The Reality Vortex: The Black Rose

Federation City Underground

The brute strength of Vegetto Black easily shattered Mr. Sound into multiple pieces. Moments before landing, the man’s eyes darting back and forth in confusion before seeing Vegetto-Black and Sinister Bernkastel approaching Kassava. “What…?”

Multiple pieces of him landed on the ground, while his upper body remained somewhat intact. “What?” His thoughts were a jumbled mess. He lifted his head, just enough to see the two standing before him. Tried to speak, but his jaw was hanging by literal skin attached to his face. “No… I need to stay alive. Daiman is still out there. He still has her. He still has her coin. MY Coin—” He exploded, leaving behind a Vortex coin in his place.

Kassava opened her eyes in reaction to Vegetto Black’s response. The levitating rocks dropped to the ground as she stood up. As with Sinister Bernkastel, dark aura encompassed Kassava that flow swiftly like a raging fire. Her eyes were bright red, with purple pupils, accompanied by her black, wild hair. Just by her appearance, she was radiating an extreme hostile stance—indicating that she was ready to fight at any moment’s notice. The first person she took notice was Sinister Bernkastel. Right away, she furrowed her eyebrows and frowned. However, upon seeing Vegetto Black, the light in her eyes changed.

“Vegetto?!” Kassava’s expression changed from being stern to joyful instantly. She ran over to him, stomping on the Vortex Coins, as she leaped over to him with a bear hug. “You finally came back!” She spoke, lifting the man off the ground. “I haven’t seen you since you went over Gogeta. I thought I lost you forever!” She cried out as she buried her face in Black’s chest.

Outskirts of Federation City

“Dimo?” Daiman sweated a bit after hearing that nickname. After Victor asked if finding a local would be easier to help them get through the city, prompting him to remember what Kire said. “Kire did say he knew a guy in the city, but he didn’t exactly put us where he was…” He yelped when Coella pushed him to follow Spina. “If he’s lucky… then we might be in trouble. He already found someone. What if it’s those guys again!?”

Spina stopped when he spotted the source of that peculiar energy. Sure enough, it was a man and a woman—but they were not Vegetto Black and Sinister Bernkastel.

A woman pulled out a mechanical, futuristic gun and pointed at the old Saiyan. “Stay where you are. I can sense extremely bloodlust from you.” She spoke with demand. She had long black hair with bangs and silver eyes, wore over-the-ear headphones, a red coat, and a black jump suit. She seen the other breakers arriving and pointed her gun at them as well. “That means you guys as well. Don’t make a sudden move.” While she’s not displaying her powers, her energy signature was strikingly similar to Lucifer.

“Tch.” Spina furrowed his brows at the woman pointing him with a weapon. “I thought you were something else, but looks like you’re itching for a fight, huh?” He clenched his fists.

“No one is going to fight.” The man spoke up to calm tensions. He had red spiky hair and blue eyes, wears a long, black detective suit over a blue collared shirt, black vest and tie, and black pants. He has a Detective Agency pin on the right side of his suit collar. “Alex, they’re not the enemy… yet. They are the Breakers.” His energy signature is not an exact match to Bernkastel, but rather a similar wavelength.

Alex lowered her weapon. “The Breakers?”

“Yep, unfortunately.” The man narrowed his eyes at the group. “I didn’t any memo about you guys showing up here by Head Detective Bage. State your business here.”
 
Federation City Underground

Vegetto Black's expression morphed into a harrowing mix of surprise and disgust as Yowl Kassava suddenly hoisted him into the air with a bear hug. It was clear as day, out of the yowl's view, that Vegetto Black had absolute no real love or interest in Kassava; even to Sinister Bernkastel. He nearly glared down with overwhelming contempt and disgust at the sight of the Saiyan woman hugging him, only holding his cringe of an expression because she was not looking at his face at the moment.

He glanced at Sinister Bernkastel briefly, almost asking for help for the Red Witch to break him out. But then he stifled a silent scoff and grunt with a shake of his head, resuming the fake, devoted lover's concern while he turned his eyes back down to Kassava, gently nudging her shoulder.

"...yeah...I can't believe I've found you too. What happened?! How are you alive? I want to hear everything..."

The doppelganger kept his gaze trained on Kassava, in the view of the witch. And despite the display earlier, maybe they truly looked happy together. There was no need for anyone else in their lives...if they had each other.

Even with all their imperfections, mortals still manage to find a way to continue forward. It is that element of their existence truly. To be mortal, is to be imperfect. A cycle of mistakes, and the ignorant attempts to fix them.

There was once grace in these failings, because a lifetime would end. Something cannot be beautiful because it lasts forever.

Like the world you came from, Red Witch, this place is imperfect because it has no ending. On and on, the cycle continues.

Imperfection is to continue, to live. Only in stillness, can there be true perfection.

The story must end.


Outskirts of Federation City

Emerging through the portal next, Vegetto kept his glare but glanced away. He had been allowed freedom of movement, but chose to scowl and keep his arms folded in front of his chest in avoidance of Spina. Whis emerged next from the portal, positioning himself carefully between the Potara fusion and Spina, the angel closer towards Zenta, Bernkastel and Cayde once the whole team had emerged from the portal.

Vegetto barely glanced towards the two figures stopping the group, his scowl briefly looking over at the woman emitting a signature similar to Lucifer. Yet the Potara fusion did not spend much effort analyzing her, and looked away in disinterest while the two spoke.

Whis paused briefly after the demand from the officer to state their business, but kept a warm smile as he spoke on behalf of the team.

"Hello!~ We are looking for a secret lab, occupied by an individual named Kassava. Would you happen to know the way?"
 
Federation City Underground

At the sight unfolding before the Red Witch, it was clear what the circumstances were-- eyes widening with a shocked twitch, her upper lip curled. For that moment of Vegetto Black appealing to Yowl Kassava's emotions, with that incessant little voice ever present in the back of her mind... Sinister Bernkastel was filled with contemptuous disgust. To her, she was witness to an injustice.

It seeped into her thoughts, an overwhelming urge to strike them with righteous fury. And yet, another part of her was deeply envious that there was no someone waiting for her to jump into her arms. That sickening sense of maddening urging to destroy everything.

And yet she resisted the notion as the sharp sting of guilt washed over, a wave to quell the raging fire. How many times again? Sinister Bernkastel released hot air through her nose, grasping her head again as though to quell a migraine.

No, not here. He's my friend, and this woman is just a stepping stone for us to continue our plan. If she'll cooperate, then this ruse is just a necessary evil for now. The Red Witch also could feel that the energy Yowl Kassava was emitting felt different from Spina's. He's not her Vegetto, so it's fine to dangle a little white lie if it will guide us across the bridge. The truth will only cause suffering-- best to delay it and let the ignorant enjoy bliss before the end.

Sinister Bernkastel smiled and tilted her head. "That's the nature of miracles, you know~? They happen when you least expect it. Now don't be rude, Vegetto-- shouldn't you introduce me to her properly now that I get to finally meet your special person?" she inquired cheerfully.
=======
Outskirts of Federation City

Bernkastel warily eyed the man, mostly unable to take her eyes off of his ridiculous-looking haircut. "...Who are you supposed to be?" she asked them after feeling out their presence. Something felt uncanny here.
 
Victor says in a matter-of-fact tone "I been with you all for a short time. So even I can say with a high level of confidence that before the end of this quest we will end up in a fight."

Victor thinks "Did I bumble in to dealing with local celeries. I know we all fight in that "shadow game" thing but that alone would not earn a rep."
 
“Alright, Federation City!” Asher exclaimed with pride, Jaz floating nearby as if she were an actual person. “Now, let’s kick butt and get that lab for Kire.”

Asher, with all his bubbly joy, was almost like a breath of fresh air in the tension that seemed to fester within the Breakers. A new addition that will, hopefully, add some much needed relief and a balm to their mental wounds. Perhaps a small hint of Cuki’s presence, given how similar he looked to her, a spirit kind, tender, and free, much like his mother.

Avalon stepped out of the portal, his eyes glancing back and forth at each landmark he can gather. Federation City did not look very inviting, but, when does a city full of villains ever do? With a long and wary sigh, Avalon knew work had to be done. With the Breakers mostly back at full capacity, the heavy weight on his shoulder lightened ever slightly.

Right, we need that lab. Avalon mentally reminded himself as he stared at the massive walls of the fortress before them. The lab is right in the middle of the city, under its foundation. It won’t be easy getting it, but perhaps there are some workarounds. Kire did say he had a friend here to guide us…

Avalon thought back to Kire’s other words, especially about a possible machine to bring people back.

A machine to speed up the Coin process? Is that even possible…?

Zenta stepped through the portal, each step graceful and poised with sophistication, like any gentleman, or, in his case, gentle-fox. With arms clasped behind his back, Zenta gently guided Bernkastel with him by placing a hand on her back. Just like Whis, Zenta decided to place himself between Bernkastel and Vegetto, knowing the history between the two. As usual, Zenta seemed very calm and uninterested in everything happening, simply following the Breakers, mostly Bernkastel, through their adventures.

The gentle touch of Bernkastel’s hand stroking his twin tails warmed his stoic body, a sensation the beast reserved solely for the witch. With fur as soft as velvet, it was always a pleasure to feel Zenta’s fur. However, that pristine fur instantly bristled, followed by a shivering wave flowing down Zenta’s spine down to the tips of his tails. Those usually flat ears perked up, alert, and his nose sniffed the air vigorously, his head turning in the direction of the two newcomers.

Like a moth to a flame, Zenta immediately left Bernkastel’s side, following his nose and his senses to the young woman holding her gun towards the Breakers. His canines began to show from a sinister grin, as if salivating from the smell of a meal. With ease, Zenta pulled Spina to the side so he can focus his attention solely on this mysterious woman. His nose pulled him closer to this woman—Alex, sniffing her aura vigorously.

“You,” Zenta began, circling Alex like prey, or a desperate dog. “You smell of Lucifer Morningstar, but you are not him. As tempted as I am to test the waters with you, I will practice restraint. Even when he’s gone, he leaves behind crumbs for me to lick at. Ah, such a tease, that Lucifer Morningstar...”

“Hey, Grandpa, you can’t just invade people’s personal space like that!” Asher said, embarrassed.

“Personal space?” Zenta said, sniffing Alex’s face directly, taking deep and profound breaths and licking his lips, as if savoring the presence and energy signature of Lucifer. However, he was quickly pulled back by Asher, giving Alex some room.

“Hey, sorry ‘bout that. You just remind him of someone.” Asher held his hand out to Alex, a friendly gesture to an introduction. “The name’s Asher! We’re here to find a lab and give it to some cool hacker dude named Kire. Wanna help?”
 
Outskirts of Federation City

“Hey!? Watch it, you damn dog!” Spina managed to catch himself from falling backwards after Zenta invaded Alex’s personal space.

Alex flinched as Zenta approached. When Aster pulled him back, Alex's finger hovered over the trigger. “Hey! Don’t rushed on me like that, demon!” she snapped. The detective with her signaled for her to stay calm. “What was that about?”

Seeing Asher reached out to her with a friendly gesture, Alex didn’t reciprocate with her own. Rather, she was actively focused on the fact that they were out here looking for the lab. “Kire?”

“… That damn hacker. He’s been causing us problems for months now.” The Detective took a step forward in front of Alex, so no one else would ambush her. “Depending on your answer, we don’t need to fight.” He responded to Victor.

“My name is Battler, Detective of Yowl Operations. It seems that you possess detailed knowledge of Federation City and the Yowl, so I won’t beat around the bush.” His eyes were filled with disdain, towards Bernkastel specifically. “I am here to exterminate a yowl called Kassava that’s currently terrorizing Federation City and prevent anyone else from accessing Doom’s lab.” He turns to Alex. “Her name is Alex. She’s working as my partner to scout out Yowls.”

Alex offered a polite bow, though she remained somewhat unsettled, particularly following Zenta's mention of Lucifer.

“No need for introductions, I’m well aware of you guys.” He looked around and noticed that their group had expanded. “Unfortunately, I cannot let you come anywhere near the city nor the lab. Especially with her in your group.” He signaled out Bernkastel. “That is a recipe of disaster.”

Spina frowned. “The hell are you on about?”

“Doom’s Lab contains elements that would undoubtedly draw the Witch to it—it just her nature. If I were a betting man, a yowl version of her is practically itching to get to that lab as we speak.”

“Her nature?” Spina clenched his fists. “Don’t go sprouting around nonsense as if you know her because you read some paper.”

“But I do know her. I know Bernkastel, the Witch of Miracles, explicitly well, down to the very last details. Not because I read her files—because she and I came from the same reality.” Battler stated. “And I’m saying, as long she’s in your group, I cannot allow you to enter this city. Turn around and leave.”

Federation City Underground

There was a silence after Sinister Bernkastel urged Vegetto-Black to introduce her to Kassava. “Hey,” Yowl Kassava spoke. “Who the hell are you, you flat-chested bitch?”

Her tone and expression were a direct opposite of what she showed to Vegetto-Black. She gave her a scornful scowl, as if she was on the verge of vomiting by just looking at her. When Black asked her a question, her cheerful, loving expression returned in full force as if she were his loving wife. “I fought my way through this city and found the lab that Darkseid sought out for. He was going on and on how this lab contains information for the anti-life equation. Didn’t know what that is, but if he wants it... then that means it could be useful for you, darling.” She put him down. “I couldn’t find a way to break through this thick barrier, but at the very least, I can fight off these clowns until you found me again!” Her bright was bright red from blushing. “

She hops around to showcase her strength. “See?! I’m much more powerful now!” She went towards the terrain wall and placed her hand on it. “Twist!” Digging her fingers, she ripens through the wall, transforming it into an outright deep cave. “But even that doesn’t seem to be enough to break through this barrier though.” She lowered her head, feeling disappointed that she couldn’t get access into the lab.
 
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Outskirts of Federation City

Whis held a small amused expression at Zenta's observations of Battler and Alex, remaining silent while Asher affirmed the team's intentions to find the lab. However, Whis inhaled deeply through his nose, unimpressed with the notion that Battler stood against the Breakers from reaching the lab after his explanation. The angel held a neutral expression as he made a momentary glance towards the others, especially Bernkastel and Zenta, before turning to Battler.

"Surely, we can discuss this."

Yet Whis stopped, suddenly shifting to the side slightly as Vegetto firmly pushed past him. The Potara fusion's expression held a scowl as strong as Spina's annoyance with the pair, but Vegetto held a different problem altogether against the two.

The man exuded a threatening aura, his ki beginning to mount and pressure building while he stood in front of Battler; his eyes locking with the detective.

"I'm not sure I heard you correctly. You were babbling on about something unimportant...but you also said something dangerous earlier."

Vegetto raised his right eyebrow, his fists balling as he stared back at Battler with growing intent to strike and kill.

"Did you say you're here to exterminate Kass?"


Federation City Underground

Vegetto Black looked prepared to speak, about to continue his loving and doting husband facade at Sinister Bernkastel's urging. Yet before he could utter an introduction or a word, Yowl Kassava had already snapped at the Red Witch. Vegetto Black looked on stunned for a bit at the hostility, and even for a brief moment, the doppelganger looked at the back of Yowl Kassava's head with genuine anger at her attitude towards his one friend.

Yet Vegetto Black did not choose to stick up for his only friend - for ÿ̘͟oǔ-, but instead his own ambitions and goals. It was more important to keep up the lie and use this yowl for the goals, for the planned salvation. So instead, Vegetto Black let out a hearty chuckle and placed his hand on Yowl Kassava's right shoulder for a moment.

"Oh honey, no need to worry about her. This is my dear friend, Bernkastel. We've been working together to find you...so please play nice with her."

He kept his warm smile, glancing down at Yowl Kassava briefly.

"She's like the daughter we've never had. Don't you remember how we talked about having kids?"

Vegetto Black let the Saiyan woman dote around the area, however, showing off her prowess and explaining what had happened. He kept his smile, even offering a quiet golf clap at her display at breaking the cave walls. Yet as she slumped her head, Vegetto Black moved back up to Yowl Kassava, gently forcing her to lift her chin with his right pointer finger.

"That's alright, honey, you did so well by yourself! But now we're here together...and we can figure it out as a real team!"

Vegetto Black glanced briefly to the barrier blocking the lab, his right eyebrow raising.

"You said there was another looking for this lab...Darkseid was it? Maybe we can pay him a visit...and have him tell us how to get this lab open?"
 
Victor says to the detective "We just showed up today if what is what you're asking." Victor points out "with how crazy this place is are you current that this is the same one Bernkastel. I suspect that both spina and Brachi come from identical realities but not the same one."

Victor says "As long you keep track of the fake names and act somewhat different than your base line your good. We not looking for award winning just good enough to convince people we not whom we are in reality."
 
Outskirts of Federation City

“You heard that correctly,” Battler tilted his head slightly to the right. The killing intent in full display from Vegetto caused Alex to take on the defense. She’d pointed her gun at the Saiyan with her finger on the trigger.

“Don’t make any sudden moves or I’ll put one in between your eyes.” Alex warned.

“That won’t be necessary, Alex.” Battler frowned. “He’s acting purely on emotions because that thing is a copy of his wife.”

The detective placed his hand on Vegetto’s right shoulder. “Bernkastel’s favorite tactic is targeting those with weak will, so it’s understandable that he’s feeling this way, Alex. His brain is in disarray thanks to Bernkastel’s influence. All of them are.”

Alex lowered her weapon and nodded. “I-I see. That makes sense. You told me that witches of your world display extraordinary abilities. So, it makes sense that the followers of Bernkastel will act a certain way.”

“Exactly.” Battler raised a finger. “Kire gave you information of her but get your head out of your ass. These things, Yowls, aren’t what you imagined. They have no personalities. They have no traits of the one you know. They don’t feel love, compassionate, emotions, or anything of the sort. They are husks—at best, that copies traits based on those they’ve imprinted on first. Like insects. And the only thing insects deserved is to be squashed.”

Federation City Underground

Yowl Kassava blushed when Vegetto Black lifted her chin, captivated by his beauty and his compliments to her. “O-oh...” She quickly glanced at Sinister Bernkastel, vaguely remembering the topic of having children. She walked over to the Red Witch and held her hands tightly. “My apologies! I didn’t know that you had that relationship with my darling! I thought you were some homewreckers looking for a score…”

She forcibly bearhugs Sinister. “But a daughter! I always wanted a daughter to pass my knowledge too! Don’t you worry, I’ll make sure to be the best mum ever! Can you forgive me for my harsh language? Yes? Yes.”

After putting her down, Kassava’s eyes widened when he suggested paying Darkseid a visit. “Really!? He’s the only one I had a problem with… but if you approach him, he’ll yield! The mighty Vegetto! Darkseid will shake in his boots upon seeing you, darling!” Kassava headed to the cave she created. “I know exactly where he is! Come, come!”

Outskirts of Federation City

Spina clenched his fists in anger after he was called a “follower” of Bernkastel. Just as he was going to say something, he heard a whimper from Daiman standing next to him.

“Um, Vegetto just wanted to talk to her. Since he knows Kassava…” Daiman tried to defend him, but Battler cuts him off before he can finish.

“No. That’ll be pointless. Never mind the fact that by nature, they are explicitly dangerous if left unchecked, she’s not even a person. The only thing that you’ll be accomplishing by meeting here is hurting your own feelings.” Battler bluntly said. When Victor pointed out that just because the Bernkastel he faced in his reality doesn’t mean the Bernkastel in their group is the same, Battler scoffed off the comment. “No matter what realities she comes from, she is always like that. That is Bernkastel’s nature. Don’t know why you’re providing defense to her since hardly anyone know her truth depths.” Battler stood back from Vegetto and placed his hands in the coat pockets. “Now that I made myself clear… you can leave.”
 
Outskirts of Federation City

Mooli kept close to Daiman and Coella, instinctively waiting for a fight to break out between the parties. But even with her desire to avoid violence, she knew Vegetto wasn't going to back down and visibly winced hearing Battler insinuate that Bernkastel was puppeting him around. "But... what could go so wrong that even a clone of Big Sis would be so evil she needs to be killed?" Mooli seemed hesitant about what to do. On one hand, she cared greatly for Kassava, but on the other, she knew better than to project the real one onto what was deemed an imitation. "Who... what... would want to make an evil twin for Big Sis?"

"Again with this drivel..." Bernkastel glanced over at Vegetto at the accusation of essentially brainwashing the Breakers, irritated that the Detectives are yet again meddling in their affairs. "Mister Battler, is it? Let me guess, I interfered in some pitiful fragment game you were in, caused you a great wrongdoing, and now you skulk these grounds for retribution? Not the first nor the last to hate me, but I'm sorry to say I've never met you in my life." Despite Battler's abrasive manner of addressing her, she didn't seem to pay him with much regard as she shook her head to feign disappointment. "And here I thought I had made a decent enough impression on the Agency, given that I was under threat of arrest if I didn't acquiesce to Bage's orders. That's too bad. Something tells me there's no way you'd take Bage's word quietly even if we had it. Finding me here of all places, intending to go and rob one of Doom's labs from this cesspool of lowlifes... I wouldn't blame you at all for disbelieving my intentions." She gave a shrug of her shoulders with a mildly apologetic tone but it was clear she was making only minimal attempts at being polite. "And now, to bait me into arrest, you goad me with insults. Even with all that bias in your judgement, it seems charitable that you'd give me a choice... yet I can't trust that you'll let me wait out here on a bench for my group to return with the artifact either." She eyed the barrel of Alex's gun with suspicion, though there was no indication of outright fear or intimidating. "As much as I'd like to sit this out for the sake of avoiding a commotion, I cannot. We were lucky enough to escape two doppelgangers thanks to Kire; if I let them fight this 'yowl' alone, death will befall them. Even moreso if they cross paths with the husk and my wretched clone. If you know me as well as you think, then you are well-aware I am not above using force or dirty tricks. Your choice if you want to waste time testing my patience and letting your precious denizens perish under these Yowls. If you strike any of my comrades, I will retaliate." Her expression hardened as she levied the ultimatum. "Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be."

=======
Federation City Underground

Sinister Bernkastel's smile was wiped off her face the moment Yowl Kassava replied with a hostile insult. Stunned, she blinked several times and glanced over at Vegetto Black, eyes pleading for some sort of response on her behalf.

At the mention of being viewed as a daughter, Sinister sustained her speechless stare, doing a double-take. She opened her mouth to ask a confused question but was cut off by Yowl Kassava immediately closing in on her. She made a confused stutter, staring at Kassava with an innocent look of confusion at what her assumptions were. Sinister didn't even process the crushing sensation of Yowl Kass's grip around her hands, letting out a small cat-like yelp being put under the woman's equally crushing hug. "S-sure... okay... that sounds nice..." she choked a response out before gasping air in once Yowl Kass let go.

Sinister Bernkastel quickly dusted herself off and allowed the conversation to direct itself away towards Darkseid, spaced out trying to calm down racing thoughts that prevented her from carrying out the usual violent retaliation. All that she could think about was that accursed word. Daughter. Mother. Father. Child.

Child? No no no. That's not right. She and Vegetto are friends. Equals.

You're relegating me to the role of... child? Why? Did I act out too many times?

Being forced into the dynamic of an adopted child to a loving couple and creating a family roused a deep fear within the Red Witch. As the daughter, she'd be demoted to a subservient role that can only defer to authority figures for orders.

Is this because I couldn't kill Spina by myself? It's not enough to scold me, you have to humiliate me too? By putting me below this pitifully stupid woman? the Witch thought as she quietly shuffled towards the cave, making herself slow enough to be the last person to enter.
 
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