Megaman Battle Network - New Generation
Book 2 - Black History
By Zelloss
Author's Note: Didn't think I was done, did you? Not by far! I've turned New Generation into a set of stories! The first you've already read, about the story of Hayato's youth. After carefull consideration, I decided to create a rather dark story, the truth behind Zelloss. What is his past? Well, you know a bit, but that's not much. Disclaimer: I've decided not to put Disclaimers anymore, just because I'm running out of things to say,
WARNING: This story is dark. As in very, very, VERY dark. If you don't like stories of abuse, violence, murder, and overall sadness, do not read. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, and don't you forget it!
Chapter 1 - Lover of Darkness I open my eyes and look around me. I felt a shiver, but it was nothing. Must be cold outside, I figure. I shrug it off and get up from my bed.
My name is Zelloss. It means Lover of. Lover of what?, you may ask. Perhaps my last name will help. Grausherra. It means Darkness. Odd name, I know. I like how it sounds, though.
I took a look around my room. Just an average bedroom, meant for an average boy. Well, not really an average boy. My mom and dad were the richest people on the island. They're world-renown scientests, although I haven't seen them in months. I've been stuck living with the scum that is my aunt and uncle.
Don't get me wrong, they could be nice people, my aunt and uncle. I just can't stand them, and they can't stand me.
Reason one being that they constantly invite people over to our 'mansion' for parties, totally ignoring me. I'm about five years old! Give me a break! I need my sleep! The only good thing that comes out of this is that I get to whine my head off, annoying all the guests. I guess that's one of the reasons my aunt and uncle can't stand me either.
Reason two is that they treat me like a burden, not family. I'm fed and kept clean and stuff, but aside from that, I'm constantly locked up in my room like a prisoner. I never have anything to do. When I can, I steal scientific books from my father's room, but I can't read them. They're in another language. Dad calls it Electopian.
See, this island isn't part of any continent. It's also probably the coldest country that is even remotly civilized. Our beautiful island paradise known as Eyod. Well, I can't exactly call it a paradise. You see, any day where it isn't snowing or at 30 under is considered a warm day. The people from this island are incredibly resiliant to the cold, thank god. Or else a child like me wouldn't survive more then three years.
Today, it must be about 50 under. Up here, that usually means we have a blizzard outside. Well, no parties today. Nobody went outside during blizzards. It was totally nuts. The wind could freeze the normal human in seconds. Even people born here don't like the cold. It's probably one of the deadliest things on this island.
I stretched out my arms and walked towards the window. It seems nice out today. Well, aside from the snow, but hey. That's the average day here.
I looked down from the window to the dirt road, the only constantly not-snowed-upon part of our village, the only one of the island. I was on the second floor of our 'mansion', the everyday house of people that lived on a continent. Compared to the two-room shacks everybody else was on, I was like a king. There, I saw Mihill. Her full name is Mihillias Deamondos, or Creator of Jewels. Everybody just calls her Mihill, it's much easier.
I sighed. She was beautiful. Long blonde hair, a slim body, and golden eyes. Sure, we were both only five, but I liked her, and she liked me, and, well, that was about it.
"Zelloss!" came an ear-shatering shriek from downstairs.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Coming, Aunty" I shouted, opening the door. I moved myself as quick as possible down the stairs, into our living room. It held a pair of couches, some chairs, and a table. Nothing fancy or anything. My parents just liked to keep things simple, to escape from their incredibly complex lives, or so I suspected.
On one of the couches sat my evil aunt and uncle. My aunt wasn't the most beautiful of women. She was somewhat plump, and wore a purple dress constantly that really didn't help much. She was also rather short. She had curly brown hair and piercing hazel eyes, and a neck like an eagle's. I didn't like her looks or her personality.
As for my uncle, he was a bit better. He was dressed in a brown suit and tie and the lot, had long, naturally silver hair, and sharp blue eyes. He was much taller then me and my aunt, and rather handsome.
"What slave work do you have for me today?" I sighed out of boredom. I almost welcomed this labor, after all, it was better then sitting around doing nothing.
Aunt Perce glared at me. There was a reason she was named Perce, her full name being Perce Mitso. Or Piercer of Souls. Her glares made you feel like she was trying to skin you alive and eat away your livelyhood.
"Don't joke, kiddo" Uncle Johnou scolded. "You know your aunt doesn't like it. As for your 'slave work' today, we don't have any for you."
"Then why'd you make me come down here?" I grumbled and sighed. I was still rather tired.
"Your uncle has to leave for Electopia right away" Aunt Perce told me. "I got a message from your dad earlier."
That caught my attention. "Can I see it?" I asked out of curiousity.
"Absolutly not" she shot down my hopes. "I don't want you to see it, it's too... nevermind. It's in your best interest. Anyway, your uncle has to go to see your father. I was expecting you'd at least like to say bye to him."
I sighed, but I liked my uncle a bit, so I faked sadness and ran up to give him a hug. "Bye, uncle" I made a fake sniffle.
"See ya, Zelloss" he smiled at me, before prying me away and walking out the door. I started to move towards the stairs slowly, making myself look sad.
"Nice try, kid" my aunt smirked evilly. "Where do you think you're going?"
I stopped cold, my shoulders stiffening up.
"Listen, with him gone, things are about to change" she began, a definite tone of hate in her voice. I heard her step towards me. I didn't want to turn around.
I heard another step. "I run this household now."
Another step. "You will do what I say."
Another. "When I say."
Yet another. "How I say."
Another step. I could sense her right behind me. I still didn't want to turn. "If you disobey me, you will dread life and wish for death." I heard her pause for a moment, before I felt a pound on my back.
I fell forward, my jaw landing hard on the floor. "You will always look at me when I'm talking to you, too!" she commanded.
I was scared. I could taste a bit of blood. This wasn't like my aunt. She must have been planning this all along.
I moved myself away from her body. It seemed so big now.
"That, child, was nothing compared to what I will do to you if you ever disobey me. You will not leave this household, and you will always be invisible. I don't want you to be seen, you're an embaressment to this household" she towered over me, taking another step. I felt my foot surge with pain as she stepped on it. I moved it quickly.
"Aunt Perce..." I mumbled out, not sure what else to say.
"You will call me Madam, from now on, nothing else. I don't want people to know that a freak like you is my nephew!" she commanded.
Obviously I had chosen the wrong thing to say. Before she had the chance to say anything else, I turned, forced myself upwards, and ran towards the stairs, going up them as fast as my legs would carry me.
I could hear my aunt barrelling up the stairs behind me. I reached the top and turned into the hallway, then down it. I heard my aunt behind me.
"Come back here, you bastard child!" she swore and demanded.
I turned the corner into the last stretch of hallway and made another turn into my room, slamming the door behind me. I grabbed my chair and boxes; then I made a line of them from my bed to my door, making sure it was tight. I worked fast. Thankfully, I was always ready for something like this. I never expected I would never need this so much!
By the time my aunt reached my door, she tried to force it open. The door pushed against one of the boxes, being inable to open. "Open this door, you freak!"
"Not likely, you psychotic woman" I returned the insult. I moved to my window and swung it wide open, removing the panes.
The line of boxes and a chair began to move a bit. I had to work fast. I removed the middle board, then slipped out the glass panes. I slipped myself through the window and onto the overhang above our back yard. I grabbed the pipe and tried, as quickly as possible, to get down it. I looked at the fences around the house. Too big to jump, I'd have to go around.
I landed, quickly after, on a patch of snow that covered our yard constantly. I took a moment to brace myself, as it dawned on me that wearing black sneakers normally for house wear in snow wasn't that good of an idea, but I didn't have time to switch. I turned right, and then right again at the fence, to a shady path down the side of the house.
I heard the snow crinkle under my step. I reached the end of the path, and felt something grab the collar of my black shirt.
"I thought I said you weren't to leave the household!" an eagle's shriek shot from behind me. I was caught. I braced myself for the incoming impact.
I felt myself dragged through the snow, as it bit against my exposed lower leg. I heard the door open. I looked out helplessly, the collar of my shirt choking me.
I was swung around in the entry, and the door was slammed shut. My evil aunt took me into the kitchen, and grabbed my shoulders. I got a good look at her face. Her eyes were very dangerous.
She slammed me up against the wall, making me lose my breath. By the time I had caught it again, she held up against the wall, one hand holding the collar of my t-shirt. For a moment, I wondered where the other was. I found out quickly, as it connected as a fist with my right cheek.
It stang. A lot. I tried to struggle away from her, aas she pulled back and landed a blow to my gut. I felt my lungs empty out again. I coughed and tried to breath again, but I could barely catch my breath again before I felt the next blow, aimed right at my heart.
I let out a scream of pain. It hurt so much, I could hardly bear it. I felt blood rush up my throat and into my mouth. Another fist shot across my jaw, sending the blood flying onto the kitchen floor.
My devilish aunt grabbed at a drawer next to me, pulling out a very long knife. "You see this? If you disobey me, this will go through your heart" she threatened. I was scared. Beyond all reason.
"Aunt..." I stammered out.
"You will call me Madam!" she shouted, pounding me in the chest. Another rush of blood came up my throat. It stayed in my mouth.
"Ye.. Yes, Madam" I nearly cried. I was ready to die, here and now.
My aunt gave me an evil smile, and dropped me to the floor. I felt the blood come out onto my black clothes. She walked away, leaving me at the base of the wall.
I tried to move. My whole body hurt. Every bone ached, every muscle groaned. I felt helpless, completely helpless, and scared. My last bit of strength gave out, and I fell unconcious.
* * *
Over the next two or three years (I lost count), I swear that my aunt looked for every opportunity to make me bleed. She wanted me to die. I felt like I was stuck in hell.
I had to escape before she killed me. I never had a chance. She knew when I was sneaking around, trying to leave. I swear she never slept.
I looked to my right, out the window, and caught my reflection. I finally realized what a mess I had become.
My normally tidy, naturally purple (One of my odd points) had become a mess of knots. It was no longer the short, but starting to lengthen. My eyes looked dreary and dead. The color of the eyes couldn't been seen. My black t-shirt and jeans were stained with blood and dirt, and torn in a few places. I was truly a sad sight.
I had to leave, to escape from this hellhole. I did manage to, once. During the middle of the night, I climbed out my window and into the snow, escaping to Mihill's house. Bless her soul, she took me in.
I was tidied up and fed. Before I had a chance to tell her what had happened, my aunt came around.
I still, even as an adult, have nightmares about the beating I recieved. Every inch of my body was scarred and bruised. The knife was brought out, and my right arm was torn open.
That arm is still scared, a horrible reminder that stands out to me.
* * *
I felt a fist straight to my chest. I had disobeyed her again. Air rushed from my lungs as I shouted out a cry of agony.
My aunt stared me through. Then she dropped me. I was hurt, but not too much. I had begun to become tougher, and it's a good thing. I would be long dead otherwise.
"Bed, now" she commanded, signaling my 15 hours of slave work was over. I crawled away to the stairs.
I had to end this madness, tonight, I knew. I'm not sure how I knew, I just knew it would be too late if I waited any longer.
I climbed the stairs slowly, needing to catch my breath halfway up. My aunt had stepped outside for a moment. I gathered up my energy and dashed into my father's old room.
I looked around the walls to a large door, holding an old cabinet. There were lots of clothes, but that wasn't what I was after. I moved the stuff at the bottom of the closet.
In the wood floor was a small piece of metal. I pulled it, sliding it out of the way like a trap door. It opened up to reveal a small dip in the floor, the only contents being a small black box. Working quickly, I pulled the small box out and replaced the iron slider, then all the clothing.
I opened the black box. Inside was some old stuff belonging to my father, from his 'shady' days. There was a ring of lockpicks and skeleton keys, a jewel-handeled dagger, and a small handgun. I grabbed the gun and checked it. Still loaded.
I smiled to myself, hiding the little black box under the bed, before hurrying back to my own room. I hid the gun with my hand under the covers, turned the light switch off, and acted like I had fallen asleep.
I heard the door open downstairs as my aunt re-entered.
* * *
One hour. Two hours. Time went slowly. I waited, forcing myself to stay awake. At least my bones weren't as badly hurt anymore.
An echoing step. My aunt was coming up the stairs.
Step. Click. A light turned on in the hallway. I tensed with anxiety. I had to relax!
Another foreboding step, accompanied by the creak of floorboards. I tried to calm myself, making myself appear asleep. My eyes were thin as slits.
I heard a few more steps, each coming slowly closer. The door opened.
"See you in the next life" I heard my aunt's deadly voice hiss. The light flicked on, and I sat up slowly, nearly mythodically.
When I looked at her, she looked bloodthirsty, the kitchen knife poised in my hand. I snapped my gunhand towards her.
"My thoughts exactly" I sneered, pulling the trigger.
The sound shot across the island, startling those that were still awake and awakening those who weren't.
My aunt stood, wide-eyed, for a moment, before dropping forward. A slow spread of blood came from her chest.
I stood up and looked down at her dead, lifeless body.
I continued to look, as a slow smile spread across my face. An evil, dastardly smile that I hardly realized was there.
I realized, just then, why my name was Lover of Darkness.
I waited for a moment, contemplating my small victory, before it came to my child's head that there was something I was forgetting.
Of course! The villagers would find her soon!
I had to leave, tonight, before anybody found my dead aunt. They would know I did it instantly.
Thoughts raced across my mind. How could I escape? How? It took me a moment to think of the answer.
Mihill's father ran the boats that traveled weekly from this island to Electopia for provisions and stuff. He could take me! I was pretty sure he'd be leaving in about an hour.
I moved from my aunt's lifeless body over to my father's room, and reopened the closet. I looked over the clothing in it, and something caught my eye. A large, blackish-purple set of clothing, probably made to stretch. Although they looked rather, I slipped into them, putting them over my black suit. They fit perfect, I had to admit.
Next, I grabbed the long-sleeved shirt that matched it, and slipped it overtop. Finally, I grabbed a long cape, that, as I put it on, seem to shrink to my size. I caught my reflection in the mirror next to me, then looked to the picture of my father next to it. I smiled. Near perfect match, except he was much older then I was.
I moved to my father's bed and layed on my belly, grabbing the little black box from underneath. Inside was two other things. I also grabbed a set of lockpicks from the box, and layed them out on the bed.
I turned back to the closet and grabbed a pair of long, silver, skin- tight gloves from a shelf, putting them on. Then, a silver belt to match. There were three loops on it, which I quickly figured out what they were for.
I slipped the gun inside the back of the loops, then the jeweled dagger into the front one on my right side. I followed up by securing the lockpicks to the tiny, metal loop on the left side.
Sure, I was only five, but my mind and body felt much older. I also felt stronger, more secure. I had been hardened by the punishment I had had to endure, and now I knew that I was heartless, with the ability to kill without remorse.
I felt a bundle of hatred as I remembered the cruel acts of my aunt. My mind ached with madness and vengence, then I felt it all leave me, suddenly. Where it went, I had no clue, except that all those feelings had left.
I suddenly realized what I could do. The letter that had sent my uncle off. Where was it?
I began to search the room. I flew up books scattered across the floor. Nothing. Checked underneath the bed. Nothing. Then I moved to the cabinet.
One of the drawers was locked shut. I grabbed the lockpicks and opened the drawer up, being carefull not to break the lockpicks, or else I may never get the letter.
Eventually, I heard the satisfying click as I twisted the pick, the drawer sliding open. I looked inside to see a single letter. I picked it up.
~To My Son
I'm sorry I left, and that I will never see you again. Me and your mother must hide from the eyes of people. We've done something wrong. Terribly wrong. Now people are out to remove us from the face of the earth because of it. Even the ONBA wants us gone because of the menace we have created.
I daresay your further travels will put you in contact with these things.
Please, come to Electopia. If you have the spirit of Grausherra and the courage of Amerias, you will come here and find the incompleted projects. I know you have the same potential as I once had, so don't fail me.
P.S. I knew in advance that you'd use the revolver before I left the island. That's why I left it loaded. You are my son, I know what you'll do more then you expect.
~Your Father, Neero Grausherra
I held the letter tight in my hand. I smiled at the words of my father. "I will go to Electopia, dad" I promised. "Trust me."
* * *
The whipping winds and snow covered my hair in a blanket of white. The storm was cold, but I had an extra layer of covering, that of my father.
Thank goodness it was only a short walk to Mihill's house. It took me only a few minutes to walk there, despite the wind blowing against me.
I reached the small, one-floor house and rapped on the door. "Mihillias? Mihill-chan? You awake?" I shouted out through the door.
I heard some shuffling inside. The door swung open and Mihill, clad in a nice white tone, opened up.
"Zel? At this time? And isn't that your father's..?" Mihill began to ask quickly, but I shushed her.
"Listen. When does your father leave for Electopia?" I demanded.
"He left for the pier about a minute ago. If you want to catch up to him, go quick."
I sped off down the lightly snow-covered road, then I heard another set of footsteps, making me stop.
"Mihill?" I stammered. "Don't tell me you're coming!"
"I'm following you so that you don't leave me without a good-bye!" Mihill smiled. I didn't want to leave without a good-bye, so I turned and resumed my running, Mihill following quickly behind me.
The weather didn't improve nor get worse as we continued down the island, arriving at the pier not long after. Mihill's father, Jerill (Crosser of) appeared ready to leave.
"Wait! Father!" Mihill shouted, making him stop.
"Mihill? Zelloss?" Jerill asked, turning to face us. He was a rather burly man, who looked a lot like a classic sailor. He even had a mustache, although it was now slightly tipped with snow.
"I'm leaving this place" I stammered. "Don't ask, I need to leave. Personal reasons" I tried to sound mature.
Mihill wasn't expecting that. "Wait, Zel! You're leaving! You can't! I... I don't know what I'd do!"
I turned, a tear in my eye. "I'm sorry, Mihill. If I stay any longer, you will wish I had left."
Mihill ran up and gave me a big hug. Being somewhat tall for my age, I knelt down with one knee to reach her level.
Mihill kissed me on the cheek. I blushed a bit, before returning the kiss.
Then I did something I never thought I would do. I reached down the neck of my shirt and felt something metallic, then pulled it from underneath my shirt. I pulled a metal chain up over my head.
"Take it" I said. "I won't need it. This way, you'll never forget me."
I opened up my hand. Inside was a silver-crafted design, two crecent moons making up a circle.
"The symbol of Grausherra..." Mihill whispered. "Zel... I..."
Before she could respond, I opened up her soft hand and placed it in there, clutching her hand around it.
"Some time, Mihillias Deamondos, I will return to you, I promise on my uninnocent soul" another tear formed in my eye. I kissed her on the forehead before standing up.
"Coming, Zel?" Jerill called out. I turned towards Jerill before stepping onto the boat. It came to life quickly, the motor activating as we sped off.
Mihill waved at us as far as I could see her. I waved back. Perhaps it would be the last time I would see her. On the other hand, I knew I would make good on my promise.
I saw the white-colored island dissapear on the horizon. I realized, finally, how sleepy I was, and I layed down on the deck to fall asleep.
* * *
"What are you?" I demanded. I was standing alone, on a plane of darkness.
"I am what you want" a kind voice responded, yet something about it chilled me. "I am your creation."
A young man, clad in silver robes and leather armor, with short blue hair, appeared. Beside him, Mihill appeared.
"Zel..." Mihill's sweet voice called out, almost pleading. I dashed towards her, but it seemed she only got farther away.
I continued to run, using up all my energy, the mysterious man and Mihill still moving farther away. Eventually, when I felt my legs would give out, they slowed down. I kept moving, trying to reach them.
"They are mine, as you will be!" boomed a deep voice. I spotted a speck of darkness as far away as I could see. It was growing, steadily.
"What is this?" I demanded. The darkness reached the man and Mihill.
"Help me!" Mihill pleaded. "Zel!"
"This is your fault" the robed man demanded. "You have the ability to stop this, before it consumes us all."
The darkness spread, engulfing the man and Mihill. "Come back!" I shouted. My demand was answered some other way. Another person appeared, at the end of the darkness, pushing it back. A small, silver-haired child. He looked older then me, however.
"Zel... Don't let this happen!" the child shouted out, almost in pain, before he, too, was covered in the darkness.
"Please, tell me..." I fell to my knees. "How can I stop this?"
Another child appeared, only a few feet from me. He looked a lot like me. Except diffrent. "You know, Zel. When the time comes, you will know what to do, father."
My eyes opened in shock, before the child was swallowed by the darkness as well. Had he called me father? Was that my future son?
The darkness reached me, covering me up.
"Lover of Darkness, you are mine!" demanded the deep, evil voice.
Author's Note: Didn't think I was done, did you? Not by far! I've turned New Generation into a set of stories! The first you've already read, about the story of Hayato's youth. After carefull consideration, I decided to create a rather dark story, the truth behind Zelloss. What is his past? Well, you know a bit, but that's not much. Disclaimer: I've decided not to put Disclaimers anymore, just because I'm running out of things to say,
WARNING: This story is dark. As in very, very, VERY dark. If you don't like stories of abuse, violence, murder, and overall sadness, do not read. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, and don't you forget it!
Chapter 1 - Lover of Darkness I open my eyes and look around me. I felt a shiver, but it was nothing. Must be cold outside, I figure. I shrug it off and get up from my bed.
My name is Zelloss. It means Lover of. Lover of what?, you may ask. Perhaps my last name will help. Grausherra. It means Darkness. Odd name, I know. I like how it sounds, though.
I took a look around my room. Just an average bedroom, meant for an average boy. Well, not really an average boy. My mom and dad were the richest people on the island. They're world-renown scientests, although I haven't seen them in months. I've been stuck living with the scum that is my aunt and uncle.
Don't get me wrong, they could be nice people, my aunt and uncle. I just can't stand them, and they can't stand me.
Reason one being that they constantly invite people over to our 'mansion' for parties, totally ignoring me. I'm about five years old! Give me a break! I need my sleep! The only good thing that comes out of this is that I get to whine my head off, annoying all the guests. I guess that's one of the reasons my aunt and uncle can't stand me either.
Reason two is that they treat me like a burden, not family. I'm fed and kept clean and stuff, but aside from that, I'm constantly locked up in my room like a prisoner. I never have anything to do. When I can, I steal scientific books from my father's room, but I can't read them. They're in another language. Dad calls it Electopian.
See, this island isn't part of any continent. It's also probably the coldest country that is even remotly civilized. Our beautiful island paradise known as Eyod. Well, I can't exactly call it a paradise. You see, any day where it isn't snowing or at 30 under is considered a warm day. The people from this island are incredibly resiliant to the cold, thank god. Or else a child like me wouldn't survive more then three years.
Today, it must be about 50 under. Up here, that usually means we have a blizzard outside. Well, no parties today. Nobody went outside during blizzards. It was totally nuts. The wind could freeze the normal human in seconds. Even people born here don't like the cold. It's probably one of the deadliest things on this island.
I stretched out my arms and walked towards the window. It seems nice out today. Well, aside from the snow, but hey. That's the average day here.
I looked down from the window to the dirt road, the only constantly not-snowed-upon part of our village, the only one of the island. I was on the second floor of our 'mansion', the everyday house of people that lived on a continent. Compared to the two-room shacks everybody else was on, I was like a king. There, I saw Mihill. Her full name is Mihillias Deamondos, or Creator of Jewels. Everybody just calls her Mihill, it's much easier.
I sighed. She was beautiful. Long blonde hair, a slim body, and golden eyes. Sure, we were both only five, but I liked her, and she liked me, and, well, that was about it.
"Zelloss!" came an ear-shatering shriek from downstairs.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Coming, Aunty" I shouted, opening the door. I moved myself as quick as possible down the stairs, into our living room. It held a pair of couches, some chairs, and a table. Nothing fancy or anything. My parents just liked to keep things simple, to escape from their incredibly complex lives, or so I suspected.
On one of the couches sat my evil aunt and uncle. My aunt wasn't the most beautiful of women. She was somewhat plump, and wore a purple dress constantly that really didn't help much. She was also rather short. She had curly brown hair and piercing hazel eyes, and a neck like an eagle's. I didn't like her looks or her personality.
As for my uncle, he was a bit better. He was dressed in a brown suit and tie and the lot, had long, naturally silver hair, and sharp blue eyes. He was much taller then me and my aunt, and rather handsome.
"What slave work do you have for me today?" I sighed out of boredom. I almost welcomed this labor, after all, it was better then sitting around doing nothing.
Aunt Perce glared at me. There was a reason she was named Perce, her full name being Perce Mitso. Or Piercer of Souls. Her glares made you feel like she was trying to skin you alive and eat away your livelyhood.
"Don't joke, kiddo" Uncle Johnou scolded. "You know your aunt doesn't like it. As for your 'slave work' today, we don't have any for you."
"Then why'd you make me come down here?" I grumbled and sighed. I was still rather tired.
"Your uncle has to leave for Electopia right away" Aunt Perce told me. "I got a message from your dad earlier."
That caught my attention. "Can I see it?" I asked out of curiousity.
"Absolutly not" she shot down my hopes. "I don't want you to see it, it's too... nevermind. It's in your best interest. Anyway, your uncle has to go to see your father. I was expecting you'd at least like to say bye to him."
I sighed, but I liked my uncle a bit, so I faked sadness and ran up to give him a hug. "Bye, uncle" I made a fake sniffle.
"See ya, Zelloss" he smiled at me, before prying me away and walking out the door. I started to move towards the stairs slowly, making myself look sad.
"Nice try, kid" my aunt smirked evilly. "Where do you think you're going?"
I stopped cold, my shoulders stiffening up.
"Listen, with him gone, things are about to change" she began, a definite tone of hate in her voice. I heard her step towards me. I didn't want to turn around.
I heard another step. "I run this household now."
Another step. "You will do what I say."
Another. "When I say."
Yet another. "How I say."
Another step. I could sense her right behind me. I still didn't want to turn. "If you disobey me, you will dread life and wish for death." I heard her pause for a moment, before I felt a pound on my back.
I fell forward, my jaw landing hard on the floor. "You will always look at me when I'm talking to you, too!" she commanded.
I was scared. I could taste a bit of blood. This wasn't like my aunt. She must have been planning this all along.
I moved myself away from her body. It seemed so big now.
"That, child, was nothing compared to what I will do to you if you ever disobey me. You will not leave this household, and you will always be invisible. I don't want you to be seen, you're an embaressment to this household" she towered over me, taking another step. I felt my foot surge with pain as she stepped on it. I moved it quickly.
"Aunt Perce..." I mumbled out, not sure what else to say.
"You will call me Madam, from now on, nothing else. I don't want people to know that a freak like you is my nephew!" she commanded.
Obviously I had chosen the wrong thing to say. Before she had the chance to say anything else, I turned, forced myself upwards, and ran towards the stairs, going up them as fast as my legs would carry me.
I could hear my aunt barrelling up the stairs behind me. I reached the top and turned into the hallway, then down it. I heard my aunt behind me.
"Come back here, you bastard child!" she swore and demanded.
I turned the corner into the last stretch of hallway and made another turn into my room, slamming the door behind me. I grabbed my chair and boxes; then I made a line of them from my bed to my door, making sure it was tight. I worked fast. Thankfully, I was always ready for something like this. I never expected I would never need this so much!
By the time my aunt reached my door, she tried to force it open. The door pushed against one of the boxes, being inable to open. "Open this door, you freak!"
"Not likely, you psychotic woman" I returned the insult. I moved to my window and swung it wide open, removing the panes.
The line of boxes and a chair began to move a bit. I had to work fast. I removed the middle board, then slipped out the glass panes. I slipped myself through the window and onto the overhang above our back yard. I grabbed the pipe and tried, as quickly as possible, to get down it. I looked at the fences around the house. Too big to jump, I'd have to go around.
I landed, quickly after, on a patch of snow that covered our yard constantly. I took a moment to brace myself, as it dawned on me that wearing black sneakers normally for house wear in snow wasn't that good of an idea, but I didn't have time to switch. I turned right, and then right again at the fence, to a shady path down the side of the house.
I heard the snow crinkle under my step. I reached the end of the path, and felt something grab the collar of my black shirt.
"I thought I said you weren't to leave the household!" an eagle's shriek shot from behind me. I was caught. I braced myself for the incoming impact.
I felt myself dragged through the snow, as it bit against my exposed lower leg. I heard the door open. I looked out helplessly, the collar of my shirt choking me.
I was swung around in the entry, and the door was slammed shut. My evil aunt took me into the kitchen, and grabbed my shoulders. I got a good look at her face. Her eyes were very dangerous.
She slammed me up against the wall, making me lose my breath. By the time I had caught it again, she held up against the wall, one hand holding the collar of my t-shirt. For a moment, I wondered where the other was. I found out quickly, as it connected as a fist with my right cheek.
It stang. A lot. I tried to struggle away from her, aas she pulled back and landed a blow to my gut. I felt my lungs empty out again. I coughed and tried to breath again, but I could barely catch my breath again before I felt the next blow, aimed right at my heart.
I let out a scream of pain. It hurt so much, I could hardly bear it. I felt blood rush up my throat and into my mouth. Another fist shot across my jaw, sending the blood flying onto the kitchen floor.
My devilish aunt grabbed at a drawer next to me, pulling out a very long knife. "You see this? If you disobey me, this will go through your heart" she threatened. I was scared. Beyond all reason.
"Aunt..." I stammered out.
"You will call me Madam!" she shouted, pounding me in the chest. Another rush of blood came up my throat. It stayed in my mouth.
"Ye.. Yes, Madam" I nearly cried. I was ready to die, here and now.
My aunt gave me an evil smile, and dropped me to the floor. I felt the blood come out onto my black clothes. She walked away, leaving me at the base of the wall.
I tried to move. My whole body hurt. Every bone ached, every muscle groaned. I felt helpless, completely helpless, and scared. My last bit of strength gave out, and I fell unconcious.
* * *
Over the next two or three years (I lost count), I swear that my aunt looked for every opportunity to make me bleed. She wanted me to die. I felt like I was stuck in hell.
I had to escape before she killed me. I never had a chance. She knew when I was sneaking around, trying to leave. I swear she never slept.
I looked to my right, out the window, and caught my reflection. I finally realized what a mess I had become.
My normally tidy, naturally purple (One of my odd points) had become a mess of knots. It was no longer the short, but starting to lengthen. My eyes looked dreary and dead. The color of the eyes couldn't been seen. My black t-shirt and jeans were stained with blood and dirt, and torn in a few places. I was truly a sad sight.
I had to leave, to escape from this hellhole. I did manage to, once. During the middle of the night, I climbed out my window and into the snow, escaping to Mihill's house. Bless her soul, she took me in.
I was tidied up and fed. Before I had a chance to tell her what had happened, my aunt came around.
I still, even as an adult, have nightmares about the beating I recieved. Every inch of my body was scarred and bruised. The knife was brought out, and my right arm was torn open.
That arm is still scared, a horrible reminder that stands out to me.
* * *
I felt a fist straight to my chest. I had disobeyed her again. Air rushed from my lungs as I shouted out a cry of agony.
My aunt stared me through. Then she dropped me. I was hurt, but not too much. I had begun to become tougher, and it's a good thing. I would be long dead otherwise.
"Bed, now" she commanded, signaling my 15 hours of slave work was over. I crawled away to the stairs.
I had to end this madness, tonight, I knew. I'm not sure how I knew, I just knew it would be too late if I waited any longer.
I climbed the stairs slowly, needing to catch my breath halfway up. My aunt had stepped outside for a moment. I gathered up my energy and dashed into my father's old room.
I looked around the walls to a large door, holding an old cabinet. There were lots of clothes, but that wasn't what I was after. I moved the stuff at the bottom of the closet.
In the wood floor was a small piece of metal. I pulled it, sliding it out of the way like a trap door. It opened up to reveal a small dip in the floor, the only contents being a small black box. Working quickly, I pulled the small box out and replaced the iron slider, then all the clothing.
I opened the black box. Inside was some old stuff belonging to my father, from his 'shady' days. There was a ring of lockpicks and skeleton keys, a jewel-handeled dagger, and a small handgun. I grabbed the gun and checked it. Still loaded.
I smiled to myself, hiding the little black box under the bed, before hurrying back to my own room. I hid the gun with my hand under the covers, turned the light switch off, and acted like I had fallen asleep.
I heard the door open downstairs as my aunt re-entered.
* * *
One hour. Two hours. Time went slowly. I waited, forcing myself to stay awake. At least my bones weren't as badly hurt anymore.
An echoing step. My aunt was coming up the stairs.
Step. Click. A light turned on in the hallway. I tensed with anxiety. I had to relax!
Another foreboding step, accompanied by the creak of floorboards. I tried to calm myself, making myself appear asleep. My eyes were thin as slits.
I heard a few more steps, each coming slowly closer. The door opened.
"See you in the next life" I heard my aunt's deadly voice hiss. The light flicked on, and I sat up slowly, nearly mythodically.
When I looked at her, she looked bloodthirsty, the kitchen knife poised in my hand. I snapped my gunhand towards her.
"My thoughts exactly" I sneered, pulling the trigger.
The sound shot across the island, startling those that were still awake and awakening those who weren't.
My aunt stood, wide-eyed, for a moment, before dropping forward. A slow spread of blood came from her chest.
I stood up and looked down at her dead, lifeless body.
I continued to look, as a slow smile spread across my face. An evil, dastardly smile that I hardly realized was there.
I realized, just then, why my name was Lover of Darkness.
I waited for a moment, contemplating my small victory, before it came to my child's head that there was something I was forgetting.
Of course! The villagers would find her soon!
I had to leave, tonight, before anybody found my dead aunt. They would know I did it instantly.
Thoughts raced across my mind. How could I escape? How? It took me a moment to think of the answer.
Mihill's father ran the boats that traveled weekly from this island to Electopia for provisions and stuff. He could take me! I was pretty sure he'd be leaving in about an hour.
I moved from my aunt's lifeless body over to my father's room, and reopened the closet. I looked over the clothing in it, and something caught my eye. A large, blackish-purple set of clothing, probably made to stretch. Although they looked rather, I slipped into them, putting them over my black suit. They fit perfect, I had to admit.
Next, I grabbed the long-sleeved shirt that matched it, and slipped it overtop. Finally, I grabbed a long cape, that, as I put it on, seem to shrink to my size. I caught my reflection in the mirror next to me, then looked to the picture of my father next to it. I smiled. Near perfect match, except he was much older then I was.
I moved to my father's bed and layed on my belly, grabbing the little black box from underneath. Inside was two other things. I also grabbed a set of lockpicks from the box, and layed them out on the bed.
I turned back to the closet and grabbed a pair of long, silver, skin- tight gloves from a shelf, putting them on. Then, a silver belt to match. There were three loops on it, which I quickly figured out what they were for.
I slipped the gun inside the back of the loops, then the jeweled dagger into the front one on my right side. I followed up by securing the lockpicks to the tiny, metal loop on the left side.
Sure, I was only five, but my mind and body felt much older. I also felt stronger, more secure. I had been hardened by the punishment I had had to endure, and now I knew that I was heartless, with the ability to kill without remorse.
I felt a bundle of hatred as I remembered the cruel acts of my aunt. My mind ached with madness and vengence, then I felt it all leave me, suddenly. Where it went, I had no clue, except that all those feelings had left.
I suddenly realized what I could do. The letter that had sent my uncle off. Where was it?
I began to search the room. I flew up books scattered across the floor. Nothing. Checked underneath the bed. Nothing. Then I moved to the cabinet.
One of the drawers was locked shut. I grabbed the lockpicks and opened the drawer up, being carefull not to break the lockpicks, or else I may never get the letter.
Eventually, I heard the satisfying click as I twisted the pick, the drawer sliding open. I looked inside to see a single letter. I picked it up.
~To My Son
I'm sorry I left, and that I will never see you again. Me and your mother must hide from the eyes of people. We've done something wrong. Terribly wrong. Now people are out to remove us from the face of the earth because of it. Even the ONBA wants us gone because of the menace we have created.
I daresay your further travels will put you in contact with these things.
Please, come to Electopia. If you have the spirit of Grausherra and the courage of Amerias, you will come here and find the incompleted projects. I know you have the same potential as I once had, so don't fail me.
P.S. I knew in advance that you'd use the revolver before I left the island. That's why I left it loaded. You are my son, I know what you'll do more then you expect.
~Your Father, Neero Grausherra
I held the letter tight in my hand. I smiled at the words of my father. "I will go to Electopia, dad" I promised. "Trust me."
* * *
The whipping winds and snow covered my hair in a blanket of white. The storm was cold, but I had an extra layer of covering, that of my father.
Thank goodness it was only a short walk to Mihill's house. It took me only a few minutes to walk there, despite the wind blowing against me.
I reached the small, one-floor house and rapped on the door. "Mihillias? Mihill-chan? You awake?" I shouted out through the door.
I heard some shuffling inside. The door swung open and Mihill, clad in a nice white tone, opened up.
"Zel? At this time? And isn't that your father's..?" Mihill began to ask quickly, but I shushed her.
"Listen. When does your father leave for Electopia?" I demanded.
"He left for the pier about a minute ago. If you want to catch up to him, go quick."
I sped off down the lightly snow-covered road, then I heard another set of footsteps, making me stop.
"Mihill?" I stammered. "Don't tell me you're coming!"
"I'm following you so that you don't leave me without a good-bye!" Mihill smiled. I didn't want to leave without a good-bye, so I turned and resumed my running, Mihill following quickly behind me.
The weather didn't improve nor get worse as we continued down the island, arriving at the pier not long after. Mihill's father, Jerill (Crosser of) appeared ready to leave.
"Wait! Father!" Mihill shouted, making him stop.
"Mihill? Zelloss?" Jerill asked, turning to face us. He was a rather burly man, who looked a lot like a classic sailor. He even had a mustache, although it was now slightly tipped with snow.
"I'm leaving this place" I stammered. "Don't ask, I need to leave. Personal reasons" I tried to sound mature.
Mihill wasn't expecting that. "Wait, Zel! You're leaving! You can't! I... I don't know what I'd do!"
I turned, a tear in my eye. "I'm sorry, Mihill. If I stay any longer, you will wish I had left."
Mihill ran up and gave me a big hug. Being somewhat tall for my age, I knelt down with one knee to reach her level.
Mihill kissed me on the cheek. I blushed a bit, before returning the kiss.
Then I did something I never thought I would do. I reached down the neck of my shirt and felt something metallic, then pulled it from underneath my shirt. I pulled a metal chain up over my head.
"Take it" I said. "I won't need it. This way, you'll never forget me."
I opened up my hand. Inside was a silver-crafted design, two crecent moons making up a circle.
"The symbol of Grausherra..." Mihill whispered. "Zel... I..."
Before she could respond, I opened up her soft hand and placed it in there, clutching her hand around it.
"Some time, Mihillias Deamondos, I will return to you, I promise on my uninnocent soul" another tear formed in my eye. I kissed her on the forehead before standing up.
"Coming, Zel?" Jerill called out. I turned towards Jerill before stepping onto the boat. It came to life quickly, the motor activating as we sped off.
Mihill waved at us as far as I could see her. I waved back. Perhaps it would be the last time I would see her. On the other hand, I knew I would make good on my promise.
I saw the white-colored island dissapear on the horizon. I realized, finally, how sleepy I was, and I layed down on the deck to fall asleep.
* * *
"What are you?" I demanded. I was standing alone, on a plane of darkness.
"I am what you want" a kind voice responded, yet something about it chilled me. "I am your creation."
A young man, clad in silver robes and leather armor, with short blue hair, appeared. Beside him, Mihill appeared.
"Zel..." Mihill's sweet voice called out, almost pleading. I dashed towards her, but it seemed she only got farther away.
I continued to run, using up all my energy, the mysterious man and Mihill still moving farther away. Eventually, when I felt my legs would give out, they slowed down. I kept moving, trying to reach them.
"They are mine, as you will be!" boomed a deep voice. I spotted a speck of darkness as far away as I could see. It was growing, steadily.
"What is this?" I demanded. The darkness reached the man and Mihill.
"Help me!" Mihill pleaded. "Zel!"
"This is your fault" the robed man demanded. "You have the ability to stop this, before it consumes us all."
The darkness spread, engulfing the man and Mihill. "Come back!" I shouted. My demand was answered some other way. Another person appeared, at the end of the darkness, pushing it back. A small, silver-haired child. He looked older then me, however.
"Zel... Don't let this happen!" the child shouted out, almost in pain, before he, too, was covered in the darkness.
"Please, tell me..." I fell to my knees. "How can I stop this?"
Another child appeared, only a few feet from me. He looked a lot like me. Except diffrent. "You know, Zel. When the time comes, you will know what to do, father."
My eyes opened in shock, before the child was swallowed by the darkness as well. Had he called me father? Was that my future son?
The darkness reached me, covering me up.
"Lover of Darkness, you are mine!" demanded the deep, evil voice.