The morning came when Japan was to fully return to its usual schedule before the spacequake, with spacequake alarm systems being installed into various key places. They worked by issuing an alarm and warning to the central systems when they detected an unusually high amount of mana in the vicinity, a finding also "discovered" thanks to DEM. Shinji and Mana were about to go to school, and their parents were about to go on another business trip.

"Goodbye for now, my dear children," said their mom, inviting them for a hug.

"You too, Mio. It wouldn't do to exclude you," added mom. Once they said their goodbyes to each other, mom and dad ventured out. Shinji and Mio hugged each other as well and Mio kissed Shinji on the cheek. Mana saw this but didn't interrupt them. She quickly realised what was going on between them. Mio wasn't ever good at hiding things from other. Shinji didn't even realise it either.

"Goodbye, Mio. We'll be back before you know it," said Mana with a smile.

Shinji and Mana ventured out too, leaving Mio alone in the house. She had the choice of doing nothing or very little, but she still did a lot of chores around the house and cooked when mom wasn't home.

***

Shinji and Mana talked on their way to school.

"Mio seems a lot more at ease now, doesn't she?" asked mana.

"Yeah. I may have had a hand in that, but I think it's just her getting used to all of us."

"There is clear progress, that's undeniable. Mom also told me you got her that plush she always carries around, how you won it in a game at the arcade," said Mana teasingly. Shinji became flustered.

"I-It's not like that!"

"Like what? No shame in admitting it, but I never imagined you as the romantic type."

"We're not...! H-How is a plush romantic anyway? Why are you talking about that?"

"Bwhaha! I'm just teasing you, Shinji. No need to get all fired up."

"I'm not fired up!"

"Really? Then why are you walking so fast suddenly?"

"It's because of your teasing, Mana. Let's just get to school in one piece."

"Ho-ho. Very well, I won't pry."

"(Does she know? She absolutely suspects it...)" asked Shinji himself.

***

When they arrived at school, they went their separate ways after saying goodbye to each other. Shinji went to his classroom, but he noticed a few students were missing. The teacher later told them they lost someone to the spacequake and couldn't make it to school yet. Shinji realised he was super lucky, basically coming out of one of the nation's biggest disasters unharmed, all thanks to Mio.

Back at home, Mio noticed something when she was cleaning the kitchen counter. Shinji had left his lunch at home, so he wouldn't have anything to eat at lunch break. She decided to bring the lunch to Shinji, ignoring she wasn't a student herself. She knew where the school was thanks to Mana telling her a while back, so she took the lunch and headed out.

When she arrived at the school, it was already a few minutes into lunch break. Shinji found out he forgot his lunch and despaired how hungry he'd be. Mio asked one of Shinji's classmates for directions, but as she made her way to his classroom, she got a lot of stares from all the other students. A few boys even cat-called her, but she ignored them. When she arrived, she opened the classroom doors. There were not a lot of students inside, but some of them immediately shifted their attention towards Mio. Upon spotting Shinji, she came towards him.

"Hey, Shinji! You forgot your lunch at home, so I thought I'd bring it to you! You said one time how you forgot your lunch and starved, so I didn't want that to happen to you today."

Shinji was staring at Mio with a flustered face, realising they were garnering attention.

"T-Thanks, that's kind of you. I only realised a few minutes... ago..."

"You're welcome! I'll go now, see you later!"

And as quickly as she came, Mio left the classroom and headed towards the exit. Now she was getting even more attention since she stood out so much.

"Who is that girl...? I've never seen her before."

"She's so beautiful, does she attend here?"

"Even the popular girls don't compare to her..."

Some students stared, some chattered amongst themselves, some cat-called Mio, but she didn't pay them any mind. Nevertheless, she almost instantly became the number one topic for discussion in the school. Only the few students in Shinji's classroom knew she came to visit him, so most of it was just conjecture. Of course, Shinji was questioned after, but he managed to stave off the inquiries.

When school ended, Shinji sneakily went to fetch Mana to go home. As they were walking home, Mana started conversing with him.

"Shinji, I heard some people at school talk about a mysterious girl with bonded hair and a teddy bear walk around school. Do you know anything about this?"

Shinji was embarrassed beyond words.

"Dummy, of course I know it's Mio. Did she come for you?"

"Yes... I forgot my lunch, and she brought it to me during lunch break..."

"...What a bold girl! I like people who aren't scared to do what they want to do."

Shinji didn't seem like talking for the rest of the walk, so they stopped. When they arrived home, Shinji went to his room with his head buried in his hands. Mio was confused and worried, but Mana stopped her.

"Don't worry about him. He reacts like this to everything that's a first time for him, including girls bringing him lunch to school."

"Was that wrong? I'm still worried."

"'Course it isn't wrong. You did something very thoughtful and kind. If someone considers that wrong, screw them. But I digress, I'm impressed by how bold you are. Even I would have problems with doing something like that."

"I didn't see anything bold in what I did, truthfully."

"That's a good approach. If you don't consider everything a bold move, it becomes a normal move which can be taken easier. Say, while Shinji is composing himself, would you mind going on a jog with me? I want to compare our stamina."

"Are you sure Shinji will be all right?"

"You know him, right? 'Course he will."

"Okay, we can do that jog then."

Mana was thrilled, even though Mio appeared like a petite woman, she held a lot of respect for her. Mana lent Mio some jogging clothing and then they jogged, with both keeping the same pace until Mana began showing signs of exhaustion. She tried her best to keep up with Mio who slowed down a bit for Mana, but after a bit she just stopped and sat on the pavement completely exhausted. She pushed herself to her limits.

When Mio looked back to see Mana sitting, she stopped and came back for her.

"Are you okay?" asked Mio.

"My strength is spent. Damn... you're just beginning to sweat a bit? I don't think even the best of the best in our track club could prevail against you."

"Really...? But how?"

"Don't know, but I respect your victory all the same. Give me a second to get back up..."

Mio extended a hand to help Mana, who took it to get back up. Then, they started walking back home because Mana couldn't run anymore.

"Mio, I've been meaning to ask something. It's about Shinji. I don't think he realises, but I can tell a lot of things when it comes to my brother. He's bad at lying too. So, my question is, is there something going on between you two?"

Mio wasn't against telling her the truth, but she remembered her promise to Shinji.

"He told me not to tell anyone, so I can't answer that, sorry..."

"But I'm his sister, aren't I? Don't I deserve to know?"

"I don't know, but it's his wish."

"Thing is, I saw you two get all lovey-dovey before we went to school. You kissed him on the cheek and embraced him, didn't you?"

"Oh...! I... I did."

"Just answer this then: Do you like him? The truth."

Mio couldn't say she didn't because she did, so she gave in.

"...Yes, yes I do..."

"Wow! What a surprise. Jeez, I just needed to hear you say it, since Shinji would keep stalling and never tell me. But seriously, my brother's lucky to have someone like you. Me and him don't get along so well like you two do because some fundamental things we just do different, but I still love him, you know?

"You... love him?"

"Yeah. As a brother, my sibling. We grew up together and went through life together."

Mio remembered what their mom said about romantic and platonic love.

"I understand. You two have a nice dynamic together."

"Gee, thanks. By the way, if you want, I can teach you how to gain his favour. There are things he absolutely cannot resist."

"You mean I could make him happier?"

"Happier, guaranteed."

"...Maybe I wouldn't mind then..."

"Heh, we got a deal! Let's pick up the pace now, I've regained a little of my strength."

The two eventually reached home. Mio went to check on Shinji, who was in his room scrolling on his phone.

"Hey, Shinji. I thought I'd check up on you. What are you doing?"

"Checking if our school is spreading some rumours..."

"You mean about what I did? I'm sorry if it stresses you..."

"You were doing a good thing, it's just that some people twist good things into bad things."

"I think I know how to make you feel less stressed though! Want to see?"

"Sure, what is it?"

Mio leaned in and kissed Shinji shortly on the lips. The trick appeared to work, as Shinji's tense body eased.

"Thanks, Mio. Now, am I forgetting something... Oh wait, I totally forgot! Today was supposed to be our date! Oh no..."

"I forgot too! But it's okay, we can do it another time if you want to."

"I'm so sorry. Can I make it up to you tomorrow after school?"

"I'm down! What are we doing?"

"That's a surprise, but can you meet me at this place after school?"

"Sure! I know where that is. I'll be there, don't forget!"

"I won't, promise. Anyway, what do you want to do now?"

"I want to cuddle! When we cuddle, it feels like you're my oversized teddy bear, hehe!"

"I don't think teddy bears can compare, but sure. Come then, it's comfortable here."

The two of them proceeded to cuddle for a while, while Mana was glad to know her brother was in good hands. The day passed by quickly again, and they once more went to sleep together. Each time it was easier for both, as they got used to it.

The next morning, Shinji and Mana went to school together again after wishing Mio farewell, their new routine becoming apparent.

***

Back at the Deus Ex Machine Industries HQ, Isaac was expecting news at any moment. Just then, Ellen entered, already smirking.

"The Spirit has been found, Isaac. Her signature is undeniable."

"Just in time for the final act. This time, we either capture her or deal with her."

"There's still one more thing. According to eyewitnesses, the Spirit lives with a human family, the Takamiya's. It's comprised of two adults, and two children."

"Truly? This explains why she's stayed in one place. I doubt they don't know she's different, but this isn't of any consequence. We will proceed as normal."

"But Isaac, the number of civilians having knowledge of this girl... If that family says anything, the government will be onto us like napalm."

"So, the girl has surrounded herself with people that accept her... Very well, issue an urgent meeting of board directors. I will give out a short speech. Every second lost we risk the Spirit disappearing."

Ellen did as Isaac asked and called forth the other directors for a meeting. They all wondered what it was about when Isaac made his entrance.

"Fellow colleagues, I bid you all welcome. This urgent meeting was called because of our newest discovery. As you may know, we have been searching for the cause of the spacequakes. And we've found it. A humanoid resembling a girl has been detected in Japan, almost emanating the same amount of energy, or mana left behind by spacequakes. The energy signatures match, but there's an issue. She, or it has hidden itself amongst civilians, into a family. I would like to hear suggestions on how we should proceed, as our goal is to capture her or deal with her if capture isn't possible."

Normally everyone would be surprised, but Isaac's appointed board of directors weren't.

"The whole world is calling for justice against whoever or whatever caused all the spacequakes. What's stopping us from just going in there?"

"The government of Japan has strictly forbidden anything that would potentially cause unrest amongst the populace. We risk the public finding out, or worse, civilians being injured."

"If that family unbeknownst covering for her refuses to yield her and poses a potential risk, we could make them an offer they can't refuse."

Isaac was interested by this director's proposal.

"Continue."

"We need to make sure they can't refuse us, or we risk them notifying the girl, so my suggestion is we take one of the children hostage, as in make it our bargaining chip. As they say, parental love is the strongest there is, right?"

"That seems a little overboard, with all due respect. The government would never allow us to do something like that anyway."

"I disagree. I like that idea, and the way we can get a pass from the government is simple. We present this as an absolute necessity, assuring them this is for the good end."

"...Wait, sir. I just received information from our undercover agents monitoring the situation. Apparently, the family has one son and one daughter, both of high school age, and their parents are out on work matters."

"Perfect. We can do this before they even realise it happened. Orchestrate the kidnapping of the girl. Me, Vice-Founder Ellen and a few other people will deal with the cause of the spacequakes personally, arrange an express flight to the airport nearest to the area. Everyone else monitor the situation carefully. Is that clear?"

"Sir, yes sir!" said everyone except Ellen. Isaac then ended the meeting and went up to Ellen.

"Get Elliot and a few of our best, we will head out now."

"On it, Isaac. It'll be done."

Ellen picked up Elliot and a few of DEM's best "soldiers" to travel to Japan to capture the Spirit. They soon boarded the flight to Japan via a special jet, heading directly to it. Even though they were human, Isaac could mostly rely on his directors. He picked them out personally.

Back in Japan, the day went on as normal. After the school day for Shinji and Mana ended, Shinji came up to Mana as usual.

"Mana, I must go somewhere else before I go home, so I'll be a little late. Mio too."

"Of course, whatever you say~"

"...J-Jeez. See you later, okay? Take care."

"See you home, Shinji!"

The two then went their respective ways, with Shinji headed for the location he told Mio he'd meet her at. Little did they know when Mana arrived home, she would soon be secured by several masked men who drugged her and took her away. She put up a fight, but was no match for Isaac's trained men.

"Sir, the girl has been secured, but the target is not home."

"We know where she is. Leave the rest to us, take the girl back to base."

"Understood."

The walls were closing in on the Spirit, yet she had no idea. Mio was waiting for Shinji at the designated location, soon seeing him in the distance. She waved at him, and they would begin their date. Will this end horribly for the Takamiya family or not? The answer is at hand.

***

End of chapter.