The screens in the basement room of the Vyxora Syndicate flickered in rapid succession. Reina coordinated an evacuation of the highrise’s tenants with Val. Foot soldiers of the syndicate dash about the complex in preparation. Meanwhile, Yuna held Dante against a wall, with her knife’s edge touching his throat.

“I don’t believe you,” Yuna said.

“Yeah, no. Get that, with the knife,” Dante said. “I’m just trying to save you an embarrassing moment, honest. I can even picture it. You threatening to kill me, and Nero laughing.”

“Explain. Quickly.”

“Uhh. Short version is my family detests me, or how I live, to be more accurate. I find them all insufferably annoying, but they truly hate my guts. So, I’m of little value, sorry again.”

“Yuna, they’re getting close. I can’t reach Papa; he’s still in the council meeting,” Reina said. “What should we do?”

Yuna gave Dante a shove as she grunted while moving away to observe the camera feeds. She soon stood over Reina-cat, which sat dormant with a paw outstretched that appeared to be plugged into the terminal. She brought her hand to her temple and tapped. The helmet of the suit retracted into the neck. She had striking, sharp features, with snow-white hair that framed her face, and vibrant amethyst-purple eyes. Meanwhile, Dante inspected the servers in the room.

“You’ve got a pretty sweet setup here. Where’s your ALTR, though?” Dante asked.

“Praying won’t do you any good,” Yuna said, her gaze affixed on the marching Legion.

“He surely means ‘alternate reality’, Yuna. We don’t have one,” Reina said.

“What? Seriously? What a waste.” Dante lamented.

“Yuna! Your face?” Reina whispered.

“It gets suffocating in there. Don’t worry. He’ll probably be dead soon, anyway,” Yuna said.

“I really can’t believe you don’t have an ALTR.” Dante continued to inspect the servers.

“You better not be touching anything!” Reina called.

“Hey, wait, ‘dead’?” Dante approached the monitors. “Did I hear that right? My guild’s so close to a world first. I’d really rather not die yet, if we could avoid that.”

“Yuna! Face! Face!” Reina said. Yuna gave no reaction as her gaze remained affixed on the Legion.

“By the way, maybe I should’ve asked this earlier,” Dante said. “Who are you guys, anyway?”

“Huh? You. Are you being serious? You had to of figured it out by now.”

“Hmm. Nope. Sorry, I got nothin’.”

“Vyx. Reina and Yuna Vyx of the Vyxora Syndicate?”

“I see. Why’s that sound familiar?”

“Wh-what?” Reina asked. “We had a sanctioned duel with the Praetor, your brother, last night?”

“Oohh! Okay. A lot more things make sense now. Well, mostly.”

“You… really didn’t know? How?”

“I only concern myself with the physical when I’m forced to. Don’t take it personally. Side note, wild guess, you haven’t done many interrogations?”

“Uhm, no?”

“When I play detective sims, you learn the first thing you gotta do is to restrain the suspect thoroughly. Real rookie mistake, there. Although you were hiding your faces and names, at first. Some credit there.”

“We—. Uh. Wait. Don’t you have any reaction to Yuna’s, uhm, looks?”

Dante had only seen Yuna in his peripheral prior. He observed Yuna for a few moments. “I mean, she’s not bad for a physie? I guess?”

“That’s not what I meant… ‘physie?’”

“You know, physical. Normal.”

“That’s it? You’re not scared? Worried?”

“I don’t follow. Although, now that you mention it, I’ve been rather calm. Huh. Weird.”

“You—. Whatever. Forget it. Yuna, they’re almost here, and I still can’t reach Papa.”

“Yeah,” Yuna mumbled. Her eyes shone in excitement, akin to a pair of brilliant, pristine amethysts. “Yeah. Maybe that’ll work.”

“Hello? Yuna? Val says things are going well because of Mama, but—, what’re we gonna do?”

“Don’t worry.”

Yuna walked to a corner of the room and dug around some equipment. She pulled out a sleek, pitch-black helmet, then put it on. It covered the entirety of her head. It looked as if it had been built from a monitor screen. She returned to Dante, knife in hand. Reina, meanwhile, conversed with Val as the feeds monitored activity throughout the building.

“You gonna walk yourself or make me carry you? Unconscious.” Yuna pressed the blade into Dante.

“Don’t believe me, huh? Can’t blame you, I guess.” Dante turned. “Whoa, the fuck?” Yuna’s helmet displayed an unsettling array of cosmic colors loosely forming an even more unsettling expression.

“Worst case, you’ll be a meat shield. Move.” Yuna prodded.

“Okay, okay. No need to get stabby.” Dante moved to the exit while muttering under his breath. “RL fucking sucks.” Yuna followed.

“Yuna? Yuna!” Reina called as the chair swiveled. “What’re you? You said you wouldn’t wear that anymore! What’re you going to do?”

“Protect Vyxora. Protect You,” Yuna said. And clear my fucking head. They exited.

“Yuna! Yuna! Dangit. This’ bad. What should I do? What can I do? If only Papa were here. What could this ‘Nero’ even be thinking? They’ll get severely punished if they really attack? Damnit. If I know Yuna, I have to stop her, somehow.”

Reina-cat swiveled back to her screens. The Legion fast approached the base of the highrise. The building had become a chaotic mess of people moving about. Some clutched belongings as they were ushered around. Val stood at the entrance, which now had been closed off by shutters. Meanwhile, Yuna and Dante emerged from the stairs and approached Val.

“Open it, Val,” Yuna said.

“But—,” Val said.

“Or I will.” The knife in Yuna’s hand reconfigured into an axe.

“Okay, okay. I know better than to try to stop you. Just please don’t be reckless and get yourself killed.”

Val gently placed a hand on Yuna’s shoulder. The shutters opened for Yuna and Dante to pass through. She paid no heed to Val’s hand as it lingered, falling away. Then, she saw the approaching Legionnaires damaging vehicles, stalls, carts, and other property in the wake of their march. Her mask displayed a chaotic swirl of dark colors. Without turning, she reached out and pressed down on Dante’s shoulder with such force that his knees buckled, and he fell to the ground. She descended the steps in a slow gait.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Ow. God damn, that smarted. Is she that strong, or am I that weak?” Dante said.

“Dante? Dante, can you hear me?” Reina asked.

Dante clutched his ears in pain. “Yes! Turn it down. Holy fuck. Ouch.”

“Sorry. Is that better?”

“Wew. Yeah. Uh, where are you, though?”

“My sincere apologies. I can’t get through to Yuna. That abhorrent mask can block everything if she chooses. I noticed how outdated you are from your ID and used an exploit to borrow your ears. I’m sorry for this intrusion, but I need your help.”

“Oh. Yeah, I tend to really procrastinate those.”

“Years.”

“Sounds about right. So, uh, help? Doubt I can do anything.”

“Look at Yuna’s back.”

“Looking. I see an axe?”

“Yes. I know her too well. She’s not even going to talk to your brother. In her words, ‘cut first, ask questions later.’ Can you think of something to diffuse this situation? Anything?”

“Not really. What could I possibly do?”

“Get your brother to go home somehow!”

“He’s a serious pain in the ass to talk to. I doubt he’d listen. Pretty sure, really.”

“Don’t you care if he gets killed? Because Yuna will kill him. Trust me.”

“Eh.”

“Did you seriously just shrug? You really don’t care? She’ll kill every one of them if she has to.”

“Wait. Don’t you have, like, grunts and stuff? What about them?” Dante glanced around. “You’re telling me she’s going solo? Against so many? Sure, I’ve fought wave after wave solo, but this is RL. She seems strong, but come on?”

“Listen, I don’t get your situation, but I assure you, as her sister, Yuna has an unquenchable bloodlust, and the skills to drown in it. The only person who can stop her is our father, who isn’t here.”

“I mean, even if she’s as scary as you say, that’s a lot of Legionnaires.”

Reina made guttural noises akin to growling. “What if… what if I were to say I’m not afraid for Yuna’s safety? At all? Does that make you believe me?”

“Heh, interesting tactic, sure. Still barking up the wrong tree, though. I’m being honest with you. I legit don’t care. Fuck that guy.”

Reina groaned. “Then what do you care—! Wait. How about I show you my ALTR?”

Dante jumped to his feet, albeit almost stumbling. “So you were holding out on me! Could I use it a bit? My guild’s gonna be so pissed with me for missing raid times. Least gotta let them know.”

“Uhm, sure?”

“It’s a deal, then!”

Reina breathed a sigh of relief. “What’s your plan? You need to hurry. Yuna’s almost at the bottom of the stairs.”

“No idea.” Dante descended the steps. “Gimme a minute.”

“Why’d you sound so confident, then? And you need to be at least jogging!”

“Fine. This’ gonna hurt.” Dante jogged down the steps. “So, is your ALTR like, in a hidden room?”

“Yeah, sure. Now isn’t the time! Are you going to be able to persuade your brother?”

“Ah, yeah. I got something. Saw it in a movie once.”

“What? A movie?”

“Don’t worry, the guy’s barely got two brain cells to rub together. I got this. Can’t wait to see your setup.”

“Right.” Reina sighed. This guy’s so strange, but his attitude completely changed. Can he really do something? Well, not like you have time to think of something else, Reina. Dangit. “I’ll immobilize Yuna for a few minutes. Please get there before any bloodshed.”

“Can’t…promise…anything.” Dante gasped for breaths between words.

Meanwhile, Val had appeared at the top with the shutters closed behind her. In her IRIS HUD, she had an open call with Reina, denoted by a name and avatar.

“You know I won’t be able to restrain her for long. I’m talking like fuckin’ seconds here.” Val descended the stairs in haste.

“Don’t worry,” Reina said. “I have the master key for her Aegis. I can force a reboot. It should last at least a few minutes. Just make it look like you’re holding her back while you’re holding her up. Please, hurry.”

“I’ve already almost caught up to this Dante guy. How out of shape is he? Is there any chance this’ going to work out?”

“I wish I had any idea.”

“Reina, are you?”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. It’s just I should know better by now. To Yuna, this is the perfect chance to vent her frustration at not getting to fight the Praetor. I shouldn’t have let it get to this point. I let my guard down.”

“We both know only Leon can stop her when she gets like this…I didn’t even try. You shouldn’t be so hard on your—. Uh-oh. Her pace just quickened. Get ready!”

The Legion marched a short distance away from the bottom of the steps. They all had similar garb to those in the arena. Nero, too, wore a stylized Aegis suit like the Praetor had. Yuna crept closer, her helmet now blank; her posture exuded an eerie calm. Alongside Nero, marching at the front, a flag bearer waved the Legionnaire emblem back and forth. Nero stopped, followed by a single fist in the air, which resulted in all ceasing their advance. Dante jogged with great difficulty behind. He didn’t even notice Val a short distance away as they saw Yuna’s hidden arm move.

“Oh fuck… oh fuck…” Dante gasped.

“Shit,” Val said.

“Come grovel, Vyxora cowards!” Nero announced.

Before anyone could react, Yuna dashed forward and severed the flag bearer's arms with a clean upswing of her axe. Blood gushed forth in an arc as the force carried the arms upward, still holding the flag. She jumped back while the Legion froze in awe. After the bearer cried out, the incident dawned, and Nero unsheathed his sword while readying his shield. Just as he gestured forth, and the Legion moved in unison, Dante stumbled forth to stand in their way.

“W-wait!” Dante gasped while holding up his palms. Nero stopped, and the Legion followed suite at the sign of his raised shield.

“Dante?” Nero asked in surprise.

“Yuh… yup.” Dante gasped for air.

Meanwhile, Val held Yuna with both arms wrapped under hers, making it appear as if Yuna were held back. At the same time, she created distance. Then Dante felt a few droplets hit his hair. He looked up to grab one of the severed arms, purely in reaction. Once he realized what he held, he batted them toward the flag bearer.

“Ew. Uh, yours,” Dante said.

“What’re you doing here, you useless piece of shit?” Nero towered over Dante.

“Mother sent me.”

“Mother did? Why?” Nero’s aggressive demeanor deflated in an instant. The flag bearer cried out, to which another Legionnaire clamped a hand over their mouth.

“Before that, shouldn’t you, uh?” Dante gestured to the bearer as they collapsed. Nero glanced over, then motioned above his head. Some Legionnaires moved the bearer away, along with the severed arms. He returned his gaze to Dante. “Alright then.” Dante walked a few steps away, gesturing for Nero to come closer, indicating secrecy. Nero followed, albeit with a growl-like grunt.

“Speak. Now.”

“Of course, of course. Just didn’t think the grunts should hear.” Dante whispered, along with another gesture. Nero bent down further in response. “You know I’m investigating Vigo’s… demise, right?”

“Yes. Mother finally threw your worthless ass out. So why the fuck are you here, in my way, you cockroach?”

“Right. Mother sent me here, but why are you here?”

“To avenge brother! We’ll burn these cowards to the ground. Veni, vidi, vici!” The Legion gave a singular roar.

“Uh-huh.”

So it’s what I figured, Dante thought. What an idiot. Rest of the family’s probably at that council meeting the Vyxora boss is at. How’d this dumbass even pick up that phrase? Whatever. Careful now, don’t want to sound insulting.

“So, I get why you might think the Vyxora were behind it. But, you saw on the way here, right? They’re poor as dirt. This’ a shitty slum.”

“So?”

“So, how would they have the cash, connections, or even balls to assassinate brother? Also, brother’s death wouldn’t count as a win, right? Plus, they’d just have to face you, his powerful trusted second-in-command.”

“Did brother say that? Heheh. Hmm.”

“But, just in case they have any information, that’s why I’m here. You’ve actually really helped me, and thus mother, out.”

“I have?”

“Big time! They’re running around like chickens with their heads cut off, man.” Dante pointed to the highrise. “Thanks to you, they’ll be more willing to share any info now. You’ve done a great service to the family and helping find out Vigo’s killer. Wait a minute. Could you have planned this?”

“Ye-Yes. Of course. That was my plan, all along.” Nero boasted.

“And you succeeded!” His stupidity makes my own brain hurt. “You’ll head home now, right?”

“Hmm.” Nero glanced around, pausing at the blood splatter. “Yes, but I should kill that one to make an example, right?” He pointed at Yuna, and Dante looked over.

“That’s uh… that’s who was going to fight Vigo.”

“Perfect.” Nero turned away.

“Wait!” Dante stopped Nero, then leaned into a whisper. “Surely you’d—. No. I know you’d win, of course. But that bitch is a psycho. She won’t fight just you.”

“What?”

“She’ll leave a body count. You’ll be able to take her, but she’s really fast, you saw, right?” Nero nodded. “She’ll go after your soldiers. She’s the reason Vyxora has managed to hang around for so long, you know? Sure, you’d easily overpower her—”

“Of course.” Nero boasted.

“But she has no honor, unlike you, brother. I saw it with my own two eyes. Three drug-addicts tried to mug her, and she killed them without warning.”

“Really? To cut down the weak…”

“Really. It’d be one thing if she’d accept a challenge, but she’d never honor a proper duel.”

“Hmm.”

While Nero paused in thought, Dante stepped aside. “Thank you, great Nero!” Dante shouted. “It’s thanks to you that the cowardly Vyxora will cooperate in avenging our great Praetor!”

“Huh?” Nero turned as the Legion cheered in unison and beat their chests. Nero glanced at Dante, who gestured in gratitude. He puffed up his chest and turned to them. “Yes! We are triumphant my Legion! Home! March!” The Legion turned in unison and marched away.

Val watched in awe as Dante approached, chuckling. “Wew. Can not believe that went so well.”

“Why the fuck’re those cunts leaving?” Yuna yelled. “Get back here! God fucking damnit. This fucking junk suit. Why do I still not have any fucking control? Mother fucking—.”

“Dante, right? They’re really leaving. How’d you pull that off?” Val asked. Yuna continued to curse.

“That guy is crazy dumb. Some ego polishing, sprinkle in a few lies, and there you go.”

“Well, whatever you said, thanks.” Val lowered Yuna to the ground, lying her down with care. She then grabbed Yuna’s transarms, taking time to avoid notice.

“Val? Hey! What’re you doing?”

“It has to be done, Yuna. You’ll thank me later.” Val stood and leaned towards Dante.

“As thanks, I’m escaping behind those shutters,” Val whispered. “And I suggest you do the same before she gets control back. Could be any second.” She dashed away, leaving a bewildered Dante.

“I swear I’m gonna—.” Yuna’s arm moved a little. Dante followed Val in a beleaguered panic.

“Fuck…RL.” Dante gasped for air as he ascended the stairs.