So, let's address the elephant in the room: the last chapter. Rather, let me tell you why I created said item.

The person I am lodging with and I had an argument that wound down to "get out." I had no places I could go to. Thus, I made that chapter, would have it up for adoption before walking until I couldn't walk anymore.

Later on, that person found me, and we talked. I was allowed to stay for longer and, now, can continue working on this story.

I didn't make that chapter with the idea that I would return, much less see the reactions towards the chapter's publishment. Now that I can, I wish to say sorry for the chapter, mostly because I can't say anything else.

I thank you all for staying with me and sticking to the story, despite my actions. Hopefully, I have enough time to reach the end of the story.

Anyway, enough of that. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Phillip woke up groggily, eyes straining to open as the sun leaked into his room. Rubbing the sand out of his eyes, he sat up and moved his legs off the side of his bed, and placed his feet onto the frigid floor. Once his eyelids were able to blink correctly, he stood up and walked towards the door of his room, opening it when he reached it.

Kiana had already left, leaving the blanket bunched up on the couch. She probably left late last night to continue her sleeping in her own apartment. Phillip noticed a piece of paper on the blanket and pulled it off, revealing a note that promised Kiana would come by to help clean up later on that day.

Phillip shook his head at this before moving the table back to its original place. He then picked up the pan from the table and placed it in the sink, along with the other dishes he used last night. With the signature hand sign, a clone popped into existence and started handling clean-up. As the clone dealt with this, Phillip headed for the bathroom for a shower.

He stepped into the bathroom and started the water, allowing it time to heat up. As he began stripping down, Gabriel spoke up.

"I've decided to warn you about something."

Phillip rose a brow at this but decided to simply listen to what the angel said. I'm guessing something big is supposed to happen today.

"No, not today. However, the beginning of the build-up is here. Be ready, but behave yourself."

Alright then, Phillip replied with little emotion as Gabriel cut the conversation there, moving his right hand forward to meet the water, now hitting scalding temperatures. He stepped his bare self into the shower and let the waters cascade over him.

After the Shower

Clone: Hold on, boss.

Phillip was one step away from opening the bathroom door, clad in a blue bathrobe when he received this message. He responded swiftly, hand still gripping the knob.

What's wrong?

Clone: Siegfried showed up. He assumed you were a girl you picked up, so he's not going anywhere near the bathroom. Right now, he's talking about leaving the city, so wait a second so he can beat it.

Phillip held back his sigh before pressing his back against the door, hoping whatever Siegfried needed would be quick. Seconds turned to minutes, excruciating minutes before he received the all-clear from his clone. Phillip swiftly ducked back into his bedroom to fish out and put on a similar outfit to the one he wore yesterday. He then returned to the bathroom, bundled his clothes into his arms, got back to his bedroom, and placed the clothes into the seal.

Only then did he go to the main area and speak with his clone. "So, what's the idea?"

The clones tossed him a peanut butter-covered toast, something he immediately indulged in, before speaking. "He's leaving the city, wants us to keep watching over Kiana. Otherwise, nothing much outside of normal."

Phillip gulped down the food before asking, "So, attempts at learning out powers, overly proud of minor things, and being a perv?"

"Essentially." The clone held up a brown paper sack. "Here's your sandwich. Tell me when you want something else than the same thing you had for the last year."

Phillip rolled his eyes at this, grabbed the sack from the clone, and walked over to his backpack, which was placed next to the couch last night. He stuffed the lunch into his bag and slipped it on. Once in the hallway, he dispersed the clone and gave one firm knock on Kiana's door before heading out.

At the school.

Whispers filled the air as Phillip walked into the classroom later than usual, prompting him to look around at his classmates with a raised brow. People were constantly chatting about something on his way over to the school, and the school seemed to continue from this. The odd part of it all was that the subject of it all was Ryoma.

Phillip noted Mei was still surrounded by her classmates. However, the group seemed to be pestering her for something uncomfortable if her face was anything to go by. As he moved towards his desk, he picked up on a few words coming from Mei.

"I assure you that, whatever these rumors are saying, my father has not embezzled money. My father is an upright man; he wouldn't stoop to those levels." The crowd didn't seem satisfied with this answer and grew increasingly persistent.

Deciding to take a detour, Phillip placed his backpack down and walked over to the group. He cleared his voice once he was next to them, garnering everyone's attention before speaking.

"I work directly under Raiden, Ryoma, so if you can't accept Mei's answer, then accept mine: there has been no embezzling committed by Raiden-sama. Besides, if there was, Mei certainly wouldn't know." They still didn't seem convinced but dropped the subject to return to their desks. Those who pulled their desks over to Mei stayed there, still eager to gain her aid despite the rumors against her family.

Phillip returned to his desk, ignoring the light glare Mei was sending him and sat down. He began pulling out papers, pens, and his English textbook, just in time for the teacher to enter the class.

"Alright, everyone," the teacher began, silencing them all and pulling the attention towards him. "Before we begin the class, let's address the recent news." The teacher placed his bag down next to the chalkboard and stood before the class entirely still. "Until such a time as the rumor is either confirmed or denied, we should treat it as it is: a rumor."

With that, the teacher picked up a piece of chalk from the metal tray attached to the board and wrote that exact word. He placed the chalk back down immediately after and addressed the class. "On that note, who here can tell me what a rumor means?"

Noon, lunchtime.

Phillip took one step out of the classroom, ready to move to the roof to eat his lunch, only to be grabbed by the wrist and pulled down the hall by Mei. He didn't resist, knowing the girl was in the belief that he said there could have been embezzling. So, he simply allowed the girl to drag him toward the stairs, up to the roof, and onto the rooftop.

The rest of the group was there, Yuki fuming at the sight of Phillip, while Mikoto sent them a wave. Only Ayame didn't react to their entrance, something Phillip was honestly grateful for, as he still remembered what happened yesterday.

Mei dropped his wrist once they were next to the others, turning to him with crossed arms. "I understand you were trying to help me, but that last tidbit was unnecessary. "

"I said it to diffuse their interrogation," Phillip said, placing his bag on the bench to his left, next to Mikoto. "The both of us know your father would not do something like that, but I needed something to push the rumor-following crowd away."

"But-"

"How would you know?" Ayame spoke up, interrupting Mei from following up and pulling the attention to her. "She barely even sees him, and you're not exactly-"

"First, for the sake of my sanity and intelligence, shut up," Phillip replied, fury filling his eyes as he gave the girl a side glance. "Second, I work directly under him and have access to ME Corp's database. Nothing the rumors suggested ever happened."

Ayame didn't stay after that, gathering her things and stormed to the door back into the building while ignoring Mei's calls for her to come back. Once the door slammed shut, Mei rounded back to Phillip in anger.

"That was uncalled for! What is wrong with you?!"

"She's not my friend," Phillip said plainly before picking up his backpack and putting it back on. "If you prefer her company over mine, however, you're welcome to get her back. I'm not staying if you do." With that, Phillip walked away from them, deciding to head to the ground floor for the court grounds. Mei made no attempt to stop him, sitting down next to Mikoto instead.

On his way down, he passed Ayame, leaning against the walls of the staircase as if waiting for something. She let out a victorious smirk and scaled back up to the group. Phillip didn't react to this, simply following his planned route.

Later, in the school courtyard.

"Can I sit with you?"

Phillip stared up at Mikoto, mouth still full of sandwich, with a blank look. Taking the lack of answer positively, the girl sat down to his left with a plop, joining him beneath the maple tree. Phillip opted to ignore her, continuing his consumption. The girl gave him a deadpan look before clearing her voice in an attempt to get his attention.

"Are you going to ask why I'm here and not with the other two?"

"Honestly," Phillip started, swallowing the muck in his mouth. "I'd prefer you up there to protect her from those two than be here with me."

Mikoto grew wide-eyed at this but calmed down quickly. "Don't worry about that. I made sure they wouldn't get after her. So..."

"So, nothing." Phillip finished his sandwich, brushed the crumbs from his palm. "The situation is simple: I'm angry at Ayame, and Mei's angry at me for being angry with Ayame." With his part done, he leaned back to rest his head against the base of the tree.

Mikoto wasn't impressed with this. "She was hurt when you left, you know that, right?"

There was a pang in Phillip's chest at this, but he brushed it aside. "Mei is strong enough to brush that off. Besides, we weren't friends to begin with. You've seen how we've interacted."

"I have," Mikoto said, annoyance flaring. "But she still sees you as a potential friend, something she's in short supply of."

"You mean, besides the entire school?"

"They're not friends," she explained. "They see her as a resource, nothing more. If something happens, they'll toss her away."

"And that's why you three are there, right?"

"It's why I'm there, " she said as she also leaned into the tree. "Ayame wouldn't have joined us if I didn't mention Mei was rich., and Yuki... sometimes I wish I didn't get her into this. I had to convince Mei that Yuki liked physical 'friendship,' which was why Mei tolerates Yuki's actions."

"I'm not seeing where I come in."

Mikoto sighed before giving him a deadpan look. "You're tough to approach, you know that? When you're close by, you just, sort of, radiate indifference."

"It's because I am," Phillip said, pulling himself up from the tree and grabbing his backpack. "I've got class to get to. See ya."

"I don't think you are." Phillip stopped and turned to the girl, stopping for a second to ensure his attention was on her before continuing. "Indifferent, I mean. Otherwise, you wouldn't have met up with us before, and you wouldn't have left when Mei called you out." She sent him a wide smile. "I'm certain you're kind of sweet beneath it all."

Phillip turned away from her. "I'm not. But you can believe what you want."

"What I believe is that you're taking an easy way out," Mikoto said as she stood up. She walked over to Phillip, allowing Phillip to realize the difference in height between him and her. There was a foot difference in size, forcing Phillip to bend his neck down to meet her eyes. She never lost her smile.

"I think you've justified your bad behavior by simply saying you're a bad person." She took a bit of time to send a glance back up to the roof before locking eyes again. "But, for Mei's sake, you need to stop that. I get the feeling things are going to get worse before they get better, and Mei is going to need as many friends as she can to get through this."

Phillip breathed out, contemplating the girl's reasoning for reaching out to him. As soon as he began thinking, Gabriel spoke up.

"You remember what I said yesterday, right? Destiny's clock is turning, and Mei is involved. If we're going for the best possibility, you need to be beside her. You're going to have to reconcile to her at some point, and the sooner, the better."

I don't think Mei will want to.

"I'm certain she's more forgiving than you give her credit for. Just meet with her before or after class with an apology, and I'm sure she'll happily welcome you back."

Phillip breathed out a sigh before looking at Mikoto. "I'll talk with her soon. Just give me some time to think of a proper apology."

Mikoto's smile widened at this, saying, "I'll keep you to that," then ran off back to the main building, just in time for the bell to ring out to end lunch. Phillip simply shook his head at the girl before following her; thoughts stuck with Gabriel on his promise.

Back in class,

"I'm telling you, it's a simple 'I'm sorry,' then you move on."

It's never been that easy with girls. What makes you think this is any different?

Phillip returned to his class silently, refusing to look at Mei the entire time. Even when they were paired up for chemistry, the two never shared eye contact while working as individual students. The two are separated, with Phillip contemplating effective means of apologizing, Mei entertaining her admirers, and Gabriel trying to force them to meet up.

"Either you do it today, or she leaves here thinking you hate her."

Phillip let out a sigh just in time for the bell to ring, signaling the end of the school day. Phillip picked himself up and gathered his things. Once everything was together, Phillip dared to sneak a peek at Mei.

Their eyes met for a second, but Mei turned away almost instantly. She made her way to the door with a small group of people following. Instinctually, Phillip went after them, staying behind them as they traveled down to the first floor.

Just as they were about to reach the door of the building, words flew out of Phillip's mouth unconsciously, loud enough to resound throughout the ground-floor hallway.

"Mei..."

Phillip mentally cursed when the entire remaining populace stopped to stare at him and Mei. He planned to get Mei to some place more discreet and tell her his apology then, but the angel inside him demanded another idea.

You're not helping!

"Yes, I am! Now, get this situation fixed so we can move on with our lives!"

Phillip let out a breath, both out of exasperation of his companion and to calm his nerves. Seeing as he wasn't easily escaping, given the circumstances, Phillip spoke to Mei, her back still facing him.

"Mei, I'm... sorry. I'm not-" Phillip shook his head, knowing what he was going to say, and tried rewording it. "I can't-"

"Phillip-san," Mei's voice stopped him from continuing. He watched her turn her head slightly, just enough for him to see her mouth but not her eyes. "Come with me."

Phillip nodded, and Mei began walking again, with him not too far behind. He passed Mei's group and felt intense glares from each and every one of them. He didn't care, as he was focused on Mei and Mei alone.

The two exited the school just in time for a blank limo to pull up in front of the school gate. Once they were close, Mei waved up to her chauffeur and pointed back at Phillip, conveying a message to the driver of an extra passenger. The olden man, the same one that picked Mei up from the career fair, seemed disgruntled on the idea but never vocally expressed it. Mei entered the vehicle swiftly, moving all the way to the other side, before gesturing Phillip in. He did so, pressing his back against the grey polyester seating with feather-soft cushions for the lower back. On the door was closed, they were off.

Now in a less populated area, Phillip started up his apology once more. "Mei, I wanted to apologize for my behavior this afternoon." Mei didn't react to this, her eyes staring off into space as if enraptured by something incorporeal in front of her. "I don't expect you to accept it, but-"

"Phillip-san," Mei looked over to him, a frown marring her lips. "I was going to forgive you from the beginning. Please don't take my silence as me being unforgiving."

Phillip blinked a couple of times at this before addressing what she said. "I don't think you as unforgiving, but I know that talk is cheap. So, if you want, I'm willing to obey one demand of yours."

Mei's eyes widened at this, and a guttural laugh bellowed from the front seat. The driver tilted the rearview mirror to see the two in the back, and they could see him.

"Young man, cease your endeavor. High-class ladies like her, who knows what she'll do to you?"

Phillip opened his mouth to respond but was beaten by a crimson-faced Mei. "I-I would never do something like that!"

"I jest, I jest," the driver chuckled, replacing the mirror. "However, while I know nothing of the situation between the two of you, I do know that holding grudges is not something little Miss Mei is known for."

"Regardless," Phillip stated, trying to force the conversation forward, eyes on Mei. "Name something you would like done, and I will do so."

Mei brought her hand to her chin, her blush disappearing as she looked away from him. "Well, I can't ask you to dispel the rumors floating around my father. That would be-"

"Do you have a computer on you?"

Mei spun back towards him with wide eyes before shaking her head. "Please don't get into trouble for my account. I'm certain these rumors will disappear before long." She then studied him for a moment before asking, "Is there anything you're good at?"

Phillip rubbed the back of his neck as embarrassment set in. "There's... one thing people have complimented me on."

Mei leaned in, interested in the thing that made Phillip bashful. "And that would be...?" Phillip blushed slightly at the insistence and muttered the answer inaudibly. Mei pouted at the action before prodding him in the side with her index finger. "You said you would do something of my choice, right?"

"Singing," Phillip finally admitted, his blush spreading to his ears. " People usually compliment my singing."

Mei blinked a couple before smiling vibrantly. "Well then, could you sing me a song?"

Phillip took a couple of breaths, calming his blush down to reside only on his cheeks. Once the embarrassment was more manageable, he picked a song from his memories. Clearing his throat once, he began the tune.

Before long

"We're here."

The driver called this out just as Phillip sang the last word. Outside of the song, the drive had been silent, as if the world itself hushed itself to listen in. Mei was utterly enamored by the melody, mouth left agape and eyes wide. It was only when the driver spoke that Mei snapped out of her daze.

"A-Ah, right!" Mei turned to Phillip, who had looked slightly confused. "I had asked my chauffeur to deliver you to ME Corporation's Central Headquarters. Thank you for the song, Phillip-san."

Phillip simply nodded and picked up his baggage. The doors opened up automatically, and he stepped out to leave, though staying close by to wave Mei a goodbye. The limo started down the street, and Phillip turned to the building... only to find it completely surrounded.

"What in the nine realms of fuck?"

Civilians have crowded around the building, some carrying handmade signs, demanding that Ryoma come out. Apparently, the rumors crafted were enough to send crowds into mass hysteria, enough to convince them that they needed to do something about it.

Phillip groaned before he started walking towards the building. Upon reaching the crowd, he pushed the unfortunate person in front of him to the side before shoving through, not caring whom he bumped along the way. After a couple of minutes waddling through the mass, Phillip reached the entrance just in time to notice Ryoma walk out with his security detail.

The group stopped right in front of him, and Ryoma pulled out a microphone stuffed under his arm just a second prior to address the crowd.

"To those who have gathered here due to the recent news reports," Ryoma said, his voice booming over the cries and jeers of the crowd. "I came to tell you that these reports are slander and should be treated as such. Please refrain from disturbing my employees as they leave and enter this building. Thank you." Ryoma then tucked the microphone back under his arm and gestured to Phillip to follow him back inside.

Phillip did so, leaving the security guards to block the entrance from the rioters. As they moved side by side to the elevator, he popped his question. "I'm guessing the rumors are spiraling out of control?"

"Unimaginably," Ryoma answered, entering the elevator as soon as it opened. Phillip followed immediately after, and the elevator began the ride up. "And I have a sneaking suspicion on who began the topic."

Phillip leaned into the side of the elevator with arms crossed, eyes staring up at the man. "You suspect Cocolia, don't you?"

Ryoma nodded to confirm Phillip's belief. "She's spiteful, that woman. More than likely, she's forced her little servant to hack in falsified documents."

"It shouldn't be too hard to counter, right?" The elevator stopped when he asked this question, causing the two to enter Ryoma's office. "An explanation or a quick look-over should destroy the slander."

"It's not that simple," Ryoma explained, sitting down at his desk and beginning typing on his keyboard. "Cocolia is a war veteran and master deceiver. Taking out one piece of her plan could easily put me into another trap."

Phillip nodded before uncrossing his arms. "What do you want me to do?"

Ryoma gave him a sideways glance before looking back at his monitor. "Right now, there's nothing I need you to accomplish. I do, however, need your assistance with something in the future."

"Alright, what is it?"

Ryoma stopped typing and rested his elbows on his desk, fingers laced together under his nose. His glasses shone with intense light, despite the sun not shining through his windows. "Should I fail, should Cocolia win this battle, I ask you to watch over Mei."

Phillip stood still for a moment before speaking. "Let's hope that never happens, but I will, should it come to pass."

Ryoma nodded at this but continued to stare at Phillip. "Secondly, I am removing my restriction on your meeting with Mei. If you're going to watch over her, you must get to know her."

"... Should I tell him?"

No, thank you, Phillip thought back at Gabriel's question before addressing Ryoma, forcing his voice to remain flat despite the humor he found in it. "Very well. I'll be certain to meet her at some point."

"Very good," Ryoma then returned to his monitor, typing away as he did. "You are dismissed. See to it that our employees are brought in."

"Right." With this, Phillip turned around to ride the elevator back down, only to stop as Ryoma made one last request.

"Also, please remove your spy from my office. I've had enough of the feeling of someone looking over my shoulder."

Phillip opened his mouth to retort but realized any answer would simply acknowledge when Ryoma was stating. So, he gave out a low hum in response, loud enough for Ryoma to hear before continuing to the elevator to begin the workday.

That Night

The more relaxed night of late August had settled in Nagazora. Despite seeming just as active as the day, far fewer people were walking around, allowing someone to take a stroll down the sidewalk with no interruption.

For Phillip, this meant he could jump across the buildings undetected, which he was doing at the moment.

"What's your plan?"

I need to go to where Cocolia is, Phillip explained as he launched himself over a street. From there, I'll force her to rescind the rumors so we can carry on with our lives peacefully.

"Well, let's hope they haven't noticed the clone you placed on them."

Same. Luckily, I only needed it to keep track of their location. So it should have stayed out of trouble. Phillip slipped into an alleyway, knocking out a smoker as soon as he landed to prevent witnesses. Walking down the right side, he reached a street and, on the other side, stood his objective.

Phillip looked both ways before crossing, walking briskly towards a towering golden building with red drapes at every window. The entrance was a porte-cochere, golden in color with a red carpet before the doorway and a doorman dressed in red. Phillip was two feet from the door when the man opened the door wide before gesturing Phillip in.

Phillip rolled his eyes at this display but continued into the hotel. The interior was just as gaudy and grand as the exterior; gold shone from every corner while accented by green and red accessories. The small entrance led into a round room, surrounded by pillars of gold and green drapes, with golden furniture in the middle.

Phillip looked to his right from the entrance to note another employee behind a golden counter, leaning into her palm as she read a magazine. He moved her way, hoping she could point him in the right direction.

Once he was in front of the employee, he realized she wasn't paying attention to him. He reached over to the silver bell on the desk and gave it a ding. It was enough, as the brunette jumped and stuffed her magazine behind her back, eyes wide as she stared at him.

Once the shock disappeared, she relaxed visibly and placed her magazine back on the counter. "Sorry, sir. All the rooms have been rented out for the coming holidays. Please make a reservation in 600 days." With this, she flipped open the magazine and started to get comfortable as she started looking over the contents.

"I'm not here stay," Phillip stated, causing the girl to shoot him an annoyed glance. "I'm here to look for a friend." He covered up the venom from the last word.

The girl let out a sigh at this. "This isn't my job," she grumbled before pulling out a register list from beneath the desk. She placed it before him gently before returning to her muse.

Phillip scanned through the list, found Cocolia's room number, and handed the paper back to the girl. She stuffed back under the desk without moving her eyes. With that, Phillip took off deeper into the hotel.

13th floor

Phillip stared up at the golden plate on the wooden doorframe, a single ounce of humility in the entire hotel, where the number "1344" resided. He dropped his look and gave the door three knocks. There was some shuffling behind it before the knob turned and the door opened, revealing a smiling Cocolia. A smile that twisted into a smirk upon seeing him.

"Well, well. Look who decided to join us."

Cocolia leaned into the door, allowing Phillip enough room to enter. As Cocolia closed the door behind her, Phillip looked around the room, noting the emerald color to everything, from the ceiling above his head to the carpet under his feet. Even the furniture was verdant, from the chairs to the open footboard bed. The only thing that wasn't green was the wooden nightstand.

Phillip walked over to the end of the bed and stood before the window facing it. Cocolia joined him there, sitting on the edge of the bed next to Bronya while leaning back on her palms. Bronya remained silent with her hands in her lap, analyzing Phillip with blank eyes.

Phillip could tell Cocolia thought she had the advantage, as could be told from her smirk, but continued with his goal. "I believe you understand why I'm here."

"Oh, how mysterious~" Cocolia said teasingly before leaning forward to place her chin in her right palm. "Are you a detective as well, little boy?" Phillip simply narrowed his eyes and leaned into his left leg, arms crossed over his chest. Seeing him not budge, Cocolia relented. "I guess you're here to convince me to drop the rumors about poor old Ryoma Raiden, huh?"

"Right," Phillip stated, standing tall once more to increase his presence. Bronya tensed up at this while Cocolia kept her casual pose. After a moment of silence, Cocolia spoke up.

"Did you really think you could come here and bully me into stopping? Either Ryoma has grown dull, or you never got the memo, boy."

Phillip unfolded his arms and stared Cocolia dead in the eyes. "Cocolia. Last name unknown. You worked in the Siberian Military before the Second Honkai Eruption. Afterward, you created your own orphanage to house those affected by the aftermath."

The woman titled her head this but kept her thin smirk. "Seems you're not too out of the loop. Though I'm surprised that you've learned so much about me. I doubt all of that is public knowledge."

"Ryoma prefers to keep detailed records on his associates, former or otherwise. He gave me your file to help with my interrogation."

"Ah, but you don't know why I'm here, do you?"

"That's not my desire," Phillip said as he took a step towards the woman. "All I need to know is what you're doing, not why you're doing it. What you're doing is trying to force a man into sacrificing his own daughter to counter your own."

Cocolia shook her head at this, clearly disappointed. "You have no idea what my goals are with the current events. I can't drop this now, not when I've just begun."

Phillip narrowed his eyes at this. "I didn't come to give a suggestion. This is a demand. You're going to disperse the rumors and move back to your orphanage."

"You're not the one in charge here; I am." Cocolia's frown shifted back to a smirk, setting off Phillip's sense of danger. "And why should I be, considering I have a secret of yours."

Phillip snorted at this. "I doubt that."

"Bronya, if you would."

Bronya grabbed something from her side, a blue notebook that was flipped open, showing the page it was opened to Phillip. There, on that page, was a replica of the memory seal Phillip applied to Bronya. The only way they noticed was either they found a way to break it, which was impossible, or it wasn't applied correctly. With the first debunked immediately, the second was the only possibility, but how exactly?

Not wanting to lose face, Phillip turned back to Cocolia with blank eyes. "Nice drawing. Are you trying to sell it to a bidder?"

"Cheeky," Cocolia commented, not deterred by the deflection. "We found this sigil on my little Bronya's neck. She suggests that it was you that tried to apply it. Care to explain?"

Phillip gave the two a deadpan stare in response. "I see you two have an overactive imagination. Is there anything else you want to accuse me of?"

This time, Bronya was the one to speak. "Bronya had detected a heat signature similar to Subject Phillip's own during Matushka's meeting with Raiden Ryoma. That should have been impossible."

"That's because it is," Phillip replied, eyes not leaving Cocolia. "I don't see what Bronya's delusions have any to do with your attack on Ryoma."

"You should treat the situation more seriously, kid," Cocolia scolded before smirking. "If you're not willing to concede, then let's run a test. Bronya, if you will."

"Da." Bronya thrust her arm towards Phillip, and the white-plated robot appeared behind her.

It had a hulking body along with a serpentine tail, hovering just above the bed. Its thin but long head almost scrape across the ceiling, with painted-on "teeth" on the front of it. It had two arms: one holding a massive shield that touched the floor and ceiling, and the other was a small, long-barreled cannon.

Phillip didn't react as a billow of purple smoke spewed out of the cannon's barrel, quickly engulfing the room. Cocolia and Bronya wore gas masks that were hidden under the bed's pillows to prevent the gas from affecting them. As time passed, the gas dissipated, causing Bronya to move the robot's shield to examine the fallen form of Phillip.

Cocolia rended the mask from her face, mild disappointment in her eyes. "Well, that ended quicker than I thought it would. Bronya, collect the boy if you would."

"Da, Matushka." With this, the shield disappeared in a flash of blue and white squares, as if made of data. In its place, a large, four-digit claw was formed to reach over and pluck the body off the ground. However, just as the body was lifted, it dispersed in a puff of smoke, leaving Cocolia gobsmacked.

"WHAT?!"

Several kilometers away, on a narrow skyscraper

Well, that went about as well as I expected.

Phillip leaned back into the spire of the building, feet planted on a metal piece that stuck out. He had just released his clone jutsu, which would disperse all clones across the city. Normally, the info would wreak havoc to his head but, thanks to Gabriel, he was able to focus on the information that mattered.

Bronya wasn't affected by his memory seal, obviously thanks to her new 'pet'. At least he knew how she detected his clones. It will help in later investigations, should he need to do so. However, he had no intentions of letting these two escape unpunished.

Leaning forward, he prepped his body to leap forward and cover the exact distance in one jump. Just as he was about to, Gabriel spoke up.

"Let's leave them for now."

Let's not and say we did,

"Phillip," Gabriel chided, causing Phillip to flinch but not drop his stance. "The best course for this universe is to allow them to live. Trying to tamper too much will have some ill-begotten consequences."

Phillip growled at this, but slowly released the tension in his body. As much as he disliked the idea of doing nothing, the angel always knew more than he did in terms of dimensional fate. So, reluctantly, he'll refrain from removing Cocolia from the picture.

So, what should I do now?

"Well, I believe miss Kiana is outside your door, waiting to help clean up."

Phillip sighed at this, but shifted his body to head south and jumped to the next building. As he began moving over the populace of the city, his thoughts lingered on the rumors and hoped Ryoma could handle the coming storm.

He didn't realize this would be one of the last days of genuine peace he would have.

Alright, going to cut it here.

To those asking, a couple of reviews suggested Phillip was a little stupid in the scene with him, Cocolia, and Bronya. So, I changed it to the current version. Sorry for the alert.

Leave any criticism you think I need. Besides that, I'll see you all later.