What Could've Been
Chapter 5: Never Had a Chance
The future cyborgs didn't know what to expect and felt a great unease in their stomachs when the surrounding environment faded to black.
Ever since awakening from the laboratory decades ago and subsequently killing the old bastard as they loved to call him, Future Seventeen and Eighteen had, for the most part, occupied their minds with senseless slaughter partially in hopes of burying what had been done to them. Seeing the mad scientist getting physical with their completely defenseless bodies, despite how minor, caused goosebumps to standup on their skins. While both knew it was pointless to argue with King Kai to put an end to the viewing, there was still a sliver of hope they wouldn't be seeing Gero or even Crimson for some time.
Common, is it too much to ask to just leave our innocent selves alone for a while? To let us roam free for even just a few moments before you take our humanities away?
To their horror, upon regaining its colors, the screen showed two young children riding the backseats of a black vehicle driven by none other than the ever-so-helpful Commissioner Crimson. If there was any consolation, it would be the naïve duo were clearly in a relaxed state with Lapis even humming a cheerful tune and Lazuli staring out at the bright sunny day slowly dozing off.
It was so cheerful it could've fooled them into thinking the trio were a family going out on a picnic had they not known better. This false sense of normality alerted the much older duo whose hearts pounded in trepidation.
"Umm, excuse me commissioner," The black-haired boy stopped his whistling abruptly, drawing attention from his sister and the faux officer.
"Please, call me Crimson," The reddish brown-haired commissioner with irises so dark they were almost indistinguishable from his pupil replied in an almost parental tone, earning him smiles from the two kids while his secretive viewers almost vomited knowing it was all a carefully cultivated façade.
At least we don't go about lying to our victims before killing them...these Red Ribbon Army scums really are something else...
"Thanks Crimson, anyways I was about to ask you that you'll keep on searching for our parents won't you?" Lapis's words were, quite contrary to his carefree attitude, burdened with worry.
"Of course Lapis. Even as I speak, hundreds of police from all over the world are doing their very best to look for your dear father and mother. Rest assured it's my personal mission to see your family reunited in the near future!" Crimson spoke with such sincerity the young boy could only nod back gratefully.
"A-also Commissioner Crimson, mother told us to never go back to North City because it's not safe." Lazuli stuttered, her cheeks slightly blushing as she gazed at the helpful officer's face through the rearview mirror.
In a rare instance of accidentally leaking his true color, the camouflaged secret Red Ribbon Army operative chuckled perhaps a bit too blatantly, if not flirtatiously it made the young blonde raise an eyebrow.
"I meant of course Lazuli; I'll send you both to a place safe from all the dangers." He winked at the female twin through the rearview mirror to which she nodded back hesitantly although her cheeks were still pink.
From across the screen, Future Seventeen was shaking his head disapprovingly, "Wow sis, can't believe this creep is getting some kind of reaction out of you!"
"Hey cut it off will you bro? There's no way I was so gullible as to fall for this old creep!" Future Eighteen snapped while shuddering internally at the thought.
Don't tell me I was stupid enough to become infatuated with this asshole...common Lazuli, just because he showed you a bit of consideration in times of need doesn't make him a suitable match...in fact nobody is...
You'll see soon enough all you need is yourself and your brother...none can understand the pain you'll soon go through...
Thankfully, Crimson was quite professional for the time being and stopped making inappropriate remarks or, as the killer cyborgs preferred to put it, merely knew better than to mess with kids Gero had set his sights on. In either case, the conversation drifted to their family life where both twins talked about how they once were a happy family with a nice house in the suburbs of North City, all of which Crimson listened intently, no doubt making mental notes.
"So Lazuli, what kind of cloth do you like?" He asked just as they began discussing about hobbies.
The young girl's cheeks flushed momentarily but she quickly retained control of her emotions that made her older self proud, especially when she delivered the next part in a matter-of-factly tone, "I used to like dresses, but more recently I'm starting to like jackets, jeans, and boots."
"Oh," The disappointment in his voice was only matched by his boring, mono-colored eyes, "well then Lapis, what sort of cars were you interested in?"
Future Eighteen laughed at how awkward Crimson changed the subject but her brother groaned in disgust seeing young Lapis ranting about his love for race cars, jeeps, and other fancy or specialized vehicles without reservation.
"Hey, at least he didn't make a pass at me sis!" Future Seventeen snapped seeing the sly look on his sister.
"I didn't say nothing bro." Her retort was icy.
The scenery outside had begun to change to that of a cityscape and it wasn't long before the human twins got uneasy with the route taken.
"Hey sis, isn't that the city hall several blocks from where we lived?" Carefree Lapis frowned stopping professing his love for famous racers.
"Yeah, and I'm seeing other landmarks of North City...Commissioner Crimson, just where are you taking us?" Lazuli asked almost pleadingly.
The Red Ribbon Army officer merely let out a hearty laughter, probably pleased he was able to unsettle his passengers, "Oh don't worry you two. We are going to some place safe and far away from dangers I promise." He winked at Lazuli through the rearview mirror once more.
Evidently weirded out of their minds, the twins could only hold onto each other's hands for support, a sentiment shared by their more mature and murderous counterparts whose fingers had entwined under the table's cover invisible from King Kai's eyes.
Crimson, with his mysterious intent, made his way into a questionable part of town where dilapidated buildings and rundown infrastructures occupied the bleak landscape. Eventually, he turned into a dingy dark alley lined up with overturned dumpsters and garbage. To make the imagery even less welcoming were posters of missing people stuck on the graffiti smeared walls. It was as if they had stepped into a world completely alien from any past locations they've been to, even the hostile city where the twins spent close to a week as street urchins appeared hospital in comparison.
Obviously fighting hard to keep the fear that's creeping up their bodies, Lapis and Lazuli had trained their eyes on the images on the posters, hoping to spot faces of their parents as guessed by the cyborgs.
"And here we are kids, your new home and the place that'll keep you both safe from harm's reach." The Red Ribbon Army officer remarked sarcastically as he pulled up to a multistory building bearing the name "North City Orphanage".
The siblings got off the vehicle hand in hand and gave it a scrutinizing look, their crystal blue eyes dimming in disappointment. Just as their already shaken morale couldn't have dropped any lower, a blinding lightning struck down from the gray skies above, followed by ear-piercing thunder that made them jumped.
"Wow, so this haunted house is where we're supposed to spend the rest of our human lives?" Future Eighteen spat.
Her human self obviously harbored the same sentiment as she frowned at Crimson, "C-commissioner, but I thought you are supposed to take us someplace safe." Her voice was so tiny and her entire body trembling so hard, let it be in anger or fear but which ever that was didn't matter to the female cyborg killer who was seething in rage she had to control herself from banging on the table.
Crimson snickered amusedly before putting on a straight face, "But this is a safe place my dear, don't you see no one will think of finding you two here?" he explained, barely able to hide a smug grin from resurfacing as he studied the wide-eyed children.
"But..." Lapis tried protesting.
"No but kids. Common, don't you two believe in good old Uncle Crimson?" The officer placed both hands on their shoulders trying to imitate a concerned adult, his fingers running through shiny raven and silky blonde hair.
"Hey take your filthy hands from us you low life!" Future Seventeen screamed just as his sister had reached boiling point, his pained voice releasing bits of her temper, allowing her to regain control.
Young Lapis and Lazuli clearly lacked the rage nor strength of their future selves; however, as they shared a concerned look but like cornered animals that could only pray the hunter would take pity on them, nodded begrudgingly.
"Good, now let's meet your new guardian shall we?"
The person who answered the door, to the cyborgs' surprise, wasn't some shady fellow suitable for a rundown place, but a rather friendly middle-aged lady whose half grayed hair and slightly wrinkled but gentle face almost made the future twins drop their guards. Young Lapis and Lazuli were rather taken aback by the sight of such figure too, as they gave her bewildered but relieved stares.
"Ah Commissioner Crimson, it's you. So I take it you are entrusting these two fine children under my care?" She spoke in a kind voice then turned her gaze to the hesitant children with equal gentleness.
"That's right Ms. Poule, I've got two orphans here who had lost their parents recently." Commissioner Crimson tried to sound sympathetic but his voice came out devoid of emotions.
Ms. Poule's brown eyes widened in genuine shock, "Oh my, that's most unfortunate you two. Well I'm Ms. Poule, the director of this humble home. It's not much but I hope it will be to your liking."
As she talked, the woman offered them her hands, but while Lapis reached out for it, Lazuli yanked her brother away.
"This is all wrong!" The young blonde furrowed her eyebrows as large droplets of tears gathered around her emotional blue orbs, "we aren't orphans, our parents are merely missing. They are definitely still out there!"
"T-that's right, we are not orphans and do not belong in an orphanage!" Following his sister's lead, the raven-haired boy proclaimed adamantly, his hands crossed in front of puffed chest.
Ms. Poule appeared rather shocked by the revelation but not Commissioner Crimson whose lips thinned into a grimace.
"Sorry kids, but before your parents are found I'm afraid you two will have to get used to your new status as orphans. Now go with Ms. Poule, you don't want to disappoint your parents now do you?" The fake officer leaned forward, his displeased face inches away from the twins in a blatant attempt of intimidation.
"But...," Lazuli started not bothering to hide her contempt for the guy who a day earlier she had considered a friend and quite possibly one of the nicest person she knew.
"No but miss. Just stay here like a good girl. I promise I'll come by to bring you news of your parents okay?"
The twins bit their lips and clenched those still developing little hands in unison, their frosty glares only matched by the pair of murderous eyes from their much older counterparts who were now toying with balls of energy in their hands now.
Their potentially destructive behavior earned them a glare from their host, one they returned in kind as if saying, "We wouldn't be angry had you simply sent us to hell the first place."
"It's okay Lapis and Lazuli, you'll be safe here with me and I'm sure if your parents are really alive, then kami will reunite your family in due time."
Ms. Poule's words, especially that assurance of their parents possibly being alive, resonated across the tiny room and calmed both cyborgs whose hearts fluttered with a sliver of hope.
What if our parents really were alive and were merely kept captive? Is it possible they'd come to see us?
W-what if they are still alive in present day and somehow avoided our slaughters? What if we killed them by accident like what we did with the rest of filthy human race?
Will we, will we see them here in the afterlife or have we killed so many reuniting with them is all but impossible?
At the thought, Future Seventeen and Eighteen couldn't help but felt shivers cascade down their bodies, freezing them in place.
Their human selves seemed to be contemplating about the possibility of seeing their parents as well and extended their hands in a silent yet apologetic manner.
The director of orphanage gladly took them into her hands. There was no reservation nor one sliver of forced emotions. It was all genuine as far as both pairs of black and blonde could tell.
"There you brats go, it's not so hard now is it?" Crimson said in a tone befitting the monochrome of his eyes, devoid of emotion if not slightly mockingly.
Just as he turned to leave without a care, Ms. Poule shouted, "Say Commissioner, do you have any news about the children missing from our orphanage? Two eighteen-year-olds named Onyx and Pearl went missing a week ago and I thought you might be able to help me find them."
Crimson shot her a look that the future cyborgs sensed he knew something about the matter, except the words coming out of his mouth was a dismissive, "Sorry I haven't seen them yet. Gotta go now!"
"That liar, I bet he's the one taking them away once they've became ripe." Future Eighteen spat at the image of Crimson driving down the road before cringing upon realizing she had just paraphrased Gero's saying.
"No kidding sis, I only hope we've already killed him!" Future Seventeen chimed in.
"Well if he's already in hell I'd love to rough him up some more!"
"Good thinking sister dearest!"
Revenge of any sort was the furthest thing in young Lapis and Lazuli's mind though, as they were introduced to their living quarters, all male and female room both filled with bunkbeds. It wasn't exactly cozy and showed on their disappointed faces, but the sight of other kids of similar age, not to mention a freshly baked cake with the word "Welcome" written on it by color icing brought smiles to them.
"I know this isn't much Lapis and Lazuli, but our facility isn't exactly well funded so we'll have to do with this." Ms. Poule said as she cut them each an extra-large slice before giving the rest to other orphans.
Future Seventeen and Eighteen watched harboring conflicting emotions as their younger selves mingled with others. Lapis was back to his usual self, his whistling mouth stained with butter while Lazuli kept on licking cake bits from her lips.
"Hey I'm Coral, the new head of female's dorm. What's your name?" A green-eyed girl sporting hip lengthen light blonde hair almost the shade of silver introduced herself.
"Hi, I'm Lazuli and this is my twin brother Lapis." Lazuli greeted cordially.
Lapis nodded, his mouth still stuffed with cake unable to speak but his sparkling blue eyes glued onto the older girl spoke for him.
"Oh cool twins! I've never seen one set before. You two looked so much alike I almost can't tell the difference." Coral said in a playful tone as she leaned in closer checking the twins out, "yup, almost identical except for the hair. Hey have you two every considered dying your hair the same?"
Lapis chuckled shyly, only silenced when Lazuli gave her brother a slap on the back.
"Hey sorry sis. I'm just wondering alright? Anyways thanks for the suggestion Coral, but we won't be dying our hair because our parents gave them to us!" The younger brother stated proudly.
The elder sister smiled a bitter smile, "Our parents went missing not too long ago and we want to honor them by keeping their hair colors if you don't mind. Take me for example, I got mine from my father and Lapis got his from mother." As she said, she began stroking her silky blonde strands clearly fond of her golden locks.
Future Eighteen couldn't help but imitate her human self, her twin already doing the same to his hair as both stared forward longingly imagining the loving duo from whom they've inherited their genes.
Please, don't let us be the killers of our parents, not that we want the Red Ribbon Army to kill them...just, let them die peacefully and not having to see us go on rampages later...
Coral's eyes widened before they drifted downwards in embarrassment, "Sorry you two, I shouldn't have made that kind of suggestion," she looked at the other kids, "everyone here has lost their parents. I got my hair color from my mother by the way. It's too bad I don't have a sibling to keep a copy of dad's hair."
"Hey it's okay, you aren't rude at all." Lapis offered his hand to which Coral accepted eagerly.
"Coral, you said you are the new female dormitory head right? So what happens to the old one?" Lazuli had asked when shaking the older girl's hand.
Inquisitive sapphire orbs met equally charming yet saddened emerald ones as the teens shared brief eye contact before the silvery blonde girl turned away uncomfortably.
"Oh you mean Pearl, yeah she's the lead girl here until she vanished a week ago. Rumor is that she ran away with her sweetheart Onyx but I doubt that."
"And why's that?" Lapis asked curiously.
"Cause Pearl's quite a studious girl and once said she won't be leaving until graduating from high school. There's still one semester to go you see," A pale-faced boy appearing slightly older than the twins interjected when it was obvious Coral didn't want to continue.
"Exactly Slate, what do you think happened to them? They did say they wanted to go to college together." Coral exclaimed letting out her pent up emotion, her body trembling from the outburst.
"I dunno. Have you heard anything from Commissioner Crimson?" Gray-eyed Slate wondered trying to sound helpful.
"Heh, that Crimson, he's no good other than bailing us out when we are in trouble." Coral spat angrily.
The human twins, who had been listening on the sideline, shared a curious yet knowing look as did their future counterparts.
"Trouble, what kind of trouble?" Lazuli asked.
The question, for whatever reason, got Coral and Slate to grimace.
"I-it's nothing Lazuli. Crimson may be, no is an ass but he's kinda useful as a police officer sometimes. But it's nothing really. Now why don't we rejoin the party?"
Lapis and Lazuli looked positively confused but knew better than inquiring further, so they followed the lead of older teens and rejoined their welcome party; their backs were the last thing the future cyborgs saw before the screen faded to black once more.
When his guests weren't conjuring artificial energy balls or worse blowing holes in his room, King Kai was reclining comfortably against his chair seeping on hot tea, carrying himself in a manner that screamed nothing in the world save destruction of his planet could've bothered him. In truth though, he had been paying close attention to the cyborgs, taking in their facial expression and making sure the scenes carefully selected had left an impact on them.
Judging by the frequency they cringed and got emotional, especially whenever their parents were mentioned convinced the blue-skinned deity he had done well in presenting the materials, if not perhaps a bit too well seeing the seemingly emotionless killer duo showed their humanity more than bargained.
"Pretty normal so far wouldn't you two think? It's clear you two weren't anti-social and knew how to mix with others even after life-changing crisis. Makes me wonder what drove you two to commit all those atrocities after you turned cyborgs." He addressed the murder duo plainly, clearly expecting an answer from them as his fingertips drummed the table.
All the guardian of Northern Galaxy were snorts and disrespectful eye rolls. Nevertheless, he still smirked on the inside, not discouraged if not glad of their vehement denial.
These two really are regaining their humanities; why else would they deny it to such an extent?
"Why don't you ask Crimson or Gero? Those two assholes have the answer not us!" Future Eighteen snapped impatiently, not forgetting to throw her host a death glare for added damage.
"Yeah, besides you've obviously seen this replay so why don't you just tell us and we can get this over with?" Future Seventeen leaned back on his chair, giving the guardian a playful, taunting look.
King Kai merely kept his gaze at them that somehow made the cyborg duo felt a tinge of sadness even behind those heavy shades, "If you two insist on being so stubborn fine by me, but you'll be surprised nothing your innocent selves will do is anywhere close to your crimes later. Now let's see your slow descend shall we?"
The future cyborgs forced out chuckles even while sweating profusely underneath.
The next scene they were treated to was quite an unexpected and almost a slightly goofy one if it weren't for the thick layers of snow covering the streets, as an older Lapis and Lazuli wearing vest and cap bearing the name North City Orphanage were selling cookies by a busy intersection. It was obvious their garments offered little protection from the icy elements, as both trembled uncomfortably, sometimes having to resort to rubbing their hands together to stay warm. Numerous pedestrians came and went but few acknowledged the suffering teenagers, let alone purchasing anything. The most these two hardworking teens got, as it turned out, were smog from car exhausts and even a few unfriendly remarks. As such, the trays were still full by the time they got back to the orphanage, their heads low and their feet dragging, coughing and sneezing as they slumped against dining room chairs.
To their viewers, the scene was no different than the time they spent homeless on the streets, both times largely neglected by the crowd, left to live or die by their own advice.
You were wondering why we had humans so much King Kai? Just look at these monsters, they are no better than us and would gladly see people in need perish in front of them so long as they won't get blamed for the deed...
"I don't believe this, third day in a row and hardly anyone bought anything from us. And now we are stuck with eating these ourselves!" Lapis, now a handsome teen with well-defined jawlines, complained as he shoved several cookies into his orifice at once, causing large crumbs to scatter across the dining table.
Lazuli was in the middle of slowly chewing a cookie one bite at a time and shrugged dejectedly. The girl whose facial feature had come to resemble Cyborg Eighteen even more, especially her cat-like eyes, frowned at her sibling's eating habit and pointed at the uneaten bits.
"Hey Lapis, you going to clean those up?" She admonished, displaying an older sibling attitude.
The brother gave her a guilty look but mere seconds later pouted at her, "Fine bossy sis, I'll eat these so they won't go to waste how's that?" with that, he started to gather all crumbs onto his palm and ate all in one gulp.
It was then that the familiar sight of a silvery blonde strolled into the room, her physical appearance having matured significantly since last time, showing more defined feminine features. If the future cyborgs had to guess, they'd say she was about ready to leave the orphanage.
"So how's the cookie selling business going?" She asked warmly placing a hand on both twins' shoulders, "hmmm...looks like you still have quite a few of these left, care if I try some?"
"Y-yeah sure Coral, eat as much as you'd like." Lapis stuttered, blushing at the older teen.
Future Eighteen gave her brother a sly look which was only beaten by her biting remark, "I didn't know you are into elderly woman bro."
"Hey shut it sis, at least I didn't blush at Commissioner Crimson who's at least twice your age!" Future Seventeen retorted.
Lazuli didn't seem to mind her brother's infatuation for the girl though, as she glanced amusedly at Lapis offering Coral a cookie.
"Mmm...pretty good, you two pick up things very fast." The girl bearing the name of beautiful sea creature skeletons remarked brightly after savoring the treats, her lips stained brown with chocolate chips.
"Y-you think so Coral?" Young Lapis was having major difficulties controlling his blush let alone his newly acquired speech impairment.
"Yup, it's a darn shame no one buys these." She said seemingly not noticing his dilemma.
"I know right? What's even the point of learning bakery when no one buys them?" Lapis shouted with a frown, his emotional blue eyes resembling boiling water struggling to contain themselves taking in the sight of their untouched merchandise.
The older teen paused to consider the question, "Maybe you can give these to a person you like."
This only made Lapis's cheeks to turn a shade more vibrant than tomato red, not to mention earning Future Seventeen some more teasing from his sister.
"More importantly, how are we supposed to get enough money to keep this home running? We can barely afford the basic necessities let alone medicine. From what I can see, none of us earned much these days if ever." Lazuli interjected, her concerned gaze taking note of others having gotten back and were now also complaining about their abysmal profits. The blonde girl's wavering eyes then drifted to a room with the sign "Infirmary" on top, her ears perking up from the course coughs.
"Y-yeah Coral, how did this orphanage sustain itself? Do we ask Crimson for more money?" Lapis asked hopefully.
Coral let out a dry laughter but otherwise didn't seem to be particular bothered; however, as a sad grin appeared on her face. As the subject changed, a group of the oldest teens had gathered around her, including Slate, all of them giving her knowing glances.
The future cyborgs felt their stomachs turn already guessing what these kids' were up to.
"Well? Spill it will you Coral? If it's anything we can help we'd like to contribute!" Lapis stood up on his seat, his thumb pointing at his eager face.
At first Lazuli remained seated and studied Coral's gang warily but the serious look on her twin eventually forced her to stand up beside him, their more innocent but deadly serious expressions reminded the cyborgs of how they had worked as a team for decades.
It was Coral's turn to hesitate, her beautiful emerald eyes dimming and her hands raising as if trying to calm the situation.
"Common boss, if they really want to help out why stop them? Besides one day they'll have to take over our duties so why not now?" Slate, now almost an adult despite still rather thin, spoke in a matter-of-factly tone.
No, please don't, please keep us out of whatever you guys were up to...
Future Seventeen and Eighteen were both shaking their heads vehemently now.
"Fine, you two are in! Meet us by the second floor kitchen at ten and we'll show you what it's like to sustain this place. It's a road many before us, including Pearl and Onyx had taken so prepare yourselves!" Coral's voice was stern and her eyes hardened to rival hard diamonds.
Lapis and Lazuli shared a glance, swallowed a gulp, but both nodded determinedly.
The rest of the day flew by with the twins interacting with other children, taking care of the sick, and even doing some homework much like ordinary students. Lapis seemed to require assistance from a particular orphanage female lead and the two spent quite some time working on problems together. Lazuli didn't seem to have much interest aside from helping out Ms. Poule and the children and, when she's got time, trying on few articles of worn-out clothing, some of which were evidently garments left from their mother.
Observing his sister downing the same clothing their mother had worn during their failed escape both irked and depressed irked Future Seventeen to no ends.
"Wow sis, no wonder you are so cloth hungry." He remarked drily.
Future Eighteen could only sigh but made no attempt at rebuttal, her eyes lingered on a silver ring seen previously on their mother.
This false sense of normality lasted until the interior of North City Orphanage transformed from cozy orange hue to cool eerie blue of the night. Once the director of orphanage had retired to her chamber though, the place came to life where Coral's gang slipped out of their rooms all dressed in dull or earthen colored clothing much like a soldiers ready for duty. Amongst them were two out-of-place smaller kids, their body language betraying inner agitation.
Coral stepped forward into the circle of kids and Lapis let out a cheer, only to be silenced by roomful of glares.
"Thanks for joining us once again, brothers and sisters," She began sounding very much in charge before turning to see toward the twins, "as some of you already know, we have two new recruits joining us. Lapis and Lazuli came to this orphanage three years ago and today have decided to truly become one of us. Let's show them what it means to be a full member of North City Orphanage!"
The gang murmured in unison and the two new comers visibly tensed up.
"Our target tonight is a super market retail chain downtown. We'll divide into three teams, one as a look out, the other run in and grab as much cash and other supplies as possible, and the last team getaway drivers."
Lapis and Lazuli's faces paled upon hearing the announcement.
"W-we are going to rob a store?" The raven-haired twin blurted out, earning him several snickers from the group.
"To put it plainly yes Lapis, we are going to rob a store but don't worry, we won't hurt anyone nor cause any damage if that's what's on your mind. The chain store belongs to a multi-billion corporation so they won't go out of business just from some robbery." Coral justified with stern yet sincere voice.
"Heh, nice reasoning she's got here, it's like saying killing a few humans wouldn't hurt cause we didn't wipe them all out!" Future Seventeen cackled clearly enjoying his own joke only for King Kai to shake his head in a disproving fashion.
On screen, the silvery blonde in charge was surveying her subordinates seemingly for questions and getting a raised hand from Lazuli, "Coral, I know this might sound stupid, but what about Ms. Poule? Does she know what we are doing?"
Some kids turned to each other displaying clear signs of embarrassment while others chuckled in amusement, but not Coral, Slate, or some of the leaders who remained resolute.
"She doesn't know any of this Lazuli and we intend on keeping it that way," Skinny, gray-eyed Slate informed, and when the younger blonde remained expressively unconvinced, he added, "don't worry, we have a few members remaining here to distract her if she became suspicious. For all she knows, this orphanage sustained itself from bakery and other goods sales."
"Any other questions? Good, now Lapis and Lazuli, which group would you two want to be in?" Coral asked.
"I-I want to be in the getaway group. We will be driving won't we?" Lapis inquired sounding excited for the first time.
Lazuli threw her brother an amused glance as did a few others. Meanwhile Future Eighteen rolled her eyes at her younger brother's behavior.
"Sure Lapis, but you won't get to drive this time. You'll be the merchandise handler." Slate said, sounding very much like an officer.
Lazuli laid a comforting hand on her brother's shoulder, "Sorry bro, but I guess you'll have to wait before getting your turn on the wheels."
The younger brother sighed but leaning against her hand to which the sister stroke his short spikey hair gently.
"I'm okay with any group; just assign me to the one you need most help." Lazuli replied simply still holding onto her brother.
"Good, we'll put you with the break-in group then. You can steal yourself a few new dresses while you are at it!" Coral said with a smile, earning her a guilty look from the younger blonde.
"Okay, now we know what our jobs are let's get going. Our home depends on this!"
Young Lapis and Lazuli followed the assembled gang of orphans out their home into the desolate street outside. There out in the open accompanied only by each other's' footsteps and sounds of stray dogs barking, the would-be-criminals were evidently ill-at-ease but carried on nonetheless. Right before the siblings separated though, they shared tight embrace that ironed out last of their hesitations and with it the slight tremble.
"Catch you later bro!" The sister said before departing.
"See you once your hands are full of fashionable clothing sis!" The brother shouted before getting into the getaway vehicle that's aged so poorly the majority of its paints already peeled off revealing the bare steal frame beneath.
Future Seventeen and Eighteen couldn't quite organize their thoughts into concise reasoning, since stealing from some supermarket was such minor offense it shouldn't even be worth their attention, but seeing these two amateur criminals following seasoned semi-pros gave them goosebumps.
W-was this how we started our descend as King Kai stated? Was this the beginning of no return, were we destined to become killers afterwards?
The two pairs of artificially enhanced visions followed their human counterparts arriving at the closed store in the middle of the night. There Lapis waited reluctantly by the backseats while Lazuli followed Coral to the backdoor, whose lock picking skills and knowledge in alarm systems awed the younger girl.
"There, this should disable the alarm but just in case, let's get in and out of here in ten minutes. I'll work on the registers for cash. You people go grab some medicines and any other goods you think we might need is that clear? Good, now let's get to it!"
The young girl along with several orphans wandered into the darkened space each grasping a black plastic bag. At first, the first time thief hesitated, her hands reaching for prescriptions in cabins but the sight of her companions emptying entire shelves convinced her to wrap her trembling fingers firmly around those white plastic bottles containing hundreds of pills. Soon she was looting left and right, her movements forceful and her breathing hard. Before making for the exit, she grabbed a toy jeep, stacks of car magazines, and random dresses she hadn't bothered trying on.
The gang went in and out of the supermarket as planned except now all dressed like Santa Clauses in blacks carrying bags full of goods. Lapis, who had been left out of the whole robbery deal, quickly opened the car trunk and the car became visibly weighed down by the load. Afterwards, they hopped into different vehicles and sped off into different directions even before police were present.
"Wow, that ended well!" Future Seventeen breathed a sigh of relief while Future Eighteen swiped drops of sweat from her forehead as they watched the party reconvene at the orphanage.
Lapis and Lazuli and company obviously harbored the same thoughts staring at the small hill of goods in the table no doubt costing tens of thousands of zeni.
"Congrats gang, looks like our trip was particularly fruitful this time. We should be good for at least a month." Coral announced quietly but proudly, earning her whisper-like cheers and a whistle from Lapis.
"As for you two," The ring leader turned to their new members, "great job! I can tell you two were made for this! Now you are part of the family!"
Lazuli nodded gratefully while Lapis gave himself a fist pump.
A small celebration party ensued in the dark after the stolen items were stored away safely. There, the thieves treated themselves to bottles of questionable substances. Before they parted, Lazuli handed the magazines and jeep model to her brother, who had been chatting up to Coral about future jobs, blushing the entire time.
The presents from his sister brought out a radiant smile from the young boy, more so visibly at least than one getting acknowledged by his crush.
"You are the best sister dearest!" Lapis admired the toy model in his hands.
"Of course I am little bro, you are an extension of dad and mom after all. Never forget that." Lazuli stated jokingly.
Both pairs of crystal blue orbs wavered as if a layer of liquid was coating them.
"Right sis, how can I forget about that?"
On the other side of the screen, Future Seventeen and Eighteen let out sighs burdened by emotions just as the replay sped up once more.
Months worth of footages passed by in front of the killer duo, where they witnessed themselves gradually getting used to this new double life of student and bakery goods seller by day, robbers by night. Lapis, despite his young age and lack of driver's license, had gotten a promotion of sorts into a getaway driver and Lazuli now an efficient robber with a taste for fine clothing, as she would regularly down different attires and would even pick out cloth for her brother. Despite the growing selection of outfits, the twins tend to wear garments originally belonging to their parents, a sight that made their future counterparts' heart sank.
Their adaptability to the job had evidently improved the financial situation of the orphanage, evident when Ms. Poule walked up to the twins baking cookies one day and asked for a sample.
"Mmm...I can see why we are doing better now. These are delicious you two!" The gray-haired director remarked with a satisfied grin.
"Oh...yeah thanks Ms. Poule. We certainly tried our best." Lazuli said sheepishly, sharing a guilty look with Lapis in secret.
"I know right? These two are the main earners in this house!" Coral had walked up behind Ms. Poule.
"That we are!" Lapis shouted gleefully, his sapphire eyes meeting emerald ones, the two pairs glistening under the sunlight.
Lazuli had smiled while Ms. Poule nodded warmly studying the two, clearly sensing chemistry in the air, especially when the older teen whispered something in the twins' ears which the cyborgs could barely make out with their enhanced hearing as, "Meet me and the others at ten tonight."
"What is it I heard just now? Are you two going out on a date tonight?"
Those teasing words caught the trio off guard as all spun around to look at the director, their eyes showing signs of fear.
"No Ms. Poule, we were just thinking about going out for a walk tonight. You know, to relieve some stress..." Lapis blurted out hastily, his face paling.
Ms. Poule chuckled, "It's okay kids, I understand. I was once your age too. Just don't overdo it and make sure to be back before curfew and it will be alright."
Young Lapis's face blushed and looked like he was about to say something when Coral put a hand over his mouth, smiling an embarrassing smile but otherwise shook her head.
"It's better that she didn't know the true story Lapis," she said then leaned in closer, "besides you are kinda cute."
Those words got the human version of the raven-haired youth blushing like mad, his cyborg counterpart faring not much better with those visible pink shades on his cheeks.
The screen had faded to black once more and when it regained its color, it was the exact same super market dimly lit up by street lamps. To the future cyborgs' surprise, young Lazuli was by the door, her nimble hands utilizing a wire of sorts on the lock. The stubborn mechanical device clung and clicked but refused to budge and the girl covered in black groaned, her catlike eyes narrowed to resemble a lioness struggling with her prey.
"How's it looking Lazuli?" Coral also in blacks asked, she and a couple of other orphans surveyed the surrounding worriedly.
"I almost have it. It's a bit harder than the rest but still doesn't stand a chance against me," The girl's voice carried a sense of pride, which was soon justified when the door creaked open.
"Well done Lazuli! Now gang, you know what to do! In and out within ten minutes!"
They spread throughout the space resembling well-trained soldiers clearing room, grabbing and snatching items into large plastic bags. Lazuli, surprising no one especially her older counterpart, had made her way to the clothing section after grabbing a few essentials. Standing in front of the dressing room mirror, she quickly held each garment in front of her then bagged whatever she liked.
"Wow sis, didn't know you were so comfortable stealing you are picky at what you steal." Future Seventeen remarked nonchalantly leaning back against his chair.
"Hey, I was just making sure what I got was suitable for my status alright? Anyhow I hope younger me didn't get too comfortable as to mess things up." Future Eighteen spat shaking her head disapprovingly, already guessing as to what the reason behind watching this event in normal time.
Just as the meticulous shopper was done with her selection, a blinding flashlight lit up on her face and the girl winced, dropping the beautiful blouse on her hands.
"Hands where I can see them thief! I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it!"
Young Lazuli stood there frozen still, her illuminated expression a mixture of fear and guilt. Gingerly, she raised her hands and started backing away from the man pointing a pistol at her.
"P-please don't report me to the police, I'm just a kid short on cash." she stuttered, her voice tiny and pathetic according to the deceased stone cold mass killer who was forced to shield her face with both hands.
This is just embarrassing; I was nothing but a frightened criminal? Well wait until she sees what she'll eventually become...none of those so called guns could so much as tickle you my dear...
"Yeah right, I've heard plenty of that, now why don't you tell that to the police?" The man yelled, jabbing her with the barrel of his gun and she trembled even more, ending up slipping and knocking down a shelf of goods.
The man grimaced, going as far as kicking the fallen girl on her stomach, making her gasp for air.
"Get up you thief and don't try anything f-oof!"
Out of nowhere, the man let out a pained yelp and collapsed onto the ground, revealing Coral holding a baseball bat on her grip.
"You alright Lazuli?" She asked, pulling the still shaking girl onto her feet.
"Y-yeah I think so, thanks Coral."
"Don't mention it. Hey guys, we need to get outta here and fast!"
The gang need not be told twice and all hurried for the exit. Lazuli was still visibly shaken and panting hard but she managed to keep up pace with the help of Coral who dragged her through maze like isles, zigzagging between shelves as if attempting to lose their pursuer.
"You go girls!" Future Seventeen cheered loudly, almost getting off his seat as those two on screen neared the door. In the past or not, the two teens in action, one his dearest sister and the other an older role model excited him, his bursting heart pounded against his chest.
If only it were this easy...something's bound to happen brother, just you wait...
Still holding her hands close to her face, Future Eighteen had begun mentally preparing herself for what's about to happen, her eyes darting between the escaping duo and King Kai's emotionless face.
She was right to prepare herself for the worst too, as a gunshot rang throughout the room, followed by another, and then desperate screams came.
"Coral, hang in there, we are almost out of here!" Lazuli shouted holding onto the limp bloodied form of Coral who remained unmoving even as Lapis got off from the truck and hulled her onboard.
Future Seventeen and even Eighteen who, in spite her preparation, watched in terror as young Lazuli tried bandaging up those gunshot wounds gushing with crimson liquids while Lapis drove like a mad man. The getaway vehicle swerved between different lanes, sometimes right into incoming traffic yet the teen never once eased on the gas pedal till they nearly crashed through a hospital where the wounded was rushed into an operation room. By then, the interior of the vehicle had been painted sinister red that would've made the cyborgs proud yet neither harbored any joy in witnessing so much carnage.
No, not again, not another loss...
The cyborgs felt cold shivers run down their spines as the human twins endured what must be a hellish time waiting outside the room. Lapis had his arm wrapped around his sister, who was sobbing quietly, too proud by then to cry aloud even as hot tears dripped down her cheeks. A few of the orphans had also arrived, all bearing solemn faces.
"I'm sorry guys, it's all my fault Coral got shot. If I hadn't stopped to admire those dresses we would've gotten out of there without anyone getting hurt." The blonde twin apologized.
"I-it's okay sis. I'm just happy you got out in one piece?" The raven-haired twin counseled bearing not a hint of anger.
"Liar...I got your crush shot...,"
"Yeah, you really need to be careful Lazuli. We've gotten into trouble before but nothing quite like this." Slate admonished, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Hey, lay off my sister okay? She's been through a lot already!" Lapis snapped and was about to burst up from his chair but Lazuli pulled him down.
"No brother, I screwed up this time and deserved the blame," she said, her emotional orbs floating in tears pointed at the hospital floor.
Slate let out a huff, "Whatever, what's done is done. Now the question is how are we supposed to pay for the bill? Thanks to our...many adventures, we have enough to live comfortably but not for a situation like this. This can easily cost tens of thousands of zeni."
Lapis looked downtrodden but Lazuli's crystal blue eyes lit up like a ball of blue flame, "We can always go on more of these, adventures to pay for the bill right?"
Wary eyes glanced from one to another but none said a word, their solemn faces letting the blonde of the disappointing decision.
Pathetic, your leader was in the brink of death and yet you all lost the stomach to steal more? Humans will always be filth, weak and selfish...
The future cyborgs shared an identical grimace full of murderous intent.
"Fine, I'll go alone if that's what it takes. I'm the one responsible for this mess anyways!" Lazuli declared as she pushed past the others.
"W-wait up sis, I'm coming with you!" Lapis shouted and ran after her without sparing the others a look.
Within minutes, sister and brother had sat down on bloodstained seats with Lapis gripping the steering wheel awaiting as if awaiting instructions. It took Lazuli some time to halt her trembling body but once she returned to normal, a pair of icy gazes that sparkled in the dark greeted the unsuspecting sibling whose goosebumps were visible to the cyborgs.
Yup, that's what sis is like when she gets angry...truly scary...
Future Seventeen couldn't help but rubbing his arms in an effort to dissipate the arctic breeze radiating from both human and cyborg Lazuli.
"Sis?" Lapis's feet was already on the gas pedal.
"To the nearest bank Lapis!" She replied simply.
"Oh?"
Lazuli took a breath, "Dad and mom are gone Lapis, do you want to see another one of our kins gone? We couldn't do anything last time but now we have the skills."
Lapis swallowed a gulp but nodded, "Why a bank though sis?"
"Where else can we get that much money in a short period of time? You with me?"
"Of course sis. I'd do anything for Coral. Now let's get going!"
"Sure you would Romeo." Lazuli teased.
They shared a warm sibling glance that had the half humans' hearts flutter.
That night, the twins wearing disguises infiltrated a bank made off with bags of cash. Lazuli's lock picking and thievery skill together with Lapis's driving allowed them to escape before an alarm could be raised. As they rushed back toward the hospital, they passed by the same super market and as luck would have it, saw the security guard by the parking lot.
"What do you say sis? Wanna show this asshole what we are made of?" Lapis asked, his foot ready to slam on the accelerator.
Lazuli paused while the future cyborgs nodded gleefully, stopping just short of chanting "Kill, Kill, Kill!", which only resonated in their minds.
"Fine bro, if you want to do it, I'm behind you!" Lazuli said, her hand on her brother's shoulder.
"Consider it done sis!" Lapis spat, eyes narrowed and lips thinned into a sinister grimace.
The car sped toward their unsuspecting prey, its blinding headlights boring down him, showing those wide terrifying eyes that made Lapis chuckle gleefully. The impact was an equally satisfying thud that saw the man airborne for a few seconds until he landed head first on the hard pavement.
For the cyborg twins, watching their fully organic counterparts' progression as criminals was something to be proud yet feared of, for both knew the higher they climb, the closer they were to meeting their inevitable fate. So sure they were of the even worse scenario awaiting them when a certain Red Ribbon Army operative showed up back at the hospital and other orphans completely absent, both let out feared gasps.
"Commissioner Crimson?" Lapis yelled, no less surprised than his audiences did.
"Hey, it's been a while Lapis, glad to see me?" The brown-haired man greeted warmly, not forgetting to wrap an arm around Lazuli, his hand travelling down her backs inching toward her hips before the girl mustered enough strength to shake him off.
"Crimson, where are my friends?" The feisty blonde asked readjusting her attire ruined by the man's touch.
"And how's Coral?" The raven-haired teen asked showing signs of obvious concern.
Crimson remained silent, his only response being a taunting smirk.
"Well?" Both twins shouted simultaneously.
"Relax kids, Coral is being taken care of by a specialist. Her life isn't in danger so don't you worry. As for your friends, Slate has already led them back home."
Specialists, does he mean, no please not Gero!
Future Seventeen almost shot another beam in between Crimson's unicolor eyes had it not for King Kai clearing his throat loudly before the energy departed. On screen, Human Lapis shared no such knowledge of their history and let out a sigh of relief as did Lazuli whose tense expression softened, almost showing a tint of gratitude.
"Y-you sure? She's pretty wounded and require immediate care. If it's money that's lacking I have it here." The blonde twin asked, reaching into her pocket.
"No that won't be necessary girl, our specialist does things free of charge," Crimson chuckled and strolled toward the teenage girl, placing his mouth right by her ears then whispered, "nicely done, I never would've known you'd grown to be such an expert."
The words caused both pairs of twins to widen their eyes, with Lapis and Lazuli much more surprised than their cyborg counterparts.
"S-so you knew?" Lazuli stuttered.
"Of course I do my dear. I'm here to look after you orphans aren't I? So long as you don't go kill anyone I've got things taken care of," Crimson replied sinisterly, his hand moving toward the young girl's slender waist who swallowed a gulp, "and I wouldn't count that accident as murdering someone. The idiot's not dead, just suffering from a major concussion that probably wiped out his memories so don't you worry."
No sooner had the man finished though, was he pushed away from the frightened girl by her angry brother.
"Tsk tsk Lapis, there's no need to be so sensitive is there? I'm just checking your sister's..."
"Not another word creep!" Lapis interrupted Crimson rudely; his fists clenched standing in front of his sibling.
"It's alright brother, I can take him." Lazuli assured him, making her way in front of the man and eyed him defiantly, "Why don't you just give us more fund in the first place Crimson? Coral would never have gotten injured if we've been better taken care of." She raised her volume seemingly without fear.
"Tsk tsk tsk...that's not how things work now is it boy?" The Red Ribbon Army agent shook his finger in front of the distraught teen, "I'm a police officer and I can only help out when it comes to law, I don't have power over government funding now do I?"
"No, but you must know someone who does!" Lapis screamed emotionally.
"That I don't. Sorry"
Hearing those blatant lies had the cyborgs boiling in rage that was manifested in currents of electricity surging through their limbs. So enraged were the two the house had begun to shake so violently until they heard the unmistakable voice of King Kai in their heads.
"Get ahold of yourselves. I never said this viewing is going to be easy now did I?"
Human Lapis and Lazuli weren't buying such excuses either, their pursed lips and clenched fists made clear of their thoughts but much like last time, neither made an attempt at destroying Crimson's lies to the displeasure of Future Seventeen and Eighteen.
"Good, now that's taken care of, I'll be on my way. Keep up the good work kids!"
"Thanks Crimson, we will, oh we will!" Lapis shouted crossing his arms in front of puffed chest.
No, just stop this...you'll only destroy yourself in the end...
Think as hard as they like, Future Seventeen and Eighteen couldn't influence the past more than cursing Crimson and Gero, their saliva coating the table. None of this was enough to halt the replay as it soon turned to black.
Time had begun to fly before the cyborgs as they witnessed those still developing bodies maturing to resemble themselves in almost every single way except the eyes, no matter how much more crimes were committed, never got as icy cold as theirs. Amidst all the chaos, the robbing, and countless failed cookie sales on the streets, Lapis and Lazuli had, by miracle it seemed, retained their innocence. The younger brother, ever so carefree and whimsical, was caring toward his fellow orphans, offering to drive them to places. Future Seventeen screamed in agony beneath his uncaring exterior, especially whenever Lapis would drive his sister and some other unrelated kids to school on a daily basis, wondering how could this soon-to-be killer who loved to crush victims beneath vehicles mix in so well with these pathetic humans. Future Eighteen wasn't faring much better either, as her nails dug deep into her skin, leaving red scratching marks seeing the pretty blonde teen giving her acquired jewelries and clothing to others.
The orphanage was an every changing landscape as kids came and went, some having met their ends under violent terms or vanished without a trace while others, the lucky ones like Slate, got to wave goodbye to the twins before going off to a new future. Replacing these old friends were fresh faces filling their ranks, some of whom eagerly participated in the secretive operations. To no one's surprise, Coral never returned, much to Future Seventeen's disappointment who couldn't help but musing about the older teen, wondering what would've happened had she stayed.
Would she take me to a new place? Perhaps with Eighteen so we can leave the orphanage sooner? Would that mean we never got turned into monstrosity by that freak? But this would mean leaving these kids behind though...
Wait, what does that have to do with me? Since when did I cared for a bunch of pathetic human kids?
Future Eighteen looked at her brother with a mixture of sadness and, as much as she hated to admit, jealousy.
At least you got someone you loved and loved you back bro...all my human self got was that creep Crimson...Let's just hope Crimson didn't do something to Coral's body...wait hold on, why do I even care? Besides she's better off dying young than meeting what awaited the human race...
In a move that both pained and irritated the cyborgs, their human counterpart had done for Coral what they've done for their parents, namely reserving a special spot for the missing girl. On the old bunk bed where their leader used to sleep laid her belongings, still kept as it had been. In a show of distrust, neither twins bothered asking Crimson, instead opting to tell the tales of this legendary figure to newer generations.
"So, watcha doing sis?" Lapis had asked one afternoon while both were perched atop the roof of the North City Orphanage. The boy was whistling a light tune that fit the gentle cool breeze of late afternoon, his shoulder lengthen hair flowing in the currents.
Lazuli's expression remained distant staring into the later afternoon sun while their cybernetic counterparts dripped cold sweats feeling unease creeping up their spines not wanting to find out what dreadful fate awaited them.
"Sis?"
"Bro, we are almost done here aren't we?" Her voice was as detached as her expression.
Her brother scratched her head, "Yeah I guess, our graduation is near," he paused briefly, playing with the golden earrings he now wore on both ears before continuing, "so what's on your mind sis? Got anything you'd like to do?"
Future Seventeen rolled his eyes.
Future? Only the destruction of these despicable humanity by your hands awaited you...
Lazuli remained silent, those fully human jewel-like orbs glistening in the sun. Lapis, intrigued by the odd behavior, made his way toward her. The siblings stood side-by-side taking in the orange pink sky.
"Let's go look for father and mother. I want to know what happened to them...even if...even if..." The words stopped, replacing it a trickle of tear trickling down boiling, nearly steaming orbs.
"Hey it's okay, I understand sis. Let's go find them. We can...we can even tell them how we managed to grow up fine. I'm sure they can hear us, somewhere somehow." Lapis put his arm around her shoulder.
Oh yeah, tell them how we'll turn lunatic killers not long after, that ought to be fun...
The future cyborgs cringed, their fingers ready to plug their ears to prevent further mental damage from those repulsively naïve statements.
As Lapis and Lazuli talked, a younger teen climbed his way on the roof, "Excuse me leaders, but the gang is waiting for you to begin our meeting!"
Future Seventeen and Eighteen gave each other a bewildered stare.
Leaders? Wow like seriously we were in charge of the orphans? W-what do they feel when we turned on them? D-did they feel betrayed by their leaders?
Their stomachs growled uneasily just thinking about it.
On screen, the human twins turned to the youngster displaying nothing but affection.
"We'll be right down in a bit. Just tell the others to have everything prepared okay?" Lazuli asked flashing the smaller kid a gently, almost family-like smile, earning her eager nods and a very visible blush.
"Wow sis, I didn't know you are so attractive for the males." Future Seventeen joked.
"Huh...I guess I am," Future Eighteen said with a snicker, her brain conjuring up visuals of their earlier slaughters, how before they were the infamous killers, men would approach her thinking she was just a young lady only to be cut down like cattle.
Hmph, what's the point of all this good look when no man is qualified for me? When all men save for my brother didn't even hold a candle to my strength? I may have the looks, but there's no one to truly appreciate my beauty...
So deep in thought was the murderess she almost didn't catch what happened next.
"Look at them, they look up to us sis, it's almost like we are their guardians." Lapis said after the teen had left.
"I know, it's too bad all we can give them are tips on how to rob a store," the beautiful girl whose golden hair fluttered in the sunset like blazing flame muttered quietly, her sparkling blue eyes dimming. It took a long inhale before she could say the next part, "You know what brother?"
"What?" Lapis was evidently alarmed by the development.
"If I ever have a family, if I ever have kids, I'll never leave them. I'll give them a bright future and plenty of love. I'll...I'll give them a life free of crime." She spilled it all out in one go, her tears flooding her face leaving not a dry spot. It was as if the tough exterior she had built up through the years had crumbled, exposing the vulnerable little girl who had been left to fend for herself since her parents' demise.
Her brother evidently knew what to do though, as he held her tighter in his embrace, "Hey, we'll get there in time sis, but for now we must earn more money for these kids. Common sis, they are counting on us."
The blonde twin swiped those boiling liquids away, "I know brother dearest, let's do what we can at the moment shall we?"
"Of course sister dearest."
Future Seventeen and Eighteen felt their eyes watering up but quickly regained their composure.
Sorry you two, but you won't be having any family in the future. Only death and destruction awaits...
A familiar, thin figure awaited the twins in their meeting room, one who garnered grateful smiles and warm hugs from them both.
"So whatcha doing here Slate? Back to see good old us?" Lapis remarked jubilantly.
"Oh you know, just taking up jobs here and there, trying to move on with life." Slate said in an unsure tone seemingly having something else in mind.
"Well spill it Slate, what is it? Don't tell me you come back just to visit us?" Lazuli raised an eyebrow, her piercing blue eyes inspecting the troubled young man.
Slate almost took a step backward at the young girl's inquisitive glare a pretty weird sight as noted by Future Eighteen who remembered the kid of having a more commandeering presence.
"Oh it's nothing, it just so happened that I know of a jewelry store that had just sold a load of gems. If we rob it tonight, we'll be sure to make away with tons of cash, probably enough to sustain this orphanage for months." He finally said after gathering himself.
Lazuli's eyes narrowed in displeasure, "And how do you know so much Slate? Don't tell me you haven't quit crime?"
"Hey it's alright sis, Slate probably just heard that from an acquaintance didn't he?" Lapis interjected.
"Y-yeah, exactly." The gray-eyed adult said, looking at the elder twin expectantly.
Future Eighteen didn't know why, but her heart was thudding hard against her chest. It was as if deep down she knew what was about to happen, as a familiar imagery of the gang robbing the jewelry store came flooding back to her mind. Without realizing it, her lips had begun opening and closing begging quietly for her younger self not to take the job, who appeared slightly hesitant but eventually sighed.
"Fine, I'll trust you this time Slate, now give us the details of this shop."
On the dreaded screen, the two leaders had begun making plans with their old comrade and the rest of the orphan gang, assigning tasks and even handing out maps as Slate had brought some crudely drawn floor plans of the store, claiming he had commissioned a store employee for them. It wasn't long before the merry bunch started wondering aloud what they'd do with the soon-to-be acquired fortune. Lapis was flipping through his car magazine pointing at specific vehicles and making a wish list while Lazuli, in spite of her earlier doubt, was questioning the orphanage graduate what sort of jewels were in store, her eyes sparkling, probably dreaming of a new ring or necklace.
No you idiots, why do you think Slate of all people survived the orphanage? Decline or better yet just get out of there...
Future Seventeen had picked up his sister's odd demeanor and begun silently praying any deity except King Kai that their younger selves wouldn't take up the offer, or that something random will pop up such as Ms. Poule needing someone to stay overnight at the orphanage.
Common, there are gods aren't there? So why hadn't they look after us?
To his dismay, no such divine intervention occurred. The twins though spent the rest of this eerily calm evening with Ms. Poule helping her with chores. The old woman had aged poorly, what remains of her hair now sickly white and her hunched body crippled, on her frail hand held a cane, the only source of support that enabled her to limp at a snail's pace, well, except for the pair of arms from both twins that helped her to her armchair.
"Do you two still remembered the day you set foot on my orphanage?" The elderly lady asked abruptly, much to both twins' surprise.
"Y-yes Ms. Poule." Lapis responded gently, handing her a mug of tea while Lazuli massaged her back.
"I-I remember that day all too well...cough..., it's almost as if you two had just arrived by my door step yesterday and now look at you two, all grown up and r-ready to take flight soon...cough. Promise me you two will take care of yourselves after graduating from here alright?" She said with labored breath between coughs.
"W-we will Ms. Poule, in fact, our cookie sales have been going great. We'll bring in plenty of cash so don't you worry." Lapis counseled.
Ms. Poule spared him a skeptical glance but nodded regardless.
By midnight the following day, the orphans embarked on their journey down the desolated dark roads toward their supposed salvation. To Slate's credit, the store located in downtown North City was indeed a fancy, multi-story building armed to the teeth with iron bars, security cameras, and electronic locks of all sorts. It was the picture perfect, treasure-packed safety vault ready to be broken in by the most experienced thieves.
Nimble Lazuli led the break-in gang while vigilant Lapis stayed by the car, his crystal blue eyes shining in the dark. The blonde thief, dressed in a wig, large sunglasses, and other disguises guided her team to a door free of cameras and went to work on the fancy lock, which proved to be no challenge for her. The many in-store alarms were no match for her either, as she made quick work of the systems. In mere minutes, the store defenses had been stripped bare, and the many glass cabinets soon shattered with the teenage robbers stuffing handfuls of jewels into garbage bags.
The now pink-haired master jewelry thief was on the third floor, her hands grabbing fistful of pearl necklace when Lapis crashed through the ajar door, panting heavily.
"L-Lazuli, we've got to go, fast, the cops are coming!"
Confusion, bewilderment, and then finally horror washed across Lazuli's face in rapid succession. To the pride of future cyborgs, the human twins wasted no time gathering their team showing much composure, leading them outside toward the getaway vehicles.
They didn't make it out in time; however, as the dark gloomy cityscape was lit up by blinding flashes of red and blue and the silent night filled with police siren.
"Put your hands where I can see them, slowly!"
"Don't bother resisting! You've been surrounded. There's no where to go!"
The scene was nearly identical to their very first arrest where Lapis had risked his life to steal a bottle of pill for his deathly ill sister except this time, the two were caught with loads of stolen luxurious goods and this revelation displayed on their faces. Momentarily, they appeared to be considering running away, the soles of their shoes lifting off the ground slightly but morbid faces of their followers finally made them raise their hands above their heads, something that bothered yet brought relief to the cyborgs who refused to imagine scenes of their shot up bodies.
That Slate's going to pay for setting us up...here's hoping we've already killed him, hopefully dragged out and painfully...
Lapis and Lazuli were as downtrodden and guilt-riddled as they could get on their way to the police department, where they were booked into a basement cell meant for criminals, completely separate from the other orphans.
"Great, just look at what we've done. Now we might not even be able to graduate." Lapis complained dejectedly, kicking a random item lying on the cold concrete floor into the wall.
"I know; I shouldn't have taken Slate's offer. It's all too good to be true." Lazuli muttered, her head pressed against a wall in such defeated manner akin to someone repenting for sin.
Lapis's eyes snapped opened, "Speaking of which, where's Slate? I don't remember seeing him getting taken custody like the rest of us."
"Oh I wouldn't be worrying about Slate you two; your companions are all being taken care of and so will you two."
Both twins gasped seeing Commissioner Crimson unlocking the iron-bared door, causing ear piercing metal friction sounds to fill the air, a prelude to something more serious as feared by the future cyborgs.
"Y-you mean you are going to let us go?" Lapis asked hesitantly, his voice bearing hints of hope.
"Oh yes that's right, in fact I've already arranged cars to take you two back to the orphanage." Reddish brown-haired Crimson chuckled before moving away from the open door, "there, you two may go now."
The raven-haired and blonde duo gave each other a skeptical look, then back at the snickering man who, save for his irritating voice, didn't seem to be harboring any vile intentions.
"Okay then, I guess we owe you one." Lapis walked in front of his sister, but just as he was about to go past Crimson, the secretive Red Ribbon Army operative brought both hands down onto his head, dropping him out cold.
"Hey, what are you...ack!" Lazuli tried protesting but five sinister fingers had already enclosed around her throat, pinning her struggling body against the cold concrete wall.
"Oh don't worry my dear, he's just taking a nap. Now why don't we have some fun sweetheart?" Crimson chuckled, bringing his face dangerously close to the young girl's who was kicking and squirming in his grasp, her feet pounding vehemently against the Red Ribbon Army operative but to no avail.
"Aw common pretty Lazuli, don't you want to enjoy yourself before you are turned into a science project? I promise you'll think back to this and thank me when you are laying on the operation table!" He taunted, his free hand now running across her goosebumps filled skin.
"S-science project?" Lazuli pried Crimson's fingers loose long enough to squeeze out a grunt.
"That's right, someone has requested to use your bodies for their, let's just say project, but I thought why not put you to better use before then." Crimson said in a tone full of himself.
"Hey let me go you freak!" Future Eighteen screamed, her eyes flashing in a color that would put the man's name in shame and sending a beam of pink energy at the vile man's torso but before it could connect, King Kai had already intercepted the blast with an energy wave.
Rather than blaming the distraught killer; however, the blue entity merely gave her a long, soul-searching glance seemingly implying he understood what she's going through but at the same time making it clear in his posture he had no intention of skipping through the scene.
Meanwhile, Lazuli was still fighting the Red Ribbon Officer not giving an inch, ending up earning herself a slap across the face that saw her crumbling onto the cold floor, sobbing slightly. The much larger Crimson didn't appear to be giving up just yet and followed her onto the ground, taking full advantage of his weight and pinning her down.
This is horrible! He's just a brute taking advantage of younger me cause he's stronger. There's no honor in what he does...
Just...just like how we killed all those people cause we are stronger and can do whatever we want with them...
"No!" Lazuli's desperate cry flamed her older counterpart's distraught, her hands struggling against Crimson in vain who was tugging at the hem of her shirt. The girl closed her eyes, crying as her midsection was gradually revealed, and then Crimson's pained yelp resonated through the space.
"Lazuli, are you alright? I'm so sorry, I didn't know he'd do this to you." It was Slate, who had kicked the Red Ribbon Officer in the stomach.
"Y-you should've just take the money and run kiddo, but now you are going to pay!" Crimson spat reaching for his gun, only to be intercepted again as the skinny man was onto him. The two men began struggling on the floor, rolling back and forth but slowly the much more experienced Crimson gained an upper hand in no time and started banging Slate's head against concrete surface. Crisp cracks of human skull against hard floor resonated throughout the room, gradually getting duller as the poor rescuer's head began to cave in, his lively eyes getting blank and mouth agape trying to scream but only managed out dry gasps.
"Heh, serves him right for betraying us to that monster." Future Seventeen said angrily without a hint of mercy.
"Exactly, he'd better kill himself with Crimson. That would be perfect." Future Eighteen growled, her hands running through her shirt just as Lazuli was adjusting hers.
On screen, human Lapis slowly regained conscious and immediately joined the fray, kicking Crimson in the chin and making him groaning on the floor in pain. The Red Ribbon Army officer wasn't quite done yet though, as he managed to upholster his pistol.
"That's it, I'm killing you all! Gero didn't mention whether he need live or dead bodies."
The barrel was pointed at Lapis, who tried ducking down but Crimson's arm followed his every move. Just when it seemed certain death was inevitable; however, Slate threw himself in front of the boy, his arms spreading wide opened in a protective manner, shielding the male twin from a barrage of bullets.
"No!" Lapis and Lazuli yelled in unison as both rushed toward Crimson now covered by their fallen colleague's bloodied body. With tremendous rage burning in their eyes, a rage that borderline bloodlust, the twins began pummeling the secret agent, screaming and cursing as their fists and feet crashed into him. Unable to remove Slate on top of him and his pistol kicked away, Crimson's face was soon dented inward when both siblings brought punched onto his face at the same time.
"Now tell me everything you know about this Gero, and do it fast!" Lazuli ordered, pointing the officer's gun back at him while Lapis dragged Slate to a safe distance.
The Red Ribbon Army operative merely laughed in amusement, "It's too late for you two. Gero will have you strapped onto the operative table like he's done with the rest of your missing friends. As for me, I say I've had my fair share of fun so go ahead, end me!" He paused a bit then let out a roar, charging at the blonde and reaching for her, his eyes crazed and animalistic, only to be stopped short in his track when Lazuli pulled the trigger and a bullet emerged from Crimson's back where the heart was.
Still shaken, Lazuli collapsed on her knees against the cell's floor but refused to give up just yet as she crawled toward her brother and fallen friend.
"Slate, you alright there?" She asked.
"I-I don't think he'll make it sis," Lapis remarked, holding his friend in his chest, not bothered by the red liquid staining his attire.
"W-why did you come back for us?" Lazuli asked once more, her gaze wavering as if hoping to get one last answer.
"I-I'm sorry you two," Slate squeezed out those pained words before coughing up blood onto Lapis's face.
"I-it's okay," Lapis tried hushing him but the dying man grasped his shirt firmly in his hand, his gray eyes darting between the twins as if searching for forgiveness in their blue orbs, "I-I took their offer with the promise I wouldn't be turned into an experiment. I'm so sorry, please forgive me..."
"It's okay, friend. I'm just glad you had a bit of freedom at the end." Lazuli counseled warmly running her fingers through his now red-stained hair.
Slade smiled, then let out a deep guttering groan, and then he uttered no more, those gray eyes blank and mouth slightly agape, his frozen face showing neither pain nor any emotion.
Future Seventeen and Eighteen looked on with conflicting emotions, not sure how to make of it. They had wanted nothing less to kill the traitor but now seeing the deceased cradled in the arms of their younger selves brought something new in them.
"W-what do we do now sis?" Lapis asked after closing Slate's eyes, his own looking at his sister expectedly.
"W-whatever this is it's not over yet brother. I say we leave town for the time being."
"Good idea sis."
Still dazed by what they've just witnessed, the following visions went by in a blur for the cyborgs. All the two knew was their much mentally tougher selves managed to sneak their way out of the police department and snuck into their confiscated car, and so the twins were on the road again, drifting through the wilderness like their parents had done previously, hoping to escape whoever was on their tail.
The two had seemingly followed the exact path their father had taken too, as the car travelled through dense forest into no man's land. Darkness engulfed them and cries of woodland creatures became their companions. Perhaps wanting to relieve the pressure or merely out of habit, something not even Future Seventeen could reason logically, Lapis had begun whistling again.
"I can't believe you still have the energy to whistle bro." Lazuli's head was slumped against the window while her hands folded in front of her body.
"Hey sis, just don't want to let the gloom drag me down. Besides didn't mother tell you to learn from me and take it easy?" Lapis asked before continuing to whistle.
Lazuli looked at him all bewildered, "Oh right, yeah, thanks bro," and just like that, she had begun whistling too.
This seemingly tranquil moment, just like their previously happy moments, didn't last much longer; however, for that soon the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably no matter how hard Lapis tried steering it.
"Focus on the road will you bro? Now you are just taking things too lightly!" Lazuli admonished.
"No you don't get it sis, the car's malfunctioning. Something's seriously wrong I tell you...ahhhh!"
Whimsical whistles had turned into dreaded screams as the car had crashed through the railing and into a river. The twins trapped inside tried swimming to safety but were soon trapped inside submerged vehicle with water eventually engulfing their heads. Desperate for a breakthrough, they pounded against the car's window but to no avail and finally, their eyes shut just when the screen faded into black.
Their frail bodies began moving the same time the screen regained its color, both still drowsy and slowly regaining their senses. When they became aware of their surroundings, the two discovered they were strapped onto operation tables just as Crimson had promised much to their fear.
"W-where are we?" Lazuli asked weakly, her eyelids fluttering open and closing trying to adjust to the light.
You are in Gero's lab you idiot...ah well then again what do we expect? Your brave defiant act was destined to be futile from the very start.
Both cyborgs were squirming in their seats by this point, barely able to keep their gazes on the screen as a messy haired individual in white coat approached them. Seeing the figure once again brought indescribable pain to them, their eyes blinking a shade more sinister than all the blood Crimson and Slate had spilled. While their earlier human memories may have receded back into the deepest recesses of their brain, their conversion had unfortunately remained ever so vibrant, often haunting them in their dreams.
Seeing the lab, the operation tables, the restraints only reinforced their unpleasant memory, and even now on a different planet decades away, they could literally smell the stench of death and all the chemicals used by Gero.
"Why my dear, I'm glad to see you are finally awake. For a second I was afraid I had lost you for good, and you have no idea how hard it is to find good specimen such as yourselves." The man cackled, running his finger across the blonde's body in a manner quite different than Crimson's lust driven frantic moves. This wasn't to say these more careful touches were any better, and Future Eighteen was seething with rage, arguably more so when Crimson had her against the wall, her fingers itching to fire a few more blasts through the man on screen, illusion or not.
"H-hey you, whoever you are you'd better keep your filthy hands from my sister or we'll do to you what we did with Crimson." Lapis whimpered weakly, his eyes half closed.
A hearty laughter filled the predominately white surrounding, the course outburst shaking the many lab equipment.
"Very funny kid, but I must say I'm glad you are as strong willed as you are. Yeah, you are just perfect." The white-haired man said, running his hands across Lapis's body just like what he had done with the sister, his mannerism controlled and, dare the cyborgs say, gentle akin to how Future Seventeen and Eighteen treated their vehicles and clothing respectively.
"Oh, please excuse me my dears," the man stopped caressing the tied down boy, his voice creepily sincere, almost apologetic, "I'm Dr. Gero and I'd love to appropriate your bodies for my project, whether you like it or not."
"B-but why us?" Lazuli asked, having already stopped struggling some minutes ago, her usually ocean blue eyes dimmed apparently, seemingly accepting her fate.
More gleeful cackles followed, "Ah, why that's an excellent question my dear. You see, my experiment is a bit, shall we say, taxing on the human body and the mortality rate is quite high," he paused, waiting until those cat-like eyes widened in terror before continuing, "in short, not everyone makes it but I have faith in you two. You are both strong and shared an inseparable bond only twins have that hopefully will keep you both alive."
"And if not?" The blonde twin used the last remains of her energy to let out a defiant yell.
"If not then you two shall be disposed of like the rest of my failed subjects, which if I may add was the fate plenty of your friends shared so do survive for me okay?" Gero said amusedly.
"W-wait, Coral, are you the one responsible for her disappearance?" Lapis shouted angrily, his face flushed briefly then paled, seemingly exhausted of energy.
"Coral who? Sorry kid, but I'm not good at remembering names. I much rather assign numbers to them, the successful ones that is." Dr. Gero remarked, twirling his mustache in between wrinkled fingertips, "anyhow I think that's enough introduction. If you two make it we'll get to know each other much better and if not, what's even the point? So now sleep my dears, and hopefully when you two wake up, it won't be in a dumpster."
Future Seventeen and Eighteen watched in horror as Gero took out a syringe and injected green liquids into their struggling bodies. The chemical coursing through their blood veins was visible even underneath their pale skins, and try as they might, neither Lapis nor Lazuli remained conscious for long, their eyelids closed, their limbs ceased all movements as if the two were mere dolls lying on a workbench, ready to be tinkered.
"Well, so I guess that's how you two became cyborgs. So what do you two think?" King Kai asked calmly, his finger snapping and with it the screen completely dissolved into thin air, revealing the interiors of his house.
Neither cyborgs were in any mood of answering them; however, and both turned their faces away from the deity.
"Well?"
"Well what? We lived through crap, hoping to get by and building a future, only to be betrayed by our friend and turned into Frankenstein's monsters. How do you think we feel?" Future Eighteen hollered, releasing all her pent up emotions in one go.
"No kidding sis, it's no wonder we ended up as murderers seeing how these pathetic humans treated us. All of them deserved to die and I'd love to see how we massacred them in the next viewing!" Future Seventeen chimed in, his voice indignant and imbued with rage.
The weirdly colored bastard, as they loved to call him mentally, merely let out a "Huh" before taking a sip of his tea.
"Huh what you bastard?" The younger twin spat, finally saying the word. Truth being told, it was quite a marvelous sensation that made him felt marginally better.
"So you don't think there's no other way aside from mass murderer after what you've been through? That the only sensible progression is to end humanity. To treat everyone like Crimson and Gero?" King Kai's tone was as serious as he could get, temporarily silencing his guests.
"Of course, what else is there to be done? We are fucked so let the whole world burn with us!" Future Eighteen yelled.
To the female cyborg's displeasure, the god had the nerve to chuckle in her presence, "Okay then, let's see just exactly what happened later shall we?"
With another snap of his finger, the cyborgs were immersed in yet another vision, their bodies trembling with overwhelming emotions, hoping they'd get what they wanted, that Artificial Human Number Seventeen and Eighteen from this alternative timeline will end the world but at the same time, neither was able to suppress a growing doubt.
What if, what if we had taken a different path? Was that what King Kai meant? But it couldn't be...surely we wouldn't allow these filthy creatures to go unpunished after what they've done to us...
A/N: I just want to say thank you all so much for waiting patiently for this chapter. This might be one of the hardest chapters I've written to date, as I had to cover our lovable twins' tragic teenage years all in one chapter. Please excuse me if this chapter is a bit too long and dark. I actually almost split this chapter into two but told myself to finish their back-stories and move onto the present timeline so that's part of the reason why this took so long to write. Another major factor is that I'm suffering from a writer's block and can barely put down any words in some weekends.
Do let me know if this chapter holds up to the previous ones or if there's any drop in quality. I'll try to have the first chapter featuring Present Seventeen and Eighteen in a reasonable amount of time. Before then peace!
