Reina stood in the Vyx household’s foyer. Even as she leaned against a table, her legs trembled. The door opened, revealing Val shouldering the weight of a bandaged Yuna, whose eyes flickered open and closed. Val had an agitated expression.

“Reina?” Val asked. Her expression softened. “Am I in time? I told Celeste we were stuck in traffic like your pain-in-the-ass sister begged.” She shook her head as she entered. She moved to place Yuna into a chair against the wall near Reina.

“How is she?” Reina asked.

Val sighed. “Medicated. So she’s been in and out on the way here. The doc at the arena patched her up well enough, I think. Seems fine, despite the hole in her gut. When she randomly remembered your ‘Lord’ whatever show, it was like she hadn’t just been fighting to the death ten minutes ago.” She shook Yuna while applying pressure to one of the bandages. “Waking you up, as promised.” Yuna slowly awoke. “I gotta go move the car in case of Celeste.”

“Sorry, Val. But, thank you.”

Yuna yawned. “-eah. I owe ya, Val.”

“You do.” Val moved to exit. “And you’re gonna regret it. Enjoy your show, though, I guess, you two.”

Yuna watched Val leave. “That was ominous.” She turned to Reina. “Heya Rei—.” She stopped at the sight of Reina glaring at her.

Reina then pulled an arm as far back as she could before swinging into a slap on Yuna’s cheek. However, it had so little force that it looked playful, despite Reina’s fiery demeanor. The swing also sent her so off-balance that she spun and nearly fell backwards into the table, only for Yuna to catch her at the chest whilst standing up.

“Whoa, what? Was that a slap?” Yuna asked. Reina then opened her mouth wide and chomped onto Yuna’s forearm. “Hey—, ow. I can kinda feel that. The hell’re you doing, Reina?” She pulled to wrench her arm away, but Reina continued biting. “Ow, seriously, how hard are you biting? You’re gonna hurt yourself.” She grabbed Reina’s nose with her thumb and finger. A few seconds passed before Reina released her bite. Reina gasped. “The fu—. The hell was that for?”

Reina pushed Yuna’s arm away, and moved a few steps to face Yuna, while glaring. “I can’t yell furiously like Mama.” She paused for a second as a scene of her yelling at a mirror flashed in her head. She shook the thought away. “I need you to understand how angry I am!”

“Uhh. About what?” Yuna checked the time in her IRIS. “Lord Robin doesn’t start for a few minutes?”

“No! No, you—, you damned idiot! Fool! Moron! Ass! Why would you risk being injured like that?”

“Oooh.” Yuna ran her hand through her hair while sporting a sheepish grin. “Should’ve known you’d be able to tell.”

“What the hell were you thinking?” Reina’s eyes became glassy.

“Believe it or not, I was thinking.” Yuna saw Reina’s disapproving glare. “Honest. Hear me out. For one, I shifted all my important bits away.” She gestured with her hands, starting from where she’d been stabbed with the spear, then toward her opposite hip. “Even the doc who patched me up confirmed nothing important got nicked. Two, I wanted the fight to look good. She was decent, but def lacked experience or something. Barely adapted to my chaotic style. I didn’t want to look too strong. We got a long way to go. Three, she was still pretty good and fast with that spear. She could’ve thrust, then pulled back as I closed in, so I figured ensuring she lost that ability would make the final blow easier. And lastly, I did not think it would hurt that fucking much.” She observed Reina’s glare dissipate. Reina sighed as she shook her head.

“I’m sure there was a better way, but I hate that I can’t easily refute your reasons. I definitely thought you were just being stupidly reckless like always. Or worst, thought it would be a cool end.”

“Ah. Hahaha.” Yuna averted her gaze with a nervous chuckle. “Right, of course not.”

“So you did!” Reina pointed.

“Guilty.”

“I swear.”

As they exchanged glances, they both noticed the other wobbling. Their adrenaline had faded. Yuna bent forward, only to reel back with a pained expression. Reina moved to support her. She pressed her hands against Reina’s shoulders.

“I was gonna pick you up like usual, but that’s not gonna happen.”

“You know I don’t like that.”

“You were wobblin’.”

“So were you.”

“I was?”

“Let’s just lean on each other to get to the couch. It’s probably starting.” Reina saw Yuna nod, then they pressed up against one another as they walked toward the living room. “Knowing you, you probably enjoyed my failed attempt at being mad, didn’t you?”

“Yes. Yes, I did.”

“I’ll make sure Mama scolds you enough for me, too.”

“Aw, c’mon.”

A short time later, Val ascended the steps of Vyxora. She grimaced at the sight of Celeste waiting for her at the top, with a glare and crossed arms. Val approached apprehensively.

“How was the traffic?” Celeste asked.

“You, uh, know, pretty, uhm, packed. Some sporting event going on,” Val said.

“Val, hun.”

“Okay, I can tell that question was a trap. You already knew I was lying, didn’t you?”

“Of course. You’re terrible at it. It’s the only time you mutter, even on the call earlier. I’m sure you knew I’d want to look her over right away. So, where’s the foolish daughter? What idiotic reason could you have?”

Val explained how Yuna had begged her for the favor. “You know how Yuna’s weird about her shows. I guess they’ve been watching this one same time every week since it started airing? She started whining soon as she remembered, since she’d been so focused on the fight this week. So, could you maybe give it a few?”

Celeste sighed. “I won’t blame you for choosing her over me. Knowing myself, I would’ve ignored pleas to wait. Nonetheless, you lied to me so you can expect some bit of punishment. It’ll be light, at least, since you’re not merely a subordinate here.”

“That’s fair. Thanks, Celeste.”

“How long is it?”

“I dunno, probably an hour? Must’ve started by now.”

“Hmm. May I ask, do you already know the favor of her?”

“Yep. Don’t tell her, okay?” Val glanced around, then leaned in. “Dancing lessons.”

Celeste grinned as she laughed. “Oh. That’s wonderful. You know what?” She pulled Val gently into a forehead kiss. “No punishment for you. Just let me know when.”

“Alright.” Val cracked a slight smile. Celeste turned and started walking away. Val gestured toward her. “Uh—.” Celeste turned back to her for a moment.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll wait the hour. But do me a favor and watch over Griff for a while, please, Val?”

“Sure. Thanks, again.” Celeste gave an acknowledging nod before continuing.

Some time later, Celeste waited outside the Vyx home entrance. She read a book in her IRIS while glancing at the time often. As soon as the minutes became zero-zero, she entered. She looked ready to lecture the moment she saw her daughters, only for her demeanor to utterly deflate at the sight of them. Reina and Yuna were sleeping soundly on the couch, leaning into one another. The projected screen played an advertisement, to which Celeste turned it off with a sigh.

I can’t wake this. Unfair, Celeste thought. She then examined Yuna with care, checking her pulse several times while also inspecting the bandages. She must be relatively fine to be sleeping like that. I suppose I could give them a little more time. Hopefully, they’ll wake by themselves after I’ve showered. Celeste walked away until suddenly Reina yelled.

“Ah!”

Celeste grabbed at her chest, startled by the sudden outburst. After a moment, she rushed to the dazed Reina, who was processing her own abrupt awakening. Reina then gestured in the air, turning off an alarm that had sounded in her IRIS.

“Reina, hun, are you okay? What’s wrong?” Celeste asked as she inspected Reina while Yuna stirred.

“Mama?” Reina asked, blinking to will herself awake.

“Yes. I’m here, hun. You just suddenly awoke with a yell I didn’t know you could make.”

Reina shook her head. “It was an alarm I’d setup, in my IRIS. Way too loud.” She winced. “But, quick, Mama, carry me to my room.”

“But you—.”

“This is an emergency. I’m giving you permission. Now, please.”

Celeste grinned as she wasted no time cradling Reina into her arms. “Don’t gotta tell me thrice.” She paused.

“Go, Mama! Now!”

“Oops.” Celeste turned and carried Reina toward her room.

“Huh?” Yuna opened her eyes as Celeste briskly walked past.

“So, what’s wrong, hun? You mentioned an alarm? For what?”

“Because I’m not always, er, connected, like in the past, I setup some alarms to notify me via IRIS if I received critical time-sensitive information from my network.”

“You don’t know, then?”

“I setup that alarm to make sure I woke up, so it must be something serious, but I won’t know until I get in. I should probably come up with a better setup…” Reina devolved into muttering to herself.

A short time passed as Celeste lowered Reina into her bed. Then, per Reina’s instructions, she helped her equip the custom gear setup the Nezins had made. It had numerous wires and sensors, along with a sizable headset. She waited patiently while a few minutes passed until a crash echoed from the hallway. She dashed over to see Yuna had fallen, knocking over a small table.

“Yuna!” Celeste scrambled to Yuna, who was attempting to pull herself up.

“Heya, Mom,” Yuna groaned as she pulled herself to her feet.

Celeste shifted into Yuna, supporting her weight. “The hell’re you doin’, girl?”

“Er, my bad.” Yuna glanced at the toppled table. “Legs suddenly just went whoosh. Painkillers must be fading. What’s going on?”

Celeste quickly recapped as they walked toward Reina’s room, all the while inspecting Yuna’s bandages. “Whatever it is, you’re getting a proper check-up right after we find out.”

“Pfft. I’m fine. I can sleep it off.”

Celeste jabbed Yuna’s side with her finger. She recoiled in pain, almost falling had it not been for Celeste shouldering her weight. “You sure?”

“Okay. Fine.” Yuna tempered any cry of anguish she had wanted to make.

“Good girl.” Celeste moved Yuna onto the bed beside Reina. Several minutes had passed since Reina last spoke. Celeste looked at her while giving her leg a pat. “Well, hun, got something to share yet?”

Reina lifted the headset just enough to see Celeste and Yuna. “Aelf—,” She stopped. “I mean, the Aegis Slayer, struck. We always knew this was coming, but it’s still surreal.”

“Oh, my.” Celeste rubbed her chin. “‘Surreal’ is fitting.”

“So that’s where that bitch-ass was. Why tonight of all nights?” Yuna asked, then coughed a bit.

“You mean?” Reina asked. “Hmm. Maybe—.”

“Intentional?” Celeste and Reina said. They exchanged glances.

“They have shown a real liking for one stone, several birds,” Celeste said.

“Mhm.” Reina nodded.

“Wanna loop in the dummy, here? What’re you on about?”

“Sorry, Yuna,” Reina said. “They might’ve chosen the night of the duel specifically. Like a declaration they won’t be targeting any more duels. My guess, anyway.”

“Certainly wouldn’t do for the council getting their panties in a twist. The whole point of Abyss,” Celeste said.

“Oh,” Yuna said. “Figured you meant something more complicated. Whatever. So, who bit the bullet?”

Reina slid down her headgear again. “It might be some big-shot real estate mogul.”

“‘Might’?” Celeste asked.

“Kinda sounds like the face got hit. Details are still very unclear. No mainstream news outlets have picked it up yet, but uh, the girl who found him posted it on EyeSpace.”

Yuna chuckled, then winced from the pain. “Ha.”

“It’s already deleted, but plenty archived it right away. The flame war has reignited.”

Celeste shook her head. “I’ll never understand some kids.”

“I’ve caught Val sharing questionable things. I don’t get it, either,” Yuna said. “But I’ve seen it a lot in shows. Aaand still don’t get it.”

“So they’re back to arguing online over who’s behind it?”

“Yeah, it had died down a lot, but sides have really formed,” Reina said. “It’s already the number one trending topic across several sites.”

“Well, I’m gonna shower. Yuna, get ready to head to the workshop. Reina, I’m not gonna bother telling you to sleep, but you better eat something. I will check on you.”

“Mm.”

“Can’t I just sleep here? I’ll be good after a night’s rest,” Yuna said.

“Trust me, you won’t, foolish girl. I’ll drag you by the ear if I have to.”

Yuna groaned.

Some time later, Yuna lay on a medical bed within a room adjacent to the workshop. Griff rested nearby, hooked up to several machines and tubes, along with a breathing mask. Celeste re-bandaged Yuna’s abdomen with care. Val dozed off in a chair beside Griff.

“Ow, ow. Can’t I get some pain meds, too?” Yuna glanced at Griff, who barely showed signs of life.

“Hush, you were being all tough before,” Celeste said. “I need to know where you’re feeling pain, to be sure.” A little time passed as she finished bandaging. She patted the area a few times.

“Quit it, that stings.”

Celeste let out an exhaustive sigh. “I hate to admit it, but, and don’t let this go to your head, you really seemed to have accomplished what you claimed. I’m impressed, Yuna.”

“Heh-heh. How nice of you to recognize my genius.”

Celeste prodded the bandage, inciting a muted cry from Yuna. “I just said don’t let it go to your head. If I’d let you ‘sleep it off’, you would’ve been in unimaginable pain when you woke up.”

“Okay, jeez, use your words, Mom. Violence isn’t the answer.”

Celeste gestured to deliver a heavy slap to Yuna’s side, who winced in turn. She then kissed Yuna on the forehead while caressing her cheek. “Such a smart-ass sometimes. Please don’t be so reckless, hun. We’ve already got one Vyx outta commission.” Yuna met Celeste’s gaze for a bit until giving a reluctant nod. “And Vyx-adjacent.” They both looked at Griff.

The muted sounds of explosions emanated from the workshop. Celeste and Yuna glanced toward them while Val stirred.

“Uuuhhhh—,” Griff groaned loudly, startling all of them. Val awoke and moved to stand, but Celeste swiftly moved to Griff’s bedside, interrupting her. His eyes crept open. “Uuhhhnnnnn” Celeste glanced over him and then the diagnostic machines.

“That was cheating!” Sophia yelled.

“Ha. Check section seven-bee, you old witch. It’s within the guidelines!” Elias yelled.

Griff shifted around. He weakly opened his eyes, barely conscious. “Uuuhhnn.”

“Val, shut those idiots up. Then bring them in here. I might need them!” Celeste glanced at Val for a second. “Quick!”

Val stood and dashed out, exchanging a glance with Yuna, who gave a thumbs up, to which Val raised a brow. For several more minutes, Griff groaned similar sounds as Celeste observed while checking his vitals often. Val guided the bickering twins inside. Griff’s vitals climbed. He reached for Celeste’s wrist, his eyes still fluttering.

“Ta…war…undye,” Griff muttered, his words unintelligible as his arm fell.

“Griff? Griff, can you hear me? It’s Celeste. You’re at Vyxora,” Celeste said. His vitals spiked when his gaze met hers. The diagnostic equipment rang out in response. She snapped her fingers at the twins, who hurried over. She readied an IV that had been hooked into him prior. His eyes shot open, accompanied by his vitals skyrocketing as he grabbed Celeste’s wrist.

“Undying. Alive,” Griff said. Celeste freed her hand before swiftly grabbing a syringe from Sophia. “Warn. Back. Carnis—.” She injected it into the IV. “Seeeeggah.” He slipped back into unconsciousness. Elias interacted with some of the equipment while the rest watched Griff fade.

“What just happened?” Yuna asked. “Couldn’t really see from here.”

“Seems soon as the sedative’s efficacy waned, ‘Ascend’ kicked back in,” Elias said. “Quite an impressive synthetic.” He walked away without another word.

“Thank you, Sophia,” Celeste said. She then began a manual check-up on Griff.

“When’d he start up?” Sophia moved to the terminal Elias had been at.

“Where’s he going?” Val asked, watching Elias leave.

“To run more tests on the blood samples. Celeste. When?”

Celeste recapped the brief sequence of events. Val moved to Yuna at her behest, continuing a hushed conversation after Celeste finished.

“Hm. I see. It may be prudent to determine a counter agent instead of blanket sedation.” Sophia continued on the terminal, calling out to Val without stopping. “You. Tattoo girl. Coffee.”

Val turned, a rare look of annoyance on her face. She opened her mouth, only to stop when she felt Celeste pat her shoulder.

“Thank you, Val. Please,” Celeste said, then returned to Griff. Val sighed, then left.

“C’mon Soph, you know Val’s name,” Yuna said.

“Of course I do.”

“Then why?”

Sophia didn’t answer.

“Old bitch.” Guessing Reina might know. Probably should tell her anyway. Yuna called Reina via her IRIS.

“What is it, Yuna? I’m only answering because I know you’d keep calling,” Reina said in rapid succession. “I don’t have time for anything not critical. There’s some insane rumors spreading.”

“Griff woke up for a moment and Sophia’s being a bitch, but you only talk like that when…is this something besides the Slayer?”

“He did? Did he say anything? But yes. It may be even bigger. I don’t know yet.”