[It was a calm morning. The weekend breeze swept through the busy market as Shizuka and Shirou made their way through the open stalls, each carrying a shopping bag with the day's groceries. Laughter and chatter filled the air as people walked by, going about their own weekend routines.]
Shirou: We've got most of it. What's left?
Shizuka: checking the list Hmm… just some snacks and maybe eggs. I'll get the eggs—can you handle the snacks?
Shirou: You got it.
[He gave her a casual pat before stepping away toward a nearby stall. As Shizuka turned toward the egg vendor, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen — it was Sera.]
[She answered and stepped slightly to the side, away from the crowd.]
Shizuka: quietly to herself
Hello?
Sera: on phone Hey, Shizuka. Nothing urgent, don't worry. Reina just wanted me to pass something along.
Shizuka: Okay… What is it?
Sera: on phone She wants all four of you—Shirou, Kei, Mio, and you—to report to the station next week. It's for a practice drill. Since you're officially in the loop now, it's time for some field prep.
Shizuka: slightly surprised A practice drill?
Sera: on phone Yep. Nothing serious—just standard procedure so you're all a bit more field-ready. Think of it as orientation... but with sweat.
Shizuka: smiling slightly Got it. I'll let the others know. Thanks for the heads-up, Sera.
Sera: on phone
No problem. Enjoy your grocery run. And hey—grab something sweet for me, will you?
Shizuka: laughs I'll think about it.
[The call ended just as Shirou returned with a small pack of snacks in his hand.]
Shirou: Found what Kei wanted. What about you?
Shizuka: slipping her phone back into her pocket Yeah, got a call from Sera. Reina wants us all at the station next week. Practice drill.
Shirou: Guess things are officially starting for us.
Shizuka: softly
Yeah… looks like we are.
The two continued on with their shopping, a new wave of anticipation quietly setting in.
[Later that afternoon—the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm amber hue over the streets as Shizuka and Shirou made their way home. Their bags were now full — vegetables, eggs, snacks, and a few things they didn't plan to buy but picked up along the way. The walk was peaceful, filled with casual conversation and the occasional laughter.]
Shirou: You seriously bought that giant melon just because it looked cute?
Shizuka: grinning It had a smiley sticker on it. I took it as a sign.
Shirou: You and your signs…
Shizuka: Says the guy who won't buy anything unless it's on sale.
Shirou: Hey, I'm practical, thank you.
[They reached the front of Shirou's house. Shizuka stepped aside as he unlocked the door.]
Shirou:.Let me open it first. The last time we came in with groceries, we dropped half of it at the doorway.
Shizuka: That was your fault.
Shirou: I maintain it was the bag's fault.
[The door creaked open, and the familiar scent of home greeted them. Shirou stepped in first and turned on the lights while Shizuka followed behind, kicking her shoes off neatly.]
Shirou: We should tell the others about the drill soon. Maybe tonight?
Shizuka: Mio's probably free. Kei… maybe. Depends on his game schedule.
Shirou: Then it's decided. We regroup tonight—after melon dinner.
[Shizuka laughed as she moved toward the kitchen, already placing the groceries down. Despite everything that had happened lately, the air in the house still felt warm, calm… safe. But beneath that calm, a quiet sense of resolve was starting to build in them both.]
[Just as Shirou was about to help unpack the groceries, the front door swung open with a familiar, energetic thud.]
Kei: No need for that, Shirou! 'Cause I brought "Miss Bob-cut" here and now!
[Shirou and Shizuka both looked toward the entrance as Kei casually strolled in, a triumphant grin on his face. Behind him was Mio, carrying a small bag of her own and looking slightly exasperated.]
Mio: Can you not call me that every time I walk in?
Kei: teasing It's affectionate! You should be honored.
Shirou: smirking You two came at the perfect time. We were just talking about contacting you.
Shizuka: We heard from Sera. Captain Reina wants us at the station next week for a practice drill.
Mio: A drill? Seriously? I was hoping we'd ease into this vigilante thing…
Kei:
C'mon, "Miss Bob-cut". What's a little sweat and teamwork?
Mio: dryly
Keep calling me that and you'll be the one sweating.
[They all laughed lightly, the tension easing as the four of them gathered in the living room. The evening light streamed through the windows, catching the dust motes in a soft glow — a quiet moment of peace before the next storm.]
[As the four were settling down, voices mixing with the rustling of grocery bags and playful banter, soft footsteps echoed down the hall. The door to one of the rooms creaked open.]
Ryokou: yawning I had a good nap...
[Everyone turned their heads as Ryokou emerged from her room, stretching with a pillow still hugged under one arm and her hair slightly disheveled from her nap.]
Shizuka: Good afternoon, Ryokou. Sorry if we were too loud.
Ryokou: No, no, it's fine. I guess I napped a bit longer than I thought… Wait—what's this about a drill?
Kei: grinning You missed all the excitement! Captain Reina scheduled a practice drill for us next week. Guess who's gonna be dodging rubber bullets?
Mio: I swear if they make me run laps...
Ryokou: nervously tugging her sleeve
Are… are you all doing this?
Shirou: Of course, Ryokou. We are determined in this, after all. To make our lives peaceful again.
[The group exchanged encouraging looks, a sense of unity settling among them. It was chaotic, messy, and uncertain — but they were in this together.]
[Few hours before midnight—the moonlight gently filtered through the curtains as steam lingered faintly in the hallway. Sera, now dressed in her casual nightwear, towel still draped over her shoulders, padded quietly into her room. She let out a relaxed sigh, shutting the door behind her with a soft click.]
[Just as she was about to settle into her bed, her phone buzzed from the desk. The screen lit up with a familiar label: "Levi."]
Sera: raising an eyebrow, curious Why is he calling me for at this hour?
[She picked it up, tapping the answer button and pressing the phone to her ear as she sat down.]
Leviathan: on call
Good eve, Yggil. Hope I didn't interrupt your beauty sleep.
Sera: half-smiling Not yet, Levi. You're just in time to make me regret ever answering. What is it?
Leviathan: on call Heh. Classic. Listen, I was poking around, and I caught something… interesting.
Sera: Define "interesting." I swear if this is another one of your conspiracy spirals—
Leviathan: on call No, this one's real. Behemoth's back. I saw it. Fully rebuilt. He's been revived like a machine.
[A long pause followed.]
Sera: quietly ...You're serious.
Leviathan: on call As serious as I've ever been. And it's not just that. There's someone else behind the curtain now. Higher than us. It's the Seven Arches.
[Sera narrowed her eyes, sitting upright now, alert.]
Sera: That name... I've only seen that in redacted files. You're absolutely sure?
Leviathan: on call Saw it with my own eyes. We've got a new problem brewing. And it's way bigger than we thought. If I'm on your place, I'd rather be extra cautious.
Sera: sighing, rubbing her temples Alright. I'll bring it up quietly. But if Reina finds out I've been snooping around the Circle again...
Leviathan: on call Then tell her I did it. Like always.
Sera: smirking slightly You really love playing the rogue.
Leviathan: on call You really love pretending you don't.
[The call ended with a soft beep. Sera stared at the screen a moment longer before setting the phone down, the levity in her expression gone. Her eyes darkened with thought.]
Sera: The Seven Arches, huh..? just how deep does this go?