Tales of Undeath: The Von Virtus Chronicles

XVII. Impending Overflows

It was late afternoon, and the sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the slum's cracked, uneven streets. A warm, amber glow lit the alleyways, though the fading light brought a chill to the air. Most of the slums' residents had retreated indoors, preparing for the evening. Only a few stragglers remained outside, their faces weary and their movements hurried.

Virno stepped out of the orphanage, his mind heavy with what the Leopard had revealed to him. He couldn't shake the lingering questions -- about the sword, the curse, his father, and his own role in all of it. The weight of it pressed down on him like an invisible boot on his chest.

His thoughts swirled in a chaotic storm. He walked briskly, driven by the need to confront his mother. She had to know something -- she had to. The questions clawed at him, refusing to be ignored.

Virno (muttering): "Father... why didn't you ever tell me...?"

Voice from behind: "HEY!"

Virno froze, the shout cutting through the silence. He turned sharply, his nerves frayed.

It was Faya, jogging toward him with her usual energy, though her face was marked with frustration.

Faya: "Where do you think you're going?! Did you forget about me?"

Her words dragged him out of his thoughts. The realization struck him -- he had forgotten. With everything the Leopard had told him, their planned conversation had been pushed from his mind entirely.

Virno: "Sorry, Faya. We can't talk right now -- something came up."

She frowned, her brow furrowing.

Faya: "Something came up? What happened? Are you okay? Did the doctor say something...?"

She grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop.

Faya: "You can tell me. Please, I'm here f--"

Virno (snapping): "JUST GO!"

The sharpness in his voice startled her. She let go of his arm, taking a step back.

Virno: "I gotta deal with this by myself, alright...? We'll talk some other time. Not today."

Her face softened, the frustration fading into worry. She hesitated but eventually nodded.

Faya: "Fine. But don't do anything stupid..."

She stayed behind, watching him disappear into the darkening streets. Her gut told her something was wrong, but before she could follow, a chilling voice rasped behind her.

Faya: "GET LOST, YOU PIG!"

She was yanked backward, a rough hand groping her waist.

Barr: "Don't be like that, sweetheart! I had one hell of a match today, and I'm not in the mood for a 'no' right now..."

She struggled, but Barr was stronger. Even though Faya was a fighter, his grip was like iron.

Faya: "BARR! Let me go or I swear to the gods I'll crush your balls!"

Barr: "I *love* it when you talk dirty..."

He wrapped his arm around her neck, choking her just enough to weaken her resistance. Faya gasped, clawing at his arm.

Not far off, Virno heard her voice -- strained, desperate. A deep pressure clenched in his chest. He stopped mid-step, his fists tightening. A familiar voice flooded his mind, urging him to take action.

Disembodied voice: "Prove your worth, von Virtus... There is no place for cowards amongst the strong. Will you stand there and let this happen...?"