A Gift

Hours after completing their "gym cleanup duty" under Dr. Lewis's strict watch, Ember and Exeo found themselves summoned to the medical bay.

Val, freshly returned from a solo mission, awaited them there, standing silently near the observation area. Bo, Riggs, and Fon had been "firmly encouraged" by Dr. Lewis to rest, leaving Val alone to observe as Dr. Lewis began his health assessment of the two older Bellator brothers.

The sterile, faintly humming room was a familiar setting, though an unusual one for the Bellator brothers, who usually preferred the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the battlefield over the quiet scrutiny of a medical examination.

"Alright," Dr. Lewis muttered, focused on his work as he attached small, sensor-laden patches to Ember's chest, the ECG-like wires trailing back to a monitor that hummed to life. "Let's see if everything is functioning as it should be."

Ember flashed a faint grin. "You'll find I'm as solid as ever, Doc."

Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow but didn't look up. "I'd like to confirm that for myself, thank you. Now, sit still and don't talk."

After attaching sensors to Exeo's wrist and collarbone, Dr. Lewis stepped back, arms crossed as he observed the readings. The medical monitor displayed a series of intricate lines, peaks, and valleys, each pulse of the screen revealing the brothers' health status and ability outputs.

"So," Dr. Lewis began, his tone shifting into one of mild curiosity, "have either of you noticed anything unusual since… returning? Changes in your abilities, strength, speed, or anything else?"

Ember exchanged a brief glance with Exeo before answering. "Nothing drastic, Doc," he replied, scratching the back of his head. "But... there is something that's hard to explain. It's like my mind is processing things differently, almost like—"

"Enhanced strategy thinking," Exeo finished, nodding in agreement, his expression as serious as ever. "The clarity is… unusual. Moves, options—they just seem to fall into place faster than before."

Dr. Lewis tapped his chin thoughtfully, eyeing the screen. "Interesting. And you both experienced this clarity from the moment you woke up?"

Both brothers nodded, still trying to put into words a sensation that was foreign, yet familiar.

Val, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, listened closely. He had known his brothers well enough to understand when they were genuinely confused, and this was one of those rare moments. Contemplating their words, he felt an instinctual tug, as if the answer was right at the edge of his consciousness.

He was just about to reach out to Deleo mentally when the room's temperature dropped unexpectedly, a chill that seemed to emanate from nowhere and everywhere all at once.

Val straightened, instantly alert, and the others turned as the familiar, shadowy figure of Deleo materialized before them, his presence filling the room with a quiet intensity.

Dr. Lewis's eyes widened. Though he was accustomed to unusual occurrences, seeing Deleo materialize this way—separate from Val—was something unexpected.

Deleo inclined his head slightly toward Ember and Exeo, his voice resonant, almost reverent. "It's been some time, Bellator brothers, Doctor."

Both Ember and Exeo regarded him with a mix of recognition and awe. They remembered Deleo from previous encounters, but only when he had taken over Val's body. To see him here, in his own form, was a new experience.

Val took a step closer, observing Deleo's gaze as it softened upon meeting the two older brothers. "Deleo," Val said quietly, "I was going to ask about the changes they mentioned. This… clarity."

Deleo nodded, his expression turning contemplative. "It is no mere coincidence," he replied, his voice low, almost like a murmur.

"During your brothers' time in stasis, their souls were linked to the Void, bound by the protective seal of the Purple Fire. Though they were unaware, their consciousnesses continued to interact with the Void's essence."

Ember raised an eyebrow, trying to make sense of the explanation. "So you're saying the Void… affected us somehow?"

Deleo's eyes flickered with a glint of knowing. "Yes and no. The Void did not alter your abilities directly; it granted your minds an enhancement through constant exposure to its vastness. The strategic clarity, the tactical awareness you feel—it is a byproduct of the Void's influence on your minds, a sharpening of what you already possessed."

Exeo nodded, absorbing the information in his usual measured manner. "So, we were... molded by the Void's presence, even if only indirectly?"

Deleo gave a single, solemn nod. "Exactly. The Void's presence within Val's consciousness acted as a sort of lens, allowing your minds to adapt and refine their capabilities, even while in stasis. You have emerged with a heightened capacity for strategy, perception, and perhaps... something more."

Val, standing slightly apart from the group, felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Relief that his brothers had gained something positive from their ordeal, but also a pang of caution. He knew the Void's nature well—every gift it offered came with a cost.

Ember exhaled, glancing down as he flexed his fingers thoughtfully. "So, we're sharper than before. I won't lie; it sounds useful. But," he added, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes, "I'd be lying if I said I understand any of this Void mysticism."

Deleo's expression softened with something akin to amusement. "The Void's influence is indeed complex. It touches those connected to it in unpredictable ways. In your case, it has heightened aspects of your tactical thinking, a gift born out of necessity."

Ember chuckled, shaking his head. "A 'gift' from the Void. Never thought I'd live to see the day."

Exeo's gaze shifted to Val, his expression thoughtful. "And you, Val. How much of this do you understand?"

Val hesitated, glancing at Deleo. "Enough to know it's never simple," he replied, his voice steady but guarded. "The Void doesn't give without a price. But… it seems, for once, it gave something useful."

Dr. Lewis, who had been silent throughout the exchange, finally cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Well," he said, his tone a mix of fascination and exasperation, "this may be one of the more unusual medical checkups I've ever done. But if nothing else, you both seem to be in top condition—Void-enhanced tactical skills and all."

Ember grinned, clapping a hand on Dr. Lewis's shoulder. "See, Doc? Nothing to worry about."

Dr. Lewis shot him a look, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Just try not to destroy the gym next time, alright?"

Ember laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I make no promises."

Deleo's gaze softened as he regarded the three brothers together, his expression a mixture of pride and something deeper, almost paternal. "Remember this bond, Bellators. The Void may test you, but it is your unity that will keep you grounded."

With that, Deleo's form began to dissipate, his figure fading into shadows that lingered briefly before vanishing altogether. 

As silence settled over the room, Val exchanged a look with Ember and Exeo. They didn't need words to understand the depth of what had just transpired. Deleo's parting words hung in the air, a reminder of the strength they shared as brothers.

Ember nudged Val, his grin returning. "Well, little brother, seems you've gotten yourself quite the mentor."

Val smirked, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, something like that."

Exeo's steady gaze met Val's, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Whatever challenges come next… we face them together."

With that silent promise between them, the Bellator brothers left the medical bay, ready for whatever lay ahead.