Location: Fleeting Memories School - Empty Classroom

Rayla told the truth of yesterday, making everyone relieved not only to know that she's OK, but to know she had changed her feelings. As soon as she ended, Xaizor spoke up.


Xaizor: I hope you haven't forgotten about us.

Veronica: Xaizor...!

Xaizor: I've already told you, didn't I? I'm here because Father sent me to do this. Even if I'm actually not certain about our true goal, I'll believe that following this path will surely take me somewhere.

Marina: He is right. I... I will accompany you as well.

Kaito: You seem a little insecure, Marina.

Marina: I am. I am scared. However, I cannot back down from this. I will face my fears and I shall protect this town from danger. This I swear, upon the title I behold, and is the promise I make to you all.

Marina and Xaizor nodded at each other and nodded at Rayla and Tatianna. Soon, another voice spoke about helping the town.


Lucent: I...

Kaito: Is something wrong, Lucent?

Lucent: I want to... I want to help...

Masaru: You... is that true?

Lucent: My power... I hate it. But if I... if I can help, I... I want to!

Xaizor: I'm sure it'll be fine. You're doing this because you want to protect everyone, just like Rayla said.

Lucent: Y-Yes!

Lucent actually smiled without feeling fear. He was determined to try and change his fate. Even if the past would haunt him at every corner, he wanted to do this right.


Auror: Like I said, I don't have all time of the world, but I don't mind helping you all. As for the reason, let's say that I'm after the Blue Reaper as well.

Marina: Auror, are you an user of...

Auror: *generates ice* See?

Xaizor: Then you're accused of being the Blue Reaper as well!

Auror: Of course I am and I don't like it. I don't have reasons to go after those thugs, yet the existence of this assassin hinders my everyday life. Every time I hear about him, I want to puke.

Veronica: Big Bro...

Auror: Still, as the future head, I don't have all the time of the world but I'll do what I can to aid you. That is, if you don't have a problem with me being an ice user and all that.

Fleeting Memories School - Empty Classroom


Rayla: There's no problem at all...I don't want to suspect any of my friends. If anything, I should be thanking you guys for joining us (I completely forgot that he could use ice as well.)

Tiane: Seems like the group just got bigger. Hey good kid, are you sure you don't want to go?

Rayla: I don't think he'll ever will. I mean, he keeps saying from time to time that he can't see himself hurting other people.

Ted: Yep, what Rayla said...

Andorina: (He still doesn't look so sure.)

Tiane: (Oh well, worth a try.)

Rayla: Let's respect his decision.

Reeta: So...Lucent is going too.

Tiane: Hm?

Reeta: N-Not saying it's a bad thing...if it will help him control his powers in the long run, then by all means, go ahead. Take good care...and I mean GOOD care of him.

Rayla: Don't worry, I promise.

Andorina: This calls for a celebration.

Rayla: I-I don't think there's a need to...

Andorina: I'm going to get something for us to drink. Don't open the lunchboxes until I come back!

Andorina left the room, running towards the cafeteria.


Ted: She could've at least asked about the flavor of the drinks.

Rayla: I'm not picky about tastes, so I don't see a problem.

Tiane: Me neither... (For a different reason...with how my senses are right now, I couldn't taste even the shittiest of foods.)

Reeta: (She better not bring any coke...)

However, mere seconds later, they heard a pained scream coming from outside. They rushed outside, only to see Andorina laying on the ground, with someone standing near her and kicking the girl violently.

Music: Boosted Crisis


???: You absolute thrash! I'll teach you not to soil me ever again.

Rayla: Andorina!!!

Rayla was the first to react, however, the sudden movement made her double over in pain.


Rayla: Gurgh... (Come on...Why now of all times?)

???: Tch...And now there's a crowd of imbeciles...There's nothing to see here, only trash!

Tiane: Why you...

Ted: BASTARD!!!

Tiane: Huh? (No way, is he really...)

Ted wasn't thinking straight. It was the first time he saw a friend of his in danger. The way she was getting beaten up only further fueled his rage. He dashed foward in a blink and punched the woman who was hurting Andorina, having enough self-control to not use his enhancement magic in his punch.


???: ARGH!!!

Ted: You think she's trash huh? From my perspective, you're the entire garbage dump itself!

???: Insolent brat!

The woman threw a punch, but Ted countered with his own. Their fists collided, but mere seconds later, he won the struggle and pushed her away. He went for another attack, but suddenly, Ayame stepped in to stop the fight, holding him in place.


Ayame: Hey! That's enough. (Wow...him of all people hitting someone while being this angered?)

???: (Right...just stand right there and...)

Noticing that Ted was being restricted, she went for a punch, pretty much out of spite for the humiliation, but Rayla managed to get between them and punched the woman away.


Rayla: ARGH!!! (Why did I use the arm that was stabbed?)

???: STOP GETTING IN MY...

Music: Conversation on death

But once she took at better look at Rayla's face, she knew who she was dealing with.


???: Tch...It's you...

Rayla: That condencending aura of roses...You're Sorano Youko right?

Tiane: The Devil of the Thorny Roses? Man, that's kind of a literal title, because I can even see the rosy aura as well...




Sorano: Devil huh? I've heard that disgusting nickname a thousand times before...It's all because of bugs like you.

Ted: Sounds fitting for someone like you!!!

Sorano: Be careful with what you speak you miscreant. You don't know what might happen to you after this.

Ted: Bring it on then...I'm not afraid of you or your kind!!!

Rayla: Ted...Enough! Don't let revenge take over your mind! I know that you're better than this...

Ted: Kurgh...I...

Ayame: Normally, I would send her straight to the staff office...but thanks to her...status, My hands tied.

Sorano: Hmph...I would try my luck against an Ancestor Mage...but more of them...I'm not that foolish.

Ayame: Then withdraw at once.

Sorano: I will! Let us never meet again.

Sorano left in silence, although, everyone could tell she was seething with rage. Ted sat by the wall while Ayame took Andorina to the infirmary. Finally realizing what he just did, Ted stayed silent.


Tiane: (Man...I never knew the good kid had it in him...)

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Corridor

As Sorano left, Xaizor felt a little of rage.


Xaizor: Well, ain't the bitch full of herself...

Auror: If it's not the Queen, it's the Devil. Really, this school...

Lucent: ...

Kaito: I hope Andorina's fine...

Veronica: I'll go after them. You guys can continue lunch without me.

Veronica went after Ayame to see if she could help with something. Xaizor, unable to contain his anger, followed Veronica to actually go after Sorano, but Marina held his arm.


Marina: Xaizor, where are you going?!

Xaizor: Put that little daughter of a bastard kissing the ground hard, what else?

Marina: D-Do not go pulling unnecessary fights like this!

Xaizor: Unnecessary?! Are you kidding me?! That damned trash just hurt Andorina and you want me to stay and let her go?! Where's your goddamn pride, Marina?!

Auror: Now's not the time for you to be losing yourself in rage, Xaizor.

Xaizor: What the hell are you-

Auror: We have a general idea that you and Marina are really powerful. Don't go wasting your abilities on something so insignificant like Sorano. She's not worth it.

Masaru: Y-Your katana... it's showing.

As Lucent spoke, they could see the blade hidden in its scabbard right by Xaizor's waist. He looked at Auror once again, who gave him a single blink of the eyes.


Xaizor: Damn it... fine! I'm staying here! But if she comes out again, I'm definitely taking her down, got it?!

Auror: Sure, sure, just hold your flames and hide your weapon, please.

Xaizor: Tch! *katana vanishes* Grr...

Kaito: Hey, Xaizor. Punch the wall.

Masaru: Kaito, what are you suggesting?!
Kaito: Just let the guy punch the wall and believe in me.

Xaizor: Alright, I'll punch it!!

Like Kaito said, Xaizor vented his frustration on the wall. His fist went through and a hole formed in it.


Lucent: !!

Kaito: I wasn't expecting a hole, but it did something. At least his frustration was taken out on something that couldn't fight back.

Masaru: That was your idea...?

Kaito: Look, think as if they were polar opposites. Taking that in advance, you already know what we need to do.

Marina: Keep Xaizor under a good leash or else that girl is meeting more than the ground.

Auror: As his sister, you know well about him. Xaizor's the type of person that's just like Ted here. He doesn't like when the people around him are hurt for nothing. The difference is that Ted has some self-restraint, while your brother... well, leave him open and what you said will happen.

Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Corridor

Music: 伏姫


Tiane: Wait, why is Cheerleader Girl even...

Rayla: Healing powers...

Tiane: Oh...That's a thing?

Rayla: Yeah.

Tiane: ...I see... (I wonder what can she exactly heal...)

Tiane: (On second thought...I should keep on with my own disabilities...I feel like I still have a lot to atone for. When the time is right, I'll seek the cheerleader girl out.)

Rayla: Now then...back to the issue at hand...

She looks at Ted, who was still looking at the ground in silence.


Ted: ...

Rayla: ...What you did right now left your longtime friends in utter shock.

Ted: I can imagine...I'm sure you guys never knew I had it in me to be this...upset...

Rayla: Want to talk about it?
Ted: Thanks for the offer...But not for now...I want to be lost in my own thoughts for a while...

Rayla: If you say so...Hang in there okay? We may be shocked, but we understand why you did it. Don't hate yourself for doing the right thing.

Ted: (Was that really right though? I could've just pushed her away...)

Fleeting Memories School - Corridors

Ayame was running as fast as she could, but since the corridor was full of students, she had to dodge the ones that didn't move out of the way.


Ayame: Didn't you guys get the hint? Out of the way! I have an injured over here.

Andorina: Ka...

Ayame: Ka?

Andorina: Kaori...

Ayame: (Even now, she's still thinking about her best friend.) Worry not, you'll be at the infirmary in no time.

Ayame: YOU JERKS! LET ME PASS ALREADY!!! CAN'T YOU SEE THIS IS AN EMERGENCY?

**music Stops**

Fleeting Memories School - Stairs


Miolina: Oh my...is that a bruise on your cheek? Seems like there's someone in this school with an actual spine...

Sorano: What? Oh, it's just you.

Miolina: Yes, me! So, what happened?

Sorano: It was the Holy Hammer and her cohorts...They did this to me...

Miolina: Oh my...what bad luck...And you're always so careful about the days you decide to actually show up.

Sorano: Tell me something I don't know.

Miolina: I would...but right now I got nothing. I do have another question though...Did you get to meet with your contact?

Sorano: Not yet...but after what happened right today, I might have to wait until school is over...seriously, these past few hours are just the worse.

Miolina: Hahahahahahaha!

Sorano: Don't laugh! You're lucky that you're a reliable source of information...

Miolina: You trust that much in me? That's so sweet of you. I don't think I deserve such honor.

Sorano: Whatever...Enjoy the rest of your pathetic day...

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Corridor

As Ted lost himself in thoughts, Xaizor removed his fist from the wall, leaving the hole on it while breathing hardly.


Auror: Well, I guess we should continue lunch...?

Masaru: I guess the mood's a little sour for this...

Auror: Man, rainy days always bring bad luck...

Lucent suddenly turned at the corridor, as if he was hearing something... or someone, singing from the distance. The echo sounded clear to him...


Lucent: ... Singing...?

Kaito: Eh? Lucent, are you actually getting interested in music out of a sudden?

Lucent: No, I just... heard someone singing.

Masaru: I don't hear anything. Maybe it's your imagination, Lucent.

Auror: Then I guess we're both having our delusions, since I heard someone singing too.

Marina: Now that you mention it, so did I! I definitely heard someone singing!

They looked at each other for a moment. What it could mean? Why were they hearing this singing? Who was singing this song?


Xaizor: What the hell... first that woman shadow thing and now this...?

Auror: Hold it. Did you just say a shadow?

Xaizor: When we were leaving home, we saw this... figure that looked like a lady. She tried to from a cliff and we tried to stop her, but...

Marina: By the time we reached it, she had already vanished as if she was not even there at the first place...

The brothers were reflecting on the meaning by themselves. Auror actually got surprised with this.


Auror: So I'm not actually going crazy.

Xaizor: You saw this woman too?

Auror: When we were on the way to fetch you all, there was this woman shadow standing right at the street. She was looking directly at me for a while and disappeared when I blinked.

Kaito: Hold it, if you three saw it, then that means... Lucent, back at the orphanage...

Lucent: I... bumped into her while we were leaving with Kiragi. I thought it was someone else, but...

Soon, the song began once again and the echo invades their mind.


Xaizor: There's the singing again...

Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Corridor

Music: June Mermaid


Tiane: News Flash, I also saw that shadow woman...She appeared behind me all of a sudden, said a single phrase, then dissapeared. And now I'm hearing the singing as well.

Rayla: Same here...That shadow figure said something to me before being engulfed in the sea. Why I have the feeling this is only happening to us?

Ted: You guys too? She was walking under the rain without an umbrella, but when I tried to reach her, she was gone...She also gave me a message.

Rayla: What? (What's with the coincidences?)

Reeta: Um...Are you guys serious about hearing someone sing? (I have Psychic Powers but I'm not hearing a thing.)

Tiane: It sounds really clear to me. I hate to admit it, but this is kinda freaking me out.

Ted: (It could be a spirit playing tricks on us. Sis did say that there are spirits can make themselves known to people through some form telephaty...But I guess only Himika can really tell for sure if that's the case.)

Rayla: So...what are we supposed to do? Is this how are we supposed to do about heeding her call? What does this...let's call it entity...What this entity wants to accomplish by making us listen to her song?

Tiane: I wonder if there are others who are hearing this as well...And if so, who? (They most likely saw the figure as well.)

Spring Zone - Streets

As he was walking through the streets, Hiagor heard the soothing melody of the mysterious entity.


Hiagor: (Oh my, I didn't knew I could listen to such a magnificent song while walking in these crowded streets...if is as if these people aren't here at all...)

Hiagor: (However, they don't seem to be interested in the song...no smiles regarding the performance...)

Hiagor: (Maybe I'm the only one listening to it after all. Interesting.)

Kaori's Home - Living Room


Kaori: Hm?

Kaori also started to feel the song in her mind. At first, she thought that either Jerald or one of the officers turned the radio on, but no one was around when she got to the living room. At first, she was concerned that it was the "weird" sensations again, but for some reason, it didn't scare her as much. She was actually at ease, as if the song was telling her that Kaori had nothing to worry about.


Kaori: (I'm not sure why...but this song...I can't be afraid of it...)

Kaori: (Still...I can't seem to guess the source...Where is it coming from? Why am I listening to it? What is happening right now?)

Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary


Ayame: YA!!!
School's Doctor: Hey! Don't yank the door like tha-

Ayame: ASSISTANCE! RIGHT NOW!
School's Doctor: Okay...put her over there, but with care.

Ayame: I wasn't there for the whole thing...but she got beat up by that Sorano girl.
School's Doctor: Again? In that case, I'll apply first aid and then call an ambulance. You know how brutal that girl can be.

Ayame: I-Is it necessary? She still looks concious enough...
School's Doctor: She might've broken something...or had a concussion. In any case, bring her school bag.

Ayame: I see...then I'll leave her in your hands. (Hang in there Andorina...)

Ayame bows to the medic, then leaves the infirmary.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Classroom

Soon, the singing stopped.


Auror: And it stopped. Weird...

Lucent: (I wonder... if this entity could be...)

Kaito: Aside from you guys hearing this song or not, I actually wanted to ask something.

Auror: And what it would be?

BGM: Swimmer in the Book of Darkness (Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland)


Kaito: If we can extend Andorina's invitation to Xaizor and Marina.

Marina: Invitation?

Masaru: Andorina has invited us to visit her friend, Kaori. That reminds me, she wanted to invite you as well, Rayla.

Marina: I... am unsure if it is a good idea for us to go. We are outsiders in your affairs, so I wonder if it would be a little disrespectful if we accompanied you.

Xaizor: I kinda agree. Andorina invited you guys, who are her friends, so...

Kaito: I know, I know, but listen. What if we can find a reason to why Kaori was targeted by this strangers?

Auror: Oh, I get it. You're raising the possibility that she might have been attacked because of some sort of power and you want Marina's help to examine it while Xaizor's a bonus just to not be left over, right?

Xaizor: Hey, I'm not a bonus!

Kaito: Well, except for the bonus part, that's mostly about it. What do you think?

They looked at each other and at the rest, but still signaled a negative response.


Marina: While I can understand the reason of why you wish us to go, I still believe that we should not go. Andorina would definitely prefer people from this world alongside her, not us.

Xaizor: Don't take us in the wrong. We just don't want to jump in problems you guys might not want us around.

Lucent: I had a feeling she wouldn't agree...

Kaito: Well, that's OK. It was the way I found to help but I guess it didn't work.

Auror: Of course it wouldn't, idiot. Doing this without Andorina's consent is already bad enough.

Masaru: I told you it wouldn't work.

Kaito: You don't have to remind me.

Marina: But this does not mean that I cannot extend some aid. Let me check something.

Marina opened her bag and took two books out, extending them to the rest.


Marina: As a token of appreciation for you accepting me and Xaizor into your world, everyone, I offer you these two books. One is the book I have shown earlier about the history of Lacrima. This second one is a basic book about power studying. I hope it does help with your situation.

Auror: Nice! Ted, you should keep these.

Lucent: I... I'd like to read them as well.

Auror: I'm sure he'll let you borrow them once he finished reading them.

Masaru: Marina, are you sure about this? You're not keeping your world that much of a secret... isn't it dangerous?

Marina: I trust that I am placing these books in good hands, Mister Masaru.

Xaizor: I might have something on my own, but I need to check my bag later.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary

After a quick rush, Veronica finally reached the infirmary. She went inside and began to catch breath.


Veronica: Haah... haah... Doctor... where's Miss Andorina...?

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Second Year Corridor

Lilina, who also heard a strange song, was walking around trying to follow it, without success. She ended up barging into Bloo.

BGM: Love is Survival (Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair)


Bloo: Oh, a pretty flower comes to me! Lilina, seeing you back makes me happy.

Lilina: I was going to apologize, but since it's you...

Bloo: Hey, that's mean! I was genuniely worried about you!

Lilina: Bloo, you used this line for so many girls that it's hard to believe in you.

Bloo: ... Well, jokes aside, are you OK? Should you really be here after everything?

Lilina: I can't remain at home all the time. One day or another, I would have to leave and face the world again.

Bloo: That's nice to hear but why you were targeted in the first place?

Lilina: ... I don't know.

Bloo looked directly at Lilina's eyes as she seemed worried, showing a calm smile to her.


Bloo: If you need something, Lilina, count on me. I may be flirtatious, but that doesn't mean I wasn't worried.

Lilina: Bloo...

Bloo: Now, how about a cup of tea with me? It'll be nice to sit together and relax...

Lilina: No.

Bloo: What?! Oh, come on...

Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary

School's Doctor: Right over here, but I'm examing her right now.

Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Classroom

Music: Unseasy State


Tiane: Well now...what was the freaking point of the singing then?

Rayla: Maybe to make us aware that other people could hear it as well? If certain people couldn't hear it but other could, why do you think that's the case?

Tiane: Hmmm...Well, I guess you got a point.

Ted: Regarding the books...I'm not sure what to do with the history one at this moment, so I'll lend this one to Lucent. I'll definitively read the one about powers. That might lead us to something.

Tiane: What we know so far about the mysterious organization is that they are after people with psychic powers...However, there's also the possibility that Kaori doesn't have said powers and they'll just put her life in danger in the off chance they capture her.

Ted: Oh yeah, there's that huh? They went after her based on a therapy session she had some time ago.

Tiane: I've heard that a member of the guild is watching over Kaori right now...Making sure the police doesn't make it easy for the mysterious group to capture her.

Reeta: That's good to hear...It's probably why Andorina can still make phone calls to Kaori.

Ted: So Rayla, are you going to Kaori's house with us?

Rayla: Well...I can always go to the guild at any time, so yeah, why not? Count me in.

Reeta: I'm still not sure if I want to go yet...I get that it would make her happy but, what if she gets attacked again? I don't want to be around when that happens...

Tiane: What's the matter? Not confident that your tight hugs are going to crush them to death?

Reeta: Shut up...This is no joking matter.

Rayla: I understand why you are concerned... (With a reason.)

Tiane: What? You're not going to convice her to come too?

Rayla: Nope. If she doesn't want to come, it's her decision. Besides, like I said, I know why she's concerned. Unlike most of the people in this group, she has no combat experience...She would be at risk if they suddenly decide to take a hostage.

Reeta: What Rayla said... (Yeah sure...keep indirectly rubbing it in that I'm an amateur...)

Ted: ...Wait a minute...In that case, Lilina shouldn't be coming with us either. I mean, isn't she one of the people that got attacked by them? I remember her telling me that she's a fellow victim.

Rayla: Sayaka...Lilina...Kaori...and possibily others with a probability of having psychic powers...If they are indeed psychic users, the compact glaive device would give them the combat knowledge and turn them into soldiers. If they aren't, their bodies wouldn't be able to take the overflow of information and they might ending up losing a body function...Either way, it's bad for us. We can't let this organization do what they want.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Classroom

BGM: Swimmer in the Book of Darkness still playing


Marina: Very well. Here you go.

Marina handed the books to Lucent and Ted.


Marina: I suppose you would still like to talk about this issue of the organization attack, so we will take our leave. I do hope this help you find some answer of the sort.

Xaizor: See you guys later.

After a bow from her, Marina and Xaizor left to not bother them with their discussion.


Auror: They're really considerate of the situation. I was expecting them to be curious or anything of the sort.

Masaru: I guess Marina and even Xaizor know that some issues don't belong to them. I do feel as if they really wanted to help us more in this, though.

Auror: Marina gave us the books, so it'll help a lot. Knowing details about the background they live, aside from her explanation, will give us a better idea of Lacrima's lifestyle and how it'll impact on us through those two.

Kaito: That book of power will give us info about psychic powers, so we might even discover about how they're obtained and how someone can control them.

Auror: We're starting to get somewhere in this. We should take the book with us to the visit and do the check-up.

Auror and Kaito seemed confident that they were getting somewhere. Lucent, interested on reading Lacrima's history book, mentioned Lilina again.


Lucent: Um... about Lilina...

Auror: Oh right, we should talk with her and say that she can't come too.

Masaru: She's going to be really sad.

Auror: It's just like Rayla said, though. If the victims are all related to psychic powers and are the targets, we're just making this organization's job easier to them. They should be a little separated for a while.

Auror: Also, not to be even meanier or anything, but we might talk to the Guild about the fact that Sayaka and Lilina returned without... ahem, a legal and "efficient" defense.

Kaito: I don't think they'll agree to keep themselves at home, Auror.

Lucent: I... don't believe that agreement will... matter.

Auror: Their safety comes first and the dust hasn't truly dissipated yet. Living a normal life isn't a good recommendation now. Those two should stay back at their houses for them while.

Lucent: I... kinda agree.

Auror: What do you think about this, Rayla? Am I being to extreme or do you think that it's better for those possible psychic users to stay hidden a little longer?

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary

She knew the examination was very important but Veronica was certain she could help. Even if she was going against the regulations, she wanted to help.


Veronica: (Flowing water, aid my friend with thy serenity...)

Veronica: Bubbly Mending.

She opened her hands and blew bubbles, out of thin air, towards Andorina. As they reached her, the bubbles began to pop and Veronica's healing water sprinkled all over the injured body of Andorina.


Veronica: (I can only heal the pain and external injuries, but this should be able to wake her up. If only I could use stronger magic without worrying Big Bro...)

Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Classroom


Rayla: Frankly speaking, it would be a good idea to keep them hidden for a while longer...but at the same time, I would want them to still enjoy school...

Reeta: Maybe they are being watched by the guild too? I mean, they have to, or else what's even the point of letting Sayaka and Lilina out?

Ted: *looking through the window* Hmmm...Well, I am seeing some officers outside. Seems like they got here when we were watching classes...But I'm seeing only four.

Rayla: There is our answer I guess...Well, when they said making sure the police wouldn't make it easier, they also meant by compensating for the low number of officers the force would even bother to send. Ted, do you see someone else that is not dressed as an officer?

Ted: Let's see...

From the window, Ted managed to spot two people that stood out.


One was a boy that looked about Ted's age. He had a bored look on his face and carried what looked like a hand axe on him.


The other one was a girl that also looked his age. She seemed to be having fun with something. She was drinking something that Ted assumed was some kind of hot drink.


Ted: There's a mean looking guy outside holding an axe.

Tiane: An axe? Sorry, my hearing isn't what's supposed to mean.

Rayla: You can hear just fine...

Tiane: But thug types usually carry bats, knives, swords of unknown origin, guns...But axe is a first.

Rayla: Then maybe he's not an actual thug.

Tiane: ..........................................I guess...

Ted: Oh, seems like it's time to go back to class.

Reeta: In that case, guess I'll be seeing you guys later. Again, take GOOD care of Lucent.

Rayla: We will. See you later Reeta.

Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary

School's Doctor: Hey, what do you think you're...

Andorina: Urgh...wha?

Thanks to the healing magic, Andorina felt most of the pain go away. She tried to sit up, but a spliting headache made her lay down again, but as Veronica hoped, Andorina had woken up.

School's Doctor: Impossible...

Andorina: Owch...What is impossible?
School's Doctor: I mean...you...how are you conscious?

Andorina: Hm? Why should I not be? Is it because of the headache?
School's Doctor: Well... (She still seems to be disoriented...But, why she's looks better than before? Was it because of those strange bubbles?)

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Third Year Classroom


Auror: Alright, let's head back to class then.

Lucent: (Reading about another world's story... I can't wait to read this book!)

Kaito: I'll make Reeta's words my words, so I'm counting on you guys to look after Lucent!

Auror: Don't worry, we'll do the job well.

Kaito and Masaru went to their clasroom as Auror and Lucent went downstairs after Rayla, Ted and Reeta.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Infirmary


Veronica: Hehe, I'll tell you later, Miss Andorina.

Veronica: Doctor, I think she only needs medicine for the headache right now. I'll be going on ahead back to class, so please excuse me.

---

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate

BGM: Time (Persona 3 Portable)

Soon another school day ended, but the sunset was not visible today as the rain clouds stood still at the sky, seemingly without a chance to leave. Auror met with Veronica at the corridor and they waited for the others at the gate.


Auror: So it worked on the end, huh...

Veronica: Yes, it did. Andorina woke up with a headache but she was good as new!

Auror: And how are you feeling?

Veronica: I'm fine, don't worry. I used a weak healing magic since if I went for the more powerful, you'd definitely be mad with me.

Auror: Good that you haven't forgotten about that. Your power, while incredible, is troublesome for yourself so you can't abuse of it and you need to train it.

Veronica: I know, I know...

As they chatted, Maki came towards them to quickly talk with Auror, though she decided not to enter into topic since Veronica was there.


Maki: Good afternoon.

Veronica: Good and pretty afternoon, Miss Maki!

Auror: Haven't heard of you since the morning. You left early today.

Maki: How do you know that?

Auror: We fetched everyone of the orphanage except for you and Rayla.

Maki: I don't like walking with them, so I guess it was good for me to have left earlier.

Veronica: But isn't it too lonely to go to school or home without friends, Miss Maki?

Maki: If they were my friends, I'd say yes. But since I don't like them as much as they don't like me, I don't feel bothered at all.

Maki: Anyway, see you tomorrow.

She left the two brothers alone and went back to the orphanage.


Veronica: Miss Maki is really cold, isn't she?

Auror: Cold is an understatement

Veronica: Oh well, let's wait for the others. Who's going with us?

Auror: Let's see... me, you, Andorina, Rayla, Ted, Tiane, Kaito, Masaru and Lucent.

Veronica: Huh? Marina and Xaizor aren't coming along?

Auror: They decided not to. Kaito was the one who asked them to come along, but they said this isn't an affair for people like them.

Veronica: I don't think Andorina would mind that they are from-

Auror: Andorina doesn't know that they're from another world and we're also not planning to tell her, I guess. Marina and Xaizor trusted us with this secret.

Veronica: But didn't she give the book from yesterday to Lucent?

Auror: This is a different scenario. Look, just sum it up as this: people from another world doesn't have anything to do with this.

Veronica: It... kinda sounds like we're doing some prejudice against them. I know they're the ones who said it, but it tastes horribly when it comes from your mouth.

Auror: Can't say you're wrong, Vivi...

Fleeting Memories School - Corridors

As Rayla and Ted approached the exit of the building, someone that looked like one of Mr.F's bodyguards was waiting by the door.

Bodyguard: Excuse me, Miss Rayla.

Rayla: Hm?
Bodyguard: The boss told me to deliver this to you.

Rayla: Ah! Is it...

She received the package and opened it. As Rayla expected, it was her casual clothes. She made a dash to the bathroom and moments later, she returned with a smile in her face.


Rayla: You don't know how much I've missed you my dear hair tiers.

Ted: Well, there's the asymmetric look I'm used to.

Tiane: (All this because she doesn't like to be called pretty...To think her of all people would have such odd priorities...)

Andorina: Aww...good-bye beautiful Rayla.

Rayla: INDEED!!!

Tiane: Whoa! Are you sure you should be walking right now?

Andorina: The doctor gave me some painkillers, so I'm going to be fine for the rest of the day, but I might be late for school tomorrow.

Tiane: I...see...If you're going to get it checked tomorrow, then it's fine.

Rayla: (Guess her magic isn't that perfect if Andorina still had to take meds...but it's still pretty impressive.)

Andorina: Oh, that's right...Ted, thanks for saving me. It's kind of a blur, but I remember seeing you punch that meanie.

Ted: Y-Yeah... (Of all the things for her to see before faiting...)

Andorina: So...Is everyone here yet?

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Corridor

Kaito, Masaru and Lucent were the last ones to arrive.


Kaito: Wait, where are Auror and Vivi?

Lucent: At the gate... waiting for us.

Kaito: Well, then we're ready to go.
Lilina: Oh my.

Lilina appeared, showing interest on what they had planned.


Kaito: Oh, it's Lilina.

Lilina: What a surprise to find you all here together. To be honest, this sort of reunion is unusual.

Lucent: ... (Possible...? Change that for definitive. This girl has a different aura around her.)

Lilina: Are you perhaps going already? If so, can I accompany you?

Kaito: Well, you see...

Masaru: They're going somewhere important today. I was actually waiting for you to come so we can go home.

Kaito: Wait, but aren't you going with-

Masaru: Sadly, I won't be able to help you all today. Maybe in the next time.

Lucent: (Nice one, Masaru.)

Lilina: Oh, that is sincerely bad to hear. I would definitely like to accompany you all.

Masaru: I'd like too, but we should be going in our way. See you all tomorrow.

Masaru and Lilina left as Auror and Veronica, who saw them in the gate, came inside.


Kaito: Whew, Masaru saved us with Lilina.

Auror: Well then, let's go.

While they were still preparing to go, Xaizor and Marina were coming towards them. They actually stopped by and decided to wish them luck.


Marina: Hello everyone. I suppose you are all departing soon, correct?

Kaito: Pretty much, since everyone's here.

Xaizor: Wait, where's Masaru? Isn't he supposed to come along?

Veronica: He just went home with Lilina, so he won't be able to come with us.

Marina: That is a shame. In any case, we should be on our way.

Auror: Wait a moment, I have a favor to ask of you two. Can you two walk Sayaka home?

Xaizor: I don't find any problems, but maybe we should consult my prickly sister here.

Marina: Who are you calling "prickly"?! *pulls Xaizor's ear*

Xaizor: OWOW!! Let go of my ear!!

Marina: Embarassing me in front of our friends... *releases grasp*

Xaizor: J-Just answer the question already!

Marina: I was going to, before you could ever be rude and speak fallacies about my person!

Auror: And you complain about your sister, Ted.

Marina: Ahem. I apologize for this poor behavior. We have no issues about escorting Sayaka.

Veronica: That's wonderful! I owe you guys one-
Bloo: Oh, a beautiful flower is spotted.

Auror: No... not twice in a day...

Veronica: Goodness gracious...

As Veronica and Auror complained, their cousin appeared, ready to "charm" Marina and invite her out.


Bloo: So you're the newcomer, eh? Marina, was it?

Marina: Umm... yes?

Auror: Bloo, back off, she's not interested.

Bloo: Auror, shush. This is a moment for me to shine in the brilliance of love.

Xaizor: Love? I see... good luck, tough guy. *backs off*

Kaito: Aren't you going to stop him? You're her brother, you know.

Xaizor: Nah, there's no need.

Seeing that Xaizor backed off, Bloo leaned towards her and looked directly at her eyes, their faces close enough for a kiss.


Bloo: Did someone ever told you that you're the most beautiful of butterflies in this vast world?

Marina: Huh...? W-Whatever do you mean...? Y-You are rather close...

Bloo: I suppose not. But I tell you, your eyes have captivated me. Why don't you and I go for a round of tea, while we enjoy the sound of the rain together, my lovely Marina?

Marina: Ah... AAAAAAH!!

Her answer was a kick... in the spot. Bloo fell and groaned in a pain only felt by men as Marina screamed at him, entirely red.


Marina: Y-YOU RUDE!! PERVERT!! SHAMELESS!! HAVE YOU NO PRIDE?! NO SHAME?!

Bloo: Agh... you... didn't need to...

Auror: I... can't say I never saw this coming... but less so from someone like Marina.

Lucent: That... must have hurt...

Kaito: Damn, I feel a little of pain for him...

Veronica: ... Have you finally learned your lesson, Bloo?
Bloo: But... such a savage and beautiful... lady might need...

But before Bloo could even finish, Marina kicked him... in the spot for the second time. With it, Bloo finally fainted.


Marina: Y-You shameless, crude and insensible... ARGH!! I HATE YOU!!

Lucent: Marina's... short-fused too...?

Xaizor: This happens only with perverts. Those types are the ones that really piss Marina.

Marina: I-I am going to wait outside... I need some air...

Marina left the scene furiously. She was ready to snap at someone who would even dare to say "hi" at her.


Xaizor: I'm going after Sayaka. You guys should get going and it's best if you leave her alone catching breath, else she'll be pissed at you for no reason.

Auror: Sure we will... (Note to self: watch your words around Marina.)

Veronica: Well, you can go without me as well. I'll take care of this... dumb idiot. Send my regards to Miss Kaori for me, OK?

Fleeting Memories School - Corridor

Music: 笑府


Tiane: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Rayla: It was bound to happen eventually... (Still, this was a close call...I wouldn't even want to know what he would do If I was with my hair untied.)

Tiane: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Ted: Tiane...that's enough...

Tiane: I'm sorry...it's just...I haven't laughed like that in quite a while...Might take me a moment...to get my breath back...oh I think I'm crying...MAN this was funny!!!

Andorina: Geez...Talk about violation of personal space...That's not how you court a girl.

Ted: (Seems like she realized how bad it could get with Bloo.)

Andorina: So, are we going on Auror's limousine or are we taking a bus?

Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate


???1: A...ACHOO!!!

???2: Told you this would happen...But you had to play tough.

???1: I-It's was just coincidence. It's not a cold at all. This rain is nothing!

???2: Whatever you say Kail...




Kail Jones: Ah! There's Lilina. Guess it's time to split and head back to her home. See you tomorrow Rosa.




Rosa Mikazuki: Later Kail. Have fun with more guard duty. (I missed spending some time with him after I was assigned to watch over Sayaka. It's nice having this goof around.)

Kail: Yeah...Alright boys, we're leaving.
Two Police Officers: Understood.

Kail: (Man...I know this is important...But when am I going to have a break from this? I miss Touko so much right now...I wonder what she's doing.)

World Crossers Guild - Underground Lab

A red haired girl was focused on what looked like to be on a metallic staff. She was installing some kind of transmitter on it. Then, all of a sudden, Nancy entered the room.


Nancy: Hi Touko, I brought some snacks.

Touko: AAAAAAAAH!!!

She was startled with her arrival, dropping the screwdriver on the ground.


Nancy: You forgot to close the door again. I thought you were doing something else that didn't require being so focused.

Touko: Really? Geez...That's what I get for being super focused on something.

Touko paused what she was doing an approached Nancy in order to get the snack Nancy brought.


Touko: Nice! Fruit Sandwich.

Nancy: Glad you like it.

Touko: Yep! I didn't notice that I was really needing this.

Nancy: So...What are you working on?

Touko: It's a staff made with a enhanced metal that I'll be adding to Jerald's arsenal. I was just installing the Warp Weapon mechanism.

Nancy: Great. Seems like we're doing pretty well with the system.

Touko: True...But it was thanks to "his" help though...I need to do something on my own.

Nancy: Oh?

Touko: If I want to surpass my sister, I have to develop an extraordinary weapon on my own. I've heard that her Twin Blaster Rifle did wonders yesterday. I need to think of something even better than that.

Nancy: Are you sure?

Touko: Absolutely!

Nancy: Just don't turn this into an arms race okay?

Touko: I-I know...You don't have to keep saying it...

Nancy: Ah yes. Barry phoned me earlier, asking how you were doing.

Touko: Barry? Really? And what did you say to him?

Nancy: That you're doing great in your new home...Or did I lie?

Touko: Ah! No, you didn't. You got it right.

Nancy: That's good! I was worried for a moment there.

Nanc: Well then, I'll be visiting "him" now. Keep up with the good work...Touko Akari.




Touko: Leave it to me! I'll do my best.

Nancy went further into the Underground Laboratory while Touko finished her fruit sandwich and got back to work.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Corridor


Auror: Let's go with the limo. And talking bout it...

Auror looked outside and the car was already there.


Auror: It arrived! Well, off we go. Andorina, you can go in the front with the driver and give him the directions.

Meanwhile, as he walked through the corridor, Xaizor found Sayaka.


Xaizor: Oi, Sayaka!

Sayaka: Oh, Mister Xaizor. Were you looking for me?

Xaizor: Yeah, I was. Now c'mon, we'll drop you back home with safety.

Sayaka: Won't it bother you? I can ask another friend to drop me...

Xaizor: Don't sweat it. It'll be fine.

Sayaka: OK, I'll come with you then. Where's Marina?

Xaizor: Catching a breath outside. She finished a guy just now.

Sayaka: A guy?

Xaizor: Yeah. He had blue hair and talked all corteous and stuff...

Sayaka: Oh... it's Bloo. Well, if he was beaten up, we should actually thank Marina for doing us this favor.

Xaizor: You girls hate him that much, huh?

Sayaka: Totally! You see, in the last year...

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate

As Lilina and Masaru came by, they went towards Kail.


Masaru: Good afternoon, officer Kail. We're ready to go.

Lilina: Did you stood out here without an umbrella? You'll catch a cold! Here, come under mine.

Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate


Kail: There's no need to. Keep that umbrella to yourself. I, Kail Jones, shall never succumb to colds!
Police Officer 1: (I dunno man...That sneeze was worrying.)
Police Officer 2: (It's only a matter of time.)

Kail: Anyway, go on ahead, pretend that we're not here. We'll surely watch your backs, right boys?
Police Officer: Yes sir!

Fleeting Memories School - Corridor


Andorina: Alright!

Tiane: (Was hoping we wouldn't do this limo thing until tomorrow...)

Rayla: (A limo huh? This brings back all kinds of memories.)

As they entered the car, Tiane made sure to sit near the window.


Tiane: (Might as well make the most of this trip even though entering a limo is still strange as hell for me.) Hey Good Kid.

Ted: What is it?

Tiane: Remember the Gossip Girl?

Ted: Miolina? I don't talk with her...she talks with me...And she loves saying anything she finds in her searches...That's all I know.

Tiane: (Ah, so she has been like this way before I've met her...) She said to me when we first met that she has this ability called EXS.

Music: k13


Rayla and Ted: EXS?

Tiane: You two heard about it?

Rayla: I've...probably heard about it...

Ted: Same here...But I've never searched more about it.

Tiane: Then this is as good time as any to know about it. I have this odd feeling that we'll be running into someone with that kind of power in the future.

Rayla: (Now that I think about it...It's probably why Miolina knows so much about the rumors around the city. She has what it takes to stay alive to spread them.) Did she say what kind of ability she had?

Tiane: Hmmm...Something about darkness...Now that I think about it, she did say some nonsense about being your opposite.

Rayla: (Nonsense indeed...)

Ted: Let's see...

Ted opened the book and started searching about EXS. Moments later, he found a rather detailed explanation.


Ted: (It really is here. I wonder if someone travelled through the worlds just catalog this.) *ahem* "EXS is an ethereal energy present in pratically everything. One can say it's what any kind being emanates just by existing. However, said energy can't be acessed by normal ways, yet, any rational or partially has the capability to harness that power. These are called In-Births. Their bodies are the Vessel that harness the power and gives shape to an EXS Ability. Due come in a variety of forms, being different from person to person, with similarities being rare. Thanks to this, it's impossible to completely register every form possible of EXS Ability. While anyone can attain said power, the way to obtain so is extremely risky. There are monsters known as Void, they were once former In-Birth who attempted to get stronger by absorbing EXS energy beyond what their vessel could contain. If a normal person makes contact with a void, usually by being bitten by it, their soul will get infected by the EXS influence, but, if said person can withstand their sanity during all this, they'll be fully awakened as an In-Birth. However, if a person has a different ability not related to EXS, they won't turn into In-Births, but due to them still having EXS energy in their being, they will be still targeted by Voids."

Tiane: ...That's a lot to take in..

Rayla: I see...so it's more like a forceful way to learn how to use magic. Their concepts are rather similar if I think about it. Magic draws energy from the soul, while EXS draws power from the existence.

Tiane: Is there a difference?

Rayla: It said that if you have a different kind of power...then yes, there's a difference.

Ted: I'm going to assume the body would be incapable of creating a vessel...Or maybe because it has a different one that stores a different kind of power.

Tiane: Hmmm...I think I get it...

Ted: There's more to read...Should I keep going?

Tiane: Might as well.

Ted: "There is a phenomenon known as Hollow Night that manifest itself once a month in the form of a alternate dimension. Hollow Night appears every time on the night of the full moon at a certain area. Those people who are within the area during the Hollow Night's appearance enter to the Void's realm. Normal people who end up getting caught in the Hollow Night usually become the Void's prey, only some awaken as In-Birth. People outside the realm of Hollow Night cannot see what happens within. Likewise, the people within the Hollow Night cannot view what happens in the real world. All electrical devices are also rendered useless within the Hollow Night. The center of the Hollow Night, known as Abyss, has an infinite fountain of EXS that many In-Births try to reach in order to gain further powers. Due to the endless amount of EXS it produces, it allows to Voids to take a materialized form near it, so that people can visually recognize them.
Hollow Night can be forcibly ended by destroying the Abyss."

Tiane: That's a lot to take in...

Ted: You said that before...

Rayla: Yeah...A different dimension full of EXS energy...I certainly haven't heard of it before...yet we've heard about EXS somewhere before. Maybe our families had contact with it at some point in the past.

Ted: I'll try to look more into it. Maybe the book only mentioned the Hollow Night because it's where there's a large concentration of EXS. If our families met with In-Births before, I'm sure it's registered somewhere.

Tiane: I'm kinda satisfied with what I got, so have fun with that.

Rayla: (So at some point...Miolina was attacked by a Void. And some time after that, she decided to be the eyes and the ears of whatever is happening on this city...Just what is she after?)

Location: Spring Zone Streets

As soon as Auror, Kaito and Lucent got inside the car, its engines started and it began to run. They haven't heard the talk between, Rayla, Ted and Tiane about Miolina.

Kaito: Hey Auror, what's with the glass lid between us and the front row?

Auror: That's a soundproof glass. It's so the driver and the front passenger can't hear us unless I turn the mic on.

Kaito: I see...

Auror: It's good for a reunion, actually. We can talk about things we wouldn't be able to with specific persons around.

BGM:

While they were chatting, Lucent was already immersing himself inside the book about the Kingdom of Lacrima, homeland to Marina and Xaizor.

Kaito: Well, someone seems really focused on a book.

Lucent: Pegasi... wyverns...!

Auror: Wait, what? Let me check it.

When Auror checked the book for himself, he saw more than just pegasi and wyverns. Lacrima had even airships. It was a land that seemed out of a fairy tale.

Auror: OK, what sort of crazy- even airships?!

Lucent: Y-Yes...!

Auror: The more I know about their home, the less I want to be there...

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate

After some small talk, Sayaka and Xaizor finally reached the school gate, where Marina was waiting.

Xaizor: Are you actually calm now?

Marina: Yes, yes, I am calm. I did slapped a boy before he left.

Sayaka: Were you angry at Bloo's sudden appearance?

Xaizor: Angry is an understatement.

Marina: Yet this is something I do not regret.

Sayaka: Marina, you're a pretty cool girl. You'll soon become very popular at this rate.

Marina: O-Oh no, that is far from what I desire!

Xaizor: Dugging your own grave, eh?

Spring Zone Streets


Ted: (Airships huh? I wonder if we can make those...I mean, someone from Underground Unitia probably suggested it at some point...)

Out of boredom, Tiane started to inspet her Compact Glaive again.


Tiane: ...

Ted: (Then again, with how dangerous technology can get, its best if we take it slow. The reason why the development of advanced tech is being kept secret un the underground is because the public isn't ready enough for it. It would be a disaster if anything from there gets leaked. Though, I wonder...If the glaive is part of this advanced tech.)

Tiane: What's with the intense stare.

Ted: Just thinking about how busy my sister is with guard duty right now...

Tiane: Sister? Oh right, that "Miko-looking" girl huh? (I'm really not looking foward on meeting her again...As if I don't get enough lectures already...)

Ted: (I'm still eagerly counting the days...Just a few more and Cousin Hina's training will be complete.)

Spring Zone - Kaori's Home


Jerry: I've been feeling a rather good smell for a while.

Kaori: Mom is making cake for the visitors.

Jerry: Ah right...Your friends.

Kaori: Yep! Please be gentle with them when they arrive.

Jerry: Even though its our job to inspect them, I'll try.

Kaori: Good. Anyway, does the police want cake as well?

Jerry: There's no need to. Don't let us get in your way. This is supposed to be your moment after all.

Kaori: If you say so...More for us I guess.

Jerry: We'll do our part in keeping this place safe. Make sure to have lots of fun.

Kaori: I'll surely will.

Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate


Rosa: And Sayaka is here. We should get going now.
Police Officer: Understood.

Rosa: (I should come here more times. The hot chocolate of this place is great. Hopefully, I can persuade Kail to settle down tomorrow.)

Location: Spring Zone Streets

As Lucent kept reading the book, he remembered about the fact that Tiane wasn't alongside them in the lunch yesterday. Since she was one of them, he decided to raise the topic.


Auror: Now that I remember, you weren't with us at lunch yesterday, were you Tiane?

Kaito: She wasn't... oh!

Auror: This might sound repetitive, but I guess it's necessary. After all, she needs to know as well about those two. Our explanation might not be the same thing as the real deal coming from Xaizor and Marina, but let's try to pick it up and end this topic.

Kaito: True. Lucent, help us out with the book, got it?

Lucent: I'll try...

Auror: Alright then. I'll begin.

The topic of the conversation became the origins of the Arcadia brothers once again. Auror explained the best of what he could so that Tiane could understand, with Lucent giving him back up from the book. They did a quick explanation, as it seems that she didn't like long ones.


Auror: ... And to sum it up, other worlds outside of ours exist, with Xaizor and Marina being proof of it.

Lucent: We... did the best to tell you everything.

Auror: This might put Lacrima as a finished topic just so we won't drag ourselves too much on it... yet. You got it all?

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate


Sayaka: Oh, Miss Rosa. I hope I haven't left you waiting too long for it.

Xaizor: And who are they?

Sayaka: Those officers have been watching over me ever since the incident happened.

Marina: I see. Well, shall we go then? We are heading the same way, so I suppose we can still go with you until our ways part.

Sayaka nodded and started to walk, with Marina following her. Xaizor, however, was thinking about something.


Xaizor: ...

Marina: Is something wrong, Xaizor?

Xaizor: It's those things that have been happening... the singing, the shadow... and the fact that they heard it as well...

Xaizor: I can get about them, but why us? We're just outsiders in this.

Marina: This wondering has been on my head too... it is actually leaving me nervous about this...

Xaizor: Yeah. Can't believe this, but I'm nervous as well... not in a good sense.

Marina: I wonder if our fate will truly connect with this world...

Both brothers wondered if this situation was normal or not. However, their train of thought was suddenly interrupted by Sayaka's voice.


Sayaka: Aren't you two coming?

Xaizor: Ah, our bad! We're going!

Fleeting Memories School - Entrance Gate


Rosa: If I got mad because I've waited for a while, then I wouldn't be put on guard duty, so don't worry about it.

Spring Zone Streets


Tiane: I think I get it...Going to take a while to process it though.

Rayla: I can assure you that this is the truth.

Tiane: I wonder what's the next thing I'm going to find out...Maybe ghosts actually exist.

Ted: They do.

Tiane: Y-You're joking...right?

Ted: Who knows? Only someone who is an Ancestor Mage truly knows.

Tiane: ...It's true isn't it?

Ted: If you think it's true, don't tell anyone that...Or they might freak out.

Tiane: No kidding...

Spring Zone - Kaori's Home

Music: Spring

Police Officer: Halt! Identify yourselves.

Rayla: We're Andorina's guests.

Jerry: R-Rayla? Ted, Auror and Tatianna as well?

Tiane: Oh hey, it's Nerdy Weapons Guy.

Jerry: N-Nerdy? (Weapons? Uh oh...I know what's coming next.)

Rayla: You met him before Tiane?

Tiane: Yeah. He's from the Guild. He can sum-

Jerry: Shh!!! Don't say my ability out loud!

Tiane: Oh! Right...Sorry... (He has Psychic Powers too.)

Rayla: So...I imagine you're going to inspect us.

Jerry: Since you are people we already know and trust, then there's no need. Make yourselves at home and don't mind us here.

Andorina: Hehe! You're such a nice guy.

Jerry: Just doing my job.

Rayla: (There's a bit more of police officers here than back at school...Though, I still feel like it isn't enough. Good thing someone from the Guild is here to fill the gap.)

Andorina: Guys, make sure to drag me out when I start saying I don't want to leave.

Ted: Hahahaha!

Andorina: What? I really miss Kaori you know?

Rayla: We know. We're happy for you.

Andorina: Now then...for the moment of truth...

Tiane: (What moment of truth? She's just going to ring a doorbell...besides, we already know Kaori is fine because you confirmed that you managed to phone her...)

Andorina rung the doorbell, and a few seconds later, Kaori opened it. The first thing she saw was Andorina lunging with a hug, which Kaori dodged by reflex, then quickly grabbed her by the hair just so she doesn't trip.


Jerry: (Such perfect dodging...)

Andorina: Wah! Kaori...we haven't seen each other in ages and you avoid my love hug like that.

Kaori: I just saved us from a trip to the floor. I know how overly emotional you can get.

Jerry: (I wasn't expecting this.)

Rayla: I'm having Reeta flashbacks right now.

Kaori: Anyway, welcome to my humble house everyone. I must thank you all for taking such a good care of my dorky friend.

Rayla: Well...She kinda entered our lives all of a sudden. Really glad she did though, we've been having such good times together.

Kaori: I know right? She's fun to have around.

Andorina: Stop it...you're making me blush...

Rayla: Anyway, I'm Rayla Celest Lilly...You probably remember me from that day.

Kaori: How could I not? And I see that you're in good terms with your friend now.

Tiane: By good terms meaning still rivals.

Kaori: Aww...

Tiane: Don't worry, I assure you that our next fight will be our last one...Then we'll never fight again.

Kaori: Just don't hurt each other that much. Anyway, I didn't get the opportunity to thank you properly.

Tiane: How's the injury by the way?

Kaori: All healed. It left a scar but I don't really mind it if people can't see.

Ted: ...

Kaori: You're...

Ted: Ah! I'm Ted Mamoru Seimei...Nice to meet you!

Kaori: Oh, Sorry I startled you...Say, didn't we met somewhere before?

Ted: You remember my face?

Kaori: I think I do...Ah! That's right. I think I saw you when I was being kidnapped.

Rayla: (How does she remembers that?)

Ted: So you did see me...

Suddenly, Ted bows in apology to Kaori.


Ted: Sorry! I could've stepped in to save you...but I didn't.

Kaori: What?

Ted: You see...I'm an Ancestor Mage just like Rayla and Auror...but I just can't bring myself to hurt people...It was my firm grip of this way of thinking that got you in this mess. You were screaming for help...but I didn't answer to the call.

Kaori: I...see...

Andorina: ...

Kaori: You said your name was Ted right? You know you could've just hid that fact from me...Yet you choose to tell me anyway.

Ted: ...I wouldn't forgive myself if I hid it from you.

Kaori: Well, aren't you a honest one. I think I like you.

Ted: Huh?

Kaori: You can stop bowing now. I forgive you.

Ted: Right...

Kaori: You said that you don't like hurting people right? That isn't really a bad thing...but if you have the capability to protect someone, then by all means, do it!

Ted: I feel like I heard something similar before.

Rayla: (Heh...)

Kaori: Now then, let's continue with the introductions. (Andorina sure brought a lot of people...and on a limo of all things. Sometimes, it's astonishing how easy she can befriend people.)