Notes: Don't worry, you haven't missed anything since the last chapter,
when Zero & Kizna were adding the second "spike" to Omega Kallisto. I just
decided it'd be better to fast forward a bit, so there are currently four
spikes.
Warning: You get to see Hiead inside Omega Kallisto here. Suffice it to
say it'll be nothing like the scenes with Erts & Emily, so prepare yourself
for some gory graphicness.
Also, this chapter is short. I'm in the midst of final exams, and...ugh.
Change Chapter 14
Erts was slowly becoming aware of a very disturbing change aboard GIS: people were getting used to Hiead.
It had been Kazuhi's seemingly total acceptance that had initially worried him, but now it was much, much worse.
Despite their famed rivalry, Zero had never actively opposed Hiead since becoming the Top. There was a kind of silent, grudging agreement between the two of them, and while Hiead barely ever said two words to his foe, Zero insisted on talking about Hiead like he wasn't there half the time. Even more worrisome was the fact that it had now spread to Kizna. To her, Hiead had become little more than a ghost, and she merely acted as if she couldn't see him at all.
Naturally, it was largely due to all the time they'd been spending together. Even after Omega Kallisto's second spike had been added, Zero & Kizna had continued to assist Kazuhi with the changes. This did not sit well with the other Pilots. Erts was more and more aware of the growing closeness (though that was a bit of a stretch) between Kazuhi and her Pilot. Gareas firmly believed that once Hiead's modifications were done, he would turn around and destroy them all. Roose had gotten over Hiead wounding him, but the fact that Zero was helping Hiead virtually replace the other Ingrids had created quite a rift between them. These days, he either kept to himself, or could be found talking to Gareas in the hushed tones of a fellow conspirator.
Perhaps the only one entirely unaffected by any of this was Leena, who did her best to remain on everyone's good side remarkably well. The fact that she was Gareas's girlfriend was pushed to the background and conveniently forgotten (notably by Gareas himself). Most people merely saw her as Chief Repairer and aide to Dr. Rivould. She remained well liked by all the Pilots & Repairers (save for Hiead, of course).
Erts was an optimist, but he was not so foolish as to believe the best about everyone he encountered. Whether Gareas's concern was unwarranted or not, as the day when Omega Kallisto's final spike would be added neared, the anxiety level around GIS steady rose like a tide. While he was not sure what would happen, something told Erts that the results of that final addition would be nothing short of explosive.
* * * * *
Kazuhi had become a rare sight at meal times. While she had steadily regained her usual color (thanks largely to Zero & Kizna, and perhaps even threats from her Pilot), she never ate with any of the others. It was assumed (quite correctly) that Erts & Tune had started bringing more than tea to her the few times she did return to her room.
When she finally did show up in the cafeteria, it was certainly not to eat.
She headed straight for Hiead's table...which, oddly enough, was now additionally and regularly occupied by Zero & Kizna. If Hiead had ever protested this, he had either been totally ignored, or had just decided it wasn't worth the effort.
Hiead looked up as his Repairer approached, knowing it had to be important for her to disturb him.
"Hiead-san," Kazuhi murmured, bowing her head respectfully. "I require your presence to install the final appendage."
For a long moment, it was as if he hadn't heard her. Then, Hiead slowly stood up. "Why?"
Kazuhi opened her mouth, perhaps to launch into a very long and technical explanation. At the last second, she decided against that. "It is mandatory that you actually be within Omega Kallisto during the installation. Otherwise...I could not guarantee that the part would function as efficiently as you requested."
"How long would this take?" he asked shortly.
"How long can you remain in Just Condition?" Kazuhi asked bluntly.
At this, Kizna dropped her fork onto the floor. Zero only frowned.
Hiead did not answer. Instead, he turned to Zero & Kizna. "Well?" he snapped.
Kizna looked flustered, mistakenly thinking that Hiead expected her to answer Kazuhi's question.
Zero laid his hand over hers. "Let's go, Kizna. We've got work to do."
Understanding dawned on her, and she stood up as all four of them headed for the docking bay.
* * * * *
Erts was in a deep sleep when someone pinched him awake. "OW!"
~Must leave now,~ Emily said in his ear. ~Hurry, Pretty.~
~"Leave? Now? Why?"~ Erts sent, rubbing his pinched arm.
~Sibling is about to begin Torture. You should not be Inside when he does.~
Erts's eyes widened. ~"Torture?! What do you mean?!"~
~No time,~ Emily insisted, pushing him away. ~Please go, Pretty. You will be hurt if you are still Inside.~
He grabbed her wrists. ~"No! Tell me what you meant by that, Emily! I need to know! Who's being tortured?!"~
Emily gave him a helpless look. ~Sister. Sibling. Both. Silence allows it. Sibling demands it.~
~"You mean Hiead wants Kazuhi to..."~ A look of horror crossed his face. ~"My dream! Emily, are they going to...to...mate?"~
She frowned and shook her head. ~Sibling and Sister will endure the Torture. Silence will only watch.~
~"Then...it's not my dream?"~
Emily shook her head and pushed him away again. ~Must go now, Pretty. Cannot be Inside when Torture begins. Sister screams loudly...~
~"Wait!"~ Erts cried, but he was already rushing back to the top of Reneighd Klein's cockpit before he could ask Emily what she'd meant. Clearly, he wouldn't have a chance to disobey her, either, because a hand gripped his neck firmly and tugged him out of the cockpit.
"You don't want to be in there just now, Erts," Gareas grunted, setting the smaller boy down. "At least, that's what Zero says. And for once, I agree with him."
Tune nodded at his side, throwing a nervous glance over at Omega Kallisto. "I don't know what Hiead is doing, but I don't think anyone should be in their Ingrid when he does it."
Erts looked as well, and was disturbed to no end to find Hiead staring back at him.
"Want to come watch my back, Cocteau?" Hiead jeered. "Make sure no takes advantage of me?"
Erts turned scarlet and ducked his head as Hiead entered Omega Kallisto's cockpit.
"What does he mean, Erts?" Tune asked, looking worried.
"Nothing, Tune," Erts said far too quickly. "It's nothing."
"It's something, alright," Gareas muttered, watching Omega Kallisto like a hawk. "And I don't like it."
* * * * *
Yamagi swallowed his cereal as normally as he could, but it was no use.
She was LOOKING at him again.
With an angry sigh, he leaned over and nudged Tukasa. "Can't you get her to STOP that?!"
His Repairer only gave him a look that implied Yamagi should consider himself fortunate to receive such attention.
"Do you KNOW what it's like, to have someone STARING at you, for ours on end, without saying a single word?!"
Tukasa stared at him. Without saying a word. As she always had.
"...dammit," Yamagi muttered, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. He risked another glance and found her eyes STILL on him.
It had been almost three months now since she'd first arrived, with no explanation as to why. And EVERYONE had wanted to know why, especially since there was apparently nothing wrong with her. Well, Yamagi knew EXACTLY what was wrong with her.
She was too damn much like Tukasa, THAT'S what was wrong with her. He didn't care if she was legendary or not. It didn't give her the right to ogle him. That was the only reason he could come up with, because it certainly felt like she was undressing him with her eyes. Only, it was more like she was undressing his very soul, which honestly scared Yamagi more than quite a bit. He almost preferred Tukasa's ogling, which was less invasive and even NORMAL by comparison. At least he'd been able to get used to her weirdness.
But you didn't get used to people like The Teela staring at you. Not when it made you wonder if you were going to be the next thing she killed. Not when it made you wonder if you were going to wake up and find her staring down at you...again. Not when it made you wonder if she was really THAT interested in your body. Not even when it made you feel the tiniest bit attractive and/or important some days.
...
The point was, she was BOTHERING him. And she probably KNEW it. And he wanted to SAY something, but what could you honestly SAY to The Teela? "Um, sorry, but could you NOT mentally undress me today? Maybe tomorrow or even next week? Or NOT EVER AGAIN?!"
And then, just like that, Teela DID stop staring at him. Now she was staring out of the window, even as a lone tear escaped her left eye and rolled slowly down her cheek.
Yamagi barely suppressed the mad, instinctive urge that wanted to RUN across the cafeteria, TOSS himself at Teela's feet, and THRUST out his tongue in an extremely uncomfortable way, which would allow him to CATCH that tiny teardrop on the tip of his tongue. If he hurried.
Which he didn't.
"She's making me CRAZY!!!" Yamagi hissed, pushing his cereal aside. He was so upset, he didn't even notice when Tukasa picked up his spoon and finished the bowl for him.
* * * * *
Hiead could only sense three things in Omega Kallisto's cockpit: darkness, silence, and stillness.
"This phase is almost complete," he whispered. "Soon, there will be no more waiting. No more childish pack logic. No more of my hands being tied." His lips twisted into a smirk. "To think I owe so much of that to a dead man. But he's not really dead to you, is he?"
The only reply was a single drop of warm liquid on his shoulder.
"That had better be blood," Hiead spat, thrusting his right hand up as it was coated in bright red flames.
The entire cockpit took on a crimson glow, revealing a humanoid form suspended above him by numerous lengths of metallic tendrils. In the red glare, it was easy to see more of the dark liquid smeared around the girl's mouth. Her face was mask like, stiff and unmoving, with a dark streak down each cheek. Her eyes were large, black, and had no pupils.
Hiead paused for a moment, letting his gaze travel over her nude form. He was not appreciating, but evaluating. What he saw didn't displease him, nor did it make him happy. Apparently satisfied, though, the anger melted out of his face as he drifted upwards, placing a hand against her cold cheek.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured, his other hand brushing against her flat belly, a finger tracing each scar with what could be considered tenderness. "Yes, it must. I would know." He licked his lips absently. "I want you to remember that pain. Treasure it. Never let it go."
Hiead's hand flew up and grabbed her raven hair roughly. "You MUST hold onto the pain. You must BECOME it. Each Victim must experience what you are right now. None may suffer any less."
There was a momentary flash of red in the empty eyes, and then nothing again.
He smiled. "Don't worry. This is the last. After this...we will truly be one." His freed hand closed on nothing, and yet, when he raised it, there was a katana of the darkest red in his grasp. Once, it had been black, but now it was so thoroughly coated in lifeblood that the original color was impossible to discern.
Her body tensed at the sight, but it did no good: she could not move within her restraints. She watched as Hiead removed his uniform. The only comfort was that he bore the same scars she did on his belly, and in many ways, they were the same entity.
"Remember to scream for me, my Goddess of War," he instructed, placing his back against her front. He then carefully positioned the katana and took a deep breath.
But her voice was gone as he ran them through, just as he had four times before. This time, though, the burning sensation seemed to have no end. She understood perfectly that this was a violent corruption of sorts, something that never should've happened. But at the same time, as she sensed his lifeblood mixing with hers, she felt at peace, knowing she was deepening the bond with her Pilot. Suddenly capable of movement, she embraced him as best she could, her head dropping to his shoulder, even as the warm, crimson stream filled her mouth, escaped her lips, and ran down his bare arm.
Hiead's eyes rolled up into his head as he tightened his mouth into a firm line, determined not to allow the blood pooling there to escape. He swallowed rapidly, tasting but not savoring. The strength of her Pilots past was flowing through them, and it was a rush unlike any other.
All around them, the darkness pulsed in time with the beating of their hearts, all three in perfect synchronicity.
* * * * *
Zero felt physically ill as he watched Omega Kallisto glow a malevolent red. Every instinct he had screamed for him to put a stop to this. Yet, he merely stood there in complete silence.
At his side, Kizna peered over Kazuhi's shoulder at the console. "How long does he have to stay like this?"
"Seven hours. At least." Kazuhi checked the readings again. "That is how long I would suggest, at any rate. I cannot be certain. There is no procedure for this, as it has never been done before."
"Never was doable before," Zero muttered.
Kizna turned to ask him something, and gasped as a single tear as red as blood fell from his left eye. "Zero, you're bleeding!"
He wiped quickly at his face, and all traces of the tear were gone. "It's nothing." Zero paused and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Kazuhi-chan, but I can't watch this any longer."
"I should be able to manage on my own, Rei-sama," Kazuhi replied swiftly. She bowed respectfully. "Thank you for all your assistance. You, as well, Kizna-san."
Kizna barely even noticed as she followed her quickly retreating Pilot. She caught his arm just as they left the docking bay. "Zero, please! You said you wouldn't do this anymore! Tell me what's going on!"
"Just Condition," Zero whispered faintly. "He's in it, but...it's not the same as...it's wrong."
"Why were you bleeding?!"
"It's...I...I'm connected to them, Kizna. All of them. I know what Omega Kallisto is feeling, why she lets him do this to her, and how much she hates the Victim for taking Yu and orphaning Kazuhi. She wants revenge in the worst way, and she'll do anything to get it...even this."
"Can't we do anything to help her?" Kizna asked softly.
"The only thing we can do now," Zero said brokenly, "is stay out of her way so she doesn't kill us, too." He pulled away from her and stumbled towards his room.
Kizna glanced at Ernn Laties and sighed. "We could really use your help right now, Teela. You'd know what to do, wouldn't you?" With that, she ran after Zero, suspecting he shouldn't be alone just then.
~~~~~
Reviews!
Since it seems to do wonders for my other fics, let the fan service begin. If you asked a question or made a comment that seemed like a question in disguise, I tried to answer it. If I missed any, or if you have new ones, ask me in a review. You COULD try e-mailing me, but I'm veeery picky about anything from addresses I don't know, so I'd prefer a question within review. Mind you, these are from chapter 1-13, so there's quite a few...
UE Chp13 Of course I'm teasing. It's what I do from time to time. But don't just assume Erts's dream is the stuff of pure nonsense, either. It isn't.
Alena S. Anigor Chp13 I was stuck for a while, but that was more due to college and lack of inspiration. But I'm back, sorta. I know EXACTLY what I'm going to do with Hiead & Kazuhi. But that doesn't mean I can't tease you. I don't recall using the word "bond" in that sense. I'm firmly against ANYONE being in a relationship with Hiead. But even godboys can have one night stands. Especially them, in fact. Confusion is a tool that's only useful when used. Or something.
UE Chp12 Not really. I've seen ONE talk show were a guy was taken advantage of. I think he was drunk, or there were two women who tied him up and had their way with him, or something. But it is possible. Just VERY rare.
UE Chp12 Of course Hiead isn't going to fall for Kazuhi. But when was love ever a prerequisite for the doing the horizontal hokey pokey? ...now I'm scaring myself. Zero can be serious. Sometimes. And he has to have something in common with Hiead. They're both godboys, and in the end they both want to defeat the Victim. It's their methods that would differ. As will be obvious when Hiead's new Ingrid is complete. And I'm so glad to have put that evil in your head. If I ever see a Hiead/Kazuhi fic...well, it'd be scary...but I'd be insanely proud nonetheless. INSANE!!!
UE Chp11 I liked writing that scene, too. Yes, Zero's a goof. And the scene was meant to entertain in a disturbing way. Glad it did.
Adyen Chp12 Trust me, the "using" hasn't even begun yet.
Dennisud Chp12 I wouldn't call it compassion. More like Hiead can't be bothered with actually fixing his own Ingrid, so he has to keep his servant girl somewhat healthy. And that collision would only be fun for Hiead.
Alena S. Anigor Chp11 You got it right. Which is amazing, I might add. You get a gold star!!! It's supposed to be weird. Possibly a bit disturbing. Just stop and think. Why would Omega Kallisto want that to happen? Well, it will make sense later.
Adyen Chp11 The dream definitely has a meaning. If you've REALLY been paying attention to me, you may know it. If not, you just have to guess until I reveal it. Of course Zero knows more than he lets on. He's a godboy. They do that.
AbisiansBlood Chp11 Again, I liked writing it. A lot. But I didn't have any ice cream...
AbisiansBlood Chp4 Yes, I'm so dead. I'm not even answering you now. ^_^ I was very busy, sorry. But not dead.
UE Chp10 Everything will advance. I'll involve Yamagi more eventually, but that will mean replacing a certain Pilot that I'm not quite done with yet. Anyway, he refuses to go quietly. The last part of chapter 10 was meant to be a head-scratcher. But I'll save you the trouble, one of the "people" was Tellia/Omega Kallisto.
Odyssey1 Chp10 Yup. And Roose only got a little spotlight, unfortunately. But he is important. To me, anyway.
Adyen Chp10 It's meant to be weird. Erts could've gotten that from a number of sources. But I won't tell you where just yet. It's a secret.
Truewind Chp1 Hey. DBZ is a damn fine anime. At least, I never would've known how to train the Candidates any other way. And a gravity machine WOULD further prepare them for space combat. That's my story (rather, THIS is MY story) and I'm sticking to it. And I pride myself on keeping things nice and different.
Alena S. Anigor Chp9 I'm not fast anymore unfortunately. But I was...once. Glad I made you speechless.
Dennisud Chp8 Nah, I have a long way to go before I'm a master. But thanks. Sorry about leaving people out, it's hard to keep everyone in the spotlight. Especially people like Tune, who keep running from it. But I haven't forgotten about her.
Sakiku Chp7 Hiead is on his own side, as always. No, Tellia Kallisto wouldn't fit Zero. Fortunately, she doesn't have to. But you know that by now. ^_^
AbisiansBlood Chp7 No, I'm sure Hiead would enjoy it much, much more than that, so you're safe. Glad you did get the joke. Only after I wrote did I realize it could be mistaken as something sweet. But I'm glad someone picked up on it.
Dennisud Chp7 I kind of see Erts & Kazuhi the way I do Zero & Kizna. They can have their momentary sparks, but ultimately they'll probably just remain close friends. Probably.
UE Chp6 I honestly looked forward to writing the Hiead & Saki convos. Glad you liked them.
UE Chp2 I think the Zero/Rei distinction is very important. For anyone who missed it, Zero is the Zero we all know and love, and Rei is the godboy living inside him. Simplified, of course. I have a good idea that I've turned off a number of people just by having so many possible hetero couples. But as many Hiead/ANYONE fics I've seen, I feel fairly justified in saying they're all nuts, anyway. IMHO, Hiead could not be part of a healthy normal relationship. Which might be why someone would have to come along and, oh, rape him to achieve a certain goal. Of course I can't tell you what the goal IS yet. But you might guess if you're as twisted as I am.
Sakiku Chp4 I can't answer much of this, since a lot is speculation. A Goddess kinda serves as a translator for a Pilot, so normally it works like this: Pilot--Goddess--Ingrid But for Teela it was like this: Teela--Ingrid So I don't know WHAT Teela is, exactly, maybe a GoddessPilot hybrid. However, Zero (or Rei) can talk to Ernn Laties just as Teela could, which may be why he hasn't seen her in his Ingrid so far. Teela's allowed to disappear. I mean, she IS Teela. But she's not gone.
Unremarked Chp3 Sigh. I KNOW they're the same person. It's kinda like how Peter Parker IS Spiderman, or how Clark Kent IS Superman, or how Mark Calloway IS The Undertaker. Of course they're the same person, but they're two identities in the same body. Like a really weird case of schizophrenia. Think of pro wrestling: how else could a man be Terra Risin, Hunter Hearst Helmsly, Triple H, and The Game? (they're all the same guy, btw) Zero represents the goofy Candidate. Rei represents the godboy inside the Candidate (or the "Teela" in him, you might say). Hope that helps.
Sakiku Chp3 Don't feel stupid. I prefer Candidate for Goddess myself, since Pilot Candidate leaves out the Goddess. Nothing's wrong with Hiead, and Kazuhi doesn't really have an EX. She's just very good at reading people, Erts in particular.
Alena S. Anigor Chp2 I purposely keep using the word "partners" because in a gay relationship, the term "life partner" is tossed around, but "partner" itself can have many meanings. Maybe that's a nod to the shounen-ai fans, maybe it isn't. To be honest, I don't know about couples. It depends on your definition. I will say that Erts's dream definitely has some basis in reality. But that doesn't mean Hiead will ever love Kazuhi, or vice versa. In fact, it's really a guarantee that neither will ever want anything to do with the other afterwards.
Dennisud Chp2 Zero & Kizna will dance along the line between friend & more to keep virtually everyone reading this happy, myself included. If either ever says the three little words, there will be a double meaning behind it, and therefore it's all open to interpretation. Even if I was to, say, have them get married, it would just be a matter of convenience rather than romantic love. I think Erts & Kazuhi work better as close friends, but I won't rule anything out yet.
UE Chp1 It was also my way of explaining why Zero & Kizna aren't a couple, even though they occasionally act like it. It's all a charade, people. Fun, yes? ^_^
Dennisud Chp1 I never had any intention of a Zero/male story. There are more than enough of those. Again, I must say that Hiead in a relationship with ANYONE frightens me. And I mean that.
Change Chapter 14
Erts was slowly becoming aware of a very disturbing change aboard GIS: people were getting used to Hiead.
It had been Kazuhi's seemingly total acceptance that had initially worried him, but now it was much, much worse.
Despite their famed rivalry, Zero had never actively opposed Hiead since becoming the Top. There was a kind of silent, grudging agreement between the two of them, and while Hiead barely ever said two words to his foe, Zero insisted on talking about Hiead like he wasn't there half the time. Even more worrisome was the fact that it had now spread to Kizna. To her, Hiead had become little more than a ghost, and she merely acted as if she couldn't see him at all.
Naturally, it was largely due to all the time they'd been spending together. Even after Omega Kallisto's second spike had been added, Zero & Kizna had continued to assist Kazuhi with the changes. This did not sit well with the other Pilots. Erts was more and more aware of the growing closeness (though that was a bit of a stretch) between Kazuhi and her Pilot. Gareas firmly believed that once Hiead's modifications were done, he would turn around and destroy them all. Roose had gotten over Hiead wounding him, but the fact that Zero was helping Hiead virtually replace the other Ingrids had created quite a rift between them. These days, he either kept to himself, or could be found talking to Gareas in the hushed tones of a fellow conspirator.
Perhaps the only one entirely unaffected by any of this was Leena, who did her best to remain on everyone's good side remarkably well. The fact that she was Gareas's girlfriend was pushed to the background and conveniently forgotten (notably by Gareas himself). Most people merely saw her as Chief Repairer and aide to Dr. Rivould. She remained well liked by all the Pilots & Repairers (save for Hiead, of course).
Erts was an optimist, but he was not so foolish as to believe the best about everyone he encountered. Whether Gareas's concern was unwarranted or not, as the day when Omega Kallisto's final spike would be added neared, the anxiety level around GIS steady rose like a tide. While he was not sure what would happen, something told Erts that the results of that final addition would be nothing short of explosive.
* * * * *
Kazuhi had become a rare sight at meal times. While she had steadily regained her usual color (thanks largely to Zero & Kizna, and perhaps even threats from her Pilot), she never ate with any of the others. It was assumed (quite correctly) that Erts & Tune had started bringing more than tea to her the few times she did return to her room.
When she finally did show up in the cafeteria, it was certainly not to eat.
She headed straight for Hiead's table...which, oddly enough, was now additionally and regularly occupied by Zero & Kizna. If Hiead had ever protested this, he had either been totally ignored, or had just decided it wasn't worth the effort.
Hiead looked up as his Repairer approached, knowing it had to be important for her to disturb him.
"Hiead-san," Kazuhi murmured, bowing her head respectfully. "I require your presence to install the final appendage."
For a long moment, it was as if he hadn't heard her. Then, Hiead slowly stood up. "Why?"
Kazuhi opened her mouth, perhaps to launch into a very long and technical explanation. At the last second, she decided against that. "It is mandatory that you actually be within Omega Kallisto during the installation. Otherwise...I could not guarantee that the part would function as efficiently as you requested."
"How long would this take?" he asked shortly.
"How long can you remain in Just Condition?" Kazuhi asked bluntly.
At this, Kizna dropped her fork onto the floor. Zero only frowned.
Hiead did not answer. Instead, he turned to Zero & Kizna. "Well?" he snapped.
Kizna looked flustered, mistakenly thinking that Hiead expected her to answer Kazuhi's question.
Zero laid his hand over hers. "Let's go, Kizna. We've got work to do."
Understanding dawned on her, and she stood up as all four of them headed for the docking bay.
* * * * *
Erts was in a deep sleep when someone pinched him awake. "OW!"
~Must leave now,~ Emily said in his ear. ~Hurry, Pretty.~
~"Leave? Now? Why?"~ Erts sent, rubbing his pinched arm.
~Sibling is about to begin Torture. You should not be Inside when he does.~
Erts's eyes widened. ~"Torture?! What do you mean?!"~
~No time,~ Emily insisted, pushing him away. ~Please go, Pretty. You will be hurt if you are still Inside.~
He grabbed her wrists. ~"No! Tell me what you meant by that, Emily! I need to know! Who's being tortured?!"~
Emily gave him a helpless look. ~Sister. Sibling. Both. Silence allows it. Sibling demands it.~
~"You mean Hiead wants Kazuhi to..."~ A look of horror crossed his face. ~"My dream! Emily, are they going to...to...mate?"~
She frowned and shook her head. ~Sibling and Sister will endure the Torture. Silence will only watch.~
~"Then...it's not my dream?"~
Emily shook her head and pushed him away again. ~Must go now, Pretty. Cannot be Inside when Torture begins. Sister screams loudly...~
~"Wait!"~ Erts cried, but he was already rushing back to the top of Reneighd Klein's cockpit before he could ask Emily what she'd meant. Clearly, he wouldn't have a chance to disobey her, either, because a hand gripped his neck firmly and tugged him out of the cockpit.
"You don't want to be in there just now, Erts," Gareas grunted, setting the smaller boy down. "At least, that's what Zero says. And for once, I agree with him."
Tune nodded at his side, throwing a nervous glance over at Omega Kallisto. "I don't know what Hiead is doing, but I don't think anyone should be in their Ingrid when he does it."
Erts looked as well, and was disturbed to no end to find Hiead staring back at him.
"Want to come watch my back, Cocteau?" Hiead jeered. "Make sure no takes advantage of me?"
Erts turned scarlet and ducked his head as Hiead entered Omega Kallisto's cockpit.
"What does he mean, Erts?" Tune asked, looking worried.
"Nothing, Tune," Erts said far too quickly. "It's nothing."
"It's something, alright," Gareas muttered, watching Omega Kallisto like a hawk. "And I don't like it."
* * * * *
Yamagi swallowed his cereal as normally as he could, but it was no use.
She was LOOKING at him again.
With an angry sigh, he leaned over and nudged Tukasa. "Can't you get her to STOP that?!"
His Repairer only gave him a look that implied Yamagi should consider himself fortunate to receive such attention.
"Do you KNOW what it's like, to have someone STARING at you, for ours on end, without saying a single word?!"
Tukasa stared at him. Without saying a word. As she always had.
"...dammit," Yamagi muttered, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. He risked another glance and found her eyes STILL on him.
It had been almost three months now since she'd first arrived, with no explanation as to why. And EVERYONE had wanted to know why, especially since there was apparently nothing wrong with her. Well, Yamagi knew EXACTLY what was wrong with her.
She was too damn much like Tukasa, THAT'S what was wrong with her. He didn't care if she was legendary or not. It didn't give her the right to ogle him. That was the only reason he could come up with, because it certainly felt like she was undressing him with her eyes. Only, it was more like she was undressing his very soul, which honestly scared Yamagi more than quite a bit. He almost preferred Tukasa's ogling, which was less invasive and even NORMAL by comparison. At least he'd been able to get used to her weirdness.
But you didn't get used to people like The Teela staring at you. Not when it made you wonder if you were going to be the next thing she killed. Not when it made you wonder if you were going to wake up and find her staring down at you...again. Not when it made you wonder if she was really THAT interested in your body. Not even when it made you feel the tiniest bit attractive and/or important some days.
...
The point was, she was BOTHERING him. And she probably KNEW it. And he wanted to SAY something, but what could you honestly SAY to The Teela? "Um, sorry, but could you NOT mentally undress me today? Maybe tomorrow or even next week? Or NOT EVER AGAIN?!"
And then, just like that, Teela DID stop staring at him. Now she was staring out of the window, even as a lone tear escaped her left eye and rolled slowly down her cheek.
Yamagi barely suppressed the mad, instinctive urge that wanted to RUN across the cafeteria, TOSS himself at Teela's feet, and THRUST out his tongue in an extremely uncomfortable way, which would allow him to CATCH that tiny teardrop on the tip of his tongue. If he hurried.
Which he didn't.
"She's making me CRAZY!!!" Yamagi hissed, pushing his cereal aside. He was so upset, he didn't even notice when Tukasa picked up his spoon and finished the bowl for him.
* * * * *
Hiead could only sense three things in Omega Kallisto's cockpit: darkness, silence, and stillness.
"This phase is almost complete," he whispered. "Soon, there will be no more waiting. No more childish pack logic. No more of my hands being tied." His lips twisted into a smirk. "To think I owe so much of that to a dead man. But he's not really dead to you, is he?"
The only reply was a single drop of warm liquid on his shoulder.
"That had better be blood," Hiead spat, thrusting his right hand up as it was coated in bright red flames.
The entire cockpit took on a crimson glow, revealing a humanoid form suspended above him by numerous lengths of metallic tendrils. In the red glare, it was easy to see more of the dark liquid smeared around the girl's mouth. Her face was mask like, stiff and unmoving, with a dark streak down each cheek. Her eyes were large, black, and had no pupils.
Hiead paused for a moment, letting his gaze travel over her nude form. He was not appreciating, but evaluating. What he saw didn't displease him, nor did it make him happy. Apparently satisfied, though, the anger melted out of his face as he drifted upwards, placing a hand against her cold cheek.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured, his other hand brushing against her flat belly, a finger tracing each scar with what could be considered tenderness. "Yes, it must. I would know." He licked his lips absently. "I want you to remember that pain. Treasure it. Never let it go."
Hiead's hand flew up and grabbed her raven hair roughly. "You MUST hold onto the pain. You must BECOME it. Each Victim must experience what you are right now. None may suffer any less."
There was a momentary flash of red in the empty eyes, and then nothing again.
He smiled. "Don't worry. This is the last. After this...we will truly be one." His freed hand closed on nothing, and yet, when he raised it, there was a katana of the darkest red in his grasp. Once, it had been black, but now it was so thoroughly coated in lifeblood that the original color was impossible to discern.
Her body tensed at the sight, but it did no good: she could not move within her restraints. She watched as Hiead removed his uniform. The only comfort was that he bore the same scars she did on his belly, and in many ways, they were the same entity.
"Remember to scream for me, my Goddess of War," he instructed, placing his back against her front. He then carefully positioned the katana and took a deep breath.
But her voice was gone as he ran them through, just as he had four times before. This time, though, the burning sensation seemed to have no end. She understood perfectly that this was a violent corruption of sorts, something that never should've happened. But at the same time, as she sensed his lifeblood mixing with hers, she felt at peace, knowing she was deepening the bond with her Pilot. Suddenly capable of movement, she embraced him as best she could, her head dropping to his shoulder, even as the warm, crimson stream filled her mouth, escaped her lips, and ran down his bare arm.
Hiead's eyes rolled up into his head as he tightened his mouth into a firm line, determined not to allow the blood pooling there to escape. He swallowed rapidly, tasting but not savoring. The strength of her Pilots past was flowing through them, and it was a rush unlike any other.
All around them, the darkness pulsed in time with the beating of their hearts, all three in perfect synchronicity.
* * * * *
Zero felt physically ill as he watched Omega Kallisto glow a malevolent red. Every instinct he had screamed for him to put a stop to this. Yet, he merely stood there in complete silence.
At his side, Kizna peered over Kazuhi's shoulder at the console. "How long does he have to stay like this?"
"Seven hours. At least." Kazuhi checked the readings again. "That is how long I would suggest, at any rate. I cannot be certain. There is no procedure for this, as it has never been done before."
"Never was doable before," Zero muttered.
Kizna turned to ask him something, and gasped as a single tear as red as blood fell from his left eye. "Zero, you're bleeding!"
He wiped quickly at his face, and all traces of the tear were gone. "It's nothing." Zero paused and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Kazuhi-chan, but I can't watch this any longer."
"I should be able to manage on my own, Rei-sama," Kazuhi replied swiftly. She bowed respectfully. "Thank you for all your assistance. You, as well, Kizna-san."
Kizna barely even noticed as she followed her quickly retreating Pilot. She caught his arm just as they left the docking bay. "Zero, please! You said you wouldn't do this anymore! Tell me what's going on!"
"Just Condition," Zero whispered faintly. "He's in it, but...it's not the same as...it's wrong."
"Why were you bleeding?!"
"It's...I...I'm connected to them, Kizna. All of them. I know what Omega Kallisto is feeling, why she lets him do this to her, and how much she hates the Victim for taking Yu and orphaning Kazuhi. She wants revenge in the worst way, and she'll do anything to get it...even this."
"Can't we do anything to help her?" Kizna asked softly.
"The only thing we can do now," Zero said brokenly, "is stay out of her way so she doesn't kill us, too." He pulled away from her and stumbled towards his room.
Kizna glanced at Ernn Laties and sighed. "We could really use your help right now, Teela. You'd know what to do, wouldn't you?" With that, she ran after Zero, suspecting he shouldn't be alone just then.
~~~~~
Reviews!
Since it seems to do wonders for my other fics, let the fan service begin. If you asked a question or made a comment that seemed like a question in disguise, I tried to answer it. If I missed any, or if you have new ones, ask me in a review. You COULD try e-mailing me, but I'm veeery picky about anything from addresses I don't know, so I'd prefer a question within review. Mind you, these are from chapter 1-13, so there's quite a few...
UE Chp13 Of course I'm teasing. It's what I do from time to time. But don't just assume Erts's dream is the stuff of pure nonsense, either. It isn't.
Alena S. Anigor Chp13 I was stuck for a while, but that was more due to college and lack of inspiration. But I'm back, sorta. I know EXACTLY what I'm going to do with Hiead & Kazuhi. But that doesn't mean I can't tease you. I don't recall using the word "bond" in that sense. I'm firmly against ANYONE being in a relationship with Hiead. But even godboys can have one night stands. Especially them, in fact. Confusion is a tool that's only useful when used. Or something.
UE Chp12 Not really. I've seen ONE talk show were a guy was taken advantage of. I think he was drunk, or there were two women who tied him up and had their way with him, or something. But it is possible. Just VERY rare.
UE Chp12 Of course Hiead isn't going to fall for Kazuhi. But when was love ever a prerequisite for the doing the horizontal hokey pokey? ...now I'm scaring myself. Zero can be serious. Sometimes. And he has to have something in common with Hiead. They're both godboys, and in the end they both want to defeat the Victim. It's their methods that would differ. As will be obvious when Hiead's new Ingrid is complete. And I'm so glad to have put that evil in your head. If I ever see a Hiead/Kazuhi fic...well, it'd be scary...but I'd be insanely proud nonetheless. INSANE!!!
UE Chp11 I liked writing that scene, too. Yes, Zero's a goof. And the scene was meant to entertain in a disturbing way. Glad it did.
Adyen Chp12 Trust me, the "using" hasn't even begun yet.
Dennisud Chp12 I wouldn't call it compassion. More like Hiead can't be bothered with actually fixing his own Ingrid, so he has to keep his servant girl somewhat healthy. And that collision would only be fun for Hiead.
Alena S. Anigor Chp11 You got it right. Which is amazing, I might add. You get a gold star!!! It's supposed to be weird. Possibly a bit disturbing. Just stop and think. Why would Omega Kallisto want that to happen? Well, it will make sense later.
Adyen Chp11 The dream definitely has a meaning. If you've REALLY been paying attention to me, you may know it. If not, you just have to guess until I reveal it. Of course Zero knows more than he lets on. He's a godboy. They do that.
AbisiansBlood Chp11 Again, I liked writing it. A lot. But I didn't have any ice cream...
AbisiansBlood Chp4 Yes, I'm so dead. I'm not even answering you now. ^_^ I was very busy, sorry. But not dead.
UE Chp10 Everything will advance. I'll involve Yamagi more eventually, but that will mean replacing a certain Pilot that I'm not quite done with yet. Anyway, he refuses to go quietly. The last part of chapter 10 was meant to be a head-scratcher. But I'll save you the trouble, one of the "people" was Tellia/Omega Kallisto.
Odyssey1 Chp10 Yup. And Roose only got a little spotlight, unfortunately. But he is important. To me, anyway.
Adyen Chp10 It's meant to be weird. Erts could've gotten that from a number of sources. But I won't tell you where just yet. It's a secret.
Truewind Chp1 Hey. DBZ is a damn fine anime. At least, I never would've known how to train the Candidates any other way. And a gravity machine WOULD further prepare them for space combat. That's my story (rather, THIS is MY story) and I'm sticking to it. And I pride myself on keeping things nice and different.
Alena S. Anigor Chp9 I'm not fast anymore unfortunately. But I was...once. Glad I made you speechless.
Dennisud Chp8 Nah, I have a long way to go before I'm a master. But thanks. Sorry about leaving people out, it's hard to keep everyone in the spotlight. Especially people like Tune, who keep running from it. But I haven't forgotten about her.
Sakiku Chp7 Hiead is on his own side, as always. No, Tellia Kallisto wouldn't fit Zero. Fortunately, she doesn't have to. But you know that by now. ^_^
AbisiansBlood Chp7 No, I'm sure Hiead would enjoy it much, much more than that, so you're safe. Glad you did get the joke. Only after I wrote did I realize it could be mistaken as something sweet. But I'm glad someone picked up on it.
Dennisud Chp7 I kind of see Erts & Kazuhi the way I do Zero & Kizna. They can have their momentary sparks, but ultimately they'll probably just remain close friends. Probably.
UE Chp6 I honestly looked forward to writing the Hiead & Saki convos. Glad you liked them.
UE Chp2 I think the Zero/Rei distinction is very important. For anyone who missed it, Zero is the Zero we all know and love, and Rei is the godboy living inside him. Simplified, of course. I have a good idea that I've turned off a number of people just by having so many possible hetero couples. But as many Hiead/ANYONE fics I've seen, I feel fairly justified in saying they're all nuts, anyway. IMHO, Hiead could not be part of a healthy normal relationship. Which might be why someone would have to come along and, oh, rape him to achieve a certain goal. Of course I can't tell you what the goal IS yet. But you might guess if you're as twisted as I am.
Sakiku Chp4 I can't answer much of this, since a lot is speculation. A Goddess kinda serves as a translator for a Pilot, so normally it works like this: Pilot--Goddess--Ingrid But for Teela it was like this: Teela--Ingrid So I don't know WHAT Teela is, exactly, maybe a GoddessPilot hybrid. However, Zero (or Rei) can talk to Ernn Laties just as Teela could, which may be why he hasn't seen her in his Ingrid so far. Teela's allowed to disappear. I mean, she IS Teela. But she's not gone.
Unremarked Chp3 Sigh. I KNOW they're the same person. It's kinda like how Peter Parker IS Spiderman, or how Clark Kent IS Superman, or how Mark Calloway IS The Undertaker. Of course they're the same person, but they're two identities in the same body. Like a really weird case of schizophrenia. Think of pro wrestling: how else could a man be Terra Risin, Hunter Hearst Helmsly, Triple H, and The Game? (they're all the same guy, btw) Zero represents the goofy Candidate. Rei represents the godboy inside the Candidate (or the "Teela" in him, you might say). Hope that helps.
Sakiku Chp3 Don't feel stupid. I prefer Candidate for Goddess myself, since Pilot Candidate leaves out the Goddess. Nothing's wrong with Hiead, and Kazuhi doesn't really have an EX. She's just very good at reading people, Erts in particular.
Alena S. Anigor Chp2 I purposely keep using the word "partners" because in a gay relationship, the term "life partner" is tossed around, but "partner" itself can have many meanings. Maybe that's a nod to the shounen-ai fans, maybe it isn't. To be honest, I don't know about couples. It depends on your definition. I will say that Erts's dream definitely has some basis in reality. But that doesn't mean Hiead will ever love Kazuhi, or vice versa. In fact, it's really a guarantee that neither will ever want anything to do with the other afterwards.
Dennisud Chp2 Zero & Kizna will dance along the line between friend & more to keep virtually everyone reading this happy, myself included. If either ever says the three little words, there will be a double meaning behind it, and therefore it's all open to interpretation. Even if I was to, say, have them get married, it would just be a matter of convenience rather than romantic love. I think Erts & Kazuhi work better as close friends, but I won't rule anything out yet.
UE Chp1 It was also my way of explaining why Zero & Kizna aren't a couple, even though they occasionally act like it. It's all a charade, people. Fun, yes? ^_^
Dennisud Chp1 I never had any intention of a Zero/male story. There are more than enough of those. Again, I must say that Hiead in a relationship with ANYONE frightens me. And I mean that.