"Ash..."

"Go away," I growled.

"Wake up, Ash!"

"Leave me the fuck alone!"

Bad thing to say. Before I realized my mistake, I felt a sudden jolt of electricity burst throughout my system. It surged throughout my body until I felt myself scream. The electric shock died as soon as my scream did. I took a few heavy breaths, trying to regain my composure.

"I thought you would appreciate my effort of bringing you to life early."

"What does it matter," I mumbled. "I'm only alive for your own benefit, anyway."

Another searing burst of electricity burned throughout my veins. I gritted my teeth, trying my hardest not to let out a scream. My body started to burn with a fire that I could not put into words. But I didn't scream. That was at least one victory on my side.

"Ash!"

"You're not dead, you don't need me," I growled bitterly. "The only reason I exist is to revive you if you die. Nothing more."

"What if I told you that you might have some purpose to me right now?"

"Is that it? You've got Cain, you've got the rest of your little puppet squad."

"You're my greatest creation, Ash."

"I'm your damn nuclear warhead. I'm a fucking walking time bomb. Is that your greatest creation, Mother?" The sarcasm was so blatant, I couldn't help myself.

"Do you question my authority, Ash? Do you question my judgment on whether I should have brought you to a new existence or not?"

I remained silent. What was the use of arguing? Maybe I should have said something, because another damned electrical current burst through my body, physically showing me Dorothy's anger. I didn't want to scream, but the pain was just too great for me. I screamed, letting all my feeling pour out through my vocal chords.

"I love to hear you scream, Ash. Such beautiful agony."

"Why... why mother, why?" I moaned, the pain still dancing lines in my veins. "Why did you bring me around now, of all times?"

"Cain is not fulfilling his goal. He has not been defeated yet, but nor has Rion."

"Rion?" I asked, curiosity driving me.

"The Galerian with the virus program. The one who has the potential to destroy myself and my children."

I almost laughed aloud. "Are you saying that one of your precious children has turned against you?"

"Silence!"

I was surprised she didn't shock me. "How in the world could a Galerian turn against YOU?"

"Dr. Lem's experiment failed. Rion was the first Galerian, the only one that is closest to being human."

"I see," I mumbled to myself.

"He needs to be destroyed."

"I know," I responded, musing to myself. "I figured it's going to be my job, right?"

"Of course."

I shook my head. "So be it."