Chapter Text
“MIKO...!”
“Wake up!”
“MIKO...!”
Thus awakened a certain gamer girl from the small town of Bailey—Miko Kubota.
Compared to her siblings, she was extraordinarily different, a hyperactive teenager who seemed to vibrate with constant energy. Athletic and flexible, she could kick her legs high above her head with ease, and she was perpetually running somewhere, always in motion. She had recently spent the summer indulging in her main hobby while also working at her special job. Though her behavior might have suggested she was more of a sports enthusiast, just a few rounds of any game would quickly reveal that she was far more passionate about gaming than athletics.
Ironically, due to her ADHD, gaming was one of the few activities she could truly focus on—a fact proven by her numerous victories in gaming competitions and tournaments. When she immersed herself in a game, she really committed completely. However, for most of her life outside of gaming, she was very much a "act now, think later" type of person. This impulsive nature, of course, frequently got her into serious trouble with her family when she let her spontaneous drives override careful consideration. So while she was nearly flawless with games, she definitely struggled to fit into the rhythm of her small town.
Currently, the gamer girl had been awakened by her mother's voice. The late summer rays streamed through her bedroom window, and the gentle light revealed what the gamer looked like: a Japanese-American teenager of medium height with fair skin, pink-tinted cheeks and nose, dark eyes, and long, straight blue-violet hair with magenta highlights. Her hair was trimmed in a simple home cut with blunt bangs that framed her face.
"Oh, good morning, Mom. I must have overslept," Miko said cheerfully, stretching as she sat up in bed. "Though it doesn't really matter much, considering my job won't start for a few more hours."
The older Japanese woman—Mayumi Kubota—looked puzzled as she stood in the doorway. "Sweetie, don't you remember? Today is your first day of school."
Miko blinked, then let out a laugh. "Nice joke, Mom. That was just a weird dream I had."
"No, Miko. Yesterday I really did tell you that school starts today. I even bought your uniform and laid it out for you." Mayumi gestured toward the dresser where a neatly folded school uniform waited.
Miko's eyes widened as she spotted the uniform, her heart sinking as reality crashed over her. It wasn't a dream. This was really happening.
"No," Miko said weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, as panic set in, she began shaking her head frantically. "No, no, no, no, no! NO!"
Her distressed cry was so loud and piercing that it startled the birds from the trees surrounding their residence, sending them fluttering away in a cacophony of wings and alarmed chirping.
"Sweetie, please calm down," Mayumi said gently, stepping into the room. "I know it's been years since you've attended a public school, but this particular school is designed for gifted students, and—"
"But Mom, seriously!" Miko interrupted, her voice rising with anxiety. "I haven't been in a traditional school environment for years. How is it going to look when a sixteen-year-old like me ends up in lower-grade classes because I'm so far behind? And you know I can't handle standardized tests—I freeze up completely and—"
Mayumi placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "Miko, it's okay. This school is specifically designed for people like you—students who learn differently and have unique talents."
Miko looked away, her shoulders slumping with dejection. "People like me..." she repeated quietly, the phrase carrying all the weight of feeling different and misunderstood.
Mayumi pulled her daughter into a gentle hug, wrapping her arms around Miko's trembling form. "You know what I meant, sweetheart. This could be a wonderful new experience for you if you stop fighting it before it even begins. Can you please promise me that you'll try to look at this situation with the most positive attitude you can manage?"
Miko remained silent for a long moment, staring down at her hands before finally looking up at her mother with sad, resigned eyes. "Promise," she whispered.
And so, the inevitable first day of school was upon them. Miko found herself sitting at the breakfast table with her large, chaotic family as everyone scrambled to organize their schedules and prepare for the day ahead.
Miko sighed deeply, mechanically spooning cereal into her mouth with absolutely no enthusiasm or appetite. The usually sweet cereal tasted like cardboard, and each bite felt like a monumental effort.
Meanwhile, her rather extensive family bustled around her. There was Mayumi Kubota, her patient and understanding mother; Hugh Kubota, her hardworking, dependable father who was already dressed for another day at his everyday job; Nica Kubota, her older sister who was effortlessly school-savvy and seemed to excel at everything academic; Lexi Kubota, her younger sister and dedicated karate student who had accumulated more trophies and medals than Miko had ever won in gaming competitions; Geoffrey Kubota, her younger brother who frequently grew annoyed with her loud gaming sessions and enthusiastic reactions; and Lee Kubota, the youngest brother who not only didn't mind her hyperactive behavior but could actually compete with her energy levels on most days.
"Look, Miko," Nica began, adjusting her own school bag with practiced efficiency, "I've been attending traditional school for a while now, and yes, I'll admit there can be pressure from different classmates and social situations. But you can really find your calling and discover new aspects of yourself if you approach it strategically and know what you're doing."
"Mmmmm..." Miko responded with minimal enthusiasm, not even looking up from her bowl.
"Look, I can give you some practical tips," Nica continued, clearly trying to be helpful despite her somewhat blunt approach. "Don't do anything embarrassing or attention-grabbing, just try to blend in and get through each day smoothly, and try not to be..." She gestured vaguely in Miko's direction.
"You just gestured to all of me!" Miko protested, setting down her spoon and placing her hands on her hips indignantly.
"Well, you can act like... a bit much sometimes," Nica said with a slight wince, clearly trying to soften her words.
"I'm not 'much'!" Miko sputtered, her voice rising. "I'm exactly the perfectly normal amount of much!"
"Miko, try not to overthink this whole situation," advised her younger sister Lexi, looking up from where she was packing her karate gear. "Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual experience."
"Two minutes until we need to be in the minivan!" Hugh announced from across the kitchen, checking his watch. "Phones off, shoes on, and no ifs, ands, or buts about it. And Miko, you'd better be wearing that uniform I bought you—oh, wait, you actually are wearing it."
Miko shrugged with resignation and let out another heavy sigh. She was indeed wearing her new school uniform: a plaid skirt, knee-high stockings, and a brown jacket over a tan vest and crisp white shirt with a red ribbon tied neatly at the collar. "Yep, I've got absolutely no will left to fight this battle," she said flatly.
"Miko..." Mayumi sighed sympathetically, glancing at the clock. "Let's just get going before we're late."
The family van pulled away from their driveway and began the journey out of town toward the school.
Bailey nestled comfortably in the embrace of rolling foothills, a quiet suburban sanctuary where tree-lined residential streets gradually gave way to pristine wilderness at every turn. The town sat cradled between towering mountain peaks that rose like ancient, protective guardians against the expansive sky. Their slopes were carpeted in dense forests of evergreen pines that filled the crisp morning air with their clean, resinous scent. From the higher residential streets, fortunate residents could catch glimpses of the distant ocean's shimmer through strategic breaks in the thick forest canopy, where the deep blue waters met the horizon in a soft, hazy line.
While other towns and cities were connected by winding roads and highways, Bailey remained mostly isolated and self-contained for much of the time, creating a sense of peaceful seclusion.
The surrounding pine forests created a natural buffer around the entire community, their tall, straight trunks standing like silent sentinels while their needle-laden branches filtered the bright sunlight into beautiful dappled patterns on the forest floor below. On particularly clear days, the salt-tinged ocean breeze would carry subtle hints of the nearby sea inland, mingling pleasantly with the earthy fragrance of fallen pine needles and crisp mountain air. The town felt both completely secluded and mysteriously connected—remote enough to offer peaceful refuge from urban chaos and stress, yet close enough to the coast that the rhythmic, soothing sound of distant waves could sometimes be heard on quiet evenings when the wind direction was just right.
As they drove, Miko boredly gazed out the window at the other towns and cities they passed: Dabney with its quaint main street, the mysteriously named Faraway Town, bustling Brighton, the industrial hub of Mineral Wells, picturesque Lumise, and even the vibrant Sweet Jazz City in the distance. Though she couldn't bring herself to care much about any of these places, since before her family had settled in Bailey, she had moved frequently from place to place, never staying long enough to form lasting attachments to any location.
Feeling the familiar need to escape into her comfort zone, Miko pulled out her trusty Hinobi Switch One gaming device. She had deliberately chosen not to purchase the much-hyped second version—it was ridiculously expensive to the point where even Hinobi, the company itself, had quietly questioned the pricing strategy before eventually canceling the product entirely due to poor sales.
As the van continued its journey toward her new school, Miko retreated into her familiar and comforting little world of video games, hoping to calm her nerves and find some peace before facing whatever challenges the day might bring.
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The early morning sun filtered through the leaves of the overgrown trees lining the quiet suburban street in Bailey, casting dappled shadows on the cracked sidewalk. The bus stop was nothing fancy—just a weathered metal bench bolted to the ground, a faded signpost with the route number peeling at the edges, and a trash bin overflowing with discarded coffee cups and candy wrappers. It was the kind of place where kids gathered before school, chatting about homework, games, or whatever drama had unfolded the night before. But today, the air felt a little thicker, charged with an unspoken energy that none of them would dare acknowledge out loud.
Carter Locke stood there first, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He was a slim kid, about 12 or 13, with messy blonde hair that stuck up in an ahoge like it had a mind of its own, blue eyes scanning the horizon warily. His backpack slung over one shoulder looked a bit too new, as if he wasn't used to carrying one for actual school purposes. Growing up on the run with his con-artist Uncle Sly had taught him to always have an escape plan, but now, transplanted to this new town and enrolled at Lumise Academy, he was trying to play it straight. No tricks, no sleight of hand—at least, not where anyone could see. He fiddled with a shortbread cookie crumb in his pocket, a nervous habit, wondering if this "group" his second cousin Leila had mentioned would even show up.
Hyde Kido leaned against the signpost a few feet away, arms crossed, his dual-toned hair—bleach blonde fading into darker roots—catching the light. He was taller, about 5'7", dressed in a loosely worn school uniform that screamed "I don't care about dress code": white polo with the top button undone, revealing a red shirt underneath, black pants, and a belt that wasn't even buckled properly. His red eyes flicked toward Carter occasionally, but he said nothing. Hyde wasn't one for small talk; he was here because Linne had insisted he "blend in" at this academy while they dealt with... whatever anomalies were popping up during the Hollow Nights. Fighting Voids and In-Births was his real gig, but school? That was just a cover. He tapped his foot impatiently, the Insulator—his legendary sword—safely hidden in its dormant form, far from prying eyes.
The sound of footsteps approached from down the street, a mix of casual chatter and laughter. A group led by Hector "High Five" Nieves rounded the corner. High Five was in the lead, his tall, slim frame moving with that easygoing stride. He wore his usual casual getup: a green graphic tee under a black elbow-length shirt, grey skinny jeans, and Hinobi sneakers. His puffy, galaxy-blueish purple hair bounced slightly as he walked, and his dark tan skin flushed with the morning chill. Trailing him were his Glitch Tech crew, all in civilian mode, no gauntlets or armor in sight. They had to keep their secret identities under wraps—zapping glitches, resetting memories, all that Hinobi stuff stayed hidden, especially around new faces.
Zahra Rashid walked with quiet confidence, her hijab neatly pinned, a subtle crush on High Five making her glance his way now and then. Haneesh Jyoshi adjusted his glasses, looking thoughtful, while Cecil "Bergy" Bergoch brought up the rear, munching on a breakfast burrito from the Taco Dragon truck—probably compliments of High Five's grandparents.
High Five spotted Carter and Hyde first and flashed a wide, friendly smile. He was good at this—being the nice guy, the one who made plans and helped others. No impulsiveness here; just chill vibes. "Hey! You must be the new kid Leila mentioned. Carter, right? I'm High Five—er, Hector, but everyone calls me Five. Nice to meet you!" He extended a hand for a shake, his voice warm and enthusiastic, like he was greeting an old gaming buddy. No hint of the Glitch Tech life; he was just a regular 15-year-old gamer kid heading to school.
Carter blinked, caught off guard by the genuine friendliness. He shook Five's hand tentatively, his blue eyes sizing up the group. "Uh, yeah, Carter Locke. Leila's my second cousin. She said you guys ride this bus to Lumise Academy? I'm... new in town." He glanced at Hyde, who nodded curtly but didn't speak. Carter's mind raced—old habits from life with Uncle Sly made him wonder if these kids were pulling some angle, but Five's smile seemed real. No cons here, just school stuff.
Hyde pushed off the signpost, uncrossing his arms. "Hyde Kido," he muttered, his voice low and a bit gruff, like he was annoyed at having to introduce himself. He wasn't used to group hangs; his nights were spent wielding the Insulator against existential threats, not waiting for buses. But he kept that locked down—no mentions of EXS powers or Hollow Nights. "You all go to Lumise too?"
Five nodded eagerly, turning his friendly gaze to Hyde. "Yeah, man! First year for some of us, but it's cool. They've got this awesome arcade club—uh, I mean, gaming society. You into video games? Puzzle platformers are my jam." He laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck, keeping things light. Inside, he was scanning for any glitch vibes, but nothing pinged. These two seemed normal... ish. Carter had that street-smart look, and Hyde had an edge, like he was ready for a fight, but Five wasn't one to judge. He respected people, stood up when needed, but right now? Just be friendly.
Zahra smiled softly at Carter. "Welcome to the group. Lumise can be intense, but stick with us." She shot a quick glance at Five, her crush making her cheeks warm, but she played it cool.
Haneesh adjusted his glasses again. "Indeed. The curriculum emphasizes strategy and problem-solving—perfect for, ah, analytical minds." He avoided any glitch-hunting references, sticking to school talk.
Bergy grinned through a mouthful of burrito. "Yeah, and the cafeteria's got killer tacos. Five's fam runs a truck—hook you up sometime."
Carter relaxed a bit, pulling a shortbread cookie from his pocket and offering pieces around. "Thanks. Sounds better than what I'm used to. Grew up moving around a lot—West Coast stuff. No big deal." He kept his past vague; no need to spill about Uncle Sly or his sleight-of-hand skills. Those were his secrets, like how he could make things "vanish" without anyone noticing.
Hyde snorted softly, accepting a cookie piece. "Strategy, huh? I get that." He thought of his battles, the quick plans against Voids, but said nothing. Instead, he turned to Five. "You seem alright. Not too chatty." It was his way of being polite—tsundere style.
Five chuckled. "Oh, nerds! I can be chatty when it comes to games. Like, have you tried Smashozaurs? Epic dino battles. Or Sorcery Cards—total mind-bender." He leaned against the bench, keeping the conversation flowing. "Bus should be here any minute. Lumise has this killer library too—full of old gaming history books. We could hang after class?"
As they waited, the group fell into easy banter. Zahra shared tips on academy clubs, Haneesh pondered puzzle apps on his phone, and Bergy offered more food. Carter laughed for the first time, feeling like maybe this town wasn't so bad. Hyde stayed quiet but nodded along, his guard up but not hostile.
No one mentioned glitches, magic cons, or night-time fights. Secrets stayed secret. The bus rumbled into view, and Five clapped Carter on the back. "Alright, let's roll. Adventure awaits—or at least homeroom."
They boarded together, the morning light promising a normal day... for now.
____________________________________________________________________________
The sleek family minivan glided to a stop in front of Lumise Academy's grand entrance, its engine humming softly under the morning bustle. The school was a sprawling modern complex with glass facades reflecting the September sun, banners fluttering for the new term, and clusters of students milling about—some chatting in animated groups, others buried in their phones or rushing with backpacks slung low. It was the kind of organized chaos that marked the first few days back, with everyone trying to remember their schedules or find old friends.
Inside the van, Miko Kubota was glued to her portable gaming console, thumbs flying across the controls as she battled through an intense level of some pixelated adventure game. Her wild, untamed hair bounced with each exaggerated lean, and her face was lit by the screen's glow, completely oblivious to the world outside. "Come on, come on—just one more combo!" she muttered under her breath, her voice a mix of determination and glee. Gaming was her escape, her passion; nothing could pull her away when she was in the zone.
Mayumi Kubota, Miko's mom, glanced over from the driver's seat with a fond but exasperated sigh. She was a poised woman in her forties, dressed in a neat blouse and slacks, her hair neat— the picture of organized efficiency. "Miko, honey, we're here. Time to log off and face the real world," she said, reaching over to gently tap her daughter's shoulder. When that didn't work, she added with a firmer tone, "Earth to Miko! School's starting, and I don't want another late slip on day one."
Miko jolted, her character taking a fatal hit on screen. "Aww, Mom! I was so close to beating that boss!" She pouted dramatically but powered down the console with a reluctant sigh, stuffing it into her backpack. Her energy was infectious, even in defeat—bouncy, unfiltered, always ready for the next thing. She unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to give Mayumi a quick hug. "Okay, okay. Bye, Mom! Love you—see you after school. Don't forget to pick up those new controller batteries!"
Mayumi chuckled, shaking her head. "Love you too, kiddo. Have a good day, and try not to cause too much chaos." As Miko hopped out, slamming the door a bit too enthusiastically, Mayumi waved before pulling away, merging into the line of departing cars.
Miko slung her backpack over one shoulder and dove into the crowd, weaving through the sea of students with her usual hyper pep. The entrance was packed—freshmen looking lost, upperclassmen shouting greetings, a few teachers directing traffic. "Excuse me! Coming through!" she called out, dodging a group of kids comparing class schedules. Her mind was already racing ahead to homeroom, wondering if she'd spot Five or the others from the bus earlier. But the crowds were thicker than usual, a wall of backpacks and chatter blocking her view of the main doors.
In her haste, Miko didn't see the girl standing off to the side until it was too late. She bumped right into her—shoulder to shoulder—with enough force to send a phone clattering to the pavement. "Whoa!" Miko yelped, stumbling a step before catching herself. The girl was about her age, maybe 13, with tanned skin, short spiky hair tied on one side with colorful bands (red, cyan, white, and orange peeking through), and black eyes that widened in surprise. She wore the standard Lumise Academy uniform: a crisp white blouse tucked into a pleated navy skirt, knee-high socks, and polished shoes—nothing flashy, just regulation. Her expression was bored, almost distant, like she was going through the motions of the morning routine without much enthusiasm, staring at the crowd as if it was all a mildly annoying obstacle.
"Oh man, I'm so sorry!" Miko exclaimed, her voice loud and genuine, bending down quickly to scoop up the dropped phone. It was a sleek model with a drone-racing sticker on the back—Miko noticed it immediately, her gamer instincts kicking in. She dusted it off and handed it back with a sheepish grin. "Here you go. Totally my bad—I get tunnel vision when I'm trying to navigate this mob. You okay? Didn't break anything, did I?"
The girl—Corto Heilani—took the phone, her bored expression cracking just a bit. A small smile tugged at her lips, her eyes lighting up with a spark of interest. She wasn't used to this kind of instant energy; most people at school kept to their cliques, but this girl was like a burst of sunshine in the drab morning. Corto pocketed the phone and shrugged, her voice coming out energetic but casual, with a hint of that brave, vocal edge she carried even in this normal, everyday version of herself. No drone races or island-saving quests here—just a regular teen with a knack for piloting remote gadgets in her free time, though she'd never mention that to a stranger. "Nah, it's fine. Phone's tougher than it looks. I'm Corto, by the way. You always charge through crowds like that?"
Miko laughed, rubbing the back of her neck—a habit when she was a little embarrassed but totally owning it. "Only when I'm late for epic stuff! I'm Miko. Nice to meet you, Corto—that's a cool name. Sounds adventurous. Sorry again about the bump; I was in my head thinking about this game I was playing in the car. Total wipeout because of my mom snapping me out of it." She glanced around at the thickening crowd, students pushing toward the doors like a human tide. "Hey, you heading inside? This place is a zoo today. Where are you trying to go? I mean, if you're looking for something specific, maybe I can point you—I've been here a bit, know the layout okay."
Corto's smile grew, her posture relaxing as she warmed up to Miko's vibe. It was refreshing—someone not boring, not stuck-up. She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Yeah, first period's calling. But honestly, with all these people, I'm kinda turned around. What's the deal with the Amphitheater room? I heard some kids mentioning it for assembly or orientation or whatever. Is that where everyone's piling in?"
Miko's eyes lit up—she loved explaining things, especially when it meant chatting more even if it was about boring school. "Oh, yeah! The Amphitheater—it's like the big hub for school events. Down the main hall, past the lockers on the left, then hang a right at the fountain thingy. Can't miss it; it's got these huge doors with the academy crest. They're probably doing the welcome assembly there today—talking about clubs, rules, all that fun stuff. If you're into gaming or tech clubs, that's where they'll hype it up. Super crowded right now, but if you stick to the edges, you can sneak in faster." She gestured animatedly, pointing through the throng as if mapping out a level in a game. "Wanna head that way together? Safety in numbers and all."
Corto nodded, her boredom fully melted away now, replaced by that loyal, generous spark—she liked Miko's straightforward energy, no games (well, except the literal ones). "Sounds good. Lead the way—I could use a guide through this mess." But as they started moving, Miko paused, glancing back with a grin.
"Actually, you know what? I think I need to double-check my schedule real quick. Amphitheater it is, but lemme make sure I'm not supposed to be somewhere else first." Miko pulled out her own phone, scrolling briefly before nodding to herself. "Yep, that's the spot. Alright, catch you around, Corto—good luck surviving the crowds!" With a wave and her signature bouncy step, Miko dove back into the flow of students, heading off to find the Amphitheater room amid the chaos, her mind already buzzing with the day's possibilities. Corto watched her go for a second, chuckling softly, before following the path Miko had described, feeling a bit less bored about the day ahead.
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The side entrance of Lumise Academy was less chaotic than the main gates, tucked away behind a row of neatly trimmed hedges and a bike rack overflowing with chained-up cycles. It was the spot for students who preferred slipping in quietly—away from the main crowd's roar. The morning sun cast long shadows across the pavement, and the distant hum of chatter from the front blended with the occasional squeak of sneakers on asphalt. Banners welcoming the new term fluttered lazily in the breeze, but the vibe here was subdued, almost secretive.
Ridley Croft trudged up the path, her small frame hunched slightly under a backpack stuffed with gadgets and notebooks. She was short for her age, with messy hair peeking out from under a beanie, and she wore the standard academy uniform—a white blouse, navy skirt, and sneakers that looked like they'd seen better days. Post her adventures with the Glitch Techs, Ridley had mellowed out a bit; she wasn't as quick to snap or assume everyone was out to bully her. Life had shown her that not all people were jerks—Miko and Five had proven that. But old habits died hard; she still kept her guard up, especially in a new school like this. Enrolled at Lumise to "blend in" and maybe learn some legit coding without the glitch drama, she scanned the area with a reluctant sigh. "Great, another maze of hallways. Where's this amphitheater thing anyway?" she muttered to herself, pulling out her phone to check a map app.
Nearby, Molly McGee and Libby Stein-Torres were lingering by the door, chatting animatedly. Molly, a bubbly 13-year-old with wide almond-shaped eyes, brown skin, and dark brown hair tied in pigtails with pink scrunchies, bounced on her toes in her uniform—blouse neatly tucked, skirt swishing with her energy. She was all optimism and charisma, always ready to make a friend or brighten someone's day. "Come on, Libby! This year's gonna be amazing—new clubs, new adventures! I bet the amphitheater assembly has all sorts of fun announcements. Maybe a talent show or a eco-drive!" Her voice was bright, enthusiastic, like a burst of sunshine.
Libby, her best friend, stood beside her—a quirky 13-year-old with pale skin, curly black hair in a ponytail, and glasses perched on her nose. She was more introverted, geeky, and eccentric, dressed in the uniform but with a subtle turtle pin on her collar as a nod to her love for the creatures. "Yeah, totally, Mol. Just hoping it's not another lecture on 'school spirit.' Last year they made us chant for like, an hour." Libby adjusted her backpack, which probably held books on conspiracy theories or embroidery supplies, her voice soft but laced with dry humor.
Ridley, distracted by her phone, didn't notice the duo until she walked right into Molly's path—bumping shoulders lightly as she rounded the corner. "Whoa—hey!" Ridley yelped, stumbling back a step, her phone nearly slipping from her grip. She caught it just in time, her face flushing with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. But instead of lashing out like old times, she forced a reluctant half-smile, rubbing her arm. "Sorry about that. Wasn't watching. You guys okay?"
Molly spun around, her eyes lighting up instantly—no grudges here. "Oh, no worries at all! I'm Molly, and this is Libby. We're totally fine—happens to the best of us in this rush!" Her voice rang out warm and welcoming, already shifting into helpful mode. She extended a hand for a shake, her optimism kicking in full gear. "You new here? You look like you could use a buddy to navigate!"
Ridley hesitated for a second, her volatile side twitching at the sudden friendliness, but she reminded herself: Be nicer. Not everyone's a bully. She shook Molly's hand tentatively, her voice a bit gruff but not hostile. "Yeah, sorta new. Name's Ridley. Just trying to find the amphitheater without getting lost in this place. Maps app is glitching out on me." She pocketed her phone, glancing between the two, her short stature making her tilt her head up slightly.
Libby tilted her head, pushing up her glasses as she studied Ridley. Something clicked, and her eyes widened a fraction. "Wait a sec... your voice sounds super familiar. Like, eerily similar to Molly's. Same tone, same energy—kinda freaky, in a cool way. You two related or something?" She said it with her eccentric curiosity, half-joking, half-serious, like she'd stumbled on a mini-conspiracy.
Molly blinked, cocking her head. "Really? I don't hear it. But hey, if we sound alike, that's awesome! Means we're destined to be friends!" She laughed brightly, completely oblivious, her pushy helpfulness shining through as she looped an arm around Libby's shoulder.
Ridley shrugged, furrowing her brow but not noticing the similarity either. "Uh, no relation that I know of. Just how I talk, I guess." She shifted uncomfortably, not used to casual chit-chat, but the reluctance softened— these two didn't seem like the bullying type. "Anyway, amphitheater? Any clues?"
Molly beamed, jumping at the chance to help. "Oh, totally! It's not far—go through these doors, take the first left down the hall with the murals, then right at the vending machines. Big double doors with the crest; you can't miss it. They're doing the welcome assembly there—should be fun! Want us to walk you?"
Libby nodded, adding her geeky insight. "Yeah, and watch out for the crowd near the lockers; it's like a zombie apocalypse in there. But once you're in, grab a seat near the back if you like quiet—better for doodling or whatever."
Ridley managed a small, genuine smile—nicer than her usual scowl. "Thanks. Appreciate it. Maybe I'll see you around... if I don't get reset—er, lost again." She caught herself on the glitch lingo slip, but played it off with a wave, heading inside with a bit more confidence. The encounter wasn't so bad; maybe school wouldn't suck entirely.
Molly waved enthusiastically. "See ya, Ridley! Make the world a little better today!" As Ridley disappeared through the doors, Molly turned to Libby. "Nice kid. Kinda reminds me of someone... but yeah, the voice thing? Weird, right?"
Libby chuckled. "Totally a mystery. Come on, let's grab seats before the chants start." They headed in together, the side entrance falling quiet once more.
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The city bus rumbled along the winding streets of Bailley, its tires humming against the asphalt as it navigated the morning traffic toward Lumise Academy. The vehicle was half-full, a mix of students chattering about classes and commuters buried in their phones. Toward the back, Hector "High Five" Nieves had claimed a row of seats, sprawling out comfortably with his backpack wedged between his legs. His galaxy-blueish purple hair caught the sunlight streaming through the smudged windows, and he fiddled with a portable game console, though he wasn't fully immersed—keeping an eye on the new guys. Miko and the rest of the crew were scattered nearby, but Five had naturally gravitated toward Carter and Hyde, sensing they could use a friendly anchor in this new setup.
Carter Locke sat across the aisle, his messy blonde hair with that signature ahoge sticking up like an antenna. He leaned against the window, munching on another shortbread cookie from his seemingly endless pocket supply, his blue eyes darting around with that wary, street-smart vigilance honed from years on the move with Uncle Sly. No cons today, though—just trying to blend in at this academy. "Man, this bus takes forever. Back West, we'd hitch rides or something faster. You guys always commute like this?" He offered a cookie piece to Five and Hyde, breaking the ice with his casual, adaptable charm.
Five looked up from his console, flashing that warm, enthusiastic grin. "Oh, nerds, yeah—it's the daily grind. But hey, gives us time to chill. I'm all about puzzle games on the way; keeps the brain sharp. Want a turn?" He held out the device toward Carter, his voice friendly and inclusive, like he was inviting a fellow gamer to a co-op session. No glitch talk, of course—secrets stayed buried. Five was logical like that, planning ahead, but his caring side shone through; he hated seeing anyone feel out of place.
Hyde Kido slouched in the seat next to Five, arms crossed over his loosely worn uniform, his dual-toned hair falling into his red eyes. He stared out the window at the passing buildings, his gruff demeanor masking the constant alertness for any "Hollow Night" vibes—though nothing pinged here. School was just a cover for his real fights with the Insulator, but he wasn't about to spill that. "Tch, puzzles? Pass. I'd rather spar or something real." His voice was low and tsundere-edged, but he accepted the cookie from Carter with a nod, crunching it without complaint. "This academy better not be all talk. What's the deal with it, anyway? You seem like you've got the inside scoop, Five."
Five chuckled, powering down his console to focus on the convo—patience was his strong suit when not under pressure. "Lumise? It's got everything—tech clubs, strategy classes, even an arcade setup in the rec hall. Perfect for gamers like me. Or, y'know, whatever you're into." He leaned back, glancing at Carter. "You said you moved around a lot? Sounds adventurous. Me, I've been in Bailley forever—helping at my grandparents' food truck, gaming with friends. Simple life." He kept it light, respecting boundaries, but his leadership kicked in subtly, steering the talk to build rapport.
Carter smirked, crumbling cookie bits into his palm. "Adventurous is one way to put it. Uncle Sly and I pulled off some wild stuff—card tricks, escapes, you name it. But yeah, settling down here with my cousin Leila. No more running." He eyed Hyde curiously. "You look like you've seen some action too. That edge—fighter type?"
Hyde snorted, uncrossing his arms slightly, a faint blush of reluctance on his face. "Something like that. Night stuff, mostly. Don't ask." He wasn't opening up fully, but Five's easy vibe made him less prickly. "Food truck, huh? Better than cafeteria slop. Hook us up sometime?"
"Deal!" Five laughed, his enthusiasm bubbling up. "Taco Dragon's the best—my Papi's recipes are legendary. We could grab some after school, plan out academy survival strategies." As the bus turned a corner, Lumise Academy loomed ahead, its glass facades gleaming. The vehicle slowed, brakes squeaking as it approached the stop.
Carter peered out. "Finally. Looks fancy—hope it's not all rules and no fun."
Five clapped both on the shoulders as they stood. "Stick with the group; it'll be epic. Let's crush this day." They filed off the bus, the morning air crisp, secrets intact, and a budding camaraderie forming amid the academy's shadow.
Unbeknownst to them the security camera lens light flickered yellow as it turned to watch the bus reach the academy…it already saw the other car pull up earlier it wasn’t missing them either…
____________________________________________________________________________
The hallways of Lumise Academy buzzed with the late-morning energy of students filtering toward the amphitheater for the assembly. The air was thick with the sound of overlapping conversations, the shuffle of backpacks, and the occasional laugh echoing off the glass walls. Miko Kubota darted through the crowd, her wild hair bouncing with each step, her uniform slightly askew from her earlier gaming session. She clutched her phone, scrolling through a quick text from Five about meeting up, but her focus was split—partly on finding her friends, partly on the lingering high from that morning’s near-boss victory. Her grin was unstoppable, a burst of enthusiasm lighting up her face.
Ahead, near the amphitheater’s grand double doors adorned with the academy crest, Ridley Croft lingered by a water fountain, adjusting her beanie over her messy hair. Post-season 2, she’d softened—still guarded, but less quick to snarl. Her uniform was neatly worn, though her sneakers scuffed the floor as she shifted her weight, her backpack slung over one shoulder. She’d been dreading the assembly, her distrust of crowds lingering from years of bullying, but the prospect of seeing familiar faces kept her from bolting. Her eyes scanned the crowd, half-expecting trouble, when a familiar voice cut through the noise.
“Miko!” Ridley called out, her voice lifting with a rare, genuine excitement as she spotted her friend weaving toward her. The tension in her shoulders eased, and a reluctant but warm smile broke through.
Miko’s head snapped up, her eyes widening with delight. “Ridley! Oh, nerds, you’re here!” She broke into a jog, dodging a couple of students, and threw her arms around Ridley in a quick, enthusiastic hug. “I didn’t know you’d be at Lumise! This is gonna be epic!”
Ridley laughed—a short, surprised sound—returning the hug with a hesitant pat before pulling back, her cheeks faintly pink. “Yeah, uh, figured I’d give school a shot. Less glitch drama, more legit coding. Didn’t expect to see you, though. Thought you’d be stuck at Hinobi all day.” Her tone was lighter, the volatile edge softened by their past adventures together.
“Psh, nah! Five and I are here too—whole crew’s scattered around. You gotta meet Carter and Hyde later; they’re cool.” Miko grabbed Ridley’s arm, tugging her toward the amphitheater doors. “Come on, let’s hit the assembly together. Front row or bust—best view for whatever they’re throwing at us!”
Ridley rolled her eyes but let herself be pulled along, her smile growing. “Front row? You’re gonna get us in trouble. But… yeah, okay. Beats sitting alone.” The joy of reuniting with Miko—someone who’d seen her at her worst and still stuck around—warmed her, pushing back the usual wariness.
As they pushed through the doors, the amphitheater’s vast space opened up, rows of seats filling with students. Miko chattered about gaming strategies, Ridley chiming in with modding tips, their laughter blending with the crowd’s hum. However they heard a commotion.
“What was that?” Miko whispered, her voice dropping to a rare serious tone.
Ridley’s hand tightened on her backpack strap, her hacker instincts kicking in. “Dunno… but it didn’t look normal.” The assembly began, the principal’s voice booming over the speakers, but the strange flicker lingered in their minds, leaving the scene hanging on an unsettling cliffhanger.
____________________________________________________________________________
The engine of the Hinobi van hummed to a stop as Mitch Williams pulled into the parking lot of Faraway Plaza. He sat there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel with his tech gauntlets, staring out at the quaint suburban landscape that stretched before him. This wasn't exactly the high-stakes, XP-rich environment he was used to back in Bailey.
"Go for Mitch!" he answered his tech communicator with his usual bravado, though there was a slight edge to his voice.
"Just checking in on your arrival, Williams," came Phil's voice through the device. "Remember, this is a standard patrol assignment. Keep it low-key."
Low-key. Right. As if Mitch Williams did anything low-key. He adjusted his pink-tinted visor and smoothed back his platinum blonde pompadour. Sure, maybe his recent... incidents with mind-wiping people for free food and showing up the newbies had landed him this "reassignment," but Phil knew exactly what he was doing. Mitch was the best Glitch Tech on the leaderboards, and if there were any glitches hiding out in this sleepy little town, he'd find them first.
"Copy that, boss. Mitch Williams is on the scene," he replied, already scanning the area with his visor's enhanced display. The readings were surprisingly clean – almost suspiciously so.
He stepped out of the van, his customized silver platform boots clicking against the asphalt. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the plaza, and he could see the typical small-town setup: HOBBEEZ with its nostalgic storefront, GINO'S DINER with the smell of pizza wafting out, OTHERMART bustling with everyday shoppers. Nothing screamed "glitch activity" to him.
That's when he noticed them.
Two figures were walking toward a sleek black car parked near the fountain – both with distinctive black hair that caught his attention immediately. The girl was older, maybe college-aged, carrying what looked like a violin case and wearing a neat, pressed uniform. The boy was younger, probably around fifteen, with messier hair and a more casual but still refined outfit. They moved with an easy familiarity, the girl's hand resting protectively on the boy's shoulder as they approached the vehicle.
Mitch's visor automatically began running facial recognition protocols, but before any results could come back, a well-dressed driver stepped out and opened the car door for them.
"Ready for another semester, Sunny?" the girl asked, her voice carrying easily across the plaza's open space. Her tone was warm, encouraging – the kind of voice that belonged to someone who'd never known real hardship.
The boy – Sunny – nodded quietly, clutching what appeared to be a camera bag. "Thanks for letting me come with you to Lumise, Mari. I know photography isn't exactly a traditional academic track..."
"Hey," Mari interrupted gently, turning to face him fully. "You've got talent, and Lumise Academy has one of the best arts programs in the country. Besides," she added with a smile that seemed to light up the entire plaza, "what kind of big sister would I be if I didn't help my little brother chase his dreams?"
Mitch felt an unfamiliar twinge in his chest watching their interaction. It reminded him of... well, of times he'd rather not think about. Times before he'd chosen his ranking over everything else.
The driver cleared his throat politely. "Miss Mari, Master Sunny, if we're going to make it to the academy before evening orientation..."
"Of course! Sorry!" Mari laughed, giving the plaza one last fond look. "I'm going to miss this place. Four years felt like forever when I was applying to colleges, but now..."
"It went by too fast," Sunny finished quietly.
As they settled into the car, Mitch caught a glimpse of Mari pulling out her phone, probably texting someone. Through his enhanced hearing, he could just make out her saying something about "letting Kel and the others know we made it safely" and "promising to video call every week."
The car pulled away smoothly, carrying the siblings toward whatever prestigious future awaited them at Lumise Academy. Mitch watched until it disappeared around a corner, then realized he'd been standing there like some kind of stalker. Good thing his reputation wasn't built on subtlety.
He shook his head and refocused on his scanner. Still clean readings, but that didn't mean much. Glitches were getting smarter, better at hiding their digital signatures. Maybe this assignment wouldn't be the boring punishment detail he'd initially thought.
"Alright, Faraway Town," he muttered to himself, cracking his knuckles and feeling the familiar thrill of the hunt beginning to build. "Let's see what you're hiding. Because if there's one thing Mitch Williams doesn't do, it's come back empty-handed."
His pink visor glinted in the afternoon light as he strode toward the shops, already planning his systematic sweep of the area. Those two kids with their fancy academy and supportive family dynamic – that was their world. This was his. And he was going to make sure everyone knew he was still the king of it.
But as he walked, he couldn't quite shake the image of that genuine smile on Mari's face, or the quiet trust in Sunny's eyes. It was the kind of bond he'd once known, before rankings and XP and being the best became more important than being part of something bigger than himself.
The Faraway Plaza stretched out before him, peaceful and seemingly innocent. But Mitch Williams knew better than most that peaceful didn't mean safe, and innocent didn't mean empty of secrets. And if there was one thing he'd learned in his years as a Glitch Tech, it was that every place – no matter how perfect it looked on the surface – had its glitches.
Time to get to work.
____________________________________________________________________________
The glass-domed amphitheater buzzed with the chatter of students filing into the circular bleachers. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the transparent dome, casting shifting patterns across the ornate wooden backdrop that framed the central stage. Blue accent lights flickered to life as the assembly area filled.
Five adjusted his green hoodie and scanned the crowd for a familiar face. "Oh, nerds," he muttered under his breath, still getting used to this new school environment. Spotting Miko's distinctive blue-violet hair near the middle section of bleachers, he made his way over.
"Miko!" Five called out, waving as he climbed the steps. "Saved me a spot?"
"Five! Over here!" Miko bounced slightly in her seat, patting the empty space beside her. "I've been people-watching while waiting. Check out all these different students - some of them have the coolest gear!"
As Five settled in next to his partner, he noticed two other students in their row. To Miko's left sat a girl with distinctive black hair tipped with red, wearing a red hooded cloak despite being indoors. She seemed to be quietly observing everything around her with sharp silver eyes.
"Hi there," Miko said brightly to the cloaked girl. "I'm Miko, and this is Five. Mind if we ask what brings you here? You don't look like the typical tech student."
The red-cloaked girl looked up with a friendly but cautious smile. "Oh, I'm Ruby. Just... exploring different educational opportunities," she said vaguely, her hand unconsciously moving to adjust something beneath her cloak. "What about you two? You seem pretty close - are you partners in some kind of program?"
"Something like that," Five replied with a grin. "We work together on... technical support issues. Really complex ones that require teamwork."
On the other side of their small group sat a quieter figure - a teenager with gray hair and mixed features, wearing a simple gray shirt with green stripes. He'd been sitting alone, tinkering with what looked like a small mechanical device.
"Hey," Miko leaned over toward the gray-haired student. "That's some pretty intricate tech you've got there. Are you in the engineering track?"
Gray looked up briefly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just... building things. Helps me think." He paused, seeming to consider whether to continue the conversation. "I'm Gray."
Ruby's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh wow, is that something you designed yourself? I have a bit of an appreciation for... custom craftsmanship."
"Yeah," Gray replied quietly, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "Modified the processing unit myself. Can interface with most electronic systems if you know the right frequencies."
Five leaned forward, intrigued. "That's actually pretty impressive. Mind if I take a look? I've done some programming myself."
As Gray hesitantly passed the device over to Five, who examined it with genuine interest, the four found themselves settling into an easy conversation despite their different backgrounds.
"The craftsmanship really is impressive," Ruby said, watching Five carefully inspect Gray's handiwork. "You must have a lot of patience to get the components this precisely aligned."
Gray's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "It's... it's just something to keep my hands busy. Helps when things get too loud, you know?"
Miko nodded enthusiastically. "Totally get that! Sometimes when I'm stressed, I just need to move or do something with my hands. Five's more of a planner, but me? I gotta stay active."
"We balance each other out pretty well," Five agreed, handing the device back to Gray. "Though I have to admit, your modification work is way more advanced than anything I've tried."
The conversation was interrupted as the lights in the amphitheater suddenly dimmed significantly, and an authoritative voice echoed through hidden speakers: "All students please take your seats and direct your attention to the stage."
The four quickly quieted down along with the rest of the crowd, their friendly chatter replaced by an attentive silence. Ruby instinctively pulled her hood up slightly, Gray tucked his device away, and both Five and Miko straightened in their seats.
The ornate backdrop behind the stage began to glow with additional blue lighting, creating an almost mystical atmosphere in the circular chamber. Along with the old statue, though the teachers had said it was going to be thrown away. A figure in formal attire stepped onto the central platform, and the assembly was about to begin.
____________________________________________________________________________
The ornate backdrop glowed brighter as a distinguished figure stepped onto the central stage. Professor Ozpin, tall and silver-haired with his characteristic spectacles and cross-shaped pin, approached the podium with his walking cane clicking softly against the platform. He carried himself with quiet authority, his dark suit and green vest pristine despite the circumstances that had brought them all together.
"Good afternoon, students," Ozpin began, his voice carrying easily through the glass-domed amphitheater without need for amplification. "I am Professor Ozpin, and I have the honor of serving as your headmaster here at Lumise Academy."
He paused, allowing his brown eyes to sweep across the assembled students, his expression both welcoming and solemn.
"I know this transition has not been easy for many of you. When circumstances beyond our control necessitated the closure of Beacon Academy, we were faced with the challenge of ensuring your education could continue uninterrupted. I want to personally apologize for any inconvenience this sudden change of schools has caused. I understand that leaving familiar halls and routines can be... unsettling."
Ozpin's grip tightened slightly on his cane, a subtle gesture that hinted at deeper concerns he chose not to voice.
"However, I believe that Lumise Academy will prove to be more than adequate for your continued growth and learning. We have assembled a distinguished faculty from various institutions to ensure you receive the highest quality education possible."
He gestured toward a section near the stage where several other figures sat in formal chairs.
"Allow me to introduce my fellow administrators. Professor Grace Granville joins us from the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, where she served as both dean and professor of thermodynamics. Her expertise in engineering and robotics will be invaluable to our technical programs."
A tall, dignified woman with short black hair and gold jewelry nodded politely from her seat, her expression stern but not unkind.
"Principal O'Connor comes to us from Brighton Middle School, bringing years of experience in educational administration. His... unique perspective on student discipline will help maintain order during this transitional period."
A middle-aged man with a knowing smile and the bearing of someone well-versed in handling difficult situations gave a small wave.
"And Principal Breena, formerly of Faraway School District, will be overseeing our residential and counseling services. Her dedication to student welfare and community building will be essential as we create new traditions here at Lumise."
A woman with professional attire and a warm but authoritative presence stood briefly before resuming her seat.
"We also have various visiting specialists and support staff who will be working with you in the coming weeks as we establish our full curriculum. Each brings their own expertise and commitment to your success."
Ozpin paused again, his voice taking on a more personal tone.
"I want you to know that while the building may be different, our mission remains the same. You are here to learn, to grow, and to prepare yourselves for the challenges that await beyond these walls. Knowledge will be your greatest tool, but it is how you choose to apply that knowledge that will define who you become."
His eyes seemed to linger on certain sections of the crowd, though his expression remained neutral.
"In the days ahead, you will receive your new class schedules, dormitory assignments, and orientation materials. I encourage you to approach this transition with open minds and patient hearts. Great things often arise from unexpected circumstances, and I have every confidence that your time at Lumise Academy will prove both rewarding and transformative."
Ozpin straightened, returning to his more formal administrative tone.
"That concludes our introductory assembly. Please remain seated while your new student advisors distribute your enrollment packets. Welcome to Lumise Academy. May your journey here be one of discovery, growth, and purpose."
With that, he stepped back from the podium, his cane tapping softly as several staff members moved forward with stacks of papers and folders, ready to begin the practical business of settling students into their new academic home.
____________________________________________________________________________
The Sumdac Systems headquarters loomed over the industrial district of Bailley like a gleaming monolith of glass and steel, its facade etched with holographic displays of whirring robot prototypes and sleek gaming interfaces. Inside, the executive lab on the top floor was a chaotic symphony of innovation: workbenches cluttered with circuit boards, half-assembled automatons blinking to life with soft whirs, and massive screens projecting simulations of virtual worlds. The air hummed with the low buzz of servers and the faint scent of overheated solder. Isaac Sumdac, the unassuming genius behind it all, hunched over a holographic blueprint, his tiny arms gesturing wildly as he muttered to himself. In his mid-50s, with a wild mop of graying hair, thick glasses perpetually slipping down his nose, and a lab coat stained with coffee rings, he embodied the archetype of the absent-minded inventor—brilliant in machines, baffling in people.
A soft chime echoed from the intercom, pulling Sumdac from his trance. "Oh! Visitor protocol—right, right," he blinked, straightening up with a start. He'd forgotten to eat lunch again, his stomach rumbling in protest, but the meeting was priority. Hinobi had been his latest big break: partnering with the gaming giant to integrate his versatile robot tech into their consoles. No more just factory drones; now, his creations could power interactive avatars, glitch-hunting AIs, even home assistants that "zapped" virtual pests. It was revolutionary—or so the emails said. Sumdac believed every word; sincerity was his kryptonite.
The elevator doors hissed open, admitting Barbara Przybylski, Inspector #7, clipboard in hand and a bright, professional smile on her face. In her mid-30s, she cut a sharp figure in her crisp Hinobi uniform—navy blazer over a white blouse, slacks, and sensible flats—her blonde hair pulled into a no-nonsense ponytail. Bookworm Barbara, as Phil still called her in their rare catch-up texts, carried the weight of her old Glitch Tech days like a well-worn badge: cheerful on the surface, but her eyes scanned every corner with the diligence of someone who'd seen one too many "hazards" turn into disasters. She disliked glitches with a passion, but Hinobi's shadier undercurrents? Those she navigated with covert grace, always one step ahead.
"Mr. Sumdac! Pleasure to finally meet in person," Barbara extended a hand, her voice warm and upbeat, like a tour guide at a theme park. "Inspector Barbara Przybylski, Hinobi Safety Division. Phil sends his regards—says you're the 'robot whisperer' he's always raved about."
Sumdac pumped her hand enthusiastically, his grip surprisingly firm for those diminutive arms. "Whisperer? Ha! More like the yeller— these bots don't listen unless you shout in binary. Call me Isaac, please. Coffee? Tea? I think I have some left... somewhere." He gestured vaguely at a pot that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the partnership began three months ago. His eyes lit up with that guileless enthusiasm; to him, Barbara was just another friendly face in a world of schematics. "Phil's a good egg. Old Glitch Tech buddy, right? Told me all about your 'Bookworm' days—devouring manuals like they're novels. Inspiring!"
Barbara chuckled, waving off the offer as she clipped a hazard tag to a loose cable dangling from a nearby drone prototype. "Guilty as charged. But let's dive in—Hinobi's thrilled with the integration progress. Your automaton cores in our next-gen consoles? Game-changer. Literally." She pulled up a tablet, projecting a 3D model of a Hinobi gauntlet fused with Sumdac's modular robot arm—capable of manifesting tools on the fly for glitch hunts. "We've got simulations showing 40% faster response times. But safety first: any reports of anomalous feedback? Overheats, false positives?"
Sumdac leaned in, squinting at the hologram, oblivious to how close he stood—personal space was another lab casualty. "Anomalous? Oh, you mean the 'ghost in the machine' stuff? Had a few betas where the cores... glitched, I suppose. One unit started reciting poetry mid-test—Shakespeare in code! Charming, really. Fixed it with a firmware patch." He beamed, missing the subtle furrow in her brow. In his mind, it was all progress; the "meteor" tech he'd reverse-engineered decades ago in Paw Paw had quirks, sure, but nothing a tweak couldn't solve. No giant robot heads here—just pure, alien-inspired ingenuity fueling everyday wonders.
Barbara's smile held, but her pen tapped her clipboard—a telltale sign of her astute side kicking in. She jotted a note: Potential sentience bleed—monitor for emergent behaviors. Cheerful as she was, unbiased diligence was her creed; Hinobi's execs might overlook "shadier dealings" like experimental AI that bordered on alive, but not her. "Poetry's a new one. Cute, but let's flag it. Last thing we need is a console reciting sonnets during a boss fight—distraction hazard." She circled the workbench, eyeing a cluster of dormant bots with mild suspicion. Glitches were her nemesis; anything that mimicked them set her teeth on edge. "Speaking of, your partnership clause—ethical manufacturing only, right? No weaponized mods? Phil emphasized that when he looped me in."
"Absolutely!" Sumdac nodded vigorously, adjusting his glasses with a flourish. "No pew-pew for these little guys. Sari—my daughter—would never forgive me. She's at that academy now, Lumise? Bright kid, but hates when I tinker too much. Says it 'steals family time.'" He chuckled self-deprecatingly, a flicker of genuine warmth breaking through his oblivious fog. Crafting elaborate gifts for Sari was his love language—robots that folded laundry or projected bedtime stories. But workaholism? That was the flaw that landed him in hot water, like forgetting her school play last week. "We're building helpers, not harmers. Imagine: Hinobi users with personal glitch-zappers that learn your playstyle. Revolutionary!"
Barbara paused, her covert instincts pinging. Hinobi's higher-ups had whispered about "subjects" like Miko—observing potentials for something bigger, glitch-human hybrids maybe. Sumdac's tech could accelerate that, for better or worse. "Revolutionary's the word. Just... keep the logs transparent. Anything 'impossible' pops up—like a human-glitch interface—we loop in inspectors early. Hey, anything's possible, right?" She winked, echoing her own cryptic line from a past audit, but her mind raced: If this scales, Bailley's glitch rates could skyrocket. Or save us all.
Sumdac blinked, processing her words with childlike literalness. "Human-glitch? Like a cyborg gamer? Ooh, patent pending!" He jotted it on a napkin, missing the subtext entirely. "You're a natural at this, Barbara. Phil was right— we should collab more. Dinner with Sari sometime?"
She laughed lightly, closing her tablet with a satisfied snap—no major infractions today. "Rain check. But seriously, Isaac—stay safe in here. World outside the lab's waiting." As she headed for the elevator, her cheerful facade held, but unease lingered. Hinobi's shadows grew longer with partners like Sumdac; brilliant, yes, but dangerously trusting. One wrong anomaly, and "anything possible" might mean catastrophe.
The doors slid shut, leaving Sumdac humming back to his blueprints, the lab's hum unbroken—for now.
____________________________________________________________________________
Deep beneath the abandoned warehouses on the outskirts of Bailley, in a bunker fortified with layers of encrypted firewalls and jury-rigged Atlesian tech, Dr. Arthur Watts paced the dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with the hum of servers and the faint ozone scent of overheating circuits. His three-tone purple coat with its fur-lined hood hung open, revealing the yellow dress shirt beneath, slightly rumpled from hours of clandestine work. The friction burn scar around his right eye—a memento from his last "disagreement" with Ironwood—twitched slightly as he adjusted his rings, now repurposed for hacking into more... exotic systems. Watts' green eyes gleamed with that signature mix of arrogance and intellect, his mustache curling in a smirk as he approached the array of holographic screens flickering to life.
The figures on the displays were shrouded in digital distortion—silhouettes against static backdrops, their voices modulated to anonymity. One, a wiry outline with a hint of wild hair, leaned forward from what looked like a lab overrun with biomechanical clutter. Another was broader, perhaps corporate, with a backdrop of schematics. A third flickered erratically, as if broadcasting from unstable terrain. They were allies in shadow, bound by mutual disdain for the status quo and a hunger for control. Watts had faked his death once; these partnerships were his resurrection.
"Gentlemen," Watts began, his refined accent dripping with condescension as he clasped his hands behind his back. "Or whatever passes for such in this digital den of iniquity. I trust your... contributions have proceeded without the usual incompetence?"
The wiry silhouette—Merlot, though unnamed here—chuckled, a raspy sound like grinding metal. "The specimens are ready. Fused, enhanced. But the gateway... it's proving elusive. Nexworlds won't yield to brute force."
Watts waved a hand dismissively, his rings glinting. "Brute force is for lesser minds. I've breached Hinobi's outer protocols—subtle overrides, nothing flashy. Sumdac's little toys provide the perfect vector. One more splice, and we'll have ingress."
A deeper voice from another screen interjected, static crackling. "Timeline?"
"Soon," Watts replied, his tone sharpening with impatience. "You can't just be strong; you have to be smart. Deserving, worthy. The project advances—Nexworlds will be ours to reshape. But discretion, please. No more slip-ups like the Paladin fiasco."
The figures nodded in unison, screens winking out one by one, leaving Watts alone in the glow. He smirked to himself. "Fools. As if they'd understand true genius." The bunker fell silent, the plans coiling tighter in the dark.
____________________________________________________________________________
The afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the Lumise Library, casting golden rectangles across the polished wooden floors. Ridley pushed through the heavy oak doors, her arms laden with books she'd grabbed after the assembly. The sheer scale of the place made her pause—shelves stretched up several stories, connected by spiral staircases and walkways that seemed to defy architectural logic.
"Welcome to Lumise Library!" A cheerful voice called out from behind the front desk. A young woman with wire-rimmed glasses and disheveled brown hair looked up from a stack of returned books, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I'm Professor Eldrin. I love reading books. Especially the ones upstairs. You should really read them."
Ridley raised an eyebrow at the oddly specific recommendation but nodded politely. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
As she ventured deeper into the library, scanning for a good research spot, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Ridley! What a coincidence seeing you here!"
She turned to see Molly McGee waving enthusiastically from a nearby table, her pink hair ribbon bouncing with the motion. Libby sat beside her, surrounded by what appeared to be historical texts and conspiracy theory books.
"Hey, Molly, Libby," Ridley said, walking over with a genuine smile. It was nice to see familiar faces in this strange new place. "Doing some research too?"
"You could say that," Libby replied, adjusting her mint-green turtleneck. "I'm investigating some local historical inconsistencies I noticed, and Molly's helping me cross-reference sources."
"Sweet baby corn, this place has everything!" Molly McGee grinned. "Even books about ghost-human friendship dynamics, which is surprisingly specific."
Before Ridley could respond, she heard footsteps approaching from another section of the library. Three girls emerged from between the towering shelves—a small girl in a bear hoodie clutching her backpack straps nervously, a tall blonde in an elaborate pink dress with bells on her bows, and a short kid with pink hair and an unmistakable mischievous grin.
"Oh!" The girl in the bear hoodie looked up, her button-like eyes widening slightly. "Sorry, we didn't mean to interrupt..."
"No interruption at all!" Molly McGee said cheerfully, then paused as she processed what she was seeing. "Oh, hi! I'm Molly!"
The smaller girl blinked in surprise. "Um... I'm also Molly..."
An awkward silence fell over the group as everyone processed this information.
Trixie's grin widened into something positively impish. "Well this isn't confusing at all. What are the odds of having two Mollys in one place?"
"Oh my!" Phoenica clasped her hands together, her bells chiming softly. "Two Mollys! This is like something out of a romance novel where there are twin princesses separated at birth who meet by chance in a mystical library!"
Libby pushed her glasses up her nose, clearly unable to resist. "Actually, statistically speaking, Molly is a fairly common name. According to Social Security Administration data, it's consistently ranked in the top 200 names for girls, so the probability of encountering multiple Mollys in any given social situation isn't as astronomically low as you might initially assume..."
"Okay, okay," Ridley interrupted with a laugh, setting her books down on the table. "I guess we'll need to figure out a system here. Maybe we could use last names?"
"I'm fine with just Molly!" the more energetic Molly said. "Maybe we could be 'Molly M' and 'Molly B'?"
The quieter Molly nodded, still gripping her backpack straps. "That... that works for me."
"Or we could call them 'Molly One' and 'Molly Two' like some kind of experiment," Trixie suggested, clearly enjoying the chaos she was adding to the situation.
Phoenica's eyes lit up even brighter. "Oh! Or 'Molly Sunshine' and 'Molly Moonbeam'! Wouldn't that be poetic? It would be like a fairy tale where—"
Everyone turned to stare at her, causing her to trail off mid-sentence.
"...Too much?" she asked in a smaller voice.
"Maybe we'll stick with the letter system," Ridley said diplomatically. She gestured to the empty chairs around the large table. "Why don't you all join us? Looks like we're all here for research anyway."
As the group settled in, Ridley couldn't help but notice how different the two Mollys were despite sharing a name. Molly M was practically vibrating with positive energy, immediately striking up conversations and offering to help everyone with their research. Molly B, on the other hand, seemed tired beyond her years, methodically organizing her materials with the efficiency of someone far older.
"So what brings everyone to the library today?" Libby asked, pulling out a notebook that looked suspiciously like an investigation journal.
"I'm researching some technical stuff about this place," Ridley said vaguely, not wanting to get into the specifics of glitch technology with strangers.
"I'm helping Molly research local folklore," Phoenica announced. "My family has some... historical interests in this area."
"And I'm looking for information about epithet-related phenomena," Molly B said quietly. "There might be some academic papers hidden in the archives."
Professor Eldrin materialized beside their table as if summoned by the mention of research, her glasses slightly askew. "Oh, wonderful! Research! I do hope you'll check out our upstairs collection. It's really quite special. Very... illuminating." She paused, seeming to lose her train of thought. "What was I saying? Oh yes, books! Lots of books upstairs."
After she wandered off, muttering about catalog systems, Trixie leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else getting weird vibes from the librarian?"
"She seems nice enough," Molly M said charitably. "Maybe she's just really passionate about books?"
"There's passion, and then there's whatever that was," Ridley muttered, but she was already pulling out her first research book. "Anyway, might as well get started."
As the group settled into their respective research tasks, the massive library seemed to hum with quiet energy around them. None of them could have predicted how this chance encounter would change everything, but for now, it was oddly comforting to have found companions in this strange new place.
Even if two of them did happen to share the same name.
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The assembly in Lumise Academy's amphitheater had dragged on longer than expected—endless speeches about "academic excellence," club sign-ups, and vague warnings about "campus anomalies" that made Miko and Five exchange uneasy glances. Miko nudged Five, whispering, "Dude, that distortion earlier? Totally not normal. Like, Hinobi-level weird."
Five nodded, his friendly smile masking concern. "Yeah, but let's not jump to conclusions. Could be a projector glitch or something." Logical as always, but his hand twitched toward where his gauntlet would be—if they weren't in civilian mode, “Or could just be nothing at all.”
As they navigated the throng, a folded note slipped into Miko's hand from a passing student. She unfolded it quickly: Spectra Club meeting, Room 207. We saw what you saw. Come alone. - Y, M, K
Miko's eyes widened. "Five! Check this—mysterious invite. Spectra Club? Sounds gaming-related. Or spooky. Either way, I'm in!"
Five scanned the note, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Could be a trap... but curiosity wins. Let's go—strength in numbers."
They slipped away from the crowd, heading to the quieter wing of the academy. Room 207 was tucked at the end of a hallway lined with old trophies and faded posters, the door slightly ajar with a soft blue glow emanating from within. Miko pushed it open with her usual boundless energy, Five following cautiously.
Inside, the room was a cozy setup—bean bags, posters of ethereal landscapes, and a central table with glowing holographic projectors. Three figures waited: a calm young man with silver hair and gray eyes, dressed in a neat academy uniform (Yu Narukami); a stoic blue-haired boy with earphones dangling around his neck, exuding quiet intensity (Makoto Yuki); and a bubbly girl with wavy auburn hair in a ponytail, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm (Kotone Shiomi).
Yu stood first, his voice steady and polite, like a natural leader addressing allies. "Thanks for coming. I'm Yu Narukami. These are Makoto Yuki and Kotone Shiomi. We've been watching for... talents like yours."
Makoto nodded silently, his apathetic expression unchanging, but his gaze sharp—assessing, not threatening.
Kotone bounced up with a cheerful grin, her energy a stark contrast to Makoto's reserve. "Hi! We're so glad you made it. That thing during assembly? Totally freaky, right? But we've dealt with weirder shadows."
Miko blinked, her hyper vibe kicking in. "Whoa, you saw that too? Wait, who are you guys? And how'd you know we'd bite?"
Five tensed, his friendly demeanor shifting to protective. "Yeah, and what's Spectra Club? Sounds made-up."
Yu smiled faintly, his calm presence diffusing tension. "It's a cover—for those who fight the unseen. Like you two... Glitch Techs."
Miko's jaw dropped, her eyes going wide. "What?! How do you—"
Five stepped forward, voice low. "That's classified. Who told you?"
Makoto spoke then, his tone even and detached, like stating a fact. "We know because we've seen it before. Anomalies bleeding through. Not glitches exactly, but close. Personas—manifestations of the heart. You're not alone in this fight."
Kotone leaned in, her bubbly assertiveness shining. "We're the good guys, promise! No tricks. We just want to talk—about that glitches, and what's really hiding under Lumise. It could change everything."
Miko and Five exchanged shocked glances, the revelation hanging heavy. Good guys? Maybe. But as the holograms flickered to life, revealing maps of "Nexworlds" and shadowy figures, a chill ran down their spines. What had they just walked into?
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Deep in an underground bunker—or was it truly underground? A rather tall figure looked at their screen, which displayed numerous viewpoints of Bailey, Dabney, Brighton, Faraway Town, Detroit, Lumise, Sweet Jazz City, and Mineral Wells, showing different locations including Lumise Academy.
"Hmm... it seems to be progressing admirably," the figure observed with measured satisfaction.
Rushing in was a woman. "Whoops!" She nearly tripped, almost dropping her books, but fortunately the figure caught both her and the volumes with remarkable ease.
"Greetings," said the figure with refined composure.
The bespectacled woman smiled sheepishly. "Terribly sorry, Executive. I... have quite the passion for literature, as you can undoubtedly discern."
The figure nodded graciously while helping her to her feet. "Pray tell, what matter required such urgent consultation that you summoned me here during these nocturnal hours?"
"Well, having served as one of my most distinguished enterprises for considerable time, I am now at liberty to inform you that the experiment may commence..."
"That is indeed magnificent news, sir. What precisely does it entail?"
"The matter is exceedingly complex to elucidate presently, particularly given your role and that of your fellow enterprisers. However, I shall impart this much: it concerns understanding the fundamental nature of reality within this world and beyond... Should we achieve success, this universe may never remain unchanged, as the very boundaries themselves shall be completely transformed."
The woman paused with a rather perplexed expression. "Fascinating. So... do we have a book club during this endeavor, or...?"
"Actually, that presents an excellent segue to my subsequent point. The constants and variables of this world shall be convening at precisely such a club at Lumise Academy."
"Oh, I was just there this morning before my break," the woman noted. "So you wish me to maintain surveillance upon them?"
"Not at present, as I possess more than adequate oversight," the figure replied, snapping his gloved fingers with authority. The screen immediately displayed Yu leading Miko and Five toward the club.
"Remarkable! So what precisely am I supposed to accomplish?" inquired the woman.
"You shall rendezvous with my other entrepreneurs. They will facilitate your understanding and enable you to identify all potential threats to my project. And I do not refer exclusively to villains—though they remain equally significant."
The woman observed the screen displaying those she would be meeting. "Oh, thank you, sir."
"Now, do enjoy your respite. You have an extraordinarily demanding day ahead of you."
The figure then sighed, “And I have a busy night, managing five universes does tiring you out a bit.”
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