Old Blood, New Mission

The next morning dawned clear, casting a bright glow over HQ as Team Unknown gathered in the briefing room at Dr. Lewis's request.

Ember and Exeo, freshly returned to the team, stood side-by-side with Val, Bo, Riggs, and Fon, completing the formidable lineup. Although Val, Bo, Riggs, and Fon bore the standard masks of Team Unknown, the addition of the two original Bellator brothers gave the room an aura of silent, watchful intensity that everyone could feel.

Dr. Lewis stepped in, a dossier in hand, his expression serious. "Thank you all for coming in on short notice. This isn't just a briefing—it's a major shift in our deployment strategy." He laid the file on the holotable, looking at each member of Team Unknown in turn. "As of today, Ember and Exeo are formally rejoining Team Unknown."

A murmur went through the room. For Val, Bo, Riggs, and Fon, it was a statement that brought excitement and maybe a touch of nervousness. After all, they'd heard stories about the brothers' reputation, and Val had experienced his brothers' abilities firsthand. But this was different; integrating two legends back into the team didn't just change the dynamic—it redefined it.

Dr. Lewis glanced over the group, noting their mixed expressions. "Let me clarify," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority. "This isn't just a routine mission. We've received an assassination request, and the higher-ups specifically suggested it be assigned to the two of you." He looked directly at Ember and Exeo. "They want to see you both back in action, and frankly, so do I."

He tapped a screen, bringing up a hologram of a man's face. The target, a high-ranking underworld dealer known for smuggling weaponized chemicals to various criminal organizations, looked middle-aged and unassuming at first glance, but Dr. Lewis's expression indicated the threat level was anything but average.

"This target is dangerous, not because he's directly combat-oriented but because of the high-level intel he possesses," Dr. Lewis explained. "His location is heavily guarded, and he's known to operate with top-tier mercenaries. However, given the reports of strategic clarity and enhanced skills you both mentioned yesterday, I believe this is the right challenge to ease you back into the rhythm."

Val glanced over at Ember and Exeo, a spark of pride in his eyes. "Seems they haven't forgotten your reputation."

Ember flashed a grin, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Would've been disappointed if they had. And besides," he added, glancing at Exeo, "it'll be fun to see if we still live up to the legends."

Exeo didn't smile, but his serious gaze softened as he nodded, a small acknowledgment of Ember's words. "We do what's required."

Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face. "Yes, well, let's make sure you don't go overboard. This isn't the battlefield you two knew. Our methods have evolved."

He then turned to the rest of the team, noting the slightly shocked expressions of Fon, who had never witnessed Ember and Exeo in action. "For those of you who haven't seen these two in the field, let me offer a warning. If Val, Bo, Riggs, and Fon represent the current silent and deadly standard, Ember and Exeo redefined it well before the rest of you were involved. They operated in a time when the mere mention of their names was enough to unsettle any high-profile target. These two didn't just lay the foundation for Team Unknown—they are the legends we've all built on."

Fon shifted, an uncertain but excited grin on his face. "I've heard stories, but... are they really that intense?"

Dr. Lewis smirked. "Let's just say, where Val and the rest of you use subtlety and stealth, Ember and Exeo have always operated with a certain… flair. They made their presence known when they wanted, and left nothing but whispers and ash in their wake."

Bo and Riggs exchanged looks, both trying to conceal a smirk. This mission was going to be different, and they were both eager and a bit nervous to see the two brothers in action.

Exeo looked to Dr. Lewis. "Let's keep it professional, Dr. Lewis. We're here to adapt, not show off."

Dr. Lewis gave a short nod. "Of course, Exeo. But the higher-ups made it clear. They want to see if you two have retained your edge after everything that's happened."

Ember leaned back in his chair, folding his arms and casting a playful glance at Exeo. "Seems like a good chance to show them just how much we've... evolved."

Val stepped forward, addressing Dr. Lewis with a hint of caution in his voice. "Are we certain this mission is a suitable warm-up? If Ember and Exeo's enhanced skills are untested, we don't know how they'll hold up in high-stakes assassination."

Dr. Lewis looked thoughtful, meeting Val's gaze with a level stare. "It's a fair question, Val. But that's also why I chose this mission. You'll be observing and ready to support if needed. But if they truly are as capable as they once were, I doubt they'll need it."

Val gave a nod, glancing back at Ember and Exeo with a mix of confidence and caution. He knew better than anyone the lengths his brothers would go to complete a mission. And if they had been given any kind of advantage from their time in stasis, there was a good chance they were even more formidable than before.

Dr. Lewis continued, "The target is located in a fortified warehouse near the city docks, heavily guarded by trained mercenaries, some with low-level abilities. We'll be tracking your movements, and Val will be on standby in case anything goes wrong."

Ember looked over the map, his eyes scanning every detail, taking in the layout with sharp, practiced ease. "Looks straightforward," he said, more to himself than anyone else.

Exeo nodded, his attention on Dr. Lewis. "We'll handle it."

Dr. Lewis hesitated, then looked between the two, his voice lowering with a note of seriousness. "You've both been through a lot to get here. Don't feel the need to prove anything more than what's necessary. Your lives come first."

Ember smirked, but there was a hint of something more serious in his eyes. "Don't worry, Doc. We're not the reckless fools we used to be."

Dr. Lewis raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. "I'll believe it when I see it."

The meeting wrapped up with the rest of the team standing by, some still surprised by the decision, others already prepared for the briefing to come to a close. As everyone began to file out, Val lingered, catching Dr. Lewis's eye.

"They've been out of action a long time," Val murmured, a hint of worry in his voice. "But if there's anyone who can pull this off, it's them."

Dr. Lewis nodded slowly, watching the two brothers exit with that familiar determination in their steps. "True. But keep an eye on them, Val. Even legends need support, especially after what they've been through."

Val watched as his brothers exited, feeling both proud and wary. Ember and Exeo had returned, and their names once again filled HQ with an energy he hadn't felt in a long time.

This mission would not only be their reintegration, but also a reminder to the world of what the Bellator brothers were capable of. And for Val, it was a test of his role as both a leader and a brother—watchful, supportive, and ready for anything that lay ahead.