My eyes widened in surprise. "You're a mother?" I asked, a wave of unexpected emotion washing over me. The image of the cold, calculating Seer I had faced just moments before clashed with this new revelation.
"...Hmm, how should I put it? I'm a stepmother..." Mira replied, her voice softening. "I found a little girl abandoned in a box, and I couldn't just leave her there."
A flicker of warmth crossed Dove's face. "That's... admirable," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "It takes a strong person to take in a child, especially under such circumstances."
Mira shrugged, a hint of self-deprecation in her gesture. "I just couldn't bear to see her suffer. She deserved a chance, a family."
I felt a respect for Mira, a sense of understanding blossoming within me. Beneath her tough exterior, there was a compassionate heart, a mother's love that transcended the boundaries of blood and lineage. It was a reminder that even those who seemed irredeemably evil could still possess of humanity.
"You," Boss Mira suddenly said, her gaze fixed on Dove.
Dove met her eyes, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face. "What is it?"
"You have a powerful power," Mira stated, her voice a low, steady tone. "Those eyes can see much further into the future."
Dove's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of disbelief. "My power only allows me to blink and make people fall unconscious."
"You really don't know anything about your own power," Mira said, her tone laced with a hint of pity. "When you close your eyes, no one can approach you, and you can see far into the future. No one can annoy you or hit you because they'll fall unconscious."
Dove's jaw dropped, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I... I didn't know," she stammered, her mind reeling from the revelation. Her power, which she had always considered a simple tool for crowd control, was far more potent than she had ever imagined. It was a glimpse into a future she had never dared to dream of, a future where she could foresee events and shape her destiny.
"And just like Elang or Lili, both of them are actually valuable to us," Mira continued, her voice calm and measured. "But Sam was too greedy, only thinking of money. Elang, if he continues to learn, can see the future in his flames. And Lili will reflect the future itself using her invisibility."
A wave of awe washed over the group as they absorbed Mira's words. The true potential of their powers, the hidden depths of their abilities, were slowly being revealed, like layers of an intricate tapestry unfolding before their eyes. It was a revelation that filled them with a sense of wonder and possibility, a glimpse into a future where they could truly become the heroes they were meant to be.
"So, we're all connected," I said, my voice filled with a newfound wonder. "Our powers, our destinies... they're all intertwined."
Dove, however, brought them back to the present reality with a sigh. "Enough talking. Take her to the jail," she instructed, her voice firm.
I nodded, understanding the need for containment. Mira, despite her surrender, was still a powerful Seer, and her knowledge of the Seers' plans could prove invaluable. But she was also a potential threat, her motives still unclear. Trust was a fragile thing, especially in their line of work.
"Come with me, Mira," I said, extending my hand towards her.
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between me and the others. Then, with a resigned sigh, she placed her hand in mine.
"Lead the way, Imaginary," she said, her voice a mix of acceptance and defiance.
A new dimension, a jail where Seers cannot use their powers, I imagined, focusing my will on creating a secure space.
Swooosh! In a blink, Mira and I vanished from the office, transported to the newly created dimension.
We materialized in a stark, white room, devoid of any distinguishing features or decorations. The air was still, the silence oppressive, broken only by the soft hum of hidden machinery. It was a place designed for containment, a prison where even the most powerful Seers would be rendered powerless.
Mira looked around, her eyes widening slightly as she realized the limitations of her new surroundings. She tried to summon her Guardian, her fingers tracing familiar patterns in the air, but nothing happened. Her powers, her connection to the unseen world, were completely nullified.
"What is this place?" she asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"It's a special prison," I explained, my voice calm and matter-of-fact. "A place where Seers can't use their powers. It's for your own safety, and for the safety of others."
Mira scoffed, her pride wounded. "You think you can contain me, Imaginary?" she challenged, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm a Seer, a master of precognition. I can see the future, anticipate your every move."
I chuckled, a knowing smile playing on my lips. "That's where you're wrong, Mira," I countered. "This prison is designed to disrupt your connection to the future. You're blind here, just like everyone else."
Mira's face paled, the realization of her powerlessness sinking in. She slumped against the wall, her defiance replaced by a sense of resignation. "So, this is it then," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm trapped, powerless, at the mercy of the Unveiled Family."
I shook my head, my expression softening. "Not at the mercy, Mira," I corrected her. "We're not like the Seers. We don't believe in cruelty or oppression. We'll treat you with respect, but we also need to ensure the safety of the city."
I paused, my gaze meeting hers. "But if you're willing to cooperate, to share what you know about the Seers' plans, then perhaps we can find a way for you to redeem yourself."
Mira remained silent for a long moment, her eyes downcast. Then, she slowly raised her head, a flicker of hope returning to her gaze. "I'll... I'll consider it," she said, her voice hesitant. "But I need time to think."
I nodded, understanding her reluctance. "Take all the time you need, Mira," I said. "We'll be here when you're ready."
With that, I left her alone in the stark, white room, the door closing behind me with a soft click.
After I released her hand, she held it, staring at it pensively. "I wonder why the Imaginary has such soft hands..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought they would be rough, just like the news said..."
She looked around the stark white room, her eyes landing on a simple bed in the corner. "At least I have a bed... what is that place...?" she wondered aloud, walking towards the only other door in the room and opening it. It revealed a small but functional bathroom. "How considerate of them to provide privacy..." she sighed, a hint of surprise in her voice.
I reappeared in the WRA Building, stepping back into the office where everyone had gathered. They had all changed back into their regular clothes, the tension of the mission replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere.
"Well, how are the Seers doing in your world?" Yolan asked, her curiosity piqued.
"They're terrified," I replied with a grim satisfaction. "The illusion of the apocalypse shattered their confidence. Boss Mira surrendered, and the rest are probably still huddled together, trying to make sense of what happened."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room. The news of Mira's surrender and the Seers' disarray brought a sense of hope, a glimmer of light in their ongoing battle. The Unseen Alliance had struck a significant blow against their enemies, and it felt like a turning point in the war.
< Chapter 193 > Fin.