The scene around the office door was one that most of Paradise Hall’s residents knew better than to interfere with. Most simply avoided the area entirely, save for Hanako making sure Koharu had adequate food and water, and anything else she needed— space included. Seeing Yosuke at the door, Hanako kept a wider berth than usual, instead idly chatting with Ueno on the far side of the boxing ring. The ring, somehow, was in much better condition than anything else in the gym. Yui or Aoi— Hanako could never tell which, and it could well have been both of them— must have been taking extra care of the centerpiece of the gym’s main room. Hanako’s attention was grabbed, and her stupor interrupted as she heard the door opening, and saw a sight equal parts terrifying and familiar.

Yui: See? There we are, now. We’ll get you downstairs and some first aid.

On Yui’s shoulder was a barely standing Katsumi. Her arm was bandaged, her other arm held in a sling. Dried blood caked her cheek and forehead, and her eyes were unfocused. Her breathing, thankfully, seemed calm and even, but she needed help walking, and even then, she did so with a pronounced limp.

Hanako: M… Mother!

This caused Katsumi’s head to raise, towards the sound of her daughter’s panicked voice, but she gave a simple little smile, trying— and failing— to assuage her daughter’s fears.

Yui: She’s fine, Hanako. C’mon, we’re getting her down into a bed. Bring some water though, will ya? I’m guessin’ it’s been half a day or so.

Hanako didn’t even comply consciously. The second her mother’s condition was addressed, she practically flew to bring her mother a fresh, sealed bottle of water. Despite her speed, by the time she grabbed it, she and Yui were downstairs. Hanako was more careful in descending to the basement, where several others were gathered, and Katsumi was sitting upright on the edge of the cot she had picked out. Hanako handed her the water bottle, and Katsumi wasted no time at all in practically inhaling its contents.

Katsumi: Whew… thank you, Lily.

Hanako: M-Mother… what happened…?

Katsumi naturally didn’t answer. She looked down, as if the horrors hadn’t fully set in yet.

Yui: Hey now, you’re safe. They can’t get you here.

Katsumi: …More so that… I’d rather not repeat myself. Arashi-san, tell me, who is in charge here exactly? Which among you is the leader of this bunch?

Yui: Yeah, uhh… we don’t do that here. Last time someone tried, it uh… it didn’t end well.

Yuzuki, Alice, Kohaku and Aoi all turn their heads as Yui says this.

Katsumi: …You mean to tell me that you all have fought and survived this long… without any semblance of leadership?

Yui: What can I say? I can fight real good, ma’am, but leading other people? All I can do is yell and hope they don’t die. 

Katsumi: …You have the qualities of a true leader, Arashi-san.

Yui: Heh… pain in the ass. Forget it. Nah, I’m no leader. But more importantly, I got nothin’ to hide from my friends and allies. Whatever you tell me, I’m just gonna repeat to them anyway later. May as well save me the headache.

Katsumi: (a soft smirk crosses her lips) You would be a liability in a courtroom, but god damn is it refreshing to meet someone so perfectly candid. Very well… (clearing her throat and adjusting her tie with her bandaged hand, she takes a deep breath, her smile fading) …The girl known as Satomi Yasuda, the one from the broadcast where she immolated our former mayor, she has somehow taken control of… well, most of the surviving residents of Mitakihara. The Citizens’ Council, which had met in secret to try and restore order, was attacked. (she glances at Alice and Yuzuki specifically as her tone softens) The JSDF managed to evacuate two of our Council specifically, via medical helicopter. One Marian and Rikuto Tokai. 

Alice: M-Mom… (she slowly nods her head in gratitude) Thank you. That’s a relief to hear.

Yuzuki: (She breathes a sigh of relief) Dad, too…

Yui: …How did a JSDF chopper make its way into the city? Wasn’t it blockaded this whole time?

Alice: I’m assuming the suits back in Tokyo finally figured sending in the cavalry was worth the risk…

Kohaku: I expect they want to hit them hard and fast now that they’ve shown weakness, losing control of their fog and whatever. That’s the best policy.

Katsumi: I don’t know how it got in, nor do I pretend to understand the mechanisms behind Yasuda-san’s grip on our citizens. I escaped due to… erm, personal circumstances that I would rather not elaborate on at this time.

Yui: (Yui’s eyes flash violet for a moment as she scans Katsumi’s expression, then slowly nods) Right, I see.

Katsumi: (she eyes Yui with suspicion before she relaxes and continues) …There’s more. As I escaped from the scene, I noticed… rioting. Everywhere. The entire city is under siege… and if it really is Yasuda who is behind it all, then I would say she’s resorted to just… burning it all to the ground.

Yui: …Then it’s finally time to end this. We’re in go-mode. Time to plan the final battle with these fuckers.

Alice: Are we sure this is… actually happening? I mean, Shiori had a Baton the last time we saw her, however that happened.

Yui: I wasn’t here when Shiori attacked, initially. The only people that were, either bailed, died, or were down here. …Yuzu, shot in the dark, did you see Shiori when she came by?

Yuzuki: N-no, I was in the basement protecting Aoi… I didn’t see. Kiwako… san said she had one, though.

Yui: Hmm… if Shiori still had it, I imagine she’d still be using it. Someone must’ve broken her copy of the Baton. No… that mind control shit seems more along the lines of her favorite toy now, yeah. 

Katsumi: I have… so many questions, Arashi-san.

Yui: An’ I’m not in the business of hidin’ anything. But we got time. Don’t worry about that.

Yuzuki: Y-yeah, they said they broke her Baton. I don’t know how they made it, but… if they could make another one, I think Shiori would be here again by now. 

Yui: Fake Baton… fake mask… hm. I think I know just who to ask about that. (nodding to herself, Yui turns to walk back upstairs)