A decade has passed since Operation Strix began. The once volatile tensions between the East and West have calmed, thanks in part to Loid Forger's relentless efforts. However, rumors of a new program designed to reignite the hostilities have started...
"Alina, that's enough. You didn't care about her when you helped us capture her, if you're going to be a disturbance, then stay out of it," Mrs. Carter said as she pushed Alina out of the room and closed the door. Alina began sobbing as she sank down to the floor. Her sobs echoed down the hallway, a haunting sound that cut through the tension like a knife. Mr. Forger gave me a quick glance, signaling that this was our moment to act.
With a swift and silent motion, he moved towards Alina, who was too consumed by her emotions to notice. He crouched down beside her, his voice gentle but urgent. "Alina, we're here to help Anya. Please, can you help us get her out?"
Alina looked up, her eyes red and puffy. For a moment, she seemed confused, but then recognition dawned. "You're... you're Anya's papa, aren't you?"
"Yes," Mr. Forger replied softly. "We need to get Anya out of here, but we can't do it without you. Please, Alina."
Her eyes darted to the door, then back to us. "They'll kill me if they find out," she whispered.
"I promise you, they won't," Mr. Forger assured her. "We'll protect you. But right now, we need to act fast."
Alina nodded, wiping her tears. "Okay. I'll help you. Follow me."
She led us to a hidden panel on the wall, pressing a sequence of buttons that caused a section of the wall to slide open, revealing a narrow passage. "This leads directly to the room where they're holding Anya," she explained.
"Thank you, Alina," I whispered. Alina softly nodded before tears began sliding down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry..."
We slipped into the passage, moving as quietly as possible. The air was thick with tension, each step bringing us closer to Anya—and to danger. Finally, we reached a small grate, through which we could see the room where Anya was being held. She was tied to a chair, her face pale,covered in sweat, blood streaming down her nose as she trembled. Her face in a state of discomfort. Mr. and Mrs. Carter loomed over her, their expressions cold and unyielding.
What were they doing to her?!
Mr. Forger signaled to me and Alina. "On my count," he mouthed silently. "Three... two... one..."
In a flash, Mr. Forger kicked open the grate and leaped into the room, his movements a blur of precision and power. He incapacitated Mr. Carter with a swift strike to the neck, then turned to Mrs. Carter, who reached for a hidden gun. Before she could react, he disarmed her, the weapon skittering across the floor.
"Damian, get Anya!" Mr. Forger commanded, keeping a vigilant eye on the Carters.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Alina and I rushed to Anya, Alina began pressing buttons on the computer, as I began taking the wires and gadgets on Anya's head. Her eyes remained close, as her breathing began slowing down. Why was she not waking up?
"Alina, what's wrong with her?" I asked as I tried to remain calm. Alina shook her head as she continued to press different keys and buttons.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I-I don't know! I'm doing everything I can," Alina stuttered, her voice quivering with panic as she fumbled with the medical supplies. I began untying Anya's hands and legs, noticing the dark red lines that had formed on her wrists from the restraints. The sight of those marks made my heart ache. I carefully removed her from the chair, feeling her limp body in my arms, as I placed her on my lap. Gently, I began cleaning the scattered blood that trickled from her nose with a soft cloth, the metallic scent mingling with the room's sterile smell. What did they do to push her to this condition? I wondered, anger bubbling beneath my worry. I brushed away the strands of hair that had fallen into her face. Wake up, Peanut, I silently pleaded.
Franky and Dr. Wetson came rushing through the doors, the urgency in their movements palpable. Franky began tying up Mr. and Mrs. Carter, their faces a mix of fear and defiance, while Mr. Forger made his way toward us, his eyes scanning Anya's unconscious form with concern.
"Okay, she should be waking up!" Alina announced, her voice steadier now, as she made her way towards me and Anya. Within seconds, Anya's eyes began fluttering open. She kept blinking rapidly, her gaze unfocused, as she stared at me with a confused expression.
"Anya?" I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, as I gently reached to cup her cheek. She quickly moved her face away, her eyes wide with fear. What was happening?
"Do... Do I know you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her confusion and fear evident. My heart sank as I realized she didn't recognize me.
