[TW] Pyrophobia

Chapter Sixteen | "Antagonism"

DOC

Months had passed now since the incident at Harbor View. Even then, despite Duh seeming way better, Doc was still worried for him. Something else was on his mind, though. He never worried about the item anymore. It was him. That man that called himself Doc's father, it was... strange.

It wasn't that it didn't make sense. They looked exactly the same, excluding Mateo's height and fluffier hair. But why would he abandon him...? Assuming that's what he did. It almost frustrated Doc. He hated him, but... he was the only father he had now, wasn't he? His adoptive parents, his aunt and uncle, had died.

No, still, it just never felt right. He even spoke to Justin and Walton about it to see what they had to say. Of course, they were no help. They always said something like, "I'm astonished that some random stranger was your father" or "You have parents?" So unamusing.

"We have to figure out what to do." Mateo set down his cup as he finished a cup of coffee that morning. "No more lingering, it's been long enough."

"But Mateo, Duh's still recovering."

"I'm okay." Duh reassured him. "And honestly, I... do want RED gone, too."

"W-What?!" Doc turned to face the two of them. "I-I don't want either of you dying! What about Lulu? She got attached to you both, especially you, Duh!"

"I won't die. You said that yourself, remember?" Duh tilted his head. "Hey, it's going to be okay. We'll fight him together. We can do this."

"Duh's right. If anything goes wrong..." Mateo thought for a moment. "We've got backup."

"Backup?" Doc glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"...We've got to hurry. There's not much time left to lose."

—

Doc and Duh followed after Mateo slowly as he approached that familiar patch of grass. A figure stood alone, as if she was waiting. Upon their arrival, she sharply turned her head. Doc knew instantly who it was and tensed up, taking a step back. Scope.

"Calm down, pussy." Scope hissed. "I've got no reason to hurt you." She rolled her eyes and glanced at Mateo. "You. Why did you bring me here?"

"RED's not gone. We need you to actually deal with it this time."

"He isn't?" Scope let out an annoyed growl. "That fucking bitch! I thought we got him killed already!" She took a second before pausing. "Who even are you? What was that phone call all about, anyways? Some ominous shit about me having to come here was all I picked up."

"All you'd have the brains to pick up, anyways." Doc snorted. Scope gave him a glare with her multiple eyes in return.

"My name is Mateo. My other business should not concern you. I came here to help you. I come with a offer. A withdrawal of your blood, and this will all be over."

Scope blinked. "No."

"Knew it." Duh sighed. "Do I have to force you again, Scope?"

"Do I have to rake out Doc's other eye?"

Doc flinched at this comment and bared his teeth.

Duh glared at her and responded with a snap. "No."

"Then you don't need to force me to, either."

"Look, Scope." Mateo let out a frustrated huff. "I understand that you don't want this, especially from us. But I did a study, and your blood is the only way I could end all of this. Your blood has a minimal amount of the Spreading in it, but it must have another chemical that's able to kill it off."

"And that is?" Scope raised an eye.

"I don't know."

"Some professor you are."

"Just let this happen, Scope." Mateo took a step forward. "I'm only doing this for our own goo—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as something suddenly sliced open his arm, cleanly cutting it off. He let out a cry of pain and staggered backwards, falling to the floor.

Duh could only stare in horror, and Doc caught Scope's merciless glare. No, no. Not again! He rushed to Mateo's side and turned behind him. A large figure towered over the three of them... all too familiar.

It was RED himself.