The Toybreakers [Part 1]

The dimly lit interior of El-al's makeshift lair bore the macabre decor of a child's twisted playroom. Shelves lined with various toys that were once objects and living creatures filled the room, casting eerie shadows. In the center, three miniature figures—the toy versions of Levi, Akira, and Mbeki—were enclosed within a clear, indestructible display case. Their tiny voices echoed against the glass, distorted yet filled with unmistakable anger and frustration.

"Let us out, you freak!" the miniaturized Levi shouted, his voice tinny but fierce.

El-al, looming over the display case, chuckled darkly. "Shout all you want, little toys. Your rage only adds value to my collection," he taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Mbeki, ever the strategist, attempted a different approach, his voice calm. "What do you gain from this, El-al? Zaraak's favor? Power? Is it really worth it?"

With a sneer, El-al tapped the glass. "What I gain is none of your concern. You should be more worried about whether you'll ever see your precious teammates again."

Akira, the tech wizard, piped up, trying to hide his worry under a veneer of bravado. "They'll come for us. And they'll stop you. Just watch."

El-al laughed again, the sound chillingly dismissive. "We shall see, little Ranger. We shall see."

Back at their base, Valentina and Amanda were on a video call with Eliza, who had been pouring over databases and old records for any information that could help them against El-al.

"Eliza, anything you can tell us would help. We need a weakness, a pattern, anything," Valentina urged, her tone desperate.

Eliza adjusted her glasses, her eyes scanning the data on her screen. "Okay, I've got something. It seems El-al's transformation ability is powered by a device on his wrist. If you can disable or destroy it, he should revert to normal."

Amanda nodded, jotting down notes. "Got it. Any idea how we can approach him without getting turned into toys ourselves?"

"Well, according to these old war records, El-al has a tendency to gloat and savor his victories, often taking his time with transformations. If you can catch him off-guard or distract him, you might have a chance," Eliza explained.

Valentina smiled, a spark of hope in her eyes. "That's perfect, Eliza. Thanks. We've got some planning to do."

After the call, Amanda and Valentina set up a detailed holographic map of El-al's last known location. They simulated various approaches, meticulously planning each step of their mission.

"We'll need to be quick and stay out of his line of sight as much as possible," Amanda stated, pointing to a series of potential cover spots on the map.

Valentina, picking up a pair of modified gadgets designed by Akira, weighed them in her hands. "These should help. If we can surprise him, I can use this EMP grenade to fry his device."

Amanda looked over the gadgets, impressed but cautious. "It's risky. We'll only get one shot at this. We need to make it count."

As they finalized their plans, their determination solidified. They knew the risks and the slim chances of success, but the thought of leaving their friends in the clutches of El-al was unthinkable.

"Let's do this. For them," Valentina said firmly, her gaze locked on the hologram.

Amanda nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "For them."