The Reality Vortex: Red Reputations

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"If it sounds too good to be true it probably is..." Berserk sat in her corner of the room after having been teleported, wincing as the little Xy'phers worked on her injuries. "Though, I don't think I'd feel too good about accepting the offer either. I mean... we'd still have to do his bidding anyway even if we get special treatment."

"Of course. The whole thing is a truce as long as we acquiesce to his orders. We've been burned before by having such a lofty promise dangled over our heads... I don't think I could endure experiencing that again." Bernkastel deadpanned, swarmed by the small creatures but giving no other reaction besides a passive glare off into space. "May is right at any rate-- clashing with the King would occur sooner or later. The monster may pose a problem to us all later, but there's no reason to start a war with it right now; someone else's hubris can't be our downfall. I'd rather it be on our own terms anyhow."

Bernkastel stood and began to walk around the room they were placed into, examining it by glancing around. "Speaking of which, I can't just sit here resting on my tail waiting for the guillotine. There must be something we can do in these next 24 hours." She was unnaturally energetic about the whole thing despite Vegetto's earlier display, clearly trying to mask her own annoyance to the point that she deliberately kept her back to the floating pile of Saiyan cubes. "Nothing is as perfect as it seems. This is Doom's Castle after all... there's no telling how many secrets it might have still. I just hope Zenta can manage on his own for a little while."

"I'm in! If we die, we die, but I at least wanna try and keep it together long enough to get Lady Luck back on our side," Berserk agreed. "We just gotta be sure that if we do escape, they don't realize we're actually gone. This place probably has an even crazier level of security than the manor."
 
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The pieces of the Potara fusion floated around, the stunned expression from Vegetto all that could be mustered before Lucifer's debilitating strike. Each one seemed to wiggle; the intense anger and rage to move apparent in the voice that rung out in tandem with the movements. As the cube of an eye slowly floated into position, the pupil stared down at Lucifer after the explanation; an unwavering commitment to his decision moments earlier an indication of how Vegetto took the fallen angel's lesson and the claim of disgust Lucifer felt towards the man.

"The feeling's mutual."

The struggled grunts behind the moving mouth continued, the pieces only wiggling in vain against the intense magic. Without the ability to draw upon his energy, Vegetto could only roar in vain as his only defiance towards Lucifer's commanding action to limit his involvement and the eye immediately shot towards Bara once she spoke.

"Cooperation...what a joke coming from you. All you wanted to do was bow and lick a new master's boots."

His eye expanded slightly, a mixture of anger from his predicament and the argument flairing in his dual voice.

"What?! Is your mouth getting dry without your friend's to clean?!"

Cayde sighed heavily, striding past the pair of Lucifer and the cut pieces of Vegetto floating in the air. He gently hopped onto one of the beds, leaning back into the frame and propping himself up as the Breakers began to strategize.

"You guys go on ahead. I'm getting a little sleepy; think I'll rest up and make sure no one hurts Lucifer here."

The obvious lack of need to protect Lucifer and the still unhooked strap on Cayde's holster countered the point made, but the android yawned loudly while he rested on the bed and watched the others patiently in silence.
 
Avalon looked around the room and noticed that there was an open door, indicating that they can leave at any moment. Venturing the castle would be advantageous, especially given how curious he was. Maybe Avalon could find a way out before their execution. However, as Lucifer turned Vegetto into tiny pieces, he almost seemed relieved. It was an eye-opener, this being a small taste of what he can see Lucifer do.

Looks like he can do somethin' other than gloat or adore himself. Avalon thought. Tho'... it's kinda scary. If he can do that, then who knows what else he can do. Better to stay on his good side, if he has one...

Nia, on the other hand, looked over to Spawn, and when she did, her face was full of worry. She was afraid of the King and his tactics because she knew them so well. Her body shivered, truly believing that they were going to die. Regardless, she floated over to Spawn, the light nearly gone from her face. While the Breakers were lucky, she accepted her fate and that luck had finally run out, even for the Breakers.

"Yes, Spawn?"

As Avalon walked around the room, he approached Berserk and stared at the healing process on her arm. She was almost entirely healed!

"Looks like you're doin' just fine, Berserk!" Avalon patted her on the back before turning to the door. He picked up after Bernkastel. "Well, the door is open. We can walk around the castle, but I doubt the King will let us escape. This place is watching our every move, so we can't be sneaky about anythin'."

Avalon approached Berkastel and bonked her head with his scroll teasingly.

"Even if we die, just like Walter, we can leave notes behind. Who knows, maybe stronger, and luckier, than us will roll on by. Besides, sittin' here ain't gonna help. We might as well try to find Zenta, or better yet, Cuki... Maybe she's in here somewhere or we can find out what happened to her." Avalon's eyes lowered slightly at the thought of Cuki. "Let's just hope we find something interesting."
 
Lucifer gazed attentively at Bage; his expression more cheerful compared to his initial grim attitude. “Don’t misunderstand my intentions, Detective. I’m here for the development of the Breakers, and anything that adds to that, I’ll shall see it done. They voice their thoughts of such foolishness now, but I wish to see it in action against the Red King. How they would perceive the situation.” Lucifer’s blue eyes darted to Bernkastel, primarily focusing on her eyes. “A pity, really. Creator’s Essence will simply have to wait, and I need to observe more.” His eyes returned to Bage.

“Now, Detective.” As all the pieces of Vegetto floated around him. “I’ll make my intentions clear once more. Anything that gets in the way of their development, their inefficiency detrimental to it, I’ll dispose them.” His devilish smirk returned, making it hard if it was a threat or an off-color joke. “Lilith could use some company, or a meal, Detective.” Crossing his legs. “Run along, now. See if you find Zenta. Meanwhile, if I’m going to an execution, I’ll need to pick the appropriate attire for this occasion.”

Spina stood in silence as they talk amongst themselves. His eyes never left the sight of Lucifer and Vegetto. Despite being in such a state, the potara fusion continued on, and it bothered the old Saiyan. Not that anything Vegetto said got to him, no, but the way Vegetto acted despite his unfavorable situation irks him. It brought up a bad memory from his past. He instinctively grabbed his shoulder where Zenta inflicted a massive wound on it. Even though Bernkastel and Bara healed the wound, he felt the urge to touch it. All he could see is the people that put him through hell throughout his life by looking at Vegetto.

“Tch…” Spina grunted. “No matter where I go, it’s always the same.” He mumbled to himself a bit. Noticing that the door of the room is open, allowing the Breakers to leave. “Let’s go. We could find something we can use, or something. Anywhere but here.” He lowered his voice a bit as he headed towards the open door. “Need to finish off these debts so I can be done….”

Detective Spawn, before responding to Nia, turned to the old Saiyan. “Debts?”

Spina paused for a second, realizing he slipped out a word. “It’s nothing. Let’s move.” He exited the room right away.

Detective Spawn narrowed his eyes. “Let’s walk and talk.” The hellspawn walked towards the exit. “I’m sure Zenta is okay, since I still sensed him.” He let the Breakers aware of Zenta’s fate. “Now, I want you to tell me everything you know about his psionic abilities, since you and him share the same power. Any weaknesses about which we should know?” He asked Nia.

Brilliant diamonds had completely replaced the interior inside Doom’s Castle, just like the outside and the dining room. It shines so beautifully, especially when there’s different coloration, each cut so eloquently and masterfully. Because of its definition, they also function as mirrors. When Spina walking through the hallways, he saw reflections of himself across the shining crystals. Just one look, and all he sees is a broken man thrashed on repeatedly throughout his journey. Only his fight with Berserk and Gravita, where he felt a sense of fulfilment and self-worth. An achievement, he thought, obtained by his lonesome.

The old Saiyan continued to walk around to see if there’s anything in this castle. He doesn’t seem to recall the castle that well, since the only places he been was the room where they fought Zenta, the dimension where he fought Vegetto-Black, and Doom’s room. So, this was entirely brand-new territory for him. “With these damn crystals, everything looks exactly the same.”

It wasn’t long until he came across a section that not covered in crystals. It was a solid black double-door with a pad attached in the center. Spina narrowed his eyes and approached the door right away. He placed his fingers in-between the doors and attempt to forced it open, but it didn’t work.

The door pad came on immediately and scanned the Saiyan. “Detection: Not Doctor Victor von Doom. Access denied.”

“Hmm…?” Spina balled his right hand into a fist and punched the door as hard as he could. Such a powerful punch echoes across the hallways. Yet, despite the power behind the punch, it didn’t even make a dent against the door.

“Access denied.” The door pad voice command prompted once again. “Password now required.”

“Explains why the Red King want Doom’s Vortex Coin…Tch…” Spina rubbed his shoulder and looked around. “Password…? Doom?”

“Access denied. Try again.”
 
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Bara also walked towards the open door, her headtentacle swaying about to check for any places of interest while ignoring Vegetto's comment.

'You'd never understand the kind of teamwork we've had in my universe, and you never will...' She thought, 'We've expanded our co-operation with members of the Frieza Force whom wisely switched sides and worked with us... you'd be singing a different tune if Demon Lord Ruthas would get his evil hands on you..."

Bara shuddered at the sheer thought of the name Ruthas... a being so evil, so vile with the capabilities to even deny someone the sweet embrace of death, just for his own sick pleasures... She shook her head for a brief moment to snap herself out of it while looking around, eager to see if there was something she could learn about the place before escaping. If there was one thing that she had learned from her bestie, is that she does not believe in a no-win scenario.

"There is ALWAYS a path to achieve our objectives, all that remains is to find it, which can be easier said than done..." The Majin muttered as she occasionally dropped microscopic pieces of herself to move about and scout the areas around, just to cover more ground and gather intelligence along the way.
 
May says as she gets up and looks at the data pad "our group has what is called protagonist luck. Chances are good that we will fluke in to saving this Cuki and/or Zenta once we get out. We might get more than what we want as well." May thinks about ways to bypass door and how to do so.

May says "that or the king has no one verse in security systems of any kind." May thinks "chances are good that he may forgotten or not even thought of it."
 
Bage felt a little uneasy as Lucifer stared daggers at him, worried that this actually was a threat rather than his usual crude joking. "Right... " He said simply, before dismissing himself from the conversation. He gave Vegetto's body one more glance before following the others out of the room once his clothing had been repaired. His mood seemed a bit better at hearing Avalon, Berserk, and Bernkastel's energy awaken at this dire moment.

"Well, you know this castle pretty well, right? Then lead the way, Bernkastel. Let's see what we can dig up from this place since you breakers have last been here." Bage suggested to the three, he started feeling pretty good himself after the little Xy'phers had a moment to heal his wounds.

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In another part of the castle away from the others, it was quiet. every now and then knights could be heard patrolling the walkways and corridors. They walked simultaneously through the halls before stopping and making way for what could only be a higher-ranked Xy'pher.

It was Atomic Flare who quietly made her way down the hall, only the sound of her crystal-coated boots against the diamond flooring could be heard. The light danced silently as light reflected off of the walls and along her and the knights' bodies. As soon as she passed them, they went about their business as usual. The Elite Xy'pher would continue to walk for a while longer, until she came across a guarded room, one that seemed to be her target. The guards before the door looked ready to remove whoever was within the room. But at seeing the hero they paused and waited for her order.

"Step aside," she commanded. Immediately the Xy'pher knights moved away from the door to allow her access. Once the way had been cleared, she opened the door the room being illuminated once opened. She scanned the room and soon laid her eyes on Zenta, narrowing her eyes further as she spoke up. "You are free to go with your friends, for now, mutt. You are lucky his majesty is being so gracious to you."

She then suddenly snatched up the beast by his chest fur and smirked devilishly at him. "I, however, am not so forgiving." She growled before throwing the beast against a nearby wall with immense force, the diamond interior barely moved at all. Atomic Flare walked slowly and casually over to Zenta. "Pets should mind their manners when among humans, isn't that right? One snap and they're put down for misbehaving. And you've misbehaved quite a lot."

Once finally standing over Zenta, the hero slammed her foot against the other's back to pin him to the floor. "To make sure you don't cause any more trouble until your execution... We'll have you muzzled, as the King has ordered." Reaching toward her waistband, Atomic Flare revealed a crystal muzzle in her possession before reaching down to fasten it onto his face. The hero's dull eyes staring directly into the beast's.
 
Zenta glared at Atomic Flare with his fangs bared as she tossed him around and stepped on him. However, once she reached over to try to muzzle him, he pulled his face back and grabbed the ankle of the leg she used to pin him. He pulled her to the floor as he pushed himself up to his feet. Similar to how he handled the hostage Xy'pher, he repeatedly slammed Atomic Flare against the wall she threw him against. Finally, he released her but gripped her throat as hard as he can, lifting her from the ground but keeping her pinned against the wall. All Atomic saw was her face reflecting directly from his visor, and an immense pressure shook the room. For that brief moment, Zenta focused all his attention on this one Xy'pher.

"I grow tired of you Xy'phers..." Zenta said in a low growl, his grip tightening on Atomic. "I simply want to know what happened to the girl with the tail... You will tell me or else I will get creative on how to rip you apart. I am in no mood for this."

However, as Zenta attempted to add the pressure on Atomic, the Xy'phers Knights moved quickly to defend their Mighty Elite. Sword and spears skewered Zenta's back, some even going through his back and poking out his shoulder and side. The Xy'pher Knights pulled the beast away from Atomic, and quickly started to pile on him. Their swords and spears pierced through Zenta and onto the floor, pinning him there. They were careful not to kill him, but using force to keep him away from Atomic was necessary. More Knights rushed into the room and stood between the roaring beast and Atomic, making sure that Zenta did not rise from the floor. Every time he tried, he would feel a sharp, stabbing pain somewhere on his body.

"The beast has been subdued for you, Grand Noble Atomic." One Knight spoke. "What shall we do with him, Grand Noble?"
 
Atomic Flare reached for her neck once Zenta had been torn off of her and hesitated a moment while the Knight asked its question. The Xy'pher Elite rose to her feet and came closer to the Beast until she stood over him. "Hold him still." She commanded with clenched fists before relentlessly kicking Zenta in the face repeatedly. The thud of her crystalized foot against Zenta's visor grew intensely with every hit. "You don't get the luxury of demands, you filthy dog! You have no power here! You're nothing but a rug that's unfit to even be walked on by my King!" She grunted loudly, "When I'm done with you, you will have wished his Majesty had killed you at the DINING TABLE!!!"

The hero relentlessly dug her foot into the Breaker's cheek one more time before she began stomping the top of his head. The intensity of her anger was boiling to an all-time high. Around her body, a small spark of purple light flashed quickly, then suddenly she was laughing maniacally. With no intention to stop, she shouted out. "YOU'RE EXECUTION WILL BE SLOW, AGONIZING, EXCRUCIATING-!"

The laughter had stopped abruptly and her body froze in place from taking another strike at Zenta's face. Her body was completely still aside from occasional tremors as if this halt in her movement was not her own. The silence lasted a few seconds longer and then her expression was back to its original emotionless state. Her voice was back to being calm and calculated.

"We will be taking him back to his group now. Come." She instructed, fastening the muzzle to Zenta's face before grabbing the beast by the back of his neck and dragging him along despite the swords and spears still being impaled into his back. She remained quiet the entire way back to the room where the Breakers were residing and soon stopped at the opened door with the Knights following behind. She scanned the room, noticing that the others had left, the only two inside being the Cyborg and the Angel.

"Here's your mutt." Atomic Flare stated with not a single ounce of emotion in her voice. She tossed the bloody Zenta into the room at their feet with little regard.
 
The hall of mirror-like crystals being so silent aside from their footsteps made for an eerie atmosphere around the group. Bernkastel walked at the front of the line while Berserk hung back by Avalon's side; initially ignoring her reflection, she noticed her hair and eyes looked noticeably different than this morning. The change was a bit of a startle given the fact her eyes had that same tinge of white as the bunny girl behind the barrier. No wonder Lucifer was staring at her so much-- if he were to ask, she couldn't give any sort of explanation for the similarity.

"I agree, even if we passed through here the change is too disorienting to tell. Best we leave a trail so we can trace back our steps."

Upon reaching the black double-doors, Bern waited for Spina to make an attempt at forcing it open. After the next failed attempt, she spoke up.

"Let's be careful with our next guesses. Doom's decoy had a self-destruction mechanism, and who knows what kind of tricks he's put in his own lair?"

"Well, can't you just use a magic spell that'll instantly open it?" Berserk asked.

"Spina can't brute-force it open, which means magic probably won't do anything either. If it were a regular door with a lock I could since the doorknob knows its own shape, but this is advanced technology," Bern explained. "The probability of us guessing the password correctly is incredibly low; if we had an infinite amount of time we would surely get it open but time is a luxury we don't have at the moment. We need to make our next guesses count, but how?"

Berserk turned to the others with a shrug since she didn't know anything about Doom that could count as a password. "Well one thing's for sure, it's for a room in his own castle. It's either the most scrambled passcode ever or something that we're overlooking. That's obvious to him and nobody else. This is a doozy."

Bernkastel squinted at the keypad while tapping her chin. I wonder if Clear Mind would work for this sort of thing? Couldn't hurt to try I guess...
 
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