Zteel

The dull thud of Sage's fists against the punching bag echoed through the open gym space, each hit a steady, rhythmic beat. The bag swayed slightly with every punch, its chains creaking overhead. Nyota and Kilo sat nearby on an old pair of exercise benches, catching their breath after their own turns.

Kilo leaned back, resting his forearms against the bench's edge. Sweat clung to his forehead, his chest rising and falling as he recovered. "I'm just saying, a Z with flames is iconic," he said, grinning as he tilted his head toward his older brother. "Way better than whatever boring design you two will probably come up with."

Nyota, toweling off his face, gave him a flat look. "We don't have time for this. It doesn't matter what symbol we have to represent us if we don't even know how we're going to fight yet."

Across from them, Sage didn't pause his assault on the bag. His knuckles thudded against the heavy canvas with precise, measured blows. "He's not wrong," he said between punches, his voice calm despite the exertion. "No point in picking a symbol if we're just going to sit around with it."

Kilo rolled his eyes and stretched out his legs. "Yeah, because planning a rebellion is so easy. It's not like we can just search 'how to take down a regime' on the internet." He gestured lazily at Nyota. "Besides, didn't Aurora say Elwin basically climbed his way to Noriko's side by being a suck-up? Doesn't sound like we're dealing with a genius here."

Sage smirked, stepping back from the bag and rolling his shoulders. "Maybe not, but he's survived this long. That says something."

Nyota leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Aurora also said he's obnoxious and grating to deal with. We should focus on finding ways to exploit that, not designing logos."

Kilo sat up straight, pointing a finger at his brother with mock indignation. "It's called morale, Nyota. Symbols inspire people!"

"Right," Nyota deadpanned. "That's definitely why you're doing this. For morale." He sighed, shaking his head. "Anyway, it's a crazy coincidence Aurora and Elwin are both from Alkin. What are the chances?

And that means he's also a victim of the memory alteration. It's kind of hilarious actually."

Nyota shook his head, staring off into the distance.

"Man… If only there was a convenient means of gathering intel."

The sound of Sage cracking his knuckles drew their attention. He stepped away from the bag and motioned toward it. "Your turn, Kilo. Or are you too busy designing our glorious insignia to keep up?"

Kilo huffed but stood, shaking out his arms as he approached the punching bag. "Fine, but when this Z takes off and people start making merch, you'll all be thanking me."

Nyota and Sage exchanged a glance, a shared exasperation that briefly lightened the weight of the conversation.

--

The weekend arrived with a welcome break from the usual pace of life. The sun bathed New Jericho in its typical golden glow, casting long shadows across the busy streets.

Kai readied herself in her bedroom mirror, the quiet hum of her neighborhood providing a peaceful backdrop. She slid on a red flared skirt over her fleece-lined tights, accompanying the look with a black short-sleeved top and the cleanest pair of white sneakers she could find.

She adjusted her hair, tucking away the stubborn, stray strands that refused to cooperate before giving herself a once-over.

She didn't usually dwell on preparations for casual meetups with Fazian, but today her movements felt heavier, her thoughts more scattered. She glanced at her reflection again, her sharp brown eyes betraying the calm she usually wore. It wasn't that meeting him was unusual—they often caught up on weekends—but something about today felt more significant.

Kai sighed, grabbed her black leather jacket from the hook near the door, and stepped outside. The streets of her neighborhood were alive with their usual energy: neighbors chatting across fences, children laughing as they raced their bikes, and the rhythmic clinking of a nearby repair shop.

The cafe was only a few blocks away from Polaris Academy. After all, Fazian claimed its proximity to campus is what made it the perfect weekend hangout. It was a cozy, hole-in-the-wall place, its unassuming charm amplified by the vibrant potted plants lining the windows and the occasional chatter of patrons spilling onto the outdoor seating area.

Kai didn't particularly like coffee, a fact she'd reminded Fazian of countless times, but it had become something of a running joke between them. Ever since Kai moved to New Jericho, Fazian would often show up with a coffee for her, swearing it would grow on her eventually. It never had, but she still humored the ritual.

When she arrived at the café, Fazian was already waiting at a small outdoor table. He spotted her and broke into an easy grin, standing briefly as she approached.

He wore a light brown hoodie over a dress shirt, paired with black pants and high-top canvas sneakers.

"There she is," he greeted warmly. "Right on time, as always."

Kai smirked faintly, sliding into her seat. "Couldn't let you monopolize all the coffee without me."

Fazian chuckled as she settled in, shaking his head. "Still holding out on liking it, huh? One day, Kai. One day."

"Keep dreaming. Who drinks coffee this late in the day anyway?" she quipped as she sat down, just as the server came by to take her order. She asked for tea, a choice that Fazian met with mock disapproval.

"It can never be too late," he shook his head before taking a sip of his coffee, mockingly raising his cup to her.

Their conversation meandered through updates about mutual friends, snippets of gossip from school, and jokes only they would find funny.

"Did you hear about Naomi's latest invention?" Fazian asked, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.

Kai raised an eyebrow. "No, but let me guess—another energy-efficient gadget that nearly burns the lab down?"

"Close. This time, it was a self-watering plant pot. Except the timer malfunctioned, and now the pot floods every two hours."

Kai snorted, shaking her head. "She's lucky Professor Kane finds her disasters 'charming.' Anyone else would've been banned from the lab long ago."

"Agreed," Fazian said, laughing. "But you've got to admit, it's kind of impressive how she keeps coming up with new ways to break things."

"Impressive or terrifying?" Kai quipped, taking a sip of her tea.

They shared an easy laugh before Fazian shifted the topic. "Oh, and did you hear about the new headmaster they're bringing in for next term? Word is, he's from one of those ultra-elite academies over in Mercalon."

Kai groaned. "Great. Just what we need—another out-of-touch official who thinks Polaris needs to be more like the schools in the western regions."

Fazian grinned knowingly. "Careful, Kai. That almost sounded like a political opinion."

Kai rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You know I hate politics, Fazian."

Despite the ease of their exchanges, Kai couldn't ignore the familiar undercurrent, the sense that their discussions always circled back to something heavier—something she was always reluctant to discuss.

No matter, she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. "Speaking of opinions, though... what's your take on the Academy tightening security lately? Rumor has it there's more to it than just 'protecting the students.'"

Fazian's smile faltered for just a moment before he shrugged. "I guess it makes sense. Times are tense, and the Academy's a high-profile place. But if I'm being honest, I don't think they're telling us the full story."

Kai tilted her head, studying him. "You really think it's just about tension? Or could it be tied to... you know, the broader changes happening in Lunanova?"

He met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Maybe. But that's a conversation for another time, don't you think?"

Kai leaned back, letting his deflection slide—for now. "Fine. But I'm holding you to that."

Fazian chuckled, leaning back in his chair and adjusting his collar as he scanned the passing crowd before returning his attention to Kai.

He began with an exhale. "I still think the best way to make a difference is through the system," he said, returning to a topic he'd brought up often.

Kai stirred her drink slowly, her expression unreadable. "You mean working for the government," she replied, her tone casual but laced with a quiet skepticism. "So you've said."

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, exactly. Look, I get it—there are people who… speak out against her," he said, lowering his voice. "I'm not blind to the issues. But you can't deny that expanding Lunanova's influence has made the country stronger. If I can work within the system, maybe I can make things better for the people who actually live here."

Kai's fingers tightened slightly around her spoon, though her voice remained even. "You really think expanding the country's influence is what's making it stronger?"

Fazian leaned forward, sensing her challenge but not backing down. "Of course. Look at the trade routes we've opened, the technological advances we've shared with neighboring countries. It's progress. It's not perfect, but we're on the right track. And if I can help streamline the government's operations, that could mean better schools, better housing, better opportunities for people who've been left behind."

Kai gave a soft hum, her eyes flicking to him. She studied his words for a moment before speaking. "And what about the countries that didn't have a choice? The ones that didn't ask to be brought under Lunanova's influence?"

Fazian blinked, caught off guard by her question. "Well... we're not invading anyone. It's diplomacy. We're helping them modernize."

"Modernize by whose standards?" she asked, her tone calm but pointed.

Fazian let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Wait… Kai, those are just rumors. We never invaded anyone." His expression shifted, and his voice dropped slightly. "You don't... you don't actually believe that, do you?"

Kai continued to stir her tea, now with faster movements, shrugging her shoulders as her gaze remained low to it. "I don't know what I believe."

Fazian hesitated, the words coming harder now. "By standards that lead to stability. Growth. It's about making things better for everyone in the long run."

Kai leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "You really think everyone sees it that way? That there's no cost to that kind of expansion? No loss of culture, independence, or autonomy?"

He frowned, trying to find an answer. "I mean, there's always give and take, yeah. But in the long run, isn't it better to be part of something bigger?"

Kai tilted her head, her gaze sharp but not combative. "Better for whom?"

Fazian opened his mouth to respond but paused, unsure of what to say. He stared down at his coffee, stirring it absently as her question hung in the air.

Kai softened her expression, sensing his discomfort. She reached for her cup, taking a sip, allowing the silence to stretch just long enough to ease the tension.

"I'm not saying you're wrong to want to help people, Fazian," she said, her voice gentler now. "I just think it's worth asking who's really benefiting from the kind of progress you're talking about."

He nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on the table. "I'll think about it," he said quietly, his tone softer than before.

Kai watched him for a moment, her own thoughts hidden beneath a calm exterior. "That's all I'm asking," she said lightly, though her mind churned with the questions she'd left unanswered.