AD 2206, 6/29, Sector 7 – Kokonoe's Laboratory

Ada moans as she comes around. She's been having the strangest dreams, ever since… Ada's eyes shoot open as she remembers where she is, and what's happened to her. Her mind immediately goes out for her precious younger brother, wondering if he's alright.

Across the room, a tired voice snaps, "Take it easy. That body wasn't easy to make, ya know."

Ada glances that way to see Kokonoe staring at her nude form with a tired irritation. She furrows her brow, frowning. "Professor, where is Carl?"

Kokonoe sighs, "Seriously? That's the first thing you're asking? Hmph. You should be thanking me, ya know."

Ada sighs, "Thank you, Professor Kokonoe." She narrows her eyes. "Now, where is my brother?"

Kokonoe sniffs, "He's back in Yabiko, with Kagura. And no, you can't go there yet. We've gotta make sure that body of yours isn't rejecting you."

Ada sighs, settling back into the bed. So long as Carl is safe… She hums, "I guess that means there's lots of needles in my future."

Kokonoe hums, "Afraid so. Why? They make you nervous?"

Ada grins. "Oh, no. I'm just used to being on the other end, is all."

Kokonoe freezes. She glares at Ada. "That's not funny."

Ada giggles, "Aw, but you made such a scary face!"

Kokonoe groans.

AD 2206, 7/7, Sector 7 – Kokonoe's Laboratory

Ada grins as she finishes the exercises for today, body feeling reinvigorated and responsive due to the extensive workout. She turns to Kokonoe. "How am I doing, Professor?"

Kokonoe huffs, "You're doing fine. I wanna keep you for another couple of weeks to make sure you don't have any complicated conditions or anything."

Ada hums, "Alright, if you think it's best." She turns to Bullet. "Thank you for helping me exercise, Miss Bullet."

Bullet scoffs, "It's nothing. Just doing my job."

Ada grins, purring, "Oh, but we got so sweaty. Why don't we shower together, to conserve water, of course?"

Bullet flushes, leaning away from Ada. "W-What?"

Ada giggles, waving a hand. "Oh, don't worry, I'm hardly going to force you." She eyes Bullet appreciatively. "Still, if you ever need help, please, don't hesitate to ask, okay?"

Kokonoe groans, "Knock it off, will ya! That flirting of yours is really annoying."

Ada sighs, "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean to leave you out."

Kokonoe glowers, sucking in a hissing breath.

Ada giggles throughout the following tirade.

AD 2206, 7/21, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch

Carl rushes down the halls of the branch, Kagura and Hibiki hot on his heels. If the word from the front desk is true, he can't get to the lobby fast enough.

Kagura is trying to say something, but whatever it is fades over the thrum of Carl's heartbeat.

As they turn the final corner, Carl cries, "ADA!"

Carl rushes his towering sister, who opens her arms with a broad grin.

Carl nestles his nose into her collar, sniffling, "Y-You're finally back. You're really back!"

Ada wetly laughs, "Of course, I am, Carl! I'd never leave you behind." She nuzzles her chin into his locks, cooing, "You did so well, Carl. I'm so proud of you."

Carl weakly laughs, "I never would've made it without you, Sis." He continues to cry into her collar, tears soaking the fabric of her dress.

Ada hums, "There, there." She pets his back. "I'm here now. I don't plan on going anywhere." She pulls back to smile at him through her happy tears. "Now, why don't we go upstairs and you can tell me about everything I've missed."

Carl nods shakily. "Y-Yeah. Sounds like a plan."

Kagura clears his throat. "Ahem. Pardon me, Ada baby—!"

Ada turns her smile, now chilling, to Kagura. "Please, don't call me that, Mister Mutsuki."

Kagura shudders. "R-Right." He coughs into a fist. "Anyways, I was going to ask if you'd like refreshments. You must've come a long way."

Ada hums, "That would be nice." She glances at Carl. "Why don't we have some cookies sent up?"

Carl grins. "That sounds like a great idea, Sis!" He tugs her arm, prompting a giggle as they begin to ascend the steps. "Thank you, Kagura! Be sure some have raisins! They're Ada's favorite!"

Ada laughs, "And some chocolate for Carl, please!"

With that, the two blondes disappear up the stairs, leaving Kagura and Hibiki with the staring soldiers.

Kagura sighs, "Guess that's another one I can't win."

Hibiki scoffs, "As if you need any more distractions." They glare at him. "We still have to check the barracks, sign the petitions, redo yesterday's paperwork, and…"

Kagura bites back a groan as they continue on. Why can't things ever be easy?

AD 2206, 8/8, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury

Ada hums merrily as she reads through her book of macabre poetry, an older collection, by one Jack Prelutsky. The Zombie is such a lovely handling of mounting tension and dread, simply wonderful, if she does say so herself.

As she continues her humming, Noel wanders into the library, looking oddly flustered. "U-Um, excuse me, Ada. Have you seen my journal?"

Ada gestures to the table beside her chair. "It's right here, dear."

Noel's eyes widen in fear as she quickly walks over to retrieve it. "Y-You didn't look, right?!"

Ada pouts, huffing, "Why, Miss Noel, I would never! A lady's privacy isn't a thing to invade lightly, you know."

Noel sighs, clearly relieved. "I… Thank you, Ada. I'm sorry for doubting you." She pauses at the sight of Ada's own dark tome. "Are you reading some poetry again?"

Ada nods eagerly. "Yes, I simply adore this entry. Mother used to use it as a bedtime story when I was just a little girl."

Noel's eyes brighten. "Ooh! Can you read me some?"

Ada grins. "But of course!" She clears her throat. "Ahem. 'Upon your bed you sleep in pain for nightmares whirl within your brain. You waken with a fearful start as horror grips'—!"

Noel's eyes widen in fright as she covers her ears and cries, "AH! Not this kind of poetry again!" She rushes out of the room with a squeal. "LALALA, I can't hear you!"

Ada sadly huffs as she watches Noel go, feeling slightly sorry for her fragile disposition. Really, some people had no appreciation for the classics.

AD 2206, 9/21, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury

Ada sighs in relief as she wakes that day. There's been a slew of birthdays this month, from Lambda to Mister Valkenhayn. It's a relief to wake on a day when there is no preparation or cleaning up to do.

As she stretches, she yawns, and the wolf that stalks the church, Hund, yawns beside her. Ada uses one of her Drive's many puppet arms to scritch him behind the ear, causing his tail to thump happily upon the sheets.

Ada giggles, "You know, Hund, you're the only man who will ever share my bed." She grins. "I can't wait to see that adorable mistress of yours again. I'm sure she'll be as feisty as ever."

Ada giggles at the thought of Juusan's angry, flushing face. That girl was a heartbreaker for sure.

A knock comes upon the door, and Ada dismisses her manifestation, calling, "Come in!"

Lambda pokes her head in. "Ada, Juusan is looking for Hund. She's pretty angry."

Ada's eyes brighten fondly. "Ah, I'll sort it out, then. Thank you, Lambda!"

Lambda mutely nods, looking pensive, but ducking out.

Ada smirks. Though they might try, no one can stand between a Clover woman on the warpath, and her chosen conquest.

AD 2206, 12/31, Unknown Area – Noel's Church of Sister Mercury

Ada giggles as she hugs her girlfriend from behind, prompting a huff from Juusan, who ceases scratching Hund's ears, much to his dismay.

The poor wolf whines and whimpers as his mistress lifts into the air by way of phantasmal limbs.

Juusan glares over her shoulder, blushing prettily. "Put me down, Ada."

Ada coos, "But to not have you in my arms is to die again! My heart aches for the touch of your flesh on my flesh, the feeling of your bones betwixt my fingers! I must— Mph!"

Juusan shuts her up with a fierce kiss, flushing deeper as she pulls away. She pants, "Knock that off. Noel will get the wrong idea again."

Ada pouts. "Honestly, that girl needs to live a little. Why, hers and Tsubaki's is a tale of blood and woe that would inspire even Poe!"

Juusan flicks Ada's forehead, prompting a whine.

Juusan rolls her eye, squirming out of Ada's arms to glare up at her. "You need to calm down. Just because it's my birthday, doesn't mean you get to be as weird as you want."

Ada rubs her forehead, eyes full of faux tears. "B-But, darling! How else can I show you mine full appreciation? The love bursting through mine vessels?" She presses a hand to her breast. "Oh, but my heart beats in your hand, can you not feel the rhythm of its pulsations?"

Juusan sighs, "Stop. Being. So. Weird." She pulls Ada down by her ascot to kiss her again. "Please, you already scared Ragna off with all that ghost talk. Can't you play nice, for me?"

Ada pouts. "Aw. Fine." She crosses her arms. "I still say that Ragna needs to fortify his spirits. How else will he tolerate the spirits?"

Juusan groans as her girlfriend places her chin on the back of her hand and laughs.

Today is going to be a long birthday.