Maah

Part 1

Talk - Hozier

4:30 AM

When the alarm clock rang, it was 5 o'clock. Vincent groaned, annoyed at being suddenly awakened from his pleasant sleep. Sabine, who had already been awake for about two minutes, watched him fumble around the dresser, banging on the alarm clock to silence it.

He let his arm hang off the side of the bed, his face buried in the pillow. He mumbled something that was muffled by the fabric. Sabine clicked her tongue, showing how fussy she thought he was, and made to get up.

Feeling the mattress move, Vincent put his arm around her waist, pulling her close. Sabine sighed with contentment, knowing that this action was happily predictable.

It never even occurred to Sabine to change her routine when she started living with Vincent. He thought she had OCD, which would make sense considering how extremely distressed she felt when she couldn't fulfill her little obsessions. However, she couldn't deny that Vincent's presence altered some things.

She didn't exactly need to change. The more appropriate word would be adapt.

Darwin already explained this. Those who adapt best to the conditions have a greater chance of survival.

Sabine's adaptation provided her with good doses of endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. Hormones that helped her survive and made her want to live.

Sabine liked waking up early. She felt she made better use of the day that way. She wasn't going to stop waking up at five in the morning just because Vincent slept until seven, at least. He complained terribly about having to wake up in the middle of the dawn and procrastinated getting up.

They made a silent agreement to make it work. Sabine would still get up early, with Vincent following her in consequence, but she would spend some time with him in bed. She wasn't one to sleep cuddled up, but if they respected a reasonable time limit, she would agree to hug him in the mornings. She liked feeling his body against hers and playing with his hair. She breathed deeply and calmly, appreciating his scent, a special mixture of men's cologne and cigarettes that never left him.

To trick the procrastinator's mind, she moved her alarm clock forward by 30 minutes. She could spend that time with her loved one, perhaps take a short nap, and still get up at the usual time.

Perfectly balanced.

5:00 AM

- Just five more minutes… - He whimpered, pressing Sabine close to him.

- Enough. - Viper pulled away from him, getting out of bed.

- Come back to bed... S’il te plaît, mon cœur...

While Vincent was still grumbling in French, Sabine changed her silk nightgown to her workout clothes. She felt more energetic after her morning exercises, while Vincent preferred to do them calmly at night, so he could sleep better. He was horrified by Viper's fast workout routine. It was 50 sit-ups, 30 squats, and 20 high knees in 10 minutes, plus 20 minutes of running. When Viper was inspired, she could spend little more than 2 minutes on the plank without flinching.

All this and Vincent was still in bed.

While Sabine was tearing her muscle ligaments apart, Vincent picked up his cell phone and organized his life. He checked messages, answered important emails, analyzed stocks and investments. He usually read newspapers in the morning or revised part of an article he should have finished long ago. After he was satisfied, he got up. He cracked his back and neck in that way that made Sabine cringe, made their bed, and went to see her.

Because, in his words, only an idiot wouldn't take a few minutes to admire that Greek muse getting even more hot.

In Sabine's words, that was a lame excuse for him to go bother her.

- Incroyable. You can run a marathon on this treadmill, but you don't have the capacity to carry your own weapons. - Vincent teased, stopping in front of Sabine and leaning on the treadmill.

The American woman rolled her eyes. She had forced him to carry her arsenal on one of their last missions. He hadn't complained at the time, but now he'd nicknamed himself "bag", since Sabine gave him everything she owned to hold.

- I see no reason to carry my own weapons when I have you.

- I haven't turned into a coat rack yet, Madame Fabrón. - Vincent said, and Sabine looked at him, raising her eyebrows. - What? I like the sound of it.

- Callas-Fabrón. - She stated, looking ahead as she ran.

- Fabrón-Callas. What about it? - Vincent rested his cheek on his hand, admiring her engagement ring. A delicate white gold design in the shape of vine flowers, adorned with tiny emeralds and a diamond. She hadn't taken it off yet. She only wore it at home, afraid of losing it if she faced an emergency outside. Vincent liked to think it was something special, shared only between them.

- I'm going to keep my maiden name.

Vincent narrowed his eyes at her.

- You wouldn't dare… - Sabine glanced sideways at him, raising an eyebrow with a defiant smile on her lips. Vincent turned to the treadmill. - What does this button do? - He pointed to the speed increase button, feigning ignorance.

- Don’t you... VINCENT! - She was about to hit him, but had to hold onto the treadmill because of its increased speed. And Vincent kept increasing it.

- Oh, it does that? -  He made an innocent face, pushing Sabine's hand away as she tried to press the safety button. - Why do you want to press the other one? This one is so much fun!

Vincent laughed, running off when she managed to press the safety button.

- I'm going to kill you!- She growled as the treadmill stopped, jumping off and going after him.

5:45 AM

Sabine enjoyed when Vincent bathed with her. He always massaged her back while lathering it, in a way that relieved the aches caused by stress. She washed his hair, leaving it soft and fragrant, delighted with the texture of his hair in contrast to the shaved part under her fingers. When they were very tired, Vincent would turn on the jacuzzi and they would relax together there, drinking wine and talking about something that pleased them.

And, of course, they had a quickie in the shower stall on Tuesday mornings.

Vincent said Sabine was obsessive about her routine, and she was indeed, but he loved daily to-do lists. He got a lot of satisfaction from seeing his appointments organized and completed on his virtual assistant. Having a scheduled sex was, sometimes, more pleasant than spontaneity. So, they made love (Sabine's words, believe it or not) on Monday and Tuesday mornings, because Sabine was a great reason for Vincent to wake up early; Thursday nights, before, during, or after their weekly movie session; and on Sunday nights, whenever possible.

It was Friday. The previous day had been pleasantly satisfying, so both were happy that morning.

Vincent had already left the shower stall, leaving Sabine to finish her bath alone. She rubbed body oil on her arms, discreetly observing him. He had a bath towel tied around his waist, in a way that she secretly found attractive. He was shaving in front of the mirror, using a sharp razor.

Vincent never let his beard grow. Once, his twin brother showed Sabine a picture of him with a mustache, and she spent a week laughing every time she looked at it. Vincent considered growing his beard back, just for the sheer pleasure of making Sabine smile more. However, when she understood his intention, she held his face with surprising gentleness, looked deep into his eyes, and said, "Take that thing off your face now."

From then on, he never let that thing on his face.

- There's one spot left. - She pointed out. She had already left the stall, wrapped in a towel, her black hair dripping onto her shoulders.

Vincent looked at her and smiled slightly, handing her the razor. The American woman accepted the blade and sat on the wide sink counter. He approached her, standing between her legs. With a firm yet delicate touch, Sabine cupped Vincent's face, tilting his head back. She ran the sharp razor across his neck, removing the remaining thick hairs.

He remained calm, his breathing gentle and measured, his hands resting on her thighs. Sabine thought it would be extremely easy to cut his throat. A little more force and a tug. Her only concern would be the bloodbath she would take if she did it so. Because he wouldn't offer any resistance. She could end his life with surprising simplicity, so tranquil was he that someone like her held a razor against the sensitive skin.

He was a cunning fox, seeking to gain the upper hand in every interaction he had. A voracious wolf in combat, taking down enemies with his meticulously orchestrated strategies. A shark with fangs sharp enough to seize any good opportunity at all costs. Perhaps, he was a snake more venomous than herself.

But with her, in those brief moments, he was more docile than a lamb.

Sabine thought about how strange it was to trust someone. No one should let another person have the power to destroy them in the most intimate and fatal way possible.

And yet, there they were. Naked and vulnerable to each other, as simple as breathing.

- There you go. - She said, rinsing the blade under running water. - Much better.

- Merci. - He kissed her shoulder, then stepped back to wipe his face - Don't take too long with your makeup.

Sabine rolled her eyes, getting down from the counter and grumbling about how he was the one who took forever to get ready.

6:00 AM

Sabine always sought to maximize her time. For her, cooking was a waste of time when there were so many conveniences that spared her the need to face a kitchen. So, when she did have breakfast, it was at some nearby establishment.

She knew which one was best for every morning craving. Sweets? The bakery with the overly cute design, but which had the best tarts in the area. Savory snacks? The diner that looked low-quality, but had wonderful sandwiches. Something different? Viper was an acquaintance of the owner of an alternative food bistro, who gave young chefs the chance to test new recipes at any time of day.

Vincent actually liked some of those places. Sabine had dragged him to most of them and made him admit, much to his displeasure, that she had a knack for finding good places to eat. However, he loved to cook, and any excuse to prepare something for himself and his beloved was valid for him.

After waiting 23 minutes in line at a Starbucks for egg bites of questionable quality, Vincent managed to convince Sabine that it would be better if he started making their breakfast. She partially agreed, emphasizing that he couldn't come up with anything overly elaborate that would waste their time. He agreed.

However, he failed to keep his promise. It took him 40 minutes to make pancakes for them, and the scolding Brimstone gave him didn't even compare to Viper's week-long complaint about what had happened.

But, damn, he was great in the kitchen. Sabine couldn't resist the delicious breakfasts he made ("love is the secret ingredient" was how he justified the wonderful flavor, but Sabine was almost certain it was nutmeg). So she made a deal with him. Vincent could make breakfast three times a week, on the days they didn't have missions in the morning.

It worked. He continued eating his own food, and Sabine continued arriving early for her appointments. Vincent was starting to become more efficient in the kitchen, so perhaps he could convince Sabine to allow him more days of the week for his breakfast.

The dish of the day was French toast. Toasted on the outside, soft on the inside, covered with whipped cream and molasses, just the way that made the American woman sigh. She had prepared the coffee for them in her vacuum siphon, which left the whole apartment smelling of fresh coffee. She poured the hot drink into a mug that said "World's Best Toxicologist" and another with the inscription "Engineering Ninja".

She took the mugs to the balcony, where Vincent was already on a sofa with the French toast. It was a cloudy and cool day. The smell of city pollution and radianite residue wasn't too strong at the moment. If it weren't for the noise of construction just ahead, it would have been the perfect morning.

- Of all the destroyed places in this damned city… - She complained, placing the "Engineering Ninja" mug on a coaster and sitting down next to Vincent. - Did they have to approve the construction of this right here? - Sabine looked with disgust at the Brimstone bust under construction, sipping her coffee.

The commander's statue was solemn and enormous, standing almost 15 meters tall at the moment. It would grow even bigger  when the head was finished. The construction was being assembled little by little, and the sound of clanging metal and soldering irons was Sabine's greatest terror. When she worked at home, she used the ear protectors Vyse had given her for Christmas to avoid completely losing her mind.

- It was you who wanted to live in a strategic location. - Vincent pointed out, handing her the plate of French toast. - There's always the possibility of selling this place and moving to a more decent one.

- We're not going to France. - Sabine stated categorically, then looked around. - Where's the molasses?

- Since they installed the containment systems, the electrical storms have decreased significantly. And most buildings have been reinforced against acid rain. - Vincent gave more arguments in favor of moving to his country. The list already had more than 50 advantages.

- That place is in ruins. - She shook her head. Sabine didn't have a problem with France itself. It was a pretty nice place, actually. But she had a persistent feeling that moving there with Vincent was like losing an imaginary competition that only she knew existed. And she wasn't going to let that happen so easily. Besides, Paris was an unstable place at the moment. - Did you hide the molasses?

- I already added molasses. - Vincent looked at Sabine disapprovingly, taking a sip of his coffee.

He didn't think the excessive amount of sweets she consumed was necessary, even though he matched her with the treats he snacked on during the day. From all indications, he only acted that way to tease her in a different way.

- But I want more.

- You haven't even tried it.

- It's to be sure.

- Your glucose levels must be so high.

- You're exaggerating.

- Just eat. - Vincent rolled his eyes. - You become unbearable when you're hungry. Ouch!

Sabine slapped him on the back of the neck, cutting off a piece of the French toast.

 - Shut up.

- See? - He grumbled, opening the news on his phone. He only started reading after Sabine tasted a piece of the French toast, letting out a sigh of contentment. Vincent had a certain need to confirm that she liked his cooking.

He rested his arm on the back of the sofa behind Sabine, eating his own breakfast. Although Sabine enjoyed listening to his chatter, Vincent knew she preferred silence. Spending time with her, he had learned to appreciate quiet more as well. So, during those small moments in the morning, he would stay quiet and enjoy her presence beside him.

- They made his butt bigger.

Or at least, it tried to.

Viper frowned, pulling the piece of French toast off her fork with her mouth and looking at the Brimstone statue.

- You can't see it from here.

- Yes, we can.

She tilted her head to the side, watching the statue

- Isn't the proportion?

- You know that's not proportional to reality.

- Shit.

 - I said it.

- Weren't they going to put a cover over it?

- But it will still be there.

- There was absolutely no need for that… - Sabine muttered, then looked at her beloved. - Do you notice his butt?

- I notice from everyone’s. - He shrugged, biting into the French toast.

- From everyone’s? - She slowly raised an eyebrow, giving him a deadly glare.

- Yours is my favorite. - He smiled at her, protecting himself when she slapped him again. - Ow, stop it! - He laughed, hugging her gently. - I'll have Brimstone removed and I’ll put you in there.

- Oh no! - She tried to move away from him, making an annoyed face. - They'll think I'm a narcissist!

- I don't care. - He held her, laughing a little more. - I want to wake up every day to a monumental view of you.

Sabine let out a soft laugh, which was quickly suppressed, replaced by her usual frown.

- And my butt?

- Your breasts. But your butt is important too.

 - Vincent!

6:30 AM

Leaving their apartment was like leaving a peaceful refuge. They never wanted to do it. Reality was always too cruel.

However, not confronting it was not an option. The war between dimensions continued, and the world needed them.

At least, in general, they dealt with it together. And, perhaps in that way, everything was a little more bearable.

On normal workdays, they would go to Valorant's official base. However, to get there, it was necessary to go to one of the access portals, located in the headquarters scattered around the world. The one in Seattle had been nicknamed the Hall of Justice by the younger members, due to its architecture reminiscent of the Justice League headquarters.

The journey to Valorant Headquarters was short. About thirty minutes on foot and fifteen minutes by car, taking into account about 5 minutes of morning traffic. Since Vincent hated arriving sweaty at work, they went by car, alternating days when each of them drove.

It was Sabine's turn. She divided her attention between driving her dark Bentley and choosing the music for the trip. The rule was clear: whoever was driving chose the playlist.

- Mon cœur... - Vincent began to speak, watching her scroll through the songs on the playlist. - Paramore. Please. No MCR today.

Sabine glanced at him sideways, as if he had deeply offended her.

- I'm in a good mood, and your boy band is going to ruin my day. - He explained.

- It's not a boy band.

- It is an emo boy band.

Sabine pressed play on "I'm not okay (I promise)" and started bobbing her head to the rhythm of the music.

- Mon Dieu... - Vincent threw his head against the back of the seat, sighing. - I shouldn't have said anything…

- Well, if you wanted honesty, that's all you had to say - She began to sing, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel to the rhythm of the music.

- Did you know you have ODD? OCD and ODD.

 - I never want to let you down  Or have you go, it's better off this way - Sabine sang the last part higher, moving the car.

- My revenge will be terrible. Just you wait.

- Not if I kill you first. - She gave a hoarse laugh, stopping her singing to turn onto a street, paying attention to the other cars.

- I'm going to put Britney Spears on repeat. - Vincent's gaze was vacant, as he plotted his revenge. - No. This is mercy. Techno music.

- Is this the worst you've got? - She raised an eyebrow disdainfully, still looking ahead.

- No. My worst is Baby Shark. But I'm not that sick.

- Shh. I'M NOT OKAY I'M NOT OOOOKAAAAAAY - She sang and then glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Vincent sighed, thinking about throwing himself out of the car. - I'M NOT OKAAAAAAAAY

- You wear me out - He whispered dryly, shaking his head and turning his face toward the window.

Sabine gave a slight smile, continuing to nod her head to the rhythm of the music.

7:00 AM

Viper usually continued her research with radianite in the laboratory. She made significant progress, although she had difficulty stabilizing the element and understanding its different progressions in radiants. Chamber, having a deeper understanding of the physical aspects of radianite molecules, offered good suggestions. She followed some, adapted others to what she thought was right, and ignored many. She hated ignoring one that she later realized was correct and pretending to herself that it had been her idea from the beginning.

She regularly produced poisons, replenishing her stock for missions. When she couldn't do that, she relied on Chamber to mix the correct reagents to make the chemical compounds. He only got the composition wrong once, and never again. Largely because he was more afraid of Viper's fury than of blowing up the lab.

Chamber also worked there making new body stabilization devices for Radiants using nanotechnology. His favorite guinea pig was Yoru. The Japanese agent is terrified of ending up like Omen, scattered across dimensions. That was a fate worse than death. So he accepted Chamber's crazy ideas, especially when they meant improving the lives of other Radiants. Viper was the one who warned Chamber to slow down the direction of his inventions before he blew Yoru's brains out.

Chamber considered Viper his best work partner. She noticed things he didn't see as easily, being meticulous about details. In addition, she had surprisingly good deductions and immense knowledge in various fields. These were the points he highlighted about her intelligence if someone asked him what he liked most about her.

However, secretly, the truth was that he liked that she always knew where he had left his things.

- Mon cœur, did you see the radiation meter?

- Box on the second shelf.

- Oh oui... And what about that chart with the radianite progression?

- In the first drawer of my desk. I took it yesterday.

- Merci! Have you seen my access card?

- Along with the radiation meter.

- I’ve just…

- Look again.

She spoke without taking her eyes off the microscope. Sometimes, Chamber would just ask random questions and was impressed by how, even answering automatically, the American seemed to have the entire laboratory mapped out in her head. It was a great skill.

11:45 AM

Since Vincent had been banned from preparing their lunch (it was a long argument, not worth explaining), Sabine ordered the midday meal. Their love was beautiful until cultural differences got in the way, especially when it came to food. It took them a month to understand each other's culinary habits.

Sabine argued that soup wasn't lunch or dinner. Vincent said much less it was a sandwich. She liked mac and cheese, while Vincent found the American way of making it offensive. He ate full meals, with salad, protein, and dessert, and Sabine was desperate about how long it all took.

After many arguments that could have been easily resolved if they had stopped trying to change each other and decided to eat separately, they reached some consensus. Various Asian foods, Italian dishes, and some mixed salads. Sabine had dozens of discount coupons for constantly ordering deliveries.

- I'm going to order the salad with the gratin chicken, okay? - She announced, her hip resting on Chamber's table as she looked at her phone.

- Uh-huh... - He said distractedly, drawing on his digital tablet.

- Honey mustard, vinaigrette, or just olive oil?

- Oil.

- Orange juice?

- Only if it's from the fruit.

Sabine rolled her eyes, grumbling as she finished her order. She grimaced, looking at the screen.

- Half an hour for a salad?

- It must be a good salad.

- Or they just want to charge more for the delivery fee.

- Don't you have a coupon to discount this?

- Still… - Sabine sighed, locking her phone screen and looking at him. - What are you doing?

Just doodling.

Sabine raised her eyebrows and gave a wry smile. She pulled Vincent's rolling chair, making him move away from the table. He remained leaning against it, even though his body was distant.

 - What are you...

She pulled him closer to the chair, then sat on his lap and looked at the screen. He had drawn several knife designs. Some drawings were just unpretentious lines, discarded early on. Others were more elaborate and detailed designs. Sabine always enjoyed seeing the art he created.

- It looks more complex than a doodle.

Vincent shook his head slightly, moving his chair so that he was back near the table. He put his free arm around Sabine's waist, continuing to draw. It wasn't practical and he had to limit his movements, but he wasn't going to be the one to take her away from there.

- I've been thinking about knives lately.

She leaned against his chest, placing one hand over his and entwining her legs with his.

- Because you lose to Brim in the training? - She exhaled through her nose, as if in a light laugh. - And to me.

Chamber frowned, hating being reminded of it. Even after several lessons with Chamber, Viper still had terrible aim. He compensated for this by specializing in close combat, being lethal up close. It was more shameful for him to lose to Brimstone than to Viper, since she was more agile, flexible, and cunning than the two of them combined.

And perhaps he wouldn't mind losing to her in the ring so much if it meant getting a little more cuddling in bed.

- He's too good for an old man… - He grumbled.

- You were never good at hand-to-hand. - She commented, raising one hand and caressing his chin. Vincent looked back at her, giving a mischievous smile.

- It depends.

Sabine shook her head, then rested it on his shoulder.

- You don't turn off your sniper skills when you go into close combat.

 - What do you mean?

- You want every attack to be fatal. - She explained, watching him draw.

- That's the idea of ​​combat. - He grimaced, redoing the same line several times until he was satisfied with it. - To last as little as possible.

- But against an experienced opponent it's useless. Any self-respecting soldier will protect their face and chest. Forcing your way through those areas is exhausting. That's why you lose.

Vincent kept a closed expression. One of the few times he was quieter was when she was right about something he didn't want her to be. He would sulk like a petulant child.

Sabine couldn't deny that she found it funny. If he could disturb her mind, she had the right to return the favor.

- You have to target the tendons and joints. Incapacitating is easier than eliminating. - She commented, absentmindedly tracing the outline of his chin with her fingertips.

- Speak for yourself. - He grumbled, angrily.

She remained silent for a while, thinking.

- Did you know that rattlesnakes rarely kill their prey in one go? - She began, becoming slightly more excited.

Vincent stifled a sigh. He could consider himself an expert on snakes and serpents, given how often he heard his beloved talk about her hyperfocus. It was interesting. However, having a lecture on the same subject repeatedly could become tiresome. He knew she didn't open up like that to everyone, so he did his best to always maintain his enthusiasm. Especially after she watched all the "007" movies with him. For that, and other reasons, she earned a free pass to borrow his ears as much as she wanted.

- Really? What do they do?

- They wait, and when the prey is close and distracted, they inject venom. And then they hide immediately afterward. - She nodded, cheerfully, as if she found it very amusing. - A wounded opponent, even slightly injured, won't seek a fight with a rival of that kind. The wisest thing is to back away. And then the snake only has to track the mark it made on its prey while it languishes from the venom.

- Umm… - Vincent raised his eyebrows, nodding. He didn't take his eyes off the screen, starting another design. - And they don't attack the vital parts?

- Hardly. Especially against large prey. And against humans too. But...

- More mosquitoes cause human deaths than snakes. - He recited the phrase he had already memorized, adjusting the thickness of his brush to continue drawing.

- That wasn't what I was going to say, but it's correct. -She touched the tip of his nose with her fingertip, giving a small smile. - What I meant was that you should adopt this style.

Chamber raised his eyebrows at her, giving a wry smile.

- But the snake here is you, mon cœur.

- Do you really think I'd be with someone who isn't my kind? - She gave an amused smile, turning back to the screen. - Give it here. - She said, taking the pen from his hand and adding a new layer to the drawing he was making.

Vincent let out the sigh he'd been holding back for a while, leaning back in his chair and running his hands along Sabine's side. He gave a mischievous smile, thinking that Sunday's program could be moved forward if she stayed in his lap like that.

- There. Look. - She pulled him closer to see what she had done. Vincent rested his chin on her shoulder, observing the crude compartments filled with green liquid that she had added to his elaborate butterfly knife design. Sabine was a good designer, but she didn't draw as well as he did. - Practical. Quick. Functional.

- A poisoned knife?

- Perfect for those who can't handle a normal knife fight. - She gave him a provocative smile. Vincent stuck his tongue out at her, and she exhaled through her nose, with that typical restrained laugh of hers. - Just a little cut and the result will be guaranteed.

Vincent observed her face for a few seconds, admiring her well-defined features. She looked at him affectionately, as if her greatest desire was to help him. In this case, to torture an opponent. He found the contrast between her sweetness and her sadistic personality extremely attractive.

- No playing games with the prey?

- Leave it to me.

- Why can only you keep all the fun?

- Because I know how to fight with a knife.

Vincent exhaled heavily and picked up his pen again, examining the drawing. He liked Sabine's idea. He cut out her drawing, mixing it with his own, and opened a new project, pasting it in and beginning to draw, using it as a reference.

- You'll never let me forget that, non?

- Never. - She picked up her phone and groaned. - Eleven minutes left!

Vincent gave a short, light laugh. He held Sabine's head, making her rest it back on his shoulder.

- Calme-toi, mon cœur.

She mumbled something he didn't understand, snuggling closer to him. She opened an article on her phone, reading it while Vincent finished the poisoned knife design.

4:17 PM

Chamber was a terrible influence.

Viper used to work tirelessly in the lab, from morning till night, with only a very brief lunch break, if she ever did it. If she felt hungry, she would nibble on cereal bars or Snickers to appease her stomach, without ever getting away from her personal projects.

However, with Chamber entering her life, she adapted some things. Chamber said it was just about relaxing, Viper called it giving in.

They would stop for a proper lunch, eating and talking, taking longer than they should have. The same thing happened with the coffee break at the end of the afternoon.

Chamber and Viper's coffee was sacred. Kopi Luwak from the finest producers money could bribe. Prepared using a special machine that Chamber himself developed. It would be heresy to simply swallow such coffee. No, it had to be savored and appreciated, with Danish biscuits ordered especially for the occasion.

Viper sat on a bench next to Chamber, holding her coffee cup to her lips. She liked the warm sensation it left in her mouth and the strong aroma. It was her second cup of coffee, and, as she stared blankly into space, pondering many things but nothing in particular, she considered pouring herself a third.

- Umph... - Chamber gave a small smile, looking at his cell phone. He had already finished his coffee and was receiving a well-deserved brainwashing via Instagram. Viper said that it would fry his wonderful neurons, and he argued that their work already did that very well. One of his hands was resting distractedly on her thigh while the other held his cell phone. - Look this one.

He handed her the phone, looking from the short video to her face, waiting for her reaction.

However, before Viper could get to the funny part of the video, a silver storm entered the laboratory.

- Finished! - Vyse said excitedly, holding a tablet in her arms.

Viper turned off the phone screen, placed it on the table, and turned to face her.

- The analysis of radianite progression in Sage's body? Or the suppression system of her chamber?

- Or the assault rifle with my nanotechnology? - Chamber raised an eyebrow, taking a biscuit. - I want my children back. - He grimaced, eating the biscuit.

- No. - Vyse tilted her head, as if she had no idea what the two were talking about. She did know, actually, but she had something more interesting to think about. - Your dress!

- Argh. - Sabine rolled her eyes, turning around and taking the phone back.

- Oh, now we're talking. - Vincent smiled, standing up and going over to Vyse, admiring the outfit she had created.

When Vyse and Vincent first met, Sabine witnessed a kind of contempt at first sign. Vyse found Vincent overly theatrical, as well as a phony show-off. He said she thought she was everyone's boss even though she had just arrived and hated her arrogant temperament. The dislike between them was palpable.

What they had in common, initially, was Sabine. She was caught in the middle of a war of indirect insults and complaints for weeks. It was even worse when they fought over her like two territorial animals. Sabine grew tired of their bickering and threatened never to look at either of them again if they didn't resolve their differences. And they knew she wasn't bluffing.

She still regretted that choice. Vyse and Vincent discovered they had much more in common than just Sabine. Both were creative engineers and excellent designers, with similar fashion senses and shared hobbies. From worst enemies, they became best friends. And Vyse became the third part of Vincent and Sabine's relationship. She brazenly interfered in the wedding preparations and appointed herself maid of honor.

- Wow. - Vincent nodded, pleased to see the design she had created. - You outdid yourself.

- I know. - She stood beside Vincent, showing him something on the tablet. - I was thinking about this type of fabric. It's something she's used to, so she won't have anything to complain about.

= Umm... Can I add something?

If anyone saw Vyse with Vincent, they would think he was her gay best friend. And Sabine pretended at all costs that she didn't care. But she was secretly jealous of their relationship and their unity in preparing everything for the ceremony. Not that she cared about the dress, decorations, food, or anything like that. Vincent was more of a bride than she was in that aspect, and she was grateful for it. She never had the patience to organize events, and Vincent seemed to be having fun doing it. But, come on, it was still her party, and how had Vyse gotten so involved?

- Isn't it bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding? - Sabine commented, without taking her eyes off the phone. The video Vincent wanted to show her had ended, and she hadn't found it funny. She started browsing his Instagram, somewhat reluctantly because their algorithms were completely different.

- It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding. - Vyse explained, sighing as if explaining something to a complete ignoramus. - Seriously, Sabby, leave it to us, okay?

Leave it up to them? Was Sabine incapable of doing anything?

- Can I organize the honeymoon? - She said, after considering what she could do.

Vincent and Vyse exchanged glances as if to say they wouldn't entrust her with even a flower arrangement, much less their honeymoon.

- I've already taken care of everything, mon cœur. - He said in a sweet voice, meaning that she wouldn't have to worry about anything.

It was both nice and annoying not having to worry.

She drank all her coffee, turning to face them. She didn't care about any of it, but she was deeply bothered by not having control over something. Especially if it concerned her.

- Let me see.

- Ahwn, no. - Vyse gave a short laugh, the mask's ears twitching happily.

Sabine arched an eyebrow menacingly.

- Can't I see my own dress?

- It's a surprise!

- What if I don't like it?

Vincent gave Sabine a condescending look, which really made her want to punch him. He passed the tablet to Vyse, without breaking eye contact with his fiancée. Vyse whistled, then nodded contentedly.

- You're going to like it.

- What if...

- Trust me.

Sabine huffed, turning around at the counter and grabbing a biscuit. She ate it with far more anger than a poor Danish butter cookie deserved.

- Oh, yes. - Vyse said, as if remembering something. - The meeting for the mission. I came to pick you up.

Chamber exhaled heavily, leaning on a table.

- To stop you from committing murder?

- Precisely.

- And what makes you think I won't help?

- Actually, I'm counting on that too.

- Stop it. - Viper glared at the two, grabbing Chamber's phone and her own, and standing up.

- What? We're just talking about hypotheses. - Chamber said innocently, taking his phone from her hands and walking away with the women.

- You know we wouldn't be humiliated if Liam weren't so weak. - Vyse's tone, in contrast, was as sharp as steel. - He's giving our reality on a silver platter because he wants to 'play fair.' - She made air quotes mockingly.

- You know that when you say that about him, it blames me too. - Viper narrowed her eyes at Vyse, daring her to continue with the barbs. - All his decisions go through me."

- And he chooses to ignore every single one of your opinions. - Chamber said, slowing his pace until he stopped in front of an open room. He exhaled, looking inside. - That's all his fault. - He murmured.

Vyse turned to look the room, while Viper leaned against a wall. Her jaw clenched as she looked away. In the center of the room lay an unconscious Sage, floating in stabilizing fluid. Her body was covered in radianite crystals. Viper never liked to remember Sage's condition, much less look at it.

- He ordered her to stop coordinating the attacks so he could be more aggressive. - Vyse crossed her arms, looking at Sage's body. The mask prevented her from expressing emotion, but her regret was clear. - Useless.

- Putting Phoenix and Clove on the front line was the most aggressive thing he could think of. - Chamber's gaze was more one of sadness than anger, though the sparks still flew. - They're just children.

The specific mention wasn't accidental. They wanted to further inflame Viper's anger towards Brimstone for her to join them in their complaints. And they knew that was her weak point. The younger ones. Those who were thrown into that mess by chance, who should never have even been there. Those who used to have a sparkle in their eyes, whose gifts were contagious and motivated others.

Phoenix was a star. He was the one who most brought hope during the darkest moments of the first catastrophes. While Viper, Chamber, and Killjoy were locked in the lab, frantically devising tsunami barriers and designing containment structures for dimensional rifts, Phoenix was out there, saving people. Viper, who loved silence, would turn on the news every day to follow his exploits. He was a hero, whose fight and smile inspired her to keep going.

And Viper watched with sorrow that star fade with each death he witnessed. His own or others'.

- His time has passed. - Vyse finished, nudging Chamber with her shoulder to keep walking. - The old dog has no more tricks to offer.

Viper stood there for another moment, her gaze unfocused as if she remembered every detail of that room even without seeing it. Viper was the last person Sage managed to resurrect before having to be placed in the chamber. The American thought she might be on one of the stretchers circulating the place. Her body would be preserved in cryogenics, awaiting the supposed day when Sage could recover. In theory, the Chinese agent would get better spontaneously. However, after using her gift to the limit, no one knew for sure if that would still happen.

Life became a little heavier when Ling Ying gave the last vestige of her own vitality to Sabine. She had to make that sacrifice worthwhile. Until her last breath.

The American woman took a deep breath and resumed walking with the others, clasping her hands behind her back.

- Regardless of what Liam says, our mission is to secure the radianite. Something neither of you is doing. - She raised her chin haughtily. - You are soldiers. The mission failure falls on him, but the mistake is yours too.

- Oh, really? - Vyse turned to her. - It has nothing to do with terrible leadership? I'd be a better leader than him. - Vyse muttered the last part, and Chamber grunted in agreement.

- Liam was the one who led the Legion when the world was falling apart.

- And now the world is on fire and he doesn't realize it's time to grab a fire extinguisher. - Chamber didn't return the irritated look Viper gave him, pressing the elevator button and putting his hands in his trouser pockets. - For a pessimist, you're pretty optimistic, mon cœur.

She wasn't. Viper had cataloged, in alphabetical and/or chronological order, every one of Brimstone's mistakes since the attacks against Alpha Earth proved fruitless. Years of attempts to steal radianite, and far more than just obtaining the material, they lost. Hiring untrained people without tactical knowledge. Association with paramilitary groups whose actions tarnished the public's positive view of the Valorant Legion.

Every mistake was examined with scientific precision by Viper, whose analytical eye was capable of avoiding it with minimal effort and resources. She not only understood but agreed with the criticisms of the commander, and even had much to add.

But Brimstone was still Liam. The leader who deserved that ridiculous statue on her apartment door for being able to coordinate the world when it was in chaos. For that reason, and only for that reason, Viper still maintained a vote of confidence in him.

- Don't quote Paramore to me. - She shook her head, took a deep breath, and got into the elevator with the two of them.

- Oh, but it's one of the best bands you like. Much better than My Chemical Romance. - Chamber smiled provocatively, pressing the button for the desired floor. - It's a great choice for karaoke.

- Did you manage to convince her to go to karaoke? - Vyse let out a short laugh, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms.

- Never. - Viper sighed. She was still a little shocked that Chamber had managed to get Vyse, Fade, and Reyna into that karaoke madness. She'd heard they even sang "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls after consuming alarming amounts of alcohol.

- Not yet. - Chamber smiled slightly, looking at Viper. - But I heard a little green snake singing 'Toxic' around other day.

Viper's eye twitched as she glanced sideways at Chamber with a deadly stare that seemed to suggest this might be his last day alive.

- Britney Spears, Sabine? Can I consider you unfaithful?

- I'm going to kill you both. - Her voice was monotonous, turning to the elevator floor numbers. She hoped they would change faster and get her out of that tormenting little box.

- She didn't answer me. - Vyse said, amusement in her voice.

- She's already smitten with Britney. All that's left is for her to sing with us. Come on, sing with me, cœur. - Chamber laughed again, putting an arm around her. Viper slapped his hand, without looking away. Chamber pulled his hand, but began to hum. - With a taste of your poison I'm paralyzed I'm addicted to you. Don't you know that you're toxic?

Viper took a deep breath, massaging her temples as she seriously reconsidered her life choices, given that those two disturbed individuals were so important to her.

4:45 PM

It was suicide.

Three simultaneous missions. Only one with a full group. The other would have four agents and the last one with only three.

Not even Viper, on the day she was most inspired to play devil's advocate, could defend that nonsense.

- Any questions?

The speech was obviously rhetorical. But the question that hung in the air and on the faces of every agent present was, "Have you gone mad?"

- Sir. - Raze raised a hand, as innocent as a confused student in a classroom, genuinely trying to understand the subject matter. - Why don't we all go together? They've never had to fight a group of twelve.

- Divide and conquer, Raze. Let's secure the three-point radianite instead of just one.

Chamber rested his fingertips on his temple, looking at Brimstone as if he had stated with conviction that 2 plus 2 equals minus 73.

- So, Groups A and B are dismissed. Chamber and Viper are with me.

Group A, consisting of Clove, Phoenix, Killjoy, Sova, and Waylay, stood up, discussing the mission amongst themselves. They had everything they needed to succeed. With Sova's leadership and Waylay's support, the younger members would have a better chance to shine.

Group B, consisting of Raze, Skye, Cypher, and Vyse, lingered in the room for a few extra seconds, processing the information. Cypher and Vyse were older and excellent strategists. It wouldn't be difficult for them to surround the battlefield and trap their opponents. But Raze would be overwhelmed in her role as a duelist. Even with Skye's healing abilities, she might not be able to handle being both initiator and support. And they lacked controllers to suppress enemy vision.

However, the worst-case scenario of all was group C. Brimstone, Viper, and Chamber. Two controllers and one sentinel. Numerical disadvantage and imbalance of roles.

- Brimstone, I know you've wanted to kill me ever since you met me. - Chamber said after the other group had left. Vyse had just left, stomping so hard the ground seemed about to crack. - But at least I thought you'd make it look like an accident.

- I thought you could handle anything, kid. - Brimstone held Chamber's piercing gaze, returning it intensely. - I chose you two for a reason. - He said before they could argue. - You're discreet and precise. We don't need a fuss. The other groups will take care of that. - He leaned on the table, looking deep into both of their eyes. - We're the ones who will secure the radianite. It's in and out.

Chamber leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. Viper pressed her lips together, sharing the dissatisfaction. She glanced at the holographic mission map, formulating questions.

- Are you sure they aren't expecting an attack in Toronto?

- Absolutely.

- Is the route marked?

- And assured. - Brimstone straightened his posture, imposing his height. He stood tall, like the statue they were building for him. Despite his firm stance, the commander's expression betrayed a hint of apprehension. He wasn't foolish enough not to know what the agents had been thinking about him lately. However, it unsettled him to see so much doubt coming from his right-hand. - You don't trust me anymore, Viper?

No. She didn't trust him.

Not after Clove took more shots to the head than Viper could count on his orders. Not after Sage collapsed from resurrecting agents who were sent on missions he organized. Not after so many failed plans.

Viper looked up, staring at his face as if he were an ancient monument that aroused nothing in her but indifference.

She remembered a time when she admired him as a friend, leader, and mentor.

That was a long time ago.

- We'll be at the hangar in fifteen minutes.

4:54 PM

Viper needed more than fifteen minutes to put on her entire tactical suit. It was a hodgepodge of fabrics and devices that had to be carefully placed in a specific order, or she risked perishing from her own poison.

It was a pain to put that whole thing in a hurry.

While Viper struggled with the last boot she had to put on (she still thought herself stupid for designing it so high it went up to mid-thigh), Chamber analyzed a hologram map of their destination. He had already decided where to stay to protect the group, where to position his portals and traps. It was a matter of going in and out, but his mind had already devised hundreds of possibilities. Most of them had bad outcomes.

- Okay. - She sighed, fastening her mask around her neck. - We can go.

- Uh-huh… - He said distractedly, leaving the locker room and walking with her towards the hangar. - Look. - He gently tugged at her arm with one hand. - There's a portal opening point here. - He pointed to an alley on one of the streets on the map.

- Another one? - She looked at the map, frowning. Chamber had marked at least four quick exits back to their earth.

- It's never too much. - He assured her, fiddling with the hologram and sending it to her. - It's on your tracker. Did you get your knife?

Viper nodded, pressing her lips together to suppress a smile. Chamber was a marksman and a sentinel. Thinking of all possible escape routes was an essential part of his job, and he did it meticulously.

However, he couldn't fool anyone by saying he wasn't worried about Viper. The Frenchman always double-checked to make sure she came out of battle safely.

- Keep the Vandal. The Headhunter and the Tour de Force are loaded. - He continued speaking, and Viper nodded mechanically, reaching out to open the door to the portal hangar. However, Chamber pulled her by the waist, turning her to face him. She automatically grimaced.

- What?

- You forgot something.

He positioned her between himself and the wall, giving her that charming smile that revealed his one sided dimple. Sabine looked at him disdainfully, lowering her gaze to her own outfit as if she had no idea what he was talking about.

- No. I haven't. - She took Vincent's arm, lifting it and indicating the time on his watch. - We have two minutes.

- It's an eternity.

Sabine raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes. The good luck kiss for the mission was something they always did in secret. Never in the hallway where anyone could see them. It was too much exposure for her standards.

She glanced to both sides, checking if they were alone, and squinted at a camera above Vincent's head. Even when about to leave on a mission, Cypher was always watching. It was like having a Moroccan Big Brother.

- Oh, please… - He murmured, moving closer to her. - He had seen much more than that...

Sabine shook her head and raised one hand, placing the tips of her fingers on his lips. Vincent pouted against her glove, with that puppy-dog gaze of someone needing attention. The American stared at him with a hard expression. She was angry at Brimstone and his terrible decisions. Usually, the force of hate guaranteed her good results. However, her emerald eyes betrayed her amusement. Being with Vincent always relaxed her a little.

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, putting on her mask. She savored his annoyed grimace for a moment before pulling away from him. She wasn't going to risk wasting the extra energy she had when she was angry. She would compensate him later.

- It's time.

6:00 PM

[MISSION REPORT 897 - AGENT 01 - CODE NAME: BRIMSTONE]

Status: Failure.

Unassured radianite.

Agent 18 - Codename: Chamber - Incapacitated.

Interrupt operation.

2:03 AM

The corridor of the medical wing at headquarters was dark and still. The only movement that disturbed the local calm was Sabine's restless leg, tapping frantically on the floor. Sometime during the night, a cup of coffee had appeared in her hands. It was awful, but it was hot. The heat warmed her skin and helped a little to have something to focus on. The burn on her hands was easier to deal with than the tightness in her chest. Than the headache she felt as if she had the one who had been shot.

What brought him down was a shot to the left side of his forehead. She didn't see when it happened. She didn't remember much. She thought Brimstone's idiotic plan would work. She managed to reach the spike deployment point, and Chamber was watching them from a high vantage point.

But when the defenders arrived, he went down. He couldn't see through the smoke and gunfire. They only knew there were five of them in total.

They decided it wasn't worth it. It was too much of a disadvantage. Chamber assured them that their path to the portal was clear.

She should have stayed with him. She should have pulled him along. She should have poisoned all the enemies. She should have stopped it.

Her leg twitched faster and her breathing became more labored. 

She remembered his body. She remembered the blood. She remembered the rain. She remembered his broken glasses.

Prefrontal cortex. The place where the bullet hit Vincent. The part of the brain responsible for logical thinking. She always activated that area. Her prefrontal cortex was more developed than any other part of her brain.

However, with tense muscles, rapid breathing, and a frantically pounding heart in her chest, Sabine was being controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, leaving her ready to flee or fight.

Sabine Callas was terrified.

The doors to the surgical ward swung open, revealing the surgeon, who looked weary as if he had just fought a battle. She jumped to her feet, spilling her coffee on the floor and flying toward him. The doctor's deep eyes widened slightly as he noticed the ferocious creature before him.

- Ambassador Callas, I didn't...

- What’s Agent Chamber's status? - She blurted out bluntly. Her voice was like thunder, resonating in the doctor's chest and striking him with the dread of having to answer that.

He took a deep breath, clasping his hands behind his back. He knew he shouldn't beat around the bush with her as he did with normal people. It would only irritate her more.

- He's in an induced coma. He's very lucky to still have brain activity. - Sabine's eyebrows rose and her lips trembled, her mask of hardness and fury shattering. - Without Dr. Wei, we can only hope he wakes up. But even if that happens, there's a high chance he won't be the same. He may have partial vision loss...

Sabine stopped listening, putting one hand to her mouth. Not to hold back the tears that had been welling up in her eyes for hours and which she had forced herself to suppress. It was to stifle the maniacal laughter that stemmed from her terrible, dark sense of humor.

Vincent had always been afraid of surgery to correct his myopia. Now he wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. Not being able to see must be better than having a laser pointed at his eyes, right?

If he didn't wake up, he wouldn't really have to worry about anything else. Not about missions, not about marriage, not about Paris, not about the world ending, not about her.

Damn, he was in a coma and might never wake up.

- Ambassador Callas. - Sabine startled as she felt the doctor's hand on her shoulder. She looked at him, unable to recognize his features. The world was blurry. She almost laughed again. Vincent wouldn't see anymore, and she was going the same way. - Is there any family member we should contact?

Family? Vincent had a brother who had been out of contact for several months, and he didn't seem to mind. He never mentioned his parents. The closest thing to family he had was the Legion and her. However, legally, they were absolutely nothing to each other.

The surgeon sighed, interpreting her silence as necessary denial.

- Rest, Ambassador. It was a long night.

Was it already night? She vaguely remembered the sunset illuminating his body as they brought him to the operating room. She didn't know that time still had the right to pass if he wasn't there.

Sabine couldn't remember when or how she got to her apartment. She didn't remember changing her clothes or eating.

But she remembered that his side of the bed was the right one.

And it was there that she slept, smelling his scent and feeling the texture of his pillow. She pretended she had gone to bed early and that he would soon be lying there with her. He would squeeze himself between her and the end of the bed, using her invasion as an excuse to hug her. And, this time, Sabine wouldn't complain about sleeping cuddling. 

Vincent wouldn't be long in returning to bed.