guizh0ng

[guizh0ng]

SPECIAL #2: Yearning for the Cold Sea

(MOON GODDESS! Viktoriya x SEA GODDESS! Mona, real uwu)

Warmth.

It was something, Viktoriya, also known as "The Moon Guardian," has always relied solely on the light bestowed upon her by the sun.

Throughout a thousand years, she has never made her own light.

Instead, she gathers the light emitted from the sun and channels it to shine bright in the night sky.

All because she only shines with the light given to her.

Despite Viktoriya's constant reliance on the sun's light to shine, she can't help but feel inadequate, as if she's nothing without it.

She desperately wants to believe that she's special in her own way, but deep down, she knows that she lacks the ability to make something on her own.

Her own thing.

Viktoriya couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and insecurity, as she compared herself to the other elements.

The Earth with all its lush gardens, The Wind providing boundless freedom, and even The Stars guiding the mortals on their journeys.

On the other hand, she was just the moon, a mere reflection of the sun's light.

Yes, she had phases and all but at the end..

It's just something extra given to her to make as if she's something special.

At the end, she's not.

She's just the moon.

"No, You're more than just the moon.." Viktoriya was taken aback by The Sea's sparkling eyes illuminated by the light of the moon.

She didn't want to believe it, she didn't want to be fooled into thinking that she was anything more than the sun's reflection.

But as she stared into The Sea's eyes, she couldn't deny the warmth that they exuded.

It was unlike any light the sun had ever given her before.

It made her feel whole, vulnerable, and like she existed on her own, not as a second-hand imitation of her celestial companion.

"You're the entire night sky. You're the glow that lights up the darkest of nights, and the guide for lost sailors. You're the constant source of tranquility that gives people a sense of peace and comfort" Viktoriya was stunned into silence, her mind reeling.

For as long as she could remember, she had always been seen as the sun's backup, the second choice, the lesser alternative to her golden counterpart.

And yet, here was The Sea, one of the most important elements in the world, going out of her way to speak tenderly and assuredly to her, The Moon.

Why would she bother to pay attention to her?

To this lesser, reflection of the sun?

..She felt warmth from the cold sea, how ironic.

...

"Shut up." Viktoriya was mortified, her mouth moving before she could think, blurting out something she hadn't meant to say.

She was shocked by her own words, so uncharacteristic of her to speak without thinking.

And now she had turned her back on The Sea, refusing to face her, embarrassment and shame coursing through her.

She braced herself for The Sea to take it all back, as she had come to expect.

She was used to being dismissed and ignored, so it was a predictable outcome in her mind.

But what wasn't predictable was the way Viktoriya's heart skipped a beat as she turned around to see The Sea laughing, not with mockery, but with a hearty, lightheartedness that filled the air.

As The Sea's laughter subsided, Viktoriya found herself locked in a gaze with her, as if time stood still for that moment.

It was in that split second that the warmth The Sea had brought her grew to unexpected heights, and for once, Viktoriya found herself not wanting to look at anything other than those eyes.

Warmth.

[guizh0ng]

Fictional boy geniuses >>>>>>>>>>

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 30: Retreat

[TW: I'm a burnout help]

"¡Immédiatement! Get ahold of all the King, Queen and Joker Cards and inform them that I require their presence at a meeting, pronto." Leala's voice rang out with a firm and commanding tone, her words imbued with an air of authority as she turned to address her assistant.

The assistant, however, was visibly shaken, his hands trembling as he clutched his clipboard, his eyes darting nervously as he awaited more instructions.

"I don't care what they're doing, I don't care what their excuses are. I want them all in one room, within twenty-four hours." Leala's voice snapped with authority as she slammed her hands onto the table, her palms pressing down firmly on the surface.

Her eyes narrowed into a piercing glare, fixing the assistant with an unyielding stare that seemed to bore into his very soul, demanding obedience.

"But what I-"

"¡Aucune excuse! Make it clear that this is not a request, it's a summons. And make sure they understand the gravity of the situation. If anyone gives you any lip, you tell them the Jack of Clubs is not in the mood for jeux."

Leala's voice cut through her assistant's words, her tone now laced with unbridled rage.

The assistant's eyes widened in fear as he nodded fervently, his movements becoming jerky and unnatural.

He quickly retreated, almost stumbling over his own feet as he hastened to exit the office, his compliance a clear attempt to escape Leala's wrath.

As the assistant hastily departed, Leala's demeanor shifted from one of authority to one of exhaustion.

She collapsed into her chair below, her body language suddenly relaxed, and her elbows sank onto the desk.

With her fingers, she began to massage her temples, applying gentle pressure as she closed her eyes, attempting to calm the turmoil brewing within her.

Leala's thoughts, once a jumble of authority and control, now swirled with unease and doubt.

The memory of the frilly pink letter, so unmistakably from Isabella, had unleashed a torrent of problems and questions in her mind.

The letter's contents, no doubt crafted to unsettle and provoke, had succeeded in doing just that, leaving Leala's mental landscape a tangled web of concerns and uncertainties.

She sighed, "la connerie.."

The sudden knock at the door broke the spell of introspection, and Leala's gaze snapped back to the present.

She let out a soft sigh, a mixture of frustration and resignation, before slowly straightening her posture and composing herself.

With a hint of weariness, she responded to the knock, her voice measured and controlled, "Entŕer."

The door swung open, and a familiar face enteted as Felìx strode into the room, his presence commanding attention.

His famous smile, a radiant and charming display of confidence, lit up the space as he approached Leala.

With an air of nonchalant ease, he moved with an fluidity that belied the tension in the room, his eyes locked onto Leala's with an unmistakable glint of amusement and curiosity.

His very presence seemed to radiate an aura of self-assurance, as if he knew exactly what he was doing and was eager to see how Leala would react, and he's all in for it.

"Ah, Leala, darling.." He says, his voice smooth and affected, as he gives her a mock bow, "It's been age-"

"I literally saw you four hours ago during lunch."

Felìx blinks as he crossed his arms, "..Right, I see you're still rocking the whole 'I'm a Joker Card and I'm intimidating' look'" Felìx's eyes sparkled with mischief as he straightened his posture, his gaze never wavering from Leala's.

He flashed her a sly, knowing grin, his eyes roving over her before locking onto hers once more.

The air was thick with tension as he seemed to savor the moment, aware that he was walking a fine line between charm and danger.

Leala's reputation was well-known, and Felìx was acutely aware that he was playing with fire, yet he seemed to relish the thrill of it all, annoying and getting on hee nerves that is, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge as he awaited her response.

"You know, it really doesn't suit you," He pauses, studying her reaction which was blank as ever but he could tell he's getting under her skin, "Though, I must say, I'm a bit surprised you didn't invite me to one of your..infamous card meetings"

Felìx's eyebrow shot up, his interest piqued, as he paused and leaned against the wall, his movements fluid and relaxed.

He pulled out a cigar stick and a lighter, the metallic sound of the lighter's mechanism clicking into place as he lit the cigar.

The flame danced for a moment before he blew it out, and a plume of smoke wafted from his lips as he spoke, his voice low and smooth.

The smoke curled around him, adding a layer of sophistication to his already charismatic presence, as he began to speak, his words dripping with intrigue, "Did I really not make the guest list this time around?"

Leala's expressions remains stoic, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regards Felìx's charming smile and confident demeanor.

Her voice is even and measured, with a hint of warning.

"Didn't i tell you to stop threatening my assistant for info–..Nevermind, But no, Felìx, you did not make the guest list and even if you had, I highly doubt you would have been able to tear yourself away from your.." Leala's eyes narrowed, her gaze lingering on Felìx's cigar as he exhaled a stream of smoke that wafted through the air, filling the office with a haze of tobacco, "..distractions long enough to attend"

She pauses, her gaze piercing while he continues to smoke, "Now, as for what brings you here, I asked you to come on business purposes only. I don't have time for your jeux or your attempts at flirting, save it for Nyssa" Leala's voice snapped like a whip, her words laced with a sharp edge that seemed to cut through the air.

Her accent, normally subtle, grew thicker and more pronounced, lending her tone a gritty, no-nonsense quality.

The force of her words was so intense that Felìx, caught off guard, coughed slightly as he inhaled a lungful of smoke.

His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he looked like a man who had been punched in the gut.

However, he quickly regained his composure, his eyes flashing with slight nervousness as he puffed on his cigar, the smoke curling around his face like a defiant rebuke to Leala's sharp words.

"Que faites-vous ici? You'd best have a very good reason for showing up uninvited, or you'll find yourself on the receiving end of a very..unpleasant conversation." Leala spotted her words like it's a threat as Felìx simply chuckled as he turned off his cigar before throwing it out.

"Whoa, whoa, hold your horses, there, Leala. You know me, I'm always down for some business talk, but come on, 'unpleasant' isn't my favorite flavor" A chuckle escaped Felìx's lips, a mixture of playful defiance and nonchalance.

He pushed himself away from the wall, standing tall and straight with a hand casually dipped into his pocket.

"Anyways, I heard something that I just knew you'd want to hear~.." Felìx's smile widened, the very corners of his mouth curling with a hint of mischief.

His eyes sparkled as he teased Leala, relishing the way his stalling tested her patience.

"Just get on with it, Felìx. I swear if it's ju-"

"Eleanor spilled the beans, and I reckon you're gonna want to listen up" As Felìx casually spoke Eleanor's name, Leala's body stiffened instantly.

Her eyes widened in surprise, a hint of worry etched on her face, as she turned her gaze to look directly at Felìx.

His casual demeanor remained unchanged, his expression cool and carefree, as if he were completely unaware of the effect his words had had on her (he isn't).

"Tell me."

"It'll be my pleasure"

____________________________________________

'Stop.'

Sora's hands clenched and unclenched involuntarily, her knuckles white from the pressure.

She attempted to steady her breathing, desperately trying to gain control over her racing heartbeat.

Each breath was uneven and labored, as she struggled to find a steady rhythm in her hyperventilating.

It seemed as if her body was rebelling against her mental will, every attempt to calm herself proving futile as anxiety gripped her tightly.

'Calm down..'

Sora's gaze darted frantically from one side of the hallway to the other, her wide eyes searching for an escape, any hint of a way out.

But not from this place, no.

Her footsteps slowed progressively, her pace faltering as her determination began to waver.

However, Sora stubbornly held back the tears that threatened to spill over, her jaw clenched as she desperately fought against the fear and despair that welled up within her.

'QUIT IT ALREADY!'

She fought with herself.

She didn't want to cry.

She knew she couldn't.

She can't.

She felt her cheeks, which were slightly wet from the tears that she didn't even noticed that fell, staining her face, and wiped them off.

Everything was quiet around her, the only sound being her heavy breathing.

It feels as if she was suffocating.

Air just barely out of reach.

Sora tries to grasp some semblance of it, breathing harder and harder, anything she can do to make it stay.

Her breath catches in her throat.

A deep wheezing sound escapes Sora's body with each breath she take.

'I need needed to breathe,' She thinks to yourself, repeating it in her head, over and over again.

There was no reason to cry in the first place so why?

Despite knowing deep down that she couldn't place her full trust in Iris, Sora couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and betrayal.

She had braced herself for the worst, expecting some level of treachery, but when it had come, it had hit her harder than she had anticipated.

She fought against the tears, scolding herself for even feeling her threat, but her heart ached all the same.

Despite her expectations, Sora had never truly been prepared for the sense of letdown that came with knowing her intuition was right.

Sora's tears flowed silently down her cheeks, an unexpected outpouring of emotion that startled even her.

Despite her best efforts to suppress these feelings of disappointment and hurt, she couldn't deny the fact that deep down, she had silently longed to give Iris a chance.

It was a thought that she had tried to ignore, but it had grown stronger with each moment, and now the realization that her hopes were for naught stirred a bitter sadness within her.

Even if Iris was the last person she'd want to trust.

She wants it all to stop, but these thoughts keep repeating, boring into her head.

More and more tears escape and soon enough, she starts sobbing hysterically.

She covers her mouth with her free hand, trying her best to muffle the sound, and clutch her shirt even harder.

Everything hurts.

Sora stood like that, in the dark empty hall, trying her best to be quiet.

"Winter?" Sora's tear-filled eyes opened wide as a familiar voice pierced through the silence, causing her to tense in both surprise and anxiety.

She quickly suppressed any sound that might reveal her emotional state, fiercely determined not to let her see her in this state.

Sora swallowed, his voice shaky as he asked quietly, "Why are you here..?"

She didn't turn around to look at her, their body was tense, still trying her best to keep her composure.

Iris's sharp hearing could detect the subtle tremors in Sora's voice.

She raises an eyebrow at the question and her tone, a sly smile playing at her lips.

"Oh, you weren't exactly stealthy when you ran off," she quips, her tone playful. "Running around like a clumsy duckling. Not exactly the best quality for a spy, is it?"

Iris' lighthearted laughter echoed through the hallway as she moved closer to Sora, her footsteps closing the distance between them.

She teased lightly, her tone playful and carefree, a stark contrast to the turmoil coursing through Sora's heart.

And Sora could feel Iris approaching closer, as she stiffened further.

She couldn't let her see them like this.

She repeated.

"Stop," Sora's voice was firm as she spoke, but her stiffened body betrayed her internal struggle.

She refused to meet Iris' gaze, her eyes fixed on a point just past the woman.

Sora's resolve was evident, but so was the inner turmoil she was battling to keep hidden, "Just..leave me alone, Petronova."

Sora's emotions were overwhelming her, a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that clogged her mind and left her desperately gasping for air.

She longed for solitude, a quiet space where she could wrestle with the maelstrom within her.

The emotions surging through her were like a dam, blocking every attempt to think clearly or catch her breath.

She needed space, a lifeline in the whirlwind of her mind.

And to do that, she needs to get away from the chaos.

Sora's emotions were a chaotic storm, and Iris' presence only added to the turmoil.

Fear, confusion, and anger churned within her, threatening to combust at any moment.

She knew she needed to escape the chaos, to find a haven where her emotions could find some semblance of order and peace.

But with Iris standing there, so close and so unaware, Sora was torn between the need to escape and the fear of letting her emotions explode uncontrollably.

Iris's playful smile faded, replaced by a look of concern as she noticed her cold tone and the shaken quality of their voice.

"Winter.." she began, her voice softer now, "Hey, what's wrong? C'mon, tell me"

Iris cautiously approached Sora, her intention to offer reassurance through a gentle touch on her shoulders.

However, the moment her hand made contact with Sora's shoulder, it was swiftly slapped away with a firm, harsh gesture.

The sound of the impact echoed through the hallway, a sudden and unexpected rejection that spoke volumes of Sora's state.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Sora turned to face Iris, her eyes sore and reddened from the tears she had cried in secret.

As their gazes met, Iris' eyes widened with surprise and a hint of concern, and she involuntarily took a slight step back, seemingly taken aback by the sight of Sora's expression.

Her gasp was subtle, a silent intake of breath that betrayed her own shock at the display she was witnessing.

As Sora's attempts to control her emotions were betrayed by the involuntary hiccup that escaped her, further adding to her growing sense of frustration and helplessness.

In a futile effort to hide her vulnerability, she hugged herself tightly, her arms wrapped around her body in a protective gesture, as if trying to shield herself from the chaos surrounding her.

Yet she knew deep down that the tears, which she now struggled to hold back, were beyond her control, their release imminent and inevitable.

"Winter, Are you-.."

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY, CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE NOT HELPING?!" Sora's words escaped her in a torrent, a desperate outburst born of a dry throat and a heart overflowing with emotion.

The sobs that slipped from her lips grew louder, their sound raw and untamed, a poignant reflection of the turmoil within her.

Iris's eyes widen in surprise as it shifts to frustration at Sora's explosive outburst.

She takes a step back, her own emotions welling up in response.

"Hold on, I'm not helping? What do you mean I'm not helping?! I've been trying to help you since the beginning, you know that, right?!"

Iris' voice trembled, her tone laced with a mix of confusion and frustration.

Her words reflected her own lack of comprehension, as she struggled to understand the situation unfolding before her.

She had tried her best, had given it her all, yet Sora's harsh words cut through her like a dagger, causing her to falter.

She was supposed to help, to be a leader, yet now Sora's saying she's not helping at all even though that's what she's supposed to do as a leader makes her..!

"How can I help you if you keep pushing me away at every turn? I'm trying my best here, but you're making it damn near impossible!" Iris' outburst ended, leaving the air thick with tension and emotion.

Sora's breathing was ragged, each inhale and exhale a tangible testament to the maelstrom of anger and disbelief that churned within her.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, the words leaving her lips in a raw, jagged tangle of feelings and frustration, "HOW CAN I EVEN LET YOU HELP ME? WHEN ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS USE ME, AND NEVER BOTHER TO ACTUALLY GAIN MY TRUST?! YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR LITTLE MOTIVE? YOU THINK I DON'T SEE HOW YOU TRY TO MANIPULATE ME TIME AND TIME AGAIN JUST SO YOU CAN HAVE SOMETHING TO PROVE?!" Sora's voice cracked as she reached the peak of her rage, her emotions boiling over as she turned to face Iris once again.

As Iris heard her words, her once-angered expression morphed into a mix of confusion and guilt, the impact of Sora's words sinking in.

"What..?" Iris paused, confusion welled up, "Wha..No, wait..Winter, we ca-" Iris tries to reach out to Sora but was hated by her glare.

"Just leave me alone, please.." Sora's plea hung in the air, her head dropped, tears flowing silently to the ground.

The turmoil inside her was like a storm, a chaotic mess that threatened to overwhelm her.

She didn't like it, this state of disarray and vulnerability.

She wanted to be strong, in control, and yet here she was, tears staining the floor.

Sora was in a state of internal conflict. She had tried to keep her emotions guarded, to avoid this very situation of vulnerability and emotional exposure.

Yet here she was, once more to be said, tears flowing freely, her heart laid bare for all to see.

It went against everything she had needed to be - discrete, detached, emotionally contained.

But in this moment, all her carefully built defenses crumbled, revealing the depth of her feelings, and she couldn't help but cry for someone else.

Was all those tears wasted even worth it..?

. . .

She doesn't know anymore.

Just then, the sound of a mic turned on.

"Hello everyone, this is Elmas Lee aka The King of Clubs here, also the king of this place, speaking" The silence of the hallway was pierced by a high-pitched, yet slightly awkward and nervous voice echoing through the audio system.

"Wait?! THE KING OF CLUBS?! THE MAFIA, AGAIN?!" Iris exclaimed in the background while her eyes widened in surprise yet expectancy.

Sora's eyes widened instantly, her tears halting abruptly as she recognized the voice that had suddenly filled the space.

A flurry of conflicting emotions surged through her - surprise, trepidation, and a deep sense of remembrance.

She knew that voice all too well, its memory etched into her mind, she couldn't have forget, not when she's already forgotten everything else she did before.

'Elmas Lee..'

"Ha ha, I know this entrance isn't quite as fabulous as I had planned it to be, but oh well, though I'd prefer something much more fabulous and extravant than this" Elmas playfully paused but went on anyway, "I've been notified of a problem, and I have a proposal. All of you here in this coliseum can participate, and the winner of this challenge shall receive a grand prize of nine hundred thousand euros and, most importantly, their freedom!" The sound of the cheering crowd filled the coliseum, a deafening roar that echoed through the walls and into every corner.

But Sora paid no mind to the applause of the spectators.

Her focus was solely on the challenge Elmas had announced, a mix of curiosity and dread coursing through her veins.

What was this challenge that her fate hinged upon?

"Now listen up. Your challenge is simple - capture these people. I don't care how you do it. I don't care what you have to put them through. Just get these damned pests and bring them to me! They've been meddling and causing trouble and it's about time we put an end to it. Any questions?" Elmas' tone had shifted from the awkward announcement to a more authoritative and serious one now.

As he spoke of the need to capture 'these people', Sora knew immediately who he meant—her, Iris and Barnaby.

She clenched her fists, the realization of what was at stake hitting her like a shit ton of bricks.

Elmas wanted them to be captured, putting their freedom and safety in jeopardy.

'Fuck.'

"We need to get Stonehouse and get out of here," Iris quickly murmurs to Sora, "Things are getting messy, and I don't like the sound of whatever this is."

Her expression is one of concern and urgency as she looks at Sora, her voice a low whisper.

Sora glanced back at Iris, their recent emotional turmoil still hanging in the air.

Despite their raw and vulnerable state, Sora didn't let it cloud her judgment.

She was keenly aware that she had to act, even in this whirlwind of chaos and emotion.

The world wouldn't pause for her, and she was more than aware of that fact.

"Right." Sora nodded firmly, her expression set, and Iris quickly turned in the direction where Barnaby had been left.

Sora followed closely behind her, her focus shifting from their emotional upheaval to the task at hand.

The moment had passed, and now they had to push forward, determined to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.

As they continue running they finally turned a corner and found themselves faced with an unexpected sight - Barnaby battling a crowd of attackers, quickly being overwhelmed.

Iris immediately acted, swiftly grabbing her bow and arrow and letting it loose.

The arrow found its mark, piercing one of the attackers in the foot and causing them to cry out.

The unexpected distraction gave Barnaby a momentary reprieve.

As Barnaby's shoulders sagged with a mix of surprise and relief as he turned around to see who had come to his aid.

His eyes lit up with a sense of recognition and gratitude, the sight of Iris providing him with a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.

"Petronova!" Barnaby's voice rang out through the melee, calling out to Iris as they closed the distance.

The expressions on Sora's and Iris' faces were a mix of determination and exhaustion, yet despite the weariness lingering in their eyes, their gazes were focused and resolute.

"No time, Stonehouse. We need to get out of here" Iris took charge, her voice firm as she led the charge, her punches connecting with precision, neutralizing the obstacles blocking their path.

Barnaby followed closely behind, his own efforts clearing the way by knocking out the enemies that stood in their path.

As they reached outside, Sora cast a glance upward and spotted a holographic display of their images, a chilling confirmation that they were indeed the target.

Sora then tilted her head down there she locked eyes with him — The King, as he simply smiled at her, her eyes grew wide open but she quickly turned away as she focused her attention back to her group

Sora's gaze dipped down, her eyes meeting those of The King.

A moment of recognition flashed through her gaze, but just as quickly she turned away, refocusing her attention on her group.

Sora and Barnaby were quick to follow, their pursuit unhindered as they followed Iris through the gates.

Iris' desperation mounted as she frantically searched the area for a way to open the gates, her frustration growing with every passing second.

Meanwhile, Sora and Barnaby fought off the enemies attempting to capture them, their efforts buying them brief reprieve in the face of mounting pressure.

"UGH, FUCK THAT!" Iris' patience finally snapped.

She unstrapped her gun from her waist that was hidden and let off a shot at the wall near the gate.

With a swift, powerful kick, she shattered the barrier, creating a hole that allowed them to slip through.

"LET'S GO, PEOPLE!" Iris called out urgently, demanding that Sora and Barnaby follow her through the opening.

Barnaby swiftly dealt the final blow to the last opponent blocking their path before turning to flee after Iris.

Just as Sora was about to follow suit, she paused for a brief moment, her gaze flickering back towards The King.

There he stood, still watching her intently.

However, with no time to linger on the odd encounter, Sora quickly turned away and raced through the opening after her companions.

As she did so, Elmas' gaze followed Sora even as she escaped through the gap, his eyes never leaving her.

Elmas watched until Sora was out of sight, sighing softly as a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

It was then that he turned towards his bodyguard, "This place is getting too dull. Let's head back to the castle." Elmas says to his bodyguard, a muscular and fiercely loyal guard that always stand nearby, ever ready to follow his orders.

"As you wish my king" Elmas moved calmly towards his carriage, his surroundings a chaotic tableau of bloodshed and violence.

The air was filled with the sounds of shouting and clashing blades, and the scent of blood hung heavily in the air.

Despite the disarray around him, Elmas moved with a certain sense of detachment, his mind seemingly distant from the carnage.

He was keenly aware of the cruel nature of this whole event since the beginning, but he was well aware of the consequences and yet he chose to proceed.

As Elmas looked at his palms, the sight of the black pan with purple linings making him chuckle softly.

His expression held a hint of anticipation, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

He knew this was just the beginning, and that things were about to get even more interesting from this point forward.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 29: Questions

(TW: SWEARING PLS I HAVENT PROOFREAD THIS AMD I WAS HIGH)

Isabella nervously paces back and forth in her office, surrounded by glittery pink décor.

A look of anxiety is on her face as she frets and frets, biting her fingernails as she contemplates the situation at hand.

A mix of excitement and adrenaline surges through Isabella as she contemplates the newfound problem.

The prospect of something new and exciting ignites her creative spirit, and she eagerly imagines the possibilities it might bring.

It's as if a window of opportunity was finally being opened for her to apply her unique imagination and curiosity!

But one the other hand; The Others.

So, despite her own eagerness to explore the new situation, Isabella's thoughts turn towards the well-being of her circle.

While she possesses a friendly and exuberant personality, even she knows hee primary concern is the comfoqrt and happiness of those around her.

Because no one should ever experience such hardships in life.

Even if it's not really possible with the way the world works, she'll make it possible.

Whatever it takes.

So now that's why Isabella continues to pace restlessly in the room, her mind racing as she contemplates the various solutions she can devise to address the obvious predicament at hand.

She had already taken the initiative to send a message to the King and Queen cards, so that's one deck down, more to go.

First of, in light of Miaoli's meticulous planning habits, Isabella ruled out involving her in the resolution of this problem.

She found the idea of Miaoli creating a difficult one thousand steps plan that may not even be acted to be boring and just..plain.

Furthermore, she realized that Miaoli was already preoccupied with her work on the Jasmine Project, making it stupid to add more chores to her already heavy workload.

So now she's left with herself, Isabella finds herself solely responsible for addressing the issue at hand, this..MISTAKE!

Recognizing that the Mafia's failure to provide timely warning about the agents' arrival was a critical mistake, a mistake that could be repeated if they don't do anything.

And that's a barrier to Isabella's desires.

It was a grave oversight on the Mafia's part, as it violated the terms of their agreement.

Now, Isabella must find a way to solve the situation and prevent further complications.

She sighed, 'Ugh..hopefully this won't involve paperwork'

____________________________________________

As Sora returned to the gates where Iris and Barnaby were waiting, Iris greeted her with a beaming smile, her eyes filled with pride and admiration.

Despite Sora's defeat in the battle, Iris' enthusiasm remained unabashed, her support unwavering.

Iris drew closer to Sora, now standing directly in front of her, "Hey, you did great out there, you know that right?" She says, her tone encouraging, "Even if you didn't win, you fought really well for a newbie like you"

Despite the supportive gesture from Iris, Sora flinched involuntarily when her hand made contact with her shoulder.

The action appeared almost like a reflex, causing Sora to swiftly shrink away from her touch.

As Sora continued to maintain a closed-off pose, her facial expression betrayed mixed emotions.

There was a hint of irritation in her eyes, coupled with a touch of resignation.

Her folded arms further emphasized the barriers she seemed to be putting up.

She looked up at Iris, "Thanks, but I don't really need the reassurance," She said, her voice sharp and blunt, "I know I fought well, and I know I lost. I don't need your sugar-coated words to make me feel better about it"

Iris's smile doesn't waver at Sora's sharp response.

She remains calm and her voice steady.

"I wasn't trying to sugar-coat anything, child" She retorts, her tone unchanged. "I'm just stating the facts here. You did fight well, and we've found a new strategy that could give us an advantage. That's a win in my books"

She looks at Sora pointedly, "There's no shame in acknowledging good performance, even in defeat."

Iris's smile grew wider and in response Sora's tense demeanor momentarily softened, and her grip on her arms relaxed ever so slightly.

However, as soon as she became conscious of this, she quickly retightened her grip, making a deliberate effort to maintain the barriers she had erected around herself.

"Please stop talking to me." Sora spoke without thinking, her words coming out in a blunt and unintentionally jokingly tone.

Iris couldn't help but chuckle in response, while Sora, in return, rolled her eyes, perhaps feeling slightly flustered by her own comment.

"Well now that you're telling me not to, I will, kid" Despite herself, Sora couldn't help but respond to Iris' smile by allowing her arms to loosen and fall to her sides.

As she gazed at Iris, a look of confusion flickered in her eyes, perhaps wondering why she found it difficult to maintain her defenses against the woman.

Sora stood there quietly as she observed Iris laughing together with Barnaby who joined them.

As she watched their interaction, a mixture of emotions welled up within her.

Without even realizing it, she found herself getting lost in her thoughts, a complex feeling slowly taking shape inside her.

She doesn't know when or how this feeling went on but it needs to stop.

She doesn't like feeling vulnerable.

She doesn't like the feeling of longing for something, something that can fill the hollow hole within herself.

She doesn't like feeling warm inside whenever someone tries to-..

She doesn't want to.

She can't.

In an effort to regain her composure, Sora clenched her fists tightly and took a few slow, deep breaths, attempting to calm her racing mind.

The tangle of thoughts and sensations were becoming increasingly overwhelming for her, and she needed a moment to recenter herself.

. . .

"Hey!"

"Hey, Winter you alright?" Iris directed her gaze at Sora, her eyebrows raised in question.

In response, Sora raised her head and reciprocated the look, a hint of confusion in her own expression.

"Yeah bruh, you were looking pretty tense back there" Barnaby chimed in casually as he and Iris expressed their concerns.

Just as Sora was about to address their worries, the host's booming voice echoed loudly throughout the stadium, drawing her attention away from their conversation.

"ALRIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WE'LL HAVE OUR SECOND BREAK OF THIS TOURNAMENT, REFRESHMENTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED EVERYWHERE AND EVERYONE CAN ROAM 'ROUND THE COLISEUM!!!" The host's voice boomed through the arena, their words filled with theatrical flair.

Sora, who was nearby, was immediately drawn in by the sudden announcement.

She quickly spun her head around to focus on the unfolding events, her attention piqued by the host's energetic declaration.

'Break..? Roam..RIGHT THE INVESTIGATION- We need information, right..' Sora's interest was piqued as she sent a furtive glance towards Iris, silently communicating her intent to venture into the back area.

Might aswell make herself useful right?

Wrong.

She just wants to get away from these two.

But still, ofcourse she hasn't forgotten.

The thought might've slipped her mind for a moment but..

She hasn't forgotten..

Her fight out there raised more questions than it answered.

Upon noticing Sora's gaze, Iris quickly caught on to her plan, well atleast that's what Sora thinks.

Without a word, Sora walked past Iris, preparing to explore the back area that piqued her curiosity.

Iris's gaze stayed at Sora as she walks past, curiosity piqued.

"Hey, where are you off to?" She asks, her voice casual but laced with a touch of interest.

Sora stopped in her tracks upon hearing Iris's question.

She turned to her with a skeptical look on his face, her expression guarded.

"I'm going to explore the back area," She replied coolly, their voice edged with a hint of suspicion as she gave her a pointed cough, suggesting that she knew she already knew their true intentions.

AKA, Obviously, The Investigation.

As Sora isn't stupid enough to say that out loud.

Iris's eyes widen a little as she realizes what Sora was referring to.

A brief flicker of surprise crosses her face, quickly replaced by a small smirk.

"Oh, right.." She says, her voice calm, "Good luck on your..exploration" She says in a slightly awkward tone that couldn't be more obvious.

"Right.." Sora briefly replies back.

As Sora glanced at Iris with a bit of judgement, she was about to turn and leave.

However, before she could take a step, Iris called out, her voice cracking with emotion.

The tone of her voice stopped Sora in her tracks, causing her to pause temporarily and turn back to Iris, waiting for what she had to say.

"Hey, and uh, one more thing," She adds, her tone more casual, "You better watch my fight later, got it? It's going to be a good one, I tell ya"

Sora silently paused for a moment as she held back her tongue.

But just as quickly, she spoke.

"Don't order me around," She huffs, her voice sharp and cold,"But..I suppose I'll watch your fight" Before Iris could utter another word, Sora abruptly cut the interaction short by walking away from the scene, leaving behind a brief and unresolved exchange.

Iris stood there, watching as Sora departed, her words left unspoken.

Sora was aware that she would likely dwell and overthink on the encounter later on, but for the time being, she made an effort to push aside any thoughts related to it.

Whenever a fleeting thought crossed her mind, she shook her head, attempting to clear her mind and stay focused on her current task of exploring the back area.

'Stop It..I need to focus.'

____________________________________________

As Sora navigated her way through the crowd of people, she noticed that most of them were going in the opposite direction.

It was obvious that they were all headed to the main event taking place in the stadium, while Sora sought to explore the back area of the arena.

She stood out in the sea of individuals walking towards the main event, a rare spectator with intentions different from the rest.

The tunnel through which Sora was walking presented a dimly lit pathway.

However, it was not as dark as the one she and Adrianne had become trapped in back at Japan.

An open light at the end of the tunnel provided a modicum of illumination, enabling Sora to navigate the area with some visibility.

As Sora made her way through the crowd, skillfully maneuvering through the mass of people.

Despite the fact that her underdeveloped stature was something she wasn't particularly thrilled about or be fond of, as being like this had its drawbacks, and she does not like being held back.

'I mean, who does, really?'

However, on rare occasions, her diminutive size proved beneficial, this one being one of the few actually.

Upon exiting the tunnel, Sora inhaled a deep breath of fresh air, feeling the gentle breeze rustling her short, raven-black hair, causing it to dance across her face.

The contrasting sensation from the dimly lit tunnel to the outside world provided her with a moment of relief and respite.

The intense shafts of sunlight temporarily dazzled Sora's vision as she glanced around, taking in her surroundings.

Tall, white pillars, dirty but reminiscent of the ancient Greece theme, flanked each side of the area.

The ancient and neglected atmosphere of the surroundings heightened the sense of a bygone era, as if Sora had stepped into the realm of legend and mythology itself.

As Sora walked through the long hallway of pillars, she could hear the soft clicking sound of her sandals against the wooden floor, which was strewn with sand.

It was evident that the floor had not undergone any renovations..or maybe they were just to lazy to change it, who knows, Sora shrugged it off.

The layer of sand on the ground, combined with the ancient structure, added to the sense of timeworn decay, further emphasizing the forgotten nature of this area.

Sora's eyes then widened with slight surprise as she glanced to the side, taking in the view before her.

It briefly took her a moment to gather her bearings, but then she realized that the panorama matched the ambiance of the place.

She paused for a moment, her gaze falling upon the circular lane of tombstones outside, their presence lending a touch of solemnity to the surroundings.

Sora gently clasped her hands together, massaging her palms as she observed the tombstones laid out in the circular lane.

They appeared old and weathered, and although she couldn't see much detail from the distance, she could tell that they were still being meticulously cared for.

Some of the tombstones even had fresh flowers adorning them, prompting Sora to wonder silently: why?

The incongruity of the situation struck Sora.

A place associated with bloodshed and cruelty seemed antithetical to a gesture of respect for the deceased.

It puzzled her, stirring suspicions and doubts.

Could they be some hypocritical people, that they would go so far on contradicting their own values?

Perhaps.

But Sora, cautious by nature, knew better than to jump to hasty conclusions.

"Oh, come on! Please, I'm begging you! I don't have any money to spare!" A pair of footsteps, accompanied by a desperate woman's voice, suddenly reverberated through the halls, jolting Sora from her thoughts and inducing a moment of panic within her.

The unexpected sound caught her off guard, causing her heart to skip a beat as she briefly froze in place.

In a moment of quick thinking, Sora scanned her surroundings, urgently searching for a viable solution, any solution at this point that won't fuck her up.

Eventually, she rushed towards one of the pillars and situated herself there, ensuring that she remained concealed and unnoticed.

Her mind raced as she mentally prepared herself, trying her best to stay hidden from any potential passersby.

In response to the high-pitched woman's panicked plea, a second feminine voice echoed through the halls.

This one was deeper and more composed, exuding a sense of professionalism.

The second voice carried a tone of authority and reassurance, attempting to soothe and address the concerns of the high-pitched woman, "Miss Eileen, if you don't have any money to spare, perhaps you should consider other ways to make some cash. Have you tried betting or engaging in the coliseum's combat arena?"

As Sora listened intently, the overheard words caused her eyes to widen in surprise.

There were so many things coming in to her mind at oncs she couldn't process it.

'What the hell is going on..'

Sora's mind was on a dizz.

What was this 'Miss Eileen' talking about having not enough money? Betting? Engaging in battles? Is that how the people here earn money? Most likely.

Gathering her courage, Sora took in a deep breath and carefully peeked her head around the pillar, a tentative and risky move meant to allow her a glimpse of the two women engaged in conversation.

She did so as cautiously as possible, hoping not to be caught eavesdropping.

"Oh god, please, just let me go already..! I can't bear to spend another minute in this place! Don't you understand? This place is driving me insane! I can't stay here any longer!" Miss Eileen, a woman with fiery red hair, displayed a desperate and pleading expression as she knelt before the brunette guard.

With pleading eyes, she clutched the guard's wrist, desperately trying to evoke sympathy from her.

The intensity of her situation and the pleading gesture conveyed the urgency of her plea.

"I'm telling you, Miss! I ca–"

"Rose." As the unknown person arrived at the scene, accompanied by guards, approached, Sora's mind was immediately filled with questions.

She observed as the guard, whom she assumed was 'Rose,' promptly straightened up upon the person's arrival, further piquing Sora's curiosity as to the identity and status of this individual, just who is this guy?

"My King." Realizing the identity of the person who just arrived, Sora instantly understood the hierarchical dynamic at play.

This man was no ordinary individual; he was the king, the one who commanded this realm filled with brutality and bloodshed.

As Sora witnessed the submission to the king, a mix of shock and fear washed over her.

In a desperate attempt to remain unnoticed, she quickly placed her hands over her mouth, stifling any sound that might give her presence away.

Her heart raced and pounded heavily in her chest, a testament to the intense emotions coursing through her at this moment.

Hoping, just hoping, this won't be her end.

As Rose immediately kneeled before him, Sora's suspicions were confirmed, and she silently observed the submissive display of deference.

The king's very presence exuded an aura of authority and intimidation.

His skin, fair in complexion, only added to his imposing stature.

Sora couldn't help but fixate on his unique eyes; the fusion of green and blue irises created a captivating yet chilling effect.

Despite the striking beauty of his eyes, Sora knew that this man was associated with cruelty and brutality.

The king's hair showcased a disheveled appearance, its messy strands reaching the nape of his neck with a hint of faded pink coloring at the ends.

He exuded a confident and assertive presence, as he placed his hand on his hip with a sassy flair.

Sora's heart continued to pound heavily in her chest as she observed the king's authoritative demeanor.

"You may raise," As the king spoke, Sora couldn't help but notice a distinctly high-pitched tone to his voice.

Instead of feeling fear, a slight sense of disbelief washed over her as his words registered in her mind, she sighed in slight disappointment.

His voice carried a certain fruity, almost effeminate quality that softened the initial impression he had created.

The king's gaze moved from Rose to Eileen, his eyes critically appraising her from head to toe.

He made slight adjustments to his light green cloak, which was embellished with emerald green thread and white stripes, his movements exuding an air of authority and entitlement.

"What are you staring at?" Eileen mustered her courage and spoke up, defiantly clicking her tongue at the king.

"Rose, escort this lovely lady back to the arena since break time is over. Don't be too rough with her, now. We don't want any bruised merchandise" He says, patting Rose on the head as he gives the order.

Rose obediently rose from her kneeled position, seizing hold of Eileen's arm.

A pang of alarm flickered across Eileen's face as she glanced between Rose and the king, her expression filled with an urgent desperation.

"W-wait! NO PLEASE! YOU CAN'T TAKE ME AWAY, YOU CAN'T!" Despite her desperate situation, Eileen attempted to struggle against Rose's grip, her gaze locked on the king.

Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill, and her voice trembled, cracking midway through her plea, "I..I CAN'T BEAR ANOTHER DAY IN HERE, PLEASE, IM BEGGING YOU, I WO–!"

"Miss Eileen." The king's interruption cut through Eileen's desperate plea, silencing her mid-sentence as he met her gaze with a stern glare.

His eyes stared back at hers, his expression unyieldingly authoritative and seemingly devoid of compassion.

"Wha-.."

With a swift motion, the king's hand lashed out, striking Eileen across the face with a sharp slap.

As her head instinctively turned away, the tears she had been holding back spilled forth, streaming down her cheeks in silent despair.

The king's expression remained stern, his annoyance apparent as he looked down at her.

"Did you really think MY own little guard will help you get out of here? Oh please." The king's voice, edged with irritation, came through clenched teeth as he directed his gaze downward at Eileen.

His words were tinged with frustration, his voice carrying a hint of restrained anger.

"Did you think she could get you out of here? To fuck with me? Thinking SHE could get you out of here?!" With a firm grip, the king cupped Eileen's chin, forcing her to maintain eye contact with him as he raised his voice rapidly.

She looked up at him, her body trembling, completely at his mercy.

"N-no..I-.."

"I've tolerated BITCHES like you for less so when you get back out there, YOU BETTER BET OR FIGHT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT IF YOU WANNA GET OUT OF HERE." The king's grip loosened, and he roughly released Eileen's chin.

She turned her face away, unable to control the tremors that coursed through her body, her fear now unmasked and evident.

"..'Kay.."

"Good." The king's demeanor shifted abruptly from authoritative to sweet and energetic, his tone transforming like a switch being flipped.

He observed as Rose led Eileen away from his presence, the smile on his face betraying his manipulative nature.

The king continued humming a cheerful tune, seemingly unfazed by his previous actions.

He casually placed his hands on his back and rocked his feet back and forth, blissfully unaware of a presence behind him.

However, at the sound of a wush, his attention was abruptly diverted, and he swiftly turned around, only to find the area empty.

"Hm, must be my imagination, oh well!"

____________________________________________

Sora, her heart racing with a tumult of emotions, struggled to keep her composure as she managed to flee the scene without falling or slipping.

Each beat of her heart echoed the weight of the situation, and her mind raced with uncertainty, leaving her to wonder how much worse things could become in this tumultuous place.

As Sora reflected on what she had just witnessed, everything began to fall into place.

It became clear why the people in this realm looked so desperate and defeated.

The answer was simple: they couldn't leave unless they had money.

This place was a trap, using people's desperation and need for financial means to keep them confined here.

They were all mice entering this trap for the slightest amount of cheese just to fulfill their desires.

Sora couldn't help but feel a mixture of disgust and anger at the cruel reality of this place.

The exploitation and trapping of people for financial gain filled her with a sense of revulsion.

It was truly fucking sick, and she vehemently disagreed with the system that held people captive in such a dehumanizing manner.

It was inhumane.

Sora, breathless and filled with determination, finally reached the waiting area.

She scanned the area, her eyes desperately searching for any sign of Iris or Barnaby.

Her mind was ablaze with the revelations she had made, and she ached to share this newfound knowledge with her trusted companions.

She looked around.

They were not there.

Where are they?

As a familiar voice reached Sora's ears, her initial surprise turned to realization.

It was Iris, just one turn away from her.

"This is it, Stonehouse! Everything is coming together flawlessly. It's like the universe itself is conspiring to make my plan work. I've been through BLOODY HELL and BACK, but finally, FINALLY, things are looking up!"

In that split second, Sora started to move towards the turn, but her feet suddenly froze, stopping her in her tracks.

Sora stood there, puzzled and bewildered by the sudden paralysis of her body.

The feeling was inexplicable, as if some innate intuition had taken hold and froze her in place, almost like an inexplicable gut feeling.

"And the best part is, with all this, I'll finally prove myself to Viktoriya. She'll see me for who I truly am — a valuable ally, not just some troublesome business partner. And as for the agency, we'll be better than ever!" Iris' voice carried a hint of affection as she mentioned Viktoriya, but the rest of her tone was filled with a steely determination.

Sora couldn't help but roll her eyes lightly at Iris' declaration of ambitions, unsurprised by it given her friend's determined and tenacious nature.

Her eyes betrayed a mixture of amusement and acceptance, knowing that such aspirations were very fitting for Iris' character.

"Whoa there! Ambitious much? You really think you can do all that? Prove yourself to Victoriya, show the Agency what they're missing out on, and prove everyone wrong all at once? That's a tall order" Barnaby replied in a light-hearted and jocular tone, his voice laced with playfulness.

The exchange between him and Iris had an air of familiarity, something Sora felt ever since the first she saw them interact, as if they often bantered in this carefree manner.

"Duh, of course I can do all that. You forget who you're talking to, mate. Petronova from Hawaii, remember? I'm the master of the impossible. And gaining Winter's trust? I'll have her right in the bag in no time. Once that happens, everything will go exactly how I want it!"

'Oh.'

. . .

Sora takes a step back.

. . .

She takes another step back.

. . .

Until finally she turns away as she ran back around.

. . .

____________________________________________

Miaoli held onto a small taser keychain inside her lab coat pocket with one hand, carefully concealed.

In her other hand, she held a plate of a warm meal for Yuri to eat, well hopefully something she'll eat.

Her grip on both the taser and the plate betrayed the tension and worry she felt inside.

With cautious and swift movements, Miaoli opened the heavy metal door leading to the room where Yuri was being kept.

She did so quickly, ensuring that Yuri had no opportunity to escape.

Once the door was fully open, Miaoli promptly closed it behind her, effectively sealing the room and preventing Yuri from attempting to leave.

Miaoli carefully approached Yuri, who was seated alone in the corner of the room, facing the wall.

She moved slowly and cautiously, maintaining a guarded stance.

Yuri did not turn around or make any sound, remaining silent and still as Miaoli advanced closer to her.

But Miaoli was acutely aware of Yuri's heightened senses and abilities, being fully conscious of the fact that Yuri was undoubtedly aware of her presence.

Afterall, her extraordinary status as one of China's – or even the world's – most powerful science experiments meant that she posed a significant threat to global stability.

She was now Miaoli's masterpiece as she was everyone else's before her.

And Miaoli intends to improve this masterpiece.

Given Yuri's exceptional abilities, which quite obviously could prove dangerous and potentially deadly, Miaoli had taken the precaution of having scientists positioned behind the glass as a safeguard.

This way, if the situation were to get too out of control, Miaoli and the scientists would have a safety net to fall back on.

After all, her reputation as a top scientist hired by assassins wasn't obtained without merit.

Is she stupid? She's not stupid.

Miaoli takes a deep breath and carefully moves closer, making sure to keep a small distance between them.

She speaks softly, her tone gentle to avoid startling the experiment further, "Excuse me, Jasmine. I'm Miaoli, and I have food over here for you to eat"

Miaoli made her intentions clear as she carefully placed the plate of food on the floor in front of Yuri.

However, Yuri promptly rejected the offering, using a vine to send the food careening across the wall.

Miaoli quickly retreated a safe distance, dodging the flying food and narrowly avoiding being hit.

Right, as expected, this is not gonna be easy.

Yuri's aura ignited with defiance, her tone laced with anger and frustration as she rejected the food offered by Miaoli.

Her vines retracted quickly back to her arms, where she gripped them tensely, her slender fingers clenching around them like a cat.

"Don't call me Jasmine!" She snaps, "That's not my name, and it never will be! My name is Yuri, and if you think I'm going to eat that garbage food like some pathetic animal, you've got another thing coming!" Yuri's voice echoed with a hint of mockery and resentment as she let out a brief sarcastic laugh.

The sound was filled with scorn and bitterness, perhaps a reflection of her own frustration and anger towards her current predicament.

Miaoli observed Yuri's demeanor closely as her own frustration and anger mounted the longer she stood there.

However, she noticed that Yuri's anger had begun to subside, and her violent outbursts lessened, possibly because she had come to realize her situation was under Miaoli's control.

Well, Miaoli's glad to know she knows her place.

Miaoli then raises an eyebrow in response to Yuri's intense reaction, her expression remaining calm.

She takes note of the experiment's defiant behavior, her voice steady as she responds, "Very well..Yuri," She whispered her name softly under her breath but loud enough for Yuri to hear, "It seems there's been a miscommunication. So you see, this food was intended to nourish you, not treat you like an anima-"

"Then why are you making me feel like a lab rat, huh?! You've locked me up in this godforsaken place, given me a name that's NOT MINE, and now you expect me to eat measly scraps like some obedient experiment! I'm not some goddamn guinea pig for you to poke and prod at!" Yuri's anger and frustration continued to simmer beneath the surface, her emotions reaching a boiling point.

She turned her head slightly, directing a glare towards Miaoli, despite the fact that Yuri couldn't see her eyes.

The silent expression of contempt and resentment was palpable, a manifestation of her pent-up feelings and desire to rebel against her confinement.

Still despite Yuri's outrage, Miaoli remains composed, her voice firm but understanding.

"Yuri..I understand your frustration, and I apologize for any unintended harm or distress we may have caused. But-"

"Don't give me your apologies and excuses!" She snaps back.

"I DON'T NEED YOUR FALSE 'SORRIES' OR YOUR FAKE PROMISES." As Yuri began to rise from her seated position, small vines started to emerge from her body, a subtle indication of her impending outburst.

Sensing the imminent danger, Miaoli quickly readied herself to take the taser keychain out of her pocket, preparing to act swiftly if the situation escalated further.

"YOU'VE LOCKED ME UP LIKE I WAS SOME..CAGED ANIMAL! STRIPPED ME OF MY IDENTITY, WHO I USED TO BE, I WAS A CHILD..!" Her voice cracks, "AND YOU EXPECT ME TO BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THIS? NO, I DON'T NEED YOUR APOLOGIES, I NEED MY FREEDOM AND MY LIFE BACK AND I KNOW YOU CAN'T BECAUSE YOU NEVER WILL!" The situation unfolded in a blur of movements as Yuri lashed out, unleashing an endless barrage of vines.

Miaoli had no choice but to take cover, flinging herself against the wall to shield herself from the assaulting onslaught.

Catching her breath, Miaoli quickly realized that a mere taser could not subdue Yuri's relentless assault, she should've attacked Yuri when she was still talking not gonna lie..

It became clear as day that she needed to escape to preserve her own safety.

'No shit.'

Miaoli frantically exited the room, barely making it out in time before the door closed with a slam.

A vine managed to hit the door, narrowly missing her.

When she landed on the ground outside on her hands and knees, Miaoli shakily caught her breath, relieved to have escaped unharmed.

Despite successfully escaping, Miaoli couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment wash over her as she stared at the door.

Her eyes held a mix of exhaustion and resignation, perhaps realizing that the situation with Yuri was far more complex and unyielding than she had initially anticipated.

Because right now;

Research Attempt #1: FAILED.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 28: Barrier

(TW: RUSHED AF)

Miaoli, with an exasperated sigh, jotted something down on the paper attached to her clipboard, only to promptly tear it into pieces and crumple it up.

Without a moment's hesitation, she threw the balled-up paper onto the floor, expressing her frustration in a brief, physical gesture.

"Oh, Miaolii~!" Isabella's melodic voice called out for Miaoli, and as Miaoli's gaze shifted towards her, she found Isabella wearing a bright smile.

Without wasting a moment, Isabella enveloped Miaoli in a quick, tender hug before releasing her just as swiftly, maintaining her cheerful demeanour.

"What do you want, Isa?" Miaoli fixed her gaze on Isabella, her weary, tired eyes framed by prominent eyebags that threatened to detach from her face.

She tucked her pen into the pocket of her lab coat, maintaining eye contact with Isabella as she did so.

"Oh, nothing much, Li! I was just wondering if you could do me a favour. I have a few assassins I'd like to send after someone, and I wanted to know if you could spare some of your chemical bombs?" Isabella inquired, her hands resting on her back as she playfully rocked forward and backwards as she spoke to Miaoli.

The gesture conveyed a mixture of curiosity and energy, as if she was eagerly awaiting Miaoli's response.

As Isabella brought up the topic at hand, a flicker of recollection crossed Miaoli's mind, her thoughts briefly shifting towards something else.

"Well, regarding the chemical bombs... Unfortunately, we've run out of stock since the last mission, I encountered some unexpected complications and ended up using most of my supply" Miaoli spoke matter-of-factly, her clipboard held to one side while she placed her other hand on her hip.

As she looked directly at Isabella, expressing her point, the latter tilted her head in confusion, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and incomprehension.

"Hhmm.. What kind of complications? Surely, it couldn't be that bad; otherwise, Yuri would have some injuries related to chemicals, right?" Isabella raised a hand to her chin in a thoughtful gesture, her fingertips gently touching it.

As she did so, her other hand playfully fluttered at the edge of her lavender skirt, adding to the inquisitive look on her face.

Miaoli sighs, her expression darkening slightly as she explains the complications they encountered, "During our mission, I ran into a few agents. However, they didn't notice me before I sabotaged their route and created an avalanche using my chemical bombs"

Isabella froze like a deer facing headlights.

Miaoli pauses, fixing her glasses as she adds her next words.

"But Isabella, you didn't mention that we would be encountering the-"

"Agents? You encountered agents? Why didn't you inform me of this before?" Isabella's demeanour darkened, her expression shifting as she abruptly cut off Miaoli in mid-sentence.

Miaoli, taken aback by the change, visibly broke into a nervous sweat.

However, she swiftly recomposed herself and offered a calm reply in response.

Miaoli's tone becomes sharper as she responds to Isabella's question, "That's exactly what I'm asking, Isabella. Why didn't you tell me that I'd be facing agents? Like always, it would've helped if you had informed me ahead of time. I could have been more prepared if I knew instead of being caught off guard, though I'd never make a plan, but still" Miaoli rolled her eyes and gave her tongue a quick flick, waiting for Isabella to respond.

However, for a brief moment, the room was filled with silence, with Isabella remaining quiet as if carefully contemplating her words.

As a flicker of recognition, she crossed Miaoli's eyes as she observed Isabella's expression.

She could sense a sense of weariness and pent-up frustration within her, distress in her eyes like the damsel she is.

But not the ones who needed a knight in shining armour to save them, no.

Miaoli knew Isabella had already grown tired of waiting for her Knight.

"Isabella..?" Miaoli moved by concern, finally spoke up, her voice filled with care and empathy.

However, as Isabella looked back at her, her expression remained unchanged, a stoic mask hiding the emotion that Miaoli noticed.

"I..need to write a letter," Isabella spoke briefly, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and resignation, before she turned away from Miaoli, the sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor echoing in the distance.

Miaoli watched her go, her expression filled with growing concern, unsure how to intervene or help in the current situation.

For the moment, Miaoli found herself preoccupied with thoughts, even before the arrival of Isabella.

The weight of whatever was going through her mind seemed to have taken precedence over her concern for Isabella, at least, for the time being.

Miaoli sighed as she gazed back down at the blank paper clipped to her clipboard.

Her mind was devoid of any ideas since the onset of Yuri's arrival.

The fact that Yuri had refused to consume any food served further complicated matters, threatening to compromise the fairness of the testing process they were implementing in their research.

Miaoli glanced through the glass, separating them from Yuri, observing her as she sat in a corner, her back facing the observation room.

Miaoli was well aware of the common effects of the experimental process on subjects, but that didn't stop her from feeling a pang of sympathy.

Despite her detached demeanour, Yuri was, after all, her project.

But - not that she cares so much, pfft, no! She was just determined to see this research through, no matter the cost, yeah..

Miaoli understood the gravity of her situation and the responsibility that rested on her shoulders as the lead scientist of this project.

She couldn't afford to let Yuri starve to death, not just for the sake of the project, but as a matter of maintaining her own reputation and living up to the passion that came with her role.

The future of the project and her own professional standing depended on her ability to find a solution to this problem.

Miaoli sighed, placing the clipboard onto a nearby chair before slowly approaching the glass.

Her fingers gently touched the cold, smooth surface as she looked at Yuri before shifting her gaze towards her own reflection.

She needed to get closer to her.

____________________________________________

Sora felt the cool breeze of the air around her, causing her hair to flutter across her face and lips.

She inadvertently ended up spitting out a stray strand of hair, which had blown into her mouth.

Frustrated by the inconvenience, she let out a quiet sigh, annoyed by the interruption of her thoughts.

Sora watched through the bars of the gate as the battles continued on the battlefield.

It had been a span of time since the matches resumed, and finally, it was Barnaby's turn to compete.

The name given for the battle was "Beatrix," which puzzled Sora, wondering why such a title had been chosen.

But it's not her business so she doesn't care.

Barnaby gripped his sword tightly, deftly parrying and countering his opponent's attacks.

Despite the intensity of the battle, he only suffered minor scrapes and bruises, clearly displaying his well-trained skills and strong physique.

In contrast to Barnaby's relatively unharmed state, his opponent fared significantly worse, bearing numerous scrapes and bruises from the battle.

This was likely because the opponent had found himself on the ground several times while attempting to attack Barnaby, a clear sign of the skill and experience gap between the two combatants.

So that's clearing Sora's thought that no matter how much you suck, you can still fight, yup, sounds about right.

Indeed, Barnaby was adhering to the plan flawlessly, carefully refraining from causing serious harm to his opponent while simultaneously securing his own victory.

The strategy seemed to be working exactly as intended thus far.

The battle continued for a few more minutes, with Barnaby firmly overpowering and throwing his opponent onto the ground.

The opponent gazed up at Barnaby, visibly shaking in anticipation, his eyes closed as he steeled himself for whatever fate awaited him.

But to the opponent's surprise, instead of the sharp blade meeting his neck, he opened one of his eyes to find Barnaby's hand extended towards him.

Startled, the opponent blinked in confusion, undoubtedly not expecting such a display of mercy from his adversary.

A glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes.

As the opponent firmly grasped Barnaby's hand, the crowd's reaction intensified, and they became increasingly furious.

Their cheers turned into a mix of frustration and outrage since there was no bloodshed to satiate their desires.

In their anger, they began throwing objects onto the battlefield, their desperation and aggression palpable in their actions.

Despite the enraged reactions from the bloodthirsty crowd, Barnaby remained resolute, undisturbed by the lack of a brutal outcome.

He carefully assisted his opponent in standing up and escorted him back to the waiting area before the host reappeared in the center of the arena.

"Um, alrighttty, folks! That was some weird battle from our new entries 'Beatrix' and 'Division' HAaHahah.. Anyways, moving on!" The host desperately attempted to divert the attention of the unruly crowd from the lack of bloodshed during the fight, doing his utmost to appease their bloodthirsty nature.

Meanwhile, Barnaby returned to his team, making his way back to where Iris and Sora were waiting for him.

"You were absolutely fantastic out there, Stonehouse! Seriously, the way you took down your opponent while still keeping in plan? Impressive." Iris grins, still riding the high of his performance.

With a enthusiastic movement, Iris gave Barnaby a crisp high five, adding a flourish for effect.

Sora, observing their interaction from her position against the wall, could feel the impact of the high five, even from a distance.

However, both Iris and Barnaby seemed unfazed by the force of the impact, leaving Sora to wonder how they managed to withstand such a strong gesture without any reaction.

'Weirdos' As if she isn't one-

"And hey, don't worry about the crowd not liking your moves. Sometimes a little controversy is a good thing. You know what they say, any publicity is good publicity, right? And if the King is anything like most people, the buzz we stirred up will definitely piqued his interest" Iris made a valid point as she smoothly flipped her hair to the side, her logic clear and concise.

Sora, listening intently to Iris' words, found herself nodding in agreement.

If the intention was to bait the king into making an appearance, then perhaps any form of attention was beneficial, albeit unconventional.

While the strategy seemed unusual, Sora couldn't help but think that she might have come up with something similar herself.

Barnaby grins back at Iris, enjoying his playful attitude.

"Ah, thanks, bro. You aren't too shabby yourself!" Barnaby chuckled heartily as he playfully punched Iris on the shoulder, and Iris responded with an amused grin.

"And yeah, I suppose you're right. It's true that I'm not exactly everyone's favorite person in the crowd right now..but, hey, if it gets the King's attention, then mission accomplished, right?" Sora observed as Barnaby and Iris shared a moment of laughter, and though she usually might have found it odd that they were laughing given the ongoing mission, considering they barely gathered enough information in this investigation.

Unconsciously, her arms relaxed around herself, as if feeling a subtle..longing.

She doesn't even know why.

She told herself millions and countless of times she's her own priority.

She doesn't need anyone.

Everyone else will hurt her.

That it's not her fault everyone else can't help but make her car-..!

What. No.

Sora quickly shook her head as if to dismiss her confusing thoughts.

She lightly slapped her cheeks to regain her composure, determined to refocus on the mission at hand.

Although her personal struggles with her identity were already weighing on her mind, she refused to allow it to distract her from their current objective.

Right, the objective.

"Hey WinterCrux," a female says, her voice soft. "You okay? Holding up alright with the mission so far?"

Sora turned her gaze to the side and lifted her eyebrows in slight confusion as she observed Iris now leaning against the wall beside her.

Shouldn't Iris be talking to Barnaby instead of her?

As Sora observed tilting her head to the side to see that Barnaby, on the other hand, was now engaged in conversation with another fighter - a girl with tan skin and long brown hair, dressed in a vibrant red outfit.

Wow, how lucky for some people to easily socialise with other people, Sora couldn't relate.

She only wish she had that ability.

Sora shifted her body to face Iris once again, her attention shifting back to the conversation at hand.

RIGHT! The conversation.

"Oh- um..yeah everything is quite alright I'm just taking a small break with myself" Sora said, keeping her voice steady and cold.

She tried to casually put their hands down next to her without making it seem too obvious.

Iris couldn't help but notice her slight surprise and attempt to seem nonchalant, which she is, she didn't need to try in her opinion.

She chuckled softly to herself before replying, "Taking a break, huh? Mind if I join you for a moment?" Iris asked, her voice casual.

'Yes, Yes I do' Sora thought and that's exactly what she'll say.

Sora paused for a moment before speaking, her tone shifting from polite to a hint of annoyance.

"Actually, I do mind. I came here to have some time to myself to stay silent and gather my thoughts, not to entertain company." Sora's words were blunt, her irritation slightly showing through her usually composed demeanor.

Iris had expected Sora's blunt and somewhat irritated response, well duh.

Nonetheless, she remained steadfast, with a calm yet slightly cheeky smile.

"Oh, come now, don't be like that," She said, crossing her arms, "Just a few minutes of my company won't kill you. I promise not to disturb your 'thinking'" She made air quotes as she took a step closer, making it clear that she had no intention of leaving.

As Sora rolled her eyes at Iris's unyieldingly determined attitude, she couldn't help but recognize a shared trait of stubbornness between them.

She silently thought to herself that even Adrianne, another steadfast individual, wasn't as relentless as Iris in this moment.

She almost wished she was with Adrianne instead of being here.

Almost.

Though Nemo will also do, 'Oh, I should visit him once i get back'

Despite Sora's initial resistance to Iris's efforts, she couldn't deny the subtle comfort she felt in the other's company.

Though she knew she should still exercise caution and maintain her guard, as Iris is the last person she could ever trust, she found herself strangely at ease with Iris's presence.

It was unusual for Sora to allow someone else's company so easily after pushing them away multiple times, but there was a sense of acknowledgment and understanding from Iris that made her feel inexplicably comfortable..

Sora had a different dynamic with Iris compared to Adrianne, Aiden, or Nemo.

With the others, she tended to ignore or playfully dismiss their attempts at interaction, whereas with Iris, she actively sought distance, often resorting to harsher tactics to keep the other woman at bay.

This complexity in their relationship puzzled and frustrated her, driving her to madness!

As Sora struggled to understand why Iris persisted in wanting to be close despite her efforts to push her away.

'I know what you feel but what do you NEED FROM ME WOMAN, WHAT-'

While Sora's mind was a mess she sighed in resignation, not quite feeling like arguing with Iris's stubbornness in that moment.

"Fine, fine, you can stay..but don't expect me to be the most interesting person to chat with, I'm in a thinking mood." Sora picked her arms back up, crossing it, trying to focus on her thoughts, but somehow she found her eyes flicking up now and then to glance at Iris.

Just because she's still wary of her, obviously.

. . .

Silence.

"You know," Iris starts As she unexpectedly leaned closer to the wall, drawing Sora's attention, causing the latter to perk up in response.

Sora couldn't help but notice the sudden movement and wondered what was going through Iris's mind at that moment.

"People can be incredibly cruel when their greed takes hold. They'll do just about anything to get what they want, without any regard for those who get hurt in the process" Her voice has an air of resignation to it, as if she's seen firsthand just how far people can go when driven by selfishness.

Iris's statement struck a chord with Sora, as she echoed the truth about people's capacity for cruelty.

The ongoing mission served as a stark reminder of how individuals were willing to disregard anything in their pursuit of their desires.

But.

Then again.

What can they really do? Life was not a fairy tale where words alone could change people's minds.

She knew all too well that regardless of how much you could try to reason with others, there was no guarantee that they would listen or act upon it.

Nothing is ever guaranteed.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, but one that Sora had accepted long ago.

"You're right," Sora said in a soft murmur, looking away to the scenery that surrounded them to hide her troubled expression, "I haven't seen my fair share of that cruelty firsthand, not that I remember, ofcourse.." Sora let out a lighthearted giggle, and Iris followed suit, sharing a brief moment of levity.

That small exchange of humor provided a bit of relief to Sora, momentarily lifting a weight off her chest, not that she noticed but she doesn't need to know that.

"But what I do know, greed and selfishness..it blinds people from seeing the consequences of their actions and the pain they cause others..People have changed" Sora added quietly to herself, hoping that Iris wouldn't overhear her opinion, as she think it may be too controversial.

Iris nods, a hint of determination in her eyes.

"You're right, Winter," She agrees, her voice firm. "People have changed, there's no denying that. But you know what I think? I believe that there's still a chance for them to change for the better."

She pauses for a moment, her gaze fixed on her.

"It's true that greed and selfishness can blind people, but there's still hope, as cheesy as it sounds, it's true. There's still a chance for them to open their eyes and see beyond their own desires"

With Iris's profound words echoing in her mind, Sora found herself in a moment of silent contemplation.

She tried not to dwell on it, but deep down she couldn't help but agree with Iris.

Despite understanding the cruel nature of people, she knows that change was possible, even if it was a difficult and time-consuming process.

As Sora looked back at Iris, she noticed a flicker of something in her own expression - a spark of hope in her eyes.

And she still doesn't notice it.

"I-.."

"UP NEXT PEOPLE! From the south corner we have..'VIOLET'!!" Sora was called out by the host, signaling her turn to enter the arena.

She straightened up from her position against the wall, her hand reaching for the dagger attached to her waist.

Without a moment of hesitation, Sora walked past Iris, her stride purposeful and confident as she made her way toward the gates.

"Hey, Winter, Don't lose hope on people"  Iris called out to her, prompting Sora to stop momentarily in her tracks.

Despite the interruption, Sora did not turn around, "And, I believe in you, kid" Iris spoke the final part, causing Sora to pause for a moment before letting out a small sigh.

Despite her initial reservations, Sora responded tersely, her words carrying a hint of resignation.

"Sure."

Sora walked out into the battlefield, purposefully tuning out the host's introduction of her opponent.

The bright sunlight momentarily blinded her when she squinted, as the intense glare from the sunbeams hit her eyes.

As she glanced around the battlefield, Sora kept her palm positioned to shield her eyes from the harsh gaze of the sun.

This was not just a battle; it was also an investigation, and Sora knew the need to gather as much information as possible.

Sora observed the guards stationed around the battlefield, encircling it yet keeping their distance.

She speculated that perhaps there was an unspoken rule in place - if an opponent were to be thrown out of the circle, they would automatically forfeit the match.

Mentally, Sora made a note to keep this knowledge in mind, just in case the situation called for it during the course of the battle.

Sora then took her place on the designated side before the battle started, her gaze fixed on her opponent who was a few meters away from her.

The other fighter was a petite blonde girl with fair skin and purple eyes.

Her name seemed odd, either being 'Photo Frame' or something similar, although Sora wasn't completely sure.

Sora chuckled inwardly as she noted the unusual battle names people chose for themselves.

Her opponent, wearing a flowing purple Greek dress, stood out amidst the battle scene.

The unexpected choice of her weapon, a dagger, added a touch of irony to the situation.

"Alright, ladies! At the count of three, the battle begins!" The host stood between Sora and her opponent, raising his voice to announce the start of the battle.

Sora lifted an eyebrow in mild curiosity, wondering if the host had any further instructions or rules to share before the fight commenced.

"One!"

Photo Frame, her opponent, responded with a friendly smile and a wave to Sora.

Pulling out a flashy dagger covered in sequins and glitter, she assumed a fighting stance, ready to face off against Sora.

"Two!"

In response, Sora nodded her acknowledgment as she drew her own dagger and assumed a familiar fighting stance.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself, mentally reminding herself of her objective and preparing for the showdown ahead.

"Three! Fight!" With the host's signal, Sora and Photo Frame moved towards each other at the same time, their daggers clashing in mid-air.

The contact was evenly matched, their weapons locked together directly at chest level.

Once, Sora swung her dagger with calculated precision, causing her opponent to stagger forward slightly as she swiftly moved out of the way.

This maneuver allowed her to gain a slight advantage over the seemingly less skilled opponent.

Thanks to her opponent's lack of strength and experience, Sora had an inherent advantage in the battle.

Even though Sora wasn’t a professional fighter, she was 50% confident in her ability to outmaneuver and outperform her less skilled adversary.

She might never know if her opponent is holding back or not.

Regardless of the outcome, Sora was determined to end the battle as soon as possible.

It didn't matter to her if she won or lost; all she wanted was to gather as much information as she could before the bout concluded.

As Sora continued to press forward in her offensive maneuvers, Sora casually glanced up at the audience.

The cheers echoed loudly across the arena, but if one looked closely, a few faces betrayed different emotions - desperation and boredom.

The conflicting emotions amongst the audience puzzled Sora, raising a multitude of questions.

She wondered why those who seemed bored would choose to be there in the first place.

Were they not free to leave if they weren't enjoying the display?

Were they there out of necessity?

Perhaps their presence was enforced.

So many questions swirled through her mind, and yet, no answers were immediately apparent.

As Sora considered the situation, the desperate expressions on some of the spectators bewildered her further.

It struck her as odd that people who came for bloodshed seemed so desperate, as if their lives were hanging in the balance.

There was an undercurrent of tension and unease, and Sora could sense that there was more going on beneath the surface.

And there obviously is, BUT WHAT?!

"AND, 'The Framer' WINS!"

'Huh?'

In the midst of the battle, Sora became acutely aware that her own movement had led her to cross the boundary line of the circle.

The irony of the situation was not lost on her - she had been planning to use the very same tactic to push her opponent out of bounds, and instead, it was used against her.

The tables had turned, and Sora found herself in a precarious position.

'So that was an unspoken rule'

____________________________________________

The man attired in ancient white clothing, with his black hair framing his face, bowed respectfully in front of the figure seated on a dignified throne chair.

With a charming voice, he proceeded to speak, his words carrying a respectful tone, "Basileus, my apologies, but there was a letter left specifically addressed to you.."

The butler, with a subtle gesture, directed the attention of the man on the throne towards the letter placed on the table beside him.

The man, initially frustrated at the interruption, swiftly composed himself upon receiving the signal from his loyal butler, and reached out to take the offered document.

"Very well. Dismissed." He says, waving him away as he did so.

The man on the throne regarded the letter with a mixture of curiosity and recognition, turning it over in his hands.

Its appearance - rosy and shimmering with glitter - made it abundantly clear who the sender was without even having to open the envelope.

Finally, he carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter, eager to discover its contents.

The man on the throne read the letter carefully, absorbing each word with growing interest and fascination.

Gradually, his eyes widened with each passing line, as a hint of a smile began to form at the corner of his mouth.

After completing his reading of the letter, the man on the throne delicately re-folded it back into the envelope, placing it back onto the table beside him.

He then settled into a contemplative position, crossing his legs and resting his elbow on the armrest, deep in thought as he considered the contents of the message and its implications.

After completing his reading of the letter, the man on the throne delicately re-folded it back into the envelope, placing it back onto the table beside him.

He then settled into a contemplative position, crossing his legs and resting his elbow on the armrest, deep in thought as he considered the contents of the message and its implications.

Despite his inclination towards spontaneity and a preference for impulsiveness, the man on the throne couldn't help but allow a smile to play upon his lips.

The prospects and opportunities that had been revealed to him through the contents of the letter filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what the future may bring.

It seemed that things were about to get even more intriguing and enjoyable, and he eagerly embraced the promise of change that lay ahead.

The man on the throne could already envision the dramatic responses and conversations that would unfold once he spilled the tea with the other Cards.

Leala would likely be filled with irritation and discontent, while Eleanor would no doubt be absolutely thrilled!

The mere anticipation of their reactions fueled his excitement, and he relished the opportunity to stir up commotion and gossip within their ranks.

Things were gonna be interesting.

And he's surely not gonna miss it for the world.

The man on the throne uncrossed his legs and gracefully ascended the grand stairs, his rubber shoes bouncing lightly against the steps.

He was well aware that his choice of footwear was out of place in the historical setting of Ancient Greece, but such rules meant little to him.

He found the idea of walking around barefoot or in slippers quite uncomfortable, and as a rule-breaker by nature, he refused to sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of conformity.

"Tobey, prepare my crown. We'll be going to the arena" He orders, his voice high-pitched yet commanding.

As the man reached the top of the stairs, he was met by the presence of the second butler, a tall individual with a tidy blonde wolfcut hairstyle and a pair of glasses that complemented his features.

The butler exuded a serious and disciplined aura, and he silently greeted the man with a nod of acknowledgment, conveying both respect and obedience.

"Very Well," Tobey paused for a moment, assuming a slightly forced and exaggerated accent when he spoke.

It was clear that he was deliberately trying to adopt a particular tone or inflection in his speech, perhaps to imitate the ancient Greeks or to add a hint of dramatic flair to his words.

He doesnt know he does this why but he gets paid so-

"King Elmas." Tobey concluded his brief exchange and went about his assigned task, leaving Elmas with a faint blush on his cheeks.

Although he had instructed everyone to address him as 'King,' the novelty of the title still hadn't fully settled in, as he had only been promoted to the position of a King Card a few months ago.

Despite his own request, the power and authority associated with the title still had a certain effect on him, causing his face to flush slightly in response.

'I don't know if I should be embarrassed or what, the fuc-' Elmas quickly shook off the thought, deciding to focus on the present moment and save further discussions for later.

For the time being, he would put aside thoughts of his still-adjusting sense of power and authority, knowing that there would be ample opportunity to consult with the other Cards on this matter at a more convenient time.

As Elmas attempted to move on with his thoughts, he was interrupted yet again by the arrival of his primary butler, a raven-haired individual.

The butler made his way towards him with a letter in hand, seemingly indicating that the interruptions would continue.

Elmas turned towards his butler, noticing the letter in his grip, and paused in anticipation of the message it might hold.

"What is it, Todd?" Elmas briefly asked, placing a hand in his waist sassily.

"My King, It's from your father."

Oh.

...

"Feed it to the lions."

.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 27: Greece's Death Ring

(TW: Messy)

Sara walked into the agency, her grey boots striking the ground with a firm step.

She casually removed her helmet, unveiling her face and letting her puffy hair cascade up due to friction.

With a light wave of her head, she shook her hair up.

"Oh hey, Sara, good to see you! Viktoriya mentioned you'd be stopping by, she's expecting you"

Azzura steps up to Sara, offering a friendly smile and a welcoming nod.

Sara turned her attention to Azzura, their eyes meeting briefly.

With a subtle yet warm smile, Sara responded, relaying the silent message conveyed through sign language, "Oh, you're here as well. It's good to see you again! Thank you for your assistance. Is Viktoriya expecting me for a meeting? I don't recall having scheduled one with her recently.."

Azzurra couldn't help but chuckle playfully as she observed Sara, reminiscing about the long-standing friendship they shared since meeting in the agency.

There was a subtle intuition stirring within Azzurra, suggesting that Sara had changed in some way, a shift in her demeanor or attitude.

Azzurra gives a slight nod, her lips curving into a knowing smile, "Ah, no need for formalities! Viktoriya didn't mention any specific reason, just that she'd like to see you. She's been waiting, and I'm here to lead you to her" She paused, "It appears he's in a particularly impatient mood today.." Azzurra let out a low chuckle, unable to contain her amusement at Viktoriya's typical demeanor.

A snort escaped her lips as she muttered under her breath, finding an underlying sense of irony in the situation.

Sara smiled tenderly, joining in on Azzurra's laughter.

Her laughter was soft and quiet, a contrast to Azzurra's more hearty chuckles.

Once the laughter subsided, Azzurra composed herself and placed her hands on her hips, signaling for Sara to follow.

With a gesture, she beckoned Sara to accompany her, and began leading the way to Viktoriya's direction.

Azzurra, while comfortably silent beside Sara as they walked through the halls, found her mind drifting back to thoughts about the change in Sara.

The air was filled with a sense of contemplation as Azzurra quietly observed the moment before her, unable to shake the nagging thoughts about her friend's change.

Azzurra recognized that the change in Sara didn't necessarily indicate something negative.

Instead, it seemed positive in nature, something Azzurra was aware of from the start.

Both she and Sara shared a mutual disdain for the battlefield, and Azzurra had always understood that.

While Azzurra had not observed or deduced Sara's transformation through analysis alone, she understood it deeply.

It was the shared look of disdain and reluctance that both she and Sara harbored towards the battlefield, a commonality that spoke louder than words.

But the big difference in Sara's and Azzurra's reasons for avoidance of the battlefield lay in their fears.

Sara was haunted by the mistakes she had made in the past, her fear a result of her regrets.

On the other hand, Azzurra's trepidation was rooted in a fear of the person she was during battle, a memory of her that troubled her deeply.

And that was exactly it.

Sara changed, Azzurra noticed, As Azzurra observed Sara, she noted the change within her.

Gone was the facade of false confidence, replaced by a genuine confidence that exuded authenticity.

Azzurra recognized the genuine change in her friend and felt a sense of pride.

She was proud of the growth and realness that Sara had developed.

Although Sara's confidence was still in the process of strengthening, Azzurra knew she was attempting to better herself.

Sara was boldly venturing into new experiences, fueled by a newfound belief in her capacity to change.

Because Sara believed she could change.

And Azzurra believed Sara could.

But she knew she herself, couldn't.

Azzurra harbored deep remorse and a profound aversion to returning to the battlefield.

The memories of bloodshed, tears shed, and lives taken weighed heavily on her conscience.

Haunted by the realization that she once believed in the wrong people, Azzurra couldn't imagine stepping back onto that field again.

She's not herself within the grounds.

Despite the weight of her past, Azzurra found solace in the fact that she no longer had to relive those traumatic experiences.

Not anymore.

Ever since Iris promised her.

And Azzurra was truly grateful for Iris's role in saving her life and humanity.

While Iris's demeanor did not outwardly project a heroic nature, at all, her actions spoke louder than her image.

Azzurra recognized and appreciated the courageous efforts of Iris, even if she didn't exude a traditional hero's persona.

She was one hell of a woman.

And that was one of the reasons Azzurra took her hand when Iris reached out to her.

With that, Azzurra found a sense of contentment in her life.

She had met new people who supported her journey to rebuild herself, and she had channeled her efforts into contributing positively to the world instead of causing harm.

She didn't felt like a monster.

That only existed to kill and eliminate all enemies that came her way.

She can eat properly without thinking of the sacrifices she had to make just for a meal to appear infront of her.

She wasn't the same person as she was before.

She was Azzurra Savelline.

A human.

And even if Azzurra hadn't fully overcome her fears of the battlefield like Sara was striving to do, she found contentment in her present state.

There was a sense of satisfaction and peace in accepting her own pace of progress.

She realized that they, both she and Sara, were both finding contentment in their respective journeys.

Snap

"Oh!" Azzurra was suddenly pulled from her contemplative state as Sara gestured for her attention, snapping her fingers in front of her face.

As Azzurra's focus shifted, she looked ahead and realized they had arrived at the library, their destination to meet Viktoriya.

The purpose of their stroll in this hallway was now at hand, their aim to connect with Viktoriya fulfilled.

"Right! Let's go, then!"

____________________________________________

Sora took a step backward, taken aback by the unsettling sight that met her gaze.

Despite the fact that the battle had not yet commenced, she was already confronted with a distressing and gory scene, intensifying the sense of unease that hung in the air.

Sora gasped as she struggled to come to terms with what she had witnessed, the harrowing image still lingering in her mind.

She glanced to her side, noticing Iris's reaction, which was a reflection of her own but more restrained.

Barnaby, on the other hand, was in a state of shock, his hands covering his mouth and eyes widened in disbelief.

"Please don't block the entrance and get going already" A guard attired in the traditional attire of a Greek warrior emerged from the surroundings, abruptly interrupting Sora, Barnaby, and Iris.

In response, Iris offered a sheepish smile, still maintaining eye contact with them as she gently guided Barnaby forward and tugged Sora away from the scene.

As Iris guided them towards the seating area, Barnaby and Sora followed closely behind her.

Despite the unsettling scene that had left them shaken, Sora glanced back involuntarily, unable to resist the urge to look at the harrowing sight one last time.

But frenzied chants and applause of the spectators was more horrifying being a chilling backdrop to the gruesome scene unfolding before Sora.

She observed in disgust as the audience enthusiastically hurled objects onto the battlefield, their cheers and excitement a reminder of the brutal nature of the deadly game they were witnessing.

It was inhumane.

Cruel.

Sadistic.

Severe.

Oh, the never-ending list of words she could think of for this.

"GOOOOOOOD afternoon ladies and gents! Another fantastic win for our very own champion, Hercules! Make some noise for him!" The host in the middle of the arena declared the winner, 'Hercules,' as the muscular, heavily built man raised his hand in the air, exuding triumph and glory.

The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers reverberating through the air, celebrating the victor and the conclusion of the deadly spectacle.

"Now, I know we're nearing the final round, but you still got time if you wanna participate! If you just got here, don't worry, you can still sign up and join the thrill!" As the host announced the next round, the crowd erupted into cheers, and a swarm of participants rushed to sign up for the event.

Sora, along with Iris and Barnaby, were pushed to the side, temporarily displaced in the chaotic frenzy of the eager contenders.

Sora huffed, annoyed by the constant flow of people pushing past her and occasionally even shoving her aside as if she didn't matter.

Despite being pushed all the way to the edge, she was still disregarded by the eager participants, exacerbating her frustration.

Sora never found crowds pleasant, and this experience did nothing to change her mind.

In an attempt to amuse herself amid the chaos, she turned her attention back to the battlefield, seeking a distraction from the jostling and pushing of the people around her.

"Oh oh oh! Here's the good part! If you participate, there's a chance that the king himself will come visit and watch the show! But only if you're entertaining enough, so come on down and you might just get to meet the king in person! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be spending quality time with Hercules over here, let's go my dear!" The host laughs loudly before speaking to the audience before walking away with the muscular man.

'The King..?' A thought crossed Sora's mind, and as she glanced over at Iris, she noticed a similar idea forming on her expression.

Rather than bringing the topic up herself, Sora quickly averted her gaze, realizing that as the leader, it was Iris' responsibility to initiate the discussion.

Not hers.

What felt like an eternity to Sora, she breathed a sigh of relief as the flurry of individuals subsided, thankful for the brief respite it granted.

She looked over at Iris and Barnaby, anticipating the opportunity to engage in a conversation now that they were no longer hindered by the endless stream of aspiring participants.

"So..how about we break the ice a bit? I think we’re all a bit uncomfortable right now" Barnaby kicked things off, and before he could continue, Iris stepped forward, silently signaling to them to lower down as they all crouched down, creating a more discreet environment for their discussion.

"Alright, listen up, you two. I've been giving our situation some thought" She paces her hands back and forth in front of them.

"This competition, it's our best chance at getting some more answers and information on whatever the hell this place is. And I think the key lies in finding the King" Iris clenches her fist, determination in her voice.

"We need to make a plan to lure him out. Any ideas?"

Sora and Barnaby gave each other a momentary glance, their faces expressing a mix of resignation and understanding, before they turned their attention back to Iris, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

As Barnaby turned back thinking of on Iris's plan and can’t help but smirk at the idea of trying to lure out the King.

He nods his head in agreement, knowing that this plan might be risky but also exciting, "Alright, I’m on board. How about we'll do our best to be as entertaining as possible during the match but not kill or hur anyone majorly. Though, have you thought about how to make sure the King takes the bait?"

Iris grins at Barnaby's enthusiasm, "That's the spirit! We'll put on a show that'll make the King take notice for sure"

She then taps her chin, contemplating Barnaby's question, "As for making sure the King takes the bait, I think we might have an advantage. Look at how easily those guards let us in without checking us out. The King will probably just think we're some entertaining guests who managed to catch his attention" Iris made a gesturing motion with her fist against her palm, which prompted an 'Ohhh' sound to escape Barnaby's lips as he nodded in agreement.

As Sora frowns slightly at Iris's remark about the guards not checking them out.

"Yeah, but wouldn't that raise some sort of suspicion? I mean, we just waltzed in here without any resistance. If this King is as powerful and careless as letting this whole mass murder show go by, shouldn't he have better security? Or at least guards who actually check for potential threats..?" She folds her arms, clearly concerned about the obvious lack of security measures.

Iris's brow furrows as Sora brings up a valid point.

"You know what? You have a point. It is a bit odd that the security here is so lax. The King should have better defense in place to protect his domain"

She ponders for a moment, frowning, "But that's exactly why we need to investigate this place further. We're here to find out how everything works. Perhaps there's a reason why the guards were so careless.."

Barnaby interrupts the conversation, his impatience getting the best of him, "Yeah, yeah, we can figure out the details later. Right now, let's focus on signing up for this competition. The sooner we do it, the sooner we can figure out what's going on here"

"Right, right, sure!" Iris added.

Meanwhile, Sora appeared distracted, her expression suggesting that her mind was elsewhere.

Iris then glanced at Sora, noticing that her mind seems elsewhere, "Hey, WinterCrux. You okay there? You seem a bit distracted"

She gently puts a hand on her shoulder, trying to get her focus back, "You still with us? We need everyone on board for this plan to work. Can you handle it?"

Sora's attention snapped back to reality as Iris placed her hand on her shoulder.

In response, Sora quickly moved away from the contact, and Iris seemingly understood her discomfort.

Taking a deep breath, Sora tried to compose herself, attempting to steady her emotions, "Yeah..yeah, I'm okay. Just..lost in thought, I guess. I can handle it"

Despite Sora's ability to handle various situations, she found it somewhat strange and new that Iris now seemed to take her presence into account.

It was a change she wasn't entirely accustomed to, yet she wasn't outright dismissive of the idea.

Not at all.

"Great! Then let's go, let's give this King the best entertainment he'll get!"

____________________________________________

"WHAT?!" The trio, taken aback by the unexpected demand to drop their weapons by the rules of the accountant though Sora prompted to hide hers by her belt, exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with surprise and frustration.

Despite the sudden requirement, they had no choice but to comply with the rules to proceed with the event.

The accountant's eyes widened momentarily, caught off guard by the trio's reaction.

He responded in a monotonous and weary tone, evidently weary of the interactions he had to go through with all the participants, "I'm sorry.. but the King has forbidden modern weapons in this event..I'm just following orders..yadda, yadda, yadda, leave me alone.."

Reflecting on the surroundings, Iris realized that the Ancient Greece theme should have been an indication that modern weaponry would not be favored in this setting.

The absence of such equipment among the participants further confirmed this.

So that part was kinda on her, she supposed.

And she doesn't even know where they managed to keep their weapons in their selves but doesn't matter- Logic. Yes.

"Well then, how are we supposed to join this competition?" Sora asked as she returned a weary look back at him.

The accountant then takes a deep breath upon realising that they're not going to stop asking questions, his words coming out slow, like every word hurts to say, "Huh..wait, If the contestants still wish to participate in the competition, they will need to go to the weapons section and register an appropriate weapon there.. I'm afraid I can't change the rules.."

The accountant, gesturing toward a nearby section marked 'weapons,' pointed out a cart brimming with an array of various ancient weapons.

It seemed like they would have to choose their weapons from the selection on display.

With the accountant's guidance, the trio swiftly dashed towards the weapons cart, eager to select their weapon of choice.

They scoured the selection, contemplating their options, each hoping to find a weapon that suited their abilities and preferences.

Sora hurriedly scanned the selection of weapons on display, scanning the options feverishly.

She longed to find a weapon that was similar to her pen-knife, one with the same mechanics she was accustomed to.

After a moment of searching, her eyes finally settled on something that seemed promising.

Sora extended her hand cautiously, carefully selecting a dagger with a rusted golden handle.

As memories of her past attempts with a knife surfaced, she recalled the difficulty she had previously experienced due to the handle slipping from her grip.

However, she resigned herself to the belief that this dagger would have to do for the time being.

Sora experimented with the dagger, making a few test swings to assess its sharpness.

She noted that it appeared capable of penetrating skin if necessary.

Although her thoughts briefly flickered to the possibility of using it for that purpose, Sora quickly remembered that Iris had established a rule against resorting to lethal measures.

Shrugging, Sora secured the dagger on her belt, sliding it into place, she turned back to Iris and Barnaby, noticing that they had already chosen their weapons.

Iris had chosen a set of bow and arrows, and as Sora's eyes caught sight and focused intently upon her, Iris appeared to have already secured several arrows, carefully stowing them within reach.

An observant Sora also noted that Iris had added a set of matches to her belt pocket, sparking a brief curiosity within her as she contemplated the purpose of those matches.

In contrast, Barnaby had chosen a more traditional setup of Ancient Greece weaponry, opting for a sword and shield.

To Sora, this combination seemed predictable and almost simplistic, though she kept her opinion to herself as it still gets the job done.

After completing the necessary application process, the trio now found themselves led to a waiting area located below the spectators' seats.

The area resembled a dimly lit dungeon, offering a glimpse of the battlefield through a vantage point.

Despite the presence of other participants in the area, the trio considered themselves lucky to still be in the same room together.

However, the space was far from quiet, filled with a cacophony of voices and noise as the contestants mingled and prepared for the upcoming competition.

Sora, feeling the weight of the situation, leaned against the cool, smooth wall of the room.

As the gravity of the competition and the determination of the participants sank in, she couldn't help but wonder about the potential extremes that those around her might be willing to go to in order to overcome her and secure victory.

She certainly doesn't want her brains to be blown away, I mean, who does?

Sora's tired purple eyes fixated on the battlefield, taking in the sights before her.

A fresh round of fighting was unfolding in the arena, the air thick with blood, sweat, and the relentless carnage of battle.

Above, the bloodthirsty spectators reveled in the brutal display, their twisted amusement adding an even more sinister layer to the entire affair.

It made her sick.

Suddenly a warm hand reached out towards Sora, but she swiftly dodged away from the touch, startled by the unexpected approach.

As her eyes settled on Iris standing by her side, Sora's initial surprise was momentarily replaced with a mix of surprise and relief, though the wariness still lingered within her gaze.

"What?" Sora briefly asked.

"Nothing. Can't I look for absolutely no reason?" Iris responded just as quickly back to her.

Sora scrutinized Iris briefly, her gaze roaming over her from head to toe in a manner that held a mixture of curiosity and judgment.

Once satisfied, her eyes flicked back towards the battlefield, her attention back on the violence and chaos unfolding before them.

The gruesome scene before them is undeniably disturbing.

Iris's jaw clenches as he struggles to find the right words, "You know, I've seen a lot of things in my time..but this..this is on a whole other level. It's like watching a train wreck, you can't look away"

She glances over at Sora, concern etched on his face, "You okay?

Clearly, Sora's complexion had taken on a pallid hue, and her body trembled involuntarily, a clear sign of the inner turmoil and unease that gripped her.

The sight of the gruesome spectacle unfolding before her was undoubtedly affecting her deeply, leaving her visibly shaken and rattled.

She tries to keep her composure, but her voice quivers as she speaks, "Am I..am I okay? How can you ask me that? While we're witnessing a massacre for people's enjoyment.."

Despite the seemingly kind gesture from Iris, Sora's hands clenched into tight fists, an attempt to find some semblance of control amidst the turmoil coursing through her.

As her chest heaved with labored breaths, she tried to steady herself.

How could feel okay when the weight of the situation bore down heavily upon her, the grim reality of people naively  sacrificing themselves for the entertainment of others churning her stomach.

Iris takes her words in, her expression softening slightly, "You're right, that was a rhetorical question. Stupid of me. Sorry"

Iris, recognizing Sora's distress, extended a comforting hand towards her shoulder once again, this time speaking in a gentle, soothing voice, though thats very out of her character, still why not.

She gave a reassuring squeeze, her touch warm and soothing, silently conveying a message of support and understanding, "This whole thing is messed up, I get it. But we need to stay focused. We're here for information, remember?"

Sora gently shrugs off her hand, trying not to appear confrontational, "Please, Don't touch me."

She shifts away slightly, creating a small gap between them.

Iris quickly withdraws her hand, "Right. Sorey about that, should have asked first"

She takes a step back, giving her the space she needs.

Iris looked back towards the battlefield, her thoughts filled with a growing sense of helplessness.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to reach out to Sora, and she felt as if her options were running thin.

Frustration began to gnaw at her, as no matter what she attempted, it seemed as if Sora remained unreachable.

Iris's desire to connect with Sora burned brightly within her, a silent plea to break down the emotional barriers that separated them, to convey that Sora was not alone in facing the trials ahead.

She longed to reach out, to assure Sora that she didn't have to bear the heavy weight of everything on her own, even if it might be perceived as insincere to those around them.

But to Iris, her intentions were genuine.

A weary sigh escaped Iris as she shifted her gaze from the ongoing battlefield to the side, averting her gaze from Sora.

Frustration mixed with resignation tugged at her insides, a silent acknowledgment that her attempts to breach Sora's reserve had hit a dead end for now.

For the time being, Iris resigned herself to the gap that existed between her and Sora, the bridge burned and seemingly unrepairable.

As if there wasn't enough broken bridges connecting to her.

This chasm weighed heavily on her mind, a constant reminder of the distance that separated them.

____________________________________________

A vine forcefully slammed into the glass, causing a thin layer of it to fracture as Yuri looked up to find people observing her from behind the now-damaged barrier.

Her rage and frustration caused her to lash out, transforming the room into a chaotic mess as she continued her rampage.

Miaoli observed the unfolding situation with intensity, her glasses gleaming under the artificial lights of the lab.

She cast a glance at the scientist beside her who returned her gaze with a mixture of worry and concern etched across their face.

Miaoli leaned in close and whispered something into the ear of the scientist beside her, her expression determined.

The scientist listened intently, nodding in understanding.

As Miaoli straightened up, it was apparent the scientists had accepted her request, whatever it may be.

The scientist, having received instructions from Miaoli, turned back to face the scene of destruction.

With a sharp glance, they pulled a lever on the control panel, triggering the descent of a thick piece of glass that slammed down within the room, effectively barricading Yuri from further damaging the barrier.

Despite Yuri's persistent attempts to break through the newly installed glass barrier, it remained unperturbed by the damage she inflicted.

Miaoli couldn't help but smile, satisfied with the strength and durability of the glass that successfully kept Yuri contained within the room.

Although the glass slightly blurred the sight, the overall outcome pleased Miaoli.

As Miaoli watched Yuri's futile attempts to escape, a pang of sympathy tugged at her heart, knowing that her project was inadvertently hurting itself.

However, she understood that sacrifices had to be made in the pursuit of scientific progress, even if they were painful to witness.

Despite the challenges faced along the way, Miaoli couldn't help but feel a sense of fascination at the fact that they had finally gained control over one of their most significant and powerful scientific creations after years of effort.

The culmination of their work was evident in the containment of Yuri, a testament to the progress they had made in their scientific endeavors.

Everything was worth it at the end.

"Oh, Miaoli!" The shrill voice of a girl rang out, prompting Miaoli to release a weary sigh as she turned around to find herself engulfed in a tight embrace from her.

Startled by the unexpected suddenness, Miaoli allowed herself to be wrapped in Isabella's arms, surprised by the affectionate gesture.

As Miaoli blinks in surprise after nearly being crushed by Isabella's overly-friendly hug, struggling to maintain her composure.

She adjusts her glasses, feeling a little flustered by the girl's unexpected affection, "Isa, could you..please.. release me"

Isabella, conscious of her overly enthusiastic nature, swiftly released her hold on Miaoli, taking a step back as a touch of sheepishness crept into her expression.

However, her cheerful demeanor and wide smile remained undeterred, a testament to her bubbly and energetic personality, "Oh, right! Sorry.."

Isabella chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head in a self-conscious manner.

Her energy levels were so high that on time, she underestimated her own strength, unaware of the impact of her actions.

However, her smile towards Miaoli remained warm and sincere, a sign of her genuine kindness and friendliness, "You okay? I didn't squeeze ya too hard, right?"

"Yeah, I'm oka–"

"Great! Let's get back to business. So how's the flower project going? I haven't heard much lately" Isabella returns to her cheerful self and claps her hands together, as she went back to business.

Miaoli adjusts her glasses, a hint of concern in her voice as she answers Isabella's question about the project.

"Well, Isabella. The project, which we're referring to as 'Project Jasmine,' is ongoing. However, we've experienced some unforeseen complications. The subject has entered a state of, let's call it, 'discomfort' and is currently in a rampage"

She pauses, taking a moment to compose herself, "But fear not, we have the situation under control"

Isabella's gaze shifted towards the scene alongside her, her eyes following the path of a massive set of vines as they forcefully hurled themselves towards the glass barrier.

Yet, to Yuri's apparent frustration, the glass remained unbroken, resilient against the onslaught of her futile attacks.

"Yup! I can see that..But you said you have the situation under control?" She turns to Miaoli, her expression a mix of worry and curiosity as she praises her efforts.

"Well done though. Keeping her in here is definitely one way to handle it" As Isabella noticed Miaoli lift her head, a mischievous grin played across her lips.

"Thank you, Isabella. Rest assured, I have the situation well in hand" She smiled briefly.

As a spark went off when the question about 'Watermelon' crosses her mind, Miaoli turns to Isabella with a slight hint of curiosity, "By the way, how is 'Watermelon' faring so far?"

Isabella's initial confusion quickly gives way to realization as 'Watermelon' crosses her mind.

She playfully smacks herself on the forehead, "Oh yeah! 'Watermelon'! I forgot I gave him that cute name, hehe!" Isabella's chuckle, muffled by her hand covering her mouth, resonated in the room, adding a touch of playfulness to the moment.

Miaoli watched her, finding the gesture endearing and slightly humorous, her own smile growing in response.

"He's doing well so far," Isabella smirks mischievously and adds with a hint of deviousness, "But you know, he's almost finished.."

A spark seems to shine in her eyes as she mentions his progress, intrigued by what he'll be like when everything is done.

As Isabella casually looked at the towering, colorful pillars behind her, her gaze settled on the body floating within one of them, being sustained by life support.

The sight of the figure suspended in the pillar seemed almost surreal, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the surrounding atmosphere.

Isabella was confident that all the pieces were falling into place just as she had envisioned.

The sense of control and the unfolding of events in line with her desires brought a sense of satisfaction and calmness to her.

Soon, everything will be played by her palms.

Everything will be hers and hers alone.

No one will get in her way, not anymore.

She'll have what she wanted and that's just how it'll go.

[guizh0ng]

Reveal your identity

I'm Batman.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 26: Reassurance

(TW: SO MUCH OUT OF CHARACTER AAAHHHH)

In keeping with her usual tasks, Azzurra spent her time primarily away from missions that required fighting.

She served as a political analyst, and her responsibilities often led her to serve as a supervisor via the hologram, which was connected to a satellite.

This arrangement allowed her to stay informed about the necessary information for the agency's operations.

Today, Azzurra would focus her attention on the Southern Eastern part of Europe.

Although she wasn't yet well-versed in the specifics of that region, hey, she'll find out soon anyway.

Besides, she knows what she's doing..mostly.

Now, it was time to really get down to business, and Azzurra began her work by stretching her fingers in preparation.

She started controlling the panel with her fingers, manoeuvring the hologram of the globe.

Azzurra decided to begin her task with the challenging country of Greece.

Azzurra diligently worked, her focus completely immersed in the task at hand.

However, her concentration was suddenly broken as she sensed a pair of eyes fixated on her.

She wondered how someone else had entered the room without her knowing, as she was certain she was alone.

Azzurra's gaze shifted to the side, laying eyes on Sora, the newest addition to the Iris' inner circle.

She let out a contemplative sigh, silently musing about the growing collection of individuals under Iris's random picking of agents, she was one of them.

Though Iris was..weird, to say the least, but Azzurra owed her life to her.

Anyways, enough mushy stuff, Azzurra needs to snap Sora from her staring as she felt a little uncomfortable.

She fidgeted with her fingers and spoke up, hesitantly, "Umm..Why are you staring at me, Sora..?" Azzurra adopted a careful demeanor as she approached the girl, mindful of the fact that Sora had a complicated history.

She had heard about Sora's case and was intent on handling the situation delicately.

Sora's gaze lingered on Azzurra for an extended moment before she eventually refocused her eyes*

"Oh- I'm sorry, I wasn't intending to stare" She spoke in a somewhat sheepish manner, "I was just admiring your..unique appearance" The swiftness with which Sora spoke caught Azzurra off guard, her words unexpected given her initial impressions of Sora.

There was a distinct disparity between the image Azzurra had formed based on their first encounter and the things she had heard, and Sora's unique mannerisms only further surprised her.

Although Azzurra's heart quickened in pace as Sora complimented her appearance, she's always been weak to compliments.

As someone who had..quite a dark past, she wasn't used to receiving compliments, and the rare times she did they were usually backhanded.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as her mouth formed into a small, timid smile, "Um.. really? You like my appearance..?"

Sora observed the way Azzurra reacted to her words, noticing the way she made her smile.

She was quiet for a brief moment before replying back, "Yeah, I do" Her voice was gentle, "You have a pretty refreshing style"

"Well..Thank you, Sora" Azzurra averted her gaze, feeling taken aback by the sudden praise, a rarity given the way she typically dressed.

The compliment stirred a brief moment of contemplation within her, but she swiftly refocused her attention, refraining from engaging any further.

She abruptly ended the conversation and redirected her focus to the hologram, keeping her mind solely on her task and avoiding any distractions, though she wants to get distracted she can't, especially from Sora's presence.

She doesn't even know Sora, yet she already made quite the impression to Azzurra.

Sora's gaze followed Azzurra as she turned away, and a pang of realization struck her.

She had allowed herself to engage in conversation and even compliment a stranger, something she had explicitly told herself not to do.

Frustration washed over her as she silently chided herself for transgressing against her own set of rules..

But anyways, Sora refocused herself to what she came here for; the globe as Azzurra continued with her job

Sora refocused her attention on the very reason she had come to the room-the hologram of the globe.

Despite the brief interaction with Azzurra, Sora pushed aside any distractions and directed her focus back to the globe, the center of her initial interest.

As Azzurra continued with her work, the room fell into a state of quiet concentration, with both individuals pursuing their respective purposes.

As Azzurra continued her exploration of Greece, diligently zooming in on various cities and locales, carefully observing every detail with meticulous focus.

Meanwhile, Sora stood mesmerized by the sight, captivated by the detailed display before her.

The process for Azzurra was fairly straightforward-she either coded a location's IP address or navigated to it directly.

Performing such tasks was a routine occurrence for her, and she navigated her way through the process with practiced ease.

However, this day was about to take an unexpected turn.

As Azzurra zoomed in on a specific part of Greece, a frown formed on her face as her eyes narrowed.

While the sight of a coliseum wasn't itself surprising, something else had caught her attention.

She continued to zero in on the location, determined to uncover the details that had piqued her interest.

Upon zooming in, Azzurra noticed a blurry pixel on top of the coliseum filled with crowds of people.

It struck her as odd, as coliseums were typically associated with historical significance and tourist attractions, not bustling crowds donning outfits reminiscent of Ancient Greece.

This unusual sight only served to deepen her suspicions..

Azzurra knew that this unexpected discovery was worth reporting to Iris and Viktoriya.

She swiftly navigated her fingers over the panel, opening a drawer below it.

From within, she retrieved a USB and plugged it into one of the ports, ready to document the peculiar sight she had just witnessed.

Azzurra quickly unplugged the USB, the transfer process now complete.

Without a backward glance, she sped out of the room, leaving Sora alone amidst the quiet confines of the meeting room.

With a shrug, Sora accepted the solitude, her focus returning to the hologram of the globe, "Fine by me"

____________________________________________

Iris and Viktoriya had made their way back to the agency, and before long, Azzurra arrived, hurrying towards them with a sense of urgency.

She focused specifically on Iris, clearly eager to share something important.

Iris looks at Azzurra with a slight smile, her eyes scanning the young woman's face.

"Azzurra, what's the matter? You seem to be in quite a hurry" She asks, her voice tinted with curiosity.

Azzurra fidgeted with the hem of her suit as Iris spoke to her, "Yes Iris, uhm..do you have a moment to spare? there is something I wanted to give you if you’d allow me.." She sheepishly asked.

Iris glanced back at Viktoriya, whose weary eyes seemed to concur with a subtle nod.

With a smile on her face, Iris then turned back to Azzurra, prepared to receive what the Political Analyst had to say.

Iris's gaze softens slightly as she notices Azzurra's fidgeting.

She can tell that whatever the young woman wants to discuss is important.

"Of course, I have a moment" She replies, her voice gentle. "What is it that you want to give me?"

Azzurra paused momentarily, drawing in a deep breath in an attempt to compose herself.

Then, with a steadied hand, she pulled the USB from her pocket and extended it towards Iris, offering it for her to take.

"What is it?" Iris deliberately accepted the USB from Azzurra's outstretched hand, holding it aloft as she began to closely examine it.

Her gaze fixated on the USB, contemplating its contents before addressing Azzurra.

Iris instinctively understood that whatever information was stored on the USB must be significant, given that Azzurra had presented it to her.

However, she couldn't help but hope it wasn't another mission-related lead.

Both she and Viktoriya were exhausted, and the thought of facing another mission so soon was far from appealing.

And Especially when by the fact that they were lacking in available agents.

Amara was occupied with caring for the two ill agents, Nemo and Espen, while Rafaèlla and Yamir were swamped with paperwork.

Meanwhile, Aiden, Adrianne, and Sara were already indisposed on separate missions.

Leaving; Iris, Viktoriya, Sora, Barnaby and Azzurra, behind.

And she couldn't possibly send Azzurra to a mission..

She promised.

"I recently found a suspicious looking location in Greece while I was supervising recently so I put all the evidence I gathered on this USB for you to see, I just wanted to help you any way I can" Azzurra spoke timidly, looking away as she waited for her response.

Viktoriya raised an eyebrow at Azzurra's words, "A suspicious building in Greece you say?"

She leaned forward intently, eager to glean more information, "What exactly about this building seemed suspicious to you? Its location, architecture, the people lingering around it..?"

Azzurra felt a bit of pressure as Viktoriya leaned forward,but she continued with her explanation

"Everything about it was suspicious, It was in a very deserted part of Greece,the architecture was strange and outdated as it's a coliseum actually and I saw..a couple of people going in and out of it that looked like part of ancient Greece, its weird" She looked up at Viktoriya trying to make eye contact as she talked hoping he was taking her seriously.

Azzurra's words caused Viktoriya to turn her gaze upon Iris, both of them sharing puzzled expressions.

The unexpected context behind Azzurra's explanation had clearly caught them off guard, further adding to the mystery surrounding the USB's contents.

But, what's up with them and USB? Damn.

"Ancient Greece, you say," Viktoriya's eyes narrow in suspicion.

While she doesn't believe Azzurra is the type to imagine things or make up stories, she can't help but question the validity of her claims.

The location, architecture, and people all seem too ambiguous.

It's possible she misinterpreted something innocent.

Meanwhils Iris's brow furrows as she listens carefully to Azzurra's words.

The mention of Ancient Greece and a deserted location in Greece set off alarm bells in her mind.

"Ancient Greece, eh?" She repeated Viktoriya's words, her voice slightly wary, "And a strange, outdated building where people affiliated with them are going in and out..That's definitely suspicious"

Iris glances at Viktoriya, her mind already rapidly processing the new information.

She honestly doesn't know what's going on.

Viktoriya turned to Iris and sighs internally, knowing that this will likely become yet another headache for the Mechanic Engineer, aka her, to deal with.

"It seems we have a situation on our hands," Viktoriya says to her, her tone measured and calm, "I'll contact the government and see if we can dig up any information on this suspicious building. In the meantime, I'll also look through our files to see if there's anything related to the activities in Greece"

Iris nods in agreement, her expression firm.

"Good idea," She replies. "The government will want to know about this, for sure and digging through our files might reveal connections we hadn't considered before."

Iris glances at Azzurra, her voice softer than usual, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Azzurra. Your observation skills are as sharp as always"

At Iris’s compliment, Azzura chuckled and smiled softly, her ears perking up in excitement like usual when she was complemented.

"Thank you Iris, I just hope it helps you,it’s nothing really.." She then smiled at Alhaitam before bowing and walking away, holding her hands together as she went back to her tasks.

Once Azzurra had left, Iris swiftly turned her attention back to Viktoriya, who was leaning against the wall, clearly exhausted.

The tiredness etched on Viktoriya's face was impossible to miss, and Iris instinctively knew that they were in dire need of a break.

As Viktoriya leaned against the wall, Iris couldn't help but chuckle, and she couldn't help but take the chance to tease her a bit.

"Hey, you alright over there, Vik? You look like you've just ran a marathon"

Viktoriya rolled her eyes at Iris's teasing.

She crossed her arms and gave her a playful glare, "Oh, very funny, Iris. I just came back from a mission, and you're teasing me about how exhausted I look. Just so you know, I'm perfectly fine, thank you very much" She said with a tone of pride yet sarcasm.

Iris couldn't help but chuckle as she crosses her arms defiantly at her.

She gives her a smirk, "Oh really now? Because you sure look like you could use a little break. I swear you're about to collapse on the floor at any moment." She said the last statement with a straightforward tone which took Viktoriya slightly off guard.

Viktoriya pushed herself off the wall, her exhaustion evidently weighing heavily upon her.

She made her way away from Iris and, with a weariness in her voice, muttered, "No, let's just get this over with"

____________________________________________

Viktoriya flicked the light switch, illuminating the space as she stepped into the workshop.

Iris followed closely behind, peeking through the doorway and holding the USB in her hand.

The moment the two entered the workshop, Viktoriya beelined for her desk, quickly settling into her seat and booting up her laptop.

Meanwhile, Iris placed the USB aside and assumed a position, leaning against the edge of her desk.

Viktoriya swiftly retrieved the USB and plugged it into her laptop, wasting no time in doing so.

Almost instantly, an image of a coliseum appeared on the screen, matching the description Azzurra had provided.

Iris takes a closer look at the image and a puzzled expression appears on her face.

"A coliseum, like she said..what do you suppose this picture is all about? Was this image on the USB the only thing Azzurra provided us?" Iris asked as Viktoriya clicked to the next image, which revealed a close-up shot of the top of the coliseum, albeit of a lower resolution.

Iris's gaze flicked back and forth between the image on the screen.

As Viktoriya continued to scrutinize the low-resolution image, she discerned the same detail that Azzurra had noticed - the people clad in outfits reminiscent of Ancient Greece.

The sight stirred a sense of familiarity within Viktoriya, a nagging feeling that she had either heard about or encountered such a sight before..

"Hold on," Viktoriya's brief statement caused Iris to perk up, her attention fully captured by her collaborator's words.

In response, Viktoriya abruptly pushed her chair away from the desk and quickly wheeled it over to the nearby drawers.

Without hesitation, she flung open the drawers, rummaging through their contents.

Viktoriya navigated through the drawers, starting from the beginning and proceeding in alphabetical order.

Her fingers danced over the files until she finally found the one she was searching for, and pulled it out.

She then reeled herself closer to the desk, placing the file flat on the surface and opening it.

Iris watched closely, observing as Viktoriya located and retrieved the desired file.

As she leaned in a bit closer as Viktoriya began to open the file, curiosity piqued, "Finally found what you're looking for, Vik?"

Viktoriya nodded as she began to flip through the file, scanning it with her eyes and looking for the information they needed.

She paused on a certain page and pointed to it, gesturing for Iris to take a look.

"Yes, I found the file on Greece, the government sent this to us a couple months back," She paused, "There's some useful information in here.."

The file simply says;

***

Coliseum

We recently discovered abandoned building in a remote part of Greece.

Despite appearances, the structure appeared fresh with modern proportions applied to its ancient exterior.

Limited information was available, suggesting a need for further investigation.

***

What might seem insignificant to a casual observer held greater significance for Viktoriya.

And ofcourse, the government hasn't updated them anything from this issue ever since then.

BUT.

The presence of modern touches in the abandoned building indicated that its use was imminent, and perhaps that future had arrived.

And whoever's behind it, knows what they're playing at.

"Based on this file, it looks like there's some suspicious activity going on in one of the cities in Greece. We might need to send a team there to investigate further, to get the full picture" Viktoriya leaned back as she looked up at Iris.

Iris raised an eyebrow in response to her statement, "Investigate further, eh? Do you have any specifics on what exactly the suspicious activity is all about? And by send a team.." Iris glances at her expectantly as Viktoriya nods.

She crosses her arms and quirks an eyebrow, "Ah, right. And where do you suggest we're gonna get these 'agents' from? We can't exactly spare the few we have, especially with missions coming one after another. We're short on staff as it is"

Viktoriya pondered for a moment, her eyes focused on the file in front of her before looking up at Iris again, "Hmm, you're right. We are short on staff as is but I have a suggestion"

She leaned back in her chair and looked over at her, "How about I go with the investigation team?"

Iris's eyebrows shoot up and she immediately shakes her head in disapproval upon hearing her suggestion, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You want to go with the investigation team? That's even worse, Vik! Do you have any idea how incredibly dangerous that is especially on your state? I don't want-"

She quickly changes her mind and interrupts her as she thinks for a moment.

"Actually..screw that. I've changed my mind. I'll go with the research team myself, you can stay here and get some rest instead" Iris, with a thoughtful expression on her face, placed a reassuring hand on Viktoriya's shoulder.

In response, Viktoriya returned her gaze, locking eyes with Iris, her attention focused intently.

Viktoriya tilted her head, "Are you su-?"

She nods firmly, a determinate expression on his face, "Yeah, I'm sure. And you know what? This is actually a perfect opportunity for me to reconnect with Sora properly. I've been meaning to catch up with her anyway..not that she wants me around, but worth a try!" Iris removed her hand from Viktoriya's shoulder, her shrug conveying a sense of confidence.

With a playful wink and a smile, she grabbed the USB, signaling her departure.

"Alright, I'll see ya later, Vik. Just be sure to get some rest, okay? You look like you seriously need it!" As Iris departed, Viktoriya sat back in her seat, leaning her elbow on the desk and resting her cheek on her palm.

She observed Iris leave, a fond smile on her face, amused by her colleague's playful mannerisms.

"Sure, why not" A soft smile graced Viktoriya's lips as she whispered to herself, her eyelashes fluttering gently.

There was a sense of contentment in her expression, despite the ongoing exhaustion.

____________________________________________

Following a considerable wait, Iris successfully convened all available agents in the meeting room.

Everyone took their seats, and Iris stood in the center, her eyes sweeping across the faces of each agent.

Finally, with a thumbs up of encouragement from Barnaby, Iris began addressing the gathering.

Iris clears her throat and addresses the group, "Everyone, I have a bit of news to share," She says, her voice firm. "Our political analyst has recently discovered some critical information from the southern part of Europe, more specifically in Greece"

The room falls quiet as everyone waits for Iris to continue.

Iris navigated her fingers on the panel, and the image from the USB projected onto the hologram in front of them.

All eyes turned to the display, the agents present gazing and studying the scene, attempting to determine its location.

Iris takes a deep breath before continuing, "Our analyst has found a location in a deserted part of Greece that has particularly caught our attention. Surprisingly, the government had already noticed it due to its modern proportions, raising their suspicions. However, they haven't been updated since then, leaving us to wonder what's happening in this mysterious place"

A collective gasp echoed through the room as Iris advanced to the next photo, causing the hologram to shift, revealing a new image.

The agents' awe was palpable, their attention fully captivated by the visual presented before them.

Irid adds, "Our political analyst has also discovered unusual information - people dressed in costumes reminiscent of ancient Rome were seen near this mysterious place. This leads us to believe this could be a gathering of some kind, and we plan to use this information to infiltrate the coliseum and gather more intel"

When Iris officially declared the impending investigation, the agents perked up, preparing themselves for their names to be called out.

Meanwhile, the agents who had just emerged from working on paperwork – namely, Yamir and Rafaèlla – seemed too tired to be interested, sipping their coffee and drooping tiredly in their seats.

Iris nods confidently, "Alright, for this mission, we'll be sending Agents; Stonehouse, WinterCrux and I" A hint of amusement flickered in Iris's eyes as she glanced at Barnaby on her left, who silently rejoiced, raising his clenched fist in celebration.

In response, Iris chuckled, returning the gesture with a thumbs-up of her own.

Iris's gaze shifted to the right, landing on Sora, who appeared entirely nonchalant.

Upon realizing that Iris's attention was on her, Sora simply averted her gaze, maintaining her usual aloof demeanor.

While Iris was accustomed to Sora's behavior, the indifference was still somewhat irksome.

Iris refocuses back to the meeting, "Alright, that's all for now. I'll meet up with the assigned agents at the jet and hand out the outfits there. We'll discuss the plan further once we're all gathered. That is all"

With the meeting coming to a close, the agents started to disperse, and Sora, being one of them, made her way out of the room.

However, Iris was quick to realize and didn't want to let her go quite yet. She quickly moved to follow Sora, determined to catch up to her.

As Sora walked down the corridor, with Iris swiftly catching up and staying stride by her side.

The sudden presence of Iris made Sora take a mild flinch, but she remained still, continuing to walk in silence.

Iris approaches her with a friendly smile, "Hey there, Sora! Looking a bit anxious as usual, huh? No need to be so jumpy, we're all friends here!"

Iris chuckles gently and pats Sora on the back as Sora looks back at her with squinted eyes, "You know, the new mission I announced? I figured I'd give you all some time to prepare, but here you are, just walking the halls.." Iris said.

In response, Sora raised an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance in Iris's direction as she continued walking.

Sora's eyes then darted around uneasily as she tried to gather her thoughts, "Ah..um, yeah..I was just about to head back to my room. I needed some time to myself for a bit.."

She fidgeted with her black tie, fiddling with the smooth lining as if to occupy her hands and mind.

Iris notices Sora's nervous fidgeting and tries her best to give her a reassuring smile.

"Hey, I get it, everyone needs some time alone" She chuckles softly, not wanting to pressure her.

"But you seem a bit..on edge. You know, you can always come to me if you need to talk, right?" She puts her hands behind her back, trying to look less imposing.

"Uh..huh, sure" Sora averted her gaze from Iris, offering a brief response that confirmed her distant demeanor.

Although Iris may have expected as much, the aloofness still caught her attention, a common characteristic in Sora's behavior, nothing new.

"Oh, Anyways, maybe we cou-"

"You'll delivered the outfits by the jet, right?" Sora abruptly interjected, posing a question that Iris hadn't expected, causing her to momentarily falter.

However, Iris quickly regained her composure and gave a response, addressing Sora's query.

"Uh, yeah, wh-"

"Good." Sora abruptly brought an end to the conversation, cutting off Iris once again and accelerating her pace, quickly outpacing Iris's walk.

With a sense of desperation, Sora dashed down the corridor, swiftly leaving Iris behind.

As Iris gradually decreased her pace until she came to a halt, finding herself standing alone in the middle of the hallway, watching as Sora continued her departure.

The feeling of solitude settled upon Iris, a byproduct of Sora's distant mannerisms.

Sora, with her distant and guarded nature, would undoubtedly pose a challenge for Iris.

However, Iris was resolute in her determination to understand her better.

Despite being uncertain about the approach she would take, Iris was determined to do whatever it takes to break through Sora's barriers.

Her ice cold barriers.

____________________________________________

The mission had required a substantial journey, and the group eventually arrived in Greece.

Sora, her short jet-black hair gathered in a low messy ponytail and secured by a lavender headband, took a step forward, moving closer to the arena.

For this particular mission, Sora donned a simple yet elegant white dress.

It featured short sleeves akin to a t-shirt, while the skirt gracefully cascaded down to her knees, providing a sense of modest charm.

Completing her ensemble, Sora adorned a violet sash with black and lavender accents running along the sides, adding a touch of vibrancy to her overall look.

To further enhance her style, she secured a purple rope-like textured belt around her waist, creating a cohesive and visually captivating appearance.

"Sora, Wait up!" Iris called out from behind, Sora instinctively veered in the opposite direction, attempting to distance herself.

However, Iris, with her quick pace, swiftly caught up to Sora and fell into stride beside her, effortlessly matching her stride.

In contrast, Iris sported a golden circlet on her forehead, adorned with a radiant golden wing extending gracefully to one side.

Her luscious, curly brown locks were elegantly tied in a side bun and a cascade of waves, adding an air of regal charm to her appearance.

As for her outfit, Iris donned a red cloth that was expertly tied and secured by a golden shoulder armor, creating a chic and stylish single-strapped appearance.

To cinch her clothing in place, she also casually wore a golden belt around her waist, exuding a sense of confidence and practicality in her attire.

Completing her look, Iris sported a gold choker elegantly resting against her throat and a pair of gleaming golden cuffs at her wrists.

The finishing touch came in the form of stylish scarlet heels.

Though Sora was puzzled by how Iris could manage to move gracefully in high heels, her speed and agility made it clear that Iris was well-trained for such an outfit.

Choosing practicality over extravagance, Sora opted for a pair of dark purple boots, their simplicity belying their effectiveness.

Though they lacked the eye-catching elegance of Iris' heels, they promised practicality and reliability, making them a sensible choice for the task at hand.

"Soo, what's up? Anything new lately?" Iris posed the question, her straightforwardness catching Sora off guard.

Reacting instinctively, she slid away from Iris, attempting to create distance between them.

However, her escape was briefly interrupted as Barnaby joined the group, positioning himself next to Sora, effectively trapping her between them.

"Ayee, what's going?" Barnaby spoke casually as Sora couldn't help but notice his attire, consisting of a single cloth tied over one shoulder and cinched tightly with a camouflaged rope belt.

The cloth seemed to offer limited coverage, leaving a good portion of his chest exposed.

Sora couldn't help but wonder if this was the typical choice of clothing for men in ancient Greece, and given his muscular build, it appeared well-suited to his physique.

"OH, Hey Stonehouse, well we were just.." And that's all Sora heard as she found herself spacing out as Iris spoke, her words becoming nothing but background noise, as she craned her neck, gazing upward at the imposing building before them.

An enormous coliseum loomed before them, rising from the remnants of cement and potentially older materials.

Despite being on the exterior, the sound of cheering spectators echoed from within, their voices carrying a palpable sense of excitement.

They finally arrived at the entrance of the imposing coliseum, the colossal metal gates adorned with sharp spikes slowly lifting, granting them passage inside.

As they ventured inside, the cheering from the throngs of spectators grew notably louder, and Sora was instantly bathed in the warm glow of the sun.

Glancing to her left, she noticed the section of the crowd donning red accessories and flags, eagerly supporting the team of that color.

Turning her gaze to the right, she encountered a group waving blue memorabilia and cheering for the opposing team.

Squinting against the glare of the sunlight, Sora raised her head further and glanced at the towering structure situated at the center of the two spectator sections.

She surmised that it must be the 'King of Clubs' 's tower.

However, the king seemed to be conspicuous by his absence, suggesting that he had not yet made his appearance.

Before Sora could delve further into her observations, her attention was abruptly diverted by an uproar of loud cheers coming from the left side.

Turning her gaze towards the source of the commotion, she discovered that the spectators on that side had become increasingly animated, their excitement clearly reaching a fever pitch.

Now that made Sora curious as she turned her head forward at the battlegrounds as shock and horror washed over Sora as she witnessed a muscular figure brutally smashing a person's head in with a massive hammer, sending their brain matter flying in all directions.

The sight was both sickening and terrifying, and Sora found herself repulsed by the sight.

I guess you could say; His mind was blown away.

[guizh0ng]

~Cruel~

People could be cruel.

They tend to hurt others' feelings and plant a bad impression to them even if they didn't mean it.

People say I'm not cruel.

"You're the nicest person I met" They said.

I don't think I'm nice.

People say I'm too nice for my own good when I'm only doing it for validation.

I couldn't care less if you're dying infront of me, you weren't even useful to me in the first place.

I have a friend.

They say she's like a robot, only caring for what makes sense and logical that she doesn't have a hint of sympathy on her.

That's not true.

She's human, she's not a robot, she can feel things even if she doesn't accept the fact that she can like the rest of us.

Then there's me.

I'm cruel, I know.

Unlike her, I know and accept the fact that I am, but I can't show them that.

I'm nice, they said.

I'm a cruel person.

I won't say sorry if I invalidated his feelings, he deserves it my feelings are also valid.

But sure, if that's what you want, I'll apologize but I can't promise I'll mean it.

Because I'm just like that.

I'm not proud of it, quite the opposite actually, I loathe this part of me.

But what can I do?

I'm just cruel.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 25: Mind Blown

(TW: Short and author brain is fried yummy)

Miaoli cautiously entered the room, her steps echoed by her mint green fur boots with acacia brown cuffs on her heels.

'So that's where those assassins we sent went..'

Despite the grisly sight that greeted her, she took a shaky breath, attempting to muster courage and nonchalance.

A single bead of perspiration trickled down her brow, but she steadfastly brushed off the graphic tableau before her.

Miaoli clutched her leather sling bag tightly as she fidgeted with the keychain attached to it, hoping to alleviate the tension coiled within her.

Her mint-hued fur jacket, its torso tailored to reach only her midsection, boasted a thick furry collar adorned with smoky quartz buttons.

As she edged her way forward across the room, the hood of her jacket slipped off, revealing her tense expression from her dark purple eyes.

With a swift movement, Miaoli increased her pace, making her dark green hair bounce with her every stride.

Concealed beneath her jacket was a suit featuring long dark green sleeves, with two pockets on either side, and paired with it were fluffy shorts, adding an extra layer of warmth.

Completing her outfit was a pair of dark brown socks, ensuring her survival to the cold and insulation.

When Miaoli reached the door to the other side, she cautiously placed a hand on the handle, silently bracing herself.

Yet, a sense of unease washed over her as she attempted to push it open.

Something felt wrong.

Realization dawned upon her as she discovered that the door wouldn't budge, blocked by some unknown obstruction or presence on the other side.

With a resigned sigh, she reluctantly let go of the handle, taking several steps backwards to distance herself from the door.

Her eyes, now locked onto her sling bag, signaled herself to determination not to remain defenseless to anything.

Gripping a ball made entirely of glass, its size almost small enough to fit in her hand, Miaoli observed it with calculated precision.

The glass orb contained a fizzy purple liquid, reflecting the tension in the room.

With a resolute nod, she readied her body and her arm, positioning herself for the upcoming throw.

She tensed, prepared to hurl the ball at the door, envisioning it bursting through and flinging the barrier open.

Drawing upon her courage and strength, Miaoli decisively hurled the ball with all the might she could summon.

Immediately after the release, she swiftly turned, distancing herself from the impact.

A deafening explosion rocked the air, the force of impact unleashing a powerful gust of wind.

Miaoli's hair fluttered in the wind generated by the blast, a testament to the magnitude of the explosion she had unleashed.

After waiting a moment to settle herself, Miaoli adjusted her glasses and turned around to behold the aftermath of her actions.

A colossal wall now stood formidable and imposing, a testament to the power she wielded.

A sly smile crept upon her face, this was the same item that produced the chaos she had caused earlier with her cunning use of chemical bombs.

She had indeed left a lasting impression on the agents, even if they didn't know it.

But now that she thought about it, her expression shifted as she momentarily pondered the reason behind the agents' presence.

She frowned, struck by a sudden realization.

While her boss, Isabella, left a lot to be desired in terms of competence, Miaoli couldn't shake off a nagging feeling.

After all, Isabella was fiercely dedicated to this whole assassin group to grow.

Why hadn't she provided any information, not a single notice..?

..Nevermind that, Miaoli snapped out of her reverie, swiftly refocusing her attention on the daunting problem ahead.

With a subtle shift of her body, she cautiously advanced towards the revealed sight beyond the wall.

Her eyes widened as she discovered the pile of rubble sprawling before her.

The pieces, as she walked closer, she realized, had cascaded from the ceiling above, creating an imposing heap she now faced.

Stepping into the adjacent room, Miaoli made her way around the looming pile, carefully pondering over the situation.

Aware that she might be trapped beneath the rubble, she decided against a quick explosion.

Instead, she circled the heap in search of a solution, her mind engaged in intense thought.

Miaoli suddenly halted as a shattering sound reached her ears, prompting her to lower her gaze.

Her boots had crunched a fragment of glass, and underneath it lay a peculiar liquid that immediately caught her attention.

Instinctively, she knew this liquid wasn't something provided by her boss, Isabella, or even the previous owner of the assassin's guild for the people they sent to get her.

Just a glance was enough to confirm that the liquid didn't belong to them.

The experienced scientist, Miaoli, quickly deduced that the agents had indeed been there before her, well that's her only possible explanation at the moment, evident from the new appearance of the foreign substance on the floor.

She surveyed the room's condition, noting the evidence of failed attempts to capture her.

This prompted a slight look to play on her eyes, as she thought to herself: 'These agents didnt manage to get past her, huh'

With no time to lose, Miaoli steeled herself and rolled up her sleeves.

The fur mittens covering her hands provided ample protection as she gripped the first piece of rubble and began moving it away from the larger pile.

Working efficiently, she carried the debris away as quickly as possible, her focus unwavering despite the urgent situation.

Hope glistened in Miaoli's eyes as she spotted her head peeking out from one side of the rubble.

However, a tinge of wariness accompanied her gaze, acknowledging the unknown threat posed by her if she were to awaken.

Thankfully, Miaoli had prepared a safety measure in case things took a turn, hopefully not.

As she bent to lift another piece of rubble, a vine snaked swiftly around her wrist, interrupting her action.

Quick realization crept into her mind, and a curse muttered up to her mind, 'Damn it.'

Miaoli didn't have time to act as the vines snared her and hurled her against the wall.

The impact jarred her body, eliciting a sharp gasp of pain.

She felt a sting of agony ripple through her, momentarily causing her to wince.

Recovering quickly, she fought to steady her breathing, trying to push past the pain and regain her composure.

But she provided no window for Miaoli to regain her bearings.

With uncanny precision, another vine shot out or.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Miaoli's eyes widened as she understood the pressing need to act swiftly.

With her bag's sling secured around her neck, Miaoli skillfully evaded another vine attack by ducking under it and swiftly dropping into a crouching position.

As she moved, her hand shot out to grab a nearby bottle filled with a dark, ominous red liquid.

Seeing Yuri midway through rising, Miaoli seized the opportunity and charged toward the weakened form.

As she sprinted, her mind calculated the crucial moment when Yuri was vulnerable and not yet at full strength.

With swift and calculated movements, she lunged forward, slamming into Yuri, pinning her to the ground.

She struggled furiously, attempting to retaliate with a vine aimed at Miaoli's head, but the quick-witted assassin evaded the blow just in time.

However, as Miaoli pinned Yuri to the ground, holding her down while occupied with her wrists, she didn't notice another vine coming for her left shoulder.

The unexpected attack pierced through her skin, leaving a painful wound and causing weakness on that side.

Reacting to the impact, pain etched across Miaoli's face, making her grip on her loosen slightly.

But she knew she couldn't afford to let Yuri slip away, Miaoli made a split-second decision.

With determination etched on her face, she quickly maneuvered her right arm, which was holding the bottle, to her teeth.

Biting the cork, she swiftly pulled it off, revealing the contents of the vial.

With grim determination, Miaoli forced the final drops of the liquid down Yuri's throat.

Despite Yuri's fierce resistance, Miaoli held firm, ensuring she swallowed every last bit.

As the liquid took its toll, Yuri's body finally succumbed, her vines

withering away, but her body remained intact.

The struggle ended with Yuri unconscious, now at Miaoli's mercy.

Catching her breath after the intense struggle, Miaoli stood up and crouched down next to Yuri.

Exhausted, she gently lifted her head from the cold hard floor, gazing at Yuri's peaceful form.

Taking a moment to recover from the exertion, Miaoli steadied her erratic breathing, the adrenaline slowly subsiding.

"Finally.." Miaoli mutters under her breath, "You're back, my Jasmine."

____________________________________________

As the dust settled, Iris smoothly returned her gun to her belt.

Simultaneously, Viktoriya finished off the remaining enemies on her side, leaving the area clear and secure.

Indeed, it had been a month since the dramatic mission in Iceland, and Iris admitted to herself, there had been a few unexpected events transpiring since their return.

Life had certainly gone off the predictable track.

A fitting beginning to the list of unforeseen events was Yamir's extensive explanation about the avalanche incident.

The whole missionary team received an unexpected earful from Iris and Viktoriya, which, while uncomfortable, ultimately ended on a more positive note.

The subsequent disappointment of the second mission was undoubtedly a major blow to the agency.

Despite a previous success in the first mission, the failure in the second mission hung like a heavy cloud over their heads.

Iris felt the weight of disappointment but strived not to let pessimism take over.

And worse than all the news she received, the moment Iris noticed Sora's return, the sight sent a pang through her heart.

Sora appeared more disheveled and distraught than ever before, and Iris couldn't shake a sense of foreboding about her condition..

..While Iris made a sincere effort to offer support and understanding to Sora, but there was a undeniable distance that hung between them.

It was as if a massive wall had expanded, keeping Iris on the outside of Sora's boundaries.

The more Iris tried to reach out, the more she felt pushed back.

With Sora's situation at the back of her mind, Iris will now shift her attention to Viktoriya, who once again took the forefront.

As usual, Viktoriya was Iris' primary focus, and the same held true at this moment.

True, the current mission right now had provided an opportunity for them to collaborate effectively.

However, their recent interaction remained unaddressed, hanging discreetly in the air between them, waiting to be acknowledged.

Now, agreeing with herself that it was time to address the lingering tension, Iris acknowledged that their age and the shared experiences they had built together over the years called for a resolution.

There was no need to let the argument go on any longer.

After all, they had been through so much to have this petty argument.

"Hey, Mazekeen.." With a brief pause, Iris mustered her resolve and pivoted on her heel, turning her gaze towards Viktoriya.

Her partner stood facing away from her, the gap between them feeling strangely wider than usual.

There's alot of gaps and walls Iris needs to overcome, and this is one of them.

Viktoriya slowly turned around to face her.

Her expression cold and emotionless yet there was hurt behind it, "..Yes? What do you want?"

Her cold tone takes her by surprise.

There's so many things she wanted to say-so many things she wanted to shout at her- yet, they all vanished and left only one response that seemed appropriate.

"I..I'm.."

Iris could feel the lump in her throat from struggling with her words before she forced herself to keep talking.

"..I'm sorry."

That took Viktoriya by surprise.

Apologies have never been her thing, it's like she's forcing the words out her mouth.

She rubs the back of her neck as she tries to gather her thoughts together.

"..I'm sorry for..all the crap I put you through. I'm sorry for being a shitty partner, a shitty leader.." Her gaze falls down towards the ground as she avoids looking at her in the eye.

Looking at Viktoriya, Iris acknowledged that, although she didn't believe everything was entirely her fault, she knew the need to mend her part in the situation, even Iris was kind of had her own mind blown she's doing this right now.

"I..I accept your apology." Viktoriya, who usually maintains a stoic front, sighed, momentarily setting aside her pride.

It was a rare occasion where she revealed this side of herself, a privilege reserved only for those she deemed worthy.

"To be honest, I should apologize for my part in it too.. I shouldn't have lashed out at you the way that I did, and I should have handled the situation better. I'm..sor..I apologise" Viktoriya paused for a moment, but then raised her head and met Iris' gaze, which held a softness that almost seemed tearful.

However, Viktoriya knew intuitively that Iris wouldn't.

Viktoriya smiled, "Are you getting emotional on me now, Petronova? After all these years, I never thought I-"

As Viktoriya was just about to complete her sentence, the sudden tightening of Iris' arms around her stopped her.

A wave of surprise washed over her face as she opened her eyes, only to find Iris embracing her tightly.

Iris' face buried into her shoulder, seeking solace in their embrace.

Despite expecting the sudden hug, Viktoriya couldn't help but be slightly stunned by the unexpected warmth of Iris' embrace.

It was an unfamiliar sensation, yet Viktoriya instinctively returned the hug, encircling Iris in her own comforting embrace.

____________________________________________

Sora lay on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling above.

She found herself in this familiar yet sterile environment all too often.

The repetitive visits to the clinic had become a wearying routine, further etching the weariness on her face and heart.

Sora had spent a considerable amount of time in this state, lying in bed like a lifeless husk.

The bandages around her chest had become loose, and the thin material of the hospital gown did little to provide comfort.

She didn't care actually, as she had already been informed that the cold snow hadn't caused any significant harm, according to Amara.

Some people had visited Sora, Adrianne being among the first.

She incessantly bombarded Sora with questions and efforts to get her to communicate or at the very least..look her way.

However, Sora was relentlessly stubborn, refusing to give her any response.

Yamir had made his appearance as well to check on Sora's well-being.

Although Sora assumed he came because Aiden had asked him to, she couldn't bring herself to care much.

However, she did receive a small gesture of kindness from him-a cup of warm cocoa, which was..quite nice.

Surprisingly, Iris paid a visit often, talking about misunderstandings and the need to reconnecting in good terms.

But Sora's indifference remained.

Deep down, she had convinced herself that caring about others left her vulnerable, opening the door to potential harm.

She believed that by keeping her distance, she shielded herself from any risk.

She needs to play it safe, and she'll do it her way.

Sora questioned why they couldn't just leave her alone.

True, her physical state may have been relatively unscathed, yet the memory of being buried under layers of snow, thinking she might not survive the ordeal, had seared a deep scar on her mind.

The haunting thoughts of her near-death experience plagued her every night, chipping away at her very being..

The more she pondered, the deeper the dread settled.

The root cause of her predicament gnawed at her soul.

She questioned her own reason for putting herself in that hellish situation.

Was it a desperate cry for danger, or a subconscious self-destructive urge?

The turmoil within her mind grew, as she struggled to make sense of her own questionable actions.

"What's wrong with me..?" She whispered, the weight of her self-inflicted pain heavy on her heart.

As she laid prone in the hospital bed, Sora placed her palms over her eyes, attempting to shield herself from the world for her misery, which was kinda pathetic.

As Sora shielded her eyes with her palms, she felt the weight of someone or something on the side of her bed.

Curiosity piqued, she parted her fingers to catch a glimpse, only to find Amara sitting beside her, her expression filled with concern, "Hey Sora, are you okay?"

Sora reluctantly removed her hands from her face, choosing to engage in conversation with Amara if only for a brief moment.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Sora replied quickly.

Amara, though initially hesitant due to Sora's initial lack of engagement, chose to continue the conversation despite her doubts, "Well, alright..your clothes are on the bathroom by the way bur are you sure you're okay? You look a bit pale.." Amara cautiously moved her hand towards Sora's forehead, intending to touch her for testing.

However, before she could make contact, Sora swiftly shot upright in bed, abruptly sitting up and then standing, catching Amara off guard with her unexpected swiftness.

"Bathroom? Got it." Sora responded in a flat, emotionless tone before quickly walking into the bathroom situated within the clinic and promptly shutting the door behind her.

Sora clutched the handles behind her, her hands trembling as she approached the sink.

Steadying herself, she gripped the sides of the sink firmly, her eyes locked with her own reflection in the mirror.

She really needs to get herself back together.

Sora found herself shaken, her emotions swirling in a chaotic jumble.

She struggled to understand the cause, but the need for composure was paramount.

"Get a grip," She whispered to herself, attempting to steady her quivering hands and erratic heartbeat.

Sora swiftly twisted the faucet, allowing the icy cold water to flow down the drain.

Her shaking hands relished the cold sensation as she held them beneath the stream, letting the water wash over them.

Shutting off the faucet, she raised her gaze to meet her own gaze in the mirror, her expression dull and emotionless, her skin glistening from the water that had soaked her face.

Welcome back to reality.

____________________________________________

Time seemed to pass as moments turned into minutes since Sora had departed for the bathroom.

In the meantime, Amara focused on her task, diligently arranging the medical and sterilized supplies.

Being an agent came with challenges, especially for being the medic who took on the crucial responsibility of caring for everyone's well-being after missions.

It wasn't easy.

But what else did she expect?

'If only she came along..' Amara's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the bathroom door swung open, revealing Sora, now fully dressed.

Amara couldn't help but break into a warm smile at the sight, pleased to see Sora fully dressed.

"Hey Sora! You all set?" Amara posed a question, her tone brief and to the point.

Sora, though looking weary, responded with a weary frown.

Sora looks at Amara feeling a bit confused by her question, tilting her, "Uhm..I think? What do you mean by that?"

Amara laughs a little when she sees Sora's confusion, "Uh, I mean, are you ready to get discharged from this place? This..clinic?"

"I..I am, yeah. I would very much like to get out of here" Sora's response was direct and devoid of embellishment.

She met Amara's gaze with a steady, somewhat blank expression, her words devoid of any attempt to sugarcoat or downplay her exhaustion.

"Alright then. I don't really need to do any other checkups if you don't want to, so I guess I'll just have to see you later..I suppose?" Amara added a touch of uncertainty to her final statement, and Sora seized the cue to make her departure.

She lowered her head, averting her gaze from Amara's line of sight, preparing herself to leave.

"Right..sure" Sora issued a brief farewell as she made her exit, swiftly walking towards the exit door.

With a decisive click, she closed the door behind her, severing the connection between herself and Amara.

Now.

Honestly, Sora doesn't really want to leave the clinic, she just doesn't like people.

But now that she's out here, what does she do?

Sora found herself stuck in a predicament - she couldn't retreat to her shared room with Espen, as it would feel akin to being confined to a hospital bed at the clinic.

And she can't let her bad thoughts take over her mind again.

So maybe she needs to distract herself..? With a sense of determination, Sora considered a viable option - distracting herself by exploring the facility.

While she had already taken a previous tour, this time, she would be embarking on this journey alone, sans the company of Nemo.

Okay, let's go.

Sora began her solo exploration, traversing down the hallway past the various rooms she had seen during her initial tour.

The familiar surroundings held a new atmosphere, as she navigated the space without Nemo's presence by her side.

The library came into view, a place that had once been the site of lessons on psychology and English, where Sora had been guided by Viktoriya.

However, these teachings had ceased, leading to Viktoriya being preoccupied with other matters.

In the absence of formal instruction, Sora had taken it upon herself to study independently, even discovering a few entertaining novels along the way.

As Sora continued down the hallway, she reached the training grounds, a location where Adrianne had diligently taught her survival skills and self-defense.

Sora vividly remembered her humbling experience on the first day, where she had been thoroughly outclassed an obliterated by Adrianne.

Which was a pretty bad experience but first impressions die hard.

And then there's the computer lab..

..Which she'd rather not talk or think about at all.

No good thing ever happened there.

And then Sora finally arrived at the meeting room, a space she had never had the chance to properly explore.

Her previous interactions with the room had been limited to Iris' mission announcements, so Sora was eager to take a closer look.

Stepping into the room, Sora's gaze was immediately drawn to the massive hologram of the globe, now restored.

She circled the projection, taking in the captivating sight of the three-dimensional model of the world they inhabited.

It was a mesmerizing experience, leaving Sora fascinated by the intricate details of the hologram.

Sora's observation of the globe was abruptly interrupted as the holographic model suddenly zoomed in, zeroing in on the shape of the country of Greece.

Her eyes soaked in the new image, but her thoughts turned to the question of who was controlling the globe.

The sudden change in perspective left her wondering about the unseen hand manipulating the hologram.

As Sora shifted her focus, she noticed a woman dressed in a striking pink suit, looking as though she had just stepped out of a Barbie movie.

The woman exuded a sense of elegance and ease in her stance.

Her brown eyes complemented her light brown skin and black hair, which was tied in a messy bun, with a few bleached tips adding a touch of modernity.

She's pretty.

. . .

Who is she again?

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 24: Escape Trail

(TW: Swearing, rushed fr)

Viktoriya's hands, although rough and calloused, moved with remarkable grace as she wielded the tweezers.

With practiced care, she plucked a petal from a jasmine flower, each movement precise and measured.

Raising it to a specific height, she observed the controlled experiment in front of her, satisfied with its smooth progression.

It's a testament for her hypothesis afterall.

With swift yet controlled motions, Viktoriya moved her hands over the small glass palette, where a sample of the chemical 'Lusus Naturae' was carefully placed.

Her focus was unwavering as she prepared for the next stage of her experiment.

Viktoriya observed closely as the petal came into contact with the 'Lusus Naturae,' watching intently as tiny vines emerged and began wriggling like worms.

The sight was both captivating and strange.

However, her fascination turned to dissatisfaction as the vines soon faltered and appeared to wither.

The discovery, though intriguing, did not produce the results she had hoped for but rather the results she expected.

And as she expected that the effect of the chemical on the individual jasmine petal was weak and fleeting.

It was as she had anticipated; without a strong, living host to receive and internalize the power of the 'Lusus Naturae,' the results on a single flower would be limited.

She sat back in her chair and massaged her temples, feeling frustrated.

She knew that without a living host, the chemical would never reach its full potential without a cell having to activate it.

The thought of relying on a flimsy flower to activate the formula made her uneasy.

She let out a sigh of defeat and picked a petal from a nearby Jasmine flower.

Twirling the delicate petal between her fingers, she pondered the significance of its inclusion in the mixture.

As she crushed the petal, watching it transform into a pile of dust, she found some small comfort in knowing at least this one puzzle piece of the larger mystery surrounding the formula.

Atleast now she knows why Jasmine flowers are specifically chosen.

She was abruptly pulled from her train of thought by an unexpected knock at the door.

Judging from the sound of the knock, she knew it wasn't Iris.

Viktoriya let out an irritated sigh as she fixed her posture and sat upright.

She was rather busy at the moment, though she knew refusing to let someone in would seem rather rude, "Who is it?"

A female's melodic voice drifts through the door, "It's just me, Amara. I hope I'm not disturbing you or anything"

Viktoriya perked up a little and her shoulders relaxed a bit.

It was Amara - and she was never a particular bother.

But still..

"Come in, but this better be quick" Viktoriya swiveled in her chair as she prepared to face Amara, her arms crossed in anticipation.

She watched intently as the door gently opened, revealing Amara's head and ravenette side ponytail.

Viktoriya's gaze was cool and calculating as she waited for Amara to fully enter.

"Hey, there, Vik" A hint of playful humor laced Amara's words as she stepped fully into the room, closing the door behind her.

She held Viktoriya's gaze, a subtle smile playing on her lips, "I HOPE I'm not interrupting anything important" Viktoriya couldn't help but slightly loosen up at Amara's chuckle.

The woman's attempts to lighten the mood seemed to have a small effect, and Viktoriya found herself appreciating the effort.

"Anyways, what's up?" Amara immediately asked.

"No, no. You're good. Actually, I did want to discuss something." Viktoriya's eyes seemed to light up as she brought up the topic at hand.

"So, I've recently discovered the connection between chemiluminescent reaction from the chemical as you've heart from the recent meeting and the Jasmine flowers. It's quite fascinating, actually.."

Viktoriya's finger thoughtfully found its way to her chin as she turned her chair away from Amara, standing up and moving towards the bulletin board covered in notes.

Amara's expression turned to one of mild confusion, wondering what Viktoriya was up to.

"Oh? That does sound fascinating," She said with a hint of amusement though confused, "But my medical degree doesn't cover chemistry, so can you uh..explain it, Vik?" Amara sheepishly asked, her laugh hinting at her nervousness.

She placed a hand on the table as she leaned against it for support.

Viktoriya let out a soft chuckle at Amara's admission.

How could she forget not everyone is as advanced on the scientific jargon as she is?

Viktoriya paused for a moment to think, trying to simplify her explanation, though knowing herself it would be difficult, "Right, right, sorry about that"

She then faced the bulletin board, gathering her thoughts before preparing to explain her theories and research.

She composed herself, deciding to just get to the point, "So, there's this dangerous chemical, as you know, named 'Lusus Naturae'. It can improve any living thing, physically, but it's..unstable" Viktoriya began as Amara looked at her to go on.

Viktoriya continued her explanation, pointing at specific notes on the bulletin board, her eyes following the connective threads that linked them together.

"But here's where things get interesting," Viktoriya continued, a slight intrigue in her eyes, "When this chemical, which technically doesn't have any life, comes into contact with human cells, it starts to behave like a retrovirus."

She explained, trying her best to elaborate on the scientific terms, "Instead of remaining passive, this virus becomes active, and gets integrated into the human genome."

Viktoriya fixed her gaze on Amara, her intense expression demanding her attention.

Realization dawned on Amara as she connected the dots, understanding the significance of what Viktoriya was saying about one particular aspect of her research.

"I think I remember learning about something like this in A-level biology on med school," She offered with a smile, "But if this chemical acts as a retrovirus and integrates into human cells, could that be the reason behind 'that' girl's instability?" Amara spoke up, seeking confirmation of her understanding.

Viktoriya nodded in agreement, appreciating Amara's contribution to the conversation, "Exactly. The fact that the chemical acts as a retrovirus is the reason behind why that girl is suffering from such physical and possibly her mental instability."

She looked intensely at the board, "And unfortunately, retroviruses are notoriously difficult to cure. That's precisely why the scientists decided to mix something else with the chemical."

Viktoriya finished, looking back at Amara.

Amara leaned in, intrigued by Viktoriya's words. "Ah! Is this the part where where the Jasmine flowers come into play??" She mused.

Viktoriya nodded once again, grateful for Amara's attentive understanding, "Precisely. The connection between the chemical and Jasmine's flowers is that they used it for its calming properties. It's widely known that Jasmine flowers help soothe tension, stress, and anxiety in humans and it's easily accessible in China aswell not in Iceland"

Viktoriya then sighed, seeming a bit disappointed as she continued to explain, "However, what they didn't know is that a flower alone can only do so much, especially when dealing with such a volatile and unprecedented chemical.."

As Amara absorbed Viktoriya's words, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, sensing that the discussion was heading into darker matters.

Despite her discomfort, she pushed through and let Viktoriya continue explaining her research.

Viktoriya chuckled bitterly, shaking her head in slight irony at the situation, "It's quite ironic, isn't it? A flower known for its calming effects could result in creating an unstable subject" Viktoriya let out a bitter frown, her hands firmly pressed on the edge of the board as she looked down at the floor.

Her eyes revealed a hint of frustration, "While the Jasmine's fragrance had a calming effect on the girls, thus allowing them to easily access their 'abilities' but without any control or knowledge behind these abilities, it created a dangerous and unpredictable entity" Viktoriya's hand moved to one of the pinned up notes on the board, her grip tightening on the paper.

Her knuckles turned white from the intensity of her grasp as she held onto the note tightly, as though anchoring herself to it.

"It's as if the flower's own power to soothe had the potential to sow chaos in return, every action has it's equal opposite reaction afterall." Viktoriya concluded her explanation, ripping the note off the board with force.

She then crushed it firmly in her hands, crumpling it into a tight ball.

Amara listened attentively, noticing a growing sense of worry as she witnessed Viktoriya's behavior.

There was a reason she had come to visit Viktoriya, and seeing her like this made Amara even more concerned.

"Hey, Vik, are you alright? Sure this whole, Lu..whatever chemical is not getting on your head?" Amara asked gently, her tone laced with a gentle tease, "Don't worry, I won't go using flowers to turn myself into a human weapon, promise" Amara, trying to lift the mood, approached Viktoriya and gently led her back to her seat.

She could sense the tension and frustration in the air, and hoped that sitting down would provide a bit of comfort.

Viktoriya smiled weakly at Amara's attempt to lighten the mood.

She allowed herself to be guided back to her seat, grateful for her presence.

She took a deep breath and composed herself before responding to her question.

"Just a little frustrated, although you don't even have the scientific abilities to do so in the first place" She admitted, making Amara laugh weakly and then remembered something.

Viktoriya turned her gaze towards Amara, a quizzical expression on her face, "Actually, I was wondering - why are you here?

Amara felt a pang of surprise upon hearing Viktoriya's question, causing her to step back slightly.

In response, she nervously fidgeted, rubbing the back of her neck as she looked away, her eyes avoiding Viktoriya's gaze.

"Well..we can talk about that later" Amata awkwardly smiled.

Yeah, they can talk about Iris later.

Until Viktoriya cools down.

____________________________________________

"Shitshitshit.." Aiden muttered under his breath, his focus fixed on his earpiece as he attempted to establish a connection with the other agents.

Meanwhile, Yuri wandered around the dark room, using her vines to move instead of her feet, skillfully maneuvering without touching the ground.

"Don't be shy! It's rude to listen in on people when you don't show your face! Come out already!" Yuri spoke in a creepy yet enthusiastic tone, her voice filling the room.

However, Aiden was too busy with his earpiece, finally managing to connect it and not really paying attention to Yuri's ramblings.

In a whispered, panicked tone, Aiden mutters into the earpiece, "S-SilverMist..! SilverMist, I need assistance immediately..! 'She's' after me..!! Quickly..! H-hurry and send an evac, Trilence, I don't care..! Right now..!" He huddles closer under the table, trying to remain as low to the ground as possible and praying that he remains unnoticed.

There was a brief pause before Adrianne's voice finally came through the earpiece, mingled with static.

Meanwhile, Yuri proceeded to destroy various pieces of furniture in the room, her vines thrashing about with violent energy.

Until Adrianne's voice finally came through the comms.

"Wait, WHAT?! Damnit, Helios! Where are you? We'll be there ASAP. Just keep your head down and lay low" Adrianne immediately snaps to attention, her tone serious and urgent as she responds.

His heart races, a mix of fear and relief washes over him as he hears Adrianne's reassurances, "I-I'm in the room in the corner near the red carpet room! Please hurry, she'll catch me at any moment!"

He peaks his head out from under the table and surveys the room, watching the door and the windows in paranoia, hoping that Yuri won't catch on and skewer him.

"Right, wait up!" Adrianne ended the call abruptly, and before Aiden had a chance to react, Yuri forcefully slammed her head onto the table causing a loud thud to echo in the room.

"I know you're there." Yuri spoke with an eerie tone, her words echoing in the room.

One of her vines crashed through near Aiden, causing him to yelp and scramble to avoid it.

As he rapidly fumbled to set up his watch, but it was a futile effort.

Yuri had already locked onto his location, and he was in her senses.

Yuri lunged and sent her vines towards Aiden, nearly catching him in their grasp.

He barely evaded them, using his laser watch to slice through some of the tendrils that barreled toward him.

However, he knew that his only weapon wouldn't hold up against her relentless onslaught for much longer.

Aiden stopped in his tracks and quickly rummaged through his sling bag, pulling out a bottle filled with a bright teal liquid.

It was the item Iris had given him before they had departed.

***

"Attention everyone, once again" Iris says, her eyes sweeping across the room, "I have an announcement regarding the second mission"

With a gesture, she brings out a bottle filled with a bright teal liquid.

"This.." She continues, holding the bottle for all to see and awe, "Is exactly what you're going to be bringing"

Iris held the bottle, and the curiosity in the room was evident as everyone fixated on its contents.

They couldn't help but ponder what the liquid could be used for, its mystery adding to the intrigue.

"Mazekeen isn't the one who created this" She says, her voice firm. "These are substances from the government, used as a repellent for plants with chemicals however, I'm not entirely sure if they'll work as intended. But it's worth a try, and we can at least hope to weaken our subject with them."

***

Aiden hastily moved a few steps and shook the bottle gently, just as another vine came crashing his way.

He dodged it once more, but not without ripping his jacket in the process.

With no time to waste, Aiden swiftly removed his jacket along with his sling bag and moved it to his chest.

As the vine lunged towards him once more, he picked up the sling bag and broke into a desperate run, putting a bit of distance between himself and Yuri's reach.

Aiden attempted to open the bottle's cork, but another vine crashed toward him.

He didn't see it coming, and the impact knocked him off his feet, forcing him to drop the bottle.

He was sent crashing across the room where he slammed into a wall with a loud thud, the impact leaving him winded.

The vine let go of him after the collision, and Aiden stumbled to the ground, falling onto his knees.

His eyes were wide open as he looked down at the floor.

A trickle of blood escaped from his mouth, staining the ground beneath him.

'What the fuck..' Aiden's thoughts raced as he stared at the blood pooling on the floor beneath him.

He could feel his strength faltering, but he refused to give up.

He didn't want to let himself down; he was furious, frustrated that things weren't going his way or what he imagined.

With gritted teeth, he raised his head defiantly, biting his lip in sheerdetermination and anger.

Aiden's frustrated gaze locked onto the broken bottle, its contents now spilled onto the floor.

A mixture of blood and sweat damped his forehead as his lip started to bleed from the force of his clenching.

Aiden's head rose slowly, his body weak and exhausted from the struggle.

He looked up at the girl who looked down at him, her expression menacing and mischievous.

As she stepped on the spilled liquid, Aiden's eyes widened in surprise.

He expected the liquid to have an effect on her, but there was no change, no reaction at all.

Panic coursed through his veins as he realized the liquid had done nothing to her.

Frustration and desperation took over Aiden's mind as he was left in a state of despair.

With no options left, he could do nothing but brace himself for the inevitable impact.

The last thing he saw was the girl's smile and the terrifying sight of a vine hurtling towards him.

____________________________________________

Sara and Adrianne moved quickly down the halls, their urgency growing as time passed.

They had been navigating the dark corridors for a while now, and the task of finding their way back was becoming increasingly challenging.

After a period of struggle, Sara and Adrianne finally reached the staircase leading downstairs.

They wasted no time in descending the stairs and quickly made their way down the hall where Aiden had gone earlier.

As soon as Sara and Adrianne reached the section of the halls adorned with the red carpet, Adrianne swiftly snapped her fingers, signaling that they would split up to accelerate the search for Aiden's location.

With determination, they went their separate ways, each one urgently scanning their surroundings to find the room where Aiden was.

While Sara made way down the hallway, she spotted a small corner with a door set to the side.

Her eyes widened as she saw something that caught her attention.

She quickly snapped her fingers thrice, signaling for Adrianne's attention.

Without wasting a moment, Adrianne immediately made her way toward Sara.

"What is it?" Adrianne asked briefly, and Sara promptly pointed to the door at the side.

Without hesitation, the two women quickly nodded in agreement, signaling their readiness.

Sara took the lead and carefully opened the door, revealing a pitch-black room waiting on the other side.

Sara swiftly reached into her sling bag and retrieved a flashlight.

With trembling hands, she switched it on and bathed the room in a stark light, revealing a harrowing sight before her.

A door on the other side; That must be where Aiden is.

But other than that, the sight of the corpses scattered around the room made her gasp loudly, and she took a step back, horror etched across her face.

"Wait- Is something out there?" Adrianne, curious about what could have caused Sara's gasp, quickly followed close behind.

As she entered the room and the flashlight's light revealed the gruesome scene, she couldn't help but let out a strangled scream of her own.

"What in God's name has happened here..?!" Adrianne couldn't help but exclaim in horror as she took in the gruesome sight before her.

She had seen her fair share of corpses on the battlefield, but this was different.

Why would a facility be filled with so many lifeless bodies?

The sight sent chills down her spine, and a wave of unease washed over her.

Adrianne turned her gaze toward Sara and observed the frightened expression on her face.

Although Adrianne wasn't the best at reading people, she could sense that Sara had seen something similar to this sight before, yet different from her own experiences.

So with a firm and reassuring gesture, Adrianne placed her hand on Sara's shoulder, hoping to provide a small measure of companionship in this terrifying situation.

"Hey," Adrianne said firmly, "Breathe. We'll be okay. We'll get through this." Although she wasn't the best at offering solace, Adrianne had learned before that providing reassurance to someone in these kinds of situations, no matter how small, could make a difference.

And even if she knew it was cliché, it was true and she'll stick to that.

She squeezed Sara's shoulder gently, offering a silent reassurance that she was there to support her in this place.

Sara glanced back at Adrianne, still visibly shaken but grateful for the reassurance.

She took a few slow, deep breaths to steady her racing heart, closing her eyes briefly to regain a sense of composure.

Once she felt more calm, she nodded, signaling to Adrianne that she was ready to continue.

Sara took a deep breath and turned her gaze forward again, although she couldn't help but flinch slightly at the continued sight of the corpses strewn about the room.

She continued forward, with Adrianne walking closely alongside her as they made their way towards the door on the opposite side.

Sara's pace quickened as she hurriedly made her way to the other side of the room, anxious to escape the grim sight.

Adrianne easily kept up with her, their determination to leave this gruesome place propelling them forward.

As the door swung open, both Sara and Adrianne's eyes widened in shock, their jaws dropping in disbelief.

Whatever they saw on the other side was far more shocking and unexpected than the scene of the room filled with corpses.

Massive vines filled almost the entirety of the room, extending from the ceiling to the floor, creating an impenetrable barrier.

Sara and Adrianne's gazes traveled upward, and their eyes widened as they spotted the girl Iris was talking about; Yuri Baek, floating gracefully with the support of the vines.

To their horror, they also noticed the vines around Aiden's torso, slowly but surely strangling the life out of him.

"HELIOS!" Adrianne involuntarily let out a shout of call just when she saw Yuri turning their way, her blind gaze locking onto the unexpected visitors.

Yuri's face contorted into a wide, almost maniacal smile, her expression one of twisted delight.

It pleasing to have more uninvited guests interrupting whatever thoughts she had in mind.

"Oh? More guests? How lovely!" Yuri spoke in a mocking tone, her words laced with sarcasm.

In a swift motion, her vines lashed out towards Sara and Adrianne, forcing them to swiftly dart in opposite directions to avoid the onslaught.

Adrianne swiftly unsheathed her pocket knife, skillfully slashing and stabbing at the vines that threatened her path.

She pushed forward, her movements determined and graceful, as she attempted to get close to Yuri despite the relentless onslaught of vines.

Each strike of her blade cut through the vines with precision, creating an opening for her to advance, albeit slowly.

Her eyes stayed fixed on Yuri, keeping a watchful eye on the floating figure and her unpredictable attacks.

Meanwhile Sara adopted a defensive stance, her fists raised and ready for action.

However, instead of engaging in attack, she focused on dodging the vines, using her quick reflexes and agility to avoid making direct contact.

Yuri watched her movements, seeming unbothered by Sara's defensive strategy.

A smirk played on Yuri's lips as she observed Sara weaving and dodging the vines, purposefully prolonging the chase.

Afterall, It was just according to her liking, feeding on their fear and exhaustion before she finally pounced like the predator she was.

While Yuri's attention was fixed on Sara, Adrianne seized the opportunity to make her move.

She climbed up the vines, inching closer to Yuri while she was distracted.

However, Aiden's unexpected action abruptly interrupted Adrianne's progress, diverting her attention towards him.

Irritation flared across her face as she glanced at him in annoyance.

"The chemical Petronova gave us didn't work! She is too powerful! We need to get out of here, NOW!" Aiden cried out in distress, struggling against the unyielding grip of the vines that constricted his body.

Adrianne watched him, her irritation growing as she let out a frustrated eye roll in response to his cry for help.

Adrianne curses under her breath as she listens to Aiden's update.

Her face hardens, realizing that the situation has taken a turn for the worse, "Shut up, Helios! If that chemical didn't work, then we'll have to resort to brute forc–" Just as she was about to finish speaking, Adrianne is suddenly grabbed by one of the vines from behind.

Adrianne's attempts to break free proved futile as she too became ensnared by the vines gripping her tightly.

Her pocket knife slipped from her grasp, clattering loudly to the ground, out of her reach.

Frustration and irritation flashed across her face as she fought against the confinement of the vines, trying in vain to escape.

"Damn it!" Adrianne swore, struggling fiercely against the grasping vines.

Irritation and frustration etched across her face as her weapon clattered against the ground, just out of reach, "Curse these wretched things!"

Sara momentarily halted in her tracks as she took in the dire situation.

All her fellow agents had been ensnared by the vines, leaving only her standing.

The weight of responsibility and pressure settled heavily on her shoulders.

How could she possibly save them both?

The pressure was overwhelming, causing doubt to creep into her mind.

Can she truly handle this colossal task of rescuing everyone alone?

Her gaze lifted reluctantly, her eyes locking onto the sight of her fellow agents struggling against their captors.

Panic and anxiety coursed through her mind, leaving her paralyzed with indecision.

Unsure of what to do next, Sara froze in place, her heart pounding heavily in her chest

She's hesitating, again.

Adrianne locked eyes with Sara, desperation written all over her face.

Her look was a silent plea, imploring Sara to come to her aid and free her from the restricting vines, the same look Aleksandra gave her before she..

...

Despite the dire situation, Sara inexplicably found herself halting, taking a step back as she looked into Adrianne's pleading eyes. 

Sara's heart ached as she wrestled with her choices.

She couldn't possibly rescue them alone, she just couldn't; they needed backup. Yamir, the villagers, anyone could help, but she couldn't do this alone!

In a swift motion, she deliberately averted her gaze from Adrianne, unable to bear the weight of her pleading look as she turned her heel away.

...

____________________________________________

Yamir continued to observe Sora with growing concern, noticing her being mindlessly immersed in her thoughts while she sat on the windowsill, gazing out the window.

Though Yamir usually didn't involve himself in the musings of others, Sora's behavior piqued his interest, even surpassing his typical indifference.

The recent avalanche incident could have been a factor, but something deeper seemed to be troubling Sora, even if Yamir wasn't entirely sure what it was.

Yet, if there was one thing Yamir knew, it was that Aiden would likely react strongly if he saw Sora in her current condition.

Given Aiden's tendency to express his worries, Yamir had no doubt that he would endlessly rant about his concerns regarding Sora and he doesn't want to hear all that at all.

So he released a sigh, acknowledging that he needed to take action.

He rose from his chair, resolute to find out what was going through Sora's mind.

Yamir took a seat beside Sora on the windowsill, settling in the empty space next to her.

He glanced at her briefly before turning his gaze outwards, taking in the same view she had been staring at.

The snowy ground and the ongoing snowfall outside was all that could be seen, though it was now less intense compared to earlier.

"Why are you staring out there? There's nothing much to see except for the snowy ground and the snowfall" Yamir broke the silence with a stoic tone, his voice cutting through the stillness in the room.

He glanced at Sora to see her gaze fixed out the window, her response indicating that she was still aware of his presence.

"It's none of your business. I'm just looking out the window, that's all. Don't you have anything better to do than bother me?" Sora whispered in a vacant tone, her attention briefly shifted from the window as she spared a quick glance at Yamir.

Yamir then frowns slightly, slightly taken aback by Sora's cold response.

He takes a deep breath before calmly replying, "Look, I don't want to bother you as much as you don't want to be bothered, but you're making it difficult. If you keep looking the way you are, Helios is going to nag me endlessly about his concerns for you. And trust me, his nagging is something I'd rather avoid." Yamir, with his usual candor, returned Sora's blank stare.

His gaze unwavering, he decided to be straightforward with her.

Sora's gaze softens slightly as he responds to Yamir, "Don't worry about me. Just tell Helios that I'll be fine. there's no need for him to worry about me, he's just wasting his time, I'm tougher than i look, you know" Sora responded reassuringly, yet her words belied a deeper sentiment.

She didn't care about the emotions of others, or so she tried to convince herself.

However, when she knew she was at fault for something, she couldn't simply ignore it.

She didn't want to be a terrible person, but all she desired was for people to leave her alone so they wouldn't suffer from being around her.

She believed the longer people stayed near her, the more likely they were to be hurt.

And the more she'll get hurt so she can't afford that again.

While Sora delved deep on her mind, Yamir silently observed Sora, his gaze penetrating beyond her words.

He could see through the bullshit she was putting up, but he refrained from confronting her outright.

Even he understood that doing so would be venturing into a line he can't cross, and he didn't want to push her too far.

Yamir sighs softly as looks at her with a hint of resignation in his eyes, and spoke in a neutral tone, "Fine, if you don't want to talk, I'll let you be, just don't get too depressed, you'll look like twice your age" A hint of amusement crept into Yamir's voice as he slightly taunted Sora.

She gawked at him, her jaw dropping in surprise, clearly caught off guard by his comment.

Despite his usual stoic demeanor, Yamir couldn't help but find humor in the moment as he chuckled inwardly.

Just then a sudden buzz sounded in Yamir's earpiece, prompting him to swiftly get up from the windowsill.

Without wasting a moment, he excused himself and moved to a secluded area in the room, ready to attend to the incoming message.

Yamir straightened up, his attention focused as a familiar, deep voice seeped through the earpiece, "Heyyya Lunearrr! How's the mission going over there?" Barnaby's voice crackled through the earpiece as Yamir listened intently.

When he realized it was just Barnaby on the other end, Yamir let out an exasperated sigh.

"The mission has gone well so me and SilverMist are all done there" Yamir simply responded.

"Well, since the mission is going ok I'm just chillin' over at the lowland launch pad waiting for the others, so you can head on over here while we wait for them" Barnaby's response caused Yamir to break a slight sweat.

He glanced discreetly back at Sora, then turned away again, his expression turning contemplative.

After taking a shaky breath, Yamir responded, his voice cool and composed, "Alright, I'll head over there but we'll need to talk once I get there"

"Okay..? Well, stay safe, over" After Barnaby ended the call, Yamir closed his eyes, a slight feeling of dread washing over him.

It seemed like he had some explaining to do.

____________________________________________

...

Then, what?

Just so Sara could come back to them lifeless as ever?

Is this what she'll end up doing after she ran away from her hometown so hopefully she'll get over herself?

Her selfish, cowardly self.

Just so she'll run away from HER PROBLEMS ALL OVER AGAIN?!

...

Sara's sick of all this.

Sick of being scared.

Sick of abandoning people.

Sick of herself.

...

Yet the silence surrounds her.

Her silence.

..She wonders how many times she'll silent herself.

Oh.

Will she ever win against herself?

Maybe.

It's time to speak up to herself.

...

..

.

With a deep breath, Sara turned back to face Yuri, her fear palpable.

She knew she was scared, but she refused to let that hold her back.

Though she wasn't sure if today would be the day she'd overcome her cowardice, she was determined to take the first step.

Mustering her courage, she squared her shoulders and locked her gaze on Yuri squarely.

It was an immensely horrifying sight that met Sara's gaze: Yuri's sinister display, suffocating her comrades with ease, while Aiden lay unconscious and Adrianne fought desperately to free herself from the tightening grip of the vines.

Vines had blanketed the entire room, their size growing larger and more menacing than ever before.

Sara's eyes widened further in terror, her body begins to succumb to the overwhelming anxiety that threatened to overpower her.

She could feel her knuckles growing weak and her legs buckling beneath her, as if they could no longer support her weight.

The fear was palpable, and it took every ounce of determination for her to remain standing.

She's hesitating.

But not for long.

Taking a shuddering breath, Sara gathered her strength, her knuckles becoming firm and determined.

She gritted her teeth and steeled her gaze, knowing she couldn't retreat now.

She had come this far to give in to her fear.

With every ounce of courage she could muster, she faced the danger head-on, unwilling to let it overwhelm her.

Sara forcefully turned her head, striking a vine heavily that loomed nearby.

The sudden movement caught Yuri's attention, causing the predator to redirect her focus onto Sara, who had just become the primary prey for Yuri's predatory desires.

"Aww, cute." Yuri's menacing smile widened as she mockingly spoke, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She lessened her hold on Adrianne and Aiden's bodies, redirecting her attention towards Sara, her sights now set on charging towards her.

While Yuri channeled her attack towards Sara, sending numerous vines her way, Sara focused on rescuing Aiden.

She expertly dodged Yuri's onslaught, maneuvering with agility to evade each attack.

The vines struck the walls, missing their target, creating a chaotic display.

Sara was acutely aware that they were no match for Yuri at the moment, just as Aiden had pointed out.

Therefore, her priority became clear: they needed to get to safety, focusing on their lives first and foremost.

They would have another opportunity to confront Yuri, hopefully, but they had to ensure their survival in the present.

Because any sane person would do that instead of facing a supernatural of some kind.

In a calculated move, Sara landed a forceful blow on the vine, causing it to falter momentarily.

She seized the opportunity and hesitantly yet quickly stepped onto it, using it as a makeshift platform to reach Aiden's unconscious frame.

With deliberate steps, she navigated through the vines, her focus centered on freeing her incapacitated teammate, Aiden.

Some damsel in distress he is.

"UGH, HEY!" Yuri expressed her irritation, escalating her attacks and increasing their intensity.

Sara skillfully evaded each one, her evasive maneuvers leaving Yuri's continued assaults to harmlessly hit the walls time and time again.

Swiftly, Sara arrived at Aiden's side and promptly set to work freeing him from the restraining vines.

She punched them, breaking their grip on him, and then shouldered his body with practiced ease.

However, just as she turned her head, a vine shot towards her, and Yuri's displeasure was evident to Sara's actions.

Barely dodging the vine in time, Sara stumbled back, teetering on the edge.

It seemed she was about to tumble off, only to be suddenly caught by a vine snaring just below where she was standing.

Though she was spared from a potentially disastrous fall, the precarious situation hung in the air.

Sara was ensnared by an unfortunate predicament; she was unable to dodge the rapid onslaught of vines hurtling towards her as she clutched onto Aiden's unconscious frame.

A sense of resignation washed over her, and she hastily shut her eyes, silently hoping she would still be alive when she dared to open them again.

When Sara cautiously opened her eyes, she felt a viscous liquid hit her face.

She glanced up to see Adrianne's brunette ponytail swing into view as the latter fiercely slashed through the surrounding vine with expert precision.

The severed portion plummeted over the edge, leaving behind an ominous silence.

"YOU! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE- NO!" Yuri seethed in mounting frustration, enraged by Adrianne's intervention.

However, Sara's hopeful gaze locked onto Adrianne, her eyes reflecting a spark of ease.

"Come on," Adrianne says firmly, "We're not staying here! We're getting out of this damn place" Adrianne's encouragment resonated with Sara, and she nodded with determination.

Readjusting her hold on Aiden, Sara took the lead, with Adrianne closely following behind, ready to slice through any vines that threatened their path.

As the agents navigated through the tangled vines, Yuri's frustration boiled over, leading her to launch more reckless attacks.

However, these uncalculated assaults only resulted in futile impacts against the wall.

By the time she could react, the agents had already reached the door.

Realizing mistakes error, Yuri tried to pursue them, but was caught off guard by the colossal size of her own vines, Yuri felt the horror as both her vines and herself crashed into the wall.

The rumble of the falling ceiling reverberated through the facility, and in her momentary surprise, she failed to react in time.

The cascading debris made her and her vines stagger, giving the agents the precious opportunity they needed to escape.

Without hesitation, they rushed out of there, refusing to spare a glance back.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 23: Wildflower

(TW: Cannibalism and description of corpses)

Adrianne took a moment to make final adjustments to her gear, ensuring everything was securely fastened for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, Sara clung tightly to her back, her arms wrapped around Adrianne's waist in a firm embrace.

Aiden, cramped up on the sled attached to the snowmobile, double-checked the rope securing his position.

Although Adrianne wasn't entirely certain if it was secure, she dismissed any doubts and decided to trust in her preparations.

Adrianne started the engine, feeling the familiar vibration as the snowmobile roared to life.

Without a second thought, she took off, effortlessly gliding through the thick snow.

Behind her, Aiden's muffled scream faded into the distance, but she didn't let it faze her.

As Adrianne glided through the snow-covered landscape with grace and speed, her thoughts kept circling back to Sora.

Adrianne's mind was in a tangle of conflicting thoughts.

Seeing Sora, her student and friend, in such a vulnerable state had stirred up a storm of worry within her.

Despite her desire to remain focused on the journey ahead, her concern for Sora refused to fade away, constantly lingering in the back of her mind.

While Adrianne's relationship with Yamir was complex, to say the least.

They also had their share of disagreements, but Adrianne often provoked him for her own amusement, knowing that their bantering was ultimately harmless.

She understood Yamir's sense of urgency, but when it came to the question of what might happen to Sora, Adrianne felt an anxious knot form in her stomach.

She made a mental note to check on Sora as soon as the mission was done, praying that her friend would pull through.

Hey, whatever excuse she needs to get to know Sora better.

But at the same time Adrianne begrudgingly understood Yamir's perspective but refused to acknowledge it outwardly.

Her stubborn nature prevented her from easily admitting when he was in the right.

As she rode her snowmobile through the snowy terrain, she kept her thoughts to herself, the wind howling around her in the cold night air.

____________________________________________

Snow.

Snow..

Snow..?

Why is she in snow?

She gasped in surprise as a blurry figure suddenly lunged towards her, wielding an unknown object with the intent to attack.

Despite her initial fear, her reflexes kicked in unexpectedly, and she managed to dodge the attack just in time.

The object barely grazed her arm, but the question lingered in her mind – where had her sudden move come from?

Where did she even learn that?

Surely Adrianne didn't teach her that, wait who i—

She found herself in a desperate fight for survival, her body moving in a flurry of defensive and offensive maneuvers.

Despite the chill seeping through her body, she somehow managed to counterattack her attacker, trying to make them lose their balance on the slippery snow-covered ground.

It was as if some instinctual force was guiding her actions, even as she herself was puzzled by how she could move so effortlessly in such harsh conditions.

And before she knew it, her vision blurred as she was suddenly swept off her feet, sending her world into darkness.

Her body felt like it was floating, suspended in a state of unconsciousness.

It was a strange feeling, like being caught in a dream-like trance, her senses dulled and her surroundings fading away into oblivion.

***

Sora's eyes snapped open, and her gaze darted around the small space.

Wood walls surrounded her, and a fireplace flickered nearby, yet surprisingly, she didn't feel any warmth from it.

Confusion and disorientation filled her mind as she wondered where she was and how she had ended up here.

Where was the trace of the snowy landscape she had been in moments ago?

Snow..?

There's no snow.

"Ah, you've finally woken up." Yamir closed the book in his hands with a sense of finality, setting the reading glasses down on the coffee table.

He leaned back in his sofa chair and shifted his gaze to Sora, sitting across from him.

The room was filled with a solemn energy as they sat in the same space, separated by the coffee table, "You gave us quite the trouble back there. How are you feeling?"

Sora's eyes were guarded, and she regarded Yamir with a mix of caution and wariness.

She remained silent, carefully studying his expression and trying to assess the situation she found herself in.

Sora lets out a soft groan, still feeling groggy from being unconscious for who knows how long.

She looks around cautiously, her guard still up, and asks in a weary tone, "I'm..feeling alright, I suppose. but..where am I? what happened?"

Yanie nods understandingly, "We're currently in a small hut near the lowlands. We're taking refuge here for the time being until Agent Stonehouse can safely make his way back to retrieve us.."

He also made sure to give her a reassuring look as he added, "Rest assured, you are safe here."

Sora continued to look at Yamir suspiciously but as she does so Sora gradually became aware of a dull pain in her chest, a discomfort that hindered her movement and prevented her from getting up from the seat she occupied.

She glanced down at her body, noticing the blankets enveloping her, but the coldness that lingered within her persisted despite the layers of fabric.

"I see.." Sora's voice was raspy and hoarse, a symptom of her recent ordeal, as she looked at Yamir with a sharp, direct gaze.

She pushed past the weakness and discomfort, locking her eyes onto his, searching for answers in his expression, "And..how long have i been out for?"

"Four hours, well almost" Yamir replied in a matter-of-fact tone, his voice carrying a calm, detached neutrality.

Sora responded with a soft "Mhm," before leaning back on her sofa chair.

She fixed her gaze on the flickering flames dancing within the fireplace nearby, her eyes taking on a pensive, melancholy expression.

Yamir observed Sora's pensive expression, and although Yamir couldn't fully understand what Sora was feeling or thinking in that moment, he still recognized the weight of her melancholy expression.

As her colleague, he cared about her well-being to an extent, though his concern paled in comparison to the depth he reserved for someone else.

He sighed, "Excuse me real quick" Yamir stood up from his chair, excusing himself quietly.

He walked past Sora, and she acknowledged his departure with a simple nod.

The room fell into a brief silence, leaving Sora alone with her thoughts as she sat there, still wrapped in the blankets that failed to provide much warmth.

Amidst her melancholic state, Sora found herself reflecting on the one certainty she had – she didn't forget the events that affected her.

Despite having lost her memories, Sora's mind was open and receptive to new experiences and information.

The events that had occurred in the recent past were firmly etched in her mind, as she firmly grasped onto every detail and sensation from those moments.

She sat there, wrapped in the blankets, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace, her mind steeped in a state of deep contemplation and wandering.

She wasn't supposed to save them in the first place.

Herself is her only priority.

So why.

Sora's thoughts took a melancholic turn as they wandered into darker territories.

She pondered the key to her own world, contemplating if it truly belonged to her.

The image of being alone – the only one – became increasingly indistinct, as if the truth was slowly being swallowed up by uncertainty.

Doubt crept into her mind – could she trust anyone around her?

Who's to say it wasn't all a facade, with no one actually genuinely caring for her?

So with all that being said, Sora concluded one solution on her mind.

She has to push everyone else that's on her way, she'll do it one or another if she has to.

She's just alone in her world afterall.

She can't have anyone on her before it's too late.

Before she'll put herself in more danger.

Lost in her pensive thoughts, Sora had been completely engrossed in her own musings when she suddenly felt a warm mug being held up infront of her face.

The steam swirled around it, snapping her back to the present moment.

Her gaze flickered up to see Yamir standing before her, holding the mug in one hand while he himself had another mug in his other hand.

"Here, drink up. You'll need something warm after that ordeal" Yamir extended the steaming mug towards Sora, its warmth radiating off the sides.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with both confusion and curiosity.

Yamir let out a weary sigh in response, "If you just keep staring like that, I might think you're a statue instead of a living person. Take it before I put the mug back down."

Sora perked up by his words as she made a valiant effort to extract her arms from the tangle of blankets around her, her movements laced with a bit of difficulty and a tinge of pain.

Although it took a while, she finally managed to grab it securely in her hands as Yamir still waited for her, holding the hot mug steady.

Her fingers curled around the handle and touched the side of the mug, feeling the warmth radiate up to her palms.

With her hands wrapped around the mug, Sora glanced down at the contents within.

The drink inside was a soft, light brown color, and there was a hint of what might be creamer.

Hoping it wasn't milk, she hesitated momentarily, recalling her past experience at the agency trying milk.

Fingers crossed, she silently hoped it wasn't milk.

Tiny marshmallows, a mix of white and light pink, floated around in the drink, adding a playful touch to the otherwise simple beverage.

As Sora took a small, tentative sip, she was struck by a sense of familiarity, as if she had tasted this drink before.

However, the memories eluded her, leaving her to wonder when and where she might have discovered this drink..

Did she even..?

...

Nevermind.

Sora glanced up from the mug to find that Yamir had already settled himself across from her, a hint of satisfaction on his face as if he had already anticipated her reaction.

He calmly took a sip from his own mug, his gaze fixed on hers.

As Sora couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly at his smug demeanor before taking another small sip from her own steaming drink.

And although Sora and Yamir relished the comfortable silence that enveloped the room, she appreciated the absence of unnecessary conversation.

It was a mutual understanding that neither of them was fond of idle chatter.

The only sounds that filled the room were the light sips from their mugs and the soft, crackling warmth of the fireplace, as the flames danced within, casting a gentle, relaxing glow around them.

____________________________________________

"We're here.." Aiden let out a mutter under his breath and struggled to extract himself from the cramped sled.

Once freed, he joined the other two, and together they looked out at the massive facility covered in thick snow before them, its imposing structure standing against the wintery backdrop.

Aiden looked up at the looming facility, the unease within him growing stronger.

He knew from experience that something felt off within, having dealt with a fair share of missions with similar premonitions.

However, he tried to steel himself, even if he is scared inside.

"Are we gonna go I'm orrrr???" Adrianne spoke up, her hand resting on her hip as she turned to look at Aiden.

She waited for his response, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.

Aiden flinched, quite flustered that Adrianne had to ask him that, "O-obviously we're going in! Why else would we come here?! I was simply..uhh" Aiden frantically glanced around, searching for an suitable excuse, and then suddenly, his expression brightened as an idea came to him.

He lifted his chin up proudly, a cocky smirk forming on his face.

"I'm just making sure the coast is clear of any pesky obstacles, yeah! You wouldn't know subtlety if it punched you in the face. Now stop yammering so much, Ms. Pretty but Physco!" Aiden blurted out as he strolled past Adrianne, who looked visibly irritated by his nickname of her.

Sara observed from the sidelines as Aiden approached the building with a fake air of confidence and purpose.

His head was held high, his body coiled and tense like a snake ready to strike.

Sara observed Adrianne's irritated expression as she placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Adrianne shifted her gaze up to Sara, their eyes meeting briefly.

Sara shook her head gently, as if signaling that it wasn't worth engaging with Aiden right now.

Adrianne turned her gaze away but couldn't help but agree internally with Sara's unspoken message.

Although she disliked admitting it, she recognized that Sara was better at making level-headed decisions than her in tense situations.

As they did so, Sara and Adrianne followed after and watched in silence as Aiden continued to struggle with the front door, pushing and pulling forcefully, but it remained firmly shut, refusing to budge.

The wintery air outside had left the door in a frozen state of stubbornness.

Adrianne let out an eye-roll as she watched Aiden's futile attempts to force open the frozen door.

Pulling out a pocket knife, she rolled up her sleeves and sauntered towards him, her determination evident in her actions.

"Ugh, enough with the incompetence. Step aside, Sir Tryhard. Let the professional handle thi–" Adrianne tried to step in and offer her assistance, but Aiden quickly stopped her with his hands, preventing her from interfering.

With a firm resolve, he insisted on trying to break the lock and the icy chain himself, stubbornly refusing help.

"A true gentleman shouldn't let a woman open the door for him!" He debated even more, "During my childhood, it was considered rude to let a lady do ANYTHING before a man does it first!!! Where have all the true gentleman gone?!" Aiden's frustration grew as he continued to struggle with the frozen door.

He decided to use his watch, fiddling with it until a lazer appeared, its light dancing over the icy surface of the door as he attempted to patiently melt it.

Adrianne then lets out a loud scoff at Aiden's old-fashioned views.

"Seriously? You've got to be kidding me!" Frustrated, Adrianne pushed Aiden aside, sending him stumbling backward into the thick, fluffy snow.

He struggled to regain his balance as a mix of surprise and annoyance flickered across his face.

Aiden's irritation quickly turned to disbelief as he watched Adrianne with her newly sharpened pocket knife.

With a swift motion, she sliced through the chains, causing them to fall away from the door in a single flick of her weapon.

With a powerful kick, she then busted open the icy door, its resistance crumbling before her fierce determination.

"There, now wasn't that so quick?" As Adrianne gloated over her victory, a smug smile played on her lips as she looked down at Aiden, who had just gotten up from the snow.

He dusted off the cold, white particles from his clothing, an irritated frown creasing his face.

He grudgingly followed Sara and Adrianne inside, still seething over being outplayed by Adrianne.

As he did so, Aiden looked around the facility, taking in the surroundings.

Before them was a long, dimly lit hallway that branched off to the left and continued straight ahead.

A damaged security lazer system stood in the distance, its lights flickering erratically, and various cables connected to it were visibly broken.

"Hey, I'll explore whatever is upstairs, Trilence will explore there" Adrianne pointed out to Aiden the the direction on the side, "You can explore areas," With a final parting comment, Adrianne turned away from Aiden and walked away, dismissing his presence.

She didn't feel like engaging in further conversation with him as her annoyance towards him was palpable.

It was fine though, Aiden didn't quite liked Adrianne either.

Aiden cautiously made his way towards the dark and ominous corner, gripping his watch with determination.

He carefully prepared his laser watch, ready to defend himself against any unexpected threats that darted out from the shadows.

The hallway wasn't that long so as Aiden came upon another corner, he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

This new hallway appeared equally dark and ominous, adding to his mounting nervousness.

He took a deep breath and carefully stepped forward, cautiously making his way down the shadowy corridor.

As Aiden walked down the dimly lit hallway, he passed by several rooms.

One room, adorned with a red carpet, caught his attention, although he wasnt quite sure the red carpet is the only thing that makes it red.

Aiden wrinkled his nose, detecting the faint, but undeniable stench of old blood lingering in the corners of the walls.

Aiden eyed the cramped side of the hallway with suspicion.

Despite his fears gnawing at him, he knew he couldn't afford to stand still.

He took a deep breath and cautiously approached the door.

The potential dangers of his situation were clear, and he couldn't allow himself to dwell on what-ifs.

After all, standing here idly was riskier than facing whatever lay ahead.

Aiden mustered up his courage, his grip tight on his tech watch.

With a resolute step, he entered the cramped, narrow way before the door.

He stood in front of the door, his hand reaching for the doorknob.

The creaking noise filled the air as he slowly swung the door open, revealing whatever lay inside.

"EUGH–" Aiden instinctively covered his mouth and nose, trying to shield himself from the overpowering stench of decaying flesh that filled the air.

The nauseous odor was so strong he could practically taste it, stirring his senses with its sickening intensity.

"What..what happened in here..?" He muttered under his breaths, the reek overwhelming him.

The room was dark so Aiden fumbled in the pitch darkness of the room, his eyes struggling to adjust.

With one hand, he navigated through his sling bag, searching for a flashlight.

Within the confines of the bag, his fingers wrapped around the shape of the flashlight, and after a few moments of searching, he finally pulled it out.

Aiden turned on the flashlight, the beam of light illuminating the dim surroundings.

His eyes went wide as the sight that greeted him was horrific – he gasped involuntarily, the sickening stench filling his nostrils, triggering his gag reflex.

Aiden fought hard against the urge to vomit, struggling to breathe through the foul odor.

He desperately covered his mouth, trying to keep the vomit at bay.

His heart pounded loudly in his chest as his mind raced with a flurry of questions.

He couldn't bear to look back at the gruesome sight that had just unfolded before him.

His eyes darted nervously around the room, searching desperately for anything to distract him from the horrifying revelation.

The sight was revolting.

A nauseating stench filled the room.

The grim sight of deattached limbs and unrecognizable faces overwhelmed him with disgust as he re-imagined the room inundated with dead bodies.

The corners appeared to be covered in a gruesome display of carnage, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of revulsion at the sight.

Just the thought of it makes him sick in the stomach.

Despite the overwhelming disgust and horror, Aiden took a deep breath and steeled himself.

He forced his eyes shut, trying to block out the sickening sight of the dismembered corpses strewn across the room.

He knew there was a door on the other side, so, relying on his tactile senses and instincts, he slowly, carefully navigated across the room, taking careful, measured steps to avoid any unexpected obstacles.

Every step Aiden took was filled with trepidation, as his feet inevitably stumbled upon the cold, motionless limbs of the lifeless bodies.

Each time, he flinched involuntarily, taking a step back before carefully maneuvering around the obstacle of flesh.

With a sense of relief, he finally reached the metallic doorknob and, using delicate movements, turned it and pushed the door open.

Its creaky sound echoed in the eerie silence.

Aiden quickly rushed into the new room and hastily closed the door behind him.

Taking deep breaths through his mouth, he could feel a sense of relief wash over him as he finally took a moment to open his previously closed eyes.

No longer confronted by the sight of the dismembered corpses, he allowed himself a moment of reprieve in the dimly lit darkness of the room.

Aiden took a moment to collect himself, his heart still racing from the previous ordeal.

Then, slowly, he lifted his flashlight, its beam of light cutting through the darkness.

He gasped in surprise, flinching at the sight of a girl hunched on the floor, engaged in the sickening sound of munching.

A growing dread filled him as he suspected what she was consuming. Aiden then clutched his tech watch, on high alert in case a fight became inevitable.

Just then Aiden noticed the girl raisedl her head, her macabre feast interrupted, she turned and met Aiden's gaze.

In the glow of the flashlight, Aiden observed her appearance, his mind racing to connect her features to Iris' description.

She had a sickly pallor of her skin, so pale it resembled freshly fallen snow.

Her body was frail and emaciated, a testament to her malnourished state.

Her hair, messy and disheveled, hung limply around her face, the vibrant teal strands an unnatural contrast against her sallow complexion.

"Who's there?" The girl spoke, her voice high-pitched and unnerving under the circumstances.

She unknowingly looked directly at Aiden, her unseeing white eyes adding an eerie quality to her already unsettling appearance.

Her mouth and hands were covered in blood, a massacred sight that only seemed to accentuate her casual attitude as she revealed yet another corpse on her plate.

Aiden's gasp of surprise broke the tense silence, only to be followed by a sharp intake of breath as Aiden swiftly dodged the sudden rush of vines, losing his balance in the process and falling to the ground.

His eyes widened in shock, and his breathing quickened, growing louder with each passing moment as he found himself in a dangerous predicament.

As he looked back at the girl, now standing in a tattered hospital gown, he noticed the worn bandages covering her limbs.

Adding to the surreal scene, vines of jasmine flowers sprouted from her back, her presence both beautiful and ominous.

She was just like Iris said.

***

"Alright everyone..Listen carefully. We've confirmed the name of our target. She is an experiment named 'Yuri Baek' Judging by her appearance, she's relatively young, but do not underestimate her. According to our research, she's capable of performing some..Unnatural acts, such as manipulating plant life. She's unstable and therefore, highly dangerous." The room fell into a hush as Iris made her announcement, her hands pressing firmly against the table top.

A mixture of shock and fear spread across the faces of each person present, especially those who knew the implications of the assignment at hand.

***

"Aw, I missed!" Yuri let out a frustrated exclaim, pouting momentarily before her smile quickly returned.

As if in response, the vines on her back suddenly sprung into action, lashing out at Aiden in a flurry of attacks.

Despite his best efforts, Aiden narrowly evaded each swing, his body straining at the edge of capture.

Aiden's flashlight pierced the oppressive darkness, revealing the expanse of the room.

In the distance, a hulking control panel came into view, its bulky frame casting a long shadow across the room.

Aiden noticed the space beneath is, hidden enough to offer refuge.

With Yuri's blindness, he reasoned that staying silent would ensure he remained undetected.

Aiden slid under the control panel, his movements quick and silent.

He held his breath and reached into his sling bag, his hands feeling for an item.

As his fingers brushed against a round, glassy ball, he extracted it with care, realizing that this was the snow globe he was meant to give to Sora.

Aiden was torn, knowing the significance of the snow globe as a gift for Sora, yet his own survival was paramount..

So with a heavy sigh, he made a tough decision.

His arm swung back, and he hurled the snow globe to the opposite end of the room.

Instantly, the sound drew Yuri's attention, her focus now directed away from the control panel and towards the point of noise.

He sighed to himself, he lives for now.

Now, is the right time to call for help.

____________________________________________

Amara perched on the edge of Espen's bed, her gaze lingering on the unconscious figure before her.

Her eyes betrayed the depth of her tiredness, the dark circles beneath them a testament to her exhaustion and anguish.

Amara was jolted from her thoughts as a soft knock echoed through the room.

With a subtle sigh, she turned just as Iris pushed open the door, her head peeking into the room before she fully stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

"Yo," Iris says, her voice smooth but quiet. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything"

"Ah, Iris, finally, there you are." She sets down the bottle she was holding and turns to face her, "I thought you were dead because you haven't seen me in days, what's up?" Amara gestured to the seat next to her, a weary smile playing on her lips.

Iris accepted the silent invitation and settled into the seat beside her, a hint of concern in her eyes despite her attempt to maintain a composed expression.

"Oh, nothing much!" She says, her demeanor casual, "I just had a bit of a.. run-in with Vik. Got into a bit of a debate, you know how it is!" Iris spoke, attempting a smile that Amara sensed held more weight than it let on.

Amara knew was likely about something more serious than a mere debatable talk.

"Oh? A 'bit of a debate', was it?" She leans against the chair she's sitting on, "What was it about? Something got her riled up, I take it?" Amara crossed her legs, her eyes locked on Iris's face, intently studying her expressions.

A small, knowing smirk tugged at the corners of her lips, trying to match Iris' smile.

"Well, she came at me about Sora" Iris says with a sigh, "Apparently, I haven't been doing enough to talk to her, and that I've just been distracting myself with other things. But she doesn't understand — I am trying my best, it's just..not easy to get through to her, you know? She's not the most open person.." Iris averted her gaze from Amara, her arms crossing over her chest as she mumbled the final part of her sentence.

Amara listens intently to Iris' words, her expression sympathetic.

She knows she's trying her best, but she also knows about Sora's closed-off nature.

"Hmm, Alright, I understand your point. But don't you think you're being a little too hard on yourself?" Amara took a moment to give Espen's resting form one final glance before turning her attention to Iris, who had finally looked back at her.

The two locked eyes, the weight of anticipation and unease hanging heavily between them.

"You are an open person, after all. It's one of your biggest strengths. So perhaps the problem isn't Sora being a difficult person to talk to.." Amara spoke in a soft, soothing voice, her words carrying the weight of concern and care.

Iris looked at her, a look of confusion clouding her features, unsure of how to interpret Amara's gentle tone.

"Maybe, just maybe, it's just about finding the right way to break through that wall she seems to have built up" Amara concluded her speech, her tone steady but gentle.

Iris froze, slightly taken aback by the unexpected information she had just received.

The revelation hit her like a wave, and she paused uncertainly, grappling with how to respond or react to the news.

"And I know you didn't liked that Viktoriya told you that stuff, maybe you'd even hated it.." Amara murmured as she looked at her softly, "But you said stupid stuff too, you both did" She finished off with a lighthearted smile.

Iris sat silently, taking in Amara's words.

While a part of her wanted to argue, to debate until one of them reached some imaginary victory and possibly fry Amara's brain, she knew deep down it was childish, a waste of time and energy, on really rare occasions but still.

She was no longer a child, she reminded herself, she had grown up.

It was time for her to face reality, as hard as it could be.

It was a question that now plagued her thoughts: why hadn't she realized it sooner?

But maybe deep down she had already recognized the truth, but had simply refused to acknowledge it, pushing it to the back of her mind.

Denial is a powerful thing, after all.

But the same goes to acceptance.

Yes, it was finally time to confront the truth.

To acknowledge her mistakes and own up to them.

She was flawed, far from perfect actually, but that didn't mean she couldn't change or try to make amends.

She also had engaged in petty squabbles with Viktoriya, using their arguments as a way to distract herself.

It was a coping mechanism, obviously, a way to escape her own inner problems.

She had hid information from Sora, believing it to be for the greater good, but in doing so she had only caused more hurt.

Then there was the argument, the heated exchanges that had left them both frustrated and resentful.

It wasn't right to treat Sora that way, she knew.

The girl deserved better.

A perfect leader, business partner, or person she was not, but she was determined to try.

Perhaps it was time to step up her game and put in the extra effort to make up for her mistakes, even if only in small ways.

It wouldn't be easy, she knows, but it was necessary for her personal growth and for those affected by her own actions.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 22: Red Snow

(TW: SWEARING, im sorry Amara😔😔, the author didn't proofread and she's dying inside just by writing this anyway, it suck)

Sara was the chief's village daughter.

And ofcourse, her future held an important responsibility as she was destined to become the next chief of her village.

By learning and observing her father's role, she would eventually inherit his position, becoming the leader of their community.

But ofcourse it wasn't easy for her, at all.

Yes, she had quite a wealth of creative and imaginative ideas, and still she struggled with self-doubt and constantly questioned her abilities.

Her hesitance to act on these ideas, coupled with her tendency to second guess herself, made her question whether she possessed the qualities necessary.

She had potential, yes, but she wasn't really the type of person her village is looking for a leader.

Though Sara wrestled with hesitancy and dread when it came to stepping out of her comfort zone, she persevered despite her own fears.

Regardless of how often she stumbled or unwittingly showcased her foolishness before the villagers, she never wavered from her determination to learn and grow as a future leader.

She wanted to prove that she's much more than a clumsy, little child.

But due to her perceived foolishness, Sara led a lonely childhood, devoid of companionship.

Despite her father's status as the village chief, people steered clear of her due to her constant fear of everything around her, the coward she is.

She was just a child afterall, but do they understand that?

...

Friendless and alone, Sara navigated her formative years lacking the support and friendship of those around her.

She was alone. It felt empty. She knew it was her fault, she's the one who made her own decisions afterall.

But, she was her one and only exception.

She, Aleksandra, was the first to accept Sara as she is and actually tries to help her get over her cowardness.

Aleksandra took Sara under her wing and guided her patiently through conquering one fear after another.

She showed her that even if it will take time to get over her cowardness, she'll still be there for her.

And for the first time in Sara's life, she felt truly understood and included.

Having someone by her side..she experienced the warmth of inclusion and the joy of having someone who believed in her.

She made her feel brave.

Aleksandra was good to her, she took Sara everywhere she went, new places to discover and old fears to come over.

Even the day where Aleksandra decided to accompany Sara on her first hike by the mountains.

...

So when disaster struck..

Sara stood in stunned silence, her own body gripped by a mild sense of panic as she observed the distressing scene unfolding before her.

Her best friend lay pinned beneath a massive boulder, her lower body crushed by its weight.

Only the upper part of her body remained visible above the snow.

Both Sara and Aleksandra had been victims of the avalanche, but while Sara had sustained a severe injury to her arms, almost ripping them from her sockets, Aleksandra's situation was far more dire.

Trapped beneath a boulder, her lower body crushed, Aleksandra endured an even more harrowing fate.

Sara gazed at her best friend in horror, her heart gripped by fear and helplessness.

Her breaths creating visible puffs in the cold air, she clutched her own injured shoulder, feeling lost and bewildered.

Panic flooded her mind, unsure of how to help her dearest friend, trapped and in pain.

She's hesitating.

Aleksandra met Sara's gaze, her own eyes wide with pain and fear.

Blood profusely gushed from her back, creating a mess she could no longer manage.

In a desperate attempt to reach out for her friend, Aleksandra stretched out her trembling hand towards Sara.

With pleading eyes on the verge of tears, Aleksandra frantically looked only at her and stared hopelessly.

"Sara, please..? H-... Help me... help...!" She cried, looking at the only person she could trust in that moment for support.

Sara was the person she turned to.

Despite the dire situation, Sara inexplicably found herself halting, taking a step back as she looked into Aleksandra's pleading eyes.

Frustration and confusion welled within her, as she realized her own reluctance and cowardice preventing her from helping her injured friend.

Instead, in the moment, she turned and fled, leaving a trail of blood behind her as she fled.

But she wasn't running away, Sara denied.

She convinced herself that she simply needed to reach the village and get aid.

In her mind, she refused to accept that she was abandoning her best friend in her time of desperate need. That wasn't what Aleksandra thought.

But as soon as Sara had rallied some assistance and Aleksandra's family arrived at the scene, they were greeted with a horrendous sight.

Their darling daughter lay battered and bloody, left behind and abandoned by her best friend.

The family's hearts shattered at the sight before them - their precious daughter, once brimming with life, now lying motionless and pale, her body left to rot.

They had placed their trust, for once, in Sara, the "Chief's Daughter," expecting her to atleast protect and watch over their precious child.

Now, all they were left with was a lifeless and pale figure, a grim reminder of shattered trust and abandonment.

But, Sara was the one to blame.

"You..because of you..my daughter is..!" Those words stuck in Sara's head.

As Sara stood there, her eyes fixated on her best friend's lifeless form lying in the snow, a maelstrom of conflicting emotions raged within her.

She grappled with feelings of confusion and frustration, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding before her.

The questions raced through her mind - was it really her fault? Why couldn't she hold onto the precious few positive things in her life? Why did fate always seem to conspire against her?!

The one person who was supposed to reciprocate the love and loyalty she felt for them..now was gone.

'I didn't-..I didn't mean to!'

'Please!'

'Believe me!'

Why didn't they understand.

Despite her father's frantic protests they still blamed her.

It didn't make sense, why didn't they listen.

'It- it wasn't..'

Looking back at the only person Sara considered a friend, who she may have even considered as something even more than a friend, like her guardian to her scared soul, is not here anymore.

...

In the end, she was nothing more than a coward for abandoning the only one who stood by her side.

And no matter how many times she pushed the thought away, no matter how much she tries to forget everything..

She knows.

It will all come back to her again.

***

And it did.

As the avalanche carried Sora's body away, Sara reacted in horror, her hands instinctively flying up to cover her mouth in shock as she tried to stop herself from vomiting.

Even years later, she could recall it well, with horridly vivid details.

It seemed old, dramatic even, to come to think of the day that she regarded as shaping her life-no matter how silly of a shaping it was.

Sara clutched her chest, feeling an intense ache surging through her as the memories flooded her mind.

Despite the pain, she miraculously managed to maintain her balance, not letting out a single scream from the sheer torment because it hurts.

It hurts so bad.

Her breathing becomes fast and panicked as her eyes dart around wildly but the only thing she sees is an illusion of her hand from that avalanche years ago.

She doesn't even know what's real or fake anymore, what is this? Where was she?!

The air becomes hot and instead of the warm gloves covering hee hands, she feels(?) the blood from her injury and..hers.

She looks down in absolute horror and sees her laying there.

Is her own mind playing games with her?!

Her head feels like it's about to burst and her chest is on fire.

"SORA!" Aiden's voice rang out loudly around as the two watched Sora's body being carried away by the powerful avalanche.

The sound echoed across the snow-covered area, the situation growing increasingly dire with each passing moment.

Meanwhile, Aiden rapidly made his way to the edge of the area, his eyes widening in alarm as he anxiously looked down below, desperately trying to ascertain Sora's whereabouts.

Fear and disbelief washed over him, his mind racing with worry for her safety.

"SORA!" Aiden's voice rang out even louder, filled with raw emotion as he screamed Sora's name once more, his entire body quivering with the force of his desperation.

Tears stung at the corners of his eyes as he struggled to hold back the flood of emotions swirling within him, his voice trembling with each syllable.

"Fuck..oh god no..god no.." There was an evident quivering in Aiden's voice.

"No, no, no..I have to find her... I have to find her... I have to find her" Aiden repeated his mission to himself multiple times, his focus solely on relocating Sora.

He dismissed any other thoughts from his mind, singularly determined to find her.

With swift and hurried movements, he climbed down the path, carefully navigating the slick and rocky terrain, his only objective being to find Sora.

As Sara now then notices Aiden descend the mountain haphazardly, she tried to ground herself, reminding herself not to panic or see things that weren't real.

With Sora just washed away by the avalanche and Aiden carelessly putting himself in harm's way, she couldn't afford to give in to her fears, she can't let her composure fall off.

Atleast, not now.

She knew the gravity of the situation; she couldn't allow Aiden to jeopardize himself, especially when Sora was still missing.

So with that, she knew she couldn't afford to make any further mistakes, not again.

He's clearly in a distressed state, she feared the recklessness he might inflict upon himself.

As Aiden continued his perilous climb downward, Sara hurriedly attempted to catch up to him, maintaining her own cautious steps.

As Aiden reached the bottom of the slope, his boots sinking into the thick layer of snow, he nearly lost his footing but remained unfazed, his focus fixated only on finding Sora.

However, before he could continue, Sara swiftly intercepted him, grabbing his wrist and turning him to face her.

Upon seeing Sara's distressed gaze, Aiden paused, his eyes moist with unshed tears.

"Sora's in danger! Let me go! I need to find her now!" Aiden's frustration and desperation grew as he restlessly attempted to break free of Sara's grasp.

However, she held onto his wrist tighter, signaling him to stay still.

"GODDAMMIT, LET ME GO!" Sara could sense Aiden's anger and determination from how he struggled against her gripping hand.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Sara knew that she had to take action quickly and calm him down before things escalated further.

Now feeling the pressure on his wrist grow firmer, Aiden momentarily ceased his struggle and met Sara's unwavering gaze.

Once Aiden stopped struggling and allowed his wrist to settle in his safe grasp, he faced Sara, holding his wrist closer to his body in a protective manner.

Sara sighed, preparing to converse with the distressed and determined young man.

Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself to address Aiden's impatient state of mind and the gravity of their current situation.

'Of course, we can't let WinterCrux suffer in the cold, but we also need help. We need to find her and bring her somewhere warm for her own sake. It's important not to forget the mission, yes, but their safety should be a priority too' Sara conveyed her message through sign language, gesturing deliberately to ensure she communicated clearly with Aiden.

However, his confusion was palpable as he watched her signs, taking a moment to internalize her words and process their meaning, "What..are you implying?" Aiden, his eyebrows furrowed and eyes squinting suspiciously, inquired with a hint of skepticism, his uncertainty evident as he questioned Sara's message.

Sara sighs at him, even she's so done with him, 'I'm suggesting that we reach out to Lunear and SilverMist to check the status of their mission and see if they're able to assist us here. Let's not take chances with her health. A quick call to them will help us assess the situation and whether they can provide aid in finding her a safe haven, since they have a quicker mission than us. Let's give it a shot' Sara communicated as Aiden processed her message, his gaze shifting to the ground momentarily.

After that incident, ofcourse Sara now knows what to do when someone has been washed by an avalanche, she can't take anymore risks..not again.

And ofcourse the first thin they need are people to help them!

Aiden then looking back at her and nodding in acknowledgment, signaling that he had understood what she had signed, "Alright, let's make this quick" Aiden responded promptly and adjusted his earpiece, activating it to establish communication.

____________________________________________

Yamir swiftly executed his final move, forcefully pushing a diminutive ticking time bomb shaped like a compass into the mouth of the terrorist, propelling him into a wall.

The subsequent explosion caused the terrorist's brains to splatter across the wall's corner.

"Wow, well, well, well, Lunear here really has some talent, If only he wasn't so damn grumpy all the time" Adrianne flashed a sly grin at Yamir as she casually wiped the blood stains from her knife.

In response to her taunting remark, Yamir let out a weary sigh, his expression reflecting exhaustion as his eyes rolled slightly.

"Quit it, SilverMist, I don't have time for your antics right now" Yamir succinctly responded to Adrianne's teasing, his hand reaching into a pocket to retrieve another miniature time bomb disguised as a pocket watch.

He inspected it thoughtfully for a moment, his focus shifting to the object.

Adrianne lets out an exaggerated gasp and places a hand on her chest, "Oh, come on, Lunear, can't you take a compliment?" She slipped her pocket knife back into her pocket before placing her hand on her hip.

She directed a cheeky smile at Yamir, a hint of playfulness evident in her demeanor.

Yamir responded to Adrianne's playful aura with yet another eye-roll, but a sudden buzz in his earpiece prompted him to swiftly shush her.

Although surprised, Adrianne obeyed him, her eyebrow quirked in curiosity.

As Yamir awaited for it to fully connect, a voice then perked up, "Lunear, are you done with your own mission yet? Over."

Right, it's his idiot best friend, Aiden.

"Yeah, it's done. Why? Over." Yamir tersely responded, maintaining his usual straightforward manner.

Meanwhile, Adrianne's curiosity was piqued, that she wanted to listen intently to whatever the conversation is unfolding between them.

Yamir heard Aiden let out a sigh of relief in the other end, "Good, finally.."

"Yeah, could you come over to my location?..I-I need your help with.. Something.." Aiden took the lead in the conversation this time, speaking with a more anxious tone.

Yamir picked up on the change in Aiden's voice and felt a pang of concern and confusion, wondering what could have caused him in a distressed state, he didn't sound alright. (no shit)

"Uh..Yeah, I'll come right now. Where are you exactly? Over." Yamir responded to Aiden's message, understanding the urgency in his voice.

He chose to hold off on asking questions for now, realizing that Aiden was clearly in a state of distress.

Adrianne, who observed the exchange, looked at Yamir with a perplexed expression, not knowing the details of the conversation but catching on to the fact that Yamir was as clueless as she was.

"I'm at the bottom of the Highland's mountain, the one next to the village mountain.. Just hurry over here as fast as you can, we don't have much time!" Aiden exclaimed with a hint of desperation as Yamir nodded in acknowledgment, picking up on his friend's distress.

Without delay, Yamir promptly responded, he pressed the button to the earpiece as he spoke, "Gotcha, on my way. Over."

With that, Yamir swiftly began moving, his pace accelerating as he dashed out of the building, leaving Adrianne momentarily taken aback.

Despite her initial surprise, she couldn't help but follow closely behind him, keeping up with his quickened stride,"Yo, Lunear, what's going on?!" She asked with a tone of exclamation.

"Helios and the others need help, explanation later" Yamir briefly responded as he focused on picking up his pace, running out.

____________________________________________

Aiden pressed the button to end the communication, and without hesitation, resumed his search for Sora, his mind focused on finding her.

Before pressing on, he paused for a moment and turned to Sara, a sense of urgency in his demeanor.

"Agent Trilence, wait here, Lunear and SilverMist are coming. I'm going to find So-.. WinterCrux. Please, don't get in my way." Aiden added a pleading tone to the last part of his words, the urgency in his voice increasing as he left Sara behind, preparing to continue the search for Sora.

Feeling a sense of loneliness, Sara stood there alone, awaiting the arrival of Yamir and Adrianne, a pang of solitude settling in her heart.

...

It's been a few years since that incident happened and today, she just happened to relive it.

It's been exactly fifteen years since the incident, fifteen years since..the guilt was eating her alive.

She knew it would come back to her but she never made herself ready.

In that moment, she can feel her legs trembled beneath her, threatening to give way.

Her muscles ached with the effort of holding herself together against the onslaught of memories, each one a painful reminder of the past she desperately tried to suppress.

She knew she couldn't afford to collapse, knew that reliving those moments would only cause her further torment.

Her gaze lifted to the snowy heavens, and she exhaled a gust of warm breath.

She pauses, the silence of the snowy area creeping in, the lack of a happy soul more profound than any sound.

Her heart thumps painfully against her ribs, taunting her, mocking her, shaming her.

With a swallow, she tries to push away all the thoughts trying to overcome her but she knows damn well that no matter how much she tries, she'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling at this point.

Right now.

Is she abandoning Sora now if she obeyed Aiden's words and stayed here or not?

She doesn't know if she's helping or is just being dead weight, she's supposed to do something and she is by following his orders but it doesn't feel right, is she supposed to be doing this? What is she supposed to do then?!

AND WHY WAS NO MATTER WHAT SHE THOUGHT IT'LL ALWAYS END UP WITH HER THINKING ABOUT HER ALL OF THOSE YEARS AGO?!..

..What would Aleksandra think of her now even after all her efforts on helping her overcome her fears, she still ended up..

The coward she is today.

...

It was always like this.

It's like a reflex, a knee-jerk reaction where Sara would save herself more than anyone else.

...

More silence.

The silence grown around her and her thoughts.

She doesn't know how long it's been but for her it's only been a few seconds in her head while she didn't notice her face grew increasingly cold.

As she let silence in her thoughts, Sara was immersing by her thoughts, oblivious to the presence of new arrivals until the sudden glare of bright lights caught her attention, causing her to blink repeatedly to adjust her vision.

Turning around, she spotted Yamir dismounting his snowmobile, followed closely by Adrianne.

Sara's eyes slowly shone with a glimmer of hope as she eagerly rushed toward Yamir, her boots already partially buried in the snow.

Upon her approach, Yamir welcomed her presence, his expression showing he's relieved that she's unharmed.

"Hey Trilence, where's Helios at? I need to talk to him." Yamir spoke to Sara in a soft and gentle tone, his voice carrying a hint of reassurance.

In response, Sara perked up and looked back-and-forth between Yamir and Adrianne, who just parked her snowmobile nearby and now stood next to Yamir, her expression curious.

Sara pointed in a straight direction behind her, signaling the path to follow.

Yamir acknowledged her gesture with a supportive pat on the shoulder before swiftly heading off in that direction.

"That fucking idiot.." Sara heard Yamir murmur under his breath as he passed by her.

And while Sara was about to run along, Adrianne suddenly grabbed her by the shoulder, stopping her and compelling her to turn towards her.

"Hey, Tri. What's going on here? Why are we called, Lunear AND me in such a hurry?" Adrianne's firm demand made Sara feel a bead of sweat form on her forehead as she steeled herself to face her.

Though reluctant, Sara knew that Adrianne had a right to know what had occurred, and she resigned herself to explaining the situation.

Sara sighed, 'SilverMist, it's good to have you here' She started with a nice welcome, 'WinterCrux was washed away in an avalanche, and Helios has been doing everything he can to find her. He called you and Lunear urgently because we need someone to take her to a warm place in case she's injured or cold, could you lend a hand, please?'

Though Sara anticipated a less than positive response from Adrianne, she still watched the emotions flitting across the girl's face-panic, frustration, and confusion all intermingled in her wide eyes.

Adrianne's eyes stayed wide as she tries to absorb the information, "WAIT, Wait, wait! Winter's missing?!"

Panic fills Adrianne's voice as her eyes search her face for any sense of hope or comfort, "What do you mean, missing? She's not dead is she? I- AUGH! LET'S GO!" Adrianne suddenly released her grip on Sara's shoulder and dashed off toward the same direction that Yamir had gone.

Sara was left momentarily alone, watching as Adrianne disappeared into the distance.

Despite her concerns, Sara felt compelled to follow in Adrianne's footsteps and lend her assistance in finding Sora.

She could see Adrianne getting further away, and she knew she couldn't afford to stay behind.

With determination and worry in her heart, Sara quickened her pace, following closely behind her.

____________________________________________

Aiden pushed his weary limbs to move through the snow, his body growing increasingly numb as the cold gnawed at his bones.

Despite the frozen condition of his body, which felt almost like a corpse, he persistently continued his search for Sora, his desperation driving him forward.

Until, he was startled to feel a warm pair of gloves on his shoulder, causing him to flinch and turn around to face his best friend, Yamir.

A concerned expression etched on Yamir's face as he looked at Aiden's eyes.

"Ya-!"

"You IDIOT! You're as cold as my bath every morning! I can literally feel it through my gloves!" Yamir shifted into scolding mode and reached out to touch Aiden's cheek, gently pinching and puffing up his face.

In response, Aiden stared back at Yamir with a mixture of relief and mild annoyance.

Despite his friend's authoritative demeanor, Aiden was grateful that he had arrived on the scene.

"O-obviously it's cold! Have you not seen the snow and mountain we're near? W-would you rather me be all warm and sweaty???" Aiden exclaimed, his chattering teeth barely forming the words.

Caught in the coldness of the surroundings, he was oblivious to the fact that his hair was now dusted with snowflakes, adding a frosty touch to his already frozen frame.

"Of course not, dumbass. It'd be weirder if you were all hot and sweaty in this cold hell." Yamir rolled his eyes, exasperated, as he released his hold on Aiden's cheeks and crossed his arms.

"Shut up.." Aiden murmured at him with a blank expression and was about to snap back at him, he I quickly changed the subject and reminded him.

"O-oh right! S-S..WinterCrux, we have to find her first! She could be in a bad situation right now, she could be in trouble..!" Aiden promptly turned away, continuing his search, leaving Yamir momentarily bewildered.

In response, Yamir swiftly caught up and walked stride by side with him, a confused expression still etched on his face, "Wh- what do you mean by that?! What happened to her??"

Aiden sighed as he tried to remember what happened earlier, "W-well.. A big avalanche crashed on us while we were going down by the mountain.. And.. WinterCrux just.. got washed away by it.." Aiden replied solemnly.

Yamir eyes widened a bit when he told him what happened, "An avalanche? And she got washed away on it?"

He was genuinely surprised that an avalanche appeared out of nowhere..

"YES! Now help me out here!" Aiden cast a sidelong glance at Yamir, his expression a mix of frustration and urgency.

Without pausing to wait for Yamir to catch up, he sped off ahead, striding forward in a half-irritated manner.

This left Yamir feeling slightly offended by Aiden's hasty departure.

Still he shook off the feeling and decided to help Aiden on his search, they can't just let Sora die somewhere here afterall, "Alright! Just don't kill yourself!" Yamir shout back at Aiden as he walked on another directions far from him but still by his viewpoint.

Adrianne and Sara soon caught up to them, joining in the search, and the four formed a team, their determination fueling their search, though the time seemed to drag on with no sign of success.

Aiden searched thoroughly on his area of where the avalanche fell.

"SORA!" Aiden's voice echoed through the snowy path as he called out, pausing for a brief moment, holding onto the hope of a response.

...

Absolute silence.

The silence that followed seemed deafening, only adding to the mounting tension and anxiety.

Aiden's gaze scanned the space around him, his worry growing with each passing moment.

He was about to turn back, but a sudden voice stopped him in his tracks, his attention now focused on the sound.

"..Ai..AIDEN! PLEASE, I'M HERE!" Sora's voice pierced through the air, catching Aiden's attention, bringing a sense of hope and reassurance.

He realized that she was somewhere in the space he had been searching, and even though her exact location was unclear, the fact that she was alive brought a glimmer of hope to his weary eyes.

'She's here..! She's alive!' Thus, as quickly, he realizes that Sora is buried in snow right now 'FUCK! SHE'S HERE!'

Aiden fought against the deep snow, his boots struggling to provide purchase as he stumbled and sank to his knees.

Despite the uncomfortable position, he ignored the discomfort and pushed forward, determined to reach the area where Sora's voice had originated.

"AIDEN!"

Once again, Aiden heard Sora's voice, calling out faintly in the distance.

With determination etched on his face, he pushed his legs through the thick snow, the effort evident as he strained to move forward.

He was dead set on reaching the source of her voice.

"..Sora? SORA?!" In a moment of determination, a muffled cry of triumph escaped Aiden's lips.

He called out for Sora once more, the sound of hope and desperation behind his strained voice.

"AIDEN! I'M HERE!" The sound of another screech echoed through the snowy landscape, and Aiden continued to stumble through the thick snow, his eyes catching a flicker of movement in the distance.

His gaze grew hopeful as he silently wished that it was Sora creating the movement.

"SORA!" Aiden summoned every ounce of his strength to stand up, the effort causing him to gasp for air, his tired lungs working overtime.

Nevertheless, he pushed himself forward, heading towards the area where he had seen movement.

Aiden fought against the snow, his movements becoming increasingly frenzied.

Though he stumbled and fell, he pushed himself up and kept running.

The effort was taking a toll on him, but his determination and concern for Sora kept him moving.

"SORA!!"

Aiden's voice strained with the force of his final cry as he screamed out for Sora one last time.

When he reached the area where he had seen the movement, he allowed his weary body to fall to his knees before hastily shifting and moving the snow around, desperate for a sign of Sora's presence.

Aiden's efforts paid off as he dug through the snow and uncovered Sora's face.

Despite the coldness seeping through his gloves, the feeling of relief outweighed all of it.

However, he noticed that Sora was losing consciousness, and his call for her became more urgent, his voice filled with panic and concern.

"SORA! Sora, Hey, Wake up! Wake up, please!" Aiden's voice grew more distinct and clear, pulling Sora out of her despair.

Aiden's cries echoed through the snowy terrain, each one becoming increasingly desperate and laced with despair.

As he looked at Sora, who slowly closed her eyes, giving in to the darkness, his heart ached with a mixture of worry and helplessness.

Aiden's eyes began to water as panic coursed through his mind.

Desperately scanning his surroundings, he quickly spotted Yamir from his vantage point.

Realizing the urgency, Aiden knew he had to call him, one way or another.

"YAMIR! HELP ME OUT HERE!" Aiden cried out for Yamir, and the other man's eyes widened in recognition when he saw who Aiden had in his grip.

Yamir urgently sprinted through the thick snow, battling against the elements and the struggle, his breath coming in short, labored gasps.

As Yamir finally reached the scene, he could feel the sweat trickling down his nape.

He knelt down next to Sora's still body and pressed two fingers against her neck, searching for her heartbeat.

He could barely detect a faint pulse.

However, Yamir's expression further darkened as he noted her skin was considerably colder than what Aiden felt like.

"Shit, shit, shit.." Yamir muttered a string of curses under his breath, his worried and frantic gaze meeting Aiden's.

The situation was dire, and a moment of shared understanding passed between them - a silent agreement that they both needed to do whatever it took to save their fellow agent.

Yamir looked back down at Sora's motionless body and silently agreed with his own thoughts, signaling a pact with himself.

Without a moment's hesitation, he gently lifted Sora from Aiden's arms, taking responsibility for the task.

This made Aiden quite taken back but he placed his trust in his best friend, allowing Yamir to lead the way for now.

Yamir gently held Sora in his arms and slowly stood up, his gaze shifting from Aiden and their surroundings.

Despite the urgency of the situation, he looked around anxiously, searching for their fellow agents, the ones who were meant to accompany them on this treacherous search.

"SilverMist! Trilence! We found WinterCrux, GET OVER HERE!" Yamir's voice rang out, calling for Adrianne and Sara.

The two women, sensing the urgency in his tone, quickly rushed through the thick, sturdy snow towards Yamir, hastening their pace in response to his summon.

Adrianne huffs a bit, her hand on her knees as she tries to catch her breath from running, as she arrived to Yamir along with Sara.

She directly glares at him, "Hah..What the hell do you want? I'm exhausted.. Did you find WinterCrux?" Adrianne, still slightly out of breath from her rushed trek through the snow, gasped as she finally caught up to Yamir.

She paused for a moment to catch her breath and then spoke to him, voicing her question between huffs of hot air escaping her mouth.

Yamir scoffed holding up Sora in his arms and smirked at Adrianne, obviously enjoying seeing her getting tortured for running, although not as much since she's an ex-soldier afterall.

He spoke again but all his previous gentility was gone, he was back to his rude and sarcastic self again, "Guess what I'm holding in my arms, Princess"

Adrianne notices the smug look on his face and she grits her teeth slightly, clearly annoyed by his attitude.

She rolled her eyes and raised an eyebrow as he holds up Sora in his arms, her eyes widened immediately switching up her recent expression, "She's..She's alive, right? Is she.. Is she hurt or..?"

Yamir nodded, his expression softening for a brief moment, he spoke again his voice taking on a slightly more serious tone now, "She's going to be fine, I know where to take her"

He pauses for a moment before looking up at her, his usual blank expression returning to his face, "Now go take Helios and Trilence to their little destinations or whatever, just to avoid more accidents. I'll keep an eye on the doll here."

"BUT WAIT, I could..!" Yamir, his expression stern and urgent, cut Adrianne off as she tried to offer a suggestion.

His eyes met hers in a serious glare, signaling his immediate dismissal of anything she was about to say.

"Just stand back, SilverMist. Like I said, I don't have time for your antics, we need to keep moving." Yamir's voice grew more demanding and authoritative as he passed by Adrianne, his tone leaving no room for argument.

It was clear he was not interested in hearing any suggestions at the moment, his focus solely on the task at hand.

As he did, Adrianne finished off in a sultry tone, "Fine."

____________________________________________

Viktoriya hastily sifted through her laptop, her eyes darting across the screen as she searched for information.

She then moved her attention to a nearby drawer, opening it and extracting a single Jasmine flower.

Placing the flower on the desk, she picked up the nearby flask containing the mysterious "Lusus Naturae" liquid, whatever that is.

Viktoriya closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her palms resting firmly on the table.

A droplet of sweat trickled down her forehead, and a loose strand of hair fell across her face.

Her mind raced, contemplating the various possibilities that lay before her with the items arranged on the table.

'What do I do? What do I do? WhatdoiDO?!' Viktoriya's mind continued to race, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of potential plans.

Frustration crept in as she felt the answer just beyond her grasp, as if it were right on the tip of her tongue, yet just out of reach.

She struggled to make sense of the pieces, her head feeling dizzy from the mounting pressure.

"Vik?" Iris gently knocked on Viktoriya's door, which she had inadvertently left open.

Viktoriya, deeply engrossed in her thoughts, failed to look up and acknowledge the interruption.

Her gaze remained fixed on the items laid out before her on the table, fully absorbed in her thoughts and but still acknowledging to Iris's arrival.

Viktoriya responded bluntly, her tone conveying her lack of enthusiasm for any interruption, "Not now, Iris" She hoped that Iris would understand her need for solitude and simply leave her to her thoughts, at least for the moment.

"Ohh~ You're busy, again?" Iris let out a frown and an exaggerated pout, her voice taking on a playful, melodramatic tone.

She feigned disappointment, likely trying to lighten the mood and gauge a reaction from Viktoriya.

Viktoriya's patience grew thinner, as she saw through Iris's intentions.

She knew that Iris wasn't truly there to engage in solid conversation but rather to distract herself from the strained relationship with Sora.

Frustrated by the detour, Viktoriya focused once again on the items laid out on the table before her, "Please Iris, I'm telling you not now"

Viktoriya silently prayed that Iris would soon take the hint and leave, as her patience was wearing thin.

She couldn't bear the thought of dealing with any more distractions or unnecessary interaction.

Her mind was already preoccupied with countless thoughts and worries, and Iris's presence only added to the mental strain she was already experiencing.

"Oh come on, hey maybe I ca–"

"I SAID NOT NOW, AILANA" Viktoriya abruptly snapped her head towards Iris, catching the other woman off guard with her sudden outburst.

Viktoriya's frustration and impatience had reached its limit, and her sharp gaze conveyed a stern and uncompromising attitude.

Iris, startled because of her sudden raise voice, she raised her hands in surrender, "Woah woah woah, you didn't have to shout at me like that, Vik..are you okay?"

"Do I look okay, Iris..?" Viktoriya's gaze remained fixed on Iris, her hand resting on her chest, as she attempted to maintain a weak smile.

Her unruly ponytail, previously tied up neatly, slowly began to unravel, as tendrils of hair fell loose, framing her face.

Iris, sensing Viktoriya's inner turmoil, looked at her with a mixture of worry and concern etched across her expression.

"No, I'm not okay, you idiot!" Viktoriya's voice filled with frustration as her eyes widened.

She knows it was probably childish to snap at Iris, but her patience was wearing thin, and she was at her wit's end.

Normally a composed person, but right now Viktoriya struggled to contain her emotions as the weight of her many problems piled up, her ability to remain stoic crumbling under the mounting pressure.

"You ask me why? You can't even notice that I'm on edge for a long time now and you even come here instead of thinking ways to connect with your members!" Viktoriya abruptly pushed away from the table and rose from her head, her own frustration fueling her actions.

Iris, caught off guard by Viktoriya's escalating anger, responded with a mixture of confusion and rising frustration of her own.

The tension in the room thickened, their conflicting emotions creating a charged atmosphere.

"Are you still talking about that?! C'mon Vik!" Iris crossed her arms, her annoyance with Viktoriya becoming increasingly evident.

She taunted Viktoriya with a sarcastic remark, her own frustration bubbling to the surface.

The two women, both on edge and emotionally charged, engaged in a silent power struggle, their tempers continuing to clash.

"FINE! IF YOU CARE SO MUCH, WHY DON'T YOU-"

"NO!" Viktoriya stalked towards Iris, closing the distance between them.

She pressed her finger firmly against Iris's chest, her gaze locked onto the other woman's face.

Their proximity was intimate, their breaths intermingling as they stood close to each other, Viktoriya looking down at Iris with an intense expression.

"I KNOW YOU HAVE A SOLID REASON WHY BUT THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM, I DIDN'T CHOSE THIS, YOU DID" Viktoriya's voice rose in volume, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she allowed herself to release the pent-up emotions that had been building within her.

It went against her usual composed nature, but the pressure had become too much to bear.

She vented her frustrations, her words filled with a mix of anger and vulnerability.

As Viktoriya's outburst subsided and her breathing began to slow, she took notice of Iris's surprised expression.

It was true that their fights were rare – two years had passed since their last.

The tension between them remained palpable, the air still thick with a mix of anger and other complex emotions.

"..Please, just leave, I'll see you later." Viktoriya let out a frustrated sigh as she leaned back against the closed door, her hand releasing the doorknob.

The door served as a barrier between her and Iris, but the physical distance did little to ease the emotional tension.

Viktoriya's mind was still in turmoil, her thoughts and emotions swirling like a stormy sea.

She should apologise to her later and talk.

But for now, she has bigger problems to get to.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 21: Lost and Found

(TW: lazy ass writing and confusion, chapter 22 is the explanation for this chapter)

Looking back on it, Sora wondered why she didn't save herself first.

***

Sora never planned to trust anyone at all and she'll keep it that way.

In her eyes, the key to her own world was hers alone to possess, and she adamantly refused to surrender it to anyone else.

Sora's thoughts centered around the idea that trust should be kept at a minimum, even with her fellow agents.

Aiden was something of an enigma, his intentions clear yet his actions unpredictable.

Sara, in contrast, was more introverted and enigmatic.

In conclusion, Sora believed it was best not to forge any deep connections with either of them, given her need to maintain her independence and avoid unnecessary risks.

And that was what she needed meaning her only priority will be herself, just herself.

Suddenly, Sora's thoughts were briefly diverted as she felt a faint rumble beneath her feet.

She let go of the snowball she was holding, letting it drop to the snowy ground.

Looking up at the mountain they were descending, a puzzled expression crossed her face.

It seemed to be a minor disturbance..she hoped, so she dismissed it and shrugged her shoulders, continuing on their path down the mountain.

"WinterCrux, let's go!" Aiden called out to Sora, and Sora turned her attention to their fellow agents – Sara, who was leading the way, followed closely by Aiden.

Upon seeing her acknowledgment, Aiden prompted her to join them as they navigated their way down the rocky and snowy mountainside.

Time had passed since the departure of Aiden, Sora, and Sara from the village, and they continued their journey to the assigned mission location, still traversing the Highlands.

The trio was steadily making their way to the lower parts of the landscape, gradually approaching the designated destination of their mission.

The journey on the way also became more arduous as the weather harshened further.

The strong wind combined with the intense snowfall intensified, creating a snowstorm that added to the already challenging conditions.

The temperature also dropped significantly, making the air even more biting cold.

On this rate, Sora couldn't help but long for a cozy cabin and a warm hot chocolate, a small luxury that her mission deprived her of at that moment.

So in an attempt to find some comfort, Sora held her jacket tighter against her body, hoping the extra warmth would ease the biting cold.

The icy grip of the storm seemed relentless, and her actions offered only a small measure of relief.

And Aiden's constant attempt to talk to her wasn't helping either.

"Hey, I noticed you still haven't called me by my name..Y'know, I'm Aiden, right? I introduced myself when we first met" Aiden slowed down his pace, moving to walk by Sora's side, a slight smile on his face.

Despite his awkward attempt to break the silence, Sora kept her gaze fixed ahead, focused on staying right behind Sara.

"Yeah, I know" Sora's voice held a flat, monotonous tone as she replied.

Whenever Aiden tried to start a talk, Sora merely responded with a nonchalant glance, growing weary of his repetitive ramblings about himself.

The constant chatter and self-focus began to wear on her, making her feel even more drained.

Sora felt exhausted and frustrated by Aiden's one-sided conversations, struggling to comprehend why he seemed oblivious to her growing irritation.

The barrage of meaningless talk had taken its toll on her patience, leaving her wondering why Aiden still failed to comprehend her subtle hints of annoyance just like everyone else around her.

Why can't they leave her alone?

But she can't just push him away, he has to leave he alone himself or she'll come off as rude. She doesn't want that.

Perhaps Aiden's excessive vanity made him forget that his attempt to talk fell on deaf ears.

Despite his ceaseless chatter, Sora couldn't find any substance in his conversation, as if he was talking to himself rather than engaging in a genuine exchange.

And although her restless effort of words to him lacked any emotion, Aiden couldn't help but respond with a flustered smile, though Sora didn't notice his reaction, as he quickly looked elsewhere.

"Haha..! Oh, you remembered..well, that's nice" Aiden stumbled out a reply, his demeanor becoming increasingly awkward, and Sora felt a strange sense of suspicion with the situation.

As she raised an eyebrow, she couldn't help but wonder if her intuition was correct about the dynamics unfolding between them, 'Hmm..Maybe'.

Taking the opportunity, Sora quickly leaped into action.

As Aiden looked away, she seized the chance to dash away from him, quickly closing the distance between herself and Sara.

As Sora turned her gaze upward towards the taller woman.

She also caught sight of the confusion etched across Sara's face.

Sensing something amiss, Sara suddenly halted in her steps, causing Sora to also come to an immediate stop.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?" Sora asked, wondering what could have caused her to suddenly stop like this.

Understanding the uncertainty on Sara's face, Sora followed her gaze up towards the mountain they were descending.

She could sense that Sara had a gut feeling about something, most likely due to the adverse weather conditions they were facing.

In an attempt to ease her concerns, Sora looked up at Sara and offered her a reassuring nod, "It's probably just the weather that's making you feel off. let's keep going, we'll reach the facility soon enough."

"Yeah, we'll make it" Aiden added up as he managed to catch up with the two ladies.

Twenty minutes later, things went to a different direction.

In hindsight, it became apparent that they should have paid closer attention to the signs they had passed.

Ignoring the warning signals could prove to be a costly mistake, potentially resulting in the death of one or all of them.

Time was of the essence, and they should've realized they should have acted sooner.

'Rumble'

...

"Wh..What was that..?" Aiden, his voice laced with fear, turned towards Sara and asked a question.

Despite his attempt to keep his composure, the fear he felt was evident in his eyes.

"Mayb-" As Sora opened her mouth to speak, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud explosion echoing through the area, originating from atop the mountain they had been descending.

Sora, the quickest to react, swiftly looked up towards the mountain and spotted the cascading avalanche barreling down their way.

Without missing a beat, she turned her head back to her companions, urgently addressing them, "BRACE!"

Faced with the approaching avalanche, Sora didn't have time to think through a plan.

All she managed to say to her companions was that as they stepped back diagonally.

The situation was dire, and the avalanche was already upon them.

Without any time to react, Sora found herself caught in the torrent of snow.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still as Sora stared in horror at the overwhelming force of the avalanche bearing down on her.

The deafening roar filled her ears, and the wall of snow and debris threatened to consume her entirely.

Fear gripped Sora's heart, and her mind screamed at her to move, to escape the impending danger.

Yet, her feet refused to obey, rooted to the ground in frozen terror. Why couldn't she move? She had to or else-

"SORA!" Through the cacophony of the avalanche, Sora faintly heard Aiden's cry, his voice struggling to reach her through the chaos.

Before her mind could even register his words, the avalanche struck with full force, knocking Sora off balance and sending her crashing into the pile of cold, biting snow.

***

And now she's here.

With her body engulfed in the chilling snow, Sora found herself caught in the aftermath of the avalanche.

She had miraculously survived, barely managing to shield her mouth with her hand before the snow fully enveloped her, preventing precious air and heat from escaping her body in those moments.

Words were forming on her lips, Sora desperately tried to communicate, but before she could utter a syllable, the chaos took control.

Her eyes widened in terror as she turned to look at her comrades, hoping to gauge their expressions.

However, before she could fully take in their expressions, the relentless force of the avalanche snatched her away, cutting off her view.

The piercing cold of the snow combined with the desperate effort to keep her mouth shut using her own palm had unintended consequences.

In her attempt to seal her mouth, her fingers had accidentally pressed against her nose, causing it to bleed.

The trail of crimson liquid stood out against the pristine whiteness of the snow.

As she lay there, completely engulfed by the layers of snow, Sora's body shivered involuntarily at the bone-chilling cold.

The weight of the snow above her seemed almost suffocating, pressing down on her from all sides.

Each passing moment felt like an eternity, the cold seeping into her very core.

Despite the dire circumstances, Sora couldn't help but cling to the hope of survival.

She couldn't accept that this could be the end, especially when she was just starting to untangle the mystery of her own identity.

It seemed unfair to die before discovering the purpose behind her existence.

It won't be fair.

In a desperate attempt to free herself from the confines of the heavy snow, Sora's gloved hands clawed frantically against the clumps of snow weighing on her immobilized arm.

Despite her efforts, the progress was slow and frustrating, the snow relentlessly resisting her attempts to dig herself out.

The tonnes of solidified water were too heavy on her frail young body. 

In hindsight, Sora silently cursed herself for dismissing Adrianne's suggestion to build up her muscle strength.

The memory of their conversation echoed in her mind, In truth, Adrianne's advice wasn't actually nothing to her.

A small but fond smile played across Sora's face as the memory resurfaced in her mind.

As she struggled to free herself, clawing at the snow weighing down on her arms, her determination grew more intense with every passing second.

Thankfully, Sora had been taught by Adrianne how to react in the event of an avalanche.

She remembered the advice to curl up into a ball to protect her head from the force of the impact.

Sora had listened and applied that knowledge in that moment, and fortunately for her, it had saved her from serious injury, fortunately.

But still, even if she survived, there was no certainty that Sara and Aiden would come back for her, Sora couldn't trust them to find her or make an effort for it in amidst the vastness of the snow-covered landscape.

Deep down, she knew she would have to rely solely on herself.

It didn't matter, though; she had never expected anyone else to look out for her in the first place, she only needed herself.

But.

But why did she give Sara and Aiden a warning instead of prioritizing her own survival, placing herself in harm's way.

The question nagged at her – why hadn't she saved herself first?

If she trusted and counted on no one but herself, why couldn't she have been more selfish?

Doubt crept in, making her question her own ability to trust the only one she could; herself.

Was she just as unreliable as everyone else in her life?

If only things had unfolded even a little differently, perhaps she would have fared better.

In reality, the solution seemed simple – all she needed to do was move back diagonally to avoid the direct path of the avalanche.

If she had done so, she would have been able to run away unscathed, just like the others.

That was it, wasn't it?

Despite knowing that her first priority should have been to save herself, Sora had chosen to prioritize the safety of others instead.

But no no no, she had somehow been willing to put herself in danger, even though her own survival should have been her top concern.

The contradictions and self-sacrifice were maddening.

Why had she done it?

...

The world around Sora took on a surreal, heavenly appearance as she glanced at the pristine whiteness of the snow enveloping her.

Her palm still covered her mouth, preventing precious air from escaping, while her other hand futilely clawed at the snow barricading her.

The contrast between the beauty of the scenery and the dire situation was almost poetic, yet the irony was not lost on her.

Sora was painfully aware that time was running out, and she desperately needed to escape her trapped position.

Yet, her heart raced with anxiety, her blood pounded through her veins and arteries at an alarming pace, betraying the mounting stress building up inside her.

She couldn't afford to waste precious oxygen in such a cramped space.

She desperately needed to get herself under control in order to survive the ordeal.

It was her fault that she didn't save herself first that got her here in the first place.

The weight of her own actions settled heavily upon Sora's shoulders, each mistake piling up like a damning list of her failures.

She had foolishly believed that self-trust would be enough to keep her safe, but now, trapped and alone, she was forced to face the realization: she was just as fallible as anyone else.

It stung harder than any cold she had ever felt.

Sora continued to wriggle and frantically claw at the snow above her, her wild efforts bearing some fruit as she managed to create a small opening above her eyes.

Through this gap, she observed that the once intense snowfall had mellowed out.

The sudden drop in the intensity of the snowstorm allowed a flicker of hope to ignite in her heart.

The sight before Sora's eyes brought back a strange sense of deja vu, tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

The blurry memory tugged at her mind, evoking a feeling of familiarity.

But this time, there was something different about it - it felt almost..comforting, unlike last time– or was there a last time?

Despite her precarious situation, she allowed herself a moment to appreciate the unexpected tranquility of the frozen landscape.

"SORA!" A sound of familiar voice pierced through Sora's eardrums, breaking her out of her brief moment of respite.

It was Aiden, calling out for her.

As the realization dawned upon her, a wave of conflicting feelings washed over her, 'So they ended up looking for me, huh..'

Despite her earlier doubts, she knew that she needed to respond, to give him a sign, any sign, that she was there and alive.

"..Aiden.." Sora responded with a weak and soft whisper, her voice barely above a whisper due to the lack of oxygen, her body already feeling the effects of the diminishing air supply.

Despite the precariousness of her situation, she knew that responding was crucial, or else he might move on without finding her.

Her body strained against the onslaught of breathlessness, her lungs working in overdrive to keep up with the inadequate oxygen intake.

Each gasp for air felt like a dagger stabbing her dry, arid throat, the sensation raw and painful.

She knew she needed to call for Aiden louder, if that's what it takes to get out of here.

"..Ai..AIDEN! PLEASE, I'M HERE!" Sora gritted her teeth, pushing herself to the limit as she shouted with all the strength she could muster, desperately trying to make any sound that might reach Aiden's ears and signal her presence.

She thrashed against the snow above her, frantically struggling to create any sign of movement or disturbance that could give her away.

"AIDEN!"

...

"..Sora? SORA?!" A muffled cry of triumph reached Sora's ears, and a wave of relief washed over her.

She recognized the voice immediately, a sound that filled her with hope.

In that moment, the reality of her likely survival hit her, tears of gratitude threatened to spill from her eyes.

"AIDEN! I'M HERE!" Sora let out another screech, this time the desperation laced in her voice more apparent than ever

Her mind grew dizzy from the lack of oxygen, and the cramped space around her made the situation even more dire.

She felt powerless, trapped in a tight cocoon of freezing snow and depleting air.

'Please..get me out of here' Sora fought against the encroaching darkness, struggling to keep hold of her consciousness.

Deep down, she knew she wasn't ready to give up, not yet.

There were still goals left unfulfilled, yet to be achieved.

What would be the point of succumbing to the jaws of death without a fight?

She refused to go down without at least making an attempt to escape.

"SORA!"

Despite the muffling effects on her hearing, Sora noticed a distinct change - Aiden's voice was now considerably louder, closer.

But her vision continued to fail her, with dizziness and spotty vision threatening to render her completely senseless.

"SORA!!"

The noise of snow shifting and sliding reached Sora's ears, its volume seemingly amplified in her semi-conscious state.

Her body, however, remained limp and powerless, her muscles refusing to respond, her cerulean eyes closing slightly.

A sense of relief washed over Sora as the weight on her limbs gradually lessened, a gentle hand seeming to remove the burdensome lead weights that had been crushing her.

But despite the lifting of that physical pressure, her eyelids remained heavy, the heaviness refusing to relent.

As her mind spun in a haze, Sora's thoughts felt distant and detached.

The light slowly crept  in through the small opening, bathing her in its glow, but the cold, icy air outside sent shivers down her spine.

Her body remained weak, unable to resist the biting cold.

"SORA! Sora, Hey, Wake up! Wake up, please!" Aiden's voice grew more distinct and clear, pulling Sora out of her despair.

Warm fingers gripped her, firmly yanking her from the compacted snow.

The soft padding of his skin brushed against her cheek, sending a warm tingle through her frozen body.

Sora's last reserve of strength had long deserted her, her already depleted air escaping her lungs in one final gasp.

Her vision succumbed to the darkness, everything around her fading into an oblivion of black.

____________________________________________

Rafaèlla carefully poured the freshly brewed tea into Viktoriya's teacup, displaying a gentle precision.

Once finished, she pushed the cup closer to Viktoriya, revealing her weary expression reflected on its surface.

It was obvious that Viktoriya had been deprived of rest for days, but she dismissed the concern, convincing herself that sleep was overrated and unnecessary anyways but she wasn't so technically sleep is the one who needs HER.

Girl math.

After carefully pouring the tea, Rafaèlla sat down beside Viktoriya, immediately noticing her tired and exhausted state.

Concern filled Rafaèlla's voice as she spoke up gently, acknowledging Viktoriya's weary demeanor.

"My dear, I couldn't help but notice thar you seem rather tired.." she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "Have you been getting enough sleep lately?"

Rafaèlla placed her hands near her mouth gracefully, her expression betraying a hint of concern.

She carefully formed her question, directing it towards Viktoriya, who was staring down at her tea.

In response, Viktoriya's smile fell out as she let out a weary sigh, already anticipating Rafaèlla's upcoming query.

"No, I haven't been sleeping well for quite a few weeks now.." Viktoriya spoke, her voice tinged with fatigue, as she fidgeted with her hair and adjusted her position in her seat.

Rafaèlla's expression softened, her concern for her friend growing.

She leaned forward slightly in her chair, her gaze fixed on Viktoriya, "Oh, my dear..that's quite a long time without proper rest. Do you mind if I ask what's been causing this difficulty in sleeping?"

Viktoriya nodded at her question.

Her expression solemn and full of stress.

She was tired and frustrated and the lack of sleep really did no good, on both her mental health and physical health.

"Yes, It's just the..new chemical that our enemies uses. I haven't been able to find out answers for it despite doing everything in my power to find out..I'm sure you've heard about it in the meeting, right?" She let out a frustrated sigh.

She was fed up and tired.

Rafaèlla listened intently as Viktoriya spoke, her expression sympathetic, "Ah, the chemical from our enemies..that does sound quite vexing."

Rafaèlla paused there for a bit.

Her eyes flicked in thought, before she shifted slightly in her chair, "Now.. you've been doing everything in your power to find out about it, you say?"

As Rafaèlla spoke, Viktoriya nodded firmly.

Her hands clenched into fists as she did, her knuckles whitening.

She was very adamant when it came to this,  "Yes, I have been doing absolutely everything in my power to find out about it but still no answers.." She said and bit her lower lip.

She wasn't used to not having the answer to a problem.

She was used to being the one having answers.

Rafaèlla noticed the clenching of Viktoriya's fists and the whiteness of her knuckles, sensing her frustration.

She reached out and gently placed her own hand on top of Viktoriya's, "My dear, you seem quite tense..have you been taking the time to relax? It's important to take care of yourself as well"

She glanced down at the untouched tea in front of Viktoriya, "Oh, and your tea is getting cold. You really should take a moment to enjoy it!" Rafaèlla offered, trying to infuse a cheerful mood into the conversation in an effort to lift Viktoriya's spirits.

The smile she aimed at Viktoriya was warm and encouraging, conveying a mix of concern and optimism.

Viktoriya quietly nodded in agreement, her gaze flickering down to her teacup, its glossy surface reflecting her tired reflection.

Deftly, she moved her hands to the handle of the teacup, lifting it carefully with finesse.

Though she never received formal etiquette training from her mother, considering it insignificant, Viktoriya had somehow self-taught herself, even she was quite rebellious during her younger days.

Viktoriya brought the teacup close to her lips and took a delicate sip, savoring the subtle sweet and herbal flavors that filled her mouth.

Surprisingly, the tea exuded a calming aura, providing a mild sense of comfort.

Although not an enthusiastic tea drinker, preferring coffee instead, Viktoriya found solace in this particular blend, feeling her weariness begin to soften.

She let out a small sigh as she continued sipping on the tea, and her shoulders slowly started to droop, and no longer as tense as they were earlier.

She let the silence between them grow.

It wasn't uncomfortable..It was rather nice.

As Viktoriya let herself take a break from sipping the tea, she glanced up at Rafaèlla with a soft smile on her face, "This tea is really nice, I have to admit. How did you make it..?* She asked curiously, wanting to prolong the conversation.

Rafaèlla let out a soft chuckle, relieved to see Viktoriya having to loosen up even if it's a tad bit.

"Ah, I'm glad you enjoyed the tea, my dear. As for how I made it, I just happened to come across a box of Jasmine flowers outside your workshop a few hours back. I couldn't help but wonder why you'd got them if you weren't going to use them, so I decided to use them to make this lovely tea."

Rafaèlla reached for a teacup placed at the center of the kitchen table, gracefully pouring some tea for herself.

Raising the cup to her lips, she took a small sip, relishing the taste.

A hint of contentment played on her lips, a subtle smile forming across her face.

Viktoriya observed Rafaèlla's effortless pouring and sipping motion, a pang of interest stirring within her.

She mused to herself, mentally noting that making tea should added to her ever-growing list of skills she wanted to learn.

Turning her gaze back to her teacup, she couldn't help but catch a glimpse of her reflection on its surface, prompting moments of introspection.

Viktoriya appreciated Rafaèlla's thoughtful invitation to the kitchen and the soothing tea she had served.

The calming effect of the Jasmine added to her relaxation.

It occurred to her that the Jasmine flowers might not grow locally, potentially sourced from international trading.

...

The thought struck Viktoriya like a lightbulb illuminating a room - jasmines, a flower renowned for its calming essence.

As the realization sank in, she suddenly connected the dots, her mind racing with possibilities.

The mention of its rarity hinted that the flowers had likely been transported from a distant land, prompting Viktoriya to consider the potential implications of this information.

As Viktoriya reflected on Rafaèlla's words, her tiredness being replaced with a sudden realization.

Her eyes widened slightly and she stood up suddenly.

Her chair scraping loudly against the floor.

She quickly looked at Rafaèlla with an apologizing tone and bowed her head slightly, "Apologies, I completely forgot I have something I need to check on. It was lovely speaking to you." She said and started to make her way out of the room.

Viktoriya suddenly dashed out of the room and past Iris, her hair flowing behind her in a rush.

Seeing Viktoriya urgently passing by, Iris couldn't help but express her shock.

Viktoriya could feel that she was on the brink of a breakthrough, and she refused to let the thought escape her.  Everything will soon fall into place.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 20: Snowflakes

(TW: RUSHED ANX IDK)

Sora slowly opened her eyes, her legs crossed and fingertips slightly resting on her mouth as she observed the interactions happening around her in the scene unfolding before her.

Presently, she found herself situated in the rear of the jet that was currently driven by Barnaby as the pilot, utilized by the agency, en route to their destination: Iceland.

Her expression betrayed a mixture of weariness and resignation as she reflected on her upcoming mission and how she got here in the first place.

***

Sora and Amara were already seated next to each other, settled in the meeting room, waiting for the gathering to commence as they arrived a few minutes ago.

Finally, Iris made her entrance, moving to the front and preparing to address the group regarding the subject at hand.

Iris clears her throat immediately dtawing everyone's attention to the front, "Attention, everyone. Good afternoon. I have two pieces of news to share with you all today. Firstly..the two missions we've been assigned. Both will take place in Iceland" She confirmed the task, causing gasps of surprise to echoed through the room.

It was unusual for the agency, being a small organization, to receive not one, but two missions simultaneously so must be a shock to the others.

"But rest assured, we have reliable intel that the first team can safely infiltrate without running into trouble" She continued, "As for the second team..I won't lie to you. The risk is higher, but the potential rewards are correspondingly greater.." Iris spoke with a hint of skepticism, and Sora could sense a palpable shift in the atmosphere.

She knew she wasn't the only one affected by the news, as everyone's mood seemed to take a turn once the second mission was confirmed.

Though among the group, Sora acknowledged her own nerves, considering her status as the newest addition.

She couldn't help but wonder if her anxiety surpassed that of the others, given her relative inexperience when compared to her colleagues.

"The first mission will be undertaken by Agents, Lunear and SilverMist" Iris directed her gaze toward Adrianne and Yamir, who exchanged glances as they mutually comprehended the task ahead of them.

Sora observed the silent communication between the two, Adrianne seems to be quite enthusiastic, that's nice, and Yamir is as nonchalant as ever.

"Their assignment is to infiltrate an abandoned apartment building. We've received intel that some people are storing stolen goods from a nearby military establishment there. Lunear and SilverMist will infiltrate the location by the lowlands and investigate the situation with the utmost caution, gathering information regarding the amount of goods, who stole them, and possible motives.." Iris concluded her statement, drawing a breath to prepare herself for addressing the second mission.

As she did so, Sora found her mind momentarily wandering, secretly hoping that reality wouldn't surpass the harrowing predictions her imagination had conjured.

"Then we come to the second team's assignment. We've obtained intel regarding a sensitive project being researched by the Chinese government" Iris began speaking in a solemn tone, her hands flipping through the files before her.

She mentally perused the information contained within, internally summarising the details for the room's consumption, "They've been running experiments on special chemicals, utilizing 'living subjects.' However, until then, there have been no documented successful patients. The mission for the second team is to infiltrate the facility, extract the first successful patient, and transport them back to our base. With a mutant like that, they may use them as a weapon to start war"

A smattering of reactions rippled through the room as the group absorbed the information.

Some found themselves intrigued or even mortified, struggling to cope with the knowledge.

For her part, Sora had anticipated the nature of the revelation.

Despite this, she found a touch of concern for those who had endured such a fate.

She mused over the irony that she only now felt a hint of empathy, considering her own delayed reactions.

The thought of her potential heartlessness occasionally crossed her mind, a thought which troubled her as she questioned her inner humanity.

"The second team will be composed of Agents; Trilence, Helios, and WinterCrux. They'll be dropped off by a launchpad near Brekkur, a village near the Highlands" Iris proclaimed, the sound of a hiccup resonating nearby, causing Sora to flinch.

She swiftly pinpointed the source, her gaze falling on Sara, who sat wide-eyed before quickly softening her expression.

A flicker of understanding passed through Sora's mind, sensing that something might be amiss with Sara.

"Agent Trilence, being familiar with the surroundings, will lead the other two to infiltrate the experiment site. I have the utmost faith in your abilities.." Iris shifted her gaze to Sara, who responded with a smile that seemed sincere, though slightly strained.

Despite the show being put on before her, Sora could instinctively detect the vulnerability behind the expression, as if the smile didn't quite reach Sara's eyes.

The meeting continued as Iris continued to discuss further planning and details.

Sora meanwhile yearned for pen and paper to help her commit the necessary information to memory.

She resolved to strive for improvement, determined to contribute effectively without being a liability, and thus relied solely on her mental recall to absorb the vital details being presented.

Her thoughts shifted as realization washed over her-once again assigned to a mission.

She couldn't help but reflect on the last mission, where she had pushed herself into, only to gain little useful information.

Now, with a new task at hand, Sora mentally noted the destination: Iceland.

Given its name, she braced herself for a chilly experience.

Her inner checklist started formulating, mentally noting the need to pack a cozy blanket before their departure, given she didn't own a suitable jacket.

Though she reassured herself that the agency would likely provide appropriate attire for each agent, but having a backup wouldn't hurt.

Alongside the checklist, Sora mentally added the necessity of packing her faithful pen-knife, whatever its called.

She couldn't predict the creatures or situations she might encounter in Iceland, so she wanted to be prepared.

However, a flicker of remorse tugged at her thoughts as she silently hoped not to confront any living beings, human or animal.

She knew that sometimes violence was necessary for survival, yet she still harbored a reluctance to harm creatures simply fighting to survive, just like humans.

***

"Hey, Cupcake! You there or just spacing out into the void like a weirdo?" A voice cut through the air, jolting Sora out of her reverie.

She swiftly turned her attention to the side, coming face to face with Adrianne, right, she forgot that she's also here.

Sora's gaze traveled up and down Adrianne's figure, taking in her appearance before them as she sat closely to her.

The upcoming journey to Iceland had prompted Adrianne to don a dark green cap, turned around on her head, while her curly brown hair was gathered into a loose ponytail that spilled down her back.

Adrianne sported a durable faded green wool scarf, winding snugly around her neck and sitting snugly beneath her thick forest green jacket, completing her ensemble.

To finish off her attire, she sported a simple pair of black winter pants and brown boots, sturdy and practical for Iceland's cold climate.

But ofcourse underneath her exterior attire, Adrianne wore a snug black bodysuit, designed to allow for easy movement during the actual activity for the mission.

The addition of a built-in heater in the bodysuit was a feature thanks to Viktoriya's clever adjustments (props to her).

The outer clothing was there to maintain an inconspicuous appearance, considering they would interact with local people and citizens during their mission in Iceland.

Sora then responded with a nonchalant raising of her eyebrow, her lack of communication seemingly causing Adrianne to pout slightly in response.

Adrianne crosses her arms and speaks again, "You know, you could at least respond in actual words sometimes. This whole silent treatment thing you have going on isn't very endearing" She made a friendly offer, but Sora turned her gaze away from her and opted to remain silent, her walls still firmly erected.

Though they were on amicable terms, Sora was staunchly committed to maintaining a distance in their interactions.

She was determined to conserve her social stamina for instances she deemed crucial, not willing to expend it frivolously.

Adrianne lets out an exaggerated sigh, realizing that her initial attempts at getting Sora to talk weren't working.

"C'mon, Sora, stop being all silent and aloof. Can you say something, anything? I'm going stir crazy here, and your silence isn't exactly making things better." Frustrated with Sora's lack of engagement, Adrianne attempted to push her further by closing the gap between them.

She adopted a bored expression, subtly challenging Sora to respond to her proximity, testing the boundaries of their social dynamic.

And finally the closeness prompted a reaction from Sora, who calmly yet firmly pushed Adrianne back to their original distance, creating a comfortable buffer between them.

Sora took a moment to gather her thoughts before letting out a soft sigh, preparing herself to finally break her silence and engage in conversation.

"Maybe I like being aloof and mysterious," Sora flashed a playful grin, hoping her small gesture would discourage Adrianne from further pestering her.

She hoped to subtly convey her lack of interest in engaging in frivolous chatter while simultaneously deflecting the other woman from her childish and useless antics.

"Oh, you like being aloof and mysterious, huh? Well, hate to break it to you, but that whole silent game might work on some idiots, but not me. I prefer actual conversations with interesting people." Adrianne shoots Sora a quick glare, rolling her eyes slightly at her response.

She lets out an amused scoff, then grins back.

In return, A mix of intrigue and skepticism flickered across Sora's face, her eyebrows raising in response to Adrianne's statement.

The contradictions in what she had just heard were not lost on her, but for the time being, she decided to focus on a straightforward question, seeking clarification.

"And what makes you think I'm so interesting?" Sora observed as Adrianne absorbed the strikken question to her, surprised by the response it elicited.

Sora had expected as much - it was unlikely that Adrianne would have a resolute answer, she was quite predictable in her terms.

She had anticipated this, her question posed to gauge the other woman's response or lack thereof.

She already precisely predicted Adrianne's stunned reaction, having adapted to such situations beforehand even when she hasn't experienced such scenarios yet.

In her mind, her own lack of a past, a result of amnesia, diminished the potential intrigue surrounding her, but what else is there for her to be interested about?

But she speculated Adrianne's interest in her stemmed simply from boredom, that was it.

Sora let out a breath and leaned back in her seat.

Resigned to the knowledge that Adrianne would eventually grow bored and cease her prodding once she realized there wasn't a straightforward answer to her question at-

"Well, truth is, I'm not sure yet if you're interesting!"

As expected.

"But here's what I do know: I've got a pretty good feeling about you. You've got this weird aura of mystery and intrigue that's undeniable. I think if I get to know you better, I'm sure you'll turn out to be one helluva interesting person!" Adrianne tilted her head to the side, a wide grin stretching across her face as her gaze lingered on Sora.

Caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, Sora found herself rendered speechless, momentarily stunned.

Despite being unable to respond, her thoughts raced, contemplating the potential consequences of expressing what was on her mind.

'What.'

"Agents SilverMist and Lunear, please drop off, we're at you're designated destination" Barnaby's announcement echoed through the earpiece, signaling Yamir's departure, prompting immediate action.

Adrianne was visibly alert, prepared to follow suit as she immediately stood up.

However, before she could exit, she paused, turning her attention back to Sora one final time.

"And hey, you look nice, goodluck on your mission!" Adrianne called out to Sora, who responded with a cool indifference, her gaze remaining steady as she observed Adrianne walked out to make her way out to her destination.

...

She now wonders why Adrianne called her a 'weirdo' when she's clearly the weird one, that's for sure.

'What a weird girl..'

Still she shook of the thought for now and enjoyed what she have, with Adrianne gone, Sora reveled in the newfound silence and peace, settling into a comfortable solitude.

She sighed in relief as she laid back and crossed her arms.

However, as her focus turned inward, an unusual sense of unease crept in.

But not because Adrianne isn't here anymore, no way.

She felt a strange sensation of being watched, as if eyes were fixed upon her from a certain source.

Her glance to the side validated her suspicions - Aiden, her colleague and team member for this mission, had indeed been watching her intently for some time now.

In fact, she had been aware of his gaze even before Adrianne initiated a conversation with her.

Initially, Sora hadn't paid it much mind as it was not particularly disruptive.

However, now that she was acutely aware of the situation, his prolonged stare felt rather peculiar.

Sora couldn't pinpoint the reason for Aiden's intense stare, but a flicker of curiosity gnawed at her.

She considered the possibilities - perhaps she had something stuck to her, or maybe he found her intriguing.

However, a thought occurred to her that would be inconvenient: what if he harbored deeper feelings for her?

She desperately hoped that wasn't the case, as she didn't want to inadvertently hurt someone's emotions and most importantly, the thought of potential romantic interest made her uncomfortable.

In an attempt to steer her thoughts away from the uncomfortable scenario, she closed her eyes and shifted slightly, desperately seeking solace in other contemplations.

And though that barely worked, but before they knew it, they had reached their destination - a private launchpad near Brekkur, a small but lively village situated near their mission location.

Barnaby efficiently dropped them off, setting the stage for the next step in their plan.

As Sora stepped out of the jet and was greeted by the sight of the open world.

The air was crisp and frigid, the presence of towering pine trees and the thick carpet of snow beneath their feet making it clear they had reached their destination.

A snowflake landed delicately on Sora's outstretched hand, its soft white structure stark against the cream-colored fabric of her gloves.

Her breath, light and misty in the chilly air, created small puffs of steam as she exhaled.

Despite this being her initial encounter with snowfall, a sense of familiarity tinged with nostalgia washed over her, as if the snowflakes held a forgotten memory within their crystalline grasp.

..This was the type of surroundings she was when she's first founded afterall, so it's probably that.

Sora, engrossed in admiring the surroundings, turned her gaze slightly to her side and spotted Sara.

The taller woman had a pensive look in her eyes as she observed the scenery before them.

Despite the difficulty in discerning Sara's expression clearly, Sora caught a glimpse of her gaze, which was tinged with a sense of nostalgia.

Given Sara's role as their guide slash leader in this mission, it was no surprise that she was familiar with this place, perhaps even intimately so.

The beauty of the natural surroundings was undeniably breathtaking, yet a tinge of coldness hung in the air, a reminder of the mission that lay ahead.

"It's pretty, huh.." Sora commented, addressing Sara with a directness that slightly surprised her own nature as she isn't really one to initiate a conversation.

But despite her usual reticence, she couldn't help but feel compelled to observe Sara given her curious behavior during the meeting and her lingering glance at the snowy surroundings.

As Sara turned to face Sora, she stared at her with a warm gaze for a few seconds, their brief moment of tranquility was abruptly interrupted by another voice piercing through the silence.

Whatever reply Sara was about to utter was cut off by the intrusion, leaving Sora to wonder what her response would have been.

"Yeah.. it really is.." Aiden muttered a brief response, directing his gaze towards Sora, only to swiftly avert his eyes in a different direction once their gazes locked.

Sora's gaze lingered upon Aiden, a mixture of confusion and slight annoyance settling on her features.

She hadn't been addressing him directly, and she couldn't help but wonder why he felt the need to interfere in their conversation.

Her expression reflected her perplexity, eyebrows slightly raised in judgment.

Despite her bewilderment at Aiden's behavior, Sora maintained her usual composed demeanor, calmly adjusting her purple bonnet adorned with small cat ears.

She then shifted her attention back to Sara, her gaze now focused on the taller woman once more.

"Should we head on?" Sora posed a question to Sara, seeking confirmation. Without missing a beat, Sara nodded in affirmation.

Recognizing that no one else was taking the initiative, Sora took the first step, and the three of them began their journey towards the nearby village.

Their path was marked by Sora's white leather boots, each step leaving a trail of footsteps upon the pristine white backdrop of snow.

Despite the chilly surroundings, the bodysuit concealed within her white and purple thick jacket plus a pair of black pants provided her with much-needed warmth, allowing her to navigate the frosty environment with relative ease.

While her body remained comfortably warm, thanks to the protective layers of her attire, Sora's face bore the brunt of the cold air.

With her overgrown hair as her sole defense against the elements, she found herself clutching her white leather sling bag tightly.

The supplies packed for her were securely tucked within, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that she would need to purchase additional items once they reached the village.

It was evident that the locals' knowledge of the area would prove invaluable in guiding their shopping decisions for the journey ahead, you never know.

Her gaze fixated on Sara, Sora observed the other woman's seemingly unperturbed demeanor despite the cold.

Curiosity brewed within her as she wondered if Sara's familiarity with this place stemmed from past residency.

It seemed plausible, and Sora silently wondered if it played a role in her being appointed as their guide for this mission, was that why Iris appointed her as a guide?

Sora's question was quickly answered by her own reasoning - Sara must have grown accustomed to the biting cold, explaining her effortless endurance in this frosty environment.

Sora glanced at Aiden, taking note of his struggle to cope with the cold.

Unlike her, he appeared to be having an even tougher time, looking like he had spent a week in a freezer (he should).

It provided Sora a sense of relief, thankful that she wasn't experiencing the same level of discomfort as him.

Her observations continued as she noted his attire - a thin faded blue scarf, a light blue jacket, black gloves, casual black trousers, and light blue boots.

It seemed evident that Aiden might not have dressed optimally for the chilly conditions, a bit underprepared for her liking.

Sora then turned again to Sara and noticed the unique detail that she and Sara shared a common element in their attire - both wore bonnets adorned with animal ears.

Sora's bonnet featured small cat ears, while Sara's had cute panda ears with a pearly white bow accentuating the design on the back of it.

It was an unintentional match, an interesting coincidence.

Sora's attention shifted towards Sara's attire once more.

She observed that the woman was dressed sensibly for the cold weather.

A gray wooly jacket provided warmth, layered with a dark gray scarf and matching gloves.

Her outfit was complemented by crisp white trousers and practical black boots.

A spacious sling bag carried her belongings, completing her practical ensemble.

As they continued their journey, Sora couldn't help but glance over at Sara, initially thinking the woman was perhaps overdressed for the conditions.

But as she herself faced the biting cold of the terrain, Sora now understood that Sara's attire was well-suited for the climate.

A small regret crossed her mind - maybe she should have packed a scarf to shield her own face from the chill.

After an hour and a half of travel, the trio arrived at the village, passing through the entrance.

The atmosphere was alive with activity, as the townsfolk hustled and bustled about, attending to their occupations.

Despite their hustle and bustle, the people greeted passersby with warmth and polite regard, a stark contrast to the biting cold temperatures.

Sora observed the scene with keen interest.

The contrast between the bitter cold and the friendly reception struck her as peculiar yet strangely comforting.

The houses stood tall and sturdy, their structures partially concealed beneath thick layers of snow.

The locals were diligently working to clear snow from their walking paths, diligently shovelling the pristine white snow to ensure continued movement through the snow-covered streets.

Just as Sora was about to become immersed in the village's charm, Sara signaled for them to proceed, taking the lead as she walked with purpose.

Sora and Aiden followed in her footsteps, falling into line behind the taller woman, their attention now directed towards the path ahead.

As they followed Sara into the local shop, Sara and Aiden entered firsthand, Sora paused momentarily, taking a moment to observe their surroundings.

The building was adorned with pine leaves and festive ornaments, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The wooden sign outside read "Traveler's Checkpoint."

The name piqued Sora's interest, yet it didn't reveal much about the shop's purpose or whatsoever.

Pushing open the door, she stepped into the shop's interior, curious about what awaited her inside.

As Sora stepped through the door and into the building, she was instantly enveloped in a burst of warmth.

Fluttering her eyes to adjust to the sudden change in temperature, she couldn't help but notice the inviting fireplace nearby the counter, with a few chairs and a cozy coffee table situated beside it.

The cozy atmosphere within contrasted starkly with the chilly outdoors.

She continued exploring the shop, her eyes scanned the contents of the shelves.

They were filled with various items useful for travelers and survival, like lanterns, mittens, and knives.

It clicked with her now why they were at this shop; it made sense that the 'Traveler's Checkpoint' would have supplies for survival.

Sora turned her attention to the other side of the shop, she noticed a different set of shelves filled with souvenirs such as snow globes and keychains.

Seeing Aiden browsing through that corner, she decided it was better to keep her distance and turned her focus towards the counter instead.

Joining Sara, who had finished waiting in line as she head on the counter, Sora stood beside her.

Their arrival at the counter was met with a weary yet courteous welcome from the woman manning it.

Despite her evident exhaustion, the woman managed a weary smile as she acknowledged their presence, "Ó? nýr viðskiptavinur? Velkomin í búðina mína.." ("Oh? a new customer? Welcome to my store..")

Following the Shopkeeper's initial greeting, Sara wasted no time in rattling off a long list of items they needed to purchase.

"Allt í lagi, allt í lagi, hægðu á þér, frú.." ("Alright, alright, slow down, lady..") She said, rubbing her temples.

The Shopkeeper diligently jotted down the list, preparing to gather the requested supplies.

As the Shopkeeper attended to her tasks, Sara waited patiently.

Meanwhile, Sora found herself lifting her gaze to look at Sara, sensing an intriguing depth beneath her exterior.

The way Sara's eyes held a certain look made Sora feel like there was more to the woman than what met the eye..

"Hey, Look what I found" Just as Sora was contemplating Sara, Aiden appeared beside her with a sudden presence.

With a swift lean forward, he bent down to match her height, catching Sora off guard.

She jumped at the unexpected intrusion, her hand instinctively flying to her chest as her breathing quickened.

Sora took a moment to collect herself after the surprise encounter with Aiden.

She took a step back, creating a small distance from Sara before moving slightly away from the counter to give herself and Aiden some space to talk, he followed suite.

"What is it?" Sora muttered briefly as Aiden held up a snow globe with a soft pink casing, featuring a petite bird sculpture enclosed inside.

He sported an awkward smile as he showed the snowglobe to Sora,"Look at this, Isn't it cute?"

The contents of the globe glittering with each subtle swirl of the shimmering snowflakes within.

As Aiden revealed the cute snowglobe, Sora observed it with a neutral expression, admitting to herself that it was sort of endearing, even though pink wasn't her color and such trinkets didn't typically appeal to her taste, she preferred much complex things.

Not wanting to come off as rude, Sora chose a diplomatic approach, deciding to sugarcoat her response rather than outright rejecting the item.

"Yeah, it's cute." She said blankly "You gonna buy it?"

Aiden smiled back at her, nodding, "Yeah. I thought you might like it, that's what girls like, right?"

Sora blinks a few times before chuckling quietly to herself as she glanced at Aiden's choice of gift.

It was painfully obvious that he knew very little about girls and what they liked.

Rolling her eyes internally, she shifted her gaze toward the counter, realizing the Shopkeeper was nearly done packing all the items they had ordered.

With this realization, Sora returned to the counter, rejoining Sara's side.

"Allt í lagi, það er allt," ("Alright, that's everything,") She said, placing the bag on the counter, "Ég held að það sé ekkert annað sem þú þarft-" ("I don't think there is anything else you nee–")

The Shopkeeper, momentarily pausing in her packing, made eye contact with Sara, prompting a soft hiccup from the woman.

Sora, who stayed beside Sara, couldn't help but notice the small interruption and looked upward, observing Sara's brief reaction.

"Hæ, ég veit að þú ert nýr viðskiptavinur hér en hef ég séð þig áður?" ("Hey, I know your a new customer here but have I seen you before?") As soon as The Shopkeeper posed a question to Sara, and the woman responded with a swift, sharp shake of her head.

The Shopkeeper seemed taken aback by the quick and assertive gesture, flinching slightly at Sara's response.

"Ó..Allt í lagi" ("Oh..Alright") The Shopkeeper muttered something under her breath, pushing the bag of items towards Sora.

However, before Sora could even touch the bag, Aiden swooped in and grabbed it, although his struggle was evident as soon as he lifted it.

Despite the effort, he still carried the bag with determination, "I'll carry this, don't worry" Aiden smiled awkwardly once again, holding the heavy bag in his arms.

While simultaneously, putting a bag of coins in the counter as payment for his snowglobe.

He then walked out of the shop as Sora watched, rolling her eyes in slight ridicule at his actions.

Though she didn't really need him there, she resigned herself to the situation, acknowledging that it was alright, albeit mildly irritating.

Shaking off her thoughts of him, Sora redirected her focus back to Sara, noting that the woman had already completed the payment.

"Shall we go?" Sora posed a question to Sara, and the latter responded with a quick head nod, signaling that they had finished their business.

As the two stepped outside, they encountered the onslaught of the cold air, bracing themselves against the chilly breeze.

Once Sora emerged from the shop, her gaze lifted to the sky.

Her gloved hands held the chilled air, and a snowdrop landed gently on the fabric.

Observing the snowfall, she noticed the increase in snowfall since their arrival.

The soft flutter of snowflakes caught her eye, the delicate details of the falling snowflakes captivating her attention.

Her awe for new sights came naturally to her, and she couldn't help but ponder if her future held equally mesmerizing and tranquil moments.

As she exhaled, a warm puff of air escaped her mouth, momentarily mingling with the surrounding cold air, a nice balance to the frosty environment around them.

____________________________________________

Close Up.

Viktoriya meticulously adjusted the focus of her microscope, peering intently at the petal under examination.

Typically, Espen would have tackled such tasks, but in her absence, unfortunately, Viktoriya had taken up the responsibility.

Having excelled in chemistry during her school days and receiving an invitation for a scholarship at a prestigious institution, she now applied her knowledge diligently, just the usual.

Though her accomplishments might not measure up to her mother's..

Viktoriya snapped out of her head, she shouldn't have thought of that at the beginning.

Having spent hours engrossed in her research on the mysterious chemical, Viktoriya found that the findings closely aligned with the information provided in the documents.

The chemical’s primary function was to enhance physical health, albeit with apparent instability.

However, what truly captivated her curiosity was the flower associated with it.

Driven to delve deeper, Viktoriya made a request to the government for a pot of Jasmine flowers.

To her irritation, they delivered an entire box of them, she didn't needed that much.

With basic research  Viktoriya discovered that the Jasmine flower had the ability to enhance the immune system through her initial research.

However, she noted that other flowers such as Lavender and Sage could also have similar effects.

These findings left her pondering whether there was something more to the Jasmine flower or if it held a significance that the others did not possess.

Viktoriya let out a sigh and pushed herself away from the table, rubbing her temples, fatigued from her meticulous research.

As a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, she took note of its distinct sound, deducing that it might not be Iris, her usual contact.

Viktoriya called out, her tone calm but authoritative, "Identify yourself and state your business."

"Hm? No need to be so demanding, 'Toriya. I’m not here to cause a ruckus or anything, promise" Viktoriya immediately recognized the voice of the woman on the other side of the door, confirming it to be Rafaèlla.

She glanced at the petal under her microscope one last time before shifting her gaze back to the closed door.

Taking a moment to weigh her decision, she decided that perhaps it would be alright to take a quick break to freshen up before resuming her research.

"Alright, wait for me there" Viktoriya replied with a hint of weariness, as she stepped away from her desk and reached for the door handle.

Taking a moment to collect herself, she understood that it was time for her to take a brief respite from her work and inhale some fresh air.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 19: Home Sweet Home

(TW: Experimenting with Bodies, yay no swearing)

Piérre strided into the secluded lab, his steps echoed by the presence of multiple bodyguards following closely behind him.

To an outsider, it might appear that he was there on some important business but in truth, he was merely paying a visit to an old friend.

Piérre approached a metallic door, his hands reaching into his pocket and pulling out a green keycard.

He slid it into the swiper next to the door, and without a sound, the door hissed open as it slid into the wall, revealing the room beyond.

He entered the dimly lit room, his eyes adjusting to the faint lighting provided by a few small lampshades that adorned a nearby tables.

The limited illumination cast long shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere that was almost eerie.

It was clear that the lack of proper lighting was a reflection of the remote location of the lab, buried deep underground where access to electricity was likely restricted.

The room was cluttered with various flasks and containers filled with diverse chemicals, some of which had spilled onto the floor, creating a hazardous mess.

Piérre casually stepped to the side, avoiding the puddle of chemical that threatened to ruin his attire.

He had no desire to stain his clothing with any of the hazardous substances laying around.

Alongside the small flasks of chemicals, there were three larger glass pillars standing in the middle of the room, each one filled with a liquid of varying colors and opacity.

One of these pillars even held a body, suspended within its confines.

Whether it was alive or dead, seemed insignificant to Piérre, as he was accustomed to such sights.

However, he found himself drawn more to more visually appealing sights, preferring beauty over morbidity, where's the class in such sights afterall?

Just then, Piérre noticed the figure standing before the glass pillar with the body trapped inside, and a spark of recognition flared in his eyes.

He stepped forward, his footsteps barely making a sound as he approached the smaller figure.

"Oh, if isn't Miaoli! Hey girl, how have you been? I see you're enjoying yourself out here, eh?" Piérre approached Miaoli with a charming smile, his voice as smooth as silk as he greeted her.

Miaoli, lost in her examination of the glass pillar, flinched slightly as she heard Piérre's voice from behind her.

She turned to face him, her expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity, "Mister Piérre, Oh!-I'm doing pretty good, thank you. It's lovely being in here, the condition is nice, and..and the work is not that much.." Miaoli's response was shy, and a tinge of sheepishness was evident in her voice.

She was quite surprised when she least expected for Piérre out of all people to come down here to see her, although probably not her and her boss instead.

Now, Miaoli can't help but feel formal since she has grown increasingly distant from Piérre, their jobs keeping them apart and their encounters scarce, not until the alliance happened afterall.

It had been quite some time since they had seen each other last, and Piérre's personality had undoubtedly changed from how he was while they were in university together.

Despite his change, Miaoli couldn't help but recall how innocent and carefree he used to be.

However, she was relieved to see that some aspects of his friendly demeanour remained the same.

Piérre smiled affectionately as he reached out to tousle her short, dark green bob-cut hair, a gentle yet playful gesture then immediately let it go as he bends his hands in a fashionably fruity yet questionable way.

He then placed one hand on his hip, assuming a casual stance, "Haha, why the hesitation? The only person who should be nervous here is me, because you're just too charming for words, sweetie"

To Piérre, Miaoli was like a delicate flower that required a softer touch in comparison to the company he usually kept.

But despite her timid nature, he was well aware of her extraordinary talent and the power it granted her, given she aced every class and won every science fair she joined despite her procrastinating nature.

Very few people possessed the ability to manipulate science in such a manner to bend the very fabric of reality.

It was a rare gift, and Piérre knew better than to underestimate Miaoli's capabilities.

He smiled as he simply looked at her, such a sight.

"Marsy!" A feminine voice rang out, catching Piérre's attention, and he turned towards the source of the ear piercing sound.

Just as he locked eyes with the person, he was engulfed in a tight embrace, as if he's being suffocated, "How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while!"

With a single glance, he recognized the lithe figure and the golden cascade of long, wavy, exagerrated locks.

He hesitated to reciprocate the hug, a smile forced its way to the corners of his lips.

"Well, well, if it isn't the princess of The Harvest, Isabella. Fancy seeing you here in this neck of the woods." Piérre crooned in a sultry tone, his eyes locked with Isabella's as he slowly disentangled himself from her embrace.

Isabella gazed up at him, her forced smile hiding the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.

To any bystander, her expression appeared sweet and innocent, but a keen observer could sense the undercurrent of discontent radiating from her.

And Indeed, Piérre wasn't referring to Isabella when he mentioned an old friend.

Behind his cordial demeanor lay a different truth.

While Miaoli was the one he truly considered a trusted companion, Isabella's position as the head of the organization they're working with made it impossible for Piérre to ignore her, even if he wanted to but if he did, Eleanor will be upset and Leala will kill him for sure.

He was coerced into maintaining a friendly façade, lest the delicate balance between their respective factions be upset.

Fair is fair when they're both trapped in a facade of politeness, each of them unaware of the other's true feelings.

On the outside, they feigned a friendly rapport, forced to maintain civility due to their circumstances.

But beneath the surface, there may very well be a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.

Isabella grins as she bits her tongue within, responding with a tone covered in spite, "Well, I've been doing great! And how about you? Oh, and we've got a new subject going on here" Isabella gestured towards the body trapped inside the pillar, drawing Piérre's attention to the sight he had previously noticed.

It was no surprise for her to do something like this, as he understood her motivations all too well.

She was just a mere wannabe princess, seeking to build her own fantasy through experiments, but he couldn't entirely condemn her.

After all, he was plagued by his own twisted desires and cravings aswell only he expresses it in his own way.

"We're preparing to start a mission to Iceland for our next target! Isn't that right, Apricot?" Isabella turned to Miaoli, who had been quietly listening their to interaction for some time.

She addressed her by her title, a tone of authority creeping into her voice.

Miaoli gives a nod, pushing her glasses up, "Yes, that is correct. A mission to Iceland to pick up an old subject"

Miaoli, ever quick to pick up on the underlying message, turned her gaze back to the pillars before her.

Her mind was already contemplating the task ahead, hoping that her mission would proceed smoothly.

Hopefully, it all goes well.

Hopefully.

____________________________________________

' "The subject is currently put to sleep to start the process of mixture" The narrator continued the narration as the two scientists went to work, methodically strapping the unconscious body of a young woman onto a table beneath a strategically placed lampshade.

The illumination from the lampshade ensured that the body's features remained visible, allowing the upcoming examination to proceed as intended.'

Viktoriya's eyes fixated on the video document displayed in front of her, her hand gently rubbing her temples in a gesture of frustration and nervousness.

She had discovered the document while digging into the mysterious "Project Jasmine" files in a USB stick that Nemo stumbled upon on the mafia's gambling den and had handed over to Sora which she handed to Viktoriya.

It's been weeks, perhaps even a month had passed since Viktoriya had been isolating herself in her workshop, diligently working on uncovering the mysterious document labeled as 'Lusus Naturae.'

She had been collaborating with Sora, who had spotted a faint, disappearing text at the end of the document.

While Sora's recollections were somewhat incomplete, Viktoriya understood the importance of patience and tried her best to work with the information provided, mindful of her own moral code.

Though it didn't took long for her to recover the text as she can't wait much longer and to Viktoriya's surprise, Aiden had swiftly entered the picture, offering his assistance the moment he overheard Sora's name in the conversation.

Though Viktoriya hadn't initially sought his help, she had idly mentioned the topic within earshot of him.

Despite her lack of need for his involvement, Viktoriya much appreciated that she knew that atleast there's still a bit of teamwork quality within him.

The text she recovered was;

'Frustrated by the lack of progress using animal subjects, the scientists were left with few options.

In a desperate move, they had to resort to their fallback plan, known as "Plan Z."

The decision to procure a nearby orphanage, located somewhere in Korea, to use the orphans as test subjects for their chemical was a grim one.

The location of the orphanage, though not yet confirmed.

Although, only one has been successfully tested which was Yuri Baek.'

Yuri Baek.

From what Viktoriya learned and what she had arduously combed through a whopping 468 patient files in her relentless pursuit of knowledge.

She stumbled upon the name Yuri Baek, the sole individual listed under the "success" category as the other patients' fates were either death or an unknown status.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the other patients, Viktoriya could feel that she was getting closer to the pieces needed to finally complete the puzzle.

Viktoriya discovered that Yuri Baek's patient record stood out from the others, as she wasn't located in Korea like the rest.

Instead, her file indicated that she was situated in Iceland, a seemingly deliberate choice;

'It turned out that the environment had played a significant role in determining the success rate of the patients.

Interestingly, the decision to relocate one of the patients to Iceland proved to be a game-changer, significantly raising the success rate to an impressive 75%.

This improvement was attributed to the carefully chosen environment, resulting in the exceptional outcome of having a single successful patient.'

Thus, that and below it was a link to a video document.

As she settled in, she continued to watch, her eyes glued to the screen, eager to absorb every detail and piece of information it contained.

'The silent patient in the video remained motionless on the bed for a few tense minutes before the scientists reappeared on screen, carrying a tray of tools in their hands and a pot of Jasmine flowers held by the other.

They exchanged a brief glance and a nod, signaling their readiness to proceed.'

As Viktoriya scrutinized the video, her mind worked to connect the dots.

She couldn't help but wonder if the person strapped to the bed was indeed Yuri, given her status as the project team's sole successful patient.

It seems the scientists were experimenting on her, this young girl..

She paused the video for a moment.

Viktoriya exhaled in frustration as she reluctantly settled down to pause and breath.

The unfolding events left her feeling a mix of disgust and disbelief.

She pondered over the ethical implications of this project and the human cost behind it.

'First the guinea pigs, and now this girl?' She thought to herself, shaking her head in disapproval, 'What has the world come to?'

She raised her head as she unpaused the video and continued.

'The scientists, their movements methodical and precise, placed the tools and a potted flower on the side as one of them set to work, concocting a mixture of chemicals.

The sound of glass and the yellow-ish liquid filled the air, creating an almost eerie atmosphere of anticipation.'

Wait, Yellow?

Viktoriya reached out to pause the video, her hand covering her open mouth as she leaned back in her chair, her eyes wide open.

A myriad of thoughts flooded her mind, and she silently grappled with the weight of what she had just witnessed.

As she recomposed herself, Viktoriya's actions grew frantic as she flung open the drawers, urgently searching for something.

When her eyes landed on a small vile filled with a yellowish liquid, a shaky grin appeared on her face.

She had acquired it during her mission in Japan but had never had a chance to investigate it thoroughly, given her busy schedule, investigating about the recently discovered alliance and taking care of Sora's lessons and stuff.

But now, as Viktoriya held the vial in her hand, she felt drawn to the bigger picture, a sense of urgency welling up within her.

She was determined to uncover the truth.

Viktoriya observed the video with keen eyes and a growing sense of certainty.

The files she had never included a picture of the elusive 'Lusus Naturae' chemical, but the content of the video left no doubt in her mind that this was the very substance they were experimenting with.

With the vial clutched tightly in her hand, she unpaused the video, her determination unwavering.

'The second scientist set the pot of Jasmine flowers on the table and then carefully picked up a pair of tweezers.

They proceeded to carefully extract a petal from the flower, but the more petals they plucked, the more violent the process became.

Some petals ended up half-torn, turning them into ruined remnants of their former beauty.

The scientist gathered the petals they had carefully plucked and moved on to the next stage.

They retrieved a wooden bowl from their supplies and started mashing the petals using a wooden block.

The repeated motion transformed the petals into a fine, soft powder.

The second scientist, having finished their task, turned their attention to the first scientist who held the yellow liquid in a vial.

Without delay, they began the process of combining the concoction.

With a steady hand, the first scientist poured the liquid into the bowl, merging it with the crushed petals.'

As Viktoriya observed the scientists combining the two key ingredients, a question nagged at the back of her mind: Why the Jasmine flower, of all things?

Out of the multiple of possible plants and flowers, why this particular flower?

The choice seemed deliberate and intentional, hinting at a greater purpose or significance.

'Once the mixture was successfully combined, the scientists carefully transferred it into a syringe.

The first scientist then tapped the bottom of the needle, causing a tiny drop of the mixture to appear.

They then turned their attention to the still-unconscious girl, prepping the syringe for its intended purpose.

The second scientist grasped the unconscious girl's arm, holding her firmly in place.

Simultaneously, the first scientist held her arm on the other side, preparing to insert the liquid.

The needle poised against her wrist, they moved to deliver the liquid inside her

Then, there was a static'

Viktoriya observed the scene unfolding in front of her, her eyebrows raised, and a hint of understanding in her wide eyes.

With her fingers half-covering her mouth and her elbow resting on the armrest.

Her intuition is telling her, she has a thought that she knows where this is going.

'The static was gone.

The scene shifted on the screen, revealing the patient going through a violent transformation.

She struggled fiercely against the straps holding her to the bed, desperately trying to break free.

The scientists, having moved out of the way, now sat on the floor, watching with a mix of awe and trepidation as the patient continued to thrash uncontrollably.

Static.

The video feed glitched momentarily, causing a layer of static to obstruct the view.

As the image stabilized, there was still some noticeable several disturbing details: splatters of red, which assumed to be blood, and discarded, shattered petals of Jasmine scattered across the floor.

What stood out even more, however, was the absence of any presence within the room.'

"Huh.." Viktoriya mumbled under her breath as she confirmed her theory that she was right, as always.

'The screen turned black and a text slowly appeared on it;

"Patient Status: Unstable

The patient had indeed proven effective under the effects of the improved 'Lusus Naturae.'

However, the outcome differed from expectations due to the unique interaction with the mixture.

Currently, the patient is being held within the facility, located in the northern region of Iceland.

The project team's next step involved finding a solution to reduce the intensity of the chemical's effects."

-August 23, 2003'

"Seven years ago..Hm" Viktoriya silently whispered to herself, reinforcing the plan that had been taking shape in her mind since the beginning of this research.

Now that she had thoroughly researched and reviewed all the available information, she was confident in her course of action.

The only remaining task was to present her plan to Iris.

Viktoriya's contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a sudden knock on the door, prompting her to ponder who could be seeking her attention.

However, the answer seemed rather obvious, causing her to wonder why she had even asked the question in the first place.

"Come In" Viktoriya swiveled in her chair to face the door as it opened, revealing Iris's head.

Since Viktoriya had been immersed in her work for days, Iris took it upon herself to bring food to her, which in this day, she brought a potato dish.

If Iris wasn't available, Rafaèlla would step in to ensure Viktoriya didn't go without nourishment during her intense research sessions.

"Hey, Vik! Did I interrupt your work?" Iris asked with a carefree tone as she walked in and gently set down a plate of potato dish and a cup of coffee by Viktoriya's desk.

Viktoriya had been so engrossed in her research that she hadn't noticed the coffee in Iris's hands, as only a portion of her body had been visible through the door earlier.

Viktoriya's gaze shifted to the meal now before her.

The potato dish featured plump, doughy dumplings that hinted at a mix of eggs, cheese, and undoubtedly, potatoes, given their appearance and aroma.

Viktoriya surmised that the dish was likely prepared by Rafaèlla, who had a penchant for cooking Italian dishes, as her culinary skills were evident when they dined together.

With a refocusing of her attention, Viktoriya settled her gaze back onto Iris.

"No, not really, you're just in time. I've just finished up the plan for our next move" Viktoriya answered, taking a sip from the cup of steaming hot coffee.

The beverage boasted a delightful combination of flavors, boasting a subtle hint of espresso balanced by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a layer of sweetness that softened the drink's natural bitterness.

Viktoriya normally refrained from sipping coffee with such sweeteners, viewing them as a contradiction to the drink's primary purpose, which was to energize and boost focus with its caffeine content.

However, in this instance, she acknowledged that the addition of a touch of sweetness brought some balance to the beverage's otherwise bitter taste.

"Oh? You mean by the USB we got from that child last time?" Iris smirked, her hand resting on her hip as she displayed a smug expression, her gaze fixed on Viktoriya, "Oh and I managed to deliver the evidence files to the government safely as well. So, the last mission is still a success, we also got a new mission in Iceland..something about stolen goods" She added, her smile turning into a confident grin as she casually leaned against the wall, her arms crossed with a relaxed air.

Viktoriya smiles faintly, "Good job. It's rare of you to act mature for once, Iris"

Viktoriya let out a soft chuckle, her gaze shifting away from Iris momentarily.

In her mind, she entertained the comical image of Iris reacting with offense, only to swiftly turn her attention back to her, "Actually, I have a question for you"

"What's the question?" Iris swiftly shook off any hint of offense and transitioned back to her usual carefree expression, her momentary faux outrage quickly faded.

Viktoriya sighed, "It's regarding the child" Viktoriya couldn't help but notice a subtle change in Iris's demeanor, the hint of confidence she displayed starting to waver.

Although her outer aura appeared unchanged, Viktoriya possessed an intimate understanding of Iris and detected the internal shift.

Viktoriya leans against her chair, "You have been avoiding her lately. When will you have a proper conversation with her already?"

Iris acted offended while looking at her.

She lets out an exaggerated fake hurt gasp and put a hand on her hips, "What's wrong with avoiding her, huh? I am just not in the mood to talk to anyone lately"

Viktoriya had become acutely aware of Iris's strategies, as she looked at her intensely.

Despite the confident and mocking exterior she presented, Viktoriya understood that Iris relied on feigning offense to manipulate her into feeling guilty.

It was a pattern that Iris frequently resorted to whenever Viktoriya posed uncomfortable or sensitive questions.

But they both know that certain things can't always be avoided.

Viktoriya knew all too well about this tendency of Iris's.

When confronted with challenges she didn't know how to address or improve a situation, Iris resorted to cope instead, or act indifferently.

Viktoriya had made efforts to offer suggestions and guidance, but she also recognized that she wouldn't always be there for Iris.

It was time for Iris to find her own path, with a little push from Viktoriya to get her started.

Viktoriya rolled her eyes, "You avoiding her is going to lead to nowhere, Iris. You need to confront her and speak to her in order to understand her more, and to have good relationship with her." Her serious stare fixated on Iris.

"Well, you go do it then" Iris quickly responded, her body language hinting at a readiness to debate, but Viktoriya recognized this tactic as a futile exercise.

With a weary sigh, Viktoriya made up her mind - it was time for a shift in the conversation's direction.

Viktoriya crosses her arm on her chest, "Don't you try to change the subject, Iris. You can't just ignore someone like that and call it a day.

She lets out a long sigh, pinching her nos, "Anyway, I'll just tell you about my plan"

Viktoriya pushed back her chair and stood up, casually leaning against her desk.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts and prepare herself before glancing at Iris, signaling her readiness to share everything.

"As you know, we've found out that the Chinese government has been running an illegal program to experiment on live subjects. However, they only have one successful subject and she's located in Iceland." Viktoriya paused briefly and reached for a file loaded with documents placed near her desk.

With a swift motion, she handed the file to Iris, silently conveying that the contents within would encapsulate the remaining information she needed to know, "We need to send our own agents to capture her before some other groups like the mafia, assassins, or even the Chinese Government itself could reach her again, she's surely gonna be used as a weapon somehow and we can't risk war"

Iris took hold of the file, her eyes skimming over the contents before lifting her gaze back up at Viktoriya, silently conveying that she had received and observed the materials provided.

"Right, I'll announce a meeting immediately" Iris responded with a firm nod, secure in her grasp of the file against her arm.

She casually reached up to touch the earpiece situated in her left ear, getting ready to announce the impending meeting.

With a final glance, Viktoriya watched Iris leave the workshop, her thoughts lingering on the upcoming rendezvous.

She turned her focus to the vial clutched in her hands, her expression serious.

She was well aware that dealing with an experimented individual carried a certain level of risk.

But with time as a limited factor, it seemed the moment to take action had arrived.

____________________________________________

'What were they thinking?! Eight floor?? Espen I thought you knew better than that..! No wonder you were not feeling well' Amara's thoughts were consumed with frustration as she tended to Espen's injuries, carefully replacing the bandages on the unconscious body that lay before her.

Though this wasn't the first time this happened to one of the agents, it was still worrisome.

Espen had suffered broken bones, a fracture on her arm, and a myriad of wounds that covered her body.

While she was alive, for the time being, it was clear that she was in no condition to undertake any missions.

Amara continued tending to Espen's slightly fresh and deep wounds with meticulous precision, diligently disinfecting each injury with a soaked cotton.

Deep down, she was plagued with the same thought - if only she had been able to detach herself from the emotional burden, she wouldn't be feeling so overwhelmed right now.

Yet, she couldn't bring herself to ignore the suffering of her friends.

They were important to her, and she cared too deeply to simply look away.

Her heart ached with the knowledge that her friends often disregarded their own lives, treating their dangerous missions as nothing more than mere tasks to be completed.

She understood the risks inherent in their line of work, but the thought of being unable to save them if they were badly injured consumed her with a deep sense of dread.

The weight of her concern rested heavily on her shoulders.

They may think risking their lives for a mission is difficult, but healing takes a toll on her mind and body, pushing her to her limits.

It requires immense patience to nurse them back to health, a patience that comes at a great cost to herself.

While they can harm themselves in mere seconds, the process of repairing the damage they inflict takes far longer, sometimes even beyond her ability to heal or worse, it never heals at all.

And what would she do if she couldn't save them anymore?

What if they pushed their limits too far, and she was rendered powerless?

Her thoughts spiraled further, and an even more devastating question tormented her mind.

Her self-worth hung by the thread of her perceived incompetency.

What purpose did she serve if she couldn't even fulfill the one role that defined her?

The fear of failure consumed her, the weight of her insecurities threatening to drown her.

She wondered what her existence would amount to if she couldn't save others, the one thing she believed she could do, yet she found herself questioning whether she could even do that properly.

"Umm..Amara?" Amara was jolted from her thoughts by a voice that called out to her.

Startled, she turned her head to see Sora standing by the doorframe, her expression etched with concern.

"Oh? Sora? Is something the matter?" Amara paused in her ministrations, finally setting aside her medical tools after tending to Espen's wounds.

She stood up and turned towards Sora, concern evident in her eyes.

Her expression was a mixture of curiosity and worry, as she awaited whatever request Sora had for her.

Sora stops for a second as she notices Amara was waiting for her response, feeling a bit nervous but still answering, "Oh, uhm..Yeah.. I just wanted to see Nemo, do you.. know where he is?"

"Oh..He's just behind those curtains over there" Amara offered Sora a sympathetic smile, gently gesturing towards the curtains beside Espen's bed.

Sora, in turn, tilted her head slightly as she followed Amara's gaze, her eyes drifting towards the indicated direction before returning her attention to Amara once more.

"Well, I'll give you and Nemo some privacy. If you need anything, just give me a shout, I'll be out there" Amara squeezed Sora's shoulder reassuringly as she slipped past her and closed the door gently.

The soft click echoed through the room as Sora was left alone with herself, the silence enveloping her once again.

Sora paused to pay her respects to Espen, though her acquaintance with the unconscious woman was limited.

Despite the lack of a deep connection, Sora acknowledged that Espen was still human.

Regardless of their relationship, she felt compelled to show a degree of sympathy for Espen's current condition.

Sora's eyes trailed over Espen's body, noting the severe extent of her wounds with a pang of sympathy.

She paused for a moment to take in the sight before her, her gaze lingering on Espen's unconscious form.

With a sad grimace, Sora paid her respects with a slight bow before turning and walking towards Nemo's curtains, prepared to see the injured man.

Sora's expression softened as she took in the sight of the unconscious Nemo before her.

She gingerly sat on the stool beside his bed, her gaze drifting over his wounded form with a mix of worry and concern.

This was Sora's first visit to Nemo's bedside in weeks, as she had previously prioritized other matters.

She had been preoccupied with discussions about the USB with Viktoriya, so visiting Nemo and checking on his condition had been pushed to the wayside until now since she had nothing better to do.

She studied his condition with a keen eye, her brow furrowing as she absorbed the details.

As she watched over him, Sora couldn't deny the fact that Nemo had persistently endeavored to get closer to her, despite her initial indifference, and she almost appreciated that.

Almost.

Their friendship status was nebulous, with Nemo being the main driver behind their interactions most of the time.

Even though they weren't the closest of companions, she couldn't shake off her concern for his wellbeing.

He was one of the few people she frequently spent her days with, along with Viktoriya and Adrianne, who were more inclined to impart lessons to her.

Nemo was the only one who seemed to relish being her companion, which initially bothered her.

Sora couldn't fathom why Nemo insisted on persistently bothering and pestering her to get to know her better.

The thought puzzled her, especially since she had no clue about herself or her identity at all.

How could she offer anything when she had no knowledge of her own self?

With a furrowed brow, she grappled with the perplexing mystery of her own existence.

Sora briefly entertained those thoughts, but she sighed, quickly pushed them aside, recognizing that this was not the time for an existential crisis.

Although Sora could eventually comprehend Nemo's intentions, his insistence on trying to befriend her perplexed her.

Despite her initial reluctance to comply, he persisted in his endeavors, driven by a desire for friendship.

As Sora contemplated the notion of having friends, she found it challenging to imagine forming such an attachment.

..She wondered how long it would take before Nemo's disappointment set in when he realized the reality of her mindset.

Her Reality.

Her reality that belonged solely to her.

Trust was a luxury she couldn't afford, for she lived in constant paranoia of deception and deceit.

How could she ever truly know if someone was being honest or harbored sinister plans for her?

The fear of betrayal gnawed at her, fueling her paranoia.

So, she had resigned herself to a solitary existence, convincing herself that she needed naught but herself to achieve her goals.

So the question haunted Sora's mind, like a persistent shadow hanging over her thoughts.

How much longer until he realizes that all his efforts to approach her were futile?

He had so relentlessly attempted to draw closer, yet he was battling a losing war, for there was no space in her reality for anyone else.

He would soon discover the harsh truth that no one had a place in her world.

And no one else will have.

Sora let out a weary sigh as she leaned against the wall, her arms crossing against her chest.

Her mind was spiraling into a whirlwind of relentless thoughts, threatening to drive her to the brink of madness.

In an attempt to quell the storm within, she closed her eyes, desperate to find a moment of respite for her weary soul.

Sora allowed her eyes to drift upwards toward the ceiling, surrendering herself to the wave of thoughts that once again consumed her.

Her gaze fixated idly on the grey ceiling above her as her mind continued to whirl in a chaotic jumble of disjointed thoughts.

And though Sora preferred to navigate the world on her own, guided by her personal ambitions, she had come to understand the importance of not being a burden to others, particularly during missions.

Her gaze shifted back to Nemo, and she pondered a silent vow within her mind.

She was determined to make amends for any trouble she had caused and ensure that she would be an asset to the team moving forward.

"Hayaku yoku naru yō ni negatte imasu.." She murmured quietly under her breath as her eyes lingered on Nemo for a moment.

With a resigned expression, she slowly rose to her feet and prepared to take her leave, stepping away from the unconscious man.

Just as she was about to exit Nemo's line of sight, Sora couldn't resist glancing back at him one last time.

She silently pondered that in an unlikely scenario, she'd want him to be the first one she'll trust, though she quickly brushed the thought aside as wishful thinking.

With a resigned shrug, she left the room, shutting the door with a soft click behind her.

Sora's breath escaped her in a quiet sigh as she leaned against the closed door, her hands still clutching the cold metal knobs.

Suddenly, she noticed Amara standing nearby, their gazes locking together.

Startled, Sora involuntarily released her grip on the knob, causing her hands to jerk back slightly.

"Ah, there you are! I was waiting for you, I just wanted to tell you the good news" Amara stood with her hands resting on her hips and adopted a warm, friendly tone.

She gave Sora a gentle smile, her voice filled with compassion as she spoke.

"Um, good news?" Sora responded with a look of reluctant confusion, her head tilting slightly to the side.

"Haven't you heard? Iris just announced that she's planning to introduce a new mission for us! I think it's more than one this time around" Amara continued to close the distance between herself and Sora, her eyes never leaving the puzzled girl's gaze as she began to explain something.

However, Sora's look seemed to deepen with an additional layer of worry, her confusion now tinged with concern or unease.

Sora couldn't shake the feeling that they had been about to assign her to another mission, something she had hoped to avoid.

Spending weeks discussing the contents of the USB with Viktoriya was enough.

The thought of being sent on a mission again filled her with a nagging sense of unease.

She secretly feared that she would inevitably mess up and make things worse, and the last thing she wanted was to be thrust into yet another risky situation.

"Also, you should wear your earpiece at all times, that's where Iris announces meetings for us" Amara added, her warm smile never wavering as she continued to stand before Sora.

Her words seemed to break through to the girl, jolting her out of her contemplative state back to the present.

Sora fidgeted nervously, her hand absently rubbing her arm as she looked down, averting her gaze from Amara's sight, "Right.." She simply muttered.

Amara observed Sora's nervous fidgeting and swiftly made an effort to lift the mood.

She softened her expression further and adopted a more lighthearted tone, "So, wanna go to the meeting together?"

Amara offered, her tone gentle and encouraging.

Sora slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting Amara's as she struggled to find the words.

There was a brief moment of hesitation before she eventually summoned the courage to speak, pushing past her initial reluctance.

"Yeah..sure" Sora reciprocated with a weak smile, Amara grinning back at her.

With a gentle gesture, Amara silently signaled for Sora to follow, and the girl quickly complied.

As she fell into step beside the other woman, Sora couldn't help but wonder what surprises this new mission held in store for her.

[guizh0ng]

Melon Brothers(:P)

Ever since the beginning, part of our family traditions is to have two of the eldest brothers to compete against each other to serve the family shrine.

So naturally I've been set up to go against you and the same goes to you, vice versa.

We've been competing and fighting against everything whether how nonsensical or important it was, it didn't matter, we just wanted to win.

It's family tradition afterall and family tradition is serving our ancestor's legacy,

I know we're meant to be rivals but deep down, you're still my brother, I want to get to know you better, know what you're interested at in this world we share.

I want to play and practice my moves with you and if we accidentally break something, we know we'll get in trouble but we'll just laugh it off, like the children we are.

I want to bond with you like the other kids in our town, I don't want to continue this charade of rivalry but I have to.

I can't break the family's tradition or I'll be seen as a rebel, I'm not.

So I continued our pointless, silly competitions like always, fighting for meaningless things just to know one is better than this than the other.

I grew to become fine with it because no one is getting hurt, I'm not hurting anyone and I'm slowly getting to bond with you in our own way, you'd know how to tease me and get under my skin in a fair use, I'd do too.

But I slipped up.

I held my blade near his neck and in a split second, I saw a smile tug in the corner of his lips, as if he's telling me he's proud of me.

I slipped again.

As I suddenly swung the blade to his neck as his head rolled on the ground and his body finally faltering.

The crowd has gone wild and I can subtly hear my father's cheer of congratulating me, all this because I slipped up and spilled up my thoughts when I didn't mean to so I had to prove my loyalty by killing him.

I wanted to cry, I just killed my brother afterall but if I did they'd know I have regretted it so I bit my lip and fought myself, I won't, I just won't.

Why would we smile at me? He knows that was his end and he smiled, FOR WHAT?!

Fucking idiot.

I can only remember blurry memories after that, maybe because I chose to dig it down in my head and forget all of it, I halfway succeeded.

Nowadays, I find myself writing letters for him.

I've written and rewritten countless of pages of writing all saying 'I'm Sorry' but asking him constantly why did he do that, that day.

But no matter how many questions I repeatedly asked him to answer I know it'll be left as it is because no one will ever receive it.

And, no matter how genuine my apologies seemed to be I know no amount of letters will rewind of what happened that day.

The worst part was, it wasn't even worth it as I stay in this old, dying, shrine, guiding it with all my might while the light inside of me rots along with it.

-Shimazu...