EPT
A Blog Novel Series by Seeker
Graphics by shiroiusagi
Table of Contents
Other
The Delay (read after Ch. 11)The Comeback (read after The Delay)
Special New Year Chapter
Chapter 20
FLASHBACK: 2 YEARS AGO
It was past midnight and everyone within TL headquarters was asleep. That is, everyone except for the two individuals arguing furiously within Nazgul’s chambers.
WAFLLES: Just calm down for one damn second! Let me explain.
NAZGUL: There’s nothing to explain. You straight up lied to me. You lied to Smix. You lied to everyone that ever helped you out with this project. (stops abruptly and slowly turns around) You fucking lied to Plexa…
WAFLLES: Victor please… Just give me a chance to explain everything.
NAZGUL: What is there left to explain?! I already found out about everything. EVERYTHING!
WAFLLES: No you haven’t! You don’t know everything! It doesn’t matter shit to me if you think you know everything, because the fact of the matter is, there is only one person on this entire planet that knows everything, and you’re doing all you can to not listen to that person!
NAZGUL: You want to know why? It’s because I can’t trust you anymore. The time to tell me everything would have been in the very beginning when you approached me with Project HerO in the first place. Now it’s too late and I don’t want anything more to do with you. You’re done, you hear me? Get out!
WAFFLES: Fine! You don’t want to listen to what I have to say then fine by me. But at the very least, AT THE VERY LEAST, let me just say one final thing before I go.
NAZGUL: Say it quick. I have a lot on my plate now that I’ve just fired one of my most trusted project managers.
WAFFLES: … (takes a deep sigh) …Project HerO will never be complete unless we utilize the final piece of the puzzle.
NAZGUL: Are you fucking stupid? I said you’re done, which means Project HerO is done too. Who cares about this final piece? We’re shutting it down as soon as you’re gone.
WAFFLES: Be that as it may, shutting down Project HerO does not stop the thing that I told you would happen. I don’t care if you get rid of me and I don’t care if you delete Project HerO from existence… But I do care about what happens to Plexa… Don’t you?
NAZGUL: …What the hell are you talking about?
WAFLLES: Plexa is the final piece of the puzzle. That’s what I’m talking about.
NAZGUL: …What?
WAFLLES: Remember when I told you that I needed one final blood specimen to be able to complete the project? Well… Plexa’s blood is that final piece that we needed.
NAZGUL: …Are you telling me that-
WAFFLES: Yes I am. Plexa is the one that I’ve been talking about this whole time. Plexa is the one that is the key to all of this… Plexa is the one that… Will kill you one day.
NAZGUL: …This… Can’t be true…
WAFLLES: Yes it is. Nazgul, please listen to me one final time. There will come a day where Plexa will come after you. And when he does, he will not be himself. He won’t remember who he is or what his purpose is. The only thing he’ll understand, is that he needs to kill you.
NAZGUL: I... I… I don’t even… Wh-… What is going to happen to me…?
WAFFLES: You’ll be fine. I already injected you with the stuff. You won’t actually… Err… Be dead… I guess…
NAZGUL: …What the fuck?
WAFFLES: Uhhh… Well… Okay, look, I don’t have time to explain everything right now. (reaches into his bag and takes out a folder) Just take a look at this after I leave. It will explain everything.
Although Nazgul was still suspicious of Waffles’ actions, he slowly approached him, took the folder from him, and walked over to his desk.
WAFFLES: Alright well… I guess it’s time I take my leave.
NAZGUL: (no response)
WAFFLES: (turns around to leave) Thanks for everything Naz. Sorry things had to end this way.
NAZGUL: …Goodbye Waffles… Thanks for… Everything…
WAFFLES: (laughs) Seeing as how you much you hate me right now. That must have been damn near impossible to say.
And with those final words, Waffles turned around and vacated Nazgul’s office. As he turned the corner toward the big stairway that lead downwards, he knew there was one final place he had to visit before leaving for good.
Over in the medical office, regardless of how late it was into the night, the loud crashing of objects and the breaking sounds of all kinds of glass could be heard from nearly a mile away.
SMIX: Get out! Just get the hell out!
WAFFLES: Smix, please… Let me explain.
SMIX: Explain how you lied to me? How you betrayed my trust? How you’ve been deceiving all your peers and friends? How I’ve been dating a man I thought I was going to marry but now it turns out I never knew him at all?!
WAFFLES: …
SMIX: No words? Shocker… That must be a first for you huh? And I thought you always had an answer to everything!
WAFFLES: …I’m sorry.
SMIX: Your apology doesn’t mean shit. It’s too late, you can’t undo this.
WAFFLES: (takes a deep sigh) I know. I’m sorry. You’re the last person I wanted to hurt on this planet.
SMIX: Save it. Your words don’t mean anything to me anymore. We’re done, you hear me? Done!
With that, Smix quickly and fiercely pulled off the ring from her left finger and threw it as hard she could in Waffles’ direction. The ring missed Waffles’ face by merely inches, swung past him and smashed into a small portrait of Smix and Waffles that was sitting on top of her desk and cracked the front glass.
SMIX: Not exactly what I was aiming for but it’ll do.
WAFFLES: …Smix …I really am sorry about all of this. But you need to understand that there is so much more to it than what you’ve been told.
SMIX: Really? Hmmm, I wonder then, when exactly would have been the right time to tell me everything then… Perhaps, before I broke all those rules and risked my job multiple times for you?
WAFFLES: I appreciated everything you ever did for me. I never once lied about that.
SMIX: Oh wow. That makes me feel so good. Well then, all is forgiven. Now let’s go fuck our brains out and then share our feelings while we cuddle afterwards.
As she said this, Smix reached for the nearest flower vase and furiously chucked it at Waffles. Waffles narrowly dodged in time and the vase flew past him and smashed into a stack of beakers located in the back. Hundreds of tiny glass shards flew in every which direction as Waffles quickly scurried over to the other side of the room.
WAFFLES: Holy shit woman, you’re going to kill me if you keep this up!
SMIX: Oh really? I’m sorry. I had no idea. Sometimes I just lose control of my own body-
WASFFLES: I SEE YOU REACHING FOR THAT BOOK; DO NOT THROW THAT AT ME!
SMIX: (abruptly stops) Or what?
WAFFLES: Damn it Smix. You’re just like Nazgul. You won’t even give me a fucking minute to try to explain everything.
SMIX: Nothing you say will change my mind. You’ve crossed the line. You made your decision so now it’s time to face the consequences.
WAFFLES: You’re right, I did make my decision. And you know what? I’m pretty sure you don’t want to hear this babe but if I had to do it all over again, I fucking would. I don’t regret my decisions. The only thing I regret is how much they ended up hurting the people I care about.
SMIX: Get out… Whoever you are…
Realizing that there was no further sense in talking to Smix, Waffles walked over to where the ring had dropped, picked it up, and placed it on Smix’s desk. He then slowly turned around and headed for the doorway. But right before he took his exit, he turned around one final time and looked Smix straight in the eyes.
WAFFLES: If you really think that my feelings for you were fake… If you honestly think that I didn’t love you… If you truly believe that everything I said and did for you was just an act… Then yeah, you’re right, you really didn’t know me at all.
Without saying another word, Waffles turned around and left Smix’s office. He never turned around once. Not even when he heard Smix wallowing in despair.
As dawn came to a close and the morning sun started to rise over the horizon, the only sound that could be heard from miles away was the pitter patter steps of one individual leaving the premises as he opened the wide TL HQ gates.
WAFFLES: (to himself) Well… It’s been real TL. Thanks for everything.
PLEXA: Damn right it’s been real. Although the finish seems a little anti-climactic, no?
At the sound of Plexa’s voice, Waffles jumped from his spot and quickly turned around in Plexa’s direction.
WAFFLES: What the f- You scared the hell out of me!
PLEXA: (small chuckle) Well that was the point so… Mission accomplished.
WAFFLES: (gathering himself) Wha… What are you doing here?
PLEXA: Use your damn brain for once. Why do you think I’m here?
WAFFLES: …You here to yell at me?
PLEXA: No.
WAFFLES: …You here to punch me?
PLEXA: No.
WAFFLES: …You here to… Rekt me? I don’t know…
PLEXA: No. And what?
WAFFLES: Okay well… I’m out of guesses. Why you here Plexa? I can’t really think of any reason as to why you would want to see me off.
PLEXA: I can’t believe we promoted you to project head manager on account of your smarts. You really can’t figure out why I’m here?
WAFFLES: …I mean… I don’t think you’re here for some mushy farewell or anything right?
PLEXA: Good job, you finally got it right for once.
WAFFLES: …Wait… What? You’re actually here to see me off?
PLEXA: Is that a crime? Why the hell are you so flabbergasted right now?
WAFFLES: I just… I don’t get… You do know everything I did right?
PLEXA: Yeah I do.
WAFFLES: And… Uhh… You know I lied to you and deceived you right?
PLEXA: I’m aware.
WAFFLES: …So… Err… I don’t understand what’s going on here! A normal human being would be irate right now! Aren’t you furious with me?!
PLEXA: Yeah, of course I am.
WAFFLES: Well then… Why are you here-
PLEXA: For fucks sakes, you clearly aren’t getting it so let me lay it out for you. Yes, you lied to me. Yes, you lied to us. Yes, you tricked us and deceived us, and now you’re paying the consequences. But you know what? Fuck all that and a bag of chips. I have a whole lifetime to be angry with you. But right now, I just want to make the best of whatever time we have left and at the very least, make one final good memory before we say goodbye. Get it now?
WAFFLES: …You… You forgive me?
PLEXA: I didn’t say that. Do we have to check your hearing now?
WAFFLES: (laughs) I guess expecting forgiveness this soon was me being optimistic.
PLEXA: Yeah, heh. But then again, you’re pretty much the definition of optimism so honestly, no surprises there.
WAFFLES: Heh, damn straight. …Plexa… I’m really sorry… And… Thanks for everything.
PLEXA: You’re welcome. And yeah… Thanks for everything.
The morning sun was definitely starting to shine bright and strong. As the rays slowly started revealing both faces, Plexa saw a small tear drop fall down Waffles’ left cheek.
PLEXA: The fuck? Are you crying?
WAFFLES: Heh… Sorry… So much has happened in the past six hours that I just… I just don’t know how to properly carry myself right now…
PLEXA: Man the fuck up. What’s wrong with you?
WAFFLES: Hehe… You probably want to cry too huh?
PLEXA: Hell no. This isn’t the time for tears. Don’t ruin this moment by being a wimp.
WAFFLES: Sorry… Like I said, I just wasn’t expecting any of this…
PLEXA: Yeah… You probably weren’t expecting to see me…
WAFFLES: I really wasn’t. I just wanted a quiet exit. But this… This is much more than I deserve…
PLEXA: …So… Where you headed?
WAFFLES: Who knows? Where the wind takes me I guess.
PLEXA: (exasperated laugh) Man, what are you, some kind of wandering nomad or something? A philosopher on a journey of a lifetime?
WAFFLES: …Hah, perhaps… Well… I should probably get going. (reaches into his pocket and pulls out a USB) I debated for the longest time as to whether or not I should give this to you… Seeing you here now, I think it’s pretty damn clear, you deserve to have this.
PLEXA: (taking the USB) What is it?
WAFFLES: Everything I did explained from a to z. All the… All the answers I should have given you before… Before all this shit went down…
PLEXA: Thanks… I’ll check it out as soon as you leave.
WAFFLES: That’s for your eyes only by the way. Don’t show Nazgul, don’t show R1CH, don’t show anyone else… And whatever you do, do NOT show it to Smix…
PLEXA: Gay porn?
WAFFLES: Gay porn, dick pics, match-fixing records, illegal betting receipts, hentai, you name it, it’s on there.
PLEXA: Damn… That’s highly fucking disturbing. I’m not even sure if I want to see this now.
WAFFLES: Nah, trust me, you need that stuff. It’s the stuff that makes you feel complete in life.
The two men burst into laughter so hard that they clutched their stomachs and nearly lost their balance. Despite the circumstance in which they were meeting, both men understood that right now was the time to laugh about the smallest things in life and make the best of their given situation.
WAFFLES: (catching his breath) Alright well… I think it’s high time I took my leave.
PLEXA: Mmmm… Yeah, probably.
WAFFLES: (reaches his hand out) Brothers for life?
PLEXA: (takes his hand and does a bro hug) Brothers for life. But uh… You’re going to have to give me some time here… You fucking stabbed me in the back you know?
WAFFLES: I know… I love you man.
PLEXA: And I like you a reasonable amount.
WAFFLES: Hah! Good one. Well… See ya Plexa.
PLEXA: Yeah. I’m sure we’ll see each other again one day.
WAFFLES: I know we will. (readjusts his bag on his shoulder) Good luck taking over TL.
PLEXA: I don’t need luck, I’m Plexa. Good luck finding a new place to live.
WAFFLES: I don’t need luck, I’m Waffles.
All that had needed to be said was said. Both men knew any further words would just delay the inevitable. Without any hesitation, Waffles grabbed the rest of his stuff and headed down the pathway that would lead him off of TL HQ property. As he approached the final roadway, Waffles lifted up his right hand and waved a backwards goodbye. At the sight of this, Plexa quickly turned around and started heading back towards TL HQ’s main building. When he had approached the giant double doors, he began to wipe away the tears that had fallen during the process.
PLEXA: Dumbass. Obviously I wanted to cry too. I just had the decency to hold it in until you couldn’t see me anymore. You were always the one who said that a man only publicly sheds tears when he’s hit rock bottom. Damn it all… Why’d you have to go and do this...? (sighs) Goodbye Waffles, until next time… Whenever the hell that is.
After walking for what seemed like forever, Waffles knew he had reached his final destination when he saw the giant but rather depressing looking building before him. Waffles knew he didn’t need to check with security or anything like that, so he just pushed the doors open, headed inside, and began to climb the oh-so-familiar staircase that he had come to hate with a burning passion. Once he had reached the giant door that he thought he would never have to see again, he stopped and waited for a long time. After realizing that there was no alternative option, Waffles gritted his teeth, tightly gripped his fists and knocked on the door with much force.
S: Enter.
WAFFLES: (entering) It is done.
S: Ahhh… Excellent. Good work A1. I trust you left no loose ends?
WAFFLES: I never do.
S: That pleases me so. Well then, we shall now commence the next part of our plan!
As S cackled like a maniac, he grabbed his wine and drained it down the last drop. As he was placing his glass down however, he noticed that Waffles hadn’t moved a single inch since entering into his chambers.
S: Hmmm… What seems to be the problem A1?
WAFFLES: There is no problem.
S: (sighs) Hah… This is about Plexa again isn’t it?
WAFFLES: No it’s not. I feel no emotion. I am a soldier. My only job is to carry out my duties completely.
S: I see… I’ve trained you well A1… You really are my best agent. (walks towards Waffles) I am proud of you. What you’ve accomplished in my name will go down in history as the greatest move by any agent ever.
WAFFLES: Thank you sir.
S: (evil chuckle) Oh how I cannot wait to see the look on Nazgul’s face at the end of all of this. It doesn’t matter to me how many years it takes for Project HerO to complete. When it’s all said and done, I will be the one standing on Nazgul’s neck and watching as the very last of his breath slips away from him.
WAFFLES: …
S: And of course, your friend, Plexa, he deserves much praise as well. He is such a crucial part of this plot. Don’t think I haven’t forgotten about him. You will soon be reunited with your best friend.
WAFFLES: …
S: Ahhh… But then again, we have no idea what could happen after the… (pleased laughter) Killing spree…
WAFFLES: …
Suddenly, out of nowhere S furiously turned around and shoved his face right in front of Waffles’.
S: I don’t like this silence from you A1. Are you by any chance… Feeling guilty or responsible for what is to come? Have you… ALREADY FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING THAT I’VE TAUGHT YOU IN THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME YOU WERE WITH THOSE LIQUIDITES?!
WAFFLES: …No sir…
S: Good! Then never again will I hear that annoying silence or see that expression on your face again. Now, if you have nothing more to report back to me then leave at once! I must pleasure myself in all my glory as I celebrate my victory.
WAFFLES: Yes sir…
Grateful for the opportunity to excuse himself, Waffles quickly turned around and headed out S’ chambers and once again walked down the dreadful and dark hallway. It was not until that he had reached the end of the hallway and made sure that S couldn’t hear him, that Waffles finally spoke again.
WAFFLES: If you think for even a second… That I’m just going to let you have your way… That I’m just going to stand by idly as you destroy everything I care about… Then you are sorely mistaken General S… Or should I say… Father…
End of Chapter
