Eyes of a Soldier
Only time will tell all. For nothing is certain, except death itself. Rain Yatoni is growing into the soldier he wants to become, although he is still unsure of what he should be fighting for. Path's become intertwined, whether they hold, is up to the beholder. A long road lies ahead, with nobody willing to travel it.
Six Months Later…
Rain yawned, sitting the second-most black row of his classroom, listening to Seth teach them something about 'War-Fare Technology Basics', though it seemed that everyone else in the class was more interested than Rain was.
Rain just sat there, and thought, God, I'm bored. I wish these classes didn't have to last this long…. Rain sat in the back, rightmost side of the classroom, right next to the window.
The moon was only half full, another week till Celes changed. Yet the moon still glowed brightly in the night sky.
Amatsu and Kaori sat next to each other, and the far left side of the classroom near the blank white wall.
Spirit merely sat in the furthest back seat, towards the right, but not right behind Rain.
Rain yawned again, thinking, I like it better when Celes teaches the classes. Rain then looked out the window, watching the glowing full moon in the background of the dark and starry night.
As Seth concluded his speech, he then stood up straight, and loudly orders, "Alright soldiers…listen up!"
Everyone in the room's attention immediately went straight to Seth, standing up in the front of the classroom, examining everyone.
Rain just looked at Seth straight in the eyes, thinking, What is it this time…an surprise mission or something again.
Seth then cleared his throat as he continued, "We'll be having our annual S.I.D.O. formal in four days…for those of you that are new…The S.I.D.O. formal comes once a year, and it's basically a get together of all sectors of S.I.D.O. across the nation…in one big get together. So…we'll have your suits and dresses measured in order for the event…and just make sure that you give a good impression to the S.I.D.O. international head board that will be attending…it means a lot to me…and even more to you."
Seth concluded, Rain then sighed and thought, Damn…I knew that this would happen eventually…oh well…just get it over with.
Seth then cleared his throat, and sternly announced, "All right…you all are dismissed…I'll see you on the morrow."
Rain then got up, picking up his bag with one shoulder strap, and then started walking out of the room thinking, Jeez…that class seemed to last forever.
As Rain headed towards the door, he suddenly heard Spirit behind him say, "Hey Rain."
Rain then turned around to see Spirit standing with Amatsu and Kaori, still in the classroom. All he could think was, What do they want? but what came out was, "What?"
Spirit then looked at Rain, somewhat embarrassed and shy, and then said, "I…was just wondering if you planned on going to the S.I.D.O. formal with anybody?"
Rain looked at Spirit, sort of caught of guard, thinking, Why would you care anyways? but he then said, "No…why… are you asking me?"
Spirit then looked down, blushing, and then she murmured, "Umm…may be."
Rain then sighed, then said, "Alright… we'll see." then he turned around walking out the door, thinking, Wow… Spirit's… kinda strange.
Spirit then sighed, walked out of the classroom with Amatsu and Kaori, and walked down the hallway in the different direction than Rain.
As Rain kept walking towards his new room, he eventually turned the corner and suddenly bumped into Celes.
Celes's vibrant blue eyes looked at him friendly, yet she somehow retained a straight face. "Watch where you're going soldier," she ordered, somewhat friendly.
Rain looked directly at Celes, sort of surprised, thinking, Celes...this one tries to act so tough…and yet she's as peaceful as a-
Suddenly Celes lightly punched Rain in the gut, glaring at him, and then she said, "What do you mean by that?"
Rain held his stomach in pain, even though she punched him lightly, it seemed to be like being hit with a brick. Damn it…I keep forgetting she can read my thoughts, Rain thought, still holding his stomach.
Celes then looked down at Rain smirking, and then she said, "Don't forget next time soldier… I may somewhat be your friend…but I'm still your commander and you have to show respect…in your words and thoughts."
Rain then looked at her somewhat scared and reclusive, and thought, Oh god…don't think anything! Ah…I just did!
Celes then smiled, and continued down the hall, chuckling as she walked on.
As Rain continued down the halls towards his room, he clutched his stomach with one hand, thinking, Damn…that blue eyed Celes has a bigger bite than her bark. Rain then turned another corner, nearing his room, when he ran into Amelia.
Amelia was walking in his direction, in her typical white nurses outfit, and with a clipboard in her hand. She then looked up to see Rain clutching his stomach, and then walked over to him worried.
Rain then sighed, thinking, Amelia…hmm, let's see…I ate too much…heh, heh, heh.
Amelia then looked at Rain, sort of worried, and calmly said, "Rain, are you alright?"
Rain then looked up at Amelia, and smiled, "Yeah…just ate too much."
Amelia then smiled and said, "Oh, you should know your limit next time."
Rain then smiled back at her and said, "Yeah…this'll teach me…trust me."
Amelia then closed her eyes, smiling, and saying, "That's good, well…take care of yourself Rain. I still have a lot of work to do."
Rain smiled back at her and said, "Alright, see you later Amelia," before walking farther towards his room. Ha ha…piece of cake…but…stomach still does hurt, Rain thought as he arrived in front of his room, he then swiped his keycard, and opened the door.
Rain then walked into the room, and took a deep breath of relief. Another day is finally over…better get ready for another tomorrow. Rain thought, closing the door behind him. He then stripped off most of his uniform, excluding his t-shirt and underwear, and then fell into bed.
The clock read: 06:45 when Rain looked at it, then his vision got blurring, and everything went black.
Rain opened his eyes in his old bedroom, everything was perfectly intact, and nothing was out of the ordinary.
Rain sat up out of bed, awakened from the arguing of his 'parents'. He shook his head, then slowly and groggily fell out of bed, and then made his way to his old bedroom door.
Rain slowly opened the door, and then could clearly hear his mother and father harshly talking to each other. They seemed to be trying not to wake Rain up, but that had obviously failed.
Rain walked out of his bedroom door, and he could hear the argument of his parents down stairs. Rain then sighed and looked down the hallway towards his parents room, and then towards the stairway.
Rain started walking towards it when he could hear his mother Rebecca yelling, "If you're not going to be honest…then he'll grow up totally oblivious to the truth! We made an agreement Pete!"
Rain shook his head, then he walked near the very top of the stairway. He then crouched down at the top of the stairway, and started listening in to his parents conversation, totally unnoticed.
"If he knew the truth…it would ruin him." Pete, his father, said calmly.
His mother then sighed and said, "If you won't tell him that we're not his real parents…then I will…we already agreed we'd tell him before he's eighteen…and you know that's only months away. Why not now?"
Pete then sighed and said, "Fine…remind the boy of what happened to him …and we…the only people that he has…aren't even his real parents…but I won't participate in any of it."
Rain then shook his head in shock, his was stunned, amazed, and very confused.
Rain's 'fake' mother, Rebecca, then continued, "Fine…seeming how he looked up to you so… I wouldn't tell him either…but we both made an agreement."
His 'fake' father, Pete, then took a deep breath and said, "Fine…we'll tell him."
Rain then suddenly awoke to the sound of his alarm clock, it was already 19:30, Seven-Thirty. He sat up, awaking from his 'flashback-dream' thinking, That was a few days before they were killed…I wish I hadn't heard.
Rain then sighed, stood up, and then yawned. Who am I then… who are my real parents… and where did I come from? Why can't I remember my past!? Rain thought, as he walked towards the bathroom. Is this what those nightmares were about? No.
Rain then used the bathroom, and then he walked towards his S.I.D.O. uniform that was already prepared for him, then he thought, Damn emotions…they're gonna get in the way unless I don't let them…
Rain then started to put on his black Kevlar uniform with various flak jackets already prepared with guns, knives, utensils, and ammunition. My mother that I thought was my mother… and my father that I thought was my father my whole life…turned out to be complete strangers in the end. But then…who are my real parents…and why was I just abandoned, the thoughts rushed through Rain's mind as he was getting dressed. He sighed, just finishing getting dressed, and then he headed towards the door.
Another day…another damn day! Rain thought, slightly agitated as he walked out the door, and headed down the long, and very complex hallway.
As Rain continued down the long journey of hallways and staircases, his thoughts were constantly on his fake parents. Was it fate that they died days after I heard the truth…I mean…the fact that they had lied to me hardened me to their death at the time…but now…I yearn to understand the truth, Rain thought, walking alone down the hallway. He looked down the whole time, focused, and totally distracted. They never even got the chance to tell me…I had to find out on my own…they may never had told me, Rain thought, holding his head as he neared his home-classroom. Just forget about it for now…you have class…and you'll figure it out, Rain thought confidently, as he walked into the classroom.
Only Seth, Celes, and Spirit were in the room, Amatsu or Kaori hadn't arrived yet. Hmm, slackers… Rain thought, noticing that Amatsu and Kaori hadn't arrived.
Celes looked directly at Rain in a very particular way, and then they locked eyes. Rain kept staring at Celes, thinking, Does she know what's happened to me…what I'm going through…with those fake parents of mine…or did she know the whole time.
Celes then smiled, looking at Rain, she then nodded, 'yes', but remained silent.
Rain looked down, walking in line next to Spirit, thinking, Yes…she does know…she just let me know…damn I can still feel when she hit me…damn her!
Spirit then looked at Rain, somewhat shy, embarrassed, and most of all, nervous. "Hey Rain…how're you today?" Spirit said, smiling friendly at Rain.
Rain smiled, thinking, Spirit's been acting very different within the last few weeks…nicer… kinder…flirtier. And she asked me about the S.I.D.O. formal yesterday, then Rain suddenly said, "Fine…you?"
Spirit smiled, looking back at Rain, and softly said, "I've been better…but I'm definitely doing pretty good."
Just then Amatsu and Kaori walked into the room, very close to each other. "Nice to see you two love birds tonight…get in line!" Seth sternly said as they both entered the room.
Ha-ha…I love Seth's way of authority! Rain thought, smiling as Amatsu and Kaori got in line.
As every soldier stood in line, everyone could tell that Seth was more stressed this particular night, than any other.
Rain looked at Seth's face, he was nervous, jittery, as well as reclusive, He's hiding something…but what? Rain thought, wondering what exactly was going on.
"Attention soldiers…listen up!" Seth harshly ordered, and then he continued, "Tonight isn't going to a normal night…no classes…no nothing…because of the fact that we have a very important mission."
Rain then looked in, more interested, thinking, A very important mission… good… the last one's have been to quick and boring.
Then Seth continued, "We have a report of some mysterious unknown power…it could be anything from what I've heard…so it's nothing to laugh at. The problem is…is that this particular report is in Peru...and there's no S.I.D.O. organization with the abilities and efficiency that we have in the area…so they've decided to sent our 'Elite Team' from this particular sector."
Rain smiled, looking directly at Seth, thinking, Thank you…an actual mission that could be really fun…I've waited months for this.
"The plane leaves in half an hour, so make sure that you're all ready before then." Seth concluded, turning his back, and exiting the room through the back door.
Rain took a deep breath, thinking, Yes…we get to leave even sooner than I thought…this is going to be fun.
Celes then stepped forward, and sternly said, "You all heard him…get everything you think you'll need and more…and then we'll all meet in the bus-port. From there, a small plane will fly us to Peru…though it'll take at least until tomorrow afternoon till we get there...so make sure to get your rest on the flight."
Rain smiled, and saluted with everyone else as Celes left through the same door as Seth, thinking, Peru…this'll be interesting.
Rain woke up in the airplane, with the roar of the engine, and the sun-rising straight in his face. Damn light…now I'll never go back to sleep. Rain thought, covering his eyes from the sun.
Rain sat next to the window, and also next to Celes in the very back row of the plane...the only other person who was awake, besides the pilot.
Spirit sat alone in the middle aisle and up a few rows from Rain. And Amatsu and Kaori sat at the front of the plane, on the furthest aisle from anybody.
Rain sighed, looking out the window, and down at the lush forests, thinking, We must be over South America about now.
Right then Celes looked over towards Rain, and quietly said, "We are…another hour of so and we'll be in a particular destination in Peru."
Rain turned from the window, and looked at Celes looking back at him with her vibrant deep blue eyes. Rain sighed, and then said, "Another hour…damn…I won't be able to go back to sleep."
Celes then slightly chuckled and said, "Many millenniums ago…I had been so used to the customs of humans…that I almost believed that I truly was…how should I say…one of them. But after my experience in hell…and with…with…the Library; that I soon became to realized that I truly wasn't human…nor could I truly understand them…"
Rain listened to Celes talk, but he also kept thinking, She's stuttering…it must have something to do with Ryu… and in hell.
Celes looked up at Rain, almost glaring at him, but then she sighed and remained silent.
"Ryu…he's your lover?" Rain plainly asked.
Celes looked at Rain surprised, then she sighed, and said, "Yes…but we haven't seen each other in a long long time…but he's still around…somewhere."
Suddenly Rain and Celes started to feel the plane descending, and starting to land. Rain then looked out the window, and he could see a run-way far ahead of them. He then smiled, thinking, Here we are...Peru…this may be a fun mission.
The sun had already fully risen and it was a bright and clear sunny day.
Celes then yawned and said, "Well, we're here…I guess it's time to find this ruins of an old abandoned ancient town… that'll be where the reports came from."
Rain looked back at Celes smiling and thinking, Ruins of an ancient city…hmm, this may be even more interesting than I previously thought.
Then Celes got up and shouted, "Alright everybody…wake up!"
Every soldier that was sleeping immediately and almost in a frightened way, awoke.
Rain smiled, thinking, Yeah… it does suck to get waken up that way.
Then Celes continued, "All right, we're here in Peru…it's time to explore till we find this ruined city…and find that unknown source of power."
Rain then stood up next to Celes, they started towards the front of the plane, as everybody else groggily stood up. Rain looked back at everyone and thought, They really need to act faster if they truly want to survive in this world.
As Celes opened the plane door hatch, a sliding case of stairs dropped downwards, towards the ground, acting as a ramp. Rain watched this happen, and thought, That's handy…plus this plane is pretty small.
Then everybody walked down the ramp, off of the plane, then the bus-driver, who apparently was the pilot, pulled up the ramp, and then the plane started to fly off.
They all seemed to land in some random and barren grassland, with no hills, or any distinguishable traces of a ruined city. All that was nearby was a dirt trail, that acted as the run way. And all that could be seen in the distance were forests, with mountains in the background.
Where exactly are we though? Rain thought, looking around.
Celes then stepped forward and announced, "Alright everybody, we travel together… always. The city ruins in north a bit south-west of here, but it won't take long."
Rain smiled, thinking, Alright…be prepared for anything.
Then Celes started walking towards the distant forests and mountains, and everybody else followed.
Who am I…what exactly am I…If everything I thought was a lie…then so much more could be too. Rain thought, as he silently walked with the others.
Suddenly Spirit started walking next to Rain, then she turned to him and friendly said, "So how are you doing Rain?"
Rain looked over at Spirit, almost stunned to see her walking and talking with him, all he could think was, She's been a lot friendlier to me in the last few weeks than any other time…is it her…or me? "I'm alright…I guess a little exited for this mission…but I'm doing fine." Rain said nonchalantly walking next to Spirit.
Rain and Spirit could also hear Celes talking to Amatsu and Kaori in front of them about the importance of keeping a strong will constantly.
All Rain could think was, Spirit… she's... beautiful.
"That's good…and yeah, I've never been sent out on a S.I.D.O. mission out of the country…so this is a new experience for me too." Spirit friendly said, walking next to Rain with her hands in her pockets.
Rain then smiled, looking down, thinking, Spirit… she… she's attracted to me.
Celes then glanced over her shoulder, towards Rain and Spirit walking together.
Rain met eyes with Celes, and then he thought, Does Celes know?
Then Celes turned back and continued talking with Amatsu and Kaori, as Spirit and Rain kept on talking.
"Yeah, uh…I've never actually been out of my state, let alone the country." Rain responded, putting his cold hands in his pockets, then thinking, Jeez…it's cold out.
Then Spirit looked down, and said, "A long time ago…back when I was still in the 'Human Research Department'…they used to take me on a few trips every now and again…though they were short and I never actually got to enjoy myself."
Rain looked at Spirit, almost as if examining her, and thought, Spirit was an experiment…a test subject…under S.I.D.O. jurisdiction…is that right? But then Rain just happened to mumble, "…Human research department…"
And then Spirit looked up at Rain and said, "Yeah…my mother was a scientist for S.I.D.O…..and then they forcibly placed her in the Human Research Department…I don't exactly know what they did to her there…but when I was born…they said that I was genetically altered from the normal human…and from my birth on…I've been working with S.I.D.O."
Rain listened to Spirit tell her tale, but he also couldn't help from thinking, Spirits not technically human either…her mother was…but they genetically altered her.
Then Rain casually said, "So you've never technically met your mother?"
Spirit then shook her head, and said, "Nope, never…but I'm fine with that…I think it would hurt more if I had been taken from her."
Rain then smiled, and looked down, thinking, We both have never met our real mothers, interesting…maybe we do have something in common.
"We're here." Celes said while looking down a jungle filled gorge, seeing the ruins of an old ancient city.
Rain looked towards the ruins, and thought, What? you mean that pile of rocks over there.
Celes then continued walking towards the ruins, as everyone else followed.
But eventually Rain and Spirit both stopped, and looked at the city together. I hardly know her…but…I am interested in getting to know her. Rain thought, looking at Spirit, and then back at the ruins.
Then they both jogged up, and headed towards the rest of the squad. "Keep your eyes out for anything suspicious." Celes said, examining the opening of the city ruins.
Rain looked towards the city ruins, and then around the area, thinking, There's nothing out here…I don't see anything out of the ordinary.
As Rain kept walking with Spirit, he suddenly saw a man lying on the ground. He looks like he was in his mid-twenties…Rain thought, …thin, maybe 5 feet 11 inches… Rain thought to himself curiously.
The man had black hair just ending at his neck and was wearing old brown monk's robes, his arms and legs sprawled out in different directions.
"We have something over here!" Spirit yelled out towards the rest of the group. Rain just looked at the man whose eyes remained closed…
"Finally…a challenge." Rain heard himself say, in a different time, in a different realm.
Suddenly Rain saw the man who was lying on the ground, in a black overcoat and black clothes now, and was charging at him with incredible speed. The man was wielding a katana while he then jumped at Rain.
Without thinking, Rain blocked the blow with his shield and then slashed at the man with an incredible flurry of sword attacks.
The man blocked all of the blows, and then kicked Rain in the face.
Rain felt the pain as he stumbled back and looked at the man. Rain then threw his sword at the man and pierced his chest.
Rain smiled, but then looked at him shocked as the man glared at him with bloody red…evil eyes. The man then pulled the sword out of him, and threw it back at Rain.
Rain stared at the man, returning to reality, and finding himself panting and covered in sweat. What the hell! I…I've fought him?! Rain thought confused.
Suddenly Celes, Amatsu and Kaori began approaching.
Rain then walked up and slightly kicked the man, and ordered, "Wake up!" Then Rain thought, I have to figure out who he is…maybe it'll have something to do with the rest of these nightmares.
Celes, Amatsu, and Kaori then approached the man, but only Amatsu and Kaori had their pistols drawn.
The man did nothing, completely ignoring him.
Rain could then see wires to ear-buds connected to his ears going into the opening of the man's robes. He's listening to music… Rain thought, but then Rain shifted his eyes towards Celes.
Celes then walked up towards the man in the brown robe, and knelt down next to him. Celes then pulled the ear-bud out of the man's ear, and said, "What are you doing here Rylon?"
Rain looked towards Celes, and then at the man, thinking, Rylon? Ryu? Hmm….
The man known as Rylon opened his eyes and suddenly floated up in the air, making a sudden gust of wind before then landed on his feet. "Celes…it's been awhile, how are you?" Rylon said calmly and peacefully.
All of the soldiers looked at Rylon, shocked and astounded.
Rain looked at Rylon thinking, He has blue eyes…and the voice is different from the man in the flashback…dream….
Celes then closed her eyes and smiled, "Still doing my job…how're you?"
Rylon sighed heavily, shaking his head "Ahh…I've been incredibly busy searching for Azeroth," He said then looking back up at Celes with a smile, "But I have another job that I've kind of neglected…"
Rain looked over towards Celes and Rylon, partially confused, thinking, What's going on…is this what the unknown power was?
Rylon looked at Rain with calm eyes, "Wait your turn…you're question's will be answered…" Rain heard Rylon's voice say in his head.
Rain then shook his head, he couldn't help but think, Can all of them read minds?
Celes then looked at Rylon, and muttered, "Oh?"
Rylon shrugged blushing, but then looked over at Rain, Spirit and the bunch. "Why don't you introduce me to your friends?" Rylon said curiously to Celes.
Celes then sighed, and pointed over towards Spirit, "That's Spirit…she's been with S.I.D.O. all of her life…" then Celes pointed towards Amatsu and Kaori, and said, "…Those two love birds are Amatsu and Kaori…" and then she finally pointed towards Rain and said, "…And that's Rain…."
Rain sighed, thinking, That's all of the introduction that I get…oh well, you'll be better known soon enough….
Rylon looked at all of them and then looked back at Celes, "You were always good with details…" He said sarcastically and then smiling.
Rain looked back at Rylon, then Celes, thinking, They used to know each other…huh?
Rylon then walked forward, looking at Amatsu and Kaori, "Hello." He said extending his hand friendlily to them both.
Amatsu extended and shook Rylon's hand, saying, "Hello there…uh, my name is Amatsu," then Amatsu gestured to the smiling Kaori saying, "…And this is Kaori."
Rain then looked down, trying to keep in the back of the squad, thinking, Jeez…I hate introductions….
Rylon then turned to Spirit who was standing near Rain, and then walked over towards her smiling, saying, "Hello."
Rain then sighed, thinking, He's coming this way…I'm next... ah shit!
Spirit glanced up, watching Rylon walk towards her, but she just remained silent and just stared at him.
"What's the matter…afraid? I don't bite." Rylon said friendly, as soon as he stopped in front of her.
Spirit then glared up at Rylon as she was tightening her fists, and saying, "There's a big difference between caution and fear…and I have my own reasons why."
Rain glanced over towards Spirit's tightened fists, thinking, She's seen too much…experience to much in this short life…damn.
Rylon then sighed, and said, "You're not going to get anywhere with friends acting like that."
Spirit then sighed, closing her eyes, and saying, "I don't need friends…I've always enjoyed working solo…and I also don't need any preaching from strangers."
Rain then looked at Spirit, thinking, What!? But…I thought…you were trying to become friends with me?
Rylon then chuckled walking away from Spirit, and towards Rain. All Rain could do was sigh as Rylon walked up to him, and think, Alright…it's your turn now Rain…don't mess it up.
As Rylon walked up towards Rain, he could then hear Rylon telepathically speak in his head, "You won't mess it up…and don't worry…Spirit's just trying to act tough."
Rain then took a deep breath of relief as Rylon stopped in front of him, and then he thought, Thanks.
Rylon then extended his hand out, and said, "Hello Rain."
Rain then squinted his eyes, lost in thought, I was the only one besides Celes that he called by name…I wonder why?
Then Rain firmly shook Rylon's hand and boldly said, "Hello Rylon."
Rylon then smiled, and turned back towards Spirit, coldly saying, "You see…he doesn't mind at all…you don't always have to be so uptight all of the time."
Then before Spirit could respond, Rain glared at Rylon, getting his attention, and then Rain sternly said, "Leave her alone… she's already said that she had her own reasons…don't aggravate her."
Rylon then chuckled as he turned walking away from Rain, saying, "I almost forgot how funny people were."
Rain glared at Rylon walking back towards Celes, and then he thought, Hmm, what came over me there…that wasn't natural.
"Well, if you were the mysterious unknown power in the area…then I guess there's no real problem here, we can withdraw. S.I.D.O….the company I work for…can get paranoid over the most simple things." Celes said to Rylon as he stopped in front of her.
Rylon nodded, and then said, "I see," looking back sternly at Spirit.
Rain sighed, thinking, I wonder what exactly S.I.D.O. did to Spirit before we actually met…is she still tested on?
Celes then smiled, and said, "Well…I guess we'll withdraw…there's no need to stay any longer." Celes then looked towards the squad, and loudly ordered, "Alright everyone… there's no problem here…let's withdraw!"
Most of the soldiers then stood silently in disappointment, but all Rain could think was, God damn it! This was supposed to be it… the big mission that I had waited for…and now…we're going back! Fuck!
Celes and Rylon then glanced at Rain standing silently, and then Celes started walking back towards the direction that they had come from as Rylon chuckled.
The rest of the squad silently followed Celes back towards the dirt-runway, when she pulled out her radio, and commanded, "Come back around…we're withdrawing… there's no threat here."
Then she put away her radio as Rain thought, Damn…well, I guess next time.
Celes then noticed that Rylon was walking with the rest of the squad, back towards the runway, so she walked closer to him and friendly asked, "Coming with us?"
Rylon looked at Celes blankly, until he muttered, "Uh…yeah."
Celes then smiled and said, "Cool…I bet the 'other Celes' is going to be happy to see you as well."
Rylon then chuckled and said, "…Yeah, I hope so."
Rain sighed, as he silently walked listening to Celes and Rylon while thinking, So Rylon knows of both Celes's…I wonder how he gets along with the other one.
Celes then smiled and said, "Well…she'll be here in a few days."
One Week Later…
Celes opened her red eyes to find herself in her bedroom, after having fallen over on the velvet red ground, then she saw Rylon sitting up on her bed. Celes's eyes widened, as she was shocked to see him. "R-Rylon!?" Celes almost yelled, extremely surprised.
"Hmm, still passing out or falling over yourself whenever you swap personalities… not much has really changed." Rylon friendly said; laying on Celes's bed, and looking down at her on the floor.
Celes looked up at Rylon on the ground, partially surprised, then she sighed and said, "Oh…I'd say that a lot has changed…generally speaking…so when did you get here?" Then Celes started to pick herself off of the floor, and then she stood up in front of Rylon with a straight face.
Rylon yawned and then looked up, "About a week…" He said then chucking again. "I'm kind of surprised that they haven't asked me to come back up there already." Rylon added, then looking back at Celes and sitting up on the bed.
"Hmm…you surprised me." Celes said plainly, as she cracked her neck, "To tell you the truth…you were the last person I expected to see waking up. You being his twin and all."
Rylon looked at her partially surprised, but merely replied with an agitated grunt.
Celes then sighed and said, "Well…it's been so long…and I often try to forget."
Rylon sighed and then said, "Forget what?" he said, his voice trailing off, "Ryu?" he added, looking down.
Celes then stood up straight, boldly staring at Rylon with most of her hair covering her face, and then she sternly and seriously said, "Both of you."
Rylon looked down depressingly and sighed in silence. He then got up and began to walk toward the door, and when he put his hand on the doorknob, he heard Celes behind him say, "The other one doesn't know…don't let her."
Rylon sighed and said "No problem…I have a few days left and I don't want them being hated…" Rylon looked back at her with spiteful, but watery eyes, "So I'll just go to the woods or somewhere…and be alone." Rylon added, before opening the door and looking away from Celes.
Celes then chuckled, and said, "Why? You usually didn't just walk away from all people that don't like you…right?"
Rylon chuckled and then looked down, "Coming from the estranged girl who is looking for the man she thinks she doesn't love…" Rylon then, without looking at her, extended his middle finger and showed it to her. "Go fuck yourself Celes, I've spent too much time on you to make you try and like me."
As Rylon then began to walk out, Celes looked at Rylon with confused hatred, all she could do was start menacingly laughing to cover her pain.
"I'm revoking your privileges Celes…" Rylon boldly announced walking down the hallway into the darkness.
Suddenly Celes felt a sudden pressure around her, and she was forced to her knees. Celes felt something inside her…pulling at her soul. Then suddenly Celes felt a great force go through her…and she felt that something had been stolen. She stood up in a daze, looking around the empty room, weak and confused. "What the…" Celes mumbled, before she angrily yelled, "Rylon!"
There was a short silence before she heard Rylon's voice faintly echo in the hall, "Go fuck yourself!"
Celes then stood in the room, looking down at her hands, partially shaking. "Rylon…took everything away…I'm…I'm now just as ordinary as any other human…damn it." She started saying to herself.
"Celes." She heard the 'blue-eyed' Celes emotionlessly say in her mind.
"What? What do you want?" But there was no response, only silence. "Damn it!" Celes yelled in frustration as she stood up and bolted out of the room.
It's still day…all of the soldiers are going to be asleep for a while longer...I have to fix this by then, Celes thought to herself as she ran down the hallway.
As Celes kept running down the hallway, she came to an intersection, but each path was completely empty. There was no trace of Rylon anywhere.
He said that he was going to the woods…I'll have to find him somehow. Celes thought to herself, as she continued down one particular hallway. As she kept running, she started sweating and panting, thinking, Damn it…this body is getting tired…he really took away everything…shit.
Celes then saw an elevator at the end of the long hallway, and she ran up towards it and pushed the call button.
What exactly did I say to him that revoked everything…I should've been less selfish... this really isn't good. Celes thought to herself, right when the elevator door finally opened in front of her.
Celes was surprised to find Seth in the elevator, still awake, drinking a glass mug of coffee. "Still…Oh, it's you." Seth said, surprised to see the personality switch.
Celes then ran into the elevator, snatched Seth's cup of coffee, and then hit the lowest button repeatedly. She then began to chug the cup of coffee thinking, I need this! Ah, It's hot…I think I'm burning my mouth…oh, well…it can't be helped. Celes finished the cup, and gasped in pain from the burning coffee.
Seth looked at Celes strangely and said, "Are…you alright?"
Celes then glanced over at Seth just as the doors opened. Celes then saw the lobby, she bolted out the door, dropping the mug…smashing it to bits.
There's no time…he could be anywhere by now. Celes thought to herself as she approached the main entrance. She unlocked the doors with her keys and then bolted out of the S.I.D.O. complex, searching for any trace of Rylon.
You shouldn't of been so stupid…I just got to comfortable talking to soldiers…and now…ah, shit where's Rylon! Celes kept sweating and panting as she ran away from the complex, into the woods.
A few minutes after running randomly in the woods, she looked down and saw a trail of footprints. Are these his…oh well, it's all I have to go off of, Celes thought to herself, as she started following the footprints deeper into the woods.
After another while of running and curving, Celes saw a man in brown monk's clothes, and with black hair, walking away from her. T…That's him! That has to be Rylon! She thought to herself.
As Celes caught up to the man, she yelled, "Rylon!"
Rylon didn't flinch at all, he merely continued on his path, ignoring her.
As Celes ran up to the him, she put her hand on his shoulder, and softly said, "Please…I know I deserve no less…but hear me out!"
Rylon looked at her hand curiously and then looked over at her, pulling an ear-bud for a headphone out of his ear. "…Sorry?" Rylon said, turning around and looking at her. "Wow…Did you run here?" He said to her, looking at her tired body.
Celes kept sweating and panting, almost forgetting how tired her body was, then she collapsed onto her hands and knees.
Rylon kneeled down, looking at her and almost chuckling, "It's not easy being mortal, is it?" Rylon said to her. "Don't worry, you'll be better once you get some protein and a little carbohydrates," Rylon said, then looking up lost in thought. "Maybe a steak with some fried peas and potatoes?" Rylon said with a smile. "Well, I got to go!" He added then standing up.
Celes then lifted her head, still panting, and then she reached out with one hand and gasped, "Wait." She desperately said looking at him.
Rylon shrugged and said "Look I'm not much of a chef, try your soldier buddies, I'm sure they know something to help your mortal body." Rylon said looking away from her with a fake smile.
Celes then gasped, while she kept panting, and then she lunged out for Rylon's feet, grasping them, and started begging, "Please…I'm just very tired…I know I deserve no less…but I didn't just run all the way here to ask for forgiveness."
Rylon looked around the woods, confused. He then looked down at Celes just as confused and said, "…And?" with extreme curiosity.
Celes then continued, while she kept panting, "I realized right when you revoked everything…that I had first said too much, but…you had also reminded me of some things that were long forgotten…"
Rylon rolled his eyes and then looked back at her "Like how I saved you from being tortured by Guyuki in the Library? Or how it was I got you here on earth now in the first place?" Rylon said angrily. "Things like that?"
Celes then looked down, trying to hide her face, and her tearing eyes. "I…I…uh,"
Rylon shook his head, looking away from her. "I feel like I should pity you…I really do, but I don't." Rylon said, not looking at her still.
Celes then slightly lowered her eyes, as well as her body, almost curling up into a ball. But her voice, still panting, was hardly trying not to crack or stutter, "I'm not asking for your pity…or forgiveness. I realized that I deserved this back in the room…but the reason why I ran all this way here…was because I couldn't allow you to leave without me even apologizing. So…Rylon," Celes's voice then started to become more softer, as well as sincere.
Rylon looked up at the sky and whispered, "I wonder if this would have even happened if I hadn't had taken her powers away…"
Yet Celes was continuing her apology, "I'm very sorry for what I said back in the room…it was my fault for what I said…as well as thought."
Rylon then rolled his eyes again and then looked at her again, "You realize that I don't believe you at all." He said seriously. "Over all the years I've known both of you're personalities…and I truly believe you wouldn't have even thought of apologizing if I hadn't have done this." Rylon added, avoiding contact with her eyes.
Celes then shook her head, as she started crying, "Please…I know it's my fault that I said what I said…but please…understand that it was just me getting my own personal feelings in the way, and I really didn't mean what was coming out of my mouth. I don't want to forget about you…just…I hadn't really talked to you until after Ryu's trial…and I guess…part of me just snapped. I just wanted to apologize for that…I truly mean it…you've truly been the only one there for me…since Ryu's now…" Celes then looked down, confused and a little scared. "Ah, never mind." She said quietly.
Rylon stood there for a long while, merely looking at the sad, crying Celes. Yet he then sighed and said, "Fine…What do you want? Your powers back?" He said frustratingly.
Celes then sat up off the ground, and sat on her knees, looking up at Rylon. "Please… I just wanted to apologize…and for you to forgive me."
Rylon sighed and closed his eyes while shaking his head…but then smiled and snapped his fingers.
Rain opened his eyes and sat up, thinking, Another day…another day or so until the S.I.D.O. formal. Then he got up, and went to the bathroom. After that he walked over towards his uniform, then he started putting it on, while thinking, This is becoming too routine.
Then Rain walked out of his room and down the hallway. The mission a week ago sucked…and since then…we've done nothing but mindless training…it's driving me crazy. Rain thought to himself, clenching his teeth, as he walked down the hallway. He continued walking down the hallways and up the staircases, until Rain finally arrived at the class room
Only Seth, Amatsu, and Kaori were in the class room…Spirit was nowhere to be found.
"You're late." Seth plainly said as Rain walked into the room.
Celes and Spirit haven't arrived yet? Rain thought walking in, then he looked around the room confused, "Where's Spirit…and Celes," Rain asked taking his seat in one of many desks.
Seth then sighed and said, "Celes ran out today and I haven't seen her since…I hope she's not all strung out on drugs…or drunk again."
Why is he trying to avoid 'Spirit'? Rain then thought, before he boldly asked, "And Spirit?"
Seth then squinted his eyes, looking directly at Rain in a way he'd never seen before, but not making eye contact, saying, "She's sick… we're performing some tests on her at the moment…but don't worry…she'll be fine."
Rain then looked coldly towards Seth, Performing tests on her? He's lying to me…she's not sick…she's still being tested on.
Then before Rain could even respond, the 'red-eyed' Celes walked into the room, smiling, and actually happy.
Seth glared at Celes as she walked in and said "Celes?"
Celes looked at him curiously, stopping dead in her tracks.
"What were you on earlier today?" Seth asked in an almost angry tone.
Rain then looked down, smiling, while thinking, This ought to be great.
Celes then continued walking towards Seth, while saying, "I was just really in a hurry…oh, sorry about your coffee mug," and then Celes stood next to Seth
"I don't believe you Celes…" Seth continued, glaring at Celes.
Celes then sighed and said, "I don't know what else to say…I just told you the truth…and it's your problem if you don't believe me."
Seth stood up, continually glaring at Celes and was about to say something, but suddenly Rylon literally came out of nowhere from behind Seth and waved his hand in front of his face, while calmly saying, "She did nothing wrong…"
Rylon then stood to the side and looked at Seth.
Seth was merely looking blankly into space, before emotionlessly said, "Celes… did… nothing…" Seth then fell to the ground, asleep and snoring.
Rylon did that…what the hell? Rain thought to himself.
All of the soldiers, including Celes, looked up at Rylon surprised.
Rain looked at Rylon, and thought, Huh…I guess that means no class today.
Rylon then looked at Celes "…So are you going to lead class today or something?" He said nonchalantly.
Celes looked up at Rylon, smiling, and said, "Maybe, unless you'd rather?"
Rylon looked at her curiously, then pulled a pen out of his brown robes and began writing advanced and complicated math problems on the white board behind him.
Rain then looked at the white board, it was full of a whole bunch of letters, numbers, and symbols, and all Rain could think was, Ah shit.
Rylon then paused suddenly looking at Rain. Rylon then looked at the white board, then looked back at Rain and said "…What grade level are you?" Rylon said almost embarrassed.
Rain then looked down, thinking, Grade level…when did I leave school? Then Rain said, "I…uh…don't know."
Then Celes stepped forward, and said, "He's gone through a lot in his life…and hasn't actually completed high school…" Rain then looked at Celes curiously and thought, I didn't complete high school, but for some reason…I don't even remember elementary school.
Then Celes concluded, "He's just a good soldier." She added as Rylon cleared the white board.
"Ok…forget math today…" Rylon said to them.
Rain then sighed, and thought, We should just go kill a whole bunch of zombies…or vampires…or something tonight. I'm sick of all this training…and no action!
Celes then sighed and said, "Hmm, heard of any 'incidents' nearby?"
Rylon shrugged, looking at Celes with a blank expression, "What am I, an information booth?" he said nonchalantly.
Celes then sighed, and said, "Alright then…everyone…we could do some really tough business tonight… but I'll be nice and dismiss you for the night…but please try to do something productive."
Rain then walked out of the class room, and down the hall opposite from Amatsu and Kaori. Rain continued down the hallway alone thinking, Seth lied to me about Spirit…she could be anywhere though, Rain thought as he walked on.
"You really like her don't you?" Rain heard Rylon's voice say in his head.
As Rain kept walking alone down the hallways, he plainly mumbled, "Isn't it obvious…"
Yet, there was no response only silence.
Rain then smiled to himself as he walked down the hall, thinking, Spirit… what are they doing to you? I wish I could find you…and save you.
Rain suddenly heard a knocking sound, as if someone was knocking on the wall. But it was coming from up the stairs to his right. Rain looked up towards the sound, thinking, Hmm…they're following me. Rain then continued down the hallway faster, then hearing the knocking again behind him. He turned around, but no-one was there, and then he thought, I have to find Spirit… but I don't even know the first place to look.
Suddenly he heard a whisper coming from the stairs he passed, "Over here…" a voice said.
Rain suddenly stopped, and then turned around, looking down the dark stairway. Over here? You mean...Spirit's down there? Rain then heard the knocking sound again…this time, harder and more repetitive. Rain continued walking down the stairs, softly holding his head, thinking, Damn it… that noise is starting to bug me…damn, is Spirit down here?
Rain then heard the same whisper as before, but this time quieter, "Any time…Over here…" The voice said, coming from down the stairs.
Rain squinted his eyes, and then followed the voice further down the stairs. He bumped into a wall in the dark, but then heard the banging sound again, it sounded closer and near his right. Rain kept feeling his way down the stairs, holding the walls and then felt a pole railway on the wall. It's nearby…I can feel it. Rain then felt his hand touch a doorknob, as the stairway ended.
As Rain pushed the already open door open, in order to see into a dark underground laboratory, that was only lit by the light of blue test-tube lights.
This…exists…beneath S.I.D.O….what are they doing down here? Rain thought to himself as he walked further into the laboratory.
As he walked on and on he began to question to himself, Who made me come down here? Did…did Rylon want me to find this place…was it even Rylon to begin with? He thought, confused.
As Rain continued walking through the laboratory, he found himself completely alone, besides for the countless experiments and fetuses that were in the tubes. S.I.D.O… they're doing this to humans…they're illegally testing them as super soldiers. Rain thought to himself as he glanced at the various experiments in the tubes.
Suddenly, Rain saw a bright room, behind a two-way mirror on the far wall. What the hell is this? Rain thought as he walked near it. When Rain walked in front of the two-way mirror, he could see inside the large bright white testing room.
Rain then gasped when he saw Spirit; she was being chained up by her arms and legs to the stone wall behind her.
Spirit's body was slumped on the floor, only her arms were being held up by the steel chains. Spirit was bleeding out from most parts of her body, she was completely unconscious.
Spirit! What the hell! Rain thought to himself, partially scared. "Spirit!" Rain then yelled out, holding his head as he did so. She's totally unconscious…bleeding…what exactly did they do to her!? Rain's mind raced.
Rain then heard her voice in her head; it was faint, but clear. "Please… somebody…help me…" He heard Spirit's voice say.
Rain then leaned towards the glass, and banged once on it, yelling, "Spirit…wake up!" suddenly the glass his hand was on, evaporated into thin air, and he fell into the room with Spirit.
Rain then stood up, and looked at Spirit's tortured body. His eyes widened, he was partially stunned by what had happened. Rain looked back to see that the glass that he had leaned on was now back, and it just reflected himself. What the hell just happened!? Rain thought to himself as he looked at the mirror.
Then Rain turned around and looked at Spirit, partially shocked, worried, and scared. "Uh…Spirit?" Rain softly said towards the bleeding, motionless, Spirit. What kinds of tests were they performing, there are no wires or machinery in this room…it just looks like plain torture to me.
Rain looked at her and then saw the chain's from the ceiling, suddenly break, making Spirit fall to the ground. Her body slammed against the ground, but it didn't affect her at all…she remained completely unconscious.
What's going on around here…strange things are happening more often than usual. Rain thought as he started walking towards Spirit's body. When he was next to her, he leaned down next to her, and then put his hands around her head and body. "Spirit! Spirit wake up!" Rain yelled, almost with tears in his eyes.
There was no response, but Spirit was at least breathing, yet harshly.
"Spirit!" Rain yelled as he gently shook her. Oh no… she's barely clinging onto life… they basically left her here to die! S.I.D.O.! It's all there fault… they're the ones to blame. Rain thought, as he looked down at her bloody non-responsive body, his vision blurry from the tears.
Spirit was bleeding out through her head, as well as from various deep wounds on her arms and legs, it was a miracle that she was alive in the first place.
Rain looked down at Spirit, thinking, Do I love her? Is this what love for someone is like? "Spirit…please say something…do something…anything!" Rain cried out to Spirit.
Suddenly one of Spirit's eyes opened, but she herself didn't move at all.
"Spirit!" Rain cried out, "You'll be alright…I'll make sure that I take care of you!"
Spirit's eyes met Rain's teary eyes, then she closed them, boldly whispering, "No matter what," as she passed out.
Rain then looked down at Spirit, harshly breathing, hands shaking, and vision blurry. Spirit's blood started rubbing off onto Rain, but he didn't mind. All he could think was, I'll get them back for this…S.I.D.O. will pay for what they did to you…all your life.
Rain then lifted Spirit up as he stood, and started walking towards the metal barricaded door in the large, bright, and bloody testing room. Shit…I wonder how I'm going to get away with this, Rain thought to himself.
Suddenly the metal doorway opened about ten feet in front of Rain, and a middle aged man entered the room. The mysterious man was dressed in a blue suit that fitted him perfectly; he was handsome, with black hair, cold blue eyes, and he was probably in his early forties.
Ah, shit…man in a suit…usually not good. Rain thought, as he smiled at the man.
The man merely started at Rain, with a plain bold stare, and then sternly said, "Rain Yatoni… I've heard much about you…and your style of work."
Rain merely stared back at the man in silence, thinking, He already knows about me…but I've never seen this man before in my life…damn it…there's too many secrets behind S.I.D.O…and I'm not sure if I want to know all of them.
Then man boldly looked at Rain, while he plainly said, "CODENAME: SPIRIT… it was Seth's decision that she was released into the public…she's far too dangerous to be let out again…not now…not after…ah, never mind."
They're all trying to hide something, but what? What could be so important? Rain thought, as glared at the man in the suit, while still holding the bloody Spirit, and then Rain coldly said, "What did you do to her?"
The man in the suit, merely sighed, and then said, "Spirit's mother…Jessica…was impregnated with a genetic abnormality…almost a one of a kind…and once she was born…her mother died,"
As Rain kept listening, he thought, Monsters… they did this to her… she was just being used as a S.I.D.O. genie pig.
The man in the suit was still continuing, "…And now…Spirit's finally peaked… her full power has finally awakened within her…thus meaning that she's more dangerous now, than ever before."
Rain shook his head, looking down at Spirit, thinking, I don't even think Spirit knew her true past.
"She's not leaving here…ever…she's the first artificial human…that has also been genetically structured to actually exist as a perfect soldier…as well as a psychic." The man in the suit said sternly.
Rain's eyes then widened, he then looked down at Spirit's bloody body, thinking, This still isn't right… I'm never going to give her up freely to them! Rain then glared at the man and said, "What you're doing isn't right! You're merely playing with-"
Suddenly Rain was interrupted by the man in the suit harshly saying, "You know nothing of what's actually within S.I.D.O. … you yourself was a choosing that I was very pleased with."
Rain then glared at the man, thinking, What does he mean by that!?
Then the man continued, "…You don't understand…only we have to necessary knowledge and machinery to keep this girl going…without us…she'll probably lose it completely." The man then looked down, saying, "I've seen it before."
Rain then looked down at Spirit's unconscious body, thinking, She's not even in the best condition right now…even if I did take her…I wouldn't be able to properly treat her…but if I give her up here…then her wounds will be mended in a way that I can't…damn it…but then they'd have her back in their hands…fucking predicaments.
The man in the suit then looked at his wrist watch, and plainly said, "It'll be another ten minutes or so until the scientists break is over… I'd make a decision on what you want to do with the girl by then."
Rain sternly looked at the man in the blue suit, and thought for a second, Shit…I…I guess I have no other option. Rain then looked down at Spirit, with tears in his eyes, and then he gently kissed her on the cheek. Good bye for now, Rain thought as he walked over towards the man in the suit, and hesitantly passed Spirit over to him.
The man in the suit kept a straight face the whole time, with a stern look in his eyes as he took Spirit. "My names Trent Miller… one of the head S.I.D.O. board members here to attend the formal tomorrow… I'll keep in touch with you about the girl…but don't let anybody know of this…nobody." The man now known as Trent said to Rain with a straight face, and a cold voice.
Trent Miller, a S.I.D.O. head board members…I remember hearing about him once before…but why would he just tell me his name like that? Rain thought as he looked at the man suspiciously.
Trent then walked back into the through the metal doorway, back into the lab, and sternly said, "I'd get back upstairs where you belong…just think of this experience like a bad dream…and forget it, I'll be in touch with you about Spirit tomorrow. And you have my word that I'll never bring up this situation ever again."
Rain then looked down and sighed with a single tear running down his cheek, then as he walked towards the door he thought, I wish…I wish I had the power to do something…If only I was just a little bit stronger.
Suddenly Rain then heard Rylon's voice in his head echo, "You will… in time."
The next day…
Rain woke up to the buzzer a little earlier than usual, as Rain had expected, as the formal was to start in the next hour. Spirit…I'm sorry, Rain first thought when he sat up.
Rain then got out of bed, and went to the bathroom, as usual. Why…why did Spirit have to be taken from me the night before this fucking formal!? Rain thought to himself as he walked out of the bathroom.
Rain then looked up and he could see his black tuxedo all hung up, and prepared for him. I don't care about this formal at all…I wonder if they'd notice if I didn't go? Ah…they probably would…damn it! Rain thought as he walked up towards his tuxedo. He then sighed, started to get dressed up in the tuxedo, tie and all. Why? Why do I have all these feelings for Spirit? Rain thought as he was getting dressed.
After Rain was finished, he immediately left the room, and started walking down the regular hallways that were already a bore. I'll make an appearance at the formal, meet up with Trent…and then leave. Rain thought as he continued down the hallway.
Rain was instructed to immediately go to the 'ball-room' for the formal fifteen minutes after the alarm went off. We've barely ever gone to the ballroom as far as I can remember… guess I'll take the elevator, Rain thought as he started walking down the hall, towards the elevator. …If only I was just a little bit stronger…Rain thought to himself as he walked down the hall.
Rain then turned another corner and could then clearly see the elevator, Finally, I'll go down to the ball room, find Trent, get some information on Spirit…then see everybody else… then leave and try to find Spirit. Rain thought as he pushed the call-button.
Suddenly the doors opened, and Rain saw Seth alone in the elevator. "Going to the ball room…good you're dressed and right on time," Seth said with a smile.
Seth… you liar! Rain angrily thought as he saw Seth. Rain then entered the elevator, and waited silently for the doors to close. Question him before doing anything… too impulsive. Rain thought before he shifted his eyes towards Seth, and plainly asked, "Spirit…has she improved from her illness?"
Seth's eyes then shifted towards Rain, before he said, "No…she's in intensive care at the moment…I'm not sure if she'll be coming back."
Okay, you gave him a chance…didn't you? He knows something…he can lead me to Spirit…I know it, Rain thought before he looked down and mumbled, "Hmm, I see…." Rain then suddenly grabbed Seth by the collar of his suit, and violently smashed him against the elevator wall, yelling, "Liar!" Seth was caught off guard, and all Rain could think was, He's vulnerable now…he's totally caught off guard.
Seth looked at Rain straight in the eyes, they were burning with anger, all Seth could say was, "W-wh-what do you know?"
Rain then immediately punched Seth right in the face, he took the punch, though there was no blood, but Seth could definitely feel it. Even you Seth…even you were a part of it all. Rain thought, as Seth glared back at Rain. "I know enough!" Rain yelled in Seth's face, just as the elevator doors opened, revealing the ball room.
They both walked out of the elevators, and into the gigantic ball room, with countless tables and chairs in one section, a food area on whole bunch of other tables in a different section, an empty floor for dancing, and another section for the band.
"We'll finish this later…" Rain coldly said to Seth as they departed in the ball room. Why didn't he do anything back…I know he could have…was it because he knew that I was right? Rain thought as he wandered aimlessly on the dance floor. I have to find Trent…but how…he's such a high class official…it'll probably be hard to get close to him again… what was I thinking? Rain continued thinking as he wandered, searching for Trent.
Suddenly, Amelia bumped into Rain, and then turned around and softly said, "Oh Rain, I'm sorry."
Rain then continued walking as he said, "Don't worry…It was my fault." Damn it Spirit…you're the only one that I truly want. Rain thought after passing Amelia.
Rain then continued his search for Trent, but he couldn't find him anywhere, for the ball room was just starting to get full. Damn it Trent…where are you? Rain thought looking around.
Then Rain could suddenly feel a hand on his shoulder, he restrained himself from countering, and then he turned around turned around.
"Rain." Trent, the man in the blue suit plainly said.
He was behind me…but for how long? Rain thought, as he looked up at Trent surprised.
Trent coldly looked at Rain with his blue eyes, saying, "I can't talk long…but know that Spirit is in a stable condition…and everything is going to be f-" Suddenly Trent's cell-phone went off, and then he looked up at Rain and quickly said, "Got to go," as he walked off.
What…that's it!? That's all he had to say…damn it!? Rain thought to himself as he looked down at the ground.
As Rain wandered through the ballroom thinking, a young soldier accidentally bumped into Rain.
The Soldier had short brown hair with bright hazel eyes, and looked up at Rain surprised.
"S- Watch out," Rain plainly said, looking away from the young soldier. Huh… I almost apologized to this rookie. I wonder who he is though. Rain thought, coldly looking down at the young soldier.
The soldier shook his head, looking at Rain surprised, before enthusiastically saying, "Sorry, but – you're Rain Yatoni, right?"
Rain then squinted his eyes, looking at the soldier suspiciously, while thinking, Yeah… who is this soldier? Is he a Spy… or a hired thug? But then Rain boldly said, "Yeah, what of it?"
The young soldier then looked up at Rain with wide-eyes, while saying, "Wow! Rain Yatoni… I've heard a lot about you from the other higher-up soldiers. They say that you're a Hero! They say that you've already killed hundreds of vampires and you're not even 20 years old! You're like my Hero, Rain!"
Rain sighed, while thinking, Those aren't heroic efforts… though I shouldn't break this kid's dream. Kids in S.I.D.O. need someone to look up to… although I don't think it should be me, but then Rain smiled and replied, "Thanks kid. What's your name?"
The young soldier then looked up to Rain, before proudly responding, "Private Reks Reiss. A newly appointed rookie soldier here at S.I.D.O. And I plan to create a better world with S.I.D.O.!"
Rain chuckled, while thinking, HA! This kid… trying to create a better world… and with S.I.D.O…how? Such innocent efforts, but Rain actually said, "Well… keep trying… because nothing will happen unless actions are taken."
Reks then smiled at Rain, before responding, "Good advice… I'll keep it in mind."
Good you do that… know… I need to stay on track…Rain thought before he sighed, and said, "You do that… now… I'm actually looking for someone." Then Rain walked into the thick crowd of the S.I.D.O. formal.
Rain then continued his aimless wandering throughout the ball room, thinking, He took Spirit away…knowing that I'd never see her again…and I was so stupid that I fell for it…I should've killed him.
Rain could then feel another hand on his shoulder from behind, but he couldn't restrain himself from countering with a punch. Rain quickly turned around and punched Amatsu dressed in a suit, right in the face, as hard as he could. Idiot…I feel no pity for someone as weak as you, Rain thought after he hit Amatsu, and saw him stumble back. "Don't sneak up on me like that you worthless soldier!" Rain yelled, not noticing that Kaori was all dressed up next to Amatsu.
Kaori then ran closer towards Amatsu, he felt his face, and then checked his hand for blood. "I'm okay." Amatsu mumbled to Kaori.
Better get away from here, Rain thought, as he walked away.
Rain then continued his aimless wandering, until he saw the 'red-eyed' Celes, all dressed up in a silky white gown, as beautiful as ever. God…why? Rain thought quickly to himself, shaking his head. Then Rain started walking over towards Celes, thinking, Just talk to her for a little bit…make her know that I was at least here. "Celes," Rain said, getting Celes's attention.
Celes turned around, her red eyes looked at Rain in a different way, she looked at Rain friendlier than ever before. "Oh, hello there Rain." Celes said, looking at Rain friendly with her fiery red eyes.
"Hi Celes…you look nice." Rain said to her, not making eye contact.
Celes just looked at Rain strangely, and said, "Thanks Rain…likewise."
Rain then smiled thinking, Damn it…I have nothing to talk to her about…nothing I want to talk to her about…I think she'll know that I was here. Rain thought, looking down to the side.
"Well, I'll see you later Celes," Rain said, walking away from Celes, towards the deck.
"Don't do anything foolish Rain." Celes said, as Rain walked outside on the balcony.
Rain sighed and looked up towards the night sky.
There was a brown haired man near the edge of the balcony, about five foot nine inches; adjusting his tuxedo, which apparently seemed uncomfortable to him. As Rain got closer the man pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
Celes knew what you were up to…damn it! Rain thought, as he looked up towards the sky, and took a deep breath. God dam it…I wish Spirit was here…I hope they're not torturing her again. Rain thought, looking up.
Rain then suddenly heard a familiar grunt and then the man near him in the tuxedo grabbed Rain, flipped him over, and slammed him on the ground so he was on his back.
When Rain looked back up he was face to face with a pistol held by Snake in a tuxedo. "Hey…Long time no see." Snake said in a cold voice.
Rain merely squinted at Snake, thinking, Hmm, there's nothing I can really do…though…would I want to? Rain then sighed, looking away from the gun, and directly in Snake's eyes, remaining silent.
"You may not remember…" Snake began, glaring at Rain. "But I saved you from Lazarus, twice, both because of your careless decision making. Now because of that… he's gone… and we have no idea where he could be!" Snake said cocking the gun-barrel. "If you ever do that with your new 'squad' that your in command of…" Snake added with a seething hatred in his voice. "Or if your careless decision making gets them killed…" Snake then sighed at him putting his gun away. "I'll kill you myself." He said, taking another puff of the cigarette and then passing it to Rain.
Why…why would he care so much about this? Rain thought, as he got up off the ground. Rain then took the cigarette from Snake and took a drag off it thinking, I really don't care if even the head board sees this right now…I've seen more than they could ever expect.
Snake pulled out another cigarette for himself and then looked at Rain calmly. "Don't become a complete slave to those idiots. Try and think about other's lives before your own."
Rain then sighed, looking down, thinking, Why do I feel like I should tell him this…what's going on? Then Rain looked up at Snake and coldly said, "Snake… I have something to tell you…something about S.I.D.O."
Spirit opened her angry eyes, finding herself restrained in some full-size steel body suit. She looked around, seeing herself inside one of the dark lab rooms, full of white steam, with a few scientists and soldiers. Her body was basically caged up in a gigantic metal suit, she was unable to move her actual body, thought she also felt an unknown sense within her.
Spirit looked angrily towards the scientists, then she felt a surge of hatred flow through her, and then suddenly…one of the scientist's entire body burst.
All of the other scientists looked towards one of the scientist's bloody batch of pulp on the ground, all shocked.
"What the fuck just happened?" One scientist yelled, looking next to his dead partner.
Then one scientist turned towards another and said, "I…was it a bomb?"
Another scientist turned towards the other and said, "I think…I think I heard something about giving this experiment artificial-"
Then suddenly that scientists entire body burst into yet another patch of blood and bones.
Suddenly all of the soldiers looked towards Spirit, and then the commander yelled, "The experiment…aim at it!"
Then suddenly the steel cage that Spirit was restrained in exploded outwards. Shrapnel flew through the air, piercing and slashing many other scientists and soldiers.
"Call…Trent!" A dying soldier yelled with his last breath.
Spirit then burst out of her metal restraints, causing the remaining shrapnel to fly out and kill the rest of the dying soldiers.
"Hey Celes," A familiar voice said from behind her.
Celes then turned around to see Rylon walking towards her. "Oh…hey there Rylon, what's up?" Celes said to him as he stopped in front of her.
"You're looking nice tonight." Rylon said looking at her up and down, as he was dressed in his usual brown monk's robes.
Celes smiled, ignoring most of the other people around them staring at Rylon, and then she said, "Thank you… for everything."
Rylon blushed, his blue eyes looking down at her shoes. "It was nothing really…" Rylon replied to her.
Celes looked down as she blushed, then she said, "Well…I believe that I needed it. You know… someone to smack reality in my face once and awhile."
Rylon looked around at couples, dancing and staring at his 'out-of style' attire. Rylon then chuckled extending his hand toward her, "Care to dance?"
Celes looked around the dance floor, and then looked up at Rylon, blushing, "Sure…why not?" Celes said, as she put her hand out.
Rylon blushed another shade redder as he held her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor.
"And then I gave Spirit to him…" Rain concluded, looking down in shame, thinking, I was just being used a puppet this whole time…damn it! Then Rain said, "I know it all sounds a bit farfetched…I don't really expect you to-" Rain said before he was interrupted by Snake putting his hand on Rain's shoulder.
"I believe you," Snake began, as Rain looked up at him astounded. "Things have been happening like that for a long…long time now," Snake said to Rain, "But it's good you told me…" Snake added with a smile.
…That's the first time I've seen him smile…ever. Rain thought looking at Snake.
"Listen Rain," Snake then said with a sigh as cigarette smoke trailed out of his mouth. "I have…issues…with genetic augmentation." Snake added in a cold, spiteful tone.
Rain then looked at Snake, thinking, I don't blame you…I'm just starting to learn about it…and I already have a few issues with it myself. Then Rain sighed and said, "So what are your plans?"
Snake took another drag from his cigarette and said "I'm a genetic experiment myself…so more or less I'm leaving right now." Snake said, then closing his eyes as he took another drag of his half-finished cigarette.
A genetic experiment…really… I guess it must be somewhat common… secret… but common. Rain thought, clenching his fists. Rain then sighed, and said, "I don't blame you…I really don't."
Suddenly both Rain and Snake heard a loud explosion in the ball room, followed by a whole bunch of yelling and screaming, then gunfire. Shit…what in the hell is going on? Rain thought, looking into the ball room.
Snake pulled a small pistol out from where his leg was, "Rain!" Snake snapped, tossing the gun to Rain as he pulled his socom-pistol out.
Rain grabbed the gun, thinking, How did he…get these past security… Oh well, it doesn't matter now…finally…some action.
Snake and Rain then ran into the ballroom only to discover mutilated, pieces of bodies flying and lying around them. They both then looked around to see, countless bloody bodies flying throughout the room.
Rain then started to run towards the entrance of the deck, back towards the room, thinking, What the hell happened? Who's doing this!?
Snake then lifted his hand up and pointed, "There!" Snake said pointing toward a crater in the center of the room.
Rain then lifted his head, and then he could see, a single person in the center of the crater kneeled down next to another. Is…is that…her? Rain thought, looking at the crater, shocked.
There were still tables and chairs being thrown across the room, still killing all S.I.D.O. members within sight. They would die either by particular parts of their bodies bursting, by getting slice to pieces, or by throwing particular objects at or through people.
So this is what Trent was trying to warn me about…I didn't know? Rain thought, walking closer to the crater
"Freeze!" Snake yelled with a cold harsh voice, pointing his gun at the person.
Rain then started running closer to the crater, bodies were still bursting all around Rain, and their blood was showering down upon everything. Is it her? Then why is she doing this!? Rain thought, nearing the crater.
As Rain neared the edge of the crater, he looked down, and could see the naked body of Spirit kneeled down next to Seth, still with wires and tubes coming out of her skin. Oh shit…Spirit…what the hell happened to you!? Rain thought, looking down at her in shock.
Snake looked at Spirit shocked as well, lowering his gun slightly, and looking at her with both of his eyes wide. "Spirit?!" Snake yelled shocked, walking closer to her in the crater with his gun still up.
Suddenly Snake was forced back out of the crater, almost being pushed by an invisible force.
No…Spirit…this can't be happening! Rain thought, as he looked down at Spirit, eyes terrified.
Snake immediately was at the top of the crater again, walking down even slower, his gun now holstered.
"No…Spirit…please!" Seth yelled, looking up at Spirit in fear.
Spirit then glared down at Seth, squinting her eyes with hatred.
Rain fell to his knees, thinking, I can't do it…I won't fight her.
Then Seth looked up towards Snake making his way down the crater, and then he yelled, "Please…Snake, you're the only successful super-soldier experiment! I know you have the ability to kill her! Do it! Do it now before Spirit really becomes out of control!" Seth screamed, begging for his life.
No…I wanted Seth to pay for what he did…but not like this, Rain thought, shaking his head.
Snake put his hand on his gun, but then looked sympathetically at Spirit.
Spirit looked at Snake, then back down at Seth with a straight face, and then she plainly said, "You…you worthless greedy trash that calls himself human… you no longer have the right to yell sadistic orders anymore."
Suddenly Seth's body was then slowly and forcibly torn apart without being touched. Seth yelled in great pain as each half flew across opposite directions of the room, and his blood poured everywhere. After a few seconds, there was just silence.
Rain looked down in the crater, shocked and speechless, thinking, No…why? What in god's name happened to you Spirit!?
Snake paused for a second speechless, but then he chuckled, and pulled a cigarette out while lighting it. "Interesting," Snake said aloud to no-one and everyone.
What do you mean 'interesting'…this is just a tortured soul, Rain thought as he glanced at Snake.
Spirit then stood up, and started walking out of the crater, towards the exit.
"I can take those out and bandage you if you want, girl." Snake said looking at Spirit, his hand extended with the cigarette pointed at the tubes still attached to her skin.
Though, Spirit didn't even acknowledge Snake, she just kept silently walking towards the exit, naked and covered in blood.
She's changed…Rain thought, watching her slowly walking towards the lit exit.
Yet suddenly, from the exit, a man began to walk towards her.
Rain kept looking at Spirit walking away, thinking, I can't do anything…if only…if only I was just a bit stronger.
Then Spirit looked up towards the man in front of her, emotionless.
It was Rylon in his robes, he was smiling at her curiously, not shocked, not afraid, just looking at her like she was a new toy or something.
What does he want now… what's going on? Rain thought, watching Spirit and Rylon walk towards each other.
"Interesting…artificial telekinesis… I've only read about it," Rylon said, walking around her, examining her body and the tubes and hoses attached. "Though, I've never seen anybody with those powers before." He said stopping in front of her again.
I have to do something now…or else I'll regret it for the rest of me life, Rain thought to himself, standing up. Rain then turned away from the crater, and slowly started walking towards Spirit; past Amatsu, past Kaori, past Snake, and past Celes.
Spirit merely looked over her shoulder, towards Rain making his way over, and then she looked at Rylon in front of her, "Artificial telekinesis…it's just another weapon created by man…and given to monsters."
I'm so sorry Spirit, Rain thought as he continued walking.
Rylon shrugged his shoulders, still smiling, "Don't self-hate, you're no monster Spirit." Rylon said putting his hand on her shoulder.
Spirit then looked at his hand, emotionless, and then looked past him, plainly saying, "I have to leave now."
Rylon shrugged again and shook his head. "Of course, of course…no time for other men, just run, run, run." Rylon said looking over at Rain walking towards them, "And you're going to leave the man you love?" He added, looking back to her.
On the far side of the room, Snake tapped Celes on the shoulder, pointing to the deck, "We should make some more time for them to talk." He said to her.
Celes nodded, and then followed Snake.
Spirit then turned around, looked at Rain, still emotionless, and covered in blood.
Spirit…why…why do you have to leave now? Wait…you love me, Rain thought, as he stopped in front of Spirit.
Spirit then looked down and said, "Rain…I-"
But then suddenly Rain put his hands on her shoulders, and said, "Spirit…I'm truly sorry that I couldn't protect you more…I'll always regret it."
Spirit then looked back at Rain, almost with tears in her eyes.
I know that she has to leave…but I just…I just don't want her to leave and become more bloodthirsty, Rain thought, with tears forming in his eyes.
Spirit then continued, "Rain…there's no reason for regret…I do love you…but understand that I can't stay here any longer…I've spent my entire life with S.I.D.O….and it can't continue anymore. Just know that I'm not just going to leave and kill people… know that I'm leaving to start my own life…and that we will meet up again in the future."
Tears then started running down both of their faces, yet they both managed not to break down in front of each other.
All Rain could do was look at Spirit thinking, I understand.
Spirit sighed, and then put her arms around Rain, softly saying, "Stay here Rain…stay here with those with good hearts…and do what I cannot do…no matter how much I wish I could."
Rain then hugged Spirit closer to his body, thinking, All right Spirit…I promise.
I do want to go with you Spirit…though I know that I can't, Rain thought, before he sighed, and held Spirit tighter, while saying, "All right…I promise. I promise I will."
Spirit gently kissed Rain before she let go of him and turned back towards Rylon. Spirit then looked at Rylon confidently, and then back at Rain proudly, before softly saying, "Thank you."
Then Spirit turned back towards Rylon blocking the exit, then she said, "Anything else?"
Rylon looked up, lost in thought, but then looked back at her. "Well, you didn't have to kill all the innocent people just having fun in here." Rylon said to her. "That's not going to go over well in your afterlife." Rylon added, putting his hands on his hips.
Spirit then forced Rylon against the wall with her new telekinesis, and then walked past him, saying, "I didn't enjoy any of it...and those people were not innocent! All those that are innocent are still alive…except me."
Suddenly Rylon appeared in front of her and pushed her back a bit further in the room, "I don't like being pushed, and there are some courtesies you can't ignore, no matter how much power you have." Rylon said with a glare.
Spirit then raised her eyes, and glared back at Rylon, saying, "Let me leave…I don't want to fight anymore."
Rylon sighed and walked up so that he was face to face with her. "Fine, apologize."
Spirit then tried to push Rylon away with her telekinesis, but when the gust of energy hit him, the top of his robes were torn off, and large white bird wings appeared out of Rylon's back.
Spirit looked up towards the wings, and then she started walking past Rylon, out of the building. "My apologies." Spirit then said to Rylon as she walked out.
Rylon looked up at his own wings, partially surprised. "…How'd these get out?" He curiously added, while suddenly disappearing.
Tears continued their way down Rain's cheeks, and droplets fell on the ground. Spirit…I will live up to our promise…till when we next meet. Rain thought, watching her cross over the horizon.
Rain then stood up straight, thinking, I will never forget about you…ever.
Suddenly Celes put her hand on Rain's shoulder, looking at him sincerely, softly saying, "I'm sorry Rain…I truly am."
Rain then nodded, and looked down, thinking, I know…you've probably experienced worse in your day…but I'm only human.
Rain then turned around to look around and see the entire ball room completely covered in blood, as well as batches or body parts and organs. You must have been holding a big grudge towards S.I.D.O. for a long time. Rain thought, looking back at the room.
The only survivors were, Rain, Celes, Amatsu, Kaori, Snake, Amelia, the young soldier Reks, and a very few bunch of soldiers that were scattered around the room, in shock and confusion.
The only one's alive now…are pure of heart…all she did was cleanse S.I.D.O. of some of the corruption, Rain thought, looking back at the survivors.
Rain then took a deep breath, and thought, Seth…I'm sorry...I truly am…my only regret is that I couldn't part from you on better terms…but that's over now…in the past…hopefully a new order will reign…a purer order, without the corruption.
Celes then walked up towards Rain and said, "With Seth gone…I am to take his place as 2nd in command…and with Spirit now gone…Seth wanted you to be the one…S.I.D.O.'s 2nd in command…together we can establish a new order…without any of the corruption that are hidden deep within it's crevices…but only if you agree to the position."
I can take this opportunity…and avenge Spirit…I'll rebuild S.I.D.O…and together with Celes…we will establish this new order, Rain thought, before he nodded, and coldly said, "I'll do it."
Celes then smiled, and said, "Good…I know that you'll change S.I.D.O. for the better…with hard work of course…but it can be done."
Rain nodded, looking at Celes with a straight face, thinking, I'm doing it for you Spirit… I'm going to shape S.I.D.O. with my own hands so that nothing will ever happen to anyone else like what happened to you…I promise.
A long road lies ahead, with only one willing to travel it. The gears have been set in place, and they turn with the passing of time. Rain Yatoni has become disillusioned, and has become truly lost in his true place. Although time keeps moving, the course of the future is unknown to all.
