Siberia
Babylon Fate Research Facility
Dr. Y stared coldly at the experimental records in front of him, his gaze sharp on the reckless collaborators around him.
The latest consultant sent by a prominent Siberian family, Arkmon, was driving Dr. Y to the brink of frustration.
"Weren't you supposed to bring more subjects? Why are there only a few?"
"You know as well as I do that in the frozen tundra of Siberia, subjects meeting your standards are rare. And we can't attract the attention of the local authorities. Sending even a few is considered a blessing," Arkmon replied calmly.
"That's not enough. The data from these subjects isn't sufficient to support my experiments, and there's still no clue about the appearance of the Stigmata," Dr. Y snapped.
"That's not my problem. Doesn't your organization already have many holders of that thing?"
"Hmph. If I were qualified to study them, who would be stuck researching useless material out here in the middle of Siberia?"
"Alright, alright. You've said that countless times. Right now, there are only a few orphanages that meet your standards, but they all have government backing. We can't just interfere."
"Can't interfere? That just means you can. Figure it out. Get them for me. In return, some of our experimental results will be handed to you, so your medical company can make good use of them."
"That's the only thing I've been waiting to hear. Expect my updates in time. If you're impatient, just give us your experimental results early."
"Greedy."
Inside the orphanage, the director sat in his tidy office, reading the morning paper.
"Reports of fires have been appearing more frequently. I should teach the kids about fire safety."
"And the unreliable adoption applicants are on the rise again. Things are getting worse."
He opened his diary and wrote:
"Today was another peaceful day."
In Xilin's room
Two young girls were chatting.
"Xilin, Xilin, where exactly is that white cat called Yue Bo?"
"You're not getting an answer. That cat belongs to me."
"Xilin~ Come on, just tell me. I haven't seen a cute cat for half a month!"
"Bella, that's because you hid a bunch of stray cats in the director's office. They made a mess, and the director wouldn't let me go look for them."
"That's not my fault! Whenever I'm not near the kittens, they cause chaos. And for some reason, the local kittens all disappeared. The places they usually hang out are empty. Please, Xilin, I can't stand not seeing cute cats anymore. Just this once, okay?"
"He's shy. He won't let you hold him," Xilin replied firmly.
"Xilin~ I'm offering all my savings. I'll buy you caramel pudding. Please, even if I can just see him."
"Even with that, your money isn't enough for the pudding."
Xilin looked at Bella clinging to her leg and thought for a moment.
"Yue Bo, Yue Bo, can Bella see you?"
"Yes, but forming a tangible shape consumes a lot of energy. She would only be able to touch me in two weeks," Yue Bo answered.
"Then forget it," Xilin said, gently pushing Bella away.
"Xilin, please! This is all my savings! The bakery has a promotion today. This will buy at least two caramel puddings!"
"Yue Bo, come out. I'll make this deal," Xilin said decisively.
"All right, Xilin, wait a moment. I'm preparing."
Seeing Bella's money, Xilin snatched it decisively.
"I agree. You may come out now."
"I knew Xilin would say yes. So, where is the cute cat?"
At that moment, the little white Yue Bo appeared on the wall and leaped straight into Xilin's arms.
With Yue Bo's guidance, Xilin caught him perfectly.
Bella froze, staring at the white cat cuddling in Xilin's arms.
Soft white fur, sparkling blue eyes, a pleasant scent, and a perfect temperament. No matter what Xilin did, Yue Bo didn't resist and even cooperated.
Bella wiped the drool from her lips.
"Xilin, let me hold him! Just for a moment! Yue Bo is too cute!"
"That depends if he's willing," Xilin said.
"Yue Bo, will you?"
Yue Bo answered from his heart:
"I'll do as Xilin wishes."
"He doesn't want to," Xilin said.
"What? Just let me touch him, please~"
"No, I'm going to the bakery to buy caramel pudding."
"Wait for me, Xilin! Just a little touch!"
Under the sunlight, two little girls walked toward the bakery, holding the adorable white cat.
"Xilin~ Why did you buy two puddings but not share one with me? Am I worth less than a cat in your heart~"
"Yes," Xilin admitted, giggling.
They sat in the bakery, with Yue Bo still in Xilin's arms.
"Yue Bo, my favorite food is caramel pudding. It's delicious. I want you to try it too."
"I've tried it. It's good," Yue Bo replied.
"Really! Then from now on, Xilin and Yue Bo will enjoy caramel pudding every day!"
"You can't eat too much, Xilin. What if you get fat? Then no one will want you."
Xilin pouted adorably.
"You won't get fat," Yue Bo said with a grin.
"All right, all right. Even if you do, I'll be with you," Yue Bo added playfully.
Xilin, slightly annoyed by the teasing, grabbed Yue Bo's tail and began playing with it.
"W-wait… X-Xilin… you promised not to touch my tail like that!"
"You made fun of me earlier, Yue Bo. Now you must be punished."
"No… I was wrong, please stop, Xilin… ha… uu."
Bella watched, amazed, as the girl and cat played without a care, their antics irresistibly cute.
"Darn, I want a cute cat like that too!" she thought, noting Yue Bo's weaknesses for later.
"Tonight, it'll be mine. Wait… don't be impatient. The cute cat will belong to me tonight!"
As dusk fell, Yue Bo nudged Xilin to hurry back to the orphanage.
"All right, I understand."
"Bella, we need to go back, or we'll miss dinner."
Xilin pulled Bella along as they ran.
Bella, realizing time was tight, cut through a narrow alley to save time.
"This way is faster."
"Xilin, that light over there is too bright."
"Stop, Xilin! There's fire at the orphanage. Turn back immediately and head to the police station at the corner!"
"Quickly!"
Yue Bo's urgent voice echoed in Xilin's mind.
She turned around and saw three strangers blocking their path.
One masked figure spoke coldly into a radio:
"Fifth Squad has located the target. Initiating retrieval."