False Flag

by Flatter_Sine

Chapter 1: Scouting

“Thank you for your patronage~” the kind lady from Yum Cha Shin waved at them as they left the premises.

Captain Magus would chastise her if this is a normal working week, but…

“The soup is so tasty! I would love to return here more often.”

“Orphie! What I’ve told you about controlling your dietary schedule!”

“Caaaptain…I have been nice so far! Plus, we are having an extended vacation so give me a break.”

...Orphie have justification this time! Sadly, her superior thinks otherwise.

“Even in downtime a soldier has to mind her condition. Once this vacation is over, you must remain in top shape.”

“Oh jeez, it's not like everyone is doing their daily training at the moment.”

“Nonsense! Look at Soldier 11 over there.”

Orphie turns to where Captain points her jaw at.

She was right, Eleven was there. And she is wearing a hoodie…wait, green hoodie? And headphones? 

Strange, Orphie recalls the silver girl rarely wears anything besides her uniform. If anything, this is her first time seeing the model soldier in a more…er, casual look. Most of the time she sticks to standard issue tracksuits. Also, the redhead noticed Eleven cut her hair a little.

Perhaps it was because of Proxy? Trigger and Eleven won't stop visiting the siblings ever since they took the extended vacation. Plus, the sniper often notes how at ease the silver soldier is with Wise. Not even Orphie and Trigger can crack her that way. For some reason Eleven still refers to him with weird names. Maybe an affectionate way to address people she trusted.

Wait, does that mean she doesn't trust us!

Nah, no way.

And so, just to greet her teammate, Orphie and Magus approach the soldier. On the former’s end, she was curious why Eleven stops at Proxy’s video store stand. 

“Eleven!” The redhead called.

The silver girl was startled and began to scan the area. Why, though?

Once she turned around, Orphie noticed something.

Is she really Eleven?

Her expression is softer. But that face cannot be mistaken. It's so weird seeing her like this because it feels like she is looking at someone wearing Eleven’s face. Wait, is it like those body snatching movies she watched with Belle once!?

Eleven stood still, waiting for Orphie to address her. Magus on the other hand, beat her to it.

“At ease, soldier. We are your teammates. Unless your cuckoo head starts to pick a fight again.”

The silver soldier relaxed. 

“Yes…” she looks away. “Captain Magus.”

Huh, she also sounded more mellower than she usually is. What's going on?

“Eleven, something the matter? Your stance is different than usual and I have not seen that uniform since you were enlisted in my squad.”

Yeah, Orphie just noticed underneath her green hoodie, she was wearing a white uniform embroidered with some Defense Force attachment and gear. Plus, now that she stands face to face with her, today Eleven was a bit…shorter?

Yeah, I am suspicious of this one!

“It’s…” Soldier “11” began. “A costume I borrowed. I am doing a favor for Proxy.”

Orphie and Magus exchange a look.

“Which one, soldier?” Captain inquired. 

“The brother.”

It's not out of the ordinary for Eleven to do this...I think. If I go with Trigger’s assessment of him that is. Though I noticed Trigger is…a little clingy with him too? He must have been closer to them more than I thought. 

“And what business do you have with the young Wise?”

“Intimate one.”

“W-What!?” 

“Huh!?”

Even the Captain was shook by this revelation. 

“I-I see, soldier. Although such a relationship is frowned upon due to its obstructive nature to our duty, as long as you engage within reasonable range, I allow you to indulge such…intimacy.”

“Hold on, Captain! Something is off!”

“What now, Orphie?”

The redhead inspected the silver girl again. Yep, this is not–

“There you are, Eleven.” 

A new voice comes in and it was Trigger wearing the tracksuit Orphie mostly associates with Eleven.

“Trigger,” fake Eleven addressed the sniper. “What took you so long?”

“Looking for a red bean bun around this part is quite difficult.”

“I see.”

“Now, if you excuse me, Captain, Orphie, Eleven and I have matters to attend to with Proxy.”

Hold on, don't tell me this Trigger is also a fak–

“Very well, Trigger and Soldier Eleven, dismissed.”

Both soldiers headed straight to Suibian Temple. Leaving Orphie and Captain alone with their thoughts. Their walk towards where Obol Squad’s current safehouse was filled with thoughts they can't really say yet to anyone besides themselves.

“Captain Magus, that was not Eleven, wasn't it?”

“Yes, but I can assure you Trigger is real.”

“Then who is the fake ‘Eleven’.”

“That is not for us to dabble in. I trust Trigger in her judgement. It is what I have learned after all.”

“Captain…”

She is starting to change.

Opening the door to their safehouse, they were greeted with…

“Oooh, Captain and Orphieee~ come chill with us. Belle found this automatic massage chair. Try it yourself!”

…Seed sitting on a heavily modified massage chair…

“You should try it, I really mean it–” Belle moaned. “That was sooo good.”

“Just give us fifteeen mooore minutes,” Seed clearly doesn't look like she wanted to leave that chair.

Captain sighed. “I will tolerate this since we are still on our vacation. Orphie, get your rear on the chair immediately. By force if you must.”

“Noooo Captain, just more minutes!”

Suffice to say, it was a chill for the rest of the day…

I still wonder who that was…

---

 

Switching to Anby's POV...

 

---

 

“Wait, did you call yourself Eleven to them!?”

 

“It was a blunder on my part. I have to repay Trigger later.”

 

“So that explains why she is escorting you this morning.”

 

Part of the issue was Anby got careless. Cunning Hares is staying at Sailume Bay with some help from Yuzuha and the kids there. Nicole advised the silver girl to stay put since she heard there was a nasty conflict between high profile figures recently here at the peninsula. On Anby's end, she knew how to move silently so she, er, sneaked into the temple and spent time with Wise catching up. 

 

That was her first mistake. Because the day after, which is today, she didn't take into account what Nicole said about the recent crisis happening here. Though who can blame her for not knowing that Phaethon make allies with the rest of Harin’s squad in such a short time. And then again, this is Phaethon she is talking about. The kicker here is that Obol Squad is around here longer than she estimated. Extended vacation even as Trigger filled her in. The sniper once showed her the picture of her squadmates so out of her pure survival instinct, Anby assumes Eleven’s identity to trick the squad leader. She really hoped it works since she acknowledged how bad she is at lying. Though there is one thing that is not a lie though…

 

Though they weren't going for the extremes like weeks ago at the beach or tender ones like yesterday, she wasn't lying when she said her business with Wise was intimate.

 

She felt his hands wrapped around her waist.

 

“If the coast is clear, want to go somewhere?”

 

“Yeah, let's do dates for the occasion.”

 

“And I should probably clear up some misunderstanding you caused.”

 

“I’ll bribe the captain with burgers, don't you worry.”

 

Wise chuckled. Suffice to say, the night is warm in her slumber.

---

Initiating self diagnostic session...

Data compiled...

 

[Switching to Magus.exe screen...]

 

Review complete...

Unit activation in...

---

 

Chapter 2: Assessment

Notes:

I think I got carried away.

Self diagnosis complete. 

Magus felt her system returned online…well, only to find Orphie was arranging her packaged action figures she bought days before.

“Orphie! Why are you still not opening those toys!”

“Eep! Captain, don't scare me like that! Besides, preserving it is also a duty for any collectors.”

“Then what of those toys you unwrapped?”

“Well, they are mine to play so…”

“I will never understand young people and their fascination with these…toys. Always so complicated for such a menial hobby.”

“It’s not like it is hurting anybody.”

“But these are mostly distractions. You must understand our duties can't afford us to…” her voice module emulates a sigh. “I am sorry, I am projecting again.”

“It's alright, Captain. I understand.”

Magus slithers around a bit to get a good look at the sky. Outside this safehouse, night has fallen.

“About what you said, Captain. This morning after we returned to the safehouse I mean,” Orphie twiddled her fingers. “Is it necessary? What if we intrude on them?”

[Private log]

I understand why she thought so. Proxy has proven to be a reliable ally. Our paths align so well that which we seek always intersect. Eleven years ago, when Hollow Zero surpassed that dreaded zenless limit, people of Eridu lost so many. I sacrificed everything yet…the revelation of my dearest friend’s crimes and the web she untangled gave me enough clarity to go deeper. This time, for the sake of rooting evil that has taken New Eridu’s soil.

Magus aligned her body straight towards her young fool. 

“Do not mistake my initiative as an act of distrust. I have placed my faith in all of you.”

“My bad, Captain. I just thought that you wanted to order a hit to fake Eleven.”

“Orphie, you usually are the one who berates me for being reckless. Your choice of words is damningly more extreme than mine today.”

“Huh? But if fake Eleven met real Eleven, wouldn't one of them die?”

“Hold your tongue, soldier! Where do you even get that idea!?”

“Huh? Er, one of the movies I watched with Belle has this story where a doppelganger met his real self. And then one of them died. I thought at first you wanted me to sneak behind fake Eleven so we can protect real Eleven from that ever happening.”

Once again, this girl makes her want to have a head to scratch.

“First of all, movies are not an indication of real life! Second, my intention tonight was to assess that girl. Lastly, I want to determine how fit she can be when a chance is given to her to join our operations.”

“Y-You want to…recruit her!?”

“Yes, and then again it depends. We still don't know her allegiance. The only silver lining so far is that she is close to Proxy and Trigger willingly lied for her.”

“I see…”

The construct then lightly whipped her younger self.

“Now get up and equip your uniform. We will walk with the shadows and strike when the time is right.”

Orphie remained still.

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“It's still 8 PM, Captain. If we assume she is still around Proxy, wouldn't we stick like a sore thumb even though it is dark?”

“It is time for you to adapt with covert ops, Orphie. Take this as an additional training. Trigger mostly took these operations so as my gunner, you too must be conditioned to many forms of missions.”

“Captain Magus, I object! I think we should–”

“No interruptions! You will do as I say or else I will.”

“R-Roger!”

The girl whined as she donned her uniform and equipment. Goodness, the construct still can't get used that she can sound like this. Once her pupil is done, the pair set out to stalk Suibian Temple. The spot they took was the rooftops of Good Goods. Trees are not an option since it is unreliable here in Failume Heights. Of course, Orphie complained to her captain for the "unnecessary" spot they perched themselves at. Nonsense, this is the best spot. Trigger agrees if she is here.

From afar, their target is in sight. Orphie diligently observes fake Soldier 11’s movement with binoculars. Magus enhanced eyesight can see just fine.

“Oh, she isn't lying. Fake Eleven is intimate with Wise.”

“Once again, I am not wary of her endangering Proxy. If my theory is correct, I can confirm her additional relation to Soldier 11.”

“But fighting her seems a little excessive if you already trusted her.”

“Let me give you greater context, Orphie. Have you seen how Soldier 11 acts? She is skilled, but unrefined. Eager to prove herself all the time yet still needs more training to truly become the model soldier she aspires to be. This fake we observe…I am curious about her skills. If we can gauge it, I may be able to ascertain what our young soldier needs.”

“Oh, I get it now! I already saw one thing she did better than Eleven!”

“Elaborate.”

“Look at her! She holds Wise’s hands like it was nothing while Eleven always gets cold feet when is about to say something to him!”

“What!? Curses, I am ignoring them. Where are they”

“Inside the main hall,” suddenly Orphie’s eyes sparkled. “Oooh, Master Yinhu is preparing dinner! Man, I wish I was down there. Oh, Yixuan Shifu, Master Jufu, and Belle are inside too."

“How did you even see it?”

Orphie points at her binoculars.

“Seed modified it, it's very handy when I am about to take my routes from greedy figure collectors. It can see through walls too! A feature I kept abusing.”

Magus couldn't believe how careless two members of her squad were. Such technology could be useful for more helpful reasons than mundane frivolity! Alas, what Orphie does not realize at least is that she did unintentionally train herself to tactically avoid enemies. That is commendable.

“Ugh, you are my eyes now, Orphie. Describe the scene before you.”

“Yes, Captain Magus!”

Thus, her pupil went into extensive length to describe everything. From the seat positions, food presented, and body movements. She went on a little tangent about how it reminds her of dinner scene tropes from action movies she and Belle watched recently. To Magus, that is irrelevant. Besides, she mostly performs “self diagnosis” to tune out whenever her squad does a movie night with Belle. She rather not watch any action flicks because her processing module will overheat from correcting inaccuracies. 

“That reminds me! This also feels like a scene where a couple is meeting their in-laws.”

“What kind of movie have you been consuming lately?”

“Well, anything Belle and sometimes Wise recommends to me really. Though I rather not follow Wise’s because with due respect, it is not my thing. I will probably self diagnose before I finish it.”

“What is wrong with his? It couldn't be that bad.”

“Do you like those snobby art houses or documentaries, Captain Magus?”

“Point taken.”

“Anyways, I guess fake Eleven is on that level with Wise. Honestly he is quite slick for not bringing it up.”

“How so?” Magus asked, curious of her pupil’s assessment.

“For starters, in movies, when the protagonist talks about their loved ones, the villain is probably gonna take advantage of that. Some of Starlight Knights seasons have the plot revolved around one member’s personal life getting leaked. So Wise probably doesn't want that part of his life highlighted.”

To Magus’ surprise, despite the ridiculous base she took, Orphie actually gave an acute observation of young Proxy’s decision. Whether it is true or not that is another thing entirely. All in all, Magus is impressed. 

[Private Log]

With enough temperance, she will be in shape and may far surpass me in no time. Keep going, Orphie.

Thus, they waited for Wise and the fake to finish their business. The dinner was quite lengthy. Nonetheless, it didn't deter her pupil. Orphie remains steadfast though her stomach is not. Magus notes she will definitely reward her effort once this impromptu mission is over.

“Captain, I saw her moving! She is heading towards the cable car.”

“Cable car? She wants to enter Lemnian?”

“Hold a sec…wait! You are right!”

“Then let's not waste any time! After her!”

The pair quickly descend through the emergency stairs. The lower level below are mostly empty so they can breeze through towards the car. Once they arrived at the station, the fake already took it, meaning they had to locate her inside the hollow.

“Dammit, this will be a long night. I was hoping she wouldn't go there.”

“Do not worry, Captain. We’ll chase her.”

There are times when her expression reminds her of what she looked like back then, and whenever she did…

[Private Log]

It makes me proud of her.

---

…

It's actually not that long to find her. If anything, Magus was baffled by the reason why the fake entered the hollow.

“Ehn-ne…% Ehn-en-nhe? (Which bangboo has ear piercings?)”

The silver girl thought to herself. The broken bangboo remained patient.

“It is…Brawlerboo.”

Out of nowhere, the bangboo gave the silver girl a gift and then left.

“So it was true,” she mutters to herself. “A bangboo that gives you a gift if you answer the question right…”

She then turns towards where Orphie and Magus stood…which is just a few meters away.

“I sensed something wrong whenever I was outside tonight, turns out I was being tailed.”

Orphie steps forward. “We mean you no harm, Captain is simply curious.”

The silver girl eyed Magus.

“What do you want with me now that my ruse is blown?”

Magus simply blasted at her, a signal for Orphie to engage. The construct handed her pupil her knife and as soon it landed on her hand…

She went for the kill.

[Private Log]

She is…!

Orphie may not be the best yet, but the speed of her lunge is quick enough for her knife to reach her target. This silver girl on the other hand…

“With her feet!” 

Orphie's stunned remark is enough for the silver girl to retaliate.

It was a clean parry, swift upwards strike that blew Orphie’s balance. But she is still her pupil! The younger girl quickly recovers and manages to land a follow up. This silver enemy can't always rely on her legs all the time so Orphie is observant enough to put pressure on her upper part.

An unrelenting barrage of thrusts swarmed the enemy. As each strike is deflected, the silver girl slowly switches to her arms instead. Magus can see it, a decisive strike! Orphie saw it too and thus, her pupil aimed for the neck, victory at hand.

“Ack!”

[Private Log]

What!? How can she be…

The knife didn't reach its target. In fact, now that the assault has stopped, it was clear it would never do in the first place. Orphie’s arms are locked in a submission. In a swift motion, her pupil was disarmed and thrown into the ground. It was so quick that Magus barely had time to analyze the move because as soon as her pupil was downed, she did too.

“Awww, that was…so fast,” Orphie groaned, getting back up. 

The silver girl returned her knife. 

“Your knife thrusts are quick, but you fail to see my arms slithering yours before you decide to finish me off.”

“I thought I had you. I admit I was too focused on myself than my surroundings.”

“It's alright, you already have the basics down, you just need more training.”

“Do you fight without a weapon?” Orphie remarked.

Magus also just noticed it now. She didn't bring any. She suspects that she either hid it because she expects them or–

“Nah, I forgot about it. I left it in my room at Sailume Bay. I wanted to see Wise so I thought there was no need to bring any weapon since I just wanted to say hi.”

[Private Log]

Yet you did more than say hi. Hmph, youngsters these days.

“Yeah sure…” even Orphie agrees.

“Anyways, we should talk outside the hollows. I already found what I am looking for so there is no need for me to stick around any longer.”

The three of them exited the hollow. The night is going to be longer than she expected.

---

Switching to Orphie’s POV…

---

Honestly, she was quite terrified when fake Eleven casually took her down. Her cold stare wasn’t like Eleven at all! In fact it was surreal seeing her sitting beside her munching a burger with that excited look. The contrast is uncanny. From outsiders’ perspective though, they look like two girls hanging out on the roadside.

Now that things have settled down, looking at her real close…

“Is there something in my face?”

Orphie shook her head. “N-Nothing!” Ok, she lied. “Well, you look like someone I know.”

“Harin wasn't it?” She put her burger down. “Or should I say…Soldier 11.”

“Harin? So that's her name…”

“Not quite. That is her name just as mine is Soldier 0.”

“Hold on!”

“I knew it!” Captain suddenly perked up. “It all makes sense now. Just like Orphie, both of you are alike.”

“Pretty much. Though I do not know who my donor is. I guess you are Orphie's donor, Captain?"

“Captain Magus, are you saying she is…” she leaned in a bit to Captain. “A clone?”

To Captain's credit, she mustered the softest affirmation she ever uttered. Of course, this is in consideration of the neighborhood at night.

Soldier 0 gave her recount. Just as expected, in their desperation to create a perfect soldier for Eridu’s safety, they dare to breach a line that shouldn't be crossed. Anything justified to safekeep the last bastion of humanity. And thus,

“They call me Number Zero. For I am the benchmark that others follow. My sisters have to reach mine or else they will be discarded. I don't like that so I flunked every test to prove we as a squad have value.”

“Knowing your presence here now,” Captain began. “I take it the project did not end well.”

“The cost to maintain us is not feasible. Their words. So they decided they only need one. They got what they wanted in the end. She is your squadmate.”

Orphie connects the dots, but finds something jarring. “Hold on, that can't be right! If you are here then…”

“I died or I should have. My final act of defiance to them is to eliminate myself.”

“But you are alive now and Eleven is still here. Don't you want to meet her?”

Soldier 0 shook her head. “No, I am afraid not. Har–Soldier 11 is…not in the right state now. She has yet to manage her own emotions. If anything, her fire will rage across Eridu. If the truth of that fateful day reaches her, I can't let her throw away the life she had earned. Thus,”

It all makes sense now. Why whenever Orphie has the chance to ask Eleven about someone that betrays her…

“I just have to be her target.”

Yet that wasn't right! 

“You can't do that? What if she…”

What if it went out of control? Like Colonel Isolde? 

“I know what you will say, and that is also the reason why I can't let her blade point to where it should be. Eleven years ago, many people lost parts of themselves. Me and…my sisters were made as a response to it. We are products of good intention made from evil. It's clear we are made to be tools to serve only one purpose like a machine yet–”

Soldier 0–Zero’s fist clenched. “We are more than that. More than numbers. Even if we are not perfect and not made for life beyond battle.”

“Soldier, what part of the company were you from?”

“Silver Squad, Obsidian division.”

Captain let out a long sigh. “Our hastiness to protect this city has consumed our hearts. I wish I didn't let my rage cloud my ocular systems long ago. I sacrificed everything yet…this is what we ended up with. Tell me, soldier, what has life given you now?”

The soldier’s expression softens.

“A second chance. I met Nicole, my savior, my boss, and someone dear to my heart. She found me left for dead and cared for me. She took me in and gave me a new life. I met Billy, an intelligent construct that is always full of life and looks out on everyone. Even though he is obsessed with Starlight Knights and Monica,

Whoa, I want to meet him.

“Silly Kitty–oh, I mean Nekomata won't stop hogging Nicole's lap. Though I appreciate her for always finding a way to get us afloat. She strived to be useful and annoyingly clingy to Nicole,

I sense animosity beyond simple rivalry here.

“That doesn't stop me from looking after her. As the senior member of The Cunning Hares, I too must set an example to her just like I did to my sisters.”

“Then, how about Phaethon?”

“Proxy is proxy. Someone I can trust no matter what. Friends that I can count on. In fact, I know they are good people because they love movies. Also, they own a video store that is practically made for me.”

“I wonder though, does Proxy know about your past?”

“They do. In fact I am thankful to them for looking after me when I was on my low point. I remember I was quite reckless for not telling Nicole about what I am dealing with. Throughout the whole ordeal, proxy sheltered me in my quest to fulfill my selfish desire. It was also when it escalated that I met Trigger where she informed me of Harin being kidnapped.”

Ah, that lines up. Eleven suddenly went missing so Captain asked Trigger to investigate. What is missing though when she retrieves Eleven is the details. At the time, Captain didn't bother to ask since the sniper already did her job. All Trigger said was she was helped by a legendary proxy to locate Eleven.

Orphie recalls how furious Captain is hearing one of her squad members working with a proxy. If Eleven didn't vouch Trigger’s claims then she could have imagined what the old Captain would do. Thankfully, she mellowed now…just a bit.

“Hmph, even though Soldier 11 was quite hazy during that time, in hindsight, trusting her was the right choice. She exhibits strange behaviors and for the first time since I added her in my squad, she shows hesitation. At the time I almost suspect Trigger did something, but I can see the young soldier’s hesitation stems from her doubt. I reckon her capture put a blow into her confidence. I am willing to let her rest to regain her vigor.”

Zero seems to have something in her mind. Her mouth hesitates to speak, but in the end,

“I mentioned I was the benchmark before, but to tell you the truth. I am the perfect candidate. Every silver soldier has flaws. Harin is no exception. But for me, I am number Zero because I was the one they are looking for yet I too share their quirks. Under duress or sustaining critical injury, our memories are reset for 24 hours. But the flaw Harin has is tied to our programming. Her memory. If you ever wonder why she can't seem to remember every detail, that is the reason. And knowing how emotional she is…”

It was a fuse waiting to be lit. So that's why Zero is hesitant. If Eleven ever get emotional, especially if the hypothetical scenario she said ever comes to pass, everyone will find themselves a soldier whose psyche can't even find the reason why she did her actions in the first place. In short, a disaster. A part of Orphie is glad she wasn't “born” with such flaws. At the same time, she knows damn well how far she veers from her intended expectations. 

But, seeing a perfect soldier like Zero so easily discarded made her glad she found her “Nicole”. 

Though there is one thing that is bugging after everything so far.

“So why are you at the temple tonight…?” Orphie was a little scared to ask that.

“Oh yeah, I am meeting Wise and Belle’s Shifu formally. Originally Wise and I wanted to do a little date around Failume Heights, but since dinner is coming up and to save dennies, we decided it would be better to dine in the temple instead.”

It's strange how casual she said that compared to how affectionate she talked about her boss. 

“Then why did you go to the hollow?”

“Cunning Hares received a tip about a wandering bangboo roaming Lemnian Hollow. Nicole thought it could be profitable and since Proxy knows about it too, she thought we could strike a deal with them.”

That explains the strange bangboo she is looking for. Though I am curious about another thing.

“Er, is what you said about being intimate with Wise true?”

“Yes.”

Honestly, judging from her words before, she thought Nicole is the one that fits that.

“Sorry for asking, it's just that I am quite confused.”

“I do realize it is something I can't even name right. Even with all the romance movies I watched, I am still unsure of it. It's not right to call it simply partners. I guess…the right term is just…” her expression softens. “I like being around him and exploring many parts of life because Wise is Wise just as he said he likes to be around me for the same reason.”

Huh, what a weird answer. Not as strange as Seed’s though. I suppose everyone has their way of seeing things. 

“Zero, you said Harin is Eleven's name. Do you also have one?”

After hearing that, Zero looks so peaceful. As if she has been waiting for this question. It was the moment where Orphie truly saw how different she is compared to Eleven. Even with all the baggage she carried, her face speaks of contentment. She had accepted who she was and was not afraid to say it.

“My name is…Demara, Anby Demara.”

Hold on! That is a movie reference!

Chapter 3: Extra

Notes:

I got carried away...again. I swear this is the last for this fic.

---

Rewinding Tape...

Switching to Wise's POV...

Last seen a day ago...

---

It was a fruitful day in the temple. Business is going well and everyone’s morale is high. Even though the restoration project has reached what people can call “peak”, it doesn't mean it can't grow further. Alas, after every effort comes the respite. 

Today marks a week that has passed since Colonel Isolde’s passing… and senior Shiyuan’s disappearance. Even in victory there is still a loss. Wise doesn't think for a second that his senior met a swift end. Rather, fear of what might Exaltists could have done to him like their other experiments. This thought still lingers even after how much Shifu and everyone told him to be at ease.

I guess…it just sticks to me more since I saw her too.

Yes, the highlight of it all. That…whatever illusion or is it really his teacher's trace? Bah, too much to think about. Leaving that aside, he needs to unwind a bit. He can't sleep at the moment so a little watch couldn’t hurt. Though he was at a loss of what movie he wanted to watch. 

Well, a documentary it is–hold on, who’s knocking at this hour?

“Er, Shifu?”

“Wise, can I come in?” He can't hear it clearly, but it's either Shifu or a very calm sounding Belle.

He hurriedly walks towards the door. Greeting him after opening it was…

“Anby?”

She is wearing her signature hoodie on top of her silver soldier uniform. Wise was curious why she would gear up at night. Unless there is a commission she has to do. No, scratch that, why is she here in the first place? 

“I am not bothering you, am I?”

“No, but why are you here? Are the Cunning Hares here too?”

“Yep, we got a job. Yuzuha kindly lent us a place to stay at Sailume Bay.”

“Lent? Or you mean having her persuade Dante to let you guys in his house?”

“Don't worry, we also take shifts to care for his family’s home.”

“Well,” he gestured to her to come inside. “Make yourself at home.”

Looking around his room, Anby seems curious about nooks and cranny scattered inside. There is a hint of amazement whenever she inspect a Yunkui Summit calligraphy or ornament.

“You really live in a martial arts temple. I envy you a bit.”

“Well, martial arts is a bit…”

“You can do a roundhouse too now, right?”

Honestly, the siblings training here mostly focus on ether tuning. There is physical exercise, of course, but that is to strengthen their body for prolonged periods of hollow diving. Though he would rather tell Anby truth yet…

“Y-Yeah, I can! Belle too! She can do a split now.”

He won't lie, he likes to brag a little since he does find it awesome living in a temple like those martial arts heroes.

“Cool, I hope I can see it. But I know you are tired right now.”

“Pretty drained after helping senior Yinhu carry the boxes.”

“It is part of your training arc, I am sure you can get through it just as restoring your inter-knot account’s rep.”

After that, the pair decided to simply chat on his bed. 

“I’ll miss your couch.” 

Well, this wasn't his old room so his magical couch is unavailable at the moment.

“I am sure others too. Anyways, what's up?” 

“We are doing well. The revenue we got from our impromptu drink stand is great! For once I can proudly praise Nekomata for her drinksmith skill without snide remarks,”

You don't have to mention that part, you know?

“Right now, Nicole caught wind of a bangboo giving gifts if one can answer its question correctly. She said that it roams Lemnian hollow so we are staying here to investigate.”

Wise can't hold his laughter.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh? Sorry, it's just that the ‘wind’ Nicole caught was probably Belle. She did share the info about Wandererboo in group chat. I am surprised it took this long before anyone tried to look into it.”

“Ah, it was probably buried under everyone's messages.”

Yep, the young mystic recalled how utterly chaotic the group chat when Belle invited everyone to Fantasia Resort. Especially Nicole who kept asking if it's free or not. Oh, and there is also Lucy arguing with Grace about modifying her surf track. It was also a surreal moment because they both suddenly delve into forbidden fruit test discussion regarding giving the surfboard a logic core.

All in all, the mostly chill group chat suddenly turned into a mess that day.

“By the way, you did answer why you are in Failume Heights, but I still wonder why you are visiting me tonight.”

“I just want to see you.”

The silver boy recoiled a bit. Looking away from his fellow silverhead. 

“T-Thanks.”

“Though in my hastiness, I realized I didn't carry gemina or nimbus. I plan to return tomorrow morning so don't worry.”

“Tomorrow? You are staying?”

“Yep, I already asked your senior. The tiger thiren.”

Shouldn't she ask Shifu for that? Oh, she probably…

No need to bother that. 

“But if you are staying here, are you sure you are going to sleep in that? Also, why wear your combat gear?”

“For caution though now you have pointed it out. My plan was really not well thought out.”

“It's no problem anyways since you just came here to visit. You can ask Belle for some spare clothes.”

“I can just use yours.”

Wise recoiled again.

“W-Why?”

“It's more convenient.”

I am not sure that is the real reason, but…

His imagination ran wild a little because he probably pinpointed the reason. It has to be that since this is Anby we are talking about.

“Fine, I hope it doesn't feel too loose.”

Obviously is.

After some time, they simply lay down on the bed, sharing earphones and listening to Anby's playlist. It was the usual activity they did for as long as they have known each other. Hard to believe that it was almost a year. Even though the songs playing are calm, Wise's mind still drifted back to a week ago. 

His teacher.

He shouldn't think about this when Anby is beside him. It ruins the vibe if he keeps pressing on and not let the music calm him.

“Something is wrong?”

Ugh, speak of the devil. I should come clean.

“Plenty and I think I can't stop thinking about it.”

“Want to talk about it?”

"Sure,” he sighed. “Where to begin?”

He felt her body pressing against him. Turning to his side, he finds his gaze locked with hers. 

“I don't mind the runtime.”

Thus, he let it all out. 

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of Additional Broadcasts: Extra Episodes