EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 39: The Storme Bloodline

As they approached Storme Mansion, Nelly, Mira, and Nelly's family—his father Nerrick, mother Airi, and twin little sisters Aiko and Arisu—walked along a sprawling pathway lined with lush greenery, glistening ponds, and ornate fountains. At the center of it all stood the mansion itself, grand and imposing against the horizon. Nelly sighed as he took in the familiar surroundings. "Dang, it's been a long time since I've been home."

Nerrick gave him a raised eyebrow and a smirk. "Mhm, you're the one who decided to separate," he replied.

Ahead, Mira noticed a group gathered at the entrance. Nelly's friends and her own friends were waiting: Shin, Dan, Ryan, Annika, Mash, Ran, Sylvie, Neisan, Beru, Eremiya, Amadeus, Hiroto, and Ein. Lucifer and Requiem Blackheart were also there, both standing slightly apart with their usual air of mystery. Before Nelly could react, Shin sprang forward, practically tackling him with enthusiasm.

"Dude, you're all over the news!" Shin exclaimed, looking both impressed and amused.

Nelly blinked in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean I'm on the news?"

Ryan eagerly held up his phone, showing the news headline: "Pixel Runner Unmasked: Local Hero Nelly Storme's Identity Exposed!" The article described how Nelly, dubbed the "Pixel Runner," had been caught on camera with his high-tech gear sparking with lightning-like energy. Too fast for the eye, Nelly had apparently run across water, punched through a car, and even deflected a missile mid-air, sending it back to an enemy chopper.

Dan clapped Nelly on the back, laughing. "Not just that, homie. They figured out who you are!"

Nelly's face went pale. "WHAT!? Then I'm screwed!"

Requiem Blackheart, his dark grin as unnerving as ever, gave Nelly a calming nod. "Oh, don't worry, Mr. Storme. My secretary is handling the cover-up."

At that moment, the headline changed on the big-screen TV in the foyer: "Nelly Storme? The Face Behind the LED Mask? Mystery Girl Spotted in His Arms." As they watched the footage of Nelly carrying Mira, both of them blushed, and the group turned to them with knowing smirks.

Mira's curiosity shifted as she looked around. "Wait...where's my mom?"

Suddenly, a woman wrapped in a blanket rushed toward Mira, her expression a mix of relief and worry. "Mira, sweetie! Oh, thank goodness you're safe!" she cried, wrapping her daughter in a tight hug.

Mira hugged her mother back. "Mom... don't worry, Nelly took care of me," she reassured her, smiling up at Nelly.

Mrs. Gina gave Nelly a teary smile and said, "Thank you, Nelly. Well, I can always trust you to be there. I'll even let you borrow her to make me some grandbabies someday."

Both Nelly and Mira blurted out, "Mrs. Gina?! Mom?!" They turned bright red as the rest of the group burst into laughter.

After the giggles died down, Mira looked around again, confused. "Where's my sister?"

Ainslein lifted her bat with a mischievous grin. "Oh, you mean Miro? Don't worry, she's safe."

Mira's eyes narrowed. "Did you hit her with that?"

Ainslein shook her head vigorously. "No, no! I mean, I could have, but I didn't. Actually, when we saw her, she apologized to everyone before heading back to her dorm. She said, 'I'm sorry I betrayed Nelly, and all of you. We just weren't meant for each other. I'm genuinely sorry.'"

Mira softened, relieved. "Good thing she's safe."

Just then, Requiem pulled Nelly aside. "Nelly, I need a quick favor. My fiancée has a request. But we'll talk later; your father seems to want a word first."