“Feeling okay, Kirk?”

Alexander nudged the chair Roswell Kirk was napping on. He startled awake, groaning, rubbing the dirt off of his face. “As okay as one can be, I guess. Came back from your scavenging already?” Kirk squinted. “Alive?”

“Unfortunately,” replied Alexander. “Problem told me that Leo’s awake and politely urged me to visit. Did you take care of things with Jury?”

Kirk nodded. After escaping System Articles, he had emerged as a Pseudo as well, E4, and provided support to Team Luster. “Yeah, she told me to take a break. We’re receiving an update on the situation soon. Between you and me though, it’s odd being on the other side of things.”

“On missions?”

“Mhm. You probably know this already, but I was an Otherguard, American Alliance, specifically Latin America. Gave it about fifteen years of my life, which is pretty impressive considering I was just flesh and blood.”

“Guess you bonded with Jury then, huh?” After all, Jury was an Otherguard too, though unlike Kirk, who was an officer, she was a Slayer. The Otherguard Guild was an international defense force controlled by the Global Guards; they protected vulnerable nations that did not have the resources to defend themselves.

“She’s about what I expected.” Kirk crossed his legs. “Anyway, you said something about Ahn, right? Do you think your heart’s ready?”

Alexander shrugged. “I haven’t been ready since the disaster began.”

“Don’t beat yourself about what happened, Shen,” Kirk said, genuinely. “You’re better composed than a majority of the population. If we have a small army of you, then we’d end this shitshow tonight and you’ll have…” He snapped his fingers. “What was it again?”

“Hot pot.”

“Hot pot, right. You’re a strong kid with good connections. You could take over the entire world if you wanted.”

“You shouldn’t exaggerate. I’m not as strong as I look.” And I looked awful when Leo got hurt. “I’m not going to argue about this too, not when Leo’s waiting for me.”

“Alright alright. Maybe she can beat some sense into you.” Kirk leaned back in his chair, sighing. “Be ready for the meeting. Jury has something special for the three of you.”

“I know, I know. See you around.” Alexander playfully kicked his chair again before walking off, waving, heading towards the main line.

Like the walk into Black Paladin Station, the sights were roughly the same: people lining the walls, distracting themselves. An explosion rang the ceiling closer than the others, sending whimpers and yelps from the crowd, and a child cried.

Alexander sighed and thought back to what Kirk had said, about the meeting. Team Luster was preparing for a convoy. That was the plan. Hopefully. In the worst case scenario, Archknell or Silverhonor (the Vice Guild Master) would force them to leave Black Paladin Station, effectively abandoning the civilians.

The other Pseudos were getting antsy. Earlier, Alexander had overheard a few thinking about ditching Black Paladin Station, avoiding getting “enlisted” or “drafted”. Already turning selfish, huh? It happened before in Hangzhou, where Pseudos tasted a tiny bit of power and decided to form their own enclaves. As the days went on and supplies dwindled, it’ll be more attractive for people to emerge as Pseudos and break from Ordo.

That’ll be a disaster.

Regardless, Alexander didn’t want to think about it any further. He found what he was looking for: a plain gray-metal door with a sign bolted to it: “STAFF”. He reached for the door handle, hesitated, and decided to knock first. “It’s me, Alex.”

With a deep breath, he entered. The staff room was fairly small, could probably fit three people comfortably. It had a counter at the back corner, got a cheap coffee machine on top with crumpled paper cups, and beside that was an assortment of medical supplies. A faint smell of blood and soap struck Alexander. He glanced to his right and saw a bin with Leona’s old clothes, gauze, and other stuff he couldn’t make out.

What else did the room have? A shelf at the top, filled side-to-side with dusty books from manuals to mangas, even a few western comics here and there. He found a musky green couch and a table across; the table had some water, snacks, and one of Carn’s daggers. Alexander stared at the dagger, biting his lip.

“Ahem,” said a voice, laying on the couch. “I’m right here, Alex.”

“I know, I know…” Alexander finally faced her: Leona Ahn. She was wearing new, comfortable clothes given by the Survival Kit. Her plain blue shirt was hiked up an inch, revealing a thick layer of gauze wrapping around her stomach. She was pale—he hated it—but she looked great after losing a ton of blood and fluids. Would’ve looked much better if that hadn’t happened, but oh well.

“So?” Leona gestured for him to come.

“Fine fine, alright.” He sighed, pulling up with a nearby metal chair. It squeaked. If he put more weight on the legs, it’d probably break. Fantastic, wasn’t it? Not only was he incompetent but also a fatass.

Leona smiled, gazed at Alexander for a few moments, then the smile went into a frown. “Hey you. You weren’t here when I woke up.”

He didn’t deserve the smile; a part of him was happy to see that frown. “You could’ve messaged me with the System.”

“I had. Did you check?”

“Did I check—? Of course I checked. I always keep track of my notifications,” he said as he pulled up his [Messages] and his recipients. [Leona Ahn] had a red dot at the top left corner. “Oh.”

“You always keep track of your notifications, huh?” she teased.

“Shut up.” He tapped.

Leona Ahn:

I’m awake

Alex?

Don’t ignore me Alex

Five minutes later…

Leona Ahn:

I miss you

Alexander clicked his tongue, staring at the last message longer than he wanted. “‘I miss you’, huh?”

“I thought you’d come running if you read it. Had you read it. Turns out, you’re terrible at checking your messages.” Leona shuffled onto her side, laying her head on her arm. She had a small, teasing smile. “And before you accuse me, I did miss you. A lot.”

“What? You think I’d accuse you of lying?”

“No, you’d accuse me of scheming, of manipulating you.”

“You did the first part already.” Because I forced you into that corner. “I don’t know, sorry for not coming sooner, I guess. I was busy getting food and supplies, a little something to tide everyone over.” And maybe to earn a few more standards to buy a potion too, but you look healthy enough to go without. Thank God for that. “But it’s not going to do much, I think.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I honestly don’t.”

“Jeez, well.” Alexander sat on the edge of his chair, prepared to talk down to Leona like she was a child. “I don’t know if you know, but we’re going through an outbreak that attacked the entire city. You heard the explosions and the crying; it’s a lot of people. Few hundred at least, a thousand at most. Two backpacks aren’t enough to satisfy them, not even close to comfort them. They all want to go home, watch some funny videos, sleep in their own beds, eat something good, do whatever comforts them. Really…” Alexander paused. “...They want tomorrow back. Potato chips and band-aids won’t cut it.”

Leona stared using her glowing amber eyes, which were nearly extinguished hours prior, and Alexander thought how amazing it was to see them again, then guilt gave him a gentle reminder and he looked down. “Hey Alex.”

“What is it?” he muttered.

“When was the last time you cooked for me?”

“Few days ago, I think?” Last Saturday. He remembered it vividly. Althea and Leona went to the grocery store together, and they came back laughing about something, he couldn’t quite remember that part, but the laughter, that was it. He had engraved it dearly, like a never-ending tune. “Chicken and shrimp fried rice, I think.” It definitely was. “You wanted seconds.”

“Mhm…” Leona hummed. Thoughts spun in her head surely, spinning like sugar weaving into cotton candy. “Can you make some for me? Now?”

Alexander laughed. She was delirious. “I could but we’re a little bit out of everything. There’s no stove, but we do have a coffee machine. We also got stale chips and warm water, or we can make the upgrade to Ordoian MREs. Delicious. You can eat hardtacks and mystery meat stew.”

“Ugh. I don’t want that. I want everything you said, Alex: a comedy, a couch to watch it on, and your cooking. Not from a take-out, but yours. I want yours.”

“Mine?” he questioned, amused. “You want mine, really? I mean, I don’t know what I’m doing right here. There’s no secret ingredient. Honestly, I throw random stuff inside and hope for the best.”

“Well, it’s delicious, Alex. I can taste it right now.”

“Are you sure that’s not blood or delirium?”

“Oh shush, I really do taste it. It’s you; it’s always been you. The son-mat. You know what that is, right? I think I told you before.”

Alexander knew what it meant. “Remind me.”

“It’s the taste of your hands. The labor of love. It’s a distinct, unique flavor.”

“Really? What do I taste like?”

“Sweet,” she said. “You taste sweet.”

An easy warmth settled into his cheeks, though the feeling ashamed him. “You’re just saying that. My cooking isn’t masterclass; it’s uh, well I don’t know what it is but definitely not Michelin Star material. It sucks—”

“No, it doesn’t—”

“It does—”

“Don’t say that.” She was frowning again, serious this time. “I don’t want masterclass cooking; I want to see you wearing your cute flower apron—” (“Seriously?”) “—yes, I’m serious. And I want to help you cook but you never let me—”

“You’re a fire hazard.”

“Regardless of what I am, I want you. You can be an asshole, but—”

“But? But what?” Alexander interrupted. “God, I don’t know what the hell’s going on. I know I’m an asshole, especially towards you and Thea, everyone really, but why me? After I fucked up and got you in this mess. I don't know why you're looking at me like that. The way you—I don't fucking know—the way you always had. Why me?”

Leona lowered her gaze. It was not the same look she always had; it was deeper, sharper. It pierced him strongly further than he was willing to admit, as painfully more than any wound that scarred. He didn’t recognize that expression. “Why you?” she said. Her voice boiled.

He gulped. “Y-Yeah, why me?”

“I don’t know. I had a good answer but I forgot. So I don’t know, Alex. I don’t know why I’d want an asshole like you. Who didn’t bother checking his notifications. Who’d so readily sacrifice himself—twice!—and I had to stand there—!” Suddenly, Leona coughed from raising her voice. Alexander reached over but she raised a hand, shaking her head. “—And I had to stand there, thinking I’d be abandoned. Again. That he’d—that you would abandon your own sister, and she’d be alone. Again, all because of some fucking pride. Maybe I took revenge and got myself hurt. Or maybe you’re right: it’s because how fucking stupid you are.”

Alexander blinked. The words. The words reached him better than anything Leona had said before. It did, definitely, just not in the best way. There was no argument about it. She was just as right as he was. More than that. She was the one hurt, not him. It'd be justice if someone stabbed him right now, but this was good enough.

He nodded, nodded a few times, then he rubbed his mouth. He looked away. “Alright. I got it, yeah no, I got it. I…got it.” He began to stand, looking away from Leona as he did.

“Alex?” she said, confused. Probably was angry with him still. “Where are you going?”

“Checking on Damien. Probably needs to help with whatever the hell he’s doing—”

“Wait—!”

“If you need anything, just message me. I won’t forget this time.”

As he walked towards the door, something had grabbed his hand. He thought about pulling away, but that could hurt her. More than he already had, anyway. It’d be salt on the wound. “I’m sorry,” she said.

Why are you apologizing? “...What for?” he murmured.

“I didn’t mean it. Any of it. I said it without thinking—”

“It doesn’t matter; you’re right. I wasn’t thinking then, not a single time actually. I... I don't know. I didn’t even apologize to you. Fuck, what can I say to that?” he said, turning around.

Leona was sitting now, having lost her anger from before; genuinely, she looked remorseful. Alexander knew, judging from her eyes alone, that if he left, it’d cut her deeper than Carn had. “Let’s start over, Alex. Sit down. Please?”

Alexander hesitated, but he relented. As he began to sit on the metal chair again, Leona patted the spot next to her. He sighed and took it. The couch sank a few centimeters from his weight, or maybe that was just the cushion. It was a crappy couch.

Leona restarted, “Ahem. I’m right here, Alex.”

“Heh. God, how did I know that you’d say that?” Alexander laughed, feeling the tension easing from his chest. “You’re a smartass.”

“I know.” She leaned against his shoulder.

“Feel any pain?”

“Not really. I’m on painkillers right now.”

“I see.”

“Mhm. I guess I need to ask, Alex. Why? We could’ve escaped System Articles without any trouble. Why did you go out of your way to oppose Carn?”

“Do you know how many people were inside that tunnel?” he answered, thinking back. It was only a few hours ago. The memory was blurry in some places yet crystal in others. “It had a similar number to the ones here, I think. Our former coworkers and people who had escaped to the wrong place: men, women, kids even. I didn’t care about the vault, but bad things will happen to them, the people.

“Carn and his new guild will do awful, awful things with their newfound power. I had to do something. It’s what…” He wringed his hands. “...It’s what Mom would’ve wanted, honestly. She would’ve done the same thing. Dad loved her for it. She was the only woman who could control him. You’ve seen the pictures, right? Dad was six-five, arms bigger than people, but there Mom was, five-flat.

“Mom had a special way of looking at things. Past or present didn’t exist. They’re fake, made-up things like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. It’s today, Leo. It’s every individual moment that create you and me and the entire world. So what if they were awful yesterday? Or they’ll die tomorrow? If they were hurt, exactly in this moment, the present was superior to all other articles of time. She’d save them even if it meant her life: and it had.

“I’m not as kind as Mom. There are limits to what I practice. I mean, God, I don’t know, Leo. If the worst crime people commit is doing nothing, then what criminal am I, who does nothing to save them?”

Leona sat with his last sentence. He was no mind-reader. He didn’t know what she was thinking about, but her eyes had a glimmer and her lips came into a smile, like the sun’s curve rising above the horizon, and she nodded understandingly. “Can I ask something else then, Alex? What happened after we teleported here?”

He straightened himself. “Why?”

“Can you tell me, please?”

“Alright, uhm…” He sniffled. “...Nothing pretty. We teleported in and we nearly got an axe to our necks, that’s Montana. They saw you, they saw me, and I begged them for help. I told you who you were, I told them who Damien was—really, I said a bunch of nonsense. And they helped you. Here you are.”

Alexander intentionally excluded a few details, like breaking a sink out of anger, or embarrassingly enough, crying. But Leona was too smart for him. She was looking at him, not suspiciously, but knowing. Knowing exactly how he had felt. It was the sort of understanding that terrified you, realizing there was someone who understood you far better than you yourself, yet it was also blissful, having that someone.

Leona rested her hand on top of his, slowly closing her fingers into the gaps. “You or me, Alex. That’s what I thought. I had a chance to wound him, so I took a gamble. It worked out. I… I never killed anyone, but if it’s Carn, I still wouldn’t have killed a person. So please, don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m sorry for making you worried.”

“I’m sorry for exactly the same reasons. For being an asshole especially. For everything, really.”

“Let’s compromise then.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry for anything and everything.”

He chuckled. “Alright, that works: I’m sorry for anything and everything too.”

“I accept your apology.”

“Heh, thanks. You know something though? If I had that same skill, I’d do it too. I’d take a dagger to the guts.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s a reckless plan but it can work.”

“It did.” Leona smiled. “It did. Hey Alex?”

“Hmm?”

“You have a meeting with Jury soon, right? When are you leaving?”

“Whenever Damien fetches me.”

“Good.” Leona let go of his hand and laid down, resting her head on his lap. Alexander was somewhat startled but he relaxed. This wasn't the worst thing in the world. “You don’t mind, don’t you?”

“Go ahead. I’m not planning on moving until then.”

And they had stayed there until a message appeared in the [Party Chat].

Damien:

It’s meeting time

I’m not interrupting anything, aren’t I?

Alexander:

couldve given me one more minute huh?

Damien:

Oh my I *am* interrupting something

Leona:

Shush

~~~

[Weapon]

Single Key of the Hunt [A]

A single Key of the Hunt, a collection of twelve daggers forged by Brewbeast, laced with a special enchantment of his own devising. Alone, a single Key will wound any [Predators] more greviously than normal steel; together, the Hunt will make even [Predators] tremble in fear.

Owner: Leona Ahn