The pink truck belonging to Risu sped along a winding road that curved through lush mountain terrain. To the left of the path stood towering trees casting dappled shadows, while to the right, a deep ravine was guarded only by a low metal railing. Inside the cab, Risu wasn't alone. Bijou sat beside her, legs curled up, eyes glued to the screen of her handheld console, fingers dancing across buttons in swift precision.
Despite the sun being high in the sky, the road toward Shiranui Flare's residence remained quiet and serene. The crisp scent of citrus from the truck's air freshener filled the cabin, and a mellow stream of metropop melodies played softly through the speakers—music light enough to settle Risu's nerves after the intensity of the previous night.
Okayu had gotten angry. Furious, even. She had forbidden Risu from returning to Holocorp's headquarters. And Risu—truth be told—had seen it coming.
In the mission assignments Towa had delegated, Risu knew that pairing herself with Lui made tactical sense. Chihaya, after all, would be far more effective supporting Bijou in the mission to meet with Flare.
What hurt more was hearing Okayu mention Korone during that argument.
Korone… the Dog Goddess, her protector, her comfort.
Though no one knew where Korone had vanished to—or even if she was still alive—her presence had once meant everything to Risu.
"Hey, Risu-senpai… what really happened between you and Okayu-senpai back then?" Bijou finally asked, her voice casual, but her gaze unwavering from her game screen.
Risu blinked, caught off guard.
"Hm? I don't think you need to know, Biboo," she deflected with a smile.
But Bijou's expression made one thing clear: she wouldn't let the question go. Not until she had her answer.
Risu sighed.
"Alright… but don't say I didn't warn you."
Bijou powered off her console and gave Risu her full attention.
And so, Risu began to speak.
Five years ago, Risu, Moona, and Iofi were captured separately by Holocorp. They were imprisoned in Area 15—a restricted zone, a place of containment for those with supernatural powers. Days passed in emptiness, in torment. They were used as test subjects. Lab rats.
"The researchers there injected us with magical serums, pushed our bodies through physical trials, and fed endless formulas into our veins just to see how far we could endure."
Bijou lowered her head, a haunted look in her eyes. She, too, knew what it felt like—to have one's soul torn, dissected, and rewritten.
But then Sora found out.
The Heroic Goddess did not stand idly by. She formed a strike team: herself, Fubuki, Okayu, Korone, Suisei, Kanata, and Noel. They descended upon the lab, and without hesitation, they destroyed it. Researchers were executed, guards eliminated. No mercy. No forgiveness.
"I still remember how filthy I was when Korone-senpai first saw me," Risu chuckled softly. "And I remember every word she said."
Bijou, with her lilac-silver hair blowing gently from the open window, turned to see Risu's expression shift—warmth blooming across her face as she imitated a familiar smile.
"Everything's alright now. You're safe with me, Sweet Girl."
Bijou giggled. "That is how Korone-senpai would say it."
Risu laughed with pride. "She said it just like that... before ruffling my hair and pulling me into the safest hug I'd ever felt."
From that day forward, Risu, Moona, and Iofi were officially inducted into Holocorp. With the approval of the higher-ups, they became defenders of the world. The trio—known as Unit Area 15—often worked alongside Sora's elite, including Okayu, Korone, and Suisei.
Even on days off, Korone would take her out into the city, to summer festivals, to quiet beaches. She had never felt more alive.
"…But one year later," Risu's voice darkened, "a great disaster struck."
Bijou stared, wide-eyed. "A… disaster?"
Risu's magical power—unparalleled, raw—caught the attention of a cunning Holocorp founder known as Omega Alpha. The Council and the organization's strongest unit, Myth, fought to protect her.
Sora. Okayu. Korone.
They all joined the battle.
But it wasn't enough. Omega Alpha awakened the true force sealed within Risu: the power of Ayunda-san, a sorceress of ancient legend.
Tears welled in Risu's eyes.
"I lost control. I rampaged. I destroyed Holocorp's headquarters… I destroyed part of the city…"
Bijou said nothing. Her throat tightened. She had always seen Risu as a cheeky, carefree senior—full of antics and mischief. Now, that image cracked.
Risu took a breath and continued. "Omega Alpha eventually stepped in to stop me. Our strongest spells… did nothing. Everyone lost hope."
Sora considered summoning her thirteen holy knights to face Risu.
But it wasn't Sora who saved her.
It was Korone, bruised and bloodied, who sprinted through the chaos—straight into the storm.
She tackled Risu, wrapped her arms around the raging monster, and whispered one name.
"Come back to me, Risu."
That voice—Korone's voice—echoed through the chasm of her mind. Risu, submerged in sorrow and emptiness, began to hear it. Feel it.
"I was drowning," she whispered. "I had given up. But then… she hugged me. And in that warmth, I remembered—I was loved."
Bijou bit her lip. She remembered the embrace Risu had given her after her own confession. So… Risu knew. She had once been there too.
Risu continued. Omega Alpha had smiled when Risu returned to her senses—almost pleased. He approached, intending to take her away.
Korone, realizing his intent, turned to Okayu and shouted: "Take Risu and run!"
Risu had protested. She didn't want to leave her.
Korone only smiled—bitter and gentle.
She wanted to stay, too. With Risu. With Okayu.
But Omega Alpha would never stop hunting her.
So Korone chose to let go.
"Three years have passed since then," Risu said. "Omega Alpha vanished from Holocorp… but Korone-senpai and Okayu-senpai still forbid me from returning. Isn't that just the worst?"
She looked to Bijou for sympathy.
"…Maybe," Bijou smiled softly, "but look on the bright side—we get to ride together in your truck again, Risu-senpai."
Risu blinked. Then turned red.
She lowered her head, hiding a shy grin, and refocused on the road. The ocean now sparkled to the right, waves crashing against the shore.
They were close to Flare's home.
Risu pressed the gas.
Memories of her time with Area 15, of laughs and tears with Okayu and Korone, flashed behind her eyes.
Next to her, the tiny gem girl was once again absorbed in her console.
"Take this, you Beeping Monster!"
Hearing Bijou's curse made Risu smirk.
"We're almost there, Biboo. Let's make it interesting. If you beat that monster before we arrive—you win."
Bijou glanced up, interested. "And if I win?"
"I'll grant you one wish."
Bijou grinned mischievously. "And if you win?"
Risu leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "Then tonight… you sleep in my arms."