His heart was pounding in his chest as he made his way through town. His judgment had been hindered, causing his body to move faster than any rational train of thought - which led him to neglect the idea of taking his horse. His impulses had left him trudging through town, not registering other people around him as he was focused on the end destination.

And there it was.

And there she was.

He caught sight of her standing over her furnace as she inspected a bronze bar in her hands. He was glad to see she wasn't in the midst of using her table saw so his outburst wouldn't startle her and cause consequences.

Speaking of outbursts.

"What is this I've just heard about you making a battery for the Haunted Cave?"

Jo turned to him, confusion taking over her features as she was taken aback. She didn't seem surprised to see him, but rather indifferent to how he had approached her.

"Hi, Arlo. Good to see you. I'm fine - how are you?" she said.

He scoffed. "Point made," he stated. "Now can we kindly go back to my question."

"Mmm," Jo took a moment to think. "I'm not sure that we can. Not if you're going to storm in… guns blazing."

As much as he wanted to mock her for her phrasing, he wasn't exactly in the mood.

"I'm only reacting that way because this is serious. Your answer matters," he told her.

"You already know the answer," Jo insisted. "So why ask the question?"

"Because it's always good to receive confirmation," he stated.

She rolled her eyes at this, moving passed him as she brought the bronze bar over to her assembly station.

"Well, you have your confirmation , so now what?" Jo said.

Now he felt his heart thumping in his chest, heavier than before. His shoulders were tense as his thoughts came flooding out all at once.

"Now we discuss terms. Guidelines," he stated.

She turned back, her brow furrowed as she stared at him.

"Excuse me…? What?" she said.

"The conditions," Arlo said, finding the right word. "I know what Gale's instructions to you are, but they are going to change."

Jo crossed her arms over her chest. "And you get to be the one to decide that?"

Arlo nodded. "I do."

He watched as Jo's brows pulled even closer together, her annoyance evident.

"I understand you're building the removable battery for the Haunted Cave," he told her. "And I also understand that Gale has asked you to go install the battery once it's completed…?"

Jo shrugged. "That's correct."

Arlo felt the tension from his shoulders spread further down his body - over his biceps, his forearms, nearly making him clench his fists.

His reaction was drastic, even he knew that. However, he couldn't believe how irresponsible Gale was by just allowing Jo to go into the Haunted Cave. The mayor had even encouraged it. Worse than that, he was going to send her into the cave completely blind without mentioning what could be waiting for her there.

"Wrong," Arlo told her. "You build the battery and then we take it from there. The Corps will be installing it."

Jo scoffed this time, not pleased with his words for a second.

"Arlo, you don't know how to install the battery for the generator. I have to do it," she told him.

"You only have to tell me how, or even write down instructions," he retorted. "It's that easy."

"No," she said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It's not."

Her hand fell as she stared at him again, looking completely thrown.

"It's more complicated than you know, and unless you understand exactly what you're doing then it's not going to work," she continued. "Why can't I just go with you and you three can cover me while I install it myself?"

There was a thought… but no. It was too risky.

"Because these missions can be unpredictable. We don't know what's waiting down in that cave and we can't prevent the unexpected. Something could go wrong that's out of our control. We're not risking it, Jo."

"You're basing this off of 'what if's' and 'maybes,' Arlo. I can help you if you just let me," she pressed.

Why was she fighting him so hard on this? Couldn't she tell he was only trying to do what was best for her and keep her away from whatever could be lurking around in the cave? Arlo and the Corps hadn't been able to go in and fully investigate without having that battery - who knew what could be waiting for them once they finally had a real look inside.

But Jo was stubborn, he had to remind himself of that. He knew he wasn't exactly approaching this situation in a way that wouldn't cause her to grow defensive, but his emotions were already high.

"I think I'm more capable than you realize," he said. "I can do it as long as you give me detailed instructions."

Jo was quick to jump in on him. "And I'm capable of handling my own and installing this battery myself."

"That's completely asinine! You're purposely putting yourself in danger for no reason."

"You're the one sabotaging my work! I'm not going to put all of this time and effort into a commission, that will better the whole town, and then not see it through. If you install this incorrectly-"

"I won't. You're not even giving me a chance -"

"And you're not giving me a chance - "

"That's because it's ludicrous to let you -"

"But you don't know that unless we actually try. You're going off of -"

"I'm going off of experience. I know -"

"That doesn't mean that applies to this -"

"Jo, would you just listen to me - "

"No! Because you just came in here, forcing yourself in and ordering me around. That's not right, Arlo. This is my work and you don't just get to derail the whole thing!"

"I'm not trying to derail it!"

"Oh, sorry. Then what are you trying to do? Take over?"

"No."

"Control it?"

"No. Jo - "

"Then what? What, Arlo?"

"I'm trying to protect you!"

His voice rang out, invading the space between them and echoing through the fields surrounding her house. Anyone within a mile was sure to hear it.

Jo had certainly heard it. They both stood there, facing one another as they were trying to slow their heaving chests. There was something lingering in the air around them that made it nearly impossible for Arlo to tear his eyes away from her, but eventually he felt as though he had too.

He sighed. "It's for your own good. You are… great at what you do, Jo. But you do not belong in that cave."

He looked back at her, seeing the way that she was staring at him - her expression hard and unflinching.

"Please," he said, his voice serious but growing softer. "Just write up the instructions and I'll make sure it's installed correctly."

Still, she said nothing, and Arlo figured that she likely wouldn't no matter what he tried. So instead, he decided it was time for him to leave.

"I'll send Rem over later to pick them up along with the battery. We'll make sure it's taken care of, Jo."

He knew it would be easy to simply turn around and apologize to her. To insist that she should just come into the cave with them and they could manage to cover her.

But he had meant what he said. He didn't even want to risk the possibility for something to go wrong. For her to be anywhere near the potential danger if anything were to happen.

He really did just want to protect her.

God, she had never imagined that Arlo would be capable of making her feel this way. Normally when she felt like punching someone in the face it was Higgins as her target. However, Arlo had made his way to the top of her list.

Why did he feel like he could push her around like this?

He wanted to protect her - she got that. But it wasn't as if she were completely helpless. God forbid something were to go wrong, she wouldn't just fall to the ground in despair and act as a dead weight. She liked to think she was better than that.

And she figured Arlo knew enough about her to also think that as well. Apparently she was wrong.

Then there was what he had said near the end of their argument…

"You are… great at what you do, Jo. But you do not belong in that cave."

Remembering his words, Jo wanted to kick down a wobbly post in her fence.

She had detested the statement, wanting to leave the conversation as soon as he had said it.

She didn't like anyone telling her where she belonged. Especially not now when she was struggling enough to figure that out for herself.

Letting out a grunt, Jo's anger fueled her movements as she went to retrieve the rest of her bronze bars. As much as she didn't want to look at the stupid battery anymore, she knew she was too close to finishing the build to walk away now.

Bringing over the last two bars, and the three power stones she needed, Jo started adding in the last of her materials to the battery. Each piece hammered into place was done with an extra wave of force than Jo usually applied. It was the only way she knew how to cope with the events that had just occurred.

Another hour went by until Jo was finally stepping back and assessing her work.

It was complete. It had taken her days and plenty of long hours, but she had done it. The battery had been her biggest build yet and she wanted to feel elated at that moment, even give herself a pat on the back.

But she didn't. She couldn't.

She felt a strange wave of disappointment settling over her as she turned away from the battery and went to stand at her workbench. There was no time to admire her work as she needed to start writing out the instructions for Arlo and his team. Rem was likely to be there in the next hour and she knew the installation steps needed to be written down perfectly or else the whole operation would go south.

Jo picked up her pencil, holding it above the large sheet of graphing paper as she prepared herself to write it all out.

However, her pencil didn't manage to reach the paper as she couldn't bring herself to move her hand. Her mind was so wrapped up in a wave of thoughts containing snippets of the conversation she had with Arlo.

He had gone on and on about the possibility of something going wrong, even with them there… but what if something went wrong with the installation even if they followed Jo's instructions perfectly? What if they ran into a complication with wiring or the system was slightly altered from what Jo had expected? She could adapt, but they couldn't… not without her help.

And she wasn't about to write out a list of "do 'this' incase 'this' happens" scenarios.

You won't even be able to see your build boot up for the first time… to actually work.

Jo still stood over the workbench, her fingers fiddling with the pencil sitting in her fingers. All she had written were the words "Installation Instructions" at the top.

And that's all she was going to write.

Jo threw the pencil down and felt her body jump into motion again. She was moving around her workspace - grabbing her bag, pulling the battery off of the assembly station, collecting the tools she would need to actually install the build.

This was crazy - she knew it was, but even acknowledging that didn't stop her.

Once she had nearly everything she needed, that's when Jo finally began to slow her movements - but another thought ran through her mind.

Stilling, Jo stared down at the ground, her expression perplexed as she considered the options she presented herself within her own thoughts. This lasted seconds, maybe even minutes before she made up her mind.

Going to the large wooden chest, Jo opened it and pulled out the foreign item that she had tucked away days before. Her touch on the object was gentle, but she tried to make it more firm as she moved her hands to the handle and held it upright.

See. Not so bad.

At least the weapon could help her argue why she should go. It gave her the opportunity to protect herself if things go out of hand. Another safety net.

Letting out the breath that she hadn't realized she was holding, Jo figured it was better not to focus on the item too long. Instead, she slid it into the available straps on her back that usually held her axe.

And now was the waiting. She had all her materials and was set to go.

She was going to wait for Rem to get there and insist - no - demand that they let her go with them in order to install the battery herself.

That's it. She would wait for him.

But, then again, even that didn't seem good enough… especially because she could assume how it would likely end.

She bounced her leg as she stood there, feeling as though she needed to pace. This energy, this impatience - it was getting the best of her.

Because what did seem good enough was just… going.

Going on her own. Right then and there.

And so, she went. On her own. Right then and there.

She stood outside of the cave, her fingers cramped and freezing as they gripped the battery in her hands. The wind was starting to pick up, turning the end of her nose pink as it started to run.

Now that it was evening, she didn't have much time to do this. She didn't know how much light she would have in the cave while she restored the generator. Time was becoming even more of the essence.

Pushing out a slow breath through her lips, Jo nodded to herself as she tried to resituate the battery in her arms.

In she went.

Rem didn't like this. He didn't like having to be the one to go retrieve the instructions from Jo when he knew that she'd be upset.

After what Arlo had told him, there was no way that she had taken being denied from accompanying them to the cave lightly. Rem agreed that it wasn't safe for her to be in the cave, but he also figured she would be fine if they looked out for her.

But Arlo had made it clear that was out of the question.

And then he had also made it clear that Jo was a whole other level of "pissed off." Rem had never seen her that way, likely Arlo hadn't either, but he had spent enough time with Jo to know that she didn't like to be bossed around.

She was strong willed, that one.

Rem was trying to prepare himself to come face to face with the wrath that had no doubt been building in Jo all afternoon. Would she yell at Rem? Give him a cold shoulder?

He wasn't sure.

Jo didn't seem like the type to go screaming around and spreading her problems elsewhere. She was headstrong, but reasonable.

Nearing her workshop, Rem squared his shoulders as he readied himself for any scenario. The lights were on inside her home, signaling him that she was probably waiting for him there.

Once again, he felt for the girl. Knowing that even he hated not being able to see a job through and having to stand down to another's decisions. Arlo had said she had challenged him, but her efforts meant nothing once the Captain had dismissed her.

Frowning, Rem let out one last sigh before he knocked firmly on her front door.

Now was the moment of truth.

He waited for a few seconds, noticing how he hadn't heard any movement inside. Thinking she hadn't heard him, he lifted his hand to knock again - only louder.

More seconds passed.

Nothing.

"Jo?" he called loudly, knocking one more time. "It's Rem."

Nothing still.

Following instinct, Rem reached for the doorknob and let himself in. Sure enough, he was met with a lit room, but one that was also completely empty.

Okay.

Stepping back out, he closed the door behind him. Maybe she had stepped out. There was always the chance that she had left him the battery and instructions to pick up, but didn't care to stay. It may have been better that way - based on how upset she had been already, distancing herself really was a smart decision.

Her absence would at least make this easier on him.

Walking over to her workspace, he looked to her assembly station for the battery. However, his eyes found nothing.

Where had she put it? The chest?

Shifting his gaze, Rem saw Jo's actual workbench and the paper that sat on top. He recognized it as the same paper she used to write all of her building instructions on.

Bingo.

Making his way over, he picked up the sheet, but immediately furrowed a brow. It was… completely blank aside from a header at the top. "Installation Instructions."

Oh no…

Unwilling to draw any conclusions just yet, Rem decided to check the wooden chest where he knew Jo always placed her finished products before delivery.

Please be in here. Come on, Jo.

Opening the chest, his whole body tensed.

Empty. Completely empty.

"Oh no… no, no."

The chest slammed shut as Rem took off, sprinting the entire way back to the Civil Corps headquarters.

She made her steps silent as she entered the cave. Her heart was pounding in her chest, but she ignored it as she tried to keep her mind clear. If she let her emotions get the best of her then she would never be able to stay on her guard. There was no way she was repeating what happened with the snailbobs the second she let her mind wander even slightly.

Looking around, being inside the cave felt completely surreal to Jo. Of course, she was the only one to blame that she was actually there, but she almost couldn't believe she'd done it.

Guess that's what happens when you act blindly.

Focusing again on the task at hand, Jo studied the area around her. The Mayor had told her that the wiring for the battery should be right there at the entrance, and she was hoping his words were true.

And they were.

As Jo looked to her right, she saw exactly what the Mayor had been referring to. Right in the corner was the generator with an obviously vacant spot perfect for the battery.

Not wasting any time, she sped walked over to the area and came down to a kneel, setting the battery beside her. She inspected the wiring, being able to tell what needed to be attached where even with the lack of light now.

She reached for the battery, setting it closer to the wiring and fellow controls before she started connecting everything. As she suspected, the set up was different than one might usually expect, which made her oddly smug. Imagine if she had provided Arlo with her original plans just for them to not correctly apply? They could have blown it or started a fire so the generator would have never been salvageable. The whole thing could have been compromised.

"This one… and then finally…" Jo spoke to herself, working through the finishing touches.

She then stood, taking a step back as she turned to find the switch to properly fire up the generator. Her fingers found it, flicking it on as she held her breath.

Seconds passed, but then the generator began to rumble before making a nice purring noise. The lights inside of the cave followed, flickering for a moment and then coming on completely.

Yes!

Jo wanted to let out a cheer, allowing it to echo over the walls of the cave. However, she knew that would be foolish. Just because she had turned on the generator and done her part didn't mean that she was out of the woods yet.

But at least she had done it! And the satisfaction of actually being able to see the generator running was immeasurable.

Collecting her supplies, Jo straightened the pack on her back as she prepared herself to head out of the cave. But her movements were stopped short as she noticed something lying on the floor. It was placed just outside of the pathway that led further into the cave, which made Jo feel a little weary. However, she couldn't help but bring herself over to the item as she saw a name written across the bottom.

Emily.

Picking up the item, she recognized it as the bucket she had seen Emily use many times. That was, until the blonde had told Jo that she had misplaced it - unable to find it no matter where she looked.

What was it doing there?

Her brows pulling together, Jo looked up from the item as she stared around again. She froze once more when she noticed another object further down the path. Light was reflecting off of it so she could only see a strange glow, but the object looked out of place amongst the cave's dirt floor.

Curiosity coursed through her, causing her to lose her senses as she crossed to it. It was only a few feet away, after all. If she could grab it quickly then she could turn around right away and head back out of the cave.

Reaching it, Jo picked up the shiny object and knew immediately what it was. Martha's cooking pot… another item that had been claimed as "misplaced."

"Why are these things in here?" Jo asked herself, looking further down the path.

Just then she heard a noise that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

It sounded like a scream.

Jumping into action, she threw down Martha's pot and Emily's bucket before she took off down the path. Her better judgment was completely disregarded as she could only focus on who the scream belonged to. Every part of her hoped it wasn't either of the two mentioned women, or any of Portia's citizens for that matter.

She wanted to call out, but she had no voice as she continued on - still finding nothing the deeper she went into the cave. Another scream echoed over the walls, pushing her feet faster.

No one was calling out. There were only the two screams. No voice.

The only voice that Jo could hear was the one coming from inside of her. And it wasn't even her own.

"You're purposely putting yourself in danger."

"...you do not belong in that cave."

She should turn around. She was finding nothing and if there was someone in here then the Corps would find them when they came to inspect the cave that night.

But what if it was too late then?

Despite her thoughts, her feet had not stopped moving as she landed in another area of the cave. At this point, she didn't know which path she had been taking - as the cave had split multiple ways - and if she could even get back to the entrance without completely losing herself.

And then she heard the scream again.

But this time it was right next to her, causing Jo to jump away and slam into the wall of the cave as she was unable to slow down.

After the impact, she fell to the floor, her butt landing with a loud thud. The entire thing had left her feeling as though she had experienced whiplash, causing her to give her head a hard shake to try and clear the stars from her vision.

Then she heard another noise she couldn't discern, bringing her to slowly look up.

What the hell is that?

Standing over her was a creature that Jo could only describe as a human sized rat, propped up on its hind legs and all. It was grunting, swaying back and forth as it challenged her.

Jo could hardly breath, completely gawking at the creature as its beady eyes stared her down. She could see a pipe held in its hands, which she was sure the rat was begging for Jo to give it a reason to use on her. The whiskers on its face were longer than the length of Jo's fingers, causing a shiver to swarm through her.

The rat watched the movement, and then it opened its mouth to let out a screech. Only it sounded like something else.

Like a human scream.

Oh dear God.

It hadn't been a woman screaming out for help. There was no one down here. It was only the rat… and apparently it had friends as another one slowly edged forward from the shadows behind the first.

She had no idea how many others could be down here.

What she did know, though, was that while there could be dozens of them - there was only one of her.

She was completely alone.

"Have everything you need?" he asked Sam as he adjusted the straps of his gear over his jacket. They were in full prep mode for their mission this evening. If everything went according to plan then they could get the battery installed, get the power on, and have the cave completely inspected and clear before midnight.

"Think so," Sam confirmed. "Just need to grab my other set of goggles."

Arlo nodded to her, glancing up at the clock as Sam went to a chest and started rifling through.

Rem was expected to be back any minute. Well, unless Jo had decided to give him a hard time too. Hopefully she would understand that the importance of time was greater than her own pride.

He knew that mentioning her pride wasn't exactly fair. He understood her frustration and had spent the afternoon feeling guilty for being so hard on her. After all, she was just trying to do her job and he had imposed on her.

However, that still didn't makeup for the fact that her being in the cave, whether alone or with them, was absolutely dangerous. He was not willing to put her in harm's way - not even if he was going off of "what if's and maybe's" as she had claimed.

Reaching for his waist pack, Arlo didn't manage to fasten it around himself before the front doors were thrown open. The way they winced on their hinges and crashed together once shut again instantly made Arlo's stomach drop.

And there was Rem. Standing in the doorway, panting as his expression was filled with horror.

"Rem?" Sam asked as she appeared at Arlo's side.

"She's gone," he told them.

"What do you mean she's gone?" Arlo asked, his voice barely audible as he spoke through a tensed jaw.

Rem held Arlo's gaze, a sadness sitting in his own eyes.

"She wasn't there," he continued. "And neither were the instructions or the battery."

No.

"We leave now," Arlo ordered, not caring to finish attaching his waist pack as he went immediately out of the doors, brushing passed Rem. He was on top of his horse in the blink of his eye, barely waiting for his fellow Corps before he was racing towards Amber Island.

His body was stiff, his heart hard against the front of his chest as they went. All of them didn't dare to say anything, nor could they likely manage. They only rode on, pushing their horses to maximum speed as they weaved through town.

The whole scene reminded him of a time before, when they were rushing to Jo's aid against the snailbobs.

But this time it was worse. Much worse.