Fenrir twisted Suni's arm even more, close to completely dislocating the latter's arm when he tried moving from the ground. Suni cried out in suffering before taking deep breaths, bits of spit fluttering from his mouth.

"Jason," A.V.A said quietly in Fenrir's ear, drawing his attention away from Suni and to a file she had pulled out in his holo-lenses. Fenrir quickly skimmed through it before gritting his teeth. The arm twisting Suni's tightened, even more, causing the latter to cry out more but the faint ringing in Fenrir's head overpowered all sound.

Take in Alice for protective custody? Question her for Katelyn's whereabouts? Fenrir's eyes turned bloody underneath the helmet until he could see only red. His breathing became labored as he stared down at Suni, his mind wandering as he thought of multiple ways to cripple him.

No, not him, Fenrir decided as his thoughts went to Junco. Her. I'll kill her to send a message.

At this moment, bright lights flashed on him as the Dragonfly flew up from the bottom of the building and straight up to the roof, the searchlights on the aircraft directed straight at him. The silent plasma rotors spun silently as Amahle shouted to Raphael through the radio.

"Top floor, everybody out!"

"Let's move!" Raphael bellowed as he deactivated his mag-boots and began running atop the Dragonfly. He jumped at the last second and rolled before he landed on the roof. Junco and Dhole followed him, the former landing agilely after a midair spinning flip and the latter just smashing down to the ground which quaked from the pressure of his weight.

"Let him go, Jason," Raphael called out to Fenrir. The latter slowly turned to look at the former, the blue optics whirring with violence as Raphael sneered. "You think I wouldn't recognize your gun? It's the only railgun compact enough to be held as a gun, I'd recognize it anywhere."

Hmm, fuck, Fenrir thought with a grimace. Pulling out his railgun was a habit these days. And that was a fatal mistake he intended to not do again.

"Chert."

Both Junco and Dhole turned to look at Fenrir in surprise, with the latter swearing under his breath. Junco had suspected Jason to be Fenrir but she had no conclusive evidence. Regardless, the fact that the smiling, teasing man who horsed around was actually such a frightening monster was shocking to say the very least. Especially since he was currently giving her a deadly gaze.

Indeed, Fenrir was letting his murderous aura leak out; there was no more hesitation on his end, he was willing to kill Junco now. Not only to hide the information she knew but to also warn Raphael and the force behind him, AEM, to not underestimate him.

Kill and intimidate them to never touch my kid, Fenrir thought. And if that doesn't work, then I'll just keep killing till they get the message.

"Jason," A.V.A called out, trying her best to get through to him. "Don't . . ."

"You can't hide behind a mask, Jason," Raphael warned. He recognized the freezing aura that was emanating from Fenrir, the killing aura only those who killed in thousands could release. "So let him go and come in for questioning. It's your only choice."

"Then I choose -" Fenrir spoke slowly and deliberately, his grating voice replete with savage ferocity and murderous intent. He twisted Suni's arm completely and the latter screamed as his arm was dislocated from his shoulder.

"To -"

Another snap was heard as Fenrir dislocated Suni's wrist as well and the latter fainted from the excruciating pain.

"Kill you all," Fenrir finished as he turned to face Raphael as his eyes locked onto Junco. "Starting with you."

Dhole, the only one with his sidearm, pulled out his gun and began firing at Fenrir. The latter barely budged as the bullets ricocheted from his armor; Fenrir used his ESPer powers to greatly enhance his defenses. Seeing that the bullets weren't working, Dhole started moving forward towards Fenrir as he fired repeatedly, hoping that a point-blank shot would stop the latter.

"Dhole, don't get too close!" Raphael shouted as he also charged forward but his warning came too late.

As soon as Dhole was close enough, Fenrir dashed forward in a burst of speed. He grabbed Dhole's gun and crushed the slide and barrel with his bare hand.

"You're wasting your bullets."

Fenrir murmured then grabbed Dhole's helmeted head and slammed it into a large pipe at the side of a wall. The pipe bent inwards as Dhole's head was lodged deep inside. The force knocked Dhole unconscious despite the hot steam that erupted from the broken pipes and onto the back of Dhole's head.

"I won't kill you. I'll just break a few of your bones," Fenrir muttered before turning when he heard something behind him.

Raphael and Junco attacked Fenrir from behind simultaneously, but the latter was more ruthless than previously. Raphael went to punch Fenrir but was shoulder slammed away by the latter while Junco moved in for a spinning kick. Fenrir dodged it and backhanded her, the force flinging Junco away before throwing a bola at her. The stun bolas wrapped around her throat, constricting her breathing and keeping her preoccupied as she scratched and clawed at it in an attempt to remove the bola choking her.

Raphael then moved in to intercept Fenrir, but the latter sidestepped his attack, appearing at his side and jabbing him in the throat with a quick thrust from between his thumb and index finger. Raphael, with a strangled gasp, pulled back as he clutched his throat. He struggled to breathe through his constricted throat while Fenrir used one hand to hold the back of his head and the other to repeatedly elbow strike his head. Cracks formed on the ballistic-proof visor and Junco, who managed to unbind the bola, came to Raphael's rescue only to be knocked down by Fenrir's well-placed kick. The kick hit the thigh of her leg and she lost balance, sprawling onto the ground as Fenrir resumed his pummeling of Raphael.

This time, he activated his reinforced knuckle plates and punched Raphael without pause. After a few more strikes, Raphael's visor shattered and he was forced to close his groggy eyes as he felt the shards of reinforced glass pierce his face. Fenrir let Raphael go and the latter collapsed onto the ground while the former turned his attention to Junco, a low growl echoing from his throat as his knuckle braces went back to his wrists.

In the meantime, Dhole woke up and pulled his head out of the rubble after a bit of a struggle. There was a massive dent where the helmet had impacted the pipes and Dhole removed the helmet before tossing it aside with a grimace. He then proceeded to rush forward in order to confront Fenrir and aid Junco.

As Dhole made his way towards them, Fenrir twisted Junco's wrist with one arm while holding out the other at his side. A throwing knife slid out onto his outstretched hand and he aimed to slash at Junco's throat. The latter jumped into the air and performed a horizontal flip, spinning in the air to, not only dodge his attack but slip out of his wrist lock and instead twist his arm back. She then wrapped her legs around Fenrir and threw him to the ground with a flip before locking his arm with both her arms and legs. Fenrir growled as he slowly used his immense strength to pull his way out of her arm lock. Junco gritted her teeth as she used every muscle and fiber in her body to try and maintain the lock but Fenrir managed to lift her entire body and slam it back to the ground harshly. Junco was forced to loosen her grip from the blow and Fenrir pulled out another knife with his free hand; he stabbed her in the upper thigh. Junco cried out in startled agony, and Fenrir freed himself from her armbar. Grabbing the calf of her leg with two hands he twisted her leg, dislocating her hip and Junco screamed. The excruciating torment of having her hip dislocated consigned her to unconsciousness and Fenrir spun around to face Dhole, who was hulking towards him, intent on tackling him.

Dhole lowered his body as he tackled Fenrir, the latter's feet being lifted from the ground as Dhole wrapped his arms around his chest in a bearhug. However, Fenrir was also a heavyweight, and he used his weight and strength to lower his feet back onto the ground and dig his heels in, slowing down Dhole's tackle. At the same time, Fenrir used his elbows to send three punishing blows on Dhole's back in an attempt to loosen the bodylock the latter had him in. After that, Fenrir slipped an arm underneath Dhole's and pulled it upwards, breaking the bodylock he was in. He then activated the concealed blades on his right knee which flipped out with a metallic shing and kneed Dhole as hard as he could on the ribs. Though the blades failed to pierce through the latter's armor, it gave Fenrir enough leeway to vault over Dhole, wrap his legs around the latter, and fling him aside with a flip. As Dhole managed to get up to his knees, Fenrir somersaulted over him and appeared behind the former. He performed a well-placed back kick that hit Dhole squarely in the head as the latter turned around to face him, dithering him to disorientation as a loud ringing echoed in his ear. An unsteady and staggering Dhole tried to get his bearings back but Fenrir struck back with ferocity, battering the former with a three punch combo followed by a foot sweeping kick that sent Dhole to the ground after he lost his balance. Fenrir then punched Dhole again, making sure he stayed down on the ground before lifting the latter into the air, over his body. With a low shout, Fenrir threw Dhole back on the ground with so much force, the latter bounced off the concrete ground which cracked and cackled.

"Oh my God . . ." Amahle gasped in a low whisper as her hand almost inadvertently left the controller to go to her mouth.

That . . . thing wiped them all so effortlessly, Amahle thought. This was a surprise to her as each AEM soldier was trained to be better than most special forces and those who were in fireteams were the crème de la crème in their respective specialties.

Amahle took a deep breath and calmed her emotions before focusing on Fenrir once again. Seeing him move to another target, Amahle quickly radioed in the situation.

"This is Kilo two-two-five-niner, Fireteam Salvation is down. I repeat, Fireteam Salvation is down! Requesting backup, get the hell over here, NOW!" [1]

Fenrir pulled another knife out as he slowly walked to Junco. The murderous aura around him almost solidified as he thought on the numerous methods to killing her, imagining each and every single one in his mind as he approached her while blotting out A.V.A's endeavours to stop him.

I'll end this quickly and painlessly, Fenrir thought, his grip on the knife tightened as he stood over Junco's motionless body.

"Jason . . ." a voice, soft and sweet but strong and determined, called out to Jason and Fenrir froze. "Répondez moi plus tard."

Michelle?

Confusion flickered across his eyes as Fenrir stood there silently, not knowing what to do. Lowering the hand that held the knife, Fenrir turned around but didn't see the girl whose voice stopped him. In his mind though, he imagined the look on Michelle's face after learning that he killed Junco.

What was I thinking? Fenrir thought. She would be heartbroken if Junco died.

Fenrir looked down at Junco as the thoughts of killing her, or anyone else, faded.

I . . . can't, Fenrir concluded, guilt swelling his throat. I need to stop . . . stop thinking like this. I'm not at war anymore and they're not the enemy.

Raphael and Junco both stirred as they regained consciousness and Fenrir hesitated, unsure of what to do. Finally, he made up his made and straddled over Junco, placing the knife to her throat while pulling out his railgun and placing it on the side of her head, over her temple.

"Jeanne . . . Junco . . ."

The first thing Raphael saw when he came to was Junco who's throat was close to being slit. The knife Fenrir held to her throat pressed against her neck and a thin line of blood leaked as Junco refused to even swallow.

"Jason, don't you dare -"

"Listen closely, Raphael," Fenrir interrupted, his voice cold and grating as his sharp blue eyes glared back at Raphael. "You - or anyone else from AEM - come close to my daughter . . . I'll make sure to gut her like a fish."

As he spoke, Fenrir pushed the blade upwards ever so slightly and Junco winced as the line of blood slowly increased. Raphael's eyes changed; not only did he notice how serious Fenrir was, but he also felt a tinge of guilt for suggesting to take Alice as a hostage. Fenrir, knowing that he had made his point, withdrew the knife and gun away from Junco before walking off.

Raphael opened his mouth to say something but the static tapping of morse code interrupted him. He turned to look at Suni who was on the ground pretending to be unconscious. The latter shook his head and Raphael closed his mouth again. Fenrir paused and glanced at Suni's direction, knowing the exchange the two had but left without saying anything.

Above in the sky, Amahle considered tailing Fenrir but decided to instead remain with Fireteam Salvation until the reinforcements she called for arrived. Several blocks away, Fenrir stood atop a gargoyle while camouflaged by his optical illusion, his eyes trained on the location of the Dragonfly.

"A.V.A," Jason barely whispered.

"I'm here," she replied just as quietly.

"That wasn't Michelle," Jason stated.

"No," A.V.A admitted.

"How did you do that?"

"I can emulate the voice of almost anyone, including you," A.V.A pointed out neutrally before bitingly suggesting, "Would you like me to permanently change my voice? Perhaps into Freya or Emily? Or was Michelle's voice stimulating enough?"

"I didn't program that ability into your code," Jason ignored her insinuating suggestions and mentioned offhandedly.

"No, you didn't," A.V.A conceded. "I did. You granted me the capability of rewriting my own code, remember?"

"At the behest that you inform me of what you're modifying," Jason said, his voice simmering with anger.

"I'm sorry," A.V.A replied quietly. Her impartial voice was void of any grief, but Jason could tell she was hurt.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, calming himself before resuming the conversation. "No. No, I'm sorry. There's so much going on and I . . . I took it out on you. You - you don't have to tell me of everything you're doing, Ava. I trust you and I know you'll always do what's best for us."

". . . Thank you," A.V.A finally said quietly after a moment's quietness, her voice softer than usual. "Shall I bring the motorcycle around?"

"No, not yet," Jason said as he sat down on the gargoyle, his eyes on the sprawling neon city lights that shone through the night. "I need a moment. Of peace. To think."

"I'm here if you need anything," A.V.A said before going silent, letting Jason have his moment.

"That you are, Ava," Jason muttered, his voice soft and unsteady with emotion. "That you are."

With a sigh, Jason closed his eyes and thought about everything that has recently happened. He didn't have a moment to think about the dream Lust showed him nor his decisions on what to do. He was also immensely thankful that Ava had stopped him in time from doing something he would regret.

Katie . . . Jason thought as soon as he recalled the dream. I can't be passive after seeing that. I need to take action. Which means . . .

"I'll have to visit them. Or rather, him," Jason concluded with a mutter, a grimace emerging on his face hidden underneath the helmet. The thought of visiting that old man again left a bitter taste in his mouth and he inadvertently groaned.

But that'll leave Alle and Alice in danger, Jason mulled, several thoughts and ideas going through his head as he thought it over. Maybe I can take Alice with me but not Alle, she's finally adjusting to a normal life and I can't take that away from her.

And while Ava and Melanie can keep an eye on her . . . although I dread to think what Mel would want in return. Maybe a kiss would suffice? Even then . . .

"I'd still be worried," Jason murmured. "I'll need someone that can stay near Alle without her suspecting anything. Hmm . . ."

Suddenly a gleam passed Jason's eyes and he stood up with a chuckle.

Of course, he thought as he began running to the Loft. How could I forget? There's a perfect candidate who's halfway across the world!

"Isn't that right, Eryk?" Jason grinned intentionally as he thought of catching up with that brat.

No, wait, Jason suddenly paused. I don't need to go to the Loft, it's probably midnight there. I'll just head back home. I'll call him later today.

Turning around, Fenrir called his flying motorcycle to pick him up.

***

Within AEM's infirmary, Raphael and his team were being checked up by doctors; Watson was dealing with General Sato, but would no doubt come down to debrief them on the situation leaving them little time to discuss things amongst themselves.

"Well," the leading physician, a battalion surgeon, commented as she flipped through a few holographic notes. "I'd say you're pretty lucky with your injuries."

"Oh, is that what you call this?" Suni muttered under his breath in discontent as he eyed the cast on his hand.

"Considering you had an acute lunate dislocation which didn't damage your ligaments or leave a sequela? I'd say yes. You are lucky," the medical officer cynically said while strictly gazing at Suni who slunk back into his bed silently.

"What about Junco?" Raphael cleared his throat and asked.

"Clean knife wound to the thigh which will heal soon," the medical officer stated slowly. "However her dislocated hip will take a bit longer. It was fortunate that she didn't suffer any fractures or any tears on her tissues and whatnot. Regardless, it'll take at least two months to recover.

"As for you and Dhole, you barely have any major injuries," the officer sent a perplexed peek at both of them, her eyebrows scrunched up together. She was slightly bemused on why their injuries were less than Suni's and Junco's "A few bruises and sore muscles, you'll recover shortly in a few days Though I'd recommend you don't do anything strenuous with that arm, Dhole."

"Thank you," Raphael said quietly and the medical officer nodded before leaving them alone.

Raphael took a breath before standing up and walking up to Junco's bed. The latter was in a medically induced sleep after a minute surgery to place her hip bone back in place. He exhaled a sigh as he gazed at her with guilt and worry.

". . . Was that really Jason?" Dhole asked.

He had met Jason before when the latter arrived to pick up Alice and Maple after the attack on the orphanage. That time he noticed that Junco seemed to have suspicions regarding Jason but he wouldn't have imagined that Jason would be Fenrir. The body size was all wrong; the height, width, everything of Fenrir was different from Jason's. The latter wasn't a bulking mass of muscles like Fenrir. Rather he had the perfect ratio that leaned closely to bulky but not to the point of becoming Schwarzenegger.

"That was him alright," Raphael replied through gritted teeth. He then recalled Suni's actions and turned to him inquisitively. "Why did you stop me from calling him in?"

"Raph, he didn't actually want to hurt us," Suni said.

"You're joking," Dhole pointed at Suni's slung arm unconvincingly.

Suni looked down at his arm before rolling his eyes and explaining, "Look he messed with us, played around with us, up until he hacked my gauntlet. That's when he got mad enough to want to kill us."

Suni turned to look at Raphael who refused to make eye contact. The former was the tech specialist and had a bad habit of looking for more intel from AEM's base. Hence, his gauntlet was always connected to the servers and, once they returned, he checked exactly what Fenrir had stolen. And came across the suggested request Raphael had advised to command.

"You know why that was."

"What are you talking about?" Dhole asked, his eyes wandering from Suni to Raphael.

"I'm talking about the report in which Raphael suggested we take Jason's six-year-old daughter into custody," Suni answered and Dhole raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, pour l'amour de - it was a request to take her in for questioning not -" Raphael snapped but Suni cut him off.

"You mean for indefinite questioning?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it," Raphael said quietly.

"Raph, you can't just dismiss this so easily," Suni argued. "Anyone in his position would be pissed. You would too if the same suggestion came up about Michelle!"

"That is not the same," Raphael raised a finger and snarled.

"Boss," Dhole shook his head, indicating that he agreed with Suni on this matter.

Raphael sighed in frustration as he spun in the opposite direction, not wanting to look at Suni and Dhole. However, his eyes fell back on Junco and he felt a gurgle of bubbling anger which made him turn around again and confront the two.

"You're telling me it was alright for him to do this to - to Junco and you?!" Raphael demanded while madly gesturing at Suni's arm and Junco's bed

"I'm saying he could've done worse if he wanted to!" Suni replied in just as loud of a voice to Raphael. The latter paused and sent a bemused glance to Suni who sighed before explaining, "After he dealt with all of us - before you regained consciousness - he took out a knife and was ready to kill Junco. I felt it, Raph, he was ready.

"But he didn't. He chose not to, Raph," Suni stressed out again. "Even more, he only threatened her when you came to."

"What are you trying to say, Suni? Hmm? That we're the bad guys?" Raphael asked.

"I'm saying that maybe we're both on the same side!" Suni yelled while Raphael threw his hands up in the air, frustrated at this conversation. "Raph, he's a Phantom. He protects his loved ones and - and - the city. He cleaned up the city! Busted a trafficking ring, killed an army of war-hungry mercenaries, and even a rogue Phantom! Now he may have questionable methods but don't we all?"

"Unfortunately, the Council thinks otherwise," a voice interrupted the two and all three spun to the entrance of the infirmary to see Watson leaning on the door, a tired look on her face. Beside her was Michelle, her eyes downcast as she refused to look at any of them straight in the eye; clearly, she had heard an admonishment from Watson already. And the guilt of knowing it was her recklessness that injured Junco was eating her up.

"Est-ce que ça va?" Raphael asked in concern to Michelle who responded with the slightest of a nod. Raphael closed his eyes in relief, thankful that at least she wasn't injured during the scuffle.

"Yes, I'm fine too. Thank you for asking," Watson sarcastically said to Raphael who realized his mistake but found it too awkward to say anything.

"Colonel, what exactly do you mean about the Council?" Suni asked.

"Apparently, the attack on Salamander was the last straw for the Council," Watson replied, her voice impassive as she gave the news to everyone in the infirmary. "They intend to have Hydra take Fenrir into custody . . . or eliminate him as the last resort."

A jolt passed through Michelle and she jumped as she looked up at Watson with speechless shock. Even Raphael narrowed his eyes, surprised at the harsh action the Council was preparing. After all, he knew better than anyone that when two Phantoms fought, only one would come out alive. And Hydra has never lost once.

"Pourquoi?!" Michelle asked in a panic. "Salamander he is -"

"I am well aware of his physiology, sweetie, I read the coroner's report," Watson interrupted. "But this order is coming from above me."

"What is this about a report?" Dhole asked and Suni nodded.

Watson hesitated but Michelle quickly blurted out her answer.

"He - it - was not humain."

"Michelle!" Watson reprimanded but Michelle crossed her arms and stared back defiantly, a small pout on her cherry pink lips. The two women, strong and stubborn, refused to back down as they glared at each other. Finally, it was Watson who relented; in truth, she felt like Michelle and thought it was unfair for Jason, but orders were orders.

"Colonel? What exactly did she mean he's not human?" Raphael asked.

"He had no humain DNA," Michelle said, avoiding the next glare her mother sent at her.

Raphael, Suni, and Dhole all turned to Watson, asking silently for an explanation. The latter sighed before avoiding all their gazes, an uncomfortable look on her face as she curtly said, "That's classified."

"Since when, ma'am?" Dhole and Suni exchanged glances while Raphael asked the obvious.

"Since the moment a creature of unknown race, origin, and objectives managed to integrate into our society and successfully infiltrate our highest level of security, breaching and obtaining God knows how much of our intelligence."

A voice from behind answered authoritatively and everyone in the room stood straight while saluting once they noticed the newcomer. General Sato entered the infirmary, his thin lips pursed into making his bushy mustache even bushier.

"At ease, everyone," Sato said and everyone lowered their hands. He eyed everyone separately, gazing at them with firm strictness before settling in Michelle. "Cadet LeBlanc. You just diverged top-secret classified intel to everyone in this room, at the risk of a court-martial. I. Do not. Want. That. To happen. Again. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," Michelle responded meekly.

"Good," Sato bore into Michelle for a while before nodding and then turned his attention to Salvation. "As for the rest of you, Major Raphael can debrief once you've gained appropriate security clearance. Until then, you are not to speak of this to anyone. Clear?"

"Crystal, sir," Suni said haphazardly and noticed all eyes on him, especially Sato's. "I mean, yes, sir!"

"Excellent. Lieutenant Colonel, Major, meet me at the debriefing room in thirty. We have a lot to discuss," Sato ordered Watson and Raphael before exiting the infirmary. "Oh, and Cadet? You come with me."

"I - yes, sir!" Michelle hesitated and turned to her mother. Watson scantily nodded and Michelle understood, voicing her acknowledgment with a salute before following General Sato.

The room was silent, Dhole scratched his head before sitting down, Suni took a big sip of water before lying back down, and Raphael turned to gaze at Junco softly before opening his mouth.

"Hydra?" he asked in a soft voice.

"They're the best at what they do," Watson answered as she joined Raphael, standing next to him while observing Junco. "The Council believes their united force can compete with Fenrir."

"But are we doing the right thing?" Raphael asked, his face full of bemusement. "I made a mistake and that almost cost Jean her life. What are we risking this time, in trying to capture him?"

"I don't know," Watson admitted. "But it's gonna be hell if we fail."

***

"Hey, you're back - OH! GOD!"

"Oh, for crying out - how many times do I have to tell you, kid?! Knock, knock before you enter!"

As soon as Jason got back, Alina, informed by A.V.A, rushed down to greet him. Unfortunately, Jason was in the middle of changing when Alina burst in and saw more than she should. With a shriek, she leapt out of the room and shut the door while Jason yelled at her from within the room. A few minutes later, a disgruntled Jason exited the secret bunker with a scowl. He immediately noticed Alina's face which alternated between pallid disgust and crimson embarrassment.

"D-do you see me entering your room without knocking?!" a less than amused Jason asked Alina before his face changed as he recalled something. In that split second, he hoped she wouldn't remember but his worse fears came true as she opened her mouth.

"Hello? You kicked my door down earlier today, you big dummy!" Alina shot back exactly. Even though she knew she was wrong, she refused to apologize to an ass like him.

"Ok, bad example," Jason backtracked. "Have I ever - ever - walked into you changing?"

"No," Alina admitted but then rolled her eyes. "But I'm not stupid enough to leave my door unlocked when I do."

Jason raised a finger with pursed lips before snapping, "You've always had a problem with boundaries. It wasn't funny back when you were a kid and it isn't funny right now either."

"Well, I'm not laughing am I?" Alina asked as she walked away and up to the basement. "Oh, and by the way? You might wanna do some manscaping there, bro."

Alina's eyes pointed downward as she said the last bit and she snickered as she ran back up the stairs.

"You little -" Jason was about to blow but paused and took several deep breaths to calm himself. He then imagined a few pranks he could pull on Alina and grinned before chuckling. "Yeah, I'll do just that then. Poor Ken though, but hey, what's life without a little love triangle? Hehe. Oh, speaking of which . . ."

Since Alina had left, Jason whipped out an old phone and called a specific number. No one picked up the first call and the second one rang for a while before a voice, husky but gentle, picked up.

"Who is this?"

"Hey there, Eryyyk. Sup?" Jason grinned as he elongated Eryk's name and the latter hung up instantaneously.

"Well, that was rude," Jason pulled the phone away from his ear and gazed at the screen. He then dialed again but noticed that Eryk was refusing to answer his calls. "A.V.A? Be a dear and make sure he picks it up this time?"

"Of course, Jason," A.V.A answered as her android body moved downstairs to meet Jason.

Moments later Eryk called Jason back and the latter grinned with amusement as he watched his phone screen, intent on picking up the phone at the last moment. It was only when it was the last ring did he answer the call.

"Oh, hey, Eryyyk. Wasn't expecting you to call back so soon. You miss me?" Jason teased with a grin as Ava approached him. In her hand was a mug of coffee that Jason accepted gratefully.

"You fucker, the fuck you do?!" the person on the other side of the line fumed.

"Whatever do you mean?" Jason asked innocently as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Oh whatever - hehehe," Eryk imitated Jason mockingly before saying, "Did you have to hack my phone and play p*rn on the speakers at the highest sound setting??!"

"Pffft!" Jason almost spat out his sip of coffee before bursting out in laughter. He turned to Ava and tried to take a breath as he said, "Ah, I love you, Ava. Never change, never."

"What?" Eryk asked, confused at who Jason was speaking to.

"I know you do," Ava answered almost smugly while Jason directed his attention back to Eryk.

"Oh right, well, Eryyyk, that was my hacker, as you've heard. Wanna meet her when you get here?"

"N. O," Eryk spelt out, articulating every letter loudly and slowly. "Look, I don't owe you any-"

"We both know that's a lie, Eryk kiddie," Jason interrupted. "No amount of money or small favors can repay a life and the change of one's destiny. Into a better direction might I add."

". . ." Eryk was silent for a while and Jason waited patiently for him. Finally, Eryk asked, "What do you want Jason?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. Money, women, power. Preferably not in that order -"

"What do you want from me?" Eryk interrupted Jason's rambling, knowing full well he was only teasing him.

"I need you heeeelp. God, that's a lot harder to say than expected," Jason's voice slowly died when he reached the word 'help' and quickly muttered the rest in one breath as quickly as he could.

"What was that?" Eryk on the other side suddenly seemed invigorated and Jason rolled his eyes as he heard the jovial glee in the former's voice.

"You heard me the first time."

"Not really, no. Mind repeating that?" asked an amused Eryk.

"Is that a yes I hear? Great! Alina will be happy to see you," Jason ignored Eryk's request and said shamelessly.

"Wait, Alina's there?" Eryk suddenly turned serious as he asked. ". . . This is about her isn't it?"

"Partially, yeah," Jason admitted. "I'm leaving her for a bit and I needed someone I could trust to keep her safe. And I know I can trust you on this.

"And look on the bright side, Eryyyk," Jason added when he noticed Eryk was silent. "You can go to school with your childhood sweetheart! I promise I can get you into her class."

"Alright, I'm on my way," Eryk on the other side agreed promptly before asking with an exasperated voice, "And can you stop calling me that? It's Song, Song Hyun-Shik. I didn't know English well enough when I chose that name!"

"Well, that's not my fault," Jason pointed out before conceding. "But alright, if you don't like it then I won't call you that anymore, sing-along."

"It's Song not -"

"Yeah, ok, sung-along."

"Fuck you," Hyun-Shik swore, knowing full well that Jason was only doing this to annoy him. He hung up shortly and Jason put the phone away as the smile he had faded.

Kid's grown up, eh? he thought as he walked up to the kitchen to prepare morning's breakfast. Still, I'm going to have to test him before I leave.

***

She was strapped to an examination table, her limbs locked down by straps. Her eyes moved around, looking for something, anything other than the bright white roof that questioned her sanity even as her head forcibly stayed in place, unmoving.

Mommy . . . Mommy it's happening again, the girl thought. I don't want . . . Mommy . . . no!

The roof above her split and moved to the side as a surgical apparatus slowly came down. Round blades with sharp teeth, spun like saw blades as it slowly approached the girl.

No . . . Help me . . . Mommy help me!

NO!

Alice opened her eyes as the chirping and crooning of birds sang a morning lullaby. She rubbed her bleary eyes and sat up from the bed, looking around groggily only to notice that she was alone with Maple.

Daddy . . . Alice thought as her mind went back to last night.

She had awoken long before Jason, nightmares of being experimented on plagued her sleep for the first time since she met her father. Waking up, Alice found herself somehow sleeping with her head facing the footboard, and one of her feet plastered against Jason's cheeks; somehow, in her sleep, she twisted her body by a full 180° turn. Soon as she realized that, Alice got up and laid back down next to Jason, cuddling close to her father for warmth and comfort.

Before she could truly fall asleep, however, he had woken up while shouting her mother's name. Various emotions wracked her as she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. Tears flowed from her eyes unwillingly as she realized that her father wasn't as cold-hearted as she was led to believe: he did have feelings for her mom. After that, she heard her father murmuring gently while a warm hand patted her forehead and she fell back into that nightmare laced sleep.

"Daddy?" Alice mumbled with uncertainty as her glossy eyes, shiny with tears, looked around. "Where are you, daddy?"

Alice raised a hand to wipe her eyes but froze with shock as she looked down at it. She then pushed the bedsheets away and gazed down at her body, a slight tremble in her hands.

"Hey, Alice, Maple? Rise and shine. It's time to brush and eat breakfast," Alina walked in and used her holo-lenses to lighten the windows that were tinted to prevent the sun from entering the room. Bright light, golden and blinding, shone through the room as Alina turned to face Alice for the first time. "I heard Jason's making your fav . . . orite . . ."

Alina's voice died out as she noticed Alice, her eyes wide with shock as her mouth almost fell to the ground.

"Hey, kid. How long does it take to wake the kids up?" Jason walked in. In truth, he wanted to go and wake Alice but Alina cheated and got a head start while he prepared the table. Coming in, he felt another tinge of annoyance and was preparing to take revenge when he saw Alice. Like Alina, he froze, his eyes full of stunning astoundment.

Wheatish skin color, warm and tanned lightly. And multiple shades of brown hair color, from light caramel to earthy brown . . .

"Alice . . ." Jason took a step as he spoke softly. "You . . ."

"Don't look!" Alice cried out as she burrowed into the bedsheets to cover herself completely.

While her features hadn't changed, her skin and hair color had. It was like she was now the perfect blend of Jason and Katelynn, her complexion inheriting all of their best features.

"Kid, baby," Jason moved to the bed and sat beside the covered Alice, his arms wrapped around her in a hug as Alina followed suit and sat on Alice's other side. "Why are you hiding? You look gorgeous."

"Yeah, you're absolutely adorable," Alina added. "And you really look like Jason's daughter now!"

Jason sent Alina an exasperated gaze and Alina shrugged. "What? I always thought of her as Katie's kid, not yours."

"Thanks," Jason curtly replied in sarcasm and Alina smiled back.

"You're welcome!"

Alice smiled a little when she heard their banter before slowly moving a bit of the bedsheet away and peeking at Jason with one eye.

"You don't hate it?" Alice asked.

"Now why would I?" Jason asked, bemused and unable to understand Alice's concern.

Alice had approached Jason while using her ability to disguise her features. And as a child, she was worried, distraught, over the idea that Jason would be angry or even disappointed in her for hiding and pretending to be different than she appeared.

Alina seemed to understand Alice's concern and she pushed Jason's arms away before pulling Alice into her arms.

"Your father loves you for who you are, Alice. Not what you look like," Alice whispered to Alice. "And he won't be angry at you for lying, we all do it."

"Really?" Alice asked questioningly and Alina nodded.

"Hell yeah," Alina said before gesturing at Jason. "Look at that stupid face. He can't stop grinning cause you look a bit like him now."

Indeed, Alice turned around and giggled a bit when she caught that silly smile on Jason's face. It was brimming with pride he felt over Alice and self-content at having made the cutest kid in the world. It was a stupid face, but one that warmed Alice's heart as she slowly drew out from the bedsheet. Both Jason and Alice's breath were taken away once again as they saw her. Her bright clear, blue eyes contrasted against her very light brown skin. Curtained by her lovely dirty blonde hair only made her look more gorgeous.

"Mmm …" a groan interrupted all three and they turned to look at Maple who stirred a bit before waking.

"Morning . . ." Maple rubbed her eyes before looking at them but froze once she was Alice, drool leaking from the corner of her mouth.

"Uhh, right," Jason grinned. "Let's go over this one more time."

[1] Suni had previously called for backup however that signal was intercepted and blocked by A.V.A. Unlike Suni's signal, Amahle has a direct com to AEM and, while A.V.A can also interfere with that, she would not be able to block it without AEM noticing her. Currently, A.V.A is a secret and Jason wants to keep it that way.