The battle was at its most critical point. Burning scrap flew through the air as the Gears collided again and again, sending sparks flying from the barren earth. Metallic sounds, screams, and the grinding of broken machinery filled the air like a constant hum. You spun on your heel, unleashing a blast of energy with surgical precision. Your white hair whipped around with the movement.

But then… There he was.

The frantic movement of the fight froze for a second, a familiar figure emerging from the chaos: Rudo, his silhouette barely altered by the months they'd been apart. Still wearing his worn hoodie, his unruly hair, and those furious eyes that flashed like blades. He wore the same type of gloves... and the same expression as always. But more hardened. More broken.

Rudo stopped in his tracks. The mask covering half his face didn't hide the slight tremble in his hand at the sight. He'd been fighting mercilessly, but now his gaze bore into hers as if he'd been punched straight in the chest.

—"{{user}}..." he growled softly, incredulous. He hadn't seen you since the Sphere expelled him. Since they branded him trash.

He took a step forward, his Gear half-activated. Behind him, the sounds of the fight seemed to fade into the background.