As Asim walked through the cave entrance, he spotted Aiko standing apart, her gaze lifted toward the dim sky above.
"Tired?" Aiko's tone was softer than usual, carrying a hint of concern.
"Nah, I'm alright," Asim replied, stopping in front of her.
She nodded, and together they walked out of the cave.
Outside, the cold air hit them, sharp and biting.
"How about we stay by the ocean for a while before heading back?" Aiko suggested calmly.
Asim groaned and stretched, rubbing his shoulders. "What time is it even in Morocco?"
"Afternoon," Aiko replied simply.
He summoned a door with a casual gesture. "Sure."
Passing through, they found themselves in a hidden alleyway. The cold breeze mixed with the warmth of the sun—a strange, pleasant contrast. Alone, hidden from prying eyes.
As Asim removed his jacket, Aiko did the same, handing it to him. He stored it away in the circular void with a flick of his hand.
The sound of waves reached them. The crowded beach of Safi stretched ahead, lively and vibrant. Asim sighed, taking in the scene.
"Always a lively place," Aiko said, walking forward. Asim followed silently.
A man led them to a small, quiet spot on the sand: two seats under a single umbrella. Aiko sat first; Asim paid the man before settling next to her. They stared out at the heavy, rolling waves.
"Asim," Aiko called softly.
He turned.
"Any intel from the scientists?"
Asim shook his head. "They're as confused as everyone else. Veynar… he's nowhere to be found. No trace, as if he isn't in our world—but somehow, still lurking." His voice carried frustration as he rubbed his face. "I haven't felt this uncertain since…"
Aiko watched quietly, sensing the unease beneath his usual stoic expression. She glanced at the ocean, her tone gentle.
"Don't trouble yourself, Asim. Not over a threat that isn't clear yet. For now…" Her gaze returned to him. "…we will live through it, together."
Her voice trembled slightly as memories flooded her mind. Slowly, she hid her face and let out a shaky sigh. "After all… I cannot lose another son, Asim."
A soft weep escaped her lips as she buried her face in her hands. The shadows of her past—the cruel, unforgiving life she had lived as a high-ranking yakuza—pressed against her chest. Feared, respected, she had killed without remorse. Until Kiyoshi. Gentle. Soft-spoken. Her heart had been alive for the first time. They had a child together… and yet the shadows returned. Revenge had been taken, yes—but it left hollow emptiness behind. She had surrendered to the shadows once more, blending into them, carrying the weight of her choices.
Ever since she first saw Asim on that mission with Laith, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was her son—older, alive, perhaps spared by some twist of fate. He had become a symbol, a reminder of what she could not lose again.
Aiko's hand shook as she continued to cover her face. Asim, accustomed to her rare displays of vulnerability, stayed quiet, his eyes on her trembling hands.
"Aiko… I won't die so eas—"
Before he could finish, she grabbed his head, pulling him into a sudden, tight hug. Asim froze, eyes wide.
"Aiko?!" he said, caught off guard, gently trying to pull away.
"It's… Mom," her voice was soft, yet unwavering.
"I'm not calling you that?!" Asim protested, squirming slightly.
The world seemed to still around them: the faint laughter of children in the distance, the constant crash of waves, the smell of salt and sand mixing with the cool ocean breeze.
"I can't lose my son… again," Aiko whispered, voice strong and fragile. "I cannot forgive myself… for putting you—and the poor girl—in danger."
"It's fine. I'm alive. She's alive," Asim said softly, easing himself from her embrace. He straightened and ran a hand through his hair.
They sat in quiet solidarity, the ocean rolling endlessly before them.
"Promise me," Aiko said after a long pause, her voice soft but firm. "Promise me you won't be reckless again."
Asim groaned, leaning back. "I'm not THAAAT reckless, you know? I can handle myself perfectly."
They let the waves crash for a moment in silence, letting the peace of the moment wash over them. For now, the storm of uncertainty could wait.