Envoy of the Beginning

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

"talking"

Thoughts

Synopsis: The night is darkest before the dawn. But how long will the night last before the dawn arrives?

The world was falling apart as humanity has started a fight in which there was no going back. Just thinking what was about to happen, was the world coming to an end?

Darkness

The release of the captured diclonius was the tipping point of a domino effect that could not be stopped anymore.

The moment they had reconnected with the telepathic network that was shared by all diclonius, the system had become corrupted by their rage and pain. Almost in an instant it had spread across the world as every psychic knew what had happened on that island.

This was the thing that humans couldn't ever understand. And that was empathy. The diclonius didn't just know what happened. They felt it. Every moment of it as if they were the ones there who went through that hell.

What happened next was unavoidable.

Diclonius across the world took to the streets as it had blown into an all out riot. Communities who had tried to live in peace with humans were consumed by this rage. The military police who patrolled them were quickly overrun as angry psychics tore them to pieces.

Irregardless of the technology they took pride in to protect them, it couldn't fight against all of them at once. Upon the perimeter being breached, what happened next could only be described as hell.

Diclonius started slaughtering every human in sight. Irregardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, they didn't care. There was just too much death, too much suffering. At this moment, they were a suicidal level of angry. They didn't care about the consequences anymore. If the humans treated them like monsters then let them be the monsters they feared.

All across the world, panicked screams and gun fire could be heard echoing wherever you went. Though the humans fought back, it was ultimately futile as they had been caught unprepared for the assault. For every diclonius they managed to kill at least thirty humans would die trying. However such an event only increased their ferocity to kill every human in sight.

City streets became war zones as they were littered with corpses and wreckage. Just to maximize the damage and casualties, these angry psychics started toppling buildings. Even picking a few up tossing them to cause as much destruction as they could.

Once things were in full swing, governments around the world mobilized their military as fast as they could. However they had to prioritize where to fight and what they should protect. For the attacks were happening simultaneously across the world within residential, business, and industrial areas. There was just too much happening at once for governments to respond properly to an unprecedented disaster

If they chose to defend one area, they would lose another.

If they spread their forces too thin, their soldiers were going to get slaughtered.

Weapons designed to fight diclonius were not so wide spread in the first place. Thus they needed to depend on heavy ordinances if they even hoped to survive this.

With the power of tanks and air superiority, normally they would have the upper hand. But that was only if they were fighting against human opponents. Against psychics, such advantages didn't mean much as vectors were able to easily phase into their vehicles slaughtering those within.

For countries that had such weapons on hand had only minor success.

Military personnel were able to hold certain areas thanks to the vector cancelers and mech suits.

But for the diclonius, vectors weren't their only weapon. Humans failed to understand how vast and complicated the telepathic network was. Thousands of minds working together processing information and communication effectively functioning like an organic super computer. Minutes that humans were able to perceive could easily be translated to micro seconds to them as their strategy was evolving at an exponential rate due to their shared cognitive processing speed.

Earlier strategies were crude, but effective. The canceling technology only had a certain range and did not disrupt telepathy with enough distance. Hence it was easy for them to just snipe them. Didn't matter what they did to try and protect their life line. With enough mass and velocity, it was possible to break anything. It just needed one diclonius to paint the target as elsewhere the calculations were made factoring in distance, angle, wind resistance, and gravity. From there, they proceeded with a kinetic bombardment flattening everything in the area with whatever they had around them.

Other strategies were attempted for efficiency.

But ultimately the military were just too slow to adapt to the rapidly evolving and highly aggressive enemy.

This destruction did not stop till one week had passed.

It wasn't necessarily for the fact that the world's military's had successfully repelled the enemy forces. But rather the diclonius tactically decided to cease any further aggression out of unnecessary losses to their numbers and spreading themselves too thin to hold certain territories.

Of course several governments had considered the nuclear option if anything out of spite. However the situation had become more complicated.

Within that week several key military sites had been invaded and claimed by the diclonius. A decision that was made, planned, and executed with surgical precision. Not only to ascertain weapons and equipment but specifically for the very reason why the governments of the world dared not use the nuclear option.

For these angry psychics were now in control of several nuclear silos. The moment they had realized their objective, they failed to cut them off as the diclonius had completely outmaneuvered them by thinking and moving faster then the time they were even able to send out an order of what to do.

With these weapons in their hands, they had no choice but to wait and see. They could not risk any immediate operation to retake them at the high probability of them launching them. With how many they had in their control, it was more then enough to completely cripple most of the worlds infrastructure essentially blasting them back to the stone age if not worse a nuclear winter. Furthermore they dare not risk a gamble that they could successfully intercept all the missiles.

In just that one week, everyone on Earth was now on edge. Skirmishes did happen. But not big enough to warrant further action.

However the Earth was now looking at the dawn of another world war as the two sides stared at each other waiting for the other to blink. But the question now was, who would strike the match first?

~ Unknown ~

Not all diclonius were infected by this madness at it came down to the strength of individual will power.

But among those who resisted, Yuki and Nyu were momentarily paralyzed as they felt the growing anger in the network. However that was putting it lightly as they were standing in a mental space of wailing screams. So much pain that was being held back for all these years was now spilling out. For a brief moment, the sisters were tempted to allow themselves to get caught up by this feeling.

However, their lives were no longer their own.

Looking to the children with them, their well being was their priority.

But also like them, Yuki saw her grandchild succumbing to this overwhelming sensation as he was holding his head in pain unable to filter if not outright block out was happening in the network.

Quickly kneeling, "Kohta!" holding him by his shoulders giving him a shake. "Look at me! Focus on the sound of my voice. Do not listen to what's happening!"

"Too much . . . . There is just too much . . . ." as streams of tears slid down his cheeks. Kohta's eyes were unfocused as he couldn't look away at what was happening. So many voices wanting to be heard. So many people needing help. All of it becoming bitterness as it was being directed at who had caused it all.

Yuki then looked up as the boy had called out his vectors in response to his feelings. "Kohta! Stop it!" However the boy remained unresponsive as he was slowly levitating off the ground. Before long places around them began to spontaneously explode. Seeing a vector swinging right at her, Yuki deflected it as it pushed her back.

Nyu stood back as she protected Kiri and Miyu from Kohta's actions.

As things were about to get a lot more dangerous, the elderly woman had no choice now. She continued to try to snap him out of it. However the boy was about to lose himself as the elderly diclonius had to either evade or deflect his vectors. "I'm sorry . . . ." as Yuki saw her opening smashing her grandson's horns forcefully separating him from the network.

Wailing in pain, Kohta held his head where his missing appendages were as he fell to the ground as his grandmother quickly caught him.

"I'm sorry . . . ." Yuki repeated as she looked on sadly.

"Koh!" Kiri shouted frantically making his way to his friend.

Miyu could only grunt in concern. Having never used her body it was all she could do. However Nyu soon pushed her wheelchair to them to check on the boy's condition.

Eventually the pain of his lost horns started to dull as Kohta's eyes soon opened as they appeared clear. "Granny?" he asked. Although this would be the first time they've met in person, he recognized the feeling of her presence.

"I'm here Kohta. I'm right here" as Yuki felt herself feeling choked up.

Eventually gathering themselves, they moved off to a place where they could get some rest in one of their safe houses. Finding a car, they traveled back into the city. Although they heard the news, it was another thing entirely when seeing it for yourself. The city was devastated.

Nyu was on the brink of tears.

Yuki could only give a troubled look. The city felt dead with no one in sight.

"My god . . . ." as Kiri could barely understand what he was seeing.

Miyu was silent the entire time as she stared absentmindedly out the window.

Kohta could only look on with indifference.

Entering the safe house, Yuki and Nyu split tasks as the former got the power going while the later settled the kids in. Not surprising the safe house was empty after what happened. But lucky for them it was still in good condition for use. Getting some supplies, everyone filled their stomachs as the pair gathered some things for their next move.

There was no further reason to involve themselves with this world any longer. They will depart for the promised land and leave this world be. Whatever happened was no longer their concern anymore.

As they were about to settle in for the night, ". . . . It was so pointless" Kohta whispered out which got everyone's attention. The youth had been lost in thought about everything that had happened to him. His heart was heavy in sorrow with how much was taken from him. But more then that he was angry. So many of them tried so hard to live in peace with humans. Yet for all their effort and sacrifices, it was spat upon. Allowing his anger to cloud his thoughts, what was the point to any of this?

Sensing his feelings, "enough Kohta" Yuki said calmly. "Get some rest. You'll feel better tomorrow".

Unable to keep it in, "feel better?!" as his face contorted. "What's there to feel better about?!" as Kohta threw out his chair. "What was the point?! What was the point to any of it?!"

Kiri opened his mouth but soon closed it as he couldn't say anything in the contrary. His best friend was hurting just as much as him with how much they both lost. So all he could do was remain silent and let him grieve the only way he could.

Although her grandson was venting, the elderly diclonius calmly sat down as she looked him in the eye allowing him to say how he felt. For a good half hour of Kohta expressing himself, Yuki had one question to ask. "Do you really think they were wrong?"

Startled a bit, ". . . . What?"

Repeating herself, "do you think your parents, my son and daughter in law, were wrong for believing in a better world where humans and diclonius could live in harmony?"

Eyes reddening at the mention of them, ". . . . that's not fair" as tears slid down his cheeks as he gritted his teeth in frustration.

That was a sore point for her too. Frankly it was a bit of a low blow to use against her grandson. But as mature as Kohta was, it was easy sometimes to forget that he was still just a kid. He had knowledge, but he lacked the wisdom and experience to truly think it out. However her aim wasn't to fight him or make him change his mind, but rather give him perspective. So continuing her thought process, "I won't try to pretty up my counter point. The human condition is filled with fallacy. For everything we diclonius have been gifted with, we're not really better or worse then humans. We're just different is all". Taking a soft breath, "you know this to be true Kohta. But for your belief, do you think all humans deserve to die for the greed or ignorance of the others? The few bad apples? Do you think the diclonius have the right to do as they please because they have the power and because we've been mistreated?"

Watching her grandson absorb her words, it would've been easier to communicate this telepathically. But with his horns severed, so was that special emotional connection that came with it. Hence he needed to understand this on his own.

Regardless of how he felt or what he would decide to do in the future, it was a decision he needed to make on his own.

Though she wished to respect his decision she did not want to see her grandson walk down a dark path in which there was no return.

But pushing those thoughts aside she turned her attention back to her sister, "how is it looking?" as Nyu was fiddling with the helmet harness still strapped to Miyu's head.

"I think I might be able to remove it. Give me a moment" as she got some tools steadily picking it apart. Finding the right latch, the helmet then popped open as Nyu was careful in pulling it off. Blinking for a moment, "oh my, what a cutie" as Nyu couldn't help but give a warm smile.

Silvery blue hair rolled out stretching to her waist as the harness was removed. Seeing her face for the first time, they were met with ruby colored eyes as her facial expressions seemed delicate like those of a doll.

Seeing all these eyes staring at her, Miyu looked between them before looking away. Grunting a bit, "do I look strange?" she asked telepathically.

"No my dear" Nyu simply smiled. "You look rather lovely actually".

"Kohta?" as the stoic girl wanted to know his opinion.

Dazed for a moment, Kohta ended up looking away while rubbing the back of his head.

"Oh don't be a buzz kill Koh" as Kiri hung his arm around his shoulder. "She's cute. Just say it".

"Kiri!" as the youth shot back bashfully only for him to laugh. His best friend could use a bit of a distraction. They had already lost so much. But even if it was for a little while, he wanted to help get him out of this funk.

Continuing to poke at him, the two boys argued getting into a scuffle only for Yuki to whack them both over the heads. "That's enough rough housing for tonight kids. Now get some rest. We have a lot of distance to cover tomorrow". Doing as she said, the children were put to bed as Nyu helped Miyu settle in as she wasn't used to using her body.

Needing to do some last minute preparations, Yuki was going over her checklist once more as her sister soon joined her bringing a cup of coffee for them both.

"So what's on your mind?"

". . . . Too much". The elder diclonius had briefly reconnected with the network to see what was happening in the world. Frankly, it was a lot worse then she thought as moving around had just gotten harder. With all that happened, she was worried it had gotten all the way back to their destination. But thankfully the damage was kept at a minimal as the connection was severed before anything really bad could happen.

Then there was Kohta as she still felt his conflicted heart over how he should be feeling as he hasn't had enough time to process it all. Kiri was handling it better as he was more focused on helping his friend.

As for Miyu, she wasn't sure what to think of her. Hell, she couldn't even make heads or tails of what she was as she was not human but wasn't exactly a diclonius either. Thus she questioned if it was safe to bring her along.

Having all these worries stacking on top of her, it was why Nyu was always her emotional anchor. "We can't worry about things we can't control. You will die of stress long before you ever catch a bullet. We just have to take things as they come. That's all we can ever do. Right oneesan" as she gave her trademark sunny smile.

Yuki could sigh as she smeared her hand across her face. "You should really stop acting cutesy like that. It really doesn't suit our age anymore".

"We're only as old as we believe ourselves to be" Nyu then chuckled. Standing up, she placed her hand on Yuki's shoulder giving her a shake. "Let's get some rest. It's going to be a long road ahead of us".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: I kind of let this story slip as I kind of figured no one was interested in it anymore. But if there is some interest I'll try to make some time to finish it. Now onto some commentary.

I left the numbers ambiguous. But if you want a relative idea, the diclonius population make up a few million across the globe. I also had to think about it carefully from a tactical stand point concerning how an all out war between humans and diclonius would look like. Factoring in technological development and strategies, I was still uncertain how it would all play out. However the situation based on our own history would be a cold war scenario in which tensions were high but neither side dared to make the first move. But whatever the case was, it would result in mutual annihilation if push came to shove.

Telepathy was never covered in the original canon of Elfen Lied as it was only ever briefly shown. Thus I decided to model it after the Protoss from the game Starcraft. Specifically the Khalai faction in how their connection works with the unification of their thoughts and emotions. Thus losing their horns breaks their connection to the network. However their telepathy is still intact. It's like seeing it versus experiencing it which is the difference of how this form of telepathy works.

Furthermore I wasn't sure how far I wanted to push technological advancement in relation to this fic. Personally, I'm a huge scifi nerd as I enjoy witnessing technological evolution. With how things were set up, the diclonius are in position to jump start a technological singularity with a near unified hivemind. Thus they are able to think and create more advanced weapons and technology outpacing humans with every passing moment. The only reason human forces can remain competitive is through a numerical and logistical advantage. But ultimately I'm not sure if I should use this approach as things can get wacky really fast with some of the crazy stuff that can be built. But I will give it more thought. Originally when I thought of this, I couldn't help but think about the human-machine war portrayed in the animatrix second renaissance. When I thought about it, it would pretty much play out the same way with the difference being that the diclonius having no reason to spare humans like the machines did.

As I planned this story out, it will be focused on two aspects. Kohta with his friends and family growing up in this world. Secondly, the world as it slowly descends into chaos. As it reaches it's conclusion, the two aspects will become one. Whether I can pull it off or not, who knows. But I will give it my best shot.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.

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