Aelfric, Dante, Griff, Reina, and Yuna sat at a roundtable on the moon. They appeared in a similar ALTRscape to where Aelfric reported to Artemis. They all looked like themselves.

  “If you’d prefer a different ALTRscape, let me know,” Aelfric said. “As we are locally hosted, security isn’t a concern. This was chosen for its distinct lack of distraction. Let us begin. First, may I inquire as to why Griff is here?”

  “On behalf of Celeste,” Griff said. “Spying for her, basically. You can also consider me a new underling. Not that I have much choice in the matter. It’s this or twiddling my thumbs until I can prove to Celeste I won’t relapse.”

  “You shoulda seen it.” Yuna chuckled. “Decrepit old fox actually tried to just sneak out the front. Mom laid down the law hard. Masterclass guilt trip. Had him looking like a scared puppy.”

  “Ah, yes,” Aelfric said. “I’m familiar with Celeste’s rule of if you come to her for help, depending on the severity, you are beholden to her.”

  “Hold on,” Reina said. “That makes it sound much worse than it is. Mama only wants her time respected. Especially with substance abuse cases like Uncle Griff’s. She devotes herself to their care to an unhealthy degree and certainly did that for him.”

  “Missed out a few breakfasts because of you,” Yuna said.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Griff grumbled. “I know that’s a roundabout way of telling me I should be grateful. I didn’t refute Celeste back then exactly because I couldn’t. Plus, I was only gonna go home anyway, but she threatened to have Reina and Yuna hunt me down. And this psycho brat,” he pointed at Yuna, “would use that as an excuse to fight me.”

  “Damn right, you fuckin’ miserable old goat. If you’d just sack up and stop being a little bitch already.”

  “I will tattle on you to Celeste.” Griff and Yuna went back and forth with insults.

  Reina sent a personal message to Aelfric. ‘Sorry. Griff bested Yuna a decade ago and won’t allow a rematch, so they bicker like this a lot. I’ll stop them.’

  Reina hit her fist on the table. The noise barely registered. “Enough! Behave you two, or you-know-what.”

  Griff and Yuna stopped, followed by disgruntled sighs. Dante, who’d zoned out, possibly even sleeping, became alert. Reina then received a private message from Yuna. ‘Did you hit your fist on the table? It made such a tiny sound! It was adorable! You gotta use a lot more force, my sweet, frail princess. You’re not frail here, remember?’ Several stickers followed her message. Reina met a grinning Yuna’s gaze before quickly looking away in embarrassment.

  “Moving along,” Aelfric said. “Is Griff privy to all circumstances?”

  “Yes, we ended up telling him,” Reina said. “He’s known Leon even longer than Celeste, so—.”

  Aelfric gestured. “No need to explain. I trust your judgment. I will speak freely then. As I’m sure you’ve realized, I was attending to my other duties that night. Though I would not be able to do anything differently given the chance, I apologize nonetheless. At the same time, I cannot help but feel vindicated in my choice of enlisting Yuna for this endeavor. Along with Reina’s irreplaceable involvement, I can scarcely imagine a scenario where I would have not lost everything we’ve gained up to that night without your actions. You have my deepest gratitude.” He bowed his head.

  “Eh.” Yuna shrugged. “You saved Pops, so we’ll call it even.”

  “Yes,” Reina said. “Even though you made it clear you would avoid dangerous situations, you—.” She paused. She appeared nauseous despite being in ALTR as the skydiving flashed in her mind. Yuna rubbed her back while chuckling.

  “You look like you’re about to throw up, even in here?” Yuna laughed. She looked at Aelfric. “She’s still traumatized from your jump.”

  “My apolo—,” Aelfric said. Yuna interrupted.

  “Nah, such a thing’s good for her.”

  Reina straightened up and pushed away Yuna. “I’ll be fine.”

  “See?”

  “I’ve been wondering, though, Aelfric, how’d you know?”

  “Once I reviewed communications I’d missed,” Aelfric said, “I obtained a rough understanding of what was happening. I had also received correspondence from staff at the hospital, who I’ve had on retainer to notify me of abnormal occurrences. Thus did I become aware of an unfamiliar doctor going from room to room claiming they were familiarizing themselves with the place.”

  “That was enough for you to take such a risk?”

  “The communication was already old, and I was passing over the hospital. The downside was simply too great to ignore. To risk staining Lady Diana’s honor in any way? Unthinkable. The only choice was to act.” The other four all exchanged glances with one another with a similar thought; ‘he’s dead serious?’.

  “Well, whatever,” Yuna said. “It’s badass what Pops did, but who knows what would’ve happened without you and Reina? ‘Preciate it.”

  “One of those things where you’re surprised and not surprised at the same time.” Griff chuckled. “In a coma, yet with the life the man’s lived, body moving on its own ain’t so shockin’.”

  “He made subduing the assassin a task of relative ease, as well,” Aelfric said. “They were skilled. I take it Celeste’s absence is because of Leon?”

  “Yeah, she’s refusin’ to leave his side fer now.”

  “Thank you for facilitating his transfer,” Reina said.

  “It’s more than understandable you’d wish to bring him home, especially with Dr. Ichizaki now available,” Aelfric said.

  “Nice to have him home, but sure got our hopes up he’d wake,” Yuna said. “Even after getting that bitch’s hand out from his, it stayed that way for so long. Speaking of, you got any fuckin’ idea how they found him, yet?”

  “Unfortunately, no.”

  “I might,” Reina said. They all looked at her. “I’ve been digging into Akane ever since. To say she’s capable and clever would be an understatement.”

  “Belle has reached a similar conclusion. Even though Loki declared her involvement, we’ve been unable to discover any evidence she orchestrated the night’s events.”

  “Yes, that doesn’t surprise me. When I look at things from her perspective, she likely deduced Papa’s been severely incapacitated. There are so many ways to tail someone that we could have led her to the private hospital unknowingly, even with the precautions we took. And even if we didn’t, she could have scoured hospital records. In hindsight, there aren’t many people who would fit Papa’s build. The truth is probably some mix of all that. She must really fear Papa’s relationship with Joromir to go this far, is my conclusion.”

  “I see. Your insight is greatly appreciated. We’ll no doubt have to hold further discussions on this. Ideally, with Belle, Celeste and perhaps Tyr. Let us table it for now and move on to the next. I’d like to reaffirm with you all on the decision to include Tyr? You truly trust him?”

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  “Guy merc’d his own brother right in front of me. I even offered to do it for him,” Yuna said.

  “I believe so long as he is able to pursue his oath to Freya, his loyalty will never falter,” Reina said.

  “Understood. For a man who values family so greatly, it was unexpected to hear he chose us over his brother Loki,” Aelfric said.

  Reina and Yuna exchanged troubled glances, as if to ask one another, ‘you didn’t tell him, right?’. They both gave slight shakes of their head. Aelfric then had Tyr join their meeting. After brief introductions, he recounted events up to the conversation with Loki. A recording of the conversation played until Loki mentioned a ‘fake assassination’ to which Griff spoke up.

  “Hold up,” Griff said. “I don’t blame ya’ll for overlooking this detail. Especially with how ridiculously reliable little Reina’s become. I’m not so senile and foolish to come here with nothing else to offer.”

  “What? Griff—,” Reina protested.

  “Shush, girl. It’s bittersweet to have a protégé surpass you, but ol’ Griff ain’t useless yet. Y’see, I got something in my corner. Obsession. Mechana. Remember how Thanasius was giving himself up? Well, turns out the government convoy transporting him got hit. As embarrassing as such a thing is, big brothers tried to keep it from spreading too much. Other news been taking precedence, like the constant hype cycle of Aegis’ city being built. Anyway. Not long after said attack, guess who sent out a message to his followers? That fucker Siegfried. Declared the government couldn’t protect Thanasius, and that instead the ex-syndicate leader would dedicate his remaining life to Mechana, in so many words. Not like the gov had enough to incarcerate Thanasius without a confession, anyhow.”

  “Now, you add in how Loki casually mentioned it and you get something real interestin’. The councils gotta be figuring the attack was staged by Mechana, since it likely was. Chaos and instability in the ranks more than ever. Perfect time to initiate a hostile takeover that normally would never fly, don’tcha think?”

  “I was certainly in disbelief Loki thought something so brazen would be allowed,” Tyr said.

  “And she wielded the attack as an opportunity to wipe us Vyx out at the same time.” Reina said. “She might’ve been holding onto Leon’s location for a while, even. But is she really so cautious?”

  “She is. Akane has a reputation for being an invisible guiding hand that never leaves a trace back to her. She’s cautious to a fault. She’d rather a scheme fail than reveal her involvement. We only know because Loki tried to use it as leverage to persuade me. I’d be willing to bet his head would’ve rolled if she’d found out, even if he’d been successful.”

  “That would explain why only one assassin was sent, and all the care they took. If they hadn’t gone to disable the camera…”

  “The guard was even sedated, not killed,” Aelfric said.

  “An investigation would be abandoned real quick once Leon was revealed as a history-less John Doe,” Griff said.

  “She’s going to be a difficult obstacle. We can discuss further at another time. We’ll set aside Dante and Priscilla for the moment. Tyr, I recognize it may cause you duress, but I ask that you continue. Especially in the recording interim.”

  “I understand.,” Tyr said. He recounted the rest up until Loki fled.

  Yuna groaned as she placed her forehead in her hands. “I knowww. Don’t any of you say anything. I already know. I was tricked. Pathetic. But, whatever, I can finally ask.” She looked up to Tyr. “The fucks up with that Fenrir guy? He’s your brother too, right? I’m used to weirdos, but he was somethin’ else.”

  “Hmm.” Tyr scratched his chin. “I can guess what you’re getting at, as this is something I’ve been asked many times over the years. I don’t have an answer. Fenrir’s an enigma. I’ve known him most of my life and I can rarely fathom what might be going on in his head.”

  “He looked like he just came from a nightclub.”

  “He likely did, although that’s also how he dresses.”

  “And his face? Our Pops could be pretty stoic, but this guy’s expression was stone cold.” Yuna remembered the others hadn’t seen Fenrir and tried to mimic his expression to them.

  “No answer. That’s just how he is.”

  “Even at a nightclub?”

  “I’ll leave it to your imagination.”

  “Okay, what about the claws? Never even heard of such a weapon being used.”

  “Odin had us trained in ways he deemed ‘relevant’ to our namesakes. Fenrir was a wolf, if you’re unaware.”

  “God damn, your old man was a real piece of work, huh?”

  “An understatement.”

  “Last question. I just have to ask. Even though I know Reina is gonna chew me out later for being so insensitive. The hell did Loki call him?”

  “Why would you? Ah. I see. You heard him say something to Loki, didn’t you?” Yuna repeated Fenrir’s last words to Loki. “I’d long forgotten. Fenrir, though, I’ve never known him to relinquish a grudge. Before he grew to his height, Loki and Thor tormented him quite often. ‘Fagrir’ was their preferred slur. If you insist on knowing more, another time would be more appropriate.”

  “Nah, I’m good. Kinda expected more, though. Pretty lame insult to hold a grudge over. But I suppose shows really shouldn’t get on Fenrir’s bad side, huh?”

  “I’d strongly advise against it.”

  “Hm.”

  “Yuna,” Reina said. “Don’t you dare even think about it.”

  “Huh? What’re you—?”

  “I mean it.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I’m dead serious.”

  “I’m only.”

  “Stop.”

  “Okay, jeez.”

  “Mind cluing in the rest of us to your little convo?” Griff asked.

  “Ah! Sorry,” Reina said. “That’s embarrassing…but I had to prevent Yuna fantasizing about inciting Fenrir to fight her.

  “Figures. Pain in the ass brat.”

  “You would consider such a thing?” Tyr asked. “You saw what he did to his own brother. You’re more than skilled, but even triumphant, I can guarantee you wouldn’t be unscathed.”

  “Don’t bother,” Dante said. “Reina keeps that psycho in check all the time like this. We’re talking about someone who plays ALTR fighting games with pain enabled.” Yuna glared at Dante, while both she and Reina were about to speak.

  “Ahem,” Aelfric said. “I’d allowed the conversation to unfold as I, too, knew so little of Fenrir. However, we still have matters of great import to discuss. Please cease any further.” Everyone quieted. “Thank you. Now, on to Dante and Priscilla.”

  Dante sighed deeply. “Finally my turn, huh?” He sighed again. “Let’s get this over with.”

  The video recording continued through Loki’s mentions of Priscilla. Aelfric asked that Dante and Tyr confirm what was said, to their recollection, to which they did.

  “Yeah, Reina definitely didn’t hear it at the time,” Dante said. “She’d become preoccupied with Leon, we later confirmed. Let’s hold my thoughts or whatever until after the next part, yeah?”

  “Very well,” Aelfric said. “Timeline-wise, you received the following video from Priscilla shortly after Loki was killed. Along with a message explaining her actions. Correct?”

  “Yeah. Just play it already.”

  A video recording played. It showed a few dozen men and women in several groupings, merrymaking to various degrees. Many were drinking, some eating and conversing, etcetera. Then, a loud snap managed to be audible even amongst the noise. Suddenly, a bloodbath ensued as over half of them brutally cut down the others.

  “God damn, somehow even more ruthless on second viewing,” Yuna said. Reina had clearly not watched. Nor had Griff.

  “Once was enough for me,” Griff said. “I’d heard your mother was a real beauty, but I’d better keep myself away from such a woman.”

  “As if you’d have a chance, delusional old goat.”

  “You saw Celeste knock me on my ass. I’m a heart-breaker if I wanna be.”

  “Riiight.”

  “Please stop talking, both of you,” Reina said. “Dante?” Dante shared the message Priscilla had sent.

  “And you don’t believe her, correct?” Aelfric asked.

  “Hell no,” Dante said. “I can guarantee she was playing both sides all along. Probably had some spy notify her of Loki’s failure, my guess.”

  “He really throwing his mother under the bus so easy?” Griff whispered to Yuna.

  “Priscilla’s proven quite amenable in all of my interactions with her,” Aelfric said.

  “Not that surprising. He’s been—,” Yuna whispered to Griff.

  “Like I warned you from the beginning, she was gonna pull something, eventually,” Dante said.

  “Yeah, that.”

  “Priscilla has—,” Aelfric said.

  “That you’d even doubt me shows she got to you even a tiny bit, goddamnit,” Dante lashed out.

  “Calm down, Dante,” Reina said. “Aelfric’s interacted a lot more with Priscilla than with you. But he knows I trust you, and he’s merely meticulous about these things.”

  “Yeah, I know. I know. I’m just feeling sick over what’s about to come outta my mouth.” Dante shook his head.

  “It is as Reina said.” Aelfric stared at the downtrodden Dante. “It’s your word against Priscilla’s actions. Per her message, she’d been stringing Loki along. Yet her own son believes this to be a lie? Then I ask, what would you have me do?”

  “Ahhhahh. I really don’t want to say this. It’s exactly what she was hoping for from the beginning by forcing my involvement in ‘Abyss’. A seat at the table. You should invite her to your growing inner circle here.” Dante made a defeated, dismissive gesture at the table.

  “That is unexpected. I’m not sure I follow.”

  Griff chuckled. “Ha. It’s the old adage, boss-man. ‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’. Right, kid?”

  “Pretty much.” Dante sighed.

  Some time later, Priscilla joined the table. During introductions, she remarked on the absence of Celeste and Leon, to which Aelfric provided a lie and quickly moved past. She gave polite yet dismissive greetings to Tyr and Griff. She gazed at Yuna and Reina as she spoke.

  “To think Vyxora’s champion would be a beautiful young woman with such distinct features. A great betrayal of my imagination, I must admit. I’ve long meant to thank you for showing my youngest such mercy. Yet, somehow even more unexpected, the vaunted info broker of Vyxora, ‘Rainwalker’, is an adorable petite young girl. I feel as though my inclusion here has already been a great honor.”

  Dante had resisted looking at Priscilla until she looked at him. She had a peculiar gaze with the slightest of grins. It appeared somewhat loving, yet exuded an air of arrogance.

  “Dante.”