The mansion was quiet. For the first time in weeks, the squad had beds, warmth, and a taste of the old world's luxury. But peace felt borrowed.
Luke stood on the balcony, staring into the forest.
Thomas approached. "Hey." Luke didn't turn. "Something feels off." Thomas nodded. "I felt it too. The air's wrong."
Luke exhaled. "Light's an odd ally." Thomas smirked. "Who would've guessed?"
Then his tone shifted. "We should check on the old man." Luke agreed instantly.
Inside, Light was passed out drunk. Albert stood watch. "He doesn't sleep much," he said. "I'll keep an eye out." Luke nodded. "Thanks."
In the lounge, Ice was yelling at Riot and Stuart both hyper from too much soda. Riot darted across the room. "No bedtime! Make me!"
Stuart flipped off the couch. Luke sighed. "These brats…"
He turned to Ice. "Me and Thomas are heading out. Personal matter." Ice's expression sharpened. "Is the old man okay?"
Luke hesitated. "We're not sure." Ice nodded. "Good luck. We'll be waiting." Thomas stepped into Sophie's room. She lay in bed, eyes open.
He sat beside her. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I need to check on the old man." Her eyes widened. "Is he okay?"
"We think so. Just need to be sure." Thomas stared into her eyes. "I'll be back soon."
"Promise?" "Promise."
He leaned in. Their kiss was long, quiet, and overdue. A knock broke the moment.
Luke's voice: "You ready?" Thomas cleared his throat. "I'll see you soon."
Sophie smiled, half-flirty. "Be safe." Luke grinned. "Bad timing?"
Thomas muttered, "Shut up." They headed to Light's garage and climbed into a black, bulletproof Hummer.
Luke grabbed the wheel. "You sure you can drive?" Thomas asked.
"Had a license once." Moments later "Why are you driving like a maniac?" Thomas screamed holding tight in the hummer.
Luke swerved. "New world. No traffic laws." Thomas laughed. Luke grinned.
They tore through the ruins, dodging debris and small demons. After three hours, they reached the old man's tunnel only to find scorched earth. The tunnel was gone.
Thomas stepped out. "What happened?" Luke scanned the area. "Looks like a battle."
They found a detonator buried in the dirt. Then Thomas froze. "Luke… over there." A figure lay motionless in the distance.
They ran. It was him.
Steve.
Thomas dropped to his knees, tears falling. "Old man…" He placed a blanket over the body of their mentor. Luke rested a hand on his shoulder.
"We'll finish this," Thomas whispered. "I'm with you to the end," Luke replied.
They buried Steve in a hidden grove. Only Thomas, Luke, Ice, and Sophie knew the location.
Three tombstones stood in silence:
In Loving Memory of The Bearded Man
The Hero. The Teacher. The Old Man.
In Loving Memory of Blaze
A Leader. A Warrior. A Legend.
In Loving Memory of Ace
A Friend. A Warrior. A Hero.
Luke carved the names by hand. "This is the right place," he said. Thomas nodded. "The family is here." They stood in silence, the weight of war pressing down.
Luke broke it. "We have to end this." Thomas stared at the graves. "Even if it means taking out Edwin?"
Thomas didn't answer. Then, softly: "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Luke met his eyes. "Then let's finish it. Not for us but for humanity." They stood there, quiet, surrounded by memory, legacy, and the cost of war.