Chapter 05

Reunion

After activating the Astraea II's optical camouflage, Einhard, Ave, and Vivio made their way toward Yuki's café. Amidst the desolate ruins, the soft glow from the café's windows stood out like a beacon, offering a fragile sense of hope. Einhard's mismatched purple and blue eyes softened as she took in the sight, relief washing over her—though it was accompanied by a gnawing unease. Yuki-san… please be okay.

Memories of their last visit flooded Einhard's mind. Back then, the city had been struggling, but it was still alive—holding onto hope even in hardship. Now, it felt like all traces of life had been drained away, leaving only silence and decay. The streets, once filled with people trying to persevere, were now lifeless. Crumbling buildings lined the cracked pavement, their shattered windows reflecting the heavy, suffocating grey of the sky. The few lingering signs of the past—a flickering streetlamp, a torn newspaper rustling faintly in the still air—only made the emptiness more unbearable.

Einhard scanned the ruins, her heart weighed down by the stark contrast. This place… it's nothing like before. It wasn't thriving, but it was fighting. Now… it's like everything just stopped.

She glanced at Ave, who was calmly assessing their surroundings. His quiet confidence hadn't wavered, his presence steady and reassuring. Ave-kun… he never loses his cool, no matter what we're up against. Just having him here makes me feel like we can handle this. Her gaze shifted to Vivio, who walked beside her, her mismatched green and red eyes filled with quiet concern. Vivio wasn't her usual energetic self—her usual grin replaced by a pensive expression.

"Einhard-san…" Vivio's voice was unusually soft as she reached out, lightly touching Einhard's arm. "Do you think Yuki-san and the others are okay?"

Einhard turned to her, offering a small, reassuring smile. "They're strong, Vivio-san. Yuki-san, Katsumi-san, Kiddy-san… all of them. If anyone could survive here, it's them." Her voice was steady, though doubt flickered at the edges of her mind. We have to believe they're okay. We have to keep moving.

Vivio's expression brightened slightly at Einhard's words. "Yeah… you're right. They wouldn't just give up." She clenched her fists, her determination returning. "We'll find them, no matter what!"

As they neared the café, Einhard's thoughts lingered on the people waiting inside. Yuki-san, Katsumi-san, Kiddy-san, Nami-san, Lebia-san… we've come so far to see you again. Please… please let us be in time.

Einhard stepped inside first; Ave and Vivio close behind her. The café's interior was an unusual blend—part Shōwa-era coffee shop, part Lūfen-style restaurant. Vintage posters and old photographs lined the walls, giving the place a nostalgic charm, while the air carried a curious mix of spices and freshly brewed coffee.

Vivio's mismatched green and red eyes swept across the room, as curiosity flickering in her gaze. "This place is… different," she mused, tilting her head. "A café that also serves Lūfen food? I've never seen anything like it."

Ave gave a small nod, his sharp eyes taking in the changes. "When Haru and I first came here, it was just a Shōwa-style café. Something must have changed since then."

Einhard was about to add her thoughts when a young female chef emerged from behind the counter, her bright demeanor immediately filling the quiet space. In fluent but distinctly Chinese-accented Japanese, she greeted them with a warm smile.

"Irasshaimase! Please, have a seat!" she said cheerfully, moving with an effortless grace. She introduced herself as Lum Cheng, both waitress and chef of the café, before swiftly placing three glasses of chilled water on their table. Handing them menus, she added, "Take your time. Let me know when you're ready to order."

Einhard, still in her Barrier Jacket, wasted no time. "Lum Cheng-san," she began, her mismatched purple and blue eyes steady, "we're here to see Yuki-san. Is she available?"

Lum Cheng's cheerful expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied them—lingering on Einhard's Armed Form and Vivio's Heiliger Kaiser Mode. There was a careful wariness in her gaze now. "How do you know Yuki?" she asked, her tone measured.

Einhard met her gaze head-on, her voice calm but firm. "Yuki-san is my benefactor. She helped Ave-kun and me when we first arrived in this city a year ago. We promised to come back and visit her, as well as the others—Katsumi-san, Kiddy-san, Nami-san, and Lebia-san. We were hoping to see Yuki-san first."

Vivio took a sip of her water, her keen eyes catching a brief flicker of something in Lum Cheng's expression when Katsumi's name was mentioned—something close to disdain. Huh. That's interesting. She glanced at Einhard and Ave, wondering if they had noticed it too. There's definitely some tension there… I'll have to keep an eye on that.

Lum Cheng's expression softened slightly, though a hint of caution still lingered in her tone. "Yuki's out running some errands, but she should be back soon. While you wait, why don't you order something? I'll make you some Yangzhou fried rice—on the house."

Einhard, Ave, and Vivio exchanged appreciative glances.

"Thank you, Lum Cheng-san," Einhard said sincerely, dipping her head slightly. "That's really kind of you."

Vivio leaned forward, her usual bright energy shining through. "Lum Cheng-san, your accent is really cool! Are you from Lūfen originally?"

Lum Cheng chuckled, the shift in conversation easing her posture. "Lūfen? No, I'm from Neo Kowloon, Hong Kong. I came here about eight months ago and ended up staying. Yuki was kind enough to let me work here, and she even helped me set up the Chinese takeout menu."

Ave nodded, his tone easygoing. "You've blended the two styles really well. The café feels like it has a lot of history."

A flicker of pride crossed Lum Cheng's face. "Thank you. It's been a lot of work, but I love it. Cooking is my passion."

Einhard listened quietly, her mismatched purple and blue eyes studying Lum Cheng. She's so dedicated… but there's something guarded about her. Especially when I mentioned Katsumi-san. Did something happen between them?

Meanwhile, Vivio was already flipping through the menu, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "Everything looks amazing! I don't even know where to start. What do you recommend, Lum Cheng-san?"

Lum Cheng's smile widened. "If you're up for a bit of spice, my mapo tofu is a specialty. If you prefer something milder, the sweet and sour pork is always a good choice."

Ave smirked slightly as he glanced at Einhard. "Haru, you should go for the mapo tofu. You like spicy food, right?"

Einhard blinked, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she shot him a playful glare. "Ave-kun, don't say stuff like that in front of Lum Cheng-san."

Vivio giggled, thoroughly entertained. "It's fine, Einhard-san! I'll get the mapo tofu too. That way, if it's too spicy, we can suffer together!"

Lum Cheng laughed, her earlier wariness fading away. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it's just the right amount of spicy. You're gonna love it."

As the conversation carried on, Einhard found her thoughts drifting. Lum Cheng-san seems kind… but she's definitely holding something back. The way she reacted when I mentioned Katsumi-san—there's tension there. I wonder what happened between them. I just hope it won't cause trouble for Yuki-san.

She cast a sidelong glance at Ave, warmth spreading in her chest at his ever-steady presence. Ave-kun… he always knows how to keep things light, no matter the situation. Just having him here makes everything feel a little easier.

Her gaze then shifted to Vivio, who was now deep in conversation with Lum Cheng, her usual energy shining through as she animatedly discussed the menu. Vivio-san… she's amazing at making people feel comfortable. Even here, in a place that still feels so uncertain, she's already managed to get Lum Cheng-san to smile.

Vivio kept a close eye on Lum Cheng, her instincts kicking in. She's nice, but… she's definitely holding something back. The way she stiffened when Einhard-san mentioned Katsumi-san… there's history there. I'll have to dig a little deeper—but carefully. No need to stir up trouble right away.

Her gaze shifted to Einhard and Ave, a warm feeling spreading in her chest. They really make a great team. Einhard-san is always so considerate, and Ave-nii stays so calm no matter what. I'm really lucky to have them both with me.

After some thought, the trio decided to go with Lum Cheng's recommendations—sweet and sour pork, mapo tofu, and chilli prawns. With a nod, Lum Cheng headed to the kitchen, and soon, the sound of sizzling filled the café.

Ave took the chance to bring up the question that had been weighing on them. "Lum Cheng-san," he said, his voice careful, "the city feels different from before. It's… quieter."

Lum Cheng's expression darkened as she worked the wok, her movements sharp and deliberate. "This world is on the verge of collapse," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "And it's all thanks to a certain traitor."

Einhard's mismatched purple and blue eyes widened slightly. A traitor…? A strange unease settled in her chest. Is it someone from AMP? Or… someone we know? She glanced at Vivio, her expression softening for a moment before turning back to Lum Cheng. "Lum Cheng-san," she said, her tone calm but firm, "who is this traitor? And what did they do to bring things to this point?"

Beside her, Vivio stiffened. A flicker of something—uncertainty, maybe even suspicion—crossed Lum Cheng's face for the briefest moment before she answered. Vivio's grip on Einhard's shoulder tightened slightly. That look just now… Like she was hesitant to say the name. Her mismatched eyes darkened with unease. Could it be… someone Einhard-san and Ave-nii once trusted? Someone with a strong presence in AMP?

Pushing aside the gnawing feeling in her gut, Vivio gave Einhard's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping in. "Lum Cheng-san," she said, her tone polite but insistent, "if we're going to help, we need to understand what's really happening."

Before Lum Cheng could answer, the front door creaked open. A familiar figure stepped inside, her arms full of groceries and coffee beans. The moment her gaze landed on them, her eyes went wide with shock. The bags slipped from her grasp as she rushed forward.

"Ein-chan!" Yuki's voice trembled with emotion as she threw her arms around Einhard, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I've missed you so much!"

Einhard returned the embrace, her own mismatched purple and blue eyes glistening. "Yuki-san… I missed you too. I'm sorry it took us so long to visit."

Ave smiled warmly as he stepped forward. "It's been a while, Yuki-san. We're glad to be back."

Vivio, ever the optimist, offered a bright smile and a polite bow. "It's nice to meet you, Yuki-san! I'm Vivio Takamachi, a friend of Einhard-san and Ave-nii. I've heard a lot about you."

Yuki wiped at her tears, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Vivio-chan, it's a pleasure to meet you too. Ein-chan and Ave-san have told me about you. I'm so glad you're here with them."

Vivio beamed, her mismatched green and red eyes shining. "We're here to help, Yuki-san. No matter what's going on, we'll face it together."

Yuki nodded, relief washing over her features. "Thank you, Vivio-chan. We've been struggling, but with you three here, maybe things will finally start to change."

From behind the counter, Lum Cheng let out a small sigh, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "If you're all done with the tearful reunion, dinner would be ready in no time. Let's eat first. Then we can talk."

As the group settled in, the rich aroma of Lum Cheng's cooking filled the air, wrapping them in comforting warmth that momentarily eased the weight of the outside world. The scent of sweet and sour pork, the fiery kick of mapo tofu, and the fragrant spice of chilli prawns blended together, making the café feel alive despite the eerie silence that had overtaken the city beyond its walls.

Einhard sat quietly at the table, her mismatched purple and blue eyes reflecting the dim glow of the café's lights. The place had changed since she last visited—what was once a simple, old-fashioned coffee shop now bore Lum Cheng's touch, with red lanterns hanging from the ceiling and a menu infused with Chinese cuisine. Even in difficult times, people find ways to adapt… she mused, her gaze lingering on the subtle signs of resilience around her.

Beside her, Vivio took a sip of chilled water, her mismatched green and red eyes thoughtful. The lifeless state of the city was unsettling, but the quiet determination in Lum Cheng and Yuki's movements sparked something in her. "Even when things seem bleak," Vivio murmured, her voice gentle yet certain, "there's always a light to guide us forward."

Ave, seated across from them, gave a confident nod. His usual easygoing demeanor had a sharper edge to it, but his unwavering optimism remained. "That's right," he agreed. "No matter how bad things get, we don't stop moving forward. As long as we're together, we'll find a way."

Yuki, who had just finished setting the table, paused and gave them a small but genuine smile. Her eyes, still damp from earlier tears, held a quiet strength. "Hearing you say that… it really helps," she admitted. "There were times when it felt like we were alone in this, but now that you're here, it feels different. Like we actually have a chance."

Lum Cheng, still tending to the stove, glanced back with a knowing smile. "Hope is like a flame," she said, her tone steady. "Even the smallest spark can light up the dark. And you three… you're that spark."

Einhard listened, her fingers unconsciously curling into a fist atop the table. We've all been through so much already, she thought. But we're still standing. We'll get through this, just like we always do.

Vivio, sensing Einhard's resolve, reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We'll face this together, Einhard-san," she said, her voice steady and bright. "No matter what happens, we'll figure it out."

Ave smirked, his usual playful energy resurfacing. "Now that's what I like to hear. We've got each other, and we've got a plan—what more do we need?"

As Lum Cheng brought out the food, the weight in the air seemed to lift, if only for a moment. The meal was delicious; each bite was a reminder that even in the harshest times, warmth and comfort could still be found.

Einhard took a bite of the sweet and sour pork, her expression shifting instantly. "This is incredible," she said, her voice tinged with genuine admiration. "The pork is perfectly tender, and the balance of flavours is amazing. The sweetness and tanginess are just right, and the pineapple adds a refreshing contrast."

She moved on to the mapo tofu, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. "The spice is bold, but not overwhelming. The tofu is silky, and the minced meat adds a satisfying texture. The Sichuan peppercorns give it that signature numbing heat—perfect."

Finally, she tried the chilli prawns, her mismatched eyes lighting up. "The prawns are cooked just right—juicy and packed with flavour. The chilli sauce has a great kick, but it doesn't overpower the natural sweetness of the prawns. And the bell peppers and onions add a really nice crunch to balance everything out."

She continued for a moment longer, completely immersed in analyzing the food, before noticing that the entire table had fallen silent. Yuki, Vivio, and Ave were all watching her with amused smiles, while Lum Cheng simply smirked from across the table. Einhard blinked, her face growing warm as she quickly looked down at her plate. "...Sorry," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to go on like that."

Vivio giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's fine, Einhard-san. It's kinda cute seeing you get so into it."

Ave chuckled, leaning on one hand. "Yeah, Haru, that was some serious gourmet-level critique. Maybe you should start a food blog."

Yuki covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. "Ah, so that hasn't changed," she said, clearly amused. "I still remember when you first started doing that—back then, you'd get embarrassed and stop halfway through. But now…I think it's nice." She smiled warmly. "It means you're enjoying yourself, and that's the best compliment a cook can get."

Lum Cheng let out a small chuckle as she leaned against the counter. "Yeah, yeah. Keep the compliments coming, Einhard-han. I might start expecting them every time I cook."

Einhard's blush deepened, but she managed a small smile. I didn't even realize I was doing it again… but, I guess that's just who I am now.

As the conversation continued and the meal went on, the warmth of companionship wrapped around them likes a shield against the encroaching darkness. For a little while, it was easy to forget the weight of the world outside.

But even as they laughed and shared stories, Vivio couldn't shake a lingering uneasiness in her mind.

A traitor… someone responsible for all of this… She bit her lip slightly, recalling Lum Cheng's earlier words. If someone really betrayed us, which means they were close enough to gain trust before they struck. He or she must be someone who knew AMP well. Someone we'd never suspect.

Her gaze flickered downward, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the table. The feeling in her chest was faint, just a whisper of suspicion she couldn't quite name, but it gnawed at her all the same.

No… it couldn't be…

Vivio then stole another glance at Lum Cheng, remembering the way her expression hardened ever so slightly whenever the conversation drifted too close to AMP. She still hasn't said the name. And something tells me she won't—not yet. Her fingers curled slightly against her lap. But if I had to guess… I think I already know.

She forced herself to push the thought aside, focusing instead on the moment—the warmth, the laughter, and the food. There would be time to think about it later. For now, what mattered was that they were together. And no matter what awaited them beyond these walls, they would face it—together.

To Be Continued…