As they made their way back to their hideout, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. They had rescued Zela's mother, and they had taken a major step towards bringing Lady Haruka to justice.
But as they approached the hideout, Akuma noticed something strange. There was a figure waiting for them outside, a figure that Akuma didn't recognize.
"Who is that?" Akuma asked, her voice low and cautious.
Zela frowned, her eyes narrowing as she studied the figure. "I don't know," she said. "But I think we should be careful. We don't know what their intentions are."
Akuma nodded, her hand on the hilt of her sword. She was ready for anything, and she wasn't going to let anyone harm Zela or her mother.
As they approached the figure, Akuma saw that it was a woman, dressed in a simple but practical outfit. She had a sword at her side, and a look of determination in her eyes.
"Who are you?" Akuma asked, her voice firm.
The woman smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "My name is Mei," she said. "And I'm here to help you. I've been watching you from afar, and I'm impressed. You're brave, and you're determined. And I think you could use my help."
Akuma raised an eyebrow, her mind racing with questions. Who was this woman, and what did she want? But before she could ask any questions, Mei continued.
"I used to work for Lady Haruka," Mei said. "But I realized that she was using me for her own evil purposes. So I left, and I've been working to undermine her ever since. I have skills and knowledge that could be useful to you, and I'm willing to share them. But in return, I need your help. I need you to help me take down Lady Haruka once and for all."
Akuma studied Mei's face, trying to read her intentions. But Mei's expression was calm and sincere, and Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of trust towards her.
"Okay," Akuma said finally. "We'll accept your help. But we need to know more about you, and about your skills and knowledge. Can you tell us more?"
Mei nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Of course," she said. "I'd be happy to tell you more. Let's go inside and talk."
As they followed Mei into the hideout, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. They had a new ally, and they had a new chance to take down Lady Haruka. And Akuma was ready to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Over the next few hours, Mei told them more about her skills and knowledge. She was a skilled fighter, and she knew the layout of Lady Haruka's estate like the back of her hand. She had also been gathering intelligence on Lady Haruka's plans, and she was willing to share that information with them.
As Akuma listened to Mei's words, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards this new ally. Mei was smart and resourceful, and she had skills and knowledge that would be invaluable in their fight against Lady Haruka.
And as they finished their discussion and began to make plans for their next move, Akuma felt a sense of hope rising up inside of her. They were getting closer to their goal, and they were gaining allies and resources along the way.
But as they were about to leave, Mei suddenly stopped them. "Wait," she said, her voice low and serious. "There's something else I need to tell you. Something that could change everything."
Akuma's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Mei. What could she possibly have to say that would change everything?