A Few Minutes Later

  In Another Location

  Very Close to the City Center

  One could see a person with long blond hair sitting at the edge of the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings in that large city wrapped in night, while behind this person another figure appeared, speaking on the phone with someone.

  It became clear that this second person had short white hair and completely white eyes without pupils or irises - the figure revealed to be none other than Kalin, who was momentarily exercising full control over Salin's body.

  He was requesting additional information about their next possible targets, who might be inside the party taking place in an abandoned factory that had been converted into a musical event famous in that city for its electronic music and light shows, as well as for its high-priced admission.

  [Kalin - Worried & Serious Voice] ...The informant will be inside the musical event, then... Given that, what are the chances that he will be accompanied by someone of high rank within the Inanis faction? -

  [Unknown Voice Over the Call] According to my research, the chances are low. This Oculi informant is a rather despicable guy who doesn't seem to have chosen a side in this conflict happening among the Oculi. [Disgusted & Angry Sigh] -

  [Kalin - Worried & Serious Voice] Good to know... Anything we find out, we'll send the information to you. And once again, thank you for risking so much to help us, Mr. Keain. [Grateful, Deep Sigh] -

  [Keain Over the Call] I'm doing all this mostly for Miss Nox, and... [Call Ends] -

  The focus then returned to the figure sitting on the edge of the rooftop, who kept gently swinging her feet in a calm and untroubled manner.

  This person was none other than Mia herself, holding her cell phone with a tender expression on her face as she once again looked at the photo of her beloved daughter, Emi.

  Still a beautiful child only a few months away from reaching her third birthday. Then a new breeze swept across the rooftop - a slightly stronger one that rustled her clothes and hair.

  At the same time, the moonlight emerged, illuminating the rooftop that moments before had been in total darkness.

  With that light, the surroundings behind the two figures became visible: scattered across the ground lay several bodies, violently dismembered.

  Judging by the nature of the injuries on those bodies, there were no signs of blades or firearms - only pure brute force delivered through punches and kicks.

  It was clear that the dismembered, lifeless individuals on the ground were anything but normal.

  Where their open wounds should have shown the red color of human flesh, there was instead a dark, blackened tissue.

  And from the wounds and severed parts of those various bodies, a thick, subtle black smoke seemed to rise.

  As if even without life, their bodies were still releasing something that would instantly confirm to anyone who knew this kind of being that none of them were human - they were all Oculi.

  [Kalin - Worried & Serious Voice] Hey, Mia! We've got the data and the picture of the informant. Once he enters the event, we can interrogate him - whether he wants to speak or not - but... [Worried & Uneasy Sigh] -

  Mia inhaled deeply as she stood up from the edge, ending up just a few centimeters away from falling down nearly thirty-five stories.

  Her long, beautiful blond hair danced in the air as a gentle breeze brushed across the rooftop, while her eyes were also completely white, devoid of irises.

  [Mia - Serene & Hollow Voice] If this "informant" knows anything about what happened to my aunt Nox, or... [Deep Breath] -

  [Mia - Serene & Hollow Voice] Especially any information about the location where my best friend Emily is being held at this very moment. [Deep, Vengeful Breath] -

  At the same time, an expression consumed by hatred became fully visible on Mia's face while she remained fixated on the abandoned factory below - the place where the musical event was happening at that very moment.

  [Kalin - Worried & Serious Voice] Mia, control the release of your abilities. We don't want another mental resonance like the one from three years ago, remember? -

  Kalin, after saying this to Mia, noticed that an invisible force was being emitted from within her body, spreading outward in a subtle way. It seemed to distort more and more of the visual - though not physical - environment around her.

  And before all that, he understood that her boyfriend, Salin, needed to return to control of his own body in that moment.

  Given the possibility that Mia was close enough to falling into the "traps" that those fiery emotions in her heart could trigger, destabilizing her once again.

  [Kalin - Confident & Serious Voice] Hey... Do you remember what I told you earlier, Mia? The Inanis faction would not dare take the life of your aunt Nox. She, along with her two other sisters, are part of the pure bloodline-heirs of the Oculi Nigri and Albi. -

  Faced with the possibility of Mia being consumed by the most burning emotions within her heart, Kalin began walking toward her as she looked down over the city.

  He also turned his gaze toward the event happening inside the factory a few kilometers away from the building on whose rooftop the two now stood.

  [Kalin - Confident & Serious Voice] And given this "simple" fact, the Begeneri twins... Even if they want to end your aunt Nox's life after she has meddled in their affairs over the last few years... -

  Mia's long blonde hair swayed softly along with her black garments, whose texture and stitching clearly revealed their high-class craftsmanship.

  Meanwhile, with each step Kalin took toward Mia's back as she stared out over the city before her.

  [Kalin - Confident & Serious Voice] The Begeneri twins, and not even their followers within the Inanis faction, would dare do anything to Nox... -

  Kalin's white hair began to shift in color, gradually returning to its natural black, while his formerly white Oculi eyes - so distinct - transitioned back to their common human appearance.

  [Kalin - Confident & Serious Voice] ...Knowing that the moment Nox is confirmed dead, a war between the only two Oculi factions would immediately begin again. Just like the great first one that happened where I came from many "cycles" ago - a war that nearly ended all the Oculi. -

  At the end of Kalin's sentence directed at Mia, it became visible that full control of Kalin's body had transitioned back to Salin, the true owner of that body.

  Salin, the moment he felt himself return, did not hesitate even for an instant. He immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere surrounding Mia - the weight of her emotions and feelings being released along with her abilities.

  He understood how hard Mia was holding herself together, using all her strength so those emotions would not take control of her again, as they had in the past when she took Derik's life with an iron bar after a breakdown.

  She had been unable to bear the pain that had been building for weeks after what Derik had attempted to do to her - nothing less than a failed attempt to assault her at school.

  [Salin - Hopeful & Confident Voice] My love... Never again let anger, hatred, and thirst for revenge burn in your heart so fiercely that they give themselves a reason to keep beating inside you. [Deep & Serene Breath] -

  Salin, moved by that atmosphere and the sensation lingering in the air, feels his mind recall the day when he and Mia learned that Mia's aunt, Nox, had entered into combat with a mysterious Oculi - one that left her gravely wounded.

  [Mia - Serene & Empty Voice] Yes, my love... Even though I want to tear apart every single one of those damned members of the Inanis faction with my own hands, I... [Deep, slow breath] -

  Nox, having lost consciousness after the battle, severely wounded, was easily kidnapped by that mysterious Oculi, who acted under the direct orders of the Begeneri twins, the ones commanding the Oculi faction known as Inanis.

  [Sadistic & Echoing Voice Of Mia From The Past] I'm going to tear every one of you to pieces, feel it...! [Playful & pleasure-filled laugh] -

  [Cries Of The Enemy Oculi Begging For Mercy, Echoing From The Past]

  [Mia - Serene & Empty Voice] ...I must never allow myself to fall head-first into those damned dark feelings! [Deep, slow breath] -

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  [Sadistic & Echoing Voice Of Mia From The Past] ...FEEL THE "KISS" OF THE ABSOLUTE VOID CONSUMING MY HEART!!! [Deep breath] -

  [Screams Of The Enemy Oculi In Complete Panic & Mia's Deeply Pleasure-filled Laugh Echoing From The Past]

  Two Nights Ago

  England, United Kingdom

  Near the City Center

  Salisas Corp Building

  From the focused perspective of the balcony of Sasha's bedroom, which offers a beautiful view of the city below-appearing to move at its usual rhythm.

  The pulse of a capital that never truly sleeps-we witness the calm atmosphere settling around the two women.

  [Mia - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] ...Thank you for taking care of my daughter, I... I don't even know how I could repay you for this big favor, Sasha. -

  [Sasha - Cheerful & Serene Voice] You don't need to worry about that. Spending my days alone here was something really boring, especially with my father always working abroad, but... -

  We see Sasha seated on a chair, sipping a soda, her gaze slightly distant. Beside her, Mia also sits in another chair, enjoying her own drink.

  [Sasha - Cheerful & Serene Voice] The moment Emi arrived in this place, I discovered what it feels like to smile at something as simple as the laughter of that tiny, adorable little "thing" I'm happy to call my goddaughter. -

  [Sasha - Cheerful & Serene Voice] And my annoying brother, Salin, together with you, Mia, brought her into this world - a world that seems, to my eyes and yours, to have gained more colors because of her. -

  Hearing this, Mia looks slightly toward Sasha with a warm, happy smile, clearly aware of how much Sasha loves spending her days caring for her daughter.

  At this moment, Emi's safety is the top priority - not only for Mia, but for Salin as well.

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] You're the best godmother Emi could ever have in her life. Just don't try to steal her from me, you hear me, you brat? [Soft, happy & good-humored laugh] -

  When Sasha hears Mia's playful remark, she takes another sip of her soda and murmurs that maybe she might steal Emi someday, considering how adorable the child is.

  The two of them laugh, as if they were not only best friends but almost like sisters, enjoying this simple, relaxing moment together.

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] Hey, Mia... I know what you're trying to say, and I don't like it. [Subtle deep breath & fearful tone] -

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] You know very well how dangerous this is, and you two are getting deeper and deeper into those dark matters related to the Oculi. -

  The moment Mia hears this, she feels an immediate tightness in her chest, noticing that Sasha doesn't say these words while looking into her eyes.

  Instead, she keeps drinking her soda and staring out at the city with an expression filled with worry and fear.

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Worried Voice] I'm sure my brother, Salin, already told you that these investigations are becoming more and more dangerous, and... -

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Worried Voice] And now you two have a daughter, and I don't want her to become a little girl without parents someday in the future, Mia. -

  Sasha seemed to lose her strength as she took a sip of soda, lowering her gaze. She carried the weight of the same vision that had haunted her almost every night since the moment little Emi came into the world.

  And as a consequence, Salin and Mia had been forced to act against the Oculi that lurked in the area. All the night visions were the same nightmare.

  A nightmare of a dark future, where Sasha's greatest fear-after becoming Emi's godmother, Emi being the daughter of her brother Salin and Mia, who was such an incredible person in Sasha's eyes-tormented her relentlessly.

  [(Sasha - Trembling, Fearful Echo Of Thought) I can't tell you what I see in my nightmares, nor what my greatest fear is right now, Mia. (Deep sigh)]

  It was the cruelest nightmare Sasha could possibly have, and she wished desperately for it to remain only a vision molded by her fears, not a potential future.

  [(Sasha - Trembling, Sorrowful Thought) I wish I could help more than I do, caring only for little Emi every day while you both leave... leaving to gamble with the future of your beloved daughter, Emi... (Deep sigh)]

  This nightmare showed Sasha holding Emi in her arms, crying as Emi cried in deep, overwhelming pain - a moment where the child was five years old, not two as she was in the present.

  Emi held onto Sasha tightly, and Sasha held her just as tightly, tears falling in a silence that said everything, even though not a single word was spoken.

  While she stroked her niece's head, trying to soothe her and, at the same time, calm her amidst such a terrifying moment...

  [(Sasha - Trembling, Mournful Thought) My brother received the gift of having a strong woman by his side in this exhausting battle against the Oculi, but... (Deep sigh)]

  Sasha held Emi in her arms - only to realize that this was nothing more than the worst nightmare she could have: being at the funeral of Salin and Mia in the future.

  After many confrontations with the Oculi while trying to secure a better future for their beloved daughter, Emi, they sacrificed their lives for the sake of her safety and happiness, above their own.

  [Sound Of Emi's Extremely Trembling, Anguished & Echoing Sobs Inside Sasha's Mind]

  As a result of their final confrontation with the Oculi, they had lost their lives painfully, and their bodies were sealed in closed caskets for a reason that would terrify Emi for the rest of her life.

  The funeral took place in a situation where Mia's family and what remained of Salin's family could attend this moment of farewell.

  Because the situation involved the Oculi - something still classified up to that point - any leak to the press about what truly happened could bring danger to Sasha and Emi in the future.

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] Mia, I... I understand that my brother is by your side in the investigations and confrontations against the Oculi, but... [Deep, worried sigh] -

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] I fear that my brother, Salin, won't be enough someday... that he won't be able to bring you back into the arms of your lovely daughter, Emi... [Deep, worried sigh] -

  Because some Oculi might someday wish to take revenge on Emi and on whoever stands by her side to protect her - none other than Sasha, Salin's sister.

  She was also Emi's godmother, who had promised to care for her no matter the cost when she received that gift from Salin and Mia: becoming the godmother of the most important person in their world.

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] To me, in my eyes, Salin is a great older brother, and he's being an incredible father to little Emi, even though he's a first-time parent. [Deep, melancholic breath] -

  The world seems to slow down before Mia's eyes. She is left without reaction, simply watching ahead of her and smiling, even as tears slowly stream down her face.

  Sasha continues speaking with determination, showing her struggle against the fear and uncertainty that confrontations with the Oculi can bring to Salin and Mia's newly formed family after Emi's birth.

  [Sasha - Thoughtful & Serene Voice] However, Mia... I don't want to lose any of you, even while understanding the importance of each one's goals in favor of the safety of our families and the people we love, but... [Deep, melancholic breath] -

  Sasha squeezes the soda can and flashes her teeth in a strained smile. Mia extends her hand toward Sasha's, catching her by surprise not only with the touch but also with the firm hold.

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] ...Sasha, without any doubt, you are the right person to take care of my dear Emi if anything bad happens to Salin and me in the future. [Joyful, hopeful sigh] -

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] Besides, I'm sure Emi will feel honored to have you as her godmother by her side as she grows up happy. [Joyful, hopeful sigh] -

  [Sasha - Tearful & Worried Voice] Please, Mia, don't talk like that! I feel like you're aware that you'll be gone at some point, and I don't want to feel even more fear than I already do whenever you and Salin leave this house. [Deep, fearful breath] -

  [Sasha - Tearful & Worried Voice] I... I don't want to lose you or my brother Salin to those damned Oculi. [Deep, fearful breath] -

  This gesture expresses not only love and affection, but also admiration for the incredible person Sasha is - something Mia cannot hide. Sasha, noticing the gesture, looks away, letting silent tears trail down her face.

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] Sasha, you know very well that what motivates both Salin and me to never give up returning to this building is the fact that our daughter still needs us. [Happy sigh] -

  [Sasha - Tearful & Worried Voice] Mia, I know you're determined to find your best friend, Emily, who was kidnapped by the Oculi three years ago. [Deeply melancholic breath] -

  [Sasha - Tearful & Worried Voice] But when your aunt Nox was taken by them two years ago, it's as if this obsession began to take over your heart more and more with each passing day, week, and month. [Deeply melancholic breath] -

  Sasha notices that Mia is also crying, with tears that reveal sincere words and worries about the future - not only theirs, but Emi's as well, the little two-and-a-half-year-old girl.

  [Sasha - Tearful & Worried Voice] My brother, Salin, had to hold your hand to stop you from falling into the abyss of vengeance - to stop you from losing everything you achieved and fought so hard to have in your life now. [Deeply melancholic breath] -

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] I understand your concern. Salin knows that we could search for information more efficiently, but the price is far too high, and I acknowledge the dangers that could come after the ones I love the most, once again... [Deep, thoughtful sigh] -

  And then, as the world returned to its normal flow of time, the two looked at each other with a smile that conveyed more than all the words ever created by humanity.

  [Mia - Happy & Serene Voice] Salin, as a great father, wants to return to the arms of our daughter, and I, by his side, want the same at any cost, holding his hand with all my strength. [Deep, thoughtful sigh] -

  With their free hands, they wiped away the tears that should have already stopped falling, but in that moment revealed that their hearts were overflowing with emotions and feelings for one another.

  [Mia - Whispering, Happy & Hopeful] Thank you for being not only an incredible godmother to Emi, but... also for being a great friend with whom my heart can lower all its defenses. [Trembling, slightly emotional sigh] -

  [Mia - Whispering, Happy & Hopeful] In the midst of all of this, it makes me think so much before I'm able to sleep. [Trembling, slightly emotional sigh] -

  The perspective then shifts into the bedroom where Mia and Sasha stand on the balcony, and the focus moves to the other side of the apartment, where the guest room has now become little Emi's room.

  Passing through the half-open door, a room appears that would be a paradise in the eyes of any child. It is filled with toys and has plenty of space.

  Lying beside Emi on the bed is Salin, holding a children's storybook he used to help her fall asleep. It is clear that he also ended up falling asleep next to her.

  With the soft lights of the rotating lamp on the ceiling, decorated with little bears, its gentle glow makes that moment even more beautiful.

  [Mia - Slightly Distant & Echoing Voice] My great love, Salin... and my beautiful daughter, Emi, will always be my greatest motivation to give my best beyond what I think I can do. [Happy, confident sigh] -

  It isn't only the presence of Salin and their daughter Emi sleeping side by side, but also the beauty of that simple moment, illuminated by the smiles that still linger on their faces.

  It is clear they are happy to be together, even while deeply asleep.

  [Mia - Slightly Distant & Echoing Voice] I understand that after this, I... must return not only to the arms of my beautiful Emi after another day facing the Oculi, but also to the side of my great love, Salin. We made a promise to ourselves on the day Emi was born. [Happy, motivated sigh] -

  Under the blanket, Emi is more covered than Salin, and even asleep, when she moves, Salin gently holds her with one hand - an unconscious, caring gesture that reveals his protective instinct.

  The scene shows Emi sleeping, now more comfortable on the bed and beneath the blanket.

  [Mia - Slightly Distant & Echoing Voice] We swore that we would return together to the place where our daughter would be waiting for us, because that place would be where our hearts could rest in peace, remaining at the side of our beautiful, little Emi. [Happy, hopeful sigh] -

  In an adorable way, she holds Salin's hand with her tiny hand, opening a smile of genuine happiness even though it is inconvenient for sleep.

  For she feels not only the complete safety his hand gives her, but also the affection she loves so dearly - all of it conveyed solely through his touch.

  Then, softly, little Emi speaks her first complete word while still asleep, dreaming of her mother and father playing with her.

  Her first word is "daddy," appearing alongside a bright, joyful smile that forms on her small lips for a few seconds.

  And even though Salin is asleep beside her, he responds to that gentle whisper she makes - replying softly, in a deeply sleepy tone, telling little Emi that she is his angel.