8

Remember how this is supposed to be set around after season 2... I'm going to make it around the time he is discovering his mom's past.And I want to make them 14 not 15 because yes.

------------------------------------In the morning, warm sunlight kissed Alicia's face as she walked to school—until she caught sight of a familiar figure up ahead. Ali? Since when did he leave this early? She narrowed her eyes slightly, adjusting her pace until she matched his. His hands were in his pockets, posture relaxed, as if the whole world didn't exist unless he acknowledged it. Typical.

"You're early," she said flatly.

Ali glanced sideways, surprised. "You're early."

"I always am. You're the one who usually shows up just before the bell."

He smirked. "Wanted a change of scenery."

"Right," she said, unconvinced, as they continued walking side by side in sync. The silence between them was comfortable—until it wasn't. Her thoughts wandered a little too far ahead of her steps. Her wrist still ached faintly from the incident, though she didn't show it.

After a beat, she spoke again—casual, like she wasn't overthinking it.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Since when do you need permission?"

She hesitated. "What would you do if you liked someone?"

Ali paused. "That's random."

"Just curious," she shrugged. "You don't have to answer."

He thought for a while. "...I guess I'd tell them. Eventually."

"Even if it might mess things up?"

"If I liked them enough, yeah."

"Oh..." She went silent for a moment. "Then... should I tell them?"

"I don't really know. But what did you mean by 'if it messed things up'?" Ali asked.

She was caught off guard by his statement. "Um... if you and the person are friends, wouldn't it mess things up?" 

"Depends on who that person is."  

...

The school hallway was already bustling with noise by the time they arrived. Students moved around like aimless ants, and Alicia was about to head toward her class when a voice interrupted her routine.

"Still hanging around him?" came a too-familiar voice behind her.

She didn't even have to turn around.

Of course.

She exhaled quietly, then turned slowly, expression unreadable.

He was leaning against the wall like he owned the hallway. That same irritating smirk on his face.

"Is this becoming your morning ritual or something?" she said blandly.

Evan ignored that. "You know, it's kind of sad, watching you pretend he's good for you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Funny. I don't remember asking for commentary."

"You're wasting your time. He doesn't look at you the way you look at him."

And that's when it happened.

Before she could think, her fist moved.A clean punch—straight to his face. Not enough to break anything, but enough to make him stumble back a step and hiss in pain.

"Say one more thing and I'll make sure you leave this hallway on a stretcher," she muttered, eyes sharp.

Evan blinked, clearly not expecting that. "Touchy."

She turned around without another word.

But her heart was racing.

Because deep down, she knew...

He wasn't completely wrong.

...

The period before lunch had just finished. Students in the class were heading out, and so was Alicia. She kept her books, got up from her seat, tucked in her chair, and was just about to leave through the door—

"Miss Kheng?" The teacher called.

She turned around sharply, and responded, "Yes?"

"I'd like to talk to you. I've received a report from someone... that you punched a boy in the hallway this morning?"

She nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Miss."

"I'm supposed to take action, which you may be aware of." she said—voice leaving no room for argument. "But instead, I'll give you a warning this time. If I hear something like this again, you'll face consequences immediately."

Alicia gave a small nod before quietly excusing herself. She stepped out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind her.

Her footsteps echoed faintly as she walked, calm on the outside, but her head was buzzing. She didn't regret the punch—if anything, she wished she'd aimed a little harder.

Next time, I won't get caught.

Still, it left a weird taste in her mouth. Not because of the warning... but because his words wouldn't leave her alone.

... 

Mia caught up to Ali when he was heading out for his break, walking slightly beside him before speaking.

"Ali?"

He blinked. "Yeah?"

"I just... want to ask something. Not for me."

"...Okay?"

"It's about Alicia. She's been acting kind of off. Quiet. Tired." She hesitated. "You're close to her, right? So I figured I'd ask you."

Ali frowned slightly, tilting his head. "She said she was fine."

"She always says that." Mia gave a tiny shrug. "Just... look out for her, okay?"...

[In the M.A.T.A. control room]The control room lights dimmed as a holographic map flickered to life at the center of the table, illuminating the faces of the young agents gathered around. The projection displayed a digital schematic of an abandoned Azurium storage facility just outside the Cyberaya perimeter — one that hadn't seen activity in some time. At the head of the room, General Rama's voice came through the comms system, calm but unmistakably urgent.

"We've just intercepted intel confirming movement near Storage Site 09," he began, arms folded behind his back as he surveyed the room. "A known rogue operative — Dos — has been spotted approaching the perimeter. This site was shut down five years ago, but traces of dormant Azurium remain buried deep within its lower levels. Whatever her reasons, if Dos is after it, she's planning something — and we can't let her get her hands on it."

The hologram zoomed in, highlighting red zones marking possible entry points and underground vaults. 

"Your mission is simple in theory, but execution will be anything but. Secure the facility. Intercept Dos before she reaches the Azurium. And if she's already there — you do not let her leave with it."

General Rama's voice returned, lower now — like it was meant only for those who were really listening. "You've all faced worse before, but never underestimate someone like Dos. She's precise. And she will not hesitate. Act immediately!"

With a final flicker, the map faded. The mission had begun.

The warehouse was in ruins. Dust hung in the air like fog, lit up only by the sharp beams of M.A.T.A. agent flashlights. Shattered crates lay everywhere — and the faint, unmistakable glow of Azurium residue traced the floor like a scar.

Alicia crouched beside a cracked casing, expression unreadable. "She's already been here," she muttered.

Ali moved in closer, sweeping his scanner across the room. "No signature left. She's not trying to hide it."

"Which means she's confident," Bakar added grimly from behind them. "Let's not give her more reason to be."

The agents moved cautiously through the remnants of the raid, eyes sharp, steps light. The shattered remains of containment units lined the walls, and the low hum of residual Azurium energy still pulsed faintly in the air.

They'd already confirmed it—Dos had been here. The question now was where she went.

Alicia kept her stance sharp, eyes darting across every shadowed corner. Ali glanced around, checking high ledges and shadowed gaps.

They spread out, covering angles. Every creak of the floorboards, every shift in the air, felt louder under the pressure.

"There's something there..." Alicia murmured to herself, as she headed to investigate.

The sleek figure moved sharply, narrowly avoiding the bullet with ease. Alicia's eyes narrowed. She recognised that movement — fast, fluid, calculated.

Dos.

Before Alicia could reload, a glint of light caught her eye.

Dos lunged forward, plasma blade in hands. Alicia swiftly dodged to the side, the blade slicing the air where her shoulder was before.

She tapped her comm subtly while ducking another attack. "Confirm visual on Dos. Engaging. Get here—fast."

Ali and Bakar arrived quickly without delay, postures ready to defend. Dos didn't wait. The moment she spotted them, she lunged forward, blade arcing through the air with deadly precision — aiming straight for Ali. 

He pulled out his yo-yo shield just in time to block her attack, and Alicia shot at the woman. She dodged it with dexterity once more, before noticing that the Kombat was distracted. She pulled out her shock stick and jabbed it on his back. He then fell to the ground, weakened.

"Uncle! Are you alright?" Ali called, as he launched his yo-yo. It spun through the air like a bolt of light, the cord glinting as it twisted midair. Dos blocked with her blade, but the force sent her stumbling back. He then pulled back the yo-yo. 

"Yes, I'm fine." he responded.But the stumble was brief — Dos recovered with frightening speed. She twisted low, plasma blade sweeping the floor in a sharp arc that forced Ali to leap back. Alicia barely had time to reload before Dos closed the gap between them again, her movements fluid and fast, like water laced with steel. Alicia shot once more, but Dos spun and deflected it midair, sparks flaring from the clash. Ali moved to flank her, trying to pin her between them, but she was too quick. With a sudden burst of speed, she elbowed Ali in the ribs, making him stagger, and followed through with a sweep toward Alicia that grazed her arm. The sting jolted her, made her breath hitch—but she didn't fall. She clenched her teeth, raised her weapon, but her hands were trembling now. This wasn't just a fight — it was a struggle to keep up. Dos was faster, sharper, and they were starting to feel it. Ali met her blade again with his Yo-Yo, but his footwork was beginning to falter, a half-step behind. And Alicia could feel it — they were losing ground.

The Tekno and Neuro exchanged glances — a wordless signal passed between them, forged from missions and instincts sharpened side by side. Alicia shifted left, distracting Dos with a sudden barrage of shots, forcing her to raise her blade defensively. In that split second, Ali moved — his yo-yo whirled low in a sweeping arc, wrapping around Dos's ankle with perfect precision. Alicia didn't hesitate. With Dos momentarily off balance, she charged forward and released a stun shot directly at her centre mass. The combined move hit clean, sending Dos skidding back with a grunt. Dust kicked up as she hit the ground, a rare crack in her usually flawless composure. But the triumph was short-lived. Dos's eyes snapped up, cold and dangerous, and in the next breath — she was on her feet again, faster than before.

Ali instinctively turned to check, Alicia followed with a glance. The woman saw the advantage, and attempted to lunge—blade aimed straight for Alicia.

The two agents knew they didn't have enough time to attack, nor even defend. It all happened too fast—Dos had already closed the distance, her blade gleaming under the low light as it cut forward with merciless intent. Alicia's body tensed, her muscles frozen for a split second too long. Her mind registered the movement, but her reflexes couldn't keep up.

And then—

A blur of motion crossed her vision.

Ali.

He moved without a word, stepping in front of her with with a speed that left no room for thought. The air shifted as the plasma blade came down—and collided.

A sharp, metallic hiss tore through the silence, the kind of sound that sears itself into memory. Alicia's breath caught in her throat. For a moment, all she could hear was the ringing in her ears, and then—

A short, ragged breath escaped him.

Time slowed. Her eyes flicked down instinctively. There it was. The edge of Dos's blade had found its mark.

Not her.

Him.

Ali staggered, breath shallow, but his stance didn't waver. He was still standing—shielding her.

"That'll teach you two." Dos said—eyes narrowed, before sprinting down the hallway.

The Tekno's body dropped with a sharp, unsteady breath, one hand clutching his side where Dos's blade had grazed him. His suit was already stained a slight dark red—small, but unmistakably there. Alicia instinctively rushed to his side, hands ready to steady him as he faltered.

"Alicia, you help Ali. I will go handle Dos." Bakar said flatly, voice leaving no room for argument. She nodded solemnly, as the Kombat agent hurried away.

"Ali—" Her voice cracked halfway out, barely louder than a whisper.

His weight pressed into her as she caught him, and only then did she realise how warm the blood against her palm was. Her heart pounded in her chest, throat dry with panic she didn't want to show.

How did it all end up like this?

She crouched beside him, tightening her grip on his arm as if it could somehow anchor the situation back into control. But it couldn't. Her thoughts blurred into one conclusion: They had lost. Dos had escaped. Ali was down. And she had failed to stop any of it.

...

The sterile white light of the M.A.T.A. Medical Infirmary hummed faintly overhead. Ali lay motionless on the recovery bed, a light sheen of sweat still on his brow. his side was bandaged neatly, and the faint beep of a monitor beside him kept steady time with his breathing.

Agent Geetha stood over him, eyes focused on the digital display hovering above the bed, reading his vitals. Her expression was calm, but focused—her usual look when things weren't ideal, but not critical either.

Alicia stood nearby, arms folded tightly across her chest. Her eyes hadn't left him since they entered the room.

"His vitals are stable," Agent Geetha finally said, almost to herself. "The wound was clean. He'll need rest, but he's out of danger."

Alicia didn't reply. She couldn't. Even if she tried, no sound would leave her lips.

The words out of danger should've brought her relief, but all she felt was the knot in her chest tighten. Her fingers gripped her sleeves, trying to ground herself as her thoughts spiraled.

She should've seen it coming. She should've moved faster. Done something.

Bakar had managed to retrieve part of the stolen azurium, but it didn't feel like a win. Not when someone had to bleed for it.

She glanced at Ali again. Still unconscious. Still pale.

"Don't worry, Alicia. He'll be fine." Agent Geetha then stated, before leaving to give her space.

She hated this.

"I'm sorry. I should've been more aware." She finally said. "...And you shouldn't have cared so much about me."

Alicia then got up, and glanced at him once more before leaving from the Medical Infirmary.

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My fight scenes lack quality, don't they?