2020 Maxime Julien Durand / Void Herald

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Any perceived slight to specific people or organizations are unintentional.

This loop would end like the previous one, in Sorrentos.

At least a horde of bloody mutants didnt pursue Ryan this time around, but the realization left him bitter. He knew that causality had a tendency to reassert itself, and though the courier would break that chain of destruction, he had spent weeks, if not months in New Rome. He had befriended dozens of locals, heroes, and villains. Watching the city on fire again filled him with anger.

The courier hadnt felt so determined to save these people since his first Perfect Run in Monaco.

Only Shroud, Felix, and Sunshine had been allowed to follow him to the meeting point: the exact same building where Ryan reloaded after the last loops disastrous end. The group bypassed a defensive perimeter of hundreds of Vulcan-made turrets without any problem.

Only Atom Kitten and See-Through came in full costume; Leo Hargraves panted as he walked in human form, while Ryan came with a dashing suit granted by Mr. Wave.

Have you forgotten how to walk? Ryan asked Sunshine, who lacked endurance. Im sorry, but I only carry damsels in distress in my arms, or lost kittens.

How about Atomic Hound? Felix asked. How does that sound, as a new name?

It sounds like Atom Puppy to me, Ryan replied. Felix let out a sigh, realizing that there would be no escape from mockery.

Hargraves smiled, though there was little joy in it. The longer I use my power, the less I want to become a man again, he confessed. Sometimes I spend weeks without returning to normal, and often forget that I can.

Your power impacts your mental health? Felix asked, as they reached grey, reinforced doors. A camera observed them.

In a way, Sunshine admitted. A part of me wants to shed my humanity, and become a radiant sun full-time. I didnt understand why, but meeting the Alchemist quelled my doubts.

Its not a bug, Ryan said. Its a feature.

Sunshine shared an extremely strong connection with his Elixir, perhaps as much as the courier himself. Both were closer to this ascension than most. Ryan still didnt fully understand what the process would imply, but transforming into a denizen of the colored realms was a part of the package.

Hargraves might end up becoming a true sun one day, leaving Earth to illuminate some dark corner of the universe. Ryan considered it a better alternative than him burning their planets atmosphere, or worse.

Yes. Thats why I try to stay a human when my power isnt needed. If you spend all your time in the air, you stop relating to the people on the ground. Sunshine narrowed his eyebrows, as a thought crossed his mind. I wonder if Augustus is in the same situation. Unlike me, he cannot revert back to his human state.

If half the tales we learned about him are true, he was a nasty piece of work from the start, Shroud replied.

I know, Hargraves said with a sigh. But a part of me hoped that human nature wouldnt be capable of such cruelty without outside factors.

Ryan remembered his first date with Livia, and how he had found Discount Zeus posing as a statue in his own kitchen. The courier had blamed senility back then, but in hindsight Lightning Butt probably suffered from a similar syndrome as his nemesis. The power slumbering inside him wanted to become a statue of indestructible, inviolable metal, and it became harder to resist the urge with age.

The buildings doors swiftly opened, a golden retriever in human form immediately latched onto Felix. The poor kitten let out a gasp as the vile creature squeezed him like a fruit, while Ryans judgmental gaze appraised her white ensemble. Six out of ten, maybe seven.

You fool, you idiot, you moron! Fortuna said so many flowery insults in such a short amount of time, that Ryans mind automatically censored half of them. You heartless little...

Hi, sis Felix didnt finish his sentence, as Fortuna slapped him on the cheek with enough strength to crack his mask. Hey!

You deserve worse! she replied, before hugging him again with tears in her eyes. You idiot you almost died if you had died, I...

Atom Cat said nothing for a moment, before hugging his crying sister back. Im sorry I worried you, he said, and he meant it.

Two other girls emerged from the building, a teenage spitfire and an elegant lady. Felix! Little Narcinia immediately joined the group hug, overjoyed to see her adoptive sibling again. Thank God youre alive!

Im here, Narci, Felix whispered. Im here.

Though Leo observed Narcinia with a sad frown, Ryan didnt pay much attention to her. He only had eyes for his own lady.

Livia walked out of the doors threshold, wearing the black coat and dark ensemble that she loved so much. The dress highlighted her pale skin and hair, and the red around her eyes.

She cried, Ryan realized. She cried for New Rome.

Neither said a word. They didnt need to. The couple simply hugged her tightly, and let their hands do the talking.

Meanwhile, the Veran siblings had separated, and Fortuna finally noticed her boyfriends presence. Mathias.

Fortuna, he replied, removing his glass helmet with his power. Im glad youre

She kissed him on the mouth before he could finish. At first surprised, Shroud put his arms around his girlfriend and shyly embraced her back.

While Leo, Livia, and Ryan smiled at the sight, Fortunas siblings reacted with distress. Ew, Narcinia complained, while Felix looked weirded out.

Dont ew my future husband! Fortuna said upon breaking the kiss.

Husband? Mathias asked, horrified.

Youre marrying me, his girlfriend answered, as if it were obvious. I had some doubts left about our relationship, but watching you help save my brother dispelled them. We are meant to be together, and this time, Im not letting you leave. Ever.

Wow, youre skipping a lot of steps, Mathias replied, though he didnt protest as much as Ryan had expected.

But you already have the ring! Fortuna protested. You only have to make your proposal!

I dont have a The squeegee man magnet froze in place, examined his glass armor, and noticed a golden ring accidentally stuck in it around his waist. He let out a loud sigh. So thats how it is.

No way out, Invisiboy, Ryan warned him.

Mathias rolled his eyes, before pushing his girlfriend back kindly. Lets do it properly, alright? he asked her. Take it slow, see if we can make it last a few years?

Oh, sure, she replied with confidence. I know it will work out.

Ryan chuckled, before glancing at his own girlfriend. Youre under house arrest, milady?

They are, Livia said upon breaking the embrace. But I am not friendless. Uncle Silvio sent the guards away for today.

Neptune? Shroud asked, his girlfriend putting her arms around his left one. Why would he let us have this meeting?

Because I told him this was the only path to peace that I could see, she replied with a sigh. He is the only sensible head among my fathers close collaborators.

What happened in our absence? the glass man asked.

Livia looked down on the ground, her hands reaching for Ryans. Her boyfriend held her fingers into his own, and she squeezed them.

After you fled, Father reached the conclusion that you and Dynamis were allied, and so The Augusti princess looked in New Romes direction. Even kilometers away from the metropolis, one could still see smoke in the skies. And so he decided to launch an offensive. I did everything I could to stop an escalation or delay it, but

Augustus had made up his mind long ago, Shroud guessed. His mothers prophecy stated that Lightning Butt would go ballistic at one point, and causality would not be denied.

Yes, Livia said sadly. My father always intended to strike at Dynamis. When the Bliss Factory fell and Felix attempted to take Narcinia away, the conflict became inevitable. Hector recalled Fallout before granting him command over his corporate army, and now the war will engulf Europe.

Ryan could almost taste the guilt in her voice. Since she had helped her boyfriend destroy the Bliss Factory, she blamed herself for the war that resulted. Its not your fault, Livia, the courier reassured. You did all you could.

I didnt, she replied with remorse, while Felix observed her with a strange gaze. I had years, Ryan. I had years to take more drastic measures to prevent this disaster. I thought I thought that if outside circumstances changed, my father wouldnt unleash such destruction. Because he treated me with kindness, I excused his cruelty towards others.I looked the other way, and I was wrong. Its him, Ryan. Its all him, and he will never change.

Narcinia noticed Sunshine gazing at her, making her anxious. Im Leo Hargraves, the shiny paladin introduced himself, his voice kind and warm. Some people call me Leo the Living Sun.

I know, Narcinia said, a bit intimidated. My parents hate you.

While Shroud winced, Leo shook his head. No, they didnt, he said, his voice heavy. Your parents were my friends.

He searched into his clothes and brought out an old picture, showing it to Narcinia. Ryan glanced at the photo, which represented a couple and their baby child. The man, built like a woodsman, had black hair and familiar blue eyes, but the woman the brown in her hair, the freckles on her cheeks, the smiling face...

Though she had only inherited her fathers eyes, the resemblance between Narcinia and her mother was uncanny.

This is your father Bruno Costa, and his wife Julie. Some of the nicest people I ever met. And this baby Leo put a finger on the child. This baby is you, Giulia.

Narcinia took the photo without a word, while her siblings looked on. Felix could barely suppress his anger, while Fortuna clearly didnt know what to say.

You were born long before I met your parents, but I held you in my arms where you were only a few years old, Leo continued. Your parents your parents were heroes. Your father was a Yellow who could cut through anything, and your mother was a Green with the power to alter life. Together, they were trying to make this scorched planet green again, until Augustus slew them and took you away.

No. Narcinia refused to accept it. No. It cant be. My parents, my true parents, were raiders. They deserved to die.

He speaks the truth, Narcinia, Livia said, looking at the photo with regrets and remorse, as if she had done the grim deed herself. These are your true parents. Mars and Venus lied about everything.

It cant be! Narcinia protested, looking at her elder sister for support. Fortuna, say something!

Narci, Livy is never wrong, and our parents our parents tried to murder Felix, because Godfather Janus asked them to. Lucky Girl tightened her hold on her boyfriends arm, while her brother looked away in silent rage. If they can do that, theyre capable of anything.

Augustus murdered your parents, Leo continued, the pain raw in his tone. He he killed them while I was away, and took you with him. Afterward, he had Bacchus shatter your mind, so you would forget your family, and give you to Mars and Venus when they struggled to conceive a third child.

Augustus also slew the fifty people who lived at your mothers farm, Shroud added with disgust. He burnt the crops she had made with her power, plants that could have helped erase famine and clean up radioactive areas of the globe.

Why? Livia asked, while Narcinia covered her mouth with one hand in horror.

Because your father is not an emperor, but a deranged warlord. He offers no future, believes in nothing but strength. This. Shroud pointed a finger at the smoke clouds in the skies. This is his ideal world. Fire and ash.

I know, Livia replied, her tone icy. I know.

Leo Hargraves locked eyes with the Augusti princess, and the empathetic sun understood what made her feel ill-at-ease.

What happened to Juno was a mistake, Leo Hargraves said. I will not apologize for it, because nothing will ever excuse an innocent dying. The ends never justify the means employed. On that front, you are right to despise me.

I dont have the strength in me to forgive you for killing my mother, Mr. Hargraves, even accidentally, Livia said with a long and heavy sigh. But my father has to be stopped. What he has done today is monstrous, and cannot be justified however a part of me wants to. I will not make excuses for him. Not anymore. You are right, nothing can excuse slaying the innocents, and my father killed countless more than you ever will.

So you will help us take him down? Shroud asked, causing Livia to nod firmly.

You have my word that once your father has been stopped and his organization dismantled, I will submit to whatever trial you see fit for your mothers death, Hargraves promised to the Augusti princess.

If we can stop him, Shroud replied, before glancing at Ryan.

Leave this to me, the courier replied. Jupiter won the first round, but Saturn is back in the game.

Livia didnt answer, causing Narcinia to look up at Hargraves. Tell me more. About my The young girl coughed. About my parents.

I will, Sunshine promised. He had waited years for this.

Leo Hargraves started regaling Narcinia with tales about how he met her true parents, while Mathias took Fortuna aside, holding her hands. Ryan guessed that his translucent friend needed to come clean about how he saw their relationship.

Which left only Felix, who exchanged an awkward glance with his ex. Livia?

Felix, Livia replied, half-icy, half-embarrassed.

Im sorry I dumped you, he declared bluntly, before thinking it over. Well, no, not quite. Let me reword that.

Damn, he made Len look like a smooth-talker.

I still think that quitting the Augusti was the right decision, and I stand by it, Atom Cat continued. But I could have done it less harshly. I knew you were under a lot of pressure to smooth things out with the organization, and when I saw New Rome burning I realized that you were trying to prevent this disaster.

No, Felix. Livia shook her head, her voice breaking. You were right to leave this rotten empire. I know how you felt about me. Its I understand why it could never work between us. Our parents pushed us into something we werent ready for.

But it wasnt right to condemn you for being in an impossible situation. If you had left, Augustus would have lost all fetters. I can blame Jamie and Ki-jung for looking the other way, but I see that you were trying to stop your father from the inside. Felix awkwardly scratched the back of his head. All of this to say that I hope we can stay friends, even after all of this.

We can, Livia replied with a small smile. But now is not the time to discuss rebuilding burnt bridges.

No, no of course not. Felix glanced at Ryan with embarrassment. Sorry, Quicksave, I realize this discussion must feel awkward, considering the two of you are dating now

Heh, jealousy is for those who dont trust their partners, Ryan replied, making Livia blush briefly. Its alright, kitty.

Felix sheepishly looked away, before straightening up. Good luck.

Atom Kitten hastily left the couple alone to join Leo and Narcinia, while Matt and Fortuna had a heart-to-heart talk a few feet away. Ryan was glad that Felix made an effort to reconnect with the people he left behind; the courier still thought that the kitten had a right to leave a toxic family environment behind, but he had thrown the good aside along with the bad.

You know, Ryan whispered to his girlfriend, when we met, I never thought you and Sunshine would end up on the same side.

I dont like him, she replied while leading him inside the building. But I trust you.

He followed her through the corridors and into a private bedroom with painful yellow walls, and a painting facing the bed. Though unfinished, Ryan recognized his own torso, holding Livia in his arms bridal-style. His girlfriend must have started it a few days before the courier returned from Antarctica.

I missed you, Ryan, Livia said as she closed the door behind them. It was hard without you.

I told you, he replied warmly. I will always come back.

How were your winter vacations?

Didnt you receive my messages, princess?

I did, but I want to hear it from your sweet, sweet lips.

The trip was pretty good, he answered while stroking her hair. I destroyed the Illuminati, the Reptilians, and raided Area 51.

You destroyed our government's secret masters without taking me with you? She pouted. Though I guess you left us the CIA.

Would the Dynamis military-industrial complex count? He moved his forehead against her own, until he could smell her warm breath. You wanted to tell me something when I came back.

She blushed, before averting his gaze. Its going to sound cliche.

Cant you subvert my expectations? Ryan asked, causing Livia to chuckle. Nah, Im kidding. Theres no such a thing as a bad clich, just a bad execution. Its all about saying it with the heart.

Livia moved in front of him, put her arms around his neck, and locked eyes with her boyfriend. Ryan held by the waist, and studied her expression. Her cheeks turned bright pink and she bit her lower lip, trying to muster the courage to speak. Eventually, the Augusti princess took a long deep breath, and said four words.

I love you, Ryan.

And her boyfriend didnt know how to answer.

Oh my, you are actually speechless, Livia said with a sheepish grin. You didnt expect it?

No, I didnt, Ryan admitted, his heart having skipped a beat. He he hadnt heard those words in a very long time. I expected the worst, like I dont like your car, or Im pregnant. We didnt take any precautions on that front.

Ryan, I have been on the pill since our first date.

Wait, you knew we would end up playing Bill and Monica in the oval office?

I His princess looked so cute when she was embarrassed. I didnt know, but I I kinda hoped that we would from the start.

And you never said I love you to anyone else?

I said I love you, Dad, I love you, Mom, I love you, Felix... but never I love you, Ryan. Livias cheeks somehow reddened further, and her expression turned into a sheepish smile. Im so sorry, it sounded a lot better in my hea

Her boyfriend kissed her on the mouth before she could finish. Ryan embraced her ferociously, making up for the weeks they spent apart, and she matched his own desire. When at long last their lips parted, the courier whispered words of his own into her ear.

I love you too, princess.

Ryan lost himself in her blue eyes. He loved the sight of her hair, so blonde-platinum that they might as well be silver; he loved the taste of her lips, her sweet voice, her kindness, and the adorable faces she made; he loved that she laughed at his jokes, making him feel less like a lone island of culture in a sea of ignorance.

Perfect delivery, Livia said, her fingers moving to his hair. Maybe we should do a double-take?

They did, and then made a third take just to be sure. Then he lifted her on the bed, to film the uncensored directors cut.

I know it hasnt been long since we met, but Livias hands trailed against his shoulders. I haven't felt that way for a boy in a very long time.

I have loved too, Ryan replied, holding her gently. But this is the first time I get the feeling it will last.

I want it to last, she said, in-between kissing his neck. I want us to go through the next loop and prevent that horrible tragedy. I want us to share an apartment, and make breakfast together. I want to go skiing with you, and to the beach too. I want to be with you.

I missed you, he answered. For a blissful moment, Ryan completely forgot about the Carnival, Bloodstream, Dynamis, Augustus, and everything else.

He could only think of her.

Like all good things, it was over too soon.

We have to go, Livia said, as she finished putting her black coat back on. They will wonder what were doing.

Well tell them it was a private projection, Ryan said with a shrug, before charmingly helping her comb her hair. I think were ready for the grand opening.

You said you could bring six people with you now? Livia chuckled. One for each color? Should we call ourselves the Rainbow Warriors?

The Colorful Eight? Ryan replied.

Youre pretty bad at math, arent you?

Its a cunning strategy. That way our foes will always wonder who is the missing member. It will inspire fear. For all they know, our eighth Genome could be Mechron.

When she had finished dressing up, Livia sat on his lap while he rested on the bed. So? His girlfriend asked. Who will be on the winning team?

Im open to suggestions. Maybe Narcinia? Were missing a tagalong kid.

My plan was to make a mind-map of her now, but not to transfer her mind, Livia said. If Felix and I ask her to, she will submit to the memory upload in the next loop willingly.

Livia, we cant leave a priest, drugs, and a preteen on an island without supervision, Ryan joked. Its a recipe for an FBI raid and a True Crime video. And thats not mentioning the people in the basement...

To save the Bliss test subjects, we will have to strike the factory early with Narcinia and Bacchus inside. I can inform Narcinia of that secret room, and she will give the victims medical assistance, but Bacchus will ground her in response. We will have to extract her from the island by force.

Ryan considered it a plus. He had sworn to bury Bacchus beneath his facility, and intended to deliver.

So, here is the timeline so far. The courier tried to put everything in order. I call Braindead as soon as I reload, so he arrives in New Rome as soon as possible. I give Ghoul the grave robber treatment, finish my delivery

Is that part necessary? Livia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Quicksave always delivers, no matter how many tries! Ryan was proud of reforming the postal service, one explosion at a time.

Do you have a twenty-four hour delivery offer? Livia asked with a sly smirk. I could take you up on it.

I have one, he said, putting his hand on her chin, but only for the right person.

She exploded into laughter, the most wonderful sound Ryan had heard so far in his long, long life. Alright, Ryan, his princess said with amusement. So afterward we meet at the bunker with anyone you could send back, and we deliver a one-sided trashing to Adam the Ogre.

I love it when you speak my language.

Since we attack the Meta-Gang within mere hours of your reload, we should be able to save every Rust Town denizen that they captured, Livia added.

Im hesitating about the planning afterward though, Ryan admitted. Should we strike the Bliss Factory and then Dynamis?

I suggest taking one organization at once, Livia said. If neither the Meta-Gang nor Felix make waves, my family will stay more or less dormant until the Olympian meeting. So I propose that we take over the bunker, build that dashing armor of yours, cure the Psychos

And break the Dynamis monopoly?

Livia nodded. If their Knockoffs true nature is exposed and the supply destroyed, the organization will collapse. We can ensure both Hector Manada and Fallout are removed from power, and leave Enrique in charge of reforming what remains. Alphonse Manada will fight to the bitter end though, and there is the question of your adoptive father.

In the end, Len will choose what we do with Bloodstream, Ryan replied. I want her father dead for the good of everyone else, but I owe her that much. A choice.

Livia nodded. There is also another reason to target Dynamis first. Their Gravity Gun.

Their anti-Zeus weapon? Ryan suspected it used the same technology as Mechrons variant. You said it wouldnt work in your visions.

It wont work with Dynamis, but you have a way of making my visions lie, Livia replied. With Dynamis out of the picture we can focus on my family. We will need to act quickly, as Dynamis collapse will embolden Dad. We will have to strike before he can mobilize his organization to take over the city, and for that, we need to decapitate its leadership.

They would have to take down the Olympians, and then top the rampage by bringing down Mob Zeus.

Are you sure you want to be involved in the demolition? Ryan asked. You can leave this mess to me.

Livia silently looked at him, her eyes heavy with concern.

What bothers you? the courier asked.

What if he kills you? His girlfriend asked with concern. What if my father kills you? Or Aunt Pluto, or Cancel? Or Adam and Fallout?

They wont. Though deep down, Ryan remembered that all his encounters with Augustus had ended with a thrashing so far. The courier had yet to defeat Fallout in a fight either.

They can, she replied, unconvinced. And if you perish without sending my mind back, I may not trust my notes and submit to the memory transfer.

Ryan tried not to think of that possibility. If I die, and if I reload, I will come to you, and we will find a way.

How?

I dont know, her boyfriend admitted, but I will find a way. There is no such a thing as a plan guaranteed to work, and I

You what? Livia asked with a frown.

I watched you die before, Ryan replied, remembering the time Big Fat Adam blew up the Bliss Factory alongside Len and Livia. I watched almost everyone outside die at least once. I cant let that happen again. Even for the sake of memories.

Thats why I cant let you fight my family alone, Ryan. The risk for us to lose everything is too great. Livia gathered her breath, trying to process her feelings. I cant continue making excuses either. Not after watching this pointless bloodbath unfold. I I love my father, and my aunt, but they are so few, and they will kill so many. I cant close my eyes on this truth, even if it hurts.

Instead of speaking a word, Ryan moved his arms around his girlfriends hips and hugged her. Livia rested her head against his shoulder, eyes closed.

Thanks for being there, Ryan, she said softly. I you cant imagine how good it feels. To have someone there to support you, no matter how harsh the circumstances.

I return you the sentiment, he replied, kissing her on the cheek. Thanks for helping make this right, partner.

She looked at him, and smiled.

Ryan prayed he would see that face again, for many years to come.

So, Livia said. Knowing this plan, who will you take with you?

You and Len, obviously, Ryan replied. Bianca, because it will make the ogre hunt easier. Atom Kitten, because he will do something stupid otherwise, and Shroud, because I need a new windshield.

This leaves one spot open, Livia said. I can bring Fortuna as reinforcements, even if her mind isnt sent back in time, so we need to pick the right ally.

Wardrobe, Ryan said immediately.

Livia looked a tiny bit jealous, to his amusement. Seriously, Ryan.

The Panda.

Youre sure?

Certain. After all his achievements, Ryans Pandawan deserved a spot on the team. Besides, he could help strike the bunker early, unlike Leo Hargraves or even Mr. Wave. Although...

Although?

I usually have joyride runs before wrapping things up, Ryan said. To try all the things I wont be able to do after my Perfect Run. Like, you know, prank your dad, send Luigi to space we could do that together.

Livia shook her head. No, Ryan. Its kind of you to propose that, but no.

Youre sure? It would have been amazing.

I know, Ryan, but you need to die with each reload. And even if we find a way to make the memory transfer painless, each new loop increases the chance that you perish early and that I that we have to begin again. She took his hands into her own. I care more about us than having fun.

So did he.

"Or..." Livia smirked. "Or you could save right after we send everyone's memories back in time. That way, everyone will keep their memories, even if you die and reload forcefully."

Ryan frowned, and gave the idea some thought. "The problem is, if I save and I missed something-"

"You will save within ten seconds of the reload," Livia interrupted him with a chuckle. "What difference could ten seconds make?"

Good point. It wasn't something Ryan usually did, but well... he was open to new experiences, and it cost nothing to try.

It was time to begin his Perfect Run.