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Another long pause. Ember was giving you a thoughtful look. She was likely considering whether to tell you what was on her mind or not. Ultimately, she decided to come clean about her suspicions.
<span class="mu-r">“I think Arcade’s trying to cut me out. I thought he was using me to advertise his game at first, but he was using me to advertise his shiny new tech. And my guess is that the owner of this robot army is one of his highest bidders.”</span>
Your blood ran cold at the thought of what she was insinuating. Squirrel Girl looked confused at first, but she quickly caught on after Tippy Toe whispered something into her ear. Then she gasped loudly and clutched a hand over her own mouth.
<span class="mu-g">“You mean this whole time your boss has been advertising himself to Dr. Doom!?”</span>
Ember glared angrily at her.
<span class="mu-r">“He’s not my boss. He made that crystal clear when he sent this custom-made hit-squad to take me out.”</span>
She inclined her head towards the smoking crater where the turf war had been taking place.
<span class="mu-r">“I managed to rush out a fresh batch of avatars before they could find me. I wasn’t sure if you guys were in on it too, so…”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“So you attacked us.”</span>
You finished for her. She just shrugged again.
<span class="mu-r">“Sorry, not sorry. It was either gonna be you or me. You can never be too paranoid.”</span>
At least on that you agreed.
<span class="mu-r">“So Dr. Doom really is here to try and buy Arcade’s tech? Isn’t he supposed to be a super genius, or something? What does he even need it for?”</span>
Ember blew out a breath and puffed out her cheeks.
<span class="mu-r">“I don’t know, man. I don’t try to rationalize the thoughts of the criminally insane.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“No, you just work for them.”</span>
Squirrel Girl sarcastically spat, her hands on her hips.
<span class="mu-r">“Not anymore, apparently. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Doom isn’t the only bidder in this. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, Arcade’s bound to attract a boatload of crazies who’ll either be looking to buy him out, take him out, or just take him hostage.”</span>
That meant that Abe was in trouble! They’re probably converging on Arcade at this very moment.
You nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“What would it take to buy you out to help take down the Pixel Punks? I assume money’s not the only thing you’re after.”</span>
Now, it was her turn to blink her surprise at you. At least, she half managed to with the eye that wasn’t swollen.
<span class="mu-r">“It was…but now I’m thinking that I want something else.”</span>
Squirrel Girl gave her a curious look.
“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”
She gave you a malicious grin.
<span class="mu-r">“Revenge, motherfucker…! I’m gonna make that red-headed freak regret the fact that he ever crossed me. Oh, and…maybe help keep me out of prison if you can?”</span>
The three of you gave her a look.
<span class="mu-r">“What? Too much? We can talk about it later. Just make me an offer.”</span>
(Cont.)
