I started heading back to my apartment, hoping that Sophie and Mother Wasp haven't torn the places to shreds. The only way I was able to even leave by myself was because Sophie didn't trust Mother Wasp.

But it was nice to take a breath of fresh air, talk to Hikari, and check on Gabriel.

He should be fine for the immediate time being, even with Killian Stromford knowing my face. But I think I'm going to have to move him to an Underground clinic.

I hadn't wanted to because it costs even more to keep him alive there, but it's better if he's safer. I'll get that handled after I find myself a new place. I need to erase my tracks once again.

What is the Underground, you ask? That's the general name referring to the various crime and unlawful things in the city. The club at Waverson Hotel, for instance, can be considered to be a part of the Underground.

As I was walking I suddenly had a strange feeling down my spine. I turned around, looking for someone, but didn't see anyone.

Huh. Thought I was being watched for a moment.

I continued walking back when I noticed myself pass a familiar corner store. It's been a while since I've been here. They'll be fine a little longer, right? I can take a little detour...

I pulled up my hood and entered the corner store, a new cashier behind the desk. He was writing something in a notebook, not paying attention. Couldn't blame him.

I strolled over to where I would always visit. The comic book section in the back. I like books with pictures.

I don't usually buy them but there's nothing wrong with looking at them, right?

Let's see what we have here...

Starboy Issue #327? That's a classic superhero comic series, alright. Seems like he's fighting some people in space.

Fairy Knights: The Graphic Novel? I assume that has a connection to those games somehow.

Hearts of Fire? I haven't heard of this one before. Wait a second...isn't this a freaking Stellar x Foxfire fanfiction turned into a comic? It's even published too?! What the hell?

How do I know that? You don't get to question me!

Oh look, they even have some manga now. Heaven's Hell Volume 1? Can't say I know anything about this one.

"Put the money in the bag!" Someone screamed from the front.

Is my luck seriously this bad? Am I cursed or something?

I should be.

Sorry, you've reached voicemail, please leave a message after the beep.

I glanced around the corner, seeing a man wearing a cheap kitsune mask as he pointed a pistol at the scared cashier. The cashier was quickly putting money into a bag on the counter.

I quickly looked around, trying to see if there were any cameras around in the store. The only one is behind the counter and I had my hoodie on. Should be good to go. I pulled out my ski mask from my pocket, pulling it over my face.

After last night I'm taking one of these everywhere I go. I call it the emergency tactical ski mask.

I crouched down, sneaking through the small aisles up to the front of the small store. I peeked out from around the end of the aisle, seeing that I was practically right behind him.

"Wait a second, you don't look like Foxfire to me." I grinned, leaning on the aisle.

He whirled around in surprise, swinging his gun to face me a little too slowly. I grabbed his arm, moving the gun out of the way and slamming my knee into his stomach. He gasped, keeling over and allowing me to grab his arm and throw him over my shoulder. He landed onto the floor, the gun clattering to the side. Before he could do anything else I kicked him across the face, properly knocking him out.

"I...thank you." The cashier gasped. "Who are you...?"

"No one, really." I replied, grabbing his gun and flicking on the safety. "Just some guy that does crime."

I grabbed the bag, throwing some of the money at the receptionist before taking the rest and bolting out of the store.

"What?!" I heard the cashier scream in surprise.

I quickly turned the corner, making my way into an alleyway before too many people noticed. After finding a good spot to hide I pulled out the money, shoved it in my pockets, put the ski mask away again, and then discarded the bag.

And then I started walking again like nothing happened, exiting from a different alleyway.

I got a little bit from that stunt. Not exactly that much, but any amount counts. And you just can't trust these lower level goons anymore, who knows what he would've done!

Learned that again from the North Stromford incident.

Police sirens sounded in the distance as I finally approached the apartment. I walked to my room, took a deep breath, and then unlocked the door.

"...what are you two doing?" I sweatdropped.

The two of them were standing in the middle of the messy room, staring straight into each other's face. Sophie held the same emotionless look she always held while Mother Wasp held a smug grin.

"Don't be so mad, little robot." Mother Wasp giggled, walking over and wrapping her arm around my head. She pulled me into her, causing my face to be smushed against her side.

"Keep your fleshy meat bags away from my Master." Sophie replied, pulling me away.

"All I'm hearing is jealousy, dearie." Mother Wasp smirked.

"Master only needs me." Sophie stated. "I can provide for his every need."

"I'm not sure about that." Mother Wasp grinned. "There are some things that a robot can't do."

I think I'm in my popular phase.

I don't wanna be in my popular phase.

"Let's calm down for a moment." I nervously chuckled.

"You're right, my little worker wasp." Mother Wasp replied. "It is time we discuss our future plans. Granted you will still work for me?"

Sophie held onto my arm, staring at Mother Wasp. "I will." I nodded.

"Perfect." Mother Wasp smiled. "We still have our usb here, the one I retrieved while you and the others were using the Stromford Facilities as distractions. This usb file is classified information about the I-Genome project."

"Can't we leak that?" I asked. "Since your goal is to not only kill Killian, but also ruin his company?"

"We can, but not quite yet." Mother Wasp replied. "I thought about it this morning, and I realized I was being too rash because of my desire for revenge."

"The problem is that we're going against a CEO with considerable amounts of power." Mother Wasp stated. "And not only that, but one with a decent reputation. Leaking this, by itself, it will probably get swept under the rug. Even if people do see it, how many will truly believe?"

"No, we need to sow the seeds of doubt first." Mother Wasp continued. "Which means we need to continue our assault on Stromford, while also getting people to question Stromford. Then, hopefully with some more evidence, we can start leaking."

"I...think I'm following." I replied. "But that means more public stunts."

"Good job, dearie!" Mother Wasp smiled. "You're so smart."

"I...thanks?" I questioned. What's with that praise? I suddenly feel like I'm being treated like a child.

"Now for our next step..." Mother Wasp hummed to herself. "...is making you more powerful."

"That makes se-" I paused. "...what?"

"You've been promoted, my little worker wasp." Mother Wasp pushed the bottom of my chin up with her hand so I'd stare her straight in the eyes. She leaned in, giving me deja-vu as she whisper in whispered in my ear. "You're now my right hand henchman."

"What?" I blinked.

She smirked as she leaned back, Sophie's grip around my arm tightening.

"Do I need to spell it out anymore?" She continued. "You're my second in command. My most valuable subject. In fact, the rest of my henchman don't even matter..."

She grinned at me, a spark of something in her eyes. "...I only need you."

Oh no. Suddenly I feel as if I'm in danger.

"Little miss bucket of bolts won't be enough." Mother Wasp replied.

"Master does not need any other servants." Sophie stated. "He needs only me."

"Maybe when it comes to servitude, but there are other things that are important as well." Mother Wasp continued. "Such as connections. How many connections to the Underground do you have, dearie?"

"I have an information guy that hangs out at Waverson Hotel." I replied. "That's really it. I don't have any connections to the villains I worked for in the past."

"Waverson Hotel?" Mother Wasp looked at me in surprise, before her face reverted back to a smug smile. "I shouldn't be surprised."

"Though, I do have to ask..." Her face suddenly became dark. "...what other bosses? Could you name them for me? If you left them, then surely it'd be fine for me to erase them..."

"You don't need to worry about erasing them..." I replied, a bead is sweat running down my forehead. "...most are either dead or imprisoned."

"Anyways, I shall be helping you with forming some more connections." Mother Wasp stated. "I shall come back in a week."

"About that, I actually need to move." I replied. "It's getting around that time."

"I see." Mother Wasp nodded, a grin growing on her face. "Then move in with me."

"What?" Both Sophie and I said.

"You heard me." Mother Wasp smirked. "My house. You know the place."

Kyler Street?

"That's your house?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Mother Wasp sighed, resting her face on her hand. "I find it quite convenient. Though it's so lonely. People are only there when I need to order them to do a job."

"If only..." She looked up at me with a smirk.

"Master shall not fall to your temptations." Sophie stated.

"Right." I nodded. "Besides, Sophie would have to come with."

"She can come with, of course." Mother Wasp smirked. "And it's free."

"I'm in." I immediately responded.

"Master..." Sophie looked at me, staring a hole into my head.

"It's free, can you blame me?" I nervously chuckled. "That's more I can save for..."

"I understand, Master." Sophie replied. "You have a good reason."

"Perfect." Mother Wasp grinned. "Then we should start packing up, dearie."