Celeste, Dante, and Yuna, with Reina-sparrow on her shoulder, stood before a large building as dawn broke over Lyrsium. It resembled Vyxora in overall structure, except with countless boarded-up windows. The Vyxora apartment itself was only a short walk away. At the same time, atop the building in an office suite, stood Aelfric in a pitch-black Aegis suit without helmet. He paced casually near a round table. It had four chairs arranged around it, spaced out evenly. Belle’s voice emanated from a device at its center.
“They’re here.”
“Understood,” Aelfric said. A visual feed appeared in his IRIS, showing them enter the building. He froze at the sight of Celeste.
The Vyx group made their way into the building. Vibrations at their feet and clear sounds of construction indicated activity below them. Most of the floor had boards closing it off, outside of a barren reception area. It funneled into a grouping of elevators, though only one appeared operational. They shuffled in. Dante melded into a corner, resting his eyes with a weary sigh. As it ascended, Yuna spoke.
“Whoa. Déjà vu? Why?”
“It’s the same elevator we have, hun,” Celeste said.
“Huh?”
“They were building this as a commercial space at the same time as our apartment. Same developers. They even tried to package it to us originally, but it was nowhere near as finished as ours.”
“Weird. Wonder why this’ my first time hearing this?”
“It still had a high fence until recently. I believe it’s passed through several hands, largely forgotten otherwise. Even I did.”
“Yes, several proposals never materialized,” Reina said. “Outside of Vyxora, the surrounding area has only become less and less appealing to possible buyers. I’m going through it all now. The property value just kept plummeting. Then…huh?”
“What is it, hun?”
“The shell company that I assume is Aelfric, bought it the day I notified him that you, Dante, and his mother would be speaking to the council.”
“Wasn’t it possible the council were gonna deny us?” Yuna asked.
“Yes.”
A sound indicated they reached the top floor as the doors opened. To their great surprise, Aelfric prostrated himself on the floor in front of them. His hands lay next to his forehead, which touched the ground.
“Finally!” Belle said. “Someone stop this moron from doing whatever he’s doing. His biometrics are spiking like crazy.”
“Celeste!” Aelfric said. “I was unaware you would be attending. I beseech thee to listen for but a moment. I apologize for deceiving you. It pains me to have exploited your kindness as I did. However, I’ll not beg forgiveness, for I do not regret my necessary actions.”
“Ugh. You embarrassing ass. Seriously, I can guess what the idiot is doing right now. Drag him to his feet if you have to. He’s still recovering and can only move around because of the suit in the first place.”
Celeste hurried over to Aelfric and pulled at him. She felt a tug of resistance, to which she signaled for Yuna to grab the other side. They lifted him to his feet while he stifled groans of pain. He kept his head downward once standing. Had Dante been paying attention, he would have seen a pained grimace upon Aelfric’s face.
“Stabilizing…” Belle said. “I should let you sit in pain, but you’ve already shamed us enough.” Knew I should’ve rushed cameras getting installed, I couldn’t see him until now from the elevator one. Why must you always be so? “Tired of this. Sit his dumbass down. I just hit him with pain meds, and he’s gonna buckle any second.”
Celeste initiated movement, to which Yuna followed suit until they lowered him into a chair. She gazed down at Aelfric right before his grimace relaxed into a light stupor. Yuna, meanwhile, crouched as she looked at his right leg, until eventually prodding it.
“Belle, is it?” Celeste asked. “Has Alph—.” She stopped herself. “—ric, been giving you a hard time? Having to watch he doesn’t overextend himself and perhaps even exercising?”
“Huh?” Belle said. Did I say my name? Well, who else would it be? “Yes, how’d you know?”
“I recognize that weary tone, and I have a fool of my own.” Celeste looked at Yuna.
Belle sighed. “He’s been a huge pain in the ass.”
“I relate.”
“Hey Aelf, you get your new leg already?” Yuna asked. “How is it? An entire cybernetic limb, I mean? Still waiting for the twins to stop fucking with mine.” She patted her left side. “Got the eye, though. It’s pretty much like having the HUD of the Aegis all the time. Was a bitch to sync with my IRIS, at first.” She looked up whilst presenting her eye.
Aelfric’s stupor evaporated. “Intriguing. The leg is indeed a strange sensation. It moves as I will it, yet in such an unfamiliar way to that of muscle and bone. Have you been able to put your eye through extraneous paces? I’ve tried to better calibrate but have been interrupted repeatedly.”
“Because you started coughing up blood, you stupid mother—!” Belle yelled until her voice cut out.
“Yuna went looking for a fight the same day of her surgery,” Celeste said with a agitated tone. “Foolish girl could’ve gotten herself killed so impaired!”
Yuna stood and started bickering with Celeste, while Aelfric made a dismissive comment toward Belle that caused the pair to argue as well. Meanwhile, Reina-sparrow had remained dormant, left on Dante’s shoulder, who slept against the corner of the elevator still. She stirred amidst the arguing.
“Sorry, I got distracted—,” Reina said. She stopped and glanced around until turning to Dante. “Hey, what’s happening?” She noticed his eyes were closed and pecked his cheek.
“I-I was only resting them,” Dante said as he awoke.
Reina sighed. “You stayed up even though I warned you, didn’t you?”
“Maybe.”
“So you don’t know what’s going on?”
“I do not.” Dante noticed the bickering pairs. He staggered a little out of the elevator at Reina’s behest.
“Gah!” Belle shrieked. I completely forgot that guy was in there.
Belle had continued viewing the room via the elevator camera. Thus, Dante’s sudden appearance in the peripheral startled her. Her sudden outburst had ceased the arguing. They all watched as Dante approached.
Oh? Reina thought. Good, they weren’t arguing about something important if they stopped that quick. In the brief silence, she quickly followed up. “Aelfric, why’d you purchase this building? And before Abyss’ formation was even guaranteed?”
“Ahem,” Aelfric said. “My apologies to all present for this aberrant beginning. Please, be seated so that we may begin in earnest. Anew.” He gestured to the table. “I procured a portion of the refreshments for our construction workers, should you be so inclined.” He gestured to a table off to the side with coffee, bagels and the like. It’s fortunate I mistakenly set a chair for Reina.
Dante meandered over to the refreshment table while Celeste sat. Reina flew to Yuna’s shoulder, who took the seat opposite Celeste.
“I will begin by answering your query, Reina,” Aelfric said. “Forgive me for being presumptuous, but I am confident that you all would desire to remain at the Vyxora complex. Therefore, I obtained this nearby property to serve as Abyss’ interim HQ. A data center is being constructed below as we speak, I’m sure you heard upon entrance. You’ll be able to tap directly into it, thanks to proximity. It will also house private ALTR servers. There are currently no plans to further renovate the building beyond the underground data center and first floor. This office suite was merely cleaned up to be presentable. Outside of it, floors are vacant. There is little reason for us to have a physical location otherwise. Once the servers are setup, all correspondence will be within ALTR for security purposes. Do you have questions or concerns?” The group sat in brief silence at the deluge of information.
“You’re correct,” Celeste said. “We’ve no intention of leaving our residents behind. It’s hard to deny this is ideal for us. However, your ‘Diana’ promised transparency within certain bounds. This building would constitute consulting us. Do you not think so?”
Aelfric paused in thought. “My apologies. Let it be known that my Lady was uninvolved, and this was of my own volition. I intend to seek Reina’s advice on occasion, but I will be required to make unilateral decisions as Abyss’ leader. I’ll strive to notify you of relevant developments. Otherwise, I ask for your understanding.”
“Well, we’re technically only ‘Abyss’ as of this morning, to be fair,” Reina said. “Still. Why’d you purchase this place when you did? Were you that confident? I sure wasn’t.”
“I…” Aelfric’s eyes darted to Celeste for a moment amidst an abnormal pause. “Was not worried.”
“‘Celeste will be attending?’” Belle said. “‘Move forward with the HQ, Belle.’ His words, when we found out. And he didn’t think Celeste would be present at Abyss meetings. I’m pretty sure he was afraid of running into her if he went to Vyxora to meet you. He kept bugging me that day to get it done. I wouldn’t put it past him to have bought this place to avoid Celeste.”
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Yuna laughed. “You were around when Griff got decked, weren’t you?” She chuckled. “She can really hold a grudge, so avoidance is def best when you can. Should you really be letting your assistant blow up your spot like this, though?”
“I am not his assistant!” Belle yelled in fury. “I’m his sister and we work alongside one another under Ms. Diana!”
“Whoa. Okay. My bad. Settle down.”
“How dare you—!” Belle’s voice cut out when Aelfric tapped the device.
“I apologize for my sister’s behavior.” Aelfric bowed his head. “She can allow her emotions to get the better of her. Please forgive her rudeness.”
“I’m sorry for my sister’s behavior, too,” Reina said. “Of all people, she should know better than to say ‘settle down’.” Yuna gave an acknowledging nod. Reina continued. “Sorry, Belle, if you can hear me?”
“She can. Although, her own voice may be drowning it out. I intend to reflect on my own actions as well. Meanwhile, I’d intended to give this at the close of our meeting. However.” Aelfric placed two small devices on the table. “Here are almost all the dossiers and information I compiled while spying on you. A unique encryption key fob as well. Lady Diana advised I offer this if tensions seemed high, as they do at this juncture. Only irrelevant information has been redacted.” They stared at them for a moment.
“Yuna.” Celeste gestured. “Dagger. I know you have it.”
“Weird to say this, but violence doesn’t seem like the answer here, Mom?” Yuna asked.
Celeste glared with another gesture. “Give.”
Yuna acquiesced, producing the dagger from somewhere before tossing it to Celeste. Who then caught and slammed its hilt into the storage device, shattering it. The others flinched for a second. Dante almost dropped a cup of coffee. Celeste receded back into her chair, placing the dagger calmly on the table. She turned to Aelfric, who had a bewildered expression.
“My feelings toward you are…very mixed, let’s say.” Celeste had a tranquil expression. “You infiltrated our home. Spied on us for months. With quite malicious intentions, I might add. Yet, in the end, even if it could be argued your side holds blame for that ‘Siegfried’ monster, you’ve only aided us. I don’t want to think about what could have transpired without you involving yourself. I even suspect you had to do some convincing.” Shock reverberated across Aelfric’s face for a moment. “All that aside, we’ve agreed to this foolish path. I’ve read enough dossiers in my time to know they’re not flattering to the subject. We don’t need that kind of drama.” She paused. “Going forward, I’ll be involved more than I ever have with Vyxora. I must watch over my daughters in place of Leon. So, please continue with your agenda. Will that be an issue, Aelfric?” Though she had an oppressive gaze, the tension in Aelfric’s expression appeared to fade.
“Of course not,” Aelfric said in the closest thing to an eager tone, coming from him. He tapped Belle’s device.
“—so cool,” Belle whispered, almost inaudible. Her feed had zoomed in on Celeste, with the elevator doors kept open.
“Belle. Please start the presentation.” The faint clicks of a mechanical keyboard resounded.
I finally get it, Belle thought. What El’s told me. Never came through in the intel reports until now. She really did remind me of my Artemis.
“Belle?”
“Yeah, yeah, sec.”
The lights of the room dimmed. A holographic projection appeared at the center of the table. Aelfric launched into explaining early stage preparation for Abyss. The unrelenting amount of detail visibly wore down Dante and Yuna as time passed until they were half-asleep, even with coffee. The other four conversed to some extent during Aelfric’s talk. Light refilled the room, stirring Dante and Yuna.
“Alright, you two, enough dozing,” Celeste said.
“Wha?” Dante yawned. Yuna awoke in full, glancing somewhat nervously at Celeste.
“You’re not in trouble.”
Yuna breathed a sigh of relief. “So, uh, miss anything important?”
“Why am I here, anyway? I only agreed to be a figurehead, or whatever.” Dante said.
“My apologies, Dante,” Aelfric said. “In hindsight, I could’ve confirmed this much earlier. I merely wanted to request you would handle all ALTR setup and connections for these three.”
“Sure, I guess. Can I go?”
“Hold on,” Celeste said. “Are you pretending you didn’t unnecessarily rile up Freya?”
“That? Uh…”
“The Scions of Odin have already begun encroaching on all former Legionnaire territory. Now, Abyss.” Reina said.
“Oh, shit. Are you saying that’s my fault?”
“I believe they may be ‘teasing’ you,” Aelfric said. “Odin has been pressuring the Legionnaires for several months. Celeste has recounted of your surprising behavior at the council meeting. Whether Freya is increasing activity because of Abyss’ formation or you, both are quite beneficial. She’s the only council member whose position is in jeopardy and has been desperate to expand and prove her place, which she inherited from her late husband. It’s likely why she was so aggressive toward us at the meeting. You did well and have my thanks.”
“Not sure I follow, but you’re welcome?”
Yuna laughed. “This wet noodle sure becomes something else in ALTR. Wish I could’ve seen it.”
“And risk you challenging Freya on the spot? No way,” Reina said. Yuna gave Reina-bird a playful light push.
“Speaking of, I will have to deliver some news our subjugated Legionnaires will not like,” Aelfric said. “Would you be interested in attending, Dante?”
“Hard fucking pass,” Dante said.
“Told you,” Celeste said to Aelfric.
“It’s no issue. Let’s circle back to said news later. I’d like to discuss the incursions on Vyxora,” Aelfric said.
Reina and Yuna recounted the attacks on Vyxora the day of the council meeting.
“I see. Thoughts on further?” Aelfric asked.
“Wish I knew,” Reina said. “We know they must’ve been after Papa—, ahem, Leon. As expected, they left no traces.”
“We can certainly assume it was the Shinobi,” Celeste said. “What really bugs me, though, is how no one on the council acted strangely. I thought for sure there’d be something to pick up on. Especially Akane. But, albeit expected, only Joromir contacted me after. He’s the reason we’ve been able to exist as we have so long and showed genuine concern for Leon.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong. A primary motivation for you agreeing to this arrangement was revenge, Celeste?” Aelfric asked. “Will this be an issue?”
“No.” Celeste paused. “I can’t swear that won’t change, but, outside of abandoning Lyrsium, there’s really not another choice in the end. I may have allowed my daughters to sway me at first with emotion, but I’ve had plenty of time to think. The Shinobi’s attack only confirms what we thought we knew. They were complicit in the trap for Leon and Yuna. Yuna nor us would have the sway necessary, but they surely know Leon could tell Joromir, and he would at least listen. Whether or not the Ronin and Akane are also guilty, it could create a schism in the council. I’ve no idea if Joromir would protect us, regardless of him and Leon’s history, but I do know he would not tolerate such a betrayal. Heads would roll, literally. It’s us, or them.” I know if you were awake and able, you’d probably spirit us all away. But we’ve got a bloodthirsty daughter, and a knowledge-obsessed daughter. They’d just find trouble elsewhere. I’ll beg forgiveness when you awake, my lion.
Mama…, Reina thought.
Mom…, Yuna thought.
“I understand, thank you. Please let me know how we can bolster your security. Belle will also assist on the cybersecurity end. The resources our data center will add should prove invaluable. Moving on. Our first objective is goading the Scions of Odin into challenging us.”
“A big fish off the bat? Sweet,” Yuna said. “I’m good to go whenever.”
“Except you’re not,” Reina chastised.
“You don’t even have your arm yet, hun. Don’t even think about acting brashly,” Celeste chastised.
“Yuna, I’m aware of your eagerness, but you will get your duels in time,” Aelfric said. “I request you exercise patience.”
“Okay, goddamn. I didn’t mean right now,” Yuna said.
“You did,” Dante said. Yuna shot him a glare, to which he shifted awkwardly. “Oops. Said that aloud…did you just try to punch me with your left?” Yuna kicked under the table toward Dante, but he had preemptively lifted his legs.
“You…”
“Yuna,” Celeste said.
“Please allow Reina to explain, Yuna,” Aelfric said. “Reina?”
“We didn’t have much reason to know this before,” Reina said. “But I’ve been researching it, and almost all challenges to council members are rejected. The aggressor’s territory must be bordering a member for one, which prevents most from even trying. Furthermore, they must have the capacity and capability to take over the territory they’re challenging. There’s several other but those are the main two. These don’t matter if the council member is the challenger, of course. Thing is, defending syndicates have significant advantages. There’s the larger cut of the gambling and, more importantly, being able to dictate harsher terms. Plus, there’s the general balance to maintain within the council. This is likely why Freya hadn’t tried.”
“She has had her sights on the Legionnaires for a while, our research indicates. Their activities are heavily restricted during the transition and Freya has seized the opportunity to muscle in on several locations.”
“So, if I’m following correctly,” Celeste said, “you think she’s trying to get Abyss to declare on Odin soon as they can? Could say she’s setting a trap.”
“Precisely. Well intuited, Celeste.”
“I’m lost,” Yuna said. “If she’s been waiting, how’re we gonna get her to declare on us instead?”
“Remember the Immortals?” Reina asked.
“No?”
Reina sighed, then quickly recapped Yuna on the duel they had provided security for.
“Oh, yeah, so?” Yuna asked.
“They were just a puppet of Odin, basically. So she hasn’t really been waiting. From what I’ve dug up, what Aelfric said is very true. Freya’s desperate to solidify her position.”
“Freya is clever,” Aelfric said. “She wanted to sow that there would be discord between us from the beginning. Hence antagonizing us at the meeting. Our assumption is she would use this to convince the council members to accept a challenge from us, so that Odin may put us down.”
“Wait,” Dante said. “I’ve only been half-listening, but doesn’t that mean I played into it?”
“Sure, but if our theory holds true, and the evidence indicates it has, it emboldened her to act even sooner. So, thank you, again.”
“Right…”
“We either challenge, or she approaches us and we submit willingly. That’s my guess on her plan of action,” Reina said.
“Could we maybe get to the point? I’m getting a headache,” Yuna said.
“Apologies,” Aelfric said. “Reina and I have determined our best course of action is allowing Odin to chip away at Abyss with little to no resistance. Instead of challenging to reclaim our territory, we will appear as if we are acceding it in an attempt to appease them. Ideally, we will appear so weak and fearful that Freya’s impatience will override the boons of a being the defending party.”
“A trap we can only use because we’re new,” Reina said.
“Coulda just said that without all the extra shit, goddamn,” Yuna groaned.
“Hush, hun,” Celeste said. “I would’ve prodded further, anyway. And if you hadn’t understood their reasoning, you might’ve become a right pain in the ass.”
“I—.” Damnit, mom’s right, I would’ve bitched. Annoying. “Fine. The hell am I gonna be doing until game day, then?”
“We will be training. In ALTR.”
“You daring to say I can’t crush whoever Odin puts out?” Yuna glared. Aelfric appeared wholly unfazed.
“Evidence suggests there’s a high probability it would be, Freya. While her combat ability is somewhat unknown at this time, I have no concern over your triumph. I merely intend to sharpen you further.”
“Well, alright, I’m def up for a rematch. Has to be ALTR, though?”
“I intend no offense - you are expendable. I am not. The Siegfried fight greatly jeopardized my physical condition. A mistake I will not repeat. Were you to perish, Abyss would be scrapped, but our true goals would remain unhindered. I’m too integral to my Lady’s plans and must remain capable until they reach fruition.”
“Oh, shut up, El,” Belle said. “Get off your high horse, she’d still have me.”
Aelfric pressed the mute button again. “This is an inappropriate time for your jests, Belle.” Celeste and Yuna exchanged glances. They had both intended to speak before Belle did.
“Aelfric,” Celeste said. “I believe your Diana conveyed ‘expendable’. We understand. But I’d advise you to refrain from using the term. It will damage our confidence in this partnership.”
Aelfric paused in thought. “I understand. Let me expand further on my reasoning, please. What I said is entirely true. However. I’m operating on the belief that this endeavor is of the utmost importance to the success of my Lady’s goals. Therefore, Yuna is simultaneously indispensable in my eyes. It does not work without her. And so, I will give my all in refining her prowess to heights unimagined.”
Yuna exchanged a peculiar glance with Celeste. “Alright, that’s…okay, I guess?” A brief silence followed.
“I gotta circle back,” Dante said. “Aelfric, you’re seriously gonna ask my family to let this shit happen? Good fucking luck.”
“Oh, yeah, what about them?”
Aelfric stood. “I will not ask.”