(Hello. I know it's been a long while. But hey, I'm back :) Really sorry to keep y'all waiting.)
Istanbul, Türkiye, Alpha Earth
Phoenix found himself wandering through the bustling streets of Istanbul. The city was vibrant yet foreign to him. The decision to leave the Valorant Protocol had been impulsive, and now he was left without a plan or a place to go back to. He didn't even have a way to return to the UK, let alone a place to stay there.
As he strolled through the labyrinthine streets, the language barrier weighed heavily on him. He couldn't speak Turkish, which made everything feel even more challenging. Regret crept in, making him wonder if leaving the Protocol had been such a good idea after all.
However, as if fate had other plans, an unexpected sight stopped him in his tracks. A man emerged from a car which stopped right in front of him. The figure looked strangely familiar, and Phoenix squinted to get a better look.
It was Chamber, or at least someone who looked remarkably like him. Phoenix's mind raced, contemplating whether to approach the man. What were the chances of seeing a familiar face in a foreign city like this?
Curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to take a chance. As he approached the man who bore a striking resemblance to Chamber, he couldn't help but wonder if this was a mere coincidence or a twist of fate. What would he discover about his former teammate in this unexpected... reunion?
Phoenix remained discreetly behind Chamber, treading lightly as he observed his every move. They continued down the labyrinthine streets of Istanbul, and the tension in Phoenix's chest grew with each step.
Finally, Chamber came to a halt in front of a building that seemed entirely unremarkable—a discreet Kingdom facility, tucked away in the heart of the bustling city. Phoenix had a sinking feeling that this was more than just a coincidence.
As Chamber exchanged words with a scientist on the small, nondescript street, Phoenix pressed himself against the corner of a nearby wall. When Chamber and the scientist made their way into the facility, Phoenix knew he needed to find a way to get inside as well. He scanned the area, looking for any sign or entrance that might grant him access. Perhaps there was a chance that he could use their technology, maybe even a teleporter, to finally find his way out of Istanbul.
.
.
.
Glitch materialized next to Chamber as his anger flared uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he delivered a furious punch to Chamber's face, sending him sprawling to the cold concrete floor. Chamber's glasses clattered down beside him, a sharp symbol of the impact.
For a moment, Chamber remained on the ground, unmoving. He then retrieved his fallen glasses and wiped them clean with a cloth from his pocket before he slowly rose, displaying an eerie calmness despite the violence directed at him.
Chamber had confessed to bearing responsibility for the devastation of the Everette-Linde research facility, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent scientists and workers. Hearing this, Glitch's rage flared and knew no bounds. "How could you, Chamber?" he roared. "I had friends there. They weren't even soldiers; they didn't deserve to die!"
In a tone filled with anger, Neon exclaimed, "I knew he couldn't be trusted!" The only things that relieved her, was the fact that her hunch about Chamber was right, and that Killjoy wasn't here to hear the news. She would have been devastated to know this.
Just then, Omen swiftly made his way beside Glitch, his silence a plea for restraint. As Glitch gazed at Omen, he remembered that the incident had affected his former mentor too. Although Omen didn't have features underneath his hood, it was apparent that he was broken.
Stepping back, Glitch allowed Omen to address Chamber. "I assume you have a reason for this, Chamber..." Omen stated, his dark voice holding a hint of grief, yet also calmness.
Faust chose this moment to step in, offering a partial defense. "Please, go easy on your comrade. I told him to do so," he admitted, his tone filled with an ominous certainty.
Sova's eyes were ablaze with anger as he directed his fury towards Faust. He demanded answers, his voice trembling with disbelief. "I can't believe it. I believed in you, Faust! I believed in the world that you promised us! You said you were making the world better, and that's why you built Kingdom. Why? How could you do such a thing?" he questioned.
Breach, on the other hand, couldn't contain his frustration any longer. "Well I've had enough of Kingdom and their bullshit!" Using his powerful metal arms, he forcefully grabbed a wooden table and hurled it at Faust in a fit of rage.
Faust's response was anything but expected. He effortlessly caught the heavy wooden table with his hands, displaying his superhuman strength. With a calm demeanor, he lowered the table to his side and glanced at the enraged agents. "I will explain everything," he said.
Harbor's calm but cautious words then came from within the group. He spoke their collective doubt, the skepticism that had grown due to their experiences with Kingdom Corporation. "Trust isn't something so easily granted. We're not likely to take chances anymore," he said, locking eyes with Faust.
Deadlock chimed in, her suspicions mirroring those of her fellow agents. "We've seen much, and we can't ignore the fact that Kingdom is responsible for these terrible events," she asserted. "How can we be certain you're not involved in what happened to Brimstone and the others, or the tear in the sky?"
Chamber, who had been standing beside Faust, remained silent but acutely aware that the Protocol's trust in Kingdom, and Faust, had significantly eroded. Technically, Faust owns the Protocol. But it was clear that convincing them wouldn't be an easy task.
Yoru's words were pointed, reflecting the sentiment of the group. "If you don't get what they're saying, I can translate them for you," he quipped. "Let's see... what's the word again? Right... 'Fuck off'."
Faust nodded with understanding, acknowledging their hesitance. He admitted, "I understand that you would not listen to me, and I am aware of the reasons. But perhaps you'll trust another voice." He then reached into his pocket and retrieved a device. With a few quick actions, he activated it, summoning a portal that seemed to materialize out of thin air. The sudden appearance of a portal left many in the room taken aback.
As the portal stabilized, a woman walked through, her presence sparking curiosity among the assembled agents. It was Faust's assistant. None of the agents seemed to believe that this woman, an assistant of Faust, could ever change their minds.
At least until the woman's appearance changed.
It was only when she deactivated her masking device, revealing her true identity, that the shock finally hit the group. She was none other than Knightmare, agent number 8.
The agents who were familiar with the legend of Knightmare found themselves shocked to see her materialize before them.
Yoru took a step forward. His eyes narrowed in both recognition and confusion. "Knightmare... I heard you calling out to me back then," he admitted, his voice a whisper of realization.
Knightmare inclined her head, a smile gracing her face. "I'm happy to see you again, Yoru," she replied cryptically. Then, as if sensing the questions hanging in the air, she wrapped her fingers around a pendant on her chest, and continued, "It was thanks to your presence that the Eye of Time could siphon your mask's power, allowing me to escape from the void I was in."
Sova signaled for everyone to ease, lowering his weapon in a gesture of temporary truce. The other agents followed suit, their expressions a mix of wariness and curiosity. Sova's gaze remained steady on Knightmare as he spoke, his voice carrying a stern authority. "You owe everyone here a very big explanation, Knightmare."
.
.
.
Omega Chamber followed the brisk pace of the two scientists and their assistant. The sterile white corridors seemed to stretch endlessly, leading them deeper and deeper into the facility with each passing second.
As they entered an elevator, the female scientist, her lab coat billowing as she moved, pressed her hand against a sleek screen. "Level sub seven," she announced. The biometrics scan recognized her, and a warm AI voice responded, "Recognized: Doctor Goeis." The elevator then descended from the ground floor, enveloping them in an uncomfortable silence.
As the elevator moved, Omega Chamber took a moment to adjust his collar and fix his necktie, ensuring he maintained a composed appearance. He glanced at the glass walls of the elevator, his reflection staring back at him. The tension in the confined space heightened, and just as he was about to break the silence with a question, a bright light flashed, revealing the underground levels of the facility.
Omega Chamber fixed his glasses and observed the organized chaos with a keen eye. The subterranean labyrinth sprawled before them, with workers and researchers scurrying like ants in a hive.
"Level sub seven," the AI intoned as the elevator came to a stop. The doors slid open, and they stepped out into a corridor. The male doctor, with a keycard dangling from his lab coat, gestured for Chamber to follow. They moved swiftly through the underground complex, weaving through the corridor.
"How much further, Doctor?" Chamber inquired, his voice cutting through the muted sounds of their footsteps. The male doctor, focused and determined, replied, "We're here already." They halted in front of a secured room, and the doctor swiped his keycard. The door slid open with a hiss, revealing a state-of-the-art laboratory bathed in sterile dim light. A hum of advanced machinery and the scent of sterile chemicals filled the air, giving the impression that they had entered the inner sanctum of the Kingdom facility.
The assistant approached Chamber with a lab coat in hand, gesturing for him to wear it before entering the designated area. Chamber nodded appreciatively, acknowledging the protocol, and draped the coat over his shirt and vest.
"Mr. Fabron. This is him."
As he turned his attention to Doctor Goeis, he followed her gaze to a glass pane revealing a thin, frail-looking young man sitting on an unusual machine. Tubes and wires connected to the young man's body, creating an intricate web of life support systems that seemed to keep him tethered to the chair. The oxygen mask over his face gave an impression of vulnerability and dependence.
Chamber's eyes narrowed in focus as he confirmed, "This man is Li Zhao Yu? The one Faust told me about?"
The female scientist, Dr. Goeis, nodded solemnly. "Yes. But relocating him from the facility requires time. We would need to build another life support system just so he can survive. He is conscious, but I don't think he'd like to be disturbed."
Chamber sighed, a mixture of empathy and determination etched across his face. "Even so, we need his abilities. Please, let me talk to him."
The two scientists exchanged glances, silently deliberating the implications of Chamber's request. They knew the challenges and risks involved, yet they acknowledged the pressing need for Li Zhao Yu's unique skills. Dr. Goeis turned to her assistant and issued a directive. "Sadri, bring Mr. Fabron to Project ISO."
Sadri nodded and gestured for Chamber to follow. As they approached the glass pane, Li Zhao Yu weakly watched their movements. His eyes, though filled with a hint of awareness, betrayed the struggle of someone trapped within the confines of his own body.
.
.
.
Phoenix managed to slip past security cameras and enter the Kingdom facility just before the imposing doors closed behind him. However, the brisk pace of Omega Chamber and the scientists made it challenging for Phoenix to keep up. The labyrinthine corridors swallowed them, leaving Phoenix disoriented and frustrated.
Cursing under his breath, Phoenix darted through the facility, skillfully evading guards and cameras. As he maneuvered through the complex, a desperate plan formed in his mind. Spotting a researcher in the hallway, Phoenix knocked him down, swiftly donned his lab coat, and stashed him in an empty room.
Cloaked in the guise of a researcher, Phoenix continued through the bustling corridors of the ground level. Workers and researchers greeted him with deference, mistaking him for an esteemed guest researcher. Phoenix forced a smile, trying to maintain his composure while internally seething at the fact that he had lost Chamber and the scientists.
His objective remained clear – find a teleporter. Phoenix knew he wouldn't find one on the ground floor, so he made his way to the elevator. Hopping in, he pressed a button, only to be met with the stern voice of the AI, "Unauthorized access. Please perform biometrics scan."
Undeterred, Phoenix attempted other floors, but the relentless AI repeated its warning. "Unauthorized access. Please perform biometrics scan."
"Unauthorized access. Please per-"
"Unauthorized-"
"Unautho-"
"Unautho-"
"Unauthorized access. Please perform biometrics scan."
The frustration mounted as Phoenix faced an impasse.
"Damnit," Phoenix muttered, tension tightening his muscles. In a moment of desperation, he rested his palm on the glass wall, unwittingly activating the hidden screen. As he pondered alternatives, the AI suddenly spoke, "Recognized. Valorant Protocol: Agent Phoenix."
Phoenix's eyes widened in surprise. "Holy shit," he exclaimed, realizing that perhaps every single Kingdom facility in the world had the data of all the Valorant agents recorded. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly pressed a button, and the elevator began descending. "Level sub three," the AI announced.
Moments later, the elevator doors opened with a soft hiss. Phoenix cautiously stepped out and navigated the dimly lit corridors. His sharp eyes scanned every window, searching for any sign of a teleporter that could take him home.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his head, catching Phoenix off guard. "You. You will do."
Startled, Phoenix looked around, trying to identify the source of the disembodied voice. "I can see you. But you can't see me," the voice continued.
Phoenix, now placing a hand on his head, quipped, "What the...? It's finally happened. I've gone insane."
"Don't be stupid," the voice retorted. "I'm a Radiant. I'm being contained in the lower floors. You're a Radiant too. I can feel your presence from down here."
Perplexed, Phoenix demanded, "What do you want from me, fam? Get out of my head."
As if in response to his words, purple barriers began to materialize around Phoenix, trapping him within a confined space. Phoenix's eyes widened in shock as the barriers enclosed him, but just as quickly as they appeared, they dissolved, revealing a surreal and purple-hued environment.
Confused, Phoenix found himself standing in the midst of this strange space when a voice called out, "Over here."
Frustrated, Phoenix turned to see a man standing before him. "What the hell was that for?" Phoenix exclaimed.
"I prefer talking face to face. Please, I need your help," the man implored.
Phoenix, still trying to make sense of the situation, sighed and asked, "What do you want?"
"My name is Li Zhao Yu. This is how you see me in this dimension, but this isn't what I actually look like. I'm dying, but I think you can help save my life," the man explained.
Phoenix's eyes widened at the revelation, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "What?"
"Kingdom had me tethered to a life support system down here. I can't go anywhere. Stuck here forever. But even so, I still value my life. A mysterious man with golden tattoos came to see me just now. He's requesting the Kingdom researchers to move me out from this place."
"Chamber!" Phoenix's mind raced as he tried to process the plea for help. "But... what am I supposed to do?" he questioned.
"Although there is a chance to survive, relocation without the life support system is too dangerous. Kingdom would need weeks to make a new one, but this man requested my relocation by today. It would kill me. I need you to make a distraction. That way, they would postpone my relocation, and I can live."
Phoenix felt torn between the urgency of helping Li Zhao Yu and his own desperate needs. "Look, I'd like to help, but if I do, I'll get caught. I need to find a teleporter immediately. I need to get home," he replied, desperation and empathy evident in his voice.
"You're looking for a teleporter?" the mystery man responded. "Why didn't you just say? There are no teleporters on that floor. There's only one working teleporter in the whole facility. Help me out, and I'll guide you to it."
Phoenix contemplated his choices, the weight of the situation pressing upon him. After a moment of silence, he sighed and nodded. "Okay... Okay, fam. How much time do I have?"
"Not long at all. Please, hurry."
.
.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Knightmare finished recounting the intricate tale of the cataclysmic events that led to the merging of worlds. Glitch, seated on the floor with a contemplative expression, sought clarity on the unfolding saga.
"Let me get this straight. You came from the past, used your Eye of Time to travel to the future with the artifacts to prevent Abraxas from getting his hands of them. And then, you got stuck in the time void?" Glitch questioned.
Knightmare nodded solemnly. "Precisely. I managed to bring a few artifacts safely to the future without causing temporal causality. I didn't think that Abraxas could've become immortal. He eventually made a portal to earth and destroyed Radinthon. 'The First Light' was actually the explosion of the planet, showering fragments down to Earth, bringing more Radianite here."
Jett, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation, questioned, "Wait, if you were stuck in this time glitch or whatever, how did you join the Valorant protocol back then?"
Knightmare gripped the Eye of Time in her palm and explained, "I managed to arrive at your time safely back then. But after my clash with Brimstone, I decided to travel to the future once again, hoping to find a solution for the upcoming demise we would have. But I miscalculated, and attempted to travel to a point in time where the world has already perished, where time didn't exist anymore. Travelling to a point of time that didn't exist caused me to be stuck in the void. I was saved thanks to Yoru, however."
Breach immediately cut to the chase. "Alright. We get the gist of the story and everything, but what do we do now? What about Brimstone and the others?"
Knightmare responded, "I can help with that. I can undo the barrier's formation by reversing time in a specific area." Sova, ever the strategic thinker, pointed out the potential aftermath. "The problem lies after that."
Glitch nodded in agreement. "If the barrier goes down, the strange device on the island will be exposed, and the Radivores will wreak havoc again."
Faust stepped forward with his chin held high. "I have a suggestion for that," he announced.
Knightmare then vouched for Faust, clearing any distrust among the agents for him. "You can trust Faust. He's on our side. So is Chamber."
"Let's hear it then," Harbor said in response.
Faust then nodded before he began. "Knightmare will undo the structure, not entirely but enough to create a small hole for escape, then close the barrier again. But we'll need someone to fetch the agents from beyond the space."
Chamber, feeling a sense of responsibility, volunteered. "I have that covered. It's only right I make amends for what I've done."
Neon scoffed at his statement, but Raze interjected, "Now or never. We don't have time left."
Glitch, activating the Gauntlet of Space, asserted, "I'll get us there."
Faust cautioned, "No. Teleporting all of us will release a large energy wave. Abraxas will detect it, and you will be hunted."
Glitch persisted, "Even if I don't use it, the worlds are still merging because of the device."
Faust proposed a plan, "I didn't say you can't use it at all, but you definitely must never teleport too many people at once. Teleport Omen and Chamber to the location. Omen will bring the Eye of Time to the center of the space, and Chamber can destroy the barrier from inside. Once done, Knightmare will undo all the changes, sealing the device within it for good."
With a deep breath, Glitch agreed, "Alright, let's do this."
.
.
.
Doctor Goeis exchanged a worried glance with Omega Chamber, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. She warned him one last time, "I must remind you again, Mr. Fabron. Relocation without the life support system would kill Project ISO. But we are ready whenever you request it."
Chamber, understanding the stakes, nodded resolutely. "Faust himself wanted me to bring him to... some friends."
"Very well then," Doctor Goeis replied, prepared for the imminent relocation. However, their plans were abruptly interrupted by the piercing wail of an alarm.
The AI's voice echoed, "Fire. Fire. This is not a drill. Please remain calm and head towards the surface immediately."
The urgency in the air intensified, and radio voices crackled over the intercom, announcing the alarming news. "This is Captain Jordis. The facility is under attack! I repeat, the facility is under attack! Requesting backup immediately!"
The fate of Project ISO hung in the balance as the alarms continued to wail. Chamber, taking charge of the situation, reassured the scientists. "Calm down. Go hide somewhere. I have this covered." With determination etched across his face, he shed his lab coat and summoned Tour de Force, his custom sniper rifle. In swift and purposeful strides, he walked outside the lab, ready to confront the unexpected threat.
.
.
The narrow corridor echoed with the urgent footsteps of Phoenix as he darted through the underground facility. Suddenly, he found himself ambushed by guards armed with Phantoms, their stern voices demanding compliance.
"Freeze! On the ground!" one of the guards ordered, leveling his weapon at Phoenix. Realizing the odds were against him, Phoenix raised both hands in surrender. "You got me," he admitted with a sly grin.
However, before the guards could make a move, Phoenix snapped his fingers, conjuring a ball of fire in his palm. With a warning, he shouted, "Watch your eyes!" The ball of fire erupted into blinding brightness, disorienting the guards in an instant.
Seizing the opportunity, Phoenix swiftly formed a wall of fire around himself, creating a barrier that obscured him from view. The guards, temporarily blinded and caught off guard, started shooting through the flames in a desperate attempt to neutralize their elusive target. However, the chaotic barrage only resulted in friendly fire, injuring their own comrades.
As quickly as it had appeared, the wall of fire dissipated, revealing an empty corridor. Phoenix had vanished.
Now huddled in the safety of an empty room, Phoenix waited in the shadows, listening to the frantic footsteps of guards outside the door. Keeping his composure, he whispered, "Okay, so, did it work?"
Li Zhao Yu reached out to Phoenix's mind, confirming, "Apparently so. My death is delayed. But your friend is looking for you. The one in glasses. Be careful."
"Chamber? Shit. This ain't good. Not good at all, fam," Phoenix muttered. "I need to leave ASAP, mate. Where's the teleporter?" he urgently inquired.
Li Zhao Yu responded, "You're in luck. It's right under your feet."
Examining the floor, Phoenix knocked on it, realizing it was likely made of iron. "Is there anyone down there?" he asked.
"I don't think so. But I can be mistaken," Li Zhao Yu replied.
"It's a gamble then, eh?" Phoenix remarked. With that, he conjured a circle of small fire on the floor, consistently burning the same spot. After tense seconds passed, a hole emerged. Phoenix took a cautious peek before jumping down. As he stood in the new space, he discovered the teleporter right in front of him. "Jackpot, fam," Phoenix exclaimed.
"Now's your chance. Good luck, Phoenix. Thank you," Li Zhao Yu conveyed.
Phoenix nodded silently and powered the teleporter, marking The United Kingdom as its destination.
Prepared to jump into the portal, he took a deep breath and began running towards it. However, before Phoenix could reach it, an unexpected force blasted him back, slamming him into the iron wall. As he groaned in pain and looked ahead, two figures emerged from the portal.
"Finally! It worked!" a woman exclaimed.
"Thankfully, yes," added the man, unmasking himself.
Phoenix's eyes widened in surprise. "KJ? Sova?" he uttered, recognizing the familiar faces of his fellow agents.
.
.
.
To be continued