It was January 25, 2025. New York was completely covered by a white carpet of snow. The group walked through the streets until they reached Times Square; the glow of the giant billboards contrasting with the falling flakes brought a strange sensation, a mixture of peace and melancholy. They spent the day visiting the city's landmarks, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge under the biting cold.
"How beautiful the falling snow is... it's relaxing," Fukuoka commented, observing the landscape.
They took a bus to the Empire State Building and, at the end of the day, walked through the famous Central Park. But the fun would soon give way to duty.
The Objective: Serena William
A day later, as they headed down from the hotel, Fukuoka was still humming at the door:
"In New York..."
"Today I will explain our real objective," Nobaru interrupted, her face serious. "We need to capture, dead or alive, Serena William."
"I prefer to capture her alive," Fukuoka offered.
"She hides by working in concert halls to avoid drawing attention. We have information that she serves a terrorist organization in Syria, sending people to fight in clandestine wars," Nobaru explained.
"But how does she get thousands of people to travel there without resistance?" Nanai asked.
"Her Osmo controls emotions. When she sings, the audience feels a deep and directed connection to her. It's at that moment that she takes control. Remember: do not direct any feelings toward her during the performance."
"That's very difficult!" Ville shouted.
"When you are near her, focus your feelings on someone else. That way, she won't be able to create the control link," Nobaru instructed.
The Concert Hall
They approached the indicated concert hall. A beautiful and powerful voice echoed through the dirty alley. Upon entering, they saw Serena William in the center of the stage. The group settled at a distant table.
"Try not to draw attention," Nobaru whispered.
"It's so warm in here..." Fukuoka said, feeling the comfort of the environment.
"This place is just full of junkies and drunks," Ville observed, looking around with contempt.
"Exactly. If these people disappear, no one misses them. They are the 'useless' ones of society. She knows very well who to choose to take," Nobaru explained coldly.
Serena prepared for the next song. Her hair was red as living fire, contrasting with the apparent sweetness of her face.
"She's the Emotion Controller?" Zulian asked.
"Yes. That's the girl we're looking for. Don't let her appearance deceive you," Nobaru warned.
The melody began to play: a melancholy, delicate, and calm composition. Serena began to sing, moving her hands over her own body sensually, hypnotizing the audience with lyrics loaded with desire and lust.
"Whoa, the atmosphere is getting hot in here..." Zaren commented, feeling the impact of the music.
At the end of the performance, Serena smiled at the ecstatic crowd.
"Thank you all for coming. Have a good night," she bid farewell, leaving the stage under fervent applause.
"Now what do we do? She's gone," Fukuoka said.
"We follow her," Nobaru replied.
Serena William walked toward her dressing room.