April 28th, 2026. Morning.
While the normal denizens of the Capital aimlessly roamed the City's populated sidewalks, the collective of Riot and the Evolutionary Brass considered the Requiem Subjects' continued survival and assured future.
"Are you completely sure that there are no tricks this time? This is the Founder, after all. I wouldn't be surprised if we injected that into someone and they just exploded," said Katie.
"We analyzed it thoroughly multiple times. As far as we can tell, nothing is planning to ambush us on the surface. And even if someone did explode, Natalia could just revert them to normal," the Detective added.
"That's not really how my technique works but sure, I guess," Natalia commented softly.
"If your dramatic grievances are gone then we should get on with the true purpose of this meeting. After all, we all know what these assets are capable of, don't we? There's only one question that remains from that point onward… isn't there?" Ace menacingly questioned.
"Ace is right. So, let's get on with it. Who will we volunteer to get injected with these two samples?" Alex loudly asked.
But there was silence. Nobody dared raise their hands. The very possibility of offering up their lives for the sake of fighting for what? And for how long? They all knew the Judge, the agony he silently endured every waking moment of his unfortunate life. If they knew the torture Alex endured continuously, why would they want to put themselves through that same thing?
"So many volunteers…" Ace sarcastically drawled.
The ginger's remark earned him a slap upside the head. Suddenly groaning, he looked to the perpetrator: his girlfriend maturely sat beside him. Rolling his eyes, he scratched the back of his head before returning to stare ahead.
"We all know the duty of a Requiem superhuman. We know about those journeys. August, the Allfather, Alex. No one wishes to endure the same things they've been through. But, if we don't make a decision, we won't survive. I don't know about any of you but I'd much rather persist through that agony than submit to that unfortunately assured demise," Kima announced to them all.
More silence. Everyone was still reluctant regardless of what Kim said. Until someone spoke up…
"I volunteer June Wilder," Alex abruptly stated.
"HUH?!" June jumped from her seat with wide eyes.
"Same," Ace smugly agreed while shrugging.
"I agree as well," said Kim gently.
"Me too," Katie finished off the quartet.
The brass was taken aback. Yet, this surprise was a pleasant one. To display such trust in their comrade so openly was truly a warm sight. With that many members volunteering for one individual, it was assured. Despite who'd object, it was unmistakable she'd inherit that omnipotent unrivaled strength. Finally, June would obtain the title of 'Requiem'.
"Please wait for a second! I appreciate everyone volunteering me openly but… don't I get a chance to say anything?" June nervously asked.
Azazel sunk his fist into his cheek, leaning against the armrest. "Does anyone on my side have any objections?" he asked.
"Nope," The Evolutionary brass members collectively spoke.
"Good. Then it's decided. If you wish for it, you'll be injected by whichever of the blood vials you so choose," the Detective clarified.
'If I wish for it? Do I have a choice?'
Her surroundings blackened, now she stood in a void.
Ryosuke's dead body flashed in her mind. Rested against the wall, bleeding from the chest and head, the Samurai moaned before perishing. She looked to her palms; dirtied with messy blood. Her emerald eyes nervously shivered, reflecting that unfortunate scenery she unwaveringly bore witness to. Before she was completely submerged with guilt, she remembered that face. The face of someone who helped her without hesitation. Throughout all the bottomless cruelty of the world, there was one who extended their hand and offered her guidance. Turning her head, she noticed that hand was already on her shoulder and she'd already been accustomed to that paranormal warmth.
That man looked down from behind, flashing a warm smile signature to no one else but her. Jefferson. A better father than the cursed Reaper could ever hope to be. She momentarily looked up at him before turning away. The environments surrounding her reverted to normal. Closing her eyes, she shakily exhaled.
"Fine then. I will… protect everyone," she decided
"Then it's decided. We'll inject June Wilder with Alexander Amara's recovered blood. What about the angelic blood?" Azazel queried.
"Jefferson," Natalia suggested.
"I agree. He deserves it," Hana said.
"I concur. What about Riot? Do any of your members object or agree?" The Detective questioned the remaining people on the left-hand side.
"I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we don't," Ace replied, palms flat against the table.
"W-what? Why me?" Jeff nervously asked.
"You're June's teacher. It'd make sense if you learned about the power first before you instruct June about how to properly use it. That being said, we'll inject you first with the angelic blood if we go that way. Is that okay?" Questioned Azazel, searching for hesitation within his vocals.
"Mmmm…"
As expected, the man did hesitate. Arms crossed, back resting against his chair, he pondered. The mere power of Copycat would advance much further with the addition of unsurpassable Requiem might. Not only that, but with that strength… he could finally gain enough influence to enact his only goal.
"Alright, I'll do it. Under one condition, though," Jeff said.
"What is it?" Katie curiously interjected.
"Start constructing schools and giving the teachers proper education material. And also… to become the principal of the said school after the construction finishes," June finished for her mentor.
"That's right. Do that one thing for me and I'll accept. be the first Evolutionary Requiems and protect the Capital without fail."
And so, the meeting was over. It was a quick yet important discussion. Leaned against one of the room's walls, smoke escaped her lips and leaped out the open window she stood beside.
"I'm surprised nobody nominated Katie," Kim said.
"Me too!" Katie dramatically lamented with flailing expressive arms.
"She's already got a power strong enough to beat the Requiem Artifact. She's fine for now," Ace added, hands pocketed within his hoodie.
Kim extinguished the blunt against the wall, watching ash paint the structure before beginning to gather against the ground upon its landing. "That's true. But it's weird to think that June's gonna be one of the next Requiems, isn't it? Think about it, Ace! Your little sister, protecting the entire capital with her power!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, that's kinda why I'm not jumping up and down for joy right now. I don't doubt that she's ready for the battle ahead but I can't help but worry… if she's going to be okay," Ace confessed to his lover and cousin.
"I'm with you there. To think that June of all people would be taking charge and fighting for the Capital using Requiem techniques. It kinda reminds you of August, doesn't it?" Katie looked to Ace, awaiting her response to her question.
"A bit. I just wonder if she'd be able to reach the same level as the dead old man," Ace turned away, looking to the closed entrance as he answered Katie.
"I wonder the same thing…" Kim solemnly whispered.
Just as they were all about to finally leave the meeting room, Katie was faltered by her father's intrusion; grabbing her hand and halting her instantly.
"Hey. Do you mind if I talk to you for a second?" Detective Karlo asked his daughter.
Katie looked to her fleeing friends. Ace waved his cousin away with Kima nodding in tow. And so, the couple disappeared down the corridor, leaving only the Detective and his daughter stranded within this room.
Now, the chamber was vacant. Only they remained. And with their idle bodies, the former assassin was finally ready to ask that question—-the one that'd been on his mind since her disappearance three years prior.
"What did you do… during your time in Retly?"