The skies above R22 had always been hauntingly calm. No moon, no sun—just that permanent veil of ashen gray that bathed everything in lifeless twilight.
But tonight, it cracked.
And the planet revealed something none of them were prepared for.
---
The First Rain
The first drop wasn't just water. It hit the metal hull of Ravager with a hiss—as if acid meeting steel.
Kael turned his head sharply.
Another drop followed.
Then ten more.
Then hundreds.
And within a minute, the dull world of R22 roared to life with the scream of a full-blown storm.
"Rain?" Misha muttered, her voice barely audible over the growing howl.
"No…" Tyren whispered. "This isn't normal."
Kael stood near the cave's entrance, his eyes trained on the chaotic scene outside. The rain glowed faintly green, almost radioactive, and steam rose wherever it landed on the blackened soil or exposed equipment.
The mecha parked nearby—Ravager and Brawler—stood tall, unfazed by the storm… but for how long?
---
The Cave Shakes
Thunder cracked like artillery shells, causing even the strongest among them to flinch. A blast of wind surged in from the side, catching the team off-guard.
Water burst into the cave from a small fissure along the stone wall, drenching several crates and scattering tools.
"Cover it!" Tyren barked.
He and Kael moved in perfect sync, dragging metal plating over the crack and sealing it with handheld welders. Sparks danced in the air as the storm howled louder.
"Where the hell did this come from?" Rynn asked, coughing as water splashed across her boots.
"The planet's changing," Kael replied simply, his voice calm but cold. "Or maybe it was always like this… and we're just now trespassing deep enough to wake it."
---
Drenched in Silence
Despite the temporary barrier, the damage was done. Everyone was soaked.
Kael's combat suit clung tightly to his body, black fabric pressed against old scars and fresh bruises from the last hunt.
Tyren's upper armor was already unstrapped, leaving only his sleeveless base layer drenched and plastered against his muscular frame.
Even Ziya—always quiet, always composed—looked vulnerable. Her white command coat, designed for extreme temperatures, had betrayed her in the storm. Wet and translucent, it now exposed far more than it concealed.
The others noticed.
And awkward silence fell.
---
One Look, Too Long
Ziya backed up quickly, hiding behind a support pillar, clutching the edge of her coat.
But it was too late.
Tyren had looked.
Just once—but too long.
His eyes had lingered, and now his jaw was tight, his stare hard-set on the opposite wall. The flickering cave lights danced shadows across his face.
Ziya's heart pounded.
Did he really look?
Or was it just her imagination?
---
Kael Keeps His Distance
Kael noticed the tension but didn't comment. Instead, he grabbed a cloth and began cleaning his rifle, acting as if nothing around him existed.
His thoughts were elsewhere—far away.
He was thinking about Ravager. About the storm. About the greenish glow of the rain.
He'd seen something like this before. Not in weather—but in war.
And deep down, he didn't like the similarity.
---
A Fragile Warmth
They gathered around the portable heat lamp.
Dry rations. Lukewarm drinks. Awkward glances.
Ziya sat beside the flame, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her soaked coat now hung on a hook to dry, leaving her in the sleek undersuit that hugged her form. Her hair was damp, cheeks still flushed, and she kept her gaze away from Tyren.
But her mind kept circling back.
To him.
To his glance.
To the way he hadn't said a word since.
And when she looked up again, he wasn't staring anymore.
But… maybe he had?
---
Cracking the Ice
"So… anyone want to pretend this is normal?" Misha asked, attempting a smile.
"Nope," Tyren muttered. "This planet just unlocked hard mode."
"I say we burn it," Kael added flatly.
Even Rynn laughed faintly.
The tension loosened for a heartbeat—but it never fully disappeared.
---
Tyren's Storm Within
Tyren watched the fire. The orange glow lit up his sharp jawline, his calloused hands, the scar across his right bicep.
He hadn't meant to stare.
He didn't even like Ziya… not in that way.
But she was different. Quiet. Intelligent. Quick in battle.
And that look in her eyes tonight—it haunted him.
Why the hell did he care?
He didn't.
He couldn't.
Not after everything that happened to Unit 404.
---
Kael Watches Everyone
Kael leaned against the rock wall, arms crossed. He wasn't cold. He wasn't tired. He was calculating.
The storm. The new Kaiju. The atmospheric shifts.
It wasn't natural.
And the rain—glowing faintly green—was probably radioactive. They'd need better shielding soon or risk organ damage.
His eyes drifted toward Tyren and Ziya for a brief moment.
"Don't fall apart now," he muttered, too quiet for anyone to hear.
He'd seen teams fall.
Over fights.
Over pride.
Over women.
And this team—whatever it was—couldn't afford weakness.
---
The Final Drop
Outside, the storm began to weaken.
The wind died.
The rain softened.
Only distant thunder rolled, like a beast slinking away into the mist.
But inside the cave… something had changed.
Hearts were beating louder.
Tension was rising.
And even if no one spoke it aloud, everyone felt it—
R22 wasn't just a planet full of Kaiju anymore.
It was a crucible.
And not everyone would survive what came next.