"We won't ask again Corporal, if you don't stand down we will open fire on you."

"You feel that lucky, go right ahead. I'll send a Get Well Soon card when you're drinking through a straw while they relocate your jaw."

"Everyone, stand down." Before things escalated, Claire jumped down and landed between the two parties, the soldiers raising their rifles at the commander's arrival while Artorian remained ready.

"Commander, with due respect we are following our orders. Corporal Abyssal is hindering our ability to carry them out."

"What are your orders captain, and who gave them that has enough authority to aim at one of my subordinates?"

"That would be me, actually." The latest arrival was Judal himself, approaching past his soldiers to stand across from Claire. "With Vitaly's forces repelled, the Hunters need to be contained and questioned on any information they can give us about her plans."

"Bullshit, you want a dissection and figure out how to make your own Artificial Variants. You know well enough Vitaly wouldn't have told them anything." Artorian spat out, Judal returning his glare with his own.

"We already have enough on Vitaly's old notes that dissection wouldn't be necessary. Regardless of what you believe our intentions are, the Hunters are terrorists that aided in the damage of Warslran property, as well as the injury and deaths of dozens of civilians and security." Judal stated. "It is within my authority to arrest them and make sure the proper punishment is administered."

"They were drugged to the extent they were doping out, claiming they "aided" is like blaming a knife for you stabbing someone."

"They are living people who sided with Vitaly from the beginning, continue to stand in support of them and I will have my men take action."

"Go ahead, you're the one who's skull I'd love to cave in right now." Artorian's growl was accompanied by the growing heat of his energy, whisps of blue leaving his body as the Variant stood his ground.

"Artorian you… this is not the battle to fight right now." Claire turned to the hybrid, placing a hand on his shoulder as she tried to calm him. "Judal is right in the fact that they actively participated in attacking Little Garden and went after both Karen and Sakura who are VIPs on this ship."

"They're kids who were experimented on by a deranged lunatic."

"Circumstances don't justify terrorism."

"Are you listening to yourself? They're victims, no different than everyone else here."

"I'll give you to the count of ten to stand down Abyssal." Judal interrupted.

"Judal, you shouldn't refer to him by-"

"He knew long before you did." Artorian stated as he pushed Claire aside, the Slayer about to stop him when he looked back to her with a calm stare. Despite the vibrant glow of his eyes, the blonde seemed to pick up that he needed to do this, and to her reluctance stood down to let him handle it.

"Is this your standing down?" Judal asked.

"No, but it will be yours." Artorian said, standing right in front of Judal with half the soldiers pointing their N-Tranquilizers at him. "You want to label them terrorists? Criminals that need to be interrogated and imprisoned? Okay, I'll accept that classification. And because we agree, I execute my right to conscript them." The pressure between the two was instantly felt by everyone on stage, as if a battle of wills was going on between the two men.

"You don't have the authority to conscript them."

"Last time I checked, I was given permission and explicit privilege to take over my father's duties should I want to. I'm a Slayer now, might as well take up the mantle of deciding the candidates." Artorian countered.

"You'll be expected to make them Vessels as soon as possible."

"I don't have to do shit there, as my conscripts they're to be monitored and determined if that is required. And seeing their abilities firsthand three times now, I deem that unnecessary."

"You're making a mistake by trying this game with me, Abyssal."

"Is the blond bastard feeling concerned that his one ace over me is no longer viable?" Artorian stated, smirking as he motioned with his shoulder back to Karen. "Well don't worry, I don't intend to leave this wonderful faction of a PMC now that I'm taking over my father's duty. And with that in mind." Artorian then grabbed Judal by his jaw, the full attention of the soldiers as he smirked down to the smaller man, lifting him up enough to have Judal near face to face with his downward stare.

"Krovanh, Nakri and Nesat are my responsibility, as well as anyone else I decide to conscript. As of this day, I retain my father's rank as Warslran's Master Chief Petty Officer of Rejections. I will enjoy the recommissioned uniforms and request my subordinates are allowed to pick out the secondary color. Oh, and a pleasure to now be working together, partner." Artorian then shoved Judal back, the Warslran CEO being caught by the captain as he massaged his jaw.

"Now fuck off. These three need medical attention and I'm going to give it to them." Artorian spat as he turned around, walking over to the Hunters and kneeling next to them. "Well you three, good news and bad news. Good news, you aren't going to jail and have jobs."

"And the bad news?" Nakri asked, Krovanh and Nesat too weak to even sit up.

"Bad news, you don't have a choice on the job and are officially conscripted. On the plus at least I'm your boss now."

"Great… one leash for another." Krovanh winced, getting a chuckle from Artorian as he tapped his cheek with his hand.

"Relax there druggy, I'm not the strictest leader and I don't have a pole up my ass like my Boss in Blonde used to."

"I'm still here." Claire announced.

"I stand by what I said." The hybrid snickered, standing up as paramedics showed up. "They'll take care of you three, try not to be too difficult. I'll catch up if you're ahead of me."

"Good luck." Was all Nesat said.

"So… I guess this has been a busy day." Sakura said, stepping beside Artorian as he sighed heavily.

"Really busy. And I'm nowhere close to done."

"U-Um… Artorian?" Karen spoke up, getting the two's attention. "I… I just wanted to say that I… well… I didn't mean… I should have…"

"Apology accepted." Artorian said, patting her head as he smiled down to her. "And I guess I… I can be a little… well you know well enough how much of a pain I… I suppose I shouldn't have…"

"Apology accepted." Karen smiled up to Artorian before floating up to pat the hybrid's head with a giggle. "I always wanted to do that while you were standing."

"You have the strangest wishes, you know that?" He sighed, giving her a tired smile.

"It seems everything's cleared up then." Matthew stated, getting the group's attention. "I'm going to patrol and start getting a headcount on injuries and casualties. I suggest you do the same when you're done." The hybrid then took off, leaving a trail of red energy.

"Matthew's right, the fighting's over but now we need to start with recovery efforts." Claire said, hovering up before looking down to Artorian. "Once your business is done, are you able to help as well?"

"Unless I get attacked escorting these three to the nearest doctor, I'll help once I figure out where Miharu and the others are." Artorian answered.

"Thank you, check on everyone for me when you see them." Claire requested before flying off, Artorian smiling as she went off.

"Oh Artorian, before you go." Sakura spoke up. "People might need a quick interview, you know, just to make sure everything is okay. And so they know which Slayer to thank for preventing us and the entire audience form being killed."

"I doubt I'm really needed for that."

"Oh don't be a stick in the mud!" Sakura responded, grabbing Artorian's arm and pulling him along, Karen following while she remained floating near them.

"Oi, I'm not exactly camera worthy Pinky!"

"No one cares if a guy's shirtless, stop making excuses!"

"Yeah my dressing isn't what I think the problem will be."

"Should we apprehend the Hunters now sir?" The captain asked Judel, the three currently being helped onto stretchers by the medics.

"No… they're out of our jurisdiction now." The man said, glaring at the Slayer as he was dragged away by Sakura. "Divert efforts to help with search and rescue parties, we're done here."

"Understood sir. You heard him! Time to start helping the rescue efforts!"

'You want to throw your hand into this Abyssal, you better be ready because I'm going to be the least of your problems.' Judal thought as he walked away, leaving the scene without a word. 'They're going to make a move soon, and there's no doubt now you're target #1.'

"It sounds like the fighting's died down." Liddy commented sitting on a empty crate. Most of her wounds were bandaged up, her left arm in a sling after determining there was a fracture.

"That's comforting, there's been enough fighting for a lifetime today." Miharu responded, carefully wrapping bandaging around a man's leg, or what was left after an explosion blew it off just over his knee.

"Are you doing okay Miharu? Anything we can do to help?" Emilia asked, a set of bandages wrapped around her head and a makeshift splint on her leg after Pawn nearly broke it, giving her multiple fractures across her shin.

"I appreciate the concern, but you two should be focusing on recovering. Whatever that thing was it did a number on you, and there's no telling what other internal injuries you have. I've handled longer shifts so this isn't a problem." The nurse informed, albeit after covering up the man's injuries she took a second to let out a tired breath. "My mother always told me of the injuries she saw as a field medic, I was hoping the worst injuries I ever treated were Artorian's. And I'm afraid if I'm proven right when he's recovered."

"Hey, I might have a record, but I can do better." The three women all turned to see the mentioned Slayer approach, wearing a blue shirt to cover up his torn variable suit.

"Artorian!"

"Oh thank god." As soon as the Slayer entered past the destroyed door, he was caught when Miharu hugged him. He relaxed when he realized the gesture, hugging her back to calm the nurse.

"Don't worry, it'll take more than three teens with diluted alien blood to keep me down." Artorian assured the nurse, the two pulling away to smile at each other. The smile on the nurse went away when she noticed him wearing his casual shirt, coupled with the cut across his face she instantly became suspicious. "U-Um… Miharu?"

"Shirt. Off."

"Miharu, this is hardly the time or the place."

"Artorian." The nurse's tone let the Slayer know she wasn't playing games, and sighed before taking his shirt off to show he had no worse than a few leftover burn marks from calming Nesat. "Back as well." She ordered, the hybrid turning to show he had taken even less damage there as well, but making sure she wasn't overlooking anything.

"Maybe I should have gone into nursing." Emilia sighed, envious of Miharu's position. "But then I'd be dealing with patients too much to hang out with Artorian, you get me Liddy?" Emilia asked, turning to her fellow Slayer and seeing her head snap away the second she looked to her. "Liddy?"

"Hmm? Oh um… yeah, I understand completely Emilia." Liddy said, acting as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar as she attempted to avoid looking at the white-haired Slayer.

"Oh come on." Emilia grumbled as her shoulders slouched.

"I-It was just a curious glance!" Liddy responded, flustered at the clear insinuation Emilia was making with that key phrase. "Nothing that serious, I wanted to make sure he was uninjured and got a bit…"

"Distracted?" Emilia finished for the Slayer, Liddy blushing as she looked away again.

"…Yes."

"They really have the subtly of bricks don't they?" Artorian chuckled to Miharu as he passed her inspection, the Slayer shockingly in good condition given his track record.

"I don't believe you have much room to speak." Miharu countered, but sighing in relief as she looked up to him. "So Karen and Sakura are safe?"

"Yep, the Hunters are also being treated by medics not far. Figured they'd need treatment after the ass kicking I gave them."

"They were the ones attacking the concert?"

"Yeah, but they were drugged into obedience by Vitaly. They're cleaned up so they shouldn't be a problem anymore." Artorian explained, walking over to Emilia and Liddy to kneel down next to the former. A ping of guilt went through him when he saw their condition, knowing what they fought was powerful to damage them this much.

"No, don't go giving us that look." Liddy responded, the hybrid looking up to her when she spoke. "You know just as well as us that it comes with the profession. We fought an unknown enemy, all things considered we're in better condition then we should."

"Claire does have a talent for timing after all." Emilia added in, getting a chuckle from Artorian as he rolled his eyes.

"That she does."

"Shinshisho!" As the hybrid stood up, Touka ran up to him and was only stopped when he grabbed her shoulders, surprising the three as Artorian physically had to take a step back to keep his balance.

"Whoa there now, take it easy." Artorian chuckled.

"Shinshisho you missed so much! After you left this crazy fish-lizard thing ripped through the ship and started attacking! I wanted to stay but Erica dragged me off to help with survivors, fighting a tone of those little drone things that were all over the place! Then we went back for backup and I slammed that freaky monster into the ground! I would've crushed its head but then bam I'm suddenly in the air and EricagrabbedmewithherHundredandIwasflyingand-!"

"Okay Touka, do me a favor and breathe." Artorian interrupted, the fiery redhead inhaling long and on the verge of continuing before Artorian placed a hand over her mouth. "Good, now keep that air because we got some work to do."

"Is there another monster?" Touka asked, excited as Artorian stepped away.

"Nope. We're going on search and rescue to find everyone who laid low to avoid the fighting or were missed in the heat of the moment." Artorian's statement brought Touka's spirits down, the girl still pumped on adrenaline after her share of action.

"You're going out for search and rescue?" Erica asked, the Slayer catching up after Touka charged for Artorian.

"Figured it's something I can do since I'm not out of commission for a change."

"Makes sense, would you mind if I came along?"

"Feel free Four-Eyes, the more the merrier." Artorian shrugged, looking over to Emilia and Liddy one last time before leaving. "If something happens, call my PDA. Don't go headbutting the problems again."

"I'm sure we'll remember that." Liddy rolled her eyes.

"Good luck out there." Emilia added in, Artorian nodding before looking to Miharu.

"Don't work yourself to the bone, even you can only help so many people."

"That's never worked for you when I try it." Miharu countered, getting a laugh from the hybrid.

"Fair enough, just give yourself some breaks."

Hours later, most of the efforts had been diverted to the proper authorities, rescue teams coming in to replace those at work and additional medical personnel helping transfer the injured to more sanitary locations. As one of the groups given the opportunity to go home, Artorian took the chance to sneak away from the seeing eye, entering the central elevator in Little Garden's science wing.

"Now, let's see how quick you are to hold up your end." Artorian muttered to himself, taking his PDA and holding it up to the scanner. Getting a solid green light from the sensor, Artorian pressed the hidden button and waited patiently as the elevator descended. After the short delay the doors opened and he stepped into Liza's holding area, walking to the sleeping Variant.

"Hey Liza… sorry I wasn't able to handle things on my own there." The hybrid apologized to the girl. "Maybe if I was able to manage Nesat, who knows maybe you would've been out here in a few weeks. Leave it to me to screw up fighting a sixteen-year-old girl huh?"

"You saved lives" Liza's automated voice responded, getting a chuckle from him as he shook his head.

"Let me be a damn sour grape in peace would you?" Artorian said, before walking closer to the container she was kept in. "Aside from that, I came down to say thank you. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have saved Karen or Sakura."

"I wanted to"

"Yeah, yeah that Noblesse Oblige crap, I get it from Claire all the time. Let me get to the greater point of this visit." Artorian stated, placing a hand to the barrier protecting Liza and started to transfer energy into it. "Vitaly's after us, you know that."

"Her Chimera is dangerous, and I'm afraid it might only be one of more." Now speaking through their shared energy with Sympathy, Liza's voice was directly heard by the Slayer in his head. "She called it Pawn, meaning it was likely the weakest of her monsters."

"Then I'll just have to crush the next one that pops up." Artorian grinned, taking his hand off her barrier when he felt a large portion of his energy be absorbed. "This time don't go using the energy I gave you. I'd like to hear your voice with my own ears rather through a thought-to-speech device or hearing it directly in my skull."

"Okay…"

"Everything okay?" Artorian asked, hearing the hesitation in her response.

"Nothing, you should go see everyone"

"Ah, everyone's either doing additional searching or being transferred to the hospital." Artorian said, shrugging before sitting down. "So why not I stay down and keep you company for a bit as more ways to say thank you?"

"…You don't have to"

"Then you can feel happy knowing I want to." He said, smiling up to the girl. "How about I start doing this? Every day I'll come down and visit, and then we can talk about anything that comes to mind."

"…That'd be nice"

"That's all you have to say." He chuckled, looking back in time to see the elevator close after it had remained open, sighing when he realized that it had opened a second time while he was down here. "So then, what do you want to talk about first Liza?"

"Do you cook good?"

"I don't know how to compare, but I haven't gotten a complaint yet."

An hour later, Artorian waited until the elevator opened back to the science wing, Claire standing on the other end and stepping back in surprise. "A-Artorian!?"

"You know she would have liked to speak with you too." Not wasting their time, Artorian called Claire out as he walked past, her head lowering as she followed.

"I know I just… it hurts every time I hear her synthesized voice. I'm reminded that I failed her and that I… that it was all my fault."

"It hurt every time I saw Karen sitting in her hospital bed, but I never missed a visit." Artorian said. Seeing her head remain lowered, the hybrid sighed as he rubbed his head. "Look Claire, I don't know what more I can say than it isn't about you. Liza's the one in critical condition, you should be visiting because she can't. Regardless of how much it hurts."

"I know but… if I'm really a Variant now and somehow Sympathy is possible she'll see something I don't want her to. Something horrible." Claire said, her thoughts going back to the collapsing insides of the Chimera.

"You can't babysit her forever, eventually she'll learn about the ugly of the world. If she hasn't already with being plugged into the internet."

"Could you say the same thing about Karen?"

"Karen already knows how shit this world is… but I see what you mean." Artorian relented, knowing better than anyone what Claire is going through. And considering Karen's improvement in health he couldn't really be one to comment on the critical condition Liza was in, especially since he feels responsible for putting her recovery back.

"…What did you two talk about?" Claire asked, looking over to the hybrid.

"Just whatever she thought about, she's got a lot on her mind sitting around." He explained. "On a side note, she wants her first meal to be made by me, so I guess I'm going to have to make something special."

"The gesture is nice Artorian, but you don't need to worry yourself about that."

"I know, that's why I'm doing it." He responded, continuing when he saw her confusion. "Well the way I see it, impressions with your brother is dead in the water, I doubt it'll be any better with your father and I honestly would spit on your mom's grave if I knew where it was. So the only family of yours where I can make a good impression is Liza. Can't responsibly ask to date you if your entire family hates me can I?"

"…Can you please read the room for once and be reasonable?" Claire asked after a pause, looking away as her cheeks turned red.

"Hehehe, not gonna happen Claire." The hybrid chuckled. "Now, I'm making a pitstop before heading to the hospital. Care to join me while I make a few calls?"

"I suppose, but we must get back to aiding the searches once we've recovered enough stamina." Claire ordered, getting a relenting wave of his hand in response.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say boss. You more regular or sweet potato fries kind of girl?"

"UgggggghhhhhHHHHHH!"

"Are you this vocal around Artorian, or is there something about me that brings this out of you?" Liddy asked, sitting next to Emilia's hospital bed as the girl groaned in annoyance, her leg casted and kept upright for comfort.

"I'm bored and I can't move, can't I just vent out my frustration?"

"Miharu told you to not put pressure on your leg, your broken leg is your fault and yours alone." Liddy said, reading one of the Abyssal family's tomes as she kept Emilia company.

"It still isn't fair, I was just trying to help." The girl argued, pouting as Liddy kept her eyes on her book. "It'd at least be nice if you said you felt bad for me instead of burying your face in that old book."

"I'm sorry you were too stubborn to listen to medical advice and broke your tibia, does that make it better?" Liddy asked, looking up from her book. Emilia simply pouted and turned her head away, the green-haired Slayer laughing at the childish antics before closing the tome. "Is there anything I can do to make things more bearable? You hungry or thirsty?"

"…A bit." Emilia relented, sighing as she looked to Liddy. "Think we can order something? Or do you think everything's closed due to… terrorism…" The girl's head lowered in defeat at the obvious condition, Liddy's shoulders slumping as she thought the same.

"There they are, the wounded heroes of today's battle." Surprising the two by suddenly opening the door, Artorian walked in carrying several plastic bags. "You two settling in?"

"For the most part, Emilia did a little more damage to her leg." Liddy explained.

"Yeah, Miharu told me when we came in." The hybrid nodded. "So, I'm sure it's been about as long for you two as it has been for us. Who's hungry?" Artorian then pulled a styrofoam container, passing it to Emilia as the girl's eyes shined.

"Artorian you're my hero!" Emilia said with a beaming smile, opening the box to see a burger and fries, wasting no time as she dug into the patty. "Bacon, ham and cheddar, I'm in heaven~"

"Told you they'd be starving." Artorian said back to the door, Claire and Erica walking in with a few bags of their own.

"Claire, Erica, you're here too?" Liddy asked, nearly dropping her burger when her attention was dropped.

"Of course, we were concerned about your condition." Claire said with a smile, Artorian stepping away and grabbing a table, pulling it to the center of the hospital room for the others to eat as he claimed the spare bed.

"Is your arm doing any better?" Erica asked, the two sitting at the table.

"Yeah, I got some painkillers so it's bearable at least. A lot better than Emilia's leg." Liddy stated, getting garbled snark from Emilia as she quickly returned to eating.

"Here, wash that down so you can join the conversation like an adult." Artorian chuckled, placing a large bottle of water on the stand beside Emilia's bed. The white-haired Slayer then finished her burger and grabbed the water, guzzling it down completely and sighing in bliss.

"Man that hit the spot…"

"Well be sure to slow down, the rest aren't going anywhere." The hybrid said, placing two more burger containers on the stand along with an additional water, pulling out his own burger and biting off half his burger in one go. "So… you broke your leg already?"

"S-Shut up…" Emilia muttered out with a blush, now digging into her fries as she still was unbearably hungry.

"You're just adorably, my little problem maker." Artorian grinned. "I might be a problem, but at least once I'm treated I'm not breaking anything."

"Usually because you broke everything already." Claire countered.

"Touché." Artorian shrugged. "But I think I'm gonna relish today, first time I'm not the one who needs to be lectured about serious injuries. Hell I actually feel great."

"Speaking on that, are you going to deactivate your Variant Mode?" Emilia asked, pointing out that the hybrid's eyes were still glowing gold.

"I would if I knew how, I assume it'll just go away itself when I'm out of energy." Artorian answered, finishing the rest of his burger in a second bite. "How long does this usually last for anyways?"

"…Mine at it's worst took only an hour to drain me." Emilia said, getting a blink in response. "You've had your virus active since your fight with the Hunters, right?"

"Yep."

"How do you have so much energy?"

"He doesn't, Dr. Dimandias' notes point out that although he has a decent compatibility rating, Artorian's energy reserves are relatively average." Claire responded.

"This is only with three Variants in mind, but perhaps the Variant Virus affects everyone differently?" Erica hypothesized. "Comparing the Variants whose abilities we're aware of; Artorian, Emilia and Sakura all have unique properties to them. Sakura possess a special influence over Severance, which likely comes from her strain of the Variant Virus. Emilia possesses a strong enough link to access every armament possible in a Hundred and even a surplus of energy to match. Would it be too out there to assume Artorian's virus may cause him to regulate his energy at the perfect amount?"

"…That sounds like a stretch, but fuck it I don't really care." Artorian shrugged, placing his fries aside as he and Emilia grabbed their second burgers. "Oh and before I forget, Touka told me you forcibly pulled her into the air and ordered her to retreat from Vitaly's monster?"

"Yes, it had defeated Liddy and Emilia alone and I wished to avoid further injuries. Did I… overstep my boundaries?" Erica asked.

"Gods no, Touka would've been ripped into ribbons if she tried fighting that thing." Artorian responded. "She's stubborn as hell and is out trying to prove something. So I wanted to thank you for looking after my precious student."

"Of course, we're all comrades in the end. And she has a bright future ahead of her." Erica said.

"Damn, not even a second of hesitation." Artorian snapped his finger, chuckling in amusement. "One day Erica, one day."

"So they're okay?" Chris asked, getting visited by Artorian after his time with the others was done. The kid was sitting on a hospital bed with bandage wrapped around his head, his wound cleaned but still present in his impaired vision.

"Yeah, I checked on them before coming here. You did good taking over for Claire, even damaged like you were ya little squirt." Artorian chuckled, keeping to himself to avoid hurting him.

"I was worried, whatever was going on sounded bad, and I know Claire didn't want to go willingly with me injured."

"But you manned up, and saved a lot of innocent people, more than I could say I did at your age."

"Speaking of people, I haven't heard anything about Nakri and her cousins yet. Are they being held prisoner again?"

"No, not this time." Artorian answered. "Nakri and Krovanh are in intensive care, they were overdosed by a shit ton of drugs that impaired their thinking and enhanced their energy. Nesat's suffering from overexposure to energy, but aside from a few days of rest she'll be fine."

"Thank goodness." Chris sighed, the hybrid resting his cheek on his fist as he smirked at the boy. "What?"

"Nothing… nothing at all." Brushing Chris' question off, the hybrid let out a relaxed breath as he leaned back into his chair, balancing on the back legs. "It's good to see you're feeling better, Claire was worried but got called out again from another search party."

"I'm grateful for the visit, I realize you don't normally like me."

"Ah don't say it like that kid." Artorian groaned, although understanding in the reason why the conclusion was made. "You were an unintentional smartass the first time I met you, it leaves a bad impression. But… I did take it too far chucking a fork past your head like that. So you know… sorry."

"Y-You don't have to apologize for that, it's been a while now and I got over it, promise."

"Stop being the better man Chris, please just let me have this."

"Oh thank goodness!" Before the two continued, Mei Mei had opened the door and ran to the boy, hugging Chris while the boys were still registering her showing up. "I heard you were hurt! I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner!"

"It's okay Mei Mei, my head too a hit but I was otherwise okay." Chris tried to calm the woman, returning the hug.

"What about you Mei Mei? I heard you took a bad hit early on." Artorian asked, the cyber-cat maid letting go of Chris to look over to him.

"Yes, Vitaly's attack had surprised me and I was hit by her Chimera. And I may have… tried to stop her and ended up getting beat up more." She then smiled, tapping the side of her face that was previously damaged. "But Charlotte helped fix me up, and I look good as new."

"That's good to hear." Artorian smiled, Mei Mei's gaze focusing on him then before she stepped in front of him.

"And what about you, any serious injuries for us to worry about?"

"Nah, couple burns and this cut on my face but otherwise I'm fine." The hybrid grinned, tapping Mei Mei's nose with a finger. "Which means, I win once again."

"That's not fair!" She protested. "Fighting isn't a game! You can't just make up the rules as you go!"

"Well you just need to start keeping up, otherwise I may steal your place in our games."

"Artorian!" Getting more discourse from the woman, Artorian couldn't help but laugh, looking out the window as his mind then wandered off.

'So where did you wander off then Charlotte?'

"Well isn't this a surprise." Judal spoke up, getting Charlotte's attention as she looked up from her PDA. "Dr. Dimandias, are you sure you should be worrying yourself over the repair efforts to the hull so soon? Last I heard you were injured fighting Vitaly's android."

"Not bad enough to work." Charlotte responded, having a few bruises on her face and bandage wrapped around her hand past her sleeve. "Besides, I can't sit around and do nothing."

"I suppose that is like you." Judal nodded. "But even then, perhaps you should give yourself time to heal. You aren't built for battle like our Slayers or-"

"What do you want Judal?" Cutting off Judal's icebreaker, Charlotte wanted his excuse out of the way to return to her work.

"…Artorian Abyssal has reinstated the Rejections program to save the Hunters, and I felt you're the one I'd talk to for him to back down." Judal answered, sighing as he was found out quick.

"Sorry to inform you I don't order that kid around." Charlotte said, looking back to her PDA. "And besides, you were the one who wanted him to have that option, since you had no way of hiding Warslran's classified data from him."

"Charlotte, you know this is the worst time for him to do this." Judal stated. "The Anti-Slayer factions have been unified, and now the Rejections Slayer Program is being reinstated in all but scientific proceedings. And just after an attack that will leave us vulnerable for several days. He needs to stop this before he costs us more lives."

"…Did you give him options?" Charlotte asked.

"He had every inclination to stand down, restarting the Rejections for three terrorists with our enemies getting ready is dangerous."

"You still don't get it." Charlotte sighed as she shook her head. "Hybrid or not, that boy and his father are the most stubborn Lords to ever live. If you think you can back him into a corner and not expect him to use a trump card you have no one to blame but yourself."

"So you'll allow this? Even if it brings risk to everyone on Little Garden?"

"Those three were pawns and test subjects, drugs, implants and genetic rework surgery. And Artorian has a bleeding heart despite his bravado. You're just mad that for the first time you stepped on someone's toes, and they decided to stomp back on yours."

"Perhaps, but we both know I'm right about the Anti-Slayers. If Ornisium's reports are correct then-!" Judal froze as Charlotte pulled an N-Tranquilizer pistol out of her coat, aiming up to his face without an ounce of hesitation.

"I've allowed you to demean my choices in the past and the mistakes we all made at the time. But if you think for even a second I'll allow you to insult Ornstein I will not restrain myself on pulling this trigger next time." Charlotte said coldly, turning her eyes to him as a final warning to the man.

"Message received." Judal relented, Charlotte holstering the pistol. "Your encounter with Vitaly's gotten to you, hasn't it?"

"No, but I am seeing things a little clearer." Charlotte admitted. "Now if this attempt to remove a rival is done, I have work to do. If you want to talk terrorists and what to do about them call Ornstein, I'm the head of Research and Development, combat isn't my expertise."

"Very well." Judal said, turning to walk away. "Just remember, his decision today will inspire our enemies to act. Whatever happens next it will be on his head, as well as yours."

"The same goes for you, hope your Lunaltia Expansion doesn't sit wrong with the rest of the world." Charlotte countered, rubbing her eyes as she heard the man walk away.

"Envy, you're late to the meeting." In a lit-up room, a council of six people stood, all of which transparent with a uniquely color to represent them. The one speaking was the uniformed officer from Yamato that had slaughtered Rentaro and his gang. His face was less obstructed, although still mostly unseen thanks to his hood.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry Wrath I've been a little preoccupied." Envy responded, the only one physically present as the blast doors closed behind him. Envy was dressed in a black short sleeve shirt, grey combat pants and black boots. He stood an imposing six feet, but the most drawing sight of him was a large scar running down the side of his face, drawing to his cold grey eyes. "The shipments brought in by one of our contributors came in, so as you can guess I've been busy."

"Punctuality is important, but given your shipment it's understandable." A woman said, her green hologram flickering for a moment. "Envy's also done well to recruit most of the factions within the Middle East, so I believe he's earned a little faith Wrath."

"You're too lenient on him Pride, but I see your point." Wrath relented. "Now to the point of this meeting. Our Liege wants a final head count on the factions collected. As well as any new Vessels that have been added to our ranks."

"In the Fox's Pack, I have amassed a total of 25 factions, the most out of everyone here." Greed chuckled, a large woman in a sleeveless shirt exposing her muscular arms having a wide grin expose her sharp teeth before starting to rub her chin in confidence. "I have added 30 Vessels since starting, once again the most."

"The Goat's Trip has 13 factions, all armed with up-to-date weapons courtesy of our benefactors." Lust said, a thin man with long flowing hair visible through his blue hologram. "I have ten Vessels in my ranks, all lovely examples of might."

"The Dragon's Hoard has 20 factions, all now making up Yamato and several eastern countries' military might." Wrath detailed, having the most spread faction. "We have 15 Vessels at the ready, all working closely to prevent your groups from being properly traced."

"The Snake's Scales has all 13 of the Middle East factions, providing a solid staging point and effective control over trade and arial traffic." Envy answered. "We have four Vessels on base, unfortunately most of the volunteers have been incompatible with the Abyss."

"The Lion's Den has 15 factions integrated amidst the UN, keeping low and unable to promise support until a proper strike is made." Pride announced, standing proper. "I have 12 Vessels, they lack alterations but are fully trained."

"The Sloth's Sleuth has… 3 factions kept in the arctic and six Vessels." Sloth informed, a small woman with a fur coat covering most of her body. "And freezing, thanks for asking."

"You've fallen behind on your quota Sloth, you were supposed to get at least ten." Pride brought up.

"Gluttony doesn't have any yet I'm the problem when… only scientists and security are in the ass ends of this planet?" Sloth argued, Gluttony chuckling as he tore a piece of meat from his food out of sensor.

"I'm not the special generals, just our Liege's favorite trash compactor." Gluttony said, shrugging and revealing a hand strung on a bone just by a few ligaments before going away again. Most of his body was covered, hiding any details on him as he helped himself to the little flesh left on the bones.

"I can assume you've cleared up the last group that didn't agree to fall in?" Wrath asked, getting a distracted nod from the man.

"Yeah, yeah, the remaining 57 "peaceful" factions in the United States of Liberia, Gudenberg, Britannia, Wenz and François are… well they at least made the past couple weeks bearable." Gluttony answered, tossing the bone away and going out of the sensor's detection going for more.

"Then it's determined, our Liege has his army." Wrath concluded.

"A couple thousand people isn't exactly an army, the UN easily outnumber us in both Slayer and military might. Not to mention the Lords' strength if they get involved." Envy pointed out.

"Are you doubting our Liege's plan?" Wrath questioned.

"We have the extremists, we lack support of those that agree the Slayers have too much power but don't wish to be on a losing side." Envy pointed out. "We need a way to show we have a way of combating and defeating Slayers, powerful ones at that."

"Do you have an idea for that?" Pride asked.

"Hit them where it hurts the most, and will be felt across the world." Envy answered, pulling up a holographic tablet and pulling up a hologram of Little Garden in the center of the group.

"Warslran's warship?" Lust hummed, Greed laughing in approval.

"That ship's got a hell of a lot of prospect to it!"

"Absolutely not, that forward of an attack warns the entire world of our abilities." Wrath dismissed the plan. "Not only is two of the strongest Slayers currently stationed there, Sakura Kirishima and Karen Kisaragi are presently residing there. The public outcry would cripple our efforts to unite humanity."

"That sounds personal Wrath, don't tell me you want that ship for yourself." Greed, chuckled, Wrath's glare shocking her into silence into a cold sweat.

"No one wishes to see that Vessel destroyed more than I do. However, even I recognize not everyone on board is our enemy. Kirishima and Kisaragi are both victims of Artorias' failure. They are not deserving of our might."

"Wrath is right, a world-renowned idol and an upstart who's first concert was interrupted by a terrorist attack would leave a bad image too soon." Pride agreed, looking to Envy. "Your ambition is noted Envy, but remember there is a greater purpose then us."

"She means don't let your fragile ego get the better of you." Lust mocked, Envy's fist tightening as he glared at the man.

"You always talk shit when there's a thousand miles between us, oil skin."

"What did you say you fork-tongued freak!?"

"Settle down, both of you." Pride interrupted, the two instantly going quite from her tone. "Envy, we cannot attack Little Garden. Not only for the publicity of attacking such a famous vessel, but because one of our Liege's rivals are on board."

"We will not be able to hide the Abyss from them, so remember well that we will not make a move against Little Garden." Wrath finished. "Is there anything else that is in need of reporting?"

"No."

"Nothing."

"I'm… good."

"Nothing we can't discuss in private."

"Solid!"

"No, nothing left." Envy finished the head count, getting a nod between Wrath and Pride.

"Very well, that concludes this meeting. We will reconvene in 120 hours. Dismissed." At Pride's announcement, the six holograms all dissipated, leaving Envy in the room alone, scowling and baring his teeth in rage now that he was alone.

"Sir, the last of the energy pylons are being connected to the power grid. The anti-air defenses should be online in 20 hours." The blast doors then opened and a man with heterochromia eyes, one red and one blue, walked in. "Is this a bad time?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, seeing part of the device in his hand was bent.

"No, in fact I'm glad for the information." Envy responded. "Cronu, how many of our airships are armed?"

"Ten currently, our benefactors were more focused on our control over the air then actual aerial combat."

"I want all ten ready for takeoff in 48 hours, our Liege has given us a mission." Envy ordered.

"Understood, do we have a target?"

"I will inform you when it is important. Get moving lieutenant."

"Yes sir." Cronu responded, exiting the room and leaving Envy alone when the door closed.

Now alone, Envy pulled up his holo-pad and activated the personal screen. A news broadcast was then brought up, the screen expanding to a large display in front of him. The broadcast was taken not long after the attack on Little Garden, Envy eyeing the screen closely as his fury remained.

"The people that attacked you, those were the Hunters that were present during the Qin operation correct?" The reporter questioned.

"Yes, they broke free but are now being detained." Sakura answered, speaking for the two

"But are also being treated by medical personnel?"

To be honest he didn't care about what was being said, his attention focusing on the idols Sakura and Karen rather than the discussion itself. His glare slowly dissipated when he looked at Karen, slowly bringing his hand up and feeling defeated when his hand went past the hologram.

"…Speaking of the close call, the Slayer behind you was the one to have saved you and Ms. Kisaragi, correct?"

"Yes, yes he is!" Sakura beamed as she turned to make the introduction, stepping back while looking at the camera and grabbing Artorian's arm to prevent him from escaping, then dragging him front and center between her and Karen. "This is Artorian, the Wolf Knight of Little Garden and the Hero of the Zwei Islands!"

"Oi, watch the hero junk Pinky. It's just a job."

"Artorian? As in the son of-"

"Finish that question and I will break that camera; it looks expensive and really fragile."

"U-Understood. So Artorian, can you tell us about the event itself? Where were you when the attack started?"

"…I'm suddenly on the receiving end of karma, well played."

The interview would've gone on, but before it did Envy crushed the holo-pad in his hand and disconnected in a blitz of sparks. His fist was closed tight with shards of the frame digging into his skin, blood flowing down as an ominous aura showed him, his eyes shaking in barely contained anger. "Abyssal Slayer trash." He growled, his grey eyes shining white as the image of the Slayer's face plagued his mind. "This time I'll kill you, I'll burn your whole damn world to the ground. And this time… you'll watch!"

(A/N): Babam, arc officially completed. Now we get to the challenging part, my first original arc of Abysswalker. I don't have the most solid track record in this field, but my last attempt was quite awhile ago, and this quite possibly has the most thought of most canon arcs I do. So here's to a successful setup and to an arc that won't be forgotten. Don't want to say much on this chapter, just a sort of licking wounds moments so that everything goes smoothly for a transition, more curious on what you all think then anything I could say.

But that aside, I hope this chapter was enjoyable and look forward to getting things ready soon. And most importantly if an update doesn't come out in time, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Peace!