Shadows of Alliance

"A Night of Revelations"

As the evening settled, Ren, Ayumu, Jitsuko, and Julie had gathered in Sindy’s room, creating an unusual but comforting scene of camaraderie. The room buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and lighthearted banter.

“Honestly, I never thought I'd be guarding someone while still trying to stay in good spirits,” Ren said with a half-smile, setting up a chair with exaggerated care.

Jitsuko chuckled, “Well, it’s not every day you get to act as a bodyguard for a friend. Besides, it’s a nice change from the usual routine.”

Julie, flipping through a magazine, added, “And we all get to spend time together, which is a plus. You know, Sindy, if Zeo were here, she’d probably be making a big deal out of it.”

Sindy, puzzled by their presence, finally asked, “Why are all of you here? I appreciate it, but this feels a bit over the top.”

Ayumu, trying to ease the tension, responded, “We’re just here to make sure you’re safe. Zeo’s busy with some important matters, and we thought it best to keep you company.”

Sindy nodded, but couldn’t shake the feeling of concern for her best friend. As the group settled in, she wondered why Zeo wasn’t there. The thought lingered as Sindy eventually drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the courtroom was filled with tense anticipation. The lawyer representing the headquarters revealed shocking news: Zeo had taken matters into her own hands. She had tracked down the murderers and solved the entire case herself, leaving the opposing party penalized. Sindy’s heart swelled with a mix of relief and pride.

Upon returning to headquarters, Sindy hurried to Zeo’s practice area. She found Zeo finishing up a training session, her face a mask of determination. Without hesitation, Sindy enveloped her in a tight hug.

“Thank you, Zeo,” Sindy cried, her voice trembling. “I don’t understand why you always take such risks for us. But I’m so grateful.”

Zeo embraced her friend warmly. “I do it because you all mean so much to me.”

Sindy took a deep breath and shared the happy news, “Ren proposed to me! I’m so thrilled!”

Zeo’s eyes lit up with joy, and she kissed Sindy’s cheek. But suddenly, Zeo staggered and fainted. Panic surged through Sindy as she shouted, “Ren! Help!”

Ren, rushing to the scene, carried Zeo back to her room with urgency. Inside, Dr. Michael was already administering saline, her face a mixture of concentration and concern. Ayumu and Ren hovered nearby, their anxiety palpable.

Dr. Michael looked up as Zeo began to stir. “She’s stable now, but we need to keep a close eye on her.”

Ren’s face was a blend of frustration and worry. “Zeo, why did you push yourself so hard?”

Zeo, struggling to stay awake, bit her lip in apprehension. Ayumu, sensing the tension, decided to intervene with a touch of humor.

“Ren,” Ayumu said with a smirk, “you really should learn to relax a bit. Remember, you used to be more casual, just like me.”

Ren flushed with embarrassment, and Zeo managed a faint smile at the light-hearted banter.

“Alright, everyone,” Ayumu continued, “let’s give Zeo some space to rest. She needs it.”

As the others left, Zeo looked at Ayumu with gratitude. “Thanks, Ayumu. And thank you, everyone, for being here.”

Ayumu nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. “Get some rest, Zeo. We’ll handle things from here.”