Chapter 5:
Stillness:re (Disaster✰Days)
???: “Hm… They should be back soon, shouldn’t they?”
With the night sky above him, a bespectacled and mustachioed man of about sixty could be seen sitting on a bench in Northeast Estella Station. He was dressed stylishly yet comfortably and donned a gray scarf that rested on his neck. The man’s eyes glowed a sharp purple that very few people were ever recorded as having. An aura of unparalleled wisdom and mystery followed him wherever he went.
Elder Man: “It’s nearly eight… Perhaps they decided to camp out instead? I’ve heard the Hopplins there get quite friendly at night—”
???: *pant* “T-Theo…?”
Standing near the bench, completely out of breath (besides Sen), was the Research Club in the flesh.
Theo: “Ah, there you all are! Wait… Did Sara and Emma not come pick you up at Kousagi Station?”
Alice: “Nope! We couldn’t even contact them cause there was no service!”
Nina: “W-We got what we came for, though! Senny is here, in the flesh! …Well, you get what I mean…”
Sen: “Hmm. Would it be more appropriate to say in the artificial muscle fibers instead?”
Gray: *sigh* “I’m so exhausted. Also, Mr. Stratos, is there a reason you were waiting at the station for us?”
The older man smiled and stood up with his odd-looking cane.
Theo: “Just here to see Sen, of course. I mean, I was the one who put in the request, after all.”
Gray: “W-Wha—”
Alice: “So you’re the reason we had to walk all the way back here…”
Nina: “Y’know, Theo… Now that I remember it, you and Professor Quinn were pretty close friends, weren’t you?”
Sen: “...You and the professor?”
Theo smiled somewhat sheepishly, as if reminiscing about bygone days.
Theo: “Al and I were as thick as thieves back in the day, believe it or not. His last wish was for me to find the final USAGI unit and keep her safe. That last Android being Sen, of course.”
Nina: “Aww… Well, it looks like that walk home was worth it after all.”
Alice: “S-Something like that… She’s definitely an odd girl, but her skills are more than undeniable.”
Sen: “You say that as if you yourself are not an odd girl, Alice.”
Alice: “Wha— I’m the only normal one here! Honestly…”
Theo: “Haha… Now then, everyone, how about we all call it a day? Oh, and is it fine if Sen stays in the cafe’s spare room for a while? I figured you two wouldn’t mind another roommate.”
Nina smiled and hugged Sen from the side.
Nina: “C’mon, as if I’d ever say no to a sleepover! Let’s go, you two!”
Sen: “Tell me… Will there be milk at the function?”
Alice: “I-Is that really what you’re worried about?”
While the girls began their walk back to the cafe, Nina noticed that Gray wasn’t following them.
Nina: “...Gray?”
Gray: “Hm? Oh, sorry! I’ll head home in a bit, so you three have fun, alright?”
Nina: “Y-Yeah, but…”
Initially hesitant, Nina slowly but surely left the area, leaving Gray and Theo alone.
Theo: “And then there were two… Shall I walk you home? We haven’t exactly talked much one-on-one since you joined the Research Club, after all.”
Gray: “Y-Yeah, I don’t mind.” (I’m honestly a bit curious about what your whole deal is anyway…)
Several minutes later, Gray and Theo could be seen walking as the moonlight illuminated Estella City.
Theo: “So, how has the club been treating you? Sara and Selinda have dubbed you quite the prodigy, but I wanted to hear your own words on the matter.”
Gray: “I’d say things have been going well, yeah. I still have so much to learn, but I don’t feel like a burden or anything. Also, sorry if this is too personal or blunt, but… Mr. Stratos… What exactly is your role in the Foundation?”
Theo: “Ahaha. A splendid question, really. Consider me Selinda’s advisor, a vice-president, of sorts. I’ve been a benefactor of the Foundation since its conception, so I guess my ‘role’ is that of an overseer… That makes sense, doesn’t it?”
Gray: “Y-Yeah, I get it. That’s good to know that you’ve been with the Foundation through thick and thin, though. I know it's been through a lot over the years…”
Theo: “I appreciate it, really.”
The duo walked for about a minute before Theo broke the silence.
Theo: “...You have something to say, don’t you? Don’t be shy, I promise I don’t bite, no matter the circumstance.”
Gray: “Well… The first time we met, you seemed to look at me like I was someone super familiar. I might be looking into it too far, but still…”
Theo: “...Masterfully perceptive as always. You do remind me of someone I used to know, but it’s nothing to worry about. The past is the past and the present is the future, after all.”
Gray: “Y-Yeah, good point. Also, is there any other reason you wanted to talk? Just wondering.”
Theo: “Believe it or not, there is. Here…”
After taking out his smartphone, Theo showed Gray a picture of a beautiful, silver-haired girl wearing a rather studious-looking school uniform.
Gray: “Wait a minute… That’s Harmony Academy’s uniform, isn’t it?”
Theo: “It is. This is Nana Pleione, an ace student at Harmony Academy, top of the top of her class, in fact. The Pleiones are among the wealthiest families in all of Estella City, their lineage dating back to the ‘old money’ of the Roaring Decade. The issue? Nana has been missing for at least a week by now.”
Gray glanced over at Theo in shock.
Gray: “...Missing?”
Theo: “Vanished, almost. I’m a friend of her father, and he asked me to help him in any way I can…”
Gray: “And since finding a missing person is much easier with lots of people helping, you want the Research Club to pitch in too?”
Theo smiled proudly.
Theo: “As I said, masterfully perceptive. Sara will likely inform the girls later tonight, but I wanted to tell you myself. You are quite fun to talk to, after all.”
Gray: “Haha. You know, I’ll take it… Hm?”
After feeling it vibrate, Gray took out his smartphone and checked his messages.
Theo: “Is it something urgent?”
Gray: “N-No, nothing like that. Nina just asked me if I wanted to go to the sleepover too, but…”
Theo: “Hmm. Well, I don’t exactly see why not? Group bonding is integral to our overall experience as humans, after all…”
Gray: “Peer-pressure much…? You’re right, though, it would be a lot of fun… I-I’ll just go home, make Noelle dinner, and then head over! Thanks for chatting, Mr. Stratos!”
And with that, the boy was off.
Theo: “You as well! Have a great time!” (Such is youth, after all…)
✰✰✰
Nina: “And… Haha! There we go!”
Alice: “C-Come on, that’s the third max gamble you’ve got in a row! Cheater…”
Now clad in their pajamas, Nina and Alice could be seen sitting in the former’s room playing an overly complex board game. I could not describe it and its rules even if I wanted to. Sen was also in the room playing online PengBlast to great effect.
Nina: “Hehe. Better luck next round, silly.”
Alice: “Honestly, this game is so stupid… Sen, did you really just win another match?”
Sen: “I have. This will be the 50th consecutive match that I have won.”
Alice: “W-Wha—”
Nina: “Yeah! Atta girl! Show those tryhards who’s boss!”
Sen: “There have been plenty of ‘salty fellows’ in the chat, but I have chosen to ignore them and headshot them twice as frequently instead.”
???: “Okay, sorry for the wait!”
Standing in the doorway of Nina’s room was Gray, who was now donning his Hopplin-themed hoodie that he purchased the summer before, equipped with rabbit ears and triangle-shaped fabric teeth.
Alice: “Heh. So you actually did go back and buy it that day?”
Nina: “S-So cute…” (Don’t tug on the ears. Don’t tug on the ears. Don’t tug on the ears—)
Sen: “Gray. I must know where you purchased that hoodie so I can immediately steal Sara’s credit card and buy one of every color.”
Gray: “I-It’s comfy, but no need to freak out, okay? Also, Sen…”
The Android girl tilted her head with her usual expression.
Sen: “Is something on your mind, Gray?”
Gray: “Nothing too crazy. I was just curious if you were going to keep helping us for now on. With missions, I mean.”
Sen: “I will… For the most part, at least. However, it has been stated that I will likely be recruited for certain ‘odd jobs’ that the Foundation President requires.”
Nina: “Wha— Sara!”
Sara: “D-Don’t you dare blame me! It was Selinda’s idea at the end of the day, and you know how persistent she is! Besides, you guys are fine on manpower usually!”
Nina: “Still— Wait a sec…”
After looking outside her room, Nina noticed that Sara was dressed rather fancily.
Nina: *gasp* “Tonight is the night you and Ena have that date, isn’t it?!”
Sara: “Hehe. Yep, tonight’s the night! You four keep the place clean, kk? And no strobelights! They make the electric bill go up like crazy!”
Gray: “...I don’t know why I just wondered why you wouldn’t come back… It’s not like you live here like the girls do.”
Alice: “Even if she did, she and Ena are likely getting a room at one of those fancy love hotels and—”
Sara: “P-Put a sock in it, Nightmare! It’s just dinner, a movie, and… Oh… Welp! Take care! Don’t let the bed bugs bite or scratch!”
With a gust of wind, she was gone.
Alice: “...Yeah, they are absolutely—”
Suddenly, Gray covered Alice’s mouth as she glared at him.
Alice: “Afraid of the truth, are we?”
Gray: “You really are in rare form tonight, aren’t you?”
Nina: “So, you guys…”
Nina quickly stood up and pumped her fists into the air.
Nina: “Woooo! Let’s get this show on the road!”
Sen: “Beastmode… Activated!”
Gray: “N-Normal mode, please, Sen…”
Sen: “Gray… Are you also a ‘salty fellow’?”
Gray: “Wha—”
Alice: “Pfft…”
For the next two to three hours, the quartet played just about every game and did just about every stupid thing they could think of, in addition to eating tons of snacks, of course. However, the group very quickly realized just how exhausted they truly were.
Nina: “Hehe… Out already, are they?”
Gray: “Y-Yeah. Seems like it.”
Lying sprawled out on Alice’s bed were the bed’s owner and Sen, who were currently sawing logs in extremely close proximity to one another. Androids need about half the sleep humans do, but even they catch a case of the eep virus every once in a while.
Nina: “Y’know, this kind of reminds me of a yuri doujin cover I saw a while back—”
Gray: “O-Of course your mind goes there… Hmm… Is Sen’s room ready yet? Sara said it might take a day or so to prepare.”
Nina: “Nope, not yet… Surely they won’t mind if we leave them here, right?”
Gray: “As if these two party animals have any room to complain. Anyways, I think I might go hit the couch while I’m still standing, so have a nice night, Nina—”
Suddenly, Gray felt a hand grab his wrist.
Nina: “Not so fast, buster! That couch is really rough to sleep on, so you’ll just have to room with me tonight. Those two are doing it, so why can’t we?”
Gray: “S-Seriously?! I-I don’t know… Wouldn’t you feel awkward sleeping in the same bed as a boy your age?”
Nina: “Not if it's you! Besides, you said the other day that you’ve been colder lately when you’ve slept at home, so is this not just a super easy solution to that?”
Gray: “W-Well… Yeah, you’re right, it is a pretty easy fix.”
Without a hint of her usual perverted antics, Nina gleefully ran to her room and jumped on her bed, prompting Gray to walk over and lie down as well.
Gray: “Okay, it is way comfier than I imagined, so good call… Just no funny business, alright? I’m especially jumpy at night.”
Nina: “P-Pfft… Okay, first of all, you have to realize how cute you are when you say stuff like that.”
Gray: “Y-Yeah, yeah… A-Alright, rest well, Nina!”
Nina: “Nuh uh! You’ll still get cold unless we hold each other… O-Or something like that!”
Gray: “R-Right! Fair point…”
While it took them both a second, Gray and Nina soon found themselves holding one another comfily.
Nina: “Hehe. See? All warm and cozy…”
Gray: “A bit… Thanks, by the way. I know I always act nervous, but I really don’t mind being close to you like this…”
Gray’s eyes began to close as he drifted off.
Gray: “It’s just… Hard… To imagine a world where I deserve something like this…”
Nina: “...Silly, you’ve done more for me than you could ever imagine, so don’t worry, okay? You deserve this, I promise… All I want is for you to do your best, after all…”
However, Gray had already fallen fast asleep. After placing a kiss on the resting boy’s forehead, Nina held him close and drifted off as well. And they all lived happily ever after…
…
……
Well—
???: “Am I cleared for de-cloaking, Eliza?”
Eliza: “Yep! Just be careful, Miss Perfect.”
Suddenly, in the middle of Cafe Starlite, a hazel-eyed girl with elegant and long silver hair immediately turned her cloaking device off, as the coast was clear. Her outfit appeared to be a mix of a school uniform and combat gear. She also wore a military-esque helmet and a communications device that both looked way too fitting on such a noble-looking girl.
“Miss Perfect”: “Hehe. As if I’m not always careful… Hm… Do you think they would mind if I took some leftover snacks before—”
Eliza: “M-Moron, don’t even think about it! Unless you want our cover blown to smithereens!”
“Miss Perfect”: “R-Right! A-As if I’d ever be so careless…”
After avoiding any objects scattered on the ground, the silver-haired girl gently placed an unopened letter on a nearby table.
“Miss Perfect”: “There! Mission accomplished—”
Eliza: “Huh? Nana, you cut out a bit. Is everything okay? Hello?”
In the cafe’s kitchen was Sen, who was currently staring at the silver-haired girl with a small lamp beside her.
Nana: “A-Ah…”
Sen: “Good evening, Miss Intruder.
Nana: “U-Um… Is there anything I can do to escape without you telling anyone? I-I promise I’m not here to cause problems!”
Sen: “Hm. If I were a pervert, this would be the perfect opportunity to ask for something lewd in exchange for my silence, but I am not a pervert, so can I have your helmet?”
Nana: “S-Sure! Absolutely!”
While somewhat confused, Nana quickly took off her helmet and handed it to Sen.
Nana: “A-Are we good?”
Sen: “Very good. I have… Never seen a bowl this large before…”
Eliza: “R-R-Run, you idiot! Haul ass!”
Nana: “R-Right!”
After politely opening the cafe’s front door, Nana ran as fast as she could, entirely helmetless.
Sen: “...Amateurs.”
Upon taking out a carton of milk, Sen proceeded to fill Nana’s helmet and drink the entire helmet’s worth in one fell swoop.
Sen: “This is… Life-changing.”
✰✰✰
Gray: “M-Mmmm…?”
As Gray opened his eyes the next morning, he soon noticed that Alice and Sen were standing over him and Nina. While Sen’s face was as blank as usual, the ash-haired girl was clearly expecting an explanation and fast.
Gray: “W-Would you believe me if I said I can explain?”
Alice: “Go ahead.”
Gray: “W-Well, you two were already fast asleep beside one another… And I’ve been cold the last few nights… So… Yeah.”
While initially still keeping up the facade that she was angry, Alice crossed her arms and grinned.
Alice: “Full points! You pass, dork. Besides, neither of you two has the guts to actually fiddle around, so I have nothing to worry about.”
Gray: “Y-Yeah! Exactly! For once, I’ll take the assumption, honestly…”
Sen: “Indeed, Alice, it is very unlikely that Gray and Nina would— #%^*}{\<!*#%^*}{\<!*#%^*}{\<!*#%^*}{\<!*#%^*}{\<!*#%^*}{\<!---”
From that point, Sen continued to ramble off extremely lewd sayings until Alice eventually covered her mouth.
Sen: “...What?”
Gray: “Sen… Maybe infinite knowledge shouldn’t always be spread.”
Alice: “Yeah, especially… W-Whatever you just said! Half of those didn’t even sound real!”
Nina: *yawn* “Morning, you guys… B-Bwuh?!”
Suddenly, Alice flopped face-first onto the bed in front of her, prompting Nina to pat her head gently.
Nina: “Hehe. What, did Sen not pamper you enough?”
Alice: “I-I mean, we slept fine… I-I don’t know, I’m just in rare form this morning, I guess.”
Gray: “Speaking of Sen… Sen, where did you get that helmet? I don’t think the Foundation even manufactures combat gear like that.”
Sen: “Oh. I just got it from the intruder that stopped by last night.”
Somewhere, in the distance, a Helraven let out a dull cry before flying away.
Gray: “W-Wha—”
Nina: “S-Sen… Did you really just—”
Alice: “Aghhhh! Well! Thanks for the warning, blockhead!”
A few minutes later, the Research Club (and a slightly pouty Sen) huddled together while Alice read the letter the mysterious silver-haired assailant had left the night prior.
Alice: “Attention, Paranormal Research Club and company, I hereby summon you to that one cafe near Gloria High School, Saturday morning, which is today, by the way.”
Nina: “Y’know, maybe I’m the only one, but this kind of sounds like a challenge, doesn’t it? Or some kind of calling card?” *gasp* “Did we become villains overnight, Alice?!”
Alice: “No, of course not… Gray, are you alright? You seem super spaced out.”
Gray: “S-Sorry, it’s just… It looks like the person who signed this letter is… Nana Pleione, the missing girl that Theo and Sara told us about.”
Sen: “The intruder did have silver hair…”
Alice glared over at Sen before pinching her cheeks, the Android girl not reacting at all.
Alice: “Again, you could’ve told us way sooner!”
Sen: “Aaaaahhh.”
Nina: “Well, you guys, we might as well go scout things out! A-After breakfast, of course…”
Sen: “Alice, do you think—”
Alice: “I might actually have to hurt you if you eat cereal out of that helmet in front of me.”
Gray: “P-Pfft…”
Alice: “I know for a fact the guy who fell in a manhole isn’t talking…”
Gray: C-Come on, that isn’t even new material!”
…
……
Gray: “W-Wait, did the letter say a cafe near—”
Suddenly, the door was opened, revealing none other than Nana herself, this time in rather normal attire.
Nana: “G-Good morning, Research Club!”
Gray: “N-Nana Pleione?”
Nina: “Challenging us on home base, huh? Bold move! But don’t think we’ll—”
Without wasting a single second, the silver-haired girl jumped on the ground and prostrated herself.
Nana: “I-I am so sorry for the letter! Ugh… I always do things so absurdly… You guys probably thought I was out for blood or something!”
Alice: “I-I mean… It did kinda sound like that’s what you were gunning for.”
Gray: “Not helping! Look, do you want to talk while we have breakfast? I’m sure that’ll clear everything up.”
Sen: “You can even have your helmet back… Ignore the milk stains, though.”
Nana: “B-Breakfast sounds good, yeah! And you can keep the helmet, promise…” (Not that I’d want it back now anyway…)
After making some eggs and toast, the Research Club and Nana sat down to chat.
Nana: “Aah, these are so good! You really are a natural, Gray.”
Gray: “I-It’s no biggie, seriously. That being said, Nana… You do know you’ve been reported missing, right? Theo said your dad was worried sick about you.”
Nana: “Y-Yeah, I know… But Father always does this! He’s so overprotective! I’m just helping my squad out, that’s all… I’m not even behind in a single class!”
Nina: “W-Wait a sec, you’re squad?”
Nana: “Mhm! My friends and I started the Corpse Squad, totally awesome name, I know, a few months ago to fight back against the Asterisms in Harmony Park in an organized way.”
Alice: “So kinda like us, huh? I can’t tell if I should be flattered or worried.”
Nana: “W-We’re talented, so don’t worry! Anyway, I think I should probably get to why I left that letter to begin with…Funnily enough, I actually have a request of my own for you guys.”
Gray: “...Wait, you do?”
After clearing her throat, Nana’s expression became far more serious.
Nana: “About a year ago, my friend Chloe went missing seemingly out of nowhere. She was an associate of Nova Works, so I worry they kidnapped her… Or worse.”
Alice: “Sadly, it’s not entirely off the table. Their ‘Sensei’, or whatever he’s called, is apparently a textbook Machiavellian. He’ll do just about anything to get what he wants, even kidnapping.”
Nina: “T-That being said, he’d only do that if your friend was a super-powerful Adept, so I doubt a civilian… Wait…”
Sen: “From the face you’re making, Miss Pleione, can we assume that this ‘Chloe’ is an Adept?”
Nana: “Well… Not only that, her Frame pretty much lets her mimic the effects of any other.”
Shock spread through the room almost immediately.
Gray: “How is that even… That would make her some kind of mimic, right?”
Nana: “Y-Yeah, pretty much… Chloe was stolen away by a cult and experimented on when she was younger, and her Frame is the result. Regardless, I just want to find her and make sure she’s safe. You four will help me, right?”
After inaudibly confirming with one another, Nina answered.
Nina: “You can count on us, Nana! We’re both in the same business, so why not?”
Alice: “How about we meet together tomorrow to discuss things? That’ll give you plenty of time to compile any hints or info that might lead us to Chloe.”
Nana: “R-Right! Thank you so much!”
And with that, the silver-haired girl had already frantically taken her leave.
Gray: “...She seems sweet, despite how anxious she can get.”
Sen: “She let me keep the bowl, which was indeed kind.”
Alice: “Sen, didn’t you literally take the helmet as a bribe?”
Nina: “Hehe.”
…
……
Somehow, a cold breeze blew through them.
???: “I wouldn’t take this mission if I were you four.”
After seemingly teleporting in out of nowhere, Hilda could be seen sitting on a couch adjacent to the group.
Sen: “Ah. It’s the psycho maid again.”
Nina: “H-Hilda?! How did you even get in here?!”
Hilda: “I have my ways, cuties. I know it hasn’t been long since we last talked, but I thought I’d drop in and tell you all what a colossal mistake you’re making.”
Alice: “Oh yeah? Let me guess, you and your weirdo boss would rather experiment on Chloe instead of letting her go?
Hilda: “No. Of course not.”
Alice: “Wha—”
Gray: “...What’s your game, then?”
Hilda smiled and leaned forward.
Hilda: “I have none, as always. The road that girl is on will only lead to sorrow and betrayal. She’s far too naive to realize it, but the past stays in the past for a reason. Just like with Sen, you all are making a mistake.”
Alice: “And let me guess, you get to decide that?”
Nina: “Sorry, Hilda, but there’s no point in using reason against a bunch of blockheads like us.”
Gray: “Y-Yeah, what Nina said.”
Hilda: “Ehehe… Fair enough. Well then, farewell for now, you all.”
Seconds later, Hilda had already teleported away.
Alice: *sigh* “That girl really is way too overly mysterious.”
Sen: “So, team, has our resolve wavered after this newfound revelation?”
Despite it being a clearly understood question, Sen’s bluntness broke through.
Alice: “Nope.”
Nina: “Not a chance!”
Gray: “Not in the slightest.”
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