Ryu raises both arms to the ground and concentrates, moving his arms apart. The earth splits, a rectangular chasm opening before us. He stomps on the ground, and the earth in the chasm turns into a staircase. I cast a small ball of light to illuminate our way as we step into the tunnel. My mind races with worries about failure, capture, and Nikko's safety, but seeing Ryu's determined movements, I shake those thoughts away. Now is not the time to doubt. We are capable, and we will succeed.

  The earth closes behind us, sealing us off from the world above. The soft rustling of soil is the only sound as Ryu manipulates the earth, creating a path forward. My heart pounds in my chest, and my mind races with thoughts of what lies ahead.

  DP-7 has already flown off to carry out its part of the plan, planting charges around the camp and preparing to take out the birds. The silence underground is almost deafening, broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the soft shifting of earth. I glance over at Ryu, his face obscured by shadow, but I can see the determination etched in his posture.

  Finally, we reach a point where Ryu stops abruptly, raising a hand to signal us. "This is it," he whispers, his voice barely audible above the rustle of the trees. "We're directly beneath the camp."

  My heart races, adrenaline surging through my veins. I nod, gripping my short swords tightly. "Ready when you are."

  Ryu glances at me briefly before raising his left hand to his gauntlet. He presses a button, speaking into his glove, "Ready?"

  A crackle of static follows before Nikko's voice comes through, her tone filled with determination. "Ready, Papa."

  Apollo's voice follows, calm and steady. "Ready."

  Ryu nods, a sense of reassurance settling over him. He lowers his hand and looks at me. "Let's do this," he says, his voice carrying the weight of the battle ahead.

  Ryu concentrates, his hands moving in intricate patterns. The earth above us begins to shift, creating a small opening. We both crouch, peering through the gap. The camp is bustling with activity, soldiers moving about, unaware of our presence below.

  Suddenly, a series of explosions rock the camp. The charges DP-7 planted go off, and chaos erupts above. Soldiers shout in confusion, running in all directions. Ryu gives me a nod, and we leap out of the tunnel, emerging into the midst of the chaos.

  The first soldier we encounter doesn't even have time to react. Ryu's sword flashes through the air, the blade catching the moonlight as it cuts through his armor effortlessly. His movements are swift and fluid, precise in every strike. He doesn't hesitate or waste energy, every motion has purpose. I follow closely behind, my short swords gleaming in the pale light as they cut through the air.

  A soldier lunges at me with a raised sword. I meet his attack with a sharp parry, twisting his arm with his own momentum. His sword clatters to the ground as I drive my blade into his chest. He gasps, falling at my feet. Another soldier charges at me, but I block his strike and slash across his leg, sending him crumpling to the earth.

  Ryu and I fight back-to-back, moving in perfect harmony. His blade deflects a strike meant for me while I dispatch a soldier attempting to flank him. The clash of steel against steel fills the air, along with the shouts of soldiers and the cries of the fallen. The battle is fierce, but we press forward, determined to push through the camp.

  Up ahead, I spot a group of archers perched in a nearby watchtower, their bows drawn and aimed directly at us. Before they can release their arrows, I hear the familiar sound of blaster fire. Red bolts cut through the night, and the archers fall one by one, their arrows scattering across the ground below. I can't see where the shots came from, but I know Nikko is out there, somewhere in the darkness, watching over us.

  We press further into the camp, but the resistance grows fiercer. A soldier swings his sword toward me. I barely dodge the strike, the blade grazing my arm, sending a sharp pain through me. Gritting my teeth, I push through the pain and retaliate, slashing through the soldier's armor and bringing him down.

  Ryu moves with deadly precision, cutting through soldiers with grace. His sword hums as it deflects arrows and slashes through armor. Despite the strain showing on his face, he doesn't falter. His movements remain fluid and unrelenting. Suddenly, a group of soldiers rushes us from the side, their weapons raised. Ryu raises his hand, and with a forceful gesture, sends them flying back with a wave of energy, scattering them across the ground.

  In that moment, I hear a voice echo through the night—Nikko's voice, emanating from Ryu's glove. "Papa, behind you!"

  Ryu spins just in time, a soldier sneaking up on him. But before the soldier can strike, a red blaster bolt cuts through the darkness, hitting him squarely in the chest. The soldier collapses, his weapon falling harmlessly to the ground.

  "Good job Nikko!" Ryu calls out, though his tone is both protective and encouraging.

  We push forward again, but the soldiers aren't giving up easily. I spot another archer in a distant watchtower, his bow drawn. Before I can warn Ryu, another red bolt streaks through the night, striking the archer and sending him tumbling from the tower.

  The battle rages on, Apollo's blaster fire cutting through the ranks of soldiers. His mechanical precision provides a steady cover, and his shots never miss their mark. Suddenly, a soldier manages to land a glancing blow on Ryu's leg. He staggers for a moment but quickly recovers, slashing through his attacker with a swift strike.

  I rush to cover him, taking down a soldier charging at him with a well-placed slash across the chest. The sounds of battle surround us—cries of pain, the clang of weapons, and the hum of blasters—but we press on. Another explosion rocks the camp, sending debris flying through the air. We use the confusion to push deeper into the camp, cutting down any soldiers who stand in our way.

  The ground is littered with unconscious bodies, the scent of burning wood and smoke hanging in the air. Ryu gestures for us to split up, and I follow his lead, silently moving between the tents. Inside, soldiers scramble to arm themselves, but they are caught off guard by our attack. I dispatch them swiftly, not giving them a chance to react.

  As I exit one of the tents, a soldier grabs me from behind, his arm locking tightly around my neck. I struggle against his grip, but he's too strong. Desperately, I drive my elbow into his ribs, loosening his hold just enough for me to twist free. With one swift motion, I plunge my sword into his side. He gasps, his body crumpling as I pull the blade free.

  Then, through the noise of the battle, I hear Nikko again. "Papa! Talia! Behind you!"

  Another blaster bolt fires from the darkness, striking a soldier sneaking up on Ryu. Ryu spares a glance toward the sound of her voice, a brief, proud smile crossing his face before we continue fighting.

  Ryu's voice cuts through the chaos. "Talia, over here!" I turn swiftly to see him engaged in a fierce battle with a group of soldiers. Without hesitation, I rush to his side, my swords flashing as I join him. Together, we move as one, each anticipating the other's moves. I parry a strike, and Ryu uses the opening to cut down another soldier with precision. Our teamwork feels instinctive, like we've done this a hundred times.

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  Suddenly, I hear Nikko's voice in my earpiece. "Papa! Watchtower to your left—three archers!"

  I glance up just in time to spot them, drawing their bows from a nearby watchtower. Before I can react, DP-7 swoops in, its blaster firing with pinpoint accuracy. The archers fall, their arrows clattering uselessly to the ground below. Nikko's voice comes through again, this time calmer, "You're clear, Papa. Keep going!"

  We push forward, toward the center of the camp where the largest concentration of soldiers gathers. Ryu stretches out his hand, and with a forceful motion, a nearby watchtower collapses, crashing down onto the soldiers below. They scatter in confusion, and we charge into their broken ranks, cutting them down with brutal efficiency.

  "More coming from the right!" Nikko calls out. I turn my head and see a group of soldiers approaching fast. Ryu hears it too and quickly blocks an incoming strike aimed at me, while I take out the soldier charging him from the side.

  "Thanks, Nikko," Ryu mutters, his voice low but steady.

  The soldiers' formation is shattered, and I spot another archer far off, hidden behind some tents, drawing his bow at us. Before I can make a move, a red blaster bolt flies across the battlefield, striking the archer down. I look up, knowing it's Nikko's direction. "Got him!" Nikko's voice rings out, proud and excited.

  Ryu deflects another attack and shouts, "Good job, Nikko! Keep spotting!"

  We press toward the wreckage of Ryu's ship, where soldiers are trying—and failing—to dismantle it. I can see frustration building in Ryu's eyes as their crude tools prove ineffective against the ship's resilient hull. But there's no time to pause.

  "Five more, closing in from your left!" Nikko's voice cuts through again. I swivel, spotting the soldiers just as they break cover. Ryu is already moving, taking down two in a single swift motion. I block an attack aimed at my midsection and retaliate with a slash across my attacker's chest.

  As we approach the heart of the camp, the remaining soldiers regroup for a final stand. "Front, three soldiers charging!" Nikko calls, her voice urgent. Ryu and I brace ourselves, standing side by side as they rush toward us. I block a sword strike and twist the attacker's arm, sending him sprawling to the ground. Ryu, in turn, slashes through another soldier, his movements precise and deadly.

  The ground beneath us is slick with blood, the overwhelming stench of death filling the air. "You're clear to move forward," Nikko calls, and we push deeper into the camp, unstoppable in our determination.

  Ryu deflects a flurry of blows, then steps in to deliver a killing strike. The soldiers fight desperately, but we are relentless. I spin to avoid a swing aimed at my legs and counter with a slash across the soldier's chest.

  More soldiers fall, their bodies piling up around us. Ryu and I fight with everything we have, determined to take down the camp. The sound of battle is deafening, but we press on.

  As the last of the soldiers fall, I take a moment to catch my breath. The camp is in ruins, the ground littered with bodies and debris. Ryu stands beside me, his sword dripping with blood.

  We did it, I think, feeling a surge of relief. But there's no time to celebrate. We need to secure the camp and ensure there are no more surprises. Ryu gestures for DP-7 to scan the area, and the droid flies off, its sensors sweeping the camp for any remaining threats.

  I nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment. We managed to take down the camp, but the battle has taken its toll. My muscles ache, and I'm covered in cuts and bruises. But we've succeeded, and that's what matters.

  ?????

  The camp is a gruesome sight, littered with bodies and the remnants of the fierce battle. My breath comes in ragged gasps, my muscles aching with exhaustion. Ryu, equally worn, approaches me, his eyes scanning for wounds. He notices the cut on my arm, deep but not life-threatening. Without a word, he retrieves the same cylinder Apollo used earlier and sprays the stinging mist onto my wound. I wince at the sharp sting, my arm instinctively recoiling as the cold spray makes contact with my torn skin.

  "What is that?" I ask, my voice strained as I grit my teeth through the pain.

  "Bacta spray," Ryu explains, his voice calm despite the situation. "It's a powerful healing agent. It accelerates the healing process—closes wounds faster, helps with pain."

  I glance down at my arm, but at first, I feel nothing. The pain still lingers, sharp and persistent, and I begin to doubt his words. But then, slowly, like a tide pulling away from the shore, the ache begins to fade. The throbbing subsides, and I feel a sense of relief as the tension in my muscles eases.

  Ryu applies the same spray to a gash on his leg, and I watch the mist cover his wound, knowing that whatever strange magic this is, it's effective. My mind races with questions, but now isn't the time.

  "I spot no more enemy combatants. Are you two unharmed?" Apollo's voice rings through Ryu's glove.

  Ryu responds, "Some cuts and bruises, but we're fine."

  "Shall I and Nikko come to the camp?" Apollo asks.

  "Not yet," Ryu says, his tone more serious now.

  Confusion tugs at me, and I glance up at him. Why wouldn't we want Nikko to come now? We're safe. Aren't we?

  "Affirmative," Apollo responds.

  Ryu turns back to me, his expression more somber now. "I have to move the bodies first. I don't want Nikko to see this."

  My heart clenches at his words. The thought of Nikko's innocent eyes witnessing such horror makes my stomach turn. "I'll help you," I say, my voice firmer than I feel. The revulsion twists inside me, but I won't let Ryu carry this burden alone. No matter how much it sickens me, this is something that must be done.

  Ryu raises his hand, using the Force to gather the fallen soldiers. Slowly, they lift from the ground, drifting toward the center of the camp in an eerie silence. The bodies, still and lifeless, hover as if the weight of death has been momentarily suspended. I feel my throat tighten at the sheer number of them, scattered like discarded dolls across the blood-soaked ground. The air reeks of iron and sweat, a stench I'll never forget.

  Suddenly, one of the bodies begins coughing—a rasping, wet sound. The floating bodies hit the ground with a sickening thud as Ryu's focus shifts. We both turn to see a soldier, barely clinging to life, leaning against a barrel. His hand presses against his chest, blood seeping through his fingers where a deep, ragged wound cuts into his torso. Each cough forces more blood from his lips, his breaths shallow and labored. He's dying, there's no mistaking that.

  Ryu and I exchange glances. There's no need for words—this man is running out of time.

  The soldier, his eyes wild and desperate, fumbles for the hilt of his sword. But with a swift motion, Ryu waves his hand, flinging the weapon far out of the soldier's reach.

  "You are beyond what our lord has said about you," the soldier coughs, blood dribbling from his mouth, but there's something unsettling in his eyes—a twisted admiration or maybe a resigned acceptance of what's to come.

  Ryu steps forward, drawing his sword. The blade gleams in the moonlight, the tip hovering just above the man's throat. "I can make your death quick," Ryu says, his voice cold but calm, "if you tell me who you are speaking of."

  The soldier laughs, but it's a hollow sound, each chuckle ending in a painful wheeze. "You... already know the answer," he breathes, his voice barely audible over the sound of his struggling breaths.

  Ryu's face tightens, his jaw clenched. "Where is the Shadowfell?"

  The soldier's breathing grows more shallow, his strength fading rapidly. "Biding its time..." he whispers between gasps, his eyes glazing over as if the world is slipping away from him. The air around us feels heavier, almost suffocating, like something dark is stirring.

  Suddenly, without warning, the soldier's body ignites in black flames. I gasp, stumbling back in shock, my hand flying to my mouth as a shriek escapes me. The flames... they aren't like anything I've seen before. They burn cold, not with heat but with a dark, malevolent energy that twists the air around them. Ryu takes a few steps back as well, his eyes wide, his sword still poised but useless against this strange force.

  The soldier doesn't scream. He doesn't flinch. Instead, a wicked smile spreads across his face, his teeth stained red with blood. "I am ready to serve you, my lord," he says, his voice barely a whisper, before his entire body crumbles into ash. The flames vanish as quickly as they appeared, leaving nothing but a faint trace of smoke and the dark remains of the soldier scattered on the ground.

  Before I can catch my breath, the other bodies—those Ryu had gathered—erupt in the same black flames. One by one, they ignite, their forms consumed by the dark fire until nothing remains but piles of ash. The smell of burning flesh is overwhelming, the sight horrific. My heart races, my mind trying to comprehend the unnatural scene unfolding before me.

  "They're all... gone," I whisper, my voice trembling.

  I stare at the ashes, my skin crawling with dread. What kind of power does the Shadowfell wield to turn men into such willing, mindless servants? To burn them alive without pain, without resistance?

  Ryu says nothing for a moment, his face grim as he watches the last remnants of the bodies drift away on the breeze. "This is its work," he finally says, his voice low and dark. "It's more than we imagined."

  I swallow hard, my heart still pounding. The weight of fear settles in the pit of my stomach, but I push it down. "What do we do now?" I ask, my voice barely steady.

  Ryu turns to me, his expression hardening with resolve. "We press on."