Megaman Battle Network - New Generation
Book 3 - Lost Child
By Zelloss
Author's Note: Well, now we know just where we are in the other stories (In relation, anyway). So now we tear into new territory, the time after Zel's death. And the climax of our story. There'll be one more chapter to this story after this, then it's done! Well, this book, anyway.
WARNING: Violence. Blood. Angst. You know the deal by now, ne?
Chapter 5 - The Truth
What can I say? The next several years were a slow, tedious piece of work.
Did I say slow and tedious? I meant fast and dangerous.
You see, I believed Morpheus. As it turns out, Morpheus, Andy, and a sparse few other members of NeoGospel still remained.
Me among them.
The new base was set up (disrespectfully enough) below the graveyard where my father had been buried.
Which gave me lots of time to visit him. In truth, I realized that perhaps my deafness was to keep me from becoming too powerfull...
Especially with what I could hear and sense.
While my second sense (Sight) was removed, I gained a sixth sense. I could sense people without hearing them. I could sometimes even pick up just slightly on their thoughts. I could even hear things most couldn't hear.
I heard voices in my head.
Normally, that's not a good sign.
It all started after I visited dad's grave. He was buried on a hill, under a ruined old tree, beside Mihillias. Which made sense, really.
"Dad..." I kneeled down between their two headstones. "What am I really supposed to be doing? I know something's wrong, I just can't place it..."
"Gairyio..." I heard the response in my head. I could sense nobody around me.
"Dad...?"
"Yes, Gairyio... Don't be mad at your brother..."
"Why? He let you die..."
"He couldn't have saved me. If I hadn't have died, the world would have..."
"No! That's not true!"
"Yes, Gairyio..." I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my mind was calmed.
"Dad..."
"Gairyio, there's something afoot, you're right. While Hayato grows and flourishes, meets friends and discovers love, you haven't changed a bit over these ten years..."
"Ten? It's been that many already?"
"Yes, Gairyio... You have to find the reason why you haven't changed. Or else there is no future for you..."
"Dad, I need your help..."
"I'm sorry, I can't help you..."
"Dad!"
This time, there was no response. The feeling on my shoulder had dissapeared.
"DAAAAAD!" I shouted, quickly getting up and looking around.
Not a sign. A small breeze rustled the tree over the graves, but there was no sign.
Had I just been imagining my father?
"Let there be something good about this..." I whispered. "Hearing voices. That's not like me."
* * * * *
Despite what I said right then, hearing voices became just like me. All it took was for me to touch a person, and I could sense their thoughts.
I could tell Morpheus knew it. He seemed to avoid every chance I had to tap him, even slightly. I had to know what he was thinking.
I worried my inability to grow (mentally) was because of Morpheus, somehow. Andy, too. All those people.
That's the day when something noticable.
I was busy doing a job. What was it? A break-in, hack-information, and get-out mission. In other words, a normal day.
"Got it" I smiled, as I pulled out Enker from the system, preparing to leave. I turned from the server room.
The door was open, and a silohette of a man stood there. By this time, I'm 30 years old. So most of my life is gone.
"Taylor?" I addressed the figure. "Is it clear?"
"No!" Taylor responded. "Somebody's coming..."
Taylor was one of my co-workers in NeoGospel. In fact, we had gotten along well, to some extent.
Taylor dashed in, grabbed me, and pulled me into cover behind him. He drew a gun from his belt. He knew I had no way to defend myself against such a weapon. It was my own fault though, because I chose to remain with the Dark Staff. Besides, I wasn't too good a shot with a gun anyway.
I sensed somebody approaching. They stopped just outside the line of view from the door. I wanted to warn Taylor, but I knew better. It would get us both killed.
"The door... He's right beside it..." I whispered, as inaudibly as possible, yet hoping Taylor could hear me.
There was a flash of movement as somebody dashed past the door. Taylor fired and missed.
Then the figure spun back into the doorway. A shot rang out.
Taylor dropped at my feet, dead. I drew the spear instantly, charging forward.
Then I stopped.
I looked at the figure in front of me.
"Hayato!?!?" I recognized the man.
"Gairyio?" Hayato breathed. "You're a criminal?"
"What did you expect, I'm a Grausherra" I said, half-jokingly, mostly telling the truth. Hayato had to be the only decent Grausherra since, well, I didn't know when.
"Very funny. I don't want to have to hurt you, but you'll have to come with me..."
I walked over to him. "Hold still for a moment" I reached out with a hand.
Hayato drew back. "What do you want?"
"To know what you're really thinking..." I grinned. I extended my arm fully, and managed to just reach Hayato with a flick of my finger. Instantly, I heard his real voice inside my head.
'If he's my brother, he's yet to prove it to me.'
I grin. "Prove it? Okay" I say. Hayato drew back farther, and realized I had read his thoughts.
"Hayato?" I call to him mentally.
Hayato practically freaks. "In my head?" he asks me back, mentally.
It hits me suddenly. He must have Blackfang too. "Yes, Hayato..."
"Gairyio? Is that really you?" another voice comes into my mind.
"Dynast? What do you know?" I heard Hayato's voice.
Dynast. I recognized the name instantly. The navi my father became famous with while commanding. Zel's other half.
I know instantly that I have to get my hands on him.
"I know much more then I let on" Dynast said back.
I silently chuckled. "That proof enough I'm a Grausherra? Dynast knows that I am one."
"How could I forget? Zel used to make such a fuss over you, Gairyio" Dynast said.
"I know" I said. "I can't forget... Especially after what happened when he came to me..."
"WHAT?" Hayato demanded instantly. "He came to you? What the hell do you mean?"
I laughed a bit, because now I knew instantly that Hayato had Grausherra Blood in him. Something about his fury just then.
"I was at his grave..." I began, then told them about my encounter with my father.
"So you think something's holding you back...?" I noticed Hayato hadn't let down his guard.
"Yes. In fact, now that I think about it, I know it" I said. "Let me go now."
"No. You can't be allowed to leave..." Hayato said.
I reached out with my arm again and tapped Hayato on the head. I instantly get his thoughts again.
'I... I can't fight my brother...'
Brotherhood. Something that has always endured throughout the Grausherra family. Neero and Jounou had it. If Zel had a brother, he would have had it. So me and Hayato had it to.
"Let me go, Hayato. You might not want to fight, but I am willing."
Hayato paused. "Gairyio... Damnit, just get out of here as fast as you can, but knock me out first and wound me. I want you to get away, but I don't wanna lose my job here either..."
Of course Hayato had a job here. I nearly smacked myself for being that stupid. Hayato was 22 years old now.
I nod. "See you later, Hayato" I said. I pulled back and landed a strong punch to Hayato's chest, sending him sprawling against the wall next to the doorway. I then brought out the Staff-Blade.
Something incredible tried to take over my body. I wanted to do more then wound him, right then and there.
I pushed back the influence to keep myself from hurting Hayato. I couldn't kill my brother. I slashed him quickly across the upper right arm, then put the blade away and dashed away.
* * * * *
I returned to the NeoGospel base, and turn to Morpheus. "The job is done, but we lost Taylor..."
Morpheus gulped. "Not another... Taylor we lose now. Tidus and Tay were lost in the raid some years ago. It's almost only us three now. Heck, it IS us three."
"So?" I asked.
"We need to bring the final strike to action now, before it becomes too late and NONE of us are left" Morpheus said.
Andy came into the room. "Alright. I heard everything."
"You always hear everything, Andy" I said.
Andy laughed a bit. "Well, that's it. Let's get the last plan started."
* * * * *
The three of us were positioned on top of the ONBA building. Andy was on the ground, ear to the roof, trying to listen for the positions of anybody else.
Morpheus walked over to me. "Good luck, Zann. We can't mess this one up."
I extended my hand. "You're right, Morpheus."
Morpheus extended his hand and took mine.
He had fallen for it. I tightened my grip, and Morpheus' thoughts flooded into my head.
'Gairyio, you're such a fool, really. I can't believe I've gotten you to do this. I'm sorry. I can't reveal the full details of the plan. Otherwise, I'd lose you right away. You'd run. Nobody wants to die... Why won't you let go? Do you suspect me? Do you know I lied to you about Zel's wish?'
"YOU WHAT?" I demanded instantly, and pulled my hand away. "You... You didn't..."
Morpheus blinked. "Zann? What's wrong?"
I turned on him. Andy got up on the other side of me. I drew the Staff Blade. "You lied about my dad's wish... You meant to kill me during this plan, I suspect? You've been using me all this time, and now you're about to throw me away!"
"How did you find out?" Morpheus demanded.
"I knew it, Morpheus. I suspected it all along. Zel knew it, so he tried to tell me, but I didn't get it. So he gave me the power to read the minds of others. That's what happened." I said.
"Read... Minds?" Morpheus stuttered.
I nodded and grinned. "Yes, Morpheus. Now, I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of you. Can't have you stopping me anymore."
I dashed at Morpheus, and felt a prick pass by my arm, stopping me for a moment. Andy had his hand held out. He had tried to attack me.
I turned, spun the Staff around once, and tossed it directly at Andy.
Andy was helpless. The Staff Blade speared into him, sticking in his chest.
"ANDY!" Morpheus shouted. I dashed to Andy in a couple quick strides, and pulled the Staff out. Crimson blood gushed from him.
I paused for half a moment. What had I done? I didn't mean to kill him, did I?
Did I?
Was it really me in control now? Or was it not?
My body lunged towards Morpheus. Morpheus seemed to be in shock.
"GAIRYIO! DON'T HURT HIM!" Hayato shouted to me, mentally.
I stopped, making my body freeze. The Staff-Blade stopped moving, just above Morpheus' heart.
"Gairyio..." I saw my brother emerge from a large grating in the floor/ceiling. He pulled himself out and stood up.
"Hayato Grausherra..." Morpheus cursed.
"Morpheus... It's nice to see the rumored head of Neo Gospel, finally... Looks like there's been some mutiny..." I heard Hayato laugh a bit. "In fact, I believe that's Andy that's lying dead on the floor? Us ONBA don't even have to do anything, and you guys are just going to wipe yourselves out..."
"Shut up!" Morpheus was furious. "Damnit... So many good friends of mine have been killed, and we still haven't won. Tay, Tidus, Taylor, Andy, so many others... I hate it!" Morpheus suddenly lunged at Hayato.
Hayato laughed and pulled a gun out, pointing it at Morpheus. Morpheus froze in place. He couldn't reach Hayato before Hayato fired. He'd be dead before then.
"Don't kill him, Hayato..." I told my brother. "If NeoGospel dissapears, life will be very boring for you."
Hayato thought for a moment. "You're right... I won't have anybody to torture..."
I realized then that Hayato really was a Grausherra. He was a sadist. Just like every previous member. A lover of pain and suffering.
"Besides, if it's boring, I leave the job, and don't have any money, so my triplets can't be supported..." Hayato grinned.
"Triplets?" I asked Hayato.
"Yes. Two sons and a daughter" Hayato responded, and I suddenly remembered that we were speaking mentally.
"Hayato, don't hurt him, no matter what. Or I will do what I felt the urge to the last time we met" I threatened him silently.
"Ha-ya-to! Ha-ya-to!" a voice shouted from behind Hayato, but Hayato didn't turn. Another young child appeared behind Hayato.
"Atashi, it's not safe..." Hayato told him, without even turning. Atashi stood beside Hayato and drew his gun, pointing it at me.
"I've got the other one..." Atashi said.
I recognized Atashi finally. I knew he looked familiar. The silver hair, the slightest tint of a Grausherra look in him. Shinju's son, Atashi Toriyama.
"No, Atashi, don't" Hayato said. "That... That man. He's my brother."
Atashi nearly dropped the gun, but held it steady. "He's still a member of NeoGospel."
"No, Atashi..." Hayato commanded. "Dad... Dad didn't want his sons fighting, no matter what way it was. That's not the way us Grausherras are..."
Suddenly, Hayato pulled the trigger.
Morpheus dived sideways, away from me. I saw a small spray of blood, but when I looked, I couldn't see Morpheus. A thought struck me. Had Morpheus jumped off the edge?
Now I was faced with two ONBA officers. My brother and his best friend.
"Hayato..." I whispered silently.
"Gairyio, I can't let you get away this time" Hayato said.
"Let him get away? You mean...?" Atashi caught on quick, I noted.
"Yes. Kindof. Morpheus is probably dead right now. I don't think Gairyio will need to return to NeoGospel."
I paused. Hayato looked hard at me. "I'll give you a choice, Gairyio. Don't think I'm lying about this. Either join us, or we'll have to take you in. Dead or Alive."
I gulped. "I... I... Don't know..."
Then I silently called out to the one source that could help. "Dynast, help, please. You're the closest thing I know to dad."
Dynast didn't respond for a moment. Then, "I can't help you this time, Gairyio. You're stuck. If you don't understand that, well, you're screwed."
"Shut up..." I responded to him, only to him.
"You asked" Dynast responded, matter-of-factly.
"Hayato... I'll... I'll..." I thought for a moment. "I'll join with you."
Hayato grinned. He walked slowly over to me. "Welcome to the ONBA."
He extended a hand. I took it in a handshake and his thoughts were mine instantly.
'I don't trust you, Gairyio. But it's better then fighting you. Dad definately didn't want brothers fighting. Brothers have never really done any true harm to each other in the Grausherra family, after all. Let's keep that tradition going... Are you reading my mind again? You'd better not be, you sonova... or I WILL break tradition.'
"It's involuntary. I don't have control of it. Besides, you wanted contact, that's what starts it" I mentally spoke to him.
Hayato grinned and retracted his hand. "Welcome, my brother."
Atashi looked suspiciously at me.
* * * * *
Despite the suspicion, I was accepted into the ONBA. Although I didn't like it too much, I knew Morpheus was gone, and there was no other way now.
Now, obviously, the ending to this story isn't too peacefull.
When I was 36, my life reached it's climax, to put it one way.
Hayato's children were visiting one day. Hasara, Kisato, and Lesteo. Three very energetic young kids, now around 7 or 8 years old.
I was visiting with the kids, when something big happened.
"All ONBA Officers, intruder in the Mother Computer! Intruder in the Mother Computer!" a voice shouted out.
I rose up quickly and ran out of the hallway. I didn't realize it right away, but the three kids had followed me.
The Mother Computer was the center of power for all of Electopia. Which made it a prime target for terrorism and the like.
I dashed towards the main computer console. A cloaked figure was standing there, with Hayato just behind him.
The figure turned at my approach. I saw a glint of a face under the hood. "Morpheus!" I demanded.
Hayato laughed. "You didn't know? I knew he escaped 6 years ago. In fact, this whole system needs to be restarted... The whole WORLD needs to be restarted..."
"What are you talking about?" I demanded.
"I mean, everybody has to die" Hayato laughed, his pupils black. I tried to understand it.
I ran up to Hayato. "He has to be removed!"
"No. The Mother Computer is about to blow. The explosion will take half of Electopia with it. But I will survive, and so will Morpheus, and everybody will die in time" Hayato laughed, then he reeled back and punched me in the gut.
I went flying backwards into the wall. "Ha... Hayato..." I breathed. A bit of blood trickled down my mouth. Hayato had done much more damage then I had expected.
"You can't win, Gairyio" I heard Dynast's voice taunt me. Was it Dynast? It was... unusual. Twisted. Dark.
Blackfang. It hit me instantly. I drew the Staff Blade from it's sheath and dashed forward. I knew I would have to fight now, or I'd lose my life, and so would so many others.
Hayato turned with a quick kick, hitting me in the back, and sending me crashing into the Mother Computer Console. I let out a gasp of pain. My body hurt. So bad.
"Hayato... Why?" I asked.
"Hayato doesn't live anymore, you fool" Blackfang laughed. "Why don't you join us? It'd be devilishly perfect. You'd be able to survive."
"NO!" I shouted defiantly. I got up and drew my Staff Blade into position.
Suddenly, Morpheus' hand flashed. I turned the Staff Blade just slightly, making the knife deflect off it. I heard the point bounce off a piece of hard metal between me and Morpheus, then...
There was a sickening thunk as Morpheus' own knife stuck into his chest. He gasped and looked at me.
"NeoGospel... You've killed so many, Zann..." Morpheus whispered, falling forward. The knife pushed itself deeper into him.
Morpheus was dead.
I looked at Morpheus, a tear in my eye. I dashed blindly towards Hayato. Something powerfull forced it's way into my mind. I had the killer instinct. I had Blackfang.
The children came into the Mother Computer Room behind me. I didn't hear them come in.
Hayato let out a moan of pain. I had pierced his skin and heart with the Staff Blade.
Hayato looked at me, scared. His eyes returned to the purple tint of the Grausherras.
"Why...? Why, Gairyio? Why?" Hayato pleaded.
"I had to, Hayato. People would have died..." I whispered.
"Dad!" I heard three little shouts from behind me, as I pulled the Dark Spear out of Hayato.
The three children rushed over to Hayato.
I realized just what I had done.
"No... no..." I started to cry. "No..."
Author's Note: Well, now we know just where we are in the other stories (In relation, anyway). So now we tear into new territory, the time after Zel's death. And the climax of our story. There'll be one more chapter to this story after this, then it's done! Well, this book, anyway.
WARNING: Violence. Blood. Angst. You know the deal by now, ne?
Chapter 5 - The Truth
What can I say? The next several years were a slow, tedious piece of work.
Did I say slow and tedious? I meant fast and dangerous.
You see, I believed Morpheus. As it turns out, Morpheus, Andy, and a sparse few other members of NeoGospel still remained.
Me among them.
The new base was set up (disrespectfully enough) below the graveyard where my father had been buried.
Which gave me lots of time to visit him. In truth, I realized that perhaps my deafness was to keep me from becoming too powerfull...
Especially with what I could hear and sense.
While my second sense (Sight) was removed, I gained a sixth sense. I could sense people without hearing them. I could sometimes even pick up just slightly on their thoughts. I could even hear things most couldn't hear.
I heard voices in my head.
Normally, that's not a good sign.
It all started after I visited dad's grave. He was buried on a hill, under a ruined old tree, beside Mihillias. Which made sense, really.
"Dad..." I kneeled down between their two headstones. "What am I really supposed to be doing? I know something's wrong, I just can't place it..."
"Gairyio..." I heard the response in my head. I could sense nobody around me.
"Dad...?"
"Yes, Gairyio... Don't be mad at your brother..."
"Why? He let you die..."
"He couldn't have saved me. If I hadn't have died, the world would have..."
"No! That's not true!"
"Yes, Gairyio..." I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my mind was calmed.
"Dad..."
"Gairyio, there's something afoot, you're right. While Hayato grows and flourishes, meets friends and discovers love, you haven't changed a bit over these ten years..."
"Ten? It's been that many already?"
"Yes, Gairyio... You have to find the reason why you haven't changed. Or else there is no future for you..."
"Dad, I need your help..."
"I'm sorry, I can't help you..."
"Dad!"
This time, there was no response. The feeling on my shoulder had dissapeared.
"DAAAAAD!" I shouted, quickly getting up and looking around.
Not a sign. A small breeze rustled the tree over the graves, but there was no sign.
Had I just been imagining my father?
"Let there be something good about this..." I whispered. "Hearing voices. That's not like me."
* * * * *
Despite what I said right then, hearing voices became just like me. All it took was for me to touch a person, and I could sense their thoughts.
I could tell Morpheus knew it. He seemed to avoid every chance I had to tap him, even slightly. I had to know what he was thinking.
I worried my inability to grow (mentally) was because of Morpheus, somehow. Andy, too. All those people.
That's the day when something noticable.
I was busy doing a job. What was it? A break-in, hack-information, and get-out mission. In other words, a normal day.
"Got it" I smiled, as I pulled out Enker from the system, preparing to leave. I turned from the server room.
The door was open, and a silohette of a man stood there. By this time, I'm 30 years old. So most of my life is gone.
"Taylor?" I addressed the figure. "Is it clear?"
"No!" Taylor responded. "Somebody's coming..."
Taylor was one of my co-workers in NeoGospel. In fact, we had gotten along well, to some extent.
Taylor dashed in, grabbed me, and pulled me into cover behind him. He drew a gun from his belt. He knew I had no way to defend myself against such a weapon. It was my own fault though, because I chose to remain with the Dark Staff. Besides, I wasn't too good a shot with a gun anyway.
I sensed somebody approaching. They stopped just outside the line of view from the door. I wanted to warn Taylor, but I knew better. It would get us both killed.
"The door... He's right beside it..." I whispered, as inaudibly as possible, yet hoping Taylor could hear me.
There was a flash of movement as somebody dashed past the door. Taylor fired and missed.
Then the figure spun back into the doorway. A shot rang out.
Taylor dropped at my feet, dead. I drew the spear instantly, charging forward.
Then I stopped.
I looked at the figure in front of me.
"Hayato!?!?" I recognized the man.
"Gairyio?" Hayato breathed. "You're a criminal?"
"What did you expect, I'm a Grausherra" I said, half-jokingly, mostly telling the truth. Hayato had to be the only decent Grausherra since, well, I didn't know when.
"Very funny. I don't want to have to hurt you, but you'll have to come with me..."
I walked over to him. "Hold still for a moment" I reached out with a hand.
Hayato drew back. "What do you want?"
"To know what you're really thinking..." I grinned. I extended my arm fully, and managed to just reach Hayato with a flick of my finger. Instantly, I heard his real voice inside my head.
'If he's my brother, he's yet to prove it to me.'
I grin. "Prove it? Okay" I say. Hayato drew back farther, and realized I had read his thoughts.
"Hayato?" I call to him mentally.
Hayato practically freaks. "In my head?" he asks me back, mentally.
It hits me suddenly. He must have Blackfang too. "Yes, Hayato..."
"Gairyio? Is that really you?" another voice comes into my mind.
"Dynast? What do you know?" I heard Hayato's voice.
Dynast. I recognized the name instantly. The navi my father became famous with while commanding. Zel's other half.
I know instantly that I have to get my hands on him.
"I know much more then I let on" Dynast said back.
I silently chuckled. "That proof enough I'm a Grausherra? Dynast knows that I am one."
"How could I forget? Zel used to make such a fuss over you, Gairyio" Dynast said.
"I know" I said. "I can't forget... Especially after what happened when he came to me..."
"WHAT?" Hayato demanded instantly. "He came to you? What the hell do you mean?"
I laughed a bit, because now I knew instantly that Hayato had Grausherra Blood in him. Something about his fury just then.
"I was at his grave..." I began, then told them about my encounter with my father.
"So you think something's holding you back...?" I noticed Hayato hadn't let down his guard.
"Yes. In fact, now that I think about it, I know it" I said. "Let me go now."
"No. You can't be allowed to leave..." Hayato said.
I reached out with my arm again and tapped Hayato on the head. I instantly get his thoughts again.
'I... I can't fight my brother...'
Brotherhood. Something that has always endured throughout the Grausherra family. Neero and Jounou had it. If Zel had a brother, he would have had it. So me and Hayato had it to.
"Let me go, Hayato. You might not want to fight, but I am willing."
Hayato paused. "Gairyio... Damnit, just get out of here as fast as you can, but knock me out first and wound me. I want you to get away, but I don't wanna lose my job here either..."
Of course Hayato had a job here. I nearly smacked myself for being that stupid. Hayato was 22 years old now.
I nod. "See you later, Hayato" I said. I pulled back and landed a strong punch to Hayato's chest, sending him sprawling against the wall next to the doorway. I then brought out the Staff-Blade.
Something incredible tried to take over my body. I wanted to do more then wound him, right then and there.
I pushed back the influence to keep myself from hurting Hayato. I couldn't kill my brother. I slashed him quickly across the upper right arm, then put the blade away and dashed away.
* * * * *
I returned to the NeoGospel base, and turn to Morpheus. "The job is done, but we lost Taylor..."
Morpheus gulped. "Not another... Taylor we lose now. Tidus and Tay were lost in the raid some years ago. It's almost only us three now. Heck, it IS us three."
"So?" I asked.
"We need to bring the final strike to action now, before it becomes too late and NONE of us are left" Morpheus said.
Andy came into the room. "Alright. I heard everything."
"You always hear everything, Andy" I said.
Andy laughed a bit. "Well, that's it. Let's get the last plan started."
* * * * *
The three of us were positioned on top of the ONBA building. Andy was on the ground, ear to the roof, trying to listen for the positions of anybody else.
Morpheus walked over to me. "Good luck, Zann. We can't mess this one up."
I extended my hand. "You're right, Morpheus."
Morpheus extended his hand and took mine.
He had fallen for it. I tightened my grip, and Morpheus' thoughts flooded into my head.
'Gairyio, you're such a fool, really. I can't believe I've gotten you to do this. I'm sorry. I can't reveal the full details of the plan. Otherwise, I'd lose you right away. You'd run. Nobody wants to die... Why won't you let go? Do you suspect me? Do you know I lied to you about Zel's wish?'
"YOU WHAT?" I demanded instantly, and pulled my hand away. "You... You didn't..."
Morpheus blinked. "Zann? What's wrong?"
I turned on him. Andy got up on the other side of me. I drew the Staff Blade. "You lied about my dad's wish... You meant to kill me during this plan, I suspect? You've been using me all this time, and now you're about to throw me away!"
"How did you find out?" Morpheus demanded.
"I knew it, Morpheus. I suspected it all along. Zel knew it, so he tried to tell me, but I didn't get it. So he gave me the power to read the minds of others. That's what happened." I said.
"Read... Minds?" Morpheus stuttered.
I nodded and grinned. "Yes, Morpheus. Now, I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of you. Can't have you stopping me anymore."
I dashed at Morpheus, and felt a prick pass by my arm, stopping me for a moment. Andy had his hand held out. He had tried to attack me.
I turned, spun the Staff around once, and tossed it directly at Andy.
Andy was helpless. The Staff Blade speared into him, sticking in his chest.
"ANDY!" Morpheus shouted. I dashed to Andy in a couple quick strides, and pulled the Staff out. Crimson blood gushed from him.
I paused for half a moment. What had I done? I didn't mean to kill him, did I?
Did I?
Was it really me in control now? Or was it not?
My body lunged towards Morpheus. Morpheus seemed to be in shock.
"GAIRYIO! DON'T HURT HIM!" Hayato shouted to me, mentally.
I stopped, making my body freeze. The Staff-Blade stopped moving, just above Morpheus' heart.
"Gairyio..." I saw my brother emerge from a large grating in the floor/ceiling. He pulled himself out and stood up.
"Hayato Grausherra..." Morpheus cursed.
"Morpheus... It's nice to see the rumored head of Neo Gospel, finally... Looks like there's been some mutiny..." I heard Hayato laugh a bit. "In fact, I believe that's Andy that's lying dead on the floor? Us ONBA don't even have to do anything, and you guys are just going to wipe yourselves out..."
"Shut up!" Morpheus was furious. "Damnit... So many good friends of mine have been killed, and we still haven't won. Tay, Tidus, Taylor, Andy, so many others... I hate it!" Morpheus suddenly lunged at Hayato.
Hayato laughed and pulled a gun out, pointing it at Morpheus. Morpheus froze in place. He couldn't reach Hayato before Hayato fired. He'd be dead before then.
"Don't kill him, Hayato..." I told my brother. "If NeoGospel dissapears, life will be very boring for you."
Hayato thought for a moment. "You're right... I won't have anybody to torture..."
I realized then that Hayato really was a Grausherra. He was a sadist. Just like every previous member. A lover of pain and suffering.
"Besides, if it's boring, I leave the job, and don't have any money, so my triplets can't be supported..." Hayato grinned.
"Triplets?" I asked Hayato.
"Yes. Two sons and a daughter" Hayato responded, and I suddenly remembered that we were speaking mentally.
"Hayato, don't hurt him, no matter what. Or I will do what I felt the urge to the last time we met" I threatened him silently.
"Ha-ya-to! Ha-ya-to!" a voice shouted from behind Hayato, but Hayato didn't turn. Another young child appeared behind Hayato.
"Atashi, it's not safe..." Hayato told him, without even turning. Atashi stood beside Hayato and drew his gun, pointing it at me.
"I've got the other one..." Atashi said.
I recognized Atashi finally. I knew he looked familiar. The silver hair, the slightest tint of a Grausherra look in him. Shinju's son, Atashi Toriyama.
"No, Atashi, don't" Hayato said. "That... That man. He's my brother."
Atashi nearly dropped the gun, but held it steady. "He's still a member of NeoGospel."
"No, Atashi..." Hayato commanded. "Dad... Dad didn't want his sons fighting, no matter what way it was. That's not the way us Grausherras are..."
Suddenly, Hayato pulled the trigger.
Morpheus dived sideways, away from me. I saw a small spray of blood, but when I looked, I couldn't see Morpheus. A thought struck me. Had Morpheus jumped off the edge?
Now I was faced with two ONBA officers. My brother and his best friend.
"Hayato..." I whispered silently.
"Gairyio, I can't let you get away this time" Hayato said.
"Let him get away? You mean...?" Atashi caught on quick, I noted.
"Yes. Kindof. Morpheus is probably dead right now. I don't think Gairyio will need to return to NeoGospel."
I paused. Hayato looked hard at me. "I'll give you a choice, Gairyio. Don't think I'm lying about this. Either join us, or we'll have to take you in. Dead or Alive."
I gulped. "I... I... Don't know..."
Then I silently called out to the one source that could help. "Dynast, help, please. You're the closest thing I know to dad."
Dynast didn't respond for a moment. Then, "I can't help you this time, Gairyio. You're stuck. If you don't understand that, well, you're screwed."
"Shut up..." I responded to him, only to him.
"You asked" Dynast responded, matter-of-factly.
"Hayato... I'll... I'll..." I thought for a moment. "I'll join with you."
Hayato grinned. He walked slowly over to me. "Welcome to the ONBA."
He extended a hand. I took it in a handshake and his thoughts were mine instantly.
'I don't trust you, Gairyio. But it's better then fighting you. Dad definately didn't want brothers fighting. Brothers have never really done any true harm to each other in the Grausherra family, after all. Let's keep that tradition going... Are you reading my mind again? You'd better not be, you sonova... or I WILL break tradition.'
"It's involuntary. I don't have control of it. Besides, you wanted contact, that's what starts it" I mentally spoke to him.
Hayato grinned and retracted his hand. "Welcome, my brother."
Atashi looked suspiciously at me.
* * * * *
Despite the suspicion, I was accepted into the ONBA. Although I didn't like it too much, I knew Morpheus was gone, and there was no other way now.
Now, obviously, the ending to this story isn't too peacefull.
When I was 36, my life reached it's climax, to put it one way.
Hayato's children were visiting one day. Hasara, Kisato, and Lesteo. Three very energetic young kids, now around 7 or 8 years old.
I was visiting with the kids, when something big happened.
"All ONBA Officers, intruder in the Mother Computer! Intruder in the Mother Computer!" a voice shouted out.
I rose up quickly and ran out of the hallway. I didn't realize it right away, but the three kids had followed me.
The Mother Computer was the center of power for all of Electopia. Which made it a prime target for terrorism and the like.
I dashed towards the main computer console. A cloaked figure was standing there, with Hayato just behind him.
The figure turned at my approach. I saw a glint of a face under the hood. "Morpheus!" I demanded.
Hayato laughed. "You didn't know? I knew he escaped 6 years ago. In fact, this whole system needs to be restarted... The whole WORLD needs to be restarted..."
"What are you talking about?" I demanded.
"I mean, everybody has to die" Hayato laughed, his pupils black. I tried to understand it.
I ran up to Hayato. "He has to be removed!"
"No. The Mother Computer is about to blow. The explosion will take half of Electopia with it. But I will survive, and so will Morpheus, and everybody will die in time" Hayato laughed, then he reeled back and punched me in the gut.
I went flying backwards into the wall. "Ha... Hayato..." I breathed. A bit of blood trickled down my mouth. Hayato had done much more damage then I had expected.
"You can't win, Gairyio" I heard Dynast's voice taunt me. Was it Dynast? It was... unusual. Twisted. Dark.
Blackfang. It hit me instantly. I drew the Staff Blade from it's sheath and dashed forward. I knew I would have to fight now, or I'd lose my life, and so would so many others.
Hayato turned with a quick kick, hitting me in the back, and sending me crashing into the Mother Computer Console. I let out a gasp of pain. My body hurt. So bad.
"Hayato... Why?" I asked.
"Hayato doesn't live anymore, you fool" Blackfang laughed. "Why don't you join us? It'd be devilishly perfect. You'd be able to survive."
"NO!" I shouted defiantly. I got up and drew my Staff Blade into position.
Suddenly, Morpheus' hand flashed. I turned the Staff Blade just slightly, making the knife deflect off it. I heard the point bounce off a piece of hard metal between me and Morpheus, then...
There was a sickening thunk as Morpheus' own knife stuck into his chest. He gasped and looked at me.
"NeoGospel... You've killed so many, Zann..." Morpheus whispered, falling forward. The knife pushed itself deeper into him.
Morpheus was dead.
I looked at Morpheus, a tear in my eye. I dashed blindly towards Hayato. Something powerfull forced it's way into my mind. I had the killer instinct. I had Blackfang.
The children came into the Mother Computer Room behind me. I didn't hear them come in.
Hayato let out a moan of pain. I had pierced his skin and heart with the Staff Blade.
Hayato looked at me, scared. His eyes returned to the purple tint of the Grausherras.
"Why...? Why, Gairyio? Why?" Hayato pleaded.
"I had to, Hayato. People would have died..." I whispered.
"Dad!" I heard three little shouts from behind me, as I pulled the Dark Spear out of Hayato.
The three children rushed over to Hayato.
I realized just what I had done.
"No... no..." I started to cry. "No..."