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Chapter Text

The General was getting tired of hearing Rupert and Henry fighting with each other from the other soldiers.

The more they fight, the more the General wants to retire.

He's the only one who's tired of the fights.

Charles, Ellie, Victoria, Calvin, Konrad, and so many others can't count how many times they have to pull Rupert and Henry away from each other before they kill each other. He also threatened them with probation several times, but they still don't listen.

The General stared at Rupert and Henry as they both stood in front of Galeforce in guilty expressions, their clothes dirty and bloodied, and looking terrible in general. Rupert had a black eye and Henry had a split lip. Galeforce kept staring at the duo blankly, he stood up and paced slowly around them. Rupert crossed his arms and Henry trembled. Galeforce kept pacing and muttering to himself.

Galeforce's POV

In all my years as the General, I have never seen two people fight like cats and dogs like Price and Stickmin here...

Even when I was merely a soldier, I didn't see soldiers fighting each other. 

But now... 

One of these days, these two idiots are going to get me a heart attack before I retire.

No One's POV

Galeforce stopped pacing and stood in front of the soldiers with a glare. He crossed his arms as he sighed in frustration and pinched the bridge of his nose. 

"What happened now?" he asked flatly.

Rupert was about to answer but the General cut him off, "Don't answer, Price,"

Henry snickered and Rupert gave him the middle finger, Henry stuck out his tongue. 

Henry was about to answer but Galeforce cut him off with a glare.

"Don't answer either, Henry," Galeforce growled, "That question was supposed to be rhetorical."

"That's not how rhetorical questions are supposed to work..." Henry signed, Henry uses sign language to communicate because he is selectively mute. 

Galeforce rolled his eyes as Rupert snorted but didn't show it. Galeforce went to his desk and sat down on his chair. He rubbed his temples as he could feel Rupert's and Henry's anger toward each other. If they keep this up, the General thinks things will get worse. 

"Mr. Price and Mr. Stickmin..." Galeforce started, "I have been patient, hell, I may have been lenient but this fighting and bickering has to STOP!!"

The General shouted the last word, making Rupert and Henry flinch at his tone. 

"We have the reputation for being the best to take down the Toppat clan and other criminals but now I'm hearing that we have soldiers who are busy fighting each other instead of working together!" Galeforce continued.    

Galeforce turned to Rupert who was looking guilty, "Mr. Price, you are a good soldier and an excellent captain, however, the one thing I can't stand is your anger issues!"

Rupert winced as Galeforce glanced at Henry who was looking like a kid who got caught doing something bad, "And you, Mr. Stickmin, when we first recruited you, you were an elusive thief who helped us gather evidence to stop the Toppat Clan, and you were pardoned for your crimes."

"Which you don't deserve," Rupert grumbled in his mind but didn't vocally admit it.

"You joined us to stop the Toppat clan," the General continued tiredly, "And you made friends with Charles and the others."

The General stopped talking and stared at them, "But ever since then, I have been hearing and seeing you guys fight like crazy! I'm afraid one of these days, you guys are going to kill each other!" he exclaimed.

The General stood up again and pointed a finger at them. He was angry. He was livid. No... he was next-level mad. "If I hear or even see fighting between you two one more time... you will both be suspended and be put on probation! threaten Galeforce with a snarl. 

Rupert's and Henry's mouths dropped and their eyes widened. 

"You're lucky, I don't discharge both of you... This is your final warning..."

Henry bowed his head down as Rupert looked away, Galeforce put a hand to his forehead. 

"Now both of you, get out before I have a stroke,"

Rupert and Henry nodded and they both left the tent.

Outside, Rupert and Henry stood next to each. 

They both glanced at each other and then looked away. Rupert left Henry by himself to brood, and Henry stared after him. Henry rubbed his arm as he went to go look for Charles and Henry. He stopped for a moment to think about what just happened. Not that he will admit it but he doesn't want Rupert to be discharged because of him, it will make him even more angry at Henry. 

Henry sighed then he felt anger, he looked around. He needed to find Rupert so he can talk to him. 

Rupert was leaning against a giant boulder that was casting a shadow, he sat on the dirt as he brooded. He was not happy. He was not happy at all. He kept brooding like an angsty teenager who got grounded for acting rebellious. 

"Rupert?"

Rupert's mood dampened some more when he heard a voice he didn't want to hear right now.

"Go away," he murmured. 

"Rupert, I know you don't want to talk to me but we have to talk," Henry said.

"About what?"

"About what just happened earlier,"

Rupert blew some bangs that were blocking his view, he stood up and wiped the dirt off his pants. He glanced at Henry and crossed his arms, Henry was rubbing his arm awkwardly. 

"Well?" Rupert said, tone indignant.

"I know you don't want to be discharged because of me, right?" Henry asked sharply.

Rupert nodded, "Then we must stop fighting... I know you hate me and the feeling is mutual but we can't destroy our careers over our fights," Henry said.

Rupert looked at him, "So I got a plan to stop us from fighting. To tell you the truth, I'm tired of fighting with you and so is everyone else," Henry continued.

Rupert blinked in confusion, he didn't expect that to hear Henry say that. He thought Henry loved pissing him off. Rupert on the other hand, which will sound like a red flag, loved to beat the shit out of Henry. He knows that sounds bad but can't you blame him since his life was ruined by Henry? 

"What's your plan?" Rupert questioned, arms still crossed. 

"A truce," Henry responded.

Rupert stared at him like he needed a refund on his ears. 

"I'm sorry, what?" Rupert asked, leaning close to Henry.

"A truce," Henry repeated.

"Okay... why a truce?" Rupert questioned as he narrowed his eyes in suspicion. 

"Because a truce will keep us from fighting and we won't lose our careers," Henry explained, "And everyone will be happy with this arrangement."

Rupert thought for a moment. Some part of him doesn't want to form a truce but on the other hand, he doesn't want to lose his career and had worked hard to be Captain. He seriously doesn't want to lose his status. Rupert closed his eyes as he inhaled and exhaled as he opened his eyes. He glanced at Henry who was staring at him with his sapphire eyes.

"Well?" Henry asked curiously, "What do you think of the plan?"

Rupert looked away from him for a few seconds, he then looked at Henry.

"A truce sounds good," Rupert replied slowly.

Henry's eyes lit up and Rupert was confused at that, he had never seen Henry acting like that around him. All he ever saw from him are insults, glares, and sometimes blows. 

Henry held out his hand, "So do we have a deal?"

Rupert stared at Henry's hand, Henry frowned at that.

"Look, this goes one or two ways, we either stop fighting to make everyone happy or we keep fighting and lose our careers in the process. Pick your poison,"

Rupert glared at Henry as he took his hand and shook it. 

"Good," Henry smiled.

They both let go of each other, however, Rupert was still glaring at Henry. Henry saw this and he groaned.

"What now?" he demanded.

"Eat shit and die," Rupert said.

Henry blinked at him in shock, he quickly dropped his shock and returned Rupert's glare. 

"Yes, fuck you," Henry responded, stunned.

Henry left with a huff, not happy with the insult. After Henry was out of range, Rupert started laughing hysterically. 

"Thorn... you have done it again," he whispered. 

Rupert felt happy, and there was nothing that can destroy that happiness. 

Chapter Text

"Are you sure I look good in this?" Henry asked Ellie, he was wearing a short black skirt. He was dared into wearing a skirt by Ellie and he took the challenge. 

"Yes, Henry," Ellie responded, rolling her eyes. 

Henry wore a blue blouse, a black skirt, and a pair of black boots to go with the outfit. He looked really good in that outfit.

"So what now?" Henry asked Ellie.

Ellie was thinking for a moment then she had an idea, she smirked at Henry who was watching her. Henry saw the look on her face and he frowned.

"I don't like that look you're giving me," he said nervously.

"Relax, Henry," Ellie reassured Henry as she wrapped her arm around his shoulder, "It's gonna be fun!"

"Okay..."

Ellie led Henry out of her room and out of her house. They headed to the Government base to go see Charles.

Rupert was fixing his hair while looking in the mirror, his hair decided to be difficult today and he was having trouble fixing it. He finally gave up and put on his hat and went outside. He saw a small group of people in a circle and he furrowed his brows, he went over to the group to try to see what was going on. He went to the front of the group to see what was going on and gasped when he saw the last person he wanted to see. 

He saw Henry in a skirt.

Henry's face was red while everyone was commenting on his skirt and how he looks good in it. Rupert blinked in confusion as heard Calvin make a lewd comment about Henry, earning a slap from his brother. Calvin grumbled as he rubbed his sore spot, Henry heard the lewd comment, and his face was like a tomato. Charles hugged Henry while Ellie was smirking. 

"What's going on?" Rupert questioned.

Everyone turned to Rupert, "Well porcupine," Ellie replied, "I dared Henry to wear a skirt and tada! Here he is, in a skirt,"

"Don't call me porcupine," Rupert grumbled.

"Why?" Ellie asked she had a cheeky grin, "You are a porcupine,"

If Henry wasn't the one pissing Rupert off, it's Ellie who is the one pissing Rupert off. Rupert knew what Ellie was doing and he's not gonna give in. He's trying to control his anger but it's hard to control his anger when you have two people you absolutely hate with a burning passion joined the Government. 

Rupert crossed his arms and looked away from her. Ellie kept teasing him, hoping to get a reaction out of him. However, Rupert was stubborn as a mule and remembered what the General has told him. While Ellie was bugging Rupert, everyone else was still with Henry. It started to get breezy and Henry shivered a bit. He was wearing tights or fishnets under his skirt so he felt a breeze up his skirt.

Then a giant breeze flew under Henry's skirt, revealing his underwear in the process.

Henry squeaked in shock as he tried to cover up his underwear but it was too late, many people saw his underwear sans Rupert and Ellie. 

"Nice underwear, Henry," Calvin responded with a glint in his eye, everyone who saw the underwear laughed or gasped in shock. 

Henry's face was even more like a tomato as he felt his face burning, he felt so embarrassed. Everyone saw a glimpse of his underwear. The underwear was light blue with white stripes. Charles saw Henry was embarrassed and tried to comfort him. June went up to Henry and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Henry, there's a reason why when there is a breeze outside," June said with a chuckle, "Most girls will either wear tights or leggings under their skirt."

Henry bowed his head to look at the ground while everyone still laughed. Rupert and Ellie heard the laughing and turned their heads toward the commotion. They saw Henry's face was beet red, Charles and June comforting Henry, and everyone was laughing. Rupert frowned as Ellie raised an eyebrow. 

"What's going on?" Ellie asked in confusion.

Konrad stopped laughing and glanced at Ellie, "A breeze flew under Henry's skirt and the wind showed everyone his underwear," he replied.

Ellie glanced at Henry who was trying to make himself disappear then she started laughing. Rupert blinked in confusion then he felt annoyed, he quickly glanced at Konrad who jumped at looking at Rupert's expression. He saw Rupert was annoyed. 

"Did anyone get a picture or a video of that?" Rupert questioned, he was still annoyed.

Konrad shook his head vigorously, and Rupert grumbled. He missed seeing Henry all embarrassed because Ellie was bugging him. He grumbled as left the group without saying goodbye to anyone. He headed back to his tent and lay down on his bed. He pouted as he stared up at the ceiling, he was annoyed that no one have taken a video or picture of Henry's upskirt shot. 

"Damn it, I wanted something embarrassing from Henry to use as blackmail," he thought as he felt his eyes droop. He sighed and lay on his side, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

The next few days were slow and Rupert was bored as Hell.

He's been hoping to find Henry in another embarrassing situation but always came up empty hand it. Until he saw Henry having trouble with a teleporter device, Henry was trying to use the device and it failed and Henry ended up being stuck inside a wall. Rupert was at first shocked but the shock quickly turned to laughter as he kept staring at Henry's predicament. Henry was not amused in the slightest and begged Rupert to help him. However, Rupert didn't help him. He just kept laughing, enjoying Henry's predicament.

Henry had enough and found a patch of dirt and threw it at Rupert's face. Rupert spluttered to get rid of the dirt on his face and he had gotten dirt in his mouth. Usually, he would get angry that someone threw dirt at him but he couldn't care less. He was too happy. He took a picture of Henry's predicament to commemorate the memory. After a while, he helped Henry. Although, reluctantly. 

However, despite the funny situation, he can't help but feel something bad is going to happen and he doesn't know why. 

Chapter Text

Rupert's happiness faded away when the notorious Toppat Clan started to be in pain the ass.

Okay, the Toppats have been pissing everyone off since they keep escaping, leaving everyone feeling like they failed.

To make it worse, Rupert's anger issues have gotten worse.

Galeforce have tried multiple times to get Rupert some help but he refused every single one of them. Rupert was stubborn as a mule and it was irritating. However, Galeforce was glad he was not hearing about fights between Rupert and Henry. But... that's because no one has even reported Rupert and Henry fighting.

Since Henry loved pissing Rupert off and Rupert was so easy to get riled up, they still kept fighting despite the truce they've formed. When the fighting soldiers have been caught fighting by another soldier, Rupert will threaten the poor soldier while Henry will watch the poor soldier be frightened by Rupert's anger. Henry has been noticing Rupert's anger has been getting worse despite him saying he will work on it.

Charles and Ellie also told him to stop pestering Rupert but Henry can't help it, he loves to piss off Rupert.

The General and Captain Victoria have gotten intel that the Toppats were planning the biggest heist of their lifetime and they needed to act fast. The General told everyone about the objective and everyone will be assigned partners. Once the General has told everyone about the objective, he assigned partners.

Rupert and Henry were paired up with no surprise and with slight discomfort.

Rupert would rather drink sewage water than work with Henry and Henry would rather be killed than be near Rupert. He felt rather uncomfortable with Rupert since there was this one time he almost tried to freaking kill him. He hasn't told the General nor Charles and Ellie. He didn't want Rupert to get in trouble because of him, after all, he started the fight that one time. He also didn't want to be discharged from the Government, he made so many friends and best friends like Charles and Ellie.

It was utter chaos on the battlefield.

The Government was just in time to stop the Toppat Clan from stealing from a museum.

Some of the soldiers were fighting while some of the soldiers were apprehending the Toppats. Of course, some of the Toppats were not going down without a fight.

Rupert and Henry were stuck fighting three Toppats.

One of the Toppats was a female named Carol Cross, wearing a black and purple suit with purple shoes. Her tophat was black with a purple ribbon tied around it, she was holding a rifle and she was smiling evilly. The other two Toppats were male and one was wearing a light green suit and light green tophat. His hair was orange just like the Bukowski twins and the same eyes. The last Toppat wore a green and red suit with the tophat the same color as the suit. However, his tophat had an emblem on it.  

Henry was fighting the two toppats and he managed to kick down one of them while blocking the other. Rupert was fighting Carol who was putting up a fight which irritated him, he wanted to get this done as soon as possible. Carol was pushing him back and he was making sure not to trip and fall. He bumped into something hard and warm, he turned around to find him and Henry back to back.

"Watch where you're going porcupine!" Henry said angrily while still fighting the light green toppat.

"Same goes for you, dickhead!" Rupert retorted with a snarl as he dodged Carol's knife.

Rupert fled away from Henry and Carol chased after him. Henry knocked out the toppats weapons and started using his fists. Rupert stopped a few feet away from him as Carol attacked him with her knife, he dodged pretty quickly as he got out his knife. He attacked her using his knife but she dodged his attack. Henry knocked down the two toppats and they both landed on the ground. Henry smirked in triumph, however, his victory was short-lived when two more Toppats came over to attack him.

He huffed in annoyance as he dodged their attacks, he also saw that Rupert was having trouble dealing with Carol Cross. He knew he shouldn't distract himself and Rupert from the fight but he saw an opportunity.

"Hey, Rupy?" Henry said in a sing-song tone, "Having trouble fighting a girl?"

Rupert bristled at that nickname, he didn't like it when someone calls him "Rupy." It was humiliating.

"Don't. Call. Me. Rupy," Rupert growled out, still trying to dodge Carol, "And no, I'm not!"

"Awwww, why not?" Henry responded as he attacked the Toppats, "It's so fun to rile you up!"

"Shut. Up," Rupert replied lowly, he knew Henry was pissing him off on purpose and he was trying to keep his anger in check. However, he felt his blood boil upon Henry insulting him.

Rupert growled as Carol got close to him and tried to get his knife but he got hold of her hands and she tried to escape. She noticed Rupert was angrier than usual so she smirked, "You know he's right," she said with a sneer.

"What?" Rupert said in confusion.

"He's right," Carol repeated, "You're having trouble fighting me,"

"I am not!" Rupert bellowed.

Rupert kicked Carol off and she fell to the ground with an oof. Henry saw this as he kicked the Toppats on the ground and was now unconscious. Henry put his hands on his hips, "Well, you did it Rupy," he said with a grin.

Rupert quickly glared at him, Carol got up as she saw the exchange. She noticed Rupert was clenching his fists and Henry was giving him a smug look. She sneered as she got out her knife again and she charged at him. Henry saw this and he smirked some more. "She's charging at you," he said.

Rupert dodged Carol as she jumped and she landed on the ground. Henry saw Carol get up again, she was determined to take down Rupert. "Hey, Rupert? Looks like you have an admirer," Henry stated in a teasing tone.

Rupert snarled as he bared his teeth like an animal would, he was getting tired of Henry's insults. His blood boil some more as his eyes turned red, his pupils contracting, and his eyes lit up with anger. He held up his knife and he huffed in anger. He stared at Henry, eyes flaring up while ignoring Carol in the process.

"Shut... UP!!!!" Rupert bellowed as he threw the knife.

Carol's eyes widened as she saw the knife and dodged it. The knife missed her as it headed toward Henry who wasn't paying attention, he was facing the other way. Before he turned around, he felt a bump on the side of his head. He cried out in pain as he stumbled, he was trying to control his balance but tripped on a rock in the process.

His head landed on another rock and busted his head open. He was now dead.

Carol heard the noise and turned around to find Henry bleeding out of his head. His eyes were opened as he stared into emptiness, she gasped as Rupert calm down. Rupert was panting as he noticed Carol wasn't looking at him, he followed her direction with his eyes and his eyes widened in horror.

He saw Henry laying on a rock with blood pooling around him.

Two of the Toppats that Henry knocked down woke up and saw Henry's corpse. They saw his head was on the rock and his head was busted open. They both stood up to go check on him but it was too late, he was dead.

They saw the knife that landed next to Henry and then on Carol. Carol saw Henry's body and the knife, and she immediately connected the dots. She glanced at Rupert staring at Henry’s body, “Well well, porcupine," she laughed coldly. "Looks like you screwed up big time!"

There was a sound of sirens and her and the rest of the Toppats retreated, leaving Rupert alone with Henry's corpse.

Rupert slowly went up to Henry with a blank look on his face, "Uh...Henry?" he squeaked.

Henry didn't respond.

"Henry?" Rupert said anxiously.  

This has to be some cruel joke Henry was playing on him, there was no way Henry could be dead!

Rupert stood down to check Henry's pulse but felt nothing. Rupert's heart began to beat faster as he felt so many emotions run through him. He gently held Henry's head up, ignoring the blood staining his hands but didn't care.

"Henry?! Wake up! Don't play jokes on me!" Rupert exclaimed, trying to wake Henry up but it failed. Henry was dead and there was nothing he can do about it.

"Henry! Please wake up!" Rupert's panicking caused a commotion and the soldiers ran over to Rupert's location.

Rupert was still trying to wake Henry up when he heard footsteps coming his way, he heard gasps and murmurs. He looked up to see June, Hank, Hayden, Jose, Calvin, Konrad, and several other soldiers staring at him in shock. Rupert felt a hot liquid streaming down his face as Victoria came over to the group, she looked at Henry's corpse, looked at the knife, and then at Rupert.

"What did you do!" she demanded coldly.

"I... I- It was an accident!" Rupert responded, trying to stay calm but failing. Charles and Ellie came over to them and saw what was going on. Charles saw Henry's dead body, he also saw the blood.  

Charles saw Rupert was holding Henry and he became enraged.

"Get away from him!" Charles exclaimed angrily as he pushed Rupert away from Henry, Rupert landed on the dirt. He stood up as he saw Charles cradling Henry's corpse and sobbing. Everyone else surrounded him as Ellie approached him and punched him in the face. Rupert didn't have time as he felt blood coming out of his nose, he kept staring at Henry's corpse. He was trembling, Ellie gave him a death glare.

"What. Happened?" she questioned lowly.

"I... Um... I... it was an accident!" Rupert answered desperately.

"No!" Ellie snapped, making Rupert flinch a little, "An accident is when you spilled a glass of juice on the floor, what you did is not an accident... it's freaking murder!"

Ellie turned around to see Charles lifting Henry in his arms, he was still sobbing. He gave a cold look at Rupert who looked catatonic, he then went to his helicopter where the General was waiting. Everyone also glared at Rupert and followed Charles, leaving Ellie alone with Rupert.

Ellie saw his nose bleeding from her punch and felt a sick sense of satisfaction.

"Henry's now dead because of you... Are you happy now that you killed him?" Ellie asked, voice cracking, she trying not to sob."

Rupert didn't answer as Ellie left him alone.

Rupert looked over where Henry was and he saw the crimson substance on the rock. He went over to the rock and picked up his knife. He stared at the knife blankly.

Carol was right... he screwed up.

Chapter Text

Rupert was staring at the wall of his tent in despair and numbness.

After everyone got home from the mission, things took a dark turn.

The General was told by Charles and Ellie that Rupert murdered Henry in cold blood. Charles brought Henry's corpse to the morgue where the General and the coroner were waiting for them.  The coroner examined Henry's cause of death and as Rupert said before, Henry was accidentally killed by a rock. However, Charles and Ellie refused to believe that Henry's death was accidental. 

Rupert murdered Henry in cold blood.

Rupert stared down at the floor when his coms went off, Rupert reluctantly answered it.

"Hello?" Rupert said quietly.

"Rupert, the General wants to see you," Victoria said firmly but her tone was ice cold.

"Now?" Rupert asked as he put a hand to his face.

"Now,"

Rupert sighed as Victoria hung up before he could respond to her. He stood up and took deep breaths then he went outside.

Rupert avoided meeting everyone's eyes as he went to the General's office, most of the soldiers either glared at him or just avoided him. To Rupert, the walk to the General's office was slow but in reality, it was fast pace. Rupert was standing in front of the office and his heart was beating faster. He took a deep breath and went inside.

Rupert saw the General was looking down at a piece of paper, the General looked up to see Rupert. The General shook his head as he stood up and he paced for a little bit. He stopped and gave Rupert a hard glare.

"Mr. Price," Galeforce said lowly, "Do you know why you are here?"

Rupert didn't want to answer him.

"It's because you murder Henry Stickmin in cold blood," Galeforce responded without waiting for Rupert to respond.

"It was an accident," Rupert said under his breath, however, the General heard him.

"What was that?" Galeforce said.

"It was an accident!" Rupert exclaimed, he was now trembling.

"Rupert, you of all people should know that there is no such thing as an "accident" murder," Galeforce replied, tone filled with disgust.

Rupert blinked as he looked away, he crossed his arms. Galeforce was right. There is no such thing as an accidental murder. "I have told you and Henry a hundred or maybe a thousand times to stop fighting before you kill each other and guess what happened?"

Rupert stayed quiet.

"You and Henry were doing so well before this happened," Galeforce continued, "You let your anger get the better of you and you killed Henry in cold blood,"

Rupert glanced at the General, and he stopped trembling. The General shook his head, and Rupert raised a hand to try to defend himself. 

"Uh, sir...I-"

"I'm the one talking, Price. You're not talking now,"

Rupert flinched, he didn't like the General's tone.

"Did you know I have to make a phone call to Henry's parents and they were not happy," Galeforce said sadly.

Rupert felt a twinge of guilt, he didn't know Henry had parents. All through his life, he thought no one cared about Henry saved for Charles and Ellie. He thought no will miss Henry but he was proven wrong. 

"Sir, I-"

"You are fired!" Galeforce bellowed.

Rupert blinked in confusion, he hoped he didn't hear what he didn't want to hear.

"Um, sir?" Rupert asked.

"YOU ARE FIRED!" Galeforce roared, making Rupert jump from the yelling and he started trembling again, "YOU ARE FIRED! YOU WILL BE DISCHARGED and SENT HOME!" Galeforce continued, "UNDERSTAND!?"

Rupert looked away as he nodded, Galeforce calm down as he panted. Galeforce sat down at his desk and pushed a document in front of Rupert, "You will stay here for a few days and then you will leave,"

Rupert looked at the General, his eyes were shimmering. He went to get the document and was about to head when he heard the General cleared his throat. He reluctantly looked at the General who was glaring at him, "You're a disgrace to the Government and to other soldiers everywhere," the General stated coldly.

Rupert felt numb as he left the General's office, he headed back to his tent. His head was down, his bangs were covering his face, and he slowly walked past several soldiers. Some of the soldiers snickered while others shook their heads in disappointment. Rupert went inside the tent and sat down on his bed.

Rupert felt numb, almost catatonic. 

His dream to help people, to do better than the police, and to protect innocent people... now broken by his biggest mistake. He couldn't believe it... 

Rupert's heart started beating faster as he heard ringing in his head, he felt his chest tighten, and he started gasping for air. He was having a panic attack. He took deep breaths to try to calm himself down. His breathing became normal after a few moments, he sighed heavily as his head started hurting. His mind was on plans on what's he going to do when his tent flap opened and two figures came in.

"Rupert,"

Rupert looked up to see the Bukowski twins and neither of them didn't look happy.

Konrad looked nervous while Calvin looked angry, Calvin's fists were clenched and he was trembling. Rupert didn't know what the annoying duo was doing here and he doesn't have time to deal with them.

"What are you doing here, carrot tops?" Rupert asked, annoyed, "I don't-"

"Rupert," Konrad interrupted, ignoring Rupert's glare, "Calvin has something to tell you,"

Konrad looked at his brother, he gestured to Calvin. Calvin took in a deep breath as he closed his eyes and he opened his eyes as he exhaled. "Rupert... You... You..."

Calvin was having trouble speaking, and Rupert saw tears streaming down his face. He was confused about why Calvin was crying unless...

Rupert then felt a fist to his face and he felt his nose was in pain. Rupert blinked as blood started dripping down from his nose, Rupert glanced at Calvin who was holding his fist up, and his fits were covered with Rupert's blood. He also saw Konrad was trying to hold back his brother, however, Calvin was not holding back. 

"You bastard!" Calvin shouted, voice cracking, "You fucking bastard!"

Rupert held his nose while it was still bleeding, "YOU MURDER HIM!! YOU FRICKING  MURDER HIM!!"

Calvin kept shouting, and Konrad was trying to calm him down. Rupert was confused about who's he talking about then he heard Calvin say something that would stunned him.

"I WAS GOING TO CONFESS MY FEELINGS FOR HIM, YOU DUMBASS!" Calvin bellowed, "YOU KILLED HENRY!!! 

"I-I was goi- going to con-confess my feel- feelings for H-Henry!" Calvin exclaimed after he calm down but he was still sobbing, Rupert blinked in shock at Calvin's confession.

"Now... because of you... HE'S FUCKING DEAD!" Calvin continued, Rupert stood up and Calvin stepped back, making Konrad almost fall in the process. 

Calvin shook his head as he laughed coldly, he stepped right into Rupert's space and jabbed a finger at him. "If you ever come near me or my brother, I will fucking kill you,"

Calvin turned to head out of Rupert's tent and Konrad followed him but Calvin stopped as Konrad opened the flap, Rupert saw Calvin's cold glare and he felt a little frightened. 

"Go to Hell where you belong," Calvin left with his brother, leaving Rupert alone with his thoughts.

His nose kept bleeding as he trembled, Rupert sat back down as he felt a bitter realization hit him. 

He has to face the consequences of his actions.  

Chapter Text

Rupert drowned another shot of vodka and put the shot glass down. 

Rupert put a hand on his forehead as he thought about what happened these past few days.

He murdered Henry, lost his status as a captain, and lost everyone that he cared about. Rupert sighed as he felt his heart shrivel up and struggle to keep beating.  He felt hot liquid streaming down his face, started shaking, and started sniffling.

He didn't know what to do.

After he was discharged, he returned to his apartment to devise a plan. 

His mental health was getting worse.

His depression was making him drink and have nightmares, it doesn't help that little voice in his head has been telling him he's worthless, scummy, an idiot, he's a bad person, etc. He tried to ignore it but the voice kept getting louder and louder. 

"It's not fair..." Rupert muttered to himself, "It's not fair,"

The bartender gave him another shot as he left him alone, the bartender tend to the other patrons. Rupert drank the alcohol as two people walked in. 

Drake Camper and Josh Taylor wanted to have a drink before Quentin finds them and lecture them for being idiots. Drake noticed Rupert was drinking and brooding, he tapped Josh's shoulders and Josh glanced where Drake was looking at. 

"What's he doing here?" Josh questioned incredulously.

"Drinking," Drake stated the obvious.

"Can't blame him, I mean if I murder someone, I would drink heavily too,"

"C'mon, let's try to cheer him up!"

Drake and Josh quietly went over to Rupert who was silently sobbing. Rupert was too busy wallowing in misery that he didn't notice the presence of Drake and Josh. Rupert heard someone ordering a fruity drink and sat down next to him. He heard another voice and heard someone sitting down next to him.

"Hey, Rupert!"

Rupert looked to his side to see Drake Camper smiling at him and holding a fruity drink, he looked to his other side and saw Josh Taylor holding a drink. 

Great.

The two idiots who always get drunk are here and they are here to bother him.

"What do you two want?" Rupert croaked, "Can't you see I'm drinking,"

"We just want to cheer you up," Josh responded.

"How?"

"By drinking with you of course!" Drake answered with such enthusiasm.

Rupert didn't want company and he was wondering why Drake and Josh wanted to cheer him up considering he had done something horrible to Henry. However... he's been feeling rather lonely ever since Henry's murder. 

Rupert contemplated saying no to them but they'd already made themselves at home. Rupert was too depressed to tell Drake and Josh to fuck off. Josh was telling Rupert and Drake a funny story. Well, Drake was listening while Rupert was just brooding, but he was glad he has company on the inside. 

"I am in misery

there ain't nobody who can comfort me (Oh Yeah),"

Rupert growled under his breath as he heard a song that greatly described his situation that was playing in the bar. Rupert took another drink of his alcohol as Josh was about to tell an embarrassing story about Drake and Drake didn't like it so he shut Josh up by putting a chicken wing in his mouth. Rupert would have laughed but he's not in a laughing mood. 

"So I was saying to Jose," Josh talked to Drake and Rupert, Rupert felt a little better since the duo didn't mention Henry's death or his termination from the Government which he is thankful for.

Rupert was about to join the conversation when the bar's doors opened.

"What are two idiots doing!?"

Drake, Josh, and Rupert turn to the source of the voice, they saw Quentin Alabaster glaring at them. However, Rupert wasn't sure if he was glaring at him or Drake and Josh. Drake and Josh immediately jumped from Quentin's glare. They knew an angry Quentin when they see one. 

"Don't you guys have any better to do than to drink and bother someone?" Quentin questioned.

Drake and Josh shook their head while Quentin sighed, Quentin knew the duo was trying to help Rupert after he murdered Henry but... Rupert should be left alone. Quentin came up to them and grabbed Drake and Josh by their coats like they were kids that got caught doing something bad. 

"C'mon, you guys have work to do," Quentin said as he led the boys away from Rupert and they headed out the door. Quentin stopped at the door and saw Rupert who looked sad again. Quentin gave Rupert a pity look and he left. Rupert was now alone. Rupert sighed heavily as he felt the weight of the inebriation of the alcohol seep in. He closed his eyes, he needed more alcohol but his mind told him he has nothing to live for so he can damage his liver.

"Oi, got any stronger than vodka?" Rupert slurred at the bartender.

"We got absinthe, sir," replied the bartender in a concerned tone.

"Bring me it,"

"Don't you think you had enough alcohol?"   

"NO!" Rupert roared, startling the bartender and the patrons in the bar. Rupert slammed his fist down the bar table and his eyes were red. "GIVE ME THE ABSINTHE!" Rupert bellowed.

"I don't pay myself enough for this job..." the bartender thought as he got the absinthe and a shot glass for Rupert. He gently set the alcohol down and left Rupert alone. Rupert drank the shot glass but he needs more to numb the pain he was feeling, he took the bottle and drank out of the bottle.

The patrons and the bartender watched him with shocked and concerned looks, they were wondering if they should confront him about his drinking habits but on the other hand... they don't want to invoke his wrath. Rupert drank half the bottle as he stopped, he slammed the bottle down as he swayed a little. His face started to turn green and he quickly ran out of the bar. He vomited onto the grass while everyone cringed and winced, the bartender took out a bottle of water and went outside. He cringed in disgust as he saw the vomit and Rupert stopped. Rupert was trembling as he felt like shit, the bartender slowly came up to him.

"Here," the bartender held out the water bottle, "Drink this... this will help you feel better,"

Rupert glanced at the bottle and took it, he drank the water slowly. He sighed in contentment as he felt a little better but still feel like shit. "Thanks..." Rupert muttered.

"You're welcome," the bartender responded gently.

"Sorry for the display..." Rupert apologized, "I... am going through something,"

"I know,"

Rupert avoided meeting the bartender's eyes, he cleared his throat. 

"I should be going now... put the alcohol on my tab..."

The bartender nodded as Rupert started walking away, Rupert slowly walked back to his apartment as he felt numb. As soon as he was inside his apartment, he passed out on his living room floor. The alcohol knocked him out and he slept peacefully for the first time since Henry's murder.

Rupert woke up with a killer headache.

He felt like something sucked everything but depression. He wanted to die, hit something, or just lay in bed forever. Rupert took a shower and made himself a hangover breakfast. After he was done eating, he sat down at his table and thought about what's he going to do next. Rupert closed his eyes as he took out his phone and went on the internet. 

Usually, he would talk to Charles but after what happened with Henry, Charles and several others have declared Rupert socially dead. Rupert searched for random things then he thought came into his head. He went to take out his laptop and went online. He typed into a search bar and found what he was looking for. He got up and went to his bedroom, he got out two suitcases and started packing. 

Once he was packed, he wrote something on a piece of paper. 

He took one last look at his apartment, surveying the furniture and stuff he will be leaving behind. He let out a sigh of sadness as he left his apartment with his suitcases in tow. 

He headed to the airport and got on a plane. 

Where is he going?

Chapter Text

Rupert was walking through the dark, cold road as the snow fell on him and stuck to him like glue.

Rupert kept walking while shivering in the cold and holding his bags.

The snow crunched as he walked toward a huge building with multiple walls and windows. The building looked like a prison because it was a prison. 

The Wall is an infamous prison that houses the most vile, petty evilest criminals in the whole world. Many criminals were sent here to be contained and serve out their sentences. It was when a certain former dead thief was placed here despite being pardoned and he escaped along with Ellie Rose, another inmate who was there for unknown reasons.

Rupert saw some guards with guns at the entrance of the Wall.

The guards were talking when they saw Rupert, they immediately pointed their guns at him with angry expressions.

"Who are you!" Guard 1 said.

"And state your business!" Guard 2 added.

Rupert didn't say anything. He just stared at them with cold, dead eyes.

The guards were about to ask again when Rupert suddenly shot forward and grabbed the first guard's collar. The second guard was startled when he saw Rupert grab his colleague's shirt and he was about to aim his gun at Rupert when he yelped in pain. Rupert successfully kicked a rock at the second gun and dropped it. 

The first guard glanced at Rupert in fear as he felt himself being pulled closer, the first guard felt hot breath and trembled in fear. 

"My name is Rupert Price," Rupert replied coldly, making the two guards' blood turn ice cold, "I'm here to see my mother. Her name is Rita Petrov and she told me to come here so LET ME IN!" 

Both guards flinched at the yelling, the second guard went to open the gate to the Wall. The gate opened and Rupert let go of the first guard. The first guard dropped on the snow as Rupert started walking, the guards closed the gate and Rupert started heading toward a door to the building. Several guards avoided him and some guards were afraid of him. Not because of the commotion he caused earlier, it was because of what happened between him and Henry. 

Rupert ignored them as he went inside.

The door made a loud sound as he closed the door, he then started walking down the hallway. He passed by more guards and staff, he also ignored their looks and stares. Rupert stopped at a door that looked different from the others, he hesitated on knocking on the door. He stared at the door for a couple of minutes but to him, it seemed more like hours. He swallowed as he held up his hand to knock on the door, his anxiety spiked when he knocked on the door twice.

"Come in," said a feminine voice.

Rupert took in a deep breath and exhaled as he entered the room.

An older woman with a small stature was at a desk writing something on a piece of paper, he cleared his throat to get the woman's attention. The woman glanced up and she gasped in shock. She stood up and quickly ran up to him. She stared at him with her golden eyes and touched Rupert's cheek.

Rupert stared at his mom in sadness, it's been a long time since he had last seen his mom. The last time he saw his mom was when he was little. She still looks the same as before she left except she looked more brightly and doesn't always look sad. Her long, onyx black wavy hair was tied into a bun and she wore glasses. She was also wearing a staff uniform and had her name tag.

"Hi, Mom..." Rupert said solemnly.

"Oh, my son..." Rita replied sadly as she hugged him. She knew her son would need her and she's glad he's here. They started talking before Rupert joined the Government and they repaired their broken relationship.

"How are you feeling, my Rupert?" Rita asked gently.

Rupert looked away from his mother, confirming her answer.

"I know it's been tough for you but I'm here for you," Rita said softly.

Rupert smiled faintly. 

He's glad to have his mother to support him during his time of need.

Rupert told his mom everything that had happened recently.

After he told his mom what happened, he put his face on his hands and silently sobbed. Rita pulled her son into a hug and whispered comforting words but he kept sobbing. After a while, he stopped sobbing and just hugged his mom. Rita felt her son stop trembling and become motionless. Then she heard soft snoring and looked down.

Rupert fell asleep in his mother's arms.

Rita smiled softly as she held her son, he must have been so tired. Rupert did have dark circles under his eyes after all. Rita hummed a quiet tune while Rupert slept, Rita quietly and carefully put herself and himself on a chair. They stayed there for a few minutes, Rita still holding Rupert as he slept. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful. So quiet and so peaceful.

BAM!

Both Rita and Rupert jumped as they turned to the door. Rupert's vision was blurry when he saw a figure at the door, he rubbed his eyes while shaking his head to get rid of any sleep. Rita stared at the figure at the door with wide eyes and a bit of anger.

"Henry Stickmin is dead!" said a deep Russian voice.

Dmitri Petrov, the warden of the Wall burst into the room with a shocked look.

Dmitri Petrov was not only the warden of the Wall, he's also Rita Price's father and Rupert Price's grandfather. 

Rupert looked between Dmitri and his mom. Rupert didn't want to tell his grandfather that Henry was dead and he was the one who caused it. However, he saw his grandfather was grinning. Rupert tried not to laugh since Dmitri lost a couple of his front teeth due to a certain dead thief and he looked silly without his front teeth. 

Rupert nodded slowly as he bowed his head down in shame.

It was silent for a few minutes, and then Rita and Rupert heard laughter.

"Ha... Hahahahaha!" Dmitri laughed as he smiled, "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Dmitri kept laughing while Rita and Rupert stared at him in confusion. "Uh... Father?" Rita said tentatively, "You alright?"

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Dmitri kept laughing, ignoring his daughter in the process. He stopped laughing as he stared at his daughter and grandson, He wiped some tears from his face and smiled.

"I'm fine, Rita," Dmitri replied happily.

"Then why are you laughing?" Rita questioned.

"Because Henry Stickmin is dead, thanks to my grandson!" Dmitri exclaimed, making Rita and Rupert feel awkward. Rita nervously glanced at Rupert who was looking at his grandfather blankly. Dmitri either didn't see Rupert's reaction or ignored it.

"Rupert, I'm so proud of you for doing something right for change," Dmitri said as he got out his walkie talkie, "So proud,"

"Grigori! Tell everyone to take the day off!" Dmitri ordered excitedly, there was some static and a deep Russian voice, "Yes, Grigori, I'm serious," he continued, "Why? Because we're going to have a party! For what?! Because Henry Stickmin is dead!"

Dmitri rambled on while Rita and Rupert watched him. Dmitri headed out of the room, still explaining to Grigori about Henry Stickmin's death. Rita shook her head and glanced at Rupert who stared at the ground with blank eyes.

"Rupert?" she said tentatively, "You alright?"

Rupert didn't respond. He just kept staring at the floor.

Rita was about to ask again when Rupert stood up, startling her. Without answering his mom, he left the room. 

Chapter Text

Rupert was looking out at the ocean, and the air was frigid. The weather was cold and dark everywhere. 

It's been two weeks since he first came to the Wall. He didn't enjoy it in the slightest. 

It was cold, dark, and snowy. He didn't hate the cold, but he didn't love it. He also felt guilty about Henry's death. His grandfather, Dmitri, on the other hand, was ecstatic.

Henry Stickmin had been a thorn in his side since Henry's escape from prison, where he used to work. 

Rupert felt numb. 

His friends and soldiers were keeping their distance from him. His nightmares were filled with Henry dying and everyone spitting hateful words at him. He couldn't get any sleep, and that's why he had bags under his eyes. His mom is the only bright thing in his life right now. However, the mood was still dampened by her abandonment. 

Rupert stared at the ocean with listless eyes.

"What am I doing? What am I doing here? I have nothing left..." he thought bitterly. 

"Your friends hate you, the General hates you, and Henry hates you," his mind kept telling him dark thoughts. He was trying his best to ignore them.

"Everyone will be happier if you were dead! They want you to burn in Hell!" 

Rupert covered himself with his arms as he started sobbing. His thoughts were right. He should be dead. Henry doesn't deserve to die. 

"Hey... why don't you..." 

Rupert glanced at the ocean. He stood up and wiped his tears. He walked a little closer to the edge of the cliff he was sitting on. He stared down to find the ocean, the cold, dark, and deep sea. He stared at it for a few minutes, weighing his choices. 

"Come on, do it..." his mind egging him on, "No one will miss you. Not even your mother and grandfather."

Rupert made his decision. 

Warning: Suicide attempt!

He was now on the cliff's edge, looking at the water. He took a deep breath and let himself fall into the water. 

His body stiffened by the cold as he let himself drown. 

Rupert felt his body temperature going down and closed his eyes.

"Life may be worse now, but at least I will be free," that was Rupert's final thought before the darkness consumed him.

Hours later, Rupert groaned when he opened his eyes. He quickly closed them because of the bright light. He waited for a moment, then he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, so he rubbed his eyes. He glanced around and saw he was in some sort of hospital room. He blinked in confusion. He glanced down to find he was wearing a hospital gown and was on a hospital bed. 

"Where am I?" he thought, trying to get up but hissed in pain. He heard something behind the green curtain. He braced himself. The curtain pulled, and an older lady came to stand by Rupert. 

"Oh good, you're awake," she said in a Russian accent.

"Who are you and where am I?" Rupert asked, panicking and trying to get up. The lady put a hand to his chest to get him to calm down.

"Easy, easy," the lady said, "You should rest. Luckily, I found you in time and didn't have to replace any body parts."

"Who are you?" Rupert repeated.

"My name is Dr. Vinschpinsilstein. You can call me Dr. V," Dr. V responded. "You're on my boat. I saved your life."

"Oh..." Rupert replied. 

"You must be the man who killed Henry Stickmin, da?" Dr. V asked. 

Rupert's eyes widened as he stared at his lap, and tears started brewing. 

Dr. V took Rupert's reaction as an answer. "It's a shame, he didn't come back alive again."

Rupert stopped crying, and he glanced at Dr. V in confusion. 

"What do you mean, 'come back alive again '?" Rupert questioned, narrowing his eyes at Dr. V.

"No one knows this, but Henry Stickmin had... powers," Dr. V answered.

"Power? What kind of powers?" 

"He can see timelines, use special objects, and be more powerful than anyone," Dr. V explained. 

"What?" Rupert said.

"He can also come back to life if he fails in one of his missions," Dr. V finished. 

Rupert's mind was blank after hearing Dr. V's explanation. He had so many questions. 

"Wait... if he can come back to life, how come he isn't here?" Rupert asked, "And if he did come back, why hasn't he returned to the Government?"

Dr. V's expression turned solemn as she crossed her arms.

"Unfortunately, Henry can only come back if he was killed by something or someone involved in one of his missions," Dr. V elaborated. 

"What does that mean?" Rupert demanded.

Dr. V didn't speak for a moment.

"What. Does. That. Mean?" Rupert barked. 

"It means since you've killed Henry..." Dr. V spoke softly, "He can't come back."

Rupert stared at Dr. V with an emotionless expression. He lay back down as he stared up at the ceiling. He felt his heart shrivel up as he heard voices from the day he murdered Henry. 

"What did you do?!"

"Get away from him!"

"An accident is when you spill a glass of juice on the floor, what you did is not an accident... it's a freaking murder!"

Rupert cried again. 

He covered his face with his hands as he kept wailing. Dr. V sadly watched him. 

"Get some rest," Dr. V told Rupert softly.

Rupert couldn't hear over the sound of his sobbing. 

The next day, Rupert still stayed in bed.

He was feeling much better, but was suffering from depression. 

Dr. V opened the curtains and came into view. She saw Rupert staring at the ceiling with a dead expression. His eyes were red and puffy, and he had bags under his eyes.

"Mr. Price, I know it seems like it's the end of the world," Dr. V declared, "However, I may have something that will help you." 

Rupert didn't look at her. "Like what?" he croaked.

"Like this."

She held up a small circular remote. Rupert glanced at the remote slowly. He sat up and stared at Dr. V in confusion.

"What is it?" he asked, voice sore from the crying he's been doing.

"It's a time machine," Dr. V answered.

"A time machine?" Rupert said.

"Yes, a time machine," Dr. V said. "This machine will help you go back in time."

Rupert got up and grabbed the time machine from Dr. V

"Will it actually work?" Rupert questioned Dr. V

"It will," Dr. V replied, "I made some adjustments  so you can go back in time and fix your mistake." 

Rupert felt something he hadn't felt in a while... hope.

Dr. V handed him some clothes, and he quickly went behind the curtain to change. A few minutes later, he was standing in front of Dr. V. He held the time machine in his hands, staring at it.

"Okay, Mr.Price, before you activate the time machine," Dr. V lectured Rupert, "Is there anything else you want to discuss?"

Rupert thought for a moment. 

"Hey... what about your mom?" His inner voice reminded him.

His mom is probably worried about him right now... and probably reported to his grandfather that he was missing. He told himself he would find her again after he fixed everything. 

"No," Rupert spoke up.

"Good luck, Mr. Price," Dr. V said happily.

"Thanks," Rupert activated the time machine, and in a flash, he was transported back in time. The next thing he knew was in Dr. V's boat, and now... he groaned when he woke up on a hospital bed again. 

He blinked in confusion and was about to shout expletives when he heard familiar voices. 

"Rupert, are you okay, buddy?" Charles asked Rupert quickly.

"Hey, Thorn, you with us?" Ellie added.

"Guys, stop crowding him," Victoria chided.

"Good to have you back with us, Rupert," Galeforce said calmly.

Rupert saw Charles, Ellie, Victoria, and the General in the hospital room. His mind was in a daze, but he was relieved that Charles, Ellie, and everyone else didn't look at him in disdain. He rubbed his eyes as he sat up. 

"What happened to me?" Rupert asked, his body hurting.

"You got injured during a Toppat raid," Victoria explained.

Charles and Ellie nodded. Rupert lay back down, breathing a sigh of relief. Good, he went back in time and didn't kill Henry. Speaking of Henry, where is he? 

Rupert was about to ask where Henry was when he spotted someone whom he hadn't noticed until now. The person stood further away from everyone, and Rupert tried to get a good look at them. 

Charles saw the person Rupert was looking at and beckoned them over. The person hesitated for a moment, but with Charles persisting, they came into view. Rupert's eyes widened. He blinked, getting a closer look.

"Henry?" Rupert whispered.