The next day, Leon feels restless and distracted. His body aches in a way that's different from his usual frailty, a subtle emptiness that gnaws at him. He initially chalks it up to the excitement of the previous night, but as the days pass, the feeling worsens.
At first, Leon tries to ignore it, but it becomes clear that his symptoms are most pronounced when he's not near Atlas. His training sessions with the elderly Guide reveal that his powers are more volatile than usual, reacting unpredictably. During one session, his Guide notices the issue and brings it up.
"It seems like your abilities are being affected by an outside force," the old man muses. "Or rather, by a specific person."
Leon tenses. "You think it's… because of Atlas?"
The Guide gives him a knowing look. "You share a bond. A Guide and Esper's connection can be powerful—sometimes too powerful, if not managed correctly."
Leon's thoughts race. If his symptoms are indeed due to his bond with Atlas, then it means that whatever they share goes far beyond just attraction.