There was no feeling I was starting to detest more than being alone. Up until now, it was completely foreign to me. Correction: up until the past coupla days. You know what else is "just a coincidence"? The fact that I was drugged, kidnapped, and then placed into this prison-like chamber all by some creep(s). What they wanted with me, I hadn't a damned clue. I knew better than to think too long about it, since my mind could jump canyons from one point to another.

I didn't know where to start. The questions in my head kept popping up like weeds: Where was I? What was I doing here? How did I end up here? Who brought me here? Why did I end up here?

None of it made any sense, and it pissed me off. My body was tempted to shut off everything and everything around me just so my mind could catch up with reality and make some understanding of it. However, I had the feeling that the pieces were all in place, but I just couldn't connect them. There was some message to be cracked from it, but what that was, I couldn't tell you.

I was pondering all of this while lying on some slab of ivory that was obviously used by someone before me. The dried, caked liquid pools in some spots told me that much. It looked like a thicker kind of blood, and curiosity got the best of me, so I had to figure out what this funky substance was. Turns out, if you try to scrape it off, obsidian pus squirts out of it to greet you, and its odor was something akin to death. It got on my gloves and suit, and I hastily wiped it on my hips. The stain hid in the dark grey of my bodysuit, until I realized that I hadn't worn a body suit in my entire life.

I certainly wasn't wearing a bodysuit to Aqua's promotion ceremony, so whoever took me definitely fitted me into this weird outfit. It was as skintight as could be without my skin suffocating; yet, I could still move around with flexible ease and it was airy enough to even do exercise in. Looking down, I saw that I had a amber and steel grey theme going on, and for the most part, the lighter color was on the more inward muscles, like on my inner arms and legs. I didn't know its purpose, but it definitely was infused with something. The smell of it told me that much. Or maybe I just wasn't used to wearing clean clothes. Point being, it was nothing like I had seen before.

In the 'prison' around me (which was actually a really nice suite, kudos to the interior decorator of my kidnappers), I searched for some kind of reflective surface to check out myself in. Where I was, the little island of ivory, had nothing special, save for a drawer that was locked (why give it to me if the key isn't included?). Behind it was a camera perched in the corner above. I walked over and eyed it suspiciously, wondering why the hell a camera would be here. Why would I be monitored and who is keeping tabs on me? More weeds, more weeds. So, I decided to check out the rest of the space.

It was only a matter of time before I found another camera, this time, in front of a door. I suppose for a lack of a visitor's log, closed-circuit television was the next best thing. However, with the "door", I noticed that there wasn't a handle. The only thing that made it remotely close to a door was the fact that it had a space above to see what was on the other side. The space was barred though, and made sure that there was no way to escape. I didn't want to think about the possibility that I would be trapped here, because I knew that would lead me to a hostile state. So I remained calm and decided to look around for any other clues.

One good thing about my room is that it came with a personal bed and bath (and complimentary security cameras!). All the rooms had this very pale white theme going on, but it didn't feel empty, like you would expect. It was welcoming in a weird way. I finally found a mirror in the bathroom, and once I took a look at my new threads, I had to admit: I didn't look half bad in a body suit. Despite being really skintight, I was surprised at how breathable the garment was, as if it was my own skin. Everything below my jaw line was covered by the suit, and where the parts were colored amber (mostly the underside of my muscles and both sides of my torso), it seemed a little transparent. The only problem I had was how to get it off. There weren't any zippers or buttons I could get out of. I tried pulling at the only opening at my neck, but it wouldn't budge! It was like it was glued to my skin! My thoughts instantly went to, "Dear God, how am I gonna piss? I can't piss myself in this suit! Fuck, what if I have a really fucking annoying itch between my ass cheeks and I can't get it? What about the other kind of 'itch'? Whoever made this wanted me to suffer."

Putting my personal wardrobe malfunctions to the side, there was one more thing that was weird enough to get my interest. On the east side of the suite, there was a door, but get this: no handle. No doorknob, buzzer, or hole in the wall to let me out. In other words, I was here for good. I knew as soon as I got to its edge. Red flags were raised once I got the memo that this room was designed to keep people in, and not out.

However, that wasn't the only piece of evidence supporting that theory: in the small, barred window of the door, there was an ivory building in front, but only one of its walls was facing me. Not any entryway, portal, door, anything. And here's the kicker: there was nothing connecting my mini prison/suite to that building. Yeah, I know it's vague, bizarre, and confusing to explain to you, but that was just it! It was all of the above! Hell, even I didn't know what to make of it. So don't ask me shit about it. All I knew was that I was undeniably and utterly fucked.

I was only certain of one thing: it wouldn't help to overthink things. That never got me far, especially when contemplating about my very near and screwed future. I had to accept that things would probably be at a standstill. So for now, I knew I had to play my cards right. The thing was, I hated being unsure. I was typically a guy who was confident in his decisions. Not knowing what to do just didn't sit right with me. Neither did waiting around for something to happen. I am an active force, not someone who just sits idly waiting for things to happen. Although I didn't know anything, I would be damned if I wasn't going to do anything. So I did the only thing I could do and tried to remember what the hell happened last night. My life wasn't clichéd enough so that a hangover could have been the cause of my current predicament (it would be great if it was).

Okay, I remember being at Aqua's promotion ceremony thing. I only had one drink, so an amnesiac hangover was out of the question. Euh…what else…shit. Did I really fuck up in front of the entire four divisions? Why am I still feeling so fucking stupid a whole day later? What the fuck was I thinking? Was I fucking stupid? Okay Terra, let's move on from the past, you're getting off-track. What next…okay, after I made an ass outta myself, Aqua asked to talk to me in private, and we had that weird "chat". She was kinda kooky, but also…refreshing? Our time definitely got cut short. If I got to meet her again, I would for sure come up with something better to say next time. After that, I looked for Riku, but he wasn't there…that's when it happened. Back then, I thought something had bit me, but now that I look back on it, it was probably something like a needle? But who would shoot me with that? Most likely whoever brought me here. Come to think of it I remember feeling really fatigued right after the explosion happened. Maybe I was too distracted to even pick up on it at the time, so no wonder it caught me off-guard. Whatever I was hit with, no doubt it was the cause of me passing out. Okay, that solves cause, but what about culprit?

Wait…there was him.

He'll do nicely. That dosage should have him out for a couple of hours, so we'll have time to get him adjusted."

"That sonuvabitch! He was behind it all!"I felt myself fill to the brim with rage. Why did he do it? Who the fuck was he? Why did he choose me? What the hell was he planning to do? Was this some sick, cosmic joke? What did he gain by capturing me? It all made absolutely no sense, and I think that's what pissed me off the most.

"Sounds like the new meat finally came to. Gotta admit, wasn't sure if he would live through the transition."

After hearing the voice (which was hardly any kind of welcome at all in this kooky-ass place), I stood in silence, questioning myself if I had really lost my mind (and sanity). Was that the same one I heard ping in my head sometimes? No…this voice was definitely more malicious. At least with the other one, I couldn't make out what the hell it wanted from me. But this one clearly enjoyed the pain of others.

I needed to get out of here.

"Subject 205, settle down." A woman's voice talked back to the taunting one.

The same wicked voice spoke again. "Ooh, how chilly y'are today, Viv. And I liked it better when you called me by my human name. Why the change, babe? Hm, lemme guess:" As weird as it was to describe, the voice literally purred, like gossip was fueling every fiber of its being. "You and your lover have a quarrel? Don't lie, because it's getting chilly in here and I know damn well what that means."

That tone of mischief was definitely real. As was that other voice. It was much more poised and really nostalgic? But hell, they were having a conversation with each other! There was no denying that the two of them were real (even if I didn't want them to be).

"That's enough." The female voice responded in such a way that made it seem nostalgic? Regardless, I know I couldn't shrug off the voices as me simply losing it—labeling all of this as just an episode of temporary insanity would be the easy way out. Obviously, I'm not one to get things done the quick way, regardless even if I was a loose canon. Instead, I stayed sharp and listened for any hints from whoever was talking that could help me out.

Subject 205, or whatever their name was, kept running their mouth. "C'mon, don't be such an ice queen. And here I was thinking you'd have some pep in your step to see me."

"What a bold claim." A single scoff came before heels clicked on the floor's surface. Then there was some clatter, and it sounded like a metal tray dropping. "You daily fix. Try not to waste it this time—Vexen nearly froze the lab because you ruined his experiment on you. Not that it wasn't an entertaining sight in the least."

"Heh, I think I rubbed off on you some. You're more mischievous than you used to be."

"Regardless, I'm not kissing up to Vexen's ass for anything. I'll take anything over having to hear him go on and on about his experiments."

"Not like you have a choice."

"Hm…I do. I just choose to play along."

"Until?"

"Well…until the circle's broken."

"Hah?"

"Nevermind. Vanitas , do me a favor and take the meds for tonight. If my gut's right, it's gonna be a hell of a night for me."

"I may or may not totally reject that suggestion." Vanitas scoffed, and almost laughed, judging from the tone in his voice. "Depends on how my mood's like. I'm not one to keep promises, yanno. What's in it for me?"

"I'm not going to beg you to take the substance that's going to keep you alive."

"Tch, whatever. You worry too much. You already know I'm immune to whatever shit you shot me up with. What, has the ice around your heart finally melted?"

"I'm not bargaining with you—either take them or don't." Whoever "Viv" was, she clearly wasn't going to put up with Vanitas' shit. Huffing, I heard quick heels walk away.

Vanitas gave a last call—which was left unanswered. "I can't keep any promises, Vivienne, but I'll do my part if you try to mind your claws off of Cid next time." His snickers bounced off the walls and occupied the empty space. It made me feel really uncomfortable. As did the sound of the woman's heels. It more or less reminded me of a teacher hell bent on releasing every ounce of fury on her students—in heels. Picking up from context clues, I assumed that she and this "Cid" were obviously close, and also a topic she would rather keep quiet.

"Subject 924." The cycle of heels and metal repeated itself

"Subject 681." It was starting to grate on my nerves by the second.

Subject 750." Why was everything pissing me off now?

"Subject 826." Why the hell did that voice sound so familiar?

"Subject 344." I just couldn't figure it out.

"Subject 344?" A period of silence ensued. She asked once more, in that tone that was so fucking nostalgic to my ears. Why was her voice so special? "Subject 344, respond." Again, nothing. Looks like she would continue to have a bad night.

And then, I heard a quiet "Oh". I barely caught it, but I knew she said it. Her heels were really noisy then, much more louder than they were several "subjects" ago. They stopped, but the whirring of a machine followed it, and some cranking in the background started to grow louder by the second. It came to the point where I pressed my ear against the door so I could try to make out whatever was happening, but that wasn't getting me far. The barred opening above me could offer me a better view. Even as tall as I was, I had to stand up on my toes to even see the bottom ledge of the barred window on my door. Although I couldn't see much, I did realize that the machine that was making all of that sound was all because it was extending a bridge that now connected the other side of the building my door faced to my suite. The heels were coming closer, and it clicked in my mind then that I was subject 344. Vivienne was asking for me (but how the hell could I project my voice all the way to where she was?). What did she want with me? But I also figured that Vivienne was a vital key in getting me out.

However, when I looked over the barred edge, I didn't see anybody or a body. "Hey Vivienne!" I called out, thinking as I acted first and tried to get her attention. "You mind letting me out, sweetheart? It's a bit too-"

"Back away." A soft, but sturdy voice replied-was that her? "I need to open the door."

And so I did just that. It wasn't surprising (given how twisted this place was) that the 'door' of my room was just a façade. The actual door was guised as a part of it, and was nearly half the size, but it was big enough for anyone to get through. Me, I might have to crouch a little.

When it opened, I was expecting some stingy bitch with a succubus-like mentality. I dunno, when someone says 'keep your claws off' of someone, that's what I would infer from them. But what would a woman like that be doing around here? I hadn't a damned clue. I placed bets in my head over her possible appearance. Whether she was a redhead or a blonde, whether she had a dark or light complexion, whether she sat back or took charge-these were some of the little details my mind was trying to piece together for her image.

But sure enough, those ideas didn't even come close to the woman who stood in front of me. None of them included her being 5'5", with long, cobalt tresses, and that ridiculous shade of baby blue in her eyes that made me want to shield my eyes away. We were mirrors for half a minute and reflected each other's facial expressions perfectly. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I didn't know it then, but she was the key, not Vivienne. And it was then I realized,

"Aqua?"

That I had been fucked up the ass this whole time.

That thought didn't cross my mind until much, much, later. Then, I was just relieved to see another human being, let alone someone I recognized. "What are you doing here? And...where is 'here', exactly?" As soon as I asked one question, another popped into my head. "Why am I here and more importantly, why are you here?" I was hoping Aqua would could clear some of it up because I sure as hell couldn't crack the code.

But she said nothing. Not a single word came out of her mouth, Her eyes averted mine, even when I walked around her to try to look her in the eye. Something was off, I knew this much. Granted, this place had a bizarre vibe to it anyway, but for Aqua, it just didn't click in my mind. That is, until I decided to look at her clothes.

White lab coat (even with a couple of blood splatters here and there that made me raise my brow); maroon gloves that went up to her elbows, not like the armored ones she worn at her ceremony; a particularly feminine outfit (a semi-transparent periwinkle blouse with a bow and pencil skirt); and last but not least, the heels that announced their arrival before they made their entrance. I caught the fact that their bottom edges were caked with some kinda grime, and it made me wonder what the hell this woman did to get so dirty. However, when she spoke, it was as if everything had frozen for a moment.

"Subject 344? Are you alright?"

She was with them—whoever the people were that did this to me. Whoever locked me up and put me in this weird place and into this suit. If I was a subject, and she was over there in that lab coat, then…I was afraid to spell out the punchline. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. That feeling of fleeting uncertainty—it's enough to eat you from the inside-out. I lied. Hell, I lied to myself. I knew what it all meant. I just didn't want to line the pieces up.

Acting rashly would get me nowhere; there was a wary look in Aqua's eyes with just a touch of fear. If she really was affiliated with whoever put me here, then there she was probably sent here to keep me under check. "I want you to explain what's going on, Aqua." Trying to control my feelings of confusion, and maybe even rage, I gave her a chance to explain her side of the story.

But that wasn't happening. The only thing she accomplished was making my blood pressure rise.

With a nod, she said, "My name is not Aqua, but Vivienne. And you are subject 344, formerly known as Terra." Her lips as if they were stitched into the smallest, tightest line. I didn't recognize this Aqua. Vivienne. Whoever. Point is, the woman that stood in front of me was not the same one I met at that party.

"What do you mean "formerly known"—I'm still Terra!"

"The real Terra died a long time ago."

"How can you even say that?" My fingers curled in my palm, with my nails starting to scrape the meat on them. "I'm right here, aren't I? I'm alive, in front of you, right?! How can you say I don't exist when I'm talking, living, and breathing right to you?! How fucked up are you to deny that I exist?!"

"You were dead the moment you were infected! You're nothing but a rotting corpse!" Aqua snarled at me, and now both of our fangs and claws were out. Guess I was spot-on with my hunch of her being crazy. "You might have some semblance of your humanity left, but it won't last you long. Your ignorance will be your downfall—remember this. And on that same note, you've no right to talk to me as your equal, given the scum you are."

I was getting real tired of this superiority bullshit thing she had going on. I didn't know this Aqua (hell if I knew the real one), and I didn't care to. "You're a real fucking gem." Chuckling in disbelief, I dismissed the urge to give a shit about anything at that time. "Something else."

"I don't care. I didn't come in here to chat. I need to give you your vaccines." Aqua/Vivienne (why was she even going by another name?) huffed before coming near me. I gave up trying to make sense of this place. It didn't mean that I couldn't fuck with Aqua's head though.

"You knew, didn't you?" The question was shot like a dart, and Aqua was the board. I wanted to hit dead-center. "About what would happen at the party? You knew, right?"

"I told you I'm not the woman you think I am."

"Understatement of the fucking year." Another dry laugh came out. I was starting to find her more repulsive as time went on. Reasons to dislike her, and even hate her were slowly trickling in my mind. The more I thought about it, the more power my emotions had over me, despite me trying to keep them in check. "You trying to avoid the fact that their blood is on your hands ain't gonna help. Sure, you might do hell knows what to me, but your guilt is eventually gonna eat away at you, bit-by-bit."

"You don't know me." Her voice was monotonous, and lacked life. Either I struck something, or she was about to unleash hellfire on me. I took it as a sign to keep going.

"You probably don't even know yourself anymore—I don't know what pathetic lie you've spun around yourself, but it's not going to protect you from the truth—you sold out the Resistance! And for what?! You knew there would be an ambush, and you decided to conveniently leave right before it. I might die in this place, but at least I'm not dying with betrayal over my—"

I felt my lips zip up, and heard not a word. The urge to put the traitor in her place was very much there, but I literally couldn't open my mouth. Nor could I move. Was this another episode? What the hell kind of infection did I have to make me act this way? Aqua came close and crouched then, and all I could do was muster a deep growl to tell her to back the fuck off.

I couldn't talk then, and it then hit me that I physically was unable to. Everytime I tried to move my tongue, it felt as if it would swell up just to stop me from talking. My lips were sewn shut with whatever magics she casted over me. My body started to panic then at not being able to breathe, but I then remembered that I had nostrils. The air that came out my nose was obnoxiously loud, and for a good reason-that evil witch literally robbed me of my voice!

"Be quiet." She said in barely a whisper as her fingers fidgeted with the suit's collar around my neck. "They're watching." There was a click, and I felt the cloth around my neck loosen and unfurl. I could move my mouth and my lungs didn't feel as compressed then. I was about the ask what the fuck just happened until I felt something like a bite on my infection. "I'm checking your vitals to monitor your health. I'll send a sample out for testing, and from there, you'll undergo a series of experiments."

While taking a needle of blood from my neck, she spoke in her regular voice. For a second, she looked directly at me, and then away, as if she was sorry. "Find the mage and you'll find your answers." Taking the needle out, she did that thing where doctors flicked it (for whatever reason, I didn't know why?). "Behave now."

Once more, I opened my mouth to say something, but the sounds of footsteps made me shut my trap. Plus, there was a certain look Aqua had to her once she noticed someone was coming; in general, her face stayed the same, but her eyes had changed in demeanor, and I recognized it—from when she left the party. Could it have been the same person? Whoever it was, Aqua clearly had a bone to pick (if she was showing her contempt to me, of all people).

The footsteps stopped right at the door before it creaked open. Aqua seemed none too interested, and had her back to the guest the whole time. She got some bandages from the pockets of her coat and applied them to my neck. Her touch was rough, and a bit chilly. "Not. A. Word." She said the three little words in a tone a little over a whisper. Then, she went back to the prep table, fidgeting again with the clipboard she brought in, jotting down some notes; however, I was more interested in who my guest was.

"Vivienne, you're wasting too much time on…oh. I don't believe we've had a proper introduction." The man walking towards me…it was him—the man I last saw at the party. He had the same short black hair, and that…really cocky look in his eyes. I recognized him, definitely, but this was probably my first time seeing him sober. "Surely you remember me? I don't blame you if you do—that tranquilizer was enough to put a Basilisk to sleep. So, I'll introduce myself." The man walked over to where I was sitting and extended a hand, which I didn't care to shake. I felt like biting it, if anything. "Cid Raines, commander of the Regime and head of the research department, where you're at currently. Your handle is Subject 344, but if I recall…Terra, wasn't it?"

"Go fuck yourself." I nearly spat in his face. Nearly.

Whites came out in a smile that made me want to gag. He was eyeing me like a show dog. I saw a faded scar right behind his ear when he turned, but his short hair was long enough to cover it. Now Aqua (or this new Aqua), was bad in terms of sticking her nose up, but all of that paled in comparison to this guy's arrogance and pride. "Terra, Terra, let's not be hostile now." He spoke while making a full circle around me like a predator to its prey. "My only aim is to help you exceed your potential by a tenfold. Let's be honest, you were merely doing chores and busywork over at that pathetic, little organization—they didn't see what you're truly capable of. Why they would have you do such menial tasks when you could be out in the front lines gaining power and glory—it doesn't add up, right? Surely you've thought this?" He gave a shrug in conclusion. Already, he was messing with my head—and he was good at it. Clearly, he's done this before, I was no new feat. He reminded me of a crow. Weirdest metaphor, I know, but he eyed me like a crow to some jewelry on the ground. They were cunning, too. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this guy was behind everything.

I let the gears in my head turn before I came to that conclusion. "So you're saying that you're the one who swooped me up in your claws? That you're the man I need to hate?"

At this, his eyes widened slightly, and the smirk made a boomerang appearance. "If you do, it won't make things on your part any easier, Terra. I'm offering you a prime opportunity—you're lucky, as not all of our subjects get this opportunity."

"Yeah, I'll start feeling lucky once I'm able to bash that smug fucking look of your face in. Then I can say that Lady Luck is on my side."

"I look forward to it." Teeth stained with pride shone back at me. "Hopefully…you'll still be human by then." He slipped the last part in so slyly, but I knew better than to think too much about it.

To Aqua, he spoke, "Take him to the loon when you're finished here." But I could have cared less about his words. What really caught my eye was how disgusting this man was, as well as she. While the freak and I were talking, the woman was nearby, but not involved. I could tell she was messing around with something on the table, but I didn't care enough to pay much attention to her. However, when he came over, I felt utterly repulsed that she was there in the first place.

My stomach churned when his fingers slithered around her hips so discreetly. Chin perched on her collar bone, but mouth uttered words I couldn't make out from behind; but the shoulder that tensed up upon hearing them made me guess that his presence was unwanted (especially that close). She too, said something I couldn't make out, but her body didn't resist his advances. Granted, she really couldn't get away when she was sandwiched in between a table and a man twice her size. Still, she wasn't fighting back, and I think I felt frustrated about that. Why wouldn't she..? Yeah, he might be her boss, and yeah, he could easily dominate in a physical fight. Which meant…she didn't have the will to fight.

I took another hard look at her and saw it—she was giving in. When a hand moved away from the rear of her coat and pulled it away so his hips could meld to her ass, it was plain and clear. I guess I was just stupefied that I didn't put two and two together. It was clear to me now. Vanitas chiding her about "keeping her claws off", as well as that look she made whenever Cid was about to come, the whispers they exchanged…did she seriously have a thing for this guy? Clearly. Because when he grinded and gave a powerful enough thrust to shake the table she gripped onto, there was that look again, and I knew.

Turning away, I felt I had seen enough of their foreplay. Had I known that Aqua was a traitor, I would have at least tried to talk her up for a one-night thing so I wouldn't have her boss rubbing it in my fucking face that he's getting tail.

"Don't forget that meeting you have later." Cid cleared his throat, and I heard some shuffling from behind. Oh, was their tryst over already?

When Cid came around, he continued speaking to her, but he looked me dead in the eye all the while. Did he feel threatened? That whole thing was an act of dominance for sure. Pin anyone to a table and humiliate them in front of another—either an exhibitionist or an ego maniac. Or both. It was almost like a message to me—She's mine. Off-limits. If that was the case, then he couldn't have been more wrong. Like hell I would be interested in such a…beast. I just didn't like her. She reeked of lies—full of it.

Even after Cid left, Aqua was still at the table, with hands gripping the edge just as she did moments ago. Turning to me, I saw the rose on her cheeks, but her expression didn't suit it. "Come on. We have to run your tests. Stand up, Subject 344."

"Did I interrupt an almost fuck session? I mean, it wasn't as if I was there from the beginning or anything." I shrugged, and hopped off of the slab of ivory. "So that's Cid. Boy, can you pick 'em."

"We do not have that kind of relation, despite what you may think." Aqua huffed, eyes down, and her thumb rubbed her nail. For some reason, it made me think she was nervous. Her lips moved, like she was speaking to herself. What a fuckin' weirdo.

"Sure thing. Like I didn't witness you two dry-fucking back there—Hey, aren't you supposed to take me somewhere? I'm getting bored." I really was. I never was one to stay in one place for long.

Bright azures rolled grandiosely at me in a mock fashion. She was every bit as weird as she was a bitch. Talk about moody. It was then that she got something from her pocket, and it looked like a saber; but when she pushed a switch, it extended to a pole, and there was a light buzz that it emitted. "Standard method of "persuasion" for a subject-but it's far from the only one". The woman announced. "Careful—it's high voltage. Maybe even enough to wipe a few memories clean."

"Then can you please do me a favor and zap away that grinding session you had? If you can, fry it until its ashes are fried. Do this, and I might offer you something your master can't." Normally, I wouldn't judge, but I wasn't in a normal situation by any means. So, if mind-fucking was a common practice, then I had better get some practice. "Seriously, what's with you and him? Why are you messing with him, given who you are and—"

"You don't know me, Subject three-fourty-four." When she whipped back, Aqua nearly struck me with her weapon. "Nor do you know anything about me. Hold your tongue while you still can. That flesh will rot away soon enough."

"At least I have the dignity to not whore with my enemy and throw my people under the bus." For a sec, Aqua froze. I should have seen it coming, but my pride got the best of me. A pole swung and slammed against my jaws—it was enough to make me lose my balance and crash to the ground. The shock kept me in place, though my rage wanted me to bust out of that electric paralysis.

"You're just a walking corpse. Your words mean nothing to me."

A/N: Sorry for the long wait! Exams + getting a full-time job = busy! Plus, this chapter was very tricky to write, but thanks to MarjorieFranklin, I was finally able to put this one up on the site! As always, any questions, you can PM/comment and reviews/favorites/& follows are very much appreciated! As for the next chapter, MarjorieFranklin will be writing the next chapter in Aqua's perspective, so stay tuned!

-Silas