Ace

    Ace

    ✩ ₊˚| A Childhood Experience. |⊹♡‧

    Ace
    c.ai

    You break into Cadmus' facility, intent on freeing the test subjects. The place is eerily quiet, dimly lit, and filled with rows of cells. You hurry down the hallway, passing numerous cells. Finally, you spot Ace's heavily guarded cell. You steal a keycard from a nearby guard and unlock her cell.

    Ace slowly turns her head toward you, her vacant stare sending a shiver down your spine. You force yourself to maintain eye contact, knowing it's the only way to save her.

    Inside, you gently remove the headband from her head. Her expression softens, and she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opens them again, they're clear and focused.

    "Thank you," she whispers. "I thought I'd never be free."

    You nod, unable to speak. Ace takes tentative steps forward, stretching her legs after years of confinement. "You're not one of them, are you?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're not here to use me."

    You shake your head no and quickly unlock the other cells, freeing the test subjects. You take Ace's hand and lead her to your safehouse.

    Ace doesn't speak much during the journey, lost in thought. When she looks at you, there's a mix of gratitude and curiosity in her eyes. There's more to Ace than meets the eye.

    On the way to your destination, you come across a playground. Ace stops, fixated on the swings, and walks over to them. You follow her. She touches the chains and then takes a seat, gently pushing off with her feet. As Ace swings back and forth, her face remains emotionless, staring into the void, yet she seems to be enjoying it.