On the fifth day, the rain decides to begin leaving the stage of this embittered plot.

  A man and a woman follow the searches being carried out along the River of Whispers.

  One of the cranes begins to hoist its steel cable, the blue core located on the driver’s panel and serving as the battery for that entire machine intensifies its glow.

  This time, something more is coming.

  A van begins to make itself present above the murky waters. The damp air hovering over the region seems to drown those two in more than sorrow.

  The rain performs a farewell act in the form of drizzle.

  Droplets fall gently upon the earth, some so sharp they seem capable of piercing the skin and soaking the soul.

  On the third day after the bodies are found, those young ones are finally ready to return to the endless cycle of life.

  The king star paints the sky with such a delicate blue that it seems possible to grasp it with one’s fingers as if it were fabric.

  Yet, the icy air persists.

  Everyone there wears the noblest color.

  Except her.

  Her father is there as a symbolic act in her place, merely observing the lowered gazes, the dried tears, and the soaked handkerchiefs. He also notices a man in the background, dressed in gray and staring at the grave at his feet. The man recites something about souls and purity, but Júlio is unmoved by those words.

  Some distance from there, pedaling at a slow rhythm, Sarah follows the path she always took. Now, however, it is more painful, even tortuous.

  The tower appears darker than usual.

  For several minutes, silence reigns.

  She only watches the birds flying freely high upon that thin fabric.

  The wind touches and further dishevels her hair.

  Her gray shirt flutters subtly over her abdomen.

  Her rigid arms, hands resting upon the metal, reveal the freezing touch of the air that makes her hairs rise.

  Everything there is in its proper place, fulfilling its roles and functions, yet within her something still echoes.

  An emptiness takes hold of her soul.

  Unconsciously, she seeks to understand how to move forward.

  Days continue their eternal flow.

  Wherever she goes, Sarah is alone, whether at the tower or at school.

  Weeks soon come and go.

  Days become weeks. Weeks become a month.

  And she still cannot smile again.

  Agents knock on the door of her home.

  Now her world sinks further.

  The news soon echoes throughout the infinite room.

  Leila is declared missing.

  No tears fall, only silence remains.

  Júlio, however, weeps deeply. Doctors prescribe various medicines, drugs, and some N2 devices in the form of eye masks that help him sleep.

  Sarah begins visiting the psychologist.

  After several sessions, the report is issued.

  It states that Sarah is coping well with the situation.

  That this is the response she has found.

  Months pass, and Leila is declared dead by Júlio.

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  The authorities maintain her status as missing.

  Sarah does not speak of the matter.

  Thoughtful.

  She walks through corners, searching within herself for an answer.

  Somewhere in the underground outskirts of EVA.

  "Let us begin the meeting. Júlio, bring us up to date on the situation." A man dressed entirely in white, with long blond hair, directs the discussion.

  "As you know, the girl escaped and the other two are dead. The team we hired are also all dead."

  "And your wife?"

  A third man interjects.

  "Lúcio, if you allow me, she did invade our facilities, but the Chief Guard captured her. We need to decide what to do with her." Pablo, a tall, fair skinned man with black hair and almond shaped eyes, summarizes the situation.

  "My failure. I will resolve it personally." Júlio snaps the fingers of one hand as he speaks, his stern expression standing out.

  "Very well, next topic." In a small notebook, Lúcio draws a check mark beside the item titled School 47 Kidnapping. "Pablo, how stands the situation of the branches?"

  "According to the latest report from the supervisors, the last branch in the Southeast has completed the security reinforcement procedures."

  "Has everything been covered up at Branch 12?" Lúcio leans back slightly in his chair as he continues his questioning.

  Pablo runs a hand over his shaved head and exhales softly before answering. "Almost everything. However, the person responsible for the intrusion has not yet been identified. In addition, some of the children escaped. At least, none of the bodies were found, so we assume they were taken."

  "That is problematic. We must report this issue to Ottawa."

  "He will likely want to go out hunting until he finds whoever is responsible. We should avoid conflicts with humans for now." Júlio reflects briefly on Lúcio’s concern.

  "You are right. We will send a messenger to Atlantis to report the problems directly to Jacarta and see what procedures will be taken." Lúcio decides quickly.

  "I will go myself. I only need to stabilize matters with the girl, then I shall depart." Júlio turns his gaze toward Pablo. "Prepare a complete report to be delivered to Jacarta, understood?"

  "Yes. I will visit the branches and prepare the report as soon as possible." He finishes speaking and looks back at Lúcio. "And about the girl?"

  "I do not trust the testimony extracted from her, but it is wise to keep watch for a time." He draws in a measured breath. "How is she?" His attentive gaze shifts to Júlio.

  "At present, she suspects nothing. She is in a depressive state. She will no longer serve the purpose the nobles of the Susia family had planned." Júlio relaxes slightly in his chair.

  "That is unfortunate. We will have to return all that money and still send some gift of apology. So be it. Better than having them come here for nothing."

  "I heard that some warriors of the áia families are setting out on a new journey, along with another group formed by warriors of other families." Pablo begins to share rumors.

  "Another expedition in search of relics?" Lúcio asks.

  "Most likely. Ayda is complicated. The number of survivors continues to decrease." Pablo crosses his arms upon the table.

  "Tokyo…" Júlio murmurs quietly.

  "And what are you muttering there, Júlio?" Lúcio smiles faintly while staring at the ceiling.

  "I was only thinking how much he must have evolved during all this time."

  "Not only him. All who survive the quests in Ayda grow stronger. They are likely on another level, as always." Lúcio laughs softly. "Not that I care."

  "Easy, Júlio. Your chance to return to the army will come one day. For now, focus on our mission." Pablo rises, briefly placing a hand on Júlio’s shoulder. "Besides, we must prepare ourselves. They will likely pass through here before heading to the Desert of Creation."

  "All the more reason to inspect everything again." Lúcio stands and walks toward an opening in the floor. "And Júlio, do not forget the flowers." He disappears through the opening, laughter echoing behind him.

  "I know." Júlio also stands, turning to Pablo. "I am counting on you." He soon vanishes through another opening nearby.

  Pablo watches him leave. After several silent seconds, his distant gaze lingers where Júlio had stood, as though lost in thought. Then he turns and walks toward a third opening in the floor.