Nestled along the breezy coastline stood a majestic house crafted in the elegance of old Japanese architecture. It stood in striking contrast to the surrounding seaside homes—most built in contemporary style. A nameplate carved into the front gate read "Shiranui," the family name of the estate's owner. Risu's pink truck was parked just beside the gate, its engine still ticking as the warmth of the sun lingered over the coastal breeze. Risu and Bijou strolled slowly through the immaculately maintained garden path, the white stones beneath their feet crunching gently.
The estate grounds were pristine—evidence of meticulous care. Manicured hedges and ornamental flora adorned the courtyard, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle gleamed beside the entrance, its chrome reflecting sunlight like a guardian sentinel.
As they neared the entrance, the door opened. A familiar figure stepped out—Himemori Luna, dressed in a striking violet riding suit, a sleek black helmet in her left hand. The royal insignia of her foreign kingdom shimmered subtly on her belt.
"Oh? Visitors? Welcome-nanora," she greeted, her cheerful voice ringing like a bell.
Risu offered a casual response, laced with amusement. "Didn't expect to find a foreign princess lounging in Flare's home."
Despite her youthful appearance and whimsical speech, Luna was no ordinary girl. A true noble from a distant kingdom, Luna's magical prowess had earned her an invitation to join Holocorp as one of its elite protectors.
"I just returned from my kingdom last week-nanora. I've been staying with Fu-tan these past few days," Luna replied sweetly, referencing Flare with a pet name.
Realizing Risu and Bijou had likely come to see Flare, Luna added, "She's not home at the moment—she's at the restaurant by the beach-nanora. I was just about to head there. If you like, we can go together."
Risu and Bijou exchanged a brief glance. They had little choice. With a nod, they agreed.
Luna clapped her hands with glee and skipped toward her bike. Risu and Bijou returned to the truck, starting it up with a rumble as the princess sped ahead, her long hair trailing like a ribbon in the wind.
It took them about twelve minutes to reach Flare's seaside restaurant. Along the way, Luna communicated telepathically—a gift shared by only a few in Holocorp's upper ranks.
"What brings you both all the way out here, hmm-nanora?" she asked curiously, her voice echoing in their minds.
Knowing Luna would inevitably learn the truth, Risu decided to be honest. She explained the rising threat of the Ancient One and Towa's request for them to consult Flare.
"I see... Fu-tan might indeed know something-nanora. But why is Bijou with you, Risu? Advent members were forbidden from interfering in this case, weren't they?"
Panic.
Risu's hands slipped slightly from the steering wheel. Beside her, Bijou froze—her chest tightening. Sweat prickled her skin. Her heartbeat roared in her ears.
"I-I just ran into her on the way here! She needed a ride back to the Capital," Risu lied quickly.
Luna narrowed her eyes, sensing deception, but chose to let it slide. For now. The Ancient One's return was a far greater concern. She accelerated her bike, eager to reach Flare and relay the news.
---
A-D-V-E-N-T
At the Restaurant
Upon arrival, Risu urged Bijou to remain inside the truck—or at least wander the beach—but not to enter the restaurant. She couldn't risk drawing unwanted attention.
Inside, the scent of grilled seafood and saltwater hung in the air. The establishment had both indoor and outdoor seating, with low tatami tables near the windows and traditional chairs at the center. But Risu's gaze fell immediately on two familiar figures.
Otonose Kanade—Holocorp operative and part-time restaurant staff—was serving tea to a woman in a pirate hat and crimson hair.
Houshou Marine.
Once a global sensation and one of Holocorp's deadliest agents, Marine had abandoned the organization to pursue the freedom of the sea. Her presence here was alarming.
"Well, if it isn't Luna-tan and Risu. Long time no see!" Marine called out, half-drunk but smiling brightly.
"What brings you to the Seaside City, Senchou-senpai?" Risu asked, wary.
Marine's gaze held hers—mirthful, but calculating.
"My ship's docked for maintenance. Just thought I'd visit some old friends."
At that moment, Shiranui Flare emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Her sun-kissed skin glowed in the filtered light, and her golden hair was tied in a messy braid.
"Risu?!" she blinked, clearly startled.
Although they'd crossed paths at Holocorp, they had never been close. And now Risu stood here—Towa's right hand, perhaps even her assassin.
"I know this is sudden, Flare-senpai, but I need to speak with you. Alone," Risu said, glancing briefly toward Marine.
Flare's brows furrowed. This was no casual visit. Her warrior instincts screamed caution.
"You should help her, Fu-tan," Luna encouraged softly, accepting a milkshake from Kanade.
Flare hesitated. But finally, she nodded.
"…Fine. But I want Anya to accompany us."
Risu accepted without complaint. Flare gave Kanade a nod, requesting that she call Anya from the back. Then she led Risu up to the second floor, toward her private quarters.
---
A-D-V-E-N-T
Meanwhile…
Bijou sighed. She'd already beaten every boss in her portable console game. Staring at the truck's ceiling, she groaned.
"Ugh. Risu-senpai's gonna take forever…"
At last, she stepped out into the sunlight. The beach glistened. White sand welcomed her bare feet. Her memories drifted back—back to when Advent was still part of Holocorp.
She remembered the crab-beast they fought here. She remembered Kaela, Zeta, Marine—and even Ina. She remembered how Ancient One's power had changed everything. How pain and fear had consumed her since.
"I have a monster inside me, Biboo," she recalled Ina's voice. "One so evil it could destroy the world. That's why I joined Holocorp. To be watched. To be contained."
Suddenly, a blue umbrella unfurled over her head, shielding her from the sun.
"I can't believe I'm looking at you again, Biboo. A criminal like you."
Bijou turned—eyes widening.
Kobo Kanaeru. Her signature wavy blue hair and sharp, sea-slick gaze were unmistakable.
"K-Kobo-senpai?!"
"What are you doing here?" Kobo asked, stepping forward.
"What… am I doing here? I—I'm just hitching a ride back to the Capital with Risu-senpai!" Bijou stammered.
Kobo glanced toward the pink truck. Her eyes narrowed.
"You're not planning anything stupid that'll make me chase you across the globe again, are you?"
Bijou shook her head wildly.
H3RO—the elite unit of Holocorp. Kobo, Zeta, and Kaela: young champions of justice. Heroes of the new generation.
Kobo had once chased Advent across the continent.
To her, Bijou had always been a threat.
"And where's the Squirrel Maniac?" she asked, voice low.
"Risu-senpai's inside that restaurant," Bijou said meekly, pointing.
"Perfect. Let's go."
"No—wait!"
Bijou grabbed her senpai's waist, clinging desperately.
"Don't disturb her! Please!"
"Let me go, you squeaky brat! I need to see for myself!"
"I'M NOT LYING!"
The struggle began—Bijou digging in her heels, clenching her teeth, dragging Kobo back with all her strength.
Sand flew.
The sun beat down.
And Bijou fought with all her heart to keep the Rain Shaman from walking through that door.