Reprise: Little World

[November 18th, 09:00 JST]

Ibaraki Prefecture – Ami Town, Inashiki District

The rotor blades carved through the morning haze, scattering the thin bands of fog that clung to Ibaraki’s treeline. Inside the cabin, Tempesta Unit sat in a heavy silence. White coats buttoned, D-Mics secured, eyes fixed on the blurred fields rushing below.

Emi finally broke the quiet.

“Reina-chan… your leg. Are you really okay? It’s not even two days since you got your movement back.”

Reina offered a small smile.

“No worries, Emi. If anything happens, I’ll just float my way out of trouble.”

Emi lightly punched her arm for that answer.

The rest of the girls laughed, but it sounded more like tension than comfort.

Reina glanced toward Nana and Misaki. Their faces were tight with the anxiety of a threat looming over their hometown.

“Don’t worry,” Reina said gently. “The report says the resonance is on the outskirts. The town itself should be safe.”

Even she wasn’t fully sure, but sometimes leadership was about saying it anyway.

Nana forced a grin.

“Yeah… yeah, I’m just overthinking. Let’s finish this mission quickly and go home. I feel like punching a CODA today.”

Misaki added quietly, “Reina-san… after we land, do you think we’ll have time to walk around the town?”

Reina checked her phone.

“Reconnaissance includes walking, doesn’t it? Sure. You can show me your little world.” She teased lightly.

Nana and Misaki both blushed.

Momoko leaned forward with a grin.

“Oooh? Our resident beauty queen and firecracker turning red? This I have to see.”

Emiko pressed her forehead to the window, eyes sparkling. It was her first helicopter ride, soaking in the view like a child seeing snow for the first time.

Mika, sitting by the open side door with her legs hanging out, finally spoke.

“Reina-senpai… what’s your read on this mission? All known meteorites in this region were recovered. Yet we still picked up a CODA signature. And a strong one.”

Reina studied the townscape beneath them. From above, the town looked calm enough to forget why they were here.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” she said calmly. “That’s our job. We identify the source, confirm the threat, and deal with it if things go wrong.”

They landed on the university’s athletic field. As the helicopter powered down, a middle-aged man in a suit hurried across the grass toward them.

“Welcome. I’m the principal of this university,” he said with a polite bow. “Director Kurogane informed me of your arrival. This campus will serve as your temporary command post. I will ensure your activities remain out of sight.”

Reina returned the bow and shook his hand.

“Thank you, Principal. Foundation staff will arrive shortly to set up the equipment. We appreciate your cooperation.”

He let out a nervous laugh.

“To be honest, I was shocked when Director Kurogane explained everything last night. CODA… and the Aria Corps’ true purpose. But he convinced me. If lending this campus helps protect the town, then I’ll support the Foundation fully.”

“You have my word,” Reina replied.

They spent about an hour turning a lecture hall into a command post, helping coordinate the incoming Foundation technicians. By the time the last piece of equipment was checked, the sun had already begun to tilt toward noon.

Emi stretched lightly.

“Reina-chan, should we grab lunch? We’ve done everything we can. The specialist can handle the rest.”

Reina nodded.

“Yeah. Let’s take a break. We still need to walk the town for reconnaissance anyway.”

Momoko grinned. “Lunch and recon in one trip. Efficient.”

Emiko raised her hand shyly.

“W-What if someone ask why we’re here? I mean… we’re famous, after all.”

Reina answered without hesitation.

“Just tell them we’re here on an MV shoot. That should be enough.”

A few soft laughs loosened the mood.

Nana lifted her hand with confidence.

“Alright then. Let me lead the way. I still remember this place like the back of my hand.”

Misaki adjusted her coat. 

“Just don’t drag us into every video shop so you can buy your boxing tapes.”

“Hey!” Nana fired back.

Mika pushed off the wall and stepped forward.

“Let’s go. It’s my first time in Ibaraki.”

They stepped out of the university gate and began walking down the quiet suburban road. Ami Town was calm at midday. Their path naturally led toward the Ami Premium Outlets, a mall with over a hundred shops lining its broad walkway.

Along the way, a few fans spotted them and rushed over, excitedly asking for signatures. Even the restaurant they stopped at gradually filled with curious customers who whispered and pointed, delighted to find Aria Corps in their town. Reina and her team handled it smoothly, offering smiles and short greetings without drawing suspicion.

After the commotion settled and lunch was finished, they drifted back into a quieter residential street.

“Seems like we’re pretty famous no matter where we go,” Nana grinned.

“I… kind of like it,” Emiko admitted softly.

Emi held onto Reina’s hand as they walked, Momoko teasing them from behind.

“Careful, you two. Keep that up and the fans will start writing marriage rumors.”

Emi’s cheeks puffed in embarrassment while Reina only gave a small laugh.

Misaki walked a step behind them, hands in her pockets, observing the street.

“At least the attention confirmed the cover story is working,” she murmured. “No one suspects we’re here for anything serious.”

A few more steps passed before Nana slowed her pace.

“Reina-san…” Her voice lowered. “You said… you want to see our little world?”

Misaki added quietly. “It’s close. Our orphanage. We’d like to check on them while we’re here.”

Reina smiled. “Lead the way.”

Nana and Misaki exchanged a brief glance before guiding the team toward a narrow side street branching off the main road.

Reina and the girls stopped near a two-storey house that stretched wider than the homes around it. Its pale walls, dulled by weather, had paint peeling at the corners, and a rusting fence that creaked in the wind, signifying this house had stood the test of time. The red rooftop stood out immediately from the rest of its neighborhood’s brown and uniform roofs.

As they approached, the sound of children’s laughter carried toward them, bright and carefree, unaware of how close danger lurked outside this town.

An elderly woman peeked out from behind the front door. Her gray hair was tied loosely, deep wrinkles tracing kindness across her face. She froze for a heartbeat, eyes widening.

“Ah… Nana-chan? Misaki-chan?” Her voice trembled with warmth. “You two grew so much. I almost didn’t recognize you. After you were scouted, you never came back. I’ve missed you both so much.”

Nana and Misaki hurried forward and embraced her. Nana’s eyes were already wet; Misaki held hers back with effort.

“We’re back,” they said together.

“Welcome home,” the granny murmured. Then she glanced at the others. “And you girls must be their teammates. Come in, come in.”

Reina stepped forward, bowing politely as she introduced herself and the rest of the team. They followed the granny inside. Off to the side, a small playground came into view with slides, swings, and a wide sandbox where children played happily under the watch of a few caretakers.

The inside of the house was nothing like its worn exterior. The living room held a large plasma TV mounted neatly on the wall. Cool air flowed from a modern air-conditioning unit above the window. The shelves were stocked with teaching books. A compact computer area sat in a corner with its desks and neatly arranged monitors.

“Thanks to Nana-chan and Misaki-chan, the children here can enjoy proper care and comfort,” the granny explained as she guided them through the house and headed upstairs.

The second floor held a large sleeping room for the kids and a multipurpose classroom beside it. At the back was a small raised stage. Nana and Misaki paused there, their expressions softening as old memories surfaced. They used to sing together on that very spot during parties and holiday events.

When the tour ended, the granny smiled. “That’s the whole house. How is it?”

Reina nodded. “It’s… far more than I expected. Very impressive.”

A group of children wandered in and tugged on Nana’s coat.

“Onee-chan, come play with us!” one of them said, the others staring up with pleading eyes.

Reina smiled and gave her team a small nod. They followed the kids outside, leaving Reina and the granny in the living room. Reina watched her team through the window. Nana and Misaki were swarmed by children, Momoko pushing the swings, Mika watching quietly, Emiko chatting with a small crowd, and Emi taking pictures with her phone.

Reina looked back at granny. Two cups of tea were already set on the table.

“Thank you for having us. We were passing by, and Nana and Misaki wanted to visit,” Reina said.

“Thank you for bringing them home. It has been a while since I last saw them.” The granny paused for a moment. “You girls are from the Aria Corps, right? Very famous… But something in your face tells me you’re not just here for sightseeing.”

Reina tried to brush it off with a small laugh. “We’re here to film an MV. We had some free time, so we decided to stop by.”

The granny’s gentle smile didn’t fade. “Child, I have seen more things than you can imagine. I may be old, but my intuition is still sharp.” She pointed toward a picture frame on the shelf. Inside was a photograph of a young woman in a decorated military uniform, heavy with badges and stripes. Her status was clear at a glance.

Reina let out a quiet, bitter laugh. “I didn’t expect to meet a veteran here. Thank you for your service.” She bowed politely.

The granny chuckled softly. “Those days are behind me. But I know the aura of someone carrying responsibility. I can sense the same in you and your team.” Her expression stiffened slightly. “Tell me honestly… is something going to happen here in Ibaraki?”

Reina paused, choosing her words carefully. “All I can say is that we will do everything we can to protect this town.”

“That’s enough,” the granny said with a warm smile. “Please look after those two. They might be quirky, but they have a good and warm heart.”

Before Reina could answer, the rest of Tempesta Unit appeared, each led by a group of children tugging their hands.

Emiko spoke timidly. “I… told them we’re idol singers. And they said they want to hear us sing.”

Reina looked at her team. Their expressions were hopeful, waiting for her decision. The children stared up at her with shining eyes.

The granny chuckled softly. “It has been a long time since they were this excited. Why not give them a little show? The stage upstairs is still working.”

Reina let out a small sigh, but her smile showed she didn’t mind. She nodded.

“Alright. Bring them upstairs. We’ll get ready.”

“Well then… who wants to sing?”

Her gaze naturally fell on Nana and Misaki.

Nana nudged Misaki’s arm. “Your eyes already decided. Come on, Misaki.”

Misaki gave a small nod.

Reina looked at the others.

“Aria Corps Protocol Three. Nana and Misaki will take center. The rest of you handle support using D-Mic. Keep the effect small and harmless.”

The girls nodded with quiet excitement and headed upstairs.

Nana and Misaki stepped onto the small stage and lifted their D-Mics, using them like normal microphones without invoking any resonance. Behind them, Emi and the others held their own D-Mics and hummed a soft tune. Mana gathered faintly in the air, invisible to ordinary eyes.

As the duet began, Emiko formed tiny lights that drifted gently around the room. Emi added floating bubbles that passed through the lights and shimmered. Momoko created a light breeze to guide them, while Mika released a thin trail of golden sand that swirled like stardust.

Reina watched with a quiet smile. The granny moved beside her.

“So this is what the Aria Corps truly is,” she whispered.

“Yes. Magic,” Reina replied softly. “Please keep this between us.”

The granny gave her a small, reassuring wink.

When the performance ended, the team thanked the children and caretakers before heading toward the gate. As they walked, Reina noticed Nana and Misaki kneeling near the far wall of the playground.

Reina and the others approached. Two faded butterfly drawings were still visible on the concrete, their names written in messy, childish handwriting.

“After all this time… she kept it here,” Nana said, her eyes turning wet again.

Misaki placed a steady hand on her shoulder before standing with her. Both turned toward Reina. No words were needed. Their expressions held clear resolve.

They left the orphanage and continued their mission through town. A few minutes later, Reina’s earpiece crackled to life.

“Girls, CODA signature detected,” Takeshi’s voice said. “Sending location now.”