As Lila spoke, the air seemed to freeze around them. Zela's eyes went wide with shock, and Akuma felt like she had been punched in the gut.
"What?" Zela whispered, her voice trembling. "What are you talking about, Lila?"
Lila took a deep breath, her eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Zela," she said. "I should have told you the truth a long time ago. But I was afraid. I was afraid of what Lady Haruka would do to me if she found out."
Zela's face was white with shock, and she stumbled backwards, as if she had been hit. Akuma rushed to her side, catching her and holding her upright.
"Zela, it's okay," Akuma said, her voice soft. "We're here for you. We'll support you, no matter what."
But Zela just shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "I don't understand," she whispered. "Why would my mother... why would she do this to me?"
Lila took a deep breath, her eyes filled with sadness. "It's a long story, Zela," she said. "But I'll tell you everything. Your mother, she was a kind and gentle soul. She loved you more than anything in the world. But Lady Haruka... she was jealous of your mother's happiness. She was jealous of the love that your mother and father shared. And so, she did something terrible. She... she had your mother imprisoned, Zela. She's been locked away for years, all because of Lady Haruka's jealousy."
As Lila spoke, Akuma felt a surge of anger and outrage. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Lady Haruka had imprisoned Zela's mother? It was unthinkable.
But Zela just stood there, her eyes filled with tears. She looked like she had been punched in the gut, like she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"I... I don't know what to say," Zela whispered. "I don't know what to do."
Akuma took Zela's hand, her eyes filled with compassion. "We'll figure it out together, Zela," she said. "We'll find a way to get your mother out of prison, and we'll make sure that Lady Haruka pays for what she's done."
Zela nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Yes," she said. "We'll do it. We'll make sure that justice is served."
As they stood there, making plans and promises, Akuma felt a sense of hope rising up inside of her. They could do this, she thought. They could make a difference. They could bring down Lady Haruka and her corrupt regime, and they could free Zela's mother from prison.
It wouldn't be easy, Akuma knew. There would be obstacles and challenges along the way. But she was ready. She was ready to fight for what was right, and to stand up for the people she loved.
As they stood there, making plans and promises, Akuma felt a sense of pride and purpose. She knew that she was part of something bigger than herself, something that could change the course of history.
And as they walked away from the battlefield, Akuma knew that they were just getting started. They had a long and difficult road ahead of them, but they were ready. They were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, and to fight for what was right.
Over the next few days, Akuma, Zela, and Kaito worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against Lady Haruka. They spoke to witnesses, gathered documents, and pieced together the events of the past.
And as they worked, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Zela. The noblewoman was strong and brave, and she refused to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As they sat in their makeshift headquarters, pouring over documents and strategizing their next move, Akuma reached out and took Zela's hand.
"I'm so proud of you, Zela," she said, her voice soft. "You're so strong and brave. I don't know what I would do without you."
Zela smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm proud of you too, Akuma," she said. "You're my rock, my partner. I don't know what I would do without you either."
As they sat there, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes, Akuma felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She knew that they still had a long and difficult road ahead of them, but she was ready. She was ready to face whatever challenges came their way, as long as she had Zela by her side.
And as they sat there, lost in each other's eyes, Akuma felt a sense of time standing still. It was as if the world around them had melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of love and devotion.
But as the moments ticked by, Akuma slowly became aware of the sounds around her. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the distant rumble of thunder. It was as if the world was slowly coming back into focus, reminding her that there was still much to be done.
With a sigh, Akuma reluctantly pulled her gaze away from Zela's, and looked around at their surroundings. They were still in the makeshift headquarters, surrounded by papers and documents and maps. Kaito was sitting at a nearby table, studying a large map of the estate.
"What's the plan?" Akuma asked, standing up and stretching her arms over her head.
Kaito looked up, a serious expression on his face. "We need to get into the estate's prison," he said. "That's where Zela's mother is being held. But it won't be easy. The prison is heavily guarded, and Lady Haruka has taken extra precautions to ensure that no one gets in or out."
Zela stood up, her eyes flashing with determination. "We'll find a way," she said. "We have to. My mother is counting on us."
Akuma nodded, feeling a surge of admiration for Zela's bravery. "We'll do it," she said. "We'll find a way into the prison, and we'll get your mother out. No matter what it takes."
As they stood there, making plans and promises, Akuma felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. They were about to embark on a perilous journey, one that would test their courage and their wits. But Akuma was ready. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as she had Zela by her side.
Over the next few hours, they pored over maps and documents, trying to come up with a plan to infiltrate the prison. They discussed and debated, weighing the pros and cons of each possible approach.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they had a plan. It was a daring and audacious plan, one that would require all of their skills and cunning. But Akuma was confident. She knew that they could do it, as long as they worked together.
With a sense of excitement and anticipation, they set out on their mission. They snuck through the shadows, avoiding guards and traps as they made their way to the prison.
As they approached the prison walls, Akuma felt a sense of trepidation. This was it, she thought. This was the moment of truth.
But Zela just smiled, her eyes flashing with determination. "We can do this," she said. "We just have to believe in ourselves."
Akuma nodded, feeling a surge of admiration for Zela's bravery. Together, they crept forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead.