《Crimson Haze》


 Chapter 1. Genesis

    Chapter 1. Genesis


    Somewhere deep inside us lives a monster, pure evil jumping at every opportunity to be released. Greed, pride, envy, jealousy, hatred, revenge, whatever it may be it takes over all rational thought at the slightest taste. The be all end all of this corruption where it all stems...power. In a chaotic world full of uncertainty lay dormant a new threat to civilization. Something that would make everyday problems seem like godsends. Something truly evil that brings out the evil inside, the unnatural era in humanity that still plagues the world to this day. I still remember the day it happened, a day I will never forget.


    I was just wrapping up a job, most of the leads being exhausted. I had the perp pretty much figured out and was starting the plan to take them down. This job was very important as I was already on thin ice with the bureau because of numerous failures in the past. This time would be different I would make sure of that.


    I got back to one of the hideouts, a few personnel at location.


    "Sir, how is the situation?" Jordan asked


    "I have the perp within my grasp, just need a good plan of action," I replied.


    Through my detective work, I was able to identify the criminal, presumed missing, age 35, Caucasian male...Clark Everstein. Up until a year ago, he had a pretty stable life but his mother was suddenly struck with an unknown illness and his father got into an accident not long after. Tragedy after tragedy...I can only guess that he had gone mad with grief and sadness and is now stealing top-of-the-line technology to try and cure his mother''s illness. Beyond this guess, I have a pile of evidence placing him in the area and near other sites that had reported items stolen. Even after talking to experts we have no idea what he is trying to build but before he went off the grid a few months ago he was a true genius in his field. It is unknown what he truly did but his results were nothing to scoff at. He had many ingenious ideas that, with time, could have easily changed the world.


    After months of investigation, it all came down to this, Clark would be in a remote abandoned warehouse where his mother was thought to reside. I had been tailing him the last week attempting to confirm my suspicions and today was the day, whatever he was planning was surely close to fruition. He would spend most of his time at the warehouse, and although I couldn''t directly see the device I saw him meeting with individuals where he would threaten them to hand over their tech. He had done this a few times but was now held up at the warehouse. He seemed to have everything he needed for, presumedly, curing his mother. There could be more to it but that was the best idea for what he had been planning, nonetheless, we had recorded evidence of some of his thefts and I was certain we had our guy.


    It was late at night, 10:23 P.M. to be exact and I was posted up nearby, scope on the perp. The plan was to spy on him and then get in close when he seemed distracted or off guard. One problem would be his security system but we had a way to deactivate it. Finally, after an hour of waiting it was time, he had just set down some tools and headed towards a fridge. I hurriedly approached the building shooting off the lock at the front with a silencer and barging my way in. I quickly made my way towards Clark who was digging through his fridge unaware of my presence focused and with a futuristic pair of headphones on.


    He noticed me and froze, removing the headphones and putting his hands up.


    "Please man, don''t shoot, please!" Clark screamed pleading for his life, shaking heavily.


    "Come with me and nothing has to happen," I responded calmly.


    Looking closer I could tell he was exhausted and malnourished, he had clear bags under his eyes and looked in bad shape. I knew he wasn''t doing too well but seeing him so close really confirmed it.


    "N-no please I need to continue my work, I''m almost done please you have to let me continue. Money...do you want money?...anything I''ll give you anything, please.."


    He sounded defeated but I could tell there was still a hint of drive left within him.


    "What is so important you''d give me anything? You could just be buying time to get help or try to get away." I said reaffirming my grip on my pistol and cocking the gun.


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    "L-listen man, I''m working on some real state-of-the-art, leading-edge technology that could really change everything. You have to believe me, please, please.." Clark started crying and got onto his knees.


    I started still pointing my gun at Clark. "If it''s as you say why have you been stealing the parts and not working with the government or some other third party? You have the spending power to make it happen, don''t you? It all just seems too suspect, we can go into more detail once you are back at the bureau so come with me or I will be forced to deal with you in an unpleasant manner. Let''s be smart here-"


    In the middle of my speech, he got up with alarming speed and sprinted toward the huge device I had completely overlooked until now. Off guard, startled by his sudden movement, I reclaimed my composure and aimed at him. He had gotten a good amount of leeway between us and I had to be careful to not mortally wound him. I fired and missed my first two shots, it was a lot more difficult than it seemed to shoot someone with a handgun, Especially with a moving target traveling away from you. My shots went wide breaking some windows on the far side of the warehouse. in the middle of the run-down building was an impressive machine, It looked like some sort of supercomputer. it glowed a mysterious red, humming with a soft beat, just beyond it lay a grim scene. Clark''s mother lay looking more dead than alive like some sort of shriveled-up raisin of a person barely clinging to life. She had numerous wires hooked up to her and a heart monitor with a slow steady beep.


    The whole situation made me falter for an instant but I regained my composure once again lining my sights on the criminal. I fired a few more shots one hitting its mark, the bullet embedded itself into Clarks'' left shoulder, surprisingly only slowing him down an insignificant amount. I reloaded my gun approaching closer as I did so, Clark reached the machine and pressed some buttons. I had no idea what he had done but soon after the machine started making whirring noises like it was charging up. I quickly pointed my gun and rapidly fired at the man not knowing what was going to happen next. Right after I fired an invisible barrier was erected around the machine and Clark as the bullets stopped against it before being able to hit the target.


    I cursed under my breath reloading the gun running closer and firing another clip into the barrier to no avail, that was until I noticed the expression on Clark''s face as he stared at something. Moving my gaze to the direction he was looking I noticed an apparent wound in the machine. Just as I had noticed, the machine lurched, the whirring becoming sporadic and substantially louder. I could tell a huge explosion was imminent when I saw one so I started sprinting away. I wasn''t sure of the damage it would cause but with how powerful and mysterious it seemed to be with its own supposed power supply I knew it could only be massive.


    Running to the entrance of the warehouse, hoping I was a safe distance away I looked back. Clark was at the control panel trying anything and everything to fix the situation but the damage was done. I heard him scream "What have you done!" at the top of his lungs. As soon as it started it seemed to be over, the machine hit its climax booming and making a bone-shattering noise but the explosion was contained within its own barrier. It was a gruesome sight to behold, Clark''s body being eviscerated before my eyes, surprisingly there was little to no smoke or debris as the explosion started consolidating to one point. it went from exploding to imploding within seconds, the contents of what was once inside the barrier condensing into a ball of red energy, I stood about 100 feet out in anticipation.


    Contrary to how quickly the explosion happened the next few moments felt like time had slowed, the ball of red energy condensed more and more, sparks of energy arched out and around it until it shot up in a brilliant display of power. a red beam shot into the sky and the subsequent destruction of the barrier from the sheer force blew me back. I landed a distance away outside, dazed. I got to my feet and looked up visibly horrified. The beam of energy didn''t seem to be losing momentum as it continued to grow in width and height the further it got. From where the explosion or implosion originated the beam wasn''t all that wide but as it shot up it grew out more and more. things seemed to reach an end as it reached the upper atmosphere.


    It started dispersing as soon as it reached the sky but it wasn''t over, a dense ripple of energy started enveloping my vision. The waves of red vibrant energy neared the earth distorting everything as soon as it washed over me. It was like some sort of heat wave but everything was bleached crimson. As I looked on in awe and terror I fell to the ground holding my head, an unimaginable pain taking over all my senses. My head felt like it was going to pop from the intense pressure, the torture somehow worsening by the second. the pain was incomprehensible, I didn''t know how I was still conscious. With all my will and might I tried to reach for my gun to kill myself but the goal felt impossible. I lay in the fetal position on the ground writhing in agony screaming until my voice gave out.


    It was many hours until the pain subsided, the sun rays reaching my eyes as I noticed I could feel something other than the torturous pressure. I rubbed my head groaning when suddenly I was sucked into my mind rushing by old and forgotten memories. it felt as if I was an incorporeal entity being ushered toward a destination, only getting glimpses of the space around me. The experience was less about visuals and more just feelings and emotions as I seemingly passed by events in my life. This continued for a few moments longer until I stumbled upon a severed and broken memory in the recesses of my mind. As I approached the memory a distinct space formed around it as a house and background materialized but dulled and seemingly decayed. As I got closer to this scene the door to the house opened and as I floated inside I entered the memory.

 Chapter 2. Neural Connection

    Chapter 2. Neural Connection


    The sensation of entering a memory was something not so easily described but it was like being in a constant state of deja vu. As I entered this memory, past and present merged the two becoming indistinguishable. I melded with my past until I was reliving the moment as if it was happening in the present.


    I was in bed sleeping until I was startled awake by gunfire, as fast as I bolted up I was being carried away. Hearing gunfire was pretty normal in the area where I lived but this was different, the noise wasn''t a distant thing. My mother was carrying me, running as fast as she could with the added weight. Suddenly a shot rang out and I felt a tinge of pain in my arm, my ears were ringing and I could see a lot of blood. We fell to the ground my mother, in her last moments, tucking me under her. In shock, I stayed still not daring to make a single noise. A stream of tears ran down my face as I could feel hot liquid pour out of my mother. I stayed there for a long time, sobbing silently as my mother still hadn''t moved, blood completely covering me at this point. My arm was bleeding slightly but It was just a flesh wound, the bullet had barely grazed me.


    At some point, I fell asleep, head pounding my face stuffy and puffed from the crying. I lay there for what felt like days until I was sure there was no longer anybody there. my mouth was dry, and my stomach groaned in protest so I moved my mother off of me. after struggling to get out from under her I was able to see the situation for the first time. bodies littered the floor, there were men in uniforms all over the ground. after throwing up whatever was left in my stomach I searched around. I found my father slumped up against a wall. there was a gun in his hand and a gun strapped to his chest via a sling.


    My older brother and sister were in each other''s arms in their room huddled in the corner dead. At this point, I was in complete shock, my face was expressionless with a stream of tears cascading down it. I gathered the strength and will to find something to eat and drink, the pantry didn''t have much in it but I found what scraps I could and scarfed it down. I poured myself a glass of water out of the sink, I gulped it down way too fast choking on it. After recollecting myself I took a more controlled approach and quenched my thirst. I stumbled my way to my room avoiding the slaughter that was our house. I noticed something on one of the men in uniform, they had a patch on their arms of a logo. the logo was of a unique-looking B, I then made my way inside my room. My body was still covered in blood but I didn''t seem to notice as I climbed into my bed and screamed myself to sleep in my pillow.


    As I passed out from exhaustion the world came back into focus as I awoke on the ground someone calling my name.


    "Brian! Brian, hello are you there? C''mon, you''ve been unresponsive for hours, please be ok!" A voice rang out in my ear.


    "Ugh...Hello?" I responded hazily, unsure of what was going on or where I was.


    "HEY! You''re finally awake, are you okay? You don''t sound okay." The familiar voice of Jordan replied in my ear.


    I took a minute to gather myself and get up off the ground, I assessed the situation and I slowly remembered what had happened.


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    "Ah right the mission, the last thing I remember was a crazy light show and then tremendous pressure and pain in my head," I said more to myself than to Jordan.


    "Yeah...about that, what exactly happened Detective? Whatever it is you did there...it may have affected the whole world." Jordan said


    "Do you know of anyone else having extreme pressure in their head? I just hope nobody was hurt." I responded as I went back into the warehouse to further assess the situation.


    "There have been a few reports and the Bureua has been checking up on them. We have a few people back at the city''s headquarters being monitored." Jordan replied as he typed on a keyboard.


    "Alright well, I''ll give you a quick mission report..." I said, promptly relaying the events as best I could.


    "Wow...I don''t know what to say, who would have thought Clark had such technology? This all feels like something straight out of fiction." Jordan said


    "Yeah well, whatever that red wave of energy was I hope it didn''t cause too many problems, but I already suspect this won''t be good for me. Especially with my hot streak of failures." I said, already dreading the potential blowback of the situation.


    "Either way you definitely did the right thing, who knows what the quote-on-quote supercomputer could have done? It would have been nice to seize the device but, again, who knows what it was capable of if it contained so much energy. Whatever happens, I''ll be on your side. I will say there was a bit of panic and casualties as the wave of energy messed with electronics. It was only for a moment but on a worldwide scale, it got a bit hectic." Jordan went on.


    I let Jordan ramble on a bit more until he noticed and apologized. It was worrisome that there was a blackout and it caused some mayhem but I knew I was getting fired after this one. My memory of the Bureau would be erased and I would be sent back to a normal life. It was supposed to be a simple arrest but instead, I caused unnecessary damage and killed the perp. Not only that but what could have been a great asset, the device Clark made, was destroyed. Oh well, I''ve already come to terms with the possibility of being let go.


    "I''m coming over right now detective, stay put ill be right there," Jordan said as an engine started and the line disconnected.


    I groaned a bit more my head still aching, I palmed my eyes and slapped my face trying to wake myself up. Looking around a bit more at the warehouse, most of it being destroyed, I saw something. Where the machine once stood was an orb of crackling red energy, I would have normally stayed far away from something like this but I got a strange feeling. It was still pretty dark out with the sun only just starting to come out so the red glow of the orb lit up the warehouse in a creepy and eerily manner. As I got closer the feeling intensified, it was like a strange hunger had washed over me a ferocious gluttonous feeling. I was close enough to touch it, mere inches from grabbing it, the feeling was all-encompassing. Right as I was about to grasp it and consume I heard a horn blaring nearby. Jolted by the noise I came to my senses and pulled my hand back.


    "how long had I been standing here?" I muttered to myself


    Brushing off the event I pushed it aside, the Bureau could deal with this I told myself.


    I briskly walked over to the truck, Jordan inside waving out the window. As I got inside I let my guard down and finally relaxed falling asleep from pure exhaustion. My short nap was abruptly interrupted as Jordan shook me awake.


    "We''re here," Jordan said walking towards the Bureau building.


    Shaking off the groggy feeling from a lack of sleep I stepped out of the van and composed myself. walking up to the building I had this sudden urge to look up, Complying out of curiosity I saw the all-familiar logo of The Bureau. The single letter of the logo suddenly jumped out into my mind, flashes of memory started bombarding me as I passed out onto the ground. The last thing in my mind, before unconsciousness took over, was the unique-looking B of the Bureau logo and the grisly scene of the armed soldiers brandishing the very same logo.

 Chapter 3. Trouble in Paradise

    Chapter 3. Trouble in Paradise


    I bolted up in a cold sweat frantically looking around as I fought for breath, the first thing I noticed were devices around me with sensors attached to me. The monitors showing an array of different statistics. I seemed to be in the infirmary, the rhythmically consistent and constant beep of my heartbeat persisting through the ringing in my ears. Through my ragged breathing, Jordan stirred awake, he was sat next to the bed a worried expression plastered on his face.


    "Thank god, you''re awake!" Jordan exclaimed.


    I responded wearily attempting to shed my dreariness. "Why are you so excited..."


    Interrupting me halfway through my sentence someone abruptly entered the room, they were well-dressed in a white coat with a formal shirt and tie. They held a clipboard in their left hand and a pen that was attached to the clipboard in their right. They flipped through the pages on the clipboard casually, going back and forth the pen moving to their lip as they landed on the correct document.


    "Hello, I am Dr. Heath Gray, and you are, hmm. Ah yes, here we are...Brian [redacted], it appears you have woken up from your three-day comma." Dr. Gray said in the most casual unperturbed manner I thought possible. "Looking at the notes here there are a few peculiar incidents, first off your skin was too durable to insert a drip but it also appeared you didn''t need it. Second, you didn''t excrete any waste, urine, stool, and the like, but this isn''t unusual with those who have gone into a coma. It appears as if whatever that incident was that affected certain individuals that are now in comas may be the cause of this unusual phenomenon."


    Dr. Gray explained, a bit of interest peeking through his seemingly professional blank face. As I attempted to process and understand the implications of the information he relayed two things happened almost simultaneously. The TV on the wall that was playing some random action show cut to a distressing news channel. As the broadcaster was starting to explain the situation, his appearance a mess, alarms started going off in the hospital and from other sources outside. From the view of the outside world through the window to my left, a huge explosion could be seen going off. Everything was happening so fast that I was barely able to understand it, partially from still feeling groggy and shocked. Jordan stood up as all the chaos ensued eyes wide from the explosion let alone the alarms and news station. The doctor seemed to display a bit more emotion rushing out to see what was going on within the hospital.


    The news anchor disheveled and out of breath quickly gave one last message. "We aren''t sure the exact cause of all of the attacks happening not only throughout the country but the world. It all seems too coordinated for it not to be some sort of planned attack but considering how widespread it is there seems to be no concrete conclusion. The working theory at the moment is this is somehow related to the incident a few days ago. But as of right now, we recommend everyone get somewhere safe, stay where you are if you are in a safe position, and pray."


    I took a deep breath to calm myself down before noticing a familiar nagging feeling that had been slowly growing in the back of my mind. It felt exactly like the hunger that I felt when getting close to that strange red floating orb in the warehouse. The sensation was only building so I clenched my fists and kept breathing. Everything that was going on was a bit overwhelming but now was no time to panic, I looked up at Jordan giving him an assessing look before pulling off the sensors and getting out of bed. As I shook off the tiredness I realized something, I wasn''t hungry, in fact, I felt in the best health of my life. I knew the doctor had told me something more was going on with me and anyone else affected by the incident I caused but it was strange. I looked down at myself and noticed I was only in a hospital gown, looking around for any clothes Jordan quickly put two and two together.


    "Ah, Brian here," Jordan said handing him a fresh pair of clothes. "Yes, I went to your place and picked up some clothes for you for when you woke up."


    "Well thank you, Jordan, I appreciate it, how are you holding up?" I asked concerned about his wellbeing with all the chaos.


    "I''ll be alright sir, I''m more worried about you, to be honest," Jordan responded a bit more formally but still in a casual nature.


    Jordan turned around as I started getting dressed, as I took off the hospital gown I noticed how toned my body appeared. I knew I was not this fit, I wasn''t in the worst shape but this was definitely different. Pieces started fitting together in my head, all the events seemed to lead to one conclusion. The incident with Clark, everything pointed to that moment and it would be delusion to ignore it. One conclusion could be I was still in a coma and something went wrong with taking down Clark. But if this was real I had to take it seriously and consider the fact there might be more going on here. I decided to do what the news reporter suggested and stay hunkered down at the hospital.


    I cleared my throat to get Jordan''s attention "Jordan, listen to me well, I''m alright in fact I''m more than alright but right now we need to try and heed the reporter''s advice. We will talk more about everything going on at some point later when and if we actually get to safety. But for right now survival is the top priority, if it is anywhere near as bad as I''m thinking...things could get rough." I commanded acting as seriously as I could.


    Just as Jordan was about to respond Dr. Gray stumbled into the room falling backward, shuffling back horrified as he landed. His completely impassive professional expression was now replaced with one of abject horror. He was bruised and bleeding from many wounds on his face. Jordan stepped back stunned by the sudden turn of events, I got in front of him to protect him from the incoming threat.


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    Suddenly the hunger spiked, edging at the back of my mind threatening to consume me. I felt that I needed to consume, to feast upon whatever was making me feel this way. The reason for what was going on entered the room. He was an imposing figure standing at 6''7", still wearing the hospital gown his muscles spilling out of them. There were a few sensors still connected to him that he didn''t even seem to notice as well as red crackling energy coming from his fists. He took one more step into the room taking his eyes away from the doctor and to mine, It felt like he could see into my soul, right through me. The look in his eyes, it was the same hunger deep inside me I could see it clearly, a predatory look not unlike a lion that chases down a gazelle.


    I stayed calm not giving into any emotion attempting to spill out and take control. As the man assessed me a snarl plastered over his face as he looked back towards the doctor. He walked casually over to him and grabbed him by the collar lifting him into the air, the doctor yelped in fear as this mysterious man did so. I wanted to intervene but Jordan stopped me, I looked to him in protest but was met with the eyes of prey. Jordan was mortified by not only this stranger but me, I attempted to calm him down and started to approach the man.


    "Thanks for leading me right to another one doc! hahahaha! It only took a little convincing!" The man said, his deep raspy voice booming out from him.


    Not a moment after he finished talking he clenched his fist and pulled it back getting ready to punch Dr. Gray. I could feel that whatever coming next was no ordinary punch so I quickly rushed into action. I shoved the man away with a surprising amount of force, he released Dr. Gray stumbling back a few paces a hint of anger flashing across his snarling face. Retaliating without saying a word he came at me with explosive speed. His speed and power were impressive, but I could tell that''s all he had. With any ordinary individual, it would be over in a single punch for them, and even with experienced combatants, his speed would most certainly outshine any of their techniques. Although I knew I wouldn''t be quite as fast I could tell my body was much different now. It would take some getting used to but the man was throwing punches aimlessly, no real thought behind what came next in the fight.


    As I continued dodging and gaining a sense of his predictable movements the man showed some very clear signs of anger. The more he missed his mark the more furiously he attempted to strike me down. His attacks became more, and more erratic making them easier, and easier to evade, even so, I had to be ever-present. If I slipped up for a moment it could be deadly, I had a feel of the fight and my own ability but I had no idea if I could take a punch from this lunatic. I persisted with this evasion strategy until I could find a hole in the defense that was his offense. There had been many times it would seem obvious to go for a counter but there was always an extreme sense of danger with the thought. This was no average opponent and getting closer to him to strike back left me open to his ridiculous speed and force. As he became sloppier with his movements, his anger becoming palpable, more, and more openings appeared. I knew that whatever move I made would need to be swift and decisive, no hesitating. No matter what I did it might shock him if I make contact of any kind let alone a forcible kind so I could potentially use that to go for another hit or back off.


    As the battle continued I was finally able to capitalize on a huge opening, going for an uppercut to the chin. Right as my fist connected, I received flashes of memories some I recognized and some I didn''t. The foreign memories were all over the place and seemed to come all at once yet lasting hours. It appeared as if I was reliving and experiencing key life moments of this man, some public and some very private. The man''s name was Jackson and for most of his life he was kind, but in the last 10 years of his life, this wasn''t the case. He had done horrible things and turned into a true monster. With all this information the extreme emotions being held back shot forward. Everything I had been suppressing came forth, fear, anger, hunger, any emotion one would normally have been experiencing amplified to a dangerous level. Along with Jackson''s memories also came the memory of when I used my mental power, all of this combined made for a huge opening for Jackson.


    Jackson was sent back by the powerful blow, his jaw fracturing from the force and shocking him for a few moments. He regained his composure, anger fueling him more than ever before as he came at me. At this point I was still reeling from the overwhelming experience, my mind unable to cope with everything going on. As he reached me his fist lit up violently red, but there was something different about this punch compared to any other. It was similar to the punch he charged against the doctor but somehow more. Barely being able to block with my arm I got hit with an explosive amount of force. As I hit against the wall it felt like cardboard as I went right through it into the next room, my trajectory only slowing slightly. I slammed through two more walls and rooms before coming to a full stop. I groaned from the physical and mental pain, but soon Jackson would be on me again. On my back, I tried to get up but it was too little too late, Jackson was already upon me. I put my arms up to defend myself as his fists slammed down berating me. As the punches came down faster and faster my arms were barely enough cracking and breaking under the intense power. The floor beneath me cracked as I was hit over and over, I gritted my teeth in anger adrenaline and something else rushing into my system.


    "ahhh!" Jordan yelled rushing over with some equipment slamming it into Jackson''s back.


    The equipment crumpled against his bulk but ultimately managed to achieve the main goal, a distraction. Jackson stopped his onslaught for a moment backhanding Jordan hard in the chest. He was launched into the wall but unlike myself was stopped by the wall dropping to the ground unmoving. In this moment I quickly bolted up and took the opportunity to make some decisive blows. A liver punch or two, a jab to the temple and a few more assaults as fast as I could. My injured arms strained against the blows damaging them more but I persisted, ignoring the pain and using it to push myself forward. Jackson dropped to the ground not having any time to react and defend. Mindlessly I kept up the assault pure instinct and emotion driving me, I was not in control but this may have saved me. Punch after punch I pummeled Jackson, my fists flying into his face, another punch, and another, and another, and another. I stood over Jackson panting, his face a bloody pulp and my hands a mangled mess. My fingers were shattered, my hands were fractured and broken, my arms in a similar state but a smile was etched across my face.


    As I caught my breath my elation only rising, the building rumbled, it was clear other fights were happening and more chaos was ensuing around me but I paid none of it any attention as It was finally time for me to have a well-deserved meal. It came almost naturally to me, I didn''t have to be shown or instructed how to do it, the action feeling like second nature as I put my destroyed hands on Jackson''s body and consumed.

 Chapter 4. [Redacted]

    Chapter 4. [Redacted]


    I stood over Jackson''s body, my hands being crudely placed on his chest, the central source of it, the power. It took only a few seconds for the process to start, but to me, it felt like walking forever in a desert with the promise of water far, far in the distance. After what seemed like an eternity a crimson haze of energy rippled out of Jackson''s chest, there was a bit of resistance but with no will behind it the energy was rightfully mine. It flowed into my hands and it felt euphoric, like nothing I had ever experienced, pure power and it was all mine. As I reveled in the feeling of ultimate and unadulterated power Jordan groaned and sat up, his hand cradling his chest in pain. Jordan glanced over at me, a complete feeling of dread washing over him as he felt it. Before it was just the sense of a predator, something instinctual, but now it was in the air. Crimson energy crackled around me and Jordan sat there shaking attempting to say something but the words caught in his throat.


    I could sense it all around me, more power, and with more power...I-I could do anything, I could stand up to the Bureau and show them I''m not useless. I could take down anyone, nobody could get in my way...first I needed more, more of this divine power. This was my current thought process and it seemed like I was truly and utterly lost, but there was a force that felt bigger than me pushing against these thoughts. In the moment I was too self-absorbed to even acknowledge the feeling but it was very prevalent and actively pushing for control.


    As the crimson energy ran through my body and rested deep in my chest my arms started burning. The pain was nothing compared to the overwhelming bliss I was feeling, so I just watched with amusement. I could feel my muscles, bones, tendons, and everything else that was damaged in the fight knitting itself back together. It was a strange sensation and I marveled at it smiling wide at the turn of events. Once my arms and hands were healed I flexed them, not only were they healed but I could feel they were stronger. Trying something I witnessed Jackson do I attempted to channel the energy within me to my fists. As the energy responded it felt like trying to pour molasses through a sieve, the energy was moving but with great strain and effort. I took in labored breaths sweat dripping down from my forehead, this was clearly something I had to train as it wasn''t coming as naturally. As I stood, a wicked grin still prominently sitting on my face, Jordan got the courage to speak.


    "S-sir, is that you?" Jordan choked out, scared but more worried about me.


    I turned around aggressively and assessed him, checking to see if he was a threat. Deeming him but a mere insect in my presence I glared and scoffed at him.


    "heh! Of course it''s me! in fact, I feel more alive than ever, more like who I was always supposed to be." I flexed my fists and stretched feeling out my body before testing it. Flourishing my speed and combat ability I used multiple moves in quick succession as I casually spoke, more for my own sake than Jordan''s. "I''ll prove to the Bureau that I am an asset they couldn''t dream of getting rid of. There are obviously more threats out there and it would only be the kind thing to do to take care of them for them. But the Bureau will rue the day they ever scolded me, I''ll show them. In fact, for what they did to me and my family, they are lucky I let any of them live."


    "Sir-no Brian, this clearly isn''t you, something is wrong! Don''t you see it?" Jordan said concern and pain in his expression.


    I stopped suddenly in the midst of a flurry of moves and stared at Jordan, with impressive speed I got right up in his face. I had a finger almost touching him as I angrily retorted against his question.


    "See it? See what, that I''m stronger? Faster? I can see that, I can feel it, nothing is wrong with me. You dare assume to know that something is wrong?" I spat, the venom and rage of the words radiating from me.


    Jordan decided at this moment that he''d either die or manage to get through to me by some miracle. With a deep controlled breath, he stared back into the eyes of this stranger, hoping to find a glint of his associate and friend. "Brian, I know you are in there, whatever it is that has taken over you...I know you can overtake it. You have to, you saw how it ended for that man, don''t let your dark emotions control you. Oh! Brian, remember when you first met me? I had just turned 21 and I was lost, but you helped me out and got me a good position. You did that, you''ve always cared about those around you, embrace that kind nature, and banish the ego that has overtaken you." As Joran spoke from the heart a single tear fell my eye. The rage, ego, fear, and hunger were leaving me as I remembered but the effort to take back control was immense.


    Jordan recognized the internal struggle and could finally see a glint of the man he had gotten to know over the last 2 years. As I struggled, my hand shakily reached up and out so I could place it on his forehead. As my hand reached and my power activated both me and Jordan were sucked into each-others minds. Jordan had to let me in but there was no resistance there, we could feel and see memories we had together and memories from random moments in our lives. Here there was no way to hide and as we transitioned into this mental landscape I became myself again. We were stood on solid ground but the rest of the landscape consisted of far-off floating chunks of detached land. It looked as if a bit of land had been lifted up and out of the ground and each one was where a core memory existed. I could feel that I could control the memories Jordan and I shared and my memories, there was still more to figure out about this power but for right now I just looked on in amazement. The first time I experienced this I did it by accident and I had no time to look around and appreciate the beauty of it.


    "W-woah...what happened Brian, where exactly are we?" Jordan said both amazed and confused as he looked around.


    "Ever since the incident with Clark I''ve been able to enter my memories, well I had only done it once and even then I only remembered it when I stopped suppressing it in the fight with Jackson. But even then it was more that all the negative emotions I was suppressing jumped out and that included the horrible memory in question. This however is both our minds, I guess in one space? I''m not entirely sure how any of this is possible but here we are." I rambled fascinated with the whole thing now that I could actually think and process the events.


    When I thought of the horrible memory it shot towards us from the distance and right as I was about to banish it I noticed something.


    "Wait, wait, do you see that Jordan?" I asked inquisitively. "Right here." We suddenly appeared at the physical part of the memory and the issue in question. "This." I continued, pointing at an artificial tear that had remnants of crimson energy, not unlike the crimson energy from the last few days.


    "Ok? Couldn''t this just be the energy in your body or something?" Jordan said thinking out loud.


    I responded, my face scrunched in confusion and intrigue. "No, first off this energy isn''t mine, or at least not naturally mine, secondly I know you can''t tell but this has been placed here intentionally, It''s artificial. The most notable thing is it''s very old, whatever this is it''s from way before recent events. I honestly don''t know what''s going on here but maybe if I-."


    As I went to interact with it both physically and mentally I was sucked into the tear in the side of the memory. It felt like going down a slide that fit tightly around me, the pressure just enough to feel warm and cozy. It was dark and damp and suddenly a blinding light was suddenly approaching as I cried and wailed. The current me emerged with the past me as I was suddenly living in the moment of a past memory. I was crying and being held by someone, the only thing on my mind was the terrifying light and objects around me in my immediate blurry vision.


    "Oh, Brian, I love you." A female voice resonated out as I was held in her arms. I stayed there for a short time until I was abruptly taken away, her screams slowly getting quieter and quieter. "Brian! Brian!!."


    As I was ushered out of the room through a door everything went black, when I came back to it felt as if some time had passed but I had no memory of anything in between. The transition was seamless as I opened my eyes to complete darkness, nothing changing but my awareness of the situation. The room I was now in was entirely dark except for a bit of light under a door in the distance, but it was swallowed up by the darkness, the light nothing but a false hope. I was on my stomach facing this door that seemed so close yet so far away, the fear starting to set in. All alone in an unfamiliar environment, the only comfort being the plush floor, tears fell from my eyes involuntarily. The moments of darkness went on and on and I had no idea how long I had been in this purgatory. I started calling out for anyone for someone, my mother. I screamed and cried out for hours until my throat was rough and dry, my stomach equally roaring out in protest. The darkness felt invasive and terrifying, like at any moment something was going to reach out and get me. After what felt like days I lay sprawled out exhausted, my eyes dry and bloodshot from crying, my mouth and throat raw, and my stomach groaning in protest. Right as I felt life slipping from me the door opened abruptly and a man in a nice suit started entering, his face being obstructed by the blinding light behind him. Not a moment later I transitioned to the next memory.


    I was suddenly standing in a room with a white ceiling, floor, and walls, they were padded and the room was illuminated by bright iridescent lights. The man in the nice suit entered the room from a secure-looking door and stood in front of me smiling kindly, a snarl appeared on my face as he got close and I knelt and backed up as far away from him as I could like a feral animal. Right when he was going to speak the scene then cut to that of the same room but there was blood everywhere, a man was still standing a weapon in his hand. I came at him with precision and speed, expertly taking him down with an extreme amount of force.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    A voice coming from nowhere and everywhere boomed out. "Good job number 0088297!" I was no older than five and I had just mercilessly slaughtered several men and even received praise for it, these also weren''t the first or last. I knew what came next so I prepped using a breathing method I devised for this exact moment. As soon as the gas entered the room I held my breath and then acted out passing out onto the ground. After 7 minutes I feared I was going to lose consciousness but the gas quickly dissipated. Holding out a little while longer I stayed completely still on the ground and let two men pick me up and out of the room. In a flash I acted, grabbing one of the men''s weapons and shooting both of them before they could react. I dropped onto the ground and looked around franticly for any danger and to assess my situation, the first thing I noticed were all the doors. I was in a long hallway and doors littered the walls on both sides, inspecting them they were all the same and most likely led into rooms similar to the one I was in.


    Running to the end of the hallway I gaped as I looked out into a giant cylindrical room, if you could even call it a room. There was a metal platform right outside the exit of the hallway that went all the way around the perimeter of this level. Stepping out onto the metal platform I rested my hands on the railing and looked around astonished. The room was split into four even sections vertically, and there was a platform connected to either side going through the middle. On either side, there were huge metal doors that must have been an exit of some kind. peering up and down I couldn''t see a top or bottom to the place, however, I did see steps leading up and down to different levels. It didn''t seem like there was an end to this place and the implications of it all didn''t immediately come to me. Before I could gawk further I heard a commotion and alarms going off, I started running down the platform toward the metal doors.


    Hearing hurried footsteps behind me I picked up the pace, I got to the stairs that would take me down to the exit. I started down them but stopped a few steps in and lowered myself, waiting for the men chasing after me I took out the gun I still had. As they approached the staircase I lifted the gun up and shot wildly, hoping I caused a distraction I continued down the stairs. As I reached the bottom I could see the door clearly, I looked back to see if they were still chasing me and suddenly ran into something. I stumbled backward onto my butt flinching at the sudden collision, quickly regaining my composure and adrenaline coursing through my veins I looked up. Seeing the man in the suit standing there, his hands in his dress pant pockets I aimed my gun up at that ever-present smile. Before the gun was even pointed at him he was in motion, appearing behind me without me even realizing. With a quick decisive chop to the back of my neck I was passed out on the ground, the blaring alarms the last my senses picked up.


    I awoke in a panic, alarms still blaring around me, I was strapped down to a table unable to move anything but my eyes. I could see and hear a strange device working on me and felt some sort of weird pressure in my head, but it was muted like I was numbed. There were people all around me yelling commands and concerned comments but none of it was registering in the moment. I could feel myself losing consciousness again as I slipped from reality, but before succumbing to unconsciousness fully I peered at some monitors to the right of me. There was a photo of me with some statistics and information displayed next to it. To the right of that was a top-down view of me, I could see the device that was hooked up to my head, and it made me feel sick. Further right I could barely make out a bunch of monitors displaying tens of other children, the same device hooked up to them. Above all of this was a logo of sorts that spelled out "Project Soul". As my eyes were finally drifting closed all the other voices were shut out by one commanding voice.


    "Progress with the memory wipe, this one may be stubborn and full of surprises but he will be a very powerful asset for us and Project Soul moving forward."


    I awoke in a cozy bed, stretching before getting out, my body still sore from the days and weeks of training. I got cleaned up and ready for the day, my stomach grumbled and I excitedly smiled in anticipation of a hearty breakfast. After eating breakfast with the other kids I made my way to my first class. When my classes were over we did training, I was the star student having a seemingly raw talent for combat and fighting in general. my Master, the man I looked up to was coaching and directing us, he wore a nice suit and always had a big smile on his face. It was my goal to someday take him down, but he was just too good.


    "You did well today Brian, I expect great things from you in the future," Rubeus said, patting me on the head before walking off to talk to the other kids.


    Life went on like this for many years until I was 18, only a few things here and there of note but with my status and talent, nothing was a real issue. But a few months after I turned 18 and was expecting to participate in conflicts for the Bureau something happened that shattered my worldview. I was about to enter my Master''s office to go over my future when I overheard a heated argument as I approached the door.


    "Sir, things are progressing as fast as they have been projected to progress, There isn''t anything more we can do." One man said concern and a bit of anger in his retort.


    "If we stay complacent with ''projected progress'' we won''t have real results in decades, we need to make leaps and bounds in this project for what''s to come! What is our current wall, we have had a sufficient amount of data for a few years now yes!? I understand that every day we understand more and more but there must be something big we''re missing!" My Master, Rubeus angrily shouted, more at the situation than the man he was discussing with.


    "Well sir, we have created an artificial soul, many in fact! But they become unstable almost immediately, there is something big we can''t get past. Are we still sure the augmented clones are not a better use of our time and resources? I know it''s not what they are looking for in the long term but this seems like an impossible fairy tale of a project." The man pleaded, clearly exhausted and overly stressed.


    "Absolutely not, Project Soul will be our top priority full stop! Besides, we''ve put too much into this for it to not work out. You can argue the sunk-cost fallacy to me but this isn''t my decision. Now, we expect some more tangible progress soon, figure out what the hookup is and deal with it. Maybe it''s an issue of not having enough power allocated or needing a more stable framework. Whatever it is I want you to test everything and anything. Now if that was all I have a guest coming by soon so be on your way!" Rubeus commanded ushering the man to the door.


    At the mention of "Project Soul" I got chills, it was like a dam that was cracked finally broke and memories flooded out. Sweat started forming and my body got hot as all the memories spilled into my mind, my breathing was all over the place, and true panic set in. Hearing the conversation had ended I rushed back to the turn in the hallway, to make it seem like I was just approaching. I tried to calm myself down as I heard the door open the man walking out, his steps were panicked and quick. I turned the corner and acted as if nothing was wrong and nodded at the man then waved at my Master trying my best to act excited. As I entered his office I sat down in the chair in front of him, sweat rolled down the side of my head. I fidgeted nervously as my Master stared at me inquisitively, his smile still etched perfectly into his face. His eyes, which always seemed almost closed opened wide as he leaned back in his chair slowly.


    "How much did you hear, Brian?" He said, his tone flat and unamused.


    "Uh-Uhm, what do you mean? L-like you and that man, oh, nothing. Maybe just some yelling I heard from down the hall I guess. Ha ha...why do you ask Master?" I replied, my nervousness and panic almost certainly giving away that I was lying.


    My Master''s smile faltered for a moment as he stared daggers into my soul, he quickly reached for something as I also jumped into action. With a swift motion, I grabbed my knife in my holster and leaped over the desk. Before I was able to get any further Rubeus had a device in his hand and he activated it. A jolt of electricity ran through my body and stunned me cutting my leap off short.


    "Did you really think I wouldn''t have safety measures in after what you did last time? You''ve only gotten more dangerous so it-." His words were cut off as my knife slashed through his throat. The jolt had only interrupted me for a few seconds before I overpowered the pain and shock, much to Rubeus''s surprise. He choked and gurgled on his own blood before his head slammed onto his table, blood pooling out. I had made sure to cut through the artery in one concise slash and I reveled in the long-awaited revenge for all my suffering. I shot out of the door and ran for the exit, but guards were already on the move and headed toward me. Somehow they knew something was wrong and that I was the culprit, so I unsheathed my knife again and got ready. Adrenaline still coursing through my body I managed to fight off a few of the guards even with the electricity still shocking me. Stabbing and landing precise blows I dealt with them as fast and efficiently as possible. I took the gun off of one of the guards and used him as a meat shield while firing back at the growing number of guards. Taking a shot in the shoulder I groaned and breathed in hard, the afflictions affecting my body and mind were slowly escalating to overwhelming levels and I feared I wouldn''t hold out much longer. In one last attempt, I jumped up from behind the dead guard and ran at the guards shooting and attempting to dodge any incoming bullets.


    I took a few more hits before reaching the wall of guards crashing into them with force. This turned out to not be the best course of action as shortly after I was pinned down to the ground, my airway being restricted. Darkness slowly crept in around me as I tried to move or scream. I woke again strapped to a hard surface, everything coming back to me. I screamed and thrashed as they lowered the device onto my head. I pleaded and begged, tears streaming down my face as the anesthetics kicked in. I was able to stay conscious for 20 more seconds as I screamed and used as much force as I could muster to attempt to escape this cruel fate but to no avail.


    As I faded to black passing for what felt like the hundredth time I appeared back in the mindscape next to Jordan. I came back screaming with tears cascading down my cheeks as I fell to the ground into a fetal position. I stayed like this trying to suppress all the memories I just unlocked but they kept flashing and unfolding more and more. New memories easily came forward, nothing in the way as they all came in at once. Minutes went by as I seethed on the ground, Jordan being affected by the strong emotions as well. The mindscape started shaking as it became unstable, the once small fissure in the fake memory ripping as memories shot out of it.


    "Come on Brian, we gotta get out of here," Jordan yelled at me, grabbing me and getting me to my feet


    My face was wet with tears and my throat ravaged but I shook my head and ran with Jordan. We reached a slash in the air that showed the outside world, our bodies in almost the same state as when I used my power, only a little time having gone by. We jumped through and woke up with gasps, we immediately noticed the building was shaking the scene reminiscent of the previous. I stood up and picked up Jordan, leaping out of the window and landing on the ground. Running a bit away the building fell shortly after, some fights still happening in and around the wreckage. One woman flew straight up with another person in their grasp, a few seconds later a body hit the ground with a splat and the woman soon followed after. She stood over the corpse and devoured the power from them. I carried Jordan further away before setting him down and sitting down myself.


    Before I realized what was happening Jordan was on his phone.


    "Yes, it''s Jordan, and Brian is with me, we were at the Chesterfield hospital when all the chaos happened. I''m injured and Brian is in rough shape as well, you can be here soon? Great!"


    I tried to be upset at Jordan and explain everything but the pure mental exhaustion was getting to me. I laid my back against the tree we were stationed next to and drifted to sleep, where I hoped it would be a dreamless night, free from the old but new and fresh memories in my head.

 Chapter 5. The Bureau (Part 1)

    Chapter 5. The Bureau (Part 1)


    A few minutes after the call was made an armored vehicle skidded to a stop near Brian and Jordan. Two Bureau guards stepped out of the vehicle to get Brian into the backseat, their expressions nonplussed. They wore the classic Bureau outfit for grunts, a black suit, tie, dress pants, and a white dress shirt. Their faces were adorned with black shades, an earpiece for communication, and a uniform sleek haircut. Bureau guards were also equipped with a taser, firearm, and other miscellaneous tools. This combination made them appear intimidating but gave way to an uncanny feeling.


    Jordan was also helped into the armored car, he had multiple broken ribs, along with other fractures and his right lung was punctured. His condition was only getting worse, he sat coughing and having trouble breathing in the backseat next to Brian. They began moving but didn''t get far before having to slow down due to other armored vehicles, most much bigger and equipped with heavy artillery, clearing up the road and picking up any fleeing civilians. If any threats came too close the artillery would fire dissuading them from approaching further. The Bureau was attempting to deal with the chaos but it was like trying to douse a wildfire with a glass of water. Making their way to a discreet location the vehicle pulled off to the side of the road, heading down a forested path out to an open field.


    The two guards urgently started putting on gas masks before pushing a button releasing gas throughout the vehicle. Jordan at first curious about what was going on quickly became concerned with the gas masks and then finally terrified by the gas. He yelled expletives and tried to open the door, his attempt futile. He passed out but not before pounding on the glass in defiance. The windows lowered as if to mock Jordan''s last fleeting attempt at escape, releasing the excess gas to dissipate into the air. Shortly after, a helicopter touched down near the unconscious duo. While the guards in the vehicle got out two more from the helicopter stepped out and assisted in carrying Brian and Jordan to it. From the view of the helicopter as it flew up into the sky the chaos of the city was evident. The overall destruction had slowed but many intense battles were still being held, carnage in their wake.


    Waking up suddenly I tried to get my bearings but something was obscuring my vision. Not only this but I was restrained to a chair, my arms and legs clamped down. As I was still stirring awake confusion and slight exhaustion still prevalent I heard a voice to the right of me.


    "Ugh, what''s going on?" Jordan asked, concern laced in his tone.


    "Jordan, is that you?" I responded.


    As soon as we had this short dialogue the cloth bags covering our heads were removed. A man was sitting across a table from us, his feet up on said table. He was conventionally handsome, seemed to be in his early 20s, and was of Western European descent. Looking around the room it was very blank, with white walls a black concrete floor, and a single door into the room. The ceiling of course had the standard LED lights and four guards were stationed in each of the corners. I also had a suspicion that one of the walls was actually a one-way mirror, however cliche it seemed.


    "Now, now, I''m sure you are both very confused but you needn''t worry! We just needed to have a little meeting is all!" The man explained a forced smile embroidered on his face. I was about to speak but I was quickly interrupted.


    "Please, please, keep your questions to yourself for now! My name is Casey and we''re just going to have a quick chat, I''m sure you don''t mind! First order of business, I have here the report of your most recent case, reported by our very own Agents Jordan Daniels! So, from the report here, it would be safe to assume you are the cause of...pretty much the end of the world, right?" Casey asked, his smile fading into an intimidating scowl as he slammed the document onto the table.


    "Well...I guess so, but there was no way I would have known my actions could have such drastic effects." I hurriedly said trying to defend myself.


    "Calm down, calm down, you aren''t in any trouble...for now at least," Casey said his face returning to a smile then quickly into a frown again.


    "I find it hard to believe I''m not in a little bit of trouble at least, considering I''m restrained to a chair."


    "Well, that was just for our safety, we are all well aware of how competent you are in combat. Wouldn''t want to have an incident, now would we?" Casey said, his arms held behind his back and his smile returning.


    Casey started up another unserious speech but my focus was on something else, there was a faint presence slowly approaching. I felt it right outside the door and it suddenly opened revealing the individual I felt the presence from. They turned around to close the door and then came to stand next to Casey.


    "O-oh, Commander sir! What-What''s going on?" Casey asked, stumbling over his words in concern and confusion.


    "At ease Special Agent Casey, It''s only natural that I also want to speak with this man, yes?" The man asked calmly, attempting to de-escalate Casey''s nerves. He stepped up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder gripping it tightly.


    Casey wasn''t short by any stretch of the imagination but this man easily towered over him. Whether I was still experiencing the effects of exhaustion or just ignoring and suppressing reality, I don''t know, but I finally noticed the key features of this man. At first, I was intimidated by this Casey character as he seemed unhinged and dangerous but compared to this man, he was nothing. Right off the bat, you could just feel an intense and dangerous pressure pressing down on you, let alone his intimidating frame and stance.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    At a cursory glance, this was very apparent but what truly emulated his dangerous presence was his smile. That dreaded smile, for all intents and purposes, it was glued onto his face. As if It was the only expression that could grace it, not only this but his eyes were practically shut. He was of East Asian descent, so this combined with his smile and infallible confidence made for a terrifying expression.


    Something deep inside of me told me to run, to hide, it was a tad bit overwhelming but my subconscious shut it down before the man saw. The last time I had seen this man was when I slashed his throat, presuming the memories I uncovered weren''t also tampered with somehow. There was a gnarly scar on his neck, something that didn''t seem like one could survive. I remembered the way it felt slicing right through his jugular all the way to his carotid artery with my knife. I remember all the blood, how could he possibly be alive? Gripping my nerves I steeled myself for the incoming battle, a battle of composure.


    "W-well of course sir, but this is most assuredly beneath you, I''m positive you have much more important things that could use your attention," Casey said a bit calmer but still tense from the sudden invasion of Rubeus.


    "Nonsense, I knew the man''s father, he worked for the Bureau, and reading his last few case files he deserves a break," Rubeus said, his eyes staring daggers into mine.


    Although what he said and the tone of his voice indicated a playcating persona, his body language and presence said otherwise. Rubeus gently picked up the report document for my most recent case and skimmed through it. His face unreadable he put the report down and sighed, he whispered something to Casey and took a seat across from me.


    "So, Agent Brian, is there anything else you''d like to report on about this incident? If you do happen to have any additional information that you either left out or didn''t remember to add to the report please let me know now and I''ll share some info I know about the incident." Rubeus stated, his hands clasped around each other, supporting his chin as he stared intently at me.


    I fidgeted for a moment and then decided to tell him as much as I could without revealing too much about my abilities. I felt that if I spoke honestly and shared as much as I could he would share more with me.


    "Well, after the supercomputer exploded and shot a beam of energy into the sky a wave of energy washed over the globe, that part I''m sure you are aware of. After this, I experienced intense pressure in my head, it didn''t subside for many hours. When the pressure subsided I looked round at the wreckage of the warehouse, where the supercomputer once stood was now a floating red orb." I said until I was interrupted by Jordan.


    "If I may interject sir, I believe we had a brief conversation right when you came back to, this is when you relayed the incident and I wrote up the report. That is all, I apologize for interrupting sir, you may continue." Jordan said.


    "Ah right, thank you Jordan, yes like Jordan said as I came to from the agonizing pain he brought me back to reality and conversed. I then came upon the orb, which now that I think about it you guys probably confiscated right? Anyway, I felt a pull to it, like it was reaching out to me and beckoning me to consume it. Before I was able to Jordan honked the horn of his car and pulled me out of it. I slept a bit In the car but when we got to the headquarters, which is where I assume we are now, I passed out. I was in a coma for a few days until waking up in a hospital bed, shortly after all the chaos ensued." I said, finishing the explanation I started, attempting to be as concise as possible throughout it.


    Rubeus sat through the explanation, listening attentively as I went on shifting his gaze to Jordan when he spoke then back to me. Casey was stood behind Rubeus to his right, a nonplussed exasperated look on his face. Even though this was a simple conversation the tension in the room was palpable, it felt like being trapped in a den of starving lions. Rubeus thought for a moment more before starting to speak, his smile not faltering for a second during the dialogue.


    "Interesting, you''re one of them as well then? Well, you don''t seem like a mindless killing machine, but your case sounds unique. All the calls we got for those unconscious and in comas were right after the incident. I believe the pressure and pain got to them rather quickly and knocked them out, but, you were able to stay conscious for a longer period of time it seems. Did that somehow impact your mental state I wonder...sorry, just pondering out loud." Rubeus finished, laughing.


    "Ah right, I was still feeling the effects of my emotions being overtaken but it was slow and subtle until I got into a fight with another individual in the hospital. He rushed into the room and we fought, during the fight my emotions got out of wack and I lost it for a bit. Jordan here brought me out of it, I did notice that my reactions were faster, and my strength and durability were also improved. Do you have any insights as to why this is happening? Does it have anything to do with whatever was fueling Clark''s device?" I asked hesitantly, reaching for information.


    "hmm...maybe it does, but either way these ''powers'' are unprecedented, listen I''ll be truthful with you Brian, we have been doing tests to enhance individuals but all our efforts so far had been in vain. We may have methods of dealing with the new big threats out there but with you, we could have a bit more assurance. How does that sound, it will be risky but seeing how you were directly involved with how this issue came to be, it would be only poetic if you were one of the reasons it was resolved." Rubeus said empathetically, most of the tension in his being gone.


    I could tell what game he was playing if I was still a subservient dog to the Bureau I would have jumped at the chance. But my eyes had been opened to some of the hard truths, the disgusting practices that take place within the Bureau. I knew what I was about to do was risky but I needed to take advantage of this interaction. Up until this I specifically acted as I normally would, nervous, anxious but still confident. It was what he would expect from me and part of it wasn''t an act, but flipping the rhythm of the conversation would hopefully shift the power dynamic or at least Rubeus''s mental state.


    "Rubeus, I remember, I remember the dark room where I screamed until my lungs gave out, the white room where I became a murder machine mercilessly killing. I remember the machine that took away my memories and the years of training underneath you with the other kids. And I remember Project Soul and killing you." I said, starting with my head down showing submission but slowly raising my head to stare daggers into his eyes.


    Rubeus''s calming dismissive attitude shifted immediately after I uttered his name, his expression changing the more I spoke. He was at first taken aback not knowing exactly what to say but when I mentioned "Project Soul" his everpresent smile cracked. His eyes opened up slightly and his smile faltered, but just as quick as this happened he moved his hand to his holster. Casey who had been getting angrier and angrier throughout the course of the conversation quickly became confused, when he heard Project Soul his face lit up with recognition. Memories repressed and tampered with flooded forward, but before Casey could act upon them in any way Rubeus acted.


    He pulled out his gun and placed a shot straight through his head without even turning around, flinging his arm forward he aimed at Jordan. The situation had flipped and I was momentarily stunned, but seeing the gun pointed at Jordan I broke through the restraints and jumped into action. As fast as I could humanly, or inhumanly move I bolted across the distance between me and Jordan, the gun ringing out.

 Chapter 6. Rubeus? (part 1)

    Chapter 6. Rubeus? (Part 1)


    Moving on pure instinct I flashed across the table to intercept the bullet meant for Jordan, hearing the gunfire I feared I wouldn''t make it but I felt the impact. Feeling a stinging sensation of the projectile meeting my flesh the power within me acted on its own. I felt it flow through me and to the point of contact condensing in that spot stopping the bullet before it could embed itself into me. I wasn''t confident in taking a bullet but knew there was a chance I could take it versus letting it hit Jordan and potentially kill him.


    The bullet hit me with a thud but clattered to the ground in what felt like slow motion, with me falling to the ground aswell. Experimentally, I raised my fingers to the wound in my forehead, it felt hot and still stung but as bullet wounds went it was nothing. Raising my head my eyes met with Rubeus''s, shock and anger filling his expression, but his smile still held strong.


    "Guards, fire at will," Rubeus commanded placing his gun back into his holster and crossing his arms, seeming to be entertained by the turn of events, even after all the surprises and irritation in his voice and expression.


    My eyes widened remembering the four guards as they got into position, they all aimed at me ready to shoot. Formulating a plan on the fly I acted as if I was reaching for my knife and would attempt an attack but instead right as they shot I dropped to the ground. I had noticed that If I wasn''t in the way the guards would just shoot each other, so I used this to my advantage getting them to shoot and then getting out of the way. The four of them slumped to the ground, and I was surprised it actually worked.


    Rubeus facepalmed and sighed "It seems it was too naive of me to think that would be any more exciting than it was. I really should have given a bit more complex of an order, can''t be helped." As Rubeus finished, shaking his head, his smile became predatory as he looked at me.


    While Rubeus was talking I freed Jordan from his restraints and then jumped to the other side of the table when he glared at me.


    "Jordan behind me!" I shouted


    "There''s so much more going on than just you, or even me, It''s ultimately futile to even attempt to try and change the fate of this world Brian. For as long as you''ve been alive and everything that you''ve done, whether it was try and defy us or all the years you helped the Bureau, it was all in vain. You are just as worthless as these guards were, a means to an end, a tool to help an agenda." Rubeus monologued, he then placed his fingers on his neck where a scar lay. "This was the closest you got to having a true impact on this world, and you even failed at that. And even with these new ''powers'' there are forces working behind the scenes that far surpass our comprehension. Things that you couldn''t dream of standing up to or going against." Rubeus finished, kicking over the chair in his way and easily flipping the table end over end into the wall with a thud as he approached.


    "If you''re trying to make me angry it''s not working Rubeus, deep down I''ve always known my place in this world. Even if I don''t have the whole picture, I''m simply not going to sit down and submit to the horrors the Bureau has and continue to commit." I said in retaliation, putting up my fists for a fight.


    Before I could react Rubeus was upon me slamming a fist into my side sending me flying into and through the wall to my right. I could feel the energy within me try and cushion the blow to my side but the impact happened too fast. I felt something was broken but I got up almost on instinct, charging to Rubeus. He had his hand around Jordan''s neck and with a concise motion a snap rang out and Jordan''s limp body fell to the ground. I stopped in my tracts freezing in place, an overwhelming feeling bubbling up. It was similar to the overpowering rage I felt in the fight against Jackson but instead of emotions already there being amped up this rage was all mine.


    Snapping and losing myself in the moment I barreled toward Rubeus, The closer I got to him the more my momentum slowed but this didn''t stop me. Even with how fast I was approaching he attempted to dodge, it was still not enough. Ramming into his side, I sent him flying, the force of the impact booming out and even more so when Rubeus''s large figure slammed into the wall. He stood up and spat out some blood, wiping the corner of his mouth with his thumb, he looked down at the blood and smiled. I came at him throwing my fists forward in a rampage, again the momentum of my fists slowed as they approached but I was also increasing in speed. Enough to offset the slowing effect and then some, the crimson energy flowing through me more and more unimpeded the longer the fight went on. I could feel the energy, the pure power elevating my every move, making me faster, stronger, and more efficient. In my anger the energy was moving through my body subconsciously, all I had to worry about was hitting my target and using my body efficiently.


    Rubeus was on the defensive, attempting to evade and block my onslaught of attacks. At first, he dealt with it well but as the attacks kept coming he was driven onto the backfoot. He had his arms in front of him taking the hits, hitting them felt like hitting a wall but I could now bust through walls with some ease, so I continued my assault. Rage kept bubbling up inside of me my fists adorning a red hue and becoming brighter by the second. The crimson energy was both fortifying my fists and empowering them, even still I could feel bones start to ache and crack. I paid it no mind and kept pushing, hitting him with a multitude of consecutive blows.


    I finally stopped when his arms fell to his side, dangling limply, even so, a smile was still stuck on his face. I reared my fist back ready to wipe that smug everpresent look off of his face when I heard a rush of footsteps approaching. Swinging my fist across his face I used my mental ability to enter his mind, knowing this was all I could do given the situation. Up until now every time I had used this power it was different, first with myself, second against Jackson getting flashes of his life story, and third with Jordan. Now I was attempting to force my way in and use it as an attack.


    After pushing through a bit of resistance I forced myself into his mind, it was fairly empty say for a familiar desk sitting in the middle of the empty black space. At it sat Rubeus, younger, but not any less intimidating and imposing. It seemed like a replaying of the moment I slit his throat but this was his subconscious. I walked over to him calmly, my emotions at bay for the moment as my full attention was on suppressing Rubeus''s pushback. I sat down across from him attempting to assess his thoughts and emotions from his face.


    "Well this is quite the surprise, Brian, you never fail to more than exceed my expectations." He said smiling down at me with his signature smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. He was also in his classic red and black suit that seemed intrinsic to his being. "So what brings you to such a private and vulnerable place, here inside my mind?"


    "Seeing as you interrupted our civilized discussion earlier I thought we could continue without any unnecessary interruption," I replied, my tone and attitude passive-aggressive as I used my mental abilities to suppress him further. "Oh sorry about that, I''m still not used to using my ability like this, I''m sure you understand."


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    "Ah yes, I believe we left off with your trauma dumping, which I can see is explained by this ''ability'' as you put it," Rubeus said inquisitively, shrugging off the suppression and continuing his dialogue. "I do wonder if this ability was the result of the mental experimentation and manipulation that was performed on you. Or if you were resilient to it and acquired the ability from this natural resistance. Nonetheless, It''s something to consider as having a unique ability might end up being commonplace seeing as we have not made contact with many that have been altered." Realizing he had run away with the sentence Rubues apologizes. "Ah, I apologize for going on about that, I suppose I''m always in work mode, assessing the facts and coming up with theories and the like."


    "How can you be so casual about all this, you act as if none of this is personally affecting you, are you so delusional that you still feel nothing as I''m literally in your mind in control of the whole situation? I mean you literally just stated how this is a private and vulnerable place, and yet you''re speaking as if you are an outside observer looking into this situation." I stated, my emotions slightly flaring at the ridiculousness of Rubues''s actions.


    Rubeus broke out into laughter, buckling over and holding his stomach, like it was all some sort of sick joke to him. He wiped a tear from his eye and actually looked like he was enjoying himself.


    "Nobody has made me laugh like that in quite a while, but I suppose your perspective and response is a valid one," Rubeus said, still chuckling to himself throughout the sentence.


    "Anyways," I said angrily but trying to focus on the main conversation again. "I''m wondering how in the world you''re still alive, my best guess is some advanced technology or healing device. You also seem to possess an ability as well as superhuman strength and durability, I could sense it before you even walked in by the way."


    Rubeus let my words simmer in his mind, calculating how to respond to me. Seeming to take it seriously he took a few more moments before speaking.


    "You did some serious damage to me, even with the advanced tech we had I''m very lucky to be alive. Why am I so uncaring you ask?" Rubeus let out a laugh. "I simply don''t matter! neither do you!" Rubeus stated hysterically.


    I noticed something was off about this whole thing, how empty it felt and was here. I stood up and walked away, simply ignoring the useless back and forth. I tried to force a memory of his to come forth. I wasn''t entirely sure I could as I couldn''t directly interact with Jordan''s private memories but there was a severe lack of any substance. Every mindscape was most likely different but something deep within me told me this wasn''t right.


    Getting an idea I sauntered back over to Rubeus, deciding to treat this like a case that needed to be solved rather than something personal and intimate. Not only to distance myself from it but to let me view this with more clarity and logic rather than pure emotion. As I say this what I was about to test was more based on intuition and a feeling rather than logic but I used it as a tool to connect information to formulate an idea of what was going on. I didn''t grasp the how and why but I felt I figured out the what, that this Rubues wasn''t real somehow.


    In the moment I didn''t understand the implications or details, all I knew was the Rubues in front of me didn''t seem right, he was more irrational and felt like a shell of the man I had remembered. He looked the same and had his mannerisms and intimidating persona but something really felt off. As I got close to Rubeus his expression shifted, it was very subtle as his face was always statuesque but it was like he was ready to jump into the defensive at any moment. Taking action I appeared behind Rubeus and reached out for him, but right as I expected to feel the back of his head I was suddenly flying away from him.


    Rubeus had, up until this point, been holding back significantly, it seemed that within his own domain, he had more control and power than I had estimated. Using my full focus and not underestimating my opponent I compressed the space to where we were both snug next to each other. already essentially touching him I spoke one final message before using my ability on him again.


    "Check and mate!"


    Putting my idea and plan into action I used my mental ability on this quote on quote fake Rubeus. Getting the sought-after result I was transported to a secondary location, at this point it was fairly confusing to know what was even going on. I was cramped into a small space, feeling like nothing had changed but the fact Rubeus was gone. Feeling around for a second I felt clothes and some other miscellaneous items around me. Searching around for a doorknob or any sort of indication that the closet I was inside had an exit I finally snagged onto something. It was a small indentation in the door and as I attempted to jossle it around I finally got it to open.


    The door slid to the left and as it opened up I was blinded by the light in the hallway in front of me. Taking some time to adjust to the sudden invasion of light as I had been in very dark environments. Looking around the hallway had a detailed red and black carpet sprawling out in the middle of the floor, and the walls were adorned with paintings. The space was homely and relaxing but very foreign in the city. Most residential and even commercial buildings were very plain and basic, soulless in my opinion. Most cities were now like this but there were still places around the world that had some humanity to them.


    Walking forward a bit, peering curiously at the paintings and walls, I noticed two doors. They were across from each other one to my left and one to my right. Peering into the door to my left I was met with a young infant crawling around the floor, some adults smiling and enjoying the time with their baby. Closing the door I walked further down the hallway passing by multiple sets of doors. Continuing to walk I halted my steps as I had noticed a door that was drastically different from all the ones so far. first of all the light in the hallway was flickering and the wall, painting, and carpet in front of it looked old and decrepit. The door itself was cracked and looked ready to fall off its hinges, afraid to open it and break it somehow.


    I gently grabbed the doorknob and opened the door, it creaking and waning in the process. On the other side, I was met with a less-than-pleasant sight. The male parenteral figure was clearly drunk, belt in hand. The child, clearly Rubeus, now a young boy, was on his knees. He wrapped himself into a ball, his hands covering the back of his neck as his father beat into him. His father screamed curses, obscenities, and overall very unkind words at him as he beat him senselessly. He only stopped once he got worn out from exhaustion combined with his drunken state.


    Young Rubues lay in a fetal position sobbing, his mother appearing and looking on with disappointment. I stood and watched, disgusted with the scene, this dynamic seemed all too common. I was afraid it would end with Rubues killing his father down the line, but from what I heard it seemed that Ruebues''s parents had high expectations of him and beat those expectations into him. Suddenly the memory reset, starting back up again from the start, deciding I had seen enough I stepped away. Continuing down the hallway the dilapidated doors became increasingly more frequent, along with a growing sense of unease at how eerie it was.


    As I continued to walk, Where my foot should have met solid ground it instead met nothing. Twisting as I started falling, I grabbed onto the ledge and lifted myself back up onto it. Sitting up and looking out, I was astonished by the view in front of me. I jumped out onto a platform floating and stared out into the ethereal void. After finding my balance I took a more assessing look around, my jaw dropping slightly at the sight. The space was filled with a cosmic display of pastel colors and dream-like star formations. Set in this ethereal space were many different rectangular boxes that led into different hallways. They all seemed to indicate different times in Rubeus''s life and also appeared much smaller on the outside.


    The space, in general, was very interesting, between the floating platforms connecting the hallways and the pure scope of how insignificant it all felt compared to the vastness of it. The environment was also in constant motion, the platforms moving around and always making new connections making it feel alive and alien. I made my way over to the middle of the space where there was a large solid metal box, examining it further there was no entrance. I knocked on the box and heard a harsh clang in response. I looked around at the other hallways floating about, noticing an aesthetic like that of the city I made my way over to it. Jumping up into the hallway I noticed a very distinct difference right away, the hallway having a turn. The deeper I got the more turns and diverging paths I encountered, it was more of a maze than anything else. Reaching a dead end there was a door at the end of it, it was a classic motion sensor door. Deciding to just commit I approached it and as the door opened a blinding white light enveloped me as I was integrated into the memory.

 Chapter 7. Rubeus? (Part 2)

    Chapter 7. Rubeus? (Part 2)


    The blinding light faded and when I could see again it was from the perspective of Rubeus, my younger self sat before him. The memory played out, just as it had for me when I viewed all my erased memories, and something deep inside of me relaxed. Not knowing if any of my memories were real until now, seeing it from Rubeus''s point of view relieved me. As Rubeus bled out from his wound everything went black, at the same time there were multiple simultaneous scraping noises and a deep rumble. It sounded like metal scratching against metal, the piercing noise deafening me.


    Finding myself back in front of the sliding metal door I turned around to see that the maze of hallways had shifted. My brow furrowed in curiosity amused by the complexity of the mindscape. I continued through the maze until I found the next door, it took me a bit longer this time as I found multiple dead ends. Approaching the door it creaked open slowly and made a terrible screeching sound. It was the nostalgic noise that a worn-down automatic door would make, frequent in older buildings.


    Entering the memory I once again merged with Rubeus, experiencing what he experienced. Blinking awake he saw guards carrying him frantically to the medical ward. His hand moved up to his throat where there was some scrapped-together cloth to attempt to stop the bleeding. He pressed his hands against it and coughed up some blood, feeling unconsciousness about to claim him again.


    Hearing the same shrill noise, I found myself once again standing in front of the door, the maze behind me shifted once more. However, this time the environment was degraded, just like the end of the first hallway in Rubeus''s mindscape. Navigating the maze I had to avoid holes leading to the ethereal void occasionally. I carefully made my way to the next door, luckily not finding too many dead ends. Walking up to the door, this time instead of the blinding light I was surrounded by darkness, only being able to sense what was going on around me.


    I could hear a commotion, there were multiple hurried footsteps, and loud voices all yelling over each other. I could smell the blood soaking through the cloth and gauze in his neck. I could taste the blood in the back of his throat, hot and metallic. It felt warm and cozy, even through the chill and gripping feeling from the oxygen deprivation and blood loss. Giving in to the warmth he subconsciously relaxed into, a buzzing flatline following as he did so. Many moments went by, doctors attempting to resuscitate to no avail.


    THUMP...THUMP


    The thumping resonated out, echoing for a few more seconds before the scene shifted back to in front of the door. Blinking and out of breath I stared down at my hands which were shaking, I slapped them against my face and attempted to collect myself. It had all felt so real like I had really just died, or come close to it, and experienced the memory firsthand. Catching my breath and shaking off the feeling I turned around expecting to see more maze that I would have to traverse. However, what I saw instead were the destroyed remains of the structure floating around rhythmically. It was as if they were trying to form back together, reaching out and ultimately coming back to their starting position.


    At the end of the rubble was one last door, and a concise path leading to it. Jumping to the nearest piece of floor I landed slightly off balance. I half expected the chunk of floor to tip over and deposit me into the abyss below me. Thankfully It stood firm and I was able to get both my feet settled on the decaying floor. I proceeded carefully, taking my time and remembering to breathe. As I got closer to the next door anxiety hit me, but I quickly overcame it clasping a hand over my other shaking hand. Making it to the door I looked on from a distance, noticing there was no actual door. All there was, was a frame that led into a deep darkness that made me uneasy the longer I looked. Decidedly, I walked through the doorframe into the dark void, transitioning into the memory.


    It picked up right where it left off, the incessant thumping noise growing louder as the flatline persisted. After minutes, and even hours the thumping noise continued, the experience feeling tortuous. Breaking the monotonous and persistent thumping, a voice rang out.


    "Rubeus huh? Wow, he truly seemed unkillable, more like an idea than a man, it''s unfortunate that he''s dead." An older man said somberly. Almost like he was close to him but also completely distant. Another voice spoke up not long after.


    "Dead? He is not deceased, can''t you hear it?... I suppose not...." a mysterious voice said.


    "Who-who''s there?" The older man said, stumbling back.


    Still in complete darkness I could only hear the exchange, even still the voices sounded like they came from every direction. Or more that I was hearing them from all directions, like I was positioned around the whole room.


    "Calm yourself Gerald, I mean you no harm on this delightful evening. In fact, I need your experienced expertise with something very.. hmm.. important." The mysterious person said through a smile.


    "What are you talking about? Not deceased?" Gerald said, pressing his fingers against Rubeus'' neck. "No pulse, what nonsense are you rambling on about? And who are you anyway?"


    "Trust me, he''s alive, just barely. We need to get work immediately." The mysterious person said hurriedly, seeming to rush into action. As the mysterious individual spoke, Gerald gasped at something he saw and immediately got to work, following along with them. A few minutes went by when suddenly there was a shift in the memory. Things started to get fuzzy as vision returned but from three different sources. Slowly, vision came back, disoriented and confused, both on my account and from Rubeus''s.


    "Alright, Rubeus, your circumstances are complicated, However, I''m here to explain." The mysterious person said.


    Getting a good look at this person I noticed something highly unusual, they were completely blotted out. Where a person should have been there was instead a dark void in its place. Their voice, appearance, everything seemed to be masked somehow.


    "I''m positive you are experiencing disorientation and extreme confusion presently, nevertheless it is imperative we rip off the bandaid post-haste." With a contemplative sigh, they continued. "In every sense but one you died, with any ordinary individual what you went through would have most indubitably resulted in death. However, you managed to hang on by a hair''s width. If you request the specifics, I am more than happy to explain in great length." The mysterious person said.


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    From the three different perspectives, I saw them look down at themselves and then at each other, and finally at Rubeus still lying on the embalming table. Luckily they were all tailored with their own suits, but on the other hand, I was still experiencing everything they experienced. From my point of view it was mind-bending, finding it too overwhelming I tried to block out two of them and stay with just one. Successful in this attempt I could finally think and focus on the memory at hand. The Rubeus I decided to stick with spoke up with a serious tone and asked for clarification on what exactly was going on, no word gymnastics. His tone was also filled with deep reverence and respect, and maybe even a tinge of fear.


    "Of course, let us speak casually Rubeus. To put it simply, your host body sustained a significant amount of damage and it resulted in key functions to cease, well, functioning. Ordinarily, this would be enough for a human to die outright, but in some cases individuals have made miraculous recoveries or been able to seemingly come back after being deemed deceased. Whether it be luck, or in your case your will and determination, this phenomenon is how you are still with us. Even still, without mine and Gerald here''s intervention." They say gesturing at Gerald who is awkwardly sitting at a device monitoring some data. "You wouldn''t have survived. Now, to address the elephant in the room as it were, there being a total of ''four'' of you now." They said, their words holding such authority and confidence it was almost impossible to not be intimidated.


    As they spoke the last line I could feel their attention on me, it wasn''t apparently obvious right away which way they were facing but I could feel it. pressure had washed over me and was constricting me from every direction. They sauntered over to the Rubeus I was inhabiting and stopped just a few feet away. Whispering something seemingly to themselves they said. "Ah, Brian, what a fun surprise meeting here, like this. I apologize that ''this'' is how we are meeting."


    "Huh?" Rubeus asked, confused.


    "Oh nothing, I was just rambling to myself out loud, do not concern yourself with it." They responded.


    Although Rubeus was unable to hear them, I heard them loud and clear. A deep spike of despair ran through my being at the whispered words. It wasn''t just because of the implications as terrifying as it was, it was something instinctual.


    "Ah yes, like I was saying, you were by all medical and scientific reasoning, dead. However, your soul had not given up. I''m sure by now you''ve gotten to the understanding that the soul and body are connected, yes?" They said animatedly, walking around as they conveyed their point. "This specific fact is what makes humans so special, to the point it''s beyond complicated. Until recent times the brain was considered to be extremely complicated and potentially beyond understanding. The soul in comparison is an insurmountable leap in complexity, let alone how it interacts with the body. This much even the junior scientists know, but even then we''ve made leaps in understanding. I don''t intend to lecture you of course, as this is your field of expertise. But this connection is imperative to how we were able to do what we did, me and Gerald that is. We actually used a variation of one of your experiments, integrating artificial intelligence and mechanical parts into clones. Instead of doing this with a makeshift artificial soul, we did it on your dying soul." they said before being interrupted by the Rubeus in the middle.


    "So because of my, ''host body'' as you put it, being damaged you cloned me to what, connect them to my soul because my body is important for the souls'' survival?" Rubeus interjected, pondering out loud.


    half-baked "Hmm, that''s partially correct I suppose, I''m honestly perplexed the plan I devised succeeded. I believe most of what made it work was your resilience, both naturally and from your raw determination to live. But yes, we cloned three of you, as a precaution however, and they all worked. A lot better than anticipated actually, the expectation was that we could save your soul by giving it a new vessel but they all took. The expectation was also that they would be mindless or half-baked, that assumption was also incorrect. All in all it went way better than we anticipated. Your original body will be back up and functioning soon, so you can ostensibly do 4 things at once. So the last thing I will to say to you is what are you going to do now?" They finished, handing each Rubeus an ID card respectively.


    "I, no, we will continue to serve you, not only did you save me but there is still so much to do," Rubeus said pragmatically


    "Excellent," They said before going over to Gerald in a hushed tone. "Keep an eye on Their vitals and activities, and set up monthly visits to check their psyche. If anything significant comes up, contact me."


    Suddenly I was violently pulled from the memory and back to the ethereal void, in front of the door once more. The seemingly infinite space shook and lurched, and as it did so an uneasy feeling bubbled within me. Looking down at my hands they were starting to decay, the skin was slowly starting to flake off and I felt myself withering. Quickly, I made my way back through the maze, making only one or two wrong turns in total. I quickly noted that indeed, the whole space was inside a small rectangular cube, but I tried to not ponder on it too much.


    By this point my hands were completely gone, the tendons, muscles, veins, and bone peaking through, It was all slowly decaying away. the phenomenon was interesting to look at but also concerning, to say the least, in any case, it seemed I had overstayed my welcome. Setting sights on what used to be a metal cube in the middle of the space was now gone, in its place lay an unusual scene. Getting a closer look I was able to fully grasp and understand the sight.


    Laying in a futuristic chamber was Rubeus, there were wires coming out of it and hooking up into devices. He was submerged in a strange liquid and fully enclosed within this chamber, incidentally he was also fully naked.


    "Of course," I said out loud, rolling my eyes. "Definitely didn''t need to see that." I continued, averting my gaze before one last cursory glance. prevalently on his throat was a gnarly scar but beyond that was the rest of his body. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly taking into account his childhood, his body was littered with scars. The decay had reached my elbows and I really didn''t want to stay around any longer than I needed so before leaving I took one final look around.


    The devices around Rubeus''s little coma pod appeared to be keeping track of vitals and any abnormal fluctuations in his status. They also seemed to be remotely keeping track of the three rubeus clones which were apparently up and about while the main body was still immobile. The mysterious figure in the memory mentioned that Rubeus would be up and running not long after his grievous injury. Assuming this was a one-for-one of Rubeus''s actual condition and surroundings this unconscious state must be from being one of the lucky few to be affected by the incident. His clones showed signs of superhuman strength and durability as well as some sort of ability.


    Deciding it was as good a time as any to leave, I attempted to exit the mindscape but found a tiny issue with the attempt. It didn''t work at all. Slightly panicking at the failed escape I looked down to find my arms completely gone. I then attempted to leave how I had come in returning to the closet. Entering and shutting the door behind me with my legs, I hoped that this would allow me to leave but to no avail. I returned to Rubeus and sat up against the chamber, nothing more I could do.


    As I decayed more and more I stared up and around at the beautiful space. Not knowing the nature of my fate this was all I could do as I slowly faded away. I ignored the state of my ever-disintegrating body and tried to remember the good times. As the last remnants of me washed away my vision returned to my body and the scene playing out in reality. A hand was gripped around my neck, Rubeus restricting my airway. I tried with all my might to rip him away but all my efforts were in vain.


    Guards surrounded us and I could feel consciousness slipping, in the mindscape it had been minutes to hours but it should have only been a few moments out here. Yet, Rubeus seemed to have been choking me the entire time. I didn''t understand how it was possible but my power was very limited, my only thought being that I pushed myself too hard physically and mentally. Rubeus smiled widely and whispered to me.


    "I guess you would call this...check and mate."


    I passed out, giving Rubeus a hard sneer my rage bubbling out before I slipped to darkness.


    "Sir we have to go!" A man in a lab coat hurriedly stated. "They are here."


    "Humph, alright let''s go, we''ve got what we needed."

 Chapter 8. Amnesia

    Chapter 8. Amnesia


    In a dark alley near the Bureau headquarters an 18-year-old boy stumbles to the ground and passes out. There was still a lot of commotion nearby, from the ongoing battles, and all the Bureau vehicles driving around and occasionally using their artillery. Some time later the boy stirred awake and a Bureau van drove by the alleyway. In the split second it was in front of it, a man in a suit looked towards the boy. He could sense something about him but it was dull so he ignored it. There was another man sitting next to him, unconscious. He had unique restraints on his wrists that were bulky and dangerous looking. Stealing his focus back to the tablet in his hand, the man in the suit''s smile grew at the information he read.


    Awaking with a groan my head ached so I rubbed it to try and alleviate the pain. When my hand reached my head I felt something wet and hot, pulling my hand down I looked at it quizzically. Without much light, it was hard to tell what exactly it was but the stench that quickly hit my nose told me all I needed to know. Blood was covering my hands, and most of my body for that fact. The last thing I remembered was going for a walk, stranger than that I couldn''t remember anything before or after that.


    Hearing a loud bang in the distance my head throbbed at the piercing noise. Attempting to find my footing a van sped out in front of the entrance into the alley and for a moment I felt a weird pressure wash over me.


    "What the fuck is even going on?" I asked myself out loud, grunting as I got up and started hobbling out of the alley.


    At this point, I was confused, in pain, and well that was about it, confused and in pain pretty much sums it up. I guess you could say I was concerned about the blood, so add fear in there. And I felt pretty tired as well...anyway, I made my way to the street. Once there I was able to get a better look at myself, confirming the blood on my hands and caked over most of my body. I checked myself over, worried I had some grievous injury that adrenaline or something was masking. Thankfully I seemed to be injury-free, but this left the question of why there was blood covering me. I think it''s safe to rule out some sort of crazy nosebleed but it was definitely in the top 5. My head ached and there was blood all over me, might be a top contender the more I thought about it.


    Whatever the mysterious source of the blood, if I wasn''t hurt there wasn''t much I could really do about it so I tried to figure out where I was. It didn''t take long to see the huge building to my left if you could even call it a building. It was more like a complex or mini city, okay, that might be an exaggeration but still, it was huge. I had never been to this part of Reunity, but in my defense, it was the biggest city in the world. Hulking over many of the other buildings was the Bureau headquarters, probably one of, if not the most important structures in the world.


    I was truly in awe of the structure, I had seen pictures of it but seeing it up close was very different. I could tell I was at the back of it, there being a fenced-off area with random equipment and vehicles. I walked up to the gate of the fence and looked beyond it to some activity at one of the back exits. From what I could see there were many Bureau officers and potentially important figures, they would definitely know what was going on. I waited at the gate for them to arrive and when the gate opened up automatically and the armored vehicles rolled up their artillery pointed at me. Over a speaker, a voice commanded out, sounding wary and guarded.


    "Put your hands where we can see them and state your business."


    Raising my hands over my head and getting on my knees to ensure I seemed harmless I replied.


    "I just want to know what''s going on, you see I kinda woke up in an alleyway, and as you can tell I''m covered in blood. So not only am I confused but also kinda lost and without memory of how I got to where I ended up. If you could please help me I would appreciate it."


    After a few moments of pause, the same man responded again, skeptical of my story. "Stay right there, we will be right out where we will decide whether or not to take you in."


    Stepping out of the vehicle a very important figure emerged from behind the multiple vehicles, surrounded by guards with firearms. He approached me and signaled for the guards to stay behind as he got closer.


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    "Listen kid, we''ve got injured so make this quick, and just so you know you''re lucky we stopped at all. " The man said coldly.


    "Right of course, to be brief I woke up without any memory of how I got there, and without much memory before the last thing I remember, which was going for a walk. So you can imagine how it would be if you woke up covered in blood, not knowing where you were or why. I don''t know what I can do to convince you but I promise I am no threat and just wish to get to safety. As I stated before I have no idea what''s going on but there seems to be quite the commotion and combined with my current state I feel as if hitching a ride with you is in my best interest." I said calmly and seriously, hoping to come off as genuine.


    "Alright, alright, I get it, come on let''s get going. Don''t worry, we''ll get you somewhere safe..." The man said placatingly, but something else was clearly on his mind.


    The man guided me toward one of the heavily armored Bureau vehicles and ushered me inside. Once inside I noticed a man lying on a table receiving aid, as well as more guards inside all ready to take action if required. The imposing and important-looking Beaura officer sat down next to me and started talking to me in a hushed tone.


    "I''m Special Agent Henderson, do you remember your name, kid?" Special Agent Henderson said.


    "Right, my name is...uh...haha yeah my name...it''s," I said looking down at my shoes, tracing the dried and stained splatters of blood on them trying to remember. "I guess...I don''t remember, It''ll probably come to me!" I said smiling, more to comfort myself to try and show a strong resolve.


    As soon as I smiled at the man a frown appeared back on my face as I looked down at the floor once again. Suddenly glum about my predicament once more I then remembered my phone, reaching into my pocket I fished for it and retrieved it. As soon as I brought it out I noticed it was completely shattered, just my luck.


    "It''s alright kid I''m sure it will come to you with time, we''ll be at a shelter shortly and we can drop you off. You''ll be safe there. They are equipped with rooms, showers to clean up, fresh clothes, food, and water." Henderson said, patting my back comfortingly. "Wow, you''ve got some muscle on ya kid, how old are you anyway? If you don''t mind me asking and no worries if you can''t remember."


    "Hmm, maybe 18 or 20? I''m not quite sure, how old do I look?" I asked.


    Thinking out loud Henderson pondered. "Well, you look 16, maybe younger considering you don''t have any facial hair, but your voice and body seem mature. I think 18 is a fair estimate but enough about that, it would do you good to know what is going on."


    Henderson gave me a quick synopsis of what was going on, at least from what he knew. I wasn''t sure what to say so I gave a simple reply and glanced around at the vehicle''s interior to take my mind off things. There were medical supplies, firearms, and other miscellaneous supplies.


    "So, this blood all over me, and my lack of memories you think it''s from the attacks?" I asked Henderson.


    "Seems likely, you could have gotten knocked around and have some sort of brain injury, you''ll get treated at the shelter to see," Henderson said, looking over to me reassuringly


    "Alright, and these attacks, they are all over the world? I mean is it some group trying to take down the world or something, how bad is it?" I questioned sincerely.


    "Yeah, it''s pretty bad, we aren''t quite sure what exactly is going on but it''s most likely connected to the red wave of energy from three days ago."


    "Red wave of energy?" I blurted out, confused.


    "Oh right, three days ago there was a huge blast of red energy from an unknown origin that washed over the planet. It disrupted satellites and electronics for a few moments, it also affected a good number of people. We''re still unsure of the connection between that incident and what''s going on now but they may very well be connected." He said.


    "Wow...this sounds like end of the world type of stuff, I''d imagine half the damage will be all the panic and chaos. Thanks again for the personal escort Mr Special Agent Henderson." I said cheekily.


    A bleak silence followed our conversation, that was until it was abruptly interrupted by the injured man. Something seemed to be wrong, as Special Agent Henderson got up to see what the issue was.


    "Sir, I''m not sure if he''s going to make it, it would take a miracle for him to survive we''re afraid." One of the medics said to Henderson.


    Suddenly I was stood over the injured man, unsure of what was going on. The guards had their guns pointed at me but Henderson had himself between them and me.


    "What was all that about kid!?" Henderson yelled.


    "Huh? What do you mean, why am I suddenly standing here?" I asked confused.


    "Cut the bullshit kid, you got up, your eyes, arms, and hands glowing all red! I knew there was something off about you after all!" He continued, his tone still aggressive and uneasy. "You''re lucky I told the guards to back off."


    "I honestly don''t know what happened, the last thing I remember is hearing that something was going on with this man, and then just standing here."


    The medic that spoke before stumbled over his words "Sir, his vitals...they are..."


    "What, spit it out!" Henderson barked at the medic


    "Well, sir, not only does his broken neck seem to be healed his fractured lung and broken ribs are healed as well. I-I don''t know how but he seems to be healed..." The medic responded, his words filled with shock and bewilderment.


    "What is it you did to him, kid?"


    "I uh, I swear I-I didn''t uh do-do any-anything..." I tried to say but my words were starting to fail me. I could feel myself passing out as I fell to the ground.

 Chapter 9. Shelter

    Chapter 9. Shelter


    I woke up screaming, tears streaming down my face and my whole body covered in sweat. I tried to catch my breath but I was unable to as I was hyperventilating. looking over to a sudden noise, a door across the room swung open as someone rushed in to see what was wrong.


    "Hey, are you okay?" A man asked, concern laced in his voice.


    My eyes darted around unsure of where I was or what was going on, I put my face in my hands and focused on my breathing and calming down.


    "Yeah, I-I''m alright," I said into my hands.


    Looking up at the man I remembered it was the injured man from the Bureau vehicle. After remembering that, I slowly remembered everything else, but the exact details were still hazy.


    "Where am I?" I asked, my voice shaky.


    "We''re at the shelter, Special Agent Henderson brought the rest of the injured here, as they were in less serious condition than I was. Originally they were going to go to a secret location where they had more advanced medical equipment but after you healed me they decided to leave us here." He said.


    "Healed you? Sorry man, I don''t know where you got that conclusion, I''m no doctor or anything." I said dismissively.


    "I see, it may be confusing or complicated to hear but I believe you have powers, and considering what you did they are healing powers. But that''s what all the destruction is from, these super-powered individuals going crazy. I have a friend with powers as well, there was a moment when he lost control, but I brought him back. Something similar must have happened with you as you aren''t a rampaging killer right now." He explained.


    At his last few words, flashes of memory hit me, barraging me with gruesome scenes. I grunted and grabbed my head in pain, confusion, and fear triggered by the imagery. I saw scenes of what I assumed to be me pounding my fists into people, blood everywhere. And there was this strange red energy flowing from the corpses, but most of all I could feel the extreme emotions. I attempted to suppress the memories, on pure instinct, but the floodgate was opened. I sat for a few more moments collecting myself and trying to put the imagery at the back of my mind, or else I would be consumed by it. That thought alone helped me come back to, the man''s hand resting on my shoulder consolingly. He looked concerned but had deep empathy in his eyes.


    I smiled and reaffirmed that I was fine. "Just a headache."


    Remembering all the blood I looked down to see fresh clothes and my body clean, I blushed feeling slightly embarrassed at being cleaned and dressed, but I regained my composure.


    "Well come on, everyone wants to meet you, and don''t worry they don''t know about your powers or anything." The man said.


    I hesitantly stood up from my previous seated position on the bed and followed behind the man. Many more rooms lined both sides of the long hallway, and I could hear many voices up ahead. I focused on taking deep breaths in and out as we approached.


    "If anything is bothering you I''m here, I know a lot has been going on so even if you say you''re fine I''m here to listen. My name is Jordan by the way, sorry for not introducing myself sooner." Jordan said.


    "Alright..." I replied casually, looking at the ground.


    We reached the dining hall where many people were eating and receiving food. Kids were running around without a care in the world. Meanwhile, most of the adults seemed glum but were chatting and trying to continue with their day despite everything that had happened. The contrast was apparent and the tension in the room was also prevalent, like a panic was waiting to be unleashed.


    "I bet you''re pretty hungry right?" Jordan asked. "Considering you were asleep for two days and some change, ah might have failed to mention that as well." He finished, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Mhh no actually, I-" I was saying, about to dissuade the idea of food but a sudden hunger came over me. "Well, I guess I could go for something."


    We got into the line and waited a minute or two until we were up. An older man was stood behind the counter, various rations and fluids in pouches laid out in front of him. Instead of offering any food his face lit up as his eyes met mine.


    "Hello! You must be the new kid, well I guess you arrived even before some of us but you''re a new face around here that''s for sure! I''m positive I speak for all of us when I say we''re glad you woke up good and healthy. Some didn''t make it and there are a lot more out there who are injured or have unfortunately passed. Enough about all that though, the name''s Dennis, and I hope you feel welcomed in this community." Dennis said with a smile, occasionally releasing a hearty laugh with his hand placed on his stomach.


    "Thank you Dennis sir, I appreciate it," I replied.


    Receiving some rations, coffee, cheese, and hot soup, I made my way to one of the tables. Jordan trailed behind me, following my lead. As I searched for a table I subconsciously drifted towards one with a few other teens at it. We sat down on the right side of the table where two open spots were available. I looked around at the other teens, three sitting across from me and Jordan and two on the same side as us. From the three across the table was an emo-looking girl with white hair and an advanced-looking face mask, and two boys who appeared to be twins. The girl looked unamused with whatever they were talking about while the twins were laughing. On our side of the table was a brunette girl and a black-haired boy who seemed to be together as they were close to each other. The emo girl looked over at me and seemed to show a bit of emotion. She ignored the other conversation and looked over at Jordan and me, assessing us both quietly.


    I took a sip of the coffee and lit up, the warm liquid soothing and rejuvenating me.


    "At least the coffee''s good, the guy making them back there is a real professional," Jordan said, nudging my shoulder, trying to be upbeat.


    "Yeah, haha," I replied.


    I took a bite of the cheese and then a mouthful of the soup and savored the flavors. The food was a lot better than I expected and I ate like I hadn''t eaten in days, which was true. Waiting for me to finish the girl spoke up once I was done.


    "So, you finally woke up, we were starting to think you''d be out forever. We also heard about how you can''t even remember your own name, don''t worry I''ve heard about others who lost some of their memory as well. Some of the doctors think it might be from trauma or whatever but you''ll probably remember soon enough. I guess until then we can call you Amnesia Boy." She said both reassuringly and coldly, laughing at her nickname of me.


    the twin closest to her spoke up to dismiss her negative comment. "Don''t listen to Emi, she''s just teasing you."


    "My name is Emily, not Emi, you dweeb." She replied viciously, hitting him with a playful punch to the shoulder. "Anyways amnesia boy, still no memories? Or will I have to hit them back into you?" She asked squeezing her fingerless gloved fists in a mock threat.


    "Well I did remember a bit but nothing too important or anything, just some flashes of disjointed memories," I said looking off in the distance trying not to think about it.


    "It''s alright, you don''t have to talk about it if you don''t want to, but the offer is still available," Emily suggested. "But for now how about we introduce ourselves and share some of our experiences." She said looking at the other teens.


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    The couple sitting next to us decided to introduce themselves first, meeting our gazes with warm and inviting smiles.


    "I''m Alex and this here is my girlfriend, Clair, We got separated from our families and met up to try and survive whatever was happening," Alex said explaining his thought process holding onto Clair''s hands.


    Alex was a pretty built guy, however, juxtaposed to this he appeared more sensitive and gentle based on his tone and body language. He had a gentle face and relaxed attitude giving a sincere smile that radiated confidence. Clair on the other hand seemed very shy, not really talking or looking at Jordan and I for very long.


    "After cowering under a bridge for a day or two we finally decided to venture out and that''s when one of those Buruea vans picked us up. If not for them we would have most likely starved or died of thirst or something." Alex finished, seeming sad but cheering up when he looked at Clair.


    Clair nodded along with Alex and showed a sad expression thinking about the events. There was obviously more that happened and I couldn''t truly understand what they went through but I sympathized nevertheless. The twins then looked at each other seeing who would speak when the one on the left started.


    "Right I''m Avery and this is my twin brother-." "Travis." the twin on the right said cutting off Avery to speak for himself.


    Avery and Travis looked almost identical, one might have been a bit taller but it would be difficult to tell which was which if you didn''t get to know them personally. They both had brown hair and green eyes with the same short haircut and minimal facial hair.


    Avery continued a mournful expression lighting up his face.


    "To start it was a miracle we made it out of there alive...our family on the other hand didn''t. One of ''them'' flew through our apartment with another following, we were still asleep as it was pretty early in the morning, but this had woken us up. We stayed in our rooms with our parents going out to see what the commotion was. We had obviously peeked our heads out to see what had happened. I guessed it was intruders making a raucous as we obviously hadn''t heard about the attacks. I believe our parents also assumed the same as they went out with a bat, but as the two individuals clashed our parents were simply in the crossfire. I will never forget the man that was standing there all lit up in red, as he blasted the other intruder into our parents...After this, we couldn''t do much considering the whole building was tilting to the side and falling. My brother and I somehow weren''t too badly injured and I pulled Travis out from under some rubble. We then, same and Alex and Clair got picked up by the Burea van."


    "Wow, that is horrible, I''m so sorry all that happened to you," I responded, horrified, not sure what else to say.


    Emily nodded with a mournful expression evident with her eyes as she still had the face mask on, seeming to show the first true signs of empathy before returning to her poignant and glum attitude.


    "Coincidentally we all used to go to school together, so when we all saw each other here in the shelter we felt a little more comfortable. At least I did but I would have been fine either way. But to be honest I also have no idea what happened to me, all I was told is that I showed up here knocked out. Not to say I don''t have any memories like you amnesia boy, I still remember my own name and my past heh. Although if something did happen in the last three or so days I don''t remember." Emily went on.


    I sat in thought and processed everything that I had been told and looked over to Jordan who had a weird expression on his face as he looked at Emily. I just figured he was worried about her, as well as everyone else here, and that he was just sympathizing with their stories and subsequently making a weird face, but I really didn''t know for sure.


    We sat and chatted a bit more and Emily seemed to warm up a bit more as we talked. She also ate the rest of her meal, her mask opening up with a slight whirring noise. Although just enough to where you couldn''t see anything unless there was direct light and you looked up from an upward angle, trust me I tried.


    After lunch, there was a meeting where the adults in charge went over the rations and jobs that everyone had assigned to them. At first, I thought it would be pretty boring in the shelter with nothing to do but I couldn''t be more wrong. This shelter wasn''t just full of food and supplies but had livestock and grew produce. For instance, the cheese was made from the milk of one of the cows, which had to be fed and taken care of. So there was indeed a lot to do around here to sustain everyone for however long we would need to stay secluded.


    Personally, this begged the question of how there was even a cow and other livestock already down here. Was the shelter always being prepped somehow? Or was this crisis foreseen in some way?


    All the kids who were too young to either understand what was going on in the meeting or to help out with jobs stayed with some of the caretakers who signed up for it. The job of caretaker was specifically important as most of the kids came in with no parents or were too young to even take care of themselves in any meaningful way. With all that said jobs were handed out and assigned to those able and wanting to do them. Most people had two to three jobs depending on how intensive the job was, for my first day I signed up for washing dishes and helping in the kitchen. I mainly took this job as it seemed laid back and meant I got to hang out with Dennis, but maybe more importantly Emily. As much as she seemed distant and cold I knew there was a caring side to her.


    I would be lying if I didn''t say it was also partly because she was cute but I really just wanted further understand the dynamics of the shelter. Plus I had already gotten to know her and she was my age so it would be easier than saddling up with one of the other adults I didn''t know at all.


    "Okay, so if we both tackle the dishes and wiping down the workplaces we can work more efficiently. I''ll rinse the plates from the dishwasher, and then you make sure they are dried and fully clean. Alright, Amnesia Boy?" Emily asked while putting up her hair and dishwasher apron on. She handed me a towel and apron and got to work.


    After we finished with the dishes we got to work with wiping down the workplaces as Emily had instructed, With her spraying some chemicals and me drying it down with a towel. We then put away the dishes as they were sufficiently dried.


    "Hey, how about we come up with a different nickname than ''amnesia boy''?" I asked while we were putting away the rations and other equipment.


    "Hmm, oh I have a few ideas, if you don''t like amnesia boy how about dementia dude? Or how about Forgetful Frank? No, no, no I have it, Memory loss loser!" Emily declared proudly, as if she had just came up with the best nickname anybody ever had.


    "Haha, very funny, how many more of those do you got?" I replied rhetorically


    "Alzheimer''s Austin, Creutzfeldt Jakob Although that one is just what it''s called, Schizophrenic Sammy-." She went on before I cut her off.


    "Alright, alright. I get it, Amnesia Boy it is."


    "Fine, we can come up with an actually nickname for you if you want.


    "Nah, it''s fine for now, at least until I actually remember my name at least."


    "If you say."


    Finishing up I went back to my room and freshened up while also taking a better look at the room as a whole. What caught my eye right away was a computer, I booted it up and checked the internet to see if it even had any. I clicked my tongue in a tsk, negative. The bed was positioned horizontally to the door on the left side of the room when you entered. There were blinds just above the bed and to the right to simulate a window in an attempt at homeliness. At the end of the bed was a dresser with a television atop it if you wished to play a movie or if any channels were working. Closer to the entrance of the room where the door was, the computer desk was positioned. Opposite of that on the other side of the room was a bookshelf full of miscellaneous books and items. In between that and the bed was a door leading to a personal bathroom and shower. It was a lot nicer than I had first thought and thought I deserved.


    I decided to pass the time by reading one of the books on the bookshelf which ended up being really good. I was eventually called for dinner, not even really noticing how much time had passed. It went similarly to lunch with the exception of Dennis'' monologue. Don''t misunderstand me, he still talked my ear off, which I was perfectly fine with.


    Being more present I was able to actually look around at the dining room. Starting from the residential area you would walk down some hallways, some paths leading to other areas of the shelter. As you reached the dining area two doors greeted you with an array of tables beyond them. The tables were facing vertically to the door six seats on either side of them, and they appeared to be able to be folded up and stored against the wall or in storage. To the left was the kitchen closer to the entrance of the room with the serving area further beyond that. on the right side of the expansive room were a few tables with utensils, snacks, and other appliances that anybody could use. There was also a door at the far end of the room


    I sat down at the table again everyone already sitting in their spot. For dinner, we had meatloaf, some greens, and mashed potatoes. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly considering how good the food was for lunch, the meal was amazing. The meat was juicy and the glaze added a nice sweetness that paired perfectly with it. The green beans were perfectly tender and had a hint of garlic and butter, while the mashed potatoes were creamy and silky smooth.


    I ate it up with a similar fervent gluttony I did earlier in the day. After supper, everyone went off to finish the day or head off to their rooms. Me and Emily once again cleaned up after and it seemed this would be how my life went for the foreseeable future.


    Wrapping up, we were headed out when Emily suddenly turned around and grabbed me in a guillotine chokehold pulling me down to the ground.


    "I know what you are, I could sense it, even with it being heavily suppressed," Emily uttered between ragged breaths.


    I attempted to retort but all that exited my throat was a hoarse wheeze. Struggling for a few more seconds I was completely defenseless under Emily''s firm hold. Fading to black I suddenly remember someone calling out to me, the memory feeling so distant yet like I could reach out and grab it.

 Chapter 10. Xavier

    Chapter 10. Xavier


    "Xavier! Xavier. Xavier..." The voice echoed out getting quieter as consciousness came back to me.


    I groaned as I woke up, my head throbbing and my eyes trying to adjust to the darkness all around me. I tried to grab at my neck remembering I had gotten choked but noticed I was restrained to the chair I was sitting in. After a few more moments I coughed and heard a gasp followed by rustling out in front of me and to the left.


    "Ah, you''re awake." Emily''s familiar cold voice spoke out as she cleared her throat.


    "Yup, and it sounds like you are just waking up as well, real professional for a kidnapper."


    "What? No, I was awake the whole time!" She angrily retorted, denying the statement. "And don''t you dare think about busting out of the restraints, I know you are fully capable and it''s more for show but know I can slice through your neck in an instant." She threatened as she moved inhumanly fast from the shadows appearing right in front of me, two blades pressed against my neck. They had an insidious red glow and I could feel something strange about them but I ignored it.


    "I''m not sure, I feel like no ordinary person could break out of these metal chains." I assessed.


    "Stop playing dumb, I already know what you are, you''re the same as me. I sensed it and I''m sure you could sense me." Emily chastised.


    "Like those people with powers? Both you and I don''t seem to be killing machines like I''ve heard about. I don''t know why you did all this but you''re clearly unwell and must be delusional."


    "Maybe for those with weak wills and minds, but even then it will eventually overtake us. Can''t you feel the hunger? I saw you eating, scarfing down the food. It made sense at lunch as you hadn''t eaten in two days but I know it felt different than regular hunger."


    "N-no, that''s just how I eat, I don''t have magical powers and I really don''t know what''s going on," I said, starting to become overwhelmed by what Emily said and the sinking feeling in my stomach.


    "You really don''t know do you?" She asked, backing off a little. "Here, I''ll give a little demonstration." She said, holding the knife to her hand before attempting to cut it. Attempted, because the blade couldn''t get through her skin, even after putting a good amount of effort in and stabbing it into her hand a few times


    "Now watch this." As she spoke the blade lit up red again and a small cut appeared on her palm where the knife sliced through effortlessly. Shortly after the cut closed up, slowly knitting back together right in front of me.


    "Now, we can easily test to see if you are indeed just a regular person or something more." She smiled, bringing the knife to my arm. Expecting pain I braced but it didn''t come. The knife simply stopped, getting caught in my skin. I could feel a slight pressure of the knife pressing into me but it didn''t penetrate at all.


    I stared gaping at what was indisputable proof that what Emily had been suggesting was indeed true.


    "I-I didn''t believe it when Jordan told me what I had done, and those memories..." I trailed off.


    Emily looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    "He had told me I had healed him, I didn''t remember standing up and moving beside him but I still thought it was crazy. But I guess now it doesn''t seem so crazy. In fact, everything makes more sense, but I wish it didn''t. Everything it implies is just too much to deal with." I said, a somber tone and look in my eyes.


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    "Listen, I didn''t kidnap you just to kill you as I would have done so already. I needed to ensure you weren''t a threat and hopefully know I wasn''t in this alone. I know breaking out of the delusion will be difficult but it will only hurt you more if you stay under its spell. You cannot keep it all buried deep down if you wish to survive, it will only bubble up and do more damage. Not only to yourself but also to those around you."


    "Keeping it buried is the only thing keeping me from running rampant, I believe I would be better off dead. I''ve already killed so many, I got snippets of memory and, I didn''t want to believe them. I couldn''t. But it''s true." I replied, tears welling up in my eyes, threatening to break loose and stream down my face.


    "No, that''s not true, I can feel it now, that there is something special about you, something that separates you from those murderous monsters. I wouldn''t dare be so pretentious to say I''m also some special case but here we are. My theory on the matter, as I mentioned earlier, is it has something to do with will. Before all this went down I had been living on the streets for as long as I can remember. Fighting to survive, literally and figuratively, it molded me into who I am today. I''m sure you don''t remember but there was an initial pain, it had hurt more than anything I knew possible. But even still I resisted, didn''t let the pain take me. Compared to my life until that moment it was nothing, not long after that I passed out from pure exhaustion. When I woke up I was here, and I pieced things together based off stories and my own intuition. Every day I fear more and more that I will also turn into a monster, but with you, I figure we can try and figure something out. Or at least take each other out if it came down to that." Emily rambled, finally letting her walls down and relaxing as she opened up.


    "Alright, we''ll stick together yeah? And if you wouldn''t mind releasing me from this chair."


    Emily swiftly cut through the chains still slightly cautious of me even after affirming that I wasn''t a threat. It was probably more just to cheer me up after all.


    "Oh yeah, right when I was waking up I heard someone calling out to me. Xavier, I suppose that''s my name." I recalled, rubbing my wrists as I got up.


    "Xavier huh, that''s a nice name, it fits you. Anyways, come on amnesia boy." Emily said, showing me toward the door.


    "Wow," I responded, an incredulous look on my face.


    As we walked out I noticed we had been in the storage room which I had seen when surveying the dining room.


    We quietly made our way back to our rooms but something still didn''t feel right about what had happened. How aggressive and angry Emily seemed and how she choked me out, it just seemed unnecessary. Then again, maybe it was just her being serious and going about it diligently. Either way, the feeling stayed with me as I walked back to my room.


    "Hey, what are you doing up?" The familiar voice of Jordan asked.


    Turning around to face him I stumbled out a reply. "Oh, I had just forgotten something in the kitchen while I was cleaning and went to go get it haha."


    "At this hour? It''s the middle of the night"


    Jordan''s voice was laced with doubt and I could tell he didn''t believe me. I could have told him the truth and it might have even been to our benefit but I couldn''t reveal something that wasn''t mine alone to reveal.


    "I swear, I had gotten up to use the bathroom and then realized I didn''t have my, uh, hoodie. So I tried to remember where I could have left it and figured I had taken it off at some point while working."


    "So, how did you get through the locked doors? You have a key on you?" Jordan asked as if he was interrogating me.


    "I was getting to that. When I got to the doors I ran into the obvious issue of them being locked. I knew I should have just gone to bed at this point but it was a bit cold and my hoodie helps comfort me." I said, as if I was embarrassed like it was something personal. All to better help the lie of course. "But I had gone to Emily''s and asked if she had a key but when she told me no I had resigned myself to go back to sleep. Before I could she smirked at me and told me she knew where Dennis kept the keys and thought it would be fun to. We broke into the office retrieved the keys and got my hoodie. After that, we went into the storage room and made out like wild beasts-." I finished before Jordan cut me off.


    "Alright, alright, I get it. You think you''re so funny huh?" Jordan asked, rhetorically of course, as I laughed.


    I entered my room and wandered into the bathroom, turning on the water in the sink I splashed my face and looked up into the mirror. Up until this point I had avoided getting a good look at myself for whatever reason. But I decided it might help me remember something, and I would be lying if I didn''t say I was curious.


    When my eyes met my own I felt a pang of recognition but it also felt like looking I to the eyes of a stranger. It was a weird feeling but I kept looking regardless. I reached up a hand to touch my face then looked at both my hands then back at my face.


    My eyes glimmered a deep caramel color that paired well against my slightly darker skin. Black hair flowed down the left side of my face ending just before my eyes.


    I looked away before dissociating any more, deciding to read before I fell asleep.


    Before I knew it I was awake and panting heavily, covered in sweat once more. On the plus side at least I didn''t wake up screaming and crying. I took a quick shower and got ready for the day, I hadn''t gotten much sleep but I still felt awake and lively.


    Walking down the hall I conveniently ran into Dennis, I made a bit of small talk and requested helping him with prepping breakfast and anything else he needed. The man was on the heavier side and had a dark complexion and an overall friendly appearance. His smile was contagious and his laugh was even more so.


    Getting to work setting up food and helping Dennis prep it felt nice to be useful. Not only this but it kept me busy and my mind off, well, everything. About an hour later people stared coming through the doors and sitting down. In this time the coffee guy came and went, I did wonder what his deal was.


    Seeing everyone enter and sit down I could feel how important this time was for everyone. They got to make human interactions and eat food together, it really brought everyone together and created community. It was honestly pretty heartwarming to see.


    There weren''t as many kids up this early the population mainly consisting of older individuals. An older couple came up first, grabbing their trays and greeting me with a warm smile.


    "Dennis already has you working like a horse huh?" The older woman Said gently, lightly chuckling.


    Her husband followed close behind her and gave me a warm smile and small nod.


    After handing them their food and hot coffee I served the next people that came up. Everyone was kind and most people had some pleasantries for me and Dennis.


    I had felt it a bit yesterday but the more time I spent back in the kitchen and out front serving everyone the more I accepted this as my new life. It felt good and it was nice to be able to be part of the process that fed these folks. To feel useful was more than what I thought I deserved or that I was capable of. I kept feeling this way but always ignored it and relished my role in the shelter instead.


    When I wasn''t working in the dining room/kitchen I was reading or meditating to see if I could remember anything important. Time flew like this and it was already time for lunch. I hadn''t eaten anything at breakfast, too caught up in the work so I was a bit hungry. Dennis had told me I didn''t need to help out with lunch as he had people helping out. But he did tell me if there was an opening at some point he would gladly have me fill it.


    I sat down at the table, Emily the only one still not there. I told the group I had remembered my name and Jordan seemed to beam at the information. He quickly found an excuse to use my name and shook my hand as if we had just met. As Emily got her food and sat down I saw Jordan suddenly shift, his body language becoming hostile. I then remembered the conversation last night and had a bad feeling things were about to get complicated.

 Chapter 11. Calm Before the Storm

    Chapter 11. Calm Before the Storm


    As Jordan assessed Emily I quickly made eye contact with her and then made a quick gesture towards Jordan. I hoped this was enough to let her know he was onto us and to be careful but Emily just looked at me confused.


    "So, Emily, Xavier over here, yes he remembered his name, told me everything about last night." Jordan declared.


    Everyone at the table looked confused but also intrigued by the statement. Emily made a face of mock shock at the news of my name. And at the mention of being told "everything about last night." She was momentarily actually shocked but quickly gained a stoic interested expression.


    I was starting to wonder if this guy was a detective or something. First, he knew something was up with Emily when she had said she didn''t remember anything for three days. And when he caught me up sneaking around in the late hours of the night he immediately interrogating me.


    Quickly trying to get the upper hand I laughed it off and was about to explain it all. "Haha, yeah I had just gotten up in the middle of the night to find my-" but before I could finish Jordan glared at me and shut me up without saying a word.


    "I''d like to hear it from Emily to corroborate your story, Xavier," Jordan said, his tone and face deadly serious.


    We''re so fucked, I should have just told him and had him keep it secret. Instead, he was now suspicious and pressing the issue in a public place. I wasn''t sure how to fix this situation, I trusted him enough for him to know so that was definitely a possibility. But Emily probably wants it to be kept secret from her friends and everyone else here. Considering the twin''s interaction with people that have powers it made a lot of sense.


    "You caught us, I''m not sure what he told you but it was probably some tacky story that he made up as he went," Emily confessed.


    "Wait, Emily-" but before I could say anything more she gave me a confident look.


    "Amnesia bo-, no, Xavier woke me up last night by rudely knocking on my door. He told me he couldn''t sleep due to some flashes of memory that wouldn''t go away. So we talked about it. I''m sure he just didn''t want to bring it up with you and made up some story." Emily stated, confidently but hesitantly.


    If I didn''t know the truth myself I would have thought she was telling the truth. I wonder if her experiences forced her to be so good at lying. This also made me question everything she had told me up until this point. If she could lie so easily and convincingly how could I trust her?


    "I see, I apologize for making a whole scene about it, when I saw Xavier up and about last night I found it suspicious, an old habit I guess." Jordan apologized.


    I was glad he stopped pressing Emily about all this but it seemed too easy. I tried to take my mind off it by eating lunch, the constant hunger gnawing at me. Emily was right, this hunger seemed different and only subsided briefly after eating, only to come back...more.


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    After lunch, we fell back into the routine we established, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen for dinner. I wanted to chat with Emily about everything that happened with Jordan and also more about us, but I kept psyching myself out. After dinner, I decided to speak up and discuss things with her.


    "Hey, so about Jordan, he caught me sneaking back to my room last night and I indeed came up with a story. I had thought he believed me but he knew something was up, evident by him essentially interrogating you. I would have trusted him enough to tell him the truth but I didn''t want to break your trust. But I do believe it would actually be beneficial to tell him, he told me he had a friend who also had powers and how he didn''t immediately turn into. monster. He still had but Jordan said he pulled him out of it somehow. Maybe he could give us some useful insight or at the very least be another perspective." I argued, pleading my case.


    "I''m not sure, I mean, you barely know the guy right?" Emily retorted.


    "Yes, but I saved his life. He would have most likely died if I didn''t miraculously heal him, and he seems like a genuinely good guy."


    "I''ll think about it," She responded, after mulling over her response for a few awkward moments.


    "Alright, please do. If we wish to stay in control and potentially control the power we were cursed with we may need Jordans'' help." I said as we finished up. "And you aren''t going to choke me out again right?" I laughed out, half serious.


    "Not tonight, but no promises for the future." Emily chuckled, chopping me on the head as she left the kitchen.


    Before she had left I fully assessed her form, being fully conscious of every detail I found important. The first, and most prominent thing I noticed was her mechanical face mask that she didn''t seem to take off. I hadn''t asked her about it and nobody else had mentioned it so I left it at that. The mask covered most of the bottom half of her face, had two vents placed on the sides, and a section that opened up to allow the wearer to eat and drink. Her ivory hair flowed down both sides of her head to just below her chin, the hair further back being shorter. It matched her pale skin well with her brilliant sapphire blue eyes accentuating everything else.


    She had dark eyeliner around her eyes that made her look either emo or goth, I wasn''t really sure which. For her outfit, she had a necklace that laid atop her black crop top that seemed to double as some kind of protective armor. A few scars were scattered down her arms with there being a few armbands. Further down she had a wristband on both of her wrists and fingerless gloves adorning her hands. Finishing off the outfit, she had grey and black leggings, where a knife sheath was attached to either side of her hips.


    Overall she had the appearance of an emo/goth ninja, which made for a pretty intimidating look. This combined with her cold body language and tone you could tell she had been through quite a lot.


    For the next week, life went on in the shelter, with nothing unusual or interesting happening. I quickly fell into a nice routine which started with me waking up earlier and earlier. It was strange how I seemed to need less and less sleep but I didn''t put my thought to it. I would maybe ask Emily about it if I didn''t forget again.


    After waking up I would read for a bit before getting ready for the day. I would shower get dressed, and tidy up my room if needed. I would then head to the dining room to help Dennis get ready for the day. Sometimes I would have to wait for him, catch him on his way there, or be there after him. We made light small talk which was always nice and he would tell stories from his past. Handing out rations to people was probably the best part of the day, I got to see and get to know most of the people in the shelter. It also made me feel at home and that I had a place in it.


    The rest of the day was spent reading, eating, and working with Emily. I had checked out some of the other jobs I could do after meetings but nothing really seemed like something I would want to do. I was thinking about picking up something new though just to keep things fresh. It wasn''t like I was getting tired of the same routine, it was actually good, but I thought some diversity could be good as well. However, day twelve of being in the shelter was far from uninteresting.

 Chapter 12. Intruder (Part 1) Xavier

    Chapter 12. Intruder (Part 1) Xavier


    It had been 15 days since the world-ending event known as [Redacted]. The majority of the chaos had settled down with most individuals affected either ruling over others or being ruled over. These groups being formed to fight tougher individuals or other groups. This phenomenon was occurring all around the globe as if it were innate in their nature. The Bureau avoided these groups like they knew exactly where they were, still going around searching for civilians.


    Even with all the chaos that had ensued most aspects of the world as a whole were unaffected, Artificial Intelligence and technology from The Bureau ensuring everything didn''t completely shut down. All this to say, if nobody went to work on some random Friday the world would still run. Not effectively or productively in any sense of the words but the world simply wouldn''t end from lack of human interaction.


    The destruction of buildings and roads made it impossible for anything to get done automatically but it wasn''t like unattended facilities, running equipment, or satellites would explode or fall out of the sky. A shutdown protocol would be issued and everything would automatically, if it could, shut down, and return to a neutral position. Essentially whatever it may be would shut down and wait for further instructions.


    All in all the world hadn''t quite ended, at least not yet. If the threats were neutralized promptly, before a significant amount more destruction was incurred, things would go back to normal within the century. If the threats managed to take over the world, kill a good amount of the current population, or destroy enough infrastructure the world could be considered over. At least this advanced era in the story of humanity.


    In these last 15 days, Individual governing bodies and The Bureau have been scrambling to deal with the situation. Most bunkers, or as they were referred to, shelters were filled up with the population of the world. Roughly 20% of the world''s population safe in these shelters with the rest either being dead or attempting to survive the now-deadly surface. It may have seemed grim but there were heroes yet to be discovered that would change the fate of the world, for better or worse.


    I awoke with a start, my body falling from the air onto my bed, lading in a pool of sweat. I gasped and then just laid there for a moment, slapping my hand onto my face and dragging it down in a sigh. I didn''t even want to think about why I fell onto my bed but I assumed it was just another strange symptom or something.


    Not noticing it right away a blaring alarm caught my attention as I got out of bed and stretched. I changed my clothes and wasn''t immediately worried, more confused until a huge bang rang out that shook the entire layer of the shelter. Regaining my balance I rushed out of my room to the hallway to look around. The only thing I could really tell was that everyone was gone, the doors to rooms left ajar with nobody inside them.


    At this point I was slightly panicking at what was going on and why I hadn''t been woken up.


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    "I guess I slept through the commotion..." I pondered out loud.


    I also didn''t remember falling asleep, in fact, I didn''t think I would sleep as I wasn''t tired at all.


    A shrill scream echoed down the hall finally breaking me out of my loopy state. I rushed towards the noise finally concerned and grasping the gravity of the situation. After navigating a few turns, I reached the end of the hallway and stood in front of what used to be huge metal doors to a bunker. Both metal doors were off their hinges and extremely damaged, with huge dents warping the metal.


    I squinted at the wreckage and scratched my head, carefully making my way into the room, and climbing over the doors. Once inside I looked around, some of the walls had huge indentations, with rubble scattered across the ground. A dreadful feeling had been creeping deep within my stomach, not only out of concern but also fear. If what I feared was true I was scared I would lose control. I slapped my face and forced the thoughts out of my head, trying to focus on figuring out what was going on.


    I made my way to some stairs leading out of the entrance of the bunker and further into it. The deeper I went the more of a wreck it was. What I assumed was emergency rations were scattered all over the ground, It truly looked like a warzone.


    Reaching the end of the bunker another set of metal doors were bashed and on the ground, looking into the room my stomach dropped. Not only this but the moment seemed to stretch on indefinitely the moment feeling like an out-of-body experience. I looked around calmly, motionless bodies littering the ground. I noticed Dennis, Alex, Clair, Avery, Travis, and everyone I had gotten to know. I couldn''t tell if they were badly injured or dead but to me, in that moment, it didn''t matter. I stepped forward, not even conscious of the action as my attention was set on the scene currently in the center of the room.


    "Now, take me to the source of that burst of power from earlier or I''ll descend and take out more of these pathetic shelters. Eh, I think I''ll do that either way, but if you take me now I''ll end your suffering painlessly." A hulking figure told a disfigured woman in his grasp, his voice inhumanly deep and raspy.


    The man, if you could even call him that, was a behemoth, he stood around eight feet tall and bolstered inhumanly large muscles. His proportions were impossible, to say the least.


    He was holding onto Emily by the throat, however his hand was so massive it was basically around her shoulders. Both of her legs were snapped in half and one of her arms was completely limp. Defiantly her last arm was being used to attempt some sort of escape or to deal any amount of damage. The monster of a man just shrugged it off like an annoying fly.


    It felt like my mind was numbed and I was living in a fog but I viewed the scene nonetheless.


    "You stubborn bitch!" He shouted before turning and slamming her down in front of me.


    The hulking monstrosity looked me in the eyes and grinned. "I must have missed one, rookie mistake hahaha."


    Emily groaned and looked up to meet my eyes but mine were drilling into the monsters. "Xavier, run! Just run!" she screamed.


    "Quiet you." The monster said, kicking her to the side. "I''ll deal with you after this kid."


    I looked over to Emily and the rest of the friends I''d made in the shelter and my expression became saddened but I still stood calmly.


    "Don''t look away from me boy, I want the last thing you see before you die to be me." He angrily commanded.


    "You, did all this?" I asked calmly, almost emotionlessly.


    "Hah! Of course! Now, if that''s all, just die!" He screamed.


    The monstrosity''s fist flew toward my face with so much speed and force that sparks coiled off from it. My gaze never budged from Emily as his overwhelming might met its mark on my cheek but my head barely budged. All of the force was directed through my body and into the ground cracking the concrete floor, with the entrance behind me being torn up from the pure pressure of the attack. My body had been engulfed in an ominous crimson glow, so deep and rich it was suffocating. The man retracted his hand, a few of the bones in his fingers being broken, my cheek. having only a small cut.


    As the man tried to recuperate, his broken hand healing quite quickly he smiled. But before he could do anything or say anything more I Calmly uttered "Kneel!".

 Chapter 13. Invader (Part 2) Emily

    Chapter 13. Intruder (Part 2) Emily


    Emily had been the first to know about the situation, as she was the same as him and could sense him. After being startled awake she rushed over to his room, feeling the explosive and hostile energy permeating from him. Fearing the worst Emily forcefully opened the door and gasped at not only the immense pressure but the scene in front of her.


    Xavier was floating a few feet off his bed, a brilliant crimson glow emanating off of him with the occasional wild sparks of energy arching from him. He was completely still and still seemed to be asleep, based on his supine position, his arms and legs drooping down awkwardly. The next most obvious thing Emily noticed was sweat dripping from him and landing on his bed, a sizable wet spot below him from the pure volume of sweat.


    The energy emanating from Xavier seemed to want release, in fact she could feel his hunger and it wasn''t one of regular consumption. It was closer to the opposite, he didn''t need to feed on energy, the energy he already had needed somewhere to go.


    "What in the world is going on," Jordan asked, his presence suddenly being made aware of by Emily.


    "Oh! Jordan, you startled me." Emily stated.


    "Emily, what is going on!" He commanded this time, more concern than anger in his tone.


    "I-I''m not quite sure, but I sensed him and rushed here as soon as I did. And yes I am also one of those monsters with powers." She answered shyly.


    "I know, I also sensed him, but more in the way one might be able to vaguely pick up danger. The effect is still strong even to me though, it would probably be suffocating to someone who hasn''t experienced it at all being this close." Jordan quickly explained.


    "I see...well from what I can feel it seems like the energy within him eagerly wants out, or more aptly to be used. That is the full extent of what I know, I have no idea why it''s happening or what exactly is going on."


    "Well, we can''t leave him like this right? Is there nothing we can do?" Emily asked.


    "There might be nothing I can do...but maybe you could siphon some of his energy? If it''s an issue of there being too much and you most likely need some you could solve two issues in one swift action." Jordan suggested.


    "I, I guess I could try, but I have no idea if that will even be possible."


    Right as Emily finished talking a loud bang reverberated out, echoing down the halls. Almost simultaneously the shelter shook.


    "Shit, do you think one of them sensed him and is trying to get to him?" Jordan asked horrified.


    "I believe it''s best we assume the worst, I''ll stay here and try to siphon some of his energy like you suggested. Might also make it harder for them to track him but it also might be too late to think that will help or even be feasible. But while I do this you need to get somewhere safe."


    "No, I need to warn everyone else!" Jordan yelled, already on the move.


    Immediately getting to work, Emily walked further into the room, struggling past the suppressive force to get closer. Reaching out with her will she attempted to take in some of the energy. It was difficult for a mere moment but after the initial strain, it flowed into her unimpeded. It was more than she had anticipated and what she expected to be a battle to gain power become one to stop it. It took all the effort and concentration she could muster to cut off the stream of energy but it was still not enough.


    "Xavier! You bastard!" Emily yelled as she forced herself closer to wallop Xavier.


    It might not have been on purpose but when Emily smacked Xavier the energy suddenly stopped feeding into her. When the energy stopped Emily only had a moment of peace, it abruptly ending as she was flung across the room. The energy seemed to now view Emily as a threat, or at least that was what she could feel. She hurriedly made her way out of the room and slumped against the door directly across from Xaviers.


    Alarms started blaring and people started rushing out of their rooms as Jordan''s voice spoke out from every direction. "This is a Code Red, everybody remain calm and, in an orderly fashion, make your way to the bunker safe house. I repeat this is a Code red, If everyone would please remain calm and calmly make your way to the bunker safe house." Jordan said, repeating the statement a few more times.


    The sudden influx of power had made Emily''s mind unstable, but instead of trying to suppress it or combat it directly, she did something unorthodox. Focusing on the energy flowing through her she tried something she had been thinking about. When she first discovered her ability it was by accident, she had been flourishing her knives when red energy suddenly seeped into them. It was like involuntary flexing a muscle she never knew she had, the action almost too easy.


    First, Emily started out small, enhancing her clothing which took a moderate amount of effort. Next, she would attempt something she wasn''t too sure of. The initial change to her body was evident, she could feel stronger and more durable. If the crimson energy was responsible for this, more energy could only mean you were stronger and more durable. But it wasn''t as simple as enhancing the body itself. She felt she could do that but knew it would be inefficient and burn her out rather quickly.


    Entering a meditative state Emily focused inward on the center of her being. She visualized the invisible pathways of energy and followed them back to where they originated, the core of her being. It was physical yet not. it was something more. As Emily inspected it she could feel a light layer of the red energy encapsulating her core. This wasn''t exactly how she thought it would happen but in some ways, she knew it would. She first consolidated the energy to her core, taking it all in. After this step, she tried to enhance her soul as she had with her knife and clothes.


    Using her ability, like flexing some invisible muscle, the process started. Energy started seeping in past the first layer of red energy forming another beyond it. The farther into this process, she went the harder it was to build up the second layer. Instead of trying to push harder or worry she stayed calm and let the energy flow naturally, the ability assisting in the process. It would have been a much harder and time-consuming task if she didn''t have the natural assistance.


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    After Emily had finished enhancing her soul she stood up and flexed out her fingers then gripped them into fists. As much as the enhancement had been exhausting she felt rejuvenated and at 110 percent. Not long after, the glow around Xavier condensed into him, the intense pressure subsiding a good amount as it did.


    People started streaming down the hallway to the bunker and Emily quickly closed the door to Xavier''s room. She contemplated following along, torn between protecting everyone in case the intruder went after them and being with Xavier when he awoke if he did. The decision was made for her as Alex and Clair strode down the hallway waving to her. Feeling like Emily had no other option she followed along, focusing on her breathing. She looked back one final time hoping Xavier would be alright.


    A man who seemed to be one of the leaders of the shelter inputted a code into a panel next to two massive metal doors. They shuttered open and once fully ajar everyone started pouring in.


    The shelter itself was a bunker, deep underground and equipped with everything humans would need to survive. Within the shelter there was a bunker that was made to survive emergencies, having emergency rations and an enforced room that could survive nukes.


    Once inside people started calming down until the rumbling started to pick up, getting stronger and stronger. Hastily the same man from before quickly went to the panel and sealed the door. Some of the survivors searched around curious about the bunker''s contents. Emily was on edge and could sense an intimidating and powerful individual getting closer.


    "Everyone! Let''s go further into the bunker, just to stay safe" Emily suggested.


    Some people didn''t initially agree but went along anyway, feeling better safe than sorry. Deep into the bunker was a second set of doors and as the group reached it loud bangs could be heard near the entrance of the bunker. People started panicking and once the metal doors were open they gladly stepped inside the spacious room. Even though the door was a fair bit smaller than the entrance door it took far longer to open and close and seemed to be a lot more secure. However, instead of going inside, Emily went to confront the intruder. Her friends only noticed she wasn''t there after the panic subsided but they couldn''t risk opening it back up.


    "But-but what about Emily?" Clair spoke up quietly.


    "She''ll probably be alright, I don''t know what''s going on but she told me to keep you and the twins safe before we got to the bunker," Alex reassured Clair.


    Emily made her way back to the entrance where she encountered the huge metal doors warping inward, heavy blows still resonating out. The pressure being exuded beyond the doors was intense, but not nearly as debilitating as Xaviers had been. Overall she had a sense of confidence with her newfound power but would remain cautious.


    With one final boom, the doors broke off from the wall, the damage incurred being too intense. As they fell to the ground a hulking figure was revealed, his clothes stretched and barely clinging to his body. Emily took out her knives and infused them with crimson energy, just as she did the man shot forward. Emily was barely able to put up her arms to defend herself as his fist shot forward with terrifying speed and power. A sharp tinge of pain shot through her right arm as she was flung back.


    Landing on her feet after getting a bit of airtime she stared at the monstrous form in front of her.


    "I could barely react to his straightforward movement, a few more of those attacks and I could be done for." She thought to herself.


    Quickly regaining her composure she ran at the man closing the distance to counter. Ducking blow after blow she struck out with her knives hoping to do some amount of damage but it was in vain. Even with her energy being more potent than ever the blades barely cut into the man. He suddenly stopped attacking and laughed, his voice reverberating out loud and deep.


    "You do not seem to be the source, take me to them or you''ll sorely regret it"


    "Over my dead body, freak!" Emily screamed, slashing at him.


    He merely cackled at the mere insect so boldly talking back, his arms and legs radiating a crimson glow as he did so. Significantly faster than before the man body slammed Emily into the wall. She crashed into the wall and wheezed out a cough, the wind being sufficiently knocked out of her.


    Before she could recuperate she had been taken out of the wall and flung around by her leg. The man swung her around with little effort and even as Emily struggled he held onto her. She felt sick from being swung around so hard but had the chance to collect herself after he threw her at one of the walls. she fell to the ground and was about to get up but he didn''t let her.


    With a concise stomp, the monster of a man slammed his foot down onto her arm, shattering it completely. In an act of defiance, she stabbed her knife at his foot but the blade broke as it made contact.


    "I guess we have to do this the hard way." The man said as he started lumbering towards the stairs leading further into the bunker.


    Emily''s expression darkened and she got to her feet and ran after him.


    "Not yet!" She yelled, enhancing her body and slamming her uninjured fist into his back.


    He stumbled forward from the attack, the punch genuinely taking him by surprise and hurting a good amount. But the small victory was short-lived as he turned and smacked her into some shelving containing emergency rations. The non-perishables being crushed and scattered about in a mess. Emily was then tossed around like a ragdoll, showcasing how unserious the man was taking the battle. He was toying with her like a lion with a gazelle, the disparity of power now far off.


    Spitting blood onto the ground Emily snarled at the giant figure before her but he just looked on in amusement. At this point, she was thoroughly exhausted and her whole body ached. She had tried to heal some of the damage incurred during the fight but the whole special was too exhausting. This alongside a good amount of her energy being allocated to enhancing her body so she didn''t die, lose a limb, or fall unconscious. She knew she had been truly outmatched and that there was nothing she could feasibly do to ensure victory but she felt every second was crucial.


    At this point, all Emily could do was try to fight through the blurry vision and labored breaths, hoping that some miracle would happen. But there wasn''t often a happy ending for those like her, cursed at birth and destined to crash and burn.


    "Since you insist on being a nuisance, I am unfortunately forced to teach you a...valuable lesson." The man sympathetically scolded, sarcastically.


    A moment after his declaration he picked up Emily by the arm and grabbed her leg, with a sharp snap her leg was broken right in half. A muffled scream escaped Emily''s throat as she tried to suppress the pain, a feral growl following shortly after. The man dropped her carelessly and continued deeper into the bunker.


    Not giving up yet, Emily got up onto her good leg, putting most of her body weight onto it, and shuffled after the monster. A few moments later she could hear the all too familiar noise of fists against metal. Tears streamed down her face at the impending doom and the fact she was powerless against it.


    The rest was like a blur, her limping toward the carnage and screams, falling to her knees. A gut-wrenching scream echoed out from her, the volume impossibly loud.


    "So, are you going to take me to the source of that immense power now?" The man yelled, turning to Emily''s beaten and broken figure. "It felt so...powerful, but it disappeared." He said, seemingly crestfallen. "But this power obviously didn''t come from someone as weak as you hahaha. Take me to where they are hiding!" The man went on.


    "Fuck you to the deepest reaches of hell!" Emily coldly stated, gripping her knife that was still intact.


    A fury raged in her heart but she wouldn''t give up until her last breath. Standing defiantly, her arm limp at her side and her leg broken she snarled and held up her knife in an offensive position. But at this point, there was nothing she could do against him as he grabbed her around her shoulders and grabbed her other leg breaking it.


    "Now, take me to the source of that burst of power from earlier or I''ll descend and take out more of these pathetic shelters. Eh, I think I''ll do that either way, but if you take me now I''ll end your suffering painlessly."


    At him breaking her other leg she didn''t utter a single noise, not giving him the satisfaction. And at his final request and threat, she responded by using her free hand to try and stab at the hand clasped around her, while also wiggling around to try and get free. Even though she had been completely defeated her spirit and soul still pushed forward, not giving up even if death was a promise at this point.


    In response to this unending defiance, he slammed her into the ground and yelled. "You stubborn bitch!"


    Emily blacked out for a second but forced herself back awake in time to here the man talking to someone. "I must have missed one, rookie mistake hahaha!"


    She groaned and looked up to see who he was talking to and noticed it was Xavier, his gaze fixed on the man. Knowing this threat was just too great she used the last of her energy to plead with him to run. "Xavier, run. Just run!" She wanted him to fight back just like she did but this monster was invincible.


    "Quiet you." The man said, forcefully kicking Emily to the side. "I''ll deal with you after this kid."


    Emily had already been over her limit, the kick only cementing her unconsciousness. The last thing she saw before blacking out for good was the man''s fist about to strike Xavier. But Xavier was looking at her, his eyes conveying warmth and promise that everything would be ok.

 Chapter 14. Muscled Maniac

    Chapter 14. Muscled Maniac


    With that one word the Muscled Maniac dropped to one knee, an immense pressure washing over him. It was so intense the heavily reinforced floor beneath him cracked from the man''s weight being pressed into it. This, along with a visible red aura throbbing all around him, pushing him down. The man growled and resisted the aura, lifting his knee off the ground and even taking a shaky step, but a step nonetheless. Right as it seemed things would end quickly, a wave of energy within the man rippled out with surprising force, pushing back my suppression. It wasn''t a match against the quality of my energy but the pure quantity couldn''t be ignored. We both retracted our impressive auras and glared at each other.


    "So it was you, the source of that immense power...it was like a beacon. I wouldn''t be surprised if others were on their way at this very moment. But you have impressed me and because of that I will look past the blatant disrespect you graced me with." The man spoke, his rash voice sincere.


    "You use so many big words for being a meat-headed Muscled Maniac, you know." Xavier coldly stated, his tone still filled with a lack of emotion.


    A vein bulged from the man''s head at the continued disrespect and casual demeanor that I showed.


    "You cocky bastard, just because you tanked one of my attacks doesn''t mean you can look down on me so." The man said stepping forward, physically towering over me.


    Without warning the man moved, fast, throwing his giant fist directly down and onto me. I dodged at the last possible moment, the fist mere inches from hitting me. As it met the ground the shelter shook from the force with the ground cracking even more. Snarling with anger the man threw various attacks at me but they all missed their mark, passing through the air harmlessly. My body felt like it was moving on pure instinct as everything still felt surreal. More specifically it felt like I had stopped consciously moving the moment I initially entered the room.


    "Is dodging all you can do runt?" the man questioned agitatedly.


    Almost on command, I suddenly kicked at his legs, making him lose balance. His large figure crashed into the ground, and I wasted no time. Before I had even kicked him, my entire body lit up red. In a reverse of positions I aimed my fist down for a strike, but in this instance, my attack hit where the Muscled Maniacs hadn''t. Instead of simply breaking bones or damaging him my fist sunk through his body leaving a hole as my arm stuck into his chest.


    Ripping my arm out and ready to strike a second time the man pushed away jumping from his back into the air and onto his feet in a feat of athleticism. Even with his hulking figure, he was still quite agile. My fist met the ground and completely smashed it, a huge hole formed from the blow.


    The Muscled Maniac suddenly roared, his chest healing ridiculously fast, but not only this he was changing. His skin turned red, which might not sound unusual but instead of the familiar glow of red, his skin was dyed a deep and vibrant red. He also seemed to be...growing. His muscles bulged out making him look even more impossible, not only this but he was getting taller. His face looked unrecognizable with the egotistical look he had being replaced by that of a deranged lunatic. He went from looking like a monster to a demon, all he was missing were the horns and a tail. His clothes also were completely shredded, but thankfully the transformation protected his precious jewels.


    After the transformation finished my skin crawled, the hair on my body standing on edge. Faster than I could have anticipated the newly transformed monster shot toward me, expecting an attack I steeled myself for it. However, instead of a punch or kick he just continued to barrel at me, his side making contact with me. I got sent flying through multiple highly enforced shelter walls, only stopping as I made contact with earth beyond one of the walls. The amount of power behind the hit shocked me back to reality, my body taking a critical amount of damage.


    I coughed up blood and exited the wall groaning in pain. The monster seemed preoccupied with getting to me, which would take a bit of time. But as I had regained a bit of my awareness, the situation and events that just transpired jumped forward in my mind. Tears welled up in my eyes but weren''t allowed to flow freely, as my fury burned them away. There was no room to be scared of losing control, not that the fear even registered to me. It was as simple as letting the overwhelming feelings inside loose, but this time I remembered everything after.


    It was like flipping a switch, it felt natural, right, like this was how I was supposed to be. Crimson energy started pooling where I had been injured, healing me much faster than the natural healing had. "This must be my healing ability." I thought to myself hysterically. Using the ability came to me as naturally as breathing, my body quickly in peak condition once again.


    I felt the monster of a man approaching and scowled, "I would make him pay, make him whimper in fear, yeah." As these thoughts flowed through my mind unimpeded, my body began crackling with intense crimson energy. I felt this usage of the crimson energy was not only flawed but detrimental, however, the only thing on my mind was revenge.


    As my rage festered I could feel the Muscled Maniac drawing ever closer so I decided to meet him halfway, or a fourth of the distance between us. I climbed through the gaping holes in the walls making my way back to him. Stepping through a hole leading into the dining room the wall across the room was smashed, the Muscled Maniac stepping through, lowering his body to fit inside. We glared at each other, both of our expressions lost in dark emotions, specifically anger.


    For me, the rage bubbling deep inside was from the loss of the members of the shelter. They were essentially family to me, this sentiment growing more and more so the longer I had been here. But now, they were either dead or critically injured, with the cause of it right in front of me. For him, he was simply upset I was still alive, this, along with the disrespect I showed him earlier.


    His anger was selfish, he wanted power, to be respected, to do as he wished, it was all so vian. My rage could also be viewed as selfish but it was rooted in empathy. It was still unhealthy sure, but the discrepancy in our feelings only fueled my anger. It felt like he had no right to be so angry, his emotions just seemed so, shallow. He would feel what true anger felt like, the loss and grief inside all bottled up into revenge and directed right at him.


    Roaring with rage, I sprang forward, my feet kicking off the ground with so much force, impressions were left in my wake. Preemtivly, I reared back my fist, ready to strike. The man also sprang forward, throwing his fist forward to meet mine much faster than before, even with his new bulging muscles. The moment our fists clashed together a wave of Crimson energy pulsed out, a piercing ringing noise accompanying it.


    Stumbling back for a moment I tried to regain a combat-ready position but the sight in front of me broke my focus. I could see that the room had been bisected by the pulse of energy, a clean slice having cut through the floor, ceiling, and walls. The cut was a few inches thick and not very deep but the peculiar part was the deep red glow emanating from it. This, along with the formation of small cracks that seemed to be growing out from wherever the pulse had cut through.


    The clash itself was also interesting, although our fists met, the force felt equal and like I hadn''t really hit anything at all. I knew I did from the slight stinging in my hand and its apparent damage to the surroundings, but it was strange. The Muscled Maniac also seemed to be assessing the situation, standing an equal distance away from the bizarre sight as I.


    I wasn''t sure how long I could keep fighting like this so I regained my composure and got into a ready stance. I also didn''t know how long the Muscled Maniac could continue fighting, but if the previous exchange was any sign, this fight could be too close for comfort.


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    As we clashed again it was obvious one of us had the advantage. With our speed and power being somewhat equal, combat experience would be vital. I felt I had some amount of experience merely by the fact I was able to keep up with the high-speed fight at all. But as far as technique went? It went as far as reacting to his movements and trying to hit him, through the rage this was the extent of my techniques. The Muscled Maniac on the other hand had gotten this powerful by fighting other monsters out there. It was for this reason, I was simply outmatched. My reckless rampaging fight style only gave me a small chance against the experienced grasp he had on his power and ability in combat.


    It didn''t take long before our exchange showed this apparent disparity, as I went in for another punch. What I had thought was a blaring opening and my chance to strike, was instead a feint. My fist met air and I was now completely open to a counter from the Muscled Maniac. On top of this, the feint had fooled me so completely that his attack was already in effect, his fist plummeting straight down. I had no time to react as time seemed to slow, his fist mere inches from my face. Memories flooded forward as if my life was flashing before my eyes.


    The mental block that had been plaguing me until now lifted, the sudden influx of information stunning me. However, the reason behind why I had been suppressing the memories and why I had suddenly remembered them sprang forward as a specific memory stood out. I was fighting a woman and she had this ability to summon barriers. She wasn''t all that powerful, and the barriers were a mere annoyance but the pure collateral damage we, and specifically I caused, was horrifying. In our wake, regular humans were killed so easily and mercilessly, like a vehicle through a swarm of bugs. It was enough to make me puke on the spot, not to mention all the similar memories where I had done the same.


    After this memory, another one took its place, one in which I was using barriers. I didn''t get much more time to understand what was happening before my body reacted. The energy that had been infusing my body and empowering it was sucked away, being transferred to the barrier forming above me. The Muscled Maniac''s fist met the newly erected barrier that was floating above me and hit it with a resounding boom. The sound from the clash made my ears ring but I didn''t have time to concern myself with anything but the current fight at hand.


    Anticipating his next assault, I supported the barrier from beneath and kept it stable. As I made contact with the barrier I sensed that I could no longer take back the energy that had been infused into it. Even so, I could still infuse more energy into it, increasing its durability which was definitely appreciated. It wasn''t long after the first punch, the one that had almost hit me, when his fist slammed into the barrier again.


    Fist after fist hit with devastating force, the frequency of them only increasing as his rage reached new heights. The barrier was holding strong against the onslaught, but I knew it wouldn''t protect me forever. I was fortunate that his rage and ego had taken control because at any moment he could have easily kicked at me. But he instead opted for punching the problem until it went away, which, I didn''t have a problem with. The constant barrage of attacks suddenly ceased as the Muscled Maniac formed his hands together and slammed them down with all his might. This worked a bit better than the previous attacks had as the barrier cracked. It was a shift in the battle and I knew now was the time to act. Glancing around, I noticed where the room got bisected from the pulse of energy earlier and I got an idea. Moving right as his fists came down I scurried on over to the other side of it, watching as the barrier shattered just as I had moved. Without my added support it easily gave and as a plus, there were now shards of the barrier embedded into his hands. Getting to work immediately I started forming the barrier inside the strange square indent in the walls, floor, and ceiling. I mean just looking at it, it was definitely asking for a barrier to be right here. It fit perfectly and once formed the strange energy that seemed to have been corrupting the enforced material got sucked up into the barrier. I used the remaining Crimson energy I had left to create the barrier and it was huge.


    The barrier looked different compared to the previous, it almost looked alive. The Muscled Maniac roared at my continued stubbornness and made his way to the barrier. The roar, by the way, shook the room, and so did his fists on the barrier. While he pounded away at it I slumped to the ground and sank into my memories as there was no other path in front of me. With my energy completely drained I thought there might have been some last trick I could play to give me the advantage. Digging further I came across one of my first interactions with another person with powers. They were healing from my attacks at an elevated rate, and in the end, I had barely edged out a victory. After absorbing their energy I had been able to use this ability of theirs.


    It appeared I could steal abilities and use them as my own, but I didn''t see how this could help me in the moment. For one, if I did have some ace up my sleeve I was completely out of energy and couldn''t use said ace. Secondly, if I wanted to use the Muscled Maniac''s ability, which seemed like a superior enhancing ability, I would have to kill him; and at that point, I wouldn''t need his ability. And there was still the issue of no energy. But that was all I could do, think of anything and everything no matter how ludicrous and I still had nothing. being overwhelmed by the situation I gave myself away to the anger, any rational and logical parts of me that had been persisting burning away.


    I screamed as my soul burned, the rage consuming me using a source of power I didn''t know existed to fuel a transformation I didn''t know I had. It was the same transformation the Muscled Maniac had used. I hadn''t absorbed his ability from him so there was clearly a lot I didn''t know about my strange ability.


    Before, my build had been nice, not too lean but not too muscular. With this transformation, my muscles strained against my clothes and gave me the appearance of a bodybuilder. My muscles weren''t as impossibly proportioned as the Muscled Maniac had first been, and especially not after his transformation, but they were still impressive.


    The barrier I made, which had been giving the Muscled Maniac a good deal of trouble, was immediately shattered by my fist. It crashed through the barrier with only an intermediate amount of effort and sunk into the monster''s chest. My throat immediately burned from how hard I screamed as my fist blasted a hole in his chest and sent him flying. I had no time to marvel at my new strength as pure hatred drove me forward.


    Using as much force as possible I dashed forward, meeting the Muscled Maniac before he even hit the wall to send him into the floor. I was moving so fast and using so much force that vapor steamed off my body. It still wasn''t enough, however, as I could sense the monster was still alive. Even if he was dead I wouldn''t be satisfied, I would smash him into a pulp, it''s what he deserved. Before I got the chance to make good on my ambitions the man glowed a furious red.


    I was pushed back for a moment and disoriented by the sudden flash of light and the sensation afterward. The Muscled Manaic laughed maniacally while simultaneously screaming in pain, it sounded like he had gone fully insane and given up. Juxtaposed to this, however, was the chilling feeling coming from the monster. It was similar to the last time he had transformed and letting myself feel scared made me snarl.


    The Muscled Manaic stepped out of the hole I had smacked him into and looked completely different. Instead of being a bigger hulking monstrosity, he was now smaller than I had ever been. Steam was pouring out of him and his figure looked uncanny. His muscles looked as if they had been forced into his body and compacted down, the fibers occasionally snapping and healing back up. If his previous form was a trump card that burnt him out, this form was a suicidal move. It was like an animal stuck in a trap that decided to attack even if it meant its death.


    An easy way to deal with this transformation would be to simply evade or get away, letting the ability kill him. Even if I thought of this in the moment this strategy would have been difficult considering how much of a boost of power this seemed to give him.


    "Some bullshit powerup, once again, ha! I''ll steal this transformation too if I have to, you fucking monster!" I screamed.


    Like an homage to the start of our previous clash, our fists met as we shot towards each other. The pulse of energy that radiated out from the impact this time was more like a shockwave, decimating the surroundings. It once again felt like we were equal, but this time we were. Our fists were almost the same size now, as well as our bodies, and we were both so lost in rage that simple attacks would be the extent of our combat prowess. Not only that but the fact we were comprable in strength, speed, and reaction time once again. The only limiting factor now was how long we could keep this up, I felt myself starting to wear out but the Mucled Maniac was literally killing himself the longer he fought.


    The anger inside of me begged to also use this secondary powerup but at the thought of it a sensation stronger than my rage pushed it down. At this point, I would kill myself if it meant this monster would die, but my body refused.


    Our fists met again and again, the shockwaves of pure destructive force that shot out destroying the room further. As the fight continued it was very noticeable that our actions mirrored one another. Our legs arced out toward each other in a head kick only for them to stop as we connected. Jabs, punches, kicks, elbows, any attack was met with the same in turn. We were stuck in this cruel dance, a snarl stuck onto my face with the Musceld Maniac having a crude smile. Just the pure fact he seemed to be enjoying this sent me over the edge. Nothing...nothing! Would stop me from pummelling my fists into his face until there was nothing left.

 Chapter 15. Unexpected Aid

    Chapter 15. Unexpected Aid


    Leaving Emily with Xavier, Jordan rushed through various halls to the main office to alert everyone about the imminent danger. He slammed the door open and made his way inside the office, there were a few secondary rooms inside and when he spotted "Control Room" on a sign above a door, he quickly made his way to it. Entering the room Jordan noted that it was snug before checking out the control panel. Jordan had expected a monitor with a touchscreen or an interactive projection but he was instead met with flips and switches. There was no time to go over how strange this was but Jordan had the sense there was indeed more to this place than what initially met the eye. Flipping the alarm Jordan spoke into the PA system remembering the instructions for a potential invader.


    "This is a Code Red! Please remain calm, and make your way to the bunker safe house in an orderly fashion. I repeat this is a Code red, If everyone would please remain calm and calmly make your way to the bunker safe house." Jordan went on, reiterating the command for a minute or so.


    Following the advice he preached, Jordan made his way out of the office and to the bunker, trailing behind everyone else. Not long after he had left the office he heard rumbling coming from a good distance behind him. Picking up the pace he looked behind him to see a hulking figure turn the corner. The man had massive muscles barely hanging onto his frame, making him look intimidating and grotesque. As soon as he processed the figure Jordan was suddenly in someone''s arms and moving nauseatingly fast. The surroundings were a blur and vertigo struck Jordan as he was carried away. Being set down Jordan placed his hand against the wall and tried not to puke.


    "Are you doing alright? I apologize if I was a bit rough with you, I didn''t want him to notice us."


    Jordan acknowledged the man''s words with a thumbs-up and then hurled the contents of his stomach.


    "Yeah, I had the same reaction the first time, you''ll get used to it...probably."


    Wiping his face and shaking off the nausea, Jordan assesses the man before him. He was somewhat plain, his pale completion and roughly cut brown hair making him look relatively ordinary. He appeared to be in his mid to late 20s and held himself like a weary parent exhausted after a long day at work.


    "W-wait, that...thing, it was charging toward the bunker...we have to go back and help everyone else," Jorden shouted, already up and figuring out where he was.


    "Hold on Jordan, we can''t" The man stated, rushing to Jordan. Attempting to resist the man Jordan glared at him and argued back.


    "What do you mean we can''t, you have powers, right? Emily won''t be able to ward off that monster all by herself, they are sitting ducks. We have to go help in any way we can!" Jordan screamed, tears welling up in his eyes as he heard loud banging start.


    Facing Jordan the man grabbed his shoulders and looked hard into his eyes. "Listen, there is nothing I can do to that monster, he is simply on a different level. Luckily, he didn''t notice me before this moment or when I grabbed you. His blind rage helped in that department but as I, and I''m sure you, could sense that monster as you put it is that, a monster."


    Jordan sneered at his words but knew it was the truth, the truth didn''t quell his feelings on the matter, however. "I-I understand, but we can''t just leave them to die right? There must be something we can do...wait, Xavier. If we can wake him up and help him, he can take down that monster."


    The man thinks about it for a few moments before coming to a decision. "Alright, I felt his power earlier and he is the reason that monster came down here. Not to blame the kid but if anyone could deal with him it would be Xavier. I''ll wake him up but he will have to take it from there, we would just get in the way."


    "Alright," Jordan responded before being picked up by the man and rushed off. Appearing beside Xavier''s room the man focused for a moment and Xavier fell from his previously floating position suddenly awake. As soon as the action was done the man sped off once more, Jordan In his arms. It was a few more seconds until Jordan was put down but as he did Jordan gagged and held his stomach. If there was anything left in his stomach it would have surely been emptied. They were in the infirmary, beds lining the wall and medical supplies littering the room.


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    "Alright, I''m going to go search for any survivors in the upper shelters, if I find any I''ll bring them back here for you to patch them up. You can handle that right?"


    Gasping for breath and trying not to fall over from nausea Jordan nods.


    Before leaving the man turns to Jordan and says. "Oh, and by the way, my name is John." and with that, John ran off at dizzying speeds.


    John returned in short order with a little boy, he had a few cuts so Jordan grabbed some bandages and began addressing his wounds. John brought back a few other survivors but looked sorrowful. After patching up a few more survivors multiple simultaneous resounding booms shake the shelter.


    Regaining their balance Jordan finishes up addressing an older lady''s wounds and gives John a look. Going into a side room Jordan asks John about searching effort. "How has the search for survivors gone? Does it look pretty bad up there?"


    "I''m going to give it one more look around but yeah, that monster made a mess of the two higher shelter levels," John responded, a grave expression on his face.


    Just as he had replied to Jordan a loud crash could be heard not too far away.


    "It must be Xavier and that monster." Jordan guessed aloud. "If they are still going at it that''s a good sign, right?"


    "At the very least they are equally matched as if either one was stronger the fight should have been over by now. But it could be equally likely that if the fight is still going on that monster could just be toying with the boy, no way to really know."


    "Alright, well after you do your last search can we check in on the fight and see if everyone is alright? I''m really worried about them."


    "Maybe," John states.


    John rushes off again and Jordan checks over the survivors, some of them have tears streaming down their faces while others embrace loved ones. It''s a grim sight but at least some of them were able to survive. The fighting nearby seemed to be picking up, startling the survivors a bit more. Jordan was getting increasingly anxious, imagining the worst of the situation. He wished he could do more, he''s felt this way ever since Brian had first woken up and he had to fight. He would gladly put his life on the line and fight but like John had said he would just get in the way.


    John returned with a little girl and left again to retrieve someone else, taking just a few seconds he came back with the girl''s mother. They were relatively uninjured but shaken up nonetheless.


    "Alright, let''s go," John commanded, looking at Jordan. "We will have to walk, don''t want to signify our approach, now do we?"


    "Got it." Jordan acknowledged, nodding seriously.


    Walking through the hallways ever closer to the combatants a pressure had begun washing over both John and Jordan. At first, it was barely noticeable just a slight weight, but as the duo pressed on the pressure was nearly debilitating. For John, he had to actively fight off the suppressive force to continue walking. It was no easy feat but compared to Jordan, who was barely able to take any more steps forward, it was something. Imagining trying to fight under this weight was intimidating and Jordan felt even more crestfallen. He was truly delusional if he thought he could ever be of any real help to Xavier.


    John strained as he attempted to ward off the suppression on Jordan, something he hadn''t ever done before. It was successful in allowing him to at least get close enough to see the action. What was once the dining hall was now a small crater in the shelter, the doors were gone and with each clash, the perimeter of the crater grew. It was hard to tell what was going on with how fast the action was and the constant stream of crimson energy berating the surroundings.


    "The-the bunker, we need to-to check it." Jordan muttered, straining to speak.


    "Alright, hold on," John says before picking Jordan up once more. At this point, he didn''t care if the monster sensed him but he doubted he would. Dashing away they reached the wreck of a bunker and made it deeper inside. The smell of blood and death permeated the space and John braced for the worst. Jordan didn''t have the advanced senses that John had so he was none the wiser of what to expect. This along with the surroundings being a blur.


    They finally made it into the deepest reaches of the bunker where a terrible sight lay before them. Various bodies littered the spacious room, most notably Emily near the entrance of the room, a trail of blood showing that she had dragged herself. The duo just stared for a moment not knowing how to process the reality of the situation. Jordan slowly reached down to Emily and found she still had a pulse but would need immediate medical attention. Even then she looked crippled badly.


    "I-I''ll check to see who all is alive, we can attempt to treat the survivors..." John stated with deep sorrow and melancholy.


    John first took Jordan and Emily to the infirmary where Jordan asked if anyone could help and for everyone else to leave. John, over the next minute brought in a dozen or so that were barely clinging to life. This included both Alex and Clair but only one of the twins, Avery. Jordan closed his heart to those who were lost and focused on those still alive and in need of medical attention.

 Chapter 16. The Harder They Fall

    Chapter 16. The Harder They Fall


    Our stalemate was drawing ever closer to breaking as the fight continued. All it would take was one false move and the whole fight could be decided. We must have clashed over 100 times but I refused to let up. My whole body was groaning in protest but I pushed on and let my rage overtake every other sensation. I couldn''t let anything distract me from striking down this heartless, power-hungry monster.


    The first break in the routine dance we found ourselves in was my fist being ever so slightly faster and hitting him in the face. In the very next instant, my face was also struck but with significantly less force than my own. This short victory was cut even shorter as the man grabbed ahold of my hand. In the brief moment I relished in a successful strike he was able to grab hold of it. I tried pulling back but his grip was iron-tight.


    He forced me forward, positioning my arm in between his arm and side. He attempted to use the advantage to deal concise blows but I retaliated by kicking at his legs to knock him down, which worked. To my dismay, however, my arm was still held firm even as he unexpectedly fell. As he went down I felt a sharp pain in my arm from the pressure he was exerting along with hitting the ground just right. While he was still disoriented I used my other arm to throw quick jabs at the arm holding mine. It loosened slightly and I was able to just start to pull it away but as I did so he slammed his fist down onto it breaking it more.


    Gritting my teeth in pain, I jumped back and looked down at my dangling arm. Ordinarily, I would be able to heal the damage done relatively quickly but I couldn''t spare the energy even if it meant I was now at a disadvantage in the fight. I needed to keep my energy consumption lower than the Muscled Maniacs if I wanted any chance of winning. If I was thinking clearly or at all I most likely wouldn''t have done what I did but in the moment it felt like the only path to victory.


    Grabbing my injured arm with the uninjured one I pushed my thumb into the skin, got a grip on it, and tore. In one swift motion, I removed the part of my arm that had been badly damaged. Muscle tore and bone snapped revealing a sharp section of my humerus. With forethought, the idea to remove the broken part of my arm wasn''t a bad one. It not only lessened the amount of energy I was using to reinforce my body but also gave less of an advantage to the enemy via less of a target and a removed weak point. In my rage, however, the only thing I was thinking was the arm was in my way.


    I was at a disadvantage without a second arm but I was now free from some dead weight that would have inevitably gotten in my way one way or another. In this battle of attrition and raw rage, my somewhat mindless action saved me. The Muscled Maniac squinted at me in confusion and just laughed, rushing toward me in his blind rage and battle hunger. He was ridiculously fast, not giving me time to do anything but counter his attacks. Without my right hand, I was being pushed back and forced to exert myself beyond the limit.


    Even as I was on the backfoot his speed and strength were starting to slow down compared to the start of this fight. I was also flagging but the disparity was shown when my first punch had connected. It had given the Muscled Maniac an opening and was ultimately detrimental but it was proof I was winning the war.


    I looked deep into the monster''s eyes as the stub of my right arm sunk into his chest, the sharp bone plunging easily through his defenses. I had slipped past his attack and attacked back with deadly ferocity. He coughed up blood and gave me a bloody grin clamping his hand around my neck. He lifted me up and squeezed with all his might, his other hand coming up to reinforce his grip.


    I struggled, kicking and straining against his assault but his iron grip only tightened. Even as a hint of dread shot through me hatred still reigned supreme deep inside. My gaze stayed affixed to his and pierced through his own like I was staring at his soul. His grip loosened ever so slightly and a tinge of fear and exhaustion marred his cold expression. His grin had long been replaced by vitriol but was now showing signs of cracks.


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    With his weakening grasp around my neck and retaliatory strikes to his arms, (both bludgeoning and piercing with my fist and sharp bone arm respectively) it was only a matter of time before I was back on my feet. The lack of oxygen was still an issue but I was on the verge of being able to take a breath so I just needed to hold out a short time longer. The hint of exhaustion was now more visibly evident on his face as his features started looking pale. He was hiding his fear but his lack of confidence was evident even so.


    Gasping, I finally got a breath of air, my vision had started to blur and my body felt cold, a bit longer and things could have gone badly. Now that my strength was starting to return to me and his grip was getting looser I could free myself. I was able to slip my fingers in between his grip and my neck and then push off of him with my legs. If I were any weaker or him any stronger it wouldn''t have worked but I was free.


    The Muscled Maniac heaved a breath and steam was rising off him similar to when he transformed the second time. He was also visibly older like he had aged many years. At this moment I took the time to catch my breath and stay on guard for any more potential attacks. As we stood breathing heavily it felt like the first respite in the fight, like we were waiting for the other to make a move but neither of us was going to.


    Seemingly out of nowhere a blur of movement shot toward the Muscled Maniac and he fell to the ground. From the brief moment this mysterious person was within my field of view a pang of recognition entered my brain. I couldn''t give it any attention as an opportunity had just opened itself up to me and I lunged toward the suddenly prone enemy in front of me. Pinning him down on his back, my legs to either side of him,


    I didn''t give him a chance to retaliate as my sharp bone of an arm came down right on his face. It sunk in easily and with a wet and satisfying noise. I quickly removed my arm and plunged it down again and again, over and over until I was slamming my arm into the ground of what was once the Muscled Manaics head. I was covered in Ichor and bone fragments but I didn''t pay it any mind. My throat was raw from screaming and, inexplicably, tears streamed down my face as I sat on the monster''s chest heaving for breath. My arms slumped to their sides and a sudden hunger jolted painfully through me.


    Without a second thought, I sat up just enough to be squatted over the Muscled Manaic''s lifeless form and placed my hand on his chest. Energy coursed through me and then collected deep in my chest. My arm and any other injuries healed and I felt weak but back to normal. I shook my head and looked around and down at the lifeless body and felt a deep sense of dissociation.


    In a sudden burst of wind, two figures were stood in front of me, Jordan and..."Coffee guy?"


    "Xavier, I know you just got done fighting and are probably exhausted but do you think you could heal some of the survivors?" Jordan asked, his hands out in front of him in a placating gesture.


    My head tilted to the side and I had a confused look on my face. "What do you mean fight, heal...survivors? What happened...why is there blood...why am I converted in blood?"


    "You don''t remember? It-it doesn''t matter, We''ve got a lot of injured and you can heal them, right Xavier?


    "Yeah...I can." I said, more to convince myself I could than to actually answer Jordan.


    "Alright, John is going to pick you up and take you to the injured, it may be a bit nauseating to give you a warning."


    I nodded but the words didn''t quite sink in, I was staring off in the distance a quizical look on my face. The coffee guy, or John, lifted me up and took me to the infirmary where many people were being treated and cared for by Jordan, John, and anyone else well enough to move. After John went back to retrieve Jordan I was guided and told how to help those who were injured.


    The first person I was rushed to I recognized as Emily, she was in very bad shape and as I saw her a sudden pain surged through my chest, and head. Tears fell from my eyes and I wiped them away. It felt like a war was raging in my mind, memories flashing in and out but being suppressed at the same time. I grabbed at my chest and head as the pain started becoming unbearable. Before passing out I needed to do something to help those that had been hurt so I put all of my energy into what I hoped would work.


    "Xavier? Are you alright? What''s going on?" Jordan questioned, concern in his voice.


    "Stand back" The unfamiliar voice of John uttered.


    John held out his arm to stop Jordan from consoling Xavier as a red-orange glow was emitted from Xavier. When the mysterious glow touched an individual they were miraculously healed. Almost simultaneously Xavier slumped to the ground unconscious.

 Chapter 17. Escaping Reunity

    Chapter 17. Escaping Reunity


    "Hello, Special Agent Henderson. The threat has been dealt with, the survivors are uninjured, and they have been secured. We are evacuating the shelters imminently."


    "Good work John, I expect a full debrief as soon as you return to the compound."


    John directed the survivors through some old hallways and locked doors that led to an old, rustic-looking elevator. Stepping inside the interior was fairly large and could more than fit everyone inside. As shifted and made loud concerning noises it began to rise, creaking and thumping as it did. Emily was holding Xavier in her arms and the space was silent except for the elevator itself and occasional sniffles that escaped crying individuals. Very few of the shelter''s occupants had survived the Muscled Maniacs massacre. Children, parents, those just starting to mature, and those nearing the end, were unceremoniously and indiscriminately murdered. All in all over 700 lives were taken in the massacre, the two shelters above having only a spare few survivors. The shelter Xavier found himself in had a good deal more survive the incident thanks to Emily and Xavier''s intervention.


    While taking the slow and creaking elevator ride up, Jordan attempted to break some of the tension by chatting with Emily.


    "Hey, how are you holding up?" Jordan asked gently.


    Emily, staring blankly at a random detail in the old elevator cabin wall, holding the unconscious Xavier broke out of her trance and responded. "Oh, uh, I''ll-I''ll be alright."


    The insincerity in her voice and cold gaze she held failed to get past Jordan. He gave her a warm and gentle smile and consolingly placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.


    "Listen, I...wasn''t there but I could tell you put up one hell of a fight. I''m sure you did as much as you could, more than anyone could have asked of you." He sighed, trying to find the right words. "I know it might not mean much coming from me but It''s alright to not be okay right now. And I also know you will probably blame yourself for not being able to protect everyone, but just know none of it was your fault or responsibility. A lot of people in the same position you were in would not have sacrificed or fought as hard as you did." Jordan finished, attempting to keep back the tears threatening to be released.


    Alex, Clair, Avery, and a few other survivors within earshot chimed in with their own words of appreciation. Tears welled up in Emily''s eyes that quickly fell unimpeded. John, noticing the shift in energy, made his way over to Emily to offer to hold Xavier. She complied with the offer and looked over at her friends and fellow shelter survivors fondly. Turning to Jordan she walked up to him and embraced him in a tight hug, her tears seeping into his tattered shirt.


    "Let it out, you''ve gone through a hellish ordeal and a half." Jordan cood, rubbing her back. "Alright, alright, you can ease up on your grip." He gasped out as her hug got a bit too tight.


    "S-sorry." Emily apologized letting go and wiping away her tears.


    "It''s alright, oh, and here," Jordan said removing his jacket and handing it to Emily.


    Her clothes had been damaged a fair bit so Jordan had offered his jacket for her to cover up and get some warmth.


    "Thank you Jordan, for everything, I feel a little bit better now." Emily expressed sincerity, a small smile gracing her flushed face.


    The rest of the elevator ride went on in silence other than the now familiar creaking and occasional screech of the elevator. The overall energy of the cabin had improved a not insignificant amount but was still overwhelmed by grief. Reaching its destination the elevator rattled into place and the large doors scraped open. The doors opened to reveal an old and unkept hallway. The space suddenly shook violently dust, rust, and debris falling to the ground. John gave Xavier back to Emily and held a determined expression on his face. Emily would be lying if she said she wasn''t anxious about John and the imminent future but she pushed on nonetheless.


    "Come on, let''s hurry, we have about 2 miles until we''re out." John ushered.


    The walk was uneventful, Avery sulked by himself and Clair clung to Alex like he would die if she let go. Everyone had been through quite a lot and were lucky to be alive, it would take time to heal from this and some may never fully recover. A few of the kids that had lost their parents were being looked after by adults they were comfortable with.


    Even though they were alright physically they had all been severely injured and surrounded by friends and family that had died. They also had to endure the aura and presence of the Muscled Maniac. For everyone affected, the recent incident and events of the last 15 days had been the most traumatic experiences they had ever had. Emily did have a hard life but even she was heavily affected by everything that had happened. It would be a lot for anyone but for Emily, she had to worry about the power that now lay inside her. After almost half an hour of walking and relative silence, the group stopped at a ladder that seemed to reach up forever.


    "Alright, this is the last obstacle before we''re out, one at a time now," John commanded softly while helping people ascend.


    Emily threw Xavier over her shoulder and started climbing up the ladder, at first it was a bit uncomfortable but as she ascended she got into a rhythm. After a few minutes of continuous climbing, she made it up to a room, people sitting on the ground panting. They seemed to be in a home of sorts, long abandoned. Cobwebs littered the space along with dust and a musky unnerving smell. It more resembled a small bomb shelter but it must have been hundreds of years old at this point.


    Finally, John peered his head up and marked the end of the climb, everyone now inside the room. He let the survivors collect themselves for a couple of minutes before heading for the exit. He forced a hatch open, and it creaked open, rust shaking off. Emily was surprised the door didn''t break or was even in the condition it was. The hatch opened up into a modern-looking room, abandoned and trashed but familiar.


    Emily always found the modern esthetic of Reunity soulless, devoid of any humanity or life. Her memories of before the great city are faint but the architecture always seemed unsettling to her. Over time she grew to respect the grandness of it all but still felt homesick. She would occasionally dream of life before the streets and constant fear, hiding, and pain. There were only brief memories when she awoke but It was the only time she could remember feeling at peace and truly home.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The front of the abononded building was destroyed and out in front was a convoy of armored vehicles. An armed Agent clad in protective bulletproof armor stepped out of one of the vehicles and came up to John and bowed slightly.


    "Sir, we are here to escort you and the survivors, I expect if we run into any trouble that you will assist." The man said more of a matter of fact and formality than if he were genuinely asking.


    "Right, of course, Emily here can also aid in the event of any threats, right?" John replied, pointing back at Emily with his thumb.


    "Right, yeah, I can." She responded, startled out of her thoughts.


    "Alright, let''s get moving then." The Agent commanded.


    A half dozen Agents came out and assisted the survivors into the various vehicles. John was guided to one in the front while Emily was positioned in the one in the back of the lineup with Jordan. She continued to carry Xavier until they were comfortably sat inside, she laid him down on the extended seat next to her and tried her best to fasten him in. Once everyone was settled the armored Bureau vehicles set off.


    around the 45-minute mark into the journey, John decided to make small talk with the agent driving next to him. "So, how have things been in the city?"


    "Things have been pretty dire sir, although it''s gotten quieter these last few days. We''ve noticed some pretty interesting behaviors. You''ll be debriefed on the specifics but just know the tide recedes before a tsunami." The agent responded cryptically, his voice straining with a hint of anger. During the conversation, he frequently checked a display that showed a grid of the surroundings, the occasional red dot showing up and then disappearing as they drove.


    "Alright, well, I''m excited to see how the team is holding up, but I didn''t expect to be coming back to see them so soon," John said, a bit taken aback by the other man''s attitude.


    "Honestly, I expected to see you sooner, or never again." The Agent spat out with a noticeable amount of venom.


    "Is everything alright Agent?" John questioned accusatorially.


    The Agent suddenly slammed on the brakes making them come to a very abrupt stop. "Is everything alright? What the fuck do you think?! First, the world ends and you freaks murder my wife and children and now I have to work with you!? Not only that but to put a stupid fucking cherry on top we''re escorting back one of you freaks that lured another one of you freaks to one of the shelters!! So no, everything is not ''alright''!" The man roared out, his voice becoming raw by the end of it from the screaming.


    He stepped out of the car and John followed suit meeting the man in front of the Bureau vehicle. John was showing clear signs of agitation and the Agent had a deep scowl etched on his face and veins bulged from his forehead. They had nearly made it out of the city and into the barrens when this confrontation started. Emily, some Agents, and Guards came out to see what was going on, John and the Agent in a heated conversation.


    "Getting a little upset are we? Not going to lose control and start killing everyone, are you? I thought you were oh so proud of your control over your negative emotions, don''t tell me you''ve been faking it." The Agent taunted.


    John balled his fists and shook with outrage at this supposedly highly trained Agent making a scene like this in dangerous territory. The negative comments only irritated him and he understood where the man was coming from but there was a time and place for it especially for someone that is supposed to be a professional.


    "I''m baffled that they let children with temper tantrums join The Bureau, or are you just really good at faking it?" John taunted back.


    It wasn''t a very good idea to argue and instigate but John was starting to lose control.


    "What''s going on, is there a threat?" An Agent asked.


    While everyone else was distracted by the scene, Emily, out of the corner of her eye noticed a bright red flashing light and alarm start to ring out from a monitor inside one of the Bureau vehicles. Pointing at the monitor Emily looked around at the Agents and Guards around her. "Um...is that important?" Right as she asked the argument between the Agent and John continued.


    The Agent''s face was beat red and he was shaking in rage, tears threatening to be released. "Oh, you think you''re so big and tough now huh, now that you are a freak with power-" The Agent had started to approach John, ready to throw a punch when something came hurdling down from the sky. Barely reacting in time, lost in the heat of the moment and not noticing the approaching aura, John moved just nearly getting squashed. John was still flung back by the impact, the Bureau vehicle beside him being knocked back a bit as well. Where once stood the aggravated Agent was now a woman clad in blood, bits of organs, and bone fragments. The Agent had been completely obliterated by the impact of this Woman striking down into the road. Pieces of him and blood being sprayed all over John and the ground surrounding the crater.


    "Oops, missed ya, could have sworn I was gonna hit ya. That guy stepped right into the danger zone though, can''t blame me for that one..." The woman spoke casually, picking off pieces of bone and organs from her clothes.


    John blinked in confusion gasping and gagging. "...Holy shit!"


    Frozen in place with shock Emily stared at the scene in disbelief. She had sensed something but very much too late to have done anything about it, before now at least. Breaking out of the shock she started slowly approaching the woman casually, only enhancing herself when she knew she was close enough to catch the woman off guard and strike her.


    The woman cleared her throat and started. "Mortals! Revel in the presence of me, the mighty Blazing Inferna! You see...at first I was just going to tail ya''ll from above and see where ya''ll were headed but feeling that spike in power, well, let''s just say I was feeling peckish all-a sudden. I''m honestly surprised ya were able to move out of the way that snappy though. I was sure you wouldn''t sense me, I''m pretty good at masking my presence after all-" She monologued until being interrupted by a fist to the face.


    Emily came in fast and struck her in the cheek halfway through the "Blazing Inferna''s" grand speech. She got sent back by the blow and flew up floating several feet off the ground, flame propelling her up. She cradled her face, blood pouring out from it.


    "Ow, fuck that hurt, I think ya fucking fractured my jaw ya bitch! How many more of ya''ll are there?" She swore, looking down at John and Emily, contemplating. "Mhhh...fuck this, I''m outa here!" She finished, flying away at dizzying speeds, the heat from it making everyone flinch away.


    Walking toward John Emily called out. "John, you alright? That was insane."


    "Fine, not something you see every day but I''ve seen worse."


    "You''ve seen worse? Who are you anyway? Seemingly part of the Bureau but in the shelter with us, just making coffee if I am remembering you properly. Were you watching over us, if so why didn''t you help us against that monster, you could have done something! And what were you two arguing about before...well, y''know, splat." Emily asked with suspicion.


    "Listen, I can explain everything once we make it to the compound. We do have to cross through the barrens though so we better get moving, but I promise everything will be explained. Well, at least everything we know." John said attempting to calm Emily down a bit.


    "Alright, but just know I don''t trust you or any of this, I''ve never trusted The Bureau in fact."


    "You and me both then," John responded, making Emily give a perplexed expression and tilt of her head.


    "Okay, let''s get going everybody.


    Emily grabbed Xavier and brought him to the front of the convoy, she sat next to John who was now driving, and crossed her arms. Jordan, Alex, Claire, and Avery all joined Emily sitting in the back of the vehicle, where Xavier was lying on the seat still unconscious. The convoy continued their trek, Emily eyeing John suspiciously until she fell asleep. Rays of sunlight started lighting up the sky, stretching across the bare wasteland as they drove. In a few short hours, they would reach their destination, where a whole new world would open up for Xavier and Emily.

 Chapter 18. Project Brian (Part 1)

    Chapter 18. Project Brian (Part 1)


    Rubeus stood over a restrained and unconscious Brian, a wide grin displayed across his face. Groups of scientists worked tirelessly, reviewing monitors, testing samples, and conversing about their findings. Brian was hooked up to various machines, inside a sealed-off room, in the middle of a larger room. The box was partially made of glass to enable the scientists to look in and observe. They surrounded him, their monitors and tests being done up against the wall of the box. This enabled them to have visuals on him any moment they needed.


    Brian stirred, blinking at the blinding light. He tried to turn his head to look away, but he couldn''t. Dread sinking in, he attempted to move but was completely frozen in place, or more aptly, paralyzed.


    As his eyes started to adjust he noticed the figure of Rubeus standing beside him and scowled. "Rubeus! Why can''t I move? What have you done to me?!"


    "Ah, Brian, you''re finally awake, are you okay? You don''t sound okay." Rubeus said in mock concern, taunting the immobile man.


    His smile grew and seemed like the first genuine happiness Brian had seen on the man''s face. This only fueled his fear and rage about what exactly was going on. From his stationary position, he looked around the best he could, seeing the scientists working around him. Most were hidden from view behind their monitors or equipment, but some were peering over or standing and observing, jotting down notes casually.


    "What kind of sick twisted experiments are you planning huh? Going to tamper with my memories again? My mind is many times more powerful now so do your worst. Whatever it is you''re planning you will-mhnhnggh" Brian spat until being cut off.


    Rubeus forcefully clamped a device over Brian''s head, restricting his mouth, and forcing his eyes to remain open.


    "Yes, yes, enough of that now." Rubues chastised, securing the device to him.


    Brian was powerless to resist bar screaming and contorting the muscles in his face. This menial show of defiance accomplished little but tire out his throat, and face.


    "Initializing Test 1! Durability and Regeneration! Initiating Trial 1!" Rubeus commanded sternly.


    Three individuals entered the room with surgical scrubs, eyewear, and other protective wear. Outside the box, the room bustled with life as the Scientists got into position. From behind Brian, Rubeus wheeled out a lab cart with equipment neatly arranged on it


    "Don''t worry Brian, you''ll only feel a slight pressure and a bit of discomfort at most," Rubeus said calmly, but his face held a malicious smile.


    Rubeus stepped out of the room and stood imposingly, looking in with interest and hunger. Without any more warning the testing began, the first tool used being a circular saw. Brian had never seen such a piece of technology but could tell it was indeed a sharp saw, and when it was turned on, was loud and spun really fast. Rubeus''s assurance that it wouldn''t hurt both relieved and unnerved him. If he was actually telling the truth maybe this wouldn''t be all that bad, but if he could, it would be hell.


    As the saw made contact with his leg it sunk in after a slight bit of effort. Looking intently at what the Scientists were doing, Brian finally noticed that he wasn''t wearing any clothing, but at this point that was a minor concern. At first, it did just feel like a bit of pressure and discomfort where the saw met his skin. But as it sunk into the flesh the pain shot through him like a bolt of electricity. The pain was unusually bad, feeling as if it had been amplified 10 times, maybe more. Brian screamed and tried to force his eyes closed but they were firmly forced open.


    "Test 1! Durability and Regeneration! Initiating Trial 2!" Rubeus commanded once again.


    The scientists all observed Brian''s flesh knit back together jotting down notes and observing data that appeared on their screens. The pain was somehow even worse as muscle, veins, and skin all rapidly regrew. After the process was done a new implement was used to test Brian, the process repeated. He was already mentally exhausted from the pain when a new wave hit. He stared up at the ceiling focusing on a single point and receeded into his mind. He tried to focus on any positive memories he could, Jordan appearing.


    For the last 15 years, it had felt like living in a fog. Living, breathing, eating, sleeping, all for the Bureau. He never questioned it, the thought of anything else never passed through his mind. He was simply too busy to give it any real thought, there may have been the occasional complaint about his job, but nothing past that. He never had any friends or true connections, there was always the odd apprentice or colleague he socialized with, but it was almost always out of obligation.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    This is how life was until he met Jordan. At first, he was just another apprentice who fed Brian information and helped with reconnaissance. He taught him the ropes and occasionally went to the bar with him to socialize and drink. This wasn''t unusual and, in fact, was expected and completely normal. What did surprise him however was the feeling he got when talking to Jordan and seeing him smile, happiness.


    Brian had always felt content, not exactly sad but definitely not happy. Now he was smiling, truly smiling, not the disingenuous smile he had given casually in the last 13 years. Brian had begun to look forward to hanging out with Jordan, at least subconsciously. He rarely gave it any thought but whenever they got together to drink or went to work parties he opened up. He laughed, argued, have fun, and just live.


    In his head he told himself it was just to improve their teamwork for the job but in reality, it couldn''t have been further from work-related. He would never admit to Jordan being his friend but somewhere deep down he knew it. So while he was poked, prodded. stabbed, hit, cut open, burned, lasered, etc. he tried to bring forth all his pleasant memories. All of which incidentally had Jordan present.


    "Test 1. Durability & Regeneration! Initiating Trial 45!" A voice boomed out, the authority and power behind it still prevalent.


    Brian didn''t know how long it had been but it felt unending. The only reprieve from the excruciating pain was Rubeus''s stern voice. He knew this voice was to blame for the pain but he had started associating positively with it. The feelings it evoked became more complicated the more he heard it. It was the only comfort through all of this torture but was the torturer at the same time.


    After the 45th test, there was a break in routine. The regeneration process had just stopped when Rubeus entered the room. There was a familiar object in his hand that he placed on the tray. Then he removed the device strapped to Brian''s head allowing him to speak and close his eyes if he wished.


    "You must be pretty exhausted after all of that. Your regeneration has slowed down significantly, by 518% to be specific. Your durability also faltered but only by an insignificant 8%." Rubeus stated, like a doctor going over the results of a physical. "Seeing as you are exhausted, and probably ''hungry'', I''ve brought you a very precious meal. If you behave well we will give you a bit extra."


    "Why? Why are you doing this to me?" Brian muttered softly, anger, but mostly sadness in his tone.


    "Why? Well If you think it''s personal, it is. Not only from our past but from your most recent actions. But it''s also because you are the perfect subject. You''ll finally be useful for The Bureau, and you can help clean up the mess you made. So far you have lasted much longer than most other subjects. Your will and mental fortitude truly are impressive, but rest assured we will break you." Rubeus answered in detached anger.


    Brian grimaced and scowled, but held his tongue. Rubeus raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. "Nothing to say? Even after I proked you? It seems like you are already behaving very well, I''ll treat you." Rubeus said picking up the Crimson orb from the tray and placing it on Brian''s chest.


    Brian had sensed the orb the moment Rubeus entered the room. From his exhaustion and hunger, the pull toward it was even more intense. He could feel its overwhelming power, it wanted him to have it, to be consumed by it. With it''s power...he could do anything. Stop The Bureua, kill Rubeus, and put an end to anyone who got in his way.


    As the orb was placed on his chest the familiar warmth and euphoria rushed through Brian. A wide grin spread across his face and tears that had been held back until now were relinquished unimpeded. The pure bliss made all the pain and misery seem like a bad dream, one that made it all worth it.


    Removing the orb after a few more seconds Rubeus spoke. "We''ll be back at it in 12 hours, until then, rest up."


    With that, he left the immobile and euphoric Brian alone in the room. Scientists still worked all around him but he was now left alone with his own thoughts for the next 12 hours. It had only been a few hours so far but Brian had already lost so much of his self. His will and mind may be more powerful than ever but all of that is worthless without a strong base. After learning about his true past and gaining supernatural powers his sense of self was completely broken.


    For the last 15 years, there was no question about who he was. He never truly had a sense of self beyond his name and job. There was no need for anything more and for who he was it made him stronger. Learning of his true past and how his mind had been tampered with did harm that would take time to fix. Not only did he have no time to even digest the world-shattering information, but he was also immediately thrown into an interrogation and fight.


    If it were not for his naturally strong mind he would have been lost to the power and emotions much sooner. He would not have been able to get as far as he did and yet it was still in vain. The mind can only take so much, and Brian had gone through well beyond the average limits. He was now being pushed even further and already becoming lost in every sense.


    Rubeus made his way to a room with three pods against a wall. One was empty with the other having an exact replica of Rubeus inside. The pod was filled with a strange liquid and had a myriad of tubes and wires protruding from it. Rubeus brought up a floating holographic screen at a desk and typed some information into it. Afterward, he pressed a button on the screen, and a call was started.


    "Hello sir, Project Brian is proceeding well, better than anticipated in fact. I have high hopes he will be a great asset." Rubeus stated matter-of-factly.


    "Very good, keep me updated. Is that all?"


    "Well-yes...that''s all." Rubeus hesitated, deciding not to mention the specifics of his interaction with Brian.


    He had been struggling with relinquishing the exact details of what had happened and was starting to become worried about why. There was a deep part of him that kept shutting it down and he couldn''t control it. He would push it out of his mind again and get ready for his recharge. He removed his clothes, folded them neatly on the desk, opened the pod, and stepped inside. Once he was in position, liquid started pouring into the pod, fully submerging him in it. Mere moments later Rubeus closed his eyes and drifted off.

 Chapter 19. The Bureau (Part 2)

    Chapter 19. The Bureau (Part 2)


    Startled awake by a slamming noise, Emily jolted up on high alert, her heart racing from adrenaline. Her fists lit up red, but as she looked around, she remembered what was going on. Taking deep breaths, she calmed down and exited the Vehicle to see an old abandoned building. Nature had almost completely overtaken the structure, the barrens surrounding it having sparse trees and vegetation. It looked about ready to collapse and seemed to be a relic of the past. Its architecture was completely different from any building or structure in Reunity.


    Emily walked up to John who was looking up at the building. "So, this is your grand compound? It looks like it''s been crumbling away for hundreds of years."


    "This is not the compound, It''s the entrance to it." Jordan stated, his arms crossed in front of him.


    "The entrance? So, is this ''compound'' underground?" Emily asked.


    "You''ll see."


    The survivors all filed out of the Bureau Vehicles and looked around warily. Jordan had attempted to carry Xavier but was showing signs of struggling with the boy.


    "Here," Emily said, taking Xavier into her arms.


    "Oh, Thank you. That kid sure is heavy, hehe." Jordan joked, but his face and attitude showed anxiety.


    "Everything alright Jordan?" Emily asked, concerned.


    "Uhm..yeah, I''m fine, why?" He replied.


    "It''s nothing, you just seem anxious, but I guess that makes sense, I am too." She said, opening up a bit to Jordan.


    Jordan laughed and gave Emily a slight smile. Once everyone was accounted for John led the way inside the abandoned building.


    "What kind of building did this used to be?" Emily asked to no one in particular.


    "This was once a residential establishment that provided accommodations, meals, and other services for a fee," John replied casually, looking around suspiciously.


    "In English?"


    "It was a hotel, you''d pay and rent out a room, they were commonly used for when one traveled and needed a place to stay," John answered. He placed his hand against the wall and felt the rough surface. He guided everyone through the space, warning them to be careful.


    "Yeah, I know what a hotel is, why are you acting like they aren''t a thing anymore?" Emily pressed becoming more irritated at the man''s antics.


    "Well, in a way, but they used to be a lot different before...never mind." He trailed off,


    "Before? What, the eruption and volcanic ash that almost wiped out humanity?" Emily said, becoming agitated.


    "Right, that..." John muttered suspiciously, continuing to guide them into a cramped hallway.


    "Why have you been acting so damn suspicious, is this some sort of trap, what is really going on you fucking bastard!" Emily blew up, her body turning toward him showing outward hostility. "I''m sick of all the secrecy and mystery and no straight answers! You dodge every question thrown at you and are suspicious as fuck! You were probably in cahoots with that hulking monster, ''helping the survivors'' to give you an alibi and paint yourself in a better light!" She yelled, getting closer and closer to him. The others stood shoulder to shoulder in the hallway shocked and anxious, exhaustion and the fresh traumatic experience making them even more wary. Slamming him against the wall, the building shook slightly with debris and dust falling around them. Her fist wrapped around the collar of his neck, and she screamed in his face. "You better start talking and making sense before I knock your teeth out."


    "Please calm down Emily, I promise that everything will be explained. I don''t know what I could do or say to convince you." John said frantically. "I-I...I can call Special Agent Henderson up! he can explain things and give you peace of mind." John suggested.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "We can trust him, Emily, please let go of him," Jordan assured, his touch gentle on her shoulder. She shrugged him off and let go of John aggressively, storming off trying not to break down. She slid down against one of the walls of the abandoned building and buried her head in her legs. Emily sobbed and pounded her fists into her legs.


    Her emotions had been building without any way for them to be released. They were almost unleashed in the form of violence against John and she wanted to. Jordan approached and sat next to her and let her get it all out before speaking.


    "I can understand your suspicion of John but trust me, he''s a good guy. He put his life in danger multiple times trying to help save people. I wish we could have done more but even with his abilities, he would have been no match for that monster. Maybe things could have gone differently, maybe there was a better way. But there''s nothing we can do now but worry about those who are still with us. Whenever you''re ready." Jordan finished, giving Emily a firm squeeze on her shoulder.


    Emily took his words to heart and admonished herself for her behavior. But instead of letting it sink her even further she''d use this as a life vest and float up to the surface. Reestablishing her grip on her emotions, she took a slow breath in through her nose and exhaled out from her mouth. Standing to a crouch she lightly slapped her cheeks and amped herself up for whatever was to come next.


    Rejoing the others she was visibly embarrassed by her outburst. Even so, her resolve held strong and she vowed to use her power to protect.


    "I''d like to apologize for my behavior, I let my emotions get the better of me. That doesn''t mean I suddenly trust you, but I trust Jordan''s trust in you. So I''m sorry, but know I won''t hesitate to cut you down if I need to." Emily apologized and then threatened.


    John nodded in understanding with a serious expression locked into his face. They continued down the dilapidated hallway until they reached two doors inset into the wall. The one on the left had half the door missing and peering inside was hollow as far as you could see up and down. The right door was at least whole but still looked worse for wear.


    John pressed a button on the side of the wall and a soft sound of pressurized air being released emanated from it. As the sound continued a panel opened up with a bright screen. The juxtaposition between the old building and this futuristic panel was like night and day. The building was old and dark and this panel was new and flashy. After pressing a few buttons a slight rumbling reverberated from the elevator door. A few more moments passed before the doors opened with the similar pressurized air.


    John, Emily, and the rest of the survivors stepped inside the elevator. It was spacious, sterile, and cylindrical, with a light blue glow illuminating the space. The juxtaposition of the crumbling hotel and the elevator cabin was shocking. Even compared to the high-tech and futuristic city of Reunity, this elevator was a league above it. This fact settled Emily''s mind, even just by a small degree, it made John''s claims seem founded in reality. This could, of course, still be a trap, but at this point, it was too late to do anything about it, and worrying was just going to be unnecessary anguish. She would still be on guard but would suppress the anxiety.


    Everyone waited in anticipation for the elevator to start making noise or moving in a noticeable way, but nothing seemed to happen. The group assumed it would start descending soon but was proven wrong when John spoke.


    "It should only take a minute longer."


    "Are we going down?" Emily asked, noticeable confusion in her voice.


    "Yes, we have been for quite some time now," John stated casually.


    The rest of the journey down the elevator the survivors quietly whispered between family members and friends. Emily and Jordan just stood in silence fidgeting, attempting to keep their nerves down. Their minds raced with a deluge of thoughts and feelings, both about the future and the past,


    Jordan had faith in John but was becoming more and more unsure of The Bureau and its intricate makeup. The Bureau had been there for him when no one else was, well that wasn''t entirely true. While The Buruea was certainly nothing but helpful to Jordan, Brian had truly been there for him.


    At first, he viewed them as one and the same, but the longer they worked together the more Jordan viewed Brian as a true friend. He tried to make sure he kept things professional with Brian, but he was his first true friend after all. He was practically the first person to ever be nice to him in fact.


    His mother had left when he was too young to remember, and his father had to take up an extra job so he was barely ever home. And when he was, all he got was the occasional cold gaze. His father had never abused him, but he acted like Jordan didn''t even exist. He assumed his father blamed him for his mother, or at least felt some resentment, but seeing as he barely even muttered at him, he just assumed he was the problem either way.


    Whenever Jordan wasn''t in school, his older brother would look after him, but it was even worse with him. Jake treated him like garbage at best and a punching bag at worst, both verbally and physically. The fact his father couldn''t care less made the whole situation worse. His only escape was school and even then it wasn''t exactly a safe haven. All of this to say The Bureau had been a 180 for his life. With recent events and knowledge of The Buruea''s activities, Jordan was questioning everything he knew. It was a lot to reconcile for anyone but being so closely connected to the situation made everything exponentially more complicated.


    For Emily, her feelings weren''t as complicated, she hated The Bureau. Most people who had been in her position did. Some worshiped the world power, some viewed it as another facet of everyday life while a select few despised it. There wasn''t much logic behind the irrational hatred some had other than the innate human nature to oppose authority. But for Emily, and those like her, The Bureau was malevolent. The Bureau had done a not insignificant amount of good, but weeds always slipped through the cracks.


    Even in the leading city of the world, there was an underbelly. A grimy, cruel, and dangerous facet of the society The Bureau curated. It was evident that this was what The Bureau wanted as they didn''t lift a finger to change it. The only action they ever enacted was to punish petty thefts, skirmishes, and misdemeanors. The truly criminal acts were ignored, with public perception being that The Bureau was constantly warring against illegal activities.


    So while drug lords and gambling rings were ostensibly unaffected, the everyday struggling little girl trying to get food is punished for stealing. Emily had been this very little girl, struggling to survive and being persecuted for just existing. She had been able to gain an education in school and had the option of a homeless shelter. She had initially not wanted to take up residency in one of these homeless shelters, from various horror stories she had heard. Eventually, she did though, and it was definitely not the best experience but she was able to traverse the difficult environment and persist.


    She had front-row seats to this corruption and injustice, so when an Agent of The Bureau had escorted them to a creepy old abandoned building, it would have been crazy not to have some suspicion.


    With a soft woosh, the elevator came to a soft stop, but it hadn''t even felt like they had moved. "Alright, we''re here."


    As the elevator started opening up Emily looked over to Jordan and gave him a small smile while she tightened her hold on Xavier. She took a deep breath, staring at the peaceful sleeping figure in her arms, and followed the survivors out of the elevator.