"So, I need help getting them back," Spider-Man said, his voice heavy with frustration. He leaned against the edge of the table, his mask hiding the furrow in his brow, though the weight in his words was unmistakable.

Ember sat across from him, her fiery wings tucked neatly behind her as she sipped her tea with deliberate calm. The golden crown of particles above her head flickered faintly as she hummed in thought, her gaze drifting toward the window for a moment. "I see," she said finally, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "I'll help. But first..."

She leaned back, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I've got to get clearance from the higher-ups around here."

Spider-Man tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Clearance? For what?"

Ember chuckled softly, her smile widening. "Oh, you know... They have this funny little rule about me not running off and getting myself killed."

Spider-Man blinked, momentarily stunned by her nonchalance. "Right. Funny rule," he said, crossing his arms. "Seems kind of reasonable, though."

"Reasonable, sure," Ember replied, her voice lilting with amusement. "But it does make things a little complicated when people come knocking, asking for help with, what did you call it? Interdimensional chaos?"

"Hey, I didn't exactly call it that, but yeah, close enough."

Her laughter was light and melodic, easing some of the tension in the room. "Don't worry, Spider-Man. I'll sort things out. And when I do, we'll get your people back. No one gets left behind—not on my watch."

Ember rose gracefully, the golden particles around her crown shimmering as she moved. With a flick of her wrist, she activated her comlink, bringing it close to her lips.

"Hey, Ani, can you come here, please? I need to talk to you," she said, her tone steady yet familiar, like a friend reaching out.

There was a brief crackle of static before Anakin's voice came through the comlink, warm and slightly distracted. "Huh? Oh, yeah, of course, Ember. I'm on my way."

She smiled to herself, clipping the comlink back onto her belt. Turning to Spider-Man, she gave him a reassuring nod. "He's coming. Won't take long."

Spider-Man tilted his head, crossing his arms over his chest. "Ani? As in Anakin Skywalker? The General?"

Ember chuckled lightly, her wings rustling as she moved back to the table. "That's the one. And trust me, if anyone can help us make sense of this mess, it's him."

Spider-Man leaned back against the wall, exhaling a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Well, here's hoping he's as good as the stories say."

Ember's smile grew, a glimmer of pride lighting her eyes. "Better."

Just then, the door slid open with a soft hiss, and Anakin Skywalker strode in, his presence commanding yet effortlessly casual. His dark robes swayed with each step, and the faint hum of his lightsaber at his belt was a constant reminder of the power he carried.

He stopped just inside the room, his blue eyes immediately locking onto Ember. A small, familiar smile tugged at his lips. "Never thought I'd see the day my girl actually needed me," he teased, his tone light but filled with genuine warmth.

Ember rolled her eyes playfully, folding her arms. "Don't let it go to your head, Ani. I need help, not a lecture."

Spider-Man, leaning against the wall, raised a hand awkwardly. "Uh, hi. Spider-Man. Big fan of the whole Jedi thing, by the way."

Anakin's gaze flicked to him briefly, one brow arching in mild surprise before returning to Ember. "You've got interesting friends."

Ember smirked, gesturing toward Spider-Man. "He's not a friend yet. More like a stray that wandered in."

"Hey!" Spider-Man protested, but Ember's teasing tone had already softened the remark.

Anakin chuckled, shaking his head as he walked further into the room. "Alright, Ember. What's this about? And why do I get the feeling it's going to involve a lot of trouble?"

Her smile widened. "Because it always does."

Ember straightened, her fiery wings shifting slightly as she folded her hands together, her expression growing serious. "Alright, Ani," she began, her tone firm and measured, "I need permission from you and the Council to go and help Spider-Man rescue two of his friends."

Anakin raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he studied her. "Two of his friends? And who exactly are these friends?"

Spider-Man stepped forward, his voice earnest. "They're key allies of mine. Good people who got caught up in a situation they didn't sign up for. I can't do this alone."

Anakin's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced between the two. "And why do I feel like there's more to this than you're telling me?"

Ember held his gaze, her golden eyes unwavering. "Because there probably is," she admitted, her voice steady. "But I trust him. And you trust me."

Anakin sighed, his hand moving to rub the back of his neck. "You know the Council won't be thrilled about this. They don't exactly encourage... extracurricular missions."

Ember smiled faintly, the golden particles around her crown shimmering as she tilted her head. "They also don't encourage letting innocent people suffer when we can make a difference."

Anakin let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "You've been spending way too much time with Obi-Wan. Fine. I'll back you up with the Council, but you owe me for this."

Ember's grin widened, her relief palpable. "Deal. Thanks, Ani."

Spider-Man exhaled a breath of relief, giving Anakin a small nod. "Appreciate it, General. Really."

Anakin shot him a look, smirking. "Don't thank me yet. You haven't met the Council."

Anakin dipped his head slightly, his smirk softening into something more genuine. As he turned to leave, he playfully threw a flying kiss in Ember's direction. "Be safe, though, love," he said, his tone teasing but underpinned with unmistakable care.

Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the room, his cloak billowing slightly behind him. Ember watched him go, her expression unreadable but her lips curving into a faint smile.

Spider-Man leaned against the wall, arms crossed, an amused look hidden behind his mask. "You and him, huh?" he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and teasing.

Ember laughed, a warm, melodic sound that filled the room. "Maybe, maybe not," she replied coyly, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. She extended a wing and gave him a gentle nudge, the soft feathers brushing against his arm.

"Now," she said, her voice firm but lighthearted, "let's get going. We've got friends to rescue."

Spider-Man straightened up, rolling his shoulders. "Lead the way, Ember. Something tells me you don't do anything halfway."

With a confident stride and a flick of her fiery wings, Ember headed toward the door. "You've got no idea."