Around one week ago
Siberia, Russia
In the dark chilly night, the air crackled as a glowing blue portal materialized, tearing through the fabric of reality. Stepping out from the portal, a man emerged with a mask concealing his face, and fell onto a pile of snow. His body was weakened by a gunshot wound to his thigh. As the portal closed, his mask vanished, revealing the face of Omega Yoru. He winced in pain, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Footsteps echoed in the distance, drawing Omega Yoru's attention. His gaze shifted towards a pair of black boots steadily approaching him. The figure knelt down, revealing Omega Sage. She placed her gentle hands on Yoru's wound, and her healing energy radiated through his body, relieving his pain. Yoru let out a grateful sigh as he was relieved from the pain.
Soon after, Omega Brimstone and Omega Skye joined them and stood beside him. Brimstone extended his hand, a silent gesture of solidarity. Yoru took his hand, allowing Brimstone to pull him upright as his injuries are now fully healed.
Sage set out to locate the fallen bodies of their fellow agents, ready to breathe life back into their fallen comrades. Skye went along to aid her in her task.
Yoru took a moment to recall the events, his voice steady as he revealed, "They had a new guy." Brimstone's expression darkened, his brows furrowing with concern. "What was he like?" he questioned. "He had radiant powers, but he relied on his suit's technology," Yoru explained.
Brimstone's eyes narrowed as he listened to Yoru's report. "This is troublesome," he remarked.
Not long after, Sage and Skye returned with Omega Phoenix, Viper, Jett, and Cypher. The air was filled with relief as the revived agents grappled with the strange sensation of returning from the afterlife. Sage's powers had granted them a second chance, pulling them back from the brink of oblivion. It was a gift they hadn't taken lightly.
Brimstone holstered his Sheriff, his gaze shifting to Cypher, the master of secrets, the master of investigation. "Yoru mentioned a new guy on their team," he stated. Cypher's analytical mind immediately kicked into gear, understanding the urgency of the situation. "I'm already on it. I'll dig deep," he assured them, his determination evident.
Phoenix, who had recently faced the mysterious newcomer, joined the conversation. "This guy knows what he's doing. He's experienced," he commented, his tone purely full of caution. Viper, spoke up in determination. "We won't be caught off guard again. We'll be ready for whatever comes our way," she asserted.
.
.
Present day
Glitch made his way to the tranquil beach, the one he went to with Sage not too long ago. He had decided to make it his refuge, a place where he could temporarily escape the chaotic world and find a moment of respite. As he walked along the shore, the soft sand beneath his feet, he couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking beauty surrounding him.
The events that had unfolded since joining the Protocol continued to bother him. The existence of alternate worlds, the resurrection of his mentor as a spectral entity, and the realization that there existed more than just Omega Earth and that he made a killer robot somewhere out there had left him grappling with a mix of awe and disbelief. He questioned the nature of reality, his place within it, and the path he had chosen.
He took a deep breath, allowing the soothing sound of crashing waves and the gentle touch of the ocean breeze to calm his racing thoughts. It was in this moment of quiet reflection that he hoped to find clarity.
However, his peaceful interlude was abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Glitch's eyes opened, and he turned to face a shirtless figure, his imposing frame adorned with prosthetic arms. Breach, the man with an air of confidence and strength, stood before him, his sunglasses shielding his eyes.
"Hey, man!" Breach greeted with genuine warmth as he lowered his sunglasses, revealing his eyes. Glitch couldn't deny that Breach's presence was timely, even if he wasn't quite in the mood for casual conversation. Reluctantly, he reciprocated the greeting, attempting to match Breach's amiable disposition. "What's up, prosthetic dude," he replied with a touch of playful banter.
"You look troubled," Breach remarked. Glitch couldn't help but chuckle softly at his observation. "Didn't think you're the kind of guy who'd notice right away," he responded, appreciating Breach's unexpected perceptiveness. "You're not in beach shorts," Breach added, as he sat down on the sand and stretched out on his back.
Glitch nodded, acknowledging the astute observation. "Good point," he said with a slight grin. "How about you? Solo beach time or is this a routine?" he asked, genuinely curious about Breach's beach habits. Breach, still lying on the sand, turned his head slightly and pointed a thumb to his side.
Following Breach's gesture, Glitch turned his gaze to where the two figures were. In the distance, he could see Raze, energetically blasting music and tinkering with her gadgets, while another person he had never met before was leisurely sunbathing on the sand. "So, a trio beach party," Glitch remarked, realizing the impromptu gathering.
"I had nothing better to do. Raze offered me to come along to kill time. Reyna was here before we were." Breach explained. He then sat upright, his attention now fully on Glitch. "So, what's on your mind?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Glitch took a moment to collect his thoughts before joining Breach on the sandy ground, sitting down next to him. He let out a soft sigh.
"I hope you like long stories or, well, many stories," he began.
.
.
.
Breach listened intently, his gaze fixed on Glitch as he summarized the complex web of recent events and emotions that had unfolded. "Wow. That's rough, buddy," Breach commented, empathetic and understanding. "Yeah, that's pretty much it," Glitch responded, a touch of weariness evident in his voice. "It's not so much that I'm troubled by discovering all these things. It's just that everything has happened so suddenly, and so quickly. It's like everything I thought I knew about the universe is crumbling, and it's hard to make sense of it all," he confessed.
Breach remained silent, allowing Glitch the space to express his thoughts and emotions. Glitch continued, reflecting on his past and the losses he had experienced. "I lost my family a while back. Omen, and my ex-colleagues were the closest I had to a family," he shared.
Lying back on the sand, Glitch gazed up at the sky above. "Joining the Valorant Protocol, meeting you, Brim, and the others—I felt welcomed, like I had found a new family," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "But it's just... strange. Too strange. As time goes on, everything seems to make less sense. Or maybe it does make sense, but I'm just struggling to piece it all together," he admitted, his words trailing off with a sigh.
Breach removed his sunglasses, revealing a rare glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. His usual loud and reckless demeanor gave way to a calmer and more considerate aura. "You might not believe me, but I know what you're going through," he said in understanding. "I grew up in a harsh neighborhood, where crime and violence were a way of life."
Curiosity sparked in Glitch's eyes as he leaned in, eager to hear Breach's story. "What happened?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine interest. Breach's lips curled into a faint smile, a hint of nostalgia flickering across his face. "I was part of a criminal organization led by Raze's father," he revealed. "We were like family, brothers in arms. I spent years serving under him, until one day, he was assassinated. The one person who truly cared about me was gone in an instant."
Glitch nodded in sympathy, his heart going out to Breach. "I'm sorry to hear that," he offered, his voice filled with genuine compassion. Breach's gaze softened as he continued to share his tale. "At the time, Raze was just a young teenager. I felt responsible to protect her from the dangers of our criminal world. It was as if she were my own niece," he confessed, his voice laced with a mix of fondness and sadness.
"But one day, a rival organization kidnapped Raze. They were afraid of me, so they tried to get to me through her," Breach continued, a hint of anguish seeping into his voice. "They gave me two choices: surrender myself or watch her die. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, so I decided to sacrifice myself. They tortured me and stripped my arms off of me."
Glitch's eyes widened in disbelief, his own troubles feeling trivial in comparison. A shiver ran down Glitch's spine as he listened intently, captivated by the depth of Breach's experiences.
"Lucky for me, Raze saved us both with her bombing expertise! The two of us made it out, and we laid low for a long while," Breach continued, a sense of gratitude evident in his voice. "I spent years living without my arms. But one day, Raze surprised me with a birthday gift. This," he said, raising his prosthetic arms for Glitch to see, "she spent years learning how to make this. And it's the best present I've ever had."
Glitch was overcome with a mixture of awe and admiration. The resilience and determination displayed by Breach were truly remarkable. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for being consumed by his own minor troubles while Breach had faced far greater challenges. "I'm sorry, Breach. But I'm glad to see that you've come out of it so strong," Glitch confessed sincerely.
Breach chuckled at the remark. "It's all in the past. I've made peace with it. Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, eh? My boss's death, losing my limbs, and now, finding myself here in the protocol. It also seemed too sudden, too fast to me. So, trust me, I know how you feel," he said, his smile growing wider. Glitch hadn't anticipated that their encounter on the beach would provide him with such valuable insight. He felt a newfound sense of tranquility, realizing that everyone has their own share of hardships, but it's their strength and resilience that truly defines them.
"Raze's father may never return, but Omen is still here," Breach remarked, his words carrying a touch of melancholy. Glitch closed his eyes and allowed a gentle smile to grace his lips. "Thanks, Breach. You're definitely not just a loud airhead like I thought you were. Thanks for listening and sharing," he expressed, genuine gratitude lacing his words.
Breach laughed heartily at the remark, stretching his back as he stood up. "No problem. Well, you said it yourself—we're like family now, the protocol," he stated with conviction. "Oh, and that robot, he might have his own story to tell. Why not give it a listen?"
Glitch nodded. "I will," he affirmed, his mind buzzing with newfound perspectives and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
.
.
.
Valorant Protocol Headquarters
Killjoy's Laboratory
"Oh, dear friend, I'd really like to help you, but I really don't know how to build that kind of machine," Killjoy said, her voice filled with sadness. "You were the one who made the teleporter that sent me here. Surely you know how to send me out of here," the robot said. "The me from your world, your time. I don't have the knowledge to help you right now... I'm sorry," Killjoy admitted, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
The artificial being felt a twinge of guilt for pushing her too hard. Despite her expertise, it seemed that the answers he sought were beyond her reach. He observed her expression, sensing the sadness that surfaced. It was a peculiar moment, as he knew she wouldn't physically shed tears, yet her emotions were palpable. "Sorry. You're right," he responded gently in his robotic voice. "It's just that I have to go home. They are probably still waiting for my return," he continued, his tone tinged with longing and a hint of urgency.
Before Killjoy could respond, a knock echoed through the door, interrupting their conversation. The sound reverberated through the room, causing both of them to turn their attention towards the source. The door swung open, revealing the silhouette of a familiar figure. It was none other than Glitch. "Hey, am I interrupting?" he asked.
"Glitch! Are you here to see KAY/O?" Killjoy asked, her voice filled with excitement. Glitch's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "K.O.?" he asked, trying to make sense of the abbreviation. "Kingdom Anti-Yield: Operative. KAY/O, sir," the robot corrected, his metallic tone echoing through the room.
Glitch couldn't help but chuckle at the clever wordplay. "Wow... that's actually a good pun," he remarked, a smile playing on his lips. "I know, right? It was you who gave him the name, though," Killjoy said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Right, other me from another world." Glitch responded gently.
Killjoy's expression turned sad as she spoke again. "Our friend here is worried, Glitch... Could you help cheer him up?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Killjoy's cute smile and tilted head tugged at Glitch's heartstrings. Simp.
Curiosity piqued, Glitch turned his full attention to KAY/O, his eyes searching for any signs of distress. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm trying to find a way home, Doctor L/N," KAY/O began, his tone tinged with a mix of gratitude and longing. "I'm really happy to see everyone doing well here, including you, sir. But Sergeant Novikov and Doctor Bohringer of my world are waiting for my return. I asked your world's Doctor Bohringer, whom you address as Killjoy, to help me build a machine to send me back."
Glitch shifted his gaze to Killjoy, his eyebrows raised in anticipation. "And how's it going?" he inquired, hoping for a positive outcome.
Killjoy's expression turned somber, and she shook her head with a hint of sadness. It was evident that building such a complex machine was beyond her capabilities. Glitch understood KAY/O's desire to return home and empathized with his sense of urgency.
"Then we'll have to find another way to help you, soon enough," Glitch assured him. "But for now, why don't you stay and share your stories? Your insights could prove invaluable to us."
KAY/O contemplated Glitch's suggestion for a moment before responding. "Your wish is my command. But with all due respect, I'd rather not keep them waiting for too long, sir."
Glitch's smile widened, and he gently placed a hand on KAY/O's metallic frame. "Yeah... no. Just call me Glitch. It feels weird when you address me like that," he said, his tone warm and friendly.
.
.
.
To be continued