guizh0ng

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 33: Missing You

(Tw: er, inconsistensiea)

Iris took the lead, running diligently through the forest's grounds covered in dry leaves, with Sora and Rafaella following closely behind.

Aware of the need to consider her companions' pace, Iris intentionally slowed down to allow them to keep up with her.

She's not a show off afterall..Well, sometimes-

It had been some time since their arrival in the forest, with Barnaby dropping them off and providing them with snacks.

Although Iris wouldn't consider anything he makes, other than barbecue, is..well..edible.

But it's the thought that counts, she supposed!

He did take care of their fake IDs and Identities for the mission so there's that!

And prior to their arrival in the forest, Viktoriya made a last-minute announcement including Iris in the mission.

This unexpected addition seemed to affect Sora's mood, leaving her in a rather more somber state than when Iris initially encountered her.

Iris quickly placed her fingers at her earpiece as she pressed on it.

Iris responds promptly, her voice calm and composed as she keeps a watchful eye on the surrounding terrain.

Her eyes scanning everything, searching for even the slightest sign of strange movement or anomaly, "Agent Blackquill, have you observed anything strange yet?"

"No, I haven't noticed anything strange yet. The forest seems peaceful at the moment." Rafaella responded swiftly before Iris removed her fingers from the earpiece.

A sigh escaped Iris, expressing uncertainty about the duration of their mission.

With the information provided by Viktoriya, it seemed reasonable to expect they would have already reached the village by now..right?

But before they could proceed any further in their run, a heavy thump resonated upon the dry leaves underfoot, causing Iris to abruptly halt in her tracks, as she quickly tilted her head to the side seeing Sora catching up to her breath while she stopped aswell.

The sight that greeted her was Rafaella's unexpected choice of weapon: a wooden stake.

Though Iris could recall Rafaèlla'a family history revealed a lineage of vampire hunters, although she found the concept of vampires intriguing in fiction.

However, she couldn't be certain if vampires truly existed in the realm of reality..

"Oops, Sorry! I accidentally dropped my weapon. I'll pick it up right away!" Rafaella chuckled uneasily in response, her sheepish demeanor evident.

Quickly bending down, she reached for her weapon, eager to retrieve it from the ground.

But as Iris, still catching her breath, observed Rafaella's demeanor take a sudden shift as she looked up.

The darkness that enveloped her expression was palpable, sending a shiver down Iris's spine.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Rafaella leaped into action, grabbing her stake more swiftly than ever before and launching into an attack.

In a swift and decisive motion, Iris reacted instinctively, firmly grasping Sora's arm to ensure she wouldn't be left behind.

Rushing to Rafaella's side, Iris joined her on the ground, where Rafaella had plunged her wooden stake into the earth.

"What was that?!" Iris's exclamation revealed her concern, and Rafaella's horrified gaze spoke volumes as she showed Iris the strange yellowish substance enveloping the stake.

The unusual, yellowish-looking substance added an eerie element to the scene.

Iris immediately recognized it.

Realization washed over Iris as she contemplated the familiarity of the substance, her gaze shifting to Sora who mirrored her expression of surprise.

Iris instantly recognized the yellowish substance, connecting it to what Viktoriya had previously brought back from her mission in Japan.

'Fuck..' As Iris prepared to examine the strange substance more closely, the abrupt sound of leaves crunching interrupted her thoughts.

Gazing up behind Rafaèlla, Iris was met with a terrifying sight – an indescribable creature, its visage beyond comprehension.

The urge to react instinctively to this unexpected and horrifying presence was nearly overwhelming, yet Iris barely managed to suppress it.

The creature bore an uncanny resemblance to a human, albeit with an unsettling physical deformity – its back was unnaturally bent down and its nails grotesquely elongated.

In the midst of its eerie appearance, Iris noticed the same yellowish substance that had previously coated the stake, now seeping from a stab wound on its shoulder.

It's lifeless, black eyes bore into Iris, creating an unnerving atmosphere that elicited a shudder and a suppressed gasp from her.

The emptiness within its gaze was unsettling, and the dim glow that emanated from its eyes.

As it's mouth was stained with blood, its irregular teeth merging with the unnerving yellow and red hues, causing Iris to feel a wave of nausea rising within her as the sight of the twisted monstrosity makes her wanna do everything to look back.

But no, Iris can feel it's gaze trapping her in.

As if a prey to a predator's claws.

"GET IT!"

Sensing the imminent danger, Rafaella acted swiftly and decisively, lunging toward the creature with agility.

However, the creature, quick to react, responded with its own nimble movements, swiftly evading Rafaella's charge and making a hasty retreat from the confrontation.

With Rafaella taking the lead in the pursuit of the mysterious creature, with Iris and Sora promptly following close behind.

Prepared for any eventuality, Sora brandished her pen-knife, while Iris held her gun at the ready, aiming to provide support, cocking it.

As Iris moved swiftly through the dry ground, she noticed the creature's disturbed back, marked with an alarming array of black veins sprawling across its limbs.

The grotesque sight was undeniably horrifying, yet Iris maintained her composure, her gun still aimed at the creature's legs, hopeful to have it crash down.

But as Iris took the shot, aiming at the creature's legs with precision, a noticeable "Pop" sound echoed through the air.

The situation escalated rapidly, It all happened way too fast, leaving Iris to react instinctively by covering her nose and mouth, as a strange yellowish mist permeated the surrounding area.

Upon glancing around, she noticed Sora already unconscious and Rafaella barely maintaining consciousness.

In a final moment of awareness, Iris managed to control her descent to the ground, kneeling on the forest floor before losing herself to the encroaching darkness.

____________________________________

"..Ady, Look! She's opening her eyes!" An unfamiliar voice suddenly reverberated through Sora's ears, instantly appearing obtrusive and bothersome.

She questioned the thought process of anyone who would choose to be that loud, especially to someone who was in the process of waking up.

The perceived annoyance was palpable, as Sora was left to contend with the auditory disturbance that disrupted her emerging state of consciousness.

To put it shortly, it was annoying.

"Ugh.." Sora let out a groan, squinting as the harsh, bright lights assaulted her eyes the moment she opened them.

Swiftly, she attempted to shield her vision by covering her eyes with her hands, seeking relief from the overwhelming glare that greeted her as she regained consciousness.

Shifting her gaze away from the glaring light, Sora's attention was captivated by a striking sight—a tall and graceful woman with an abundance of raven-black hair, greeting her with a radiant, warm smile.

The sheer beauty of the woman and the genuine warmth radiating from her smile were compelling, suggesting that it would be effortless for anyone to be smitten by her charm alone, Sora believed, 'I mean who wouldn't..'

"Greetings, traveler. Welcome back to reality. You've been through quite an ordeal, but rest assured, you are safe now. Please, take your time and don't push yourself. Can you tell me your name?" The raven-haired woman spoke in a mesmerizing and ethereal manner, exuding an aura that Sora found enchanting and almost divine.

In fact, there was a moment when Sora wouldn't have been surprised if the woman claimed to be a goddess.

Nonetheless, Sora managed to snap out of her awe-struck reverie, recalling the true purpose of her presence, right; she was here on a mission.

'Fudge..Brownies..Wait, Where's Iris and Rafaèll-..'

She knew she can't act hastily now realizing she's alone for now, even when she hates to admit it, she needs Iris here.

Morever, that creature though..

It's eyes is haunting Sora's memory ever since she remembered it..

But she can't be scared now, not right now when she's alone..

They're not in the forest now, so that's something to be relief of.

Then Sora carefully raised herself from the mattress she had been lying on, swiftly scanning the room she now found herself in with a single glance.

She was unmistakly situated within a bedroom, and it was evident that this was not an ordinary one—the furniture, rather luxurious and stylish, implied the residence of someone of considerable wealth.

Clearly, Sora was in the home of some rich person, 'Rich bastards..' Sora rolled her eyes before quickly turning back to the Ravenette.

"I-..I'm Renée." Sora introduced 'her' self, she still needs to conceal her identity afterall even if 'Sora' isn't really her.

"Renée," She repeats, gently, feeling a connection to the person she's saved.

Her gaze remains fixed on her, expressing a mix of compassion and concern, "I'm Persephone"

Persephone smiled warmly at Sora, however, Sora's response was a contemplative and penetrating stare, despite Persephone's undeniable beauty and ethereal presence.

It was evident that Sora harbored suspicions about this woman.

After all, she was the one who claimed to have found Sora while they were in pursuit of a mysterious figure in the woods. Sora remained cautious, not easily swayed by her beauty.

"Oh, Hi there! I'm Monika. I helped Persephone saved you from the forest, you know" A woman adorned in a traditional maid's uniform approached Sora with an animated and cheerful tone, providing a striking contrast to Persephone's serene demeanor.

Sora's not gonna lie, she only noticed her presence now when she spoke up.

The maid's upbeat attitude was palpable, creating a noticeable juxtaposition with Persephone's relaxed and composed presence, "Are you alright? Do you need anything? A glass of water or anything to eat? Just let me know!"

Persephone raised her hand in a subtle gesture, conveying a request for the maid to pause momentarily.

The maid, responding to Persephone's signal, momentarily halted her cheerful demeanor, allowing a sense of tranquility to return.

Sora, on the other hand, found herself feeling a tad awkward and nervous, though it was a familiar sensation back then on the agency.

Despite her familiarity with such treatment, something about the current situation seemed rather..off to her.

With a gentle smile gracing her lips, Persephone turned to the maid and spoke softly, "Thank you, Monika. Please, let's give her a moment to fully awaken..She just opened her eyes, and I wouldn't want to overwhelm her right away.."

Monika nodded at Persephone,  "Yes, of course, My lady. You're right. I'll give her some time and space to come to terms with everything..!"

Monika was on the verge of stepping back to provide Sora with some space but then remembered one last thing she needed to remind Persephone.

She paused momentarily, ready to deliver her final message before creating a bit of distance, "How about the other, My Lady?"

As Sora listened to Monika's words, a sudden realization dawned upon her—the fact that the others were also here.

It made sense from a logistical standpoint, as it would seem unusual if Sora were the sole one rescued.

Nonetheless, the revelation served as a reminder that she needed to connect with the rest of the group as soon as possible.

Just as Sora was about to speak up of discussing the situation, she was interrupted by Persephone's response to Monika's question.

"Hmm, the other one? We shall reunite Renée with her when she's ready. Let's give her a moment to freshen up and gather her bearings" Persephone offered Monika a warm smile in acknowledgement of her message, ultimately stepping back to afford Sora some personal space.

Persephone then turned back to Sora with a warm look in her eyes, "I've left some fresh clothes for you in the changing room over there." Persephone subtly indicated the direction of a elegant door at the back of the room, prompting Sora to follow her gaze.

As Sora's attention was drawn to the door, she acknowledged the gesture by nodding her head.

"But what's wrong with my old clothes?" Sora posed a query to Persephone, who responded with a soft giggle, almost hinting at playful teasing.

"Oh, My dear Renée, have you seen your clothes?" Persephone subtly gestured to Sora's attire, prompting the latter to glance down and observe her own appearance.

Covered in dust and stained with a hint of red, likely from dried blood, Sora took in the sight.

Despite not being injured herself, it was clear that the blood could very well belong to others.

"Right. Thanks." Sora wasted no time in responding, swiftly rising from the bed and heading in the direction of the door without sparing a glance back at Persephone.

As she moved forward, Sora sensed the persistent gaze of Persephone fixed upon her.

The mission had already been deemed unusual from the start, but the presence of these people and the peculiar atmosphere they exuded only intensified the sense of oddity surrounding Sora.

Everything felt unnatural and inhumane.

Sora promptly entered the room and swiftly locked the door behind her, allowing herself a moment to catch her breath, which she had been unknowingly holding.

Leaning back against the door, she found herself sinking to the cold marble floor, taking a moment to regain her composure.

Sora, having secured the door behind her and pushed back her bangs, took a moment to catch her breath, relishing the solitude.

She only realized this now when she's alone.

Although, the group of people she encountered had appeared welcoming and warm, but their actions somehow felt off-putting.

It was as if they were actors on a stage, and Sora was unwittingly playing a part in their performance.

The sensation of unease and weirdness enveloped her, making her feel trapped in a play she hadn't willingly signed up for.

As she finally took a last breath before getting up, Sora, knew she had to meet up with the others as soon as possible, pushed herself to stand up from her position against the door.

As she rose, her eyes caught sight of a large full-body mirror that stood in the room.

Upon taking a good look at her own reflection, she confirmed that her outfit was indeed marred by dirt and grime.

'Ew.' Sora redirected her gaze to the vanity table, where she noticed a set of neatly folded clothes awaiting her attention.

With caution and a thorough examination, she carefully unfolded each item, taking extra care to be diligent in her inspections.

She can't afford to be careless afterall.

After conducting a meticulous inspection, Sora was satisfied to find that the outfit met her safety standards.

As she sighed, she finally had the opportunity to dress herself with the outfit that had been provided.

But before that, Sora conducted a meticulous self-check, diligently exploring her pockets for anything familiar.

Relief flooded over her as she discovered a cherished possession—her trusted knife-pen, her only weapon of choice.

Grateful that it hadn't been taken from her during her unconscious state.

She carefully placed it on the vanity table, ready to be picked up later as she began putting on the outfit.

Sora assessed the outfit she was presented with and noted that it was perhaps more extravagant than her usual taste.

Nevertheless, she decided not to voice any complaints.

The ensemble consisted of a stylish, long puffed-up black suit with voluminous sleeves, complemented by a short train dress-skirt at the back featuring lavender linens.

Sora took care to adorn herself with additional accessories to complete her outfit.

She fastened a purple bow adorned with silver linens around her neck, adding a touch of elegance to her overall appearance.

A strapped-on corset was carefully secured around her waist, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose.

Realizing that she wouldn't need to rely on someone else for assistance, she felt a sense of relief wash over her, good things can still happen to her huh.

As Sora completed dressing, she reached for a white skirt with subtle silver linens, appreciating the presence of functional pockets.

The skirt not only added a touch of practicality to her outfit but also provided a secure hiding place for her weapon.

Carefully stowing her knife-pen inside one of the pockets.

Sora complemented her ensemble with a pair of black knee-length socks and elegant dark purple dolly shoes, creating a cohesive and stylish appearance from head to toe.

To add the finishing touches, she pinned a lavender rose brooch securely at her waist.

As Sora pivoted, her gaze met her mirrored self.

Entranced, she acknowledged her polished appearance before breaking into a gaze to gaze with herself as she wished this mission wouldn't be as chaotic as it would be.

After taking care of her clothing, Sora gathered the bundle in her arms and double-checked to ensure she hadn't left anything behind.

With a sense of readiness, she faced the door and opened it, stepping out into back into the main room.

"I'm done." Sora informed her as she approached Persephone, closing the gap between them.

As she faced her directly, Persephone responded with a gentle smile, offering reassurance and support with her warm expression.

"Ah, you've freshened up. Excellent." She said warmly.

"Now, would you like to meet the others? I'm sure your friends are eager to know you're alright" Persephone posed a question to Sora, and in response, Sora nodded nonchalantly.

"Excellent." Persephone replied, her voice calm and reassuring.

Persephone continue speaking, wanting to alleviate any worries Renée may have.*

"And I've asked Monika to check on your friends while you were getting changed, so you don't have to worry about them. Come now, let's not waste any time, my dear" Persephone playfully prompted as she turned around, signalling Sora to follow her, and Sora promptly did so, falling into step behind Persephone.

Sora and Persephone left the main room—the bedroom where Sora had been—and ventured into the corridors of the grand house, Sora noted.

The hallways exuded sophistication and wealth, reflecting the opulent surroundings they had been transported to, as if out of a Victorian era mansion type of stuff.

Sora then turned her gaze to the right, drawn to the tinted glass windows lining the corridor.

Through the blurred view, she caught a glimpse of the bustling activity outside—a multitude of people moving and what appeared to be a vibrant, flowery parade filling the streets.

Intrigued by the lively scene, Sora realized that the answers to her questions about the mysterious surroundings lay beyond those tinted windows, though she's sure she'll find out sooner or later.

As Persephone guided Sora down the hallway, they approached a grand, cream-white door adorned with gold accents.

Faced with the impressive entrance, Sora looked up at the monumental door, squinting her eyes slightly as the sunlight reflecting off its surface briefly illuminated the area.

As Persephone proceeded to open the door, Sora redirected her gaze downward, only to be greeted by a pair of piercing red eyes.

A subtle gasp escaped her lips, as if in relief..?

Iris donned a completely different outfit, showcasing her unique choice of attire.

'Looks like I wasn't the only one..good' Sora thought.

Immediately noticeable was her styled hair pulled into a low bun, with her bangs elegantly tucked behind her ear.

Adding to the ensemble, she sported a large black hat featuring a red rim and a vibrant red feather atop, accentuated by yellow fades at the tips.

In addition to the black top resembling a vest, Iris wore a white turtleneck piece on top, adding a stylish layer to her ensemble.

A brown belt wrapped around her waist, accentuating her figure.

Further enhancing her look was a distinctive gauntlet glove adorned with gold linings.

To add up to her outfit, a gold compass with intricate dark gold lining designs was attached to her waist, secured by the belt.

A striking red cape with orange accents draped over one side of her arm, flowing elegantly with feathers decorating the back.

Completing her attire, Iris sported black shorts with stylish yellow rims, accompanied by white stockings beneath.

A black strap on her thigh added a touch of practicality, while the finishing flourish was black boots.

"So- A- RENÉE!" Iris was momentarily taken aback, exhibiting traces of stuttering and hesitation.

However, she quickly expressed her surprise as she approached Sora with clear relief evident in her expression.

In her excitement, she initially considered embracing Sora, but noting Sora's sudden shift to a darker expression, she promptly held herself back.

In lieu of the embrace, she chose to hold onto Sora's shoulders, bending down slightly to reach Sora's eye level.

Iris looks a bit panicked, looking over her body to see if they're hurt, concerned "Renée..! Are you injured anywhere? Like, anywhere at all?! Did you get hurt in the forest?"

Sora exhibited initial surprise and unsteadiness at Iris's unexpected arrival, but she swiftly adapted and regained her composure.

Maintaining a blank expression, she met Iris's gaze, maintaining a cautious stance.

Despite sensing a hint of concern from Iris, Sora chose to remain reserved, "No, no, I am not hurt, 'Vixen'. There is no need for you to worry. I am perfectly fine."

Sora expressed her weariness with a blank tone as she passive-aggressively removed Iris's hands from her shoulders.

As she mentioned her mission name, Iris's demeanor visibly shifted, seemingly recalling something significant.

If Sora has to guess, easily; The Mission.

Iris shifted her attention to Persephone, who was looking intently at both of them, seemingly observing the interaction between Iris and Sora.

Faced with Persephone's focused gaze, Iris took a moment to compose herself, swallowing any lingering nerves as she turned her body to face Persephone directly.

She gave her a small smile before speaking.

Her expression is clearly still slightly worried for Sora, but she speaks calmly, "Thank you for rescuing us. Renée and I got lost in the forest, the both of us were fortunate that you found us!" Iris responded with an enthusiastic lie, a detail that caught Sora's attention and earned her a side eye.

'If it was this easy for her to lie to others, why didn't she simply do so before so she can prevent me from leaving?' Sora thought.

Although aware that this narrative was merely their cover story, Sora understood that they couldn't reveal the truth.

No, they couldn't just walk up to her and say "Hey thanks for saving us, we were actually chasing down a weirs creature figure and got lost then suddenly fainted, we're not suspicious at all"

Yeah, no, even if she's not an experienced spy, she knew better than that.

"Oh, It's no problem at all, I just happened to pass by and I can’t just turn a blind eye" Persephone greeted them with a warm smile and a graceful blink,   "And since the both of you are reunited now, you both can leave if you wish, but if you want to stay, we'll be more than happy to welcome you as guests" Iris responded with a sheepish chuckle, sensing the welcoming atmosphere in the room.

Sora, attuned to Iris's reaction, understood that their host's hospitality was evident and it felt too much actually, even for a person like her..

Though Sora has no room to judge as she actually doesn't know this woman personally..

Still though, she's trying to make a point.

Iris takes a moment to think.

She then speaks up again, her voice polite but firm, "Actually, we can't leave just yet. We are also looking for our third comrade. Please lead us to her, if you may" The agent leader spoke in determination to find their third comrade, knowing they won't be able to leave unless they're all reunited.

But Persephone simply blinked at her in confusion as she tilted her head to the side, "I'm sorry, but third..person? As far as I know, there were only two of you that I found"

And those words for enough to leave Iris and Sora speechless.

In a bad way.

____________________________________

The male ravenette gazed out of the window, captivated by the festival's procession passing by.

Although tempted to join the festivities and mingle with the villagers, he held back, patiently awaiting the arrival of someone essential to him.

"HEY THERE, U-Seok! I'm home!!!" Isabella enters U-Seok's room abruptly, startling the boy as she smiles at him, a few rays of light forming from behind her.

U-Seok experienced a momentary startle when she made her entrance, even though he was aware of her impending arrival.

The element of surprise was a constant that never failed to catch him off guard, no matter how prepared he thought he was.

With an expectant gaze and a quick sigh, he turned around to face her, ready to engage in the encounter that had been long-awaited, "Prinzessin! You're home early! Although could you knock before you come in? I was trying to have a quiet time for myself."

Isabella playfully pouted and whined as she rushed towards U-Seok, taking hold of his shoulders with a dramatic flair.

While she sought his attention, U-Seok maintained a nonchalant expression, unphased by her theatrical display, used to it.

"C'mon, don't be such a stick in the mud! Besides, I already told you to stop calling me that 'Prinzessin' stuff! I'M YOUR SISTER!" Isabella shook her head and placed her hands on her hips, adopting a firm stance.

U-Seok, on the other hand, responded with a blank stare, betraying a hint of resignation with a sigh.

Isabella would never get it, U-Seok knows that.

Though in Isabella's perspective they share an equal connection as siblings, U-Seok holds a different viewpoint.

A much different viewpoint..

Despite being siblings, U-Seok knows both he and her are different, one way or another.

He's analytical, complacent, logical.

A lot of things that she isn't and doesn't care to be.

Although the villagers doesn't know that.

Yet he has a way of bringing out the best in her, coaxing out an innocent side that she has otherwise buried beneath thick layers of egoism and cynicism.

When he follow her orders and stay true to himself, she knows he's the only breath of reason left in her flooded lungs, for he is perhaps the only human she loves almost as dearly as herself.

He could tell her to stop at anytime, most likely.

All of the madness she plans, the 'perfect little kingdom' she strives for.

Could shed light on her sins and turn her around, but for whatever reason, he doesn't.

He's nothing if not subservient, and servants don't talk back.

And maybe, in his own corrupt way, he just wants to see her happy—even if it's at another's expense.

Even if it's at his own expense.

In this way, he finds himself every bit as responsible for her decline into madness as she is.

If evil runs in her blood, as the people of her country say, then that blood runs in him too.

She deserves it, he thinks so.

He doesn't, he knows so.

"Older by four minutes, and that doesn't count" U-Seok playfully grumbled, acting to be annoyed by her persistence, while Isabella let out a squeal at his reaction, rushing in to envelop him in a tight hug.

"Aww, and what? Are you saying I don't count? How dare you! Are you rebelling against moì?" Isabella laughed softly, her smile growing wider as she continued to tease her little brother, reveling in the playful dynamic they shared.

After the embrace, she pulled away and playfully ruffled his already messy hair, making it even more disheveled.

U-Seok playfully rolled his eyes, attempting to maintain a facade of annoyance while hiding a small grin beneath.

His gaze shifted towards the window, appearing as though he was deliberately ignoring her playfulness to him.

Despite the outward display of annoyance, there was a hint of amusement in his actions, "You're insufferable, you know that?"

Isabella chuckled, her smirk only growing, "Oh, come on! You love me!" She said as she fluttered her eyelashes showcasing her puppy dog eyes.

"I tolerate you, at best." He nonchalantly replied.

Isabella didn't buy that for a second.

She could always tell when he was lying.

She could tell when anyone was lying, but especially her little brother.

But ofcourse she knew why he was lying, she's  his sister afterall.

But does she bother confronting him about it?

No, not at all.

She then playfully placed a hand on her hip and smirked at him, "Uh huh..Sureeee, You're just grumpy that I'm getting under your skin! You should be thankful that your wonderful big sis even pays attention to you~"

"Sure, I should feel grateful that you're giving me the privilege of your presence. Now, why are you here exactly?" U-Seok, unable to resist the urge, responded with an eye-roll as Isabella expressed her words.

Isabella chuckled once more, her amusement evident in her shaking head.

"I'm here to remind you that you still have a part in the festival, you know. You did promise to do more to interact with our people, didn't you?" With a slightly sing-song tone in her voice, she continued the spirited exchange.

"You need to keep your promise, or else I'll have to come down here and make you attend, little brother~!" Isabella playfully teased by gently poking U-Seok's cheeks, treating him like a toy in a lighthearted manner.

"Yes, yes, of course. How could I forget? I suppose I'll have to drag myself outside and suffer through the crowds." U-Seok bluntly said as Isabella squealed in delight.

Isabella couldn't help but grin at that, the thought of seeing her brother act so flustered in the sea of people filling her with anticipation.

She knew he could be a bit reclusive, but she was determined to make him experience the festival with her, even if it meant she had to drag him along the entire time.

"Fantastic! I'll meet you downstairs at the lounge, then! Don't be too long! You know how impatient I can be, especially when there's a potential for some fun!"

With Isabella's departure, U-Seok moved from his initial position and let out a bittersweet sigh.

Aware of his responsibilities, he directed his attention to the drawer on the right side of the room.

Knowing the weight of the situation, he approached the drawer with a sense of purpose, it was time for him to play his part.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 32: Village

Tw: bro idk anymore

Iris' eyes widened in shock as Amara walked into her office and saw her in such a vulnerable state.

She didn't want anyone to see him like this, least of all her, even if she was her best friend she knew she can't depend on her too much..

Yet.

Right now all she wanted was her best friend, there to comfort and stay with her no matter how selfish she is right now.

She tried desperately to wipe away her tears, but they kept flowing, she knew there was no use stopping this ongoing force of waters but she still fought a losing war.

"N-nothing...ugh! Everything's FINE! Just leave me alone!"

She said in a shaky voice, trying to hide her emotions but failing miserably.

The dam broke and he continued to cry harder than before.

Amara was taken aback by hwe reaction, but she wasn’t about to leave her like this.

She knelt down beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"What? No! It's not nothing..Come on, Iris, talk to me…What’s got you so upset?"

Iri tried to resist her comforting touch, but she found himself unable to push her away.

Iris glanced at her, tears still streaming down his face.

She was so weak, it was humiliating, but she couldn’t stop crying.

"N-nobody would understand..it’s stupid.."

She mumbled, covering her face with her hands in a pathetic attempt to hide her tears from her.

Amara, knowing what to do, gently pulled her hands away from her face, forcing Iris to look her in the eyes.

"Hey, hey..look at me. I know you’re hurting. And if nobody else would understand, then talk to me. I’m here for you, Iris, I'm your best friend for heaven's sake!" She spoke in a firm yet caring tone, maintaining eye contact with him.

Iris' face twisted into a pained expression, still unable to hold back the tears.

It's been a long time since anyone has seen her in such a vulnerable state before, she wanted them to assume she's changed, that she's strong enough to handle everything on her own.

But no.

She was supposed to be the leader of this agency, and here he was, crying hee eyes out in front of their nurse.

"I.. I think I'm a terrible leader.."

She admitted in a soft voice, her words punctuated by the occasional sniffle.

"No matter how much power I have.. I feel like I can't change anything..and now Sora is more distant than ever.. I feel so.. helpless.."

Amara's heart ached at the sight of her like this.

She had never seen him so vulnerable and emotional before, well she did but not to this extent, no, this was different.

She placed a hand on her cheek, her touch gentle and soothing.

"Iris..You’re not a terrible leader. You’re just under a lot of pressure. But hey, even the great Iris needs some support sometimes, right?" She smiled weakly at him, trying to provide some comfort and possibly humor.

"And what do you mean about Sora? What’s going on between you two? I thought it was all better..?"

Iris leaned into her touch, relishing the small comfort it brought her.

But at the mention of Sora, her expression turned more pained.

"It’s ju-..no, It's Sora.. I think she overheard something I said. I didn’t mean it, I don’t know why I said it.. but she probably hates me now.." Iris said in a choked voice, her eyes welling up with more tears.

"I value her so much.. and I just wish she knew how genuinely I cared for her.."

Amara's heart broke even more for her best friend.

She knew how proud Iris was, and for her to show so much vulnerability and hurt, it spoke volumes about how much she must be struggling.

"Hey, hey..it’s going to be okay. I’m sure Sora doesn't hate you. She might just be a bit upset and confused right now, but I know she can understand.."

She gently squeezed her arm, offering a comforting smile.

"Why don’t you talk to her? Explain what happened and apologize, she's a smart and reasonable girl, everything will be fine.."

Iris nodded weakly, appreciating Amara's kind words of reassurance.

But then she shook her head, another pained look crossing her face.

"I already tried to talk to her.. I couldn’t get the words out, I just couldn’t.. and now I bet she won’t even look at me.."

She said, her voice breaking as another hiccup escaped her mouth, and fresh tears began streaming down her cheeks once more.*

"I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.. I can’t go on like this..I’m hopeless.."

Amara's heart squeezed at hwe words, feeling her pain and helplessness.

She wrapped her arm around her shoulder, gently pulling Iris into an embrace.

"No, you’re not hopeless," Amara said firmly, "You just care a lot, and it’s hard sometimes. I know it’s not easy, but don’t give up. You’re still the leader and the founder of this agency, no matter how you feel right now."

Amara pulled back slightly to look at her, her gaze soft but intense.

"And there’s no shame in asking for help, Iris."

Amara held Iris close, her arms wrapped firmly around her, offering comfort and solace.

As Iris cried harder, tears streaming down her face, Amara gently rubbed her back, providing support and love in the form of a warm embrace.

As she lets Iris to continue crying on her shoulder, Amara racked her brain to think of something comforting to say.

Then, an idea came to her.

"You know, Iris, when you're feeling this down, sometimes it helps to try and shift your focus onto the good things you do have. Think about the people who love you, like Sora. Hold on to those positive things, even when it feels like everything else is crumbling"

She paused, giving her shoulder a reassuring yet light squeeze.

"And maybe, after some time, when you're feeling a little stronger, you can try talking to Sora again.."

Iris listened to her words, her sobs slowly becoming quieter and less frequent.

She knew she was right, but it was difficult to focus on the good when the bad weighed so heavily on his mind.

And yet, she nodded slowly, wiping away his tears with the back of her hand.

"You’re right.. okay I'll try.."

She looked up at her best friend, her expression one of weary resignation.

___________________________________

Sora and Viktoriya strode into the room with an aura of authority and confidence, though Sora, with her nature, would have much preferred to avoid such situations.

Despite her inner inclinations, she followed Viktoriya's lead, trying her best to maintain an air of composure and professionalism - well mostly the composure part.

Viktoriya stepped right up infront of everyone as Sora sat on one of the seats, and with a wave of her hand, she quieted the clamor of conversation among the others there.

Once everyone quieted down, she spoke with an authoritative air.

"Alright, everyone, I have something important to share," She began, her eyes scanning the room as he spoke, his gaze lingering briefly on each person present.

"Agent Trilence has discovered something significant while exploring on her mission, and she believes it's worth our attentio- wait." Viktoriya came to an abrupt halt, her usual serious and authoritative demeanor slipping momentarily.

Her eyes scanned the room with a focused, squinting gaze, causing a ripple of confusion among the others in attendance.

People exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of why Viktoriya had suddenly paused and began scrutinizing the room.

"Umm, Vik?-"

"Where's Iris and Amara?" Viktoriya swiftly cut off Aiden mid-sentence as she ended her scrutiny and addressed the room with an authoritative tone, her eyes meeting the gaze of each person in attendance.

Her hands firmly planted on her hips, her brows slightly furrowed, she posed a question that demanded an answer.

Viktoriya's annoyance was evident as everyone in the room mumbled amongst themselves.

Her stern demeanor showed her impatience with their muttered responses.

However, Rafaella stepped forward and caught Viktoriya's attention by raising her hand, and with a simple nod, Viktoriya granted her implicit permission to speak.

"Right? Oh, I think Agent Petronova is in her office and Agent Yellowbell is tending to that little..british ginger guy..Nemo, yes!" Rafaella, standing confidently from her seat, looked directly at Viktoriya as she responded with enthusiasm.

Her confident stance and eagerness to answer were clear in her body language.

With that, Viktoriya let out a weary sigh, placing one palm gently on her face in an expression of mild irritation.

She then gestured for Rafaella to return to her seat with a subtle hand motion, a hint of tiredness in her movements.

"Bozhe moy..why did I partnered up with her again.." Viktoriya muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath to recompose herself before quickly shifting her focus back to the matter at hand.

Gathering her inner authority, she shook off the momentary irritation and once again donned the mantle of professionalism.

Regaining her serious demeanor, she looked back at the agents with unwavering seriousness, ready to get down to business.

Viktoriya chuckles a bit for copium as she listens to Rafaèlla's response.

She nods with a smile, knowing that her business partner and Agent Yellowbell might be tardy or not present for the meeting.

With a forced understanding smile, Viktoriya steps forward, addressing the audience while still keeping a regal demeanor.

"Ah..well, it seems that Agent Petronova and Agent Yellowbell may be delayed or missing from this gathering. However, allow me to commence the meeting without them. We have matters to discuss, and we will proceed as planned." Viktoriya would then sit down, her gaze moving from person to person as she waited for any objections or comments.

When no one intervened, she discreetly signaled to Sara, who responded with a quiet nod indicating her readiness.

Sara made her way to the front, her ever-present anxiousness causing her to shift awkwardly.

Her smile morphed into a somewhat awkward expression, her hands fidgeting as sand he mustered her composure.

Fortunately, Viktoriya kept a watchful eye on the situation, noticing Sara's discomfort.

As Sara began addressing the group, Viktoriya discreetly adjusted the hologram display, replacing it with unknown, torn map pieces to better illustrate their discussion.

As soon as the hologram appeared, Sara froze, her anxiety in full bloom.

Viktoriya's expression softened into a smile, silently communicating to Sara that it was okay.

She understood that today wasn't the right day for Sara to speak publicly, and Viktoriya gave her a reassuring glimpse, signaling her to return to her seat.

Sara did just that, relieved to step back from the spotlight.

As Sara took her seat, Viktoriya stood up with her usual poised demeanor, straightening her stance confidently as she turned her attention back to the audience.

Viktoriya's expression turned a bit serious as she continued to speak.

"Right, we're going to discuss the information that Agent Trilence has gathered. As you are all aware, there have been some recent developments that we need to talk about. It seems that there is some new information we need to address, and I think it's of the utmost importance that we all get on the same page. So, I'll be recalling and sharing what she has found.."

___________________________________

The quietude of the library was momentarily disrupted as the heavy doors swung open, drawing Viktoriya's attention away from the book she had been engrossed in.

Eager to identify the newcomer, she glanced up, her curiosity piqued by the mystery of who could be entering at this precise moment.

"Ah, Sara! You're quite early from the mission.." Viktoriya said simply.

Now she was curioused why the agent was back so soon from her mission.

Sara approached Viktoriya cautiously, her knees quivering and her hands damp with perspiration.

A nervous stammer escaped her lips, but her hands remained tangled in a jumble.

Her attempts at explaining faltered, replaced by a trembling whimper that conveyed her discomfort.

Despite the time she had spent with Viktoriya, the sheer presence of her cool aura still cast a sense of intimidation, rendering Sara feeling small in comparison.

Viktoriya observed Sara, her eyes tracing the agent's trembling hands.

The crease of concern formed on her brow, as a sense of empathy filled her gaze.

She adopted a more relaxed stance by crossing her legs, aiming to project a sense of gentleness in her demeanor.

Viktoriya hoped to offer solace and reassurance to the anxious Sara through her softened gaze.

"How about you take a seat? We can talk," She said trying to be as gentle as possible with her tone.

She was highly aware she had a presence that could be seen as intimidating and cold, though she didn't want the woman to be intimidated by her or feel uncomfortable around her.

Sara remained frozen in her spot, oblivious to the fact that she had been unconsciously holding her breath, her hands and fingers tightly clenched.

The suggestion for her to take a seat prompted Sara to release a sigh of relief.

Sara swiftly accepted the offer to take a seat, hoping to regulate her rapid heartbeat and breathing.

She glanced up at Viktoriya, displaying a mix of anxiety and anticipation, unsure of what would follow.

Sara looked so vulnerable and small compared to the lady.

Viktoriya watched as they sat down.

She smiled and tilted her head, "So why are you back so soon? Did Iris have something else he needed you to do?"

She asked as she uncrossed her legs and looked.

She was curious to see if she had another task from Iris or if she had something to talk to her about.

Sara immediately shook her head, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

She nervously fiddled with the gloves encompassing her fingers.

The struggle to find her words or rather — actions was palpable, reflecting the overwhelming sense of nervousness and apprehension that consumed her in Viktoriya's sole presence.

"Uhm...ahm, Viktoriya, I have something to report…" She signaled.

She looks down at her hands in shame, as she took a deep breath to regain a bit of confidence all while avoiding eye contact with her.

Sara reported her encounter with the woman she found to Viktoriya.

She told her that while she was out on her mission, she had found a woman who had fainted in the side of a road near the forest.

She described how she had rescued and brought her to a nearby hut.

When she woke up, Sara had asked what had happened and wrote down her answer on a piece of paper.

She informed Sara that she lived in a village by the forest, but seemed to have lost her memory of what had happened there.

Sara lent out that she found it strange, so he decided to come back and report the incident.

___________________________________

The room erupted in a buzz of discussion as Viktoriya finished sharing the information.

However, to maintain order in the meeting, Viktoriya swiftly intervened, stopping the chatter before anyone could speak further.

Viktoriya's voice rose as the room grew louder, attempting to regain control.

After successfully quieting everyone, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think the decision is quite easy to say. This is highly suspicious, and it needs to be looked into further. We can't just ignore this and assume that everything is fine. This is a serious matter, and it needs to be investigated thoroughly. We shouldn't take any chances; it is better to be cautious and find out what's really going on."

Viktoriya nodded as she spoke, "Yes, I understand that everyone has their own duties to attend to, and this will be an voluntary mission. I know there is a risk to our reputation if we don't take this opportunity to investigate this matter ourselves."

Viktoriya paused for a moment, her expression turning serious as she continued, "But, we can't just assume that the government will handle this quickly and efficiently. If we want the truth, we're gonna have to go digging for it ourselves.." A chorus of hesitations filled the room as Viktoriya's gaze swept across the faces of the attendees.

After a moment, one person in the crowd lifted their hand, indicating they had something to say.

"I suppose you got a point there. And if the government isn't goin' to do anything, I guess we got no choice then to get some answers ourselves. Count me in!" Rafaèlla exclaimed, her frustration and passion evident.

The others in the room responded with applause, expressing their exhaustion from the prolonged discussion.

Viktoriya couldn't help but smile as Rafaèlla volunteered.

There was a mixture of surprise and admiration in her eyes.

"Well, well, well. It looks like we have a volunteer. Thank you for stepping up, Agent Blackquill. I'm sure your skills and enthusiasm will be invaluable in this mission"

Rafaella chuckled slightly, her shoulders hunching as she gripped the table in front of her, "Well, I just think it's my duty, Agent Mazekeen.."

Hee eyes darted away from hers, unable to hold her gaze.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed back the table, smiling sheepishly as she sat back on her seat.

Viktoriya's gaze wandered around the room, quickly observing the various attendees.

However, her frown grew once her eyes landed on Sora, noticing the sorrow etched on her face.

Being the no-nonsense person that she was, Viktoriya couldn't tolerate her agents being distracted or in a compromised emotional state during a meeting.

While she had some respect for how Iris handled the agents' emotions, Viktoriya believed she could handle it too..well, probably.

But as the hours ticked by and she observed Sora's growing distress, she decided it was better to act than stand idly by.

Sensing Sora's growing distress, Viktoriya knew she needed a distraction.

She didn't inquire about it, but she had the foresight to keep Sora engaged and not allow her thoughts to spiral further.

Based on her research and the sites of articles she had found online, Viktoriya understood that being left alone in a state of turmoil could lead to more brooding and overthinking.

She mentally noted that a mission would be beneficial to keep Sora occupied, rather than leaving her to dwell alone in her thoughts.

With this in mind, Viktoriya mustered a warm smile and extended an invitation to Sora to join the mission should she desire.

"Agent WinterCrux, do you want to come with the mission the next day? I think you'll enjoy it, it's just some exploring a couple things around the area and maybe you'd like you to come along"

Sora, who had been laying rather quietly in the meeting, trying to avoid attention looked up as Viktoriya spoke to her, a quiet sigh leaving her before she replied.

"Uh.. yeah, I-I guess I'll go. There's nothing better to do anyway.. so.. yeah"

"Then that settles it, if there's no more volunteers, the meeting ends today and the mission will carry out by tomorrow, that will be all, thank you" As the meeting was concluded by Viktoriya, the room slowly emptied, with agents making their way out, one by one.

Sora, seeming lost in thought, also joined the exodus, her steps slow and deliberate.

Her arm hung limply by her side, while her gaze remained fixated on the floor before her.

What is she getting herself into.

Her initial intention was to take some time for herself and think things over but.. a break seems useless if she doesn't truly deserve it.

Sora doesn't think she deserves it.

She can't find peace, she refuses to find peace, her spirit is perpetually restless, yearning to fill each moment of her existence with something, something to fill her lack of identity, anything to fill the void in her eyes of darkness, everything to fill her head keeping her away from thoughts that will slowly consume her.

...

'This is getting annoying..' Now she's set for something tomorrow she supposed..

Trying to keep up with these 'missions' was exhausting, she thought to herself.

Although she put herself into this out of desperation, there's only blame to herself.

She'd been here for weeks..or was it months?

Every second felt like she was being boiled alive.

Body aching, itching, and burning, yet all she was able to do was force a word onto her mouth when all she wanted to do was scream and yell as the water engulfed her head and scorched her lungs.

Outwardly, she was fine.

Much less anxious than her first day in the agency.

As if she’d almost accepted this new life..but this wasn’t hers.

She cooperated and kept with her fellow agents as much as she physically could.

Of course, she couldn’t fully hide the true extent of her anxieties and deteriorating mental health, even if she tried to act as unbothered and nonchalant.

It slipped through on occasion and every time she’d get a concerned look from Iris.

Iris.

Oh, how she loathed her.

Iris was the main reason she's in this state right now, every word she said from back then still stung straight to her heart.

The leader had been nothing but bothersome and 'supportive' from the moment she was trapped here, just for her to reveal her traitorous nature just so quickly.

She loathed her.

Something about the soft look she’d give her in exchange for one of her smiles made Sora feel disgusted now that she's known her true intentions.

Still she wished she could do better..

Than feeling betrayed for someone she never even trusted.

Have less slip ups.

Maybe even be happy for real.

Just so Iris could stop bothering her.

Oh, she wished.

As she reaches her room, Sora's head hurt, as she stared blankly at the door infront of her.

She continued walking, opening the door, slouching her figure, dragging her feet on the floor as she closed the door behind her.

After the highly traumatic mission at Rome, this had become a habit for the following days.

Once the meeting of the day ended and after they all shared a dinner, Pomni would walk back to her room, blending with the others until eventually everyone broke off to turn into their rooms for the night.

Then she’d end up in her room alone, although she shares it with Espen, she's currently in coma at the clinic.

Staring blankly at the wall that she’d become very familiar with in the past weeks.

Slumped at her bed.

Eyes vacant as if she were dead.

Maybe she wanted to die.

But that wasn’t true, she denied it just as quickly.

She wanted peace, but there was a chance peace was only achieved by death.

Maybe death wasn’t even possible.

Losing her sanity wasn’t death and that was the closest thing to death she’d seen in her short time here.

She missed sleeping.

No matter how tireless she is.

Even if she tried, she ended up tossing and turning, unable to shut down.

Staring at the ceiling, before giving up and sitting up to stare blankly at the wall she loathed so much.

She didn't need to sleep, she doesn't deserve it.

Every day she felt a few steps closer to her breaking point.

Sora was weak and she was just becoming an insane person so close to happen.

She didn’t want to give up, but how much more of this could she take?

The others had been here for years and she hadn’t been here even a month.

That's because they have somebody to be with.

But not her.

She's alone, she couldn't afford to be with anyone, she can't.

She could feel her soul rotting. Chipping away.

Festering.

She blinked slowly, shifting her eyes to the right to check the clock that sat on the abstractly shaped nightstand by her bed.

She let out a shaky sigh and stood, making her way to the door.

Her hand slowly came up to loosely grasp at her other hand.

Her eyes locked onto her gloved hand as she wondered if she was going to make it through today.

Perhaps today was the day she didn’t.

Sora blinked and shook her head.

She wasn’t going to give up and lose it as long as she had an ounce of her sanity.

___________________________________

The young woman, also known as Viktoriya, continued down the corridor, visibly fatigued and exhausted from the earlier assembly, seeking solace in the haven of her workshop.

However, a subtle yet unmistakable detail captured Viktoriya's attention — Iris embracing Amara in a farewell embrace before parting ways.

But that wasn't exactly it.

Viktoriya watched Iris as she walked away with a solemn look on her face.

She found it very odd and out of character for hee.

She walked up to her, still watching as she got closer, "You look oddly serious… for someone like you" Viktoriya bluntly said.

Iris turned to look at Viktoriya, forcing a smile on her face.

She didn't want to give away just how much she was hurting, being insecure and all..

"Oh, Vik, always the observant one. What, can't I be serious for a change?" She joked weakly, trying to play it off.

She shifted uncomfortably, although she was an expert at lying at this point now that she's all composed, she hoped Viktoriya wouldn't notice how troubled she was.

She had looked over Iris.

She could tell she was hiding something or keeping something from her.

She had thought about pressing the matter but decided to talk to her later, as for now she's tired and she won't be able to say the right things, everything has to be controlled according to her.

She nodded her head and looked up at Iris.

"Of course. We just had a meeting by the way" Viktoriya had said.

Even though she was concerned, she still smiled at her partner, Viktoriya would then tell him about the mission for tomorrow.

"We’re going somewhere tomorrow. You don't have to come if you don't want to. It’s only Rafaèlla, Sora, and I since I’m making sure they’ll be okay."

At the mention of Sora and Rafaèlla going somewhere, Iris' curiosity and concern were peaked.

The thought of Sora going to another mission without her clearing up her name to her was unsettling to say the least.

"No, I’m coming with you, actually..can I take your place? I'm pretty sure you still need to manage some things here so, If i could..for you?" Iris said, almost instinctively.

Her determination to come to the mission was clear, and a glimmer of her usual confidence returned to her eyes.

Viktoriya was slightly stunned by the sudden determination in Iris' eyes, as she held back a smile. Iris was finally back to his normal self it seemed.

Viktoriya would then pretend she was just okay with this.

“Huh? Well… I suppose I do have some things to take care of here… and you do seem quite adamant about coming along yourself… fine. You go in my place. I’ll let them know about you coming along.”

Iris simply smiled warmly at Viktoriya as she responded, "Thanks, Viktoriya," She stopped, "Maybe one of these days I'll help you manage with the paperwork, so I can make us some coffee, just to return the favor"

Stunned by the surprising yet heartwarming sight of Iris's respond, Viktoriya found herself momentarily speechless.

As the two individuals stood there silently, exchanging peaceful glances, Viktoriya finally broke the silence, releasing a suppressed smile and displaying a genuine grin.

It seemed as though the weight of the previous encounter began to dissipate as she beheld this unexpectedly positive moment unfolding before her eyes, "Sure, I'd love that"

[guizh0ng]

Contracts, Lawyers and Businessmen | TiggyToggy Rated T | Romance/Drama | Complete

Haruhi, specializing in contract law, has her firm bought out by a larger company. She and her employees must adjust to the change of protocol and management, who happens to be an old friend. However some do not take the changes kindly and hurt their new boss in his weakest spot; Haruhi.

Lullaby | LyricalMelody Rated G | Romance | Complete

When a thunderstorm hits Ouran academy, the host club is aware of Haruhi hiding under a table, however only one is able to help soothe her fears.

Life Goes On | Souzousei Rated M | Romance/Friendship | Complete

Yoshio offers an arrangement. Ranka accepts his proposal. Kyoya and Haruhi learn life goes on when you're forced into a marriage neither asked for.

love is | Kalachuchi Rated T | Romance/Drama | Complete

By the time Kyoya realizes he's in love with her, it's already too late.

It Was You | FullTimeGeek Rated T | Drama | Incomplete

Haruhi wants a divorce and Kyoya doesn't know why. When she finally breaks down, terrible truths are revealed and their marriage hands by a thread.

Oddballs | CalebKing Rated T | Romance/Humor | Complete

100 drabbles exploring different au's and situations.

with inexpressible speed (through immeasurable space) | ARandomeFangirler Rated T | Fantasy/Romance | Complete

Kyoya, or present-Kyoya, meets his future self who has much to tell him.

[guizh0ng]

Remember

Chapter 31: Marionette

(TW: Short)

Leala moved briskly through the corridors, her heels clacking against the floor in sharp, determined steps.

A sense of serious intent radiated from her, each movement exuding purpose and control.

Behind her, Felìx walked with his hands casually in his pockets, his demeanor a stark contrast to her focused intensity.

Leala arrived at the massive doors to their destination and, with a forceful push, the heavy doors swung wide open.

Upon opening, she was greeted by the sight of the individuals she had summoned, already seated and ready in their designated spots.

The room buzzed with anticipation and a hint of unease, the atmosphere heavy with expectation.

"Oh, why thank you, my dear lady Leala, for being such a courteous and gracious escort!" Felìx burst into the room with theatrical flair, bowing dramatically before planting himself on his seat in an exaggeratedly relaxed pose.

His voice dripped with sarcasm and irony as he addressed Leala, the words 'lady' and 'gracious' infused with a mocking undertone.

"I do enjoy receiving such delightful gestures from the likes of you" He smirks and winks, his eyes reflecting amusement.

His playful demeanor stood in stark contrast to the serious atmosphere of the gathering, his sardonic remarks adding a touch of humor to the tense environment.

Meanwhile Leala's eye-roll was a familiar response to Felìx's antics, but as she prepared to address the gathering, a sudden interruption cut through the air.

Her intended words were swiftly halted, preventing her from speaking until the source of the interruption revealed itself.

"Leala, why on earth is Felix here? I thought this was an assembly of the King, Queen and Joker Cards only!" A high-pitched voice shattered the silence, demanding attention as Aera rose from her chair and slammed her palms on the table.

Her expression was a mix of impatience and an almost childlike irritation, her annoyance clear.

Felìx, his confident smirk spreading across his face, couldn't help but chime in.

With a sly chuckle, he glanced over at Aera and said in a charming tone, "Oh, darling Aera, don't be so grumpy. I'm here because I'm clearly special. It's a pity you feel so jealous, but really, who could blame you?" Ae Felìx's chuckle rang out through the room, Aera's already palpable frustration grew even more apparent.

His smug smile only seemed to aggravate her further.

Each little gesture was simply pouring fuel on the fire of her annoyance.

Aera shoots a glare at Felìx, as she purses her lips as she listens to his annoyingly fake-ass 'charming' words, her eye twitching.

With a huff and a chuckle that sounded mockingly, she rolls her eyes, "Jealous? Me? Hah! Don't flatter yourself. I couldn't care less about your presence here, let alone feel jealous of you!"

"Ugh, will you two shut up already? You're giving me a migraine!" A woman with an Indian accent interrupted the immature squabbling of Felìx and Aera, her voice cutting through the tension.

She had her back turned towards the two bickering figures, her form hunched over as she cupped her hands over her ears.

The only notable feature visible was her curly low bun, dark brown in color.

"Oh, Ms. Dehsi, I couldn't agree with you more. The constant bickering of that duo is quite atrocious, isn't it? It's like they thrive on causing headaches," A deep voice echoed from the shadowy corner of the table, resonating with agreement as the man remained hidden in darkness.

His expression held a glaring gaze directed at the woman sitting beside him, his presence still concealed within the shadows.

"Oh, do stop whining, Damien. If the bickering bothers you that much, why dont you go elsewhere and find a new wife?" The woman beside the man in the shadowy corner let out a defiant scoff, rolling her eyes at him.

Her offense at his presence was evident, her eye-roll a clear display of her annoyance with his presence being hidden in the shadows.

Damien sighs, "As much as I would love to take your advice, Eclàir dear, it just wouldn't be plausible. You do remember that there's a certain contract binding us together, don't you?" Damien glanced over at Eclàir, his smile not wavering despite her mocking cough.

Eclàir rolled her eyes, her demeanor changing from amusement to slight annoyance.

She clearly wasn't too pleased with the reminder of their binding contract.

"I'm well aware of that blasted contract, Damien. It's not something one forgets. But, just because we're bound together, doesn't mean you have to stay glued to my side, which I did NOT FUCKING SIGN TO-"

Another clears throt throat and gently interjects, aiming to maintain a semblance of diplomacy amidst the evident tension, "Eclàir, dear, if I may, it would be most appreciated if you could lower your voice a tad and refrain from using such language" The woman's outburst was suddenly interrupted by a voice that was high-pitched yet somehow trying to convey a sense of gentleness.

The attempt at gentleness somehow highlighted the high pitch of the speaker, creating an interesting juxtaposition in the room.

Another feminine laughs heartily at the woman, her voice carrying a hint of amusement and sarcasm.

She leans forward.

Her tone is lighthearted yet challenging, "Oh, Ciarán, dear, let's be real, shall we? We all know that she's far from the only one in this room who's no saint. In fact, I'd bet my left foot that you and everyone else in here have definitely done worse than using a few choice words"

Ciarán gives her a side eye as a drop of sweat rolled down her cheek.

Another joined in with a chuckle, who was revealed to be Piérre just beside Ciarán shaking his head at her, "You gotta lighten up, girl"

As the people in the room continued chatting and bickering amongst themselves Leala let out a barely audible sigh, her eye almost imperceptibly twitching in mild irritation.

Just as she moved to open her mouth and reassert her control over the gathering, another interruption cut through the air, preventing her from speaking once again.

"Excuse me everyone, could you please quiet down for just a moment? Leala has something important to say" A calm and firm voice called and once Leala heard him, she turned her head around.

"Antoíne?" Leala addressed the man with the striking alabaster white hair styled in a layered slick back who had nonchalantly stepped out of the shadows and was now flashing her a charming, polite smile.

"That's me, Hello Lea" He flashed an innocent grin.

Leala was briefly shocked but just as quickly, she shook her head and tried to maintain her composure.

"What are you doing here? And what is this all about?"

Antoíne lets out a polite chuckle, "I know I've been gone for a bit, but I'm here now since El allowed me in. I'm just here to check on you, she told me she had other things going on" Antoíne quickly turned his gaze to Felìx, who was engaged in a heated argument with Aera, before swiftly returning his attention to Leala.

"And assuming he's here, you got the message, didn't you Lea?" Leala's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable as she looked down at Antoíne, a bead of sweat slowly trickling down her cheeks.

Her eyes held a mixture of discomfort and awareness, for beneath that innocent smile, Leala sensed a darkness lurking within.

She had seen glimpses of the atrocities he had committed, and she refused to be fooled by the charming facade he put on display.

"Sure."

____________________________________________

Iris, Barnaby, and Sora returned to the agency, rescued by Rafaèlla in the jet.

Despite their efforts, the investigation had ultimately ended in failure, much to Iris' disappointment and feelings of defeat.

She couldn't help but feel like a failure, her gaze fixed on the floor in front of her, the crushing weight of disappointment weighing heavily on her chest.

Iris begins to doubt herself.

Well, that'll be so wrong 'cause as a leader must have self awareness.

She assigned all rutinary tasks, getting everything ready for the new day ahead.

It was perfect to do things over and over again, at least for a leader.

Of course there was always obstacles in the way, perfect for someone like her.

Everything was as it should be.

The only thing remaining was making everyone feel included and get together as every single one began to wake up and do what they need to do, her speciality.

Her creative and imaginative nature refusing to be quieted.

Ideas whirled through her head, each one seemingly more extravagant than the last, that's the creative part; And the innovative part?

She could create change.

Her mind grabbed different pieces of those options and created a collage, a NEW move to success.

Iris liked that of herself.

The pieces were perfect, some backstories, some distractions, some comfort, a goal, something about getting someone on the way..

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY, CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE NOT HELPING?!"

...

...well that was weird.

...

Iris knew she wasn't supposed to let those words get in her mind, so why... why does Sora's voice kept repeating that to her?

Again.

And again..

and again..

Although it was true; Iris had her own ulterior motive.

She wanted to earn Sora's trust, but she also wanted it to be genuine - it wasn't all just a ploy.

Right..?

She recognized the importance of building a strong bond of trust and comfort with Sora.

It was a crucial step in ensuring that Sora felt secure and willing to stay.

In addition to earning Sora's trust and comfort, Iris also aimed to prove herself to Viktoriya.

She wanted to be seen as someone capable, even with her flawed leadership.

Deep down, she yearned for Viktoriya's belief in her ability to accomplish something significant, to prove that she was capable despite any imperfections.

She just wants Viktoriya to believe in her..

Was that too much to ask? Apparently it does since Iris goes all her way to do these things.

Suddenly, Iris' thoughts quickly spiraled into panic and despair, the realization crashing over her like a wave.

She questioned if her efforts to earn trust and prove herself were all just a facade, a performance for others.

Had Sora overheard something she wasn't meant to?

Had she ruined everything?

Was she back to square one, failing yet again?

'No..NO!'

The pieces her mind was grabbing to create another solution suddenly stopped.

Like if giving up, like if realizing their work was pointless if they're gonna get the same result, again.

"Wha.." Iris managed to stammer, why couldn't she do this, why couldnt she MAKE the stupid solution?! "WHAT-"

It was gone.

The solution was gone, the options were gone, her..everything was gone.

Everything she needed to do.

Everything she was supposed to do.

Everything she was needed to be.

Everything.

She couldn't do it.

She couldn't do it because she doesn't even understand everything.

Iris was at her wits' end, consumed by a burning desire to understand Sora's thoughts and emotions.

She had tirelessly attempted to gain Sora's trust and favor, doing everything she thinks that might please her, but no matter what she did, nothing seemed to work!

The more she tried, the more she felt like she didn't grasp Sora's mindset at all!

Everything she did, she did to prove that she can do something right for once and yet she doesn't get it!

SHE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG WITH HER STRATEGY IN MIND.

SHE DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING FALSE, THE TRUTH ALWAYS PREVAIL AS THEY SAY.

SO WHY IS SHE NOT GETTING IT?!

Iris, once in a state of determined pacing, had now collapsed onto the floor.

Her eyes filled with tears as a storm of emotions engulfed her.

Frustration, confusion, and disappointment crashed over her heart, weighing her down with an overwhelming sense of despair.

Frustration coursed through Iris as she struggled to understand Sora's selfless nature.

Unable to grasp her motivations, Iris found herself growing increasingly impatient, wondering what more she had to do to win Sora's favor and trust.

Caught in a whirlwind of confusion, Iris questioned what her next move should be.

Sitting there crying wasn't an option, she knew that, but what choice did she have when she felt like she was running out of options?!

WHY DOES SHE ALWAYS HAVE TO RUN AFTER SOLUTIONS?!

WHY CAN'T THINGS BE EASY FOR ONCE?!

..?!

...

"Iris..?" Iris, her disheveled form fixated on the floor, was abruptly torn from her tormented thoughts by the sweet, melodic voice that called out to her.

She lifted her weary gaze upwards towards the source of the sound, squinting against the sudden burst of light from the open door.

"Iris, Oh gosh..! What's wrong! Are you okay?! Do you want me to rush you to emergency..?!" Amara swiftly hurried from the doorway, immediately rushing to the aid of her friend who was crumpled on the floor.

Kneeling down to match Iris's level, she extended a comforting hand, doing her utmost to help her regain her composure and steady her uneven breathing.

In her current state, Iris became aware of her accelerated breathing, each frantic inhale and exhale coming in quick succession like a series of rapidly fired bullets.

Her heart thundered in her chest, its rhythm closely aligned with the frenzied pace of her breathing.

Hot tears streamed down her face, further adding to her distressed appearance, while Amara stayed steadfast by her side, offering unwavering comfort and support.

____________________________________________

Sora rubbed her temple, her eyes fixed on Viktoriya's usual stoic expression.

Under normal circumstances, she would have found it quite admirable, but at the moment, her mind was reeling with a whirlwind of thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate or even appreciate the usual calm facade of Viktoriya.

After that mission, Sora's feelings towards everything shifted dramatically.

She felt used, manipulated, and worse - betrayed.

The irony stung deeply, for even though Sora hadn't placed trust in Iris, the sense of betrayal still weighed heavily on her mind.

She struggled with the paradoxical nature of her emotions, questioning why she felt betrayed when she hadn't even trusted Iris in the first place.

'Why?'

Sora's thoughts raced, grappling with the uncertainty of her next steps.

Should she flee? Take revenge? Or simply pretend nothing had occurred?

The conflicting feelings within her made it difficult to decide.

On one hand, she yearned to escape the turmoil and avoid further conflict.

Yet, on the other hand, she couldn't ignore the reality that something significant had transpired, and burying her head in the sand wasn't a viable option.

She didn't know what to do.

She felt useless when all she had to do was serve herself and she couldn't even do that.

Following Viktoriya in silence, Sora struggled to keep her thoughts at bay.

The urge to break the oppressive silence took over, and she finally found herself speaking, unable to bear the weight of her complicated thoughts any longer.

Simply, she needed to distracted herself.

"Excuse me, Viktoriya," Sora began, her voice calm and smooth, "I'm just curious, where exactly are we going?"

Viktoriya glanced back at Sora, her gaze cool and aloof.

She gestured toward the facility's main room.

"We're going to the meeting room," She replied matter-of-factly. "Sara has discovered something that she believes we should see"

She continued walking, her gait steady and confident, fully expecting Sora to follow her.

As Sora's attention was redirected, an unexpected gasp escaping Sora's lips hinted at her curiosity and surprise, her head instinctively leaning closer to Viktoriya in an unspoken question.

Viktoriya caught the hint of surprise on Sora's face and chuckled lightly followed by a light gasp.

"It's a rather unexpected discovery," She began.

"Sara told me about this while you, Barnaby, and Iris were out on your recent mission. She found something while combing through some ancient tomes that was on the icy cave she explored out on her mission, and she thinks it's important for us to see." Viktoriya cast a sidelong glance at Sora as they continued walking.

"But wha—"

"Upupup..! Let's save that for later shall we? There's a meeting for a reason, Sora" Viktoriya's presence broke through Sora's moment of contemplation, leading her away from further contemplation as the duo continued down the hall.

Although Sora remained momentarily quiet, she was fully aware that the silence would soon be filled with a barrage of troubling thoughts, threatening to consume her peace of mind.

In an effort to avoid being overwhelmed, Sora hurried her pace, increasing her speed to swiftly reach the meeting room and drown out the thoughts that loomed over her.

____________________________________________

Miaoli meticulously brushed off specks of dust from her lab coat, trying to stay focused and composed amidst the background of Yuri's inaudible rage.

Despite her efforts, she was well-aware that thus far, her attempts at progress or even feeding the creature had yielded no success.

Miaoli had anticipated this, yet the lack of results still left her feeling frustrated and disappointed.

As Miaoli made her way down the hall, she was suddenly met with an enthusiastic welcome from the energetic and bubbly Isabella, or 'the self-proclaimed princess,' who practically leaped up on her tip- toes and launched herself into Miaoli's arms.

For a moment, the smaller woman felt herself teetering on the verge of toppling over, but she manages to regain her balance and steady herself, accepting Isabella's unexpected embrace with a mix of amusement and playful exasperation.

"OH!!! HIIIII!!!! MIAOMIAO!!!" Isabella beams and laughs, not even realizing that she nearly pushed Miaoli over.

She's bouncing in place and is just radiating pure, positive energy.

Miaoli's expression shifted to one of mild surprise as Isabella enveloped her in a hug, her eyes widening at the unexpected display of affection.

However, she didn't resist and allowed herself to be embraced.

A subtle, genuine smile danced across her lips, a testament to the fact that she couldn't help but be charmed by Isabella's bubbly and positive energy.

Though she doesn't seem like it, it's just what she needs after that disastrous moment she experienced.

"Hello there, princess. Did you need something?"

Isabella nods excitedly, bouncing a little as she clings to Miaoli's arm, her infectious enthusiasm and energy practically oozing off her.

She's beaming and just seems to be having so much fun and clearly has no intention of letting Miaoli go anytime soon, "Eeeeehehee! Yes, yes!!! I want to show you something really, really cool!!! You gotta come with me! Please, please, please!!!"

Miaoli blinks a few times as Isabella practically hangs off her like an overly excited puppy.

She tries to push her glasses up in a nervous gesture, but she's used to the attention, especially from this girl.

After a moment, she gives in and nods, "Alright, alright. Lead the way, your majesty"

"Ohhkay!" Isabella grabbed Miaoli's arm and happily pulled her down the hall, her pace bouncy and spirited.

Though a touch of resignation mingled with Miaoli's sigh at being pulled along, she didn't resist and allowed Isabella to lead the way.

"Oh! Hey, uhm..." Isabella, brimming with energy, suddenly remembered something but paused as she was about to speak.

A brief moment of silence followed her hesitation, but then she brightened up again, ready to carry on with whatever she had on her mind, "Heyyy, well, I know I wasn't looking too good last time we talked. I'd been going through some stuff. Not sleeping, feeling pretty hopeless about everything. But uh... All of that is a thing of the past now. I feel much, much better actually!!! All of our problems will be solved soon!"

Isabella chattered excitedly as she turned a corner and approached a spacious metallic technological door, effortlessly entering various key passes with effortless ease.

Meanwhile, Miaoli listened attentively to her words, her attention fixed on the bubbly princess before her.

"As you know! I've been working on a special project, with everyone in the facility. And guess what? We've finally done it!!! We've made some MAJOR progress, and my dreams are closer than ever!!!" Isabella's eyes sparkled with joy, her smile growing wider as she hopped up on her tip-toes, her excitement almost childlike in its purity.

She held Miaoli's hands tightly in her own, her grasp firm yet filled with eager anticipation.

Her eyes widened, the childlike glee emanating from her in waves.

A chuckle escaped Miaoli's lips as Isabella dragged her along, the head scientist doing her utmost to keep up with the bubbly princess' energetic strides.

Miaoli, however, although already had a good idea of what Isabella was chattering about, given that she had been monitoring the progress, but she let Isabella talk anyway, enjoying the young woman's enthusiasm and energy.

"Really? That sounds rather exciting, Isa. May I ask what kind of progress you and the others have made?"

Isabella squirmed happily as they walked down the hallway from the door she had opened earlier, her bubbly demeanor infectious as they approached another door that required a keycard.

She turned to Miaoli with an enthusiastic look, wordlessly urging her to provide the keycard to unlock the door.

"Oh, I would LOVE to tell you, but... It's supposed to be a secret~!"

Isabella gleefully skips down the hall, her energy so infectious that she almost pulls Miaoli along with her through sheer enthusiasm.

The mischievous glint in her eyes and the playful smile on her lips suggest she has a secret to share, her body leaning in close as if to whisper something confidential.

As Isabella led Miaoli into the opened room, the scientist's eyes widened in utter shock, though she remained silent.

However, her expression spoke volumes of the drastic change in the project since the last time she had laid eyes upon it.

Now, it was a sight to behold - the project resembled something beyond comprehension, something otherworldly in its transformation.

"Say hello to Watermelon 2.0, or WM-02 FOR SHORT! THE NAME IS SO CUTE ISNT IT?!"

'No, bitch the name is cute but THIS isnt' Miaoli couldn't help but feel both fascinated and alarmed as she gazed up at the controlled lifeless body of the samurai.

The pure white eyes locked onto her gaze, and she couldn't help but marvel at the sight while simultaneously feeling a sense of trepidation.

She found herself both amazed by and scared of the project before her - it truly was an incredible display of science and technology.

And it thrilled her to the bone.

[guizh0ng]

boom Amy, my beloved 🩷🩷🩷🩷

[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.