ZZZ: Dawn of The Black Sun

It was noon when Qingyi made it to the Video Store. The place was already bustling with customers, she tried not to attract attention, looking around the place in slight curiosity.

"Good afternoon," a voice called out to her. The source of the voice is a girl with long blue hair tied in a twin tail. The girl is carrying a flyer despite they're already inside the store. "My name's Sjal, how can I help you?"

"Good afternoon, my name is Officer Qingyi, I would like to speak with the manager,"

Sjal winced a little. "Ahh... I'm afraid..." she glanced between her and the staff room. "Actually, if you can uhh... calm down the situation inside... go ahead," she said finally gestured at the staff room. "Apologies in advance!"

"Is something wrong?" Qingyi asked whilst opening the door.

"-knows more about being HUMAN than YOU!" Koleda's voice echoed across the staff room, single eye glaring at the woman standing before her.

Said woman, a tall blonde with bright blue eyes glared back at Koleda. "Watch your mouth kid," Cocolia said sternly. "You have no rights to involve yourself in this matter Koleda," she turned to Seele huddled up behind Bronya and Mei. "Seele, Bronya, we're going home, now,"

"Hands off her you witch!!!" Kiana screamed from a corner, struggling against Belle's firm grip. "We're not going home until we find him! And we're definitely NOT replacing Teddy!!!"

The woman glared at Kiana. "Mei..." she raised her pointer finger at Mei. "Get Kiana to behave or it's immediate expulsion for both of you,"

Kiana froze, anger melting away into fear. "No don't! Mei's..." she looked down and gritted her teeth, unable to look at Mei's pleading gaze. Behind her, Belle gently patted her back and stroked her head, whispering something.

"Bronya!" Cocolia shouted. "Home, Now,"

Bronya clenched her fist before nodding slowly. "Yes... mother..." she turned to Seele who's still sobbing in Mei's embrace. "Seele, let's go..." she took her hand. "Please,"

Seele shook her head. "I don't want a new Bangboo, I want Teddy..."

"Seele, please," Bronya tried to say.

Qingyi watched as Cocolia stepped closer to the two and raised her hand. She tried to act, but it was too late.

'smack'

Koleda stood between her and Seele, hand gripping Cocolia's palm. "Don't you dare hurt my friend," her grip tightens and Cocolia winced in pain.

"Who do you think you are?" Cocolia scowled and tried to pull away from her iron grip. "Let go of me!"

Qingyi sighed softly, she was definitely not built for this sort of drama. She stepped between Koleda and Cocolia, hand raised. "That's enough, both of you," she turned to Cocolia. "Ma'am, please refrain from hurting your own child with force," she turned to Koleda. "Miss Koleda, please refrain from provocation and interfering with personal affair, it's within her right to replace the missing Bangboo,"

"Officer!" Koleda let go of Cocolia's hand. "You of all people should know that..."

"Machines are tools to be used and then discarded," Qingyi spoke with finality. "Don't put too much sentimental values on machine, Koleda," she looked down. "We're not humans, we don't deserve love beyond that of toys and trinkets,"

The room went silent at Qingyi's words. She closed her eyes and continued, every words felt like bitter poison in her mouth.

"I am here to inform you that the Case of the Missing Bangboo has been closed, there will be no further investigation on this matter," Qingyi took a deep breath. "For further query, please report the General Affairs Department of the New Eridu Public Security for Theft Report, thank you,"

Koleda took a step back, defeated. She sat on the sofa, followed by Kiana and Mei who sat by her sides. Bronya and Seele already followed Cocolia silently out of the Staff Room. They all realized it could be the last time they meet each other.

"Ugh... that bitch..." Belle closed the staff room door.

"Language sis," Koleda muttered. "I didn't see you do anything,"

"Fuck you too sis..." Belle muttered, sitting next to Kiana. She then turned Qingyi, gaze flat. "So that's it then, we're finished with the investigation?"

Qingyi looked down, it was as if something else was influencing her thoughts then. That desire to rebel against her very own nature. "Officially, yes..." she began, looking at Kiana, Mei, and Koleda. "But... Miss Belle, you said you offer... Proxy service?"

A bright grin formed on Belle's face. "Yes! Yes I do!"

"May I commission you to help me find the missing Bangboo?"

Just like that Kiana shouted with glee, hugging Mei beside her. "HA! I knew it! There's no way the cute officer would let it go just like that!!!"

Koleda smirked and folded her arms. "Heh, not bad, looks like I don't have to bring matter to my own hand," she turned to Officer Qingyi. "Do you need back up? I'm guessing your friends from NEPS wouldn't agree to this unofficial mission,"

Qingyi raised an eyebrow. "I suppose... but... I'm not sure it'll be safe to..."

"The Hollow is in the Companion Hollow beneath St. Freya Elementary School yeah?"

The automaton narrowed her eyes. "How do you know?"

"I asked some of my men to conduct investigation there, we've been spying on that school for a while now," Koleda continued.

Qingyi looked at Belle who has that amused smile on her face. Kiana and Mei seems to be rather confused, but the former slowly opened her mouth in shock.

"No... WAY!!!" Kiana yelled. "You're secretly a Super Secret Agent sent to School by the Secret Shadow Organization that secretly governs the world?!" she yelled.

Koleda winced and shook her head. "Kinda... but... not that far," she cleared her throat. "Ahem, sorry for not being truthful with you guys, but my real name is Koleda Belobog, President of Belobog Industries," she grinned and folded her arms. "I'm not actually a kid ya know?"

Koleda Belobog, Qingyi wondered if her system is actually broken, because after a quick check the girl before her is the exact same one with one of the most important person in new Eridu. How did she miss this? Qingyi took a mental note to check her Facial Recognition system, just in case it's broken.

"Well then, officer, it's your call," Koleda said. "Let's rescue our friend!"

Just like that, Koleda has said the one thing Qingyi desperately wants to say but couldn't. Just like that, Koleda has given her a reason, a justification, and a path of no regret going forward. Just like that, Qingyi realized what truly is at stake here.

This isn't some lost item mission.

This is a Rescue Mission.