The mech-bay was bathed in dim blue light, Ravager Mk III standing tall and motionless like a beast preparing for war.
Kael stood beside the massive frame, running his hand over the titanium alloy plating. His fingers lingered where the last Kaiju's acid strike had left a thin burn scar—soon to be repainted, but for now, a quiet reminder of the last battle.
Behind him, the unmistakable click of boots echoed through the chamber.
> "You didn't even message me," Ryssa said, arms folded but smirking.
Kael glanced at her over his shoulder. "Didn't feel the need."
> "And here I was thinking we had something special after all our comm chats."
Kael sighed but turned fully toward her. "I'll join the competition."
> "Finally," Ryssa smiled, stepping closer. "You'll show those polished boys what a real warrior looks like."
She was close now. Too close.
> "But… one condition," he said quietly.
Ryssa raised a brow. "Hmm?"
> "No games, Ryssa. No politics. If I'm doing this, I'm doing it on my terms."
Ryssa tilted her head, her expression shifting just slightly from playful to something deeper—more vulnerable.
> "What if I said I don't want games either?" she whispered.
Kael didn't respond right away. But then, something in his eyes softened, and he lifted a hand to brush a strand of hair from her face. She didn't move away.
> "You're impossible," he muttered.
> "And yet, here you are—standing close, not walking away."
Their eyes locked for a moment longer than necessary, and Ryssa leaned in, lips parting slightly—
Until the doors hissed open.
---
Meanwhile – The Corridor
Tyren was walking down the eastern hallway of the crew deck when he overheard it.
> "Ziya and Tyren? Please. She could do better."
"Did you see the way she looks at him? It's obvious. She's into him. Poor girl."
The voices belonged to two young maintenance officers, laughing quietly near the lockers.
Tyren stopped in his tracks, jaw tightening. He'd heard the rumors before—hell, he'd shrugged most off. But this time, something hit different.
He turned, fists clenched.
> "They don't know her," he muttered to himself.
He'd spent days trying to ignore the obvious: Ziya had stayed. When she could've run. She'd stood beside him. Trusted him.
And he'd pushed her away.
But now—now she was being judged for that.
He wasn't scared of battle. Not even death. But the thought of Ziya getting hurt because of him—because he was too much of a coward to acknowledge her?
That was something else entirely.
> "No more hiding," he muttered. "I'm standing by her."
---
Back at the Training Deck
Ziya stood beside her unit's simulator, running diagnostics. She was alone, humming softly to herself, but clearly distracted.
She didn't notice Tyren approach until he was only a step away.
> "Hey," he said.
She jumped slightly, then turned. "Tyren? Uh—hi."
There was a brief, awkward silence before he spoke again, looking away, then back at her.
> "I heard what they're saying. About us."
Ziya blinked, unsure how to react.
> "And I just want to say…" He looked her in the eye. "Let them talk."
She opened her mouth, confused.
> "Let them talk," he repeated. "I don't care anymore. I'll stand by you."
Ziya's breath caught in her throat. "You mean…?"
Tyren shrugged. "I mean you stayed, Ziya. When no one else did."
A small smile touched her lips, eyes gleaming.
> "Well," she whispered, "it's about time."
---
Elsewhere – Kael & Ryssa's Interrupted Moment
Kael turned back from the doorway, gaze flicking toward Ryssa, who still looked flustered from their near kiss.
> "Guess that moment's over," he said with a smirk.
Ryssa grinned. "Maybe. But moments come back, you know… especially when you least expect them."
Kael simply shook his head and walked away—though not without glancing at her one last time.
Ryssa watched him go, eyes narrowing slightly, but the smile on her face remained.
> "Soon," she whispered.