AD 2206, 6/16, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

The steady beeping sound slowly rouses Carl from his deep slumber. He groans as his eye blearily blinks open. A strange itch covers his opposite eye, and he struggles to raise his arm to investigate. Sluggishly, the limb obeys him, and his fingers feel the taut bandaging over the azure laden pit of his socket.

Carl slowly looks around, wondering how he came to be in an NOL hospital bed, with Bang at his side. He feels as if something rather pressing is slipping his mind. Something about…

Carl's eye bursts open wide as he remembers Ada's situation. He attempts to sit up, only to cry out in pain at the exertion and fall back with a gasp, throat dry and lips cracking. His body feels truly worn, particularly his chest. He grasps at his breast, feeling rough scar tissue forming. That's right, Kokonoe struck him with a fireball.

Bang, awoken by Carl's efforts, hurriedly presses a glass of water to his aching lips. "Master Carl, you must be cautious! You've been asleep for three days!"

Carl wants to scream at Bang. How can he be cautious when his sister is in danger? But the insistent burn in his throat makes him obediently drink deeply from the proffered glass. He settles for a sullen glare at his mentor.

Bang looks apologetically at him as he continues, "Mistress Ada is well, from what Mutsuki told me. Kokonoe is going to return her once she is certain that her soul and body are in sync. Master Carl, you have done a great thing, saving your sister. Now please, rest."

Carl coughs wetly as he speaks, "Ada needs me, Master Bang! She'll be confused, I need to—!"

Bang pulls him into a hug, prompting a wheeze. "Master Carl, please calm down. Your sister is still asleep, last we heard. She will not wake for some time. Please, think of yourself now."

Carl stares over Bang's shoulder, angry and uncertain. If Ada isn't awake, that's all the more reason to be there for her, but his body is so weak now… He groans, "Mister Bang, please put me down."

Bang does so swiftly, a flush on his cheeks. "Apologies, Master Carl. I merely worry for your safety, and health."

Carl huffs, "I'll be fine. I just…" He stares at Bang. "How can I be sure that Kokonoe will return her?"

Bang hums, "From what I know, she's not one to go back on her word. Mutsuki certainly wouldn't allow her to be underhanded in this." He meets Carl's eyes with determination. "Besides, how can you help your sister if you cannot help yourself?" He squeezes Carl's hand. "Even if you cannot trust in Kokonoe, trust in us, Master Carl. We will not let you down."

Carl looks fondly and gratefully up at his mentor. "Master Bang… Alright. I'll trust in you."

Bang beams with fatherly pride. "Of course, Master Carl! Now, what would you like to eat?"

AD 2206, 6/18, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Carl heaves as he tries to drag Knight from his cloak and to the workbench. His chest seizes and burns, the healing scars screaming in protest of his efforts.

A voice huffs, "Geez. Didn't Shishigami tell you to take it easy, man?"

Kagura reaches around Carl, easily hefting Knight up and away from him. "Lemme guess, you wanna get your toys ready in case Kokonoe goes back on her word?"

Carl slowly nods as he hobbles to the workbench. "We can't trust that woman completely, you know, Colonel Mutsuki."

Kagura pouts. "Hey, man. C'mon, can't you say my name by now? We're friends, right?"

Carl glances from his work briefly. He hesitates, then sighs, "Thank you, Kagura."

Kagura beams with satisfaction. "See? It wasn't that hard, Carl."

Carl isn't sure he likes how naturally and smoothly his name slides from Kagura's lips, but he doesn't dislike it. He wonders what that means…

Kagura pats his back. "But yeah, I know what you mean. If Kokonoe pulls any funny business, I'll be right there with you, trust me. I won't leave a damsel in distress."

Carl huffs, "Ada isn't a damsel."

Kagura grins. "Oh yeah? What, she a tough gal?"

Carl smirks. "You've no idea."

Kagura pulls up a stool. "Then why don't you let me know what I'm missing here?"

Carl smiles brightly as he begins telling tales of his beloved sister's exploits.

AD 2206, 6/21, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Carl sighs as he finishes the last of his maintenance routine for the day. Without Ada at his side, life is getting lonelier. Bang left a few hours ago with Amane's troupe, something about checking in on Ronin-Gai. Kagura's caught up in his paperwork, so they've missed their now usual chats. He feels a bit forgotten at the moment.

A steady voice breaks his rhythm. "Mister Clover, are you alright?"

Carl whirls around to see Hibiki staring at him. Their dark eyes are curious.

Carl coughs into a fist. "Captain Kohaku, you startled me."

Hibiki hums, "Apologies, it's just that Lord Kagura would like to see you in his office. He's got a young lady he would like you to meet."

Carl blinks, then raises a brow. "As I recall, I only agreed to the one date."

Hibiki sighs, "That may be true, but Lieutenant Nanaya would be rather… put out if you did not meet her wife."

Carl's eye widens. "W-Wife?"

Hibiki nods. "They've been together six years now, married for two, as I recall." They turn. "You do not have to come immediately, but your presence would be appreciated when you have time."

Carl shoves pawn into his hat and scrambles to follow Hibiki. "Hold on, when were you—?!"

As they come to the office door, Carl fidgets nervously. Why didn't Makoto tell him earlier that she's married now? What is her wife like? Will she approve of him?

Hibiki smiles. "Don't look so worried, Mister Clover. She's quite peaceful, I assure you." They continue walking past the door. "I've some errands of my own, so please, let yourself in."

Before Carl can protest, they disappear into the shadows. He sighs, then reaches for the handle. As the door opens, he freezes, heart seizing.

Noel's face is looking back at him with maroon eyes.

Carl and the lookalike stare at one another for a moment that stretches on into eternity.

Kagura sighs, "Carl, this is Lambda."

Lambda holds out her hand. "Hello, Carl Clover." She hums, "It's nice to meet you."