Envoy of the Beginning

Disclaimer: I do not own Elfen Lied or any of the characters associated with it.

"talking"

Thoughts

Synopsis: Pain can exist on many levels. But for the soul itself, though it is resilient it is far from unbreakable. Whether it be good or bad all it takes is a moment to change your world.

Can Kohta survive what comes next?

Treachery

Talking to each other in their inner world, Kohta knew very little about the girl as she didn't know much about herself. Though she did almost kill him putting him on guard, he quickly learned she had no other way to communicate.

So trying to understand her for the few inner 'days' they were together the only way he could know what she was thinking were through the faint emotional impressions she gave off. But being here, he had all the time to learn more about her. Perhaps she might hold some vital information that could allow them to escape.

After a couple more 'weeks' had passed, it was a bit difficult to understand her. But in a way she didn't have much to say. For starters she still appeared to him the same as in the physical world, bound to a wheel chair with a helmet over her head. Aside from not knowing much about herself she didn't even know what she looked like.

From what Kohta was able to gather she was born here. Though for what purpose, that became obvious from her memories.

She was a test subject to understand the diclonius telepathic network. However he didn't understand what she was. Though she gave off a signal, she didn't feel like a diclonius. Regarding herself she was deemed as a failed product as she was practically catatonic most of the time. Though who could blame her? Due to her unusual nature, lack of training, and all the noise in her head, it was like trying to watch thousands of different television channels at once and not knowing where to look. Thus why she was the way she was.

"But what should I do about her?" Kohta thought. The girl in front of him was closer to a thing then a person as her ego had been watered down to near nothingness lacking almost no sense of individuality. Being such, he was at a critical moment where almost everything was in place for his escape plan. She was a liability if the humans learned what he was planning through her. With how weak her sense of self was, it wouldn't take much for him to silence her. However, "I just can't leave her like this . . . ."

In the time he had spent in this prison he had seen its cruelties twist once good people into animals. They were driven by instinct to survive as they mindlessly slaughtered each other. He in turn was no different feeling this desperation as he was thrust into one bad situation after another. Not knowing if you were going to live another day. Helplessly watch as your friends and family are killed or mutilated beyond recognition. See a person's spirit break as the light in their eyes fade to nothingness as they accept their inevitable doom. But unlike most he still had hope as he would not abandon his sense of right and wrong just for a few more miserable moments of life.

No matter how he looked at it she was a victim like everyone else here. For that reason he couldn't turn his back to her let alone harm her.

Approaching her, the nameless girl flinched as she was still afraid from their first encounter.

"Don't be scared" Kohta smiled softly. "I'm here to help you". Inching closer till he was in arms reach he gently placed his hand over hers allowing her to settle in knowing he was not going to harm her. "It must have been complete torture being a prisoner inside your own body for all this time. But I promise that if you let me, I can help you. So please . . . . Let me help you". Though she may not have understood his words, hopefully he was able to convey his feelings clearly.

Staring blankly at the boy, she wasn't sure what to think as this had been the first time she had felt how quiet her inner world was as all her focus was on him. Continuing to look into his eyes this was the first time she felt something different. All she ever knew was the cold and the darkness which had no words to describe them. This void she was drowning in as the screams of countless souls surrounded her each and every day drenching her face at this unbearable pain till she could cry no longer. But with him . . . . She felt warm . . . . At peace. Without a second thought, she grasped his hand trusting this feeling.

So beginning the healing process, Kohta helped reorganize her mind.

An inner world was unique to each diclonius as it was a reflection of them. But for her it was only complete empty space while completely surrounded by screeching white noise.

Thus showing her a glimpse of his memories they were soon standing in a park he once visited to set up a baseline. From there they started building. Several structures were erected to help her organize all the unfiltered information she was constantly bombarded by.

For several 'weeks' he had been teaching her some basic things like how to read, write, and talk. He even helped her understand how to move her arms and legs as she had never used them since she could remember. However her personality was still rather flat and stoic yet time will tell if that will change or not.

After 'months' in with Kohta's encouragement the two started building her inner world together. Day by day, things started to improve as her mind was becoming calm. Bonding over this course of time, a steady friendship started to form.

But then suddenly it struck Kohta as there was something he had practically ignored for all this time.

Noticing this, the girl thought about what to say. ". . . . Is something wrong?"

Chuckling in embarrassment, "I know this should have been the first thing I should have done. But you don't have a name do you?"

"Name?" she muttered to herself. Recollecting her memories, she had only been referred by her serial number. So she wasn't sure how to answer.

Feeling her confusion, Kohta smiled warmly to her. "How about . . . . Miyu".

"Miyu?" as she thought about it.

"You don't like it? Sorry, I'm pretty bad when it comes to names" as Kohta rubbed the back of his head anxiously.

"No . . . ."

"Hmm?"

"If it's a name Kohta gave to me then I like it . . . ."

Though he couldn't see it he felt her joy which was enough for him. Sighing in relief he smiled back at her. "Come on, there is so much I need to show you still".

Continuing to teach her, Kohta instilled everything he knew over several topics from knowledge to the very aspects of morals and ethics. He showed her the best life had to offer and the bitterness that followed with it. Although he wanted to protect her innocence as much as he could he also had to be realistic about not sugar coating the harsh reality about the world they live in today.

But it did not damper her in the slightest. Miyu had spent most of her life experiencing this despair through others. But with Kohta, she was finally able to see that there was more to the world then misery within these cold thick walls. Continuing to think about it they discussed many subjects as she was curious about so many things about the outside world. With everything she knew so far there was one thing she didn't understand, "why do humans hate diclonius?"

Giving a strained laugh, "I'm afraid that's not a very easy question to answer".

"Why?" tilting her head.

"I'm just a kid myself. So I don't really understand it very well" as Kohta gave a slanted smile. "But . . . ." giving it some thought. "Humans are just complicated like that. They are just so . . . . Whimsical and fragile in nature . . . . So easily startled and threatened at the first sign of trouble. Though I can understand why they are afraid of us considering what we can do. The Wechsel are not really helping much either".

"Then why do some diclonius still want peace?"

". . . . Because we still haven't given up hope on it".

Though that's what he said she also felt his doubt and anger below the surface of his temperament. As Kohta tried to put on an air of optimism she still felt his malice towards humans for what they did to his home and for the many terrible things he had to experience because of them.

Thinking about what she should do in this kind of situation, Miyu enacted what she learned.

"Hmm?" as the youth was surprised as he found himself in a deep hug.

"Please don't be sad anymore" as her tone held deep concern. "I don't want to feel these things from you . . . . I find it rather upsetting . . . ."

"Sorry about that" as Kohta gave a wryly smile.

"But I still don't understand".

"About what?"

"Aren't humans and diclonius the same thing?"

At such a question Kohta couldn't help but sigh as he looked somber. "Yeah . . . . That's a really good question".

Before long a 'year' had passed by. In that time Miyu's inner world had become a magnificent city. Every structure served a purpose in managing her connection to the network filtering all the noise she was hearing. Finally achieving this sense of peace she was truly grateful to Kohta at the priceless gift she was given. For that she truly valued the friendship they shared. But that's what made what came next very hard for her.

"Kohta, there something I need to tell you".

"What is it?"

"It's about your escape plan . . . ."

Taking her hand, Kohta gave a reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry. It's going to be alright. If everything goes to plan we'll be able to make it out of here. But it's also thanks to you". For all the diclonius that have been here each had memories of this place. Cross referencing what they've seen and heard they were able to come up with a relative map. Of course there were some unknown areas that they were going to have to improvise a little at that point. Plus they were also going to need a little luck on their side. If they had no way to escape then they had no choice but to take the facility by force as that in itself had its own set of problems. Aside from a heavily armed opposition, they needed to shut down all forms of communication immediately or else reinforcements would be on the way or the complete destruction of the facility with them in it.

"No . . . . You don't understand . . . ."

Sensing her uneasiness, "I won't leave you here" Kohta smiled brightly. "I promise I will come back for you no matter what. I will not leave you behind" as he couldn't stress this part enough.

"No" as Miyu shook her head quickly. "Kohta, they already . . . ." But before she could finish that thought the two were forced back to reality. The harness had reactivated as her mind had gone quiet. Likewise Kohta's collar turned back on.

"What was she about to say?" as he was deeply perplexed. But more so was the deep foreboding sense of something ominous was waiting for him around the corner. Shaking his head there was no turning back as he couldn't afford to wait any longer.

~ The facility ~

Within a waiting room Kohta was joined with the last of his friends as this was one of the few rare moments they were able to talk to each other. Along with Kiri, there was also Sato, Yuri, Jin, Yosu, Megumi, and a few others.

"I want everyone to get ready to move the moment you get the signal" said Kohta. "I'm going to cause as much chaos as I can. If I'm lucky I'll be able to disrupt as many collars possible. From there we'll try to get as many people out as we can".

"This is totally crazy" said Sato. "I do especially not like the odds we're looking at".

"Well it sure beats the hell out of waiting around to die" Jin replied offhandedly.

"We can't hold on any longer!" Megumi exclaimed. "It's now or never! I don't want to helplessly watch anymore of my friends die!"

It took time for Yuri to gather all her courage as she tried to put on a brave face. "Let's do this together".

Yosu was still a bit shaken as he was steeling his nerves for what was to come. "I'm ready when everyone else is".

With that little spark of hope, the fire was lighted as they had not resigned themselves to death just yet.

The others in the room felt strength return to their bodies as each of them gave out words of encouragement or valor for what was to come.

They knew that this was going to be dangerous and that there was a good chance that a good deal of them was not going to make it. But after all they had endured, it was better to die on your feet then live on your knees.

"Good luck everyone" said Kohta as he looked to them all. "Let's make it out of this together".

Preparing themselves, they were all soon separated to their different sites as Kohta had ended up where he needed to be.

In this room Kohta stood before an experimental mech suit which was being operated by a computer A.I. For the time he first conceived his plan, he had purposely made himself look weak as to lower the difficulty of his opponent as it didn't bother using its vector canceller. Since it was clear to him that they would not kill him, he used this to his advantage. Thinking over his entire plan, he was as prepared as he could be.

"But what was Miyu trying to tell me?" thought Kohta as this nagging feeling hung at the very edge of his mind. This sensation like a needle was piercing his heart as he couldn't help but worry that something was not as it seemed. However this was not the time to be second guessing himself as the test was about to begin.

"Begin the simulation bout" a voice announced over the intercom. With that the machine activated as it threateningly approached its target.

Gathering his resolve, Kohta acted immediately. He needed this machine's parts in as good condition as possible. Phasing countless vectors into its body he turned it into scrap within seconds before the machine even knew what hit it.

The viewing scientists were surprised at this sudden improved performance of the test subject. However they noticed he was doing something strange as the robotic parts were further being demolished. Not an unusual sight considering the anger they've seen from a few of their subjects. But what got their undivided attention was when those parts started to reassemble themselves.

"I've got to make every second count!" as Kohta built his 'key' as fast as he could as the assembling was occurring as fast as he could think it out. But in midway construction his collar had reactivated as his vectors had disappeared with several parts falling to the ground. "I had already anticipated this!" keeping his cool as he needed to assemble the rest by hand. Hearing the footsteps right outside he was running out of time. Fixing the last circuit board and connecting two wires he tapped the two copper ends together as a little spark shot out. Taking a deep breath, "god I hope this works!" Connecting the power source, a miniaturized electro-magnetic burst was fired off as several sparks lashed out around the room including his collar as all the electronics had been completely fried.

With his vectors back he quickly ripped off the collar as he needed to proceed with the next phase of his plan. He needed to move fast before security closed in on him. Trying to fight his way out with just his vectors alone would have been straight up suicide. So the first thing he needed was to procure a mech suit as he knew just where to find one. Punching a hole in the wall, the map provided by Miyu gave him an idea where the R&D department was.

"Stop him!"

"Don't let him through!"

"Fire on my command!"

This was still within his expectations as Kohta shielded himself as the bullets bounced off his vectors as he ran into another hallway. However he didn't have the time to deal with them. If he wasted anymore time he would eventually become overwhelmed by their numbers. So creating short cuts, he started punching down walls as he dashed through a few rooms startling several people along the way.

Of course he did bump into a mix of security and scientists who tried to stop him. However he was quick to move them aside as he continued to run as his life depended on it. Ripping down a few doors and walls he found what he needed in the form of newly developed prototype mech suits. Opening the hatch to one of them he quickly jumped in.

Operating them wasn't too much of an issue as he still had vague memories from other diclonius to how to move one of them. Taking his seat as he went through the start-up procedures several security personnel had just entered.

"Hold it right there!'

"Get out of there right now!"

"Open fire!"

As gun fire filled the air, Kohta quickly closed the hatch as he could hear the bullets ricocheting off the armor. "So far so good" as the screens lit up as he was now ready to move. He now needed to move onto the next phase of his plan and knock out the collars to reestablish the telepathic network. Once everyone was connected they would be able to coordinate their movements and communicate on the go. Thus his next stop would be the central hub where he needed control of the system. However the way there was not accessible by the mech suit. "Not a problem". Phasing his vectors through the suit he punched strategic holes through a wall as his suit went into a run ramming right through it. Though some walls were vector proofed, he had to depend on the suits strength to get through it.

Accessing the machines internal map, Kohta knew where to go.

However it was not going to be easy to get there as security was fully aware of his actions as more armed personnel was dispatched to deal with him.

Both front and back several soldiers armed with guns and explosives released near endless streams of ordinance as Kohta's suit continued to run ignoring them. Though the armor was tough, it was far from impenetrable as the mech suit was steadily accumulating damage.

Appearing around him in blaring red warning lights, system diagnostics was showing the steadily failing armor integrity which was starting to affect the suits mobility.

"Just a little further" Kohta cringed at how close he was cutting this. Arriving at the entrance, the youth destroyed the hallway behind him to cut off his pursuers. With how damaged the cockpit hatch was being dented out of place from withstanding a barrage of bullets and explosives he had to rip off the door with his vectors.

Tearing open the entrance to the central hub, Kohta looked around to the hundreds of hard drives that were in the room. Getting to a terminal, he accessed the systems he needed through the directory. Of course access was encrypted. But he also understood the mathematics and software to override them. However his intrusion was detected as it won't take them long before he was locked out of the system.

He could fight it, but every second mattered as he and his friends needed to escape as soon as possible.

Being his primary goal, he shut down all collars as soon enough he could hear gun fire echoing everywhere. Focusing his mind, the telepathic network had been reestablished.

"You did it Koh!" called Kiri. "Your timing couldn't have been better as I took my guards by surprise".

"Don't celebrate just yet. Power control has already become isolated and it won't be long till other systems will be locked out. I have already confirmed there is a boat we can take to get off the island. At this moment I can control a few security doors to block them off. But right now I only have enough time to shut off their communications or release everyone else still inside their cells".

"Cut off communications!" called Jin. "We can disrupt their coordination".

"No! We need to release everyone!" called Megumi. "My brother is still locked inside! I can't break down the door on my own!"

Making an executive decision, Kohta decided to release everyone. Disrupting their communication would've been an immense advantage for them. However their numbers were too small to make any significant difference against the humans. So opening all cell doors, communication systems was now locked out. Right then an explosion occurred right behind him as Kohta shielded himself from the debris that flew at him. As security began to move in, he quickly punched a hole in a close by wall just big enough for him to fit through as he made a run for it. "There are boats on the eastern side! Go now!" as he communicated to everyone while sharing his memories of the map.

With the diclonius freed from their cells, the older psychics had taken up the guards weapons as a fire fight had ensued while the younger focused on shielding them.

As everyone else was focused on escaping, Kohta had stopped at an intersection as he met up with his friends.

"We're going to meet with everyone else on this corridor" said Sato. "We're not going to get a better chance than this".

"I can't leave just yet" then said Kohta as his friends gave him shocked looks. "I made a promise and I'm going to keep it".

Before he could say some cliché thing, "you're not going to play hero on your own" Kiri smirked. "We are all leaving this damn place together!" as his other friends were also in agreement.

The horned boy could only smile to have such wonderful friends. However he had to prioritize their safety first as he told them to all go first. But Kiri refused to leave. Not having the time to argue the two boys went back for the girl that was left behind.

Honestly Kohta couldn't have asked for better help from his longtime friend and rival Kiri. When together their team work was unbeatable as they were able to complement each of their moves without hindrance.

Coming upon a hallway three guards had immediately opened fire on them. Kiri reacted first shielding them as Kohta destroyed the lights. Blitzing down the hall, it would become increasingly dangerous for them as the bullets they used were tougher to stop the closer they got. So ripping out chunks of the floor and walls, they served as makeshift shields and cover to help them slow down their bullets so their vectors could block them. However the boys never stopped moving as they protected each other ripping out sections of the hallway. Once they were close enough they made quick work of their guns before disabling them. Though it crossed their minds to kill them, they had neither the time nor the lack of morality to do so.

Continuing to run as they dealt with the guards, Kohta homed in on Miyu's signal till they finally reached her. Entering her room, there she was sitting in her wheel chair seeming confused about the commotion outside.

". . . . Koh . . . . ta . . . ." Miyu barely breathed out as this was the first time she had ever used her voice.

"I promised I would come back for you" Kohta smiled.

"You don't understand" Miyu reached out telepathically as she expressed her sorrow. "They already know".

The horned boy could only give her a dazed look as he didn't understand what she meant. But not long after, they understood soon enough. In that exact same moment both Kohta and Kiri grasped their chests as their heart felt strained. "The lights . . . . They're disappearing . . . ." as Kohta looked in the direction of the boats as he could feel his people dying.

"No . . . . It can't be . . . ." Kiri exasperated out giving labored breaths. "How did this happen!" They had already expected casualties, but not like this. The lights were flickering out as dozens of them were being killed at every passing moment. In this chaos there was no way the humans would have been able to respond so quickly.

No matter how he thought about it, there was only one way that could have happened . . . .

". . . . It can't be" said Kohta as a tear had escaped his eye. He refused to believe it as there was no way a diclonius would betray their own. Gathering themselves, the horned boy began pushing Miyu down the hallway as Kiri ran alongside them.

Moving past the damage and the gore that was left behind in the fight to freedom, they had finally made it outside tasting fresh air for the first time since they were captured. However all they could feel was dread. Piles of diclonius bodies laid stretched out all around as pools of their blood soaked the ground. Dismembered bodies and internal organs left hanging about as the stench of burning metal and flesh filled the air. This was hell as Kohta and Kiri eyes went wide as tears streamed down the sides of their cheeks.

But among the dead, some diclonius were still alive. However they were standing with their enemy.

Finding a familiar face among them, Kohta barely found the strength to speak as he didn't want to believe it. "Yosu . . . . What have you done?"

Standing there, one of his friends looked on with a neutral expression on his face as he didn't answer.

Being slapped by the reality of the situation, Kohta's face began to contort as his pain started to turn into blind fury. "Answer me Yosu! What have you done?!"

But there was no need to answer. They already knew what had happened. These diclonius were used as moles to crush any possibility of a revolt in exchange for one thing or another. Thus everyone here was led right into a trap from the start as the guards were ready to receive them in full force. As overwhelming as the odds were they refused to surrender themselves which then led to this.

"These were our friends! We trusted each other! We trusted you! How could you do this?!" Kiri shouted as he couldn't bare the sight of their mangled corpses. Seeing him refuse to answer, both Kohta and Kiri couldn't hold down their anger anymore as they lashed out.

From their neither of them could remember what happened. However it ended the same way as all the other revolts did.

Locked back inside his cell laying in the fetal position, sniffling could only be heard as Kohta was completely heart broken. Lying there alone with his anger and guilt it completely consumed him as he reflected on his monumental failure. However it didn't matter anymore. The light in his eyes had faded as all hope was lost now.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK.

Think of Nolan's film 'Inception' in relation to how Kohta and Miyu interacted with the passing of a year in their sub-consciousness in relation to the seconds that was really happening in the real world. As for Miyu, she is a character provided to me by another author I have lost contact with. However I hope I can do her justice. I generally don't like writing about original characters due to the possible personal bias I have for them that might either be my personal projection onto the character or even a mary sue. However if provided by another it provides the sense of individuality that comes with them.

I haven't really gone into deep detail concerning the mech suits or a specific name for the technology of mobile armors. But I will think of a name for them eventually. But if you need a relative idea to how big they are or what they look like I was aiming for A.G.W.S. used in the videogame Xenosaga episode 1. Appearance wise they would be closer to what you would expect from a mass production model then something that is specifically personalized. Thinking about it, I'll probably name them A.D.W.S. (anti-diclonios weapon system). But we will see.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask to which I'll try my best to answer.

So thank you for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.