Valtor sat silently in the tent, having woken up only moments ago. He yawned as sunlight slipped through the stitched holes above. Running a hand through his jet-black hair, he exhaled heavily, feeling an unusual reluctance toward today's mission.
Picking up his wristband from beside him, he glanced at the date and time — Saturday, 9 a.m.
"Today's Saturday," he muttered.
Back at the barracks, Saturdays meant longer sleep and shorter training hours...
An idea sparked. Valtor stood, slipped on his joggers, and left the tent, walking briskly along the cut-out path.
Kymani spotted him first.
"Did you just wake up?" he asked, eyeing Valtor's half-dressed look — tank top and plain black joggers.
Valtor sighed. "It's Saturday."
"So?" Kymani frowned.
"So… I was thinking we could, maybe, take a break today." Valtor's hands sank into his pockets.
Kymani paused, then grinned. He turned and called out, "Guys, change of plans! We're taking a break today — captain's orders!"
The group erupted in cheers, tossing aside their gear.
Valtor blinked. "I had no idea we all wanted a break."
"Now you do," Kymani said, pulling off his uniform.
"So, Captain," Zara called from a distance, her wavy hair swaying as she walked over.
"Since the mission's on hold today, what should we do to pass the time?"
"That's a good question," Valtor replied. "I'm guessing you already have ideas?"
Zara's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Would you like to hear it?"
---
Later
Everyone sat in a loose circle beneath a shaded tree. Zara juggled a pebble between her fingers as she spoke.
"The game's called Spark or Shade. The rules are simple."
She held up the oval-shaped stone. "It's lighter brown on one side, darker on the other. The game starts by tossing first. If it lands on the lighter side — that's spark. The darker side — shade."
The group leaned in as she continued.
"If it lands on spark, someone yells it out and asks you any question — and you have to answer honestly. But if it's shade, you get dared to do whatever's chosen. And you must," Zara added, eyes flashing around the circle.
She grinned. "So… who's going first?"
"It's your game," Kymani said. "You should start."
"Okay." Zara adjusted herself and tossed the pebble. It spun once, twice, then landed dark side up.
"That's shade, right?" Lynx asked, earning a nod from Zara. He sat up, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"I dare you to mimic Valtor giving orders."
The group burst into laughter before Zara even started. She stood, face suddenly serious, tapping on her wristband with exaggerated focus before deepening her voice.
"Alright team, a few aliens have been spotted east. Let's head out, watch each other's backs… and Kymani—stop showing off your invisibility mid-fight!"
Kymani nearly fell over laughing. Even Valtor cracked a grin, shaking his head.
"Unbelievable," he muttered.
Orea reached for the pebble next. This time, it landed light side up.
"Spark!" Rowynn announced. "Answer honestly—who do you trust the most on this team, and why?"
Orea hesitated, glancing around the circle.
"I can only say one person?"
Rowynn nodded.
"Valtor," Orea said quietly. "He always keeps his word."
Valtor looked up briefly; a small smile flickered across his face before he looked away.
Kymani grabbed the pebble next, spinning it dramatically until it landed dark side up.
"Shade," Zara grinned. "I dare you to turn invisible and successfully steal someone's wristband."
"Easy." Kymani vanished in a shimmer of air. The group froze, glancing around nervously.
"Hey!" Lynx suddenly jerked as his wristband slipped off. Seconds later, Kymani reappeared, grinning like a child as he twirled the band on his finger.
Zara clapped. "Not bad."
"You're lucky we're playing a game," Lynx said, snatching it back.
Lynx picked up the pebble next. It spun and landed light side up.
"Spark," Valtor said, watching him. "What's your biggest fear?"
Lynx hesitated as all eyes turned toward him.
"Losing my memory again," he said finally.
Zara's voice softened. "Yeah… I think we all relate to that in some way."
Half the team nodded, an uneasy silence settling between them.
Then Kymani broke it, tossing the pebble toward Rowynn.
"Your turn, soldier."
Rowynn smiled, caught it, and spun. The lighter side flashed.
"Spark!" Zara yelled. "What's your secret talent?"
Rowynn placed a hand on her chin in mock thought, then grinned.
"I can imitate Orea's unique fighting stance," she replied, making air quotes around 'unique'.
The group burst into laughter in shared understanding.
"Don't you dare," Orea warned—but Rowynn was already on her feet, striking an exaggerated pose.
As the team's laughter echoed, a soft rustle from the trees behind them caught Valtor's attention. He turned, eyes narrowing at the sound. Nothing moved. The air stilled—until a fiery blast shot out of the bushes, surging in Rowynn's direction.
"Everyone, take cover!" Valtor yelled, breaking into a run.
Rowynn froze where she sat. Without thinking, he lunged forward and shoved her out of the way. The ground trembled as the flames tore across the spot she'd been sitting, slamming into a nearby bush and setting it ablaze.
The others dropped instantly, dirt kicking up around them as heat filled up the air.
"What the hell was that?" Kymani barked, glancing around. His teammates mirrored his confusion, eyes darting toward the burning shrubs.
Valtor pushed himself up from beside Rowynn, breath unsteady. She sat there stunned, her eyes wide, the flicker of yellow flames reflecting in them. He offered her a hand and helped her to her feet.
"We've got ourselves an intruder," Valtor announced. His eyes glowed a sharp yellow as he moved towards the bushes.