Chapter Text
“Things are going to get a lot busier in both the Real World and the Dreamscape, what with the upcoming Charmony Festival. We have to be prepared for anything, especially with the invitations we have on record.”
Eijirou stood at attention in the briefing room, though no one really gave him a second glance as they all focused on their boss. He was wise to keep his mouth shut, especially after what happened the last time someone interrupted Boss Chikazoku during a briefing.
Especially since he wants to know, dares to dream really, if the people he wants to come will actually come to this year’s Charmony Festival.
“A Masked Fool, a Galaxy Ranger, the IPC, and even the Annihilation Gang: these guests could potentially bring about chaos and havoc in the worst way possible, potentially disrupting the peace and order we maintain here on Penacony,” Boss Chikazoku continued, typing away on his computer with his long fingers. “That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep a watchful eye on the other guests. The Garden of Recollection, Intelligentsia Guild, and even the Trailblazers could potentially cause a disturbance.”
He perked up when he heard mention of the Trailblazers, which means they were actually coming this year.
It took everything in him to not bounce around, even if no one was paying him any mind.
“They’re really coming, the Astral Express!” He exclaimed, easily picturing the sound of the infamous train horn like he had only heard it yesterday.
Which means he might finally have a chance to leave Penacony and go on an adventure, just like his grandfather before him!
So many possibilities, so many worlds, opportunities, fun…
No one present seemed to notice Eijirou’s outburst as Boss Chikazoku continued with the debriefing before dismissing everyone present.
Though Eijirou hesitated to leave, especially when he saw Boss Chikazoku’s closest associates step into the room as soon as they thought it was empty.
While a part of him knew he should try and make his presence known, he instead remained frozen as he listened in on their conversation.
“I hear Little Kyoka will be returning to Penacony as the lead performer in the main event,” Miss Kizuki said the moment she sat in one of the chairs offered to her. “I wonder how she has grown in the years she’s been away on tour.”
Mr. Yotsubashi had a smile on his face as he remained standing. “No matter how much she grows up, she will still be my little baby and I’m certain she’s incredibly homesick. Perhaps she may decide to stay home for a little longer after the Charmony Festival, just so I can hear all about how her tour went.”
Boss Chikazoku leaned back in his seat, a frown on his face as he put his attention on all of the screens surrounding him.
“We know she’s a devout follower of The Harmony, do you believe she will accept what’s been happening here?” He asked.
Mr. Yotsubashi only smiled as he poured out a glass of SoulGlad for himself.
“She will understand that this is for the best, not only for Penacony…but for all of the worlds. Soon they will all embrace the peaceful world we are striving for, and I know Kyoka will be proud of us.”
Realizing that he may just be way in over his head and heard something he really was not supposed to, Eijirou quietly slipped out of the room only to flinch when the door slammed shut behind him.
He muttered out a curse, especially when he heard Mr. Yotsubashi question the noise.
Unfortunately the door opened before Eijirou could find a better place to hide, but as he stood behind the statue of a bloodhound he held his breath and prayed that none of the people inside would see him.
But it seemed luck was on his side, but not on the side of the poor man with a teddy bear-shaped head who stood just a few feet down the hall.
“Ah, Miyashita! Would you care to come inside for a moment? There’s something I need to discuss with you,” Mr. Rikiya spoke with what Eijirou could only assume to be a wide smile.
He shuddered, not wanting to know what would happen had Mr. Yotsubashi actually saw him instead.
Eijirou elected to count his blessings when he heard the door shut once more, his feet already taking him as far from the building as possible until he found himself all alone. He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes, counting backwards as he held a hand out.
“Sleepie? I think it’s time to go home,” he whispered, his eyes remaining closed as he heard the sound of a monstrous whine until he felt a tightness in his chest…and then…
Dormancy.