Artemis stood on the moon, gazing at Earth. She wore her typical attire. A short distance behind her kneeled Aelfric. His appearance reflected his usual.

“He’s kneeling even on the moon, really?” Xandr asked.

“I’ve long given up on stopping his… eccentricities. At least, when not at Aegis,” Artemis thought.

“Good morning, Lady Artemis. I hope you’ve been well,” Aelfric said.

“Or maybe you secretly like it, ‘Lady Artemis’?” Xandr teased.

“Shut up, now.” Artemis sighed.

“Is something wrong, my Lady?”

“It’s nothing. Begin your report,” Artemis said.

“Is this place,” Aelfric glanced around the emptiness, “secure?”

“Isabelle knows you well.” Artemis made a slight gesture.

“Hey, stupid brother,” a voice recording said. “Don’t waste Ms. Artemis’ valuable time with your ‘secure’ junk. This ALTR server is as secure as it gets. Not only will it self-destruct after you leave, in the point one percent chance someone even found it, then infiltrated, you and Ms. Artemis look like completely different people. With that key I gave you, only you two can see one another in your actual appearance. Not even I would be able to. And, in my ingenious setup, you’ll know immediately if someone managed to access. There’s literally nowhere else they could appear. So stop kneeling like an idiot and speak freely. Ms. Artemis has an appointment in forty-five minutes.”

“My apologies for her vulgar behavior, Lady Artemis. I hope she has not proven a hindrance.” Aelfric bowed his head.

“Her eagerness is, at times, overwhelming. However, she’s proven exceedingly capable. Do not fret,” Artemis said.

“Isabelle may idolize you, but that is no excuse. I will—.”

“Enough. It’s fine. Your report, now.”

“What is with this sibling pair’s worship for you?” Xandr asked. Artemis sighed.

“Cease the formalities and stand.”

“Understood, my apo—.” Aelfric stood, glancing at Artemis’ expression. “I do not wish to oversell my success, however, the infiltration has gone far better than I could have hoped. I’ve come to aid the matriarch of the Vyxora, Celeste Vyx, daily, and have assisted in tasks such as.” He explained in detail how he’d essentially become a personal assistant to Celeste. He then explained the general daily life of the Vyxora.

“Enough. Your effort’s appreciated, but as always, refrain from such extensive details. My contact conveyed the Vyxora were a peculiar organization, but they don’t even sound like a criminal enterprise?”

“Yes, my apologies.” Aelfric moved to bow, but felt Artemis’ glare and quickly continued. “It is as you say. From what I can ascertain, they behave as more of a community of outcasts. I’ve yet to observe much illicit activities. In addition, even though I developed an extensive back-story, Celeste hasn’t probed further.” Obvious disappointment showed on his face.

“It seems odd this woman would be so trusting. Does she perhaps suspect you?”

“That was my same concern, Lady Artemis. However, I inquired with other residents and they confirmed the Vyxora simply do not delve into pasts. It appears to be a code they live by, to some extent.” Aelfric explained further of Celeste’s personality, leading into several anecdotes. A subtle look of disbelief crept along Artemis’ face. “Is something the matter, my Lady?”

Artemis blinked with a slight shake of her head. “Ahem. No. I was merely taken aback a little. I can not recall you ever sharing anecdotes, not even of Isabelle.”

“Hmm. I trust your memory, Lady Artemis. In truth, your personalities are quite different. However, Celeste ‘carries’ herself in a manner very similar to yourself. She possesses an unshakable demeanor and reminds me of you. Perhaps that is how the Vyxora are able to discard the past so effortlessly? Admittedly, I have almost prefaced her name with ‘Lady’ several times. I’m grateful you allow me to continue addressing you as such, despite your dislike. I’m confident Celeste would not tolerate it, however.”

“So your weirdo right hand does have some self awareness. Hard to believe,” Xandr said. “Though I doubt he realized he indirectly insulted you.”

“That matters little. I’m more concerned about him compromising himself,” Artemis thought.

“What have you learned of the others?” Artemis asked. “The general knowledge dossier I’ve obtained lacks much insight.”

“Apologies. I mustn't further neglect the time,” Aelfric said. He shared what he learned of Leon.

“As strange of man as the dossier alluded to. He once led a renowned mercenary group. Celeste worked as a medic in that same group. It appears he may fund Vyxora by handling specific wetwork from the council. Traitors and the like.”

“If that’s the case, it’s not acknowledged openly.”

“Of course not. I kept my inquiry within reason from my council contact. However, they still shared that it’s rumored the daughter ‘Yuna’ assists Leon. She must be who confronted you?”

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“Yes. There’s little doubt. I’ve yet to speak to her directly, however.” Aelfric described what he learned of Yuna from residents and general gossip.

“Every morning?”

“Without fail.” Aelfric continued. “Lastly, she is Hrewim.” A brief silence ensued.

“Are you okay, Aelfric? You used to—.”

“I’m humbled by your concern, my Lady. However, I assure you my feelings toward them will have no bearing on my task.”

“I’ll trust you.”

“I am honored.” Aelfric bowed.

“And the other sickly daughter, Reina, was it?”

“Reina. Yes. I’ve spoken with her avatars occasionally. Celeste also tends to boast about her daughters, Reina especially. It’s not without warrant. Despite her age, she’s closer to a ‘leader’ role of the Vyxora than anyone else, including Leon.” Aelfric explained what he’d learned of Reina. This included answering questions from Artemis about the cat and sparrow as well as their creators, her role in Vyxora, and more. “I’ve done my utmost to prevent suspicion as instructed and have avoided asking anything pertinent to us. Nonetheless, I’m confident Reina was the mind that allowed Yuna to discover my location.”

“Aelfric, do you think she may be…?” Artemis’ voice drifted off.

“The thought has crossed my mind, my Lady. However, though she did not appear to mind sharing her situation despite my rudeness at the time, she gave little specific detail on the affliction. My apologies.” A long silence set in as Artemis slipped into thought.

“Wew, this sure complicates things for ya, doesn’t it?” Xandr asked.

“Obviously,” Artemis thought. “Not only have they subverted any expectations I had, this Reina may be another I’ve missed. I’ve always known I can’t find them all, but...”

“Don’t you just do that to ease your guilty conscience?”

“The real you would never ask such pointed questions.”

“Haha. Probably not. Alas, your memories of my personality are already two decades removed. Who says I wouldn’t have changed?”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Maybe you won’t believe me, being a figment and all, but that resolute attitude of yours gave me a lot of confidence.”

“I don’t need your comfort, and I don’t do this to ease my conscience. I do this because I know it’d have torn you up inside knowing, even though it’s a minuscule amount, that Aegis had the opposite effect on some.”

“Yeah. Can’t deny that.”

“Lady Artemis?” Aelfric asked. Artemis met his gaze with a slight dazed look. “Apologies for interrupting your thoughts, but Belle’s voice warned of the time.”

“It’s fine.” Artemis blinked and returned to her usual demeanor.

“Do you have any additional or modified directives?”

“No. Continue as you are. Patience is key at this juncture. Do not overextend your investigation even a little.”

“Even for…” Aelfric paused. “Reina?” Artemis met his gaze.

“Your concern is noted. I will pursue that information myself, however, understood?”

“Yes, my Lady. I shall depart and return to my duties. I hope my sister continues to be of use.”

Aelfric stood, bowed, and then disappeared. Artemis glanced around the emptiness of space until resting her gaze on Earth for a few minutes. She disappeared. The moon collapsed into a black hole, obliterating everything.

In the early morning at Vyxora, where sunlight had only begun to creep in, Val leaned over a lower-level railing overlooking the courtyard. She wore loose, light clothing and had disheveled hair. She sipped from a cup of coffee while inhaling on a small device, occasionally exhaling puffs of smoke. She watched as Celeste signed the pad of a delivery person below. Aelfric unloaded boxes from a dolly nearby. A freshly showered Yuna appeared with a yawn from the apartment door behind Val. She ran her fingers along a tattoo on Val’s back while her other hand reached for the coffee. Val’s arm moved along. She sipped.

“Bleh,” Yuna said. “Swear your part old-man. Still no sugar? Milk? Something? I’ll never get how you can stand such bitterness.” She leaned alongside Val on the railing.

“I’ll never get how you try it every time expecting something different?” Val asked.

“Eh. You know my memory sucks.” Yuna playfully bumped Val.

“Practicing headbutts surely isn’t helping.”

“Hard disagree. I finally almost broke free of one of Pop’s holds the other day.”

“I know, I was there. My head hurt just watching. Wish you’d…”

“Oh, it’s Mom. That what you were watching? Did you say something?”

“Nevermind.” Val sighed. “Yeah, as usual, Celeste is the first up. Though lately that Alphonse guy has been, too.”

“Ah, yeah. Feel like I’ve seen him around? What’s his deal?”

“Surprised Celeste hasn’t mentioned him. Every time I see her recently, he’s following along to help her with something.”

“Mom knows not to bother telling me about that kinda junk. I zone out right away.”

Val made a large inhale, followed by an exhale. “That’s why I don’t bother telling you about my day.” Yuna observed Alphonse.

“Hmm. There’s somethin’ about this guy I don’t like.”

“Aaand, ignored.” Val shook her head.

“His walk.”

“‘His walk’? Are you just making up reasons to hate new people now? If I’m an old man, you’re a raggedy ass old unfriendly cat.”

“Trust me, there’s something there. Just… can’t put it into words.”

“Pfft.” Val scoffed. “You’re just hostile to anyone new, you pain in the ass. Look how long it took for you to stop pulling a damn knife on Dante. I mean, sure, he was technically an enemy, but the guy couldn’t be less threatening if he tried. And this Alphonse? I’ve talked to him. He must have some baggage to be here, but I’ve never talked to anyone so polite.”

“Hmm.”

Val grabbed Yuna’s chin and turned her head. “Don’t even think about starting something. Get me, punk?”

“Ow, ow. I heard something crack.” Yuna pulled away, rubbing her neck.

“Yuna.” Val glared.

“Okay, I get it.”

“Don’t mess this up for your Mom. Hard to say if the guy will last long, but I could tell she was over the moon. She didn’t even ask him to help, several times, he offered each time. ‘And he’s so polite!’ she said while bragging to me. He’s even won Lawrence’s approval with his work ethic.”

“Wow. Even King Ass-Pain? Almost feel sorry for the poor bastard, Mom’s gonna run him into the ground. No one keeps up with her for long.”

“Yeah, well, like I said, must have some baggage. I warned him about the dangers of accepting offers to help from Celeste. He accepted cooking lessons. That was two weeks ago.”

“Seriously? This dude must have more than a few screws loose.”

“Dante broke after only a day of her exercise regiment, when he didn’t take my advice.” Val chuckled. “He’s said no ever since.”

“Oh!” Yuna chuckled. “I forgot to tell you about the time I found him hiding under the bed from Mom.” She told a short story. The pair laughed.

“Celeste’s somethin’ else.”

“Alright.” Yuna pulled away and hopped on her toes in a warm-up. “I’ve got my ALTR date with Reina tonight, but we can continue tomorrow night, right?”

“Ehh,” Val grumbled. “Do I have to? I don’t know how you like that crap show so much.”

“What? But…” Yuna had a fearful expression. “I thought?”

Val turned and chuckled. “Just teasin’. Yeah, it’s grown on me.”

Yuna breathed a sigh of relief. “You bitch.” She leaned in and kissed Val on the lips, followed by a light headbutt.

“That’s the only way to get you to show such a look.” Val grinned. “I like it.”

“I’ll remember that,” Yuna whispered, then walked away.

Val inhaled from her device. “Now I’m a little worried if that was actually a threat.” She exhaled.