Extraordinarily Special Day

Over here, Aldo!

Sorry about that, Shannon. I hope you weren't waiting too long for me.

Teehee, you don't need to apologize.

Thanks for coming out here on such short notice.

No problem. I was worried when you said there was something you wanted to talk about. Is everything okay?

Hehehe... You're so sweet, Aldo.

I'm always glad to help a friend! Now, what was it you needed to talk about?

Yoohoo! Hey, you two!

Huh? Is that...?

Oh, so you do remember me!

I knew it!

Of course I remember you! You're the drone that was working for the Miss Elzion contest.

How sweet of you! I'm so happy, my circuits could overload!

You were so cool back at the rehearsal, Aldo♪

There's never a dull moment when it comes to the Mister Elzion contest! I'm still waiting for you to join!

C-Can we not talk about that right now?

So uhh, what are you doing here?

I'm glad you ask!

I just wanted to come say hi to Shannon before everything begins!

Before what begins...?

Shannon, I will be acting as your announcer today!

That's great! We can really get the crowd worked up!

That we will! There are many fans out there who dream of seeing you! I've got to go, but I'll see you at the venue!

Umm... Do you have some kind of event planned?

Yep! I'm actually...

I'm the EGPD's Officer for a Day♪

Wow really?! Wait a second... EGPD is Elzion's investigative force, right?

You got it!

They make someone Officer for a Day to let the public know what they do. It's all for public relations. You get to see what they do day-to-day, and they get a photo-op out of it.

That makes sense. But weren't you working with KMS's PR office before? Why did you decide to help out the EGPD?

This is in KMS's best interest. The EGPD will be able to make themselves look good to the people of Elzion. And in turn, KMS can use my actions to make themselves look that much better.

Wow, that's pretty amazing Shannon.

Hehe, thank you, Aldo.

As an inductee in the Miss Elzion hall of fame, I always have to do my best!

All right, let's get started!

With what exactly?

Did you forget already? I needed to talk to you about something!

Oh, that's right!

Does it have to do with your work with Officer for a Day?

You guessed it! You see...

I was hoping that you could take a look at the new emblem I'm planning to reveal at my coronation ceremony!

You made a new emblem?

No problem, show me what you got?

Thank you so much! I'm not very good at drawing, so...

It would really put my mind at ease if you could give it a look!

It's hard to believe that there's something you aren't good at. Am I really the best person for this, though? I'm not very artistic myself...

Wouldn't you be better off asking Ciel for help?

Wouldn't you be better off asking Ciel for help? He knows more about this kind of thing.

I thought about that, but...

Is something wrong?

Well, to be honest... I'm sure Ciel would love anything I drew, no matter how bad it was!

You've got a point there...

Mom, Dad, heck, even Roddy would do anything to make me feel good about my art if I showed it to them!

Roddy...? Who's that?

Hehe, she's one of my little sisters♪

That's just because they love you. Do you not want someone to say it looks good?

Well, of course it makes me happy when they all compliment me and make me feel good about myself. However, this design is for the EGPD.

I need an unbiased opinion! I need your seal of approval before I go showing it off to the public.

That makes sense, I guess.

All right, I'll help you out!

Hehe, I knew I could count on you!

Let me just get it out.

Aha, there it is!

Th-This is...

The theme is "the EGPD and peace." It's so passionate!

When I first started working on it, I just sort of lost myself in the drawing. I may have gone a bit overboard. Hehe♪

......

(I see what she means by passionate... It looks like a cat stepped in ink and ran across the paper...)

What do you think, Aldo?

Huh?! Well, umm, it's... It's really unique! It's...powerful! It's almost overwhelming!

Aldo, are you trying to say...

Are you saying you love it? If it's unique, that means it'll stick with the viewer! And it's powerful, just like the EGPD! That's what you mean, right?

Y-Yeah, that's exactly what I was trying to say!

Hehe, that's such a relief to hear. I knew I could count on you to tell me the truth, Aldo! I can't wait to reveal this to everyone at the inauguration ceremony! Come on, we need to get to the Gamma District!

Y-You want me to come with you?!

Of course! I want you to see my work as the Officer for a Day! Now come on, let's get going!

...... Shannon's picture was, well, passionate, but can she really present that?

Hello everybody! Today is the day... Ever since the announcement, everybody has been holding their breathe, awaiting the Officer for a Day to be sworn in!

I will be acting as your announcer, commentator, and even camera today! Overcome with ecstasy and elation, let us feast our eyes upon the Officer for a Day!

This sure is a big crowd... Are there normal civilians mixed in with the EGPD members? There's a certain kind of energy, excitement, coursing through the crowd.

E-Everybody's shaking!

I know how you all feel! This is an excitement you don't feel every day! The shining jewel of Elzion... Miss Shannon! I'm so in love that my little AI heart is about to crash! Or should I say explode?

Th-This is getting wild!

Hehehe... This is great! Just listen to those cheers! The excitement is palpable! Now... It's time for who you've all been waiting for...

Shannon!

Hello everyone! My name is Shannon, and I'm your EGPD Officer for a Day! Let's all do our best to keep the peace here in Elzion!

Hehehe♪ You're making me blush!

I designed this outfit myself. I thought long and hard about today, and...

I'm just so excited to be here!

Hehehe, thank you♪

Now that we've got our introductions out of the way, let's get on to Shannon's first task!

Yes, so for my first order of business...

I'd like to announce a new emblem design!

She's starting off her presentation with that?!

By golly, it looks like Shannon put pen to paper and made an all new emblem for the EGPD! Just what sort of absolutely, outstandingly, fabulously lovely art could she have created?!

Don't pass out just yet, and feast your eyes on your new emblem♪

All right, here we go!

This is... EGPD's new emblem!

Oh no, everyone's shocked...! (I shouldn't have let her show this off!)

What?!

She's a modern-day Pecassio! Her personality shines through her design! What else could you expect from the producer of the beloved Lulu Shannon fashion brand!

(I guess they love it. What a relief!)

I'm so glad I drew this for you all♪

It seems that my first job was a huge success! Let's take this energy and move on to the next task at hand!

All right, everybody!

Ahh! The brilliance of Shannon's smile is causing flares in my camera lens! I can't wait to see what the next order of business will be!

Stop right there!

Is that...?

Oh no, are you the COA officer, Renri?!

I feel as though I've heard of you before. My name's Shannon. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Nice to meet you. You are in charge of public relations for KMS, aren't you?

(...Renri? She seems a little different from the Renri I know who works as a reporter.)

(Could this be...the Renri from this time layer?)

Hehe, so you've heard of me then♪

Here, Aldo, why don't you say hello to Renri?

Umm...

I'm Aldo, a friend of Shannon's.

Hello, Aldo.

Renri?! What are you doing here?

I'm here on a job for COA. I didn't realize you'd be here.

Oh, are you and Aldo friends?

I feel as though I've heard of you before. My name's Shannon. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Nice to meet you. You are in charge of public relations for KMS, aren't you?

Hehe, so you've heard of me then♪

I wasn't expecting you, Renri. Did you come to see the inauguration?

I can't believe you'd have your friend come out to see me! That's so sweet♪

Uh, yeah, no. I'm way too busy to be doing stuff like that, and I couldn't really care less about being your friend.

I'm here on COA business.

I'm here for an investigation, of course.

What are you investigating?

......

Unfortunately...

The Officer for a Day inauguration will have to be called off until further notice.

What?!

Further details will be released at a later time. Now, everybody please disperse so I can begin my investigation.

I...I can't believe it!

If a COA officer says we have to leave though, we've gotta leave.

Would you mind explaining what on earth is going on, Renri?

Telling everyone would have caused a panic, so I had to get them out of here first.

We actually received reports of a bombing plot.

You got reports of what?!

We were told there were bombs planted across Elzion.

Commands came directly from the top at COA.

You think we're trying to belittle you?

If I'm not mistaken, the COA has full jurisdiction in these kinds of investigations.

I mean absolutely no disrespect to the EGPD. I'm sorry, but I don't have the time to sit and argue right now.

Wait... COA investigations do take higher priority than those of the EGPD, right?

That's right, but I apologize, I don't really have time to argue about that right now.

Can we talk for a moment, Renri? If you really received reports of a possible bombing, then we'll need to move the people somewhere safe.

Well, about that...

The upper brass aren't really taking this threat all that seriously.

What?! You said there are bombs planted across the city, didn't you?! What'll happen if they go off?

......

We were left this warning over a voice message. Here, listen.

Hey there everyone! I'm just calling to let you know I planted bombs across all of Elzion! Oops, I went and spilled the beans! Umm, what was I saying? Oh, that's right! It'd probably be best if none of you left your homes. You'd be putting yourself in grave danger if you did. Just stay inside. Actually you know what, you should all get as far from Elzion as possible, because you know, the bombs and all. Okay, bye!

......

......

So, yeah...

I know how it sounds, but we have no evidence of any sort of terrorist schemes, and must conclude it is a prank. Who knows? This person could have put on that character just to make us let our guards down.

I was sent here to investigate, just in case.

All right, that makes sense.

Were you able to decipher the message? It sounded like they used a voice modulator, but...

It seemed like it should be easily decipherable.

But we weren't able to. Their message is seemingly full of cracks, and yet it's actually uncrackable.

......

I guess that you'll have to look into it after all. It may just be a hoax, but if it's not...

Exactly. We are still unsure of the motive or goal behind this threat, but...

I'm formally beginning this investigation! All EGPD members, please vacate the premises!

Things are starting to get a bit heated...

The EGPD and COA have been at each other's throats since the beginning of time! Who will come out on top?!

Oh quit your squabbling.

When this sort of situation arises...

You just have to show the world what the EGPD can do!

Wh-What?!

What are you doing, Shannon?!

Planting bombs around the city and involving so many innocent people is the most cowardly act one can commit!

Instead of sitting here arguing, we need to be working alongside the COA to solve this!

You'll all show Renri what you can do! You cannot back out now!

H-Hold up! This investigation is being handled by the COA!

You'll need as much help as you can get to solve a case like this. For the sake of everyone living here, we'll need to work together.

As the EGPD's Officer for a Day, I'm calling for a joint investigation!

I think Shannon has a good point. The more people investigating, the quicker we can get to the bottom of this.

Urgh...

Fine. I suppose you're right. We will work together to protect the people of Elzion. I accept your offer to work together. However, you must obey my every...

Thank you so much, Renri!

Now let's get a move on and start asking around!

Sh-Shannon!

Squad A, you'll stay in Gamma District! Squad B, you're on the Cargo Station! Squad C, head for Central Park!

Once you arrive, split into two teams to ask around about any suspicious figures and look out for explosives!

Make sure your investigation isn't discovered, but don't forget that this is urgent!

I know that we'll be able to get to the bottom of this!

They're getting all worked up again!

H-Hold on a second! You can't just start the investigation like this!

You have nothing to worry about. I have a job prepared for you too, Renri♪

That's not what I mean! I just told you, this is a COA investigation! I said we could work together, but I'm the one giving orders here.

What's the matter? Do you not like my idea to ask around?

Please tell me if you have something better in mind!

Th-That's not...!

Hmph! Just do as you please, and I'll investigate on my own!

W-Wait a second!

What should we do, Shannon? She just stormed off!

It's okay, Aldo. This is all going perfectly.

I think it'd be best if we have one person out investigating independently. Hehe!

Don't tell me... Did you anger her on purpose so she would go investigate on her own?!

Hehehe, who knows? What do you think, Aldo?

How about you and I head to Theta District to ask around and look for explosives?

Well, I don't know if I'd say she was suspicious, so to speak, but...

Just a little bit ago, there was a girl wandering around humming. She was humming so loudly that I began to wonder if it might even be considered singing.

A girl humming extremely loudly, you say?

Do you remember any specifics?

Not off the top of my head.

However, the strange song she was humming just kept getting louder and louder... It was some sort of classical sounding rap tune. Eventually, she was singing at the top of her lungs, in a very clear voice.

A strange song and clear voice, you say? I don't think that has anything to do with our investigation...

You can never be too sure.

Thank you for your time.

It was my pleasure to be able to help out THE Shannon!

I don't know what you're investigating, but good luck!

Anything strange? Hmm...

I saw someone hanging around that building the other day. They looked really fishy.

You did? Did you get a good look at them?

It was dark, and they ran off so quickly that I couldn't really get a good look. All I know is that they smelled lovely when I got close... Almost like a field of flowers.

Like flowers, huh? That might just be a huge tip.

Thank you for your cooperation.

I'm glad that I could be of service! This isn't necessarily related to your investigation, but...

Ever since I began using your beauty line... Well, my skin's never been more clear! The packaging is cute and the products themselves are top notch... It's amazing!

I couldn't be a bigger fan! Keep up the great work.

She said that she saw someone by this building, right? I don't see anything around here, but...

Oh wait, Aldo! I found something! It's... It's a small bomb!

What?

Shannon, get away from there, fast!

No, it's all right! This bomb has a very simple design.

Just like I thought. If I just sever the detonator...

It's defused. It doesn't look like there's any sort of backup fuse, so that should take care of it.

That was amazing, Shannon!

Well this is a relief.

Hehe, I'm just doing my job.

But this bomb...

What's wrong?

It's nothing... It's just, this location...

Did something happen here?

This is where I was planning on patrolling with the EGPD today after the inauguration. If that had happened, there would have been a huge crowd gathered here.

That must have been the culprit's goal! They could have hurt so many people.

Yeah... But this won't be truly solved until we catch whoever did this.

That's right, Aldo. Let's get back to the Gamma District and rendezvous with the EGPD.

Just as I thought...

What do you mean?

The culprit, their goal was...

Huh?

Did you figure something out?

Hehehe♪ I figured it out while we were out investigating.

Aldo, our culprit's target was...

Me! They wanted to hurt me!

Are you serious?!

Now it all makes sense...

Hey Renri, we were waiting for you.

Did you figure something out, Renri?

I also found a few explosives, but I couldn't figure out any connection between their locations. However, there was one place with a far higher concentration of explosives than anywhere else.

Where was that?

KMS headquarters.

I see... That must be because I'm the PR spokeswoman for KMS.

I was thinking the same thing.

I figured that the KMS headquarters would be the key to solving the mystery of the bombs, but... It seems just looking at your schedule would have been faster, Shannon.

We were able to figure this out with ease thanks to the work of the EGPD.

Hehehe♪

But we still aren't sure who the culprit is, are we?

Don't worry, Aldo.

Huh? Do you know something?

I know exactly who did it!

Don't worry. They're most likely at the airport right now. Let's head over there.

So do you have an idea of who it is?

Hehehe, yep. I'm very familiar with the suspect...

What does that mean?

Let's get going to the airport!

What the, ! Calm yourselves!

I said stop!

Shannon, we need to hurry!

Yeah, we need to stop them!

Shannon, the suspect...

Over there!

Welcome back to Happy Flower TV! I'm back today with a beautiful bouquet, just for you, Elzion! First, I'd like to introduce a new, classically styled rap tune to everyone...

Pardon the interruption!

Huh?! Wh-What are you, ?!

You were able to fool so many others, but not me.

The whirlwind of beauty from inside a screen, the idol in the sky... Cutie Flower Ashlynn!

Or should I call you the Elzion Bomber? We've found and defused all of the explosives you planted.

Elzion... B-Bomber?! Wh-What could you possibly be talking about?

Wait, Shannon. I don't think I heard you quite right a moment ago. Whirlwind of beauty who will make you scream?

Idol in the pie?

No no no, the whirlwind of beauty from inside a screen, the idol in the sky, the...

Cutie Flower Ashlynn! You don't have to say the whole thing, but you'd better not forget the last part!

S-Sorry, I won't forget it, Ashlynn!

Hehe, that's much better. Does this mean I've made another fan?

Huh?!

Shannon, how could you possibly think Ashlynn is the suspect?

Y-Yeah! I don't know what these accusations are about!

Is that so? Back in Theta District, we heard the following... The suspect has a clear, distinctive voice, was singing a strange rap song, and smelled of flowers.

She was just about to introduce a new classical rap song... And I can smell her flowery perfume from here!

There's only one person who could possibly fit that profile, the one who wanted to be the EGPD's Officer for a Day.

That's not why I planted those bombs!

Uh...

It looks like the cat's out of the bag!

Grrr...!

So it really was you!

I didn't have any other choice! I mean, I was so close to becoming the Officer for a Day! Shannon and KMS cheated and stole the position out from under my nose!

Shut up, shut up, shut up! All I can do now is...

Go, my darling drone!

That thing's a combat drone?!

That drone was illegally modified! I thought it was just a simple camera-bot!

Is everyone okay?

My darling drone! Switch target to Shannon!

Oh no, Shannon!

You aren't leaving me much of a choice. I would have much preferred not getting my hands dirty, but...

As the Officer for a Day, I must teach you a lesson for messing with the EGPD!

Wh-What did you do to my drone?!

It's time you gave up.

I...I can't believe it. It's all over, now! I just thought things would go better if Shannon wasn't around anymore.

......

Do you really feel that way, Ashlynn?

Of course I do! I...

I've strived for so long to become an idol, and now that's all gone.

I was always putting on shows with that cruddy, modified drone...

And yet you, on the other hand, appeared out of nowhere and completely took Elzion by storm!

I envied you... I hated you! And at long last, I was so close to becoming the Officer for a Day! Yet, it was all for nothing...

That's absolutely no excuse for what you've done. You must take your potential into your own hands.

I know... This is all I could do. I always saw you as my rival, and I was so crushed when this happened...

You really shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

Huh?

Shannon?

I actually always thought of you as my rival, too!

Y-You liar! You didn't even know I existed!

That's not exactly true. You were at the Miss Elzion competition a few years back, right?

You noticed?!

This was before I was inducted into the hall of fame. If I'm remembering correctly, you declared war on me. You said that we would fight fair and square to decide who was the ultimate idol.

Y-You remember that?

Of course I do! I've been checking in on your broadcasts ever since! I've listened to all of your songs and memorized all of your fun facts about flowers.

Hehehe! How do you think I knew you'd be here filming today?

So that's how you figured it out!

So when you said you were familiar with the suspect...

You meant you've been watching my broadcasts?

The passion that you hold for becoming an idol, your indominable spirit... I respect you so much.

I think your own ambition just egged you on a bit too much... Which misdirected your passion a bit.

That makes me so sad.

......

Just know that this is absolutely not the end for you, Ashlynn.

So long as you strive to become an idol... Nobody else can bring that to an end.

Isn't that right?

Shannon...

I'm... Awww! I'm so sorry!

It's all right. Come on, Ashlynn, pick yourself up. You can do it right this time.

There there, wipe away your tears! Nobody likes a wilted flower♪

Shannon... I'm so sorry, Sis!

Sis?!

Hehehe what is it?

I'm never going to leave your side again! You and me, together, we can rule Elzion!

Huh? Wait, what?

I guess they do have a good point...

Whaaat?!

S-Sis! I'll serve my sentence and come back for you! Don't forget about me!

I'm ready whenever you are, Ashlynn!

Th-They're gone.

It looks like that's dealt with.

Thank you both for your help.

Was that really all right, Renri? I forced my way into your investigation and you didn't stop me.

It's fine, the EGPD can take the credit this time. Like I said, I wouldn't have been able to solve this so quickly on my own. Plus, the bombing wasn't actually carried out in the end, so there's nothing for the COA to pursue. And frankly...

Could you even call what she planted a bomb?

So you noticed as well?

I disarmed one of them. On the outside, it looked well made, but once I opened it up, there was almost no gunpowder.

Even if it had exploded, I'm sure it would've just made a loud noise.

Wait, seriously?

Either way, this case is closed! It looks like I can get back to my job as the Officer for a Day.

Let's head to the first checkpoint. Would you like to come too, Renri?

Wh-Why would you want me to come?!

This is such an honor for me, and I would love to experience it with a friend.

Who are you calling a friend?!

You, silly♪

Ugh... Didn't I already tell you we aren't friends?

Hehehe, you sure did.

But we solved the case together...

So that makes us best friends!

You just won't drop it...

Let's get going. This is going to be great!

W-Wait a minute! Let go of me!

Hahaha... Nobody can resist Shannon when she sets her mind on something.

What a day of thrills! It seems that Miss Shannon's time as the Officer for a Day is finally coming to a close! What are your thoughts, Miss Shannon? How was your time as the Officer for a Day?

Well...

It was touching to see firsthand the kind of passion with which the EGPD works to protect the people of Elzion!

Never let that passion die out!

Please keep doing your best to protect the law and order of Elzion.

That way everybody can come to truly appreciate the work of the EGPD!

I'll be rooting for you all!

Hehehe, you're making me blush.

All I did was give you a small push in the right direction. It was all of your hard work that saved the day!

Ehehe, looks like they're in a stalemate.

To think that they only worked together for a day, and they're all crying like babies. They must really love her. Or is it that the EGPD values their comrades that much?

What's the matter, Renri? Are you jealous?

Wh-What?! Why is that what you jump to? I'm just, !

Hehe, don't worry Renri. You're a close friend of the EGPD!

Wh-What...?

What are you talking about?! You called me a tyrant, and yet now you're acting like everything's just peachy?!

Renri... You're starting to turn red.

Sh-Sh-Shut it!

Would you look at that! It looks like you're more popular than you thought, Renri! I might even be a bit jealous!

What're you talking about Shannon?! You're the Officer for a Day! Stop them!

Hehe we can all tell you're just trying to hide how flattered you are, Renri!

Hehehe, it looks like you've got a sweet side too, Renri.

Hm? Aldo! How could you say something like that in front of me, your wife?

Sh-Shannon?!

Did you just say you're Aldo's wife?!

Hehe, yep! We're actually in the middle of our honeymoon right now!

I-I have no idea what she's talking about!

Oh, I smell a scandal in the air!

Mister Aldo, the press is dying to know... Do you love Shannon or Renri?

What?!

Well, I... Uh...

Help me out here, Renri!

D-Don't dump this on me! I couldn't care less about your love issues!

Hehe, all right Aldo! You aren't going anywhere until you answer all of our questions!

Please, don't do this to me!