A week after Artorian's reveal of the Abyss to everyone, a proper air of peace was finally returning to the residents of Little Garden. The rubble of the hospital's destruction was finished being cleared, and already the new building had started construction. Not a lot of information was detailed, but it appears that they won't be taking chances this time, reinforced material double that of high-priority military assets was being used, and even a private generator to power a barrier was being implemented in the basement.

Two attacks on Little Garden has struck a nerve with Warslran, and they're pulling no punches in updating their barriers and energy generations. Amidst the three, Artorian and Claire protested the greater energy output requirements, citing the strain on Liza may cause more trouble for her; to which Judal was able to shoot down with the mentioned sister's own approval at the plan.

That forced Artorian to bite his tongue in agitation, she wasn't in the right place to agree to that. She was a bleeding heart like Claire, Noblesse Oblige was their whole lifestyle. After Vitaly and Kai's attacks, she'd blame herself and think she had to do more. But he also couldn't argue with her; thanks to her link to almost every computer and communication device she was fully aware of the Abyss now. Turns out she was as nosy as her sister, checking his secure files and having spent months trying to crack it.

A chuckle escaped his mouth as he recalled Liza's pouting voice when she talked to him the day after he woke up. Apparently she didn't like being out teched, even if that person was Charlotte. Nosiness and competitiveness ran in the Harvey family it seems, as Charlotte's mentioned she's been having to create new subroutines after the girl finally cracked them.

"Something funny?" Speaking of Charlotte, she was currently by Artorian's hospital bed, putting the finishing touches on his new housing unit and mechanical arm.

It wasn't a surprise to know she hasn't left his side often, only when he's forced her to go out and eat or use the rest room. Sometimes she had to be dragged out by Emilia and Liddy, the former being "an act of unrivaled betrayal" since Charlotte had quickly replaced the princess' destroyed brace with a "cruder" version.

Aside from Charlotte, everyone else made time to visit at least once a day, checking up on his condition. Sakura and Karen came the most, often accompanied by Miharu who they wheeled in. Erica came by once or twice, not that the Abysswalker blamed her; they were acquaintances at most so just seeing her once was a nice gesture.

Surprisingly, the former Hunters came by every day to see how he was doing. Krovanh and Nakri were stubborn on it, claiming it was purely just to see how their new boss was doing. Nesat sold them out immediately as being genuinely concerned since he bailed them out from Vitaly's servitude. Reitia and Touka actually came together the most frequently, the young redhead feeling cheeky as she showed off how well her hand and wrist healed already.

She was an Abysswalker alright, aside from some swelling and numb pain a lot of her injuries were healing up.

"Ah, just thinking about how much of a fit Liza's been throwing lately." He admitted. "You've really stumped her with the latest security sequences. She rants to me after midnight about it."

"Oh really? And why would she be looking into the HIGHLY CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS SHE DOESN'T HAVE CLEARANCE FOR?" Charlotte spoke up loudly, the TV behind her blinking off for a second as the woman turned to it. "Oh don't pretend to have left, you can still hear everything."

"You snitched Artorian!" A half whine came from the TV, as Liza took over the screen again and a mix of blue and gold projected from the screen. It was just random light, as Liza's control was in the current of energy allowing her voice to be heard.

"Hey, some of those files are mine. I got some private stuff I want kept private." Artorian chuckled, hearing a familiar thrum as the nerves at the stump of his arm began to pinch

"Disobedient children everywhere, what am I going to do with you?" Charlotte asked herself, prepping the final docking for Artorian's new arm. The replacement was made at record speed, on one hand due to Charlotte now being familiar with the construction, and on the other due to her refusal to do anything else besides help treat the boy. "You ready?"

"Yep." Artorian braced himself, already aware how bad this would hurt.

"Alright… one, two, THREE!" Giving him a last moment to prepare, the nerve connection still nearly got a thrash from the Abysswalker.

"Grrrr… fuck!" Artorian growled through clenched teeth. "That's never going to get easier, is it?"

"Sadly no, but with hope it'll be less common. As long as someone doesn't go breaking it again." Charlotte noted, finally letting herself relax with a tired sigh. "How does it feel?"

"About the same, a little lighter than the last one if I'm honest." Artorian noted, rolling his mechanical wrist to feel out the motion.

"It should be the exact same, didn't mess with the model since it took the Abyss to break it." Charlotte said. "Perhaps your dip with the Abyss has done more than just change your eyes."

"Maybe… thanks Char. I feel like I just keep burdening you."

"You of all people aren't allowed to say that to me." She sighed, rubbing her eyes after lifting her glasses. "Now all you need to do is get some more rest, can you do that for…" Charlotte trailed off as she stared in disappointment.

"Huh, you say something Char?" Artorian asked, already standing and stretching his arms.

"I don't know what I was expecting."

"Me neither." Artorian groaned, twisting his body before pulling a knee to his chest to loosen his leg. "I've been stuck in that bed for a whole week, I'm long past getting a move on."

"You were nearly killed and your soul was torn apart."

"And I was still in better condition than after Qin, so your point is invalid." Artorian countered. "Aside from my ribs, I didn't break many bones, and those are all better." He emphasized that by patting his chest, his third pat resulting in a flinch and silent grunt. "Almost all better… I think there's still a crack or two."

"And yet you won't get back in bed?"

"Nope, I'm done moping around. I'm ready to get back into the thick of it." The Lord stated, standing upright. "Besides, I'm gonna have to start getting paperwork setup. Judal will be down my throat about Krovanh, Nakri and Nesat's new roles in Rejections, and Claire will no doubt make me stay on top of my new responsibilities."

"You're really okay? Even after how things have changed?"

"Of course, everyone knows who I am now. I don't have to hide from them anymore." Artorian responded, before placing a gentle hand on Charlotte's head to ruffle her hair. "And my mother recognizes me as her son, how could I be anything but okay?"

That part struck charlotte in the core, but before she could have time to sulk Artorian bopped the top of her head with a chop with his mechanical hand.

"Nope, you're not allowed to think like that."

Charlotte nursed her head by instinct, but after a second registered there was no pain whatsoever. Despite his fluid motion, Artorian's mechanical hand had the utmost elegance, even more than by normal standards. Sure he's had an artificial limb for about a month and a half before this new replacement, but even then his gentle gesture should still have left even a tingle of pain.

"Sorry… can't help it." The doctor eventually relented, fighting the instinct to look away in shame as her son smiled to her. "Eighteen years of guilt hit me in the span of a few days… it's going to take a while for me to… no, normal is beyond that thought."

"Well you need to get at least back into the state of mind you were when I got here." Artorian encouraged. "Can't have Warslran lose the greatest mind of generations, can we?"

"But we also can't lose humanity's one shot against Lords, and I nearly screwed that up."

"Eh, Claire looked pretty good all things considered. And Sakura's throat's healed up well enough." The Lord's response got a pouted stare from her, encouraging the chuckle he added in.

"Hey Artorian, I hope you're ready for-WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT OF BED!?" The calm voice of Karen was immediately shrieking in panic as a tray of food fell to the floor, the occupants in the room wincing.

"Ouch, even I never screamed that loud. Even with your father." Charlotte noted, the Lord digging his face into his palm at the statement.

"Three words: too. Much. Information."

"Why are you out of bed, Kaede said you should be resting for the next month still!" Karen demanded to know, Artorian stepping back in surrender as she pointed an accusing finger at him as she approached.

"I got my arm back and felt good enough. I was walking-able two days ago, but played along for everyone's sake." The Lord responded, flinching back when Karen's finger pressed against his chin.

"That's no excuse! You've pushed yourself too harsh every time you're injured, you shouldn't be hampering your recovery like that!"

'So this is what it's like to be on the other side.' Artorian thought, unable to stop himself from laughing at Karen's stern face and annoyed pout.

Karen was up and walking proper, having gone through more physical therapy but recovering quickly. Some of the doctors assumed the adrenaline from the recent attacks had jumpstarted the energy coursing through her, the additional activation of her Hundred practically giving her muscle structure a much-needed jolt of strength.

"Don't you laugh, this is serious! If you don't rest, then you might… might…" Karen's burning energy then quickly burned up, and in a return to familiarity Artorian placed a supportive hand on her shoulder and arm to keep her balanced.

"Whoa there, remember what the doctors said: pace yourself."

"You're… one to talk…" Karen let out in breaths, but at the end both chuckled at the shared scold between the two.

"So… this is what he's like around her?" Outside of the hospital room, Krovanh stood beside Nakri and Nesat, the Hunters having came along with Emilia, Sakura and Miharu to check on the Abysswalker.

"Feeling nostalgic?" Emilia noted with a smug grin, Krovanh clicking his tongue in response as he looked away.

"Shut your hole! Just cause I'm working under Artorian doesn't mean I have to tolerate your shit!"

"Oh, not dog? That's progress."

"Shut it crossdresser!"

"Kind of a moot argument now, isn't it?" Emilia responded, motioning to her sweater and skirt.

"What? Aren't you a guy?"

.

.

.

"Dude, come on."

"He was wearing the male uniform when we fought him last!"

"I haven't worn that in the last two fights!"

"They're energetic as always." Artorian laughed, carefully releasing Karen as she regained her balance. "Good to see everyone's getting along. What's the special occasion for so many visiting me today?"

"We were going to surprise you with a big meal, but that might be out of the picture." Miharu answered, sitting in a wheelchair pushed by Emilia. "As always, you seem incapable of staying still for more than a few days."

"Can't help it, these rooms always feel cramped." The Lord sighed, placing a hand on his hip with a dramatic shrug. "Doesn't help hospital food sucks, I don't know how Karen managed it for as long as she did."

"Come on, the food doesn't look that bad."

"I don't ever see you trying to swipe it like you do every other time we eat." Artorian pointed to Emilia, the white-haired Slayer turning her head and attempting to whistle innocently at the accusation. "So with that planned failed, how about we go down to the cafeteria? I'm buying."

"Well, it would have enough food for us… and it's actually open." Sakura noted offhandedly, half the group sighing while Artorian grinned with a fist held into the air.

"Then we have our feast!"

"Is he always this obnoxious?" Nakri whispered to Emilia.

"No, but you wouldn't believe the burden that's been lifted off him." The Snow haired Slayer laughed, smiling as Karen once again started to nag Artorian for his condition. "Just give him time… it's not often he's this happy."

"I see Claire's finally released you from house arrest, how are your injuries healing?" Ornstein asked, appearing on the other side of the video call as Matthew pushed aside a pile of books, the peeling covers and tattered letters falling off from the sudden adjustment from the hybrid.

"Everything's reformed properly, I can see why Gwyn fears the Abyss. A half-dead Abysswalker nearly took my head off with a grazing blow." Matthew said, groaning at the phantom pain of his previously cracked skull.

"There's no such thing as a half-dead Abysswalker. They're at full throttle until they're dead." Ornstein stated, fully serious as the statement from his son made the subject too clear. "So… did it happen?"

"Artorian Abyssal had fallen to the Abyss, consumed as a final act of rebellion against a captain of the Anti-Slayer's ranks." Matthew reported.

The news felt like a hellish burn that brought pain to the Lord's limbs, only one being one he could nurse. Phantom pains were impossible to fully treat, and when you possessed a magical presence it was all the more real. His pain was in clear view, and Matthew regretted not continuing as he should of. However he knew when his father's pains spiked, it was best to let him tough it out.

He may have retired, but Ornstein was the greatest Dragonslayer in generations. He didn't need his hand held when he felt pain, real or mental.

"I see… so that's how it ended." Ornstein took a minute to recover, but when it came the Lord kept his gaze up and focused on his son. Mourning could wait, he had to get as much information as possible. Charlotte and Judal were both out of contact for the past two weeks, and as Souffle was retired as well, he had to rely on Matthew's own words. "I'll admit, I'm ashamed of myself for not seeking him out when he was young. Artorias and I weren't friends… but I should have been better. I never even met the kid; I was too above it until the Second Attack."

"That can be rectified in the future. Artorian's still alive." Matthew announced, and to say the Lord was shocked was an understatement. It took a lot to silence a warrior who had fought not only as many Savage as Artorias, but to face down the Nameless King alone and leave with his life put him in respects with even the greatest of Gwyn's champions.

"Truly? Artorian is still alive?"

"Yes, by no stretch of luck and miracles." Matthew confirmed. "The Abyss had physically manifested on his, covering his body in oily decayed flesh. I had burned him to the bone several times, but the corruption healed him in unnatural ways. His skin nearly turned as dark as the void itself. But before I delivered a finishing blow, his energy went rampant and began to push against the physical corruption."

"Unbelievable, he was able to resist the physical corruption. Despite his age and inexperience with the Abyss, that's something no other Abysswalker has achieved." Ornstein didn't bother even second-guessing Matthew's assessment. If his son made such a claim, he had no reason to doubt it. Artorian wouldn't have been spared if it was any other case. "Is there any tangible explanation?"

"I only have theories, and I doubt Artorian has any logical explanation himself." Matthew noted. "It was assumed Artorian's strain of Abyss was overwhelming him due to him being half human, that his soul lacked the strength to resist due to humanity's natural affinity with it. That might be the opposite actually…"

"Oh, have a thought?" Ornstein questioned.

"A few. Artorian's humanity could be the reason the Abyss was so rampant on him, but perhaps for a different reason." Matthew pondered. "It could be that humanity's affinity is only damaged by becoming Vessels, and that directly becoming an Abysswalker somehow alters it. Or the introduction of energy in humans through the Severance virus acts as a counter agent, like two parasites fighting to take the host. Such anomalies could explain why he was able to break free from physical corruption. Or even…"

"It might explain why the Abyss was so rushed in affecting him." Ornstein finished. Abysswalkers in the past, barring those that fought endlessly usually could last for over two hundred years before succumbing to the Abyss. Signs would form in usually fifty to a hundred years, while Artorian at the age of eighteen was showing signs of final stage corruption.

"Perhaps, Artorian isn't rapidly deteriorate. Instead, the Abyss might be actively trying to corrupt him." It wasn't impossible to consider. The Abyss was a force of nature, it didn't have tangible thoughts or a form of actual malice. It worked solely on survival, to sustain itself and spread like a plague would. If Artorian's physiology exhibited some form of resistance, or even an immunity that would cause any organism to react with overwhelming force.

It was at least a theory to work off of, and it wasn't a guarantee. After all, it took Matthew's intervention to cause the lapse in control and to burn away the corruption that overtook Artorian. But there was a chance that Artorian could do it again, maybe even by himself.

"Well, what do you want to do?" Ornstein asked, getting Matthew's attention. "On technicality, this kind of breach would require informing Gwyn. Artorian fell to the Abyss so by Lord standards he should be executed. I sincerely doubt Judal will inform him, and I know for certain Charlotte would never turn him over. So, it falls upon you."

"Me?"

"I'm no longer a knight; Gwyn stripped me of all rights and duty to Lordran. My word is less than dirt. You meanwhile possess enough rights to gain audience over such reports." Ornstein explained. "So you are the one responsible for reporting this transgression."

That made things a lot more difficult for Matthew. If his father were to decide, then he'd be following his father's wishes. That was something that Lord culture valued, even if his father was a banished knight. And if he deemed Artorian a reliable risk, then as a potential knight for Gwyn then that was also accepted. But he had no idea if he was right or not. There was too many unknowns, so much that could go right or wrong. It threw off his usual certainty in decision making.

If he was right, then there was a chance that the Abyssal family won't have to be treated like beasts. They could be integrated into Lord society properly, perhaps even to become a pillar family like the Ornisium family used to be. The Abyss could be conquered, and the First Flame's radiance would be protected. But if he was wrong… the whole world would be plunged into darkness, and left barren before the Savage could slaughter them.

He should go with the safest option and turn Artorian in, inform Gwyn of what had happened and see what he would decide. Surely he'd be able to see the use of an Abysswalker that could be saved. Right?

But then the Slayer recalled the shame his father had endured, the Lords' harsh punishment of him for the sin of his relation, and the brand both were given for Ornstein's failure to protect Gwynevere. Artorias fell to the Abyss and died, Artorian had just showed that at eighteen he was in an even worse condition, and barely clawed any sense free. Would anyone in Lordran even take a second to think about the benefits.

No… even Matthew wasn't that blind.

"I… I say we keep this under tight lips."

"Oh, lie to Lord Gwyn?" Ornstein responded, and Matthew didn't like the amused smirk on his father. He really had no more loyalty for their home, did he?

"We aren't lying, omission in itself isn't a lie. We lack the information to make a reasonable assumption that it was the Abyss, or whatever strange magic the Anti-Slayer faction now possesses." Matthew countered. "And so, we deemed it not important enough to report, not until we get enough intelligence to make a more educated evaluation."

"Hmmm, I can respect that argument. And as its your decision, I have no true say over it." Ornstein nodded, agreeing with his son's choice. "Would you like my help in making the report?"

"No, I can handle it by myself." Matthew responded. "I… I appreciate you hearing me out. It helps having someone I can talk to…"

"It was your decision to keep your responsibility regarding Artorian from Reitia. It is her right to be mad, regardless of the fact you were right at the time, and I'm sure Artorian was grateful you were willing to put him down." Ornstein assured, both having some sense of Artorian's thoughts. He never shied away from the possibility of being killed, as he knows better than anyone else what would happen if the Abyss got a foothold in the world.

"I know… it just isn't easy seeing the way she looked at me."

"I'm sure she'll understand in time, just trust Artorian to put in a good word. And perhaps making it up to her when she's willing to be in the same room as her."

"I'll try, but it won't be easy if I don't think I'm wrong." Matthew admitted. "Goodbye dad."

"Matthew… thank you." Ornstein spoke, his son pausing from ending the call at those words. "The hardest thing us Lords can do is go against our duty. You decided Artorian's life was worth sparring, I can't thank you for saving him. Artorias wouldn't be able to rest… and Gods know what would have happened to Charlotte."

"I didn't go against my duty." Matthew stated. "I am bound to protect Lordran and its people. Just like me, Artorian is one of us. And so I will save him, if the situation deems it is possible."

"Don't lose that thought Matthew, it's something Lordran needs more than ever."

"We'll see..." With a last moment of hesitation, Matthew cut the call from his father, staring into the black screen and seeing his own reflection. The cut across his face was mostly healed, barely visible now and was unlikely to leave a scar. There was a small phantom pain as Matthew recalled Artorian's near lethal hits, and how just the tiniest adjustment would have had his skull shattered.

It was a good reminder that the Abyss was dangerous no matter the case. He was giving Artorian a chance to take a step to improve, to see if he really was capable of resisting the Abyss even at his worst state. Or to see if it was all just a fluke, and he should have put him down when he had the chance.

"We'll see."

"Wheew, I'm stuffed." Artorian sighed, stretching at finally being satisfied with a meal after the past week.

"Emilia?" Sakura spoke.

"Yeah?"

"I'm never judging you for how much you eat again."

Artorian being half Lord was common knowledge, just looking at him was proof enough. Fighting him showed it as well, as no one short of another Lord or a veteran of combat could match his physical strength. And witnessing his durability could make anyone question what he could survive. However, no one truly had witnessed Artorian's appetite on full display before. Usually he ate similarly to Emilia, a good couple helpings but most chalked that up to their shared Variant virus.

Ten chicken breasts, eight burgers, six bowls of noodles and rice each, ten plates of various vegetables, twelve kebabs, four bowls of chowder and twenty pork dumplings were by Artorian alone. It was the biggest case of pigging out that any one present save for Charlotte had seen. And yet as he relaxed in his chair there was stares flickering between his stomach and the empty platters.

'Where does it go?'

"Lords have digestion systems significantly faster than ours. By now he's likely already converted most of his food into calories." Charlotte explained, able to produce a smile as she paused from eating her soup.

"Must be nice being able to eat as much as you want and not worry about gaining weight." Sakura grumbled, getting a cheeky grin from the hybrid.

"It really is."

"If you think he eats a lot, Artorias probably could of out eat him four times over." Charlotte noted, surprising the others present.

"You're kidding."

"Lords burn a ton of calories when fighting. Those field rations Slayers carry into long operations were developed so Artorias and Ornstein didn't either starve or endanger every animal in a twenty-kilometer radius of their missions."

"Hehe, that's why our team had so many extra's in Qin."

"Oh yeah, we had like fifteen more for the mission than the other squads."

"I'm just surprised this is the first time we've seen you eat this much." Miharu spoke, fumbling with her spoon for a bit. She was using her hand with her cast fingers, not wanting to exert but keep her dominant hand from losing equilibrium.

"We don't have to eat a ton every day. We store calories throughout our muscle threads, I could go three months without eating and still be in good condition. But after intense fights where we burn through our reserves we need to recover that loss."

"And you definitely got put through the wringer against that Anti-Slayer guy." Krovanh noted.

"That was more the Abyss than him. It devoured a lot of me I'm not going to lie."

"Lord biology's weird." Nakri said offhandedly.

"Like you wouldn't believe." Charlotte agreed.

"I'm just built different." The Lord chuckled, before looking to Charlotte. "You've got soup on your chin."

"Ah damn it. Every time." Charlotte swore, reaching for her napkin but pausing as Artorian was already cleaning it.

"Never thought dad was being serious when he said you're messy with soup."

"I can't explain it to save my life."

"Bleh, save flirting for people who ca-gah!" Krovanh was floored from his gag after a pan struck his face, the former Hunter rolling to his feet with a glare targeted at the Lord. "The fuck was that for!?"

"Being disrespectful to your CO." Artorian noted. "Claire has a soft hand with disobedience, I don't. So remember that next time you make such comments about my mother again, we clear?"

"The fuck?"

"…You haven't told anyone?" Artorian questioned, turning back to Charlotte.

"I… thought it was obvious?"

"…You know what, you were emotionally distraught. I'm not blaming you for this." Artorian sighed, before crossing his arms. "Everyone, it's with great pleasure that I properly introduce Charlotte Dimandias: inventor of the Century Armament, humanity's original consultant with the Lords, and my biological mother."

"Whoa whoa whoa! Mother!?" Emilia questioned, her shock shared by everyone else present save for Touka and Miharu. "As in mom!? The woman who birthed you!? That mother!?"

"Yes, that's me." Charlotte waved sheepishly.

"When was this a thing? Neither of you ever brought it up!" Sakura matched Emilia's surprise, her eyes dashing between the two each second. She didn't get it, the two didn't have one similarity! Not even something as simple as a cheekbone between them looked close!

"You never asked." Artorian countered. "Besides, most of Warslran had no clue either. Judal and his parents were the only ones aware."

"Well that's true but… how did that even happen?" Emilia asked, looking to Charlotte. "No offense Char, you did a lot for me growing up… but I never saw you as someone wanting kids."

"I didn't." She said, lowering her head in shame at the notion. "Artorias and I were both in a vulnerable state of mind. One of our closest friends died and we found comfort with each other's company. One thing led to another and it was believed to be just a simple night of passion."

"Go figure the one in a million was the least opportune time." Artorian added. "For all intents and purposes, Char getting pregnant in one single night together shouldn't have been possible. And my father respected she had no serious interest in him, they were both suffering and couldn't think of anyone to turn to but each other… and it pushed them apart after I began to develop."

"Fuck, sorry I brought it up." Krovanh said to the side, uncertain of where to go now after the sudden baggage that was Artorian's conception.

"Damn better be shark bite."

"Miharu, Touka, you two have been relatively quiet." Charlotte noted, putting the two up as they hadn't said anything since the discussion started.

"Oh, I already knew." Touka admitted. "Shisho told me about… maybe a month before Shinshisho came back to Yamato. So meeting you didn't feel like it was some deep dark secret."

"…I'm kicking his ass when I see him again." Artorian got out, his annoyance matched by Charlotte's.

"Not if I get my hands on him first." The tiny doctor stated, before looking to Miharu. "And you?"

"I'm conflicted." Miharu said. "I believe in you being his mother, that's actually the easiest part to swallow."

"It is?" Nakri said, bewildered at the notion as she motioned between the two. It was a silent question as to note how they looked nothing alike, from even the tiniest standard.

"This man was rolled onto Little Garden with almost every bone in his body broken, multiple ruptured organs, and cracks in his skull visible. I'd believe anything."

"Then what are you conflicted about?"

"It's… it's nothing that's my place to say." Miharu eventually relented, the statement itself raising more questions. All except for Charlotte, who could see exactly what was on the nurse's mind.

"You four sure you don't want to come along?" Artorian asked, the group standing by the bus stop closest to the cafeteria.

After their meal, Artorian had decided it was high time to get a new place to stay at. Since the Hunters need supervision, the Abysswalker put himself as the one responsible for them, as a CO and as their senior. Getting Charlotte's agreement wasn't even in question, and now they just had to go and meet Claire for authorization.

"It'd be a little strange to just go along for that." Sakura admitted. "It's your place after all. It's important for you to get everything settled."

"I see… so eager to get away from me huh?" Artorian huffed with a dramatic breath, appearing defeated at the notion.

"Oh come now Artorian, you're a grown man." Miharu assured. "I'm sure you can handle a couple hours with the rest of your company."

"Right, cause there's no company like shark face and buzzsaw over here."

"Shove it!" The two Hunters in question growled, getting a side glance of amusement from the grinning Lord.

"If everything goes well with Claire and there's a residence available, we can have dinner there." Emilia offered. "And if it needs to be built, I'm sure Sakura and Karen would be happy to host."

"Yeah, we'd have someone who can actually use the kitchen!" Karen cheered, Sakura placing a hand over her mouth with an embarrassed blush.

"Sh-She didn't mean-!"

"Sakura, it's fine." Artorian said with a smile. "I know you two aren't master chefs. If the house isn't ready, tell me what you girls will like and I'll cook it."

"Th-Thanks…"

"No problem." The Abysswalker nodded, before the bus stopped and the group began to enter. The last to enter was Artorian, who paused at the door to give one last smile to the four. "I hope you all enjoy your talk, I won't ask what's so important you don't want me to hear."

The four paused for a moment, Emilia attempting to respond but couldn't by the time he stepped out of sight. And as the bus rode past them, they stood in an awkward silence at the surprise call out. Emilia had asked them early today if they had an opening to discuss something important, but Artorian's surprise "checkout" of the hospital had pushed back the time. But now they had the opening.

"So, you wanted to talk to us?" Miharu asked, getting a nod from Emilia.

"Yes, although I'd prefer it's a little more private." The Slayer pointed across. "The park up in the North District. It's been pretty baren the past couple days."

Taking their own shuttle, it was as the snow-haired girl guessed. Despite the two attacks the ship had endured, the park remained relatively untouched. A few small craters and the fountain was destroyed, but otherwise it was fine.

'This is where we went on our first day after parfaits…' Emilia thought with a saddened gaze, looking to the destroyed fountain. It was ridiculous to think that had only been a few months ago, how much seemed to change in that short time. Their relationship, her identity, their responsibilities… the thought had Emilia trace a delicate finger across the cut on her face, the wound barely visible anymore from the last fights. But even then, it still felt fresh, as if there was still blood dripping down.

'Is that how he's felt all this time? How long did he endure that kind of feeling?'

"Emilia?" Karen spoke with soft concern, snapping the girl out of her thousand-yard stare.

"Sorry Karen, I was just thinking." Emilia assured her. "You know, Artorian and I hung out here before you called him the day after his fight with Claire."

"Oh really, the most romantic place on Little Garden huh?" Sakura responded with an amused stare, her eyebrow raised. "You didn't have shame or patience, even at the start."

"Hehehe, not really." Emilia scratched her cheek with mild embarrassment. "Back when I was trying to pose as a guy, and he went along with it the whole time. He actually thought I changed my identity entirely."

"Sounds like him." A shared laugh eased the tension between the four, a happy sigh escaping Emilia to help focus her intentions.

"Sorry to pull you all away like this… but it's important."

"You've done more than enough to earn a little faith Emilia." Miharu said.

"I know but… it's been a little… man getting the guts to just say I needed to talk has been twisting my stomach." Emilia admitted, the very feeling currently muddying her efforts.

"Is something wrong? Did something about Gudenberg come up?" Miharu asked, her concern suddenly in affect. The nurse in her can't seem to take a break, even as the most injured of the party.

"No, no it isn't about my family… although that's got a few complications too now." She admitted, sighing as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Should we tell Artorian?"

"I'll tell him when it's unavoidable, Claire's running defense for me in the meantime."

"Probably for the best, knowing Artorian he'd jump the gun immediately." Sakura chuckled. "We all know how protective he is over a pretty girl."

"Uh huh."

"That's… a bit of actually wanted to talk about. Artorian, I mean."

"Is it about the Abyss?"

"Kind of. It's also a continuation on our talk back in Yamato."

"Oh… is this going to be a serious problem?" Miharu asked, the first to put together what Emilia was bringing up.

"I don't know, but I know Artorian hasn't had the heart to bring it up with everyone yet. So I thought I'd give it a try." The Slayer was having trouble trying to figure how to go about this, it was no doubt a subject that had to be brought up sooner or later, she just was having trouble finding out how to bring it up.

'Rip the bandage off then… you can do this.'

"So, I think it's more than apparent to everyone here that we like… love Artorian. Alone there was already an eventual crossroad we'd have to reach, but the Abyss makes it something we can't ignore."

"Oh… it's going to this." Sakura was the last to catch up, but quickly figured the rest out where Emilia was going. "I suppose it was only a matter of time, but it seems strange to bring it up without him present."

"It's because he's insecure about it." Karen spoke. "The Abyss affects him in more than just the physical and mental curses he endures. There's… another one he didn't mention."

"And that is?"

"I'm near infertile." The four jumped as Artorian revealed himself, turning as they saw him walk from the street.

"I thought you-!?"

"Couldn't shake how important this conversation was… and it'd be rather shitty of me to put this responsibility on you." Artorian responded, giving a sympathetic stare to Emilia. "It means a lot you'd be willing to start this conversation, but you shouldn't have to do it yourself."

"But shouldn't you be with Claire?"

"Char can handle the details on a house, wouldn't you say this is a lot more important?" He countered, Emilia looking down as she felt disappointed she couldn't handle this alone. "Hey, it's just as disappointing I put you in the position you thought you had to do this. So we're both sorry states."

"But, here we are now. So no point in running from it." The Abysswalker released a sigh, scratching the back of his head. "Man, I was hoping to put this back for at least another week, some time me to mentally prepare."

"Not us?" Miharu guised, albeit a smile present that got a laugh from him.

"Heh, you all took the Abyss far better than I could imagine. No, I guess I just wanted to live in bliss a little longer, but you all deserve better than that."

"You can all likely guess with my humiliating secret of being near infertile that my family has experience with it." He continued. "My birth was a complete anomaly, as I noted it was a one in a million chance. And that's something I can say with certainty, considering my dad's efforts beforehand."

"And what about you?" Sakura questioned. "How much have you tried?"

"…Not at all." He admitted. "I've gotten close to that before, but I couldn't ever bring myself to tell anyone about the Abyss. So I chickened out every time. So much for my casanova persona huh?"

"Being responsible isn't something to be ashamed of." Miharu pointed out. "You weren't comfortable telling someone about the Abyss, so you broke off before lying from omission to someone about something that important."

"Only I would have done the same thing with you." He responded. "It's not that I felt I shouldn't tell them, I couldn't. If Kai hadn't happened… I might have kept it a secret still. Because I'm conflicted on continuing the cycle or letting it die with me. But I don't think I can do that anymore."

"Because Matthew showed you could be saved?"

"Because there's Abysswalker's with ulterior motives." Artorian corrected. "Regardless of how I feel about Lords as a society, I actually like humanity; flaws and all. And whoever gave Kai power is influencing humanity by ripping open wounds and forcing us to fight each other. If I fail… well I'm not alone but now I have no idea if this anomaly and Alonne are the only Abysswalkers in this world anymore."

"How bad?"

"My family under the most confident sigils was deemed capable of destroying the world. My father fresh in surrendering to the Abyss and having already been injured killed thirty Trenta Savage alone. It's a threat I couldn't scale, especially with no knowledge on if they had families." He sighed, before sitting down at the remains of the fountain, stray debris having destroyed the once tasteful artistry. "Suddenly my duty has become more complicated its been in five generations."

"You're not alone."

"Neither was Artorict, but it took his last breath and fifty Dragonslayers to put down a Primeval. I don't want to throw my friends into a meat grinder for a hundred days without pause." He then waved off a counter from Miharu. "This is an entire perspective difference, I'm looking at it in the long term since Lords live for hundreds of years, thousands if you're a part of the royal family."

"And what about humanity?"

"That's why I'm thinking long term." He answered. "Whether I live for one more year or a hundred, lords will always be around. And if I can't keep them in line and behaving, then my family has to."

"So will you tell what we're here for then, and please stop trying to delay it?" Sakura called it out as it was, and the Lord relented.

"As everyone can guess, I have showed forward advances to three of you. And you have returned the advances in kind. Emilia brought you here to discuss your feelings and see if you'd agree to a shared relationship."

It was about what the others thought it was boiling down to, but it was a surprise to see how difficult it was for the Lord to say. But they also had all seen the man beneath the persona he had crafted in life. The warrior was only a part of him, whether strengthened from his past or a shield to protect what was left of his life.

"I realize it's unfair to both of you to ask such a thing, you deserve someone who can give you your feelings back wholeheartedly, instead of someone who is promised to others as well." He said, lowering his head in shame. "The Rasiya Empire commonly practices and encourages harems due to their population needing to be stabilized. Yamato, Gudenberg and the United States of Liberia meanwhile don't, it's a completely different custom and meaning of relationships that is taboo to your backgrounds. But it was also the only way for my family to make it this far."

"This has been eating you up?"

"It sounds pathetic right? It'd be any guy's dream." The Abysswalker chuckled with a bittersweet smile. "But I hate the necessity of it. For thousands of years it was used as a statistic, the women treated less like people and more like a resource. And then I fear I'll start thinking like a Lord the more I rely on it."

Servos whirled and bone grinded together as Artorian tightened his fists, giving himself an outlet as he thought back to the horrid notes his father left. Of his grandfather and the lengths of desperation he took. Even Artorias to an extent left behind his morals, it was Meiko's death that snapped him into focus.

He couldn't… no, he wouldn't ever go that far. But this was unavoidable now and he can't run from it anymore. He ran from too many in the past to do it again. Not after how much they confided in him… how they stood by him. Even if they refused, he couldn't put it down.

"But I'm sick of treating it as a statistic. I'm not asking this because of my biology, or because of my duties as an Abysswalker." Looking up from his seat, the Lord relaxed his tightened fists and put all fears aside.

Before fighting Kai, he was filled with regret that he could never be fully truthful to the women in his life now. The ones who saw his scars, his past, and never stepped away. He wasn't ready to die, a fact he never realized until that moment he left Miharu at the cliff. Matthew gave him a second chance, a chance to do the right thing and not run away. He won't live with regrets, not as he fully grasps the importance of his remaining time.

"Emilia Gudenberg, Miharu Kashiwagi, Sakura Kirishima; I love each and every one of you. The past couple months have brought me joy I haven't felt in ten years. For whatever time is left, whether my health or my duty, I want to spend the rest of it with you."

It was finally said, he let it be known and now it was out. Whatever came next, it was better than going to the grave not letting it be said.

"This wasn't easy for you to say, it means a lot that you were able to come out to us about this." Miharu began to speak, the first to find her words. "And there's no ignoring how the Abyss has affected you. I doubt there's anything harder for you to speak about. And I can tell you this doesn't change my view of you at all. After everything you've told me up until now, what we went through in Karen's recovery and Kai's attack, I want to keep moving forward with you."

"…You're right that this isn't common for Yamato, and a part of me does wish that we could be together, with no competition of sorts." Sakura spoke next, weighing her own words as she found her answer. "But I saw the struggle you've been through. The pain you went through, with only one goal set in your path that you can see. It isn't what I wanted… but I if you're by my side I know I can face every challenge ahead of us. Even one like this."

"I was on your side even after every dirty secret my father told me. No matter what, I want to be by your side each step of our lives." Emilia said with a simple, placing a hand over her heart. "That will never change for as long as I live."

"I… I didn't think-"

"But don't get ahead of yourself mister." Sakura interrupted the Lord with a finger in his face, him flinching back at the stern approach. "This isn't just a one-way street. It doesn't matter if it was two, three, or even more that may end up a part of this! From this day forward, I'm giving my heart to you! And I expect the same of you! No more secrets, no more lies… and…" The trembling in her voice and fresh tears killed the words in Artorian's throat, his eyes widening at the idol's overflowing emotions.

"And you aren't allowed to get yourself killed. No heroic sacrifice, no last whimper of resistance… no matter what you will fight to live! So you have to promise back to us!"

"Sakura…"

"Promise!"

"…I vow on my name; I will fight and live with every ounce of my being." The Abysswalker promised, standing up and taking the idol's outstretched hand into his, cool skin and metal embracing her warmth.

"I won't… accept any less."

"None of us will." Miharu added in, Emilia about to speak before the three were caught off guard as the Lord embraced all three, a surprising tenderness despite the suddenness to account for Miharu being in her wheelchair.

"I mean… I swear I do…" The shakiness of his voice told the three what he really meant, and in return they hugged him. "I'll do my best, I won't let your feelings go unaccounted. For the rest of my life, I'll live for you. I won't ever give in again."

"That's all we could ask for." Emilia comforted the Lord.

"…" Karen looked down in embarrassment, unable to speak up at the scene. It wasn't in her place… as much as she wanted to deny it, Artorian spent the past ten years of his life only trying to keep her alive. She was just a burden of his past, and she didn't want to hold him down any longer.

"Are you going to just stand there by yourself?" Artorian's voice caught her attention, looking up to see his gentle smile as the hug loosened for everyone to look to her.

"W-Wait, but I… you're supposed to move on."

"Karen, my vow to be by your side came the day you were born." The Abysswalker assured. "No matter what happens, I'd never want to leave you behind. Regardless of feelings, whether I share the same ones you have, I want you to always be in my life. And that's only if you'll have me, considering the challenge I've just put on you."

"Arti… Artorian…" Karen's lips trembled before they curled into a smile and she lunged into the embrace, the Lord having to adjust as she nearly lost her footing as she still hasn't gotten used to her recovering body. "You better be sorry, always dragging more girls into our lives!"

"Hehe, I'm sorry." The Lord apologized, a silent grunt escaping him. His body wasn't quite as healed as he could let on. Luckily he has a good poker face to hide it.

"Alright, we've accepted these terms, but I have a starting condition for today." Miharu spoke up, the hug separating as the Lord looked down to her.

"Shoot."

"I lied, there's two."

"Ah you snake."

"One, regardless of if you go back to the hospital now or not, you are not allowed to train for another week. You still need time to fully heal."

"I already am-gck!" The Lord jumped back as the nurse struck her knuckles to his ribs, the fractured cage causing blistering pain despite her barely touching him. "Hippocratic Oath my ass."

"Miharu…"

"Someone has to remind him he's human." The nurse slyly smirked over to the objecting Emilia, before looking back to Artorian who was nursing the ribs she "investigated". "And for the second condition."

"If you hit my head I'm going to report you for malpractice." The Lord warned, getting a laugh from her.

"I would never, there's already so much damage a little more and you might end up as dumb as you act."

"We spill our guts over our feelings and you choose to mock me? You are cruel."

"I need you to kneel down for me." The nurse didn't humor his bait, the lord sighing in defeat as he did was asked, getting them close to eye level while on a single knee.

"Alright, what's ne-" While the Lord was interrupted, the placement of Miharu's hands on his face made it clear what came next as she pulled him closer for a kiss. The coolness of the Lord's lips meshing with the warmth of the nurse's did nothing to steady their shared heartbeat.

"There, a kiss to seal the deal." Miharu said when their lips parted, the sly smile getting an entertained glance from the Lord.

"Oh you're trying to get ahead of the curve, aren't you?"

"Can't let us stay tied, two-one with my initiative." The nurse stuck her tongue out, winking as the Lord stood.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Sakura yelled, Artorian's smile remaining as the drama picked up. "We didn't say anything about a kiss to seal this! We haven't put down any ground rules yet!"

"Fufu, sorry girls. You snooze you lose."

"You're making a contest of this minute one!? Well I don't intend to lose!"

"Me neither!" Emilia added in, the two glancing to one another before their competitive glares returned.

"Now you done it." Artorian chuckled, feeling as his wrists were captured by the two girls.

"Got to keep you on your toes."

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

"Sakura, Emilia, wait he's still hurt!"

"I'm not going to fall behind again!"

"Think twice Pinky!"

(A/N): AHAHAHAHAHAHA! FINALLY! I cannot explain how difficult the last 4,000 words of this chapter was. I rewrote each scene after Matthew's talk at least four times each, I was having so much trouble figuring what was best to say and what was best to hold onto for a later time. I felt so bad with how long I took, but I got it done!

And on that note, I'm glad to be on a note of a more lax set of chapters. Not sure how I'll be pacing these next couple chapters, but I have some ideas on what I'll be writing. Luckily I actually have an entire chapter almost done, but it's not going to be the next. So I'll be getting to that as soon as possible. I hope this chapter was enjoyable, and I'll see you in the next one. Peace!