THE COUNCIL'S REQUEST

They had found Elsie, yes, but now a new mission called to Tony: the search for Yamin's father. He hadn't just disappeared—he had been pulled through time. And that meant one thing.

Tony had to follow.

From the judgment hall, Tony, Elsie, and Skyler stepped out. The air felt different—lighter, almost free. But Tony's heart remained weighted with purpose.

"It's good you came. I don't know what could have happened," Elsie told Skyler softly.

She turned toward Tony. "Skyler, this is my brother, Tony."

Then to Tony, she added, "And Tony, this is Skyler—my friend."

Skyler smiled and reached out his hand. "Nice to finally meet you."

Tony shook it and leaned in to whisper to Elsie, "We're already friends."

They both giggled as they walked together—this time, to Skylab Summit, Skyler's home.

The house stood quietly, as though waiting for them.

When the door opened, Skyler's mom stood at the entrance. Her face brightened when she saw Elsie.

"Elsie! You're here!" she said warmly, moving in for a hug. "It's so good to see you again."

But then her eyes landed on Tony, who stood politely behind her.

"Oh—who's this?" she asked, slightly surprised.

Tony stepped forward with a gentle smile. "I'm Tony. I'm the brother of Elsie," he said, pointing softly to her.

Skyler's mom paused, her brows raising. "Brother?"

Elsie nodded, her eyes proud. "Yes… it's a long story."

Skyler's mom took a slow breath, then smiled wide, placing a kind hand on Tony's shoulder. "Well then… welcome, Tony. Any family of Elsie is always welcome here."

"Thank you, ma'am," Tony replied, feeling a strange warmth spread through his chest.

Laughter and light conversation followed as they stepped inside.

But even in that warmth, one mystery remained.

Yamin's father was still out there—somewhere in time.

And Tony knew… his journey wasn't over

Later That Evening...

The house was quiet, save for the soft clink of cutlery as Tony sat with Skyler at the dining table.

The food in front of them was simple but hearty—vegetables on cooked grains, possibly rice.

It filled the air with a comforting scent as they ate.

Suddenly, a knock echoed from the door. Skyler stood up, pushing his chair back.

When he opened it, a soldier from the Bracadis Gathering stood at attention.

"From the Council of the Bracadis Gathering," the soldier said. "Yamin has requested for you .", pointing at Tony

Skyler nodded, his expression turning serious. "He'll be on his way," he said, closing the door behind him as he turned back to the table.

Elsie, her gaze soft, turned to Tony. "She is not like Galley," she said tenderly. "I can assure you."

Tony gave a quiet nod, feeling the weight of what was to come.

Skyler, already moving toward the door, spoke without looking back. "One of the two requested for you."

Without another word, they left everything—plates and spoons—untouched, stepping outside into the cool night.

The path to the Leaders Council Room was dark and quiet, with night guards standing watch along the way, their eyes sharp as they moved in the shadows.

When they reached the gates, one of the guards stepped forward to speak with them.

Skyler was about to say something when Tony broke in, his voice firm: "Can she let the three of us in? That's a request."

The guard looked at him for a moment, then nodded slowly and stepped aside. A maid, dressed in official attire, stepped forward from the shadows.

"Let them all in," she said, her voice clear and sharp. The guard nodded in acknowledgment and moved to open the door.

The maid was Nether Mela—her face a mask of calm professionalism.

They stepped into the Leaders' Council Room, all unaware of what might unfold inside. The air was thick with tension.

As they walked in, Elsie's heart pounded. Her eyes darted around the room, and then they landed on Z-12, the scientist. The sight of him immediately sent a chill down her spine.

Z-12 turned toward them, his voice calm. "You can go for a seat," he said, nodding toward the chairs.

"Yamin hasn't arrived yet," he added, his tone unbothered.

Just then, the door opened, and Yamin walked in, looking at them sharply. She moved toward Z-12.

"You're already here," she said, eyeing them with suspicion. "How far are you on finding a cure?"

Z-12 looked at her for a moment, then answered in a calm, measured voice. "I'm still working on it," he replied, his tone neutral. "The process is slow, but we're making progress."

Her eyes then flickered to Tony, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than it should have. She didn't speak, but her thoughts flashed in her mind. What's building up here? Love? Or... She quickly shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. No, no, no... it can't be.

Yamin then turned to Elsie, her gaze sharp. "So you," she said, pointing to Elsie, "could you tell me who brought you here? How did you get here?"

Elsie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "First of all, I think I owe Z-12 an apology," she said, her voice a little softer. "I acted… hilariously against him the other time. I'm sorry."

Z-12 gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, accepting the apology in silence