Operation: Threads of Connection

Getting Her

"Sir, I..." I hesitated, unsure if I was capable of fulfilling such a promise. But then I thought of Anya— how much I love and care for her, she was my everything and I couldn't live without her... And Yor, who was always kind and strong, who had been dragged into this mess because of me. I couldn't let them down.

"I promise," I said firmly, my voice stronger than I felt. "I'll protect them, no matter what."

Loid's expression softened, and he gave a small nod of approval. "Good," he said. Suddenly, Franky's voice crackled in the earpiece, pulling us back to the urgency of the moment. "We need to move. Reed's got more men than we thought. Be ready."

Loid straightened, the vulnerability in his face replaced by the steely resolve of a man prepared to do whatever it took.

"Come out and play Twilight!" Reed's voice boomed through the speakers, Loid's expression hardened, his jaw tightening as Reed's voice echoed through the warehouse speakers. It was taunting, mocking, and laced with the kind of arrogance that made my blood boil.

"Stay close, all of you," Loid ordered, his tone low and commanding. His sharp eyes scanned the dimly lit hallways ahead, every sense on high alert. Franky," Loid whispered into the earpiece, "can you pinpoint Reed's location?"

"I'm working on it," Franky replied, his voice tense. "He's got this place wired with old-school tech. The signals are bouncing everywhere, but I'll get you something soon."

"Soon isn't fast enough," Yuri muttered, his eyes narrowed. He adjusted his grip on his weapon, his usual over-the-top attitude replaced by grim determination. "We don't have time for games."

"Yuri, keep it together," Loid said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. "We'll get Yor back, but we do this smart. No unnecessary risks."

A loud metallic clang echoed through the warehouse, followed by Reed's voice again, booming from unseen speakers. "If you make it out of there alive, I have a really fun surprise awaiting you all" Another sound, this time footsteps—multiple sets, heavy and purposeful—echoed down the hallway. Reed's men were closing in.

"Franky?" Loid prompted, urgency creeping into his voice.

"I've got it!" Franky exclaimed. "Reed's in the central control room, northeast quadrant. But be careful—he's set up traps along the way, and he's got at least ten men between you and him."

Loid's eyes narrowed, his mind already working to calculate the odds. The faint sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, every second ticking by like a countdown. He turned to us, his expression sharp and focused.

"Yuri, take Damian and clear the east corridor," Loid ordered, his voice steady despite the tension. "Franky, guide me through the traps. I'll take the direct route to Reed."

"What?!" Yuri hissed, spinning to face Loid. "You're not going in alone! This isn't the time to play the lone hero, you bastard!"

Loid's gaze didn't waver. "This isn't up for debate, Yuri. The more of us together, the easier we'll be spotted. You're fast, and you've got Damian. Make sure the east corridor is clear and create a diversion if needed. Franky will guide me through."

Yuri's jaw clenched, but before he could argue further, the sound of boots hitting the floor grew dangerously close.

"They're here!" I whispered urgently, my heart pounding.

Loid turned back to me, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Damian," he said, his tone quieter but no less firm, "you promised me. Take care of Anya and Yor if anything happens to me. Don't forget that."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. "I won't," I managed, my voice trembling but resolute.

Loid nodded, then looked at Yuri. "Take him and go. Now."