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Chapter Text

Things were moving fast. You weren't even sure how Nikku and co were dispersed, Updike instead summoning you and Tess to his office, even ordering agents to pick you and her up from Rosie's. A lot was uncertain.

You weren't sure why Tess was selected either, figuring it was a spur of the moment choice. Only later did you guess it was because Updike wanted to test out her capabilities.

Tess was predictably against it but could do little as Updike practically threatened her. "We are all part of this team. You are the best fit for what I have planned anyways."

Sitting in his all too familiar office, Updike explained the situation. "I apologize if this is all so sudden but it's best to play this off as a coincidence. And it's better to assume the family may assume Sister revealing the architect is a bad sign. Simply put, we need to get to Lila before they can."

He sat back.

"You two will be disguised as journalistic partners. As part of an article with the 'Lua Times', you and Tess will be doing a fluff piece on the Senor Pelo Architectural Firm. You will be interviewing different architects, asking about various builds, generally collecting information. You'll also take several photographs of the various plans."

"Don't we only need one plan though? Can't we just ask Lila for it?" Tess asked innocently enough.

Updike shook his head. "By interviewing several architects and acquiring many photos it throws off suspicion. If the Family does look into Lila they will quickly find it a coincidence that we interviewed her. After all, we interviewed many people. The 'Lua Times', that is."

"Do you really think they're gonna know?" Tess asked.

"We don't know and since we don't know for sure we cannot assume they won't."

"I see."

"And what if she says no?" You ask.

"In the event she declines the other interviews should clue you in as to a possible location of the files. I don't want to but if we need to stage an operation to break in..." Updike paused. "I would just rather play it as innocently as possible."

"Does this newspaper exist?"

"Yes. I have taken the liberty of contacting the newspaper with the article and contacted the firm about the meeting. They specialize in programming but are willing to take the story should anything show up. I've already contacted the firm. While a bit sudden they have agreed and you shall be present in their lobby in 3 hours. End of the day."

"You came up with all this yourself?" Tess asked.

"No. This idea was actually planned in your late friend's external reports. He had planned to do this himself, once the architect was known. In his passing we shall execute it instead."

"Oh." Tess said sadly.

"Do you have any questions?" Updike asked.

"I'm still a little confused. What am I supposed to ask? How do I know what to say?" Tess asked again. She felt bad having to ask the questions but this was her first foray into espionage. Her worry was palpable.

"That will all be made abundantly clear soon. I have a guide I expect you digest after this."

"What about press passes?" You ask.

"Hum. I admit I did not think of that. You have access to the office floors. Go make some."

"Alright, I'll do that, uh, right now." You nod.

"Good then. Best of luck. Get those plans." Updike said as he dismissed you and Tess.

It didn't take much to get the passes printed. It displayed both Tess and your aliases, indicating you as members of the 'Lua Times'. Printed and laminated, put upon a lanyard they looked official.

Updike had some poor intern write up a report about questions to ask, readying you and Tess for the interview. On the way there Tess studied it intently, memorizing the whole thing. Only about halfway did she stop, preferring to watch the buildings drive by. You looked over, herself lost in thought. You could hardly blame her, the last few days, nay; the last 2 weeks had been a disaster for her. It weighed heavy on her-

"How much longer is this gonna take?" S blurted out, occupying your phone in one swoop. You pull it out. Up till now S had always like incorporating himself into some picture to talk. This time, however it was just a black background, no app icons, no phone buttons, nothing. He didn't look as upbeat either.

He didn't move, not even tapping his foot.

"I don't know. Not much longer. We're making progress." You say.

"Well if it's not getting done soon, let's put a cork in it." He uncrossed his arms. "We need to go to Mobius! Take the next shuttle there."

"W-what?" This had come completely out of the blue.

"Haven't you seen the news?" S started stomping around. "They're destroying entire villages! It's not fair! They apparently even have nukes! Imagine that! NUKES! And they kidnapped Sonic!!"

It caught you completely off guard. You weren't sure who 'they' were. And S' seemingly 180 change of heart made little sense too.

"I-. We can't just leave and drop this."

"Like hell we can't! This is not fair. You know it! I know it! I spared you. You owe me! Screw the Family! We gotta go to MOBIUS!"

You hadn't noticed but Tess had started to look over, curious as to who was shouting.

"Look, S. I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do. You know that. I can even hardly afford a space ship. A-and you've told me what they do there. I'm just a regular person."

"Why did I have to be bound to you? ARGH! This is so-huh, who's that?" He stopped, noticing Tess.

You look up. "Oh, this is Tess. She's our newest recruit."

"H-hello?" Tess said uneasily. Like many others, S' appearance frightened her. She didn't fully comprehend what S was either.

"Yeahhowareyoudoin," He turned back to you.

"When this is over. I swear I'll get you on the nearest shuttle. I'll even get Updike to make you a body or something." You tell S.

He didn't look any happier at the prospect. "You don't understand. Bastards are taking down the networks on Mobius. I can't even hear anything from them! It's just all SILENCE!" S shouted.

"Is there really nothing that can be done? Like, can't you hack Mobius somehow?"

"Not really. I can't just transport over there. It would take days. I can't just leave you." S said. You never really thought him serious but maybe he really was bound to you. You chose not to ask.

"Well surely you can get in contact with someone. I mean, you're a genius aren't you?" You say, hoping quietly this conversation ends soon. "Whoa, what about those Chaotix guys? Surely they have some line to Sonic right? Maybe you can advise them what to do."

"I...guess." S had materialized a stone on the ground and started kicking it idly.

"Be an advisor man. You can see things those people can't. Maybe you can tip the war." You add, a little more upright. You shrug, "Hell, do illegal stuff. I won't stop you, especially if lives are on the line."

"Maybe...I think you're right. I'll be back. But for the next few hours you leave me alone. I have a lot to think about."

Without even an animation S vanished.

"Who is he?" Tess asked.

"One of our members. He's a strange person."

You pocket your phone. "How are you doing anyways? Again, I'm really sorry about what happened. We were all caught off guard. We only got to him-"

"It's fine. I don't want to hear it again." She sighed. "I'm doing better. Rosie...I think working here is gonna help me out."

You nod. "If you need anything Tess, we're all friends here. Just ask."

Tess just smiled at you before looking back out the window.

Later on did you and Tess arrive at the building? You could tell she was nervous but you state it a good thing. "If they see you nervous they may be nicer. Hell, tell them it's your first interview. Just be cordial. Play off it." She nodded.

It was a massive building, a skyscraper amongst others. Glass windows lining all the walls, a huge professional sign displaying the firm's name on a perfectly cut lawn. Compared to TGG and IRIS this was the most normal building. You recall Updike's words about an operation. If we had to do a heist here, it would be a cakewalk.

Everything was in order. Press passes checked out, secretary had the times booked and all was in ready. You were impressed at how fast Updike organized it all. You had 8 architects to interview, Lila among them. She was number 7. Escorted by security guard you and Tess went into each office hitting them with easy questions.

You were not to meet the founder of the company, Sr. Pelo but nearly every architect mentioned him and his 'golden voice'. It got you curious.

Tess and you asked general things, education, life before the firm, life right now, their best design, their worst design and a random philosophical question to challenge them. You looked up some famous architects prior, preparing subversive questions for them. It worked with many not expecting it and others breaking out into whole tangents about how wrong you were. Nevertheless, it helped.

At the end of the interview you and Tess asked for floor plans, to which you and her looked over several, photographing each. Somewhere more apprehensive to photographs but Tess had no problems taking the shots with her eyes. She had a digital memory, easily capable of retaining the design.

Eventually after many architects you reached number seven, Lila.

Her office was just like the rest. Situated on a high floor with a view of the city. A large but plain desk in the centre, TV on the side, some fancy cupboards that looked to have no handles, and a few chairs in front of the desk. The walls weren't barren however, various pictures of her designs and what you guess were her kids lined them.

This office however had one key difference from the others. There were two, you guess children, watching the TV. You assumed they were children from their small stature but the costumes had you guessing otherwise. You had seen too many 'irregulars' to tell anymore. One had a pumpkin on his head and tuxedo beneath it. The other was dressed as a skeleton. The TV was on playing some black and white horror movie.

Lila looked sheepishly away. "I'm sorry. She said. It's take your kid to work day and they think it's Halloween. And I'm looking after the other one."

"It's fine." You smile back.

"See mom! It is spooky month! They have costumes too!" One of the kids noticed you, the other following as they inspected you and Tess.

You still had your 'guard attire' on giving you a militant appearance. Then they just guessed Tess was dressed up too.

They kept tugging on Tess' dress, berating her with questions. "Are you going to take over the world?"

"Are you weak to water?"

"Boys! That's enough. I just need to talk to these people." Lila said and got up.

She wore all dark purple, from the knee-length dress with holes in the shoulder to the dark purple tights. She didn't wear light clothing, almost giving her a gothic look. It matched her dull long purple hair. The look was complete with black boots, belt and sleeves. Despite her dark colours, she was stylish. It reflected off her pale skin.

"I'm really sorry. If we can reschedule this-"

"Don't worry about it." You say. Nudging Tess you say. "Jenny, can you watch the kids while I interview her?" Jenny, being Tess' alias. Tess nodded, still overwhelmed by the kid's questions. They were pulling on her arm, making it extend.

"So what are you watching?" She asked. They lead her to the TV, still waiting to know if she was an evil robot or not.

"Thank you." Lila said, out of breath. She goes back around the desk and takes a seat.

You sit down on the one of the chairs in front and crack your knuckles. The goal was to get her to willing talk about the compound without you initiating it. Like a cop trying to get someone to confess. You couldn't just start asking about it. Too suspicious. You had to get her to ask it.

"I'm sorry. They can be such a handful."

You go through the usual questions not getting much concrete. You scribbled the answers on a notepad, bullet point to save time. Her best design was her house, it had a lot of sentimental value. Worst design was some butcher's shop. She wouldn't explain why, skipping over the topic entirely.

Largest build? Some museum. Larger than the compound? Or maybe she didn't want to mention it.

Big spenders, most expensive build? She named off some celebrities. Nothing related to the family.

Weirdest build?

"That's an odd question."

"Well, we like to add a few offball questions. Helps us learn a little more."

She rattled off something unrelated. This wasn't working.

You put the notepad away. "This is off the record. Do you have any customers you regret working with?"

"I can't say. Though, no offense but I don't really know you. Especially since you're a journalist."

"No offense taken. It's fine."

You try to think of some possible questions. Any customers that were demons? Did you ever build for demons? Ever have any customers that were outright criminals? What do you know about the Dearest Family? You couldn't think of anything. You determine the best course of action is to pause the interview, get the photos, and hope you think of something.

You watch as Lila gets up and goes to the one of the cabinets, pulling out a whole slew of folders. That's it!

"In your all your projects, have you ever done a, uh, doomsday prep build? Like a whole self-sustaining thing. With the political landscape a lot of our readers are into that sort of thing. Like, disconnected buildings, large properties for farming, you know. Just stuff for our prepper readers, y'know?"

Lila flipped through the folders, pulling out a few large sheets of paper. "I know what you mean. Yeah, I've done one. For this rich family out in the city. Dearest? Yeah. Ever heard of them?"

You and Lila weren't looking but Tess tensed up. It was a dead tell. The kids noticed it but chalked it up to her being scared of the horror movie. "Ah, it's just make belief Jenny." One of them consoled her and patted her on the back.

"I think so. Buncha musicians, right?"

Lila nodded. "Yeah. Did their 'compound' years back. Crazy place. Underground tunnels. Shelters, so on."

This was the motherload.

"Do you think I could see the plans?"

Taking out the last sheet, Lila placed them all onto her desk. They easily covered the whole thing.

"I'm sorry, but they're kinda crazy about that. I can't. We had to take extreme precautions. I can't let you take photographs of these either."

So she wasn't going to let you see them. Time for the trump card. You lean back, agreeing. "It's fine, really. This town's gone a bit crazy recently. Few weeks back, my boyfriend and I were attacked. Home invasion. Messed up stuff."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you and him okay?"

You nod, feigning a sombre tone. "He got injured, fine now though. Total nutjob though. Large guy too. Wore a devil mask." You shiver. "We're fine now though."

You purposely ignore Lila's eyes going wide, instead making yourself appear in thought. Tabi could have died.

One of the kids came to you first, apparently listening in. "Do you know him too?!!" The skeleton kid was at your side, tugging your arm. "We played hide and seek with him once!" The other kid said. "He was really bad at it." They both said in unison. "You should have played hide and seek with him!"

"How do you-" You start to say but Lila gets up and closes the door, locking it. You turn to her, Tess looking as well. "Are you screwing with me?" She asked, her horrified look replaced with instant suspicion.

"I'm sorry?"

"That devil guy. Large, deep voice? Carried a knife?"

"Huh?" It was your turn to play dumb now. "He uh...said a lot of food facts?" You stammer.

"P-please, if you're lying. Just leave." She said coldly. "He died. There is no way."

"I'm not lying. We were attacked." You raise your voice. "Shoot, my boyfriend can vouch. The stab wounds are still there." You get a nasty idea. "Look. I got security footage if you don't believe me."

"I...I don't know." Lila said quietly. She had a rush of emotions. Updike had only discovered she was attacked by him before. Her sullen reaction indicated she still remembered it vividly.

"Let me see." She said after a few seconds.

It didn't take long to find the footage. It clearly showed Velseb going in, knife in hand. It then showed you, Theo and Tabi leaving, Velseb in pursuit. You skip the part where Huggy runs out, remarking him as your dog. You then showed the outdoor footage which only briefly showed the final confrontation. The moment when the house fell on him the camera shook, though it was caught.

Lila just watched silently, the kids watching as well, despite Tess' trying to shoo them away.

"My neighbour has other shots." That was a half lie you hoped Lila wouldn't press. Theo's outdoor cameras weren't operational at that time.

"We killed him. Cops confirmed that. How do you know him?" You ask.

"Are you positive?"

"We saw the police haul him away. My neighbour, his house is pretty badly built, some scaffolding fell on the guy. You know if you know anything-"

She shivered. "Not the ones here."

"What's wrong mom?" One of the kids noticed Lila's downcast attitude. "Nothing Skid. Just, uh, go back to watching the movie." She said.

The kids nodded and quickly resumed watching it, dragging Tess with them.

While the mood of the scene had been completely ruined you still weren't any closer to your goal. It was time to tie it together. "We had another group come to investigate the aftermath. They were certain it was targeted. I don't know exactly who did it but if I'm right it was the same people who went after you." You weren't sure if that were true but belief wholeheartedly that's how the Family knew of Velseb. And if I'm right, then seeing those floor plans is gonna help a lot."

Lila understood what you were hinting at and sighed. She got up and pulled out a few more images. Without saying a word she laid them onto the table. There, in utmost detail was the map of the compound down to each individual room. You almost missed yourself salivating at the prospect.

"No pictures though. I'm not supposed to have copies of this. They find out, I'm dead." She said quietly.

"Understood. Just for reference. It won't be mentioned ever again." You promise.

"You'll never see me again." You add. Lila nodded in agreement.

You had planned for this outcome, it occurring to you the real reason Tess was picked. "Tes-Jenny come take a look at this." You motion her over. Her eyes were cameras. Surely, that had to be the reason she was picked. She scanned over the plan.

"I don't know what you're planning at but if you think you can take them on, you're gonna need a lot more than a journalism degree." Lila said after some time.

"I think we'll manage." You say with a wicked smile.

The next chapter will be called A Force To Be Reckoned With.

Chapter Text

The Compound. A massive, multi-building complex in which the Dearest Family resided. The scene of the heist that you and the others had been planning. Updike input the floor plans to MALLEUS and now, for the first time you and the others had a crystal-clear view of the compound and all it's complexities.

There was little time to waste now that the floor plan was in your hands. A meeting was scheduled that very night. Everyone was present tonight. Not a soul missing.

The compound was built on a green space and hills, trees heavily surrounding the whole area. Those were surrounded by a simple black fence. Guard 'towers', really just armed gazebos lined the perimeter. They all had full communication with each other.

The compound consisted of 6 buildings of varying sizes, all surrounding a central manor, which at the bottom of contained the vault. Lila made spared no effort and skipped no detail, documenting all on the paper. Going clockwise, each building was labeled. A small storage building, a building labeled 'Barracks' with a kennel attached to it, a long but thin building labeled 'Guests and Garage' (which had the main entrance to the city), 'The Hangar', 'Mearest Studios', which shared a wall with the Hangar but more north, and finally, north of the Studios a conjoined building, a 'Mailroom' and a cross-shaped building labeled 'Church'.

The Family being demons everyone knew the church had some greater purpose.

A cliff overlooked the northern area. Below it, at over a hundred metre drop was water and a tiny beach. As you noted back then it made approach from there impossible.

Connecting them all were private roads. To drive into the compound the only option was the road leading into Guests building and parking lot. Theodore, who had not seen the actual place yet, commented that it reminded him of a university.

Lila's maps contained something you nor anyone else present was aware of. A massive tunnel system lurked beneath the compound, connecting all of the buildings. Aside from each building having one entrance, an additional pipe poked out of the cliff. It stood halfway between the top and bottom, inaccessible from either side.

Friendly buildings were nowhere to be found. Just southeast of the compound stood the 'Bandelin Bank', and due west of it a prestigious school called 'Haxe Academy'. Needless to say, security in the area was going to be tight.

A building south of the entire field and down a couple blocks lit up. This was an unlisted IRIS Data Centre, and the place Displo originally intended to command from. Though far away it was the friendliest place around.

With everything laid out. It was finally time to plan. Before anyone could start Solazar stated a date.

"June 30th. I believe that to be most optimal time to attack."

"Any particular reason?" Tabi asked.

"I believe it a perfect time as there are no major events occurring in the city. It will be a quiet night with little security."

The only people whose schedule would have been affected were Pompom and Theo. They presented their answer simultaneously.

"I'll be done school for the summer!"

"My son will be done school for the summer."

Needless to say, it caused no issues with their plans.

"Aren't they musicians?" Theodore asked. "Couldn't we just strike whilst they are out on tour or something?"

You spoke up, remembering your profile on them. "They're more executives than anything. The mostly just sign artists now, do something called a 360 deal."

"Figures." Aldryx muttered. "That they'd do something as heinous as a 360."

"I'm sorry?" Theo asked.

"It's just a contract some artists sign. Simply put they are signing themselves away, but regardless, (Y/N) has a point. There won't be a time when they are away."

"Indeed." Updike said. "Their schedules are public anyhow. They have no upcoming shows for months. They are hosting some festivals over the summer but that they can do in their home."

"Plus..." Updike said, a little quieter. "Last time they weren't home, IRIS bungled the operation and humiliated them instead of taking them out. They're going to have some tight security when they aren't there."

"I see."

"Then, does no one have any objections to this date?"

There were none.

"Good. Now let us lay down the goals for this operation."

Recalling it later you couldn't remember who proposed what. For the first time the team was unified, with ideas being thrown out, accepted or rejected. At one point Rosie got up to take a phone call and game back with coffee and pastries for everyone. People had begun to assemble into teams, skills were discussed, and the ins-n-outs were had. The only thing interruption came from Rosie having walk out again, returning with a perplexed look on her face. She spoke to someone on her phone.

"Huh? You sure?" Rosie asked confusedly. "Sure." She hung up, a confused look on her face too.

"Hey, (Y/N)? You're, uh, daughter is downstairs?"

"Pft-What?" You ask. "I don't have any kids." You were half through a croissant stuffed with cheese, pesto and tomato.

Tabi looked at you incredulously.

"I'm serious."

"Well she seems to know you."

"Maybe it's a plant." Aldryx guessed. "Or an abomination." Said Updike, hand in his jacket, drawing what you hope wasn't a weapon.

"Alright, hold on, I'll go check." Rosie nodded and left.

Even with the weird looks, you continued planning. Even with the exhaustive team it became clear that more people would be needed. The team lacked a skilled demolitionist, a 'tank' other than Updike, a proper demon (in case the Hellgate could not be destroyed), and someone who could cause a distraction. As names begun to fly out, Rosie returned.

She peered in, knocking on the door to get everyone's attention. "(Y/N)? You might wanna come out here."

"So who is it?"

"I don't know. You tell me." She didn't sound so happy now, marching in and putting a paper onto the table. "Cheating on me much?"

'(Y/N), private detective. I'll find whatever it is you're looking for.' Was written, as was Rosie's address. "You know if you needed more money you could've just asked to get paid more."

"What the hell? I didn't make this!" You recall mentioning to a few people about going the private investigator route but never actually committed to it.

"Sure, buddy."

"Honest!"

"I made them actually." Updike said as he cleared his throat.

"Wh-why?"

"Well you needed a cover job. You said private investigator, so I made a few flyers. Put them on bus stops."

"What?"

"Geez. I only made a few of them, sue me. Not like I used your real number or anything. It was just a cover."

"Still-"

"Nobody even reads ads on bus shelters anyways." Updike said as he rolled his eyes.

"So then the person downstairs?"

"There's some frantic girl there. Wants to hire you."

There was no time for this. "But what about the daughter thing?"

Rosie shook her head. "That was some moronic worker not listening to her."

"Oh. Well just tell her I can't or something."

"She's like 12 or something, and an orphan. If you got the heart to tell her no then go ahead. I'm not that cruel."

You sigh and get up. "I'll go hear her out then. Guess we'll put a pause on this."

"I'll fill you in after." Tabi said, giving you a pat on the back.

Before you leave you glance to Updike. "You better take those all down."

"Yes, yes, whatever. It will be done."

The restaurant below was empty sans a few remaining customers. You'd gotten used to scanning the crowd and could easily pinpoint when someone who wasn't supposed to be present was around. It came naturally.

Rosie pointed the girl out, sitting at a table with one of the Belladonnas. She appeared sad, tears still glistening. The Belladonna got up and said something to the girl before standing up and walking away, taking some empty trays.

She was a 'stick figure', same species as Ruv, Sarventes and a few others you'd seen recently. Humanoid but there were features that disqualified her humanity.

Rosie stopped, speaking to the Belladonna as you went on. She didn't look in crisis anymore, just depressed. A few crumbs remained on the table.

"Hi. I'm (Y/N)." You say quietly as you take a seat.

Her eyes were a bright teal, enough that even under the light of the cafe shone brightly. Her hair was puffy and the same colour as her skin, a pinkish hue. Though it wasn't long her surrounded her head in a neatly combed 'helmet'.

"Y-you are?" She asked with a sniffle.

You nod.

"I'm Lofie." She said quietly, looking deep into you.

Despite summer having arrived and temperatures warming up, she wore a pink sweater, a bright orange scarf wrapped around her shoulders, tied into a bow. It matched the additional bow she kept atop her had. Below, she wore a red skirt, white knee highs tucked into pink running shoes.

"Move over you." Rosie said to you, butting in. She placed a drink down for the girl. "On the house." In a clear class was some sort of light purplish drink, a bunch of black spheres at the bottom. "T-thank you."

"Now." Rosie started. "What can we do for you?"

Lofie took a few sips of drink. "Can you find my brother?" She said, having to clear her throat.

"Your brother?"

Lofie nodded. "Yes." She placed a piece of paper on the table.

"His name is Radi. I've been-I-I can't find him anywhere. We got separated." She spoke very softly. If it wasn't already quiet in the cafe, she would have been inaudible.

The picture was a simple missing persons poster, the picture of the victim and name displayed. It depicted a stick figure person with a white cowlick and bright, neon green eyes. He had some kind of black hoodie with a green trim. He wasn't smiling, instead showing off a neutral look.

It was the same look you had seen just days prior. Even if you didn't already know his name you'd still would've put two and two together. Expecting Rosie to pick up on it you let her speak.

Rosie studied the picture, investing herself in it. "Radi huh? I'll put the word out. Send a few of my people to start looking." Rosie said.

"Wait. You don't recognize him?" You ask Rosie.

"Why? Should I?"

"That's clearly Nikusa's partner. I mean, he's missing the scar and his mask but it's the same guy. Obviously. And he told me his name is Radi."

"Hmph, well I only barely saw him."

"You've seen him?" Lofie asked. She sat fully up, really curious now. Her expression changed now. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but she appeared brighter.

There had to be some reason he hadn't seen her, unless he legitimately didn't know where she was.

"Yeah!" Rosie said. "Just a few days ago. We worked on a uh-job. Job with him." She turned to you. "Can we even reach him?"

"Ask Aldryx." You said. If there was anyone who could reach Nikusa it would've been him. After all, he was the only one who didn't outright hate her. Rosie nodded and got going.

"You really know him?"

"Barely. I haven't spoken with him. He wears all black and green. Tall guy right? With a mask? Lots of neon green on his jacket."

"I've never seen him with a mask but that sounds like him." She said, sniffling again.

"How long ago were you separated from him?"

"I...don't know. I lost count." She said downcast. "We escaped from this prison. They had all these people like us. I don't know why. They wanted to kill Radi! While we were running I pressed some button woke up alone. I used my hairpin to escape."

You shoot Updike a text as she describes her prison. He denied having any knowledge of Radi prior to Flashbang. You then send another asking about Radi and IRIS. 'I'll look into it.' Updike wrote.

"We're not from around here. I...don't know where here is or where my home is."

"Where have you been staying then?"

"I found one of Radi's friends, Sumire." She spoke barely above a whisper. Whether it was her sadness talking or her natural voice it was tough to hear.

"They don't know where he is either. B-but you have seen him right? I need to find him!"

"We have someone getting in contact now. Just relax."

She sighs and slumps down.

While waiting Updike sent back a text that IRIS had no record of either person, past or present. You guess it could've been another organization. Just how many 'anti-paranormal' groups where there?

Lofie perked up at it the notification, but you sadly inform her it wasn't Radi. It still left a ton of questions though. Something just didn't add up. You rationalize it that he must have just been really edgy and off on some 'finding myself quest'.

"So your brother." You ask. "Was he always like that?"

"Like what?"

"With a mask, all dark and stuff. And, uh, radioactive?"

Lofie looked at you weird, as if she didn't hear you.

"He never wore a mask. And he was always nice. I don't know what radioactive means."

"Huh? Cause when I was with him last he didn't say much. Plus he had these powers, could fire this green liquid and stuff."

"He's never been able to do that. Are you sure it's the right guy?" She asked, the new possibility sinking in.

"I think so. Looks exactly like him. He literally called himself Radi. I don't think that's a coincidence." It starts to dawn on you that the reason he hadn't contacted her might've been to hide that. You can't place judgement as Rosie returns, another perplexed look on her face.

She motions you to get up, saying something on her phone. Cuffing the speaker she whispers to you. "It's him. I'll deal with her." Not understanding you pick up and speak. "Hello?"

You don't stick around long as Rosie makes it clear you need to talk in private. Taking it outside you glance around at the nearby buildings, lights all off.

"It's me." Radi said. "You sure that's my sister?" He sounded as 'dark' as ever.

"I don't know." You respond, a little irate. "She said she had to use her hairpin if that counts for anything."

"It is her then. Listen. You need to tell her you haven't seen me." He sounded a little more worried than the first time.

"Little late for that. She already knows."

"Well then you gotta tell her you were wrong. She can't know."

"Why?" You ask, already gearing up to say it's not edgy to abandon your sister.

"She can't, alright?"

"Not good enough."

"Argh." Radi grumbled. "You're just like her."

"What was that?" You hear someone ask from the other line. It had to have been Nikusa. "N-nothing." Radi said hurriedly.

"A-anyways. Just send her away."

"You still haven't said why. I can't just turn her away. She's just a child." You say, echoing Rosie.

"She's 17." Radi said plainly. "Look, that's not important. She can't see what I've become."

As the conversation continued it became apparently that he was just like Tabi. Even mentioned that he couldn't because he needed to get revenge. "I've become a monster, alight? You happy? God, you're horrible." He muttered.

Definitely like Tabi. You approach it as such. "I've seen your wanted poster; you look the same."

"That's not it. She won't understand. It's better if she doesn't know."

"She's 17." You shoot back. "Just tell her you got powers, it's not that complicated."

"Gosh, shut up! You think I don't know this? I can't see her till I get better, alright, just drop it. I see her again, even if takes a few weeks, months-"

"You know she's homeless right? Wandering around lookin' for you. It's better she at least knows you're safe and getting better. She's staying at one of your friend's house, oh and he doesn't know where you are either." You respond, voice raising a little. You still could not comprehend why he was so against telling her. You tried to control but were getting irater but the second.

"Geez, I'm gonna reach out to her, once-"

"No! Just talk to her now." You shout back. "You know she only found me 'cause of a random poster someone made of me? What if it was some bait? What if she had been hurt trying to find you? You need, must, tell her you're fine so she stops looking for you."

"..." There was no immediate response from Radi. You continue on.

"Oh, and what if the Family found her first? Specially since she's going around telling everyone who you are-"

"Enough, fine! Put her on. God, you must be a cop or something." Radi said. "No wonder I thought you were a fed." He muttered.

"Thank you." You turn back. That outburst did not go as unnoticed as Rosie looks at you with a sly look on her face. You give off a nod and re-enter, sitting back down, Lofie watching you expectantly. Handing off the phone you mutter, "For you. And give it to me when you're done, I'm not through with him."

With a wonder of what Lofie heard from you, she starts talking. It's slow at first, worried it wasn't Radi. Upon confirmation, something about a 'hairpin' her face lit up. You tune out most of the conversation, thinking more about Radi. There was something you wanted to ask, making assumptions from your conversation.

Lofie's expression perks up and a smile starts to form. She still had a look of concern but now with some relief. She concludes her discussion and hands you the phone.

"What do you want?" Radi asked. He didn't sound any more at ease, still annoyed. Like Tabi.

"We're gonna be hitting up some friends soon. You and your tall friend want in? We're gonna need all the help we can get."

"Same deal as Flashbang?"

"Even bigger."

"I'm in. Consider her in too. It's time we end this."

"I'll keep you posted."

"Do that." Radi hung up and you give the phone back to Rosie.

"Thank you very much." Lofie said. Starting to get up, you ask, "All good now?"

She nodded. "Yes! He said he'll see me once he's done his job. I just wish I could help."

"Oh you have, in more ways than you think."

"I can't wait to tell Sumire. They're gonna be happy too."

You nod and return to the meeting room. Rosie chose to stay behind and talk to Lofie more, see her out.

The plan was still in hot progress as roles were assigned and scenarios were planned for. Clearly teams had been officialised as evident by the many holograms of everyone. You even inadvertently saved time as they were in the midst of discussing if Nikusa could join. Eventually Rosie returned too, concluding her business with Lofie.

Eventually, after completing losing track of time the plan finally lay out in front of everyone. While it was just the first iteration, the fact such a plan existed was cause for celebration.

Someone had taken the initiative and named all the teams. There was a total of 6 teams, each made of 3-4 people. A scratched off note on the hologram indicated someone had suggested the entire team as one just raid the place but that was rejected.

The names made little sense, but they were distinct. "I don't understand the team names. Are we even gonna use them?" Nikku said.

"Heh, probably not." S added.

"Regardless. We will use them for planning." Solazar said. Being the first plan, it was indicated things would change a lot.

Team Fortran [Tess, Solazar and Amelia] were set to command from the IRIS data centre, Tess and Solazar watching the cameras, Amelia watching the magic in the air. That is, unless another magic user was recruited. Pompom wasn't sure if her mom would be able to join.

Team Lisp [Nikku, Nikusa and S] were to go in first, wreck what they could and ultimately take over the mailroom. S would get in and start to tamper or make them untrustworthy. Apparently S was also to be given a mech suit to pilot, Theo building it.

Team Python [You, Tabi and the Andromeda Brothers] would be next in once security was disabled. Nikku, with her voice could re-route guards and open the path for the three of you. Tabi would melt open the vault if it couldn't be opened conventionally. Tabi was to be equipped with 'white phosphorous' and you and Aldryx with bags would simply go through the cellar to manor, make way to vault and grab what you could fill.

Theo interjected, something on his mind. Theo had a question. "How much is this Family worth. I mean, we have so many on our team. Are we sure there is enough money to go around?"

Tabi laughed. For him it was revenge, but he liked Theo's honesty. The Family was just a mark in his eyes.

"Their net worth is in the hundreds of millions." Updike said curtly.

"Are we so sure they'll have it there?"

Updike snickered. "Demons are materialistic. They’d wanna see the money there instead of a bank account. For them the number means little compared to a stack of gold bars."

"I see. Fascinating!"

Team Zig [Kapi, Huggy, Theodore and Updike] would be next up. Approaching from the north they would make it to the inlet, scale the cliff and enter the pipe midway. Naturally someone questioned how such a feat could be possible for them.

"Huggy will carry me up." Kapi said, though it took a bit of mental gymnastics to explain to Huggy what he would be doing.

"I can simply climb." Updike said, nobody further questioning his strength.

"I will either build spring legs or simply build a platform that will carry me upwards." Theodore said, nobody questioning his robotics.

From there they would navigate in the tunnel system and eventually meet up with Team Python to help steal.

Things got a little shaky here. Nobody was able to guarantee that Teams Python or Zig would not be discovered at this point. Even under optimal conditions the uncertainty remained. As a result a massive distraction had to occur.

Team Haskell would have to come into play. It was decided that someone would have to break into the compound and cause a distraction. Thanks to intel from both Agoti and Tabi they knew how the Family could summon demons.

That had a Hellgate somewhere on the property. The distraction team would do just that. Blow it up. Based off Lila's notes everyone assumed that to be the building labeled 'Church'. It would have allowed countless demons to be outright summoned, and while nobody had any doubts the Family couldn't summon them they would not have been able to do so at the speed of the gate. It had to be taken out.

The first choice was Radi, though further discussion would be required. Ultimately a demolitionist would be needed. The candidates for this were Radi and Pompom, though whether or not either could destroy it was unknown.

Three possibilities were discussed. Either find a demolitionist or get an archdemon to block the gate for the duration of the operation. With no clear winners it was determined to discuss that later. The final possibility you randomly thought of, recalling someone you had met in TGG.

"What about Valerie, that siren girl? She's one of your prisoners, right?"

"We have stopped calling them prisoners but yes. She is under my care. And no, absolutely not. She is a Zilla level abomination. Far too dangerous."

"What does that mean?" Nikku asked.

"She effectively destroyed the Nexus Harbour with her waves. And those she hardly controlled. She's too powerful and erratic."

"What level am I?"

"Don't concern yourself with it." Updike brushed her off.

"Aw, c'mon Starline. What is it?" S asked, attempting to do puppy eyes from his hologram.

"Can we get back on track please?" Tess asked quietly.

With the gate gone, mailroom compromised, and vault hijacked an escape was needed.

Team Cobol [Rosie, Radi, Pompom and a taskforce of Belladonnas-IRIS-TGG] would collect everyone and escape. Radi, using his nuclear powers could melt the road and create roadblocks for pursuers. Rosie, alongside several others from IRIS, TGG and her own clique would grab everyone and drive.

Rosie, wanting a little more action also volunteered to scale a nearby building and take sniper shots, possibly acting as another distraction in case one demon got too curious. Pompom wasn't happy about being 'support' again and protested, only stopping when Solazar stated this was just a draft, that things would likely change.

Everyone would head north until the outskirts of the city were reached. When close enough Zardy would be able to appear, hide all treasures and destroy all evidence. From there everyone would be teleported to the data centre where they could split, then the money would be distributed from Pompom's house or even laundered through Rosie's, Blackjack, IRIS, TGG, etc. There were options. Depending on the speed of the chase, retreat to the data centre was also possible.

"We'll play it by ear." Rosie said.

On the topic of Blackjack, Updike two things to say. "First, I went looking for Blackjack to speak to him about recruitment or laundering the money. Suffice to say I couldn't find him. He appears to have vanished. The employees claimed not to have known where he went."

"Weird. I'll go to the arcade and look for him." Kapi said. "Probably got scared of you."

Updike grumbled, not saying anything further. It would make sense a demon would avoid him. "The second thing is that the crew from that arcade battle still owe me a favour. It is possible they could be a distraction crew."

"Could we use them for blowing up the gate?" Tess asked, not knowing what Updike was talking about.

You looked to Kapi who shook his head. "Not likely." Updike spoke for you. "Fodder maybe but I personally can't seem them coordinating something like that...they are more entertainers than soldiers, to put it lightly."

The plan wasn't without its faults. With a high importance bank and prestigious academy flanking the southeast and west, surveillance would be strong. And even if they weren't targeted there was no telling they wouldn't help out the Family. A route was determined, north, along the cliff onto the highway.

Even then, if police were called or nearby surveillance caught anyone those would have to be stopped. It was Theodore who proposed an E.M.P. or S to hack everything.

"Electromagnetic Pulse." He said confidently. "Simply put, a bomb that explodes in electricity, shutting down all systems within range." Theo got excited at the idea, even going ahead and announcing he would deploy one in the shell he planned to make for S. It would detonate once the crew was out of range. "I, of course will need some necessary parts and objects."

"I'll supply them. We'll talk." Updike said.

The other issue Tess brought up, though it'd been sitting at the back of your mind since the Carnival formed. "There's no way we won't be seen, right?" She spoke up. "Plus, aren't they gonna know it's us? They already targeted us once..."

When it came to that risk, you, Tabi, the Andromedas and Updike already accepted it. If the Family wanted a go afterwards they were welcome to try. It didn't occur to you that Kapi, Tess, and the others didn't need or want that target on their back.

Pompom already had the answer, annoyed it was forgotten. "Mom taught me a spell a long time ago that can erase minds! Or at least make it so the last few hours didn't happen." She said happily. "It's called damnatio memoriae! I just gotta cast the spell on each of them and poof! They forget all about us-In fact! That's why I gotta be with the main teams!" Her ears perked up.

"We should theoretically be able to boost the spell power remotely, or at least use amplifiers to ensure it hits a perimeter. Of course, if we do this then no killing the family members. They need to be alive to get the spell's effects." Updike said, looking to Tabi. Solazar and you also glanced to him, instantly figuring Tabi would be the most opposed.

Tabi groaned. "Fine."

"We'll need to get the teams to scatter them too...I will see what my people have in inventory."

Pompom's ears drooped. "So I can't run in then?"

"As I said." Solazar said. "We shall see."

With no more suggestions on the table, the meeting wrapped up.

Tabi summarized it for everyone. "We need a demolitionist or a demon to destroy the Gate. Any objections?"

There were none. Everyone was on the same page.

Radi joined the party!

The next chapter will be called The Tank.

Chapter Text

With the end of the week arriving there wasn't a full roster tonight. Aldryx and Solazar were not present. Instead, they were at Agoti's latest show, making an appearance to support his comeback.

Tabi had been asked, or rather, you were asked by Solazar to bring him. Much as you were interested you settled for his Sunday show, which led Solazar to comment, "I'll be surprised if you could get him out then." He did not elaborate further.

You weren't sure what he meant but figure to ask Tabi later. For now it was the group meeting and the plan needed fleshing out.

Radi and Nikusa were invited but had not shown.

Rosie stepped out earlier, a phone call catching her attention. Pompom went with her, herself wanting some pastries. Rosie said it would take some time but Pompom had no problem waiting, enjoying the atmosphere of the restaurant. She'd left Huggy upstairs with everyone else.

Everyone else was accounted for.

Fairies fluttered about the place. They'd gotten used to everyone's appearance. Tabi in particular they liked, though the love was one-way. He didn't need anyone fawning over him. Not anymore.

"We need a demolitionist." You start. "We'll discuss getting that demon to bar the summons but for now we need someone to blow it up. It's a far more likely to get a bomber anyways. So far we considered Radi but I don't think he'll be able to melt the whole gate, if it's even affected by radioactive waste."

"Indeed. Those gates are surprisingly resilient. Self-healing even." Updike said.

"Does anyone know someone who can deal with bombs? Updike? There anyone in the prison we can use? Ruv?"

"I have been looking into it. We don't have any specialized explosive people. That's more of a...normal criminal act than what we deal with. We have someone who may be able to freeze it...though hunting him down will be a challenge. Ruv could work but doesn't know discreetness. He blows up the gate, half the city will know."

"Wait!" Kapi said, ears perking up. "I know someone...Think I said before, but nobody got back to me! He was at the arcade too."

"You did?" Nikku asked.

"Yeah. You remember that bomb-headed guy? Whitty? I'm sure he could blow up the gate. Dunno where to find him though. I could probably ask Cyr-"

"Whitmore." Updike spoke rather loudly, catching Kapi off guard. You remember him from the arcade battle too. Didn't say much but was as raucous as Kapi. You vaguely recall Kapi floating the name at some point earlier, but nothing ever came of it. Everyone was still high off the success of Earthquake then.

"Yeah. You know him?" Kapi asked.

"He is completely out of the question." Updike said icily.

You recall Whitty leaving in a huff at some point though never found out why. Cyrix didn't seem to know either. Then Updike showed up and dispersed everyone, chastising you all for making a scene. He never mentioned Whitty nor did he ask. Thinking on it, you wonder if they were connected. Would explain Updike's sudden standoffishness.

"What? Why?" Kapi asked. "I mean, he was kind of dick in school but he probably mellowed out. Know I did."

"You really went to school with him?"

"Yep! A year older than me."

"I think I know him. Loudmouth. Bomb for a head right?" Tabi asked. He was leaning back in his chair, toothpick in mouth.

"You know him too?" Updike asked demurely. His black eyes shone surprise.

"I've only seen him. Doesn't like that Family either."

"Hold on." Updike said, actually getting up. "You both have heard of him? Be serious."

Both Tabi and Kapi said yes, the former even adding "Agoti likes his music too."

"Oh!" Tess chimed in. "I know him. Least I think I do. He was a regular at my cafe."

Still tired from Flashbang, it slipped your mind you did recognize him. Registering what how Tabi described him. "Yeah...I think I remember seeing him in the police database back when I was looking for members. You guys were handling the case right?"

"Yes." Updike let out a growl, showing uncharacteristic anger of all sudden. "Whitty is a zilla class abomination. Even ignoring his long history with my people. He is my number one target." Updike said.

"Oh wow." S said. "That's rich. You got a nemesis?" Updike ignored him.

With a knock at the door, Rosie arrived. She had a perplexed look on her face.

"Don't mean to interrupt, but we might have a problem..."

"What's wrong?" Tess asked first.

After making sure the door was closed properly, Rosie spoke. "Nikusa's 'crew'. It's just her and the green guy right?"

"Far as we know." Updike responded.

"Is she coming tonight actually?" Kapi asked.

"No. She is overseeing Radi's treatment. He'll be available tomorrow." Updike said gruffly.

"Anyways." Rosie shook her head. "I've had some people watching the compound, just figure out their daily movements and stuff. Some woman went up to the compound, shouting crap about the family."

"So?" Tabi said.

"Started saying all this stuff about, how they're all evil, she wants revenge, they killed her friend, typical things we hear here."

"Go on..." Updike said impatiently.

"Well then, she drank some liquid and got jacked. That's what my Donnas said. Turned her skin blue or something. Some demons came out and she made ripped 'em apart. Then she smashed in the fence even though it was electrified. They said she got stronger and start taking them out, brutalizing them, throwing them back, so on. She almost got overwhelmed but I had my Belladonnas pick her up. They're en route now."

"What?" Tabi asked, kicking his foot off the table. "Are they being followed?"

"Well not really. They had to knock her out. It looked more like a kidnapping then us intervening." Rosie said. "Not to mention they were disguised as pigs." She added quietly.

"What was that?" You ask.

"Nothing!" Rosie said with the fakest smile she could muster.

"Is she an abomination?" Updike asked.

"You keep saying that word and to be honest, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Was she human or anthro? Or just a lookalike?" Updike said flatly.

"She's just a regular human I think. Though my people said that she 'deflated' when they drove her back, so I don't know."

"I guess we'll talk to her when she wakes up...and when she gets here." You add.

"Sounds good. They'll tell me when she arrives. So-"

Pompom came back in, downcast. This was noticed immediately by nearly everyone. The sniffle she did when she sat down signified something seriously wrong. Huggy was the first one to react, pulling her into a hug. Next was Kapi who asked, "Are you okay?"

Pompom looked up, eyes red and tears streaming. "I-i'm fine."

Updike stood up. "Like hell you are. What happened?" He spoke for everyone.

"I was, was downstairs getting a pancake and some guys, they made fun of me, said I wasn’t cute, called me mangy, I smell, i don't smell and I called them out and a-aand they pulled a knife on meeee!" She said, bawling now. Huggy held her tighter.

Rosie's eyes burned brightly, as did several other people present. She stood up first.

"Are they still there?"

"I t-think so."

"Good."

Rosie pulled out a pink handgun and cocked it. "If you'll excuse me..."

"Wait." Tabi stood up. His hat covered his eyes but that did little to hide the fires in them. "I'm coming."

"Let's give them a chat." Rosie said and the two left.

You and the others considered going to but there was such a thing as overkill.

An awkward silence filled the room. Pompom kept to herself, though Updike of all people tried to cheer her up, making comments about how those people didn't mean to do it, that Rosie and Tabi would set them straight. Not helping, she sniffled again. Updike turned on MALLEUS, showing Pompom all sorts of crazy things he could do with it. S too, struck a pose on the hologram, doing his best to help. It helped, Pompom cheering up.

A few minutes later Rosie and Tabi returned, the former carrying a tray of sweets and goodies.

"All for you." Rosie said as she placed it in front of the farmer's girl.

"Really?"

"Yep! Those guys apologized and ordered you a big tray of your favourites. They won't do it ever again." Rosie said wickedly.

The double-meaning was lost on innocent Pompom who believed Rosie made them see the error of their ways. You nod to Rosie who nodded back. You didn't need to know the details, nor did anyone else.

You notice a few stains on Tabi's snout as he takes a seat. Dirt and what you hope wasn't his blood speckled across his snout.

"You good?" You ask him. You hand him a paper towel, Tabi wiping the not-his-blood off.

"Am now."

"So what were you guys talking about?" Rosie said as she sat down. She looked fine, not the least bit roughed up. As she took a seat she wiped down her handgun, acting as if nothing occurred.

"We need a demolitionist, you know any?" You ask.

"Nope."

"Well there's Whit-"

"I've already put my foot down. We are not recruiting him." Updike said, raising his voice again.

"Why not?" Pompom asked, a little confused by his opposition.

"Whitty is-" Updike paused as he thought. "Whitty is capable of levelling the city and the only reason he still walks this earth is because one of my comrades stuck up for him. A deal was made with him and his girlfriend. Even so, he is still our number one target." Updike raised his voice. Whether in frustration or perplexity, he was showing far more emotion than before. He even stood up. "Not to mention his extensive history with the family."

"I mean-"

"We are not recruiting Whitty! That is final!" Updike shouted. Another awkward silence formed in the room. Nobody was really sure how to respond to Updike's outburst. The fae in particular fluttered back into their tree, worried that a storm was coming.

Tabi responded first, foot on the table rocking his chair back and forth. "That just makes him more appealing." He said.

"I-I agree." Nikku added. "And he wasn't that bad when he helped us save the arcade. Maybe you just don't know him well enough?"

"Oh I know him well. I know him very well. He is a nuisance at worst, harbinger of death at best."

You listened in on the arguing, not adding much. It was essentially Kapi and Tabi vs. Updike, Tess supporting the former. "Kapi. You went to school with him. Any of that true?" You press in.

"I don't know what he's on about. Whitty was a bully sure but he never did anything evil."

"I don't believe you went to school with him." Updike said, back on the defensive.

"I don't believe you." Nikku added finally. "After how you treated me I not going to trust what you say about Whitty."

"Recruit him and I, the lord help me I will go after this team. TGG will not stand by you."

"Whoa, take it easy." Theo and Pompom said, alarmed at Updike's sudden anger. "Yeah, relax man." You said. "We're just spitballing." Things were starting to get heated and you spoke without thinking.

"TGG makes decisions as a 3 right? Well what do your 'comrades' have to say about Whitty joining?"

Updike's glare was instant, but you had a point. "They are not part of this team. They cannot and will not make this decision. You sound like a child going to the other parent for approval."

"Come on. You already said one of them stuck up for him. Plus the city's still intact. What happened?"

"I've had enough of this." Updike stood up and adjusted his tie. He was ready to leave.

"You know if you don't tell I'll go to the others of the trio, ask them, right? You're being completely unreasonable!" You shouted at the weatherman.

Finally, Updike sighed. "You people really have no idea. He and I have a history. Mortal enemies for years. Ducked me several times, narrowly avoiding my grasp. Just 7 months ago he blew up an entire city block as part of some....rap battle! He should have been made there but managed to avoid the Nightstalkers. If it wasn't for who his girlfriend was he would have been killed." He took a breath before continuing his plea. "Whitty is the worst kind of abomination. Dangerous and reckless. It was a miracle no one was hurt. He is my mortal enemy and he knows it. And even if we do find him?! He won't join. He hates and I hate him. He even had the gall to attack my a few nights back."

"Well hold on." You say, figuring it out. "Whitty probably thought agents were there for him. Probably got all paranoid and thought Ruv getting arrested was for him. Guy ran and accidentally hit you."

"If by accidentally, you mean intentionally then yes. I should have arrested him then and there too and if Flashbang wasn't so pertinent I would have! I cannot work with my nemesis."

"Get over yourself. Kapi's my arch nemesis and I'm here working with him." S said innocently enough. "And who says we can't catch him. Maybe you can't, with all your girth, but we can!"

Huggy nodded in agreement. He barely understood the comment but Updike reminded him of the scientists he used to be. He must be wrong, Huggy thought.

"S has a point." You say. "We're all working together even if we don't see eye-to-eye. I mean, look at all the bad blood between Rosie and I. And Tabi and Zardy, Solazar and Nikusa, hell even between you and Disp-"

"I get it. I don't need to hear your platitudes."

"Well?"

"There doesn't seem to be any convincing you otherwise. Fine. If you can track him down, convince him I won't kill him on sight and then convince him to blow himself up to take out a demon gate then sure."

"And you. You won't attack him when we find him?"

"Er, hold on. The girl's arrived." Rosie spoke up.

Tabi got up. "I'll deal with her."

"Huh? Why?" Rosie asked. You too was curious.

"She sounds like someone I used to know. Answer (Y/N)'s question first."

"Hmph. Fine. You find him, I won't touch him. But I won't put that in writing." Updike said firmly. Tabi just shrugged and started to walk away. He gave you a nod before trotting off.

"Can I go too?" Pompom asked, raising her hand.

Tabi shrugged. "Sure. Let's go."

The two got up and left, Rosie following them.

"What exactly did he do you?" You ask.

"I have no reason to divulge that history. That's classified information, even to someone-" Updike said.

"It was just a question, geez." You lay back. "Alright fine. How about this? You, Kapi, one of your 'comrades' and Tess go find him. Have a chat, and if he refuses then that's the end of that." You offer.

Updike shook his head. "This is a complete waste of time. And where do you expect I start looking?" He was now being purposely obtuse. You weren't going to let it slide.

"You really have no idea where he is? I find that a little hard to believe, especially if he's TGG target number one. And he was hanging out with some girl and Displo's brother that night. We just track them down and ask."

"Argh, fine. I do know where he is. Well, one of my comrades does. I'll take up this offer. Show you, and you that he is not all you think he is cracked up to be. But do I have to bring those two?"

"I know Whitty. Maybe not that well but I can talk to him." Kapi chimed in. "And I know him too!" Tess added.

"Would you rather I send Tabi and Aldryx instead?"

"Fine. Don't bring that red-headed freak. You'll see how futile this is. If he doesn't kill us all first. We will depart tomorrow evening, speak to Whitmore, then attend the meeting."

"That's settled then. Anyone need to add anything else? S, can you grab Whitty's police file? I want to see it."

"Sure!" And with a flash S vanished.

Tabi, Rosie, Pompom walked downstairs in silence. "How do you know her?" Pompom asked.

"I don't. But I wanted to get to her before anyone else."

"Huh, why?"

"Because what she did sounds exactly like what I would do."

"What, just run in and fight them? But you'd lose on your own."

"I know."

"So you just charge in and die? I don't get it."

"You will one day. Why did you come anyways?"

"To be honest, I wanted some more cake!"

"We certainly got plenty of that." Rosie joked. "Plus, you act as a good counter-balance to Sir Edge here."

"Hmph." Tabi growled.

"Oh go bomb another restaurant."

"What?! How do you-"

"People talk honey." With the push of a door they entered the main dining room.

Like the other day, the restaurant was barren. Even more so tonight. Rosie didn't mind. Breakfast was always the busiest, followed by lunch. Dinner-time always had reduced service, only two reasons for even staying open late. One, to test out new products and deserts, and two, to serve coffee and such to the overnight workers starting their shifts.

They were currently in reduced mode, ovens all resting.

The place was empty excluding a few stragglers in booths. When such things happened Rosie allowed the workers to slack off; that as long as they continued to serve whatever customers were present they could relax. A few were around, giggling on their phones at the counter.

One of the donnas was sitting with the girl at the counter. She motioned Rosie and company over.

Tabi's eyes were immediately caught, watching as the girl held a vodka bottle. In one swig she downed the whole thing, clear liquid vanishing into her gullet. Most impressive, Tabi thought.

Her long black hair obscured her eyes, bangs completely covering the upper half of her head. It flowed down to her back, though not in any specific direction, just spreading out as it got lower. It had not been combed or touched-up in some time as it appeared frazzled and jagged in as it flowed down.

She had pale skin and a wide build. Based on what Rosie had heard, she figured it had to have been muscle. Though she may have been short, if she really ripped that fence she was much stronger than she looked.

Tabi picked up on the devil horns formed in the top of her head out of hair, though unsure if intentional or not. A closer look revealed it was instead a beanie that somehow matched the exact same colour as her hair.

"What you want?" She said, a vocal crack as she addressed the three. She didn't sound drunk rather tired and depressed. Tabi had heard that tone of voice before. It was how he sounded when he first woke up as 'this'.

"We want to talk." He said first. "'Bout what you did just now."

With a clear of a throat she spoke. "Shoulda let me die there," she mumbled, looking into the bottle.

She wore a black t-shirt, a red undershirt underneath, holding the bottle with red fingerless gloves, the same bright red that matched her pants. Pompom noticed that they both looked a little big on her, the pants pooling around her black shoes and shirt covering part of her lower waist.

"I think we can help." Rosie said with a smile. "Let's go somewhere a little more private."

"Whatever." The girl got up, abandoning the bottle.

"Name's Rosie. And these are my friends, Pompom and Tabi." She held out a hand.

"Hmph." She said without looking at either. "Annie."

Rosie lowered her hand, Annie not caring to shake. She led them to her office. In the few days since anyone on the team had last stepped in nothing had changed. Same bright pink wallpaper and the same 'in-progress' look as before.

Tabi found it ugly but said nothing. Pomona on the other hand was much more receptive, commenting that it was pretty.

"So what's this about? I was fine just killing myself." She mumbled. Annie took a seat in one of the large chairs, landing in it with a puff. Rosie sat down at her 'throne', Tabi standing behind, hands on the desk. as he leaned on. Pomona took a seat at the remaining chair, moving it over so she could see both Annie and Rosie.

"Tell us what happened." Rosie said.

"What's the point, ugh." Annie clutched her stomach briefly. "You wouldn't understand."

"I think we would."

"Oh yeah, what're you anyways? Feds? Wanna hear a confession? Fine, went there to rip that stupid mother's head off her body! Would've done so if you didn't interfere." She grumbled.

"Do I look like a fed to you?" Rosie said, a little irate. Though Annie couldn't have known it was one of the few things that pissed Rosie off.

"We aren't cops." Tabi said.

"Nope! Never met one in my life, er, except (Y/N)." Pompom added.

"Well then why'd you take me? Wha, you just watch the base? Kidnap intruder-argh." Her stomach grumbled, unclear if she was sick or hungry.

"We represent people wronged by the family."

"Uh-uh. And what did they do to you?"

"I'm not supposed to look like this." Tabi said bluntly.

Annie hadn't really looked at Tabi or Pomona yet. Glancing up she was taken aback by Tabi's appearance. "Oh, um sorry."

"Those bastards targeted my fairies and territory. And their tearing down my forest." Rosie added.

"And they sent a demon after me!" Pomona said with a little too much enthusiasm.

"There are others too, just like you." Tabi said.

Annie gulped, not out of fear but as she tried to process everything.

"What did they do to you?" Rosie asked calmly.

"Garcy." She said quietly, looking back at the carpeted floor.

"?"

"Garcello. He was my best friend. Got involved with that stupid family. Or they forced him, I don't know. I warned him-, I-" Annie put a hand up to her mouth as she started to bawl. It took a few seconds but tears started to flow down past her hidden eyes.

Pompom got up and, taking a tissue off the desk handed it to Annie. She wiped her face. "Thanks."

"They wanted him to take out some blue-haired kid."

Tabi wanted to say something but let her keep speaking. "And...I don't know. He didn't do it fast enough, he failed, t-they thought he flipped, I don't know, they just killed him. Those kids. Left him to die. Blue-haired brat and a red-haired girl. Cops told me."

"You sure it was them?" Rosie asked.

"I don't know why they would. I went to the hospital. He could have been saved! T-the doctor said he he coulda been resuscitated.." Annie was trembling now. Pompom walked up and tried to pat Annie. Annie mistook it and grabbed Pompom, pulling her into a tight hug, crying onto her shoulder.

Tabi knew better than to say anything but in his mind there was one thought. I knew that Girl and Boy were bad news. That was proof. He felt completely vindicated.

"When was this?" He asked.

Annie took a deep breath and let go of Pompom. "S-sorry. Two weeks ago, I think. Cops said they would investigate but they gave up. They work with the family. I know it. Those frickin' people even blew up some guy's restaurant. Same night. Just for kicks probably."

"I'm sorry to hear. Two weeks back they attacked me and my lover. Sent a demon to carve us up. I nearly died." Tabi said quietly.

"Then you understand why I did it. We have to go and stop them, before they can harm anyone else. I want to know why, why they did it to Garcello, and, and," Annie spoke incoherently, her mind awash with emotion.

"We will, be sure of that. I want you to join us." Tabi said. "We're planning to take them all out, hit 'em where it hurts."

"Just a minute." Rosie spoke up. "My people said you drank something and got strong. What's that about?"

"It's this." Annie pulled out a large can of glowing blue liquid. "It makes me stronger, powerful. I can do anything. I was going to overdose, march right into the castle and ring the life from those people." The can had various lines on it, indicating dosages.

"But, what is it?" Pompom asked.

"I can't say. Garcy and I just always called it THE LIQUID. All I need to know is that it's my key to ending those monsters." She cursed.

"You think you could rip stone?"

"Yep. Anything. Just tell me what you need, ugh, smashed and I will."

Rosie looked to Tabi and Pompom. Without speaking both knew the answer. She was in. "I'll ask." Tabi said and stepped out, heading back upstairs.

Pompom followed Tabi, wanting to get some cake on the way up. There were a few remaining slices of a lemon pie. As the worker cut them up, Pomona had a question for Tabi.

"So you really didn't know her?"

"I don't."

"Then-"

"I wanted to see her before Updike could." Tabi said, cutting Pompom off.

"Why? I don't get it."

"I don't trust him. He doesn't like people like us."

"Hm?"

"Abominations."

"I see. I don't think he's that bad. Just a hardhead. He's like my dad."

"Hm."

With a shit-eating grin, S returned with the file. He made sure to look Updike in the eye as he displayed it on MALLEUS.

You wanted to ask Updike more about Whitty but he refused. An argument broke out between Kapi, Tess, Nikku, S and You against Updike regarding his file. It backed up what Updike had said about the Family.

Nikku doubted its authenticity since TGG did handle the case. Before the argument could get more heated Tabi and Pompom returned bearing news about Annie. Nobody had any objections, though Updike was curious about her liquid. It helped diffuse the situation and change topics.

Introducing Annie, Tabi blurted out his hypothesis that BF and GF were the ones who killed Garcello. An argument then broke out between you and him, you not believing they would have done so.

Her ability did not fully satisfy the requirements of the gate but it did provide a possible backup if Whitty rejected. For now, it was a matter of recruiting the demolitionist. Updike commented on it, stating that 'when Whitty throws us out, we'll at least have someone saner on our side'. It was also guessed that she could team up with other team members to destroy the gate.

She wanted more revenge when the plan explained to her, that she wanted to be the one who killed Mommy and Daddy. That was impossible though it determine she could help take stuff from the vault when all was said and done.

Hearing her account of events directly from Annie gave a different story. She wasn't sure it was just them but mainly just wanted to know why they were there when he died. Why they left him for dead. Tabi was less convinced but ultimately concluded that they still couldn't be trusted. Updike backed him up on that, though nobody had even suggested recruiting BF and GF.

For now it was up to Kapi, Tess, Updike and one 'comrade' to find and speak to Whitty. You had no idea what it held but the more Updike spoke of Whitty, the more he sounded like a perfect fit. You wonder if Whitty had stayed that night, if there would have been a showdown between him and Updike, if Updike would have betrayed the team to get him. Whatever the case, he did not like that bomb-headed man.

Annie has joined the party!

The next chapter will be called 2 Seconds to Armageddon.

Chapter Text

Updike sighed yet again. He lost count of the times he'd sighed on this trip. He didn't want to be here. He especially didn't want to be here accompanied by the others. The same three thoughts cycled through in his head as he stared aimlessly at his phone. The screen shut off ages ago and he didn't power it back on.

This was a bad idea.

Whitty was his 'turf'.

How dare they force him into this.

Those same three thoughts repeated over and over again, providing something to keep his mind from wandering. He sighed again.

Early evening stood the time. Around dinner, it had been decided to instead meet Whitty, get his (dis)approval then depart for the night. Solazar left a message that he would wish to meet him first, already peeved that Annie joined under his nose. That meeting would occur Monday.

Updike sat in the back of a TGG shock van, one meant for transporting and deploying teams. The driver was obscured except for a bulletproof window which showed his head. Updike sat on one of the benches, not buckled in, because if the car got into a collision it would be the car that be destroyed, not him.

Across from him sat Tess, her armor a different colour. While she always had a bright green metallic outfit it was now a darker green, her eyes lighting up far brighter than the armour's colour. Just this morning she had no idea she could change her colours at will, learning it before they could paint her.

She found she had such an ability like a chameleon. Upon discovery, S christened her Espio, a reference that was lost on everyone, including Tabi and yourself (despite having just met the real Epsio days prior).

Next to Tess sat Kapi, twiddling his thumbs. Unlike the others he was decked out in TGG armor, the helmet sitting on the bench with him. Updike had convinced him put on the uniform after repeatedly describing Whitty's 'vile crimes'. The police report didn't help either, further depicting Whitty as some sort of psychopath. As much as Kapi refused to admit he was worried the Whitmore he once knew was nothing like the current one. He was torn between Updike's claims and his own personal experiences having re-met Whitty day's prior.

He still believed part of Whitty was good and that was the justification he was unarmed.

Across from Kapi, sat Abott, one of the three leaders of The Greater Good. A 'fallen' angel, he, along with another and Updike ruled TGG as equals. Up until recently anyways. Updike had begun to dedicate his time to the Carnival, making sure everyone stayed safe and no legal hurdles were felt. The other two ran the actual company as well as helped out IRIS now.

This had actually been the first time Updike had spent any extended amount of time with Abott in weeks. He was too annoyed to care though.

Like Updike he was considered an 'abomination'. He had one large blue eye that occupied the centre of his face. Thin feathers covered his entire head. Near the top of his cranium two wings emerged from either side. Although they weren't strong enough to lift him; spread far enough that he could completely cover his face.

Around his eye circled a yellow ring of feathers, a similar patch appeared in the bottom centre of his jaw.

Hanging from his ears, a large gold hoop earing on each. If Updike was feeling particularly mean he would have commented on how they were really handles but they would've just been mean-spirited. Abott was not as wide as Updike but somehow stood even taller than the cloudman.

While Updike wore his trademarked suit, Abott dressed more casually, opting for a black turtleneck and black jacket upon that. He dressed more to observe art then track down some 'serial bomber'.

Abott had been informed of the plan. He already knew the team's true goal and welcomed it. He was also the one who revealed to Updike that he knew where Whitty was. It did nothing but make him angry, but he didn't complain much. He suspected Abott knew. After all, it was Abott's intervention that Updike was forced off the case.

Abott in particular chose to go. Back then he said that Updike had become too obsessive, taking the case too personally and thereby violating TGG's rules. As Whitty wasn't actually breaking any crimes Sterling and Abott forced Updike to stop looking into him. Said 'you are becoming the thing you vowed to destroy'. It was a tough time for the three of them.

Updike dared not think it but deep down it was Abott's presence he didn't want around right now. Tess and Kapi he could manipulate. Abott he couldn't control, nor would he stand for Updike's tactics. It was your idea to have Updike bring one of his equals and Updike spent a lot of time trying to think if it was because you too realized this fact.

Abott knew that very well, even explaining to Tess and Kapi a bit of the 'Whitmore incident', how their rivalry drove each to a breaking point, putting many innocent people at risk.

Kapi and Tess had been quiet, occasionally talking to themselves. Kapi didn't have much to say to Abott, having stared at his one eye too long, Abott asking 'what're you looking at?'. Kapi sheepishly apologized and looked away.

The vehicle stopped long after the four had stopped keeping track of time.

"This is the drop off point. Call me when ready for pickup." The driver said. "Good luck for the Greater Good!" He proclaimed.

"Please stop trying to make that a thing." Updike whispered to Abott.

Clearing his through, Updike took control of the situation. "We follow my orders. This is a class zilla abomination, far more dangerous than anything you have dealt with. I shall go first."

Abott ignored the orders and instead got up and unlocked the door, stepping out into the early summer evening.

"We aren't capturing him though. We just need to talk to him."

"Well he's very skittish."

"Hm." Abott said lazily. "I wonder why."

"Quiet you."

"I'll go. He knows me anyways." Kapi got up and skipped out the truck.

Updike and Tess stepped out; Updike annoyed nobody listened to his orders.

Kapi looked around. Presently they stood in a motel parking lot. A two-floor building, almost encircling the lot. Each and every room looked exactly the same. Same plastic chair out front, faded green door, mailbox and buzzer just next to it. A lamp stat to the side of them though most were out.

The only difference was the numbers scribed upon the doors and the different ways each door decayed. Suffice to say the motel had seen better days.

It stood in a touristy area of town, and even though the parking lot was dead, people were walking around the perimeter, passing the motel onto more enticing buildings. Various attractions, casinos, museums, oddities, and the coveted boardwalk all sat nearby.

Updike understood the significance. Hard to catch someone if they lived in a place as public as this.

"No." Updike said to Kapi. "You'll get yourself killed. And put your helmet on. We cannot be seen."

Satisfied the driver took off, turning onto some back street, out of sight.

"Fine." Kapi put the helmet on, easily covering his furry head.

"I think the little guy has a point." Abott chimed in. "Better to send someone friendlier towards him than you."

"We haven't confirmed he knows the target yet."

"Gosh, stop being such a stuck-up." Kapi said annoyed. "I literally went to school with him. Why would I even lie about that? Bro I saw him a few days ago!"

"Whatever. Send him in then." Updike shrugged. He looked to Abott. "Well which is it?"

"Suite 811."

Kapi marched off, climbing the stairs as he ran up. Tess went along with him, much to Updike's annoyance.

Leaving the two leaders alone, Abott saw fit to question Updike. "You know, if you really don't want to do this you don't have to."

"I do. They have made it clear they want him." Updike sighed. "And even if not, I cannot fault that he would be adequate for the mission."

"...Because you expect him to be killed."

"What I think doesn't matter-"

"Relax. Gosh. Just play along, make a team happy." Abott said.

Waiting a second, Abott changed the subject. "Ha! Still can't believe you're a team with abominations, especially one that broke out. Really unlike you. Still torn up about that robot?"

"He wasn't just some robot. He was the nicest and most respectful IRIS agent I have ever met. He was one of us. Speaking of which, how is his state?"

"They're gettin there. Shame though, sounds like my kinda guy."

Peering at the door close up only solidified how dingy the place was. Cracks in the door, chipped paint, a handle Tess knew she could easily break off. The place wasn't in disrepair, but it was clear rent wasn't funding the place.

It served to make Kapi a sadder at Whitty's state. The way he understood Abott, TGG caused all of this.

Kapi knocked on the door, only realizing there was a buzzer later.

There was no immediate response, although he could have sworn he heard someone sigh.

Kapi and Tess knocked again. "Whitty?" Kapi asked.

Again there was no response.

"Target is on the move." Updike said from the comlink. He took immediately, running off, a white boulder. Annoyed, Abott followed him, taking flight.

"I told you this was a stupid idea." Updike cursed through the comlink. Kapi, not wanting to be left behind ran after and jumped off the second floor, leaving Tess to her lonesome.

On the ground Updike gave orders. "Abott will cover the skies. I am heading towards his position. Kapi, make way across the street and try to cut him off. Tess. Stay put in case he circles back."

Tess ignored it. "This is a bad idea. We aren't trying to catch him!"

"I warned you he was skittish!" Updike shouted. Tess watched as Kapi ran onto the street, following Updike's orders.

She had much better hearing than Kapi and could hear someone on the other side of the door. Trying the handle she found it unlocked. Carefully she pushed it open, peering her head in. The lights were on, and it showcased a simple living room, no one present.

At least, Tess thought so before she heard a gun cock next to the door, aimed at her head. "Ah!" Tess shouted. "Don't shoot! I didn't know anyone was in here, sorry!"

"Don't move, er. Tess?" A familiar voice asked. Suddenly the gun was put away and the door opened, Tess now seeing in fully. Standing in front of her, with a confused look on her face was some woman.

Tess recognized her instantly, even recalling her name. She always said hello when eating at her cafe, a regular customer.

"C-carol, right? You were Whitty's girlfriend."

Standing at about Tess' height stood Carol. She had curly black hair that he been stylized into an afro. It curled around her head, stopping around dark eyes and puffing around, like Updike's hair did, albeit not covering her dark skin.

Though summer she dressed warmly wearing a grey t-shirt and lighter grey long sleeve under it.

"Still am. The hell are you doing here? I thought your restaurant blew up."

Below her shirt were jean shorts and black, thigh-high socks, white stripe present along the top. She wielded a shotgun, holding it at her side.

"I-it did." Tess cleared her throat. "I-i'm looking for Whitty. Is he around?"

Despite being inside, she wore her black and white sneakers, though Tess guessed it was cleaner in those than the motel.

"Heh, what do you think? Those your friends outside?"

"Yes! But not like that. We just want to talk to him. Lemme explain."

"Cut him off!" Kapi ran across the street, ducking traffic. There was a fortunate break in the foot traffic, so Kapi didn't have to worry about being embarrassed.

He ducked into an alley between two restaurants. Out of breath he panted in the darkness. Can't see out of this stupid helmet. He thought. Aside from some light from the street he couldn't see much here. "This is so stupid." He spat. "Never wanted to do-" Someone grabbed Kapi and slammed him against the restaurant wall, holding him by the throat, off the ground.

"It's over for you." Kapi's eyes went wide as he saw his assailant's hand light up, a red spark glowing in it.

Recognizing the voice, Kapi started to panic. "Whitty! Relax it's me! It's me! I'm not armed!"

"Huh?" The grip on Kapi's throat lessened. Knowing what he had to do, Kapi struggled and unbuckled the helmet, throwing it off. He hoped Whitty still recognized him.

"It's me Kap-" Whitty put a hand on Kapi's mouth, shushing him. He held Kapi still as someone ran by, either Updike or Abott. It was too fast to tell.

"Keep your voice down." Whitty said in the darkness.

Once clear Whitty took his hand off Kapi, whispering angrily at the catboy. "What the hell are you doing here? How did you find me? Why are you working with that psycho?!"

"I need your help!" Kapi whispered back.

"What?" Whitty asked, now confused.

"There you are." Updike said tersely. His frame blocked out the alley, casting a shadow over it. He drew something from his pocket.

"Just me and you and..." Updike saw Kapi and sighed. He put back what he drew.

"We just want to talk." Kapi said, still being held up by Whitty.

"With him?"

Kapi nodded. "Well, sort of. He's not the leader."

"Uh-uh. No way am I going anywhere with that guy. I don't have time for this Updike." Whitty spat. "You get out of here or else."

"Is that a threat?

"Damn right. Get the hell out of here."

"Hmph. Panzy like you would take the easy way out." Updike said, sarcastically.

Whitty threw Kapi down, turning his eyes to Updike. Though he'd seen him in the arcade, being even closer he got a better look at how Whitmore had changed, taking it in now.

He was tall and skinny fat, though nowhere near Updike's level. He was more average than anything, just really tall. He wore a simple navy-blue hoodie which contrasted his light brown pants and orange running shoes. It looked as if he was wearing black latex gloves but those were part of his defining feature.

His skin wasn't 'skin'. It was made out of some smooth black material that bombs were made of. His head too was shaped exactly round, like a bomb, complete with a wick at the top. Kapi recalled it would light up when he was angry, though it the spark never got closer to the wick.

Kapi guessed that his face, though currently glaring at Updike were the same as he'd once seen them. Two large glowing orange eyes, no visible nose and a mouth that was only visible when he spoke.

He and the other kids back then had never learned why he was like that. But he was so cool that they didn't tease him for it.

"I'm sick of running from you. You're a dead man."

"Oh? Bring it on you two-bit punk."

Whitty jumped at Updike, the two immediately devolving into a fist fight on the block. Kapi was dumbfounded, unsure how to go about breaking it up. Both were larger and stronger than he; and some curious eyes were watching the two brawl. They dragged their fight into the alley, Kapi having to back up as they fought.

Kapi whispered into the comlink. "Guys, I need help! They've both lost it!"

Updike tried to draw whatever he did earlier, but Whitty knocked it out of the way, the gun landing near Kapi. He grabbed it.

"I'll blow this whole city block up you psycho!" Whitty spat.

As Whitty wailed on him, Updike used his free hand and socked Whitty right in the stomach. The force was enough to knock him back. Updike got up, wiping some saliva from his mouth.

Just before he could grab Whitty into a bear hug a lightning bolt shot down, incinerating a piece of trash on the ground. They both froze up.

"Can you two stop killing each other for one second!" Someone said angrily.

"S-sorry, babe." Whitty said meekly. Updike turned to see Carol hovering at the alley entrance now sporting two large white wings. On her back, holding on for dear life was Tess.

"I thought we had a deal Updike!" Carol said angrily.

Carol lowered her and Tess to the ground, Tess jumping off. Just behind them stood Abott.

"This is unbecoming of you Gabriel." Abott said disappointed.

"He threatened me!" Updike said.

"I do not care. Let's go."

"What the hell are you doing Whitty? With all these people around? What were you thinking?!" Carol said, going to the bomber.

Whitty just hung his head in shame.

Kapi got up, going to Tess.

"Now we're going to settle this like adults." Carol said, leading the group back to the apartment.

Updike and Abott walked last, allowing everyone to get ahead. When they were out of earshot, one of Abott's wing's smacked Updike upside the head.

"It's like you've forgotten our whole motto. Just what is so special about him?" Abott said icily.

"..."

The motel didn't offer very large apartments, though the one living room / kitchen hybrid fit everyone well enough. The furniture was dated, ancient recliner, couch that seemed in good shape but was one jump from collapsing, a bean bag chair, the newest object in the apartment and a soft green wallpaper solidifying the aesthetic.

Updike stood by the door, as if guarding it. Whitty stood at the opposite end of the room, leaning against a wall next to the back door. Both were still tense.

That left Kapi, Carol and Tess in the middle on a green couch and beanbag. Abott stood nearby though he was more focused on Updike, worried he may try to pull something.

Kapi spoke first, breaking the silence. It was less to Whitty and more to Carol. "We need your help."

"I'm not helping that nutjob." Whitty spat.

"Says the walking apocalypse." Updike shot back.

"Takes one to know one." Whitty glared at Updike.

"Ahem!" Carol said, glancing at both.

"What is with you two? Can't you two just talk normally? Geez." Puffed Tess. "I've seen kids act better behaved than you!"

"I'm just saying-"

"Can it or I will mute you." Carol said to Whitty.

"I am in agreement. If you cannot act civilized about this perhaps I should take over your position in this team." Abott said.

"What do you know about strike teams-"

"Shut up! Or the lord help me I will silence you too." Abott said to Updike. Updike just grumbled and looked away, pretending to check outside.

Carol turned back to Kapi. "So what do you need help with?" She asked, turning upbeat again.

"We are going to do a heist against the Family, and we need someone like Whitty to blow up stuff."

"A heist against them?" Carol asked. "You four?"

"There's a lot of us actually." Tess said. "And we've been practicing a lot."

"Yep! We raided IRIS and TGG. Oh, and that whole prison break the other day too."

"You raided TGG? Hope you took 'em down a no-" A bolt of lightning hit Whitty's stomach, causing him to fall over. "I said no talking." Carol glared at him. 

Updike smiled, though quickly hid it when he saw Abott considering the same thing. 

"Really? That was all you guys? My friend Dalia mentioned something like that."

Kapi nodded. "Yep! Dalia helped us with the TGG operation."

"So, wait. Why is he with you guys then?"

"It's uh, kind of a long story." Kapi said, unsure how to summarize the two month's events.

"I got nowhere to be. What about you hun?" Carol said, suspecting Kapi of lying.

Whitty shook his head.

"Well I suppose I could..." Kapi trailed off as he tried to give as brief a recap as he could. Operations Blindside, Earthquake, Flashbang, the botched assassination attempt, Displo's death, the Night of Fire, the arcade battle, the sheer amount of crap Kapi alone had been through. It took some time, Tess adding in what she knew from her perspective.

"So then what was that crap when we did the arcade battle? You were going to arrest me."

Kapi shook his head. "They were there to arrest Ruv. It was 'sposed to look like he broke out."

"You did attack me that night though." Updike said sternly.

"Well you can't blame me for being paranoid. I mean, after all the BS I went through." Whitty shot back.

A caustic look from both Carol and Abott such each one up.

Carol smiled. "Sounds like fun. What exactly do you need us for though?"

"The Family can summon demons at will. We need someone to blow up their 'hellgate'." Tess said.

"And I remembered you." Kapi said. He gave a helpful look to Whitty, but the bomb just looked away.

"Tbh, I'm not against it. But those two have a long history. No offense but I can't really trust him." Carol said.

"We made an agreement didn't we?" Abott asked. "We kept up our end, haven't bothered y'all. That arcade night while Updike was busy with the prison I oversaw the team in the arcade. Though they reported you many times I ordered them to do nothing."

"I guess, but like, they were literally about to kill each other a few minutes ago."

"Mrm. Maybe." Abott shot another single-eyed glare at Updike. He just snorted in his response.

"What if we made him promise to never go after him again?" Tess asked dryly.

"I want it signed and legalized." Whitty said. Carol nodded in agreement.

"Are you serious? We cannot just let an abomination go wild like this." Updike shouted. "I will not allow it."

"Why not? Half the team is 'abominations'?" Kapi said. He went on the attack. Up till this point Kapi and Tess had tolerated Updike but now it was getting out of hand. "And you haven't gone after Nikku at all, and she tried to bomb TGG! WITH DEPTH CHARGES!" Kapi shouted back.

"He does have a point." Abott added.

"That-that's different. I don't have a history with any of them. Whitty and I are different. You people don't understand."

"And Nikku?" Tess asked.

"Shut up. She's not important. To work with someone who you hate is not an easy task."

Kapi and Tess continued their assault.

"(Y/N) and Rosie."

"But-"

"Tabi and Nikusa."

"You and Dipslo."

"S and me."

"Me and IRIS. I never wanted to be apart of any of these 'agencies'."

"You owe Agoti from what happened with Springheel. He'd want Whitty too!"

"You people don't know what it's like to just give up on dedicating your life to something like this. Whitty is who-"

"I lost my restaurant!"

"I lost my best friend and nearly got KILLED!" Kapi snapped at Updike. "(Y/N) got beaten!"

"Look what they did to Tabi!"

"Look what they did to Agoti!"

"They tried to kill Pompom for fuck's sake! SHE'S JUST A KID! AND THEY KILLED DISPLO!"

Abott watched the two, in awe of their arguing. He didn't want to say anything but was seriously impressed. He had never seen anyone bring this to Updike, not even the inner circle.

Whitty too was wide-eyed to say anything. Updike went silent, as did they too.

"Personally, Gabriel. I think taking out the Family is far better for humanity and the city than taking out this fellow."

Updike sighed, slouching against the door. He didn't look at anyone, his gaze downcast.

Abott waited a few seconds before speaking, wishing to let everything sink in. "Speaking freely it looks like it's a rite of passage for members of this team to lose something. It looks like such a sacrifice has occurred to each of them. This appears to be your sacrifice."

"Damnit. Someone give me a paper. Let's just get this over with."

"I want to hear it from you first." Whitty said, pushing his luck.

"So long as the Family still-"

"No. I want safety now till the end."

"You know I cannot grant that."

"Then we have no deal."

Abott looked to Whitty. "You realize should you cause mischief we legally have to go after you right? We can't just grant you full immunity."

"He won't. I'll make sure of it." Carol said.

"Still. There's always the chance. He is powerful."

"Well then I want to be able to go where I want without any agents following me. Just want to live a regular life." Whitty said. "You people have no idea the kind of crap I've gone through between you AND that Family. I can't even walk out the building worried I'm gonna be targeted by you or some demons. If you're giving me the option to get both of my back I wanna be sure."

"Fine. So long as you behave I will see to it nobody makes a move against you. No tracking, no pre-emptive assaults, no investigations, we reset you back to zero infractions in the database. Carol will be your assigned watcher." Updike said. "Now accept that before I change my mind."

"Deal."

"Now shake on it." Tess said, hands on her hips.

"What?" Both said in unison.

"You heard me. Make up."

Updike looked to Abott the same way Whitty did to Carol. Do we have to? Both nodded.

It was an awkward shake, both people trying to hold back murderous intention. Whitty had to hold himself back with every fibre to not scald Updike's hand. Updike likewise struggled to resist the urge to break Whitty's hand.

It was an uneasy relationship but one they both agreed on.

The next chapter will be called May 30th.

Carol has joined the party!
Whitty has joined the party!

Chapter Text

Despite being the weekend there was no shortage of things to do. Agoti performed his first comeback show after teasing it since his 'freedom'. That occurred on Friday. From what you heard it was a raucous success, Agoti then, enlisting Tabi on Saturday to come help fix it up. Skilled as a stage hand and pyrotechnic apparently his expertise was required.

With him swamped until Monday, Solazar called off all meetings. He wasn't happy Annie joined without his consultation and didn't wish for the same thing to happen with Whitty. The next meeting would be Monday, he decided.

With the team effectively on 'hold' for the next 48 hours there should have been shouldn't have been much to do during the day.

At least, that's what you had hoped. Rosie had ended up recruiting you and your 'law expertise' as she worked out various legalities about her gang and seeing if you could pull any strings, get some of her crew released. You did what you could, not caring much for the fallout. The cops already didn't like you.

Tabi left in the morning hurrying. Whatever Agoti said to him got him energetic. You didn't have time to ask if he would want to go to Agoti's show Sunday, tomorrow night.

For now the team’s only mission was to recruit Whitty tonight, which you had been informed, went well...sort of. The fallout was a larger than you expected, everyone giving you different versions and other getting heated about the outcome. A flurry of texts came in that night, your phone constantly ringing off.

As Whitty and Carol joined, Solazar was understandably unhappy. He demanded nobody recruit anyone till Monday.

Tess texted you that same night that she wished to have Updike and Whitty meet some of the teammates though planned to do it unofficially on Sunday. Not a meeting but a "let's have Updike and Whitty meet again to see make sure they don't kill each other." Based on her recap of the first meeting you agreed it was probably necessary. Your schedule was open and best case you could meet him earlier.

Tabi also texted you late that night that he would be in even later, though when he arrived just after dinner time he practically collapsed on the couch.

Nothing further occurred except Udpike texting you a flurry of messages about Whitty. A combination of venting, complaints and general misery. Quite a few threats too, levelled against everyone in the party. But despite the texts he backed off, eventually sending one last message to ignore all previous texts. Abott texted you too, somehow obtaining your number. He also added to disregard Updike's messages, that the weatherman was just grumpy.

You send a message to Updike that if he really had an objection to Whitty joining you'd hear him out. Even adding reference that Tabi opposed Agoti joining and that he was ultimately proven right, since Agoti got arrested. He just replied back to forget it and a thanks.

'Perhaps I have gone a little overboard.' He finally responded.

Come Sunday morning the mood of the house was peaceful. With June just round the corner the weather had finally heated up.

You no longer needed two blankets and seeing the sunlight through the blinds didn't make you shiver. Taking in the lazy Sunday morning you allow yourself to sleep in, your phone complying too as nobody messaged.

Tabi was dead tired last night so you allowed him rest. Come mid-morning and not a peep from his room you start to get curious. You really wanted to ask him out tonight though you couldn't with him still slumbering away.

By 10:21AM you give a knock at his door, just to make sure.

"Mhm." He mumbles from within.

"You alive in there?"

"Come in." He said quietly.

You enter, looking around the room. It had always been a spare, originally set up to be a 'media room', though that plan never came to fruition. At most, the TV had been obtained, a few game consoles hooked up to it as well. Said TV was powered off.

Despite it's disuse, Tabi added some of his own flare. After the home invasion he had kept the pile of boxes, making a makeshift wall with them, both blocking the window and providing cover should he ever need to hide anything.

A punching bag hung from the ceiling in the corner as well.

He kept some weapons strewn about where he would clean and ensure operability. One handgun in particular lay dissembled, parts neatly organized atop a now-stained towel.

Clothes you and he had purchased were present too, covering some of the boxes or lying neatly folded on the ground. You didn't question it but he didn't seem to use the closet much. But at least he wore the new clothes, even if they were nearly identical to his original getup.

Other than the weaponry the only thing he seemed to possess was a microphone and a notebook, both kept next to the TV. But aside from the guns and random crap around Tabi hadn't really made it his own. There was no need for speculation why as he straight up told you one evening. The reason being he refused to 'celebrate' until his goal was completed. You understood, but at least told him to cheer up. He took it in stride. That meant no decorations until the Family was beaten.

Tabi lay on the big couch, covered in a mustard-coloured blanket. Only his head and one arm was exposed holding his phone, hat his head. He looked to be asleep, the flames in his eyes burning faintly.

He also purchased a futon, though far as you could tell rarely ever used it, preferring the couch.

Your first instinct was that he had fallen ill.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." He said calmly.

He didn't sound sick. Just tired?

"Want breakfast or anything?"

"No." Though he held his phone in front of his face he looked directly at you. He wasn't distracted.

"Not sick are you?"

"I'm fine." Tabi said again, this time shifting in the couch, sitting up. "This day is always hard for me."

"I'm sorry. Did something happen?"

"I'd rather not discuss it. People go crazy when I do, make it their mission to 'fix' me." Tabi sighed. "Just leave me alone for a bit, okay?" He said sadly.

"Well, if you need anything lemme know." You nod and leave, closing the door behind you.

"Thank you."

You check your phone, it was May 30th. You wonder if this was the day he got 'transformed'. But that wouldn't explain why people would make it their 'mission to fix him'. You also recall Solazar mentioning that it would be a challenge to get Tabi out today. At the time you thought he was joking but he must have meant it. He knew what happened. Thinking on it you couldn't recall Tabi mentioning any other traumatic events aside from his 'transfiguration'. Maybe something that happened back in Russia.

There could have been a whole investigation but you just go for the answer, asking Agoti what's wrong with Tabi.

yea its his birthday lol
gets all depressed around when
just leave him
last year he just stayed in his 'tree' the whole day moping

That would explain his sombre state.

hes a hardass
hell be back to normal tomorrow
but if you can get him out today lemme know

That would explain why he was so mopey. You thank Agoti and look over your options. Your 'cop-instinct' kicks in, seeing many different possibilities fly by. You know you could force him, that since he's staying in your house he should at least cheer up but no. That would be a dick move and horribly uncharacteristic. Could try to help him, tell him to look up, etc, but that would be falling right into his prediction 'they all try to fix me'. And asking if he would want to go to Agoti's concert would be out too. The answer would be a resounding no.

The option of just leaving him occurred. Maybe he would come to his senses later and become normal. Then you could ask them. That was a gamble though, and Tabi was a stubborn guy.

There had to be another option. A wicked smile forms as a possibly malicious, but extremely childish idea takes shape. It was so stupid it just might work. Digging into your closet you look for something from your police days.

"Here we are."

An old 'Happy Birthday' card you'd planned to give to an officer once upon a time. A cartoony design of some yellow alien, green ray-gun in one hand, other holding a branch, the words 'hang in there, you made it another year!' in bubbly font atop it. The alien wore a party hat and a noisemaker in his mouth.

You write a simple message, asking Tabi if he wants to go to Agoti's concert tonight and a 'Happy Birthday!'. Taking the card you put it in an envelope and slide it under Tabi's door, taking a seat on the couch after.

Turning on the TV it defaults to some Mobian station. Though S didn't live here anymore his influence was still felt. He changed all the default channels to various events on Mobius.

It takes some time but Tabi comes out, yourself turning to see him exit. Like a robe, he had the blanket wrapped around him.

"The hell is this?" He asks, showing off the card. He looked more flabbergasted than anything. He tried to sound serious, but his confused look betrayed him.

"You wanna go?"

Tabi sighed. "Move over." Still wrapped in his 'robe', he took a seat next to you.

"Fine. I owe that knucklehead anyways."

"You-"

Tabi turned to you suddenly, glaring. "But no surprise party or I swear I will gut you. No tricks either."

You nod. "I'll make sure nothing happens. How are you feeling anyways?"

Tabi leans back, letting the blanket expose his upper half. He wore a white undershirt. "Back's sore. Had to fix all sorts of crap. I dunno why he didn't ask me sooner."

"Want a massage? It's the least I can do."

"Hrm. Fine. But no surprises there either." He said sternly. "I'm not in a mood for playing."

"Acknowledged. Here. Sit in front of the TV."

Tabi got up and took a seat in front, sitting down on the footrest, exposing his back to you. Grabbing the remote he changed the channel.

He always wore a hoodie, very rarely leaving his arms exposed. It was a by-product of his attitude towards his appearance. Even leaving his room without his hoodie was rare. Slowly but surely he started getting more comfortable with it all.

The first time he did appear that way it surprised you. He was well toned, a year of arbory having been kind to his muscles. It contrasted strongly with his lanky appearance, though a result of his translucent skin.

And since the home invasion he had taken to joining you in your exercises, believing himself incapable after that devil got the drop.

Looking at his exposed shoulders neck you could see his mist-coloured translucent skin. Their visibility was tied to some factor in him, though you hadn't figured out which. Sometimes they appeared fully visible, even blocking out the bone while other times they just looked like a hologram, the outlines of the muscles the only piece visible.

Tabi himself didn't know what caused it, not even realizing it till you pointed it out. He got irate the first time you noticed, though quickly backed off, realizing his outburst embarrassing. His eyes burning pink you couldn't help but tease him.

Currently, it was somewhere in the middle, the outlines of the muscles and curvature visible, though not much in the way of skin. As always, his nougat-coloured bones were visible through the appendage.

"You gonna start or keep oggling?" Tabi muttered.

"You got a problem with me looking?" You ask jokingly.

"Hrm. Be gentle."

"You got it." Starting with the left arm and shoulder you press both hands into the top, squishing the skin together. It was here the muscles felt stronger, finding more resistance at your prodding. Warm to the touch it betrayed his often cold and distant attitude.

As you need, you notice Tabi bouncing his leg slowly. Anxiety. Wanting him to get more comfortable you continue talking. Or rather, he does.

"Agoti didn't put you up to this did he?" He asked.

"Bro come on. You know me...but I did text him earlier asking why you were so depressed."

Slowly, Tabi drops his shoulders, the tense feel in his shoulders weakening.

"And well...I did tell him I'd try to come out to his concert tonight."

The tenseness returned, Tabi looking back at you sceptically. You raise your hands in defence. "That was before I knew it was your birthday! Honest!" You say.

Tabi turned back, grunting something in disapproval.

"You said you owe him anyways." You say as you press hard into the left shoulder, getting ready to move onto the right one. "Wait, why do you? Haven't you literally been helping him?"

"I have." Tabi paused as he adjusted, sitting up straight. "I kinda caused it though." He added sheepishly. "Took some tools he needed weeks back."

"It's still his fault though. Shoulda told me earlier." He added.

Gripping using the top 4 fingers, you use your thumb to press into the back, making circles as you worked on both shoulders simultaneously. "Plus!" Tabi said but stopped, a moan escaping his lips. "Ahem. I, uh, told I'd come to."

Finishing up with his shoulders you start to work on his arms, left first. You give it a few squeezes, focusing directly on the parts that felt the tensest.

"You always depressed on your birthday?"

"Yes."

"It's, um, nothing traumatic right?"

"No. It's just today is my day off from the world."

"Isn't everyday-"

"Be quiet."

You shrug. You take your time to complete both arms, Tabi grunting in satisfaction. He feels his arms, noting how good they felt now.

Next was the lower and central back. Dealing with that was easier, pushing through the shirt. You start to get worried about going too low and make too lewd. You continue the conversation, hoping Tabi doesn't find it awkward either.

"Anything you want for your birthday?"

"I want that family destroyed."

"Well that'll happen soon enough. Just got our last member."

"Oh yeah, that bomb guy. That Family does not like him."

"Yep. Updike's already texted me. He isn't happy."

"Well he's gotta suck it up. Yelp!" Tabi squeaked as you hit the bottom centre of his back, tensing up and nearly falling off the footrest. "What the hell?!" He shouted, getting up.

"You're sensitive there?"

"Y-yes! Give me a warning next time." He adjusted himself, tugging the undershirt down lower. Just as quickly as that happened, he continued on, looking down so as to hide his embarrassment.

You took extra care around the area though the temptation of doing so again was great.

"I've met Whitty before. He fought that girl and her boyfriend before."

"You have?"

"I watched them. Nearly blew himself up, only stopped 'cause his girlfriend...he reminds me of myself."

"Cold and ruthless?" You ask as a joke.

"Scared and on the run." Tabi said solemnly, sucking the humour of the joke right out. You could hear him grinning.

You hit his bottom back with both thumbs, doing circles in it. He flinches, toppling over. "You bastard!"

"Whoops, my bad." You say with a grin. "Feelin' better at least?"

"Very. You sure you aren't a masseuse?"

You shrug.

"I mean seriously. You got talent." He says, smile wide on his face. He embraces you, giving you a tight hug. Hugging back, the hugs turn to a kiss, you and Tabi getting lost in an exchange of love, the exact actions left to the reader's imagination. There were no more reservations about love. After holding together for what seemed like eternity he lets go.

"Good kisser too." He adds sheepishly.

You get up, stretching yourself. "Wanna go anywhere for lunch?"

"Mrhm. I don't know." Tabi got up and dropped the makeshift robe. He wore his regular blue jeans under them. "I don't like being seen, especially toda-"

"Rosie's?"

"Fine. Been meaning to ask her how my deserts went."

"Desserts?"

"I told her to put a bunch of Russian desserts on the menu."

"Huh, cool. We'll go in a bit then."

A 'bit' turns into a full hour when you and Tabi finally make it to Rosie's. Informing Agoti about you and Tabi's attendance tonight and he responded ecstatically. He immediately started to rattle off various things he planned to do to Tabi, almost all of which he indicated were surprises. You advise him to stop and even tell Tabi but, instead of cussing Agoti out, Tabi texted Solazar who swiftly put an end to those mischievous plans.

All you knew now was that Solazar intended to order food and have a small event in the dressing rooms but nothing further. Tabi agreed on it, noting Solazar wouldn't pull tricks like Agoti.

Making it to Rosie's was no problem. She apparently had been expecting you to work today, a little peeved you never showed up. Much to Tabi's annoyance you revealed his birthday, using it as a trump card to get out of work. Rosie, upon hearing that changed her tone, almost ready to get Tabi his own chorus of fairies singing praise.

Instead, Tabi elected to just have a quiet lunch in the meeting room. Nothing too dense, you and him just snacking on a variety of small savoury pastries and sausage rolls, all British style apparently, Rosie occasionally coming by. She took immediate note of Tabi's 'quietness' and backed off. The fairies did so as well, the tree in the corner lighting up.

He also wasn't happy to hear that his Russian-desert idea didn't do so well with customers. And upon hearing the people who enjoyed them the most were Boyfriend and Girlfriend he shot her a deadly glare.

Tess and Kapi were around though busy in their own work. Tess was surprised to see you, wondering if you were coming to her 'meeting' today. Tess explained that she wished to have Whitty and Updike meet again to hash out their differences. As curious as it would you felt Tabi was you top priority. You decline, though encouraged Tess to go for it.

Concluding the meal Rosie returned, a mischievous look on her face. "You know what Tab? I'm gonna treat you. I want you two to come with me on an errand."

"What kind?" Tabi asked.

"The fun kind."

"I'll pass."

"Uh-uh. Nope. You're coming, even if I have to hold you at gunpoint. Trust me. You'll like this."

Tabi looked to you. "He really doesn't like surprises." You respond. "You can't say?"

"Look. It's not some surprise thing, not some clown, not some kid's crap I got planned. I'm off to go collect some 'ingredients' for the bakery. If you don't like I could have the fairies sing to you. They've pretty much venerated you anyways."

"W-What?"

"Well for what you did for Pompom the fairies have recognized you as a saint! Saint Tabi! Defender of Children! Oh, they'd love to sing you songs of praise. Even give you a grass crown!"

"Let's go." Tabi said, getting up.

"Good! It's my treat."

In a blur you and Tabi were whisked away, one of Rosie's belladonnas driving the three of you. You asked what exactly Rosie had planned but she wouldn't specify. All she did was warn 'you'll know what this is, but if you tell anyone of it you'll have to deal with not only my 'Donnas but the fury of this guy too'. She was dead serious. The only other piece of info she gave out was that her supplier looked a bit like Tabi. It only raised more questions. Tabi stayed uneasy, already preparing to be disappointed by some surprise.

"Pull over here." Rosie remarked as the car pulled to a stop. "We won't be long." She said.

Looking out, she had pulled next to some building, a massive park and plaza next to it. Tabi ducked instinctively seeing the immense foot traffic in the area.

"Come on you two. This is it." Rosie was already half out the car.

"We gotta get out here?" Tabi asked.

"Well yeah. They don't do delivery." Seeing him not budging Rosie commented. "Oh don't be such a big baby. You're gonna like this."

Tabi grumbled.

"Please. You're not even the weirdest guy out here. Get a grip." She spat.

You and Tabi get out, Tabi dawning his hood and hat.

"He should be around here." Rosie said, jaywalking across to the park.

Tabi grumbled again. "Why are we even here?" He asked. You just shrug.

The park was an extremely hip area, plenty of office workers wandering around, taking in the fresh summer air. With the middle of the lunch break in full swing the area was packed with people. It served to make Tabi worried, not cause of his appearance but because the Family could be lurking anywhere.

He stuck extremely close to you, arm interlocked with yours. It would have been a cute gesture but he did it out of anxiety than any loving reason. His other hand was in his hoodie and though hidden you knew he was gripping his combat knife.

A fountain stood in the centre of the park depicting some statue of the founders of the city. Rosie went right past, going to the fence that separated the river and streams, dividing the park in half.

Rosie stopped and whispered to you. "Just in case you two somehow know him he's going by 'Ness' now. Don't ask why."

You nod, no idea who she referred to.

Next to the fence stood a hot dog cart, a strange individual manning it. He had a wide grin on his face, and as you approached you could see he wasn't human, or at least, not anymore.

Rosie made a b-line for him. "You two want a hot dog?" She asked.

"No. I just ate."

"I'm good too."

"Well I could go for one." Rosie said.

It was a small hot dog stand, a sloppily painted board on front displaying prices and options. The stand had no name, and nobody looked to really be paying attention to it. The most peculiar part was the person staffing it. Rosie's earlier words echoed 'he looks like Tabi', and you saw the resemblance.

Standing at the hot dog stand stood a man about the same height as Tabi but wider. He wore a light blue hoodie, hood down and track shorts, a white streak cutting down them. He wore pink slippers though that was barely strange in comparison to his appearance. He was a skeleton, clearly living, white flame in his eyes. One was tinted a light blue. Had you not known Tabi's origins you would have instantly thought he was the same species.

His head was even animated, the skull moving as he spoke. The man had a blue glint in his eye that flashed when you three approached.

"Why is if it isn't my second favourite customer!" He said with a deep voice, his speech rattling as he spoke.

"Second favourite?"

"Well, I haven't seen you in a bit. Can't keep being number one if you never come by!"

"You're always welcome at my bakery you know."

"Well, I'm a busy cat. Haven't had much time to sink my 'paws' into your bakery lately." He also seemed to be quite a jokester.

Tabi looked at the skeleton incredulously. He removed his hood, completely shocked by the existence of this skeleton man.

"And who are your friends?" He asked, noticing you and Tabi.

"Just some perspective customers."

"Why aren't you a good looking one." He said to Tabi. "Remind me of a bit of my gasters."

"The hell are you?" Tabi asked.

"I'm a skeleton! That's about all you need to know. But...you do look familiar. You from the underground?"

"I have no idea what that is. I'm from Russia."

"Huh. Well you'd fit right in."

"...the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"Okay. Can we get back on track?" Rosie interrupted.

"Right! What'll it be?" He skeleton asked grandly.

"I'll have a Grillsbys Special. With extra ketchup."

"Certainly! Got a few of those left. All in storage though. You won't mind coming back to my stockroom right?"

Rosie nodded.

"Good." The skeleton pulled out a phone and texted someone. "My brother'll take over. Let's go." Though he spoke business the skeleton did not waver his smile.

He waved you three over and all followed him. Leaving the park he returned to where the Belladonna parked, going down the alley.

"What is this?" Tabi whispered to you and Rosie.

"You'll see. Just pick out whatever you want. My treat."

At the end of the alley, in the left building stood a door, barely visible in the dark alleyway. Swiftly the skeleton unlocked it, motioning you in.

Entering last he closed the door, the contents of the room not visible. With a flick of the light switch its contents were revealed.

"Wow." You commented as you looked around.

The room wasn't large but packed. Folding tables had been set up all over the previously empty room, cardboards boxes in corners where they didn't fit. Atop each of the makeshift tables and stalls were towels but atop those were what was most fascinating.

Guns. Lots and lots of guns, knives, grenades, weaponry of all sorts. Tabi's eyes glowed in awe. He had never seen this much weaponry in one place.

"First timers, eh?" The skeleton remarked. He had taken a seat at the end of the room looking at you and Tabi expectantly. "Well if you need any help lemme know." He pulled out a bottle of ketchup and took a few swigs of it.

"I'll be paying for him." Rosie said, pointing to Tabi.

"Not me?" You ask gingerly.

"Pfft. Not your birthday is it? Go ahead Tab. My treat."

"Замечательный..." Tabi muttered as he walked over to a table and started looking.

Looking around it occurred to you that this was Rosie's 'supplier'. Like solving an old mystery it all comes together. You recall during the old investigation you and the police never figured out who supplied Rosie's weaponry. You had people tale her but always just saw her get a hot dog.

Nobody knew the "gunrunner of Newgrounds City". The salesman being from the "Underground" made a lot of sense too. The few people you heard of from there were nothing but normal. Even the skeleton salesman, something else was off about him.

Course it didn't matter now, Rosie shooting you a mischievous grin as she picks up some knives to look at. You take stand at one of the tables, various 'police weaponry'.

"All serials are scratched off, don't worry. Only serials you need to worry about are the edible kind." The skeleton joked, taking a box of cereal out and eating cereal by the fistful.

Aside from various police issued handguns you also spot some rifles. The same ones SWAT used. The C8 Carbine, a semi-automatic assault rifle complete with scope. It was tempting, though you weren't sure if you needed that kind of firepower.

It was like looking the old police armoury. "How much is this one?" You ask regarding the Carbine.

"1300 square." The skeleton said.

Tabi was in paradise looking over the table. Much to his amazement one of tables stocked exclusive Russian weaponry. "невозможный" Tabi muttered in awe. There two guns that stood out.

"I-is this-"

"An RPK-47. Yep. Similar to an AKM and the true successor to the AK, though I can tell you're familiar with it as well."

"I can't believe this."

"I can't believe you aren't from the underground. You'd fit right in." The skeleton laughed.

"And this is a Nagant." Tabi said, picking up a revolver. A chestnut handle, it appeared very oldschool. "M1895. An antique."

"Huh, you know your guns." Rosie remarked.

"These were made by Nagant for the Empire. I-is it even functional?"

"They clean and test all weapons. All brand new."

"Heh. Better than new." The skeleton replied. "Rosie. Come take a look at this one."

Rosie nodded and went over.

You and Tabi continued to browse as they talked shop, Rosie even remarking "Man, I haven't been able to talk guns since my issue with Daddy. And since someone arrested my best friend!" She shot you a glare. You just shrug, unsure exactly who she was talking about.

In the end Tabi settled on those Russian guns plus a bunch of incendiary grenades. The skeleton even added a few pounds of white phosphorous, an apparent bonus when Rosie told the skeleton the plan.

Tabi left with a wide grin on his face, thanking Rosie profusely and spending the entire trip back talking about his love for Russian arms.

The mood carried over to the concert, the Andromeda's surprised at not only his actual appearance but his enthusiasm too. In an even rarer instance Tabi even agreed to make an appearance, rapping a song with Agoti, showing to his Agoti's fans that Tabi was in fact alive. It was an insane show, you and Aldryx having front row seats, watching awe at Tabi and Agoti's combined energy.

When the concert came to a close and the closing act took stage you, Tabi and the Andromedas found yourselves backstage, enjoying a pizza party Solazar had set up. There was no cake or anything just a simple XL pizza everyone ate. There were plenty of comments to you about getting Tabi and plenty more about Tabi actually showing up.

It was only a matter of time before the big operation and everything had come together. You were glad, if even for making new friends, but also a lover.

All you knew is that after everything was said and done Tabi had one last thing to say to you. You and he were alone. He gazed downcast, looking at the floor.

"No more celebrating." He said. "Not until we win. You got that?"

You agreed. "Absolutely. Let's crush them."

The next chapter will be called An Odd Assembly.

Chapter Text

The Donna's Cafe, the current base camp for the Carnival. Ran by Rosie Belladonna, it doubled as both the homes for the Fae and her Donnas, remnants of a once fierce street gang.

This afternoon Rosie was out 'shopping' with you and Tabi, leaving the place to Tess to run. Despite only being here for a few days, Rosie felt more than confident in letting the android girl run the place. Her Donnas knew what to do anyways. Aside from the usual employees Kapi was also present, in the back baking.

Humming to herself, Tess dusted off the tables. Not that they needed dusting, but it gave her something to while she waited excitedly.

With how shaky the first meeting of Whitty and Updike went she didn't trust it would last. For a partnership to work they would have to fully rescind their differences.

She knew Updike was waiting for Whitty to slip up so he could throw him out. Vice versa for Whitty. Having spoken to Kapi about it privately he explained how Aldryx already battled with Updike for control, only stopping his 'takeover' when Updike brought in Solazar. With nothing to stop Whitty she fully expected him to come up with a reason to force Updike out.

So she decided late last night that, like schoolkids they would have to hash out their differences and learn to work together. She didn't fully know their history but felt assured enough this was something that needed to happen. After all, with all the compromises everyone else made on the team, this was more than fair.

It was all she thought about last night, figuring out the best solution to mediate between them, even asking other members privately how they were. In particular she reached out to S and Nikku who explained to her what they thought of Updike. Suffice to say, it wasn't a positive view, Updike being hard-headed and stubborn, stuck in his own ways. She asked Kapi and Carol about Whitty. While more positive, they both recognized the faults in the walking bomb, hard-headed and stubborn, trauma buried inside him.

She knew that just asking Updike directly to meet with Whitty would be a resounding 'no'. Instead she texted the weatherman that she wanted to meet with her and Whitty, playing it off as Updike being the bigger man, that she'd been reconsidering her opinions on Whitty after hearing him threaten to blow up the whole block. 'Maybe you were right.'

Through Carol she asked Whitty the inverse. That she was worried about Updike, how he didn't like half the team being 'abominations' and that if TGG were to withdraw support there was always IRIS the Carnival could fall back on.

The bait was taken by both parties, agreeing to meet after noon. Tess felt devious, giggling to herself as she waited for everyone to arrive.

She thought of inviting two of her close friends to help, Cupid and Omori, though decided against it. She wasn't sure how Cupid would react to someone like Updike, whose righteousness knew no bounds. And Omori was going through things, not in a good place right now. She knew better than to ask him.

Wanting to cover her bases she told you and Solazar. Texting you in the morning, you originally planned to attend though Tabi ended up taking your attention for the day. It was Tabi's birthday after all. Solazar wasn't happy more people joined without his consent but agreed to having Updike and Whitty meet.

'They forced Nikusa on me, he has no right to complain about Whitty.' He texted back.

This wasn't to be an official meeting of any sort. Half the team was unavailable. She wanted a neutral panel anyway. First off, this meant eliminating Nikku and S. Both would just argue against whatever Updike said. And Tess didn't need the headache of getting confused whose voice was whose, even if she was getting better at telling Nikku apart.

There was another aspect to the meeting as well she noticed. If they were to have an honest discussion the cloud and the bomb would have to be kept in check. Carol was perfect at doing that for Whitty. They had love grounding them. But she couldn't figure out how to keep Updike in check. If he had any family he kept it secret. Asking about it would have rung to many bells. Going through various TGG lines she couldn't find a way to contact any of the trio either.

She needed a different kind of deterrent. Her first thought was to have Pompom around she didn't feel safe using someone her age.

No, it had to be someone else. She knew Solazar could do it, though he was busy all day. Thinking on a more primal level she asked Solazar if he knew anyone with a similar strength level to Updike. Not sure what it was for, Solazar replied that Nikusa could take him, referring to their past conflict as a complicated relationship. Completely missing the deeper meaning Tess decided Nikusa must be present. After all, as she understood it, they were exes. Nikusa would keep Updike in check.

Through Solazar, Tess got the void queen's number. Nikusa was more than happy to help "keep Updike in check" and that she would be present earlier to meet Tess firsthand.

At least, she expected Nikusa, not a colourful trio. Entering with her were two additional people. A 'gothic-raver'-looking guy and a pink-bubble-gum woman, thinner than Updike but with the same-cloudy appearance, pink clouds instead of white. Judging from the white lab coat she appeared to be a doctor.

The raver, Tess recognized as a 'stick-figure' person, humanoid in appearance but neither human nor anthro. His mouth was obscured by a gas mask, though his eyes fully visible. A scar drew across one of his eyes.

Whoever the pink woman was the Donnas knew her, a few flocking towards, pulling her away from Nikusa and the 'raver'.

Not having formally met before, Tess found herself a little intimidated. Nevermind badboy appearances, she found them downright threatening. Nikusa in particular had a gleam in her eye, a voracious look and twisted smile to compliment it.

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Nikusa." She said, extending a large hand to her. Tess shook it, Nikusa squeezing hard enough to feel it.

"Y-yeah. I'm Tess. Thanks for coming."

The 'raver' had a different look, eyes scanning around the room for any threats, silently counting everyone present and who he'd have to kill if they moved funny.

"This is Radi."

"Hey." Radi said quietly. "You like green, huh?" Tess asked awkwardly. Radi flashed a look of disgust at her, the android not knowing his past issues with "nuclear-green". He said nothing.

"Don't mind him. He's just a little on edge today." Nikusa teased. "The other one's Aurora, she's Radi's doctor." Nikusa said, pointing to the pink-cloud.

Tess, still a little starstruck nodded at Aurora, though the doctor did not notice her, still saying hello to the others.

"Well. Lead the way. It's your meeting." Nikusa said, now impatiently.

"R-right! Let's go." She lead Nikusa and Radi to the back, neither one talking. She could feel Nikusa grinning at her as she sped along. With a wave, Aurora followed.

Opening the vending machine, Tess was greeted by the dimly lit room, sparks of the fairies fluttering about, tidying it. They paid no mind to Tess, though upon seeing the hulking masses of Nikusa and Radi enter, quickly retreated to their domain.

"So, what's the plan?" Nikusa asked out loud.

"W-well I invited Whitty and Updike over to talk. They don't like each other so they just need to sort out their differences."

"And 'keep Updike in check'?"

"Well, Carol keeps Whitty from flying off the handle. So I was hoping you could watch Updike."

"Why me, anyways?"

Aurora took note of the bar and walked towards it. "Don't mind me. I'm just hear to prepare Radi's medicine." She motioned Radi over who followed.

"Solazar said you and him were a couple."

"He said that?" Nikusa asked skeptically.

Twiddling her fingers, Tess responded meekly. "He said that you two have a complicated relationship."

"Hrm. Yeah you could say that. Sure, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything stupid." She said, eyes scheming of something.

Pulling up a beanbag, Nikusa took a seat, thinking to herself all sorts of nasty things. "Are they, gonna be okay?" Tess asked, pointing to Radi and Aurora.

"Hm? Yeah of course. Aurora's only gonna be here till Radi's good. And Radi's a member of the team."

"O-oh cool."

Still some time left before the others arrived she decided to speak to Radi. Since he was a member of the team she felt she should meet him proper.

"Radi?" She asked, as we skated to them.

"What!?" Radi jumped upon hearing his name. Looking back he glared at Tess. tensing his shoulders. "S-sorry."

"Don't sneak up on me like that."

"I, uh-"

"Ah come Radi, don't be such a grump." Aurora said. She stood behind the bar, practically acting like a bartender. Empty cup in front of Radi she filled it with hot water. Taking out a small bag of mushrooms and emptying it into the cup, the liquid turned a faint grey colour. She took out a metal wand and stirred it. As the mushrooms started to blend with the water, she looked around the bar. Finding an unopened bottle of syrup she ripped the label and added it to the drink, liquid now turning a dark red.

"What's that?"

"It's my medicine. Lowers my radiation level."

"Well the mushrooms are." Aurora said with a smile. "I add a bit of sugar just to make his day a little sweeter."

"Thanks." Radi said as he took a sip. He didn't enjoy it, but it was far better than the alternative. Unsure if radiation meant Radi's very existence would damage Updike or if there was some other meaning she said nothing.

"What do you two think of Updike?" Tess asked innocently enough.

Aurora snickered. "He's my boss. I can't really say anything negative about him."

"He's a good man." Radi began. "Saved my life."

Tess noted that and looked to Nikusa. She just shrugged.

"That's good. Did he mention Whitty to you at all?"

Not looking at Tess, Radi just focused on his drink. "Hates him. "

"And you?"

"I don't know him. But I trust Updike."

So he was pro-TGG. Tess thought. That might be good, since most people here aren't on his side.

"You think this is gonna work?" Nikusa asked aloud.

"I don't think it will be good for the team if they keep fighting. I mean, all last night they were at each others throats. I'm worried it'll affect the operation."

"Ehn. I don't think Whitty and the walking storm are gonna cause each other problems. Just put 'em on different teams."

"Even so."

"Nah, I get it." Nikusa shifted in the beanbag chair. Extra large it suited her fine. "I think this is a good idea." She smiled. "Gonna be a lot of fun." Tess didn't like the way Nikusa said that. It was too earlier to decide if she made a mistake or not.

While waiting, Radi finished his tea, awkwardly trying to speak more friendly to Tess while they waited. He didn't have much to say, though at least made an attempt.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Tess ordered Kapi to bring a tray of sweets up, hoping it would entice Updike and Whitty when they arrived. Dressed in his 'chefs' outfit he arrived, a large white hat on top of him.

"They aren't here yet?" He asked as he walked in. Not seeing Nikusa he walked past her, carrying the tray in front of him, obscuring his view. Setting it on the table he adjusted his hat and looked around.

"They're gonna be here any second." Tess said positively. Her, Aurora and Radi were at the bar while Nikusa sat by the window on her lonesome.

"I brought them to help us out." Tess added.

Seeing Nikusa, Kapi's heart thumped a bit. He cleared his throat, deciding he was gonna go for it. "Well, I got some time."

He walked right up to Nikusa and took a seat on the beanbag next to it, plopping in a puff of flour as he sunk into it.

Nikusa watched, a curious expression on her face. Then, grin returning, decided to go first.

"Kapi right?"

"Yep!"

"Mmm. You're so deliciously malleable." Nikusa purred, turning to face him, a hand behind her neck as she adjusted hair.

Tess and Aurora looked over, curious to see what would happen. Tess was worried and prepared to step in, while Aurora watched with intrigue as if the scene were a mouse crawling to a snake. Radi just looked away. He knew Nikusa well enough he had no interest in watching the scene unfold.

Kapi's heart beat faster. He'd been thinking about that one night. While inconsequential it wouldn't leave his mind. The night they 'ambushed' Nikusa into joining.

"So, Nikusa. Busy later?" He asked, suave. Despite Nikusa's threatening demeanour and his anxiety he kept a straight face, playing it cool. "Ever played DDR?"

"DDR?" She asked innocently enough. "What's that?"

"Only the coolest dance game ever made. I got all the high scores. You ever dance? I can show you." He said, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh? You're a good dancer?"

"The best." Kapi said, gleam in his eye. "Punk like him couldn't even hit the right pedals I bet." He added, throwing shade at Radi. Radi turned back, giving him a sideways look. Not from jealousy, but more of 'it's-your-funeral.'

Nikusa chuckled, taking one look at Radi's expression before turning back to Kapi.

"Even good at the more sensual dances, you know~" He purred, getting a bit closer to Nikusa.

"You're a wolf right?" She asked.

"Cat, actually. But I'm just as ferocious."

"Oh?" Nikusa's eyes glinted. "How ferocious?"

Leaning a bit closer, Kapi spoke deeper. "We can find that out later."

Nikusa leaned in closer. Kapi did so as well, feeling his moves correct. As he closed his eyes, Nikusa grabbed him into a bear hug, smothering the poor cat in her bosom.

"Aw, you're just so cute!" She exclaimed. Even in his small stature she could feel his heart beating rapidly, as if he were about to have a heart attack. Letting him go after a minute she placed him back on the beanbag. He panted, the sudden rush of air filling his lungs much needed. Burning up his face, a bright shade of red, Kapi still not even fully processing what just happened.

Nikusa leaned back in the chair, content at the shellshocked baker in front of her. "I needed that." She said, giggling. "You aren't my type though. I more into outlaws and bad boys. Your confidence is...delicious however."

"I-I'm an outlaw." Kapi panted.

Nikusa laughed again. "I need someone who can take me. I can break you like a twig I wanted."

"Who, who says I can't?" Kapi continued.

She knew he was lying. "Maybe one day. Nice try though."

The audible clearing of a throat drew everyone's attention.

Standing at the entrance of the room was none other than Updike. One hand behind his back the other was at his mouth. He didn't look the least bit impressed, unclear how much he saw.

He looked to Tess after a silence. "What is she doing here?"

"Okay, don't get mad. But I saw how-"

Nikusa stood up, the same smile on her face. "I'm here to watch over you. Make sure you don't pull anything stupid. After all, what better way to keep you in check, than a former 'lover'~"

Updike's expression instantly turned to anger. "Excuse me?" Updike said, face perplexed. "Is that a threat?"

"Take it as you want 'honey'."

"Hold on!" Tess said. "I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't fly off the handle. I was just worried. Like how Carol keeps Whitty in check, y-you know?"

Updike didn't look any more impressed. "Is that what is about? To keep me from harming Whitty?"

"Well. I still want you two to talk, b-but yes."

Updike surveyed the room looking over. "Fine. Though don't think you have any power over me." He said to Nikusa. "And don't ever call me your lover again, you psycho."

"If that makes you feel like a big man." Nikusa shrugged, taking a seat.

"Aurora. You are dismissed. This could get messy."

"Yes sir!" She said. "See you tomorrow Radi." She said happily before nodding at the both of them and leaving.

Updike didn't say anything more until he sat down, taking a slice of cake and eating it.

"Now that I know you have ulterior motives, I expect to be filled in. I don't appreciate being lied to."

Nikusa audibly snickered, though Updike ignored it.

"Well I think you and Whitty need to move past your previous issues. That if you guys keep fighting on the team it won't solve anything."

"And what is your endgame? That we make up, become best friends?"

"Yes."

Updike sighed. "That is a naive hypothesis. Fine, whatever. I will speak to him, but I don't expect him to be as receptive."

Arriving at a similar time, Tess got a text from the waiter that Carol and Whitty showed up. With Kapi still pseudo-conscious, she went herself to pick them up.

Updike, not wanting his back to the door got up as well, taking a seat at the other end of the table, facing the vending machine door. As soon as Tess left he had questions.

"Former lover?" He asked Nikusa. "How dare you. How could you have possibly gotten that idea?!" He said, disgusted.

"Tess thinks that. Heh. Blame papa andromeda."

"Elaborate."

"Said we had a complicated relationship...whhiicchh to that android, meant were we a couple." Nikusa paused, mischievous thoughts taking over. "I can see it. Spurned lovers, separated by ideology. I know you were looking for me those days~"

"To kill you." Updike sighed. "I'm not doing this."

Looking to the bar he spoke to the radiated man instead. "Radi. How are you feeling?"

"The treatment is working but I think I'm gonna stop it for now."

"Why?"

"It occurred to him if he's gonna help us that he should have some power." Nikusa but in, re-entering the conversation.

"I see. I am still in amazement they would even give you those abilities. Such a massive oversight on his part."

"Oversight?" Radi asked, confused. "He turned me into a monster."

"A monster than easily kill him." Updike laughed. "I believe the Family fears you. Would explain why they never moved against after your attack to them. Even demons can melt."

Radi smirked, agreeing. He looked at his hand, glowing a faint green. "I'll wipe them out."

The vending machine door opened, a few voices reaching in. Everyone who could looked towards, seeing Tess enter, Carol and Whitty behind them.

"Nice place." Whitty commented as he entered. "What's up everyone?"

He looked around the room, counting four people. "Is this the team?"

"We have many others; they just aren't here right now."

Settling on Kapi, Whitty looked at him, Kapi twitching somewhat but still sprawled out on the beanbag.

"Is he, uh, okay?"

"I-I'm fine." Kapi wheezed. "Just give me a few minutes."

Focusing next on Nikusa, a spark emerged in her eye. Tongue out, she licked her lips at him, thinking of the things she could do. Updike observed the motion, though saw no reason to interfere.

As he walked by, she stood up, towering over him. "So you're the one called Whitty?"

Whether through premonition or instinct, Carol stuck close, shooting an evil eye at Nikusa. This only served to make her smile widen, Nikusa now thinking, Hehe, looks like he's got protection already.

"Yeah. What's up." He extended a hand outwards, which Nikusa grabbed, a purple flame engulfing it as they shook. Despite the fire, Whitty didn't react. "I can do that too you know."

Nikusa laughed. "We'll get along just fine."

As they took their seats at the table, Nikusa took hers as well, cradling Kapi as she plopped him in the seat beside her. Radi did too, leaving his spot at the bar.

The void queen, arcade champion, weatherman, walking bomb, angel, android and radioactive mess sat around the table. Introductions were brief, Whitty complimenting Radi's aesthetic, Carol and Nikusa having a brief standoff and, Tess insisting both nemesis' shake hands and both 'attempting' to not try to break the other's hands.

"Well, Tess." Updike started. "This is your meeting. Go for it."

"Right!" Tess said, enthusiastically. "I'm worried you two will keep fighting and it will cause issues for the rest of the team."

"We already agreed, didn't we?" Whitty said, voice inflecting annoyed. "I'll stick to the plan. It's him you should be worried about."

"Even so. I'm expecting you two are just gonna be at each other's throats. We can't have that."

Updike said nothing, though Carol did nod in agreement. She understood it as well as Tess did.

"I was hoping you two could, uh, settle your differences." Tess concluded.

"There's nothing to settle. He attacked me first." Whitty said.

"You won't get a sorry out of me. I did what I had to do. Not to mention the property damage, which TGG, ever so graciously paid for in his wake."

"I wouldn't have been in that state if you guys just left me alone."

"You bombed a city block. Not to mention when his temper goes off does he see fit to blow up his surroundings." Updike argued back.

"All because you guys keep chasing me around. How am I even supposed to live a normal life with you guys round every corner?!"

"Conveniently forgetting about the Family are we? You pissed them off. We did nothing there."

They continued arguing. Nikusa knew to jump in if thing got too heated. She was enjoying this and saw no reason to enter. Tess too, though not enjoying this felt they needed to get off steam. At least they were both enjoying the cake Kapi brought it, taking bites as they shouted at each other.

"Yeah I'm no so sure about that. I wouldn't put it pats you to go behind your own groups back."

"Are you accusing me of working those demons!?"

"Yeah, exactly."

"How dare you!" Updike stood up.

"Tut tut tut." Nikusa said. "Relax you."

Updike adjusted his tie and sat down.

"Who's that, you're wife?" Whitty said with a smirk.

"Oh, honey, you do not want to get involved with me." Nikusa said ravenously. Sensing her power, Carol nudged Whitty.

So as not let Nikusa start a war, Tess butt in. "We're working together to stop the Family. Everyone here knows what they've done. And we agreed TGG won't go after you anymore either."

"For now." Updike interjected. He was about to add something else, but Nikusa slammed the table, raising a hand and emitting a purple flame. Shaking his head, Updike crossed his arms.

Seeing Nikusa's bashful attitude she started to feel it was a good idea to bring her in. And it was the perfect foil to keep Updike in check.

"What exactly happened between you two anyways?" Tess asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"Indeed." Both Updike and Whitty were in agreement there.

"But why do you want to kill him anyways?" Radi asked, finally speaking up.

"I already said. He is a terrorist, known enemy to TGG and responsible for untold chaos." Updike said, looking more to Nikusa than Radi. He was expecting her to try and shush him again. "He is a walking apocalypse."

"So he's just a bomb?"

"Ever-observant, yes, what is your point?" Updike asked.

"Well I'm stronger than him and you didn't kill me."

"You're different. Regardless, TGG policies changed prior to your 'discovery'. We don't act like that anymore."

"So why am I still a target then?!" Whitty spat.

"Grandfathered in."

"Even so..." Tess said. "Whitty should be exempt anyways."

Updike sighed. He wasn't in the mood for arguments anymore he decided. He already had this battle with Sterling and Abott. "I suppose you are correct. Though Radi does not have the history Whitty does. Even so, as long as you feel remorse for-"

"What are you trying to say? The hell's even your problem?" Whitty shot to Radi. "Why are you even taking his side?" Now glaring at Radi, Whitty continued. "You're a freak like me."

"Updike is saving my life. Making me normal again."

"Brainwashed."

"Enough." Carol nudged Whitty.

Radi stood up, pissed. "I'll show you I'm not brainwashed." His hands glowed more intensely.

Nikusa lightly grabbed Radi's arm, her expression changing. "Not here." She said cooly.

Tess sighed. This wasn't working.

As Radi sat down, Updike tried again. "Our goal here is to take down the Family. We are all in agreement there. We all know firsthand their vile acts. I propose. And I propose we leave this behind and complete our mission. It has been over a year since I officially stopped pursuing you and nevertheless you have been..well...behaved." He struggled saying the last few words, everyone in the room detecting that except Kapi, still high off love. Whitty waited a bit before responding.

"Fine. But how do I know you won't go after me during the operation?" Updike shook his head. "What do you want me to do? I already put it in writing."

"Maybe you should back off, let us manage the operation. Do admin work or legal stuff."

"Maybe we don't even need you. All your purpose would be is to blow up a gate but your so filled hot air I wonder if you could even do that!"

"I can damn well blow up some gate!"

"Maybe I should recruit some other abomination. I'm not even sure you could follow a plan. You'd probably piss off some other faction halfway through the operation."

"What about you, huh? Probably got trackers and shit all over this place!"

Updike shook his head. "It is evident this will not be sorted with words."

"I agree there." Whitty's eye narrowed.

Tess was aghast. This really wasn't going to work. A silence fell over the room as everyone tried to figure out what to say next.

"Fight it out then." Nikusa finally said.

"What?" Both Updike and Whitty looked at her incredulously.

"You two are so pent up. Why don't you just kick the shit out of each other? Get it out of your systems."

"I am not starting a fight in here." Updike said flatly. "What about the parking lot out there? Or you too scared to blow your cover?" Whitty said sarcastically.

"Tell you what." Nikusa said, standing up. "Let's go to my void. You two dish it out. Good old-fashioned brawl."

"This isn't a good idea." Tess said.

"Nah." Whitty stood up. "Let's do it."

"Uh, no. You nuts?" Carol said, figuring the whole thing a trap. "What if they lock you there?"

"Tempting as that would be, I'd rather see you two duke it out." Nikusa said, winking at Carol.

"I am in agreement." Updike said, standing up too.

"Clean fight." Nikusa said, more enthused now. "No magic, spells or trickery. Just releasing all that anger towards each other out. No winner either. Once you two are done we come back here and get the fairies to heal you or something."

Tess looked to Kapi who shrugged.

"I'll step in if it gets too brutal." Radi said, getting up as well.

"Will you though?" Whitty asked, still not trusting him.

"I'm here too. If either of you start killing the other I'll stop it." Tess added.

"Heh, either of you goes overboard I'll step in, show you my wrath." Nikusa added happily.

Whitty looked to Carol. It was her call now. She rolled her eyes. "If you really think this is gonna work. You two promise me you won't kill each other."

Whitty look to Updike who stared back. "If he does first." They both said in unison.

"It's settled then!" Nikusa declared. "Let's go!"

Aiming a hand towards the entrance, a portal opened up, a gust of wind hurling from it. It displayed a white landscape surrounding in a blue glow that stretched the size of the wall.

Nikusa walked in first, Kapi behind her and the rest following.

As the portal closed, someone entered the room, seeing a bright flash from outside. Rosie, having dropped you and Tabi off stepped into the empty room noticing chairs ajar and half-eaten cake on the table.

"Fairies! Status report!" She called.

The only two who understood Nikusa's power were Radi and Updike. The former had firsthand experience dealing with it, Nikusa's little 'pocket dimension' one of the first things she showed the boy.

Updike was aware of it and knew it the same place she sealed Agoti in. He also knew that escape would be a challenge if she decided to betray them all. The last to enter, he left a beacon on the table, that if he were not to return, TGG would launch a search party.

A stark contrast blinded everyone temporarily as they stepped into the light. Eyes adjusting they found themselves standing on a large floating island, barren of all but stony dirt. Stretched out in front were a similar collection of floating islands of different sizes with all the same flat surface. It stretched infinitely into the horizon, nothing besides an endless white sky and backdrop. The horizon reached into the eye's length, a faded line cutting through it. Below the line, and below where they stood, an infinite black that stretched beneath them. Where the black met white, it faded into each other, tendrils of black space attempting to pull the white down.

Such a sight snaped Kapi out of his trance, the possible infinite height getting to him. Nikusa, still feeling garish saw fit to use him as an example.

"Don't worry about the height. It's set in such a way that if you fall too low, it loops back. Allow me to demonstrate."

"Wait-AAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaa-" In a flash she grabbed Kapi and chucked him into the void below, the catboy screaming as he fell out of sight.

Seconds later, with a hand outstretched and Kapi falling from the sky above Nikusa grabbed his hood, stopping his descent. Deciding she had bullied Kapi enough she set him on her shoulder. "You'll stick with me for the rest of the training, okay?"

Kapi mumbled something unintelligible, his head still spinning.

"Alright so. Either of you having second thoughts?" She asked gleefully.

Both Updike and Whitty, though concerned for Kapi still felt strongly. They nodded.

"Both of you jump to that island there. No funny business, got it?" Nikusa said, pointing there.

"No winners either! This is just to get it out of your system." Tess added.

The two landed on a large floating island, covered in the same brown dirt that occupied them all. Updike took his position at one side, Whitty the other.

"I won't be holding back." Updike said coldly. Raising both his hands up he entered into football stance.

"Me neither." Whitty said, raising fists in front of him, a boxing position.

"Remember!" Nikusa said from the island above them. "Either of you go overboard you'll deal with me~"

Ready for combat the two slowly circled the arena, not breaking eye contact. Carol and Radi rooted for Whitty and Updike, though both knew better than to make it known. The other three just watched, Kapi, now sitting atop Nikusa's shoulders, arms resting on her head as she held him. Tess observed too, unsure how this would turn out.

With nobody pulling the first move, Whitty chose to trash talk. "The sooner you hit me the faster we go home."

"I know you. I know how you think. You cannot bait me." Updike shot back.

"We'll see about that. I've changed since you backed off. Did a lot of training."

"Well then demonstrate for me, won't you?"

Still in the boxing stance, Whitty skipped forward, edging closer to the mass of white. He jumped slightly as he idled, expecting Updike to swing into a haymaker at any point. Once close enough, Updike did, though Whitty ducked. Dropping his stance he grabbed a handful of the dirt and threw it into Updike's face, bits of stone and dirt staining his otherwise white complexion.

It didn't matter much, still blinded, Updike knew where Whitty was, swiping forward. Whitty jumped, avoiding the first fist but failing at the second one. Updike grabbed Whitty by the arm and slammed him into the ground. The strength which he did shook the island.

Using his free hand he wiped his face, further staining the otherwise white suit. Though it hurt, Whitty kicked right back up, hunching and delivering a flurry of blows right into Updike's abdomen. One final fist he fired into Updike left burn marks, a flame erupting as Whitty struck.

It did little to stop Updike who kicked upwards, knocking Whitty backwards.

"I thought we agreed no magic."

"Not magic." Whitty muttered.

As Whitty got up, Updike jumped, slamming down on the island. In a few seconds the island turned to a seesaw as Whitty was flung forward. He couldn't do much to stop Updike from uppercutting Whitty back into the now upwards part of the island.

As it adjusted, Updike grabbed the ground, keeping his balance. With a growl he noticed, Whitty enflamed himself briefly, leaving ash marks on Updike’s hand.

"You sure this is a good idea?" Radi asked Carol. The two continued their battle below, exchanging blows.

Carol shrugged. "Their both stubborn. I think it might work."

Whitty ran forward, appearing to run directly into Updike's football stance. With a fake punch up he ducked and slid under Updike. Moving fast, Whitty was on Updike's back, having got him in a headlock as he held on. Arms around Updike's throat he found it harder to choke him than it looked. Still following some of the rules he didn't enflame his arms.

Using his strength, Updike proceeded to jump up, intending to land backwards to crush the bomb. Whitty moved faster, getting on top and jumping upwards as Updike fell. Landing with a knee down he slammed into Updike's face.

No time wasted, Updike grabbed Whitty's leg and swung him face down into the island. Getting up he did so again, picking up a final time and throwing him to the other side of the island. Updike now coughed from the previous knee-to-the-face.

He wiped his nose, a blue liquid staining his hand. Blood. Whitty too, getting back up noticed a cold sensation coming from his face. Black, he was bleeding oil.

He grimaced as he looked to Updike, ready to continue.

Kapi was amazed at the fight below them. He wasn't expecting either to play fair, yet also wasn't expecting a MMA fight either.

"He has changed, wow." Kapi muttered.

"Running from the Family AND a bunch of zealots does that do you." Carol said solemnly.

"So are you TGG?" Tess wondered.

Carol shook her head. "No. Just Whitty's girlfriend. When they were caught him last I made a deal with Abott. We decided that so long as I'm with him they won't go after him."

"He never went after you?" Kapi asked.

"Updike would never fight an angel. He's too righteous."

Performing another grapple, Whitty slammed his elbow into Updike's arm hard as he could. He swore he could hear something snap. Updike grabbed a hold of Whitty's face and fist into the bomb's stomach a few times, threw him across the island.

"Don't be so stubborn, Julian."

Whitty got up. Though he was hurting he was still pissed off enough to continue. "Who the hell's Julian?" He said, spitting a bit of oil onto the ground.

"I-nevermind."

"Whatever."

Feeling his arm, Updike hurt like hell. But damned if he was going to show weakness now. As the fight continued, both combatants’ clothes were stained by the dirt, Updike's also stained with various burn marks and black spots, Whitty using his fists to cause such.

Updike's pigment darkened too, the otherwise white cloud appearance turning to a light grey.

Tess underestimated just how much energy both had. As the fight continued it became less of a battle and more of a struggle as their energy waned.

As Whitty tried to do another fakeout, Updike stomped ahead, shaking the island. Hands into fists he slammed both into each side of Whitty's head, sending the bomb reeling back. It provided ample opportunity for Updike to combo, but he didn't, just standing their breathing heavily. He fell back, landing on his bum.

Whitty too, collecting his bearings and seeing Updike sitting there stopped.

"Truce?" He said in-between breaths. He wiped his face, a combo of sweat and oil covering it.

"Yes." Updike said quietly. He sniffled, sounding more like he was choking back tears than exhausted.

"See? That wasn't so hard now, was it?" Nikusa shouted from above. "Let's get back to the cafe!"

As soon as they returned they were met with an irate Rosie who was more annoyed at Tess and Kapi for abandoning their posts than anything. After seeing Whitty and Updike's beat up demeanour she decided to treat them, ordering the fairies to also heal them. She also didn't want all that dirt staining her room, so she ordered the group to one of the party rooms.

Whitty and Updike didn't speak much to each other after that. A combination of tire and mutual understanding washed over them. The most either said was thanks to each other. No snarky comments at each other either. In particular, Tess found Updike in an unreadable mood.

The most either said was when they entered the party room. Updike offered to bring in some more cake, saying to Whitty he should eat well to prepare. Whitty thanked him quietly, though felt uneasy at the gesture. Something about it felt...familiar to him, especially the way Updike entered holding a platter, metal lid covering the food.

When all was said and done Tess and Updike were the last ones to leave. Even though she was still working she wanted to ask Updike something. Now that they were alone, she saw fit to ask.

"Who's Julian?"

"Someone I used to know." Updike said solemnly.

The next chapter will be called Explosive Meeting.

Chapter Text

One successful birthday party and amicable showdown later Monday arrived. Just as Agoti predicted, Tabi returned to normal. He woke up first, the two of you having slept together. Other than a 'good morning' he started freaking out that he needed to get to his job.

The day breezed by, you mostly on cloud 9, not paying much attention to the rest of the bakery. Nothing of note happened though with Rosie's the chance of some unruly customer was much greater. Some days were at least quiet. This was one of them. Night arriving, the sun had only half-set when Theo arrived.

He was deadset on showing you his latest project, declaring it a massive success so far. You weren't sure what he spoke about until he hauled in a massive, life-size replica of the real Sonic, albeit made of metal and scrap.

"S and Nikku have been helping me design it!" He declared. "I am putting my work into this team!" Scary as it was to see, you said nothing.

Though the high-speed technology was impossible, progress was going rapidly. S apparently had schematics, remarking to you that Theo would succeed where 'Eggman failed', whatever that meant.

Rocket-powered shoes, razor-sharp graphene claws and state of the art electronics were all on the plan Theo showed you. S, Theo and Nikku formed a trio, engineering the perfect body for S.

Aldryx and Tabi arrived next, Solazar absent. Aldryx explained that Agoti needed some time to rest, Sol keeping him company. Excluding Solazar, everyone else arrived shortly.

Even Radi come, though skulked in the corner silent for most of the time. This proved a bad idea as Pompom, not having formally been introduced to him, began pestering the boy with questions.

He eventually managed to ward her off, commenting to you privately that she was just like his sister. Nikusa had not come, Radi stating that she remained undecided if she would join...despite all the evidence she clearly would. You shrug it off; Nikusa was by far the most unpredictable member now.

With no set topic yet and Updike, Whitty and Carol still lagging behind, the team waited. Tess was adamant they made up and were best friends. You didn't believe it but knew you'd get the full story later.

Despite 'sulking' in a corner Radi kept near you, yourself being the only person he had actually spoken to.

Annie, Pomona, Huggy and Kapi were in a corner of the room playing some board game. Though for Huggy it meant him chewing on some game piece while not actually playing, the rules of game beyond his comprehension.

Theo sat tinkering with some gadgets as Nikku watched with upmost interest. S stayed close, hologram barking orders at the engineer.

Rosie came around earlier but departed, the Donnas needing her for something. She hadn't come back up yet, Tess also with her.

That just left you and Radi, awkwardly by the window. He just stared out into the dark alleys behind the bakery, yourself just seated on a beanbag chair.

"So, the uh, treatment's going well?" You ask, finally breaking the silence.

"I've stopped it." Radi said through the mask. You'd thought of it before but man did he remind you of Tabi...but at least Tabi's 'condition' wasn't deadly.

"Huh?"

"I stopped it. It's better I keep my disease for the operation."

"But it works, right?"

"It does. I am in Updike's debt. I'm not as radioactive as I once was but it will be enough to kill them all." Radi said coldly.

"Well, that's good."

"Tell me something." Radi looked down, his bright green eyes shining upon you.

"Shoot."

"Why does everyone hate Updike? What has he done?"

You shrug. "Team’s a got history with him. I don't think hate's the right word. Moreso they just don't trust him."

"Why is that?"

"Updike is part of an organization that locks up people like you. Abnormal beings. And like, look at our team. Don't have many 'normal' people here."

"He mentioned that to me during treatment. That the team is not very easygoing. That he's not liked well."

You shift uneasily. "Well, so far he's threatened me, Pompom, Huggy, Kapi, captured S, spied on the team, pissed off Aldryx, captured Displo...I could go on. Raided Pompom's house, raided the restaurant I used to work at, doxxed Theo; there was a whole showdown yesterday just trying to get Whitty apparently. Dude's a hothead."

"I see."

"I don't hate him but I gotta admit he's very formal and a great ally...but he's not really approachable."

"How so?"

"Take Pompom." You point to her. "She's a huge fan of some celebrity called Applejack. She's a capable magician with a funny family and isn't afraid to take on other's problems. I don't know a single thing about Updike other than he rules that organization with 3 equally strange guys. And he listens to weird music. He's all business."

"I will tell him this."

"If he's feeling like a loner tell him to just be friendlier. Hell maybe he should apologize for raiding Pomona's farm those weeks ago."

"I will."

"Plus, I think Nikusa's a little more infamous here anyways."

"Really?"

"Well, she, Tabi, Aldryx and Solazar have a long history. Did she never mention that?"

Radi shook his head. "Not specifically."

You continue talking to Radi for some time until the rest of the team arrived. At least, the new folks. Whitty appeared first, looking exhausted. Behind him a short girl, who you believe his girlfriend.

Updike slumped in behind them, looking tired. Upon seeing you he b-lined to you, immediately talking business. "Rosie is downstairs talking to an abomination. Not just any, but one my people have been tracking. Don't tell me she's a potential member."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, well good. It, uh, wouldn't be a problem if she did join."

You shrug, clueless as to whatever Updike was talking about.

"Whitmore's girlfriend will be joining us as well." He added.

"Sure. Got no problem with her joining. She uh, has any abilities?"

Kapi got up, immediately deciding to be the one to introduce Whitty and his girlfriend to everyone.

"She is an angel." Updike said flatly.

"Heh." Radi asked.

"An angel. You know? Opposite of a demon? Winged creatures from the sky-"

"Oh, um, I thought you meant' er. Okay." Radi said.

You wondered if it would cause issue with the many 'unfavourables' on the team but there would be time to deal with that later.

"Don't worry. She won't have an issue. She isn't as pious as you may think." Updike said, guessing your thoughts.

"How did the meeting go yesterday? Tess said you two are okay now?"

Updike winced. "It went fine. We came to an understanding." Updike said, rubbing his arm idly.

"This is (Y/N). The leader, sort of." Kapi said as he brought Whitty and Carol.

"We do everything collaboratively, there isn't really a leader. I'm just one of the original members." You say as Whitty shakes your hand.

"Got quite a crew here." He said eagerly. "They won't know what hit 'em."

"I guess." Carol said. "Lotta, uh, evil people."

"That's not gonna be a problem is it?" You ask sarcastically.

"No! Not at all." Carol replied instantly.

Letting go of Whitty you continue. "We got a few members not present. Rosie's downstairs, and the other 'Andromedas' are out for the night. I'm sure you'll meet them later. One's the president of Entity Records."

"Yeah I know 'em. Entity's poppin' off right now."

Kapi continued showing off Whitty and Carol, going to Tabi and Aldryx next.

"You. I know you." Whitty remarked, seeing Tabi. "Huh. How long's this crew been formed?"

Tabi got up and shook Whitty's hand. "I was solo back then."

With Whitty present, you, Updike and Radi take a seat. The two sitting on either side of you. Tabi sat beside Aldryx though upon seeing the others on each side, shot you a jealous glare.

With Whitty and Carol acquainted it was time for planning again. Solazar already gave you a draft. With Updike not taking charge you stood up, going through the plan.

Team Haskell was a team that needed to detonate the hellgate. Though you tried your best not to, it sounded a lot like a suicide mission. You stressed otherwise.

"Simply put, the Family could summon demons at will, but with a hellgate can easily summon an army. By disabling the hellgate it would thwart their efforts and diminish their ability to call in reinforcements."

Additionally, Theo suggested, the team could also detonate other areas, providing needed distraction from the main teams. The ability to distract was added to Team Haskell's docket. Raise hell and shatter it. With a group like that it's members were found instantly.

Whitty, Carol and Annie.

Annie's strength would see them breaking past whatever door and Whitty's ability would render it ash. Carol would watch over the two, providing healing where necessary. As Whitty described his explosive ability, the question then came up that everyone excluding Updike was thinking.

"If you explode, won't it just kill you?" Pompom asked.

Whitty laughed. "It hurts like hell but I won't die."

"Plus, I'll be around to heal him when the deed is done." Carol added.

"What about you?" Tess asked Annie. "Won't it affect you?"

Annie shrugged. "I'll just get out of the way. You can control it right?"

"Yep. Now, what kinda building are we talking?"

"Wood, enforced with concrete." Updike said, speaking directly to Whitty for the first time.

"Oh then it'll be no problem. So that's it then? Me, Carol and her just run in, blow up the spot and dip?"

"Pretty much." You say.

"Huh. Thought it would be a little more exciting." Whitty shrugged.

"There will be no shortage of demons to fight I assure you." Updike said. "And depending on the current situation we may need you to provide backup, or blow up the roads."

"Ha. Worried you'll need backup?" Whitty said snarkily.

"No. I'll be nowhere near your position and you detonating in those tunnels would be suicide. I'm talking about assisting Nikku's team, or (Y/N)'s." Updike said, deadpan.

"...ah, misunderstood you there for a sec. Yeah that sounds good. You sure you're gonna be okay with this babe?"

"I have been meaning to ask." Updike said. "Won't someone like you cause warning bells just from being on the property?" Updike said, speaking to Carol.

"Whoa hey, there isn't need for that-" Theo started to say.

"She is an angel."

"Yes, I know she's pretty but-"

"Wrong kind of angel."

"Oh."

"Nah. I've been there lots of times. They have an exception for me. Haha, did you forget Girlfriend is like my best friend? Well 'side from Sunday." Carol shrugged. "Worst case I can pretend to be a fallen angel. It won't be an issue, dw."

"I got a question actually." Carol continued. "...we aren't gonna touch Girlfriend right? I mean, she hasn't done anything like the rest of her family."

"Like hell she hasn't." Annie said. "Her and her boyfriend killed my best friend!"

"Girlfriend would never do that. She isn't like that."

"She is. You don't know her. I heard it from the cops. There were witnesses. They saw those two before Garcello died!" Annie spat, glaring through her bangs.

"Pft. The cops probably have it out for them."

"That's not true. I should know." You add in.

"Oh yeah, and how do you know?"

"I was literally a cop. I got laid off and damn near killed because I was investigating them."

"Okay, well still. I'm her best friend. She. Isn't. Like. Them."

"Are you sure being so close to them won't be a problem?" Theo asked innocently.

"Tf is this an interrogation?" Carol snapped. "I hate their family as much as any of you but those two are innocent."

"She's right." Whitty added. "I've met them. They aren't like the rest of them. I thought they were out to get me back then but they just wanted to sing."

"I don't know anything about them. Even during my investigation there was barely any info about them." You shrugged.

"I don't trust them. Like mother, like daughter." Tabi added.

"They were nice to me." Nikku said.

"Yeah, I went to school with Boyfriend. He's my best friend."

"I don't know. They were kinda prudes when they came to my diner." Tess shrugged. "And I bet she went crying to her parents when I forced them to pay their bill."

"Hold on. Show of hands. Who here has actually met 'Girlfriend'." You ask. Everyone's hand went up except Pompom, Annie, Theo and Radi.

"Who exactly are they?" Radi asked.

"Girl about yay-high, brown hair, always wears red. Her boyfriend has blue hair."

"Oh. That was them." Radi raised his hand. Strangely, Huggy raised his too, raising even more questions.

"Okay, well, uh show of hands, who here thinks they're evil?"

The votes were split. You yourself abstained, only vaguely knowing them. Surprisingly, Updike voted them to be harmless.

"Well I at least want to know why they left him there. What they did to him. If we see them I'm getting my answers." Annie said coldly.

"Fine, but no violence against them." Carol said.

"Are they even gonna be there? For all we know they're off on some adventure." Kapi said.

"We don't know for certain." Updike said.

"Okay, well. Here's the deal if anyone runs into them during the heist and they either attack first or try to rat everyone out then their fair game. Otherwise just leave 'em alone." You conclude.

There were no objections to that, though Annie and Carol glared at each other, Annie no doubt planning on demanding answers should they show up.

"So who exactly is missing?" Whitty asked.

"Rosie, Solazar, Agoti technically, and I guess Nikusa."

"Cool."

"Actually, I am right here." Rosie spoke up, entering the meeting room.

Her introduction to Whitty and Carol was brief, the two having been acquainted yesterday. Rosie stated that so long as they don't hurt the fairies, there won't be a problem.

"Damn. That firedude isn't here." She commented. "(Y/N) and Updike. I need to talk to you two privately. Err. Aldryx?"

"Uh-huh?"

"Can you speak for your father?"

"Sure."

"Alright. You come too."

The three of you got up and left with Rosie.

"What was that about?" Pompom asked Tess. She just shrugged.

The four of you stepped out into the stairwell next to the fake vending machine. "So what's the problem?" You ask.

"Do any of you know a group called the Seven Deadly Sins, SDS for short?"

"Never heard of 'em." Aldryx said.

You think on it. "I think I do. Some street gang right?" You recall seeing their case file once.

"They're a group of abominations, primarily engaged in petty crime. They are known to us as potential aggressors." Updike said dryly.

"Well, the group's mostly based out of Manhattan. Leader went missing bout two months ago. Up and vanished. Long story short their search led them here, we're they've been looking." Rosie said.

"Two months?" Aldryx said skeptically. "And he's missing? I don't know how to tell them this but he's probabl-"

"They know he's alive. He's a demon and the group has contacts in hell. If he ain't down there he's up here somewhere."

"Alright." You say. "So what does this have to do with us?"

"They're requesting our help."

"They don't know about the Carnival, do they?" Updike asked skeptically.

"Word's gotten around the street that the Belladonnas have reformed. That's it. Don't worry."

"Help for what though? We kinda got a lot on our plate, what with the whole 'operation'." Aldryx said.

Rosie sighed. "Just let me explain, okay? I was talking to Sakuroma downstairs. She's one of the members. Their search determined that not only is their leader, Retro, in the city but that he was taken by the Family. They guess he's being held in their compound somewhere. They actually came asking if my Donnas could help their attack."

"No. They don't know we already have plans there." Rosie said, stopping Aldryx before he interrupted again. "Saku told me that if we don't help they're gonna attack the compound anyways."

"So?" Aldryx said. "Let 'em. Make our operation easier."

Updike shook his head. "They attack, fail and then we have to deal with heightened security come our operation."

"I see." You say.

"I've already accepted by the way. Made a deal that when we go in, we look for Retro too. They're gonna be on the sidelines, watching over the area, stopping cops or whoever else. Saku's a talented sniper. It'll be good to have her along."

"We already have so many people already though."

"They don't know about our heist. As far as they know we're going there to get revenge for the Fae. Getting Retro is good enough."

"Yeah I got no issue with that then." Aldryx said. You and Updike were in agreement too.

"There is a catch before they help us, though."

"Hmph. I figured as much. It better not be to take them off our registry." Updike said, crossing his arms.

Rosie chuckled. "Don't worry it's not. Retro has a boyfriend and he's gone missing too. They want to know if you have any idea where he went."

"Me?"

"They recognized you earlier. They don't think the Family took him but know he's at least hiding in the city somewhere. He was the last person to see Retro. They want answers."

"What's his name and what can he do?"

"Ace Kamex. No idea what he can do."

"I'll take a look through our records. The name is familiar to me."

"Anyways, I wanted to let you three know since you're pretty much the leaders."

"I don't have a problem. No idea where to look but if any of us run into Retro I don't see why not." You said.

"I have no objections either." Updike said.

"Yeah, I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind the extra help." Aldryx added.

"Let's go tell the others." You say.

"I will stay here, check with my people if they know this Ace." Updike said as he pulled out his phone.

After explaining the situation to the rest of the crew nobody had any objections. It was quickly determined that the Sins Crew would act purely as backup and oversee the operation, intervening if things got too heated. They would not be partaking in any of the stealing or actual heist. Aldryx took charge there, making points he believed his dad would back.

The 'capture' of Retro raised questions however.

"Why would they kidnap a demon?" Carol asked. "Doesn't make any sense."

"It doesn't. Maybe he went against them." Tabi suggested.

Kapi shrugged. "I think Tabi's right. Probably looked at them wrong or something."

Updike came in shortly after. Not only had he heard of Ace but the abomination was apparently under TGG surveillance.

"Ace is hold up at an abandoned hotel south of the city. 'bout an hour drive." He declared. "Our agents believe he is suffering from manic depression, hallucinations and a deteriorated mental state. We started tracking him a month back. He is responsible for that 'deep freeze' that hit Manhattan a month back. He can control temperature. Turned the whole city briefly to about -25 celsius."

Updike cleared his throat. "He disappearance, the deep freeze and Retro's disappearance all occurred around time. I believe they are linked. He likely has some kind of connection to the Family."

"He can control temperature?" Radi asked. "How?"

"I don't know how his abilities function. He effectively as the same ability as you, just with snow, ice and cold."

"So you've known he's been there for months and haven't done anything?" Whitty asked, skeptically.

"Yes. He isn't harming anyone anymore. I don't see why we would need to intervene."

"Hm."

"I can send in an extraction team, posthaste."

"No, hold on. I wanna go." Aldryx said.

"Pardon?"

"No offense but I don't trust you guys. I'd rather we go in and get him."

"Hmm," Updike said, thinking. "If you believe this to be a better option than very well. But you cannot go alone."

"How dangerous is it?" Pompom asked.

"I cannot say for certain. He's an associate of a street gang suffering from a potential mental breakdown. The hotel is also awash with rumours of strange creatures running around. I wouldn't recommend you go."

Pompom slunked down.

Theo stood up. "I will go with Aldryx. I feel I have not contributed enough to this team." He said rather democratically.

"I'll go too then. Same reason." Radi added.

"I'll drive. I need to get out of the city." Annie spoke up.

"That settles it then. You four will go. Come to my headquarters tomorrow and I will brief and prepare you."

"This is it by the way. We don't need any more people after this." You say.

Everyone was in agreement.

With a final side quest established it was time to discuss the rest of the plan. There were two other huge caveats the plan needed working through.

Most of this planning had gone on behind the scenes, clandestine planning between Updike, Pompom and her mother. Feeling a little more emboldened and with new members present, Updike saw fit to explain it.

"No offense to our operational capabilities but I cannot see a scenario in which at least one of us doesn't get caught. As a result we need some way to make them 'forget' us. S will destroy any and all surveillance tapes relating to the night we attack. Pompom will provide a similar kind of service."

"Yep!"

"Pompom and her mother are in possession of a spell called damnatio memoriae. A powerful spell, it can wipe the memory of someone going back a few hours. Towards the end of the operation we cast it and they forget all about our heist."

"Is that what you used on me?" Nikku asked.

"No. We used a drug."

"Oh."

"Oooh, so we make 'em forget, eh?" S asked, a grin forming on his mouth. "You think we could leave some evidence behind, make it look like Mobius attacked them?" He felt so mischievous.

"I don't see why not." Updike replied.

"Oooooh. This is gonna be good."

"The only issue with this spell is that it does not have a huge range. As such we will need magic repeaters placed around the compound. I am still working out the details but it is likely whichever teams enter the compound will need to set up these repeaters."

Nobody had any objections to the plan.

"Additionally, the compound has an anti-magic field around it, though disabling it should be easy."

"Pfft yeah." S said. "Long as I get in I can raise hell. Literally."

"Nobody have any objections?"

"Wait," Radi said. "If she casts it, won't that mean we also lose our memory?"

"Nope!" Pompom declared. "I can control the range."

Updike nodded. "Once we all leave the compound, Pompom will cast it. It will hit everyone in the compound. No issues there."

"There is one thing." You say, standing up. "If they're gonna get hit with this spell it means they all gotta be cognizant."

"..?" Whitty mumbled.

"No killing. They gotta be alive."

Quite a few groans were heard. Even despite the hammering in this was a heist, not all were convinced they couldn't give the Family a little medicine. Updike backed you.

"Hurt them all you want, but. No. Killing."

The next chapter will be called Absolute Zero.

Chapter Text

While the meeting had dispersed for the evening, it was far from over. Solazar was pissed. With the possible addition of the Seven Deadly Sins it marked too many new people that joined without his express approval. So, despite the readiness of everyone, Solazar delayed Ace's 'rescue' until he could properly vet the gang, their missing leader and Ace.

This took several days, moving the 'rescue' to Wednesday, mid-day. He cleared them all but insisted that none would be included in the heist, or rather be involved in getting the money.

Up above the cloud cover was heavy. Reports had not called for rain, but the high presence of dark grey clouds indicated otherwise. Until now at least, not a drop had fallen.

Two vehicles followed a rarely traversed road. A typical van rode first, one meant for consumers, two seats in the front, two in the back. Behind it strolled a military van, TGG proudly showing off the logo on its side.

An unusual team rode in the first car. Annie drove, not having spoken much with Aldryx in the passenger's seat. In the back sat Theo, starring intently outside and Radi, whose coat took up most of the seat. Radi stared outside too, unsure what exactly he should be looking at.

The outskirts of the town were foreign to him. It reminded him back of home but only in feeling. Everything was so different. For one, it wasn't this green back home. Lofie would like it out here. No. He shook his head, reminding himself of the mission. He looked back to the photo he had been given.

Ace was holed out of town, down southbound. Hideout in an abandoned hotel, long since reclaimed by nature. Aside from his location Updike had produced a photo of the fugitive.

As a slim dragon anthro he had two white curved horns pointed out of his head. A full head of dark blue hair covered the top and flowed down past his shoulders. In the photo, he wore a black parka with red trim and white frills around it, a red handkerchief improvised as a scarf covering his neck. Underneath the jacket, his chest covered by a plain white shirt, black cargo pants below it. He wore no shoes, unneeded in the house setting the photo had been taken in.

A single gold earing shined from his pointy left ear. It shined, as did his brown eyes off the way the shot was taken. The photographer had been credited as R.S. How exactly Updike obtained the photo was unknown. A large white and light blue tail emerged from the back, resting on the ground. It matched the same light blue of his face and paws.

Radi couldn't help but feel a little bad at the photo. Ace had gone on the run for currently unknown reasons, currently suffering from a mental breakdown. Radi shuddered; it reminded him of his own 'fall'. He put the photo away.

"We consider Ace an associate of this gang. It appears he has a love interest in the group's leader but otherwise has not engaged in any criminal activity." Updike said through the comlink. Presently, he was in a truck following Annie's car. While not part of the 'operation' he stuck close, though upon Aldryx's request came unarmed, no squad with him this time.

"Ace is a photographer by trade, a member of some photo club. Predictably they have no idea why he ran off too."

"How did you guys even find him anyways?" Annie asked. She had chosen the mission just to get out of the city. With no intention of going in the hotel she just wanted the change of scenery.

"Abandoned buildings are a prime target for anti-nominal and paranormal behaviour. We've had this place monitored for a long time. Make a right at this upcoming road."

Updike had explained the history of the hotel though nobody really cared. At least, nobody aside from Theo. He tried to hide it, but he was excited. Every member on the team so far had been fascinating to him, showing a world he knew naught existed.

Earlier he was starring at Aldryx then later Radi curious as to how his abilities worked. Aldryx was too focused on some phone call to chat and Radi barely spoke period. Nevertheless Theo came prepared, a duffle bag full of electronics, drones and toys that he hoped would come in handy.

"Is there any other 'paranormal' activity in this hotel?" Theo asked.

"We've had reports prior to Ace's arrival but since then nothing besides Ace." Updike replied.

"Why?" Aldryx chuckled. "Worried you might see a ghost?"

"Certainly not. I look forward to seeing one. I must admit I am quite excited for this little excursion."

"Are you now?" Updike asked from the comlink. "Well if this field interests you do let me know. we could always use more help."

"Really? I would be honoured."

Aldryx sighed. "Don't get him started."

The two ignored Aldryx and began a complex discussion on TGG, what it stood for and such. Despite not joining in, Radi listened closely, himself curious about what exactly Updike did for a living.

Plenty of backroads, endless forests and grassy plains later they made it to the destination. As Annie pulled in she understood when Updike said that the place really was abandoned.

The hotel was not very big, 3 floors at most, and stretched back into what used to be an open expanse. Trees had grown along the side of the hotel and looked to be the only things keeping it up high. Where the hotel once rocked a courtyard it had become a mass of sand, shrubbery and grass, poking through. Not a single window remained, muffled sunlight pouring through them, just barely lighting up the inside.

Despite it's disarray it still maintained a grandiose appearance.

Whatever doors had once provided entrance were nothing more that piles of rubble, any large scraps long since taken by wildlife. The only 'sentient' contact the place had in the last 30 years had been from artists whose graffiti remained sprawled across the brick.

Radi looked at it skeptically. When on the run he had taken shelter in a radioactive waste site for a bit. While it had not been the 'comfiest' place, he found it much more hospitable than this dilapidated shelter.

Aldryx got out fist, the temperature he immediately noticed. Back in the city it reached t-shirt weather, low 20s. Here it was much colder, temperature around low 10s. Nothing around indicated why it was colder, just that the air was chilly.

The others stepped out as well, nobody particularly commenting on the temperature either. Updike pulled in, his truck reversing in, just in case they needed a speedy getaway. Swinging open the back doors he stepped out.

"Here we are. Once known as the Roy & Charcle Hotel, it has been abandoned for many years, longer than I presume any of you have been alive...except Theo."

"Hmph." Theo said.

"The mission is simple. Just go in there, try to talk some sense into Ace and see if he knows anything about Retro's disappearance. If you need anything I am right here. Me and my technician will be monitoring from our planted bugs. Be careful, the lot of you."

"Pft. We'll be fine." Aldryx said.

"Even so." Updike said. "You are dealing with someone not currently making rational decisions."

"Understood." Radi said.

"Off to it then. Good luck." Updike said as he got back into the truck, taking a seat amongst several monitors.

Theo took something out his satchel. "Before we can begin, let us do a little reconnaissance." He pulled out a drone and controller.

Aldryx, already bored took to leaning against the car, scrolling on his phone. Radi, curious watched Theo.

"Whereabouts do you believe he's holed up?" Theo asked.

"He usually resides on the second floor. Never the first and rarely the third or roof. We do have one instance of him going up to the roof and crying but based on our reports that hasn't happened in a long time."

"Grim." Aldryx muttered.

Theo nodded and activated the drone, 4 propellors spinning rapidly as it took off. A camera had been attached to it allowing a 360-degree view of the area. Radi started watching from Theo's camera but stopped, not wanting to get too close to him. Updike instead beckoned him to watch from his larger screens.

With skill Theo maneuvered it up and entered from an open window. Though its curtains were drawn the drone easily pushed them aside.

The rooms in here were in much better shape than the outside of the hotel. Floors in-tact, only a few holes in the wall and even with curtains. And unlike the other rooms the ground was covered in a thick layer of ice. From Theo's perspective it looked as if the floor was made of glass. This must be a very fancy hotel. He thought.

"Ace?" Theo asked through the drone. No response. He continued flying around the rooms looking for any sign of anyone. Just as he flew next to an air vent he saw a purple blur emerge from inside and then the drone stopped moving, propellers whirring nowhere.

"What the!" He proclaimed, surprised. Pushing on the controls he tried to get away but couldn't. He could see what the drone had gotten ensnared on but as he moved the joysticks he could not dislodge it.

"By jove!" He shouted as he struggled with it. In the 360 view he scrolled around, better trying to see what it got trapped in.

Though a distorted, almost fisheyes look he saw two large eyes, white with huge black circles in each starring at the drone. At first he though it some strange reflection but when he realized they were eyes he felt his stomach fill with fear.

"Sir Updike. Are you seeing this?"

"I am."

"That's not...That's not Ace correct?"

"No. I'm not sure what that is. Decoy set up by Ace? Something else in that hotel? I cannot say."

"That is unfortunate." Theo said. "Perhaps I can send in another one!"

"Can we go in now?" Aldryx asked, bored.

Theo looked at Aldryx skeptically. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. C'mon. We can pick up your drone too."

"Very well. Let us go." The said as he turned off the drone.

Seeing the entrance up close only showed just how damned this place was. They nodded at each other and went in, taking caution to avoid broken glass by the entrance.

Now alone, Annie climbed out of the car and walked up to Updike. "You mind?" She asked Updike.

"Um, no?"

Annie nodded and climbed atop the transport truck, shaking it slightly. Satisfied she lied down on it, cracking open a book and reading. She was content to wait and give her some much-needed quiet time. To her, this trip was therapeutic.

Updike found it confusing but said nothing, instead looking back to his screens.

There comes a point when ruins fade, that whatever objects could have been present had long since been reduced to dust. A time when even the mold dies, leaving nothing but nature to take back over. The hotel's interior was in that state. Unrecognizable wallpaper, piles of trash mixed with sand, objects that could have resembled furniture once, comprised of nothing but rotting wood.

Any decaying material present had long since vanished, just giving the place a damp but empty scent.

"Do we know exactly where he is, roomwise?" Theo asked through the comlink. To him it looked like nobody had ever been here. He continued to find the excursion fascinating. His inner child practically screaming that he was doing an 'investigation', just as he saw it done on children's shows. He was so excited he didn't see the nail on the ground, accidentally kicking it at Radi.

"Nope. Second floor somewhere. We don't have schematics of the place." Updike said quietly.

"Why is it so cold?" Aldryx asked, now noticing he could see his breath.

"It is?" Radi asked, the cooler temps not affecting his nuclear fission.

"Indeed. It is cooler here." Theo remarked.

"Did none of you listen to my lecture earlier? Ace can control temperatures, render the place a snowstorm at will. The closer you will get the colder it will likely be."

"Well let's hurry this up. Ace! We know you're in here!" Aldryx shouted.

There was no response, though Radi heard shuffling from upstairs. With nothing to go on they continued stepping over indescribable garbage. While Radi and Aldryx were careful, Theo strutted like he owned the place. He had the foresight to bring steel-toe boots and they were putting work in.

Aldryx's sneakers did little and the digidevil found himself lagging, careful not to step in any broken glass or sharp objects.

They took turns calling for Ace though no response was ever heard. It remained silent as ever, the only sounds them walking and the occasional water drop.

Holes in the ceiling allowed water and the sun to get through to provide some additional light. Theo spotted a few puddles on the ground, drops occasionally falling from the ceiling. He didn't consider their origin until he looked up in the next room. As they were going deeper into the hotel he found a thin layer of snow on the ground. It looked to have formed naturally, white blanketing the floor.

"You gotta be kidding me." Aldryx muttered as he stepped in it. "I don't know if I can take this man." He said cursing. They could see the stairwell a few rooms in from at the end of the hallway. But, as the hallway reached it's ended the amount of snow increased.

"If you are unable to handle this I can take over. We have hot chocolate in the truck." Updike said earnestly, unintentionally taunting him.

"No. I can do this. Better save me a cup...How are you not cold?!" He asked Radi and Theo.

"I can't feel it. My powers prevent me." Radi said as he walked off.

"Indeed. He is like a walking furnace." Updike remarked.

"This is nothing." Theo joked. "I've spent entire evenings atop Ferris wheels repairing them. I am no stranger to the cold." He said poetically.

"You're not even wearing a jacket man!"

"Woah!" Radi shouted from another room. "Uhm, guys, you wanna see this?"

"You found 'em?" Aldryx asked happily and ran into the room. He stopped suddenly, nearly bumping into Radi. "What the in the f-"

"What? What do you see?"

Theo entered last, also surprised at what he saw. "How strange! However, I don't think this is Ace."

"Someone send me a photo!" Updike demanded. Theo did, albeit struggled a bit with the phone, ultimately having Aldryx just send it.

In-cased in a block of ice was some blue humanoid figure. They couldn't tell if he was real or not but encased in the block, it couldn't move anyways. The figure was large and wide, all blue except for the goofy mouth and possibly fake looking eyes. He had a crown atop his head. Nothing human or anthro about him, his arms and legs just stubs that narrowed. One of his eyes looked to be a button, a large black X where the iris should have been.

"I don't know what that is supposed to be. We've had reports about possible abomination activity here. Perhaps this is that. Regardless, that isn't Ace so please keep looking." Updike said.

They did, and left the room, making for the stairwell. Surprisingly it was in far better shape, some of the velvet carpet remaining. Very few holes looked to be present as well. The stairs were covered in a patchwork of snow, the temperature getting colder as they climbed.

Feeling like the blue creature below, Aldryx buttoned up his jacket. Though just a plain jean jacket he hoped it'd provide at least a little bit of warmth. While he had the ability to make fire he worried, the interior of the hotel looking like a good spark would turn it to a tinderbox.

"Ace!" Aldryx shouted again. "You in here? We want to talk. We know what happened to your boyfriend!" He said aloud, annoyed.

Theo saw it first, a huge blur go past several rooms. A white bolt shot out of it, aimed right for Theo. He took a step forward, stepping right into a hole covered in snow. He fell through, lodging himself in the middle of the floors. The bolt hit the wall, exploding and freezing part of it.

"Go away!" Someone shouted.

"Damn!" Theo cursed. He started to lift himself out of the hole, pushing on nearby wood. It caved and Theo fell a few metres, landing on the 1st floor. He groaned.

"Theo!" Aldryx said. "You okay?"

"I'll be f-fine." He muttered as he picked himself up. "Suffered worse falls."

"You two go on ahead I am going to take a breather." Theo added, mumbling to himself about his shape.

Upstairs Radi and Aldryx readied themselves for a fight. "Ace, we're friends! We don't want to hurt you!" Aldryx declared. He nudged Radi, whispering that he should help.

They watched where they stepped, kicking snow out of the way. There was no telling where holes were.

"Indeed!" Theo called from below, hoping Ace could hear them.

"We, uh, could help you out?" Radi said, completely unsure.

"A-are ou with them?" Someone, presumably Ace shouted from a distance. Aldryx scanned the various doors and rooms but could not place where Ace was.

"We, uh. Yes?" Radi said, still unsure.

"I knew it!" Another ice blast shot out, this time directly at Radi. He blocked it, the ice bolt shattering upon impact, encasing his fists in a jagged piece of ice. Radi smirked as the ice easily melted off, for the first time glad for his powers. A bright green flame erupted around his arms.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Aldryx shouted. "Put that out, you're gonna torch this place!"

"Geez, alright. What are you, my dad?" Radi said annoyed.

They heard the scampering run deeper into the hotel, leaving earshot.

"Argh, great. We lost 'em. Why'd you say that?"

"I don't know this stuff. I'm not some friggin' council worker." Radi spat.

"Whatever."

Giving up on the burning the place down, a small fire lit from around Aldryx's wrists.

"Why can you do it? I thought you said we'd burn the place down." Radi said.

"I can. Damn place is too cold. Maybe we should just smoke 'em out."

"I see-"

"D-don't. Don't actually burn this place down. Come on. Let's keep looking."

"You comin' Theo?"

"No. Go on without me for a bit. I'm gonna go a different way." Theo shouted from below. He himself got up and inspected himself for any cuts or bruises. "And also find my drone." He muttered.

Upstairs Radi and Aldryx continued. They believed that their 'attacker' was none other than Ace, though the hulking mass they saw earlier made no indication so. The snow had solidified forming a layer of ice that doubled as the floor. Even with boots on, the two could not stand straight on them, sliding about.

"I can't believe this." Aldryx muttered as he slid around. He kept to the wall, using it to keep stable. Radi, even with his boots had trouble maneuvering too. His mind remained on fighting, easily noting that if Ace came at them now they'd be screwed.

As Aldryx clutched the wall his hand didn't notice the nail sticking out. Scratching his hand on it he reeled back, loosing his balance and falling forward. "Damnit!" He slid into the next room, bumping into something.

Using the wall as push-off point Radi pushed off and tried to slide after Aldryx. "Just hold still. I got you." Radi said. It did nothing as both ended up picking up speed and crashing into something at the end.

Aldryx groaned and Radi got up, helping the digidevil up. "This place man. This-what the."

As he got up he looked at what they had crashed into. Another strange creature. This one was green and way larger than the blue guy, with long arms as wide as his core. He had the same kind of goofy eyes and wide smile as the blue guy too. He was posed in a position that he was about to grab the viewer. He had been stopped, a solid block of ice, encasing him.

"You sure this wasn't a hotel and not some weird daycare thing?" Aldryx asked in the comlink. He sent Updike a picture.

"This is just strange. I don't believe they are related to Ace in any way. I can't fathom what they are." Updike said. He typed away, searching TGG records for any known abominations like that. "I've gotten nearly every report I have of this place in front of me. Got nothing on these weird creatures. Just reports they might exist, though no descriptions provided. I'm at a loss. Be careful though."

"Pfft. These things don't look too dangerous. Let's go man. I spend any more time here I'm gonna get frostbite." Aldryx said to Radi. He nodded and they continued.

Theo found an alternative route up, climbing stairs through an employee-only area. The place here looked a bit more upkept, but Theo kept finding piles of ashes and wood. Had someone been starting fires here?

It reminded him of what he saw in his dreams but with vile creatures and distorted memories. It didn't help that this place reminded him of one of a past workplace. He shook his head.

He coughed. "Damnit. Not here." He found himself shaking slightly. A troubled past and the things he'd seen he kept to himself, buried. Tragedies on his rides and macabre images he saw flashed about. Though he fought hard and knew it not his fault the guilt still weighed. It was another reason he left home. And now it was back, reminding him of a past attraction. A coaster ride next to a hotel. And it was in that hotel he heard firsthand all hell break loose from that ride.

"Theo are you alright?" Updike asked through the comlink, hearing Theo choking. "Y-yes. Just had a hot flash. I'll be okay. This place...can it trigger memories or like visions?"

"We've done an oxygen test of the area. There are no chemicals present that could cause that. No magic either. But if you are feeling sick get out of there."

"No. Let me at least find my drone." Theo said, picking himself up. He checked his phone. With the drone's features he could track how close he was to it. Staring at the app, he found the knot passing, feeling better now.

He continued walking along, entering an area at the edge of property. Two large holes were present in the large wall, allowing light to pour in.

He couldn't help but find this section scenic, this interior remining him of a church. Nothing but a large open room that once held a banquet hall.

Upstairs Radi and Aldryx weren't having any luck. Ace vanished again and left the two with a makeshift hockey rink. No more strange creatures, though they weren't on each other's mind. They tried calling Ace again, to no avail.

Updike had been monitoring their movements, though personally more focused on Theo, considering him a higher risk target.

"Leave me alone! I didn't do anything!" Radi and Aldryx finally heard as they entered the next room. The two had not been following any set path, going where they slid. They found themselves in some kind of lounge, quite a few chairs remaining, though the cushions long gone. Much brighter here, a hole having been opened in the ceiling, cutting through the third floor. A stage sat opposite of them; curtains drawn.

"We aren't here to hurt you!" Aldryx said. "We just want to talk." He said back, unsure of where Ace spoke from.

"Dammit just tell him you're sent by Sakuroma and know where Retro is. He's obviously not going to believe you till you mention them." Updike said, queuing back into Aldryx's conversation.

"We're with Retro! We know where he is!" Radi shouted back.

"No you aren't! You're with them! I know it!" Someone shouted again, a flurry of ice shards shooting from the stage.

Radi reacted quickly jumping in front of Aldryx, using his hands to emit a neon green shield. Made of radioactive heat it melted the ice instantly. Just as the ice evaporated he made it vanish, readying his fists for a serious battle. He hopped upon a table, ready for combat.

"Sakuroma sent us!" Radi shouted.

Aldryx readied himself too. "Thanks for that Rad. Let's do this."

"Wait! Wait! T! T! You're with Sakuroma?" Someone frantically said. Carefully a head peered out of the curtains, looking at the two.

"You really aren't with t-them?"

"Who exactly is the-"

"We aren't with the Family." Radi said and lowered his fists.

"Really?"

Downstairs Theo found himself admiring the view, imagining ballroom music playing throughout. Slow string instruments, glacially moving melodies and major chords. "Maybe some Lawrence Welk." He commented aloud as he moved slowly, mimicking a slow dance. A conductor leading a light music theater, woodwinds accompanying too. And a fire alarm. Theo blinked. He heard a fire alarm, something buzzing, a distorted and glitching electronic screech that repeated every second and it was getting louder.

Theo turned, his instincts fully kicking in as he saw it run at him.

An orange lizard-like creature, though its proportions were way off. While it had a long neck like a goose, it had two huge eyes sitting atop it like someone had sculpted it on. The long snout it had, stylized a bit like an alligator's long and with sharp teeth.

But while its snout was gator-like the rest of it looked nothing like it. It ran on two thin legs, two thin arms extended out appearing threatening as it ran at Theo. The rest of its body was slender and thin, even down to the lanky tail it had. The create was not that large either, only standing at about half of Theo's height.

That creature was the source of the 'fire alarm', screeching as it charged at Theo.

He didn't have time to deduce an option, the orange blur reminding him of the children that had attacked him. His instincts took over as he grabbed the creature by the throat and slammed it against the wall. Only intending to stun it he used too much strength and sent it through the wall. The wall was only made of a thin rotting wood but the action surprised Theo, snapping out of his rage.

In an instant the creature was winded, eyes spinning as it tried to focus on what had just happened. It writhed under Theo's iron grip, trying to snap at him.

"Updike! I require immediate assistance! I'm being accosted by some...creature..thing! I'm not sure what this is supposed to be."

"I am on my way! Sit tight." In an instant Updike threw off his headphones and bolted out of the truck, his weight shaking it as he jumped off. The weight wasn't enough to bother Annie who continued lounging atop it.

"And then we came here." Aldryx said as he concluded his speel. "So you're Ace, huh. No offense but you don't really look like your photo."

Aldryx looked him over. While he had been expecting a stylish anthro-dragon standing before him was a large, unkempt and distraught anthro-dragon. He teamed with ice, Aldryx taking care to keep his distance as the man emitted cold.

He looked to have gained a lot of weight, the excess mass from muscles, not fat, though beneath all the fur it was hard to tell. Compared to the photo, Aldryx found the original Ace looked scrawny next to the 'ogre' in front of him.

He stood much larger than the reference Ace, the only thing in common being the navy jeans he wore. Though, whether Ace went through a growth spurt or not the jeans had ripped, plenty of holes present on the legs, the fabric trying to hold his furry legs in.

That was another characteristic he found different about Ace. While the photo indicated he had hair atop his head, this Ace was covered in a grey fur, covering his arms, legs, head and even tail. His dark hair had turned a ghostly white as did his eyebrows and beard. It had grown too, flowing down to just above his tail. Only a few streaks of his black hair remained, two 'ponytails' flowing down on each side of his shoulders.

All the fur was unkempt, no attempt at grooming them had been made, matted and knotted in some parts, overgrown in others.

Atop his upper half he wore a stained white undershirt, barely hiding his puffy chest, fur visible around the edges of the stretched fabric.

The last part that had changed were his horns, Aldryx picking up on that immediately. The photo had shown his horns as thin and aimed directly up. His horns no longer stood up, instead arching behind him slightly. They looked to have been made into ice, shining in ambient light. A same ice patch appeared on chin too, as if part of his beard had completely frozen into a light blue jewel.

The claws on his hands and paws were the same colour too, shining barely, claws far sharper than they were in the photograph.

He hardly looked like the same person.

"Y-you sure this is the same guy?" Aldryx asked, grabbing the photograph from Radi. He showed it to Ace who trembled. "A lot's changed." Ace said quietly.

For Radi, Ace's eyes were the first thing he noticed. A black cornea with a white iris, as if they were inverted. They were hollow and void, bags around his eyes indicating not much sleep caught Ace. It reminded Radi of himself. He wondered if he looked like that before Nikusa found him.

"Everyone! What's your status? Are you all okay?" Updike said from the comlink, though Radi could hear him shout from below somewhere.

"Cold but fine. We have Ace."

"Mhmpf." Radi said through his mask. "Doing good."

"Theo and I ran into an abomination. We're initiating capture procedures. Whenever you are ready make your way to the truck for extraction." Updike said. The orange creature could be heard hissing through his comlink.

"But why would they take him?! He didn't do anything." Ace said suddenly, still processing all that Aldryx had told him.

"We don't know. Point is. We know where he is and we're getting him out."

"As a side goal." Radi added. "We have other reasons for being there."

"Shush. He's on a need-to-know basis." Aldryx said.

"I'm just trying to be friendly. The hell's your problem man?"

"I want to help." Ace said. "I...I let them take him. They ambushed us. I tried to freeze them, but I couldn't...I just-They pretended to be cops-I-I-I-" Ace started to bawl.

"Spare us the details." Aldryx said. "I don't wanna freeze here. You can confide or whatever when we get him. Alright?"

Ace sniffled and nodded. "So they aren't mad?"

"Huh? Who?" Radi asked.

"Sakuroma and the others. I thought they blamed me."

Radi shot Aldryx a look of confusion. "First we heard about that."

"From what I heard they just wanted to know why he vanished. They guessed you would know."

"I don't know why they wanted him. I..." Ace stopped, recounting the topic was too difficult.

"We'll find him." Radi said.

Ace smiled though it looked less like a smile and more neutral. The act had become foreign to him since his stay here.

"Now let's get out of here! I'm freezing!" Aldryx declared, again lighting up his wrists for warmth.

Outside, Annie continued to rest unabated. She had heard the scuffles but long as nobody called her she saw no reason to intervene. Shut put the book away, preferring to just nap atop the van.

For now she enjoyed the clear sky and clean air, so entranced by the scenery she didn't notice something fly out of the hotel towards her. It didn't fly very fast and had it been silent she would not have even noticed it.

Aside from the flapping of wings, she heard the faint sound of a propeller. Annie just ignored the sounds, guessing a helicopter flew above her.

A yellow creature flew towards her, slowly fluttering in her direction. It looked almost like a crude drawing of a bird, two arms and two legs. Each arm had three 'fingers', not detailed enough to be done and each leg had two toes. The creature had an elongated head that, appearing sideways almost like half a pickaxe or a toucan. It flapped vainly though whether that actually helped was unknown. Strapped to the creature was a harness, a propeller attached above that sputtered.

It had two large eyes on either side of its head that stared off the distance, impossible to tell it was watching at Annie.

Annie remained blissfully ignorant of the sound, not even paying attention when it landed on the truck and waddled towards her. It pecked at her shoe, testing if she was alive.

Figuring it was just some random bird she remained motionless, just moving an arm to shoo it away. The creature stood at about the same height as Annie, though nowhere near as strong. It quickly found that out as it jumped upon her stomach and dug it's claws into her shirt. The propeller took off, trying to lift it and her up.

"What?" Annie said as she looked up, seeing the creature vainly try to lift her. Though the beasts’ claws didn't hurt the act was annoying her. "What the hell are you supposed to be?" She asked the creature.

After a few unsuccessful jump-offs it let go, flying up and landing on her again.

"What are you, deaf?" Annie asked again, louder. It just looked at her and cocked its head, staring with unblinking eyes.

"Ugh. Go away. I don't have time to play." She said as she lifted her arm up in front of her face, blocking the sky out.

No sooner did she lie back down did the creature emit from screech and lung at her. It clamped its jaws around her arm, biting at it.

Though she didn't feel it pierce the skin it hurt like hell. Like part of her arm was trapped in a vice.

"YOU STUPID!" Annie started waving her arm around frantically trying to get the bird creature off, quickly getting angry. As she shouted expletives at it, the bird responded by biting harder. As the bite increased, so did her anger. Struggling now she slammed it against the side of the truck, her hand also colliding with the metal.

The act jolted awake the driver who exclaimed as Annie's moving started to shake the truck. Slammed against the truck a few more times the bird let go, falling to the ground.

As the truck rebounded Annie lost her balance, tumbling over and falling too, landing stomach first on the bird and ground. She groaned in pain as she rolled off it, the bird creature wheezing from the impact, crushed.

Annie got up, clutching her stomach and sat down against the truck. "Stupid...bird...thing. Argh. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE?" She shouted at the unconscious creature.

The truck rocked again, the driver ignoring it, figuring Annie crawled back up.

"Having some trouble there?" Someone giggled from above to Annie. She looked up, a shadow of someone large standing atop the truck.

"Yeah well problem solved now." Annie grumbled. "Who are you?"

The figure jumped off the truck acrobatically, landing behind Annie. Turning around, she didn't recognize the person standing before her, tall, wide and strong, this person reminded her of Updike a bit.

Had any of the other members been present they would have identified her immediately. Nikusa arrived.

"Nobody in particular." Nikusa said gleefully. "I'm looking for a friend of mine. This tall, wearing all black and occasionally glowing green."

"Radi?"

"So you know him?"

"He's in there." Annie said as she started to get up. She pointed to the ruins of the hotel.

"Who are you supposed to be anyways? Some 'abomination' working for that cloud?"

"...The hell did you just call me?"

"Abomination. What you never heard that word? Aren't you some agent?"

Annie spat on the ground. "I ain't no 'agent'. Lotta nerve to be calling me a freak when you look like a snowman."

"Excuse me?" Nikusa said, a hint of anger in her voice. Her eyes narrowed.

"You heard me." Annie readied her fists. Nikusa did so. "Agent wants to talk tough huh. See how tough you are with your legs smashed in."

"Bring it on bitch."

A battle would have occurred then and there had the two not noticed a skipping across the grass. The wayward-ness of it caused both to look back.

A strange monster emerged from the hotel, skipping towards them. A cyan-coloured biped, phenotype akin to a velociraptor though without arms. No fur or scales it looked to just be made of some kind of solid material. So basic in appearance, it almost stood like a 3D cartoon, which is what Annie thought it was. Its head was far wider than its neck, the default expression a wide smile. Almost as if the being's head was a boomerang painted cyan. A split was visible on it, where teeth lurked behind the banana-shaped head. Two goofy eyes stood on top of the being's head, no indication of a nose, mouth or any other feature.

Its mouth started to unfurl, reviling sharp teeth as it approached. Neither Nikusa nor Annie were the least bit threatened by it, rather confused as to its existence. Getting close enough it jumped at Nikusa, bear-trap sized teeth plunging into her arm. Centuries of putting her strength to the test it did little to hurt her, who found the action funny. Giggling a bit she turned back to Annie.

"Where were we?"

"Aren't you, uh, gonna get rid of that?" Annie asked. The creature continued to bite and try and tear, not piercing anything.

"I could use the handicap, after all, little you can do against me."

"Take whatever handicap you want. You're dead." Annie spat.

Had Radi and co not arrived that second they would have come to an extremely violent scene, the driver calling for backup. The two were in the midst of punching each other, Nikusa missing the first blow and Annie slamming her fist in the cyan creature, knocking it out. Both clashed at the same time, knocking each other back. Landing on the grass, someone screamed. The creature just fell on the ground, unconscious from a direct hit.

"Woah, woah! Relax! What you two doing?" Aldryx shouted running up to them. The two were face to face, barely a few centimetres in between. Both stared daggers at each other, a few seconds before the next round of combat started.

Aldryx took the opportunity and jump tackled Nikusa, who unexpectedly toppled over, rolling and landing on top of Aldryx. She instantly pinned him, holding his arms down.

"Wow. Someone's eager to get a hug in.~"

Her eyes started to glow purple, hypnosis starting. But just as fast as it started she stopped it, getting off Aldryx and helping him up. "Too bad I'm not in the mood. Sourpuss over there ruined it." She helped Aldryx up.

"Screw you too." Annie muttered to Nikusa.

Nikusa just stuck her nose up at her.

"What are you doing here?" Radi asked finally. Ace stood behind them all, confused as he looked at the scene. He chose to keep quiet, his emotions still out of whack.

Nikusa started. "Came to give my not-oh. Looks like more stragglers have arrived."

Updike entered next, an orange lizard bound and slung over his shoulder. Theo followed behind, a little shaken up from the experience. "Another one of yours, I presume?" Theo asked, thinking Nikusa some agent. "Alas, no. Though she has quite a history with us."

Without so much as a hello, Nikusa addressed Updike.

"Control your agents." She said, pointing to Annie.

"She is not my agent." Updike said. "She is a member of this conglomerate."

"Pft. Whatever. She better not be paired with me."

"Oh? And you are apart of this team?" Annie asked sarcastically.

"That's right. Came here to see Radi but since, but since some of you are here I may as well make it official."

"So you're in?" Radi asked.

"Damn straight."

"Awesome. The Andromedas and Nikusa. We're gonna be a deadly combo." Aldryx said happily. "So you know Radi and Updike. This is Annie. She's the muscle."

Nikusa chuckled. Though she had a multitude of snarky comments at her disposal, knowing she'd be working with Annie she kept quiet. There would be time for those later, she thought.

"This is Theo. He's the tech guy."

"It is my pleasure." Theo said, stepping forward offering a handshake. Though Nikusa took it she put little effort into it, first impressions finding Theo rather boring and drab.

"And this is Ace. The last member." Aldryx said, finally including Ace. He looked at Nikusa awkwardly, unsure of what to make of her.

"You....I like you. So malleable. So...weak." Nikusa bared her teeth at Ace.

"Leave me alone!" Ace shouted suddenly, cowering in her presence. Though he stood at almost the same size as her, he acted way smaller.

"Jeez. It was just a joke. What's with him?"

"Lotta trauma. Lotta issues to work through..I guess." Aldryx said.

"Well. Introductions aside. Let us get going." Updike said. "Will you be coming with us?"

Nikusa nodded.

"Well she ain't coming in my car." Annie spat. Nikusa readied a fat joke, but Updike's words came first. "Relax you two. She will ride in the truck with me and Ace. Let's move."

Before they could disperse another one of the strange creatures appeared. Ace saw it first. A pink...thing. Two elongated eyes, wide mouth that stretched its face into a diamond shape, no arms and two formless legs. Such a simple design it would have been easier to describe the creature in geometric terms. Standing at the doorway it hissed. Ace reacted fast than anyone else, blasting ice at it, freezing the creature solid.

Nobody else reacted to it like he did, Ace just turning back as if nothing happened. Such an appearance lead Radi to ask the one question on his mind.

"Say, what's with all the weird creatures 'round here?"

"What do you mean?" Ace asked. His voice sounded hoarse, not having spoken much since his arrival here.

"Like the blue guy or that green guy, or that pink thing."

"Or the being which grabbed my drone or that orange lizard thing." Theo asked.

"Or that guy." Annie pointed to the yellow creature. It was only waking up now, though already bound and 'captured' by Updike's driver.

A look of surprise appeared on Ace's face, his eyes going wide.

"Y-you can see them too!?"

"..yeah? Two of them were encased in ice."

A look of embarrassment followed Ace, realizing what he thought fake never actually had been. "I thought..." Ace looked away. "I thought I was going crazy. I don't know what they are."

The team looked at each other confusedly.

"Whatever. I shall have a team here pronto to investigate and collect whatever we find." Updike said.

On the way back, Updike saw fit to question Ace. Though Nikusa was present she didn't feel like saying anything to the dragon. He was a wreck and knew it wouldn't be fun to screw with him. Like kicking a puppy., she thought bored.

"What did happen with Retro? I am more interested in how they did it, what they used."

Ace sniffled again, recent events still weighing heavily. He took a deep breath. "Retro and I were just out on a date then. These cops came by, tried to arrest us. Retro knew they were fake. We fought back but then I lost control. I couldn't control myself. I attacked him and froze him....They took him. I couldn't save him. it was my fault. They laughed at me." He said coldly, making no attempt to sound consistent. "Please get him back, please get him back..." He pleaded.

Figuring Ace in no coherent state to describe the attack, Updike just shrugged. "We shall." He said.

The next chapter will be called Before the Storm.

Ace has joined the team! The Carnival is now complete!

Chapter Text

You look over the latest draft of the plan. All was done. Every role filled and filed. An entire team all on the same page. A monumental task and, looking back on it now you couldn't believe how it all came together. You even remarked that if Displo could see you know, he'd be proud.

Of course, with the whole team picked out it was now time to rehearse.

You look over the final proposal, listing all teams and rolls.

Team Fortran: Tess, Solazar and Amelia would command and control.

Team Lisp: Nikku, Nikusa and S would enter first, take over the mailroom and surveillance, disable the anti-magic force field and act as watch.

Team Python: You, Tabi, Agoti and Aldryx would enter the vault from the mansion.

Team Zig: Kapi, Huggy, Theodore and Updike would enter from the pipes, rendezvous with Python and assist. Ace would be on standby at the bottom of the cliff, ready to freeze the water if need be.

Team Haskell: Carol, Whitty and Annie would blow up the hellgate and provide any additional distractions.

Team Cobol: Rosie, Radi and Pompom would assist in the memory erasing, getaways and the escape.

A final team member joined, though it was made abundantly clear they weren't going to be helping much in the operation. Botan, that leader of Hololive who battled the 'Circus' after Flashbang. Updike explained it one meeting that she would be assisting Team Fortran in defence of the data centre. Providing lookout she would watch closely for any demons or scouts, sounding the first alarm in case anything tried to attack the data centre. Armed with a sniper rifle she would stand watch over the night. Updike explained she volunteered to help as a favour for TGG helping protect one of her people from the Family.

Kapi asked if they found out why they were attacked. He had no idea, guessing it a case of mistaken identity.

Though the rest of her crew was back in Japan she remarked to Updike, 'Nobody touches my girls and gets away with it.' Though he tried to hide it you swore you saw Tabi's eye sparkle when she arrived.

So thus The Carnival was at its peak. 22 people strong.

Ace, Agoti, Aldryx, Annie, Carol, Huggy, Kapi, Nikku, Nikusa, Pompom, Radi, Rosie, S, Solazar, Tabi, Tess, Theodore, Updike, Whitty and You. Botan and Amelia on standby.

And, despite the already beefy crew you assembled, there stood a number of backup allies and background-workers. The Belladonnas & the Fae, the Seven Deadly Sins, The Greater Good and IRIS, all ready to intervene if need be. Nevermind a crew. You had an army.

A thought crossed your mind that this may be overkill. Though, with this family there was no telling what maniacal, evil and vile things they had planned. Nobody was quite sure what to expect.

Though intel was scarce, Updike obtained what he could. Nothing new aside from one fact about their power consumption.

'We've found that it spikes from midnight to the early morning. We cannot figure out why but we strongly believe they are working on something. Or stealing electricity.'

Whatever it was, nobody had the faintest idea. Not wanting to dwell on what-could-be, that meeting continued with the teams.

Nobody objected to who they were paired with. Even Nikusa who you expected to object to not being with Tabi or Radi shrugged, apparently having taken a liking to Nikku and S.

On standby and for emergencies stood the Seven Deadly Sins. On backup to standby stood TGG's Nightstalkers and the trio. And in a worst case scenario, if the firepower was needed IRIS agreed to send a taskforce.

On the condition of SDS helping, an additional goal was added. Find Retro. With a piece of clothing and Huggy's nose, finding the archdemon was Huggy's goal. After Pompom explained it to him, the monster believed he could do it, patting Ace on the head encouragingly.

You still couldn't believe it. Every single person had a history, some challenge or thing to overcome to join. 3 operations already, all relatively successful and all increasing in risk.

Blindside, Earthquake and Flashbang.

The date was scheduled for the end of June. Just as the summer officially started.

The Carnival vs. The Family.

Performance of the century.

In the final stages of planning many things came up. Various technicalities that during practicing someone would bring up. You didn't write them all down but still can recall each 'issue'.

The final goal. Was it to take all the Family had? Or was it to take them out? And would it be a temporary death or a one-way trip to hell?

Tabi, Whitty, Agoti, Updike and some others all believed it in everyone's best interest if there were sent back to hell, 'where they belong', PERMANENTLY.

Carol, Nikku, Tess, Kapi and some others believed that taking their money and even trashing the joint would be satisfactory. That despite their violent tendencies they just needed to be taught a lesson, so they could understand justice.

It led to a divide on the team 'if' the Family had any good in them at all. During one of the earlier meetings Carol vowed they did, stating Girlfriend and her older sister as proof they could create good.

They weren't part of the game, nor did they engage in crime (aside from Tess claiming Girlfriend didn't pay for her bill). They were innocent and did good across the city. Rosie stuck up for Girlfriend, stating that she helped her cafe get back on its feet and that even after Daddy's war against the Fae, stayed on her side.

The first proposal was to just leave them alone. Their parents and siblings had to 'atone' for what they did but as for Boyfriend, Girlfriend and her big sister. They were innocent. Annie still wanted her answers and claimed if she saw them that she'd find out.

You weren't sure what you believed. Revenge was necessary, you agreed there. And some time in hell could do them good. Or maybe just robbing them would show consequence. As for Girlfriend, you saw it as proof that Family could change. In an attempt to scare you, Tabi explained the various things they did to Boyfriend. And, despite Boyfriend overcoming each obstacle stayed steadfast with Girlfriend, finally being accepted into the Family. The older sister too didn't display any evil of the sort, not once embracing the darkness. As rare as it was, they had some good in them.

The possibility arose that if they did lose their money and the gate, would they just return to Hell or be trapped here on Earth? Trapped with us, it wouldn't bode well for anyone, especially if they figured out what the crew did.

Living your life on the run didn't seem appealing. Updike had an answer for that. He re-assured you that 'demonic psychology' was similar to a pack of wolves. If shown to be the alpha they would back off, permanently, like a school bully in awe of a pissed off father.

"If we pull this off. They will never attack us again." Updike said proudly.

You couldn't bring yourself to believe that. They were vultures. It wouldn't be like them to just bow and give up. Or would it? Not convinced on 'demonic psychology', you reached out to the one demon you were on cordial terms with. Blackjack. Though when you showed up to the Arcade, the staff claimed they still hadn't seen or heard from him in a while.

Still curious, you asked Updike if he could ask Sarventes. Strangely enough he said he couldn't find her. She'd vanished or escaped from the prison; that not even Selever or Ruv knew her location. An investigation was in full-swing, though Updike swiftly reminded you that was TGG business and not to poke your nose in it.

Not perturbed in the slightest you knew one more demon. Zardy. Under the pretext of hand-delivering Huggy, you made your way to the Carrot Farm. You were half-expecting him to have gone too, but, nay, you found him on the farm, tilling the land away, hoe in hand.

He agreed with Updike's analysis, stating that "if you pull this off, take it all and show you aren't to be fucked with, they will run scared! Your cloudy 'friend', is right." Curious about Blackjack and Sarventes you ask their locations. Zardy just shrugged, saying "if they aren't walkin' this earth then they're down below"". Asking why, Zardy continued. "Demons go back home for whatever reason. They probably got called or something. I can't explain it. You mortals wouldn't understand."

It at least put you a little at ease. Tabi didn't see the issue, stating 'if they wanna come at me, I’ll throw 'em everything I got. I'm not scared of them. I'll send them back as many times as I need'.

Even then, Pompom's role with her mother would be casting the biggest spell of her life. A massive, compound-wide, memory erasing spell. It would wipe 4 hours away, likely covering the entire operation. The only caveat being if any of the Family were to be slain or sent back to hell, that the spell would not work on them. But, as Solazar suggested, "we aren't supposed to be killing here." Couple that with S planting a decoy and erasing all their security footage there would be no record of the Carnival.

If all successful they wouldn't even know who hit them.

That part of the plan was also the shakiest. To boost the magic, Solazar explained that antennae would need to be set up across the compound during the operation. You were given some to put on the roof, Nikusa some to put in the surveillance room and western outskirts, Annie for the hellgate and the eastern outskirts, Updike for the underground, Agoti had one the top of the manor and Solazar for top of the data centre. While placing them would be easy you didn't expect them to last the night. Surely any patrolling demon would take one look and sound alarms? Despite your worry, Solazar, Carol, S and Nikusa all explained that worst case they could probably boost the spell themselves, using the Compound's magic-forcefield as a booster. However true their words were, it finally put you at ease.

With the team assembled all it took now was preparing for any uncertainties and ensuring all possible surprises covered. With Flashbang nobody was in serious danger. At most there would have been arrests and a lot of legal trouble. With this operation, death would most certainly occur if caught. The Family did not play and would see no reason to not kill on sight.

During that conversation someone asked if they were captured, what the plan would be. Before the team could be divided on the ethics of abandoning each other, Updike stood up and spoke for everyone. 'We are not leaving anyone behind. As we are funded partly by The Greater Good we should follow their protocol. No one person left behind.' A technical excuse, nobody argued against it. Heads looking to each other nobody intended to leave anyone behind. If there were captured, another goal would be added to find and free them.

Another key difference between this and the last 3 operations, was that the crew wouldn't be dealing with typical security guards nor the same security systems.

Demons and nothing but demons patrolled the grounds. The Family had security systems but they all ran demonic-tech; something very few knew anything about. Updike and IRIS only had vague documentation on the systems. Even S had to put in some practice to learn how to port into them. In addition to weird systems and tons of demons, the Family also boasted a proud collection of 'hellhounds', rabid red dogs from the pits of Hades which acted as auxiliary defence.

Much to Kapi's astonishment, S suggested he open the kennels and let them loose, causing mayhem across the compound. What Kapi thought a simple joke, Updike took as an idea, agreeing to it in case a distraction was needed.

Guard posts lined the grounds too, demons occupying each. In those posts, anti-magic emitters which automatically neutralized a few members. Carol, Pompom, Amelia and others would not be able to cast while active. Though S intended to shut down the forcefield it wasn't known if doing so would shut down those emitters.

Another potential caveat arose too. The Family had friends in all sorts of places. There was no telling who or what would be waiting in the Compound on the day of attack.

The question of police came up too, brought up by Theo. Tabi tried his best to explain without being condescending but stated there would be no way the Family would call the police. That it would make them look weak if they needed to rely on some external force.

Thinking back on it now, the question of if anyone would betray the crew never once came up. You spoke with Tabi about it later who laughed, realizing the massive blindspot. "Nobody on our team would've been stupid enough to flip." He commented after a hearty chuckle. "Maybe Kapi but he was too in deep with us."

Carol, with her close relationship to Girlfriend posed a potential risk. Worried, you and Tabi cornered Whitty one meeting about it. He laughed. "She would never betray her roots to them. Look. I live with her. The things I've heard her say about that family...geez. Let's just say you'd think she was the demon."

"What was that hun?" Carol asked, returning to the room.

Whitty blushed and quickly made up an excuse.

With Boyfriend and Girlfriend back on the mind, the team once again came upon the question of those two. Carol put forth a proposal to warn them about the upcoming operation, backed by Kapi, Rosie and Agoti.

Carol vehemently argued that Girlfriend would not only be for it but would even volunteer information to the crew. (un)Fortunately too many on the team were against bringing them in to the fold to have it considered. Carol and Kapi later suggested that they get their friends to take Boyfriend and Girlfriend for a night on the town or something, get them out of the compound for the duration of the operation. Kapi even suggested Tabi use Ayana and get them to Apollo for the week.

Annie strongly opposed that idea, still demanding that she wanted answers.

In the end, no progress was made and the aforementioned rule stuck. They are off-limits for everyone excluding Annie. Only fight if they engage you or ring alarms. Use your own judgement.

It also further confirmed your theory about no rats being on the team. Surely a double-agent would've exploited that divide on the team.

The question of 'reward-splitting' came up next. Just how much money did the Family have? And how would it be split? Did they even have all their money in that vault?

Tabi, Updike and a few others believed they did. Whitty stated that if by some chance the vault turned up empty asked if the crew could blow the place to smithereens. Nobody opposed that except Carol who asked to at least get Girlfriend and Boyfriend off the premises first...which then Annie started arguing with her about.

Updike, with his 'demonic psychology degree' claimed the Family must have kept all their money in the vaults. That, according to them, 'what's the point of having so much money if you can't see it in one spot?' He said that demons keep their wealth visible to them, like a dragon guarding their horde. Even added a statement about demons not liking banks because they own the money then. You wish you could have asked Blackjack about it, with him being a casino-owner but alas, still presumably in hell.

Curious about Updike's claim, you later got on a call with Zardy about it. When asked about what his treasure was he gave a hearty laugh and responded. "Ain't it obvious? This farm and the people here are my treasure. S'why I defend them so."

A sentimental answer but he agreed with Updike. They must have had their fortunes in that vault.

Either way, the split would be decided after seeing just how much could be taken out. The question of 'washing' the money came up next.

Solazar quickly solved that. "I can exchange any gold, artefacts or money in outer space. I have connections. Earth is not the only place gold matters."

Rosie, through her connections to the 'Underground' said she could fleece whatever needed too.

Ace also added he, through the Seven Deadly Sins could do something with it too. Kapi even added that knew Blackjack could launder it as well, himself having connections to various casinos.

With the amount of 'money laundering' connections everyone had all of a sudden had you figured people would be fighting over that instead of the money.

For nearly all of the team, money wasn't the concern. Nobody joined the team to get some quick bucks. Most did it out a sense of revenge (Tabi, you and Rosie), some did it for fun (Pompom, Kapi and Theodore), and some didn't understand/care about motives (S and Huggy) and some did it out of sense of duty (Updike and Carol).

Nikku, rather sombrely got worried that if the heist were successful that Girlfriend would become poor. Updike quashed those concerns, stating he had looked into her boyfriend. "He comes from a powerful family too. His sister is a famous pop singer in Japan. Money is the least of their concerns, believe me."

Tess agreed, stating she knew of this sister as well. "She's loaded."

S suggested the crew rob them next, though unlike The Family, Boyfriend's Family hadn't harmed anyone. At least, not all of them, as Annie quickly brought up.

Another question came up about how to open the vault. While everyone had a multitude of guesses, ultimately Carol confirmed how it worked. Voice-operated, just as Tabi thought. With Nikku and a phone, cracking into the vault would be trivial.

Tabi sighed at that, really wanting to use the white phosphorous he got from that salesman. Saddened, he vowed to keep it safe for some future battle, stating it would 'be good for a rainy day' to you.

The next question was how best to practice. Updike revealed his final trick here. That he had a simulation room in TGG's headquarters that could help replicate the Compound; that with it the team could practice more realistically than ever.

Finally, a name for the operation was needed. Ultimately you came up with it, the rest of the team agreeing.

Operation Teardown.

After the first meeting of everyone, Nikusa asked to speak with you and Tabi alone. It was about Tabi's birthday. She apparently had a present but when she turned up at your house that day, you two were out.

Most of the crew had dispersed already, the only people aside from you three being Updike and Radi, the former cleaning up MALLEUS.

Nikusa stood tall, not preferring to sit down at the table. With a malicious grin she just smiled and handed Tabi a gift box, perfectly wrapped with a bow. Tabi had no expectations, fully expecting it to be either a joke or something to piss him off. While he mellowed out over the time you known him, he knew whatever it was, wouldn't phase him.

With the careful undoing of the ribbon and checking if it were a bomb, the box opened. In it, a tape recorder with a tape inside. Playing the tape back raised a ton of questions.

In clear quality played an exact recording of the Family's secret meeting. The same tape that had been dropped of weeks prior to TGG. The same one Updike presented when the Night of Fire ended. The same night nearly everyone was attacked.

Updike stopped what he was doing, a look of surprise on his face.

"Like it? Radi and I wiretapped the family bit ago. Meant to give it to you as a present but life got in the way." Nikusa said, a wicked smile on her face. "Knew how into the Family you were, figured you wanna hear it for yourself."

"You knew they would attack us?" Tabi asked quietly.

"Through the symbolism yes."

"And you did nothing?"

"Hmm? I went to your tree that night. Nothing there but a wannabe badass and that fairies' crew. And we took him out."

"What about Agoti?" He asked again, quieter.

Nikusa shrugged. "Went to his house that night too. Saw him sleeping, figured they weren't going after him so I dipped. Knew you were getting all buddy-buddy with weatherboy here so I had someone drop the tape off."

"Whatever." Tabi muttered as he pushed away, more annoyed than anything. You found yourself more angry than Tabi was. That Nikusa knew the Night of Fire was coming, that she could have prevented it, that she could have saved Displo. It all came out, along with a bunch of expletives.

She just shrugged, uncaring. "I didn't know about your 'crew'. Not my problem. Plus Radi and I did raid there place few weeks back too." Radi went wide-eyed at your explosive response, himself not understanding what the problem was.

Tabi calmed you down. "Thank you Nikusa." He said deadpan.

"You like it?"

"We'll play it again when we beat those blyats." Tabi spat.

"Hell yeah we will!" Nikusa shouted.

"How in the world did you wiretap them?" Updike asked as he stood up from MALLEUS.

"Radi and I got our secrets. Wasn't that hard anyways. They liked me. Just had Radi set up the receivers."

"Did you get anything else from them?" Updike asked.

"What? One tape not enough?"

"No."

"Hmph. But no. I don't have anything. They took out our tap. Believed it was the cops too."

It was relieving to hear the cops weren't on good terms but it still annoyed you that Nikusa knew.

"Coulda saved Displo." You mumble.

"I wouldn't worry about Displo." Updike said.

"Hm?" You asked.

"Nothing in particular. Just don't feel sorry for him." Updike said.

The hell was that supposed to mean?

You were left wondering for a few days what exactly that meant.

The latest meeting had concluded for the day, another round of planning, another set of rehearsals. It wouldn't have been noteworthy had the meeting not been dispersed strangely.

Updike requested that you, Tabi, Kapi, Agoti, Pompom, Huggy, S, Nikku and Tess stay back. A strange combo of people.

The meeting already bared a surprise today that unsaid, put you on edge. S and Theo arrived to the meeting last, S strutting in alongside him. Yes, strutting, physically. Eyes glowing, a metal exoskeleton enshrining him and the same twisted smile. No dripping blood it was painted on and sparkled under the bar room's lights. He walked with such bravado one would have thought him the leader. Theo did it. Made the monster a body. Not wanting to damage the room he only gave a minute demonstration of his new abilities.

Rocket-boots, missiles, a carbon-enforced body, 360 vision, EMP and signal boosters all wrapped together under a sick mind. He was on the same playing level now, and if he wasn't already on your side you would have been terrified. Even Updike was worried, you could see it on his face. Terrifying to say the least.

As the others left, Updike stood up, shuffling anxiously a bit. It was the most nervous you had ever seen him.

"I called you all specifically because, excluding Tess you were the core team of the Carnival. You all, and to a lesser extent, Dalia and Ayana were the ones that raided my tower, effectively changing the course of my own organization.

"Well, not everyone." S said snarkily. "Missing tinman."

"Indeed. It was his untimely fate that helped steer the course of the team. That is precisely why I brought you all here today."

Without saying another word, Updike stepped out of the room, coming back a few minutes later holding something.

A sheet cake covered in a white icing and sprinkles. He placed it on the table, putting a knife and pile of paper plates beside it.

"What's this about?" Tess asked.

"You shall see." Updike said as he fidgeted with something in his pocket. A tube of red icing.

Everyone watched perplexed as he piped out some words onto the cake. Though sloppily written, the message read clearly.

'WELCOME BACK'.

"Best I can do." Updike muttered as he placed the tube onto the table.

You understood and held your breath, hoping you were right. You looked to the entrance, watching as the door opened. Tess picked up on it next and looked as well. The others reacting slowly.

Someone entered the room. "I hope I am not too late."

He had a gold television for a head, screen displaying a test pattern of colours. While he preferred a vest he wore a full on white suit this time, tailor made to match his slim and tall build. A red bow covered his neck, replica of the same one he used to wear.

"D-Displo?" Tess sputtered. She jumped off her chair and raced to him. "DISPLO!" She screamed as she charged him, arms open. He knelt down slightly and opened his arms.

"Y-YOU'RE ALIVE! HOW? HOW???"

They embraced, Tess holding as tightly as she could.

Huggy watched, perplexed. It took him a second to process it, originally not fully understanding where Displo had gone. Pompom couldn't figure out how to explain it to him after the Night of Fire, unsure if Huggy even understood death. Regardless, Pompom didn't believe it herself. Displo was a robot. Couldn't there just have been a backup?

Eventually Huggy did understand though if he mourned, Pompom did not notice it. Seeing Displo again he let out a scream and ran at them, pulling both Displo and Tess into a hug, cooing ever so loudly.

"You're back!" Pompom shouted next, joining Tess and Huggy in the hug.

You were at a loss for words, the most surprised out of anyone.

"Is it really you?" Tabi asked incredulously.

"It is. I understand your scepticism but I assure you it is me. Displo, IRIS agent and former restaurateur."

"But how?!" Tess shouted. "I SAW THE NEWS. I SAW-"

"I really did perish, Tess."

"Nah, that's really him!" S shouted, having scanned Displo briefly. "Man I really thought you were a goner!"

Nikku felt a little joy bubble inside her upon seeing Displo. They only spoke briefly a few times but she always felt he was on her side. Even during those lonely weeks he still checked up daily with her. In one instance, he vented to her about TGG.

Kapi and Agoti were surprised but the both felt it made sense. They gave him some praise. Tabi was the only one who said nothing.

"I am so proud of you all." Displo said looking over the team.

He felt wayward looking at Displo. Tinman being here complicated things. Tabi meant for a bullet to Daddy, specifically to avenge Displo. Now that the robotic butler was here now, it changed things. He wasn't sure what to feel. You put a hand on his shoulder, causing him to tense up.

"He's back. But this don't mean it's over." You tell Tabi.

He shivers but leans into you. "They'll still pay."

"So how are you alive?" You spoke up. "You died. Me and Tabi. We saw the restaurant."

Giving them some space, Huggy and Pompom let go. Tess let Displo go too as she wiped away oily tears. She couldn't believe it herself. Nevermind The Family, Displo was alive! They failed! They didn't kill him! She was overjoyed.

Displo cleared his throat. "I was assailed by Mommy during that wretched night. They left me for dead. That night, as I sent the warnings to everyone, I started to upload my consciousness to IRIS and TGG servers. The spy in IRIS deleted them but TGG obtained some of the data."

Displo looked around. He felt back home, even though this was not his restaurant.

"And during Earthquake, unbeknownst to me, Updike copied my matrix. So in the aftermath it was Updike who tried to combine the copy of me and my partially uploaded memory.

Suffice to say it was a near impossible process, taking a long time. You can thank The Greater Good's S.A.N. team. They worked overtime to de-duplicate and correct my data. Through IRIS schematics they rebuilt me, though I am slightly different. No offense, Updike, I really do not like this suit, I shall be returning to my casual wares next time."

"Heh." Updike mumbled.

"I also have a solar core now, meaning I am stronger than before. I can even charge under sunlight. But enough about me. I was given a full summary of recent events and the team. I for one am impressed at that prison break you commanded. Excellent job."

You get up and walk to Displo.

"Welcome back." You put your hand out.

"It's good to be back (Y/N). And to see you again Tess. And to see you all again. I trust they have been treating you all right?"

Tess nodded, still in disbelief and joy Displo was standing in front of her.

Displo shook your hand, a tight but firm handshake.

"You're still wearing my suit? (Y/N), I am honoured."

You smile back.

Displo stood up and clapped his hands together.

"Well everyone. As you can see I baked you a sheet cake. Nothing fancy as I am still rusty." Displo said with a snicker.

The cake paled in comparison to Displo’s return. He was back, and the technical mind he possessed was sharper than ever.

He introduced himself in the later days as both the newest and one of the oldest member of the team, confirming him as an additional CO, part of Team Fortran, replacing Amelia. She preferred it, not wanting to be centre stage, insisting she just observe the operation, that Pompom was strong enough.

As the days went by a sense of familiarity fell over the team. Through chance or has-it the team grew accustomed to each other. One meeting Solazar suggested a team-building exercise, though with the training and 'rehearsals' everyone already knew each other well. You weren't sure if this team would exist after Teardown, but if the group ever needed to reform, it would be easy.

The final chapter will be called Last Save Point.

Chapter Text

So many things happened in the days leading up to the operation. Just to list every single event would be a titanic task. Things you overheard, experienced and mentioned weaved into a tapestry that formed the Carnival.

This was the last save point.

No turning back.

"Are you certain this will work?" Theo asked. In front of him stood MALLEUS, Updike standing behind him. The console lit up displaying a feed of a drainpipe in the middle of some cliff. The feed emitted from a camera affixed to a drone. Location on the bottom listed as "DEAREST COMPOUND".

Per your instruction and Updike planning Theo brought a drone, getting a TGG agent to deploy it nearby. Updike had engineers equip it with a nephalometer, network and flashlight so it could do some additional surveillance. Though a basic map of the underground system existed, Udpike wanted more up to date information.

"I do not expect the Family to have surveillance and patrols in their sewer system. But if they do worst case we lose a machine and gain the knowledge. The layout and security topology is worth the detection."

Theo sighed. "This does not feel safe. They will know we are coming if seen."

"I have already said I will pay for the damages, if any. And don't forget we have it linked to a local college robotics club. That is, if they can even get it before it self-destructs."

With no retort on hand, Theo continued, moving the joystick ahead as the drone flew in.

"Plus, as we will be traversing this, don't you feel it appropriate to better have an idea of where we will be venturing?"

"I suppose so."

And so, following corridors of brick walls, occasional dirt paths and streams of water, the drone flew. Much to both Updike and Theo's surprise nothing stopped the drone. They saw nary a camera or guard.

All the while, TGG engineers watched closely and mapped out all seen in the tunnels from dead ends to the air quality. Breathable air and the water streams not toxic, it looks perfectly traversable. They found places where it connected to the city's sewer but for the most part, it all seemed custom-built. They took note of potential areas it connected to the manor, finding a cellar that had a manhole connected an ancient ladder present too.

As the camera looked up at the manhole, Theo asked.

"Are you certain you will be able to fit through that? No offense."

"I may be a wide individual but I assure you. I can compress myself rather effectively."

Theo looked at him in disbelief.

Updike shook his head. "Here. Feel this." He pulled up a white sleeve, revealing a snow-white furry arm. Theo hesitated as he looked at it. "Go on." Updike said.

Theo did so, putting his hand around Updike's arm and squeezing it. Sure enough he found he could press it further than he expected. "My it's like a marshmallow!" Theo exclaimed.

"But a thousand times stronger."

Satisfied at the success of their trip they began flying back. Next to the cellar they spotted an additional hallway, far down to the west and with a glowing white light at the end. Curious Theo steered towards there. They nary got a metre down the tunnel before they heard something excruciating. With how distorted it rung, it sounded as if it was right beside them. An ear-splitting screech, it made Theo drop his controller, heart nearly stopping. Whatever let out that scream wasn't human, anthro or even from this planet.

Even Updike looked concerned. They ordered an immediate retreat; hoping whatever the hell emitted it did not see them and was some glitch. They left the hallway alone, planning that during traversal to not only stay stealthy but there completely avoided.

The engineers could not determine what emitted that sound, instead marking it on the map. 'DO NOT GO'.

"Hit harder! COME ON!" Nikusa shouted. She stood hunched, holding her hands out.

The two stood in a wrestling ring, Nikku facing Nikusa. Though Nikku wore boxing gloves, Nikusa wore nothing on her hands, the 'void queen' having no need for such protection.

Nikku stopped, running out of breath.

"You can do it Nikku. You just gotta keep practicing!" S said. He stood a little less that Nikku's height, still enjoying his new body. Though it looked like a robotic Sonic, S had Theo add his own 'imperfections' to make it his own. He sat atop a ring post, watching them.

"Again!" Nikusa demanded.

"I-I can't." Nikku said back.

"Not with that attitude." Nikusa swung at Nikku, the alien girl just barely dodging it. Nikku landed on the ground, butt-first and grumbled.

"Let's take five." Nikusa said as she sat down too.

"How are you so strong?" Nikku asked. It had been a question she had asked several times. It still rung true.

S jumped off the ring post and sat with them.

"You think I just got lucky? I trained for this." Nikusa said, flexing her arms.

Nikku sighed. "I'll never be as strong as you."

Though it was expected S and Nikusa to 'carry' Nikku she still wanted in on the combat, wanting to get as strong as either of them. So far, even with intense training and joining Nikusa on one of her 'raids', she hadn't felt any stronger. She had become so hyper focused on the team she had stopped paying attention to her recently returning memories. Though still fuzzy in her head, she vowed to deal with her past after the operation. She wanted to prove herself.

S, too had anxieties, though his centred around Mobius. 'Free' from his digital prison, he wanted nothing more than to take the next ship off Earth and go straight to Mobius, ready to meet the real Sonic. Currently, such an option was impossible.

He was bound, and nothing short of massacring the team would free him. While he briefly considered it, he couldn't bring himself to, having taken a liking to many people on the team. Plus, it would have been near impossible, even with his new 'body'.

Nikusa had no worries, finding S and Nikku's issues rather boring. She effectively dropped Radi, claiming him boring now too. For now Nikku had become her plaything.

The three of them, all from space, though different quadrants found a kinship. Their enjoyment of chaos and rebellion united them. For now, Nikusa had a little posse.

"Maybe not, but you are stronger. Still got a lot of work to do. Now." Nikusa sat cross-legged, staring down, focused. Nikku looked at her, able to just feel her aura from there.

"Let's go over what we learned. A demon comes at you. What do you do?"

"I tear their throat out."

"Good girl. You'll become a void princess yet." Nikusa smiled.

Annie stuffed the rest of the burger in her mouth, manners just barely qualifying. Just after chewing and swallowing it she downed the rest of her milkshake, adding the plate to the pile that had already accumulated.

While the restaurant had cleared out for the night, Annie remained, still eating violently. Tess, Rosie and a few donnas hung around, having drinks upstairs.

Across the table from her sat a brown snapback, slightly stained and with a smoky smell.

She patted her stomach.

"T-that's all right?" Tess asked, skating by. She looked startled, still in awe at just how much food Annie had demolished in one sitting.

As Annie picked her teeth with a toothpick she leaned back. "It's enough. I'm good for now."

"Why are you eating so much anyways? Eating that much can't be healthy."

Annie's eyes narrowed. Seeing red on Annie, Tess quickly waved her arms. "No offense of course! I mean, if you're stress-eating-"

"You dolt." Annie said bitterly. "It's called bulking."

"What?"

"Bulking. B-u-l-k-ing. I'm getting bigger, getting strength. Gonna hit the gym after this."

"But it's all junk food! Shouldn't you be eating more vegetables?"

"All I've been ordering is cheap protein. It's all I need right now." Annie said, her expression turning much more serious.

Tess was going to make a comment about carbs but as she scanned the plates she noticed Annie hadn't eaten the breading for some of the dishes. She ordered beef wellington the breading lay discarded on the plate, crushed by the pile above it.

"It's fine." Annie said, taking a swig from the glass of water present. It had been the only thing not touched much during the meal.

"If I’m gonna be strong enough to rip that gate down, I need all I can take. It's *burp*, ugh. A lot of work." She said, taking another drink.

"You mind?" Tess asked, motioning to the table. Annie waved her okay and she took a seat.

"And it's gonna be on your tab?" Tess asked.

"Of course."

"Alright." Tess took the notepad off her ponytail and started counting the plates, adding it to the tab.

"They took your restaurant from you right?" Annie asked. She continued to pat her stomach, enjoying the full feeling.

Tess took a deep breath, though unneeded. "Yeah." She said calmly.

"Sorry. When this is over you should make another one."

"I'd like to."

"You should." Annie said with a sly smile. "You're a damn good cook."

"Do you think we can do it?"

"Hm?"

"Think we can win this?" Tess asked.

"Who cares? Even if we don't get the money we'll still make 'em look real stupid."

"But they'll kill us!"

"Ehn, they won't even you know you did anything. And me, whatever. Death don't scare me. They can kill me for all I care. Bastards already took Garcy."

"You shouldn't think like that!" Tess cried out.

"We would have at least tried. That's a helluva lot more we can say that anyone else they screwed."

Tess sighed. She was looking for more encouragement.

"You gals still here?" Rosie asked, entering the cafe now.

"I was just leaving, don't worry." Annie said.

"Nonsense! You two, nevermind about the food. We're having a great time upstairs. Come join us!"

"Ehn, whatever. I could use a rest day." Annie said.

"Good! And don't run off or we'll shoot!" She said, a slight slur to her speech. She was drunk. As she stumbled away, Tess finished her count, adding it to Annie's tab. She looked at the hat now. Every time Annie had come to eat she always did so alone and with that hat at the opposite end.

"What's with the hat?" She asked as she inspected it.

"It was Garcy's."

"Oh."

She reached across the table, taking the hat from Tess. "They'll pay for what they did to him." She said.

"You gonna come up?" Tess asked.

"Gimme a minute." She said sombrely. She put the hat on, a wave of sadness hitting her.

Though the plan had been formalized the team still needed practice. During the break of one such session, Carol began her 'investigation'.

"And what about you? Are you some demon? You know I've seen you before, watching my partner here. You a mancubus?" Carol asked inquisitively. She poked Tabi's chest with a curious finger.

"Is this really necessary?" Tabi asked, looking at you. You shrugged.

You knew Carol was an angel but figured it wouldn't be a problem. After all, Updike himself was super righteous and didn't have any issue with anyone demonic. But no, Carol went above and beyond, far more thorough than Updike. Or, maybe not. You were sure Updike had full profiles and histories of everyone on the team. Though you trusted him more there was no telling what he knew.

At first you thought she was just checking for rats but no, she genuinely wanted to know where each team member stood on demons in general, not just ties to the Family.

So for the past couple days she had been interviewing every single team member with Whitty watching absent-mindedly.

"I'm literally just a regular guy. I'm not some demon or whatever."

"You better be. How about this!" Carol splashed water in Tabi's face. You didn't need to hear it from her but you knew it was holy water.

Tabi just grumbled, holding back the annoyance. "This is so stupid."He muttered.

Carol turned to S. "And what about you? I can sense the evil emanating from you."

"Damn straight. I'd kill kids."

"He threatens their parents too." Theo said jokingly as he walked by.

Carol looked to you, flabbergasted.

"He's a monster. Doesn't hide it either. Tried to kill me once." You said, the whole 'eldritch-being of S' having become just a normal occurrence.

"The hell is wrong with you?" Carol said. She stared deeply at his eyes. "No regret?"

"Nope. I'm the real deal honey."

"You need to be vanquished."

"Oh yeah?" S snickered. "I'd like to see you try, angel wings."

Carol growled. "How can you have him on this team?!"

"He's good at what he does. Plus he's not that bad when you get to know him." You said.

"How can we kill him?"

"Come to my world, girl and we'll see if you can take me." S said threateningly.

"Where's the VR set? I'm going in."

"No you most certainly won't." Updike said now, walking up to the three of you.

"What?! Are you serious? This dude's a total nutjob."

"But he's our total nutjob." Updike said.

"Aw, thanks Starline. I think I'll kill you last after this."

You knew S well enough to know his bluff but let him talk his peace. He was enjoying it. Updike knew it too, not engaging S further.

Whitty was more so surprised as how maniacal S acted to say anything. Even more surprised by everyone's nonchalant responses to him.

"Hmph. Can't believe this demon is on the team. Get him out of my sight. After this is over I'll excursive you."

"Pfft. I'll be halfway to Mobius before you mortals will even know I'm gone!"

Carol rolled her eyes, walking away, not wanting anything to do with this demented hedgehog.

"And what about that guy!?" Carol said, pointing to Huggy. The abomination was currently embroiled in a tug of war with Pomona and Annie, tugging on a rope. "I detect lots of evil from him as well."

Updike shook his head. "If you're going to be so adamant about evil and all that just go talk to them. We've already vetted everyone." He sounded tired at having to explain it.

"He's right." You add.

"Even so. Demons could be hiding anywhere."

Four of them sat in a dimly lit theatre. Not a professional, large-scale movie one, but a small one situated somewhere in the TGG headquarters.

A film played on the screen going over TGG's history, purposes of an agent, abominations and the leaders of The Greater Good. Though very propagandic, all four saw right through it.

As it came to a close the lights in the theatre rose, revealing the watchers.

Ace, Theo, Radi and Updike sat, nowhere near each other, Ace holding a bag of popcorn with him.

Updike walked up to the centre of the stage and cleared his throat. "Well? What do you think?"

"Is, the, uh, food here?" Ace asked. Though he cleaned himself up and gotten proper clothes, his fur and hair remained unkempt. He'd gotten it into his head he must remain like that as penance, until Retro was found. You weren't sure where he got the idea, but believed Tabi had something to do with it. After all, Tabi was the one with his 'no celebrations until the operation' mentality.

Updike hoped Ace, with his journalistic flare could write some positive things about the TGG. Unbeknownst to him, such a flare remained frozen. Ace only came because Updike told him to.

Updike sighed. "It's just at the back there, on the table." Ace got up, or rather perched upon the seat, hopping across to go get the food, moving animalistically. Updike couldn't blame him. He had been offered to stay with the Seven Deadly Sins but refused, claiming he let them all down. With nowhere to go, Updike took him in, giving him a similar accommodation to Nikku. Though unlike Nikku, he'd been spending his time isolating, not doing much at all. Updike forced him to come, at least get the frost-dragon to do something.

"It seems a little screwed up. You just capture and study weirdoes. What about me or my sister? I wasn't made like this you know." Radi asked.

"I admit it is a little outdated. We have changed a lot in recent months. Our capture methods only target beings that are especially or actively dangerous. Nikku went on a rampage when we found her, attacking soldiers and what-forth. We had to partially erase her memory just to get her to calm down. And then we had another creature, a being named Valorie, accidentally destroy an entire pier. We had her captured with no issue and made her formally apologize, take some emotion-controlling classes. As for the others like Pompom and Ace, we made no such move against them. They were not endangering anyone."

"Even so. This is a very fascinating field. I am more than willing to join this organization. Will you have me?" Theo exclaimed.

"Of course. You already have expertise having dealt with this team."

Ace continued munching away, occasionally sighing, trying to keep his emotions at bay.

"I mean, I don't mind it. Do you guys get a lot of guys like me? Forced into these, uh powers?" Radi asked.

"Occasionally. People in your situation tend to isolate and hide. A lot of the beings we deal with were already openly hostile and with powers. Like the ones that attacked you all in that hotel."

"If it's like that I don't mind. But from what I've heard from Nikusa and Nikku I'm not sure."

"If you ever object to anything we do feel free to discuss. I will fully admit that a lot has changed in these recent times. Especially since IRIS began helping us. You would be a good fit too, Radi. You know what it's like to run and lose your normality."

"Then I guess I'm in. When this over. I don't know if I want to return home...or if I even can. But you guys have been some of the nicest people I've ever met."

"I am glad you think so." Updike said happily. He looked to Ace, still gorging himself. "Ace slow down. There needs to be food for everyone."

"S-sorry." He said, hunched over the folding table. "It's just, ugh. I want to get this thing over with. I just, what if they killed Retro? Or tortured him? Or wors-"

"Enough. We know he's alive. You need to stay optimistic." Theo said, cutting him off. "We will find him, I promise you."

The bus pulled out of farm after dropping two students behind. Both were dressed in their usual clothes. Pomona, a sundress and Static, a winter jacket, despite the warm temperature. Both clutched envelopes with them, seals broken for they had already read the results.

With a bright summer sun above, both were excited to be home. The semester had ended, leaving two months of play and sunshine. Though Static had his own things going on at home, he asked Pomona if he could come over today. He knew the final operation was soon and wanted to wish her good luck.

With a knock at the large door, they didn't need to wait long before they could hear Mackie's scampering at the other side of the door. Next came a screech from afar. Huggy, working in the fields spotted his two best friends. Dropping what he was doing, much to Ronan's annoyance, ripped off his harness and ran after them, easily skipping over the crops.

"Huggy!" Pomona shouted as she raised her arms jumping. Static on the other hand, still wasn't used to Huggy's 'love', flinching as the monster ran to them. He easily scooped them both up, bringing them to Ronan.

"Hi dad!" Pomona said happily as Huggy set them down.

"H-hi, Mister Carrot." Static said, still a little startled.

"How's my little girl? And Static! How are you doing these days?" He carried a pitchfork and stabbed it into the ground as he knelt down and gave Pomona a hug.

"Fine sir." Static said.

"School's out dad! We did it!"

"And you got your report card?" Ronan asked.

A puff of smoke appeared next to Ronan, conjuring up Amelia and Mackie. He jumped at Pomona, easily landing in her arms as he lapped at her.

"Yes, honey. How did you do? Better than last time I hope." She said.

"See for yourself." She said proudly and handed them the paper.

The two studied it, looking over the various letters and teacher comments. "Very good, very good. Mathematics is still a little low, but it's getting better." Ronan said, quoting the comment.

"Well it’s better isn't it! I've learned a lot from Static!" She said boasting.

"Still room for improvement, hahaha." Zardy hissed, now making his appearance.

"But it is better, sir!" Static said, speaking up.

"I know, I know. I'm just screwin with ya'. We up for a little practice in the maze right now you two?" Zardy asked. Though he didn't say it he really wanted to give Static a go, enjoying just how much the bot cowered against him.

Static looked at Pomona, worried.

"No, we're gonna go play some video games. We'll do the maze later, right Stat?"

"R-right." He looked away from Zardy's predatorial eyes.

"I'll keep the maze warm, don't you two worry." He said, leaving to finish his duties.

As they walked back to the house, they spoke more. "Man, he still gives me the creeps." Static said.

"Ah, don't worry about him. He's as sweet as a butter tart."

Static sighed. "Hey, Pomona-er-Pompom?"

"Yeah!"

"With the operation coming up, I er, just wanted to say good luck. To you and your ma."

"Ah thanks! When we get that evil-doer I'll sock him, just for you!"

Updike took another drink of the small cup. Filled with an amber coloured liquid he drank slowly and rarely. He didn't like the taste, only drinking in these kinds of situations.

Him, Abott and Sterling sat in Updike's office, all facing the window, looking at the city's sunset.

It was an informal outing, the three sitting in mascooka chairs, a drink sitting on each of the chair handles.

He sighed as he put the glass down. "You guys this think this is a good idea?" He said aloud.

"What is?" Sterling asked.

"The operation? Yeah I think it's right. You're going after one of the worst offenders in this city. Course it's a good thing." Abott exclaimed. This conversation already happened a few times, Updike's worry about 'values' and 'tradition'; he still hadn't made peace working with Whitty and co.

"Nah." Updike said, picking the glass up idly. "I've got no issues about destroying them. "I just don't know if we can do it."

Abott chuckled.

"You have what, 20 people on your team? And several eldritch-class aboms. You guys are a legit army. Not just some 'crew'."

"I suppose. And of how we stand, our values and working with these beings?"

"I've been thinking about that actually." Abott said, a different response from the last time Updike floated the question.

"Me too." Sterling said. "I think we're gonna have to change how we operate, I mean, there's nothin' normal about any of us."

"Perhaps." Updike put down the glass. "Soon as this is over, we're gonna do some changes." Updike said, staring off into the distance.

A silence fell upon them as they slowly drank. Sterling had something he wanted to ask. With how sentimental the mood was, he felt like asking.

"Updike I was reviewing your footage from your exploration into the Nikusa's void." Sterling said.

"Yes. It was a bloody battle. But necessary." Updike said, still staring out.

"Indeed. I have not seen you fight quite like that in a long time." Sterling laughed before getting quiet. "You mentioned in the fight someone called Julian." He lowered his voice. "Who is Julian? You've said that name before, also when dealing with Whitty."

Updike didn't respond, instead still looking outside.

"If you don't want to talk about it-" Abott started to say but Updike raised his hand. Still staring outside he spoke.

"Julian was a boy I met a on a train many years ago. Innocent and without fault he was cut down. But that's a story I am not ready to tell...That was before I met Whitty."

"Sorry." Sterling.

Updike stood up. "This operation. It's just, ugh. I can't stand waiting around. If I could, I'd march right there with the team and burn it to the ground."

"Heh. Wouldn't that be something." Abott said.

"Well, when you're crawling through those tunnels don't forget about us. We're one phone call away. Won't take much to cause some 'divine intervention'." Sterling said with a laugh.

"I just might."

"Yo, letter from Connor!" Loki shouted as he scanned through the pile of envelopes jammed in the mailbox.

"What's it say?" Kapi asked, sitting on the couch inside. Engaged in a game he paused it as soon as Loki mentioned Connor.

Though Kapi wasn't as torn-up over recent events anymore he still wished for Connor to come back. The three were a trio they hadn't quite got used to just the two of them left. Standing beside Loki, the two anthros read the letter.

They learned Connor was on his way back. The Society not only dropped the charges thanks to Blackjack but allowed him back into the fold. A note about Anders and some relationship with a TGG agent allowed Connor and him to settle, cancelling any issues between them. With no more assassins and no reason to remain in Apollo, Connor was planning to arrive in early July, mere days after the operation. He wished Kapi the best of luck, remarking at how proud he was of him. 'I'm sorry I couldn't make it but I know you'll give them something to cry about.' Connor ended the letter with.

Kapi smiled. He couldn't be any more ready.

Loki give Kapi a playful punch. Kapi already explained to him the team he was on and Loki was enamoured. With a monster, engineering genius, body-builder secret agent and a dragon that could control temperature he couldn’t see any way they could lose. “Hell, you guys don’t even need the rest of the team. I bet you could walk right up in there and freeze the whole place, chuck the whole Family off the cliff!”

The Andromedas sat around a plain white dinner table, plates in front of all of them.

Agoti, Aldryx, Solazar and Amora. The first family dinner they had in a while. Agoti had been playing around the city and Solazar and Aldryx embroiled deeply in the planning. With no meeting tonight they found themselves all home.

And they had all just kind of sat down after dishing their food. Nobody had started the conversation, the four eating in silence.

"Well?" Solazar asked, rather awkwardly.

"Oh!" Agoti exclaimed. "We haven't told them about the recent news right?"

"That is right." Solazar said with a nod. "Agoti has officially been enlisted to join as an opener for Parappa the Rapper."

"Really? That's sick bro." Aldryx said, giving a playful punch.

"Who?" Amora asked idly.

"Parappa the Rapper is a world-renown rapper and musician from Japan. Though he's been around for a bit, he's had a massive comeback recently. And he has asked us to be his opener for his tour around the country." Solazar said proudly.

"Yeah, we're gonna be touring all over. Can't wait. Dad's gonna come to."

"Indeed."

"So when is this?" Aldryx asked.

"After the operation."

"Heh, no rest for you guys huh?" Amora suggested. Aldryx laughed.

"Nope. But this is gonna be huge, hell maybe bigger than this raid." Agoti said, stuffing some salad into his mouth.

"I actually looked into this Parappa-fellow." Solazar said. "Turns out he has some ties to hell too, though his are very much opposed to the Family."

"Really?" Amora asked.

"Yes. In fact partnering up with him is good. Means after the operation he can keep tabs for us. I suppose we could have contacted him sooner but alas. We are in a good spot."

"You guys gonna ask Tabi to come?" Aldryx asked.

"Been thinkin' 'bout it."

"He probably would. Dude would like a reason to escape the city."

"What about his partner though?" Amora asked. "Haven't you told me he's inseparable from that person?"

"Yeah, that's the only issue." Agoti said.

"Well (Y/N)'s a former cop. Why not just have 'em be head of security or something."

"Whoa. You're a genius! Oh man. So we can take him. Just gotta hope he says yes."

"Pft. I wouldn't be surprised if he asked you." Aldryx said.

"Now now, let's not get too far ahead. We still have this 'concert' to perform first."

"Is everything all ready?" Amora asked.

"Very. I cannot see any way they could blindside us."

"Well. To success and to Agoti's tour." Amora raised a glass.

And they all toasted.

With his 'resurrection', Displo took charge. Acting as a counter-balance to Updike's strict training and Solazar's commanding, Displo found his niche. He unofficially became a group medic and therapist, acting as a 'easy-going cool uncle' of the group.

Though he had skills as a restaurateur he wasn't the least bit interested in working for Rosie. Instead he resumed his post as the IRIS-TGG ambassador staying at the same halfway house Nikku once stayed at (now re-opened).

He missed cooking though when you brought it up to him, Displo already said he had plans to get a new restaurant.

Being on your way home you decided one day to give him a ride. After all, it was the least you could do. Much as you wanted to talk and fill him in on the last operations he already knew.

Apparently, during those days he was being rebuilt, Updike would come to him and just speak of the team and vent about related issues. Displo knew all about the Whitty-Udpike fight, something only you were even vaguely aware of.

Wracking your mind of topics, there was something you knew you could tell him. "Oh yeah. Updike thinks the Family took out the TCF."

"Hm?" Displo asked. Sitting in the passenger seat he just stared ahead.

"Yeah, said they shared agents, there were connections and stuff to the Family."

"Why are you telling me this?" Displo asked, turning the scene rather awkward.

"I thought you were close to TCF. Into that kind of stuff."

Displo chuckled. "IRIS and TCF had connections between each other, often shared intel. Before I had the restaurant I was a junior agent. One after I was bored and looked into the files one afternoon."

He laughed again. "I got caught by my superiors and, not wanting to risk decommissioning me pretended to be an expert on Trollges."

"You lied?"

"I did then. But to commit myself I read all of the files, becoming an expert on Trollges and the TCF. Around then I proposed to get my own restaurant. But anytime trollges or the TCF came up I would be asked about it. Just funny that even after all this time people still thinks I studied them all my life."

"So you know everything there is to know then."

"What was known to TCF yes. I've never encountered one but they are a depressing bunch. The one IRIS did know of was a father who got corrupted. A tragic story I believe he is still out there."

"Hm. Still interesting stuff. You should tell me when this is over."

"Perhaps. Haha, it hasn't helped me much in my life aside from some reading material before bed. Thank you for reminding me of that. I would say life was simpler then but I think my current standing is simpler."

Stars shone in the sky above. Summer officially arrived, the last night before the big bang. The last meeting had long concluded, everyone departing with a heightened sense of accomplishment and worry. This was it. No backing down now.

You didn't think anyone was planning on backing down but you could tell everyone a little nervous. You and Tabi found yourselves at home, and after a relaxed dinner, Tabi vanished. Checking all the rooms you eventually found him lying on the roof, staring up at the stars, thinking.

He apologized for not inviting you though didn't say much. You could tell he something weighed on him heavy. Though a mishmash of words he asked you to come up top, his eyes turning to a white flame, something which caught you off guard.

So you climbed atop, lay down and stared at the sky above nex t to Tabi.

"You know, if you'd had told me months ago I'd be doing this, I wouldn't be scared of dying. I would go out in a blaze of glory, taking all those monsters with me. And I would be happy." He said, voice creaking on those last words. It sounded like he choked back tears.

"But now. I don't want to die. I want nothing more than to kill all of those people, but I don't want a blaze of glory. I want to live. I don't even care if they don't know I did it."

You weren't sure what to say, and just let your heart do it. "You will. Where's this all coming from?"

"I just can't stop thinking about that. That I was ready to go, That it was it. But after everything I'm just not sure anymore."

"You're...we're gonna get through this. We'll perform like our lives depended on it, get out there and sell out. All of us. There's nothing to be worried about."

In your mind you thank Displo for coming up with that 'concert-talk'. If anyone else was listening they would be none the wiser.

"I never understood how you can be so just, okay with all of this. You're the weirdest cop I've ever met." Tabi said, still staring up.

"Heh, heh. Feeling better?"

"We go in there. Do what we need to but I'm not dying. None of us are."

"I agree."

"Hpmh." Tabi said.

A few minutes passed without any word. A few times he moved and glanced at you, and a few times you did so to. No words exchanged you two were content watching the moon in silence.

"After this. What are we gonna do?" Tabi finally asked.

"Beats me. I'll tell you what though. I'm not going back to the force."

"I'm not going back to stalking around." He mumbled.

You sit up. "I don't know. I doubt the team's gonna stay together after this but who knows? Maybe a few of us will, we form a full on pentest team. I've had a lot of fun doing those mock heists."

"Me too. Did some stupid stuff though. Like when I released that schoolbrat."

"Or when me and Nikku got stuck in the data centre, guards tried to blow the whole thing down."

Both of you laughed, reflecting on the previous operations.

"There's um, something I got asked." Tabi said, now fidgeting. "Agoti's about to go on some big tour after this. Round the country. He's asked if I could go along, you know, pyrotechnics and all that." Tabi said. "I was wondering, if, um, uh, you could come. Be in charge of security, if-if that's okay." He said, looking away.

"Sure man. That sounds fun. I'm down."

He put an arm around you, trying to pull you in to him all slick. Though it failed to be sly, you scoot over, now lying directly next to him.

"Thank you. It's gonna be great for all of us."

Tabi seemed content not to say another word as he and you observed the stars, cuddling.

"When we get face to face with him, you gonna ask him to change you back?"

His reply is instant. "No. This is what I am now. I'm not going back. I want this skull to be the thing that makes them fear me. I accept it."

"I think you look beautiful." You pull him a little closer and he reciprocates.

"I can hardly wait."

See you in all in Book 3 - Operation Teardown.

Originally I was going to include Operation Teardown as part of this and make a clean 3 arcs per book. However, as Operation Teardown is 20 chapters long I'm not going to include it here to reach Track 60. So on Friday just check my page and they'll be a third book started (except on AO3, you'll just see the arrow to 'Next Work'.)

I'll conserve my final thoughts and opinions on the whole series for after Operation Teardown.

I will say though. I hope you like boss fights because Operation Teardown has A LOT.