XXIV.

SOMETHING IN THE WAY

The car came to a halt, stopping in front of the bus stop where a certain brunette remained sited under the small roof, safe from the ongoing rain. How long had she been sitting there was anybody's guess. The driver exited the vehicle and with umbrella in tow walked over to the teenager whom remained sited and aloof of her presence.

"Lyra?" Terry said.

Lyra currently tuned out to her friend's words and the rest of the world, was deep in thought, reflecting on everything that had happened in the past hour or two. The rain had washed away majority of the blood stained to her face while her cuts and bruises remained the same. Her jacket was a bloody mess, a great deal of bleach would be needed to scrub that color off. Pants and boots muddy all the way and overall she was drenched in water outside on this night, sooner or later she would end up contracting hypothermia the longer she waited to get cleaned up and warmed.

Terry had no idea what Lyra was doing all the way out here and her physical appearance was worrisome on its own, the state she was in was highly alarming. What had just happened to her to end up looking like this? By her side were two bags, a small one and larger one and upon further realization, Terry was shaken to finally notice Lyra hanging on to a pistol in her right hand which rested on her right lap.

Lyra finally looked up at her which in turn got Terry startled, not knowing what she was going to do next.

Getting up from her sit, Lyra approached Terry, who out of caution took a step back, having no idea what was going to happen. Lyra showed no malice, yet something was definitely off about her, but this was her friend. She would never hurt her?

"Terry..." Lyra spoke.

Her voice was weak, her shoulders were slumped and her face was hanging low. Her previous stern façade was now gone as she only gave symptoms of pure exhaustion for her concerned friend to witness.

"Please..." Lyra added, before her legs gave out and she fell to the ground.

Terry ignoring her previous uneasiness, dropped her umbrella and caught her friend from hitting the asphalt road. As the rain became more light and both friends held on to each other, Terry gained some bravery and gently took away the gun from Lyra's hand. What a surreal night for the high school student, she as the rest had been worried for Lyra, but this sudden turn of events had warranted a whole new box of questions, questions she was not too sure she wanted a definite answer to.

"Please, help me." Lyra asked. The exhausted girl, close to passing out pointed to her two bags.

"I got you. I got you." Terry helped Lyra to her feet and walked her over to the car. What a strange night indeed.

Lyra woke up on a soft mattress bed, the bedsheets covering her warm body from the cool air within the room. Her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. The only source of light coming from a lamp at the other end of the room and the television mounted on the wall providing more light from being turned on. The volume of the television was low enough to not disturb her, but enough to rouse her from her slumber. Feeling tired and entire body aching, she did not want to open her eyes and instead sleep the rest of this brand new day off, however, she had some very pressing matters that needed to be dealt with first. With reluctance she lifted her head up from the softness of the pillow and looked around only to notice that this was not her room. Now recalling the previous night, Terry have taken them both to a motel, where the young rocker had checked them both in at the front desk, or maybe just her, seeing that Lyra was a bloody mess. Once inside she could faintly recall getting tossed into the bathtub and given a proper shower after having all her clothes and equipment discarded off her. After that, she couldn't remember much more, but it was enough recollection to know that Terry didn't just dump her and quickly abandon her or much worse taken her to the police department out of fear and safety. Yeah, she was true friend after all.

Removing the bedsheets aside, she saw that the only clothing she was currently wearing was a large white t-shirt that reached to her knees and underneath she could feel her undergarments only as well. She did not remember packing extra clothing in her personal bag, Terry must have gotten it for her. Moving her legs off the bed and touching the carpet floor with her feet, Lyra winced at the pain coming form her shoulder, same one where she got shot at. What a damn miracle that happened to be too. She couldn't see herself, but was certain that she had a big dark purple bruise on the exact spot, as well the one on her cheek and other places.

Quickly remembering, she looked over at her arm, the one that got shot during that abrupt drive by. It was wrapped in bandages with the color of red tainted into the surface. She was curious to see how bad it was, but the fact that she could move her arm whole, must've meant it was not that serious to begin with. Most likely grazed her or tore out a small centimeter of flesh as it flew past her. Anyway she wanted to thank Terry for looking out for her, speaking of which, where was she?

It was just her, no one else.

"Terry?" Lyra spoke, knocking on the bathroom door.

No reply. She went in and found it empty also. Now that she was up, might as well get her morning routine done. Once reliving herself, she washed her hands and face. Lyra stared at her reflection in the mirror, analyzing every centimeter of her youthful face. It had become quite a travesty, bruises, cuts, bags under her eyes and a lack of joy overall, this person before her was not the same girl, one who was once so deep in love and full of inner peace.

"You're fucking pathetic..." Lyra told herself.

Splashing more water into her face she continued starring into her own eyes, "How many more do you have to kill?"

"You're family will hate you, when it's discovered. Disown you, damn you." Lyra continued her one sided conversation, "Dad... he'll be heartbroken. Luna, I don't fucking care, but your sisters?

Loan, Liena, Liby, Lacy, Lupa, Leia, Lizy and Lulu? She feared what their response would be, what their final verdict would be upon her. There's a part in Lyra, that hopes that they would understand her actions, but at the same time knew well enough that she taught them to abhor all forms of evil. She had become that very sinful evil she wanted to protect them from, a creature born from misery and now thirsting for murder, she doesn't deserve their genuine love.

"I can't go back... I'm going to kill him and the others too. Lupa...I failed you, you need a...real sister, not...me." Lyra said.

Her heart pounded out in pain, registering each word as a fatal blow. Lyra had done the unthinkable to her own flesh and blood, now she must live with her guilt and self-loathing. All she can do now is avenge her brother and lover and bring peace to her family and most importantly to herself. Exiting the bathroom, she began searching for her belongings and most importantly her recently gained ill gotten goods. Her phone was located in the night stand, although the battery was down by 30% it was still useful for the time being.

"Where are they?" Lyra said.

Mentally smacking herself in the head, she walked to the closet and pulled out her three bags. Setting her own aside she focused on the other two. First and foremost, she unzipped the backpack and finally took a good look inside.

"Woah." Lyra exclaimed at the sight of all the money bills that were stashed up.

"You really died for this, huh?" Lyra grabbed a stack of $5 bills and flipped it with her thumb, watching all the bills it contained.

She would count it all later, this small fortune will be of great use for her in many different ways going ahead. Placing the stack down she then unzipped the bag which contained all the weapons that she had been granted the opportunity to use that night. She placed every gun on the floor and began to count. Three handguns, plus the revolver from her own personal bag, one Mac 10 submachine gun, one MP5 submachine gun, a sawed off shotgun and a medium barrel pump action shotgun and a shit load of ammunition boxes to count.

Lyra grabbed the MP5, holding it with both hands, testing it's feel and grip. She already tried a handgun, both kinds, also a shotgun, all that was left was giving this small automatic a test run. All her intended targets would really feel this one right before they end up waking up in hell. Of course she needed practice, it wasn't going to be that simple, firing a handgun must obviously be much more simpler to handle than a fully loaded automatic weapon. Question is, where could she target practice and not gain unwanted attention?

A door to her side closed shut and she immediately turned her head in high alert, but only caught sight of Terry already inside, having closed the door into the motel room. In hand she carried a plastic bag, full of edibles for them both.

Nothing but silence from both girls, only the television producing the only sound on the room. The tension extremely high among both girls, neither refusing to break eye contact, even if they wanted to.

"Listen..." Lyra raised up her free hand as a sign of peace while lowering down the gun she held in the other.

"I...I owe you an explanation...I do, uh, but you...have to promise that-"

"Then start talking!" Terry responded, cutting her off.

"Explain why you have those guns! Explain why I found you covered in blood! Explain why you're dressed up as some fucking lunatic prowling in the night!" Terry yelled.

She pointed at the television, which was broadcasting the morning news, "Did...did you do that?"

Lyra looked over at the news in question. A ground footage of Clearview Trailer Park, the aftermath of her unwarranted shootout the other night. Multiple camera angles showing the bullet covered mobile homes and cars. Many officers already working on forensics, collecting shell casings, photographing possible key evidence and shots of the dried up blood that she and her escort shed under that rainy night. The headline speaking of gang related violence and how the local community was now terrorized and police force on full alert.

Lyra looked away in guilt, realizing how much damage she had caused to those innocent residents, the full minutes of uncertain fear she unwillingly forced them through as she fought her way out of that trap. She felt bad for the chaos, but did not regret the fact it helped achieve one of her goals in the end.

"Things...got out of control." She replied

"No shit." Terry said.

Lyra rose up from the floor, hands empty and stood in place as Terry awaited more answers from her, "...I loved him, Terry, I love Lemy with all my heart...more than what a sister should..."

Terry stood in place, hugging herself with worry, listening to her friend's explanation as to why she decided to go fully mental against people. Lyra was never one to lie, she was the perfect role model even if most rolled their eyes at her righteous ideals, so hearing all this was shocking and deeply concerning for her. She never would have believed Lyra capable to commit murder, she had already seen her violent side, but this was something else entirely. As for her personal feelings towards her own brother, that was news as well.

"He... accepted my fucked up love for him...Lemy accepted me for what I truly am, an incest loving freak! And I could had never felt more happier." Lyra continued on, venting it all out, "I finally had all the love in the world, then they took him from me!"

Lyra raised her hands up in fists, hiding her face from Terry, attempting to hide the tears as her whole body shook from the heartache, the memories, the anger swirling uncontrollably around her bleeding heart.

"I wanted to marry him, have a beautiful family with him, to be forever with him! All of that is gone now! He's gone! They killed him Terry! Now I'm going to fucking kill every last one of those fucking motherfuckers back!" Lyra spoke, face red and consumed by tears.

Didn't matter what she thought of her, it didn't matter what the world thought of her, Lyra was not going to stop her hunt. She has spilled enough blood to make Lucifer proud and God appalled, a never-ending rage that keeps on fueling her to advance forward. Right now, she didn't want to look at Terry, didn't want to acknowledge her presence, to ashamed to see the disgust in her eyes. A friend gone, but the mission stays the same. The need to accomplish her brand of justice outweighs all the bridges she's bound to burn down.

At that moment Lyra without seeing anything was grabbed into a massive bear hug, much to her surprise. Whipping her head up, she saw Terry, one of her closest friends engulf her with both arms, holding her tightly and sniffling to her side. Lyra at first confused, eventually raised her arms up and reciprocated the sentiment.

"Lyra... I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." Terry fought back tears, "It's okay, I don't hate you...I love you, you're my sister."

Lyra couldn't hold it back anymore and let out her loudest cry since the night Lemy died. She did not deserve this compassion, after all she had done, regardless it was a burden lifted of her chest, to know that someone still cared about her, even after learning just how bloody her hands had become. Unable to contain herself, her legs went limp and both girls still clinging to each other from to the floor on their knees. Terry likewise as Lyra, too let out her own cries, both friends sobbing in unity and understanding, all to mend a broken heart, that was too far gone.

Some time had passed, all the tears had dried up and emotions were stable enough for both girls in question. Lyra and Terry sat on the edge of the bed, side by side. Lyra, now more at ease told her everything, she earned that right after all. Terry for her part held her friend's hand and quietly listened to Lyra's dangerous new conviction which now included various crimes, many homicidal more than anything else. Terry's face said it all, she was a wave of troubling emotions all at play, but she remained silent and allowed her damaged best friend to finish her part.

"I never expected to be ambushed...twice last night. I was going to leave, interrogate him...kill him...and immediately make my escape. I...could had prevented all the unnecessary violence that followed, but he had to say it...promised me the names, all of them. Once he said that...I just... ignored all logic, killed so many, all for a possible empty promise." Lyra explained with a dreary tone.

Lyra sighed, finally done. Her eyes on the floor the entire time, too ashamed to meet Terry's. Now, it was her turn to remain silent and hear out the scolding to come.

"...Did you get them?"

Lyra's ears perked up. Lifting her head up she turned around to face her dear friend, a perplexed look on the brunette teenager's face.

"The names...did he give you the names?"

Lyra opened her mouth, but no words escaped. Terry's question was not expected, it left her speechless, having only expected a lashing of words instead. Terry's face was one of seething resolve a single tear falling down her cheek as she awaited Lyra's answer. Her eyes spoke the truth, she was furious, but not at her, not at all.

"Terry...what?" Lyra asked her.

"You're brother's killers, please tell me you have their names?" Terry demanded.

Lyra, once again was both surprised and confused. Why was she asking this? Why did she sound... hopeful? Was she actually showing approval of her recent actions? The brunette was feeling a certain type of way, it was grateful. Relief to know that someone is okay with her murders, supportive of her violent quest and wants, no, demands justice by any means necessary just like her. Lyra had no idea what was happening, but the appearance was clear in her eyes, she now had a supportive ally.

"Just one." Lyra turned serious, now understanding her friend's mindset, "And I already met the bastard."

"When? Who is he?" Terry was shocked as she jumped to her feet.

"He was my cellmate." Lyra sighed.

"W-wait, what?" Terry said, mouth agape.

"He was literally right next to me, keeping me company when I was at my lowest." Lyra scoffed, still in disbelief, "He was the one who told me not to give up on my love for Lemy, not to allow anyone or anything to get in our way. Have no regrets."

"He's gonna regret taking him away from me." Lyra growled.

Dice, real name still unknown, she had his face, had his built, had a name to go by. That fucking drunk face of his from that day kept appearing in her mind. She furiously imagined every possible fucked up act of violence upon him. The other two were still a mystery, but through him, she would find them soon enough.

"From what my original target had spoken off handedly, he's some kind of big shot drug dealer. Must be part of a big gang to deploy that many thugs on one single person." Lyra wondered out loud for Terry to hear and learn as well.

"I didn't know that Royal Woods had a gang, a violent one to add." Terry said.

"Detroit." Lyra responded back, "They have to be from Detroit. Our home was never plagued by crime; it's all coming from that fucking city down south."

It made sense now, these criminal scum had either grown bored or too big to operate on the big city, the actual reason didn't matter to her, what mattered was that they were expanding. That's why the police had failed to make a dent on the case, they were searching in the wrong places, expecting someone from the community to have committed the crime when it was an outsider spreading his filth. Lyra was angry at the detectives for having missed such critical detail, they didn't have enough evidence to back it up. She now wondered if Liby had figured it out as well? Maybe she had gathered enough credible evidence to single out a list of suspects, she needed to visit her again. Another thought came to mind, Lupa, she had seen all three of them, maybe...

Lyra lowered her gaze, her sister wants nothing to do with her, maybe never again. The guilt was too much, she could never show her face again, forgiveness was pointless. She would need to find another avenue that could grant her results.

"Let me help you."

Lyra turned around, looking directly at her friend's eyes. Was she being serious? Lyra appreciated the offer, but that was a hard proposition to accept.

"Terry, no, it's too dangerous." Lyra replied.

"You shouldn't be the only one putting your life on the line. You need all the help to see this through!" Terry retorted.

"I'm a murderer Terry!" Lyra got up on her face, blue eyes burning bright with raw emotions, "I don't just kill, I kidnap and torture, I'm fucking mental! Anybody who has a connection to those three I will slaughter. Anybody I witness committing a crime I will slaughter! I ran over a bunch of bikers the other night for harassing a fucking couple, Terry! If you start pointing fingers, I will hunt them down and snap the life out of them. And do you...do you know what's the most...fucking fucked up thing about all of this?"

Lyra placed a tight grip on both of Terry's shoulders, her face a silent plea for help, but one she did not have any intention of accepting, "I'm looking forward to my next kill."

"I'm a monster! If something were to happen to you too, I will paint this entire town red." She harshly admitted.

It was Terry's turn to respond, hugging her beloved friend for dear life, "You are not a monster Lyra! The one's you took out were! I'm not letting you face this alone, we're family. It's all for Lemy, we're doing this for your sweet, adorable brother, for the boy that made you feel true love. We're going to find those assholes and they will pay. Prison or death. They. Will. Pay."

What a unique turn of events the last 24 hours have been for the young adult. So much happening, so much to digest, but nothing really changed in the end. New parts have been added, some beneficial, others inescapable, yet Lyra remained unmoved, her path remained the same. Terry spoke from the heart, that much was obvious, but the fact she wanted to willingly assist is what was leaving Lyra conflicted. She did not want anyone else hurt or killed, she just couldn't, but after spilling everything to her, how could she reject her help?

"Okay...okay then." Lyra sighed.

Before Terry had chance to speak, Lyra quickly cut her off, "You are not getting a gun! You are not going to join me on the streets! And you sure as hell are going to fuck out of dodge if any form of danger comes your way! Find me information, check your social circles, social media, rumors and such, provide me with answers that are solid proof to finding these bastards. They have to be accurate as fuck, don't make me erroneously hurt innocent people Understood?"

Terry gave her a nod of approval, "Sure thing, boss."

"Don't you fucking start." Lyra rolled her eyes at her.

"By the way I told Panther that you slept over with me. You need to call her, sis." Terry said.

Fuck, she completely forgot about Panther. She must have been worried sick, all night. Lyra grabbed her cellphone and saw 3 missed calls with multiple messages, all from the same girl. Lyra smacked herself on the forehead, she needed to call her back immediately and explain herself, better come up with a good lie about why she didn't pick up or at least give her a heads up. The lying game was getting more complicated by the day, maybe Terry can teach her how to be more proficient at it, for now that they're officially partners in crime they got to help each other out every step of the way. Regardless Panther is going to be upset at her, Lyra's face was a bruised mess too, even more worry from her friend. If her parents saw her in her current state they would immediately drag her back home against her will, probably place her in a straight jacket too.

Speaking of parents.

"Sam!" Lyra abruptly shouted out.

The young private eye sat by herself, briefcase in hand, waiting in the lobby of the police department. Just the front desk officer as her sole companion, whom was too busy or bored to bother starting a conversation with the fourteen year old. Just silence as the faint sound of phones, fax machines and people talking could be heard from the room ahead were all police work was currently being conducted. Liby didn't mind the solitude, it helped her think clearer, gave her time to focus on what matters. Everything she had gathered, all the valuable information she and her associates had dug up; it was all ready to be evaluated. She just knew that this was enough to make a breakthrough with Lemy's case.

The mere thought of her deceased brother put a damper on her parade. They say that time heals wounds, but most wounds leave scars behind; reminders of an ugly past. Life at home had been dull for the most part. With Lacy gone and Lupa isolated from the world, Liby felt alone. But in that loneliness she acquired the desire to tackle the biggest and most important case of her promising career and by God as her witness she would see that her brother's death would become a case closed with the judicial system carrying out righteous justice.

The door leading to the detective room opened and out came a familiar face and one she was hoping to see that morning.

"Detective Gibson! Can I have a moment, please?" Liby hopped of her bench in enthusiasm.

"Oh? Hello there, is there something wrong young lady?" The detective asked.

"Names Liby Loud, you are handling my cousin's case, Lemy... Lemuel Loud." Liby responded.

Gibson acknowledged the name. The original homicidal case that has unfortunately gotten buried underneath all the new and recent homicidal cases in the last week or so.

"I'm sorry, your family must be very impatient with our lack of progress. I wish to close this case for your family's sake, but lately so much has happened and this small department has its hands full." He said.

"It's okay...we're pulling by. By any means necessary." Liby sadly said, "I've been watching the news, things have gotten difficult for you and the rest of the department. I understand."

She lifted her briefcase up for Det. Gibson to see, "With all the sudden chaos around town and the need to help my family find closure, I've been doing some investigation of my own in regards to my cousin's case. Everything that I have gathered is right in here."

Gibson raised an eyebrow to her statement, quite surprised that such a young girl would want to get directly involved in a homicide case. Either way he had to give her a few pointers for coming this far, the look in her face was full of determination and duty, the image of a dedicated seasoned detective. It was silly, but with all the ruckus from last night and other misfortune incidents he supposed it wouldn't hurt to take a look at all the supposed evidence this young lady was presenting him with. After all, that boy was family and we will always do literally anything for family; most especially those that we love the most.

"I see you have already chosen your desired career." Gibson smiled and took the briefcase of her hands.

"Has been since grade school." Liby proudly stated, but that smile quickly disappeared, "I never did expect this...to be my first major case however..."

Gibson offered her a sympathetic tap on the shoulder, "Nobody likes this types of cases, they're the worst kind to work around with, especially when it involves young innocent lives. But the mere fact that you are standing right here in front of me, shows me and yourself that despite this unwanted loss, you refuse to call it quits, refuse to sulk in your room with bitter dejection and allow your cousin's memory to fade away into obscurity. Liby Loud, you carry the heart of a righteous peacemaker who's duty to law and order cannot be measured with simple words. Your actions here alone are the embodiment of true justice. Your family should be deeply proud of you."

Liby tried her best to hold back any tears, for these words meant everything to her. They accurately represented her ideals and duty not just to her late brother, but as her goal to became the greatest modern detective and prevent more similar losses as the one she has been dealt with.

"T-Thank you."

"No problem. Now run along now, you've done your part. No need to overwork yourself into unnecessary stress." Gibson said.

"Yeah...I should get going. Thank you again for accepting my help." Liby replied back.

"No matter how small, help is still help." Gibson turned around to re-enter the room he had just exited from to place the briefcase in his desk, but before fully opening the door he turned back around to look at Liby whom was already exiting the building through the front doors.

"How's everybody holding up? I understand if they may have lost some faith in us." He called out.

Liby turned back around to face him and approached him yet again.

"It's been tough on all of us. My...uncle Lincoln raised Lemy...as his own son, he's devasted. My aunt Luna, Lemy's mother...she's never been around. She came home to find a buried son." Liby sadly said.

Her face suddenly turned to one of dread. Her eyes while still watery from his earlier speech were now full of worry. She twirled her fingers about and tap the tip of her shoe to the ground, an act of discomfort, "My cousin Lyra, I'm worried for her. She has always been my big sister and has always taught me valuable lessons which I carry to heart, but I'm very worried for her."

"Yes, I remember her." Gibson recalled Lyra Loud, the older sister of Lemy, her only brother. Her pleas for justice we're those of a devasted parent, a guardian and sole individual that seemed to care for the boy more than anybody else. How could he ever forget that tortured face of agony? Never.

"Since...that night, she's changed." Liby was now hugging herself, clearly uncomfortable speaking about Lyra to a random stranger she just met, "She's turned into something...ugly. I'm scared detective, scared that she may do something dangerous, she deeply loved him. He was her entire world."

Gibson understood what she meant, grief tends to cause the most rational humans to turn into broken creatures fueled by negative emotions. He's seen many fathers, mothers, uncles, brothers and even close friends lash out with pure hatred at defendants charged for causing such tragedies at many courtrooms. It was a vicious cycle of violence and vengeance that would never end. As he thought about it, something inside spoke a sudden question into his mind. Something that as a detective he needed to take into consideration.

"I'm sorry to hear that about her. Grief makes us act different and also tempts us into committing terrible choices. What has she been up to?" Gibson asked.

"Staying over at a friend's, too much resentment back home." Liby answered.

"Hopefully things get better, uh...how about I give you my card. Grant you a direct line to your cousin's case, also in case anything new happens at your end of the line you can quickly contact me." Gibson offered her one of his business cards: name and phone number printed on it.

Liby happily accepted, "Thanks! I promise to be responsible and only call if it's an actual emergency!"

Gibson chuckled, liking this kid's maturity and professionalism, "Let's hope it doesn't come down to that."

The park had not changed much since she last visited. The playground area was still standing, many children swinging from the monkey bars and playing tag with each other. Youthful innocence, ignorant of just how hideous the real world can truly be, an unpleasant truth that all with a mature mindset had to live with. She remembers taking Lyra and Lemy here all the time, watching them run around and bask in the fresh air, knowing that they had all the liberty in the world to enjoy their happiness. Such simple times those were. If only she could have shared the same memories with another certain individual.

"Sam?"

Hearing her name she turned her head around to see her beloved songbird standing in the open. Lyra kept her hands in the pockets of her jacket. A grey sleeveless denim jacket with a white hoodie attached, underneath, a long sleeve dark blue and white flannel shirt. Rugged cargo pants with construction boots to finish the entire image. Quite a drastic change in fashion for the usually well groomed girl. The scars on her face quickly worried Sam, what had Lyra been doing to get those? Her long beautiful hair was tied up into a ponytail, denying it access to the wind that was blowing by. Lyra stood in place looking at her second "mother" with curiosity, no signs of weariness or malice. Unlike the hellcat she had witness at Lemy's burial, Sam could only see the girl she loved as her own.

"What happened to your face?"

Sam immediately got up from her seat and approached the teenager. Touching and scanning her face with concern, much to the discomfort of the girl.

"I'm fine!" Lyra protested.

"Who did this to you?" Sam demanded carefully feeling her scars and bruises.

"I fell."

"That seems to always be everyone's favorite excuse." Sam said, annoyed with her obvious lie.

Lyra didn't really had time to prepare for this meet up, should had added some make up to the bruises and now apparent black eye on her right one. Then again, she was actually glad to see Sam show actual concern for her well-being. She can toss away her previous thoughts of uncertainty for her, she wasn't like Luna, she actually cared.

"Some drunk bitch started shit with me at a bar last night, that's all." Lyra lied again.

Sam looked her in the eyes, unable to find any fault in them. Letting go she closed her eyes and gave out a heavy sigh. Lyra gave herself a mental one too, happy to change the subject. Both women sat down on a bench, starring at the many children alongside their parent enjoying the sunny day. For the first few minutes no words were exchanged between the two. Lyra really had no idea what to say while Sam was searching for the right words for her quasi-daughter.

"You look so different from last I remember." Sam broke the ice between them.

Lyra aside from her style of clothing, as a person whole had definitely changed in Sam's eyes. If only she knew her full homicidal transformation, how that sweet christian child was long dead and the only deity she now worshipped was one of vengeance.

"People change..." Lyra frowned.

"You certainly did." Sam eyes her up and down.

"I'm tired of explaining myself. Lemy's dead and so is my care for this rotten world." Lyra answered her back. She lifted one leg up and crossed it on top of the other while stretching her arms to better adjust herself against the bench. She looked over at two kids; boy and girl, chasing each other around the playground. Both laughing and full of blissful happiness, something she could never have back. Lyra figured Sam was here to speak about her recent behavior and she hated it, yet Sam was different somehow.

"We all lose a part of ourselves whenever we lose something precious to our hearts. That's how it's suppose to be, as cruel as it is." Sam reasoned.

"I wish it didn't hurt so much, but that would mean that I didn't love him to begin with. Fuck everything that I blindly believed in. Fucking church, fucking worthless book, wasted so much time on that crap instead of him." Lyra spoke, resentment in her words.

Sam was disturbed to hear her swear, not just throw out F-bombs left and right, but to also deeply insult the very same institution she had proudly stood for with pride and duty. She really had thrown it all away. The new Lyra was a raging beast with no other emotions other than sorrow, anger and deep embedded bitterness. Sam needed to get her back, anyway possible, for her own sake and for Luna and Lincoln as well.

"I'm sorry that it had to come to this for you." Sam replied.

Another moment of silence for them both. The many activities around the park distracting enough to avoid feeling the awkwardness as the conversation died down on a broken note. After a while, Lyra closed her eyes and sighed, reluctant to ask, but still had to.

"Sam...did Luna send you?"

"No. You're mother had nothing to do with this meeting. I wanted to see you. Talk to you and try to learn if it's possible to bring back that little girl that I helped raise." Sam said.

Lyra shut her eyes, taking in all the fresh air of that morning, "Don't bother. It's over for me."

It really was. She was too far into the fray to even bother getting out. The burning flames had already consumed her entire flesh whole, for she allowed it. After everything that has happened to her, it was ludicrous to even consider dropping it all to the ground and simply walk away. In all honesty, Lyra didn't fault Sam or anyone else for wanting to reach out to her, it was natural, but it was hard to confine to any or all of them that she wanted to be left alone. Alone with her guns, knives, sticks and stones; all meant for maiming and killing. Let her be. Let her walk this blood covered path to damnation.

"You need someone to talk to. You won't speak to your parents, aunts or sisters. You've pushed them all away, you need your family, Lyra!" Sam pleaded to the girl.

"Sam... they're better off without me." Lyra sighed.

"No they are not!" Sam was exasperated with Lyra's response, "We are all sharing the same pain, we are all trying to, yet failing to move forward without him. Your dad was never the best father and he regrets it just like your mother regrets never being there for the two of you. I have never seen her in so much pain in my entire life, it's killing me seeing her like that. And your sister, Lupa, she's just as damaged as you are."

Lyra winced at her sister's name. Her little sister whom she was meant to love and protect, but had only mistreated and denounced as a low life scumbag, that was not true; Lyra was the one not worth saving. Sam was wrong, deeply wrong about her as a human being. That's what Lyra wanted them all to understand, but for them to know she needed to speak to them, sit down and be face to face with them, not something she was eager to do at all.

"I'm a horrible sister. Lupa has every right to hate me. Same reason I have ever right to hate your girlfriend too." Lyra bitterly said.

Sam rubbed her forehead in frustration, seeing that Lyra wouldn't let it go, "Luna was afraid Lyra. She was afraid of letting go of her dreams, but also afraid about being a terrible parent in the long run. At first she did try, attempted to juggle both priorities at once, give you and Lemy the all the time in the world while writing her music in the garage."

"I was there for the assist, did I not help you with your homework or taught you how to play the guitar when Luna was too busy to tutor you? She taught you all you can possibly know about music, your mother is the reason you too fell in love with music." Sam continued while Lyra begrudgingly listened in silence.

She was not wrong about any of it. Lyra easily remembered all the guitar lessons that her younger self would have with her mother. Remembered how terrible she was with all the major chords. Luna right next to her laughing and holding her hand, gently stroking the chords one by one to get a passable rhythm flowing in the air. Seven year old Lyra laughing with joy as Luna hugged her and peppered her with loving kisses, Lyra could never forget those pleasant memories and it aggravated her to be reminded of them. This is not what she wanted to feel, a unique sensation was building up inside of her, but she managed to shove it back into the darkness of her heart. She made her choice. She has decided her future and it did not include that woman in it.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"Because I love you Lyra. I care so much for you to see you be what you have become. Your mother, your father, the entire family, your very soul; all has been locked away by you. There is something in the way." Sam placed her hand on the girl's lap.

"Give her a chance. I know you believed in forgiveness; preached it and honored it. Don't abandon her. Stop running away."

Lyra could not take it anymore, jumping to her feet she growled in annoyance. She paced back and forth in front of Sam, a deep stressful face of displeasure on her. She had some trouble uttering any words, too ensnared in her own thoughts. This one sided conversation was very agitating for her.

"I don't forget and now I don't forgive!" Lyra asserted, stomping her boot to the ground for extra emphasis, "She's no mother to me! She chose the concerts, the parties, the fucking alcohol and the fucking never ending tours over us! Damn it Sam, she failed as a mother! Failed us both! Just because my brother is dead, I have to feel sorry for her? Fuck her!"

Sam remained sited on the bench, allowing Lyra to vent out her anger out into the open. It broke her heart hearing all those hateful words coming out of this beloved child of hers. In any case, Lyra was finally letting it all out for once.

"Everybody wants me to forgive and forget? Like...fuck, hehe... like she never meant it or something like that? I can't...I just can't." Lyra placed a hand on her head, feeling incredulous at the whole situation.

"You...Sam, you...At least you would had been a better mom than her."

Sam got to her feet, not liking what Lyra had just said. Her hands clenched into fists and a scowl formed on the blonde. Lyra knew that she would be upset at her little outburst, but why was Sam acting as if she just got disgustingly disrespected? She stood up and go in Lyra's face, who in turn was now a bit alarmed at her sudden reaction. She got defensive, crap was she about to get slapped? Lyra did not want to accidentally hurt her on instinct, so many killings it was making the teenager want to start hurting people without thinking first.

"You are wrong about that. Luna is a far better mother than I could ever be." Sam spoke, her voice low and haunting.

"I...have a daughter. She is about Lemy's age." Lyra was taken aback at the sudden revelation.

"W-wait... hold up, you...?"

"Her name is Lina. Lina Sharp, but unofficially she's actually Lina Loud." Sam told her. Never breaking eye contact as she revealed it all.

Lyra's eyes widened, on the verge of popping out her eye sockets. She was speechless, her mind gone silent with only the revealed name of said girl filing in the blanks. Sam weakly smiled as she remembered an old memory, one of a baby girl that she had delivered to this world about 12 years ago. An unexpected surprise for the blonde at the time, then again she should have seen it coming after that passionate threesome with Lincoln and Luna, no protection whatsoever.

"I never did tell him about her, only Luna knew and I begged her to never mention it to him or anyone else. Lincoln already had enough on his hands, I did not wish to stress him even further by adding a new mouth to feed. It's a stupid excuse, but it made sense to me at the time." Sam explained, looking away from Lyra in shame.

"She's...my sister." Lyra stood shocked, processing all this new information to her memory bank.

"I did not plan to get pregnant...yet, here I was 8 weeks into it. Not knowing what to really do. Don't get it wrong, I was happy, very overjoyed to know I was going to be a mother. A little bit to early and unexpected, but regardless a blessing." Sam fondly smiled at the memories.

That smiled quickly turned upside down however, same memories also bringing back a shame Sam could never have the full strength to face again. Lyra needed to hear it all out.

"Where...is she?" Lyra asked her.

"This life, what Luna and I love, the open road, the late night partying, the constant ruckus of living up to our dreams... that's no place to raise a child." Lyra could see it in her eyes, knew exactly what Sam had done to her newly discovered sister, "That will forever remain as the most hardest and God awful decision that I've had the displeasure of choosing in my life. Lina needed a home, she needed a normal life. I could never give her any of those."

"You gave her up? You didn't even try to fight for her?" Lyra incredulously replied.

"I chose to give her a better life. Let's face it, Lyra, I love you all, but I can never be a proper parent. Luna and I, we're too wild and set in our ways, my daughter, you and Lemy had a better time staying with an actual responsible adult to look after you all." Sam cried, so long since she had opened up to anyone else about her daughter.

Lyra said nothing in return, for she knew that Sam spoke the truth. Lincoln could had acted more mature towards them, but he was everything that an adult should be; responsible, hardworking and a provider above all else. Had Luna taken them for the ride, both Lyra and Lemy would had never known what a true home really was, never would have had the time to interact with their other siblings. Both would forever be aimless drifters without a place to genuinely call home.

"Lina deserved a normal life, that is why I allowed my parents to officially gain full custody of her. You too deserved a normal life as hard as it already was, being born from incest and all. Luna hates herself so much for not having spent a great deal of time with the both of you. Despises herself for choosing music over her two only children. I'm here to tell you that she did not choose wrong, Lyra." Sam reached out for Lyra, grabbing both her hands with her own.

"She may deny it and not realize it, yet, but in reality she did the right thing to keep her distance from the two of you. Your mother loves the two of you which is why she chose to spare the both of you from this toxic culture that she and I inhabit. All the sex, drugs and debauchery that comes with rock n roll; she did right to shield your young eyes from it all. And just because she was far away, did not meant she never cared. Luna never once forgot about Lemy and you. She still called you, asked about you, even bought you presents and not just for birthdays and Christmases, but because she constantly had you both in her thoughts and dreams. Luna is still a mother. I gave my daughter up and have not contacted her ever since, I am no mother. Luna... she's done so many wrongs her entire life, but she does love you." Sam ended her speech, her throat swelled with emotions as Lyra silently stared at her with awe.

So much was said, so much undisclosed information had just been revealed to the young girl; all too much to process at once. Sam wanted to talk to her, she did just that and so much more. Lyra had always resented Luna even started practicing Christianity to counter her mother's carefree hedonistic lifestyle to avoid being just like her. None of it mattered anymore. Now aside from discovering the existence of a long lost family relative, Lyra got to see through the eyes of a different person. She needed to lay in bed and really think about everything that had just been said to her. Lyra did not even feel the want to go hunting this night, for everything that Sam just said left her drained of all sorts of energy. The puzzled girl wanted to go home and rest for the remainder of this day.

"So you shot him?"

"Yeah boss."

"You sure he's dead?"

"Half a magazine to the chest says he is."

"What about my money?"

"While they was killing each other outside, I snuck in...and uh, checked everywhere...I found nothing."

"Motherfucker, did you at least recognize the other guy?"

"It wasn't a guy."

Underneath the bridge

The tarp has sprung a leak

And the animals I've trapped

Have all become my pets

And I'm living off of grass

And the drippings from the ceiling

But it's okay to eat fish'

Cause they don't have any feelings