This is a sequel to my other fic, Lost in the House of Lies. You should probably go back, and read that, before reading this one; But that is just my own opinion. This project will be a mini-series; This is the first chapter, and I hope to write at least two more parts to this story. Please, enjoy! :)
The rope slowly made its way out of the ceiling's gap. It dangled inches away from the wooden flooring. At the rope's head, a man took hold of it, grasping it with all of his might, and readied himself. He swung his legs through the hole, and took a deep breath. A moment later, he put all of his faith in that one rope, and began his journey, down into the LA Dollhouse.
Alpha took his time, sliding his fists down the cable, one by one. He wore a dirtied , faded jacket, that had a green tint. His tunic was able to cover the black, tank top he also sported. Alpha's pants appeared to match its fellow clothing, as did his shoes.
He landed with a slight grunt, his abdomen injury causing some discomfort. Alpha hunched over, lowering his right hand, and picked up the red, glow stick he had dropped. This was his only source of light, and he needed it to stay close.
Alpha held the light out in front of him, trying to get a better look at the place. From what he could see, this section of the Dollhouse was spotless; Looking like it had been deserted for, God knows how long. Taking a step forward, Alpha clutched his left ribcage. He had had to fight his way through a crowd of Butchers just a few minutes ago.
He ventured through the darkness, following the single, red glow he carried. Alpha came to stop, his ears picking up a sound. He wiggled his right foot gently, hearing the sound again. His leg arose, and Alpha pointed his light in the sound's direction. Resting on the floor, there was a crunched shard of glass.
Alpha knelt down, holding in a pain filled moan. His fingertips brushed against the bits of glass, examining each one. His eyelids winced, as one piece decided to break his skin. He brought the small cut closer to his eyes, getting a better look. Alpha shrugged it off, and wiped the blood onto his already stained pants.
He made his way to the staircase, which led up to the Imprinting Room, and Topher's old office. Alpha took his time, looking over the familiar, underground place. Just as he was about to enter the office, Alpha made a shard turn, changing his course. He walked to the edge of the balcony, and used the metal railing to guide him to his destination.
The glow stick's shining light was beginning to fade, as it had been used for a great amount of time before this situation. Alpha paused in his tracks, and hit the glow stick with some force, trying to make it last as long as it could.
Alpha began to hurry; He knew he would need the light's aid within moments. He took his hand from the railing, and walked towards the wall he had been searching for. The red light reflected off of the metal, control box, that hung before Alpha. He raised the light up to the many switches, trying to remember the correct one to trigger.
His eyes shut, recalling the memories needed. Alpha saw himself in the past, rewiring this same control box. Just as the scarlet light diminished itself, Alpha pulled the accurate knob. For a single moment, he was left in complete darkness. Alone. But this didn't last for long. The Dollhouse began to breath with light. Alpha squinted his eyes, trying to get used to the brightness.
He could not help but smile at the enlightened area. Alpha could recall every second he had spent in this 'House; Some not so thrilling. He lowered the useless glow stick, and dropped it into his jacket's sagging pocket.
Alpha took his spot at the railing once again. He looked out, taking in all of the scenery. The floors still shined, as they always did. Nothing had changed; Or that is how it seemed, at least.
Alpha decided to visit the Imprinting Room first; See what Tech had been left over this long. He was not surprised to see the Chair still standing in one piece. In his opinion, that thing belonged in a museum. Even in his Doll State, Alpha remembered fancying that technology. He based most of his past works from that Chair. Works that caused much pain, and suffering. But that was history. Alpha now used his brilliant mind for good; Helping. He had evolved.
After spending some more of his time looking over the wellbeing of the Chair, Alpha craved a personal matter. He wanted to visit his old Sleeping Pod. His mind could recall many of the nights spent in that Pod. The discovery of emotion had a great impact on his Doll State; The emotion of love. Love for Echo.
That 'love' tangled into an obsession; Which led to his current state of mind. Alpha knew he would not be where he was, if it weren't for love. Even though love had tainted his ways before, the overall effect was worth it. Now, Alpha actually understood it; Emotion. He had felt much over the recent years. Too much.
Alpha entered the Sleeping Chambers, hesitating for a moment. He had not been in this room for many years. It was odd: Being back. Letting out a sigh, Alpha scanned the area for his Pod. He was surprised to find it surrounded by numerous trinkets. His right eyebrow lifted, looking over the image.
He got even closer to the Pod, taking a better glance at the various items. Allowing his eyesight to drop, Alpha looked inside of it. There it was: Emptiness. For that's how Alpha felt; Empty. Hollow. His current emotions were mixed. That's why he had came back to this Dollhouse, to find himself. It seemed the perfect time to do so; As his friends thought him dead, from a past battle in Tucson.
Alpha became still; An old imprint coming into use. His ears twitched, picking up a stray noise. His left hand slowly sunk down into his pant's pocket, reaching for a knife's blade. He wasn't alone; And now he knew it.
He spun on his heel, turning to face his stalker. The silver knife was yanked from his pocket, ready for an attack. Alpha's expression was stern, while staring at this pale, slim face. His arm fell, dropping the knife. Alpha's pupils widened, still acknowledging this being.
"Your name is Alpha…" Her ghostly voice told him.
Alpha stood up straight, and gave her a slight nod of agreement. "Claire…" He said quietly, looking the woman over. It was clear that she hadn't been in any sunlight recently.
The Doll tilted her head. She wore an elegant, snow white gown. "My name is Whiskey." She simply stated.
Alpha moved towards her, eager to feel her touch. His palm raised to her face, brushing it with compassion. His eyes poured out into her own, seeking for the woman he once knew. "What has become of you?" Alpha hoarsely questioned, not believing Claire's fate.
Whiskey's eyes slid to the side, in the direction of Alpha's palm. "You are warm," She started, "… It's nice."
Alpha bit his bottom lip, still thinking this new aspect over. "Oh, hunny," He breathed, "I think you need a Treatment…"
So, that was 1/3! Did you enjoy it? Let me know in a review!