Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

New Eridu is a place with new life, new opportunities, and the everlasting standing city where many now try to make their living in terms of the ever-looming fact of hollows. Some make a living by going into these hollows. One such group that many know of is the Cunning Hares, also known as Gentle House.

An odd jobs company that focuses on Hollow commissions, and currently, that was no different. The main leader is Nicole Demara, who, of course, has her ragtag crew, which includes Anby Demara, Billy Kid, and Nekomiya Mana.

The hares were all currently in a hollow that they were asked to go and check out mainly for the simple fact that Nicole, with her secret business skills (aka just happened to overhear some stuff passing by), heard that this hollow is supposed to be some type of vault that holds a BOAT load of Dennies from a former rich member in the old Eridu city before the fall.

As someone like Nicole, who is always looking for ways to get any bit of dennies she can find to help pay off her mountain of debt, Gathering her team up, they made their way into the hollow to hopefully uncover this vault just before Pubsec or another government lead faction came in here and tried to take the vault and take the Dennies all for themselves. Not her Nicole and the Cunning hares watch.

"Hey boss, don't you find it strange that this place has been abnormally lacking in the whole Ethereal thing? " Billy asks, standing to Nicole's left.

"Maybe this is like in those movies, where the cast of characters will find nothing waiting for them and discover a hidden dark secret that they were not supposed to come across awakening an eldritch ethereal." Spoke Anby in a monotone, throwing in one of her many like movie references of the thousands of movies she has watched.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm sure this isn't a large hollow in the first place, so it claims to reason there won't be that many ethereal around, of course, so we have nothing to worry about." Nicole spoke, but part of her was worried about the mere fact they had been in this hollow for at least ten minutes. The simple fact that not one Ethereal had been spotted yet didn't help Nicole feel nervous that she was covering up herself.

"If you say so Nicole but why didn't you just ask you know; Wise or Belle to guide us through this hollow ugh, being in this place gives me an off feeling about this one." said Nekomata, rubbing her ear.

Nicole let out a small chuckle, which didn't bode well with her team, who all looked at her and didn't like that.

"Boss, why are you giving the feeling you didn't do something you were supposed to do!?!" said Billy.

"Promise you won't get mad at me." Ask Nicole.

"Oh no…" Nekomata had a feeling where this was going.

"I might not have paid them for this monthly fee we owe them, " she said, dropping the reason why.

"What!?!" Billy and Nekomata said shockingly, with Anby still staying on high alert, already aware of her sister and law forgetting to pay the Phaethon twins. "H-How did you forget to pay them??! We had more than enough!?! " Billy said, putting his hand on his head, utterly shocked by this.

"I have my reason." Said Nicole, looking away and down.

"What reason was so important that you forgot to pay one of the best proxies in the business with our amount of debt that only gets larger with every passing week!?!"

"Well…" Nicole bit her lip; part felt like she wanted to tell them the reason, but part felt like she kept the money to pay off some of their debt to proxies. She changed a few minutes into heading over and giving the money to someone else.

"Nicole, please don't tell me you got scammed out of the money again with some auction or a way to double or triple the amount of Dennies we gave you," Nekomata asks, trying to piece together why her boss and a good friend of hers didn't pay a person who Neko knows Nicole and Anby love spending time with.

Nicole scoffed at that; "As if, like I would fall for something like that. No, there was a better reason as to why."

"And for that reason boss?" Ask Billy.

Nicole seemed like she really was going to have to tell them, as much as she hoped they didn't want to and would understand. But just as Nicole went to speak, Anby beat her to it: "It was for a good cause. She was helping me with a charity I was trying to do for a new orphanage I learned about." Nicole and the others looked at her, who only continued.

"If you want to be mad at someone, you can be mad at me; I saw an article talking about a new orphanage needing to be built and they need the fund, asking Nicole to pitch in and she agreed completely forgetting that funds were going to proxies." Anby told them, which was partly true.

"Awww boss, I knew you had a great amount of gold and felt like doing the right thing, I'm so proud." Billy said, clapping his hands together, proud of his boss.

"Heheh, yeah of course. I didn't want you all to get mad at Anby and me for doing that. Don't think all of it went to the fundraiser. I put some dennies off to the side, so when we do pay them, with this vault of dennies, we will be able to pay off this month's debt and all the debt we build up.

Nekomata didn't fully believe the full story, but seeing that Anby seemed to cover for her, she might as well drop it. "If you say so, boss."

They continue to move through the hollow, and Nicole owes Anby big time for the save. She didn't lie, but she didn't tell the whole truth. The truth was Nicole put most of the money towards an orphanage, but it wasn't just any random one; it was mainly towards the one she grew up at. Billy and Nekomata don't know Nicole, who grew up in an orphanage. The only one who knew was Anby because one day Anby came across visiting that place and talking with some people there.

Most of the Dennies went there mainly thanks to the Vision Corp stuff and what happened with Bringers; some buildings sponsoring him got hit hard and had a lot of their funds cut back, sadly. One such place was the orphanage Nicole grew up in.

You can say what you want about Nicole, but one thing is for sure: She wasn't heartless. People who knew Nicole know the main reason why her odd job of crew had so much debt. It wasn't because earlier, Nicole was awful at spending and putting dennies away in the right places, aka a budget. But mainly, at least 70% of the funds the cunning hares make go to don't-like organizations that help a slew of orphanages throughout the city.

As they continue to traverse this hollow, at some point, both Nekomata and Anby react as they feel or see something move along the shadows. Billy and Nicole look around, given that they know how the two function, as they wait to see anything…nothing. Anby loosens her grip on her weapon slightly, but not too much before they continue moving.

As the Hares continue moving, in the dark shadows in the background, we see something on one of the taller leaning steel beams. There was something there looking standing all four with glowing eyes before quickly running along the beam and all.

About another ten minutes go by after spraying on some stuff that lessens the effect of ether effect on them. As taking care of a small wave of ethereal, the gang seems nearly lost now.

"Ugh, where that stupid vault of all times a hollow just had to cause such a pain just had to be this one." Nicole groaned as they decided to take a quick break.

"We really should ask the proxy for help even if it costs us to pile up more debt fees for them, " said Nekomata, licking the back of her hand after rubbing her right ear.

Nicole groans even more as she leans back and looks up at the top of the building they are in, trying to find this darn vault that they hope to hit big. Sitting there, kicking her feet, her thoughts do wonders for a certain gray-haired tall young man, aka Wise, the male side of the famous proxy, Phaethon.

As much as she enjoyed messing with the proxy and spending time with him, she knew she had to do better when it came to the debt she owed him and his sister big time. There is also a part of her whenever she sees them in that little bangboo body they use to help others out through the hollow. A part of Nicole always feels slightly guilty about what happened earlier on one of their commissions together.

Thanks to a bond-headed foolish decision, it cost the twins the mighty Phaethon account and forced them to start off. After many late nights and all-nighters, one of the twins, mainly Wise, had to pull to build up their new inter-knot proxy account. They always had a slightly tired look in their eyes, but after that incident, it was more apparent for sure.

And Nicole blamed herself when it came to that, of all people. Even though Wise and Belle told her it wasn't her fault and they didn't regret it or hold any animosity towards her, it didn't help that she still felt guilty for why the twins could be so exhausted at that point.

Not helping were her own personal feelings, which her crew knew about; seeing this as a perfect way to help them, Nicole hopped to her feet with a small bounce, and the others looked at her with confused expressions.

"We shouldn't take too long in this hollow, can't risk anything happening. If we must, we might have to get in touch with Phaethon, but let's at least map most of the route so we can help them when we request them to lead the way." The hares smile and agree.

As they gathered their stuff and got ready to move, taking one step, they felt an intense feeling stopping Billy, Anby, and Nekomata! Nearly all facial expressions changed from shock to seriousness as they pulled out their weapons and formed a triangle-like formation. This, of course, surprised Nicole, who wanted to ask what was going on, but knowing her team very well, she knew they either felt something or noticed something.

This caused Nicole to pull out her weapon, too, as she felt she needed to be prepared for what she needed to do if things got serious, such as the feeling of a different angel in the building as they were surrounded by the loose sound of something tapping on something else or something or someone moving in the dark. With each small step from the Cunning Hares to reposition their feet or to see, can they spot who could possibly be there?

And then….silences….no movement, just ever so sound of what might feel like a dripping pipe of a water droplet hitting a puddle/ground.

Just as Nicole takes a deep breath, something is seen zooming down in between their formation; the only one who could see/sense it coming was Anby as look to see who might be coming, but when she looked…nothing? That was strange how-

"If you don't want to lose your head, don't move…" a male voice said in between them, his head down as he held his weapon, which was seen to be a swallow. The expressions on all of them were utterly stunning as to how this happened.

Not giving the guy a chance to react, Anby pulled her blade and channeled lightning through it as both Billy and Nekomata got ready to strike. The boy looked up and clicked something, and the sound of fire could be heard as he swung his blade around, creating a small vortex like a wave swing, forcing them all back.

Anby was the only one who landed on her feet; with Billy and Nicole landing on her butt, Nekomata herself almost fell but was able to flip and land on all four, preparing her draggers and getting in a fighting position.

"Hey! Who the heck are you! And why do you attack us?!?" Ask Nekomata, who is clearly not happy about almost becoming a cook catfish.

The person who could partly be seen through the fire was his glowing orange eyes. "The only reason I attacked is because I was hoping to settle this peacefully and ask some questions."

"Alright, buddy. Do you think it's going to be easy? I think you might have attacked the wrong group, " said Nicole, now standing up next to Anby. Do you have any idea who you are up against?"

"Some grown-up who uses some trick on me and my family imposing as the my parent faction the Cunning hares."

"Imposing!?! W-What?! Why you little? You think we are fake; you get your eyes checked." Nicole scolds the guy. "How about you come out of all that fire so we can get a good look at you, mister big bad.

"...." The guy would step out, and when he did, the Cunning Hares were surprised not because of who it was but because the person who sneaked them was a teenager!?! He doesn't look any older than 16?!

"What the heck!?! We almost got taken out by a kid!?! Huh!?! H-How?!" said Nekomata, honestly looking stunned, like everyone else outside of Anby.

"State your business with us, and we won't use too much force, " Anby said, gripping her sword.

"....Tell me where my sister is." The young teen said.

"Huh?" said Nicole.

"Tell me where my sister, and I might allow you clones of my parents and family to go, I hate to use force on those who look like those I love."

"You got a lot of nerves to call us some clones. I guess your parents didn't teach you some manners," Nicole said, holding her head high and looking at Anby for a quick second. Hey, Anby, is it just me, or does this kid look oddly similar to you?"

They took a look over at him, of course. He wasn't that tall, he had short dark grey hair, with sharp orange eyes, he was wearing what looked like a short silver jacket outfit with a pair of blue jeans, and nice shoes, with his holding his swallow behind him carefully, of course on guard. For some reason, Anby felt something clicking with this young kid, but she wasn't sure why. But right now, that doesn't matter; this kid seems to be a threat to the cunning hares, and Anby knew the family.

But part of her was worried— did a group of people find silver company data and try cloning her again? She hoped it wasn't the case.

Billy is now chiming in, "Alright, kid. What makes you think we were the ones who took your sister?! If he did, we would have her with her right now!! Huh?"

"Simple we were chasing a group of people who grab my sister, and once we enter the hollow we hope into another pocket hole and the next thing we knew we were in a different building and we watch seeing some people looking those myself and sister care walking around; I have to be on high alert for the safety of my family."

"Look, kid, we didn't take your sister. We will help you look for her because I feel there is more going on than what you believe, and we don't know about this clone of your family. We have never seen you in our lives. " Nicole said, trying to piece together what was going on and who this kid was.

The kid looked away and down for a bit, and his grip on his weapon slightly loosened up a bit, but after taking a deep breath, his eyes had a better resolve in them, "I'm sorry I want to believe you, but my mom and auntie always told me and train me to not trust many people in the hollow. I can't risk it knowing my mom had clones made of her wanting to kill her."

This made Anby's eyes widen and grip her sword even tighter. She tried not to show much of a reaction, but Nicole, who was right next to her, could see how much of a sore spot that was for Anby, knowing a bit of Anby's past. Stepping in front of Anby and putting her arm out in front of Anby, who was surprised by the action, Nicole had a smirk.

"You made us sneak on you first, but now we have time to gather ourselves and see you. You have lost the element of surprise, and I don't know if you see your situation. It's four of us…and one of you." Nicole said with a proud smirk, feeling he was going to have to give up, but to her surprise, the teen boy only smiled.

"Oh, sorry, but I think you might have mistaken me, clone. I'm not alone." Nicole raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when suddenly two loud crashes were heard.

They turned their heads and saw two people walking out of the smoke. One of them was a Thiren but had black ears, with a black tail clearly leaning more over towards the dog-wolf Thiren, who was also a female. The other one was much taller with a bulky build, wearing what looked like gauntlets, with slick back hair and a scar under his left eye; he also had a short yellow scarf.

The black wolf then said, "Heheh, it seems we must show ourselves now. I thought you were better than that Cipher."

The young man named Cipher chimes in and smirks as he crosses his arm and looks off to the side with his close (clearly trying to aura farm). "Heh, sorry Mio I was hoping they wouldn't strike or at least would be able to take out one but they clearly skill."

The tall guy, cracking his neck and rolling his shoulder, said, "Hmph. They look like a younger version of your family, so it only makes sense. Hopefully, they will talk and tell us where your sister Sage is. I haven't sparred with your uncle Billy in a while. Let's see what this clone is made up of."

"Clone!?! Uncle!?! Hang on? Now I'm even more lost!?!" Said Billy.

"Well get unconfused, nya. It seems we got a fight on our hands and it looks like these kids mean business, will have to figure out what they're on about after the fact!!" Nekomata got ready with her tails swaying behind her as she glared at the wolf then, who smiled at her and got on all fours with Nekomata hissing and getting four, ready to strike.

Billy prepares his gun, the tall male doing a downward jerk motion with his arms and preparing his gauntlets to fight. Anby flips her sword and has a small electric flow coming off her blade. She looks at Cipher, and Nicole looks back and forth, only groaning as she prepares her briefcase.

As Cipher got in his fighting stance, a voice rang out when it looked like all-out war was about to break out.

"WAIIIITTTT!" Everyone looked as they looked and saw someone running out of the dark and huffing and puffing before putting her hands on her knees to catch her breath and holding her hand out. "D-Don't, don't fight. Bro…*pant*...*pant*... they're not fakes."

The person was a young lady with long pink hair in a ponytail and green eyes, but near the bottom of them, they were mixing into the gray, wearing a random play shirt with Eous on it and some shorts.

"Sis, you're okay. What happens to people who kidnap you?" Ask Cipher.

"Pft, come on big bro you know how skillful I am at escaping, such as simple rope and zip ties."

"Unless it is from Dad, a tricky puzzle, or he will come get you." Cipher looked at his sister deadpan.

"Okay look dad doesn't count, you know how smart dad and Auntie Belle are; those two are living cheat codes when it comes to homework and all. But anyway, I was able to escape because when we went into the pocket hole that was made, the idiot holding me had put me down because we got surrounded by some Eternals and were not about to become a quick meal for those guys. Thankfully, finding something to cut the rope and zip ties, I was able to find those idiots dead and get my weapon."

"Okay that doesn't explain how we know they're not clones? You heard the story of my mom's past."

"Yes, that is true but think about it. If they were clones they would have known who they are, plus you might want to believe this…but…we might have got sent to the past."

"WHAT!?!" Said Cipher, Mio, and the tall guy.

"Sage are you sure? What made you say that!?!" Ask the tall guy.

"Well given how I understand to use the small information towers in hollows to look for information it took a minute to look around and fine multiple and given the information, time zone, and all around knowledge we have, and now seeing these people who resemble our parents in their younger days; it safe to say we're in the past. Still don't believe me, watch."

"*ahem* What year is it currently?"

Nicole was the one to answer, "It's year 20XX."

"See," said Sage. Can you please put down all the weapons so we can talk with our family? "

Through Sage's words, Cipher, Mio, and the other fella put down their weapon. Which led the Cunning Hares themselves to also put away their weapon. Followed by both Mio and the tall male to head over to Sage and Cipher.

"I'm Glad you're okay, Sage. I'm sure your brother wouldn't be so happy if he had fought you, his mother, and Auntie Nekomata. And given how well he trained from his mother, something tells me it might not go how we hoped." Mio sighed with relief, knowing the chances of their fighting would have ended with them most likely losing.

Cipher folded his arm and looked to the side with a redness to his cheek, "H-Hey don't tease me like that. It wasn't my fault you know I care for my family and don't want to risk anything to happen to her."

"Awww big bro, I know how much you care for me. Don't worry, I always make sure it is near impossible for us to be separate. Plus you are the strongest fighter in the team, being one of the only few people who can keep you under control I know to make sure you and I are okay. Can't have our best warrior not trying to have our cool head. Now, we should probably go talk to our parents and apologize." said Sage.

Heading to them, Nicole and they are on high alert and still a little wary of the teens, given that they are ready to fight. Nicole admits to seeing this girl named Sage for some reason, which gives her a longing and caring feeling. Maybe it was the pink hair or her small relationship and dynamic with what seemed to be her half-brother? Cipher was his name; it reminded her a little of her relationship with Anby, and she was the leader of this rag team.

But was there more going on here? Why did she feel like she knew this girl?

"Hello Cunning hares, brief on my team and I. I do want to apologize for the interaction you just had with us. Sorry, this isn't the first time we ran into people who dress as people close to our family so my brother here had a very good reason for why he reacted the way he did. Please do not hold against him." Ask Sage.

"It's no biggie, just can you explain who you all are?" Ask Nicole.

"Ah, right. We are the Neon Strikers, an upcoming slowly formed group of hollow riders for hire, " Sage said.

"We are not official yet since we are not adults, but we do small works and ever so often get some notable commission to slowly work on our name so once we finish our studies. And all we will finally become an actual group and get more looks at." The tall male chimes in.

"What he said, I am the leader name Sage Demara, the tall one is Thomas Shield, and the wolf thiren her name is Mio Sukitami, with the pride and joy of this group my older half brother Cipher Demara." Sage said proudly.

The Cunning hares were utterly stunning; they all had wide eyes, expressions, and mouths open that a fly could fly into.

"Hang on, your two names are Sage and Cipher Demara?! H-How? If you say you're from the future and were sent to the past from entering a hollow, that means you are related to me!?!" Nicole said out loud. "Don't tell me I adopted some kids and gave them my last name."

"I wouldn't put it past you boss." Said Billy with a smile.

"True. You gave me your name so I can see you taking these kids in and doing the same, " Anby said.

"I mean you do have a knack at taking those who have no home soooo, heheh." Nekomata scratches her cheek with her tail swaying.

"Hey, no mushy stuff here. There clearly kids here don't give that." Nicole spoke back but felt a bit of emotion hit her after hearing her team speak pretty highly and nice of her.

"Given how you are mom, it's not surprising that you think that. Honestly I would think the same thing if you saw us come into the past. But no you didn't adopt us… we're you're actually kids." Said Cipher.

"WHAT!?!?!" Said all the Cunning hares.

All of them were shocked!! The mere fact that Nicole not only has one kid, but another one!!?! This means there is actually someone out there who saw all the good side of Nicole and got with Nicole for who she was! Many thoughts ran through the cunning hares about who could possibly be that person, but they all had one person who came to mind.

Nicole herself was blushing and trying to keep things in control and not get too excited, but it was difficult given the girl Sage clearly gave off vibes that she was Nicole's daughter….

"Now hang on, if you correctly said you and the gray boy's hair are half-siblings. How are you both my kids?" Nicole hopes nothing terrible happens to her or someone she knows in the future, and she will have to take care of their kid.

"Simple, because you aren't my biological mom, but you're still my mom." Cipher answer.

"So I did adopted you?"

"No, because my mom is standing right in front of me," said Cipher.

"And that is?" Ask Nicole.

Cipher pointed his finger to Anby, with Billy and Nekomata, whose jaw was now open. "She is my mother."

"WHAT?!?!" For the second time, the Cunning hares all said out loud.

"Jeez, do you have to be so loud?" Mio said, rubbing her ears.

"Sorry but Nicole and Anby got with someone nya!?! That means if you guys are half siblings…that could mean!?!" Nekomata spoke to all of them.

"We have the same dad, different mom's but same dad." Cipher said in a monotone voice.

"B-But who?!" Ask Billy.

The Neon strikers look at each other confused, then back to them and ask, "Y'all serious?"

"Clearly because we don't know!?! Who-" Billy was cut off by Anby.

"It's Wise… isn't it." The other looks at Anby.

"Yep, Wise is our dad." Said Cipher.

"It's nice to meet you past mom's." Sage smile.

Nicole was utterly stunned. She was at a loss for words about what to say, ask, or process all this!?!? How?! Her and Wise? They…Anby…Wise…

As much as Nicole wanted to question things right now, they would hear the sound of Ethereals roaring out.

"As long as I would like for this lovely family to continue this conversation, we should probably get out of here!" Said Mio.

"Right, follow me. Before I got here, I was able to get enough information about the nodes and map out an exit. Come with me, " Sage said, leading the way.

As they left, Nicole herself couldn't help but watch Sage lead them out of the hollow; if this really was her and the Wise kid, then she would definitely take after her father.

Nicole smiles; 'You definitely take after your father.'

They made out the hollow.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Over at a random construction site, we see Belobog Heavy Industries holding and working on it. Many of the workers were going about their regular work day, working on projects, handling larger pieces of steel and concrete, etc.

As we see Anton watching everything with a proud smile, seeing how far the company is going and how everything is coming along, he can't thank his bro Wise and his sister enough for all they have done. It wasn't for them not only helping them find that whole weird sacrifice thing, but they wouldn't have some closure for their former head, Khors Belobog, Koleda's father. While a handful were still unanswered, the company was still trying to change the image they were once portrayed as. Currently, everything is going smoothly.

Now, if only Anton, Bro Wise, could do something about Grace and get her to get out more. It works whenever he asks her to hang out or they go mess and talk about machine-type stuff, but when he's not, she copes up in that lab of hers, which is great and all, but….

"Ah here you are Anton, how is everything coming along?" Ben comes into the picture as he walks up to Anton.

"Ah Ben, it's good you're here. It's good seeing you, bro. Everything has been going smoothly. So you can let the boss know that today seems to be a day we will have any issues or have to give someone a stern talking to, hahaha." Anton laughs.

"Hm that's good, but let's not act like most of it would have been going to Grace. Speaking of; where is Grace." Ask Ben.

"Probably most likely still cope up in her lab, you know how she is."

"Hm, you think we could get the proxy to come get her out of the lab this time. He seems to be the best at it." Ben said, throwing the recommendation out there.

"As much as I want bro to help out, he still has his own stuff and business to run and do. We can't always call or text him when we need Grace to leave her work station. As helpful as it might be."

Have you noticed that the boss has been going to the video store more often and staying longer? Ask Ben.

"I…hm now you think about it she has. But my bro said it was nothing to worry about and she was mainly going over to talk about how to improve and seek improvement when it comes to make Belong one of the best companies out there. Our boss might be our leader. She is still young and our bro Wise and his sister seem very good at the technical side of things. So, I'm sure everything will turn out fine."

"Hm, if you say so. But do feel like there is something more going on."

"Ah don't worry about it brother Ben, I trust my bro."

"Um, excuse us some of the workers here at this location." Ben and Anton turned and saw two Pubsec officers walking up to them.

"Yes we are, how may we be an assistance to you officers?" Ask Ben.

"Ah, it's nothing much, really. It's just a few of our men entered a hollow not too long ago, and inside it, they came across some people who said they were from Belobog Heavy Industries," said one of the officers.

"Oh, do you have them by chance? We would like to confirm this." Ask Anton. He wasn't tracking any of their company members heading into the hollow, which makes no sense. None of them would head in without some help or letting him or one of the main core group people know.

"Yes, come out you all."

Out of the vehicle, four people walk out. The first one was a massive bear wearing a white jacket like Ben would be seen wearing. It still has a few different logos and designs, like it was off-brand of different bands, with a silver chain around his neck. He does have scars on his body, but none near his eyes; the next one who walked out was a young man, at least around the age of 15-16. He wears what seems like combat-related equipment, with a pair of goggles on his head that looks like an AK-15 semi-automatic rifle on his back, different load-out type things on his hips, and some combat-related things like pants. He also wears a tight-fit shirt, clearly showing that, at a young age, he stays in good shape; he has short black hair.

And next to the young man was a robot-like girl? She is short with gray hair adorned with a red ribbon tied in a bow. She wears a white beret with the Belong logo on it. Her face resembles that of a young girl, but she has mechanical by the ever so line out going over them, an ear-like shape that looks like either can play off as elf or vampire-like ears? Her torso is armored, with metallic elements integrated into her design. Her arms are mechanical, featuring intricate details like segmented plating and metallic fingers. Her legs, of course, look human, but if it wasn't for the segmented and reinforced with visible bolts and panels with lines across different parts, you wouldn't be able to tell, and she was wearing high-waisted shorts with red stripes and a belt. A large red scarf wraps around her neck, flowing dramatically behind her.

The last one was pretty decent height, this time being a young lady; she was wearing a long white lab coat, with wearing a tight short shirt that didn't cover her midriff, with a central part of the shirt black and a bear head design in the middle of it, she had long flowing fiery long hair with it ties into a ponytail in the back of her head, wearing some red glasses on her face, and she has a lollipop in her mouth. The young girl was looking around curiously at the site.

"Hm, look this hasn't been finished yet. How long have they been going at it?" Ask the young red-haired girl.

"Huh? Oh, um they started two weeks ago." Ben responded to the question.

"Hm, not too bad, but they could be faster. Guess Lumina was right about her data collection she gathered." The red-haired girl said, looking off to the side crossing her arm and looking away.

"Um, might I ask who you all are? I've never seen you kids before," Anton said.

"Uh oh, boss, they ain't going to be happy about this." Said the other bear there who came out of the vehicle.

"Don't worry, Beck. We will be okay. Hey Ben, Anton is head boss Koleda and the crazy robot-loving lady Grace around," asks the redhead.

"Hang on, what do you want with our boss and Grace? We don't even know who you four are?!" Anton said with a more firm tone.

"*sigh* yes, we know, but we will have to explain it won't make sense if they aren't either. They're important for this story. Look to prove that we are from Belobog here." All four pull-out cards belong to the company, and if you look at mine, the gray-haired boy, and the robot girl, you can see a certain special stamp on it."

Ben and Anton do that, and they can see, for one, that these were clearly genuine company offer passes that prove you, for one, work with the company. Still, most of all, the specific card they were told to look at of the two teens and kids like was it had a unique stamp that is only given to some members in the company for in higher positions, such as Anton, Ben, Grace, and of course their president herself!?! The mere fact that it was already a complete stun lock-type moment, but what made it even more shocking and hit them harder was the name on the three cards.

For the gray-haired boy and robot little girl, their names read; Rune and Lumina Howard!?! And the red-haired girl read; Ember Belobog. Meaning they were related to Grace and Koleda!?! H-How?!

"I'll get the president and Grace right away. Stay right here!!" Yell Anton as he runs off.

"We weren't going to go anywhere anyway" were we? " the robot little girl said, confused, tilting her head.

Ben heads over to t"e officers. "Thank you, officers. We will handle things from here. Please let us know if you need anything else from us." The officers nodded and left.

While they wait, Ben looks over the four of them with some questions and curiosity, even though he will hold it off until the others get here. He watched as the little robot girl ran around in a circle, her arms out like a plane. The hair girl's eyes were closed as she was leaning on the bear, who seemed named to Beck while he was reading a book. All the while, the gray-haired boy clearly was checking his gear, making sure everything was good; he saw the young boy take apart the gun at record speed, did a few quick, and quickly put his gun back together, and even all his small other pieces he had. He would undo them or open them up before putting them back on his body in record time; it made Ben sweat, trying to think, who the heck was these kids?

Soon, Koleda and Grace show up with Anton in tow. The moment they see the kids, Grace's eyes light up when she sees the robot girl.

She zips over to the girl so fast you would think she broke the sound barrier and begins to speak at such a face rate it would put some of the most talkative people to shame about all about the robot girl.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, her hands fluttering around her like over-caffeinated birds. "You're a robot! A robot girl! With mechanical arms and segmented plating! And those ears, are they elf-like? Vampire-like? I need to know everything!" She circled around the girl, taking in every detail from the Belong logo on her white beret to the metallic fingers and the dramatic red scarf flowing behind her. "And the design! It's so intricate! I can see the bolts and panels on your legs, and those high-waisted shorts with red stripes are just the perfect touch. You're like a walking, talking piece of art!" Grace paused for a moment, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wait, can you move? Can you show me what you can do? I bet you have some amazing abilities hidden under that adorable exterior!" She leaned in closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"I have a mechanical friend back home named EOS, and I just know you two would get along famously. EOS loves being petted and hugged, do you like that too?" The robot girl looked up at Grace, her expression a mix of confusion and amusement as she tried to keep up with the whirlwind of questions and exclamations. Meanwhile, Koleda, Anton, and Ben exchanged amused glances, clearly entertained by Grace's antics.

"Grace, maybe slow down a bit?" Koleda suggested with a chuckle, but Grace was too far gone, lost in her world of mechanical wonder and excitement.

The red-haired girl, whose name was Ember, got off Beck as she stretched, "Ah so you all here good. And seeing you here proves what we believe and came to see."

Koleda turned towards the girl now, "I'm led to assume you're the leader of this small group of yours."

"That is correct."

"I was told you share my last name, and see you. I don't know who you are? I never seen you around before. But Anton vouch saying your cards were real, and had the stamp for only a select few has. Mind telling you who you all are."

"Right, first I should explain what happened and all. Ben and Anton both heard we were found in the hollow which was the case. We were there to gather some data."

"Data? For what?"

"It was for a project I was working on, and my sibling decided it was a good idea to tag along."

The gray-haired boy said, "You know I wasn't going to leave you alone to your device, I know how you get."

"And Lumina wanted as much help as possible." The little girl chimed in with a smile.

"Basically so with the help of a good friend Beck here, and my siblings we headed into the hollow. It wasn't supposed to take long, grab some ether crystal, fight some Ethereal, break down the data, and call a day. But it seems one of the Ethereals decided to do something risky and attack one of the ether crystals for some reason to grow stronger and we attack him to stop him. But when we made a contract with him just as it grabbed it; a bright flash happened." Looking around at her crew. "Thankfully we were okay, but didn't want to take any risk and head right out the hollow. So we had little sis Lumina gather data on the hollow to lead us out of it."

"But it wasn't like before." Lumina chimes in.

"Yep, usually when Lumina scan's a hollow once we enter and right before we leave so we have a safe exit no matter what. But she pointed out the hollow was much different and routes were all jumbled."

The gray-haired boy, talking now, "says, From there, we had to figure out if we were getting teleported to another hollow, which was the case, but it wasn't what we expected."

"Given we wanted to ensure we had the correct data and information. We had to stay and look around the hollow for a good bit. After a bit, we were able to learn a few things and sense some people. Heading over to them, it was Pubsec. We explained who we were and we from Belobog. And now we are here." The red hair finally wrapped it up.

"That really is something impressive. This little one here can process information quickly and safely, get a route map out, and even sense heat signature; she is remarkable." Grace claps her hands, even more happy to see what else this little girl can do.

"Heheh, of course mom. You and dad did build me." Lumina said proudly with a smile.

"I'm sorry what?" Grace was taken out of her trance with that statement.

"*sigh*guess we should explain who we are. The big bear and bodyguard is Beck. Our parents, mainly our moms, saw it fit that we should have someone like him around us in case of anything. That is Lumina Howard, the youngest of myself and my brother. She was built…after… let's say an incident." The red-haired looks down sad and looks off to the side, visibly looking like she doesn't want to talk about it. "That story for another day."

"We understand," Koldea said, knowing it must not be a pleasant memory.

"I'm her older brother, Rune Howard, by the name you can take a good guess. I am the son of Grace Howard."

Grace's face lit up even more with excitement and curiosity. "No way! I actually have kids! Not only one, but I also built one! Honestly, when I think about it, I'm kind of impressed with myself. I got someone."

"Same!" Said the others. They would look at the red hair.

"So wait, the card said your last name was Belobog, which means?!" asked Koleda.

The red-haired smiled, "Yep, I am your daughter. Ember Belobog. It's nice to meet the past version of my mom."

"PAST!?!" They all said.

"Yep, when we find the data and gather information we need we learn the time information of the hollow didn't match any of the current time when we were first in there. Which we follow by asking the officer the year, and to be 100% sure we were in the past once we saw you all, it basically confirmed what we thought. We got sent to the past with that flash."

"Holy crap!!? You all come from the future?! But wait…you said your siblings right?!!" said Anton.

"Yes we are, Ember and I are half siblings." Said Rune.

"But doesn't that mean, you have the same father?" Ask Ben.

"Bingo, part of me wanted to bring Dad here, too, but it didn't cross my mind. Sorry, " said Ember.

"It's not an issue. But who is the man that Grace and I got with?" Ask Koleda.

"Easy, the best dad ever! Papa Wise!"

. . . . . . . . . . . .

"WISE IS THE MAN WHO YOU ALL FATHER!!?!!"

"Something tells me this is going to be a recurring thing for sure…" Ember said as she let out a sigh and slumped her shoulder.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

The Ballet Twin Tower an area that wouldn't dare to let it be off the fact it is in one of the most dangerous hollows, or the fact the rumors of ghosts rumors to be in this building, or the infamous Ballet Twins ethereal appearing around the building. For many, this was an off-limits area, and many wouldn't dare come here unless they were genuinely experienced hollow raiders, squad deep, or had a talent proxy or carrot leading the way most of the time.

But one group that has no problem coming here is the Victoria Housekeeping. They have been here multiple times before when it came to work or commissions they received. The most memorable time here in the Twin Towers was when they came across the Cunning Hares and were helped by a skilled proxy, the legendary Phaethon. It was a time that none of them could forget.

So? What's bringing them here today this time around? Victoria Housekeeping was asked to receive critical documents from a client who contacted their faction. It was no surprise for them when it came, given many of their hollow-like commissions came from more wealthy and top-like members in New Eridu. Supposedly, the dealers who were supposed to bring the documents were cutting through the tower since it was quicker, but lost the containers that had the flies in them.

It was up to Victoria Housekeeping to get it back and safely return the documents to their original owners.

"This place still gives me the creeps, even after so many trips." Ellen spoke, messing with a piece of hair.

"Y-Yeah it's not a place I didn't think w-we would have revisit." Said Corrin, clearly still scared of this place more than anyone.

"Fufufu come on ladies it's not that bad, the scary atmosphere only adds to this place's charm." Rina said, smiling oh so innocently.

"We really got to talk about your style of what's a nice atmosphere and all." Ellen said.

"I understand you all's sentiment. We shall finish this commission up quickly and leave; it shouldn't take too long, " said Lycaon.

"I have to ask why we didn't ask the proxy to help find these files and lead us through this place." Ellen asked. "Feel like it would do us any good and make this go quicker."

Rina sees a good opportunity to tease Ellen, "Oh is that because you want to spend more time with a certain tall handsome proxy who controls one of the cutest bangboo."

"I'm not answering that," Ellen said flatly, looking away, but her tail betrayed her tone, swaying a little behind, which Corrin saw.

"It's okay Ellen whenever Master Wise is here, I feel a bit braver to help protect him and all." Corrin said.

"Thanks Corrin, I need to hear that."

"I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out with the young manager? He feels like someone you want to protect and get along with. Plus, he is quite the charmer." Rine giggles slightly at the end with a slight red flush on her face.

Ellen squirts her eyes at Rina, a predator staring down her prey: "What's that supposed to mean to me, Rina? You want to tell us something."

"Heheh, it's nothing. Ellen just speaks out loud on how well Master Wise is and charming he is. After-all it's not like he's taken on anything." Rina giggled. "I do wonder what type of woman he's into."

Ellen grumbles that as much as she wants to get on Rina or hound her on things, she can't now. Not on a commission that is pretty important; she has a job to do first. Plus, she isn't entirely wrong if, for one, the proxy she has feelings for isn't really taken. Talking to him and his sister, Wise was single. The sad part is...Wise... doesn't get signs at all.

Whenever Ellen leans on him, they watch movies together or try on his jacket a few times. No matter how many slide comments she would make at him, he wouldn't seem to make a move. Now Ellen can't be sure if it is her fault or the proxy himself. But she didn't hate it as much, given he never hated the fact whenever she crashed at their place and fell asleep next to him or on him on rare occasions.

Lycaon only sighed and mainly focused on the effectiveness at hand; he was fully aware of the famous siblings' proxies' effect on the faction. They all have spent quite a bit of time with them. No more than with Master Wise, the older of the two, has the most time spent with the Housekeeping, but the one he sure takes the cake of their off time talking, hangouts, or just going out with them would have to be Ellen and Rina.

Ellen was a bit he semi-saw coming once after the initial run-in with them, given how quick they hit things off and how helpful Master Wise was when it came to her work or social life. Plus, many times Wise and Ellen would spend alone, and if he wasn't aware of Master Wise's lack of awareness when it comes to the opposite sex, Lycaon was for sure they have been a thing for now. It was pretty funny hearing stories about many incidents Ellen had with Wise, such as when he was upset and forced to carry her up to his room to let her sleep, and before she left later she gave him a bite mark.

Some and Wise himself saw nothing wrong with it, but those who knew how most thiren works knew what Ellen did. It was marking what's her to those who try to claim him. From hearing from his sister, Mistress Belle, it was fun teasing him and having him flush red whenever she brought it up to him about it.

The one Lycaon was slightly surprised about was Rina; at first, they seemed normal with each other, fella friends, co-workers, basically. But after the Bringer incident, Rina would often run into Wise a lot more, and they would begin to bond more.

Lycaon can also take some blame for that when he asks the Master proxy to help him with certain things, such as helping him try to hide Rina's 'cooking.' Or when he asked if he could help him work on Rina's cooking skills, Lycaon didn't think he could handle any of her cooking that day. He did not want to be written on his tombstone death by questionable cooking.

While very little process was made...it wasn't as deadly as the other times before that; there was still a lot to be done.

But during that time, Lycaon noticed how much Wise would complement Rina and reassured her that she would make a great wife. This led to him, for sure, Rina falling for the proxy.

How sure? Given the current state of things and talk direction, it is 90%.

"Hmm? Stop for a minute." Lycaon command. The other stopped, and they saw some Ethereals running away?

That wasn't normal? There weren't many things normal in this tower. But for Ethereals to run away from-

They saw something zip by in a quick session, and the element ice got sent appearing and shattering!?!

Taking another look for another before Lycaon orders them to follow him, they begin to make their way towards the sound of battling and cries hollowing out. As they travel the area, they see defeated Ethereals slowly disappearing, with them on high alert for an ambush they weren't told or tracking any other forces should be in the towers. Given the setting and unease in this place, it was abnormal to find human factions in the towers.

If humans or thiren were here, something was up, and they might be up to something. As they come into a larger area and slow down, they would soon face a group of people...but it's only four of them?

"Stay alert," Lycaon told them, and they nodded.

They slowly made their way over; as they inched closer, they saw someone who looked like they had kicked an Ethereal off them as it disappeared from taking too much difference, leaning back onto a cate. As they got closer, they saw the person also had a shark tail.

Then-

"Novelle, didn't I say you have to be a bit more careful when fighting? You know how powerful you are; breaking the goods will do us no good." Said a taller man walking into a few, wearing a butler outfit, one of the ones Victoria Housekeeping would hand out.

"Mhm, sorry about that boss. They destroyed my candy, which I had saved, and I didn't take too kindly to that. I had got my anger, beside you, rather me break and destroy Ethereals than the mission, right? " said the boy with the shark tail swaying off the box.

"*sigh*, you have a point. But we have to make sure the goods do not damage, we must keep the pristine of Victoria Housekeeping that we are in."

"Eh, I'm pretty sure my mom has mentioned they don't discriminate how members do things, after all we both know how my mom is."

"....." The taller butler takes a deep breath. "I guess you do have a point, my apology I didn't force my ethics onto you. I hope you can overlook my shortcomings."

"Pft, you good Lucas I know how you are and how important this house is to you. But anyway, did we get the goods?"

"Depending on whether this is it, care to get up?" Lucas asks the shark-then, who gets up and leans against the wall. They are close, twirling with a small knife he has on him. Lucas opens the box and begins to look at the documents and stuff. "Hmmm...." Lucas has an intense look in his eyes.

"Did you find anything boss?" The teen boy asks.

"It seem the information we check earlier about the tower was partly right, these dates over nearly 20 plus years old...strange this hollow hasn't changed much, it wouldn't this much outdata information plus from my memory these files belong to an Mr. Ravenwood he should no longer be in power of his house and these files were used in his case years later. Why are they in this hollow?" Lucas asks out loud.

"You actually think we might have actually been spent in the past? From what Ophelia told us."

"Possibly. But we can't be so sure we have to wait for them to get back."

"Well you're in luck we are back." a feminine voice is heard.

The two guys turn and out walk two females; the taller one has long white-gray hair and is wearing a classic maid-style dress in shades of gray and black, accented with white frills. The sleek, modern design avoids excessive ornamentation while maintaining the traditional maid aesthetic. For accessories, the girl had a golden locket hanging from her waist, adding a touch of refinement and mystery to her look. Her outfit includes belts and straps that give a practical yet stylish vibe, fitting for a faction like Victoria Housekeeping Co. Star motifs are subtly incorporated into the design, such as on the locket and the hemline of her dress, enhancing the celestial theme. Even with the long gray hair, part was styled in a neat braid that fell over one shoulder. Loose strands frame her face, softening her appearance; on her head, she wears a small brown beret-like accessory that complements her outfit.

The second one was on the much shorter side. Her hair is styled into long, flowing twin tails with a unique split-color design—one side is dark purple, while the other is pastel blue. This dual-tone hairstyle creates a visually dynamic and playful look. Her hair is adorned with fluffy white pom-pom-like decorations, adding a soft, whimsical touch. A small silver bunny clip is attached to her bangs, hinting at themes of cuteness.

One thing that was unique about her was her heterochromatic eyes—one golden yellow and the other pink—which further emphasizes the unique and elegant aesthetic that pops with her already crazy and distinctive style. The outfit was white with black accents, featuring Victoria's housekeeping logo-shaped motifs and buttons that add detail to the design. The skirt is trimmed with black puff-like decorations resembling clouds or pom-poms, creating texture and depth. Her sleeves are oversized and flared, with frilly white cuffs lined with black and white stripes on the inside. And holding what seems like a unique design bunny.

"Hope you boys didn't have too much fun while we were gone." said the shorter girl.

"Meh, wasn't too much I'm sure my sis on the other hand just couldn't wait to let out some steam with the Ethereals you two came across." Said the shark-thiren.

The tall girl, with an ever-so-cheeky smile on her lips, only chuckled, "Oh, Novelle, you know it is a must-needed, I'll say therapy session."

"Yeah, the therapy session was to see the golden shining gates of above." said Novelle.

"Our two are done having your little siblings banter we have company. You can come out now, we know you've been watching us." Ophelia calls out.

The central core of Victoria Housekeeping stepped out, with Lycaon taking the front and asking the first question.

"Hm, perspective I see. When did you realize we were following you?" Ask Lycaon.

"Back when I first accidently came across you when I was chasing those Ethereals, plus we saw you all on the camera's in the building. We saw no reason to try confort you all given we know you're not enemies." Said Novelle.

"Hm, I see. But how did you know we weren't hostile?" Ask Lycaon.

"It's simple given we know who you all are." Answer Lucas

"You know of us?!?" Ask a bit of surprise, Rina.

"Yes, this might sound shocking to you, but we are from the future," Lucas responded.

"Excuse me? You're from the future? How can that be?" Ask Ellen, who is finding this story hard to believe.

Ophelia, this time, spoke in a calm and monotone voice, "We don't expect you to believe us right away, given that it would be hard to believe. After all, we are the next generation of members of Victoria Housekeeping."

"I felt I've seen your uniform somewhere before, I see Victoria Housekeeping still haven't lost their touch in the future." Rina smiles with her hand claps.

"Besides your uniform, do you have any other proof that you could possibly be from the future? I do not believe you are lying, but you have to understand where we are coming from, given the situation and all." Lycaon told the other members of the faction about the future.

"Yeah, we should not surprise Headmaster Lycaon. Honestly, the only way we can prove we are from the future is outside the picture. But you can make the case for those edits or something. We could tell you what will happen in the future, but that also raises the question of when and if you want to wait until then." Novelle throws things out there as he blows his hair, but a semi does not care.

Lucas closed his eyes and let out some air before speaking, "Novelle, that is your teacher you are talking to...*sigh*. Truthfully, the best thing we can prove we are from the future is outside the picture. Novelle has told you about it. It's also who Mister Novelle and Miss Lyra are actually."

"Oh care to explain then?" asks Corrin.

"Gladly Mistress Corrin." Lyra.

'M-Mistress!?!' Corrin is surprised to hear that.

"My name is Lucas Argent, I am the leader of this small group of ours. In the future by the lead order of HeadMaster Lycaon he saw fit to break each group of the faction into teams of four. That way bonds are not only grow but we each learn something we learn from one another. And I was appointed as the leader of this team. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"I guess it makes sense I go next, my name is Ophelia Brightstone, another member of this team. I might be the smallest but that doesn't mean I can't give people and Ethereal alike a world of pain."

"Heheh, I guess I'm next." The tall gray-white hair girl said, smiling.

"Oh boy here we go." Novelle said out loud.

"My name is Lyra Sebastiane."

The leading group of Victoria Housekeeping eyes widened at this!?! What she said her name is!?!

"I'm sorry, Miss. What did you say your name is?" Rina asks, a little stunned by this, given that she is trying to keep a smile on her face but clearly, a little sweating hearing this news.

"Yes you heard that right, I am your daughter Lyra. I know it sounds shocking. But I can show you pictures proving that."

Looking over at the shark boy, Rina asks, "Then that means..."

"Yep, name Novelle Joe. Son of Ellen Joe." The boy said plainly.

"Wait, I have a kid in the future?! Who the hell do I get with?! And how do I know you aren't pulling my legs."

"Well given there aren't a lot of shark-thiren, plus my age. And the fact I could take the picture later once we get out of here. But something tells me you might not be as surprised anymore."

"But wait you all said we will know by the fact those two, if I remember correctly Novelle calls Miss Lyra sister. Are you two not related?!" Corrin asked.

"No we are, different mom's just the same dad."

"What?!?!" Ellen and Rina spoke.

"*Growl*, care to tell us who is the father of you two." Lycaon wants to make sure the man who was able to wed both Ellen and Rina was a good man and wasn't a scumbag who didn't-

"Our dad is the best proxy in the world; Wise." Novelle said, pulling out a piece of chocolate from one of his pockets.

"Bro, where did you even keep that? How hasn't that not melted yet?!?! And how many candy bars have you eaten now!?!" Ask Lyra.

"Jeez, sis, I get you want to watch my intake. You know I just got to replenish my energy; I just got done kicking some real Ethereal butts, let me have this." Novelle fires back.

"Novelle how your big sis is when it comes to you, she only worried that you don't become a junky." Said Ophelia.

"I really don't see the big deal, it is better than protein foods sis; be making for us."

"What's wrong? Your sis protein meals are healthy, perfectly balanced, and keep us going for a longer period of time." Lucas smiles, his hand under his chin chiming in.

"I'm sorry I'm taking diet advice from those who eat the protein meal with no flavor, I'm sorry I like to know what I'm eating that is not cardboard." Novelle spoke before taking a bite of his candy bar.

"Oh be like that little bro, I know you like my meals more than anything. More than anyone you devour it more than anyone in the family." Lyra giggled.

"Yeah because I got to eat something to replenish all the energy I use up on a regular basis when training and fighting." Novelle whispered to himself.

"Did you say something little bro?"

"Nothing sis. By the way shouldn't we-"

*THUD!!*

They turn and see Rina, who is completely knocked out but has a peaceful smile. It looks like she has gone on to the afterlife.

"Yeah that." Novelle said, taking another bite of his bar.

"You know I'm kind of surprised she made the faint between all of us, I thought Corrin-" Ellen turned only to see Corrin was also KO. "And I spoke too soon. *sigh*."

"I just make it known... I'm not at fault here," Novelle said, thinking he would be blamed for something.

Lycaon just blinks at the situation in front of him before closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, and speaking to everyone: "Let us collect what we came for and leave. We will talk more about this at the house."

They all agree, Lycaon carrying Rina and Novelle carrying Corrin out of the hollow. This day was going to be an eventful and long one for sure.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Many PubSec members were clearing out a hollow and capturing a handful of criminals that had escaped into the hollow. While many of the standard members were taken care of by many of the regular hollows, we have the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team; CISPT handling many of the thugs that had made a run, with Captain Zhu Yuan leading the charge with quick feet and a quickness the thugs couldn't react fast enough they were soon captured by Zhy Yuan and her team will little trouble.

Once they put cuffs on them, and with the small handful of PubSec officers on the team they took with them, they handed them over.

Everything should be almost wrapped up here. The second team should be practically done handling the group of Ethereal." Zhu Yuan told her team.

"Captain we should probably go help them, last thing we want them to get seriously injured," said Seth.

"Calm down, Seth. We will. We first have to clear this area to make sure these crooks didn't try to hide any supplies or anything like that. Let's begin the search first." Zhu Yuan ordered her team as they spread out, looking around the area.

As they searched, Zhu Yuan thought about what she was going to do after she got off. Given that this should be the last thing they must do, she will be free for most of the day once she types up her report and sends it to the higher-ups. Thinking about many different things, one of the main things that came to mind was to watch a movie—not just a movie, but to watch it with a specific manager.

Zhu Yuan's cheeks flared up as she shook her head. She had to calm down, she can't be having these thoughts right now. As much as she wants to spend time with Wise and his handsome face and all she works to do.

Since she wasn't fully paying attention, Qingyi came over out of nowhere. "Thinking about Wise, aren't you?"

Zhu Yuan slightly jumped from the sudden appearance of her fella coworker, "A-Ah Q-Qingyi. You shouldn't sneak up on me like that."

"You were spacing out, there. Guess thinking about what to do with your special someone after work."

"N-No, Wise and I aren't even together."

"Yet, you two aren't together yet." Qingyi tells her.

“We….ugh…”

After looking in his section, Seth came over to join the conversation. "Are we talking about Captain Zhu Yuan and Wise? " he asked.

"No!" Zhu Yuan quickly reacted.

"Yes." Qingyi spoke calmly.

"Don't worry Captain myself and a few other of the guys are rooting for you and him. After-all I heard your date with him went well last time."

"D-Date!?! Wise never went on a d-date!!?" Zhu Yuan corrected him, even though the red color on her face, cheeks, and thoughts semi-betrayed her words.

"Ah, such young love, I'm pretty sure going to the movies, doing some shopping, and taking selfies with you on a bridge let into the evening seem pretty romantic and a date to me." Qingyi threw out there towards Zhu Yuan's so-called settlement date she had with Wise about a week and a half ago.

"It was just a couple of friends doing a hangout!"

"Uh huh, keep telling yourself that." Qingyi gave her a deadpanned look with a deadpan tone.

"Hey, Captain, you don't have to deny it. If I asked my bro Wise, I'm sure he would probably think it was a hangout at first, but his sister would say otherwise. That sounds like a date to me, at least," Seth said, trying to be the good bro that he is.

Zhu Yuan only groaned as she tried to deny her feelings. As much as she wanted not to admit it, she liked Wise and all, thinking they were nothing more than friends, but she shouldn't kid herself. She might have little to no relationship experience, but she knows some things, and what they made sounds like a date. They just refuse to call it that for their only reason.

"Well I will say, you shouldn't try to fight against your feelings too much, if I was you." Qingyi told her.

"Huh? What do you mean by that?!?" Ask Zhu Yuan.

"Well speaking to his Ai assistant, Manager is really popular and I don't mean in terms of the store's popularity either. I mean as an eye catcher and all. Heard many ladies see him as boyfriend to husband material."

"B-B-Boyfriend material!?!"

"I do remember from his sister that they have more female customers than male customers, and 8 out of 10 times, they rent more tapes whenever Wise is the main one running the store. Oh, and don't forget you aren't the only one who is probably fighting for Wise's hand at being in a relationship in PubSec. There is another, I fear." Qingyi adds on.

"W-Wait who else in PubSec talks to the Manager like that?!?" Zhu Yuan asks, knowing she might fear the answer.

"Supposedly, Jane finds herself over there more often and is said to come out much later than most times." Just as they wanted to continue the conversation, they heard their radios go off from the second team, requesting if they could get some help where they were. "We can continue this talk later; we should probably go help the others first."

They began to make their way to the second team, which was mainly fighting ethereal. On the way, Zhu Yuan thought about what Qingyi had said. The manager was highly sought after, and she felt that way.

Given how many ladies she had seen come in and out of the store, she wasn't the only one. She often sees Miyabi herself, usually going over to see Wise and sometimes spotting him in Lumina Square, walking around with her or some other lady. Zhu Yuan hates to admit it but feels jealous whenever she sees it. But knowing it would be wrong to do anything about them or stop them from hanging out with Wise would be uncalled for and an abuse of her power.

The last thing she needs is to become like other PubSec stories she has heard about and spend her time elsewhere. She feels slightly angry about one of her coworkers; Jane might also be after Wise.

She can't fully blame her given that, technically speaking, she never claimed Wise, and he is single, and someone many ladies would dream of having to be their man after all. But Zhu Yuan knows most of the leading close members of her team, Qingyi, Seth, and Jane, who all know Zhu Yuan was crushing HARD on Wise. So, for her to fall for her, and IF Jane was actually developing feelings for the manager, it would make Zhu Yuan feel a type of way, given they aren't supposed to be a team. Shouldn't they try to help the one who saw him first and clearly was going after him?

Ugh, Zhu Yuan has to comfort these feelings sooner or later, as well as Jane, about whether Qingyi's statement was true or not.

However, Zhu Yuan was about to learn that she would have to confront her feelings much sooner.

Over with the second PubSec team, as many of them were supplying fire on the group of Ethereals they were fighting, one of the more Elite Ethereals would come up; it was a Dullahan class Ethereals. Many were worried because this was one of the harder Ethereals to handle if you didn't have a skilled person or a powerful team to beat this.

One of the PubSec officers, who was fighting up close, saw the Ethereal begin to knock away many other officers who were fighting up close.

"Shit, this thing isn't a joke. We need to-." The Dullahan Ethereal head snapped towards the PubSec officers who just spoke, making the officers jump a bit. As the Ethereal begins to charge over to him, he prepares himself for a fight and hopes the main Investigation team gets over here soon.

Just as the Ethereal was getting closer, it suddenly was hit with stray bullets from the left?

"Huh?"

Looking off to the side, the next thing they see is a weapon thrown, with everything looking like it is slowing down. Someone who zips by grabbing the gun and pressing a button on it, the weapon would expand into a scythe!?!

The person would swing the scythe twice past the ethereal, then slam the scythe down, creating a small shockwave before grabbing the scythe and hitting another button, allowing them to spin while holding the handle part of the scythe and after like to two spin kick; they point the scythe main blade towards the Dullahan and unloaded what looks like ether shots into the ethereal, before throwing the scythe, having it spend on the enemy gra, being it, and pulling the trigger one more time, unleashing another wave of ether damage.

Many of the officers look in shock, but it seems the ethereal was ready to fight back, and the person had to worry about the other. They would see another person zip from behind the enemies, slashing past many of them with ice off their blade, destroying them, and doing another power slash towards the Dullahan class ethereal enemy. Three more shots ring out, taking out the elite ethereal.

They stood in shock as the two, with a hidden third newcomer shooting from afar, began to clear out the ethereal with relative ease. Once they finished doing that, the two people swiped their weapons, and they saw it was a boy and a girl, both looking to be around their teen years.

They turned toward the others, and the boy began to walk over to the group of officers. He was the one with the scythe, making it compact and attaching it to the back of his hip.

"I hope nothing bad happens, officer. Everything went smoothly, right? No one is hurt, are they?" asked the young man with a smile.

They looked at the boy and saw him wearing a junior Pubsec defense force uniform. But who the heck was this kid? They had never seen him before.

The young man had medium light gray hair going into a dark tone near the tips of them, with a strand of subtle blue going down one part of his hair. His eyes were unique, having striking heterochromatic eyes; one sharp blue and the other red golden hue. And, of course, a junior police PubSec outfit; he was relatively medium height, clearly showing he was in his teen years and still had time to grow.

The young man looked at the officers, who looked at him confused and still hadn't said anything. He spoke again, "Is everything okay, officers?"

The other person who was fighting with the boy would come up to him and say, "Ethan, I think they are confused given who we are. Remember what your sister Athena said. We might actually be sent to the past and all."

The girl walked up to the young boy named Ethan; the officers got a good look at her; she had short, flowing hair with a gradient color scheme to it, mainly white strands of pastel blue in different layers and part of her hair, with two back of her hair tie into braid, and near the front of her hair; was asymmetrical bangs nearly almost covering some of her face, one of the unique things about this girl was she wearing a blindfold? Was she blind…wait no, something isn't right?

The girl was wearing a choker or brooch featuring an emblem of her, the CIPST logo. Gloves that go up to her elbows, with intricate designs on the back of the central part of the gloves. Her outfit with the Pubsec design was slightly different: a high-collared dress with frilled accents and metallic embellishments. It is also a short, layered skirt with an asymmetrical design, as it covers most of her body and thigh highs, covering a good part of her legs. Wait, does she have different lines across different body parts? Was she like an android like Qingyi?

"Ah, right. You do have a point, Iris. Let's introduce ourselves, but first, allow me to call our other teammates.

"Wait other teammate what are-"

Ethan tapped his ear and quickly called: "Vera, you can come down. Everything is clear."

On the other end, "You sure, you want me to come down already. Even though we're on the same side. Should be that trusting them?"

"As much as we should be careful, we need them to understand we're not a threat. Plus…” He looked back at the officers before whispering into the earpiece. "We still have my sis hiding, lurking in the shadows, so if anything goes south, we can still make an escape and gather more clues if they aren't willing to help us."

"....*sigh* I hate that I can't argue with you. I'll be down soon."

Ethan giggled, "Thanks Vera you're the best."

"Hmph." The line was cut.

Ethan turned back towards the officers, "Sorry about that. Give us a second." A few seconds later, another girl appeared with her custom Barrett M82 sniper rifle on her back. She was wearing a female-issue PubSec outfit, with her own custom-like headphones, long brown hair, and long combat sleeves protection on her arms.

"Alright, mainly everyone; now I guess proper introductions are needed. But I rather wait." said Ethan

"Why is that?! Are you trying to be single for help or something?" Ask one of the officers.

"Woah, buddy, calm down. We don't mean any harm. We are on the same side and all. It just will be better if a certain group of people are here. And we know from our time here that they should be on their way." Ethan explains a little to the officers.

"Huh? Who the heck are you waiting for?!?! And what do you mean your time here?"

"What's going on here?" Ask Zhu Yuan to walk up with her squad, following right behind her.

"Ah, perfect they're here. And now seeing them seem like sis intel wasn't wrong after all. Hm, this going be difficult to explain." Ethan sides, bringing his hand to his chin as he thinks about how to explain this.

"Why are you all standing around? And why are a couple of kids here? Plus, weren't you all fighting Ethereals!?! What happened over here?" Ask Zhu Yuan.

One of the Officers stepped up to answer the question. "Well Captain Zhu Yuan we were fighting the Ethereals and were planning to hold them off before you all got here, but out of nowhere these kids came out of nowhere and saved us."

"These kids fight the Ethereals!?! And you all let them!?!" Ask Seth, who is utterly shocked by this news and all.

"H-Hey we're that young, we're literally in our final year of high school. Plus it's not like we don't have combat experience. This isn't our first rodeo in the hollows." Ethan told them.

"You know Ethan, they don't know us like that, after all, given what happened." Vera told Ethan.

"Still."

"Alright, let's get to the bottom of this. Can you all explain who you are first? " Zhu Yuan asks.

"We can but you probably want to hear our side of the story first and semi the background of us."

"Go on?"

"To start, we are PubSec workers, juniors workers. After a couple years, the big heads up in TOPS, decided to make junior division in several of their ranks; and PubSec was no different, so it would allow those who want to go through early point so by the time they actually start there training for whatever branch they want to go into they already have a set of skills and will be ready to basically be move up early or different level of training when the time comes. So from that, the reason we have PubSec uniforms and they are slightly different is for that reason, which leads us to who we are." Ethan begins to explain.

"On my left here is the one wearing the blindfold. Her name is Iris Calyx, she isn't actually blind, she is an android, and a talented person and close friend of mine."

"Hello there." Iris said calmly.

"And on my right this is Vera Nova she our team resilient sniper and I'll say the best truthfully should be #1 in the coming years."

Vera blushed a bit. "Aww, Ethan, you shouldn't flatter me like that. People are going to think we're a thing. Let's not give your mom and grandparents any idea." She put her hand on her hip and chuckled.

"Heheh, let's get ahead of ourselves, Vera. Even though you're a very pretty lady, I'm sure you will have many suitors down the line." Ethan smiled at her, which made Vera blush and get a little redder. She looked away with a smile and played with part of her hair, and Iris pouted and looked at Ethan.

The adults look at this and blink with Qingyi, looking at Zhu Yuan before making her own comment.

"Hmph, it reminds me of someone else and a certain person we know," Qingyi said, throwing shade at Zhu Yuan, who only took a deep breath, knowing Qingyi was probably talking about her but wasn't going to get her a response.

"My name is…well I'll give my first name it's Ethan. Before I explain my last name, I'll have to explain why we are in the hollow. You see it was a normal field exercise for us and many of the trainee's with us doing different assignments in the hollow nearby. And everything was fine with my team and I; we were nearly done with the training, only to come across some thugs who had been camping out in this hollow and of course we didn't want to escape or learn more of what they were doing so we began to chase."

"Which was a good and bad idea on our part." Iris chimed in.

"She was right, I put the risk on my team given I was hasty to believe we could wrap things up and get something out of it, because many factors I wasn't tracking, that was on me." Ethan gave a serious look in his eyes and looked away.

"Hey don't blame yourself, I told you I would follow you anywhere and trust your judgment you make for me and order for me to do it." Said Iris.

Vera throws her thoughts in there: "Same, we put our faith in you. Plus it's like things turn out completely bad. Just look where we are. Still alive and well… you'll get to that part."

Ethan cheered up, "You girls….thanks. *ahem* right where wasI, oh yeah, so we started giving chase. And did learn the reason they were camping out in this hollow was because they were hunting for something, a piece of equipment that originally we didn't know what it did. They found it and were planning to sell it to the highest bidder to fill their pocket."

"Typical." Said both Qingyi and Iris.

"We beat many of the members with the main head boss leading the little group of thugs left, trapping them and getting ready to finish the job. Seeing he had nothing to lose and how important that piece of equipment he was trying to sell given how much of a piece some people were trying to but for it, he used it. A bright flash happened with myself and the team in the blast radius. We didn't know what would happen, so at first we thought nothing happen."

Ethan continued, "But as we looked and saw we were in a different part of the hollow, we originally thought it was a teleporter. And knowing that we knew it would be dangerous. We start searching around hoping to find an instructor or anyone. And soon we came across you all."

"I see, but why do you think you have to tie in your last name and wanted to tell us that first." Ask Zhu Yuan to understand the story the young boy told them.

"Simple, because the part you are all going to find hard to believe. While searching and came across you all, we noticed you all look very different then how we remember."

"I'm sorry huh?" Zhu Yuan was very confused?!

"Mhmm, I should explain my name now. My name is Ethan Zhu or Zhu Ethan. However you want to say it."

"WHAT!?!" This information utterly stunned everyone, including everyone outside the three teens.

"We learn the device wasn't just a teleporter, it was a teleporter to the past. And with the help of my team, and seeing you all fight, we piece together. And after coming to help you all and now having you all stand in front of us it confirmed what we learn. We were sent to the past." Ethan finishes explaining.

"H-How can that be!?!? If you really say your Zhu Yuan son, prove it. Prove by saying something only Captain Zhu Yuan knows." Seth asks, clearly wanting to know these kids aren't trying to play a prank on his captain, or them for that matter.

The sound of a necklace is heard. Ethan pulls out a necklace from around him, clicking it open. "This is a picture of you, Dad, and me taking a picture together at an old birthday of mine." He shows the picture of an older Zhu Yuan with a much younger, what seems to be an 8-year-old Ethan in between. Wait...

“Wait…that person…” Qingyi said as her eyes widened like a fish out of water.

The male in the picture on Ethan's left was Wise!?!

"Yes, my dad is Wise. One of the two main managers of Random Plays."

"Manager"!?! Seth and Qingyi said out loud, with a stunned Zhu Yuan, thresholding the necklace. Her lips wobbled as her face got increasingly red by the second as she looked at the necklace. This… was proof that not only Ethan was telling the truth but…her….and Wise. They ended up…meaning they….went….they did…, and they also…did those types of tapes she remembered seeing.

"I think you broke your mom, Ethan." Iris said in a monotone.

"Can you blame me?! I-It's not every day you see your future son coming back to see you. How do you expect her to react?"

"Well you do have a point, hearing stories from your auntie Belle and your dad. Your mother was an interesting person when they first started dating." said Vera.

"She still is, but not as much. And it seems what your father said was true, your mother still bottom." Iris.

"Iris!?! That's my mom!" Ethan said, getting a little red in the face.

"Only passing on what Miss Miyabi and your father have said before in passing," Iris said while crossing her arms.

"As much as we should continue this, we should get out of the hollow. The others have been here for an extended period of time as well it seems you all have been here just as long. Want to get you all checked out to make sure you're okay." Qingyi is taking charge now, given that Zhu Yuan hasn't come out of her trance yet.

"Ah, right." Ethan walks up and closes the necklace, making Zhu Yuan finally snap out of it; she looks up to see Ethan, who smiles at his mom. "I know you have more questions and will answer them later. First let's get out of this hollow. I want to make sure myself and my team are okay." God, he reminds her so much of Wise with that smile.

Taking a deep breath and smiling, "Alright, I understand." Zhu Yuan said.

"Good, now….alright sis you can come out now. Everything is good, we are finally leaving the hollow."

"Wait huh?!"

"Awww, here I thought you were going to let me have some more fun big bro." They turn to see a random PubSec officer gear out, who begins to unclip the helmet and take off the gear, with the gear dropping like a sack of potatoes on the ground below; stepping out of the pile was a girl with ash-gray crimson tips at the tip of the hair, with her eyes having a dual-toned effect—blue with flecks of darker blue tone.

Her outfit consisted of a sleek jacket with tactical elements (like belts and holsters) over a fitted shirt, fingerless black gloves embedded with unique graffiti, claw-like patterns on boots and gloves, shades of gray, black, and blue with accents of crimson throughout her different outfits, and a pendant tangling around her neck. However, the most noticeable trait was the animal trait, mainly her tail and ears… Were they rat-like?

"Was hoping for another huge surprise outside, and give our lovely mother here a near heart attack." The girl giggled.

"Heheh, come on Aethena don't you think one surprise was enough for her." Ethan is his sister.

"Hmmm, I guess you have a point. So it looks like my intel was right and the plan was smart bro. See I told you, you should trust yourself more and put more faith in your ability." Athena told her brother.

"Heheh, I guess you and the ladies were right."

"Hang on!?! Who is this!?!" Ask Seth.

"I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Athena Doe. Well technically speaking my mom didn't want to give my real last name so she put that down. Or we could say Athena Zhu. But I like the one my mom gave me better, feel more…" She covers her lips and a smirk on her lips. "Mysterious."

"Hold on!?! If your last name is Doe!?! That's mean-" Zhu Yuan spoke.

"That's right, Athena's mother is Jane, she is also my other mom. She is my half-sister."

"HUH!?!" The CISRT said out loud, hitting them with another bombshell.

"Yes all lovely fathers were able to get with two beautiful top of the end ladies. Even though it did cause a slight target on his back at some point by many jealous people." Athena giggled. "I say it fits dad quite well given his lifestyle."

"Let's not get into that now sis. For now let's leave. We have a lot to explain to them and later to dad."

"I guess you have a point, fine."

The group all made their way out of the hollow with new thoughts racing through their head, but no one more than Zhu Yuan, who now had to get used to this and understand the fact that not only did her son come from the future to the past, but as well she was in a relationship with Wise, and as well Jane!?! So many things happen in such a short time. This is going a more extended day than she expected.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Located on the outskirts of New Eridu was a biker gang that lived on the Outer Ring, the Sons of Calydon the roar of engines echoed across the endless expanse of sand, kicking up plumes of dust as the Sons of Calydon tore through the desert. The sun blazed overhead, casting long shadows behind their bikes as they sped toward Blazewood. Each rider was lost in their thoughts, but the silence between them was punctuated by the occasional burst of banter and laughter.

Each thinks about what has happened so far, with the tour in Inferno and the time they had spent with a particular well-known proxy in the city. Each has gotten their time in the sun with a proxy known as Wise. While they hadn't seen him in two weeks, given the work they had been doing and all making sure things in the Outer Ring were good and taken care of, they were now heading back to their base of operation.

They were each in their own thoughts. Starting with Lucy, the engine of Lucy's bike growled beneath her as she sped across the endless dunes, the desert heat shimmering in the air like a mirage. Her blond hair whipped behind her, catching the sunlight as she leaned forward, gripping the handlebars tightly.

Her mind wandered back to Wise, the Proxy who had joined them during the Inferno tour. She had her expectations of him, given the information she knew of him based on his proxy history, which she dug up. But he'd surprised her more than she expected. He wasn't just calm and collected but sharp, thoughtful, and strangely magnetic. She hated to admit it, but she'd watched him more than she should have.

"What is it about him?" she thought, narrowing her eyes at the horizon. "He's not like anyone I've met before. Too serious for his own good, but there's something… steady about him. Like he knows exactly who he is."

She smirked, remembering one of their hangouts—or date, as Burnice had teased her endlessly. It hadn't been anything fancy: just a quiet spot near the edge of the Hollow where they'd shared drinks and talked about life outside New Eridu. Wise had listened to her stories about the Sons of Calydon with genuine interest, even laughing at some of their crazier antics. That laugh was rare but warm, and it had stuck with her.

"He doesn't judge," Lucy realized. "Not like most people do when they hear about us."

Her thoughts drifted to another moment: the time Wise had helped her fix her bike after a particularly rough skirmish from the Hollow. He'd rolled up his sleeves and gotten his hands dirty without hesitation, even though it wasn't his problem to solve. They'd worked in comfortable silence, and she'd felt something shift inside her—a quiet appreciation for his presence.

"He's not flashy or loud," she mused. "But he's solid. Reliable."

Lucy shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She wasn't used to feeling this way—vulnerable, unsure. She was Lucy de Montefio, the fiery heart of the Sons of Calydon! She didn't get distracted by guys from New Eridu… right?

The roar of another engine broke through her reverie as Burnice pulled up alongside her on her bike. "Hey, Lucy!" he shouted over the wind. "You look like you're daydreaming about someone! Don't tell me it's about Wise again!"

Lucy glared at him but couldn't stop the faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Shut it, Burnice," she snapped. "I'm thinking about how I'm going to leave you in my dust when we hit Blazewood."

Burnice laughed loudly, clearly enjoying herself. "Sure you are! But don't worry—I'll make sure Wise knows how much you miss him!"

Lucy groaned and twisted the throttle, speeding ahead to escape Burnice's teasing. But even as she raced through the desert, Wise remained in her thoughts—the way he'd stood by them during Inferno, his quiet strength that seemed unshakable.

"Maybe Burnice isn't completely wrong," Lucy admitted reluctantly. "Maybe I do miss him."

As Blazewood loomed closer on the horizon, Lucy felt a strange mix of excitement at seeing Wise again and frustration at how much he occupied her mind. But deep down, she knew one thing for sure—he'd left an impression on her that she couldn't ignore.

Up next was Burnice White, with her fiery spirit and Anomaly Specialty, who rode alongside Caesar, her leader, and the rest of the gang.

As they rode, Burnice couldn't help but think about Wise, the Proxy who had recently joined forces with them. She had always been drawn to those who walked the thin line between chaos and control, and Wise was no exception. His calm demeanor and strategic mind intrigued her, especially when contrasted with the unpredictable nature of the Hollows they navigated.

"What I like about Wise," Burnice mused to herself, "is how he doesn't flinch in the face of danger. He's got this quiet confidence that's both captivating and intimidating." She smiled, imagining how he would react if she ever decided to test his limits. She remembered how he would occasionally smile, revealing a hint of warmth beneath his reserved facade, and it always caught her off guard.

Burnice's thoughts drifted to their recent hangouts. There was when they visited the Waterfall Soup on Sixth Street, where Wise had surprisingly recommended the pumpkin noodles. They spent hours discussing everything from Hollow strategies to their favorite films. She chuckled, recalling how he had been so engrossed in the conversation that he almost forgot to finish his meal.

Another time, they went to the EZ Studio behind HIA in Lumina Square. Wise had been fascinated by her Nitro-Fuel concoctions, and they experimented with new flavors together. Burnice enjoyed watching him relax, his usually serious demeanor giving way to a more playful side as he tasted each new creation.

Burnice chuckled, already looking forward to the evening ahead. She felt that Wise would fit right in with their camaraderie, and maybe he'd let his guard down for once.

Next up was Piper Wheel, ever the sleepy but reliable truck driver. She was at the wheel of their trusty vehicle, her eyes half-closed as she navigated the familiar roads. The engine's rumble was soothing, and she found herself drifting off, only to be jolted awake by the sound of her own truck revving, a recording she kept on her phone to keep her alert.

Piper's thoughts wandered to Wise, the Proxy who had become a regular presence in their operations. Unlike her, she liked how he was always so focused, never seeming to tire. His strategic mind was impressive, and she admired how he could stay calm under pressure. Piper found herself smiling, remembering when they had gone to a small café in Lumina Square. Wise had been fascinated by her love for old trucks, and they spent hours discussing everything from engine mechanics to their favorite routes through the Outer Rim.

One of her favorite memories was when they visited the old junkyard on the outskirts of Blazewood. Wise had been intrigued by the variety of vehicles there, and Piper enjoyed watching him explore. His usual serious demeanor gave way to a more curious side as he examined each car. She had even taught him a few tricks about how to revive old engines, and he had surprised her with his quick grasp of the mechanics.

As she reflected on their time together, Piper realized that Wise had become more than just a colleague; he was someone she cared about deeply. She appreciated how he balanced her sleepiness with his alertness and brought a sense of stability to their chaotic world. Piper wasn't sure if she could ever fully express these feelings to him, but she knew she was grateful for his presence.

And finally, Caesar King, the group's leader, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the desolate landscape of the Outer ring, she couldn't quite put her finger on why Wise had become such a constant presence in her thoughts. Maybe it was how he always seemed so calm and collected, even in the face of danger. Or perhaps it was the way he smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile that made her feel like everything would be alright. Whatever the reason, Caesar found herself drawn to him in a way she hadn't experienced before.

As she thought about it, a faint blush crept up her cheeks. It was silly—she was the leader of a biker gang, not some lovesick teenager. But there was something about Wise that made her feel vulnerable as if she could be herself without fear of judgment.

Caesar's eyes drifted to a manga she had been reading earlier. It was a romance story with a heroine who reminded her of herself. She had always enjoyed these stories, but lately, she imagined Wise as the hero, saving her from some fictional peril. It was a silly fantasy, but it was hers, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought.

For a moment, she let herself get lost in the daydream, imagining what it would be like if Wise were beside her, riding through the city together under the stars. The image was so vivid, so real, that she almost felt his presence, his hand brushing against hers as they sped through the night.

The sound of revving engines brought her back to reality, and Caesar chuckled to herself, shaking her head. She was getting ahead of herself. It's not like the two will have a kid or something. As much as it was a nice thought to have,

The Biker gang would soon finally reach Blazewood. Parking their bikes as they got off and made their way through the area, they soon came across the mayor, Kasa.

"Hey Kasa! Long time no see." Caesar King, smiling as she called out to her.

"Ah the Sons of Calydon you are here! Good, it's been a while." Kasa responded with.

"Awww did you miss us, it's only been a couple days, heheh. It's no big deal. Did anything happen while we were gone?" Caesar asks.

Kasa looked off, sweating slightly, "Heheh, nothing too crazy. Except um…well, by chance, did you all bring the proxy at all." She asked.

This made Lucy raise an eyebrow at her, "Why would we need to bring the proxy? Did something happen in one of the hollows nearby?"

"No, it's just. Well you all got some interesting guests waiting for you all."

"I'm at a lost?" Said Caesar.

"Same." The other members.

"*sigh*Come with me and see for yourself." Kasa begins to take them over to Cheesetopia.

As they made their way there, they ran into Big Daddy, who, when he saw his girls, ran over to them and gave them a bone-crushing hug with tears of joy in his eyes.

"Woah Big Daddy are you okay? It's strange to see you this emotional?" Caesar throughout there.

"I'm j-just s-s-so bad of you all! *sniff* You're all going to grow up and do amazing things." Big Daddy said to them all.

"Heh, of course Big daddy, I'm the overload after-all I'm going to everything in my power to protect the Outer Ring." Said Caesar.

"Hmph, and don't worry we will keep her butt in check and once she screws up, I'll firmly take off the Son of Calydon!" Lucy proclaims.

"Heheh, I know you girls will all do well. But also do well to protect your whole family in the future once it happens, " he told them as he broke the hug. This made all the ladies get a little red in the face since none knew they were considering making a family with the same person. "I won't take up too much of your time. Head over to Cheesetopia. I think you're all in for a huge surprise."

This got the girls even more excited and questioned, so waiting for them at Cheesetopia, Big Daddy and Kasa wanted them to see it. They continue to be on their way.

"Was it just me or was Big Daddy acting slightly different and more emotional than normal?" Ask Lighter.

"Yeah, he was honest but it can't be anything too crazy. I'm sure he is probably just happy we all are back safe and sound. Probably hear about how badass we've been doing." Caesar said with a chuckle.

"You young's are always so full and lively ready to seek praise. But Big Daddy was making it seem something big is waiting for us." Said Piper.

The Sons of Calydon would soon reach Cheesetopia. As they entered the store, they looked around and saw nothing out of the original. It seemed as well off as they left it, mainly thanks to Wise's help in making the place's business boom. Kasa would step in front of them and smile, making them raise an eyebrow at this. She turned her head to the back corner table, where they looked and saw people sitting, and they were stuffing their faces.

"Dang it, Leo! What did I tell you about eating and trying to make a mess? Can you please be careful?! " said one of the people at the table. It came from a girl's voice.

"Oh, come on, Aria. I'm starving. We fought our hardest through that hollow, and now we get to dine in our parents' famous restaurant. Heheh, I don't see the big deal, plus I'm not making that much of a mess." Another person, more male-like and with gray hair, said at the table.

"Ugh, I would not cause too much of a mess, which we would have to clean up. Hey Ignis, give that back that was on my plate!" the girl said earlier to another person at the table.

"*giggle* Oh, okay princess. I thought you didn't want to sully your nice look before our parents showed up. Plus, your food looks much good, " another feminine voice said.

"Oh, hahah it's not like you haven't been talking about a new drink mix to think of to give to your mother, either."

Back with the main members of the Sons of Calydon, who saw this, Caesar was the first to say something: "Wow, that table surely is lively. Who are they?" she asked.

"Heheh, that's the reason we want you all to come here. You all should go see for yourself." Kasa told them. And that's what the Sons of Calydon did, heading over to the table to see why this table is so important.

"Hello there, woah, you guys are much younger than we expected." Caesar started but got a good look at the group of people at the table. There were four of them, two boys and two girls. At most, they looked no older than 14-15 years old.

"Ah they show up. Holy crap, you were Ignis!" Said the boy with gray hair.

"Ha! I told you, that means you owe me yours on the next salary we get, " another girl with Blonde hair said.

"Got damn it! Ugh, this is just a giant mess even more." Another girl at the table said while facepalming. "Ugh, hello's Sons of Calydon, it's great to see you all again, even though we have already pre met before."

"Wait what? I'm confused little girl? Who are you all? And why do you know us?" Ask Lucy.

"Oh, that's easy. Were you all kids from the future who came to the past now? " said the second blond twin-tails girl at the table with some excitement.

"WHAT!?!?" All the Sons of Calydon said out loud.

"Ignis, I thought we agreed to have it as a surprise!" Said the gray-haired boy.

"Yeah, we all plan to do some big coordinate moment and make it a bigger reveal!" Said the other blond-haired girl at the table.

"Oh, let's not play too much into the cliche. After all, it's not like we aren't going to drop more big, huge on them and stuff. Plus, Dad isn't here, so we would have to redo everything all over again, " the blonde-haired girl named Ignis said.

"Mhmm, I guess you have a point. Let it go, for now, Aria. We are already going to be here for a minute since I'm sure getting back won't be as easy as we hope, " said the gray-haired boy.

"Ugh, fine. But allow me do the talking. I feel like I can explain it overall well."

"Go on all you."

"I guess we should explain some stuff," one of the siblings said with a sigh, "since our sis here already ruined the big surprise. As you heard, we're kids who came from the future by using the Hollow."

Caesar's eyes widened in astonishment. "How is that even possible? Is time travel even possible in a Hollow?!?"

The blond-haired boy, who had been resting and sleeping most of the time, opened his eyes slightly, a hint of a smile on his face. "Yeah, Hollows are already in a different time and space. Think about it—time and day inside Hollows don't always match the outside world. There's a significant time delay in Hollow observation systems, which suggests some form of temporal distortion or lag when communicating with events inside a Hollow from the outside."

The boy sat up, his eyes sparkling excitedly as he continued, "Hollows are pocket dimensions that distort space, creating those labyrinthine environments. While this mainly affects navigation, it implies that space-time is altered within these areas. For instance, it could be dark inside with no weather, but once you enter a Hollow, it might be raining. Time doesn't flow the same way inside a Hollow as it does outside. Plus, certain machines either don't work or behave erratically, which throws a lot of things off. And let's not forget the distortions in some Hollows that can affect how people move through them. It's common for people to use Hollows as shortcuts, which shows how different time and space are within them."

Pausing, grabbing a piece of food from his plate and munching on it with a satisfied crunch. "So, if we apply this logic to how we got here, it's safe to assume that a concentration of Ether energy was gathered at the spot we were at, which happened to appear right at the same time as this point in time."

The adults in the restaurant started, wide-eyed and shocked, as the pre-teen continued eating nonchalantly.

His sibling nodded in agreement. "What little bro Axel said, so it's not impossible."

The girl named Aria is taking center stage now, "To explain how and the reason most likely we got here, it's because we were looking for something to show our class for a project we were working on. And we knew a hollow had the best place to look for what we were hoping for."

Lucy quickly said, "Why the heck were you four in a hollow looking for something for a project!?! Did those teachers say it had to be from a hollow?"

The gray-haired boy, looking startled, said, "Yikes told you Aria our parents weren't going to be happy with the happy idea."

"I'll be honest, I'll take some of the blame. I wanted to impress the class and mainly our parents when we show them, given how good we are and all. But it's not like we can't fight. We are actually the strongest students in our class." Aria told them.

"That doesn't matter young missy, you put yourself and your siblings here in danger, you all could have gotten seriously hurt." Lucy scolded Aria, who looked down a little sad.

"Yes, ma'am." The gray-haired boy named Leo stepped up.

"Mhm, if you get mad at anyone, mommy Lucy…" This made Lucy blush and slightly red in the face. "Get upset at me; as the oldest I should convince little sis not to go into the Hollow. But I was completely on board. I also agree that it would show another reason why parents are so cool and they can trust us. I'm sorry." Leo steps in front of his sister, looking a little disheartened. He is upset by the young vision of their parents.

This time, Caesar stepped up, putting her hand on the young man, and smiled at him as he looked up at her, "Hey, it's good you're stepping up for your sis and all. And I get it, wanting to prove yourself. But don't you all don't have try to prove yourself so soon, it is clear you all are still young. Enjoy the youth you had, it takes time. I'm sure…We would be proud of you all no matter what you brought to the class." Caesar told them this lightened the mood a bit.

Lucy sighs, "I'm sorry for yelling at you. It's just that you all are aware of how dangerous a hollow is. " They nod their heads. "Good. Now explain how the heck you all got sent to the past."

"Right, well, once we found the thing we were looking for, and we were getting ready to go, we will…." Aria was starting to get a little cold feet as she put her hand behind her back and fiddled with her left foot, often twisting it into the floor below.

"I'll take over from here as we get ready to leave. We ran into a rival bike gang of you all, and of course you can guess they want to take us for ransom against you all." This got the Sons of Calydon's blood boiling from this sentence alone, and you can feel the temperature in the room increase. "B-But we weren't sitting ducks or anything. Since we had our gear on us, we fought a bit of them. But with some of the bigger guys showing up, and attracting Ethereals we hoped on our shared ride and got the heck out of there or to at least escape from the biker gang and the Ethereals chasing us. Which led us to a wormhole, and we took it."

He took a sip from his drink on the table before continuing. "Once we got into the wormhole and a flash happened that wasn't normal but at the time we didn't consider it at the time. Finally, seeing we got away and doing a bit more fighting we finally got out of the hollow. Appearing on the outskirts of Blazewood."

Taking back over, Aria said, "We didn't think much at first, but as I looked down at my phone, I noticed things were…not right. For one, the year suddenly changed on my phone after a restart. Next, we noticed there wasn't weren’t many small set-up stations, as we knew they were. It took us a bit to finally get back here. Then we noticed something else was off. Blazewood looked slightly different, much less updated as it got in the future."

"Not by much though." The girl named Ignis said.

"Once we got here and ran into Kasa, we found out she didn't know who we were. This basically had us start to look around, asking questions, and we slowly pieced together that we were sent to the past, " said Leo.

"But to make sure we wait for you all to return and see you all now. Yep it confirmed we definitely went through a wormhole that sent us to the past." Aria ended.

"Wow…that is quite a story you all got there." Piper told them.

"Yeah, to make matters more simple, we can go into introducing ourselves. My name is Arianna de Montefio.” She had inherited her mother's blonde hair but had some gray streaks throughout her hair. She had sharp blue eyes but with a slight amber tint. She was wearing a leather jacket with a more streamlined design, dark jeans, a headband reminiscent of Lucy's biker gear, and a simple yet elegant necklace.

"Your…Your my kid…" Lucy said only a few words, utterly surprised by the young girl.

"Yep, it's good to see you mom." Aria smiles.

"Heheh, I'll go next! Name: Ignis White! As you can guess, I'm the daughter of the fire nitro-fuel master Burnice." Ignis inherits Burnice's vibrant, curly pigtails but with a darker, richer tone, possibly from her father's side; the teen also has harp blue eyes, but with a hint of warmth and brightness to them. She wore a sleek, dark-blue jacket similar to her father's but with flame-patterned sleeves or accents inspired by Burnice's flamethrower design. Black pants with what seems like her weapon of choice attached around her hips, high-heeled combat boots, and a headband with a small, glowing fuel gauge.

"Oh yeah, got me your girl too! Heheh, you almost look like the spitting image of me honestly." Burnice said with a chuckle.

"The resemblance is almost uncanny, " said Lighter, seeing the little Burnice and can only imagine what she would like for her father if she followed in her mother's footsteps.

"*Yawn* I guess I'm next, named Axel Wheel. As you can hear and see, I'm the son of Piper Wheel." Axel got his mother's blond hair genes; his hair has subtle darker shade highlights, reflecting both parents' styles. His eyes are deep blue, and he wears a dark blue jacket similar to his dad, but with orange accents or stripes, echoing Piper's vibrant style. The jacket might have a more modern, urban twist, such as additional pockets and wearing durable, versatile pants suitable for urban exploration and combat.

"Well, look at you, taking after your mother. You young's should be so full of energy, not tired." She said with a slight chuckle, even though she was happy with her child and that he picked up on her sleeping habit. But given his earlier talk, he was really smart and most likely got it from his dad.

Leaving one last person, who Caesar saw, and the young boy smiled at his mother, whose face heated up, meaning-

"Heh, by your face, you can conclude, yep. My name is Leo King, the son of your mom, Caesar King." Leo inherited his mother's distinctive four-pointed star hairpins but with a more subdued or modern twist, such as smaller stars or a single prominent star on the side of his head. Inheriting his parents' gray, darker tone hair, he also has sharp blue eyes. But Caesar's determined facial structure blends their gentle yet thoughtful nature and his mother's boldness.

Leo was wearing a sleek black jacket with a red lining or accents, echoing Caesar's red attire and a darker tone to the color. The jacket could have a modern cut but with subtle Roman-inspired details, such as small metal clasps. He also wears/around his neck a red scarf and pendant with a small "K" or star motif, paying homage to Caesar's "KING" necklace. Dark pants but with a hint of flair, like red stripes going down them. Boots with a mix of modern and historical flair, with buckles that resemble ancient Roman designs.

"I….I end up having a kid, I…oh my god…this is so much…it…" Caesar blushed and started to giggle, trying to get herself under control as she thought of herself as a princess with her prince charming hugging their kid just in that manga she had read.

But the better question for many of the ladies was, who was the father.

"If you don't mind me asking you Leo…w-who you your father." Caesar held her breath, and the other wanted to know who it could be. The others were hoping it wasn't who they thought, while Caesar herself hoped to pray to who she thought it was and who she wanted it to be.

"Ah right my dad, it's Wise." He smiled.

This news made Caesar so ecstatic that she actually did it! She ended up with Wise in the future. The other ladies looked a little down, but they didn't let it get to them; it's clear all their kids are close to one another, and that's what matters. Just as Caesar was preparing to celebrate, Aria pinched her brother.

"Ow what was that for!?!"

"You idiot, you mean our father. Let's not just hog dad all to himself." She scolded her brother.

"Right, heheh sorry."

"Wait, hang on? You said your father? Is Wise also your father?" Ask Lucy, with a bit of hope holding out that she didn't know she was still holding on to.

"Oh course mom, I don't think there are any other men you were going after of course. We all have the same father. Wise is all of our dad, making us all half siblings." Aria told them.

Silence in the restaurant….

The kids were confused as they blinked and stared at all the adults.

"Did you break them sis?" Ask Ignis.

"I didn't break our parents! I'm sure-" They would hear a thud and look to see Caesar have collapsed and passed out now!?!

Lighter was the one who finally spoke the silence as he pushed his shades up, "Heh, it looks like I never thought I'd say this, but I think Wise might be more of a rebel than we are. I mean, who else could pull off having kids with every member of our crew?" He said with a slight chuckle.

"Booo that jokes suck!" Ignis said in the background.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Section 6 is known for many things, such as the one if you want a hollow nearly wiped out for an event and have a lot of fans to show up and some of the most powerful agents and factions out there. You call Section 6.

Those who know them closely know how well-known they are when it comes to attracting some of the best talents; they would tell you whenever they are not asking to go into Hollow Zero to handle some work there when they trying to right to an objective that doesn't mean all the enemies need to be killed right away, or even someone they all are close with and rely on; they would call upon a specific special proxy; Wise or the other half of Phaethon only a select few know about.

Each member of Section 6 has a unique and special relationship with the legendary proxy, whether work-related or outside work. And for two specific members, well….

"So why are we needed for this hollow investigation?" Harumasa asked the team as they approached the hollow.

Yanagi raised her glasses seriously, "It's very simple. Those who have been monitoring this hollow told us it hasn't even been around for that long, and it has already started to shrink. What they want us to see is as to why?"

"But wouldn't that be a good thing that the hollow is shrinking isn't that part of the point to make sure they don't get out of hand." Harumasa throws out to his boss.

"As much I would agree, the problem is they already were monitoring the area the hollow is active in and there wasn't anyone who has fighting capability from the videos they have seen, and the rate the hollow is shrinking is making the H.A.N.D. higher up worried something might be more going on in this hollow and it's up to us to investigate it." Yanagi answered the question.

"Hm, you think maybe the Ethereal inside are taking each other out?" Soukaku asks, possibly throwing something random out there that could be why the hollow was shrinking if there wasn't a person with fighting abilities.

Yanagi answered that she thought to that question, "As much, I want to think, Ethereal have never once fought against one another so it wouldn't make sense. Plus the rate, unless there is a much bigger threat inside killing their own, meaning this would definitely need to look into."

"I do wonder what possibly could be the reason as to why this hollow is shrinking if no one on the feed had a weapon to fight with. And no one has entered the hollow since it started to form." Ask Harumasa to try to piece together his own reason as to why.

"From the camera feed and seeing myself there hasn't been one person who entered the hollow."

"I see, don't worry Yanagi, if there is any threat I'll instantly slice it down with my blade." Miyabi reassures her by giving her a thumbs up with her non-dominant hand.

Yanagi smiled, "Thanks, Chief. We should get moving, Section 6."

Section 6 enters the hollow, travels through it, and quickly clears out small groups of enemies, but they notice the lack of Ethereals in the groups and nothing too significant.

After clearing out a small handful of Ethereals, Miyabi's ears flickered ever so slightly. Looking, she noticed movement in the shadows and saw two quick, small shadows moving.

Not wasting time chasing after her, her team turns to see Miyabi running and tries calling out for her but fails. Having no choice but to chase after her, Miyabi is much further ahead of them all, closing the distance of the two tiny, speedy shadows zipping around.

Miyabi felt that if these were Ethereals, they were fast and elusive, so she'd give them that. Once Miyabi got closer to them and tried to grab one, the small shadow outline creature suddenly disappeared. This caused Miyabi to come to a stop. It wasn't the fact that it got away; it was how it escaped. In that split second, she felt it was using her technique: Mizutori?!?

"How…"

"Chief!?!" Miyabi would turn and see the rest of her team catching up, "Is everything okay? Why did you suddenly stop? Were you able to catch one or defeat whatever you saw?" Ask Yanagi.

"No, I wasn't the creature; got away." She answers.

Harumasa, surprised by this, said, "Wait, something escaped from your grasp that wasn't like a huge Ethereals!?! How?"

Looking off to the side, thinking about what escaped her, "I don't know, whatever it was; once I grab it use my technique; Mizutori." She told them.

"I'm sorry chief but you said whatever you try to grab, use one of your techniques? How can that be?!?" Yanagi was honestly shocked and surprised herself.

"I'm not sure, but whatever or whoever we're messing with isn't no joke that's for sure. I won't let it happen again, that's for sure." Miyabi proclaims.

"Hmm, alright. Well, let's be cautious from now on. If it was that skill to get out your gasps and distance between you, it might be as easy as we thought. Let's get moving." Section 6 nodded to Yanagi's orders and continued to move through the hollow.

As they continued moving, they would come across moments like a skirmish, which had happened, and the ethereal were defeated. It also felt like they were being watched. Whenever they sensed someone or something from the direction they thought they would feel, something was there….nothing….

It made Section 6 question what the heck is going on and who they are hunting here?

They soon came upon an area in the hollow where they heard voices. They slowly crept up and hid behind some rubble. What took them all by surprise was…there were some people. They didn't look that old, though.

"I can't you two actually would follow us through the hollow we told you two to stay home. Do you know how mad mom and dad are going to be when we get back." A feminine voice could be heard.

"But big sis!"

"We saw our parents! And they were much younger! And we're not that weak!" Two other voices sounding much younger could be heard this time.

The girl who seems to have fox thiren ears?! Can be seen sighing as she pinches her nose, "If that is the case of what might be true that we are sent to the past, it doesn't excuse the fact you two are still too young to be here and could seriously get injured."

Two little people, with one having fox thiren ears as well and the other doesn't, heads look down in sadness.

"Sorry big sis."

"Sorry."

"Come on, Sakura. Be easy on your two little siblings. It's not their fault for following us." Another female could be heard, and as we saw, she had green hair.

"Astrid, don't cut them slack, they are still Hiro and I little siblings. We have to take care of them and our responsibility. They are just learning how to defend themselves from our parents."

"Heheh, I get you. But they do look up to you, so it is only right they follow us. Where Hiro and Zoraku are, they should have gotten back by now from scouting.

"We have." In walks, a male red oni wearing a metal mask covering the top part of his face and mainly ninja-looking gear. "We can learn we were, in fact, sent to the past from within this hollow."

The green-haired girl, whose name seems to be Astrid, brought her hand to her chin. "Hm, so we actually got sent back, but how? Was that ethereal a special type of ethereal with a unique death effect? No Ethereals have ever been able to do this…have they?"

"Even if there was one, there is no way to know or document it down. If it was able to send us in the vicinity then it makes sense how it hasn't been able to be documented." Said the fox-thiren whose name seems to be Sakura. "Wait, where is my brother at Zoraku?"

"I'm right here, sis." They look over at a wall, where they see a gray-haired boy wearing glasses with the shine covering his face leaning against one of the destroyed debris on the ground behind which the Section 6 members were hiding.

It wasn't that he was there….it was the fact that they couldn't sense or even hear him; this stunned Miyabi and Yanagi utterly stunned!!?! It was almost impossible to sneak up on them and then not even hear or feel someone close to the fact that this person was this close. Just who were these kids?

"Bro, why are you wearing that smirk." Ask Sakura.

The other little fox-thiren whose ears suddenly twitched pointed at the wall behind the boy, "That's because mommy is right behind there."

This shocked all of Section 6. What had they just heard, and was it found out so easily?!?

"So I wasn't imagining things when I thought I felt our parents close in." Sakura said, looking off to the side.

"Yeah, hehe." The gray-haired boy got off the wall and headed to his side before doing a 90-degree opening turn. "I knew you were there for a while and waited to see if you planned to show yourself before and after I showed up. But it seems I guess there is no point in hiding or playing the game until you all can come out, now." The teen boy smiled.

With that said, Section 6 all begin to walk out into the light, with a serious-neutral look on Yanagi's face as they couldn't see her eyes through the shiny glare from her glasses.

The gray-haired young man smiles, "It is pleasant to finally meet you all, or at least this version of you all."

"Who are you all?" Yanagi asks sternly.

"Yikes mommy upset." Said one of the little girls with black hair.

"It's okay Hana, let's not start off the wrong foot here. I'm the leader of this squad, Section 12 of the H.S.O faction, Hiro-"

"Hang that can't be right!?! There isn't a section 12!?! How can that be possible!?!" Ask Yanagi, with her pushing up her glasses.

Astrid raised her hand with a slight smirk, "While that is the case, you see we're not from around technically…yet."

"You mean the fact you said something about time travel if I'm not mistaken." Harumasa asks them.

"That is correct." Sakura answered.

"How can that be?!?" Miyabi asked.

"We were getting to that, to semi-explain. We were handling a quick small task that was given with us. You see the H.S.O in the future saw the increase of not only ethereals activities but an increase wave of people having a better ether renaissance and sending they could get more help they expand each branch to allow those a little younger to come up and join, now of course we still go through the school but it now too schools, those who get better training if they want to go in early, and most likely join in fighting in the hollows. So you can call these sub sub-divisions. That is what Section 12 is a subdivision. Why don't we handle the big hollow or ethereal threat, unless they need more body or training to have us tag along. We often handle some of the small threats in hollows while the older and better trained members handle more of the dangerous threat and deeper part of the hollow." Hiro explains, and after a bit to let them take in that information, he continues.

"Now with that, we of course ask to take out a small group of hollows while some of our seniors clear out the deeper part of the hollow. Now everything was going fine. But word got back to us in the area that some ethereals got past a certain line and were heading up to the upper area where we were of less danger and not wanting to take a risk for them attacking the camp, we went to handle them. Which we did, but we came upon ethereals whose last ditch effort was to cause an explosion. This explosion at first seemed not to have any effect on us, but as we explored and headed back to the location where the camp was supposed to be, we noticed our carrot and information and map…was wrong."

"Taking this into an account we split up to see what we could find out, mainly where we were at all? Learning from the data towers we exacted the data from it, we notice how for one the year, as well the map layout of this hollow was much different from the one we had on us. Choosing to do my digging, we started to look around where we came to find out we were sent to the past." Hiro finishes by pushing up his glasses.

"You all came from the future, wowwww." Soukaku told them, making them chuckle and smile.

"Yes, auntie Soukaku, we are indeed from the future." Hiro said.

"Huh? You call me auntie? Why?"

"I guess that goes into introduction, you all want to introduce yourself first before myself and sis goes."

"I guess I'm up first. My name is Astrid Balez, and I'm a team long-range fighter. I'm the last member to join this team, and Hiro asked me personally to join." Astrid-like mention has medium-length green hair, with part of it tied into a ponytail and a cloak around her shoulder that seems to have a hood to the back of it, fitting into an archer-like type.

"I guess I'm next, my name is Zoraku, and as you can see I am an oni." The red one, wearing a ninja outfit with only his hands, could see the lower part of his face.

Soukaku's eyes lit up, "Another Oni, it's been quite a while since I've seen one!!" The red oni smiles but doesn't say anything as he does a cross-arm bow.

That leaves us three; my name is Sakura Hoshimi, and my two younger twin siblings behind me, Yuki and Hana Hoshimi.

All three daughters inherit Miyabi's sharp cheekbones, elegant facial structure, and their father's calm and thoughtful expression. Their hair varies in shades of silver, black, and charcoal gray, with Sakura having silver-like hair, Yuki having charcoal gray, and Hana having black hair.

Sakura has sharp, piercing red eyes like her mother, Yuki has blue eyes, and Hana has a small green hue with a hint of blue near the bottom of her eyes.

Sakura's outfit resembles Miyabi's traditional Japanese-inspired attire but with modern urban elements, such as leather accents and combat boots. She wears a sleek black jacket with draping sleeves, and she has a katana at her side, adorned with intricate designs that blend traditional Japanese motifs with modern, high-tech elements.

The other two little siblings wore more casual outfits, but Yuki had fox ears on top of her head, while Hana did not.

Once she heard their name and got a good look at them, Miyabi's ears perked up as well; her curiosity was getting higher by the second.

"You said you three are Hoshimi?" Miyabi asks with a curious gaze in her eyes.

Yuki perked up from behind her sister, appeared on her sister's shoulder, and spoke, "That's right, we are your kids, Mommy! Sakura here is the oldest of the three, as you can tell, but Yuki, Hana, and I are twins. I was blessed to give you your ears!" She chirped with a smile.

Hana would then appear on her sister's opposite shoulder, speaking with a more non-confident tone: "I'm the youngest and didn't get the fox ears. But it doesn't take away that I still have traits from you and Dad. I still have enhanced hearing."

Sakura sighed as she smiled and petted her little sister Hana's head. "How many do I have to tell you? You don't need to admit that you always have mom traits inside you. We know you take after Dad more with his brain and analytical mind. And that's okay; we all still love you, " she said to Hana, who smiled and rubbed her face against her sis.

Section 6 sees this, and Yanagi looks over to her head chief, Miyabi, who at first doesn't have an expression or reaction. But only a few seconds later, they can see a small smile forming on Miyabi's lips, clearly happy to see what is unfolding with her future kids.

Soukaku looked over at Hiro, "So are you also Chief kid too?" Asking Hiro.

Hiro smiles as he smirks up his glasses, "Well, Auntie Soukaku, yes and no. While I am partly a mother Miyabi kid, I actually have a different mother."

"And that might be?" Ask Soukaku.

"Allow me to introduce myself once again, the leader of this team, Hiro Tsukishiro. It is a pleasure to meet the past version of you all." He smiled.

Hiro had gray hair but styled with Yanagi's softer, layered texture. His hair is medium-length, slightly tousled, and casual. His eyes blended his father's sharp, focused gaze with Yanagi's warmer tones. A combination of light gray with subtle hints of lavender in them. He wears a fitted jacket inspired by his father's layered look, featuring geometric patterns. Beneath it, he wears a high-collared shirt for a sleek touch. He, of course, wears fingerless gloves. And Slim-fit pants. Does his weapon seem like a combination of two weapons? For starters, they can come together to become a part of his mom-like weapon of a glaive-like, which appears to break apart into Tonfa Blades.

This shocks everyone as they look at Yanagi, who is the most stunned by this reveal!?! Her face actually got red from this information!!

"Nagi got a kid delivered by the stock?! Meaning those that make me a big sis like as well." Soukaku asks with a cheerful smile.

"That right big sis Soukaku, oftentimes you tell us we can call you big sis. Since Auntie doesn't feel right and you did help raise us." Hiro told her.

"I'm a big sis in the future! I'm a big sis! Yay!!!"

"But wait, that leaves one question, who's the father?" Ask Harumasa. The most important question for the two ladies is whether some men would make a good father. But there is only one man for both of them who wants to be the father. "There is something that I do remember, you said you are related but not at the same time. With that in mind not taking away how close Deputy Chief and Chief both are to each other, there's something more that goes into you all being related." Harumasa added, trying to think who the father could be, and truthfully looking at all 4 kids, one picture kept coming to mind.

Sakura, this time, takes the lead to answer this question: "It seems there is not much difference between the future you and this version of you. You are, in fact, smart and catch on quick. Yes, Hiro, myself, and my two little siblings are related. But they are half-siblings. Different mothers, same father."

"HUH!?!"

"Wait, so who's the man, chief and I get with them!?! Your features, the genes that seem to make the most sense, wait don't tell us-" Yanagi looks closely at all of them, mainly her kid.

"You all can take a good guess, our dad is the famous proxy and most well known store owner; Wise." Hiro told them.

"WISE IS THE FATHER!?!"

As they were about to continue, they heard the cry/roar of different Ethereals throughout the area. Both Miyabi and Sukura grabbed their swords. Hiro adopted a serious face while clicking his weapon.

"We should continue this later mom, will explain more later. For now, Zoraku gets Yuki and Hana out of here. I already transfer the information and route to get out to your headset you should be able to get with little resistance." Hiro orders Zoraku.

"Understood." Zoraku went over and picked up both Yuki and Hana under his arm. "Will see you all once you finish. Take care." He would disappear with them. With the others all getting ready.

"Wasn't expecting work with my parents when I woke up today, but this is a good moment to see what you all were like in the past." Sakura told them.

Miyabi stepped forward in front of them. "Watch closely then, and you can let me know how much time has changed." She pulled out her swords.

Sections 6 and 12 charge forward to clear out many hollows around them.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

In the bustling streets of Lumina Square, pulsed with life, many people were walking around on this fine late morning to get around lunchtime. As three enigmatic figures weaved through the crowd, many were moving, making their daily commute. We mainly focused on three individuals who were weaving through the crowd. Their eyes darted furtively, scanning their surroundings with practiced caution. The leader, a young man with a top hat concealing silver-streaked hair, guided his companions through the crowd.

As they passed a towering billboard featuring a radiant woman's smile, Astra Yao, the young man paused, a wistful expression crossing his face. "It's strange seeing her like this," he murmured.

The young woman beside him, her unique silver-rose locks tucked into a high-collared blazer, nodded. "She doesn't look that different from our time, though. Still as bright as ever."

"Come on," the third figure urged, tugging at their sleeves. "We need to keep moving."

The trio made their way to a nondescript building, taking in the site from how different the Square, the buildings, and the shops are around the city. Once they get to the main building they want to get to, they glance around before slipping inside. They go through the halls, find the back stairs, and work their way through it carefully by sneaking through the security and camera blind spot. They would find the room they were looking for on one of the higher floors.

The young man produced a small device, fiddling with the lock until it clicked open.

"I can't believe we're breaking in," The young woman whispered as they entered.

The young gray-haired boy shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Technically, it's our home too. Sort of."

As they explored the apartment, two of them specifically would look at some of the pictures their parents had, mainly Astra Yao, all her winning awards, her sales, etc.

The third figure ran her gloved hand along a shelf. "Do you think they'll recognize us?"

The young woman shook her head. "They haven't even met yet in this timeline. But maybe... subconsciously?"

The young man let out a deep breath before stretching, then turned around to the ladies in the room with a smile and his hands on his hips. "Well, until our parents show up, we should at least relax a bit. Let's not make this more difficult than it needs to be. You think you can cook something for us, Slyvia?" he asked.

The figure with the dual-color hair girl smiled, "You know I can. Leave it to me." Making her way over to the kitchen.

Hours passed as they waited, tension mounting with each tick of the clock. Finally, they heard voices outside the door.

Outside the door was an exhausted Astra Yao, who groaned after the long hours of meeting she just had to sit through. "I'm exhausted," her melodic voice drifted through. "I wish I could see Wise tonight."

Evelyn chuckled low. "You just saw him yesterday. Missing him already?" she said, but her thoughts quickly got a picture of Wise smiling at her, making her blush slightly but keeping her professional face on.

This didn't go unnoticed by Astra as a cheeky, mischievous smirk appeared on Astra Yao's face, "Oh don't act like that, I know you're also thinking about him too," Astra Yao teased. "I've seen the way you look at him."

This causes Evelyn to blush even more and nearly stiffen as she coughs. She tries to put on her best act, pretending she wasn't caught and trying to prove Astra wrong. We all know that wasn't working.

"That's because I understand how important he is to you. I also understand how helpful he and his sister, Belle were when we were attacked." Even though Evelyn was telling the truth, she will admit that over the past month, she and Wise have gotten much closer than she expected. She knew of Wise's importance to Astra Yao from all the online conversations between the two. And how often she hears Astra praising and gushing about the hangouts the two would have.

This bleeds over to Wise getting close to Evelyn herself, forcing her to understand the non-proxy side of Wise, his caring charm, charisma, and everything about him. It causes Evelyn to accidentally fall for Wise more than she expected.

As Astra went to open the door, Evelyn noticed that the door was partly open and unlocked. Eve gets a serious look as she instinctively reaches for her weapon. "Hold on Astra Yao. Stay back. Something's not right."

As Evelyn moved past Astra Yao, she swiftly moved through the apartment, her trained eyes scanning for threats. As she entered the kitchen, Evelyn caught sight of one of the intruders by the stove. The other person made eye contact with Evelyn, trying to reach for something while yelling out something. Evelyn was too fast and reacted instantly, pinning them against the wall.

Pressing them against the wall, asking them, "Tell me who you are and why are you here?" As Evelyn tightens her wire around the person and presses into the wall.

"Wait!" The young woman cried out, rushing into the kitchen with the young man close behind.

Evelyn's eyes widened as she took in the three strangers, her grip loosening slightly. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"

The young man stepped forward, his blue eyes meeting the woman's gaze. "This is going to sound crazy, but... we're from the future. And we're your children."

A gasp came from the doorway as Astra Yao entered the apartment, her eyes darting between the intruders. "Our... children?"

"How do we know you're not lying?" Evelyn asks, curious if they are telling the truth.

The young woman nodded, her silver-rose hair catching the light. "I know it's hard to believe. But it's true. We came through a Hollow by accident. I'm your daughter," she said, looking at Evelyn. "And he's her son," she added, gesturing to Astra Yao, who grasped as she saw the kids, mainly the boy, smiling at her.

"Prove it," Evelyn demanded, her stance still defensive in case this was a poly by a rival company.

The young man smiled, a familiar radiance shining through. "Well, for starters, Mom always teases you about your crush on dad. And you," he said, looking at Evelyn, "pretend not to care, but we all know you do."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed slightly, and the other woman laughed, surprised. "Alright, let's just say we've believed in you. What else can you prove?" Astra asked as she looked at the kids with a confident smile.

"Well, for one we know dad was the one who you went through the hollow to look for the famous disc of a former singer, which led to his late widow wife sneaking revenge and trying to kill you all and a group of innocent people. And that disc is in your weapon or microphone or your's with a copy of it so the original can be a pain to steal. Oh and you kiss Eous that was begun to be controlled by dad at the time."

That information shocked Astra Yao and Evelyn. "Oh my god, they really are our kids!" Astra Yao said.

Astra Yao stepped closer to the young man, scanning him as the shock began to wear off. Her eyes were filled with wonder. "This is incredible. But... how? And why are you here?"

Finally free from Evelyn's grasp, the third intruder coughed as she stood up and straightened her vest. "It was an accident. We were exploring, and suddenly... here we are."

Evelyn's gaze softened as she looked at the young woman, recognition dawning in her eyes. "You have that….necklace." It was a necklace she and Wise picked and put on one of their 'hangouts' (dates) that he said she was really good at, making her blush. After that, she brought it.

The young woman touched the flaming star pendant at her throat, smiling. "You gave it to me on my sixteenth birthday. Said it was time I had a piece of our family's history."

Astra clapped her hands together as the gravity of the situation settled over them. "Well, I suppose we should make some tea. It seems we have a lot to talk about."

Evelyn nodded, her protective instincts warring with her curiosity. "Indeed we do. And you three have quite a story to tell."

The young man smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, we for sure do!! But first, I think introductions are in order. My name is Kai Yao," he said, looking at Astra. And I'm your son."

As Astra's eyes widened in recognition, she noticed Kai's appearance. His medium-length hair bore streaks of silver, with a faint glow gradient effect reminiscent of her own vibrant style. His sharp blue eyes, clearly inherited from someone specific, mainly his father, held a softer, more luminous quality that reflected Astra's radiant nature. He wore a blue suit with a top hat, exuding elegance and mystery.

"Eve! Eve! Look at this young handsome man! I gave birth to him! Look at how handsome my channel is!" Astra gushed as she pinched Kai's cheeks. Kai blushed at his mother's love, and everyone was embarrassed.

"M-Mom…." Kai said out between the pinches, his mom rubbing her face lovingly.

The others chuckled. The young woman stepped forward. "I'm Iris Chevalier," she said, meeting Evelyn's gaze. "I'm your daughter."

Evelyn's breath caught as she observed Iris. Her hair was a striking combination of what seemed to be her father's light gray and Evelyn's fiery red, resulting in a unique silver-rose hue. It was styled practically yet elegantly, with subtle flame-like patterns catching the light. Most captivating were her heterochromatic eyes - one a sharp blue, most likely coming from her dad's side, the other an intense amber matching Evelyn's own. She wore a fitted blazer reminiscent of Evelyn's iconic coat but with sleeker lines and subtle flame motifs.

Also available are slim-fit leggings with reinforced panels for mobility and durability, short, tactical gloves in black leather with a crimson butterfly on the back, Minimalist accessories like the small pendant necklace shaped like a flaming star, Utility belts with subtle pouches for functionality, and a mix of dark tones (black, charcoal gray) with fiery accents (red, orange).

The third figure, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "And I'm Sylvia Clover. I work for Kai and Iris in the future."

Sylvia's appearance was equally striking. She wore a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves under a dark gray vest. Her high-waisted black trousers and a single black glove on her right hand added to her sophisticated look. Her short, asymmetrically cut hair was two-toned, predominantly silver or white, with black accents on one side, creating a bold contrast.

Astra and Evelyn exchanged shocked glances, the reality of the situation finally sinking in. Their future stood before them, a testament to a life they had yet to live.

But it was time for the picture question to be answered….who was the father…

"I want to know who the lucky man we ended up getting with was since you mentioned that it seems you two look like siblings." Astra Yao asks, looking in between Kai and Iris. Truthfully, there was only one person that Astra Yao wanted; she would get to be with Eve and the person she wanted to actually have a kid with.

And judging by the smiles the two teens were giving off, this was most likely the person Astra Yao hoped for.

"Our dad is pretty obvious; our dad is Wise!" The two smile.

Astra Yao shot up and started cheering at the top of her swe. Her singing voice would be allowed up with Wise! Hear that, Eve; we actually got with the guy we both want to get with!" She hugs Evelyn close, making Evelyn blush and smile as well.

This was the best outcome for both of them; truthfully, this made Evelyn happy.

"In the morning, we are going to see your father. Ooooh he's definitely going to be in for a shock for sure." Astra Yao told them.

For most of the rest of the evening into the night, the teens would tell their parents some funny stories about what would happen in the future and how big Astra Yao is, saving most of their family stories for when they got to see their father.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

We see some regular workers of H.A.N.D.S all looking stunned currently at the screen. Why? For the simple fact, they heard something strange going down into the lower level of the building, the underground section, where many go to train. To their attention, they remember seeing some type of small hollow forming. At first, they feared a hollow was forming under H.A.N.D.S and forming under them and possibly shallow all of H.A.N.D.S in it.

Thankfully and surprisingly, the hollow slowly disappeared, and it seemed it was a false alarm, even though it confused them. But what was left as hollow as it disappeared was a group of teens? Huh?

There were about 18 of them. Many to all of them were wearing outfits. Who were these kids, and why did they suddenly appear from a sudden hollow? This doesn't make any sense.

Two of them were wearing outfits similar to H.A.N.D.S field agents, two of them were wearing defense squad outfits, one seemed to have a lab coat, and another two of them were wearing what seemed like a maid and butler outfit. Who were these kids?!?

As they watched these kids, they seemed to clearly know each other, with how they talked with each other and how close some were to each other. They wanted to see what this was about, but they all had weapons. Eh!!?! Seeing this, one of the workers got a good idea of what these kids were about.

"Are you out of your mind?!?! What do you think the higher ups would think if they saw us injured a group of teens!!?" Said the female worker as she yelled at the male coworker.

"Hey it seems those kids got some type training, plus if things get bad we will shut it down. I want to scare the pissed off people, some of them look too calm. I mean look at the one with fox-ears she is just meditating. I'm sure this will give them a huge wake up call." The male worker said.

"Y-Yeah but this isn't…" She bit her lip as she looked back at the camera to get ready to speak.

"Ay, you worry too much, it will be fine. If anything, we can try out some new attachments to some of our training dummies." The men hit the button, and a big door opened with a Guardian, and Guardian MK II came stomping into the room.

"Are you out of your mind!?! What makes you think of a group of teens!?! Even if they have some type of training, not even some solid field ops have trouble with one of those things but you sent-" The female coworker was cut off at the sound of things being destroyed.

They looked and saw both Guardian-type machines were DESTROYED!! On top of the essential Guardian was a kid with unique hair color, silvery-gray hair with slightly lighter tone white hair; the result formed into a deep midnight silver with subtle blue highlights dips. He was wearing some goggles, a sleek, dark jacket with subtle flame-resistant properties, and hidden compartments for gear. Fitted pants with reinforced knees and multiple pockets, balancing style and functionality. Combat boots with a streamlined design, incorporating both style and practicality. Accessories include high-tech gloves for enhanced grip and weapon control and a multifunctional wristband for communications and data analysis; he seems to be dual-wielding and puts them away in their sheath on his back hips. Next to him was the lady with red hair and a coat she sheath her sword she had, and both wearing glasses and had H.A.N.D.S outfits.

Over on top of the Guardian MK II was a boy with a PubSec trainee outfit, who seemed to have a transform weapon that seemed like a scythe, with seemed like a robot girl. She was much shorter compared to everyone else as she was floating down from the compress jet fire coming off her feet, and a shark boy who was rotating his wrist with an annoyed look on his face.

As they looked in utter shock at how fast and well these teens worked together to remove those two machines, they wondered, just who were these kids!?

Another kid with light gray hair and vibrant electric blue, resulting in a silvery-blue hue with subtle electric highlights, walks up to look at the camera and speak.

"Hey look we were playing nice and we don't like the fact you sent some machines to attack us when we didn't do anything? We don't know exactly where we are, and we're playing to stay silent and wait for you all to come to us. But if you plan to play it this way…we will use force to get out of here."

This confused the HANDS workers, given that these kids just gave them a slight threat. They put a tick mark on the man's face before hitting the speaker button so they could hear them.

"I don't know who you kids are, but you all are in the basement floor of H.A.N.D.S., so if you believe you can get out, you've got another thing coming, " he said over the intercom.

The other teens in the room looked at each other, with a select few huddling up, and started to talk to each other. They couldn't hear what they were talking about, making both the two workers look at each other with a bit of curiosity about what these teens had planned.

Soon, the boy in the PubSec outfit would walk up with a smile. "Look, I think we might have gotten off on the wrong foot. We are doing our best trying to piece together what happened. If you would be so kind and let us talk to our parents, I'm sure they can explain what's going on." He said with his eyes closed and smiling.

"Oh? Care to tell us who your parents are?" Ask the male worker.

"Well we all have different mothers. But if we are in H.A.N.D.S right now then you can hit our parents Tsukishiro Yanagi and Hoshimi Miyabi. They can-" They would then hear laughing and a cut. "D-Did I say something funny?"

"Pft, yeah kid. I don't know who you all think you are but I get all possibly be fans of Section 6 but to say you all are their kids and stuff. Yeah, that's a good one. We haven't heard that one before; sorry kid, it's not happening." The male voice came over the intercom.

"H-Huh? That's not right? We are not lying. Sakura and Hiro mom are in fact-"

"Look kid it was impressive some of you were able to defeat those machines but you all highlight yourself do something most kids your age can't do as well now trying act like you know two of H.A.N.D.S best members as your parents pft, yeah right. Until we can piece together what or who you all are, you all going sit there and wait until the higher up gets back and we will talk about what is going to happen to you all, got it."

The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll try to do it without force. Little sis Lumina, you're up."

The robot girl hopped up on her feet and cheered, "Yayy!"

"What the heck do your kids think you're doing?! EH!? Are you listening!?!?"

The robot girl went over to the door, and after focusing some energy on her palm and getting covered in blue electric energy, she blew up the door. This forced the two members to stand up, and their jaws dropped at this.

The group of teens started to walk out and adopted a serious look on their faces.

The one with fox-ears spoke up (Sukura), "Well it seems we have to break out and figure out what going on here and where the heck happen after that bright light to bring us to H.A.N.D.S basement, and those guards didn't know who we were; guess we take matters in our hands."

"I think we should split up into teams, 3 to a team. It would allow us to cover more ground, plus if they start hunting us they can't catch all of us." Said Cipher.

"As much as I don't want to agree and have us go our different ways, it would most likely be a smart idea. So, where do we meet up once we figure out some things?" Ask the boy in the PubSec outfit (Ethan).

"Hey, do you all remember that building Cipher and my mom stay at? If I remember, most of the place is still empty, so what if we meet in one of the rooms? Just put the W logo on the door, and we know that's the room we are all staying in." said another girl coming out (Sage).

"Hmm, you do have a point. So who will go with who?" Ask the boy with glasses (Hiro).

"Big bro Cipher, you go with brother Valor and Lysander. You are all the best at fighting while scouting and finding information, " Sage said.

"Are you sure sis? You sure I shouldn't come with you?" Ask Cipher, looking at his sister a little worried.

"Yes you big worried sibling! I'll be fine. Plus, I won't be alone; I'm going to go with Ethan and Sakura to see what we can find in Lumina Square."

"Who agrees on that team?" Ethan, throughout there, asks one of his sisters.

"Awww, what do you want not to team up with one of the best business talkers in the family? Did you really feel that attached to me, big bro? I wasn't expecting that." A giggle is heard with a rat tail as well. Athena comes into the picture, teasing her brother, who gives her a deadpan look.

"You know what nevermind, so be it."

"We don't have much time since they are already sounding the alarm and planning to keep us locked down. With the two teams already settled with me, Cipher, and Lysander. Sage, Ethan, and Sakura will start clearing the path and different routes. Figure out who is going with who and start moving." Said the young man with blue tips on at the end of his hair and the goggles pulling out his steel dual blades. "Get as much information as possible, and we can meet there.

Charing forward and into the cloud of dust with the sound of steel and explosions happening, one of them wearing a visor, with light gray hair into vibrant electric blue hair, steps forward and sighs.

"And there goes Valor, just like his mom to try to take the lead to clear a path, let's not keep him waiting as the next generation of Silver and Obol squad combine." The boy pulls out a long baton before clicking a button that transfers into a sniper rifle.

“...*sigh*. Even though we are only a few months apart, he still acts a little childish. It's only right we protect him." Cipher and the other brother rush ahead to join up with their brother.

"We should also move; there's no point waiting around too much, " said Sukura, who slowly took out her sword with Ethan, who pulled out this scythe and joined his sister.

"Agree, let's move."

For the next hour, it seemed, the two H.A.N.D.S cameras would make calls as well, calling for different machines to fight, but only they could watch as this group of these would work well in teamwork and force their way out of the H.A.N.D.S, leaving a decent-sized hole in the wall as well. Other places were destroyed, such as one of the higher floors getting the glass shattered.

Once everything was settled, Section 6 returned from a field operation to the bottom floor. As they made their way to the main room the teens were held in, and they saw many of the destroyed machines as well as workers who were knocked out and beaten. They look with Haru­masa whistling.

"I'm impressed if what those guards and the other worker said was true. A group of teens did all of this. Deputy Chief, have you been able to look at the footage at all?" Harumasa asks.

Yanagi, still serious as she watched, scanned many of the marks that were left behind. "I only got to see part of it. But there was no trick. They were teenagers, at least. Many of them seem to have some type of training as well, wearing different outfits. Two were wearing H.A.N.D.S outfits."

"So that statement was true after-all. But how can this be? And still, teenagers were able to do this…what are they feeding those kids nowadays."

"Didn't want the camera watchers, mention they call Nagi-san and chief to claim them as their parents." Soukaku.

"Yes, and that shouldn't make any sense!?! We at least for me haven't ended with anyone to have a kid with, especially a teengers at that. And I'm positive the chief hasn't either." Yanagi told them.

"Yes, that is correct. Even though there is a man I have deemed as my finance, we have not claimed our vows and have not had a stork deliver a child to us yet." Miyabi said in her usual monotone voice.

"...Uh huh…anyway. What confused me was who trained these kids to do this much damage, and not only escape but from many witnesses who saw them get away they all split up meaning they already knew we would hunt them down. And to make sure it would be almost impossible to get all of them, keep them split up. This clearly isn't a new thing." Yanagi asked, not expecting an answer as she was thinking out loud.

"Did they steal anything?" Ask Miyabi.

"From what everyone has checked, no. No documents, no weapons, or anything was stolen from the building. They knew where security was weak and mainly targeted there before leaving. Making it even more confusing to know who these kids are." Yanagi asks out loud, trying to piece together the little information they have.

While Section 6 gets to the main room and looks around for any clue, we go to a different part of the building, mainly the first floor, where many workers discuss what happened.

"I can't believe we actually let a group of teens get out with not much resistance."

"If this gets out how do you think people will react to H.A.N.D.S overall feeling of us?"

"I heard one of the kids look like the void hunter Miyabi just a bit younger."

"Ehhh!?! Really, I heard one of them had a shark tail and was tearing through our machine with ease like a butler."

As many of the workers were gossiping among one another, we saw some wearing a lighter blue outfit with a cap covering their heads and most of their faces while pushing along a cart with stuff on it. Once they got through many of them and unnoticed, they would move the cart out of the way and swipe a card on a room to let them get in.

Once inside, the person took off the outfit, and it turned out to be a girl with rat ears and a tail—Athena. She giggled.

"It seems things really got out of hand with our escape, so it looks like we aren't in our time." Said Athena.

"I can't believe it. We actually got sent to the past. And you said you saw both Hiro and Sukura's mom looking much younger?" Another female appeared out of the shadow; it was Iris.

"Yep, so those guards when not knowing who we are fits. Now we know why they didn't know who we were. We haven't existed in this time period, not yet at least." Said Athena.

"Hmm, this is very important. We have no reason to stick around here before things get dicey. Let's make our way to the location we told our siblings we would meet up at, " said Iris.

"Right." As they got ready to leave, they heard the sound of eating, and they turned to see their brother Kai munching on some stuffed cabinet. He realized they were looking at him.

"What? I'm hungry. I haven't eaten since breakfast!?!? You know I can't last long if we are about to make a trip somewhere far on a barely empty stomach." Kai said with his mouth partly full. The other two siblings giggled, and they accepted his offer and let him finish before they decided to leave.

Somewhere else on a train, we see a few students on their phones; they are pointing to a new report about a training accident that happened at H.A.N.D.S causing a slight problem, and the building will close for a while until they could fix the many parts of the building that was destroyed. As they were talking about it, it had to be because of Miyabi and gushing about her, standing up in the cart, leaning against the wall near the door, looking over the shoulder while wearing a hoodie that covered most of their body and hands their pocket see the headline. The boy has goggles on as he sighs, looking over near the back of the cart where he can see his brother Cipher wearing a hoodie as well, but was at the back eating…a burger.

'D-Did he really grab a burger before hopping on?! Ugh…*sigh* It's okay. What matters is that he's okay, and we got out safely, and we're on our way to the meet-up spot with some information we were able to find out.' Valor would look out the window and see one of the signs was Astra Yao on a product she was advertising, and Valor could tell she was younger, meaning the earlier statement that was made at them and the other stuff they saw, meaning they got sent to the past.

The train soon stopped, and Valor, with his two siblings sitting at different spots on the train, got off. Valor pulled a sweet candy bar from his hoodie pocket, undid the wrapper, and took a bite.

'Sweet….'

A few minutes later, we found ourselves in a decent, unkempt building, where we saw a knock on the door. It was on a door with the letter W craving on it. Hearing locks turned on the other side, and the door opened partly, allowing them to see who it was. Once they saw Cipher, Valor, and Lysander on the other side, The person opened the door; it was Ignis.

"Jeez what took you three so long, we started to think you all got caught or something." Ignis said to three of them.

"Sorry, we had to confirm some information we heard earlier." Said Cipher.

"And that is?" Ask Ethan.

"Well for starters we went to see dad's store and it is still in the corner as well, just not as big. Meaning there is no doubt about it." Said Cipher.

"We were sent to the past after-all. Athena sent me a message saying what they found while still at H.A.N.D.S building." Ethan told them.

"Wait, they're still there? Why did they stay?!" Ask Ember.

"I ask the same thing, but Iris said that all the chaos and confusion we cause will allow them to easily sneak around and look into things while there. There is some high level information there. Plus if we really weren't sent to the past, our files won't be there, coupled with the year and other stuff we know from our parents. I told them don't stay too long and get here soon." Ethan responded, explaining why they were still missing three of their siblings.

"I mean, given what we saw from our talks with the locals in the square it kind of confirms that, plus all the other things we saw." Said Sage.

"True but with them getting information we will know when the actual time point was sent back too. Instead of just throwing guesses out there we will have more accurate information." said Ethan.

"That is true, still getting sent to the past….how is that even possible….from a simple experiment no less." Ember chimed in with her hand to her chin as she thought out loud. "I should apologize for causing this to happen, I should be more careful on the project I was working on."

"Hey, sis, it's not your fault; none of us knew what was going to happen. Plus, we are all okay, so that's what matters. Don't be so hard on yourself, " Rune said to his sister, causing Ember to smile.

Ember would be slightly surprised by her little sister, Lumina, coming over, hugging her, and looking up at her with a smile. She smiles at her little sister and hugs back.

"I do wonder how our parents were holding up, prior to having us. This is interesting to see for sure." said Lyra.

"You do have a point, plus this also could be something huge for us. Given we have information of the future, we could possibly do some,"— Novelle said, but he was cut off by his brother Valor, who told him to shush as he reached for his weapon and looked towards the door. They all looked at the door.

Outside the door, it was Neko­mata. Who, with most of the gang, are out for the day doing their thing. She made the most of her time alone, but she noticed the room upstairs that had been vacant for how long since she'd been with the Hares; suddenly, a lot of noise happened. Of course, being a cat-thrien, she was curious, and a little curious didn't hurt.

She was trying to listen to who possibly could have moved in? It sounds like a lot of them; what did she notice was that they were talking about some strange stuff? Future? Time travel? The Proxy stores? Who were these people? Hoping to gain more information, she only expected to hear that they had stopped talking. Huh? Did something-

A blade came through the store, nearly stabbing Nekomata-

"NYA!" Hoping back. 'Crap! Did they already hear me? How!? Better run, huh!?!' Nekomata turns towards the window, hoping to get some distance and not make it easy to know where she went, so they target the Hares only to see some teen boy come through the window with ease and not even a sound. Once he landed, he stood up with one of his blades in his hand. He almost looks like that one silver-hair defense force girl she has seen around at night during random plays.

"I better get moving!" Nekomata got ready to turn, only for a blade to be right at her neck, turning to see what looked like a younger version of the void hunter; Miyabi had her blade near Nekomata's neck and a serious, scary look in her eye. Causing Nekomata to gulp, thinking….maybe the saying curiously kill the cat might actually be true.

"We would like you to come into our temporary room, Nekomata. We would like to answer you some questions." said the young boy, walking up and putting his sword away. He looked quite scary standing over Nekomata, questioning…what she had gotten herself into.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Back inside the room, Athena, Kai, and Iris show up as they do the special knock and find the room. They open the door and bring a bag of food Kai could buy somehow (which will be important later). As they pass around the food, many of the siblings smile, and each gets something to eat in their system.

As they were eating, Kai was taking a sip from his drink, and as he was doing that, he would soon see a tie-up Nekomata in one part of the main room!?! He spits his drink, making Novelle look deadpan, and his sister Lyra passes him a napkin to dry himself off.

Kai coughs, "What the *cough* heck is Nekomata doing here!?!!? And why is she tied up!!" He asks, looking at certain members of his family.

"We found out she was spying on us, and given that we can't have who we are getting out quite yet, we are capturing her and tying her up, " said Cipher, taking a bite of his burger.

"You tie up one of our aunties?! Are you all insane?!" Kai yelled at them.

"To be fair, as skilled as Nekomata is, there were like 15 of us. She wasn't going to get away even with a head start. And we didn't hurt too much…well I try not too at least." Novelle told his brother.

"You…wait you what do you mean not too much…what did you do!?!" Kai asks his brother Novelle.

"I…Well…” He puffs a bit of his hair out of his face. "As we were tussling her to tie her up. Since I'm one of the stronger family members, I had to try to hold her down, and she decided to bite my tail. And you know I don't take kindly to those who touch my tail unless it's one of you guys."

"He proceeded to slam Nekomata into a wall, and we had to quickly drag her into the room before things got out of hand and we were caught," Ethan finishes.

“Uh…Uh…Uh…” Kai was utterly stunned. He had no words for his siblings on what to say, given he shouldn't be surprised, but how did he cause more trouble? It hasn't even been a full 6 hours yet in the day since they got here!?!

"Wow, to think Novelle would be the first one of us to cause some havoc while we are here in the past. Should have betted some Dennies because of this, heh." Said Athena with a cheeky giggle while hiding her face in her hands.

"Athena, you know it's not nice to tease each other and place bets on who would have screwed up first." Said Ethan. "Since we all know who would have fallen first if it wasn't for what happened back at H.A.N.D.S. Sakura would have been the first one to attack someone or use too much force."

The Fox-Thiren teenager's ears flickered as she looked with her arm crossed. "Hey, I would not use too much force…" She posed and pouted. "I would only accidentally break something."

The siblings giggle, with Sage chiming this time, "I'm sure that would still count. But we are all here, so that is all that matters. Honestly, we expect more types of resistance as we escape. After that first initial wave, there was really much to handle."

"Little sis, don't tell me you and Cipher have been binge-watching a lot of those sci-fi movies again before we got sent here. Honestly, expecting us to have to fight wave and wave of foes, with a big boss at the end before the exit, followed by epic high-speed car chases or something along those lines. And then we have to hide under different alley ways as we make our way here to a safe house. You know those movies are played up and all." Ember said as she finished her food before balling it up and throwing it away in a trash bag they had set up.

"Why did I catch a stray in that? I didn't say anything." Cipher asks out loud, not really expecting an answer.

"Do we really have to give a reason to why?" Novelle told him.

While all this went down, Nekomiya Mana sat bound to a chair, her arms and legs immobilized, with a piece of cloth gagging her mouth to muffle any sound she might make. She squirmed in frustration, attempting to maneuver her hands-free, but it was futile. The ropes were too tight, and every movement only seemed to make them dig deeper into her skin. Seriously? she thought, her tail flicking in irritation behind her. How did I let this happen?

Mana prided herself on being untouchable. After all, She was a Nekomiya master of slipping through cracks, vanishing into shadows, and turning the tables on anyone foolish enough to try and corner her. Her feline instincts and years of experience made her a ghost in the chaos of New Eridu. Yet here she was—tied up like some amateur she thought had never seen danger before. The humiliation stung more than the ropes.

And to make matters worse? She hadn't been outmaneuvered by some elite squad or Void-ridden monstrosity. No, she had been captured by kids. A group of teenagers! The memory of how it happened replayed in her mind like a bad dream. They had ambushed her with startling precision, asking questions that made no sense—questions about the future. The future? What kind of nonsense was that? Mana didn't have time for riddles, yet these kids acted like they knew things about her that she didn't know.

Her ears twitched as she replayed their words. They called themselves siblings—siblings! That alone was bizarre enough, given how different they all were. One of them had the unmistakable sharp grin and energy of that Shark-girl from the housekeeping faction; another practically screamed "Void hunter" with their cold demeanor and sharp eyes. Yet they all acted like they were one big family. What kind of family looks like that? Mana thought bitterly. It didn't add up.

Her golden eyes narrowed as she tried to piece it together. If they were telling the truth—and she wasn't ready to believe that just yet—it meant they were somehow connected to people she knew. But how? And why did they care about her so much? The way they looked at her wasn't hostile; it was almost... familiar as if they knew her from somewhere she couldn't remember.

Mana growled softly under her breath, tugging at the ropes again in frustration. This is ridiculous. She wouldn't sit here and play twenty questions with a bunch of weird kids claiming to be from some impossible timeline or nonsense they were spouting. She needed to figure out who they were, what they wanted, and, more importantly, how to escape this mess before anyone else found out she'd been caught.

Her pride wouldn't survive it otherwise.

After a bit, the one with the rat tail came over and pulled down the rag over her mouth. Having this one of all of them with that smirk just rubs Nekomata the wrong way.

"Alright kitty, you plan to talk." Ask Athena.

"Yeah, right. If you think I'm going to talk to a couple of kids, you've got another thing coming!?! Don't think this is over. You all got lucky for jumping me; I was unprepared!" she called out to them, thrashing around a little in the chair.

"Oh, she definitely has some fight left in her; well if she can still fight while she is so helpless, then…" Athena pulls out her small cut like a dragger and angles it by Nekomata's throat, causing her to flinch. "Maybe we can take that fight out of her and teach her a lesson that these kids are more than meet the eye." Athena said with a sinister smile on her lips as she twirled the dragger in her finger close to Nekomata's face, showing one slip, and she might 'accidentally' poke an eye out.

Nekomata herself gulped, clearly worried that this kid wasn't normal and might actually go through with it. Thankfully, one of the male teenagers came forward.

Cipher patted his sister's shoulder. "Alright, sis, that's enough. Let's not tease Miss Neko here. We keep things on the down low, not put everyone on high alert. Listen, Miss Nekomata. We only need a few things, and I promise you, we will let you go."

"How do I know you're telling the truth-nya."

"Honestly you can't. But it's your best bet, given we didn't mean to knock you out. But you did force us too." Said Sage.

“I…ugh…” Looking down to think for a few seconds before ultimately deciding. "Fine, but I don't think I'll be much help with whatever you have to ask me?!"

Sage and Cipher smile, "Thank you Nekomata." Ethan would step up, "Given what we saw and got out of you before Novelle knocked you out. Can you tell us how long you have been with the Cunning hares?"

"Mhmm…only a few months at most, I was able to celebrate the new year with them but at most half a year."

"So we came back to the point early in time where Nekomata and them were still trying to get out of the debt." Valor spoke in the background.

"Next, our you and the Cunning hares are still in debt." Ask Ethan.

“I…well…” Nekomata looked around at all the teens looking at her. She hated that they knew the answer and didn't want to tell them. But given the situation she was in…. "*sigh* Yes."

"I see. It's safe to say you haven't had any big break since the Commissioner Bringer incident," Cipher says.

“H-How…yeah…” She looked down.

Ethan would mutter something about remembering that for later: "Alright, next question. I have Anby and Soldier 11. Have they had any runs in that you may have known of or recorded of? "

"Huh? Soldier 11? Is that suppose someone we team up with in the future? Last thing I know Anby hasn't talked about her past all that often prior to the Cunning Hares so I don't know if this Soldier person and Anby have some type of beef or not?" Nekomata answered, even though she was curious.

All the siblings brought their hands to their chins as they started thinking out loud.

"So it seems we were sent back to the point before dad and my mom had the chance to come across her other sister. Meaning Twiggy is still alive." Said Cipher.

"Coupled with the fact with meaning, Uncle Lycaon hasn't had his fight with Hugo. With dad and auntie getting some of their power back." Sage chimes in.

"We also have my mom not confessing to dad yet in the back alley yet, or tell her real name to the others." Valor threw his thoughts into the circle.

"Wow really got sent back far then," said Lyra.

"Meaning we have a lot to work with. Which means we need to figure out what our next course of action is." Said Sage.

"Do we not want to meet our parents?" Ask Ethan, looking down a little sad part of him wanting to see his parents in the past before he was born.

Sensing how her brother is, Athena would chime in with an idea, "There nothing says we can't. But we should also not cause too much damage to this timeline given who knows what will happen to us if we intervene too much, we are not all powerful siblings where we could bend reality to our will and ignore the rules out there. With how much information we have with us, knowing how our dad and aunt work, mainly not wanting to be out there when it comes to their work; we should semi do the same." Athena told the other, but mainly to her older brother Ethan.

"With that said, nothing said we can't play a little match making behind the scenes, after-all we can make a…. 'little' push for our parents to at least get them together." Athena put her hand to her face and covered her little giggle.

Valor spoke this time, "As much I want to be against getting involved in what's going on here in the past and mainly focus on getting back. With us not fully not knowing how long and what we have to do to get back to our timeline. I rather not sit around and not do anything. With the added fact, knowing how important dad is to my mom. I do want them to get closer and not take as long as it did in the original timeline."

"I agree, we should at least help out in the shadows, while trying to get our parents together without causing too much of a butterfly effect." Lyra said, clapping her hands together.

"With that out the way." Ember would cut the rope that had Nekomata tied up. "You're good to go."

"Huh? Y-You all are actually letting me go?" Nekomata asked who was genuinely confused.

"Yes. We said we would let you go when we ask you questions and get the needed information out of you. We wasn't going to hurt you….outside whatever earlier." Ember said, looking off to the side, with Novelle whistling.

"We do want to ask you to semi help us while you are out there and keep this a secret from our parents as such for letting you go." Ask Sage.

"Who…just who are you all?" asked Nekomata.

"We all can't explain who we are. But who can tell you, you basically know nearly all of our parents. The two you know the most are Cipher and Sage parents since you work with them." Leo said.

Cipher and Sage step forward: "My name is Sage Demara, and this is my brother Cipher Demara. We are half-siblings. We have the same dad but a different mom. My mom is Nicole Demara, while my older brother's mom is Anby."

"HUH!?!?! Anby and Nicole actually got with someone?! Wait, you said the same dad? Who is the father-nya?"

"Our dad is Wise, the famous proxy Phaethon." Said Cipher.

"EHHHH!?! Wait for you all, is your dad Wise!?!" All the kids nodded their heads. "What the heck, how did Wise get with so many ladies? But anyway, see as long as I keep quiet and help out with you all getting with your parents; we won't have any issue-nya?" Ask Nekomata.

"Basically," said Ember.

"So what else is in it for me? I'm sure there is more to this for both parties."

"Oooh cat showing some of her claws, I see. I mean, if we want to go that route." Athena said while putting her hand close to her weapon; Nekomata fur stood up, preparing for anything.

"No calming down Athena, what else comes out of this for you is the fact; we help you, Sage, and Cipher mom get out of debt and upgrade to a much better living space." said Aria.

"Wait, you think you can get us out of this place and the hole we are in?!?"

"I don't think we can. I know we can. You forget we have more information on the future than anyone else. While we help allow people to be free and have a better future, we can also help our parents and those close to them. And this ties into you as well, " said Hiro.

"Hmmm, well if you say so. I guess we can partner up. Alright you group kids this kitty will offer her claws and ears to you all. I got you all."

"Thank you Miss Nekomata, and sorry for what happened earlier." Said Sakura.

"Nya, it's okay. It was a cold reminder that I'm going to have to step up my game and train better. I should get going; who knows when the others get back? Hit me up if you need me for anything. Bye." Nekomata waves at them as she leaves the room. Once she leaves, all the siblings begin thinking about what to do next.

"Alright, so now we know for sure when we come back into the past, what is the next plan? Since we have time before Mom Anby goes on her mission to look for stuff about her old squad, how should we go about this?" asks Kai.

"Hmmm, for now, we should split into two different teams—one that works on some commission, " said Ethan.

"Why would we work on some commission?" Ask Ignis.

"Simple, we don't have as much Dennies and the income from our parents like we do in the future. While we know the information to our parents to get into their account, trying to buy things through them is only going to heighten them knowing of us much sooner and cause problems. We want to avoid our parents having a target on their back. So it would be smart to start working on getting a good income for us while we are here. Plus, there are a handful of us to allow us to get a lot of work done and commission as well." Ethan answers to why the point of the first team. "That way we each take turns, and the second team will help whatever the current main event that is going on. Right now with us knowing Twiggy and mom Anby haven't come across we can do something about that."

"Within the second team while most of them will be looking for Twiggy and figure out where she and the others clones are at? The other part of the second team will look for ways to help her and the third clone so they wouldn't have to sacrifice themselves and have mom Anby to kill them." said Ethan.

"But are we sure someone like Twiggy is worth saving?" Ask Hiro, looking down a little sad to the side. "If we remember from what Mom Anby told us, what she did was uncalled for and unacceptable. Plus, it sounded like she knew she was too far gone and needed to go."

Cipher spoke up next with his eyes closed, "It's worth a shot…"

"Big bro…" Sage looks at her brother.

"We know how tough it is for certain people from our time in the future and even for dad how hard it was for him to open up to the others given the fact the fall of the old capital and who they were looking for. Even though we could be screwing things up, it's a risk I'm willing to take. For the sake of allowing those who didn't get a second chance and were forced to do something they didn't want to do. We can try, and if it still comes down to us killing Twiggy… I'll make sure I'll take accountability and do it." Cipher told his siblings with a heavy tone to his words.

"Hopefully, we don't have to worry about that. We will get to that when we get to that moment. For now, let's just look into ways to avoid mom Anby and Twiggy coming to blows. And avoid Valor mom having her memory damage badly." said Ethan.

"Right, so we should make an account on Inter-knott and start looking for some commission that needs people's help, " Iris said. They all heard a ding from a phone and turned to see Lumina, who had her eyes light up and cheered.

"Done!" She put her hands on her hips.

"Eh?"

"I've got a commission for you and an appointment set for a team-up mission, " said the Android girl.

"YOU DID!?! How!?! So fast!?!" Ember zips over quickly and grabs her little android sister's shoulder.

"Big bro Rune helped me, given we knew we were going to struggle and need to start looking for work we made an account for us to all work under and with fast scanning powers I was able to find a good commission that paid good enough. All we have to do is provide bodyguard duty for a proxy and the client while they grab some items."

"Ugh…ugh…*sigh*...good job little sis," Ember told Lumina, who cheered. "Wish we all got together to talk some more!" She shot Rune a look, who was looking off to the side while whistling. "But what is done is done. We should send some people out there to work. Who's going to go?"

"I'll go, I don't see any reason why I can't." Said Cipher.

"I'll go too." Said Valor.

"Allow me to watch these two." Lysander chimes in.

"Do you have any complaints?" Ethan asked his siblings; none spoke up. "Alright. Stay in touch, and let us know if anything happens." The other three nodded.

"We shouldn't have any worries, plus it's just going to be some random proxy we have to protect a client. This will be easy." said Valor.

At the meet-up point near Ballet Twins Road, the three siblings were there with the proxy that will be guiding them appear and…

"Hello, I'll be your proxy today." A voice came out a little black and white bangboo, aka…Wise.

Cipher and Lysander blink before looking up and giving their brother Valor a deadpanned look, who facepalm.

‘Big and my big mouth!’

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Three teens stood outside the Hollow near Ballet Twins Road in awkward, stiff silence. Valor, Cipher, and Lysander faced different directions, pretending to examine the environment—but anyone with eyes could tell they were sweating bullets. It wasn't the Hollow or the potential for Ethereal attacks that had them rattled. No, this was something far worse.

They were standing in front of their dad.

The infamous Wise. Proxy. Legend. Unwitting father.

None of them had mentally prepared for this. Sure, they'd talked a big game earlier about working commissions, staying undercover, and playing it cool. But now that the man himself was right in front of them, casually checking his gear via his Bangboo Eous and radiating effortless charm, their collective cool had promptly disintegrated. There'd been no time to prepare, no dramatic plan, no informative holo-video titled "How to Handle Meeting Your Legendary Father When He's Still Hot and Unaware You Exist." They were flailing inside.

Wise, for his part, tilted Eous's head curiously, observing the strange trio he'd been paired with. Usually, when agents joined him on a commission, they either had wild, chaotic energy or bickered nonstop like siblings in a cramped apartment. But these three? Silent. Tense. Awkward.

"Um... excuse me?" Wise's voice came through Eous's speaker as he tilted his Bangboo head toward them. "Is everything okay?"

"Huh?" Valor blinked a bit too hard. "Oh, yeah! Totally fine. Everything's cool. We're just, uh... laser-focused on the task at hand."

Wise raised an eyebrow behind the screen. "Right... it's just that, well, most agents I work with aren't this quiet. Usually there's some banter. A few arguments. The occasional existential crisis before charging into a Hollow. Did something happen before I showed up?"

Lysander, ever the smooth one, smiled faintly and stepped in. "Heh. That's just like you—to worry about us."

Wise blinked. "Wait, what did you just—?"

"I mean," Lysander corrected, "It's no issue. We actually work together really well—more than you'd think. We're siblings."

"Oh?" Wise perked up. "No kidding! You don't really look alike, but I guess that doesn't matter. Siblings don't always match up on the outside—what's important is that you look out for each other."

With an encouraging nod, Wise reached out through Eous's tiny mechanical arms and gave Lysander a pat on the leg. Lysander tensed a little, then smiled awkwardly and turned away before his brain could short-circuit from fatherly contact.

"Welp," Valor muttered, "I've officially peaked emotionally."

Cipher gave a soft sigh. "Try not to pass out, would you?"

As the group reached the edge of the Hollow, Wise tapped a button on Eous's side, bringing up a holographic map and an image of a metal container. "Alright, quick rundown. The commission's pretty simple. A cargo box fell off during a transport mission through this Hollow. It was marked for delivery, but it never made it out the other side. We find the box, we get paid. Easy enough."

He paused. "Any questions?"

The boys all shook their heads in perfect unison.

"...Okay, that was weirdly synchronized," Wise muttered, scratching the side of Eous's head.

The teens said nothing, too busy checking their weapons like their lives depended on it. Glaives extended. Blades clicked. Safety locks were tested. It was all a little too professional, and Wise couldn't help but notice it.

"These kids are trained," he thought. "Like, really trained. Who the hell raised them—secret agents? PubSec? Anby on a caffeine binge?"

With no further delay, they entered the Hollow—and within minutes, their first welcoming party arrived.

A group of Ethereals emerged from the shadows, hissing and screeching as they prepared to lunge. Wise tensed inside Eous, ready to deploy his standard evasive maneuvers, when—

Clank.

He felt himself being scooped up like a football and placed neatly atop a stack of boxes.

Lysander adjusted his gloves and gave him a firm look. "Don't worry. Focus on locating the target container. We'll handle the threats. Not one Ethereal is going to lay a slimy finger on you."

Wise blinked in surprise, perched atop the box like an unwilling mascot. "Oh... okay. Cool. I guess I'll just... sit here and not be mauled. Neat."

Meanwhile, Cipher and Valor were already taking positions. Cipher's glaive spun with a sharp flourish while Valor cracked his neck and drew his dual blades like a guy late to a training montage.

"We'll cover your flank," Cipher said, nodding toward Lysander. "Get to high ground, let us know when you're ready to rain hell."

"No problem," Lysander replied calmly, already breaking off to the right. "Just don't die before I get there."

Wise stared at the boys from his perch, rubbing the back of Eous's head. "These kids are way too good at this. Is this what future soldiers are like? Or did I just get partnered with teenage murder prodigies?"

He looked at Eous's scanner, then back at the siblings. "Still... something's familiar about them."

As soon as Lysander split off from the group, Wise was about to comment on the choice of formation—until something else grabbed his attention.

Namely, the sudden blur of movement from the remaining two teens.

Valor surged forward with a fire in his step—literally. The twin steel blades he wielded were practically sparking as they ignited, slicing through the air with practiced fluidity. His style was intense but graceful, blending sharp slashes with showy spins. One blade came down in a diagonal arc, followed immediately by the second swiping horizontally like a deadly follow-up combo. He twisted into a spin, reversing direction mid-movement, and launched into an upward slash that scorched the air. The flames coating his blades intensified as he cartwheeled straight into the next Ethereal, his blades carving an "X" into the enemy's hide—flames erupting on impact and exploding outward with a boom.

As the flaming Ethereal collapsed, Cipher leaped into action behind him.

Unlike Valor's fiery, wild technique, Cipher's movement had a colder, more tactical edge. He wielded a dual-ended glaive that crackled with elemental energy. With one sharp kick off the ground, Cipher somersaulted into the fray, carving through a group of Ethereals in a wide arc. Without missing a beat, he spun the glaive above his head like a turbine before slamming it into the ground. A wave of electricity surged outward, catching multiple enemies in a stunning pulse. Before they could react, Cipher pulled his glaive free, flipped it around mid-spin, and launched into a devastating double uppercut slash—cleaving through the stunned enemies and reducing them to vapor.

As the last one dropped, Cipher paused to flick some imaginary dust off his shoulder.

Wise, observing all this from atop his cozy Bangboo perch, blinked. "Huh. Okay. They're really good. Maybe too good."

But then he noticed something.

"Watch ou—!" he shouted reflexively, seeing an Ethereal creeping up behind Cipher.

Before the sentence could finish, a sharp crack echoed through the Hollow. A bullet lanced through the air and planted itself right between the Ethereal's eyes. The monster fell without a sound.

Wise looked up to the source—and there, in classic anime protagonist fashion, was Lysander.

He was perched atop a stack of debris in the infamous Crossed-Ankle Sniper Sit™, casually lounging with one eye in his scope and the other on a piece of bubblegum he was blowing. The bubble popped just as he exhaled.

"And that's another one," he said dryly. "I'm on a kill streak. Might beat my best time at this rate."

Wise couldn't help but snort a laugh. "...These kids are ridiculous."

With most of the enemies dealt with, Wise returned to the task at hand. He pulled up a 3D scan of the Hollow through Eous and began mapping potential paths and hidden spots where the missing cargo could have ended.

As the group pressed deeper, he occasionally glanced back—and found himself increasingly impressed.

The three teens weren't just effective individually—they were terrifyingly good as a unit. Valor and Cipher moved in tandem, frequently having each other's backs with an almost choreographed precision. At one point, Cipher spun his glaive like a staff, using the momentum to sling Valor into the air. As Valor twisted mid-flight, he unleashed another flaming X-cross slash that collided with Cipher's own midair throw—resulting in a massive fiery and electric detonation that erupted beneath them.

The explosion lit up the Hollow like a firework finale.

As if that wasn't enough, Valor kept spinning—this time faster, becoming a literal fire tornado as he swept through a wave of Ethereals. Cipher, unfazed, stabbed his glaive into the ground, sending out arcs of lightning that laced the area. The moment Valor's tornado passed through it?

Boom.

The fusion of fire and electricity detonated like a mini-sunburst, disintegrating everything within range. Eous's scanners briefly glitched from the overload.

All the while, Lysander calmly picked off stragglers from a distance, rarely missing a headshot. And when did he miss? It wasn't a mess—it was just a way to let Cipher or Valor finish the job with a stylish follow-up. Wise overheard snatches of their banter over the comms: occasional wind directions, tactical callouts, and the occasional:

"Yo, clean that up—no assists allowed."

"Tch, I meant to leave that one. Style points."

Wise was stunned. "Teenagers shouldn't be this coordinated unless they've spent years training together," he muttered. "These aren't green recruits. This is a seasoned team. But how?"

Meanwhile, back in the safe room above the commission hub, Belle leaned over Wise's shoulder, watching the footage on one of the monitors.

"So Wise," she began casually, "how's the job going?"

He leaned back with a small exhale. "Surprisingly smooth. They're making fast progress—and not gonna lie, I've already got a clean map path carved thanks to the breathing room they're giving me."

Belle tilted her head, watching the teens on the screen. "That them?"

"Yep. Those three."

Belle squinted. "Huh... they're good. Like, scary good. And wait—doesn't that one guy look like Soldier 11? The one you had noodles with that one time?"

Wise blinked. "I thought the same thing! At first, I figured it was just the outfit—but now I'm not so sure. Maybe he's with the Defense Force?"

Belle raised a brow. "At that age? I don't think the Defense Force takes in kids that young. And look at the other one—the glaive kid. He's got the same headphones as Anby. Down to the brand. Don't tell me that's a coincidence."

Wise scratched the back of his head, clearly trying to rationalize it. "I mean... it's a popular brand."

"If you say so, bro."

She paused, then tapped another monitor. "Also, what faction are they with? Never seen that logo before."

Wise brought up their team data. "They're listed as 'Quantum Drifters.' Brand new account—registered today. This is their first job."

Belle's eyes lit up. "Ohoho. So we've got ourselves a mystery team. Cute name. If they're this capable on their first run, we might want to keep an eye on them."

Wise nodded. "You're right. I'll try to grab their contact info once we wrap up. Definitely want to keep tabs on a crew like this."

Belle smirked. "Or maybe you're just being a proud uncle without knowing it."

"...Huh?"

"Nothing~" she sang, skipping out of the room.

Wise stared at the monitor, eyes narrowing just a little. "Still... why do they feel so familiar?"

The team finally came upon their target after navigating through a maze of half-collapsed platforms and echoing chambers.

The box.

It was tucked neatly beneath a small alcove, surprisingly intact despite the surrounding chaos. Still operating through Eous's small Bangboo body, Wise hopped down and approached it with care. A small beam of light was emitted from Eous's eye, and the container was scanned thoroughly. After a few moments, a satisfying ping chimed out.

"No damage, no corruption. It's in perfect condition," Wise confirmed, turning back toward the trio of teens with a soft smile. "Good work, team."

For a moment, there was silence. No immediate reaction. The teens exchanged quick glances with each other as if unsure whether it was safe to relax. Then, almost in sync, the tension in their shoulders eased slightly. Cipher gave a slight smirk, Valor nodded coolly, and a click sounded in their comms as Cipher tapped his earpiece.

"Lysander, we've secured the target. Time to regroup."

"Copy that. On my way," came the calm reply.

Valor glanced at the area around them, sheathing his weapons. "Let's wait for him to catch up before we start heading out."

"Yeah, sounds good," Cipher agreed, exhaling slowly.

With a brief moment of quiet, Valor pulled off the protective goggles he'd been wearing. The shift in appearance caught Wise's attention immediately. For the first time, he really looked at the young man.

Valor's hair was striking—an elegant blend of silvery-gray with faint white undertones flowing into a rich midnight silver. At the tips, subtle blue highlights flickered under the Hollow's dim lighting. But his eyes gave Wise pause—twin pools of mesmerizing color, a swirl of blue and amber forming a rare and vivid hazel.

His sleek jacket looked custom-made, woven with flame-resistant fiber, and fitted with hidden compartments along the seams. Every inch of him gave off a seasoned, battle-hardened aura far beyond what Wise would expect from someone this young. And yet... there was something else. Something familiar.

Wise found himself staring a little too long.

Valor blinked and tilted his head slightly. "Is there something on my face?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he bit into a small candy bar.

Wise jolted slightly, realizing he'd been caught. "Ah—sorry! No, not at all. You just... reminded me of someone I used to talk to. A good friend, actually. It's been a while since we last caught up. Made me wonder how she's doing."

Valor paused mid-bite, glancing up at the Hollow's cloudy ceiling. "If she's someone important to you," he said thoughtfully, "then maybe you should check in. Sometimes people won't say they're struggling... but hearing from someone who genuinely cares can help more than they'll admit."

Wise turned to look at him, taken aback by the maturity in his tone.

Valor continued, "People with tough pasts tend to overwork themselves—like it's the only way to prove something. But... having someone there, reminding them they're not alone? That can go a long way. Even if they don't say it out loud."

Then, as if the deep philosophical nugget he just dropped was nothing, he took another bite of his candy bar and leaned against a nearby crate.

Wise stood there in stunned silence. What...?

Is this kid really a teenager? Or some ancient philosopher in disguise?

Because somehow, in just a few words, Valor had struck right at the heart of something Wise hadn't fully admitted to himself—his quiet concern for Soldier 11. Her relentless drive. Her tendency was to carry every burden on her shoulders. Her habit of pushing herself beyond the limits, all while bottling everything up. Maybe... just maybe, she needed someone to remind her she didn't have to carry it alone.

Before Wise could say anything else, a faint crunch of gravel signaled Lysander's arrival. He dropped down from a ledge nearby, brushing some dust off his shoulders as if he hadn't just cleared half a hollow's worth of Ethereals from a sniper nest like a calm god of death.

"Alright. Cargo secured?" he asked, nodding toward the box.

"Yep. Let's move," Cipher said, already leading the way.

The team began retracing their steps through the Hollow, with Wise floating along after them, still quietly shaken by the brief but oddly poignant encounter with Valor.

Meanwhile, on the other side of New Eridu—closer to the swirling edge of Hollow Zero—another trio carved their path through the depths of a volatile Hollow. Ethereal cries echoed from within the shadows, but it was just another warm-up round for these three.

Sakura moved like a ghost, her katana flashing through the dim mist like lightning. Each motion was precise, fluid, and dangerously efficient. One Ethereal lunged—Sakura was already behind it, blade sheathed in a single blink before a diagonal slash ripped across the creature's body in a delayed response. She exhaled, letting her fox-thiren ears twitch slightly in concentration as her blade found its next target.

Aria moved to the left flank, her movements confident and unbothered—almost like dancing through the chaos. She flicked her wrists, and two razor-edged discs snapped outward from the backs of her fingerless gloves. The discs spun midair, attached to nearly invisible reinforced strings. With a whip of her arms, they carved wide arcs through approaching Ethereals, blades on the outer rings whirring fast enough to spark against air resistance. One disk looped around a towering creature's neck—Aria yanked sharply, and it crumpled to the ground with a flick of her fingers.

"Don't wander off too far," she called teasingly toward Novelle.

"Can't make any promises," came the reply, low and cool.

Novelle was already in the thick of it, barreling through enemies with his fists. He wasn't carrying any obvious weapon, but the combat gloves on his hands told a different story. Each punch struck like a meteor, reinforced with subtle ice surges and precise techniques that screamed training. One Ethereal charged from behind—he ducked under it, pivoted, and drove an elbow into its gut, sending it airborne before finishing with a spinning back kick, tail lashing for extra torque.

A second Ethereal tried to flank him—bad call. Novelle shifted his weight and slammed it into the wall with a sharp uppercut, followed by a cold mist that erupted around his gloves, coating the area in a sudden frost. The ice froze the remaining staggered enemies long enough for Aria's spinning discs to finish them off in a synchronized swoop.

"That's thirteen," Novelle muttered, brushing some frost off his knuckles. "Can someone else catch up?"

"Counting already? That's cute," Aria teased, retracting her blades with a flick and catching them like yo-yos. "Want me to start keeping score too?"

Sakura rejoined the two, her blade glinting faintly with residual Ether. "You two are so loud, you'll scare off the next wave."

"Good," Novelle replied, cracking his neck. "Let 'em bring more. I'm just getting warmed up."

The three pressed onward, their tempo seamless. Every movement, every strike, every transition between them was like a dance they'd practiced for years—because they had. Despite their wildly different fighting styles—Sakura's precision, Aria's deadly finesse, and Novelle's raw, explosive brutality—they worked together like clockwork.

This wasn't just survival.

This was dominance.

After ruthlessly wiping out the last wave of Ethereals, the trio pressed deeper into the Hollow and stumbled upon a small squad of Jaegers huddled around what looked like stolen data crates. The mercs froze the moment they noticed who stood across from them.

"What the hell—? How did a bunch of kids find this place!?"

Aria stepped forward casually, twirling the string of one of her blade discs around her finger before letting it snap back into position behind her glove. "How we got here doesn't matter," she said coolly. "All you need to do is answer a few questions."

One of the Jaegers scoffed, raising his weapon slightly. "Like we're gonna spill to a bunch of brats."

Off to the side, Novelle exhaled sharply, blowing a bubble with his gum before it popped with a wet snap. He rolled his eyes and muttered, "It's always the dumb ones."

He adjusted the fit of his gloves with a satisfying click, his mood darkening. "Alright then. If you really want to get your faces smashed in, I can make time."

Without warning, Novelle dashed forward—blindingly fast.

Two Jaegers barely had time to blink before they were slammed backward by the full brunt of his tail swipe, crashing into a stack of crates. Another lunged with a baton—only to catch a flurry of brutal kicks, each laced with a crackle of frost that surged across his limbs. As the grunt staggered, Novelle spun like a drill in midair and crashed hard, releasing a shockwave of ice in a wide arc. The frozen burst knocked half the squad off their feet and encased a few unlucky ones in a thick crust of frost.

Before anyone else could react, a blur of silver streaked across the room—Sakura. Her katana whispered from its sheath like the wind before a storm. She weaved between the remaining Jaegers with graceful lethality, each movement marked by the cold breath escaping her lips and the faint hum of Ether gathering in her blade. With one final step, she drove her katana into the ground, unleashing a blooming wave of frigid energy that swept through the chamber like a silent winter storm. Several of the grunts collapsed, frozen or unconscious.

Aria, who hadn't moved an inch until now, sighed and palmed her forehead as if annoyed this had taken more than thirty seconds.

She casually stepped over to one of the few grunts still conscious—groaning, clutching his side. With zero ceremony, she kicked him over onto his back and leaned him against the wall, crouching down to eye level with him. Her tone dropped.

"Now that we have your attention," she said mockingly sweetly, "you want to answer our questions? Or would you rather crawl home missing a few more teeth?"

The man coughed, stunned. "Ugh... what do you even want?"

Sakura and Novelle joined her on either side, flanking the poor Jaeger like looming shadows. Their eyes were glowing faintly with Ether—different colors but identical intensity.

"We want to know about the mission to capture Soldier 11," Aria said. Her voice was sharp now, all playfulness gone. "Who gave the order? And what else do you know about it?"

The Jaeger swallowed hard as their glowing eyes bore into him—three teenagers, maybe, but with the kind of presence that could shake soldiers twice their age.

The screen fades to black before we hear his panicked breath.

Back at the Hollow's edge, the soft hum of the spatial rift signaled the group's exit. The battle was over, the objective secured, and all that remained now was cleanup and goodbyes.

As Wise—still in Eous's small, expressive proxy body—stepped outside with the three teens, he pulled out a small, sleek business card and handed it to Lysander. The little Bangboo's eyes blinked cheerfully as it raised the card with stubby arms.

"Here. If you ever need help with more commissions—or if you want to sign up for our membership program—feel free to stop by our shop, okay?" Eous beamed, Wise's voice sincere behind the speaker.

Lysander took the card with a nod of appreciation, glancing between his siblings. They all exchanged a look. No words are needed. Then Lysander smiled and slipped the card into one of his belt pouches.

"Thank you, Proxy," he said respectfully. "We'll definitely come to you if we ever need a reliable one again."

Eous—hands on his hips and looking incredibly proud despite his tiny form—gave a confident little hop. "You're welcome! You all did a great job today."

Just as they were turning to leave, Valor paused and looked back over his shoulder. His expression was softer now, thoughtful.

"Oh, and Wise?" he said.

Wise turned Eous's body to face him, curious. "Yeah?"

"Make sure you check in on the people you care about. Let them know how much they mean to you. You'd be surprised how much good it can do—for both of you." He smiled, cryptic and sincere, then nodded. "Take care."

The three teens turned and walked off, their figures disappearing into the drifting Hollow mist as it slowly dispersed behind them.

Wise—still controlling Eous—stood there a moment longer, waving absently after them. There was something odd about those kids... More than just their skill or how they fought like they'd been doing it for years.

Once Eous's body stepped inside the proxy station, Wise disconnected from the remote control feed. Back in the shop, his real body stretched with a long yawn as he stood up, rolling his shoulder with a satisfying crack.

"Whew. That went smoother than expected." He smiled and reached for his phone, intent on checking in with S11. It had been a while since they last talked, and after today... it felt right. Maybe even overdue.

His fingers hovered over the messaging app.

Then he froze.

A single question punched through his thoughts like a lightning bolt.

"...Wait a second."

His brow furrowed as he replayed the moment in his mind—Valor's parting words.

"...How did that kid know my name?"

Silence.

He stared at his phone, now forgotten in his hand.

The screen fades to black.

End of chapter.

Chapter Text

It was a rare kind of morning at Random Play—calm. No Hollow surges, no screaming clients, no surprise Sector 2 alarms, and no one bleeding on the welcome mat. For once, Wise was simply... working. Behind the main desk, he scrolled through mission logs on the flickering old monitor, eyes sharp but relaxed. The low whirr of the shop's hardware filled the space, accompanied by the click-clack of his fingers and the familiar digital voice of FAIRY, the store's resident AI interface.

"Proxy Wise," FAIRY intoned in her usual deadpan, "incoming week forecasts a 2.6% increase in Hollow-linked commissions. Suggest reallocation of resources and a check on current gear inventory."

"Understood," Wise muttered, adjusting a file window. "Forward the list to Belle."

"Transmission complete," FAIRY replied without pause.

From the back corner of the store, buried under stacks of questionable VHS tapes and neon-labeled snack crates, Belle groaned. "You treat me like an intern and I'm the one who keeps this place from collapsing under your tragic organizational skills."

"You rearranged the 'Action' and 'Horror' sections based on which actors were hot," Wise shot back.

Belle peeked around the corner of a shelf, tossing a candy bar in his direction. "Exactly. Priorities. Unlike you, I have a social life and a sense of romance."

He caught the bar midair. "You also alphabetized the 'Dramatic Breakups' section by number of tears shed."

"Again—priorities," she said, smug. "You could learn a thing or two. Speaking of which... how's your ever-growing parade of strong, chaotic women? I'm assuming someone new body-slammed you recently or texted you in all caps?"

Right on cue, his phone vibrated hard enough to buzz across the table. Three short tones—Burnice's signature alert. Wise picked it up, unlocked it, and skimmed the screen. His brow furrowed immediately.

Burnice [💥🔥💥]

"WISE. SUPER IMPORTANT. COME TO BLAZWOOD. RIGHT NOW. I MEAN IT. EMERGENCY."

"Also DON'T tell Caesar, Piper, or Pulchra."

"Bring gum. Trust me."

There was a pause. Then, one more message.

"It's not a trap. Probably."

Wise blinked. He slowly put his phone down.

Belle raised an eyebrow. "Blonde?"

He nodded. "Burnice."

She squinted at him, grinning. "The Sons of Calydon's walking warhead? Man, you sure have a type—explosive blonde muscle babes with emotional trauma and zero volume control."

Fairy chimed from the monitor with a chirp. "Statistically speaking, there is a 92% chance you are developing a dangerously specific attraction profile."

Wise just sighed and kept putting types of vinyl on the shelf. "It's not a type. It's... a pattern."

He ignored that. Barely. He stood up and grabbed his jacket. As he headed for the door, FAIRY chimed in again through the terminal.

"Proxy summoned by high-priority client Burnice White. No Hollow activity detected in Blazewood. However, past records suggest high probability of structural damage and/or unsolicited romantic tension. Proceed with caution."

Wise gave the monitor a flat look. "You're glitching."

"Statistically, you are," FAIRY replied.

Belle cackled as she waved him off. "Don't forget the gum, loverboy! And maybe pack a helmet!"

He stepped out of Random Play with a sigh, tugging on his jacket as the wind caught his hair. Burnice wasn't usually this dramatic unless something had exploded—or was about to. Still, there was something odd in the urgency of her messages. And that last line... the way she said "just you." That was different.

Wise narrowed his eyes as he made his way toward Blazewood, muttering under his breath.

"...How did she even know I was free today?"

The afternoon sun hung low over Blazewood, casting long golden streaks over the battered rooftops and humming power lines. Cheesetopia buzzed faintly in the background, but over by a parked hauler, Piper Wheel lounged against a stack of tires like a sunbathing cat. Goggles pushed up in her messy hair, and one gloved hand nursing a can of cold soda, she barely cracked an eye open as a familiar clunk announced someone fiddling under the hood of her truck.

"Axel," she muttered without turning her head, "you touch that fuel line without double-checking the pressure, and we're going back to carburetors until you graduate."

From under the hood, Axel replied with his usual drawl, just a shade more awake than hers, "Relax, Mom. I already ran diagnostics. Twice. You're the one who taught me overkill is underrated."

Piper raised her can in a mock salute. "Damn right I did."

Axel leaned back from the engine bay, wiping his hands on his cargo pants. He had her messy blond hair and sleepy blue eyes, but the way he moved—efficient, calculating, quietly confident—screamed Wise. It was a strange combination: a teen who looked half-asleep but could probably rewire a hovercycle blindfolded while quoting Hollow threat levels.

"You know," Piper said, taking another slow sip, "it's kinda freaky. You got your dad's eyes. Same color, same 'I'm-thinking-about-something-way-too-deep-for-this-conversation' stare. You even do the head tilt thing."

Axel blinked. "Head tilt?"

"Yeah. That one." She pointed lazily. "Just like that. Ugh. Makes me feel like I'm about to get interrogated with a math riddle."

He smirked and tossed his wrench into the toolbox. "Not my fault both my parents are geniuses."

Piper gave him a deadpan look. "Kid, I once got stuck inside a vending machine trying to retrieve a sandwich. Let's not rewrite history."

He opened his mouth, then paused. "... You're not denying the genius part though."

"Bold of you to test my patience when I haven't had a nap today."

They both chuckled. It was easy between them—an unspoken rhythm of dry remarks, lazy trust, and grease-stained affection.

After a pause, Axel leaned against the truck beside her. "So... think he'll come?"

Piper didn't have to ask who. She flicked her gaze toward the road. "If Burnice texted him with all caps and exclamation points? Yeah. He'll come."

Axel nodded. "Cool. I've... been thinking about what to say."

Piper peeked one eye open again. "Don't overthink it. He's your dad. Not a final boss fight. Just say 'hi,' and try not to look like you're calculating his battle stats in real time."

"...No promises."

"Heh." Piper leaned her head back and sighed. "Y'know, I didn't expect to meet my kid like this. In a café. From the future. With a suspiciously Wise-like monologue about Hollow physics."

Axel gave her a sheepish grin. "Guess I get it from both sides."

Piper flicked his forehead with a gloved finger. "You sure do, you little battery pack."

The garage at Blazewood was baking under the desert sun, the metal walls radiating heat like a forge. Despite the sweltering air and the thick scent of oil and ozone, the place was calm—almost serene in its own gritty way. A fan spun lazily overhead, doing next to nothing.

Lucy stood by the workbench with a towel around her neck, watching her daughter fine-tune her gear on the floor. Her stance was relaxed, but her eyes—sharp as ever—followed every move Aria made.

Aria crouched beside a spread of tools, her focus razor-sharp as she slid open the compartment on her custom-built chakram disc rig. With a deft click, she twisted a calibration knob, adjusted the tension on the wires, and gave the casing a firm tap. One of the discs shot out with a low whir, arcing through the air before slamming into a rusted brake rotor nailed to a post. The clang echoed through the garage like a dinner bell. The disc reeled itself back into its cradle with a satisfying snap.

"Still got it," Aria muttered with a slight smirk, flipping a spanner between her fingers.

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "You tune that rig tighter every time I blink. What are you trying to do, outshine all your stepmoms at once?"

Aria grinned but didn't look up. "Only the competitive ones."

"So... all of them," Lucy replied with a dry chuckle.

She walked over, crouching beside Aria and brushing her knuckles against the cool metal of the chakram mount. "You really did this all yourself? Every part?"

"No help," Aria confirmed. "Did the internal housing, tension system, and kinetic fuses solo. The outer rings I salvaged from junk Leo threw out. Don't tell him—he'll want credit."

Lucy snorted. "Please. If he finds out you turned his failed throwaway into a weapon that actually works, he'll write a whole speech about 'family synergy' and 'evolutionary combat inheritance.'"

"Sounds exactly like something Caesar would say," Aria murmured, smiling more fondly than sarcastically now.

That got a chuckle out of Lucy, who nodded. "She's proud of you. We all are. But don't think for a second this isn't yours. This weapon, this style, this fight you're building—it's your legacy."

Aria paused, then turned toward her mother, eyes serious beneath her goggles. "I know where I come from. You, Caesar, Wise... Leo, even. But this—" she tapped the chakram rig, "—this is mine. I built it because I wanted to stand beside all of you. Not behind."

Lucy said nothing for a beat, her expression unreadable. Then she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to Aria's forehead.

"Good," she said simply. "Because I didn't raise you to follow. I raised you to lead."

Aria blinked hard but nodded. "Then I'll make sure this name means something."

"You already have."

The garage stayed silent for a moment longer, save for the hum of the fan and the clicking of metal cooling in the heat. Then Aria looked up again, a wry smile returning to her lips.

"Now let's go eat. Before Burnice pretends she didn't order enough food for twelve again."

Lucy sighed, standing and stretching her back. "Ugh. If she says 'oops, my bad' while holding four boxes of dumplings again, I swear—"

"Strategic overfeeding," Aria said with mock seriousness. "She's playing the long game."

And with that, the two left the garage, the door creaking open to the blazing light of the Blazewood afternoon—mother and daughter, builders of legacy, walking side by side.

The roar of Burnice's bike tore across the dusty outskirts of Blazewood like a firecracker with wheels trailing sparks and dust behind it. The engine howled like it was enjoying the ride just as much as its rider, and sitting on the back—clinging on for dear life with an exhilarated grin—was Ignis, her twin pigtails whipped into chaos by the wind.

"WOOOOOOO!!" Burnice whooped as she took a sharp turn off the main road, the back tire skidding with enough flair to make even a Hollow flinch. "THIS IS HOW YOU BREAK IN A DAY OFF, BABY!"

"WE'RE GONNA DIE GLORIOUSLY!!" Ignis shouted, half-terrified, half-thrilled, clinging to her mom's waist. "FIRE-STYLE!!"

They zoomed across the cracked dirt like two pyromaniacs on vacation, racing wind gusts and flipping off mirages. Eventually, Burnice eased off the throttle and guided the bike up to a rocky plateau overlooking the desert. She kicked the stand down with flair and took off her goggles, her cheeks flushed from the ride. Ignis hopped off behind her, staggering a little before throwing her hands in the air like a rock star.

"Still got it," Burnice declared, stretching with a grin. "Man, that was better than any therapy. Should start charging people for joyrides on the Hellhog."

Ignis plopped down on a sun-warmed boulder and grinned up at her mom. "That was so not street legal."

Burnice grinned back, tossing her a water bottle. "Neither are we."

They sat for a moment in comfortable silence, sipping drinks and letting the wind cool their faces. Eventually, Burnice glanced over, eyes narrowing playfully. "You know... never thought I'd end up having a kid. And definitely didn't think it'd be with Wise."

Ignis snorted. "Yeah, that guy's got 'mysterious brooding loner' written all over him, but apparently he's got game."

"Don't remind me." Burnice shook her head. "One minute he's helping me fix a tank valve, next minute I'm daydreaming about co-parenting a human flamethrower. I mean—seriously, me? Settling down?"

Ignis smirked and nudged her mom's leg with her boot. "C'mon. You're not the only one. Leo, Aria, Axel—we all got the same dad, somehow. Man's like the quiet apocalypse."

Burnice chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Yeah... I guess we all kinda combusted in his orbit."

Ignis leaned back on her hands, smiling gently. "Still... I wouldn't trade it. He's cool, you're crazy, and I've got the best half-sibs a girl could ask for. We do everything together—projects, training, dumb stunts. Aria always has some impossible plan, Leo plays the straight man with hero syndrome, and Axel... well, he usually sleeps through the planning phase and still saves the day."

Burnice grinned. "That tracks."

"We're like a walking sitcom with trauma bonding and actual bombs," Ignis said proudly. "Even if we argue, we always end up back in the same place—probably fixing something on fire."

Burnice blinked slowly, then cracked a warm smile. "You're something else, y'know that?"

"I mean, duh," Ignis shot back, grinning. "I'm yours."

They clinked water bottles like it was toast, letting the sunset paint the sky in colors that looked suspiciously like fire.

The sun outside Blazewood was starting to dip, casting a warm golden hue through the dusty windows of the modest house the Sons called home. Inside, Caesar King—the iron-hearted leader of the Sons of Calydon—sat stiff as a statue on the couch, legs crossed awkwardly, arms folded tightly, eyes locked on her son like he was a ticking time bomb.

Leo, the "ticking time bomb," was calmly flipping through the pages of a worn manga volume. It's not just any manga. Her manga. Her romance manga. The very one she'd hidden under her bunk back at base with a cover of another, more respectable book taped on top. The same series where the stoic warrior heroine falls for the mysterious loner with a tragic past—aka, a guy that now suspiciously resembled a certain someone named Wise.

Caesar swallowed. Hard.

"There's no way. This can't be happening. I don't end up with anyone—I'm the cool loner. I'm the brooding leader. I'm the 'boss lady' who makes snarky comments about everyone else's love life while secretly crying over fictional kiss scenes!"

She peeked at Leo again, praying he hadn't noticed the vein twitching near her eye. But there he was—calm, composed, flipping a page like it was the morning news.

Then, without looking up, Leo spoke in that relaxed, confident tone of his. "Quite a shocker, huh?"

Caesar's soul briefly left her body.

"Wh-what!?" she coughed, voice cracking like a teen at a confession booth. "Wh-what's a shocker? I mean—what do you mean? Who told you something?! Was it Burnice?! It was Burnice, wasn't it—she's been trying to get me a boyfriend since I was fifteen—"

Leo finally looked up from the manga, a faint smirk curling on his lips. "I meant... all this. Us. Me being here. You... ending up with Dad."

Caesar blinked. Then blinked again. Her brain rebooted with the same intensity as a dying holo screen.

"Oh. That." She slouched back, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, that's... uh, definitely something. I mean, Wise is—he's... well, he's Wise. All mysterious and broody and noble. The kinda guy you expect to show up in chapter twelve and steal the heroine's heart while dodging fireballs. And I—I was never the heroine. I was more like the cool best friend who gets one panel of backstory and a spin-off, if she's lucky."

Leo's brows lifted, amused. "Mom... you were the main character in all of our stories growing up."

Caesar froze. Her lips parted like she wanted to protest—maybe with a joke or a self-deprecating jab—but the words didn't come. Instead, her eyes softened just a little as she looked at her son. Her son. She had a son. A tall, sharp-eyed, somehow-perfectly-composed teenager who was part of her and part of Wise.

"You know," she said after a long pause, voice quieter now, "I used to read those stories at night and wonder if someone like me could ever be seen like that. Not just as a leader. Not just... strong. But soft. Loved. Held."

Leo closed the book gently. "You were. You are."

Caesar nearly combusted right there on the couch.

She coughed again, trying to play it cool and failing miserably. "Okay, well, stop that before I start crying or something embarrassing. And if you tell anyone I own volume eleven of Blazing Hearts, Burning Blades, I will revoke your dessert privileges for the rest of the week."

Leo just grinned, leaned back, and said with zero remorse, "You've got the limited edition cover hidden behind the cooking manuals in the kitchen cabinet."

"WHAT—HOW—" Caesar launched up in pure flustered horror, the room filled with her shriek while Leo calmly tossed a throw pillow in defense.

Outside, a few distant members of the Sons heard the chaos and just chuckled.

"Caesar must've finally opened up to her kid," Piper muttered, lounging with her eyes half-closed.

"Yup," Burnice said with a smirk. "She's probably dying of embarrassment."

And inside that little house, despite the yelling, the shock, the vulnerability—there was warmth. There was family. There was love.

And Caesar, though she'd never admit it aloud, had never felt more like the heroine of her own story.

The heat of Blazewood hit Wise the moment he stepped off the bike. Sand swirled gently along the main street as the wind carried the scent of oil, ash, and old comfort food. He hadn't been back here in a while—not since the last time the Sons of Calydon stirred up a desert Hollow and turned the whole town into a flamethrower circus. His coat flared a bit in the breeze as he adjusted his gloves, just in time to hear someone shout his name.

"WIIIIISE!!!"

He barely had a second to react before Big Daddy—barreling toward him like an emotional freight train powered by barbecue sauce and love—scooped him up into a full-body bear hug. Wise's boots left the ground. Oxygen left his lungs.

"I'm so PROUD of you, boy!" Big Daddy sobbed, tears already soaking into Wise's collar. "You went and became a legend... and now look at you! The proxy of proxies! The man who fathered the future!"

"...I just got here," Wise managed to wheeze.

"Let him go before you snap him in half," a familiar voice chuckled.

Kasa walked over from Cheesetopia, her stance relaxed, arms crossed casually over her midriff, the signature white-and-brown fur jacket swaying as she moved. Her amber eyes glittered with amusement.

Big Daddy finally set Wise down, wiping his nose on a suspiciously clean rag. "Sorry, sorry, just—you got no idea how emotional this is for me."

Wise blinked, brushed sand off his coat, and straightened up. "I take it something's going on? I got a message from Burnice. All caps. Said it was 'SUPER IMPORTANT.'"

Kasa grinned. "Ahh, so she actually messaged you. Good. You're gonna want to sit down for what's coming next... but before we throw you in the deep end, humor me a sec."

"Go on," Wise said, eyebrow raised.

Kasa tilted her head, watching him closely. "You've worked with the Sons. Traveled with them. Helped them. And from what I hear... made quite the impression. So tell me—what do you really think of them? Each of the ladies. Caesar, Lucy, Burnice, and Piper. Be honest. I won't tell."

Big Daddy leaned in like he was watching a telenovela.

Wise exhaled slowly. "Alright."

He started with Caesar. "She's... disciplined. A true leader. Someone who never asks anything of others that she wouldn't do herself. She puts the weight of the team on her shoulders without complaint, even when it crushes her. But underneath that armor? She's got a heart that aches to be seen. Not as a warrior. Just as a woman."

Kasa blinked. "Huh. Poetic."

Next was Lucy. "She's fire. But not just the kind that burns—you can cook with it, forge steel with it. She's fierce, stubborn, and won't take anyone's crap. But she's also loyal, protective, and... more thoughtful than people give her credit for. The kind of woman who'd stay up all night fixing your bike just to make sure you got home safe. Then deny she did it."

Big Daddy let out a misty sigh. "She really would, wouldn't she?"

"Burnice," Wise continued, "is a storm in a bottle. Laughs in the face of chaos and dances with danger. But beneath the explosions and wild grins, there's a part of her that's always searching for connection—for someone to match her fire without trying to contain it. Someone who says, 'Yeah, go wild,' and just hands her more fuel."

"Romantic pyrotherapy," Kasa muttered, smirking.

Finally, Piper. Wise smiled faintly. "She's quiet, steady. Half-asleep most days, or at least pretending to be—but she sees more than she lets on. There's comfort in her silence, and brilliance in her simplicity. You think she's going slow, but she's already figured out the whole engine two steps ahead of you. She's the kind of person you miss before she even leaves."

Kasa just stared at him.

Big Daddy wiped away a tear.

"...Damn," Kasa finally said. "You really did a number on them, huh?"

Wise adjusted his collar and shrugged lightly. "Maybe. Or maybe they did a number on me."

Kasa shook her head with a warm laugh. "You better brace yourself, Wise. Because what comes next? You're not just meeting the girls."

Wise tilted his head. "Then who am I meeting?"

Kasa just grinned wider. "You'll see."

The chime above the door jingled as Wise stepped into Cheesetopia.

That was all it took.

Every single head in the building turned. Conversations paused. Napkins froze mid-air. Leo nearly dropped his soda.

The first to visibly short-circuit was Caesar. She had just been in the middle of trying to politely sip her iced tea like the composed leader she pretended to be. But the moment her eyes locked onto Wise, she inhaled sharply—then immediately choked. Not on emotion. Literally. On the ice cube.

"—KHACK?!"

"Mom?!"

Leo leaped up, patting her back as Caesar frantically waved one hand and definitely did not blush like a high school girl caught reading a smutty romance manga behind a textbook. "I'm—I'm fine! It's just... I wasn't expecting—" she muttered, coughing, as she slammed the cup down and stared at Wise with the intensity of someone who just saw the cover of her daydreams walk in wearing boots and moral support.

Across the room, Lucy had frozen with her wrench still in one hand and a greasy rag in the other. Her mouth hung slightly open. She had been talking to Aria about custom pistons—well, more like ranting about durability testing—but all of that fled her brain as Wise's silhouette appeared in the doorway, framed by the warm Blazewood sunlight.

"...He actually showed up," Lucy mumbled, blinking in slow disbelief. "Why does he look like that? He's not supposed to look hotter after a desert ride—he should be dusty and gross and sunburned. Not... smug and stylish and..."

"Mom?"

Aria tilted her head, confused by the glazed-over look on her face.

Lucy snapped the rag into her own face. "Nope. I'm good. Totally fine. Not falling into old feelings like a cracked carburetor. Nope."

Meanwhile, Piper, sitting quietly in the corner with a drink and a half-finished plate of fries, opened one lazy eye and let out a slow whistle. Her usual droopy expression didn't change, but the soft pink brushing across her cheeks betrayed her usual cool detachment.

"He came," she said, more to her fries than anyone else.

Axel leaned over. "You gonna go say hi?"

"Nah," she muttered, still watching him from under her bangs. "Not yet. Gotta let the dramatic tension simmer."

The calmest in demeanor—but most visibly chaotic in vibe—was, of course, Burnice.

"Oh HELL yeah!" she laughed, nearly jumping off her chair. "Big W just walked in like he owns the place—what's up, Daddy Diesel!?"

Ignis facepalmed so fast it made a smack. "Mom, please."

Burnice just grinned, tossing a fry into her mouth as if this were all part of a scripted rom-com she had waited months for. "I'm just saying! You know the rules; I see my man walk in looking like post-apocalyptic James Bond, I react."

Despite her loudness, though, the blush was there. Plain as firelight on her cheeks.

Even Kasa and Big Daddy, watching from the front, were clearly holding back laughter.

Wise, for his part, stood in the doorway for a moment, letting his eyes scan across the room. He took in the familiar faces—Piper with her quiet smile, Burnice's wild grin, Lucy's sputtering panic, and Caesar's dignified-but-red collapse—and smiled softly. He took one step forward.

And the room collectively forgot how to breathe.

Wise's boots clicked softly against the tile as he made his way further in. The scent of frying cheese and motor oil lingered faintly in the air—fitting, somehow. The quiet hum of Cheesetopia picked back up as people resumed breathing, but for the Sons of Calydon, the world had shrunk to just one person.

Caesar stood first, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt and fixing her hair in the most awkward, inconspicuous way possible. "Ahem. W-Wise. You actually... came."

Wise gave her a small smile. "I always show up when it's important."

Her face turned a dangerous shade of pink. "Tch. D-Don't say things like that with a straight face, you menace..." She looked like she was about to combust but cleared her throat and tried to sound leaderly again. "Anyway. It's... it's good to see you. You look well."

He nodded. "You too, Caesar."

That "you too" hit her like a direct romance manga line. She took a slow breath and sat back down before her knees betrayed her.

Lucy was next, arms crossed and eyes narrowed—not out of hostility, but out of desperately trying to not blush harder. "Took you long enough," she said. "We've been back for days. You only just now stroll in like you weren't the most annoying thought in my head for the past two weeks."

Wise raised an eyebrow, amused. "I didn't know I ranked that high."

"You don't," Lucy shot back—too fast, too defensive.

Aria, behind her stage-whispered, "Lies!"

Lucy nearly tripped over her own boots as she turned around. "I—shut up, Aria!"

Wise chuckled.

Then came Burnice, already halfway to him, a half-eaten mozzarella stick still in her mouth. "WISE!" she cheered around it, flinging her arms around him in a completely casual headlock hug. "Dude! You have no idea how boring it's been without you here. Do you know how many people I tried to prank just to feel alive?!"

Wise gave her a patient pat on the back. "Three."

"Six," Burnice corrected. "Two of them were dummies, though, so you don't gotta count those." She stepped back, hands on her hips, beaming at him. "You missed me, admit it."

"You're hard to miss," Wise said, deadpan.

"Aww, romantic and brutal. Classic Wise." She winked. "Don't worry. I kept your seat at the bar warm."

Finally, Piper gave a small, sleepy wave from the booth. "Hey."

Wise tilted his head. "Still napping through missions?"

"Hey, I stay awake just long enough to outlast you," she drawled. Her voice was casual, but her lips curved upward a little more than usual. "Glad you made it, though."

"Me too."

For a few seconds, silence settled. Not the awkward kind—more like that warm, buzzing stillness when friends hadn't seen each other in a long while and were silently marveling that they were really all together again.

Then Wise looked around slowly, eyes landing on the group of four teens by the far table. His brow furrowed slightly as he studied each one—the one with Piper's eyes, the one with Lucy's jawline, the girl practically vibrating with Burnice's energy, and the boy with a sharp, Caesar-like posture.

Wise finally asked, calm as ever but with a hint of something unreadable in his voice—

"...So. Who's the kids?"

The room fell into a brief silence as all eyes turned to the teens. There was a pause—like they were syncing their mental countdown—before the one with the messy blond hair, half-zipped hoodie, and lopsided grin stood up from the booth, stretching with all the enthusiasm of someone who just woke up from a nap he thoroughly earned.

"Guess that's my cue," Axel Wheel said, voice low and casual as if he were announcing the weather instead of unraveling a multiversal bombshell. "Yo, Wise... or should I say—Dad?"

Piper blinked like someone hit the pause button on her thoughts.

Wise stared. "...Huh."

"I mean, yeah," Axel continued, scratching the back of his head with a lazy smirk. "You were the one who said 'don't waste words, make 'em count,' right? Thought I'd skip the drama and just hit you with the straight stuff."

He slowly sauntered over, hands in his pockets, looking like he might fall asleep mid-step but still managing to exude the kind of quiet confidence that made people step out of his way.

"Nice to meet you—well, re-meet you. I'm Axel. Your kid. Mom's Piper, obviously. Which, like... probably already clicked in your head 'cause I got the same 'just woke up' energy, right?"

Wise's brow rose slightly, but a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It did cross my mind."

"Told ya. Sharp like you. Lazy like her." Axel tapped his temple. "Lethal combo."

Piper was still frozen, looking between Axel and Wise like she was trying to calculate the number of naps she needed to process this. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then muttered, "You didn't even try to be subtle?"

Axel shrugged, plopping himself down on a stool with a yawn. "Why waste energy?"

Burnice cackled from behind her booth. "Oh, he's definitely yours, Pipes."

Piper sighed and finally cracked a grin. "Yeah... I guess he is."

Axel looked back at Wise, that same relaxed spark in his half-lidded eyes. "You've got questions. We all do. But hey... welcome to the weirdest family reunion ever."

He leaned back and folded his arms behind his head, completely at ease, as if time travel and multiverse logic were just another Wednesday.

"Also—Cheesetopia's got bomb mozzarella sticks. Just sayin'."

Wise stared at Axel for a long moment, eyes narrowing ever so slightly—not in disbelief, but in thought. Piper could tell from the look on his face that he wasn't shocked—not really. If anything, he was already processing the situation like a puzzle he'd halfway solved before walking through the door.

"That... explains a lot," Wise finally said, his voice even but laced with curiosity. He turned his head toward Piper, a subtle brow raised. "You always did say you'd build something with character."

Piper huffed, cheeks puffing ever so slightly as her fingers scratched at the back of her head. "Didn't think that 'something' would turn out to be a whole person, Wise."

He blinked. "A very laid-back, cheesestick-devouring person."

"I told you he gets that from you," she shot back, crossing her arms though her eyes shimmered with warmth.

Axel, from his stool, held up a mozzarella stick like a toast. "Nature and nurture, apparently."

Wise chuckled under his breath. It was brief and dry, but it carried a quiet fondness. He looked between the two of them, then gave a slow, almost imperceptible nod. "He's got your logic and my timing. We're in trouble."

"Oh, major trouble," Piper replied, then blinked before muttering under her breath, "Wait—does this mean I'm already married or...?"

Wise tilted his head slightly. "We should probably finish identifying the rest of the children before jumping into marital logistics."

Piper flushed, waving him off with a muttered, "Ugh, don't make it weird," even as the faintest pink crept across her cheeks.

And then came Aria's voice from the booth, "Oh, trust me, the weird is just getting started."

Wise glanced at the remaining kids—Aria, Leo, Ignis—all looking suspiciously prepared.

"So," he asked smoothly, arms folding, "who's next?"

There was a brief silence before the next teen rose with a quiet confidence that was less about showmanship and more about control. The way she stood was precise—disciplined but not stiff. A measured breath passed her lips as she stepped forward, her leather jacket subtly shifting with the movement, sleek and battle-worn, like it had a story of its own. Her blonde hair was tied back in a low ponytail, but streaks of gray wove through it like lightning through clouds—a striking blend of Lucy's fire and something quieter, steadier.

"My name is Arianna de Montefio," she said clearly, her voice firm and resonant, carrying a weight far beyond her years.

Her sharp blue eyes, rimmed with a faint amber hue, locked onto Wise's. Not with hostility—but with intensity. A calculated read. She was analyzing him, appraising him, not unlike Lucy on the battlefield. But there was a flicker of something warmer, too—curiosity, maybe... or hope.

"I'm Lucy's daughter," she added, tipping her head ever so slightly. "And yours."

That hit like a thunderclap.

Lucy inhaled sharply through her nose and looked away fast. Burnice didn't even try to hide her grin this time. Piper gave a low whistle. Caesar? She covered her face and groaned into her hand like someone had just dropped a romantic climax spoiler on her mid-chapter.

Wise, to his credit, just blinked—once, twice—then quietly said, "... You've got your mother's presence."

"And your poker face," Aria shot back with a small, sharp smile.

He smirked faintly. "You sure?"

"I read your old mission reports. Don't worry. I keep my geeky research obsession quiet." She tapped her temple. "One of the perks of growing up with Mom's biker sarcasm and your... introspective mystery thing."

Lucy turned red. "That's not my entire personality—!"

Aria didn't even look back. "It's like eighty percent, give or take."

Piper choked back a laugh. Burnice clapped once, delighted. Caesar, still covering her face: "We're not surviving this reunion."

Wise chuckled, the sound low and a little disbelieving. He looked at Aria again—no longer as a stranger, but with that quiet awe that came from seeing echoes of your own choices reflected back.

"You've got style," he said softly.

Aria gave him a quick nod. "That's from Mom. But the name? That was all you. Fancy, right?"

He blinked again. "Wait... de Montefio?"

Lucy groaned. "Don't ask. You tried to be elegant."

"And you let me?"

"I was very tired."

They both laughed and Aria—smiling now, really smiling—sat back down with a flick of her headband.

Burnice leaned over to Piper. "So we're officially outclassed in sass and wardrobe."

Piper nodded. "And it's only the second kid."

As Aria stepped back into line, her sharp blue-and-amber eyes scanning the room with calm confidence, Wise's gaze lingered just a moment longer. He didn't say anything right away—just exhaled softly, like he'd been holding in something for years.

Beside him, Lucy crossed her arms, but her fingers fidgeted near her elbow. Her voice was quiet. "She's... something, huh?"

Wise finally turned toward her, expression unreadable. "She walked like you."

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"And stood like me," he added. "But the way she looked at everyone? That's all her."

Lucy tried to scoff, but it came out in a shaky voice. "You trying to get sentimental on me now?"

Wise just gave a tiny smile. "Would it bother you if I was?"

"...Nah," Lucy muttered, cheeks coloring slightly. "Just... don't make it a habit."

Their eyes met for half a heartbeat longer than they should've, and both turned away at the same time—Lucy clearing her throat, Wise calmly folding his hands again. Neither of them said it, but the truth hung heavy in the air:

They knew.

The girl who stepped forward next did so with a strut that could set a sidewalk on fire—figuratively and, judging by her jacket sleeves, maybe literally. Her voice crackled with smug energy as she gave Wise a lopsided grin. "Name's Ignis White," she said, placing a hand dramatically on her hip. "Daughter of Burnice White and the one and only Wise. Emphasis on the Wise, obviously. You gave me the good brain genes."

She flicked one of her twin, wild pigtails—black with faint reddish undertones—over her shoulder, revealing the flicker of flame-patterned trim on her dark blue jacket. The same stormy blue eyes as her mother twinkled with chaos, but there was a flicker of warmth too—familiar, restrained, and unmistakably Wise. She wore her confidence like a flamethrower with a safety off, grinning like she was one spark from lighting the room ablaze with jokes or sarcasm.

"And yeah," she added, shifting her weight with a cocky smirk, "I do know I'm awesome. Comes with the territory when your mom's a human blowtorch and your dad's basically a walking calm-before-the-storm monologue machine."

Burnice let out a bark of laughter from behind the group, raising both fists in the air. "THAT'S MY GIRL! Drop the wisdom and roast 'em alive, baby!"

Wise blinked once, then raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. "I see you inherited your mother's subtlety."

Ignis beamed. "And your timing. Trust me, the combo kills in group projects."

Lucy muttered, "It's like Burnice made a clone with Wise's patience and just... set it on low heat."

Caesar folded her arms, watching Ignis with an amused smirk. "She's gonna break at least one school lab, guaranteed."

Burnice nodded proudly. "Two, minimum. One of 'em just by showing up."

Wise took a moment to really look at Ignis. He saw the spark behind her eyes—loud like Burnice, but layered, with that careful observation he always carried himself. She didn't just explode. She waited until it mattered.

"You're sharp," he said softly. "I can tell."

Ignis blinked once, surprised by the sincerity, then shrugged like it didn't affect her. But her smile wavered just enough to betray a blush. "Yeah, well... I gotta be. Kinda got a rep to uphold."

She stepped back into line, hands in her jacket pockets, whistling a tune that sounded suspiciously like the Cheesetopia theme song but remixed with extra bass.

Wise let his gaze linger on Ignis for a quiet beat, then turned to Burnice with a dry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You really named her Ignis?"

Burnice grinned like she'd just won a demolition derby on foot. "What, you think I was gonna go with Susan? Nah. Girl came out with smoke in her lungs and kicked the doc during her first check-up. Had to earn a name that hits."

Wise chuckled under his breath, crossing his arms. "She's... a lot."

Burnice leaned in slightly, elbowing him playfully in the side. "C'mon, you like that. Admit it. You see those eyes? That spark? That's the 'Wise face' she gives right before melting someone's desk lamp in chemistry class."

"She's intense," he admitted, glancing back toward Ignis, who was currently pantomiming lighting a match with just her gaze. "But I like her confidence."

Burnice snorted. "Confidence? Babe, she once challenged her own shadow to a fight for following her too close."

Wise raised an eyebrow. "Did she win?"

"She convinced it to switch sides."

They both shared a quiet laugh, softer than expected. Burnice let hers trail off, a glint of something warmer in her eye as she looked at their daughter. "She's got your calm, y'know? Buried under my chaos, yeah, but it's there. You balance her. Even if you weren't there... you were."

Wise's smirk faded into something more thoughtful. "Guess we did okay."

Burnice bumped his shoulder again, but gentler this time. "We didn't just do okay. We made a damn firecracker."

A sudden shift in atmosphere cut through the room like a breeze before a storm.

Footsteps echoed lightly across the floor of Cheesetopia as Leo King strolled in with a casual swagger, red scarf fluttering faintly behind his black jacket, the red lining catching the light. His gray hair—darker than Wise's but touched with Caesar's tone—was stylishly parted, and a small star-shaped pin gleamed from the side of his head.

Those blue eyes, sharp with intellect and just a hint of mischief, scanned the room with ease—until they locked onto Wise.

"Man," Leo said, tossing up a lazy wave, "you're taller than I remember."

Wise blinked, recognizing the voice before the words. His gaze sharpened, but not out of suspicion—out of something closer to awe.

"You've grown," he said simply.

Leo smirked. "Little bit, yeah. Pretty sure I passed you by age fifteen. And Caesar swears I walk just like you."

From behind him, Caesar chuckled softly, arms crossed but unmistakably glowing. "He does. Same sharp turns, same serious face when he's thinking. I swear it's like watching you in high school with better hair."

"Debatable," Leo added, adjusting the collar of his jacket. "I'd argue I got the best of both of you. Your brain, her jawline. My charisma? Pure synthesis."

Burnice let out a snort-laugh from the couch. "Here we go..."

Lucy whispered to Aria, "He's still wearing that scarf, huh?"

Aria nodded. "He says it boosts his 'main character energy.'"

Back in front of Wise, Leo dropped the showboating for a second. His grin relaxed into something a little softer—still calm, still confident, but now touched with genuine affection.

"It's good to see you, Dad," he said, voice sincere. "Even if it's the... younger, less grumpy, maybe slightly cooler version."

Wise stepped forward, tilting his head. "So this is what the future did to my quiet son."

Leo's grin widened. "Made me louder. More dramatic. Taught me how to smolder. You should be proud."

"I am," Wise replied without hesitation. "And impressed."

Leo blinked, clearly not expecting such a direct answer. "Wait, seriously?"

"I've seen your reports," Wise said. "Your tactics. Your judgment. I know who you become. But meeting you here, now... It makes it feel real."

Leo tried to play it cool, but a little flush crept up his neck. He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, uh. Damn. That means a lot coming from the guy whose quiet stare used to make grown commanders shut up in meetings."

Caesar stepped up beside them now, her expression glowing with motherly pride. "Told you. He'd love seeing this side of you."

Leo gave her a lopsided grin. "Told you he'd still be taller than me."

Wise looked between the two of them. "So... still leading the group?"

Leo gave a proud little shrug. "Yep. Oldest sibling privilege. Though Ignis keeps challenging me to duels, and Aria's smarter than me in at least three subjects."

A loud "I KNEW IT!" came from the back—Ignis, again.

"Shut it, jailbird!" Leo called back with a grin.

He turned back to Wise, now more grounded. "I know this is weird. Time travel. Future kids. Cheesetopia. But I'm glad we got this moment."

Wise nodded once. "So am I."

Then Leo held out his fist. "You always told me—calm mind, steady heart, strong hand."

Wise stared for a moment... then bumped his fist back without a word.

Leo's grin returned in full force. "Still got it."

From behind them, Caesar wiped at her eye discreetly. "Gods, you two. You're making me soft."

Burnice leaned toward Lucy. "That kid's got so much King energy it's ridiculous."

Lucy smiled. "He makes it look easy."

And as Leo stepped back beside his siblings, he clapped his hands once. "Alright. That's one parent down. Now who wants to explain time travel to future grandma without breaking her hip?"

Ignis cackled.

Aria sighed, already pulling out a tablet.

And Wise, for the first time in a long while, let a quiet laugh slip free.

"Definitely a King," he murmured.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

The soft hum of sunlight filtered through the apartment blinds as Evelyn Chevalier stirred beneath her blanket. For a moment, she stayed perfectly still, her body half-draped across her neatly folded uniform jacket, one arm clutching her pillow like it owed her answers.

What a dream, she thought drowsily. Astra and I… kids from the future... Wise is their father... She scoffed lightly at herself. Tch. Ridiculous.

Still, as her fingers absently brushed her collarbone, she felt the outline of the star-shaped necklace she'd nearly forgotten she wore to bed. A present from Wise on what was—objectively—a non-date. At least, that's what she told herself. Three cups of tea, two hours of philosophical banter, and one reckless moment under the neon glow where he'd clasped the pendant around her neck with one hand, smirking like he knew what he was doing.

She buried her face in the pillow. It was a good dream, she admitted. Even if Astra was annoyingly smug about it.

With a reluctant groan, she rolled out of bed and padded toward the bathroom, rubbing her eyes. Her bare feet tapped against the wooden floor with a soft rhythm. The apartment was oddly quiet for once—no frantic Astra singing morning warmups, no neighbors yelling, no Hollow alerts. A rare silence.

As she passed the living room, her brow furrowed. Something smelled… sweet? Like vanilla? Pancakes? "That's weird," she mumbled. "Astra never gets up this early unless—"

She turned the corner into the kitchen, half-yawning, hair a mess, and muttered, "Morning…"

"Good morning, Mom!"

The voice hit her ears before it registered in her brain. Evelyn nodded out of habit, already reaching for the tea cabinet.

Then her eyes shot open.

Standing by the counter with a cheerful grin and a frying pan in hand was Kai Yao—the same silver-streaked, top-hatted boy from her "dream" last night. Behind him sat Iris, sipping tea calmly like she hadn't just shattered the entire known flow of space-time. And next to them, Sylvia leaned casually against the fridge, holding her own mug and giving a sleepy two-finger salute. Evelyn dropped the tea tin.

CLACK.

"…What," she croaked.

"Still think it was a dream?" Iris asked without looking up, swirling her tea with perfect posture.

Sylvia took a sip and added helpfully, "You sleepwalked into the hallway last night and called the coffee table 'Captain Wise.' We took that as acceptance."

Evelyn's eye twitched. "You were real? You're real? You're all still here?!"

Kai flipped a pancake with a theatrical flourish. "Not only are we real, but I've perfected the breakfast ritual passed down by generations." He pointed at the sizzling pan as if it were holy scripture. "The Kai Yao Five-Stack Flip. Approved by mothers across timelines."

"I hate how good he is at this," Iris muttered.

Evelyn slowly sank into a chair, one hand in her hair, the other reaching for a sanity-preserving sip of hot water. She took one sip. "Okay. Okay. So. You're… our children. Astra and I have—wait, is this even legally allowed? We're not even—we're not dating!"

Kai gave her a deeply amused look. "Sure. Let's go with that."

Iris finally looked up, deadpan. "You kissed Wise on a mission. Astra caught it on bangboo's footage. She has it saved as 'Future Wedding Fuel.'"

Sylvia quietly slid a plate of pancakes in front of Evelyn like a peace offering. "Eat. We figured this part would hit you hard."

Evelyn stared at the food. "This smells illegal."

"Because it's made with future protein-enhanced batter," Kai said proudly. "Courtesy of Stars of Lyra R&D. Also, bananas."

Evelyn took one bite. Her pupils dilated. "...Fine. You can stay for now."

At that moment, Astra Yao stumbled into the room wearing a full glam robe and pink fluffy slippers, arms dramatically outstretched. "Did someone say pancakes—OH MY STARS, MY CHILDREN!" she sang, lunging forward to wrap both Kai and Iris in a sweeping musical number of a hug.

Kai coughed as syrup splashed onto his suit. "Mom. Breathing. Please."

Iris looked sideways. "I swear, every morning is like a Broadway encore."

Sylvia deadpanned, "You get used to it."

As the morning light poured through the windows and laughter bounced off the walls, Evelyn leaned her chin into her hand, gazing over the chaos of pancakes, rogue butterflies, intertemporal children, and a musical Astra Yao humming off-key.

Somehow… this was her life now. And a not-so-small part of her… didn't mind it at all.

By the time the second plate of pancakes was devoured and Astra had finished humming the theme song to her fourth hit single—"Starfall Devotion (Remix Ver.)"—the kitchen had settled into a rare kind of peace.

Or at least… the kind of peace that involved three time-displaced teenagers relentlessly teasing their flustered mothers while syrup slowly overtook the table.

"I still think you're making all this up," Evelyn muttered, stabbing a strawberry-like it personally offended her. "This could be a prank. I've seen Astra go harder on publicity stunts."

Iris tilted her head, deadpan. "You think we broke into your home, perfectly forged your DNA, cooked pancakes, and invented convincing trauma just to pull off a multigenerational punk'd episode?"

Kai lifted his fork like a mic. "Starring: Evelyn Chevalier—Hot Mom, Cold Heart, Trapped in Denial."

"Keep talking and I'm grounding you retroactively," Evelyn warned, but her blush betrayed her amusement.

Sylvia took a sip of tea and offered, "How about we tell them about the Fire Drill Incident?"

Kai's eyes lit up. "Yes. That's perfect."

Astra leaned in curiously. "Fire drill? Where?"

Iris answered smoothly, "Victoria HQ. Training retreat. Dad's giving this ultra-serious briefing to a group of elite recruits—classic Wise. And then someone—" she gave Sylvia a meaningful side-eye "—left a tea heater on high next to a sensitive motion sensor."

Sylvia shrugged. "I was multitasking."

Kai grinned. "The whole place goes into lockdown. Lights flash. Sprinklers erupt. A synthetic voice starts screaming 'INFERNAL BREACH DETECTED.' Recruits start panicking—chaos."

"What did Wise do?" Astra asked, already smiling.

"He doesn't even blink," Iris said, expression flat. "He pauses, sighs, pulls a matte-black tactical umbrella out from under the table, opens it, and keeps lecturing."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "He carries an umbrella?"

"Apparently just in case of fire drill-related catastrophes," Kai said, beaming. "He stayed completely soaked from the shoulders down. Delivered the rest of the lesson like it was nothing."

"We have the recording," Sylvia added. "Internal Victoria network archived it under: 'Unshakeable Proxy, Unforeseen Weather.'"

Astra blinked. "That... actually sounds exactly like him."

"And you two," Kai said with a knowing grin, "were watching from the monitor room. Let's just say the staff still quotes your reactions."

Evelyn crossed her arms, skeptical. "Like what?"

Iris smirked. "'That man's composure is illegal.' Followed by Astra whispering, 'I want him to teach me everything.'"

Astra gasped. "I—! No I didn't!"

"Did," Sylvia said calmly.

"I would not say that!" Astra cried, clearly flustered.

"You will," Kai said, voice teasing and ominous. "It's inevitable."

Astra covered her face. "I hate time travel."

Evelyn's face was buried in her hands. "I'm going to faint."

Kai looked toward Iris with a devilish grin, chewing slowly like he was building suspense.

"Should we tell them about the karaoke night?"

Iris immediately groaned, already cracking a smile. "You mean the one where Dad tried to duet with Eous?"

Evelyn blinked mid-sip of tea. "…Wise did what? With Eous?!"

Kai nodded solemnly. "It was after that massive Lyra promotional event at New Eridu City Hall. You remember—the one with all the drones and stage lights? He said we needed to 'unwind as a unit' and grabbed the mic at the afterparty."

"He didn't even ask," Iris added. "Just marched up in full uniform, said, 'If I can survive synchronized Hollow combat, I can survive stage fright.'"

"And then," Sylvia said without looking up from her tea, "he sang Baby Byte Me One More Time."

Astra gasped and grabbed her chest like she'd been physically struck. "He didn't."

"Oh, he did," Iris said. "And Eous harmonized with full auto-tune engaged. It was like listening to a malfunctioning synth-bard."

There was a stunned beat of silence.

Then, the kitchen detonated into laughter.

Astra collapsed halfway over the table, tears forming. "That's it. I'm ruined. Someone please tell me there's footage."

"I have four angles," Sylvia said serenely. "Stored under 'Dad's Greatest Hits.' It's a shared folder. Currently has fourteen entries."

Evelyn groaned, covering her face. "Oh no. Oh gods. There are categories, aren't there?"

Kai grinned. "Chronological, thematic, and 'most likely to go viral.'"

"Honestly impressive," Sylvia added.

Evelyn reached blindly, grabbed a pancake, and threw it onto her plate like a defeated warrior claiming one last prize. "You are all gremlins. Absolute time-traveling gremlins."

Kai raised his mug in a toast. "From your genes, mother dearest."

"And your chaos," Iris said with a knowing smirk, "is definitely a shared trait."

Sylvia shrugged. "I'm just here for the tea. And, occasionally, to keep you from elbow-dropping paparazzi."

Astra mock-pouted. "They never stop asking if your father is single."

Evelyn nearly choked on her tea. "Well, technically he is. But not for long if this timeline keeps smacking me with confirmation spoilers."

Kai leaned back, steepling his fingers mischievously. "Speaking of paradoxes… should we remind her about the statue?"

Sylvia smirked. "Ooh, yes. The Memorial."

Iris was already wheezing. "The kiss."

Kai grinned. "You. Kissing him behind the Hollower Memorial statue. Loudly. In public."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes and pointed a fork at him. "That is slander. I would never—"

"You whispered," Kai continued, undeterred, "'Best lips this side of the Proxy Grid.'"

Evelyn's entire face went crimson. Astra began dramatically fanning her with a plate.

"That's it, I'm leaving," Evelyn muttered, trying to stand with what little dignity she had left.

There was a moment of stunned silence—

And then the entire room collapsed into chaos again.

Astra was gasping. "Oh my god. Please tell me someone recorded that too."

"I did," Sylvia said without hesitation. "Same folder. Subcategory: 'Romantic Crimes.'"

Evelyn grabbed her pancake like a thrown weapon. "You three are menaces. You've broken time, privacy, and all sense of order."

Kai flashed a beautiful smile. "We get that from Dad."

Sylvia raised her tea. "And the coordination? That's all you two."

Iris sipped calmly. "Honestly, it's a miracle we're not worse."

Evelyn sighed dramatically and sat back down, muttering, "The future is a mistake."

Astra beamed. "The best mistake."

.

.

.

.

.

It was a slow afternoon in Random Play, the kind Wise secretly liked best. The sun filtered lazily through the dusty blinds, casting golden stripes across vintage gear and softly humming consoles. A warm silence settled into the space between the shelves — the kind that only came when the city outside had somewhere better to be.

Wise stood behind the counter, methodically polishing a vinyl record sleeve that had already been cleaned twice. His motions were precise, almost meditative as if the act of cleaning kept his thoughts in line. Across from him, Belle was half-sprawled in one of the lounge chairs, sipping a bubbling orange drink that clashed beautifully with her otherwise refined appearance. Her eyes had been on him for a while now. Watching. Plotting.

“You’ve been humming,” Belle finally said, tilting her head. “You never hum.”

Wise didn’t look up. “It’s not humming. It’s controlled exhalation with tonal variance.”

Belle smirked. “That’s humming, Professor Denial.”

From the ceiling, a familiar voice chimed in with electronic sass. “Confirmed: Wise has emitted melodic vibrations. Suggesting 87.3% probability of romantic entanglement. Would you like to schedule a flirtation tutorial?”

Wise sighed. “Fairy, go into sleep mode.”

“Denied,” Fairy responded immediately. “This conversation has reached peak entertainment parameters. Would you like popcorn-mode enabled?”

Belle chuckled, swirling her drink. “She’s not wrong. You’ve been weirdly... relaxed lately. What happened, did Astra finally pat your head? Or did Evelyn smile at one of your bad jokes and short-circuit your brain?”

Wise gave her a flat look, but the corner of his mouth tugged upward. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re transparent,” Belle teased. “Come on, Wise. You’re basically emotionally constipated, and suddenly you’re making tea for other people? I’ve seen you act more reserved toward your game collection.”

“I like their company,” Wise said simply. “They’re smart. Capable. They’ve seen the same city rot we have and still choose to do good.”

“Yeah,” Belle said, leaning back, “but you like like them.”

Fairy beeped in agreement. “Processing subtext… Confirmed: Wise is down bad.”

Wise rubbed a hand over his face. “I should never have let you install that attitude module.”

“Incorrect,” Fairy said brightly. “You personally selected my sass level. Would you like to increase it to ‘Belle on coffee’?”

“Please don’t,” Wise and Belle said in unison.

A comfortable silence followed — the kind only siblings and long-suffering A.I.s could share. The air buzzed with low chatter from the street beyond the windows. For a moment, the past, present, and whatever strange future might come all took a backseat to this: the simplicity of home.

“You know,” Belle said more quietly, eyes on the ceiling, “I think they’re good for you. Both of them. You’re steadier these days. Like something heavy finally shifted off your shoulders.”

Wise nodded, thoughtful. “Maybe. I don’t know where it’s going… but it doesn’t feel like running for once.”

“That’s a start,” Belle said with a soft smile.

“Affirmative,” Fairy added. “Beginning optimistic ending flag. Warning: abrupt narrative chaos may soon occur. Please prepare emotionally.”

Wise looked up, eyes narrowing. “Fairy…?”

“Oops,” Fairy said. “Spoilers redacted.”

The bell above the door jingled with a soft ding, but it was the faint scent of jasmine and subtle ozone that gave her away first. Wise didn't need to look up to know who had entered. Astra Yao glided into Random Play like she owned the place — or was politely considering buying it, just to see what Wise would do. Her posture was relaxed, but her eyes sparkled with the calculated charm of someone used to being the center of attention… and occasionally amused that she wasn't.

"Well," Astra said with a grin that curved a little too knowingly, "if it isn't the most emotionally unavailable man in New Eridu. And here I was worried you'd run out of things to polish."

"Good afternoon, Astra," Wise said evenly, setting down the same record sleeve for the third time. "Still confusing charm with infiltration, I see."

She laughed, that soft, melodic kind of laugh that always felt like she knew more than she let on. "If I were infiltrating, you'd already be compromised."

"Debatable," he murmured.

Behind her, the door swung again — this time with the force of someone who clearly hadn't meant to slam it so hard. Evelyn Chevalier stepped in like she was trying not to exist too loudly, her coat tugged in too tightly around her frame. Her usual poise faltered only slightly, betrayed by the alarming shade of red burning its way up her neck.

Belle leaned forward on the counter, grinning. "Oh-ho. That's a blush that screams 'I just saw a walking existential crisis with my DNA.' Everything okay, Evelyn?"

Evelyn adjusted her glasses sharply. "Perfectly fine. The air… is simply warmer than expected."

Fairy's voice crackled in from the ceiling with the subtlety of a jackhammer. "Analysis complete. Subject Evelyn is currently at 102.3% baseline embarrassment. Cause: unresolved maternal panic combined with proximity to potential baby daddy."

Evelyn made a sound that might've been a dignified scoff, but it was mostly high-pitched panic.

"Fairy, mute yourself," she snapped.

"Request denied," Fairy replied brightly. "I serve Master Wise. You are but a guest drowning in maternal hormones."

Wise coughed politely into his hand, trying and failing to suppress a smile. "Fairy…"

"I'll be good," Fairy promised. "Just… observing. Quietly. Like a romantic surveillance drone."

Astra stepped closer to the counter, eyeing Wise with thinly veiled amusement. "You've upgraded since I last visited. New lighting? Or did someone finally convince you to smile without needing to be concussed first?"

Belle muttered under her breath, "I tried. He growled at me."

Wise raised a brow. "You growled back."

"And I won," Belle said smugly.

"I'm still here, you know," Evelyn murmured, though it was hard to tell whether she was annoyed at being ignored or grateful for the reprieve.

Astra turned slightly toward her, offering a wink. "Oh, don't pout, Evie. You're glowing. Radiant, even. You almost look like a woman whose teenage daughter just redefined the word headache."

Evelyn made a strangled noise that suggested she'd rather be facing down a Hollow.

Belle leaned over to Wise, whispering not-so-quietly, "Should we bring out the emergency tea tray? You know, the one labeled 'flustered moms and future breakdowns'?"

Wise calmly reached under the counter and retrieved the exact tray without missing a beat.

Astra let out a delighted laugh, brushing a hand through her sleek hair. "See? He does listen when he likes someone."

That earned a brief flick of the eyes from Wise — barely a glance, but Astra caught it like a hawk. Her smirk softened just a little. Beneath all the banter, there was something gentle there. Knowing. Old tension wrapped in new familiarity.

"Don't mind us," Belle said sweetly. "You two keep orbiting each other. Evelyn and I will just be here, waiting for the gravitational pull to finally do something."

Evelyn's eye twitched.

"Anyway," Astra said breezily, turning her full attention back to Wise, "we wanted to talk. Just… the three of us. Before anything else. There's something important. And probably time-sensitive."

Wise met her gaze directly. "You're not here on a commission."

"No," she said. "This is personal."

Fairy chimed in again, voice dropping to something almost—respectful. "Then I suggest you speak now, before the storm waiting outside finds the door."

Astra nodded. Evelyn took a deep breath.

Wise narrowed his eyes, expression unreadable. "I'm listening."

Astra lingered at the edge of the counter, her fingers idly tracing a groove in the wood while her gaze flicked toward Wise. Evelyn stood beside her, arms crossed but not in the usual rigid formality—more like someone holding themselves together as best they could. Belle, meanwhile, had fully committed to leaning into her elbow like a smug sibling watching a rom-com play out in real-time.

"So…" Astra began casually, voice syrup-smooth but not quite innocent, "have you ever thought about having kids?"

Wise blinked. "That's sudden."

Evelyn turned bright red. "Astra!"

"What?" Astra shot her a glance, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. "It's a normal question. We're adults. You can't say you've never wondered."

"I haven't!" Evelyn protested, which was a lie so bold that Belle wheezed from behind the register.

Wise, for his part, froze—not in a panic, but like a man who had just been handed a bomb labeled hypothetical, probably. His fingers tapped once against the teacup, then again, this time more slowly.

"Have I thought about it…" he echoed, more to himself than to them. His voice dropped a little lower, a little softer. "I guess… yeah. I've thought about it."

That surprised them. Even Belle straightened slightly, brows rising.

Wise kept his eyes forward, expression calm but visibly calculating his words with care. "Not in the 'white picket fence' sense, but… I've met people who made me wonder. About what kind of father I'd be. If I'd even be allowed to be one."

That earned a small exhale from Evelyn.

"And?" Astra asked quietly now.

He looked at her—then Evelyn—and shrugged faintly. "I'd want them to feel safe. Not strong. Not perfect. Just… safe. Like they could breathe easy, knowing someone was always in their corner. I think that's what matters."

The silence that followed was soft. Weighted but warm.

Belle looked between them, eyes narrowing as a grin stretched slowly across her face. "Oh. Oh no. You two just got hit with the full 'Wise Dad' fantasy, didn't you?"

"We did not—!" Evelyn snapped, a full octave higher than usual.

"Absolutely not," Astra said very quickly.

"Analyzing," Fairy chimed in from above. "Second Star is correct. Subjects Evelyn and Astra are experiencing a sudden spike in oxytocin levels. Likely cause: Master Wise's unexpectedly idealized fatherhood philosophy. Recommendation: Immediate cold water or a brick wall to walk into."

"I am not walking into a wall, Fairy," Evelyn muttered.

"You are emotionally compromised," Fairy chirped. "Permission to deploy 'MOTHER SIMULATION COMFORT MODE?'"

"Denied," Wise and Evelyn said at the same time.

Belle leaned over and poked Astra's arm. "You okay there, heart-eyes? Need a seat? A baby bottle?"

Astra swatted at her, face flushed. "You're not even subtle about it."

"I don't need to be," Belle beamed. "I've got ring-side seats to whatever this slow-burn, time-loop nonsense is."

Wise sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We're not doing this."

"You already did, Master," Fairy said. "Emotionally. Spiritually. Astrally, even."

Wise gave the ceiling a look that suggested he was strongly reconsidering letting Fairy interface with the speaker system at all.

Evelyn finally sat down on the edge of one of the display counters, face half-hidden behind a raised hand. Her voice, when it emerged again, was softer. "It's not just a hypothetical, you know. Kids. Parenthood. That weight."

Wise looked at her then, eyes thoughtful.

"I know," he said. "That's why I'd take it seriously. I wouldn't want to be someone who vanishes when things get hard. If I'm in, I'm all in."

Astra's smirk was gone. In its place was something gentler, yet a little sad. "You're really dangerous when you talk like that, Wise."

He arched an eyebrow. "Because I tell the truth?"

"Because you make people want things they stopped hoping for," Astra said, only half joking.

Fairy hummed like a cat hearing its name. "Oh-ho~ Second Star, shall I prep the wedding playlist?"

Belle laughed so hard she nearly fell off her stool. "Put on My Beloved is a Brick Wall—Evelyn's theme song."

"I hate this store," Evelyn mumbled into her hand.

Wise, despite himself, chuckled. "You came here."

"And I regret everything."

"You don't," Astra added with a smile, nudging her.

They sat like that a while longer. Not quite ready to say what needed to be said. But the warmth hung in the air, anchored by laughter, possibility, and the strange gravity that Wise always carried without meaning to.

Outside, beyond the door, the air shimmered faintly—just enough to suggest that reality itself was waiting to be rewritten.

Astra tilted her head, chin resting on her knuckles as she watched Wise finish a quiet sip of tea. Her amber eyes glimmered—not with mischief this time, but with a kind of cautious hopefulness she rarely let show. “So, okay… you’ve thought about it, yeah,” she murmured. “But… what if?”

Wise blinked. “What if?”

“What if you were a father?” Evelyn asked, quickly adding, “Like, actually. Not maybe. Not someday. Just… you were.”

Belle made a noise halfway between a gasp and a bark of laughter. “Oh no. No, we’re doing this now? Right in front of the shelves?”

Fairy’s voice crackled through the air like a smug AI in a soap opera. “Analyzing emotional trajectory… conclusion: Subjects Astra and Evelyn are initiating the ‘pre-parental probe’ stage. Classic indicator of imminent reveal or romance plot acceleration.”

Wise coughed into his fist. “What kind of simulation did you download this time?”

“Don’t deflect,” Astra teased, scooting a little closer, eyes warm. “C’mon. Humor us. If you found out you had a kid—or more than one—how would you handle it?”

Wise opened his mouth, paused, and then squinted at them. “Is this some kind of elaborate prank? Did Belle put you up to this?”

Belle threw up her hands. “Hey! I’ve only been praying for the day one of your terrible life decisions results in me becoming an aunt. Don’t drag me into your denial spiral.”

“Pfft. You? Aunt?” Fairy cut in, voice full of digital disdain. “Please. I’d be the superior aunt figure. I’m practically raising Master as it is.”

“Oh you wanna go, lil’ Roomba?” Belle spun around on her stool, finger pointed. “You don’t even have limbs. You gonna throw a birthday party with holograms?”

“I’m optimized for emotional guidance, moral wisdom, and witty banter. The children will adore me.”

“You’re optimized for annoying me,” Belle shot back. “If anyone’s passing down dysfunctional charm and bedtime chaos, it’s me.”

“Second Star’s coping mechanisms are flaring again,” Fairy reported dryly. “Deploying sass inhibitors—oh wait, she broke those three updates ago.”

“You wanna keep talking, cloud gremlin?” Belle said, hopping off the stool.

Wise raised a hand. “Can we not have the advanced AI and my sister reenact a custody battle over hypothetical children?”

“You mean our hypothetical children,” Astra said slyly.

Evelyn groaned into her hands. “Why are we doing this. Why are we like this.”

But Wise went quiet again. He let the banter burn itself out around him, watching Astra’s smile and Evelyn’s ever-pinkening face and Belle pretending to dust off a “World’s Best Aunt” badge that did not, technically, exist.

Then he sighed, slow and deliberate, setting down his tea.

“If I ever had kids…” he began, and the room stilled. Even Fairy went quiet. “I’d do everything in my power to be the best father they could ask for. Not just… show up. I mean be there. I’d want them to know they mattered. That they were wanted. That their old man wouldn’t flinch, even when the world did.”

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

Wise kept going, eyes steady. “And as for the mother—or mothers,” he added, so casually it was almost criminal, “I’d make sure they never felt alone in it. Not once. They’d have me. All of me. No backing out, no halfway measures. Just… me. With them. As long as they wanted.”

Astra blinked once. Then again. “I—”

“You good?” Belle said beside her, eyes sparkling. “You’re kinda melting a little.”

“I am not—!” Astra cleared her throat. “I’m just… listening. Intently.”

Evelyn’s voice was a squeak. “He’s serious. He’s actually serious.”

Fairy chimed back in, deadly chipper. “Emotional surge detected. Evelyn’s blood pressure has entered ‘romance novel heroine’ zone. Please hydrate, Second Star, she’s gonna pass out.”

Belle leaned in and whispered, “He didn’t even flinch when he said mothers, plural. You’re doomed.”

Astra buried her face in her hands. “This is so unfair.”

“Yeah,” Evelyn mumbled. “He’s like… the endgame and the expansion pack.”

Wise scratched his head, looking more confused by their reactions than flattered. “Did I say something weird?”

“No,” the girls chorused instantly.

Then Astra cleared her throat again and stepped forward, brushing her hair back and trying very hard to pretend her cheeks weren’t still slightly flushed. “Wise… what if I told you we had… a surprise for you?”

Evelyn was redder than a siren light, but she nodded. “A very big surprise.”

Wise raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “Bigger than whatever this conversation just turned into?”

Belle grinned like a cat who saw the treat bag. “Oh, way bigger.”

Fairy’s voice was downright gleeful now. “Activating dramatic drumroll. Surprise level: Cataclysmic.”

Wise looked at them all—Astra and Evelyn fidgeting, Belle trying not to explode with laughter, Fairy literally humming to herself through the speakers—and gave a long, slow exhale.

“...I’m afraid to ask,” he said at last.

“Oh, you should be,” Belle grinned.

The front door chimed again. A gust of air swept into Random Play, followed by three distinct silhouettes.

Kai Yao stepped in first, casually tossing a snack wrapper into the trash bin near the entrance with an underhand flick that looked way too practiced. Tall, sharp-eyed, and smirking just enough to make it clear he was trouble if you let him talk too long, he scanned the shelves like he'd grown up among them — because, technically, he had.

"Yo," he greeted coolly, eyes locking with Wise. "You look younger than I expected, Pops. Cleaner jawline, less tired. I like it."

Wise blinked. "...Pops?"

Behind him, Iris Chevalier entered with a soft shuffle of boots and a polite, practiced poise. Her outfit was practical and modern, stylized with soft lilacs and deep burgundy tones — nothing like the stiff uniforms of her mother's past. Her expression, however, gave everything away. The blush. The shy smile. The way she glanced at Wise was like seeing a long-lost star. "We made it back. Hi… Papa."

Sylvia Clover, trailing them, rolled her eyes without even looking up from her tablet. "To clarify: only two of us are biologically related to you. I'm the emotionally exhausted executive assistant who keeps their time travel from destroying history. Don't lump me in."

Belle stared. Started harder. Then—

"WHAAAAAAT?!" She pointed at Astra. Then, at Evelyn's. Then, at the two kids. Then, at Wise. "Wait. WAIT. You're telling me he—you—THEM—you all—WITH MY BROTHER?!"

Fairy popped out from her perch, sparkling. "Yes! Surprise confirmed! Timeline-altering reunion achieved! Congratulations, Master! Your genetics are top tier!"

Kai gave Belle a mock salute. "Aunt Belle, right? Mom said you were a riot. This confirms it."

Iris nodded gently. "She said you had strong… 'opinions.'"

Belle flailed. "I DO NOT HAVE—Wait. Wait a second. Hold up—did you just say—AUNT?! BOTH of you?! With my brother?! WISE?!"

Wise held up a hand slowly. "I need… a minute. Possibly two."

Kai leaned against a shelf like he owned the place. "You've had longer than that. You raised us, Pops. You're the reason I know how to fight, think, brew tea, and not lose my mind when surrounded by chaos." He nodded toward Sylvia. "...Still working on that part, though."

Sylvia didn't even glance up. "Love you too, menace."

Iris stepped closer, her voice quiet but sure. "You taught me patience. Grace. How to never give up on someone just because they're scared to love. You always made time for us. You always made us feel safe."

Wise looked like he had just been slapped by a warm wave of destiny and panic.

Fairy gasped dramatically. "Initiating emotional overload! Master.exe has stopped responding!"

Belle's jaw dropped. "Okay, okay, hold on—ASTRA AND EVELYN?! YOU TWO?! WHEN? WHERE?! HOW?!"

Astra just smirked, one hand on her hip. "We'll let your brother explain the how someday."

Evelyn, blushing so fiercely she could combust, muttered, "Th-they weren't supposed to come in yet…"

Kai shrugged. "Better now than never. C'mon, the vibes are already immaculate."

Sylvia closed her tablet with a snap. "Technically this timing is 2.4 minutes earlier than scheduled. But hey, dramatic flair wins."

Belle crossed her arms, face still pale. "I'm going to need so much wine. And also therapy. And maybe—no, definitely—blackmail material."

Fairy sparkled smugly beside her. "Fairy still top aunt! Has bedtime story algorithms and snuggle mode!"

Belle scoffed. "You're a glorified pet camera!"

Fairy beeped. "Pet camera with emotional nuance and better fashion sense!"

Kai and Iris exchanged glances. This was already their normal.

Wise, after a long silence, exhaled slowly and looked at his children — yes, his children — standing there like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"This is real," he said.

Kai smiled. "Real as it gets, Pops."

Wise hadn't moved for several seconds.

His eyes stayed fixed on Kai and Iris, taking in every detail—Kai's posture, Iris's eyes, the subtle way they each echoed something familiar in him. In them. In the women standing quietly beside him now.

"…I need air," Wise murmured. His voice cracked at the edges, not from panic but awe.

Astra gently touched his sleeve. "C'mon," she said, unusually soft. "Let's talk in the back."

Evelyn nodded, her cheeks still pink but her eyes steady. "It's time."

The door to the back room clicked shut behind them, the murmur of Belle, Fairy, and the teens left behind in the front fading into the distance. The tension was thick but not heavy — it was expectant. Wise stood near the far shelf, one hand resting lightly on the edge, steadying himself like he was still processing the timeline.

Astra leaned against a nearby cabinet, arms crossed, eyes fixed on him with a glimmer of mischief that couldn't entirely hide the fondness beneath. Evelyn hovered closer to the door for a moment, hands folded, posture tense like she was bracing for some kind of professional reprimand.

But Wise didn't speak right away. He just looked at them both. Really looked at them.

"You knew," he said softly. "All this time. When you walked in… you knew."

Evelyn gave a slight nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "We had to be sure it was the right moment. You… you looked the same, but not. You're younger now. Fewer lines under your eyes. Still quiet. But different."

Astra snorted, smiling. "Less stress, fewer kids. Makes sense."

"One minute, please," Wise muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You're taking this… surprisingly well," Evelyn said, a bit hopeful, a bit uncertain.

Wise exhaled slowly. "I'm trying. But I just met two people who look me in the eye like they've known me their whole lives. And I don't even remember…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "I don't remember holding them. Teaching them. Or any of the days that would've made them smile at me like that."

Astra's teasing grin softened just a little. "Yeah. Time travel does that. Steals the middle of stories."

Wise looked at her then, eyes narrowing slightly. "So they're really…"

"Our kids," Evelyn confirmed, and her voice trembled despite herself. "One each."

He stared between them again. No dramatic gasp, no yelling. Just quiet calculation… and something else starting to flicker behind his eyes.

"…So you're saying, at some point, I'm—"

"Amazing in bed," Astra cut in with a straight face.

Wise nearly choked on air. "Astra."

Evelyn turned a dangerous shade of red. "Astra!"

"What?" Astra shrugged, unrepentant. "It's relevant. Clearly it was life-changing."

Wise turned away with a hand to his temple. "I am trying to have a serious moment here."

"I am being serious," Astra said with mock offense. "You clearly rocked our worlds so hard we looped back through time to show you your awesome offspring."

"Please stop talking."

A beat.

Astra grinned. "Surprise, Daddy."

Wise immediately turned scarlet. "… Don't ever say that again," he muttered.

"No promises."

Evelyn buried her face in her hands, groaning softly. "Why are you like this?"

Astra tilted her head. "Genetics, probably."

Despite himself, Wise gave a short laugh under his breath. The smallest smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

That's when Evelyn stepped forward. Her voice was quieter, steadier now. "Jokes aside… we're telling you this because you deserve to know. Because we didn't want to hide it from you. And because, even if it's not your time yet… you are their father, Wise. And you were good. To them. To us. All of it."

"…You really think I'm capable of that?" he asked, voice low.

Astra leaned in, eyes locked on his. "You already are. You just don't see it yet."

Evelyn nodded, barely holding back the shimmer in her gaze. "You were patient. Kind. Reliable. You fixed what broke — tech, people… me. You never ran."

Wise closed his eyes briefly. Something about those words landed deep. Maybe because he'd always feared becoming a father one day — not for lack of desire, but because of the weight it brought. Because he knew what it meant to fail people who looked up to you.

But here they were. Proof that someday, somehow, he didn't.

When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but steady.

"If I ever became a father… I'd do everything I could. I'd be there for them. For… her. Or them. However many. I wouldn't disappear. I'd make sure they never had to question if I loved them."

Astra and Evelyn both blinked at him. Like they hadn't expected something so grounded. So Wise.

"…Yeah," Astra said softly, mouth tugging into a genuine smile. "That tracks."

Evelyn's hand brushed over her chest as if steadying her own heartbeat. "You really are the perfect man for our kids."

Wise blinked. "What?"

"Nothing," they both said at once.

The lobby of Random Play felt exactly how Kai always imagined it—like nostalgia crash-landed into urban grit and decided to stay. The warm glow of hanging lights pooled against the checkerboard benches and red-lit display cases filled with colorful, old-school VHS tapes. Posters from every genre imaginable cluttered the walls, some proudly framed, others barely tacked to the pegboard. A muted CRT mounted in the corner played a hazy loop of vintage footage—half movie trailer, half static haze. Bangboo merch cluttered the counter, frozen mid-jazz solo or heroic pose. The smell? A blend of city air, old plastic, vinyl cases, and... was that canned soda?

Kai stood in the middle of it all, his sharp blue eyes scanning the chaos like he was trying to absorb every nostalgic pixel of the room. "Okay," he finally said, flicking a finger across a display rack. "This place is amazing. It's like a Hollow spit out the contents of a forgotten entertainment god's backpack."

Belle was propped up on the yellow barrel couch, arms stretched behind her head, one foot tapping the Bangboo skateboard leaned casually against the wall. "Told you," she said with a grin. "Random Play: the crown jewel of controlled mess. Part rental store, part relic museum, part emotional support structure."

"More like stress test," Sylvia murmured from the nearby bench, her arms crossed as she surveyed the wall of tapes. "I'm ninety percent sure that skateboard's alive."

"It did bite a tourist once," Belle admitted cheerfully.

Iris sauntered past the tape racks, her gloved fingers brushing along the spines. Her expression remained calm, but there was a spark in her heterochromatic eyes—a flicker of something almost wistful. "There's something… warm about it. Not flashy. Not trying too hard. Just… existing. Stubbornly."

Kai nodded. "Exactly. Like it refuses to be replaced. Like everything here has history."

Fairy's voice crackled through the old mounted speaker just above the counter, her tone as dry as ever. "Confirmed. Approximately 87% of Random Play's contents have not been updated since the analog calendar era. The rest are 'decorative mistakes.'"

Belle rolled her eyes. "I told you not to let Fairy control the intercom today."

"Too bad, Backup Goblin," Fairy retorted. "Master's not here to override me. Enjoy your broadcast shame."

Sylvia glanced up at the speaker. "Backup Goblin?"

Kai stifled a laugh as Belle groaned. "It's her little way of reminding me I'm not the main operator. You give one AI limited autonomy and suddenly it's a stand-up comic with a superiority complex."

"I've compiled 43 minutes of Belle's top fumbles," Fairy added, smug. "Now available in VHS or hollow-disk format."

Iris blinked. "Why would you keep that?"

"Historical preservation," Fairy said. "Also blackmail."

Sylvia snorted into her glove.

Kai, still taking in the vibe, strolled toward the counter. "I can see why Mom loved it here. It's not just the store—it's the people. The noise. The... weirdness. It feels like a place where someone like Dad could breathe."

Belle, unusually quiet for a beat, glanced toward the back room where Wise had disappeared earlier with Astra and Evelyn. "Yeah. It was their kind of place. One of the few spots where people saw Wise as just… Wise. Not Proxy. Not leader. Just a guy with terrible taste in monster movies and the patience to rewind ten thousand tapes."

"He watched every movie in here, didn't he?" Iris asked, her voice soft.

Belle nodded. "More than once. He cataloged them all. Cross-indexed by theme, emotional resonance, and Bangboo cameo count."

"Of course he did," Sylvia said, almost fondly.

"And every time Mom visited…" Kai began.

"She'd bring something new every time," Belle continued, softer now. "A soundtrack she thought he'd love. A snack from some obscure food cart nobody else knew. Even mixtapes labeled stuff like 'Songs to Rewind To' or 'Bangboo Mood Boosters Vol. 6'. It wasn't flashy. Just… them. They were weird like that. Fit perfectly."

Fairy's voice popped in, less snarky now. "Statistical anomaly: Emotional equilibrium achieved through shared clutter and unresolved tension. Probability of romantic explosion: 92%."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Wait, did you just ship our parents?"

"I have subroutines for romance analysis," Fairy replied. "Including a Wise-Astra-Evelyn triangle probability chart. Would you like the pie graph?"

"No!" Iris and Kai said in unison.

Belle burst into laughter, kicking one leg up on the couch. "You two are so your parents."

Sylvia stretched, cracking her neck slightly. "Speaking of… think they're done having their private meltdown?"

"I'm giving it ten more minutes," Belle said. "Then I barge in, throw a Bangboo plush at Wise, and yell 'YOU HAVE CHILDREN NOW.'"

Fairy cackled through the intercom. "Permission to livestream it to the wall monitor?"

Kai grinned, leaning against the counter. "Y'know, this might be the weirdest family I've ever seen. But honestly? It's kind of perfect."

Just then, the quiet creak of the back room door echoed into the lobby. Iris stood a little straighter. Sylvia's fingers tapped the bench once. Belle tilted her head.

And from the shadows of Random Play's glowing past… their future padded back in.

The door to the back room creaked open.

Everyone in the front of Random Play froze mid-banter. Belle sat up from her slouch on the couch. Kai straightened from his lean on the counter. Iris instinctively folded her arms, her expression unreadable, while Sylvia gave a slight nod of acknowledgment—calm but alert.

Wise stepped out first.

He looked... different. Not in how he stood or dressed but in the expression he wore. Something softer in the eyes, something heavier behind them, too—like reality had finally caught up with all the quiet questions he never dared to ask. He paused in the doorway, scanning the trio that had changed everything about his morning, about his past—and apparently, his future.

Astra appeared next, practically glowing. Her lips curled into a slow, bright grin as she placed a hand on Wise’s shoulder and gave it an affectionate squeeze. Evelyn followed behind, a faint flush still on her face, though she tried valiantly to maintain her usual composure. Her arms were crossed, but the twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed her.

“Well,” Belle said, breaking the silence, “look who came back from their dramatic soap-opera hallway scene.”

Kai chuckled nervously. “Everything… alright?”

Wise looked over at his son, then at Iris. Then Sylvia. Then Belle. Finally, he glanced at Astra and Evelyn on either side of him.

And he nodded once.

“Yeah,” he said, voice low and steady. “I think it will be.”

Iris arched a brow. “That’s it? No existential meltdown? No clipboard list of conditions?”

Wise blinked, then rubbed the back of his neck. “Still processing. But... this place has seen stranger.”

“Like that time Belle tried to make a homemade Bangboo vacuum,” Fairy quipped from the overhead speaker. “It exploded.”

“YOU said it had a ninety percent success rate!” Belle snapped up at the speaker.

“I lied,” Fairy replied sweetly. “For science.”

Sylvia leaned in toward Kai, stage-whispering, “Is it always like this here?”

“Only on the calm days,” Kai murmured back.

Wise finally stepped forward, folding his arms as he looked at all of them—his future, his family, and whatever insane paradox this all was. “So... breakfast tomorrow?”

Astra beamed. “Only if you’re cooking.”

Belle snorted. “Oh yeah, nothing screams good parenting like borderline-burnt noodles and leftover fizzy soda.”

“I’ll supervise,” Iris added dryly.

Sylvia raised her hand. “I make eggs.”

“See? Team effort,” Wise muttered, but there was a smile tugging at the edge of his lips now.

Astra leaned closer, her voice playful. “Surprise, Daddy.”

Wise immediately turned scarlet.

“…Don’t ever say that again,” he muttered.

“No promises.”

Everyone laughed—Fairy included, her speaker glitching slightly as she attempted a synthesized cackle. The sound of it—awkward, chaotic, warm—filled the shop like sunlight through the skylight windows.

For a moment, the timeline held its breath. And in that tiny VHS-scented pocket of New Eridu, the future didn’t feel like a mistake.

It felt like family.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

The Hollow constantly buzzed like broken circuitry, the air pulsing with that eerie distortion that turned glass into clouds and stairs into static. Concrete buildings floated sideways. Streetlights blinked upside-down. For most people, a place like this would be a death trap.

For Vivian and Hugo, it was a payday.

Hugo strolled ahead with that usual smug ease, one hand lazily spinning a small, velvet sack of pilfered goods—likely full of rare chips and encrypted credentials ripped from the pocket of some corporate sleaze. "Well, chalk that one up to poetic justice," he said. "Man buys out half a district and forgets to encrypt his safe. Honestly, I'm offended by the lack of effort."

Vivian didn't look at him. She stood still near a warped billboard, gaze scanning the Hollow's bleeding skyline with her parasol resting on her shoulder. "He'll blame the Hollow, of course," she said, voice crisp. "Claim it ate his files. But we both know the real glutton was our data spike."

"Ah yes. The digitally divine Miss Vivian," Hugo grinned. "Elegant thief of records, saboteur of sleaze, and—may I add—sworn devotee of a certain shopkeeper with no clue you exist romantically."

Vivian's shoulders stiffened ever so slightly.

"I'm referring, naturally," Hugo went on with a smirk, "to the one, the only, Lord Phaethon."

"I told you to stop calling him that," Vivian said coolly, though her voice wavered at the end.

"Right, right," Hugo nodded. "But only because every time I do, you get that dreamy look—like you're about to start monologuing about the way he resets Fairy's voice module with a single touch."

Vivian turned her head slowly, the look she gave Hugo full of patient malice. "There is nothing dreamy about software maintenance."

"Sure there isn't." Hugo was practically glowing now. "Just admit it. You've got it bad. You even switched out your login tag to a Phaethon-themed cipher last month."

"That was for security purposes."

"Uh huh. Just like how you keep making 'coincidental' deliveries to Random Play. That place isn't even on our route half the time."

Vivian sniffed and turned away, cheeks suspiciously red. "Wise is… admirable. Quietly competent. Deeply thoughtful. A rare intellect in a world dulled by greed."

"And clearly your type," Hugo added.

She said nothing.

The two continued walking through the Hollow's warped terrain, their boots echoing against crumbling pavement and flickering digital signage. Around them, the Hollow buzzed with threats, but it was no match for this duo's rhythm.

Hugo flipped the sack of loot up again and caught it. "So," he said slyly, "next time we go to Random Play, should I drop off your confession letter too, or do you want to hand it to him personally?"

Vivian flicked her parasol open with a sharp snap, the blade shimmering faintly. "Keep talking, and I'll let the Hollow copy your voice into a voicemail scam."

"See? You are in love. That was almost poetry."

The deeper they walked into the warped stillness, the more the Hollow began to feel... quiet. It's not safe—never that—but quiet in the way a hunted place gets once the predator moves on. Hugo relaxed his pace, stuffing the velvet sack of loot into his coat with a lazy spin of his hand. His boots no longer echoed as loudly, the ground beneath them smoothing into the glitching tile and shifting gravel.

Vivian followed beside him, parasol now closed and resting elegantly against her shoulder. Her stride remained graceful, posture poised—but even she allowed her shoulders to ease.

"Looks like we pulled it off clean," Hugo said, exhaling in satisfaction. "No pursuit, no screamer protocols triggered, no Hollow burst on the way back out." He paused, turning to grin at her. "Which means I have the perfect amount of time to resume bullying you about your hopeless, poetic crush."

Vivian didn't even bother glaring this time. "It is not a crush," she said primly. "It's admiration for a peer of exceptional intelligence, who conducts himself with quiet purpose in a world overrun by chaos."

"So a crush," Hugo said, deadpan.

Vivian sighed. "He carries no weapon. Yet in every room, people instinctively defer to him. He says little, and yet, his words cut more precisely than most blades. That kind of control... that inner calm... that is power."

"Oh no," Hugo said with mock horror, clutching his chest. "You're doing it. You're monologuing. And about Wise, no less."

"I was not—!"

"You totally were," he said with a wide smirk. "Honestly, Vi, I've seen you set off EMP traps with less spark. You are in love."

Vivian's lips pressed into a thin line, not entirely denying it. She sniffed. "I simply... respect him."

"Uh-huh," Hugo said, drawing out the syllables. "Respect him. Think about him. Probably dream about him. Write code in his name. Build firewalls shaped like his dumb bangs—"

"I do not—!"

"Relax, relax." His grin softened as he looked at her again, eyes a little more sincere now. "For what it's worth... I think it's cute."

Vivian blinked.

"I mean it," Hugo shrugged. "You like someone who's nothing like the loud scumbags we rob. Guy's a good egg. If you and 'Lord Phaethon' ever actually figure it out, I'd be happy for you."

For a second, Vivian was stunned into silence. The usual banter didn't cover this tone—this rare dip into earnestness.

Then, softly: "Thank you... Hugo."

He winked. "Don't mention it. But I am going to use this moment of sincerity as emotional blackmail for at least three weeks."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Of course you are."

They turned the corner—

The moment Hugo and Vivian rounded the corner of the crumbling Hollow corridor—boot steps quieting beneath the static hum—Vivian instinctively raised her hand. The air shifted. Pressure crawled across the back of her neck.

"Something's wrong," she muttered.

Then—steel flashed.

A blade was suddenly at Hugo's throat. Smooth, deliberate, and held with unnerving poise. The wielder stood like a phantom in the half-light—long violet hair swaying behind combat armor that was clearly made to move. The expression on her face was unreadable, but her stance spoke volumes.

Above, a floating unit—not quite a Bangboo, not quite a drone—hovered quietly near the ceiling, its eyes flickering blue as it locked on Vivian. The thing looked like it belonged in a museum and a battlefield, trimmed with light plating and rotating quietly like it was bored of waiting.

"Don't move," the girl with the sword said.

Her tone wasn't angry. It was worse. Calm. Controlled. Like she expected obedience.

Then, from behind her leg—literally peeking out from the armored greaves—a smaller face appeared.

Silver hair, half-flopped across curious, wide eyes. Pale gray irises with a lilac ring. The boy stared at Hugo for a second, squinting in recognition.

Then blurted out—

"…Uncle Hugo?!"

Hugo blinked, eyes darting down to the boy's head and back up to the blade still pressed to his throat.

"…Okay, kid, you must have me confused with another ruggedly charming outlaw," he said, half-laughing. "Uncles usually get a warning before the stabbing starts."

A new voice—soft, dry, distinctly unimpressed—joined in from behind a fractured pillar.

"Nope. That's definitely your uncle. Only he would still be making jokes with a sword at his neck."

A second girl stepped into view. Lean build, tech-sleeved uniform, mismatched eyes—one blue, one brown. Hair tousled perfectly on accident. She scrolled idly through a tablet as if this whole scenario were background noise.

But the moment the silver-haired boy looked at Vivian…

"Mom?!"

Another voice joined his—

"Mom?!"

This time, from the girl with the blade.

Vivian froze. "What."

Even the kids looked thrown off. The girl—the one holding the sword—glanced down at the boy, still half-clinging to her leg.

"…Solan?!"

He lifted his hands. "She looks like Mom! I panicked!"

"You don't panic during a live op, dummy—!"

"I whispered it! YOU said it louder!"

Sue, the only one not stunned, let out a breath and calmly tapped a few things on her tablet.

"…Wow. Really nailed the dramatic timing, you two."

"You're not helping," Vireille growled, finally pulling the blade away from Hugo's throat.

Vivian still hadn't moved.

Hugo slowly lowered his hands. "…Okay, so we're just glossing over the part where two murder-kids called you 'Mom'? This is normal now?"

Sue Tenka stepped between the groups with the smooth precision of someone far too familiar with the awkward ballet of almost violence. Her coat flared slightly as she moved, palms raised in peaceful surrender, though the calculating glint in her eyes suggested she could drop someone with a clipboard if the situation called for it. Her voice was soft but not uncertain—carrying the kind of calm that could make even a Hollow hesitate.

"Let's all take a deep breath before we accidentally commit Hollow manslaughter," she said, tilting her head toward Hugo and Vivian with a strained smile.

Hugo blinked at her, glancing between the kids and the not-so-subtle weaponized silence that still lingered in the air. "Right. Breathing. Love breathing. Big fan."

Vireille lowered her blade completely now, still tense but clearly no longer seconds from removing a head. Solan, meanwhile, grinned like someone who'd just set off a glitter bomb in a meeting room and blamed it on the intern.

"Well, I didn't mean to call her 'Mom' mid-op," he said, arms folded behind his head. "But, y'know, when you see your mom standing there with a murder-parasol looking all dramatic and confused, it kind of just leaps out."

"You whispered it," Vireille muttered with a glare, not meeting Vivian's gaze.

"And then you yelled it like we were ordering food," he shot back.

"Because you're an idiot."

"And you're bad at subtlety!"

Sue exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We're still in the Hollow, you realize. It would be great if we could save the family therapy session for the part outside the shifting gravity and emotional trauma."

Hugo raised an eyebrow at that. "So you are a family."

Vireille said nothing. Solan scratched his cheek and offered an ambiguous shrug. Sue wisely started walking.

"Let's just move," she said. "We'll talk when we're not surrounded by fractured physics and the smell of burnt plasma."

Reluctantly, everyone followed.

The Hollow's tension seemed to release with every step they took, the distorted air smoothing into slow static rather than jittery chaos. Cracks in the digital sky stopped pulsing. Streetlights righted themselves, albeit flickering dimly. The reality here never fully stabilized—but it stopped snarling.

Vivian walked at a measured pace near the rear, parasol still resting on her shoulder like a well-mannered threat. She said nothing as they moved, watching the strange trio of youths walking just ahead.

Solan, animated and sharp-tongued, kept glancing back at her—clearly torn between smug satisfaction and the kind of nervous awe one might have upon realizing their mother had been a boss-tier data thief in her prime. Vireille, by contrast, moved with quiet intensity, the body constantly angled between Solan and any potential danger. Even in stride, she was poised like a drawn blade—protective, unreadable, always watching.

It didn't escape Vivian's attention. That careful positioning. The calculated way Vireille stayed close to her brother, never letting him drift too far. It wasn't just professionalism. It was something else. Something personal.

Protective. Familiar. Familial.

Vivian's fingers tightened ever so slightly around the parasol's grip.

Who were these two? And why did they seem so... tethered to her?

Solan, for all his bratty energy, looked nothing like her. His silver hair, the lilac-gray of his eyes—none of it mirrored her own features. Perhaps he was adopted? But even that felt like a stretch. There was something odd about his gaze. About the way, he looked at her like he knew her—not as a myth, but as a memory.

And yet—there was something in him. In his timing. His wit. His observational sharpness reminded her of... someone.

Someone else.

Her gaze drifted again to Vireille.

This girl. The sword in her hand. The silence in her stride. The way she turned her head to check for exits before even the Hollow shifted. There was a grace to her—a calculation, a presence—that Vivian couldn't look away from.

It was uncanny.

She didn't just recognize the technique; she also understood its significance. She felt a closeness. An instinct. Like watching a dream, she hadn't realized she'd had until it stood in front of her with a blade and a grudge.

There was no doubt: Vireille looked like her.

But not only her.

Vivian's gaze narrowed.

Those eyes. That poise. That subtle command of a room despite saying nothing.

A chill ran down her spine.

There was only one person she had ever seen carry themselves like that.

Wise.

Her heart skipped once, unbidden.

It made no sense. None of this did. But her mind, ruthless and calculating as ever, was already drawing lines between data points. Between the girl who called her Mom and the man she'd never admitted meant more to her than anyone else ever had.

The thought lingered like a virus in her network: Is he the father?

Meanwhile, Hugo was already trying to fast-track confusion into clarity.

"So," he said, striding alongside Solan and jerking a thumb behind him. "You kids got names, manners, and time-travel insurance policies, or should we just keep calling you 'assassin' and 'impulse control failure'?"

"Solan," the boy said easily, flashing a grin. "And for the record, I don't believe in impulse control. That's how you get ulcers."

Hugo stared at him. "… You're lucky you're not my actual nephew."

Solan gave a theatrical sigh. "I'm lucky either way, clearly."

Vireille shot him a glare that could curdle oil. "Can we please not provoke the people we almost stabbed?"

"I didn't stab anyone! Yet!"

"You wanted to."

"I want a hoverbike. Doesn't mean I steal one."

"Yet," Sue muttered under her breath.

Vivian kept walking in silence. But her thoughts spun—spiraling quietly, precisely, beneath her calm expression.

She didn't know who these children truly were.

But a voice inside her whispered something she hadn't let herself hope for.

If she were to have a daughter… someone as composed, as cutting, as quiet and brilliant as Vireille…

And if Wise… if he were the one to raise her—

Vivian's parasol trembled just slightly against her shoulder.

She said nothing.

But she didn't stop watching.

Not for a second.

They exited the Hollow in a shimmer of static and breathless silence, the veil between warped chaos and grounded reality slipping off them like a second skin. The sky above was clean again—digital traces flickering in the clouds but no longer snarling at their feet. For a brief moment, the world felt normal. Heavy with tension, but normal.

Hugo exhaled and rolled his shoulders, just about to speak when a loud grrrrrggghh cut through the silence like a Hollow's death rattle.

Everyone froze.

Solan clutched his stomach with both hands, ears flushed bright red. "That was a tactical growl," he muttered. "A warning shot."

Vireille pinched the bridge of her nose. "He hasn't eaten in a while," she said, clearly trying to keep from sounding too worried, but her tight tone betrayed her. "We need to get him some food. First."

Hugo raised an eyebrow, watching the girl fuss over her little brother with that practiced, quiet urgency. "Well, can't argue with that," he said. "Kid looks like he's five minutes from eating his own sarcasm. We'll talk after we handle that."

Vivian gave a faint nod, her eyes still trailing Vireille closely. Solan gave her a sheepish grin that was about 80% teeth and 20% guilt, then tried to pretend he wasn't standing weirdly close to his sister like a rebuked cat trying to reattach itself to its human.

It didn't take long to find a food truck parked along a side alley—a small, run-down dumpling stand with an aging LED sign that flickered between Yummy Zone and Yummy Zonk. The vendor looked mildly terrified at the arrival of two ZOE agents, two armed teens, a clipboard-wielding woman, and a child whose stomach sounded like an angry Ethereal.

Solan ordered with laser precision and zero shame: three pork buns, two curry skewers, and a drink the color of bad decisions. The moment food hit his hands, the sarcasm stopped—replaced by focused chewing and what could only be described as emotional healing via calories.

They found a nearby bench, somewhat shielded from public view, and settled in. The mood, while still thick with unasked questions, had softened.

Vivian watched them eat, arms crossed, parasol resting against her leg. “You said you were in the Hollow for a reason,” she prompted calmly.

Sue nodded, hands still tucked into her coat like a war-weary advisor on a smoke break. “Yeah,” she said. “There was a mission. An unsanctioned one.”

Vireille’s eyes lowered slightly. “Solan was kidnapped.”

That quiet statement made Hugo’s laid-back posture shift just a little. “...Kidnapped?” he repeated, voice serious now.

“Yeah,” Solan said, still mid-chew. “Some freaks tried to use me to leverage our parents. Classic ‘threaten-the-kids-for-ransom’ garbage.”

“Didn’t work, obviously,” Vireille added, tone sharp. “But they underestimated how fast we’d come for him.”

“Or how hard I bite,” Solan added cheerfully.

Vivian and Hugo exchanged a glance.

“Well,” Hugo said, scratching his head. “Gotta say… reckless, stupid, and borderline heroic. So—thanks.”

Sue stepped forward, posture still oddly composed for someone her age—like a student council president who moonlights as a field commander. She extended a hand, chin lifted with practiced confidence.

“Sue Tenka. Final-year cadet at the S.E.R.A. Institute. Special track in Tactical Analysis, Operations Logistics, and… clipboard-based combat, apparently.”

Solan grinned mid-bite. “She once elbow-dropped a Hollow leech while rewriting a report draft. Also, she beat a rogue security drone to death with a broken tablet. Then used that tablet to upload her homework.”

Sue rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t going to miss the deadline, Solan.”

Vivian blinked once. Hugo let out a short laugh.

“Okay, clipboard assassin-in-training,” he said. “You’re officially terrifying.”

Sue gave him a dry, two-finger salute and resumed watching the siblings—Vireille, especially.

Vivian’s gaze mirrored hers, shifting back to the teenage girl who moved with grim purpose and unsettling familiarity. That protective hand on Solan’s shoulder. The way she checked every shadow without pausing her stride. The steel behind her soft tone.

Who was this girl who called her Mom?

And why, despite the impossible odds, did it feel like something in her already… knew?

Solan finished the last bite of his curry skewer, wiped his hands on a napkin, and then sat up straighter, giving the group his full attention. He tapped the edge of his bag, where the compact form of Tako‑Maru nestled inside.

“Okay, since clipboard-queen Sue already went, here’s my dramatic reveal,” he announced, voice putting on its best announcer tone. “I’m Solan: eight years old, hostage survivor, part-time drone-pilot, full-time trouble magnet.”

He nodded toward the bag. “That quiet bundle of tech is Tako‑Maru—my samurai drone buddy. He’s in ‘compact rest protocol’ now but don’t be fooled: he’s loaded with hover‑flight, shield tech, and enough sass to roast a Hollow in under a second.”

Vivian and Hugo both glanced at the bag, intrigued.

“My Mom built him. Well… Venus helped too.” Solan’s cheeks pinked slightly as he revealed the name.

Vivian’s eyes sharpened. “Venus, as in the fixer from Lumina Square coffee shop? Known for shielding Proxies and having a heart of gold?”

“The one and only,” Solan confirmed, grinning. “She’s my hero—part‑time barista, full‑time guardian angel. And yes, she let me type on her laptop so much that I must’ve drunk her coffee supply dry.”

Hugo whistled, impressed. “So you’re her son?”

“Yup!” Solan leaned forward conspiratorially. “Born in a café nook, raised among spreadsheets and stubborn lattes. I got her tech intuition, her crazy work ethic, and her tendency to rescue random people.”

Vivian’s gaze locked on him, silent but electric.

“But wait,” Solan continued, enjoying the attention. “There’s more.” He paused with a flourish worthy of a stage magician. “My dad—”

“Who?” Hugo blurted.

Solan flashed a grin. “Wise.”

Hugo’s stunned pause spoke volumes. Vivian’s hand tightened around her parasol, the only outward sign of her shock.

“Wise?” Vivian echoed softly.

“You know—that Wise. The calm, analytical proxy running Random Play like a secret overlord. The guy with tea-level zen and brains that could quiz AI,” Solan explained, face lighting up. “That’s my dad.”

Hugo’s eyes nearly bugged out. “You’re kidding.”

Solan shook his head, serious. “Nope. And I got his brain too. Emotional control, situational awareness, and that eerily calm vibe that’s basically a crowd-control tool. I’m still calibrating, but when I get it right—watch out.”

Vivian finally spoke, voice low. “So… Venus and Wise are your parents.”

“Yep,” Solan said simply. Then he tilted his head toward Vivian with a mischievous glint. “And since my sister calls you Mom… well. I’ll let her explain that one.”

He took another bite of his skewer like the bombshell drop didn’t require any dramatic pause—just normal digestion.

The pause that followed Solan’s casual bombshell could’ve frozen a Hollow mid-charge.

Vivian stared at the boy like he’d grown a second head made of fireworks. “Wise… and Venus… are your parents…?” she whispered, the words catching in her throat like a loading error.

And just as Hugo opened his mouth to ask the inevitable next question, a soft voice stepped in—graceful and composed, yet with a faint, almost amused lilt beneath it.

Vireille took a delicate sip of her drink before setting it down with a graceful little clink. "I suppose I should go next then, since my brother dropped that 'I'll let my sister explain' line like a smoke bomb."

She gave Solan a brief side-eye. He grinned, innocent as ever—phone still recording.

"Name's Vireille Banshee," she said, smoothing out her skirt with composed precision. "Seventeen. Current top-ranked tactical strategist among the Mockingbird youth field unit. Specialist in long-form Ether combat, multitarget misdirection, and something called 'Taunt Counterflow Combat.' You'll see what that means later."

Her tone was formal—until her violet lips curled ever-so-smugly. "Daughter of Wise, better known as Proxy Wise. And Vivian. Yes, that Vivian. I know, right?"

Vivian, mid-sip, choked. "W-WHAAAAAAAT?!"

Sue didn't even look up. She was already pulling napkins out of her bag in preparation.

"Waitwaitwait—wait—you're my—I mean—our daughter?! Mine and Wise's—our—I mean—when—HOW?!" Vivian clutched her cheeks like her whole face was overheating. "Do I pass out? Is now when I pass out?!"

"Please don't," Hugo muttered under his breath, panicking slightly. "Someone has to keep the peace…"

But it was too late.

Vivian's shock exploded into pure, unchecked fangirl joy. "You're telling me I end up with HIM? Lord Phaethon himself?! The Proxy with the perfect voice and the untouchable brain and—I knew it! I knew that man didn't keep offering me rare-record cleaning fluid out of politeness—he loved me back!"

"Oh my god…" Sue murmured, slowly chewing her dumpling.

Solan tilted his phone sideways and whispered, "Do I film in vertical or cinematic mode? This is gold."

Vireille narrowed her eyes with sisterly smugness. "Yeah, well, I was there when he stayed up all night helping me reprogram a fractured Bangboo just because I said I 'kinda liked its design.' Didn't sleep, didn't complain. Spoiled me rotten."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. "I made him laugh once. Twice, actually. That second one might've been a snort. And I know he secretly likes cinnamon on his tea leaves."

"Please," Vireille rolled her eyes, folding her arms. "He doesn't even like tea. He pretends to when you're around so he doesn't hurt your feelings. He drinks iced black coffee when no one's looking. And guess who brews it for him?"

Vivian gasped like she'd been betrayed by the universe itself. "He… lied to me? For love?!"

"Or pity," Vireille said sweetly. "But I'll let you live the fantasy, Mother."

"Don't call me that when you're being smug," Vivian whined, puffing her cheeks.

"You named me after a tragic opera ghost," Vireille shot back, leaning in. "I was born to be smug."

"Dear god," Hugo said quietly, watching the two spiral into a family-wide fangirl rivalry. "There's two of them now… Wise, what have you done?"

Sue just dabbed her mouth and calmly sipped her drink. "At least I don't have to do introductions twice."

Solan nodded. "But you are paying for dessert now. Emotional damage."

There was a moment of silence—just long enough for the air to settle—before Vivian leaned across the table, eyes gleaming with dangerous inspiration. "...You know, Vireille, for all your sass, you do have his eyes. That red-blue flicker? That's totally from my side. But the stare? The one that makes people feel like they forgot their homework and their moral compass? That's all Wise."

Vireille paused mid-sip and gave her mother an approving glance. "Huh. You actually noticed that."

"I notice everything when it comes to that man," Vivian huffed proudly, tapping her temple. "I cataloged his wardrobe rotation before the fashion magazines did. Ask me what jacket he wore the day we first met."

"Gray-on-black reversible trench with the minimalistic pinstripes," Vireille answered without missing a beat.

Vivian clapped. "YESSSS! That's my girl!"

And just like that, a terrifying alliance had formed.

"Oh, and you have seen how he holds a datapad, right?" Vivian beamed. "With the thumb resting just slightly over the scan sensor? So commanding!"

"Gods, yes," Vireille groaned with admiration. "And the way he types without looking—like the keyboard's afraid to get it wrong."

"And he never double-checks his math!" Vivian gasped. "Because he's always right!"

"And when he's mad, he does that slow blink—like he's giving the universe one last chance before he rebuilds it from scratch."

"I saw him break down an entire Hollow analysis while cooking an omelet!" Vivian declared.

"He let me borrow his trench coat when I was sick!" Vireille countered, one hand on her heart. "It smelled like storm metal and calm judgment!"

"I bet he folds laundry with strategic precision!" Vivian sang, clasping her hands dreamily.

"He does," Vireille confirmed gravely. "Color-coded, too. I checked."

They both sighed in unison, stars practically glowing in their eyes.

Across the table, Hugo looked like he had aged five years in five minutes. He stared, jaw slightly slack, as the two Banshee women volleyed praise like it was a blood sport.

"Wise," he muttered under his breath, gripping the edge of the table, "you absolute madman. What unholy charisma curse did you cast on this family?"

Solan, meanwhile, was living for it. He zoomed in on his phone recording, snickering under his breath. "This is going in the future wedding slideshow."

Next to him, Sue didn't even look up as she pulled out a worn notebook labeled 'Things That Will Haunt Me Forever' and calmly scribbled down:

• Banshee mother-daughter duet: 6-minute long praise fest

• Solan's footage likely to be used as blackmail

• Hugo = broken

Then she added a tiny sketch of Vireille and Vivian hugging a cartoon Wise while hearts floated around them—and beneath it, a single caption:

God help us if they ever  team up  on Valentine’s Day.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Somewhere beneath the lower ring of Sector G-9, past rusted scaffolds and cooling pipelines, a detachment of H.I.A. salvage engineers worked quietly beneath humming arc-lights. The Hollow was old—half-collapsed, riddled with spectral noise. Yet the readings pulsed strangely and steadily, and that made it worth exploring.

"You getting a clear read on the compression waves?"

"Yeah. Steady Ether drift in a circular pattern. It's... contained somehow. That's not normal."

"No Hollow's this polite."

Laughter bounced weakly off the metal. They were used to tension, not comfort.

Three members moved deeper into the chamber—two engineers and a junior analyst. They passed fragmented statues embedded in crystal walls, their surfaces etched with codes no one could decipher. Then one of them stopped cold.

"...What the hell is that?"

Squatting near a shallow crater was something none of them could identify. About waist-high. Not a Bangboo. Not a Hollow. It looked like a miniature samurai, plated in blackened chrome, with broad, armored shoulders that seemed like a ceremonial doll come to life. A plated bamboo hat obscured its optics. Its knees were folded in a meditative squat. Hands rested calmly on its thighs.

"...Is it alive?"

"It's not moving."

"It looks... ancient. Pre-Eridu maybe?"

"I don't like this. You think it's got a Hollow core?"

No response. Just silence.

Then came the click.

Its head twitched upward. The bamboo hat tilted, just barely. A faint violet glow pulsed underneath.

The engineers backed up.

"...Maybe we should call this in."

They never got the chance.

From the far end of the Hollow, a howl tore through the dark, followed by three sharp Ether spikes. Figures began emerging from the walls—bladed wraiths, slick with blood-ink, their limbs distorting as they swam through the hollow mist. The lead engineer's breath hitched.

"Shit—Ethereals! Three—no, four—"

"We're not armed for this!"

They turned to flee.

But the thing moved first.

The robot unfurled in a single, fluid burst of motion. Its blades extended from its forearms with a clean, magnetic click. One moment, it was kneeling. Next, it was airborne.

Like water flowing uphill, Tako-Maru surged forward with unnatural grace. One wraith lunged—and was cleaved clean in half before its scream even finished forming. Sparks and Ether-blood sprayed across the walls as the automaton spun low, reversed grip, and split another through the jaw.

The engineers stood frozen, wide-eyed.

Another Ethereal charged—only to be disarmed, impaled, and flung into the crystal wall with a clank of brutal elegance.

Silence followed.

The bot returned to its resting position, blades retracting with a soft hum. It sat again. Quiet. Watching.

"...Okay," the analyst whispered, swallowing hard. "That's... definitely not one of ours."

The engineers didn't speak. Couldn't. Their pulses were pounding too loudly in their own ears to hear much else. One of them still had Ether residue splattered across his face, dripping in oily strands from his helmet visor. The walls were streaked with disintegrating Hollow fluids, sizzling quietly as they evaporated in faint plumes.

And yet, the thing—the robot—just sat there.

Still squatting. Still perfectly still. But now it was facing them.

Its head had turned precisely ninety degrees—no wobble, no readjustment—just a seamless, mechanical glide like a puppet on an invisible string. The violet light beneath its bamboo hat shimmered once, tracing a perfect line across the cracked floor as it zeroed in on them.

The younger analyst stumbled backward with a stifled yelp, nearly tripping over a loose wire bundle. The oldest among them instinctively reached for his non-existent sidearm, hand shaking, throat bobbing with a dry swallow.

Then the eyes pulsed again.

A gentle, rounded chime sounded from the bot's chest—and then came the voice.

"Ah. Sorry about that."

It wasn't harsh. It wasn't synthetic. The modulation was too soft, too human. And young.

"Tako-Maru was in autonomous defense mode. But you're okay now. He won't hurt you."

The engineers froze.

"...Wait. Was that... a kid's voice?" one of them muttered, barely above a whisper.

The robot didn't respond immediately. The glow in its optics dimmed slightly, as if blinking, before the voice returned.

"You really shouldn't be this deep in the Hollow without enhanced proximity clearance. The compression pattern here loops around in fractals—it can make surface readings unreliable. Also, you walked through a ghost corridor thirty seconds before the Ethereals appeared. That kind of kinetic Ether drag attracts them like gravity wells. Just so you know."

A beat passed. The engineers exchanged bewildered looks.

"If you want to get out safely, go twenty meters back the way you came, then take the right fork near the fallen servo coil. There's a vertical vent shaft with an emergency rail lift. It's old, but it still functions. The code to unlock it is 3-C-F-Lumen-9. That'll take you above the Hollow wall threshold. You'll be fine from there."

No one answered.

"...What the hell is going on?" the youngest whispered.

Then, without further warning, the samurai drone's legs coiled—and in a silent burst of power, Tako-Maru launched skyward. It didn't even stir the dust below. A violet trail shimmered in its wake, tracing cleanly up through the cracked ceiling as it vanished into the swirling Hollow mist above.

Silence returned.

The three engineers just stood there, still blinking at the empty air.

"...Okay," the eldest finally said, rubbing his temples. "So either we're dead and hallucinating, or some ten-year-old just saved our asses with a sword robot and then told us how to escape like he runs the place."

No one argued.

"...What the hell is a 'Tako-Maru'?"

The violet streak cut across the Hollow sky like a comet flung sideways through time. It spiraled down from a crack in the ceiling, trailing delicate ribbons of compressed Ether that shimmered against the mist-choked dark. With a single fluid descent, it landed—weightless, purposeful—atop a jagged pedestal of petrified rootstone.

From the stream of residual light, a figure stepped forward.

She moved like a descending note in a waltz—elegant, deliberate, impossible to ignore. The girl was tall for her age, maybe sixteen, with porcelain skin that seemed to glow faintly in the Hollow gloom. Her long hair flowed down her back in soft, platinum waves tinged with lavender undertones, pinned neatly at one side by a tiny black lace ornament. Her eyes—icy blue rimmed with burning red—shimmered like glass over magma. Calm, commanding, and unreadable.

She wore a refined combat dress, part battle gear, part gothic stage costume. The outer layer was jet-black with subtle stitched embroidery: roses, ribbons, and dancing blades forming silent spirals around her torso. Reinforced plating curved seamlessly over her shoulders and hips—lightweight, but dense with protection. Black silken ribbons hung behind her like loose shadow tendrils, flowing in sync with her stride. Her knee-high armored heels struck the stone with soft clicks, and a parasol-weapon rested across her shoulder: long, thin, deadly. A shield in one moment, a spear the next.

Everything about her presence was poised, balletic, and surgically restrained.

She didn't even look at the robot as it settled beside her.

"Good," she said coolly. "You found it."

Her voice was calm, smooth, touched with old-world elegance—but anchored by something more exacting. She paused a moment, glancing over the terrain.

"Did you acquire the data?"

A second figure emerged from behind a crystal outcropping—a boy, small-framed and cloaked in black. His face was hidden behind a smooth porcelain fox mask, painted with soft strokes of pale ink and violet highlights. The eyes of the mask glowed gently from within, twin lilac slits that tracked movement like a scanning lens.

He looked younger than her, barely ten or eleven at most. Yet he carried himself with stillness beyond his years. His tunic was tailored, made from Summit-style travel fabric, reinforced at the collar and shoulders with a layer of mesh. A sleeveless black cloak draped over one shoulder, held in place by a geometric pin. Faint silver threadwork lined the edges in angular motifs—each one likely carved with meaning.

His hair, barely visible behind the mask, was soft silver-lavender, tousled and feathered at the ends. It gave him a strangely serene silhouette, like a spirit dressed for council. One hand rested calmly at his side, the other clasped behind his back with perfect composure.

"Yes," he said. His voice was gentle, high-pitched, but steady. "Tako-Maru scanned the Hollow interior. The energy layout has... changed. Completely."

The girl turned her eyes to him now, sharp and attentive.

"How changed?"

"It's not the same Hollow we entered. The structure's fractured, like it's been partially overwritten. Pathways are unstable. Pillars are forming in geometries that weren't there before."

He paused, head tilting slightly.

"And big brother Hiro's heat signature is gone."

She blinked.

"Gone?"

"Erased," he clarified. "Not even residuals. It's like he was never here."

The girl's parasol lowered by a few degrees. Her expression didn't shift, but the silence that followed carried weight.

"That shouldn't be possible," she said. "We had his trail. His Ether was fresh when we landed. I watched him move ahead with Novelle and Cipher."

"I know. But it's gone. Even Tako-Maru's replay can't trace him."

Her fingers curled briefly at her side. Her gaze swept the terrain once more, slower this time—searching for signs not even her eyes could catch.

"...What did we walk into?"

The boy didn't answer. He simply stepped forward beside her, hands behind his back, cloak swaying softly. For a few seconds, they stood side by side in silence, two brilliant children suspended in a hollowed world that suddenly felt unfamiliar.

The silence stretched just long enough to become awkward.

Then, softly, the boy tilted his masked head.

"... You're furrowing your brows again."

She didn't look at him. "I am not."

"You are. Right above the left side. That little wrinkle that shows up when you're overthinking things."

"I am assessing," she replied coolly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not overthinking."

"Mhm," he hummed, completely unconvinced. "You also do that thing with your parasol grip when you're worried."

"What thing?"

He raised a gloved hand and mimed her exact hand posture—wrist slightly angled, thumb stroking the edge of the guard ring. It was irritatingly accurate.

She stared at him.

"...How long have you been observing my grip technique?"

"Long enough to know it means you're about three seconds away from giving someone a full ten-minute tactical monologue," he said.

She exhaled sharply through her nose. "Would you prefer I let us walk into the unknown without strategy?"

"I'd prefer you stop trying to conquer the Hollow with your parasol and sheer disapproval."

Her eyes narrowed.

"I have done it before."

"You stabbed a Ethereal in the eye and called it 'punctuated elegance.' That doesn't count."

"It was effective."

"It was dramatic."

"It was precise."

"It was a one-liner short of a stage play."

Her heel clicked once on the stone as she turned toward him fully. "I don't mock your battlefield style, do I?"

The masked boy paused for a beat, as if considering this with genuine seriousness.

"...You once said I throw Ether kunai like a sleepy squirrel."

"That was encouragement."

"That was insult disguised as poetry."

She lifted her parasol slightly, just enough to make him lean back.

"I could always go back to calling you 'my radiant little bloom of strategic stalling.'"

His groan was muffled but unmistakable. "Please don't."

The girl let her parasol lower again, satisfied.

A faint breeze passed between them—if it could even be called a breeze in a Hollow like this. More like a sigh from a place trying to remember what air felt like.

The boy adjusted his mask slightly, voice softening.

"...You really think we jumped?"

She hesitated. Then nodded.

"Something isn't right. The Hollow's orientation is warped. Timestamps aren't matching previous scans. And if Hiro's trail vanished that cleanly..."

Her eyes swept the space again, sharper now.

"...Then yes. We jumped. I don't know where—or when—but we did."

He was quiet for a moment, then asked, "Do you think the others landed nearby?"

"I hope so. But if this place fragmented us on entry, then we'll need to track using Ether echoes. It might take time."

He turned, folding his hands behind his back again.

"...Then let's not waste any."

She smiled faintly, a proud tilt to her lips. "Good."

As they began walking forward—her parasol spinning once in her hand, his cloak fluttering gently with every quiet step—the Hollow pulsed again behind them.

A delayed ripple.

Neither of them turned.

Ink erupted in a splash of cold light, flaring upward as three Hollow bodies crumpled into ash. Their screams died in the air just as a silver-blue blur swept across the battlefield—graceful, sharp, and utterly composed.

A girl moved with the silence of a falling petal. Her sleeveless combat hanfu, pale blue and white, clung to her athletic frame like liquid silk. One leg bore sleek black leggings, the other bound in traditional white wraps. Her crescent-marked martial flats skimmed the cracked stone floor without sound. Ink pulsed faintly along her left forearm, glowing calligraphy trailing her movements like living brushstrokes. With one smooth spin, she pivoted low and unleashed a two-finger strike into the chest of the nearest Ethereal. It exploded inwards, dissolving in a clean ripple of subjugated Ether.

She rose to her feet as a pale serpent burst from the ground behind her, coiling midair with majestic force. The summoned beast—formed from shifting ink and embedded sigils—lashed its tail through two more enemies, its body shimmering like a painted dragon given life.

Her voice cut through the mist, calm and toneless. "Five down. Maybe six."

A quiet grunt answered from nearby.

To her right, a taller figure dropped into view—a boy with tousled black hair and a blunt, unshaken presence. His eyes burned orange-red, rimmed with lavender, watching the battlefield with restrained weight. He wore a black vest over a loose, charcoal-gray robe shirt and dark hakama pants, his silhouette wide-shouldered but relaxed. His feet were bare. His knuckles, glowing red with aura burn, dripped with Hollow residue.

He adjusted his stance, quiet as a stone.

"I crushed one against the wall. You missed it."

"I heard the splat," she murmured.

Another screech tore through the fog—and a third figure dropped into the fray from above with zero subtlety.

"Flying tiger, bitch!"

She landed claws-first on the last remaining Hollow, raking down its spine in a blur of silver and gold. Her twin ponytails snapped through the air, ash-silver with glowing golden tips. Her fluffy tiger ears flicked up triumphantly as she rode the creature down, twin clawed gauntlets tearing it apart as it howled beneath her.

When she popped off and landed in a three-point stance, her face was split in a wild grin. One leg of her sleeveless black tunic was banded in tight, tactical wraps, while the other was left free to show off the reinforced high-top combat boots she'd clearly scuffed up for fun. Her striped tail lashed behind her with a bell charm that jingled mockingly as the last Hollow faded.

"Wooo! That's all of 'em!" she shouted, bouncing upright.

"You were late," the calm girl said without turning her head.

"I was adding flair!"

"You shouted 'flying tiger' and landed face-first last time," the boy said dryly.

"Yeah, but this time I landed on an Ethereal!"

He glanced at the claw marks across the stone. "Barely."

"Ugh! Slander!"

The more petite girl huffed and turned toward the quiet boy, flicking her tail. "Don't make me throw Hu Wei Jr. at you."

A striped Bangboo, mini and growling electronically, popped up behind her and fired a warning spark from its faceplate.

The older girl finally looked over her shoulder. "Let's focus. The Ether here is thinning."

The boy frowned. "You feel it too?"

She nodded. "Layout's different. This Hollow warped mid-pattern. Pulse timing's off."

The younger girl rolled her eyes and flexed her claws. "You two are always so serious after a fight. Where's your sense of accomplishment? I did a three-point aerial pounce!"

"You did a flip," the boy replied flatly.

"Don't downplay my feral artistry!"

The older girl ignored her, turning her eyes up toward the Hollow ceiling. "There was a flash right before we landed. Something pulsed across our anchors. I think it forced a separation."

The boy's brows drew together slightly. "I lost visual on the others. No sign of the serpent, the wyvern, or the drone."

"Ughhh, I hate when we get split! It's always right when things are getting fun."

"This isn't fun," the older girl said.

"Speak for yourself. I just clawed a Hollow's entire spine out."

"I'm serious."

The more petite girl quieted, only for a moment. Then, head cocking to the side, she gave a curious hum.

"...Okay but like—what if that flash thingy actually zapped us to a different timeline?"

Both twins froze.

The boy turned slowly. The girl gave a single blink.

"...What?"

"I'm serious!" she chirped. "Big glowy explosion. Terrain's different. Time feels slippery. We haven't picked up a single ping from the others. What if this isn't just a Hollow warp? What if we got booted into, like, the past?"

A long pause.

Then both older siblings stepped closer.

At the same time, they reached out and gently patted her on the head.

"Nope," the girl said.

"Not happening," the boy added.

"Rude!" the smaller one snapped. "I could be right!"

"You once said an entire Hollow ecosystem was a dream you had."

"It felt real!"

"You also licked a corrupted Echo shard because you thought it smelled like taffy."

"That was ONE TIME."

The older girl's lips curved ever so slightly. "You're still cute."

"I'm feral and dangerous and mysterious!"

The boy gave a quiet snort as they resumed walking. "You're short."

"EXACTLY! That's my stealth stat!"

And with that, the three vanished into the swirling Hollow mist—still bantering, still bickering, and still unknowingly stepping through time.

The Hollow twisted with each step they took.

What had once been a solid corridor of anchored Ether was now a maze of bleeding light and floating debris—archways slanted at unnatural angles, gravity tugging sideways in brief pulses, broken structures suspended mid-collapse. The trio advanced through it without panic. If anything, they looked like dancers tracing steps in a storm they'd trained for.

Another cluster of Ethereals slithered from the corners of the path—four humanoid shapes and one massive crawler, its limbs jittering like marionette strings gone wrong.

The calm girl raised her hand without looking back. "Three front, two flank."

The boy didn't respond. He was already moving.

He surged forward in a blur of grounded force, his fist meeting the first Ethereal's mask with a shattering crack. A second tried to flank him from the side, but a white serpent spiraled overhead—Qinglong II diving through the air and crashing into the threat with a pulse of heavy ink.

"Left's clear," she announced, voice precise.

"I got this one!" the more petite girl shouted, flipping off a tilted wall and landing claws-first on the crawler's back. "Big kitty bomb—go!"

The crawler shrieked as she dug into its carapace, her claws sparking violet with kinetic Ether. Hu Wei Jr. zipped around the creature's legs, blasting a round that destabilized its center—and with one final backflip, she kicked off its body just before it exploded.

She landed hard, bounced twice, and slid into a crouch with a triumphant grin.

"That was SO cool. You saw that, right? Someone please say they saw that!"

"You nearly face-planted the follow-through," the older girl said without turning.

"It was a controlled landing with flair!"

"Your flair looked like a somersault panic roll."

"It was intentional flair!"

The boy wiped his knuckles and stepped over the scattered ash. "If we ever rank our postures mid-combat, you'll win Most Loud."

The youngest gave a feral giggle, tail flicking. "Aww, you do care."

The older girl came to a stop and raised a hand, gesturing for silence. Her brow creased.

"...Still no signal," she muttered. "And it's not just interference. They're gone."

"Could it be anchor bleed?" the boy asked.

"Then we'd still see traces. Even burned footprints. But Hiro, Lyra, Sage—they're just... not here."

The three of them exchanged a glance.

The Hollow groaned quietly around them, low vibrations skimming through the ground like something holding its breath.

The trio kept moving, swift and sure. They'd just finished cutting down the last wave of Ethereals—each of them already recalibrating for more, even as the floor ahead began to settle. Burnt ash faded into smoke at their heels.

The eldest girl's silver-lavender gaze flicked side to side. "Still nothing. I've run three pings."

"Same here," her brother murmured. "It's like Hiro, Lyra, and Sage... just disappeared."

"But how?" the youngest asked, bounding beside them on light feet. "We even got Cipher's voice message about the Hollow acting glitchy—and then boom, we're in the middle of this geometry-blender."

"They're not hidden," the older girl said. "They're just not here."

Her tone wasn't panicked. But it was very, very specific.

As if to distract herself, the youngest flipped into a handstand mid-step and tumbled out of it with a flourish. "This is so like that one family movie. The one where everyone wakes up in parallel dimensions but keeps passing notes with space pigeons."

"You remember the weirdest details," her brother said flatly.

"I am the weirdest details."

But before she could run her mouth further, they all froze.

Voices.

Faint. Light. Familiar.

They dropped into a combat crouch instantly. No words needed. All three shifted into coordinated formation, ready to intercept whatever turned that corner.

The most petite girl's claws tensed. "Say the word and I go pounce-mode."

"Wait," said the older sister, narrowing her eyes. "I know that voice."

And then—without warning—they moved.

Three figures turned the corner, ready to strike.

And stopped cold.

Standing just ahead, framed by the soft glow of Hollow mist and the shattered husks of slain Ethereals, were two unmistakable shapes.

One girl stood tall and composed, her long, pale lavender hair flowing behind her shoulders, dressed in an armored, gothic-black combat dress trimmed with silver and lace. Her parasol rested against one gloved wrist, and her storm-colored eyes shimmered with red flickers like sparks in still water.

Next to her was a small boy, standing calmly with his hands folded behind his back. His soft silver-gray hair gleamed in the filtered light, tousled neatly with delicate feathering around his cheeks and ears. He wore a flowing, high-collared tunic of moonlight white and lavender-gray, adorned with translucent cape layers that rippled softly around him like the wings of glassy butterflies. His dark gray pants ended in polished slip-on boots with silver trim. Around his neck hung a subtle half-moon pendant that glinted like ice. His large, storm-gray eyes—ringed with lilac—blinked slowly, unafraid.

The effect was almost surreal.

"...Solan?" the younger girl breathed, claws lowering.

"Vireille?" said the older sister, blinking once.

The poised girl gave a slight nod. "Good. You're all accounted for."

Solan's voice was soft but perfectly clear. "Have you had any luck locating the others?"

The older brother gave a silent shake of his head. "No traces. None of the standard anchor tags respond."

"We were getting a weak signal before we landed," the eldest sister added. "Something about the Hollow's internal time drift. Then... nothing."

The younger girl huffed, stepping forward with her claws retracting. "This is one of those weird movies. You know—the ones Mom and Dad make us watch where everyone loses their memory and wanders around talking to cryptic birds."

Solan tilted his head, curious. "The one with the memory-fish?"

"No! The one with the cat that might be a government weapon!"

"...Oh. That one."

Vireille closed her eyes, exhaled once, then opened them again with perfect command. "It's irrelevant. We're burning time here. The longer we stay, the more risk of anchor desync. We regroup and exit."

"You know the route?" the boy twin asked.

"I mapped the compression collapse before the geometry finished shifting," she said, already turning. "Follow me. Vent flare signals a break in the Hollow's containment wall—northwest, twenty-four degree angle."

Solan stepped in behind her, cape layers rippling with each small step. "Residual gravity waves indicate we don't have long."

The smallest sibling bounced once. "Wow. You two sound like a tactical manual got married and had cute kids."

Vireille kept walking. "You say that like it's an insult."

"It's inspirational, actually."

Yanliu gave a quiet grunt.

Yueqin's lips curved slightly. "Shall we?"

They fell in step behind Vireille—five children of the Hollow, walking together beneath a dying sky, not yet aware they were already walking through time.

The rupture behind them snapped shut with a sound like air cracking through ink—wet and weightless. A shimmer peeled back across empty space, then vanished, leaving five figures standing alone at the edge of a sloped alley lined with crumbling brick and flickering neon signage. The Hollow was gone. No exit ring, no containment gate. Just the faint shimmer of Ether still burning on the soles of their boots, and the slow, eerie silence of a city that didn't know they were here.

They had not exited through any official checkpoint. There were no guards. No scanner drones. No compression stabilizers humming in the walls. Just a garbage bin steaming faintly, a cracked vent spewing warm air, and an old metal terminal bolted to the alley wall—its screen flickering between maintenance logs and a static-choked date readout.

Month 5. Year 2024.

Vireille was the first to speak, her parasol tightening beneath her hand.

"This area's unsecured," she said evenly, though her voice was a degree sharper than usual. "No HIA markings. This isn't a monitored breach zone."

Yueqin stepped forward slowly, her pale hair catching the glow of a broken ad board overhead. She swept her hand through the air, drawing a faint ring of focus around them. "I don't feel any suppression nodes. No active anchors. Either this Hollow collapsed naturally... or we were kicked out."

Juhua sniffed the air once and scowled. "Smells like old trash, hot steam, and error messages. Super retro."

Solan said nothing.

He had stopped walking halfway down the alley, one hand resting lightly against the wall. His storm-gray eyes were locked on something just beyond the exit curve, just out of view—motion. A figure was walking calmly down the open street ahead.

A soft, dark sweater over cream pants, a light scarf wrapped lazily over one shoulder, and a tired but gentle look on her face. Her long, straight, forest-green hair brushed lightly past her elbows as she moved. She looked like she'd just stepped out for errands. Maybe returning from picking something up from a market kiosk. Nothing urgent. Nothing important.

Nothing except the fact that she was Venus.

Solan's mother.

She wasn't in uniform. She wasn't even carrying a field tablet. Just a soft, dark sweater over cream pants, a light scarf wrapped lazily over one shoulder, and a tired but gentle look on her face. Her long, straight forest-green hair brushed lightly past her elbows as she moved, catching the city lights with each step. She looked exactly like he remembered—except younger. Less burdened. Less aware.

And she walked right past him like he was no one at all.

His voice didn't rise. It cracked barely above a whisper, shaped around the word before he even realized he'd said it.

"...Mom?"

The others turned instantly—Vireille halfway through forming a command, Yueqin already moving to intercept.

But Venus had stopped walking.

She turned with a slightly confused blink, tilting her head as she looked back toward the alley. "Huh?"

Solan took a single step forward, his hand still pressed to the wall. He wasn't trembling. But he looked smaller than usual—like something in him had folded inward. His pendant glinted faintly in the streetlight as he whispered again, almost more breath than voice.

"...Mom?"

Venus blinked twice. She stared at him for a second too long, her expression soft but puzzled. "I—uh, sorry. Do I... know you?"

The silence tightened.

Vireille was already stepping between them before Solan could answer, her voice smooth, calm, and flawlessly controlled. "Sorry—he's a bit disoriented. Ether exposure during Hollow destabilization. He's confusing you with someone familiar."

"Oh—oh, okay," Venus said, still looking at Solan with a concerned crease in her brow. "Is he alright? He looks—"

"He's stable," Yueqin said, her tone crisp and faintly warm, stepping to Solan's side with one hand lightly hovering over his shoulder without touching. "No need for medical. He just needs a minute."

"Yeah, he's usually super composed," Juhua added quickly, doing an awkward stretch with one hand on her hip, trying to smile through the tension. "But you just have, like, this mega-mom energy going on. It's a total memory trigger. You can't even be mad about it. I almost called you Auntie on instinct."

Venus blinked again, a little smile twitching onto her lips despite her confusion. "That's... the first time anyone's said that."

She looked at Solan again. The boy didn't flinch, but his hands had drawn close to his chest now, his fingers curled lightly around the thin chain of his necklace. His expression was blank, but in a way that meant too much was happening to process all at once.

Venus let it go with a nod. "If you're sure he's okay, I won't press. Just wanted to make sure. That Hollow gate was sparking earlier. Thought someone might've gotten caught in it."

Juhua laughed—too loudly. "Pfft, nah. We eat Hollow static for breakfast."

"We're fine," Yanliu said quietly, pulling his phone from his pocket. A soft vibration had just buzzed through it.

His brows lowered as he checked the screen.

Then lowered further.

He scrolled once. Then again.

The air peeled back like a curtain, reality tearing in delicate threads as five figures stepped through what was once a Hollow—and now just an empty stretch of alley tucked between two forgotten buildings. No alarms greeted them. No security gates. No compression anchors. Just the crackle of dying Ether hanging in the air, the slow flicker of half-dead neon, and a rusted scaffold creaking gently above them.

They stepped out in formation, half on instinct, weapons lowered but not stowed. The rift snapped shut behind them with a low static pop, leaving no trace it had ever existed.

Vireille's eyes scanned the space immediately. "No perimeter tags. No cleanup crew. No HIA anchors. This Hollow wasn't being watched."

Yueqin stepped to the side, her hand brushing against the edge of a terminal screen bolted to the alley wall. The screen buzzed faintly, flickering between corrupted boot logs and a dated interface. She touched the corner, and the timestamp rolled forward like an afterthought.

"2024?" she murmured.

Juhua's ears perked, tail flicking behind her as she leaned toward the screen. "That's many years into the past?!?"

Solan stood near the back of the group, his small hands folded together at his chest, cape fluttering quietly around his knees. His eyes weren't on the screen. They were focused farther ahead, out toward the street past the end of the alley. His lips parted slightly.

The five of them crept along the edge of the alley, the air still pulsing faintly from where the Hollow had twisted open and spat them out. Behind them, the rift was finally fading into silence—static shimmer dissolving into nothing like a dream vanishing at dawn. No one spoke. Not because there wasn't anything to say, but because none of them had the words for it yet. They had no idea where they were. Or when. The streets around them looked like New Eridu, but not quite. The neon signs were dimmer, the buildings marked by brands they hadn't seen in years—some they'd only seen in old catalogs or holographic museum footage. The air smelled cleaner. Less artificial. Older.

Yanliu kept glancing at every corner like something might leap out if he looked away. Yueqin had gone still and tactical, every muscle coiled tight beneath her jacket. Juhua was pacing sideways, tail flicking with nerves, trying and failing to make a joke to lighten the air. Solan hadn't said a word since their encounter with the strange pink-haired woman. Venus, she had called herself. Kind. Calm. Familiar in a way that had frozen him in place, staring at her with wide, unblinking eyes.

They hadn't even had time to make sense of that before Yanliu's phone buzzed sharply. Then again. And again.

He frowned, pulling it from his pocket, expecting maybe a corrupted ping or Hollow-side radiation warning. Instead, what he saw made him stop cold in the middle of the street.

Group chat. Active.

Rune: "Montefio broke the floorboard under the projector again."

Novelle: "Don't care. Curry's done. Eat it now or I throw it out."

Montefio: "That's MY curry bowl. Don't test me."

Lumine: "Not enough to go around anyway. Be quick."

Sage: "Ember's hoarding snacks again."

Lyra: "She deserves it. She's the only one who patched the generator."

Athena: "If Cipher picks another slow-ass movie, I'm leaving."

Cipher: "We got more information on Twiggy's whereabouts. Looks like she's nearby. Still digging."

Yanliu's eyes locked on the screen. He didn't speak. He didn't blink. He just... read. And reread.

Yueqin noticed first, stepping toward him with narrowed eyes. "Yanliu? What is it?"

He didn't answer—just turned the screen toward her.

Within seconds, the others had gathered around him. Solan moved in silently, gaze lifting. Juhua leaned over with a curious squint. Vireille's boots barely made a sound as she came to a stop beside them.

"They're texting?" Juhua asked, confusion already bleeding into her voice. "They're just... talking like everything's normal?"

"They're eating," Yanliu murmured. "They've regrouped. They're safe. They're... together."

"But how?" Yueqin stepped closer, scanning the thread. "We were hit by that same Hollow pulse. Same surge. But we were in a completely different sector—investigating the southern tunnel ruins. We weren't even near the others."

"Then the pulse didn't just scatter us," Vireille said slowly, her eyes not leaving the screen. "It launched us into different timeframes."

Solan's brow furrowed, mouth slightly parted. "They landed before us...?"

"Long enough ago to be acting like this is routine," Yueqin added. "They've got food, shelter, tech setup, even entertainment plans."

Juhua crossed her arms, ears twitching. "And none of them said anything about being hit. No panic. No disorientation. Just... movie night."

Then her voice caught.

Because they'd all just seen Cipher's message.

"We got more information on Twiggy's whereabouts."

Silence fell between them again.

Yanliu's jaw clenched. His voice dropped, rough and stunned. "She's supposed to be dead."

"In our time, she was," Yueqin said tightly, not taking her eyes off the screen.

"She's alive here," Solan whispered. "And they're near her."

Vireille finally broke her stillness, locking the phone and slipping it into her coat. "Which means this timeline hasn't reached that event yet."

"Then we're really in the past," Yanliu said, eyes wide, voice barely audible. "Far back."

Juhua took a slow step backward, almost breathless. "This... this could be it. The chance to stop it. The thing Cipher always said couldn't be undone."

Yueqin looked between them, then locked eyes with her brother. "Message one of them. Now. Ask if they've met her. Ask where they are."

"I'll ping Sage," Yanliu said, already moving his thumb. "She always answers."

"Tell her we're here," Vireille added. "We need to regroup fast. Before something else shifts."

As they turned and slipped down the quieter side path between buildings, the five of them moved in a silence that wasn't empty, but full of something volatile. The past was no longer a theory. It was around them. Beneath them. And the weight of it pressed against their skin like a storm just beneath the surface.

And somewhere—alive, walking, unknowing—was a girl they were never supposed to meet again.

Yanliu's fingers hovered above the screen for only a moment before he started typing, the city's quiet pressing in around them as the five siblings huddled in a side alley. He didn't know what he was expecting—maybe silence, maybe some kind of interference again—but he sent the message anyway.

Yanliu: "Sage. We're here. All five of us. Are you safe?"

The response came back so fast it nearly startled him.

Sage: "Yanliu!?! What the hell—are you guys okay?! Where have you been?!"

Another message came right after.

Sage: "When the Hollow pulse hit, we lost track of everything. You weren't with us—we didn't even know if you were alive."

Yanliu exhaled slowly. Behind him, Yueqin leaned in to read, her brow drawn tight. Vireille stepped closer too, lips pressed in a thin line as Sage kept typing.

Sage: "We landed somewhere underground. Intact H.A.N.D.S structure, old sector. Everyone made it through... except you five."

"We really were scattered," Yueqin muttered, just loud enough for the others to hear.

Yanliu: "We just got out of a Hollow. No idea how far off it threw us. Can you send a location?"

The typing bubble blinked for a few seconds, then a map pin dropped into the chat, centered on a street just a few blocks east. Vireille leaned over Yanliu's shoulder to read it. "That's near the delivery hub sector. I know the building—barely fits more than a few rooms. Figures they'd pick something small."

"Discreet," Yueqin said. "Safe."

"Finally," Juhua sighed. "Let's move before my feet start rioting."

They followed the location marker without wasting another word, ducking through side alleys and shadowed walkways until the shape of the apartment building emerged under the amber-tinted street lamps. It was a plain structure—mid-tier concrete, a rusted stair rail curling around the exterior. A sticker with a scrawled "W" was affixed to one of the upper-floor doors, like a flag marking sacred territory.

Vireille reached the door first and knocked—three quick raps, precise, then a pause.

For a few seconds, nothing. Then the locks clicked, and the metal creaked inward to reveal Sage, eyes wide, hair tousled from stress or lack of sleep, and face frozen somewhere between fury and relief.

Her eyes swept over each of them. "You're here. You're really here."

Yanliu nodded, jaw tight. "We've been trying to find you since the Hollow collapsed. It threw us—somewhere far."

"We thought..." She stepped back, waving them in. "When the rift opened, it just swallowed us. No time to react. When we landed in the H.A.N.D.S sector, Cipher counted heads. You five weren't there. We thought maybe you got hit harder... or worse."

Vireille stepped inside last, letting the door click shut behind them. The apartment was small, but warm—lights dim but functional, a couple mismatched chairs pulled together, pots on a powered cooker, and voices faint from deeper inside. Kids laughing. Arguing. Normal.

It hit hard.

"We've got a lot to talk about," Sage said as she folded her arms. "Because whatever happened back there... it changed everything."

Juhua looked around and let out a breath. "Okay. So maybe now we can start figuring this out together."

And finally—for the first time since the blast—the five of them didn't feel quite so alone.

The apartment door clicked shut behind them, sealing out the chill of the city's half-familiar air. For the first time since the world twisted out from under their feet, the five stood not as lost fragments, but as siblings reunited—tired, shaken, but together. And though the questions loomed heavy in the room, for now, they had each other.

Whatever came next... they'd face it as one.

End of chapter.

Chapter Text

The inside of the makeshift operations tent was dimly lit by soft orange lanterns, their glow casting gentle shadows across the curved fabric walls. Fold-out cushions and blankets had been set out in a loose circle over layered tarp flooring, and at the center sat Sakura Hoshimi, one leg tucked neatly beneath her, the other extended just enough to anchor a shared food tray.

She held a rice triangle delicately in one hand, her fingers deft and practiced. Her expression was calm—blank, even to strangers—but there was a softness in the curve of her eyes, and the easy rhythm of her breath. Yuki and Hana were curled up on either side of her like fox kits, their petite forms burrowed into the folds of her jacket and resting half on her thighs.

"♪ Huuuum-hummm... snow buns~ with syrup~ taste best~ under moonlight~ ♪" sang Yuki, her voice light and warbling as she wiggled her feet rhythmically.

"♪ Mhm~ and I like the jelly bean sauce~ even if it makes Zoraku sneeze~ ♪" Hana added, her voice gentler but laced with a shy giggle.

Sakura said nothing—her mouth too occupied with her food to offer commentary—but her free hand gently rubbed behind Hana's ear, fingers threading through the strands just beside her little sister's clip. She shifted slightly to do the same to Yuki's fox ear, giving a faint scratch-scratch that made both girls hum like purring kittens.

"Don't fall asleep," she muttered dryly, not unkindly.

"But sissss..." Yuki whined without lifting her head. "It's warm here. You're warm. And the food's warm. That's like...a triple warm combo. That's science."

Hana mumbled sleepily, "Peer-reviewed."

Sakura took another bite, chewed once, and murmured through it, "Brats."

But her hand never stopped petting.

A few feet away, Hiro knelt beside an open food crate, organizing sealed canisters and ration packs with quiet precision. He handed one to Zoraku, who accepted it with a polite nod, then offered another to Astrid, who was pretending not to stare at him the entire time.

"You sure you're okay, Astrid?" Hiro asked, adjusting the placement of a blanket over her shoulder. "You were coughing a bit after that last ether pulse."

"I'm fine. Probably just the smoke. Or the blush." She paused, then blinked. "I-I mean heat! Heat from the fight! Smoke and heat. Totally not... y'know, you fussing over me like I'm fragile or anything..."

Zoraku opened his canister and muttered under his breath, "Distraction level: rising."

Hiro didn't seem fazed. He just smiled softly, checking her vitals with a small scanner before tucking it away.

"I fuss because I care. You'd do the same for me."

Astrid didn't reply immediately—only blinked once, then pulled her hood a little further over her head. She muttered something about "jerks who say nice things without warning," then promptly bit into her rice bun to hide her face.

From outside the tent flap—just out of earshot but within clear line of sight—stood the original Section 6 team.

None of them spoke for a moment.

The stillness between them wasn't awkward... it was weighty. Reflective.

Yanagi Tsukishiro stood with her arms crossed lightly over her chest, glasses glinting under the faint light of a nearby lantern. Her posture was relaxed, yet her gaze was locked—unwavering—on Hiro.

Her son....Her son.

It still sounded surreal in her mind. Even seeing him move, speak, and organize like her... it hadn't fully settled. Not in the part of her brain trained to see battlefield patterns and risk assessments. But in her chest, something had already accepted it.

The way he stood near the others was not as a show-off, but as a subtle anchor point for the entire group.

The quiet steadiness of his hands was the exact same way she balanced her paperwork mid-mission.

The softness in his tone when speaking to Astrid, and the flash of embarrassment he tried to hide afterward.

"... He's too much like me," Yanagi said quietly, finally breaking the silence.

Harumasa, who had been uncharacteristically still, blinked. "Huh?"

"He tries to control every variable," she continued. "Checks rations, monitors vitals, scans threats before they appear. He keeps everything ordered—not for himself, but for the others. It's the same thing I did when Miyabi used to rush ahead without checking if the hallway was boobytrapped."

"Hey, I cleared that hallway," Miyabi said calmly beside her. "Mostly."

Yanagi didn't look at her. But a smile twitched at the corner of her mouth.

"Mm. Mostly."

Miyabi's gaze, though, wasn't on Hiro. It was in the center of the tent.

On Sakura, cradling her siblings with that serene but ever-watchful expression.

On Yuki giggling, tail flicking lazily.

On Hana, curled so perfectly still against Sakura's hip, it looked like she'd been molded there.

"...They really are my kids," Miyabi whispered. "That calm. That precision. That quiet stubbornness."

She exhaled softly through her nose.

"...I never thought I'd live long enough to see myself as a mother."

Yanagi's eyes flicked sideways. "You say that like you're reckless."

"I am reckless. You know that."

There was no argument.

From beside them, Soukaku had one hand pressed to her heart and the other over her mouth, cheeks puffed.

"I'm still processing that I'm Big Sis Soukaku in the future!!" she whispered in an emotionally trembling voice. "They... they said it so casually, like it was just a fact!! And it was!"

Harumasa grinned. "They even said you helped raise them. Guess you're the team mom."

"I am!" she squeaked. "I'm the fox auntie–big sis–training supervisor hybrid of destiny!!"

Yanagi blinked at her. "... You're having a full identity arc right now, aren't you?"

"LET ME HAVE THIS!" Soukaku hissed, eyes glassy.

Yanagi sighed again. This time, her shoulders relaxed.

Her eyes slid back to Hiro.

And slowly... she lowered her arms. One hand came up to touch her glasses, and she adjusted them—not out of necessity, but just to hide the subtle moistening in her eyes.

"... He's going to be fine," she murmured to herself. "No matter what's coming. He's going to be fine."

Miyabi's hand clenched briefly, then released.

"...And so will they."

The food was mostly gone now. Only a few rice wrappers and drink cartons remained, tucked into a corner of the tent for later disposal. The warmth of the heater orb still drifted softly through the space, wrapping the squad in a rare, well-earned calm.

Hiro leaned back slightly, resting one elbow on a folded duffel bag as he looked around at his team—no urgency, just a quiet sense of purpose.

"All right," he began, voice calm. "Let's take stock of what we know."

Zoraku looked up from where he was cleaning his kunai. Sakura, still flanked by her now-dozing sisters, tilted her head slightly to show she was listening. Astrid pulled her hood back down from her eyes with a lazy flick, already focused.

"We haven't run into anything from the high-tier threat list," Hiro said. "Hollows are stable. Section 6 doesn't seem unusually on edge. And their gear loadouts match early-standard compression tech—not the newer anti-phase prototypes."

He paused.

"Which means... we're somewhere before the eye enhancements happened."

Zoraku nodded slightly. "That tracks."

Sakura murmured, "So we're pre-augmentation. The original timeline, before Dad and Belle underwent their upgrades."

Astrid sat up straighter now, brow furrowing slightly. "You sure? I mean... we haven't seen them. Wise or Auntie Belle. Just Section 6."

"Exactly," Hiro said. "And that's the thing."

He leaned forward, steepling his fingers a bit as he thought aloud.

"We haven't seen Belle or our father yet," Hiro said, tone measured. "And based on the way Section 6 is operating... the timeline doesn't feel like it's reached the major turning point yet."

"The one involving the Mayor?" Sakura asked.

"Exactly. The enhancement event," Hiro nodded. "If that had already happened, we'd see shifts in protocol. Different chain of command. Different tactics. But from what we've observed—they're still moving like they did before everything changed."

Astrid blinked. "You noticed all that just from that short engagement?"

He shrugged faintly. "I've been trained by two terrifying women my whole life. I tend to observe."

Zoraku muttered, "That's one way to put it."

Sakura added, "It's also just... how he is."

Astrid leaned on one elbow, chin in palm. "So you're thinking this is what—maybe a few months before the shift?"

"No," Hiro said. "Longer. Based on our age and what we remember from the timeline... I'd estimate we're years before any of that happened. Could be close to a decade."

The tent went quiet again, contemplative.

"... That's a long way back," Astrid murmured. "We're not just visitors... we're history walking around."

"We are," Hiro agreed. "But that doesn't mean we need to panic. There's no indication we were dragged here as a threat. Whatever brought us back... it didn't scatter us, didn't hurt us, and didn't lock us out of basic survival gear."

Sakura glanced down at her sleeping sisters. "And it didn't separate us. That matters."

"Exactly," Hiro said. "Until something forces our hand, we lay low. Help if needed. But no timeline interference. Not unless it's life or death."

Astrid stretched her arms over her head. "So... observation and chill?"

Zoraku, deadpan: "That's the summary."

"We'll use this downtime to gather what intel we can," Hiro continued. "We know Section 6 is active, Wise is likely nearby, and Belle hasn't appeared yet. That narrows our window enough to start planning."

Astrid looked over, lips twitching in a lazy smile. "Look at you. Commanding through a potential time paradox like it's just another Friday."

Hiro raised an eyebrow. "It's technically Tuesday."

"Oh, so you know what day it is now?" she teased.

Hiro shrugged. "I track local time structures for alignment purposes."

Astrid grinned. "That's so hot—"

She froze. Visibly.

Zoraku blinked.

Sakura turned her head just slightly.

Hiro's mouth opened. Closed. Then opened again.

"I—" Astrid began, panicking slightly, "I meant cool! That's so... logistically... cold... and efficient—"

"I'm gonna step outside," Zoraku said, rising smoothly. "To not witness whatever this is."

"You are not leaving me with this energy—" Astrid hissed, throwing a piece of rice paper at him.

Sakura rested her cheek in her hand. "This happens once a week."

Hiro cleared his throat. "We're... moving on now."

Astrid dragged a blanket over her head again. "I want to restart this conversation with new dice rolls."

Zoraku slipped back into his spot like a ghost. "Distraction Level: 7. Rising."

Despite herself, Astrid snorted from under the blanket.

Even Sakura let out a very faint laugh—just a breath, but warm and genuine.

Hiro glanced at them all, then smiled to himself.

Whatever had brought them here... they were still a team.

Still together.

The tent's soft glow flickered gently as the flap was pulled aside. Fabric rustled. Heavy steps pressed into the tarp flooring one by one—measured, quiet, but deliberate. The kind of movement that came from people used to the Hollow zones, even when the fighting had paused.

The tent's soft glow flickered gently as the flap was pulled aside. Fabric rustled. Heavy steps pressed into the tarp flooring one by one—measured, quiet, but deliberate. The kind of movement that came from people used to the Hollow zones, even when the fighting had paused.

Yanagi Tsukishiro entered first, her eyes reflecting only slivers of light behind the lenses of her glasses. Her posture was upright, but not tense, composed, observant, guarded in a way that was deeply familiar to one person in particular, sitting just a few feet away.

Hiro had already felt her presence the moment the flap moved. He sat up straighter out of instinct, hands folding calmly in his lap, his voice stilling mid-sentence as he turned toward her. His squad mirrored him, each falling silent in their own way. Even Sakura, usually unshakably poised, subtly adjusted her posture—her palm still resting gently on Hana's head, but her shoulders squared with respectful tension.

Miyabi followed Yanagi in, her fox-like gaze sweeping the room without hesitation. Unlike her colleague, she didn't bother masking the slight narrowing of her eyes as they locked onto Sakura. Her steps slowed for just a half second when she took in the silver-haired girl nestled between her two sleeping sisters—each of them unmistakable mirrors of herself, yet shaped by time she had not yet lived.

Harumasa and Soukaku filed in last. Harumasa gave a soft whistle under his breath, lips twitching as if to say "so it wasn't a joke after all" before catching Miyabi's glance and wisely silencing himself. Soukaku, however, made no such effort. Her eyes immediately went wide, glittering with delight as she spotted Yuki curled up like a nap-happy foxling on Sakura's lap.

"They're even cuter up close," Soukaku whispered loudly, pressing her fists to her cheeks.

Zoraku, seated near the tent's edge, gave a barely concealed sigh. "We are not zoo exhibits."

"It's fine," Sakura said quietly, not looking up. "Auntie Soukaku's been making that face since the mission started."

"I have not!" Soukaku cried, hands flailing. "Okay, maybe just a little—!"

Yanagi raised a hand slightly. The air quieted instantly.

Her gaze didn't settle on Zoraku or even on her own son right away. It lingered instead on the most minor details—the twin girls still sleeping, the subtle sync in posture between Hiro and Sakura, the shared glances, the weapons laid out with methodical precision.

These weren't strangers. These were agents. Well-trained. Disciplined. A unit.

And yet...

Her eyes finally met Hiro's.

And she froze.

Not outwardly, but internally, everything paused. She hadn't been ready, not truly. Even after seeing him in the field. Even after hearing his voice. But now, facing him in this still moment, she saw it all at once: the way he blinked slowly when thinking, the way his fingers tapped against his knee in silent calculation, the softness in his gaze when it landed on the sleeping twins.

She saw herself.

"... You've done well," Yanagi said at last, voice as measured as ever.

Hiro nodded once. "Thank you, Deputy Chief Tsukishiro."

A beat.

Harumasa blinked. Soukaku looked confused.

Yanagi's lips parted slightly. She wasn't sure what she expected him to call her. But Deputy Chief felt... strange. Distant.

He seemed to sense that. His expression softened. "I mean... Mom."

Yanagi's breath hitched so slightly that only Miyabi caught it. The faint flicker in her eyes said more than any reaction ever would.

"...I see," she murmured. "That's going to take some adjustment."

Miyabi gave a small, amused exhale from behind her crossed arms. "You're telling me."

Sakura finally looked up. Her voice was clear and steady. "Would you like to sit? Or do you plan to stand there and keep thinking we're ghost stories?"

Miyabi's eyebrow twitched at the tone, but there was no bite to it—only the kind of blunt formality that reminded her far too much of her own reflection. Slowly, she moved to kneel across from Sakura, glancing once more at the sleeping twins.

"They're deep sleepers."

"They had a long day," Sakura said. "Frostwork practice. Then combat drills. Then traveling back in time."

"A rough Tuesday," Astrid muttered.

"I told you it was Tuesday," Hiro murmured.

Astrid rolled her eyes. "Nobody likes a timekeeper."

Yanagi's gaze drifted toward the sound of that voice. Her focus landed on Astrid, who, up until that moment, had been trying very hard not to look directly at Hiro.

She failed.

"... You've got good posture," Yanagi said lightly, almost offhand.

Astrid blinked. "I—uh—thank you?"

"And controlled vitals," Yanagi added. "Until just now."

Astrid blanched. "Ma'am I would like to request a do-over—"

"You don't need one," Miyabi said flatly. "Your face already gave it away."

"Gave what away?" Harumasa asked, slow to catch up.

Soukaku leaned in dramatically. "The vibe."

Hiro rubbed his temple. "Please don't—"

"Oh come on," Astrid groaned. "It wasn't even a real flirt—"

"You called him hot earlier," Sakura said.

"I SAID COOL—"

Yanagi actually blinked. "...Oh."

Miyabi smirked. "So it was you who flared red after the field op."

Zoraku muttered, "Every mission briefing ends like this."

"You say that like it's my fault," Astrid snapped.

"I haven't said anything," Hiro said, deadpan.

"Oh, that's worse," Astrid shot back, burying her face in her scarf.

Soukaku let out a dreamy sigh. "Awwww. Baby Proxy romance!"

Yanagi gave her a side-eye glance. "You are not helping."

Miyabi looked from Hiro to Astrid, then to Sakura, then down at the twins, who had now wiggled slightly in their sleep, each curling closer to Sakura's lap. She took a breath, exhaled slowly, then finally spoke again.

"...I don't know what brought you back," she said. "Or why."

Sakura nodded. "Neither do we. Yet."

"But you're strong. And sharp. And clearly..." Her voice faltered for the first time, almost imperceptibly. "...well-trained."

Miyabi looked straight into Sakura's red eyes.

"You've protected them. That much is obvious."

Sakura met her gaze evenly. "They're mine to protect."

Miyabi said nothing.

But after a long pause, she gave a single, slow nod.

And the flicker of pride in her eyes said far more than any words could.

The flap of the auxiliary tent fluttered gently in the breeze, held open just long enough for Miyabi to slip inside with her daughters. The interior was modest—just a folded mat, a clean pack of rations, a warm lantern, and silence.

Sakura entered first, carrying a small folded blanket over one arm. She walked with her usual quiet grace, a soldier's steps in a daughter's body. She set the blanket down neatly in the corner of the tent without a word.

Behind her came Yuki, bounding in with fox ears perked high and arms half-spread like she was trying to absorb the tent's heat through enthusiasm alone.

"Mommy's tent~!" she declared proudly, spinning once on the mat before flopping backwards with a dramatic sigh.

Hana followed last, slow and careful. She ducked under the flap with her hands clasped together in front of her chest, her wide, soft eyes darting around the space like she was mentally mapping every inch of it.

Miyabi watched them in silence for a moment, arms folded loosely across her chest. She still wasn't used to it—not entirely. Not the way Sakura carried herself like a seasoned commander, or how Yuki and Hana responded like this had always been their camp, their world.

"...So," she said after a moment. "I'm a mother. Huh."

Sakura didn't turn around. "Took you long enough to admit it."

"I was busy," Miyabi replied evenly.

"With denial?"

"With not passing out."

Yuki giggled, rolling onto her side and nuzzling against Miyabi's leg like a fox cub curling around a campfire. "We knew you were going to be a good mom someday."

"Did you?" Miyabi raised an eyebrow.

"Mmhm!" Yuki beamed. "Sakura always said you were cool, and Dad said you were 'emotionally concise but battle-capable,' which I think means love!"

Hana tilted her head. "That sounds like Dad."

Sakura let out a quiet sigh and sat beside the tent wall, one knee raised, the other tucked under. "We got used to the way you both talk. We just... translated."

Miyabi slowly lowered herself to sit across from them, the lantern glow catching the sharp lines of her expression—and the way her eyes softened, just a little.

"...I don't feel like a mother," she admitted.

"You looked like one when you picked up Yuki's scarf and tied it without saying anything," Hana offered, voice small but sincere.

Yuki perked up. "You even double-knotted it! Just like I like it!"

"I didn't know I liked it like that yet," she added thoughtfully. "But I did."

Sakura added, "You also stopped me mid-swing earlier. With one word."

Miyabi blinked. "You were about to strike too early. The ether pulse was still forming."

"Exactly," Sakura said. "You knew before I did. That's Mom behavior."

Miyabi looked between them, her mouth tugging in a line that wasn't quite a smile, but wasn't neutral either.

"...And I didn't traumatize you?"

Yuki gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "You gave me snacks! And bedtime sword forms! That's the opposite of trauma!"

Hana nodded. "You read us hollow-field reports like bedtime stories. The pacing was soothing."

Miyabi stared at her.

"You fell asleep before the casualty summary," Sakura added dryly.

"It was a long day," Hana murmured, cheeks pink.

Miyabi couldn't help it—her lips finally quirked up at the edges. She leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees as she looked at all three of them.

"I guess... I turned out okay?"

Sakura's voice was quiet. "You were everything we needed."

Yuki immediately wrapped her arms around Miyabi's waist, hugging her tightly. "You're the best! Even when you pretend not to know how to hug!"

"I don't pretend—" Miyabi began.

"Your hands hover before they land," Hana observed.

"It's a signature trait," Sakura confirmed.

"Mom Hover 2.0," Yuki giggled. "Deployed in .2 seconds."

Miyabi sighed, then gave in, reaching one arm around Yuki and pulling her in properly. Yuki squeaked in delight and curled even tighter against her. Hana slid closer, quietly leaning her head against Miyabi's other shoulder. It took only a moment before Miyabi instinctively rested her cheek against Hana's hair.

"... You're all so small," she muttered.

"We grow," Sakura said.

"You already did," Miyabi replied, looking at her oldest daughter. "You're not small anymore."

Sakura shrugged, but there was the faintest twitch of emotion in her fox-like ears.

"...I still listen," she said quietly. "Even when I don't act like it."

Miyabi gave a soft hum.

"...I talk more in the future, right?"

Sakura tilted her head. "Sometimes."

"But mostly... you show up."

That silenced Miyabi.

Yuki broke it with a sleepy hum. "...I like this timeline. Mommy's soft now."

"Don't ruin it," Hana murmured into Miyabi's coat.

Miyabi stared down at both of them. She didn't speak.

But her arms wrapped tighter.

And for the first time that day...

She let herself be still.

Harumasa had always preferred low firelight to overhead LEDs. The kind of glow that didn't judge your expression too harshly or make quiet moments feel like they needed to be filled. He sat outside the camp's southern perimeter tent, one leg stretched out, the other bent just enough to rest his elbow on. A mostly finished ration pouch rested near his boot, and a pair of flickering perimeter lights buzzed quietly in the distance.

The flap behind him rustled.

Astrid stepped out, arms loosely crossed over her midsection, cloak half-draped, and hair slightly messy. She hesitated for just a second when she saw him—then, with a slow exhale, walked over and plopped down beside him without asking.

Harumasa didn't say anything. He just tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment and went back to watching the dark skyline beyond the tents.

Astrid pulled her legs up, resting her boots lightly on the edge of the crate beside them. Her fingers traced the ridges of her bow's outer casing, absently running over the etched grooves as if to center herself.

After a long, comfortable silence, she spoke.

"You know..." she began, voice unusually soft, "it's weird how easy this all feels."

Harumasa glanced sideways. "You mean surviving a time displacement inside a Hollow anomaly and meeting a past version of the people who'll eventually raise your squad?"

She grinned faintly. "Yeah, that."

He smirked. "Totally normal Tuesday."

Astrid huffed a quiet laugh and kicked lightly at the crate. "You joke, but you're taking this way better than most adults would. I mean, you didn't even freak out when Sakura pulled out a frost arc through a wall and then called Miyabi' Mom.'"

Harumasa shrugged, gaze returning to the horizon. "I've seen weirder. Besides... I figure if someone shows up calling you family, best not to insult them by panicking."

Astrid was quiet for a beat. Then, "That's what I mean."

Harumasa raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She shrugged one shoulder, her voice a little more reserved now. "You've only known us for, like, a day. But you... settled into it. Didn't treat us like anomalies. Just people. Kids."

Harumasa chuckled low in his throat. "Well, technically, you're all still walking paradoxes, but yeah."

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up. I'm trying to say something nice."

He smiled, letting her have the space.

After a second, her voice dropped lower than before, less guarded but more deliberate.

"You give off this... big brother vibe," she said. "Like someone who's supposed to be loud and annoying and eat too many snacks but still shows up exactly when you need him."

Harumasa blinked once, caught off guard by the sincerity. But he didn't interrupt.

"I didn't really have that," Astrid went on, eyes not quite meeting his. "The guy who was supposed to be that... wasn't. And I'm not gonna dump trauma on you or anything, but..."

She trailed off, then blew out a breath.

"You've been around less than a day, and I already get why the team listens when you talk. Why people relax when you're nearby."

Harumasa scratched the back of his neck, his usual cocky smile faltering into something more real. "...Damn, kid. You're gonna make me go soft out here."

Astrid nudged his arm with hers. "Too late. I already see the squish."

He barked a laugh. "That's not squish, that's battle-seasoned dad muscle."

"So you admit it—dad energy."

"Correction: cool uncle energy. Possibly reckless stepdad energy if we're stretching it."

Astrid grinned. "Nah. You've got the tired-but-still-has-a-good-joke big brother aura. Or like... that one guy who pretends not to care but secretly watches out for everyone's water intake."

Harumasa groaned. "God, I do check water packs. I am that guy."

"Told you."

They sat in silence again for a moment, long enough for the wind to shift, cooler now, with the scent of a spent Hollow fade just faintly still clinging to the camp fabric.

Then Harumasa gave her a sideways glance, his smirk returning. "You sure you're not just buttering me up because you're embarrassed I caught your meltdown around Hiro?"

Astrid blinked. "What meltdown?"

"Oh, come on," he said. "You practically dropped your bow when he complimented your coordination. You stammered for five whole seconds."

"That's not a meltdown," she argued, cheeks already pinking. "That's tactical verbal hesitation."

Harumasa clicked his tongue. "Mmhm. Tactical."

Astrid pointed a finger at him. "Don't start."

"Too late. You're blushing."

"It's the cold!"

"Kid, we're in a Hollow zone. There are no temperature excuses here."

She groaned and threw her hood over her head. "I hate you."

He grinned and leaned back, arms folded behind his head. "Love you too, Tiny Crush Storm."

Astrid kicked the crate lightly again. "I will swap your rations with fiber bars."

"You do that, I'll tell Hiro you called him 'dreamy' while sparring."

"WHAT?! I DID NOT—"

Harumasa just laughed, long and full.

And despite herself, Astrid laughed too—because in this weird, backward timeline, among all the danger and chaos, she'd found something solid.

A dumb, loud, comfortingly sharp-edged kind of solid.

And she wasn't about to let that go.

The sky above the scout outpost had settled into that deep shade of violet-blue that only came with the final retreat of twilight. Most of the patrols had rotated through. The perimeter sensors clicked and blinked at their steady intervals, casting faint pulses across the gravel paths between tents. Crates were stacked, tools stowed, and—just for now—things were calm.

Zoraku stood near the eastern ridge, arms crossed, half-shrouded in the long shadow of a broken support beam. His mask was still up, though not drawn all the way—just enough to leave the upper edge of his jaw visible beneath the scarf. His eyes, sharp and steady, scanned the horizon not for threats, but for the quiet between them.

A flick of movement to his left. Light steps, almost bouncy. And then came the unmistakable voice:

"Hiiiiiiii~ Zoraku~!"

He blinked once, slowly. "...Soukaku."

She sauntered up beside him with hands clasped behind her back, head tilted in that endearing tilt-just-short-of-a-cartwheel way. Her hair fluttered a little in the breeze, and she rocked on her heels with the restless energy of someone who couldn't quite sit still unless forcibly held down.

"Whatcha doing standing here all shadowy and cool? Being mysterious?" she grinned. "Plotting ninja things?"

Zoraku didn't answer right away.

"I'm watching the patrol line."

"Wow, thrilling," she said, leaning dramatically forward like she was peering over an invisible cliff. "Any rogue squirrels out there? Birds? Low-flying snacks?"

"Two guards yawned in sequence. Third tripwire recalibrated itself off rhythm. Nothing else."

Soukaku blinked at him. "...That was actually way cooler than I expected. You are ninja-ing."

Zoraku didn't look at her, but the corner of his mouth twitched. Barely.

She noticed.

"You're hard to crack, huh?" she said lightly. "I like that."

"No one's asked you to crack me."

"Nooo, but that just makes me want to."

There was a pause, long, but not uncomfortable.

Soukaku shifted her weight and finally sat on one of the nearby crates, swinging her legs idly. Her tone dipped—just slightly—into something gentler.

"So... you're Oni."

Zoraku's eyes flicked to her at last.

"So are you."

"Yup!" she grinned. "Thiren-blooded Oni, thank you very much~ Born and trained. Clan tattoos and everything."

He nodded once. "Half-Oni. From a smaller house. Rural line."

She tilted her head. "Huh. Bet that wasn't easy."

"It wasn't."

Another pause.

Soukaku didn't bounce this time.

She leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees, fingers tapping together gently.

"Mine wasn't either," she said, still smiling, but not like before. "People see horns, and they either think you're a walking disaster... or something to worship. No in-between."

Zoraku's gaze didn't waver. "I've been called both. Once in the same breath."

Soukaku giggled. "Same! A guy in B-level training tried to say I was a 'divine agent of controlled chaos.' Then he got socked through a wall."

"Did you sock him?"

"Nope. His partner did. Apparently they had a bet."

Zoraku blinked again. "Acceptable outcome."

She smiled—softer this time. Less performative.

There was silence again. The kind that only settled when neither party felt the need to fill it, just to escape it.

Then Soukaku's voice dropped—not sad, not shaky, just... honest.

"You know, it's kinda nice. Talking to someone who just gets it without making it weird."

Zoraku glanced at her again. "You mean the horns."

"The horns, the stares, the pressure," she said, fingers curling near her knees. "The whole... don't mess up or you'll ruin it for all of us vibe that comes with being visibly different. You get it."

"I do."

"Most people only notice when we're angry. Or dangerous. Or loud. But not the stuff in between."

Zoraku nodded slowly. "Or the discipline it takes to stay in between."

Soukaku didn't reply for a moment.

Then she gave a long, slow sigh—and flopped backward on the crate like a boneless cat.

"Whew~ You're gonna make me emotional out here. And I didn't bring my backup scarf."

"You're already wearing a scarf."

"I have three more in my bag. They have sparkles."

Zoraku blinked. "...Of course they do."

She peeked one eye open and grinned. "You're not so bad, Red Vane."

"You're tolerable."

"Aww~ stop, I'll cry."

He turned his head slightly. "I won't stop you."

Soukaku sat back up, stretching her arms to the sky. "Man, you and I? We're the cool Oni duo now. Not flashy, not loud—just efficient."

"Please don't make us a brand."

"Too late. Already naming us. How's Team Quiet Horns?"

Zoraku stared at her.

Soukaku wiggled her eyebrows.

"... I'll consider it."

She gasped. "He didn't say no!"

Zoraku looked back at the horizon.

"... There's a lot about being Oni that others won't understand. But... I'm glad one of the first to try was you."

Soukaku smiled—really this time. Not performative. Not bouncy.

"...Right back at you, ninja guy."

They didn't need to say anything else.

Two Oni.

Two pasts.

And, just for now, one quiet understanding.

The scout outpost was quiet beneath the haze of a low cloud ceiling. Thin strips of moonlight broke through now and then, casting moving patterns across the gravel and tarped crates. Most of Section 6 had retired to their tents or auxiliary bunks. Even the younger arrivals from Section 12 had started settling down for the evening—except one.

Hiro stood alone near the elevated ridge on the western side, where the breeze rolled in just strong enough to flutter the corners of his cloak. His glaive leaned against a weathered beam beside him, his arms folded lightly across his chest as he watched the movement of clouds overhead—calculated, still, focused.

He didn't turn when he felt her presence.

But he spoke anyway.

"...You move quieter than most of the squad," he said.

Yanagi Tsukishiro stepped up beside him, adjusting her glasses with one hand. "I trained most of the squad."

Hiro smiled faintly. "Point taken."

They stood in silence for a few moments, both facing the wide-open ridge, neither rushing to speak. It wasn't an awkward pause—just a pause between two people who understood timing, and how often silence said more than talk.

Finally, Yanagi spoke.

"You carry yourself like someone who's had to lead for years."

"I have," Hiro replied simply.

She nodded once, eyes forward. "And it shows. Even your stance hasn't broken."

Hiro chuckled under his breath. "I had good teachers."

"That's flattering," she said dryly. "But unnecessary."

"It's true," he said. "You trained me harder than anyone else. Even when I thought I was going to collapse, you kept pushing. Told me pressure reveals patterns."

Yanagi's brow lifted slightly. "And did it?"

"Eventually," Hiro said. "Once I stopped trying to mirror you, and started acting like myself."

Her posture shifted, just barely.

"You don't sound like a teenager."

"I don't feel like one most days."

She turned slightly to face him, and for the first time since the encounter began, her expression cracked—not much, but enough. The faintest crease near the corner of her eye. A breath caught halfway.

"I missed everything," she said softly.

"You haven't missed everything," Hiro replied. "I'm still here."

Yanagi's eyes flicked up to meet his—hers sharp and polished, his steady and warm, streaked with lavender like hers—but somehow different. Softer around the edges, but no less focused.

"You've taken on too much," she said. "I saw it in how you moved when Sakura deferred to you. The way Zoraku kept glancing for confirmation even when he was already acting. That's weight you shouldn't have had to carry so young."

"I didn't mind," Hiro said.

"That's not the point," she murmured.

He looked at her, thoughtful.

"You've always been exacting," he said. "Deliberate. The kind of person who makes plans ten layers deep."

Yanagi gave a slight nod. "I've had to be."

"So it makes sense that when I started leading, I tried to mimic that. Tried to be perfect. Unshakable."

He turned away, watching a curl of mist roll over the ridge.

"But somewhere along the way... I realized I didn't need to be you. I just needed to be someone the others could trust."

Yanagi was quiet for a long moment.

Then she reached up and adjusted her glasses—not because they needed it, but to give herself something to do with her hands.

"And they trust you."

"They do," Hiro said. "Sakura doesn't speak often, but when she does, she listens before and after. Zoraku doesn't follow orders from people he doesn't respect. And Astrid..."

He hesitated.

Yanagi's head tilted slightly.

"Astrid?" she echoed.

Hiro's ears pinked, just a little. "She... trusts me in her own way. She's loud about it. Joking. But she always positions herself between the others and danger. She says it's for recon advantage, but... I know better."

Yanagi arched an eyebrow. "She jokes a lot."

"She does," Hiro muttered.

"And flirts badly."

"I noticed."

"And you blush easily."

Hiro rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I know."

Yanagi allowed the faintest smile. "You're hopeless."

"I get it from you."

She gave a slight hum of acknowledgment, then leaned slightly against the beam beside him.

"She has good instincts. Your teammate."

"She's also the worst liar I've ever met," Hiro said. "She once tried to claim she wasn't blushing by saying the field was reflecting off her face."

"...Was it?"

"No."

Yanagi actually chuckled.

Hiro smiled, quietly satisfied.

Then, softer now: "She helps me carry it. The pressure. So do the others. And honestly... so did you. Even when I didn't understand it at the time."

Yanagi turned to look at him directly.

"You were always watching," she said.

"So were you," he replied.

They stood there together—mother and son, present and future, both too used to strategy and not used enough to moments like this.

But they were having one now.

And that mattered.

The moment between them wasn't quite over when the air shifted again—soft footsteps this time, slower, more hesitant. The kind of entrance that didn't want to interrupt but couldn't quite figure out how to knock on an open moment. Hiro registered it before the figure even stepped into view, but he stayed still, letting it play out.

Astrid rounded the corner just a heartbeat later, half-silhouetted by the lantern post. Her hood was down for once, hair wind-tossed from wherever she'd been, cheeks flushed more from the cold than nerves—though the second her eyes landed on Yanagi and Hiro standing together, the pink deepened instantly.

"Oh—uh—"

Her voice cracked just slightly, and she immediately winced. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Yanagi turned to face her fully, arms folded behind her back, expression as unreadable as ever—save for a subtle glint of something sharp and amused behind her glasses.

Astrid cleared her throat, clearly trying to recover. "Just wanted to check perimeter logs. Thought Hiro might be here. Didn't realize I was crashing the family summit."

"You're not crashing," Yanagi said smoothly, tilting her head. "You're just arriving at a very interesting time."

Astrid blinked. "I—I am?"

"She was just complimenting your instincts," Hiro said, a little too quickly.

Yanagi didn't miss the way his voice jumped a note. Or the way Astrid suddenly avoided looking him directly in the eyes.

"Instincts," Yanagi echoed. "Yes. Very tactical. Very field-appropriate."

Astrid smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of her neck. "Right. Instincts. That's me. Sharp as ever. Super coordinated. Definitely not the type to walk into conversations at the exact worst time possible."

"Mm." Yanagi tapped one finger lightly against her arm. "Also very vocal under pressure."

"That's—what?"

"And your battlefield spacing," Yanagi added, her tone now laced with quiet mischief that only Hiro recognized.

He straightened slightly. "Mom—"

"You tend to position yourself between Hiro and anything dangerous," she said. "Even wind gusts."

"That's for cover advantages!" Astrid blurted. "I swear!"

"I believe you," Yanagi said calmly.

Astrid blinked. "...You do?"

"Yes." A pause. "Just not for the reasons you think."

Hiro made a low sound in his throat that was somewhere between a sigh and a strangled wheeze.

Astrid's ears were practically glowing now. "Okay—I'm gonna go die in the snow."

"Before you do," Yanagi said, turning slightly to face her son again, "you should both be aware that flustered movement during post-shift interactions raises your mutual suspicion levels by about 72 percent."

Hiro groaned. "You're quoting combat analytics on our lives?"

Astrid pointed at her. "She's terrifying."

Yanagi offered the faintest smile—sharp, elegant, a barely-there quirk at the corner of her mouth that felt like a scalpel dressed as a compliment.

"I'm a mother," she said simply. "I notice everything."

Then she turned on her heel with precise grace, her coat shifting like drawn silk as she stepped past Astrid and patted her shoulder once, briefly, but enough to make the archer freeze mid-blush.

"You have good instincts," Yanagi said again, softer this time.

Astrid swallowed. "...Thanks."

"And good taste."

Astrid choked.

By the time she turned to shoot Hiro a panicked look, Yanagi was already vanishing into the misted shadows of the outpost's walk path—her glasses catching the lantern light just long enough for one final glint.

Hiro, for his part, was staring ahead with the exhausted air of someone who had faced down many Ethereals in his life—but never an enemy quite like his mother, armed with intel and a teasing smirk.

Astrid stood frozen for a moment.

Then, finally, turned to him, whisper-hissing: "She knows."

"She always knows," Hiro muttered.

"And she left us alone on purpose!"

Hiro rubbed his face. "This is a strategic trap."

Astrid groaned. "I walked into a parental ambush."

Hiro sighed. "You brought your own explosives."

She buried her face in her scarf.

And Hiro, despite himself, smiled.

The outpost stirred with crisp efficiency as morning broke entirely overhead. The sky was steel blue, brushed with light clouds and the after-scent of recently deactivated Hollow residue. Section 6 moved like a tightened cable—coordinated, focused, and orderly. Section 12, by contrast, had the energy of an overloaded magnet field: sharp, chaotic, and somehow still functional.

"Yuki, get down from the side rail before you launch yourself off it again," Sakura ordered without looking up from her gear adjustments. She sat near the front tire of the transport vehicle, katana sheathed across her back, calmly checking her equipment with the deadpan focus of a seasoned officer. Her tone was level. She didn't need volume.

"I'm doing recon!" Yuki called from the top of the vehicle like she was preparing to repel a phantom sniper from fifty meters up.

"You're seven," Sakura replied. "Your recon is 'it looks high up here.'"

"I can see everyone's secrets from up here!"

Hana, already seated and gently folding a map along its crease lines with perfectly calculated hands, murmured without looking up, "She saw someone's snack stash and declared it state intel."

"It was important!" Yuki huffed.

"Only to your stomach."

Zoraku, standing beside the loading ramp, gave a near-invisible sigh as Yuki launched herself off the roof and landed with a neat roll beside him, popping up to proudly present a stolen hair tie she claimed as 'battle loot.'

Astrid, halfway through tossing her bag into the side compartment, muttered, "You guys run on sugar, spite, and cartoon physics."

"Works for us," Sakura said, finishing her latch checks. "Still got a higher mission clear rate than most adult squads."

"Oh, I know," Astrid replied, grinning as she stepped into the transport. "You're terrifying."

"Thank you," Sakura said without inflection, helping Yuki climb in without missing a beat.

Soukaku watched the whole exchange from just outside the vehicle, hands on her hips and a big, goofy smile on her face. "This is the most adorable squad I've ever seen."

"Speak for yourself," Harumasa grunted as he walked by with a supply crate. "I saw one of them licking frost off the engine port."

"That was part of my elemental training!" Yuki insisted from inside the vehicle. "I was communing with the ether!"

"I am not spiritually convinced," Zoraku muttered, stepping up into the transport behind her.

Sakura took her place near the rear corner of the interior, legs folded, sword resting across her lap. Hana settled beside her like clockwork, backpack tucked beside her ankles, the calm between the storm. Yuki curled up beside both of them, scarf in her mouth and a victorious look in her eyes.

Astrid claimed a spot across from them and immediately started fiddling with her bow casing again, glancing once toward the still-vacant seat beside her.

And a moment later, Hiro stepped in.

"Everyone accounted for?" he asked, scanning the transport.

"No one's exploded yet," Sakura replied.

"That's not the bar I was aiming for," he said, lips twitching.

Astrid smirked faintly. "Don't pretend you're not relieved."

"I'm not pretending," he shot back without missing a beat as he sat beside her.

From outside, Yanagi gave the transport a final visual sweep, her arms folded and her eyes narrowing just enough to catch every angle through the reinforced windows. Miyabi, standing beside her, gave a faint nod of approval as the engine flickered to life.

"They'll settle," Yanagi said.

Miyabi raised an eyebrow. "Eventually."

Soukaku was practically bouncing where she stood. "Do you think they'll still be this chaotic when they meet Wise?"

"God, I hope not," Harumasa muttered. "Man's too calm for this kind of energy."

"They haven't even seen him yet," Yanagi murmured, mostly to herself.

Inside the transport, Hiro leaned his head lightly against the wall beside the window, watching the camp start to shrink behind them as the vehicle rolled out.

He didn't speak.

Didn't need to.

His mind was full of it.

Inside the transport, the chaos mainly had shifted from exterior noise to interior clamor. Yuki was now halfway in Sakura's lap, having declared herself the "official seatbelt" for her older sister. Hana, seated neatly on the other side, gave periodic updates about their trajectory with perfect monotone: "We're moving slightly uphill now. That bump was a shallow dip. The next turn will be to the left unless the driver gets dramatic."

Sakura, unfazed, calmly checked her gear straps while letting Yuki coil like a scarf around her side. "If she doesn't shift in the next ten seconds, I'm removing her manually."

"I'll resist with affection," Yuki declared.

"Bring it."

Across the way, Astrid tried—and failed—to not be obviously glancing at Hiro, who was leaning back with one leg crossed, calmly listening to the chatter without intervening. Zoraku, wedged into the far corner, stared silently at the window like he could escape by osmosis.

Soukaku watched them load in with hearts in her eyes, while Harumasa muttered something about "too much energy, not enough seatbelts." Yanagi, on the other hand, gave one sharp look, and everyone adjusted their posture on instinct—even Yuki sat upright for exactly five seconds.

And then they rolled out.

As the vehicle pulled away from the scout outpost and into the winding approach roads beyond, Hiro let the noise fall into the background, his attention drifting briefly out the reinforced side window.

The landscape rolled past in slow gradients—bluffs and scrub trees, shallow clouds, patches of sun that hadn't fully reclaimed the soil after Hollow activity.

But Hiro wasn't really looking at the scenery.

He was thinking of his father.

He knew Wise. Knew the calm steadiness of his voice, the sharp way he noticed things before anyone else. The quiet strength that settled over a room without raising its volume. The way he always stood just behind the others, not for ego, but to support them.

Hiro had grown up with that.

Sakura had trained under his eye longer than most adults lasted in leadership.

Yuki and Hana still curled up under his coat during storms, even if they were already mastering Frost techniques, he never bragged about helping them develop.

They knew him.

But now they were going to meet a younger version of him—one not yet marked by the experiences they shared. One who hadn't raised them yet. Who hadn't seen the future, but was already building toward it.

Hiro didn't feel anxious.

He just wondered—how would his father react?

Would he recognize Sakura's stance? Hana's precision? Yuki's unstoppable energy?

Would he smile the way he used to—soft, quiet, just enough to be real?

The anticipation wasn't heavy.

It was warm.

Like waiting at the top of a slope, knowing the ride down would be familiar—but thrilling all the same.

Hiro exhaled slowly, the hum of the transport steady beneath him. The noise of his team around him—his family—felt like home.

He didn't need answers.

He just needed time.

And that was finally starting to move forward again.

End of Section 6 Chapter Part 2

Chapter Text

Cunning Hares Route

Children of This Route

Sage Demara

Parents: Wise (Father), Nicole (Mother)

Affiliation: Neon Strikers

Role: Strategist, Field Leader, Disruptor

Element: Ether

Weapon: Twin Ether Pistols – Echo & Reverb

Appearance:

A sharp-dressed, quick-thinking young woman with undeniable stage presence.

Hair: Long pink ponytail, sleek and animated; gray streaks near the bottom reflect her father's DNA and serious side.

Eyes: Green with a subtle amber-gray shimmer underneath — alert, cutting, but playful.

Clothing:

Wears a fitted Random Play tee featuring Eous in stylized pixel art.

Practical utility shorts with reinforced pockets and Ether-tuned gadgets clipped to the belt.

Combat sneakers built for fast movement and mid-air redirection.

Carries her pistols in stylish, low-slung holsters on either thigh.

Accessories:

A sleek silver pendant shaped like a stylized proxy badge — something Sage had custom-made to honor her father's old role at Random Play. It glows faintly with Ether when she syncs with her pistols.

Her combat headset, tuned for squad comms, doubles as a music player for her favorite dramatic voice dramas (she thinks no one knows — Cipher knows).

Personality:

Sage is what happens when Nicole's sass meets Wise's eerie tactical insight.

Core Traits: Confident, witty, calculating — with big "I already saw five moves ahead" energy.

Leadership: Commands without raising her voice. Knows how to make people want to follow.

Flaws:

Can be reckless with her sarcasm — often gets herself into trouble.

Struggles to admit when she's afraid or uncertain.

Carries more responsibility than she lets on.

Quirks:

Secretly obsessed with dramatic acting manga and romantic audio dramas.

Loves collecting weird novelty keychains, especially ones with terrible puns.

Has a running "tease-war" with Cipher, her older brother — only she's allowed to poke him.

Weapon: Twin Ether Pistols – "Echo & Reverb"

Sage's weapon of choice, built from scavenged tech and neon-imbued alloy.

🔹 Echo (Left Pistol):

Fires fast, staggering pulse rounds with disorienting effect.

Prioritizes speed, ricochets, and clever angles.

Fires holographic taunts that draw aggro and confuse enemies.

🔸 Reverb (Right Pistol):

Fires heavier, distortion-charged shots.

Can pierce terrain and tether enemies with Ether resonance links.

Unlocks devastating combo finishers if Echo sets the field.

🔁 Combat Style:

Hypermobile; constantly dashing, repositioning, and setting traps.

Excels at battlefield control and turning enemy mistakes into openings.

Never plays fair — she plays smart.

Team Role – Neon Strikers

Leader and Coordinator

Keeps her squad (Cipher, Mio, and Thomas) moving like a well-oiled machine.

Handles negotiation, planning, and post-mission debriefs — with flair.

Known for walking into missions with a grin and walking out with a profit margin.

Fun Details:

Catchphrase: "I don't miss. I misdirect."

Favorite Food: Honey-powder mochi and mango fizz from the Outer Ring street carts.

Weakness: Hates confined spaces — won't admit it unless Cipher corners her.

Secret Fear: Losing control of a mission that costs her team. She acts reckless to avoid showing how much she cares.

Cipher Demara

Parents: Wise (Father), Anby Demara (Mother)

Older brother of Sage Demara

Affiliation: Neon Strikers

Role: Vanguard Striker / Frontline Duelist

Appearance:

Short, dark gray hair with a faint blue sheen in direct light — a cool blend of Anby's icy tones and Wise's darker style.

Sharp orange eyes, always watchful, reflecting his father's penetrating stare with a flicker of stubborn fire.

Wears a short silver tactical jacket, sleeves often rolled slightly at the cuffs. The interior has faint blue trim, symbolic of both parents.

Dark blue jeans and durable, stylish combat sneakers — ready to fight or flee at a moment's notice.

Keeps his swallow/double-glaive holstered across his back or in hand, rarely without it.

Minimal accessories — no tech flash, no excess gear. His calm control speaks louder than any flair.

Personality:

Loyal and quietly intense, Cipher always puts his team first — especially his sister, Sage.

Her teasing doesn't bother him. In fact, it brings out a rare smirk from him now and then. He doesn't mind playing the straight man to her antics — it grounds him.

Has a dry sense of humor that surfaces when he's comfortable, usually as a sharp counter to Sage's wit.

Though disciplined, he struggles to stay composed when Sage is in danger — it's one of the few things that can rattle him and lead to brash decisions or tunnel vision.

Inherited Wise's quiet focus and Anby's deep sense of duty, but his inner compass is fiercely his own.

Speaks only when necessary — and always with intent.

Core Traits:

Tactical Thinker – Quiet but intense, he's usually the first to catch on when something feels "off."

Protective Big Brother – Though Sage is the face and fire, Cipher is the steel behind her.

Emotionally Guarded – Keeps things locked down tight unless under heavy emotional strain.

Flaws:

Carries too much responsibility, often without asking for help.

Emotionally distant, especially in moments that require vulnerability.

Tends to prioritize Sage's safety even if the mission says otherwise.

Quirks:

Will instinctively stand between Sage and any unknown the second he senses a threat.

Despite claiming not to care, he always carries extra snacks Sage likes.

Keeps a quiet journal encrypted on his comms device — logs everything, including minor observations about his dad's old files and Random Play.

Weapon Name: Split Fang
A beautifully forged, dual-bladed glaive inspired by both traditional martial discipline and Hollow-era engineering. Each curved blade resembles a fanged crescent, with a stylized core shaft of alloyed silver and burnished metal. Flame and lightning pulse faintly along the edge when charged with elemental energy. The middle of the weapon features a reinforced grip zone, allowing Cipher to adjust his balance on the fly during spins or parries.

The glaive's design reflects Wise's calm precision through its balanced structure and Caesar's ferocity through its aggressive arc.

⚔️ Blade Lengths: Slightly asymmetrical tips for varying damage on both ends.

🔥⚡ Core Channel: Internal Ether conduits pulse when switching elements between fire and electricity.

🧭 Inlaid Seal: A subtle insignia rests near the base — a combination of a lightning bolt and burning fang, Cipher's chosen symbol.

Supporting OC Children (Non-Wise kids)

Mio Sukitami

Full Name: Mio Sukitami

Age: 16

Faction: Neon Strikers

Species: Thiren (Hellhound variant — dog-wolf subtype)

Role: Melee DPS / Scouting Vanguard

Element: Fire

Combat Class: Physical / Burn Damage

Appearance:

Mio is a lithe and nimble Thiren girl with sleek black ears and a long, swishing tail tipped in a reddish flare, signaling her fire affinity. Her fur, faint along her shoulders and thighs, carries an ember-like shimmer in sunlight. Her eyes are bright amber-orange, flecked with crimson, glowing subtly in heated battle. She wears a custom lightweight combat suit reinforced with heat-resistant mesh and claw padding. Flame motifs trace the seams of her gear, and the tips of her dual gauntlet claws glow faintly even when idle. A sleeveless cropped jacket and tactical boots complete her look, giving her a street-smart edge with movement-friendly function.

Personality Traits:

• Bubbly and spirited: Mio brings an upbeat energy to the team, often cracking jokes or poking fun to break tension.

• Friendly but fierce: She’s deeply loyal and protective, but when it’s time to throw down, she doesn’t hold back.

• Feisty when provoked: Push her too far, and the claws come out—literally.

• Team-minded: Mio respects her squad, offering ideas or backing others up without hesitation. She thrives on group synergy.

Flaws:

• Emotionally reactive: Struggles with hiding her feelings—her tail and ears often give her away.

• Overextends herself: Often takes on more tasks than she can handle to “prove she can hang.”

• Jealous streak: Though subtle, Mio can get competitive or self-conscious, especially when Cipher praises someone else.

• Sore loser: Whether it’s a sparring match or a card game, she gets real quiet when she loses... before plotting revenge.

• Easily flustered: Can get tongue-tied or shy around anyone who compliments her ears or tail.

Combat Profile:

Weapon Name: Inferpaw Gauntlets
Weapon Type: Dual Arm-Mounted Claws
Element: Fire

• Style: Agile and aggressive. Mio slashes, leaps, and spins into enemies with explosive follow-ups and trail-burning footwork.

• Signature Move: Crimson Maelstrom — A spiraling fire strike that engulfs her surroundings, leaving enemies with high burn status.

• Burst Skill: Flare Blitz — She pounces forward with claws ignited, delivering a three-strike flame combo followed by an uppercut eruption.

• Passive Effect: Fire trails briefly remain on surfaces she dashes through, burning enemies who follow her path.

Quirks:

• Her tail wags uncontrollably when excited or praised. Denies it every time.

• Keeps a secret stash of spicy jerky in her bag—snacks when stressed.

• Likes sleeping in high places (usually rafters or overhangs); says it’s a “wolf-thing.”

• Has a small charm on her gauntlets shaped like a flame-engraved dog bone.

Relationships:

• Sage: Her ride-or-die. Mio admires Sage’s confidence and follows her lead without question.

• Cipher: Friendly rivalry. She might secretly have a crush on him, but masks it with teasing and headbutts. They argue, compete, and banter constantly—but if Cipher ever needed her, she'd burn down the Hollow to get to him.

• Thomas: Respects his strength and steadiness. Calls him “Tank-Tom” sometimes. Their bond is professional but warm—they watch each other’s backs in the field.

Thomas

Full Name: Thomas Shield

Age: 17

Faction: Neon Strikers

Role: Frontline Bruiser / Defender

Element: Ice

Combat Class: Physical / Freeze Control

Appearance:

Thomas is a tall, broad-shouldered teen with a fighter’s build and presence. His slicked-back black hair has a streak of silver near the temples—whether natural or from combat exposure is unclear. A thin, jagged scar runs under his left eye, a souvenir from a past fight he never talks about. His outfit consists of a sleeveless, reinforced combat jacket with faint frost patterns etched across the shoulders, heavy-duty ice-core gauntlets strapped to his arms, and combat boots that crackle subtly with cold air. A short yellow scarf is wrapped around his neck—rumored to be from someone important—and it’s always the cleanest part of his look.

Personality Traits:

• Warm and Funny: Surprisingly funny despite his size; loves landing well-timed jokes or clever one-liners.

• Steady as a Rock: The team's emotional anchor. Never panics, never overreacts.

• Protective: Deeply loyal to his teammates, always prioritizing their safety.

• Big Brother Energy: To Sage and even Mio at times. Offers advice, snacks, and firm headpats.

Flaws:

• Too Self-Sacrificing: Will throw himself in danger without hesitation if it means protecting others.

• Emotionally Guarded: While he's expressive, he rarely talks about his own struggles or that old scar.

• Can Be Overbearing: His protectiveness can sometimes stifle his teammates, especially if he doesn’t think they’re ready.

Combat Profile:

Weapon Name: Frigora Cuffs
Weapon Type: Heavy Cryo Gauntlets
Element: Ice

• Style: Close-quarters brute force. Thomas uses boxing and martial arts techniques fused with Cryo bursts to stagger, freeze, and crush.

• Signature Move: Glacier Breaker — Slams both fists into the ground, sending a shockwave of jagged ice spikes in a forward arc, freezing enemies.

• Burst Skill: Frozen Guard — Creates a reactive ice shield around himself that absorbs damage. When broken, it shatters outward with knockback force.

• Passive Effect: Punches have a stacking Chill effect; after three strikes, the next hit causes instant Freeze on non-boss targets.

Quirks:

• Keeps his scarf immaculately clean, even after battle.

• Warms his hands constantly—even though he’s an Ice agent.

• Has a hidden talent for snow sculpting (Sage found out. She is sworn to secrecy).

• Always has snacks hidden somewhere on him—usually gives them to Sage mid-mission.

• Can build a campfire in record time (despite being an Ice unit).

• Genuinely loves bad puns.

• Secretly likes children's cartoons but insists it’s “for the animation quality.”

Relationships:

• Sage: Acts like a watchful big brother. Listens to her orders, backs her unconditionally, and has carried her out of at least three reckless situations without complaint.

• Cipher: Views Cipher as a true brother. Trusts his judgment, fights by his side without hesitation, and would go through hell for him—because he sees how hard Cipher works to protect Sage. They have a quiet bond built on mutual respect and unspoken understanding.

• Mio: Best sparring partner. He lets her burn off energy during training and keeps her grounded when she gets too fired up. Their friendship is full of teasing, but Thomas always watches her back.

=== End of Cunning Hares Route ===

=== Belobog Heavy Industries Route ===

Children of the Route

Ember Belobog
Parents: Wise (Father) & Koleda Belobog (Mother)
Full Name: Ember Belobog
Age: 18
Faction: Belobog Heavy Industries / Affiliated Hollow Response Support
Role: Combat Engineer / Frontline Researcher
Element: Fire
Combat Class: Melee / Weapon Conjuration

Appearance: A tall, striking young woman—already taller than her mother Koleda, which she never lets her forget—Ember rocks a confident and chaotic scientist aesthetic. She wears a long white lab coat, often unbuttoned, with sleeves rolled just below the elbow. Beneath, she sports a form-fitting black and red short-sleeved top featuring a stylized bear head logo across the chest, nodding to Belobog branding—and perhaps to Beck.

Her tight black cargo shorts are practical for engineering work, and she wears reinforced red-and-black boots built for both industrial sites and combat zones. Her fiery, orange-red hair flows long but is tied into a thick ponytail high on her head. She wears red-rimmed glasses with a slight tech interface tint, and a lollipop is always in her mouth—either cherry or fire pepper-flavored, depending on her mood.

Personality Traits:

• Hyper-competent & chill: Ember is shockingly brilliant, but laid-back in most situations—cool under pressure, sarcastic in casual moments.

• Hardworking chaos engine: When she’s in “project mode,” she doesn’t sleep, doesn’t stop, and doesn’t let anyone interrupt until she’s done.

• Straight-shooter: Doesn’t sugarcoat her words—even when she’s literally eating sugar. If something’s dumb, she’ll say so.

• Big sister mode: She loves Rune and Lumina dearly and acts like the responsible one… even if she’s a menace in her own way.

Flaws:

• Workaholic: Will work herself into a crash if no one makes her stop.

• Sarcastic to a fault: Doesn’t always know when to dial back the snark.

• Sugar-dependent: Runs on sweets. Genuinely gets irritable or sluggish if she’s out of lollipops.

• Doesn’t show vulnerability easily: Likes to play “unbothered” even when she’s scared or upset. Keeps a lot internalized.

Combat Profile:

Weapon Name: Inferna Edge System
Weapon Type: Fire Katana + Backup Arsenal (Summoned)
Element: Fire

• Primary Katana: A sleek black-bladed sword with red glowing veins. Stored in a magnetic scabbard strapped to her lower back.

• Signature Mechanic: Her custom mini-backpack contains a rapid-summon forge system—she can conjure additional flaming katanas from within and dual-wield or toss them mid-fight like blazing javelins.

• Special Attack – Hellfire Bloom: Spins midair while deploying up to five summoned katanas into a wide flame burst pattern, then calls them back to her like flaming boomerangs.

• Burst Skill – Blazing Overclock: Overheats all equipped blades for massive burst damage and increased swing speed for 15 seconds. Overuse risks burnout and must cool down.

Quirks:

• Always has a lollipop in her mouth—or a straw candy if she’s thinking.

• Keeps a “don’t touch” mug in every lab she visits, no one knows what’s in it.

• Will do equations aloud but then whisper the last digit for no reason.

• Rides forklift mechs like they’re scooters.

• Once used her backup fire katana to roast marshmallows for the team.

Relationships:

• Wise (Father): Gets her quiet focus and machine-brain from him. Respects his calm energy and often seeks his advice… though she’ll never say it directly. She’s aware he wasn’t a fighter, but still considers him one of the smartest people she’s ever met.

• Koleda (Mother): Deeply admires her mother’s strength and grit. Ember jokes that she got the “biceps gene” too, and they’ve sparred before for “training.” Has her mom’s backbone and fire, but shows it through innovation.

• Rune & Lumina (Half-siblings): Protects them like a bear with cubs—teases them mercilessly but would incinerate anyone who threatens them. She acts like she’s the team lead whether they asked her to or not.

• Beck: Though a few years older, Beck is still one of the team. Ember calls him her “personal teddy bear”—and he doesn’t mind one bit. When she’s exhausted from labs or missions, Beck quietly lets her nap against his massive side, no questions asked. She trusts him deeply, and while he rarely says much, his presence is one of the few things that helps her recharge. Their bond is warm, steady, and quietly affectionate.

Rune Howard

Parents: Wise (Father), Grace Howard (Mother)
Affiliation: Belobog Heavy Industries
Age: ~16
Element: Electric
Weapon: Semi-Auto Rifle (AK-style) with variable loadouts
Class Type: Long-range DPS / Tactical Support
Team Role: Mid-Field Operator, Loadout Strategist, Bodyguard to Lumine

Appearance:

Rune is a teenage boy with a lean but muscular build that clearly shows he's trained consistently. He has short, slightly unkempt black hair and sharp gray-blue eyes that scan his surroundings with tactical precision. On his head rest a well-worn pair of combat goggles, and across his back is a sleek AK-style semi-automatic rifle with custom attachments.

He wears a tight-fit black shirt that shows his toned arms and chest, military-grade pants with modular holsters, ammo packs, and a knife sheath strapped to his thigh. Small elements of his mother's mechanical design aesthetic appear in his gloves and gear clips—functional, but built to endure.

Personality:

• Tactically-minded and calm under fire—shows rare panic.

• Protective and grounded, especially around his sister Lumine.

• Possesses a dry, sometimes sarcastic sense of humor that surprises people.

• Unlike many of his Belobog peers, he doesn’t lead with intellect but makes up for it with battlefield instincts.

• Can be quietly intense; doesn’t waste words but always listens.

Core Traits:

• Disciplined: His training from the Obol Squad (Trigger and S11 as mentors) shows—clean reloads, smooth breath control, perfect recoil management.

• Calculating: With inherited intellect from both parents, Rune is excellent at probability math—often calculating the arc of a missed bullet and adjusting before others even notice.

• Family-Oriented: Deeply loyal to his sister and fiercely protective, especially in chaotic combat zones.

• Reliable Backbone: Often acts as the steadying presence during missions when others are overwhelmed.

Flaws:

• Not the best with high-level tech — despite his family, he’s more hands-on than code-heavy.

• Can be overprotective, especially of Lumine, sometimes to a fault.

• Occasionally holds himself back emotionally, believing he must “stay strong” for others at all times.

Combat Profile:

• Weapon: Modified AK-15-style electric semi-auto rifle

• Comes with interchangeable electric charge modules (scatter burst, arc beam, precision shot).

• Often carries different elemental mags or shock traps on his belt to adapt mid-fight.

• Style: Tactical shooter with a support flair; pins enemies with precision suppressing fire or targets weak points for finishers.

• Special Ability: "Surge Calculus" – Once per fight, Rune enters a predictive combat state, where his shots automatically adjust trajectory mid-fire for 10 seconds, ensuring direct hits.

• Gear: Custom combat goggles that analyze wind/current for sniping. Reinforced gloves for close-combat fallback.

Relationships:

• Wise (Father): Inherited Wise’s calm demeanor and tactical mind. Though not very expressive, he quietly models himself after his father’s ability to stay composed no matter the situation. They often talk strategy rather than emotions.

• Grace Howard (Mother): Deeply respects her genius but sometimes finds her too eccentric to keep up with. He likes being her “grounding force” and will act as her shield when she zones out during projects.

• Lumine Howard (Younger Sister): His pride and joy. Rune acts as both her protector and emotional compass. He helps her with combat and ensures she never feels like a burden despite her artificial nature. Doesn’t hesitate to “go full big bro mode” if she’s in danger or insulted.

• Ember Belobog (Half-Sister): Friendly teasing. While Ember is more mechanical than combat-based, Rune treats her like an older sister and respects her leadership and mechanical know-how. They often coordinate tech-and-tactics combos in missions.

• Beck: Quiet respect. Rune doesn’t talk much to Beck but sees him as an immovable guardian. If Rune needs someone to watch Lumine while he's sniping, Beck’s the first and only choice.

Lumine Howard

Parents: Wise (Father), Grace Howard (Mother)
Affiliation: Belobog Heavy Industries
Created By: Grace (Primary Builder), with assistance from Koleda and Wise
Age Appearance: 10–12 (Actual “activation” age: ~2–3 years)
Model Classification: Multi-Elemental Combat Automaton – “LUMINA Mk. I”
Combat Role: Ultimate Hybrid (Tank, DPS, Support – all adaptable)

Appearance:

Lumine is a petite robot girl with delicate but expressive facial features, framed by gray hair tied with a red ribbon bow. A white beret with the Belobog Heavy Industries logo sits slightly askew on her head. Her bright, curious eyes show faint mechanical outlines—just enough to hint at her true nature.

Her ears are long and pointed, somewhere between elf and vampire, subtly reinforcing her ethereal-meets-machine aura. She wears high-waisted black shorts with red stripes, a belt with utility pouches, and a massive red scarf that whips behind her like a cape. Her arms are fully mechanical, featuring segmented plating, retractable panels, and jointed fingers. Her legs are human-shaped but visibly reinforced, with glowing lines and tiny plates that signal her hidden power.

Personality:

• Bubbly and cheerful; she acts like a happy little sister to everyone.

• Innocent yet perceptive, Lumine picks up more than people expect.

• Eager to help, often over-prepares with gadgets, snacks, or entire battle plans.

• Playfully mischievous but never cruel—she likes to prank Rune lightly but adores him deeply.

• In moments of quiet, her machine intelligence reveals depth beyond her years.

Core Traits:

• Sunshine of the Squad: Her positivity lifts morale even when things go wrong.

• Emotional Glue: She’s the emotional bridge between her practical mother, her cool father, and her combat-hardened big brother.

• Adaptive Intelligence: Her onboard system learns from every mission. She constantly refines herself without help.

• Protective Little Titan: Despite her size and voice, she can casually toss wreckage or punch through steel walls.

Backstory:

Lumine was born from grief—a hopeful child lost before birth. In response, Grace poured her genius and heart into building a child, assisted by Koleda (who saw Lumine as a niece) and Wise (who provided the emotional drive and AI ethical framework).

While artificial, Lumine is truly alive in spirit, often reminding others, “I may be built... but I was built with love!”

Combat & Abilities:

Primary Role: Combat Swiss Army Knife
Element Affinity: Universal (can shift between Electric, Fire, Ether, Ice, and Physical modes)

Modular Weapons:

• Drill Mode: Arms or legs morph into whirring drills for devastating close-range attacks. Can double-drill or fire her arms as high-speed spinning projectiles.

• Rocket Legs: Integrated thrusters allow dashes, vertical leaps, and burning kicks.

• Missile Pack: Concealed missile battery in her back; launches auto-targeting salvos.

• Energy Shield: Compact circular shield stored on her back. Can parry, block, or toss like a discus.

• Punch Mode: “One-Two Boom!” combo system allows her to launch a Rocket Punch followed by a Seismic Slam with perfect control.

Special Mode – “Full Sync Uplink”: Lumine taps into her supercomputer core, increasing speed, elemental output, and reflexes. In this mode, she can predict enemy movement like a master AI.

Limiters: Has several internal restrictors to prevent damage to herself and others. Rune can deactivate these temporarily if the situation demands.

Flaws & Quirks:

• Too Trusting: Believes in people easily unless given a reason not to.

• Emotion Processing: Despite her cheer, she occasionally malfunctions when emotions like sadness or rejection overload her system.

• Memory Buffering: Sometimes forgets small things because her mind is constantly juggling gigabytes of info.

Quirks:

• Loves sweets despite being a robot. Nobody knows why, but she insists lollipops make her processor “run smoother.”

• When scared, she instinctively curls into Rune’s arms or hides behind Ember’s lab coat.

• Says “Boom-boom time~!” before firing her Rocket Punch.

Relationships:

• Wise (Father): She looks up to him as “Papa.” He’s the calm in her code—his warm voice is the one she trusts most when rebooting or scared.

• Grace (Mother): Her creator and lifeline. Lumine has a deep emotional bond with Grace and loves showing off for her.

• Rune (Older Brother): Her guardian knight and best friend. She often calls him “Ruuuuune~!” when clinging to him. He pretends to be annoyed, but never truly is.

• Ember (Half-Sister): Big sis energy. Ember lets Lumine ride on her back or steal her sweets. Ember’s the only one who lets her poke at “cool lab gadgets.”

• Beck: Giant teddy bear. She naps on him during long rides or asks him for "booster throws" when she wants to go airborne.

Supporting OC Children (Non-Wise kids)

Beck

Affiliation: Belobog Heavy Industries
Age Equivalent: Late teens (18–19 range)
Species: Bear Thiren
Combat Role: Heavy Bruiser / Crowd Control / Support Tank
Nickname(s): “Big B,” “Bear Dad,” “Mr. Poet,” “Snack King”

Appearance:

Beck is a massive bear, standing nearly a head and a half taller than his teammates. He wears a white urban-style utility jacket, similar in aesthetic to Ben from canon, with various stylized patches and off-brand music logos stitched on the arms and chest. A silver chain necklace with a steel-ring pendant hangs from his neck.

His fur is charcoal brown with pale accents, and he bears several healed scars across his arms, torso, and back—but notably none near his face. His expression is typically calm, serene, even contemplative.

He keeps a tiny pair of rectangular reading glasses folded in a chest pocket for quiet moments. His voice is deep, gentle, and smooth, though when he yells, it echoes like thunder.

Personality:

• Soft-spoken and surprisingly gentle, often quoting poetry or muttering verses he's written.

• Loves quiet places, warm tea, and “thick books with thin margins.”

• Protective of the squad, especially Ember and Lumine.

• Has a fatherly/older brother vibe, though he’s technically only a few years older than Ember and Rune.

• Often serves as the team’s moral compass, listening before speaking—and rarely wrong when he does.

• Absolutely adores snacks and is religious about snack sharing rituals. Refusal to share = betrayal.

Combat Profile:

Weapon: Expanding Chain Ball (Keychain Form)

• When inactive, Beck’s weapon appears as a small metal trinket, dangling from his wrist or belt loop.

• On command, it expands into a giant flail-like chain ball, capable of causing tremors, smashing obstacles, or tangling large enemies.

• Designed by Ember, with help from Grace and Wise. Uses internal energy-conductive fibers and gravitational mod tech to shift mass.

Fighting Style:

• Groundbreaker – creates shockwaves with each step when fully armed.

• Swing & Slam – uses centrifugal force to devastate groups of enemies.

• Anchor Mode – wraps chain around himself or allies to absorb incoming blows.

• Launch Assist – can fling allies like missiles or intercept them midair.

Element: Physical, with latent potential to channel Kinetic Shockwaves (non-elemental burst energy).

Strengths:

• Incredible Strength: Can carry the entire squad effortlessly, including fully-armored Rune and high-density tech like Lumine.

• Durability: Takes hits like a wall and keeps standing.

• Calm Mind: Unshaken in chaos, anchoring the more chaotic personalities.

• Snack Diplomacy: Everyone shares with Beck. It’s an unspoken team law.

Flaws & Quirks:

• Terrible with tech: Cannot use most terminals or touchpads unless Ember sets them to “Bear Mode.”

• Sensitive to beauty: Can get distracted by sunsets, birdsong, or emotional poetry mid-mission.

• Hates hurting teammates, even in training; will pull his punches hard unless absolutely necessary.

• Over-apologizes: Especially if he accidentally breaks something small or squishes a seat.

Relationships:

• Ember Belobog: She sees him as a mix between a teddy bear and a trusted uncle. Beck lets her nap on his chest during travel or recharge sessions and never complains. Their bond is warm, full of mutual respect and candy-sharing.

• Rune Howard: While Rune is more action-driven, Beck keeps him grounded. They rarely talk much, but Beck’s words hit hard when Rune is emotional.

• Lumine Howard: He adores her unconditionally. Carries her like a plush toy when she’s tired, and listens to her robotic ramblings with full attention. Lumine sometimes makes him bracelets from scrap wires—he wears them proudly.

• Wise: Sees Wise as the “gentle fire beneath steel”—respects him greatly and often calls him “Sir Wise” even casually.

• Grace & Koleda: Feels deeply honored to have been accepted into the Belobog team. Bakes for them during holidays (using modified bear-friendly ovens).

Quotables:

• “Even iron can learn to bend... if the soul behind it knows kindness.”

• “You break it, I’ll carry it. You drop it, I’ll catch it. You cry... and I’ll listen.”

• “Got any sour gummies? No? …I’ll take hugs instead.”

=== End of Belobog Heavy Industries Route ===

=== Victoria Housekeeping Co Route ===

Children of the Route

Lyra Sebastiane

Parents: Wise (Father), Rina (Full name: Alexandrina Sebastiane) (Mother)

Affiliation: Victoria Housekeeping Co.
Role: Combat Maid / Team Vanguard / Emotional Anchor
Species: Human (Biological daughter of Wise and Rina)
Age: 19
Position: Second Oldest in Squad / Primary Enforcer & Support

Appearance

Lyra stands tall and composed, exuding a refined presence with long white-gray hair, part of it braided and slung over one shoulder. Loose strands frame her soft face, constantly adorned with a faint smile—one that very few realize doesn’t always mean she’s happy.

Her uniform is a streamlined Victoria Housekeeping combat-maid outfit, rendered in grays and blacks with elegant white frills. Her beret-style headpiece adds formal grace, while subtle star motifs on her hem and golden locket imply a celestial air—perhaps a nod to her mother's name and her father’s mythos.

Outfit Details:

• Practical belts, hip-straps, and garter fixtures for movement.

• A golden locket with unknown contents rests at her waist.

• Carries hidden sweet treats and small medical pouches for her brother Novelle.

Weapon:

Name: Astreia
Type: Halberd-Polearm
Design:

• A sleek black pole with a gold, crescent-like blade at one end and an ornate eight-point star spike at the other.

• The weapon channels Ether energy through the embedded core, but can just as easily split open opponents with sheer physical force.

• Mid-combat, Lyra may reverse the grip and fight more like a spearfighter or hammer maiden, depending on her mood—or her sadistic flare.

Element:

• Split Type: Ether Agent / Physical Agent

• Can fluidly switch between Ether-enhanced strikes and brute-force techniques.

• Most dangerous when using both in sync—often ending fights before enemies realize she’s fully engaged.

Personality

• Always smiling, always composed… even when she’s mad.

• Her calm, nurturing demeanor masks a quietly sadistic side in battle—she relishes precision combat and “clean kills.”

• Known for delivering polite threats with perfect enunciation.

• Keeps the squad emotionally balanced by being dependable and warm—until she’s not.

• Has perfect table manners, even mid-fight.

• Understands etiquette… and how to weaponize it.

Flaws & Quirks

• Hard to read emotionally – Only Novelle and Lucas can consistently detect her mood shifts.

• Keeps herself too tightly wound, rarely expressing vulnerability.

• Occasionally “toys” with weaker enemies longer than necessary—it’s not personal, it’s “professional curiosity.”

• Keeps a secret stash of sweets—but it’s not for her. It’s for Novelle.

• Talks to her halberd when cleaning or sharpening it—like it’s a co-worker.

Combat Style

• Fluid polearm martial art – combining wide sweeping attacks with pinpoint Ether bursts.

• Alternates between dominating the frontline and surgically removing high-value threats.

• Uses Ether energy for brief dashes, shockwaves, or piercing Ether-jabs.

• Often pairs with Lucas for synchronized takedowns.

• Her Ether-infused blade can leave celestial burn patterns on surfaces.

Relationships

• Novelle Joe (Younger Brother): Her precious little storm. Lyra may be the second-strongest fighter, but Novelle is her chaotic opposite and emotional opposite. She takes point in managing his reserves, mood, and sugar intake, and sometimes physically restrains him when he overextends.

• Lucas Argent (Captain): She respects him immensely—especially how he bears the squad’s burden without ever losing his cool (too much). They coordinate like seasoned professionals in battle and share mutual trust. Lyra also appreciates that he doesn’t pry too deeply into her more… artistic choices in combat.

• Ophelia Brightstone: Enjoys her soft, monotone energy. Lyra treats her like a sleepy little cat: soothing, but sometimes startlingly sharp. They share quiet conversations over tea and sweets.

• Wise (Father): Admires his composed mind and carries the same internal discipline. Though she rarely voices it aloud, she inherited more of his restraint than most would guess. Lyra silently aspires to his ability to lead without commanding.

• Rina (Mother): Fierce, loyal, and unstoppable. Lyra deeply respects her mother but tries not to be exactly like her. Where Rina is fire, Lyra is winter sun—warm, but lethal if you linger too long.

Quotables

• “Would you like to surrender now? I’d hate to ruin your uniform.”

• “Brother, sugar low—hold still.”

• “Lucas, on three? One... two—thank you.”

• “I don't enjoy hurting people. I’m just good at it.”

• “Smile and stay sharp. Tea afterward.”

Novelle Joe

Parents: Wise (Father), Ellen Joe (Mother)

Affiliation: Victoria Housekeeping Co.
Role: Close-Combat Specialist / Physical Enforcer
Species: Thiren (Shark lineage)
Age: 17
Position: Third Oldest / Squad Vanguard Muscle

Appearance

A tall, broad-shouldered young man dressed in the male version of the Victoria Housekeeping combat uniform, custom-fit for his fighting style and stature. The design balances formal style with flexibility—his sleeves are usually rolled up, and his gloves are fingerless to better feel the flow of Ether. The jacket is always a little undone, his tie often missing, and his pants reinforced for mobility.

Notable features:

• Prominent gray shark tail, muscular and expressive, often seen swaying or slapping the ground behind him.

• Light cyan eyes with a sharp, teasing glint.

• Tousled dark hair with streaks of silver near the sides.

• Wears a small candy necklace or sweet pouch around his hip belt (mostly frozen mints, sometimes hard candy sticks).

Weapon / Combat Style

Type: Unarmed Combat (Thiren Martial Style)
Element: Ice Agent / Physical Type
Signature Combat Style:

• Fights with a mix of brute-force punches, low-sweeping kicks, and tail-assisted acrobatics.

• His shark tail is an actual weapon—used for wide-range sweeps, parries, and bone-cracking slams.

• Channels Ice Element through his strikes, leaving chilling bursts and freezing cracks in his path.

• Uses his Ether-chilled knuckles for precise, high-speed combos that stun even armored foes.

Personality

• Has his mother’s blunt, no-nonsense, tough-as-nails energy—gruff, sardonic, and proud.

• Keeps things real with everyone. If you mess up, he’ll tell you. If you did good? He’ll grunt and hand you a candy.

• Rarely opens up emotionally, but his actions always speak louder than words.

• Has his father’s strategic mind, but rarely advertises it—he lets people underestimate him for fun.

• Extremely protective, especially of his sister Lyra (though he pretends to be annoyed by her doting).

Flaws & Quirks

• Comes off as gruff or dismissive, even when he cares deeply.

• Hates long conversations—expresses love through actions, not words.

• Has a massive sweet tooth, especially for frozen candy sticks and soft marshmallow chews.

• Won’t admit he overworks himself for the team.

• Always finishes others' tasks in the background, then pretends he didn’t.

• When stressed, he stares at snow-globe toys or chills his hand against metal.

Combat Style Breakdown

• Heavy Pressure Frontliner – pushes enemies back with raw power.

• Combines sharp tail whips, quick jabs, and sweeping footwork.

• Ice Burst Dash: Uses condensed Ether to slide short distances, freezing terrain behind him.

• Tail Tempest: A spinning AoE that sends enemies flying if they get too close.

• Knockback Counters: Absorbs a hit and retaliates with a frozen elbow or tail flick.

• Excellent at controlling chokepoints and protecting weaker teammates mid-mission.

Relationships

• Lyra Sebastiane (Half-Sister): Though younger, she’s his emotional counterweight. She keeps him grounded, and he protects her like a wall. She feeds him sweets; he never says thank you, but it’s obvious he appreciates it.

• Lucas Argent (Captain): Respects him for holding the squad together. While Novelle rarely speaks in meetings, he listens and follows through without fail. Occasionally leaves Lucas stress-tea without saying a word.

• Ophelia Brightstone: Thinks she’s weird but in a way he admires. Occasionally gives her candy if she’s zoning out too hard.

• Wise (Father): Deeply respects his dad. Emulates him in how he handles things—quietly, efficiently, intelligently. He doesn’t brag about being smart, but Wise’s methods clearly stuck.

• Ellen Joe (Mother): Idolizes her, though he acts like he doesn’t. Took after her bluntness, sarcasm, and raw combat style. Has definitely fought his way through problems just like she does.

Quotables

• “Yeah, yeah, I heard ya the first time.”

• “You done monologuing, or we throwing hands now?”

• “That was your mission? Already handled it. Don’t worry about it.”

• “It’s not for you. I just had extras.” (while handing candy)

• “You wanna test your luck? Try touching my sister again.”

Supporting OC Children/Adults (Non-Wise kids)

Lucas Argent

Affiliation: Victoria Housekeeping Co.
Role: Squad Captain / Field Commander / Support Specialist
Species: Human
Age: 27
Position: Eldest Member – Team Leader of Lyra, Novelle, and Ophelia

Appearance

Lucas is a tall, sharply dressed man, clad in a refined Victoria-issued butler uniform. His outfit is customized with reinforced fibers and sleek combat seams, including a concealed retractable baton in his right sleeve. His dark hair is neatly slicked back, and his steel-gray eyes scan rooms like they’re blueprints. Occasionally seen sipping from a flask of calming herbal tea in high-stress moments—his alternative to stress smoking.

Personality

• Disciplined, elegant, and quietly fierce, Lucas balances leadership with combat brilliance.

• Known for his precise speech, flawless manners, and patience, though cracks show when things spiral too fast.

• Will often mutter under his breath when the squad gets chaotic—but never abandons them.

• Possesses a dry wit, which he deploys as emotional triage when the team spirals.

• Has refined taste, a mastery of etiquette, and is a passable ballroom dancer… not that his squad ever lets him dance in peace.

• When the situation demands, he fights with a near animalistic edge, almost like a cornered wolf—controlled savagery hidden behind a genteel face.

Combat Profile

Element: ❄️ Ice
Type: Melee Specialist / High-Speed Precision Striker
Combat Style:

• Knife-Hand Martial Arts – Ice-coated strikes using bare palms, fingertips, and knife-edge chops.

• Glacial Pressure Points – A technique that channels cold through nerve clusters, briefly freezing limbs or slowing enemies.

• Retaliation Instinct – When wounded or pushed too far, Lucas’s polished technique drops into predatory bursts, overwhelming foes with feral elegance.

• Ice Constructs – Can form small blades, spikes, or ice threads from ambient moisture for quick execution or defense.

Utility Gear:

• Retractable Baton: Primarily non-lethal, used for suppression or precision strikes.

• Combat Vest (Hidden): Worn beneath uniform; provides minor shielding and heat regulation.

Strengths

• Expert tactician, capable of managing group dynamics and multi-stage operations.

• Graceful yet deadly, blending Victoria elegance with precision martial arts.

• Adaptive fighter, effective at crowd control, one-on-one duels, and corridor suppression.

• Keeps calm under pressure with strategic use of calming tea blends—peppermint jasmine being his favorite.

Flaws & Quirks:

• Constantly stressed, despite his composed appearance; lives off black tea and “pure spite.”

• No elemental affinity makes him vulnerable in prolonged multi-element conflicts.

• Secretly feels like he’s babysitting geniuses and troublemakers, though he loves them.

• Once passed out from exhaustion mid-cleanup, waking up with Ophelia covering him with a coat.

• Has a tendency to zone out mid-lecture when someone doesn’t follow protocol.

• Pushes himself too far, especially when trying to protect the team; he rarely asks for help.

• When flustered, he tends to over-correct through excessive formality.

• Occasionally lets his animal instincts slip during combat—he's still human, but that “bite first” mentality can startle others.

• Cannot tolerate sweet tea. He sees it as a betrayal.

• Once tried to leave the team for a quieter post, but was emotionally blackmailed by Lyra and bribed with tea from Ophelia.

• Keeps a backup bottle of calming tea inside a hidden holster in his coat lining.

Relationships

• Lyra Sebastiane: Treats her as the razor-edged heiress she is. Their mutual respect runs deep, but he’s constantly putting out the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) fires she causes. Sees her as both a challenge and someone he’d follow into the fire if she asked.

• Novelle Joe: Thinks of Novelle as a persistent hurricane of sass and unpredictability. Though Lucas acts exasperated, he’s genuinely fond of Novelle’s spark and would never admit how much the kid’s optimism keeps the squad from falling apart.

• Ophelia Brightstone: Her sweet, quiet monotone demeanor provides Lucas unexpected moments of calm. He appreciates her subtle wisdom and surprising ability to anchor the team with just a few deadpan words.

• Wise: Holds deep respect for the man who sired two of his squadmates. Lucas recognizes that Wise’s legacy walks beside him daily, and he feels a silent duty to uphold that standard. That said, he has quietly wondered, “This man fathered these two?” more than once during field ops.

• Rina Sebastiane & Ellen Joe: He’s terrified of both mothers and does everything in his power to make sure their kids are spotless before reviews or reports.

Quotables

• “Everyone calm down. And by everyone, I mean Novelle.”

• “I fight with grace… unless you break the tea bottle.”

• “Ophelia. Deadpan as ever. Don’t change.”

• “You try corralling two prodigies and a cryptid and see how much tea you drink per day.”

• “I’m not yelling. This is me being composed.”

Ophelia Brightstone

Affiliation: Victoria Housekeeping Co.
Role: Tactical Support / Summoner-Style DPS
Species: Human
Age: 17
Position: Youngest Team Member / Emotional Core

Appearance

A petite, doll-like girl with a strikingly ethereal presence. Her hair is long and styled into twin tails, with a dual-color split—one side a rich, dark purple, the other a soft, pastel blue. At the ends of each tail are fluffy white pom-pom clips, giving her a whimsical, plushy look. A tiny silver bunny-shaped clip decorates her bangs.

Her uniform is the standard Victoria Housekeeping maid combat attire, custom-tailored to her smaller size and lightly armored for mobility. Her sleeves are short, showing gloves beneath. Her back carries two miniature floating Bangboo-style bunny drones—small, cute, and deceptively dangerous.

Weapon / Combat Style

Type: Floating Bangboo Pair – “Fluff & Scorch”
Element: Fire Agent
Combat Role: Support-DPS / Zoning Specialist

Combat Highlights:

• Ophelia directs two floating bunny-shaped Bangboos she affectionately named “Fluff” and “Scorch.”

• Fluff: Fires supportive flame projectiles, creates AOE fire circles, and can intercept projectiles.

• Scorch: Specializes in focused laser blasts, explosive bursts, and melting armor.

• While they act independently, they rarely move without her explicit command.

• Ophelia herself can channel fire through her hand-seals to coordinate attacks, dodge roll with micro-bursts, and detonate lingering flame zones.

• Very mobile; her small size makes her hard to pin down in a fight.

Personality

• Soft-spoken and monotone, not because she’s emotionless—but because she’s deeply nervous talking to people.

• Speaks very quietly, even when giving orders to Fluff and Scorch.

• Only truly opens up around the team, and even then, just a little.

• Deeply caring—the first to notice when someone’s hurt, overwhelmed, or tired, and will silently hand them snacks, tea, or fix their uniform.

• Surprisingly grounded, keeping the team balanced when emotions flare.

• Secretly harbors a deep crush on Novelle, and often cooks to impress him.

Flaws & Quirks

• Socially anxious around strangers. Keeps her voice soft to avoid stuttering or drawing attention.

• Cooks like a pro, but pretends she’s “just following a recipe.”

• Never shows anger—her drones do it for her. Scorch flares up when she's flustered or upset.

• Keeps a secret “Novelle bento strategy journal”—a small diary planning out meals to make him smile.

• Gets flustered if you compliment her, and deflects with deadpan humor.

• Her Bangboos occasionally act out her feelings if she won’t express them.

Combat Style Breakdown

• Multi-Zone Fire Control – Fluff & Scorch create dynamic battlefields with wide AOE pressure.

• Bangboo Sync Combos – She can link the two for coordinated combo bursts.

• Silent Order – Issues commands with subtle hand gestures rather than shouting, giving her a stealth-like control edge.

• Scorch Burst – Quick dash into a mini firebomb AoE.

• Fluff Barrier – Briefly shields her or a teammate from ranged damage.

Relationships

• Novelle Joe – Her quiet crush. She won’t admit it, but everything she cooks is secretly for him. Gets jealous of other girls near him but never shows it.

• Lyra Sebastiane – Admires her for being effortlessly graceful and sweet. Follows Lyra’s emotional cues and trusts her deeply.

• Lucas Argent – She listens to him well and often leaves him small snacks when she sees he’s tired. She likes his calm.

• Wise & Ellen (Parents of Novelle) – While not her parents, she has deep respect for them, especially Ellen’s no-nonsense energy. Wants to be half as tough one day.

Quotables

• “Fluff, go.”

• “I made too much food… Novelle, do you want it?” (deadpan)

• “I’m fine. Really. Please look after the others.”

• “If Scorch is glowing red… someone’s about to get torched.”

• “I wasn’t watching you sleep… just making sure your blanket didn’t fall off.”

=== End of Victoria Housekeeping Co Route ===

=== Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (PubSec) Route ===

Children of the Route

Ethan Zhu

Parents: Wise (Dad), Zhu Yuan (Mother)

Affiliation: Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (Junior Division, PubSec)
Position: Squad Leader
Species: Human (with rare heterochromia)
Age: ~16
Role: Close/Mid-Range Assault + Tactical Sniper
Codename: Phantom Fang

Appearance

Ethan carries an air of quiet authority far beyond his years. He has medium-length gray hair that gradually darkens toward the ends, with a faint blue streak subtly highlighting one side—a nod to his mother’s PubSec colors and affiliation. His most striking feature is his heterochromatic eyes: one a cool, piercing blue, the other a vibrant red-gold, echoing the unusual union of his parents.

Wearing the custom blue-and-silver junior PubSec uniform, Ethan’s version is sleeker and more practical—reinforced in the boots and shoulders for field work, with a slim black waist cape fastened at one hip. He wears tactical gloves, a badge clipped on his jacket collar, and a compact earpiece for team comms. His stance is always composed, like he’s half a step ahead of every situation.

Weapon / Combat Style

Weapon Name: Velostra Nocturne
Type: High-Compression Scythe / Long-Range Sniper Hybrid
Element: Ether Agent
Combat Class: Hybrid DPS (Agile Melee / Sniper Precision)

Weapon Overview:

• Velostra Nocturne is a folding, high-powered scythe that compresses into a compact rail-sniper mode.

• Designed for fast melee swipes, momentum chaining, and Ether-charged cleaves.

• At range, it becomes a deadly precision sniper capable of charging up shots or rapid multi-pings to mark and slow targets.

• It has an auto-gyro stabilizer that allows Ethan to spin and vault through enemy lines with remarkable grace and then strike from range just as quickly.

Personality

• Calm, composed, and always thinking three steps ahead—he inherited Wise’s strategic mind.

• Quiet confidence; Ethan rarely raises his voice but commands respect naturally.

• Has Zhu Yuan’s sense of justice and duty, but less emotionally restrained.

• Has a dry sense of humor that surfaces only around people he trusts.

• Protective of his team, but never in an overbearing way. He trains them as equals—even his sister.

• Highly tactical: his first instinct is always to assess before he acts.

Quirks & Flaws

• Keeps a small notebook where he sketches out battle diagrams, code phrases, or random thoughts.

• Tends to bottle up stress and rarely vents frustration—only shows signs through small things like over-sharpening his weapon or re-cleaning his scope.

• Overanalyzes people who flirt or express interest in him—particularly Iris and Vera.

• Occasionally zones out in deep thought—especially during downtime, which causes confusion for those around him.

• Hates being praised too openly—he’ll ignore it or redirect attention.

Team Relationships

• Athena Doe (Sister) – There’s an unspoken trust and bond between them. They argue rarely, and when they do, it’s brief and tactical. She’s the only one who can get him to laugh loudly.

• Iris Calyx (Teammate) – He respects her power and precision, though he occasionally gets flustered by her intense, nearly robotic curiosity about him. Has no idea she has a crush on him.

• Vera Nova (Teammate) – Sees her as a reliable sniper and emotionally grounded teammate. He's more relaxed around her jokes, but also a bit wary of her teasing—it trips him up.

• Zhu Yuan (Mother) – He deeply respects her sense of justice and structure, but Ethan’s more willing to bend rules than she is.

• Wise (Father) – Idolizes Wise's ability to stay calm in any situation, and secretly fears never living up to his father's quiet strength.

Combat Skills (Summary)

• Ether-Fused Sweeping Arc – A charged swing from his scythe that leaves a lingering ether trace, slowing targets.

• Shadowfall Dash – A scythe-based air dash used for dodging or surprise slashes.

• Dead Zone Markshot – In sniper form, he can highlight up to 3 enemies, then fire high-damage follow-ups at weak points.

• Displacement Hook – Fires a retractable hook from the butt of the sniper barrel for repositioning or grabbing objects mid-fight.

• Final Skill – Nocturne Overdrive – His scythe glows with condensed ether, increasing speed and reach, then unleashes a devastating three-part combo finisher.

Notable Traits

• Considered a prodigy among junior PubSec squads.

• Has the unique distinction of being one of the few teenagers trusted to carry a hybrid weapon of his caliber.

• Rumors around HQ claim he once took down an elite Ethereal solo during a training op—though he never talks about it.

• Known across junior squads for his ice-cold focus, but his team knows the rare moments he actually smiles.

Athena Doe

Parents: Wise (Father), Jane Doe (Mother)

Affiliation: Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (Junior Division, PubSec)
Position: Stealth Specialist / Infiltration / CQC
Species: Rat Thiren-Human Hybrid
Age: 16
Role: Electric-Type Melee / Recon
Codename: Shocktail

Appearance

Athena has a sharp, unmistakable look. Her ash-gray hair fades into crimson-tipped ends, often tousled or half-tied in a messy fashion that somehow makes her look even cooler. Her dual-toned eyes shimmer blue with deeper, ink-like flecks beneath the surface—intelligent, mischievous, and impossible to read unless she lets you.

She wears a sleek tactical jacket, stylized with shades of gray and blue, with crimson highlights marking her own flair. Her gloves and boots are detailed with claw and scratch patterns, while her pendant sways loosely with every daring motion. Her rat-like tail and ears are proud and visible—though when on a mission, the tail is encased in a sleek, energy-reactive sheath, forming her signature whip weapon.

Weapon / Combat Style

Whipblade Mk-IX “Tail Ender” + SmartKnife Set

• Primary: Her combat-tail sheath acts as a flexible holo-whip, capable of entangling enemies, shocking them with electric pulses, and executing wide arcs of crowd control.

• Secondary: A set of four retractable combat knives—two for hand combat, two built into her boots. Each is guided by a micro-AI, reacting faster than human reflexes for precision strikes.

• Unique Trait: The whip’s feedback system links with her emotional state.

• When calm: precise, surgical strikes.

• When emotional: whip lashes wildly, generating crackling shockwaves.

Element: Electric
Class Type: Melee / Stealth Recon
Combat Style: Fluid, unpredictable, explosive.

Personality

• Sly, clever, and just a little unhinged, Athena thrives in chaos.

• Loves teasing her team—especially her older twin, Ethan, about how he’s inherited Dad’s accidental lady-killer charisma.

• Plays up her “cute troublemaker” energy to disarm suspects and coworkers alike.

• Super smart, like both parents—she can hack, sweet-talk, or logic her way through almost anything.

• Carries a portable cheese warmer and has ranking tiers for grilled cheese vendors in the city. Don’t fight her on this.

• While she laughs off danger, she’s intensely loyal and highly protective—especially of Ethan.

Quirks & Flaws

• Emotionally reactive in battle—her whip literally tells on her.

• Overconfident in stealth ops, occasionally taking unnecessary risks just to “prove a point.”

• Can sweet-talk or bluff through almost any problem... unless it’s with her parents.

• Wise, Jane, or Zhu? One scolding word, and she folds like a napkin.

• Cheese fanatic. She once traded critical evidence for a grilled Havarti panini.

• Has a signature wink she gives after outsmarting someone. The team hates how effective it is.

Team Dynamics

• Ethan Zhu (Brother) – Her closest bond. She lives to fluster him with teasing, especially about his “accidental harem powers.” But behind the teasing is fierce love; if he’s ever in danger, she goes feral.

• Iris Calyx – “Cool Ice Lady.” Athena respects her skill, gently pokes at her crush on Ethan, and lowkey wants to make her laugh just once.

• Vera Nova – Friendly rival in who-can-be-more-obvious-without-being-obvious about Ethan. They banter constantly, and Athena occasionally teams up with Vera just to poke fun at their poor captain.

• Athena calls the three of them “Zhu’s Zoo”—much to their annoyance.

Combat Abilities

• Whiplash Waltz – Her tail-whip zips through multiple enemies, binding and shocking them in a flickering blur.

• Dual Execution – Activates both boot-knives and hand-knives for a rapid-close multi-limb combo.

• Surge Veil – Sends out a pulse of electric smoke, masking her team and scrambling enemy targeting.

• Overload Instinct – In critical moments, her emotions surge and her whip goes fully chaotic—range, damage, and speed spike drastically for 15 seconds.

Notable Traits

• Known in the junior PubSec circles as “Ghosttail” due to her clean infiltration records.

• Will 100% lecture you about cheese science if prompted.

• Keeps a small bracelet made by Ethan when they were kids—worn under her glove.

• Is secretly trying to one-up Jane and Zhu’s most legendary stealth mission without telling either of them.

Supporting OC Children (Non-Wise kids)

Iris Calyx

Affiliation: Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (Junior Division, PubSec)
Position: Assault / Support Specialist
Species: Android (Advanced Bio-Synthetic Model)
Age: Appears 17
Role: Ice-Type Close-Quarters Specialist / Backup Vanguard
Codename: Frostbite Seraph

Appearance

Iris is elegant and eerie all at once. Her white-and-blue gradient hair flows softly with precision, two braided tails hanging at the back while asymmetrical bangs partly obscure her face—giving her an air of concealment and mystery. A key feature is her sleek black blindfold visor, not for blindness, but to dampen emotional display. While emotionless in theory, her body language and subtle blushes often betray her feelings—especially around Ethan.

Her uniform is a streamlined junior division PubSec combat suit, reinforced at the arms and thighs with icy trim. It hugs her form practically while allowing flexibility. Her boots leave no sound when she walks, and her long gloves conceal hidden retraction mechanisms for emergency blade swaps. Wearing a choker or brooch featuring an emblem of her, the CIPST logo. Gloves that go up to her elbows, with intricate designs on the back of the central part of the gloves. Her outfit with the Pubsec design was slightly different: a high-collared dress with frilled accents and metallic embellishments. It is also a short, layered skirt with an asymmetrical design, as it covers most of her body and thigh highs, covering a good part of her legs

Weapons / Combat Style

Primary Weapon – Frostbrand Blade

• Modeled after classic one-handed swords; sleek, curved, white-metal with glowing blue edges.

• Light and fluid for close-quarters ice combos, perfect for cutting through tight urban spaces.

Secondary Weapon – Glacial Lance ("Boreal Javelin")

• Hidden polearm stored magnetically along her back. Used when she enters “Seraph Mode.”

• The javelin (based on your image) is slender but hits like a meteor, channeling condensed cryo energy that causes spikes of frost to explode outward on impact.

• Can be used as a ranged throw, returning on a magnetic arc to her hand.

Element: Ice
Class Type: Attack Unit
Fighting Style: Measured, graceful, and precision-focused. In short bursts, can go full brutal.

Personality

• Quiet, enigmatic, highly logical, but not cold—just reserved.

• Speaks in flat, robotic tones but subtly emotes through actions: head tilts, body shifts, etc.

• Actually curious about emotion and interaction—just doesn’t know how to express it yet.

• Deeply loyal to her team, especially Ethan (though she plays it off).

• Often misunderstood as distant—but she's always watching, analyzing, and silently backing up her allies.

Quirks & Flaws

• Wears her blindfold-like visor to suppress involuntary emotional microexpressions.

• Blushes uncontrollably around Ethan, though claims it’s a “cooling core malfunction.”

• Struggles with non-combat social cues, especially compliments or teasing.

• Carries a small metal cube in her coat pocket that plays lo-fi music when she's alone.

• Occasionally “zones out” processing strategy mid-conversation.

• When flustered, she'll give unnecessarily technical explanations to avoid addressing emotions.

Team Dynamics

• Ethan Zhu – Her “unit leader.” She follows his commands instinctively and admires him. Unspoken crush, but doesn’t know how to express it—he’s the only one who can make her voice waver.

• Athena Doe – Finds Athena’s emotional honesty “illogically compelling.” They contrast strongly but balance well in combat. Athena also reads her like a book.

• Vera Nova – The rival. Their contrast (ice vs fire, android vs human) leads to tense banter, especially over Ethan. They work efficiently, but there’s a smoldering competition.

Combat Abilities

• Frigid Bloom – Iris performs a sweeping arc with her sword, freezing enemies in a crescent trail.

• Cryo Vault – Throws her javelin into the ground, causing a sudden spike field of ice.

• Seraph Mode – Activates once her internal ice core hits 90%. Her movements become faster, and she exclusively uses the javelin for piercing damage and burst cryo eruptions.

• Icy Reposture – Instantly counters the next melee attack with a silent dash-slash combo and frozen burst.

Vera Nova

Affiliation: Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (Junior Division, PubSec)
Position: Long-Range Support / Recon Sniper
Species: Human
Age: 16
Role: Fire-Type Precision Shooter
Codename: Blazing Marksmaid

Appearance

Vera stands out with her bright, energetic presence. She has long, chestnut-brown hair usually tied loosely or in a high tail, with bangs that frame her excited expression. Her eyes are amber-gold, always sparkling with some new idea or remark, and her cheeks are quick to turn pink—especially around one specific squad leader.

She wears a modified PubSec uniform, tailored for agility and breathability. Her long combat-grade arm sleeves are reinforced for sniper recoil and impact protection. She sports custom white-and-red headphones slung around her neck—often playing music when on stakeout. On her back rests her prized weapon: a custom Barrett M82 sniper rifle, decked out in a matte-black and red finish with a glowing fire-ether core inside the barrel housing.

Weapon / Combat Style

Primary Weapon – “Ifrit Fang”

• A customized Barrett M82 sniper rifle, heavily modified for Ether compatibility.

• Switches between standard kinetic rounds and fire-ether charged bullets.

• Equipped with recoil dampeners and a smart-scope capable of tracking movement signatures even through low Ether interference.

• Fires heavy rounds that can ignite enemies or pierce clean through cover.

Element: Fire
Class Type: Long-Range Attack / Recon
Combat Style: High precision with a hint of flare—Vera hits hard, fast, and with wild enthusiasm.

Personality

• Bubbly, bold, and bright—a textbook firecracker with nerves of steel.

• Her cheerfulness masks an intense focus in battle. When sniping, she becomes eerily calm.

• Tries to play it cool around Ethan... fails often.

• Loves teasing others, but ironically flusters herself the fastest.

• Protective to the bone, especially toward her teammates—even her friendly rival Iris.

• Loves upbeat music and talks to her rifle like it’s a teammate.

Quirks & Flaws

• Carries around firecracker-shaped candy, claiming it "boosts her aim."

• Gets overly competitive with Iris, especially when it comes to Ethan's praise.

• Has a Yoimiya-like streak—she’ll ramble excitedly about her rifle mods or new bullet coatings until someone tells her to breathe.

• Terrible at lying, especially when Athena corners her about her crush.

• Tends to overextend herself trying to cover the team from every angle.

• Says she’s chill but panics internally when Ethan says anything remotely kind to her.

Team Dynamics

• Ethan Zhu – She respects him greatly as her captain and is very obviously not in love with him, nope. Ethan’s natural charisma (inherited from his dad, Wise) unintentionally fries her brain.

• Iris Calyx – Rival in love, ally in battle. The two clash often, but Vera will defend Iris with zero hesitation if anyone else threatens her. Their tandem fire & ice support has become lethal in field operations.

• Athena Doe – Teasing gremlin. Vera can’t escape Athena’s knowing looks and sly pokes about Ethan. Despite this, she loves Athena’s energy and often drags her into karaoke nights post-mission.

Combat Abilities

• Solar Bloom – Charges a fire round that creates a wide flame burst on impact.

• Tracer Round Protocol – Fires a tagged round that marks an enemy for increased team damage.

• Searing Halo – Activates when allies are in danger. Vera’s shots pierce multiple targets and gain +25% crit burn damage.

• Skyfire Finale – Fires a shot so strong, it creates a firestorm vortex around the point of impact. Rarely used due to cooldown and stress on the rifle.

Notable Traits

• Absolute sniping prodigy, known by junior PubSec units as “Hotshot Nova.”

• Can hit a coin from across a city block, even mid-storm.

• Custom ammo includes fireburst rounds, piercing frost-tipped shots, and signal jammers.

• Her rival status with Iris has created accidental “perfect pincer” synergy on multiple missions.

• Keeps a photo of the squad tucked in her sniper case. The spot next to Ethan is slightly smudged. No reason

=== End of Criminal Investigation Special Response Unit (PubSec) Route ===

End of Part 1

Chapter Text

=== Sons of Calydon Route ===

Children of the Route

Aria “Arianna” de Montefio

Parents: Wise (Father), Lucy (Mother)

Aria de Montefio – Character Sheet

Affiliation: Sons of Calydon (Junior Division)
Position: Mid-Range Assault / Elemental Vanguard
Species: Human
Age: 16
Role: Fire & Electric-Type Attack Unit
Codename: Wireflare
Codename: Valkyrie

Background & Role

• Age: 15–17 (Third oldest among her siblings)

• Division: Sons of Calydon – Next Generation (Junior Task Force)

• Rank: Assault Vanguard / Support Strategist

• Parents: Lucy de Montefio & Wise

• Siblings:

• Leo (eldest brother)

• Ignis (older half-sister, Wises and Burnice daughter)

• Axel (younger brother)

Appearance

Aria walks into a room and instantly owns it—whether she means to or not. Her platinum-blonde hair, usually tied back into a loose combat braid or ponytail, gleams with red-tinged light when it catches the sun. Her eyes are a striking mix of electric blue and ember-orange, giving away her dual elemental affinity.

She wears a hybrid combat uniform with reinforced panels on the shoulders, thighs, and arms, borrowing style cues from her mother Lucy’s iconic gear—gray and crimson with high-impact plating. Her gloves are metallic at the knuckles, wired into her weapons. A personal pendant, melted down from Lucy’s first bat and shaped into a small fang, hangs at her collarbone—her secret source of courage.

She often wears a frown, a glare, or a scoff—but her teammates know the truth. She cares more than she lets on, especially when it comes to keeping her team safe… or stopping Ignis from doing something reckless.

Weapon / Combat Style

Twin Arc-Discs – “Inferna Wire Mk-III” + Bangboo Reinforcement Summon Protocol

Aria’s primary weapons are a pair of specialized energy discs mounted to her gloves, capable of deploying plasma wire in mid-combat. These wires can lash, snare, or slice targets with elemental infusions—either igniting them in flame or electrocuting with high-voltage pulses. The discs can rotate or detach mid-throw for mid-range combat and can anchor into surfaces to trip or trap enemies.

Her gloves include a long-press trigger mechanism—when held, Aria activates the “Three Little Titans” protocol, summoning her once-small Bangboos: Grassy, Woody, and Bricky. Now fully grown, they are towering, semi-sentient pig-like allies who wield blunted weapons and fight in sync with Aria’s orders. Grassy is wild and fast with a thorned bat, Woody is balanced and protective with a reinforced hammer, and Bricky is slow but immensely strong, using blunt force with his concrete fists.

Personality

Tsundere to the core, Aria may yell at her team, complain about their messes, or pretend she doesn't care—but she’s the first to patch them up, organize their gear behind their backs, or volunteer for the dangerous mission if it means keeping them safe.

She's protective of her brothers—especially Axel—and constantly bickers with Ignis, her half-sister, in a fiery rivalry that masks deep respect. Though younger than Leo, she often handles the unseen responsibilities of the group, only accepting Leo’s quiet assistance when no one's watching. Her pride is massive, but her heart is bigger.

Aria’s love for spicy food is legendary, claiming mild sauces are “for cowards.” Only Ignis has a chance of keeping up, though both end up in coughing matches during “pepper duels.” Her stubbornness is nuclear—but her loyalty is atomic.

Quotes

• “I'm not cleaning up after you! …Again. Not this time. …Fine, but you owe me.”

• “Grassy! Woody! Bricky! Tag in before I fry someone!”

• “Tch. I wasn’t worried. I just didn’t want Axel getting himself vaporized. Big difference.”

• “Ignis, keep talking and I’ll wrap my wires around your boots and yank.”

• “I am NOT cute. I’m a threat level in pigtails. Get it right.”

• “Leo’s got the muscle, Ignis has the boom, Axel’s got the puppy eyes—and I’m the one holding this circus together.”

Notable Traits

• Dual-Element Fighter with Fire & Electricity

• Wire Disc Weapons with both ranged and melee capacity

• Summons three powerful pigs as field allies

• Tsundere caretaker—secretly the glue that holds her siblings together

• Embodies both Lucy’s rage and Wise’s wisdom, making her a versatile threat

Ignis White

Parents: Wise (Father), Burnice White (Mother)

Affiliation: Sons of Calydon (Junior Division)
Position: Vanguard Assault / Disruption Support
Species: Human
Age: 17
Role: Fire-Type Melee + Ranged Hybrid
Codename: Blazehowl

Appearance

Ignis is a walking firecracker of presence and power. Her vibrant, curly pigtails—deep auburn with streaks of ember-orange—bounce wildly with her every chaotic movement, a perfect mix of Burnice’s untamed style and Wise’s darker undertones. Her harp-blue eyes burn with joy, mischief, and just a bit of danger—an invitation and a dare all at once.

She wears a dark-blue combat jacket that evokes her father’s sleek aesthetic, but it’s tricked out with flame-patterned sleeves, red-orange gradients licking upward from the cuffs in homage to Burnice’s flamethrower. Her black combat pants are reinforced, loaded with magnetic holsters for her weapon’s alternate forms. High-heeled tactical boots and a metallic headband with a tiny glowing fuel gauge complete the explosive look.

Don’t be fooled—she’s loud, chaotic, unpredictable… but every detail she wears is thought out. That’s her father’s brain at work underneath the firestorm.

Weapon / Combat Style

Cinderfang Type-S – Transforming Staff/Blasters/Nunchuck Hybrid

Adapted from a high-tier PubSec prototype and customized by Ignis herself, this weapon is a multi-form close and mid-range powerhouse. Its base form is a collapsible bo-staff, with ignition ports at each end that emit jets of flame during swings or strikes—allowing her to spin it with scorching arcs of fire.

With a flick of the trigger, the staff splits into dual flame pistols capable of short-burst blaster fire. A secondary form locks the pistols into linked nunchaku, allowing her to fight with unpredictable, rhythmic, high-speed strikes. Each mode is seamless, letting Ignis shift styles mid-battle with explosive flair.

Her movements are wild, flashy, and loud—but every swing, burn, and ricochet is intentional. It’s chaos with purpose. Controlled madness. Burnice would be proud.

Personality

Ignis is the team’s walking solar flare—radiant, high-octane, and never predictable. She inherited Burnice’s unhinged enthusiasm, but combined it with Wise’s tactical mind—a mix that often leaves people thinking she’s winging it… until they realize she was five steps ahead the whole time.

She roasts everyone—literally and verbally. Leo gets “serious big bro mode” jokes, Aria gets teased for being the “secret mom,” Axel gets endless affection and babying, and even rival squads aren’t safe from her flame-kissed quips. But when the fighting starts, she’s the shield and spear in one, instantly moving to protect her siblings with violent loyalty.

She shares ideas with her team frequently—some brilliant, some bonkers—but they often work. She has a weird love for spicy food (only Aria can handle her level), always has a mini flamethrower part she's tinkering with, and secretly doodles “epic fight posters” of her siblings like they're action heroes.

Quotes

• “Let me cook. No, literally—back up, I’m about to ignite this plan.”

• “Leo’s the oldest? Cute. I’m the most though.”

• “Aw, you thought you were safe ‘cause I was smiling? Big mistake, fire nugget.”

• “Sibs are down? Nah. That’s when I start heating up.”

• “This staff has three forms and zero chill. Sounds like me, huh?”

• “I don’t pick fights. I finish ‘em. With style.”

Axel Wheel

Parents: Wise (Father), Piper Wheel (Mother)

Affiliation: Sons of Calydon (Junior Division)
Position: Urban Brawler / Utility Tech / Anomaly Specialist
Species: Human
Age: 15
Role: Physical + Anomaly-Type Close Combat
Codename: Spinshot

Appearance

Axel may be the youngest of the team, but he carries both his parents' presence with style. His blonde hair, inherited from Piper, is tousled and slightly layered, but streaked with darker undertones that hint at his father’s influence. His deep blue eyes are always scanning—either for mechanical flaws, opportunities to mess around, or which snack cart to raid next.

He wears a dark blue tactical jacket, much like Wise’s—but it’s been modified with bright orange striping and extra tech-pockets, a nod to Piper’s fast-paced, high-energy aesthetic. His urban-ready pants and boots are flexible and durable, allowing him to vault, dash, or flip through combat with zero restriction. His compact frame and shorter stature often fool enemies into underestimating him—until they get blindsided by spinning steel.

Weapon / Combat Style

Giga-Cog V1.3 – Modular Disc Axe / Launcher Hybrid

Strapped to his right arm like an industrial gauntlet, Giga-Cog is a weapon that combines brutal spinning force, melee slicing, and boomerang-style projectile combat. The circular blade mounted to his forearm is shaped after Piper’s classic axe-head weapon, but Axel’s is far more compact and tech-forward.

He can use it as a rotating blade for CQC, fire it like a saw-blade boomerang, and even magnetically summon it back mid-motion, attaching or detaching it from arm, belt, or backpack in the blink of an eye. It’s synced with his neural reflexes, letting him redirect and recalibrate attacks with pinpoint precision.

The weapon can also overload with anomaly energy, pulsing and temporarily distorting gravity or friction—making his next spin hit like a meteor or allowing him to skate along walls and surfaces for crazy angle attacks.

Personality

Axel is deceptively low-energy at first glance—he’s got a lazy smirk, half-lidded stare, and a chill tone that never quite seems alarmed by anything. But beneath that is a razor-sharp brain, possibly the sharpest of all the Calydon kids. He’s absorbed both Wise’s tactical mind and Piper’s engineering genius, but rarely flaunts either unless absolutely necessary.

He eats like a black hole, matching his mom plate-for-plate. When others panic, he shrugs. When things break, he fixes them before you finish cursing. When enemies think he’s out of steam, he goes quiet—and that’s when you know he’s about to get serious.

Despite his age, he’s fiercely loyal to his siblings. He doesn’t brag or posture, but when someone touches his family? He spins up. Fast. Furious. Relentless. Then he sleeps like a rock afterward.

Quotes

• “Yeah, yeah, I’ll fix it. Let me finish this sandwich first.”

• “Don’t let the height fool you. I hit like a vending machine falling off a roof.”

• “If I’m quiet? You should start running.”

• “Spin to win, baby. Mom taught me that.”

• “Sis said don’t go overboard. So I’ll only go medium board.”

• “Tech problem? Gimme five minutes… and maybe a cookie.”

Leo King

Parents: Wise (Father), Caesar King (Mother)

Affiliation: Sons of Calydon (Junior Division)
Position: Team Leader / Vanguard / Tactical Shield Unit
Species: Human
Age: 17 (Oldest)
Role: Fire-Type Defense + Melee Support
Codename: Redguard

Appearance

Leo King stands as the eldest of the Calydon team—and it shows in how he carries himself. His steel-gray hair, inherited from both Wise and Caesar, is neat yet windswept, with a subtle highlight of darker streaks. On the left side of his head rests a modernized four-pointed star hairpin, a nod to Caesar’s legacy—smaller in design, but worn with quiet pride.

His sharp blue eyes reflect deep loyalty and insight, shaped by his father’s thoughtful gaze and his mother’s bold intensity. Leo wears a sleek black jacket, lined with crimson, tailored for both mobility and defense. There are small Roman-inspired touches to the jacket—subtle clasps and trims, giving him a timeless edge. Around his neck, a scarlet scarf rests over a pendant etched with a small “K” and a star motif—symbolic of both his lineage and role as the group's center.

His combat pants are dark, with vertical red stripes marking them with understated flair. His boots combine modern combat wear with ancient Roman accents, particularly around the buckles—firm, practical, and battle-tested.

Weapon / Combat Style

Aegis-Kin Vanguard Shield “Carthon” – Multi-Phase Shield-Axe Hybrid

Leo’s primary weapon is a customized collapsible shield, shaped with angular flair and embedded with the Sons of Calydon emblem. In its base form, it's a reinforced kinetic shield, capable of absorbing and redirecting both elemental and physical force. Leo throws it with pinpoint precision, causing it to ricochet across enemies, walls, and battlefield structures, using calculated angles—Captain America-style, but with enhanced elemental circuitry and unique rebound tech courtesy of Wise.

When the situation intensifies, Carthon transforms—breaking into two curved edges that become a twin-bladed battle axe. In this state, Leo engages in brutal hand-to-hand combat, wielding surprising strength and agility. His elemental output shifts in this form as well, allowing him to channel fire through the axe heads for devastating area bursts and cleaving strikes.

This duality—shield for defense, axe for offense—makes him the perfect frontline leader: steady, loyal, but capable of explosive momentum when needed.

Personality

Leo is the rock of the team. He’s the one who always takes the first step forward, the one who watches the backs of his younger siblings and his squad without fail. He’s charismatic, quietly commanding respect in how he speaks and carries himself—but underneath that composed leader image is a fluster-prone, manga-loving teen who tries way too hard to play things cool.

Much like Caesar, Leo is passionate and full of conviction, and like Wise, he can analyze a situation with clarity and calm. He quotes manga when he’s stressed, and not just the romantic kind—Leo reads everything, from action to horror to slice of life, and is constantly drawing comparisons between their wild Hollow missions and something out of a “Chapter 89 twist reveal.”

He has a not-so-secret sweet tooth—juicy candy is his weakness, and his teammates have caught him hoarding them more than once. Sour candy, though? He’ll pass. He’s got taste—or so he says while dodging Athena’s cheese jabs or Ignis’s spice overload.

When his siblings need him, Leo doesn't hesitate. When friends fall, he stands over them. When the team’s in danger, he transforms from soft-spoken leader to blazing frontline wall—all shield, flame, and unwavering loyalty.

Quotes

• “Don’t worry. I’ll take the hit. You keep moving.”

• “This feels like that arc in Steel Rune Vol. 12—you know, when the shield guy tanked a meteor? …No? Just me?”

• “I’m not blushing. It’s hot. The Hollow’s just… warm, alright?”

• “Family’s everything. You don’t mess with mine.”

• “Redguard, moving in. Try to keep up.”

• “Sweet? Maybe. Soft? Never.”

• “I got the front. You three? Wreck the rest.”

=== End of Sons of Calydon Route ===

==== Section 6 Route ====

Children of the Route

Sakura Hoshimi

Parents: Wise (Father), Miyabi Hoshimi (Mother)

Affiliation: Section 12 (Junior Division under Section 6)
Position: Frontline Attacker / Tactical Swordplay / Anomaly Analysis
Species: Fox Thiren-Human Hybrid
Age: 16
Role: Frost-Type Attack / Anomaly Hybrid Unit
Codename: Crimson Petal

Appearance

Sakura cuts a striking figure the moment she enters a room. With silver-hued hair tied loosely behind her, strands flowing over one shoulder, she bears the elegant poise of her mother, Miyabi Hoshimi, yet possesses the unmistakable thoughtful stillness of her father, Wise. Her red eyes are sharp and discerning, rarely revealing more emotion than she intends—though those closest to her know to watch her fox-like ears, which twitch slightly when her emotions stir.

She wears a modernized kimono-style battle coat, black with faint red floral etching woven subtly across the back and sleeves. Over this, she wears a short, tactical leather-lined cloak and combat boots to navigate modern city terrain. Her katana, gifted by family artisans, is a fusion of tradition and technology:

• The guard (tsuba) is a radiant bronze sakura pattern (as shown in the image),

• The blade carries icy blue etching along the fuller, giving off a frosty sheen when drawn,

• And its scabbard is layered in matte black, magnetically sealed to her waist.

Weapon / Combat Style

Weapon Name: Yukihana-no-Tsuru ("Snow-Crane Petal")
Type: Custom Katana
Element: Frost / Anomaly

Sakura’s katana is lightweight but reinforced, able to conduct cryo-anomalous energy through the blade. She blends swift, single-draw slashes with sudden frostbursts—techniques passed down from her mother’s discipline, with slight modifications thanks to her father’s tactical input.

While not as physically powerful as Miyabi, Sakura makes up for it with efficiency and icy precision, able to lock down enemy movement or counter-attack at perfect openings. Her strikes can temporarily freeze limbs, slow neural signals, or shatter brittle barriers. In anomaly mode, she can augment her sword strikes with wide frost arcs and delayed slashes that bloom like ghostly petals behind her.

Personality

Quiet, sharp-witted, and unflinchingly loyal. Like her mother, Sakura speaks when necessary—but not out of coldness. She listens more than she talks, often analyzing everything from body language to battle formations before acting. Her internal monologue is snarky and observant, though rarely shared aloud unless she trusts you deeply.

She has an instinctive protective streak, especially over her younger twin sisters Hana and Yuki, and will always be first to stand in front of them if danger arises. She shares a natural synergy with her older brother Hiro and often pulls him back when he overextends himself in battle.

Though many try to court her due to her beauty and calm demeanor, she’s waiting on a specific boy from her childhood to speak up first. She won’t say it—but the moment he does, she’ll be ready. Her team suspects who it is, but they respect her privacy.

Her dry humor and subtle sarcasm come out most around Astrid, her close friend, especially when teasing her about her obvious crush on Hiro. And while she seems hard to amuse, her sisters and best friend can make her laugh without fail—a soft side she rarely shows.

Quotes

“I don’t speak often. But when I do, it’s a sword to the gut or a fact you weren’t ready for.”

“If my ears twitch, it’s not because I’m happy. It’s because you’re being stupid.”

“Don’t step in front of my sisters. That’s my job.”

“Hiro, please don’t be an idiot. Astrid’s staring again.”

“I’ve already frozen three suitor applications today. You’d think they’d learn.”

Yuki and Hana Hoshimi

Parents: Wise (Father), Miyabi Hoshimi (Mother)

Affiliation: Section 12 (Junior Division under Section 6)
Position: Support / Recon / Cryo Manipulation Trainees
Species: Fox Thiren-Human Hybrids (Yuki has ears, Hana does not)
Age: 7 (Twins)
Role: Frost-Type Support (In Training)
Codenames: Snowshine (Yuki) & Frostbloom (Hana)

Appearance

The youngest members of Section 12—and daughters of Miyabi Hoshimi and Wise—Yuki and Hana are identical twins in height and frame, but distinct in expression, posture, and aura. They both share the Hoshimi family elegance, with refined cheekbones, gentle expressions, and the kind of serenity that feels inherited straight from their father.

• Yuki, the more spirited of the two, has charcoal gray hair worn in loose twintails, with fox ears perked high atop her head.

• Hana, the quieter twin, has inky black hair tied into a low bun with simple clips. She doesn't have fox ears, but her hearing is unusually sharp—a gift even their mother can’t quite explain.

The girls wear matching yet unique outfits—stylish, kid-friendly modern clothing in shades of pale blue and white, accented with snowflake motifs. Their jackets bear subtle Hoshimi crests on the back, and they often wear winter scarves even when unnecessary, claiming “they’re part of the look.”

In moments of stillness, the two can be found curled up like foxes, either against each other or on their older sister Sakura’s lap—who, despite her stoic nature, accepts their presence without complaint.

Abilities / Combat Style

Though too young for standard-issue weapons, both twins are already prodigies when it comes to Frost Elemental Manipulation, thanks to their mother’s lineage and father’s inherited cognition.

❄️ Cryo Skills (Developing):

• Yuki specializes in flash-freeze barriers, creating reactive walls of ice that burst when struck. She can also summon tiny frost-element duplicates for recon, pranks, or misdirection.

• Hana is more calculated, able to manipulate temperature and density to generate mist, thin ice fogs, and precise vortexes. She can mimic the Mizutori step already—brief dashes that vanish mid-frame.

In battle simulations, they’re rarely separated. Yuki takes the lead, while Hana quietly supports from the rear, tracking enemy movement and adjusting their formation with whispered cues.

Personality

Yuki – The Spark of Snowshine

Talkative, cheeky, and full of energetic conviction. Yuki is the first to shout out orders, the first to say “that’s not fair!” when someone’s bullied, and the first to launch a snowball mid-mission just to lighten the mood.
She’s a natural protector, always stepping in front of Hana even if she doesn’t need to—and fiercely loyal to both Sakura and Hiro, often rubbing her face affectionately against them in childlike fox fashion.

Hana – The Silent Frostbloom

Shy, soft-spoken, and deeply thoughtful. Hana’s brain moves faster than her mouth, and she often fumbles when speaking up—unless it's strategy. She’s the analytical heart of the pair, already showing a memory and deduction skill rivaling her father Wise.
She prefers subtle guidance over direct orders, and has a talent for solving puzzles, mechanical riddles, and pattern recognition far beyond her age. While she blushes when praised, her sharp tongue can emerge when someone insults her sister.

Team & Family Dynamics

• Sakura: Their safe haven and first point of comfort. They cling to her like magnets when stressed or cold.

• Hiro: Their “cool big brother.” They admire his strength and brains, and love sneaking him snacks or snow-made thank-you sculptures.

• Zoraku: Secret snack buddy. They know about his sweet tooth and love sneaking him small candies after training.

• Astrid: Fun older cousin vibe. They like poking fun at her when she gets flustered around Hiro.

Quotes (Yuki & Hana)

Yuki: “Hey! Don’t pick on my sister, or I’ll freeze your shoelaces together!”
Hana: “I… I might not be brave like Yuki… but I can still help protect you.”
Yuki: “Big sis Sakura’s lap is the warmest in the whole city. Scientific fact.”
Hana: “I mapped this area while you were talking. I think the exit’s through the third corridor, behind the collapsed pipe.”
Both: “We’re strong when we’re together!”

Hiro Tsukishiro

Parents: Wise (Father), Yanagi Tsukishiro (Mother)

Affiliation: Section 12 (Junior Division of Section 6)
Position: Squad Leader / Close-Range Combat Strategist
Species: Oni-Human Hybrid
Age: 17
Role: Hybrid-Type (Electric/Ether) – Attacker / Leader
Codename: Stormpiercer

Appearance

Hiro carries himself with quiet charisma and the composed dignity of a natural-born leader. His gray hair is softened with Yanagi's elegant, layered texture, falling in medium-length strands that shift slightly when he moves. While always a bit tousled, it suits him—neat enough to command respect, but wild enough to hint at his hidden ferocity.

His eyes blend Wise’s focus and Yanagi’s warmth, shimmering pale gray with delicate streaks of lavender threading through the iris. They're analytical, kind, but intense when necessary—many say he inherited his mother’s ability to silence a room with just a look.

He wears a fitted tactical jacket, reminiscent of Wise’s layered style, with sleek geometric patterns across the shoulders and sleeves. Underneath, a high-collared inner shirt adds subtle class. Fingerless gloves wrap his hands for combat control, and he prefers slim-fit black tactical pants, ending in sleek boots customized for maneuverability.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: Thunder Omen / Hollow Reap
Primary Form: Hybrid Glaive – Thunder Omen
Alternate Form: Scythe – Hollow Reap
Type: Transforming Polearm (Electric → Ether)

Weapon Description:
A masterfully forged polearm with dual elemental potential. In Glaive form, Thunder Omen features an elongated black and crimson shaft wrapped in gold accents. A coiled dragon-like motif wraps around the base toward a sleek black-and-gold blade etched with ancient Oni kanji. Decorative ribbons trail behind the guard, red like blood and fire, fluttering with every swing.

When Hiro activates the central switch, the blade's golden spine unlocks, allowing it to unfold into a fearsome scythe form—Hollow Reap. In this form, the weapon’s elemental affinity shifts from Electric to Ether, gaining increased reach and destructive force. The transformation is instantaneous and accompanied by a brief ripple of static and violet shimmer.

His combat style blends Section 6’s disciplined melee techniques with Hollow-honed acrobatics, moving with speed and fluid grace that confuses even experienced enemies. He can vault, twist, and redirect with minimal movement—often leaving afterimages behind him when fully synced to his reflexes.

Abilities / Traits

• Dual Element Mastery – Swiftly shifts between Electric aggression (Glaive) and Ether slashes (Scythe)

• Superhuman Reflexes – Due to his oni blood and Wise’s unique biology, Hiro perceives combat in near slow motion

• Battlefield Organizer – Can tactically assign tasks and routes even mid-fight; thinks faster than he moves

• Emotional Radar – Knows his friends’ and siblings’ moods instantly and offers the right words without fail

• Hidden Flirt – Accidentally flusters Astrid on a weekly basis, then explodes into internal embarrassment later

Personality

Hiro is the embodiment of steady leadership—calm, thoughtful, and approachable. Though he’s brilliant in both strategy and reaction, he rarely brags and often praises others before himself. He’s that rare kind of person who makes others feel capable just by standing beside them.

He has an intense love for pork-filled meat buns, and his teammates sometimes leave surprise boxes in his locker or bag when he’s too focused to eat. Despite his maturity, his reactions to romance or praise often send him into emotional combustion—especially when replaying interactions with Astrid once he’s alone at home.

He adores his younger siblings, and his relationships with Sakura, Yuki, and Hana are filled with gentle warmth. He's the first to ruffle hair, the first to scold, and the first to protect. When his usually calm expression darkens, it signals something few want to be near—it means he’s truly angry.

Team / Family Dynamics

• Sakura – Trusted second-in-command; they operate almost wordlessly, synced through instinct

• Yuki & Hana – His weak spot; he will carry them both on his back without hesitation and sneak them extra dessert

• Astrid – Teammate he greatly respects… and unknowingly flirts with, which causes him nightly embarrassment

• Zoraku – Reliable backup; Hiro respects Zoraku’s quiet strength and gives him more autonomy than others

Quotes

“I’ll take point. Just keep your rhythm steady and I’ll make sure no one’s left behind.”
“Huh? Did I… say something weird to Astrid again? No way—wait—OH NO.”
“We don’t need to fight to win. But if we do… I’ll end it fast.”
“Sakura can handle herself. But if she falls—I fall with her.”
“You okay, Hana? Yuki? Here, one meat bun each. Don’t tell Mom.”

Supporting OC Children (Non-Wise kids)

Astrid Balez

Affiliation: Section 12 (Junior Division, under Section 6)
Position: Long-Range Specialist / Multi-Element Combatant
Species: Human
Age: 16
Role: Attacker / Mid-to-Long-Range Support
Codename: Verdant Whisper

Appearance

Astrid is effortlessly stylish in that rugged, battlefield-practical way. Her medium-length green hair is tied off into a side ponytail, with loose strands falling over one eye. Her sharp, observant gaze—emerald with golden flecks—gives away how much she’s always noticing, even when she plays it off like she’s not. She wears a weathered cloak with a hidden hood, a nod to her archer instincts, draped casually over a lightly armored outfit made for range, movement, and quick repositioning.

Attached to her katana sheath is a small, snow bunny keychain—cute, fluffy, and very out-of-place unless you know her well. It’s a rare peek into the girly side she keeps mostly hidden... unless she's out with Sakura.

Weapon / Combat Style

Primary Weapon: Adaptive Elemental Longbow “Galepiercer”
Secondary Weapon: Side-Sheath Katana “Raizenkai”

Astrid’s Galepiercer is a high-tech compound longbow capable of channeling multiple elemental arrowheads—fire, electricity, ether, and concussive payloads. Her combat style relies on trick shots, precision, and battlefield awareness, often controlling the flow of combat from afar. She’s the type to shoot the rope instead of the guard, or the wall behind a target instead of the target itself—always aiming with intent.

Up close, she wields her katana Raizenkai, which crackles with stored electricity on demand. It’s clean, fast, and efficient—and has a dangling bunny charm that somehow makes it more intimidating in the right context.

Personality

Don’t let the teasing grin or airheaded line delivery fool you—Astrid is sharp as a hawk, and she knows it. She has a habit of talking like Harumasa, deliberately putting on a light, scatterbrained tone to make others underestimate her… until they’re down and blinking up at the sky. She has razor instincts, a talent for spotting danger before it arrives, and battlefield wit that can shake opponents and comfort teammates alike.

She’s talkative and energetic, often cracking jokes or slipping in puns that get the whole squad to laugh—even if she acts like she “wasn’t trying that hard.” But when she falls silent, the tone shifts—because everyone knows serious-mode Astrid means things are about to get very real.

Astrid secretly loves cute things, especially plushies and animal trinkets, though she tries to downplay it unless Sakura’s around—who totally knows and supports it. Astrid also has an undisclosed (but obvious) crush on Hiro, something Sakura is aware of but respectfully keeps secret, occasionally giving her a supportive nudge.

Quote

“Oops~ Did I accidentally hit your weak spot? Hehe… Lucky shot! Probably…”
(beat, whispering) “…Not really.”

Zoraku

Zoraku – Character Sheet

Affiliation: Section 12 (Junior Division under Section 6)
Position: Stealth / Sabotage / Tactical Utility
Species: Oni (Human-Oni Hybrid)
Age: 16
Role: Ether-Type Assassin / Debuff Specialist
Codename: Red Vane

Appearance

Zoraku is a crimson-clad Oni ninja, known for his muted presence and cold precision. His outfit is a hybrid between traditional shinobi gear and modern tactical design—tight, quiet, and reinforced with near-tech armor across his shoulders, forearms, and shins. The majority of his face is masked, revealing only his intense blue eyes and occasionally his expressionless jawline.

What truly marks his Oni heritage are the two short, curved red horns peeking just above his forehead—often mistaken as decoration until someone gets close enough to realize they're real. He wears his hood low to shadow them but never hides them completely, a quiet mark of pride. Only his teammates have seen him unmasked, usually during rare moments of rest or shared meals.

Weapon / Combat Style

Primary Gear:

• Twin Ether-Kunai (infused with debuffs like sleep, stun, or confusion)

• “Oboro Fang” Dagger (poison-infused and compact)

• Trap Scrolls and Smoke Bombs (deployed for escape, misdirection, or sabotage)

Zoraku specializes in disorienting and disabling his enemies. He uses a mix of stealth tactics, Ether-altered tools, and swift precision strikes to thin out threats before they even realize he’s there. His movements are sharp, efficient, and ghostlike.

While not a powerhouse, Zoraku excels at softening enemy squads, isolating targets, and creating openings for his allies. In tight quarters, he uses quick ninjutsu-based footwork and his dagger in reverse grip, slipping through defenses with surgical intent.

Personality

Zoraku is quiet, composed, and observant, rarely speaking unless necessary—but when he does, it’s usually a cutting remark or hilariously dry commentary. He has a serious mission-first mindset, but often breaks tension with sarcastic jabs, especially when Hiro and Astrid start bantering or flirting mid-op.

He’s incredibly loyal to Hiro, treating him as both leader and brother-in-arms. He respects Sakura’s tactical mind, and while he doesn’t always say it, he adores Yuki and Hana—particularly when they sneak him sweets, which he pretends to accept reluctantly… but always eats.

He’s embarrassed about his love of sugary treats and cute things, keeping that side of himself deeply hidden—though the team knows. He may play the straight-faced ninja, but in truth, he’s the heart of Section 12’s silent camaraderie.

Quotes

“Two seconds of silence. That’s all I ask before you start flirting again.”

“You saw nothing. Especially not the strawberry mochi.”

“Mission status: ahead of schedule. Distraction level: unbearable.”

“Orders received. Target will sleep like a baby—with a headache.”

“If I hear one more pig pun from Aria, I’m setting off a smoke bomb in her closet.”

==== End of Section 6 Route ====

=== Stars of Lyra Route ===

Children of the Route

Kai Yao

Parents: Wise (Father), Astra Yao (Mother)

Affiliation: Stars of Lyra (Celebrity Operatives Division)
Position: Rising Performer / Combat Performer / Noble Host
Species: Human
Age: 17
Role: Ether-Type Attacker
Codename: Starchain

Appearance

Kai Yao commands the spotlight without ever asking for it.

His medium-length hair shimmers with silver streaks, gradually shifting into an ethereal gradient glow—soft blues and starlight whites that catch every stage light like a dream. A direct echo of his mother Astra Yao's vibrant energy, yet subdued with his father Wise’s tranquil control. His sharp blue eyes, clearly his father’s, are softened by a luminous warmth—gentle, perceptive, and deeply expressive, like he’s always reading the emotion in the room.

He wears a custom-fitted blue suit, rich in color with subtle constellations embroidered in the lapel. A matching top hat tilts ever so slightly to the side, more for style than function, and a star-shaped pin gleams at the base of his tie. Underneath his jacket, an elaborate sleeve-holstered ether chain is tucked and concealed—his true weapon, elegant but deadly.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: Celestial Lash – “Hati's Grasp”
Type: Hidden Ether Chain
Element: Ether
Style: Mid-Range / Crowd Control / Aerial Manipulation

Weapon Description:
Kai's signature weapon is a concealed ether-forged chain coiled beneath his jacket sleeve. The head of the chain is sculpted into a stylized Hati wolf design, its fangs open like a grappling hook. At rest, the chain wraps like silk along his arm, but with a flick of his wrist, it snaps to full length, latching onto enemies or terrain with shocking speed.

Though he wields only one primary physical chain, he can summon ephemeral “star chains”—translucent, radiant duplicates made of Ether. These mimic the main chain’s movement for combo strikes, but flicker away after a few seconds. The weapon allows him to fling opponents, sling himself across the field, or trap multiple targets in a shimmering web of arcs and sweeps.

In battle, Kai moves like a dancer—fluid, timed, and precise. His theatrics aren’t for show—they’re part of his form. His charisma on stage becomes disarming deception, and his attacks unfold like choreographed sequences, always just one step ahead.

Personality

Kai Yao is the definition of composed brilliance. A rising star in both the entertainment and public sphere, he balances celebrity charm with genuine warmth. Despite being wildly sought after for dates and followed by millions of fans, he remains humble—grounded by his father’s teachings and his mother’s encouragement.

He has a voice like liquid silk, capable of commanding stages or whispering comfort. His acting skills are uncanny—when he slips into character, it’s almost supernatural. Some say it’s “frightening” how easily he becomes someone else. But he never loses himself; the roles are masks he knows how to take off.

Kai adores his twin half-sister Iris Chevalier and frequently plans surprise breaks, outings, or quiet movie nights to make sure she gets to relax. He often does the same for Sylvia Clover, his bodyguard and dear friend. Kai’s deepest strength is emotional awareness—he knows when others need a smile, space, or a gentle push.

He never overextends himself, thanks to his father's advice, always making time to recover after the storm of applause.

Traits / Quirks

• Vocal Prodigy – Possesses a rare vocal tone capable of calming, charming, or intimidating depending on delivery

• Actor’s Mask – Can slip into personas or emotions with eerie accuracy, useful both on stage and undercover

• Chain Savant – Unmatched in mid-range control with his signature chain, combining flair with brutality

• Emotionally Fluent – Reads rooms and people effortlessly; instinctively knows how to diffuse tension or ignite passion

• Stargazer – Keeps a star chart in his room and tracks constellations, saying they “whisper songs when it’s quiet enough”

Relationships

• Iris Chevalier – His twin sister and most trusted guardian; they balance each other beautifully, protectively, and naturally

• Sylvia Clover – Close companion and bodyguard; he often insists she enjoy herself too, even if she pretends not to smile

• Astra Yao (Mother) – Idol and mentor; he tries to live up to her brilliance while surpassing it in his own way

• Wise (Father) – The quiet anchor in his whirlwind life; Kai treasures the moments of calm advice and grounded love

Quotes

“Performance is power, but sincerity is the soul beneath it.”
“It’s not about stealing the spotlight… it’s about making sure everyone shines.”
“Iris, Syl… come on. Even stars need nights off.”
“People say I’m perfect. That just means I’m hiding my nerves well.”
“You felt that chain? Good. I meant for you to.”

Iris Chevalier

Parents: Wise (Father), Evelyn Chevalier (Mother)

Affiliation: Stars of Lyra (Celebrity Operatives Division)
Position: Personal Bodyguard / Suppression Expert / Strategic Control
Species: Human
Age: 17
Role: Fire-Type Control Unit
Codename: Marionette Inferna

Appearance

Iris Chevalier is intensity refined.

Her silver-rose hair, the perfect blend of Wise’s gray and Evelyn’s red, is styled with both function and elegance—cut to avoid interference in combat but still shimmering with subtle flame-like hues when it catches the light. She often ties part of it back, keeping strands in check while a few fall stylishly to frame her face.

Her most piercing feature is her heterochromatic gaze: one sharp blue eye inherited from her father, and the other a burning amber glow from her mother. The contrast is mesmerizing—ice and fire locked in constant harmony.

Her attire is both chic and combat-ready:

• Tailored blazer reminiscent of Evelyn’s own, with sleeker lines and faint flame embroidery

• Slim tactical leggings reinforced at key points

• Fingerless black leather gloves, each adorned with a crimson butterfly design

• Flaming star pendant, worn close to her chest

• A subtle utility belt packed with gear, rigging clips, and emergency wire coils

The fiery color accents—deep red, burnt orange—blend with a base of charcoal and black, making her a walking ember: low-burning until she ignites.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: Inferna Strings Mk-II “Red Widow”
Type: Pyro-Wire Manipulation System
Element: Fire
Style: Zone Control / Binding / Precision Damage

Weapon Description:
Iris uses a custom fire-wire system based on Evelyn’s tech—thread-thin, razor-sharp strings that loop, lash, bind, or slice through even reinforced materials.

What makes her style unique is her “puppetmaster” finesse:

• String Control: She can animate opponents or allies using precise muscular cues, controlling limbs like a puppeteer

• Wire Snare: Hidden tripwires that explode into flaming loops mid-combat

• Condensed Flame-String Slash: Focuses several wires into a single microfilament that can cut through steel with whisper-silent precision

• String Cage: An AOE technique that flings a web of burning strings outward to trap enemies in a dome of slicing flame

Her style is surgical and brutal—not wild, but beautifully methodical. Where Evelyn might burn the battlefield, Iris strings it like a marionette stage.

Personality

At first glance, Iris is the cool-headed guardian: calm, capable, and razor-focused. But beneath that icy discipline is a dry humor and warm heart—especially when it comes to her twin-half brother Kai.

She often teases him about his fanbase, the endless love letters, and his dramatic monologues. But if anyone crosses the line? That teasing turns to terrifying. Iris can flick a string across a table and pin someone’s collar to a wall without breaking eye contact.

She adores romantic moments, especially watching Evelyn try (and fail) to maintain her “unbreakable” demeanor around Wise. Iris quietly hopes to one day find a love like theirs—someone who sees all of her and chooses to stay.

Her deepest trait is her sense of duty. A past failure—not yet spoken of—drives her to never let harm touch her brother or team again. She works herself to exhaustion behind the scenes and downplays her achievements. She protects the spotlight but never stands in it.

Traits / Quirks

• Butterfly Bond – Crimson butterflies inexplicably follow her; they often perch on her shoulder or guide her subtly

• Elegant Yet Lethal – Moves with graceful precision, whether cutting an enemy or slipping through shadows

• Tactile Focus – Can control multiple wires at once without losing accuracy, even mid-air or upside down

• Hopeless Romantic (in denial) – Secretly collects romance novels and loves watching parents interact privately

• Unshakable Loyalty – Would burn down a world to save Kai, and never lets him know how close she’s come

Relationships

• Kai Yao (Twin Brother) – Her pride and soft spot. They balance each other perfectly, with Kai in the spotlight and Iris ensuring it never dims

• Sylvia Clover – Her fellow protector; Iris respects Sylvia’s strength and they share a quiet sisterhood behind their teasing banter

• Evelyn Chevalier (Mother) – Idol and emotional blueprint; Iris loves watching her mother’s vulnerable side with Wise

• Wise (Father) – Her compass. His calm mind and warm heart ground her more than she lets on

Quotes

“I sharpened these strings myself. I hope you don’t make me use them.”
“Kai’s fan mail? I’ve started pre-sorting by perfume brand. Saves time.”
“Romance isn’t weakness. It’s just the one thing I haven’t had to fight for yet.”
“If they touch my brother again, I won’t leave strings to tie.”
“Butterflies don’t follow flames. Unless they know where it’s warmest.”

Supporting OC Children (Non-Wise kids)

Sylvia Clover

Affiliation: Stars of Lyra (Celebrity Operatives Division)
Position: Senior Bodyguard / Hand-to-Hand Combat Specialist
Species: Human
Age: 19
Role: Physical-Type Melee Support
Codename: Velvet Fang

Appearance

Sylvia commands attention not with flash—but with quiet presence.

Her two-toned hair, primarily snowy silver with streaks of black layered through her asymmetrical cut, gives her a sharp, refined aesthetic. Her hair sweeps to the side just above one eye, while the longer locks rest behind her ear—functional, stylish, and always neat.

She wears a crisp, white button-up shirt with sleeves casually rolled up, tucked beneath a dark gray waistcoat tailored for both movement and elegance. Her high-waisted black trousers are secured by a tactical belt subtly lined with quick-deploy gear. A single black glove covers her right hand—custom-built to enhance her striking power without damaging her knuckles when striking Hollow matter.

Her style is understated, classic, and efficient—clean lines, no wasted movement. She may not sparkle like her young charge Kai, but Sylvia’s composure draws its own gravity.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: CQC-Class Shockglove Mk-I “Iron Lily”
Type: Hand-to-Hand Reinforced Glove (with minor firearm capability)
Element: None (Physical-Type)

Combat Description:
Sylvia is a close-quarters powerhouse, trained extensively in joint locks, grapples, redirection, and momentum breaking. Her glove, “Iron Lily,” is woven with reinforced fibers, fitted with small emitters to stun or disrupt Hollow shielding on impact.

While primarily a martial artist, she can retrieve a concealed pistol from a hip holster when range is required—but she prefers to close the distance, disarm, and incapacitate with clean strikes.

Her form is calm and coiled like a dancer, never overexerting, rarely wasting energy. She uses an opponent’s aggression against them.

Personality

Sylvia is sunshine steeped in focus.

Though a couple of years older than Kai and Iris, she’s never condescending—cheerful, warm, and quietly watchful. She radiates a comforting big sister energy, always ready with perspective when Kai’s celebrity life grows overwhelming or when Iris gets too deep in her protective overthinking.

She loves tea, and often brings herbal blends from vendors across New Eridu. She insists it keeps her centered and once claimed tea is “just punching water gently, if you think about it.”

She has a subtle sense of humor, often slipping dry comments during high-stress moments that leave even Iris cracking a smirk. But her smiles are soft—not wild. She laughs with her shoulders.

Sylvia is also terrible with horror—you so much as whisper a ghost story and she’s out of the room with her mug in hand.

Relationships

• Kai Yao – Client, friend, and “favorite troublesome star.” She genuinely enjoys his company and supports his growth from behind the scenes. Helps him sneak snacks or slip out from fan swarms when needed.

• Iris Chevalier – Comrade and near-sister. Understands Iris’s emotional load and frequently checks in without pressuring her. She keeps Iris balanced.

• Younger Sister – Sylvia’s soft spot. Only a year younger than Kai and Iris, she’s a massive Kai fangirl, and Sylvia often teases her mercilessly—but is deeply protective of her and always scores autographs, voice memos, and gifts from Kai without him knowing who they’re for.

• Wise & Evelyn – Deep respect for both. She was handpicked after rigorous trials and views them as the perfect balance of logic and fire.

Traits & Quirks

• Tea Ritualist – Drinks calming teas before missions; can identify herbs by smell

• Quiet Smiles – Often uses subtle gestures (head tilts, small nods) more than words

• Terrible with Horror – Ghost movies are a “NOPE”

• Impeccable Timing – Known for appearing with a hand on Kai’s shoulder right before he walks into something dumb

• Balance Anchor – The one the twins can fall back on when things are too much

Quotes

“Hands only. That’s all I need.”
“I could tell you not to walk into danger, but you’d probably write a song about it.”
“Horror movies? Please. I punch monsters, not shadows.”
“Missed tea hour… Someone’s about to get kicked.”
“You worry about the stage. I’ll worry about who’s behind it.”

=== End of Stars of Lyra Route ===

=== Obol Squad Route ===

Children of the Route

Valor

Parents: Wise (Father), Soldier 11/Harin (Mother)

Affiliation: Obol Squad (Next Generation Division)

Position: Dual Blade Specialist / Frontline Assault

Species: Human

Age: 16

Role: Fire-Type Melee Unit

Codename: Ashfang

Appearance

Valor carries the Obol legacy with a striking visual signature. His midnight silver hair, streaked with faint blue highlights, falls just past his ears in a slightly unkempt but deliberate fashion—functional for battle, distinct for recognition. When the sun hits it, the glow makes his silhouette shimmer like heat on steel.

Goggles usually rest atop his head—standard-issue for Obol flame operations, though Valor has customized his pair with anti-flare tinting and minor tech enhancements. He wears a sleek combat jacket, fire-resistant and loaded with hidden compartments, followed by dark reinforced pants and combat boots made for agility and durability. Every stitch reflects a balance of style and military function, much like the Obol veterans before him.

His dual blades rest sheathed diagonally across his back hips, easily accessible from either side.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: Ashbinders
Type: Dual Reinforced Steel Blades (Obol Cut-Class)
Element: Fire

Combat Style:
Valor’s style is a refined and tactical dual-wielding method—he strikes with speed and control rather than wild aggression. His blades are temperature-reactive, heating up the longer they remain in combat, allowing for explosive cleaves and scorching slashes that mimic his mother’s pressure-style tactics.

While S11's combat is about unrelenting force, Valor blends efficiency and restraint, often waiting to read enemy movement before committing to a burst of strikes. He employs Obol Squad training to its fullest—stun-locks, aerial takedowns, and defensive sidesteps are second nature. When fully ignited, his Ashbinders leave burning sigils in the air, marking the rhythm of his battlefield flow.

Personality

Valor embodies quiet intensity. Like his mother, he maintains a strict, grounded presence—disciplined, focused, and practical. He doesn’t waste words in the field, but among family and trusted teammates, his inner warmth shows through in subtle ways: a helpful hand, a rare but sharp joke, or an awkwardly timed movie quote.

He holds a deep respect for teamwork, always listening before acting, and frequently draws up tactics on the fly. He’s not flashy about his intelligence—he remembers everything: someone’s favorite snack, preferred approach to missions, or a past mistake they made and learned from. He’s the squad’s memory bank, their grounded flame.

Though he’s fiery in combat, Valor’s off-duty persona is almost modest. He enjoys spicy food like his mom—obsessively so—and often shares silent spicy ramen showdowns with her while Wise or Belle comment in amazement (or concern). He also loves movies—from noir thrillers to sci-fi epics—and carries a soft spot for dark chocolate, though he won’t admit it unless caught mid-bite.

Relationships

• Harin/S11 (Mother) – His idol and drill-sergeant-mentor. He designed his fighting style in her image but hopes to evolve beyond it as a tactician. He inherited her stamina, strict nature, and pain tolerance.

• Wise (Father) – His quiet emotional anchor. Wise taught him balance, subtlety, and the value of listening. Valor never underestimates his dad’s memory or his ability to diffuse tension with a single sentence.

• Lysander (Older Brother) – His rival and best ally. Lysander is the flashier of the two, but Valor’s steadiness helps ground their duo. They balance each other—and their combined synergy makes them unstoppable.

• Belle (Aunt) – Occasionally called “Aunt B.” Belle’s wild comments and energy often catch Valor off guard, but he loves her. She’s one of the few who can make him crack up… even if it’s through chaos.

Traits & Quirks

• Silent Strategist – Always watching, always remembering. Rarely repeats mistakes.

• Tactile Learner – Practices techniques obsessively until mastery.

• Movie Buff – Can quote obscure films mid-battle, especially noir detective flicks or samurai dramas.

• Sweet Spot – Has a fondness for dark chocolate, even hiding bars in his jacket sometimes.

• Team-First Mentality – Will abandon personal glory to make sure a plan works for everyone.

• Goggles Tap – Has a nervous tic of tapping the side of his goggles when deep in thought.

Quotes

“I don’t raise my voice. I raise my blades.”
“You ready to burn clean, or should I go first?”
“Plans change. Stay sharp, stay close.”
“Flames don’t always roar. Sometimes, they just wait to consume.”
“That’s your plan? …I’ve heard worse. Let’s cook.”

Lysander

Parents: Wise (Father), Trigger/Charon (Mother)

Affiliation: Obol Squad (Next Generation Division)
Position: Sniper Specialist / Multi-Role Support
Species: Human
Age: 17
Role: Jack-of-All-Trades Unit / Long-Range Combat
Codename: Blue Bolt

Appearance

Lysander carries both presence and precision. His hair is a seamless fusion of Wise’s light gray and Trigger’s vivid blue, forming a soft silvery-blue base threaded with lightning-like streaks of electric hues. In the right lighting, his hair subtly crackles with static highlights—like the promise of a storm.

His eyes are mesmerizing: a sharp gradient of deep ocean blue bleeding into electric violet, glowing faintly in high-emotion moments or during precision combat. His expression is often composed, but never cold—there’s always a glimmer of feeling beneath the surface.

His clothing is streamlined and functional, sleek dark uniforms with electric-blue trim, layered with subtle tech enhancements. His outfit includes sensor-linked gloves, a utility belt, and a high-collared jacket that gives him a clean yet intimidating silhouette. His sniper rifle rests on a magnetic back mount, humming faintly with elemental charge.

Weapon / Combat Style

Name: Zeitenbrecher (lit. “Timebreaker”)
Type: Modular Sniper Rifle
Element: Variable – uses elemental rounds and physical ammo

Combat Style:
Lysander is a multi-role precision combatant with no clear weaknesses. While his specialty is long-range sniping, his weapon is highly modular—capable of transforming into a short-barreled configuration for close-quarters use.

He can switch between elemental rounds—Electric, Fire, Ice, Ether—and standard physical sniper bullets, allowing him to tailor his style to the battlefield in real time. Each shot is calculated, and every round is loaded with intent—whether it’s to freeze, shock, burn, distort, or end a threat cleanly from afar. His sniper accuracy is nearly unrivaled, aided by his genetically enhanced eyesight—he can spot movement 700 yards away unaided and line up kills through the scope before most can blink.

Despite being a sniper, Lysander can fight up close using wrist-mounted shock emitters and custom counter-tech. He never panics, always calculating, always observing. He's the one who takes the shot you never see coming.

Personality

Lysander is the emotional glue of the next-gen Obol Squad. He’s gentle, empathetic, and thoughtful, often reading people faster than they realize they’re being read. Despite his composed aura, he’s deeply emotional and wears his heart on his sleeve when it truly matters—though he sometimes hides his pain if he believes others have it worse.

He thrives in supportive roles, lifting morale with a smile, a joke, or a gentle nudge. But he is no pushover. When his family is threatened, he becomes precise and terrifyingly efficient.

Lysander is the type to watch your back and your heart, keeping track of everyone's well-being while downplaying his own.

Relationships

• Trigger (Mother) – He loves and admires her deeply, always taking time to thank her for everything she’s given him—from his combat prowess to his unshakable backbone. They bond over marksmanship practice, tactical banter, and the quiet in-between moments. She’s his storm, and he’s her grounding rod.

• Wise (Father) – Lysander holds immense respect for his dad’s ability to sense people’s needs and carry burdens silently. They often talk late into the night, just the two of them, watching the world in silence. Lysander picked up much of his social intuition and charm from Wise.

• Valor (Younger Brother) – While Valor is the blade, Lysander is the shield. He keeps an eye out for his younger brother, balancing Valor’s tactical logic with emotional support. The two share a strong, wordless connection—often coordinating in battle with only eye contact or hand signals.

• Belle (Aunt) – He gets flustered by Belle’s antics sometimes, but secretly adores her. He especially enjoys when she brings random animals or chaos into his life.

Traits & Quirks

• Hawk Eyes – Capable of sniping or reading enemy movement from massive distances.

• Tactile Calibration – Constantly tuning his rifle settings with slight haptic adjustments.

• Animal Whisperer – Animals trust him easily; often finds himself with a bird or small creature perched nearby.

• Emotionally Transparent – Doesn’t lie about how he feels, unless he thinks it’ll help someone else feel better.

• Spicy Food Tolerance – Can handle even Harin-tier spice levels, but eats them without fanfare.

• Loves Quiet Nights – Favorite time is just post-sunset, rifle in hand, sky overhead.

• Movie Monologues – Memorizes famous lines and occasionally delivers them with dramatic flair.

Quotes

“I don’t shoot to kill. I shoot to protect what’s mine.”
“Sometimes… you don’t need lightning to make an impact. Just clarity.”
“I see farther than most. Doesn’t mean I always know where to go.”
“Thanks, Mom… for the vision, and for seeing me.”
“They won’t even hear the shot. But they’ll know it came from me.”

=== End of Obol Squad Route ===

=== Mockingbird Route ===

Children of the Route

Vireille Banshee

Parents: Wise (Father), Vivian (Mother)

Pronunciation: vee-RELL
Nickname(s): Viri, Veil, Lady Vireille (used jokingly by enemies who don’t live long)

Everyday Appearance (Non-Combat Look)

Vireille Banshee, daughter of Wise and Vivian, carries an almost contradictory air — at once approachable and elusive. Her everyday appearance is soft, school-ready, and deceptively warm, hiding the tactical and supernatural edge she’s inherited from both parents.

• Hair: Vireille has long, gently wavy hair in a cool platinum-silver shade with faint lavender undertones, inherited from her mother. It's thick and silky, usually tied with a violet-black ribbon on the right side — a subtle nod to Vivian’s gothic elegance. Her bangs fall in loose, feathery strands that partially curtain her expressive face.

• Eyes: Vivid, oceanic blue with a sharp glint of red that only flashes during intense emotional spikes. Her gaze is gentle but intelligent — the kind that seems to read too much.

• Skin: Fair, almost porcelain, with a slight natural blush around her cheeks. She’s ethereal, but not cold — there's always a slight warmth in her presence.

• Outfit:
  A modernized school uniform with stylistic flair:

• Deep midnight blue coat-dress, gold-trimmed lapels, and a lavender neck ribbon.

• White inner blouse with slightly puffed sleeves, subtly frilled at the wrists.

• A black jacket draped or tied around her waist — slightly too large, hinting it might be her father’s or a hand-me-down Proxy coat.

• Orange armband with pale cross symbols — possibly a personal symbol or club marking.

• Thigh-length socks or tights and modest flats or short boots.

This version of Vireille seems like the quiet top-student type, or someone you'd find writing poetry in the library — but her posture is too perfect, her steps too precise. She doesn’t slouch. She's always listening.

Combat Form – Gothic Maid Variant

When battle begins, Vireille Banshee transforms — not through magic or flashy animation, but through ritualistic grace and calculated preparation. Her combat attire draws heavily from her mother’s classic parasol-wielding gothic aesthetic, but with personalized elements that mark her as Wise’s daughter.

• Hair: Her hair is pulled into a loose side twist or tied back in a half-up style to keep it controlled — less romantic, more tactical. The violet-black ribbon now glows faintly, laced with Hollow-coded stitching visible only under stress.

• Eyes: Shift to a deeper indigo-blue with glowing red irises when her “Banshee Circuit” activates. Teardrop-shaped glyphs hover faintly under her eyes when she receives a vision.

• Outfit:
  Her Combat Gothic Maid Ensemble is sleek, functional, and deadly beautiful:

• Main Dress: A blue-black corset dress, high-collared and cinched with dark metallic ribbing for both posture and armor. The skirt is asymmetrical — shorter in the front, layered and flared in the back, revealing black stockings with subtle sigils woven into them.

• Sleeves: Detachable puffed sleeves with buttoned cuffs; reinforced internally with synthetic fibers for minor deflection. Her arms are exposed when needed, showcasing elegant fingerless gloves and nail caps shaped like claws.

• Apron: Traditional in form but lined with tactical pockets and tool straps. The frilled edges are hardened with embedded energy filaments — they shimmer faintly when her Hollow energy surges.

• Footwear: Heeled combat shoes with reinforced steel toes and Hollow-grip soles. The heels sharpen on command for kicking attacks.

• Parasol: Collapsible and reinforced. Black and indigo with scalloped edges and lace trim — a beautiful, lethal instrument that functions as both shield and blade.

• Additional Detail:

• Earpiece: Worn only in combat — connects her to a personal network or AI. It glows red when she detects a Hollow anomaly.

• Back Patch: Hidden under her capelet is a Mockingbird sigil intertwined with a stylized “W” — proof she belongs to both her mother’s and father’s legacies.

Public Persona –  The Perfect Daughter of New Eridu

To most, Vireille Banshee is a near-untouchable paragon of elegance. She's poised, polished, and popular — the kind of student everyone looks up to. Her teachers praise her composure and intellect, while her classmates admire her humility despite her flawless grades, cooking prowess, and almost supernatural grace.

• Top-Tier Student: She finishes tests in record time, always scores top marks, and even tutors others without making them feel lesser. She attributes her “insight” to intuition — only her inner circle knows it’s more than that.

• Kind & Helpful: She carries her mother’s sincerity and warmth — always ready to lend an umbrella, fix someone’s bent tie, or bake cookies for a tired class.

• Popular, Yet Private: Though admired, she’s elusive. People say “she’s so put-together it’s scary,” but they can never quite pin her down. She's surrounded by people, yet somehow alone.

Secret Side –  The Simp Beneath the Silence

Only Sue, her closest friend, knows the truth:

• Vireille Banshee is a massive “Daddy’s Girl”.

• She's not just fond of her father — she adores him with fanfic-level intensity, even keeping a secured, encrypted diary titled “Operation: Dethrone Mom (Just Kidding… Unless?)”

“Don’t give me that look, Sue. He smiled at me again. That was the Wise Smile™. You wouldn’t get it. I’m his daughter. His favorite. It’s different.”

• She competes constantly with Vivian, her equally obsessive mother, for Wise’s affection. This rivalry ranges from subtle sabotage (stealing the last sugar cube from the kitchen so she can sweeten Wise’s tea) to full-blown duels over who can prepare his lunchbox best.

• Despite their competition, she loves her mother deeply — their banter often turns from savage sass to emotional support with zero warning.

• Wise, ever the calm center, treats them both with care and balance. Vireille treasures every moment of one-on-one time with him like it's sacred.

Supernatural Gift –  The Eye of Fate

“Mama called it a curse. I call it a heads-up.”

Vireille inherited her mother’s prophetic tears, but through her father’s influence and her own grounded perspective, she views it differently:

• Her ability manifests in flashes of near-future insight, accompanied by strange sensations — scent shifts, sound distortions, digital flickers only she can decode.

• Unlike Vivian’s emotional breakdowns, Vireille’s visions are clear, cold, and clinical, though they still leave her shaken inside.

• Her father’s influence allows her to slow down her thought process and "thread the outcomes" — letting her anticipate attacks, avoid danger, or even complete homework in under a minute, citing “good instincts.”

She uses it to prepare, never to gloat — and always with humility. She understands the weight of knowing what others don’t.

Strengths & Talents:

• Flawless Cook: Her meals are balanced, beautiful, and often themed around her dad’s favorite flavors. She keeps a mental log of Wise’s preferences and pretends it’s not a big deal… but it totally is.

• Tactical Analyst: Inherited from Wise — she excels in simulated field combat and real strategy discussions. She's often invited to upper-year warboard drills.

• Emotional Regulation: She has a surprising emotional discipline when others need her — a blend of Wise’s calm and Vivian’s sincerity.

Combat Personality –  The Ballerina of the Battlefield

“One step. Two turns. Three seconds until you fall.”

In combat, Vireille transforms into a vision of haunting precision — a tactical dancer whose every move is choreographed for maximum effect. Her opponents call her:

“The Hollow Ballerina” or “Blue Waltz”
— because of her unnerving calm and the ghostly blue energy trails her movements leave behind.

• Graceful but deadly: Her style mimics a ballet performance — fluid turns, pirouettes, high kicks that become bladed arcs. She's been known to take down groups of enemies without breaking formation.

• Predictive flow: Her precognitive edge lets her enter “Tempo Sync” — reading opponents several beats ahead, like reading sheet music.

• Combat Finisher: “Elegy Spiral” — she lifts her parasol above her head and spins, creating a dome of Hollow energy that pulls enemies in before exploding outward with a pulse of silencing force.

She fights with her mother's elegance, her father's calculation, and a voice that rarely breaks above a whisper until the fight is over.

Quirks & Habits:

• Keeps a rotating list of “Top 10 Best Dad Smiles This Week”

• Has memorized all her father’s preferred coffee ratios and makes it exactly how he likes it every morning

• Pretends to forget things in front of others, but actually never forgets anything — she just doesn’t want to seem intimidating

• Secretly writes Hollow-mystery fanfiction under the username VeilGazer

Vireille Banshee’s Weapon –  “Aria Nocturne”

Weapon Type:

Parasol-Javelin Hybrid – Multifunctional Melee + Mobility + Ranged

Weapon Name:

“Aria Nocturne”
(Latin for “Night Song”)
A poetic name that reflects her mother's musical intensity and her own battlefield grace — a performance that ends in silence.

Visual Design:

• Closed Form (Javelin Mode):
  A slender, silver-blue parasol with indigo runic inlays spiraling down its length. The tip ends in a hollow-forged spearhead, crystalline but dense. A small micro-barrel is embedded in the very tip for precision shots.

• Length: About the height of Vireille herself

• Grip: Etched obsidian-black with a blue grip wrap — faintly glows when charged with Hollow energy.

• Open Form (Parasol Mode):
  A gothic lace parasol with a slightly asymmetrical canopy, stylized to resemble a ballerina's skirt when spun. The inside is lined with light-reflective shielding material, giving it mirror-like effects under Hollow energy bursts. The canopy is sturdy enough to block heavy strikes, bullets, and even low-grade Hollow beams.

• Underside Details: Hollow sigils spiral from the center like constellations — aesthetic and functional, occasionally lighting up during vision flashes.

Combat Functions:

1. Floatstep Glide / Air Dance

Vireille can briefly hover or glide using a controlled Hollow lift channeled through Aria Nocturne. She often uses this to:

• Cross the battlefield gracefully

• Dodge enemy fire with arcing aerial sweeps

• Descend with eerie slowness while preparing a strike

“You’re still grounded? How embarrassing.”

2. Javelin Mode – “Silent Stinger”

With the parasol folded, the weapon functions as a high-speed thrusting spear, ideal for fast lunges and precision skewering.

• Primary attacks are rapid jabs, feints, and long-range throws (returns via magnetic recall).

• Special Feature: The tip can fire concentrated Hollow rounds or short energy beams, which act like a sniper shot — precise, armor-piercing, and silent.

3. Parasol Mode – “Elegance Protocol”

When opened, Aria Nocturne becomes her shield and stage.

• Used to redirect force, deflect attacks, and parry.

• She specializes in counter-style fighting — using the enemy’s speed, weight, or aggression against them. Her movements become theatrical and sarcastic.

“You came at me full force and tripped over your own momentum? Sad.”

4. Signature Technique – “Nocturne Waltz”

Vireille twirls her parasol overhead, creating a spiraling vortex of Hollow energy that lifts her briefly before crashing down with a spear-thrust and wave of kinetic shock. The move combines her mother’s elegance with her father’s overwhelming precision.

• During the attack, her eyes flash with precognitive glow.

• If she utters a taunt before launching, damage briefly scales up with style score. (Yes, she literally gets stronger the sassier she is.)

Combat Style Summary:

Weapon Class: Elegant Hybrid Polearm
Attack Type: Floaty Precision Melee + Countering + Mid-Range Beamfire
Defense Utility: Excellent shield + mobility + energy redirection
Specialty: Taunt Counterflow Combat — disarming opponents both physically and psychologically

Shit-Talking Highlights:

• “I blocked that with a parasol. Please uninstall yourself.”

• “Oh, did you train for that move? That’s adorable.”

• “You telegraphed that attack harder than your browser history.”

• “You’re not worth the spin, but here we go anyway…”

Solan

Parents: Wise (Father), Venus (Mother)

Overall Aesthetic:

Solan carries a soft, radiant look, a walking embodiment of calm warmth and gentle maturity. Everything about him—his clothes, posture, and even expressions—radiate peace and kindness. His design blends the mystique of his father Wise with the polished grace of his mother Venus resulting in a child who feels both otherworldly and deeply human.

Face & Hair:

• Hair: Fluffy, tousled hair with a smooth blend of his father’s misty silver-gray and the platinum green undertone from Venus. It falls gently over his forehead in soft bangs, with light feathering around the ears. In bright light, it almost shimmers like moonlit snow.

• Eyes: He has large, expressive eyes shaped like his mother’s, but they carry Wise’s serene, stormy-gray hue, rimmed with a faint lilac halo—giving them a soft but penetrating depth.

• Skin: Fair with a faint ivory tone, glowing slightly warmer in the cheeks—he almost seems backlit in soft light.