"It's so big!" Yuna's eyes were sparkling in awe.
Her outfit was sportier than normal. A bright yellow zipper hoodie covered her top and dark joggers stretched down her legs. Locke took his seat at The Round Table in Vanguard's HQ, his eyes following Yuna dancing in front of the glass overlooking the arena.
"No one would have guessed all of this was below a run down church." She placed her palms on the glass and turned back to look at Locke. "So, what is it called again? The Holy Order of Vanguard? The Ultra Phantom Killing Vanguard?"
Locke stifled a laugh. "Imaginative, but not quite. Just 'The Vanguard' will do."
Yuna pressed her face into the glass to get a better look at the arena beneath her. "That's pretty lame if you ask me. I mean c'mon. A bunch of superpowered badasses slaying evil in the dark? Gotta do better than that Locke."
Just then, the council members stepped into the dimly lit room from the southern door. Sunny was dragging his feet behind the other members of the council. Enna ushered him to pick up his pace and he obliged. Upon seeing Yuna he did his best to produce a warm smile even though he was worn down. Yuna rushed to the table and leaned across as far as she could.
"Why's Sunny with them?" Yuna whispered loudly to Locke. "I thought you were the council member."
Locke couldn't hold it in any longer, he laughed at Yuna as he responded. "Hahaha, Of course Sunny is on the council. I raised him!"
"Oh, well it suits him." Yuna's face bore a wild grin. "I knew something was special about him."
Uh oh. Locke sat up straight and inspected Yuna's expressions closely. I guess I already knew but… Locke followed her line of sight back to Sunny who seemed to be oblivious to everything around him. Locke sighed as the other council members took their seats. Sunny materialized a chair made of light that resembled an old wingback. He carefully placed it between Locke's chair and his own. After it was settled he beckoned Yuna over to the seat. She happily pranced over and sat down placing her hands on her lap. Cocky brat. How childish, squandering your magik by making a chair. Disgusting. Garland's vein popped from the side of his shiny head. Once everyone seemed settled in Locke cleared his throat.
"My fellow guardians, it has been our primary duty since the inception of this sacred order to protect the veil. With our numbers dwindling we've been stretched thin. I'm here before you today to elect yet another new addition to our ranks. Yuna." Locke turned to Yuna and said. "Please stand Yuna."
Yuna stood proudly between Locke and Sunny. "Yuna Von Crusche, nice to meet 'cha!" Yuna gave them all a two fingered salute.
Sunny looked down to hide his smile, Enna elbowed him from the side. "Look up you idiot." She whispered.
Sunny looked back up and messed with his right eye pretending to fish for an eyelash. He noticed Garland was eyeing them carefully. He's mad we brought her in, but he's definitely happy she's human. Sunny smiled at Garland causing the bald Vanguard to move his eyes elsewhere.
Locke took control of the conversation flow once more. "We suspect that she's an Esper with a rapidly growing potential. She is already capable of clearly seeing phantoms. I think Director Licht would be best suited to finding out her power."
Licht easily caught on to the line Locke had thrown him. "Of course, I would," boasted Licht, steepling his fingers.
"Very good Locke," said Garland through his nose. "I'm pleased you haven't thrown away all of our ideals. When I heard you called another meeting I couldn't help but fret you found another phantom to infiltrate our ranks. This is good old fashioned recruitment. Sunny, I'd like to ask you to learn from your mentor's life choices." Garland's face twisted when he saw that Sunny didn't even flinch.
"There seems to be a slight fundamental misunderstanding, Garland", Locke said jovially. "Who do you think found our two newest recruits? Did you all assume it was me?" Locke crossed his left leg over his right thigh. "When was the last time Sunny called a meeting?" Locke's aura grew dark and Garland leaned back in his seat.
Enna was the first to speak up. "The last time he summoned The Round Table was after The Slaughter of Crestfell."
Yuna looked at Sunny from the side of her eye and recognized the look in his eye. She sat down once again in her illuminated chair and raised a hand towards Sunny. After a moment she put her hand back down.
"That's right, thank you Gilgamesh." Locke's voice was monotone and difficult to hear. "Garland I suggest that before you spit on my boy's name again you take a trip down memory lane. Since then Sunny has been by in large the most active field agent we have at Vanguard. He's recruited the most members in the last three quarters. Most importantly he has the single highest exorcism count every single month. Yet he sits at The Table as an honorary member and gets spoken ill of. We entertained your bullshit last time for Stella's sake. Fuck around again Garland and next time it won't be Sunny in that arena…it'll be us." The right arm of Locke's chair crumbled beneath his grip. Veins popped in his arms as he tried to control himself.
Yuna looked around the table. Garland was steaming and clearly wanted to say more. Many of the members were doing their best not to laugh. Yuna looked back at the face of a man who seemed to be reliving his failures. I've only seen Sunny like this a few times. Yuna's energetic expression had faded.
"I'm glad someone said it," Licht began. "If I'm being honest I think we all need to reconsider what we bring to the table. That being said, I am awfully busy. Would it be okay if we took a vote to call this session? Yes? Great. Those in favour?" Out of the thirteen members twelve raised their hands. "Are you okay Alldust?" Licht called out to Sunny who hadn't moved since Enna last spoke.
"Sorry," Sunny put his hand into the air.
"Fantastic." Licht stood up. "Session is over, you may go."
Everyone scurried out of the room leaving only Licht, Locke, Enna, Sunny and Yuna. Sunny positioned himself in front of the smudge marks on the glass from Yuna's hands. Enna approached him from behind. She took a breath causing her leather jacket to swell before addressing him.
"This is the last time I will say this Sunny. It wasn't your fault. I don't want to sound insensitive but if you don't move on or something, you're going to die."
"I can't do that," Sunny sighed. "You're right though. It goes without saying in our line of work carrying baggage only slows you down."
"So why—"
Sunny's voice cracked. "They entrusted me with everything. Their hopes, their dreams. They are all I see when I close my eyes." Sunny's eyes strained as he fought back the tears. "They will never leave me, Enna. I've never wished them to but even If I had, they can't."
"I know it's hard losing someone you fought with. I'm not telling you to forget about them, just don't live like it's your fault. Because it simply isn't. And for the love of everything good. Get some sleep, you look like shit."
As Enna receded from Sunny she caught a glimpse of green hair below the other side of the glass. She blinked and couldn't see it anymore. Maybe I should take my own advice and hit the hay. Yuna waved to Enna as she left.
"Good to see you and Mr. Garland are best buds," said Yuna to Locke.
"Oh that? It's nothing," Locke said, reassuring her. "It's not even about you. He's still pissed we let a phantom become a Vanguard."
"Considering the job description I'd guess that's just a no no."
"Good guess," Locke chuckled.
Yuna tried whistling but was only able to produce a sputter. "Gotta be hard for Stella. Working for a place where everyone is trained to kill you."
"Hello there Yuna." Licht interrupted and offered his hand to Yuna. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"I'm sure you heard me say it earlier but this is Director Licht." Locke said. "He's the crazy bastard that runs R&D."
"Crazy scientist," Licht clarified.
Yuna shook his hand. "Nice to meet 'cha crazy scientist Licht."
"Can we keep her?" Licht looked at Locke for approval.
"Would you just shut up?" Locke looked around and a worried look covered his face. "Where's Stella?"
"Relax den mother," Licht teased. "I left her with Jasper. He's been tasked with showing her his kickboxing arsenal. She packs a mean punch sure, but is lacking in technique. I plan on running her through a gauntlet of experienced fighters. Once she gets through it, that insane strength is going to have quite the move list."
"Kickboxing? When do I start?!" said Yuna excitedly.
"Maybe after Licht runs his tests and figures out your capabilities." Sunny startled Yuna from behind.
"EEEH?!" Yuna jumped towards Licht. "Put a bell around your neck or something Sunny!"
"I don't think a collar would look good on me." He joked lightly.
"This is fun and all but I wasn't blowing smoke when I said I was rather busy. Would you like to go so we can get started, Yuna?" Licht's voice was unusually dull.
"Would I? Lead the way, Director." Yuna started walking to the northern door.
"This way my dear." Licht pointed to the southern door.
"Haha. Yeah okay." Yuna sheepishly headed for the exit.
"You going to be okay, 'Director?'" Locke poked fun at Licht as he made his way out.
Licht waved him off coolly as he grabbed the door for Yuna. Sunny and Locke wore incredulous looks as they watched the pair leave.
"Is it just me or did someone hit it off with Licht immediately?" Locke kept his eyes glued to the shutting door.
Sunny ran his fingers slowly through his hair. "Stranger things have happened. What now?" He asked warily.
Locke took a good look at the bloodshot eyes of Sunny. Casting out his gate he got a half decent read on Sunny's vitals and mana.
"We wait for Licht's data and go from there. We will need both of them ready for what comes next. Not like we can exactly get reinforcements for an unapproved mission. Especially when that mission centers around the least popular Vanguard." Locke stretched his neck and popped a strawberry coloured gumball into his mouth.
Sunny yawned. "Well that's why Stella is hard at work in the training hall."
"I know you don't like it when I say this…" Locke looked at Sunny strangely.
"So don't" Sunny shifted his eyes away from Locke.
"Yeah, no. I'm going to say it." Locke placed a hand on Sunny's shoulder. "I really need you to get some sleep. At this point it's not even for you anymore. I'm going to go gray if this keeps up."
Sunny sighed, "Locke, please—"
"That being said. I know that won't do right now. Instead for now I want you to go check on Stella. I'll let you know when Yuna is ready.
Sunny looked up at the man who had raised him. It had been a long time since he really took in Locke's features but he noticed it right away. The look of understanding and compassion that was hidden behind sunstone eyes. Crows' feet had claimed the territory beside them and Locke's normally clean shaven face had the makings of a beard. The indestructible giant Sunny remembered was aging. Even with the skin tight black shirt and jeans covering the majority of his body Sunny still wasn't able to count all the scars visible.
"Yeah, okay Locke." Sunny's voice seemed distant but his words were deliberate.
"Alright see you in a bit son." Locke began to walk away, heading for the door.
"Uhm, Locke? I'll get some sleep, okay?" Sunny avoided looking at his mentor again.
"Sure kid." Locke's smile of relief stayed hidden as he left Sunny in the meeting room alone with his tears.
***
"Yuna, this is Dr. Rose, a colleague of mine," Licht explained. "She's going to help us as we work on discovering your potential. Before we begin I'd like to ask some personal questions if that's alright with you."
"Ask away Director." Yuna swung her legs like a child off the edge of the examination table.
"Your aura is faint, but present." Licht started. "Oftentimes, an Esper unlocks their talent during times of extreme distress. Awful reality we live in but that's how it is. Tell me, were you always able to see phantoms?"
"As long as I remember. My parents thought it was a phase or imaginary friends. But as I grew older it never went away, my parents put me on medicine to repress hallucinations. The medication never worked but I would pretend that it did until they eventually thought I was 'cured'." Yunna made air quotes with her fingers.
"That sounds like a difficult childhood. I take it you no longer take prescribed medication?" asked Licht.
"No, they stopped when I was a normal child again. Since I moved to Oldhaven I quit smoking too, if that matters."
"Cannabis?" Dr. Rose readied her finger over her tablet.
"Yeah it helped calm my nerves. Funny how my parents would rather I smoke and drink my life away over telling them about the ghosts in my closet."
"How interesting," Licht started to take Yuna's pulse. "So Stella isn't the first phantom you've come in contact with?"
"No, but she is the first one I've ever been close enough to touch. I guess if I had to pick a phantom to be my first to be that close to, she would be the best one to go with." Yuna paused for a moment. "Now that I think about it… Since I moved, the only time I've seen a phantom is when Sunny or Locke were around."
"Really?" Licht leaned forward bringing his eyes level with Yuna's. He began to twirl a stylus that he had been holding in his free hand.
Yuna swallowed what little saliva she had in her mouth. "Y-yep, I'm one hundred percent positive on this."
"Fantastic." Licht looked towards Dr. Rose.
"Yuna." Dr. Rose said seriously. "Your heart rate is a little high but your vitals are otherwise fine. We need to run a series of tests on you now. These tests may seem barbaric and you might need a few days of rest after them. Are you ready or would you like to take a few moments?"
"Are you going to stab me?" A fearful look sprawled across Yuna's face.
"Yes, to become a Vanguard we need to skewer our prospects." Licht's sarcasm made Yuna visibly relax. "Everything you're about to go through will feel incredibly real. Even if you tell yourself it isn't that won't help you. But rest assured, nothing you are about to witness is real."
"Alrighty." Yuna said after a while. "No time like the present."
"Fantastic," said Licht. "Please, follow Dr. Rose. She'll help you change into something more appropriate for the tests."
The ladies made their way to the closed off compartment of the room just as Locke was coming in from the other end.
"How's she coming along?" Locke looked around the room. "How do you think she'll do? I'd like to get our newest member in sparring gear and sweating buckets as soon as possible."
"Nevermind that, our newest member just opened my eyes to something interesting," said Licht smugly.
"There's always a discovery with you, Licht. What is it now?"
"Well, Yuna has always seen phantoms since she was a child. Her parents thought it was a childish whim, something she would outgrow. But it persisted and she was eventually placed on medication. She isn't taking them now though," Licht explained.
"Well, that's something… I guess. Where are you going with this?"
"I think phantoms are drawn to Espers. We've always assumed that phantoms were mindless creatures of evil. They'd tear through the veil and bring ruin everywhere they could be found. But we've seen that they at least have some control over thought and reason. For a while now with the rise in Kinshi, I felt we had been missing something. What if they are destroying the veil and deliberately coming to our side in search of espers?"
"That's ridiculous, Licht. Even for you. They are not capable of making plans themselves, we've been taught that for generations. I just don't think it's possible."
"Haven't the winds of change been busy? Look at Stella, Locke. You keep forgetting but she is a phantom. Is she not capable?" Licht's voice was desperate.
"Well she is, but—"
"And there was something else Yuna mentioned."
Locke sighed. "What's that?"
Licht smiled deviously. "Most of the times she spotted a phantom was when you or Sunny would come around."
"Oh?"
"Think of it this way, you and Sunny are our most active Vanguards this side of the country. And both of you are absolutely terrifying. Imagine yourself as a beacon, or a lighthouse on the seashore. The phantoms are ships that had been roaming the seas freely with no destination. But now, they see you." Licht's eyes burned into Locke.
"Are you saying we're attracting those evil cunts?"
"Precisely, and every single Esper in the wild or with Vanguard. They aren't just coming here to play anymore Locke. Phantoms are purposefully looking for espers to become Kinshi with."
Locke scratched his beard. "It's starting to make some sense. Your discovery is a theory. Simply put, their goals are evolving right under our noses," Locke said tightly. "We should present the idea before the council. Have Vanguard around the world keep watch."
"No." Licht shook his head. "We need proof Locke. Or else they'd think we're insane."
Locke raised his brow. "But we have proof, Ste— Oh, no."
"Exactly my point, Locke. We can't throw her into the spotlight. I'm already worried that they might find out about just how strong she is. If we use her as our proof we may lose her."
"What a fucking mess," Locke groaned.
"And that's not all." Licht said solemnly. "I took it upon myself to start following up on the serial killing going on in town. The media calls him The Frankenstein Slasher. I fear he may be more than that, Locke. I think we have another Kinshi on our hands."
"Sunny suggested he could be a phantom, but this…this could change everything if you're right. Can you be wrong for once?" Locke joked halfheartedly.
"I'm aware, I'm also aware the two of you are after him for Stella's sake."
"Excuse me?" asked Locke warily.
"I'm observant, Locke. If you haven't noticed it is part of the job description. I'd advise you to be careful. You lot have quite a bit of firepower, I would hate to see you get lynched for doing hush work."
The girls returned to the room and once again Licht's switch flipped.
"Hello my dear," his sly voice grated on Locke.
"Locke!" Yuna cooed, she bounced her eyes behind him and towards the door. "Where's Sunny?"
Locke was a bit slower than Licht at changing gears but he managed to play along.
"He'll join us once he finishes up."
Yuna tilted her head. "Have you eaten today? You look pale."
"It's probably something I ate," Locke smiled painfully.
"We've been waiting for you, Dr. Rose," Licht said happily.
"Sorry for that gentlemen, we're ready for you now." She responded.
Licht led them out of the room and towards a section of the HQ that few hardly visited. Locke looked uncomfortable as he looked at the gray walls around them.
"You must wonder why we're going where we're going, Locke," Licht pried.
"Not really. I may not come here often but I couldn't forget this place if I jammed a rod through my head." Locke's grumbling made Yuna giggle.
"Locke!"
The party whirled as one and saw Sunny some paces behind. Stella hovered behind him as they hurried to catch up.
"Hey, Yuna." Stella's voice played through Sunny's ear bud.
"Stella says 'hey.'" Sunny said to Yuna. "You won't be able to hear her without one of these until she's redressed." Sunny pointed to the black electronic thing in his ear.
Yuna's eyes widened. "I-I don't know what you two were doing earlier. W-why is she here if she's naked?!" Yuna threw her arms above her face to shield her eyes.
Locke planted his hand into his face and Licht screeched. His laughter was so uncontrollable he began to wheeze. Yuna slowly lowered her arms and saw Stella come from behind Sunny. She was dressed in her gym clothes she worked out in with Sunny and Jasper. Stella, Sunny and Yuna looked at each other with blushed faces.
"We'll see about getting you an earbud, Yuna." Dr. Rose came in with the rescue. "I'm assuming you'll be spending a great deal of time with them so you'll want one without a doubt."
Stella appreciated Dr. Rose's lead and responded. "Where are you guys headed?"
"The awakening room." Dr. Rose had a small smile on her face.
"You can come along, Stella," said Licht. "You may learn something from this."
Licht turned and led the procession towards the awakening room. Stella turned to Sunny and he shrugged. The ground seemed to slope downwards the closer they got to the test room. It was hard to imagine that there was this much space under the church.
"This is impressive, how deep does it get?" Stella wondered.
"Too deep," answered Sunny. "I don't like coming down here. I wouldn't feel right letting Yuna go through this alone though."
Stella could see the stress wash over Sunny.
"Why?"
"I can't explain it," Sunny struggled to respond.
They reached a wide door guarded by two bitter looking Vanguards. They parted respectfully for Director Licht once he stood before them. The doors opened automatically and the party went into the awakening room.
Giant bucket lights greeted them as they powered on row by row. In front of them was a cavernous pit made of concrete that had been meticulously painted white. The only object in the room was a chair that had been equally painstakingly painted white. Stella noticed chains wrapped around the legs of the chair, bolted into the concrete slab beneath it. Much like the arena, high above the ground area there was a room behind a glass pane with a table and many chairs. From within that room wires fanned out into the painted concrete below.
"Welcome to the awakening room." Stella picked up on Licht's fabricated cheerfulness. "I hope you took care of your personal needs, we may be here for a while. Everything from here on out depends on Yuna. Please, take your seats."
Locke pressed on a panel by the door they came in. It revealed a hidden passage to its left. He led Sunny and Stella up the stairs into the room with the table and chairs.
"Why are we so high up?" Stella floated above Sunny, lowering her head in front of his. Even though she was upside down her hair remained perfectly flat on her head.
"It's good manners for the people who brought in a newbie to go through hell with them."
"What does that even mean?" Stella looked into Sunny's eyes.
She could see the turmoil of an ocean roar back at her. Sunny's gate had been tugging for Stella's all day. Even when he had to leave for the meeting earlier in the day she could feel it. I was happy to finish up with Jasper early but I feel like I wasn't supposed to hear his conversation with Gilgamesh earlier. I only meant to check up on everyone then head back. Stella's eyes were lost at sea. Sunny's voice dragged her back to reality.
"I knew you were there. If you're worried about eavesdropping on my conversation with Enna, don't be."
"I figured you might have known. I could feel you but I thought maybe… you wouldn't feel me."
"If you two start singing I'm going to throw up," Locke gagged. "I'm going to ask the nerds to get channels on these earbuds or something. Teenagers."
Both Stella and Sunny were too stunned to speak. Sunny looked down to the ground below them and Licht gave him a 'I heard everything' grin. After a few minutes they looked on as Dr. Rose placed glowing white things on Yuna's joints and then on her temple.
Stella pointed at the strange contraptions. "What are those?"
"They're sensors," said Locke. "They are how we will monitor Yuna's vitals and progress. If we didn't use them we wouldn't know when to pull the plug."
"That sounds rather ominous."
Dr. Rose triple checked the sensors and pulled on the chains holding the chair in place. Yuna's entire forearm was also strapped to the chair to secure her in place. Her smile had been replaced with a more stern expression. She's tough. Stella thought. If I were in her shoes I'd be terrified. That's not the face of someone who is afraid. That's the same look Sunny gets when training. A warface. Stella's jaw clenched as she observed Yuna. Licht pressed on another camouflage plate on the concrete walls revealing a terminal. He placed his right thumb on a sensor for a moment and used his left hand to enter in a code on the mechanical keys beside it. Metallic whirring filled the air as the floor opened up near him. A small tent-like structure big enough for three people to stand in lifted from within the ground before settling in place. It was painted like the room but was covered with thick plastic. Licht stepped inside of the new structure and Dr. Rose trotted over to join him.
Feedback sounded from an unseen microphone and Licht's voice buzzed through the air. "Am I coming in clear?"
Yuna nodded to the empty air before her.
"Fantastic, Let's get started," Licht continued over the microphone. "Yuna, one last thing? Don't forget to breathe."
Stella looked at Locke. "Seriously, what's the deal?"
Locke's grim expression worried Stella. "Unless put through extreme trauma, people like us wouldn't be able to access a fraction of our power."
"Trauma?"
The lights cut out leaving a sole halo shining over Yuna. No matter which direction Yunna looked, all she found was darkness. Her senses dulled. How long has it been? Yuna stared forward, blinking periodically. Over the course of several minutes she closed her eyes less and less. After ten minutes Yuna's sight was uninterrupted by her eyelids trying to cover the emeralds beneath them.
"Alright my dear," Licht said. "I'm going to show you a series of images and all you need to do is look at them."
Yuna showed no sign of response to Licht's communication. If anything, she sat there lifeless, like a pretty doll. A moment later the blank wall in front Yuna flickered and the image of a young fawn was displayed.
Sunny finally decided to explain the process to Stella. "The purpose of this exercise is to record Yuna's base reaction to the images. Over time Licht and Dr. Rose will steer her towards a tailored made hell."
"That's terrible." Stella winced. "I see what you meant by trauma Locke."
"Yeah, it's a crude method," Locke grumbled. "I hate it. Fortunately we seldom have to use it thanks to the real horrors that roam this side of the veil. This is effective though. It allows us to give new recruits a fighting chance. As you'll soon see it will lead to one of two outcomes."
"Those are?"
"An awakening…" Sunny's eyes were glued to Yuna.
"Or, a broken spirit." Locke gripped the sides of his chair tightly.
The image of the fawn switched to one of a bird in flight, it stayed on the screen for a few moments. Yuna had shown no visible reaction to the process so far. It switched to a view of Gaia from outer space. Its heavenly body was dotted with a variety of colours but primarily it was blue and green. An abrupt switch was made to a burning orphanage with a child standing in front of it clinging to a teddy. The images flickered in quick succession. Charred bodies, burn victims, an erupting volcano wiping out an entire civilization. These images caused Yuna's leg muscles to flex as they pushed off the ground. The chair was unmoving and she was forced to look on in terror.
Locke noticed her legs twitching. "Different espers react differently to each of the images. It's entirely based on them, like some sick algorithm we always find their very own hell." Locke's frown grew as the images flicked across the screen.
"Did you have to go through these tests?" Stella asked.
"No," Locke said stiffly. "Sometimes the real thing finds us before Vanguard does." His orange eyes glew with contempt.
Stella looked to her side. "Sunny?"
"Never." He ran his fingers through his hair shakily. "I'm with Locke on this."
Stella looked down into the plastic covered tent. They are just like Licht then. Pushed by this world until their gates opened.There has to be a better way. This… this is barbaric. Stella pursed her lips as she watched Yuna's body begin to twitch with increased frequency.
The images being displayed had become more complex, and Stella was beginning to see a pattern. A flower that had the image of a face one moment, and then nothing the next, followed by a swarm of locusts ravaging farmland. Innumerable ants entering every orifice of a man's body. A swarm of giant hornets assaulting a city. The image of a spider the size of a skyscraper casually walking through buildings and knocking debris onto helpless civilians below caused Yuna to start drooling.
"Licht found it. He found her push," said Sunny softly.
"What's that?"
Locke answered for Sunny. "Licht found whatever it is that will make Yuna awaken… or break. Look at the pattern of the images. And now look at Yuna."
Stella glanced at the wall already knowing fully what she would see. And after two images had come and gone she whispered, "Insects. Yuna's push is insects."
"Yeah," Locke said. "You see, Stella. In that room, the computers receive a signal from the sensors placed on Yuna. Licht will direct the images in different ways depending on her reaction. However, that's only the start."
Stella glanced back down at Yuna. Yuna's body continued to twitch but her skin had sheen to it. She's soaked, Stella thought.
Locke could see the disgust on Stella's face. "This is why we are here Stella. It's an unwritten rule to never let a Vanguard you brought on go through awakening alone. Those of us who made it through it owe them at least that much."
Locke removed his hands from the chair and balled his fists. Within moments blood trickled from his palms. Stella felt her stomach flop as the pictures became increasingly disturbing. Licht began to increase the rate at which the photos swapped until Stella could no longer make sense of the photos appearing.
"What is he doing?"
"Licht's going deeper," Sunny said. "We're seeing a jumble of pictures but she's seeing something else entirely. It's her personal hell."
The images came at a blistering pace causing Yuna to thrash in her seat. She resembled a rabid animal as she sprayed her saliva in every direction. She pushed off the ground with all her might flexing every muscle fiber in her body. Her eyes began to roll into the back of her head as the images crescendoed.
"I'm going to pull her out," Licht said to Dr. Rose as the vital charts flashed in a multitude of colours.
"No, look!" Dr. Rose was breathless as she pointed towards Yuna.
Yuna's body fell limp. The images played for a few more seconds before cutting to black. She let out a blood curdling scream that managed to shake the entire room. Licht had to steady himself on Dr. Rose. Once Yuna relaxed he fixed his glasses to observe the outcome. A thin layer of yellow energy encapsulated Yuna's body.
"Whoa," Sunny said under his breath.
"First stage cleared," said Locke, impressed with Yuna's tenacity.
"First stage? There's more coming?" Stella's concern grew.
"Yeah", Sunny sighed. "Unfortunately if we stop now it's all over."
Yuna's eyes came back to life. She looked more shocked than anything as she smiled at the aura surrounding her body. It's the same colour as my hair. Yuna thought to herself. Cute.
The lights came back on causing Yuna's head to jerk. Her heart raced and she realized she was gasping for air. It's like I'm breathing through a straw.
"Yuna." Licht said over the microphone. "You're doing a fantastic job. It's time for the next stage. If you want out now would be—"
"No!" Yuna shouted over her shoulder. "That was nuffin'." Yuna put on a brave face.
Licht's genuine smile caught Dr. Rose off guard. "Good girl."
Just like before all the lights went out except the one directly above Yuna. Stella shifted worriedly in the air.
"What now Sunny?"
"Well, she just displayed she's capable of manifesting her Magik for basic use. Now Licht is going to give her one last push to see if she has any unique talents."
"How?" Stella pressed Sunny.
"That." Locke began pointing towards something that was approaching Yuna quickly.
They looked like a bunch of small metal marbles from afar rolling in tandem. They began climbing over one another until they merged, forming a giant scorpion shaped beast. It was the same dark gray as the marbles and hardly looked like an organic beast. The marbles warbled and shimmered until they began to change in appearance. Now the scorpion turned brown with beady red eyes. It had fine details such as a hairlike substance on its legs.
"It looks so real!"
Stella hovered backwards slightly.
"Dr. Licht came up with the idea," said Locke. "Those smart marbles are mostly used for training young Vanguard in human versus phantom combat. Makes sense because they come in all shapes and sizes. With the ability to create a visual representation of the actual thing we are able to make training much more practical. Licht, being who he is, called a meeting and told everyone we were wasting that technology and we should implement their use in other places too. It took some time but now we have plenty for the awakening room too."
"So, that's not real either?"
"It's only as real as Licht wants it to be," Locke said.
The insect looked at Yuna and bent its head to the side, it generated an unsettling clicking sound before opening its claws and screeching at Yuna. The sound reverberated through the hall and Yuna's aura flickered. The scorpion crawled sideways strafing in a circle around Yuna. It coiled its stinger and let it cut through the air aiming for Yuna's chest. Stella gasped and moved closer to Sunny.
"Licht won't kill her." Sunny felt Stella's gate pulling at his. "
Stella nodded but didn't let go of Sunny's gate. Her eyes widened as the scorpion's attacks brushed off of Yuna's body. Yuna's face contorted with pain every time its claw or stinger came into contact with her aura.
"She has a strange ability." Sunny leaned forward in his chair. "This is going to get interesting."
The insect pressed Yuna, driving into her with a flurry of blows. Eventually it achieved what her legs could not and the chair broke from the chains. She was sent careening towards the wall beneath. With a loud crash the chair exploded from the impact. But when her side came into contact with the wall it buckled under the influence of her barrier. Once her momentum died down she bounced off the wall plopping onto the ground. Before she was full back onto her feet the scorpion emerged in front of her face pummeling her shield relentlessly.
"She'll have to fight back," said Sunny. "If she doesn't, Licht's going to pull the plug." He looked through the corner of his eye at the tent.
Every time Yuna tried to bring herself to her feet the marble abomination hammered her back into the floor. Her barrier pushed further into the ground with each successive smash. Sunny gasped when he noticed Yuna's aura began to crack.
"Come on, Yuna." Locke muttered under his breath. "You've got this."
The insect pressed its advantage causing the cracks to spread. Licht's hand hovered over the marble's killswitch. His thumb signature was already loaded into the system.
Stella's voice suddenly burst through the microphone system. DON'T GIVE UP!!! Sunny's head snapped to Stella. His jaw hung as he watched Stella trying to scream words of encouragement.
"Me? Give up?" Yuna panted as she braced herself against the barrage of the hellish replica before her. "As if."
She felt a strange rush of power surge through her body lighting up all of her magical circuits at once. She glowed a magnificent golden hue as she stood to her feet. The scorpion threw its stinger towards her chest. Yuna puffed out her chest and held out her right hand, forming a finger gun.
"BANG!" Yuna's voice reverberated like a cannon as she stared down the scorpion defiantly.
A giant hole appeared in the cephalothorax, the form of the scorpion quickly dissolved into a pool of marbles on the floor. Yuna's legs wobbled in exhaustion but she was victorious. She looked up at Stella with a cheesy grin and striking a victory pose. The lights flipped back on blinding Yuna for a moment.
"You did it!" Stella's voice came through the speakers once more and tears ran over her smile.
"Well, I'll be damned." Locke relaxed his hands, revealing blood stained palms. "Charge, nature, light, and a word affinity Vanguard? Phantoms don't stand a chance against us."
"Yeah, I guess they don't." Stella wiped the faded tears from her face as she continued beaming at Yuna.
Yuna raised her arms outward like she was receiving roses from a crowd. She shouted breathlessly at her friends above, "How do you like my Onomatopoeia?"
***
Hours later, after Yuna had gotten some rest they gathered in the mess hall. The only exceptions were Licht and Dr. Rose as they were too busy working on something for Stella. They talked in low tones and laughed amongst themselves.
Stella's suit had been improved such that her recovery time had lessened considerably. She didn't have to wait until it was after three in the morning before she could redress again. She was so confident in the new suit's capabilities she used her limited time to redress at the table with her allies. The other Vanguard members in the mess hall seemed to appreciate her consideration as they all were able to relax as they walked by her.
"Welcome to the team, Yuna," Locke grinned. "And thank you for considering our request for your help."
"I'm glad to be here." Yuna looked across the table at Locke and Stella. "Even if it is part time. I still have a coffee shop to run so you guys have somewhere to go when you want good food." Yuna pointed at the lackluster pancakes on her plate.
Stella chuckled. "Regardless of where you clock in you're a hero to somebody. I know… knew many people who couldn't function without a cup of coffee."
"That's sooo true!" Yuna hushed her voice. "Not for anything but for such an amazing place you guys have shit refreshments."
"What? That's false." Sunny feigned being offended even as he scraped half of his food into the garbage beside the table. "It's not that bad."
"Is too!" insisted Yuna. "How about we head to The Fool's Remedy and I'll show you guys the real deal?"
"Okay," Locke said. "If that's what you want, you've earned it. We taking my c—"
"I'll ride with Sunny on his bike," Yuna blushed.
"Err… Okay?" Locke looked between Sunny and Stella. "You're with me then Stella. S-Stella?"
"Yeah, guess so." Stella averted Sunny's gaze as she pouted.
"Race you there?" Yuna said playfully, pulling Sunny along with her.
Sunny resisted for a moment, and was going to say something to Stella. But when he felt her gate retreat from his he kept his mouth shut. Gritting his teeth he let Yuna pull him towards the exit of the mess hall.
"Let's get moving Locke," Stella commanded. "This is a competition now, remember?"
Locke remained silent and followed behind Stella as she stormed off to the car park. When they got there, Sunny and Yuna were nowhere to be found. Locke unlocked the car and Stella slammed the door shut as she crawled into the passenger side. Locke got in after her and started the car. The silence stretched until he couldn't take it anymore.
"You okay, kid?" Locke asked.
"Of course Locke," Stella said a little too sweetly "Why wouldn't I be Locke?"
"It's only me here, you don't have to keep saying my name." He tried joking with her but her face remained sour.
Drama. Locke understood too well what was happening. Teenage drama. I never did have kids. I think I just remembered why. He drove in silence until they got to the coffee shop. Dusk was settling in on the busy street like an unwelcome houseguest. People scampered about trying to finish up their last errands for the day. Sunny's bike was parked behind the shop already and Locke rolled his Musbang into the spot beside it. Stella muttered something under her breath and Locke turned to give her a look.
"What did you say?"
"Nuffin'." Stella's cheeks puffed out. She was clearly trying to be cute.
"I may be old but I do hear."
"Well, what did I say then?"
Locke had a shit eating grin on his face. "You said I should have rammed into his bike."
"No!" Stella denied, giggling all the while. "I wouldn't say such a thing!"
"Yes, you did Stella Brightheart, you lil' devil."
"Well, why didn't you do it, then?" Stella had a twinkle in her eyes.
Locke put his hand on his whip's gear shift. "I can reverse and try again."
Stella shook her head happily. She pulled down his visor flipping open the mini mirror in it. "No, but thank you." She adjusted the puff on her hair and checked her eyes.
"Alright," Locke said. "You okay?"
"I feel much better."
"Good, now let's get in there."
They walked through the door making the bell attached to it chime. They spotted Yuna and Sunny in a corner seat far away from the entrance. She must have picked the seat. Stella thought. Yuna heard the bell and turned to the pair waving them over. Locke pulled a seat out for Stella beside Sunny and took his seat beside Yuna.
"You lost, so you're paying for our coffees," Yuna teased.
"How many phantoms do you know with a purse?" said Stella dully.
"That reminds me," Locke reached into his back pocket and produced a shining black credit card with glowing green accents. "Director Licht told me to deliver this to you a while ago but I keep on forgetting. Your PP is auto deposited into that. You can also use a bit of Magik to check your redress timer and cooldown."
Stella reached across the table grabbing the black card.
"What am I supposed to do with this? I don't even have a home."
Stella's thoughts were invaded for a moment. And words that weren't her own seared in her mind.
"Yes you do."
Stella looked at Sunny and their eyes met like the sun and sea. An overwhelming sensation burned between them before dying out almost immediately.
"Ope, be right back." Yuna ran towards the kitchen. Smoke was pouring out from the window at the server station.
"Have a nice joyride?" Stella grilled Sunny with a smile plastered on her face.
Sunny shrugged and rested his elbow on the table so he could rest his chin on the back of his hand. "Yeah, I always enjoy whatever time I can get on Dullahan."
"I'm sure you do."
Sunny sighed and pinned his sapphire eyes against Stella's glare of amber.
"If you have something to say just get on with it."
Stella opened her mouth to speak and then shut it again. She did so several times and then just gave up.
"Don't worry about it. It's stupid."
"Is it?" Sunny's expression was serious.
"Yeah, sure. Let's talk about anything else."
"Sure."
Locke sat there watching the bickering awkwardly. He had no food in front of him or reliable means of distraction. The two of you need to just f— Locke's mental complaining was cut short by Yuna's voice.
"As promised!" Yuna returned with four cups of coffee and placed them on the table. She took her seat across from Sunny once more. "So, what are we talking about?"
Sunny looked at Locke with questioning eyes, Locke responded with a nod and sipped gently from his cup.
"Yeah, this is much better than our coffee."
"See?!" Yuna was ecstatic and Stella shot Locke a dirty look.
"We finished making our plan to catch The Frankenstein Slasher…kinda," Locke abruptly changed the subject.
The mood instantly shifted around the table and everyone leaned in. Sunny reduced the volume of his voice. "The two of us pulled up a map and marked where all of the girls had been murdered."
"Right," continued Locke. "We traced the paths to establish a pattern on where he leaves his victims."
"We think he is a phantom," Sunny explained.
Locke scratched at his growing beard for a moment. "I've had time to think about it, Sunny. I hate to say this but we might just have a Kinshi on our hands."
"No," said a wide-eyed Sunny, "please no."
"Come again?" asked Yuna, looking from Locke to Sunny and then to Stella.
"Kinshi's are born from a phantom taking control of an esper. They are by far the strongest foes we Vanguard face. Think of it this way, Kinshis don't even get rated the same as phantoms."
Both Stella and Yuna had a derpy expression on their faces.
"Run of the mill phantoms are F-Class, harmless," Sunny sighed. "Phantoms with insane destructive power are A-Class," he explained.
"Then there is S-Class and Celestial Class," Locke added.
"I read about F-Class through A-Class," Stella said. "But what are those?"
"S-Class generally have unique abilities." Sunny explained. "Like my Unseen Tyrant, or Yuna's Onomatopoeia."
"And Celestial's are nothing more than the boogiemen our founders came up with to keep us on our toes." Locke's rough voice sounded annoyed. "Even a fresh Kinshi could go toe to toe with an A-Class phantom," he admitted.
"Can it be killed though?" There was curiosity in Yuna's voice.
"Yeah, we do it plenty. Ain't easy though," Locke said. "And many Vanguard deaths are Kinshi related. Now that you know this, do you still want to help us catch this monster?"
Yuna didn't miss a beat. "Some days ago, I was just a barista that saw things other people medicated me for. There's a killer on the loose, and from the sounds of it even if I didn't help you chase him down, he might find me eventually. I have always admired you two." Yuna looked at Sunny and Locke. "And I think what you are doing to help Stella is admirable. After everything that's happened…everything I've seen. I want to help, so if you would have me, use me." Yuna's determination drove the table to silence.
Unwelcome tears came to Stella's eyes and she wiped them away with the back of her wrist. I can't believe I was so rude to her a moment ago. She's a good friend. Stella reached diagonally across the table grabbing Yuna's hand.
"Thank you, Yuna," she said with tears in her eyes.
Yuna nodded and patted Stella on the hand. Yuna's voice quivered with excitement. "So what is the plan?"
Sunny leaned forward and began to explain the plan to them in great detail. "It's not my proudest but it will work. What do you think?" he asked Yuna tentatively.
"It's too crazy not to work." Yuna's bright green eyes burned with energy. "Let's kill The Frankenstein Slasher."