Sirens waled. People were screaming. Fire blazed on the engines of a few vehicles. Policemen and women scrambled, Firefighters were dousing cars with water. About thirty cars had been blasted in the freak accident. The scraps and bodies were piled up on the road and sidewalks of the intersection outside popular Italian restaurant, "Tony D's: The Don of Pizza".

Cayden sat beside the road. He'd just forced his injuries to heal after pulling a metal rod out of his abdomen, but his very next order of business was making sure Emma was alright. The blast had knocked her out, as her head had hit the ground pretty hard.

The man who'd confronted the couple was now nowhere to be seen... As if he was never there to begin with.

But no one had it worse than one man whose car had been relatively close to the blast. A truck with some construction equipment was in front of his car when the explosion occured, and the force sent some of the equipment into his vehicle. He looked to his passenger seat, but the woman next to him seemed lifeless. Her neck was unnaturally bent, and her shoulder was dislodged unnaturally. He checked the back seat next... and the little girl who had been back there was also motionless. His worst fears had been realized. The man crawled out of the wreckage slowly. He finally managed to make it to his knees before he slumps back to the ground and cries out in agony. In one instant, his whole family... all gone. Taken from him in the blink of an eye. The man catches sight of a familiar man... that of Cayden Barone. The man looks with horror at the mutated boy... Did this... Freak... cause the death of his family? Certainly there could be no other explanation...

----------About Ten Minutes earlier...-----------

Cayden sat at the table, Emma by his side. "You sure he's gonna show up?" She asks nonchalantly as she types away on her phone. Cayden nods. "I need answers, Em. He's the reason for the whole Garage incident, So it's in our best interest to-" Emma holds her finger up to his lips. "No need to monologue. It's just me." She says with a slight giggle. He rolls his eyes, as a black haired man in a hooded sweatshirt, with a mask covering the lower half of his face and a pair of sunglasses covering his eyes. "So, we meet cordially at last." His voice was distorted. "Talk. We know it wasn't a freak accident. You brought a car in, and you intentionally let the gas leak. You were after someone. Why?"

The figure laughs. "Why, for the sake of Calamity." Emma's eyes narrow. "So you just hurt people for the sake of hurting them?!" The figure snaps instantly, "Don't you do the same, Miss Quinn?" Emma falls silent, as she had been prone to randomly lashing out at people in the past. What kind of dirt did this guy have on them?! "You can't endanger people's lives like that. I mean, we aren't perfect, but If you even dare-" Cayden was mid-speech when Emma noticed the figure's gaze following a Waitress who was carrying several hot drinks. Emma nudged Cayden's shoulder, and his gaze also followed the girl. The figure snapped his fingers, and the girl seemingly tripped over her own feet, and the nearly-boiling coffees were spilled all over an elderly woman! Emma's gaze snaps back to the man. "You're Telekenetic." Cayden slowly looks back over to the man, then to Emma. "Like Alexa-?" Emma sighs. "That's Telepathic. Telekenetic... he can move shit with his mind. But you just gave away exactly who you are..." She gulped. "I do remember reading about him when-" She pauses. "When I was with Hydra. He calls himself Chris Catalyst. He's got some weird fucking obsession with Final Destination and now believes himself to be the deity of death or something." The figure laughs in their faces. "I am death, you fools. And I'll ring for you shortly, should you attempt to intervene. I am Fate's author! I am-" Cayden's wrist blade shoots out from under the table and stabs the figure in the leg. The man lets out a distorted grunt of discomfort, before he literally flips the table up into their faces before limping quickly towards the door! Cayden had taken the brunt of the table flipping, and he and Emma bolted out the door, after Catalyst.

"STOP! RIGHT NOW!" Emma yells as blood drips from Catalyst's thigh and onto the pavement. There's quite a lot of traffic at the nearby intersection... and as Catalyst flicked his wrist, a small wayward rock punctured a spiggot on an oil truck, causing some leakage... Emma stepped forward, but with another snap of the fingers, a truck's tire popped and careened towards Emma, only Cayden saw this and at the last moment, he tackled her out of the way, but the truck sped out of control towards the traffic. It made a rather violent collision with a red SUV, which sent a scrap of a nearby Volkswagon careening forward, with a hunk of scrap scraping the ground at a high speed, lighting the gas trail...

Emma and Cayden had just stood up, when suddenly, the explosion of the oil tank sent a shockwave through the air, knocking the two mutants down, knocking Emma out, and impaling Cayden through the gut with a metal rod.

During the chaos, Catalyst managed to slip away...

-------Three Hours later...--------

"So you're Sure this Mothferucker was really Catalyst?" Fury asks Cayden. "Without a shadow of a doubt. Every little motion caused some kind of freakin' catastrophe." Fury shakes his head. "Catalyst is one bad Motherfucker. He's got no less than ninety kills to his name. Originally it was targeting people who wronged him, but then it became senseless murder. He's not a mac daddy you wanna Fuck with, Barone."

Cayden flips the hair out of his eyes. "He tried to kill Corey and the entire crew. He tried to kill Emma. I don't give a damn if you want me recruited for some Avenger shit, but I'm going after this guy. I'm gonna get this guy, and I will kill him." Cayden says with a serious determination in his voice. Fury laughs. "So, No one fucks with you and gets away with it, is that it? Well, then. I can't afford to lose any more agents to that bastard, so if you set out to do this... You'll be doing it alone." Cayden glaces down at the Gurnee, where Emma had yet to regain consciousness. "I have my own people." Barone says with a spark in his mind. Maybe this'll be easier than he thought... He stands up and takes his phone out to make a quick phone call to a contact labeled "Aus Info Guy", pressing the Dial button, and preparing to talk.

Across the hospital, Doctor Micheal Owens woke up from his comatose state. A female nurse's voice says, "He's awake!". Mike's first question was, "Nikki... Bridgett... are they alright?" "...Who, sir?" "My Wife and My Daughter, they should've been brought with me to the hospital..."

A Resident comes into his room and closes the door. "...Mister Owens, unfortunately, despite our best efforts..." Mike realized what this meant... "B-Both of them?!" Panic and terror shook his voice. The resident nodded. "We're so sorry for your loss." The resident says before opening the door, with the nurse also leaving to allow the doctor to properly greive... But the doctor took notice of the blonde young man making a phone call. "...Barone-" He says, anger swelling in his gut, yet with intense tears flowing from his eyes. "DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!! DAMN YOU DAMN YOU DAMN YOOOOU!!!" He shouts, causing a nurse to rush in and sedate him. Cayden shrugged, thinking the doc was just a senile old man, and he continued about making his phone call, as his contact finally picked up the phone. "Hey, Rowe. Yeah, It's me. Can you meet me at the Coffee shop at the corner of West 3rd and Mercer? ...Yeah, I have payment. Right... 8:15 AM tomorrow, I'll be there." Cayden hangs up the phone, only to hear Emma weakly call out his name. Cayden turns his attention back to the room. "Em? You're awake!" He says, to which she weakly replies, "Yeah... What exactly happened-?" She asks, genuinely not remembering the past few hours after she conked her head on the cement. Cayden sighed deeply. He plants a kiss on her forehead before briefly telling her that none of it mattered now, and that everything was gonna be alright. With this information, Emma closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Cayden's smile fades. He glares at his own reflection in a nearby window. "...Tomorrow is another day." He says, lowering his head in hollow defeat. How the hell did he slip away again?!

-----The next morning...------

Cayden sat alone on the couch in the living room, mindlessly flipping through the channels on the TV. He had barely slept all night, as Emma was passed out in their bed and he'd spent the night on the couch, as he wanted to let her rest up. Every news channel seemed to have something about the explosion that, apparently, took the lives of a mother and her young daughter. "Damn..." He thought to himself. "That shit's heartbreaking. All the more why this Fuckin' Catalyst guy needs to be put Six Feet unde-"

"Mornin'." Alexa plopped on the couch next to him. The two shared a Condo just off-campus of where Luke was taking a few classes, Columbia University. Emma and Luke had also moved in, seeing how It made living expenses and rent cheaper. It was a great deal for all of them, ok?

"So, who're ya meeting today?" Alexa asks before shoving a spoonful of Cheerios into her mouth. Cayden scoffs and looks back to the TV. "You probably already know, Miss Mindfuckery." He says with a huff along with a little bit of that trademark sibling snark of his. Alexa brushes this off, as it's about the normal grump level of her twin in the mornings. "C'mon, I don't just automatically read people's thoughts. It takes effort to do that stuff, you know!" Cayden grabs about half of a handful of cheerios, making Alexa flinch before yanking the bowl away. "Get your own, you lazy-ass Couch Potato!" She snaps at him.

Cayden rolls his eyes and leans back on the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fine, fine. I'll get my own damn cereal in a minute." He mutters under his breath, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Alexa smirks back, her eyes sparkling mischievously. She knew how to push his buttons, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Alexa's playful banter was like a dance between two siblings who knew each other inside out. As she leaned back on the couch next to Cayden, her long golden locks cascaded over her shoulder, framing her delicate face. A mischievous glint danced in her eyes, mirroring Cayden's own spark of amusement. "So is there any connection between the two incidents?" She asks him, having read his mind for what was troubling her twin brother so much.

Cayden takes a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the TV screen as images of the explosion continue to flicker across the news. He can feel a mix of anger and sorrow swirling within him, like a tempest brewing beneath the surface. His emotions threaten to consume him as he struggles to make sense of the chaos around them. The weight of responsibility hangs heavy on his shoulders, and he knows that time is running out to stop Catalyst from wreaking further havoc. "You have ANY leads so far?" Alexa asks with a snicker, waiting for her brother's answer. "I gotta guy." is all he says. "You've gotta guy?" Alexa asks sarcastically.

Cayden raises an eyebrow, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh yeah, I've got a guy. A contact who knows the ins and outs of this city, the underground connections that keep it running. He's my ticket to finding this Catalyst guy and finally putting an end to his senseless chaos." His voice carries a sense of determination mixed with a hint of defiance, as if he's challenging anyone who doubts his capabilities. "Wow. Did you write that yourself, or did Coulson come up with it for you?" She says with a smirk, knowing this'd get on his nerves slightly.

Cayden glares at Alexa, the corners of his lips twitching as he tries to suppress a smile. The banter between them is a familiar dance, a never-ending loop that both siblings find comfort in. His blue eyes narrow slightly, a glint of mischief dancing within them. "Oh, you think you're so clever, don't you? Just because you can read minds doesn't mean you can outwit me," he retorts, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. Alexa leans back, as if amused by his statement. "Sure, you know some stuff, but the half the time You're as smart as a bag of rocks."

Cayden raises an eyebrow and leans back against the cushion. "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that." He grumbles, unofficially accepting the "L" in this exchange. He didn't have the mental energy to keep bickering with his sister all morning. At that time, Luke sauntered into the living room, and of course, he had to be shirtless. The early morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on his chiseled physique. Beads of perspiration dotted his forehead and trickled down his sculpted chest, glistening like liquid gold. His emerald green eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and affection as he caught sight of Cayden and Alexa engaged in their usual banter. "I miss the good part already?" He asks with his usual infectious smile.

Alexa's cheeks flushed a faint shade of pink as her eyes lingered on Luke's sculpted physique, her mind betraying her with thoughts she knew she shouldn't entertain. She quickly composed herself, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're always just in time, Luke," she teased, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness mixed with underlying affection. Cayden rolled his eyes at the sight before him, shaking his head in mock disapproval. Luke's presence always seemed to have a magnetic effect on Alexa, drawing her gaze like a moth to a flame.

Cayden throws one of Luke's spare shirts at him from the comfort of the couch. "Put a fucking shirt on, ya Jackass! Your morning sweat's reflection is blinding me!"

Luke catches the shirt effortlessly, his muscles flexing subtly with the motion. A playful smirk dances on his lips as he slips on the shirt, a few droplets of sweat clinging to his tanned skin glistening like tiny diamonds. "You're just jealous." he teases, his voice laced with playful arrogance. Cayden rolls his eyes dramatically, an exaggerated sigh escaping his lips. "God, I regret that I'll probably end up related to you." Cayden says whilst shaking his head, causing his messy blonde hair to fall into his eyes.

Luke chuckles, his emerald eyes sparkling with amusement as he plops down on the couch next to Cayden. His presence brings a sense of ease and comfort, like a calming breeze on a warm summer day. "Well, you're stuck with me now, my friend. Like it or not," he replies, his voice deep and resonant. Cayden rolls his eyes once again, although this time there's a hint of fondness in his exasperated gesture.

"Welp, that's my cue to leave." Cayden says, finally getting his butt off the couch and standing up. "So soon?" Luke asks. Cayden doesn't even look at him, he simply extends a middle finger in Luke's direction.

The playful gesture hangs in the air for a moment, a silent symbol of their unbreakable camaraderie. Luke chuckles deeply, the sound resonating through the room like a warm bass note in a symphony, as he watches Cayden make his way towards the door. The morning light filters through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on the hardwood floor beneath their feet. Cayden grabs a "New York Knicks" sweatshirt on his way out, quickly saying "I'll be back soon" before closing the door.

As Cayden stepped out onto the bustling streets of New York City, a gust of wind swept through, rustling the leaves on the trees and carrying with it the scent of freshly brewed coffee from the nearby café. The city seemed to move in synchronized chaos, like a symphony of honking horns, hurried footsteps, and snippets of conversations that filled the air.

But today, he was looking for one specific man on this early morning in the bustling city, inside a cafe on Mercer street.

The bell above the door of the cafe jingled merrily as Cayden stepped inside, instantly enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The interior was bathed in a soft golden light, casting a gentle glow on the exposed brick walls adorned with vintage posters and artwork. The chatter of patrons mingled with the soothing jazz melodies playing softly in the background, creating an ambiance that was both lively and serene. An employee began to greet him, saying, "Hi! Welcome, can we get you anythi-" But Cayden quickly responded,

"Go Fuck yourself."

The employee's smile fades, replaced by a look of shock and confusion. The bustling cafe seems to freeze for a moment, the lively chatter of patrons silenced as all eyes turn to Cayden. The air hangs heavy with tension, as if waiting for an explosive reaction. Cayden stands there, his messy platinum blonde hair falling into his piercing blue eyes, emanating an air of defiance and rebellion. His words hang in the air like a provocative challenge, daring anyone to question his authority. Cayden simply shrugs, walks over to a table, and takes a seat, Virtually all eyes still on him. He shrugs. "Had a rough couple of days, alright? Piss off and mind your own business," Cayden growls to the onlookers, his words laced with frustration and weariness. The weight of recent events hangs heavily on his shoulders, like an invisible burden that threatens to crush him. A mixture of emotions swirl within him - anger, sorrow, and a deep-seated determination to protect those he cares about.

It didn't take long for Cayden's "guy" he was talking about to find him. A tall, red haired man wearing sunglasses and a rather business-casual style of clothing approached him. "I don't suppose ya coulda made a less public entrance, mate?" The man spoke with a heavy australian accent.

Cayden glances up at the tall, red-haired man who stood before him, his piercing blue eyes narrowing slightly as he studies the stranger. The man's sunglasses shield his eyes from view, leaving an air of mystery that hangs over him like a shroud. "You're not Jackson Rowe." Cayden says firmly, assuring us that this man was indeed, not his intended contact.

The red-haired man quirks an eyebrow, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Well, well, well. Look who's got a keen eye," he says with a hint of amusement dancing in his voice. He removes his sunglasses, revealing a pair of blue-grey eyes that seem to hold the secrets of the universe within their depths. "Name's Mitch McGuinness. And you may be...?" the tall australian asked.

Cayden's piercing blue eyes bore into Mitch's, sizing him up with a mixture of cautious curiosity and skepticism. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance at the unexpected encounter, his mind already preoccupied with the looming threat of Catalyst. Yet, there was something about Mitch's easy charm and confident demeanor that intrigued Cayden, igniting a flicker of interest within him. "Cayden Barone." He says after the brief hesitation.

"Bloody Hell, the same guy from the Garage explosion?" Mitch asked, a hint of excitement and curiousity behind his voice. Cayden's gaze narrows, his piercing blue eyes betraying a flicker of surprise at Mitch's mention of the garage explosion. The memories flood back, raw and painful, as he recalls the chaos and devastation that had unfolded before his very eyes. Flames licking at the sky, billowing smoke obscuring his vision, the deafening sound of screeching metal and shattering glass echoing in his ears; it was a scene etched permanently in his mind. "What of it?" Cayden said between his teeth, unhappy about the mentioning of the tragic events that unfolded only two days prior.

"...Oi, did I touch a nerve, mate? Apoligies, I just haven't met many mutants who haven't already tried ta kill me, y'know?" He says with a nervous laugh, yet a brief flicker behind his eyes that indicates he wasn't kidding.

Cayden's eyes narrow further as he studies Mitch, his mind churning with a mix of suspicion and intrigue. The flicker behind Mitch's eyes doesn't go unnoticed by Cayden, his instincts warning him to tread cautiously. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and fixing Mitch with an intense gaze. "So why confront me here? Why now?" Cayden asks the Aussie.

Mitch leans against the table, a mischievous glint in his eye as he locks gazes with Cayden. His face breaks into a sly grin, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth that contrast sharply against his tanned complexion. "Well, Cayden Barone," Mitch pauses, clicking his tongue before continuing. "I've heard through the grapevine that you're on the hunt for someone special." Cayden raises an eyebrow. "...go on." He says, his interest officially peaked.

Mitch hesitates for a moment. "Well, There's some other information I ought to tell you too. Which do ya wanna hear first?"

Cayden leans forward, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Mitch's face, a mix of curiosity and impatience evident in his gaze. His mind races with a thousand questions and possibilities, each one vying for attention like eager contestants in a high-stakes game show. He can feel the weight of anticipation settling upon him, like a heavy cloak that wraps around his shoulders, as he waits for Mitch to reveal the information he so desperately seeks. "Just tell me about... Chris Catalyst." Cayden says with finality.

Mitch leans back, a thoughtful expression on his face as he considers Cayden's request. His fingers drum lightly against the table, creating a soft rhythm that seems to match the beat of Cayden's racing heart. He finally breaks the silence, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue. "Ah, Chris Catalyst," Mitch begins, his words flowing like liquid honey. "A dangerous man indeed. Yeah, I reckon I may know a thing're two about his whereabouts."

Cayden nearly jumps up from his chair. "...What're you waiting for! I gotta get to this guy before anyone else gets hurt!" Rowan bit his lower lip and tapped the table nervously.

"I understand your urgency, Cayden," Mitch says with a nod, his voice resonating with a sense of calm authority. "But we must exercise caution when dealing with the likes of Chris Catalyst. He's cunning, elusive, and possesses powers that make him a formidable, yet highly unpredictable adversary." As he speaks, Mitch's gaze sweeps over the bustling cafe, his eyes tracing the intricate patterns adorning the ceiling tiles as if seeking guidance from the very fabric of the establishment. Cayden rolls his eyes in disappointment and disapproval. "Tell Me something I didn't already know, Mitch," He says the man's name rather sarcastically. "Yeah, but if ya want the information I got..." The big Australian shrugs. "...I'm afraid I can't just give that kinda shit away for free, mate."

Cayden's piercing blue eyes narrow further as his frustration begins to bubble beneath the surface. His mind races, searching for a way to convince Mitch to reveal the information he so desperately seeks. He clenches his fists, feeling the tension coiling within him like a tightly wound spring. Every muscle in his body tenses, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

A heavy silence hangs over the table as Mitch studies Cayden with a curious expression on his face. Finally, Cayden takes a deep breath and speaks again. "What is it you want? Money? A hit? Anything?!" Cayden's Arm-Blade slowly began creeping out from between his knuckles on his right hand, but Mitch calmly raised both hands into the air. "Relax, relax! I ain't askin' for much outta ya, dude! I just need someone to investigate an old Abandoned Steel factory on the outskirts of town." Cayden's blade retracted. He tried looking for any hint that McGuinness was lying, but he couldn't detect any. "You're joking... right?"

Mitch's mischievous grin widens as he shakes his head, his red hair falling in an unruly cascade around his face. "No mate, I ain't joking. That old steel factory's been apparently guarded by local hired gangs and some armed guards. Turns out, It may hold some secrets that might just lead us straight to your man, Chris Catalyst." The words hang in the air like a tantalizing promise, each syllable laced with a sense of intrigue and danger that ignites a spark of anticipation within Cayden's chest.

Barone stands up immediately. "Thanks. I'll be on my way. What's this place called again?"

Mitch chuckles, a low rumble of amusement emanating from deep within his chest. "The place's grown to be called called the Forge of Shadows, mate. Sounds ominous, doesn't it?" He grins mischievously, evidently enjoying the dramatic effect his words have on Cayden. The name resonates within Cayden's mind, conjuring images of towering smokestacks billowing thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, casting an eerie shadow over the desolate landscape. "Thanks. I owe ya. Now if you'll excuse me..." As Barone stood to leave, a tall, beautiful woman walked up to him and pushed him back into his seat. "Ohoho, no you don't. You're taking too long, Mitch. My turn to tell 'em." The blonde bombshell says, taking a seat across from Cayden, who wasn't too happy with being told what to do.

Cayden's eyes shift from Mitch to the woman who has now taken a seat across from him. His gaze lingers on her, tracing the soft curves of her face, the delicate arch of her brows, and the fullness of her lips. She is a vision of ethereal beauty, with golden locks cascading down her shoulders in gentle waves... if he hadn't been dating Emma, he might've gone for this lady! Yet, Cayden didn't show anything other than disdain for her interrupting his plans. "You do know who I am, right?" Cayden asks, almost daring her to try that again.

The blonde bombshell's eyes flicker with amusement as she gazes at Cayden, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Her voice, like velvet caressing his ears, drips with confidence and a tinge of arrogance. "Oh, I know exactly who you are, Cayden Barone," she purrs, her words sliding through the air like silk. "But you see, the thing is... I don't give a Damn."

Cayden's azure eyes narrow, a flicker of irritation dancing across their stormy depths. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he surveys the woman before him with a mix of curiosity and disdain. The soft glow of the cafe's pendant lights casts a warm, golden hue on her porcelain skin, accentuating her features and adding an air of ethereal mystery to her presence. "...Out of pure curiosity, just who in the blue hell are you?" He asks. The woman takes out what looks like a Wallet, only when she opens it, there's a S.H.I.E.L.D. badge and her I.D.

"The name's Special Agent Crystal Zamora." She says matter-of-factly.

Cayden's sapphire eyes widen at the sight of the S.H.I.E.L.D. badge and identification card that Agent Zamora presents. The golden glow of the pendant lights reflecting off the polished surface, casting shimmering glimmers across the familiar insignia emblazoned on the badge. A mix of surprise and curiosity washes over Cayden as he processes this new information. "So, you're working for SHIELD? Fury send you to assemble some new Avengers or something?"

Zamora leans back in her chair, a coy smile playing on her lips as she studies Cayden's reaction. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, twinkle with an enigmatic gleam as she takes in the sight of Cayden's puzzled expression. The air around them seems to crackle with anticipation, as if the universe itself holds its breath, waiting for the next move in this intricate dance of fate.

"...So Aussie man wants me to go to that Shadow Forge place and rough up whoever's there. Right?" He asks the two. Crystal and Mitch share a glance before turning back to Barone. "And I'm going with you." Crystal says.

Cayden's gaze locks onto Crystal, searching for any hints of deception or any kind of ulterior motives. Cayden leans forward, his voice low and filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Why would you want to go with me?" He questions, his voice riddled with disbelief.

Crystal leans forward, her emerald eyes locking with Cayden's intense gaze. A hint of mischief dances within the depths of her irises, a flicker of amusement that adds a strange allure to her features. Her lips curl into a sly smile, as if she holds a secret that she's not quite ready to reveal. She brushes a strand of her radiant blonde hair from her eyes. "Oh, Cayden," she purrs, her voice dripping with honeyed confidence. "Don't you know?"

Cayden lets an exasperated sigh escape his lips. "Fine, I'll bite. What could I possibly not know about-" But Agent Zamora simply raised her hand to silence him, as if she were about to demonstrate instead.

Cayden's voice trails off, his curiosity piqued by Agent Zamora's mysterious demeanor. Crystal looks down at her cup of Still-hot coffee, swirling it around a bit, before some kind of blue energy subtly emitted from her fingertips. She then turns over the cup, and the liquid inside is completely frozen solid. One big ice chunk of coffee slid out of the cup, hitting the table with a "Thud!".

As the ice chunk hits the table with a resounding thud, a hushed silence falls over the bustling cafe. The patrons turn their heads in curiosity, their gazes shifting from the frozen spectacle before them to the enigmatic woman responsible for this display of elemental prowess. The icy tendrils seem to dance in the air, each fragment of frozen coffee hovering in suspended animation, glistening under the warm golden glow of the pendant lights. Cayden doesn't seem too impressed, however.

"Neat party trick, Agent." He snickers, accompanied by a sarcastic slow clap.

Crystal's emerald eyes narrow, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features as she responds to Cayden's snide remark. The air around them seems to grow heavy with tension, each breath drawn in with a silent anticipation of the verbal clash about to unfold. "Oh, Cayden," she retorts, her voice cool and calculated. "You have no idea what I'm fully capable of."

Cayden leans back in his chair, meeting Crystal's gaze head-on. "I'm sure I don't, toots. But it's not like I wanna know. I'm doing this for me and for my friends. You're just along for the ride, got that?"

A tense silence hangs in the air as Cayden's piercing blue eyes lock with Crystal's unwavering emerald gaze. The atmosphere seems to crackle with an electric energy, as if the very air around them has become charged with a palpable tension. In fact, actual electricity seemed to cackle off of Crystal's fingertips. A fire burned in her eyes. Clearly, She did NOT like this guy one bit.

The tension only eased when Mitch put his hand on Crystal's shoulder and said, "Alright, let's just take a breath, you two. We're all on the same side here." His voice, deep and soothing, reverberates through the air like a gentle melody, lulling the room into a momentary calm. The subtle touch of his hand on Crystal's shoulder radiates a sense of comfort and reassurance, melting away the icy facade that had momentarily consumed her features. She nods in agreement, sitting back down. "And Cayden, mate, you gotta stop bein' so antagonizing!" He says with a not so serious chuckle.

Cayden's sapphire eyes flash with a mix of amusement and defiance as he meets Mitch's gaze. His lips curl into a playful smirk, revealing a flash of pearly white teeth. "Antagonizing? Me? Nah, 'mate', I'm just keeping things interesting," Cayden retorts with a mischievous glint in his eyes. McGuinness cracks an amused grin. "Touché, Barone. I'll give ya that one."

Zamora taps the empty Coffee cup. "Look, you have your reasons for heading to the Shadow Forge, I have mine, OK?" She asks, begrudgingly extending a hand for Cayden to shake.

Cayden's eyes flicker with a mix of curiosity and skepticism as he studies Crystal's outstretched hand. His mind races, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions twirling through his consciousness. His ADHD brain takes in the fine details of her hand, the smoothness of her skin, the delicate veins that trace their way across her slender fingers. A part of him is hesitant, unsure whether to accept this invitation or keep his guard up. Finally, after the brief moments of hesitation, Cayden reaches out and firmly clasps Crystal's extended hand in his own. The touch sends a jolt of electricity through his veins, igniting a spark that seems to electrify the air around them. His blue eyes lock with hers, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "See you there tonight." As Crystal releases her grip on Cayden's hand, a mere whisper of a sigh escapes her lips, barely audible amidst the low hum of the bustling cafe. Yet, in that fleeting moment, Cayden catches a glimpse of something deeper within her emerald eyes - a flicker of vulnerability cloaked in an icy facade. His mind races with unanswered questions, each one clawing at the edges of his consciousness like an insatiable beast seeking answers. What secrets lie within those depths?

Cayden's mind races with unanswered questions, each one clawing at the edges of his consciousness like a caged beast wanting desperately to be freed... but it would have to wait for now.

But it would have to wait for now, as Cayden's attention is swiftly diverted by the familiar ringtone of his phone. He fumbles in his pocket, retrieving the device and glancing at the screen. The name "Supernova" flashes across the display, accompanied by a vibrant image of two childhood best friends caught in a candid moment of laughter. A soft smile graces Cayden's lips as he swipes his thumb across the screen, accepting the call. It was from his friend and fellow mechanic-at-heart, Corey Estrella.

"Yo, Cor! You alright?" Cayden's voice carries a mix of concern and curiosity as he waits for Corey's response.

"I've been better. I still don't know how I got out of there alive. I could've sworn I was right in the thick of it when the gas tank ruptured." Cayden's heart skips a beat as Corey's words reverberate through his eardrums.

Of course, what Corey didn't know was that Cayden had run back into the flames to get her out, since he could heal his wounds easily without any fear of long-term burn damage. The memory of that moment still lingers in Cayden's mind like a flickering flame, casting shadows of doubt and worry upon his thoughts. The image of Corey's expressionless, unconscious face and the crackling roar of the engulfing fire are etched into his memory like intricate brushstrokes upon a canvas. "Yeah... it's a real miracle, Cor. I mean, maybe the force of the blast knocked you closer to the entrance and a rescue team got to you sooner. What matters is, you're alive. Right?" He manages a small smirk, desperately trying to mask the fear of losing his longest standing Friendship to an untimely death.

Corey's voice crackles through the phone, her words carrying a mix of relief and disbelief. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just... it was like time slowed down. Almost like I feel something knocking me off my feet, and next thing I know, I'm in an ambulance and on the way here."

As Corey's words echo through the depths of Cayden's mind, he feels a surge of relief wash over him. It's as if a heavy weight has been lifted from his weary shoulders, replaced by a renewed sense of hope. He can't help but feel a swell of pride in his chest, knowing that he had played a part in saving his dear friend's life. "Hey, Corey, I'll let you rest up. You've been through a lot lately, ok?" He hears a feint, slightly pained snicker from Corey's end of the phone. "Don't fix that '78 Mustang without me, Cowboy." She says as her voice trails off, obvious that she's trying to follow his advice and get some rest. Cayden, before she can doze off, shoots one last response, saying, "I wouldn't dream of it, Supernova." He mutters, repeating back her "Mechanic Call-sign", or simply, just a nickname that he'd given her for when they were working together. Cayden hung up the phone, only to realize while Crystal had left, Mitch was still sitting there across from him. "Can... I help you anymore?" Cayden asks the australian. "So... That friend'a yours... She single?" Mitch asks. Cayden indignantly retorts by saying "Fuck you, Ya Dingo-kickin' Asshat!". Mitch laughs and puts his sunglasses back on. "That's Fair, I reckon. I'll be seein' ya around, Cade." Cayden gets up from his chair and walks out of the cafe.

He stood on the street corner for a moment, contemplating the whole experience he just had, when a random woman dressed rather promiscuously waltzed up to him and attempted to grab him by the arm, only for Cayden to swat her arm away like an unwanted Fruit fly. She, naturally, reacted quite negatively to this.

Her eyes narrowed into slits of fury, her lips curling into a snarl of indignation. "How dare you!" she hissed through clenched teeth, her voice dripping with venomous rage. Cayden's expression didn't as much as flinch. He glanced down at the woman. "Get lost. Go find someone who actually wants your shitty $5-value blowjobs."

Cayden watches the woman's face contort with a mixture of shock and fury, her eyes ablaze with a fiery rage that threatens to consume everything in its path. The faint scent of desperation clings to her, mingling with the cacophony of bustling city sounds that surround them. He takes a step back, his body instinctively moving away from the toxic aura radiating from her. She wasn't ready to let her fury dissipate so easily. Cayden tried walking away, but the woman followed him into the alleyway he had dipped into.

As Cayden stepped further into the dimly lit alleyway, the woman's footsteps echoed ominously behind him. "Get lost, lady. I'm not interested!" Cayden's voice cuts through the charged air of the alleyway like a sharp blade, his words laced with irritation and impatience. He turns around to face the woman, his platinum-blonde hair tousled by the gentle breeze that whispers through the narrow space. His piercing blue eyes meet her enraged gaze, a fierce determination burning within his as well. She pulled something from her pocket, something that looked like a blade. Cayden chuckled. "Real cute. You gonna shank me and suck me off? What a Class act. A true New York streetwalker If I ever did see one!" He joked, only for her shreiking voice to yell "SHUT UP!!!". She took a stab at him, which he effortlessly sidestepped. "Look, lady, I don't wanna have to hurt you." He explains, although his voice was laced with nonchalance, which told you that he did not give a single shit about what happens to this lady.

The woman's eyes burn with a dangerous mix of desperation and anger, her grip tightening around the blade she holds in her trembling hand. A bead of sweat trickles down her forehead, glistening like a tiny diamond in the pale glow of the moon. Cayden's gaze remains steady, his body coiled with an unwavering sense of confidence. Suddenly, a third voice enters the picture, that of a young girl behind the woman.

"Why are you fighting this guy, ma'am?" The child's voice breaks the tension of the dimly lit alleyway.

The woman doesn't look back. "Adult business, kiddo! Meaning it's not yours, so beat it!" she demands of the kid.

The young girl's eyes widen with a mixture of confusion and curiosity as she takes a hesitant step forward, her small hand reaching out to lightly graze the woman's arm. "But why are you so angry? Maybe this guy can help..." Her voice trails off, her innocence shining through in every word.

The woman's anger wavers for a moment, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. But in that one moment, suddenly the woman recoiled in pain, her eyes widening as she felt a sharp pain from her side; where a knife had been plunged by the child?!

As she stumbled backwards, her face contorted with agony, Cayden's eyes drifted to the source of her torment. There, standing behind her, was Emma. She'd used her ability to disguise herself as that child in order to sneak up behind this lady... who was currently bleeding all over the alley.

"Well, someone finally woke up." Cayden snarkily comments, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips upon seeing her again.

The woman's eyes widen in sheer terror as she clutches her bleeding side, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. Cayden watches with detached curiosity, his blue eyes flickering with a mix of amusement and concern. Emma steps forward, her cold gaze fixed on the wounded woman, her features devoid of any hint of sympathy. She steps over the woman's body, as if not even acknowleding it being there. "Where were you this morning?" Emma asks coldly.

Emma's icy words hung in the air like a bitter winter breeze, sending a chill down Cayden's spine. He watched as the woman's face contorted with fear and confusion, her eyes darting back and forth between Emma and Cayden. The alleyway seemed to shrink in size, suffocating under the weight of tension that had settled upon it.

"Em, I was just getting some information about the guy who attacked me the last two days..." Cayden studied Emma's expression, observing the way her usually warm brown eyes shimmered with a glint of malice. Her features, usually soft and gentle, were now hardened, her jaw set with an intensity that sent a shiver down Cayden's spine. He felt a mixture of curiosity and concern bubbling within him, wondering what had brought this change in Emma. Was it the recent events? Or was there something else lurking beneath the surface?

In that moment, another voice was heard in the entry to the alleyway; that of Agent McGuinness. "Oi! Cade! You busy with that dyin' hooker, or you gotta sec?" He shouts to Barone, who does his best to hold in his laughter. Emma mutters, "Only In New York can you say that and not draw a single concerned stare." Cayden couldn't help but find the Australian's blunt and irreverent humor oddly endearing. It was a refreshing change from the tense atmosphere that had settled over the alleyway, like an oppressive fog suffocating every breath. McGuinness, like Emma, steps over the bleeding hooker as if she doesn't exist. He first eyes Emma. "He-llo~" He says, taking in the sight of Quinn. "And who might you-" He was cut off... No Pun intended... when Emma raised a knife to his chest. Mitch took a step back, saying, "Kinda overstepped, my bad. Name's Mitchell McGuinness, I spoke with your... uh..." Agent McGuinness looked back and forth between Emma and Cayden.

A tad confused, he asks "Boyfriend?", to which Cayden nods. "Yup. Boyfriend." "Right then!" Emma's grip tightens around the knife, her eyes narrowing into slits of mistrust as she studies Agent McGuinness. "I had a chat with Cade here about the Factory of Shadows..."

Cayden let out a sigh. "Wasn't gonna tell her about that..." Emma snapped her gaze to her boyfriend. "I told you, you don't just get to go to ominously named places without me!" Cayden scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile playing on his lips as he tried to defuse the tension in the air. He glanced at Emma, her eyes burning with a mixture of protectiveness and frustration. "Okay, okay, in my defense, I was gonna tell you about the Shadows' Factory thing," he admitted reluctantly. "But you know how stubborn I can be-"

"Gee, ya don't say." Emma says with an ultra-sarcastic eye roll. Emma sighs following this. "I'm not mad. I just worry about you. You know I can't afford to lose you." She says, her voice laced with anxiety.

Cayden's heart softened at Emma's words, his eyes meeting hers with a tender understanding. He reached out and gently took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers in a silent gesture of reassurance. "I know, Emma. I know," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and love. He leaned in closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Awww. that's touching!" Mitch says from the metaphorical sidelines. Emma barks at him, "WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE?!?!" The SHIELD Agent glanced upwards for a moment, as if recalling what he came to tell them, before it hit him like a "Eureka!" moment. "Oh, bloody hell, I almost forgot! The last person seen goin' In 'n outta that base was some Doctor Guy!"

"That's what you had the audacity to interrupt this damn moment for?" Emma scoffs, her tone dripping with disdain. Mitch stutters his way through another sentance before collecting himself. "Apololgies, Emma. But I just wanted to know... does the name 'Doctor Regan Price' mean anything to you?"

In that instant of hearing that name, Emma's heart pounded in her chest like a frenzied beast, threatening to burst through her ribcage. The name, Doctor Regan Price, echoed in her mind like a haunting melody, stirring up memories she had tried so desperately to bury. She felt a shiver crawl up her spine, as if icy fingertips were tracing their way along her skin. Her breath caught in her throat, the air suddenly thick with an unspoken dread.

Emma began shuddering rather violently in Cayden's arms. "No... It's not possible..." She quivered uncontrollably. Cayden looked to Mitch, his expression wondering what the hell he did by saying that name... then Mitch let it out. "He's a former scientist for HYDRA. And I'll give ya one bit of information... How she's reacting? That's not even close to how bad 'a guy he is." Mitch states solumnly before once again stepping over the silent, bleeding hooker on his way out of the alleyway.

As Mitchell's footsteps gradually faded into the distance, the alleyway descended into an eerie silence. Emma's trembling form leaned heavily against Cayden, her knuckles turning white as she clenched his hand in a desperate attempt to ground herself. The weight of her fear seemed to permeate the air, suffocating even the faintest whispers of hope. Cayden picked up the phone, dialing his sister's number. It rang for a while, before Alexa finally picked up. "You do realize we're supposed to have a whole telepathic link thing as twins, right?" Alexa's voice says sarcastically over the phone. "Yeah, but here's the thing... We gotta situation to handle. Like right now. Mercer street, Alley outside the Mercer Cafe. Emma's got some of her old memories back when some guy said some old Doctor's name. She's pretty shaken up by it..." Cayden heard Alexa standing up from over the phone. "Luke and I will be there in about twenty. Hang tight." Cayden thanked her, hanging up, turning his full attention back to Emma, who hadn't stopped shaking.

Cayden's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Emma tremble in his arms. The weight of her fear seeped into his bones, contorting his own emotions into a tangled web of concern and unease. He could feel the raw intensity emanating from her, like an electric current crackling through the air. Every fiber of his being urged him to protect her, to shield her from whatever demons lurked in the depths of her past.

Cayden held Emma tightly, his arms encircling her trembling form like a fortress built to ward off the darkness threatening to consume her. He could feel the heat of her fear radiating from her body, seeping into his own skin like a feverish burn.

"Em...," Cayden whispered softly, his voice filled with tenderness and concern. "Whatever it is, I'll be here to get us through it. I swear." He promises. But rather than acknowledge or respond, Emma only mutters the phrase Cayden had used earlier at the Hospital; "...Tomorrow is Another Day."