The dawn shone warm despite yesterday’s chills. Everyone woke up with smiles, coffee waiting at the table. If only it had stayed that way. None wanted to feel the cold again upon seeing the news. Alas, it struck their eyes like a bullet, mugs falling.

The daily intro had merely calmed their hearts. It did not take long for the words “breaking” to show up. As anxiety clad them, the anchorman remained stylish. He turned his chair to the camera like always.

“Good morning, my Coelestians! I’m Anderson Holt, yours truly. Today, I call you brother and sister. Why? Well, regardless of view, many siblings grieve as I speak. Last night, we finally had our own ‘The Day Our City Bled.’

“I’m not bound to say a tasteless painted town joke. So here we have Diane Amanpour live in the aftermath.” He moved his chair to present the screen.

She held her microphone a bit higher. They heard a lip smack. “Thank you, Anderson. I’m here at the central park, the highest casualty spot. Just before 11:30, protesters of the Heracles Act screamed at a sudden blood splatter.” The feed panned unto a vigil at the Durus statue. Waterworks had not yet stopped for the victims.

“Accounts told me all they saw was people ‘bursting out of nowhere.’ All bodily parts turned into red mush. Others say they saw ones in the air ‘wrung like a wet towel.’”

The feed transitioned to a sweating witness. “Man, it was so f****d up.” He moved his hands around. “They were in the sky, gathering into a ball or some s**t. Then, it all went to space! Like this.” He snapped his fingers. “I’m tellin’, y’all. It was fast as f***k.”

The screen returned to the anchorman. He never showed similar anxiety on camera. His eyes were even insensible, but he wiped his forehead. “On related news, we have controversial activist Amy Baldwin today. Even now, the protests targeted her followers as blame shifted on them.

His screen moved to the left to broadcast the charter leader’s face. “Ms. Baldwin, what’s your stance on all this? Anything to say about the tragedy that struck your enemies?”

Her eyes remained stern. “Let me be clear first. My comrades are innocent through and through. None of us wished for their deaths or suffering. But we still stand by our cause. Whatever it takes.

Her movement had already sent relief funds. Some even rose to three million Geld. However, it was never a smooth transaction. “Cops knocked on my door five times. Even some longtime neighbors tipped me off. They sent my Luther early from school just now.

“Either way, I grieve with the affected. And I won’t let reactionaries exploit their pain any longer. Our beautiful nation must abolish God Law. This tragedy only solidifies human determination.”

Anderson asked further about her relations with the king. She commented less that it took for her son’s cereal. A day of mourning did not mean a mended friendship. Yet she admitted tearing up over his speech. “If the Bentham Fire taught us anything, Harald should change our rotten system for good.”

He thanked her for coming. The whole crew felt not saying much. After all, reports were long overdue. They showed a rerun of the oration for hours.

At Hokori’s home, another tragedy struck the family. Yukino woke up screaming in tears. She shouted at her failure as a big sister. “Uncle isn’t here, too. Why! What did I do!” She fell to her knees.

Not even her older siblings could quell the sorrow. Luckily, Tokino carried her as if younger. At last, the broken bird had its mother arrive. “There, there. Rest for now.” It worked instantly.

They gathered in the living room. Said mother tucked the bird on her favorite couch. Kenkō was more than happy to comfort her. However, the others still sweated bullets.

Kakunō’s hands fastened together. They lowered as he hunched on his seat. He sighed. “Calm down, guys. Him being absent means he knows where Hayato went.” If it were a home invasion, the lasers would trigger. It’d also be a pipe dream to defeat both.”

Haruto crossed his arms. “We can’t be so sure. It’s like you said. Bro only goes out to sneak in brothels.”

Tokino quickly rebuked his claim. Her hand lowered. “He hasn’t done that in years, remember? He knows where our son is.” She began panting. “I hope….”

He also saw her sister heavily breathing. Any more, and his anxiety too would take over. He stood tall and pulled out his sword. “Let’s find them. Even at the world’s edge, we’ll search. I’d have my bones crack along the wa—”

Their home trembled within seconds. Numerous plates fell from the shelves. Haruto lost balance, but his wife caught his fall. She even stopped Hayato’s snow globe. He gazed at her smile and giggle, cheeks red. Then, he shook his head and stood again. “Sorry. Please don’t tell anyone online.” He led the way outside.

Tokino still smiled with droopy eyes. Don’t tempt me, honey. She awoke her daughter and carried her once more.

The stone grounds had a small fissure. Further away, they heard the laughter at the lake. Hokori gave his nephew the fishing line. Hayato squinted, unimpressed. He threw it away and moved his hands below for a grab. A car-sized marshland grouper floated in midair.

Both had the water splatter above them like rain. Hokori wiped his hair dry. “How ‘bout it, man? Wanna jump to another building?”

Unexpectedly, he shook his head. “No thanks, Uncle. Trespassing private property’s a life sentence. Or at least sometimes, under Article 223.”

He grinned. “Hahahahahaha! Ain’t no idea what they teach ya nowadays. Still correct, tho.” They laughed in joy again—but not alone.

Tokino ran toward them from behind. “My baby!” The rest followed at a similar pace.

Hayato smiled and gasped. “Mom!” He expected one hug, not several; even his father joined in. Yukino embraced much longer and tighter. Amazingly, she held off tears.

She hugged him a little longer. “Oh, Lil Bro. I’m so sorry….”

He gently let go. “Don’t say it ten times, Sis. It’s me who should apologize.” He explained where he went for five minutes. His uncle came close to alarming authorities. He also landed on a nobleman’s self-bust. All that was left was powder.

He giggled. “You should’ve seen his face, guys. Screaming like a diva!” His siblings laughed next, going inside. Breakfast was ready long ago.

Haruto scratched the back of his head. “You never learn, do you?” He turned to his brother.

Hokori chuckled, hands in his pockets. “Oh, I do, White Swordsman. I never heard your girlfriend shout like that. But that’s a healthy bond, so kudos.” He patted his back, which caused pain.

He and Tokino were the last to enter. However, the latter held his arm from behind. It was not a firm touch but a vice grip. Seconds in, it tensed hard enough to fracture his ulna.

He let go of the doorknob and turned. “Don’t give me that look, kid. I was just kiddin’.” Unfortunately, his chuckle could not erase her death glare. He sighed and held her shoulder. “Fine, no more unfunny quips. It ain’t like—” His hand got slapped away.

She crossed her arms. “Please tell me the truth, brother. I’ll forgive you, either way.”

He sighed again. “Aight… The cops warned me of house arrest. Sad to say, I can’t promise Hayato another ride on my—”

“I’m not talking about that. In fact, it seems we both have our secrets.” She opened her Every Hub screen. It showed a nigh-endless string of private messages to the king. Not one got answered, yet he always liked her brother’s posts.

Every photo had him smiling alongside Hayato and Yukino. The first was them getting pistachio waffle cones. As it went on, the former became the center picture. Sometimes, even when alone.

She closed her screen. “I didn’t want them to think I hated you around Hayato. And I’m not accusing you as one of those scum. You’re nothing of the sort, brother.” Her arms crossed again but no glare. “That’s why I have to own up to my secrets. Yours, too. Tell me enough for now, and it’s water under the bridge. For his sake.”

Their hair and clothes swayed with the wind. Hokori wished it were cold. Yet not a bead of sweat rolled on his face. He walked toward her. “You’re in luck, kid. Ain’t got much to say.” He looked down. “Remember the biggest monster we ever fought? My doubts weren’t for the worst but for the best. I saw it with my eyes last night, and he slept right after.

“Hayato is…”

Tokino’s eyes narrowed. She grabbed his shirt within milliseconds, panting. “Take that back. Take it all back, now!” Hokori remained unfazed even as he felt her pressure.

Her grip lessened, head lowered. “I know his power’s the same. He’s even a younger spitting image.” Teeth clenched, she looked up. “But I still have my doubts. Why let go of yours!”

Hokori spoke nothing for three minutes. All he had thought was to calm her hyperventilation. Surprisingly, a hug did the job. He even made sure not to let go fast. His eyes opened. “Seein’ is believin’, kid.” He went for the door behind. “It’s like ya said long ago: don’t try anything stupid. Or make me regret everything I said about you.”

The wind had warmed more, yet Tokino’s rage did not vanish. It was painful enough to hold it for a sibling. She walked to a boulder from afar, now high in the stratosphere. Still panting, she dried sorrows with her forearm. Doubts now changed for the worst.

Regret? I feel that way for our blood vow. So don’t make me! She fixed her hair and entered the house, smiling for the kids.

Joy had stayed even throughout dinner. In fact, the two laughed at each other’s jokes. On the other hand, Kakunō raised a brow. Neither he nor his other sister found the innuendos funny; the same went for Tokino’s Coelbook memes.

Haruto bonded with his son until 11:00. Yukino joined the Automodachi race without asking. Like always, Hayato’s silver robot won over and over.

Everyone had perfect shut-eye that night, except for him. Like instinct, he cuddled with Yukino in their bedroom. The nightmares returned, now with heartache.

She patted his head. “Don’t cry, Lil Bro. I know how that feels.”

He dried his eyes. “Really? You got lost, unlike a dream?”

She held him closer. “Only the way I ran. But Mama and Papa saved me. They’d do the same for you, just like Uncle. I know so.”

Tears welled up more as he heard a story. Nevertheless, he had nothing but gratitude. His view had changed, smiling. “Hey, Sis,” he looked up. “Can I call you ‘Big Sis,’ too?”

She giggled and smiled back. “Of course. Why not?” They closed their eyes together, still hugging.

It did not last even when he wanted to. Hayato’s eyes squinted as the clock ticked. The inevitable commenced once more. Now the dreamscape changed into a room never seen before.

A man hummed before him and turned. “Hello, child. How’ve you been? Looking fine for one who took lives just yesterday.”

He clenched his fists and went for the jaw. The rage would overshadow his mother’s. “Shut up…” he panted. “You’re the one who did that!”

Ted smirked and sat on the floor, hand under his chin. “Did I? D-D-D-Did I really do it? Or did-did-did you?” He pointed and cackled. Then, he sighed. “Seriously now, child. Haven’t I told you? They were the ones who’d vote thumbs down on the innocent 24/7!

“They’d do the same to you. Even as the ‘saint mage,’ you’re a walking heresy to them. Because you are me.” He held his shoulders. “I’m no liar, am I? Better yet, why should I?”

Hayato’s heart had matched a rabbit’s, made worse seeing the toothy grin. As stated, he found nothing to refuse. Memories of the man mingled with his. Any other would go straight to the looney bin.

Ted rubbed his back. “Tell ya what, child. In exchange for those who annoy me—no one else goes six feet under. Man of my word, I swear it.”

He felt no warmth from the hug. In fact, the biting cold worsened by the second. He pushed him across the floor. “No…” he panted again, standing. “There’s a catch. Don’t think I didn’t realize!”

Ted got up and heard his lies crumble before him. He chuckled. “Impressive, child. You read my mind.”

He lost sight of the man. Eyes darting everywhere, a hand greeted his face. He struggled but to no avail. His head felt like it could split at any moment.

Ted’s grip tightened, smiling at the screams. “You’re right. My worst annoyances are those near you. But can you blame me?” The mana around both swirled faster. “Time’s up, child. We are one.”

The screams wailed louder as his eyes widened. Then, nothing. It was like fear itself had left him. Before long, he cracked a smile at his new memories. Chuckles had no end.

Ted sat down once more. “That’s the spirit, child. Still incomplete, but you’re getting there.” He held his shoulders. “Now, can you blame me? Can you blame us?” He vanished into thin air.

Hayato’s grin curved further. He never knew the color red looked gorgeous. Chuckling again, he stood up.

No. I can’t blame any at all. His eyes darted again, feared of being watched. I better lay low for now. He held his head for a twist.

Hayato’s “dream” ended with a sweating gasp. Luckily, his sister calmed him faster than his thoughts. Eyes closed, he hummed the tune of “Come On Eileen.”

He gasped again with no comfort this time. What’s happening to me?

As this story went on, a time bomb had skipped to one.