The metallic doors of the elevator slid open with a low hiss, revealing the cold, sterile corridors of the Level 1 Labs. Dr. Rend stepped out, his coat billowing slightly as he adjusted his glasses. The air was unnaturally cold, and the faint hum of machinery filled the silence. Workers in white lab coats bustled around, their faces masked, their eyes downcast as Rend passed.
"Dr. Rend," a voice called out. A young lab technician approached, clutching a clipboard tightly in his hands. His breath was visible in the frosty air as he spoke. "We've made significant progress on Nicklaus. His vitals are stable, and his conditioning is complete. He's ready for the next phase."
Dr. Rend stopped mid-step, his interest piqued. He turned slowly to face the technician, a sly smile curling on his lips. "Nicklaus, you say? Ready for the job, is he?" His tone carried both amusement and skepticism.
"Yes, sir," the technician replied, nodding quickly. "But we thought it best if you examined him yourself before proceeding."
"Smart," Rend said, gesturing for the technician to lead the way. "I wouldn't want my masterpiece to disappoint."
The two walked briskly through the icy halls, their footsteps echoing against the steel floor. The temperature grew noticeably colder with each step, and the walls seemed to glisten with frost. They stopped in front of a reinforced door marked with glowing symbols of containment. The technician entered a sequence of codes, and the door unlocked with a deep click. A gust of freezing air escaped as the door slid open, revealing a chamber bathed in pale blue light.
The room was vast, its walls lined with frosted glass panels. At its center, surrounded by thick, swirling mist, was a containment pod. Inside lay Nicklaus, his muscular form barely concealed by the faintly glowing liquid that surrounded him. His eyes were closed, his expression calm but stern, as if he were merely resting.
Dr. Rend approached the pod slowly, his boots crunching softly against the thin layer of ice on the ground. He placed a hand on the glass, his smile widening as he studied Nicklaus.
"So," Rend began, his voice echoing softly in the cold, "the Shadow Council's precious original. How does it feel to have them waiting on your every move?"
Nicklaus's eyes fluttered open, cold and piercing, locking onto Rend. But he said nothing, his gaze sharp enough to cut through the mist. Rend chuckled, clearly amused by the lack of response.
"Ah, I see," Rend said, removing his hand from the glass. "The silent treatment. Fitting for someone like you."
The technician shifted nervously, but Rend raised a hand to silence him before he could speak. "Do you know what makes Nicklaus so special?" Rend asked, not looking away from the man in the pod. "Unlike the rest of my creations—CP0, Broken, all the prototypes you've seen—Nicklaus wasn't built. He's an original."
He turned to face the technician, a spark of pride in his eyes. "A man born with powers far beyond human comprehension. Of course, the Shadow Council saw the threat and captured him before he could realize his full potential. And now, here he is. Frozen, contained, waiting to serve."
Nicklaus's eyes narrowed slightly at Rend's words, but still, he said nothing. Rend smirked, turning back toward him. "Oh, don't look at me like that, Nik. You'll get your chance to shine. The Council will see to it."
Rend stepped back, his gaze lingering on Nicklaus for a moment longer. The mist in the room swirled thicker as the containment pod hissed softly, the liquid inside shifting gently around Nicklaus's body.
"Prepare him for deployment," Rend said abruptly, his voice cold and final. "We'll see if he's ready to take on the Council's enemies."
The scene ends with Rend walking away, the technician scrambling to keep up, and Nicklaus left in his frozen state, his icy glare following Rend until the door slid shut.
Scene: CP0 and Broken Enter the Portal
The portal shimmered before CP0, its swirling energy stabilizing as his attempt to trace Jin's new location proved successful. The faint hum of the magic resonated through the air, and the edges of the gateway pulsed with a soft, ethereal glow.
Just as CP0 prepared to step forward, a screen lit up on a sleek device strapped to his wrist. The display was sharp and filled with coded text that flashed briefly before vanishing. CP0's expression didn't change, his demeanor cold and calculating as he gave a single nod, acknowledging whatever the message contained.
Broken, standing nearby, caught the flicker of movement. His curiosity was immediate. "What was that?" he asked, stepping closer.
CP0's gaze shifted slightly toward Broken, his tone sharp and dismissive. "None of your business."
The conversation ended there. Without hesitation, CP0 stepped into the portal, his figure disappearing into the swirling energy. Broken lingered for a moment, his calm smile unwavering as he followed, curiosity still burning in his mind.
Scene: Arrival at the New Location
Emerging from the portal, CP0 and Broken found themselves in a vast, rocky expanse. The air was cool, and the faint echoes of dripping water could be heard from deep within. They stood at the mouth of a cave, the interior illuminated faintly by natural light filtering through cracks above. Massive rocks formed makeshift pillars throughout the cavern, their rough surfaces glistening slightly with moisture.
CP0 scanned the area, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. "A cave," he muttered, his tone laced with mild disdain. "Not what I expected from the so-called enemies of the Council."
Broken stepped beside him, his gaze wandering over the jagged formations. "It's… resourceful," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Hiding in plain sight, blending into the environment. They're not as foolish as I thought."
CP0 didn't respond. Instead, he began walking forward, his steps deliberate and soundless. Broken followed, his movements equally measured as they ventured deeper into the cavern.
Scene: Jon
Far inside the cave, Jon sat quietly with Jin, Amy, Rex, and Aria, his demeanor calm but his senses alert. The faint ripple of energy from the portal's arrival reached him like a whisper on the wind, subtle but unmistakable. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and he stood, brushing off his coat.
"What is it?" Amy asked, noticing his movement.
Jon didn't answer immediately. He looked around at the group, his expression unreadable. "Stay here," he said finally, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Jin frowned, his body still aching from the strain of his inner battle. "What's going on?"
Jon turned to face him, his gaze steady. "They've found us," he said simply. "Stay with the others. I'll handle this."
Without another word, Jon turned and began walking toward the cave's entrance. His steps were calm but purposeful, his hands moving slightly as the faint glow of compass magic began to swirl around his fingertips.
Having worked with the Shadow Council before, Jon knew exactly who was coming. The presence of CP0, in particular, was unmistakable. His lips pressed into a thin line as he prepared to intercept the intruders, his thoughts focused and precise.
As the cave fell silent, Jon approached the faint outline of two figures moving deeper into the cavern—one a towering, composed force of calculated strength, and the other a quiet observer with curiosity in his eyes.
Scene: Jon Confronts CP0 and Broken
Jon stepped out from the shadows, his boots crunching softly against the damp ground as he approached the two figures. His calm, measured demeanor masked the storm brewing beneath his composed surface. His sharp eyes fixed on CP0, and a faint glow of compass magic swirled around his fingers like a warning.
"I didn't think the Council would deploy their prototypes so quickly," Jon said, his voice steady but laced with contempt. "Especially not you, CP0."
At the mention of his name, CP0 turned slowly, his cold, calculating gaze locking onto Jon. For a moment, there was no emotion in his expression, only the mechanical efficiency of a being programmed for one purpose. Then, his lips twitched into a faint, almost mocking smile. "Jon," he greeted, his tone indifferent. "It's been a while."
Beside him, Broken tilted his head, his expression calm but curious. "Is this… the Jin?" he asked, glancing between Jon and CP0.
Jon's gaze shifted briefly to Broken, his brow furrowing. "No," he said plainly. "I'm not Jin."
Broken seemed to relax, though the faint spark of intrigue in his eyes remained. "Then who are you?"
Jon ignored the question, his focus returning to CP0. "Step down," he said firmly. "Turn around and leave. You don't belong here."
CP0's smile didn't falter. "I cannot do that," he replied coolly. "Orders are orders. And my orders are to eliminate you and the rest of your little group."
The air between them grew tense, the weight of CP0's words lingering like a threat. Jon didn't move, his calm exterior unwavering.
After a moment, CP0's tone shifted slightly, taking on a cold pragmatism. "However," he continued, "I am not unreasonable. Take me to Jin, and I will retrieve him—and the rest of you will be eliminated in a manner less… cruel than what would happen if you resist."
Jon's eyes narrowed, his magic swirling more intensely at his sides. "You assume I'll hand him over to you," he said, his tone sharp.
CP0's gaze hardened, his voice steady but unyielding. "It's not a matter of whether you will. It's a matter of how much suffering you're willing to endure before you do."
Broken watched the exchange silently, his calm expression masking his growing intrigue. The tension between Jon and CP0 was palpable, a clash of wills waiting to erupt.
Jon stepped forward, the glow of his compass magic illuminating the cave walls faintly. "You don't understand what you're dealing with, CP0. Turn around now, while you still can."
CP0 didn't flinch, his confidence unshaken. "And you don't understand who I am," he said, his voice colder now. "I don't and won't fail."
The tension in the air thickened as Jon's compass magic swirled faintly around him, his sharp eyes locked onto CP0. The faint hum of energy seemed to echo through the cavern as both men stood motionless, sizing each other up.
"Have it your way," Jon said finally, his tone calm but firm. Without warning, he moved, a blur of speed that seemed impossible for someone of his composed demeanor. He closed the distance between them in an instant, aiming a precise strike at CP0's chest.
CP0's body shifted effortlessly, sidestepping the blow with mechanical precision. His counter came immediately—an open-palm strike aimed at Jon's ribs. Jon twisted his torso mid-motion, deflecting the attack with his forearm, the force of the clash sending a shockwave through the cavern.
They moved like shadows, each strike and counter flowing seamlessly into the next. CP0's movements were calculated, precise, almost inhuman in their efficiency. Jon's style was fluid and adaptive, his experience evident in the way he turned CP0's calculated attacks into openings for his own counters.
CP0 threw a sharp elbow strike, aiming for Jon's temple, but Jon ducked low, sweeping his leg in a wide arc to unbalance his opponent. CP0 jumped, flipping backward with ease, and landed soundlessly, his cold gaze never leaving Jon.
Jon wasted no time, launching a series of quick jabs aimed at CP0's centerline. CP0 deflected them with minimal effort, his arms moving like clockwork, blocking each strike with precision. He retaliated with a powerful knee strike that Jon narrowly avoided by pivoting to the side, using the momentum to deliver a spinning backfist. CP0 caught Jon's wrist mid-spin, twisting it slightly before Jon broke free with a sharp kick to CP0's midsection, forcing him to step back.
The ground beneath them cracked slightly as they moved, each step carrying the force of their strikes. The cave's natural echoes amplified the sound of their blows, the sharp thud of impact reverberating through the space.
CP0's hand moved to his side, drawing a sleek, black-edged blade with a single fluid motion. The blade gleamed faintly in the dim light, its edge razor-sharp and humming with latent energy.
Jon responded in kind, summoning his own blade with a flick of his wrist. The weapon materialized in his hand, a shimmering compass-shaped crossguard marking it as a tool of his unique magic. The moment the blades were drawn, the energy in the cave shifted, the air growing heavier with tension.
CP0 struck first, his blade slicing downward in a powerful arc. Jon met the strike head-on, their blades clashing with a resounding clang that sent sparks flying. CP0 pressed forward, his strikes relentless and precise, each swing aimed to exploit a potential weakness.
Jon matched him blow for blow, his movements graceful yet forceful. He parried CP0's blade with calculated efficiency, using the momentum of each clash to angle his own strikes. Their swords danced through the air, creating a symphony of steel that echoed through the cavern.
CP0 feinted to the left, then spun into a reverse slash aimed at Jon's midsection. Jon anticipated the move, stepping back just enough to avoid the blade before countering with a rapid thrust. CP0 deflected it with the flat of his sword, stepping into Jon's range to deliver a sharp shoulder strike that sent Jon stumbling back a step.
Jon recovered quickly, using his compass magic to shift the trajectory of his next swing mid-motion. The blade curved unnaturally, forcing CP0 to block at an awkward angle. The clash sent another shower of sparks flying, illuminating their fierce expressions for a brief moment.
They moved in perfect rhythm, each matching the other's speed and skill. CP0's mechanical precision was met with Jon's adaptive fluidity, creating a battle where neither could gain the upper hand. The cavern walls bore the scars of their duel, thin lines etched into the stone from near-misses and redirected strikes.
Jon stepped forward, feinting a high slash before spinning into a low sweep aimed at CP0's legs. CP0 leaped into the air, flipping gracefully over the blade and landing with a downward strike aimed at Jon's shoulder. Jon parried at the last second, the force of the clash sending both men skidding backward.
For a moment, they stood still, their blades held at the ready. Both men breathed steadily, their composure unshaken despite the fierce exchange. The cavern was silent, the echoes of their clash fading into the still air.
Jon's sharp gaze lingered on CP0, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I'll admit," he said, his voice calm but with a note of respect, "you're better than I expected. The Council has outdone themselves with you."
CP0's grip on his blade tightened slightly, his cold eyes narrowing. "Flattery won't change the outcome," he said evenly. "I'll complete my mission."
Jon chuckled softly, his stance still firm. "Maybe. But you're not like the others. Your movements… your precision. You're more than just their weapon, aren't you?"
CP0 didn't respond immediately, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he stepped back, lowering his blade slightly but remaining on guard. "What I am doesn't matter. What matters is that you take me to Jin."
Jon's smile faded, his expression becoming unreadable. "I'm impressed, CP0," he said quietly. "But if you think I'll hand him over, you'll be sorely disappointed."
The cavern seemed to grow heavier with tension, the faint glow of Jon's compass magic swirling subtly at his fingertips once again. Both men stood poised, their next moves uncertain, but the mutual acknowledgment of each other's skill hung in the air like a silent understanding.
Broken watched the two warriors silently from the shadows, his curious eyes darting between Jon and CPO. The air between them buzzed with tension, their battle seemingly at a standstill. Thoughts raced through Broken's mind as he observed the clash of wills, wondering who would falter first.
Before anything could be said, CPO moved abruptly. His hand extended toward Jon, his wrist glowing faintly as a surge of energy pulsed outward. The very soundwave ability he had absorbed from Broken earlier erupted from his palm in rapid, deafening blasts.
Each wave tore through the cavern, shattering the massive rock pillars and sending shockwaves reverberating through the air. The cave groaned and cracked under the assault, its structure failing as sunlight began to pour in through the collapsing ceiling.
Jon was caught off guard, the first blast hitting him squarely in the chest and throwing him backward. He barely had time to react as a second and third wave followed, each one striking with brutal force. The devastating attack tore through his body, severing his left arm and leg, scattering fragments of his limbs as the destruction unfolded around him. Blood splattered across the rubble-strewn ground as the chaos settled.
Amidst the wreckage, Jon remained standing, balancing precariously on one leg.
His face was bruised, his body battered and bloodied, but his eyes burned with resolve.
CPO stepped forward slowly, his expression cold and emotionless as he looked down at the mangled figure of Jon.
"This could have been avoided," CPO said flatly, his voice carrying no remorse. "If only you had listened."
CPO turned, his steps deliberate as he began walking away from the devastation. Broken remained silent, his caIm expression betraying a flicker of unease as he watched,the aftermath unfold.
Then, just as CPO took his next step, the faint sound of ticking echoed through the air.
A shimmering compass appeared before Jon's standing body, its edges glowing faintly as the hands began to move. The ticking grew louder, resonating like a clock striking midnight. Suddenly, Jon's damaged body crumpled to the ground, lifeless and still.
"Hello," a voice echoed from the shadows.
CPo froze, turning sharply to see Jon stepping out from the far side of the cave, completely unscathed. His coat was pristine, his movements fluid, as though the previous battle had never occurred. CPO's cold eyes narrowed, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"What...?" CPO muttered, his analytical mind racing to process what he was seeing.
Jon's lips curved into a faint smile, his hands casually brushing off nonexistent dust from his coat. "Oh, don't look so shocked," he said smoothly. "Did you really think l'd let myself fall so easily? You're smarter than that, CPO."
CPO's gaze hardened, his stance shifting slightly. "Explain," he demanded, his tone colder than ever.
Jon chuckled softly, his fingers flexing as the faint glow of compass magic swirled around him. "You wanted me to listen," he said. "And I did. I listened to your attack, to your strength, to what you've stored inside that calculating mind of yours. I let you hit me... to see what you're capable of."
He took a step closer, the ticking of the compass still echoing faintly in the background. "But it's meaningless, CPO. As long as I have control over time, nothing you do matters. I can always go back. Reset.
Observe."
Broken's eyes widened slightly as he absorbed Jon's words. The implications of such an ability left him both in awe and deeply unsettled. CPO, however, showed no emotion beyond a clicht narrowing of his gaze.
Broken's eyes widened slightly as he absorbed Jon's words. The implications of such an ability left him both in awe and deeply unsettled. CPO, however, showed no emotion beyond a slight narrowing of his gaze.
"So, you're saying this is pointless?" CP asked, his voice sharp.
Jon smiled faintly, his calm demeanor unwavering. "I'm saying... you can't win. Not against me. Not while I hold the clock or maybe if I want that haha."
The tension in the air grew thick once more, the quiet aftermath of destruction giving way to the promise of another clash. Broken remained silent, watching intently as the two figures faced off, their wills unbroken despite the chaos around them.
"Well it seems I have to do it". CP0 said.