Changing Guard

Six months into Reyes's rigorous training, General Luis had been receiving steady progress reports. The new recruit—now formally known as "Eagle" within Team Unknown—had shown resilience and dedication beyond expectations.

Though still green, Reyes had improved remarkably under General Luis's direct tutelage. It was during one of these evaluations that news reached the general: Ember and Exeo had returned, fully reintegrated into Team Unknown, and back in the field.

The general mulled this over, his thoughts drifting to Eagle's training. There was no one better suited to shape the new recruit than Exeo Bellator himself—the original Team Unknown leader, infamous for his ruthlessness on the battlefield and his unyielding training methods.

General Luis tapped his comm device, reaching out to Dr. Lewis, who was leading the team briefing that day. "Dr. Lewis," General Luis's voice came through with its familiar commanding tone. "I hear that Exeo is back. I'd like to request his expertise for Eagle's training. Down to the core, as only he can."

Dr. Lewis paused, his gaze drifting toward Exeo, who was seated among his team in the briefing room.

In the background, Fon stiffened, a faint glint of unease in his eyes. As he registered General Luis's words, his mind flashed back to his own days under Exeo's training—a mix of relentless, unyielding drills that seemed to go on without end. He felt a strange pang of sympathy for Reyes but couldn't help a flicker of excitement for how effective the training would be.

After a moment's thought, Dr. Lewis nodded and gave a small grin. "Understood, General. Consider it done."

When the call ended, Dr. Lewis turned to Exeo. "The general is requesting you, Exeo. He'd like you to take over Eagle's training—make it thorough."

Exeo's steady gaze flickered with acknowledgment, and he gave a single nod. Without hesitation, he stood, ready to meet General Luis's request.

Ember gave his brother a knowing smirk as Exeo left the room, the familiar role settling on his shoulders.

With the last words exchanged and Exeo out of the room, the rest of Team Unknown prepared themselves for the next mission briefing. Dr. Lewis flicked through the holographic display, pulling up maps and intel. The team settled into their seats, attention focused as Dr. Lewis began outlining the mission parameters.

But before he could get far, Val stood up, clearing his throat as he faced the team. There was an unusual calmness in his eyes, a quiet strength that gave everyone pause.

"Before we dive into this mission," Val began, his voice steady and clear, "I have something I want to announce."

All eyes turned to him, curiosity and a hint of surprise in their expressions.

"As you know," Val continued, glancing around at his teammates, "I've been leading Team Unknown for some time now. It's been an honor, and I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. But now that Ember and Exeo are back, I've decided it's time to step back from leadership and hand the reins over to them again, as it was before."

A stunned silence filled the room, and Dr. Lewis paused, his hand frozen on the hologram controls as he absorbed Val's words.

Ember's eyes widened slightly in surprise, his usual smirk softening into something more thoughtful. Fon and Riggs exchanged glances, both of them clearly caught off guard.

Val continued, his voice calm but resolute. "I may be an ARM user now, and I've led us through difficult missions. But this team wouldn't be what it is today without Ember and Exeo. Their experience and leadership built Team Unknown's foundation long before I took charge. And the truth is," Val's gaze drifted to Ember, then to Dr. Lewis, "experience is the best teacher in our line of work. I have more to learn, and I'd rather do it under the guidance of the two people who taught me, us, everything I know."

As the weight of his words settled over the team, there was a moment of quiet respect. Val, despite his formidable power, showed a rare humility. Even with the ARM status he held, Val was stepping back, honoring the legacy and skill of his older brothers. His sincerity was plain on his face, and a few of his teammates felt a renewed sense of pride in following his lead.

Finally, Ember gave a small chuckle, a glint of warmth in his eyes. "Well, Val, if you insist. Just don't come crying if you miss the stress."

Val smirked, rolling his eyes. "I think I'll manage."

Dr. Lewis smiled softly, nodding with a hint of approval. He had known the Bellator brothers long enough to understand the unspoken bond between them, and Val's choice reflected a respect and loyalty that few ever showed.

Bo, Riggs, and Fon exchanged subtle smiles, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Each of them felt the gravity of Val's decision, and it reinforced their loyalty not just to him, but to the Bellator brothers as a whole.

Ember's face grew serious as he turned to Dr. Lewis. "Alright then, Doc. What's on the agenda?"

Dr. Lewis returned his attention to the hologram, clearing his throat as he adjusted the display to reveal a complex, high-security layout. "You'll be infiltrating a Black Lotus compound in the Theron District," he said, his tone shifting into a no-nonsense mode. "Our intel suggests they're harboring an elite squad of covert operatives who specialize in silent, high-risk assassinations. The higher-ups want them neutralized."

Ember's eyes sparkled with a lethal gleam. "Silent and lethal, huh?" His fingers flexed slightly, the memory of his abilities sparking in his mind. "Sounds like our kind of mission."

Dr. Lewis's gaze hardened. "It will be. This won't be a simple assault—these operatives are highly trained. Think of them as counterparts to our own team, but their methods are ruthless. Expect brutality if you're compromised."

Bo raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about close combat, or do we know if they have any unique abilities?"

Dr. Lewis pulled up a few files on individual operatives, each with notes on potential skills. "They're skilled in a range of abilities—illusion, heightened perception, and some that can manipulate shadows to cloak themselves. Their leader is particularly dangerous—an operative code-named Spectre, known for blending into shadows and striking from the darkness."

Val nodded, his focus sharpening. He'd heard of Spectre and knew he'd be a formidable adversary.

"Ember," Val said, looking at his brother with a determined gleam, "you'll be taking lead on this one. Your style's a perfect match for handling someone like Spectre."

Ember cracked his knuckles, his expression darkening into a focused intensity. "Silent, lethal, and a little fire to keep things interesting. Got it."

Dr. Lewis continued. "Bo, Riggs, Fon, and Val—you'll be supporting Ember, maintaining a perimeter and covering any potential escape routes. Expect resistance, but do everything you can to keep this operation under the radar. The goal is to leave no trace."

Riggs gave a small grin. "Just another day in the life."

Fon leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk. "Guess we're the silent support team this time. I can live with that."

Val, a faint smile on his lips, felt a renewed energy course through him. He'd always respected his brothers' leadership, and now, with Ember stepping into the role, he felt an even greater determination to learn, to grow, and to support them as he had been taught.

Ember turned to each of his teammates, his expression a mix of excitement and resolve. "Alright, team. This will be one to remember. Stick to your posts, stay sharp, and let's show them what true precision looks like."

Dr. Lewis gave a final nod, looking between the team members, his expression one of approval. "Stay safe. We'll monitor everything from HQ. Let's make this clean."

With the briefing complete, the team dispersed, heading to prepare for the upcoming mission. The shift in leadership felt seamless—Ember's presence brought a new energy, one that reminded them of the early days of Team Unknown.

As they prepared, Val took a moment alone, his mind drifting to the many memories he had of watching Ember and Exeo lead missions, guiding him through intense training sessions and pushing him beyond his limits. The anticipation of fighting alongside his brothers again—this time, with Ember as his leader—filled him with a fierce determination.

'This will be our finest mission yet,' Val thought, steeling himself as he adjusted his gear, ready for the challenges ahead.