Aurora found herself perplexed by David's sudden outburst at Fiona. She observed the tense exchange, wondering about the history between them.

AURORA: "Oi, is there something I'm not aware of?" She asked curiously.

FIONA: "Do not let that bother you. Take it as someone just being too paranoid.
"[Focuses her gaze on David.] As for you. I owe you no explanation since I don't know what you're asking of me."

DAVID: "Playing ignorance, huh? How sadistic. You failed to warn me about the mysterious gateway's requirement. Every necessary attempt to pass it was void, and in the end, I only ended up getting kicked out like a pitiful cunt. Now tell me, Fiona, was it necessary for you to let me go through all that?"

FIONA: "Of course not. But you never asked. You are not a child, David. Your recklessness was what kept you in that situation - So, do not despise me, but rather, despise your inability to ask the right questions," she retorted calmly but coldly.

DAVID: "You....!" David's voice trailed off out of frustration, his face green with the weight of Fiona's verbal savagery.

However, Aurora swiftly interjected, skillfully steering the conversation away from the escalating argument between David and Fiona to prevent further discord.

AURORA: "We need your help, cousin!" She suddenly blurted out.

FIONA/ DAVID: "[Direct their eyes toward Aurora.] Huh!?"

FIONA: "[Runs a finger across her hair.] Well, didn't see that coming. What's the situation?"

AURORA: "A dangerous organization by the name 'Scale Shield' has been engaging themselves in all kinds of illegal experimentations using superhuman gene to test on human subjects.
"I was one of their victims.... Until my rescue,"

FIONA: "What? I see now! So my suspicion was right about the Scale Shield? But by telling me this, you need my help and that of the military in taking down this organization?"

AURORA: "More than that, we need to find Bernard. He and many others may be in serious danger."

FIONA: "What happened exactly?"

AURORA: "Upon mine and the other victims' rescue, an accident occurred in the form of a blast of energy that separated us. I fear Bernard and the rest may be lost or worse, trapped in the Scale Shield's clutches - somehow,"

FIONA: "[Maintains a calm but concerned expression.] Hmm. The US military forces have been in several debates on what to do concerning the Scale Shield organization. Unfortunately, we seem to be losing our edge on the matter."

AURORA: "What!? But these are our people we are talking about, cousin. The Scale Shield is on a quest to war with our reality - the TRIBE. They'd bring threatful existences to both the human and superhuman realm. You know we cannot have this matter ignored."

FIONA: "That's the point, Aurora. It's not in the army's place to investigate this. The government even forbids military superhumans from interfering in matters of anything that's not super related. The Scale Shield can only answer to the government,"

AURORA: "Fuck the government, Fiona! Even now, I'm being pursued by the enemy. Are you going to help or not?"

FIONA: "[Sighs and casts her gaze down.] I'm sorry, cousin. I've gotta go. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable while you're around."

Fiona briskly retreated into the barracks, leaving Aurora and David behind. A tinge of disappointment washed over Aurora as she sensed her cousin's reluctance to extend help. Thoughts echoed in her mind, (What's she so afraid of? Would she really stand back and watch the Scale Shield attack our home?)

David, who observed the downcast expression on Aurora's face, chose to express a touch of care.

DAVID: "Don't think much about it. She may always be a cunt, but she's definitely not a coward," he said.

AURORA: "....Mm. Maybe you're righ-"

Aurora's stomach suddenly ached. She knew this stabbing pain - it was ravaging hunger. During her captivity until her eventual rescue, she's had nothing to eat. If it wasn't for her superhuman resilience, she would have definitely died of starvation long ago.

DAVID: "You don't seem too good," David expressed his concern, taking note of Aurora's unmasked discomfort.

AURORA: "Yeah, um... I'd appreciate grabbing a drink or something. Know somewhere nice?" She inquired with honesty, her face flushing in embarrassment as her stomach growled once more.

DAVID: "I do. Ride with me."

***

Twenty-five minutes later, David and Aurora glided through the soft evening breeze on David's bike, its tires humming against the asphalt. The air was tinged with the scent of blooming jasmine and the distant chatter of the city. They soon arrived at a quaint, well-lit cafe nestled between two bustling streets. The warm glow spilling from its large windows beckoned like a cozy retreat.

Inside, the atmosphere was comfortable yet lively. Soft jazz music drifted in the background as a young waitress, dressed in a crisp apron, approached with a polite smile, her eyes gleaming with the eagerness of someone new to the job.

David, familiar and easygoing, ordered two cups of tea, expecting a quiet moment to unwind. However, Aurora's gaze wandered to the elegant plates being served at neighboring tables - perfectly arranged dishes of glistening seafood, tender cuts of meat, and decadent desserts.

Her stomach growled in response, and with a sudden spark in her eyes, she interrupted David mid-order, her tone firm yet lighthearted.

AURORA: "Actually, I'll have something a little more," she said to the waitress, flashing a grin before requesting an extravagant meal.

Her voice was confident as she listed items like aged wine, succulent roasted beef, and an array of savory seafood.

David blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her bold requests. He glanced at her, his thoughts swirling. (Is she always like this when she's upset?) his curiosity piqued.

Simple in his pleasures, David settled for his tea and a modest plate of snacks. Shortly after, the young waitress returned, balancing their orders and placing each dish before them.

Aurora's excitement was evident. Her eyes sparked as she dived into her meal with unapologetic enthusiasm, barely aware of the curious glances from nearby patrons. She savored each bite with a hunger that spoke of more than just appetite, her focus solely on the rich flavors in front of her.

But then, mid-bite, she paused.

Across the table, she noticed David intensely staring at her, a quiet, amused smile playing on his lips. His gaze was steady, warm, and unspoken in its admiration. Aurora's cheeks flushed faintly, but she quickly puffed out her chin in a show of nonchalance, trying her hardest to mask the lingering blush.

AURORA: "[Gives David a false hard glare.] Uh-uhm, what's so funny? Is something wrong?"

DAVID: "No? Not really. It's just something about the way you puffed your chin and... "

AURORA: "[Furrows an eyebrow.] And what?"

DAVID: "... It makes you look kinda.... "

AURORA: "Kinda what?" She asked impatiently.

DAVID: "[Sighs and diverts his gaze in embarrassment.] .... Adorable."

AURORA: "[Pauses for a moment then...] Whaa!? Are you flirting with me?"

DAVID: "[Raises his hands in surrender.] Oh, hey. I was just been complimentarily honest."

AURORA: "[Puffs her chin once more and resumes her meal.] Humph.... "

DAVID: "You know, you look surprisingly prettier when you're angry - blends well with your unique silver iris," David calmly replied with a smile as he sipped a cup of his tea, his gaze meeting Aurora's once more.

AURORA: "[Blushes uncontrollably hard and diverts her eyes away.] Woa, didn't see that one coming. Why would you say that?"

DAVID: "Because.... it's an undeniable truth."

Aurora held David's gaze for a moment, her left hand absently twirling a strand of silver hair. A soft smile spread across her lips, warm and unguarded, before she turned her attention back to her meal. She indulged in the rich flavors with renewed focus, intent on restoring her energy. Every bite seemed to revitalize her, a refreshed glow settling over her features. A contented smile lingered on her face as she glanced at David once more, her eyes full of gratitude for the treat.

Once they finished, David quietly settled the bill, and together, they rose from their seats, ready to leave the cozy eatery behind. The evening still hummed with the gentle rhythm of conversation and the faint clatter of dishes being cleared.

But as they approached the exit, their steps were abruptly halted. A group of Scale Shield elites appeared, blocking their path, their sudden presence freezing Aurora in her tracks. She gasped, her heart racing. (This is insane!) she thought, confusion swirling in her mind. (How did they manage to track us here?)

The Scale Shield elites forcefully burst through the eatery's entrance, brandishing their tech guns with a menacing air. Panic ensued as the patrons, caught off guard, shrieked and scattered in disarray, creating a frenzied commotion within the eatery.

A/N: Hello dear readers, please don't forget to drop a star 🌟 or honest opinion in the comment box 🗃 if you found this chapter intriguing. Thank you.