Chapter Text
Belle can already tell something was up. She knew a lot of her brother than even he lets on. On the few occasions he was fully aware of girls' attention despite stating he couldn’t understand one whether that be from 1’s and 0’s or flesh and blood. On the receipt of canned cat food he throws away near the dumpster making her own gacha habits seem tolerable. On the few times he treated himself to something sweet after a hard commission, working part time with other shops around New Eridu, trying out clothes when even the usual attire he wears isn’t for his liking. She knew him as he was the only family besides Eous and all of their Bangboo helpers in the small corner in the city they were able to save for themselves. So why would he be wary of Miss Astra Yao? THE ASTRA YAO!!!
Miss Astra Yao has been noticeably shaken by recent events; that much Evelyn knew. If it wasn’t for the most recent events she would’ve just assumed it was just the adrenaline coming and going in waves. And yet, one glance at her was more than enough to know that something even bigger than that is at play. Looking over at the smallest of the four of them, Belle, she was beaming at the sight of her, happy and honored to not only being standing mere feet away from the biggest idol but also being in good graces and maybe being on friendly terms. Anyone would devote themselves to her in a heartbeat, anyone would pledge any sort of fantasy if it meant getting ever closer as a friend or possibly any more.
Then that begs the question of Mister Wise himself. Sure, he was a bit sheepish before. But this isn’t out of respect for herself or Astra, but more as a means to defend himself. As if he were a bubble waiting to burst. Evelyn was already on guard, waiting for whatever came from him whether that be an attempt at either her or Astra’s life or as something as small as a love confession. But no. Astra already beat her to the punch. “Let’s keep in touch, okay?” She said in her bubbly personality, Already Belle agreed, nodding as if she were turned into a small novelty trinket one would place on the dashboard of a car. But Wise just nodded and grabbed his sister's hand and walked away. Evelyn could tell something is at play, even Astra doesn’t seem this tense when talking to T.O.P.S. executives. What could be going on?
The drive back home was heavy with its density, everyone was already thinking what to do next. Wise's main focus was on the road, but seeing Astra did shake him to the core. Not that he hates her, she was someone who demanded attention whenever she took the stage or interviews, and he wasn’t any different. He would’ve set up a small shrine about her if he didn’t get caught by anyone, whether that be another Agent or his own sister. So he’ll just settle with one of the two gifts she gave him all those years ago. Belle, taking the passenger seat, looked outside, wondering how to confront her brother. She loved him to pieces, the amount varying from sibling love to a friendship that would last till the end of times. But this wasn’t like him. He would’ve been holding out his hand to shake both of them if he could. He would’ve been accidentally turning up the charm to 11 in thanking the ladies for what happened in the theater. But no. He said nothing. And that worried her. And scared her.
Evelyn was watching Astra as she normally does. With their driver doing his task in transporting them back to Astra’s suite, she wanted to ask what was that about. Sure the problem at hand was fully taken care of but she just can’t shake off something happening between her and Wise. Was he actually a creep behind such a kind and welcoming face? Was there a misunderstanding that soured relations? If she was being honest, it was driving her mad on the inside. But then she had to take a look at herself. She was bruised. Badly. Thankfully the medicine underneath her seat would be more than enough to cover most of them but with time and bed rest, she would be back in tip top shape to defend Miss Yao. Astra however was trying to hide her feelings. At first she was just being nice towards this handsome young man who was her Proxy for the evening. It was nice of him to be ever so cautious with procedures, let alone with what happened next. But then the gears started turning in her head. His tone, his mannerisms, his hands. All of it was rushing back to her and she didn’t enjoy this revelation. At least he was being polite. She thinks he deserves an apology but could she really face him?
The drive ended quickly for the siblings. With Wise parking the van and his sister already walking towards the store, maybe things will go alright. And just as she was outta sight, he picked up the phone to order a command. “Hey Fairy?” He said. “Yes Master?” Said the A.I. “Make sure this message is for the person on the other side. No one else.” He said bluntly.
“Understood.” Said the A.I. again as it did its work. “And this request never happened.” He said as he was walking into Random Play. “What response?” Answered the A.I. aware of what sort of secrecy the Master needed. Not even the Second Assistant would know of the contents of the call. But it’s okay. Or at least, he hopes it is.
The drive lasted a lot longer as there was already paparazzi waiting. When the passenger doors opened, the flashing started with everyone wanting to know what the hell happened, and why did it involve someone as popular and loveable as Astra Yao. Evelyn took the charge, using her figure to block the flashing lights, she stood tall for someone who didn’t take many blows to her figure. “Move out of the way please, Miss Yao is in no place to answer any of your questions. Please leave her be.” It sounded like a request but even most of the crowd knew it was more of a demand. And so some of the flashing stopped. They feared whatever she could’ve done to them, even if some were looking forward to whatever punishment came to mind.
Of course it didn’t completely stop but it was more than enough to be considered tolerable. And so Astra leaves the safety of her ride, walking alongside Evelyn, smiling lightly, putting on a face, putting on a mask for the remaining paparazzi to see. But an in-person die hard fan could tell something was shaking her to the core. And Evelyn was more than just that. The ride upwards was quiet, tense even. But once making it inside, Astra collapsed on the couch, happy that she was safe behind her own walls. Happy that no prying eyes were here in the slightest.
And yet that safety sensation was shattered as Evelyn cleared her throat. Astra knew that look, knew that tone, it was never a good one. One she knows as ‘Fun’s over.’ or ‘Get back to the studio’. So for once, she rolled over to face her. This secret of hers won’t stay much any longer.
And in another city something else was happening. In the city of the sky. In a city where there were more Bangboo’s than living beings. There were many sorts of faces and figures. Some ran bakeries, others ran plays, some attended prayer, some attended towards a secretive meeting filled with electric bread. But to one child, one girl, she was getting ready for class. Looking down at her desk, she saw all sorts of notes she took with her own classmates, her own friends, and a few from her teachers. And at the edge of her desk was a picture of her family.