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He had his gun aimed at the boy- no, at the monster that laid at his feet, his worst creation. Overlords activation was a mistake, and Cypher was willing to right that wrong. “Your time has come to an end, you bastard.” he spat. This was it, soon it would be over.
He didn’t have time to react when the gun was suddenly grabbed, and he was jerked away from the unconscious clone. The person moved in a blur, and everything happened too fast for him to be able to figure out who the hell was that crazy.
It wasn’t until he wrenched the gun back, his finger still on the trigger, when he realized who had attempted to take the gun.
BANG!
Wing’s eyes went wide as he watched his father drop the gun. He stumbled back, putting a hand over his chest, feeling the warm blood trickle down his fingers. A foolish mistake. He should’ve known better than to keep the gun aimed at himself. Cypher ran to him, yelling out as he fell to his side.
“No!” Cypher screamed as he knelt down next to Wing, “Nonononono!” he stared at the wound in his son's chest. Already, a puddle of blood was starting to form. He could hear Wing struggle for breath, and saw the strained rise and fall of his chest.
He had time, but not a lot.
“Dammit- Oh god Wing I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry.” he sobbed, taking Wing’s hand in his own, “I’ll get us out of here and get you help, I promise, just stay with me.”
Wing stared up at his father. Cypher looked so worried, and Wing felt his blood boil. Why then? Why did his father care while he laid there bleeding out? Why not when he was grieving, when he knew his mother would never come home, when he needed his father the most?
Why did his father care when it was too late?
He pulled his hand away, “Don’t… Don’t touch me.” he spat, staring daggers at his father, “I don’t want your pity.”
“Do not speak to your father that way!” Cypher snapped, “I am trying to help you! That's all I've been trying to do! I didn't risk my life to get here just to watch you die!” He was choked by his tears, making no effort to hold them back. “I came to save you, dammit!”
Wing just stared back with a blank expression. He knew the man meant none of that. He was looking for a way to rid himself of the guilt, a way to push the blame to someone else if Wing were to die. Cypher was never one to take accountability, and even this wouldn’t change him.
“You never…. Never cared.” he wheezed.
Cypher was taken aback, “Why would y-”
Wing cut him off, “You left me…. I needed you but you never came around…. You never cared. I’m just an excuse for your actions.” he went on, feeling more and more tired as he spoke. He was slipping, fast. He didn’t care how much time he had, though. He had done what he needed to do. He had found Otto, and did what he could to protect him. Now he needed to buy a little more time, needed to keep Cypher distracted. “I am ashamed to be called your son…. Ashamed to have you as a father.”
Cypher stayed silent for a few moments, processing the words he had been told. He did care! He did! Why couldn’t Wing see that!? He grabbed Wing's hand once again, “I had to do what was needed, Wing. I know I wasn’t there before, but I’m here now, and I’m going to get you somewhere safe.”
Wing would just scoff, "And how do you plan on doing that?"
Cypher thought for a moment, before realizing that he was right. There was no way he could drag Wing somewhere, not without running out of time. He just sighed.
"I don't know."
He stared at his father, unsure of what to say next. He had so much he wanted to say. How could you just leave me! How could you just let me suffer all those years! Stop acting like you love me!
So much to say, yet so little energy. He was running out of time. All he could do was hope it was enough to save Otto.
Cypher noticed the distant look in Wing’s eyes, and saw how his breathing became shallow and rapid. He’d be gone any moment now.
He carefully took his son into his arms, holding him the best he could. Wing made no effort to fight it, only giving a cold look.
"I know you're angry with me for not being there for you, and believe me Wing, not a day goes by now where I don't wish I could just take that back now." He'd say, making no effort to fight back the tears. "But I'm here now."
"And what good…. Does that do us now…?" Wing rasped, "you're too late….. and I hope you're happy with that…."
"Of course I'm no- Wing, just please listen! I'm going to fix this, okay? I promise."
There was no response, nothing but a blank stare.
"Wing?" Cypher gently shook him, yet there was nothing. "Wing! Nononono wake up!"
His heart sank as the realization settled. It was too late.
His son was gone. The last thing he had left, and it was ripped away.
He sat there, almost frozen in place, as he stared in disbelief at the lifeless boy in his arms. Everything he had done these past few years had been for nothing.
Everything he had done had led to this, his own son laying dead in his arms.
He could hear something moving behind him, and the sound of metal being dragged through the dirt.
He still had time to pick up the gun, to kill that monster before it killed him.
But why should he? He'd done what he could, and it cost the life of his own son, the one he had wanted to protect.
The movement stopped right behind him, and he knew what was coming next.
He only closed his eyes, anticipating the killing blow.
All he could do was hope that Overlord could be dealt with in some way.
That was his last thought before the metal rod smashed against his skull.