Disclaimer: I don't own most music I know, and most I use is copywrite to Capcom, or Sega. Otherwise to Vandread at the moment anyway, so lawyers, please, back off... don't make me get my anti-lawyer men out.
Chapter Seven: Jezebel
The loud wind howled throughout the dark clouded wasteland, as the ever so grim Vyse stood tall, looking directly towards Schala, his eyes remained emotionless as she glanced back at him the same way, yet calm and welcoming unlike the dreading and demonic eyes that Vyse gave off.
"You've changed Vyse... you changed a lot since I last saw you." Schala calmly mentioned.
"So what? You think it matters to me?" He demanded, glaring at her with his teeth tightly clenched.
Schala shook her head, glancing to the ground as she sighed.
"The Vyse I knew was a lot more calmer, he was-"
"Listen Schala, the Vyse you knew is dead! You just acted fascinated because I was young, and it was your job. Don't taunt me, if you want my attention; tell me where I can find my sister!" Vyse ordered, as he narrowed his eyes at her.
"If you must know, your sister is just a few yards to your right. Be warned, you've changed since she-"
Vyse didn't care to listen, he immediately dashed off, running directly to the right as he searched around the place, looking for his little sister, as he smiled, seeing the short dark purple haired girl clad in her ever so sunflower yellow dress stand a few feet. His heart raced as he spotted her, eyes widening with his jaw dropped, astonished by who he saw. He slowly walked forth, a smile pursed on his face as he approached his little sister.
"Jezebel... it's you..." He raucously mentioned as he moved forth.
Immediately did a young boy appear right before her, a light green haired boy with deep blue eyes, looking up at Vyse with defensive eyes, as he put up his fists.
"Leave my sister alone you monster!" He hissed, as Jezebel walked behind him, her hands placed flatly on his shoulders.
Vyse snorted, as he gruffly laughed hearing the youth make the comment, knowing full well who he was.
"Monster? Kid, maybe you don't get it, but I AM YOU!" Vyse remarked sternly as the kid still kept his dukes up.
"Yeah right, no way I would grow up to be a MONSTER like you. Your nothing but a doppelganger!" The young boy yelled, as both he and Jezebel vanished.
"Doppelganger?" Vyse said confused, before giving a quick laugh.
"There's a word I haven't used in a long while."
"Even your own little sister doesn't recognize you!"
Vyse turned around, glaring to Schala who stood behind him, arms held at her waist, her eyes closed and a frown pursed upon her face.
"Look around you Vyse, this area is your conscious, your emotion... since you sealed your emotions off from the world, it has shriveled up into a barren wasteland, the thick black clouds of smoke are what seal the light of day from the emotions you once had. Even so, they still exist within your heart, buried deep down in it. Vyse, open your heart, if not for me, then for-"
"Never! Only lambs follow such foolhardy ways, obviously you are nothing but one. In war, only a wolf survives, while lambs run and cower in fear of death." Vyse remarked unsympathetically.
"Your weak as well... you close your heart off from others, focusing only upon yourself. That is why your heart is a mere wasteland where the light of day can shine in." Schala avowed forlornly.
"Weak? Emotions make you weak, letting them rule your judgment is the reason many die in war." Vyse stated with a huff.
(Insert music: Truth and Fiction Artist: Unknown Origin: Breath of Fire 4)
"Does it... look upon your past, not with your eyes... not with your ears... but with your heart." Schala said enigmatically.
A instant flash of bright blinding white light flooded the entire area, as Vyse felt himself falling, falling down, but yet he couldn't see anything but pure light, even his hands could not be noticed, nor could his own nose.
"Wha-what's going on!?" He demanded fearfully.
Age: 4
Immediately did things clear up, as Vyse looked around, noticing the marble white tile floor, with the painted white walls. A few doctors and nurses walked by him, as he glanced to the kid laying on the bench, as he gasped noticing who it was him. The creaking of a door caught his attention as a middle aged short trimmed dark purple haired man moved out, looking down towards the young Vyse.
"C'mon Vyse, its time to say hello to our newborn family member." The man mentioned, as Vyse stretched his arms out, getting up onto his feet, as he followed his father into the room, walking over to his light green haired mother, as she cradled the baby wrapped in a few sheets carefully, a sweet smile on her face.
Slowly did Vyse approach her, as he stepped up the booster mini steps, looking up at her sweet face, his face still puzzled."Vyse, say hello to your little sister, Jezebel." She said, showing the sleeping newborn to him, as he glanced at her in awe.
So innocent, so pure, so adorable, Vyse couldn't help but smile as he glanced over the newborn angel his mother held. He reached over, touching her cheek gently, still remaining silent and his eyes still glancing at his little sisters face.
"Jezebel... my little sister..." He whispered innocently.
All was quiet aboard the Nirvana, as most were preparing preparations for Gascogne's funeral. A loud but still silent meow cry could be heard from one of the storage rooms. A few engineers walking the halls heard the cry, as they ran from one storage area to the next, looking inside to see if the volume of the meowing was louder.
"Huh, in here!" one shouted, as the group ran inside, noticing it was from the old salvaged craft Vyse had been brought to them in.
Running inside of the ship they glanced around, noticing the cat that had came along with Vyse was up on its hind legs, it's front paws padding the wall around it.
"What do you suppose it's doing?" the green haired girl asked.
"Seems like its after something." The brown haired one stated, as they looked closer.
"Looks like we better pry that thing open to see what exactly is inside!" The leader mentioned.
(Insert Music: Touching music box music)
Vyse looked around, seeing the many pictures of his parents decorate the wall, the lamps lighting the room up the cozy house, as Vyse looked around, seeing him sitting on the couch with a children's book in hand. A loud sob followed by the cries of his little sister followed, as he looked up from his book, seeing his little sister crying before him. Setting his book down to his side, he hopped off the couch, walking over to where his little sister was, as he picked her up from her crib, cradling her in his arms. Slowly did her loud ear aching crying settle down, as she slowly fell to sleep as Vyse rocked her softly in his arms. Vyse could only smile as he glanced down at the young girl.
"Don't worry Jezebel, your big brother Vyse is here for you." He whispered innocently.
Watching from the right side of his younger self did he remain in his more confused but focused state. White light poured down upon him, once more the environment change, leaving him right in one of the corners of the room. He looked onward, hearing his younger more high pitched voice, as he glanced, seeing him sitting at Jezebels side, reading one of his stories to Jezebel.
Age: 5
"With the evil menace defeated, the adventurers went their separate ways. Seth knew that he had fulfilled his brother's wish, and with it fulfilled, the burden he once was given now was relieved from his shoulders. As the sun began to set in the western sky, he stood tall, looking off into the distance, an image of his brother's face smiling in the distance. Raising his sword high, he shouted aloud, "Brother, I have fulfilled my promise, and defeated the evil Lord Sulter. May your soul now rest in peace, forever more!"
Closing the book, he glanced over to his sister, smiling as he noticed her sleeping, his dear sister, peacefully sleeping in her crib, as he slowly stood up, turning out the light, as he walked off to his room.
Once more did the environment around him change in the flashing flood of white light, as he glanced around, noticing the shelves of books arranged in alphabetic order, and organized by types of books where.
"Aren't we a little bookworm?" A sweet feminine voice commented, as the blue haired female wearing a tan brown and white school uniformed walked over to where the youthful Vyse sat.
"Huh? Bookworm?" The youthful Vyse asked confused.
"It means you read books often, the librarian told me you came here often." She said, taking a seat next to him.
"I guess that's true, I do read a lot... mostly they are so good. I love stories with adventure, just reading them makes me wish I could go out and have one of my own." The young Vyse mentioned as he looked up to the female.
"Heh-heh, you're a big dreamer, ain'tcha?" She asked giggling.
"Dreamer? Heh, when I grow up, I plan to leave this planet and visit other planets. I plan to make my name well known. Vyse Conway, the greatest adventurer ever!" He said raising his voice with pride in his voice, as he was shhhed by several people.
"Vyse is your name huh... Schala Landale, pleasure to make acquaintance." She mentioned, raising a hand, as he shook it, still with a sheepish glance.
"Um... right... good to meet you as well."
In that instant did Vyse Gunlash get warped, a few months later, where Schala had taken a job as the librarian.
"Vyse, I know your reading level is much higher then the other kids, but the novels in this section are not sutable for your age." Schala mentioned to the already tear faced Vyse.
"But I want them, I want a book with bigger words, something that has more pages, I want a novel." He said, sobbing a bit.
Schala sighed, looking down at him as she reached up, taking one of the novels on the shelfs.
"I may lose my job for this, but here. It's an old mystery novel that spans back to the times on Earth, before human even reached space." She said, handing him a Sherlock Holmes novel, entitled "Jack The Ripper".
"Well, I guess considering I go with twentieth century time novels, this should offer me some joy." He said, as he opened the book.
"Vyse, I should warn you. That kinda novel is not for children, like those above seventeen year old movies, this could give you nightmares." Schala mentioned.
"Ah, I read worse. Sides, if it's older then twentieth century, then there's no chance it could happen." Vyse said walking off.
"Just promise me, if you do grow afraid, that you will return that book here. Please." Schala begged, very worried.
"Promise Schala. I will bring it back."
Once more did the white light flood around him, transporting him to his house, a month after he had turned six, the night when his parents first went out, and perhaps the night he actually felt special.
Age: 6
"Now I want you kids to behave yourselves when the babysitter arrives." Their father told them, as Vyse groaned loudly, the doorbell ringing.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice." Vyse's mother told the girl as she walked in.
"It's no big deal." The girl replied, as the two walked into the room.
Vyse looked up from his sulking glance as he noticed who the baby sitter was, his frown turning to a smile with his eyes widening.
"S-Schala!?" He managed to speak out, as she smiled looking down at him.
"Well, this is a surprise." She said seeing Vyse standing before her.
"You two know each other?" Vyse's father asked looking from his son to Schala.
"Yes, he's visits the library often." Schala mentioned as she ran her fingers through Vyse's hair, causing him to laugh.
"Really, how long has this been going on?" Vyse's mother asked as he sighed.
"Well, for two years... but it's not that far mother, I'm still alive too." Vyse said, his mother still giving him a scowling glare.
"Well talk about this tomorrow... and Jezebel, remember, be in bed by nine o'clock." Their mother replied, as the two said their farewells.
While the night was normal, it wasn't until Jezebel went to bed that Schala told Vyse something that he did think of at certain times.
"You almost are my spitting image of myself when I was your age." Schala mentioned as she knelt down to Vyse.
"Huh, you mean you were a boy when you were six years old?" Vyse asked tilting his head.
Schala only laughed as she shook her head, smiling innocently to him.
"No, nothing like that. I meant when I was your age, I was almost fascinated with books, having to be able to just zone out of the world and into fantasy." Schala said with a smile.
"I guess that is just about right... but is that a bad thing?" Vyse asked feeling he was doing things wrong.
"Not really, what I should say is you have a gift in reading, considering your have a higher level in reading." She said as she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"My mom says it helps improve my language." He said with a smile.
"I take it your home school?" She asked curiously, as he nodded.
"Well, I am sure you will be just fine." She said with a smile.
Engulfed by the light once more, as things changed once more.
Vyse glanced around, noticing the woods are, from the paths that were stomped out.
"C'mon sis, the kingdom is counting on us." Vyse said, running forth, wearing a white tank top with black sweat pants, as he wielded his stick around, pretending he was fighting goblins.
"Brother, golem incoming!" Jezebel cried, as Vyse rolled to the side.
Jezebel then held up her short staff, aiming it ahead, as she shouted 'Freeze Beam', sending a spell to the golem, freezing it down.
"Thanks sis!" Vyse said as he stood up dusting himself off.
Taking one step, a sharp jolt of pain ran through his body. He glanced down at his feet, seeing that a bear trap had been caught in it. He almost burst into tears when he look to his sister, who glanced at him with a traumatized face.
"Mustn't cry, gotta be a big brother, gotta hold my tears back. I must be strong, for Jezebel." Vyse thought, breathing softly.
"B-Brother, are you..."
"Head home and tell mom and dad I need help, hurry!" He said, his voice shaking, but still holding on as he tried to resist the pain.
Jezebel nodded, as she ran off to get to their parents.
Age: 9
"Still the big bookworm, some things never change I see." Schala mentioned with a giggle.
"Yeah, I guess so..." Vyse said, as he looked over the books in each section.
"Speaking of which, how's your sister doing?" She asked, as Vyse thought for a second, before gasping.
"Oh no... I forgot to tell her I was going to the library. Sheesh, there's no telling WHERE she may be!" He remarked, as he ran out of the library fast.
Gunlash remembered this day, the memory he had had before he decided to make a break from his cell. The first time he felt regret that he had failed as a big brother, when his sister could have nearly been killed by the punks along the street. Though hearing what she mentioned, he nearly felt heartbroken hearing her say that she wished the boys were dead. Once more did the environment manifest, alternating into the library, where Vyse seemed to be reading, but already had a troubled glance.
"Is there something wrong Vyse?" Schala asked, as she sat beside him.
"I feel like I failed... I couldn't protect my sister when I needed too!" Vyse remarked sadly.
"You still were there in time, right?" Schala questioned, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Even so, what if I wasn't, what if I failed to rescue her and she was truly hurt. I can't bear to think what would happen if I truly couldn't save my sister. I think, if I ever lost her, I don't know what I'd do, or just what I would become!" Vyse mentioned with a shaky voice.
"Don't ponder too much upon it, if you think too much about it, you may end up too worried that little things may bother you. We all make mistakes in life we regret, but we can't let them bother us forever." She mentioned, hugging him softly.
"I-I guess your right..." he said, smiling brightly.
Another flash occurred, as Gunlash glanced around, gasping loudly, as he looked around the rain soaked area, the darkened bark upon the trees, the muddy ground that was at his feet. He glanced to the river, shaking his head.
"No... please... stop this... I-I-I don't... not now... not this... please... don't force me to watch!" He pleaded.
"You must face it... view with your heart Vyse, even if it is a scar upon your memories!"
"Schala... don't make me do this...!"
He said closing his eyes, but only to witness himself from another angle.
"C'mon sis!" The young Vyse called out to Jezebel, who looked around in fear.
Meia stood at the side of the bed, sitting in the chair as she looked down at Vyse with her hands clenched angrily. While she tried never to hold a grudge, she had never been taken hostage by a male and used as his ticket to escape. She looked to the heart monitor as it began to beep faster, the breathing of Vyse going up.
Within the pod did a few of the maintenance workers slowly use the Soldering Iron to cut through the thick chrome plated armor covering the inside of the shuttle. Cutting a square right around the area the cat seemed to be pestering everyone about with his endless cries, they removed the plate, revealing the inside of area containing a chest, a red oak chest to be exact, in addition, a round circular Gem could be seen laying on top of a thin black, velvet, red and tan brown quilt, that had several pattern designs on it. Yet, it was merely an egg, as the main leader opened it up to reveal a golden metal pendent, opening the rectangular area, as she gasped.
"I don't believe this!" She said, as the other girls crowded around, gasps following as they stared at it.
"Th-that girl... she looks almost exactly like... Paiway!!" One muttered, as they all looked upon the picture of the youthful Vyse dressed in a red short sleeved shirt, and red shorts, Jezebel within a pink dress, both smiling at the camera.
"To think, that scary man could look so adorable when he was young." One mentioned with a giggle.
One of the others opened the chest, groaning in disappointment as she pulled out a few photo's along with a book.
"And I thought it be treasure... what a ripoff." One mentioned pouting.
"C'mon sis, you can do it!" Vyse encouraged, as his sister looked down at the already high water level stream, before looking to him.
"B-but what if I fall into the water?" Jezebel asked, as Vyse smirked.
"Don't let it bother you, sides, your big bro's here, right?" He replied as she nodded, slowly getting on the log, standing to her feet, she slowly walked across, as Vyse looked on.
She nearly slipped off, Vyse face nearly went to a fearful glimpse, before seeing he pull herself back up, he took a sigh of relief. She continued on, still walking across, as she neared Vyse, holding her hand out, as he reach out to grab it. Though right when she neared him did the soaked bark slip out from under Jezebels feet, as she immediately fell down from the log into the strong flowing waters, as Vyse watched in horror.
"AAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"JEZEBEL!!" He yelled, as she splashed directly into the water.
(Insert music: Tension music [dog fighting music for the dread battles])
Glancing around intensively, he heard her scream, seeing her being carried ahead, as he dashed forth, pursuing his drifting sister, his teeth clenched as her ran at full speed.
"Brother, help!" She cried out, as Vyse looked down.
"Hang on Jezebel, I will save you!" He yelled back.
"Damn it, gotta get her out some way!" he thought, as he continued to follow the rivers coarse.
"Brother... HELP ME! AHHHHHHHHH!!"
Vyse continued running, hearing her cry, as he glimpsed down at the stream for a few seconds, seeing her struggle to stay up on the surface, taking a deep breath for air before shouting her cries for help.
"BROTHER!!" She cried, as Vyse panted hard, but immediately was hurled to the ground as a tree root, his face covered with mud as he landed into the ground.
He immediately pushed himself up, as he ran after, but stopped, seeing as the stream divided into two, her screams still loud, but her path now unclear. Falling down to his knee's, he started to sob as his hands tightly became clenched. A tears rolled down his mud covered face.
"No... why... No..." he muttered, as he sobbed every second, as he glanced to the sky raising his hands high, "JEZEBEL!!!" He shouted at the top of his lungs.
Gunlash could only breath, shaking his head, the memory was indeed a nightmare that was reality for him. As long as he had live did he never once remember the this day, a day that for him was infamy.
FLASH
There on the couch did his parents sit, already in tears from what Vyse had told them. A knock on the door easily made the two worried parents run for the door, as they opened it to find the two of the officers standing at their front door, their hands in their hands and a sad glassy eyes.
"Mr. and Mrs. Conway, I regret to say, but your daughter was found dead. She appears to have drowned within the river, we found her body right to the side of a stream near town. We're sorry to have to bring you the terrible news." The officer said, as Vyse's mother broke into tears, burying her face into her husbands shoulders, lamenting loudly.
It though was cut short by a loud door slam from upstairs, as both glanced up to the upstairs. Loud crashes could be heard as Vyse threw a lamp on the ground, as he slammed his fist to the ground, tears streaming down his face, as he took one of his books, throwing it across the room, taking one of his toy swords as he slammed the hilt against the wall, weeping as he cowered into a corner, hugging his knees as he continued crying.
"It's all my fault!" He muttered, tears streaming down his clean face.
The cries echoing in his ears of his sisters cries, the images of her struggling to stay on the surface, all playing within his mind.
"Vyse, can we-"
"Go away... just... leave me alone!" he yelled, as the door slowly opened.
"Vyse, we just-"
Immediately did Vyse hurl a book towards his father, as he shouted once more for them to leave him alone.
The door shut, as Vyse continued to mope, guilt already flooding his heart, blaming himself for his sisters death. He dragged her out there, he encouraged her one, he let her down. All because of him was she dead, it was all his own fault.
FLASH
The sound of several mourning voices filled the room, all over the loss of the young girl who died at such a young age. There Vyse stood in a formal suit, weeping in tears over the coffin where the young lifeless girl was placed.
"If only I was stronger... if only I had courage... you wouldn't have died..." He garbled, tears streaming down, falling upon the coffin, as his hands remained upon the bars.
"Vyse... I'm sorry to hear about your sister, if there's anything I can do to help, just-"
"Just leave me alone... I lost the one true joy in my life, the one priceless thing that is irreplaceable." He replied garbling.
Schala only looked on with a sorrowful glance, she knew just how hard it was for Vyse to deal with, but it appeared to hit him harder. Worse, she felt guilty, she had merely tried to help Vyse by easing his worries of his sister getting hurt and now the nightmare nobody could ever wish was a reality. Vyse truly was suffering deeply, his entire heart flooded with guilt, the guilt that he killed his sister, guilt that he couldn't save her, guilt that now would throw him into darkness.
FLASH
Packing the last of his belongings, did Vyse set out, looking at the pictures on the wall, as he wiped his tears off, opening the door, as he walked outside, taking a few steps, as he looked at the twentieth century like home, feeling a bit sad to leave, but knowing it was the only way he could become stronger. He then would be able to live life on, with no fear of ever letting anyone down again. He wondered through the town, as he walked upon the street, unwittingly where a car slammed on the breaks, a few others breaking as well. Vyse shielded his eyes as he glanced around, car doors opening as a few soldiers stepped out, including a several medal covered leader as well, his glaring red eyes looking towards Vyse, a smug pursed on his lips.
"Do you know who I am boy?" The general asked in a fierce tone.
"Heh, some aristocratic scumbag? Or just a right wing officer of the syndicate?" Vyse smartly asked.
Immediately did one of the soldiers send the butt of his gun to the gut of Vyse, as the boy fell to his knees, and onto the ground.
"Show your respect lamb, for this is the almighty protector of our dear planet Apollo, General Ulysses M. Eklor, you WEAK citizens should be kneeling to him then pissing him off!" One of the guards stated, as the group turned to get back in their vehicles.
"Who... you... calling... weak!" Vyse demanded, as he staggeringly stood to his feet.
"Well, aren't we a tough little hombre, huh?" mentioned one of the soldiers as he walked forth, hitting Vyse in the jaw, sending him down upon the ground hard, as he groaned.
"I am not weak!" Vyse cried out, standing to his feet as he ran towards the soldier, only to have the guy sidestep and slap him in the back of his head, Vyse fell to the ground, landing down, breathing softly.
The General glance down at the boy with a keen smile as he walked over to the boy, looking down at him.
"You two, pick this boy up and take him to my cab, and I advise you be gentle with him as possible, as he is worth both of your hids!" Eklor ordered as the two saluted the General, running over to where the boy laid, as they picked him up, and carried him back to the Generals car carefully.
"Well boy, lets just see how tough you really are!" The General whispered raspy.
FLASH
(Insert music: A Moment's Joy Artist: Unknown Origin: Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter.)
Vyse was thrown upon the ground hard, as he woke up, staring into the sadistic eyes of the demented General Eklor.
"Get up Lamb, its time for your training!" Bellowed the General as he pointed the ground, Vyse nodding getting into push-up position.
"Give me a hundred, Lamb!" He stated, as Vyse began to start pushing himself up and slowly down.
FLASH
Vyse continued to pushed the barbell up, as he brought it down, this time he was unable to lift it back up, his hands shivering as he tried to lift it.
"Out of energy lamb? I guess I underestimated you, your nothing but a weak maggot carcass lamb." Eklor remarked rudely, as Vyse growled, his hands immediately pushing up, as he lifted the barbell up from his chest.
The General could only smile evilly as he saw this, the pure mockery easily made Vyse both strong in times of training, but weak when in combat. Still, at the moment, the boy was still too flaky to even make any bit of a soldier.
FLASH
Viciously was he thrown to the ground, back first as he stood to his feet, holding his arm as he panted softly.
"Your letting emotion cloud your mind, that will only lead you to be slaughtered." Eklor mentioned as he took a few steps forth.
Vyse glared at him, still catching his breath as he glanced towards the poker faced general.
"Emotions is what leads most to deaths, they allow these mere feelings to cloud their judgments. Sympathy and anger are one in the same in war, Vyse. Both strive you closer to death then survival!" Eklor said, holding his hands behind his back, as his he awaited Vyse to attack once more.
Calming himself down, Vyse closed his eyes going into his fighting stance. Seconds slowly passed, as Vyse remained in the stance, Eklor waiting patiently for Vyse to make the first move, his eyes locked onto the boy like a crow's eyes to its prey. Immediately did Vyse leap forth, as he threw a few well aimed fists at Eklor's jaw and stomach area, only to be repelled as the man blocked each attempted hit, throwing each punch away to the side with his forearms, before grasping Vyse's wrists tightly as he swooped a kick up from under his feet, his free hand shoving Vyse to the ground hard, as he pinned the boy down, moving the gripped arm behind the boys back, as Vyse screamed in pain.
"Resist the torment Vyse, giving in is pure surrender, and surrender is merely giving into death." Eklor stated, as he pushed harder onto Vyse.
FLASH
Age:12
Only two years had passed, but Vyse had grown stronger and taller. He was slowly maturing into a man, partly handsome, but the already sinful glaring eyes weren't the type the ladies would fall for. His mind had also advanced as during his sleep he was given lessons of physics, chemistry, math, algebra, all the statistics needed to give him knowledge upon the battlefield.
Vyse stepped into the large chambers where a large amount of stairs were positioned, as Eklor glanced over to him with a smile.
"You have become better Vyse, but still, your merely a pup then you are a wolf. It is time you learned what true strength is!" Eklor mentioned as he turned to Vyse, slowly advancing over towards him, as his hands shuffled around in his trench coat's pockets, picking out a serum injection, as he pressed the needle within Vyse's shoulders, injecting him with an unknown substance, Vyse immediately fell to the floor.
"Venom slowly devours a foe's body, making it a painful death to experience. I have the antidote, and if you want it, you must rely not only on your body's strength to resist, but your will to survive." Eklor mentioned as he placed the tube containing the antidote at the top.
Vyse immediately took a few steps climbing up the large flight of stairs, falling to the ground, as the poison took hold.
FLASH
"Muscles can grow weary, but the strength of ones own will is the true key to survival." Eklor mentioned.
Vyse remained on course, pulling the heavy block chained to his arms and legs, hauling it along the harsh heated field, sweating gallons of sweat as he made his way through the desert.
FLASH
"A soldier serves his country, even when captured must he never give in to the enemies demands."
Vyse groaned silently, as he resisted the blades sharp edge piercing his skin, making a large as blood bled from the wounds. Vyse clenched his teeth as the blade was pressed upon the body, cutting once more part of his skin open, as the man pressed his hand upon it forcing more blood to bleed from open wound, Vyse grunting, as he resisted the pain.
"Impressive my young pup, you endure the pain, never showing more signs of weakness." Eklor mentioned, watching as one of his men continued making the cuts.
Slowly he took the mans hand, holding his own out, as the man dropped the blade in his hand, as Eklor looked to Vyse with a sadistic beam. He then took the tip, running it deep into Vyse's forehead, on the left area of his eyes, as he dragged it down, missing his eyes purposely as he cut along down after missing it. To he then made an X like slash upon his left cheek, laughing sadistically as the blood ran down from is cheek and onto the floor.
Taking out his communicator, he opened a channel to the infirmiry room.
"Listen up, we got ourselves a bleeder here. I want him treated, but... make sure those wounds remain as scars... I want him to remember them."
FLASH
Age: 15
"Time for the real test. You have one hour to set up a few traps along the area, and I suggest you make them as camouflaged as possible. Otherwise, you are a deadman. The enemy is nine of the most pathetic scumbags to ever walk the planet, mentally ill maniacs who killed an uncounted many. If you can survive, then you will advance on. Remember, your still an aging pup, but your near a lone wolfs level."
Vyse set up several traps, from huge pit holes to string triggered weapons that he hid within shrubs of bushes. He also made a few marks to avoid getting caught, but also to ruse the enemy into falling into a set trap, as he placed a couple of mines around part of the area. After an hour passed, he took cover against one of the tree's as the timer he had buzzed. Easily using the camouflage kit earlier, he applied the detail of the barks surface to himself, easily blending in.
The enemy though was aware of danger, as they carefully stepped around, but two easily killed by walking into one of the laid pits, large javelin rods laid at the bottom, the sharp end up as it purged through the mans body disgustingly. Another trap sprung was a gun trap, or what Vyse called the Delta shots, as bullets shot out from three sides, stuffing the victim full of lead.
The traps alone took the first eight enemies Vyse was pitted against, but one remained, a tall goliath type figure, with a cold stare equal to Vyse's own. The two fought fist to fist when both dislodged their weapons from a mere strike to one another. Vyse though easily defeated him when he struck at the most vital time with a deadly kick to the torso, as the man flew back, landing on a mine as it blew him to pieces. Vyse already bleed, the shots to the face easily made his mouth and nose bleed fast.
Yet the storm would not end so soon, panthers were released and nearly murdered Vyse, as three claws got him right at his cheek. Though battered out, he easily grabbed for the dagger his recent opponent had, jabbing it in the throat of one, as he also took one of the guns, shooting the panthers to death, nearly covered with more claw marks, as he staggered walked towards the exit still avoiding traps.
FLASH
"What is it General Eklor?" Vyse asked as he saluted his superior.
"Apparently these two parents claim to be your biological parents. Within law, I ask if they are?" He asked, as Vyse looked over to the wrinkled face couple, his father nearly bald and his mother already full of wrinkles.
He walked over, looking at their shocked faces.
"Yes... I know who they are." He said walking to his father who spread his arms awaiting a hug.
At that very moment did Vyse draw his dagger, stabbing his father right in the belly, as he shoved him down.
"They are nothing but lambs." Vyse mentioned, as his father stared at him fearfully.
"W-Why... y-y-you bastard of a General, what d-d-did you do to our son?" His father weakly demanded.
"Vyse, don't you recognize us?" His mother asked, as Vyse glanced at her with narrowed eyes taking two steps as he thrust the blade in her ribs, sending it right at her heart, as she gasped, the blade also going through her lungs.
"Frail, thou art woman." He whispered evilly.
"Your son is merely making his choice... all I did was give him training." Eklor lied, though easily knew Vyse made his choice.
"I have no place for a pit of lambs... I serve one man, and that is the wolf known as General Eklor." Vyse stated, walking to the generals side, as he kept his back on his parents.
"You bastard... you turned our son... into a monster!?" Vyse's father muttered, as the general merly laughed.
"Pitiful lamb, death is what consumes you easily!"
FLASH
Age: 16
"There is an underground movement, I want you to find their main hidout, gain their trust, then slaughter the bastards. I have an agent who will give you some assistance in the social world, just look for a man named Stormy, he should show you most of the ropes." Eklor mentioned, as he handed Vyse the files.
FLASH
"Vyse Gunlash, heh, better give you a bit of words. First, the fact that you should not use manners, otherwise you might be the bitch, preferably, the lamb to most as Eklor puts it." Stormy told him of society, of how males at times flirted with girls, vice-versa, and most vital things Vyse would need to be able to get into the Underground movement.
It took two weeks, but getting inside did Vyse slowly but surely gain the trust, as he mentioned he was merely a soldier who escaped the military. While he was highly trained, he claimed that he was fighting for a few comrades who were killed in training. He also had attracted some unwanted attention, the sexy and gorgeous long blond hair and green eyed heartbreaker, Anna. He never had much interest, yet she seemed to always make moves on him, flirting with him as she seductively traced her finger tips along his well toned body. He merely ignored it, focusing upon the teams objectives when she was around.
Only a month had passed since he was assigned to the mission did he carry out the final order: Kill the entire resistance. As cold as he had become, he indeed carried out the act, killing around fifty to seventy of the members in a rain of bullets, bombs and flames, easily setting their hideout ablaze when he had slaughtered every last one of the members inside.
Anna though had survived, but appeared to not be bothered by it.
"I knew you would betray the resistance at some point... those cold eyes can't hide everything." She said with a seductive grin.
"Pitiful lamb, just what the hell do you want!?" Vyse demanded as she moved seductively over to him.
While she slowly moved her arms around his neck, he immediately stabbed her in the stomach, her eyes widened as she fell to the ground, panting as she looked to his emotionless glance.
"Pitiful lamb, giving into your emotions are we?" He asked as she closed her eyes smiling.
"Men to me are mere dumbasses... all the men who tried to make me their main squeeze I turned down, merely out of enjoyment, to see their hearts break as their dreams shatter. Yet, you resisted me, you didn't once look at me for a good long moment, nor try to shower me with gifts or poems... I guess my obsession of wanting you to recognize me drove me love you... and yet, her I die... a foolish lamb... who let her guard down." She mentioned, slowly taking her last breath.
"Vyse... a heartbreakers killer." She muttered with a laugh, dying.
FLASH
The next three years of his life were spent that way, infiltrating planets that were known to be against Apollo. Vyse killed hundreds more. He felt no remorse for those he killed, even if it was a mere scientist just there for research, it was to him his duty to serve Apollo, and for the great General Eklor. Each of those days flashed by fast, ending with Vyse being gassed out in the room where he witnessed the last attack upon the area.
FLASHGlancing around, he noticed that he was now within the wasteland where he had started before.
"Vyse, do you now understand?" Schala asked looking over towards him.
Vyse remained silent for a few moments, as he took a deep breath, as he glanced to her with wicked eyes.
"Understand what, the fact that you waste my time, the fact that you wish for me to be the very lamb that I was when I was young. When will you understand, that little boy inside of me is petrified by fear. There is no turning back now, I choose my path and this is how I'll-"
"BROTHER PLEASE!"
Vyse's voice immediately stopped, as he glanced behind his back, seeing his sister stand there, frowning as she closed her eyes, touching her left breast, a tears streaming down her face.
"J-J-Jezebel, is it r-really... you?"
(INSERT: A small beginning)
She took a deep breath, as she glanced to him, taking one deep sniff before speaking.
"For the past eight years I have watched you, and for those eight years have I have felt only sorrow seeing you suffer as the brother I grew up with slowly wither away when he entered the darkness, allowing the demon that is you to sprout and consume his very will. Yet he still lives, the side that cries my name, the brother who would be there for me when I needed him, the Vyse that truly is my own brother." Jezebel mentioned, as Vyse glanced to the ground, frowning.
"Jezebel...I-I-I ..."
"The brother I know had warm hearted tender eyes, not an ice cold glare. My true brother would have comforted those girls as they mourned for the loss of their crewmate, he wouldn't have acted so reckless or selfish. If you truly consider me your sister, I beg of you, please, don't let yourself be consumed by this hatred anymore, open your heart and be the same person as you were with me." She said, clasping her hands together, begging him to comply.
Falling to his knees, he slowly sobbed, as tears streamed from his eyes.
"Jezebel... forgive me... i... I just wasn't so-"
"Don't dwell upon sadness, move on. Show them the kind gentle side that you had, comfort them in their time of need. Vyse, I know you can do it, because it is who you really are..." she mentioned, as Vyse looked to her with tear filled eyes.
"It's time."
Vyse looked over, spotting his younger self, as he nodded, taking the boys hand, as a bright beacon of light shot up into the black clouds before exploding, as rays of light shot down, the land slowly reviving as a few plants started to grow. Vyse glowed as if he was an angel, but as the light died down, he now had dressed in a white tank-top, with long black sweatpants and two gold wristbands, in addition, his brown stocking like boots."It's good to see you back brother." Jezebel said warmly.
Vyse ran over, embracing her in his arms, as he cried in joy with her, both shedding tears of happiness flowing from his eyes.
"Jezebel, all I have done..."
"Brother, don't dwell upon it, it's the past... move on."
"No... these scars serve as a reminder of the mistake I made in life, but also as guilt marks. That is why I make this promise to you... to never again kill a human being as long as I live. I feel it's the only way I can atone for my evils." Vyse stated, as he sobbed.
(Insert background music: Maria Origin: Sonic Adventure 2)
A large hole opened, slowly pulling Vyse down, as he let go of Jezebel, allowing himself to be pulled down into the glowing holy light.
"The time has come for us to part Vyse." Schala stated as he was pulled down.
"It is time to say goodbye brother." Jezebel mentioned as he slowly went down the light lit hole.
"Schala... Jezebel... Thank you... both of you." He mentioned still shedding tears of joy.
"We will always be watching over you Vyse."
"Always, dear brother."
With that, the bright light swallowed him, as he slowly but surely opened his eyes, groaning as he sat slowly up in bed. He looked down at his hands slowly, before swiftly being grasped tightly by his suit and being pulled to Meia, who held her other arms back, ready to give Vyse a punch, her teeth clenched. Vyse remained calm, his eyes no more giving the cold-hearted glare, but merely a sign of tenderness.
"Well, go ahead, I did take you hostage." He mentioned, as Meia still held her fist back ready to strike.
She signed as she released her grasp from his suit, and let her arm fall to its side.
"So why not strike me, is there something wrong?" He asked, as she remained silent for the moment.
"You could've stopped me... it isn't like you to resist." She stated looking to him.
"I guess I decided to change my ways... being what I was before brings only pain to my dear sister." He mentioned taking a sigh.
"Sister?"
Vyse sighed, as he began told her of his sister, of his young life, the one tragic day and the military training. The day of tragedy already made him break into tears, as he truly regretted that day. Meia remained still, trying to resist showing emotion, as she tried to be her tough self.
"I still regret killing so many, but I ask of one favor." Vyse asked as Meia glanced directly at him.
"And what might that be?"
"New cloths... this suit reeks with the stench of that fiend Eklor." He mentioned as Meia nodded, as she walked out, deciding it was better to at least show him gratitude, since he was after all being more kinder then before.
"You came up here to show me just a few belongings you found in that damn kids ship?" Magno asked bitterly.
"With all due respect captain, with the comm. windows down and all communications cut, we had no other way to alert you." The girl replied as she walked over to Magno, opening the pendent.
"That girl... she..."
"Apparently, she is his sister. We found a message that was also part of the package of photo's, someone who also knew Vyse. From what she mentions, he seems to have changed due to the loss of that girl, her name was Jezebel from what the message stated." The head engineer worker mentioned.
"Hmm... I say we wait for Vyse to wake up... somehow-"
The elevator doors opened, as Vyse slowly walked inside right behind Meia, dressed in a new outfit. A baggy black pair of sweat pants covering his legs, as pure white tank top covering part of his upper body, his muscles hanging out though, his boots black, as they resembled Tarak boots found in one of the labor area's. His forehead was shaded by a navy blue bandana that he had placed around his round head.
"So whats with the new outfit?" BC asked with a puzzled look.
"Consider it a sign of change, I ain't planning to be like Cel over there and always play Halloween every day." He commented, pointing a thumb over to her.
"Huh, just what do you mean by that?" Cel said with a infuriated glance glaring at him.
"Halloween? Just what in Majale is Halloween!?" Belvedere asked glancing to him.
"Enough, you two can wait for your answers later. Vyse appears to have turned a new leaf... I guess that last death finally opened his stubborn heart... or was it your sister Jezebel that made you realize just how wrong you were?" Magno questioned, as Vyse went wide eyed with a gasp looking towards Magno, who held up the pendent.
Vyse sighed, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath.
"So what do you know?" he asked, as Magno smiled, as she signaled for Ezra to activate the message.
"Vyse, it has been a while since I last saw you, I only hope you have grown up into a handsome young man. Even as you are a soldier, I have heard from my husband who works in the mechanics area that you were in the army in a high division right next to Eklor. I know it is hard to get over the death of someone who was the joy of your life, but just becoming a heartless soldier won't bring her back nor ease the pain. Try to remember the times of joy you had, look upon the future and cherish the memories you had that you spent with your sister. I have hid these photo's, a pendent, and this blanket that your grandmother gave you along with a novel that I have written. Vyse, open your heart, if not for me, then for Jezebel... I know she would merely not even recognize you as you have become. Remember your sister, Vyse, remember the days of joy. You still are alive, and you still have many days left, grasp them while you still have your life." Schala mentioned within the message as it shut off.
"Schala..." he whispered walking over to the chest, the maintenance girls moving aside as he walked over, opening the chest up, as he looked at each of the photo's, and the book, smiling as he stood up.
Handing BC the pendent, Magno motioned for the commander to give him the pendent, as BC nodded, slowly walking over, as she opened her heads revealing the pendent with a picture of Vyse and his little sister Jezebel in it."C'mon sis, the butterflies are out." Vyse mentioned holding his net in his hands as he chased on.
Jezebel followed, as she swung her net trying to catch one, but fell down, as Vyse walked over, she pushed herself up, pouting as she didn't get it.
"Smile for the camera you two." Their mother mentioned, as the two dropped their nets, Vyse putting an arm around his sister as he smiled, Jezebel doing the same.
Taking it from her hands, he slowly walked over to where Bart usually had gone to dive into the ship. Standing at the edge, he glanced out into the stars, joyful tears running down his cheeks, as the thought back to the joyful times he and his sister spent together. Times at the beach, during the holidays, summer, winter, Halloween, and many others that warmed his heart up.
"Great, we got another crybaby other then Bart to deal with." Belvedere mentioned.
"Show some sympathy Bel, Jezebel meant a lot to Vyse!" Ezra shouted, as Bel sighed, looking to her monitor.
"It's best we leave him be... even though we move on, some memories of the past are best to hold close to heart." Magno mentioned, as Vyse remained at the far side, looking up into the star scattered space.
"Be the same person as you were with me."
"Jezebel..." he muttered, clenching the pendent tightly.
Authors notes: Finally, completed, just hope I get to the next chapter soon, but don't expect it next week. With collage starting, I have less time, so it may take longer. Right now, I do plan to do parings, the ones with the three males of Tarak remain the same (Hibiki/Dita, Duero/Parfet, Bart/BC[or him trying to flirt with her as he did usually.}). Vyse though I plan to pair up with Misty, mostly as she and him are more alike, considering episode 7 where she breaks into tears.... Ah, you'll see. Anyway, please drop a review, this chapter was one I truly committed a lot to... and thought of.
