin. The smell of dirtywater and oil fills the air as we make our way toward the fence.

Kylen pulls out a small device, scanning the area. "The signal came from somewhere around here. Stay alert."

I nod.

A faint sound catches my attention—a soft rustle, like footsteps on gravel. I glance at Kylen, but he's focused on his device.

"Kylen," I whisper.

He looks up just as a shadow moves in the corner of my vision.

"We're not alone," I say.

"Here, take this." Kylen pulls a small, sleek metal device from his jacket and places it in my hand.

I turn it over, frowning. "What is it?"

"A gun," he says. "Hold the grip, point the barrel at whatever you want to stop, and squeeze the trigger. Simple."

I glare at the weapon, the cold metal foreign in my hand. "I'd rather use my sword."

"Yeah, well, unless you've figured out how to summon it from your bracelet, this is what we've got," he replies sharply. His tone softens a moment later. "Just be careful with it, Red. This isn't some toy—it's deadly in ways you're not used to."

I nod reluctantly, tucking the gun into the sheathe he hands me. It feels wrong, like I'm borrowing someone else's weapon for a fight that should be mine.

"I still wish I had my sword," I mutter.

Kylen smirks. "Trust me, I'd feel better if you had it too. But here on Earth, you'll find this works just fine. Besides, we're not exactly blending in with glowing blades of fire."

I glance around the dimly lit dock, the shadows stretching long across the cracked pavement. "Yeah, because walking around with this totally screams 'subtle.'"

He chuckles, but his eyes scan the area warily. "Let's focus. The tracker pinged nearby. Whoever took the shipment could still be here."

I grip the gun, its weight unfamiliar but steady. It's not my sword, but if it's all I've got, I'll make it work.

We move deeper into the dockyard, the damp air heavy with the scent of rust. The faint hum of distant machinery echoes through the rows of stacked shipping containers, their towering walls creating a labyrinth around us.

Kylen keeps his eyes on a small device in his hand, its screen flashing with a pulsing red dot. "The signal's close," he whispers.

I follow him, my steps cautious, my hand hovering near the gun strapped to my side. Every instinct tells me this is a trap, but Kylen walks with a calm confidence I can't help but envy.

"You've done this before," I mutter.

Kylen glances at me, a flicker of a smirk on his face. "A few times. Let's just say Chicago's got its fair share of people who don't like following the rules."

"I'm guessing you're one of them."

He laughs softly, keeping his eyes on the tracker. "Depends on the rules."

We round a corner, and I freeze. A shipping container stands open ahead, its doors yawning wide to reveal a faint glow inside.

"This is it," Kylen says, tucking the tracker into his pocket and drawing his own weapon—a more advanced-looking hilt that is missing its blade. He summons his ward through it, creating an edge of energy and light.

"Of course they left the doors open," I whisper, scanning the area. "Might as well hang a neon sign saying, 'Walk into the trap.'"

"Stay sharp," Kylen says. "Cover me."

He moves forward, weapon raised. I follow close behind, every nerve on edge. The glow inside the container intensifies as we approach, and when we reach the threshold, I see it—a device sitting on a pedestal in the center, emitting a soft, rhythmic hum.

"That's it," Kylen says under his breath. "The power core. It's intact."

The hairs on the back of my neck rise. "This is way too easy."

A faint chuckle echoes from above.

"Glad someone's paying attention," a voice drawls.

We both spin, weapons raised, as a figure drops from the top of the container with impossible agility, landing gracefully in front of us.

Her eyes glowing beneath the hood and mask. She twirls an arrow between her fingers like it's a toy. "Well, well. Looks like you came to my little party after all."

"Spectra," Kylen growls, his hand tightening on the hilt of his energy sword.

"Surprise!" she says, throwing her arms wide. "I didn't think you'd bring a plus-one, though. Who's the stiff?"

Kylen steps forward, his sword raised. "You have no idea what you've stolen."

"Oh, I know exactly what I've stolen," She replies, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Before we can answer, she raises her hand, and the air around her shimmers. In an instant, five identical versions of herself materialize, each one grinning like they've already won.

"Damn it," Kylen mutters.

"Let's see how well you play with illusions, boys," they say in unison, their voices overlapping as they fan out in all directions.

I raise my gun, my heart pounding. "You ever fought someone like this before?"

Kylen smirks, his eyes narrowing on the nearest illusion. "Not exactly, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

"Good," I say, aiming at another one. "Because I'm making this up as I go."

And then the fight begins.

The five illusions move in unison, circling us like predators. I keep my gun trained on the nearest one, my finger hovering over the trigger. "Which one's real?"

"We all are," her overlapping voices taunt, their laughter bouncing off the container walls.

Kylen doesn't hesitate. He lunges forward, slicing through one of the illusions with a swift, practiced strike. The figure dissolves into shimmering mist, but the others keep moving.

"Not that one," he mutters, spinning to block a spectral arrow fired from another. The energy blade deflects it effortlessly, sending a crackling shockwave through the air.

I fire at the closest illusion, the gun kicking hard in my hand. The bullet passes straight through her, embedding itself in the metal wall behind her.

"Damn it!"

The illusions laugh, their voices blending into a disorienting cacophony.

"You're going to have to do better than that," they say.

Kylen growls, gripping his sword tighter. "Red, watch my back. She's using the cover of her copies to get closer."

"Got it." I spin, scanning for movement, and catch a flash of something out of sync. A shadow that doesn't match the others.

"There!" I shout, pointing to a Spectra who steps a little too quickly, her bow drawn.

Kylen pivots instantly, his sword slicing through the air in a brilliant arc. The blade meets resistance, and Spectra yelps, stumbling back.

"Bingo," Kylen says, driving forward.

Spectra recovers quickly, her grin returning despite the burn mark on her sleeve. "Not bad," she says, her voice now singular. "But you'll have to do better than that."

She fires an arrow at Kylen, but he deflects it with ease, the energy from his sword dispersing the projectile mid-air.

I aim at her again, but before I can fire, the illusions return, multiplying in an instant. They rush at us, a whirlwind of flickering movement.

"Keep her busy!" Kylen shouts, charging toward the real Spectra.

I nod, my gun blazing as I shoot at the illusions, forcing them to scatter. It doesn't take them down, but it keeps them from swarming him.

Kylen closes the distance, his sword a blur of glowing strikes. Spectra flips and twists, dodging with inhuman agility. She fires another arrow mid-spin, and this time, Kylen ducks under it, slashing upward in the same motion.

The blade grazes her mask, sending it flying off her face. For a split second, her uncovered expression flashes with surprise.

"Gotcha," Kylen says, his voice low.

But Spectra doesn't falter. She smirks, her illusions collapsing into a single copy of herself. "Not bad, boys. I'll admit, you're better than most."

Before either of us can react, she tosses a smoke bomb at her feet, the container filling with thick, choking fog.

"Red!" Kylen calls, coughing.

"I'm fine!" I shout back, waving a hand in front of my face.

By the time the smoke clears, Spectra is gone.

Kylen curses under his breath, lowering his sword. The glowing blade retracts with a hiss, leaving only the hilt in his hand.

"She's fast," he mutters, scanning the area.

I holster my gun, my heart still racing. "Did we at least get the core?"

Kylen turns to the pedestal, now empty.

"Damn it," he growls. "She took it in the chaos."

I slam my fist against the metal wall, frustration boiling over. "This was a setup from the start."

Kylen nods grimly, his expression hard. "She's smart. And dangerous."

I glance at the empty pedestal, my mind racing. "What does she want with the core? What's her angle?"

Kylen sheathes his weapon and heads for the exit. "That's what we're going to find out. Let's go."

As we leave the container, the sound of distant sirens begins to wail. We disappear into the shadows before anyone can see us, our mission now more complicated than ever.