They stood on the quiet street outside Robert’s house, the portal closing behind them. The futuristic skyline of Imperial City loomed in the distance, but here, in the suburban neighborhood, everything felt calm and familiar. The air was crisp, and the faint hum of the city was a distant backdrop to the stillness of the evening.

  Robert swayed slightly on his feet, his body still aching from the battle. He turned to the team, his voice tired but steady. “My house?” he asked

  Freddie groaned, leaning heavily on Joel. “Honestly, I can’t complain.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes, though her usual sharpness was softened by exhaustion. “I’m with Freddie. We need serious rest.”

  Robert led the way up the front steps, his movements slow and deliberate. He rang the doorbell; the sound echoing through the quiet house. For a moment, there was silence. Then, the door swung open, revealing Kate, Robert’s mother. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of her son and his friends—bruised, bloodied, and barely standing.

  “Robert!” she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “What happened? Are you all okay?”

  Robert managed a weak smile. “Hey, Mom. We’re… we’re okay. Just a little banged up.”

  Kate’s maternal instincts kicked in immediately. She stepped aside, ushering them inside. “Come in, come in! All of you, get in here right now.”

  The team shuffled into the living room, their movements stiff and pained. Freddie collapsed onto the couch with a dramatic sigh, while Joel and Emma sank onto the floor, leaning against each other for support. Sophia sat cross-legged on the rug, her usual composure slipping as she winced at the pain in her side. Leo and Luis sprawled out on the carpet, their energy completely spent.

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  Kate’s eyes scanned the room, her worry deepening. “Eric!” she called up the stairs. “Get down here with the first aid kits! Now!”

  Within moments, Eric, Robert’s father, came hurrying down the stairs, his arms laden with medical supplies. His eyes widened as he took in the scene, but he didn’t hesitate. “What on earth happened to you kids?” he asked, his voice a mix of concern and exasperation.

  “Long story,” Robert said, wincing as he lowered himself onto the armchair. “We’ll explain later. Right now, we just need… a break.”

  Kate knelt beside Robert, her hands glowing faintly as she activated her healing powers. She placed her hands on his shoulder, the warmth of her energy soothing his injuries. “Now hold still,” she said, her tone gentle but firm.

  Eric moved through the room, distributing bandages, antiseptic, and painkillers to the others.

  Freddie grinned weakly as Eric handed him an ice pack. “Thanks, Mr. Martinez. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “Just call me Eric,” he said with a chuckle. “And try not to make a habit of this, alright?”

  As Kate worked on Robert, her healing energy gradually easing his pain, the rest of the team began to relax. The tension of the battle slowly melted away, replaced by the warmth and safety of Robert’s home. For the first time in what felt like forever, they could breathe.

  Sophia leaned back against the couch, her eyes closing as she let out a long breath. “This… this is nice,” she admitted, her voice soft.

  Emma nodded, her head resting on Joel’s shoulder. “Yeah. It’s good to be somewhere… normal.”

  Leo and Luis, already half-asleep on the floor, mumbled their agreement. “Best couch ever,” Leo said, his words slurred with exhaustion.

  Robert watched his team—his family—settle in, a small smile tugging at his lips. They had been through hell and back, but they were here. Together. And for now, that was enough.

  Kate finished healing Robert and moved on to the others, her touch gentle and reassuring. Eric brought in blankets and pillows, making sure everyone was as comfortable as possible. The room was quiet, the only sounds the soft hum of the heater. The team began to drift to sleep, getting the rest they deserved.