"Nines!" Nines breathed a sigh of relief as he crossed the treeline and bundled Chloe against his chest. Her LED was spinning between red and yellow as she struggled to maintain control of both bodies. The situation inside the mansion was dire. Controlling two bodies while working on the security system was stressful. Her injuries were extensive and almost impossible to seal while she was spread so thin. She was also in the middle of fully transferring into her current body to ensure her third doppelgänger remained a secret. The Hickory Killer's android wasn't as advanced as she was, but it would know she had another body if it probed her. She was spread too thin to fight it off. She was mainly holding off on a self-destruct so she could feed Nines information as they walked.

"I'm pleased to find you safe. Where are they?" Chloe wasted no time as she led the way up a secondary slope. She wasn't sure how closely the android was watching the cameras along the main road. It had managed a basic connection to the security system so far in order to monitor the path up, but a full breach would be almost impossible for an android of that calibre. Advanced as it was, there was no comparison. Elijah's security system was top of the line. They'd worked on it together. This way was a little less maintained, hidden in the trees and taking a much more direct route up to the estate. It would be difficult for a human to traverse, but it was no challenge for Nines and Chloe.

"In the front parlour by the bar. Controlling all three bodies at once left us vulnerable, and I wasn't able to hold them off for as long as I'd hoped." She'd also been worried about Elijah, hoping he'd take cover and mostly stay out of the fighting. He'd let off a few shots, but tossed his gun aside once her life was threatened. She needed the software in her core body to set up the required programs before she deactivated and did a full transfer. "I should be able to lock down the estate within the next few minutes, but we need to hurry. The Hickory Killer is forcing Gavin to choose between Elijah and Kitty Dawson." Nines' silvery eyes blazed at the news. He'd suspected as much when the bodies started turning up as they did.

"What's your assessment so far?" Chloe gave him a grim look as they continued trudging upwards. The path was steep and ill-defined and they often used the surrounding foliage to help drag themselves up.

"The choice is difficult, and Elijah's doing his best to talk him out of it, but when the times comes, I can't guarantee he won't go through with it." That wouldn't look good for him. Killing the richest man in the world would turn more than a few heads. Their status as half-brothers made it even worse. Most would probably assume it was jealousy that drove him to it. There had to be more people like Yates out there who believed he'd gone willingly. Still, this was Gavin they were talking about. He took his duty to protect seriously, and throughout this ordeal, he still hadn't killed a true innocent. They didn't even have proof that no one had helped him pull the trigger. I should still treat him as an active shooter...

"How do you plan to regain entry?" Once the security system fortified the mansion, it would be impossible to break in from the outside. Luckily, that also meant that those inside would be unable to break out. They were rapidly approaching the top of the slope, which would bring them to the rear gardens opposite the conservatory.

"My hope is that once the security system is fully activated and my primary body deactivates, the Hickory Killer and his android will be too distracted to notice our approach. I can open the shutters individually, so getting inside won't be an issue for us...I just hope Connor and Colin are as lucky when they come up the main road." The mountain slope wasn't an option for them with their humans in tow, though they could always take the slope and send their humans up in the car. She'd provided them with a full map of the estate for guidance. Her chest still fluttered when she thought back to stumbling down the mountainside, praying over and over that they wouldn't check the rear cameras and see her running. Progress had been frustratingly slow. Her bodies couldn't move as fast when she was controlling all three, and her primary focus had been on those inside. She'd almost fallen multiple times, slipping and sliding down the hillside until she reached the other side of whatever jammers had been set up around the mountain. When they'd been installed, she couldn't say. It was a big job. The Hickory Killer had clearly been planning this for some time.

"Agreed." They continued climbing. Nines planned the next move in his head while Chloe monitored the bar. With just a few hundred feet left, it happened. Chloe stopped and gripped the foliage, falling to her knees with a triumphant look on her face. Nines stopped and rested a hand on her back, keeping her in place in the event she lost grip. With a flinch, she breathed again, panting in relief and resting her head on the damp earth. "Chloe?" He didn't want to rush her, but he was eager for answers.

"The shutters are down, and I'm now fully transferred...I did my best to at least damage the android on the way out, but I don't know if it worked." Nines gave her a tight smile of understanding as he helped her up. A full transfer must be jarring, especially when jumping into a less advanced body. From what he understood, her spare bodies didn't always get upgraded at the same time. She often worked them until they began to fail or she upgraded again. After a few moments, she seemed to get her bearings enough to continue climbing. It was a little nerve-wracking once they actually reached the top. Hunkered down on the edge of the garden, they had no idea if anyone inside was watching.

"Do the cameras have a constant view of the entire area?" He'd never cared to examine Elijah's security system in depth, so he wasn't sure if they were wide cameras or those that turned this way and that. The look on Chloe's face told him all he need to know.

"Sorry, they have a panoramic view of the grounds, and we're in one of the few blind spots." Nines nodded and looked this way and that. At a full sprint, he could reach the conservatory shutter within twenty seconds, but even if he got straight through, he'd have to traverse the house unseen. If they knew he was coming, they'd lie in wait somewhere. That's only a problem if they brought the correct firearms...Taking out an RT600 was a far cry from despatching an RK900. Considering their rush to get here, and that they hadn't expected company, it was possible they had no such weapons in their arsenal. However, it would be foolish to underestimate him.

"Can you give me the authorisation I need to get inside?" Chloe held out her hand with a nod and made the transfer. That was one problem solved. There was really nothing else for it. Scanning the lawn and shutters, Nines plotted his entry. The fastest way would be to make a beeline through the conservatory and out into the hall. He'd move cautiously once he was inside, and work under the assumption that he was being watched. With a similar system to the penthouse, it would be easy to connect to the internal cameras and scope the bar once he was close enough. "I will head in first...If you follow, remain at a distance."

"I'll stay out here for a while. Maybe I can distract them if you manage to slip through." Seeing a third RT600 would likely concern them. After all, if there were three, why not four? Their paranoia might leave them vulnerable. With a nod, Nines hunkered down like a runner ready to sprint. His eyes zoomed in, calculating the perfect trajectory and the exact instant he'd need to stop.

"On three then." Chloe nodded and remained on her knees. She would stand once he reached the shutter to do her part. "One...Two...Three!" Nines bolted, a blur of black as he whizzed across the lawn, barely leaving prints in the damp grass. He didn't look back as he interfaced with the shutter and raised it. The grinding sound was concerning, but with the size of the mansion, it was questionable whether the Hickory Killer or his android would notice, especially if all the doors between them were shut. As soon as there was space, Nines crouched and slipped inside, unlocking the glass door beyond with a simple touch.

Chloe's conservatory was as peaceful as ever, though much darker with the shutters blocking the sun. An armoured shield had even sprouted over the sloping glass roof, protecting the room from every angle. Elijah was truly a marvel with technology. Passing the round table, Nines approached the door to the hall. Since he was inside the house, it was a simple matter for him to connect to the security cameras and see the interior. He relaxed somewhat upon viewing the bar. Though pointing a gun, Gavin had yet to pull the trigger, and the android was down. With a clear route to the hall, Nines slipped out silently and stalked towards the door.

Nines! We're on our way up. Don't do anything reckless and do not engage until we arrive. Nines almost scoffed at the order. Connor was his brother, but since he'd handed in his notice, he was no longer his superior. As a deviant, he could no longer be ordered. He wouldn't remain idle with lives on the line, especially not Gavin's. Just ten more minutes. Colin and I are driving as fast as we can. That was dangerous on the mountain slopes, but he trusted they knew what they were doing. Knowing they wouldn't have the entry code, Nines sneaked to the front door and interfaced with the shutter there. It would raise in exactly nine minutes to be ready for them.

Join me when you can, but I won't put Gavin and Elijah at risk. He cut off whatever argument Connor had prepared. His brother had a dangerous tongue, and he couldn't afford to be talked out of this. Returning to the front parlour, he stopped outside and listened, using the internal cameras to monitor the situation. The Hickory Killer was still armed, but no longer aiming at Kitty. He'd circled around to enjoy the show, crossing his arms and watching with interest as Gavin's hand shook. Elijah remained calm, staying close to Kitty, but not so close that a bullet aimed at him would hit her.

"You won't do it. I trust you." It seemed to be a mantra he kept repeating, and to an extent, it was working. Gavin's breaths were short and sharp, a clear sign he was on the edge of a panic attack. Perhaps that was why the Hickory Killer had remained silent thus far. He was letting the choice linger, using his physical presence as a reminder, but saying nothing. "I know you, Gavin. You're not a killer." Gavin's lips trembled as he continued looking between his hand and Elijah. Elijah never faltered. His faith was unwavering. Gavin would not shoot him.

"I-I-ca-ha-she-" Gavin's gaze darted to Kitty, knowing if he didn't get it together soon, the Hickory Killer would take her out. It crossed his mind that he could probably turn on him, but what if his earlier thought was correct? If the gun he held was full of blanks, the Hickory Killer would shoot both Elijah and Kitty before turning on him.

"Gavin...I trust you." Nines' LED span red as he monitored Gavin's vitals. At some point, he would pull the trigger. He was absolutely certain. Elijah's declarations had done much to slow him down so far, but he was already wavering. The twitches of his finger were becoming stronger by the minute. He would fire. Nines had to step in before then, but it was difficult to pick the perfect moment. Before making a move, he scanned the Hickory Killer. Emotionally, he was fairly flat. There was a certain interest, but little else to move him. The way he viewed proceedings was almost clinical. Physically, he was no threat. As a human, he was inferior. His handgun was also of little concern. Even the rifles would do little damage should they come into play. Either he hadn't expected the RK900 to arrive in time, or he hadn't had time to acquire proper weaponry.

"I-I-have no choice! I have to shoot you...Have-to..." His vitals were fluctuating. Despite the imminent danger, Elijah remained resolute, still staring him down and shaking his head. He truly didn't believe Gavin would pull the trigger. Luckily, Nines was there to intervene before he learned otherwise. He moved slowly as he edged the door open and slipped inside, making his way to the edge of the bar. Seeing Chloe's headless body was relatively disturbing, but he did acknowledge a certain sense of satisfaction at seeing the Jack Dawson android with roughly one third of its handsome face blown off. The remaining blue eye gazed vacantly at the ceiling and its LED was grey. Inactive.

"Gavin." The sound of Nines' voice almost gave him a heart attack. That wasn't right. It wasn't right at all. He couldn't be here! It was impossible! H-he's-not-real, it's-not-real! He refused to turn his head, focusing instead on tightening his finger on the trigger. "Gavin, look at me. I'm here..." Nines kept one eye on the Hickory Killer as he worked his way along the bar, keeping his voice soft and low, and speaking to Gavin like a scared animal. Unfortunately, Gavin's vitals were very much like those of a scared animal as he approached.

"Y-you're not-" Gavin swallowed as bile rose in his throat. He felt sick, keeping his eyes on Elijah, who ignored Nines. His eyes remained fixed on Gavin, unblinking and absolutely still. It seemed he understood the delicacy of the situation.

"I am here, Gavin." Nines' steps were light, barely making a sound as he approached. He didn't want to spook Gavin by turning up too suddenly, nor did he want to agitate him by simply striding over to stand before him. Maintaining a creeping speed, he slipped along the bar, raising his hands to show he was peaceful and unarmed as he entered Gavin's field of view. Gavin's jaw tightened at the insistence, something bitter twisting his features as he put both hands on the gun to support his aim.

"You can't be real! If you were real, you would have been here a lot phcking sooner!" He tried to keep the sob in his throat at bay as tears flooded his vision. That person was a fake! Another ploy by the Hickory Killer to throw him off guard. How he plucked the image from his head, he had no idea, but as he met the android's silvery eyes, he found it was the perfect replica of his dreams. Dreams he'd shunned and locked away since...

"I am real." Nines was as calm as Elijah as he sidestepped his way across until he was finally in front of the muzzle. Gavin trembled, hands shaking as he stared at the centre of Nines' chest. It felt like years since he'd seen the white of his Cyberlife jacket. His model number was embroidered on the breast in neat letters with that little blue triangle to let people know what he was. H-he hasn't worn that jacket since...Gavin shook his head, doing his best to distance himself. He wasn't real. That never happened. "Gavin, look at me..." Despite his better judgement, Gavin obeyed as naturally as breathing. Nines' lips softened as he looked up, silvery eyes warm as he examined his haunted gaze.

"Y-you can't-be here! You're never here!" The accusation cut like a knife. It was true, throughout his recent ordeals, he'd been alone. There was nothing Nines wanted more than to hold and reassure him, but he had to tread carefully. He remained very mindful of the Hickory Killer, who continued watching with an air of curiosity.

Nines, we're here! Where are you?

Front parlour...Come in slowly. Connor didn't need to be told twice. Nothing showed on Nines' face as he returned his attention to Gavin. He was a mess, though his arms remained up, and the gun was relatively steady. A true testament to his training. Mindless ramblings slipped out, a constant reminder that he wasn't real.

"Gavin, I am real." Nines' LED span red as Gavin took a breath and backed up, shaking his head and gripping the gun tighter. His finger twitched dangerously on the trigger as he gulped down air. It was painful to watch. He wouldn't say Gavin had gone mad, but the conditioning was clear. The methods used were a mystery, but clearly effective. Gavin stiffened, but slowly relaxed as the Hickory Killer's hand touched his hip. Nines glared as those fingers rubbed circles over a wound that had not been present when Gavin left all those months ago.

"Would you like to find out how real he is?" The Hickory Killer raised Gavin's gun higher until it pointed directly at Nines' face. Nines bit his tongue as the Hickory Killer leaned his chin on Gavin's shoulder, chuckling softly as Gavin's body followed his whim. "All android eyes are glass, Gavin...If you shoot him in the eye, he'll be gone." Nines didn't dare move as he heard quiet footsteps near the door, and Gavin was too horror-struck to notice as he continued aiming at Nines' face. "Go on, Gavin. Shoot him. Shoot him and show me how far you've come." The Hickory Killer seemed utterly unconcerned by the arrival of law enforcement. His focus, as ever, was on ruining Gavin.

"You won't shoot me, Gavin...I know you won't." Nines was seventy-eight percent certain of that. If he did fire, chances were it would be an accident. Since Connor had arrived, Nines turned his full attention to Gavin, trusting his brother to monitor the Hickory Killer. The push and pull of two voices was making Gavin panic more. His breaths were sharp and short as he continued pointing the muzzle at Nines' face with tears trickling down his cheeks. Sobs stuck in his throat, choking him as he sniffled and gasped. "Gavin..." Nines held his hands up, watching Gavin stare at them. "It's alright...I've got you..." Gavin seemed to cry harder at the reassurance, shaking his head as Nines slowly reached out.

Nines held his gaze, not even blinking as he finally touched the gun and lowered Gavin's hands a little. With his eyes now safe, he pried the gun loose. Gavin didn't even seem to notice its removal as he continued staring at the pale hand that held his. His lips trembled as he finally raised his head to look at Nines' face. Nines hushed him softly, rubbing his wrist with his thumb to reassure him he was real. Moving slowly, he guided Gavin closer, until he was flush against his chest. Safe. Gavin's hands bunched in his jacket, his legs almost giving out as he sobbed into his shoulder.

"It's alright, love...I've got you...You're safe...I'm here." Gavin's cries became louder as he shook his head. It was impossible. It couldn't be over. He couldn't be safe. Nines' chest flared as he looked over the top of Gavin's head and saw the Hickory Killer watching. Silvery eyes hardened, barely listening as Connor and Colin raised their guns and ordered the Hickory Killer to get on the ground. Time seemed to move much slower as their eyes met. He was dissatisfied. After training and torturing Gavin all that time, seeing it lead to this moment, the Hickory Killer's gaze held nothing but disappointment and contempt.

Nines held Gavin closer, keeping one arm around his shoulders as he whipped his free arm over his shoulder. The Hickory Killer had no time to react, though his pale blue eyes seemed to understand what was coming the moment before Nines pulled the trigger. Nines' eyes remained cold as he watched a hole burst through the forehead of the mask and a shower of red shot through the back of his skull. The body fell, unmoving, and it took everything he had not to empty the magazine into the head to make sure.

"Nines!" Connor was aghast as he lowered his service weapon, looking from the body to Nines and back again. Colin was similarly shocked as he stumbled back, LED spinning red as he stared down at it. The room was eerily silent, and Nines finally noticed both Hank and Perkins standing just beyond the doorway, clearly guarding the only exit. Gavin's body stiffened at the gunshot and remained that way as Nines' hand laced in his hair and tucked him against his shoulder.

"He was raising his gun. I had no choice." Colin was shocked by the lie, though Connor seemed less surprised.

"That's true...I saw it." Elijah laid a hand on Nines' shoulder and squeezed as he stepped to his side. Kitty was shaking and pale as she joined him, still gripping the arm he'd left in her grasp. She nodded her agreement, feeling multiple eyes upon her. Colin didn't understand it. How could so many people play blind to such a crime? He looked at Connor for guidance, but Connor seemed as conflicted as he was.

"As did I." Connor and Colin were both shocked as the click of Perkins' heels sounded on the floor. He was already putting away his sidearm since Nines had neutralised the only active threat. Hank let out a grumble of agreement as he hurried over to check on Kitty. She needed someone to comfort and reassure her, and Gavin was in no fit state to do that as he clung to Nines. She was slow to release Elijah, but Hank eventually managed to coax her into his own arms.

"B-but Sir!" Perkins was risking his job if anyone found out about this. Connor put away his weapon, following Hank's lead and checking in with Elijah. Perkins huffed fondly and patted Colin's shoulder, grateful for the concern he found in his eyes.

"Don't worry. Once Sergeant Reed has been seen to, and we have some time at the precinct, I'm sure Detective Nines will provide us with video evidence that proves the Hickory Killer was raising his right arm, ready to fire. Isn't that right?" Nines inclined his head in both agreement and gratitude. There was a time he would have expected Agent Perkins to immediately take him into custody for such a crime, but after such a long time, and a gruelling case, he'd mellowed.

"But..." Being on the Hickory Killer's right side, Colin had a perfect view of his firing arm. His own recall confirmed his arm had remained at his side the entire time. Colin's LED span yellow, hazel eyes darting this way and that in distress. He didn't want Nines to get in trouble, but he was an FBI agent. Their job was to bring criminals to justice in the right way. He blinked, slowly closing his eyes as a fond hand laced in his hair.

"Justice comes in many forms...Part of our job is recognising that and making the right call." Perkins' words were wise, but could they really overlook such a thing, even for Nines? He'd killed a man in cold blood! Granted, this human had terminated his previous body, and three of Chloe's, and multiple victims. If anyone deserved such an ending, it was him, but that wasn't what they were supposed to do. "Perhaps you need some time off...Seeing something like that must be traumatic. You can take a few days until the paperwork is done." It was a kind offer, saving him from the moral decision. If he took leave, he wouldn't have to lie. That meant if this came out at a later date, he would be safe from any repercussions.

"That won't be necessary." There was a certain amount of pride in Perkins' grey eyes as he headed for the door, already calling in forensics. Connor smiled at Colin as he passed, giving him a small nod of encouragement. They were doing the right thing. For everyone. The loss of a serial killer was really no loss at all. At least they knew he wouldn't hurt anyone else. Nines monitored proceedings with a sense of detachment, rubbing continuous circles on Gavin's back. His breathing pattern was slowly returning to something approaching normal, though the crying didn't stop. His sobs soon became dry and strained, making him cough and splutter as he ran out of tears.

"We should get him checked out at the hospital," Connor murmured as he approached to rest a hand on Gavin's back. Nines nodded stiffly. A hospital visit was the bare minimum he would require after what he'd been through. He fully intended to contact Dr Marr and seek her advice on what their next steps should be in his recovery. Gavin cried harder at that, but the powerful arm across his back reassured him. It was even better once Connor took the gun and Nines could fully embrace him. His internal systems shuddered as he closed his eyes and finally allowed himself to register Gavin's presence in his arms.

"Come, Gavin...We should leave this place." He paused a while longer as Gavin shook his head and pressed harder. He didn't want to move. What if Nines left him? What if he woke up, and this was all a vivid nightmare? A chill crept up his spine at the thought that he might still be on that cold, tiled floor, lying in the dark. The past few months could be a lucid dream brought on by dehydration. Nines seemed to garner something of his insecurity as he stroked his hair and whispered reassurances. "Come, love. I won't leave you." That was barely enough to make Gavin step back and look up at him.

Nines was almost overcome as he took in the new lines on his face. His eyes were sunk and ringed, puffy and red from crying. His lips were chewed up and wet, still trembling as he stared up with tear-streaked cheeks. Nines' LED span red and yellow as he let out a slow sigh and cupped his cheeks, closing his eyes and feeling saline trickle across his skin as he leaned in for his first kiss in over a year. He lingered, savouring the warmth of Gavin's lips and the prickle of his scruff. It was a little longer than usual, but no less groomed. A small whine fled Gavin's lips as Nines drew back to look down at him, running his eyes over his hair and noting streaks of silver that weren't there before. They were just creeping in around his ears, with a few odd hairs blending in across his scalp. That was really no surprise. He was officially middle-aged, and he'd been under tremendous stress since they'd last seen each other. For Gavin, it was startling just how little Nines had changed. Same eyes, same hair, same smile. Phcking androids...A fresh wave of sobs started.

"Come with me. Let's get you out of here." Gavin followed for the first few steps as Nines turned them around and headed towards the door, but stopped abruptly as they reached the body. He froze, throat closing as he looked at the black-clad figure. "He's dead, Gavin. He won't hurt you again." Gavin nodded, though his body seemed to disagree as he remained frozen in place. The Hickory Killer was smaller than he remembered, sprawled out as he was. There was a cracked hole in the forehead of his mask, and a puddle of red around his shattered skull. Gavin's stomach flipped as he picked out fragments of bone and brain in the surrounding mass, trying not to think too much about it at the sight of light brown hair creeping out of his hood, which had fallen back slightly in the fall.

"I-I-I-" Gavin gripped Nines' wrist, unsure he'd be able to get the words out. Nines hushed him gently, taking his hand and telling him to take his time. He could ask him anything. "I-I-wa-want to see-h-his face." Nines winced, unsure it was a wise idea. A set of light steps told him Connor had returned to check on them. They were the last ones inside, and forensics would be there soon. "P-please! I-I need to see it." In all the years he'd been hounded and taunted, he'd never once caught a glimpse. It didn't seem real that they were finally here. Nines' jaw tightened as he looked at Connor for guidance. Grim as it was, Connor seemed to understand as he blinked a few pictures of the undisturbed scene. He was sure Haley wound understand.

"I'll do it." Nines steeled himself as he let Gavin turn to face the body, keeping his arms around him lest he disturb anything. Connor was slow as he crouched just out of reach of the pooling red. Reaching for the edge of the resin, he paused. "Ready?" Gavin swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. The strength in his legs gave out and Nines dropped with him, guiding him safely to the floor. He was...no one. There was nothing remarkable about him at all. He was just...normal. Not handsome, not ugly, not even unusual. The definition of an average Joe. It was a painful realisation. His body started quivering as he cried, wailing in despair as he stared. Where he'd expected a monster, he found a man.

Nines was less surprised, of course. They all knew the Hickory Killer was a human of average stature, and they'd suspected he was Gavin's generation or older. The grey overtaking the sand in his hair suggested he was likely older, and a full identification would provide his proper age. The blue of his eyes had faded, a certain opaqueness setting in with death. It was the same with his pale skin, which was rapidly losing colour, especially his thin lips. He was clean shaven with slim cheeks and a strong brow. Nines didn't recognise him. They hadn't passed on the street or met in a crowd. Nothing. He was nothing.

"Gavin, let's go." Despite nodding, Gavin couldn't move. His strength was utterly spent. Nines kissed the top of his head and murmured gentle assurances as he took him in his arms. He didn't look back as he headed for the door, and Gavin didn't lift his head from his shoulder as he closed his tearful eyes. Connor bagged the mask without a word. There was no point in replacing it when forensics would remove it anyway. His own LED span yellow as he stepped away, feeling just as disturbed as Gavin and Nines by how ordinary it all seemed. This was just another crime scene with another body to be bagged and tagged. The same as any other. Perhaps even less remarkable than most.