The Reality Vortex: Red Reputations

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The Plaza

Berserk crossed her arms while staring back at Lucifer, quirking a brow before scowling with a disgruntled huff at the strange compliment he gave her. "O-oh, yeah!? You're welcome to try an' mess with me next time, then you'll get to see what happens!" She retorted, childishly sticking her tongue out at him while tugging down on her lower eyelid. Afterwards she took a deep breath and sighed, rubbing her neck exhaustedly as she turned to Avalon.

"Well, I guess you could call it that. The guy didn't really 'say' anything to us-- and why are you so excited about nearly getting wrecked?! Stay still, ya dummy, he just healed you!" Berserk flicked his forehead in a scolding manner, though she hardly could resist smiling herself. Leaving him to celebrate the victory with the others, she turned her head to the side and glanced briefly towards Vegetto. With a small smirk on her face, she flashed him a thumbs-up.

"Bage's plan wasn't so bad I guess, since it worked out in the end. For a suited-up nerd, you're not a total dweeb. Sorry 'bout your boss though," she said to the man. Off to the side, her expression became surprised at the sudden entrance of the others including some she'd not seen before. "Hey, aren't those the guys we saw on the posters? Wow, to think we'd run into them... wonder where the third guy went? And yeah, sorry to say, you were too slow on the draw gettin' here. Maybe if you came here a little earlier you'd have gotten to see us kickin' his ass!" she bragged, seemingly back in good spirits as she floated over towards the camera crew. "Ooh, ooh! Interview us, interview us! Did you guys record us too?! I wanna see it!"

Bernkastel was the last one to go through the portal and rejoin the others, wearing a stony expression on her face as she observed those who had gone ahead in front of her. Watching Zenta only briefly, her cold stare scanned the area all around them with suspicion before opting to just stare after Spina. Her pensive expression from watching his demeanor flattened itself out upon being approached by the reporters, turning away out of aloof disinterest. She didn't seem to be in such a good mood despite the atmosphere around her. Though she always seemed sour.

"A new leaf... is that what they call it? I wouldn't know." She tilted her head to peer over her shoulder when the President started to peak up, gazing curiously with what he had to say.
 
Majin Bara sighed as she had remained silent, watching as the others went on about their bantering and seeing an interview coming up. She wondered when they would either just go home to recuperate properly or that they would have to stick around to help in making additional repairs. If she wasn't so limited in her use of magic she would have fixed things in a jiffy with her Transfiguration Beam, something that was proven quite efficient back in their timeline when push came to shove.

"If all upcoming battles will be like this, I'd rather face Ruthas blindfolded and with my hands tied behind my back." She silently muttered, "we have to step our game up if we are to bring down the next enemy."
 
Vegetto kept a tiny frown amidst the banter between Cayde and Emilyn, his eyes briefly glancing between the two. The depth of emotion that had formed in such a connection happened entirely from his purview; the display before him alien and naturally, confusing to him for a moment. However after the words fully registered within his mind as well as the meaning behind them in Cayde's success in defending her, Vegetto sighed lightly and raised his lips up into a small warm smile.

"Yeah, that's fine."

Cayde reached around with his right arm and wrapped it around Emilyn's shoulders in her gesture, pulling her into a half hug while he turned his eyes towards Lucifer at his comment.

"Oh buddy, you know it! Her best quality is that she loves ramen too; we'll have a feast after all the fighting today!"

Vegetto stood silent at the sight, his eyes trailing around at the sight of Berserk's enthusiasm to be interviewed and the other comments. The others coming together after the danger had passed, like a unified team for a change, sat in his empty mind as a soothing thought. Yet at the name Brainstorm being thrown out from the reporters, Vegetto's eyebrows immediately narrowed as he tensed his arms, shifting a bit to look around the area for his new enemy.

His eyes only found Gogeta as he approached the group with Bernkastel nearby, and before the two fusions could speak, the reporters had thrown their questions forward. Gogeta furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, glancing towards the smaller witch as she responded with an answer that did nothing to answer his own questions. For a brief moment, Gogeta squatted down with his elbows on his knees, leaning a bit closer to Bernkastel with a raised right eyebrow.

"What are they asking?"

------------------------------------------

Vegetto turned his attention to the reporters, the pit in his stomach forming as soon as the mention of the powerup he used in the fight was brought up. The destruction caused in his wake, the similarities used, and apparently Brainstorm having outsmarted him with the audio of his threat on the people to save his image eventually hitting the media resonating in the back of his mind. His eyes drifted down, landing on Gogeta as he remembered his study of the other fusion throughout his arrival to the Vortex. The heroic image of the media having assumed Gogeta was in fact Vegetto returning and the fame the Super Saiyan Blue form once held in that instance, all crumbled under the destructive rampage of a man desperate to find worth among new friends, but in search of old family.

The Potara fusion lifted his eyes, looking around at the near wasteland of destruction left in the wake of the battle. It had been an effort by many, but at the sight, Vegetto stifled a small half chuckle as he shook his head from side to side, his determined stare returning down onto Gogeta with a small smirk.

After all this time, I thought I managed to be someone better...but with everything that's happened, Reflection City will hate me like Reality Metropolis hated you.

Vegetto's stared shifted slightly off Gogeta, his frown returning at the sight of Bernkastel in general. The immense disdain he held for the witch initially surfaced, but in a bid to understand, his expression slightly softened. In such a short time with the Breakers, an almost identical version of himself had bonded with the witch and formed connections with the other Breakers in a way he never did, good or bad. It had not dawned on him until now, but the rationale of why and how came into play in his mind: that despite everything he did, Gogeta had forced his way into impacting the others' lives. For better or worse, he had attempted to reach each Breaker in the only ways he knew how.

Vegetto straightened his posture at the realization, and slowly reached out with his left hand.

Wanting a new family, huh? Fine...then I'll do what I should've done as soon as you got here...

The Potara fusion suddenly latched onto the back of Gogeta's vest around the neck collar, and yanked the other fusion up to his feet. Vegetto's attention turned forward as he stood next to Gogeta, who glanced around in wide eyed confusion from the move, while Vegetto spoke with a firm tone in his dual voice.

"Yes...I had to use that Blue power to help the Breakers stop that threat. I thought I could help without ever using that destructive force again, but even after all my training, I'm no better than when I left home."

His eyes shifted down towards Bernkastel with a small glare.

"The witch made it worse with her evil influence...but-"

Vegetto turned his eyes back to the cameras and reporters, his grip still strong on Gogeta's vest to make sure the two fusions stood side by side.

"-I guess it's in my nature to destroy with reckless power too...just like Gogeta here. We are brothers, after all."

Gogeta's eyes immediately widened at Vegetto's claim, turning his head towards the other fusion in pure shock.
 
Bernkastel stared at Gogeta for several moments after he posed to her his question. "Well, judging by the expression I suppose they're asking if we..." she trailed off, unsure how to answer it directly considering how strange the recent manner of events has made things between the two. Instead she decided to ask a simpler question of her own.

"Maybe if you turn the question towards me, it will make more sense why they'd ask..." Bern's voice became quieter as if the question wasn't meant for anybody else to hear, her cheeks a bit pink from feeling so vulerable about it. "So, Gogeta... do you think I'm still a mean witch--" the last two words barely escaped her lips before Vegetto had seemingly snatched up Gogeta from behind, her eyes widened from being startled.

With a shocked expression, she listened to Vegetto's words offered to the reporters. His words to the camera sounded strong and noble, seemingly embracing the other fusion in acceptance as brothers. However, the remarks about Bernkastel being an evil influence gave her a downcast expression. Her troubled expression was seen for only a moment, though the reporters likely didn't see it since the two fusions towered over her. Fidgeting with her ribbon, the witch remained silent and assumed an apathetic expression.
 
The anxiety that once filled the detective disappeared once the safety of Goku's core was assured, soon walking over to Spawn and hooking the other detective's neck by wrapping his arm around it. "You sure do, but at least we're alive!" He said with a smile. The quiet tension was soon replaced with the loud conversation being had amongst the group and the citizens filing out of Detective Spawn's cloak. Bage soon turned to Berserk as she complimented his plan, but then insulted him in the same sentence. "Nerd...?" Bage looked down at his tattered clothing for a brief moment, to see if he could find the reasoning behind the Power punk's comment. He didn't even notice the presence of the Reflection city heroes until Berserk shouted their way to grab the attention of the reporters, noticing them off to the side conversing with one another. "Hey, Berserk don't get yourself too worked up!" He laughed as he called out to her before turning back to Spawn with a cheeky smile. "Should we get in on the interviews too? You know, just to make sure no one saying anything reckless?"

Meanwhile, Atomic Flare's face shifted uncomfortably as the cameras came piling out, sighing in relief when the media attention shifted toward the Breakers. But the relief was short-lived when she saw Null Knight suddenly turn toward her in an intimidating manner. Oh great... 

"I was busy saving people from the Xy'phers." She grimaced, turning her face away from the fellow hero. The somewhat professional demeanor she had displayed with Emylin, Cayde, and May now disappearing. "What does he want?"
 
"No way! You love Ramen too, Cayde?! Then it's totally a date! Promise that you'll see me again after you finish your super-secret mission! I'll be waiting for you, Mr. handsome Cayde!" Emilyn giggled as she leaned in to give Cayde another kiss on his cheek. She then gasped, nearly forgetting that Atomic Flare had promised to take her to safety. "Oh! I nearly forgot!"

She instantly rushed over to Atomic Flare and called out to Vegetto.

"Mr. Vegetto! This is Atomic Flare! She's gonna take me away somewhere safe! I've traveled with her before already, so you don't need to worry about me! I swear she'll keep me safe! She's been working nonstop to help citizens from Reflection City travel safely to the towns nearby; she's already saved tons of citizens before. I really want to tag along with you guys, but I gotta stick with Atomic Flare." Emilyn nodded to herself before hiding a laugh behind her hand. "Besides, I'll only get in the way if I tag along. I promise I'll be safe as long as I'm with Atomic Flare."

Avalon stuck his tongue out towards Berserk as she flicked his forehead.

"I'm fine, I swear!" Avalon said with a grunt. "I'll heal soon, I promise. I know you must've been super worried about me. Heehee, I bet'cha you performed CPR on your favorite handsome ninja. Don't worry Berserk, it'll be our secret! I know how bad you wanna give me a smooch!"

Typical of Avalon's persona, he was the same goofy guy despite the pain he was in. He tried his best to show a smile, as to make the others not worry so much about his condition. Yet, his thoughts lingered about Seilong's brief appearance to the Breakers. Since he was outcold, he did not see the Divine Being himself, but the fact that the others did proved that he was on the right track. He glanced down at the message Seilong left behind, and his expression soften slightly.

I guess there's a lot more to me than I thought... Maybe... Maybe I'm not such a loser after all. If Seilong can see that, then I guess there is value in who I am after all!

As Berserk grew excited about the camera, he wobbled his way towards her and poked her forehead with his index finger and gave her a warm smile.

"...And thanks for worryin' about me. I'll be a bit more careful next time."

However, once Vegetto spoke about Bernkastel and her 'evil influence', he couldn't help but have his expression go sour. He did not agree that Bernkastel was evil, especially since she listened to him and his issues prior. She was supportive, at least in her own way, and he felt that she should not be plundered for that. He pouted his lips and pointed towards Vegetto, calling out to the Fusion.

"Hey man! Bernkastel ain't an evil influence! She's pretty cool! Sure, she's a bit awkward, but she ain't evil! Instead of puttin' her down, try helpin' her out, you prick. Quit your crap and tell the truth for once, Ego-Vegetto..!" He then pointed at Gogeta. Despite his issues with the Saiyan, he still felt that Gogeta wasn't all that bad, even if he did have a bad reputation. "And quit tryin' to drag Gogeta down with you. Gogeta's nothin' like you! At least he ain't a liar that covers up his tracks! Do I need to bring up Rouge City? That wasn't Bernkastel or Gogeta's fault, dweeb!"

As the scene escalated between Avalon and Vegetto, Zenta decided to cut his thoughts about his lack of control and listen to what the two have to say. While both have their views, he thought that pointing fingers was wrong. Since he fought alongside with Gogeta, he saw a different side to him, a side that wasn't as destructive or malicious. Bernkastel also grew on him and, despite the short time he has been around, he saw her grow as well. A sigh escaped his lips, knowing he cannot let Vegetto say his nonsense, or Avalon escalate the problem. Before he did anything, he lowered himself so that his face was inches from Bernkastel's face. Although he cannot see her face, he felt something wrong. He continued to stare for several minutes before placing a hand under her chin and lifting it up. Her face would reflect on his visor before his hand gently stroked her cheek and pat her head. Like a dog wishing to comfort its master, regardless of what the outcome might be, he stood up straight and stood before the Witch, the two Fusions, and Avalon. The beast was normally very quiet, especially around people who were watching and recording him, but for once, he spoke out of his comfort zone.

He faced where he assumed the camera to be, but was awkwardly staring in the wrong direction. The tone in his voice showed discomfort and his face started to turn red, mostly because he did not like to speak in front of a wide group of people, even if he can't see them.

"Please do not think ill of Lady Bernkastel... She made many mistakes, yes, but please understand that Bernkastel is not an evil influence. She... is trying her best to fix the mistakes she did. I cannot speak for everything she has done, but please understand that in the time I have been with her, I truly enjoy her company. She has been very kind and understanding to a beast such as I," The beast then extended an arm towards Gogeta, addressing him next. "Gogeta is the same way. I have seen him grow substantially. I understand he has hurt you, but please, do not shame him. I have battled with him today, and I am proud to see that he has grown so much and able to exert his strength to defeat the enemy. He helped me from certain death. He is a wonderful comrade who wants to showcase what he can really do; so please, give him a pardon so he can reach beyond his limits."

There was a slight pause from Zenta before he cleared his throat. His body started to relax slightly, almost as if whatever he was thinking of made him relax from his stage freight.

"...As a humble servant of the Blue Devils, I will take all responsibility for them if it means they can continue to grow and have room to fix their mistakes. They risked their lives today to save yours. My Lady saved the lives of the citizens and Gogeta saved the life of your President," Zenta bowed at the waist and lowered his ears. "I kindly ask those who are listening, to please give them one last chance to prove themselves. They have worked hard to get this far and I will not let their efforts go to waste..."

Avalon watched Zenta with wide eyes before glancing at Berserk in confusion.

"Uhh, hey, Zenta? I think Bernkastel and Gogeta appreciate you, but you don't gotta beg the world for forgiveness..."

"I know," Zenta did not move from his bowing position as his voice trailed off slightly. It was still loud enough to be heard. "but I beg because they are precious to me. ...I may be foolish, but..." The beast turned his head to the group, giving them a toothy canine smile. "I consider them my new family. I will be there for them until they decide to toss me away. I... finally have a purpose, even if it is temporary. It makes me... happy... even if they do not share the same feelings as I do."
 
“…Vortex Man just wanted to make sure that you were okay, since you suddenly disappeared. He thought the absolute worst and went out to find you. You know, he likes to sprout that “a hero always looks out for their colleagues” lecture.” Null Knight responded, feeling that something was off with Atomic Flare. “Since you’re doing alright, I’ll just have to track down Vortex Man.” In attempt to say more, especially her wellbeing, Emilyn interrupted the Knight by barging into their conversation. Clearly annoyed, but didn’t want to push any further, the Knight nodded once. “Seems like you still have your hands full, Atomic Flare.”
 
Null Knight turned to the people that were saved, waiting to be taken to safety. “I’ll take care of those people. Once you’re done escorting her, can you at least come back to our usual place? That’ll certainly calm Vortex Man down if he sees you.”

===

“Oh, dear.” Lucifer covered his mouth in disgust. “An undignified feast? That won’t do. Maybe I should find a way to bring those Xy’phers back here, so we can delay the inevitable. Being coined doesn’t sound too bad at this moment.” The angel’s tone was serious and lacks comedic elements. “I think you’re forgetting someone! You should definitely take this one with you.” The angel asked Emilyn before she’s no longer in range to hear him.

That aside, Lucifer continued his curiosity towards Berserk; her plucky attitude being one of the main reasons that caught his attention. The way she carried herself, even after witnessing the possible demise of Avalon, gave the angel nostalgia. “Rest assure, Berserk. I am looking forward to that. I’m very curious to see what potential you have in you.” His eyes soften, accompanied with a genuine smile.

“I’m not good at doing interviews,” Detective Spawn admitted to Bage. “But you’re right. We’re part of this operation as well, and I need to take responsibility. Let’s go, Bage and May.” Thinking about the whole Brainstorm debacle, that is something that needs an explanation. Thanks to his regeneration, his missing leg came back, able to move around without much hassle. Spotting Lucifer standing there, the Detective prompted the question. “You aren’t joining?”

Lucifer’s eyes drifted to meet Spawn. “Oh no, I think what I’m seeing now is more than enough. I’m sure you don’t need me to add onto the flames, hmm?” Smiling like a devil, he let out a light chuckle. “Besides, I’m eating an actual feast once again. I’ll enjoy the deserts a little longer, Detectives.” The angel looks up, seeing Atomic Flare discussing with Null Knight. “I’m sure your interests lie elsewhere.” Shifting his attention towards the reporters and the Breakers; he observed their words and behaviors. Vegetto’s actions amused him; Bernkastel’s reactions was expected; Zenta begging for forgiveness left him in disgust. However, there was something that caught his eye more than others.

===

“Brothers!?” Stacey’s eyes widened upon such revelations. “Everyone thought he was just another incarnation! Or even a crazed fan, but brothers... this is such a scoop! Chad, you got all that!”

“I got it all, ma’am!” Chad gave Stacey a thumbs up.

“So, you guys are like… the Blue Devil Brothers!” Stacey proclaimed such an odd nickname for them. “And then you said that there was an evil influence that was a factor of Gogeta’s behavior!? What did you mean by that? Like brainwashing? Mind control? Bad food? Blackmailing? Men with Ponytails?!”

Before Stacey asked more questions, Avalon spoke out in defense of Bernkastel and Gogeta. Both Stacey and Chad were lost in Avalon’s claims; they’ve never heard of Rouge City. And Vegetto being a liar and “covering tracks” caught their interest.

“What do you mean that Vegetto is a liar?” Stacey asked. “You gotta explain that champ!” However, Zenta also came to the defense of the two, interrupting her thought process. Both Stacey and Chad, along with the President, were stunned that Zenta spoke so highly of the two that he bowed and asked for forgiveness to the people watching the news. “Umm, you didn’t have to do all that! That’s boring!” She whined.

“This probably won’t salvage your reputation, but it’s a start.” Detective Spawn said. “But they did something and saved the city at the very least. It was sloppy, but they did it.”

"But what about the drama! The expense! The fighting! The Blue Devil Brothers and Gal!" Stacey protest.

“Stacey and Chad. Wait a second.” President Beard finally found the words to speak out. “Breakers. I cannot deny that I didn’t trust you at all. I thought you guys were good for nothing; simply only interested in making much ruckus you can.” He paused before continuing. “But… even I cannot deny what you have done here. You even save dozens of people.” Closing his eyes, he bowed. “I have to give my humble thanks for protecting the city the best way you could. Had I heed your warning about the Xy’phers…”

However, while everyone was conversing, Spina remain completely silent and disinterested. He had no expression on his face; his eyes dulled with his arms crossed. Yet, when Zenta spoke about the Breakers as family, he became animated—with disdain all over his face.
 
May says as she follows behind Spawn "That is a fair point Spawn." Only those that know May well can tell she slightly annoyed.  07 thinks "I know that face and it's the the "I have to do something aggerating face."" 

May and 07 stands behind spawn. May says "I disagree with the sloppy part Spawn."
 
At the calling from Emilyn, Vegetto turned his head while Cayde blinked in confusion, watching on and letting his arm fall back to his side while Emilyn ran over to Atomic Flare and Null Knight. The android spoke first from the pair, a need to protest clear in his expression while he spoke.

"Alright, but just so we're clear here, I could've taken you to safety way faster and way more safely than them."

Vegetto's narrowed eyes turned onto Cayde, keeping a small smirk on his face as he stifled a quick chuckle before nodding to Emilyn.

"Be safe, Emilyn. We'll see you soon."

The Potara fusion then turned back to the cameras and reporters with a more proud expression on his face, the normal cocky demeanor in which he carried himself returning. Vegetto stood silent, nearly chuckling at the outlandish theories presented by Stacey over the "evil influence". The reporting had gone exactly as he wanted it to in the moment, in his subconscious goal to throw his falling image into the Blue Devil moniker, and avoid taking responsibility for his actions. To throw it onto the Blue Devil name that was tarnished and now slowly improving would serve perfectly in saving his face without having to face the responsibility of the terrible words said earlier. Even more so, now was the time to clarify and expand upon his meaning, and Vegetto enjoyed the prospect of further vilifying Bernkastel in his petty need to win over the witch.

Yet before Vegetto could speak on his meaning and heap more of the blame onto Bernkastel's influence, Avalon had spoken up. The triumphant expression he held vanished in the blink of an eye, steadily morphing into one of immense and pure hatred as his glare snapped onto the ninja a few feet away. Despite having demanded Avalon's salvation to Lucifer moments earlier, Vegetto tensed his muscles in instinctive preparation to lunge at the ninja. His eyes dilated, yet the familiar mechanical voice rung out in a hurried whisper while the reporters began to question Avalon's meaning.

"Mud puddles!!"

Vegetto turned his eyes to the side, Cayde glaring back at the Potara fusion with narrowed bright orange eyes. Vegetto glanced around for a moment, the rage vanishing yet his panic stricken state remaining as he attempted to find a way to excuse and disperse blame. Yet he lifted his head up, Zenta having stepped forward to speak on their behalf. Vegetto softened his stare; the outward display absolutely pathetic and vulnerable in the eyes of the fusion. However, it had been the personification needed; Vegetto looking towards the floor in a downcast expression of his own. The words on Bernkastel struck home rather well, as the memories of the entire team of Breakers attempting to console Vegetto after the final battle with Doom rung true. The frown remained strong on his face, the guilt remaining in a wish to go back and undo his shunning of the team in favor of restoring his lost wife. Yet before he could think longer on the prospect, Vegetto felt his grip on Gogeta's vest collar get snapped away.

The other fusion pulled his body back out of the other's grip silently while Zenta bowed to the cameras humbly, Gogeta staring back at Vegetto with a small frown. Vegetto blinked once in confusion, watching on while Gogeta stared back with a blank and somber stare, having seen the impact not only from Zenta's words on himself but on his counterpart in Vegetto as well. No words were spoken, and while it seemed that Gogeta had wanted the words Vegetto spoke to be genuine, Gogeta shut his eyes with a low sigh and firmly turned on his heel away from Vegetto.

Gogeta then turned his head down towards Bernkastel, kneeling down once again near the witch in view of the cameras now that he no longer blocked her view from the reporters. One hand gently gripped onto her shoulder nearest to the fusion, Gogeta raising his lips into a small warm smile down at her in answering the question regarding her as the mean witch from earlier.

"Not anymore."

The fusion raised his other arm forward, extending an outstretched hand in front of Bernkastel while keeping his smile.

"Can we be friends again?"
 
Majin Bara just remained silent as she watched everything going on, sighing as she continued to heal Jize and Brachi.

"Look at them, already making plans and getting microphones shoved under their noses... can we go home already so that we can plan our next moves? We've got to stay a step ahead of the enemy if we are to beat them in submission." She thought, deciding to follow Spawn to see if he would take them home, her headtentacle swaying to and fro as it to scan for any other imminent threats, or just to be sure everything was calm, "The sooner this whole mess is over with, the faster we can focus on what REALLY matters; restoring our respective universes and everyone in them as well as reviving everyone whom has fallen so far. Even if we must tear the entire dimension apart in the process."
 
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