Three weeks had gone by since the Selections team returned from Qin, and since then most of the group recovered from their injuries. With the exception of Artorian, who still had a few bandage wrappings on his chest and face, and a sling for his right arm. Despite his advanced recovery, a portion of the bones broken had yet to fully recover. However he was still free to move about Little Garden, officially released from the hospital today.

"Say ahhhh!" Sakura said, holding a fork with seasoned beef to the hybrid with a bright smile.

Immediately after being released from the hospital, Artorian had agreed to go with Karen for lunch at the cafeteria. And since they were present and wanted to join, both Sakura and Emilia had come along for the trip; the fifth member of their little lunch outing being Miharu who was looking after both Karen and Artorian.

While the nurse made for good company, her overall presence impossible to feel hostile towards, that certainly didn't hold value between others.

"Here Artorian, I know you like grilled chicken more than beef." Emilia offered in return, sitting on the other side of the hybrid from the idol.

"Please, everyone knows that red meats are better to help with blood recovery, way better than chicken."

"But poultry is also much healthier than beef, being good for both his recovery diet and overall well being."

"Oh we both know you're just trying to throw those basic facts to try and get to feed him first, don't think I don't see through your scheme."

"Oh you're one to talk, Cotton Candy."

While most of the table was peaceful, the blatant competitive aura between the princess and idol were impossible to ignore. Although Sakura was still unaware of Emilia's true identity, she was still more than on guard with the prospect of Emile attempting to woo her faithful knight away from her. Then for Emilia, she refused to simply allow the famed idol to do the same, and every time the two were around Artorian at the same time there was this odd tension.

"Hey, you two can take it easy." Artorian responded, holding his hand protectively over his mouth as he pushed the two utensils down. "I get it, I'm hurt and you want to feed me. I'm touched but it isn't necessary, I'm not crippled or anything."

"I have legal documents and physical evidence that argues against that claim." Miharu interjected, pointing her fork to Artorian's slung arm. While the creation of a prosthetic limb would be easy, Charlotte's work had been piled up with the involvement of the Scorned and the captured Hunters, resulting in a delay to his new limb's creation.

"…That's a low blow." The hybrid chuckled, contradictory to both Emilia and Sakura's initial looks of shock at the nurse's claim. While the two saw the comment as harsh, the hybrid knew well there was no hostility to it, rather playing on the fact she needs to remind him repeatedly of the fact he's proven to not be as indestructible as perceived previously.

"Here Artorian, try this." Karen then offered her own food, holding a scallop with several sauces decorating it for the hybrid. "It's really good." With a smile, the hybrid leaned forward to accept the bite, initially getting pouts from the competing women to his sides before they smiled as well.

'No fair…' The two grumbled to themselves. It was hard to compete against Karen in terms of getting Artorian's attention, especially with how stubborn he's been since his recovery started. But they also couldn't be too upset, it was hard to with someone like Karen.

"See, isn't it nice to be fed instead of struggling with your chopsticks?" Miharu asked with a smile, giggling as he rolled his eyes.

"Oh, being fed isn't the problem. The problem is that whoever I accept first will hold it over the other for a week, which means then they'll hold it over me for that week." Artorian answered with a chuckle. "Although, I do also enjoy seeing them try and compete for my attention. It's kind of adorable."

"Well, you certainly won't get an argument here." Miharu laughed. "They do seem to act similar, almost like stubborn siblings."

"Hey!" The two girls argued in return, crossing their arms and pouting to opposite sides at the call out.

"I am not like the prim and proper glitter fest…"

"And I refuse to be related to such an ill-mannered and brash student."

"Who are you calling ill-mannered and brash?" Emilia responded, leaning past Sakura with a narrowed stare. "Last time I checked; someone doesn't get an Innocence Hundred and over a 90% compatibility rate with those kind of credentials. You on the other hand can't even preform an armament."

"Personality doesn't translate into stats, but what more was I expecting?" Sakura rebutted, leaning forward as well to stare Emilia down, sparks dancing across their eyes as they bickered. "And preforming an armament has nothing more to do with it, I can generate far more energy than you, and with better control. How else would I be able to fly so easily?"

"Flying ain't a challenge princess, come at me when you can transform your Hundred into anything you can imagine."

'That's the pot calling the kettle black.' Artorian thought with a laugh, pushing his seat out to avoid being directly caught in the middle of the pop idol and cross dresser.

"Now, now, let's not make a scene, there are plenty of others trying to enjoy their lunch." Miharu spoke up, remaining the voice of reason as the two glared daggers at each other. "Summer break just started, you two should try using this time to get to know each other and relax. You have that trip to Yamato planned after all; it'd be bad for you to argue the whole time."

"…Fine." Both relented, turning their noses up from each other as they huffed, getting entertained laughs from Artorian and Karen.

"There, see? We can get along well. We're all friends."

"Tch!"

"Ugh, I hate flying." Matthew groaned, stretching his legs as he, Reitia, Erica and Liddy all disembarked and walked into the dock's station.

"I told you to take your pills, you wouldn't have this problem if you just slept through it liked I told you to." Reitia responded to the hybrid's complaint, placing her hands on her hips as she looked up to him.

"Absolutely not, that was a commercial plane and if I left you by yourself you would have racked up the charge on my card."

"We both pay for the account; it is not YOUR card."

"My point still stands that you would have bought nothing but snacks for the entire flight. Gods know the movies was already a waste of money."

"Oh you were so not complaining when we watched those movies for a ten-hour flight!"

"As entertaining as this would be, we need to go and catch our own flights now." Liddy spoke up, interrupting the two's bickering.

"Remember to relax, we have the first five days of summer break." Erica reminded them. "We'll be expected back on Little Garden as soon as it ends so the others can enjoy their own break, so make as much of your time off as you can."

"Don't need to tell me twice." Reitia smiled as she stretched her arms behind her head, getting a satisfying pop as she did. "I'm gonna sleep in every day we're off, and there's no force of nature that will stop me."

"Enjoy yourselves, you earned it." Liddy laughed before the two vice-presidents walked off, having to head for separate gates to catch their flights back home.

"Guess we should start looking for our parents, shouldn't we?"

"I already see yours." Matthew said, looking ahead past the crowds as he did. "Perks of being above the average height, or being at least average height."

"Low blow."

"As most of your punches are." The hybrid chuckled, getting punched in the side by her in return. "Come on, let's not keep them waiting." It wouldn't be much of a challenge for the two to move through the crowd, Reitia being sure to follow Matthew as he kept a clear sight on the Saintemillions.

"Matthew, Reitia!"

"Mom!" Reitia cheered, the young Slayer embracing her mother the moment she reached her parents.

"Looking good squirt, we've missed having you around the house." Her father smiled, rubbing her head before looking to Matthew. "And look at you Matt, it's been a year since you last visited us. Got a few new scars?"

"More than I would like to admit." Matthew said, giving a small smile as he shook the man's hand. "It's nice to see you and Hannah again, Sarato."

"I'm just glad you're alright, I've heard a few of your missions the past year have done a number on you."

"Nothing the doctors on Little Garden couldn't fix. Are mom and dad here?"

"Yeah, although they're a bit behind for a few reasons." Hannah responded, her and Reitia separating before looking to the hybrid.

"Don't tell me…"

"Big brother!"

'They actually all came…' Matthew thought, smiling as he looked across the station to see a swarm of five kids running towards the group. The hybrid then placed his bag down before kneeling down, opening his arms to embrace all five of them, nearly getting knocked back as he did.

"You're back!"

"Whoa! Careful there runts." Matthew laughed as he kept his balance, relaxing as he hugged his siblings back before looking down to them. "Gods, would ya look at you? You've all gotten bigger."

"Hihi! Won't be long before we're as big as you!" One of the boys chuckled, getting his hair ruffled in response.

"You're about five years from that Ethan, don't think you're upgrading from runt any time soon." Of Matthew's siblings, all of them weren't even ten yet, the oldest being Ethan at nine. Aside from him, the bunch all varied in the distance in age; with their eldest sister Cameron being just a year younger. After her were the twins Tyler and Taylor, both at six, and the youngest Amy was only four years old.

"Ah come now, don't knock his dreams down so soon." Hearing his father's voice, Matthew looked up to see both his father and mother approach. His mother Fiona was a petite woman, standing little taller than 5'4. She had chestnut brown hair, tied to the side over her shoulder. But the most catching sight of her was her bright blue eyes, the ocean deep color shared by her three daughters.

"Mom, dad." Matthew said tiredly, standing up from his siblings before walking to the two. He then gave a small bow, closing his eyes as he did. "It's nice to see you two again."

"Matthew, please." Fiona smiled. Matthew looked up from his position, appearing hesitant before standing straight and embracing his parents, Ornstein reaching high in order to wrap his arm around his son.

"I'm sorry, it's been a long month."

"So we've heard." The Dragon Slayer responded. "A nest extermination mission leaves significant damage, even if everything goes smoothly."

"…Yes, it does." Matthew said hesitantly, looking away from his father as he did. The reaction got a disappointed sigh from Ornstein, the Lord staring at his son in concern. An awkward silence filled the area, getting to even the young kids as they looked to the oldest of their family.

"So… let's not waste any time here!" Sarato spoke up, clapping his hands as he patted Reitia's shoulder. "You two had a long flight, and have only a few days here before you have to head back."

"Sarato's right, we should spend this day so that you two can rest. That way, we can spend the rest of summer break together like back then." Hannah agreed.

"Yeah!"

"Hihi, back in the hometown!" Reitia cheered, breathing a sigh of relief as she and Matthew were walking the streets. Shortly after getting home, the two Slayers had decided to check around and spread their legs. And after much disapproval from the hybrid's younger siblings, the two managed to head out without issue.

"I have to admit, the smell is much better than the ocean breeze every day." Matthew relented, closing his eyes to take everything in. He had been away from their home much longer, having been recruited into Selections at Claire's request.

"Eh, I wouldn't say that. But there is no place like home." She sighed, relaxing before her shoulders perked up. "Oh, do you think that ice cream place is still open!?"

"You tell me, did Mrs. Glanz say they were shutting down?" Matthew responded.

"She said sales were going down, especially since her number one customer had been shipped off on Little Garden." The Slayer grinned, bumping his side with her elbow playfully. "How can she support herself without your sweet tooth?"

"Shut up, I don't have a sweet tooth." Matthew said defensively, closing his eyes as the two walked.

"Three sundaes on a hot summer day beg to differ."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He stated, the two making a turn on the intersection. Taking the proper route, they'd make their way to the town's ice cream parlor.

"Mrs. Glanz? We'll take two of the usual please!" The girl said, grinning as they reached the window.

"Huh? Oh well look who it is." The two outside would stare in confusion before seeing who walked to the window, seeing a young man approach them. "I didn't think I'd see you two here, trouble at paradise?"

"Fritz?" Reitia responded, staring at the blonde before smiling. "You're here too!? How are you, I haven't seen you since graduation!"

"Doing part time?" Matthew questioned, getting a chuckle from him.

"Yeah, I have some time off so I thought I'd help out run things." Fritz admitted. "Might not be perfect, but Warslran is surprisingly lax on vacation time for students. Even an average Slayer like me gets plenty of free time."

"I wouldn't call yourself average." Matthew said. "Your Hundred score was only short of Reitia's, if Little Garden had more recruiting here you probably would've signed you up."

"Maybe, but I don't know how much I could really contribute." He shrugged in return. "A regular Shooter-type when you have a Dragoon user like Claire Harvey herself? I'd just be glorified fodder stalling for time."

"Oh come on Fritz, you're the best shot in Liberia!" Reitia argued. "You managed to beat her accuracy rating in the final test, and made it to the top ten in the world roster!"

"You do have a good eye, I certainly wouldn't want to be in your crosshair." The hybrid added, getting a chuckle from Fritz as he rubbed the back of his head.

"You guys are going to make me blush. Here, I'll make your dishes and close shop for a few minutes so we can talk, sound good?"

"Sure!"

"So what's been going on?" Fritz asked, the three sitting at a table with their own cups with ice cream. "I heard Little Garden dropped out of the Caged Bird Operation in Qin. With a roster like yours I would've though you alone could've wiped the Savage out."

"There were a few complications." Matthew admitted. "The Hunters sighted in the Zwei Islands appeared, along with several powerful Scorned and even a Dragonfly Savage. We were beaten fairly harshly, one of us even suffering critical injuries."

"Artorian right? The son of Artorias?"

"Better not let him hear that." Reitia chuckled. "He hates being called that, made a scene his first day at Little Garden because of it."

"Technically you started that scene by calling him out." Matthew pointed out, eating a spoonful while looking to the girl.

"I couldn't help it! Artorias' son was going to the same academy as us, that's a one in a million chance!"

"It's not that big of a deal."

"There's only a handful of the First Generation of Slayers left, and that includes your father." Fritz interjected. "Even seeing Carver so much gets dull, seeing the legendary Commander of the original Slayers in the form of his son must've been exciting."

"You take that back!" Reitia ordered. "Carver Genus is a one of a kind Slayer! Seeing him is never boring!"

"You don't work with him. He does nothing around the base and never lets us go on missions with him." Fritz chuckled. "The only First Generation Slayer that can use a combative Hundred, and he doesn't let anyone see what he can do. I've just been sitting around with guard duty and doing homework."

"Don't knock yourself, being on the field isn't as fun as most would think. Savage might not be dangerous without a Trenta or Dragonfly, but Slayers aren't invincible. One mistake and anyone can be killed. We learned that on our last mission."

"I can tell, you didn't have that scar last I saw you." Fritz noted, tracing his hand on his own forehead in reference to Matthew. "Was it the Savage or the Scorned that did that?"

"Scorned… there was a complication."

"I see…" Fritz muttered, the three falling into silence as the humans instantly caught on to Matthew's discomfort. "Well… Reitia, I'd bet you'd be surprised to hear about Genus." The Slayer soon changed the subject, respecting Matthew and not prying on the matter.

"What happened?"

"Well according to him, he's expecting to be a father any day now." Fritz revealed, the other Slayers giving looks of shock.

"You're serious!?"

"Impossible!"

The two's reactions were completely opposite to each other, Reitia's face brightening while Matthew's was of discern.

"Yeah, he certainly won't shut up about it." Fritz smiled. "His wife's expecting it shouldn't be too long, probably within the month."

"And he's still serving? As in active on duty and hasn't gone through his retirement therapy?" Matthew questioned, leaning forward as he did.

"Nope, guy's still working strong." Fritz answered. "Can't blame him, he's still in his thirties. It's not often we get a Slayer to live that long and still be active. At least none that have seen as much as he has."

"I know, he fought ten Savage by himself during the Second Attack. His Martial Arts Hundred is completely unmatched even to this day. Claire might be powerful, but he's not the top Slayer for a reason." Retia mentioned, sighing happily as she did. "And he's having a kid, I'm so happy for him."

"Nothing short of absolute praise from his biggest fan I see."

"Well you try saying different!"

"Hey, I'm not arguing. I'm just saying he's technically at the top because the previous top are dead or retired." The blonde reminded her. "Don't forget Artorias and Ornstein both were the best, and even without them a lot of the First Generation Slayers were skilled and on par with him. Just be careful Reitia, you might not get your mission with him if you don't act quick."

"Please, like any Savage could kill him! He's fought a Trenta on his own even! I bet he'd be able to beat a Dragonfly if he had to face one!"

"If you say so."

'How could this happen?' Matthew thought, looking down as he tightened his hand into a fist. 'Vessels aren't supposed to be allowed to have children, has he forgotten how dangerous a natural born Vessel could be? It was the one rule Gwyn set, how could father let this slide?'

"Here you are Matthew."

"Thank you Ms. Farley, I'm sorry for such a short notice." Matthew apologized, picking up a bag of groceries. After saying their goodbyes with Fritz, Matthew and Reitia got a text from Fiona to pick up some last-minute vegetables for dinner before they got home. So quickly stopping by the store, they got everything just short of the early closing.

"It's no trouble, after everything your father's done it's the least I can do to prep up what you need right away." Ms. Farley responded. "Liberia is still standing thanks to his work in the west. The Second Attack could've just as easily destroyed most of the states if he and the First Generation Slayers didn't react as well as they had."

"The military did their part as well." Matthew responded, reaching into his pocket for his wallet.

"No, don't do that." Ms. Farley interrupted. "These are on the house."

"We can't just do that."

"You aren't home often, I want your time spent with your family to be the best it can be. So don't even think of paying this time."

"Ms. Farley, you never let me pay. Let me do it this once, it is your anniversary after all."

"I am fine, you meanwhile seem to come back with more scars every time I see you. So keep your money, for him?"

"…Darn it Ms. Farley, you know that's low."

"But we both know it's true."

"I'm paying next time, and you aren't arguing out of it." Matthew relented before walking away, following after Reitia as they headed home.

"Good afternoon Matthew!"

"Matthew, you're back in town? Why didn't you say anything?"

"How are you doing Matthew, haven't seen you in three years!"

"It's good seeing you again Matthew!"

"I wasn't expecting you back so soon, I would've baked you something."

"You should come by later, we have some new products we're sure you'll enjoy!"

"Man, I almost forgot the hero treatment you get back here." Reitia chuckled, looking up to the hybrid as she did. "Guess becoming a true Slayer just makes it all the more earned huh?"

"I didn't do anything. This praise isn't different from before." He responded, having mostly just waved off most of the commotion sent in his direction. "They're still holding on to the legacy my father had given, I haven't accomplished anything worthwhile."

"Or they see you as the Slayer you are, and have heard your record of eliminating multiple Savage up to this point." She argued. "You've done plenty on your own, not everyone reflects what they see in your father onto you."

"…Sure, we'll go with that."

"God, you're too much sometimes."

"So Reitia, how have your classes gone?" Sarato asked, looking to his daughter as the two families ate dinner.

"Oh, you know… they're happening." Reitia stated slowly, taking a second from her soup while looking to the side.

"Not letting your work build up, are you?" Hannah questioned, giving the young Slayer an amused stare.

"I've been keeping her on track, she hasn't failed anything and is keeping a B average." Matthew spoke up in her defense.

"What a relief that she has you around Matthew." Sarato chuckled. "Her grades were looking bad when you left, its good to know you're keeping her on track."

"More like slave driving me." Reitia muttered, giving the hybrid a sharp stare as he ate.

"What about you Matthew, how has your time on Little Garden gone?"

"It's been fine, a few new headaches but overall I can't say things are that bad." The hybrid admitted. "Claire runs a surprisingly tight ship; I can only think of three sources of error in her organization."

"I can guess Artorian and Emile, but I didn't think of a third." Ornstein stated, looking to his son. "Who would be third one?" At the question, Matthew went silent, looking to the kids table that had all of his siblings. Looking back and forth a few times, he appeared almost cautious, confusing everyone."

"Sakura Kiri-"

"SAKURA KIRISHIMA!" At the sound of Taylor shrieking in surprise, the realization went in immediately, followed by the ringing of the Lord and several of his kids' ears.

"Taylor's hearing's gone up, good to know." Matthew groaned, cupping his hands over his ears in pain.

"Sakura Kirishima's at Little Garden! Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you say anything? Did you get me an autograph? What kind of clothes does she wear? Is she really as pretty as she is on stage? Is her voice really as sweet as it is-mph!?" The girl was quick to get up, running right next to Matthew and was going to ask a million questions if he hadn't put his hand over her mouth.

"Sorry Taylor but, inside voices please?" Matthew politely requested, getting a rapid nod from the girl. "Okay, I'm going to take my hand off your mouth, will you behave?" At the second nod, he'd release his grasp on her, the girl taking a deep breath before speaking again.

"Is she really tall? Does she shine like she does on stage? Is she really a Slayer? Is her hair and eyes recall pink or-?" Taylor was then stopped again as Matthew clasped her mouth with his hand again, sighing but keeping a smile on his face.

"Sorry to say this Taylor, but I don't really talk to Sakura that much. I will admit she's pretty, she seems to wear dresses or casual wear with shorts, never really liked her music but she talks calmly, she doesn't shine last I checked, and the last I'm willing to say is that she is a Slayer but more as a formality."

"What's formality?" Taylor asked as Matthew took his hand off her.

"It means she isn't like me and Reitia, but she can turn on a Hundred like us and use energy." He explained.

"Oooooooh, okay!" Taylor would nod before smiling. "Do you think I could meet her one day?"

"Sakura will only meet kids who finish their vegetables." Matthew said, smirking knowingly as the girl froze.

"Th-that's not fair!"

"Life's not fair. Now go finish your dinner." The hybrid would laugh as his little sister pouted, patting her head as she turned. "If you finish, I'll be sure to put in a good word for you next time I see Sakura."

"…Promise?"

"Pinky swear." He'd answer, holding his pinky finger out for her. She remained turned, but relented and turned to wrap her own pinky around his, giggling as she did.

"It's a promise!" Matthew smiled gently as he watched his younger sister run back to the kids table, pausing when she picked up a piece of broccoli before steeling herself and taking a bite.

"I almost wish we knew Sakura was on Little Garden sooner, getting Taylor to eat her vegetables is impossible without her big brother to convince her." Fiona laughed. "Thank you Matthew, you always seem to have a way with them."

"Eh, I used to hate them too growing up."

"Oh don't remind us." Fiona and Ornstein both groaned at the distant memory, the latter's shoulders slumping as Fiona continued. "You used to be so stubborn on eating food you didn't like; you'd even manage to psych yourself into vomiting perfectly fine food."

"I was a harsh negotiator, can't ignore that."

"Harsh is way to put it, ruthless feels more appropriate." Ornstein stated. "But now look at you, an upstanding young man and a skilled Slayer. You've come a long way."

"I haven't gone far enough; the last mission was a failure." Matthew responded, taking a sip of water as he did.

"But you all came out alive, and there's now three Hunters in captivity. Even if the hive wasn't completely destroyed, it was far from a failure."

"The objective wasn't complete; it was a failure." The hybrid shot back, silence filling the room as everyone looked between the two.

"…I suppose, but there's more to success than just an objective."

"There is nothing but the objective in a mission and we failed." Matthew asserted before picking his spoon up, going back to eating. "There's nothing else to it."

"You know, you really put a sour mood in dinner when you talked about your mission." Ornstein stated as he rolled up to Matthew, the hybrid sitting in his father's study with a book in hand.

"I simply put it as it was, everyone else took it as that because they couldn't follow it." Matthew responded, looking up from his book to speak to Ornstein. "I don't see the problem in what I said."

"Aside from the fact that you think you failed in a mission with odds heavily stacked against you?" His father spoke, raising an eyebrow as he did. "I read the full report, I know everything from everyone's perspective. The hell that night had been was beyond what you were ready for."

"…Do mom and the others know?"

"Of course not, I couldn't bring myself to tell them you and Reitia could've died." The Lord answered. "They're stressed enough with all the gossip around the Anti-Slayer organizations and the rumor of an impending invasion."

"You should have told them, keeping it a secret is pointless."

"What would I tell them Matthew? That my father is alive? That he attempted to take you to be tortured and twisted by Him? That he had Oristin sic a Pygmy Variant at you with a form we hadn't seen before?" Ornstein questioned. "How do you think your mother would've reacted? Or your brothers and sisters for that matter? They would've been terrified and scared helpless for you."

"But it's better than to keep secrets. They'll be forced to face the real world sooner or later."

"Matthew, they aren't even ten. Ethan is only nine, how could you say that?"

"I got the reality check when I was nine."

"That was different Matthew, you and I both know that. Gods, you know I never would have let that happen if I knew what was going on."

"I know, but it did happen. And it could happen to them too."

"You know damn well I won't let that happen."

"And neither will I." Matthew nodded, his eyes narrowing as he put his book down on a nightstand and stood up. "I was too weak last time, but now I have an idea of what I'm dealing with. And with that, I can level the field."

"You didn't come to visit." Ornstein said hurt, looking to his eldest son with sorrowful eyes.

"I need everything you have on the Nameless King, as well as Oristin and anything regarding the Dark Soul. Pygmies, the Abyss, everything." Matthew detailed, walking through the bookshelves across the room as he did, picking out the books he recognized and had information on the mentioned subjects. "I need to familiarize myself with it again, and in greater detail. So I have to ask that you allow me to see inside your vault."

"Perhaps after dessert? Fiona is making your favorite brownies." Ornstein offered, wheeling towards his son before the hybrid moved to pick out another book.

"Maybe another time. The Darksign, is that related more to the Dark Soul or Abyss?" Matthew asked, brushing off Ornstein's request in favor of questioning the book he had in hand. "Never mind, I should take it as well to be safe. Along with that I should also see if there's any signs of a Dark Sigil or-"

"Matthew, slow down." Ornstein stated, reaching his son and halting him once he got close. "I understand wanting to know more about Him and my father, even the Pygmy, but why the interest in the Abyss? Artorian's control is fine and the necessary information is only needed for dire circumstances."

"He lost himself over Claire's near death, he can't be trusted with it anymore." The hybrid answered, flipping through a book on the origin of the Dragon Slayers. "His soul has also been drastically tainted, he's far beyond the stage an Abysswalker should be at his age. He's nearing late term stage and has shown minimal adjustment with the Abyss as a whole. Calling him an Abysswalker is a compliment at this point, he's just a container trapping it, ready to burst at a moment's notice."

"You can't say that for certain, Gwyn expected Artorias to be consumed decades before he had Artorian and-"

"Why are you letting Carver have a kid?" Matthew asked, interrupting his father. "Carver is a Vessel; Lord Gwyn has specifically stated a Vessel is not allowed to reproduce. The only acceptation is if the strain of the Abyss they are made from is jeopardized. So why is he having a kid?"

"…It's not for that reason." Ornstein answered, although disappointed as he did. "He's been a loyal Slayer and a brave warrior for almost two decades now. He's been through both the First and Second Attack, and was even a Vessel before that, fighting the Savage that would land in Lordran. He's fought more than his fair share and I believe he's earned the privilege of having his own child."

"But you're risking the birth of a potential Abysswalker, one that the Lords will have no control over." Matthew argued, looking to his father. "A human's body is too weak to handle the full power of the Abyss; the child may be broken when it turns ten. Why give it that false idea of a life."

"We don't know what humans are truly capable of. I've seen humans bear more of the Abyss than countless Lords have. They're resilient."

"Their souls are unrivaled in will, but their bodies aren't powerful enough. The human addition may be the reason why Artorian's struggling with the Abyss after only eighteen years. It's too much of a risk at this point."

"He has his parent's shared will and strengths, he won't fall as easily as you may think."

"I used to think many people were unshakable, but one mistake is all it takes to shatter right then and there. Too much pressure and the foundation crumbles."

"…So that's what this is about." Ornstein sighed. "This isn't about doing what's right, this about appearing favorable in Gwyn's eyes."

"You made the claim, not me."

"Matthew, there's a reason I didn't protest when I was stripped of my rank and position. It took my last order to see what was wrong." Ornstein stated to his son. "I sacrificed ten Lord lives to save millions of humans, I stand by my decision because it was the right choice."

"You weren't the one who faced the brunt of your failure!" Matthew shouted in an outburst, surprising himself at the flux of emotions. He'd place a hand over his eye, feeling out his tension before taking deep breaths to relax himself. "I know you believe what you did was right, and everyone in the United States of Liberia does as well. But the fact of the matter is that one of the Lords you refused to rescue was Lady Gwynevere, you sacrificed a member of royal blood and forsworn your people."

"No one person is worth millions of lives. It took seeing Artorias break the first time for me to realize that." Ornstein admitted, falling silent as he allowed Matthew to look through his study without interruption.

The hybrid continued to look through and find every book he felt he'd need, even taking old and dusty text before having assembled everything he needed. "I'll come back later to search through your vault, I need everything I can to properly prepare for the Abyss." As Matthew walked past his father, a pinch of guilt struck through him, seeing the elder Lord look down in disappointment.

"I'm sorry for losing my temper, it isn't your fault for what happened to me. But I refuse to let that happen to any of them. Ethan, Cameron, Tyler and Taylor, Amy… I won't let them suffer for an unjust crime. And to do that, I need to regain our family's rank."

"I know, you're not one to think selfishly." Ornstein responded quietly. "Everything you do, you do for them. And before we had them, you did the same for Reitia. I just wish you treated them more as your siblings than objectives. They miss you more each time you leave."

"I know… but I have to do this."

"Are you planning on leaving already?" Ornstein asked as Matthew stepped to open the door, the hybrid pausing at the question. "You know, you promised Ethan that you would teach him to ride his bike. Now would be a great time for that. You have four days after today."

"He still hasn't learned?"

"Nope, he refuses to be taught by anyone but you. And Cameron was hoping you'd teach her as well."

Matthew didn't respond to that, instead remaining in place with a somber look. He knew due to his commitment as a Slayer and his drive to regain his family's lost honor that he would barely get to see his little brothers and sisters. He barely left Little Garden to visit, most of the time its them coming to him when he actually sees his family. But he also knew the commitment was needed, to prove himself to the Lords required more sacrifice than he's ever made before. And despite what it made him feel, he knew he had to soldier on.

And so he'd step out the door, closing it and leaving Ornstein alone.

The Lord sighed in sorrow, looking to an old photo with him in his golden armor, carrying Matthew in one arm and Reitia in another, the last photo he took before the Second Attack officially began. A bright smile was on all three's faces, Matthew's the brightest as he sat proudly on his father's right shoulder.

'I'm sorry Matthew. It's my fault you're like this, I wasn't there when you needed me the most.'

The next morning, the Ornisium family were all sitting around the table eating breakfast. As usual the kids were all as active as ever, full of energy after a full night's rest. As they talked and laughed about their favorite shows, Ornstein was looking out the window, a somber expression across his face as he did.

After Matthew left, he did return later for the files in Ornstein's vault, the Lord letting him find what he wanted. Most of the information was only meant for specific eyes, but considering the apparent deterioration Artorian was going through at a young age, he couldn't fault his son's sudden interest in what he could find. But even then, he was disappointed in his son. Even with as little sleep as they had, Matthew would always be the first one up so that he could be productive for the full day. Him not being here led the Lord to believe his son was already heading back for Little Garden.

"Are you okay?" Fiona would ask, noticing Ornstein prodding at his eggs rather than eating.

"Huh? Yeah I'm fine." He answered, sighing as he placed his fork down. "I'm just… thinking is all."

"It's about Matthew, isn't it?"

"I just wish I could get through to him. But I also know that I'm the one person he won't listen to." The Lord explained. "Maybe I wasn't as cut out for parenting as I thought I was."

"You and I both know Matthew values your advice, he's just at a difficult point in his life." Fiona responded, placing her hand gently on her husband's. "He needs to decide what he really wants in life. It isn't something you can change about him; there's no forcing it, we can only hope he accepts our guidance and makes the best choice he can for himself."

"I know…" He nodded, turning his hand to hold onto Fiona's. "I know, I just hope he doesn't take as long as I did to see what was right in front of me."

"Hey dad, where's Matthew?" Ethan would ask, getting his parent's attention. "He's usually up right now, did he go somewhere for you?"

"Yeah, we were hoping he would finally help us ride our bikes!" Cameron added in.

The two parents looked to each other, hesitant to answer their kids question. But they knew better than to hide it, so Ornstein took it upon himself to explain the situation of their oldest brother.

"Kids, I'm sorry but Matthew's-"

"Too tired to help you this morning." The entire room turned to see Matthew walking in, rubbing his eyes before yawning.

"You're awake!"

"Yeah, sorry I didn't get up sooner. I spent the whole night reading and lost track of time." The hybrid explained, ruffling Ethan and Cameron's hair before going to pour himself a cup of coffee. "If you two are willing to wait, I'll be awake in an hour or two. Then we'll go to the park and I'll make sure you're biking laps around the other kids."

"Okay!"

'He stayed…' Ornstein thought in surprise, looking to his son as he finished pouring his own coffee before walking to the table and sitting between his father and Amy.

"I apologize for waking up so late, it was irresponsible of me to stay awake for so long." Matthew said, looking to his parents. "I guess I got too absorbed into my book when I could've done so later and…"

"It's okay Matthew." Fiona responded, smiling to her son. "The important thing is you're here now. Now please, eat up. You have a busy day teaching your little brothers and sisters."

"Thank you." Matthew nodded.

As he would fill his plate, Ornstein would grow a small smile, seeing the tired stare of his son go away as Amy pulled on his sleeve. She showed him a crayon drawing of their whole family, to which the older of the two thanked her and patted her head, the exhaustion leaving his face slightly. Turning back to his own breakfast, the Lord would eat with a look of satisfaction. One his son didn't miss and sighed in response to, shaking his head while trying to fight down a small smirk.

'Now that's a sight to remember.' Fiona thought, seeing both Ornstein and Matthew eat in peace together, not a shred of tension between them as they smiled. Something she hasn't seen for years.

"I'm sorry." Matthew said quietly, feeling Ornstein then place his hand on his shoulder.

"I know. I'm sorry too."

(A/N): Okay, this certainly took longer to write than I intended. But the hiatus was a warning even after the last chapter so I hope it's understandable. Along with that, I was very cautious on writing this chapter, Matthew's a character I want to get right and rushing this would've been a challenge. This chapter also had more to do with Matthew's relationships outside of Little Garden, making it an extreme filler that came slow to write at the same time. But I also didn't mind it, I enjoyed exploring the dynamics I can give him as well as bringing up some characters for later.

But at last I've gotten this out and am hoping my writing spirit is fully back. I already know what I'm doing for the next two chapters at least so I have the layout ready. All I need to do is get to work after a bit of my classwork is done. And even though the next couple chapters will be filler as well, I'm more excited to work on them because they will have impact on the next arc as well as future arcs.

I'm also going to get to introduce two characters I've been waiting to in the next chapter. So I hope you'll look forward to it as I am. I also hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you in the next one. Stay safe and be sure to keep healthy! Peace!