(3 months later)

The air was thick with tension as Gemini stood in the abandoned warehouse, the dim light flickering above him. His team-Pond, Tu, Phuwin, and Prim-stood at his side, each of them armed and ready for the mission ahead. They had done this before, but the stakes were higher this time. They weren't just taking down a rival gang; they were dismantling an entire trafficking ring, one that had been operating under the radar for years.

Tay's voice crackled through their earpieces. "You have ten minutes before reinforcements arrive. Get in, get them out, and disappear."

Gemini clenched his jaw. "Understood."

He motioned for the team to move, and they split up. Pond and Phuwin took the left side of the building, clearing the path for Tu and Prim to disable security. Gemini moved alone toward the central room, where intel suggested the captives were being held.

The door was locked, but that wasn't a problem. He pulled out a small explosive charge, placing it precisely at the lock's weak point before stepping back. A soft beep, a click, and the lock burst open. Gemini rushed in, his gun raised, scanning the room.

Women and children huddled in the corners, eyes wide with fear. Their captors-three men armed with automatic rifles-turned to face him, but Gemini was faster. Two shots rang out, and two bodies hit the ground. The third man grabbed a child, pressing a knife to her throat.

"Drop your weapon," the man snarled, his grip tightening.

Gemini's finger hovered over the trigger, his mind racing. Then, Prim's voice came through his earpiece. "Five seconds."

A faint shadow moved outside the room, and before the captor could react, Tu's silenced shot took him down. The child stumbled back, unharmed, and Gemini rushed forward, catching her before she fell.

"You're safe now," he murmured, lifting her up as tears streamed down her face. "We're getting you all out of here."

Pond's voice crackled through the comms. "Security is down, but we have company outside. We need to move."

Gemini turned to the frightened hostages. "Everyone, follow me. Stay low and stay quiet."

With precision, the team moved, guiding the women and children through the dark corridors. Shots rang out from outside, the rival gang realizing their operation was crumbling. Phuwin and Pond covered their exit, taking down anyone who tried to get close. As they reached the back entrance, headlights flooded the alley-backup had arrived, but it wasn't theirs.

"Get them in the van," Gemini ordered as he turned to face the incoming threat.

He took cover behind a crate, firing at the approaching enemies. Tu and Prim flanked the attackers, their movements swift and lethal. Phuwin threw a smoke grenade, clouding the area as Pond ushered the last of the captives into the waiting van.

"We're clear!" Pond shouted.

Gemini gave one last glance at the chaos before nodding. He jumped into the van as Tu slammed the doors shut. The vehicle sped off, disappearing into the night just as the rival gang's reinforcements arrived too late.

Inside the van, the rescued women and children huddled together, whispering prayers of gratitude. Gemini exhaled, leaning back against the cold metal wall, his heart still pounding. They had won this battle, but he knew the war was far from over.

His fight wasn't just against the criminals in the shadows. It was against a world that allowed such darkness to exist in the first place.

And he wasn't done yet.

______

The van sped through the dimly lit streets, its passengers wrapped in silence. The rescued women and children huddled together, exhaustion and fear still lingering in their eyes. Gemini sat in the front seat, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past.

Prim, sitting beside him, gently touched his arm. "We did it," she murmured.

Gemini exhaled sharply. "For now."

Behind them, Pond and Phuwin checked on the survivors, offering blankets and water. Tu sat near the back, rifle still in her lap, scanning for any signs of pursuit. They had managed to escape, but the weight of what they had seen remained heavy on them.

As they neared the estate, Gemini's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen-his father, Tay.

"Are you safe?" Tay's voice was calm but firm.

"We're on our way back," Gemini replied. "Mission's done."

"Good. We'll be waiting."

The call ended, and Gemini leaned back against the seat, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He felt the tension in his shoulders, the lingering adrenaline that had yet to fade.

The van pulled through the estate gates, the security detail already waiting. As soon as the doors opened, medical personnel rushed forward to assist the rescued victims. Gemini and his team stepped out, watching as the survivors were ushered inside for care and questioning.

Tay and New stood by the entrance, their gazes sweeping over the team, ensuring they were all in one piece. Tay nodded in approval, while New's expression softened as he caught sight of Gemini.

"You did good," New said softly, patting his son's shoulder.

Gemini shrugged. "Could've gone smoother."

New smiled knowingly. "It never does."

As the team dispersed, heading inside to clean up and rest, Fourth appeared at the top of the stairs, his eyes finding Gemini instantly. There was a flicker of relief on his face, though he quickly masked it.

Gemini walked past him without a word, the exhaustion setting in. He needed a shower, a drink-something to push back the thoughts clawing at his mind.

Fourth, however, hesitated before following, sensing the storm brewing inside Gemini. He may not have been part of the mission, but he knew enough about the darkness Gemini carried to recognize when it threatened to consume him.

As the doors of the mansion closed behind them, the night's battle was over-but the war within Gemini was just beginning.

_____