Everyone could feel the tension hanging heavy in the air as they touched down in Naples. They had taken advantage of their year off, but this was the first test of their renewed trust in each other. And while he trusted his team implicitly, and believed in Pantheon’s and the Four Hundred’s ability to do their own self-inventory, everything felt different on the field. The stakes were higher, and the unknowns too many to count.
He was glad he wasn’t navigating this alone – quite literally. They flew into one of Naples’ private hangers, Waylon at the helm with Dominic as first officer of sorts. Having two satyrs on the operation meant it didn’t all fall to him, and they had far more options –– if something went wrong, he reluctantly thought.
On the way, Dominic and Waylon compared notes. They would fly into Naples, set up in one of Pantheon’s safe houses not more than five minutes away from the entrance to the ruins, and the two of them would survey the ruins. A popular tourist destination, during the day, it was heavily trafficked and full of unpredictable foreigners. Tourists always made the job difficult, Dominic believed, taking pictures of everything and getting far too curious. Locals had places to be and generally minded their own business. So their immediate exploration of their location, while not as in-depth as would be preferred, would at least allow them free rein of the area without drawing too much attention.
This was, of course, only step one. Dominic still had to get their boats moored in the Marina Di Torre Annunziata and map their routes, and that was nothing to say of their plan once they were on-site, but somehow, he felt good about it. Being back, he felt confident. He was sure of his role and his ability, and he knew that his team was capable as well. Even if tensions were high and the pressure was on –– they were ready.
As they arrived at the entrance to the ruins, the turnstiles churning with what seemed like an endless stream of fanny pack-laden tourists and their leashed children, Dominic looked over at Waylon, about to ask if he was ready, before he stopped. He could tell the other satyr did not share his sentiments about their mission. Dominic took off his sunglasses despite the sun beating down on them from above and hooked them onto the v-neck of his t-shirt. He tilted his head to the side as he signed. What’s wrong?
WAYLON THOUGHT HE HAD RECOVERED FROM LAST YEAR’S INCIDENT but stepping foot back in the four hundred’s base revived the anxiety in the pit of his stomach, the feelings growing when he was briefed on their next mission. he tried not to let his emotions and intrusive thoughts control him, but time let his mind run wild and he seemed to have a lot of them lately. thankfully, the four hundred was paired with the black diamonds, which always eased his nerves. he trusts his own crew, of course, but having evren watch his back and dominic by his side distracted him from any negative outcomes.
the harsh sun barred down on the blonde, causing him to shift uncomfortably. he rolled his sleeves, regretting his long sleeves’, and wiping the sweat from his forehead. using his left hand, he shielded his eyes from the bright rays of sunlight, squinting. the grounds were flooded with tourists, which wouldn’t usually bother him, but he doesn’t usually have to worry about ancient ruins exploding and killing his friends.
while some of the other members decided to stay at home base, protecting the professor or preparing for the night’s mission, the two satyrs took to the ruins. it would be darker when the time came to explore the tomb, so the pair thought it would be beneficial to scope out the area beforehand.
however, the large sum of people visiting pompeii that afternoon was making their research a tad difficult. crowds of tourists meander throughout the grass, observing the ancient structures surrounding them. children jumped onto the stone architecture only to be scolded quietly by their guardians, who barely cast their kids a second glance as they viewed the ruins through their phone and camera screens.
waylon’s thoughts were interrupted by his fellow pantheon member. dominic approached, showing concern as he signed. way sighed, shrugging slightly before signing back, it’s just . . . nerve-wracking being back, you know? he paused, biting his lip and readjusting the grip on his cane with sweaty hands. i am hoping the results of this mission are different than last time.
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