**********
(Ash's POV)
Commotion swarmed the outpost like a storm. People moved in panicked currents—rushed voices, scattered gazes, boots slamming against concrete. Soldiers barked half-formed orders. Civilians clutched radios, whispering like the static carried prophecy.
Ash walked steadily through the chaos, just a little apart from the flow.
Ash (thinking):
"This place is a damn mess… but I can't even blame them."
"The second transition is real. Confirmed. A whole squad of twelve fully evolved operatives—gone. Just like that."
"People here are scared. And worse, this place is too damn close to Casablanca. Ground zero."
**********
The fear in their eyes wasn't new. But today, it was different. Today, it looked like surrender.
Amid the chaos, three figures moved with purpose — Ash, Valker, and Zayna. They didn't speak. They didn't need to. Eyes followed them, cautious but not confrontational. Everyone knew better than to make it obvious, but curiosity always found a way.
Ash glanced up. A black building stood at the center of the compound, the only structure painted in matte obsidian—blunt, uninviting. Four guards stood by the entrance. Each one was built like a fortress, dressed in worn armor and haunted silence. They weren't just soldiers—they looked like stone walls wearing human skin.
Hardened, cold, quiet.
One of them stepped forward as Ash approached. The man's eyes were deep-set and watchful, the kind that never blinked too long. He halted Ash with a simple look.
Ash slowed, barely registering him until the guard gave a light nod.
Guard: "Hello, Mr. Hashim. Glad you made it back safely."
The name stirred Ash out of his haze. He blinked once, scratched the back of his head.
Ash: "Oh. Yeah… thanks. Appreciate the concern, agent… "
He scratched the back of his neck, the gesture almost sheepish.
Ash: "… uh, sorry, remind me of your name again?"
The man gave a tired half-smile and shook his head lightly, like a teacher dealing with a student who always forgets their homework.
Guard: "That's the third time you've asked me that, Mr. Hashim. But I get it. You've got your reasons."
Behind Ash, Valker sighed and placed his palm over his face, visibly cringed.
Valker (thinking):
"This guy…"
The agent's gaze shifted past Ash, resting briefly on the two people behind him—Valker and Zayna. But when his eyes landed on Zayna, they didn't move.
Agent: "She can't go any further from here, Mr. Hashim. I trust you understand."
Ash turned toward Zayna. She didn't react—like she'd already anticipated this.
Zayna: "It's fine. I figured as much. Just wanted to spend a little more time with my fiancé before we split paths."
Her voice was warm, but resolute.
She looked at Valker. He met her gaze, firm, soft, unsure all at once. She stepped close — not hurriedly — and cupped the side of his face, her thumb brushing his cheek.
Then she leaned in, and their lips met.
It wasn't desperate or dramatic. It was quiet and full — like a conversation between souls that didn't need to speak out loud. When they pulled away, she lingered close, resting her forehead against his.
Zayna (softly): "I'll see you again. Soon. I promise."
She turned and walked away without looking back, her figure blending into the haze of the settlement.
Valker watched her until she disappeared. For a moment, the weight of the world looked just a little heavier on his shoulders.
He let out a small, self-conscious laugh and rubbed his neck.
Valker: "She usually just does that.
Never gives me time to process it.
Sorry…"
The agent smiled, his expression softening.
Agent: "Strong women don't wait for the moment to be right, sir."
He stepped back toward the building, motioning them forward.
Agent: "Now, if you'll follow me… the commander's expecting you. He's been waiting quite a while."
The black doors opened without a sound. Ash, Valker, and the agent disappeared inside—leaving behind the cold air, the whispers, and the fading silhouette of Zayna in the fog.