Fallen Idol
Chapter Six: Dealing With The Devil

Yep yep yep, I'm working hard! Thanks to all the reviewers who keep me writing. (I live for reviews, so review anything you read.)

Mikae looked around the hallways as the Type led her through the facility. That same green light came from some rooms, others held only computers. Occasionally, she could catch a glimpse of clear tanks, and the strange creatures they held in the green liquid. Growing more apprehensive by the footstep, Mikae was almost too nervous to realize that the Type had stopped in front of an open doorway.
I'm to leave you here, miss.
She nodded.
Oh, and a word of advice, miss?

Don't show him that you're afraid. The Type turned, and the doors slid closed behind him, leaving Mikae alone in a room full of empty tanks. She cleared her throat and absently studied one of them, attempting to calm her heartrate down and to steady her breathing.
She was too absorbed with her fear to notice the footsteps behind her until someone spoke, almost in her ear. If you find an empty tank that riveting, perhaps you should see the full ones.
Mikae wheeled around to face the man, shapped oddly and dressed in what could have passed for a Nazi uniform during WWII. His face was mostly shadowed, an eyeglass resting on his left cheek. She blinked; the hair was almost familiar, somehow - Cybersix! But what does HE have to do with her? Better ask. No, better not. She tilted her head, waiting for him to speak up again.
So. I have a proposition for you.
I'd heard, she responded carefully. What is it?
You're familiar with someone called Cybersix, aren't you?
Mikae nodded, surprised at his knowledge. She'd only told Jeremy, and a friend or two online.
And you've seen her abilities: Incredible leg strength...grace...agility...
Who the hell IS this guy? Mikae nodded again. What's your point?
A smile crossed the man's face, a smile that betrayed genius, but also a hint of insanity. I created Cybersix. The sixth out of 5000 failed attempts at a master race.
...wait, so where are the others?
Destroyed, in an accident. Cyber 6 is the only one left, except her brother, who has been relocated into a panther's body for...experimental purposes.
You...you experiment on them?
Not anymore, my dear girl, though I once had hopes...but never mind. My proposition for you is this. You seem to be interested in the qualities that Cybersix possesses. I can give you those qualities.
Silence. Mikae was stunned. But you said...failed attempts...
Ah, but science is always improving. I believe you have the potential to be equal or greater than the sixth Cyber ever was.
Cyber...so that was the name of...whatever the experiment was?
Yes, the Cyber Series. Preceded by the Fixed Ideas, Types, and Technos. After the Cyber Series came the Datas and Specials. But, dear girl, with your consent, I believe I can make you the very first Cyber-X.
...what ARE the Technos, and the Datas and Specials? What's that green liquid? And who are you ?
Do you accept my offer?
Mikae hesitated.
There is enough time before we proceed for me to explain what my creations are. If you accept, you'll get your questions answered.
...Then I accept.

Von Reichter smiled victoriously as he led Mikae through his complex. You asked what the Technos were. I assume you understand that the Fixed Ideas are the most basic type of lifeform I have created. Their brain capacity is very limited, thus making them very easy to control, and easy to create. However, since they don't have much space to remember much, they cannot fight with anything but brute force. They simply do not understand how to utilize stealth. The Types, meanwhile, are more humanized. They have better memories, but they understand fear, and would prefer to run from the front line rather than fight with strategy. They are used simply to make sure the Fixed Ideas don't run amuck, and they are restricted in brain matter enough that they will not abandon my service.
Now, the Technos are by far the most human. They are the most advanced creature under my control. They look exactly like humans and are complete in every way, except that they do not possess free will.
Isn't that barbaric, just a little? Mikae asked timidly.
Hardly. You see, Fixed Ideas, Types, and Technos can't truthfully imagine a life that they aren't accustomed to. I'd be doing them no favor to set them free.

The Data Series was another of your interests, I recall. All but one were terminated. I attempted to place human intelligence and emotions into panther bodies... however, I realize now that the brain must be created prior to placing it into another vessel. That is why Data 7 is alive; he possesses a pre-created Cyber brain.
...what number was he?
29. Killed before his batchmates, sadly, in quite the tragic accident. No matter, he is alive now, and allied with his favorite cybersister...
What makes the Cybers different from the rest? Mikae looked around her as they walked, nervous. He still hasn't told me who he is, yet I'm buying everything he says... this is nuts, but...it's kinda tempting. All this stuff about creations and powers and fighting...
The Cyber Series were the first experiments. I combined superior physical qualities with a calculating, strategic mind to create them, and it took quite some time, though sustenace - that green liquid' - must have helped. But I'll explain about sustenance later. There were 5000 of them, boys and girls each, and they were raised in different laboratories around the world, all under my orders.
But they proved too effective. Their minds were too human; they had too many emotions. In the end... Unwilling to reveal the truth about the destruction of the Cybers until the girl, Mikae, was transformed, Von Reichter trailed off, waiting for her to ask the next question.
Mikae, however, was still lost. HOW exactly did the Cybers die? What'd they do? And how come Cybersix survived? Sensing that these were, however, forbidden questions, she turned her attention to another topic. What are Specials?
Creations like Technos, only with a few modifications. Their memories and emotions aren't as strong as the Cybers' were, so they are, as a result, more loyal. They possess certain abilities that otherwise would not be suited to humanity.
Like what?
One could become a werewolf. Another group were in the shape of gargoyles - though that WAS a special case... (The goblins were HIS idea?! Mikae thought.) ...Another could become invisible. Their abilities depended on the task they needed to perform.
Then what will I be?
Shall we find out? Von Reichter gestured at a door, which hissed open to reveal an examining table, computers and monitors, empty tanks and full tanks (all of sustenance), and an assortment of various instruments.
...before we do this...who are you?
Von Reichter bowed. Forgetful of me, that. I am Von Reichter, scientist and biologist... at your service, he added after a moment.

Sit there, he directed, pointing at the table. I'll need to let the computers start, and open the program for you.
Mikae sat gingerly on the cold surface, eyeing the tanks warily. What's the green stuff again?
Von Reichter started his computer system. All my creations are dependent on it, and it's the sustenance that gives them their ablities. He began to type in commands. Once the process is underway, however, it won't harm you, and to be safe, I can give you an anesthetic which will dull the pain.
For the first time, Mikae felt a jolt of fear race down her spine. It's painful? Is this REALLY safe?
I'm experienced in these matters, my dear girl. If you relax, it will not hurt. And as long as you listen to me, yes, it will be perfectly safe.
But you said I'd be the FIRST CyberX. Are you sure you know what you're doing?
Lay back and calm down, please. I'll need to hook several needles into your veins.
Mikae complied nervously. Needles? Couldn't this just be some new street drug? ...but why would a scientist be making it - assuming he DID make it.
Von Reichter placed a gas mask over her mouth and nose. he stated, and breathe deeply. This will make things easier.
Why she complied, Mikae couldn't figure out, but she did, and everything went black.