A/N: OK, guys, this fic is really mentally intense, so if you're looking for the kick-ass, humorous and/or lovey-dovey story that I usually write, I suggest you look elsewhere. However, if you like reading about internal turmoil, please keep reading. I was in a state of listlessness when I wrote this, so I can't say I haven't incorporated some of my own thoughts in here. Don't worry, I'm fine now, not that you were actually worried there, just a figure of speech
Summary: Neo is reborn into the Matrix exactly how he had been the last six times. The only change—he starts to remember his past life. The only memories of his past life appear in dreams he has while he grows up. He lives with his single father and visits the Oracle until Morpheus is convinced that he's ready to be taken back and told the whole truth about his past.
Number 7
Chapter 1: He's ready
Morpheus tried to control his speed, but every step closer to the Oracle's door became a longer stride. It was hard to conceal his anticipation for all of them. They all wanted to bring Neo back; to physically see what had become of him over these last 16 years.
They had watched over him, but didn't confront him because the Oracle's reasoning. He knew their faces, the Oracle had guaranteed by the time he was 12, but was not mentally ready to go back or even fully remember his old life as the savior of all mankind.
Morpheus didn't even wait to be told to come in. He practically stormed in and appeared under the sign that read "Know Thyself" with a look of intense curiosity fueled with hope.
"Well?" He asked in a commanding, yet somewhat pleading and innocent tone. He caught this and realized how much he had changed throughout the years—he was getting too old for this. All this uncertainty had taken a toll on him for so long, he just needed to hear two distinct words, which finally came.
"He's ready." The Oracle nodded in satisfaction. She looked out the window to the night sky where she knew was the direction where Neo lived.
Niobe, Ghost and Kid heard this much awaited reply from outside the kitchen. They all looked at each other in relief—which slowly turned into fear. They didn't think this truth would make them feel so emotional, but it did. It wasn't just their savior that they were bringing back—which was already pretty important—it was their fellow soldier; their friend in most aspects. They were all equals in the revolution, although he had incredible abilities above anyone, they all appreciated his modesty as well as his acceptance of responsibility.
They were glad to finally be able to bring him home, but feared for their friend's well being. Sure, he was being freed into a peaceful home, but it would never truly be peace to him without the one person they could never bring back from the dead. She was lost to them forever, like so many others.
It was Morpheus' intensions to reassure Neo; to help him with the transition as much as humanly possible. He knew this rebirth would be complicated from the start, especially if he remembered his past, which he eventually would. He knew that Neo would reject life at first. But he had no choice in the matter.
Ever since Morpheus found out about Neo's rebirth, (because, according to the Oracle, the Matrix needs one person who can distort the codes at their will, whom has traditionally been Neo six times before), he became very confused about his feelings about the situation. Of course he wanted to free Neo the second he heard, they all did, but Neo would need time before being able to do so. He would have to grow up again, but how? Would they be able to see him? Talk to him? Tell him about the Matrix? Or did they have to be quiet like they had been the first time they freed him and wait until he was ready?
The Oracle advised just that, watch over him until he was mentally ready. At first, Morpheus didn't wanted to rebel. Leaving Neo to fend for himself would be abandoning him, even if he was no longer conscious of who exactly he was. And what if when they did finally free him, and he suddenly remembers, what would he think of them? Of Morpheus? For leaving him. Damn, this was complicated. Fuck, this was insane!
His logic quickly took over his reaction of rebellion, but that didn't mean he didn't take a few steps to insure Neo's contentment. He made sure he was being taken care of by a red pill potential, a man named Harley, somewhat with a similar personality as Neo. They would get along, and he knew that Harley would make himself a good father, although he had little experience doing so. Morpheus thought that they might be able to free Harley at the same time as Neo, whenever that time aroused, and it would eventually. The days went by slowly.
But that day had finally come. He would make the call that night.
Hope you liked that taste, cause there's more! Message me or review if there's any confusion that I could clarify for you.
Just in case you're wondering, I'm still writing Evolution of the One, I just needed a break is all. And if you've never read my epic version of what happens after Revolutions, I suggest you check it out if you liked this fic