Lights out in your room
Lights out in your car you gotta hit the ground running
Lights out in the streets where I walked
To carry you home and there's no way out
I know you fell asleep, pray you don't sleep where you are now you're
all alone
I know you were led by a dark hand
And I'll wait for the morning
I'll trade in all my blood
For everything that you are
What I found is the truth
What I found is enough you gotta keep on running
What I found in the room was my love
All eaten up and you're all alone
I know that you escaped, Cenobites sound the alarm and there's no way out
I know you were led by a dark hand
Lights out in your room
Lights out in the sky you gotta hit the ground running
Lights out in the head that you wore
As a disguise and then you'll die alone
I know they took you back, spitting out chains from the wall you know
there's no way out
I know you were led by a dark hand

Priestess- "Everything You Are

It was really hard to pace in a tiny bathroom, but over the past hour Dorian had gotten it down to an art. Three steps, pause for thought, turn, three steps, pause for thought, turn. He felt as trapped in it as his memories were. The bathroom was the only place he could be alone. Not that he didn't appreciate the outpouring of kindness and protection or anything, it was just he needed time to think. Everyone here was constantly on guard. He was sure normally things were, well pretty normal. But he shows up when the shit's shoulder deep. What the fuck else was he supposed to say when asked to help his new family out? The same thing you said when Grandpa asked. Oh God! What does that mean? He just thought the thought itself and he didn't have any clue where it came from. It was as it always was, something insignificant. Some piece of him that was trapped. His pace had become a stomp. His bare feet slapped the tile with a need.

No, he needed to calm down and think. This can make sense. Dorian halted in front of the mirror. The tattoo on his chest felt foreign, like he'd never seen it before. You picked it out… He had, it was so clear now. He whispered to himself so it would feel real.

"Grandpa said it was to say I was in the gang, that's what I did. Joined willingly."

He wanted to do a flip, but with the limited space he settled on a wide grin. A grin that he watched melt as he realized what he just said.

He'd joined the gang willingly, hell, he'd begged like a kid who wanted a toy. He remembered like it was yesterday. The instant regret when he realized that even though he was Royalty within the gangs ranks, he was going to get his ass beat. The anger that followed his initiation, the power allowing him to rage. He was just a kid and he wanted blood. Why though? It made him happy. He owed Grandpa. For taking him in, at least that's what he always said.

He'd begun pacing again. It was so hard to believe, but it felt so real. As irrational as they seemed, they were real, he was sure of it. But what's that mean? He was remembering what a bad person he was. All he'd known for the past few years had been loneliness and fear. Where had his instinct gone? Something scared the shit out of him. Shadowlaw.

He knew something was different when Grandpa told him to come with him to a business meeting. The old guy looked like he'd just seen a ghost. Or pissed someone bad off. That was hard to do being a Latin King. No one tells us what to do. Well, hardly anyone. By the looks of the guy standing in front of them, he didn't need to be pissed off. That's why he hadn't said anything yet…

"I apologize for my ignorance, but I really don't know what's going on, M. Bison?"

"Francisco, I never really wanted to do business with you. However I'm afraid that it's now become essential, seeing that your son betrayed Shadowlaw."

This had to be a joke. Shadowlaw? That was conspiracy theory. And his father was dead. He thought if his Grandpa was going to play a trick he'd do a better job making it realistic. Whatever, it was boring him.

"Look, it's been real yo, but I'm out. This is bullshit."

"DORIAN SIT DOWN!"

He froze. No, this couldn't be serious. He turned as Grandpa spoke franticly.

"Julian's in prison."

"Yet he still has managed to continue to cause problems."

"That's not me, that's him."

"All the same to me."

Dorian yelled defiantly.

"But my father's dead!"

Again Grandpa hushed him.
"Dorian, be quiet! He's better off dead, especially now. Look, Bison, I cut ties with that boy a long time ago. He's dead to me, to the Latin Kings."

"I am not concerned with you, or the Latin Kings."

Dorian was in disbelief. He hadn't really understood what was going on. Everything was happening too fast.

"…you told me he died."

Grandpa ignored him, more concerned with this Bison guy.

"Julian doesn't know he has a son…taking Dorian will do no good."

What? Taking Dorian? And like that it clicked. He bolted. Fuck, he didn't remember the way out. It only took a moment's hesitation and Bison had him by the back of the neck. His massive fist wrapped all the way around his neck. What the hell was happening? He'd never seen his Grandpa act so weak, so scared. This was bad.

"Senor Marquez, I will be expecting you to first inform Julian he has a son……then tell him he's dead."

Wagner felt numb. He hadn't moved since Juli ran from the room. He'd watched her leave from his spot by the window. Everything had happened so fast. It escalated before he had time to think. Hell, he had time to think now and he still didn't know what to do. Right now he couldn't get past the fear that something was going to happen to her. More so he knew she wouldn't come back. He'd been horrible, so accusing. He didn't know where it came from…he was angry at something.

He'd have to figure this out later. It had been a while since he told Julian he'd take some time to talk with Dorian. He had to get it together so he could really try and help him. His fear was Dorian has remembered so little for so long, what could happen if he was rushed with memories. Probably the same types of things that happened to Cammy. They'd already seen the panic attacks, and he assumed nightmares. Full on flashbacks were next on the list--

"Noooo!!"

Wagner's heart jumped in his throat for the second time that morning, and for the second time it was Dorian. He rushed down the hall, towards the bathroom, followed by Cranky. He tried the knob but found it locked. He yelled.

"Dorian…Dorian!!"

He continued to yell. Wagner had to get in so he didn't hurt himself. He saw Cammy run up.

"What's going on?"

"Just get Julian, Cranky can help me."

Cammy nodded as she ran towards the stairs. Wagner backed up a few steps and rammed the door near the knob. It splintered around the doorjamb, but flew open to reveal a panicked Dorian. The door busting open only served to feed that panic. Dorian cowered from Wagner and Cranky, his frantic words inaudible.

"Dorian, it's Wagner, we're just helping."

"No, no, get away!"

"Just come with me, we're not going to hurt you."

Dorian suddenly quieted, only shaking his head no. His bare chest rose and fell with his quickened breaths, his face was red, panicked cerulean eyes searching for something he knew, something he understood. It only took one more step closer from Wagner for him to go there. He thrashed out, surprising Wagner with a fist to the jaw. It only staggered him slightly, giving him time to wrap his arms around his torso. He fought Wagner with all he had, arms and legs flailing, elbows smashing into his shoulders.

"Cranky…I can't hold him alone. Not without hurting him!"

With that Cranky dashed forward in an attempt to get hold of Dorian's arms. The lanky youth's foot landed square on his chest. Wagner watched Cranky's face go white before he turned around, punching the wall.

"FUCK!"

Thankfully Julian came into the doorway. He put a sympathetic hand on Cranky's shoulder before stepping forward to help him with Dorian. Together it didn't take long to get him on the floor. Now it was just holding him until he came to his senses. The cold floor could do wonders sometimes. Julian spoke calmly.

"Are you okay now Dorian?"

"..yeah, yeah, I just…I don't know."

Julian nodded and they both let Dorian loose. Everyone in the bathroom was breathing hard. Wagner looked at Cranky, blood seeped through his t-shirt creating three lines in the center of his chest. He shook his head as if to say, don't worry about it, and left the bathroom. That's when Dorian started to cry. Wagner backed off a little bit, giving father and son room. Dorian looked up at Julian as he spoke softly.

"I remembered….they said you were dead. And then Shadowlaw, and they lied…"

Julian reached down and pulled Dorian into his arms. Dorian hugged him back, full on sobbing now. Julian spoke.

"Hey, it's alright now."

Slowly Dorian calmed down, but Wagner waited for the right moment to speak.

"Dorian, if you'd agree, I'd like to talk to you. I don't know if Julian told you, but I'm a counselor and I really think I can help."

Dorian looked at Julian for an answer.

"I trust Wagner with my life…he's a good man, and a good counselor."

"Okay then."

Genta had felt the skin on his knuckles split from the force of his punch to the punching bag right away, but he didn't relent, only kept his punches tight and strong. If you bust your knuckles on your opponents face you just kept punching. It should be the same in practice. Stupid fucking Vega, making him look like a fool in front of Bison. All that really happened was Vega failed to inform him their purpose. Probably intentionally. The arrogant prick. If he really thought his little tricks were going to work, he didn't know Genta very well. He fully intended to be top ranking in Shadowlaw when they finally took control. He'd kill anyone, do anything to get there, Vega notwithstanding. Blood smeared the outside of the punching bag, his continuing hits splattering small droplets on his bare chest and face. He grunted in anger, imagining Vega's face being pounded. If only he could show Bison how dedicated he was to Shadowlaw, and how he was much more of an asset than him. He ceased his assault on the punching bag, turning his attention to a soldier who entered the workout area.

"Sir, the surveillance report from the Guile residence, something interesting."

"What is it?"

The soldier, he couldn't remember his name, but he was older, was always trying to impress, something Genta understood. He pulled out a folder from his vest as he spoke.

"A woman was spotted leaving the residence…someone we didn't account for in the siege. She must have been kept protected."

Genta's world slowed down…they missed someone. Shit, Vega was never going to let him or Bison hear the end of this. He snatched the folder.

"Who is--"

He instantly recognized the girl as former Doll, Juli. No big deal, The Killer Bee was the only Doll who retained any memory of her time as a Doll.

"Have you shown this to Vega?"

"No sir, I thought if it could be of use, I'd , well, I'd rather you get the credit."

Genta smiled.

"What's your name again soldier?"

"Conner Brady, senior officer of Unit G!"

"Just leave it to me, no need to worry Vega with this. I will see you get proper credit where due."

A wicked smile spread across Brady's face.

"Sir, I'd actually, well, everyone's wondering….what's the deal? Rumor has it Master Bison needs some crazy good DNA."

Genta tried not to hesitate, but he could attest, it didn't take long for orders to be leaked, or hell, just figured out. One only had to be observant. Thing was Brady was on the right track. He automatically replied.

"My orders are classified."

"Yes sir. Should my team continue following her?"

"I need you to get a small team together, two, maybe three, yourself included. We'll leave soon."

"Yes sir!"

Brady left the room. Genta made a mental note to check out Conner Brady more closely later. He seemed to have a good feel for things, he knew just how to present his information. Juli, a former Doll who has her fighting abilities erased is now unprotected. Vega was so caught up in his sick sexual fantasies and revenge…he was sure to screw up apprehending Camilla. But Juli….she may not remember being a Doll, but he was sure in her body, at least biologically speaking, the power of the PsycoDrive was still there. It didn't take a genius to figure out the rest.

Wagner sat at the edge of the bed, watching Dorian closely. The youth was searching for an answer. Actually, his question wasn't meant to be so, revealing. He'd only asked Dorian how he was doing as an initial courtesy, he hadn't expected him to take the question so seriously. But Dorian was a serious person dealing with a serious problem.

"You know I killed people?"

Wagner was only shocked for a split second. It wasn't unusual for someone Dorian's age to try and shock him, to immediately put up that protective wall of control. But given his past, it was plausible.

"Is that something you remembered?"

Dorian nodded, his face becoming distant. Wagner continued.

"Can you tell me something about that?"

Dorian pulled his legs up to his chest and spoke slowly, never meeting Wagner's gaze.

"I was a little kid, I mean it made me feel cool, being so tough. The way it worked was a lot of times they'd get the kids to do people in. That way if we got caught there were rules and shit so it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe a little juvie, if you blamed it on peer pressure. It was smart. And like I said, it made me feel tough."

"And how is it now?"

" …not good."

"How so?"

"I feel like that wasn't even me, but I know it was. It makes sense. I always had to survive. I can't remember ever feeling secure in a place. Like it'd be ripped away as soon as I turned around. So I just did what they wanted. But the thing is what about liking it? The power, people being afraid of me… it was like a drug… I just--"

Dorian stopped. It was times like this that were hard when Wagner helped people, where his own instincts had to come in, where he had to be so tuned to the person he was with it was almost like they were the same. If he was right in his assumption, it could mean the world, but if he was wrong, the person could pull away, get angry…but that was a part of the game.

"Even though you know why, you still feel ashamed."

Dorian nodded. He pulled his legs into his body even more. It was all too much right now, way too much. But the good thing was Dorian was thinking. Hell the biggest thing Wagner had noticed about Dorian was that he took time reflecting on things…to figure them out.

"Dorian, I know this is a lot to deal with. So for now I think you should just let yourself think. Write things down, what you remember, what you feel. It might be strange at first but I think it'll be a good way for you to explore without getting trapped in your head. Do you see what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I guess I could do that.

Julian felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. As it was he was attempting to relax casually on Mrs. Guile's couch. He'd been so deliriously happy about getting Dorian back, about finally meeting his son, that the reality hadn't really sunk in. But so far today had been like a slap in the face…he was going to be a handful. He'd been so caught up in worrying about what Dorian would think of him and his past that he'd forgotten about being a father. Ken had hinted at it before at his house but Ken had a five year old, not a fifteen year old who'd been to Hell and back.

"Is Dorian talking with Wagner right now?"

Julian nearly jumped at Guile's words. The Air Force Colonel took a seat next to him, waiting for Julian to answer.

"Yeah. I'm really glad he was here, this is all so strange."

"Don't I know it."

"With all due respect Colonel, it's not your son."

"Let me say it in a different way, it's familiar."

"I'm sorry, I didn't think. That all feels like so long ago."

Guile laughed.

"You know I couldn't believe Charlie left Cammy to me. He was so good with her…I didn't think I could even begin to compare. She was 16, recently orphaned, and God did she hate me."

"Cammy hated you?"

"Hard to believe, but despite all the bad shit, she was a normal teenager in that aspect. Then add Wagner to the equation and I had quite a job. They both got into fights at school. One time when they were both 17 I came home from a trip to find my house destroyed from a party that they'd thrown. Cammy was passed out, hung-over as hell and Wagner got arrested at a strip club. I thought I was going to explode."

"But…"

"But I got through it…we all did. Even the later Shadowlaw attacks, all of it. You just have to be strong for them, let them know you love them no matter how much they push away. You have to be a father first and a friend second, you see what I mean Julian?"

Julian nodded. The Colonel patted him on the shoulder before he left the room, leaving him to think on what he said. Julian quickly rose, heading out the front door for a cigarette. He slumped down onto the porch steps, both overwhelmed and enthralled by the task ahead of him. If only he'd had that time, when Dorian was a baby, to adjust to this all. He didn't have that luxury but what he did have was his son and that meant everything. He couldn't hold his smile in thinking about Dorian's embrace earlier. He might have been scared, but he made a choice in that embrace, and it was a start.

The door opened behind him just as he was finishing up his cigarette. He put it out and slid the butt in his pocket to throw away later. He turned to find Kenny and Dorian exiting the house, Kenny telling Dorian about some kind of Japanese food.

"…yeah, you sit down and cook it yourself. The waiter brings all the food and you get to smell it as it cooks…and steal bites."

"But octopus balls…that's a little strange."

Julian smiled.

"I've had them…not too bad, but definitely better the way Kenny's described them."

Kenny pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

"Last two…"

He handed one to Dorian, simultaneously reaching for a lighter as his own cigarette now dangled from his mouth. Julian patted Kenny on the shoulder as he snatched the cigarettes from Kenny's mouth and Dorian's hands respectively. He crumbled the paper and tobacco in his palm and dropped the remains.

"You're not old enough to smoke."

"What the hell? I am!!"

"Well, you shouldn't have given my son one."

With that Julian turned and let the door shut behind him.