Bonds

Back in the locker room, Mercury returned to find Eratz, Ryder, and Zara sitting quietly.

Sensing the gloomy mood, she grinned and playfully tapped Eratz on the shoulder.

"Cheer up, guys! It happens. I'm not invincible."

"Are you really okay?" Ryder asked.

She winked.

"I'm only angry because I lost and Eratz won. It's a competition, after all."

Eratz smiled back.

Zara let out a breath, grateful to see Mercury's spirits lifting.

"You're strong, Mercury," she said softly.

Mercury nodded, but her expression shifted when she noticed Eratz's face.

"Let's focus on something else for now. The things these girls used." Eratz said, his tone suddenly more serious.

Mercury blinked, her arms crossing over her chest as she tilted her head.

"What do you mean?"