Alice Blossom's Diary

Emergence

Dear Diary,

Today I woke up early at 6 AM. As usual, I made myself breakfast—eggs and bacon, just like Dad used to make. It's my favorite meal. After breakfast, I went outside for my regular warm-up routine. Mondays are always busy since it's a workday. I had to go to B-Corp HQ for a meeting about my squad. I think I messed up with my leadership again. Ugh! I made some mistakes with the accounting stuff. Why am I even dealing with numbers? I'm a commander, not an accountant!

I went with my casual outfit today—a green jacket, brown boots, and the cap Dad gave me with his favorite soccer team's name on it. My car is in the repair shop, so I have to wait a few days before I can drive again. The weather was sunny, no signs of rain. Even though I don't like autumn much, I couldn't ignore the colorful leaves falling from the trees. The streets were full of people, talking about the upcoming new year in winter. I wondered how I'd spend Christmas. Maybe I should call my squad and parents? [Swordsman] playing guitar, [Blade] telling weird stories—I miss those moments.

My daydreaming was cut short when a football hit my leg. Some kids were playing nearby, and one of them kicked the ball too hard. I was surprised, but I couldn't help but smile. For a moment, I wanted to join their game. But duty called at B-Corp HQ. I shouted, "Ready to catch?" The little boy nodded excitedly. I thought about aiming for the goal or passing. I ended up kicking it hard, and it flew towards the goal. The boy caught it, and I got smiles from people walking by. I've always been called childish, even in my twenties. "God, when will you grow up?" Mom would say jokingly. But deep down, I know she loves me for it.

As I crossed the street, I stopped by the local grocery store. Patrick, my favorite cashier, was there. His store somehow has the best Fanta I've ever tasted. I wonder if he mixes something special. Anyway, it's a treat. I grabbed a can of Fanta and paid $1.45. Patrick asked how I was doing, his tone warm and friendly, like he was talking to a friend. I told him about an old lady who lost her necklace on Saturday. I found it on the bench she was sitting on. We shared a laugh, and I left the store, slowly making my way to B-Corp HQ, happy that it's nearby. Today at HQ, I got tangled up in those annoying numbers again. Julia, bless her heart, brought me a cup of tea while I waited for a higher-up to talk to me. Julia, my dear friend, works in an office at HQ, while I'm out in the field. Even though we have different jobs, we have a lot in common. She dreams of becoming a singer, and sometimes I give her advice and practice with her. I guess that counts as teaching? Anyway, my singing skills have gotten better. I find myself humming tunes now and then.

When my higher-up finally arrived, he had important news. He took me to his office away from everyone else and told me something big—A.R.C.A.N.E. was confirmed to be real. The words hit me hard. It means this creature was real, all my research was worth it. It's exciting, but also scary. They said A.R.C.A.N.E. was in Monkey Land, and it's up to us to deal with it. Scientists figured out how to contain it, and they shared the info with me. I agreed to help right away. My task? To put together a team to contain A.R.C.A.N.E. With that heavy responsibility on my shoulders, I headed home.
Now, as evening falls, I feel jittery. Tasks like these are rare, but they need my full attention. After thinking it over, I assigned two prisoners to lure A.R.C.A.N.E., one researcher to observe the situation, and four diving units, with one from Aqua Squad volunteering. I gave detailed instructions that I made myself in case A.R.C.A.N.E. was confirmed, and the operation should start in about a week.

Until next time.


You finish the first entry in the diary, and quickly flip forward 7 more pages, in a fit of unrelenting intrigue