Talking: Nice to meet you.

Whispering: That's wild.

Thinking: (What the hell is happening?)

---------------------------------------------------------

{3rd Person POV}

A week had passed ever since the disappearance of the legendary Phaethon account and the rise of this strange new proxy known as Faiz. They will still be called The Phaethon siblings though. The Faiz siblings just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Anywho, the older of the two siblings could be seen standing in the video store's parking lot holding bags of mechanical parts. It had been about a week since Kiba had gotten a part-time job with the Cunning Hares, causing him to not come to Random Play as often.

Belle often expressed how much she missed him to her older brother, who had bigger things to worry about. They had been using Fairy since they got her and while Belle adapted quickly to the AI's presence, he still couldn't bring himself to trust her.

Speaking of Belle, the grey-haired man turned to look at her when he heard the store's back door open behind him.

Wise: Oh, Belle, good timing. Come here.

Belle: Hm? What's going on? And what's all this for?

She said, pointing at the bags.

Wise: They're broken signal transmitters. When put together, they work as signal jammers. They'll let us talk without worrying about "Big Brother" over there.

He nudged his head towards the store and Belle immediately caught on to who he was referring to.

Belle: You mean Fairy? Oh come on bro she's a big help. If you just wanted to trash talk the newbie employee, you should've said so.

Wise: *Sigh* Glad to see you're so carefree... But this is a serious topic!

The man gave her a deadpan look. The bags under his eyes honestly made his serious look a little more intimidating. Just a little though.

Wise: Since we let her participate in our Proxy work, she has independently calculated all the escape paths you've used in the Hollows lately.

He crossed his arms, closing his eyes and looking pensive.

Wise: I'm sure you've noticed. She doesn't depend on any local data but is still 270 times faster than us at generating escape paths.

Belle: Feeling upstaged bro?~

She teased while wiggling her eyebrows.

Belle: It's not like any human could do better. She said it herself. *Mimicking Fairy* I can access over 80% of the smart devices in the city.

Wise: She does need Hollow data though. It's just that she can access it almost instantly. We were only able to catch a glimpse of the Hollow before, but with her, we can see the entire thing.

His mood suddenly turned sour and Belle's turned more serious.

Wise: Fairy's powers are something people would kill for in this city.

Belle: You're saying there might be somebody gunning for our heads? Hm... Fairy's presence could be a ticking time bomb.

Wise: Exactly, and when she forced you to become her master, she refused to go into any more detail... Something doesn't feel right.

The blue-haired girl noticed how stressed her brother looked and decided to try and bring the mood back up.

Belle: But if we can make use of her abilities, we might finally get some leads on what we've been investigating! Our teacher's lifelong dream might just...

Wise: We need to figure out where Fairy came from first and foremost. At least she's good at staying hidden. So we don't need to worry about hackers like last time.

Belle: Yeah, let's just try and get along with her for now.

Wise: Hmph, despite being an AI, she still manages to be rude to me! But that's the way it is I guess.

The older male finally seemed to relax, giving his sister a small smile.

Wise: We've talked about this enough for today. You've been busy improving our reputation on Inter-Knot, so let's just chill and watch some TV tonight.

The blueberry girl nodded and skipped over to the door, followed by her brother. Once inside, they went into the HDD room. Belle took her spot on the couch while Wise made some microwave popcorn.

Wise: Say, wanna call Kiba over? I haven't seen him today.

Belle frowned at the question.

Belle: Ugh, no... He's busy again. He told me he was gonna be in the Hollow all day. *Sigh*

Noticing his little sister's mood change, Wise decided to ask some more questions.

Wise: Hey... Why so gloomy all of a sudden?

Belle: It's nothing...

Wise: It isn't nothing. Come on, just tell me.

Belle: *Sigh* It's just... Kiba, you know? He's been so busy with The Cunning Hares he barely even comes over. We've only talked through text for the past week!

She opened her DMs and stared at his profile picture.

Belle: I'm glad he has made more friends but... I kinda miss it... When it was just us.

Wise felt like he wasn't included when Belle said "us". He couldn't blame her though. He knew Kiba meant a lot to her.

Wise: I'm sure he'll get a break soon. Don't worry. He won't abandon you.

Belle: Yeah... Right!

She pushed her insecurities and fears of abandonment back into her mind, turning on the TV just as the microwave beeped, signaling that the popcorn was ready. Her brother sat down beside her and they began to watch TV together. After a few minutes of browsing, they ended up on the news.

Reporter: As the municipal election is approaching, the high-profile civil construction project to renovate the old capital metro is now officially underway.

A few pictures of the metro were shown on the screen. Beside the reporter stood a short, fat man with white hair that extended down into a mustache. Beside Perlman stood a professional-looking black-haired woman.

Reporter: It's our honor to interview Mr. Charles Perlman, the chief representative of the contracted company, the Vision Corporation!

The taller reporter turned to the man with a fake smile. A smile that was clearly fabricated to suck up to whoever he was interviewing.

Reporter: Later today, Vision will begin explosive demolitions near the old capital in the metro reconstruction area known as Canvas Street. Could you give us a rundown of the process?

Perlman: Hahaha, good question, young man!

【🐷 Charles Perlman 🐷】 [Vision Corporation CEO]



Perlman: After the fall of the old capital, a number of damaged metro lines severely hindered the accessibility and urban development of New Eridu.

He pointed to a myriad of infographics on the board behind him, along with the ones held up by his secretary.

Perlman: To solve this problem, the remnants of the old metro must be removed, followed by the construction of a new metro. Despite the cost, Vision has ordered a large quantity of high purity industrial Ether explosives for this operation.

Reporter: I see. But there's currently no way to pass between Canvas Street and the city, right? How does Vision plan to transport the explosives?

Perlman: Hahahaha, correct! But Vision always looks to the future. Take a look at this electronic map—

The secretary clicked a few buttons on her remote, making a map of the old metro appear on the screen behind them.



Perlman: We're currently located at the entrance to the Dead End Hollow, and the red area on the map is the demolition zone. The tunnel from New Eridu to the demolition zone has been completely consumed by that very Dead End Hollow. However, some metro lines within this Hollow are still intact.

The fat man walked away from the board and over to the large train behind him with a cocky, obnoxious grin on his face.

Perlman: So we decided to use a special train to transport the explosives through the Hollow! They won't explode without a dedicated detonator or a sizable external force!

Reporter: All civilians have been cleared of the area, but communications are still being blocked as a safety measure? Vision has thought of all the details!

"🐷 That's right! That's the vision of the Vision Corporation — the well-being of everyone in New Eridu. 🐷"

The reporter turned to the camera for a second, putting on a more informative tone. It was clear he was about to dump some exposition relevant to whatever question he was about to ask Perlman next.

Reporter: As we had mentioned a few months ago, the Vision Corporation won the contract for the old capital metro renovation project against Bellobog Industries, by promising to complete the contract in less time and at a reduced cost.

The man then turned back to Perlman, the fake smile on his face returning

Reporter: So, can you tell us the secret behind your reduced project costs?

Perlman suddenly became incredibly nervous. His blubbery neck began to sweat and he couldn't hold eye contact with the camera or the reporter, choosing to look at the ground instead. He turned to whisper to his secretary, the tall woman in red.

Perlman: This... shouldn't be one of the questions, should it? Th—This question wasn't included in the outline you sent—

Lady in Red: Mr. Perlman, we're live right now.

She spoke in a cut-throat, no-nonsense tone. She stepped forward and blocked the camera with her body.

Lady in Red: What Mr. Perlman means is, there's no question of improper cost reduction relating to Vision Corporation. Mr. Perlman will also be on the demolition site to oversee things till the very end—

Wise and Belle watched, quite intrigued by what they just saw. A new construction project is being done by one of the biggest companies in New Eridu. The corporate world is ruthless, so any claim about safety or ethics needs to be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Wise: The construction site is near a Hollow, and they had to relocate all those people—

Belle: Companies that wanna enter the TOPS Alliance sure are something else.

TOPS is a corporate union. It is almost like the United Nations of the biggest companies in New Eidu. Every mega-corporation aspires to one day become big enough to be eligible for TOPS.

The siblings' attention was suddenly grabbed by Fairy speaking up from the computer. Wise quickly whipped his head around to look at the monitor while Belle jumped slightly, startled by the AI.

Wise: (I'm still not used to her just being there...)

Fairy: Alert. Street cameras have identified an unknown person approaching the store at high speed. Speculation: Their video rental is about to expire, or they are plotting against the store.

Belle: What? That's a strange way to say "We've got a customer."

Wise: It's just a customer? I'll go get the door.

He opened the door, but it seemed like the "customer" was already pushing it because it flew open! Belle and Wise took a startled step back as a girl with brown skin, black hair, and red and white clothing stumbled through the door and fell on her face. She was followed by a green Bangboo. It was Amillion! Nicole's Bangboo!

*POOMF*



Wise: ...Uhh.

Belle: Eh...?

Thiren Girl: Ow... My nose...!

The cat girl then perked up, completely forgetting her aching nose or the embarrassment of her fall. She pointed up at the screen that displayed Perlman with an angry look while shouting to the siblings.

"🐈 Ah! Don't believe that hypocrite! He's lying! 🐈"

【🐈 Nekomiya Mana 🐈】 [The Phantom Feline]



The girl quickly stood up, picked up her blades and sheathed them, and dusted herself off before turning to the incredibly confused brother and sister. Nekomiya huffed, her nose still running a little. She had that feeling of when you're about to sneeze but can't so it just feels weird.

Nekomiya: You could give a meow-ning before opening the door! You sent me flying...

Belle: Little late for a "meow-ning" now... Welcome to Sixth Street's greatest video store!

Wise: Were you looking for a specific video today?

Belle: The "7710 and Its Cat" film just came in!

Nekomiya: Sounds interesting! What's that about? Uhh, never mind!

The girl looked a little intrigued before shaking her head, correcting her distracted behavior. She lightly slapped both of her cheeks before turning serious, although traces of her distressed expression lingered.

Nekomiya: Now's not the time! I know... you're Phaethon! I've got a Proxy commission for you!

Belle and Wise glanced at each other subtly. A normal person would be completely unable to detect their micro-communications. But this cat-girl? She could. She could tell very clearly. She seemed to have experience.

Wise: You must be mistaken. As you can see, we're just a normal video store.

Nekomiya: You don't have to worry about me, my name is Nekomata! Nicole told me to come! I'm not a baddie!

That grabbed their attention a little more, but they still couldn't be certain this strange girl that literally burst into the store without warning was trustworthy.

Belle: Nicole? What Nicole are you talking about? Is she one of our members?‍

Nekomiya: Ugh, Nicole of the Cunning Hares! The leader of the odd-job agency, the Cunning Hares! Look, this is her Bangboo! This is proof, right?

The brown-skinned girl picked up the green Bangboo, holding it in front of her in an attempt to make them believe her. Wise began to mutter to himself. But meanwhile, Belle's worried quickly spiked. If something happened to the Cunning Hares, then something probably happened to Kiba too.

Wise: That certainly is the Bangboo Nicole usually has with her.

Belle: Are you really a friend of Nicole? Where are they now?

Nekomiya: The place they just mentioned in the news — Vision's blast zone! That guy said there was no one inside. But that's a lie!

Wise: I'm not even surprised.

Belle: Why are they at the construction site anyway?

Nekomiya: They're looking for something! ...My commission! The Red Fang Gang are causing trouble! There's been several fights! And... so many people! Like canned tuna!

Wise: Hold on, canned tuna? You're not making any sense.

Nekomiya: Umm... Well... I don't know where to start! Right! Nicole's Bangboo!

She frantically shook it on Wise's face.

Nekomiya: It's got the visual data from the past few days. Just have a look. You'll get what I mean.

Wise: Unfortunately, only its owner or the manufacturer, the Marcel Group, has access to its visual data.

*BEEP*

They heard a strange sound coming from the monitor that caught their attention.

Belle: Perhaps... Fairy knows a way?

Nekomiya: What's that? Fai... ry?

Belle: No, not an actual Fairy.

The grey-haired man chuckled lightly before grabbing Amillion and approaching the monitor where Fairy had made herself at home. He grabbed a USB cable and connected it to a port on Amillion's back, then connected the other end to the computer.

Wise: Ahem... Fairy? Do you have any way to read the Bangboo data?

Fairy: Question: Is the request to "convert this Bangboo's visual recording into video output"?

Nekomiya: Huh? Who's talking? Is there someone else here?

Wise: That's just our newly installed virtual assistant... So, Fairy? Can you do it?

Fairy: Processing Bangboo visual data for the last several days. Please say "I'm stupid, I should have asked sooner"...

Wise deadpanned at the monitor while Belle cracked up and giggled behind him.

Wise: I'm stupid. I should've turned you off sooner...

Belle: Fairy, the rest is up to you

Fairy: Establishing Bangboo connection and reading visual data

Amillion suddenly went limp on the table but Belle held it to prevent it from falling off. A video popup then appeared on the screen, displaying Nicole running away from an obese man with Kiba by her side.

Nekomiya: Ah, let me see... Yeah, that's it! That's the day me and Nicole met!

Belle: Is that Kiba?!

Nekomiya: Wait, you know him?!

And after that weird little interaction between the two girls, they watched the video.

~Flashback~

A pink-haired woman and her heterochromatic part-time bodyguard were seen running down a network of alleyways. They were being chased by members of the Red Fang Gang. At least, the members that were loyal enough to stay after Miguel Silver's death. Nicole kept the teasing smile on her face, riling up the gangsters while Kiba had that signature focused frown on his face.

Nicole: Hey~

Red Fang Gang Member A: Hey, s—stop! You'll pay for what you did to Silver!

Kiba: Could you stop riling them up even more?!

Nicole: Sorry! It's too fun!

Kiba: Not the time!

Red Fang Gang Member A: S-Stop ignoring—

Kiba: Tch, piss off!

The black-and-white-haired boy huffed in annoyance, quickly grabbing a trash can lid, turning around, and chucking it like a high-speed Frisbee at the man's head!

He then smoothly transitioned to running beside Nicole again, but they were suddenly stopped when they saw another member, now with a gun!

Red Fang Gang Member B: D—Don't move!

The boss and bodyguard were cornered. They couldn't turn back around since the fat man had just recovered from the metal lid hitting him in the face. Nicole smiled with a slight sweatdrop, putting her hands up in surrender.

Nicole: Okay Okay, I won't move. Take it easy, you two. Breathe in, breathe out~ I gotta say, don't you think it's unfair? After all, it's the Ether corruption that killed your boss, not us Cunning Hares!

Red Fang Gang Member B: W—What do you mean?

Kiba: Do we need to spell it out, dumbass?! Miguel died when he turned into an Ethereal. It was out of our control!

Nicole: Tell you what, he Cunning Hares' entire savings are in this briefcase. I'll give you half if you pretend you didn't see me today. How 'bout it?

Red Fang Gang Remnant A: ...Show us the money first!

Red Fang Gang Remnant B: We'll check it ourselves. How do you open it?

Nicole: Left four, right seven. It'll open when you hear the click.

She chucked the briefcase at the men, who barely managed to catch it. The two bumbling fools began to fiddle around with the locks and after an egregiously awkward amount of time they finally heard the—

*Click*

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM*

"🐰 Tee Hee~ 🐰"



After the smoke from the explosion cleared, Nicole skipped over and grabbed her trusty suitcase, which was resting beside the passed out bodies of the red fang gang members. She then turned around to look at Kiba, giving him a playful wink. This made the boy blush ever so slightly and roll his eyes.

Nicole: Street kid rule number 1: Never trust a stranger~

Kiba: First Anby and now you? I'm getting tired of all these rules...

???: Got room for one more?

The teen's eyes widened at the sudden whisper. He heard a girl's high-pitched voice, and she immediately wrapped one hand around his lean torso while the other covered his mouth.

Kiba: *Muffled* MMMPH?!

???: Street kid rule number 2: Never leave your back open.

The boy was suddenly pulled into a deeper part of the alleyway behind a makeshift door. It was just made out of a few old graffitied wooden planks.

Nicole: Kiba! That's my employee, give him back!

The cunning woman followed after them, weaving past the wooden planks just in time to hide away from more approaching Red Fang Gang members. Once inside of the makeshift hiding spot, Nicole looked down to witness an awkward sight.

Kiba was on the floor blushing profusely while the hood-wearing girl that pulled him down was straddling his lap! Nicole felt a quick sting. The same sting she feels whenever she pays rent or loses a denny. Like something was taken away from her for a split moment.

Once the mysterious ambusher removed her hood, she revealed her cat ears! No wonder they got snuck up on so easily. Cat Thirens are incredibly stealthy—almost noiseless when they walk. The cat-girl was about to speak up only to have both of her wrists grabbed by the boy beneath her.

A quick scuffle ensued. One that was easily won by Kiba due to his vastly superior physical strength! He quickly flipped the brown-skinned girl over and held her down with a grapple.

???: Ngh! H-Hey!

Kiba: Who are you?! Are you with the red fang gang?!

???: Let me go you psycho! I've got a commission for the Cunning Hares!

*Ka-Ching!*

The sound of a cash register rang through Nicole's mind. At the prospect of a new business opportunity, she smiled charmingly.

Nicole: Kiba, let her go. We have to at least hear her out.

The boy nodded in a huff, releasing the cat Thiren, who quickly pushed herself off his body. In retaliation, she swatted his chest, her actions accompanied by an annoyed hum.

???: That was really mean and unnecessary. You didn't even ask me questions!

Kiba: Oi! You were the one that pulled me into an alley!

The pink-haired woman got between them.

Nicole: Now now, no need to fight. Tell us your name and commission details.

Nekomiya: *Sigh* My name is Nekomiya Mana, but you can call me Nekomata. We need to get out of here before I give you all the deets though.

Nicole: That's fine. We need to meet up with the rest of our team anyways. Kiba, lead the way.

Once the three of them exited Nekomiya's hiding place, Kiba began to sniff the air. After a few seconds, he pointed at a random direction, his face as aloof and straight as ever.

Kiba: They're over there. Follow me.

Nekomiya raised an eyebrow in question, looking up at Nicole for answers.

Nicole: Oh, don't mind it. He just has a really good sense of smell.

Nekomiya: Is he a dog thiren?

Nicole: Nope. He doesn't have an ounce of thiren blood in him.

Kiba had only developed this heightened sense of smell since he started raiding Hollows a week ago. It was a truly strange mutation that had come in pretty handy a good few times. This left the smaller girl even more confused than before, but the more she looked at him, the more...dog-like he appeared.

Nekomiya: That's so weird... Why is he so dog-like?

Nicole: I don't know, actually. I think it's charming though. He's like my own guard dog!

Kiba: *Blushing* I HEARD THAT!

~Elsewhere, a few minutes later~

Billy: What's taking them so long? Could they have been caught by the gang?

Anby: I'm confident in Nicole's adaptability and Kiba's strength. But considering we're being targeted by the Red Fang Gang, things aren't looking too good lately.

Billy: Ugh, that's right. If it weren't for the manager commissioning us to look into the strongbox, I really wouldn't wanna go anywhere near these guys' turf again.

The android's voice was nasally despite the fact that he is a literal robot without a nasal cavity. But somehow, he still sounded sick.

Anby: Billy, do you really have a cold? If you hadn't sneezed earlier and exposed our position, we wouldn't have been forced to split up.

Billy: Umm, the machine oil I'm using now has low fluidity in the cold, so some of my gears are starting to run slow...

They perked up when they heard their boss's voice behind them. They turned around to see Nicole, Kiba, and the strange new character with them.

Nicole: You're cold because I bet you weren't wearing enough last night while watching "Oh~ Sweetie."

Anby: Ah, Kiba!

She sounded ever so slightly more lively than usual.

Billy: Boss, you alright? Oh, and who is this kitten?

Nekomiya: Name's Nekomata~ Your new client!

Billy: Oh? That's our boss for you! Finding work at a time like this... Such a role model!

Anby: Did you approach Nicole yourself?

Kiba rolled his eyes with an annoyed huff, accompanied with a roll of his eyes like the snarky teenager he was.

Kiba: Oh she definitely approached first...

The cat thiren pouted while looking up at the boy, her voice breathy and whiny.

Nekomiya: Give it a rest already. I didn't know how else to approach you.

Kiba: You sat on me you weirdo!

Nekomiya: Don't word it like that!

The two glared at each other but for some reason, Nekomiya could feel a dark aura behind her. She felt like a pair of daggers were stabbing into the back of her neck. But, what could be the reason...?

"🔋 (...Hm... She's too close...) 🔋"



None of the other people in the group noticed or acknowledged Anby's dreadful aura. Despite the clear signs of annoyance and the shadow covering her eyes, Kiba, Nicole, Nekomiya, and Billy were focused on the commission.

Nicole: No need to worry. If it weren't for Nekomata, we'd still be trapped in the Red Fang Gang's territory.

Nekomiya: Yeah, c'mon now, don't be nervous. I'm on your side~ ...There's something I need to get back from the Red Fang Gang. Several years ago, the Red Fang Gang's leader Miguel Silver took an heirloom from my family.

Kiba: Doesn't surprise. That guy was crook.

Despite having all the motivations in the world to agree with Kiba's jab at Miguel, that statement seemed to irk Nekomata. She almost seemed to want to respond but managed to restrain herself.

Nekomata: ...I infiltrated their territory to get it back, but I haven't managed it yet.

Nicole: Mmm, yeah, that won't be easy. The Red Fang Gang might be a mess right now, but as you saw earlier, they've got it in for us 'cause of Silver's death.

Billy: They're seriously out to get us.

Nekomata: That heirloom is really valuable~! I'm willing to pay thirty percent of its value as your remuneration! Depending on the situation, perhaps even seventy!

*Ka-Ching!*

The sound of a cash register rang through the cunning woman's mind once more.

Nicole: Just how much is it worth exactly?

But before the brown-skinned thiren could answer the question, a still annoyed ANby stepped up to the plate. She stared down Nekomata with a look of distrust and scorn.

Anby: Nicole, sorry for interrupting. Considering how dangerous the job is, I think it'd be better to confirm the sincerity of the client rather than the fee.

Nekomiya: My sincerity is as boundless as mackerel at an unlimited mackerel buffet!

Kiba: That seems a bit stereotypical...

Nekomiya: Shut it you mangy mutt!

Kiba: The hell did you call me, furball?!

The two growled at one another. It almost seemed like cartoony trails of lightning connected their eyes as they leaned slightly closer to each other. This made Anby even more annoyed.

Anby: In movies, new companions appearing around the main character at times like this are always being deceitful.

Nekomiya: I'm not that kind of cat. I'm not a liar, I swear!

Anby: Don't misunderstand. I'm not the one whose trust you need to earn.

Billy bent down to whisper on Kiba's ear since the boy had moved to stand beside the taller gunslinger.

Billy: Anby's surprisingly not a cat person...

This got a nod out of the delinquent. They were about to keep talking until they heard the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching.

Red Fang Gangster: *Pant* It's the Cunning Hares! *Wheeze* Got you! I'll take you all on! Huh wait, y—you're... Wahh!

Before he could brandish his weapon, Nekomata zipped forward like a shadowy blur! She jumped up to match the man's height before landing a swift chop to his neck, sending him tumbling to the ground, knocked out.

Nekomiya: Whoops~ That was close. I didn't expect any Red Fang Gang members to be here. He might've ruined our plan if he'd made too much noise.

Billy: Wow... you're good, kitten. Knocked that guy out in one hit!

Nicole: Billy, give her a scratch under her chin. Anby, are you satisfied that Nekomata is sincere now?

The taller android nodded and walked up to Nekomiya to give her the scratch, but the thiren smacked his hand away with a pout.

Anby: It was a clean hit. But the guy's reaction was... He seemed to recognize her.

Nekomiya: Of course. I've been following them to get my family heirloom. I can't help it if they know me by now. At the same time, I also found out about all their hideouts.

She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

Nekomiya: From what I've seen, the Red Fang Gang has hideouts where they store important items, and my family heirloom is probably in one of them. The hollow swallowed them up recently though...

Nicole: Hmm... I have to admit it's a good opportunity for us. Alright! Nekomata, on behalf of the Cunning Hares, I accept your commission!

Kiba: Hey, furball, listen up. You're the one who knows where these hideouts are and you can fight. You're coming with us, and you better not hold us back.

Nekomiya: *Hiss* Let's see if you're the one that can keep up with me, mangy mutt!

Lightning arced between their eyes once again as they glared. In reality it was a triple stare-off because Anby was glaring daggers into Nekomata from a distance. She seriously didn't trust this random thiren girl...

Nicole: *Sigh* We've got a deal, then. Let's go back and get ready. We'll meet up near the Hollow later!

~Time Skip~

Not long after, the Cunning Hares were standing near the entrance of the "Dead End Hollow" as it was commonly referred to. They were waiting for Nekomata and despite the majority of the group feeling relaxed, that wasn't the case for a certain white-haired girl.

Anby: Nicole, are you really sure about this? Her fighting style feels familiar. Only someone involved with gangs could have that skill. But you're the one to make the call. I'll follow your lead.

Nicole: Don't worry about it, Anby. I think the reason it feels familiar is because Kiba also has an... animalistic fighting style.

She looked over at the black-and-white haired boy who was currently leaning on a wall beside Auto-Vajin, along with Billy who was crouching beside the motorcycle woman and watching the new weekly episode of "Starlight Knights: No.1 Battle" with her.

Kiba: Oi, don't drag me into this! But even if the furball is actually a gang member, I'll just have to beat her like I've done to the others. They're all my prey, after all.

Nicole: See? Animalistic.

Kiba: Sh-Shut up!

The android looked up from his phone screen for a moment to address Anby.

Billy: Anby, I understand how you feel... "I was here first" or whatever... Although she and Kiba highkey hate each other so I dunno why you're worri—

Anby: I have no idea what you are talking about.

Nekomiya: I'm back~ Sorry for the wait. Did I miss anything?

They were a bit startled by her sudden appearance since she didn't make a single sound during her approach. This was a quality Anby was beginning to find annoying.

Nicole: Not at all. We were just saying we should get cracking on the investigation once you're here.

Nekomiya: So let's get going? Let's check out the first hideout. I'll show you the way!

Before the group entered the hollow, Kiba took out the Faiz Phone from his pocket and flipped it open. He quickly input a code after a small pause. That familiar robotic voice he had grown used to hearing spoke up.

《𝛷 1-3-8-2 𝛷》 《𝛷🐰 The Vault! 🐰𝛷》

Once the code was activated, a menu popped up on the screen that displayed the names of various items such as his wallet or keys. He scrolled down until he found the bullet point that read "Transformation Belt SB-555B Faiz Driver" and clicked on it. Bright energy surrounded his hand, and after a couple of seconds, the light materialized the aforementioned belt. He whipped it around his waist and secured it.

----------------------- CUT! -----------------------

The story suddenly froze, the world turning black and white. After a few seconds, Kiba and Nicole walked into frame from the left and right sides.

Kiba: Why'd you call me here again? We're interrupting the story.

Nicole: Because the audience has zero context of what you just did! They'll be confused.

Kiba: I guess you've got a point...

With a sigh, the boy turned to look directly at YOU.

Kiba: Alright listen up, that code I just used? I got it off screen over the past week. I'm sure you're smart enough to guess I got it from Nico—Woah!

Nicole: My W-Engine!

The boy was shoved out of the center of the screen by the pink-haired woman. She held her the billiard-ball sized sphere up to the camera for YOU to see.



Nicole: This is "The Vault". It's focused on energy storage, but I modified it so that when I insert it into my briefcase, its capacity becomes almost limitless!

To demonstrate, she inserted it into her briefcase and opened it before pulling out a copious remounts of random stuff! It was much more than what could ever fit in a normal suitcase.

Kiba: As for me, I can now put stuff away in a sort of video game inventory. I can only carry as much stuff as I could in the average briefcase though. I don't have Nicole's infinite storage.

Nicole: Now you're caught up to speed. Come on, we've taken up enough time!

She grabbed Kiba's hand and began to drag the boy away from the frame. The boy blushed, glancing between the back of her head and their held hands.

Kiba: These explanations should be at the end of episodes!

Just before he was off frame, he turned to look at YOU.

Kiba: Oi, this ain't canon you hear me! This is way outside the show!

After the two left the screen, the world gained its color again and resumed motion.

------------------- RESUME! --------------——

The Cunning Hares + Nekomiya walked into the gigantic black hole that swallowed up the city. After a few seconds of nothingness, they stepped out of a portal that formed out of thin air. The air felt different. They weren't in the regular New Eridu anymore.

Billy: We're in the hollow now. Let's be careful.

Anby: Let's keep an eye out for ethereals and... surprise attacks.

She glanced at Nekomiya after the not so subtle shot at her.

Nekomiya: Don't worry. I know this place inside out. Just follow me.

They walked through the intertwining labyrinth that was the Dead End Hollow. It was very similar in landscape to the Cretan Hollow due to being a companion to it. It was full of wrecked trains, rusty trainlines, and ruins of what once were stations bustling with people.

They managed to not run into any ethereals which was very surprising! The group counted themselves lucky and followed the cat thiren until they reached the alleged Red Fang Gang hideout. Nekomiya held an arm up, making the group stop behind her.

They hid behind pieces of rubble, with the brown-skinned girl putting a finger over her lips to signal the others to stay silent as they listened in to the gangsters still stationed at the hideout.

Impatient Guard: *Groan* What's going on? It's been hours, the pick-up guys still aren't here? I'mma bounce if they aren't here soon. It's just some old gang junk. Hah. This job ain't worth becoming a monster for!

Calm Guard: Give it a couple of minutes. There's not much we can do. Things are a mess around here without the boss...

Impatient Guard: Hey, I heard another three guys ran away yesterday. That makes up at least twenty people who left the gang this week. Are we the only two idiots left?

Calm Guard: Who knows...

Impatient Guard: We weren't like this before, dude! Remember the days when we had just made a name for ourselves on Canvas Street? We were ambitious and proud! I heard our old turf is part of the blast zone, so everything's going up in smoke.

At the same time, in the shaded area nearby behind the rubble, Kiba snapped his fingers in front of Nekomiya's face.

Kiba: Oi furball! Hey! Furball!

Nekomiya: Meow? Y-Yeah?

Nicole: Nekomata, I called you five times! Is the old gangster gossip that juicy?

Anby: What they were saying had nothing to do with your family heirloom, yet you were listening so intently. Is there any particular reason?

Anby stared daggers into Nekomiya once again, her distrust obvious to anybody with a pulse.

Nekomiya: That's a strange question. I'm a cat, I get distracted by things all the time. You're keeping a close eye on me, huh, Anby?

Billy: Uhh, forget that for now... Nicole was asking if there's any chance your family heirloom is mixed in with this old junk.

Nekomiya: I wouldn't rule it out~ Those lackeys can't tell what real treasure is, after all.

Kiba: Alright, this is where it gets interesting!

Nekomiya turned over to him, expecting to see his usually aloof expression, but she couldn't be more wrong. She came face to face with an excited, fanged grin. The boy stood up and cracked his knuckles, beginning the walk over to the Red Fang Gang guards.

Nekomiya: What's he doing? I thought we were gonna sneak attack.

Billy: That isn't how he rolls. It's head on or nothing.

Nekomiya: That's so... stupid!

https://youtu.be/09sEneseeA8

Kiba: Yo, got a second?

Impatient Guard: What the—?! Who the hell are you?!

Kiba: You have something I want. That makes you... MY PREY!

He got on a low stance and dashed at the two guards with blinding speed. The two stepped back, startled by the suddenness of the boy's actions. How could they not? All they saw was a hound running at them with malicious intent!

Kiba swept the Calm Guards' leg, spinning back around, and landing a back kick at the man who was still in mid-air! The Calm Guard was launched away, rolling on the ground for a few feet. The Impatient Guard reeled back and attempted to land a punch, only for Kiba to duck under it and grapple onto his arm!

*BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM*

A series of knee strikes to the gut followed, with each hit getting the larger man more and more breathless. The man pushed Kiba off of him and once again tried to hit him with an easily telegraphed punch. Kiba threw himself back, arching his back and—



Landing a devastating kick to the chin! The large man flew through the air, knocked out! Kiba stood up, that same fanged grin on his face, but through his excitement, he didn't notice someone sneaking up behind him.

Calm Guard: Take this, you crazy asshole!—GHA-HA!

*KA-CLANG*

The man's metal pipe scattered on the ground with the resounding clangs. What happened was that when Nekomiya saw that the boy was about to get sneak attacked, she immediately dashed up behind the man, struck him in the neck with the pummel of her blade.

Kiba: Hm... Kinda anticlimactic, honestly.

Nekomiya: Not even a thank you?

Kiba: Tch, th-thank I guess...

Nekomiya: Now was that so hard, nya?

Kiba: Just go look for your stuff, furball!

Nekomiya: You're so mean!

With an exasperated sigh, the cat and dog turned away from each other to look for Nekomata's Family Heirloom. Shortly after, the rest of the team joined in on the search.

Nicole: Let's see... A flashlight, old magazine, broken ashtray... Ewww, smelly socks! Gross! What on earth did these gangsters leave in their hideout?!

She rummaged through the items, throwing them away carelessly.

Kiba: These people live in fucking squalor. (Even I live better than this...)

Their attention was grabbed by Billy, who held a twinkling object up in the air with excitement.

Billy: I found it!

Nicole: What'd you find? Nekomata's family heirloom?

Billy: Hmmm, maybe! If her family heirloom is the most amazingly awesome, epic shiny Starlight Knight emblem of the last ten years...

He proudly showed her the emblem of the show "Starlight Knights: Grand Pirates". Nicole gave him a deadpan look and then turned to Kiba. He instantly knew what she wanted him to do. With a sigh, the boy walked up behind billy while rubbing his hands together to warm them up.

https://youtu.be/Z_b2XW9iKT0

Billy: Ow! That hurt!

Kiba: Think of that before saying stupid shit!

A normal person would be clutching their hand in pain from smacking Billy's metal head, but the teenager wasn't exactly normal. He had proven he was able to take hits that would leave a normal human battered, with borderline superhuman physicality to go along with this resistance.

Nicole: Nekomata, how 'bout you? Did you find any clues?

Nekomiya: Here's something! Let's see what's in this wallet! Seems expensive~

The white haired girl seemed to recognise the wallet Nekomiya was holding. She tapped her pockets before glaring at the cat-thiren. The brown-skinned girl gave Anby a side-eye, a teasing smirk on her face.

Anby: Hm? That's my wallet! You stole it while we were going through the boxes...?

Nekomiya: It seems you were too busy bein' salty to notice... Hm? How odd~ Why is there a picture of Kiba in your wallet?

A barely noticeable rosy tint spread through Anby's cheeks... While Kiba's face became as red as a tomato. Two sides of the same blushing coin. The photo was of the day Kiba had his official "initiation" into The Cunning Hares, which was really just an excuse to go out to eat at a cheap burger joint nearby.

While it was technically a group photo, the paper was folded so that only the part of the picture showing where she and Kiba stood together was visible. Embarrassed, Anby unsheathed her blade threateningly.

Anby: That's a group photo. Give it back or I'll...

Nicole: Knock it off you two. Anby, put the blade down. Nekomata, give the wallet back!

Kiba: Ugh, we don't even know what we're looking for? What is this family heirloom, exactly?

Billy: Oh yeah! I can't believe we forgot to ask earlier.

The cat thiren narrowed her eyes at the black-and-white haired boy, putting her arms in front of herself exclusively.

Nekomiya: Hmm, I might tell if you were another odd-job agency, but you're the Cunning Hares...

The pink-haired woman put a hand on her chest indignantly, offended by the comment.

Nicole: Hmm? What's that supposed to mean? Did I hear that correctly?

Nekomiya: I checked your reputation on Inter-Knot. Your complaint rate is always in the top three! The first fifty comments all mentioned that "the object has been damaged," or that you caused "needless destruction," or "stole the item," stuff like that.

Billy:...Can't argue with that.

Kiba elbowed his side.

Nekomiya: But don't be discouraged, I totally believe in the Cunning Hares' ability. Meow! After all, you did me a "big favor."

Billy: Really? How so?

Nekomata: I saw it on the public forums, you lured Silver into a Hollow and defeated him, all by yourselves!

The girl tried to sound happy while saying those words, but to a trained ear, it almost seemed like she was biting the inside of her cheek. Almost like she hated saying those words. As for the Cunning Hares, their eyes collectively widened! They knew they didn't kill Silver, but if this reputation made them get on Nekomata's good graces then they might as well roll with this narrative.

Billy: Lured and defeated...? We did something that awesome? Hahaha...

Nicole: Ahem... E—Exactly! Even big names like Silver are no match for us Cunning Hares. Finding your family heirloom will be a piece of cake. Don't worry! Once we finish the commission, Billy's going to treat you to a big dinner as a thank-you to our generous client.

Billy: Yay! Dinner's on Nico— Wait! Why me?

Nicole: Hm? Remind me, who said they wanted to treat everyone to a big meal at the Starlight Knight-themed restaurant the other day~?

Billy: Um, alright, but... We have to take a group photo of the four of us doing the Starlight Knight flying kick!

Kiba: You cannot be serious! In a public place?!

Before they could continue discussing the dinner, Nekomiya interrupted. She seemed eager to turn it down. Although she hid her feelings incredibly well, her annoyance was ever so slightly perceptible.

Nekomiya: Meow, thanks for inviting me. But I'm afraid I'll have to say no.

Billy: Huh? Why?

Anby: I did hear that cat people only eat with people they trust.

Nekomiya: Any unusual habits of Thirens you've heard about are just gossip. I'm just not very interested in superheroes. Plus I'm a bit picky about my food... Sorry.

Nicole: Is that so? In that case, we won't force you. Anyway. What's important is finding Nekomata's heirloom. So, let's get to the next hideout. Nekomata, lead the way!

Nekomiya: Right! Follow me!

~Time Skip~

The group had been walking for a couple of minutes towards the next Red Fang Gang hideout. They hadn't encountered anything, but one can never be too sure.

Kiba: *Sniff Sniff* There's ethereals coming. They know we're here.

The taller android nodded, pulling out his double revolvers and stylishly spinning them around his fingers.

Billy: Good going, buddy. Let's get ready to rumble!

The group nodded simultaneously and took out their weapons. Nicole readied her heavy machine gun briefcase, Nekomiya and Anby unsheathed their shining blades, and Kiba flipped open his phone just in time for the monsters to approach.

Nekomiya: Hm? What are you gonna do with that?

Kiba: Hmph... Just try and keep up, furball.

《𝛷 5-5-5 𝛷》 《𝛷 Standing By! 𝛷 》

"🐕 Henshin! 🐕"

《𝛷 Complete! 𝛷》

Once transformed, the Kiba dashed headfirst into the fight! The rest of the Cunning Hares followed swiftly, leaving a flabbergasted Nekomiya behind.

Nekomiya: Ehh... What the...Nyan...?

She quickly shook away her doubt, unsheathing her dual daggers and dashing in with the group! The cat thiren weaved between the Ethereals' weapons using her amazing agility.

Nekomiya: Can't touch me-ow~

They swung and missed every attack, the road signs they were carrying clanging against the ground. Her eyes glanced between them as she smirked, all of them lined up perfectly for her to pounce!

"[🐈 Phantom Claws! 🐈]"

She dashed between the Ethereals like a red blur! They barely had time to put their hands up or defend themselves before they were slashed apart by Nekomiya.

After the quick kills, she looked up in search of other enemies, only to find herself staring down the barrel of a gun. The transformed Kiba, his visor unfeelingly staring right at her, had the Faiz Phone—Pistol Mode aimed at the street girl.

Her heart dropped. A million thoughts raced through her mind.

Nekomiya: (No...this can't be happening. I-I was too trusting. I got caught slipping, and now I'm...I-I'm gonna die!)

The last thing she would see is that armored boy pulling the trigger. She closed her eyes.

《𝛷 1-0-6 𝛷》 《𝛷 Burst Mode! 𝛷》

*PEW—PEW—PEW*

She heard a burst of three gunshots and a body tumble to the ground behind her. She opened her eyes to find herself very much alive.

Nekomiya: (H-Huh...?)

She turned behind her to see a disintegrating Faun ethereal on the ground, three holes in its head. That could've been her. But it wasn't. She wasn't betrayed. She was saved.

Kiba: Quit spacing out furball!

Nekomiya: You helped me?

Kiba: Duh, we're fighting together!

He ran off to keep fighting before she could even reply. That word... together. She watched as he put his gun phone back into his belt and stood beside Anby.

The duo nodded simultaneously, with Kiba rushing forward and uppercutting a monster several meters into the air! Anby then threw her sword at it, piercing the beast in mid-air.

Kiba jumped up, opening his palm and striking the butt of the blade! The Ethereal was left with a gaping hole in its abdomen. The blade pierced the concrete ground, being quickly grabbed by the white-haired girl.

She quickly sheathed, charged with lightning, and unsheathed just in time to shoot a couple rounds at her!

"[🤖 Power of Teamwork! 🤖]"

Kiba: You are so cringe!

This was planned, though. She held the flat side of her charged blade up to her chest, deflecting the bullets while simultaneously charging them with lightning! The bullets zipped in multiple directions, striking a couple flying Arlaune Ethereals that were hiding behind cover.

Nekomiya watched in stunned silence. Their efficiency as a team, and most importantly, their trust in each other was... jarring.

Once the fight was over, the Cunning Hares + Nekomiya regrouped ready to search for the thiren's family heirloom at the next Red Fang Gang hideout (Also Kiba un-henshined). But when they got there, they saw it was completely baren, much to their surprise and confusion.

Billy: We didn't take a wrong turn, did we? Are we on the right track? Why is no one here?

Nicole: It is very strange indeed...

They cautiously searched but weren't able to find what Nekomiya was looking for even after searching for a long while.

Anby: Look, there's something on the floor. It's some kind of book... No, a ledger.

She pointed down at a book beside some crates. It was indeed a ledger. A record-keeping system that tracks a company's financial transactions, or in this case, a gang's.

Billy: A ledger should be important, right? Nicole never showed ours to me. Why are they leaving such confidential stuff lying around?

《𝛷 Pistol Mode! 𝛷》

*PEW PEW PEW PEW PEW*

Before the group could keep talking, Kiba was already unloading a full photon magazine on the book without mercy. The rest watched in shock and continued to stare even after he placed his phone back in his pocket. He looked back at them over his shoulder as if what he just did was the most normal thing in the world.

Kiba: Hm?

Billy: Buddy, why'd you do that?!

Kiba: I don't want the Red Fang gang reforming. If a ledge-whatever is that important, then they can use it to reform.

Nicole: Um, well... I guess you're right. Right now, the Red Fang Gang exists in name only. It'd be a wise choice to get rid of these things if the remaining people wanted to start over with a clean slate.

Kiba: If there's one thing those punks are, that's stubborn.

Nekomiya: (You're a bigger punk than most of them...)

Anby: All in all, seems like Nekomata's relic isn't here either.

The cat thiren took offense to Anby's dismissive and uncaring tone. It was incredibly subtle, but Nekomata was able to pick up on the microaggressions of her voice.

Nekomiya: It's not some "relic"! It's a family heirloom! Why do I feel like you don't have my back?

Nicole: Okay, take a break guys. Since it isn't here either, let's get ready to head to the next hideout... Which is...?

Nekomata: The guards already mentioned it. Their last hideout is in the Dead End Hollow nearby. Just follow me.

She said it as if it was the most casual thing in the world! The pink-haired woman's eyes widened with horror at the name.

Nicole: What, what did you just say? The Dead End Hollow?!

Kiba: The what?

Billy: Boss, you know the place?

Nicole: C'mon, you must've seen the news, right? The Vision Corporation's old metro renovation project. Aren't they shipping explosives to the blast zone through the Dead End Hollow?

Kiba: (God I miss my TV...)

Billy: Ahhh, I remember now! Vision had to go through a lot of trouble to ship the explosives because of that infamous Ethereal lurking in the Hollow.

Nicole: Exactly! I heard they even considered eliminating the Dead End Butcher to make the Hollow smaller and open up a safe route to the blasting zone. Thing is, it's easier to transport explosives through the hollow than to try and kill that thing!

Kiba: What?! No way a thing like that exists. And you wanted us to go through there? Are you insane or is it the fur messing with your head?!

He glared at Nekomata with his dual-colored eyes.

Nicole: Nekomata, you never mentioned anything about entering a Hollow with an infamous Ethereal in it! We have to renegotiate the deal!

The young thiren had resorted to final desperate measures to try and get the Cunning Hares to keep working with her... glazing.

Nekomiya: Meow? Is that so? I thought since I'd asked the smart, courageous, and righteous Cunning Hares, who defeated the Red Fang Gang in one fell swoop, even going into the dragon's den would be no big deal...

Billy: Ahaha, busting the gang in one fell swoop, ahaha...

Anby/Kiba: (No way he's falling for this...)

Now that she had Billy in her paws, it was time to get Nicole to say yes. And she knew the perfect way to do it. Through her love of money, of course!

Nekomiya: Guess I'll have to hire someone else. But it's okay, my family heirloom is crazy valuable anyway, so I can definitely afford to pay their price...

Nicole: Wait! I never said anything about aborting the commission! What I meant was, we need a plan for such a high-risk task, plus the proper equipment, devices, and all sorts of other professional... stuff... yup...

Nekomiya: Oh, I see, that means you want to increase your fee? No problem, I can increase the commission fee by twenty... no, thirty percent? Is that enough?

*Ka-ching!*

Nicole: Okay, deal!

Anby/Kiba: (She fell for it too...)

Billy: You sure you wanna make such a rash decision, Boss?

Nicole: We'll just look for something in the Hollow, dummy. It's not like we're going to start fights with Ethereals. All we need to do is to avoid running into that dangerous dude. Since our client wishes it, we'll go check it out!

Nekomata: Meow, really? Okay~ I trust you can find my family heirloom, meow!

Her glazing and bargaining had worked! The street-smart thiren had managed to convince Billy and most importantly Nicole to keep going with the commission. Meanwhile, a less than happy Kiba and Anby stood on the sidelines. Despite their shared annoyance, Anby felt a little bit of comfort in the fact Kiba was standing with her.

~Flashback End~

{TO BE CONTINUED...}