As the girls went missing, in their world, the other members were in a panic. Umi had told them that Honoka was dragging the three of them with her to the park, somewhat early in the morning, before their get-together.

When even Umi hadn't contacted or showed up on time, with inquiring contacts going straight to voicemail, all hell broke loose.

"Nya! Did a sniper really take them out this time!? The mafinya?!"

The passing people glanced at the old woman making cat noises, shrugging off the usual sounds from the ramen shop. Yes, they were suppose to meet for ramen.

"Rin-chan, please calm down. There's no chance the mafia has built enough resources after the number the police did yesterday, not to mention that they went there so suddenly." Hanayo called from her chair.

"Oh nyah. That was cool, and I guess it would be hard to shoot there."

"If it's not the mafia, then who could it be? Umi is bouncing me and Eli's calls. The police won't help because they have that stupid rule too." Maki thought out-loud.

"Whose to say it's not some other criminal?! I think anyone would want to steal us away." Nico exclaimed.

"Well Umi is the last of us that'd I want to jump. She can literally throw a pillow for kills. Still." Maki shivered, "I still have no idea how she does it."

"Yeah, yeah. I get it. But then where did they go? A party without us?"

"First, let's all calm down and get some take-out. Then we can go to your place if that's alright, Maki." Eli nodded to her.

Maki sighed, "I'll be going ahead with Hanayo then."

"I'm going ahead with them, Elichi." Nozomi said, taking hold of Hanayo's chair.

"Alright, see you later, Nozomi." Eli turned to the other two, "Let's go order then."

"Okay, Eli-chan! See you at Maki-chan's then, Kayo-chin!"

Hanayo gave a small wave as she was pushed away.

"How's it going-nya?" Rin asked between slurps, looking over at the desk with fancy monitors.

The particular Nishikino estate they were settled at was specifically made for hanging out. It meant that the facilities were suited for various members' tastes after heavy insistence, much to Maki's annoyance. However, much to Nico's and some of the others' disappointment, the three serious members had created places for their individual work.

At least it paid off for times like this.

"Mmph. I checked the cameras around the park, and they did make it there but...", Hanayo mumbled, "... They never left."

"So, what? Should we send a search party to look for them there?" Nico asked, who hovered over her shoulder.

"No, I don't think they're there anymore. I'll check their phone signals."

"And remember how Kotori-chan has been feeling as of late." Nozomi spoke up from the couch, shuffling her cards, "They couldn't have been running around this long."

"And I specifically told Umi that Kotori couldn't strain herself too much, so no doubt she would've made Honoka stop." Maki added.

"Nya, getting old sucks." Rin sighed, "I can't even eat ten bowls of ramen a day."

"One bowl is usually enough for people, Rin." Rin stuck her tongue out at her. "Hey!" Before Rin could begin any talk about ramen with Maki, again, their trains of thought were interrupted by Hanayo's shriek of surprise.

"Hanayo?" Eli questioned.

"Their signals cutoff, but it's not from interference." Hanayo's fingers started flying across the keyboard, searching for something, "This doesn't make sense, unless they turned them off or were obliterated off the planet."

"Hanayo, are you saying we can rule out kidnapping?" Eli asked.

Hanayo gave a sound of confirmation as she tried more ways to make sense of their friends' disappearances, "It's too strange, uuwah~."

More conversations and theories were being bounced around as Nozomi continued her readings, thinking.

Hanayo was slumped over as Rin patted her back, assuring her she wasn't a failure.

Yukiho, Alisa, Anju and Erena had been called over at some point. Their questions were answered about the status of the search, and were sat down by Nico.

Nozomi had been frowning for a while now, further concerning the rest who were previously waiting on Hanayo.

"Nozomi, how are your readings?" Eli finally asked.

Nozomi seemed to have forgotten the rest, blinking as she looked around.

"Ah, sorry everyone. It's just that I've been pulling readings for everyone. I think the four of them are okay, but...", she wasn't sure how to say it.

"Hey, you haven't froze up like this for years now, what gives?" Nico asked.

"Our fortunes, fates, were grouped. It's the only way to explain it. Those four are experiencing a significant change, an adventure. As for us, can you all choose a few cards? Interaction with the cards should confirm it."

Knowing the drill, the fortune telling session passed quickly. A slight frown formed as Nozomi analyzed each meaning.

Collected, she began to tell her results, "So, we'll experience an adventure as well, but it won't be as pleasant overall. Rin-chan, Hanayo-chan, Yukiho-chan, Arisa-chan."

Nozomi made sure they were at attention.

"You'll meet someone who will try to deceive you. I think this person will be someone you have to trust, but... Just be careful about who they really are. Maki-chan, Nicocchi, Anju-chan."

She made sure they were paying attention too.

"You'll experience a period of unrest before an abrupt change happens, followed by adventure and discovery. It'll probably be after whatever the rest of us should experience happens. Now, Erena-chan, Elichi and myself."

Anju reached over and took Erena's hand; Nozomi looked into Eli's eyes.

"It'll be a difficult journey, where choices will mean everything. There will be a battle against another player, like Rin-chan and the rest."

"This is a very specific separation." Erena mumbled, as minor dread formed between them all.

"But Nozomi-chan, we're all going to the same place right?!" Rin said in a worried tone.

"Probably, but I can't say where. It's unclear." Nozomi stared at the ground for a moment before getting up, "Let's stop the search and prepare ourselves, okay?"

"Nozomi, are you suggesting we should stop searching for Honoka and the others?" Eli asked, slightly protesting.

Attention on Nozomi was focused on her, "Yes."

The others wanted to protest this more, but she continued, "We have to tell their successors about this, right? And we should immediately warn ours as well." Looking at her friends around her, "I'm certain this adventure will be unlike what we've experienced before, and there's nothing to prevent it this time."

After everyone left the residence in a sour mood, left to think about their takes on the situation, Nico and Maki lingered. It was still their property after all.

"So, we'll be the last ones to go, huh? With Anju. Man, that must suck." Nico said, leaning against Maki.

"Yeah." Maki ran a hand through her hair in frustration, "And we'll have to smooth out their disappearances, won't we? God, I hate extra work. Especially the press."

Nico chuckled, "Isn't he ready? And I'm sure the two of us can help about the others' too."

"That's true I guess." Maki scoffed, "And him? He's barely graduated. But yeah, I guess he has the experience to continue. Just some business things I need to highlight about the hospitals and our estates. What did you want to do with them by the way?"

Nico shrugged, "The estates? Leave them to my nephews and nieces I guess, with some supervision from my siblings of course. Kinda glad that I was the only gay one because of them. But I could tell them to leave one near the main hospital for him, he's been a pretty good student."

"Hmph, he's way too dense and stubborn for the job sometimes."

"I think I've said you don't get to complain about that." Nico teased.

"And I've said he's not like me!" Maki said in annoyance.

"Oh yeah? W-..."

"Elichi, let's go over to the dojo for Umi-chan." Nozomi said, as she pulled out of the driveway.

"You're serious about this, aren't you Nozomi?" Eli asked, as she relayed their plans to the group chat.

"All I can say, Elichi, is that these fortunes are bigger than the others. Even the ones about us all meeting during high school."

Eli's phone buzzed, stopping her comments, "It looks like Hanayo and Rin are going to IT; Yukiho and Arisa are going to tell Emiho and Lyria."

"My, everyone is moving fast."

It buzzed again, "Oh, Erena says she'll meet us at the studio the day after tomorrow and they're meeting for Kotori now."

"I bet Nicocchi and Maki-chan are flirting."

"Nozomi please."

The drive to the main Sonoda estate, Umi's childhood home, was short. These days it was an occasional training ground for those who wanted to be trainers at the other locations. It was also where the successors lived.

After moving out to Kotori's new place, Umi wasn't sure what to do with the living space for a number years.

It was nearly two decades ago when Umi stumbled upon them. Or rather, they stumbled into her.

According to Umi...

It was a rainy day, the heavy downpour reflecting her mood.

Kotori had been busy as of late, unable to talk with anyone since her free-time had been dedicated to eating and rest.

Not that she was any better. Hanayo had asked her for assistance earlier that week as well.

Basically, they were swamped with work. It was an unusual time, seeing how their businesses were automatic at this point, only needing some input here and there.

With a sigh, Umi started her routine as she entered her old home, brushing aside the thoughts and turning on the lights and heat.

By the end of the month they'd at least have one free day, and hopefully months more of them to come, she assured herself.

Umi was checking the recently completed interior work for the building's maintenance, alone. The activities hosted at the location had been on hold since the renovation started. It was times like these where she patted herself on the back for always being strict with Honoka, because damn did Homura have excellent workers.

All around, it was as pristine as it had always been, perfect. Being alone let her enjoy the sound of rain and reminisce, despite it being a bit gloomy. It lacked some decor and personal items in the living spaces, but the facilities were the same. Of course, she switched equipment out in favor of newer ones, but it still looked similar.

As she walked around, two small figures ran straight into her as they rounded a corner.

It startled her. How could she not hear them?

She recognized that the figures were a small boy and girl, who both couldn't have been older than ten, and observed them to the smallest of details.

What stood out was their appearances. They seemed ragged in multiple ways, she thought.

It was also strange how they were dressed, how they seemed to be suited for mobility. It might've been some sort of combat equipment, or maybe it was a new fashion trend. Umi hadn't improved in that department, giving Kotori near strokes sometimes, so it most likely wasn't.

They were dazed for the moment Umi observed them, but began to move as they got their bearings.

They looked hesitant, but still pulled out small blades, scaled to their small sizes.

Calm as ever, Umi raised an eyebrow. The look was all she needed to ask.

"You're the Sonoda heir, right?" the boy asked, his voice portraying none of the nervousness his face showed. He looked braver than his sister, as she assumed, in a way.

She kept calm, "No, there is no heir. I am Sonoda Umi, the master of all the establishments, however. Now, it 's rude for you to not introduce yourselves."

The pair nodded to each other before leaping into action, aimed slashes to immobilize her before the eventual kill.

As if that'd work on a master.

Umi easily dodged, used to attacks from people of varying sizes. It was just a little complicated though.

"Interesting." Umi thought, "These children are aiming for weak spots, even making me dodge in way to increase the chances I'll make a blunder. But..."

Despite how skilled they were, they were quickly tiring. Umi noted that as strange. Sure they were children, but they seemed to have been trained very well. Then it occurred to her, looking at their flushed and dry forms.

She had just noticed they were dry, yet it had been raining all day and throughout the week as well. The dojo was awfully cold when she got there. Then the reason they looked so flushed wasn't nervousness or adrenaline? Rather...

Umi internally panicked, concerned for their health, but didn't let herself falter as she continued to move. More time quickly passed and the children were reaching their limits, but increased determination pushed them. However the more they pushed, the more they became sloppy in their coordination.

Right before the girl, whose legs had given out, stabbed her brother, Umi plucked both knives away. The boy couldn't react to his disarmament as he reflexively caught the falling girl.

"Are you more willing to talk now? It looks like your partner can't go on." Umi looked into his eyes with a cold glare.

The boy gulped, but remained silent.

"Even if you're children, you can't expect to simply leave after attempting to harm someone. However, if you leave that girl for questioning, you're free to run away." Umi offered.

His gaze didn't waver until the girl tugged on his shirt and whispered to him, making his eyes widen.

"Have you reached your decision?" Umi's eyes narrowed.

"I have." He gently set the girl down, "There's no way we'll go with you!"

The boy charged at her but she easily sidestepped him, or she should have. Contrary to her belief of her left holding the knives being the target, he aimed for her other arm. Grasping it as a support, he did an improvised flip, kicking her in the chin with surprising force. This caused Umi to stumble back, not expecting it from a tired child, giving him the opportunity to re-obtain their weapons.

"There's no way I'd be separated from my friend!" he cried, spinning around.

"Ah, so they aren't siblings." Umi thought, the blades approaching her exposed side.

The boy smiled as he saw the blades make contact, ready to pierce the cloth protecting the flesh of their target. Despite the sight, he couldn't figure out where the sharp pain on his neck had come from as he collapsed, beginning to black-out. Didn't she get stabbed by him? So, why...?

Umi looked down on the collapsed children and sighed. Both were unconscious and probably had colds.

"I just said it as a little test but they took it seriously. Hah. But I'd do the same back then."

Umi settled them down on her old bed, which seems they'd been using anyway, and made a call.

"Maki, are you busy? No? Could you come over to my old home? ... Of course this is serious and not me 'just panicking' again. Well maybe a little... Maki!"

"I hope they don't do anything rash when they find out." Eli said as they walked up to the entrance.

"Don't worry Elichi. They haven't done anything drastic since that one time we planned a surprise party."

"Ah, but when I think about it, it's reassuring to know they have Kotori's custom clothes."

"Mhm, tough but flexible as always~!"

A girl with long white hair and dark blue eyes greeted them, "Ah, Eli-san, Nozomi-san! Wern't you meeting with Sonoda-sama and the rest?"

If you'd met her for the first time, her gaze was such where a wave of serenity would wash over you regardless of your circumstances.

"Well about that, we wanted to talk to you two about the dojo." Eli said.

"Eh?"

""What do you mean they went missing?!"" the girl, alongside a boy with short black hair and grey eyes, exclaimed.

The boy was the exact opposite of his female counterpart. His eyes were emitting a constant, piercing glare. It was fierce enough to rival Soldier Game.

"Now, now, calm down. Hayaka, Hisoka, I know this sudden, but Umi-chan would want you to understand." Nozomi said.

"Right. When enough time has passed, Umi's assets will be passed to you two." Eli nodded towards them.

"But that's too sudden! Even Sonoda-sama would think so! Wouldn't she be able to come back if she tried?!" Hisoka angerly said, "You agree, right Hayaka?"

The downcast girl nodded, "But if it's you two coming here, then this means Sonoda-sama can't, right?"

"Your deduction skills are on par with Umi-chan's, Hayaka-chan~. As we were saying, we don't know where, but we'll most likely go to where they are and disappear soon too."

"Now about Umi's will, we have a copy so, if we could go over it..." Eli started, after gaining their attention.

The younger pair waved as the other left.

"I hope they don't stress over it all too long." Eli sighed.

"They're probably freaking out with the others in their own group-chat." Nozomi laughed at their expense, "It's a shame we won't see the panic our free-for-all will do to them."

"I have faith, Nozomi."

"We're sure going to need a lot of it, Elichi."

The man tsk-ed in disappointment, looking down on the unconscious being at his feet. His familiar seemed to be doing so well.

They were a capable and loyal familiar. On top of that, they had other excellent qualities that the previous familiars didn't. He had quickly disposed of those trash ones and had been glad to finally get one he could use when he met them.

However, a mission to get this very important ring for his plans hadn't gone completely as planned. They did managed to get it. They also managed to deliver it to the gullible leader of some radical group. But damn it all, the spirit guarding it seemed to have crippled them with a delayed curse.

Of course an elf or another spirit of equal standing could fix her, but that'd be a waste of manpower. His best... agents would be taking an unnecessary risk.

With no hesitation, he kindly put her out of her misery. No, he didn't regret it, not at... all.

He called in some of his men stationed outside. They rushed out of the room after receiving their duties from the King, finding those who were needed. They found maids to prepare his familiar's old room for the new one, the special unit to dispose of the former's fresh body and the personnel for the ritual to summon said new familiar.

Perhaps this time would be the last summoning they'd have to prepare, but these things were uncertain. With an unpredictable master, only a familiar with some sort of divination skills could match him without consequences.

The Pope frowned.

What was this?

This was at least the fourth time a familiar chosen by their lord had died. As far as he could tell, it was always the same type of familiar; the ones who passed all were blessed with the same rune.

Well, he couldn't care less. It was nothing new really, after the first three rapid deaths. Besides, if they died then that was his will. Surely the familiars were in the wrong, refusing to maintain their chosen master's well-being.

Anyway, the passing of another under that user's control wasn't what was concerning, captivating his attention.

A new familiar of the lord's had appeared.

With two present, as he was sure that other user would soon be doing their own summoning once again, it was time for him to enter the fray.

He summoned some priests on stand-by for this day. Yes, it was time for his own summoning ritual.

It was time, as another wielder of the power of Brimir, to begin uniting them against the accursed elves.

AN: I actually wrote a bit of this at least half a year ago, along with the planned chapter (Haha, planned).

IDK, this chapter in the next but then like, "Oh this chapter title would've been good, let's switch."

I guess I'll do the other summoning things. Find someone else until then to replace me.

Just decided to get these boys' summonings done in two chapters to get to all three "first nights", as the original was going to be called. Expect it within a week.