Mission Failed!

The TV was on at Julia's residence, a close friend of Halo. Outside, a fierce storm roared, the wind howling, and rain pounding furiously against the windows. Lightning lit up the sky, followed by thunder that shook the walls of the house. The severe weather reflected the tension of the moment, intensifying the sense of urgency and chaos.

The soft lights of the living room illuminated the cozy space as Julia watched the news in shock. On the screen, chaotic images showed the city in turmoil, with crowds running, cars burning, and a complete environment of disorder. The reporter on the screen, with a tense expression and trembling voice, reported the events that had occurred.

— We are live with breaking news about the tragic death of Calliope Bluebell, also known as Halo, and other artists who were neutralized by the Asian army. The situation is total chaos. — said the reporter, her voice filled with emotion. — Questions remain about what really happened.

Julia raised her hand to her mouth, unable to believe what she was hearing. Her heart raced, and her mind was in turmoil, trying to process the terrible information she had just heard.

— It can't be... Halo, no… — murmured Julia, with tears in her eyes. She looked at her friend, who was sitting next to her, still disguised with a dark-haired wig and large sunglasses. — What do you mean, they really killed her…

The broadcast was abruptly interrupted, and the image switched to the president, who was about to make a statement. The national flag was positioned behind him, and his serious face reflected the gravity of the situation.

— What is happening? What is he going to say? — asked Julia, trying to stay calm, but the desperation in her voice was evident.

On the screen, the president was preparing to speak. His expression was grave and determined, his eyes fixed on the camera as if he wanted to convey his message directly to the heart of every citizen.

— Hello, citizens of our dear nation. Today is a somber day in our history. We have information that both the Chimera drugs and the armed attack on the artists were created by the Asian government with the help of Aurora Sterling with an as-yet-unidentified partner, and both are now fugitives. Additionally, any problems caused by the guardians also originate from this regrettable betrayal of our homeland. — said the president, his voice filled with authority and indignation. — This act of aggression will not be tolerated. As an apology, Claúsio Anteu, who knew nothing and was not involved in the lies of his colleague, is offering help to our army and wants to apologize to the people. This disrespect will be responded to appropriately. We assure you that measures will be taken to protect our country and our citizens.

Every household was in complete silence, all eyes fixed on the TV, absorbing the words of the national leader. Julia felt a lump in her throat as she listened to the president's words. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, as if an invisible burden had fallen on everyone present.

— They are really going to turn this into a war… — she said quietly, almost to herself, as her tears silently streamed down her face.

Next to Julia, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to absorb the gravity of the situation. The death of her dear friend and the growing political tension left her with a feeling of helplessness, a sentiment not only felt by her but also by the entire population.

Minutes earlier, a few blocks away, Eterrai and Aurora were alive. During the explosion, Eterrai froze time, managing to escape with Aurora before it was too late. They headed to the bar "Recanto dos Anjos," a refuge that Aurora already knew well and had used before. The storm continued to batter the city, lightning cutting through the dark sky, and torrential rain adding an air of urgency to their escape.

— What are we doing here — Et asked. Aurora, embarrassed by her appearance, hesitated to enter the bar and simply said. — Remember Clara, the bartender? She can lend us some clothes — said she, her voice trembling. Ashamed of her appearance, Aurora chose to wait hidden in the alley beside the bar, the shadows concealing her marked features.

Eterrai entered the bar and found Clara. The bar was quiet, the sound of rain hitting the windows adding a melancholic rhythm to the atmosphere. Clara, a woman with a friendly expression and curious eyes, looked at Eterrai with a mix of surprise and concern.

— Hey, Clara, remember me? I wanted to know if you can help us. Al and I need clothes; she said you could find some for us. — asked Eterrai, the urgency in his voice clear.

Clara frowned but quickly went to the storage room and returned with a coat and a top hat for Eterrai, and for Aurora, a beach hat, sunglasses, and a large fur coat. — Here it is. I hope this helps — she said, handing the clothes to Eterrai.

Before leaving, Eterrai looked at the bar's TV. The news was broadcasting the previously mentioned report, where he and Aurora were wanted. Clara, seeing the news, was shocked and looked at Eterrai, her questions written on her face.

— What happened to Aurora? I know something is wrong. — Clara said, her voice full of concern.

Eterrai sighed, knowing he couldn't tell the whole truth. — It's better if you don't know, Clara. Everything will be fine — he replied, forcing a fake smile to try to comfort her.

Clara didn't believe him, but she respected Eterrai's decision and let him go. — You didn't have to lie to me, idiot — she said to herself in a very low voice.

Eterrai left the bar and entered the alley where Aurora was waiting for him. They dressed quickly, Aurora putting on the beach hat, sunglasses, and fur coat. The storm continued to pour around them, the sound of water hitting the ground echoing in the dark alley.

— Where do we go now? — asked Aurora, her voice filled with uncertainty and fear.

Eterrai looked at her with a confident smile. — The military will look for us on ferries, trains, and any public or private means of transport... except one.

Aurora frowned, curious. — Which one?

Eterrai just smiled even more confidently, his eyes shining with determination as he thought about the next step of their escape.

— I got to the city by hitching a ride with a circus — said Eterrai, looking at Aurora with a cunning smile. — They will leave the city this morning. We can leave with them.

Aurora looked at him, surprised by the simplicity of the plan. However, the urgency of the situation made her agree without hesitation.

— Let's go then — she said, adjusting the fur coat that Clara had lent her.

They knew they needed to be careful, so they started crossing the city, avoiding as many people as possible and any suspicious situations. The storm that battered Wonder City provided some cover but also made the journey more challenging. The howling winds and torrential rain made them huddle as they walked through the dark and wet streets.

Eterrai led the way, his eyes alert to any signs of danger. Aurora followed closely, trying not to draw attention. They moved through the shadows, using alleys and less traveled paths. Every time they heard footsteps or voices approaching, they quickly hid, waiting for the danger to pass.

— We're almost there — said Eterrai, looking at Aurora to make sure she was okay.

Aurora averted her gaze. Finally, after a tense and careful journey, they saw the colorful circus tents in the distance. They were being dismantled in the middle of the storm.

Arriving at the location, Eterrai guided Aurora to the back of the circus, where the performers and workers were preparing for the next trip. The environment was filled with typical circus sounds, from the neighing of horses to the muffled laughter of clowns rehearsing.

— Quick! — whispered Eterrai as they approached one of the larger tents.

Eterrai went to speak with one of the gypsies who was entering the wagon after packing her bags. He asked where they were going and if they would pass near Mériti. The gypsy Beth, whom he knew very well, greeted him with a welcoming smile and said yes. Eterrai quickly explained the situation, omitting the more dangerous details, and then asked if they could hitch a ride, offering to pay for the favor.

Beth gave a light laugh and replied:

— Of course, Eterrai. Don't worry about it; you can come in.

Aurora looked around, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. They still had a long way to go, but at least now they had a plan. With time running against them, they knew every moment counted.

Aurora and Eterrai entered the wagon, waiting for the circus to leave. Aurora tried her best to hide her appearance, putting on the beach hat and sunglasses, while huddling and adjusting her clothes to cover her imperfections. She held the fur coat in front of her face, her hands trembling slightly with anxiety.

Inside the wagon, the atmosphere was a mix of tension and mystery. The gypsies, with their exotic outfits and enigmatic looks, seemed oblivious to Aurora's unease, focused on their own tasks. The storm continued to pour outside, the sound of rain hitting the wooden roof of the wagon creating a constant and hypnotic melody.

Eterrai observed everyone around him, his senses on high alert. He knew that at any moment they could be discovered. However, there was something reassuring about the way Beth and the other gypsies welcomed them, without asking too many questions.

— Make yourselves comfortable, the circus should leave soon — said Beth, winking at Eterrai before returning before going back to helping with the bags.

The clock read 09:14.