Inside the high-tech briefing room of the VALORANT Protocol's Base of Operations on Earth-458, the atmosphere is tense. Dim light bathes the room, casting shadows on the walls as flickering holographic displays show data and maps of other worlds. Around a large circular table sit the team: Jett, Phoenix, Reyna, Viper, Sova, Cypher, Killjoy, Neon, Omen, and Sage. All eyes are on Brimstone, who stands at the head of the room, his presence commanding attention. The gravity of the situation is evident in his expression. In their universe, only 11 of them exist—a stark contrast to the original universe, which has over 20 members in the Protocol.

Brimstone exhales deeply, the weight of his next words heavy. "I'm not going to sugarcoat this—what we're dealing with here is unlike anything we've faced before. You all know about the mirror world, how it nearly tore everything apart. This is even bigger."

The team sits in tense silence as Brimstone continues. "There's a multiverse out there—an infinite number of worlds, each different from the last. But there's something out there that wants to control it all. A Rogue AI, she's got her sights set on more than just one world... she wants every single one."

The tension thickens as Brimstone's words sink in. The team exchanges glances—some wary, others concerned. Phoenix, always one to speak his mind, leans back in his chair, a hint of skepticism on his face.

"So you're telling us there's an AI hopping between worlds, trying to take over?" Phoenix says with a doubtful grin. "Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, mate."

Jett, seated next to him, narrows her eyes in concentration. "We've seen some weird stuff, Phoenix. The mirror world wasn't exactly normal either. If Brimstone says this is serious, we should listen."

Reyna, sharp and ever-observant, speaks softly. "Multiverse... it means there could be other versions of us, fighting their own battles. Or maybe even siding with this AI."

Viper, crossing her arms, maintains her pragmatic tone. "And what's our plan? If this AI is as powerful as you say, what chance do we have?"

Brimstone meets their gazes one by one, his voice steady. "I don't have all the answers, not yet. But this isn't some random threat—it's as real as the mirror world. And this time, we're not alone. There are others out there—other teams, other heroes, all fighting the same battle."

Sova, the strategic thinker, speaks quietly. "If this is true, then we need to prepare ourselves. We can't afford to underestimate this AI or the damage it could cause."

Cypher, ever the tactician, nods. "If this AI is truly operating across multiple worlds, then she could have resources and allies beyond anything we've seen."

Neon, her voice carrying a mix of concern and resolve, adds, "We've got each other's backs, like always. If this is the fight we're in, then we'll take it on together."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the group. Though skepticism remains, there's a growing sense of unity. Brimstone sees it and knows they need to trust each other more than ever.

"I know this is a lot to process," Brimstone says firmly. "But I need you to trust me. We're in the middle of something bigger than any of us, and we need to be ready. Agent Jonesy—he's the one who brought us all together. He knows more than any of us. When he gets here, I'll make sure he'll answer your questions, and we'll figure out our next steps together."

The team nods, the doubt still lingering but now tempered by a shared sense of purpose. The room falls into a brief silence as each member contemplates the road ahead.

"Prepare yourselves," Brimstone concludes. "We'll regroup with Captain Keyes soon and get the full picture. Until then, stay sharp."

The debrief ends, and the team begins to disperse. Sage and Omen, however, linger, approaching Brimstone with quiet but firm concern.

Sage speaks first, her voice calm yet serious. "Brimstone, are you sure we can trust this Agent Jonesy? You've only just met him today. There's so much we don't know."

Omen, his voice as dark and mysterious as ever, adds, "What if Agent Jonesy and Captain Keyes are merely puppets for Cortana? Tools she's using to lead us into a trap."

Brimstone meets their doubts with resolve. "I understand your concerns, but we don't have a choice. Cortana has already taken the Radianite, and it's our mission to stop her from using it. We can't waste time questioning every ally we encounter. Right now, we move forward."

Sage and Omen exchange a glance but ultimately nod. They know Brimstone is right—they don't have the luxury of second-guessing. They turn to leave, still cautious but ready to follow his lead.

Across the room, Killjoy spots Jett and quickly runs over, a relieved smile lighting up her face. Jett sees her and grins as she rushes to meet her.

"Killjoy!" Jett exclaims, and the two friends embrace tightly, sharing a brief moment of joy amidst the seriousness of their situation.

Killjoy's face lights up as soon as Jett appears, relief flooding her voice. "Jett! I'm so glad to see you!" She pulls her friend into a warm hug.

Jett grins, hugging her back before stepping back to check on her. "Are you okay? How's your leg after what happened at the café?"

Killjoy waves off the concern with a small smile, her usual upbeat nature shining through. "I'm fine, really. Sage patched me up, and I'm as good as new."

Phoenix, who had been listening in from nearby, approaches with a slightly sheepish expression. "Hey, Killjoy. I'm glad you're alright. I'm sorry I wasn't there with you at the café..."

Killjoy, always one to lighten the mood, nudges him playfully. "It's alright, Phoenix. You'd just slow me down anyway."

Jett chuckles and playfully teases Phoenix. "I told you to stay with her, but no, you had to run off!"

Phoenix grins back, shrugging defensively. "Hey, she was safe with the soldiers and medics. Besides, I wasn't about to let you take on those robots and ugly alien beings all by yourself."

The trio shares a lighthearted exchange, their banter easy and familiar. The mood is lifted, even if only for a moment, before Killjoy gently steps in to calm them. "Really, it's fine. I'm just glad we're all okay."

Jett's expression turns more serious as she remembers another concern. "By the way, we overheard that Reyna got stabbed... Is she alright?"

Killjoy nods, her reassurance immediate. "Yeah, she's fine too. Sage treated her, and she's already back to her usual self."

The three exchange relieved smiles, grateful that their team is safe and on the mend. The camaraderie between them is palpable as they share a brief moment of peace amidst the chaos.

Across the room, Brimstone stands focused, activating the earpiece Captain Keyes had given him. His voice is steady as he prepares for the next phase of their mission. "Captain Keyes, this is Brimstone. My team's ready. We'll head out to the ship as soon as you give the word."

Across the room, Brimstone stands focused, activating the earpiece Captain Keyes had given him. His voice is steady as he prepares for the next phase of their mission. "Captain Keyes, this is Brimstone. My team's ready. We'll head out to the ship as soon as you give the word."

Meanwhile, Reyna retreats to her quarters, the weight of recent events heavy on her shoulders. She sits down on her bed, closing her eyes, trying to collect her thoughts. Everything had become so much more complicated. As if facing the Mirrorverse and their rogue doppelgängers wasn't overwhelming enough, now the existence of an entire multiverse weighed down on her mind. The implications were staggering, and the constant shifting realities made it feel like the ground was always shifting beneath her feet.

Lost in her thoughts, the sudden ringing of her phone startled her. It sat on the nearby table, its screen lighting up with an incoming call. Reyna stared at it for a moment, unsure if she even wanted to answer. The noise of the war, the mission, and the confusion of multiple realities swirled around her mind like a storm. For a moment, all she wanted was silence.

But after a brief hesitation, she stood up and walked to the table. Picking up the phone, she glanced at the caller ID. A small, warm smile tugged at her lips. Gekko.

In this universe, Gekko pursued basketball instead of becoming a Valorant agent. He still rocks his signature look—vibrant green hair, tattoos, and his laid-back, streetwear style that gives him a bold, energetic presence. His outfits are typically loose-fitting with bright, eye-catching patterns, reflecting his carefree yet confident attitude. Although he never gained his in-game abilities like "Dizzy," "Wingman," "Mosh Pit," or "Thrash," Gekko found his passion on the basketball court.

Despite their different paths, Reyna and Gekko's bond remains strong, transcending the multiverse. To Reyna, he's the son she never had, and to Gekko, Reyna is the tough but caring maternal figure he looks up to. Their connection is built on trust and a deep understanding that no matter where the multiverse may take them, their bond remains unshakable.

Reyna pressed the answer button, her smile softening as she brought the phone to her ear. "Hola, mijo," she greeted, her voice holding a rare tenderness. For a moment, the chaos of the multiverse faded into the background, replaced by the comforting presence of someone who truly understood her.

As Gekko's familiar voice came through the line, Reyna closed her eyes again, allowing herself to be comforted by the sound. Even in the midst of multiversal chaos, there was still room for these moments of quiet, of connection. And in that moment, Reyna felt a small sense of peace, knowing that no matter how many universes there were, some bonds would always find a way to endure.

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As Reyna closed her eyes, her thoughts drifted, and Gekko's voice became a distant hum in the background. She was lost in the chaotic swirl of her mind until his voice cut through the fog, calling her name more insistently.

"Reyna? ...Reyna? Hey, Reyna!" Gekko's voice rang out for the third time, concern evident in his tone.

Reyna blinked her eyes open, snapping back to the moment, startled by how far her mind had wandered. "Ah, sorry, mijo. I'm here."

On the other end of the phone, Gekko was sitting alone on a bench at a basketball court, his usual spot when he needed to clear his head. The court was empty, save for the sound of a gentle breeze and the occasional clank of a distant ball hitting the pavement. He leaned back, looking up at the sky, relieved to hear her voice.

"Don't scare me like that, Reyna," Gekko teased lightly, though there was a softness to his tone. "Thought I lost you there for a second."

Reyna chuckled, a rare sound that only Gekko could pull from her these days. "I'm sorry, mijo. Just got lost in my head for a moment."

Gekko shifted on the bench, his gaze now fixed on the half-moon hanging in the sky. "Yeah, I get that. Things have been... crazy, huh? Feels like the whole world's flipped upside down, like I don't know what's real anymore."

Reyna sighed, feeling the weight of his words. "It's more than that, Gekko. This... multiverse, these endless versions of ourselves—sometimes it feels like we're losing pieces of who we are in all the chaos."

"Yeah, but you're still you," Gekko said, his voice gentle but resolute. "You're Reyna. And no matter how many versions of you there are out there, you'll always be the one I know. The one who keeps me grounded."

Reyna's heart softened at his words. It wasn't often that someone could reach past her walls like that. "You know, mijo," she said quietly, "you're a lot wiser than you let on."

Gekko chuckled. "Don't let it fool you. I'm just a guy who can throw down a good dunk and take care of my crew."

"You do more than that," Reyna responded, her tone growing warmer. "You've always had a way of making me feel like I wasn't alone in this mess."

Gekko smiled, even though Reyna couldn't see it. "That's 'cause you're not alone. You got me, and I got you. We're family, right? Doesn't matter where we came from or what universe we're in."

For a moment, Reyna didn't respond. She just let the weight of his words settle over her like a comforting blanket. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "We're family."

There was a pause, but it was a comfortable one. On his end, Gekko looked around the empty court, his mind settling into a calm that only Reyna could provide.

"You ever play basketball, Reyna?" Gekko asked suddenly, breaking the silence with a light-hearted question.

Reyna chuckled again, the sound of it filling the quiet space of her quarters. "Not really my style, mijo."

"Maybe next time you visit, I'll teach you," Gekko offered playfully. "You know, to help take your mind off all the crazy multiverse stuff."

Reyna smiled to herself. The thought of her, of all people, on a basketball court with Gekko was ridiculous—but strangely comforting. "Maybe," she said softly, "I'll take you up on that."

"Deal," Gekko said, his voice brightening as if he'd just won something. "You've got a pretty good shot, I bet."

"Don't push your luck," Reyna replied, her tone teasing but affectionate.

They both shared a quiet laugh, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Reyna felt a sense of peace. Even in the midst of all the chaos, in this strange multiverse where nothing made sense, Gekko was a constant—a light in the darkness.

Reyna leaned back on her bed, her heart heavy with the unspoken truth. She had faced unimaginable dangers before, but this felt different. This time, she wasn't sure when—or if—she'd return. The weight of the multiverse was pressing down on her shoulders, and the choices she had to make seemed to grow heavier with each passing day.

She exhaled slowly, trying to keep her voice steady as she spoke. "Gekko, listen... I might be gone for a little while."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Gone? For how long?" Gekko's voice was laced with concern, the carefree tone from earlier replaced by something far more serious.

Reyna hesitated. She couldn't tell him everything, not now. He didn't need that burden, not when he had his own life to live. "I'm not sure yet, mijo. It's... complicated. But I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Yeah, but what if something happens?" Gekko asked, his voice quiet, as if he was trying not to let the worry show. "I mean, I'm used to looking out for myself, but you... you're different. You've always been there for me."

Reyna smiled softly, her heart aching at his words. "You're strong, Gekko. Stronger than you realize. You don't need me to be your protector—you're more than capable of looking out for yourself."

"But I need you to come back," Gekko said, his voice soft, almost vulnerable.

Reyna closed her eyes, the guilt gnawing at her. She wanted to promise him that she'd be back soon, that everything would be fine. But she couldn't make that promise, not with what lay ahead. "I'll do everything I can to come back to you. I can't say when, but I'll fight my way back. You have my word."

Gekko was quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then, in a voice filled with quiet determination, he said, "I'll be waiting. Doesn't matter how long it takes—I'll be right here when you come back."

Reyna's eyes welled up, but she blinked away the tears. She couldn't afford to break down now. She needed to stay strong, for him and for herself. "Thank you, mijo. That means more to me than you know."

They both sat in the silence for a while, the distance between them feeling smaller despite the many worlds that might soon separate them. Gekko's voice broke the quiet, filled with the lightheartedness she had come to depend on. "And hey, don't think you're getting out of that basketball lesson. Whenever you get back, you're gonna have to show me your skills."

Reyna chuckled, her heart warming despite the uncertainty ahead. "Alright, alright. I'll be ready to take you on when I return."

"Better be," Gekko teased, and Reyna could hear the smile in his voice.

As the conversation drew to a close, Reyna felt a little lighter. Even though she didn't know what the future held, she knew one thing for certain—there were still pieces of her life that anchored her. Gekko was one of those pieces, a light in the chaos. And no matter how far she had to go, that light would guide her back.

"Take care of yourself, mijo," Reyna said softly.

"You too, Reyna. And hey... no goodbyes, okay? Just... see you later."

Reyna smiled, the words settling comfortably in her heart. "See you later, Gekko."

As she hung up the phone, Reyna took a deep breath and looked around her quarters. She knew her path wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She would fight for the multiverse, for the worlds at stake—but she would also fight to return to the people who mattered. And that, above all, gave her strength.

Reyna slowly rises from her bed, though she remains seated, her mind still wrapped around the conversation she just had with Gekko. As she looks toward the door, she notices Viper leaning casually against the frame, her expression guarded as usual but with a hint of something softer in her gaze.

Viper crosses her arms, her voice cutting through the silence with an uncharacteristic warmth. "Seems like Gekko's a good kid."

Reyna, her demeanor calm and unflinching as ever, glances up at Viper. Her expression is as unreadable as stone, yet her eyes reveal a deep and protective emotion that she rarely allows to surface.

"He is," Reyna replies, her tone steady, not betraying the flicker of warmth she feels when talking about Gekko. "He's one of the few good things left in this mess."

Viper tilts her head slightly, her sharp gaze softening just for a moment. "I can see that. You care about him."

Reyna doesn't break her gaze, her voice unwavering. "More than he knows."

For a moment, there's silence between them. Viper, knowing Reyna well enough to not push further, simply gives a small nod of acknowledgment before turning to leave. Reyna, still sitting on the edge of her bed, watches her go, the lingering warmth from Gekko's call keeping her grounded, despite the chaotic world around her.

Brimstone entered his office, his usual composed and authoritative demeanor visibly cracked as he removed his hat—a rare sight. The hat, a symbol of his control and leadership, was casually dropped onto the table, its weight almost echoing the burden on his shoulders. He sank into his chair, leaning back as he exhaled deeply, letting out a sigh of exhaustion. For just a moment, he allowed himself a small break before they would have to head out again to meet with Captain Keyes.

His mind churned with thoughts of their recent failures. Alex Mercer, Kellog, and Raul Menendez—Cortana's rogue allies—had slipped through their grasp, securing more radianite, leaving Brimstone questioning the cost of their missteps. The pressure of leading his team in an increasingly dangerous multiverse weighed on him heavily. He had always been a strong and capable leader, but this was pushing him to his limits.

Suddenly, a soft knock at the open door broke through his thoughts. He looked up to see Sage standing there, her calm and reassuring presence offering a sense of comfort amidst his turmoil.

"May I come in?" Sage asked gently, her tone understanding, as if she could sense his mental exhaustion.

Brimstone simply nodded, too tired to speak, his eyes conveying his weariness. Sage stepped inside quietly, her concern for him evident in the way she observed him. Though she was used to seeing Brimstone as the strong, unshakable leader, even she could see that the weight of their situation was beginning to take its toll.

She moved closer to his desk but didn't speak right away, giving him the space to breathe. Brimstone, leaning back in his chair, allowed the silence to linger for a moment, the exhaustion on his face slowly melting into a more neutral expression, though the tension remained in his eyes.

Finally, Brimstone spoke, his voice rougher than usual. "We've lost too much ground... These people... they got the radianite right under our noses."

Sage nodded solemnly, knowing how much their failure had affected him. "We'll get them back," she said softly. "We've faced impossible odds before, Brimstone."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "These aren't ordinary enemies, Sage. The multiverse... We've never been this outmatched."

Sage stepped closer, her voice filled with quiet determination. "That may be true, but you've led us through dark times before. This is no different. You're not alone in this, Brimstone."

Brimstone glanced up at her, the tiredness in his eyes fading just a bit. Sage's calm presence reminded him that even in his lowest moments, he had a team that believed in him.

With a small nod of appreciation, Brimstone sat up straighter, a bit of his resolve returning. "Thank you, Sage. I just needed a moment."

Sage gave him a small, understanding smile. "We all do. But when you're ready, we'll be right beside you. We'll stop them."

Brimstone took a deep breath, his mind already shifting back to the mission at hand. "Yeah... we will."

As Sage quietly left the room, Brimstone sat in silence for a moment longer. His eyes fell on his hat, lying on the table, a symbol of his responsibility and the weight he carried as the leader of his team. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let his thoughts linger. He reminded himself why he was leading these people—because he believed in them. Eleven strong, they had faced impossible odds together before, and now, with new allies from across the multiverse, they had a fighting chance. Whatever was coming, they could face it, together.

His earpiece suddenly crackled to life, snapping him out of his thoughts. Captain Keyes' voice came through, steady and professional. "Brimstone, this is Keyes. Are you and your team ready?"

Brimstone straightened up, his resolve returning with every passing second. He pressed a finger to his earpiece and responded with renewed confidence. "Yes, sir. We're ready. ETA is twenty minutes. We'll be there."

There was a brief pause before Keyes' voice came back through the earpiece. "Copy that, Brimstone. We'll be waiting. Keyes out."

As the connection went silent, Brimstone took a deep breath, allowing the weight of the mission to settle over him once again. But this time, instead of it pressing him down, it felt like a challenge he was ready to face. He stood up, feeling a renewed sense of energy coursing through him.

He reached down, grabbed his hat from the table, and placed it back on his head. The familiar weight of it brought him a sense of purpose. With his hat firmly in place and his mind clear, Brimstone strode toward the door, his steps confident and steady. He was ready for whatever was coming next, knowing that he wasn't alone. His team, his allies—together, they could face anything the multiverse threw at them.

As he stepped out into the corridor, a calm determination settled over him. They had a long road ahead, but Brimstone was ready to lead them into battle. The odds might be against them, but they had never backed down before—and they weren't about to start now.