Monacos shores came into sight on the third day of travel.

Sitting on a deckchair atop the submarines tower, Ryan observed the scenery with a phone in hand. The forbidden land hadnt changed in the years since the courier last visited it. The city was all pristine and colorful, a nice cover for the horrors inside. Even after facing more than a dozen apocalypses, superpowered tyrants, and other horrors, this place still unsettled Ryan on a bone-deep level.

Thankfully though, it seemed Simon had followed through with his promise. Fences and spiked ditches walled up the city, preventing anyone from moving in from the land. A fireball patrolled the coast kilometers away from their location, looking for the submarine.

Were almost to France, darling, Ryan spoke on the phone, scratching Eugne-Henrys back as the feline rested on his lap. The Plushie played dead next to the couriers deckchair, the switch on its back turned off. Do you want me to conquer it for you while Im at it?

I would rather that we do it together, Livia replied on the other end of the line. It had been three days since the chase in New Rome, and she hadnt managed to contact Ryan since then. The courier had felt immense relief at hearing her voice again. But you can send me pictures of your trip.

I can take a suggestive pose next to the Eiffel Tower, to start with.

Ryans phone bleeped, as Livia sent him a rather scandalous photo of herself. My Felix is clearly too young to see this, the courier said. Thats eighteen plus material here.

Its something to look forward to when we meet again. His girlfriend used a burner phone to contact him, ironically purchased from Dynamis. Thankfully, their mobile system covered most of southern Europe. Livia had taken great pains so that nobody could track down the communication. Thanks, Ryan.

Its nothing. Ive saved more stray cats than men at this point. His girlfriend chuckled. Though she had moved on from Felix, Ryan could tell she still cared for him almost like a brother. But from what you say, you wont join us in Antarctica.

No, I wont, she replied with a sigh. Dad had me grounded after my current boyfriend fled the city with my ex.

Now, youre making us sound like Thelma and Louise.

Ryan could almost see Livia squinting on the other end of the line. Did you and Felix you know, in a past loop

No, but I wouldnt have minded. A short silence followed. Are you imagining us

No, she lied before changing the subject. Im I miss you, Ryan. Things will be stressful in the following days, and I would rather have you by my side.

I will return, Ryan reassured her. Youre my First Lady, Im sticking to you through thick and thin.

I know you will, she replied warmly. But things dont look good on my end. The firefight with Dynamis put everyone on edge. Mars and Venus wont accuse me openly of treachery, but they strongly suspect it. My father blames them for failing to catch Felix, and even if he remains cautious, Hector Manada is considering calling back his son Alphonse from Sicily. From Dynamis point of view, our family is on the verge of a civil war and with the loss of the Bliss Factory, this could be a golden opportunity to decisively end us. Tensions are at an all-time high.

Enough for the two organizations to go to war?

I will try to prevent a confrontation. The keyword being try. But you should send me the updated mind scans as soon as you can.

He would. The duo had wisely made a brainmap of Livia before the Augusti dinner, so something could be salvaged in case the loop went wrong. What about Lucky Girl and her younger sister? Ryan asked.

Livia let out a sigh. Dad has Fortuna and Narcinia under close surveillance, but they will get off lightly. They they are shaken, obviously.

No kidding. Felix himself had spent the whole trip brooding in his cabin, still trying to process the fact that his own parents had tried to murder him. That was your plan? Ryan asked. That they see their own parents try to murder Felix, and that we carry this awful memory through time?

I cannot make plans around you, Ryan, which is part of your charm. Livia chuckled to herself, but there was no joy in it, only sadness. I can make previsions and try to adapt to your actions. I wanted to save Felixs life first and foremost. Everything else...

Livia took a deep breath before continuing. Its its hard, Ryan. Children dont often see their parents dark side. Or rather, we dont want to see them, until we have no choice. It took me time to understand what my father was. Narcinia and Fortuna they needed to see it too. For us to achieve a perfect ending.

Yeah, I think so too. Ryan chuckled. I suppose Shroudy can expect a surprise wedding when he meets his lucky charm again?

Livia chuckled on the other end of the line. After he helped save her brother, its almost a certainty.

The courier wondered how Mathias would feel about this, but something else occupied his mind. What about Jamie? Ki-jung?

Livias heavy silence was an answer in itself.

Ryans hand tensed on Eugne-Henrys back, as the awful truth dawned on him. Theyre dead.

When you escaped on the open sea, my aunt Livias voice broke. Zanbato and Chitter tried to flee the city alongside Sphere, but my aunt already had them marked. Since you and Felix had escaped into the open sea beyond her powers reach, she went after them instead. They they tried to fight back, but

But it wasnt enough. Not against Pluto. Unless one was a Yellow Genome or wielded an ability that violated causality like Ryans, her power killed with certainty.

Jamie and Ki-jung had betrayed the Augusti. Though he would bring them back with the next loop, the news filled Ryan with sadness. These two knew their lives were forfeit the moment they helped Felix, but they still put friendship and conscience over their organization.

Dont tell Felix, Livia pleaded. It will destroy him.

He will have to know. Ryan owed Jamie and Ki-jung that much.

Yes, she replied, but not now. Please.

No, not now, Ryan agreed. Livia, about your aunt, what are we going to do about her? She has almost as much blood on her hands as your Dad.

Hell, Elixirs give people their dearest wish, and Plutos got the power to control death. That spoke volume about her murderous tendencies.

I know, his girlfriend replied. My aunt is my fathers sister, and she will always push for violent solutions. I dont want her to die, Ryan, but I wouldnt mind seeing her imprisoned or neutralized.

Same deal as with Lightning Butt then. Ryan had the gut feeling he would have to jail half his girlfriends family by the end of his time in New Rome. Should we expect another battle? Because your uncle Neptune is the only member of your family that I havent fought yet, beside you.

Really? his girlfriend asked, though she didnt sound surprised. I guess it makes sense. Uncle Silvio wants to go legit and isnt looking to cause trouble. Dad sent him to destroy Lens underwater facility, but he found nothing.

As Shortie had said she would, she had the habitats disconnect and follow the submarine like a school of fish. She kept them buried deep below the waves though, to prevent the Psychos imprisoned within to try a jailbreak.

The progress they had made on curing the Psycho condition had pacified most of them though. Ryan had expected Sarin to throw a fit about the lack of cure, but seeing Mosquito turned back into a human had given her something stronger than doubt: hope. She finally saw that the courier would be true to his promise, unlike Adam.

Ryan sincerely hoped that whatever they found in Antarctica would help her recover her memories. He missed his old vice-president.

In any case, to find you so far from New Rome, Dad would need either my help or Vulcans, and he doesnt trust either of us anymore. Not fully. Livia sighed. I give Vulcan a fifty-fifty percent chance of running away. After her failure to protect the Bliss Factory and her obvious favoritism towards you, she knows Dad might have her killed too.

Does she get away if your Daddy makes a shocking move? Ryan asked, worried for his exs safety.

Livia waited a few seconds before answering. Yes, she should.

Ryan didnt miss the slight inflection in her tone. Are you jealous, Miss Augusti? he teased her.

A bit, she admitted. I have seen the way the two of you interact. Dont get me wrong, I know you will not cheat on me or anything, but you and Vulcan have an easy sort of chemistry. I can tell you still care a lot about her.

Even when you end a relationship, something always remains. For better or worse. You have the same thing with Felix.

I suppose so. A short pause followed, as Livia tried to find her words. Dont get killed in Antarctica, Ryan. I cant see what awaits you there, and that makes me worry for you.

You shouldnt, Ryan replied with a smile. I wont let you forget me.

I dont want to, she replied, which warmed his heart. When you come back from your trip, I will tell you something. Something really important that I havent told anyone else.

Oh? Cant you tell it over the phone?

No, which should motivate you to come back, the mafia princess replied coyly. I have to go now. Cancel will check up on me soon.

Will you have an opening to call me again? Because like all good things, that moment would end too soon.

Not before a long while, Livia replied sadly.

Are you sure everything will be alright on your end?

No, but I will manage. Livias voice turned warm and loving. Come back soon, Ryan. I want you at my side. I need you at my side.

These words were music to Ryans ears, and made him all the more determined to go back to her. Me too, Livia, he said. See you soon, my princess.

See you soon, my prince charming.

The call ended, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts, a cat, and an invisible peep. You are courting death, Translucent, the courier said, as the submarine finally found a stone beach close to the fence keeping Monaco walled up.

Sorry, old habits die hard, Shroud replied before dropping his invisibility. Still, if you dont want your conversations eavesdropped, dont have them in a public space.

If I spend too much time trapped in a room, I start seeing clowns in the corners. The submarines cabins were comfortable, but Ryan needed fresh air to function.

I suppose you don't get excellent phone reception in a cabin twenty leagues under the sea. Shroud crossed his arms. Dont let her go, Ryan. She is a good woman.

Ryan looked up at the vigilante with astonished eyes. Impostor! Impostor! He pointed an accusing finger at the transparent hero, while Eugne-Henry hissed. What have you done to the real Mathias?

When the facts prove me wrong, I change my mind, he replied with a shrug. She is not her fathers daughter, and when you speak to her, your smiles turn genuine. It gets me thinking.

Have you changed your mind about another girl too? Ryan asked coyly.

Shroud looked at the fireball above Monaco. Fortuna is a better person than I thought, he admitted. Watching her stand up to Mars to save her brother seemed to have the same effect on Mathias as it did on Ryan. Even if I do not keep my memories, make sure I understand that by the time I settle things.

That was the plan.

In truth, the disaster with Felix had taught Ryan something very important; namely, that Lightning Butt would jump at any excuse to have Felix executed. For the courier to minimize casualties, he needed to take down the superpowered mob boss factory and organization in quick succession.

Ryan had the gut feeling his Perfect Run would be a speedy one.

In any case, they had reached their current destination. The submarine docked along a pier of rock, and its presence quickly caught the locals attention. A military jeep drove on the stone beach from the hills near Monaco, driven by a familiar face.

Simon had gained a few years since Ryan last saw him, but he remained a colossus built like Mr. Universe. While forced to use scavenged American football pads in Monaco, the soldier had upgraded his equipment to a pre-Last Easter military suit, including a reinforced vest, night goggles, a helmet, and a host of pistols, grenades, and other weapons. He still kept his trusty old shotgun, and pointed it at the submarines crew before recognizing Ryan.

Ptit Rital! Simon said while stepping down from his car. Nom de Dieu, what are you doing here?

Ive come to conquer France! Ryan replied as he rose from his seat, carrying Eugne-Henry in his arms. Where is your white flag?

Simon responded by opening fire, the bullet moving within an inch of Ryans face. A decade of practice on clowns had made the old man a terrifying shot. He could have blown the couriers skull if he had wanted to.

You were saying? the old soldier asked. You arent messing with any France here, Ptit Rital. Youre messing with the Sixth Republics France!

Careful Ryan, I have French ancestry too, Shroud said with a joking tone.

That would explain your propensity for turning invisible in the thick of battle, Ryan replied, though he knew France had won twice the battles than it had lost. The courier leapt from the submarines tower to land on the shore, Simon still pointing his gun at him. Will you accept a Jean-Paul Sartre book as an apology?

Mayhaps, I have half his stuff already, Simon replied, before lowering his weapon. Instead of slaying Ryan where he stood, he kindly patted him on the back. Good to see you again, friend. Time flies by.

If only he knew. From his point of view, they hadnt met in around three years, but Ryan had seen centuries pass. Yet Monaco had a special place in his heart. For all its horrors, the place and the people the courier met within made him the man he was today.

Who is this, some kind of windshield ad? Simon asked, as Shroud landed on the shore.

Mathias let out a sigh, removing his helmet to reveal the man underneath. Never heard that one before. My name is Mathias, Mathias Martel.

Oh, a fellow Frenchman? Simons voice softened up, clearly happy to meet with a lost countryman. Youre welcome to settle here, if you wish. We need people to man my fence and keep people out. Got some help from a fiery Genome, but he will move out soon.

Ryans eyes wandered to the fence outside Monaco, and at the fiery figure overseeing the area from above. He wouldnt risk anything as long as he didnt touch the ground, but... Any clowns wandered out? the courier asked.

No, but some idiots always try to climb up the fence. Simon snickered. Nobody succeeded on my watch, but Im tempted to let them. I mean, if they still insist on going to that cursed place after all the warnings, then its just natural selection at work.

We, Shroud said, while Len and Little Sarah climbed out of the submarine behind them. You said we needed people to help with the fence.

Yeah, weve got a network of communities springing up around the coast. Were trying to recreate a new French government by linking settlements, starting with the coast. Simon glanced at Ryan. Martine is in the running for the role of president. Never thought I would see that day coming.

She would be perfect for the job, Ryan said. That woman, though lacking powers, had managed to keep the Suitestown community functioning while they were trapped in Monaco. If anyone could rebuild France, it was her.

The courier waved a hand at Len and Sarah. Simon, this is Commissar Len and the Communist Youth. Len, Sarah, this is Sheriff Simon.

Len? The girl you were looking for? Simon nodded at Len, who shyly smiled. Yeah, she looks like a leftie alright. I like to read Engels though.

I have all his texts, Len said while nodding. Im Im happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Simon.

Youre old, Little Sarah said, whistling at Simon. Ive never met someone that old.

A steady diet of shrimp sharpens the body and mind, Simon replied with a shrug. If Monaco couldnt kill him, nothing would... except smoke and alcoholism. I had a granddaughter your age once. That takes me back.

Do you like kids? Ryan asked mirthfully. Orphaned kids?

Do I look like a priest to you? Simon deadpanned, causing Mathias to snort.

Well, the only one Ive met in Italy yet is dealing drugs, Ryan said with a shrug. Were going to a dangerous place and were looking for someone to keep the kids while were away.

Simon snickered. A place more dangerous than this one?

We planned to make a stop at the Canaries and get some sunburns, but we didnt have the budget for a full holiday, Ryan explained. Even if he could turn back time, the possibility of a war between Dynamis and the Augusti threatened to destroy New Rome and key resources. So we settled for a winter vacation in Antarctica.

I would have chosen the Canaries. Simon crossed his arms. Where in Antarctica?

Station Orpheon, Len replied. As Ryan expected, his old friend didnt look surprised. You know about it, Mr. Simon?

I worked for the French Direction du Renseignement Militaire, back when we had a bureaucracy, Simon replied. I heard the story. I thought it was abandoned after the head scientist went mad?

Apparently not, Mathias replied. We believe the Alchemist turned it into a base.

Wouldnt surprise me. Fools and monsters flock to cursed places. I speak from experience. Simon looked down on Sarah. Do you know how to fight, little girl?

Little Sarah responded by bringing a gun from beneath her skirt and pointing it at the older man. Wanna try me? she asked.

Sarah! Len forced the unruly child to lower her weapon. How many times will I have to tell you?! Dont point a weapon at strangers!

This only amused Simon. Your posture isnt right, little girl, and you should aim from the stomach. Never seen anyone survive with a hole there. The soldier turned at Ryan. Ill run your daycare, yeah. And teach that kid how to aim right too. Ive got bigger guns at home.

You do? Sarah asked, suddenly excited.

Yeah, military stuff. Simon smiled at Ryan. Glad to see youve made friends, Ptit Rital. Last time I saw you, you were driving into the sunset all sad and lonely, searching for that girlfriend of yours. Now you look halfway happy.

Len bit her lower lip in embarrassment, while Ryan looked at the skies above them. Things change, he replied. I still have the Thus Spoke Zarathustra book you gave me.

Did it help? Simon asked with a hint of concern. I thought it was appropriate in your case. Eternal Recurrence and all.

It helped, though it took me a while to understand and learn the lessons within, Ryan admitted, Eugne-Henry meowing in his arms. "You knew, didnt you?

Simon responded with a shrug. All I know is that I know nothing.

He had figured it out before anyone else, and he wasnt even a gamer.

Know what? Little Sarah asked, frowning at the older people around her. I want to know!

Maybe one day, sweetie, Len replied kindly.

Anyway, Ive taken residence in a ghost town nearby, Simon said. Ive got a wine cellar and non-alcoholic beverages for the little spitfire. Want to get a drink before you go skiing? My treat.

Depends. Ryan turned to Shroud. How far is the sun from setting?

Look up and see for yourself, he replied.

Ryan did so, and noticed a bright point crossing the skies. The light point that oversaw Monaco descended on the beach, a fiery figure of light and goodness.

Little Sarah looked up in astonishment. Is that an angel?

Something like that, Ryan thought, as the fiery being landed on the ground and melted stone beneath his feet.

Shroud, Leo 'Sunshine' Hargraves said. You called for reinforcements?

When you go to the coldest place on Earth, you better bring the sun.