Ciel's Homecoming

*hum hum*

You seem in an awfully good mood today, Ciel. Anything good happen?

Oh, I'm just happy to be out walking with you, Aldo!

But that's nothing unusual. We go on walks all the time.

Yes, buuut! I have a feeling that something awesome will happen today.

Was your horoscope lucky today or something?

Hello Ciel!

Oh, it's Shannon!

Glad I finally found you! I've been looking for you for ages.

It's good to see you!

Shannon is my eldest sister!

(Shannon? But she seems a little different from the Shannon I'm familiar with.)

(Could this be... The Shannon from this time layer?)

It's nice to meet you, Shannon.

Is this Aldo? The guy you wrote to me about?

Yup. I've been traveling together a lot with Bro.

Found you! I've been looking for you all over the place.

Oh, you two know each other?

Sure we do! Didn't I mention it before?

Shannon is my eldest sister!

Oh, I had no idea.

This day has just got even better, now that I've got both my sister and my bro here!

Found you! I've been looking for you all over the place.

Ah, that's right. You're Ciel's sister, aren't you?

Yup! Shannon's my eldest sister!

This day has just got even better, now that I've got both my sister and my bro here!

Your "bro"? Say what?!

Did Dad have another kid we didn't know about?

No, you got it wrong! Ciel calls me his bro, but we're not related.

Phew! I almost fainted from shock. Ciel's always wanted a brother. Having sisters wasn't good enough for him, oh no! But it had to be a big brother, not a younger one, haha. Our parents couldn't really do much about that!

Well, now you have you honorary brother, Ciel!

Teehee! He's the best.

By the way, you said you were looking for me?

Yes! We'll be hosting a guest back home, so I'll be going there to say hi. Thought you might want to come as well. Mom and Dad would be happy to see you.

Of course I want to come! I miss our parents. The last time I saw them was when I took some time off from performing in Nilva.

Hey, Aldo! Why don't you come along? You could see where I grew up!

But isn't it a family thing?

You're like family to me! I'd love to introduce you to my parents.

Don't push it onto him all of a sudden, Ciel. Maybe he had other plans and now it's awkward for him to say no.

No, I don't mind going, but your parents aren't expecting an extra guest. You sure they'll be okay with me coming?

Sure they will! They're very sociable and hospitable people.

Right, Shannon?

Oh, um... Well...

You don't want Aldo to come with us?

I didn't say that! He can come with us, if you want. Don't make that sad face at me, it makes me feel bad.

Yay! Thanks, Shannon!

Okay, let's think about how we're going to get there.

Is it a long way?

It's not that far, but there's no public transport like the cargo bus.

I could ask Synth Hydra to give us a ride.

Thanks, Aldo. That'd be very kind of you!

Are you a friend of Aldo? Whoa, you're so huge!

Don't be afraid, I don't bite, haha.

Come on board, ladies.

There it is! I can see our home!

Where is it?

Look over there! See the small island? That's it.

All righty. Preparing for landing.

So this is your family home? Impressive!

You think so? Teehee! I hope you'll like it here.

Excuse me, is this your house?

Um, yeah! Can I help you?

My name's Renri. I work for the COA.

(...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?)

Hmm, yes. This is definitely the location specified in the case file.

Hold on, what case? Are you investigating something at Ciel's home?

I'm just following my orders. I've been told to come here, so I hitched a ride on the Synth Hydra.

You could've talked to us then. Why did you keep quiet?

I was not allowed to mention my assignment before reaching the location. I'm not at liberty to disclose information pertaining to my task besides what is absolutely necessary. From this moment, I will be monitoring this house.

Hmm, yes. This is definitely the location specified in the case file.

Huh? You must be...

I'm Renri, from the COA. Nice to see you again.

You and Isuka helped me out before!

But hold on, what case? Are you investigating something at Ciel's home?

I'm just following my orders. I've been told to come here, so I hitched a ride on the Synth Hydra.

You could've talked to us then. Why did you keep quiet?

I was not allowed to mention my assignment before reaching the location. I'm not at liberty to disclose information pertaining to my task besides what is absolutely necessary. From this moment, I will be monitoring this house.

I've been assigned as the new surveillance officer for this area.

This sounds suspicious!

Ah, you must be the guest we've been expecting. I'm the eldest daughter, Shannon.

It must be quiet at the COA if you're dispatching officers to watch over regular families out in the sticks.

Whether you consider my presence unnecessary or not is irrelevant. I'm here on orders, and it's not my place to question them.

......

......

Um, there's no need for hostility, is there?

What's COA anyway?

The intelligence service working directly for the Administrator.

But why are you guys interested in Ciel's family?

The acronym "COA" sure rings a bell...

It's the intelligence service working directly for the Administrator.

So why are you guys interested in Ciel's family?

I don't know the details but they've been around as long as I remember. At some point before I was born, the island got too close to the Elzion Plate. Since then the COA officers kept turning up, keeping watch.

They've been part of the picture for a long time then.

Yup. And they're really tight-lipped about what they're hoping to find. That incident with the Elzion Plate was just an accident, but they won't let it go. The reason we returned home was to have a word with the new COA officer.

What are you suspecting us of? After decades of watching us and finding nothing...

I am not allowed to disclose that information to you.

......

......

Umm... Why don't we all go inside? I'll introduce you to everyone, Aldo! Come on, let's go!

Excuse me.

Hey, it's Renri!

Aldo... I didn't think you'd be here.

Welcome, Renri. I've been waiting for you.

Meeting you here like this...

Yeah... Right... It surprised me too.

So... Are you Shannon and big brother's friend?

My name's Renri. I work for the COA. I've been assigned as the new surveillance officer for this area.

This sounds suspicious!

I'm happy to see you again like this... But to be honest I didn't expect to have you come to my place like this.

Hey Renri. It must be quiet at the COA. Since you're dispatching officers to watch over regular families out in the sticks.

Whether you consider my presence unnecessary or not is irrelevant. I'm here on orders, and it's not my place to question them.

......

......

Um, there's no need for hostility, is there?

Your house is enormous. How big is your family?

My parents, my five sisters, and me! So it's eight of us altogether.

Wow, you have so many siblings! Must be very lively when you all get together.

Haha, it was crazy when we were growing up. Ciel was always fighting with the second youngest sister.

H-Hey! It wasn't my fault. She didn't want to share candy with anyone!

Hahaha! So you were feisty as a kid. Who would've guessed!

If you don't fight with your siblings, there must be something wrong with you, haha!

Oh my! If it isn't Shannon, and Ciel as well!

Hi everyone! We're home!

What?!

Are these... No way...

Ciel, my charming darling, it's been a while since I've seen your smile! Welcome home. More than anything, I'd love to hear you sing. It'd be most sublime, if you could find the time.

Aww, you never change, always rhyming away!

Shannon, take a look at this! What do you think?

What?!

You made a new costume? It's lovely!

Thank you, dear! I'm quite proud of it, if I may say so myself. It's the mythical fishfolk!

I shouldn't be surprised after reading the briefing...

But I thought the reports were exaggerated...

Ciel, so this is your family?

No, silly! They're family friends. We've been living together on this island since like, forever!

Oh, okay. They're um...very striking.

Their way of dress seems to be from another era. Are they time-travelers?

Wrong again! They just enjoy wearing historical outfits.

I think it started with my dad. He's a fashion designer. His enthusiasm for unique outfits is highly contagious, as it turns out!

Hmph... I will need to include these people in my report. What a headache...

Ciel, you haven't seen your parents yet, have you? They're inside.

Okay, thanks! I'll go and see them!

Follow me, Aldo! Time to introduce you to my folks!

Mom, Dad! Look who's home!

Is that my dear Ciel?

Yup, but it's not just me! Aldo, meet my mom and dad. Mom, Dad, meet Aldo. He's like a big brother to me. We've been traveling together.

You must have the patience of an angel, putting up with my Ciel! It's nice to meet you, young man.

We've heard nothing but good things about you. Please make yourself at home.

......

Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Wait a second. Haven't we met before somewhere? You look familiar.

Now that you mention it... Ah, that's right! He looks like that handsome actor you like, doesn't he? Same eyes, same jaw.

Oh, I suppose so, but there is more to it than that. Have we met before, young man?

Hahaha, look at you flirting with your son's friend. You cougar, you!

What a silly insinuation, dear! I already found the most wonderful man in the world and married him! Haha!

Well, let's not bore our guest. He must be tired and hungry, having come all the way to our little island. Let me get you some food. I have Cream of Cake Soup and Tea Pickles at the ready.

Oh, your specialties! Mmm, I hope you have enough for me too!

Stop it, dear! You get to eat those all the time. They're for the guests.

You're so cruel, dear! Fine, I shall starve!

......

Mom, Dad. We have one more guest today.

Sir, Ma'am. I'm Renri, from the COA. I'm the new surveillance officer assigned to this area from today.

It's the first I'm hearing of this!

I had no idea you were coming!

My presence may be uncomfortable for you. However, the COA has no intention of relaxing surveillance over your domicile.

Dear, we need to prepare another guest room!

I'll take care of it, sweetheart. Do you have any special dietary requirements, Renri? Goodness, do we have enough time to get everything ready for the party?

This is one high-octane couple...

I see what you mean. They're really welcoming, aren't they?

Ciel, where can I find all your other sisters? I'd like to say hi.

They don't live here anymore They all moved out some time ago and rarely visit. That's why my parents get so excited when we have visitors. They miss the house being full of people!

I miss them so much. Haven't seen them in ages.

I'm keeping in touch with the second oldest sister, but haven't heard from the other three in a long time.

That's a bit sad. What are they like? Anything like you?

We don't resemble each other much. About the only thing we have in common is blonde hair.

But Shannon, you aren't blonde...

I dyed my hair. I'm a natural blonde.

No one in my family has hair as fair as Renri's, though. I'm a little jealous!

You shouldn't be! Yours is golden like ripe barley. I think that's nice!

We often want what we don't have.

So anyway, Aldo. I'm sorry you don't get to meet the rest of my family. Maybe we'll run into another sister of mine some other day.

I hope so. I'd like to meet them.

Aaah! We need some help here!

What's going on there?

There seems to be some trouble outside. Don't panic, I will handle this!

Huh? How did this monster get here?

This needs to be dealt with immediately, or else people might get hurt and the property damaged.

Noncombatants, stay back! I will take this foe on!

It looks like a tough one to battle alone. Let me help.

Much appreciated. Let's dispatch it quickly, before it causes any harm!

Allow me to take care of this.

Don't get near it! It's dangerous!

Dear lady, I'm a monster tamer. I possess the ability to communicate with monsters. And this one here is a very docile one. Don't approach it with hostility, or you may frighten it into behaving aggressively.

Approach it gently, and it won't attack.

Don't be afraid, buddy. You wandered far from home, hmm? Why don't we go back together?

Whoa!

Do you need help?!

It's all under control! It just wants some cuddles.

Um...you sure about that?!

Gwah!

Grarrregh!

Urrrgh!

Well, this isn't going well. It would be a shame if anyone got hurt...

*sigh* If anyone's to be bitten, let it be only me.

Wait, so he's getting attacked for real?!

Want a piece of me, buddy? Come on then!

Aaand he's gone.

Yup.

So you know how we have this big garden around the house? He keeps his pet monsters there.

Pet monsters?

Are you saying that was his runaway pet?

That's right. So don't worry, he'll be fine.

You're telling us not to worry? There was a monster on the loose! As an officer of the COA, I cannot turn a blind eye!

Yeah, I'd also like to make sure he got it safely back without getting hurt.

......

Okay, why don't we go and check on him? Better safe than sorry.

You're right, Ciel. Let's do that.

The entrance to the garden is just ahead.

I see him!

Ha ha ha! It tickles!

Are they...playing?

Precisely so! He's just being friendly.

I think this guy is out of touch with reality!

It's finally calmed down. I guess it'll run away.

You mustn't let it! A monster which has attacked a human needs to be put down.

Wait, what? Isn't this your pet? The one you didn't want us to attack?

Don't get me wrong, this is very painful for me. But it is my responsibility as a monster tamer to make sure it never attacks people again.

Wait, let me try something!

It's been really scary, huh? But it's okay now. Nobody will hurt you.

It's very bad to attack people. But you're a good boy, aren't you?

*whimper*

Incredible... I can hardly believe my eyes. Someone pinch me! Oh, I'm so moved. I'm holding back tears at this very moment!

Listen to me, buddy! I will forgive you. We're friends again.

Wait, where are you going? Aren't we friends?!

Is it only me thinking that monsters seem to really hate this guy?

Hehe... So, how do you like my home? And its oddball inhabitants?

Heh heh...

Ugh... It's like a circus.

Heh. Never a boring moment!

It looks like I will have plenty of work...

I'm finally alone. All right.

Starting recording... Report number zero one.

I have arrived on location and notified the residents that I've been assigned to this post. The eldest daughter displays hostility but the other residents show no suspicion and are unlikely to interfere. I will continue my observation of the targets. End of report.

Still...

I'll be stuck in this madhouse for a decade or longer?! What are the higher-ups thinking! This isn't the kind of work I signed up for when I joined the COA! Now I finally understand why my colleagues were suddenly so kind to me when I got this assignment.

And Cetie thanked me as if I was making a huge sacrifice...

Argh! This is a demotion, that's what it is!