Sky Striker Ace, but Symphogear

Dusk passed, and night fell, shrouding the entire city in darkness. Only scattered streetlights offered a dim yellow glow, nowhere near the brightness of day.

After leaving the three girls whom Raye considered utterly beyond reason, she returned to the residence she had chosen for herself here, just as she had told Hibiki Tachibana she would.

It was the home S.O.N.G. had arranged for Akatsuki Kirika and Tsukuyomi Shirabe, though Shirabe was currently its only resident.

Click—

She opened the door, stepped into the entryway, changed into indoor shoes, shut the door, and entered the bedroom.

There, Raye found Tsukuyomi Shirabe reviewing her lessons at the desk so she could keep up once she enrolled at Lydian Music Academy.

"Raye, you're back."

Noticing Raye enter, Shirabe closed her book, stood, and greeted her.

"Yes, good evening. How are things, Shirabe? Are you settling into life here?"

After returning Shirabe's greeting, Raye asked whether anything was troubling her, a faint suggestion of a smile on her lips.

"I haven't had any trouble adjusting."

Shirabe quietly assured her that she was doing well.

"Really... you don't feel uneasy being away from Kirika? I remember you two being pretty close."

Seeing how calm Shirabe was, without the slightest sign of anxiety, Raye thought for a moment before probing further.

"Raye, stop fishing. I trust Kiri-chan."

Shirabe answered the question calmly.

"You don't miss her even a little?"

Raye wanted to keep asking, but Shirabe fell completely silent, apparently unwilling to answer any more questions on the subject.

"All right, all right. I understand."

Seeing Shirabe refuse to budge, Raye was hardly disappointed.

After all, ever since they had reunited, Raye had gained an appreciation for the resolve of the girl who had once always followed behind her.

She had originally hoped to coax