A microphone in hand and a glint in the reporter's eyes that spoke volumes about their hunger for compelling news, the woman's voice projected in a manner that made you question if the microphone was even necessary.

"Citizens seek answers! The entire city is split––some doubtful, some still believe in the AEI. Rose's debut as an apparition has really left citizens questioning." The woman looked directly at the camera. "What are your concerns about the nature of how weapons are made?"

"Big sister!" Sam exclaimed. "Why does the woman talk like that?"

You were currently in your room, relishing in the heater to help combat the early morning cold. Sam was sitting (well, more so hovering) cross legged in front of you whilst you braided her ash blonde hair. Her hair was short, it fell just above her shoulders, but there was enough room for a few cute braid designs.

"It's so people pay closer attention to her," you replied.

"Big sister!" Alec leaned over to get a better look at you. "Can I open the curtains?"

You smiled at his enthusiasm. "Yeah, you can draw the curtains."

Alec, refusing to leave your left side, used his abilities to draw the curtains open from the bed. As always, there was minimal sun in this city. However, the peaceful grey skies did instil a sense of tranquillity.

Meanwhile, Copper occupied your right side. Despite acting like he didn't care, the child would glare at you whenever you made a move to leave the bed. Alastor was on Copper's other side, crossing his arms and paying attention to the news whilst having too much fun making snarky remarks. Finally, Mochi was behind you, happily acting as a cushion for all five of you.

"James' apparition form has not been spotted ever since the weapon announcement. Could he have been exorcised?"

At that, your hands paused. Sam shot you a confused look and her twin brother whispered something to her before her eyes widened in realisation.

"Are you sure about this, Elias?" you asked. "I know giving James and Caleb some time alone is good, but was there more you wanted to say to him?"

"It's fine, I don't have anything else I want to say." Elias stopped walking. "But, thank you for providing us a chance at closure. I don't know how much trouble you went through, but I promise to repay you."

After that, you decided that giving Caleb time alone was the best move. Of course, you sent him a text letting him know that you'd be here if he needed someone to talk to. As of right now, it was the morning following the weapon announcement incident. Emotions were still fresh.

"It's okay, big sister!" Alec patted your leg reassuringly.

Sam smiled. "You should bury yourself in Mochi's fluffy tail to feel better."

Copper was already holding the wolf's tail, ready to hand it over to you. Meanwhile, Mochi looked blissfully content.

"We should switch to a different channel," Alastor said. "This person's annoying."

The twins nodded in agreement. "Yeah!"

Copper added, "I bet she's annoying at parties."

You couldn't help but laugh.

Not long after was a knock on your door. Caleb. How did you know? Caleb always made it a point to knock a certain way. Five taps (because there are five letters in his name) followed by a pause and then a rapid session of seven taps (because there are seven letters in the word 'support').

"Come in!"

"Miss Support! How––woah, there's a party in here."

"Yeah," you replied. "Good company first thing in the morning."

The twins looked to Caleb and both exclaimed, "Hello!"

Alastor raised a hand. "Hey."

Copper waved silently while Mochi's tail furiously wagged. You haven't seen Caleb since the whole incident with James. Your concern was probably written all over your face because Caleb showed you a reassuring smile.

"Hello, hello. Pardon me for interrupting your family time, but I need Miss Support for a moment."

Sam frowned. "Aww, will it be long?"

"Unfortunately, yes. His highness called for a meeting."

Elias called for a meeting?

"Well..." You glanced over to the apparitions. "Time to get back in the book everyone."

Sam asked, "We'll play more later, right?"

You ruffled her hair, to which she giggled in response. "Yup. I even bought a new video game for us to try."

The twins cheered, even Copper looked excited. You let Caleb talk with the apparitions while you went to go and freshen up in the bathroom and change your clothes. When you came out, you were not surprised to see Alastor looking done with Caleb.

"This is the vengeful apparition, Miss Support?" Caleb laughed. "He gives kid brother vibes."

Alastor huffed. "I do not."

"Your reaction isn't helping your case."

Soon after, the apparitions disappeared into your book.

Closing the door behind you, you asked, "Any idea what the meeting is about?"

"Nope! I didn't know about it until a few minutes ago. I texted everyone else," Caleb said. "But I wanted to see you in person."

Though Caleb words made you smile, you couldn't help but feel worried. You had yet to address the issue with Finn. Could the meeting be for...?

"By the way! Do you have any plans for dinner tonight?"

Caught off guard, your response was a little slow, "I shouldn't?"

"Perfect! Because now you do. I already booked the restaurant."

"Huh."

Caleb smiled cheerfully. Honestly, you should be used to this by now. It's just been a while since Caleb dragged you somewhere spontaneous.

"Did you eat breakfast yet?"

"I was gonna go eat something later," you responded.

"Save your money! I can make something for you."

"I mean, no complaints. But you sure? Aren't you tired from yesterday?"

"I was gonna hog the kitchen today anyway. Plus, cooking gives me something to do. You should know I can't sit still."

When you and Caleb arrived at the SF living room, you saw Cecil closing the door.

"Did the meeting end already?" Caleb asked.

"It moved places," Cecil replied. "This is a place reserved for good memories. We're using the conference room."

"Huh. So it's bad news?"

"It's..." Cecil's gaze landed on you for a moment. "News that will cause some conflict."

Well, that pretty much confirmed it. It was about Finn.

"Friends fight all the time," Caleb said, patting your back. You didn't realise you had tensed up. "Loosen up, Miss Support!"

The three of you arrived at the conference room. Sleek modern furnishing, clean space, minimalistic; it was void of the warmth of the SF living room, a space that felt like home and showed off everyone's personalities, even if it was a little cluttered.

The others hadn't arrived yet. It was only Elias and Finn in the room.

"We're here!" Caleb announced. "What's this about? Are stocks going down? Feels like a business meeting."

Finn chuckled. It was strange to see him smile so warmly. Despite everything, you didn't think his smile was a facade. "Have a seat. I prepared some snacks as well."

On the table was a small spread of fruits, sandwiches, and yoghurt.

"Don't get too full," Caleb whispered. "I still want to cook for you."

You grabbed some fruit so you could occupy yourself with something as your thoughts ran wild. Meanwhile, Caleb was happily chatting to Elias and Finn. You and Cecil sat next to each other.

"Nervous?" Cecil asked.

"Very."

It didn't take long for the others to arrive. Amias was the first to enter. He frowned when he saw that Cecil and Caleb had taken the seats next to you. You shot him an apologetic look and that frown immediately disappeared. He opted for the seat across you instead. Sara and Jade arrived together and Lyle was the last. Once everyone was settled down, Elias spoke,

"Finn, you called for this meeting. Do you want to take the lead?"

Finn nodded. Elias took a seat and Finn stood at the end of the table.

"Sorry for calling everyone so suddenly." Finn took a deep breath. Then, his gaze landed on you. "But there are some things I've been keeping from everyone."

"Ohh, secrets? How scandalous," Caleb said. "Well? What is it?"

Finn managed a small smile at Caleb's words. "To start... The reason why (Y/n) was injured yesterday was because of me."

You almost choked on the fruit you were eating. Holy shit, he jumped straight into it.

Sara's words were cautious as she looked at Finn in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I think it'll be better if I add in some context," you said, almost frantically. Eyes landed on you, patiently waiting for your input. "I'll start from the top."

From your plans to sneak into the labs to obtain information to your collaboration with Shen and James––You told them everything. There was no merit in hiding things anymore. The only information you omitted were things you physically couldn't tell them due to the system and certain... intimate moments you had with Shen.

As expected, people didn't remember Kein. Cecil did, Amias as well. There was never a clear cut explanation, popular theories were because of Cecil's nature; he was innately someone who always questioned things, someone who can be very nosey at times. Amias? Well, your assumption was because he wasn't exactly from this city like everyone else was.

After you finished explaining, you could tell that the same question hung on everyone's heads: just how did you know so much to execute such a plan? Of course, you couldn't answer that. Everyone seemed to know that without you telling them.

Elias maintained steady eye contact, keeping his expression neutral. "When did your suspicion of the chairman start?"

Thankfully, this was a question you anticipated someone would ask.

"The SF trials. There was this bad feeling that wouldn't go away during it and I acted on those instincts." It was vague, but you had a feeling Elias didn't mind. "In essence, I'm going against the chairman because I don't agree with his actions." Your gaze landed on Finn. "That's where our conflict started. Finn didn't want me challenging the chairman."

Everyone needed a moment––well, more than a moment to digest everything.

"I never intended to hurt (Y/n) that badly," Finn said. "Of course, that's no excuse for my actions."

The room fell into silence. There was so much to say about this revelation, but that made it all the more hard to find the right words.

Finn continued, emotions more prominent in his voice. "I just... There are so many risks involved. I don't want to endanger anyone here."

"But..." You were surprised that Jade was the first to speak up. "The way the weapons are made––aren't they highly unethical? Finn, you're the last person I expected to condone this."

"I'm sorry to ruin that good impression of myself."

Finn showed an apologetic smile. It was really was strange. Despite his incriminating position, you could not find any traces of malice in his words or actions.

"My perspective on this is selfish. The way the weapons are created doesn't directly affect us. The things behind the scenes, they don't harm us. In fact, it'll make our jobs easier, reduce the danger just a little. Why risk losing those I cherish because I have to do the morally right thing?" Finn's voice dipped into a whisper. "As long as the people I care about are safe, it doesn't matter what happens to others."

Again, there was silence. The weight of it was suffocating.

Then there was a soft flicker of the lights. At first, you glossed over it. However, the subtle sparks of electricity from Amias' hands caused you to put two and two together. His gold eyes were glazed, almost as if he were in trance.

You called out to him. "Amias?"

Your voice seemed to have done the trick. He fluttered his eyes a little, his eyes refocusing.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought." Amias looked over to Finn. His gaze wasn't hostile, but it wasn't warm either. "I understand the feeling of wanting to protect others. I want to protect those I care about as well. However..." His eyes grew dim. "You hurt (Y/n), severely. She's alright now, which I'm thankful for. However, I can't even begin to imagine what would've happened if she wasn't okay."

You decided to step in. "Well, I mean––not to condone Finn's actions––he tried to stop me from challenging the chairman. He didn't mean to––"

"No." Amias' voice was firm. Though, he was quick to show you an apologetic smile for interrupting you. "You know I'll always agree with you, (Y/n). I'm always on your side. However, I can't this time. You're too nice, too easy on him."

I'm too nice? Those words felt wrong coming from Amias out of all people.

"No one should ever resort to extreme measures to harm their own friends," Amias said. "A part of him, even if it was small, must have thought killing you was a viable outcome."

Everyone was shocked at Amias' words. Who wouldn't be? Amias was the least argumentative person, the one who forgave people as natural as breathing, the individual who rarely frowned in disappointment––you could write a whole list.

Sara spoke up. "Finn wouldn't go that far again––"

"I don't know that." Though Amias didn't raise his voice, his levelled tone displayed conveyed the same amount of animosity. "Of course I don't want to doubt my friends, who would? But I'm anxious. I don't know Finn as well as you. I'm sorry."

It was an understandable perspective.

Jade hesitated, her brows furrowing. "I... I have to agree with Amias," she said. It didn't seem like she wanted to. "There's no reason for someone to hurt others to that extent."

"I'd like to add that intent matters little when actions create lasting consequences," Cecil said.

Cecil did die by Finn's hands in the original plot. Even if it wasn't intentional, saying it was an accident won't bring back the dead.

There was an obvious split in the SF. Lyle, Amias, Cecil, and Jade didn't know Finn as well as the others. Thus, they were uneasy. Caleb, Sara, and Elias were more hesitant on antagonising Finn so readily. Though, Caleb would be experiencing a lot of conflict. After all, James was almost turned into a weapon and here Finn was defending the invention.

"Look, it'll be hypocritical as hell if I criticise you for hurting (Y/n)," Lyle said. "I did the same in the past."

The fact that Lyle's tone sounded so much like himself eased the tension a little. "However, there is hypocrisy in your words. Y'know, saying you want to protect those you care about and then proceeding to engage in combat. You're projecting your worries onto her, aren't you?"

Finn seemed surprised. "Projecting...?"

"I have experience with that." Lyle crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair a little. "Maybe in the past I would have agreed with you. Creating a plan to challenge the chairman is stupidly dangerous and recklessly, only an idiot would do it. The biggest one alive."

Was Lyle trying to argue with Finn or insult you?

"However, my beliefs have changed. Do you really think staying compliant with what's going on will protect us? Do you really think there will never come a day where we have to risk our lives?" Lyle's gaze narrowed. "Or is there more you're hiding from us?"

Finn's silence only added more truth to Lyle's words. At this point, everyone seemed to be waiting for your input. Lyle glanced over your way and gave you a 'if you're going easy on him, I might punch you' look.

Ugh... There were so many things you were worried about, stressing over an appropriate reaction to Finn's betrayal was honestly not that high on the priority list.

There was a soft touch on your hand from under the table. It was Caleb. He smiled and gave your hand an affectionate squeeze, mouthing don't overthink it. Caleb must be experiencing a world's amount of conflict, but his easy smile was genuine. It helped calm you down. You looked over to Finn and took a deep breath.

"Your motives, your values, whether or not you'll hurt me again, whether or not I feel betrayed that a close friend almost killed me..."

The room was quiet with the faint hum of the heater running in the background. With every word you spoke, tension built up.

You shrugged. "It's all too complicated, so I'm not gonna think about it."

...

... ?

It kind of reliving seeing expressions of confusion. The built up tension seemed to have disappeared with how plainly you spoke.

You smiled. "I'm gonna be honest, I genuinely don't feel mad. You have your reasons for doing things and I have mine. I'm still focused on my goal. I'll just see you as another obstacle."

You glanced over to Lyle. He rolled his eyes at you and mouthed I shouldn't have been shocked. However, he didn't seem angry.

Finn looked at you in surprise. There seemed to be a little less strain in his gaze now. With a soft chuckle, he whispered, "... I see. Is it alright if I make one last announcement?"

"What is it?" Elias asked.

Finn seemed hesitant to continue. He glanced around the room, meeting each person's gaze. "As of today," he began, his voice steady but bittersweet. "I'll be resigning from the speciality force."





A/n: Alright! Heading off into a new arc. Sorry for the short chapter!

Heads up! Next chp will be a special chapter! It'll be a fun chapter featuring little bonus scenes of the characters! A lil snippet into their daily lives that occurred between important arcs that are more slice-of-life ish. For example: What is Lyle's typical morning routine like? What was Shen's reaction when he caught the reader playing an otome game?

There will also be a bonus scene of a 'what if' scenario of the reader transmigrating into Anomalous as a teenager, back when Caleb and the others were still in school, and how that would play out!