Glitch entered the medical bay, his heart filled with anxiety. As he stood before Iselin, he couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions flooding back. It had been a long time since they had seen each other, and their history was marked by both love and pain.
"Iselin," he greeted her, his voice gentle yet filled with uncertainty.
At the sound of his voice, Iselin froze. It was a voice she thought she had left behind in another life, a voice that held so many memories, both happy and heartbreaking. She turned to see him, her eyes meeting his. Surprise registered on her face, and she quickly averted her gaze, unable to hold his steady look.
Sage, recognizing the need for privacy and the weight of their reunion, offered Glitch a nod and quietly exited the room, leaving the two alone, their past and present colliding in the intimate silence of the medical bay.
Glitch stood before Iselin, who was seated on the medical bed. Neither of them knew quite what to say. Although years had passed since they shared their days, it was clear that the wounds of the past still lingered somewhere in their hearts.
Glitch finally broke the silence. "Iselin... I never thought I'd see you here. How have you been?"
Iselin's fingers tensed as she clutched the edge of her bed. Her voice soft as she replied, "I didn't expect to see you here either."
Glitch's voice was tinged with guilt as he continued, "I never should have let us drift apart like that after... after Doctor Wallace's death. You were always there for me. But I pushed you away. I... I was just..."
Iselin's gaze remained fixed on the floor as she responded, her voice devoid of warmth or anger. "It's in the past, Y/n. There's no need to talk about it."
Despite her words, Glitch could sense the pain hidden beneath her stoic exterior. He knew there was no easy way to mend what was broken between them, but he had to try. As he looked at Iselin, his gaze fell upon her left arm, and he noticed that she was missing it.
"I just want you to know that I'm here for you now," he said earnestly. "If you ever need someone to talk to, or if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask."
Ever since she became a Ståljeger, Iselin had always been fiercely independent, and discussing their past was something she clearly wished to avoid.
"I appreciate your concern," she replied, her tone guarded. "But we both know that's not why you're here."
Glitch's brows furrowed, genuine confusion in his eyes. "What?" he asked.
Iselin was finally able to look him in the eye. Her gaze was cold, her words sharper. "You're here to ask me for information, right? That's why you brought me here, to your headquarters, instead of leaving me be. So, go ahead, ask your questions."
Glitch felt a throb in his chest. Although he thought he no longer harbored romantic feelings for Iselin, he couldn't help but feel hurt by the words. He was merely trying to comfort her and ensure her safety.
"Iselin, I just want you to feel safe here," he insisted, his voice gentle. He took a step closer, his heart pounding. "I know there's so much we need to talk about. But right now, I just want to know if you're okay. If there's anything I can do to help you."
Iselin hesitated, her emotions warring within her. She had so many questions, so much she wanted to say, but the words remained trapped. Finally, she nodded. "I'm... recovering. I just need time."
Iselin's expression softened slightly, and she sighed. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice losing some of its coldness. "I know you're trying to help, and I do feel safe here."
The two then finally managed to look at one another in the eye. They locked eyes, and Glitch offered a faint smile in response to her honesty. Taking a seat in a chair by her bedside, he continued the conversation.
Omen discreetly peeked through the partially open door, his shadowy form concealed in the dimly lit corridor. He had been silently watching Glitch and Iselin's interactions, concerned about how their meeting would unfold. However, as he observed them, he noticed their smiles growing more genuine with each passing moment.
A sense of relief washed over Omen, and he felt reassured that their shared history wouldn't hinder their ability to reconnect. Content that they were getting along, he silently retreated, leaving the room to them and their rekindled connection.
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???, ???
Omega Glitch continued his exploration, walking across the unfamiliar terrains of the pocket dimension created by the relic. The lush forest behind him gradually thinned, and he found himself standing at the edge of an island, gazing out at the vast expanse of water before him.
He was then struck by a breathtaking sight—a futuristic city stretched out in front of him. Its shimmering skyscrapers reached towards the heavens, their surfaces reflecting the soft glow of the city's neon lights. It was a stark contrast to the nightmarish scene he had witnessed earlier, and the serene beauty of the city helped to calm the unease that had been gnawing at him.
Just as Glitch was beginning to take in the awe-inspiring view, a voice emanated from behind him.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" the voice said.
Glitch turned swiftly to face the source and found himself facing a mysterious man. Glitch couldn't help but ask, "Who are you? Where are we?"
The man, regal and composed, replied calmly, "A very small planet called Radinthon, and I am its king. This is not the real Radinthon, however. Only a fragment of a memory, a shadow of what Radinthon used to be."
Glitch was taken aback by the man's claim to be a king. He studied the stranger carefully, noticing the air of authority that seemed to radiate from him.
Suddenly, a vivid memory rushed back to Glitch—a memory of his harrowing encounter with the soulless Omen.
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New Radinthon. A world that only knows... peace!"
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"Radinthon?" Glitch repeated, his curiosity piqued. "Someone mentioned it once. But I know nothing about this world."
The man, his regal demeanor undisturbed by Glitch's presence, performed a graceful bow. "I am King Araxys," he declared with the authority befitting his station. "Should you seek enlightenment about this world I once ruled, I shall narrate its tale for you."
Glitch extended a deep and respectful bow in response, acknowledging the king's regal presence. "I'm Glitch," he introduced himself. "I've seen some unsettling things today, and I'm eager to learn more, even if it's about a memory."
King Araxys smiled faintly. "Walk with me, Glitch. I shall impart to you the long-forgotten mysteries of Radinthon," he proposed, gesturing for Glitch to walk beside him.
With a nod of agreement, Glitch walked alongside the king, eager to absorb the knowledge about Radinthon's lost history.
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The Headquarters, Alpha Earth
Brimstone and Viper exchanged concerned glances, and Killjoy stood next to Sage with a somber expression. Everyone was visibly upset about Killjoy's decision to exchange information with Omega Glitch.
Sage began cautiously, recognizing the risk of the situation, "Killjoy has established contact with Omega Glitch, and they've been exchanging information since her return from Omega."
Brimstone's stern expression deepened, and Viper's eyes narrowed. They both seemed troubled by the revelation.
"Why, Killjoy? " Brimstone questioned, his voice edged with concern. "We can't trust him, and this could be a dangerous gamble."
Killjoy took a step forward, her voice resolute despite the tension in the room. "Brimstone, I did it to gather information, and I can confirm that everything he's shared so far has been truthful and invaluable. He's been helping us uncover more about our current situation."
The unease persisted, but Killjoy's conviction seemed to sway the group. Viper nodded, acknowledging the potential value of their newfound knowledge. "I don't trust anyone from Omega. But we should at least make use of the intel he's provided."
As they continued to discuss the situation, Cypher's entrance shifted the focus once more. His concerned expression couldn't be ignored as he voiced another issue.
"Brimstone," he began, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important, but I have concerns about our dear dream seer... er, not the usual ones."
Brimstone reclined in his chair, his arms crossed firmly over his chest. "What about her?" he inquired, an eyebrow raised.
Cypher moved closer, his voice filled with concern as he reported, "She's not sleeping well. I see her up and wandering at all hours, afflicted in unique way. Always troubled, I can tell."
Viper, assuming it to be a minor issue, remarked, "Perhaps she's just having some bad dreams or something on her mind. It should pass with time."
Cypher, however, shook his head in disagreement. "Fade's abilities force her to confront the nightmares of everyone around her constantly. Something that could scare her to this extent must be truly horrific – worse than any of us can imagine," he elaborated, his concern deepening.
Sage added, her voice filled with worry, "It's possibly related to the strange substance she encountered during her probe of that Ståljeger's mind. We need to address this issue."
"What did she dream about?" Brimstone inquired. Cypher, his arms now crossed, shook his head once more. "I don't know the specifics. Her power is an asset, but it shouldn't come at the cost of her well-being. Is there something we can do? She is not the type to ask for help, so I will as in her stead," he stated.
"Alright. I'll pay her a visit once we're done here. Thanks for the update," Brimstone acknowledged. Cypher nodded, tipping his hat slightly. "I'll be in my office if any of you require my assistance," he stated before exiting the room.
Brimstone let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his tired eyes. Killjoy placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and spoke softly, "Brim, why don't you take a break? A few days off could do wonders. You've been working tirelessly, dealing with Kingdom and sorting through all those documents. You're not alone in this; let us take over for a change."
"I agree, Brimstone," Sage chimed in. "Our leader should be in top form. Rest; I'll assume your responsibilities in the meantime," she offered.
Viper nodded in agreement, saying, "I'll handle the paperwork, and fill you in on anything you might miss."
Brimstone nodded appreciatively, but his gaze remained fixed on the floor. "Thanks. But let me have a word with Fade before I take some rest," he requested.
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As Glitch and Iselin continued their conversation, they found themselves slowly opening up to each other. They spent some time catching up on each other's stories, like old friends reacquainting themselves with each other's lives.
Iselin's expression carried a hint of sadness as she shared, "After I went back home, I found out my father was a Ståljeger. I became one as well. And now, I'm as well as one can be, missing an arm."
Genuine sympathy showed in Glitch's eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Iselin acknowledged his words with a nod before shifting the conversation away from herself. "How about you?"
"I've been good, I guess," Glitch began, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "After I left Kingdom, I became the Radiant Hunter in Canada," he revealed.
Iselin's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "That was you?" she asked, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Glitch nodded, returning the smile. "Stopped after three years, though. I figured that K-SEC and Task Force could handle the Radiants better than I would. So, I dropped the mantle and became a bartender," he explained.
Iselin couldn't help but chuckle. "You? A bartender?" she teased, a hint of skepticism in her tone.
Glitch grinned playfully. "Hey, I'm one of the best you'd find in Vancouver (or c/n)," he defended his bartending skills.
She smiled at his response and then shifted the conversation. "So, how did you end up here?" Iselin inquired, genuine curiosity in her eyes.
Glitch's expression became more serious as he recounted his journey. "Well, after some interesting events, Valorant found me. They came to my bar to recruit me, believe it or not. I guess I just started thinking that I should do more than just wipe glasses and mix drinks," he admitted.
Iselin's expression softened, her smile now full of warmth. "It's good to know you have a purpose now. Doctor Wallace would be proud of you," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration for the path Glitch had chosen.
Glitch's eyes widened at the sight of her warm smile, and for a fleeting moment, memories came rushing back, filling his mind with nostalgia. Her smile was just as beautiful as he remembered.
Regaining his focus, he replied, "Yeah... about Doctor Wallace... I'll tell you more about him later," Glitch said, his anxiety easing as he realized they could now converse more openly and comfortably.
As the warm atmosphere in the room began to dissipate, Iselin stood up from the bed. "I need to return to the Ståljeger's headquarters," she expressed.
Glitch, however, couldn't help but ask her about her future plans. Moreover, he was hoping he could get more information from her about the recent incidents in Norway.
"You plan to continue being a Ståljeger?" he inquired, genuine concern in his voice.
"I've committed myself to making the world a better place in any way I can," Iselin replied, her determination evident.
Glitch's eyes briefly fell to her missing arm, and he couldn't help but wonder how she intended to fulfill that commitment with her current condition. It was a question that had been weighing on his mind since she mentioned her injury.
"How do you plan to do that with your arm..." he began, his voice trailing off before he could finish the sentence.
Iselin sighed softly, acknowledging the challenge that lay ahead. "I'll have to make do somehow," she said, her voice tinged with resignation.
Glitch, unable to contain his empathy and concern, instinctively reached out and gently placed his hand on Iselin's remaining one. The touch made both of them blush slightly in the unexpected intimacy of the moment.
"S-sorry," Glitch stammered, quickly retracting his hand, "I don't know why I did that. I didn't mean anything weird by that."
Iselin smiled faintly, reassured by his gesture. "It's fine."
Glitch hesitated for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he gathered his thoughts. "Hey," he began, drawing her attention back to him.
"Hmm?" she responded, meeting his gaze with curiosity.
"I might have a solution for your missing arm," he said, his voice carrying a note of hope.
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To be continued