Back in London, Mordechai has been on total lockdown since last night. Sylvia was livid for all the right reasons. Somehow, they needed to co-exist. Mordechai was fine that Sylvia was angry and as she should be, but he had to get it done. At least now, he will get his family back sooner rather than later.

Both of them were sitting on the couch together, watching the news. Sylvia was eating a bowl of fruit salad while Mordechai was paying close attention. They reported that a group of "freedom fighters" thwarted the attack on the city unbeknownst to anyone, that it was a 14-year-old boy with a bow and arrow.

When he returned, he had to be careful with Sylvia waiting for him in his room, but Mordechai dropped a smoke pellet filled with knockout gas. Then, he got dressed and hid his stolen gear in one of his suitcases. Thankfully, she woke up this morning none the wiser of his heroics last night.

Mordechai had to break the ice with Sylvia, “Wow, good thing I left when everything went to the toilet.”

Sylvia ignored him.

"Look, I can't be sorry enough that I snuck out last night. I need to be out. You understand," He explained.

"I don't need to explain how serious this was, Morrie," Sylvia said. "You almost got hurt. You're smart, but you can still be dumb."

Mordechai smiled at that backhanded insult, “I still have a lot to learn.”

Sylvia scoffed as she scowled at him, “From a babysitter...”

“From a dark elf warrior?” Mordechai buttered up.

Sylvia always had a soft spot for children and found Mordechai adorable. She was overprotective of him; she knew Mordechai could care for himself too well. Besides, he was trained by his mother, Lady Memento. Still, he was developing and shouldn't be going into dangerous situations. But her heart melted when she saw his little face, cute smile, and pair of golden eyes looking up at her.

“My comrades always called me Orchid,” she bashfully said.

That took little time... Mordechai thought. "Now then, what about the cuffs?"

Sylvia had Mordechai handcuffed to her so he wouldn't run away again. Now, coming to her senses, Sylvia knew it looked bad, so she uncuffed him.

Sylvia and Mordechai were staying in a rental home in Oxford, England. It is the county town and only city of Oxfordshire.

The city is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has buildings in every style of English architecture from the late Anglo-Saxon. Oxford's industries include motor manufacturing, education, publishing, information technology, and science.

Mordechai was visiting Oxford while attending some classes in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, the academic department dedicated to teaching and researching engineering. He already earned the academic requirements to receive his Doctrine Degree at Yale University and will receive his documentation next month as he graduates.

Sylvia now serves as Mordechai's guardian as he attends lectures and meetings. The District Attorney's office can expose his mother's real name at any moment. But, the trail of toxic smoke connecting to Bryant C. Goldstein, formerly known as Vaan, can be a sticky situation for them. It was good that he survived the bomb at the expense of six dead cops.

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While entering the Department of Engineering Science, the press somewhat swamped them. Of course, they all wanted to talk to Mordechai.

"Mordechai, how is your brother? Is he still affiliated with Oleander?" One reporter said.

“No comment!” Sylvia spoke out of turn.

But the reporter pressured, “But your brother was at the scene with two wolf girls—”

“I said, no comments!” Sylvia said.

However, the reporter was persistent and almost muscled her way to Mordechai, but Sylvia shoved her to the ground. The reporter immediately clutched her side as everyone took photos and videos. It was indeed a bad look. Mordechai sees this and instinctively rushes to the reporter's side, helping her up.

“Morrie, let’s go!” Sylvia demanded.

But Mordechai ignored her, "I'm sorry. I know it this your job to get answers by any means necessary, but I cannot speak on behalf of my brother even if I want to. I hope he makes the right choices whatever he is up to."

The reporter was a bit stunned by the boy's maturity. It was refreshing and inspiring to her, "As intelligent, logical, and empathetic as always. If only your traits were contagious, young doctor."

Agreeable, Mordechai nodded with a smile. With this gesture, it was enough for the press to step aside, and he and Sylvia passed. Finally, entering the building, they were able to breathe again. While walking down the hall, they were able to speak candidly.

"I knew it was a bitch move, but she deserved it. Getting in your face like that," Sylvia admitted.

"Obviously. We don't need any more scrutiny!" Mordechai admonished.

“So, now you’re scolding me?” Sylvia questioned. “You are the one apologizing for no reason.”

"I just saved you from being arrested. You're welcome. Take the slice and be humble," Mordechai said.

Sylvia was about to defend herself until a shaven bald man with blue eyes having a pair of seafoam green angel wings approached them, “Mr. Zayne. Or should I say, Dr. Zayne?”

Mordechai recognized the man immediately, “Dr. Okada!”

His full name is Keiji Okada. A Diara like Mordechai, born in Osaka, Japan, traveled worldwide since he was a child with his family, who were weapons and doomsday theorists. Stubborn and cold-hearted sometimes, no one trusts him, but they only keep him around for his international political connections. Despite his upbringing, his specialty is spiritual mythology.

Keiji nods, “I must apologize, Dr. Zayne, about the animal kingdom outside our chamber door.” He insults. “I assure you, they were not here for you. After everything that has happened, they want to listen to my words.”

Mordechai shrugs, “Good times led to weak people, doctor.”

Keiji laughs as he pats the little boy on the back, "I like you, Mordechai. You are not at all weak-minded and weak-hearted like any of your colleagues. Or mine..."

“Not everyone relishes in chaos, doctor. Or, in this case, instigate it." Sylvia argues.

"No, young lady, they would rather pray for it to whatever God they believe in. Since that is the normal thing to do nowadays," Keiji counterpoints as he smiles, "You, being a dark elf, should know firsthand that iron sharpens iron."

Feeling uncomfortable already, Sylvia nudges Mordechai away from him. Keiji took great humor in the dark elf's overprotectiveness.

Mordechai was annoyed by it, "I have a cornerstone to rehearse, doctor. Perhaps we can speak about this later."

Keiji nods in agreement, "Yes, of course. And congratulations." Afterward, he took his leave.

Watching him leave, Mordechai instructed Sylvia again, “Listen, I know you want to protect me, but there are times I can stand and speak for myself.”

"Enough of that. I know what you are capable of, but not everyone. They only see you as Revan's small youngest child they want to take advantage of," Sylvia corrected.

“Still, there is going to be a time that I won’t have anyone around me, speaking for me--”

“And in the meantime, take advantage of it,” Sylvia argued.

Mordechai shook his head, “I have to rehearse my cornerstone.”

“You do that...” Sylvia granted as Mordechai walked away from her.

Sylvia felt she was being too overbearing, but she needed to be. She already knew that Mordechai was strong, intelligent, and powerful, but he was not ready. He still lacked experience, and he was only a kid.