(Note: I like this chapter. Idk why)
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
The relentless rampage of the Radivores provided the Valorant Protocol with a golden opportunity to investigate the secretive facility. Brimstone took charge of the strike team consisting of himself, Sova, Reyna, Gekko, and Deadlock to penetrate the heart of the facility. This was where the most closely guarded secrets were held.
The strike team descended to the lowest floor of the facility, prepared to unveil the mysteries hidden beneath its fortified walls. Sova approached the lab door. With a swift and precise shot from his charged bow and arrow, the door was obliterated by a massive laser-like ray, leaving behind a trail of sparks as it disintegrated.
As the dust cleared from the entrance, the team of five cautiously entered the room. Despite the chaotic events unfolding on the ground floor, this level of the facility was not devoid of activity. Scientists and security personnel bustled about, engrossed in their tasks.
The true shock awaited the team at the far end of the massive room. A teleporter to the unknown, radiating a vivid shade of purple, was active. The guards stationed there quickly raised their weapons, ready to defend the facility's secrets at any cost. But they were no match for Sova's precision, as he unleashed an arrow that incapacitated them before they could open fire.
As the security personnel crumpled to the floor, the scientists scrambled to flee the scene. One of them, however, managed to make a desperate move. She signaled the alarm and locked access to the facility's underground systems, effectively triggering a state of alert. With panic in her eyes, she made a dash for a different portal, aiming to escape the unfolding chaos and perhaps carry the secrets with her.
The strike team stood in shock as a massive crane emerged from the portal, hoisting a colossal container filled with writhing Radivores. It was a sight of horror, confirming their suspicions that these creatures had been brought here from an unknown origin. It was clear that Kingdom Corporation had been orchestrating a mass influx of Radivores onto Alpha Earth.
Deadlock couldn't contain her frustration. "So this is what they've been after!" she exclaimed, her gaze locked onto the scientist who was making a desperate dash towards an escape portal. Without hesitation, she equipped the Nanowire Accelerator, a powerful extension of her prosthetic limb, and fired at the fleeing scientist.
The high-velocity projectile streaked towards its target, but luck was not on Deadlock's side this time (or perhaps... most times). The scientist managed to evade the lethal shot, teleporting away just in the nick of time. Frustration coursed through Deadlock as the scientist slipped from her grasp.
The facility's emergency alarm blared, echoing through the chamber, intensifying the chaos that had erupted. Brimstone wasted no time in issuing orders. "You three, shut it down!" he barked at Gekko, Sova, and Deadlock.
He then moved towards the entrance, where guards were rapidly converging on their location. "Reyna, on me," he commanded. The team nodded in unison, acknowledging the objectives they were given. They quickly moved to comply with their leader's directive, ready to face the challenges.
.
.
.
London, England, UK, Omega Earth
Phoenix and Jett found themselves in a fierce battle against the formidable Abraxas, who was armed with a Radianite-infused pistol and the Blade of Shadows. The odds were stacked against them, but they had an unexpected yet powerful ally in Faust, who wielded the same sword as Abraxas, and was surprisingly skilled in sword fights.
Bullets flew through the air as Phoenix and Jett unleashed a hail of gunfire from their Vandals, trying to pin down Abraxas. He skillfully blocked the bullets with his sword, his supernatural speed allowing him to react with incredible agility. Abraxas retaliated with precise shots from his Radianite-enhanced pistol, each bullet hitting its mark with deadly accuracy, injuring the duo.
Faust, his armor shimmering in the heat of battle, engaged Abraxas in a fierce swordfight. The clash of their blades echoed through the hall, creating a cacophonous symphony of metal against metal. Despite Faust's skill, Abraxas was a formidable adversary, matching his every move with ruthless aggression and precision.
As the battle raged on, Jett used her agile movements to create distractions, dashing through the air and striking from unexpected angles. Phoenix, on the other hand, utilized his fire-based powers to create walls of flames, forcing Abraxas to constantly reposition.
Despite their combined efforts, Abraxas seemed almost untouchable. His Blade of Shadows blocked every attack Faust threw his way, and his Radianite guns proved to be devastating.
Phoenix, concerned for Jett's well-being, called out to her, his voice filled with worry. "Jett, you alright?" he asked, his gaze shifting from the enemy to his injured teammate.
Jett, her shoulder throbbing from the gunshot wound, managed a strained nod. "I'm okay," she replied. "We need to find an opening when he's focused on Faust."
Phoenix nodded in agreement, realizing that their best chance lay in exploiting any distraction Faust could create.
As Faust channeled his sword's power, he swung it with incredible force towards Abraxas. Abraxas, recognizing the threat, responded in kind, pouring his own dark energy into his own Blade of Shadows.
With a thunderous impact, the two blades met, sending shockwaves of shadowy energy rippling across the grand hall. The sheer force of their clash fractured pillars and cracked the marble floor beneath their feet. Jett and Phoenix, caught in the shockwave's path, were sent tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground with a painful thud.
With the dust slowly settling around them, Faust and Abraxas locked eyes, both determined to claim victory in their fierce duel. They exerted tremendous force, their swords locked in a struggle that sent sparks flying in all directions.
Abraxas taunted Faust, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Your minions can't help you, clone. I gave you the chance to kneel before me, but now, you shall face death."
Abraxas then broke the clash, pushing Faust back to a distance. Faust gritted his teeth, managing to halt his movement by stabbing his sword into the floor, bracing himself against the force. He retorted unyieldingly, "We shall see."
.
.
.
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Gekko maintained a vigilant watch over the teleporter with Wingman at his side. As they studied the portal, Sova and Deadlock were attempting to access the facility's systems, but they hit a roadblock when they encountered encryption and the need for identification.
Sova's solution was unconventional, to say the least. He approached an unconscious guard and quipped, "Can I uh... borrow this?" With a swift motion, he cut off the guard's thumb with a knife, intending to use it for identification. However, their hopes were dashed when it failed to grant them access. Deadlock shot Sova a disapproving look. "What? It's just a thumb," he said as he tossed the thumb behind him.
After a few more failed attempts, Deadlock shoved Sova away from the monitor. With anxiety etched across her face, she attempted to shut down the system herself. "We really have to shut it down, now!" she exclaimed, frustration seeping into her voice.
Despite her relentless efforts, the system refused to cooperate. Deadlock's patience wore thin, and she vented her frustration by pounding her fists on the monitor. "Damnit!" she cursed. The unforgiving machine remained unresponsive, a glaring obstacle to their mission.
In a fit of desperation, Deadlock hurled a GraviNet at the teleporter, ignoring Sova's warnings to wait. The device sailed through the air, creating a net-like structure that blocked the portal, its effects lingering for a brief yet crucial moment.
.
.
.
The Legion's Tower, Omega Earth
Omega Glitch gently arranged his fallen comrades in the medical pods, his every movement a sign of grief and sorrow. Once they were secured, he spoke to the AI, his voice laced with sadness.
"MAX, Activate cryostasis," he instructed, his eyes never leaving the lifeless forms within the pods. The AI responded, "Detecting an absence of life forms. Please insert life forms to initiate cryostasis."
Glitch let out an exasperated sigh. "For fuck's sake, MAX, just freeze the damn pods! Please..."
The AI complied, and a cold mist enveloped each pod, preserving the heroes' bodies. As Glitch watched the medical pods freeze his fallen comrades, an unsettling feeling washed over him. He turned, his senses tingling with danger, to find Thrash lurking near the door.
"Thrash? You're..." His words were interrupted as Thrash suddenly lunged at him. Fortunately, Glitch's quick reflexes allowed him to conjure a protective barrier, sending the Radivore crashing into a nearby wall.
Glitch sensed more danger from behind him, but before he could fully recover, Wingman, with a rope in hand, attempted to strangle him. Glitch fought to loosen the grip on his throat and tried calling out to the Radivore.
Meanwhile, Mosh spread itself across the floor, creating a slippery and corrosive surface. Using his glitching abilities, Glitch managed to escape the entangling rope and the hazardous floor.
Just as he was catching his breath, he was ambushed by another assailant. Dizzy descended from above, showering Glitch with a blinding substance. Blinded and disoriented, Glitch reached out and grabbed a Vandal rifle from a nearby medical bed. "Sorry, Gekko..." he muttered.
Although they weren't exactly in control of their actions, the four Radivores displayed remarkable intelligence. Working together, they laid out traps for Glitch, launching a relentless assault in their attempt to outplay him.
Seconds ticked by as they mercilessly attacked, but their efforts proved futile against his prowess. Glitch swiftly dispatched them, and one by one, they fell lifeless to the ground.
As Glitch observed the fallen Radivores and comrades' bodies with a heavy heart, static noises crackled through his comms, catching his attention. He heard Brimstone's voice, concerned and anxious, as it reached out across the channels.
"Breach, Raze, anyone, come in. Anyone from the Legion, if you can hear me... please... respond immediately!" Brimstone's tone conveyed the weight of his concern.
Catching his breath, Omega Glitch adjusted the communicator he had retrieved from Skye's belongings and activated it. He responded to Brimstone, his voice carrying the burden of grim news.
"Brimstone, it's Glitch," he began, his words measured but heavy with sorrow. "I've got some bad news here on the tower."
Brimstone's response came through the comms, accompanied by a sigh of relief. "Glitch... glad you're alright, kid."
.
.
.
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Brimstone and Reyna positioned themselves strategically on either side of the entrance, their backs pressed against the cold, metallic walls as more guards swarmed the area. The guards were determined to subdue the intruders, and they were armed to the teeth.
The two fought valiantly at the entrance, managing to eliminate a number of guards. However, as the number continued to increase, it became difficult for them to hold their ground. Brimstone decided to create a fiery blockade by hurling a molotov, preventing the guards from advancing further.
"We can't hold this for long!" he exclaimed, realizing the dire situation they were in. Just when it seemed like they were about to be overwhelmed, a series of precise shots rang out, taking down the guards one by one. The guards fell, their weapons dropping to the floor.
It was Glitch who had arrived just in time, wielding his Phantom with expertise. "Glitch! Where the hell have you been?" Brimstone yelled out, his voice a mixture of relief and frustration.
"I'll explain later! Right now, we-" Glitch began, but Reyna interrupted him, pulling him behind cover as more guards approached, their weapons blazing. The three agents huddled together, preparing to face the incoming onslaught.
Meanwhile, Sova, Deadlock, and Gekko observed the teleporter being momentarily ensnared by Deadlock's GraviNet. As each second ticked by, the net's threads started snapping one by one, ultimately giving way and being drawn into the teleporter's swirling vortex. In a split second, the teleporter blasted a shockwave that sent the trio hurtling through the air and crashing down onto the steel floor below. Wingman however, managed to keep his footing somehow.
The shockwave rippled through the entire level, infusing it with a mysterious energy that left an eerie chill hanging in the air.
In the midst of his battle alongside Brimstone and Reyna, Glitch found himself distracted by this sudden shift in the atmosphere. "What is this?" he muttered, his gaze fixed on his arm, noticing how both his energy and his suit's energy seemed to be seeping into the transformed air.
As Sova, Gekko, and Deadlock struggled to rise to their knees, Gekko couldn't help but feel a peculiar sensation as the markings on his arms detached and floated in the altered atmosphere. It was an inexplicable and unsettling experience for both of the Pseudo-Radiants in that moment.
.
.
Breach, Cypher, and Jett swiftly shifted into rescue mode as they worked to usher people to a short distance away from the facility, ensuring their safety. Within the damaged structure, they also came across injured individuals who had been caught in the chaos caused by the Radivores.
Breach's metallic arms proved invaluable as he helped free those who were trapped beneath the rubble, making quick work of the debris. Jett covered the higher floors by darting through the air, ensuring that no one was left stranded. Cypher checked the facility's surveillance cameras, searching for any lingering threats or individuals who might need assistance.
Suddenly, a tremor reverberated through the ground beneath them, causing the trio to exchange concerned glances. Jett couldn't help but voice their collective uncertainty, asking, "What was that?"
Both Cypher and Jett turned their inquisitive gazes toward Breach, suspecting that perhaps he had inadvertently triggered the disturbance. Breach, somewhat offended by the assumption, quickly defended himself. "Hey, don't look at me. I didn't do anything," he insisted.
Cypher adjusted his hat and replied, "Then it's probably the others."
They were then suddenly jolted by a thunderous roar echoing from within the facility. It sent tremors through the ground, shaking the very foundations of the area. "Or maybe not," Cypher quipped. They exchanged concerned glances, a shared understanding that something dreadful was unfolding.
Their fears were confirmed when, through the shattered windows of the facility, a colossal Radivore emerged. It resembled a massive gorilla, its twisted form bearing the scars of its nightmarish transformation. In its grip was none other than Doctor Griffin, who had clearly fallen victim to the Radivore's rampage.
Desperation filled the doctor's voice as he screamed for help, his life hanging by a thread. With horrifying strength, the Radivore hurled him through the air, sending him hurtling towards a grim fate.
However, in the nick of time, Jett sprang into action. Using her control over the wind, she manipulated the air currents to slow Doctor Griffin's descent, preventing a catastrophic impact. Breach, equally swift in his response, extended his metallic arms and caught the doctor safely.
As the terrified citizens in the vicinity cried out in fear and alarm, Cypher's voice rang out. "Get ready!" he commanded, knowing that they had to confront this colossal threat before it could cause further devastation.
.
.
.
Copenhagen, Denmark, Omega Earth
As Omega Glitch descended towards Copenhagen in the Vulture, his heart raced with anticipation. He knew that the situation on Omega Earth had taken a dire turn, and he was determined to do whatever it took to make things right.
However, just as the aircraft was about to reach its destination, a swarm of flying Radivores descended upon it, their vicious claws tearing into the Vulture's hull. The pilot struggled to maintain control, but it was a losing battle. The aircraft plummeted from the sky, crashing into the ground with a deafening roar.
Jumping out of the aircraft, Glitch survived the crash, but the pilot wasn't as fortunate. The impact had been fatal. As the dust settled and the wreckage smoldered around him, Glitch knew he needed to move quickly. The Radivores were already closing in on his location.
Just as he began to battle the encroaching Radivores, Prowlers saved him from their relentless assault. It was Fade, her powers allowing her to misdirect Radivores and buy time.
Sova and KAY/O soon joined the fray. Together, they pushed back the Radivores carved a path through the chaos.
With a momentary lull in the battle, KAY/O turned to Fade and issued a command. "Take him to Brimstone," he said, his robotic voice unwavering. Fade nodded in response, and the two left the battlefield, making their way to where Brimstone and the others were stationed.
As Glitch caught his breath, he looked around at the devastated city of Copenhagen. Smoke and destruction filled the air, and the weight of the situation settled upon him. He turned to Fade and asked, "What happened while I was gone?"
Fade's expression turned grave as she began to explain the dire circumstances that had unfolded in his absence. "Nothing good. A strange object crash-landed here less than a day ago, and it's—"
"Emitting radiation that's driving the Radivores crazy, I know," Glitch interrupted. "But do we have any idea where it came from?"
Fade shook her head. "No one knows. We've tried everything to shut it down or destroy it. Nothing seems to work. KJ's still working on it."
Glitch pressed for more information. "How much longer?"
"We're close," Fade assured him. "Just a bit more time, and we'll have it under control."
Their conversation was abruptly cut short as Glitch sensed a hostile presence approaching. "Get ready," he warned as the Radivores began to swarm the area.
"I know," Fade responded, her focus shifting to the imminent threat as they continued their march toward the bunker.
.
.
.
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Glitch hurried to join the trio, making sure they were all okay. He extended his hand to Sova, who accepted the help and allowed Glitch to pull him up to his feet. A grateful nod passed between them.
He repeated the gesture with Deadlock, who had a visible sense of relief upon seeing his return. Deadlock surprised Glitch with a slight, appreciative hug, momentarily catching him off guard.
While the group was briefly reuniting and assessing the situation, Wingman chimed in with his perspective, expressing his thoughts through words that only Gekko understood. Wingman proposed a daring plan: to enter the unstable portal and attempt to disrupt its activity from within.
Gekko, however, strongly disagreed with the suggestion. His voice was filled with urgency as he voiced his disapproval, "This can't be the only way!"
However, Wingman remained resolute, his gaze fixed on his guardian friend. Gekko, seeing the determination in Wingman's eyes, began to soften his expression, shifting it to a mix of worry and sadness.
Still grappling with the potential risks, Gekko voiced his concerns, "Are you sure? What if you can't come back?" He wanted to ensure Wingman had thought through the dangerous mission he was about to undertake.
Sova, sensing the seriousness of the situation, asked Gekko in curiosity, "What is he saying, Gekko?" Gekko's gaze fell to the steel floor as he hesitated, overwhelmed by his fear for Wingman's safety.
Wingman took a step closer to Deadlock, who responded with a fierce, distrustful glare. She equipped her nanowire accelerator, aiming it at Wingman as a precaution.
Glitch, who had been closely following the conversation, suddenly realized the little Radivore's intention. "The nanowire accelerator... it could work! We can neutralize the teleporter's energy with it!"
However, a significant obstacle remained in their path. Deadlock's deep-seated distrust of Radivores, born from her traumatic experiences, prevented her from trusting the tiny Radivore before her. Her memories of the haunting encounters with Radivores continued to haunt her, making her cautious and ready to use the device against the potential threat.
In a surprising move, Wingman slowly approached Deadlock, extending his tiny hand in a gesture of peace, trying to convey his intentions and convince her to hand over the nanowire accelerator.
Gekko's eyes welled up with tears, and he couldn't contain his emotions any longer. "Come on! Just trust us! Wings is different!" he pleaded, his words echoing through the peculiar air.
Deadlock's stern expression began to soften as Wingman, with a gentle touch, placed his tiny hand on her prosthetic arm and nodded at her gently. Seeing this, Glitch knelt beside Deadlock, offering his support by placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned her gaze towards Glitch, searching for reassurance. He nodded at her, assuring her that Wingman meant no harm.
Finally convinced, Deadlock carefully detached the extension from her prosthetic arm and handed it over to Wingman. The small Radivore accepted the circular device with his two tiny hands, nodding gratefully at Deadlock, who reciprocated with a nod of her own. With the nanowire accelerator in his possession, Wingman turned and approached the teleporter slowly, preparing to leap into the unknown.
Gekko couldn't contain his worry and affection for the tiny creature. He shouted with all his heart, "You got this! I love you, little man!" Wingman turned to face Gekko one last time, offering a nod filled with determination, before bravely jumping into the teleporter, ready to save the day.
The teleporter soon erupted with a colossal surge of energy. The force of the explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the room, causing Deadlock, Sova, and Gekko to be forcefully thrust downward. The sheer power of the blast threatened to crush them against the floor below.
Meanwhile, Reyna and Brimstone found themselves directly in the path of the destructive energy wave. Unmoved by fear, Glitch swiftly intervened. He summoned his glitching barrier to intercept the impending catastrophe. Urging his comrades to flee, he shouted at them, "Go! Get out of here, now!"
As the barrier held back the destructive energy, the entire group sprinted towards the exit, each step a race against time. With tremendous pressure mounting against his barrier, Glitch struggled to maintain it, ensuring his friends had the time they needed to escape.
Finally, as his protective barrier gave way and shattered, Glitch utilized his glitching abilities to move to safety alongside the others. Behind them, the once-active teleporter had transformed into a nightmarish vortex, drawing in everything in its vicinity. For a few fleeting moments, it seemed to consume the very fabric of reality itself before culminating in a catastrophic explosion of energy.
.
.
As the bullets seemed futile against the massive Radivore, Breach decided to take a different approach, despite Cypher's cautious warnings. With his formidable metallic prosthetics, he unleashed powerful punches that struck the Radivore with remarkable force. The Radivore staggered, momentarily thrown off balance.
Luck was on their side, however, as the ground beneath the Radivore's colossal form suddenly trembled and shook. An explosive blast erupted from below its feet, engulfing the creature and leading it to its doom.
As the earth settled, revealing the gaping maw of the underground facility, figures emerged from the entrance. Brimstone, Reyna, Sova, Glitch, Gekko, and Deadlock stepped out, their faces smeared with sweat and grime, but their expressions filled with relief.
Jett, who had been anxiously waiting, sprinted towards them with Breach following closely behind. Cypher, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings to ensure that the threat was indeed neutralized.
Overwhelmed with relief and joy, Jett embraced both Reyna and Brimstone tightly, unable to contain her sense of relief. The rest of the group cleared the dust from the surrounding air as they caught their breath.
.
.
.
London, England, UK, Omega Earth
On the cracked marble floor, the lifeless bodies of Omega Jett and Phoenix lay beside the grand hall's imposing wall and pillar. The echoing sound of a crown-helmet tumbling and rolling across the chamber filled the silence.
Faust, his chest pierced by a blade, gazed down at the deadly intrusion. Despite his valiant efforts, he found himself incapable of defeating Abraxas, and now he confronted his impending fate. His legs gave way beneath him, forcing him to kneel on the floor, the blade still lodged in his chest. With his face now fully revealed, blood seeped from his lips, a chilling testament to his dire condition.
Approaching the wounded Faust, Abraxas spoke with an air of superiority, "Now, you understand your place, mere clone. I am what you could only feign to be—a God and King of worlds. Your defeat was inevitable."
Faust's vacant gaze remained fixed on the floor. Though still alive, he offered no response, lost in the depths of his own thoughts.
Abraxas peered down at Faust, their identical faces now etched with starkly contrasting emotions. A sense of disdain crept over Abraxas as he contemplated how a replica of himself could become so attached to a world, ready to fight for its supposed safety.
He had grand designs for the multitude of worlds, including this one—a plan he believed would ultimately serve the greater good, even if it meant the destruction of some. It was simply a steppingstone to reach utopia to him.
Abraxas seized Faust by the hair, forcefully lifting his head to meet his own gaze. The two beings, mirroring each other's appearance, locked eyes. With his gaze now fixated on Faust's face, Abraxas couldn't help but notice a peculiar detail—a missing eye.
It was a striking feature, one that didn't seem to result from their recent battle. Abraxas had never aimed for Faust's eye during their confrontation, so this injury must have been sustained prior to their encounter.
However, Abraxas chose to disregard this detail for the moment, focusing instead on extracting information about Faust's fascination with humanity and his decision to protect this world.
"Tell me," Abraxas demanded, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and contempt. "What is this captivating quality you've discovered in humanity? What is it that led you to this betrayal?"
Faust, anticipating his impending demise, found himself oddly devoid of pain. With one eye missing from his features, he closed the remaining eye he had. "Perhaps, you should know," he began.
In that moment of darkness, he began to see things—visions that were not his own. It was as though he was witnessing the world through someone else's eyes.
.
"Humans are... intriguing beings."
.
Los Angeles, California, Alpha Earth
Sova waved his hands to clear the dust from his surroundings, and as the air began to settle, he noticed Deadlock offering her hand to Gekko.
.
"They are fragile, fleeting creatures,"
.
Without hesitation, Gekko took it, a newfound sense of trust forming between them. Sova decided to follow suit and extended his hand to Glitch, who smiled warmly as he accepted the gesture.
.
"Yet they band together, find trust in one another, and forge bonds that withstand even the darkest of trials."
.
Looking around, Sova saw the agents from the Protocol gathering, all sharing smiles of camaraderie.
.
"They dream, they aspire, and they reach for the stars, as friends and families."
.
The sound of cheers filled the air, a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the public for their heroic deeds. They had saved the day, and the people were genuinely thankful for their unwavering service.
.
"And there's gratitude. An emotion so profound that it can unite entire nations, and bridge gaps between strangers."
.
Gekko, however, couldn't help but feel a deep sadness for the loss of Wingman. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he grieved for his friend.
.
"Humanity is a mosaic of emotions, a symphony of experiences."
.
Reyna wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug, and Glitch placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, silently acknowledging his pain.
.
"I've seen them offer compassion to those in pain, embrace those who have suffered, and lift each other up as they stumble."
.
Despite the sorrow, there was a sense of fulfillment in knowing that they had kept the people safe and brought happiness to the city through their sacrifice.
.
"Humanity isn't just about strength. It's about heart, about the capacity to love, to care, and to protect."
.
Sova observed it all, appreciating the unity, commitment and resilience of their team and the gratitude of those they had protected.
.
"I see potential in humanity—a potential to create, and to shape the course of their destiny. Their potential knows no bounds."
.
Sova saw it all.
.
"I've seen it all."
.
.
"In their stories, I've found a spark of something beautiful—a reason to hope,"
Faust whispered, his final breath carrying a newfound appreciation for humanity as he closed his eye for the last time.
As Faust's lifeless body crumpled to the floor, Abraxas paused briefly, his unfeeling heart unaffected by the heartfelt words he had just heard. Holstering his gun, he ascended the grand stairs and settled into the "throne" where Faust had once been seated.
.
.
.
A solitary tear trickled down Sova's right cheek, an unexpected occurrence. But he considered that perhaps he was simply fatigued.
.
.
.
To be continued