COPYRIGHT NOTE: I don't own Xenosaga
COMMENTS: Long, groundbreaking chapter ahead…you have been warned. Yet, what would you expect from a chapter dubbed "The PATHOS Incident," conveniently mentioned in this story's summary (*hint hint*)? Yes, the highly anticipated "PATHOS Incident" is FINALLY here, and hopefully worth the wait.
* Content Disclaimer: This chapter contains bloody violence. Reader discretion is advised.
PATHOS: Chapter IX
Aiselne Nocturnus
Twelve-hundred hours…noontime…
"Opening Variant U.R.T.V. interconnection to the Encephalon, dive commencing with Unit 666…"
It was the second PATHOS experiment, barely twenty-four hours after the first. Traditionally, the first experiment of any series of tests was a trial run in order to accustom the participants with standard procedure. Now that the U.R.T.V.s were familiarized with PATHOS, less time needed to be spent on obnoxious explanations and questions. Unlike yesterday, the dive into the PATHOS Encephalon went more smoothly the second time around, which was what Dmitri wanted. With the Descent Operation nearby he did not want to waste any more time on unnecessary hindrances. Fortunately, today's PATHOS experiment went 'so far so good,' at least regarding the initial dive.
Of course, there was a reason why Rubedo had no trouble with today's interconnection. Naturally, his 'reason' was not to appease his father. By the time twelve-hundred hours arrived, the redhead set his mind on the goal of getting his second PATHOS experiment done as quickly and easily as possible. There were no surprises the second time around; he knew about the painful connection jack, he knew he would be rendezvousing with the 330-Units, and he knew what was expected of him. There was no point in arguing or whining about it anymore. For the first time, Rubedo just did what he was told. He was tired of fighting a losing battle.
He was tired of everything.
- - - - -
"The PATHOS Incident"
- - - - -
There was something oddly welcoming about the dark nothingness that engulfed the PATHOS Encephalon. Yesterday, the solemn darkness frightened Rubedo, but today he found it strangely relaxing. PATHOS' little 'world' was nothing to look at, but it was free of the countless distractions and anxieties of the 'real' world. There was nothing here; no land, no sea, no sky…it was a black void in the U.M.N. where nothing could live. Solitude and desolation were as far as the eye could see, going on forever and ever. Was this oblivion?
Rubedo did not care anymore. Oblivion or not, the world of PATHOS was as disturbing as it was relaxing. Nothing was here, meaning there was nothing for Rubedo to worry about in this place. He did not have to carry the baggage of the real world in here; he could leave it behind in this intoxicating nothingness. It did not matter if he was a leader or a follower, or if he was a bioweapon or a normal human boy. In a world of nothingness, nothing mattered anymore.
And at this point, nothing mattered to Rubedo anymore, either.
(You're a terrible liar, Rubedo.)
Blinking at the sudden voice, Rubedo perked as his head shot upward. That…voice… the redhead gasped softly, instantly recognizing it from yesterday's PATHOS experiment. Just as before, the voice did not sound benevolent, which easily caused the U.R.T.V. to minutely shudder at the voice that seemingly came from nowhere. "Who…what are you?" the boy asked, keeping his voice in check to make sure it never faltered.
The voice was still as ambiguous as before, which continuously disturbed Rubedo. (It depends on what you define as 'who' or 'what.' I'm sure you can already guess that I'm not a being of flesh and bone like you. I exist in both the real and imaginary number domains, though I can only 'communicate' to you via the subconscious.
(But to answer your question…I am you…the part of you that's slowly awakening.)
Rubedo did not need another moment to realize what this voice was referencing. 'I am you,' though the voice certainly did not sound like Rubedo's. It did not sound like anything, but how was that possible? The only answer Rubedo could think of was, "You're…the Red Dragon?" he asked rather timidly, doing his best to keep his fears under control in spite of a welling anxiety.
(You speak as though you and the Red Dragon are two separate parts. I already told you; I am YOU, and if you classify me as the 'Red Dragon,' that means the Red Dragon is YOU. 'Rubedo' and 'Red Dragon' are symbiotic and synonymic. Therefore, if you think you stand any chance in 'constricting' me, know that you're also going to be constricting yourself. If you lock the Red Dragon in a cage you will lock yourself in a cage, too, Rubedo. Aren't you the one who's always attempting to break free from your 'cage' and live a 'normal' life?)
So that was Rubedo's inevitable fate; to forever be encaged. It was as Nigredo said; all of the U.R.T.V.s were trapped, even Rubedo. Even if Rubedo somehow left Dmitri and his institute, Rubedo would always have the Red Dragon…himself…to contend. Perhaps escaping the confines of the Yuriev Institute would not be in Rubedo's best interest after all, considering the Red Dragon. If Rubedo could not control his power, he might cause worse troubles outside the restrictions of the institute. The Yuriev Institute was a cage, but it was a controlled environment, too, and probably the only safe haven Rubedo had in regards to his malevolent power. At least here, there were sources that could help Rubedo in mastering the Red Dragon. In the outside world…he was on his own…and Rubedo did not know what to do.
He was so lost.
(Why do you fight so hard, Rubedo, especially when you know you'll lose? All you keep doing is contradicting everything and winding up more hurt than before. It would be much easier if you just dropped the façade once and for all.)
Perhaps, but "I fight because…people need me," replied Rubedo, though his response lacked his typical enthusiasm.
(Eventually they'll all die, and eventually YOU'LL die and be unable to help any who are left. You can't save everyone, Rubedo. You can't even save the people that matter most to you: Sakura…Albedo…)
"They wouldn't want me to give up."
(They wouldn't want you to SUFFER, either. Yet, by fighting you suffer.)
"Then I'll stop fighting. I…I don't want to be a weapon anymore, anyway."
(Oh, Rubedo, I'm not talking about ACTUAL fighting. The biggest war YOU are fighting right now isn't with U-DO or U-TIC…it's with yourself. Your complex of being everyone's source of strength has rewarded you with an inordinate amount of pain via fighting a battle with your emotions.)
"I'm not like this…because I 'want' to be. I'd love nothing better than to be like Albedo and just let it all out sometimes, but Dad…"
(You and I both know this isn't your father's entire fault. It's YOU who's afraid of being rejected if people realized how weak you REALLY are. You've built yourself up as their leader and now you're afraid to climb back down the ladder, afraid of being dubbed a coward.
(And for what purpose, Rubedo? Do you really think your 'strength' has helped your loved ones? No matter how 'strong' you act the standards still despise you, as does your father. You KNOW you'll never impress them and yet you still fight to win their approval.
(Your 'strength' didn't save Sakura, either, DID it? She took her own life…she LEFT you. Albedo, too, seems rather eager to die and leave you behind, doesn't he Rubedo? And what about Nigredo…?)
"…That's enough," interrupted Rubedo, though his tone lacked any authority whatsoever. The more the voice spoke, the more Rubedo wanted to just give up. Yet, he knew he had to be strong, though the words the voice spoke were so seductive, and true. Rubedo was indeed fighting a losing battle, one that seemed to get harder and harder with each passing second. Why did he fight when he knew he would lose? Why did he fight when he knew that, even if he won, there would be nobody left to celebrate with him? His 'strength' did not save Sakura, and it was not saving Albedo, either. Everyone was drifting away and leaving Rubedo behind with nothing more than his twisted powers.
At least there was one consolation; Rubedo always had the Red Dragon. Somehow, though, knowing he was symbiotic with that tenebrous beast did not comfort Rubedo at all. He did not want to be in the company of a monster, and more importantly…
…I don't want to be a monster.
(But you ARE a monster, Rubedo, and there's no reason to be ashamed. 'You are what you are,' after all. Instead of denying your existence, why not embrace it? There's really no other choice for you to make. At least by accepting your destiny you accept who and what you truly are. Stop fooling yourself that you're a 'wonderful boy' like Sakura clouded you and instead accept the truth. You'll be removing some weight off your shoulders if you do, Rubedo.)
"You're not a weapon. You're a wonderful boy."
Ever since Sakura told him that, Rubedo always thought 'normalcy' was within his grasp. Hearing Sakura consider him a normal human being helped Rubedo realize that he was not entirely a weapon like Dmitri claimed. Knowing she considered him a normal boy filled Rubedo with unparalleled joy and happiness, since it was the first time in his life he was not dubbed a weapon or monster. It was the first time somebody considered him a 'boy' instead of a 'thing.' Thus, knowing how wonderful it felt to be treated like a 'real' person, Rubedo had no qualms about promising to treat Sakura's little sister Realian like a 'real' girl. He knew from experience how being considered 'real' made all the difference in the world. There was nothing worse than possessing free will while still being looked upon as a 'thing.'
Sakura… Rubedo thought, closing his azure eyes rather shamefully. You never considered me anything less than human, and I never told you how much I appreciated it.It was one of the countless things Rubedo was deprived of telling his beloved before she died.
But… he paused, opening his saddened blue eyes whilst biting his lip. Even though I felt so very happy when you told me I wasn't a weapon…deep down inside…I couldn't bring myself to believe you. You were never there before, Sakura, so you never knew some of the things we U.R.T.V.s had to do. I told you we only left the institute during war, and I wasn't lying, either. And…those wars we witnessed were…horrible. They only happened a few times but…you didn't know what we had to do. We were weapons…and weapons…kill.
You didn't know how horrible it felt to take someone's life, Sakura. 'Wonderful boys' don't kill innocents…'WEAPONS' do.
I wanted to believe you, too. I wanted to believe I was normal, but…I'm not. Blinking sadly and slowly, the redhead lowered his head and lifted his right palm, staring idly at his 666 serial number. I really wanted to believe you, Sakura, but…I can't anymore. I'm exhausted and I don't want to fight who I am anymore. I'm a weapon. I don't want to be one…but I am.
I'm sorry, Sakura.
- - - - -
"Dr. Yuriev…" the female scientist monitoring the Variants suddenly voiced, typing at her terminal and watching the three boys' stats via her monitor. Hearing the doctor walk over to her station, the woman glanced at Dmitri through the corner of one eye whilst keeping track of the monitor with her other. "…Number 666's wave pattern is showing…'odd' fluctuations."
Glancing at the monitor, himself, Dmitri saw the woman's definition of 'odd' illustrated by Rubedo's displayed pattern shifting from various highs and lows. Ordinarily, the Variant was notorious for his wavelength climbing due to his temper and emotions. Yet today, the link master's wave pattern was going up and down like a bouncing rubber ball. Such was something even Dmitri never saw before.
"What's the status on the force-eject code?" Yuriev asked, coercing the woman to check the implant's condition via another smaller monitor. "Is it still intact?"
"It is, sir," the scientist nodded, sounding rather relieved, herself. "It still has ninety-seven minutes left before it fully dissolves. All readings confirm the code hasn't been corrupted and is fully operational."
"Good," Dmitri unemotionally finished, before turning his attention back to Rubedo's odd wave pattern. At least, if worse came to worse, Rubedo could be ejected from the Encephalon if Dmitri willed it, so the experiment was still running smoothly. However, the strange fluctuation in the boy's mental pattern still irked Dmitri. How was it possible that the boy was experiencing such dramatic accelerations and decelerations? God only knew what the hell that boy was riddling his mind with again.
Not taking chances, Dmitri casually exited the monitor room for a moment, instantly being greeted by a familiar little blonde patiently waiting by a vacant Variant dive pod. Dmitri did not even have to speak for Citrine to know what he expected of her. Without words, the female Variant climbed into the last dive pod and got herself ready.
"You know what you have to do," murmured Dmitri, keeping his voice low so that only Citrine could hear. Standing by her capsule, the man then glanced at the other occupied Variant pods, currently housing the unconscious males. His eyes seemed to stop specifically on Nigredo. "Make sure Nigredo doesn't interfere, either. Keep your distance from them until the need arises. If all goes well you won't have to do anything, Citrine."
Nodding in confirmation, the blonde girl then relaxed in order to begin her interconnection as Dmitri headed back to the side room. Citrine, too, hoped she would not have to do anything. She did not particularly 'care' about the Red Dragon's wellbeing, but her thoughts were keenly on Nigredo. If she had to, Citrine would kill Rubedo without hesitation. Such was the very reason she existed.
But…if Number 669 interjected with the Red Dragon's murder, did Citrine also exist…to kill Nigredo? Was that another string attached to her destiny? Nigredo was born to kill Rubedo, and Citrine was born in the event Nigredo screwed up? It did not make much sense, considering she was created before Number 669, but it was quite obvious that the fates of the U.R.T.V.s were predetermined long before their conception. It did not matter in what order the children were born. In the end, they were all doomed.
But…did that mean Nigredo's doom was predestined to be Citrine's handiwork?
The confused female Variant did not know the answers. The bottom line was Citrine still swore that if Nigredo interfered that she would kill him. No matter what, Citrine would uphold her resolve, no matter how much, or whose, blood she shed.
But…still, even Citrine got second thoughts…once in a while.
- - - - -
"Welcome back, Number 666," the unenthusiastic voice of U.R.T.V. Unit 330 blankly greeted, approaching the red-haired leader just as last time. "Numbers 331 through 339 are currently in position and awaiting your arrival. Please follow me so we may get started."
(He's so 'polite,' isn't he?), the voice sarcastically spoke, apparently a voice only Rubedo could hear, since 330 never showed any sign of noticing. Absentmindedly, Rubedo followed Number 330 like a zombie, lethargically shuffling his feet through the unseen ground. The red-haired leader kept his gaze low, though high enough to watch where the standard U.R.T.V. walked. Based on Rubedo's unenthusiastic actions it was almost impossible to guess that he was the leader.
But did that matter anymore?
(Why do you follow, Rubedo? You know the 330-Units can't wait to make fun of you. I'll bet 330 is thinking up some snide comments right now to shoot at you later.)
I don't care anymore, Rubedo unemotionally replied, his voice sounding more 'dead' than the standard brother. The redhead boy was so downcast that he failed to see what difference it would make whether or not he 'stood up' to the standards anymore. The emotionless bastards would just continue to mock him, anyway.
(If you don't care…then why do you defend them when your brother picks fights?)
I used to care how they thought of me…but…not anymore. It's not worth it.
(So you don't care if they consider you a monster?)
I AM a monster.
(Yes…that's right. I'm glad you've accepted it.)
I don't WANT to be one, though.
(Of course you don't, but like it or not, you're STILL a monster.)
I…hate being a monster.
(Do you hate 'being' a monster…or being 'called' a monster?)
Is there a difference?
(Yes, there is. You can live with yourself, knowing you're a monster, as long as it's your little secret. It's when others know the truth and ridicule you about it when you start hurting. You'd rather burry the secret than let others know about it. You're too afraid of them rejecting you and leaving you.)
I don't…want to be alone…
(But you don't want to be MOCKED, either, and that's the most ironic part. Everything's 'fine' as long as you have companionship that RESPECTS you, Rubedo. As long as people get along everything's swell, but it's when conflicts arise when humans don't WANT to be around people. Nobody likes to be around others who make them feel bad. Your father, the standards…you much rather be left 'alone' whenever they torment you, because they make you feel badly about yourself.
(Humans inherently seek companionship for their own stability and comfort, and when the companionship makes humans feel secure they dub the people 'allies.' However, when companionship takes AWAY that comfort, humans seek to eliminate the negative companionship and dub such their 'enemies.' They then do everything in their power to rid themselves of the 'enemies' so they can return to the comfort in their 'allies.'
(Why don't you do the same, Rubedo? It's only human to want to eliminate your enemies and preserve your allies. You're running out of friends, after all, while your list of enemies grows longer and longer. Why not 'shorten' that list…just by a little?)
Shortening that list won't necessarily give me more allies.
(But doing so will make you feel better. Look at him…look at Number 330. He and his brothers find your torment amusing. They laugh when you cry, the sick little sadists. You hate it when they mock you, don't you, Rubedo?)
…Yes…but…
(They all think you're a 'monster.' You didn't like being called a monster, did you Rubedo?)
…No…but I-
(You always appreciated Albedo's defense when he countered the standards' insults. However, the REAL reason you never liked to 'get involved' with your twin's arguments was because you didn't feel comfortable having Albedo stand up for you. Such always embarrassed you and made you feel insecure, didn't it, Rubedo?)
Y-yes…
(You wanted to be the one to ward off the standards' insults, didn't you?)
Yes…
(YOU wanted to beat up Number 623, DIDN'T you?)
Maybe not 623…
(…But you definitely wanted to beat up 330 yesterday. The real reason you didn't let Albedo tear him apart was because YOU wanted to tear him apart, DIDN'T you, Rubedo?)
…Yes.
(What's stopping you, Rubedo? Nobody else is here…nobody will mock you. It's just you and 330…that cocky little bastard who needs to be put in his place. Don't you agree, Rubedo?)
Yes.
"Is everything all right, Number 666?" Unit 330 suddenly asked, turning around upon noticing the link master was no longer following. Granted, Number 330 was not exactly 'concerned' about Rubedo, but the standard still had a job to fulfill and needed 666's cooperation. "I'm afraid that due to your dissolvent implant we do not have a considerable amount of time to waste."
(You heard the man, Rubedo…stop wasting time.)
For the first time, Number 666's blue eyes glanced upward to face the standard leader. The U.R.T.V.s pairs of blue eyes locked onto each other's, both lacking a significant degree of emotion. Only this time, 330's blank blue eyes blinked with the slightest emotion upon seeing the dark nothingness deep within 666's glaring sapphires.
(Stop wasting time, Rubedo.)
Yes.
- - - - -
"I hate this God-forsaken place!" whined Albedo as he and Nigredo trekked through the dark abyss of the PATHOS Encephalon. They had entered the 'world' about five minutes ago, a rough estimation in this timeless solitude. During that time, the younger Variants searched everywhere for Rubedo and the 330-Units, but to no avail. Nigredo and Albedo assumed the standards were disconnected from the mental link like yesterday, though the Variant boys could not understand why they failed to trace Rubedo. Perhaps Rubedo already found the other standards, disconnected, and was already practicing wave constriction. It was possible, though the younger Variants did not understand why Rubedo failed to wait for them this time. It was not like Rubedo to run off without his brothers, especially Albedo, at least during field tests. U.R.T.V.s were trained to stay together under all circumstances.
"Where are you, Rubedo?" Albedo muttered to himself, biting his lip and constantly checking the mental link for his twin. When he failed to trace Rubedo, Albedo resorted to the twin's personal link via their shared heart. Unlike the mental link, Albedo managed to sense Rubedo via his heart, though even Albedo was surprised at how painfully his heart was throbbing at the moment. He felt as though somebody was squeezing it, and each squeeze hurt more than the last. Ordinarily, such pain would be his own, but Albedo could still feel Rubedo's pain, too, and this 'squeezing' sensation was definitely coming from Rubedo's half. Placing a hand over his heart, Albedo winced upon feeling another squeeze. Something was wrong…he knew it. The question remained; 'what' was wrong? "Rubedo…"
Nigredo was just as worried, and he did not have any access to Rubedo at the moment, via the link or a heart. Nigredo's gut instinct was telling him that something serious was approaching at an alarming rate. The sensation disturbed the youngest Variant to his core, especially since he had a nagging fear of the Red Dragon rearing its ugly head. For some reason, Dmitri never sent his Executioner into PATHOS with a weapon, not even a pistol. Therefore, if something happened with the Red Dragon and Nigredo was expected to fulfill his duty as Executioner…how the hell was he expected to kill Rubedo? With his bare hands?! Technically, all U.R.T.V.s, especially the Variants, were built for all angles of combat and could efficiently fight with a weapon or with their hands. Albedo's episode with Unit 623 was just a small example of how powerful a U.R.T.V. could be without a weapon in his hands: strong enough to beat one of his own into a coma. However, since Dmitri was attempting to sell 'weapons,' not 'barbarians,' to the Federation, it was more common for a U.R.T.V. to fight with some type of gun.
The situation was getting darker and more unsettling by the second. Glancing at Albedo, it was obvious to Nigredo that the twin was able to sense Rubedo. Nigredo knew all about the twins' special 'connection,' and could only hope that Albedo could detect Rubedo. "Can you…tell where he is, Albedo?" Nigredo asked, praying his older brother would give a satisfying answer.
Clutching his hand closer to his throbbing heart, Albedo nodded quickly amidst the pain. "But something's wrong, Nigredo. I don't…normally feel Rubedo's pain this intensely. It hurts, but at the same time it…" He could not fully describe it, solely because something like this never happened before. He was indeed experiencing pain, but at the same time it was…more than pain. The best Albedo could define Rubedo's torment was "…Something's wrong."
Not wanting to waste anymore time, Nigredo nodded once before grabbing his frightened brother's arm. "We have to find Rubedo now, Albedo." Of course, Nigredo conveniently omitted his suspicions of the Red Dragon, since the young Variant did not want to worry Albedo anymore than needed. For all the boys knew, Rubedo might have already been practicing with the 330-Units and just never bothered waiting for Albedo and Nigredo to catch up. However, would something so innocent provoke the pain Albedo was currently experiencing?
There was no doubt in Nigredo's mind; something was definitely wrong. "Can you at least estimate the direction Rubedo's in, Albedo?" Nigredo prayed, imploring with his older brother to do his best to find the leader. The twins' shared heart was not a tracking device, but if anyone could estimate where Rubedo was at the moment…it was Albedo. The twins' 'connection' was Nigredo's only hope of finding Rubedo now. "Please try, Albedo."
It was not common to see Nigredo acting so skittish, which easily multiplied Albedo's fears. Nigredo was usually the nonchalant and serious type, so seeing him start to lose his nerve easily provoked Albedo to do the same. However, it was obvious that Nigredo needed Albedo to muster his courage; Nigredo needed him…Rubedo needed him! Swallowing his fears, Albedo nodded compliantly, before tuning himself to his half-heart. It was not easy to sense where Rubedo was located, but it was not impossible, either. Albedo could do it for Rubedo.
"South…straight ahead," muttered Albedo, the best estimate he could make. The lead was better than nothing, and without wasting another second the boys broke into a sprint and ran forward as fast as their short legs allowed. No doubt in their minds, they were competing in a race against time.
So concerned with finding their leader, Nigredo and Albedo never noticed the person behind them, standing idle while the boys ran out into the darkness. Unlike the unequipped boys, Citrine held a handgun in her right hand, feeling the sleek gunmetal against her serial number. She did not have to check to know the gun was fully loaded, carrying fifteen rounds of ammunition.
Hopefully, she would not have to use one bullet.
- - - - -
"D-Doctor…I really think you should see this," the female scientist monitoring the Variants suddenly voiced across the room, her typing fingers trembling as she was unable to tear her eyes away from her screen.
"What is it now?" Dmitri asked, walking over to her terminal with a displeased look on his face. However, his expression instantly shifted upon reading the output levels of the Variants, specifically Number 666. Rubedo's mental pattern was still bouncing up and down, but this time…faster…more dramatically…so quickly the computers barely kept up. "What in hell?" he muttered, before glancing at the monitor displaying the condition of Rubedo's encryption code, having only eighty minutes left, but still functional. Yuriev was actually starting to consider pulling the redhead out of PATHOS before anything happened. He, too, was not ignorant to the Red Dragon.
"Shall we eject Number 666 and try again later, sir?" the woman asked, almost sounding as though she hoped Dmitri would say 'yes.' So expectant, one of her hands instantly hovered over the ejection button, ready to rescue the link master.
Much to the woman's surprise and disbelief, Dmitri shook his head. "No. Continue with the experiment," he ordered, disregarding the baffled look on the scientist's face. "Collect as much data as you can on whatever's happening to 666. If his condition gets critical we'll eject him, but only do so on my call," he added, while the woman scientist reluctantly pulled her hand away from the ejection button and did as told.
For Dmitri, he had a feeling Rubedo's condition was induced via the Red Dragon. Despite Dmitri's knowledge and research on the anti-U-DO force, he still lacked significant field data on the Red Dragon mode, solely because it was hardly ever implemented. Dmitri did not want the Red Dragon to go out of control, yet, but he wanted to learn as much about it as possible. His prolonged existence taught Yuriev to learn every shred of information he could about his enemies.
He was not nearly as concerned as the rest of his colleagues. Dmitri knew that, even if today's PATHOS experiment went to hell, Nigredo and Citrine were in the Encephalon and ready to carry out their duty. Even if Nigredo failed, Citrine certainly would not. Therefore, Dmitri was not worried.
- - - - -
(Doesn't this feel wonderful, Rubedo? Don't you feel happy?)
Yes.
(Did you hear that, Rubedo? I think 330 just cried…how ironic for a standard to cry. Perhaps they CAN feel pain.)
Yes.
(Garrote tighter…good…that's it. See how his lips are turning blue? Isn't that a lovely shade?)
No.
(You're right…red's much prettier. See how it collects in his mouth?)
Yes.
(You like that color, don't you, Rubedo?)
No.
(No? Then what color DO you like, Rubedo?)
…
(Ah…I see…yes…you like the color of his face…lifeless…pale…white.)
Yes.
(You like that color, don't you, Rubedo? Such a lifeless color. It's such a lonely color, too. White…a bloodless color, absent of red…fated to never be with red. But of course, that means red is without white, too, doesn't it?)
…
(It makes you sad, doesn't it?)
…Yes.
(It makes you angry, doesn't it?)
Yes.
(Then why don't you bring the colors together, Rubedo? Reunite them. Paint 330's white face with red.)
Yes.
(Beautiful, isn't it, Rubedo?)
Yes.
(He's not crying anymore, is he, Rubedo?)
Yes.
(So white…so lifeless…)
Yes.
(…So red…so beautiful…)
Yes.
(Rubedo…)
Yes.
(Rubedo!)
Yes.
"RUBEDO!!" white screamed, before Albedo suddenly stumbled back into Nigredo, both brothers skidding to a halt upon discovering their eldest brother. Albedo's instincts were right, and he successfully managed to estimate Rubedo's location. He was so happy to know he managed to find his beloved twin, so happy Albedo almost instinctively ran over to embrace Rubedo like yesterday in the ebony Encephalon.
Unfortunately, nothing of the sort transpired when reality sunk into Albedo and Nigredo. As they expected, Rubedo was with one of the standards, the snotty Number 330 from yesterday. However, much unlike yesterday, 330 was standing before Rubedo…lifelessly being propped up via the link master's hands wrapped around the standard's throat. Albedo and Nigredo instantly had to do a double take upon seeing 330's limp body and the lower portion of his pale face spattered by blood spewing out his mouth. The blood ran along Rubedo's strangling hands and sleeves, before finally letting go and making Number 330's body drop to the ground in a heaping thud.
Barely breathing, themselves, Albedo and Nigredo's widened eyes stared in shock at 330, laying on the ground with no signs of his chest raising or falling. The lifeless standard U.R.T.V.'s eyes were still open, wide and reddened with faint evidence of tears. Despite hating the standards' guts, Albedo felt his own eyes sting of fluids as he averted his gaze back at Rubedo. The link master still stood unemotionally, staring at 330's crumpled body as if it was mesmerizing.
Feeling another prolonged squeeze inside his heart, Albedo swallowed his emotions as he stared at his twin. Something was more than 'wrong.' Rubedo was not vindictive, even towards the standard U.R.T.V.s. If anyone were going to kill 330 it would probably be Albedo, not Rubedo. Yet… "Rubedo…?"
(And here he is, Rubedo. Your precious white.)
Blankly, Rubedo averted his attention from 330, locking his unfazed eyes on Albedo and causing his twin to shudder. Rubedo could see the horrified tears welling in his brother's amethysts as the middle child's body began to shake uncontrollably. Yes.
(You're happy to see him, aren't you?)
Yes.
(Wouldn't you be even happier if he were red, too?)
…
(You know that's what he wants, Rubedo. He seeks death…he seeks red. Why not give your precious twin what he wants?)
…Yes…
(You'll both be so happy, won't you, Rubedo?)
Yes.
"R-Rubedo?" choked Albedo, blinking nervously as his twin started shuffling his feet closer and closer to the younger twin. The look in Rubedo's eyes chilled Albedo so intensely that the white-haired boy could feel his legs begin to wobble and want to give way. Never in his life had he ever seen Rubedo like this. Rubedo was always a kind-hearted boy. Yes, he had a temper and a big mouth sometimes, but he was never vindictive. Albedo knew Rubedo was less prone to violent outbursts than his twin. Albedo was the unstable one, not Rubedo. Rubedo was strong…Rubedo was kind…Rubedo was…
…Was looking at him with the most lifeless eyes Albedo ever saw. Those beautiful sapphires Albedo sought comfort in were no longer existent, and instead were replaced by the darkest indigo, almost as dark as the night sky. The eyes lacked the usual optimism and spunk Rubedo was known for, and instead replaced by an ominous nothingness…arguably more disturbing than the abyss of PATHOS.
This was not Rubedo. Whatever in God's name was pretending to be his twin…this was not the Rubedo Albedo cherished. Watching Rubedo's image become distorted by the tears glistening his own violet eyes, Albedo choked back an oncoming sob as he stared at the 'thing' that posed as Rubedo. "Rubedo…what…what's happened? What's going on?!"
Nigredo, on the other hand, had a better idea of what was 'going on.' Just like Albedo, the youngest Variant was overcome with fear as he stared at Rubedo closing in on his twin. There was no doubt in Nigredo's mind; he and Albedo were not looking at Rubedo anymore, they were looking at the Red Dragon. Rubedo…no…
Nigredo's nightmare…was coming true.
(He's scared, Rubedo. They're all scared of you.)
"Don't…be…scared…" Rubedo's voice barely murmured, his tone lacking any trace of emotion and life. He sounded less passionless than the standards, which easily pained Albedo to know his precious twin was degrading to a level lower than the repulsive standards. Rubedo was different than all the other U.R.T.V.s: full of life and confidence that fascinated Albedo. But now…this person before him in Rubedo's skin…it looked like his brother, but…it was not Rubedo.
"R-Rubedo…" Albedo heard his voice whimper, before two thin lines of tears trickled down his face. This could not be happening! Rubedo was strong; he could fight whatever this phantom was, which was trying to overpower the redhead. Rubedo was too tough to admit defeat! Such confidence and strength was what made him Rubedo! "Don't…d-don't do this, Rubedo," the younger twin begged, feeling his brother's hand skim across his neck. Albedo was not afraid to die, but what made this moment so terrifying was "…Don't l-leave me, Rubedo." There was no doubt; this 'thing' in front of him was not Rubedo…Rubedo was elsewhere, if not totally gone. Leaning into the hand caressing his neck, Albedo clamped his eyes shut and quietly sobbed. "N-not now…not like t-this!"
Nigredo found it difficult to restrain his own emotions. He, too, did not want Rubedo to leave them like this, nor did Nigredo want to kill his brother because of this, either. Everything was all due to the Red Dragon's poison, the part of Rubedo that was willingly giving into his sorrow and letting it warp into a demon. Technically, the person before them was indeed Rubedo…a very lost…very hurt Rubedo.
"Emotional trauma is the very stimuli that activates the Red Dragon mode outside the host's own restraints."
Now Nigredo and Albedo were witnessing, first-hand, the dark power which encompassed the distressed subconscious.
"Rubedo…you have to fight it!" implored Nigredo, doing everything in his power to stay strong in hopes that his eldest brother would do the same. "There's still time!"
(That's easy for them to say, isn't it, Rubedo? THEY'RE not the ones suffering.)
…Yes.
"I'm sorry, Rubedo!" Albedo cried out, before leaning into his twin and burring his face into Rubedo's chest. So close, Albedo could feel the turmoil inside both of Rubedo's scarred hearts, causing his own chest to writhe in unimaginable pain. Somehow, Albedo could not help but wonder if he was the cause for his twin's pain. "I'm so sorry for e-everything I did!" Naturally, he was not just referring to his shower episode, either. At that moment, Albedo did not care about the consequences…he had to tell Rubedo the truth! "I-It was all m-my fault, Rubedo!" the middle child wailed, staining his brother's bloodied uniform with fresh tears. "I was too a-afraid…too fr-friggen selfish at the time…but I-I never…I NEVER meant for her to d-die like that, Rubedo!"
Blinking, even Nigredo could not help but wonder what the hell the middle child was attempting to say. Nigredo deduced that by 'her' and 'die,' Albedo was referring to Sakura, but why was Albedo blaming himself? Nigredo figured Rubedo would blame himself, since his perfect wavelength failed to save Sakura, but what was Albedo's excuse? Even Nigredo did not know. "Albedo…w-what are you-?"
Nigredo never had time to finish his question before all three Variants heard a noise, albeit a faint sound. However, it was loud enough for them to turn around towards the sound's direction, enough to see nine bodies standing before them, each looking identical. The blonde boys were Numbers 331 through 339, apparently looking for the Variants and their missing leader Unit 330…
…Their leader…bloodied and laying dead before them.
Despite standard U.R.T.V.s lacking emotion, they all instantly turned towards the direction of the bloodstained Number 666, staring at him with minutely appalled expressions. Such was the most emotion the standards could produce for their fallen comrade.
One of the standards, unidentifiable amongst his cloned brothers, suddenly muttered under his breath to 666, "Monster."
('Monster,' eh? Well, they don't lie, do they, Rubedo? They were certainly right.)
Yes.
(Why don't you prove to them how 'right' they were, Rubedo?)
Yes.
"R-Rubedo?" Albedo's voice garbled, his throat clogged by emotions as he felt his twin shift and pull away, as if what Albedo just said never reached Rubedo's ears. Blinking back his tears, Albedo then watched as his older twin shuffled towards the spoken standard. Stealing a glance back at Nigredo for a second, the two younger Variants then glanced back down at the dead 330…
…And then looked back up to see Rubedo grapple another standard's neck.
"Rubedo!" Nigredo screamed, starting to run ahead in order to pry Rubedo's hands away from the standard unit's throat. Alas, Nigredo felt something restrain him before he could run, and the black-haired boy instantly spun around to see none other than his sister holding him back.
"What the hell are you doing, Citrine?!" blasted Nigredo, tearing himself away from her. Nigredo had no idea when she showed up, nor did he have the time to worry about her. Unfortunately, just as he attempted to run again, Citrine grabbed his collar and painfully choked him into restraint. "Dammit…do you want him to die?!" Naturally, Nigredo was not only talking about the standard currently being strangled by Rubedo, either.
"Dr. Yuriev wants field data on the Red Dragon," Citrine bluntly explained, causing her little brother's teal eyes to widen in horror. "Shut up and sit still until the time arrives, Nigredo."
It did not take a genius to know what 'time' Citrine was expecting to 'arrive.' Nigredo could not believe this! Was PATHOS really created for Rubedo to master the Red Dragon, or was it created so Dmitri could get his precious 'data'?! Perhaps the bastard wanted both. Nigredo knew Dmitri did not want to kill Rubedo unless absolutely necessary, but…
"What the hell are you doing just standing there, Nigredo?!" Albedo hollered, snapping the baby Variant out of his train of though. Albedo did not even give Citrine a caring glance. He did not like her, nor was he interested in knowing why the hell she chose now to grace the Encephalon with her presence. All Albedo cared about was helping Rubedo…and he though Nigredo wished to do the same! "Help me save Rubedo!"
Alas, Nigredo could not seem to untangle himself from Citrine's hold. Like it or not, the executioner U.R.T.V.s had a job to do. Besides, Nigredo learned that there was no way of escaping his fate anymore. If Rubedo could not prevent the Red Dragon from taking over, what made Nigredo think he could escape his own destiny? Dmitri rigged all the U.R.T.V.s' lives. Admitting defeat, Nigredo lowered his head and looked away from the scene unfolding before his watering turquoise eyes.
More than ever, Albedo despised Nigredo's obedience to Dmitri and Citrine. "You housebroken son of a bitch!" Albedo cursed his youngest brother, before spinning back around and running towards Rubedo. Albedo did not give a damn about the standard U.R.T.V.'s safety; he just wanted to snap Rubedo out of whatever the hell possessed him.
(Your twin brother's just as stubborn as you, Rubedo. He fights so hard to win a losing battle. Now he's helping free the standard U.R.T.V. How foolish.)
Yes.
(Aren't you upset? See how Albedo's clawing to free the standard? He must care more about that boy than you.)
No.
(I think he does, Rubedo. He's not freeing YOU…he's freeing the standard.)
Yes…
(Doesn't it make you angry? Doesn't it feel horrible to be rejected?)
Yes.
(Unleash your sorrow, Rubedo. Let them ALL feel your pain!)
Yes.
"Rubedo?" Albedo blinked, noticing his brother's hold on the suffocating standard's neck suddenly freeze. The standard boy was still gasping for air, but no further pressure was being applied to his throat. Albedo could feel the inactivity in Rubedo's arms, causing Albedo to look at his twin's face, displaying Rubedo's disturbing eyes closed. Perhaps Rubedo finally came to his senses? "Rubedo…?"
(You've found your outlet. You've found a way to relinquish your pain. Now DO it!)
- - - - -
"Dr. Yuriev, I must insist we execute an ejection at once!" implored the female scientist, her face glistening with nervous sweat as she practically begged her boss. The readings for Number 666 were getting off the charts and undeterminable. Plus, it was already confirmed that Number 330's wavelength ceased function, meaning the boy was most certainly dead.
"That's not your decision to make," countered Yuriev, also scrutinizing the monitors. He was well aware of the dangers, but Dmitri had his reasons, too. Losing 330 was a small sacrifice Dmitri could overlook. Frankly, most U.R.T.V.s under 500 were expendable, anyway, since they were obsolete and would not be adequate for the Descent Operation next month. Losing one 330-Unit was not going to be a tragedy, especially if it provided ample data about the Red Dragon.
But even Dmitri had to admit that the current data flashing across the monitors was impressive. Dmitri knew the most about the Red Dragon, however there were still elements to the anti-U-DO mode that he still needed data about. Specifically, Yuriev wanted to know how the Red Dragon had evolved over twelve years. It had not been activated until a short while ago in Sakura's winter domain. Therefore, the Red Dragon had technically been dormant for twelve years, ever since Rubedo's conception. During those twelve years it was anyone's guess how the Red Dragon evolved with Rubedo's growing body, along with the boy's flawless wavelength and enhanced combat skills. Honestly, Dmitri had high hopes for the Red Dragon and desired to see it in action. The Red Dragon mode was his trump card for the Descent Operation, after all. If Rubedo's power had advanced as highly as Dmitri planned, then Miltia would most definitely be destroyed come the Zohar's link severing. The planet's destruction would be a small sacrifice for Dmitri's larger goal.
Yuriev needed to see it with his own eyes, just once, to know his trump card would indeed bring about his salvation.
- - - - -
The moment Rubedo's eyes flashed open, Albedo knew it was all over. Similarly to clichés claiming the victim saw their 'life flash before their eyes,' Albedo could almost predict what was about to happen when he saw Rubedo's eyes. Those eyes, once sapphires turned black, now blazed redder than the boy's hair. It was not a deep, cherry crimson like Rubedo's hair, either, but a bright, blinding, painful red…the color of hellfire.
So stunned…so afraid…Albedo stumbled backwards, away from his brother and the standard whilst Rubedo became engulfed in the demonic carmine aura Albedo studied over the past few months. Red…malevolent…everything swarmed around Rubedo as though all the devils and evils of the world became attracted to Number 666, as if he were a magnet. There was no doubt in Albedo's mind anymore…the 'aura' that plagued Rubedo's wavelength was the Red Dragon, and the Red Dragon was…a monster.
"Here it comes," Citrine muttered, clicking off her pistol's safety and clutching the trigger. Nigredo was mind-boggled that the girl even had a weapon, never mind the fact that she was wasting no time in preparing to kill Rubedo. Nigredo, too, knew what that red aura was which enveloped Rubedo. He and Citrine were trained to know exactly what would happen once the Red Dragon went out of control. Nigredo knew the facts so clearly he had nightmares that flawlessly mimicked this scene, confirming his nightmare come true. "Get ready, Nigredo." But the young black-haired boy did not want to 'get ready'…especially 'get ready' to kill his best friend!
(So afraid… everyone fears you, Rubedo. Monster.)
Yes.
(But they're weak. Eliminate the weak, Rubedo.)
Yes.
Just like 330, the standard unit Rubedo was currently choking gave out a helpless cry before ceasing all motion. A short distance away, Albedo's eyes widened in horror as he watched his twin take the life of another brother. For the first time in his life, Albedo almost felt sorry for the standard bastards…almost. Whom Albedo was more concerned about was Rubedo and what affect this incident would have on him!
(Another dead…another white…though wouldn't it be better if he were red?)
Yes.
It was not enough that the standard was dead. No. There was a finishing touch the hell-encompassed link master needed to do. The aura around him brightened to dangerously bright levels, causing Albedo's eyes to water profusely when he saw his twin snap the already-dead U.R.T.V.'s neck. The snap was so loud and rough that blood instantly poured from the fracture, camouflaged by the red glow of Rubedo's body. As if the sound of snapping bone was satisfying, Rubedo then dropped the standard's limp body like 330's, causing the standard's unsupported head to bob back and forth for a moment. The sight alone almost caused Albedo to retch.
(Two down…eleven to go…Rubedo.)
If the standards had any other emotions, they would have normally run away screaming after seeing two of their comrades die. That, or they would have fought back. But much to Albedo's unparalleled disgust, the standards just stood idle. All eight of them lined up as though they were waiting to see whom Rubedo would kill next, like mindless cattle about to be slaughtered.
…And slaughtered they would be.
With nothing holding him back, the Red Dragon chose his next victim. Albedo just continued to look on in paralyzing shock, his horror multiplying as he watched his twin maul through another doll-like U.R.T.V. The more that died, the more creative the Dragon got; snapped vertebra…snapped limbs…many heads…everything merged into a gruesome crimson sea after a while, Albedo unable to decipher who was alive and who was dead anymore. Some standards cried, though most did not seem to mind being mutilated, each one shedding more lifeblood than the last. Fountains of carnage flooded under the Variants' feet, the red ocean carrying bits and pieces of ivory flesh and bone. The previously black world of the PATHOS Encephalon quickly became a world of red; illuminated by the Red Dragon's intensifying aura and a bloodstained ground. He never liked the standards, but even Albedo felt faint whilst watching his twin brother tear apart the rest of the 330-Units.
This isn't Rubedo… Albedo knew, shaking his head in disbelief as another body littered the grisly ground in dilapidating pieces. What's happened to Rubedo? But the answer came almost as quickly as Albedo formulated the question. With the PATHOS world now illuminated in red, Albedo could better see the corpse-filled ground…
…Where the Red Dragon's demonic black shadow laid.
Upon seeing the bloodstained shadow, Citrine instantly trained her gun on Rubedo's head, just as he finished with the final standard. She knew the 330-Units were expendable, but now that they were all gone she knew the Variants were in danger. Unlike Numbers 330 through 339, the U.R.T.V. Variants were much more important, and under no circumstances could she and Nigredo die before the Descent Operation next month. Thus, Citrine knew that if Rubedo dared come near her, Nigredo, or Albedo, she would have to kill the link master. Citrine could only hope Dmitri got all the 'data' he needed on the Red Dragon and would now force-eject Rubedo from PATHOS before it was too late.
Nigredo was praying the identical.
- - - - -
The situation getting critical, Dmitri relented and turned to the woman in charge of monitoring the Variants. Thinking like Citrine, Dmitri knew he could not afford losing the Variants like the 330-Units. "Implement the force-ejection now," he ordered, while the female scientist instantly clicked the ejection button. He got sufficient data on the Red Dragon, at least enough to know how powerful it became.
Even Dmitri Yuriev had to admit…the Red Dragon was much stronger than he originally figured. The data readings were unprecedented. It was a very good thing Rubedo could not utilize the Red Dragon mode by his own accord. Otherwise, Dmitri would be in serious trouble. My God. To think, Dmitri created a weapon more powerful than even he originally intended. Perhaps killing U-DO might not be as impossible as he believed.
But before Dmitri could start changing his plans, the female scientist gasped. "Uh…s-sir…nothing's happening!"
Blinking and keeping his surprise in check, Dmitri turned to her terminal. "What's the status on the encryption code?"
"Still operational with thirty-two minutes remaining, sir," the woman answered, sounding very nervous as she repeatedly clicked the ejection button. "I don't understand…the code's not corrupt so nothing should override it!"
Dmitri thought the same. However, upon glancing back at Rubedo's wave pattern chart, the man also realized that he immensely underestimated the extremity of the Red Dragon mode. It was stronger than he ever imagined, meaning Dmitri's encryption code probably was not sufficient enough to counter the overpowering Red Dragon.
Shit, Dmitri cursed to himself. Honestly, Dmitri needed Rubedo to live long enough to see the Descent Operation. However, it was much more important that Numbers 668 and 669 survived. Thanks to his fail-safe, the Descent could still be executed without the link master, just less dramatically and with less confidence. However, if the Red Dragon went out of control today, there might not be a Descent Operation next month, at least one Yuriev would see. That was something Dmitri could not risk.
However, with the encryption code failing, if Dmitri could not pull Rubedo out of PATHOS…and if the Red Dragon went haywire like it was now…then the only alternative was…
Citrine…Nigredo…kill him.
- - - - -
As if she could almost hear her father's thoughts, Citrine pointed her pistol at Rubedo and gripped the trigger. She knew this day would come and now that she was finally carrying out her duty, Citrine almost felt fulfilled.
Nigredo, on the other hand, felt like a murderer. No…executioner. Whether or not this moment was predetermined did not deny the fact that Nigredo refused to kill Rubedo, never mind see Citrine kill Rubedo. Nigredo wanted to break free from his cage, not so he could selfishly be free, but so he could save his best friend! The black-haired boy did not care about the repercussions anymore! He did not care if he betrayed his destiny! He had to save Rubedo!
Which was why Nigredo used all of his strength to tackle Citrine, causing the stunned girl to fall over and fire a bullet into oblivion. Her pistol went sailing, far from either executioner's reach, while Nigredo used as much strength as possible to keep Citrine pinned down and not go after Rubedo.
"Nigredo! You stupid IDIOT!" Citrine screamed, struggling with her little brother. Despite Citrine being older and boasting how the female types were 'superior' to the males, there was no denying that the male U.R.T.V.s were better built and physically stronger than the girls. Thus, even Citrine had difficulty warding off her damned brother. "He'll kill YOU if you don't kill him!"
"Then let him kill me!" Nigredo yelled back, grabbing onto his sister's wrists before her hands could start clawing his face like a cat. Frankly, if Rubedo ever killed Nigredo, the youngest brother figured such would be a very fitting death. Nigredo would happily accept death by Rubedo's hand.
Watching Nigredo and Citrine's scene from afar momentarily distracted Albedo from his twin. He did not fully understand what was happening between them, though he always sensed something suspicious regarding the last two U.R.T.V.s. Albedo could not fully explain it, but there was something very odd about Citrine and Nigredo…a secret Albedo wanted to unearth. Unfortunately, now was not the time to be uncovering any secrets. The second he heard a nearby footstep slap through a puddle of blood, Albedo cringed before slowly taking his eyes off Nigredo and Citrine…
…And looked up to see his beloved twin…engulfed in that malevolent red aura.
Albedo's violet eyes widened in horror as he peered into Rubedo's red-blazed orbs. The demonic Dragon's shadow ominously towered over Albedo as Rubedo stepped closer and closer. Unable to take his watering eyes off of Rubedo's, Albedo bit his trembling lip as he realized what was about to happen. All the other 330 U.R.T.V.s were dead…he was next.
But…was that so bad? Even if Albedo did die, it was by Rubedo's hands. Plus, Rubedo would be the last person Albedo saw before he died. In retrospect, Albedo suddenly realized he would not mind this moment. There was a bizarre sweetness in knowing Rubedo would take Albedo's life. As long as it was Rubedo…everything was okay.
(He wants to die…DO it!)
…
"It's okay…Rubedo…" Albedo sniffled, giving his demonic other half a watery smile as Rubedo came closer and closer. Slowly but surely, the red aura expanded and engulfed both twins, coursing across Albedo's body with a wave of grief and pains…all Rubedo's. But in a way, this moment filled Albedo with a strange kind of happiness. He would be freed from his curse…and Rubedo would to the honors. Albedo would not want it any other way.
(KILL him!)
…
…
(Kill him, Rubedo!)
…
…No.
Even Citrine and Nigredo stopped their wrestling feud upon noticing a dramatic shift across the mental link. It was faint before it vanished, as if a U.R.T.V. briefly linked before quickly disconnecting. It was so strange, but before they could ask questions, the executioner Variants turned to where Albedo and the Red Dragon were situated.
Naturally, Nigredo and his sister's eyes widened in disbelief upon seeing the red aura around the link master gradually dissipate.
- - - - -
"Doctor! Look!" the Variant's supervisor gasped. "Readings show compressions of Number 666's wavelength increasing by a rate 3% per second!"
Even that surprised Dmitri. Glancing at the Variant's monitors, Dmitri blinked in shock as he watched Rubedo's unruly wave pattern gradually condense to a more stable flow. The constriction was slow, but it was nevertheless working.
"I'll be damned…" Dmitri muttered, before fixing his glasses and holding back an amused smirk. Apparently, his damned son was taking advantage of yesterday's PATHOS training after all. It was a miracle the boy was a fast learner like he bragged. This moment just kept getting better and better.
"Shall I eject him, sir?" the female scientist practically begged.
Not wanting to take any more chances for one day, Dmitri finally gave into the woman's requests. "Yes. The second his wavelength is within permissible bounds pull him out of there. Send the ejection alert across the PATHOS Encephalon and have the others eject themselves, too."
"Roger!"
They could only hope Rubedo could manage returning his wavelength to permissible bounds before the encryption code was gone forever. He only had twenty minutes. Hopefully that would be more than enough time.
- - - - -
When the realization came that he was not about to die, Albedo then reverted his attention back to Rubedo. As the aura around them dissipated, the younger twin watched his other half begin to writhe in pain. Albedo, too, could feel the pain in his own heart, reflected from Rubedo's half. His twin looked as though Rubedo was attempting to draw all of the Red Dragon's powers back into him, a painful process Albedo figured was PATHOS' wave constriction.
And Rubedo was doing it all to save Albedo's life. "Rubedo…"
(Why do you continue to fight it, Rubedo?!)
Because…I don't want to kill Albedo! He's my twin brother for God's sake!
(You're just being a coward!)
Saving a life ISN'T cowardice!
(You'll regret this one day, Rubedo. You can't escape what you are, you monster.)
Maybe…but at least today will be one less day you'll be running free!
(Hehe…you still talk like we're two different entities. But one day you'll understand and accept what you truly are. Until then, Rubedo…I suggest you savor your little delusions of being a 'normal' boy.
(Very soon, Rubedo, you'll understand what kind of a monster you truly are.
(Very…VERY soon…)
"Rubedo?" Albedo gasped, watching in horror as Rubedo's red aura dimmed and started to retract. His twin's body continued to tremble in pain, while the torturous wave constriction caused Rubedo's head to throb massively. Being unfamiliar with the practice of wave constriction made the experience even more painful for Rubedo. He could feel the side effects of his endeavor bleeding out his mouth. His chest felt like it might explode, causing the boy to wrap his arms around it in an attempt to keep himself as tightly bound as possible. Grinding his bloodstained teeth, Rubedo choked on the metallic fluids as he continued to force his thoughts to as minimalistic as possible. He had to control this no matter how painful it felt. Rubedo swore he would do this, and by God, he would do it!
I'm not…gonna' let this…control me! I won't let it!
I am…NOT…a monster! I won't…LET myself…be a…monster!!
- - - - -
"Dr. Yuriev…Number 666's wave pattern is within permissible bounds!" reported the woman, her hands already heading for the ejection button as Dmitri called back to her:
"Then get them out of there, now!"
- - - - -
"Rubedo?" whispered Albedo as the Red Dragon's aura vanished and plunged the four Designer Children back into the dark abyss of the PATHOS Encephalon. When the last trace of the Red Dragon mode ceased, all that was left was Rubedo, staggeringly standing before his twin. The redhead's face was obscured with sweat and blood dripping from his nose and mouth, running across an exhausted expression. Barely able to keep his eyes open and panting heavily, Rubedo stumbled forward…
…Albedo so nearly caught his bloodied twin before the link master vanished from the Encephalon.
- - - - -
The PATHOS spinal connection jack instantly jerked out of the link master's neck, waking the boy with a gasping start. Panting immensely, the redhead attempted to sit up before noticing his restraints were still binding him. It was only after the pod's glass case opened that the metal restraints were automatically unlocked, freeing Rubedo and allowing him to sit up. Cradling the bleeding back of his neck, the boy coughed up a few faint traces of blood before feeling his breathing return to normal.
The humming sounds of the other Variant pods opening could be heard beside him. Similarly, Nigredo, Albedo, and Citrine sat up in their dive capsules, briefly coughing and coming back to reality. There was a vague reassurance in knowing they were all out of that hellish Encephalon, especially after what happened to the standards…
…Oh God… Rubedo suddenly realized, before turning his gaze towards the rows of capsules housing Numbers 330 through 339. …What about 330 and…?
Rubedo never had time to finish his question before the answer arrived. Right before his eyes were ten standard U.R.T.V. dive pods, all holding the bodies of Numbers 330 through 339. Each pod was identical, from housing the same clone…to possessing bloodstained glass. Rubedo felt his stomach churn when he realized all of the standard capsules were obscured with blood, disabling Rubedo from seeing the standard child inside. Frankly, judging by the substantial amount of blood all over the glass, Rubedo doubted he wanted to see what the standards really looked like. The Encephalon worked in conjunction with the human subconscious inside the brain. Therefore, excruciatingly high outputs of U-DO Retro Virus attacking a person's subconscious could potentially cause the brain to…erupt.
…And it was all because of Rubedo.
Ten U.R.T.V.s were dead because of him.
He now carried the blood of ten of his comrades…his brothers.
…And he dared to claim he was not a monster.
Albedo and Nigredo never had time to climb out of their dive pods before Rubedo had already bolted out of Diving Lab #3, running off to God-knew-where again. Exchanging tearful glances, the two younger brothers sighed, not knowing what else to do anymore.
- - - - -
TO BE CONTINUED IN THE FINAL CHAPTER
- - - - -
A/N: I certainly hope readers have realized that this story wasn't meant to be a carbon copy of the Miltian Conflict. What later happens on Miltia was induced by Rubedo's fear. Conversely, The PATHOS Incident is more of an outright U.R.T.V. massacre via the Red Dragon going out of control due to Rubedo's emotions.
The real "cause" of The PATHOS Incident wasn't even the Red Dragon, per se. It was meant to be an emotional breakdown on Rubedo's behalf, instigated by the overwhelming events of Sakura's death, Albedo's insanity, and everything else from the past eight chapters. Bear in mind, too, that The PATHOS Incident takes place in the infancy of Rubedo's "control/understanding" of the Red Dragon mode. Thus, it wouldn't take much for that power to run rampant. Rubedo seeks an "outlet" for his pain, as mentioned in previous chapters, and that outlet is The PATHOS Incident. In a nutshell, this entire story was meant to be one big/messy emotional breakdown.
Next regards Citrine. I know she's been rather "confused" in this story. Yet, when you think about it, come Episode III (15 years later), she's still confused of why she exists. I have a feeling such was an ongoing dilemma in Citrine all her life. Nonetheless, I actually don't consider Number 668 to be as "bad" as she acts. Yeah, she's arrogant but she's not evil, either, and I do think she and Nigredo share a bond. Where did I get that impression? In Episode III when Citrine dies, Dmitri notices how Gaignun is saddened by her death, noting how Nigredo and Citrine had a "connection." I found that scene bittersweet. It's actually been a very inspirational segment for this story regarding Nigredo and Citrine. Plus, the scene also demonstrates Dmitri's disregards towards his children when he claims their feelings are illusions and unneeded, a common theme throughout "PATHOS." Thus, I hope Citrine and Nigredo didn't come across as OOC in this fanfic, since there is canon evidence of their connection.
Well, there it is, The PATHOS Incident. The last chapter is just a follow-up, though just as pivotal and dramatic. Stay tuned for the conclusion!
Reviews, anyone? I really want to hear your impressions about The PATHOS Incident.