The Reality Vortex: Red Reputations

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May says as she keeps working "The fact that its mealy local reptation and most the good you lot do tends to be obscure or overlooked. I distrust the fact that coins are linked to anything like reptation, or else Spawn would not bother collecting the coins of the "bad guys"." she releases the Orb she fixed. May says as she works on another orb "With that stated, Cuki if you consider the Breakers your friends then you should tell them what up."

May summons some maids and orbs. May orders them to help the orbs in exploring doom castle and some the maids to gather the orbs unable to move in so she can repair them.
 
Despite Avalon, Bernkastel and Byakko’s protest, Lucifer didn’t waver at all. Seeing Cuki’s subtle behavior and body language confirmed that the central core belief she held hardly changed. There was no further need to dissect. Upon Cuki stating that she doesn’t want to hurt the Breakers, Lucifer laughs with a massive grin on his face.

Lucifer passed by Berserk. “After this, I wish you see me regarding becoming my next disciple if interested. No doubt, you’ll become strong. Truly strong.” The angel passed by Vegetto. He offered no words to the Potara fusion but gave him a smile. The same, judgmental smile he held for Cuki, indicating that he considers both one of the same.

The angel shifted his focus to see what May’s machinery was up too. They were zooming around the remnants of Doom’s Castle. “This is supposedly where he was last seen.” Lucifer stared at the individual fragments of what’s left. Much of the technology was destroyed or broken beyond repair. “Quite unfortunate that he’d perished. It would be useful if he left something behind as a template for the next disciple. A pity, but trial and error to work out the kinks will have to do.”

The Detective noticed that Cuki was about to leave with the Panich coin. If Bage wasn’t going to stop her, he would. The hellspawn slowly approaches her to not set off any alarms or reactions. “May is right. If something is bothering you, might as well tell the Breakers what you’re talking about. I was in the same boat, and these guys had gone through the ringer already. Whatever you’re going through, probably isn’t that big of a deal.”

Spina stayed quiet, waiting to hear what Cuki had to say. The old Saiyan still maintained a furious expression. His eyes are like daggers to the heart, the way she stares at both Cuki and Byakko.
 
Cayde’s head perked up initially at the revelation Vegetto made, a frown forming immediately at the prospect of Gogeta’s death. Yet Lucifer’s comments drew his gaze away momentarily, a suspicious look forming while Cayde turned his gaze back onto the Potara fusion.

The lack of conviction was clear, yet whether or not Vegetto spoke a lie or was too scared to take responsibility for his actions couldn’t be discerned on just a surface's glance. Cayde narrowed his eyes a bit; the initial frustration smoldering in hope that the truth was better than the lie. However, he turned his attention first to Cuki as she was pressed by the angel further.

Cayde stood by and watched on, looking over Cuki. He silently glanced between the others that defended her, their arguments typical in supporting her bravery and willpower in the face of combat.

Yet as they pushed more in support, Cayde stood silent in looking over the girl in judgement. His eyes scanned Lucifer briefly, a brief sigh in that he knew their efforts were useless in changing the angel’s mind. But in the end, he shared a similar judgement: the baggage that Cuki continued to hide in fear only cemented his belief that she was a liability.

Cayde briefly shrugged his shoulders, a nonchalant tone behind his voice while he spoke dismissively towards the danger Cuki warned of.

“Eh, I’m with the Detective on this one. This team just survived a creator god and his army trying to kill literally everything; surely it can't be that bad, right?”


Vegetto perked his eyebrows, caught off guard immediately when Lucifer rejected his revelation. Not more in that the angel found out, but in that his lie was openly denied for all of the others to hear. He glanced around briefly, his mind racing on what to do in the moment. The frustration mounted once more; routed again by none other than Lucifer and because it was the angel that shot down his attempt as quickly as it began, Vegetto's pointed anger began to focus in on his target. Yet despite the rage building, it did not erupt or explode. Like the battle with the Red King and even before in the battle with Air Dancer, the fire within fueled and empowered rather than erupted into destructive chaos. The Potara fusion watched on in silence, the mounting fire swirling and blooming at the sight of the angel further pressing Cuki; his white gloved hands balling into fists. However, even as the anger flourished within, it only grew and blossomed without a spark to ignite it within.

Vegetto kept his eyes trained on Lucifer, mostly unaware of his own development. The sharp stare never left Lucifer as the angel approached, the internal focus strong in Vegetto's eyes even before Lucifer mockingly smiled at the Potara fusion. Unlike before with wild, unkempt and destructive explosions behind the anger, Vegetto's fury resonated with a focused determination this time. Less like a rabid enraged animal, but more like an angry man holding a gun. The driven desire to overcome and defeat the angel standing opposite of him so complete, it borderlines on a need instead of a want. The Potara fusion did not speak a word or waver in his demeanor, his eyes following Lucifer until he had passed.

Vegetto glanced briefly to the side, his eyes shifting a bit towards Cuki in hearing her lament on the secrets she held. His anger smoldered gradually, but the embers still burned once his dual voice rung out and his gaze turned onto Cuki.

"You said you had gotten stronger, but you're going to let that pampered god mock your growth and frighten you into running away again."

He tightened his grip slowly in both hands, tensing slightly.

"Fine...if you're so worried about hurting people you care about...then show me. I'm an enemy...I killed your friend."

Cayde perked his head a bit, realizing a chance to listen in on more news behind Gogeta's death as Vegetto continued; his steely gaze locked firmly on Cuki in a drive to perpetuate his lie.

"He and Clark just wanted to stop me from hurting the Breakers, but I didn't care; all of you have gotten too weak from letting this bastard god manipulate you like this. I beat them both, and Gogeta was too weak to survive my attacks. He died, wanting to protect you from me."

Cayde's mechanical voice tore through the air in a blunt interruption.

"Where is Clark? Did you kill him too?"

Vegetto stood silent in response, his eyes still turned down to Cuki with an admonished glare.

"So if you're afraid of hurting them...then put it on me. Lucifer already gave you his ultimatum to run, so here's mine:"

The Potara fusion tensed his muscles, barely pausing as he spoke with a firm determination and malice in his dual voice.

"Stay, and fight your fears. That little rat won't get another victory here...and if you even think about proving him right...then I'll make sure you join your weakling friend in your master's fur coat."
 
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Cuki bit her lip at everyone pressuring her to speak up. She bit so hard that she drew blood, yet, how could she explain it? It was hard for her open up, especially since she had no idea how they would react. Her Master’s voice continued to push her, and eventually, she had to succumb.

“Cuki, just tell us what has happened.” Zenta pleaded.

“It’s hard to explain…” Cuki sighed. “Lately… everywhere I go, chaos and mayhem unfold, almost like its following me. People die, buildings crumble, and lives are ruined.” There was a slight pause before she continued. “I hear voices… Lots of them… It's like they're right behind me, whispering in my ear. When I turn, I see no one. That's not all, I hear Lammy [Lambda], Gervene… even Kass. The voices yell at me, begging me to save them. It's like they're actually there.” Cuki's body began to shake slightly. "But I also hear them screaming... They beg for mercy, beg for me to help them..."

Cuki’s eyes widen, and her skin turned pale, the trauma of hearing the voices of the dead, seeing people die before her, and the lack of sleep left her mind in a very deteriorated state.

“These voices get stronger when I sleep… Every time I close my eyes to rest, I keep having the same dream over and over and over again! I hear everyone’s voices, but I can’t see anyone. It’s dark and no matter how hard I fight, I can’t find anyone. Every dream is a repeat of the screams from those who died being around me… I have no control over it. I’m all alone…”

“During the fight, when Cuki failed to enter Divine State with me, the same aura that follows Cuki hit her tenfold.” Byakko butted in. “I can’t seem to pinpoint it or figure out what’s haunting her, but there is something tormenting her…”

“It’s getting worse every day. If I step foot inside any town or city, chaos erupts, and people die. It’s like… it doesn’t want me around anyone…” Cuki took another step away from the Breakers. “I don’t want this mayhem to affect you guys, you’ve been through so much already! I don’t want to hurt you… Please, just… leave me alone. I’ll find a way out of this mess on my own!”

“You do not have to deal with this alone, Cuki.” Zenta tried to keep the female from leaving. “I am sure we will figure something out to help you.”

“Yeah! You just got a bit of bad luck, but you just need to surround yourself with people who care!” Avalon puffed his chest. “The Breakers fit that role best!”

For a moment, Cuki’s worries, and pain washed away, especially when Zenta and Avalon decided to help her. Still, the looming dark cloud over Cuki’s head roared with thunder, filling her mind with every image of those who died. Her head slowly turned to Vegetto as he declared that she fight him. With voices, both in and out of her head, the pain from not being healed, and the internal struggle of wanting to keep the Breakers safe, her body tensed, and her eyes returned to dull and lifeless. An emotionless husk stood, and the small hope the Breakers had to bring Cuki back was snuffed out like a candle in the wind.

“Geegee died to protect me from you?” Cuki narrowed her eyes and saw through the Fusion. “No. No he didn’t. I doubt Geegee gave a damn about me, not after what I did to him.” Cuki’s hand balled into a white fist, the dead eyes staring right at the Fusion. “If you killed him, then shame on you. He talked highly of you when I met him. He looked up to you.”

The hard glare Cuki gave to Vegetto was short-lived as her soft and innocent eyes returned. The same look she had at the start of their adventures when they first met.

“Just like I did…”

“But he said he’s your enemy, Cuki. He’s probably going to attack you.” Byakko sighed, crossing his arms.

“I deserve it. He sees how weak I am, and if that’s the case, then I haven’t changed at all.” Cuki lowered her head. “I’m a liability to the Breakers. I’m leagues behind them. …I’m still… weak.”

“C’mon Cuki, quit thinkin’ like that.” Avalon bit his lip before turning to Spina. “Hey, maybe you should butt in before Vegetto actually attacks her. Give her a pep talk! Y’know, like a leader!”
 
Bage was a bit nervous at the reveal of Gogeta's demise and Lucifer encouraging her to leave was of no help either. Regardless, he had to get that Coin. He had finally found Panich after all this time. There was no way he would let her go again. The detective opened his mouth to try and keep Cuki from leaving but stopped when Detective Spawn, Zenta, and the others began doing just that.

"You're doing your best Cuki, and that's all your friends want. They want to help you with whatever it is you struggling with." Bage said, smiling sympathetically, " And I want to help. Not just as a detective, but for Panich. She really cared for you, and any friend of her's I'll gladly help. Having people to lean on doesn't make you weak at all."

He could see Avalon encouraging Spina to speak up, but somehow based on his furious expression, the Saiyan detective was worried about the words that may come out of his mouth.
 
“Just calm down, all of you. No one is attacking anybody.” Detective Spawn tried to defuse tensions. “He’s probably… trying to lift up your spirits?” The hellspawn sounded unsure about Vegetto’s motives. He understood the overall rationale, but the way he went around it seemed off base. At least, that is what Spawn hopes that what he’s aiming for. Cuki’s situation seems strange. Is it a curse? Then it should be something that Spawn himself could see, but he didn’t sense anything. Byakko claimed something was there, but there was nothing. Regardless, Spawn tried to add some advice regarding Cuki’s issues. “Listen—”

The sound of a slap ripple across the area. Spawn turned to find the source of that sound only for his eyes to see Avalon against the ground. “Wha?”

Spina stood still with his right hand raised; indicating that he slapped Avalon down to the ground. The faltering white pupil increased in response to his rising anger. “Don’t tell me what to do. Ever again.”

The old Saiyan shifted his focus onto both Vegetto and Cuki. Without warning, Spina swung his right arm to strike Vegetto. Backhanding the Potara fusion away, he’d reached for Cuki. However, his hand went past her, grabbing Byakko by the collar of his kimono.

Somehow, due to the nature of Dark Energy, Spina grabbed the intangible deity with his bare hands and lifted him up. His eyes furiously animated upon staring at this Being of Willpower “Damn your reasons! What’s clear is that you chose an unwinnable game out of pleasure—and only then after it completely backfired, do you offer apologies? Pathetic!” Spina headbutted Byakko with enough force to send him flying back. “Thinking you can pull wool over eyes by saying it was done out of our protection? I heard that before. So. Many. Damn Times. I don’t need your protection. I don’t need lessons. I don’t need to learn humility. I don’t need anyone telling me that this was done for my own good, especially from the likes of you!”

Spina pointed his finger at Byakko and Cuki. “I’m done listening. Either you stay or leave. Whatever your choice, I won’t be part of your circus. I don’t need you to do anything for me. Not now or ever.”

Detective Spawn approached the Saiyan, attempting to calm him down. “Calm down! You’re acting—”

“Shut up.” Spina blow him back with a mere sight. Detective Spawn stumbled back a little bit. The old Saiyan levitated from the ground and looked around as if he was looking for a specific place. Once he found it, Spina glared below at Byakko, Cuki and Vegetto specifically. “You. Vegetto. Byakko… You’re all fake.” Without waiting for a response, Spina blasted off, heading straight to Beach City.
 
Bara shook her head.
"Well, that didn't work out." She muttered silently, a sad expression on her face. "He should look into a mirror to see who the REAL fake one is. And a Hypocrite to boot."
 
May says still working on any salvageable orbs "If not for the second part of what you described Cuki I would say your suffering from survivors' gilt. If it's a curse, would it not be a good idea to find a curse specialist in order to break it."

some of the orbs keep an eye on Lucifer as others keep scouting and looking over Doom’s Castle. the numbers of orbs and maids make it hard for lucifer to keep track of all of them.

May thinks "ok not going say anything about the outburst."
 
Berserk seemed a bit distracted after Lucifer's statement to her, anxiously listening to the exchange going on while contemplating his offer since Avalon had warned her not to do it. Her eyes snapped up hearing the loud slap cut through the air-- eyes widening in shock seeing Spina knock her friend to the ground with one fell swoop.

"AVALON! You alright?!" She called out, near-instantly dashing to his side. "Wh-what just happened?! Why'd he-- Grandpa, what the--" Berserk immediately shut her mouth to avoid falling under the old Saiyan's gaze. Only when he left the scene did she have the nerve to speak once more. "What... what was that?"

Bernkastel had made a move to get herself down from Zenta's arms and attempt to stop Spina, but she became frozen mid-action. She couldn't even think through what just happened, and was left utterly speechless. This was the first time she saw Spina so enraged to lash out this badly. Even people he couldn't stand were usually ignored or blown off. "I... I don't know. This- this wasn't supposed to... happen..." Bern stammered, utterly at a loss for what to say or do. The worst-case scenario she could think of came true. How did he manage to land a hit on a spirit like that?! Isn't that impossible?! Horrified, she felt even smaller than a child... and just as useless as one.
 
Cuki and Zenta both turn to the slap that knocked Avalon to the ground. Cuki’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widen as Avalon didn’t move for a few moments. When Vegetto was slapped away, Cuki felt Spina lock eyes with her and Byakko. Byakko, meanwhile, seemed unfazed by Spina’s approach, however, that changed at the drop of a dime. As Spina reached out to grab Byakko, the Deity felt the Saiyan tug at his kimono, yanking him down. Confusion and disgust riddled Byakko’s face, as he was in shock that Spina was able to grab him the way he did; normally, most people could not touch him.

As Byakko was pulled, so was Cuki.

W-What…?

Once Spina headbutted Byakko, the Divine Being’s head leaned back, and, so did Cuki’s. Cuki felt the full force of the headbutt, even though it was directed towards Byakko. The Deity fell back before catching himself moments before hitting the floor, Cuki, on the other hand, fell flat on her back, her pupils missing for a brief second.

“Hmph, I knew things didn’t change… Mortals never change…” Byakko muttered before turning his back to the Breakers. “Are you okay, Cuki?”

“…Yeah.” Cuki said, slowly sitting up, rubbing her forehead.

You’re all fake!

Cuki remained silent as she stared blankly at the ground. Her head throbbed and Byakko gently leaned over her, genuinely looking concerned. When Cuki rose to her feet, her body wobbled slightly, the massive headbutt affecting her more than she anticipated. As she stumbled around, the Panich coin fell from her hand and rolled over to Bage, stopping by his feet. Cuki did not seem to notice before lifting herself up into the air.

“It’s happening again…” she muttered. “Chaos and mayhem are unfolding… I can’t stay around any longer…”

Zenta’s ears instantly rose upright as he noticed Cuki floating away from the Breakers. His grip tightened on Bernkastel, so much that it started to hurt the Witch. He did not know how hard he was holding the girl.

“Cuki, wait!” Zenta cried out. “Spina has been acting very strangely as of late!”

“No… everywhere I go, people get hurt. This is only a small taste…” Cuki’s eyes were deep and filled with grief. The hollow emptiness in her eyes returned. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for ruining your victory… I’m sorry I’m here…”

Zenta instantly dropped Bernkastel from his arms as he ran to Cuki, jumping into the air and embracing his student—no, daughter. He held her as tight as he could, his voice in pain.

“Cuki, please… don’t go. Please…!”

Cuki’s eyes widened for a split second, her arm slowly lifted, wanting to embrace her Master. However, her arm stopped and began to turn to mist, easily dispersing in the wind. Her body followed, parts of her disappearing in the wind. Zenta’s tight embrace opened once he saw the entirety of Cuki’s body phase and slip in between his arms. The beast reached up, desperately trying to grasp at nothing as Cuki’s voice echoed one last time.

“I’m sorry… Master.” Cuki echoed. “My fate… is to be alone…”

Once the last of the mist escaped Zenta’s grasp, Cuki had completely disappeared from the group with the help of Byakko. Zenta stared silently at the sky, his head whipping back and forth in a desperate attempt to find Cuki. Once the Beast dropped to his knees, everyone knew Cuki was gone. He said nothing else, and simply stared at the sky. Eventually, his head and shoulders slumped, utterly defeated.

Avalon began to stir from the ground and wiped the small amount of blood from the corner of his mouth. For a moment, he stayed silent before pushing himself off the ground.

“What the hell was that for?” He groaned. “He’s lost his damn mind!”

Zenta stood up straight and approached Bernkastel, gently lowering himself to her side after he dropped her. He lifted the Witch up to her feet and dug a hand into the fur tuff on his chest. He pulled out Gogeta’s Coin and carefully placed it in the palm of her hand. A sigh escaped his lips as he rose upright once again.

“Forgive me for hiding this from you, My Lady… I was planning to give this to you once we defeat the Red King, had we survived…” Zenta smiled, turning to face the Coin in her hand. He balled Bernkastel’s hand into a fist around Gogeta’s Coin and pressed it against her chest. His hand tightened around her tiny fist. “Promise me to never let go of those who are precious to you.”

Zenta then placed the same hand he gripped Bernkastel with to gently pat her head.

“And I will promise to protect you and those you deem precious, Lady Bernkastel.”

The beast slowly let his arm fall from Bernkastel’s head as he turned to the direction Spina flew off. He clasped his arms behind his back and turned away from the Breakers in order to hide his face.

“Now that we survived, we can finally rest.” The beast finally said in a soft tone before walking off. “More importantly, we need to follow Mr. Spina again. Given his behavior, we should keep an eye on him…”

Zenta did not wait for anyone as he walked alone in the direction of Beach City. There was no anger, no spite, not even a hint of rage. Never once did he turn to the Breakers, not even Bernkastel, as he strolled away, as if this feeling being nothing new to him. The way he handled himself, down to the elegance and grace of his stride, showed how well he hid his pain and sorrow.

With a smile.
 
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