Stormbound

The sun was barely up when Kael, Lyra, and Kaito gathered in the living room of their small home. Their faces were tense, the weight of the bounties on their heads hanging over them like a storm cloud. Despite Kaito's confident words from the previous day, they all knew that danger lurked just around the corner.

"We need to prepare," Kael said, breaking the silence. "If they're coming for us, we can't afford to be caught off guard. We need better gear and enough supplies to last us through a fight."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "Our clothes aren't exactly battle-ready, and we've been running low on food. We can't keep relying on luck to survive."

Kaito leaned back in his chair, his fiery orange eyes glinting with excitement. "Finally, a chance to gear up properly. If we're going to face the Syndicate, we might as well look the part."

Kael smirked. "Let's not draw too much attention. We'll need outfits that suit our abilities but also keep us mobile. And we need to stick together—no wandering off."

Kaito raised an eyebrow. "You think someone's going to recognize us in the middle of the city?"

"With our faces on every bounty board? Yeah, I do," Kael said. "We'll wear cloaks until we're ready to change. No unnecessary risks."

---

The Journey to Rylath

The trio moved carefully through the outskirts of the city, each of them keeping their hoods low to avoid being noticed. The streets were quieter than usual, the morning market not yet in full swing.

Kael led the way, his electric-blue eyes scanning every alley and corner for signs of trouble. Lyra followed close behind, her fingers brushing against the hilt of the small dagger she carried for emergencies. Kaito brought up the rear, his hands tucked into his pockets but ready to summon flames at a moment's notice.

The first stop was a tailor's shop tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The shopkeeper, an older woman with sharp eyes, looked up as they entered.

"Travelers?" she asked, her voice cautious.

"Something like that," Kael replied, keeping his hood up. "We need clothes—practical, durable, suited for... active lifestyles."

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but said nothing, motioning for them to follow her to the back of the store.

---

The Outfits

Kael was the first to choose. He picked a lightweight, black-and-silver jacket lined with insulated fabric that wouldn't conduct electricity. The material was sleek and flexible, perfect for his agile fighting style. The jacket came with reinforced boots and gloves designed to withstand high voltage, making it clear that it was no ordinary gear.

Lyra examined her options carefully, eventually settling on an outfit that complemented her connection to water. She chose a fitted, ocean-blue tunic with intricate wave patterns etched into the fabric. The tunic was paired with lightweight pants and boots designed for swift movement, allowing her to stay agile while controlling her element.

Kaito's choice was the most dramatic. He picked a crimson-and-black cloak that billowed behind him like a trail of fire. Beneath it, he wore a sleeveless shirt reinforced with fireproof material, along with sturdy pants and boots. The outfit practically radiated heat, a perfect match for his fiery personality.

When they emerged from the back room, the shopkeeper gave them a knowing look. "You three aren't ordinary travelers, are you?"

Kael hesitated, then placed a small pouch of gold on the counter. "We appreciate your discretion."

The woman nodded, tucking the gold away without another word.

---

Stocking Up

Their next stop was a supply shop near the city's edge. The owner, a burly man with a thick beard, greeted them with a gruff nod.

"We need food, water, and medical supplies," Kael said, keeping his voice low.

The man didn't ask questions, moving efficiently to gather what they needed. The trio loaded their packs with dried meat, fruits, water canteens, and bandages. Kaito also picked up a small flint set, despite his ability to summon fire.

"You never know," he said with a shrug when Lyra raised an eyebrow.

Kael grabbed a few additional items—rope, a small toolkit, and a map of the region. Every detail mattered now, and he wasn't about to leave anything to chance.

---

The Encounter

As they prepared to leave the supply shop, Kael's senses tingled. He glanced out the window and saw two men in dark armor patrolling the street. Their insignias marked them as bounty hunters.

"We need to move. Now," Kael whispered, pulling his hood lower.

Lyra and Kaito followed him out of the shop, their movements careful and deliberate. They slipped into a side alley, avoiding the main streets as they made their way back toward the outskirts.

"You think they're looking for us?" Lyra asked.

Kael nodded grimly. "No doubt about it. We need to stay ahead of them."

Kaito smirked, a small flame dancing on his fingertips. "Let them try something. I've been itching for a fight."

"We can't risk it," Kael said sharply. "Not here, not now."

---

Back at the House

When they finally returned home, the trio breathed a collective sigh of relief. The house was small but secure, a temporary haven in an increasingly dangerous world.

Kael placed the supplies on the table, taking stock of everything they had bought. Lyra examined her new outfit in the small mirror by the door, adjusting the tunic to fit more comfortably.

"This is... actually kind of nice," she admitted.

Kaito grinned, twirling his cloak dramatically. "I know, right? We look like a team now. A real force to be reckoned with."

Kael smirked but quickly grew serious. "Don't get too comfortable. This is just the beginning. The Syndicate knows who we are, and they won't stop coming."

Lyra nodded, her expression determined. "Then we'll make sure we're ready for them. No matter what."

As the sun set over the horizon, the trio sat together, each lost in their own thoughts. Their journey was far from over, but for now, they had taken an important step. They were prepared, united, and ready to face whatever came next.

The storm was coming, and they would meet it head-on.