Day 1: Petal

Linaria was definitely still with us before we came inside.

It's possible she fled at the last minute.

Let's look for her outside then.

...You're Linaria, right?

Linaria...?

I-I'm so sorry, I shouldn't be here if I'm not a student, should I? I'm sorry, I'll be on my way...

Hey, wait!

Linaria! There you are.

Hey! LET ME GO!

Request denied. Do you expect a drone to do this investigation alone?

Oh, hey Hismena!

Aldo? You know Linaria?

Yeah, I'm helping with her investigation.

You guys know each other?

Know each other?

We're related! She's a Lunabright, like me.

What?! Really?

But your family is like nobility around here, aren't they? I never realized you came from such an important family, Linaria!

It's not like that! Sure, Hismena's side of the family is all important and stuff, but I'm from the not-really-all-that famous side of the family...

Please, your side is just as well known as mine. It's produced many upstanding members of EGPD and COA after all.

I'm...really proud of you for entering the COA.

Hence that uniform, I suppose... It looks like you followed in your forebearers' footsteps and chose a career in law enforcement yourself.

It's really not a big deal! It just kinda happened... I was a total shut-in, but then my parents kicked me out, and I just found myself in talks to join COA...

Even so, joining COA is no simple feat! The aptitude test you have to pass is famously difficult.

But all I knew was that you got in. I was so worried when I didn't hear from you. What happened?

Still, I'm very pleased to see that you landed on your feet. I was worried about you, you know. It was like you fell off the face of the earth.

Huh?

...Maybe we should talk about that another time.

There you are, Hismena.

Isuka!

Oh hello, Aldo.

I heard IDEA had visitors. That wouldn't have been you, would it?

Yeah, it is.

Oh, and who's this with you?

This is Cozmos, a new COA drone.

And this is Linaria, COA officer and Hismena's relative.

Heheh... Hi...

Oh, I see. It's good to meet you, Officer Linaria.

You must be Isuka, current Head IDEA. I'll get straight to the point. Would you be willing to aid in our investigation?

Well, normally I'd never refuse a request from one of Hismena's relatives...

But I'm sure you're aware that if whatever incident you're investigating occurred on campus... We at IDEA have absolute jurisdiction. No exceptions, not even for COA. So before I make my decision, would you mind telling me about the case?

Very well. It concerns a comatose schoolgirl.

Comatose?

A student from this school was mysteriously found unconscious on Route 99, and then later determined to be in a coma. We believe that it is possible this student was involved in a major incident.

Isuka, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Yes, this sounds like it's related to something we're investigating ourselves.

You know something about this?

IDEA has actually been investigating a string of incidents involving students found comatose on campus.

You have?! Could this have something to do with the Dream World?

No. We've checked on that and we've detected no signs of the Dream World, and I doubt we ever will. That case is closed.

...But the fact of the matter is students are going comatose. It may not be as much as before, but we can't deny the facts.

Y-You want to do it together?

Of course. Having a COA officer on board would be much appreciated, and also having you...

Hmm... Nevermind. Let's just put our heads together and crack this case, yeah?

I'm looking forward to working with you, Linaria.

Great, just, uh, don't be surprised when I don't live up to the hype, okay?

I'd be more than happy to help out too, Isuka. If our cases are at all related, then it only makes sense we work together.

I was hoping you would say that.

Great. Now it's 4v1...

But, on the bright side, the more people we have on the case the faster we solve it!

I appreciate the help.

All right, then! Lets get started! Anyone got any leads?

Not as yet, no. We're still gathering information about the case.

Then why don't we see what rumors are going around the school? Maybe they'll help bring something to light.

Rumors? Not a bad idea.

Sounds like a plan then. Let's hit the halls.

Really?! You guys know how big this place is, right?

Hey! Ow! My hair!

Has she been like this the whole time you've known her?

Yeah. Why do you ask?

No reason... Anyway, we've stood around here long enough, let's head to the H block and start asking around.

Doppelgangers?

Yup! They look just like you, but they AREN'T you, isn't that scary? Everyone on campus is talking about them.

What's so scary about someone who looks like you?

Well, I think it's scary, but the REAL scary part is what happens when you meet one! Apparently, you get set right into a coma and then the doppelganger just takes over your whole life!

...And look! Over there! I think I see someone that looks JUST like you!

Really?! Where?!

Good grief. You really had me going there. Ha ha, very funny.

It's true! I swear! Just go down to the Garden of IDA at night and you'll see shady folks doing this weird kinda ritual!

In the middle of the night? Are you sure you weren't just dreaming like the other time?

I swear. It was totally real and I was TOTALLY awake! Eyes wide open! I saw students AND staff and they had this dead look in their eyes and were mumbling like they were in a trance or something.

Even weirder though, they were standing around something and it looked LIKE A HUMAN! It was SO creepy!

Not again! Run everybody! RUN!

Run? Why?

Because who knows what they'll do to us if we don't!

You're fine. We're not going to do anything to you today, we promise.

Yeah, the Occult Writer's club is officially on a forced hiatus.

Hiatus? Why?

Ah... I guess it's okay if we tell you. You guys know each other after all...

...She's in a coma?!

She was in the middle of an interview and then all of a sudden, lights out.

They took her to Elzion Medical, but she still hasn't come to, last I heard. Since it happened during official club business, we've had to stop all club activities until the faculty finishes their investigation. They said it's because it's "too dangerous" or whatever. Bleh.

Did you notice something going on with her before the incident? Any signs she may have been sick? Was there anything or anyone in the room with her you think might have been related to her falling into a coma?

Nope. Nothing like that at all.

Well if you all don't know what happened, and we can't ask her directly, I guess this is another dead end...

Thanks for telling us about her, though. We promise we'll get to the bottom of this.

There's a lotta rumors making the rounds, but it looks like Aldo's reporter friend goin' into a coma is the one with the most heat...

The doppelganger story seemed like it might be something. Sounded a lot like what happened to the girl on Route 99.

Yes, given what we just heard, the "twin" you confronted was most certainly a copy.

So it's all connected after all...

We can't be certain without more evidence, but where there's smoke...

Isuka! We have a situation here!

What's the matter?

IDEA Servers are under attack!

What?!

We better get back to Ops.

Right. Sorry guys, looks like we have to put the investigation on pause.

We should go too, Linaria.

But...

Don't just stand there, they are helping us, the least we can do is help them, too.

Ugh, fine.

I guess...we're going to Ops then.

I need a traceroute, stat!

The attacks keep changing and we cant get a lock on one long enough to trace it!

It's like they know exactly how to hit us. Like they know exactly how our system is built.

Could it be someone from the school? No, it can't be be... The details of the system are top secret...

Well, this sounds like a job for Linaria, then! She knows all about this kind of stuff.

...Wait, where'd she go?!

Why won't you go in?

IDEA is an independent organization and we can't be steppin' on their toes! Besides, what help would I be in there?

Linaria, cyber attacks are your specialty. Of course you would be of help. You received one of the highest scores ever in that section of the COA aptitude test.

You said you wouldn't run away remember? Or was that a lie?

But if I run away now, I'll regret it forever.

That was completely different!

Oh really? So protecting your juniors is nothing like protecting the residents of Brayk Town?

......

Isuka! We can't hold out any longer! They've almost breached our last firewall!

I'm thinking! There has to be a way...

I'll go find Linaria!

Whew! There you are!

Cozmos, have the backup line ready on standby.

And you. We need to buy some time so I'm going to tell you a few commands that will setup a new defense network.

And you are...

Just do what she says, okay?

U-Understood!

If the attacks are too spread out, we need to funnel the attack into a single point of entry. Cozmos, how we lookin'?

Almost finished.

Good. Once we get our fish in a barrel, all that'll be left is to light 'em up.

Defense network setup complete. Initiating firewall.

...And that should be enough to fend them off for now.

I don't understand... It's incredible...

Eh, I mean, I built the system, so...

You what?

Hey, that's a COA uniform, right? Are you from intelligence?

Nah. Just a lowly field officer.

I wouldn't call yourself "lowly" Linaria. You built IDEAs whole network, right? Thats incredible, and then to fend off an attack like that...

It's almost routine for someone of her talents, Aldo.

After all, she is...

Linaria Lunabright, former head IDEAlist.

WHAT?

Did she not tell you?

Eh, I didn't think it was important.

It sounds pretty important to me! You should have said something!

That goes for you two, as well!

Not sure if this is an excuse, but I didn't actually realize at first that she was the same Linaria. She was a completely different person back then.

I can imagine the shock was even greater for Hismena...

Indeed... Something happened and all of a sudden it was like she disappeared. I thought I saw her once before at a family gathering... But now it's as if you're afraid to even enter the school you helped build...

Indeed... Something happened and all of a sudden it was like she disappeared, wouldn't even come to family gatherings... Then all of a sudden there you are, Linaria. And it's like you're a different person, afraid to even enter the school you helped build...

And I didn't bring it up because it was clear to me that it was a sensitive issue, but it's kind of hard to avoid now, isn't it?

I wasn't trying to hide anythin', so it's fine, really.

So then, what happened?

All right, I'll tell you.

I was the Head IDEAlist, that much is true... But I was basically a figurehead.

That's not true at a all, Linaria.

Remember when that fire broke out at the hospital?

Hang on in there! You'll be fine!

I...will be?

Yes. Don't worry. I'll get you out of here.

Are you okay?!

I'm fine, but she needs to get to a hospital.

Understood. We've opened up the IDEA infirmary to all, she should be able to get treatment there.

Good work, Isuka. We couldn't have done this without you.

You were the living example of what it means to wear the white uniform.

I'm happy you think that, but you know as much as I do that it was Cicera who deserved to be Head IDEAList, not me.

Who's Cicera?

Linaria's classmate. A legend in her own right, was known as IDEAs superstar.

The moment she joined IDEA she became one of its most important members. She was just a first year, but already in the running for Head IDEAlist.

Cicera... It's been so long since I've even said her name out loud... She was my right hand, my confidant, my protector... My dearest friend... And then...

She died...right before my very eyes...

I'm sorry...I...had no idea...

The strange part is that the only evidence remaining from her time here was a report on her sudden death.

What happened to her?

...I know this might sound like a cop out, but to tell the truth, I have a hard time rememberin' that day... And it's not for lack of tryin', but every time I do try, I get this intense pain...

Well, don't feel like you have to, Linaria, we understand.

But, that's basically why I disappeared. I couldn't stand to be in this place, and it's why I had so much trouble comin' back.

It's been hard, but I know I can't just wallow in my own sorrow forever. And my mentors at COA have helped me out a lot. They motivate me to move past my trauma.

But to truly do that I need to face my past, right?

I had no idea that is what you were going through... How careless of me to get you involved in all this...

You're not to blame at all, Hismena! This was my decision. And it's comforting to see the two of you working so well together. And Isuka is killin' it, as I knew she would.

The point I was trying to make is that I'm here by choice and I'm ready to help.

Linaria...

Right, well that's enough tragic backstory for now, don't you think? We have some hackers to pwn.

..."Pwn"? How do we do that?

By tracking them, of course. And I've already started doin' that.

You got their location yet, Cozmos?

Indeed I do. It appears our hackers are operating from inside the school.

I had a feeling that was gonna be the case... Being on the same network makes attacking the server a lot easier.

But, unfortunately for them, it makes it much easier for us to monitor them.

Hey, do you think maybe the server attack and the comas might be related?

It seems likely to me that the attack was made as a way to distract us from the case. Maybe they saw us making progress and hit the panic button?

I have sent the map data to all of your devices.

So they're in the Garden of IDA... We might be able to catch them if we hurry.

Let's get going then!

Look!

It's the journalist!

Thank goodness, it looks like she's awake.

Aldo, wait. That's not her.

You mean...

I've accessed the hospital records and it says the girl is still comatose.

It's just like the girl from Route 99...

In fact, all of these students and faculty members are supposed to be in comas... Looks like that doppelganger rumor wasn't just a ghost story after all.

Then all these people here...

Bzzzt... Target confirmed. Model matches database infiltrator. Bzzrr...

So this android is the one responsible, huh?

Hold on. Something about this android feels different.

Who are you?

Who am I? Just someone gathering people for an experiment. And for that I needed IDEA out of the way. I did not anticipate the COA getting involved, though...

Cozmos, any idea who's controlling this thing?

About that...

What's wrong?

It seems to be acting completely independently...

What? Like it's got its own brain or somethin'?

Well, whatever's going on here has to stop.

Heh... Sorry, no can do.

I can't let you get your hands on the catalysts.

Catalysts?

Ready your weapons, everyone!

Right! I cannot allow you to disturb the school's peace any longer!

The COA and IDEA are here to take you down!

The odds were never in my favor, going against a COA officer and the heads of IDEA.

Your little game is over. Now let's take a look and see who's really pulling the strings here...

Wait! Stay away from that android!

Huh?

Linaria! Hismena!

Are you hurt?

I'm...fine... But Linaria...

It's just a scratch, I'll be fi, Hnnngh!

You are suffering from minor burns and lacerations. I recommend immediate treatment.

Okay, but we need to contain the lookalikes first.

Aldo, can you take Hismena to safety, and then go check the area for damage?

Got it.

I can go with Aldo, Isuka. I'm fine, seriously.

If you're sure, then okay.

Are you able to move?

Thanks, Isuka.

Don't push yourself, okay?

They don't look injured, but...

They're not moving, like at all. It's almost like they're frozen in time. You know, even up close they look exactly like the real thing. It's kinda freaky...

What the?!

...I had a feelin' that might happen.

Cozmos, examine what's left of the android. Find out if any storage media survived the fire. Audio, video, anything'll do.

Its personality routine appears to be intact. Activating now.

GREETINGS. How may I help you?

I need you to tell me about everything you saw and heard up till the moment of the incident.

Understood. I was cleaning in the Medical Realm.

Huh? What about the Garden of IDA, do you remember going there?

It's possible that someone tampered with its system so that all records would be deleted if control was lost.

Control...

Could it be like the android that kidnapped the Administrator?

What do you think, Cozmos?

It's starting... No doubt about it now...

Huh?

...Perhaps this requires further investigation.

(Hmm... Cozmos is definitely acting weird today.)

All clear over here!

We were able to evacuate the vicinity as well.

But more importantly, how are your injuries, Linaria?

Oh, I'm fine. I'll heal up in no...

Ow ow ow...

It will only get worse unless you treat it soon.

Ugh... Medicine. Now...

I hope you don't mind, but we'll be taking the android with us.

That's fine, this is under your jurisdiction, after all. Thanks for lettin' me copy its memory, though.

We will conduct a detailed analysis back at HQ and will share anything we find with IDEA.

Appreciated. There's a conspiracy afoot, and we intend to get to the bottom of it.

So I guess this is where we split up?

Yes. I guess we'll be doing things our own way from here.

Sounds like a plan. C'mon Cozmos.

We'll escort you to the entrance, Linaria.

E-Escort?! I don't need an escort! Besides aren't you both, like, super busy?

We may be busy, but courtesy comes first.

You're an important guest, it would be rude, AND against protocol.

Then I guess...okay. As long as it's just protocol...

How about we head back to the H Block?

Thanks, you two.

It's us who should be thanking you.

Agreed. We never could have handled this without you.

Well, see ya!

Wait, Linaria.

You're always welcome here, you know. I'd really like it if you'd come visit once in a while.

I dunno Hismena, won't I get in the way?

Not at all, I've always respected you as a fellow Lunabright, and I still do now. Even if it's just to chat, I'd like to see you...

Oh, come on! I'm just a loser who got kicked out of the house. I'm nowhere near as cool as you think I am.

That's not true!

You're just as cool as you ever were, Linaria.

Hismena's right.

We may never be able to understand all the pain you went through...

But I know that you haven't lost as much of what makes you you as YOU seem to think.

So hold that head up high.

Thanks you two, that means a lot.

I feel a little bit better now...

Maybe I'll come over sometime for a cup of tea or somethin'.

You've got yourself a deal.

You'll always be welcome here.

Good for you, Linaria. I'm glad this worked out so well!

'Kay this time I really am going. Take care of the school for me, Isuka.

And Hismena...we should play a game together sometime. It's been forever.

A-A game?!

I...I don't really game so much these days.

You don't?! But you were the biggest gaming addict out there!

Why don't we talk about this some other time...

Have you tried BOMs latest? The arena fighter?

Battle of Miglance: The Game? The one based on the new ruleset? Only enough to get up to Master Rank.

Um, excuse me? There's only like a handful of people at Master Rank! Hismena, you really are my personal GOAT.

What are they talking about?

Judging from the context, I'd say they're probably talking about an online game... Perhaps it's the type of game where they have to team up and fight things...

I see... Well, I'm just glad to see their relationship moving forward a little.

Isuka! We have another situation!

What is it this time?

I'm getting reports of Dream Worlds appearing... Right in the center of Elzion!