Several weeks later, in an underground parking structure beneath Argonix headquarters, police worked to cordon off a large area. They had set up a tent within. They directed morning commuters far away from the section. Forensics officers moved in and out of the tent. Off to the side, at a trash can, a young detective hunched over and vomited, then wiped his mouth. An older detective stood nearby. He wore a long coat, with a suit and tie beneath, along with a brimmed hat. He had a silver scruffy beard and gray-tinged eyes. While staring intently at the tent, he took a drag of his cigarette. He glanced at the young man.

“Empty your stomach yet, rook?” He asked in a gravely tone.

“I think so...” The young man looked at the tent for a moment, then turned and vomited again.

“Want a smoke?”

“Are those real?” The young man tried to compose himself.

“Unfortunately. For my wallet.”

“Why would you use those these days?”

“Tried ‘modern’. Didn’t do it for me. I’ll take that as a no.” He took a drag. “Do ya consider yourself a lucky man, rook? Betcha enjoyed that big breakfast, gotta fuel up for the day after all. Sure, you’re meant to be a leash on ol’ Griff, but you still want to do the work, right? Best think yourself unlucky, starting now.”

“I don’t follow, sir.”

“What’s your name again?”

“Tau, sir,” Tau said.

“Listen up, Tau. I don’t like bullshit. So I’m gonna tell ya straight, you couldn’t have a worst first case and worst partner than this. I’d recommend you start skipping breakfast, no matter how pretty your wife is.” Griff took a long drag.

“I made breakfast this morning, sir.”

Griff exhaled. “Don’t care. They’re gonna be unhappy with you, is my point, I can promise you that. Y’see, I’m already familiar with the sick fuck behind this. That means I’ve already failed before. Get me? I’m gonna be goin’ hard.” He crushed the lit cigarette in his hand and tossed it in the trash can. “So if you’re determined to watch me like I’m sure you’ve been told to, good luck keeping up with me, rook.”

“I don’t know what you mean, sir.”

“I just said no bullshit, didn’t I?” Griff gave Tau a hard pat as he walked toward the tent, who winced at Griff’s alcohol-tinged breath and tobacco smell.

Griff entered the tent, with Tau following. Blinding bright light filled the volume of the tent. Several forensic officers meticulously cataloged an otherworldly grotesque scene. The bodies of a man and woman had been cleaved in half from head to toe, then loosely matched up and merged back into the semblance of a person. They wore no clothing and showed numerous signs of mutilation. Griff sighed as he looked at various body parts, some mere bones, spelling out ‘When Worlds Collide’ on the ground.

“Definitely the fucking ‘Sculptor’. Cocksucker always leaves a title,” Griff lamented. “Hey! You.” He pointed to a nearby forensic technician. “ID the vics yet? Wild guess. One’s a lowly janitor, maybe security, and the other’s an exec.”

“Not yet, Detective.”

“Well, look who’s missing today. Check those positions first. You.” Griff pointed to another. “Get me a scan of what’s left of their brains.”

“What? A scan, detective? Why?”

“Just fuckin’ do it,” Griff snapped at the technician, who flinched. After a short time passed of them using a device to scan, they signaled to him. He viewed the scan via his IRIS. “Yep, soup. Not a copycat.”

Later that afternoon, at Vyxora apartments, Yuna carried Reina upon her back in the courtyard. A sizeable crowd had gathered and continued to grow around them. Yuna boasted of Reina’s attractiveness, as if showing off a trophy. Resident after resident vied for Reina’s attention, speaking over one another as she reciprocated with weak handshakes and a faint smile. She grew paler with each passing minute. Yuna soon noticed the increasingly rapid beat of Reina’s heart on her back. She turned to meet Reina’s gaze.

“You okay?” Yuna asked.

“Could…use a break,” Reina said in a faint tone.

“Alright!” Yuna shouted loud enough to silence the crowd for a moment. “That’s enough of the Reina-parade for today.”

Yuna effortlessly split them aside as she moved to the elevator, ignoring some protesting of those who hadn’t gotten to greet Reina. A few of the residents calmed others as they marveled at how they’d at last gotten to meet Reina. They spoke as they’d met a celebrity, bragging about her looks and attitude to one another. They naturally broke off into groups, regaling one another of times Reina had helped them one way or another. Their stories ranged from minor acts of help like gift ideas or homework to weighty financial, life, and work advice. Some even shared how Celeste and Reina not only helped them enter rehabilitation for addictions, but assisted out of the Vyxora coffers.

A short time passed before Yuna entered her room. She’d asked Reina a few times on her condition, receiving faint responses of assurance. With extreme care, she laid Reina on the bed.

“You really okay?” Yuna asked.

“Just tired. Could you, water?” Reina asked. Yuna nodded and dashed out.

Reina sat up, hunched over a bit. Her breathing had become erratic and short, intensifying even more after Yuna left. As the time between breaths shortened further, she recalled the scene only a short while ago, with so many people surrounding her. She grasped at her chest as her heart beat faster and faster. Sweat rolled off her nose. A panic set in while she hyperventilated until fainting.

Later that night, Dante lazily surfed the web at his terminal alongside Reina-cat. She kept glancing at him, which went unnoticed. Her screens would spring to life several times in this manner, pausing at intervals. Then she brought up a website related to medical diagnosis. As she searched for some symptoms, she kept checking to see if he looked over, but he never did.

“Dante?” Reina asked.

“Nothing new at—,” Dante rattled off several websites, forums, and social media platforms.

“Right, thanks. May I—.” Reina paused. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“Huh? Can’t imagine what, but, yeah, whatever, go ahead.” Dante yawned.

“Have you ever had a panic attack?”

“‘Panic attack’? Not that I can recall. Why?”

“I think I might’ve had one.” Reina recounted her experience earlier in the day. “I’m pretty sure I fainted, but fortunately, Yuna thought I just fell asleep. I don’t want to worry Mama and her yet.”

“Hmm. I think I’d probably have one too, with all that attention.”

“Really? You don’t think something else might be wrong with me? I’m kinda grasping…hoping at it just being a panic attack, honestly.”

“How come? Oh, right, the whole body thing.”

“Yes, I’ve been researching, and it fits the most. I was hoping you might know more, though?”

“Sorry, don’t think I can offer much.” Dante noticed Reina-cat’s head droop. A few moments passed. “You know what, I vaguely remember talking with a guildy who has social anxiety, panic attacks, all that jazz. Let me think.” Reina-cat perked up, watching Dante. “Think they said it’s like feeling claustrophobic no matter where you are? Like a surrounding pressure closing in? That sound familiar?”

“Yes! Everyone’s voices started blurring together and my heart kept beating faster and faster. A pressure, exactly.”

“Well then, there you go. Hey, if you want, maybe they’re online. We could hop on.”

“Don’t you think that’d be weird to just bring up?”

“Nah, misery loves company. For those in ALTR willing to talk about RL, they love meeting those with similar issues.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“Wew. This is such a relief. I can’t even guess how Mama and Yuna would’ve reacted if it was something more serious.” Reina paused. “Well, I guess it's still something to worry about.”

“Eh, you could just avoid people.”

“Of course you’d say that.” Reina giggled. “I think I’ll take you up on your offer, though.”

“Sweet.” Dante stood. “Let’s go.”

“Dante, I know you’re using this as an excuse to get back to ALTR sooner, but thanks. I really appreciate it. And you listening in the first place.”

Dante chuckled. “You got me. No big, though. If I were you, I’d probably seek me out too over them for obvious reasons. Though, keep your expectations low now and in the future, I’m no therapist.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

“Funny. Just occurred to me. Even a loving family can be a burden.”

“Yes…” Reina murmured. A brief silence ensued.

“Thought you’d maybe protest that after it came outta my mouth. I haven’t corrupted you, have I? Because I am not willing to deal with the consequences of my actions.”

Reina chuckled. “My thoughts are my own, thanks.”

“Fair enough.” Dante shrugged and walked away. Then a loud sound beeped. “What was that?”

“Checking now. I only have sound enabled for important notifications.”

“Like a news alert?”

“Yes, but mostly only from information brokers.”

“Alright, well, I’ll be—.”

“There was another murder!”

“You mean like that one?” Dante reluctantly turned to Reina. “Please, no pics.”

“There aren’t any, yet. Sounds like the police are keeping a tight lid on info so far. But, get this, it’s supposedly two Argonix employees found beneath their headquarters, in a parking garage.”

“Ah, jeez. That pretty much rules out the first one being coincidence, doesn’t it?”

“It must.” Reina’s screens sprang to life per usual, flipping through various sources.

“You’re not coming anymore, are you?” Dante asked. Reina gave no response. He sighed, then returned to his seat. “Lame ass notification, was so close to an early night.” I could just go, but is it worth the risk? Celeste and Yuna were not subtle of there being consequences if I didn’t warn them of Reina skipping sleep. Yeah…just suck it up, bro. Remember, the faster she gets healthy, means less work down the road.

Several days later, mid-morning, Griff and Tau ascended the steps to the Vyxora apartments.

“‘member, kid, don’t overreact to anything you see,” Griff said. “This group’s a laid back bunch, but they’ve got fangs. Can’t have you looking like easy prey.”

“How do you know a syndicate boss when you only just transferred, sir?” Tau asked.

“Long ass story, rook. And I’m from Lyrsium. Did they not trust you with a dossier on me or something? Christ. What kinda spy are you?”

“I was told they wanted an unbiased opinion first, sir.”

“I’m glad we already got over the phase where you pretend you’re not. Ha. My track record is impressive, though. That’s why they tolerate me. Anyway. Do me a favor and don’t complicate things, alright?”

“Yes, sir.”

As they reached the top, Leon came into view. Val and a few others chatted near the entrance. Leon walked to meet Griff. Tau marveled at Leon’s stature the closer they got.

“Griff,” Leon said.

“Good to see you too, old friend,” Griff said. They grabbed each other by the forearm, pulling into one another for a brief embrace. As they pulled back, loud stomping steps rang out behind Leon.

“Sorry,”

Griff sighed. “Couldn’t hide it from her, huh? It’s alright. You never could, from her.”

Griff adjusted his hat to one side. Leon stepped aside, revealing Celeste marching straight to Griff, her fury palpable. Mere steps away, she pulled her arm back with an open palm. Griff appeared to angle his face.

“You’re looking well, Ce—,” Griff said. At the same time, Celeste unleashed her arm forward. Mid-way, the palm closed into a fist before striking Griff square on the cheek. His knees buckled from the blow, sending him to the ground. Tau appeared shocked for a moment, then moved toward Celeste, who glared at Griff.

“Ma’am! You just assaulted an officer!” Tau yelled as he reached for Celeste. However, before his arm even half-extended, Leon gently swatted it away. Despite the gentleness of the touch, the strength behind it still threw Tau off-balance.

“Christ, kid, I said don’t overreact,” Griff said. “This’ personal. No law involved.” Tau looked at Griff in astonishment as he regained his balance.

“But sir,” Tau said.

“Help me up.” Tau helped Griff stand. “Should’ve known better.” Griff rubbed his cheek and stretched his jaw as he picked up his hat before facing Celeste.

“She’s married, you know,” Celeste said, her voice crackling with anger. “That could’ve been you.”

“It couldn’t have,” Griff said in a solemn tone. Celeste met his somber gaze for a moment, then clicked her tongue loudly and marched away. Griff patted himself, searching for something. “This’ Tau, by the way.” He gestured to Tau. “Forgot my smokes, go get ‘em, rook.”

“Sir, I—,” Tau glanced apprehensively at Leon.

“Just go, I’ll assure Leon here.” Tau nodded and ran off.

“Kid?” Leon asked.

“Yeah, rare these days, but he’s as straight laced as they come. It’s a pain in the ass, but I gotta break the poor kid or he’s gonna be a pariah. Us pigs don’t take kindly to spying on each other. Fortunately for me, I’m too good for them to get rid of.”

“Looks.” Leon glanced up and down Griff with a smirk.

“Of course I didn’t say anything. I knew you’d give me shit. What can I say? I clearly watched too much Noir as a kid. Before I knew it, I looked like this.” The pair shared a soft chuckle. “Got somewhere we can talk private-ish?” Leon nodded and turned. Griff followed as he placed a cigarette in his mouth, then stopped for a moment.

“Oh, right. Hey, pretty lady with the tats, mind telling the kid when he’s back to just wait here? And if you don’t mind, intimidate him some.”

“What?” Val asked. She saw Leon give a nod. “Alright.” She shrugged, then told a few nearby to fetch some more bodies.

“Val,” Leon said.

“My bad. Appreciate it, Val. I’ll owe ya,” Griff called with a nonchalant wave.

“Yeah, sure,” Val said in surprise.

A young boy approached Val. “That was a pig, right? What’s with him?”

“Old friend of the Vyx, I’m told,” Val said, puffing on a device. “Def an odd cop.”

Griff and Leon made their way across the courtyard until Yuna approached.

“Old ass goat,” Yuna said.

“Fucking brat?” Griff and Yuna grinned at one another before greeting with a brief embrace like he’d done prior with Leon.

“Mom got you good, huh?” Yuna playfully slapped Griff’s cheek repeatedly, to which he swatted her hand away. “Barely saw it from the elevator.”

“Yeah, it fuckin’ smarts, so maybe don’t slap it? Still no respect for your elders. Anyway.” Griff glanced up and down Yuna. “Bit muscley for my taste, but who thought you’d grow up to be such a looker?”

“Pfft.” Yuna scoffed. “Me? You should see Reina. Fuckin’ adorable.”

“That so?”

“Hey, how ‘bout a spar, like old times?”

“Hard pass. You kicked my ass when I was still fit. Still losin’ to Leon?”

“Hell no. Surpassed the old man a long time ago.”

“Half,” Leon said.

“No way, I’m closer to two-to-one wins now.” Yuna turned to Leon in protest. “Don’t give me that look. I’m ready to go right now and show Griff.”

“Busy.”

“You—.” A call appeared in Yuna’s IRIS. “Dante’s calling. That means Reina’s fucking awake still. Gotta go. But, later Pops.” Yuna gestured menacingly at Leon, then turned away, only to turn back again. “Oh, yeah, why do you look like the guy from ‘Once to kill’, Griff? Pretty old, and lame.” She dashed away at another call notice.

“Quite a daughter you’ve got there now,” Griff said. “You’ve mentioned her in our calls, of course, but feel like she’s got even more fire than back then.”

“Lucky,” Leon said.

“Yes, I know. Christ. Do you realize eighty percent of the calls are always about them? The fuck’s ‘Once to kill’, by the way?”

“Show.” Leon laughed. Griff chuckled as he shook his head.

“Damnit.”

A short time later, Leon and Griff stood in a small, closet-like room that appeared abandoned.

“A closet?” Griff asked. “You don’t have somewhere less cramped?”

“Unused,” Leon said.

“You’re right, privacy’s really all that matters at the moment. I’m sure it surprised you I suddenly wanted to drop by, and that I was back in Lyrsium in the first place. Long story short, they transferred me back. We can catch up another time. I’ll cut to the chase.”

“Fine.”

“Appreciate the understanding.” Griff quickly explained about the murder investigation he’d begun at Argonix headquarters. While he did, a clang of metal echoed, causing him to pause. He and Leon looked around but nothing further followed and he resumed.

“Aware.”

“Good. Wait. How? The fucking point we’re tolerating each other’s breath right now is I’ve been keeping as tight a lid as possible on the whole thing.”

“Reina.”

“Well fuck. No kidding?”

“Before I knew it, my little girl became an information broker.” Leon grimaced as he shook his head. “Failure.”

“I can tell this really bugs you old friend, but I don’t have time to get sidetracked right now.”

“Continue.”

“So anyway. I’ve got history already with the sick fuck behind this. I hit the ground running, callin’ people I ain’t talked to in years. Etcetera, etcetera, I’m pretty fuckin’ floored to find out there was already a prior killing, kept under wraps because of where it took place; some underground arena? Any chance you can get me in there asap?”

A soft sneeze suddenly rang out. Griff glanced around in confusion while Leon ripped off a vent from the wall. He reached in and subsequently pulled out Reina-bird. Another sneeze emanated from the bird.

“Ack. Darnit, not used to sneezing,” Reina said. The bird’s head then turned a little towards Leon. “Didn’t mute in time, oops.” Why didn’t I mute in the first place? Maybe I am sleeping too little…

“Trouble,” Leon said.

“I know I’m supposed to be sleeping, Papa, but when I heard Griff showed up after so long, I had an inkling I couldn’t ignore. Please.” Leon sighed as he loosened his grip. Reina-bird popped out onto his fingers as a perch and looked at Griff.

“Griff,” Reina said.

“Huh? Uh, yeah?”

“I don’t know if they’ve cleaned up the scene yet, but I have an accurate mapping of it in ALTR. So, I propose an exchange of information. I’d been wanting to contact you for so long but, well…anyway, you’re here.” Griff had a blank expression. “Well?”

“Just give me a minute, christ. Trying to process this.” Griff paused. “You are Reina? I don’t remember that sweet girl being the type to spy or be pushy.”

“I’m sorry, but there’s a ton of stuff I’d like to discuss with you. Especially since you said you have a past with the killer, there’s so much more to—.”

“Reina! You better have fallen asleep on the toilet in there,” Yuna’s voice came from the bird. “because if I find out—!” Her voice cut out. A brief silence passed as Griff and Leon exchanged glances.

“Griff, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Papa, please bring him to the basement, later. I’ve gotta go,” Reina whispered. The bird then fell, with Leon catching it.

“That is not how I expected today to go,” Griff said as he lit a cigarette.

“Cramped,”

“Shit, my bad, such a habit.” They exited into a corridor. “So. Reina. I know you’ve told me how she helps keep Vyxora running, but I don’t think it ever really registered until now.”

“Boss,” Leon lamented as he shook his head.

“How’d that happen?”

“Wish I knew.”

“Heh.” Griff chuckled and took a drag. “I can guess. She always was an inquisitive one. Meanwhile, you and Celeste were never interested in imposing ideals on others. That’s what made myself and the others so loyal. Always felt like we had a choice in everything we did. I take it you treat your daughters the same?”

“Regret.” Leon’s head hung.

“You don’t, not really. Fatherhood’s rough, huh?”

Leon exhaled. “Yes.”