Late at night in Reina’s basement room at Vyxora, Griff leaned in a chair against a wall. Reina-cat watched as he played with an unlit cigarette in his mouth. Leon stood in one corner of the room, observing in stoic silence. Dante sat in his usual spot, surfing the web. Yuna sat with a chair between her legs, dozing off on the backrest near Reina.
“So?” Reina asked.
“Gotta give me some more time” Griff patted his head. “Takes longer to process so much these days. When’d you become so damn impatient, girlie?”
“Sorry.”
“Still quick to apologize, huh? Was only foolin’.” Griff landed the chair as he moved forward, resting his elbows on his knees and rubbing his chin. “Really feeling my age, here. You’ve probably saved me weeks, even months of investigative catchup. But I need some more time to properly sort out my thoughts on it all. That aside, you had me read you some detective novels when you were little, so I always thought you might have it in you. Yet, never could’ve imagined a scenario where a little inquisitive Reina made me embarrassed for all my useless colleagues. You know, the reason I’m back in Lyrsium is because my old captain begged me to take a crack at the ‘Aegis Slayer’ case. Just crazy.” He shook his head. “Really could use a smoke.” He pulled out his lighter.
“Don’t you fuckin’ dare.” Yuna snapped awake, followed by a gesture to signal she had her eyes on Griff.
Griff sighed as he put back the lighter. “I see you still have no respect for your elders.” He stretched his neck back and forth with a crack. “Spare the rod.” He glanced at Leon.
“I heard that, old goat. I can find a rod, if you want.” Yuna cracked her knuckles menacingly. “Then we can—.”
“Yuna, please stop trying to fight Uncle Griff,” Reina chastised.
“Well, tell him to stop wasting time. I wanna go to sleep.”
Griff exhaled as if smoking. “Alright. Enough lollygaggin’. I’ll say it straight. Even if I’m grateful all this info’s fallen into my lap, not exactly keen on sharing classified police intel.”
“Oh,” Reina lamented.
“Griff,” Leon said.
“Okay, that was a garbage lie, you got me. Truth is, I’m afraid of running afoul of ol’ Celeste more than anything. She hates my guts enough. Now, involving her precious Reina in a serial killer case? I’d be asking to be hunted down, literally.”
“She’s already involved, ya dumbass,” Dante said. “Miss the part where she made me setup a friggin’ murder scene in ALTR? Quit wasting time, got a damn raid soon, tiresome old goat.”
A silence set in as the others looked at the back of Dante in awe. He turned, having noticed the silence. Yuna laughed. Leon gave a slight chuckle. Reina had turned to him.
“Dante?” Reina asked.
“Uhhh.” Dante turned to see the others.
“Who the fuck’s this kid, again?” Griff barked.
“Did I maybe speak out loud, just now?” Dante whispered to Reina, who nodded.
“Sure did.” Yuna laughed. “He thinks you look like a goat, too.”
Dante turned and bowed his head apologetically to Griff. “Sorry, Mr. uh, G—…detective?”
“Don’t even know my name? Whats with this fucker?” Griff asked.
“Sorry, Griff,” Reina said. “Dante gets agitated if he might miss a raid time.”
“A what?”
“Griff,” Leon shouted. He gestured with his gaze toward Reina. “Continue.”
“Fine, I get it. It’d be wrong of me to leave ya hangin’, no matter how weird this is. Just remember, if I ever turn up dead, check my ex-wives first, but then your Mom.” Griff gestured to Reina.
“Like Mom’d leave a trace.” Yuna grinned.
Griff had a slight grin as he nodded. “True. Anyway. We called the sadistic fuck the ‘Sculptor’, internally, at my old precinct. Which, of course, got leaked. There were five incidents, same MO. No point in going over the gory details, it’s the same sick shit every time. Psychopathic fuck fancies himself an artist. Normally, you’d think that would result in them wanting to be known, but the bastard never leaves a trace. That is, besides always having the ‘display’ be some kind of abstract motif or concept. It’s happened in a few other cities that I know of, too. Problem is, there’s been next to no threads to connect any incident to another. So much so that there’s a theory of there being multiple copycats. Ever since Aegis day, murder fell off a cliff like you might think, especially crimes of passion. But, the premeditated ones tend to be worst in contrast and this bastard’s king shitbird.”
Griff paused for a breath. “I’m startin’ to ramble. Sad thing is, I don’t have a lot to share with you, except for one big nugget I’ve kept to myself. You see, I recognized some similar damage to the brain and spinal cord in each case. Forensics and coroners must’ve considered it just part of the overall mutilation or whatever. But, after consulting more than a few relevant people, I concluded the victims may be getting interrogated in ALTR. The whole gruesome display is, at least in part, a cover-up for this fact. I just never knew what could be connecting the victims, though. Until now. I’d bet there’s some hidden connection between the other series of cases, too. No way are the first two of these killings a coincidence. The sculptor kidnaps, interrogates, then hides the evidence while satisfying some sick desires.”
“What do you think, Dante?” Reina asked.
“Uhh, pretty messed up,” Dante said.
“About ALTR’s involvement.”
“Oh, right, duh. Yeah, I’ve heard of some scary stuff that’s available on the black market. Never wanted to look into it. The rumors are plenty to scare my curiosity away.”
“Yep. That’s pretty much my findings as well, kid,” Griff said. “These black market modified ALTRs seem pretty frowned upon even in the underworld, so rumor is the most I could get from my sources. Chances of getting my hands on any of it are zero. Which means, can’t prove jack shit and why I’ve kept it to myself.”
“Thanks, Griff.” Reina-cat’s chair turned back to her screens; they sprang to life. “Please share your thoughts on everything else when you find the time.”
Griff looked at Leon. “Should I… really not be worried about Celeste?” He rubbed where Celeste hit him earlier.
“Maybe,” Leon said.
“I need a cig.” Griff stood up.
“Night Griff, Pops.” Yuna yawned along with a drowsy wave as she crossed the room.
“Night,” they said.
“Huh? Where you going?” Dante followed Yuna as she moved to his room.
“Room too far… sleepy.”
Dante sighed. “Guess I’ll be in ALTR, anyway.” They entered his room. “Before you pass out, I know your Mom can be pretty scary, but why’d that old dude keep bringing her up?”
“Eh? Ahh…” Yuna grumbled. “What was it again? Right. Mom set him up with one of her friends, and he cheated on her.” She fell onto the bed.
“Yikes.”
“Mmhmm.”
Meanwhile, Griff and Leon tried to engage Reina, but went ignored. They left to grab a drink, and for Griff, a smoke. They soon were drinking beer at a table in the courtyard, under the moon.
“Hard to believe that’s the Reina I knew.” Griff puffed at his cigarette. “Though she always did kinda investigate things, now that I think back. I remember those weird old twins making the bird and cat off her idea on some whim. But, if I recall, she wasn’t content with just being given them. She politely pestered them until they explained how they worked.”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Yup.” Leon took a large swig before placing the bottle next to several empty ones. “They’ve loved her ever since.”
“Slow down, big guy. I see your tongue’s already loosening.”
“Hear me out, alright?”
“I’m listening.”
“Celeste and I gave in five or so years ago, giving Reina some work she could do. She just wanted to help. Looking back, it was bit by bit. She’d ask for another responsibility. How could we say no?”
“Christ, I really just told the girl one of my biggest secrets? You’re asking the wrong guy. How’d she do that?”
“Yes.” Leon took a sorrowful swig. “She’s tricky. Persuasive. Trickily persuasive.”
“Yeah… she kept asking me little questions during the conversation. Did that soften me up? I’m startin’ to picture how she took over.”
“Right?” Leon grunted. “Our precious Reina…” He sulked.
A week later, Viktor Weihelm stood in the center of an enclosed circular room. He wore a suit and his appearance looked even more impeccable than usual. A door closed. The walls changed into visual feeds of a near three-hundred-sixty degree scope. The feeds displayed a sports stadium filled to capacity. In front of him stood a podium, to which he stepped closer. The sound of cheering fans filtered in, albeit at a fraction of the volume one would hear in-person.
“Thank you, all!” Viktor announced. The crowd quieted. “As always, I’m humbled that the Sentinel fanbase doesn’t despise my guts like so many other owners.” He paused as the crowd laughed. “While I’d prefer to be watching the game with all of you, Project Avalon demands my every waking moment. Well, almost. I’m here today to announce construction has finished on the new facilities at Aegis University. They are dedicated to the two civil servants who Lyrsium lost this year.” Viktor continued with a brief explanation of the facilities purpose and relevance while pausing for applause intermittently. “I’m sure some of you are aware we butted heads at times. However, I always have held great respect for them. Let us proceed with a moment of silence.” Almost all sound ceased for a short time. “Thank you, all. With that, I will take my leave. Please look forward to more announcements on Project Avalon in the coming weeks. Go Sentinels!”
The crowd noise reached a fever pitch for a second before ceasing entirely as the feeds disappeared. Viktor loosened his collar a little as he exited the room. Several people applauded as he entered a room that encompassed the one he’d left. He raised a hand dismissively, and they quieted. He walked toward another exit. Several young men and women followed in his steps, some conversing in calls while gesturing, interacting with their personal IRIS.
“Well?” Viktor asked.
“Sir,” a young man said. “We’ve pushed articles out to every major publication with the press release.”
“You’re trending on every platform that matters, Mr. Weihelm,” a young woman said.
The group expanded more and more on reactions to Viktor’s announcement, all while following him. Visible irritation crept along Viktor’s expression until they reached an elevator.
“Enough.” Viktor gestured for all of them to stop, followed by a dismissive wave.
A short time later, Viktor exited the elevator into a room that took up an entire floor. An immense holographic cityscape covered much of the area. A dozen or so people flitted about in various discussions. Near to the elevator, stood Artemis.
“Well now, hello Artemis.” Viktor approached. “Feels as though we rarely see one another recently.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Weihelm,” Artemis said. “Your address was excellently delivered.”
“Appreciated, but I’ve already heard enough on that subject. After doing a hundred of those, the praise does little for me. Results are all that matter in the end. Anyway. What brings you here?”
“Of course. I wanted to verify if you’re aware of a sensitive matter. It would best be discussed in private.”
“Hm. I know I can trust you to not waste my time with frivolous matters, very well.” Viktor snapped his fingers. “Leave.”
Everyone except Viktor and Artemis ceased what they were doing, then piled into the elevator before disappearing. Meanwhile, he gestured for her to follow him as they walked through the cityscape while he made occasional comments.
“I’d like your perspective on a few things I’m contemplating, afterwards.” Viktor gestured in various ways, the cityscape changing in response.
“Understood. I will get straight to the point.”
“Always appreciated. You’ve no idea how much these damned engineers, planners and whatever else ramble on about meaningless details.” Viktor continued to manipulate the cityscape.
“I sympathize. Are you are aware of the incident at Argonix, Viktor?”
“Some rather unpleasant business. Even consumed as I am with Project Avalon, the gossip reached my ears, yes. What of it?”
“There are now three such incidents in total.”
“‘Three’?” Viktor remained preoccupied.
“The first and third occurred in the underworld’s purview. With the third being discovered this morning.”
“You don’t say?”
“Those two are not in the mainstream, for obvious reasons.”
“Makes sense.”
“These three locations hold clear significance, however. I have reason to believe Siegfried is behind these.”
“Siegfried? What makes you say that?” Viktor turned to Artemis.
Artemis quickly explained the relevance of the locations. She then repeated the message Siegfried had left with them. After that, she projected a grotesque image from her wrist. Viktor glanced at it for only a moment before returning to the cityscape. The image displayed two mutilated standing bodies, with eight arms between them, re-attached and each grasping one another in pairs. Artemis started to explain the sight, but Viktor interrupted.
“Ah. I see. I was warned of Siegfried having some… unorthodox methods. Quite distasteful, I must admit.” Viktor manipulated the cityscape. “My contact, however, assured me that ‘Siegfried the Undying’ has never failed them. A rather crass name, but it supposedly holds multiple meanings. One being that the man pursues his quarry as if he were undead. They found it quite amusing, yet can’t say I’ve ever cared for zombie features myself. Nonetheless, all that matters is results.”
“Of course, Viktor,” Artemis said.
“If you have issues with his methods, you have my permission to query him.”
“I may at least verify it is him.”
“Do as you will. Now, what do you think about the planned architecture style here?” Viktor manipulated the cityscape as he rattled off questions to Artemis.
Later that night, Artemis sat alone in her office. She gazed out the window at the skyline. She let out a deep breath, then gestured in the air, tapping keys in her IRIS. A mere second after her fingers stopped, an eerie voice resounded in her ears. At the same time, a window appeared in her sight; it displayed the unsettling visage of Siegfried and startled her a little. She hadn’t expected the video call nor the expedient answer.
“Good evening, Ms. Vigard,” Siegfried said. “What a pleasant surprise. How may I be of assistance?”
Siegfried’s surreal face had a strange, welcoming expression, like that of a butler awaiting their master’s orders. A brief silence passed as Artemis observed simulated blinks of his digital eyes; their intervals were abnormal. His digital mouth began to open.
“Good evening, Siegfried,” Artemis said. “Do you always answer calls with video?”
“Only when they deserve my full attention, Ms. Vigard. You needn’t feel any obligation to reciprocate.”
“Are you the ‘Sculptor’?”
Siegfried’s expression remained unchanged. “Why yes, I am.” He answered without hesitation. Artemis flinched at the unnerving sight. A brief silence passed. “Typically, I avoid outright informing my employer unless asked. There have also been many who never asked, despite likely being aware. Therefore, may I inquire as to why you have so bluntly queried?”
“I would know your reasons for such public displays.”
“Ah.” Siegfried’s expression appeared to soften, as if gleeful. “I see why Mr. Weihelm values you so highly. No dancing around a topic. Your candor is a refreshing tonic in this so very deceptive world.” Siegfried paused as his eyes shifted. A faint shiver cascaded down Artemis’ spine as it felt like, for a moment, he looked her directly in the eyes. “Ahem. Please forgive me; I’m sure you don’t need unsolicited praise from one such as I. I will gladly answer. There are multiple purposes to my methods. I’m aware, of course, they may appear rather unsavory. They’ve proven effective time and time again, however, I assure you. Please bear with me.”
“The primary function of these displays is to disguise my interrogations. The methods I employ often cause damage to the brain, unfortunately. As you surely surmised from my notice before beginning this work, I start at the bottom. You may visualize a pyramid, to effect. By immersing myself in the thoughts, feelings and knowledge of one who may in fact know little, I’m able to compile a weapon, you could say. This weapon being forged of inaccuracies, inconsistencies, contradictions. To which I may then wield against those in the next level of the pyramid - so on and so forth. The smallest inconsistency can prove fatal. A hole in the wall. The other major component of these methods is the shock and awe factor. Potential targets on the pyramid often eventually realize they may be next, especially as news coverage increases. This has many times resulted in them committing grave mistakes out of fear or impatience, leading me to them all the quicker.”
“I see,” Artemis said.
“Out of respect for your own difficulties experienced regarding this case, as well as a reciprocation of your honesty, I must admit this to be a rather vexing case. Any leads have been far and few between.” A brief silence passed. “Do you have any qualms with my approach, Ms. Vigard?”
“All that matters, in the end, is the results. Mr. Weihelm has faith in you to excise this issue, allowing his focus to remain on Project Avalon. I, too, would see it resolved prior to the launch of a new product line.”
“I understand, Ms. Vigard, and I apologize for wasting your time with such trivialities. Please know that I shall redouble my efforts, nay, re-triple. I’m humbled by your comprehension.” Siegfried bowed.
“See that you do.” Artemis tapped her wrist; the call ended. Her tense body relaxed a little. She stood and walked to the window. Such an unpleasant sensation speaking to that monster. Not only does he speak ad nauseum, he shamelessly obscured his reasons.
“Hey!” Xandr said in a faint voice, further words indecipherable.
Perhaps his job is merely an excuse?
“Hey!” Xandr’s voice grew louder.
He gave no acknowledgment of the obscene brutality on display. I’d expected him to even go on a tangent of the meanings behind them. Yet, he spoke as if they were of no consequence, or discarding that they held any significance.
“Hey!”
Artemis sighed. “Yes, I heard you the first time.”
“You had a chance there! Why didn’t you get that monster to stop? Surely you’re not okay with this, Artemis?”
“That’s why I’ve been ignoring you. They are mostly indirect, but we’ve already stepped over countless people to reach this point. And we’ll step over many more to reach our goal.”
“But!”
“Don’t bother. I will not jeopardize us. The ends are all that matter.”
“You sound like Viktor.”
“I know…”