A Zusi's Path

Chapter 13: Masked Reality

(Art of Di3m8 by me (c) )

"Alright, you need to tell us what happened back there?" R4y1n spoke up, as the gang had just gotten back from the run. The five were settling down a bit and counting up what was collected.

Two other Zusi were already in the base. Ze3z0, smaller pale green Zusi with lighter points and dark green eyes who was recruited almost a year ago. Also W4x90 a short but fit Zusi with a light brown color pallet and grey eyes who was only recruited a few months ago and was still getting used to the way things were being run.

"Alright! Sit down, it is story time!" Re3x0 happily complied with telling his tale. "So, there I was. 5k01L had just bailed on me. I was all by myself still collecting gems, cause I knew we needed them for that deal in a few weeks. I wasn't about to leave anything behind! When all of a sudden.." He paused, standing up and started circling around the three who were listening. "I was surrounded, Peacekeepers were all over the outside. They were demanding I come out and surrender. Threatening to come in and use force if I didn't." He continued on.

"But you all know me, I refuse to give up! I looked around the shop, hoping to find something to aid me in my escape. When it hit me! I looked up at the roof and saw the wooden support beams to keep the roof in place."

"I went and climbed one of the shelves and made it on one of the beams and climbed my way out onto the roof, since a certain someone didn't leave the rope for me!" He looked over towards 5k01L's direction. Giving him a sharp glare before continuing on with his story.

"Once I was on the roof, I saw what I was up against! Peacekeepers everywhere! I had to jump roof from roof in order to prevent them from catching me, and then once I was a few roofs down. I went back to the ground and came to join you guys!" He crossed his arms and puffed out his chest in a very cocky manner.

As R4y1n, W4x90, and Ze3z0 were intently listening to the story and were excited to hear about it. "That was pretty awesome!" Ze3z0 spoke up, praising the dark blue Zusi, filling his ego even more.

Di3m8 was with 5k01L counting up the worth for the collection, and he looked over towards Re3x0.

"What you collected was outstanding, but what you did was ridiculous! Reckless even." He chastised, instead of extolling Re3x0.

The dark blue Zusi's eyes widened with a bit of surprise as he narrowed his gaze on Di3m8. "I did what I had to in order to get all those goods! 5k01L sure wasn't going to do it!" He spoke up, a scowl on his features.

"Well, unlike you. 5k01L was looking to have a 100% chance of success! Not the small window you had-"

"Well I managed! I did it! It is done, not even a thanks?" Re3x0 interrupted and challenged Di3m8. His yellow gaze narrowed and a growl about to escape his throat.

"What you did was careless! If you would have gotten captured it could have ruined the entire deal! And now the Peacekeepers will be all over the place, the heat won't die down until a few weeks then we can even think about selling these gems!" He raised his voice, standing up and proving his authority over Re3x0. "From now on, you do what I say, when I say it!" Di3m8 ordered.

"Pfft.. You're welcome." Re3x0 scoffed before turning his back on Di3m8 and heading off towards a different chamber in the sewers.

Di3m8 groaned slightly as he watch Re3xo storm off. "You would think after almost three years that runt would get better.." He wondered.

5k01L stepping up next to Di3m8, "I think I preferred him when he was that scared little runt. Now he thinks he owns this group." 5k01L admitted, making eye contact with Di3m8.

"You need to discipline him, remind him what and who we are!" 5k01L suggested, "But it is your choice." He added in finally before going back to the goods to continue calculating their worth.

"I will.. And he won't be going on any runs anytime soon.." Di3m8 stated before heading towards the chambers where Re3x0 went, following after him.

Frustrated, Re3x0 was stomping through the channels of the sewers. Heading to the main tunnel that lead to an exit. Kicking small stones and broken pieces of concrete ground into the sewage water. "Sooner or later they will be treating me with the respect I deserve.. I don't get why 5k01L is still Di3m8's favorite.. I work way harder than him. Than all of them!" He grumbled under his breath, anger prickling at him even more.

Taking more steps, he was getting closer to the exit of the Sewers. There was still some time before sunrise, and he could slip back home without anyone noticing he was gone. With the ladder leading to the exit now in his sights, Re3x0 was almost able to leave when he heard Di3m8's voice behind him.

"You know, every time things don't go your way you don't have to storm out.." Di3m8 pointed out. "You're one of us. So stop that special butterfly scat.." He rebuked harshly, crossing his arms a bit.

Di3m8's words causing Re3x0 to pause his trek back home and he turned around to face him.

"I am one of you, but you clearly don't see the effort I put in here! Ever since I joined you all treated me like a worthless runt. When from day one I have worked harder than anyone else here!" Re3x0 growled, and the fur along the back of his neck stood up in hostility.

Narrowing his gaze, Di3m8 noticed Re3x0's rage, and lowered his tone. "Easy there, no need to get so worked up." He tried to ease the hostile Zusi before him. "But go ahead, continue working your best. We all appreciate it, but until you learn to work in a group. You will be sitting out the next run and maybe even after that until you learn how to cooperate." Di3m8 stated, his multicolored gaze meeting the hateful look Re3x0 was giving him.

"What?!" Re3x0 raised his voice, his tail thrashing in anger. "You can't just have me not go on runs, I am the most valuable Zusi in the gang!" He challenged Di3m8's words.

"It already has been done, and with that kind of attitude. You're not as important as you seem to think. " He scolded. "Now go back to your home and sulk like you always do." He sneered, turning his back on Re3x0.

Opening his mouth to protest even more, Re3x0 chose not to say anything else.

Now even more irritated, Re3x0 huffed as he went out towards the exit to prevent him from saying something he might regret to Di3m8.