Chereads / PreFix: Gate / Chapter 6 - Usurper

Chapter 6 - Usurper

A man sits inside a dark room. The floor is covered in scrap and mechanical parts, which limit the amount the man can move in his revolving chair. The man seems to be asleep before a robot in a dress bursts into his room.

"Master," The robot announces their presents before they notice that they have accidentally broken the door to the room. "There is a strange man asking for you in this small box."

"I was SLEEPING!" The man grabs his head. "Just… show me the fucking box."

"Yessir." The robot hands him a two-way radio.

"I think she gave me the wrong number." A voice comes out of the radio. "Either that, or the phone function's just shit."

"Who the fuck uses a walkie-talkie nowadays?" The man rubs his head before talking into the walkie-talkie. "Hello! This is… Kyle's repairs or some shit. What the hell do you want?"

"FINALLY!" The man in the walkie-talkie rejoices. "Yeah, I heard you did tech shit."

"You're damn right." The man chuckles. "Uh… hang on." He puts the walkie-talkie away from his head. "Martha, clear a path to the Kylputer."

"Right away!" The robot saluted before they started sweeping the room.

The man (it's Kyle. This dude's kyle) swivels his way to a computer that's seemingly built into the building. He logs onto the "Kylputer" under the username "BrainzBeforeLames" before hooking the radio up to the computer.

"Are you still there?" The caller asks.

"Yes," Kyle scratches the back of his head "Just, give me a moment…" Kyle looks at Martha. "Can you play some hold music for me, dear?"

"Of course." Martha bows before some frustratingly calm music starts coming out of them.

"Now," Kyle hands the walkie-talkie back to Martha. "Kylputer, run an analysis of our caller."

While the computer takes some time to load up something, Kyle gets up and snatchs the walkie-talkie away from Martha.

"So tell me good sir," Kyle stretches. "How can I help you?"

"You… work in high tech, correct?" The caller asks.

"I call it modern technology." Kyle stares at a light switch as if he's debating on turning on the lights. "But I guess you could call it that."

"Whatever dude." The caller says in an impatient tone. "Can you repair extremely 'modern' suits of armor?"

"Power suits?" Kyle hops back into his chair, choosing not to turn the lights on. "Haven't worked on one in a while. But they're basically robots that fit humans in them, so I think I'll do just fine."

"Great!" The caller says before speaking very quietly. "Virus armatis iuvare etiam potes?"

"He's speaking English, sir!" A robotic voice comes out of the computer. "It's an Ancient Terran Language (ATL) I don't have much about. But, it roughly translates to something about an armored virus."

"So he wants me to deal with a suit-virus." Kyle spins his chair over to the computer. "A virus that might be on him right now."

"He also might be a Terran!" Martha suggests. "Terrans are smart… I think."

Kyle pauses for a moment. "... Debatable."

"Master," The computer finishes its downloading process. "I have finished-"

"I know, I know." Kyle focuses back on the computer. "Now, let's see who the hell this weirdo is." He squints his eyes and reads the monitor. "Name: Kiev, Operating System: GATE Portable Two-Way Radio…" His eyes widened. "HOLY SHIT, THIS IS A GATE CAPTAIN!"

"What does that mean?" Martha tilts their head. "I've looked it up on Infinite.com and all it comes up with is something about GATE capitals."

"NO TIME TO EXPLAIN," Kyle leaps out of his chair, knocking it over. "GIVE ME THAT OUTDATED PIECE OF SHIT, NOW!"

"Yessir!" Martha immediately tosses the walkie-talkie to Kyle.

Kyle clears his throat. "Sorry to keep you waiting, sir." He starts to sweat. "So you want an upgrade and a… something else?"

"Why are you trying to cryptically tell him that you need a virus sweep?" A different voice comes from the walkie-talkie. "Didn't you already get rid of… wait… why was its name Fuckface?"

"I just want an upgrade on my antivirus!" The voice from earlier clarifies. "I don't know if it's still in my suit too, so I need you-him to make sure that he's gone."

"Sure thing, Captain Kiev!" Kyle responds as he looks back at the information he got from his caller. "But… you seem pretty far away from where I am at the moment."

"Wait," Phil stops walking. "Did he just call you Kiev?"

"Must've been because I'm using Kiev's radio." Washington chuckles while he carries Kiev's suit with one hand and the radio-phone with his other. "I also think he might be a robot himself, so I guess it would make sense for him to only see us this way."

"Should we correct him?" Phil resumes walking.

"Nah," Washington casts Secretum Sacculi on the beaten up suit he's carrying. "That shit's funny."

"Uh…" Kyle says through his radio. "Are you still there?"

Washington presses his radio-phone against his ear. "Yes." He puts on a straight face. "I am Kiev and I am in Southern Fix!" He pauses. "Wait, can't you just deliver it to me."

"Uh…" Kyle takes a moment to think. "I guess I could send… someone. As long as you meet her halfway- OH! Also, I DON'T WANT TO SEE A FUCKING SCRATCH ON HER!"

"Relax." Washington rolls his eyes. "And what if I bruised your chick?"

"Boss," Phil taps Washington's shoulder. "Are you sure now's the time-"

Washington slaps Phil. "Yes." He stares down his underling, resuming his conversation. "Now answer my question, bitch."

"I'll charge you extra for repair costs." Kyle says in an inexpressive tone. "And I would be upset too… I guess."

"Okay, boy." Washington appears unbothered.

"I'M 20 YEARS OLD YOU-" Kyle takes a deep breath. "Look, if you want to have your suit repaired, I can have my maid bot, Martha, meet up with you over at the… Sep Aus Hills. They're not TOO far away from your current location, but I need you to confirm to me that you won't be a little bitch about this process."

"Go to some hills." Washington yawns. "Got it."

Kyle sighs. "If you have any problems, call me so I can make fun of you and your

lesser baby loser seman bitch mind." Kyle hangs up.

"What the fuck does any of that mean?" Washington asks Phil.

"I have no clue." Phil answers. "Let's just make our way to the Sep Aus Hills… Can I call them the SAH?"

"I. do not. care." Washington claps his hands together. "Now make yourself useful and locate the Step Aux Hells."

"Okay," Phil rolls his eyes inside his suit. "... All we need to do is go straight for the next… 400 kilometers!"

"Perfect!" Washington laughs. "Now, start running!"

Washington launches himself forwards with one of his legs, building up a ludicrous amount of speed as he makes his way towards the SAH. Phil stares at his captain as he quickly moves across the plains and then lets out a sigh. He turns around and punches the ground, sending him flying in the same direction.

After about 5 kilometers, Washington stops moving forward for some reason. Phil crashes into the ground nearby before quickly getting up and figuring out why Washington had stopped.

"Are you-" Phil tries to ask as Washington tries to cover his mouth. Phil's suit is preventing Washington from shutting Phil's lips, so the action is more of a gesture for Phil to shut up.

"You hear that?" Washington grips Phil's helmet and whispers into his earpiece.

Phil tries focusing on hearing anything abnormal. He fails to notice anything.

"Are you shitting me?" Phil whispers back. "Because I DID NOT slam into the ground violently just so you-"

Out of nowhere, something (or someone) rapidly falls towards the two GATE agents. Washington leaps into the air and roundhouse kicks the unidentified thing away from Phil. Washington falls back to the ground and observes the object he just kicked as a man in a GATE suit. The man let out an exhausted groan.

"Cincinnati?!" Washington approaches the man, extending his hand out to him. "What are you doing? I thought you were an ambusher, man!"

"Washington," Cincinnati doesn't move. "You kicked me in my fucking stomach."

"I'm a bit jumpy at times." Washington shrugs and picks up Cincinnati. "It's been a couple days since I've seen you!"

"I think it's only been two days." Phil interrupts.

"That's what a couple means." Washington states before whispering to Cincinnati. "Right?"

"Yeah," Cincinnati starts to slowly stand up. "But for real… What the actual fuck is wrong with you? I think my spleen just got fucking atomized, like holy shit."

"Why did you fall out of the sky?" Phil ups Cincinnati up. "Is… is anyone up there?"

"They'll be down soon." Cincinnati coughs. "So be prepared."

"Who is 'They'?" Washington raises an eyebrow.

"LBGs." Cincinnati vaguely states. "We should get going. They seem extremely pissed and I'm not in a position to fight right now. Also, someone wants to-"

"I don't know what a 'LGB' is" Washington shushes Cincinnati. "but if they want to fight, I'll kick their ass!"

"Asses." Cincinnati looks up after correcting Washington. "You might want to move."

Washington was about to respond before getting tackled into the ground by a person in a bright red GATE-like suit who seemingly came from the sky.

"GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING EYES, COCK SUCKER!" The suited individual cries in a familiar voice as he turns his arm into an arrowhead.

"New York!" Washington grabs the suited one's arms. "How's your eye been? Did your sugar daddy fix it for you?"

"Do you need help?" Phil slowly backs away from the fighting GATE agents with Cincinnati.

Washington headbutts New York, which does nothing. "I've got this under control." He says before pushing New York off of himself. "But I would MIND some help."

Cincinnati looks up into the air and pushes Phil away from him. "The shockwave's gonna be insane." He lets out a low energy giggle before something quickly crashes into the ground next to him, causing the ground to shake.

The object reveals itself as another LBG. "You had one job, Sin." The red suited person brushes themselves off as the crater quickly begins to be covered in cotton.

"Stop standing there like a bunch of retards and FIGHT!" Washington springs off the ground and begins to pummel New York. "I've. beaten them. before. about a day ago. I'm sure. you guys. got it. under. control."

"So that's Richmond?" Phil points at the other LBG with his thumb.

"Did the cotton not clue you off, shit for brains?" The LGB laughs. She slowly begins to circle the two infantry units. "I wouldn't be surprised if I were correct."

"Do you have brain damage?" Cincinnati responds while keeping his (and Phil's) back away from Richmond.

"Don't we all?" Richmond summons a bayonet out of Secretum Sacculi. "Either way, you shouldn't be one to dictate insanity, Fashy."

"I think she's high." Phil whispers.

"Funny." Richmond stops walking.

Suddenly, New York's screaming body crashes into Richmond. As Washington leaps towards the two LBGs, Cincinnati and Phil look at each other and shrug.

"He's got it." Cincinnati sits down on the rocky terrain around them. "Now could you do me a favor and un-pulverize my insides."

"HA!" Phil lets out a forced laugh. "Sex joke."

Cincinnati frowns. "I'll do it myself if you're gonna be such a hardass about it." He puts his arm on his abdomen and a bright yellow aura starts to radiate off his hand.

The LBGs crash into the ground. Richmond rebounds instantly. "NY," She taps on her ear piece. "Keep moving into the valley."

"Don't YOU tell me what to do!" New York says, half-jokingly. "I know what I'm doing, Rich."

"I forgot you too have code names." Washington clutches New York's arm. "Cute."

Washington lifts New York up to his eye level. New York uses this opportunity to jump off Washington's shin.

"Your voice is so annoying." New York slowly distances himself from Washington. "I can fix that problem."

"I'm loving your attitude." Washington shifts his arm into a dumb misslie. "But you know how this will end."

Richmond quickly jets towards Washington, attempting to shoot a harpoon at him. He ducks, causing her to miss and almost crash into New York.

"When did you learn how to fly?" Washington cracks his knuckles. "I'm guessing Kev taught you."

"It's a jetpack." Richmond sticks her arm into New York's back. "And I know what happened to Kyiv. She told me."

Washington grins. "And I thought a dead man tells no tales." He jokes. "I guess women just never shut up, even in death."

"LET ME SHOOT HIM!" New York attempts to break off from Richmond, but she begins to lift the two of them into the air.

"She didn't tell me." Richmond looks down towards Washington. "SHE told me."

Richmond jets away with New York, leaving Washington confused.

"What the fuck does that even mean?" Washington says to himself. He pauses to think.

"Hey boss," Cincinnati catches up with Washington while carrying Phil. "I think I know where they went."

"Hold on, cunt." Washington points his missile arm at the two before shifting his arm back to normal. "I'm thinking… If she wasn't talking about Kiev, then who was she talking about?"

"Richy?" Phil tilts his head. "I-I mean Richmond."

"No." Washington dismisses.

"Did they go into the valley?" Cincinnati asked. "Because I think they might be talking about-"

"It…" Washington freezes. "It couldn't be."

"It is." Cincinnati says with a lack of emotion.

"LONDON!" Washington proclaims.

"No!" Cincinnati corrects Washington. "Moscow, it's Moscow! How smooth is your motherfucking small brain?"

"That was my second guess," Washington points at Cincinnati. "Asshole."

"That's cool and all." Phil sweats. "But we should get your suit fixed as soon as possible. P-Plus, we don't want to be late."

"They headed back to Moscow." Cincinnati states to Washington. "Wanna chase after them?"

"Here," Washington blindly and quickly yanks Kyiv's suit out of Secretum Sacculi as well as he quickly rips off his battered up suit. "Take it Phil. Bring it to the something something hills. The grownups are gonna get down to business."

Phil shrugs and starts to place the suits into his own Secretum Sacculi. "But what about-"

"I have both radios." Washington aims his fist at the ground, away from the valley. "Now move."

Cincinnati casted Salutem Cincinno onto Washington himself before Washington launched himself (and Cincinnati) into the valley.

Soon, Washington spots the two LBGs. Once he lands, Washington grabs Cincinnati and chucks him at the two enemies, projecting the two Freedonian troops toward the LBGs. Washington uses the momentum to kick Richmond into the ground.

Washington stands on Richmonds back. "Get the other fucker." Washington commands Cincinnati.

Cincinnati looks at New York lying on the ground and stomps on his leg.

"Good." Washington hops off Richmond. He kicks her in the stomach, but the suit seems to have negated the impact. Washington picks Richmond up by the neck. "Now listen here, wench. You're either gonna take me to Moscow or you're gonna be the reason why fascists call me a hate criminal."

"Wait." New York lifts his head and looks at Washington. "Aren't we supposed-"

"SHUT UP, YA CRUD HEAD!" Richmond hollars at New York while keeping her head down. "I ain't telling you a thing, fuck-face."

"He's not even here!" Washington points at Richmond. "... or, at least I think he isn't."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHUT UP!?" New York shouts back at Richmond. "That sounds really counterproductive."

"DON'T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE AND WHOOP YOUR ASS!" Richmond jumps into a standing position. She lets out a sigh. "If you really want to know…"

"Are you gonna finish what you were saying?" Washington starts to back away.

Richmond looks at Washington's chest. "I was." She chuckles. "But I don't know how to finish that sentence."

Richmond sticks her fist out towards Washington.

"You missed." Washington says with a bit of disappointment in his voice.

"I remember what I forgot." Richmond monologues as a blade pops out of her wrist. "It was something about giving you death, but I don't know the words."

The two stare at each other.

"I'm gonna kill you." Richmond puts it simply as the sound of air burning slowly gets louder.

Cincinnati dropkicks Richmond. Due to the fact that she was charging up her jetpack, she scrapes against the ground for a couple of seconds before zooming off into the air.

"Why did you just stand there?" Cincinnati asks politely.

"I could take whatever she had." Washington states with confidence.

"CHECK IT OUT, COCKSUCKERS!" New York gathered Washington's and Cincinnati's attention.

"Wow you can stand-" Washington rolls his eyes before turning his attention back to Cincinnati. "Go kill Richmond, I'll take care of New York."

Cincinnati nods before sprinting in the direction Richmond flew away to. Washington runs up to New York quicker than he could prepare for. Washington grabs New York's faceplate and slams his head into the ground.

"You-" New York stutters as he slowly tries to stand back up. "You think-"

Washington stomps on his back.

"FUCK!" New York falls back to the ground. "I-I haven't been bested just-"

Washington elbow drops his spine.

New York lets out a shriek. "CAN YOU JUST-"

Washington picks him up. "This is why I'm Washington, and you're New York." Washington hooks New York, sending him back into the ground.

"FUCK THIS!" New York screams. "Suit, DIS-"

Washington bearhugs the frustrated LBG and suplexes him into the ground. "WOOO!" Washington rolls his head. "Back to what you were saying, old man."

"DISCHARGE!" New York shouts at the top of his lungs.

This one word powered off the LBG suit. After a couple seconds, a large bolt of electricity launches itself out of the suit and hits a wall behind Washington.

Washington looks at New York with confusion. "I think you missed there, pal." He points out the obvious.

"I-" New York looks just as confused as Washington. "I'M GONNA RIP YOU IN HALF! YOU INSIGNIFICANT-"

Washington thrusts his elbow into New York. Afterwards, he grabs New York and says "I think we should check on your partner." before tossing him through the walls of the valley. Washington quickly catches up with New York by dashing through the mountains.

"SOFIA!" New York calls out into the valley as he tries to get back up.

"STAY DOWN!" Washington bitch slaps New York back into the ground. "Calling mercenaries? How pathetic."

"Fuck you." New York attempts to sweep Washington's leg, but Washington doesn't budge. "HOW!?"

"I'll tell you a little secret that everyone knows." Washington crouches next to the worn out LBG. "I've been practicing combat long before I joined GATE. I personally believe everyone should have this kind of experience in their prepubescent years."

New York stares into the sky. "I-" He doesn't move. "You got me. You win. Are you happy?"

"Not yet." Washington stands back up.

The black lines on the LBG suit light up again. "Would you look at that?" New York exhales. An irritating, loud noise comes out of New York's suit, stunning Washington.

New York springs off the ground and lands on Washington. New York proceeds to pummel Washington relentlessly.

"STAY DOWN!" New York mocks Washington.

Washington grabs New York's fist. "WHAT!?" Washington genuinely asks.

Richmond crashes into the two of them, causing more chaos. Washington pushes Richmond off of himself and proceeds to hold New York into the ground. Washington taps multiple spots around New York's neck until the helmet unequips itself.

New York pushes Washington away and points his knuckles towards him, unleashing a bolt of electricity comparable to lightning. The bolt strikes Washington, stunning him. New York stretches out his arm and jerks it back towards himself, pulling Washington towards him with the wind.

New York strangles Washington while repeatedly kneeing him in the groin. This continues until Cincinnati shoots New York in his back. New York (still holding Washington by the neck) turns towards Cincinnati to see him choke holding Richmond while pointing a GATE grade assault rifle at her.

"YOU ARE SO GOING TO DIE FOR THAT!" Washington says in an aggressive yet exhausted tone.

"Shut the fuck up." Cincinnati pushes the barrel of the rifle into Richmond's face. "This is my time, Washington."

"Nice gun." New York breaths slowly. "But LadyBug's are stronger than your troop level gun."

Cincinnati taps Richmond's neck, retracting her helmet. "Let him go." Cincinnati demands.

"You really think I give a fuck about her." New York tightens his grip on Washington. "This is my one chance to kill this usurper. Saving Richy isn't worth the effort."

"You're…" Richmond struggles to break out of the choke hold. "A bitch!"

"Cry me a river." New York grins. "London will be more than accepting of me getting my name back."

"Let him go, mulatto." A voice echoes off the walls of the valley.

New York violently tosses Washington into the ground. "You refused to help me, Moss." New York opens his hand, changing the suit's arm into a sharp cone. "So I'll help myself."

Before New York stabbed Washington through his chest, another LBG clutched his arm. This LBG was tall and unlike the other two, she had a unique design. The suit had a darker red as its base color while the black lines were brighter. There was a black plus on the faceplate of the suit and the visor of the suit glowed yellow instead of white.

"Moscow," Washington gets back up and clenches his fist. "How dare you even show your-"

"Shut up, faggot." Moscow holds her arm out towards Washington while maintaining eye contact with New York. "You never called for my help. You called for a 'Sofia'. Cincinnati didn't demand you to let James go, he wanted you to let Washington go."

"How kind." Cincinnati rolls his eyes before noticing that Richmond has passed out due to oxygen deprivation. He drops her to the ground.

"You did your job." Moscow lightly pushes New York out of the way. "That's more than any of these two morons could do. Well done."

"Don't fucking cut me off." Washington regains his stature. "What the hell are you doing this far down south?"

"I found your negro and a facist." Moscow focuses on her hands as she creates a small snowflake that she starts to fidget with. "I think you should be grateful."

"Maybe you should calm it with the slurs." The Grey Circles grunt from a couple days ago burst into the conversation. "Seems a bit uncalled for."

"Mall," Moscow turns towards the grunt, still messing with the small snowflake she has created. "I told you to stay quiet. Washington would've been too stupid to notice you."

"She's not wrong." New York whispers to Washington.

Washington claps his hands onto the side of New York's head, causing him to fall over and scream in agony. "Why haven't you killed the fascist?!" Washington acts as if nothing happened. "Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. WHY didn't you just send one of your cronies… if that is the case?"

"I'm not lazy." Moscow refuses to look at Washington, still locking her eyes on the snowflake. "I also want you to know a couple of things. So let's start with the most important thing."

Moscow pulls a remote out of Secretum Sacculi and holds it in one hand while still focusing on the snowflake she has created. She presses a big red button on the remote, which causes both LBG suits to unequip themselves from their wearers and attach to the remote.

"They won't need those anymore." Moscow continues. "Now, let me make this clear. I don't want to get involved with this… thing you and London are doing right now. I am… much too busy for that."

"That's too bad." Washington turns his arm into Little Man. "Because… um… I hate you."

"Fucking brainlet." New York comments, still lying on the ground in pain. He gets kicked in the stomach by Washington.

"I have one too, dumbass." Moscow actually looks at Washington. "Why aren't you wearing any armor?"

"Fucking London." Washington murmurs, semi to himself.

"That's something we can agree on." Moscow moves her focus back to her snowflake. "I actually want to thank you for killing Kyiv. I would be… lying if I said I hadn't known about that affair. She's really just a puppet of London and I actually have a replacement for her right here with Mall."

"What?!" Mall's eyes widened.

Washington looks at Moscow with confusion. "How-"

"I bugged her radio." Moscow admits emotionlessly. "Petersburg and Berlin developed it for me. Teamwork goes a long way Washington."

"That doesn't matter!" Washington lifts his arms. "You and London made a deal. A deal to steal my name once I died! You think I'm stupid enough to fall for your lies?"

"My lies are not for you." Moscow crushes the snowflake. "At least, not now. London did give me the offer, but why would I want to downgrade my power? I have other plans that don't involve you. In fact, you can go ahead and kill the two LadyBug GATE Units if you want. I won't stop you."

"YOU WHAT?!" New York looks up while holding on to his stomach.

Washington squints at Moscow. "Do you mean it?"

"Uh…" Moscow looks New York in the eyes. "Sure. I don't give a fuck."

"YOU'RE A BITCH!" New York shouts at the top of his lungs. "GO FUCK OFF BACK TO YOUR FUCKING CASTLE! I HOPE YOU GET RINGWORM!"

"I am pleased for now, Moscow." Washington chuckles. "But still, go fuck yourself."

"As always…" Moscow walks towards Mall. She turns her head back towards Washington. "Twink."

Cincinnati speedwalks towards Moscow. "Can I speak with Mall for a bit?" He asks.

"No." Moscow coldly turns down his request. "I have an initiation to start and an assassination to prepare for."

"Just for a little bit." Cincinnati tries to reason with her. "All I need is a-"

Cincinnati squints at the top of the valley. He sees Orleans posing at one of the peaks of the valley's walls.

"Are-" Cincinnati stares at the agent while talking to Moscow. "Is that dude one of the spectators you were talking about?"

"He wasn't here before." Moscow doesn't even turn to look at the figure.

"Spectators?" Washington rubs his head.

"I'm leaving now!" Moscow shouts as she begins to walk away faster. "So don't ask me anything else."

Orleans leaps into the valley, landing on his legs before falling over.

"Fucking disapointment." New York whisper shouts.

"SHUT UP!" Orleans quickly stands back up. "Washington, you bastard."

"Who the fuck is that?" Cincinnati asks Washington. "He sounds and looks just like you."

"Some shitty square clone of myself." Washington says in a disappointed tone. "I kicked his ass yesterday. Let's just fucking leave."

"Too scared of my capabilities, Wash!?" Orleans flexes his arms while limping towards the group. "I was holding back yesterday, but I won't now!"

"Kiev is dead because of you." New York attempts to lift himself off the ground before giving up.

"She was deadweight." Orleans shrugs. "Now face me in combat, my inferior twin!"

"Nah," Washington begins to go deeper into the valley. "I wanted to fight Moscow, not a knock-off version of myself. You can fight Cincinnati if you want."

"I'm too tired." Cincinnati stretches. "What about you, Richmond?"

"We're on his side, asshole." New York says with his face in the ground. "Can you just pick us up and prepare us for another ambush attempt?"

"I JUST GOT HERE!" Orleans begins to sprint towards Washington. "I'M NOT GOING TO LEAVE UNTIL I HAVE HIS HEAD MOUNTED ON DISPLAY!"

Washington lets out an annoyed sigh before roundhouse kicking Orleans. Orleans immediately falls to the floor. "I'll kill you once I get my suit fixed." Washington shakes his foot a small amount. "But if you want blood shed…"

Washington walks towards New York, who is still lying on the ground.

"Wait," New York's eyes widen. "Don't you fucking-"

Washington stomps on New York's chest, causing New York the scream in pain. Orleans bounces off the ground to try and help New York, but Cincinnati trips him.

"I've played with you long enough." Washington stomps on New York's chest again, crushing his ribs. "I think this is a fitting end for you, wouldn't you agree?"

New York screams something, but whatever he said was incoherent to everyone around him.

"I'll take that." Washington lifts his leg up one more time. "AS A YES!" Washington stomps down on New York, destroying his lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, and spine.

"I'm gonna be honest." Cincinnati looks away from New York, knowing that he won't be completely dead until about a minute. "You could've said something much cooler before you killed him."

Orleans slams his fists into the ground. "I…" He's at a loss for words. "Agree… That was… retarded."

"Fuck you." Washington wipes his leg with his hand. "Let's leave, Cin."

"DON'T YOU-" Orleans gets up off the ground and points at the two as they walk away. He stops shouting and lets out a sigh. "I'll get you next-"

"Sure you will!" Washington cuts off Orleans. He and Cincinnati laugh as they walk deeper into the valley.

"I'll get him soon." Orleans mumbles to himself.

"Wh… what?" Richmond mutters as she slowly regains her consciousness. "Orleans? What are you doing here?"

"New York's dead." Orleans states without a hint of empathy in his voice. "We should make our way to the closest GATE station."

"HE'S WHAT?!" Richmond jumps into a standing position. "HOW LONG AGO DID HE DIE?"

"Uh…" Orleans counts his fingers. "About a minute ago."

"Oh." Richmond quickly becomes unamused. "Do we have his body?"

"Yeah." Orleans points to New York's corpse, which is a couple feet away from him. "Why?"

"We can bring him back." Richmond rolls her neck. "We need to be quick though."

"He's fucking dead." Orleans picks up New York's body. "HE'S GOT NO LUNGS, MAN! AND AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, THERE AIN'T NO BRINGING HIM BACK!"

"He has a soul." Richmond explains. "All we gotta do is find a necromancer and we'll have him back."

"NECROMANCER?" Orleans drops New York's body in confusion. "WHAT?!"

"I guess you were never taught about them." Richmond shrugs. "I don't have the time to give you a lesson about them, but necromancy is a type of magic that can only be learnt if the Defi of Life and Death allows you two. There should be about 5 of them in existence."

"I'm still confused." Orleans scratches his head.

"We can talk about it more later." Richmond stores New York's body in Secretum Sacculi. "If we take too long, the Reapers will be pissed."

"THE WHAT?!" Orleans grips his head.

"You're gonna be a pain to bring along with me." Richmond sighs. "I'll look for a necromancer by myself, go do whatever you're gonna before I woke up."

"Why would I take orders from you?!" Orleans questions Richmond before noticing her walking away.

"NOT MY PROBLEM!" Richmond shouts as she limbs away. She begins to whisper to herself. "That bitch really just took my fucking armor, did she?"

Washington and Cincinnati are walking through the valley, trying to find a way out.

"Are we still heading north?" Washington straightens his back.

"Yep." Cincinnati replies. "Maybe we should head to a GATE station to get you a new suit. I don't doubt your strength, captain, but I think it would help out a ton."

"I have other plans." Washington cracks his knuckles. "By the way, can you call London for me?"

"You already KNOW!" Cincinnati brightens up. He ejects a phone out of his suit and into Washington's hands.

"Yeah." Washington awkwardly shoots finger guns at Cincinnati, almost dropping the phone.

He calls London.

"This better be important, Syntax?" London answers the phone. "I'm busy, so make it quick."

"I killed ya bitch." Washington holds in his laughter.

"CALL IT!" London shouts away from the phone. "Moscow's gonna be pissed, but you know that already, don't-"

"She loved it!" Washington cackles. "She also told me to tell you to fuck off. Isn't that amazing?"

"Have fucking childhood abandonment issues because your parents didn't love you." London could be heard breathing into her phone. "I hope you fucking kill yourself, you orphan piece of shit-" She hangs up.

Washington pauses for a couple seconds.

"Are…" Cincinnati pokes Washington. "Are you good?"

"BETTER THAN EVER!" Washington shakes Cincinnati. "She's sooooo fucking livid, dude! I didn't think it would be that easy to make her drop her facade!"

"Okay…" Cincinnati says before clearing his throat. "There's a fascist base around these mountains according to our database. Maybe we should-"

"You read my mind, Syntax!" Washington lets go of Cincinnati. "Let's go then!"

"Are you gonna give me back my phone?" Cincinnati asks as Washington continues walking into the valley.

"Nope." Washington answers.

Meanwhile, in Gopper City, a group of 15 Fixians enter an alley. 3 of them are holding up a body bag while most of the other Fixians make sure nobody is watching them. After looking around, a Fixian with odd looking hair and a suit motions for the group to move into the backdoor of one of the buildings creating the alleyway. Little do they know, Wanderer is watching them from the roof of that building.

Inside of the building is just a staircase. The stairs only lead upward… or do they? The suited up Fixian taps their foot on the first stair 11 times, causing the stairs to sink into the ground. The group stands where the stairs were and slowly sinks into the ground. Once they're out of sight, the stairs reappear. Wanderer enters the building, taps 11 times on the first stair, and waits for the stairs to sink before sinking into the ground.

Once Wanderer fully sinks into the ground, he finds himself in a somewhat large room with all the Fixians from earlier staring at him.

"Move the Paps to his throne." The suited Fixian commands while still staring down Wanderer. The 3 Fixians carrying the body slowly move into the back of the room.

"So-" Wanderer begins to saunter towards the group.

"Open fire." The suited Fixian cuts off Wanderer.

The 11 unoccupied Fixians all pull out a range of different guns before attempting to shoot Wanderer. All of their weapons malfunction simultaneously.

"D-d-d-DEMON!" One of the Fixians points towards Wanderer.

"First you try to kill me," Wanderer strolls closer and closer. "Then you call me a demon? This is no way to treat a guest, young man."

Another Fixian drops the gun they were holding and pulls out a knife. They rush Wanderer, who pulls out a revolver from (seemingly) nowhere and shoots them in one of their kneecaps. Wanderer bashes the attack in the stomach and places his foot on the attacker's back.

Wanderer looks up to see the other Fixians backing away slowly. He lifts his foot from the attack and points his revolver at their head.

"Now," Wanderer points his revolver across the room. "Are you willing to listen?"

"Let him go." The suited Fixian commands Wanderer.

"I will." Wanderer says softly. "If you and I can talk."

"Then let. him. go." The suited Fixian reaches for something behind the throne.

Wanderer rips the attacker's knife out of their hand. He examines the knife before turning his gun on it. He shoots the knife, shattering most of it. The bullet still had some momentum and it struck a Qlicker that was in the corner of the room. The clicker revealed itself before dying quickly.

"Alright," Wanderer lifts his foot off of the attacker. "Now, let's talk."

"Ovit," The suited Fixian drops whatever was behind the throne. "Your choice to come here has sowed your fate. Your kind has killed my father."

"Yeah!" Wanderer chuckles. "Cate's a bit of a bitch. Or should I say, a pussy?"

"If you are here to interrupt the ceremony, I won't be afraid to tear you down." The suited Fixian adjusts the body bag, which has been placed on the throne. "So I suggest you beg."

"Cate was fucked up in the head." Wanderer's smug smile disappears. "A lot of my relatives are. Those pink haired abominations… I despise them."

"Are you serious?" The suited Fixian stares at Wanderer with a confused expression. "Is this one of your jokes?!"

"No." Wanderer begins to fidget with his revolver. "All those Pinkers are deviant scumbags who hurt others for their own personal pleasure. I'm not like them. I hate them so, so much… but I hate two the most. My dear mother, Ava, and the other one… I'm sure you already know."

"My sister." The suited Fixian mutters under their breath.

"That's right, Vet." Wanderer looks up from his gun. "Cate. The degenerate. I think we both want her gone."

The suited Fixian's eyes widened. "HOW DID YOU-"

"A little birdie told me." Wanderer looks at the dead Qlicker through the reflection on his handgun. "But that's not why I'm here. Your father was a victim. To not only his lover, but his own daughter… If you want Raymond to be proud, if you want to end your father's killer, then we need to work together."

"Vet," The attacker joins the conversation. "I know we're supposed to 'Catch the Cat' and all, but this man shot me in my fucking KNEES!"

"You attacked him." Vet approaches the attacker to help them recover.

"YOU ORDERED US TO!" The attacker's eye begins to twitch.

"I said 'Open Fire'." Vet hovers their arm above the attacker's knee. "As for you…" They turn toward Wanderer. "I don't believe you introduced yourself."

"Wanderer." Wanderer does an exaggerated bow.

"Great…" The attacker groans. "I guess I better introduce myself then." He waits for a response, in which he gets none, so he continues. "I'm… I'm Fabio. I'll have you know, I'm an ex contractor-"

"I'm a mercenary too!" Wanderer lazily fakes enthusiasm before turning toward Vet with an emotionless face. "I'm usually a messenger, but there aren't any three parties in this affair. It's just you and me."

"Well then," Vet claps their hands together. "We can get down to business later. I have a…" They look at the corpse on the throne. "Ceremony to attend to."

"I understand, Mister-" Wanderer pauses. "Wait, what did you go by again?"

"Veteran." Vet answers.

"Veteran Vet!" Wanderer shoots finger guns towards Vet as he approaches the entrance to the underground room. "I'll make sure to stay in contact!"

"I didn't get a number!" Vet shouts towards Wanderer as he leaves.

Wanderer just winks before tapping 12 times on the floor. He gets quickly elevated out of the room.

Vet lets out a sigh. "Now, where were we?"

"My knee." Fabio giggles. "It doesn't feel good."

"You're delirious." Vet rolls their eyes. "We can have The Embalming after you are cared for."

"Thank you." Fabio closes his eyes and looks down.