Myohyang Mountain, North Korea

It was very early morning in the communist Asian country that was North Korea. The Condor hovered above the mountains, with its stealth mode initiated, searching for the base the Red Crystal is located at. The forests near the mountain provided a good cover, making it tricky to find. However, the base would become visible after an extensive search. Now was the time to act.

Inside the ship, everyone was ready to get the task done with. For this mission, they abandoned the costumes they normally wear for a sleek, all-black uniform for each member. Since this wasn’t a public operation, they were going to wear their public attire. The Watcher stood in front of the other members, who were lined up perfectly side-by-side.

“Alright, team. This mission is of the utmost importance, which means a single error could cause failure on a cataclysmic level.”

“No pressure or anything.” Blindshot said.

“I’m merely stating the truth. You know how the motto goes.”

“Complete the mission, don’t get caught, save the world.” Phase said.

“Exactly. If all goes well, we’ll get the Red Crystal and get out. Of course, we can expect there to be resistance on the way.”

“It’ll be the perfect chance to show Mist we’re not to be messed with.” Cyber said

“And after this, North Korea will know that they can’t get away with housing terrorists.” The Watcher said.

“So basically we storm in, take out any Mist agents we see along the way, get the Red Crystal, and leave?” Blindshot said.

“Yes.” The Watcher said. “The two teams will take them on opposite ends. Team Alpha, which is us, takes them from the back. Team Bravo will take them from the front.”

“Sounds simple enough.” Blindshot said.

“Beware of any of Mist’s top agents that could be here.” The Watcher said. “We didn’t have enough time to get intel, but I’d suspect that some of Mist’s most dangerous operatives are stationed at this place.”

“I’ll take them on if I have to.” Phase said.

“Well, no one else is going to do it for us. We better get moving.”

The cloaked ship descended downwards, landing in the forest below. The hatch opened, letting the team out to begin their mission. The Watcher gave the signal to the others, and with that it was underway. None of them were using a communicator. Instead, they operated using Phase’s telepathy. However, they still carried one for when they needed to communicate with Team Bravo.

“I’ll scout the area.” Swarm said.

Swarm let an insect fly from his sleeve, taking off into the distance. The small bug would serve well in giving Swarm an idea of what’s ahead. They silently moved through the forest. The time to attack would be soon, but they didn’t want to draw any attention before they had to.

“Several troop transports are driving into the base.” Swarm said. “One is general, speaking to another man. This is a man in a hood, it might be the Mist operative Riot.”

“I knew there would be top agents there.” The Watcher said. “Be very careful about this.”

“I’ll see where the Red Crystal is located.” Swarm said.

They moved forward, making their best effort to make a sound. Eventually, the base came into view. They hid within the vegetation to avoid being seen until needed. It was a large fortress that stood tall, the point having a flag baring the Mist symbol, a stylized ‘M’. At the front of the compound, a number of Mist operatives stood, alongside North Korean troops.

“Don’t act until I say so, we need to find the right time.” The Watcher said.

Everyone understood. The Watcher took out his communicator, and whispered through it.

“We’re here. Don’t attack without my order, this is important.”

“Got it.” Red Revolver whispered on the other end.

They stayed behind the safety of their cover, awaiting what would come next. The Watcher wanted to wait until after the North Koreans had left the area before they struck. This was important to maintaining the secrecy of the mission. They stood patiently, hiding out of sight seeing how long this was going to be.

Riot, the Mist operative known for his distinctive black hood and red eyes, stood in front a North Korean general as he spoke.

“We got the Red Crystal in our hands, and I think once you see the results we’ll all be more than satisfied.” Riot said.

“I’d expect nothing less.” The general said.

Just then, a wormhole appeared next to Riot. It was of a gray color, which could only mean one thing: It was the Mist operative known as Grey. The wormhole ended, and Grey stepped out to speak to the general. As his name would suggest, Grey was primarily known of his gray colors. Gray hair, gray clothes. He wore a gray cloak, and had shining yellow eyes. Grey, who appeared very young, was believed to have magical origins, likely not coming from this Earth.

“We expect North Korea’s full support in exchange for this, remember that.” Grey said. “It’s give and take, so be sure you can give as well.”

“Our goals are aligned, there is nothing to fear.” The general said.

“I’d hope so. Make sure your ‘Great Leader’ Yon Song-Jin knows that too.”

“I’m sure he does.” Riot said. “No need for any hostility.”

“Forgive my rudeness.” Grey said. “I just had to assert my position. I’m sure everything will go swimmingly.”

The general remained where he was. The man wasn’t going to be intimidated by what appeared to be a young boy, even one magical like Grey. Now it was the general’s turn to speak.

“For this, remember that our leader wishes to be on the Council. That was the deal.”

“Not just anyone can join the Council.” Riot said. “Membership is pretty strict.”

“But there’s an open spot, am I correct? Some of your ‘leaders’ have been arrested from what I’ve heard.”

“They don’t plan stay locked up for long, neither do we.” Riot said.

“Nonetheless, I’d expect your full support, if we’re giving you ours.”

“Our goals are aligned, there is nothing to fear.” Grey said.

The general looked at him with a stern stare. It took another moment before he spoke again.

“Good. I shall leave you to your devices now. Don’t fail us.”

With that the general and his troops went back to their vehicles, departing from the premises as quickly as possible. The Watcher and the others witnessed the whole thing. The time to act would arise soon, but he had to measure his next step very carefully if this was going to go smoothly. So many things can go wrong with this mission that he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.

“When should we attack?” Cyber asked.

“Soon.” The Watcher said.

As the North Koreans drove away, the members of Mist retreated inside their base. It was cleared. For a roughly a half an hour they waited until no one was outside. Still, the Protectors didn’t wish to be visible until they struck, but that time was going to come soon. Swarm spoke again in their linked mental communication.

“The Red Crystal is in the center of the base.” Swarm said. “Located in a room that’s sealed, my insect was only able to get in through a vent.”

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Blindshot said.

“I’m worried about what kind of agents they have here.” The Watcher said. “These aren’t your average rank-and-file grunts. People like Riot and Grey are established as great threats, not ones we should take lightly.”

“Good thing we’re here to handle it.” Phase said.

“Just be careful, and don’t let your guard down.” The Watcher said.

“So, can we attack now?” Blindshot asked.

“I think it’s cleared. On my order, we strike.” The Watcher said.

The Watcher took out his communicator, and whispered into it for Team Bravo to hear.

“Get ready.” The Watcher said.

“I’ve been ready.” Red Revolver said on the other end.

“I’m going to provide a little distraction with my ship.” The Watcher said. “When it strikes, so do we.”

The Watcher took out a remote, and with the press of a button, the Condor they arrived in had become airborne. The ship was going to attack, providing the perfect aerial diversion for them to exploit. The ship flew to their location, and soon enough it opened fire on the base, drawing the agents out to fire back.

“We strike.” The Watcher said.

The mission was underway. Team Alpha vacated the trees and bushes they were hiding in and began their attack. The Condor shot concentrated energy blasts at the agents of Mist, and just when they could figure out what was going on, the Protectors attacked them on the front lines.

Blindshot fired an explosive arrow that took out a squad of agents firing upon the ship. The sounds of gunfire filled the air, a perfect sign that the mission had truly began. Phase shot psionic blasts at agents that were attacking her, while keeping a shining purple forcefield constructed.

“I think we’ve made ourselves known.” Phase said as she blasted another Mist with a psionic beam.

“I’ll say.” Blindshot said.

Phase and Blindshot continued forward, covering each other’s backs while they moved forward into the base. Cyber utilized his laser cannon from his arm, firing red bursts of superheated energy at more operatives. The Watcher zipped through the battlefield, firing energy blasts before any agent could touch him.

“Get the Red Crystal and leave.” The Watcher said. “We’ll keep them busy out here.”

“Got it!” Phase said.

Phase, with Blindshot in tow, moved into the compound where they were ready to to retrieve the gem and get the hell out of there. The hallways were long and wide, and was colored a light black. A squad of Mist agents appeared on the other end when they turned the corner, and opened fire. Phase projected a barrier of purple energy in front of her to deflect the shots from the agents’ weapons, then returned them back to sender. All fell down after that.

“Not bad.” Blindshot said.

“Just don’t hold me back, archer guy.”

“Oh come on, you know I’m the best.”

The two would reach the center of the compound, and came across a large sealed metal door. Phase and Blindshot turned to each other, and nodded. Phase immediately began working on the door, using her psychic abilities to unhinged it. In meantime, there were more voice heard from the corner. Mist.

“They’re getting the Crystal!”

Blindshot readied his bow, and the moment they came into view, he shot several arrows. All of them hit their targets. The operatives fell, not making a sound. Blindshot nodded at Phase, who smiled at him as she got the door open. The Red Crystal was right there, for their taking.

“Let’s hope this is the real deal.” Blindshot said.

“Yeah.”

Phase took the Red Crystal, picking it up with her telekinetic powers, and it flew to her hand. That part was completed, now they had to leave as soon as possible.

“Alright, everyone.” Phase said through a telepathic message. “I have the Crystal, let’s get out of here!”

“Understood.” Swarm said.

“Time to leave.” The Watcher said.

Blindshot and Phase ran through the hallways, trying to move as fast as they could to escape the base. The narrow hallways gave them only one way out, and that way was though the entrance. They turned a corner, and across the hall was a Mist agent unlike the normal one. Riot.

“Well, now.” Riot said. “I think you have something that belongs to us.”

Riot was a hooded man, who appeared to be in his late twenties. He had black hair, and a wicked smile across his face. Blindshot readied his bow, prepared to strike. It was well-known how dangerous he was, many having fallen to him and his power. Riot’s arm formed into a blade of flesh and bone, and his smile grew wider. Blindshot was nervous, but had to maintain a steady aim.

“You know, I’m glad I only have to deal with you two. A squishy psionic and a man using a medieval weapon against me? This’ll be fun.”

“You won’t say that when you’re dead!” Blindshot said.

“Try me.”

Blindshot fired several arrows at Riot, who swiftly dodged two of them and caught the third. It exploded in his face. After the smoke cleared, his face was revealed with a smile. It didn’t affect him at all.

“Amateur hour is over.” Riot said. “Time to die.”

Riot charged, moving at a blitzing speed that barely gave them enough time to react. Phase created a barrier just in time to block Riot’s strike. It hit like a truck, hard enough for her to feel it through the shield. He repeatedly struck at her, making it difficult to keep the shield up. Another strike would destroy it, he made another attack.

Before it could hit, his armed was hit with an arrow. This one froze his arm with a coat of ice.

“Who’s laughing now, bitch?” Blindshot said.

“We got to get out of here!” Phase exclaimed.

The ice grew to cover the right side of Riot’s body, extending to the floor and making it difficult to move.

“Alright, let’s go!” Blindshot said. “But first, I’m going to take care of this asshole.”

Phase ran out with the crystal in hand, and Blindshot shot an arrow to the ground next to Riot. It made a beeping noise with a red flashing light on the tip.

“It’ll explode in a minute, good luck escaping in time.”

“You think this’ll stop me? Go ahead, try.” Riot said with a laugh.

Blindshot didn’t pay attention to that. Instead, he shot more arrows to the sides as he exfiltrated the base. More explosive arrows to neutralize the threat in a minute’s time. He ran out the base as fast as he possibly could. His heartrate increased to high levels as the adrenaline kicked in.

Finally, the exit was there. It took all of his energy to run to the outside, away from the incoming explosion. Blindshot fell to the ground on the grass and dirt out of exhaustion when the explosion occurred. It was loud, the fire erupted from the base and thundered through the ground below him.

“Get up!” Phase said. “It’s not done yet. You can rest when we’re home.”

“Just thought I’d take a three second break.” Blindshot said, jokingly.

Blindshot forced himself up, ready to leave when the situation would allow. He walked up to Phase, and they quickly hugged before resuming their mission.

“Glad we’re out of that.” Blindshot said.

“I guess I can count on archers in this day and age.” Phase said. “I’m sure my kids will be happy that I’ll be home soon.”

“Yeah, now let’s go home.”

Phase looked up at The Watcher, floating in the air. She gave him the Red Crystal through a telekinetic push. He caught it in mid-air, and nodded at them below.

“Mission accomplished, everyone.” The Watcher said through the telepathic link. “Let’s go home.”

“I can do that.” Cyber said. “I don’t think North Korea would be happy with having us as their guests.”

“Same here.” Blindshot said. “I know Cécile will be happy to see me.”

They got a call on their communicator. It was Red Revolver of Team Bravo.

“Can we get out of here?” Red Revolver said. “I’d like to go back to my town now.”

“Yes.” The Watcher said. “I’d say this is a mission accomplished. Good thing there were no casualties.”

The Condor descended downward. Their ticket home was in sight. With that, they could finally close this chapter regarding the Red Crystal, knowing that it was in good hands after all this time and effort. The Condor landed. The Watcher, with the Red Crystal, boarded first. Then Cyber, followed by Swarm, and finally Blindshot. Phase was the last one.

“I guess ‘ladies’ first’ has been forgotten.” Phase joked.

She took a step forward. Then she fell. Blood ran from her throat as a spike protruded from her back. She coughed blood, attempting to move but failing.

“PHASE!” Blindshot yelled.

He looked forward, and in the distance was Riot. His clothes were torn to shreds, but his smile remained.

“A little parting gift!” Riot yelled.

Just then, another man appeared. Grey. He grabbed Riot by the shoulder, and they disappeared in a gray vortex. Wherever they went, they couldn’t reach them. Blindshot wanted nothing more than to kill him right there. But right now, he had to focus on his friend.

“Do something!”

Phase fell down, hitting the ground in a puddle of blood below her. Blindshot ran to her. He could feel no pulse from her wrist. Blindshot groaned with anger.

“Goddammit, can no one here do anything?!”

“Brad…” The Watcher said.

“Some leader you are!” Blindshot pointed his finger at him. “You can’t even get your daughter’s respect, now you get another woman killed?!”

“Yelling at me isn’t going to help anything, Brad.” The Watcher said, his tone remaining unchanged. “Bring her in, we’ll make sure Robyn gets the proper attention.”

“When, huh? When we get back to New York? You think we’ll get there soon enough for that?”

“I can help the situation.” The Watcher said. “But we have to leave now.”

Blindshot looked down. Then he picked her up, carrying her body into the Condor. The ship flew off in the sky. The mission was completed, the task completed, yet there was a casualty in the process. Any victory at the expense of lives of the Protectors was never a victory at all, that’s how Brad saw it.

“I’ll take her to the medical bay.” The Watcher said. “I’ll see what we can do.”

The Watcher took Phase from Blindshot, who went and sat down on a chair in the second floor, both angered and sad about the situation. In the bay, he set Phase on the bed, and hooked her on a machine. This delivered a shock that got her heart beating again. She was still unconscious, but this could keep her alive until they reach a safe place.

The Watcher returned to the second floor. No one down there look particularly happy, despite the mission success.

“We’ll see if we can save her after we make a detour in Seoul.” The Watcher said.

“That’s all we can do?” Blindshot asked.

“I’m afraid so.” The Watcher said.

“We better be able to save her. I don’t want her kids to find out their mother died in line of duty at only age 27.”

“It’s the only option.” Swarm said. “Remember, this work isn’t fun and games. We can all die in the field, and we all knew the risk when we signed up to be Protectors.”

“But a good leader ensures the team survives.” Blindshot said. “And dammit, she better live.”

The Condor made it’s course for Seoul. It wouldn’t be long until they could find out if they can save Phase from death. The last thing she said was a joke, not realizing what was about to happen. There’s her whole life ahead of her, her son and daughter she raises all by herself.

Brad would be the first to stay that no one should die that young, especially when they have people to take care of.