Ethan and Aria were wheeled out of the operating room and taken to a hospital ward, where they were placed in a standard recovery room. Gentle sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm, golden rays throughout the room, while a soft breeze gently stirred the curtains, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The chirping of birds outside added to the tranquility, making it almost hard to believe they had just escaped chaos and danger.
"This place is safe. Don't worry about your recovery," the nurse said kindly, her soothing voice offering reassurance as she quietly closed the door behind her.
Ethan and Aria lay in their beds, feeling as if they had been reborn after the surgery. The pain and fatigue from the operation still lingered, their bodies aching with a dull, persistent throb, but their thoughts were focused on finding Caesar as soon as possible. Their minds raced with the memories of their recent experiences, and despite their physical exhaustion, a sense of urgency and determination fueled their spirits.
"Ethan, guess what I saw," Aria said, turning her head to look deeply into Ethan's eyes. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight of emotion that was impossible to ignore.
"What did you see, Aria?" Ethan asked, turning to face her fully, concern etched on his face as he reached out to take her hand in his. The connection between them was palpable, a silent understanding that they were in this together, no matter what.
"I saw my past self, growing up in a troubled household," Aria began, her voice trembling slightly as the memories came flooding back. "Her father was an alcoholic, her mother a gambler. She forced her to diet for beauty pageants. At Disney, she was pushed to become an actress, going through grueling filming schedules... and there was Nike," Aria's voice broke as she spoke, the memories clearly overwhelming her, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
"That sounds terrible. Wait, who's Nike?" Ethan asked, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He could feel her pain, and it made his heart ache to see her suffering.
"Oh, just a friend," Aria replied quickly, turning her head to look out the window as if she didn't want to say more. The sunlight played on her features, highlighting the sadness in her eyes. She was clearly hiding something, but Ethan knew better than to press her for details. He would wait for her to open up in her own time.
"Be careful of Leander." Sherry's words echoed in Ethan's mind, a constant reminder of the dangers that still lurked around every corner.
"Did you notice that Leander wasn't waiting for us outside the room?" Ethan said, his voice cautious, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting Leander to appear at any moment.
"Always be wary of him; there are too many questions around him," Aria nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of Leander and his mysterious ways.
From that day on, it was as if Leander had disappeared, leaving them to fend for themselves in a world that was becoming increasingly dangerous and unpredictable.
As night fell, the hospital grew quiet, the only sounds being the occasional footsteps of nurses and the beeping of medical equipment. A nurse came to check Ethan's head wound, using a cotton swab to disinfect the area around it. She carefully unwrapped a piece of sterile gauze and placed it over the wound, securing it with medical tape. Her touch was gentle, but it still made Ethan wince slightly.
After tending to Ethan, the nurse moved to Aria's side, who was engrossed in learning how to use her phone. In the past few days, Aria had learned to make calls, send texts, and navigate the internet.
A few days later, Ethan and Aria had recovered well and regained their former vitality. An orderly brought in clean clothes. Their old outfits, including the uniforms from Fortress Omega, were too conspicuous to wear outside, especially since Caesar's men were still hunting them.
Ethan picked out a black jacket, blue jeans, and a pair of sneakers. He looked at Aria, who nodded approvingly.
"Ethan, try these on," Aria said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Ethan walked into the room to change. Five minutes later, he emerged, looking strong and dashing in his new clothes. The jacket highlighted his muscular arms, making him look like a tough, handsome agent ready for action.
Next, it was Aria's turn. After some deliberation, she chose a lavender dress and a black-and-white striped scarf. She went into the changing room, and ten minutes later, she stepped out, the transformation remarkable.
She looked stunning. The lavender dress accentuated her graceful demeanor, and the scarf added a touch of elegance. Ethan was mesmerized by Aria's transformation, as if time had stood still.
"Ethan? Ethan?" Aria called, snapping him out of his daze. Her voice was gentle but insistent, bringing him back to reality.
"Ah," Ethan shook his head, regaining his composure. "I think something's still missing." He walked over to the pile of clothes and picked out a pair of sunglasses and a headscarf. He placed the sunglasses on Aria's face and wrapped the headscarf around her head, stepping back to admire his work.
"Don't forget, your original self is a famous actress. It's safer if you're more disguised," he explained, a hint of pride in his voice.
Finally, Ethan and Aria were ready to leave the hospital. The doctor performed a final check-up, confirming they had fully recovered. His approval felt like a seal of freedom.
Stepping out into the sunlight, they felt a sense of freedom and relief they hadn't experienced in a long time. The warm rays of the sun on their skin felt like a gentle reminder that they were alive and free. They took a moment to savor the feeling, their spirits lifted by the promise of a new beginning.
As they walked away from the hospital, a notification chimed on their phones. Ethan opened his phone to read the message: "Go to the Sega Monks racetrack and find a man named Joseph Bonanno." The message was brief but clear, a new directive in their ongoing mission.
Ethan and Aria exchanged glances, their minds racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The name and location were unfamiliar, but the urgency in the message was unmistakable.
They made their way through the bustling streets, feeling both excitement and anxiety. The world outside was vibrant and full of life, a stark contrast to the sterile, controlled environment of Fortress Omega. Every sight and sound seemed amplified, a reminder of the freedom they now had.
"Do you think we can trust this Joseph Bonanno?" Aria asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. The name sounded dangerous, and she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension.
"We have no choice but to find out," Ethan replied, determination in his eyes. "If Sherry sent us this message, it must be important." He clenched his fists, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them