ZZZ: Dawn of The Black Sun

A certain 01 Neo-Genesis VI model automaton gazed at her partner whilst holding a cup of hot water. "Hmm, judging by the look on your face, this isn't a good time for me to ask for a month off and enjoy the upcoming camellia summer festival,"

Her partner sighed softly, putting down her document. "A complication occurs on our last mission," she began. "The Mountain Lion Gang unexpectedly allied themselves with the Cunning Hares Odd Job Agency," the woman put a hand on her forehead. "They require an immediate reinforcement at the ready," she turned to the automaton. "Qingyi, what can you find on the information on the Cunning Hares?"

Qingyi blinked. "Understood, searching for the Cunning Hares in the inter knot and criminal database," there was a slight pause and the girl finally nodded. "The Cunning Hares Odd Job Agency, a previously mundane group of swindlers and scammers, now known as the 'Best Mercenary Dennies Can Buy', with the emphasis on dennies. They've handled many high-end job including but not limited to: Corporate Espionage, Illegal Explosive Research Assistance, Local Attack On Gang Wars, Grand Larceny, Illegal Hollow Zero Operation, and Ticket Scalping," she looked up. "Impressive,"

Zhu Yuan nodded grimly. "It's not only their feats that are impressive according to our spy," she looked at her pager before quickly pocketing it. "It's also their method and... ruthlessness," she folded her arms. "Our spy requested that we start setting up reinforcement near and around the Plaza Walkway of the Ballet Twins Tower,"

Qingyi blinked, going through her directive and permission before concluding that she's just marked as 'Informed' in the RACI chart. "Understood, have a nice day then," she tried to turn around, but Zhu Yuan grabbed her by the shoulder. "What? Is there something you need my help with? Go ahead, let me know, I thought you are simply here to let me know of the situation,"

"Qingyi, we..." Zhu Yuan bit her lip. "It's..." she gripped on the Automaton's shoulder tighter before letting go. "Jane Doe told me that they're torturing hostages to gain information from Officer Seth,"

Qingyi narrowed her eyes, realizing now what's at stake. "I see..." she turned to Zhu Yuan, there's an almost terrifying look on her face, a sort of fury that goes beyond upholding order and justice. "That is a brutally effective way to gain information from him," she folded her arms. "I understand your worries now, then, what should we do?"

"We need to crack down on their headquarters. As of right now, the leader of the Cunning Hares, Nicole Demara, is still at the premise. If we can strike them at their base of operations, we can defeat them," officer Zhu Yuan paced around the room. "I've talked with the Higher Ups and they've given us search warrant on the Random Play Video Store,"

"Random Play?" Qingyi tilted her head. "The video store that made a movie about the Cunning Hares?"

"Yes," Zhu Yuan sighed a little. "I don't think they are actually involved in real criminal activity, but there's a chance that the owner or the actors know something about the real Cunning Hares," she folded her arms. "Though, I need you to be subtle about it, have a chat with them and ask around, if within a few days you still can't find information, then you can conduct a more forceful investigation,"

Qingyi's gaze softened, it's almost comical how much of a softie Zhu Yuan can be. "I know you don't want to investigate Random Play video store because they've kindly gifted you those free Video Tapes," she tilted her head. "You can't bring yourself to go back in there, demanding answers and being suspicious,"

"Ahh..." Zhu Yuan's cheek redden and she averted her gaze. "Now that you mention it, I should return the Video Tape they gifted me... it's in my locker, I'll go get it for you!" she practically fled the room, closing the door behind her.

"Human... they're so strange..." Qingyi muttered before taking a sip of her now warm water.

[LINE BREAK]

Koleda knew this was coming, the moment she opened her mouth and telling her new friends that she lives in Sixth Street Random Play Video Store, she knew that the day will come. There's just... no way these children would pass up the opportunity.

"Koleda! Let's go to your place for sleepover!" Kiana exclaimed. "It's an all you can watch buffet!" her eyes sparkled as she twirled around the group, waving her arms animatedly. "Just imagine! Every movie on existence, without having to pay a single denny!"

Beside her, Bronya gave Kiana the most judgmental, most smoldering look of disappointment a twelve years old can muster, before gently patting Koleda's back apologetically.

Mei winced and shook her head. "Kiana, don't say it like that..." she took Kiana's hand and dragged her, looking at her sternly. "Have some manners, just because your friend owns a restaurant doesn't mean you should expect an all you can eat buffet!"

Kiana paused and blinked a little. "Eh? Isn't that how it works?" she turned to Koleda. "Besides, it's okay right?! Consider it umm... a celebration! Now that we've officially become best buds!"

"Heh, well I guess you guys owe me then!" Koleda smirked and took out her phone. "I'll have to ask my big sis first though..." She muttered whilst taking out her phone. She apologized the Belle internally, hopefully this doesn't bother their proxy work too much.

"Oh hey Koleda, what's up? We're on our way to pick you up!" came Belle's voice from the phone.

"Yeah, it's like this..." Koleda bit her lips. "I told some of my classmates that I live in a Video Store and now they're asking if it's okay for them to visit this weekend for..."

"SQUEEEEE!!!" a loud girlish squeal came from the phone. "Oh my gosh yes!!! How many? I'll have Anby prepare snacks and movies, oh! We have some new releases hot from the blockbuster too!"

Kiana fist pumped beside her victoriously while Mei gave Koleda an apologetic smile.

"It's okay! It's just a small watchalong this weekend," Koleda said. "There's only 4 of us in total,"

"Great! 4 people it is! Will all of you be staying?" Belle asked again.

"Yes!" Kiana exclaimed before Koleda could answer. "It's a sleep over, a movie night with mphh!" Bronya covered her mouth from behind.

Koleda rolled her eyes, may as well. "If it's alright with you sis," she said.

"Of course! I'll setup the HDD Monitors for an exclusive cinema!" Belle said. "Just meet me at the usual spot, see ya!" the call disconnected with a click and Bronya finally let go of Kiana's mouth.

Though a bit annoyed at Bronya, Kiana is still grinning in excitement. "So it's a yes then?" she asked Koleda. "We're going for a sleepover at your place?"

"Well, my sister seems to be cool with it," Koleda said finally. "Still though," she walked up to Kiana and flicked her forehead. "Don't hijack my call like that,"

Kiana winced and rubbed her forehead. "Oww... Sorry... I'm just..." she clasped her hands. "I'm so excited! It's the first time I get to go to someone's house other than Mei and Bronya's," she gave Bronya a look. "Not to mention Bronya's mom is hella creepy!"

'thwack'

Mei smacked Kiana's head from behind. "Watch your mouth Kiana! I swear..." she closed her eyes and lowered her head. "Koleda, I'm so so, sorry about Kiana's behavior..." she said.

"Nah, it's fine, big sis is cool," Koleda replied. "Anyway, it'll be a while before my sis come pick me up, you guys going home early?"

"No, not really," Kiana grinned. "We can talk about what movie to watch while we wait!" she quickened her pace and waved her hand. "Come on guys, I'll show you the best spot to hang out after school!"

The group followed Kiana out of the school and to the front yard. They went to the playground near the school, walking past the swing and the football field, and to a strange tower-like structure. Koleda took a double look at the tower, building and construction is coded in her DNA so already she can tell that the tower is a storage made to contain etheric materials.

Though, it looks brand new.

"Here we are," Kiana sat next to the tower. "Pretty cool right?"

"Hmm..." Koleda rubbed her chin in deep thought. "This Tower was built soon after the school is built, right?"

Mei stepped forward. "Yes, it's the school's warehouse," she shot Kiana a look. "Students are not permitted to enter this place, you should know that right?"

"Relax~ I just hang around the outside of it, it's super shady!" Kiana lay down on the grassy ground. "Anyway, we were talking about movie, right? What movie are we..."

It was then, they hear it. An almost inaudible voice coming from the tower. Everyone listened in closer, inching towards the entrance.

"Wait, stay behind me!" Koleda warned everyone, walking up in front. She pressed her ear against the door and listened. "It sounds like... someone's crying?" she narrowed her eyes and tried to open the door, it's locked but the key is hanging nearby. "Hey! You stuck in there or are you looking for privacy!?" she shouted.

The voice gasped. "Ca-can you hear me?" the voice of a little girl came from the tower. "I'm... I'm stuck, but... please don't tell the teacher..."

"Wait, Seele?" Bronya stepped forward. "Is that you?"

"Big sis Bronya!"

Koleda unlocked the door, revealing a little girl standing in front of the doorway surrounded by loads of crates. Her dark blue hair was a mess and her dark blue eyes were stained with tears. She's still sobbing, but smiled in relief at the sight of him.

"Seele!" Bronya entered the warehouse and hugged her. "Are you alright?" she let go of her. "What happened?"

"I'm..." Seele looked down. "I'm looking for Teddy..." she muttered.

Bronya sighed a little and gently led Seele outside. "We lost them in Lumina Square Seele... they're nowhere near the school..."

Seele's mouth quivered a little. "B-but I swear I heard his voice! He..." she sniffed a little. "He was there... I... I heard him..."

Koleda felt her chest tighten at Seele's words, she sounded like she just lost someone precious to her. "Who's Teddy? Is he your companion? A pet?"

"Teddy is a Sharkboo Model Bangboo," Bronya explained. "He's... Seele's birthday gift, seven years ago. We lost him during our trip in the cinema at Lumina Square a week ago, Seele's been looking for him ever since," the girl sighed and put a hand on Seele's shoulder.

Seele clenched her fist. "He's out there... I know he's out there," she sniffed and wiped some tears off her face. "I just... we just have to look harder,"

Part of Koleda desperately want to help them. But another part of her knew that looking for a lost Bangboo is ironically, far harder than looking for a lost person. Hollow Raiders would steal and take apart Bangboos for parts, not to mention they are not protected by law so Public Security really don't give a damn about them.

"Oh! How about this?" Kiana said suddenly. "This weekend, we're going on a sleepover at Koleda's house, we can look around Sixth Street. You haven't look there, right? It's also not that far from Lumina Square!"

Seele blinked. "Really?" she asked. "Can we?"

Everyone turned to Koleda who just smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head. "I mean, yeah, why not? It might wander off to Random Play, who knows?" she nodded finally. "I'll see what I can do!"

Kiana did a twirl and punched the air. "Operation Find Teddy Is A GO!!!"