Several days later, mid-morning, the door to Reina’s basement room opened. Leon entered, with a slight duck as he narrowly fit through the opening. Yuna hung upside down from the ceiling nearby, exercising. Dante lay asleep into his arms on the desk, drooling slightly. Reina-cat sat in the chair while the screens were busy.
“Pops? Rare for you to come down here.” Yuna pulled up and unlocked her ankles, landing with nary a sound.
“Papa, the meeting concluded already?” Reina-cat turned in the chair.
“Oh, right, duh. They have a good reason for making you miss our morning routine?”
“Hired.” Leon walked over to the side of Reina, then attached a cord to a blank rectangular device.
“What’re you? Ah, that’s a council missive, right?” Reina asked. Leon nodded.
“A what now?” Yuna asked.
“It’s quite ingenious. It’s how the council delivers secure messages. You see—” Reina rambled off a technical explanation in slight excitement.
“Stooooopp. You know that stuff just bounces off me,” Yuna pleaded.
“Oops, sorry.”
“It’s a key to a virtual lock, basically,” Dante said. Leon and Yuna glanced to him as he yawned while Reina returned to the screens.
“Hey, you’re pretty useless most of the time.” Yuna gave Dante a playful punch with a slight grin.
Dante rubbed his shoulder. “Harsh. Seems unwarranted.”
“But maybe you’re worth keeping around to translate Reina-speak. She doesn’t seem to get we’re meatheads, no matter how many times we tell her.”
“Agree,” Leon said.
“Glad to help, I guess,” Dante said.
“Okay!” Reina announced. “I’ve got the site up. Let’s see…” They all turned to the screens. Indecipherable text characters filled an encrypted website page until a few moments later, they switched into legible text. “‘In recognition of The Vyxora Syndicate’s success, they are hereby requested by the authority of the council to conduct operations…’“ Reina transitioned into a mumble while they all read on. A brief time passed.
“So, not so much ‘hired’ as an unrefusable order, if I understand this right?” Dante asked.
“Is that what this crap’s saying? Why can’t they just get to the fucking point. My head hurts.” Yuna rubbed her eyes.
“Bureaucrats.” Leon shook his head.
“Indeed, Papa.” Reina giggled. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe they’re made up of Lyrsium’s most infamous criminal organizations.”
“Old fucks would be better off in politics.” Yuna grumbled.
“They’d have even less power then,” Dante said.
“Corpos then.”
“They probably wish they were.”
“Yes,” Leon said.
“Wait, is this how they usually sound, Reina?” Yuna asked.
“When they contract us? Close, yes,” Reina said.
“Thanks for not making us read this shit prior.”
“Mhm. It’s as Dante said though, they strongly imply refusal isn’t an option. To summarize, I’m reading between the lines some albeit, they’re extremely pleased they got their hands on the railgun. If I had to guess, they must’ve been forced to turn over the first one to Aegis. Basically, because we were able to not only locate but engage the assassin, they want us to head the investigation with the council’s resources.”
“Shinobi,” Leon said in a grim tone.
“Yes, I can’t imagine them being too pleased with this. We better be careful.”
“Uh, careful of what now? Shinobi? Like, ninjas?” Dante asked.
“How the hell don’t you know about those creepy bastards? Pops and me have had to work off their intel sometimes. Always skulking about like cockroaches.”
“They’re the primary intelligence network behind the council. Also a subdivision of the Ronin Syndicate,” Reina said.
“In other words, along with corpos and the pigs, those bums have been failing to find anything on the assassin either,” Yuna said. “Ha. They must be fuckin’ pissed we got a leg up.”
“Great.” Dante sighed. “In hindsight though, it hadn’t really dawned me until just now how crazy it is we’ve made progress whereas everyone else seems clueless. Not that I helped much.”
“That’s because the poor bastards don’t have a Reina.” Yuna boasted.
“Careful,” Leon said.
“I know, Papa,” Reina said. “Like you and Dante have pointed out, we may have a lot of eyes on us going forward. Despite the public assassination a month ago, all the various interested parties have failed to find any trace, besides the firing location. But there wasn’t even a railgun left behind for Argonix…” It never even occurred to me it could turn out like this. Even if they’re inciting chaos right now, what’s their true goal? What if I’ve put a target on our backs?” Reina thought until feeling a sense of disorientation. Yuna had begun giving her forceful head pets.
“Rreeiiinnaaa,” Yuna said.
“S-sorry. What is it?” Reina said.
“Hmm. I know that tone. Spit it out. What’s rattling around in there? Don’t bother trying to deny it.”
Reina sighed. “I’m worried I’ve put a target on us.”
“Pfft.” Yuna laughed. “Sounds great to me, if anything. Maybe I’ll get some decent challengers until settling the score with Clayshi.”
“‘Clayshi’?”
“Yeah, they used a claymore and a wakizashi, so, Clayshi. Better than repeating ‘assassin’ over and over.”
“Solid,” Leon said.
Yuna grinned as she patted Leon on the back. “Knew you’d understand, Pops.”
Reina sighed. She definitely took inspiration from a show.
“By the way,” Dante said. “I have to ask. No offense, but Vyxora’s pretty, er, small. Yet you’ve taken ‘contracts’ from the council? I hadn’t give it much thought, but I think you said Leon called in a favor? To be included in the security detail? What am I missing here? Wait. Now that I think of it. How the hell was The Legion the first to come knocking?”
“What? You didn’t know any of that?” Yuna said. “We stay small for various reasons.”
“Sorry.” Leon and Reina spoke in unison, then exchanged a glance with one another. Dante had a bewildered look as Yuna shook her head.
“Ignore them. As for the other stuff, they all have the same answer. Pops was a legendary merc before Vyxora.”
“Huh…” Dante said. I guess he must’ve been a real ‘legend’ to have such pull? What was my family even thinking? Were they that…eh, I don’t really care actually.” He shrugged to himself.
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“So, what’re you gonna do?” Yuna kicked Dante’s chair, startling him out of thought.
“Uh, about what?”
“Going forward.”
“Oh, ah, nothing’s really changed for me. Until ‘Clayshi’ is taken care of, I can’t get back my ALTR. So, I’ll do what I can if still allowed.”
“Suppose you’ve been an okay assistant to Reina. Pops?”
“Sure,” Leon said.
“Have you still not talked to your family at all?” Reina asked. “You didn’t even reach out to them after the last incident? They haven’t contacted you? Can they even?”
“Nope and nope. Hm, I mean technically they could but seems unlikely. Why?” Dante spoke in a dismissive tone.
“Sorry, it’s none of my business.”
“Eh? Nothing worth apologizing for? I’m not bothered. Just don’t get why you asked?”
“Isn’t it possible they miss you? Couldn’t you talk to your mother?”
Dante chuckled. “Ha, no way.” He observed peculiar looks from Leon and Yuna, directed at Reina. “Ah, I get it. Think I’ve said this already, but I don’t blame you for not taking my word for it. Believe it or not, more families are dysfunctional like mine, than close like yours. Even though I barely interacted with them, being here, I’ve realized just how much they truly suck. No chance I’ll go back to living there, even after I reclaim my ALTR. Buncha toxic assholes, I assure you.”
“Why not just break in and take it back?” Yuna asked.
“Perfect example. Way too risky. My Mother’s so vindictive that if she even thought I had the balls to do that, she’d torch my room. And I mean that literally. She once stepped on an action figure Nero left out and all his toys were melted down the next day.”
“Damn.”
“Scary,” Leon said.
“Right?” Dante laughed nervously.
Atop Aegis Industries headquarters, Viktor sat in his desk chair while Artemis stood in front of him. He had a disgruntled expression as his finger tapped in an impatient fashion.
“They’re clearly lying that the railgun was destroyed in the confrontation described with one of their agents,” Artemis said. “It is of little concern that they keep it, however. Unfortunately, we were able to verify the bullet again was found dissolved after penetrating several meters. No new information has come to light. After thorough investigation, there has been no link found between the three victims. The two gangs have been clashing for some time, but the likelihood of either being involved is essentially zero. Furthermore—.”
“You can spare me more.” Viktor signaled for Artemis to stop. “So the projectile remains a key missing piece. It’s clear their level of preparation is staggering, to say the least. Is it possible they even wore our suit to mock us, should they be found out?”
“That is a valid theory, Viktor.”
“Could the monthly intervals even be part of their plan? Mere coincidence?”
“Considering their preparedness, I’m willing to validate your hypothesis.”
“Yet we’re still utterly ignorant of their goals. The first was one thing, perhaps a test run? The second served to dismiss suspicion of Argonix involvement, despite the ‘attack’. But what possible purpose could this third incident achieve?”
“I am unable—”
“I know already, Artemis. Don’t think I’m not aware you only like to play winning hands. The fact that someone as shrewd and talented as you is unable to discern our adversary’s goal is revealing in of itself.” Viktor leaned back into his chair. “That’s all, for now. I need to make some calls. Perhaps we should be more proactive in combating this crisis.”
“Understood. I will take my leave.” Artemis moved to exit.
“Oh, and Artemis?” Viktor called.
Artemis paused. “Yes?”
“I want you to know this is my failure, not yours. I’m pleased with your results on other fronts, I’ve been reviewing the numbers.”
“Thank you.” Artemis gave a slight nod and left. She headed toward her office.
“Well, that was a mixed meeting, wasn’t it?” Xandr said. “Sure, you’re glad you didn’t have to go into more detail, but that seems more like the Viktor of old.”
“Yes, troublesome,” Artemis thought.
“Don’t underestimate him. That Viktor found me, after all.”
“Of course I know that. It surprised me, I’ll admit.”
“’Proactive’.”
“That is worrying.”
“You’re probably fired, from the investigation, that is.”
“Obviously. I did think it would take more time though, and he’d be more…”
“Rattled? Alas, one of Viktor’s greatest strengths was always to acknowledge his own failures. With you being so, well, great, at everything, he dulled. Ironically, you may have reawakened that aspect.”
“It’s fine. His fall will be all the greater.”
“Ha. Well, aren’t you optimistic? That’s not like you. Nervous?”
Artemis entered her office and sat in thought.
“Yes, a little. But not about Viktor. I can handle him.”
“Oh, we’re not done yet?”
“You’re my own imagination, why’re you snarky when I was only for a year, maybe, decades ago?”
“I’m your devil’s advocate. Conscience. Or something. Figure it out another time. Now, what’s got you nervous?”
Artemis sighed. “Nervous is an overstatement. It’s just I can’t help but wonder. Did I leave a trail or trace somewhere? Have I overlooked something?”
“Ah, wondering how that Yuna girl managed to confront Aelfric, ay? Wasn’t it just coincidence, probably? I mean, it happened in the last duel, so why not assume it might happen again?”
“No, that’d be wishful thinking. Someone she works with was clever enough to place those sensors.”
“Good thing you left out those parts to Viktor, eh?”
“Quiet. Not only that, for the sensors to have even worked when they surely never were able to inspect the railgun. How did someone so capable end up in a security team for a mid-tier territory duel?”
“Paranoid much?”
“No, no. There’s something. There’s too much at stake to leave this alone.”
“If it’s bothering you so much, why not just kill her off and whoever she associates with?”
“Only short-sighted fools think body counts will solve their problems.”
“Fair enough. Plus that Yuna, assuming it was her, was able to go toe-to-toe with Aelf.”
“Yes, it’d be idiotic to take that fact lightly. But how to proceed…how to proceed?
Later that night, Dante sat alongside Reina-cat in her basement room at Vyx.
“Seems general physies are a lot more aware this time,” Dante said. “I guess since the last one was so public, they’re more inclined to believe rumors of another incident. Some of these conspiracies are giving me a headache, though.”
“Yes, but despite so many more eyes on this, still haven’t been able to find anything substantial, or even credible,” Reina said.
“Yeah, buncha baseless speculation again, just turned up several notches. How’s this Clayshi so ghosty?”
“Going with Yuna’s naming, huh?”
“Well, assassin is a pain in the ass to say over and over. Least it rolls off the tongue.”
“Hmm.”
“Joke went unnoticed, eh?”
“What?”
“Nothin’.”
“Hm.” Reina’s screens switched between sites in rapid succession.
“Jeez. I’m already burnt out while you seem to be reading faster and faster. Despite seeing this a few times, makes my eyes spin. Somehow though, seems even faster than usual? Are you in a rush now because of the whole hired stuff?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Might it not be another month?”
“Possibly, but I can’t risk missing something important along the way. We still don’t know their real objective. Even if it was just ‘chaos’ so far, there has to be more to it. I’m sure of it. There’s no way there isn’t.”
“Okay. Can’t really disagree, but to go so hard at it?”
“And, what if things are different this time because Yuna was able to confront them? They might change their plans. Something might slip.”
“Fair point. Not sure I can comprehend your eagerness still, though.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I vaguely remember your initial reasoning being for Yuna, I think? I’m fuzzy on the specifics.”
“Yes. Yuna was, uhm, heartbroken. For lack of a better term.”
“Right…about not fighting ol’ Praetor?”
“Yes.”
“Kinda coming back to me. Don’t really get it but wouldn’t she get over it, eventually? Is it worth so much effort?”
“No. And yes.”
“Guess she does seem even more amped up after her duel. Can’t say I understand going so far for that reason, but I’m in it for my ALTR, so who am I to judge? Back to it, I suppose. Sure miss the days of being ignorant, though.” A few moments passed.
“Dante.” Reina’s screens had all paused.
“Yeah?”
“I want to apologize again for earlier. Even with so much information at my fingertips, I often forget how ignorant I am. I lack real-world experience and am sheltered by my family.”
“Uh, this about that family crap again?”
“Yes. It’s wrong of me—”
“Stop,” Dante said emphatically. “Yuna’s right. You overthink some useless crap. First of all, wouldn’t it be paw tips.” Reina started giggling. “Secondly, I swear on my ALTR it doesn’t bother me, even a little. And lastly, it’s not like you could run away. Hell, even if you could, they’d hunt you down. Of course, you could always escape into ALTR more. Need only ask.” Reina burst into a laughing fit until her sound cut out. A brief silence ensued.
“I was trying to be funny, but I didn’t think it’d warrant that much laughter, you alright?” Dante asked.
“Ahem. Yes. It’s true it wasn’t that funny,” Reina said.
“Harsh.”
“Yet I can’t help but feel relieved someone other than my family and the twins doesn’t walk on eggshells around me. Even though I’ve known Val for so long, she still often does. As do the rest of Vyxora. And of course, you managed to bring ALTR up, twice. Is it really all you think about?”
“Mostly.” Dante shrugged.
“I admit, I’ve become grateful it exists. Even to just feel the sun on my skin, not that I remember how that feels for real anymore.”
“Eh, sun’s overrated. It’s serious hassle for people as pale as us.” Dante spoke nonchalantly as he read a website. Reina’s screens once again relit with activity.
Am I still doing this just for Yuna? Is there something else, too? Wait. Did Dante say ‘us’? Reina thought.
“‘Us’?” Reina-cat turned to Dante.
Oh, shit. Uhhh, Dante thought during a prolonged silence. Say something, idiot.
“Why would you think I’m pale?”
“Well, uh, you know. Just makes sense. Cuz of your, uh, condition.” Dante stood up. “Be right back, bio break.”
“Stop right there, mister. You’re a terrible liar. You’ve seen me, haven’t you?”
Dante gave an apprehensive nod.
“How didn’t I realize it sooner?” Reina-cat glared at Dante. “When?”
Dante retold of how Celeste had approached him about ALTR and ushered him to see the sleeping Reina.
“You kinda reminded me of a sleeping pri—” Dante stopped himself. Oops, that was close.
Reina-cat’s front paws covered her cheeks and eyes. “Ughh. Damnit, Mama!”