– Break Room, Site-19 - 9:32 AM –

Right now, Green was in the break room, leisurely sipping his usual coffee as he settled into a chair. The room was silent for a moment until the door quietly swung open, revealing Evan's presence.

"Hey, Green."

"Hey Evan. What brings you here?"

Evan's gaze briefly flickered to Green's altered appearance. "Oh, I couldn't help but notice your new hair color. It suits you remarkably well, don't get me wrong. But what's the occasion for?"

Green's lips curved into a faint smile. "Well, it's Amelia... she wants to talk about something while going out."

Evan's eyebrows rose in playful speculation, "Oh so you two are going out on a date, huh? My man." he said, offering a thumbs-up.

Green chuckled softly. "It's nothing like that, Evan. She simply wants to discuss something."

Evan's grin widened as he teased, "Ah, but it has all the hallmarks of one, my friend."

Green shook his head with a chuckle. "Alright, maybe it leans towards that realm. But it's hardly something romantic. I've already expressed my feelings to her that day."

"Wait, what?"

Green proceeded to explain the elevator encounter, elucidating the unfolding events for Evan's benefit.

"Oh shit!" Evan's exclamation reverberated through the room, his surprise palpable, "You two almost had a moment and it was ruined by a bunch of damn elevator lights?! That's bullshit."

"Uhhh yeah." Green nodded in weary agreement.

With an unexpected intensity, Evan grabs Green by the collar and draws their faces close. "Did she mention where she wants to talk?"

"She didn't tell me where, but she did say that she wanted to talk about it today." Green replied.

Evan's expression turned serious, "...Dude, I think she's gearing up to confess her feelings for you."

"...What?"

"Think about it, Green. You poured your heart out to her, and now she's likely ready to respond back!"

"Uhhh, I think that's not the case."

"Oh come on, Green. You've known her for years. She even visited you when you were on a bed sick, which Rodeo told me. You even kept her safe from 'Ride Me to Hell' and even you told her why you hid your past, she still understood your problems. If anyone's worth betting on, it's her." 

Green pondered Evan's words as a flicker of hope kindling in his eyes

Evan released his grip on his collar, he continued with his tone softer now. "Green, if I find out that somebody messed up your two's moments again... I will road rolla you to oblivion."

"You really want to see us go out, huh?"

"I'm just saying enjoy yourself."

"Thanks, I guess." Green smiled gratefully as he glanced at his empty coffee cup, which he deposited in the trash. "Well, I'll see you later then. Thanks for the pep talk."

"Good luck, Green," Evan called after him as he exited the room, a quiet hope lingering in his words.

Watching Green depart, Evan muttered to himself, "Let's just hope nothing goes wrong."

———————————————————————

– In a Hallway, Site-19 - 10:00 AM–

As Rodeo, still in his wheelchair, was being pushed down the hallway by Michelle, they soon spotted Evan approaching in the distance.

"Hey, Evan," Rodeo greeted with a wave.

"Hey man," Evan responded, his gaze shifted to Rodeo's wheelchair. "Still cruising around in that thing?"

Rodeo sighed. "If I try to ditch it, I can already hear Amelia's yelling for not listening."

"Sounds like she's taking every precaution to make sure your wounds don't reopen," Evan remarked before turning his attention to Michelle, and a handsome smirk formed on his lips. "And how about you~? Holding up alright~?"

"Jerk," Michelle retorted with a roll of her eyes.

"Predictable," Evan said calmly, but you could see the depression in his eyes and a hint of melancholy in his voice. "...so, Green's going out with Amelia today."

"Like a date?" Michelle inquired.

"Seems like it," Evan confirmed. "What do you think, Rodeo...? Rodeo?"

Both Michelle and Evan glanced at Rodeo, noticing the shadows clouding his eyes as he tapped his right index finger on the armrest of his wheelchair.

"The enemy might catch wind of this," Rodeo stated with urgency.

"What?" Evan's confusion was palpable.

"Evan, gather all the Stands on the rooftop, and only the Stands, no one else" Rodeo ordered with a gravity that caught Evan's attention.

"Got it," Evan nodded, ready to initiate his time-stop ability, but he paused when Rodeo called out to him, handing over a note.

"Yes?"

"Don't forget to give Miguel an umbrella,"

———————————————————————

– Rooftop, Site-19 - 10:10 AM –

The Stand group assembled on the rooftop, with Miguel shielding himself from the sun under an umbrella.

"Why are we all gathered here?" Jeff queried, his brow furrowed with concern.

"The enemy is going to strike," Rodeo immediately answered in a grave tone.

"What!? When?!" Miguel's voice rose with alarm.

"It's not a matter of when, but rather who they're targeting," Rodeo clarified.

"And who's that?" Sane Kreig inquired, his tone tinged with anticipation.

"Dr. Amelia Buck."

"The foundation scientist? Why her?" Jeff pressed for further information.

Rodeo turned his gaze to Jeff, who was the one asking the question. 

"She's become a prime target for both Stand users and Human Stands alike. The reasons remain unclear, but if what Evan says is right, the enemy may already be aware of her plans with Green."

"But what would they gain from her, amigo?" Miguel interjected, his confusion evident.

"I don't have all the answers, Miguel. But I do have a crazy and stupid idea that just might work."

"WE ARE READY TO HEAR THE WISE WORDS OF THE KITTEN!" Kreig's voice boomed in his psychopathic side.

Rodeo began, "Now listen up, everyone. We still can't confirm whether the two Human Stands and the Stand user Jeff encountered in France are linked to Ride Me to Hell, the Frenchman, and Red Hot Chilli Pepper. But what we do know is that Ride Me to Hell had its sights set on Amelia. It trailed her from her apartment, and our intervention failed its initial attempt, no doubt that there's a strong possibility that the Stand user will try again, but this time he might have help on his side. Now whether Chilli Pepper is working with Ride Me to Hell's user it's still a mystery, but... today presents an opportune moment to apprehend this faction, uncover their motives for targeting Amelia, and if we're lucky they might even have a Stand arrow in their possession. With that, we just might be able to kill two birds with one stone. No offense Carlos."

Carlos nods in understanding. 

"So, let me get this straight," Evan interjected, piecing together Rodeo's strategy, "You want us to follow Amelia and Green in a stealthy way, wait for the inevitable attack by the Stand users or Human Stands, take them out, extract information forcibly if necessary, and ask about the Stand arrow. That's your plan, correct?"

Rodeo affirmed with a firm nod, "Exactly."

Jeff's concern was palpable as he voiced his reservations, "Even if you're right about this, Rodeo, shouldn't we at least warn Amelia, Green, or the others about this?"

Rodeo's expression hardened as he countered, "If we warn them now, the enemy might know and switch gears for a different approach or better yet they might go into hiding and wait for weeks or months, something which time isn't really a luxury we can afford, especially with other Stand factions, organizations, and entities out there in the world vying for the Arrows. This might be a good chance for us that we can't go to waste. Besides, keeping Amelia safe is paramount to me. She's... family." 

A heavy silence settled over the group as they absorbed Rodeo's words, until Jeff finally relented, "Fine, I see your point. But who's going to tail Green and Amelia?"

"Since Site-19 contained some very dangerous entities that we cannot risk breaching containment," Rodeo explained, "Evan, Carlos, Jeff, Kreig and Michelle, you'll hold the fort here in case of containment breaches or attacks by other factions. Miguel and I will follow Green and Amelia."

"But amigo, you're still injured," Miguel protested.

"I'll be fine," Rodeo assured him, his determination unwavering. "My injuries are inconsequential compared to ensuring Amelia's safety. And don't forget, I have Bites the Dust as a last resort. Trust me on this, guys."

The Stands exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them, before they collectively turned their attention back to Rodeo.

"We're all in agreement then?"

"Your plan may be crazy, kid. But we've seen crazy people in our world pull off some big things with those ideas. Count us in," Sane Kreig declared, his demeanor shifting abruptly. "WE ARE READY FOR THE RIB CAGE SLAUGHTER!" his personality suddenly reverted to its manic state, loudly shouting his commitment to Rodeo's plan.

"I'll trust your crazy idea, Rodeo. Even though we just met today. You've caught my interest," Jeff affirmed.

"I'll definitely go with your idea," Evan chimed in.

"Count me in too," Michelle added.

Carlos growled his consent.

"Your concern for Dr. Buck is truly admirable, like a son worrying for his mother's safety. I'll follow your lead, amigo. Together, we'll put this Stand faction on its knees and execute justice on them," Miguel pledged.

"Thanks guys. Now let us begin," Rodeo concluded, a sense of determination coursing through him as they prepared to set their plan in motion.

———————————————————————

– Underground Parking Lot, Site-19 - 11:00 PM –

Evan, Miguel, and Rodeo, the latter still bearing bandages but now on his feet without his wheelchair, stood by the emergency staircase, waiting for Amelia and Green to arrive.

"You both better not get yourselves killed out there." Evan implored.

"Don't worry. We'll be alright," Rodeo assured him, determination shining in his eyes as he removed the bandages from his body and obliterated them into atoms with his bomb. Miguel's gaze fell upon the new and old scars on Rodeo's body, and a mixture of shock and concern etched on his face.

"Querido dios," Miguel murmured, his voice laced with sympathy.

"I know, it's not pretty, Miguel," Rodeo acknowledged solemnly.

"Rodeo, think about this one more time, are you absolutely sure about this?" Evan interjected, his own doubts surfacing.

Rodeo's resolve remained unshaken as he affirmed, "Yes, I'm sure."

Suddenly, Miguel's attention was drawn to a sound. 

"Hold up. I hear something." he announced.

Evan swiftly opened the door, allowing the three to glimpse Amelia and Green entering a car, Green at the wheel with Amelia beside him.

"Za warudo."

In an instant, time froze and casted the world into shades of black and gray. With a swift motion, Evan placed both Miguel and Rodeo under the car for cover before heading back towards the door.

"Time moves once more." 

Following his words, time resumed its course and Rodeo and Miguel found themselves positioned strategically beneath the car. Miguel seamlessly sinked his lower body into the vehicle's shadow, leaving only his upper body exposed, while Rodeo clung tightly to the undercarriage with his limbs.

"Once the car starts moving, you'll be traveling in its shadow, right?" Rodeo murmured, his voice barely audible over the rumble of the engine.

"Si, but the same can't be said for you. Want me to support your back to prevent further injury?" Miguel offered.

"Fine," Rodeo conceded.

Miguel shifted to steady Rodeo's back to make sure it didn't get scratched when the car moved along the roar. With a low hum, the engine roared to life, signaling the beginning of their covert journey.

As the car rolled out of the parking lot, Evan's voice carried through the air, "Good luck, you two."

———————————————————————

Inside the car, Amelia gazed out the window, lost in thought, while Green was driving and navigating the road ahead with their seat belts securely fastened, totally not knowing of the hidden presence beneath them.

"So, where are we headed?" Green inquired, breaking the silence.

"There's an urban park in a nearby city, about half an hour away," Amelia replied softly.

"I was expecting a café or restaurant. Not a fan of crowded places, I presume?" Green observed.

"No, I find parks to be more peaceful and quiet," Amelia explained.

"I know you want to talk to me alone but still don't want to grab something to eat while we talk?" Green surmised.

"No. I'm not hungry, Agent Green."

"Alright then." Green acquiesced.

As they continued their journey, Alvin, standing on top of a lamppost just a few meters away, observed the car's movement. Catching sight of his targets, he swiftly vanished into the lamppost, seamlessly blending into the surroundings.

Moving through the power lines, Alvin murmured to himself with a light chuckle.

"It's showtime."