Episode 10: Orchids of Deception

The aftermath of the greenhouse mission hung over us like a dark cloud. Aoi had escaped, vanishing into the chaos with the rogue operative, leaving behind only questions and a gnawing sense of betrayal.

Chou hadn't said much since we returned to the Academy. She sat at the edge of the dorm rooftop now, staring out at the sprawling city below, her shoulders slumped.

I approached cautiously, the cool night air brushing against my skin. "Chou," I called softly.

She didn't look at me, her voice quiet and distant. "Do you think people can just… change? Like one day, they wake up and decide to throw everything away?"

I frowned, sitting down beside her. "I don't think it's that simple. People don't usually change overnight. There's always something that pushes them, something that builds over time."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Then why didn't I see it? She was my mentor, Hana. She taught me everything I know, and now… now she's working against us. How could I have been so blind?"

Her words cracked under the weight of her emotions, and I felt a pang in my chest. Seeing Chou like this—so vulnerable, so unlike her usual confident self—was a rare sight.

"Chou," I said, my voice firm yet gentle. "It's not your fault. You couldn't have known."

"But I should have," she shot back, her hands clenching into fists. "I should've noticed the signs. I should've asked her what was going on instead of ignoring the way she was acting. Maybe if I had…"

"Stop," I interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Beating yourself up over what-ifs won't change anything. What matters now is figuring out why she did this and stopping her before she hurts anyone else."

She looked at me then, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

"Not really," I admitted with a small shrug. "But I do know you, and I know you're stronger than this. You'll get through it."

The next day, we were summoned to the command center. The air was tense as the director laid out the latest intel: Aoi had been spotted meeting with a high-profile arms dealer. The location? A luxurious estate on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by an expansive orchid garden.

Our mission was clear: infiltrate the estate, gather intel, and, if possible, apprehend Aoi.

As we suited up, Chou was unusually quiet. I wanted to say something, to reassure her, but I knew better than to push. Instead, I gave her a small nudge as we headed out.

"Ready?" I asked.

She nodded, her usual spark beginning to return. "Let's do this."

The estate was breathtaking, its grand architecture and lush gardens a stark contrast to the danger lurking within. The scent of orchids filled the air as Chou and I navigated the property, our movements silent and precise.

We slipped into the main building, using the cover of shadows to avoid the guards patrolling the halls. The tension between us was palpable, but we worked seamlessly, years of training guiding our every step.

As we reached the upper floor, the faint sound of voices caught our attention. We exchanged a glance before moving closer, pressing ourselves against the wall to listen.

"…delivered on time," a deep voice said.

"And the payment?" another voice asked—one I recognized immediately.

Aoi.

My jaw tightened as I glanced at Chou. Her expression was unreadable, but her hands were trembling ever so slightly.

"We're still waiting on confirmation," Aoi continued, her tone calm and professional. "Once it's secured, we'll proceed with the next phase."

I felt Chou tense beside me, her breathing shallow. I reached out, lightly touching her arm to ground her.

"We have to move," I whispered.

She nodded, her grip on her weapon tightening.

The confrontation was swift. We burst into the room, weapons drawn, catching Aoi and her accomplices off guard.

"Hands where we can see them!" I commanded, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

Aoi turned to face us, her expression calm despite the situation. "Hana. Chou. How nice of you to join us."

"Aoi," Chou said, her voice shaking with anger. "What the hell are you doing?"

Aoi tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'm doing what I have to, Chou. You wouldn't understand."

"Then make me understand!" Chou shouted, her voice cracking. "You were my mentor! You were supposed to protect us, not betray us!"

Aoi's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I'm sorry you see it that way. But sometimes, you have to make difficult choices to achieve a greater goal."

Before we could react, a flashbang detonated, filling the room with blinding light and deafening noise. By the time the chaos subsided, Aoi and her accomplices were gone.

Back at the Academy, the weight of the mission hung heavy over us.

Chou sat across from me in the common room, her head in her hands. "She got away again," she muttered. "How are we supposed to stop her if she keeps slipping through our fingers?"

"We'll figure it out," I said, my voice steady. "We always do."

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with determination despite the frustration etched on her face. "I won't let her get away with this, Hana. I don't care what it takes."

"I know," I said softly. "And I'll be right there with you."

For the first time in what felt like days, she smiled—a small, fleeting smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"Thanks," she said quietly.

And in that moment, I knew we'd get through this. Together.