Interlude 9.x II

9.x (Interlude; Byron) is the eighth chapter and first interlude of Gleaming. Flashback to Capricorn’s trigger event, they join and interact with Reach, argue and try to work out their situation, and prepare to go after Paris.

Plot
Byron erupts at Tristan over what he sees as willful sabotage of his social life. With Tristan taking over his friend groups and even getting a girl Byron liked to be Tristan's "beard".

Two months after their trigger Byron watches as Tristan and their father get a tour through the facility with Mr. Vaughn, the team leader.

They get to meet the junior Reach team. Moonsong unknowingly sways Byron into joining by needling Tristan into letting Byron out to meet the team.

A small timeskip later has Team Reach triumphantly returning from fighting villains. Even keeping a hostage situation from erupting. Tristan slides easily into the position of team leader.

Later Byron self harms to deal with his life being eclipsed. Brianna steps in and gets him to talk with her outside. She oversteps mocking Tristan playing up "the gay thing" and Byron stands up for his brother.

Tristan overreacts to Byron spending time with Brianna, he ditches his shift and goes to a party. Coiffure covers for him. Tristan goes to a party for young capes, drinks, and fails to score with Nate a cape from Haven.

After this Byron takes his concerns to Mr. Vaughn, Vaughn leaves the twins alone so they can work out an agreement.

A few weeks later the news comes in that Paris is back and stirring up trouble.

Major Events

 * The Vera brothers trigger in a unique Case 70 situation.
 * The not yet named Capricorn decides to join Reach.

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Characters
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Reach

 * Tristan and Byron Vera
 * Ray Vera and Anita Vera
 * Mr. Vaughn
 * Figurehead
 * Tribute
 * Boundless
 * Kay, Furcate
 * Steamwheel
 * Coiffure
 * Brianna, Moonsong

Wards
Anonymous

Haven

 * Nate, Reconciliation

Mentioned

 * Endbringers
 * PRT
 * Scritch, Scratch, Snicker and Snack
 * Hell’s Belle
 * Paris
 * Long John
 * Youth Guard
 * }

Trivia

 * One of the edits that Wildbow made was to reinforce Furcate's gender identity.
 * As of the publication of Polarize 10.12, Byron's interlude is the longest chapter in Ward, at 13,926 words. This title was previously held by Kenzie's interlude.