The Reality Vortex: Red Reputations

[LoopyPanda]

As presumably with the other Breakers, Bernkastel and Berserk held perxplexed expressions followed by a few moments of glancing around to understand where they were once being sucked into the memory. Bern's furrowed brow only deepened with concern at being shown that the Red King was able to tear a hole into this barrier that had long been proclaimed to be inaccessible. Her shock subsiding at the abyssal darkness behind the portal, spiked again upon there being the sighting of a difigured monster appearing without warning and speaking in an ominous manner of enticement.

There wasn't any mistake about this alluding to the rabbit and the unknown entity part of the team had come across while snooping around the manor. However, since this was an immersive memory being given to them, Bernkastel knew better than to take what she saw at face-value. The Witch made a mental note to inquire about these supposed findings to Guardian later.

Shivering out of the weird fever-dream, Bern still looked rather puzzled. Then she looked over to see Cayde staring down Vegetto with an uncharacteristically angry expression on his mechanized face. Glancing between them she held a questioning stare trying to decipher the unspoken words being exchanged in their eyes alone. But then Vegetto spoke-- in contrast to reacting with rage upon being rejected as a returning member of the Breakers, he turned the tables to be him rejecting them.

But worse than that, he seemed to be goading the Xy'phers like he wouldn't fold in seconds; practically a suicide mission. His demeanor and words following Cayde's encouragement made it basically a meaningless effort on her front.
It wasn't that different than his usual toxicity, but its similarity to what Spina had said before about them not being family nor hardly friends didn't lessen the ability to dampen her morale on that front. Bernkastel's gaze began to smolder as her lips pressed together in a stiff line. She only let out an audible exhale through her nose, redirecting her focus on just getting themselves out of their current predicament.

"Enough with the guessing games. What is it-- exactly-- that you want from us?" Bernkastel sharpened her glare at the King, a tense edge to her tone.

 

[Panich]

Bage listened as the others spoke, he sighed in relief as the forceful feeding ceased as the King waved his robe. The knight next to him attempted to feed him more, only much more gentle. But Bage denied the feeding by lightly pushing the hand away and with his free arm wiped the smeared food from his face.

Atomic Flare glared at both Zenta and Vegetto as they showed resistance to the feeding, she clenched her fist tightly as if preparing to fight them herself. However, her mood completely changed as the King's robe patted her back. Atomic Flare's glare disappeared from sight as he explained himself. "How gracious of you, My Lord." She said, giving the same expressionless face before returning to standing with her arms behind her back, at attention. It wasn't until Emilyn wrapped her arm around her's that she moved slightly, but let the other Xy'pher hand onto her casually. At the mention of the memory, Flare was the only one of the three that seemed oblivious to the fear that the king and her colleagues shared.

Bage noticed this but didn't think much of it. As the memory came flooding into the dining room the detective was both amazed and concerned at the scene playing before them and like Bernkastel, he was completely shocked at the King's ability to tear open a portal through the indestructible and impassable barrier. He could feel a bit of dread at the sight, knowing that soon they would have to face this being in battle soon. All Bage's thoughts seemed to halt however at seeing the beings on the other side of the portal. They were like something out of a nightmare. he was completely entranced by these two beings as the dream-like sequence fizzled away. Did they really manage to scare even this powerful beast of a king? He went completely silent as Vegetto and Bernkastel finally got to the point, as it seemed the King wouldn't. All he could do now was prepare in suspense for the response that would come from the Xy'pher King. What did he want with them...? Why was he waiting to kill them?

 

[ShineCero]

Once the memory ended, Spawn glanced around the room briefly. As if to ensure that everyone had seen what he saw. Confirming that everyone witnessed the recoding played to them, the hellspawn noticed that he was sweating profoundly, but still felt cold. “It was just a memory, yet it still managed to make me sweat. The chills in my spine are apparent. I’ve faced plenty of demons, monsters, and bastard angels.” He wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Even the souls bounded to me are rattled in fright.” He paused for a moment. “Gaia… even you.”

Seeing what lies beyond the Vortex had shaken the very foundation of Spawn. That strange monster that appeared out of the void of darkness and spoke in ominous inducement was unsettling to the hellspawn, for reasons unknown. He was unable to comprehend why his entire existence was on the verge of fright upon seeing such monstrosity.

Tch. Tough luck. I’ve been seen plenty of powerful individuals here and none can even scratch the barrier. At best one could shake the realm a little bit.” Detective Spawn, deep down, almost wanted the Red King to somewhat succeed if that his plan; he truly detests those kinds of deities.

It was impressive that the Red King managed to break through the barrier—said to be impossible to achieved. However, his prior statements came back to haunt him. If the Breakers were truly outclassed by the Voice—this creature may be above that. The moment the Red King peered into the void of darkness; he was already swept away by this monster. “Is this the consequence of leaving the Vortex?”

--

Spina became perplexed about the whole ordeal. His eyes widened reacting to the Red King breaking through the impossible barrier, only to meet a monster beyond their understanding on the other side. Moreover, even though it was brief, the monster bore a striking resemblance to the creature he saw in his dreams.

“Is this….” The old Saiyan couldn’t muster the strength to finish his sentence. A whiplash of emotions rocked him because the possibility of that creature communicating with him was not his active imagination running around, but an actual entity. He ponders if his actions after the battle with Doom was his own. He ponders if the memories that was made-up was its doing. Even the Red King, who have absolute control of any individuals, felt victim to its presence within seconds. And wonders if he was under that same concept.

Shaking his head. “No.” He muttered to himself. “These are my own decisions.” His eyes sharpened. Whether or not the monster effectively barges into his life, the old Saiyan’s feelings didn’t change much. He views trust and bonds negatively. Furthermore, despite holding these beliefs, he views anyone that abused trust and shattered bonds with even more scrutiny.

Once Vegetto spoke and stern the conversation to himself, and questioning the Red King, Spina didn’t falter once. He turned his head slightly, and an imagery of everyone that abused him throughout his life appeared where Vegetto stood. A silent rage boiled underneath the old Saiyan, because Vegetto left with Clark as a crazed maniac and returned just as the same; this brings that Clark clearly had failed on whatever he attempted to do. While Spina doesn’t view the Breakers as a family, he still considered the importance of being teammates—Vegetto flat-out rejected such notation. Before Spina can even say anything, Lucifer raised his hand to stop him speaking.

“Paid no mind to the idiot. He does not represent the Breakers.” Lucifer stood up from chair and approached the Red King personally. With a flick of his finger, he forced Walter, Emilyn, and Atomic Flare to move aside. “I questioned why he even came here in the first place.” his tone never changing after taking on the situation quite seriously.

Lucifer took great interest upon seeing what lies beyond Reality Vortex. He took notice that the Red King noticed the distinct lack of stars. “The Red King believes that he’s still on a planet, similar to his home world.” The angel considered. Unlike the Breakers, who took the information with suspense, Lucifer was lovestruck with even more curiosity.

“Was that… the representation of the Great Will of this world?” Lucifer spoke out a name. “Was that the one who brought forward Vita?” He spoke another name as his eyes lit up in excitement. His investigation of this world was going to have a breakthrough thanks to the Red King’s discovery. What caught his eyes further, was the color of the eye on the bunny’s chest. It was similar coloring to Bernkastel’s eyes currently. He ponders, realizing that there may be other beings out that he’s not aware of. Was this the purpose of that letter the Red King personally gave him?

“Red King,” Lucifer was beaming with excitement of these revelations. “You peek into the void, and darkness swept you. And you were riddled with fear for the first time and became, ironically, a puppet to another.” He peered his lips into a sneer. “That monster… was dark energy in its purest form. Controlled. Omnipotence. Beyond our understanding.” His eyes narrowed. “If one were to take that power and attempt to turn him into a Xy’pher… it’ll be a repeat of those Dark Xy’phers. And I’m aware that you had trouble controlling them. Destruction will soon follow.” He paused briefly before continuing. “If you seek to destroy, who knows the consequences that’ll hold afterwards. It could be very well the end of existence, or another monster might peer out from the darkness.” The angel said, presenting these possibilities. “Are you trying to harness or destroy this creature?”

 

[Vegetto]

Upon the vitrol spewn from Vegetto's mouth, Cayde immediately lowered from a grim and tense glare into a heavy frown. The android had felt a change in the Potara fusion's demeanor upon the arrival; a desire that had been different. The belief that Clark and Vegetto's battle ended without their respective deaths was cemented on the notion that whatever happened, Clark stood at the advantage. A deeper sense of power welled within the Kryptonian that even Cayde could feel and with Vegetto's instability, a struggle would be the best that Vegetto could put forth in Cayde's mind.

However, despite having little time to consider the notion in the heat of battle with Gravita, Cayde furrowed his brow in confusion at the reality before him for the first time. Vegetto had returned to the fold drained and battered, but not in a state of fatigue that would be expected if he somehow managed to not only defeat Clark, but the wildcard of Gogeta joining the fray. He initially believed that Clark must've broken through their fight due to the new air about the Potara fusion in his arrival, but the lack of the Kryptonian's presence as well as Gogeta suddenly began to cement in his mind logically in the face of such terrible words spewn from Vegetto. In his devastating need to protect his ego, Vegetto must've killed Clark and Gogeta with some new found strength to talk as confidently as he is now, and whatever hope Cayde had for the man's development must've been a lie.

Cayde kept his frown, his eyes first landing on Bernkastel. The witch's expression told the story alone; the quiet dip of the head and the stern, business focused point firmly ringing out in her reply. His eyes gravitated alone at the sensation of boiling rage on the other side of the table, watching Spina briefly before Lucifer managed to spring up and turn the attention away from the potential explosion about to unfold from the bomb dropped. Then finally, his eyes wandered back onto Vegetto himself, who sat with his own stern glare and unwavering commitment to the belief he uttered. Without responding to Lucifer's insults and by avoiding any eye contact with the original Breakers, Vegetto did not seem to speak from a place of wounded ego or hasty rage this time. And while Cayde wanted to help Vegetto unravel and let go of the belief that he knew Vegetto did not want to maintain, it was irrelevant; Vegetto meant what he said in the moment.

In turn, Cayde dipped his own head quietly while the angel questioned the Red King further, a desire to investigate the true depth of Lucifer and the workings of the Vortex disappearing under the weight he felt. In turn, he thought to himself that the damning damage done to the Breakers was now clear in his mind. He knew why Vegetto spoke in such harsh terms; on a belief that no matter how dangerous the new power presented itself, Vegetto only saw that the chance to escape the Reality Vortex was not completely impossible. No matter how it would be impossible for him, Vegetto would absolutely forsake all of his progress and attachments for a chance to leave and restart his old life. Including, forsaking Cayde.

Cayde somberly lowered his head, the hurt that the other Breakers must've felt at the end of the Doom battle now bubbling up within him too. Not once did Vegetto even look towards the android in the speech, barely registering the friend he has against the appeal to leave the Vortex. In turn, Cayde slowly reached down to his holster and unhooked the strap on the gun.

If a fight breaks out...perhaps Lucifer will destroy him and give the Breakers a fighting chance against the Red King...

His eyes shifted a bit, narrowing slightly at Vegetto, who still paid the android no mind while the Potara fusion simply listened in and watched the development with the Red King and Lucifer.

But if he doesn't...I'll have to do it myself. I'm sorry I couldn't save you...but we can't risk you ruining our shot here.

 

[Z-Fighter]

Bara was understandably shocked and terrified as she reviewed the memory, but she shook herself out of her reverie upon listening to the others.

"So this entire place is like Hotel California?! Where we can check out any time we like, but never leave?" She muttered.

 

[~ Z ~]

The Red King listened intently to Vegetto and his talk, nodding at every point Vegetto attempted to make. In a way, he respected the Fusion and his boldness, even if it is what gets him in trouble. Everything Vegetto pointed out, the King simply nodded and allowed him to speak his mind. Once Vegetto was finished with his talk, his attention went to Bernkastel, almost as if to completely dismiss and ignore the Fusion. The King rested back on his throne, staring up towards the Moon in relaxation.

"Well, originally I was going to spare all of you." He spoke to Bernkastel. "Simply because you all have a talent for surviving even the most dire situations and overcoming them. You have incredible luck, that is for sure. I was going to allow you to join my army as yourselves, not as Xy'phers. You will be given all the resources you needed, all the power, all your demands met! If you were looking for someone, I will have them found for you. If you desire power, I will obtain it for you. You will be my Elites, each with your own army, and together we will uncover the truth of this world and what lies beyond it! You are weak individually, but together, you Breakers possess a unique power that not even I understand! I believe mortals call it bonds... So why turn you to Xy'phers, when I can help you? Help me find the lair of that... creature, so we can defend this world from its terror. Your names would be cleared and this red reputation you have will be null and void! I can change that for you. No one will know your wrongdoings..."

The Red King sat straight on his throne, eyeing each Breaker individually. His shoulders slumped, almost as if disappointed.

"That is my true reason for bringing you here..." He said before letting out a sigh. "However, it seems that Vegetto has spoken for all of you, once again, claiming asking for help is useless. I really hoped that you all would see things my way, yet it seems he is the spokesperson for the Breakers. Loud as he is, he truly has set your fate, not once, but twice. Shame..."

Shaking his head in disappointment, the King remained calm even when Lucifer forced his Elites to the side and approached him. The Knights immediately rushed to their King's side, swords, and spears drawn, ready to kill Lucifer on sight. They approached Lucifer and all were full of killing intent. However, with a simple flick of his robe, all the knights stopped in their place. All around Lucifer, he had swords, spears, and daggers, poking his skin but not piercing it. The King watched Lucifer approach him and floated to meet his eye level as the Xy'pher Knights backed away from the Angel.

"Unfortunately, Lucifer, I will not be answering your question. Such a shame that Vegetto's will... was stronger than yours." The King leaned closer to Lucifer. "You will have to die without knowing what lies beyond Vortex, and what I have also discovered about Vita..."

"H-Hold on! I got a question..!" Avalon said with a shaky voice. "It's about the Breakers you captured a while back! Who... who were they?"

There was no response from the King.

"The girl with the tail." Zenta spoke out, louder than Avalon. "Who was she?"

All the King did was stare at each Breaker individually before shaking his head.

"No, no more answers from me." The King floated from his throne. "I simply wanted to ask you all for help, an alliance, if you will. Asking for help was a mistake. You will refuse to help, even when presented with freedom and your lives, at least, according to Vegetto. I did not want to take your minds, but now, I have no choice. Very well then. Atomic, prepare their execution for tomorrow."

"Wait! Who was the girl?! Who was the girl you killed?!" Zenta's voice got louder. "Answer me!"

"I said I will not answer any more questions, little dog." The King shot his glare towards Zenta. "I suggest you silence yourself or I will muzzle you."

"Who. Was. SHE?!"

"Guards, muzzle that puppy."

"You Bastard!! ANSWER ME!"

Zenta, unable to hide his seething rage any longer, jumped on top of the crystal table and rushed directly towards the King. His fangs were bared, and he had nothing but pure animosity all over him. For the first time, his feral side took over, an unknown beast no longer capable of being called Zenta... Zenta ran on all fours, crashing through each guard that attempted to stop him. Eventually, they piled up on the beast, completely covering him, and pinned him to the table. There was a small pause before light started to escape from the cracks of the pile Zenta was under, and the guards began to melt. Finally, the mass on top of Zenta exploded from the top as the Beast grabbed one of the Knight's head in his jaws and, with little effort, crushed the Xy'pher to dust in his maw. Zenta then turned to the King, who remained unfazed, and rushed at him once again. He jumped over Lucifer, ready to pounce on the King at any moment.

Suddenly, Zenta stopped in midair. Holding him in place was a power psychic energy that was no doubt that King's. The King pointed a finger at Zenta and moved him closer to his face. His head tilted as he stared deeply into Zenta's visor.

"My, my... did that girl mean that much to you?" The King mocked. As he held Zenta in place, there was a crack forming on Zenta's visor. The fur on Zenta's body was flat, almost as if being weighed down. "I can crush your body from the inside and turn your bones to dust..." Zenta's body began to slowly bend backwards, as if to break his spine. "Or fold you like origami... All on a whim."

The King returned Zenta to his previous position and snapped his fingers. On command, Walter opened a portal to an unknown section of the castle.

"If the life of one insignificant girl causes you so much grief, then you will die without knowing her fate."

With a flick of his wrist, he flung Zenta into the portal and closed it behind him.

"W-Wait! Where did he go?! What did you do with him?!" Avalon gasped, rising from his seat. "Where is Zenta?!"

"Enough. The dog will reunite with you shortly. You all will be placed in the finest room this castle has to offer. Your wounds will be healed to perfection."

"W-Wha..? Why..? Aren't you gonna execute us?"

"Yes... but I respect you Breakers enough to see you die with dignity and with your fullest potential. Clean and full of life! I want the world to see your deaths as something beautiful, a moment to remember... But more importantly, I want you all to know that even at your peak, your magnum opus, you will never be a match for me. You never were." The King then turned to Cayde, lifting him higher before turning him around, showing that his hand by his gun, ready to draw it. "And you, robotic organism. The gun you were about to draw was not for me, is it? You were ready to put Vegetto down, were you not? Interesting... I am curious to listen to that conversation."

With that, the King lifted his hand into the air and lifted the Breakers from their seats. None of the Breakers were able to move a finger, no matter how hard they tried or focused. Portals formed underneath them, and the King flung them down into the portals.

"Such a shame... I really wanted to form a truce with you..." were the last words the King said before closing the portals above the Breakers.

The Breakers all landed in a very large room with a bed fitted for each of them. Inside the room were medics, tailors, and chefs, ready to tend to the Breakers every wish. Immediately, the medics rushed to Berserk first and took a hold of her wounded arm. They applied odd ointment, which stung at first, but drastically healed her arm. It burned her skin, yet, sped the healing process. Even then, they made sure to properly heal Berserk. A few of the tailors approached Bernkastel, sewing her dress and fixing any ripped area. This would apply to all the Breakers, each of them would have their wounds carefully taken care of, their clothes repaired, and another plate of food prepared for them.

 

[ShineCero]

As all the Breakers were portal away to another room, Lucifer landed on his feet without an issue. From there, the angel stood motionless without a word. Even when the Xy’pher Associates approached him with catering, pampering and care, there was no reaction. His eyes, once filled with excitement, shows emptiness after the Red King verbally denied answering any questions.

The strength of greater wills did not bother Lucifer at the slightest. In fact, he would embrace it because it would mean, they managed to get over one hurdle of Lucifer’s test. It was the idea that Vegetto imposing his will onto others and subsequently forced a decision they held no part in. Not only their questions were vehemently denied, but their fates were also sealed by the arrogances of a fictitious god chasing an old flame.

Lilith slithered around Lucifer’s suit jacket and tried to communicate with Lucifer. “Not now, Lilith.” The angel soundly rejected Lilith’s attempts to comfort. She didn’t argue and simply slithered away, transitioning to becoming Lucifer’s shadow for the time being.

The fallen angel was no longer amused. He held a similar expression where Avalon begged forgiven from Vegetto. As the Xy’phers took care of his suit, Lucifer gazed upon the potara fusion with eyes of not anger, but disappointment. He suspected the Breakers will simply fall for the old dance of talking or hearing explanations. The angel lack of the desire to entertain this tired routine that will undoubtedly follow.

“I’ve lived trillions of lifetimes, witnessed the birth of numerous of cosmic events. And I have encountered countless creatures, and all breed with such laughable levels of arrogance. An absolute treat to see those that forced their will on others they deem lesser, grovel at their feet when their might vanished before them.” Lucifer sharpened his tongue. “You’re the first who show such pathetic displays of arrogance, that I feel, for the first time, rather insulted by any level of pride you held about yourself. I should be proud to find anyone who level a sense of pride, yet I feel nothing but disgust for you.”

Lucifer took one step forward, and instantly, bypassing all their senses and beyond, appeared in front of Vegetto. “Once again you imposed your cowardly will on the Breakers. You robbed them a chance of critical thinking and answers they sought for. Your repetitive delusional bollocks aren’t even worth mocking.” His hand rose and struck Vegetto’s chest, bypassing his instincts, even at the highest degree. “I warn you, didn’t I? While you offer no value to the Breakers, I spare your life on whim solely for being somewhat entertainment as long you stay clear from their development.”

Light engulfed from the angel’s fingers and it spread across Vegetto’s body instantly. Less than a zeptosecond, the potara’s body split into dozens of cubes. Each of them was trapped in a barrier that zapped away all energies and rendered them entirely immobilized. It was trivia magic, but to the person effected by it, it was devastating. They cannot move unless the user wills it. In the case of Vegetto, his energy foundation was shut down to the very core and practically rendered him useless. The purpose of the barrier, while extremely powerful in their own right, was there to prevent Lilith from swallowing the pieces. It is impossible to break through, escape nor pull themselves back together.

Floating in the air around Lucifer, he grabbed several cubes that contained Vegetto’s single eye and mouth, the latter the fusion can use to still communicate. “And I’ll continue to spare your life, for now. But you will not be fighting the Red King. You’ll remain there until my mood improves significantly.” He turns to the Breakers. “I’ve taken care of the problem, Breakers. You’re free to move forward without worries.” His eyes became grim to match his serious tone. “Quite unfortunate that we didn’t get to use our heads, hmm? But I’m sure you Breakers will find a way out of this one. Like the Red King praised, you have incredible luck—although I say it’s because of your will.” His serious demeanor softened, back to his usual self. "At least we have some food before our execution. Grab your last meals, hmm." He gave a light chuckle.

Detective Spawn narrowed his eyes. He wanted to step in, but the intensity of Lucifer’s power suddenly shot up that he chose to stay put. He wanted to say something, but seeing the angel did what he did, there was no need. “Huh…” Spawn turned to Nia, motioning her to come closer.

 

[Z-Fighter]

Once more, Bara had remained silent, up and until the Red King made his intentions for now clear thanks to Vegetto, and the subsequent teleportation into another room, before gazing at the diced pile that was Vegetto. She did nod towards the ones whom treated her wounds and gave her the food presented to her in gratitude before she eventually spoke.

"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten us into," she growled at the diced warrior, "even Brachi would have some sense to hear the Red King out and at least considered the option of co-operation in the face of uniting against a bigger threat. As an adage goes: "The Enemy of my enemy is my friend." Now look at the situation you've gotten us into."

With that, Bara appeared to just walk around the room, her main head tentacle swaying slowly back and forth, almost as if she was studying the room itself, getting familiar with its interior, at one point even stopping and remaining silent for a while, as if concentrating on something, before she nodded and continuing on her path.

"Evidently because of mister Loudmouth we find ourselves in quite a pickle... but as even the Red King has acknowledged our luck, there has to be a way for us to get out. Might as well look for various holes to squeeze myself into, or at least parts of me, see what lies beyond the walls, unless any of you happen to have any better ideas..."

Bara was apparently considering the use of her Body Manipulation as she had done earlier to send small pieces of herself to scout around in a wider area to get information about the complex and the surroundings quickly and efficiently, but she didn't know if there was something that would prevent her from doing so in the first place. She cursed inwardly about the situation as a whole, this wasn't exactly how she had hoped the situation would have evolved or escalated... had any of her other friends been around, the outcome would have likely been different, she thought momentarily, before shaking herself out of this reverie and deciding to instead listen to what the others might have planned, weighing the options and considering the next steps carefully if they wanted to avert what the Red King obviously had in mind for them now... or did he?

 

[meta knight]

May says in a flat tone "At this point odds were good we would clash with the king any way. Sooner than what was sensible but wend is tis group known for its sensibility." May thinks "Even the locals hear know your fight with doom even if they don't know the risks involved with that fight."

May says in a professional tone "The luck you lot have can make things go sideways on the way but you lot do end up wining in the end. Now I'm going to grab a bite to eat and try to think of a way we can get out this and live. I advise you all do the same." May starts to eat as she thinks about what she can use to get the group out of the prison they find themselves in. In a strange way May might had a since things would go this way.

 

[Panich]

Bage was taken by surprise as Zenta went completely mad trying to get to the Red King. The detective rose from his seat to restrain him but without a moment of hesitation, he had been lifted into the air as well. Bage tensed and tried to move against the psychic power to no avail before he was thrown through the portal along with the group.

The detective barely landed on his feet, watching the portal completely close them into the room. He grunted in frustration, seemingly not paying any mind to the Xy'phers that had come closer to aid him. "Great." He grumbled to himself, before being completely surprised by Lucifer's actions. Since when could he do something like that!?

"Hey, hey, hey!" The Saiyan detective pulled himself away as the Xy'phers attempted to mend his clothing. He approached Lucifer hesitantly at first. "I get Vegetto was at fault, but the Red King was the one who lumped us all together like that! He didn't even bother giving us a chance to object! It's obvious that he's trying to get us riled up again! So maybe don't split people into a million pieces...?" He grimaced at the dozens of puzzle pieces that made up the potara fusion's body. He went quiet for a moment to think on the Red King's offer.

"... Even if it were true that he would spare us, there's no way I could allow myself to accept such an offer. So many innocent people have been turned into his mindless mob. The reason we came here at all was to free them... At least, that's my reason. Not to mention I would hate for them to suffer as much as they have already." Bage clenched his gloved hand before turning to the group and agreeing with Lucifer and May's last sentiment about finding another way out of their situation. "You're right, though. even if things haven't gone our way, there's always room to make another miracle happen!"

In his mind, Bage just hoped the Breakers weren't running low on luck.