The Formation of MAVE:

Episode 25. A surprise attack

"Music? Dancing??"

"Yes!"

Y, who was packing up to go outside of IDYPIA, momentarily hesitated at the cheerful sight of the four girls. The children had been more focused than ever on analyzing the songs of the pop groups appearing in the chip's videos ever since they decided to leave IDYPIA.

"Wait, hold on."

"What?"

"Is the reason you want to leave IDYPIA...?"

"Yes, we want to sing freely like the people in these videos."

For the first time, Y wore a bewildered expression.

"I know what you're worried about. It'll probably be difficult to sing and dance on the run. But when I listened to this song, I felt something deep within. Maybe if we share these songs with others like us who still have emotions, we could liberate them, don't you think?"

"Liberating emotions through music, huh."

Siu's persuasion made Y ponder. It was something she had never thought of or attempted before. It seemed like a reckless endeavor compared to simply fighting. Yet, the children believed in it. Leading people blindly and administering shock therapy to their brains seemed less favorable than guiding them through music.

Have I been watching too many movies, just like Granny Yeri?

Since being rescued by Yeri, the former leader of the rebels, Y had experienced a lot. Sometimes they would have small parties, watch movies late at night, listen to their comrades' songs, and jot down the lyrics in a notebook. It was all to soothe weary hearts worn down by prolonged conflict. All those memories were etched into Y's mind.

"Hmm..."

With a sigh, almost human-like, Y realized that despite the absurdity of the idea, they had to try everything they could. Perhaps because it was something they had never done before, it might just work.

"Okay."

"Thank you, Y."

Upon hearing Y's words, the children quickly prepared the chips for dance and singing practice.

"However, let's see first. How talented you all are."

"Talented?"

"If we go on the run, there won't be enough time to practice. So, it's better to give up if you don't have talent."

At Y's words, the four hesitated, swaying as if uncertain.

"Why are you shrinking back like that? Where's the determination you had earlier? If I can't convince just me, no one will listen to your song."

But Y remained firm.

"Let's do it."

"Tyra."

"I thought about it when Marty and I were being chased by AG Security Agents. There's nowhere left to run."

"Tyra's right. Let's do what we can right now."

Encouraged not by their friends' words, but by their resolve, Siu and Zena nodded and took their positions to dance.

"Alright then, show me what you've got."

***

In front of IDYPIA's AG Security Center, there was a smaller administrative building that served as a backup for the Security Center's administrative tasks. AG administrative officers frequented this place.