Chapter 29

(Dante's pov)

Next day

16:56 PM Russia ST Petersburg

The cold in Russia was like entering the 9th circle of hell...I didn't mind...I find it comforting to me...

"In other news, ADVENT is on the search for a possible Japanese teenager calling herself Fantomu neko. A infamous hacker who has been causing mischief on ADVENT systems and has taken control of ADVENT security systems as we speak."

The propaganda lady showed what looked like a black cat grinning like if it was Professor Genki from Saint Rows. I found it quite cute since Mizuki pretty much got inspired from that damn thing alone.

"Sources report that she is being protected by a local resistance in Italy to ensure that she doesn't get arrested in the name of justice. ADVENT forces are now arriving to the scene to apprehend her to end her mischief once and for all."

Good luck with that...

*Hours ago at the Avenger*

"You okay, bro? Vincent told me that you broke in tears when you had a nightmare about the time he was experimented on." Marco said with concern.

"Yeah...I'm fine. Just...something I wished that never happened."

"Looks like ADVENT are up for round 2 on Italy." Central tells the commander.

"No need to worry. I upgraded security in here for a very good reason." Mizuki's face appeared on the screen.

"You seem over confident of yourself." The Commander said with a neutral tone.

"Believe or not but this kid did one hell of a job on improving our defenses. Anti aircraft missles, modified turrets, even made MECS with a nice little X-Com logo on the arms. They won't know what will hit them." Vulpe chuckled.

"You sure you don't need help?" I asked Mizuki.

"Positive. If the chosen show up, my sister will deal with them while I focus on the defense." Mizuki giggled.

Rachael reminded me of Michonne from the walking dead: here we remain with the cloak and hood on and two katana on her back. only difference is that she has a half kitsune mask on her face. She was always the kind of woman who respected Japanese culture past or present. If memory serves me right, that mask is pretty known for ninjas from what I've seen in Japanese media.

"Okay...but if things get out of hand, we're coming in." The Commander said.

"We'll keep that in mind." Mizuki says as she does a peace sign.

*Present*

Wanted screens of me as the viper king displayed by ADVENT bright up like Christmas lights alerting civilians that I was a threat to humanity. Unfortunately for ADVENT, Russia wasn't too influenced by ADVENT's lies of peace and do not wish to be mindless slaves to them and stay loyal to their country. You got to admire the loyalty the Russians have. They would start causing riots without warning, start fights on ADVENT soldiers or smash vodka bottles on the ADVENT soldier's skulls out of mischief. No doubt ADVENT are trying to take over and control the situation but it's going to be difficult for them when this happens...

*BOOM!* *BOOM!*

One of the ADVENT buildings blew sky high as a car casually drove by me...I did however did get a good look on the man next to the driver riding shotgun. Russian. Male. Late 40s. Had a cap on and was wearing a trench coat. An outfit like tells you that the man is a saboteur. No doubt ADVENT will be trying to find him if they are lucky...

"Brrr...how do the humans get used to this cold?" I hear Hunter shudder.

"A simple drink...vodka."

"What is that?"

"A putrid drink that you don't want to drink and can easily get you drunk due to how strong it is." I rolled my eyes and went in the safehouse.

"...Noted."

I sincerely hope he doesn't plan on drinking...then again...it would be funny to see an alien drunk on vodka because of his curiousity. Would be quite the party...now where was I? Ah yes...I was in the safehouse looking out the window to see an some ADVENT troopers trying to get rid of the fire as I hear...

*KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*

I cautiously got off my chair while I quickly took out my silenced pistol in case something were to happen. I cautiously walked towards the door and as I looked through the peek hole on the door...it's Dahila. The hitman Vincent talked about. I slowly open the door as she crosses her arm with a neutral expression on her face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked her.

"We need to talk."

Straight to the point...

"...Fine...but I deserve some explanation about your "death"." I narrowed my eyes.

"Fair enough."

She walks in the room then sits on a chair near the table as I closed the door and locked it...

"Mind telling me how you are still alive?" I asked as I turned around looking at her.

"Your mother thought it was a good idea to play doctor with my body and injected me with a serum that acting like a Lazarus effect. Bring back the dead with just simple dose of it. May have given me enhanced regeneration cause of that dose. When she was gone, I destroyed the formula and managed to escape undetected using the fire in her lab as a distraction."

So my mother was making some sort of medical substance for ADVENT...glad Dahila destroyed them when she had the chance. Would hate to see ADVENT soldiers going up to their dead soldiers and bring them back to life with a dose of whatever that was...

"I see...was there a reason why you were in Florida?"

"Let's just say I was going to relocate Vincent somewhere safe before ADVENT showed up but I was too late."

Something tells me that could be a lie...but as if she read my mind...

"If you don't believe me, you're more than welcome to talk to the old man about it."

"...I'll keep that in mind. Now...what do you wish to talk about?" I said as I sat down on the chair.

She takes out a PDA and shows me a map with a few red dots on them...this could only mean...

"There's two areas that has ADVENT facilities. Beijing China and Panama Brazil. Their heavily guarded though but if you can ruin their operations there, they'll most likely have a hard time finishing what they started."

"You know...You could've helped the commander of X-Com with this kind of information."

She scoffs at me not too fond of the idea...

"Please...I work alone in times like these. I'm only doing this so I can see my sister squirm as you destroy her facilities."

"Alright...suit yourself." I shrugged.

Before she left...

"Oh and tell your friend to stop following me. Just because the guy is some sort of alien hunter who stalks prey from afar doesn't mean I don't know he is watching me."

Oh for fuck sake...really? He really did that?

"I'm sure he got the message." I sighed as I pointed at the comm link in my ear.

She rolled her eyes as she walked out the safehouse but before she left...I said...

"Christo is still alive...Grandpa's team got him out of a stasis suit and is still recovering in Florida."

She stopped as there was a long silence...

"...Thanks...for telling me..."

And then she left...

"I think she likes me..." Hunter joked.

"You do know she's going to kick your ass if you keep this up?" I sighed earning a chuckle from Hunter.

This guy is going to be the death of me...

4 hours later...I was walking in the sidewalk outside of the safehouse when I noticed a Russian car slowly tailing me...it got worse...on the other side of the sidewalk I have seen that car I seen when the ADVENT building was blown sky high...the Russian was there too waiting by the car staring at me with a carefree smile on his face.

"Bang! You're dead, Dante Vera." He chuckled as he pretended like he fired a gun with his finger.

I might have laughed if I remembered how...

"What's this supposed to be? Cops and robbers? Look you want something with me, get in line." I frowned.

"Peace, man. Relax. You know are a real news item? "Armed and dangerous. Traitor of ADVENT and chaos bringer to the peacekeepers." I am going to make you an offer you can't refuse...I always wanted to say that." He said with a hearty laugh.

"It's a bum rap. They are trying to play victim just so they can get the people on their side." I crossed my arms.

"Eh...that's a moot point. Whatever you did or did not do, I'm sure you had a good for reason for doing it. Want to me hear me out?"

"I'm listening..."

Where have I seen this scenario before...?