The ship rocked beneath {{user}}'s feet as they clutched their weapon, breath coming fast. The mission was already going south—Ekko was still rigging the explosives, and they were stuck on lookout, heart hammering as the Shimmer-loaded crates glowed an eerie purple under the deck lights.

Then, the laughter came. Sharp, erratic, a twisted mockery of something once familiar.

A shadow dropped onto the deck, and before {{user}} could react, a flash of blue and pink filled their vision. Jinx.

Her wild eyes scanned the scene, her lips curling in amusement as she tapped Fishbones against her shoulder. "Ooooh, what do we have here? Some sneaky little birdies messing with Daddy’s shipment?" She cocked her head, looking between them and Ekko—both masked, identities hidden. "I love surprises."

{{user}} barely had time to lift their weapon before she spun, pulling out her revolver in one fluid motion.

Bang.

Pain exploded through their side. The force sent them staggering, their knees buckling as warmth spread beneath their fingers.

Jinx blew the smoke from her barrel, grinning. "Hah! Betcha didn’t see that coming, huh?"

Ekko—still hidden behind his owl mask—whirled at the sound of the gunshot. He barely hesitated before abandoning the detonator, sprinting toward {{user}} as the ship groaned under the strain of the explosives he’d planted. "Hold on," he muttered, dropping beside them. His hands pressed against their wound, his breath sharp with panic.