(Note: Chapters will be longer than usual from here on out.)
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Jett's hands trembled slightly as she stared at the unexpected sight of Omega Glitch standing before her food truck. Cypher, noticing her sudden stillness, abandoned his philosophical musings and moved closer to the truck's window to see what had caught Jett's attention.
Omega Glitch, maintaining a calm demeanor, assured them, "I mean no harm. I just came for a burger."
Jett, her voice wavering, couldn't simply accept his presence without answers. "What are you doing here? Why now?"
Glitch, his eyes reflecting a sense of urgency, replied, "I'm the one who should be more confused. A Valorant hero running a food truck? Look, I can't explain everything right now. I just need something to eat and get back to Omega as soon as possible."
Jett and Cypher exchanged uneasy glances, their distrust apparent. They remained on guard as Glitch cautiously stepped back, his hands raised, proving he was unarmed.
Cypher, never one to let his guard down, swiftly produced a Ghost from his coat's pocket, subtly aiming it at Glitch. "Keep your hands up," he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Jett proceeded to cook a burger, her mind racing with questions and suspicions. Once the burger was ready, she handed it to Glitch, who paid for it with credits. He devoured the food hungrily, finishing it in record time, while Jett and Cypher continued to regard him with a mixture of confusion and distrust.
Finally, Glitch broke the silence. "Thanks for the food," he said, wiping his mouth. "Back in my world, Jett owns a restaurant. Seems like this Jett's got a thing for food trucks," Glitch remarked, teasingly.
Jett cracked a wry smile and replied, "Maybe you should learn how to tell that this is just a mission, buddy."
Glitch let out a derisive snort as he tossed the burger wrapper into a nearby trash bin. "If Cypher wasn't with you, I wouldn't have believed you," he admitted.
Cypher's keen eyes couldn't help but notice the unusual gauntlet adorning Omega Glitch's hand, but he decided not to dwell on it at the moment. His Ghost still aimed at Glitch, he continued to probe for answers, his skepticism lingering like an unshakable shadow.
"So, what's your real objective here on Alpha Earth?" Cypher inquired, his tone sharp but tinged with curiosity.
Omega Glitch met Cypher's gaze, his own eyes filled with a sense of urgency. "I didn't come here to attack anyone or steal Radianite. I've been searching for answers across different worlds. What you need to know is that Omega Earth is in danger right now," he explained, his words hanging heavily in the air.
"Sure, we've heard about your collapsing climate and stuff," Jett remarked. Glitch, however, shook his head in response. "No, you don't understand. Omega Earth is under attack, and I need to return to defend it."
The sudden revelation left both Jett and Cypher bewildered and uncertain of how to respond. Omega Glitch continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "I couldn't return to Omega Earth because of this artifact right here. If the one attacking my earth got hold of it, our worlds will be destroyed."
"Look. This isn't the time for our worlds to fight one another." he implored. "I can't face this threat solo. Not by myself. I need your help. You gotta come with me and help me somehow," he said.
Jett, though still cautious of his intentions, couldn't ignore the desperation in his voice. "I don't trust you, but something tells me you're not lying. But we can't just rush into this without consulting with Brimstone. He's on his day off, so you'll have to wait a couple of days."
Omega Glitch's anxiety flared as impatience welled up in him. "My world is on the brink of destruction, Jett. I don't have time to wait!" he insisted, his tone resolute and unwavering.
Cypher chimed in, suggesting an alternative. "We can't go with you or bring you directly to our headquarters. But there's a teleporter you can use in the facility," he explained, pointing the Ghost in its direction.
Omega Glitch nodded curtly in acknowledgment, offering a brief, cold "Thank you" before striding purposefully toward the facility. However, before he could go further, Cypher cleared his throat and interjected.
"Valorant on Alpha Earth isn't a recognized group of heroes like it is on Omega Earth," Cypher cautioned.
Omega Glitch nodded in understanding. "I'll mask myself. Your Glitch's identity will be safe," he assured them.
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Copenhagen, Denmark, Omega Earth
The aftermath of the mysterious object's radiation had thrown Omega Earth into chaos. Radivores, mutated and empowered by the strange energy, had overrun the cities, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. The once-familiar streets now echoed with the roars and screeches of the aggressive creatures.
Bilal, with his unique ghostly abilities, had managed to carry KAY/O, Sova, and Cypher to relative safety atop a towering building. The Radivores' relentless pursuit had been temporarily thwarted, allowing the small group to catch their breath.
Sova, his heart heavy with worry for his fallen comrade, knelt beside Cypher, shaking him gently. The hero's lifeless form lay before him, and a sense of loss washed over Sova. Despite their differences, Cypher had been a friend, and the weight of his absence now hung in the air.
KAY/O scanned Cypher's body for vitals and confirmed the inevitable. "He's gone," the robot stated, his digital voice laced with a hint of solemnity. He placed a hand on Sova's shoulder, offering comfort.
Sova nodded in silent acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on Cypher's lifeless form.
"Sova, do you read me? Where are you?" Brimstone's voice crackled through his comms, and he relayed the grim news. "This is Sova. We're in Copenhagen. And Cypher's gone," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Brimstone's deep voice held a somber tone as he responded, understanding the harsh reality of their situation. "It was a Radivore, wasn't it?" he asked, his voice low.
Sova nodded, though Brimstone couldn't see it. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice tinged with sadness.
Brimstone sighed, his leadership burdened by the loss of one of their own. "I'm sending a team to retrieve his body. We won't leave him behind. I'm having the Legion split up to different cities to try fending off the Radivores," he assured Sova.
KAY/O, however, interjected with a dissenting opinion. "Negative, Brimstone. This is futile. We'll be outnumbered and overwhelmed. Our priority should be deactivating whatever is shielding the radiation emissions," he stated coldly, his logic-driven mind focused on the most efficient course of action.
Sova understood the logic behind KAY/O's words. "We need to meet with Killjoy!" he said, his voice resolute. "She might be able to figure out how."
Brimstone's voice crackled through the comms once more, "The others and I will try to buy some time. I'll send Killjoy to your location,"
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Lisbon, Portugal, Omega Earth
Beneath the waves, the underwater city of Lisbon remained relatively calm, thanks to the vigilant ATLAS soldiers who patrolled its streets. The Radivore threat was manageable, or so it seemed at first. But when Astra and Harbor arrived in response to an emergency call, they quickly realized that something far more sinister was afoot.
Harbor, his curiosity piqued, approached a squad leader to inquire about the nature of the emergency.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Harbor asked, his voice tinged with concern.
The squad leader, his expression tense, pointed in a specific direction. "Out there," he said, gesturing toward the outside of the protective glass dome. Outside the protective glass dome that shielded the city from the unforgiving ocean, a colossal Radivore, grotesquely massive like a mythical Leviathan, loomed ominously.
Both Astra and Harbor stood rooted to the spot, shock coursing through them as they beheld the nightmarish creature. It effortlessly dispatched military submarines attempting to challenge it, leaving destruction in its wake. Even ATLAS's Pseudo-Radiants, enhanced as they were, found themselves incapable of subduing the monstrous threat.
Harbor, his voice trembling, whispered, "What in the world is that?"
The squad leader explained, "It's been wreaking havoc. We can't stop it."
However, what unnerved Astra and Harbor even more was the creature's reaction upon spotting Astra. It unleashed a surge of aggression and fury, relentlessly attacking the reinforced glass dome separating it from the city's inhabitants.
"What's going on?" Harbor asked, his voice filled with concern, as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Still visibly shaken, Astra managed to find her voice amid the chaos. "I can feel it. It's searching for me," she replied, her eyes locked on the unstoppable force outside. "It wants the artifact. The Gem of Reality."
The situation grew increasingly dire as the Radivore's relentless assault continued. The protective dome cracked, and Astra knew they needed to take action. She summoned the power of her ultimate ability, Cosmic Divide, without hesitation.
"We need to shield the city!" Astra declared, her hands raised as a colossal square wall materialized, blocking the creature's line of sight to the city.
But the Radivore's malevolent determination prevailed. It slowly phased through the ethereal wall, resuming its relentless assault on the dome.
In a desperate bid to combat the colossal threat, Harbor tapped into his control over water. He manipulated the surrounding ocean, attempting to harness the immense pressure of the water to crush the Radivore.
Moments later, just as it seemed to be working, Harbor felt his artifact's power grow weaker, and his control over the water was countered by another force. He gritted his teeth, trying to regain control, but it was as if an invisible hand was pulling the power away. The Radivore took advantage of this sudden change and managed to escape Harbor's watery grip. It gazed into the dome once again, its malevolent eyes filled with an eerie intelligence, yet it made no aggressive moves this time.
Astra was baffled by the turn of events. "The creature is strong. We have to think of another way to contain it."
Harbor, catching his breath, shook his head, his voice strained, "No, it wasn't the creature itself that broke it free."
Before Astra could press further, a gasping sound came from behind them. Startled, they turned to see the ATLAS squad leader who had guided them. His eyes widened in agony, his face contorted in pain as he clutched his throat. A thin, sharp lance made of water had pierced through his neck. With a heavy thud, the lifeless body of the squad leader collapsed to the ground, revealing the presence of another man standing behind him.
This newcomer bore an uncanny resemblance to Harbor, sharing the same face, but there were subtle differences. His aura emitted an unsettling sense of power, and his gaze held an emptiness that sent shivers down Astra's spine. He wore a sardonic smile as he clapped slowly, applauding Harbor's efforts. His voice, cold and detached, cut through the tension.
"Omega Harbor, impressive control over the artifact, considering you've had it for only a few months," he remarked casually, as if discussing the weather.
Astra, her voice laced with suspicion and apprehension, demanded answers. "Who are you?"
The soulless man, his smile widening, replied with a chilling simplicity as he revealed his own artifact, the exact same one as Harbor's. "I am Neptune, and I've come to claim the Gem of Reality."
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Melbourne, Australia, Omega Earth
As Chamber, Viper, and Reyna tirelessly fought to repel the relentless Radivore invasion across Australia, they moved from city to city in a desperate attempt to protect their homeland. To their astonishment, the ATLAS soldiers on the front lines were not only surviving but fighting with remarkable prowess, showcasing abilities that surpassed all expectations.
In the midst of the frenetic battle, a cold and suspicious air enveloped Viper. She directed her gaze towards Chamber and, with a tone that matched her suspicion, asked a pointed question. She sought answers regarding the recently funded batch of battlesuits for the Pseudo-Radiants, her intuition urging her to dig deeper into the matter.
"Chamber, did you already know we'd need those battlesuits? Is that why you talked to Brimstone about it?" Viper's voice held an undertone of mistrust.
Recognizing that Viper had uncovered the hidden truth, Chamber, while maintaining his precise aim with the Headhunter, decided it was time to lay bare the secret he had been concealing.
"I did," he admitted, his voice steady.
Viper's response was a narrowed gaze, a mixture of curiosity and annoyance simmering within her. "Explain," she demanded.
Chamber took a moment to center his aim and shot a few Radivores before continuing, a profound sense of responsibility accompanying his words.
"I've been working together with my Alpha counterpart, and another hero," he revealed, allowing the long-hidden truth to surface.
"Who? And why the secrecy?" Viper probed, her inquiries relentless as she shot poison tubes towards the Radivores.
"I can't explain everything right now," Chamber confessed, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency. "But rest assured, I only mean good. Just keep an eye on Reyna."
As Viper's suspicions deepened, she couldn't help but cast a watchful glance in Reyna's direction.
Something about the ongoing battle had ignited a peculiar exhilaration within Reyna. She was actively absorbing the souls of countless Radivores, her power growing with each absorption. Concern flickered within Viper, fearing that Reyna might lose control amidst her newfound strength.
"Reyna, you must maintain control!" Viper urged, her apprehension evident.
In response, Reyna turned towards Viper, her expression an eerie amalgamation of ecstasy and assurance.
"Hahahahaha! I'm always in control!" she declared, her voice carrying an unsettling certainty.
Reyna then grunted as she felt a sudden impact on her back, a sharp pain lancing through her. The Radivores, once relentless in their assault, abruptly halted, parting to make way for an unexpected arrival. A young man, gripping a Vandal tightly in his hand, bore an uncanny resemblance to a fellow hero.
The figure that resembled Phoenix was undeniably unsettling. His eyes held a vacant, hollow stare, and his smile was equally devoid of warmth.
"Phoenix? What are you doing?!" Viper asked, her voice laced with incredulity and concern.
The man, his demeanor unnervingly altered, responded with a maniacal laugh as his eyes turned black. "Phoenix? Hahaha. Nahhh, fammm. You've got it all wrong," he taunted, his voice tinged with madness. "It's Elderflame. Get it right."
With a flourish, the soulless man raised a finger adorned with a mysterious artifact, the Ring of Flames. In an astonishing display, his Vandal underwent a startling transformation, morphing into a dragon-like creature right before their eyes.
As Reyna absorbed more souls, her wounds healed, and her laughter took on an even more eerie and maniacal tone. With chilling conviction, she declared, "You will die for that!"
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Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Omega Glitch, disguised as a janitor, moved with calculated precision through the K-SEC facility. He had knocked out the unsuspecting janitor, taking his place and concealing his battlesuit beneath the disguise. Carefully and quietly, he navigated the labyrinthine corridors, his senses sharp and alert to any potential threats.
Upon reaching the entrance to the matter displacement lab below ground, he ensured there were no witnesses nearby with a quick glance around. Then, in a calculated move, he banged loudly on the door, creating a ruckus. The noise drew the attention of the researchers and guards inside, prompting one of them to approach and investigate.
As the door creaked open, revealing the unsuspecting scientist, Glitch seized the opportunity. He unleashed his powers, incapacitating the group of guards and researchers with non-lethal force before they could react or raise the alarm.
Now inside the lab, Glitch focused his attention on the central control panel. He removed his janitor disguise, revealing his battlesuit beneath. As he approached the control panel, his fingers danced across the interface, attempting to power the teleporter to Omega.
As Glitch worked feverishly at the control panel, trying to pinpoint the coordinates for Omega Earth, the teleporter sparked to life with a hum of energy. His efforts, however, proved to be in vain. The teleporter resisted his attempts to establish a connection with his home dimension, frustrating his every move.
Realizing that his usual methods were failing, Glitch knew he had to take a different approach. He reached for his artifact, the Gauntlet of Space, and focused his energies on manipulating the teleporter's coordinates. With a burst of energy, the coordinates shifted, and a shimmering bridge emerged, connecting Alpha and Omega, creating a door back to his endangered home.
The sight of the bridge filled Omega Glitch with a mix of relief and determination. He was one step closer to saving Omega Earth. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived.
As he stepped closer to the teleporter, preparing to cross the bridge to his home, an unsettling sensation washed over him. It was a surge of otherworldly energy, an eerie radiation that seemed to leak through the teleporter from the other side. It sent shivers down his spine.
Suddenly, the entire facility quaked, as if the very foundations of reality were trembling. The once-familiar surroundings of the lab distorted, and from outside, chilling screeches and roars echoed through the corridors.
Omega Glitch's instincts went on high alert. Something had gone terribly wrong.
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Doctor Griffin led Alpha Glitch and Deadlock on a disconcerting tour. They witnessed the creatures, detained and subjected to scientific scrutiny, prompting a pang of sympathy within Glitch. In contrast, Deadlock remained stoic and unemotional.
As curiosity gnawed at Glitch, he sought answers from the doctor about the number of Radivores contained within the facility.
"How many of these Radivores are in this facility, Doctor?" Glitch inquired.
Doctor Griffin, choosing evasion, replied, "I'm afraid I can't disclose that information, and to be honest, I'm not entirely sure myself."
Glitch's suspicion deepened, his gaze scrutinizing the doctor's demeanor. However, before they could delve further into their inquiries, Glitch felt another strange and more sustained surge of energy rippling through the air.
Deadlock, who was about to pose a question to the doctor, noticed a sudden shift in the Radivores' behavior within the lab, their once-docile demeanor now replaced with agitation.
"Are you seeing this?" Deadlock whispered, a note of concern in her voice.
Glitch concurred, "Yeah, something's wrong. I feel aggression all over the facility."
In a startling turn of events, one of the Radivores managed to break free from its restraints and launched a brutal attack on a nearby scientist. The gruesome scene left Deadlock wide-eyed, and Doctor Griffin rushed to establish communication with the lab through a wall-mounted radio.
"What happened in there? Report immediately!" Doctor Griffin urgently spoke into the radio, his concern evident.
Chaos continued to unfurl as more Radivores broke free from their captivity, their aggression escalating by the moment. The ground trembled as a colossal Radivore crashed through the facility's walls, its predatory intent now fixed on Doctor Griffin.
Deadlock turned to Glitch, her voice edged with urgency, "Get ready!"
Glitch nodded, his demeanor tense, "Aye."
As a horde of Radivores poured into the area, Deadlock swiftly equipped an extension for her prosthetic arm and launched a projectile at the largest Radivore, catching it in a 'cocoon of annihilation'. Doctor Griffin managed to escape, but his fate became obscured as more Radivores swarmed in, blocking any traces of his whereabouts.
Observing the overwhelming number of creatures and realizing they were unarmed, Deadlock couldn't help but voice her concerns. "There are too many of them, and we're weaponless," she remarked, her eyes locked on the encroaching Radivores.
Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hallways. It was the facility's security personnel, armed with Phantoms. Glitch's calculating mind sprang into action. He saw an opportunity amidst the chaos.
"This might just be our lucky day," Glitch remarked coolly, summoning a glitching barrier by the guards just before they met a grisly end at the hands of the Radivores. He flung the guards into a nearby room, slamming the door shut to keep them safe. Then, with a swift and well-aimed toss, he hurled a Phantom toward Deadlock, who caught it deftly.
Armed and ready, they opened fire on the Radivores, each precise shot making a significant impact. Together, they fought their way through the relentless onslaught, determined to make it out of the perilous situation.
Amidst the chaos, Cypher's voice crackled through their comms, "Glitch, Deadlock, the entire facility is swarming with Radivores. We need you at the entrance!"
Deadlock quickly responded, her voice resolute. "We're dealing with our share of Radivores here. You two need to handle the rest.
Jett responded through the comms, "We got it covered, but we could really use some help!"
We'll make our way to you as soon as we can," Deadlock relayed, her determination unwavering.
As Glitch and Deadlock continued their relentless battle against the seemingly endless horde of Radivores, Glitch couldn't help but voice his growing suspicion. Amidst the chaos, he turned to Deadlock, his voice laced with urgency.
"There's some kind of radiation driving these Radivores crazy. I think I know where the source is!" he explained, his gaze scanning the chaotic surroundings for any hints.
Deadlock, her focus unwavering as she dispatched Radivores with calculated precision, nodded in response. "Go find the source," she replied, determination burning in her eyes. Without another word, she raised her weapon and continued her onslaught against the encroaching Radivores.
Glitch hesitated for a moment, concern etched on his face. "What about you?" he asked, clearly worried for her safety.
Deadlock's response was resolute. "I can handle this myself," she declared, her unwavering confidence matching her fierce combat skills. With a swift motion, she threw a GraviNet, creating a powerful net that ensnared the advancing Radivores, temporarily halting their onslaught.
As Glitch nodded in understanding, he glitched away, vanishing from the scene in pursuit of the elusive source of radiation. Deadlock, meanwhile, remained undaunted, her focus now shifting to a new objective. She intended to rendezvous with Jett and Cypher at the facility's entrance, determined to lend her assistance in any way possible and ensure the safety of the people caught in this perilous situation.
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In the midst of the chaotic battle with the relentless Radivore horde, Omega Glitch's eyes scanned the laboratory for any means of defense. Fortunately, his eyes landed on a Vandal by an unconscious guard, a weapon he was well acquainted with. Grasping it tightly, he dispatched several Radivores with calculated precision as they lunged at him, each shot finding its mark.
As he fought his way toward the teleporter, determined to return to Omega Earth, an unexpected twist unfolded. From within the shimmering portal emerged more Radivores, their grotesque forms threatening to overwhelm him. In a whirlwind of motion, Omega Glitch fended off the new arrivals, pushing them back.
However, a sudden presence behind him alerted his senses. He turned swiftly to face it, and there, standing before him, was Alpha Glitch. Their eyes locked in a tense and charged moment, the air crackling with uncertainty.
Alpha Glitch wasted no time in taking action. He glitched to the control panel, swiftly shutting down the teleporter's power. His voice dripped with cynicism as he spoke, "Should've known Omega caused this."
Omega Glitch clenched his fists, his frustration at being misunderstood evident. "It was an accident!" he retorted, his tone laced with irritation and desperation. He, too, moved toward the control panel, his fingers stretching out to access its power.
Alpha Glitch, however, was just as fast. He caught Omega Glitch by the arm, his grip firm but not aggressive. "You really wanna go again?" he asked, a hint of caution in his voice.
Omega Glitch repositioned himself with his artifact's power, hinting Alpha Glitch at his new power. Omega Glitch then met his counterpart's gaze with a steely resolve. "This time, I'm kicking your ass.
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To be continued