In the Pomefiore lounge, Epel luxuriated in the atmosphere, finding joy in listening to Kaiba as he regaled them with stories of his past experiences teaching the art of assassination to young candidates. Tokaku, however, appeared disinterested, feigning attention while her mind wandered elsewhere.
Mid-conversation, Tokaku's phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting the flow of the conversation with a brief notification sound. Mindful of privacy, she excused herself from the group, retreating to a secluded nook where she could review the message without any eavesdroppers. Opening her phone, she found a message from Jade, inquiring about the completion of their task to harvest the lanternblossoms.
Tokaku swiftly responded to Jade's message, affirming that she and Epel had successfully completed the assignment given to them by Crewel. As a result, they now found themselves in the illustrious Pomefiore, indulging in refreshing apple juices with Kaiba.
Jade, upon receiving Tokaku's reply, was taken aback by the mention of Kaiba's presence. Intrigued, he replied, seeking an explanation as to why the duplicitous mentor had joined them. Tokaku promptly reassured him in her message, explaining that Kaiba had expressed a keen interest in sampling Epel's family's homemade apple juice. In response, Epel had graciously invited him to his dormitory and treated him to a drink at the Pomefiore lounge. Reflecting on Tokaku's message, Jade paused to consider his next move. Ultimately, he texted Tokaku, expressing a sense of urgency and a desire to discuss something important. He also extended an invitation for both Tokaku and Epel to join him for a tea gathering in the Mostro Lounge. This way, Tokaku could leave her mentor's company while ensuring Epel's safety by not leaving him alone with Kaiba. Without delay, Tokaku readily agreed in her reply message, stating, "Alright, I'll go now."
She placed her phone securely in the pocket of her blazer. Tokaku approached Epel with some news. "I apologize, Epel. Jade just sent me a text message. He expressed his desire to invite you to a tea gathering."
"Really? I would love to go, but what about Kaiba? It wouldn't be polite to leave him behind," Epel replied.
Kaiba overheard the conversation and reassured Epel. "Oh, don't worry about me. I was actually planning to leave soon. I have a lot of paperwork that needs to be taken care of," he said as he stood up from the couch.
"Thank you for spending time with us and indulging in my family's apple juice, sir. We'll see you soon," Epel bid farewell to the Mathematics professor.
"Oh, but we're meeting again tomorrow. Bidding farewell seems unnecessary, doesn't it?" Kaiba remarked, touched by Epel's words. "Since you've been such a good student, how about I treat you to something in the future when I have some free time?" he suggested.
"I would love that, sir," Epel agreed.
Turning his attention to Tokaku, Kaiba noticed her intense gaze and folded arms. With a smug grin on his face, he approached her and gently patted her shoulder. "Don't misunderstand me. I will treat you as well. I treat all my students equally," he assured her. Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered, "Actually, I've already planned a treat for you. It's hidden in the woods behind the campus. You can retrieve it at any time, but I suggest doing it soon. I'm afraid it might get ruined if you don't fetch it promptly."
Tokaku listened intently, a sense of unease settling in her gut. It seemed that Kaiba had orchestrated something, potentially unpleasant, specifically for her. Despite her inability to fully identify the nature of it, she couldn't shake the feeling. As Kaiba departed, Tokaku's gaze remained fixed on him, a glint of suspicion in her eyes. Epel, standing beside her, could sense the intensity of her glare, despite her outwardly emotionless demeanor. With Kaiba gone, Tokaku gestured for Epel to follow her back to their dormitory. Epel complied, willingly joining her.
Following the instructions she had received from Jade via text, Tokaku led Epel to Octavinelle. She motioned for him to take a seat on the plush leather couch in the lounge while she went off in search of their house warden. Just in the nick of time, Tokaku found him in the kitchen, busy stirring tea in a delicate porcelain teapot. Placed to the side were scones, generously filled with red strawberry jam.
Approaching Jade, Tokaku offered her assistance in bringing the tea set to the lounge. Jade graciously accepted her offer, expressing his gratitude. However, before she could take the plate of scones, Jade remembered something important. He needed to discuss with her the idea of accompanying him to Diasomnia to meet with Lilia. With a hint of curiosity, he asked Tokaku, "Tokaku, I would like you to come with me to Diasomnia tomorrow after our afternoon shift. Would you be willing to join me?"
Curiosity peaked, Tokaku couldn't help but inquire, "Of course. But may I ask why you want me to come along?"
Jade explained, "The vice house warden at Diasomnia has expressed a desire to meet you. I assure you, there is no need to worry. He is my senior, and we are acquainted with each other as fellow vice house wardens."
Considering his explanation, Tokaku agreed, "I don't have any plans for tomorrow, so I will gladly accompany you to meet the vice house warden at Diasomnia."
Jade couldn't help but smile with relief. He was grateful that Tokaku understood and trusted him enough to join him without hesitation. With her permission granted, the two of them carried the tea set and treats, intended for their tea gathering with Epel. Jade held the teapot and three cups, while Tokaku carried the plate of scones. As they arrived in the lounge, they found Epel patiently waiting on the luxurious leather couch. Jade took the opportunity to apologize to the lilac-haired Pomefiore freshman for the delay they had caused. However, Epel kindly reassured him that he didn't mind waiting, understanding the need to prepare for their tea gathering.
Jade graciously served the tea, just as Tokaku served the scones on the coffee table. He then handed a cup of tea to Epel, gesturing for him to take a sip. Epel graciously accepted the cup and took a sip. Jade and Tokaku joined him, creating a convivial atmosphere during their tea gathering. However, in the midst of their tea party, their tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Leona Kingscholar, the Savanaclaw house warden, and Ruggie Bucchi in the lounge. Jade, Tokaku, and Epel were taken aback by their unexpected arrival.
"Hmph. It appears we have interrupted a pleasant tea party," Leona scoffed.
"Leona, what brings you here? Is there a specific reason you have come to Octavinelle?" Jade inquired of the Savanaclaw house warden.
"Not at all. Not that I have any interest in the octo punk's potion. I am here solely to ask your blue friend if she knows Jack's whereabouts," Leona replied.
"Isn't he out for his evening run?" Tokaku questioned.
"Yes, that was the plan. However, it is well past the time he should have returned to Savanaclaw after finishing his run," Ruggie responded.
Tokaku glanced at the time on her phone screen. "Yes, it is already past his usual running time."
"Did Jack not inform any of you where he intended to go before he left for his evening run?" Epel asked.
Ruggie shook his head. "No, he did not. That is why we are asking if any of you know where he might be now."
"I haven't seen Jack this evening either," Epel stated.
"Well, it seems that no one has any idea of Jack's whereabouts," Ruggie sighed.
Upon hearing that her friend Jack was missing, Tokaku was suddenly overcome with a sense of unease. She recalled what Kaiba had whispered to her before leaving the Pomefiore house. "Actually, I have a surprise planned for you. It is hidden in the woods behind the campus. You can retrieve it at any time, but I suggest doing so soon. I fear it may be ruined if you do not fetch it promptly."
Startled by her mentor's words, Tokaku stood up, surprising everyone in the lounge.
"Pardon me. I need to go find Jack," Tokaku announced.
"Allow us to accompany you. It would be best if we split up to search for Jack," Jade suggested.
"I'm with Jade on this. Let's find him together, Tokaku," Epel agreed.
"I wholeheartedly agree!" Tokaku exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Let's divide our efforts and search for Jack both inside and outside of the school grounds. We will stop at nothing to ensure his safety," Leona confidently declared.
With that, the group split up and dispersed across the campus, meticulously searching for any sign of Jack. Tokaku took the lead, with Jade dutifully following her instructions, as she believed that she may have a clue as to Jack's whereabouts. Together, they ventured into the woods behind the campus. Tokaku's keen sense of smell led her to detect Jack's scent in the air. Without hesitation, she followed the scent with Jade close behind. Soon enough, they stumbled upon an object lying on the ground. Tokaku swiftly picked it up and recognized it as Jack's signature brown choker with a white fang pendant. It was a clear indicator that they were on the right track. Tokaku scanned her surroundings, taking in every detail of the woods while still sniffing for Jack's scent. To her surprise, she noticed a shovel leaning against a tree trunk. Its presence startled her, as it should have been stored inside the botanical garden garage. Curiosity got the better of her, so she approached the shovel and lifted it, only to find traces of dirt on its scoop. At that moment, Jade caught up to Tokaku, panting from chasing after her.
"Tokaku, what did you find there?" Jade inquired, looking at her with curiosity.
Tokaku showed him the shovel.
"How did a shovel end up here when it's supposed to be stored in the botanical garden garage?" Jade questioned, perplexed.
"I'm not sure," Tokaku replied. "But it appears that someone has recently been digging here." She then directed her gaze to the ground beneath the tree trunk where the shovel was rested. Tokaku crouched down and sniffed at the ground, her eyes widening in surprise as she detected a strong scent of Jack. "Jade, help me dig in this spot!" she urgently commanded her loyal vice house warden.
Without hesitation, Jade rushed to her side, took the shovel, and began digging into the ground. As they dug deeper, a pair of wolf ears suddenly emerged. Despite the surprise, Jade continued to dig until Jack was fully exposed, buried in the ground.
"Jack!" Tokaku cried out, frantically scratching at the dirt. Jade assisted in lifting Jack out of the hole, placing him gently on the grass. Tokaku shook him vigorously, desperately trying to wake him up. "Jack! Jack! Please, wake up!" she pleaded with her dear friend. However, Jack remained unresponsive, his eyes closed. Watching her friend lie unconscious, memories of her aunt's tragic murder flooded Tokaku's mind, filling her with fear. She shook her head, silently praying for Jack to stay with her. "No, Jack. Please don't leave. You have to wake up, Jack!"
Tokaku called out for Jack repeatedly, yet he remained motionless. This heartbreaking situation reminded her of the painful memory of her aunt lying on the ground after being stabbed by her grandmother. Tears welled up in Tokaku's eyes, and she had to cover her mouth to stifle her sobs. She reached out and touched Jack's face, gently resting her forehead against his. "Please, Jack! Don't leave me. I've had enough of people leaving me. Please, don't leave," she pleaded through her tears. Jade watched silently, taken aback by this raw display of emotion, a side of Tokaku he had never seen before.
"You are my friend, Jack. Friends never leave each other, remember? Please, don't leave me! I'm begging you," Tokaku continued to cry out.
"Please... Come back to me, my friend," she sobbed desperately. Her tears dripped onto Jack's eyes.
Miraculously, his eyes fluttered open. Slowly, they regained focus. "Tokaku?" Jack's weak voice whispered. Finally, he regained consciousness. Tokaku's heart leaped with joy and relief at the sound of his voice. "Jack!" she exclaimed, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude that he was alive.
Jack sat on the ground while Jade helped him, and Tokaku approached to inquire about what had happened. Jack proceeded to explain that he had just finished his evening run when he unexpectedly bumped into Kaiba. Despite this chance encounter, Kaiba requested his assistance, and Jack, unable to refuse, agreed to help. Together, they ventured into the woods behind the campus, following the guidance of the new professor. It wasn't long before they reached the spot where Tokaku had sensed Jack's presence and discovered a surprisingly large hole. This sight left Jack bewildered, causing him to question who could have created such a profound cavity. Kaiba, equally taken aback, confessed that he was also shocked when he stumbled upon the enormous hole during his wanderings in the woods. Being unable to fill the hole on his own due to its size and the time required, the professor sought Jack's help. Without hesitation, Jack agreed to assist in burying the vast cavity. Kaiba expressed his gratitude and even provided Jack with a shovel for the task. Additionally, he handed him a bottle of energy water, as he called it, which Jack willingly accepted. Trusting Kaiba's words, Jack consumed the drink. However, shortly after consuming the energy drink, Jack was overcome by a severe headache, leaving him dizzy and causing him to lose consciousness.
As Tokaku and Jade listened intently, they began to piece together what had happened to Jack. They realized that while he was unconscious, Kaiba had placed him in the large hole and buried him alive, having drugged him to ensure his incapacitation. However, they chose not to disclose this horrifying truth to Jack as he regained consciousness. Tokaku's countenance grew somber, her sad expression not escaping Jack's notice. It was the first time he had witnessed her reveal such deep sorrow.
"Tokaku, why the melancholy expression?" Jack inquired, his concern evident.
Tokaku shook her head, fighting back tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. Although her eyes were still moist, she denied her sadness, quickly wiping away any visible signs of distress. "I'm not sad, Jack," she replied, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and unspoken empathy. "Let's make our way back to Savanaclaw now."
Tokaku and Jade assisted Jack in standing, supporting him as they made their way slowly and cautiously to his dormitory. While strolling along the pathway, they unexpectedly encountered Leona, Ruggie, and Epel, who were taken aback to see Jack accompanied by the two.
"Jack!" Epel called out, approaching his friend. "Are you okay? Where were you? You had us worried sick when you disappeared without a trace," he inquired, genuinely concerned about Jack's well-being.
Clearing his throat loudly, Leona interjected, "Ahem! Those questions were meant for me since I am his house warden."
"Forget it, Leona. At least Jack is safe and unharmed," Ruggie reassured him.
Sighing, Leona turned to Tokaku and Jade to inquire about the location where they found Jack. The two informed him that they discovered him unconscious in the woods behind the campus. Hearing that his resident had been unconscious prior to Tokaku and Jade finding him left Leona stunned. He even questioned Jack about what had happened, but Jack shook his head, claiming to have no recollection of why he had lost consciousness in the woods. Realizing it was already nighttime, Leona decided to give up on further investigating the situation Jack had faced. He offered to accompany Jack back to their dorm, but Jack declined. However, Leona ignored his refusal, insisting that he wouldn't welcome a helpless puppy in his dorm if Jack continued to reject his assistance. Eventually, Jack relented, much to Ruggie's amusement. Ruggie grinned and chuckled, enjoying witnessing Leona's compassionate side, which he usually kept hidden. Jade excused himself and Tokaku, and they returned to Octavinelle, while Leona, Ruggie, and Jack headed back to Savanaclaw. Even Epel returned to Pomefiore.
Inside Octavinelle, Jade noticed how quiet Tokaku had become. He observed her gaze lowered, indicating her sorrow following the events involving Jack. As for Tokaku herself, she secretly blamed herself, regretting not heeding Kaiba's words. She should have acted immediately upon receiving her mentor's message, but she failed to comprehend it and only managed to save her friend later on. Thankfully, Jack miraculously regained consciousness, which was a great relief to her. She was grateful that they hurriedly searched for him in the woods behind the campus. However, the fear of losing her cherished friend still lingered within her.