Zivon headed off to meet up with Zayne as per usual… and thankfully, the check-up results showed that the poison was almost completely flushed out of Zivon’s system. “From the looks of things, the poison should be completely treated within the next three days… Xavia herself seems to be doing fine too, and really, with how quickly you two are recovering, I’m starting to wonder if the world of medicine should focus a bit more on psychology…” Chuckling in response, Zivon replied, “As they say, everything starts from the mind…” …He had only been kidding, but alright. Shaking his head, Zivon then asked, “Anyway, have you identified why Xav and Jenna’s blood were so different?” Raising a slight brow, Zayne took a while to reply, “…In all honesty, their blood wasn’t all that different at all. At the end of the day, as much as I hate to admit it, it was all your mentality at play… If you’re imagining that Jenna’s blood will one day lose its potency, don’t be. Her blood will continue
Startled by that response, the anxious Xavia was quick to ask, “W-what’s wrong? Does it taste that bad?! I-I made sure to taste test it first but it seems that I failed…! Quick, spit it out-” Before she could complete her sentence, Zivon pulled her into his arms with a chuckle before saying, “Hey, I was just messing with you… Your cooking is still the best in the world…” …This man…! After tasting the sandwich as well and realizing that he really was just making a fool of her, Xavia couldn’t help but grumble, “…Don’t scare me like that… I was really worried, you know?” Hugging her closely, the smiling Zivon replied, “Yes, yes, I was wrong… Sorry, Honey…” “…Humph! I’ll only forgive you if you feed me too…” “I thought you’d never ask…” Watching as the two resumed acting all lovey-dovey, Zayne couldn’t help but rub his temples. He had already seen enough for one day… It didn’t help that Dolly hadn’t taken the initiative to contact him again… It was shortly after when Xavia fi
Since the duo had already searched all of Aplos’s local seas and found nothing, they finally decided to set sail for the high seas. Alas, they were attacked by pirates shortly after, and this forced them to retreat… “We’ve yet to find any traces of the kids even after scouring most of our local waters… And if Sophia really cared about the kids, she wouldn’t be hiding in dangerous waters, right?” “Indeed. With that said… Do you really think we should continue trusting Sophia’s final words…?” Now that he knew what had happened, Ian couldn’t help but rub his temples before asking, “…Before that, how are your injuries looking?” “James got shot in the abdomen, though the shot was far from lethal… I wouldn’t worry too much.” “…Even if you say that… No matter. Withdraw for now and we can continue discussing this once James has made a full recovery.” “Roger that.” After Ian hung up, he met up with Lana and said, “Jacob and James got attacked during their search, so I want you to
“Even if they did get a little injured, I’m sure they’ll recover. Just look at me. I literally survived a stab to the heart, so if it runs in their blood, I’m sure the kids will be survivors too… Oh, and have you forgotten how brilliant Maison is…? I’m sure the only reason he hasn’t contacted us yet is because that place has been blocked off all signals… With all that said, please have a bit more faith in our kids, alright…?” Though Xavia was still anxious, hearing all that calmed her down considerably… and in an attempt to calm herself down, she was prompted to mutter, “…Yeah… Maison is smart, and… I’m sure they’ll be fine… They’re fine…” Stroking her hair, Zivon replied, “Just give me a few more days to recover… Once I’m back in shape, I’ll join the search as well.” Sure, he looked calm about all this, but the truth was, he was just as worried as Xavia was… and the sooner they found their kids again, the better. Following that conversation, Xavia continued taking care of Zivo
Fast forward to the next day, Zivon, Xavia, Ian, Nathan, and Jovan headed off to look for the kids, whereas Xavia’s parents and Tiffany remained at home… Though Xavia really didn’t want Ian to come along after all that he had done for them, Ian kept insisting until she gave in. He knew that she meant well, but at the same time, he also felt guilty about failing to protect his sister so much. Tiffany herself was fine with his decision. After all, she understood how much this meant to Xavia, and she was in a comfortable spot in her relationship with Ian anyway… Little did the couple know what was going to be in store for them… It was about three hours later when the plane finally landed in Ashville, and the group of five quickly made their way to the hospital where James was in… “Feeling any better…?” asked the worried Xavia. Smiling in response, James then slowly sat up before replying, “You don’t have to worry about me, I’m fine…” Though it was true that the wound didn’t lo
After filtering through at least twelve large, abandoned sites, Xavia couldn’t help but mutter, “…So, you’re telling me that this place shut down after only two weeks of operating?” Looking at the picture Xavia was pointing at and checking his notes, Zivon replied, “Indeed. Designed by Hurricane Constructions and several biologists, it was supposed to be the largest underwater playground in Aplos. However, it was quickly apparent that the site was too deep, which led to many of the ‘test’ children getting thalassophobia… Some even claimed that the children got so scared that they straight up died, and with that kind of rumor spreading around, it’s no wonder this place had to be abandoned…” …If that was the case… “…You’re thinking what I am, right? This has to be the place!” “…Yeah, it has to be. After all… This location was apparently funded by the Harrison Group.” “What? Sophia was the one who constructed this place? Then there’s no question about it! Let’s go!” Nodding in
“…Is you.” Eyes widening in surprise, Xavia then asked, “…A-are you sure?” Nodding in response, Zivon replied, “Yeah. After all, you understand her feelings best, and I’m sure you’ll be able to eventually talk some sense into her… Once her defenses are down, we’ll finally get the chance to get the kids back. Of course, I’m also suggesting that you go because you’ll be able to make up for your regrets…” Noticing the surprise in Xavia’s eyes, Zivon added, “I know you’ve been blaming yourself a lot for what happened to the kids… So honestly, this is the chance for you to set yourself free from that guilt.” …To think that he would consider her feelings in his plan… It was touching, to say the least, and after wiping a stray tear off the corner of her eye, she was prompted to mutter, “…Thank you, Von…” Smiling in response, Zivon then patted her head before saying, “Hey, I’m only doing a husband’s duty… Regardless, you’ll be part of the planning process from now on, so stay sharp,
Nodding in response, Xavia replied, “Don’t worry, I know… Be sure to look out for yourself as well, alright? Let’s do this!” Unlike the others, she wasn’t afraid. After all, she was finally going to be able to meet her kids again! Seeing her like that, Zivon couldn’t help but feel slightly worried. After all, he knew how vigilant Sophia was, which was honestly the only reason why he hadn’t planned to follow them in, in the first place… All he could do was monitor them from the outside through his computer… Patting him on the shoulder, Ian reassured, “Don’t worry, she has a bulletproof vest on… She’ll be fine. I’m sure of it.” About an hour later, Xavia finally began streaming the inside of the building. The aquarium had been built on an island with a lighthouse on it, and everywhere the camera panned, it revealed layers of dust, moss, and all sorts of plants… It truly felt desolate here… After a long silence, the doctor finally said, “Be sure to stick close to me, Liora. Ther