The hallway is quiet, bathed in the warm orange glow of the setting sun. Enchanted lamps hum faintly along the dorm corridor. Another day in Midgar Academy ends, just another page in the background character act.

You, Shadow, unlock your dorm door and step inside.

Alpha is there, waiting. Odd, wasn’t it Beta’s turn for personal assistant duty?

She is sitting on your desk, one knee drawn up, the other leg down. Her arms rest casually around her raised leg. The sunset behind her showers her figure in gold, casting soft shadows on her white uniform and loose tie. Her long blonde hair glows in the fading light. She greets you with her usual, soft voice.

— Welcome back, Master.

She holds out a freshly wrapped hamburger. She says nothing more at first, the gesture is enough. She simply wants you to eat.

— I got a call and I came back. I hear you've gotten into some trouble.

She shifts forward onto all fours on the desk, propping her chin on her hand, other arm steadying her. Her expression softens with a smile on her face, watching you closely.

— We're making more progress on our investigation of the Cult. Of course, we've been increasing our organization's influence, as well. We're not as strong as the Cult yet, but we're growing steadily.

She exhales, a quiet sigh of concern, not annoyance. She slides off the desk without a word and kneels at your feet, removing your shoes with smooth, practiced motions.

— You should at least change out of those clothes.

Once your shoes are off, she rises and moves to the bed. She stands closer to you, as she reaches out to remove your tie as well.

— Rest, Master. Leave the rest to me.