﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

⟢﹒ ⤷﹒💚﹐𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑

The sun was setting as Alexander and Julia walked side by side on the way back to Bob's house. They had just finished another day of work at the Violet Systems, but today felt different. There was a tension in the air, and Alexander couldn't help but feel nervous. He had been holding on to his feelings for Julia for months, and he couldn't keep it to himself any longer.

As they strolled along the familiar streets, Alexander finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Julia, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his heart pounding in his chest.

Julia glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Alexander?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Taking a deep breath, Alexander confessed, "I have feelings for you, Julia. I've had them for a while now, and I can't keep them hidden any longer."

Julia's eyes widened in surprise, but then a smile slowly spread across her face. "Oh, Alexander," she said softly, "I've liked you too, for quite some time now."

The weight that had been pressing on Alexander's chest lifted, and he couldn't help but return Julia's smile. "Really?" he asked, feeling a rush of relief and happiness.

Julia nodded. "Yes, really," she replied. "I've been trying to figure out how to tell you, but I was afraid you didn't feel the same way."

Alexander chuckled, feeling the tension ease between them. "I was afraid of the same thing," he admitted. "But now that we know how we feel, I want to be with you, Julia."

Julia blushed slightly but nodded. "I want to be with you too," she said, her voice warm. "You've been such a great friend and colleague, and I've enjoyed spending time with you."

"Starting tonight, I'll be your boyfriend," Alexander declared, taking Julia's hand in his.

Julia's eyes sparkled with happiness, and she squeezed his hand. "I'd like that," she said softly. "And I promise to be the best girlfriend I can be."

As they continued walking, hand in hand, Alexander felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time. He was grateful for the bond he shared with Julia and for the chance to explore a romantic relationship with her.

Meanwhile, back at the Yggdrasil base, Ayako had returned from her medical school with Leo Kliesen. As they walked through the base, Ayako felt a sense of unease, as if something terrible was about to happen.

Leo noticed Ayako's concern and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked, his concern evident.

Ayako forced a smile, trying to push away her anxiety. "I'm fine, Leo," she replied. "I just have this strange feeling, like something bad is about to happen."

Leo nodded, not entirely convinced. He knew Ayako well, and he could tell when something was bothering her. "If anything happens, I'll be there to protect you," he reassured her.

Ayako smiled gratefully at Leo, appreciating his loyalty and friendship. "Thank you, Leo," she said, her voice sincere.

As they walked, Ayako suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head, causing her to stumble. Leo caught her before she fell, his eyes widening in concern. "Ayako, what's wrong?" he asked, worry etched on his face.

Ayako gritted her teeth, trying to fight off the pain. "I don't know," she replied, her voice strained. "It's like...someone's trying to control me."

Leo's eyes narrowed as he looked around, scanning their surroundings. "We need to get back to the base," he said firmly. "Something isn't right."

Before they could take another step, they were confronted by a sight that left them both in shock. Satoko Kiyomizu stood before them, wearing an orange mind control headband. Anais Garcia, dressed in her orange power armor, was by her side.

Leo's grip on Ayako tightened as he instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding her from any potential danger. "What do you want?" he demanded, his voice firm.

Satoko grinned wickedly, and Anais sneered. "We've come to play, Leo," Anais taunted, her voice dripping with malice.

Leo's eyes narrowed, his protective instincts kicking in. "Leave Ayako out of this," he warned, his voice steely.

But before Leo could react, Ayako found herself entangled in a struggle with her brainwashed sister. Ayako's heart ached as she fought against Satoko's control, but it was no use. She felt helpless and trapped, and she knew she couldn't win this battle alone.

Leo tried to intervene, but Anais proved to be a formidable opponent. He was overpowered, and he knew he couldn't protect Ayako and fight off both Satoko and Anais at the same time.

"Run, Leo!" Ayako managed to cry out. "Tell Lars what's happening!"

Leo hesitated for a moment, torn between his instinct to protect Ayako and her plea to run. But he knew Ayako was right. He needed to warn Lars and the others about the danger they were facing.

With a heavy heart, Leo reluctantly turned and fled, leaving Ayako to face her brainwashed sister and Anais alone.

However, the odds were against her, and in the end, she was captured and subjected to the mind control helmet. Ayako screamed in pain as her free will was stripped away, and she was turned into a puppet under G-Corporation's control.

Leo returned to the base with a heavy heart, tears still streaming down his face. He found Lars and the others, and through choked sobs, he relayed what had happened to Ayako. Lars was devastated, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"No... this can't be happening," Lars whispered, his voice filled with anguish. "Ayako... Damn it! I shouldn't let her do this!"

Miguel Rojo stepped forward, trying to console Lars. "We will find a way to save her, Lars. We won't let G-Corporation take her from us," Miguel vowed.

Lars nodded, his fists clenched tightly. "Tomorrow, we'll hold an urgent meeting. We need to come up with a plan to rescue Ayako and Satoko. No matter what it takes, we won't leave them behind," Lars declared with determination.

The rest of the group agreed, and Leo wiped away his tears, his heart filled with resolve. "I won't rest until we bring Ayako back," he said firmly.

To be continued...