A full week had passed since Sora had returned to Holocorp. Her mission complete, she delivered the details on how to seal the dark portals created by the Ancient One. The news of recent demon attacks had been buried beneath headlines of fabricated terrorist activity, a veil drawn to shield the public from chaos.
Meanwhile, Bijou was slowly adapting to life inside Towa's hidden base. It was nearly ten in the morning when she finally stirred from her slumber, still groggy from an all-night gaming spree. With a sluggish yawn, she dragged herself out of bed and made her way toward the door.
The second floor housed all the members' rooms. Just beyond the sleeping quarters was a communal space complete with cozy couches, a wide-screen television, gaming consoles, and a fully stocked kitchen and dining area.
Okayu, uncharacteristically out of her maid attire, was locked in a video game match with Ollie. Risu lay sprawled across Okayu's lap, casually scrolling through her phone. In the kitchen, Lui was preparing breakfast for everyone, her calm hands orchestrating a quiet symphony of sizzling oil and clinking plates. Only Towa and Chihaya were absent—Towa was attending to matters outside, and Chihaya was on the ground floor modifying Risu's beloved truck.
"Morning, everyone," Bijou murmured, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Well, look who finally woke up. Good morning, Lazy Gem," teased Risu, who was hardly one to talk, nestled as she was in Okayu's lap.
"Morning," Ollie and Okayu chimed in unison, not once glancing away from their game.
"Morning, Bijou. Breakfast will be ready soon," called Lui from the kitchen.
Bijou shuffled to the bathroom to freshen up and returned a few minutes later, plopping down on the sofa. She shot an unamused glance at Risu, who remained lounging, but her attention was quickly pulled into the ongoing game.
"You need to grab the hidden item behind the wardrobe first, or the next area won't unlock," Bijou offered, eyes still half-lidded from sleep.
"She's right! There's a secret pickup right here!" Ollie exclaimed. "Okayu-senpai, behind the wardrobe!"
The game continued with Bijou occasionally giving advice, until they reached the competitive segment of the campaign.
"Alright! Let's see who the champion is!" Ollie cried with glee.
"Whoever loses gets a punishment," Okayu added casually, stroking Risu's hair like a content cat.
"You're on," Ollie grinned.
The match involved tossing yarn balls into baskets. Ollie dominated early on and felt certain she'd secured her win. But at the last moment, Bijou—without asking—snatched the controller from Okayu and turned the tides.
"Yay! And the winner is Okayu-senpai!" Bijou shouted gleefully, still holding the controller in her hands.
"Wha—?! That's cheating! That's not fair, Biboo!" Ollie wailed in protest.
Okayu and Risu both burst into laughter while Lui, now finished with breakfast, simply rested her chin on her hand, watching the chaos unfold. Since Bijou had arrived, the energy in the group had grown lighter, warmer. For now, at least, this was what peace felt like.
"I'm starving. Is breakfast ready?" Chihaya's tired voice came from the lift as she stepped into the lively scene.
"It's ready. Come eat," Lui replied with a gentle smile.
The group quickly gathered at the table, the morning meal consisting of Lui's special omelets.
"Itadakimasu!"
"Hai, meshiagare," Lui responded, and they all began to dig in.
Halfway through the meal, Lui turned to Bijou, her tone soft but inquisitive.
"Have you heard anything from the other members of Advent?"
Bijou stiffened. She hadn't touched her phone since the incident. A cold dread crept across her face.
"Don't tell me you haven't replied to any of their messages," Okayu guessed, feeding a spoonful of omelet to Risu.
Bijou's shocked silence was answer enough. Lui sighed and shook her head, disappointed. Chihaya blinked in surprise, while Ollie and Risu laughed at her expense.
"You should contact them after breakfast. I'm sure they're worried about you," Lui advised.
Bijou nodded, determined to make things right.
"Oh right, Chihaya-chan, how's my truck doing?" Risu asked after finally catching her breath.
"Ah, perfect timing. I wanted you to come downstairs after breakfast. The repairs are done, but I've prepared some upgrades and need your input," Chihaya replied with a proud smile.
Risu's eyes lit up like a child on their birthday. "Can I come too?" Bijou asked curiously.
"Of course. In fact, I've got a surprise for you, Bijou-senpai," Chihaya added with a grin full of mischief and excitement.
"Really?" Bijou's voice brightened. Chihaya nodded firmly.
Laughter filled the room again, but soon Risu's phone buzzed. It was a call—from Sora.
Risu stepped aside and answered, her tone shifting as she heard the message.
"There may be traitors inside Holocorp," Sora's voice was low and serious. "Can you help me, Risu-chan?"
Risu smiled faintly. She had expected this.
"We've known for a while, Sora-senpai. I'm surprised Towa-sama didn't tell you."
There was a pause, and then a chuckle.
"Typical of her," Sora said, amused.
Risu continued, "We don't know who exactly, but Lui noticed strange patterns after the units were separated. One of the traitors likely has access to all Holocorp's internal records."
"Don't worry about it. I know you won't move unless Towa orders it. Thanks for the warning, Risu-chan. I'll use it wisely."
After the call ended, Risu gazed out the window, watching the sky, silently hoping Sora could handle what was coming.
---
A-D-V-E-N-T
Later that Afternoon
"Look at you, handsome beast!" Risu squealed with glee, practically hopping in place as she admired her newly restored truck.
"You're such a dork," Ollie teased, watching her friend dance around like a child.
Chihaya stood beside her, calm and composed, and began explaining the enhancements she'd installed: grenade launchers, reinforced plating, and several secret compartments.
Meanwhile, Bijou strolled around the ground floor with Lui, admiring the collection of vehicles lined up neatly—military trucks, sports bikes, and racing cars.
"I usually drive the military truck. Ollie and Towa-sama prefer the bikes over there. Okayu-senpai rides with me or Risu, and Chihaya sticks to her racecar," Lui explained.
Several unused vehicles stood on display, lovingly maintained by Chihaya as part of her hobby.
"Bijou-senpai," Chihaya called. "Would you come with me for a moment? I have something to show you."
Bijou agreed and followed her. The others—Lui, Ollie, and Risu—trailed behind with interest.
Behind the factory, Okayu stood waiting beside a large object covered with cloth.
"Welcome to the team, Bijou," she said warmly. "This is a gift from all of us."
With a tug, the cloth fell away—revealing a dark purple sports bike, custom-modified by Chihaya to fit Bijou's smaller frame.
"W-Whoa!" Bijou's eyes sparkled with awe.
Lui handed her the keys. "Try it out."
Without hesitation, Bijou took the keys and ran to the bike, her face glowing. She mounted the seat, slid the key into the ignition, and started the engine. It purred beneath her, powerful but smooth. With a soft roar, she took off down the abandoned road, laughter spilling freely from her lips.
"It's perfect! Thank you, Chihaya-chan! And thank you, everyone!" she beamed, pulling up beside them again.
They smiled, every one of them—because seeing Bijou this happy was worth everything.
Earlier that morning, Towa had left a message. Risu snapped a photo of Bijou's radiant expression and sent it immediately.
"Biboo seems to love the gift we gave her."
Towa's reply came moments later:
"I'm glad. But now… there's something important I need you all to hear. Can you deliver the message, Risu?"
Risu's heart tightened. She turned to the others.
"Sorry to break the fun, everyone… but Towa-sama needs us. It's time."
The joy faded into focus. Without another word, they moved—each understanding that playtime was over. The mission awaited.
They made their way toward the strategy room, ready for whatever would come next.