A Flickering Gleam on a Rusted Anchor

Wow! Mom, I can see everything through this window!

You like it? We'll be on this for a while, so take your time and look around.

Naru! Stop clinging to Mom. Come check this out. Isn't it amazing?

I-I don't want to... *whines*...

Haha, looks like she doesn't want to. It must be scary when everything feels so new on this ship.

You're so boring!

Mom, how many nights did you say we'd be staying here?

Just ten nights and we'll be there. You can handle that, right, Haru?

Make sure to get along with your little sister. Since you're her big sister, you need to play nice with her!

Okay, Mom!

*yawns*... When did I fall asleep...?

Mom! It's time to wake up! Naru!

Ugh, you're a couple of sleepyheads.

Ugh... It feels so cramped in here. I don't know how I'll last for ten nights.

Hehe, I have fun idea! To fight the boredom, I'll play a game with Mom and Naru!

Let's play hide and seek! You're "it," Mom!

Catch me if you can! Na-na-na! Hehe, this is the perfect hiding spot!

Mom! You better try to find me quickly, okay?

Ugh...

...! Haru, are you okay?

Yeah... What happened?

An emergency return sequence was activated due to a mental disturbance.

It seems the Chaos environment didn't agree with you, Haru.

Looks like...it was too overwhelming for you.

I see...

...How did the search go?

The rescue operation concluded with no survivors found.

Please take some time to rest and recover.

Okay, I understand... Thank you.

It's been so long... I really miss...

I had a scary dream.

Hehe... Somehow I feel really, really hungry now...

I'm so sorry, sir...truly...

Haru, Rei... I've heard the news. It's unfortunate...

The operation took longer than expected... Are you both okay?

...I'm okay...

I'm okay too. Thanks to Mika, I didn't get hurt at all.

You both know that I'm not just asking about your physical condition.

Yes...

If you're still concerned about the rescue operation, perhaps you should visit the counseling center...

That won't be necessary.

...!

We appreciate your concern, but...we really are okay.

Could we go back to the classroom?

Sure, go ahead...

Hehe, yes. Thank you.

We're going in now...

Did my story make sense, Captain? Hehe. I'm a little embarrassed and afraid...

...I'm also a bit sad.

At first, I thought it was an act of kindness for Mika.

Looking back after some time, I realize I was just scared of entering "that place."

Out of fear and terror... I ended up filled with regret again.

I actually thought that the child might be at the stern.

Because it's a place that little kids love to go...

If there had been survivors, there could have been significant damage.

I'm glad we were able to protect at least that person.

I'm still trapped in that moment, Captain.

DAD...!

My daughter...! Thank you for coming back, thank you... Are you hurt?

*Sniffle* The older girls...they protected me. I'm not hurt at all.

Thank you so much... Thank you thank you thank you...!

Aww... That's so touching.

I'm so glad we were able to keep our promise!

Hehe, that's right.

As time passes, I might forget a lot. Perhaps I could become just like before I entered this Chaos.

But...since I learned that there is someone who knows and understands me completely... I'm no longer alone.

For the first time, I feel like I've completely escaped that dark, cramped space...

Great job, everybody.

How about we go to a cafe together to unwind? It's on me.

Wow! Really? Great idea!

A-Are you saying you'll treat us...?

Have you ever had a meal with Haru?

...? No, this is my first time.

Oh! Haru, do you even like cafes?

Of course I like them! I was just thinking about getting a sweet treat!

Hehe! I know a great place. Let's get moving!

Yes, yes! Rei, come on!

Oh no! I'm sorry... I can't stop them...

Mmm! This is so good!

Now that we've tried the whole menu, why don't we order seconds of the best stuff? Hehe!

A-all of this...?

Excuse me, could I have the receipt for a moment...?

One, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands...

Wh-what!? That's already a week's worth of food expenses...

Mika! Settle down!

Huh, where did everyone go?

If they don't hurry back, I think I'll start helping myself to the food that's already here! Hehe!

Excuse me! We'll take everything on the menu from here to here! All of it!

Y-you can't do that...! Stop...!

Haru, what do you want to do when we arrive in Terasscion?

Hmm... First, I'll go to school!

I want to make lots of friends at school and invite them all to my birthday party, hehe!

Really? Mom's going to have to make a super huge cake for that!

Wow! A cake made by you, Mom!

I can't wait for my birthday!

Hehe...

Mom, where's Naru? Is she all alone right now?

Naru is...sleeping. You'll get to see her when we arrive.

Really? What if she wakes up alone and gets scared? Naru is pretty timid, you know!

...

Hmm... Is there anything you want to do when we arrive, Mom?

Something I want to do?

Yeah, with me!

Hmm... There is something.

Your mother wants to see you wearing your school uniform.

Meeting friends and studying... I want to see that side of you.

Not that kind of thing! I mean something we can do together, okay?

Something I can do together...with you, Haru?

I'm happy just hugging you like this, Haru.

Ahhh! I'm happy when I'm with you too, Mom!

Haru, you need to be happy.

Wow! So this is the Chaos!

It's my first time in the Chaos without a Protos. I'm a bit nervous.

But I'm glad Mika is here!

I was surprised to see you here.

I was surprised too. I didn't expect they'd involve academy students in the rescue operation...

Even if the contamination levels are low, we can't let our guard down. You haven't forgotten the code of conduct, have you? Exploring the Chaos is...

It's a marathon, not a sprint! Don't worry so much.

I won't get too excited, and I'll keep a steady pace.

Mika, don't worry too much!

*sighs*...

Got it. Shall we get going?

Yes!

Incredible strength...! That's truly amazing!

You really are impressive. Your skills are far beyond those of a student.

Thank you for the compliment!

Hehe, it's all thanks to my hard training!

By the way, Haru, your gear looks pretty heavy.

The operation might take a while... Are you going to be okay?

That's right. I once heard about someone almost getting buried underground!

Hehe, it is heavy, but isn't it cute?

The heavier something is, the cuter it is, right?

You sure about that?

Well, in any case, you're entitled to your own taste...!

We're getting close to the distress signal. It should be visible any moment now...

Ah! There it is!

Looks like the impact from the fall was significant. This search won't be easy.

Oh, it's massive... I don't even know where to start looking... Ugh.

...!

The damage to the spaceship is too severe, making the search difficult.

Especially on the passenger side, just looking at the exterior, there's little hope...

This is horrific... At this rate, recovering the bodies will be nearly impossible.

We'll have to record them all as deceased...

Haru, Haru!

Right...!

Is there something on your mind?

No, it's nothing. I just drifted off for a moment. Hehe...

Everyone, there's a survivor over there!

Are you okay? Let me help you!

...Hey...!

You...!

I can't believe it... For us to meet again like this...

Haru, do you know this man?

Yes...he was a Rescue Team member who saved me when I was a child. I heard he retired now...

Looking at your outfit...it seems you're working as a Ship Security Officer now.

You've been through a lot. Let's get you somewhere safe for now.

Yeah...are there any other survivors...?

...I haven't heard any news yet.

We definitely need to investigate further...but you might be the first survivor we've found.

No...that can't be... My daughter was on that ship too...!

I have to find my daughter... I need to find her! Please...

C-calm down! You need to collect yourself. Take a deep breath...

I don't think there are any other survivors in the area. What about Rei?

I haven't heard anything from my side either...

There wasn't any sign of the kid he was looking for either.

For now, let's get the survivor to a safe zone.

If we can save even just one person, that should be our top priority.

Right...!

Wreckage of the ship is scattered everywhere...

I need to get used to this quickly...for the sake of everyone else...

Haru, are you okay? You don't look so good...

Hehe... I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you.

Haru, it's natural to find this tough. Don't push yourself too hard.

Mika...

I'm fine now...! Don't worry about me!

...If you say so, I won't press any further.

But if you ever want to take a break, please let us know.

Hehehe... Okay!

Haru...

*sighs*...

If everyone is okay, should we take a short break?

Yes, that sounds good. I'll get everything ready.

Haru's condition has been off for a while. I can't tell if it's due to the contamination or something personal...

Mika, wait a second...! Can we talk privately for a moment?

Huh? Oh, alright.

Rei, what is it?

You know why Haru's struggling, don't you?

Please, let me know too...! I want to help Haru...

Sigh... I don't want to share someone else's personal story without their consent...

Ugh...

It seems like it would be difficult to ask Haru directly in the current situation.

...I'll just share the objective facts with you.

Okay...! Thank you!

Do you know about that horrible ship accident that occurred in Terrascion ten years ago?

Haru is the sole survivor of that incident.

...!

I don't know all the details either, but...the ship was carrying migrants to Terrascion and it collided with an asteroid and went missing...

I heard that it took quite a long time for the rescue to happen. The search ended with only one young girl being rescued.

That's why, when Haru saw the wreckage...

That makes a lot of sense.

...Rei, you said you were close were Haru?

Right...!

Haru seems to be really struggling.

Please take good care of her.

Of course. I'll make sure to protect Haru...!

Thank you.

Haru, why did you join the Student Council?

I've been curious about that!

Huh? Oh...

Actually, I used to be quite the troublemaker back in the day. I got scolded by my parents all the time.

Then I realized the importance of rules, and I wanted to share that with others, so I decided to join!

Really? It's hard to imagine you as a troublemaker, Haru!

But now, being part of the Student Council seems like a perfect fit for you. What a great turn of events!

Hehe, is that so?

I see. Right now, Rei is watching over Haru in her own way.

So that you can focus on the current Student Council member, Haru, not the Haru of the past...

This is a safe zone!

Survivor, you've worked hard. We'll send you to the Terrascion Ark soon.

No, no!

...!

I won't go anywhere without my child. I need to see if my daughter is safe...!

Please, I beg you... Let me go back with my daughter...

I can't live without my child... Haru, please let me go with you...

What should we do? I empathize with how they feel. I just can't...

The contamination levels are low, and it's a safe zone, so...it might be okay...

Mister...

*sighs*... There's no other choice, is there?

Mister, do you have any information that could help us locate the child?

Okay, just a moment... I know it's here somewhere...

This is a picture of the kid.

Aww, she's so adorable!

Please, don't overexert yourself. Leave the fighting to us.

We will find this child. I promise. Try not to worry too much!

Thank you...

I'll protect you. Just make sure to stay close behind me.

Yes, thank you...

You can't go! You have to go back!

Wha-! You scared me...!

Haru, making such a loud noise like this...

Please... I'm begging you...

I understand how you feel about leaving your child behind...

But please trust us..!

I am Haru, a member of the Student Council at Edenity Academy.

I promise I will rescue your child.

So do I!

My name is Rei! I'll do my best to help Haru too.

Ugh...

Hehe... You can feel our determination, can't you?

We'll help you return. Thank you for trusting us and waiting.

Oh, no, wait...!

Thank you, Rei and Mika.

Hehe, I got a bit carried away with Haru's enthusiasm and actually said, "Wow!"

Shucks! Was I too loud?

No, it's fine. I got swept up in it too for a moment... Thank you for being so decisive.

Hehe! Now that we've made a promise to the survivor, let's go find that kid!

By the way...how are we supposed to find the remains of the ship in this vast place?

The distress signal stopped a while ago, and there are hardly any clues. This is tricky...

Huh? It looks like there's something here!

In treasure-hunting movies, there's always some sort of button on a wall that you have to touch like this!

Oh mister clue, where are you? Whoops!

Ahhh! Be careful!

Look, I see something over there...

Wow, Rei. That's really impressive!

I can't believe that actually worked... Flags really are terrifying...

Hehe, thanks for the compliment!

I see someone over there!

It looks like the kid from the picture. It seems like the accident happened when they took a wrong turn into the cargo hold.

A miracle has happened! Hehe.

A miracle... It really is a miracle...! We've found survivors! One adult and one child!

What? Where are the survivors located?

In the cargo hold..! They took refuge there to help them survive..! We're on our way now!

I'll send support over there, so hold your position!

...!

...I don't think we need support. We've already...

...Ru...

Haru!

Yes, yes..!

Stay focused! It's the enemy!

The child's in danger!

...!

No...! Come back!

Haru, Haru! Focus! Concentrate on breathing...!

*focused breathing*...

I'm sorry... I won't do it again...!

Haru, please...! Pull yourself together...!

No... Ahhh!

Hmm... I've been picking up a lot of noise on the receiver, so I was wondering if something was going on...

So this little guy was the one sending out that strange signal...

Right? It definitely looks like a transmitter that broke off from the crashed ship.

Is there any way we can figure something out with this?

Hmm... If we separate it like this... I feel like I've seen something similar before...

Ah! This is what we studied in cryptography class on Wednesdays during the second semester of freshman year!

You remember the date?!

If we input this into the receiver using the conversion formula...it should give us something useful!

That's amazing! Mika!

This information will definitely help with the rescue. I'll share it with the ship.

Yes! Let's keep going!

Hmm... So it's supposed to be done like this, and if I press here...

Wait, this model is...!

Ahhh!

This is bad...! The pirates will hear that noise...!

Everyone, get ready for battle!

Sigh... That could have been a real disaster.

I'm sorry. If I had just...paid more attention...

No...! We didn't even get a chance to try.

You're right. I'm sorry I couldn't be of help...

Thank you for saying that...

Well, I guess we have to give up on the transmitter.

Hehe, it's okay. Let's keep moving!

Hmm... I'm not sure, but there's an old saying that you should fix machines like this.

One, two, three!

!

Th-this is...

I'm so sorry...I lost control of my strength...

It's okay, Haru...

Rei, are you okay too...?

Of course...! Haha... I really need to take good care of Haru now...

Huh? What do you mean by that?

By the way...we had some momentum there...

But...we don't know anything about the child we're supposed to find, do we?

...

Oh...! I didn't even think about that...!

Oh no! What should we do... Should we call the survivor back again?

Haru, Rei, calm down!

If it's a picture of the child, I have it right here.

Huh? How do you have that...?

Before we transmitted it, I saw the photo in the survivor's pocket, so I took it.

Th-This is the vibe that comes from experience...

Mika, I really respect you...

I-I'm not that great.

Mika! You're getting shy, aren't you?

Ahem, let's hurry and go...!

Yes! Hehe!

I think we can take a little break here.

I needed a recharge anyway!

Haru, can we talk for a moment?

Sure, sounds good!

First...I want to apologize!

Huh? Rei, what's wrong?

To be honest, Haru has looked really stressed since we got here...

I know it's rude, but... I insisted that Mika tell me about Haru's story.

I see... It's okay, Rei.

I appreciate you being concerned!

I...want to be a support for Haru, so I'd like to know more about her story.

Could you tell me what makes her struggle?

I'm sure that just talking about it would make her feel better!

Hehe... Thank you, Rei. But...

I still feel a little scared.

Is it because of the ship...?

Hehe, the ship is scary, but... Rei.

Huh?! Do I look that scary...?

Hahaha! No, not at all.

If you get to know me better...will you leave me, Rei...?

Friendship turning into pity, gradually drifting apart...

I'm afraid of being alone again.

Everyone will forget me. I'll be alone like this forever.

Hehe, don't worry too much. We're connected through Coco, after all!

Huh?

Do you remember how we first became friends? We recognized each other because we had the same Coco keychain.

I was excited because it was the first time I met someone who loved Coco as much as I do... It felt like destiny.

There's a line from Coco that goes, "Coco and Kuku met by chance, but they became eternal friends."

Rei...

Hehe, it really feels like our story, doesn't it?

Yes, it really does...!

Hmm... Where should I start?

It's a story from quite a while ago...

Hehe! My mom and Naru will be amazed when they see how good my hide-and-seek spot is!

Um... I had a place to hide around here somewhere... Here!

Car...gill hold? No, it's cargo hold! Hehe, I bet they'll be shocked if I hide here!

Ready or not, here I come! Don't hide well and you'll get caught!

Hehe, I wonder when Mom will come for me? One, two, three, four...

Twenty... Twenty-one... Twenty-two...

Forty-five... Forty-six... Forty

*snoring*

Ahhh!

The ship unexpectedly deviated from its course, entering an asteroid field and collided with a comet.

To prevent further damage, all doors will be sealed immediately. Passengers, please fasten your seatbelts in your cabins.

Oh no...! Open the door...! Mom! I'm here! Help me!

The ship will enter emergency protocol sequence: cutting off axillary power.

It's dark... I'm scared...! Please, get me out of here...!

Mom! Naru! I'm here... Please save me... Help... Hng... Mom...!

Mom... Why is no one with me...? Has everyone forgotten about me...?

I'm hungry...and so thirsty... *sobbing*...

...It's spinning again... It keeps spinning around... No one will be able to find me...

All alone like this...

That's why dark, cramped spaces still frighten me. The wrecked ship is even harder to deal with.

Sometimes I'm afraid that I might drift through the entire universe all alone.

Forever...never to be discovered by anyone.

...Haru.

Hehe, I'm okay now, Rei!

Just like you said, Rei, I feel much lighter now that I've shared it!

Thank you for listening. Make sure to rest well!

I'm sorry, Rei. I still can't share everything.

What saved me wasn't a miracle...

Haru!

Huh? What's wrong?

I'll be the place where you can stay safe, Haru!

You have me, and Nino is here too. Mika, as well!

Huh? Me?

After hearing Haru's story, I really wanted to say this!

You're anchored to us, Haru!

An anchor is SUPER heavy, so you definitely won't drift away again.

Then...maybe Haru can feel a little more at ease, right?

Rei...thank you.

What are you all talking about?

Hehe! It's a secret!

I'll do my best. Let's all try our best together!

Um, excuse me? Please let me know too...! Wait up!

Over there, I see something!

It's the stern of the ship! We did it!

Shh! Everyone, lower your voices.

It seems there are already some people here.

Do you think they came here after hearing about the shipwreck?

Most likely. We won't be able to avoid a confrontation with the pirates while we search inside.

Since the stern is a storage area, the chances of finding a child there are pretty low.

Let's head back.

What? But...!

Haru and Rei aren't official agents yet, and we don't know exactly how many pirates there are.

We can't take this kind of risk for such slim odds.

Mika...

Please understand. I'm the adult here, so I have to protect you all.

...

I'll follow your lead, Mika.

Even Haru...!

Rei, Mika probably had a hard time making this decision too.

Following that decision...is the best thing we can do, given the considerations we've received.

That's true...

Mika, I wasn't thinking clearly...

No, it's okay. Thank you for thinking of it.

I sent the distress signal. Now, let's hurry and get out of here before we're caught.

We can't just turn back like this!

Rei!

We're still just students. It's too dangerous...!

I've done my fair share of training!

You acknowledged Haru's strength too, Mika. She's not just a student!

That's...true, but...

Mika, please trust Rei and me.

I'll give it everything I've got to protect everyone...!

*sighs*... I suppose we don't have a choice...

Everyone, be careful.

I think we're getting better at working together!

It's a good thing there weren't too many of them!

Alright, let's take a look inside.

C-can you hear me?

Wow! Is this the "Trauma Code"?

I heard about it from my superior.

They said it's a necessary process to become an agent that enters the Chaos.

Hmm...

Hehe... I'm sorry. Now that I'm actually doing it, I can't seem to get my words out.

The Protos Captain will eventually see this side of me, but...I'm feeling a bit nervous.

I have to prepare for my broken self, unable to even remember who I am...

Thinking about it this way, it seems like being a Protos and an agent is both really tough! Hehe.

Phew... I'm starting to feel a bit more courageous now!

Captain, please listen to my story!

Ahh, I'm late, I'm late!

Ugh, I shouldn't have stayed up late watching my broadcasts...

Nino, we agreed to wear our uniforms correctly while coming to school. You need to take off that scarf!

N-no way...! This is my, my skin...!

Nino...?!

Eek! Haru's angry face..! S-so scary!

Sigh... Really. Especially when I'm already tired, everyone just won't follow the rules.

Hey, Rei!

Oh my, you're sweating... Did you run here?

*panting*... Yes...! But I made it just in time!

Huh? What's that... Oh!

Rei, today the school start time has been pushed back due to the Terrascion exchange event.

To make sure the guests from various ships of the Alliance are comfortable, they're reducing the morning traffic.

Wh-what?!

I completely forgot about that...

Rei! That expression is so cute!

Cough...!

Haru! I feel like... I'm going to die here...!

I'm sorry I just couldn't resist hugging you... Hehe.

This is an emergency. One of the Terrascion exchange ships has been caught in the Chaos during transit and is stranded.

...!

Repeating: The ship carrying guests has sent a distress signal after being swept into the Chaos.

Currently, due to a lack of rescue personnel, the Terrascion Command Center is requesting support for the rescue operation from the Academy.

Students who wish to participate in the operation, please come to the staff room.

Wh-what a situation...

...Rei! I think I need to go ahead because there's something urgent...

I have to get to the Tarmas faculty office!

Yes, yes! Hurry and go!

Thank you. Let's meet at the central plaza for lunch...!

Right after the announcement ended, they rushed off like that...

I hope nothing serious has happened...

Huh? You're saying you're going as student support for the Chaos rescue mission?

Yes. Since there were no volunteers, and I have experience from observing the Chaos site, they granted me permission.

But...

H-Haru going on a rescue mission... I'm worried...!

It's okay! Plus, I couldn't just look away from an incident like this.

What if the mission takes too long and you collapse from hunger..!

Nod, nod, nod!

Yes...?

We can't send just Haru!

It's too dangerous for her to go alone just because she's academically excellent. I want to go with her too!

I appreciate your concern, but this is a decision made by the teachers...

Don't worry, Haru! I'll go talk to the teacher and be right back!

They said each department accepts applicants separately!

Just wait for me!

Hehe, now I feel relieved!

Rei...you really are amazing...!

Since Rei did it...then I, I can too...!

I'll be counting on you in Chaos too, Haru!

Thank you so much for going this far, Rei.

I'll be counting on you too...!

Huh? Nino, were you about to say something?

Oh, no...! It was nothing...!

M-me... Me too...!