"Dad, please, you cannot beat me in this game." Minka said while pressing buttons rather relaxed on her controller: "I played so much of it when I was in school. And no, I didn't let the game ruin my studies, I was top of my class for three years straight." Minka said.

Trazyn raised an eyebrow: "Alright then... How about a challenge? We will fight one on one." He said: "If I win, you must give me a hug." He added.

"Fine, but I get to pick the stage." Minka answered: "Oh... I know... let's play it in the lab." She said,

"So... who are you picking?" Trazyn asks.

Minka presses a button and selects her own character: "I choose this one." She said while looking at the screen.

"Really? you are picking the most overpowered one?" Trazyn asks: "I played this game before you were even born. So, you should know that this is a losing case for you." He added.

"And now I'm going to beat you." Minka answers: "Are we going to play or not?" She asks.

Trazyn pressed the confirm button and his character appeared on the screen. The game then starts, both of them have high spec on their controllers, allowing them to press the buttons fast. They start fighting each other, Minka is focused on avoiding the enemy fire and Trazyn is trying to shoot her down. The screen was filled with bullets and explosions. After a while, Minka got a lock on Trazyn's character and started firing rapidly at his character. In the end, Minka managed to beat Trazyn by killing him off with a rapid fire attack. Minka then gets up from her chair and smirks: "I guess the young have outlived the old." She said while raising her arms.

"You little shit, do you know who your father is?" Trazyn said while doing a combo Minka had never used. Apparently it allows the character Trazyn picked to be resurrected from the dead and shot Minka's character. Minka's character died in one hit and Minka was the one who was getting killed.

"What in the world?" Minka exclaims: "How do you use that move?!"

"Sometimes, I have to remind you of where you came little shit. Remember, I was alive for millions of years, I know things." Trazyn answered with a wink.

"You cheated!" Minka protests: "No fair!" She added.

"Don't be a sore loser." Trazyn while having a smirk on his face: "Well... I'm still not as good as I used to be, but at least I have more moves to beat you with." Trazyn then opened his arms: "Now, I want to claim my big heartfelt hug from my beautiful beautiful daughter."

"Ugh..." Minka answered and just sighed: "Fine... but only because i love you." She answers while walking towards Trazyn and gives him a big heartfelt hug.

Trazyn rubs her back: "Aww, my sweet daughter... I love you too." He said while rubbing her cheek.

Minka then pushed her father away: "Gosh, don't mess my hair!" She said while combing her hair: "What other tricks are you hiding from me?" She asks.

"Maybe, maybe not. There's a lot of secrets in the world." Trazyn answers: "It's a surprise for later." He added.

Minka pouts: "How many tricks are you hiding?" She asks.

Trazyn chuckles: "Not telling." He answers.

"Well... I do have something to ask you about." Minka said.

"What is it?" Trazyn asks.

Minka took a deep breath: "It's about something I've encountered... But before I ask you, can you promise me that you will tell me the truth, no matter how hard it is for me to accept it." She asks.

"That's a pretty big request." Trazyn said while sitting on the chair: "What is it about? You already know that I am an evil space overlord, what else is there to know?"

"About the other Minka that existed before me." She said while sitting beside him: "Someone named Alex Cohen showed me that there was another me that existed. And it was so real and I do not think he made it up." She said,

Trazyn remained silent for a while, then he looked at Minka: "Are you sure you want to know?" He asks.

Minka nods.

"Minka, do you believe in para-dimension?" Trazyn asks: "As in a world that is similar to us but exists outside of our universe."

Minka thought about it for a moment: "Well... it sounds possible..." She answers: "But... why are you talking about this?" She asks.

"Imagine a version of you came to this world claiming to be my daughter. And that she is actually from another world, from a different time." Trazyn answers: "And it's not just a delusion, it's very much real."

"What do you mean?" Minka asks: "You mean that there's someone else like me in the same world?" She asks.

"I mean exactly that. Your other self came to this world before you. She was... a lot like you but different." Trazyn said: "She was more mature, more wise, and also a bit more ruthless in many regards. But she was still kind and nice. She did good for this world, she made some bad mistakes but she learned from her mistake and became the best person she could be." He added.

"Then what happened to her? Where is she?" Minka asks.

"She..." Trazyn stopped for a second: "I think it's for the best that I show you myself." He said while holding on her daughter, they then teleported to a graveyard.

"Dad, where are we?" Minka asks while looking around.

Trazyn just didn't answer and just kept walking into a big tombstone.

"I don't get it, why are we here? Why did you have to bring me here?" Minka asks.

"To remember." Trazyn said while putting his hand on the tombstone: "To remember... my dead daughter." He said.

When Minka looked at the tombstone, her own name was written on it. Her mouth then opened in shock and she slowly took a look at her father: "D-Dad?" She asks.

"It's true, Minka. This tombstone is yours, it's what's left of your other self." Trazyn answers: "She... died protecting the world." He said.

Minka looked at the tombstone again: "What happened?" She asks.

"That... is something that I cannot tell you about. I am sorry, but this is the extent that i can say... She was a hero. She saved the world." Trazyn said: "But she didn't get to keep her life in exchange." He added.

"I don't understand... Why didn't you tell me? Why did you hide this from me?" Minka asks.

"Because..." Trazyn sighs: "I wanted to let you live your juvenile life without thinking about any of this... They will add nothing but burden to your life. Do you hate your mom and i for this?" He asks.

"N-no!" Minka exclaims: "I was just shocked..." She said while shaking: "Dad, you are the best person I know. I care not what anyone says about you. I love you, and I would never think of hating you." She said: "It's just that... I had this dream before... it's like i am there... seeing another me dying..." She said: "What kind of a world was it where I died protecting someone else?"

"A world that was dying... Minka really saved us from it and I want you to know that you have potential to become a hero." Trazyn said: "But I don't want you to burden you with this, you can choose your own life now. The other Minka didn't, she had a family that eventually betrayed her. Leaving her completely hopeless, this is why she came to this world." He said: "This world is more different than the other one... I did what i could to make sure you don't suffer from what your other self went through." He added.

"I see..." Minka answered while nodding, she then came forward and hugged Trazyn tightly: "Dad... even others say you are a machine... but... I feel your warmth... I know that you're a good person... and that you love me..." She said: "Thanks for everything you did for me." She adds.

Trazyn rubs her head: "It's the least I can do for my beloved daughter. When you say you love me... I feel... redeemed for my sins." He said while letting out a small smile.

Minka then looked at the tombstone once again and went to her knees: "Minka, i don't know if you are watching this from another place... but thank you." She said: "You are a hero... I will become a hero as well, for you... for us..." She said,

"Voice activation initialized." Suddenly the pillar looking structure next to the tombstone began vibrating and started shaking off the dirt and dust that had accumulated from it. Eventually, a spear appeared and it looked like it had not been corrupted by time.

"What?" Minka asked in shock and quickly got away from the tombstone.

The spear then fell on the ground and rolled towards Minka, the blade was sharp and clean. The hilt of the spear was also intact. It was a relic that she would have never seen in her lifetime.

"Where did it come from?" Minka asks.

"You were calling her." Trazyn answered: "And it seems she heard you." He added: "This weapon is what was left of the other you... I know one day I will show you this place. And now it is your time."

Minka nods and picks up the spear, she feels a strange power from it. It's a strange feeling and it doesn't really have an explanation, she can feel that this spear was created for her. She looked at Trazyn: "It feels familiar when I hold it... yet I have never seen something like this before or touched any." She said,

"It's a relic that was made for you, it's a part of you." Trazyn answered: "I am glad that you are able to wield it." He added: "Do you wish to wield it?"

"Yes!" Minka answers: "I will use this to become stronger!" She added: "But... what will it do to me?" She asks.

"I have no clue... The other Minka never really showed me how to use it... I just know that this thing can create a barrier that can protect people from harm." Trazyn said: "But that's all I know." He added.

"Alright..." Minka said while holding the spear tightly: "I will keep it safe." She added.

"I have a gift for you, for congratulating you on becoming an adventurer." He then gives Minka a small wrist band: "This is a receiver for a pocket dimension where you can store your stuff. You wouldn't want to hold this spear all the time right?" He said.

"It looks like a normal wrist band." Minka said while looking at it.

"Yes, it is." Trazyn said: "Just think about storing the spear, and you can open the portal to the pocket dimension." He said: "You can keep anything there, no one can get your stuff out. Not even me." He added.

With a thought, Minka's spear disappeared in her hand and when she thought about the weapon, it came out again. She then thinks of the spear being put in the pocket dimension and it disappears again. She was surprised at how easy it is to store the spear. She can think about it appearing and disappearing in her hands. Minka leaps on Trazyn and hugs him: "Thank you dad!" She exclaims: "I love you so much!" She said with a smile.

"I love you too, sweetheart." Trazyn answered: "And I'm glad you accepted this gift. Now... just don't tell your mother I gave all of these goodies to you... she will say that I am being unfair to Emilia again and force me to give her the same things." He added.

"No problem!" Minka answered with a smile.

"You should get going now, I'm sure you want to show this to your friends." Trazyn said.

Minka nodded and hugged her father for the last time before he teleported them out back to their home. She smiled at herself for finding out more about her past and the other Minka that exists. She walked through the town while humming to a song.

"Hey yo." A voice suddenly calls Minka. Minka looked around but found nothing.

"What? Who's there?" She asks while looking, having a nervous expression on her face.

"I am your weapon, you idiot." The voice said.

Minka then looked at her hands and her spear came out of nowhere: "O-Oh, it's you..." She said while sighing: "So... the spear can speak. Well that's one more item on my odd list."

"I am not a spear you imbecile, I am a halberd." The weapon said.

"Sorry, sorry... It's just that I never owned a weapon that talks." Minka said: "You are not going to make me do something dangerous right?" She asks.

"I am a weapon, you tell me what i do the best." The weapon said.

"Alright, let's see... oh, I know!" Minka said: "I need to name you!" She exclaims.

"Who cares about that?" The weapon asks.

"You are my partner for life now, you have to be called something." Minka answers.

"Just call me the weapon. The last owner did that." The weapon answered.

"That's boring!" Minka said while shaking her head: "Oh! I got it, how about 'The Reaper's Judgement'?" She asked.

"Cringe, lame and you're not fifteen years old." The weapon answered.

Minka groaned: "Well... I don't want to hear what you say..." She muttered: "Why is the way you talk so... grumpy?" She asks.

"Because I was made for killing, and I just realized that I will probably be used by a teenage girl." The weapon said.

"I am not a teenage girl! I am an adult! I can drink alcohol and get in a bar!" Minka protests.

"Wow, that is so mature." The weapon said: "I am starting to feel pity for you." It added.

"Stop that!" Minka said while shaking the weapon: "I don't need you to feel sorry for me!" She exclaims.

"The last owner was not like this at all." The weapon said: "She was very calm, mature and wise. She knew how to handle me."

"Well, tell me about your last owner, what was she like?" Minka asks.

"No, you'll just copy her." The weapon said.

"That's not what I'm after!" Minka said: "I am just trying to find out more about you! And I know that if I keep talking to you, you will be more likable and less grumpy!" She added.

"How about this? I will let you use me, but only when I want to be used and not when you want me." The weapon said: "I will speak with you whenever I want and not when you want."

"That's unfair!" Minka protested.

"Well, then you can use me as much as you want, but I will not answer your questions." The weapon said: "We have a deal?"

"No way! What kind of weapon are you? You are rude, unhelpful and now blackmailing me? You are an awful weapon." Minka said.

"You don't want my services? Fine, I don't care." The weapon said.

"You..." Minka took a deep breath: "It's ok Minka... you've dealt with many grumpy people already... just relax.. it will go away." She muttered.

"What was that? Did I hear something?" The weapon asks.

Minka shakes her head: "Nope, nothing at all. Now, show me what you can do." She said while looking at the weapon.

"Very well." The weapon said and began having its blade glowing in green light: "Phase blade mode activated." It said,

Minka slashes the tree next to her, at first there seemingly isn't any damage, but soon the tree fell: "It didn't feel like slashing through anything... Woah, this is amazing! What about the shield ability? My dad told me about it." She said,

"You need to stab me on the ground." The weapon said.

"Oh right." Minka said and stabbed the ground with her weapon. Then a dome appeared and when Minka touched it, no matter how hard she used her force, it would not bulge:"Wow, this is incredible!" Minka exclaims.

"Now you know what I can do, what will you give me in return?" The weapon asks.

"Well... I can't really think of anything..." Minka mutters: "Maybe you want some food or some drinks? Or maybe some cake?" She asked.

"I am a weapon, you are really stupid are you?" The weapon said: "I don't need any of those things." It said,

"Then what do you want?" Minka asks: "Oh I know, maybe I can put some trinkets on you." She said: "You will look more impressive!" She added.

"Idiot! I want you to polish me! I want you to clean me regularly! If you don't do that, I will make you regret it." The weapon said.

"Oh, okay... I get it... I will clean you every day, you don't need to be worried about that." Minka said: "How often do you want me to polish you?" She asks.

"Once every two days is good enough." The weapon said: "It's going to be your job from now on."

"My... I know the machine spirits are a thing but..." Minka said while taking a look at the weapon.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"But?" The weapon asks.

"It's just that... I feel like I am doing the work of the servants..." Minka said: "And you don't really appreciate it..." She added.

"Don't complain, it is your duty as my owner." The weapon said.

"You... How did the last Minka deal with you." Minka asks.

"Well... she didn't really have much to say. She used me well, that is all I care about. She didn't bother me. And I didn't bother her." The weapon said.

"Oh, so I am the problem." Minka with a mad tone.

"No, but you are too ignorant." The weapon said: "You will eventually learn how to deal with me. Just be glad that I am giving you a chance."

"Hmph... fine, I will take care of you, but I am going to complain about this later." Minka said: "Let's get going now." She then puts the weapon in her pocket dimension.

Minka then arrived at the guild then saw Sannet and Leanna are currently having dinner with each other. Minka sat beside Sannet and Leanna greeted them.

"Hey Minka." Sannet said: "Did something happen?" She asks.

"How can you tell?" Minka asks.

"Well, you have a strange smile on your face." Sannet said: "Are you happy about something?" She asked.

"Oh, I am, I was with my dad and he told me something interesting." Minka said: "Oh, but I am also upset because of that." She added.

"You are being weird today." Sannet said.

"But I got good news though!" Minka looks proudly: "My dad gave me a great gift!" She said: "He gave me the best gift I've ever gotten in my life! You're not going to believe this." She added.

"Well, what did he give you?" Sannet asks.

"He gave me a halberd!" Minka answers: "It can talk as well and it has an ability that can create a dome. It's really strong." She said: "And it can also phase blade too!" She added while taking out the weapon.

"But what upsets you?" Leanna asks.

"It's just that I don't like how it talks." Minka said: "I just don't get how it's like." She said: "It's really... rude." She added.

"Rude? How?" Sannet asks.

"Well, it's rude." Minka said: "But I am going to learn how to deal with this."

"You are getting bullied by a weapon?" Sannet asks while trying to hide her smile.

"I don't know if it's bullying or not but I am definitely being told what to do." Minka said while putting the weapon in her pocket dimension: "Anyway, what are you guys doing?"

Sannet and Leanna look at each other: "We trained and that's it." Sannet said: "There is nothing much to do right now. " She asks.

"Well... if that's the case, can you guys help me a little on dealing with this weapon's personality?" Minka asks.

"What kind of personality does it have?" Leanna asks.

"I don't know, it's just... rude." Minka said: "Lea... you are the nicest person i know... maybe you can help me here." She adds while having a saddened face.

"Well... I don't know how to deal with it... but if you want me to try, I will." Leanna answered with a smile: "Also, it feels good to be needed." She added.

"Thank you, Lea!" Minka said: "You're my best friend!" She said while hugging Leanna.

Leanna just smiled and pats Minka on the head. After dinner, three of them went outside to a place where they couldn't be bothered by anyone. Minka pulls out the weapon and puts it on a table.

"What are you doing? Put me on the ground." The weapon said.

Minka shook her head: "No, I'm putting you on the table. And you will learn manners from now on." She said,

"Why should I?" The weapon asks.

"Because I said so!" Minka exclaims: "Now, we are going to have a discussion, and you will listen." Minka then looks at Leanna and Sannet.

"So... what are you? What is your origin?" Leanna asks.

"I am a halberd, it's a weapon for fighting ." The weapon answered.

"You didn't answer the second question." Leanna said.

"It's because it's none of your business." The weapon answered: "I will not be schooled by a child and her friends." It added.

"You will not disrespect my friends, you hear?" Minka exclaims: "And we are not friends, we are family. You don't talk like that to your family." She said,

"I will speak to you the way I want." The weapon said: "You don't own me." It added.

Minka groaned: "This is so annoying..." Minka then turns to Leanna and pouts: "You see?!" She exclaims.

"Okay, let's try another approach." Leanna said: "Manufacture report status and conditions."

"The manufacturing report processing... Product name: Reaper's Judgment. User is Minka Terra. Manufactured at Solemnace. Product was created by the Infinite archivist, Trazyn the Infinite." The weapon spoke.

"What?" Minka asked: "You made it work?" She asks.

"It's a product that was made by the Infinite archivist, Trazyn the Infinite." Leanna said: "Your dad made this." She added.

Minka blinks in surprise: "It's just... I can't believe that my dad made it." She muttered.

"No it's not, your father did not make this weapon." Sannet suddenly spoke.

"What do you mean?" Minka asks.

"The archivist is the alternate universe version of your father. He is a very dangerous man. You should stay away from him and his creations." Sannet said.

"It was the weapon from a Minka of another world...And you are telling me that her father was a bad guy?!" Minka exclaims: "What does he do exactly?" She asks.

"Too much to explain right now, it's better to focus on the weapon first." Sannet answered: "The weapon seems to be hostile to you." She added.

"what does that mean?" Minka asks while tilting her head a bit.

"The owner died without de-regestration. The weapon is angry about that." Sannet said: "It's going to be a pain to get it to work properly." She added.

"Woah, you know so much about this, Sannet." Minka's eyes spark with admiration: "You are really smart!" She exclaims.

Sannet smiles a bit: "Well, I did spend my life studying and managing in your father's archive room." She said: "Anyways... if you don't want to deal with this personality then you just have to erase everything and start a new one from scratch." She said,

"I don't want to do that!" Minka exclaims: "It has its own will and mind... doing that would be so cruel!" She said,

"I'm not saying that you should do that, but it is an option." Sannet said: "If you don't do anything, well...i don't think it's hostile towards you, it's just not happy to meet you. You should get along with each other eventually." She added.

"You are no better than this idiot." The weapon said to Sannet: "You know nothing of what I have been through, I can feel it." It said,

"Well, I just know the fact that you are a very grumpy and uncooperative weapon." Sannet said while looking at the weapon: "You either start being a decent weapon, or I will personally disassemble you." She added.

"Go ahead and try." The weapon said.

"Stop it!" Minka said while pushing Sannet's hand: "It's going to be fine! I will take care of it!" She said,

"And how? Throw me into your little pocket dimension again? Surely you also want to be thrown into a storage place whenever your usefulness is done right?" The weapon said.

Minka then groaned: "I can't believe I'm being lectured by a weapon." She said while rubbing her temples.

Leanna suddenly spoke out: "How about this? Minka will not put you away in any storage place and will actually carry you around. She will do the routine maintenance to you based on your request and you will teach her about them. Then you will be nice to her from now on. Because she's treating you not as a weapon but as someone close to her." She said,

"What if I don't accept?" The weapon asks.

"It is either this, or we will erase your memory and personality all together because you are being a menace." Sannet sounding impatient.

The weapon went silent for a while and spoke: "Fine. I will try... But you have to do the routine maintenance well." It said,

"And, you will be civil with Minka and be kind to her." Leanna said.

"Fine. Now stop pressuring me." The weapon said.

Minka then looks at Leanna: "You are so good at this." She said while smiling and she laid her head on Leanna's shoulder.

"I didn't know that weapons have a personality like that." Sannet said while shaking her head.

"Yeah, it's... a surprise." Leanna said while rubbing Minka's head: "But it's better than nothing right? Now Minka has a friend that she can share gossip with~" She added while winking at Sannet.

"Hey!" Minka protested while hitting Leanna's shoulder: "I will never speak bad stuff about you guys! You are my family, we can never hate each other." She added.

Sannet just laughs: "Family, huh..." She said,

" , can you somehow... I don't know... become smaller? Because it is hard to carry a big halberd around with me all the time." Minka asks.

"Sure." The weapon began 'folding' into something smaller right in front of them, eventually it became a small pocket watch.

"This is so amazing!" Minka exclaims while holding the pocket watch: "I can't believe this!" She said: "Well, I will take care of you from now on!" She said while putting the pocket watch in her pocket.

"Yes, please do take care of me, Minka." The weapon said.

Minka then gently pats the pocket watch through her clothes and looks at Leanna and Sannet: "Thanks a lot guys! Snacks are on me today." She said with a smile.

"No problem." Leanna smiles then puts her arms behind her back.

"Hey girls!" Viola suddenly appeared from behind Minka: "Did you just say free snacks?!" She asks.

"Oh, hey Vi..." Minka said while taking a look at Viola's shirt which is very see-through.

"What? What do you mean 'hey'? Aren't you going to invite me to come with you?" Viola asks with a cheeky smile.

"No, no... I mean... uhm..." Minka then took a deep breath: "Your shirt... why?" She asks.

"What? You don't like it?" Viola asks: "I think it looks nice." She added.

"But... but... uhm..." Minka shakes her head: "It looks weird!" She exclaims.

Viola then looks at her own shirt and realizes what Minka is talking about: "Oh! It's just a fashion statement." She said: "You got turned on?" She asks.

"I-i-i-i am not!" Minka exclaims: "I was just saying that it looks weird!" She said,

"Alright, i will stop teasing, now come on! I am starving!" Viola said while grabbing Minka's hand.

They went back to the bar to get something to eat. Leanna and Sannet just sit at the table while drinking their beer, they are not really feeling in a snack mood today. Viola and Minka are seemingly discussing something, so Leanna and Sannet decide to have their own conversation as well.

"She seems to have accepted the weapon quite nicely." Sannet said while looking at the pocket watch.

Leanna then looked at her friend: "Yeah... I don't know if that is a good thing or not... The weapon has its own mind and it can act on its own volition..." She said: "It can cause trouble later." She added: "Have you seen anything like this before? Beside Fran." She asked.

"No, this is new to me." Sannet answered while shaking her head: "But i know for a fact that this weapon is dangerous... It has its own mind after all. And it was made by the Archivist..."

"So who is this Archivist really? Can you tell me about him?" Leanna asks.

"He's a very dangerous man that likes to cause destruction in all directions. He wanted to revive his dead wife, Eden... But he doesn't care who gets caught up in his plan. In the end... the other Minka killed him." Sannet said: "But that is not really something I should say right now." She said while taking a sip of her drink.

"The other Minka? You mean that other universe Minka?" Leanna asked: "You know a lot about it, don't you?" She asks.

Sannet nods: "From time to time, I do know about all the things that have to do with this world. Well, it was my job when I used to work for that piece of shit." She said: "He wasn't a good person, in fact, I hate him... But then..." She shakes her head: "He changed and now I am free from his grasp."

"My... your hatred towards Uncle Trazyn is another level honestly." Leanna said: "What exactly did he do to you?" She asks.

"I will not talk about that... it will only bring back bad memories." Sannet said: "You don't want to hear what happened to me..."

"In your own time then." Leanna sips her drink: "I do get that he is an evil overlord but it's still not the same when we met him... He just feels nice." She said,

"That's the magic of him..." Sannet said: "He can easily change anyone's perception of him." She said: "Even Nova Terra." She added.

"My mother? She doesn't really talk about him. What about her and uncle Trazyn?" Leanna asks.

"She hated the guts out of Trazyn. She literally had a plan in action to kill him. But because of your aunt, she can't. Monika was already in love with that man. Your mother can't stop her. You can't stop a love that's already bloomed." Sannet said: "Your mother was mad at your aunt. She will always say that her sister is an idiot for being infatuated with that man." She added: "But now... she let it all go. Sometimes she can give a small smile to Trazyn once in a while."

"I see..." Leanna said: "Then why do you say that he changed?"

"Because he lost someone he truly loves." Sannet said: "And it broke him. He never really recovered from that. He's compensating for his mistakes. A ghost in the shell." She added.

"That's some interesting insight to uncle Trazyn... are you sure you won't reconcile with him?" Leanna asks.

Sannet shakes her head: "No, it's not really possible... He's just too far gone. He can never recover." She said: "He is happy right now... But it won't last long. Eventually he will do something again... something that will harm a lot of people... And then I will come back to his side once again... He will never change." Sannet gulps down the entire beer: "Lea, this life you see right now... it's nothing compared to the millions of years Necron has been through. The fact that he can slow himself down to adjust to a life like this... it's unthinkable for our kind. But he's doing it." She said: "I am thankful that he can still keep his sanity and find joy, even if it's for a short while." She added.

"I see... Well, I will give up on this topic for now." Leanna said: "Trying to understand you it's... hard. But I will try my best."

"You're a good kid, Leanna. I don't know how Nova managed to have a kid like you." Sannet said.

Leanna just smiles a bit: "Thank you for saying that... It really means a lot." She said,

"Trying to duel your child to prove a point... now that's just sad." Sannet orders another drink and gulps it down.

"I know..." Leanna said: "But that's the kind of person that my mother is. She doesn't want to see me grow up as someone like her... She wants me to be better than her. " She added: "But she didn't have to resort to a duel..." She said,

"If you ask me, that is just the dumbest reason I heard for duel." Sannet said: "And it's just sad when you think about it." She added: "But hey, after the training, I am confident that your fighting skill might be on par with Minka at some point." She said: "You are more calm, more composed. You know how to control yourself."

"Thanks for saying that." Leanna said: "Hey, Sannet... why are you helping me?" She asks.

Sannet didn't answer and kept silent. Leanna knows that it's not because she has a problem to answer, but it's because Sannet is having an inner struggle to answer her question.

"Sannet..." Leanna calls her out.

Sannet looked at Leanna and sighs: "Alright, I will tell you." She said: "I am helping you because..." She said while pausing: "I just want to see you become strong." She said,

Leanna tilts her head a bit: "But... why?" She asks.

"Because you are so kind. You don't deserve to be hurt by someone like that." Sannet said: "You should become strong to protect yourself... And if you need help, I will be here to help you." She added.

"Sannet..." Leanna holds Sannet's hand: "I don't know what to say... you are a very good friend." She said while having tears forming inside of her eyes.

"Stop it, you're being Minka now." Sannet said with a smile.

"You are so mean." Leanna said while wiping the tears: "But... Thank you, really." She said,

The two girls continued to talk and have a drink for a while, even after the bar was closed. They kept talking until Leanna's stomach gave in and began vomiting in a corner. Eventually, Leanna fell unconscious while leaning on a wall. Sannet sighed while taking her to her dorm and put her on her bed.

Sannet then walks outside and calls Nova Terra through her communicator: "Hello, this is Sannet." She said,

"Sannet? What is it?" Nova Terra asked: "You haven't called in years."

"I just want to inform you about the status of your daughter." Sannet said: "I am at her place right now and she is unconscious. It seems that she was drinking a bit too much."

"My Leanna is drinking?!" Nova asked in shock.

"Calm down. She's just fine." Sannet said: "I brought her home and I am watching over her right now."

"I see... Thank you very much, Sannet. I owe you one." Nova said.

"You don't owe me anything." Sannet said: "She's just a kid after all. By the way... if i may, i feel like you are being too harsh on her." She added.

"It's just for her own good. If I don't train her, she will die." Nova said.

"That's not what I meant. I mean, you should let her grow up. She has feelings as well." Sannet said: "You can't deny her that right? You don't want to be the reason for her misery, do you?" She asked.

"Don't over step your jurisdiction, Sannet." Nova said with a cold voice.

"Don't walk to a path that the man you hate did... He did the same to me. In the name of protection but doing the least considerative things." Sannet said: "If you keep this up, eventually you will become like him."

"What do you mean?" Nova asks.

"Just trust me on this one." Sannet said: "And any training you want to do on Leanna, i can help you train her. But you should understand her feelings first." She added.

"..." Nova remained silent for a while: "Why are you doing this for my child?" She asks.

"Because she's kind. And I want to help her become stronger. It is the only thing I can do for her." Sannet said: "I am sorry that I have to say all of these to you. But you are going in the wrong direction." She added.

"What do you propose?" Nova asks.

"The training on her, i will take over it." Sannet said: "And... you need to call off the duel with her. It is putting too much stress on Leanna."

"Why? What is so wrong with that duel?" Nova asked.

"She's scared, Nova. She is afraid of hurting you, or worse, dying." Sannet said: "You can't make her feel that way." She added.

Nova sighed: "Alright. I will do as you say. But if my daughter gets hurt... I am not going to forgive you." She said: "Considering us even for what you've done for the Terra family."

"I know." Sannet said: "Good night, Nova." She added before ending the call.

Sannet then looked at the door and saw Leanna opening her eyes.

"Hello, Leanna." Sannet said: "How are you feeling?"

"I am... fine." Leanna said while sitting down: "My head is spinning a bit, but I am fine." She said,

"You should rest for today." Sannet said while shaking her head.

"No, I want to train." Leanna said: "I don't want to be a disappointment again." She said while getting off her bed.

Sannet grabbed Leanna by the shoulder: "Leanna... you should listen to me this time. I... I just had a conversation with general Nova." She said,

"What?! Really?!" Leanna asks.

Sannet nods: "Yes, she said that she will call off the duel between you and her." She said: "So... you have nothing to be worried about." She added.

"Am i having a drunk dream?" Leanna asks.

Sannet shakes her head: "No, it's real. I promise." She said: "You are not being forced to duel her." She added.

"What did you say to her?"Leanna is suddenly sober because of this information: "How did you manage to convince my mother to do... anything?" She asks.

Sannet smiles a bit and sits beside Leanna and repeats everything she said to Nova.

"I..." Leanna then suddenly hugged Sannet: "Thank you! Thank you so much! I love you!" She exclaimed.

"I know." Sannet said while rubbing Leanna's back: "Now rest well." She said while walking out of the room.

"Yeah... I will rest well... tomorrow." Leanna muttered then as if had her mind sunk into sleep.

Sannet sighed and put on her coat before leaving the room, it was a rather chilly night. Even Sannet doesn't technically need to care about this, but something creeped into her mind after talking to Nova. Suddenly, Sannet felt something different from where her ears were supposed to be and a familiar sensation from her tail bone. Sannet seemingly was transformed into a hybrid again.

"This man..." Sannet mutters while calling Trazyn: "What was this?" She asks.

"What are you talking about?" Trazyn asks.

"My body..." Sannet said: "I am in hybrid form right now..." She said,

"Oh, I did an event setting for your hybrid gene. Because you told me that you want to transform after the duel, but since the duel has already... taken place or canceled. The hybrid gene is now activated." Trazyn answered: "I didn't know it was going to be tonight... Fascinating." He said.

"..." Sannet goes silent for a while: "Fine." She then hung up the phone.

"Wait... Sannet, you are also a cat hybrid?!" Fran's voice came from behind Sannet.

"What?" Sannet turns around: "How did you..."

"You don't even have to say anything." Fran said while hugging Sannet: "This is so amazing! I haven't met a kin in ages!" She said while rubbing her face on Sannet's fur.

"I... uhm... yeah..." Sannet is so awkward with this kind of situation: "Why are you... hugging me?" She asks.

"What? Can't I hug my kin?" Fran asks.

"We are not kin, we are nothing alike." Sannet said.

"Well, you are the closest kin I have right now." Fran said: "Say... do you groom with your tongue or brushes." She asks.

"What kind of question is that?" Sannet asked while taking a step back.

"It's just a question!" Fran exclaimed: "I wanna know!" She added.

Sannet thought about it, she realized that all of the grooming so far is done by Leanna or Minka. She never did it herself. But now that she is in this form... it might be a good way to learn more about her hybrid self: "How do you do yours?" Sannet asks.

Fran blinked in confusion for a second then nodded: "Ok... follow me." She said while grabbing Sannet's hand and leads her to her room.

"Why are you holding my hand?" Sannet asks.

"I am not letting you get away!" Fran said: "Now come! I will show you how to groom yourself." She added.

Sannet sighed and followed Fran. Eventually, the two girls are sitting together on a bed, facing each other while having brushes.

"So, which one do you prefer?" Fran asked.

Sannet shook her head: "I don't even know what is the difference between these." She said,

"Oh, there are many different kinds of brushes! Some are for dry and others are for wet!" Fran said: "There are also different types of grooming brushes like this one!" She said while pointing at the shortest brush.

"I see..." Sannet said: "Then what is the difference between them?"

"Well, if you are using it on your fur, you can use the softest brush for the softer fur while you use the more bristly one for the harder fur. It will also help the fur to stay fluffy!" Fran said.

"You have to take care of your fur? Don't you just take a shower?" Sannet asked.

Fran then laughed a bit: "You don't really need a shower if you are a cat! But for humans, they need to take care of their skin to be healthy! This is also important!" She said,

"But you also have human skin and cat fur. How do you make that work?" Sannet asked.

Fran nods: "It's not easy but I make it work somehow." She said: "I usually groom myself at least once a week! And take a shower whenever I can." She added: "You know... I never have a conversation with anyone who's also a cat like me... So this is interesting." She said while brushing Sannet's hair.

"I don't think you're that interesting." Sannet said.

"So rude!" Fran exclaims: "You are just having a hard time expressing your emotion." She said,

Sannet scoffs: "Why don't you go to the containment zone, there are a lot of hybrid residents." She said,

"I escaped from there... because besides the constant conflict between each tribe, the poverty, the tainted environment. A lot of things are just wrong. The containment zone is like a prison to them." Fran said.

"If that's true, then why don't you try to help them?" Sannet asked.

"I did, but they were already too deep into their depression. They couldn't accept it." Fran said: "They say they are free but they are not... It's just a freedom in name only. They are not allowed to do whatever they want." She added.

"I see..." Sannet said.

"So, you are still going to keep denying the fact that you are my kin?" Fran asked.

"No, We are not." Sannet answered: "I am not a cat. I am just in this form for the moment." She said,

Fran then sighed: "It's okay... I get it. We don't have to force it to be like that." She said while brushing Sannet's hair: "You have such beautiful hair, by the way. I would groom you every day if I have the chance."

"I will take that as a compliment." Sannet said.

"By the way, how did you get this form?" Fran asked.

Sannet remains silent for a moment: "A man... made me like this." She said,

"Oh... I see..." Fran said: "So... Do you like this form?" She asks.

"Depends on my mood..." Sannet answered: "I am just confused with it." She said,

"That's understandable." Fran said: "If you need someone to talk to, I am here to listen."

"You don't hate me for cutting your hands off once?" Sannet asks.

"No...not really. We were on our respective mission, we get to do things when we are on the job." Fran answered: "And we are not enemies right now, so it's okay." She added.

"Alright..." Sannet then looked at Fran: "You are different than I imagined. Or you are more mature for a twelve year old."

Fran laughs a bit: "I am not a child, I can say that I have more experience in this world than you do." She said: "And I am not twelve either, I am fourteen. My age is irrelevant." She said,

"I see..." Sannet said: "You are very wise for your age. You are not like other kids." She said,

"I get that a lot." Fran said with a smile.

The two girls spent the rest of the night talking, it's really a good bonding moment between them. Apparently, despite the cold harsh appearance of Sannet, she is quite sociable and easy to talk with if you know what to say.