Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Under the brilliant Los Angeles sun, the imposing K-SEC facility stood like a fortress, its modern façade concealing secrets within. Glitch and Deadlock, disguised as journalists, made their way through the sparse crowd of visitors and employees. Their cover identities had them posing as a reporter and a writer from a news outlet.
As they reached the facility's reception, Glitch approached the information counter with Deadlock by his side. A middle-aged woman with a businesslike demeanor sat behind the desk, her fingers poised over the keyboard.
"Good morning," Glitch greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm David Miller, from MetroPulse News. This is my partner, Emily Parker. I have an appointment with Doctor Henry Griffin. We're here for an interview and a feature on some of the research being conducted at this facility."
The receptionist, her eyes scanning the pair, replied professionally, "May I see your identification, please?"
"Of course." Glitch and Deadlock both handed over their meticulously crafted fake IDs, courtesy of Cypher's expert forgery skills. The receptionist examined the IDs carefully, her expression giving nothing away. After a moment, she nodded, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she dialed a number.
"Please wait a moment while I confirm with Doctor Griffin," she said before turning her attention to the call.
Glitch and Deadlock stepped aside, out of earshot, taking in the surroundings. Memories of their time working for Kingdom flickered through their minds, and it was hard to ignore the mixed emotions bubbling beneath the surface.
"It's been a while since I've been inside one of Kingdom's facilities," Deadlock remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
It was becoming increasingly apparent to Glitch that the Iselin he remembered had evolved into someone different. Her physical transformation was undeniable; she appeared more muscular and robust. But it wasn't just her appearance that had changed.
Deadlock exuded an air of independence and strength, and her demeanor seemed marked by a hint of indifference. Glitch couldn't help but wonder about the experiences that had shaped the person standing before him now.
Glitch finally nodded in agreement, his gaze briefly fixed on her. "Brings back memories," he began, reflecting on the twists and turns of his life's journey.
"Life really is a rollercoaster," he said thoughtfully, "I started as an intern here at Kingdom, then got promoted to a professional biologist for secret projects, then became a superhuman, a vigilante, and then I became a secret agent for the Protocol. And just when I thought I'd seen it all, here I am, back in a Kingdom facility."
Deadlock's firm expression softened, and she couldn't help but smile at Glitch's words. A soft, musical laugh escaped her lips, a sound that felt like a warm breeze amid their reminiscing.
"Life has a funny way of taking us on unexpected journeys," she agreed, her eyes locking onto Glitch's. "You know my story isn't all that different from yours."
As Glitch's gaze drifted to the Kingdom logo on the wall, Deadlock's eyes remained fixed on him. She allowed herself to ponder a question that had nagged at the edges of her thoughts.
"Why did we end things back then?" she thought to herself. "We just... parted ways after everything happened. If Doctor Wallace and my father hadn't passed away, would we still have been together?"
Slowly, her hand moved instinctively toward Glitch's, and their fingers brushed lightly, a fleeting connection that caused him to shift his gaze toward her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like time had paused to allow her to explore the unspoken emotions hanging between them.
But the moment was interrupted by the voice of someone calling out to them. "Are you two the reporters from MetroPulse?" It was Doctor Griffin, the very person they had come to meet.
Glitch extended his hand with a friendly smile. "David Miller, sir. Thank you for making some time for us," he said. The scientist shook his hand. Deadlock also smiled and joined in the handshake. "And I'm Emily Parker. It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Griffin," she said warmly. The scientist replied, "Pleasure's mine. Could've sworn they sent someone over a week ago, but... must be a different news outlet. let me show you around."
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The Pillar Dimension
Omega Glitch stood resolute before the Pillars of Radiance, each appearing with an air of ancient wisdom.
The Pillar of Dimensions regarded Glitch with his deep gaze through his samurai armor. "Are you absolutely certain, hero, that you wish to be sent to this earth?" he asked. "The enmity between your earth and this one is well-known, even to us. We can send you to a different world, one where you may encounter less hostility."
Glitch clenched his fists, determination etched across his face. "I have my reasons. You said Abraxas might notice if I use the artifact's power, but Alpha Earth has a teleporter that can take me back to Omega Earth. And if I get lucky, Alpha's Valorant might lend an ear and help me. It's a gamble, but it's a chance I must take."
The Pillar of Dimensions nodded slowly, understanding Glitch's resolve. "Very well, Omega Glitch. Be cautious in your quest, and remember the potential consequences of haste."
With a sense of gratitude, Glitch acknowledged the Pillar of Dimensions. He then turned to face the Pillar of Space, who raised her hands in a graceful gesture, conjuring a shimmering portal before him. It pulsed with an otherworldly radiance.
"Thank you," Glitch said. With a determined step, he crossed the threshold of the portal, vanishing from the presence of the pillars.
As the portal closed, the Pillar of Shadows, concealed in the darkness, posed a question to the other pillars. "Was that him? The savior of the prophecy, the one destined to protect the multiverse?"
The Pillar of Time and the Pillar of Knowledge exchanged knowing glances. It was the Pillar of Knowledge who spoke, his voice bearing the weight of wisdom. "No, there is another."
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Copenhagen, Denmark, Omega Earth
Omega Sova, Cypher, and KAY/O arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The sky above was once again serene, the rift now closed, but the repercussions of its sudden appearance lingered.
KAY/O, with his advanced sensors, detected anomalous readings emanating from the ground. He pointed this out to his comrades, his robotic frame poised in a stance of vigilance. Cypher, after several attempts, finally managed to reestablish a connection to the network, and his face displayed a mixture of concern and curiosity as he delved into the incoming data.
"An unidentified object crash-landed in Copenhagen," Cypher reported somberly. "Hundreds of casualties reported."
The news weighed heavily on Sova, his heart heavy with the knowledge of so many lives disrupted or lost in an instant. His eyes blazed with determination as he turned to KAY/O, issuing a command. "Bring the Vulture down. We need to get to the ground and assess the situation firsthand."
"Affirmative." With precision, KAY/O guided the aircraft to a safe landing, its thrusters settling to a gentle hum as the trio disembarked. As they stepped onto the scene, the presence of ATLAS soldiers was immediately apparent, working diligently to aid the injured and maintain order among the bewildered citizens.
Sova quickly located Bilal, the commander of the ATLAS team, and approached him with urgency. "Commander Eyletmez, what have you found here?"
Bilal swiftly directed two of his subordinates, "Kevin, scan the area for more survivors and usher them to safety. Yin, tend to the wounded, use your powers." With a nod of acknowledgement to Sova, Bilal gestured toward the enigmatic object that had fallen from the sky. It was a massive, black metallic structure, utterly foreign in origin.
"We got an emergency report of this mysterious giant block crashing down twelve minutes ago," Bilal explained, his gaze unwavering. "As you can see, it's caused quite the destruction, and we haven't investigated its origins or purpose. We teleported here from Kansas immediately to investigate."
Sova's resolve remained unshaken as he turned to Bilal. "Then let's investigate together. Come."
With caution, they all moved closer to the enigmatic object, ready to face the unknown.
As the four of them gathered around the mysterious object, Cypher swiftly took charge, "KAY/O, can you scan this object?"
KAY/O's metallic hands whirred to life as he activated his scanning equipment. He analyzed the object with precision, the data streaming into his systems. Moments later, his voice relayed unsettling information, "Scan complete. The object's exterior is impenetrable, and it's showing negative energy signature. I can't discern its purpose."
Cypher, never one to back down from a challenge, retrieved his trusty analyzer, his face masked in concentration. "I'll attempt a deeper analysis."
Before Cypher could make any headway, the crimson glow surrounding the object intensified, and an eerie resonance filled the air, sending shivers down their spines.
Sova, his senses sharp and alert, didn't waste a second, "Cypher, what's happening?"
KAY/O's mechanical voice chimed in, "Object is emitting a distress signal. Life signs detected below ground. Get ready for combat!"
As the ground quivered beneath them, grotesque creatures erupted from the earth, launching a ferocious attack. KAY/O's swift reflexes allowed him to catch the beasts with his formidable metallic limbs, hurling them aside with incredible force.
Cypher deployed his cyber cages to disorient the creatures. Between bursts of gunfire, Sova fired back at the menacing foes.
Bilal, a beacon of command in the chaos, yelled out urgently as he fended off the creatures, "Radivores! ATLAS, prepare for combat!"
KAY/O considered the situation carefully before explaining, "The distress signal emitted by this object is summoning these Radivores. We need to find a way to stop it before it's too late!"
Sova, while continuing to fend off the encroaching Radivores, shouted to KAY/O over the commotion, "KAY/O, we need to disable that signal. Cypher, any ideas?"
Cypher, multitasking to keep the cyber cages effective, responded urgently, "I need more time to analyze it! Just keep them off me!"
"Go! We'll cover you!" Bilal shouted, transforming into a swirling black mist and tearing through the Radivores.
Sova, firing precise shots at the approaching Radivores, said, "KAY/O, can you try to disrupt the signal with your abilities?"
KAY/O nodded and triggered his ability. "Engaging Null/CMD." A surge of energy emanated from within him, pulsating through his surroundings as he endeavored to disrupt the distress signal's transmission. Yet, the hostile energy put up a resilient resistance, defying his attempts. In a last-ditch effort, he flung his knife at the object, hoping to contribute, but it yielded no results.
"The signal is somehow heavily shielded," KAY/O reported. "I can't break through."
Bilal and his squad fought valiantly beside Sova's team, doing their best to protect the area and its citizens and assist in combat.
Yin, an ATLAS soldier, urgently shouted through the comm, "Commander, we can't hold them back much longer!"
"Command, this is Haz Team Bravo! We're being overwhelmed! These creatures won't stop coming! Requesting permission to EVAC! (Evacuate)" Kevin's voice crackled urgently over the radio.
"Field command, this is Titan lead, my squad is being-" a third soldier's voice came over the comm, but it was abruptly cut off.
"Titan Lead? Titan Lead, come in! Natasha, respond! Shit- Bravo, this is command, come in!" Bilal exclaimed anxiously into his comms, his voice filled with concern.
Cypher, his concentration locked onto his analyzer, added, "We must find a way to get rid of the signal's shield, or we'll be—AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!" His words were abruptly halted as a colossal, razor-sharp tail from a Radivore pierced through his chest.
"Cypher!" The cry burst from Sova's lips as he watched Cypher fall, his shots ringing out to eliminate the Radivores swarming around them. Desperation fueled his sprint to reach Cypher's side.
Bilal, recognizing the dire situation, transformed into his shadowy form once more, encircling Sova and Cypher in a whirling vortex that kept the relentless Radivores at bay. KAY/O engaged the few creatures that slipped through the vortex's defenses.
In that moment, an overwhelming sense of despair washed over Sova. He cradled Cypher's body in his arms, feeling a crushing weight on his chest. As he glanced at his surroundings, his expression reflected the hopelessness that had consumed him. Cypher's mask, now stained with blood, conveyed a silent urgency, his voice barely a whisper as he tried to convey a message.
With trembling hands, Cypher lifted the analyzer, his strength rapidly waning. He managed to utter, "Analysis... complete...! Take this... to Killjoy," before his hands fell limply to his sides. The brilliant mind behind the mask had dimmed, and Omega Cypher had breathed his last.
Brimstone's voice crackled over the comm, "Sova, Cypher, KAY/O, this is Brimstone, confirm your status. Radivores are swarming across the globe. We need you." But Sova had already slipped too far beyond the reach of hope.
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Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Alpha Glitch and Deadlock, maintaining their journalist disguises, continued their investigation within the K-SEC facility. They peppered Doctor Griffin with questions about Radivores, their research, and any recent developments regarding the enigmatic creatures. Griffin was more than willing to provide them with information, showcasing various areas of the facility that illustrated their efforts in understanding and controlling the Radivores.
As they moved from one section to another, Glitch and Deadlock exchanged knowing glances. They sensed that the doctor was withholding certain details and that not everything he shared was entirely truthful. Despite this, they observed with keen eyes, taking note of what was shown to them and discreetly trying to deduce what might be hidden.
In the midst of their tour and discussions, Glitch suddenly felt an inexplicable sensation ripple through him, like a fleeting presence nearby. Deadlock and Doctor Griffin noticed his momentary pause and concern in his expression. "You seem troubled. Is something wrong, Miller?" Doctor Griffin inquired.
"Are you okay?" Deadlock followed.
Glitch then assured them, "I'm fine, just a passing thought." Yet deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that his counterpart, Omega Glitch, might be closer than he'd ever anticipated.
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Omega Glitch materialized near a K-SEC facility on Alpha Earth, his surroundings unfamiliar yet tinged with a hint of déjà vu. Fortunately, no one witnessed his unnatural arrival. He took a moment to survey the area, absorbing the sights and sounds of this parallel world. It was not too different from the Omega Earth he knew so well.
After days of being trapped within the Pillar dimension, Omega Glitch's hunger gnawed at him relentlessly. He realized that he couldn't ignore his body's demands any longer. Fortunately, he spotted a food truck stationed just in front of the facility.
Approaching the food truck, he realized that he did not bring a wallet or credits with him. A vending machine nearby offered a solution. With a deep breath and a pang of guilt, Omega Glitch manipulated his glitching powers to extract the necessary currency from the machine.
Once he had the funds, he approached the food truck.
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Inside the covert surveillance truck disguised as a food vendor, the atmosphere was tense yet oddly mundane. Cypher, his nimble fingers dancing across the keyboard, meticulously handled the intricate surveillance setup. His sharp mind processed the incoming streams of data from the bugs planted by Glitch and Deadlock, weaving a web of images and audio feeds from all security cameras within the K-SEC facility. Every subtle movement, every whispered conversation, was now at his fingertips.
Jett, meanwhile, had taken on the unlikely role of a chef within the mobile operation. The sizzling of burger patties and the tantalizing aroma of cooking meat filled the air. To her surprise, the line of K-SEC employees eager for her burgers and tacos seemed endless, their enthusiasm rivaling that of any popular street vendor. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the success of her impromptu food stand.
As she finally finished serving the last customer in the seemingly endless line, Jett let out a relieved sigh and wiped the sweat from her forehead. The food truck had been bustling with activity, and she was grateful for a moment's respite.
Inside the food truck, Cypher had been engrossed in delivering one of his signature life lessons to Jett. He saw her freedom from her duties as a chance to continue imparting his 'mentorship and wisdom'.
However, Jett had reached her limit with Cypher's teachings. She'd been trying to be polite and attentive, but it was getting increasingly challenging to maintain her patience. She was on the brink of making an escape when, to her surprise, a new customer approached the food truck. Her eyes widened with relief as she greeted the newcomer, using it as an excuse to escape the life lesson.
But her excitement quickly shifted to confusion when she recognized the familiar face of Glitch standing before her. "Glitch??" Jett called out. She glanced at one of Cypher's screens, where their original Glitch was still shown inside the facility. This was quite the conundrum.
"Who are you?!"
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To be continued