The Reality Vortex: Red Reputations

[ShineCero]

“Is that what they are called? Don’t tell me there are others running around?” Spawn assumed, thinking that if Bage called them “Elites”, it clearly indicates that they encountered them before. “Regarding her appearance… as I said before, she was made entirely out of Black Crystals. She was covered in armor and have gauntlets that allows her to manipulate gravity around her.” He touched the side of his face that has the injury. “Though, with all that weight, she’s not a speedy type—before defensive, really. She usually sticks to the back and have her runts do all the fighting. That’s all I can give in terms of her appearance, Bage.”

His eyes darted to the side, seeing Gogeta mimicking to what he did prior of escaping during the scuffle at the Detective Agency, down to the smile and wink. Spawn turned away from Gogeta, neither angry nor disappointed, just indifference. His words felt hollow, empty and void of any emotions from Spawn’s perspective.

In contrast, when Zenta approached Spawn and tapped him on the shoulders, Spawn slapped his hand away. A combination of disgust and anger, the Detective reached over to Zenta’s torso and pulled out a single hair. It was laced with green energy, that Spawn used as a tracking device, but instantly vanished when removed. “Don’t need this anymore.” He looks at Zenta with fury in his eyes. “Keep your hands to yourself or I’ll put one between your fucking eyes.” Spawn warned.

Lucifer raised a brow at Spawn’s sudden change of attitude of how he reacted to Gogeta and Zenta, but he will put that behind for now and listen in on the conversation for any details he can gathered.

After listening to Brachi, Vegetto and Cayde, Spawn’s attitude returned to his usual demeanor. “That one [Brachi] makes good points. Unfortunately, that horn girl’s powers did something to me that my powers aren’t all the way there. Had that not been the case, and I was a clown, like you lot, I would have come here, grabbed Bage and stormed the Red King ourselves. But that would be foolish thing to do so. So, I agreed to teaming up with you—hence why I am here in the first place.”

“Such a wonders that the Detective Agency cares so much about the Breakers.” Lucifer added.

“Don’t get it twisted. I could care less what happens to you. If it were done in my way, I would turn you all into coins right now, especially the three monsters here, and toss you the deepest depths in the ocean. That will be one less pain in the ass for me. Unfortunately, following the Guardian…” He paused himself before continuing. “Nevertheless, exchanging information is crucial here. That gravity girl states that she’s targeting a city but gave no answers on to which city she was talking about. And I haven’t found any clues on the matter when May and I searched a little bit before coming here. So, I would need to know everything that happened in Reality Metropolis so I can wager our next step against the Red King’s armies. But I doubt we could breach their defenses.” Spawn observed their appearance. “Most of you, except for a few, look like you fought like hell. I don’t know how many freaks that King put on you, he’d clearly had more—and he won’t stop considering he placed a target on your backs.”

 

[LoopyPanda]

"Hey wait a minute... You come near me, I'm gonna hit back twice as hard in half the time," Berserk scowled at Spawn with her arms crossed. "I dunno how pissed you are with these nerds, but I've got nothin' to do with it! Unless you mean the whole 'exploding buildings to kill Roya' thing.... I take full credit for that idea and you're welcome, nerdlord."

Bernkastel took on a look of disbelief when Spawn announced Detective Goku had been killed-- did she hear that right? It was almost inconceivable... though that was more out of respect for his physical ability and not him as a person. The story as to how it occurred, however, shifted her disbelief into shock. Spawn's words seemed to space her out the longer she listened, slowly trailing her gaze to the floor.

Detective Goku sacrificing himself for Spawn's own life specifically resonated with her much too deeply. Her headspace began trailing back to the Doom battle when Detective Vegeta had pushed her out of the way of Doom's beam in the same fashion. He could have dodged it but he didn't... Vegeta had done it without his willing it, however, as in that moment he was thinking more of Bulma due to Bernkastel's blue hair. And then there was the description of Goku's chest wound. The memories swirling around in her head drowned out the discussion going on around her, mind occupied elsewhere with her dead-eyed stare.

Berserk begrudgingly listened intently to Spawn's description of the Xy'pher, getting a weird sense of deja vu with all the details. Her eyes lit up, snapping her fingers once in seeming to put things together. "Hey, that sounds like the 'sister' the Elite we fought was talking about! He was all about lightning, took out Zenta in no time flat! Gave off the same weird energy too, so regular Xy'phers can't do it. But he was saying something about how his sister was off in another city finishing the job. Do you guys think it's her?" She asked the others. "It doesn't help us with the problem of your Detectives getting turned into zombies but it's weird to hear them call each other siblings. Xy'phers are just normal people turned into Coins."

 

[meta knight]

May says with professional politeness "your welcome Bage." 

May thinks "I gest becoming effectively a Zombie is quite bad but it seems worst than that."  She seems to be in though.

 

[~ Z ~]

"Oh dear, I apologize for my intrusiveness, Detective Spawn," Zenta said as he bowed his head politely. "It will not happen again."

"Armor and gauntlets? Seems like a total opposite compared to the last Xy'pher we faced. He was all about speed and precision," Avalon said before nodding at what Spawn said. "And I agree with Brachi, this bit of information will help us in the long run. We just gotta see if we can wiggle more information out of them. If I remember correctly, I think one of the bottles mentioned something about the King turning a girl into a coin then forcing it into a Black Crystal. It said that she was able to use gravity and was stronger than the other prisoners. I assume this is the same girl..."

Avalon bit his lip, trying to recall the events of Metropolis to better help Spawn. "Let's see here... That elite made easy work of us. He controlled every Xy'pher in the city, and he said he used the tunnels to his advantage. Claims that's how he got a ton of people. He was able to control the weather and fired tons of lightning bolts at us. However, it was when he fought Vegetto did things get weird..." Avalon shuddered slightly upon remembering the decapitated head of the Elite. "He tried to defend himself against one of Vegetto's moves and ended up throwin' some Xy'phers in his way, getting them killed. Suddenly, they all stopped listening to him and called him a traitor! That's when Vegetto used his super move and messed him up good. It was around that point when the Red King spoke to us through the head of that Elite. I have no idea how he did it, but that's what happened..."

"The one we faced earlier claimed that he was ordered to take Metropolis and all of its citizens, so perhaps the 'sister' is doing the same," Zenta added on, fluffing his fur slightly when Spawn removed the hair. "We must find out which city this other Xy'pher is targeting before more fall victim to the Xy'phers."

"Aw shucks, we don't have even the slightest clue as to where she might strike!"

"Given our reputation and the King's desire to hunt us down, it would be very risky for us to venture and find the city in question without being ambushed by the Xy'phers again," Zenta said as he approached Bernkastel's side, letting his tails gently sway behind him. "Regardless of what lies ahead, we must face it together as a team."

"Still, we shouldn't take the next one so lightly either... We have to be prepared for anything. We just barely got out of there alive anyway. If this Elite decides to blow up, it'll only cause a lot more trouble." Avalon lowered his head upon hearing Spawn mention that he would them all to coins, but he quickly perked his head up upon hearing him call some of them monsters. "Eh? Three monsters?" The ninja glanced between the Breakers trying to figure out who he meant. "Uhh, I know you dislike us an all but don't you think you're goin' a bit too far, Detective Spawn? I know we're The Breakers and all, but that's a pretty bold claim. Besides, who are you talkin' about?"

 

[ShineCero]

“Don’t get it twisted, boy.” Spawn addressed both Berserk and Avalon’s concern on his attitude towards them. “It’s nothing personal—just a tactical and strategic method that I’ve considered. But after discussing with May, this may be inefficient at a long run, and it would be better if you somehow shifted your terrible reputation to a more positive outlook. At least, I’ll try to honor Goku’s original mission.” The Detective turned towards Lucifer when Avalon asked whom he referring to as monsters. “You and Berserk aren’t the ones I have issued with since I don’t consider you as members of their group. But the most dangerous ones on this group are Bernkastel, Lucifer and Zenta in terms of—”

“Who gives a damn,” Spina interrupted Spawn, “if we don’t know where they would strike, we should ravage each city to force them out and start bashing heads. We’ll find out where the Red King is located eventually.”

“No.” Spawn immediately rejected. “Are you a fucking idiot?” He stared down at Spina with confusion that the man would even suggest an idea like that. He observed him, not really examining him closely that well when he first arrived, but he noticed something clearly different about him. For starters, his usual energy signature had vanished and something else replaced it. “… Venturing out is indeed dangerous. I won’t be surprised if those Xy’phers are hiding out, just waiting for you clowns to wander around in any city and ambushed you. And judging some of you… aside from Vegetto and Bage, I wager that improvements need to be in order. And I won’t allowed you to leave unless May and I are there to make sure you idiots don’t do anything stupid.” 

Spawn paused for a second, taking a line from Cayde. “No offense. And since I am currently unstable… I need a month or two to recovered completely from Roya’s powers. More importantly, we need to find a way to narrowed down which city they will attack. There’s currently 12 cities on this side of Vortex… excluding this one, and so far, considering your description of your battles, it still vague on where or when they’re going to launch their next one.” He paused for a moment. “First, we need to find a way to figure out which city they will attack… but we have no leads so far.”

“Well, there is a city called Reflection City. That is where the Reality News Network headquarters is located.” Lucifer said. “If they’re going to attack us whenever we go anyways, might as well be at a place that can also be used as an advantage.” Lilith uncoiled herself and slithered down from the angel’s neck towards the ground to stretched out her body.

“What are you trying to say, Morningstar?” Spawn narrowed his eyes towards the angel.

“If we can’t narrow it down, I say we go to Reflection City and used the RNN, and, of course, bait the Xy’phers into attacking as well.” Lucifer said. “RNN will see them and send out an alert far faster than any of us will, and considering they are more trustworthy. And we might even capture one, maybe two, Xy’phers for questionings.”

 

[Z-Fighter]

"Such an audacious plan is obviously not without its risks, but if that news network there has enough credibility around that will help turn the tide of this conflict, I am willing to take the chances, provided we all have the time to properly recuperate," Brachi said, "none of us were at full strength when the Xy'phers attacked, so if we take the time to properly rest up and formulate a proper plan of action that will let us use that news network to our advantage, assuming they don't flee when they see us approach already, we should be able to put the blame on the Xy'phers for once. I do agree with Spawn on that venturing out is dangerous for us, but there could be ways around it. Perhaps we could even use the News Network to scout out the area for anything untoward and gathering intelligence."

"You mean like we should use a disguise or something that can alter our appearance?" Jize asked, knowing where this was going.

"Exactly. I am certain Bara can use her magic to create a skin suit or something that will allows us to appear as someone else entirely, coupled with lowering our energy signatures enough, we should be able to enter a city without problems and work out our next moves from there under the radar by simply hiding in plain sight. Given that people are obviously either scared or distrustful of us with how we are in appearance, I feel certain that if we just pass off as an ordinary citizen to them, they should be far more willing to give some additional information. Perhaps it can allow us to work on a proper idea to lure these Xy'phers into a trap, and transport at least one or two of them back for interrogation once caught. I am fully aware that some individuals here among us are more than eager to bash some skulls in, but from my experience, that isn't going to help us one bit at this point of time. There is more to battles than brute strength after all, so with enough patience and diligence, we should be able to catch that Red Dictator off-guard and show him who's boss in the end." Brachi replied, proving she was quite ambitious in finding different ways to reach her objectives.

 

[ShineCero]

“Boasting so much confidence, but your perspective is quite naïve. My suggestion is not “placing the blame” on the Xy’phers. We are not heroes, and frankly, I say, let them fend for themselves. Surely someone in that city is capable of handling a horde or two.” Lucifer did not look towards Brachi’s direction, but his disappointment in her response in his tone was telling. “My suggestion is a combination of both; if the Xy’phers are waiting for us to make our move, then bringing them to Reflection City sounds like an ideal place to do so. If the News Network witnessed these unfortunate lumps of rocks with their own eyes, they can easily broadcast their finding across Vortex within seconds, no?”

Upon Brachi’s suggestion about sneaking around the city and using the RNN as a tool, Lucifer cackled at the idea. “Sorry, but I won’t participate in such activity. If the point is to become truthful and ensure that the Breakers are worthy of a good reputation, it’ll be better to come as ourselves—and go straight to the RNN and informed them of our findings. I’m sure they’ll be more courteous to see that Detective Bage, Spawn and May escorting us will make them far more relaxed. Honestly is the best policy. Disguising ourselves and tricking them will do not favors for either part. Perhaps you and your pets’ standards are low, Chibra, but I won’t lowered mines to take part of that.”

 

[Vegetto]

Cayde shrugged his shoulders at Detective Spawn, a light expression on his mechanical face.

"None taken."

He blinked immediately, however, glancing around to the others.

"Oh, you were talking to them weren't you? Oops."

Vegetto kept his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed to the side.

"Lucifer is right; we're going to be walking into a trap either way, so we might as well spring one on our terms. We need to show them we're here to help, and when the Xy'phers strike, we'll beat them back to earn their trust."

Cayde gripped onto the utility belt lining his waist with both hands, glancing towards Spawn.

"Blondie over there might have a good idea about sneaking into the city at least; it won't be good if we get jumped by Xy'phers before we reach the RNN building. Do you have a way into the city that won't alert Xy'phers to our presence before we get to the building?"

 

[~ Z ~]

"Using the Breakers as bait?" Zenta pondered about the thought, ignoring Spawn's hostility in calling him a dangerous monster. He smiled when Lucifer proposed such a plan. "A chance to show the RNN the innocence of the Breakers or add to the reputation we have. It is a high-risk high-reward objective you are proposing, little Lucifer. Interesting..." The beast held out his hands to mimic a scale trying to balance itself out. He seemed to have a habit of doing this when thinking of the pros and cons of things presented to him. "On one hand, we have a grand opportunity to clear our names. On the other hand, the people might connect the attacking army to us."

"Using ourselves as bait to lure a whole army to an unsuspecting city?!" Avalon said while crossing his arms. "What if the army is twice as big as the one that attacked us in Metropolis? We barely dented their numbers at all back then! Things could be different with Bernkastel and Zenta back on their feet and with Vegetto to help us out, but it still sounds a bit risky. I mean, we're kinda putting an entire city and its inhabitants on limbo..."

"Indeed, should this plan fail, the Xy'phers will overcome the city and vastly increase their numbers, possibly taking us with them. Even if we survive, the people of that city will loathe us for their suffering." Zenta paused suddenly, realizing that one of his hands was much higher than the other in his mental scale. "On the other hand if we succeed then..."

He lowered himself to a squatting position as he continued to pretend to balance the good and bad on his imaginary scale. His voice began to get lower and lower until he was practically whispering and mumbling to himself about, carefully considering the outcome, all while his hands continued to move in a see-saw fashion. The tails behind his swayed in harmony, almost as if physically representing how he thought about the consequences of every action they might take with the decision they choose to go with. Avalon gazed silently at Zenta as he, too, pondered about what Lucifer mentioned. He was not a fan.

No surprise Lucifer is going to put us and others at risk. There are just too many negatives about it and I bet Zenta is putting them all together to put him down and--

"I recommend we move forward with Lucifer's plan," Zenta said as he slowly rose back to a standing position, both his hands perfectly parallel to each other, indicating a conclusion in his thoughts.

"What?! Why?" Avalon protested slightly. "If you ask me, it sounds like he's sending us to our deaths!"

"Whether that is Lucifer's motive matters not to me. He is, however, correct about having an advantage..."

"I'm not followin'..."

"The RNN is one of the biggest news broadcasting networks in the realm. According to him, it is located in Reflection City which means our every action will be recorded and documented. I mentioned before that this is a wonderful opportunity to change how the people see us as individuals and as a group. Luring the Xy'phers to Reflection City is incredibly dangerous, more towards the citizens than to us. Parting ways would not benefit us due to the incredibly large number of Xy'pher the King must have. We'll be picked off rather easily... Due to our notoriety, the people will most likely connect our presence to the invasion and our reputation will suffer," Avalon was about to speak up but Zenta held out a hand to stop him from speaking. "However, judging on the actions we take, the RNN will record us stopping the Xy'phers thus lifting a curtain of doubt. It will not fix our name overnight, but it is a good thing to have under our belt. This is why I have to disagree with Brachi's stealth approach. It will only make matter worse for us given that someone else will take the credit for our actions and will cause much bigger problems if we try to refute it. We must not hide our actions, good or bad."

"But what if we fail? Wouldn't it be all for nothin'?"

"Absolutely, but we are already at our lowest point Avalon. What will bringing more hate amount to at this point? We have nothing left to lose any more other than our physical bodies. All we can do is move forward." Zenta smiled to the ninja. "Besides, with the RNN recording the Xy'phers attacking the city, other cities will be aware of the danger. Either way, our efforts will not be entirely in vain."

"Shucks, when you put it that way..." The elf slumped his head and shoulders before lifting his head with a small grin. "Well, I guess you're right. I don't like Lucifer's ideas too much, but it sounds a little better when you say it. At least you think about it from both sides..." His spirits rose, feeling more confident. "Alrighty then!"

"Now then, I certainly hope the other Breakers approve, despite Lucifer's antics. Oh, but don't mind me! These are just my thoughts on the matter." Zenta turned to Spawn. "It works out for Detective Spawn as well since he could arrest us should we mess up. It will be easy pickings for him and a way to avenge Detective Goku, to say the least."

The beast took a step back, allowing the Breakers to speak their mind on the topic. He turned to face Lucifer, lowering his head to face the floor but allowing the Angel's reflection to shine off of his visor. His smile grew a little more while he remained still. I am not sure if that was intentional or a playful slip of the tongue, but you are incredibly crafty, little Lucifer...

 

[Z-Fighter]

Brachi remained rather stoic for the most part.

"Not upset at this?" Jize asked.

"I'm just waiting to hear what the others will say. If they feel that Beelzebub's idea is better, then I see no reason we shouldn't follow through with it," Brachi said, "my only concern would be how the general public would react if we would simply drop in and say hi like this; will they run away in fright the moment they lay eyes on us or try to fight us right from the start? I like my chances more if we get the time and opportunity to explain the situation at hand without people being at our throats the moment we show up, you know. How many times have plans failed because of people jumping to the wrong conclusions?"