Enraged Man: Wow, look at all these people! We should've come earlier. I can hardly see a thing from here.
Woman: And whose fault is that? You're the one who took ages to get ready. Anyway, at least we haven't missed much. Looks like it just started.
Woman: I heard there's a new event this year. I wonder what it is.
Enraged Man: Not an event. A film crew's shooting a scene during the parade. Apparently, they already talked to Mr. Zhōu and said they wouldn't cause any trouble.
Enraged Man: Let's go check it out. Maybe we can get into one of the shots.
This is the busiest time of year in Chinatown. The streets are filled to the brim.
But for those with keen eyes, some outliers can be spotted among the crowd.
Arcane Affairs Officer I: This is C2. All clear.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: Copy. Group C, all clear. No sign of target. All units stay in position.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: I wonder how the vigil girl and Elden are doing.
Having ended the transmission, the officer glances toward a Chinese restaurant at the street corner.
Despite the bustling crowd, the sign on its door reads "CLOSED."
Deputy Chief Elden?: ...
Deputy Chief Elden?: Do I really have to go outside like this?
Deputy Chief Elden stands awkwardly in front of the mirror as he stares at the brightly colored traditional outfit he's adorned in.
The man across from him sneers, shattering his last shred of hope to be saved from it.
Private Investigator: No, you need to paint your face, too. I'm not gonna let you join the parade looking like a weirdo.
Private Investigator: You're the one who said that the parade needed guards in case there was an attack. Have you changed your mind? I'd be more than happy to kick you outta here.
Private Investigator: Sorry, but your profiling and BAU report seemed like a load of crap to me. If someone does attack the parade, I'm sure we can handle it ourselves.
Deputy Chief Elden: Listen, I won't pretend to understand the meaning behind all this. But what I do understand is that this is one of the most important events of the year for the people of Chinatown.
Deputy Chief Elden: The target could strike at any time, so we need to be prepared. No one wants to see a celebration turn into a nightmare.
Private Investigator: Why didn't you say that to your men? They are the ones who've ignored the Chinatown all this time.
Private Investigator: What a hypocrite.
He glares at the officers with clear distrust in his eyes. But before tensions can rise anymore, the girl beside him cuts in with a smile.
An-an Lee: Aiyah, Uncle Zhōu, today's our big day. That sour face of yours is gonna scare these guys straight off.
An-an Lee: Leave the past in the past lah. They are doing this for the right reasons. What've we got to lose?
An-an Lee: Besides, we could really use a hand right now. They can make up for our manpower shortage.
An-an Lee: Now, give me a biiig smile lah, before your long face scares off our good fortune.
Private Investigator: You. Always a sweet talker, aren't you, An-an?
He huffs and glares but eventually waves it off.
Private Investigator: Fine, but you've got to look the part if you're gonna be in the parade. I don't care what your mission is.
Private Investigator: Wai, you, Blondie! Tighten your belt, or your pants will fall down when you dance. And big guy over there! The lining should be under your coat.
The famed Chinatown investigator yells corrections to the officers as they do their best to don the traditional attire. His tone is sharp but surprisingly patient.
Seeing his "old friend" much mellowed from before, Elden removes his garish headpiece and turns to An-an.
Deputy Chief Elden: Thanks for all your help, Ms. Lee.
Deputy Chief Elden: We never would've been able to join the parade unnoticed if you hadn't persuaded the residents to cooperate with us.
An-an Lee: You're welcome lah, Ā sir.
An-an Lee: Even though I only came here a few months ago, I've already gotten pretty close to the residents, so it was pretty easy to convince everyone. Don't worry about it lah.
An-an Lee: Besides, the Shèhuǒ Parade is for everyone. Whether they are here to watch or dance, we are always happy to have more people join the celebration.
An-an Lee: Uncle Zhōu might be a little stubborn, but, you know gah-lah, that's just what he's like. Don't take it personally.
She turns her head, gesturing toward a few unfamiliar faces at the other end of the restaurant.
An-an Lee: These guys are arcane detectives and influential people around Chinatown. I told them to all keep an eye out too.
An-an Lee: There's a saying in Hong Kong, "As stupid as the God of Longevity who hangs himself!" Hahah! That will be Nightpiercer if she comes anywhere near Chinatown.
Elden nods before gently shaking his head with a complex expression.
Deputy Chief Elden: I know everyone here will be grateful if Nightpiercer doesn't show up, but then we'll still have a dangerous criminal with an equally dangerous arcane item on the loose.
Deputy Chief Elden: Nothing's more dangerous than an unexploded bomb. I want to eliminate the threat once and for all.
Deputy Chief Elden: The question is, will she come? Was the little vigil right?
Late last night, Liáng knocked on Elden's office door. She had returned from her morning rejection with renewed determination.
Liang Yue: The Shèhuǒ Parade, sir.
At that time, the Division of Arcane Affairs was still brightly lit, with most officers racking their brains to track down Qí Xīng without success.
That was when Liáng had stormed in with her "important collaborator," ignoring the puzzled glances from her colleagues, and slammed a thick stack of reports onto his desk.
Liang Yue: Ms. Noire isn't like any of Qí Xīng's previous targets. She's much more important.
Liang Yue: Ms. Qí Xīng still can't accept the way Ms. Noire ended Detective C07 III. That's her motive.
Liang Yue: The ending consists of two major elements: the Shèhuǒ Parade and a villain who should've been punished.
Liang Yue: She now sees Noire as that villain, and she's going to attack her at the coming Shèhuǒ Parade.
Liang Yue: That will be our chance to arrest her.
Deputy Chief Elden: The Shèhuǒ Parade? Do you have any idea what you're suggesting?
The sheer thickness of the report is intimidating. Elden skims through it before casting a questioning look at the unexpected visitor Liáng had dragged in.
The visitor nods.
Noire: Don't worry, sir.
Noire: I'd be happy to cooperate as bait.
Noire: Ā Xīng will come. I promise.
The sound of the back door opening breaks Elden's thoughts. He looks up to see Poitier pushing Noire's wheelchair inside, Loggerhead following closely behind.
Noire: As far as I can remember, she's never been late to anything.
Poitier: Chief, why aren't you dressed up? I've been looking forward to it all day.
Loggerhead: Wow! So many people! I'll make sure I capture some great memories of this.
Noire remains her usual unruffled self, while Poitier teases her colleagues, and Loggerhead eagerly looks around.
Elden sighs and rubs his forehead.
Deputy Chief Elden: I understand that the festival atmosphere is exciting, but you ladies need to remember that we're not here to celebrate. There's a tough fight ahead of us.
Deputy Chief Elden: Poitier, you sure you're healed up?
Poitier: Of course, Chief. You've approved my participation in this operation. It's too late to take it back now.
Elden looks her over. Clearly she's alive and well, but he still carries concern on his face. Eventually, he sighs and nods.
Deputy Chief Elden: What about Ms. Latham?
Deputy Chief Elden: You've been proven innocent, and I heard the Foundation told you to await orders. There's no reason for you to be here.
Elden's words draw everyone's attention to Loggerhead. Her head twitches slightly.
Loggerhead: Yeah, but it'd be weird to stay in my room alone when everyone's out here, don't you think?
Loggerhead: Anyway, I'm waiting for Scott to wake up from her coma. I wanna ask her why she stole from the Foundation and pinned it on me.
Loggerhead: I need to know what she thinks about me and our friendship.
Loggerhead: If I let you guys do all the work while I just wait in my room, I won't be able to question her without feeling insecure.
Loggerhead: I know I might not be all that helpful, but I'll do everything I can.
The camera lens almost seems to flash with something resembling a plea.
Noire: Ms. Latham's being modest.
Noire: As a staff member of the Arcanum Containment Department, she knows how to deal with that film reel better than any of us.
Noire: She may forget things, but she still has a wealth of knowledge. Her experience might just make the difference between failure and success.
Deputy Chief Elden: Alright, you've got a point. Ms. Latham, thanks for lending us your expertise.
Elden finally nods. Loggerhead lights up.
Loggerhead: Great! Just leave it to me. I can deal with the film.
Loggerhead: I've rewatched all my related memories, so I remember every detail, even down to the scratches on its surface.
With Loggerhead officially permitted to join, the final member of the operation team is the last to arrive.
Liang Yue: There you are.
Liang Yue: Everyone was gone when I left the changing room. I thought something was ...
Liang Yue: What's wrong?
An-an Lee: Waaah! The costume fits you so well. Fancy wor. It doesn't even look like a costume. Much fancier than that.
An-an Lee: You're like the best parade dancer I've ever seen. There's no way the Nightpiercer will spot you.
An-an Lee: Look at her, Uncle Zhōu. So cool ah-hor?
The Chinatown investigator scrutinizes Liáng from head to toe before letting out a derisive snort.
Private Investigator: Is that the Liáng's family ritual dress? Let me see. Hmm. Good, you're wearing it right. Nice to know that at least some kids remember their traditions. You better not dishonor your family wearing this, kid.
Deputy Chief Elden: My thoughts exactly.
Deputy Chief Elden: Everything's in place. You sure you can perform this time, vigil? I don't want a repeat of last time.
Deputy Chief Elden: The alley out back's empty. Show us what you've got.
He gestures to the officers, motioning them to line up before Liáng.
Each officer stands tall and imposing, forming what feels like a solid wall before Liáng. Refusing to shy away, she squares her shoulders and meets their gazes head-on.
Liang Yue: Yes, sir. I will prove myself to you.
COMBAT
Deputy Chief Elden: Looks like I've got nothing to worry about. You're ready, kid.
He rolls up his sleeve and checks the time on his watch.
Deputy Chief Elden: Parade's starting soon. I'll go get dressed. The rest of you—
Noire: I need to talk to Ms. Liáng. Could you give us a moment?
Poitier: Don't be late.
Poitier glances at them before following the others back inside.
The alley suddenly feels empty.
Liáng waits quietly for Noire to speak, but she never does. She simply stares at the distant lights, as if the revelry and noise belonged to another world.
Eventually, Liáng can wait no longer.
Liang Yue: Why me, Ms. Noire?