Snowbound Blood: Volume Ten/Transcript

At Refero being an ideal supplier, you mean.

Volume Ten Start

We're in the endgame now. Each gambit draws ever closer to a convincing checkmate.

Time to move the next piece.

Crytum Lydian

Glomer's late.

You pace in front of his home unit compound, trying to keep out of sight of any of the other occupants.

One in particular you very much want to avoid: running into Sabine Berare would be a surefire way to waste time, and that's already in pitifully short supply.

You don't hear any music coming from the building presently, though, which you take as a sign that he's either not home or asleep.

Regardless, you would rather err on the side of caution, so you make sure to confine your agitated pacing to where it will remain mostly unseen and, hopefully, unheard.

The back of your neck itches. There's no one in sight, either outdoors or at the windows, but you feel as though you're being watched. Trapped in a maze, albeit not the hedge kind.

Doubt and unease have become your constant companions. Try as you might, you can't keep your thoughts from unfurling and catching on the scabs of wounds both old and new.

Your whole body protests as you beat a path against the hard ground, but the rhythm of it clears your mind and steels your resolve.

You're so very tired. You're more tired than you can remember ever being — but you'll see this through. If there was ever a point you could give up, you've long since passed it.

You must press on — and Glomer is your liaison with your next interviewee. You're starting to wonder whether convincing Hamifi to let him leave earlier was even worth it when he's being so tardy.

Perhaps you can just speed matters along and make your own introductions.

Just as you spin on your right heel for the sixteenth time, a familiar silhouette appears within your field of vision.

Finally.

Glomer's moving slowly as he approaches you, wobbling from one leg to the other so severely that you worry he's going to topple over before he reaches you.

If he were anyone else, you might wonder if he was inebriated; as it is, you mostly wonder whether he somehow managed to fall asleep walking.

His eyes are open, though. He walks up to you and blinks blearily.

SECILY: 1.d4 You're late. ...f5

GLOMER: pleasure to see you too chief reGulator

GLOMER: trust Me if i had any sort of decision-MakinG power down there i wouldve been here on tiMe

GLOMER: turns out even with the

GLOMER: extenuatinG circuMstances

GLOMER: i just could not Get the boss lady to let Me off the hook

You feel a pang of sympathy at that, mixed with annoyance. Perhaps it really wasn't his fault that he didn't get here sooner.

Your pulling strings with Hamifi only managed to get him half a shift off, though you're hardly surprised she kept him longer anyway.

You wish she hadn't made you wait, but you do not have the privilege of being frustrated with her. Your purpose here is quite clear, and you've loitered long enough.

SECILY: 2.e4 Shall we head in? ...fxe4

GLOMER: yeah

GLOMER: would be Great if you could finish your investiGatinG before the rest of the boys Got here btw thanks

Right. Glomer made a point of informing you about his and Crytum's evening plans. All the more reason to keep this visit brief.

He trudges towards the entrance and you follow along.

While he fumbles with the door, he begins — unprompted — to relay to you why he didn't make it to your meeting on time.

His words wash over you, though any meaning becomes lost as they blend together into a crackling static noise.

You're so very tired.

You can feel the beginnings of a headache, but you rub the bridge of your nose and focus on the matter at hand.

Aumtzi Maught. Noxious. You're getting close now. You must get his location, and Glomer's matesprit has the necessary expertise. You need to convince him to help you by whatever means necessary. Your—

A story is a heavy thing. Perhaps it's been unkind to place the brunt of its weight upon a singular pair of shoulders.

Let us have someone else share the burden once more.

---

Your name is Crytum Lydian, and you're waiting for your matesprit to come home.

You're sitting at your desk, making good use of your day off by catching up on the latest news and rumours surrounding your favourite media franchises. Your lusus purrs away in your lap.

Currently, you're perusing some articles on Polyhedron, your go-to website to keep up to date on all things anime.

Some leaks of dubious veracity suggest that Arakii is considering a return to an older form, away from the hyperintense and intricate battle formulas the show is now (in)famous for.

Purists are getting into heated arguments over the absence of the power grades that so closely resemble Repiton's arcane myths, in yet another brazen universe-shifting installment.

You roll your eyes. Honestly, people will get so mad over every (potential!) creative decision. It's not like these sudden pivots have always been a part of the show or anything.

Anyway. Anime opinions aside...

Work has been even more hectic than usual, with long hours spent at Corporate trying to stay ahead of deadlines that never seem to stop multiplying.

Not that you aren't grateful to be entrusted with more responsibilities, far from it! But it's just... it's also meant that you often come home long after Glomer's left for work.

You miss him. You've been trying to schedule more time to spend together, but between both of your jobs, it's kind of a hellish task.

Tonight, though, you'll finally be able to meet up with him and the rest of the Boys! You're going to watch some anime.

It's something you've really been looking forward to.

Just as you glance at the clock on your screen, the soft click of the door unlocking comes from the hallway.

The familiar, comforting rumble of Glomer's voice pours into the unit and settles like a ball of warmth inside your chest. Platycat doesn't wake up, but her purring grows louder.

Another voice slices through the room, clipped and sharp. Quiet, but authoritative.

Platycat sits up with a start, then hops out of your arms.

CRYTUM: O> Hey—! ‿

She dashes to the corner of the room, her tail standing at attention as she looks around, tense. You guess you can't really blame her for being wary of strangers.

You stare at her for a moment, all too aware of the absence where her soothing weight was just moments ago.

Then, you stand up and move to greet your guest.

Glomer told you about the chief regulator who wanted to speak to you. She was working on a case, he said, and needed some help that you might be able to provide.

You agreed, partly because it would mean Glomer could get off work early, but partly because it... didn't really seem like you had the option not to.

From what Glomer had gathered, she was pretty firmly set on it, and saying no to a determined regulator doesn't tend to be the best idea.

It'll be fine. Probably. You'll just answer her questions and help as much as you can, and afterwards you'll be free to spend a relaxing evening with Glomer and the others.

You shake the apprehension out of your head and wander into the hallway.

GLOMER: want Me to Get you soMe slippers or soMethinG

SECILY: 3.Nc3 I'm fine, thank you. ...Nf6

The chief regulator looks like her voice sounds — stern and put together. Her jaw is set in a tight line as she surveys the interior of your hive.

When her eyes meet yours, there's an intensity in them that's almost scathing. Your gaze darts to the floor.

GLOMER: yo cry

He pads across the floor to your side to kiss your cheek, and you can't help but smile.

CRYTUM: O> Hi, Glo. Welcome home. ‿

This is your favourite time of day, especially now that you've been able to spend less time with Glomer. The laid-back, comfortable affection between you always puts you at ease without fail.

Lacing your fingers with his, you look at the regulator again.

CRYTUM: O> Um, hi, chief regulator. Glomer told me you wanted to speak to me? ‿

SECILY: 4.Bg5 Secily's fine. And yes, I need your assistance with the case I'm working on. ...d6

SECILY: 5.Bxf6 Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. ...exf6

Beside you, Glomer scoffs under his breath. You're clearly not the only one who didn't think he had a say in the matter.

Despite that, you try to put a smile on your face. The regulator— Secily seems polite enough, and you don't want to be rude to a guest.

CRYTUM: O> O—of course. I hope I can help. Should we go to—to my office to talk? ‿

SECILY: 6.Nxe4 That's an excellent idea. ...f5

You turn to look at Glomer and— oh, he doesn't seem super great. The bags under his eyes are even bigger than usual, and his skin looks pale and dull. It's a bit concerning.

GLOMER: dyou want Me to stick around cry

GLOMER: fair warninG tho iM not Gonna be very Good coMpany

He blinks, so slowly that you aren't sure if he's going to open his eyes again for a second. It wouldn't be the first time he fell asleep standing.

You give his hand a squeeze.

CRYTUM: O> It's okay, Glo. You should get some rest before the others get here. ‿

GLOMER: are you sure

You lean in and give him a peck on the lips. A little smile lights up his tired face and you feel a burst of joy.

CRYTUM: O> I am. Don't forget to set an alarm. ‿

GLOMER: ok

GLOMER: iM Gonna Go crash then

GLOMER: shout if you need anythinG alriGht

You smile and give him a nod. With a soft grunt, he lets go of your hand and heads for the respiteblock.

GLOMER: seeya reGulator

He's walked through the door before she can respond. She stares after him for a moment, one eyebrow raised, and then focuses on you again.

SECILY: 7.Nc3 Shall we, then? ...Be6

CRYTUM: O> Yes. Uh, this way, please. ‿

Secily follows you back into your office. You stop in the centre of it and turn to her, suddenly unsure how to proceed. It's been a while since you last had a stranger in your home.

CRYTUM: O> M—make yourself comfortable...? ‿

You don't intend for it to come out sounding like a question, but it does, and you try to bite back the embarrassment. You rub your arm.

Secily doesn't reply immediately. After another moment of silence, you pull out your chair and sink into it.

Working at Corporate, you've caught glimpses of some of the regulators, but you haven't had much cause to cross paths with them.

Now that the chief regulator herself is standing in the middle of your office, you're struck by how... well, out of place she looks.

She's like something out of a story, with the crisp angles of her coat and the visor hiding one of her eyes. A rapier — épée? — hangs at her hip, and the pommel seems almost too shiny.  

You bought a replica sword at a convention once, but you have no doubt this one is the real deal.

You don't envy all the trolls who've found themselves at the business end of this weapon. Though they must've deserved it. For sure.

You realise you're staring, but Secily doesn't seem to have noticed. She's scanning the room with her brow furrowed.

CRYTUM: O> I—is something wrong? ‿

Her attention snaps back to you. A moment later, her expression clears.

SECILY: 8.Qe2 Not at all. ...Kf7

She takes a deep breath and crosses her arms.

SECILY: 9.O-O-O So, the purpose of my visit. I assume Glomer has already told you why I wanted to speak to you. ...Be7

CRYTUM: O> Well, he didn't know the particulars, so... ‿

CRYTUM: O> Some extra context would definitely be nice. ‿

SECILY: 10.Re1 Very well. Allow me to give you the lowdown. ...Bg5+

You nod and Secily clears her throat before she begins to speak.

She tells you about a stolen item and being tasked to retrieve it, and the person behind it all taunting her at every step.

She speaks of cultists and hermits and happenstances that are too convenient to be coincidental.

Then, she mentions a suspect who has a history of harassing trolls on the internet, and something heavy settles in your chest.

SECILY: 11.Kb1 ...So, as I have been informed, you know your way around computers. I need your assistance in tracking down my suspect. ...Re8

The regulator has concluded her story. You clear your throat, struggling to form words.

CRYTUM: O> You said this person has also, uh, bullied other trolls online? ‿

SECILY: 12.d5 Correct. He has a pattern of harassing vulnerable people into hurting themselves. ...Bd7

It sounds so matter-of-fact, the way she says it. Simple. Totally removed from the dread of seeing your oldest fears staring at you from your computer screen.

You grab your arm to steady yourself.

CRYTUM: O> D-do you know what handle he uses? ‿

Secily's eyes narrow at you, but after a moment, she says:

SECILY: 13.Qh5+ He goes by obnoxiousAntidote. ...Kg8

obnoxiousAntidote Surely you've wondered what the consequences might be, if your little secret came out?

Your grip on your arm tightens.

Ever since you blocked him, you've tried to forget that handle. You've gotten better at it. You've gotten better at not thinking about all that stuff in general, but...

SECILY: 14.Rxe8+ You're familiar with that alias, aren't you? ...Bxe8

It seems you don't have much of a choice in the matter right now.

She's neutral when she says it, and if it weren't for the lock of her jaw, she might as well be asking about the weather.

You breathe out, reminding yourself that he's got no power over you, and try to answer with the same ease.

CRYTUM: O> Yes, he's... contacted me, too. ‿

Suddenly, Secily seems to take up more of the room, her shoulders squaring, hand darting to the hilt of her rapier, and you realise she has more feelings about this than she lets on.

SECILY: 15.Qf3 I assure you, no harm is going to come to you. ...Bg6

SECILY: 16.Bd3 Has he threatened you? ...Qf6

You hear yourself laughing to your own surprise, though there isn't any humour in it.

You needed that kind of certainty when it was happening, but the only people you could rely on for it were those close to you.

It worked out.

CRYTUM: O> N—no, no, don't worry about it. I'm safe. ‿

SECILY: 17.g3 Are you certain? ...Nd7

CRYTUM: O> Yeah. The stuff he's got on me doesn't affect me anymore. It's all in the past. ‿

You try to give her what you hope is a reassuring smile.

You refuse to think about this now, about OA's threats and your life before Stronghold 21.

Not today. You were looking forward to today.

CRYTUM: O> Don't worry about me, Secily. ‿

She stares at you for another beat. You glance away, wishing that she'd drop it. When she doesn't say anything more, you change the topic yourself.

CRYTUM: O> So. Uh. You wanted me to track him down...? ‿

SECILY: 18.Qd1 That's right. Can you do it? ...Qf7

She's back to business in an instant, with that same fierce determination from before in her eyes.

You nod.

CRYTUM: O> I'll do my best. ‿

Your computer comes to life with a low whirr when you move the mouse. A course of action is already charted out in your mind.

...You might have daydreamed about doing this exact thing before. It's a little exciting, honestly! Like getting to star in a proper mystery show for an episode or two.

As the thought pops into your mind, you feel Secily draw closer, peering over your shoulder. You force yourself not to flinch.

SECILY: 19.f4 His name's Aumtzi Maught and he's 8 sweeps old. Besides obnoxiousAntidote, he also goes by Noxious. His sigil is Dissolve. If any of that is useful. ...Bf6

CRYTUM: O> Uh, I was just going to use the messages he sent to me over Skorpe to track his IP... ‿

SECILY: 20.Nge2 Oh. Very well, then. ...Nb6

You boot up Skorpe and navigate to the blocked users section, only hesitating for a second before you unblock "OA". Your insides twist with apprehension, but luckily, he's offline.

Then, it's just a matter of popping open a few windows, inputting a few lines, and a loading bar appears on the screen. You lean back, brushing some hair off your face. So far, so good.

In the absence of clicking keys, the room once again gets very quiet.

SECILY: 21.Rf1 I'm surprised your neighbour is so... considerate today. ...Re8

Huh?

Your confusion must be written across your face, because she's quick to clarify.

SECILY: 22.a4 Sabine. I came over to talk to him recently and he seemed determined to tear this building apart with his music. ...Bh5

Oh! That little troublemaker. You've no idea what kind of business a Corporate regulator could possibly have with him, but the comment makes you chuckle.

CRYTUM: O> Y-you're really not too far from the truth. ‿

CRYTUM: O> Sabine's a great kid, but, uh, he really likes turning the volume all the way up.  ‿

You cast an apprehensive glance at the ceiling, as if talking of Sabine might summon him. The ceiling remains blessedly silent.

CRYTUM: O> It... kind of makes living here a little difficult sometimes. I don't enjoy loud noises very much. ‿

Secily's mouth curves into something that's almost a smile, and full of sympathy.

SECILY: 23.a5 Yes. I know how that goes. ...Bxe2

{{VE Quote|crytum|CRYTUM: O> He-he's not home right now, though. So don't worry about it getting loud anytime soon. ‿

SECILY: 24.Bxe2 I'm glad to hear that. ...Bxc3

You give her a smile before focusing back on the screen. As if on cue, the loading bar fills with a ding.

It's been a while since you last did this kind of thing, but you quickly settle into a rhythm. The process is like assembling a puzzle, and now you have your pieces.

SECILY: 25.axb6 So, how does this whole thing work? ...Bd4

The sudden question gives you a start, and you turn to look at Secily.

She gestures to your work station.

SECILY: 26.Bb5 The method you're using to track Aumtzi. ...Re4

CRYTUM: O> Oh! ‿

This you can answer pretty well.

CRYTUM: O> Um, it's pretty straightforward, really. ‿

CRYTUM: O> I'm using the information that's already contained in the messages that he's sent me. ‿

CRYTUM: O> See, because he has Skorpe installed on his device, like a—a computer or a tablet, there's a direct connection that I can use to find out where that device is. ‿

CRYTUM: O> So when I ping it, I'm going to get an IP address that will correspond to his location. ‿

Secily's giving you the full weight of her attention, which is... kind of intimidating, but you can't tell from her expression if she's following.

CRYTUM: O> Does that, uh, make sense? ‿

SECILY: 27.Qd2 Yes, I believe so. ...Bxb6

SECILY: 28.Re1 I hadn't realised tracking someone down on the internet was such a simple process. ...Qe7

Well, you wouldn't call it exactly simple.

CRYTUM: O> There's a bit more to it than that, b—but... ‿

CRYTUM: O> I'm pretty good at this, I think. ‿

CRYTUM: O> A—also, it gets a lot more complicated if you're using a VPN or some other means to try to hide your location. ‿

SECILY: 29.Re2 I see. ...Rxe2

SECILY: 30.Bxe2 You're saying Aumtzi is using no such means? ...Qe3

CRYTUM: O> He doesn't seem to be? ‿

You mentally scratch your head. With OA's behaviour during the few interactions you had, not having some kind of online privacy network does strike you as a little odd.

Secily seems to share the concern. She crosses her arms, looking between you and the screen with her eyes narrowed.

You feel like you've done something wrong.

CRYTUM: O> I—is there a problem, Secily? ‿

SECILY: 31.Qxe3 No, I suppose not. ...Bxe3

Her consternated expression really doesn't make you believe her, but she speaks again before you've decided whether to press it.

SECILY: 32.c4 How long is this going to take? ...Bg1

CRYTUM: O> Well, uh, if it's not encrypted, it'll only take a few minutes, but— ‿

Yep. Just as you expected.

You close the error message.

CRYTUM: O> Yeah, seems that it is encrypted. Can't have it be too easy, I guess? ‿

You giggle, but the sound peters out almost immediately. You shift your attention back to the screen.

SECILY: 33.h3 Does this mean we're stuck? ...Bh2

CRYTUM: O> Oh, no, not at all! This will take a bit longer, though. ‿

You go back to typing while you explain. You're not about to give up so easily.

CRYTUM: O> I have a program I can run the IP through in order to decrypt it. It's, uh, a bit slower, but it shouldn't take too long. ‿

SECILY: 34.g4 Got it. Thank you for the explanation, Crytum. ...fxg4

CRYTUM: O> Sure thing! ‿

You go back to work. The measured, comforting click-click-click of the keyboard fills the room again.

SECILY: 35.Bxg4 Are all these posters from cartoons? ...Bxf4

You peer up from your screen, smiling as you try to see which part of your display she's looking at. It's the Outena one.

She's got good taste.

CRYTUM: O> Oh, uh, it's anime! Most of them are from series and there are a—a couple of movies, too. ‿

SECILY: 36.Kc2 Animated ones? ...Kf7

CRYTUM: O> Yes! ‿

SECILY: 37.b4 ...I see. ...Kf6

This isn't the first time someone reacts to your mention of anime like it's something to look down on, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant.

People have no appreciation for Repiton's more independent  media, you swear. Especially a series as underground as Outena.

Secily must have noticed your displeasure, because after a moment of deliberation, she makes a peace offering:

SECILY: 38.Bc8 What is your favourite, ah, anime? ...b6

She says the word like it tastes weird.

You appreciate her trying, though, and you welcome the opportunity to introduce another person to the magic of the best show of all time.

CRYTUM: O> Ah, it's absolutely Revolutionary Girl Outena! ‿

You point to the poster she was looking at again. A pink-haired girl holding another, darker-haired one in an intimate, protective embrace.

You get choked up thinking about all the symbolism of a fuchsiablood character rejecting tradition and fighting for what she believes in.

You could talk about Outena for hours. (You actually have. Glomer can vouch for that.)

CRYTUM: O> It's—it's so good! It starts off kind of silly and whimsical, but it's actually a really thoughtful look into a lot of serious topics, such as agency and cycles of abuse? ‿

CRYTUM: O> The cast is full of very interesting and complicated characters with complex relationships to each other, and the main plotline revolves around Outena and Anthie's love. ‿

The way that a relationship that transcends quadrants is the axis the whole story pivots on is a bold choice that no mainstream show would ever risk.

CRYTUM: O> It's funny and weird and heartbreaking and... the story helped me through some hard times and made me realise a lot about myself. ‿

You're about to get into Outena's deconstruction of the prince role and its connotations as an allegory for gender, along with some very topical commentary on the Renaissance's social hierarchy.

That's when you notice that Secily's eyes have gotten a bit glassy.

Ah, right. What are the chances a complete stranger would care about your passionate dissertation on a "cartoon".

You sigh and feel yourself deflating.

CRYTUM: O> ...S—sorry. I'm rambling. ‿

SECILY: 39.b5 No need to apologise, Crytum. ...Ke5

SECILY: 40.Kd3 Thank you for indulging me. ...h5

CRYTUM: O> Uh, yeah. It's just a very good show. ‿

Her eyes linger on the poster for another second.

SECILY: 41.Be6 It sounds like one. ...g5

You're not sure how sincere her comment is exactly, but with a small nod, you go back to work.

Another few seconds pass before Secily speaks again.

SECILY: 42.Bf7 Glomer mentioned that you had plans with The Boys tonight? ...g4

With the way she says the name, you can tell she's capitalising both words and none-too-happy about it. It's kind of funny how offended she seems by the moniker's existence.

CRYTUM: O> Ah, um, yeah. With Bytcon and Endari, I believe you've met them? ‿

You know for a fact she did. Both of them told you and Glomer about their — very different — experiences with the chief regulator.

Secily's fingers twitch towards her rapier again. You think it's safe to say she's not remembering one of those encounters very fondly.

You think of the cut on Bytcon's neck and swallow, your mouth suddenly dry. He downplayed the situation at the time, but even sheathed, the blade makes you uneasy.

CRYTUM: O> W—we try to spend as much time together as our jobs and, well... everything else allows us. ‿

Her expression softens, encouraging you to keep going.

CRYTUM: O> Even if it's just watching some stuff together. ‿

CRYTUM: O> I think it's... good to have this tradition, if that makes sense? Work is stressful for all of us, and you've seen how Glomer is. ‿

You hope he's having a good nap.

Secily shifts her weight from one foot to the other, and her eyes dart to the door.

CRYTUM: O> Is—is something wrong? ‿

SECILY: 43.hxg4 Not at all. I'm just sorry to intrude on your evening plans. ...h4

You try to smile at her, but it feels tacked on, forced.

CRYTUM: O> It's not a problem. I realise that it's, uh, an important case. ‿

You only get a noncommittal hum in response. The silence that follows doesn't help the awkwardness.

It's fine. You only need to wait for this to finish decrypting.

SECILY: 44.Bg6 Glomer is your matesprit, correct? ...h3

CRYTUM: O> Uh, yes!

Despite the circumstances, this is a topic that perks you up right away. You feel your face splitting into a smile.

CRYTUM: O> We moved in together a couple of sweeps ago because we figured it'd be easier to make time for each other if we shared a—a living space. ‿

CRYTUM: O> It's been really good. It's... it's nice to be able to come home to someone. ‿

You decide to venture a question of your own. It's only polite, right?

CRYTUM: O> What about you, Secily? ‿

Her expression drains of all warmth.

SECILY: 45.Be4 I live alone. ...h2 Silence falls over the room once again.

You're not really sure what you did wrong, but there was an invisible line, and you crossed it. The air is heavy with something you don't quite understand.

...But you do get loneliness, you think. You didn't have anyone to come home to when you first moved into the Stronghold, not even Platycat.

You tried to fill the emptiness with work and with your hobbies, but you were drifting. It took time to find something to anchor you.

SECILY: 46.Bh1 Crytum. ...Bg5

Secily's staring at you with an expression you can't read. You feel yourself tense up.

CRYTUM: O> Y—yeah? ‿

SECILY: 47.Bf3 You mentioned that Aumtzi had contacted you before. Does he have any information on you that I should know about? ...Kf4

This again. As helpful as you're trying to be, you don't appreciate the line of questioning.

CRYTUM: O> No, it's... old stuff. It doesn't matter anymore. ‿

You say it with more conviction than you feel, but it still doesn't seem to satisfy her. Secily sighs.

SECILY: 48.Ke2 I apologize for pressing this, but it is my job to protect people, and I believe that Aumtzi is dangerous enough to warrant a certain level of caution. ...Kg3

You cross your arms against the frustration that builds up inside you.

CRYTUM: O> I'm not underestimating how dangerous he is, but I can deal with this. It's private. ‿

Secily's considering you, as if looking for a weak spot to strike. You have nothing to deflect her next blow with.

SECILY: 49.Be4 Are you confident enough to endanger your loved ones, too? ...Kxg4

You open your mouth to retaliate, but any arguments you might offer are overpowered by the thought of Glomer — of Bytcon and Endari, coming into harm's way because of you.

It doesn't matter if the risk is small. If something were to happen to them that you could have prevented... you don't know how you could live with yourself.

You can tell by the look in Secily's eyes that she knows she's won.

Your shoulders slump.

CRYTUM: O> ...Alright. ‿

CRYTUM: O> It's... it was about my ex-moirail. ‿

CRYTUM: O> We—we grew up together. ‿

For the longest time, it had felt like he was the only person who really understood you.

You squeeze your elbow, rub your arm. All these sweeps later, and it's still so clear in your mind.

You didn't have a lusus growing up, so for the most part, it was just you and him, and the way he listened to you made you think he cared.

CRYTUM: O> At some point, he—he started to get jealous when I'd meet other people and, uh, tried to make me spend time with him instead. ‿

Moirails should confide everything in each other.

He said that often, even as he started to talk over you, make decisions for you. Disregard your boundaries, then get upset whenever you pointed it out. It made you feel like you were losing your mind.

You pick up a marker on your desk, and start twisting the cap this and that way.

CRYTUM: O> It... it got worse with time. ‿

You didn't realise how controlling he was being until well after it'd become a natural part of your relationship.

You keep fidgeting with the marker. The cap makes a soft click-click as you open and close it.

CRYTUM: O> He didn't agree with the choices I was making for myself, I guess. I—I think he was scared that if I changed, our relationship would, too. ‿

He was right about that, if nothing else.

CRYTUM: O> It was so suffocating that part of me wanted to just... drop whatever we argued about, when we did. Every single time. ‿

CRYTUM: O> It wasn't worth fighting with him. ‿

Secily's quiet as you speak, but her features have softened into something like sympathy.

SECILY: 50.Bh1 He doesn't seem like he was a very good moirail. ...Kf4

You chuckle under your breath. That's the understatement of the centennalia.

CRYTUM: O> He wasn't. ‿

You think back to the pressure he put you under, the constant arguments that came with him trying to make you do what he thought was right. How he tried to isolate you from others.

At that point, you were starting to recognise the abuse. So, you stuck to your guns as much as you could.

You drew strength from wherever you could find it, and the stories told by shows such as Outena gave you the inspiration to fight back, as silly as that might sound to others.

CRYTUM: O> It took me a while, but I eventually broke up with him. ‿

You wrap your arm around yourself. Your hand clutches the marker so hard that you can feel the grooves of the cap marking your skin. It hurts a little, but helps anchor you in the present.

SECILY: 51.Bg2 It didn't go well, I'm assuming? ...Ke5

You shake your head.

CRYTUM: O> We... we had a fight. ‿

You told him about the things he'd been doing wrong. Why you'd decided you didn't want to be with him anymore. You tried to keep a level head and stay calm, but it mattered little.

He said you were being unreasonable, blowing stuff out of proportion; that you needed him and you were making a terrible mistake.

Not that any of it was surprising at that point.

You'd known it would be hard going in, but the conversation was nearly too much for you anyway. He had a way of getting under your skin — he almost convinced you he was right. Again.

You take a deep breath and push your shoulders back.

CRYTUM: O> It got bad. I'd told him to meet me at the shore, but... It ended up turning into a fight. ‿

It was your spot, before everything went south; you used to find it so calming.

The sound of waves crashing against the cliff. One misstep. He was so close to the edge, and neither of you noticed.

You let out another breath, but this one comes out shaky. Click, click, the cap of the marker goes.

CRYTUM: O> Long story short, I made it back. He didn't. ‿

CRYTUM: O> Something... something in the water took him. ‿

CRYTUM: O> That was the last time I ever saw him. ‿

You never looked back. You never checked to see if he'd made it out, but that's one uncertainty you're content to live with.

You put the marker back on the desk.

CRYTUM: O> I moved out some time later, came to the Stronghold. ‿

You were able to start transitioning then, and got Platycat as an emotional support lusus. You glance at her little bed by the wall and feel yourself smiling.

In time, you made some friends, met Glomer and The Boys. You settled in. You don't have the weight of someone else's expectations bearing down on you anymore.

You meet Secily's eyes and conclude your story.

CRYTUM: O> I'm... trying to move on from everything that happened before. ‿

SECILY: 52.Kd3 And Aumtzi threatened to bring it all back into your life? ...Kf6

CRYTUM: O> He did. He talked about my moirail and the stuff he used to say and—and how I left him to die out there. That I betrayed him. ‿

CRYTUM: O> But I didn't. ‿

CRYTUM: O> I did what was right for me, and the rest wasn't my fault. ‿

CRYTUM: O> We were just teens anyway! It's not like I could've fought off whatever it was that attacked him. ‿

CRYTUM: O> He's... out of my life and I've moved on. I wish it hadn't been like that exactly, but the people I care about know what happened and they understand.

CRYTUM: O> So, I told Aumtzi I wasn't scared of him. And that was that. ‿

Secily's eyebrows arch.

SECILY: 53.Kd4 He left you alone after that? ...Ke7

CRYTUM: O> Yeah. I blocked him, and he hasn't bothered me since. ‿

Much to your surprise, she smiles. Very... subdued, but it's still there.

SECILY: 54.Ke4 Thank you for telling me this story, Crytum. I'm glad you've been able to leave it in the past. ...Bf6

You try to return it, though it feels a little stiff. You don't think you're quite there yet. But you're trying.

SECILY: 55.Bf3 This might sound presumptuous, but have you considered looking for a new moirail? ...Be5

Whatever sense of calm you were able to muster leaves you along with a sigh. You really wish people would stop asking that.

CRYTUM: O> I can't say that I'm interested? ‿

CRYTUM: O> It honestly kind of annoys me that this is the immediate reaction I get most of the time. ‿

CRYTUM: O> Like I—I have to be looking for a new moirail to comfort me or something.  ‿

CRYTUM: O> I'm not! I'm just talking about my experiences. ‿

CRYTUM: O> I don't need a moirail. Or want one, really. Not after... all that. ‿

Your indignation simmers down to a heavy feeling in your chest. You fiddle with the marker again, rolling it a little from side to side.

CRYTUM: O> It's so frustrating, feeling like I... shouldn't talk about this. ‿

CRYTUM: O> Like I'm not allowed to share it with my friends or my partner because it's some sort of burden, the kind of thing you're only meant to discuss with a moirail. ‿

You sometimes wonder what it even means, to be that to someone. Whether you've ever actually felt that very specific sort of attraction toward anyone.

It all seems a little arbitrary to you.

You clear your throat, shelving your thoughts for a better time, and return your attention to Secily.

CRYTUM: O> I don't know, I'm... I'll figure it out at some point. ‿

You will. You have to.

A loud ding makes you startle.

CRYTUM: O> Oh! It's finished decrypting! ‿

You scramble to read the new notification on the screen. You're just about ready to have this entire thing sorted.

CRYTUM: O> Uhh... ‿

SECILY: 56.Bh1 Is something the matter? ...Kd7

CRYTUM: O> Well, uh. This output it gave me? It's—it's gibberish. ‿

CRYTUM: O> I don't know what this is. ‿

You scroll through the file, hoping you might glean something — anything from the incomprehensible string of symbols.

You find nothing.

The room suddenly feels very cold.

SECILY: 57.Kd3 I see. ...Kc8

You hazard a look at the regulator. Her arms are crossed, frustration rolling off of her in waves; she seems bigger somehow, like she's occupying more space and you need to cower away.

You don't. You return to your computer, swallowing against the frantic beating of your blood pusher.

CRYTUM: O> This makes no sense, there must be something I can do with this output... ‿

SECILY: 58.Kc2 Yet another fool's errand. ...Kb7

Her voice is cold and sharp like the blade of a sword.

CRYTUM: O> No, no! There should be some way to... ‿

SECILY: 59.Kb3 To do what? I am a technological neophyte, Crytum, but even I know you can't access information that isn't there. ...a5

CRYTUM: O> B—but it's got to be there because... ‿

The front door slams open, putting a loud and abrupt end to your objection.

There's only one person who—

BYTCON: 8-> WHAT'S UP, BOYS?

There we go. Bytcon sure knows how to make an entrance. You hadn't realised how late it had gotten.

CRYTUM: O> Um, I should... They... ‿

You trail off, gesture towards the door, and make a break for it.

Bytcon and Endari make their way into the living room just as you do. Their arms are locked at the elbows in that easy, carefree way that seems to come so naturally to them. Already, you feel yourself relaxing.

ENDARI: )-| Hello, Crytum dear! Apologies if me and Byt kept you two waiting |-(

CRYTUM: O> Hi, guys! I'm glad you could make it. ‿

BYTCON: 0-> Did you doubt that we would?!

BYTCON: 0-> Of course we made it over for Boys Time!

Glomer pokes his head into the room, looking all sleepy-dishevelled.

GLOMER: dunno why i even thouGht id need an alarM

He hides a yawn in his elbow and waddles into the room. Endari steps up to greet him.

ENDARI: )-| Oh, your hair is such a mess, love |-(

Glomer's grumbling is cut short when Endari leans in for a kiss. He murmurs something that you don't catch, flustered, as Endari fusses over the offending strands.

You chuckle. The comfort of being around these three is a welcome relief after your tense interaction with Secily.

SECILY: 60.bxa6+ Krypto. ...Kxa6

Speaking of which...

The regulator stands at the threshold, glowering at him. The single word cuts through the air, sharp as a knife, and you realise you've taken a step back towards the others without noticing.

ENDARI: )-| Ah, Miss Iopara? I didn't realize we'd have guests... |-(

Bytcon's smile has lost all its warmth. He stares at Secily with an edge that nearly matches hers.

BYTCON: 0-> Well, well, well! If it isn't our dear old friend Secily!

BYTCON: 0-> Had I known we'd be keeping the company of our esteemed regulator, I would have dressed accordingly.

BYTCON: 0-> Perhaps something serious, stern and solemn; gracefully grave. An outfit befitting a matured individual, such as yourself.

Oh, boy.

Secily folds her arms in front of her chest, as if to ward off the bite of Bytcon's words.

SECILY: 61.Ka4 Tch. ...Kb7

BYTCON: 0-> Such a curt response to my amicable array of alliteration!

BYTCON: 0-> You might hurt my feelings, Ms. Iopara.

SECILY: 62.Kb4 That's a risk I'm willing to take. ...Kc8

You brace yourself for Bytcon's retort, already calculating the best way to defuse this, but he turns to you instead.

BYTCON: 0-> May I ask what has won us this special guest appearance of the chief regulator herself?

Oh, that's right! They don't know about Secily's visit, do they?

You quickly explain the situation. The more you speak, the more worry takes over everyone's faces.

ENDARI: )-| Oh, dear... |-(

Bytcon folds his arms, his entire face scrunching up in distaste.

BYTCON: 0-> Utterly deplorable.

BYTCON: 0-> Whoever we're dealing with here must think it's some kind of sick party trick to toy with people's heads, like a third rate caricature of a villain.

BYTCON: 0-> Exploiting people's fears in such a manner... as if we all aren't struggling enough as it is.

SECILY: 63.Kb3 You act so surprised. ...Kd7

Your eyebrows shoot up as you turn to look at Secily. The overt hostility of her tone is enough to put you right back on edge, fiddling with the ends of your sleeves.

You have a bad feeling about this.

BYTCON: 0-> I beg your pardon?

SECILY: 64.Kc2 I would assume you've had a fair amount of exposure to such characters, considering your line of work. ...Ke7

SECILY: 65.Kd3 The psychology of our culprit might even be better understood through your expertise. ...Kf6

Bytcon opens his mouth to say something, then closes it again. The hand he normally keeps on his hip falls to his side, limp.

All of a sudden, the room is very still. A cold feeling settles inside your stomach, and you shoot a nervous glance at the chief regulator. The brewing conflict hangs heavy in the air.

Your mind goes back to the sword at her hip.

BYTCON: 0-> What exactly are you implying here, regulator?

You need to defuse this before it spirals out of control.

CRYTUM: O> I—I'm sure she didn't mean to insinuate anything, right, Secily?... ‿

BYTCON: 0-> My apologies, Crytum, but I refuse to stand in the comfort of my trusted company and accept these accusations.

You don't have a counterpoint. He's already turned to Secily again.

BYTCON: 0-> Who do you take me for, equating me to the monstrous behavior of some sadistic black hat?

BYTCON: 0-> I thought you in particular might understand, Secily, that I am more than my business persona.

BYTCON: 0-> And for you to compare my character to that of the prime suspect of your little case in front of The Boys is, quite frankly, impertinent.

Secily scoffs. The temperature in the room has dropped below freezing.

SECILY: 66.Ke2 Impertinent? You are going to talk to me about impertinence? After the little stint you pulled last time, actively obstructing my investigation? ...Kf5

BYTCON: 0-> As though trying to defend myself wasn't the reasonable course of action, given that you came to my workplace ready to accuse me of murder!

SECILY: 67.Bg2 I was doing my job to prevent more people from getting hurt present company included which is more than can be said about you. ...Kf4

GLOMER: now hanG on there

BYTCON: 0-> Am I understanding correctly that you'd have me leave my life and dignity up to your discretion, so you can enact your personal understanding of justice?

SECILY: 68.Bh1 It's part of my duty to determine and uphold the demarcations of justice. ...Bd4

BYTCON: 0-> Yet I'm the one being called a criminal.

For a moment, the room's shocked into silence. Then, Secily's voice lashes through it.

SECILY: 69.Bg2 I will advise you to hold your tongue, Krypto. ...Bf6

Her hand comes to the hilt of her blade.

Your hands are shaking. Sirens scream in your mind and you know you have to do something, but you find yourself paralysed, lost for words.

Endari steps between Secily and Bytcon, resting a hand on his chest.

ENDARI: )-| Chief regulator, I refuse to let you threaten one of my partners. I think you need to leave |-(

SECILY: 70.Bh1 I— ...Bd8

She seems stricken, for a moment, like she wasn't expecting Endari's reaction. She blinks in surprise, then averts her gaze.

Secily huffs, shakes her head, and lets go of her sword.

SECILY: 71.Bg2 ...Crytum and Glomer, thank you for your hospitality and your assistance. I hope you have an enjoyable evening. ...Ke5

CRYTUM: O> I—I will let you know when I manage to find out more about Aumtzi. ‿

The words tumble out of your mouth in a rushed mess. You're not sure why — an impulse to do some damage control, maybe? You mostly just want her out of your place.

She nods.

SECILY: 72.Kd3 Very well. ...½-½

Without another word, the chief regulator makes her way out of the room. Glomer and Endari step aside to let her through. Glomer's staring at his feet, but Endari holds his chin high, watching her leave.

A few seconds pass. The front door opens and shuts.

END

GLOMER: so uh

GLOMER: that just happened

You let out a long, unsteady breath. Your pulse still thrums in your ears.

What a way to spend your day off.

Glomer moves over to your side and rubs your shoulder. You let yourself relax into the touch.

GLOMER: you okay cry

CRYTUM: O> Yeah, yeah, I'm... I'm alright. ‿

CRYTUM: O> W—what about you, Bytcon?‿

BYTCON: i will recover. I've learnt to associate my run-ins with the chief regulator a certain... distress.

He's trying to brush it off, but he's pale and tense. One of his hands comes up to his neck - to the spot where Secily injured him during their introductory altercation.

Endari runs a soothing hand along his arm and Bytcon laughs weakly.

BYTCON: 0-> To think that I tried to cooperate with her, in spite of everything! Because I believed it was the right thing to do.

BYTCON: 0-> After I had my own bout of fun, of course.

BYTCON: 0-> Tell me, did she treat you in such a belligerent manner too, Crytum?

CRYTUM: O> No, it was okay for the most part, but... She made me talk about my—my ex-moirail.‿

CRYTUM: O> I—I tried to tell her it was personal, but....‿

ENDARI: )-| Ah, I'm sorry, dear. That must've been quite upsetting |-(

CRYTUM: O> It just... It got me thinking, again. "Why don't you find a new moirail" and all the other stuff people assume, you know?‿

CRYTUM: O> That I must absolutely be looking for-for a replacement of this person who—who hurt me so badly.‿

CRYTUM: O> I almost died! But I can't even tell what was worse: the way he treated me or—or the aftermath of everything.‿

CRYTUM: O> Feeling like maybe it was all my fault, like if I'd only been a better moirail...‿

GLOMER: seriously fuck that

GLOMER: none of that bullshit was your fault

CRYTUM: O> It—it was so hard to learn to believe that, especially when I keep getting that reaction.‿

CRYTUM: O> And like... I managed to move on, but how many people are stuck in similar situations? Just accepting their mistreatment because they're "soulmates"who are" meant to be" or whatever?.‿

CRYTUM: O> And even if they do leave like i did, the systems that ar supposed to support them are just a—a clusterfuck of bureaucracy.‿

BYTCON: 0-> Quite so. All the requirements to qualify for a TEMP are ridiculous.

CRYTUM: O> Yeah, especially if you don't experience withdrawal.‿

CRYTUM: O> It's great to be made to feel like your pain doesn't matter because you never bonded.‿

CRYTUM: O> Honestly, I was so lucky to even be able to get Platycat.‿

You push your glasses up to rub your eyes. you're surprise you don't have a headache yet.

CRYTUM: O> I don't know... I just wish things were different.‿

GLOMER: tell Me about it

GLOMER: we both ended up screwed in the Moirail departMent didnt we

ENDARI: )-| You're so sweet to me, Glomer |-(

Glomer pauses and rolls his eyes, slowly and pointedly, in Endari's direction. It only makes him giggle.

GLOMER: with My PREVIOUS Moirail before endaris presence illuMinated My sorry excuse for a life and restored My belief in MoiralleGiance

GLOMER: anyway

GLOMER: funny how you can have this person whos like

GLOMER: yeah iM always Gonna be there for you and help you

GLOMER: and then next thinG you know theyre like just kiddinG iM not Gonna do that at all actually and also fuck you

GLOMER: like i thouGht that was what coMMitMent Meant but i Guess the fuck not

GLOMER: care and support and understandinG? nah

GLOMER: i Get divorced instead very cool very helpful

GLOMER: Guess youre too busy havinG fun with all your cool new friends in soMe swaMpy paradise

GLOMER: its fine its not like you ever really cared about My feelinGs

ENDARI: )-| Glom, darling... |-(

GLOMER: fuck i just needed hiM to BE there plant plaGue or not i wouldve been fine

GLOMER: Whatever

GLOMER: iM over it

GLOMER: nGl tho it still drives Me Mad that i showed hiM a part of Myself iM not proud of and his response was to Get Mad and leave

GLOMER: whats wronG with Me lMao

GLOMER: even My fuckynG caste wont stop GivinG Me shit

GLOMER: the fact that haMifi hasnt tossed Me out yet is a fuckinG Miracle

GLOMER: they treat Me like i do everythinG wronG

GLOMER: iM so tired of those uppity assholes

GLOMER: excuse Me of My JADEBLOOD FAMILY

GLOMER: God when do i Get to just be Me

Seeing Glomer like this makes your chest hurt. You wrap your arm around his shoulder, hoping that it might convey of some og the love you have for him.

He plops his head against your shoulder with a sigh. Endari move closer to squeeze his hand, too.

ENDARI: )-| I think I understand how you feel, Glomer. At least in part |-(

His voice is quiet, thoughtful. He seems to be weighing each word as he speaks.

ENDARI: )-| All the scrutiny is just exhausting, isn't it |-(

ENDARI: )-| It was nearly overwhelming when I was younger the expectations and demands |-(

ENDARI: )-| I tried to find a community where I could run away from it |-(

ENDARI: )-| My hopes are thoroughly misplaced, of course |-(

CRYTUM: O> It's th—the worst feeling when you realise that...‿

ENDARI: )-| Not to be melodramatic, but it felt like my entire world was falling apart |-(

ENDARI: )-| Eventually I knew I had to leave |-(

ENDARI: )-| But still carried so much guilt for wanting to, despite being sure it was the right decision for me |-(

ENDARI: )-| i've let go of that guilt now, but |-(

ENDARI: )-| I catch myself sometimes thinking that maybe I was simply not good enough |-(

BYTCON: 0-> You're more than good enough, and don't you ever forget that!

GLOMER: yeah i dont say that liGhtly but

GLOMER: bytcons riGht

Bytcon's grin is almost as bright as it usually is.

BYTCON: 0-> I am more often than you give me credit for, mu dear friend.

GLOMER: id say dont let it Get to your head but

CRYTUM: O> I—I think it's a bit too late fot that.‿

A ripple of laughter carries between the four of you and the sombre mood lets up. Your aches are all still there, but they don't crowd the room like they did such a short while ago.

Not when these are with you to keep them at bay.

Bytcon clasps his hands together.

BYTCON: 0-> In any case, I came here for an evening of companionship and anime! I want to enjoy the few things I'm lucky to have.

GLOMER: yeah saMe

GLOMER: i uh

GLOMER: id lose My Mind without you Guys

Endari's eyes soften with fondness. You can feel a distinct sting in your own.

ENDARI: )-| I appreciate your company more than I can say |-(

CRYTUM: O> Me too, I... I was really looking forward to spending time with all of you.‿

Bytcon starts to say something, but the chime of his phone in his pocket cuts him off.

A soft, vulnerable expression settles on his face. He casts a look around the group, biting his lip. You have little doubt about who's texting him.

It's rare to see him look so uncertain, but given his circumstances, it isn't surprising.

you hope he'll be able to tell them soon.

ENDARI: )-| Oh, love... |-(

ENDARI: )-| Why don't you answer Divino while we set up our movie? |-(

ENDARI: )-| Bring us some drinks when you're ready |-(

BYTCON: 0-> Yes, I... Yeah.

Bytcon nods and gives Endari a kiss before he pulls his phone out.

It's easy to fall into your usual rhythm here: Glomer sets up the TV while Endari grabs some blankets and cushions for everyone and you go find the DVDs.

Bytcon's voice carries from the kitchen along with the sound of glasses clinking.

Some more of your tension melts away. When you settle on the couch with Glomer's head on your shoulder again, things are back to feeling alright.

BYTCON: 0-> DID SOMEONE REQUEST SOME REFRESHMENTS?

ENDARI: )-| Yes, please, sweetheart |-(

GLOMER: Maybe try usinG your inside voice for once while youre at it

BYTCON: 0-> "INSIDE VOICE?" I'VE GOT NO SUCH TERM IN MY PERSONAL DICTIONARY

BYTCON: 0-> WHAT, PRAY TELL, DOES IT MEAN?

You're giggling while Bytcon distributes the drinks. He sits down next to Endari and then Glomer's reaching for the remote to start the movie.

You kiss his cheek.

CRYTUM: O> So the episode we-we're going to be starting with is another Nanami one, and it's very heavy on the codependency themes again.‿

CRYTUM: O> It's also meant to parallel other relationships in the show, but I'll go into it after we've finished watching...‿

(End of the chapter)

Hayyan Refero

You had a sigil. Now, you have a name. What you currently lack is a solid and complete plan of attack.

Many possible strategies cross your mind, looking at the pieces in play. Where is Aumzti? What defenses does he keep? How exactly was the philter stolen, and just how many accomplices stand between you and him?

And there is also the pressing mystery of the insider who sold the route data to him in the first place. You don't know what you'd do if you found that particular individual.

These steps have brought you to a barren Repitonian mall, where you walk along narrow alleys towards your primary destination. Graffiti is sparse but apparent, the shops and stores having been built on top of much older ground.

In particular, you're passing through a small indoor park, the kind that the higher ups love to include in so called "rebeautification projects".

One of the shrubs squeaks as your leg drags along its plastic surface. How beautiful.

Beyond the half broken walls of the mall lies a barren domestic block. Once, those rooms may have held promise of a growing civilisation. Now? Most are empty, abandoned - of both trolls and hope alike.

This place has clearly seen better days. Stars twinkle against the black of night, peeking between whatever sparse roofing still remains.

Every step you take echoes around you, but otherwise, they ring unaccompanied.

Occasionally, some drunken troll stumbles out from a parlour. A couple speeds up as they stride past, heads bowed in a feeble attempt to obscure faces you already memorised at a glance.

They know who you are. They know what you do.

You've walked the streets of this Stronghold plenty on your own. why should now be any different?

Sure, Necron has been a good help so far. Be it fighting cultists back-to-back, searching out a mysterious recluse through a maze of hallucinations, or finding a satisfying sigil breakthrough.

You definitely wouldn't be where you are without a metallic hand from him.

But.

The Executive's words ring in your mind. About loss. About pain, and about your duty.

You don't want to put Nercon in that line of fire.

You are Corporate's finest regulator. You wield Proserpina, a blade with a burdensome - though storied - past.

Case after case has been managed with precision, dedication, and discipline. Each time, you brought justice and retribution to this fractured world.

Suspects interrogated, informants pursued - your sword has sliced down every criminal entity who's dared to push their luck.

And each time, you have done it alone. So, yes. You put him from your mind, returning to the lone clack of feet against the path and the jostle of your scabbards against your hip.

...

Like you said. You put him out of your mind.

Okay. where were you? Right, the reason for your visit.

You turn a card between your fingers, gifted to you early on in the case. While you've exhausted most of your leads and had a number of positive breakthroughs, there's a tantalising thread you've yet to follow.

You're searching out a particular weapons specialist in the area - Hayyan Refero. You should be approaching her shop any moment now.

The lack of foot traffic makes for an opportune moment to recall the information you gathered before setting out.

>Recall: HAYYAN REFERO.

She's on file as being an adept gunsmith with a history of selling to regulators. Some of your contacts (and those contacts' contacts) highlighted other clients of hers may be more dubious. Shadier.

If you get the chance, you won't hesitate to dig a bit more into those rumors. Brushing aside their nature, having contacts in that space could always provide a possible link to Aumtzi and his whereabouts.

Regardless, many of your peers have claimed her work is of high quality, and at least two of them swore the arms she crafts have no equal in Stronghold 21.

You want to ensure you have the right weaponry to take on this troll and whatever else he might have up his sleeves, but you have to admit you're also interested in her apparent problem solving skills.

Rypite claimed she was good at puzzles. It's time to see just how good.

You come to a stop at a rather conspicuous store front. There is a modest sign above the doorway - Gunnhildr.

To be honest, after experiencing places like the headache-inducing currency dome, something more down to earth and humble feels very reassuring.

The plain door swings open easily enough. Your hand hovers at your waist as you enter. Caution is key, as usual.

A quick scan of the room reveals little out of the ordinary. From your vantage point at the front of the store, the checkout counter is immediately to your left. Weaponry of various shapes and sizes sits behind the glass.

Still to the left is an even more impressive wall of firearms. You're beginning to see some of those fine details and handiwork that so many of your peers had raved about.

To your right lies a more eclectic mix of furniture: some basic shelves displaying discounted wares and a small area with an interesting arrangement of seating, games and puzzles.

A chess board lays dormant in clear view, the pieces abandoned mid game. A shame, you muse. Black could mate in twelve moves.

Straight ahead are several rows of ammunition, a collection of gun mods, individual components for repair, and so on. You also catch some workbenches in the back, but the height of the aisles makes it difficult to see too far on either side.

Suddenly, there is motion from the middle of one of the rows. It seems you're not alone.

Your hand carefully shifts from poised to gripping your handle as you take a defensive stance. The interloper moves into view, and you slide the blade from its sheath.

If the lighting makes the shadow difficult to discern at first, then the voice removes all doubt

PYPITE: Regulador lopara!

...

On second thought, maybe today is a bad day. In one fluid motion, you sheathe your sword and turn on your heel, back toward the door and your (hopefully) quick escape.

SIRAGE: < oh yeah grat. just what i needed today >~

SIRAGE: < is there a problem here, regulador >~

Of course. Why would it not be both of them.

Standing between you and your hoped-for exitis none other than Sirage Feltri. Defeated andresigned to your fate, you turn back to face theexcitable entrepreneur behind you.

PYPITE: Regulator, you just got here! No need to leave so soon.

PYPITE: Why don't you sit so we can have a Nice Frinedly Chat!

SIRAGE: < oh yeah grat. just what i needed today >~

SECILY: 1.e4 Do you realise how dangerous it is to startle a chief regulator like that? I was moments away from introducing you to Prosperpina. …e5

You tap your hip lightly, the sword swaying from the touch. Rypite laughs with just a hint of nervous energy, but still extends his hand.

Not to you, mind. To Prosperpina. You grip your most treasured weapon defensively.

PYPITE: Well Shucks, she can join us too! It's been Forever And A Half, regulator. There's much to discuss!

PYPITE: I can't tell you how glad I am you're here. I was starting to Wonder when you'd follow up on my Recommendation.

SECILY: 2.Nf3 Yes, well. Time and place for things, and all that. …Nf6

SIRAGE: < doesn't that sound familiar >~

There are two trains of thought running parallel through your mind. The first is searching for literally any way out of this social encounter.

You're starting to feel nostalgic for the days where you could just shoot a window and lie through your teeth at the person on the other end of a phone call.

No. No, you need to grit said teeth and don your grown-up blade. You can't leave, not unless you want your trip to be for naught.

The other train of thought ricochets right off the first one, and you start scanning the environment for Refer.

Sirage notices. Rypite doesn't.

PYPITE: How's the case going so far? Oh shoot, is that open for discussion? I'm not like... Blowing your cover, am I?

SECILY: 3.Nxe5 Everyone present has been involved at some point. Or at least they will be, provided they show up soon. …d6

Rypite wipes a pretend bead of sweat from his brow in relief. Despite your efforts to hammer the point hive, the fact that you're looking for Refero seems to soar over his head with flying colors.

PYPITE: It's been Real Quiet ever since you left the office, let me tell you. Day in, day out, record a Podcast Episode every wice, design new Skorpe Themes, and not hide nor hair of a dramatic robbery.

SECILY: 4.Nxf7 I'm sure you have more important things than my case to be worrying about. Wasn't Celestial Crossroads set back when you tried to help me out?…Kxf7

Sirage perks a brow.

SIRAGE: < You'd be surprised >~

SIRAGE: < <elestial <rossroads hit the deadline running be<ause we're quite good at our jobs, as a matter of fa<t >~>~

SECILY: 5.d4 So you are capable of showing up to work without a hangover. …Be7

Rypite's eyes go wide as dinner plates, while Sirage's turn cold. Looks like that struck a nerve.

SIRAGE: < i'm working on it. >~

Rypite jumps into the conversation with all the grace of a panicking lusus, taking a step closer to you. A move to take your attention off of her, if you had to guess.

PYPITE: And- And Work on it we did. Celestial Crossroads went Splendidly and has already paved the Groundwork for a wider branch of Related Themes.

PYPITE: And that was smack bang in the middle of keeping the apartment Clean and Tidy. Clean Lands, Happy Pans!

PYPITE: You find the Darndest things once you get your elbows Dirty. Just the Other Night I found one of my old sh-

SIRAGE: < smoo<hums >~

SIRAGE: < i think we should maybe pump the brakes a little >~

SIRAGE: < we're walking <ir<les around a dead omen trotter >~

Her attention turns to you and you can feel how much sharper her eyes are in your direction.

SIRAGE: < i'm guessing you're looking for refero >~

PYPITE: Ah! That makes sense. That makes a lot of sense. He's in the Back, working on Inventory.

He? Refero's records told you otherwise, but so did yours once upon a time. You believe everyone deserves a chance to, at the very least, try it out and see how it feels.

Although you can't update the records for him, least of all while on the job, you make an underlined mental note all the same.

PYPITE: Hey Hayyan, you've got Company!

That's the kindest thing anyone's said about you today.

From the door in the very back of the shop emerges a person who clearly means business. It's about time you met someone with an actual sense of professionalism around these parts.

REFERO: What's the situatiʘn, Rypite?

Your eyes meet, and you can feel the temperature inthe room drop. Strange.

SECILY: 6Nc3 Refero. ...c6

He spends a good long while looking you up and down, as if searching you for a weapon. You know, in a gun shop.

REFERO: A particularly aggressive set =Of=Opening =m@ves, =regulatOr. =ThOugh that's in keeping with =yOur =reputatiOn, I =suppʘse.

And people say your social skills could use some work. Against less skilled players, such a gambit is a natural first move.

Before you can bite back at him, Rypite once again dives between the two of you.

PYPITE: Oh, you've heard of Regulator lapara? Gosh, it's a Small World, huh? Makes it easier to Join Arms around it, as they say!

PYPITE: Did you know that she Loves Chess, just like you do?

REFERO: I gathered =yʘu'd picked up the =hʘbby.

SECILY: 7.Bd3 The feeling is mutual. ...Re8

You cast a glance back to the chess board, but you've more important matters to tend to than visually reinforcing your comebacks.

SIRAGE: < ok great, both shrloks are on observation enhan<ing seltzer and know everything about ea<h other immediately >~

You pay Sirage's muttered remark no mind. This isn't some kind of fluff-and-filler friendship adventure. You open your mouth to get to business.

PYPITE: Now, what were you saying earlier? About how you were doing.

And the business wind is immediately knocked from your investigative sails. It seems he won't take no for an answer.

Fine. Maybe some lighter conversation will ease Refero out of his shell. He's awfully quiet over there.

Let's see here...

[Question Choice]

>How do you know each other?

PYPITE: Hayyan and I are moirails!

SECILY: 8.O-O I know. You said as much on the business card you gave me. …Kg8

You guess he'd forgotten, if the look on his dace is anything to go by.

SIRAGE: < you mind is i ask you did that honeydrop >~

REFERO: I'm pretty =curiʘus myself.

PYPITE: Well, why Wouldn't I want people to know I'm the Luckiest troll on Repiton with the Filled Quadrants have?

Sirage gives him the most affectionate eye roll you've ever seen. Gods, this man can be sickeningly sweet. Even Hayyan cracks a smile.

SECILY: 9.h3 That wasn't exactly what I meant, for the record. …Na6

SIRAGE: < don't worry i'm sure you'll get your answer soon enough >~

Sirage is privy to your knack for muckraking, after all.

PYPITE: So, it all started when Sirage and ! Moved to good ol'Stronghold 21…

...Or Rypite could just willingly spill more than his fair share of beans. That too.

At any rate, she definitely saw his eager participation coming, with the way she jumps right into the expository monologue sidecar with her matesprit.

SIRAGE: < for <ontext, before this rypite was always <arrying around this plasti< raygun from some < heesy s<i-fi fi<k or another >~

PYPITE: Buck Rogers in the 322nd Centenalia, to be Specific.

SECILY: 10.a3 I don't see the issue. ...g6

SIRAGE: < in his strife de<k i mean >~

SECILY: 11.f4 ...Ah. ...Bf8

SIRAGE: < so i told him to dit<h the reply<a, sentimental thought it might be, and pi<k up a real gun >~

SIRAGE: < you know. so he doesn't immediately ki<k the shitter the first time he engages in real mortal <ombat with somebody >~

PYPITE: Guns with Bullets do tend to be more Effective for self defense.

REFERO: And self defense =ʘnly, mind =yʘu.

You feel as if that remark may have been directed at you.

REFERO: I always train first-timers buying =frʘm my =stʘre. =YOu ==dn't =bʘther learning =hʘw =tʘ use it =prʘperly? =Yʘu =dʘn't get the gun.

REFERO: That's my =cʘde =Of=cʘnduct.

PYPITE: He helped me pick my Gun out and taught me Everything I Know!

PYPITE: From there on we just really Hit It Off, I guess.

You glance towards Sirage, which she takes as a sign that you're asking about her story as well.

SIRAGE: < me? met him through asso<iation >~

At least she's brief.

PYPITE: Duplicity!

Rypite cuts you off with a snap of his fingers and a metaphorical lightbulb behind his peep marbles.

Hayyan looks a little taken aback by the sudden outburst, but he doesn't so much as budge. Even more curious, he doesn't question the man like you've made a habit of doing since your formal introduction.

REFERO: =Twʘ letters =tʘ ʘ =lʘng.

SIRAGE: < wh >~

SIRAGE: < you're still on that?? >~

It seems you're the only one not in this particular loop, which absolutely will not do.

SECILY: 13.Bg5 And what, pray tell, would the "that" be? …Bg7

SIRAGE: < they've been trying to fill one of hayyan's <rossword puzzles for the last hour or so >~

SIRAGE: < had no <lue it was still burning in the ba<k of pite's head'til like five se<onds ago but what're you gonna do >~

REFERO: =Yʘu're =nʘt in the =wrʘng ballpark, =thʘugh. =Gʘʘd guess.

PYPITE: Two-Sidedness, starts with D, ends with Y, Seven Letters.

PYPITE: Boy, it's practically on the tip of my think pan! Still a Stumper, all this time later.

Rypite stews on it for a hot second, before his gaze turns to you.

PYPITE: Any ideas, regulator?

This is a pointless path of conversation to veer into. That being said, it's not like there's a part of you that isn't dying to flex your intellect.

Do you attempt to help him out?

>Yes.

Alright, what did Rypite say… A word for two-sidedness, D*****y. All sorts of mathematical equations start soaring across your thinkpan's synapses.

>Friends

Sirage tries to hold back a smirk (and fails miserably). Hayyan's as stone-faced as ever, which unfortunately is still a look of general disapproval.

Rypite looks hopeful for a few seconds, but even he can read the room. You flopped hard on that one.

REFERO: = dʘn't recall asking =yʘu =fʘr help, =regulatʘr.

It seems like you may have missed the mark on this one.

PYPITE: That's okay! I didn't exactly show my Shining Stars just now either.

PYPITE: You'll get it next time! After all, you can't finish a Trial without a little Try, right?

Look, you've all wasted enough time here. The crossword can wait.

>Absolutely not.

They can have fun stewing over it by themselves. You have much bigger fish to fry, and the fewer puzzles to clutter the fryer, the better.

Preferably long enough that you won't be around to embarrass yourself twice.You didn't even get to ask your initial question, which you take as a sign that it just isn't going to happen right now.

(from here on both options the dialogues are the same).

Not with Rypite interjecting random conversation topics willy-nilly and shedding a couple more wices off your lifespan, at least.

Nothing you're a stranger to anymore, but you don't quite feel like dropping dead just yet.

By this point, Sirage has started to look antsy and Hayyan flat-out isn't talking at all.

Currently, Rypite seems to be the only person in the room able to muster up any semblance of positive emotion.

SIRAGE: < pite >~

SIRAGE: < <an i talk to you about something for a se< >~

PYPITE: Three letter word, affirmation, starts with Y! What's the situation?

With that, Sirage takes her matesprit by the hand and leads him aside, speaking in hushed tones. Far too hushed for you to get a good grasp on their conversation, much to your chagrin.

As you squint in their direction, Hayyan stares you down. His silent gaze wordlessly accuses you of snooping.

Listen, if they're not going to move into another room, you think that's not the biggest crime. They are being all kinds of suspect right now.

PYPITE: I could Kiss you!

SIRAGE: < you do. frequently >~

With some kind of emotional second wind, the couple re-enters the conversation.

>Have an Honest Discussion about your Feelings.

What in the- No. Out of the question.

PYPITE: Regulator, not to put too Fine A Point on it...

He doesn't finish his sentence, turning to Sirage with an uncertain glance. She nods, which seems to be all the information he needs.

PYPITE: …but there's so much Unbroken Ice in the room that we're practically standing in the middle of a Freezer. And there's no reason for that!

SECILY: 14.Kh1 I can think of plenty, but go on. …Nc7

PYPITE: Think about all the Fun Times you've had with me and Sirage here. You were on my Podcast, and you chugged her concoction like a total Champ!

SECILY: 15.Qf3 I don't recall recording a proper episode with you. …Qd7

SIRAGE: < you did <hug shit out of my brew though >~

Your tongue still tastes like cleaning supplies and gel pen ink every so often, thanks to that.

Before you can tell Sirage as much, she gives you a pursed-lip shrug that probably means something along the lines of "you get used to it."

SIRAGE: < point is >~

PYPITE: Right! There's no reason to start off on the Wrong Strutpod with Hayyan. So I'd Really Appreciate It if you two would let us do a little Exercise together.

PYPITE: This is an Activity we do around the Office sometimes.

Rypite fetches a small circular gadget from his sylladex, fiddling with some knobs in a practiced fashion, before he also retrieves four retractable antennae.

He holds them out, and Hayyan takes two.

REFERO: Rypite… Are =yʘu certain =abʘut this?

PYPITE: Trust me. This is a Tried and True Tactic

SIRAGE: < and how <ould you say no to all that astonishing alliteration >~

With a two letter word that starts with N, if you had to hazard a guess.

Rypite then extends the other rods to you, and you couldn't have less of a clue what's going on. Is he trying to probe you??

SIRAGE: < no need to look so suspi<ious, regulator. we're not here to fry your pans out or anything >~

SIRAGE: < see? hayyan's just fine >~

That doesn't make you any less skeptical, but you suppose you're destined to get into all sorts of tomfuckery around these people. Reluctantly, you take the remaining two rods.

PYPITE: By holding the Antennae, I'm able to monitor your Inner Weather. When I see a Storm coming on my little Display here, that's when we should take a second to Collect Ourselves.

PYPITE: Deep Breaths, in and out. Or however you calm down! As long as we avoid Conflict.

Is he serious? He looks serious. Whimsically serious.

SECILY: 16.Rae1 Why is this necessary? I'm perfectly capable of functioning without all this monitoring. …d5

REFERO: If =yʘu're capable =ʘf =functiʘning =withʘut =m ʘnitʘring, then =yʘu =shʘuld have =nʘ =prʘblem with eyes = ʘn =yʘu.

REFERO: I have =nʘ =ʘbjectiʘns.

Emph. So be it. You've no inner storms to hide.

SIRAGE: < we all on the same page? good >~

SIRAGE: < take it away rypite >~

PYPITE: It's Simple. You two take turns asking each other Polite, Friendly, Non-Case-Related Questions. Get a conversation going!

PYPITE: Rule One of Chit-Chat: don't just say Yes or No, let your words Flow.

You wait for him to list off the other rules, but it seems like he's finished. Just one, then.

Alright.

SECILY: 17.e5 Fine. Let's get this over with. …Ne4

PYPITE: That's a spirit!

PYPITE: Hayyan, why don't you start us off since you know how it's done?

REFERO: Very well.

You don't understand. Is this some kind of psychological test? Are you being profiled right

now? Your TEMP services are over, thank you very much.

You might still keep in regular contact with Mshiri, but that isn't the point.

REFERO: Why are =yʘu =lʘʘking =fʘr my services, =regulatʘr? Are =yʘu after armam ent =fʘr a particular =reasʘn?

SECILY: 18.Nxe4 I will not disclose case-related information to you. …dxe4

Not only is it sensitive, you're not meant to talk about it. Hayyan won't be tricking you that

easily.

PYPITE: It's okay, it's okay! You don't need to give Specifics, just… let things Flow. Like you're passing each other at the Office Monster Boiler.

You take a deep breath, thinking back to all of the times you've passed one of said devices.

It's a terrible example to give you because you're not a chatty person. You're a worker, first and foremost. You're sure this is far easier for someone like Rypite to encourage.

Still, Secily Lopara won't be discouraged.

SECILY: 19.Rxe4 I am here to talk. Not necessarily about yourself, just talk. And peruse your wares. …Qf7

SECILY: 20.Rh4 You are not in any trouble. ...Be6

Hayyan purses his lips in lieu of any other gesture of affirmation. Good enough for you, you

guess.

Unfortunately, now it's your turn, and the gears in your mind start going into maximum overdrive. What the hell are you supposed to talk about with this person?

Your eyes dart about the room, desperately trying to cling to some casual conversational topic, like a drunken troll grasping at a wet bar of soap.

It's just guns. Guns as far as the eye can see. Gun here, gun there. Gun - there's Rypite and Sirage - gun, more gun.

Time's running out. You need to make a decision.

>Gun.

SECILY: 21.c4 Do you like this job? ...Rf8

Good enough.

REFERO: I =dʘ. I'm quite =fʘnd =ʘf the intricacies that =goʘ hand-in-hand with the industry.

REFERO: It's like mechanical, engineered =pʘetry.

REFERO: =Yʘurself?

SECILY: 22.g4 My job as a regulator, you mean? …Bxc4

REFERO: =Nʘ, are =yʘu a fan =ʘf guns? =Yʘu appear =tʘ =favʘr =ʘne blade in particular, but is there a firearm =yʘu =hʘld in high regard?

Wait, he gets to ask two questions in a row?

SECILY: 23.Bxc4 Why does he get to ask two questions in a row? That's not how this is supposed to work. …Qxc4

PYPITE: Easy, there. There's no "Supposed To", Regulator lopara! The game doesn't have any Hard Rules. I promise you it's alright.

PYPITE: The End Result is more important than How we get there. Just ask as many Questions as feels Natural.

Rypite is showing some clear bias towards Hayyan, in your professional opinion, but there's not much you can do about that.

SECILY: 24.gxf5 …Yes. I have a gun, but I will not be handing it over. …Rf7

Sirage sighs loudly, like she's having to pick up your trash for you.

SIRAGE: < nobody is asking for your gun, regulator. it's all yours >~

PYPITE: Hey, if we're showing Guns, would you like to take look at Mine?

Rypite reaches for his holster and sweeps of life or death situations send your think pan spinning. Everything happens in a second.

Your hand hovers over Proserpina instinctively, as you prepare to defend yourself. Hayyan spots your movement and steps forward to shield his moirail, while Sirage jolts to steer Rypite off of his chosen path with panicked gestures.

PYPITE: It's Not Loaded! I'm Sorry!

The four of you freeze in your tracks, staring at each other. It's so deathly silent you can hear your pulse thumping in your aural canals.

Rypite is the first to move after what feels like an eternity and a half, slowly raising his hands up to show he's unarmed. Everybody then follows his example, returning to the civil stances from before.

Part of you is surprised you kicked your back legs like that, given Rypite's track record of being completely and totally harmless. You almost feel bad for nearly drawing your weapon on him.

He should know better than to display that sort of conduct around the chief regulator, though. That's on him.

PYPITE: Ahah, ah, um, right. Regulator, as you were.

Ugh, great, it's your turn again.

Your tactic from last time seemed effective (somewhat), so you give environment scouting a second shot.

You don't know why you expect anything different to jump out at you. Maybe the adrenaline rush Rypite just gave you will heighten your senses and make you spot…

The register. And another gun.

>People who buy guns.

You are unbelievably shitty at this.

SECILY: 25.Rg1 So… do you have to deal with bad customers in this line of work? …Qd5

REFERO: ...

He's looking right at you, for some reason.

REFERO: It =cʘmes with the =territʘry. =Wʘrking in any =stʘre is a magnet =fʘr the eventual =rʘtten =custʘmer.

REFERO: Matter =ʘf fact, I had a real nasty =ʘne earlier =tʘday. Insisted I was =ʘvercharging and demanded =tʘ talk =to the =trʘll in charge.

REFERO: I am the =trʘll in charge. She demanded =tʘ speak =tʘ my manager. I am the manager.

SIRAGE: < did you try telling her you own the pla<e >~

Hayyan sighs, but it's not directed at Sirage. If anything, he seems to welcome her dry sense of humor.

REFERO: I really appreciate these =twʘ =stʘpping by =tʘ keep me =cʘmpany. It's been =ʘne =ʘf =thʘse days.

REFERO: Still is, admittedly. I'm =sʘrry.

SECILY: 26.Qxd5 No, I… I should be the one apologising for jumping the gun. …Nxd5

...Why is Rypite smiling? You just said sorry for jumping the-

PYPITE: I see what you did there, Sharp Shooter.

Ah. You also see now.

SECILY: 27.f6 Pun not intended. …Kh8

Hayyan's starting to ease up, at least. There's the tiniest hint of a smile, right there.

REFERO: It triggered accidentally, is what =yʘu're saying.

So it's going to be like that, then? Two can play at that game. You clear your throat and think of as many gun terms as you can.

If only you were in an environment where you could look at a whole bunch of guns everywhere.

SECILY: 28.fxg7+ Only because I had it in the chamber to begin with. …Rxg7

REFERO: Can't help but =wʘnder if =yʘu have =sʘme =mʘre =ʘf that caliber.

SECILY: 29.Rhg4 I could rifle through my arsenal if you'd like. …Rg6

REFERO: =Hʘw are they =ʘrganized, bullet =pʘints?

SECILY: 30.h4 Compact enough to clip on, in any case. …Rag 8

PYPITE: You're doing it, the storm is Clearing! The tension is Dissipating! The crowd goes Wild!

Rypite pumps his arms up in excitement, and you think it's endearing for all of two seconds before your eyes lock onto the device in his hand.

His wrist is twisted just enough for you to see clock face.

There aren't even any knobs on that thing. You thought you saw him adjust something, but he must have been miming the whole time.

Your gaze lowers to the rods in your hand. You didn't pick up on it earlier, but you think these might have been plucked from an antiquated television.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Sirage nudge Rypite's elbow. Two times, then two times again. Rypite "reads" his "magical weather device" and gasps.

PYPITE: Uh Oh, looks like the Clouds are forming again. What's the matter, regulator?

It all clicks. Sirage has been the one reading you both and alerting Rypite. She's his weather detector. She sees the clouds coming while Rypite mediates.

They're making a fool out of you and derailing your investigation.

SECILY: 31.h5 We're done here. ...R6g7

You hold the rods out to Rypite, staring him down until he hesitantly takes them back.

SECILY: 32.R4g2 This nonsense has gone on for long enough. I'd like a moment to speak with Hayyan in private. …Rf7

Rypite's face falls and Sirage looks annoyed, but not surprised. Like this was inevitable.

PYPITE: I thought we were going to work this out Together. You know, Solve the Case for real this time, as a Team!

SECILY: 33.h6 I'm solving the case, Mr. Koldan, as the standing regulator in charge of it. …Rg6

SECILY: 34.Bd2 And I'd appreciate it if I could get back to my job now. With no further distractions. …Ne7

You don't need Sirage's input to see how that cut Rypite down to the bone. He averts his eyes toward the floor.

SIRAGE: < hayyan, <all us when you're done here >~

REFERO: Mhm.

SIRAGE: < <'mon rypite, we're leaving >~

Your senses, sharp as ever, catch faint traces of her attempts to console Rypite. Something about it not being his fault, and looking a gift mythbeast in the mouth.

Whatever. What does she know about people getting in your way?

You don't need help from civilians. It's you against the world, same as always.

SECILY: 35.Rxg6 So, down to the particulars. I've had many of my peers swear by the quality of your craftsmanship, Hayyan - …hxg6

REFERO: =Referʘ. If =yʘu think we're anywhere near first name basis, =regulatʘr, I assure =yʘu =yʘu're =sʘrely mistaken.

Ah. You're usually the picture of professionalism, but the whole debacle involving Rypite and Sirage seems to have thrown you off your game.

Two aerials thrust into your hands, and already you're forgetting protocol. This is no different to any other Corporate sponsored visit.

SECILY: 36.Bg5 Of course, Refero. Regulator lopara will do fine for myself. …Nf5

REFERO: Naturally.

It's even more difficult to get a clear read on him, now that those two are gone. He certainly is a stoic individual, and those aviators do make it troublesome to see the usual facial tells.

The eyebrow raise is easy enough to comment on, but his shoulders - his folded arms - they're tense. Guarded, but not afraid.

You're almost… relieved about such a standoffish response. There's nothing quite like the familiar ground of exercising your investigative skills.

You just need to find the right way to unearth the information you're after, the steps to take toward a satisfying score.

Before that, though, you have to move the all important first piece.

SECILY: 37.e6 As I was saying, many of my peers speak highly of the quality of your craft, Refero. And you've also made some custom firearms for regulators in the past, from what I've heard. …Rf8

REFERO: I have.

An expanse away from the Refero who was just smoking sugar with the dynamic Corporate duo. This is strictly business.

Good thing you're all about business, too.

For once, you can leave swamp escapades behind closed doors. You're not descending into bunkers or following Aumtzi's directives.

And this definitely isn't a quest at the behest of some guest, which often left you rather less than impressed.

Instead, you've guessed best.

...At Refero being an ideal supplier, you mean.

What you're ultimately saying is that it's about time you did a regular ass thing like purchasing some firearms from a shop.

SECILY: 38.e7 I'm looking to upgrade my arsenal before taking down a highly dangerous fugitive. …Re8

SECILY: 39.Kg2 Having a mix of compact and quiet machinery with decent range as well as something for close quarters should cover most of my bases, but I'm open to suggestions. …Kh7

SECILY: 40.Rf1 You are the expert here, or so I'm told. …Kg8

REFERO: That, I am.

SECILY: 38.e7 I'm looking to upgrade my arsenal before taking down a highly dangerous fugitive. …Re8

REFERO: If =yʘur eyes are set =ʘn quietness, silencers are =yʘur best bet. There's =ʘnes =fʘr =pistʘls, submachine guns and rifles. They =alsʘ reduce =recʘil.

REFERO: Rather helpful =fʘr hunting and ensuring =yʘu =dʘn't bring =attentiʘn =tʘ =yʘurself. Muzzle blasts make quite a piercing =sʘund.

REFERO: Rather helpful =fʘr hunting and ensuring =yʘu =dʘn't bring =attentiʘn =tʘ =yʘurself. Muzzle blasts make quite a piercing =sʘund.

REFERO: As I'm sure =yʘu're aware, =regulatʘr.

SECILY: 41.Rf3 My training covered a few basic aspects of firearm use, yes. …Kf7

REFERO: Mind =yʘu, they =ʘnly help in hushing the =shʘt itself, =nʘt the bullet =ʘn its =ʘwn. =Yʘur highly =dangerʘus fugitive may still hear that.

SECILY: 42.Rb3 I have always wondered why they're called silencers if they don't exactly silence all sound. …b6

REFERO: Please spare me the "it's actually a =suppressʘr" lecture. They're the same thing.

REFERO: I've dealt with =sʘme real pieces =ʘf =wʘrk getting =ʘn my case =ʘver semantics.

SECILY: 43.Rc3 Far be it from me to question the wordologists on this one. …Nxd4

SECILY: 44.h7 For the record, I'm thankful for your knowledge in this area. …Rh8

REFERO: Hm.

His eyes have been trained on you for the whole exchange, any slight movement noted almost instantly.

You're not going to be able to find the information you need like this. You have to get

him out of your way for a moment, somehow.

SECILY: 45.Re3 Surely, though, there are some higher grade wares than the stock you have out on display? …Ke8

SECILY: 46.Bf6 It would be bad practice to have valuable and dangerous firearms in plain sight, l imagine. …Rxh7

There is a twinge of hesitation, and you hear him mutter a tired "of course" under his breath.

REFERO: Yes. I have =sʘme specialized =stʘck in the back, but I assure =yʘu-

SECILY: 47.Bxd4 Refero, I must remind you of the seriousness of this case. I'd appreciate knowing all of my options. …Rxe7

SECILY: 48.Be5 All I'm asking is to see them. That's not too much trouble, I'm sure. …c5

SECILY: 49.Kf3 Otherwise, I'm sure I can leave a robust review of your shop in my final reports. …Kd7

A few seconds pass. Refero seems intent on becoming a perfect candidate for Mahrie Tusaud's museums, with how he barely moves an inch.

Then, he seems to recall that his body is made of flesh instead of wax, and leaves the sales floor with a nod.

Now's your best chance.

Before you start to comb this place for details, you're reminded of how quickly your professionalism was compromised earlier. A little caution goes a long way.

You start with a general scan, a casual turn to survey the area. You're primarily searching out cameras. As you suspected, there's a few around.

One is trained on the counter with the register. A few others seem to cover a good portion of the main floor, including the rear of the shop.

You catch another one on the opposing side of the room, positioned just above an antique ancestor clock. All in all, a pretty standard camera layout.

However, you're in luck: the camera that's trained on the register is on the other side of the store. You could position your back just right to ensure your actions are masked.

Of course, you're absolutely licenced to make a full inspection of the premises, if you so desire. Regulating is just as much gathering intel and analysing scenes as it is pursuing criminals.

In your professional opinion, though, giving a forewarning to the trolls you're trying to get

information from can lead to said information becoming less than accessible. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Approaching the counter with the most nonchalant walk you can muster as a regulator in a large cloak, you try and eye any items that might be of particular interest.

There's some assorted receipts, a mostly empty cardboard folder, and… oh, praise the all-mother!

A physical trollodex.

Finally, someone gets it. There's no replacing the glorious feeling of a trollodex card in your hands.

The subtle coloring, the tasteful thickness of it. They're even watermarked by Corporate, so you know they're the real deal.

That's perhaps one thing Necron has on you; he's comfortable dealing with technology. But that's fine.

You've done a bit of technological sleuthing on this very case. Occeus's computer was like putty in your grasp. Can you handle yourself around a husktop? Absolutely. You just prefer not to, that's all.

All of your musing has brought you exactly where you want to be, at the counter proper. You take a moment to rest your arms against the glass, leaning back against the sturdy cabinet.

It places your body squarely between the camera and the dex. Satisfied, you make yourself busy pretending to keep your head level with the guns on the back wall.

With a practiced hand, you begin your real quest - taking as much note of each card as you can manage in the narrow window of opportunity. Flick, pause to carefully read and remember, flick again.

You note a few familiar regulator faces, some trolls you recognise from a mandated list of registered firearm owners, Rypite's card-

Ah-hah. Here we go.

Halfway through, the flick of a divider brings to light a few interesting characters. Some are familiar, but most individuals beyond that single separating sliver are sinister, to say the least.

There's even a very well known underworld figure in here. Suffice to say, this is much more than you were bargaining for. You try and keep your composure as you finish your mental snapshots.

Shoot. Snapshots. YVES is right there. Not that you need its help to recall all of these cards, now that you've taken the time to look them over.

It ll be much easier to record a quick rifle through the rest, though, and examine that footage at a time when you re not under pressure of being discovered by a noted firearms specialist.

You mime a slight yawn and stretch. Really sell that faux apathy to the cameras. Work it Secily, give them nothing!

Having set yourself up to rest your head on your hand, you aim YVES as best you can toward those invoices lying on the table. Click. Much faster.

REFERO: =Regulatʘr =lʘpara.

The voice comes from behind you. You feign a look of being broken from an exhausted stupor, turning to face Refero. Between his hands, you can see a number of complex firearms, clearly high quality.

Before you can say a word, Refero places them down on a nearby table. His lips curl in distaste.

REFERO: =Yʘu think me a =fʘʘl, but I have heard tales. I see first hand the hurt left in =yʘur wake and that = ʘf =yʘur =fellʘw =regulatʘrs.

REFERO: I =knʘw =ʘf =yʘur ilk.

REFERO: And I =knʘw I left my dex.

Perceptive. Regardless, this is well within your jurisdiction, as he should know.

SECILY: 50.Rd3+ I would urge you to not be so hast-

REFERO: =Nʘ, =yʘu listen =tʘ me!

His hand slams down on the table. The firearms jostle. Your hand, in turn, goes to clench at Prosperina's hilt.

REFERO: Just because =yʘu have the =authoʘrisatiʘn =tʘ use invasive investigative =methʘds =dʘes =nʘt mean =yʘu have the =mʘral =fʘrtitude =tʘ wield them.

REFERO: =Yʘu =cannʘt =cʘme here and search my establishment =fʘr =infʘrmatiʘn =abʘut my clientele, =whʘ I will have =yʘu =knʘw =cʘnduct themselves far better than =yʘu happen =tʘ be =dʘing right =nʘw.

REFERO: Life is =nʘt a game, =Regulatʘr =1ʘpara, and even it it were, =yʘu =dʘ =nʘt get =tʘ =chʘʘse my =mʘves =fʘr me. I will =chʘʘse, and I =chʘʘse =to mʘve my king =tʘ C6.

You start bracing for an altercation. This was not at all what you were expecting, and definitely not from a noted supplier of regulators.

SECILY: 51.Rd6+ I warn you, Refero, that I will not hesitate to act as needed-

REFERO: Where is =yʘur =ʘther blade =nʘw?

He gestures to where your hand has exposed your coat, poised on Proserpina's handle, ready as always to draw.

REFERO: =Yʘu have =twʘ scabbards, but =ʘnly =ʘne is filled. King =tʘ B4.

The clatter of metal on a church floor, and a large jade figure bursts into your mind. You, being thrown out on the streets by your lapels. Guilt.

The sudden chime of your ringtone sends the image back the same way it came, into the dark recesses of your mind. You fumble as you try to silence it. Now's not the time.

You're left out of sorts, the myriad of visual paraphernalia and YVES' insistent ringing threatening to overwhelm your senses.

If you could, you'd close your eyes for a moment, regain some sense of stability.

But there is no way you can tear your gaze off this scene for a moment. If Rypite's assessment is true, if the rumors from the other regulators carry weight, you need all your senses alert and active.

SECILY: 52.a4+ I will not be interrogated, Refero, this is absurd—

The person in front of you raises a single finger to his lips. Why you feel compelled to go along with such a notion escapes you. Maybe you're losing your edge.

Refero adjusts his glasses, letting out a deep, heavy sigh. You feel his eyes search you, almost a physical pressure, your own face staring right back at you through the reflection of his shades.

The phone rings again. You almost fling it off your skull as it sings its digital song, melding with the ever present ticking of the ancestor clock.

Your shaking, uncooperative hands manage to silence it.

REFERO: =Hʘw many times has that blade undeservedly cut =shʘrt a life? =Hʘw many times have =yʘu =chʘsen =tʘ deal =ʘut justice as =yʘu saw fit?

REFERO: =Hʘw many lives have =yʘu ended in the name =ʘf =Cʘrpʘrate?

In her name.

REFERO: King takes pawn at A4. =Cʘntinue if =yʘu wish.

In your haste and overstimulation, you have made a fatal error. You can only play this game to a stalemate now.

SECILY: That is quite enough! …½-½

Your arm swipes across the air, as if it were Prosperpina slicing through flesh. It crashes against the trollodex still sitting on the counter, cards scattering onto the floor like a toppled monarch.

It's the first time you see Refero flinch.

Your body follows your hand's motion, and suddenly your eyes are trained on the exit of the shop.

Fists, tightly closed against your hips. One knocks against the hollow sword case, and you freeze.

For a moment, the sound is all you can hear, echoing in your eardrums.

One deep breath. A slow turn, then a single word.

SECILY: Enough.

The ringing stops. You leave the store.

...

As soon as you're past the threshold, YVES once again chirps by your ear. This time, your hand is quick on the draw.

SECILY: 1.d4 This is a terrible time, Necron. …d5

NECRON: †† Secily! Thank god! Was startin' to get worried outta my skull you'd taken a bad turn somewhere. ††

SECILY: 2.Nf3 I'm surprised you'd have so little faith in me. …c5

NECRON: †† Well, whaddaya want from me, Ses? Hadn't heard from ya since we snatched that sick lead in the grubby caverns! ††

NECRON: † Did ol' Big Business give you a slap on the wrist? †

NECRON: † What's the skinny? †

Your mind keeps latching onto the ringing, the ticking and Refero's words. You shake your head, twice - a desperate attempt to shed the webs of audio silk wrapping around your skull.

A long exhale leaves your lungs before you can hold it in. It feels like an eternity has passed since you went on that expedition.

Every word that surfaces from the depths of your mind feels insufficient to offer as an explanation.

SECILY: 3.e3 I've been... busy. ...e6

NECRON: † No kidding, pal! Kind of an understatement there. †

NECRON: † Still doesn't explain why you up and vanished. I thought we were a team! †

NECRON: † You couldn't take a sec to keep me in the loop? †

SECILY: 4.c3 This case continues to jeopardise the safety of all involved. I can handle myself fine, Necron. …Nc6

NECRON: † Sorry, Reg, but you and I both know that's a bullshit reason. †

NECRON: † If we can stand back to back, cultists surrounding us, and come outta that mess with just a few scrapes, I think we can handle one little breathy bastard and his gang of weirdos. †

NECRON: †† Plus, you know my Guppy and I got your back! ††

The thought of your scrappy mechanist friend makes the smallest of smiles creep onto your face. It falls a second later, as your throat unexpectedly constricts.

You press your back against the outside wall of Gunnhildr.

NECRON: † ...hey, Secily? †

NECRON: † You still there? †

You're so tired.

SECILY: 5.Bd3 You're going to get yourself killed, Necron. I can't be responsible for that. …Nf6

SECILY: 6.O-O I… I don't want you getting hurt over this. …Bd6

There's a pause on the other end of the line. And then laughter. Small, but quickly building to an uproar.

NECRON: ††† You gotta be yankin' my chain, Boss †††

NECRON: † Appreciate the concern, but I'm a big boy. Been in this line of work for a while, remember? †

NECRON: † Plus, it's way too late to be talkin' about getting hurt. †

NECRON: †† 'Cause if you're looking to bounce on this here partnership, I gotta tell ya, that'd sting way more than any punch a cultist could throw my way. ††

NECRON: †† You think I'm just gonna let you get rid of me that easy? Puh-lease! ††

Stunned, you huff through your nose, but it's half a laugh of your own.

What were you thinking? This guy will never give up. Would never give up, right to the bitter end.

Who better to have at your side?

SECILY: 7.Nbd2 This whole case screams liability lawsuits. All-mother knows Corporate will have a field day. …O-O

SECILY: 8.dxc5 …If you're sure about this, we need to take every precaution we can. …Bxc5

SECILY: 9.e4 There is still a lot of information that we don't have going into this final confrontation, so we need to prepare for every scenario. …dxe4

SECILY: 10.Nxe4 I'm currently accessing some higher quality firearms for the conflict. We can rendezvous later to go over more detailed plans. ...Nxe4

NECRON: †† Right on! I'll get Oricka caught up, too. ††

SECILY: 12.Rxd1 If you're insisting on going in as a team, I want that team to be as polished as we can make it. ...½-½

NECRON: † The Miss Shiri? Truly an honor, Boss. †

NECRON: † You can count on me! Alright, chat soon. And don't be a stranger! †

The line goes dead.

It's... quiet.

You've spent so long with nothing to keep you company but your own thoughts.

Threats continue to make themselves known. If not Aumtzi, then those you fought alongside Necron equally jeopardize the safety of this stronghold - of this planet.

You're not about to let them interfere any longer. But the expanses are wide. You couldn't cover the full stretch of land between the wastes to the spaceport by yourself, even if you tried.

If you've been tasked to protect these two vital individuals, Ellsee Raines and Arcjec Voorat… surely some assistance would not be unwarranted.

With your expert insight and leadership at the helm, of course.

You can't do it all, Iopara. It's about the team, the group effort - trolls from different walks of life coming together, bringing their own experiences and specialisation to the table.

A little help can be a good thing, you suppose.

Not that you'd ever say as much aloud.

You fish out Rypite's business card and turn it over in your hand once more. "Good at puzzles like this.

You have pieced together quite a puzzle over these past few wices, but it's not whole just yet. Maybe you need a set of eagle eyes to see where the missing pieces fit.

As you take a step towards the threshold of the gunshop, you hesitate, stopping dead in your tracks.

>Recall: THE PREVIOUS ALTERCATION.

Okay, you don't really need a full recall moment for something that happened only a minute ago. You were caught snooping around Refero's contacts and grilled like a steamed ham on a Corporate holiday.

What he said about what you do… it stung to the core. You've always held on to the thought that you'd send as many to the beyond as needed to avenge her.

How your pain has shaped you, Secily. How much stronger you are, now that you have something to fight for.

That exchange rings in your mind. You wish you could forget the whole conversation.

You inhale. You exhale. The air is stale and cold.

Reaching into your pocket, you pull out her card, close your eyes, and hold it against your forehead. She would've said the same thing, had you tried playing games with her.

What is it with you and goldbloods?

You slowly pull the card away and return it to its rightful place.

Once more unto the breach.

Things haven't changed much since you left. Scattered across the floor are the trollodex cards you so carelessly collided with during that hasty exit.

Hunched over them is Refero, who is gathering the cards into piles, meticulously arranging them back into neat, orderly stacks on the counter.

REFERO: What.

He doesn't look up from the cards.

SECILY: I don't want to play games with you anymore, Refero.

SECILY: And I apologise for my unprofessionalism here today.

Refero pauses. then he stands up, placing another stack onto the counter.

REFERO: Please leave, =regulatʘr. I =wʘuld like =tʘ clean up =befʘre =clʘsing =fʘr the day.

SECILY: Right, of course.

You take a step forward but Refero instantly takes a step back, teeth gritted. It's slight, but you can tell his hand is hovered to his holster.

Defuse the tension. Clear the storm.

SECILY: Here.

You unclasp your scabbards and remove your pistol holster, placing both onto the ground in front of you.

All-mother, you can't believe you're taking advice from Rypite.

Refero slowly relaxes his hovering hand, taking a moment to look you up and down before resuming his task. You bend to grab a few invoices that were scattered closer to the door.

REFERO: =Nʘt a bad =pistʘl. =Fʘr a =regulatʘr.

REFERO: What =dʘ =yʘu want?

SECILY: Well, to be honest? I need help.

SECILY: And if you're so intent on scrutinising my every move, I'd prefer you'd at least scrutinise the moves I need second opinions on.

SECILY: A puzzle we can work on together.

You take a careful step forward, eyeing for a reaction. Refero watches you, but doesn't respond in kind. He's tense, his breathing short and quick.

You delicately place the invoices back on the counter.

After a moment of deliberation, he moves over to the games area of the shop, pulling up a chair at the table with the mid-progress chess game.