[The station's clock had just ticked past 9:00 p.m. when the front door slammed open, letting in a gust of cold wind—and a young man, breathless and wild-eyed.]
Young Man: Officers—! You have to come, now!
[He stumbled forward, panic twisting his voice as he reached the front desk where Officer Ryou sat, half-focused on routine paperwork, a half-empty cup of coffee cooling by his side.]
Ryou: Calm down. What happened?
Young Man: There's... there's a shootout! At Club Vortex—down in District 3! I was just walking by when I heard the shots. People are screaming, it's a mess!
[The air in the station shifted. Chairs scraped the floor. Phones were left dangling mid-call. In one smooth motion, Ryou stood, his hand already reaching for his coat and service pistol.]
Ryou: You're sure it was gunfire?
Young Man: Yes! I swear—five or six shots, at least!
[Across the room, Ryou locked eyes with his partner. No words needed—only a subtle nod of shared urgency.]
Ryou: Dispatch, this is Officer Ryou. We've got a possible active shooter at Club Vortex in District 3. Mobilize backup units and alert EMTs. We're moving now.
[Moments later, the shriek of sirens tore through the quiet city night. As the patrol car roared to life, Ryou fastened his seatbelt, jaw clenched in focus.]
Ryou: ...A nightclub, a random shootout... and it just had to be tonight.
[Red and blue lights danced across the rain-slick pavement as multiple units pulled up outside Club Vortex. A crowd had already gathered, kept at bay by hastily assembled barricades and nervous officers.]
[Officer Ryou stepped out of his cruiser, scanning the chaotic scene. The club's entrance was cracked open, the bass of still-blaring music bleeding into the night—tainted now with the sharp metallic stench of gunfire.]
[From the second patrol car, the door swung open—and out stepped someone unexpected.]
Ryou: ...Shin?
[Officer Shin, dressed not in tactical gear but her casual clothes, adjusted her ponytail and approached briskly.]
Shin: Don't give me that look. I was on my way out when I heard the dispatch call. No way I was just gonna go home after that.
Ryou: You're supposed to be off-duty.
Shin: Yeah? And you're supposed to stop me?
[She smirked, but there was a fire in her eyes—one that matched Ryou's own.]
Ryou: Tch... fine. It's no use stopping you though.
[He goes back to his cruiser and grabs a leather vest and gives it to her.]
Ryou: Here, for protection.
Shin: grabs the vest, smirks Finally being a gentleman, Ryou?
Ryou: What do you mean? I've always been like this.
Shin: Well, not to me though.
Ryou: We'll discuss that after this. For now, stay sharp. We don't know what we're walking into.
[The club doors creaked further open, a chilling groan echoing through the building's neon-lit facade. A single gunshot rang out inside—loud, sharp, and unmistakable.]
Shin: Guess that answers that.
Ryou: Move in. Non-lethal until we know what's what. Let's go!
[Weapons drawn, they advanced. The night had just begun to bleed.]
[Strobe lights flickered wildly as Officer Ryou and Officer Shin entered the club, their boots thudding against the bass-pounding floor. The scent of sweat, alcohol, and gunpowder mixed into a nauseating haze.]
[Tables were overturned. Bottles shattered. Civilians ducked behind the bar and couches, trembling. And ahead—chaos.]
[Two armed groups were in a heated firefight near the dance floor. Bullets ricocheted off metal rails and shattered glass displays, the sound drowning out the music that hadn't stopped playing.]
Ryou: Two groups. This isn't random—this is a turf war.
Shin: And they're not backing down, even with civilians still inside. Idiots.
[Ryou raised his voice and aimed his weapon, stepping forward with authority.]
Ryou: This is the police! Weapons down! Hands where I can see—!
[But that was when one of the gunmen, a tall figure in a leather jacket, suddenly turned his gaze toward them. His eyes locked on the approaching officers—and without hesitation, he lunged.]
[Grabbing a nearby clubgoer—a woman too frozen in fear to run—he pulled her in front of him, pressing a handgun to her head.]
Gunman: Don't move! One more step and she dies!
[The room seemed to freeze.]
[Screams erupted. Someone sobbed.]
Shin: ...Damn it.
[Officer Ryou didn't lower his weapon, but his finger eased slightly off the trigger. His mind raced.]
Ryou: We've got a hostage situation. Everyone stay down!
Shin: Ryou—his hand's shaking. He's desperate, but he's not in control. We might still have a chance.
Ryou: Yeah. But we have to move fast.
[The nightclub's lights kept flickering—red, blue, violet—painting the scene like a crime-drenched canvas.]
[One wrong move, and this whole place would go up in screams.]
Ryou: Hey—listen to me. You don't want to do this.
[The gunman tightened his grip on the woman, who whimpered, eyes clenched shut. His hand trembled slightly, the barrel pressed awkwardly against her head.]
Gunman: Back off! I swear I'll—! I'll pull the trigger!
Shin: You're surrounded. You think we haven't got you in every line of sight right now?
Ryou: What's your name?
[The gunman didn't respond.]
Ryou: We don't have to end this with blood. Let her go and we'll talk—just you and me. You walk out of this alive. You've got a choice right now.
[For a second, the tension seemed to settle into silence. Even the blaring music seemed to fade into the background. The gunman's eyes darted between the officers—he was thinking.]
[And then—]
[Click.]
[A quiet door creaked open from a dim VIP lounge to the side of the dance floor. No one noticed it at first—until a hand slipped out, steady and silent, gripping a silver-plated pistol.]
[Bang!]
[A single shot cracked through the strobe-lit air.]
[The gunman jerked—eyes wide, hand twitching. Blood bloomed from his shoulder as he stumbled backward, releasing the hostage in shock.]
Shin: Now!
[Ryou surged forward, catching the woman and pulling her to safety as Shin disarmed the wounded man, kicking his weapon across the floor and cuffing him without hesitation.]
Ryou: Clear!
[The club held its breath, then slowly began to stir. People peeked out from their hiding spots, dazed, shaken—but alive.]
[Ryou looked toward the VIP room where the mystery shot had come from.]
Ryou: ...Who the hell was that?
[Officer Ryou scanned the club as the tension slowly bled out of the room. The hostage was safe, backup had secured the remaining gunmen, and paramedics were tending to the wounded.]
[But one mystery remained.]
[He walked toward the VIP lounge door—the one the shot had come from. It hung slightly ajar now, as if whatever presence had been there had vanished like smoke.]
[Pushing it open, Ryou entered a dimly lit room filled with overturned chairs and spilled drinks. The smell of gunpowder still lingered faintly.]
[At the far end, a woman stood near a side exit, adjusting a dark shawl around her shoulders. Her eyes—cool and unreadable—met his for the briefest second.]
Ryou: Hey. Did you see who fired that shot?
[She paused for a beat. Then offered a soft, composed smile.]
???: No... I only heard it. I think they ran off through the emergency exit before I could see.
Ryou: And you are?
???: Just a club guest. I ducked in here to stay out of the crossfire.
[He took a step closer, trying to get a better look—but in a fluid motion, she turned and walked through the exit, heels softly clicking on the tiles.]
[Officer Shin's voice called from outside.]
Shin: Ryou! We've got names on some of these guys—might be gang-linked!
[He turned back toward the dance floor, sparing the woman one last glance.]
[But she was already gone.]
[The chaos had mostly died down.]
[Officers led handcuffed suspects out of the club one by one. The hostage was already being treated by paramedics outside, still shaken but unharmed.]
[Back inside, Officer Ryou stood over one of the downed gang members—wounded but conscious. A patch on his jacket bore the sigil of a minor local group known for back-alley arms deals.]
Ryou: Name?
[The man grunted, blood trickling from his lip.]
Gang Member: You think I'm telling you anything, cop?
[Officer Shin walked up beside him, arms crossed.]
Shin: You don't have to. Your jacket's already talking.
[She handed Ryou a digital tablet. On-screen: a name list from the gang database. Known associates, trade routes, territory maps.]
Shin: They're called Steel Vultures. Small-time thugs—but guess who they're aligned with now?
[Officer Ryou scrolled through the data, eyes narrowing. His thumb hovered over one particular name.]
Ryou: No way...
[Beneath the Steel Vultures' chain of command, a single crest stood out. A triangle interlocked with a twin-serpent design—the mark of the Sovereign Circle.]
Shin: Yeah. Looks like they've been absorbed. Word is SoveCle's been expanding quietly—using small gangs to test their influence in the city.
Ryou: They let them fight dirty to stir chaos… then sweep in to 'clean up' and gain ground. Classic playbook.
[He looked back toward the VIP lounge—where the mysterious woman had vanished minutes ago.]
Ryou: ...And someone else was here tonight. Someone who didn't want this war to reach its boiling point.
Shin: You mean the shooter from earlier?
Ryou: Yeah. But I don't think she was just some club guest. Her hands didn't shake. Her eyes didn't flinch. Whoever she was... she knew exactly what she was doing. Too bad, I don't see her anymore in here though.
Shin: You think she's part of another group?
Ryou: ...No idea. But I'll bet this isn't the last time we cross paths.
[Outside, the last of the suspects were loaded into cruisers.]
[Somewhere far from the city...]
[The air was cool and salty near the edge of the docks, where moonlight rippled across the dark water.]
[A luxury cruise ship—sleek, private, and unregistered—sat quietly in the loading berth of a forgotten shipment yard. No workers, no guards. Only shadows and sea breeze.]
[At the far end of the dock, she stood.]
[A tall woman removed her disguise revealing a silky-maple hair mostly hidden beneath a dark, silken hood. Her form-fitting attire clung to her frame like a second skin, but lacked any insignia. She walked with quiet purpose, black heels clacking softly against the wood.]
[No trace of her earlier presence at the nightclub remained. The disguise was gone. Unreadable.]
[Two men in suits bowed subtly as she approached the boarding ramp.]
Agent: The vessel is ready, ma'am. We'll be departing in five.
[She nodded without looking at them, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The lights of the city flickered in the distance like dying embers.]
[Irisyvell remained silent for a moment.]
[Then, slowly, she drew out a small earpiece from her coat and pressed it against her ear.]
Irisyvell: The test was messy. They reacted just as expected... One gang answered violence with more violence. The other—too impulsive. Weak.
[A pause.]
[A voice crackled faintly from the other end— it was a voice from Vlad. Distorted, male, cold.]
Vlad: And the police?
Irisyvell: ...Present. Unexpectedly efficient. One of them caught my eye.
Vlad: Let me guess, it's those pesky officers again? So, you removed them of our way?
Irisyvell: No. Not yet. Curiosity is better bait than fear.
[She lowered her hand. The soft hum of the ship's engines came alive behind her. She stepped onto the ramp as the waves lapped against the steel hull.]
[As she reached the upper deck, the wind swept her hood back briefly—revealing striking crimson eyes that glimmered under the moonlight.]
[The ship pulled away from the docks without a sound.]
[Then, almost to herself—with a soft, amused tone—she murmured:]
Irisyvell: ...I suppose it's time to get back to work. Behemoth still needs fine-tuning... but a little fun before the lab doesn't hurt.
[As she reached the upper deck, the wind swept her hood back briefly—revealing striking crimson eyes that glimmered under the moonlight.]
[Shirou's House — Late Night]
[The clock on the wall ticked softly, but Shirou lay wide awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep refused to come.]
[With a quiet sigh, he slipped out from under the covers, careful not to disturb the stillness of the room.]
[In the kitchen, the faint glow of the fridge light illuminated his face as he reached for the milk carton. Pouring a glass slowly, he savored the simple ritual—the cool, creamy taste grounding him.]
[Glass in hand, he stepped out onto the balcony. The night air was cool, carrying distant sounds of the city's muted hum. He leaned on the railing, gazing at the stars scattered across the velvet sky.]
[Minutes passed like a gentle breeze.]
[Inside the house, Shizuka stirred awake in her room, blinking sleep from her eyes. She sat up, stretching, then quietly got out of bed.]
[Drawn by a craving, she padded barefoot to the kitchen, opening the fridge with a soft creak. She poured herself a glass of milk.]
[Her gaze fell on the counter—and there it was: the milk wrapper, left just moments ago.]
[Curiosity pulled her toward Shirou's room. The door was slightly ajar.]
[She pushed it open gently and stepped inside.]
[The faint glow of the city lights spilled through the window onto the floor.]
[Then, drawn by the soft light, she moved toward the balcony.]
[Outside, Shirou still stood there, lost in thought.]
[As Shizuka stepped out, Shirou slowly leaned back against the railing and noticed her presence.]
Shizuka: Mind if I join you?
Shirou: Sure, I needed a partner for the night.
Shirou: soft smile Couldn't sleep either?
Shizuka: holding her glass, slightly shy I guess not. Saw the milk wrapper and figured someone else was awake.
Shirou: offering the glass slightly Looks like we're both craving midnight milk.
Shizuka: smiling gently, taking a sip Sometimes the simplest things help the most.
[They stood quietly for a moment, the faint breeze brushing past them. The city lights shimmered like distant fireflies, casting a calm over the balcony.]
[Shizuka glanced sideways at Shirou, her voice barely above a whisper.]
Shizuka: ...Do you think we'll be fine?
[Shirou turned slightly, his brow lifting.]
Shirou: Hm?
Shizuka: softly With everything going on… the people after us, that organization… Are we really okay being caught up in all of this?
[She held her glass with both hands now, as if the warmth of the milk could steady her nerves. Her eyes searched the skyline, yet lingered just briefly on Shirou's face.]
[Shirou looked ahead, the wind rustling his hair. He didn't answer right away.]
[Then, in a low voice:]
Shirou: I don't know if we'll be fine. But I do know we're not running anymore.
[He turned to meet her gaze, his tone quiet but firm.]
Shirou: Whatever comes next… we'll face it together.
[A flicker of vulnerability crossed Shizuka's expression—but only for a moment.]
Shizuka: ...Together, huh?
[She smiled faintly, then leaned on the railing beside him, the silence between them now more comforting than uncertain.]
[The wind carried a faint chill, but the warmth between them lingered.]
[Shizuka stared at the horizon, her fingers lightly tapping the side of her glass. For a moment, her lips parted—like she was about to say something important.]
Shizuka: Hey, Shirou… I…
[She hesitated.]
[Shirou turned to her, his gaze calm, attentive.]
Shirou: ...Yeah?
[There was a pause. Her eyes met his—just for a second too long.]
[But then she looked away, exhaling softly.]
Shizuka: gentle smile ...Never mind. It's nothing.
[Shirou didn't push. He studied her for a moment, then gave a soft nod, a knowing look in his eyes.]
Shirou: Alright. When you're ready.
[A small silence passed, but it wasn't awkward. It was safe.]
[They both stood there, side by side under the moonlight—two people clinging to a moment of peace in a world that refused to stay quiet.]
[Next Morning — Shirou's House]
[The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen as Shirou focused on the stove, flipping a pan with practiced ease. Sunlight poured in through the windows, casting a golden hue across the room.]
[From the living room, the sound of digital explosions and excited shouting echoed.]
Mio: Kei! You're camping again, aren't you?! That's cheating!
Kei: grinning Hey, it's called strategy!
[The two were locked in a heated match, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV, controllers in hand.]
[Lying sprawled across the sofa like a forgotten blanket was Ryokou. She had only just come downstairs—and yet had already dozed off again, one arm hanging lazily over the edge of the couch.]
[A soft click came from the front door.]
[Shizuka stepped inside, carrying two bags of groceries. She took a breath, then smiled at the familiar chaos unfolding around her.]
Shizuka: playfully Looks like I didn't miss much.
[Shirou glanced over his shoulder from the kitchen, offering a small smile.]
Shirou: Perfect timing. You got the stuff?
Shizuka: Everything on the list... and a few extras.
Shirou: Oh, damn. I forgot to tell you we're running out of sugar.
Shizuka: Don't worry, I've bought some. I saw the container was almost empty so I had the intuition to refill.
Shirou: Phew, you're a lifesaver, Shizuka.
Shizuka: chuckles Don't mention it.
[She walked over and placed the bags on the counter, brushing her hair back from her face.]
Kei: from the living room Did you get snacks?!
Shizuka: Nope. Just vegetables. You're all growing, right?
Mio: Nooo—
[Ryokou stirred slightly, mumbling in her sleep:]
Ryokou: ...I smell rice… five more minutes…
[Shirou chuckled softly and turned back to the stove.]
Shirou: Lunch will be done in ten. Try not to burn down the living room before then.
Kei: eyes still on the screen, tapping buttons rapidly Hey—by the way, don't get too comfy, guys. Today's the day of our training, remember?
Mio: groaning Ugh, really? Already? I thought we had at least another day.
Kei: smirking Nope. Shirou said it himself. 'Early prep is better than regret.' Or did you conveniently forget the part where we got wiped in yesterday's simulation?
Mio: gritting her teeth as her game character respawned Okay, rude, but fair.
[Shizuka, who had just unpacked the last of the groceries, raised an eyebrow and leaned casually against the kitchen counter.]
Shizuka: What's the focus today? Combat drills? Tactical formations? Or are we back to running laps and getting yelled at?
Kei: grinning Bit of everything. Captain made some adjustments to the schedule last night. Word is, she wants to test real-world coordination this time—team reactions under pressure.
Shirou: without looking away from his cooking And I do mean pressure. This isn't just another workout, it's meant to simulate chaos. Like what we've already faced—and what might be coming.
[Ryokou stirred on the couch again, letting out a long groan.]
Ryokou: ...You people and your obsession with running into danger…
Kei: We don't run into danger. Danger runs into us. And we kick it back.
Ryokou: Shut up, gorilla. Am I talking to you?
Kei: scratching his head, chuckles Ehehehe...
Mio: dryly More like it knocks us around and we pretend it was part of the plan.
Shizuka: Still, he's not wrong. After what happened last week… we can't afford to take training lightly anymore.
[A brief silence followed her words. Even with the morning sunlight and cheerful noise, the weight of recent events settled in the room like a shadow behind the laughter.]
Shirou: quietly Yeah… today, we need to push ourselves. Not just for practice—but to be ready. For whatever comes next.
Kei: clicking his controller with a grin Then let's make sure we survive today's training before worrying about tomorrow. First one to drop does dishes tonight.
Mio: You're on.
[Few minutes passed...]
[The light clatter of utensils and the final sizzle from the pan marked the end of Shirou's careful cooking.]
Shirou: wiping his hands on a towel Alright, everyone—lunch is ready.
[Kei instantly paused his game, tossing the controller to the side as if food were the true battle of the day.]
Kei: Finally! I could smell that masterpiece halfway through the match.
Mio: Same here. If you made that honey garlic chicken again, I might forgive you for spawn camping.
Ryokou: half-conscious, eyes barely open ...Food...?
[Shizuka chuckled softly, already pulling out plates and helping Shirou set the table.]
[As everyone gathered around, the dining room filled with chatter, light laughter, and the clinks of plates and cups.]
[The atmosphere, though casual, felt like a moment suspended in time—a breath of calm in the storm they were caught up in.]
[Shirou sat down last, glancing at each of them.]
[His team. His friends.]
[And somewhere deep inside, he knew: this peace wouldn't last forever.]
[But for now—he let it.]
Shirou: smiling faintly Dig in. Let's enjoy this while we can.
[The sound of plates being passed, jokes being exchanged, and chairs shifting into place filled the space.]