The plaza hung in stunned silence. A few people started edging toward the exits, but the guards at each arch formed lines and barked orders to stay put.

  Solara kept close to Elyria. “Are you alright? Did he do something? How do you know him?”

  Elyria, still shaken, managed a weak smile. “Oh—sorry. No, I don’t think it’s him. But I would like to meet him… If you think he might survive this.”

  Solara huffed. “We can talk about it later. That idiot, once again, is the prime example of being reckless. He doesn’t even have a weapon—and somehow Keira’s already on a first-name basis with the local leadership. I dread to think how this has worked for him over seventeen years.”

  Elyria fixed on Caelan through the bodies. “Solara, what do you think of Caelan? I mean—is there something off with him? Even something small?”

  “Well,” Solara said, “from what I’ve seen, he’s a self?doubting moron with poor impulse control. I haven’t been with them very long, but honestly—you should see how their eyes light up when they talk about him. And day after day, he doesn’t preach about it, he just keeps going, making days a little better than before.”

  Elyria raised an eyebrow, dry. “Oh my god—you slept with him, didn’t you?”

  Solara bonked her lightly on the head. “I’ve told you a million times—no. Damn it, if I don’t wrangle them, there’ll be nothing left of this place by night. But I need to get this to him.” She glanced at the wrapped sword.

  Elyria slid it from Solara’s hands. “You go find them. I’ll take this to that over?compensating man?child. Fudge, I hate that grin of his.”

  “Are you sure?” Solara frowned. “It’s dangerous. How are you even getting there past the guards?”

  “It’s fine,” Elyria said, already easing into the flow of people. “I’ll see you in there, I’m guessing.”

  Solara sighed. “They are going to be such a pain. I’m already calling it.”

  A voice rose from just outside the plaza—Keira, loud enough to cut stone. “SOLARA! … Solara, the bright red?haired woman with sparkly eyes—the one who many would say has the Captain out there doing everything according to her plans… oh, Solara, where are you?”

  Solara balled a fist, muttering as she strode toward the entrance line. “Oh, just you wait, Keira. Just you wait. Your world’s getting wrecked tonight, I promise.”

  A guard in Aurex’s colours stepped into her path, hand up. “Ma’am, please remain in the plaza until—”

  Solara set her hands on his shoulders, smiled—and drove her knee up under his ribs, denting the armour. She shouted over the crowd, “ONE DAY. JUST ONE DAY. NOT EVEN A SIP OF TEA—AND THIS?”

  The line of guards froze. The nearest one swallowed hard.

  “Move,” Solara said pleasantly. “I’ve seen enough dumb things for one day. Don’t make me see another.”

  “Please remain—” he began.

  She slapped him across the face, and he crumpled. Stepping over him, she muttered, “Everyone is crazy. That has to be the answer.”

  She had barely cleared the line when she was yanked off her feet—hauled under one arm by Garron. Beyond him, a knot of guards gave chase.

  Keira, perched on Garron’s other shoulder, leaned back with a grin. “Oww. Hey, grumpy.”

  “Garron. Keira?” Solara said, resigned, dangling.

  “I tried to stop her,” Garron rumbled, jogging, “but when she started talking about their mums… they got really mad.”

  From behind, a guard howled, “Stop! I won’t let you speak about her like that!”

  Keira laughed over her shoulder. “Fuck off! Not my fault, you’re the biggest disappointment she’s had since your dad!”

  Solara stared, half-horror. “Keira, god—chill out! And by the way, that’s four?thirty?four now.”

  “Do you even know how to count?” Keira yelled back. “I left the inn at three?ninety! You’ve heard me swear three times and suddenly—boom—four?thirty?four? This maths isn’t mathing!”

  “Oh, we’re going to talk about this tonight, believe me, Langston.”

  Garron sighed. “Both of you, stop arguing. We need to find the others. I think they’re at the east entrance.”

  “Great,” Solara said. “So, can you put me down? I can run myself, thanks.”

  Garron set her down. As they rounded the outer edge of the plaza, a wave of guards came charging after another group—Milo, Aidan, Braen, Veyra, and Lumi.

  Aidan was shouting, “Every time! Well done, Braen. Well done, Milo. They didn’t know we were with him until you two started shouting—and no, Milo, he doesn’t need a cheerleader!”

  Milo laughed. “Why not? There isn’t much to keep me entertained around here!”

  Braen, carrying both Lumi and Veyra under her arms, smiled at Aidan. “Yeah, that’s right, Milo. Our little Captain’s doing something nice—he deserves the support.”

  Lumi muttered from under Braen’s arm, “Is it always like this?”

  Veyra grinned at her. “Pretty much. But there are always drinks by the fire after, so it’s not too bad. Damn, I hope I can grab my shopping before we have to leave.”

  The two groups collided at the corner. Solara pointed to a building beside Garron. “Go on—show me what those muscles are for. Pull it down!”

  She darted toward the opposite wall. Garron muttered, “I’m more than just muscle,” and punched through the stone. Both buildings collapsed inward, blocking the pursuing guards in a cloud of dust.

  Gunfire and steel echoed from the plaza. Solara shouted, “We’ve got two minutes before they circle around—we need to—”

  “Ehhhh!” Keira squealed, cutting her off. “Oh my god, where did you find these? You did, didn’t you? Ahh, I love you two! Just wait until I’m done with both of you—you’ll be wife?ready, guaranteed!”

  She wrapped Milo and Aidan in a crushing hug. Both gasped for air.

  Solara blinked. “Did he already tell you?”

  Milo, still wheezing, pointed to Aidan. “His idea. Totally not part of this.”

  Aidan, equally breathless, added, “Don’t worry—we got you one too. Thought he might like it.”

  Keira threw on the new jacket and struck a pose.

  Solara gaped. “How many did you get? Do they just sell uniforms like that here?”

  Braen set Lumi and Veyra down. “Oh, it was our new friend here. She whipped them up in the blink of an eye—she’s amazing.”

  Lumi stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Nice to meet you! I’m Lumi—I run a little shop for custom work.” She glanced up—and froze, eyes wide at Garron’s size. “Ohhh… now I see what I’d need to fit a small building.”

  She fumbled for her measuring tape, eager to take his measurements—but tripped immediately, tangling herself in it. “Oops! Sorry!”

  Solara handed a jacket to Lumi, where she’d landed. “In or out? Your choice.”

  Lumi took it slowly, wordless, still a little stunned. Garron helped her up. “We can do this later, Solara. What’s the plan? We’ve got a minute at most before we’re pinned.”

  Solara sighed, half to herself, not really listening. “I swear—I turn my head for a moment, and they multiply. Is he a magnet for people?”

  “Tell me about it,” Veyra said. “She’s as much of an idiot as the rest of them.”

  “Says you,” Solara muttered.

  Veyra’s eyes went dead flat. “What was that, princess?”

  “Solara,” Garron snapped, gentle but firm.

  She blinked, refocused. “Nothing. Right, down to it. Aidan, Milo—good job. Hand the jackets out. There are a lot of people in there, and no one will look as ridiculous as we do. Use it.”

  Veyra stamped a boot. “No. No, no, no. I don’t do black. No.”

  Before anyone could answer, Keira and Lumi planted themselves in front of her with identical death glares.

  “Come on, Veyra,” Lumi said. “I made it to fit you, remember?”

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  Keira smiled sweetly. “Don’t ruin this for me.” Her voice slid demon-dark. “Put it on. Now.” Then she blinked at Lumi’s hat. “Oh—hell. That’s a belter. Wait until bro gets his hands on that bad boy.”

  Lumi rested a hand on Keira’s shoulder, matching her grin. “So you’re in the market for the sweetest hats in the war?”

  Veyra sighed and shoved her arms into the sleeves. “I knew this group would be the death of me.”

  Takeshi staggered out of an alleyway, draping an arm over Aidan and Milo. “What are you idiots doing… wait—when did we get matching jackets? Has anyone seen Caelan? Someone better find him since we had what he calls a ‘liquid lunch.’”

  Milo snorted. “He’s in there. Declared war on the whole place.”

  Takeshi stopped swaying. His eyes snapped wide. “But I was just with him—no, no, you’re mistaken. Not again.”

  Solara lobbed a jacket into his chest. “Put that on and get ready. No point tangling with the guards—up and over, as he did. Ideas?”

  Before anyone could answer, Keira was already swinging from ledge to ledge, effortlessly.

  “Show-off,” Solara muttered. “Just you wait. Right—everyone—”

  Guards poured around the corners, boxing them in.

  “No time,” Garron said. “Braen!”

  He snatched up Milo, Aidan, Solara, and Takeshi. Braen grinned. “Already on it. Nice to see you learning from me,” she said, scooping Lumi and Veyra under one arm.

  “Wait—wait—wait—” Takeshi yelped.

  Braen started up the fa?ade, eating height in huge steps—half a storey a stride—while Garron bounded wall to wall like Keira, far more destructive with every push-off.

  Over the blare of gunfire, a smug voice carried: “SOLARA! Anytime today, princess!”

  Solara’s eyes snapped to Garron, cold. “Get us in there.”

  Before anyone could move, Keira grinned and dove headfirst at lightning speed, voice cutting above the screams. “One Shot—full mag!”

  Before she’d even finished the phrase, five clean headshots cracked through the smoke.

  Solara muttered, “Have they been holding back on me?”

  “Took you long enough,” Aidan laughed. “They don’t even waste half their energy in training.”

  Solara pinned him with a look. “You willing to put that in writing?”

  “Wait—what are we doing here exactly?” Lumi yelped.

  “Oh—first time,” Veyra said. “Don’t worry. Hey, Takeshi—get your useless, drunk arse in gear and earn that paycheque for once.”

  Takeshi, green and swaying, gagged. “Name one time I haven’t come through for us. Just you watch, you witch.”

  “Braen—can you make it?” Garron called.

  “Don’t let that extra foot go to your head, old man—don’t break a hip,” she shot back, grinning.

  Still holding half the squad, Garron and Braen dropped into the plaza. Takeshi lazily palmed grenades from his bag. “Flash. Concussion. Ah—smoke.” He lobbed a mixed string between Caelan and the firing line, swallowing sightlines in rolling grey.

  Pael’s voice rang out through the haze: “Cease fire! Fall back—fall back! Protect the stand at all costs!”

  They found Caelan inside the smoke, grinning like an idiot and gushing over Keira’s new jacket until the team landed. Garron set Aidan, Milo, Solara, and Takeshi down; Takeshi fell to his knees and retched. “We’ve got about ninety seconds,” he rasped.

  Caelan pointed at him, ecstatic. “Fucking love you, brother—oh, I fucking do! Now, when in the shit did we get matching jackets? Because, fuck me, I was already planning to pull this place down, but I’d better be careful if you did get me one.”

  Solara skipped up to him with a too-bright smile. “Oh, Captain—I’ve been dying to see you. I have something I need answered.”

  Caelan smiled warily. “Anything, best buddy.”

  She slapped his arm. “What in the stars do you think you’re doing? Explain yourself—now.” She kept smacking him until he yelped, “Ow—ow—ow! Will you stop hitting me, Solara? Not now! And why is your tiny, angry, old friend over there so mean?”

  Elyria stood nearby, arms folded. “Because you’re a man-child. Also, Solara, that peanut-brain over there, taught Mynxi to swear. Oh—hi, everyone, I’m Elyria. Nice to meet you all. I really hope we can be good friends—except you, balding man-child.”

  Caelan drew breath to snap back. Solara raised a hand. “Wait—who’s Mynxi?”

  Elyria stepped aside. A tiny red-skinned girl peeked from behind her. Solara clapped both hands over her mouth, squealing. Before anyone could react, Keira was already sitting cross-legged, patting the child’s head. “Hi, Mynxi. I’m your Auntie Keira—the silly man’s sister.”

  Mynxi swayed side to side. Solara whispered, “Such a perfect little angel.”

  “Hi, Auntie Keira, I’m Mynxi,” she piped. “The silly man said we’re going for food. Want to come?”

  “We’re keeping her,” Keira said, cuddling her. “That’s that.”

  Lumi darted in from behind and started taking Mynxi’s measurements, muttering to herself.

  Caelan pointed. “Eh—when the fuck did we get a wizard?”

  “Try cosplay hermit,” Aidan said.

  Milo snorted. “You two will get on great. I think she forgets about personal hygiene, too.”

  Veyra hooked both twins by the ears. “Right—enough being mean, you two.”

  “Enough,” Braen snapped, a rare edge in her tone. “Can we get down to it, please? Captain?”

  “I agree,” Garron said. “We’re wasting time. The longer we wait, the tighter they box us in. Caelan, Solara—what’s the plan? Oh—and Keira, what do you want me to do with this, since he already has a sword?” He pulled the wrapped blade from his back.

  Keira scrambled up, tossing Mynxi toward Solara—who caught her on reflex with a sharp, “Careful, Keira!” “Here—go to Auntie Solara. Garron, what the hell, man? Not now—why you gotta do a girl like this?”

  Garron handed her the sword. “What? I don’t see the problem.”

  “That’s why,” Keira groaned—as Milo whooped, “Oww, kiss me, big brother!” and Aidan added, “You’re always the one giving him the sword—never the other way around.”

  “Veyra,” Keira barked. “You’re not going to get them?”

  With her back to Keira, Veyra laughed. “What is it—hashtag facts?” She burst into louder laughter.

  Keira stormed at Caelan. “Hey, you idiot—look at the shit you’ve caused me. Here—take this. Go look dumb with two fucking swords, you massive nerd.”

  Caelan raised an eyebrow. “Thanks, sis? I guess. Jesus—everyone’s so on edge today.”

  Everyone stared at him.

  “Oh, eat a bag of dicks. This isn’t my fault.” He folded his arms, pouting. “Not like I need help. I was doing just fine on my own.”

  “Not from where I was standing,” Elyria deadpanned.

  Solara took the bag of jackets from Aidan. “You can all thank Aidan later. Put these on.” She slipped one onto Mynxi while holding her.

  “I’m fine, thanks,” Elyria began. “I’d rather—”

  The jacket hit her in the face. “Shut up and put it on,” Solara said.

  She handed one to Caelan. “What’s it going to be, Captain?”

  He hesitated, then shrugged into it. “Honestly, all of you—thank you. Now I need a massive favour. I’m going to say some wild shit out there; I’ll explain later what it means. One last thing—just be yourselves, and you’ll be great.” He gave a thumbs-up.

  “You heard the man,” Solara said. “Formation A. Aidan—you’re on Mynxi and Elyria. Lumi—fighting, yes or no?”

  “I haven’t had to fight in years,” Lumi said, tugging her staff down from her back and rummaging in her bag. She produced a massive sewing needle. “But I always carry this. Yeah—cool. I’m in.”

  “So fucking cool,” Caelan and Keira breathed in unison.

  Solara smiled down at Mynxi. “Don’t you worry, little angel. We’ll be finished in a few minutes. You just stay there for me.”

  Mynxi beamed. “Fuck.”

  Solara looked up at Caelan. “Captain?”

  From across the square, Aurex roared, “Who in the stars are you?”

  “Sorry, Sol—be a second,” Caelan called back, raising his voice. “Will you stop shouting that, fuck! You’ve asked it like ten times now. Fine. In peace we build; in revolution we stand. We are the Revolutionary Army. Now we stand.”

  Just before the smoke cleared, Keira reached out and grabbed Lumi’s hand, tugging her to stand beside her as they locked into formation. When the haze lifted, the entire squad stood in a perfect circle around Aidan, planted in front of Mynxi and Elyria with his sidearm drawn, everyone else ringed outward and ready.

  He drew the blade Keira had given him with his left hand. The pull was so sharp it blasted the remaining smoke away, revealing Aurex’s completely disorganized line and the screaming bystanders. Aurex himself stood shaking.

  Then the sound itself drowned out under laughter.

  “Did you practise that in the mirror, big bro?” Keira blurted between giggles.

  Caelan visibly deflated. “Aw. I tried really hard on that one.”

  “Captain, it’s not a video game,” Aidan said, rubbing his eyes. “We’ve told you this a million times.”

  “That’s enough,” Solara said, laughter fading. “I never expected anything so flowery from him, but there it is. Let’s show this hellhole what happens when you touch our precious Mynxi.”

  “Fuck yes!” Mynxi shouted, punching the air.

  Solara leaned toward Caelan and whispered, “Every swear out of her perfect mouth is another foot in your ass, Caelan.”

  He grinned at Mynxi. “Worth it. Honestly—thanks, little one. We’ll get that food soon, I promise.”

  As Aurex began to fall to his knees on the stage, panic overtook his face. Pael barked orders for his men to reform the line—but before he could finish, a bullet skimmed past his cheek.

  “I’d rethink that, Mr Fancy Pants,” Keira called, voice cold and dry. The guards froze. Aurex stared at their faces one by one until his eyes found Lumi. He blinked, startled. “Lu… Lumi? What are you doing here?”

  Lumi waved from below the stage. “Oh, hi! These are my new friends—they bought me food today. It was amazing.”

  “Why… why are you with them?” Aurex stammered.

  “They’re my new friends. Why wouldn’t I be here with them?” Her tone turned razor-sharp. “And let’s not forget I haven’t seen or heard from you since you gave me that shop. So yeah—good luck winning anything in that basic wardrobe.”

  Caelan leaned toward Solara. “Hey… is the wizard like, important?”

  Solara shrugged. “No idea. That was Braen’s group that pulled her in.”

  Caelan shrugged back. “Fuck it.” He turned to the trembling Aurex. “So, you actually going to do anything, or just sit there?”

  “Sir!” Pael shouted, but Aurex stuttered over him. “I… I… we surrender.”

  Caelan grinned. “Oh, did you all hear that? He wants to surrender. Now, I know I’m getting old, but I don’t recall asking anyone to surrender, do you?”

  The squad stayed silent until Braen said evenly, “No, Captain. When you’re that small, I expect no less.”

  Veyra twirled an arrow. “Harming someone as adorable as our Mynxi… I’m surprised you’ve let him speak this long, Captain.”

  Before anyone could respond, Caelan stepped forward—one foot, then another—and in a thunderous boom, he vanished and reappeared on the stage. His sword, the one Keira gave him, hovered inches from Aurex’s throat.

  “Do you honestly think surrender is an option for you?” he asked, laughing low and sharp. “You’ve got to be shitting me. Just because you’re under the thumb of that piece of filth, you think I’ll overlook this?”

  “Why do you care?” Aurex spat, trembling. “It’s just a monster. Just another monster.”

  Caelan leaned close, voice dropping to ice. “Monster? A fucking monster? Look at her. All I see is a little girl crying while a bunch of jumped-up cowards call her names. So tell me—still your final answer?”

  “What was I supposed to do?” Aurex whispered.

  “Maybe grow a fucking backbone!” Caelan roared. “What—you want to become one of those Immortal Emperors? Couldn’t stand up to that tin-armoured twat, so you bow and scrape instead? Pathetic.”

  Aurex darted glances left and right—no help coming. His shoulders sagged, eyes dropping. “Help me. Please. I can’t stop him. The man’s twisted. Last time I tried to challenge him, he eliminated my entire guard. I don’t know what to do.”

  Caelan sighed, sheathing both swords. “Fuck me, I actually feel bad. You being a pathetic bitch and all.”

  From the corner of his eye, a glint—movement. He twisted aside as a staff sliced past his face, springing backward off the stand and into formation.

  Ravon straightened, voice cracking into a snarl. As he advanced, he shot Aurex a contemptuous glance. “We’ll discuss this later, pathetic.” His full suit of ornate armour gleamed under the broken plaza lights.

  Keira tilted her head and scoffed, “What is it you say, Captain? Sprinkles on shit? The fuck is this Christmas-tree motherfucker trying to be?”

  “Surround them! Eliminate them here and now! Anyone wearing those jackets dies today!”

  Armoured soldiers poured from the crowd on all sides. Ravon regained his smugness. “Madman, you should have left while you had the chance. From what Vice Commander Karvek reported, you’re all bark and tricks—no real bite. Let’s see how you handle a hundred hardened warriors instead of this city’s riff-raff.”

  Caelan tilted his head, grinning. “Aww, baby. Hope you brought your lipstick with you—because you’re going to need it.” His eyes went sharp.

  Ravon grit his teeth, ready to shout—but a thunderous explosion boomed from the south side of the city. Screams erupted as the crowd scattered in panic.

  “Captain?” Solara asked softly.

  Caelan raised his hands defensively. “Solara, I swear that wasn’t me! Promise. Promise.” Then louder: “Right, everyone—let’s clean this up. Hangover’s kicking in, and I’m dying for some scran!”

  The Revolutionary Army roared with laughter and cheers as they tightened formation, ready to face Ravon’s forces in the plaza.