[Opening: FusionFall Legacy Theme]

FusionFall Infinite

Season 4

Chapter 33: The Bright Spots in the Dark

[Orchid Bay, Downtown, The Core]

The aftermath of the battle yesterday had wore on Kuki and Wally's nerves. Memories of old times with lost friends. Normally, they did not step in directly, but this time…they did not want another loss of life to the Fusion Monsters. They lead the charge that day and most of the KND agents were in awe at how efficient they slaughtered mob after mob. Much to the veterans' ire, the cultists were able to escape using a teleporter. They took most of their equipment and the Monsters that were not sent to fight leaving the heroes with nothing to show for it. While the Core can breathe a sigh of relief that Cult of Combination seemingly lost their last stronghold in the city, that just wore on their nerves of others on that they got that far. Sector CH returned back to their hometown after a job well done. Fusion Force had gathered to be at Saki's side at DexLabs and Saki had revealed the information he got from Joshinari. Learning of the cult's inner workings and their associates was a great help.

However, it also exposed a link about one of the KND.

Which lead to today as Kuki and Wally arrived at Orchid Bay to seek Fenix out. Fenix had come to this world as a 'refugee' and moved to immediately sign up with the Kids Next Door. Of course, he was a bit old for it, but his caring nature for children and his fighting abilities managed to convince Wally to let him into the TND. He worked up the ranks and became rather well-liked, but he was a mystery otherwise. No one really knew what he did when he was off-duty…or where he even lived. Fenix had not really talked much about any family…and considered what the two found out, they understood.

"What I don't get is how the hell did Fenix and his friends didn't raise any red flags on the immigration process?" Wally said as Kuki got coffees for them both.

"Developing nation and all that. Honestly, this explains why Fenix never asked for housing and the like. I had asked the agents if any of them knew where he lived, and they did not. I can buy that he hid he was a pirate, but I can't believe we failed a spot check that he was a pirate captain." Kuki said handing Wally his coffee.

"Most of our teen spies only really hang around the Skate Park." Wally said dryly as they arrived at the docks. "And there's the ship. Think we should call?"

"This is going to be a clusterfuck in dealing with this…but seeing alternates of our friends. The report 4286 sent us details he escaped the universe but took people with team. Our old team save for the alternate us, Numbuh 86, Numbuh 362, Tommy, Cree, and oddly enough Numbuh 2's grandmother." Kuki said with a sigh. "But let's just get this over with, remain professional and try not to cry."

"I don't know what's worse…the fact that alternates are here or that they lost their 3 and 4.

The two leapt up onto the ship only to see the pirates clearly had a wild party last night. Sugar and booze were all over the place. Nigel was passed out next to Rachel…both had ice cream on their faces while they were leaned on a tree on the ship's outdoor garden. Hoagie and Tommy were on the floor passed out as Abigail slowly woke up.

"Oh, Numbuh 5's aching head…that sweet sake really…" Abigail said only to throw up over the side. "Oh man…at least Numbuh 5 can…"

She turned to see the two adults which she swore looked like Wally and Kuki.

"We're not your Wally and Kuki." Kuki said forlornly.

Abigail wiped her eyes to clear her vision. For one, those two were clearly adults…on the young side at early twenties. However, the two's looks gave off the mature air, one of having seen plenty suffering. The older Numbuh 3 wore a black trenchcoat, a sleeveless sweater in her trademark green, dog tags around her neck, a silver wedding band on her right hand, black pants with green leather pieces on them, a Hog Wild Handgun in a holster on her side, and white and black hi-top sneakers. Kuki's hair was still long, but just kept up in a bun with what appeared a cross of chopsticks in it. Her gray eyes hid inward melancholy with a thin faded scar on her right check. As for Wally, his hairstyle was also similar as it was in his youth. His green eyes also had a ragged look to him with him having a faded scar on his left cheek. He also wore a black trenchoat but wore it over an orange hoodie with mesh armor in front of it. His pants were a dark blue with a pair of Heatblasters in holsters on both sides of his pants. He wore dark combat boots and had a silver wedding band on his left hand.

"Yeesh, you both look like you've seen some shit." Abigail said.

"12 years of war and strife will do that you." Kuki said slurping her coffee. "I'm fighting not to break down sobbing just having you here."

"Same." Abigail admitted. "My counterpart didn't go down to a vampire, right?"

"No. But how she died was not much better." Kuki said with a sigh. "Just wake your friends up. I need to find Fenix."

The two headed inside the ship leaving Abigail to think, "Not going to lie, they look pretty good. Though I wonder if that's just the style of this universe. Eh, questions for later."

Adelle was in the middle of pouring herself a glass of water only to see Kuki and Wally come in.

"I believe we're looking for your captain." Kuki said as Adelle yawned.

"Who the hell are you?" Adelle asked blunty.

"His bosses considering that he works for the TND." Wally said as Adelle spat out the water.

"You're not supp-Well, it's too late to lie. He's in his quarters…probably hangover from the party last night. What a rager." Adelle said.

Then she heard Fenix yell, "FUCK!"

"Well, he's awake." Adelle said as Kuki and Wally moved ahead.

Wally should not have kicked the door open because they walked in what was clearly Fenix and Cree having a small crisis over a surprise extra bedmate…in Lydia. Fenix looked like a deer in headlights, Cree was bright red, and Lydia did not even care to make herself modest.

"Den Mother Kuki, Den Father Wallaby. I…I…can explain." Fenix said red in the face as Kuki facepalmed.

"Ok, I get Cree. But why in the love of fuck did you sleep with Numbuh 2' grandmother even if it's in her teenager form? You do know that's temporary." Kuki said as Wally backed out slowly.

"Actually, it's permanent. Warper powers really are something…you guys think of everything." Lydia said before turning to Fenix. "And he wasn't complaining."

"I was drunk under so much booze and sugar." Fenix said facepalming. "And I barely rem-Oh…wait, you and Cree were…"

Blood trickled down his nose as he remembered as Kuki looked squicked out. Cree shook her head in disbelief as Lydia had a smug smirk.

"Just get dressed, perverts." Kuki said leaving the room.

A few moments later, everyone was gathered in the kitchen where Kuki and Wally introduced themselves. Fenix fluffed his captain's greatcoat. He had worn the Delta Blacklight set in shirt, pants, and shoes all with captain's greatcoat.

"Den Parents?" Abigail asked.

"Yes, we're the major overseers for the TND and the Adults Spies. We also handle paperwork for the Kids Next Door and work closely with the Supreme Leader. A 'family' unit so to say. Someone has to handle the government paperwork." Wally explained.

"This is a lot to take it. It's just rather freaky to meet an alternate counterpart. Let alone an older one." Nigel said sheepish.

"Same. It's just been years…since the lost of fellow comrades in arms." Wally said in a quiet tone. "But we're also here on another matter. Namely, Fenix and his family ties."

"Is this about my half sisters?" Fenix said as Amandeee flashed a glint of her meito blade.

"Not really. That's Immigration's problem for missing that red flag. No, it's about your mother. She's not only now a warper, but….she's an associate of the Cult with her pirate crew becoming space pirates." Kuki explained as Fenix had a look of unimaginable horror.

Fenix always kept his cool, but the mention of his mother had him in a panic tailspin as Cree, Amandeee, and Galette moved to comfort him to get him to calm down.

"How dangerous is his mom?" Fanny asked.

"She was an empress of a nation, strong enough to bulldoze most of our old villains, and she has the power to eat your soul draining your lifespan." Wally said as Tommy gulped. "And that psycho's out there. Apparently, it's a business relationship. It seems the Charlotte Family has recently got in the warping game."

"Damn it, and she's going to be looking for me, Amandeee, and Galette." Fenix said.

"Take a breath, kid. Even if she knows where you are, she can't up and waltz in to harm you and expect to get away with it on an OU. The Charlotte Family are new blood warpers…and they're going to learn the hard way." Wally said shaking his head.

"Well, they got into some shit already." Sugarnose said looking at his phone. "Apparently, they somehow ran into one of the Blackthorn family. You know, the youngest daughter that's single. One of her sons slapped her rear…"

Facepalms. Just facepalms all around as the former Charlotte siblings asked which.

"Anglais." Sugarnose said.

"But he's only 14." Galette said as Amandeee had a look of disbelief. "What happened?"

"Well, Big Mom laughed it off as 'boys will be boys' and Evie did not take that well. She broke Anglais's arms and materialized a bear trap over his crotch. Big Mom is lucky that Evie did not sue for sexual harassment, instead. Still…bear trap to the crotch has to hurt." Sugarnose said as they all shuddered.

"Moving on…seeing that you're a pirate crew. Congratulations, you're going to be stuck with a few missions as punishment for not being upfront." Kuki explained.

"So, what happens to us?" Hoagie asked.

"You can join the KND with open arms. All of you…except Cree and Lydia." Kuki said glaring at the two.

"That's fine. I think I could get used to being a pirate." Lydia said with a smirk.

"Numbuh 5's been thinking…of joining the Red Phoenix." Abigail admitted.

"Abby, if you do want to join the crew, you're more than welcome." Fenix said putting a hand on her shoulder.

Abigail ultimately settled to join this world's KND but leave at thirteen to join the Red Phoenix Pirates in full. Tommy was over the moon for a second shot in the organization only to grimace to learn they were going to have to go to school. Cree got lucky in that she was told she could get a GED if she wanted.

"Seriously? School?" Nigel complained.

"I don't make the law. I follow it. Plus, it's literally a school where you learn to fight among other things. Besides, I should get you all over there now. As for where you'll say on holidays, my door's open." Kuki said as a tear ran down her face. "It's good to have you guys around. Welcome to Zen Kuro."

Kuki and Wally had left with the kids as Adelle was getting ready to head off to school herself.

"Ok, so I'm going to get my GED and all, but what am I going to do here exactly? You didn't exactly explain the ranks." Cree said sheepishly.

"Oh, that's my mistake. Amandeee is my first-mate, the vice-captain of this crew. She's usually in-charge when I'm off on missions and the like. Galette is our cook, and her food is divine. Yes, we do all take turns cooking, but it's mostly her. Beira's our shipwright leading the charge in maintaining the ship. Shuraiya's our direct combatant and assassin while helping us all train in combat. Silk's our navigator and accountant who manages the money for the crew overall. Sugarnose is our spy and sniper, the one gathering intelligence while sharpshooting those in our way. Little Miss Marshmallow is our doctor who studied under some famous medics in the multiverse." Fenix explained. "Finally, Adelle…I guess would be our cabin girl, but she's only full-time when she's not in school."

"Just because you're dating the captain means you'll get a high position." Galette said in a warning tone to Cree before turning to Lydia. "Neither does sleeping with him, either."

"We could always use more combatants anyway. We're aware the both of you can fight, so we'll start there." Amandeee said firmly. "And you'll be coming to me if you want to consider a specific task. I don't need you sweet-talking my brother into something you don't deserve. Understand?"

"Yes, m'am." Cree said.

"What exactly do you do for funding?" Lydia asked.

"When we're not sailing for treasure, raiding certain ships, or pulling off risky jobs in Vice, we all pretty much 'day jobs'." Fenix explained. "We run a small shop. Little Miss Marshmallow sells healing items. Shuraiya, Beira, and Galette will sell FusionFall era-items we…'find'. Silk's our accountant with Amandeee assistaing. Sugarnose does take PI work on the side. Me? I….do various odd jobs when not on the KND clock. Draw commissions, tutor kids, and help out my crew."

"You two will be our gopers. Assisting us where we need it." Silk said brushing her blonde hair aside. "Now, as a token of welcoming to our crew. We got you some new clothes to change into. Some of the FusionFall era stock we sell."

Considering Lydia had not exactly packed much in clothes that fit her teen frame, this was a relief to hear. Both went off to change. Cree found herself getting a black hoodie with the jolly roger on her chest, Countryside Shirt, Countryside Capris, and Freezer Boots. Lydia reveled in her leather jacket, black bandana with the jolly roger on it, Iris Tunic, Tech Capris, and Freezer Boots. She still retained her yellow domino mask. In new clothes, they were greeted by Shuraiya who led them to the armory within the ship.

"Beria tinkers a bit with the weaponry both on the ship and in the items we use. Cree, I was told you used Battle Ready Armor to fight. Well, among our FF gear we sell…there is a B.R.A. set, but it's not of stock from our supplier at the moment. As for weapons, I got you both covered. For you Cree, a ninjaken blade and a Beamer Pro pistol." Shuraiya said handling Cree the sheathed blade and the pistol.

"And what about me?" Lydia said twirling her cane.

"Presidential Rifle. Captain mentioned you like the heavy stuff. I'll also get you both a standard fare of smoke bombs, emergency hidden blade, and a capsule case to store anything you want." Shuraiya said before giving Lydia the rifle and two of them the starter kit. "You'll have to see Silk about getting you a cell phone."

Lydia and Cree went on to see Silk in her office, and blonde navigator/accountant had a wary eye on them before handing them both phones with grey cases.

"The warpGalaxy Essentials 3. For 2020, pretty behind. For you two from the late 2000s, probably the most advanced phone you've seen. Preloaded with wi-fi, talk, text, and the standard stuff. Our contacts are on and it's locked to you both. Set your passwords and customize them as you want. Just don't lose them." Silk said as they took them up.

"This is a phone?" Lydia said.

"Oh right, you're young in body, but old in mind. Let me just help you both." Silk said putting a hand on Cree and Lydia.

With a spark of warper energy and telepathy, information was rushed into Lydia and Cree's heads. Both looked wide eyed in shock as Silk looked like this was normal.

"I just mentally transferred how to use the phones. Don't think about it too hard." Silk said going back to managing finances. "There's a pair of one strap backpacks in that pair. One for you and one for her. Any questions?"

"Yeah, where do we sleep?" Lydia asked.

"We have a men's quarters and women's quarters. I assume Cree probably is going to be sharing the captain's bed." Silk said bluntly as Cree blushed. "Look, don't be sheepish. You and the Captain really do get along. I'm rooting for you. I already got my guy in Shuraiya, Sugarnose has Little Miss Marshmallow, and I've been wanting the Captain to find his happiness. You're nearly set…Sugarnose will be on the docks waiting for you."

As the two new pirates walked out with their new backpacks, Lydia had asked something of Cree which got her glaring at the brunette.

"You can't be serious." Cree said as they walked on the ramp down to land.

"I don't want romance and besides, he's certainly got a lot of stamina." Lydia said with a wry grin. "Just ask him at least."

"I'll think about it." Cree said inwardly cringing before they found Sugarnose with a lollipop in his mouth.

"All right, newbies. You're all set. I decided to be the one to give you some starting cash and a bit of a gift of my own. On this country, it's the U.S. Dollar or Taros. Keep this in mind." Sugarnose said giving them both 500 Taros. "And as for my gift."

He tossed them both capsules explaining that it them was an Azul Flying Motorcycle.

"Nothing fancy, just something to get you around. If you make some decent cash, you could buy yourself a car to take part in the street racing in Bayview." Sugarnose said before licking the pop in his mouth. "I'm off to work. Later."

Sugarnose took his leave and the two decided to explore the city.

-=o=-

[Aboard the Queen Mama Chanter V2, Space, Between Universes]

"Miss Linlin, you hired me to be your advisior. So, I have to be completely blunt with you, and I need you to just listen and not throw a tantrum."

Matias was a warper who, like people of a certain habits, specialized in an area to make a profit in warper society. For him, it was being the assistant, accountant, and advisor for groups. He was a combat butler in a sense, even had the suit and training to prove it. Sure, he was a man of average height in a family where height was ridiculously high, but it did not scare him. They were willing to pay him, and he wanted to take the job. New warpers were easy to manipulate after all.

"Ok, Mr. Zane. But please call me Mama." Linlin said munching on a cupcake.

"Yeah, no. I have to remain professional. It's my job. And allow me to break that professionalism for a moment to say. WHY THE FUCK DID YOU PISS OFF THAT GIRL?!" Matias said before regaining control of himself.

"Oh please, I don't know why you didn't let us kill her?" Cracker said arrogantly.

"I'm sorry, excuse me for not wanting to start a reality warper war. No one wants that. Plus, we should be lucky Evie left after that." Matias said only for Cracker to grab him by the collar.

Before Cracker could attack, Pudding stepped up to defend Matias. Matias had inwardly smirked as he was glad he had charmed Pudding. To him, her third eye was no big deal. First thing he did was lambast Linlin for making fun for Pudding for it. He personally did not tolerate bullying for things out of their control which also got favor with Katakuri, who made Cracker let him go.

"Let the man speak, Cracker." Katakuri said firmly.

"Thank you. Now, that girl belongs to a clan who are essentially the 'Emperors' the Warping World. Though it's more of the politics of clans. Clans are basically families or a group of those with a close blond. That young lady belongs to the Blackthorn clan. They're a small clan, but their power is no joke." Matias said fixing himself.

"How strong are we talking?" Anglais said weakly as he was trying to get the bear trap off.

"If this was a battle between her family and this one. You all would get your asses handed to them. Namely, the parents and front-runners of that clan would make mincemeat out the Sweet Commanders and Big Mom herself. Take into account, you're dealing with a society that can gather information about any fictional character is not really all too hard. Plus, they have rank over you. I explained this to all repeatedly and I'll say it again. DO NOT PICK FIGHTS WITH 10th LEVEL WARPERS. Considering the lot of you are rank 4 newbies, and I'm literally the only level 6 warper among you…you should be inclined to listen." Matias said flustered.

"Is it possible to get up to tenth rank though?" Linlin asked.

"No, it's a special rank earned at birth. 10th rank warper are essentially 7th rank warpers coming into the multiverse and basically bending reality with no real limit other than imagination. Highest you all can go is Rank 6. Then, you can all take some risk. Just be lucky that we don't have the Blackthorns on our heads." Matias mused.

"But would there be a way in getting them on our side?" Brulee asked.

Her appearance had gotten fixed up, namely her nose and skin were a healthy side. Matias had used his skill with Warper Edit to alter that...partly to get her on his side and out of a bit of kindness.

"One problem. The Cult of Combination. You agreed to work for them and if Evie finds out about this…it would make it even easier to gather a posse of the clan and her allies to go after us. Best bet of appeasement would be aiding in the Cult's defeat." Matias explained. "I know they got you the parts needed for the ship, your warper powers, and me hired…but in my humble opinion…that cult is pissing off too many people."

"He has a point. We don't exactly know the goals or the enemies this cult has." Smoothie said concerned. "After all, we did give the cult what they wanted. It's best we cut ties."

"I suppose it is for the best. I rather not be tied down after all…the goal is to resettle in a place far away from the World Government." Linlin remarked. "And there's the matter of seeking out the wayward warper son, Fenix."

Unlike the other 'wayward' kids, Fenix did something no other had did…manage to leave and took two of his sisters with him. That angered her, but also impressed her. It took serious balls to stand up to her and giant ones to cast off the name to strike out of your own.

"Ah yes, him. I've done some digging and I have located his wanted poster. Yes, warper society had them too and they're for everyone. Good or bad." Matias said before projecting the wanted posters up on the screen. "He's formed his own pirate crew, the Red Phoenix Pirates."

"The Renegade Phoenix" Fenix D. LaNico – 35,500,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"That's not impressive." Cracker snarked.

"The scaling for bounties is different in the multiverse. Plus, your old bounties don't carry over to the multiverse. Functionally, you all don't have a bounty yet." Matias said as Cracker sputtered. "Plus, note the rank. He has achieved 6th rank.

"Vice Captain Viper" Amandeee LaNico – 33,000,000 - 6th Rank - Active

"Glazed Gal" Galette LaNico - 30,000,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Nice to at least see they're still kicking. I wonder who does the shots for the pictures." Brulee asked curiously.

"Sharpshooter Sugarnose" Sugino 'Sugarnose' Nui - 15,750,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Marshmallow Medic" Marla 'Little Miss Marshmellow' Nui - 15,750,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Pirate Executioner" Shuraiya Bascùd- 25,750,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Pirate Badger" Adelle Bascùd- 550,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Tender of the Phoenix" Beira – 2,550,000 - 6th Rank – Active

"Pain's 11th Hour" Cree Lincoln – 250,000 - 4th Rank – Active

"Cold Codger" Lydia Gilligan – 300,000 - 4th Rank – Active

"Just nine? And from the looks of things, those last two are new." Smoothie said surprised.

"I'm pulling up a profile. Seems they've been active group for two years. All crewmembers except the last two were recruited from the same universe as yours. The two in Candy Pirates are descendants of the crew from Fenix's father. Shuraiya was a bounty hunter who joined him after helping to kill Gasparde to free his sister and her 'grandfather'. The last two don't have much, refugees from some fallen Earth. I do have a location on where they are." Matias said.

"Set a course for it, immediately. We need to have a family reunion." Linlin said with a cackle. "But Matias, I'm curious about your own bounty."

Matias pulled it up.

"Bloodsoaked Saiyan of the Time" Matias 'Mizuna' Zane – 60,000,000 – 6th Rank – Active

His wanted poster's picture had after a battle soaked in enemy blood. Jaws dropped. This guy had nearly twice over their brother and sisters. Cracker looked at the photo seeing a bloodthirsty savage then the calm guy here with them.

"I did many things because I became an assistant for hire. I used to be a Time Patroller working alongside the famous and infamous. Me? I kept to the shadows and learned well. I may not be as strong as the likes of Ryo fucking Blackthorn, but Cracker…I can mop the floor with the lot of you. I just live to be underestimated." Matias said with a split grin. "I simply keep quiet, observe, and learn."

Cracker was shuddering and Big Mom was impressed.

"If I offered you a chance to join my family through a marriage, you'd accept?" Linlin asked. "Maybe, Flampe?"

"While I would accept your offer, I can not marry Flampe. She's an asshole and I don't think she's wife material at all. There are more attractive options." Matias mused looking to Pudding.

"So, you want to marry the three eyed freak?" Flampe snapped.

"My point exactly. She's not going to be useful for political marriages if she's a bigoted jackass. She'd probably piss off the wrong person and get us all killed." Mathias said as Linlin stroked her chin.

"Well then, I know what must be done. Flampe, I strip you of your rank and put you under Mathia's tutelage to be trained to be wife material." Linlin said as Flampe looked horrified. "And as for your request, I will allow you to marry whoever you desire."

"Pudding." Mathias said as Linlin looked at him as if he was crazy. "Her being a triclops is no big deal for me at all. I'd be more than happy to have her by my side."

Pudding was all the happier to marry Mathias and Cracker was fuming that Mama put him as second-in-command.

"Now, seeing we're going to cut off from the cult. We need to…stock up on treasures, supplies, technology, and get ourselves refreshed." Mathia said with a cheeky grin thinking. "I have so many plans."

"So, are we gong after Fenix?" Anglais asked.

"Not yet. We need to ensure things before we confront him. No need to rush, he's not going anywhere." Mathia said as Pudding took his arm.

"Mathias, you are on your way up. And I have so much to do to get Flampe back for being a little bitch."

(A/N: Big Mom and family as space pirates? That has to be a fic on it's own I may do in the future. Regardless, I revealed new bounties and a new wildcard in the process. Mathias was inspired a lot by Geist Naruto and Streusen from One Piece. Picture Mathia as a craftier take on Geist Naruto, sliding more as an anti-villain. Considering he's rolling with a crew where most of who are in front are a pack of dumbasses, Mathias has to be the guiding light. I pity him.)