Sunday, around midnight, the ex-Scions of Odin’s headquarters came under siege. Bodies littered the compound amongst the partially destroyed rooms. A few dozen people stood guard at the sizable entrance in nondescript combat suits, similar yet different to Aegis. The concrete was marred with a dark stain of blood, the only remaining evidence of the battle that had taken place. In a grand feasting hall with an equally grand throne, battle still raged. Bodies, upturned tables, chairs, and further carnage surrounded the center in front of the throne. Over a dozen nondescript people stood at the entrances, with some periodically joining the fray. Tyr cut down a foe with a transarm Zweihander. He wore a similar Norse-influenced Aegis suit to Freya’s, along with a half-helm. Eight similarly dressed men and women fought at his flanks. A pile of bodies had formed near him. He panted in exhaustion beneath his blood-stained gear.

  “Alright! That’s enough for now!” a voice yelled.

  A man emerged from the crowds in an Aegis suit without a helmet. He had a slim, athletic build. He had graying slicked back hair and sharp features reminiscent of Tyr. He had a cold, unsettling gaze even amidst the chaos of the room. Those engaged in combat around Tyr did not pursue at his command as their assailants backed away. While most took the reprieve to catch their breath, one rushed toward the approaching man. The man stared at Tyr with a grin. Tyr reached toward the subordinate who had splintered off, but exhaustion prevented any chance of intercepting. He propped himself up with the Zweihander. With nary a glance, the man threw a transarm dagger at the would-be assassin once they were within a few arms length. They fell dead with the dagger piercing their throat. The man started clapping.

  “Tyr!” the man said. Tyr grimaced at his fallen subordinate before meeting the gaze of the man. His eyes widened in faint surprise. He brushed away a bit of blood dripping from his fore helm.

  “Loki?” Tyr asked in disbelief.

  “Aye, brother. It’s been so very long. Despite you being out of the arena for ages, I see you haven’t faltered in your training. Tara Aesir indeed! Look at the carnage you’ve wrought. I thought for sure you’d have died by now from our little raid. But! I’m glad to see I was wrong.”

  “What’s going on? Why’re you here?” Tyr paused for a breath. “Where—?”

  “Ah, age. Gets us all, doesn’t it? Even the almighty All-Father.” Loki laughed. He spoke with emphatic hand gestures. “Worry not. I’ll answer some out of respect for your valiant efforts. Even impressed you still have a few subordinates with a spine. I’ll let them live too, should our negotiation play out well. You can all rest until then.”

  Tyr coughed up some blood. He then spat out more as he stood upright. He clutched a wound at his side with a grimace. With one hand, he gripped the Zweihander hilt, while he used the other to apply pressure to the wound.

  “Speak.”

  “Hmm. You’re almost just as I remember, brother. Bit less expressive, though? Heard about that. Grim. I’ve missed you, though, honest. I would’ve approached you if I thought your loyalty to Odin or Freya could be severed. Alas, I’m sure your other brothers existence wouldn’t have allowed such betrayal, anyway. But, to the point then, shall we? I’d like you to submit to me. I’ll ensure the safety of all those still left standing, along with your brothers, of course.” Loki observed Tyr with a cunning gaze. “Your brow furrowed and a bit of a scowl? So muted.” He shook his head. “Allow me to assuage any fears you have. We won’t touch your brothers no matter our discussion. I’m not our miserable excuse for a father. I wouldn’t threaten my family’s family.”

  “Why’re you here? Why now?”

  Loki sighed. “Need some back-story, huh? Finee. I won’t fault you for not realizing, since we went rather incognito in this raid. It is the Lyrsigoths who have laid you low. Of course, I am their illustrious, hidden, leader. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. I really wanted to kill off Freya in the arena, but she just wouldn’t bite. Then I could’ve reclaimed Odin without all this.” He gestured around. “Not gonna lie, was looking forward to surprising you and Fenrir. Such a shame. I’d even once had a grand design for killing the All-Father, but he went and died in such a disappointing way. How exactly did Odin die? Was it really old age? Please tell me that was only a cover story?”

  “Freya poisoned him over time. He refused to accept he was sick,” Tyr said.

  Loki burst out in laughter while clapping. Tyr’s subordinates looked toward him in shock. “Good for her! Ahh, it’s so great to know he suffered at the end! Maybe I would’ve liked her? Alas, you’re ‘Abyss’ now.” He shook his head. “Although, your loyal follower’s faces tell me they had no clue?”

  “I covered it up. Not even Freya knew I did.”

  “You chose Freya over Odin? Well, not that I can blame you. Does that mean you two were—?” Loki stopped himself. His mannerisms showed he had received a call via his IRIS. “Hold that thought, brother.”

  Reina spoke directly to Tyr via his helmet. “Finally! They must’ve turned off their jamming equipment for some reason. Tyr, can you hear me? I’ll let Yuna know and she should be there any minute. Fenrir unfortunately just said ‘if I feel like it’ and wouldn’t return further calls. I can’t get ahold of Priscilla or Aelfric. But—.”

  Tyr covered his mouth as if coughing. “Can’t talk.”

  “Will have to wait for another time,” Loki lamented, “been reminded I’ve got a schedule to keep. We’re getting off track.”

  “What’s your endgame here, Loki? There’s no way the council will allow this. What do you have to gain? They make examples of those who break their rules. Surely you’ve not forgotten?”

  “A fair concern. However, with recent developments, the underworld’s in utter chaos, wouldn’t you say? They’re absolutely scrambling with all the fallout of Sparta, and now Odin, plus etcetera. Then the fake assassination? That was something. Whew. Anyway, you needn’t worry about me. I happen to have the backing of Akane. Yes, that Akane. She grew tired of Odin years ago and has been fostering the Lyrsigoths ever since. After I wrap up everything tonight, she’ll fully back a re-establishment of Odin. Don’t you see? The council will welcome me with open arms to stabilize this part of the city so they can worry about those ‘Mechana’ nut jobs.”

  “Hm” Tyr grunted.

  “I really do need to be going. So, what’s your answer? It’s not like you should have any loyalty to Abyss. Why not join with your long-lost brother to reforge our father’s failed legacy? What could be better revenge against that tyrant than making people forget he ever existed? They’ll come to only know me as Odin, and my right hand Tyr will gain the recognition he has long deserved.”

  “If I agree, what happens next? How will you deal with the rest of Abyss once they get here? I notified them before your jamming coverage was full.”

  Loki chuckled. “That’s the best part, dear brother. If you just say yes, it’s basically all over. We jammed communications for just that bit of extra psychological attack. All of Abyss’ manpower comes from the former Legion. And guess what? Their matriarch Priscilla is waiting for me right now with the rest of the Lyrsigoths. She’s agreed to wed and become the new Freya. You ever think I’d get married?”

  “No.”

  “Right? Honestly, thought about marrying her daughter instead, but Priscilla’s still a real looker and I’d rather not get on her bad side. Now, technically, we have to go wipe out some small-time syndicate part of Abyss if they don’t bend the knee right away. Can’t even remember their name. Hence her waiting for me. She obviously holds a grudge since they lost to someone from them to get roped into Abyss. She also wants to get her son back, or something. I’m kinda murky on the details.” Loki shrugged.

  “And what will you do about that ‘someone’? What about the leader of Abyss?”

  “This isn’t a council-sanctioned duel, brother. Their skill will mean nothing against overwhelming numbers. Same goes for the leader if he hasn’t run off. That Aelfric guy’s an enigma, I’ll admit. Priscilla couldn’t even tell me much. Figured we’d kill him here, but? Maybe you know something?”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Tyr shook his head. “I know nothing of Aelfric’s whereabouts.”

  “Eh, whatever.” Loki shrugged. “So, that a yes from you? Priscilla’s the impatient type. I’d like to get going.”

  “One question.”

  “Hurry it up.”

  “You were the one who brought the ‘Freyas’ to Odin, correct?”

  “Why’re you bringing this up all of a sudden? Yeah, what about it?”

  “Do you still traffic in lives?”

  “Of course, such easy credits. How you think I got Lyrsigoths big enough to get approached by Akane?”

  Tyr stood, no longer using the Zweihander for support as he lifted it with one arm. He blinked deeply as he inhaled. To think I would face such a test so early on this path I’ve chosen.

  Several days earlier, Tyr cleaned the vandalized grave of Freya in a small man-made forest. The forest stood in a corner of the Odin compound outside the headquarters. He received a call via his IRIS.

  “Tyr?” Reina asked. “Aelfric’s on the line, as requested. What’s this about?”

  “Thank you, Miss Reina,” Tyr said. “Boss Aelfric, I have a request.”

  “I’m listening,” Aelfric said.

  “I’ve heard that Abyss has strictly forbidden all human trafficking. Is this correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Please allow me to enforce this law on Abyss’ behalf. I swear upon Freya’s grave to mercilessly bring an end to it in Lyrsium.”

  A brief silence passed. “Granted, so long as it does not take precedence over your other duties.”

  “Understood, sir, thank you.” Aelfric left the call. “Thank you, again, Reina.”

  “Sure.”

  “I’m glad I took your advice of being succinct. He was quick to accept, as you said. This will allow me to atone, if only a little.”

  Back at Odin HQ, Tyr exhaled, steeling a resolve in his eyes. “I’ve sworn an oath to show no mercy to your kind, even if you’re my brother.”

  “What’re you—?”

  Suddenly, a section of wall off to the side of the hall fell inward with a crash, grabbing everyone’s attention. Yuna, in full Abyss Aegis, emerged from the debris cloud in a full sprint toward Tyr. She looked as if she were preparing to attack him. Reina spoke to her via comms.

  “Stop Yuna! Tyr didn’t betray us!”

  Yuna came to an awkward stop some distance away. “What? But you said—? Are you sure?”

  “Trust me!”

  “Argh,” Yuna grumbled as she looked toward Loki. “Can I dropkick that guy? I was really looking forward to it.”

  “No, just follow Tyr’s lead, please. That’s his brother Loki.”

  “And who is this?” Loki asked, both him and Tyr looked at Yuna fidgeting. “One of yours?” He glanced at Tyr. “No, wait, that armor? Someone from Abyss made it here?” He appeared to interact with his IRIS.

  “Name’s Hel. I’m here to deliver you all to the afterlife!” Yuna declared as she pointed a transarm axe at Loki, who had several others approaching from behind him. He ignored her as he conversed in a call.

  Reina had patched Tyr into Yuna’s comms. “As in, the goddess of the underworld?”

  “Huh? Oh, Tyr. Yeah, not bad, right? Figured I should call myself something relevant.”

  “Okay.”

  “You don’t like it? It was the declaration, wasn’t it?” Yuna clicked her tongue. Much more cringe out loud than I expected.

  Loki laughed, grabbing their attention. “Reinforcements have arrived for you, brother. A single woman.” He laughed more. “Even if she’s a skilled protégé, you can’t really expect to live outnumbered over three to one?” Tyr breathed in and out in a cycle. Loki faced him in full, with Yuna barely in his peripheral. “I’ll forget whatever you were babbling about and give you one last chance.”

  Tyr ceased his breaths as Yuna rapidly approached Loki. “Stop Hel! He’s baiting you!”

  Yuna primed herself for a flying dropkick until Loki turned to her in an instant. Three transarm knives soared toward her. She blocked one at her neck with a transarm axe. Another pierced her cybernetic forearm, while the last penetrated her opposite shoulder. The next moment, Tyr closed the distance to Loki and swung his Zweihander. Loki dodged while throwing another knife into Tyr’s thigh. Tyr swung again, causing Loki to dodge further away.

  “Tsk tsk.” Loki mocked. “Poorly trained, this one? Disappointing, Tyr.” Loki deflected a knife thrown from Yuna, who had pulled out the one in her arm.

  “You motherfucker.” Yuna ripped the knife out of her shoulder as she started to move toward Loki. At the same time, Tyr tossed aside the knife from his thigh before dashing forward.

  “Don’t Hel. It must be me,” Tyr said. “I trust you to take care of the others.”

  Yuna stopped. “Ah, shit. Fuck, I’m gonna get so many earfuls.” She turned and whipped the knife in rage at an approaching Lyrsigoth. It hit them in the throat. “Aaand I missed. God damnit.”

  Earlier that night, Reina received a call from Tyr about the raid before being cut off. Yuna left while Reina confirmed she couldn’t access or communicate with Odin HQ. Dante sat alongside Reina-cat, per usual.

  “Yep, total dead zone at Odin looks like. By the way, Isn’t Yuna still healing?” Dante asked.

  Reina sighed. “Yes.”

  “Yet she didn’t hesitate for a second.” Dante shook his head. “I’ll never understand her. My gut hurt just looking at it when she showed it off.”

  “Arghhh. The closest cameras can’t even see anything going on! Dang it! I knew I should’ve sent Reina-bird with Yuna.”

  “Speaking of, when did Yuna get so persuasive? I know you wouldn’t stand in her way, anyway, but Celeste and Val kinda crumbled.”

  “Whose fault do you think that is?”

  “I dunno, who?”

  “You.”

  “Me?”

  “Who else is good at placating others and saying what they want to hear or can’t easily refute for a single-minded purpose? She learned it from you. ALTR.”

  “Oh… uhm, do you think Celeste and Val realize that?”

  “I doubt it. They’re not around you as much.”

  Dante breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew, do not wanna be on their bad sides.”

  “If you want it to stay that way, then contact your mother. I still can’t get ahold of Aelfric or Priscilla. What the hell is going on?”

  “Was that a threat?”

  “Yes.”

  “Understood.” Don’t wanna talk to Mom, but I don’t live with her, so lesser of two evils I suppose.

  Some time later, Reina screamed in frustration. She forgot to mute herself as she normally would. Dante jumped in his seat.

  “Still nothing?” Reina asked.

  “Nope.”

  “I can’t believe neither are answering at such a critical time. Yuna’s almost there, at least.”

  “Have her beat someone up to find the jammer.”

  “Good idea, I’m feeling so useless right now.” A short time passed as Reina contacted Yuna. A minute passed. “Hey, Dante.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Your mother’s really pretty, and Aelfric’s fairly handsome. Do you think they could be? You know?”

  Dante made a gagging sound. “C’mon, why would you say such a thing?”

  “Yuna said ‘maybe they fuckin’’. It’s valid.”

  “It’s not. I contacted all my siblings, too. Not even Augustus answered. They may be getting raided also.”

  “Oh, no. I—.”

  Suddenly, several blank screens lit up with activity of the Odin HQ. Dante and Reina quickly poured over the feeds to get a read on the situation. They confirmed with one another it looked dire. Dante pointed out Tyr’s encounter with Loki. Reina gave her message to Tyr. They then learned of Loki.

  “Tyr just said ‘Loki’, right, Dante? I didn’t mishear?”

  “Sounded like ‘Loki’ to me? Know them?”

  “Tyr has a missing brother named Loki. I stumbled across a relevant picture but don’t want to miss what’s being said. Could you let Yuna know?”

  “Huh…alright.”

  They listened to Loki’s response to Tyr. Several seconds after Loki mentioned Akane, multiple screens of Reina’s lit up with activity.

  “I thought so. Dante, look, we’re under cyber attack.” Dante looked at screens Reina singled out.

  “Oh, yeah. How’d we not even notice?”

  “They must’ve severely underestimated how much our network’s been upgraded. Unless they can pull in a lot more resources on short notice, our protections should hold without us.” They then heard Tyr say ‘if I agree’.

  “Well, shit. Guess I better let Yuna know? I’ve still got her ear.”

  “I want to believe Tyr wouldn’t betray us, but if it is his brother Loki…I’m not sure I can blame him. But, yes, warn Yuna she might be walking into all enemies.”

  Dante quickly notified Yuna until he heard ‘Priscilla’. “Ah, christ. It’s just a nonstop fuck you train tonight, isn’t it? I warned you all.” He braced himself for Reina to say something, yet there was only silence.

  I have to check, Reina thought. I can’t shake this feeling.

  One of Reina’s screens became a live feed of a hospital room. It displayed only one inhabitant, the comatose Leon Vyx, with all manner of medical devices leading to him. She breathed a sigh of relief. The feed remained on her screen as she snapped back to hearing Tyr speak. She caught the end of his declaration to Loki when Yuna made her appearance. His demeanor and words were plenty proof of his intent to cut down Loki.

  “Okay, that was a pretty cool entrance,” Dante said.

  “Do you still have her ear? Quick! Add me to the call. Hurry! Now!” Reina shouted at the sight of Yuna’s mad dash.

  The rare volume of Reina proved enough to hasten Dante’s actions. Thus, without delay, Reina was able to stop Yuna in time. Then, as she felt her heart race and adrenaline course at the crisis averted, her eyes focused to Leon’s feed. A woman doctor had entered. They approached Leon until the camera caught their eye. The woman stared at the camera for several seconds before exiting the room.

  I’ve never seen that doctor before, Reina thought. And that look? I have a really bad feeling. I need someone there. Who, though? Yuna could never get there in time. No one at Vyx could get there in time. Fuck! My gut… it’s getting worse by the second.

  Suddenly, Reina received a call from Aelfric. They both spoke at the same time, overlapping.

  “I require your aid. Leon may be in danger.”

  “Aelfric! Pa—, Leon’s in danger!”

  “We appear to be of the same mind, somehow.”

  “How do you know?”

  “That must wait, as I only have a small window. Connect to my IRIS posthaste. I’ve already sent you it.”

  “But—!”

  “Trust me, time is critical.”

  Reina soon saw what Aelfric saw. “What the—?”

  Aelfric stood in the open hatch of an autonomous drone several thousand feet above Lyrsium. The immense light output of the city below nearly chased away the night.

  “No time to spare, as you can see,” Aelfric said. “I need you to guide me to the correct building.”

  “What? How? What in the world are you—?”

  Aelfric jumped.