Incognito

The group emerged cautiously from the underbelly of the Solaris Empire, stepping into the blinding brilliance of its bustling streets. The city hummed with activity, its streets alive with rushing civilians, vehicles hovering overhead, and guards patrolling in pairs. Dressed in yellow clan uniforms, they moved in tight formation, keeping their heads low as they blended into the crowd.

Kana kept her voice low but firm. “Stay close and act natural. You stick out, and we’re finished.”

Renjiro adjusted his cap, feeling his palms grow clammy as a pair of soldiers walked by and their sharp eyes scanned the crowd. He couldn’t shake the weight of their stares, even as they passed without stopping. Around him, the glow of holographic lumina projections reflected off sleek metal buildings.

But it wasn’t the hum that made him uneasy—it was the voices blaring from the glowing displays mounted on nearly every corner.

“The rogue Blue Clan recruits are fugitives of the Solaris Empire,” a commanding voice echoed, the crisp tone amplified through the streets. “They are unknown and their presence here is a threat to our safety. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Together, we will protect the future of the Empire.”

Renjiro’s stomach churned as his face appeared on a rotating hologram, flanked by blurry images of his friends.

“They’ve got wanted posters now?” Taro muttered, tugging his cap lower. “Great. Just great.”

Kairro shot Kana a look. “This is your idea of ‘blending in’?”

Kana didn’t break stride. “Keep your voice down. Unless you want your face in 3D, plastered on every screen in the city.”

Snatches of conversation from passing civilians added to the tension.

“Why were Blue Clan recruits even allowed here in the first place?” a man grumbled.

“They’re spies,” another said. “Sent to sabotage us.”

“They’re probably here to steal our technology,” a woman whispered, glancing around nervously.

As they moved deeper into the city, Kana led them into a quieter alley. The noise of the streets faded slightly, and Renjiro exhaled, not realizing he’d been holding his breath.

“I’ve been thinking,” Renjiro said, breaking the silence. “About the crystal I found.”

The group stopped, their attention turning to him.

“What about it?” Emi asked.

Renjiro hesitated. “When I found it in that cave, the walls were covered in these strange symbols. I didn’t understand them, but… maybe they mean something. If we could get back to that cave, we could figure out how I got this power in the first place.”

Kana tilted her head. “Symbols? Sounds like some ancient stuff. Could be worth looking into.”

“Not just the crystal,” Renjiro added. “Before the Red Clan attacked my village, Satoshi showed me this relic—black and gold, with markings kinda like the ones in the cave. He said it belonged to my mother. I didn’t think much of it back then, but now…”

Kairro frowned. “Wait, black and gold? Like Ukuboa’s weapon?”

"Zitanian Steel...", Yumeru whispered.

Renjiro nodded slowly, his expression darkening. “It was similar. What if it’s all connected? The relic, the crystal, everything?”

Emi placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Once we’re out of this mess, we’ll find that cave and get the answers you need.”

Taro glanced around the alley. “That’s great and all, but first, how about we make sure we don’t get caught?”

The group stepped back onto the main thoroughfare, the bustle of the city wrapping around them again. As they neared a checkpoint, a pair of guards stood rigid, their eyes scanning every face that passed.

“Walk naturally,” Kana muttered. “Don’t look suspicious.”

They moved as casually as they could, but Renjiro’s pulse quickened when one of the guards’ gazes locked onto them.

“Hey!” the guard barked, stepping toward them.

Renjiro froze, his heart slamming against his ribs.

“You there—stop!”

Kana stepped forward before anyone could panic. Her tone was calm but firm. “We’re with maintenance,” she said, motioning to her uniform. “Sector 254 needed additional personnel for the ceremony preparations.”

The guard hesitated, his eyes narrowing. “Maintenance? You’re cutting it close.”

Kana rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it. Look, if you’ve got a problem, take it up with Supervisor Dain. You know how he gets when we’re late.”

The guard grumbled but finally waved them through.

As they moved away, Taro exhaled loudly. “That was way too close.”

Kana smirked faintly. “You’re welcome.”

“This is it,” Kana said. “The ceremony’s inside. All the big names will be here.”

Renjiro scanned the area, his unease growing as he noticed the sheer number of guards stationed near the entrance.

Kairro muttered, “And you’re sure this is the best time to pull off a heist?”

Kana didn’t respond, instead nodding toward the civilians filing into the building. “Stick together and blend in. Whatever you do, don’t draw attention.”

The group slipped into the crowd, as they moved toward the entrance. Inside, the building was even more stunning. Yellow Lumina lit every corner. Holographic displays showcased the Solaris Empire’s latest technological achievements, from enhanced hovercrafts to advanced weaponry.

Renjiro glanced around, his chest tightening. The noise, the lights, the presence of so many guards—it all felt suffocating.

“Alright,” Kana whispered as they moved deeper into the building. “We get the key, and we’re out. No mistakes.”

The noise and energy of the event surrounded them as they prepared for the next step in their plan, every moment bringing them closer to either freedom—or disaster.