[Opening: Project M Theme]

FusionFall Infinite

Season 5

Chapter 39: Warpers, We Got a Problem

[Old Elmore, Vice, Outer Towns]

[Cues: Spongebob Squarepants OST – Eastside Story]

The Jade Company, plus Kaze and his friends, were all gathered at one of the new hideouts, the house that used to belong to the Watterson family…in Vice. Not much of a 'new' hideout…the rain pouring outside did not help the case.

"Uck, why are squatting in this shithole?" Princess said in annoyance. "I could have arranged a hotel room."

"That would have raised questions." Saki said.

"Then we make it look like we're gathering for an o-"

She was shushed by Carol who gestured to K.O. causing the heiress to sigh in defeat. Ryker had called the meeting but was out getting the food everyone ordered.

"So, where's Rose…I mean, Pink?" Enid asked.

"Out on a mission surveilling the Red Phoenix Pirates. She's given us a status report that she's made a small base on the Moon of the universe she followed them to." Garnet explained.

"Mind if I ask why Ryker's calling for meeting?" Mandy said as Maylene was on her phone. "And shouldn't Connie and Steven be here?"

"They're not really apart of the group. Connie was only staying with us until Steven got back, and the two have went independent since." Amethyst said a bit saddened.

Pearl was outside smoking a cigarette as her husband held Jewel in his arms. She was worried about the cult as its civil war was spilling into the planet. The police, the other groups, and themselves were running ragged to stop the chaos. The attacks were mostly random and there were a few close calls. Then, it suddenly stopped…and that was not a good sign. Ryker rolled up in his car getting out and using an energy barrier to block the rain. Pearl put her cigarette out before letting him in. The barrier dissipated once he got inside, and he piled the food on the coffee table.

"The Big Smoke Order's mine." Ryker said pulling that closer to him.

"That silly game is as old as you, and they're still serving that as a menu option." Pearl said as everyone took up what they order. "Unbelievable."

"Don't underestimate the power of memes." Kevin joked before sipping on his soda. "Now spill."

"Wait…Frankie's not here? This concerns her too." Ryker said as Gwen sighed.

"Frankie's off-planet. She got so stressed out after all of this, that her family sent her off to have a vacation. Earth Dimension EVA-181818-Sigma." Gwen said as Ryker raised an eyebrow. "That vacation place Ryker recommended Desmond and his knight. Elsa Lynn and Mifune went with her."

"I'm pretty pissed that those cult assholes blew up the battle academy, denying me my pay." Maylene snarled.

"Let me get down to business. First things first, the cult. I got good news and I got shitty news. The good news? The cult's moving operations away from CN Zen-Kuro which means no more random attacks." Ryker said getting cheers. "But the shitty part is…the civil war ended badly for both sides because a new player entered the game and took over. Because the cult was a mess at the time, it was really easy to gets spies in. Not with the newcomer. He's weaning out the spies. I was surprised Merch had one investigating the cult, but…I guess he would get a Rei clone under his employ. I guess he owes Desmond thanks."

"Did she get a name?" Gwen asked.

"Yes, but he wore a mask and referred to himself as 'Kotesu'. The kicker was whoever this guy is…only became a warper rather recently." Ryker said getting surprise out of everyone. "And while she was not even able get the plan before she had escaped, she was able to confirm that they're no longer going to be attacking Zen-Kuro. Apparently, we're not his target."

"So, case closed, right?" Ruby asked.

"For now." Ryker admitted. "We don't have a lot of information at all to go on."

"Well this is a disaster, what about the Elvitallix?" Pearl asked.

"Quiet. He hasn't shown his face or done anything since the 'Kotesu' took over. That's not a good sign at all." Ryker said finishing his food. "I need a smoke."

Ryker went outside.

[-o-]

[Nowhere, The Wilds]

[Music Ends]

"Ikari Gendo, right? I am 'Kotesu' and I have a offer for you to consider." 'Kotesu' said. "I do apologize for the meeting place but I did want to do this in an empty place. Easy to sense out and see any prying eyes."

"You called me here. This better be good." Gendo said as Isabelle was leaning against the car she drove Gendo in.

"Look, you have resources but no combatants. I have combatants, but no resources. We both work together to build our strengths and a reasonable army, we'll be able to deal with our enemies. Because you and I got similar people on our shit list, but if we are going to deal with the big dogs…we need to deal with the smaller targets first. You see…I had a mistress who trained me. She was a great evil…but she grew softhearted. So, when I discovered her true origins and the secret, I ditched my old village to achieve a greater goal. To do what Rebecca failed to do…and we'll have it all. An empire and our enemies on edge." Kotesu said eloquently.

"What do we have to do?" Gendo said with an interest.

"Simple, we back away from our big targets leaving them with distractions. We focus on the smaller targets to build up our armies. Pirate tactics really…not every world is full protected by capable warpers after all. And I think you'll be quite interested in gaining some power." Kotesu said showing Gendo a briefcase and opening it. "DNA that you can inject into yourself to get Wood Release. You can use to make plenty of wood…durable stuff that you could sell for big bucks. I have an eye for business, you see? So…do we have a deal?"

"You got me interested. You delivered. It'd be a pleasure, Kotesu." Gendo said shaking his head.

"Please. Kotesu is the name that cultist rubes will buy into…please you deserve me real name. Gozen. Gozen Itsuki." Itsuki said giving Isabelle the case. "I'll keep you posted on potential raids. Right now, I arranged some thugs and the like to give my old universe some trouble. But it's a distraction for us to train and gather power. For you, I suggest offering sanctuary to any farmers from any fallen Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon worlds for 10% of their farm's profits. I'll have someone go back with you to your village who will serve as my contact for you. You can come out of the car, Shikinami."

Out of the car came what appeared to Asuka but…different.

"Asuka Shikinami Langley. The Rebuild continuity has it's perks." Itsuki said stroking her hair. "Like Rei, they made clones of Asuka here. I got the idea from Desmond…I simply used my time to find a world full of the Shikinami and Ayanami clones before taking them for myself. This one is Number 74 among the many. I got an Asuka clone attacking my old homeworld with false memories that she's a pirate. I expect that one to die soon."

"Note to self, watch Rebuild continuity." Gendo thought.

"Regardless, 74 here will assist you with everything you need." Itsuki said before returning the car to a capsule. "Now it's time we bolted."

"Indeed. Come along, Asuka." Gendo said as they both used portal guns.

"As you wish, Commander." Asuka said stoically.

Everyone had left through their respective portals as the wind blew through the desert sands.

(A/N: So, I'm going to do something different. The next few chapters of FFI are going to be a bit less action and more slice of life as this reflects the plot…the cult's not going to be issue for them. Functionally, they go back to 'normal'. Yes, I know I'm setting up plot for the Geist Within, but I did have to 'wrap up' the cult issue for the moment. See ya next time!)