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Astraea Cyril Acustica

"Relying on dreams to forget the loneliness, still believing that that person will someday return."

0 · 747 views · located in Friergate City

a character in “Sinner's Circus”, as played by SkyCladSaya06

Description

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"Eh...so this is the new city? Hehe!"




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Name: Astraea Cyril Acustica
"It's a little cold in here though."

Age: 26 (before death)
"It's a little unfortunate but, I just have to accept it."

Gender: Female
"Huh? I am right am I?"

Theme Song: White World - Aoi Eir
"All alone, repeating,it hurts so much that my emotions are collapsing. The white world's seasoned color is green, not fading, with thos big hands it hugs and embraces you closely..."

Side: (Circus/Synchronicity)
"This is the side that harbored me and this is where my loyalty lies until the end."

Role: Chastity
"There is a time and place for everything. No need to rush things, the world eventually finds a way."

Personality: "Chastity can be said to be abstinence from anything interesting. Well, not really, as long as one recognizes the proper limitations." All throughout her life, Astraea wasn't the confrontational type. She prefers to avoid fighting as much as possible and, if in the rare chance she gets into one, she prioritizes getting her, and her allies out alive over defeating the enemy. Fighting not to win, but to not lose instead. The same way the virtue she represents deals with abstinence, she has a rather practical mind, going for needs over desire. In her attempt to avoid a lot of things which is considered bad by social standards, she has become rather recluse over time.

She does have a curious side to her though, seeing awe and wonder in everything that catches her eye. With her dislike for conflict, she tries to resolve most of the issues within their side as quickly as possible. To sum it up, Astraea is a complete paradox of a character.



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Appearance: Astraea takes the form of an elegant young woman with long, white hair and ruby-red eyes. She has an hourglass figure, standing in at 5'9" but only weighing around 54 kg, making her rather light. She usually dresses elegantly, with a blouse and a skirt, thigh-high white boots and black tights.

History: "At the end of the day, there is only one question: Why?"
Before she was turned into an Entity, Astraea had a rather tragic, story. She lived at the time of the explorations and colonization. She fell in love with a young, traveling merchant who came on their shores one day. They were lovers for around five years before they decided to get married. Unknown to her, she also caught the eye of a civil guard, Renato, who grew jealous of the young merchant. On the night before their wedding, several troops stormed in and killed her lover. Astraea managed to escape and tried to get help from the neighbors. The neighbors, too scared to help out of fear of facing the wrath of the guards, refused. Finding no safe haven within town, she ran to the lighthouse in one last ditch to escape. The guards managed to track her down, and Renato thought of taking her chastity and virginity away before killing her. When they reached the top though, Astraea chose to jump, into the raging waters below. Onlookers who were near the lighthouse at the time, claimed to have heard her last words which were "I do not love you!" as she fell. She was resurrected as an Entity a few hundred years later.

During the time of the earlier wars, Astraea found herself in dark waters as battles were waged left and right. Receiving intellect that Circus was camping in a remote forest, their leader, the First Humility rallied them and staged an attack, in an effort to end the war. There, she faced against an Entity with similar powers to herself. Still, Circus fought hard as well, forcing both sides into retreat and a stalemate. They lost a lot of members during that encounter. Having seen the bitterness of war, she decided to just spend the rest of the days hiding, avoiding any form of conflict and contact with the other Entities.

Eventually, her lonely wanderings had brought her back to Friergate City, the spiral and origin of it all...

Insignia: An angelic, feminine figure, holding a scale in one hand, and a sword on the other. It is kept in a locket, which she wears on her wrist.



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Weapons and Abilities:
Overview:
With her dislike for conflict, Astraea's powers are mostly defensive, making her a competent support figure for the main front-line fighters. Her abilities can be used for offense as well. Most of the time, her abilities serve to conceal her, hide her from detection by the other Entities, both Circus and Synchronicity alike.

Her Weapons: Fiber wires - Astraea carries a long strand of wire with her at all times. She manipulates them with her psychic abilities, often used for holding down and immobilizing opponents. She can also have them take a shape in the form of birds or other animals, depending on the length she uses. Whether or not she's aware of its capability to be used as an assassination tool is unknown.

Psychokinesis - Similar to Nozomi Kannagi, Astraea has the power of psychokinesis, the ability to influence matter without direct physical contact. Unlike him though, she uses its applications for defensive purposes. Her most common method of utilization is by forming a powerful field that can repel enemy attacks. Anything within a ten-meter radius will remain unaffected. While Sloth has the stronger power and intensity, Astraea's kinesis has the advantage of range, and the ability to cast it faster. She can do everything he does, albeit weaker but with a wider range.

Deletion - Astraea has the uncanny ability to completely negate her own aura, making it no different from a normal human. This makes her immune to aura detection by Entities. This was how she managed to remain hidden for so long.

The Insight of Virgo and Libra - Compared to her first two abilities, this one is rather hard to utilize and use. Essentially, this is a powerful, spellbinding circle that varies in its effect. As the name implies, it can only be used when either the constellation Virgo or Libra is in the sky. When Virgo is up, the circle immobilizes all enemies within its effective range of five kilometers, preventing them from moving from their spot. When Libra is up, she can fire a large, lunar laser with a magnitude similar to an LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. Both of it requires ten minutes to set up but, Libra needs an additional five minutes to charge before it can fire. Libra puts so much strain on her body that she'll require around two weeks to rest before she can master enough energy to use it again in the future.

Trivia:
  • Her name was taken from Astraea, the Greek Goddess of Justice.
  • The degree of power the barrier holds is rather high. Up to date, her barrier was the only one capable of blocking against a fully charged attack from Akito Hagane, the First Wrath.
  • Due to her consistent wandering off, she usually strays far from where her Catalyst is.
  • Her face claim is Irisviel von Einzbern from Fate/Zero.

So begins...

Astraea Cyril Acustica's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rion Mizorogi Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Masenai Autoro Character Portrait: Robin Kikuchiyo Flynn
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"Leona meet my 7th child Robin Kikuchiyo Flynn. He's a good boy and his bounty hunting puts away bad humans and he usually donates almost all his earnings."

Leona heard Masenai introduce his new Catalyst. From the sounds of it, it seemed that he also has some experience in dealing with their current enemy. "I see. Well, this is Rion Mizorogi, currently my 4th Child. She is a little shy but, she is strong enough to last in battle." Leona also introduced her own Child. Her eyes darted from side to side though as she inspects the area for any sign of familiars or spies. So far, there are none.

"I suggest we split up for the time being. With four of us over here, our auras are more potent than normal. The Circus members may be able to spot us immediately. We'll have to find a meetup point though." Leona thinks about a good spot. Glancing to the other three, she thought of asking for their opinion.

"So, know any places?" She recalled that she still had her darts setup. It may shield them from detection for just a little while longer.




Arriving at the Hyatt Building, Rin immediately went inside to check the surveillance records. The security staff seemed to ignore her as she just gets by them without being checked or apprehended. "Priam must have informed them of my arrival. He acts fast."

Finding no trace on the security cameras and logs, as expected, Rin decided to take matters into her own hands. She asked all of the guards for any person who they initially thought as suspicious. Getting no answer, she then asked if anyone entered the information room on the 56th Floor. One guard admitted to escorting a developer that time of the night. Jotting down the details, she retraced the steps they took to get there.

As she walked down the corridors, she saw most of the families living there. Contrasted to the Hyatt Building's clean and impressive facade, most of the families living there didn't really belong to the upper echelons of society. They were mostly middle-class workers whose daily routine was deeply affected by the recent war. Glancing at some of the open windows, she saw that some of them are still mourning for the loss of their loved ones. A parent was even talking to an empty space, possibly recalling her dead son. Rin shrugged all thoughts away as she entered the computer room.

Nothing was out of the ordinary. Everything was still in its proper order. Checking the files, she found out that most of the records were still accounted for--except for two. Whom they belonged to, she doesn't know. "So, it is true. But the question is how and who? Probably, they don't want us taking note of their activity. I'll need to see if there are any Entities with a strong hatred against this organization." She stopped for a bit. It could still be the work of regular humans but, only Entities have the potential to completely do this without leaving a trace.

Rin went outside near the open convenience stores to grab a drink. Sitting just in front of the building while she guzzled down the beverage, her ears were listening attentively to any sounds that may arise this time of the night. And she wasn't betrayed.

Rustle

Rin immediately jumped at the sound, taking out her M-9 as she looked and listened in attentively. The sound seemed to coming in from the right, near the bushes planted at the sides of the building. Parting some twigs, she checked just behind the concrete chairs where she heard the sound. No one there.

"Hey!" Rin suddenly shouted when she saw a figure slip by her, passing through the adjacent bush. She followed her, switching from knife to handgun in a matter of seconds lest worst comes to worst. But, the girl just kept on running. She took aim as she scanned the intruder's aura but--

"The aura is weak. That may just be a regular human." Rin sighed as she lowered her firearm before heading back to the building. Glancing at the dark sky, she had a very bad feeling about the succeeding days.

"Storm's coming. I better be ready when it does. Besides, unlike the other Entities, I stand alone."



The woman quickly ran, escaping a younger girl who was following her, still keeping her hood up as she maneuvered through the streets. The night was already deep and very few people and vehicles were out. Stopping by to catch her breath, she laughed at her discovery.

"I may be getting a little rusty." The girl laughed as she sat at a park bench, staring at the highlights. The city sure had changed ever since the last time she was here three years ago. She initially thought of breaking into Hyatt and staying at an empty room but, her plans immediately changed when she saw an Entity patrolling there. Her aura reminded her of the Entity Diligence she once worked with in the past. Taking a good look at the park she was at, she found it to be quite pretty. A fountain, a small pond and the minimum of very bright streetlights. Most of the areas were illuminated by moon and starlight alone, making the place ideal for a date. "Well, I'd rather sleep with a roof over my head but, this park is very beautiful too."

Checking the park for any intruder or anybody who might intend to do her harm, she decided to stay there for the night as she didn't have any other place to go. Without taking off her hooded, white cloak, she laid down on the bench as she resigned herself for the night.

Compared to what she's been sleeping at in the neighboring cities, the cool and open park was heaven to the Entity named Astraea...

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rion Mizorogi Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Masenai Autoro Character Portrait: Robin Kikuchiyo Flynn Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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"U-Um, there are a lot of apartments in Friergate, and I can't guarantee that they all have people living within them...so, um, I agree with Robin."
Rion squeaked a bit before that statement, noticing that Robin was looking at her for ideas. The problem was, how were they going to find an abandoned one amongst the busy districts of Friergate? She wanted to point it out but she would have contradicted herself, so she glanced around the group to see if anyone knew.





A punch wasn't a good way to wake someone up.
It probably was the most horrible idea to wake someone up.
But it's what Kaito suffered as he awoke from a dream- Apparently, he had been suffering a bad one and his hand seemed to move automatically and brought itself down, hard, on his chest. He groaned, looking up with blurred eyes from sleep. "Ah, no good, I'll be late..." He muttered to himself as he got up, stumbling his way to the showers to freshen up. After a few minutes, he was already walking out, letting the wind blow through his silvery blue hair. Now, on the way to the coffee shop he worked at, he had to pass through a park- boy, he didn't expect that.
There was a girl, sleeping on a bench. Kaito figured that she was...homeless? Maybe. If the hood and the fact that she was sleeping on a bench of all places didn't give it away, he didn't know what else did. "Although, sleeping outside in a city like this isn't exactly the best thing to do..." He sighed as he remembered the noble's words. Glancing at his watch, he guessed he could spare her a few minutes...Walking over, Kaito cautiously raised a hand, lightly shaking the girl. "Um, Miss? Are you alright?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Morrigan Luna Grey Character Portrait: Rion Mizorogi Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Nozomi Kannagi Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent
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"The young ones have a point. It might not take a lot of guessing on the part of Circus to narrow down our usual meet-up spots." Leona echoes Robin and her Child's statements. Thinking for a place as well, she thought of the suburban area where she lived. Taking note that her spell was still in effect, she continued.

"If I may, I suggest we meetup at the Bishop's Park in the subdivision me and Rion live in. The amount of tourist traffic there is particularly high, which may help us conceal our presence." She glanced at her Child, unsure if Rion knows the logic behind it. Nevertheless, she continued. "All living creatures have what we call an aura. The difference is, Entities and Catalysts emit them at a higher frequency than normal humans and animals, making us easy to spot among our own kind. If we hide it out in a place with a high population density, the combined aura of the people around the place will mask our own, making us harder to notice. Besides, with the war's confidentiality taking top priority, I doubt that most Circus members will have it in their minds to attack an open public space."

She recalled the First Wrath though. Unlike others, he made no effort to conceal himself, confident enough to attack open spaces. "I just hope that there are no more eccentric members like the First Wrath left among Circus..."




Rin let the day pass by while she stayed, trying to figure out the mystery behind the Hyatt Building. As soon as she woke up though, she immediately got a new message from Izumi, telling her of a new mission assigned by Priam.
"You guys are really abusing my return to the organization...still, it's not everyday that I get tons of missions assigned to me in one day." Opening up the encrypted message, she saw a word file containing her instructions as well as a news clipping, taken just recently.

Notorious serial killer strikes again! This time, the victim was a middle-aged man, allegedly reported to be a wife beater. As usual, no witnesses and no evidence was uncovered at the scene of the crime.

Rin looked up some more records relating to the incident. Apparently, someone was killing some very disloyal men by the dozen, making some intricate poems and prose with their own blood. The messages seem to be random but one particular passage concerned her.

"Come and get me Synchronicity~ I'll be waiting."

"There is no doubt about it, this is the work of an Entity. But the question is who and why? And more importantly, how do I catch him? Or her?" Rin laid back again on the bed in her room as she thought about the case some more. "For starters, I'll need to see the bodies, I guess. That may give me a clue as to what kind of enemy am I headed to face."



"Um, Miss? Are you alright?"
Astraea slowly woke up as she became aware of a man's presence beside her. Slowly, she stood up, still not removing her hood as she regained her bearings. "Oh right, I fell asleep here last night..." As soon as her eyes adjusted, she felt the man's aura. Its intensity was different--so different from all other humans she interacted with.

"An Entity? In a place like this? But this aura--no doubt, this one's from our side." She calmed down after sensing that he was from Synchronicity. Still, she chose to keep her aura masked, still wanting to avoid getting involved with any fighting for now.

"Yes, I'm very much alright, thanks for asking. I merely thought that sleeping in such a beautiful park like this was better compared to sleeping within the cold confines of the alleyways. Friergate sure has a lot of beautiful parks like this one." She exclaimed as she slowly stood up. "Well then, thanks for waking me up young man. I seem to remember having business elsewhere--"

Grumble

Astraea wwas surprised as her stomach made an all too familiar noise. She realized she hadn't eaten in days. "Oh I'm sorry! If you don't mind, can you point me to the nearest drinking fountain? I do not have any currency with me to afford the bottled commodities." She turned to the man, hoping she wasn't becoming too much of a bother.




"As of this moment, several hate sites popped up, each filled with deranged lovers making a request to this unknown serial killer, asking for favors such as killing a person that cheated on them--"

Nozomi immediately shut off the TV as soon as he heard of the news broadcast. Typical of people to get riled up over the acts of a serial killer. What's more troubling is the fact that many of these estranged teenagers seem to view this as some kind of arbitrary justice, jumping in on the hate wagon.
"Ah! You're going out today?" Fumina was legitimately surprised when she saw Nozomi put on his coat and scarf as he prepared to go outside.
"Yes. I felt like taking a change of pace for once." Taking two crows with him, he headed out, much to the glee of his anchor. He took a bus, getting off once he reached the red light district. Of course, he refused to pay, using his hypnosis to bypass the conductor once again. Walking around, he headed to the scene where one of the most recent killing was done, all surrounded by police lines and angsty, emo teenagers.
"Not surprised here. Someone who does it that way is bound to get a lot of attention." Glancing around, his eyes fixed on the message written in blood.
"Alistair, you may want to see this." He took out one of his familiars as he headed to a part in the street where no one would see him. Providing an image of the scene, he had it take off, flying towards the Sky Castle. Glancing around the streets, he looked if anyone was suspicious enough to observe. He espied a white-haired girl decked in all white, walking around, seemingly reveling in the frantic looks of the surrounding people.
"Synchronicity? No, this aura--damn it! I can't tell properly thanks to all these people! For all I know, she may just be another passerby. Nevertheless--" He took out the last of the familiars and sent it to observe the girl in white. He didn't know what it was that got his attention but, it may be due to the fact that both Yuria and the Yuria look-alike he saw the other day had white hair as well.
"Approaching is too risky. You'll serve as my eyes for now." As the familiar took off to follow the girl, Nozomi entered a nearby book rental, renting a book as he observed the girl's movements through the raven's eyes as it soared in the air.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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#, as written by chrian.
"Well, let's go back", Kyo stood up, "just laying around here isn't going to give us any thoughts about what to do from here."

"Yeah, I agree", Miruka yawned and got on his feet, "say, do you want to have a swim? It's been a little too hot recently."

"Oh come now", Kyo growled, "you said that because you clearly know that I'm never going to beat you in that, do you?"

"Hehe, it's the only thing I'm good at anyway", Miruka grinned, "so, wanna come?"

Kyo shrugged, "I guess there aren't anything for me to do anyway and Hikari won't be back until late afternoon. So yeah, I'm coming", Kyo giggled.

"That's the spirit. Let's go", Miruka gleefully said and both of them began to make their way to a swimming pool nearby. But just as they were walking, they heard people on the street were fussing something about a serial-killer who kill anyone who betrayed the ones that loved them or having affairs on their back, while some of the teenagers are talking something about a requesting website suggesting targets for killer to kill certain people. And finally, a big TV screen on a building broadcasting about that killer caught their attention.

Both of them then stopped, Kyo turned to Miruka, "This seems suspicious. Mass murder isn't something that is rare in this city, but I think there's something fishy about the "kill anyone who betrayed their lovers trust" part."

Miruka nodded, "I agree. We should considering look into this, it might have something to involve with the Circus."

Then they continued to walk, trying to act as normal as they could. Though they wouldn't worry too much about being found since Kyo is wearing his aura-hinder scarf and he has also enhanced Miruka's necklace earlier so that it'll have the same effect and it won't wear off until the end of this day. On their ways, they came across with a park. But suddenly, Miruka stopped and looked into the park's ground as if he regconized someone there.

Kyo turned his back, "Hey, what happened?"

"That woman with white hair looks familiar", Miruka said as he watched the woman with white hair sitting on a bench in the park, next to her is a man with silvery blue hair who seems to be as tall as him and they were talking to each other. "Let's go and have a closer look."

Kyo nodded and both of them slowly approached the two. When Miruka have a more clearer look at her face, he finally regconized who she is. But the man standing next to her also caught both of their attention because of the aura he was radiating. Kyo was expecting the woman to be an Entity, but he found out that her aura was the same like a normal human, in contrast with the intense aura of the man. "Maybe she is just some of Miruka's acquaintances?", Kyo thought.

"Astraea-oneesan?", Miruka walked up and asked the woman with a smile, gaining her attention, "wow, I never thought that you'd turn up here. Do you remember me?"




A day at school seemed to quickly passing and it was on the edge of twilight now. The sunset began to set and the whole scenery is covered with an orange color. All of the students seemed to have returned to their homes now, except for Hajime who has duty to do the chore today and Hikari who was practicing on the school's ground with his team.

Hajime sighed in relief and swept the sweat on his forehead after he has finished sweeping the floor, "That should do it. Now let's see if Hikari-san has finished practicing or not", he thought as he put the sweeping broom and the basket to their place. He then grabbed his school bag and got out of the classroom and closed the door.

He was walking to the end of the hall where the stairs situated, but suddenly, someone was running on the opposite side of him and bumped into him. Both of them landed on the ground. "Ow", Hajime frowned and grumbled as he rubbed his back. He set his eyes and see who was the one bumped into him.

"Mika-san?", Hajime realized that it was the girl who was being bullied in his class, Mika Iriai, "why are you running like that? Did you forget something?", he asked gently.

He then stood up and reached out his hand to help her stand up, he picked up her school bag. "Here", Hajime swept away the dust and gave it to Mika, "be careful, okay? Have a nice evening", he smiled brightly and waved goodbye to the girl. Most of everyone in his class treated her like a freak, except for him and Hikari since they detest bullying. Hajime sees her just as normal as everyone and wanted to befriend with her, but he didn't find any chances to approach her since both of them are, kind of shy.

When he got to the first floor, he saw that Hikari has finished his practice and he was putting his shoes into his locker. "Hey, finished yet?", Hajime smiled and said out loud as he walked to his friend.

"Yeah, I'm done. Ready to go?", Hikari grinned and said. Hajime nodded and both of them went out of the school and made their ways to the coffee shop they usually hang out.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Serpent of Envy Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Nozomi Kannagi Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu
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"Yes, I'm very much alright, thanks for asking. I merely thought that sleeping in such a beautiful park like this was better compared to sleeping within the cold confines of the alleyways. Friergate sure has a lot of beautiful parks like this one."

"Hm...yes, I'll agree on the fact with Friergate's parks, but Miss, it's a bit dangerous to be sleeping outside, what with Friergate's crime rate." Kaito pointed out, but smiled nevertheless. As the woman was standing up, he heard the growl from her stomach and couldn't help but stifle a small laugh in his throat.

"Oh I'm sorry! If you don't mind, can you point me to the nearest drinking fountain? I do not have any currency with me to afford the bottled commodities."

"Miss, are you sure water will keep you sustained? If you want, I'll take you to the coffee shop I work at- Ah, only if you want to though." Kaito offered as he heard her mention the drinking fountain. He was a bit worried for her- Homeless, sleeping outside, and she only sustained herself with water. He felt...pity for her. But neither of them managed to say anything as two boys came up to them.

"Astraea-oneesan?"

The name made Kaito blink. He was a second-generation Virtue...the Second Chastity? Was this woman the Second Chastity? He turned to look at the boys before he glanced back at the woman. He didn't interact much with Chastity in the Second Wars- he heard that she might be in hiding- while he was providing support for the other Virtues. He turned to look at the other two- a blue-haired boy just three inches taller than him, and an olive-haired one just as tall as him. Nevertheless, Kaito felt suspicious. They mentioned the name of the Second Chastity, and...he felt his knightly nature kick in as he reached over. "Miss, can I talk to you privately for a second?" He gently took the girl's hand as he turned away and started to walk away briskly. "I'll point you to a drinking fountain I know around these parts..." The only reason Kaito started to drag her away was that he felt suspicious. They knew her name- Who knew if they were Circus members?

Finally, he reached the coffee shop he worked at and let go, sighing. "Sorry Miss...it was an instinct." He apologized.





Alistair was resting in the Sky Castle when he heard the caw of a raven. He sat up from the couch, turning his tired gaze to a raven- Nozomi's raven. He frowned a bit- If Nozomi sent something up to the Sky Castle then something had definitely been discovered. He walked over and viewed the camera attached to the raven. There was a man, dead, with a poem detailing his sins of being a wife beater and disloyalty. He thought for a bit, frowning. "Come to think of it, there was a man who was killed with the message calling out Synchronicity written in his blood..."

Nodding, he turned around to deliver a message to a few Sins he knew. "Someone has to aid Nozomi in his investigation." He explained, sending the message to Lionel. The Entity of Greed's reply came almost immediately after he sent it. "I'm busy. You wanted me to check up on that school where your owl picked up faint auras, remember? You're just holding me on standby because you needed someone to go with me so we didn't look too obvious." Alistair sighed, remembering the command towards Lionel. Finally, he turned to the girl on the couch adjacent to his. Turquoise eyes glared back at him. "...This is it? You're sending me out to work with that guy? We're both lazy as hell." Alistair kept his stern stare on the girl before Serpent threw up her hands in surrender, getting up.

"Okay, okay, I'll go. Fine. It's always little ol' third generation Serpent anyway." She groaned as she started to move away from the couch. Just then, Lionel came in through the portal and nodded to Alistair. "You called?" "Yes. I need you both to go on missions." The Catalyst of Pride turned away. "Wait here."

As they watched Alistair's retreating back, Serpent turned to Lionel. "Slave driver..." "That's Alistair for you." "What's that Nozomi guy like anyway?" "Someone you'd really expect to be Sloth." Serpent just sighed and gave up on trying to talk to the Entity of Greed.





Unknown to the two Entities awaiting, Alistair went into the lower dungeons. He progressed through until he reached a particular cell, which he unlocked and stepped into. It was dark inside, the walls padded, and the hisses of snakes sounding all around the place. He frowned as one brushed past his leg- It was like the cell in an mental asylum. Mostly because of the man grinning and laughing in the center of the room, his arms bound by the straitjacket he was in. "Erebus." He called out, but before he could ask anything else, the voice cut him off. "Ah...the snakes can't wait, Alistair. They want their mother soon...it's hard being a father when your wife is always out and about, don't you know?" Erebus snickered, looking at the Catalyst of Pride with his gleaming eyes.

"That's exactly why I'm here. Envy is in the study- She's going on a mission soon." Almost like a child, Erebus suddenly jumped to his feet without the use of his arms. "Really now?! Am I to join her?!" "I'll explain more as we come up. Come with me." Alistair beckoned as he turned around and started walking. Erebus followed eagerly, around seven snakes following him closely behind. As they reached the room Serpent and Lionel were in, he shut his eyes to block out the light a bit.

Serpent noticeably paled as she noticed Erebus. "Don't tell me he's coming along..." She said, glaring at Alistair. Her glare softened a bit as the snakes naturally rushed to her. Alistair shook his head as he untied Erebus's bindings and watched as the Entity of Gluttony threw off the white shirt. "No. Only the snakes are coming with you. Erebus will join Lionel in checking that school." Erebus frowned a bit, but started to snicker. "Oh boy..." Lionel sighed, exasperated. "No problem, Alistair. Although you could have called me at a mission where I can...devour things." "Next time, Erebus. Next time." Erebus stretched as he started to walk to Lionel's side, placing his cold hand on Serpent's shoulder and whispering. "Maybe when we get back?" "In your dreams." The Entity of Envy rolled her eyes. Alistair nodded at the three.

"You understand your mission?" "Yes." "Yeah, sort of." "Whatever..." Alistair just sighed at the two snake-controllers' reactions to his question. "I'll keep in touch with all of you through telepathy. Well then, I wish you...good luck."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu
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"Astraea-oneesan? Wow, I never thought that you'd turn up here. Do you remember me?"

Astraea was somehow astonished at the sudden turn of events. One second, she was just about to leave and the next, she was immediately surrounded by two more guys, totaling three that were surrounding her. She recognized the voice that called her by name but, not the face though. Unfortunately, lonely years of wandering somehow affected her memory.
"That voice...it belonged to Kindness, Miruka. But--did he always look like that? He seemed a bit--jagged?" Before she could speak out though, the man earlier suddenly dragged her away, preventing any other form of further interaction.
"So sorry young man, you may have mistaken me for somebody else. Have a nice day though!" She called out to the two while her voice could still be heard. She also felt suspicious though. If he was indeed the Entity Kindness she knew, then who was the guy with him? Did Miruka compromise their cover by revealing their existence to that blue-haired passerby? She wanted to ask him herself but before she knew it, they had arrived at a coffee shop around the district.

"Sorry Miss...it was an instinct."

Astraea sighed. She always found it hard to deal with boys and their "instincts". Still, this man was from Synchronicity but, she wondered why he didn't recognize Miruka, her old ally. His aura was rather old, reminiscent of hers, the last of the Second Generations. Calmly, she proceeded to speak.
"I understand but please, avoid dragging any more women in the future like that. They may be kind-hearted people like you and, a simple talking through usually clears up lots of problems. The light of the human heart hasn't disappeared just yet." She told him as she surveyed the shop. "This shop looks too posh. Are you certain there is a free drinking service here? I'm severely lacking in funds as you may see." Astraea asked the Entity. She wondered about Miruka though but, her growling stomach suggested otherwise.

She wasn't sure if she's ready to go back to the front lines anyway. Still, if Miruka was here then, maybe her old allies were in the city as well?




"U-uh, n-no, t-thank you..." Mika thanked Hajime as she grabbed the things she dropped while running. She was trying to avoid the other girls who were looking for her when she accidentally bumped into him. It's a good thing Akito was asleep though, otherwise he may have mentioned some other things that will only hurt her feelings. After getting her things, she walked away, without looking back, slightly blushing at the thought that he reached out his hand to help her.

"Aki-san mustn't know that I messed up another chance to find some facts about this boy!" She didn't realize she was walking faster than usual that when she reached the gates, she was almost out of breath. Coughing and wheezing, she took out her packed water bottle and took a sip. Regaining her composure, she headed to Willow's Square, the shopping plaza near their school. It had a lot of things: A karaoke, where most of the girls hang out. A manga cafe and arcade for the boys, a club, a nice coffee shop, a fashion store and various dining establishments. She took her time walking around. These short moments of mental freedom was treasure for Mika. She made her way to the bookstore, browsing through the occult section. As she was about to head into the next shelf, another girl almost bumped into her. She was able to dodge her but she apologized nonetheless.

"Ah, sorry." She muttered without even looking up as she exited the store. She mildly blushed at this. After having been bullied for a long time, she feels this way to anyone who offers her even the least bit of kindness. Even if it was another girl. "What are you getting flustered about? If small acts like that are enough to get you all riled up, what more if you get a present or something?" She immediately shook her head in protest. "Whatever. You haven't forgotten why you came here didn't you?"

"No, not at all." Sighing, she put down the book she was holding. It was a big book about potions and other spells. Akito noticed this and that his host was nearing the brink of tears. "Geez Mika, why bother with those books when you can ask me? The legit thing? Fine, you can have it. But please, do not compromise our "budget"." Mika smiled and mentally thanked Akito as she purchased the book. Making her way outside, she seemed to have spotted the two boys she was tasked to observe head inside the coffee shop. She wanted to come closer to properly thank Hajime but, a nudge from Akito made her think otherwise.

After her trip to the store, she headed into the top section of the strip mall, where hobby shops are located. She went inside the most unexpected shop for a girl like her to visit. She was now inside a store dedicated to hunting equipment. What it was doing here, she doesn't know. But, the school doesn't really have any jurisdiction on the mall so--
"Yes, may I help you?" A nice, big clerk asked her.
"U-umm...I-I'm h-here to pick up an order by Akito Hagane? I-I'm his n-niece..." Mika stuttered badly as she wasn't sure if the man will believe her. Surprisingly, he gave her a sly smile as he led her around the back. Taking out a black box, he opened the case to reveal the contents. It was a jet-black FN Five-SeveN.
"Akito sure hasn't ordered for some time. I figured since he had gotten weak, he might need a little assistance. This gun has already been fine tuned to the specs he asked for. I also prepared the rounds for it." He placed three magazines worth of 5.7x28 mm cartridges. "This man is a Circus sympathizer. I usually get my weapons from him when I was still learning to control my powers. If there is any other weapon you want, just ask him." Sensing a bit of confusion from the girl, he supposed he should explain further. "Ah, right. I made the preparations when I took over your body a month ago. That's why you have nothing else to explain aside from my name. Go on, take it and replace that stupid kitchen knife on your thigh."

After all was done, she went out of the shop and headed home, walking on foot out of fear that the metal detectors on the bus and vehicles might be set off. Arriving at her room, she loaded the firearm and held it in her hands. Thoughts of blood and killing rushed into her head as she recalled the scene three years ago. Unable to bear it, she ran to the bathroom and threw up, emptying herself of everything she's eaten--which was almost nothing.

"Oh boy, this might be a little more complicated than I thought..."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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#, as written by chrian.
When Miruka asked, the woman turned around and looked at him with confusing eyes. It seems that somehow she did regconize him, although she still have some suspicions about Miruka. Well, it has been a long time and everyone changed, right? And even though Miruka stayed the same on the inside, he has changed so much on the outside that pretty much no one realize him anymore, except for Kyo who has been growing up with him.

"Oh, I guess maybe it's because I've changed quite a bit?", Miruka smiled, "It's me, Mi-"

Before Miruka could finished his sentence, the tall man interrupted and took Astraea away before Miruka could realize. "So sorry young man, you may have mistaken me for somebody else. Have a nice day though!", she said out loud so that Miruka and Kyo could hear before she and the man was nowhere to be seen in the crowd.

"Wait!", Miruka shouted, but there were no one answering him. He stared at the crowd for a bit. "She is definitely Astraea-oneesan, there's no doubt about it. But who is that man?", he thought.

"Hey", Kyo walked to him and patted him on his shoulder, "could you explain to me what's going on here?"

Miruka turned to his friend and sighed, "That woman is Astraea Cyril Acustica, the Second Chastity", he answered, "I used to fight alongside her in the Second War after I've became an Entity. Though it seems that she didn't realize me because it has been so long."

"She's an Entity?", Kyo questioned, "so why did her aura is just as the same like a normal person?"

"It is one of her abilities. She can hinder her aura so that she could staying undercover, like you, Kyo-chin. Though her ability is somewhat more perfect. And because you're wearing that scarf, I guess she couldn't felt your aura too."

Kyo looked at his scarf and then turned to Miruka, "I see... Well, it is a good sign don't you think? You said that she'd be the one that unite us, right?", Miruka nodded, "and the man, do you know who he is? His aura seemed to be quite old though not as old as you so I guess that he's also an Entity belonged to the previous generations."

"Yeah, he seems strong, I must say", Miruka frowned as he moved his hand to his chin and thought, "according to his aura, he's probably on our side too so there's nothing to worry. He seemed a little familiar though. Oh well", Miruka stretched his arms, "maybe I'll remember who that guy is after a good swim. Coming?"

Kyo shrugged, "I'm always with you. Well, what are we waiting for? The last one got to the swimming pool is the young buffalo", Kyo grinned as he began to run.

"Not that fast", Miruka laughed and run after Kyo, feeling as if they are becoming children again.




Hikari and Hajime walking on the street while talking and laughing with each other. Yeah, they knew that the storm is about to come, but they're the Children after all, and literally, they deserved to live innocently for some while, right? After walking for a while, they reached the coffee shop. But before Hajime entered, he saw that Mika was stepping out from a book shop across the street. She seemed to be in a hurry though. He waved to her, but it seems that she didn't see him and quickly went into the crowd. Hajime sighed and went into the coffee shop, which is also the place that his Entity is currently working.

The moment he stepped in, he didn't see Kaito around. "Weird, where did he go? Shouldn't it be his shift by now?", Hajime thought while looking at the watch. Then he and Hikari sat at a table in the corner of the coffee shop. A waitress came and took their orders. Before she left, Hajime asked, "Uh, can I ask where Kaito-san is? Isn't it his shift by now?"

"Oh, Tsukuyomi-san? He said he would be late a little bit but I think he should turn up soon", the waitress replied.

"Thanks, miss", Hajime smiled and the woman bowed to them politely before went to another table. A moment later, their drinks were brought to them and they took a sip at their own drinks before speaking up.

"There's something I want to ask you..."

"I want to ask you something..."

"Ergh...", Hajime blushed a bit before turned to his side and Hikari also do the same. It seems that this subject is harder to speak out than they thought. Hajime looked around to see if there are anyone suspicious and when he felt that there are no other particular aura rather than his and Hikari's, he turned to his best buddy, took a deep breath and said with a small voice so that only both of them could hear.

"Are you someone's catalyst?", Hajime asked. Even though Hikari has prepared for this, he was still surprised. He couldn't believe that his best friend is also a catalyst. Tried to keep calm as much as possible, Hikari nodded, "Y-Yes, I am a Child. So you too...?"

Hajime sighed in relief, it seems that he wouldn't have to worry about anything for now. He replied to Hikari, "Yeah, I'm also a Child, like you. Wow, I can't believe that we aren't just best bros forever, we're also allies on the same side", he grinned.

"I couldn't believe it either", Hikari giggled, "so, how have you been a Child? And whose Child are you?"

"Well, remember when I talked about when I was being found by my aunt and have my own apartment before I went to school?", Hajime said, although he don't want to remember back then anymore, he knows he could share everything with his best friend, "I went back to find Kaito-san and he offered me to become his Child, which I accepted and I've been a catalyst since then."

Hikari was pretty surprised to hear that, "So he is...?"

"Kaito-san is Temperance. Which means that I'm the Child of Temperance. Surprise?", Hajime playfully said, "and you? Ever since I met you, your aura is still like a normal person, until this morning, so you've just became a Child recently, right?", Hikari nodded, "so who is your Entity? And how did you became his or her Child?"

"Well", Hikari blushed a bit when he remembered back to two nights ago, "I was returning from my work at the diner, you see. And I was cornered by a group of thugs and almost being killed. Then a man turned up and rescue me, I asked him how could I repay him and he revealed himself to be the Virtue of Humility and offered me to become his Child. That's what happened."

"I see", Hajime was quite astonished by Hikari's story, "it seems that both of us are in-debts with our own Entities in some ways."

"I know, right?", Hikari grinned. They continued to talked while enjoying their drinks. A while later, the coffee shop's entrance opened and a man walked in. Hajime could immediately realized the familiar aura, and it was no one other than his Entity, but it seems that he is going with a woman dresses in white.

"Hey, Kaito-san", Hajime gleefully waved to Kaito in order to gain his attention.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Morrigan Luna Grey Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Serpent of Envy Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Nozomi Kannagi Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica
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"I understand but please, avoid dragging any more women in the future like that. They may be kind-hearted people like you and, a simple talking through usually clears up lots of problems. The light of the human heart hasn't disappeared just yet."

Kaito scratched the back of his neck, smiling a bit sheepishly. Sometimes, he figured, he had to think a bit and not jump to conclusions. Well, he couldn't afford to get angry- He was the one in the wrong side anyway. "Aha...sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." He apologized again, then quited down as the woman began to speak again.

"This shop looks too posh. Are you certain there is a free drinking service here? I'm severely lacking in funds as you may see."

"No, don't worry about that, Miss...I'll take care of everything." He assured her as he gently led her in, following just behind. Just then, he heard someone call out.

"Hey, Kaito-san!"

Turning to the familiar voice, he noticed his Child waving to him and sighed in relief. That was one problem off the rack for Entity of Temperance. He led the woman with him over to Hajime and his friend. "Glad to see you here, Hajime. Say, you don't mind sharing tables with another customer, right?" Once Kaito was given the green light, he waited for the girl to sit before he turned around. "I'll get right back to you, Miss! Don't worry, it's on me!" He called before disappearing into the area for employees, sighing.

"Oh boy...Tsubaki, I'll pay you back in the next life at this rate..." He thought to himself, before changing into his uniform to approach the table of the three again.





Serpent darted through the tunnels in her snake form, letting the seven snake familiars slither along with her as she continued to travel, looking for the Nozomi person's aura. Then she abruptly stopped- sensing something here. She turned to the familiars. "Don't come out unless I tell you to, alright?" She commanded before emerging and quickly shifting into her human form. She glanced around the area- it seemed that she was in the red-light district, where the killing had occurred-"And...Sloth's gone. Ugh." Serpent thought glumly to herself.

"Serpent. Can you hear me?" She heard Alistaur's voice echo in her mind as he sent a telepathic message. She rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I'm in the area where the killing had happened. Hopefully nothing bad happens in this little investigation." She thought back at him, starting to walk around.

On Erebus and Lionel's side though, Lionel stopped from his careful investigation of any auras at the area when he got a message from Nozomi.

"I've now confirmed that the white-haired girl I followed is the Entity Lust. Whether or not she's connected to the killings is still unknown. I'll continue to linger around here until you guys can send in a replacement."

"Alright. Alistair sent Serpent out as a replacement earlier- I'll just send the news to her." Lionel thought back at him, then sighed. Erebus raised an eyebrow at him. "Change of plans in the investigation?" "Only on Serpent's side. Otherwise our mission remains the same." Lionel replied to the much taller man as he quickly formed up a message to send to the Entity of Envy. "Change of plans. Get out of there- You'll he dealing with the Entity of Lust."

Back with Serpent, the girl groaned at the news received from Lionel. "You're sending me, Envy, to deal with someone who inflicts natural jealousy among women?!" "Yes." Serpent just sighed and started to move away, glaring and muttering as she shoved her hands into the pockets of her skirt. She heard a call from Alistair again. "No need to rage. You're just picking up a comrade." "Quiet. Ugh, if I run into that girl again, this day will be complete hell."

"Girl?" "You know, little miss neko and her best friend the Model 686--" Serpent froze mid-statement as she noticed that familiar, pale blue-haired girl who claimed to be a cat. The same person she was talking about. She let out a sigh of exasperation.
"How can this day be any more hellish...?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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#, as written by chrian.
"Splash!" Miruka grinned as he splashed the water into Kyo's face. "Take this," Kyo laughed playfully and splashed back at his friend. After some while chasing each other on the street, they made it to the swimming pool and now they're having some quality time together after they've swum some laps around the pool and the winner is, well, Miruka.

The afternoon's sun shining gently. Kyo leaned himself against the edge of the pool as the water gently tapped into his naked-torso, he closed his eyes and tried to relax. Miruka let himself floated on the water and looked up into the blue sky. They seemed relaxing. Yeah, the war is coming, they know that, but before that, it's better to stay calm and try to clear their mind, isn't it? Until their side united and they felt that they're ready to step into the front lines, they knew that they won't be able to make any major steps against the Circus

"Ah, feel good," Kyo said, "it's been a long while."

"I know, right?" Miruka answered, he then stood up and went to Kyo. As he moved, he saw that there are some girls were looking at him and smiling shyly, though it seems that they don't really dare to come and flirt with him. Miruka winked at them and leaned at the edge, next to Kyo. "Well, what do we got here? A tall, muscular guys who always seems to caught girls' hearts at first sight," Kyo said playfully, "looks like you're still the center of attention wherever you go, Miru-kun."

"Nah, don't talk about it," Miruka laughed, "it's a pain rather than something that I'd be proud about."

"So, have you remember who that guy is?", Kyo asked.

"Yeah," Miruka nodded, "if I remember correctly, then his name is Kaito Tsukuyomi, the Second Temperance."

"The Second Temperance, huh?" Kyo said and moved his hand to his chin, "so why didn't he realize you?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's forgot about me, it's been quite long since the last war, remember?" Miruka replied, "I don't really remember but I think I fought with him after my father was killed but I haven't became an Entity yet. That's what I can remember. I don't know how was he after I'm dead and became an Entity though."

"If he is truly Temperance, then it means that all the Virtues on our side had arrived," Kyo looked up, "maybe it's time. We have to stand up."

Miruka nodded, "Though the Circus haven't been making any major steps against us yet, we still need to be prepare for whatever they're going to throw at us, and we definitely have to look into the serial-killer case."

"I agree," Kyo said as he stepped up from the pool, his hair is still wet so it is kinda messy and water streamed all over his body, then he turned to Miruka, "Hikari should be back by now. We should return. I hope that he was not being followed."

"Don't worry, he can take care of himself," Miruka jumped onto the ground, "Let's go and dry ourselves." He said and they made their ways to the changing room.

After they've dried themselves and got dressed, they went out from the pool's entrance and soon they were in the middle of the crowd. As they were walking, Kyo moved his middle finger onto his temple to find his Child's location.

"Hikari? Can you hear me?" Kyo asked in his mind through their connection.

"Oniisan? It's that you?" the Child asked.

Kyo sighed in relief, it seems that he wasn't too far from where they're going, "Yeah, it's me, where are you?"

"I'm at a coffee shop with my friend. I gave you the spare keys, right? Can you go back to my apartment by yourself?"

"Would you mind if I came there?"

"No, it's fine," Hikari giggled, "there's someone I want to introduce you by the way."

"Okay, Miruka and I will be there in 10 minutes." Kyo smiled and said.

"Where is Hikari-san?" Miruka asked. "He is in a coffee shop with his friend, it seems that there's someone that he wants me to meet."

"I wonder who," Miruka grinned. Then they went to the coffee shop where Hikari was. "Wow, he usually hang out at a posh coffee shop like this?" Miruka said while looking at the entrance. "Okay, what are we waiting for?" Miruka smiled and both of them get in. And they wouldn't expect in a million year that the people that they came across earlier are also inside too.




After Hajime called for Kaito, he and the woman went to their table. "Glad to see you here, Hajime. Say, you don't mind sharing tables with another customer, right?" Kaito asked.

"Sure, why not?" Hajime grinned. He is always happy to see his Entity.

With that, Kaito then went to the employees' area. "Well, please help yourself Miss," Hajime smiled and said to the woman. He gave a quick glance at her. She is somewhat elegant and looks really nice. "She and Kaito-san might be a perfect match..." he thought and giggled playfully to himself.

"Miss," Hajime spoke up to gain her attention, "are you one of Kaito-san's friend? I don't remember meeting you before, but nice to meet you though. I'm Hajime."

Then he realized that his friend was thinking something, "Hey, what's up Hikari-san?" he asked.

"Oh, it's nothing," Hikari giggled then turned to the woman, "I'm Hikari, nice to meet you."

A moment later, Kaito went back to them after he has changed to his uniform. But at the same time, the entrance of the coffee shop opened and two young men stepped in. And the first thing that caught their sight is the four at the table in the corner of the shop.

"Hey Kyo-oniisan, over here," Hikari waved to them. Both of them stood there and looking at each other a bit then eventually went to the table. Kaito seemed to still be cautious of them though.

"It's okay, there's no need to be so tense like that, Tsukuyomi-san. If I'm from the Circus, I wouldn't address her as oneesan, anyway." Miruka smiled gently then turned to Astraea, "I think we did have a connection for keep bumping into each other like that. I'm sorry for not be able to speak with you properly earlier. It's me, Miruka the Second Kindness. Long time no see, Astraea-oneesan."

Kyo then moved and stood next to Miruka, he then put off his scarf, allowed his aura to radiate again, "And I'm sorry that you didn't realize us just because you can't feel our aura. I also have ability like you too, though it wasn't as perfect as you. My name is Kyori Akiharu, the Third Humility. Pleasure to meet you." Kyo said and bowed gracefully then he put on his scarf back.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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"Miss, are you one of Kaito-san's friend? I don't remember meeting you before, but nice to meet you though. I'm Hajime."
"I'm Hikari, nice to meet you."

As the two boys introduced themselves, Astraea nodded and acknowledged their introduction. As she was about to introduce herself, both Miruka and the man from earlier came into the shop.

"I think we did have a connection for keep bumping into each other like that. I'm sorry for not be able to speak with you properly earlier. It's me, Miruka the Second Kindness. Long time no see, Astraea-oneesan."

"And I'm sorry that you didn't realize us just because you can't feel our aura. I also have ability like you too, though it wasn't as perfect as you. My name is Kyori Akiharu, the Third Humility. Pleasure to meet you."

"Now it makes sense..." Astraea took a sip from her drink and introduced herself formally. She didn't really like it but, there's no use in hiding now. "I suppose Kindness had already said enough but, allow me to introduce myself then. I am Astraea Cyril Acustica, the Second Entity of Chastity called to participate in this war."

She glanced at Kyo and noticed that he took off the scarf. "Don't take it off just yet Kyo. As the one endowed with the lead position, your aura is very intense; easy to spot. You might give your position away." She addressed him nicely, informing him of the danger of having your aura radiating at all times. She turned to the other Entity, the one who took her there and smiled.

"You don't have to be too wary anymore. These people are allies." Astraea urged him to sit down and discuss their next move. She wondered if they have already made progress on their own. She hadn't participated in the war for a long time now.

"So, I somehow remember most of our members, with the exception of the Third Generation." She glanced at Kyo as she said it. Clearing her throat, she addressed them formally. "Since you've already backed me up here, I'll get straight to the point: I have no intention of returning to the front lines, if that's your intention in seeking me out." Astraea gave them a serious look. She had concealed herself for such a long time and she wasn't going to let it be blown in the course of a day.



"Well, how are you holding up?" The Entity within the mind spoke to the weary Mika. He was teaching her how to initiate Tempest but so far, they haven't made too much progress. The difference in their body strength and mental stability was too great.
"Sorry, I can't! I just can't!" Mika collapsed to the ground, her hand slightly burnt. Not too detrimental. It was just sore but not really black.
"This is it. Unless I can restore my old powers back, I don't think I'm seeing any action for a while." Akito thought as he observed the girl's sad situation.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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#, as written by chrian.
"Don't take it off just yet Kyo. As the one endowed with the lead position, your aura is very intense; easy to spot. You might give your position away." Astraea warned Kyo.

He smiled to her, "You don't have to worry, I know that. But even if I don't wear it, I have my own ways of staying undercover, you'll see," Kyo winked to Astraea.

She then told Kaito not to worry about them and urged them to sat down to discuss about their moves. Miruka sat but Kyo decided to stood still. "So, I somehow remember most of our members, with the exception of the Third Generation." Astraea said as she glanced at Kyo a bit, "Since you've already backed me up here, I'll get straight to the point: I have no intention of returning to the front lines, if that's your intention in seeking me out."

The woman said to them formally and suddenly went serious. Kyo sighed, it seems that no one are ready just yet. But he understands that and he willing to let them be ready. "Well, that is one of our reasons that we want to meet you, but really, we just came across you, that's all," Kyo said while scratches the back of his neck, "if you aren't ready just yet, then no one wanted to force you either. Since the Circus haven't been taken any drastic moves either, staying low is the best thing to do, I think. And we still have some conflicts between our members, which is why we needed time to sort that out, right?" Kyo said then straighthen himself up, "So, please take your time to prepare if you want. However, when the time has come, we all need to unite and fight if we want to survive."

"Well, I think we should be going for now, if you guys need me, I'll be hanging around," he said then turned to Hikari, "come Hikari, let's go."

Hikari nodded and stood up and went to Kyo. When he has stood next to him, he turned to Hajime and smiled to him, "See you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah," The blonde hair boy smiled said, "see you."

"Do you want to come along, Miru-kun?" Kyo asked his friend.

"Nah, I think I should stay," he replied, "just go, I'll see you two tomorrow."

"Take care," Kyo smiled as he turned his back and went out of the entrance with his Child and they both headed back to Hikari's apartment. On their ways, Kyo asked, "So, the person that you want to introduce me is your friend?"

"Yeah, because he is also a Child so I think I should let you know," Hikari giggled and replied.

Kyo nodded, "I see... Okay, what do you want to eat tonight?"

"You can cook?" Hikari frowned, "Are you sure that it is edible?"

Kyo then ruffled the boy's head, "Don't underestimate your oniisan," he smiled and said, "okay, to the grocery shop we go."




Back in the coffee shop, Miruka was sitting next to Hajime, opposite with the other two Entities. He took a sip from his drink then spoke up. "You can count on Kyo, although he didn't look like it, he is just as strong as the previous Humility, you'll see." He said, still keeping his gentle smile.

"So, you guys have been staying undercover too?" Hajime asked. Besides from Kaito, he doesn't know any of the other Entities so their arrival somewhat confused him.

"Yeah," Miruka turned to him and replied, "I've been staying undercover and I didn't come out from my retreat until a few days ago. But a lot of things have happened and I'm willing to tell you guys all about it."

He then turned to Astraea, "It's been a while since the last time, right oneesan? Finally we can have a chance to talk," He said to her with a giggled, "I'm looking forward to fighting with you again. Say, since you didn't have anywhere to stay around here, would you mind staying with me? It is better than to stay apart since we can come across with the Circus at anytime. But it's up to you though."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Morrigan Luna Grey Character Portrait: Rion Mizorogi Character Portrait: Serpent of Envy Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Nozomi Kannagi
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"I'm looking forward to fighting with you again. Say, since you didn't have anywhere to stay around here, would you mind staying with me? It is better than to stay apart since we can come across with the Circus at anytime. But it's up to you though."

Astraea sighed. They didn't seem to get it. "What I'm trying to say is that I have no more intention of participating any further. This city has already suffered too much, it doesn't need to suffer any more than it already had."

Smiling sadly, she also turned down his nice offer. "I think it's best if we continue on our separate ways for now. There's still a lot of things I have to clear up and I think you do as well. We all have personal problems that we need to sort out before heading into an even larger one that involves the whole city."

She stood up to leave, thanking Kaito for the drink he gave. Turning to Miruka, she bid him goodbye as she left an old amulet on the table as payment. "Well, I'll see you around Miruka-kun. Say hello to Leona-san and Masenai-san for me."



As Leona waited for Masenai and the others to arrive, a raven suddenly perched itself beside her. She was aware that it didn't have any aura but, it wasn't anything she wasn't expecting.
"Your new members sure are interesting..."
"Nozomi? Why am I hearing gunshots on your side?"
"Well, let's just say I bumped into O'l Diligence on one of my strolls and she's now trying to gun me down along with Envy."
"Rin..." Leona paused. At that moment, she somehow felt torn. She does care about the two of them to some degree. Nozomi was the only connection she has with the other side of the fence while she has watched over Rin ever since the Hayashibara incident ended. "I thought you never wanted to start this war?"
"War has already began; I'm merely firing the first shot."

Leona steeled herself and finally posed Nozomi a threat. "Leave that girl alone Nozomi. You know full well that I can snipe you from over here right? I've just finished filling up my counters a few nights ago and--" Leona eyed the case she brought with her. Inside it gleamed a high-end composite bow: The Obsession. "Surely, you do not want half of the city burned overnight? The blame will fall on you after all, pyromancer."

A long silence followed before she heard a reply again. "Very well... I'll pull back for now."



Nozomi heeded Leona's warning as he stopped both girls from engaging any further. He did it by informing them that he's going to remove the field.
"It's been fun, Diligence. But, sadly, we have to stop here now."
"Then, I'll have to get to--"
"No..."
Nozomi immediately used his kinesis to draw Envy close to him. Carrying her by the waist, he levitated out of sight before shutting the field off. Before he did, he glanced at his adversary one last time. "If you'll permit it--may I have your name?"
"Rin. Nakahara Rin."
"Very well, good day."

As the two Entities of Sin vanished from sight, Rin could only wonder about these developments. Concealing her guns, she continued to follow the traces until she finally arrived at an apartment where the metallic residue was giving off the same readings as the samples from the victim. She knocked on the door, wondering what kind of person will answer.



Once he was sure that he was out of sight, Nozomi gently set the girl down on a rooftop a few streets away from where they had their bout. "So, you're the new Envy... You take after the First in a lot of ways. I suppose you haven't met me yet so, I am the Entity of Sloth in this war." He greeted the girl, bowing as he did so, the raven he sent to Leona returning and perching at his shoulder.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Kaito Tsukuyomi
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#, as written by chrian.
"What I'm trying to say is that I have no more intention of participating any further. This city has already suffered too much, it doesn't need to suffer any more than it already had. I think it's best if we continue on our separate ways for now. There's still a lot of things I have to clear up and I think you do as well. We all have personal problems that we need to sort out before heading into an even larger one that involves the whole city."

Miruka sighed. Sometimes, he wondered if Kyo and himself are the only ones that truly wanted to stand up in this battle. "There are unknown reasons that we were chosen to be Entities that we might never know. But no matter if we are from Synchronicity, or from the Circus, we can't run away from what the fate has designed. Whether the wars continue or not, people will just continue to suffer. Please remember that, the only way to resolves conflicts and achieve what they defined 'peace' is to fight." Miruka said, "I was hoping that you'll be the one that stands up and unite us like the previous wars, but it seemed that everyone's changed. Still, I respect your decisions though. But if you ever changed your mind, you know where to find me."

"Well, I'll see you around Miruka-kun. Say hello to Leona-san and Masenai-san for me." Astraea stood up and bid goodbye to Miruka, while leaving her amiulet behind on the table. "I guess I will. See you, oneesan." Miruka smiled and waved to her as she exited the shop.

"Kyo and I really have to stand alone now, huh?" He thought.

Miruka took Astraea's amulet and put it into his jacket's pocket, "I will pay the money for her drinks."

"Hey, if I may?" Hajime spoke up, "We're in some sorts of conflict?"

Miruka turned to the Child, "Yeah, I think so. It's pretty complicated." He sighed.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Hajime asked.

"I don't know yet, but it seems that we're gonna stay like this for a while," Miruka said as he touched the back of his head, then turned to the two, "so how about you two? What are your next moves?"

"I have no ideas either," Hajime replied, "I'm with Kaito-san."

Miruka then looked at the man who has been staying quiet all the time, "I don't remember seeing you much after I've became an Entity, but back when I was still a Child, I think I did fight alongside you until I was killed. So this time, will you participate in this war, or will you continue to stay undercover?"

With that, both Hajime and Miruka turned to Kaito, waiting for his response.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Morrigan Luna Grey Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Robin Kikuchiyo Flynn
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Astraea strolled down the busy aisles, looking for some sort of refuge she can stay at as she waits for the situation to calm down. She pondered on what Miruka had said:

"There are unknown reasons that we were chosen to be Entities that we might never know. But no matter if we are from Synchronicity, or from the Circus, we can't run away from what the fate has designed. Whether the wars continue or not, people will just continue to suffer. Please remember that, the only way to resolves conflicts and achieve what they defined 'peace' is to fight. I was hoping that you'll be the one that stands up and unite us like the previous wars, but it seemed that everyone's changed. Still, I respect your decisions though. But if you ever changed your mind, you know where to find me."

It was those kind of expectations forced upon her which made her want to leave the war in the first place. Looking back at their ambush, she chose to take charge along with the First Humility but it only made it worse. More casualties and even more suffering. She didn't want the burden of that responsibility any longer.

"Peace? What is peace exactly? Is it merely the absence of enemies to fight? If we get rid of all Circus members, then can we say that we've truly attained "peace" in that right?"



"Hello Miss Leona. Hope you had a lovely morning. Where's Miss Rion?

Leona was made aware of the arrival of Robin. His Entity of course, wasn't with him yet as they split up just yesterday. "Oh, she's still resting but, she said she'll follow soon." She glanced at the sky, signalling that it's nearing dark. Clearing her throat, she told Robin the purpose of this meeting.

"I suppose I should start by informing you of the reason of gathering us here. Until we can find the proper time to strike, it's best if we gather intelligence about the enemy for now. Who they are, what kind of powers they possess, their usual habits and routine." Leona checked the area again. So far, so good. Their auras are well contained. She did drop the volume of her voice as she continued, so that no ears may catch wind of what they were talking about.

"I'll start with the ones I already know of. First off is the Entity Sloth, Nozomi Kannagi. He's an esper; someone with psychic abilities, making his magic rather irregular compared to ours. Difficult opponent but, he's not really the type to take drastic moves due to his nature. He's also hard to track down but, he's the only one we can actually hold dialogue with. Course, he doesn't appear directly. Next is the Entity of Greed whose name, I don't know. Eccentric in nature but, also not one to show himself. Still, he's supposedly wealthy so, it's best to check with the high profile people within the city. His powers involve water manipulation making him, unfortunately, a dangerous match against me. There is also Gluttony but, I'm not sure if he's already dead or not. All I heard is that he's a monster so any form of dialogue is lost with him. Then there is Pride's Catalyst--"

Leona paused for a bit as she almost uttered the name. This guy was not to be messed around with without a proper plan. "Alistair Faust had been the Catalyst of the past two Entities of Pride, accumulating powers that probably makes him as strong as an Entity. He's rather melee oriented but, he may have more up his sleeve."

Leona finished there. She had heard of new Entities joining like Envy but, hasn't met them directly yet. She did remember something though. She thought it was already best to mention the "other side". "There is also the military group known as Sacred Drive. I gotta say, this group is the one supported most by the general populace. They are quiet for now but, things may change once the fighting breaks out. Normally, since they are normal humans, it is pretty easy to defend against them like what I've done the past few years but, our Entity Diligence seemed to have joined their ranks. I suggest we avoid bumping into them."

She turned to Robin and asked about his experience. "So, did you and your Entity uncover something else?"



As Ri finished knocking, she heard sounds of someone moving about the house, approaching the door. A pink eye peered from the peephole and a lovely voice spoke from behind.

"Yes? How may I help you this fine evening?"

The woman asked without opening the door. "Cautious type are we? I understand since we do have a killer in loose..." Rin thought as she tried to conceive any information regarding the girl's mannerisms, which was difficult since she was behind the door. Still, she could see the same residue within the apartment thanks to the Search Eye.

"Good afternoon ma'am. My name is Nakahara Rin and, I was just wondering if there were any suspicious items brought in during the last two weeks? We received reports of poisoning in a nearby dining establishment and, upon further investigation, there were some metallic residues found in the fabric they used for their table cloths. Supposedly, the fabric that contaminated the others originated from here so, I'll have to go through all of your laundry and fabric items." Rin spoke a fabricated story as she was bothered by the residues she's detecting within the house. What items were emitting them, she wasn't sure yet.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Morrigan Luna Grey Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Masenai Autoro Character Portrait: Robin Kikuchiyo Flynn
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"Melee fighter eh?" Robin said as he thought about it. "I bet a well placed bullet oughta take care of him if necessary."

It was then a slap to the back of his head was sounded as Masenai was right behind him, having walked a good distance for most of the day. "I was on a Serial Killer's Trail when I first met Robin. You've probably heard the rumors so that must mean the killer is here. I discovered on one crime scene, a direct challenge to us. It must be a new entity and she doesn't know about her other comrades as of yet. But to hear of Diligence separating from us is one thing, what worries me about that is the fact the Killer targets Disloyal people." Masenai sighed in worry, he wished Chastity was here to calm the fears that were building up inside him.

----

"Poisonings? Moi? You are surely mistaken and I wear only one dress so there is a...slight issue there little girl. As for metallic I wear a metal glove to defend myself against pervs when working." Morrigan said with a hint of innocence and playfulness just to see the woman's reaction. In her head she was clearly annoyed. The cover story was one thing but she knew Love's Bite was what she was seeking. "If you wish to look you may. Just don't do anything excitable~"

She unlocked her door and opened it very carefully not exposing herself to the woman in front of her. She couldn't risk summoning her blade to fight her off if need be, she would then be exposed and everything she worked for would be ruined. She wouldn't allow some brat of an underling of the humans interfere with it. She walked into the kitchen to prepare for whatever may come. She sensed however, something strange. There was also disloyalty somewhere in between all the strangeness. Her eyes silently narrowed as she grabbed her flowery eyepatch and slipped it in a pouch.

She was now mentally prepared for this unexpected intrusion.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Masenai Autoro
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#, as written by chrian.
Seemingly that Miruka isn't going to receive any answers, he decided to back up for now. He stood up and paid the money for his and Astraea's drinks. "Well, if you aren't going to give me any answer for now, you know where to find me."

"It's getting late, so I better get going too." Hajime also stood up, then turned to Kaito, "I'll see you around, okay?"

With that, both of them bid goodbye to Kaito and got out from the coffee shop. before they decided to part into different ways, Hajime asked Miruka, "So, what are you going to do for now?"

"I don't know just yet," he replied, "maybe I should discuss a little bit more with Kyo before we make any further moves."

"Okay," Hajime nodded, "well, I don't think I will be much of a help, but if you needed someone to back up, you can call me. I don't know if Kaito-san will act or not, but if we really have to stand up, then I'm willing to."

Miruka smiled, "Thanks, Hajime-san. See you again sometime." He said then turned his back and walked.

"Goodbye, Miruka-san." Hajime smiled and waved to him then made his way back to his apartment.




Miruka wandered around the city until it's get dark. He looked up on the sky, "It's already dark." He thought then pulled out his phone and dialed Kyo.

"Hello?" The person from the other side of the phone answered.

"Hey, it's me," Miruka answered, "where are you now?"

"Wandering around the shopping district, and you?" Kyo asked.

"I'm near there too, let's meet up at that mall." Miruka replied and then made his way to the mall.




A moment later, they met up in front of the mall, even at night, the city is still crowded. "Hey, Kyo-chin." Miruka walked up to his friend. "Miru-kun." Kyo smiled and waved to him. They then moved to a deserted alley near there and began to talk. Kyo then told Miruka what he has found when he went to their headquarters.

"Aw, not fair," Miruka growled, "you went there without me? If you decided to make a move, at least give me a call. Without me, even you wouldn't know about its existence, you know?"

"Hehe, sorry, I couldn't wait," Kyo scratches the back of his head and said, "and you, what are Astraea's and Kaito's responses?"

"Astraea-oneesan, well, let's just say that she's decided to back up like the others, it seemed that despites what they said, no one ever wanted to participate with us," Miruka sighed, "and about Tsukuyomi, well, I didn't receive any response so I gave him sometimes to answer, but his Child is willing to work with us, it seemed. At least everything didn't turn out to be that bad."

"I see," Kyo nodded understandingly, "so what now?"

"Well, since our headquarters haven't changed a bit since the last time we went there, and I think both Leona and Masenai are up to a plan for now, should we go for them?" Miruka suggested.

"I was thinking the same thing," Kyo said, "even though our encounters with them didn't turn out to be so well last time, but since the situation is becoming more and more complicated, I doubted that they're just going to sit there and do nothing. And we all need a place where we can discuss our moves without being spied on. I guess they should listen to us this time."

"I agree," Miruka nodded, "not even them know about our hidden basement yet since this is the secret between me and Kaori - the Second Humility. Let's go."

Kyo nodded and then they both made their ways towards the Bishop's Park.




When they've made it there, they can noticed that the two Entities they encountered a few nights ago seemed to be discussing about somethings, just like they expected. Both Miruka and Kyo now still have their auras hindered so there are nothing to worry much, and because there are a lot of people walking around, they should be able to stay low. Both of them walked up to Leona and Masenai.

"Hey guys," Kyo spoke up and gained their attention, "haven't seen you guys around, it seemed that you guys are still doing a hell of a good job."

Before they could reacted, Miruka continued to spoke, "Sorry about the incident a few nights away, it seems that we did get carried away. But as you know, since the situation right now is becoming a little, well, complicated as it seemed, I think this is the perfect time for us to plan about our next moves, together."

"Miruka here and I know a perfect place for us where we can stay undercover and I can guarantee that as long as we're there, the Circus won't be able to track us down," Kyo said while holding his hand at them, "so what do you say? Will you help us this time? If you agree, then Miruka here will explain to you about what we've find. And let's just say that, this time, we really needed helps from veterans like both of you."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu Character Portrait: Masenai Autoro
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#, as written by chrian.
Kyo and Miruka stood still and listened to what Masenai said, or somewhat more like a threat. Still they keep their usual calm looks. Masenai reactions are exactly like what would both of them expect from someone who has been an Entity through the wars, and they've began to respect him because of that. Kyo turned to look at Miruka and he nodded to him. Then they both turned to the Virtue of Charity.

"And I thought we've dropped the formality line a long while ago," Miruka said while putting up his smile, "however, if that's what you required, we don't mind to accept. Because it seemed that no one is ready to come back to the front line, we just wanted to see if this group has any meanings with them, that's all, and we've no intention to tear it apart. I'm not an Entity since the beginning of the wars, so I might don't have much experience like you did, but I've also learnt a lot through it. So don't worry, Masenai-senpai."

"About the fighting part, none of us ever have the nerves to show our true identities in front of the people like Akito the First Wrath, and so far, we haven't been making any drastic moves and we're well-aware that fighting is the last option to choose, which is why I've hindered our auras as not to attract any attentions," Kyo continued, "just being an Entity itself is already a cruel fate that was given to us, but there's no way we can't change that and we know it, you don't have to threaten us like that." He then cleared his throat, "Okay, I guess we'll take that as a yes. Glad to work with you."

"Astraea-kun?" Masenai murmured after taking a sniff.

"Astraea-oneesan?" Miruka spoke up, "We've came across with her this afternoon but it seemed that she's not ready to return yet."

Kyo turned to Leona, "And you, Leona-oneesan, what's your opinion?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Kimura Character Portrait: Rion Mizorogi Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica
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Leona surveyed the surroundings. The base was hidden well enough, as it seems. Somehow, she wonders if the base's close proximity to the Hayashibara Power Plant somehow helps in concealing or warding off the other hostile Entities. After all, the fact that Akito, the one considered to have the most destructive power in all of Circus was slain there. Surely no one else would bother to take the risk?

Maybe Judgement was so frightened by Akito's performance as Wrath that it's hard to decide a new one. The Serial Killer could be indeed a new Sin, but it could be obvious the circus hasn't found her yet, which means they'll possibly be actively looking as well."

Now this was a bit troublesome. They have to find and apprehend the killer first before their opponent add any more to their ranks. With the lack of a Second-Generation Wrath, Leona isn't too keen on trying to unearth any more of that. There is a possibility playing in her mind but, the chances are too remote so she decided to not say anything about it.

"As for the Case of it itself, Sacred Drive may indeed have their heads deep in the case if Diligence is amongst them. Hence why I told my Child to exercise caution and not use his special ammunition his magic provides and temporarily go Melee. Also, Robin also is looking into a more personal case for him as well, one that I'd promise we'd help in anyway we'd can. I shall explain in due time. For now Robin will be fine on his own, I'll use telepathy to check on him now and again. Right now, The Children of Humility and Kindness should learn how to fend for themselves. Anything to add Leona?"

"I suppose. My current Child Rion can fight to some degree so I think she's fine but, if these kids only made the contract recently, they will need to train in this place. We'll need instructors for them though. Someone skilled in fighting at the front lines and someone well-versed in the magic arts." She suddenly recalled Kindness saying that Astraea was in town. Quickly, she packed up her bow and items and asked to be excused.

"I'm neither a front-line combatant nor someone with a vast knowledge of magic so I won't be of much help in instruction. Though if Astraea truly is in town, she may just be the instructor we need. Her knowledge of magical crafts is vast and valuable. I'm leaving to go look for her, if that's okay with everyone." She informed them of her intention to seek out her old ally.



After the mission briefing, Rin sat alone on the training platform pondering about the day's events. Izumi seemed to like their other allies back at Synchronicity. Not her though. She's already had it with that elitist group.
"Disloyal, immature, naive... I guess part of the reason why I wanted to leave was because I keep getting told all of these things almost everyday. I'm always treated like some sort of nuisance." Rin recalled all of the reprimands she's heard from the First Generation Entities when she met them, particularly the First Kindness and Chastity.
"You're too reliant on those weapons! Face the enemy head on!"
"Your mind still wavers until this day? You're a disgrace to the faction!"
"Weak. That's exactly how they initially saw me. It's always the next generation who's reprimanded the most yet always have high expectations placed upon them. At least in here, everyone's just as strong as I am. We all understand each other, acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses and see the good in everyone." Rin stood up, preparing to head out as the mission is about to start.

At the locker room, she changed her garb from her traditional uniform to a slightly less, attracting one, consisting of a simple sleeveless, white turtleneck over a black skirt and brown boots. Topping it off with a blue trench coat and her muffler, she turned to Izumi who handed her the earrings. It was crafted from silver and emeralds, small enough to be allowed on a more, conservative school campus.
"I've finished it in time. Those accessories will negate all of your aura, reducing it to a normal human's." She also handed Rin a new set of bullets and another, carbon suitcase. Opening it, Rin saw that it contained a deconstructed Walther WA 2000, complete with a new sight and ammunition.
"This is rare. I can't believe you actually got one of these."
"Right, only 176 of these were ever produced. Wasn't easy bringing it in from Germany. This would limit your range from the Savage's 1,500 meters to 700 but, this model will do since you're not really in heavy fieldwork right now and, at least you can carry it around. You'll be using .300 Winchesters though, is that alright?"
"It will do. But, I'll have difficulty if I come face to face with a melee bruiser."
"That's why I prepared another set of melee weapons to replace the M-9." Izumi hands Rin a pair of wakizashis: one that is a full, 24 inch long and a shorter one, measuring only 15 inches. "Those swords can be concealed within your coat or your belt. Just be careful."
"I don't think I'll really need the long one. I'll just drop it off at Hyatt while I'm still in the school." With her equipment updated, Rin boarded her motorcycle again and rode back to the Hyatt Building; the place where she'll be monitoring the sudden aura fluctuations within the school. Dropping off the heavier equipment, including the coat, she proceeded back outside, bringing only the handguns, short sword and muffler with her. She made her way on foot past the red-light district and into the school she'll be investigating. Glancing at the terrain, the school was landlocked by a nearby strip mall, another high-rise still in the middle of construction and a clock tower.
"The clock tower seems like a good vantage point Rin." Izumi relayed via her Contact spell.
"True. That is the best vantage point. However, any sane sniper who saw it will think so too. I'll scout for another place where I can see that tower and the school. What about you? Where are you now?" Rin asks. The night is getting deeper and Rin's senses becoming more alert now, especially since the public, which acts as their shield is completely absent.
"I'm back at home. I'm feeling a little sleepy so, can I start the mission tomorrow?"
"Yeah, sure thing." After that message, Rin decided to enjoy the little night life first before turning in for the day. Friergate doesn't have much but, there are several establishments that cater to night owls. Heading into a well-known bar downtown, she sat at the front, near the counter so she won't be bothered much. Turning to the barista, she placed her order and looked around. The atmosphere was getting heavy as teenagers danced to the rhythm of the music being played. Taking a sip, she continued to observe the others living out the life she wasn't able to.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Hajime Amaterasu Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Hikari Mizuhara Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu
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#, as written by chrian.
"I suppose. My current Child Rion can fight to some degree so I think she's fine but, if these kids only made the contract recently, they will need to train in this place. We'll need instructors for them though. Someone skilled in fighting at the front lines and someone well-versed in the magic arts. I'm neither a front-line combatant nor someone with a vast knowledge of magic so I won't be of much help in instruction. Though if Astraea truly is in town, she may just be the instructor we need. Her knowledge of magical crafts is vast and valuable. I'm leaving to go look for her, if that's okay with everyone." Leona said as he gathered her stuffs and decided to went and look for Astraea.

"Of course, you should go and find her," Miruka smiled, "I guess that since you two are both women, you can convince her easier than I did. We'll just stay here and see what we can do. I think Masenai-senpai can teach the Children some basic fighting skills until Astraea-oneesan arrive."

"Oh, and before you go," Kyo turned to Leona, "if you happen to came across with Kaito Tsukuyomi, the Second Temperance, do you think you can convince him too? Although we didn't receive any responses from him, I guess that he'll probably accept to return to our cause. I hope that's okay with you. I'll just leave the entrance to stay stand by and it'll also reopen when you return. Well, good luck oneesan."

With that, Kyo and Miruka both turned to the screen. They looked into each other's eyes and seemingly understand what the other wanted to say, even if they didn't say it by words. Finally, they can be united and they'll survive through this.

Meanwhile, in the training room, both of the Children just stood there, waiting for some instructions. They looked at each other and wondering what will be thrown at them.

"So, what should we do now?" Hikari asked while looking around the room, he somehow felt excited about all of this.

"I don't know either, they said that we needed training," Hajime replied, "well, I'm always up to new challenges. Hopefully we'll be able to learn a thing or two."

"I know, right?" Hikari giggled, then sighed, "I have a feeling that we're going to go through the exact hell like when we taken the P.E."

"Or worse," Hajime tried to give a comfort smile, though somehow he his pretty worry about what are going to come, "but yeah, we've decided to walk on this path, so there are really no turning back now."

"I guess you're right," Hikari responded then stretched his arms, "okay, we should warm up a bit before beginning, don't you think? So, you said you can control fire, right?" Hajime nodded, Hikari then went and stood in front of his best buddy from a distance, "okay, try to conjure a fireball or something and throw it towards me."

Hajime raised an eyebrow as his friend request, "You sure?" He asked, but quietly agreed, "okay, if you said so..."

With that, Hajime closed his eyes while holding his arm in front of him. A moment later, sparks appeared from his palm and a fireball appeared. "I did it." Hajime gleefully said, then turned and looked at Hikari with challenging eyes, "here I goes."

Hajime threw the fireball towards Hikari. Remembering what Kyo has taught him a few days ago, Hikari held his arm towards the fireball and he managed to create a barrier, which blocked the ball rather easily. "Is that all?" Hikari said with a slightly teasing tone.

"Don't be coy." Hajime replied as he continued to threw fireballs at Hikari, and the Child of Humility blocked them. They were having quite some fun, without realizing that Masenai was there. When they did, they stopped and stood in front of the senior Entity. "Ergh..." Hikari scratches the back of his head in awe, "we didn't notice that you were there." Then both of them bowed before Masenai, "We're sorry, Masenai-dono. Hope that you won't feel annoyed." Hajime apologized.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Miruka Hiroyuki Character Portrait: Rin Nakahara Character Portrait: Nozomi Kannagi Character Portrait: Astraea Cyril Acustica Character Portrait: Leona Rain Vincent Character Portrait: Kyori Akiharu
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Seeing that Envy managed to get out safe and sound, Nozomi descended down to the ground, walking away to attend other matters--or he could just go home and take a nap. While he was walking, he bumped into a familiar figure. "Leona...what's your hurry?"
"Oh? Perfect timing, I need you to find someone for me." Leona asks. Nozomi sighed and stared at her lazily.
"And what initiative do I get for that?"
"I keep my mouth shut regarding your mishap with Diligence earlier. If the more radicals of our side catches wind of that, then they would officially call it as a formal attack from Circus."
"I merely fought to save an ally of mine. Nothing more, nothing less. So, what's this person like?"
"You know her well. She's the Entity you fought during the ambush over twelve years ago..."

Beneath the Clock Tower
Astraea felt an all-too familiar aura entering the space she was occupying. There were two of them in total, both having intensities different from the rest. Turning around, she saw Leona and Nozomi approach her. "Leona-san, Nozomi-kun... I suppose this isn't just a coincidence?"
"No, we specifically came here after learning about your location. Aside from me, you're the only other psychic-mage half breed among the Entities. As such, I can easily discern your location by tracing the wavelength of your ESP, a trait that only psychics like us can detect."
"As I expected from one of the founders of Circus, you understand my powers all too well." Walking towards her, Leona spoke up.
"I appreciate the help. You can go now if you want to, Nozomi." Nozomi merely shrugged and walked away, waving a hand at the two women. "Astraea...it has been a long time hasn't it?"
"Yes. And I don't intend to come out of retirement just yet."
"I understand. I am in no position to force you to return. Instead, I come here with a small request."
"Request?"
"Our numbers have currently bolstered as of late. With the case of the new ones though, they have the conviction but not the ability, nor the knowledge to survive this war. We need you to teach them. You are the only one who has a vast knowledge of the magical arts among us. Please, this is the most I can ask for."
"Then what?" Astraea was still speaking nicely but, one can immediately discern the seriousness and hints of anger at her voice. "You'll keep on manipulating me? The same way you do to Nozomi?"
Leona simply laughed at her response. "Heh, you're still the same Astraea I know."
"Same to you Leona-san." Astraea was much calmer now, knowing that Leona still hasn't lost her sense of humor.
"Well--I don't really have anything on you so--Nozomi is the only one I can blackmail as of now. So, are you up for it?"
"If it's just to help the newcomers learn the ropes, then it's alright with me." Astraea turned to the tower. The sight of it still is a scene to behold. "Fight not to win, but to not lose... I still stand by that ideology until today."

Back at the base, Leona returned, bringing Astraea along with her. It was way past midnight and she showed Astraea around. After the tour of the facilities, she asked if the place was enough for her.
"It will do. Though, I prefer to teach a little off-road along the train line running from East to West of the city. This place is rather remote and, since it's almost subterranean, we do not have access to the local ley lines. In addition, given it's close proximity to Hayashibara Power Plant, the place where you killed the First Wrath, the magical frequency coming from there interferes too much with the mana inflow in this area."
"A little bit picky aren't we? If that's the case, then you can stay at my house. We can get to the abandoned Spiral Highlights within fifteen minutes if we're coming from there. That place should put you right in the center of the lines yes?"
"Much appreciated, thank you. Then, in the meantime--" Astraea looked at the two younger boys with them, seemingly training under Charity's instruction. "They are... working hard aren't they?"
"I guess. If they were to train under me though, I'll have a field day doing so. I hope they don't cause you and Charity too much headaches like the first crop of Catalysts you trained."



While in the middle of her viewing, Rin felt the presence of two new Entities--both of which she's never come across before. One disappeared almost as quick as it appeared though. Her eyes darted from side to side, trying to locate the source of the aura. The huge amount of human energy emitted by the party-goers obstructs it though. Still, one of the auras remained and she realized that she didn't have to look for the source any longer.

He sat right beside her.

Further analysis reveals him to be part of Synchronicity but, she's never met him before. She concluded that he must either be new, or he was an old-timer who rarely went out to public. Since he specifically sat beside her, she reckoned that he may have already found out about her existence, probably from the Third Humility.

"Oh? You seem to have me figured out already." Rin muttered within earshot of the man. When she got his attention, she proceeded to continue talking. "Well? Did the Third Humility finally decide to send you to dispose of me? Dispose of the so-called "traitor" within Synchronicity?"