Chapter 18
Everyone gathered in the auditorium the next morning by the request of Chevalier Pandora that came around early. This left little time for Varen and his group to talk with one another regarding the previous night's events. In truth he figured that was part of why this meeting was taking place so early. They wanted to get an explanation out before those involved had any time to talk.
The entire visiting student body of Pandora once more filled the auditorium finding seats. From what Varen could tell just based off the little bits of talking he could overhear it seemed no one knew what had happened last night. Nearly everyone had been confined to their rooms so it made sense. People already had pieced together that this early morning meeting would most likely discuss the alarms from the night prior, but no one knew anything further.
Varen could see that stress on the faces of his friends. Even Ticy and Andre seemed downcast. Elizabeth, Arnette, and Attia must have talked to them last night. Out of everyone Elizabeth still looked as pained as she did last night. Varen doubted she even slept much, and he couldn't blame her. She looked tired, but more than that she looked defeated. It brought an equal amount of pain to his own heart seeing such a proud Pandora brought so low.
"Good morning everyone." Dr. O'hara said through the microphone in her hand. Everyone quieted down as she stepped up into the sparring ring. She waited a few moments until the noise had quieted down and she had the rooms attention.
"Thank you, good morning. Please forgive the earliness of this impromptu assembly. It is important that we address the events of last night with you. We apologize for any trouble that was caused, but must also thank the quick actions of our Chevalier staff and Pandora in attendance for their assistance.
Last night we regret to inform everyone that through a tragic accident one of our own E-Pandora lost her life. Unforeseen circumstances caused her to experience extreme psychosis which resulted in the loss of control of the Pandora powers she had. It is with great sadness that I relay this sad incident to you all this morning, but I assure you that with your help this will be an isolated incident. With all the top Pandora here we will be able to prevent unnecessary loss of life like what happened last night.
Today, everyone is free to relax and spend time amongst friends and comrades. In honor of our dear friend, Gina Purpleton, it is the least we can do. Her strength and determination will not be forgotten and from the ashes we will rise and stand beside you all." Dr. O'hara finished. The room applauded her speech with most in attendance feeling uplifted by her words. Regardless of the fact that her speech had told of a girl dying, everyone seemed in good spirits.
"Liar…" Arnette said through gritted teeth. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the arm rests of her chair.
"Psychosis? She novalized, they are sweeping it under the rug." Attia said. Her tone was no less venomous than Arnette's.
"Let's go." Varen said standing up swiftly reaching down and taking Attia's hand. He pulled her along grabbing Arnette's with his other hand. Chiffon and Ticy quickly stood and followed behind trying to catch up. Elizabeth stayed in her seat staring daggers down at Dr. O'hara. Andre looked at his Pandora, a look of concern spread over his face.
"Elly?" He reached out touching her arm. She shrugged it away and stood up.
"I have something I need to do. Please do not accompany me." She said walking away from her Limiter leaving him in shock.
"Get in." Varen commanded pulling Arnette and Attia into his room. Chiffon and Ticy followed right behind shutting the door.
"What are you doing?" Arnette yelled walking up to Varen angrily.
"I could ask you the same thing. You know what could happen to you if you don't watch what you say?" He snapped back meeting her gaze.
"You weren't there Varen how do you know anything about what happened last night? We sit and have to listen to that filth and you drag us away like children?" Attia shouted standing next to Arnette challenging Varen.
"Elizabeth told me what happened, that doesn't mean you can go publically talking without thinking." He answered.
"Why not? They are covering it up! Gina is dead because of them! You were against this from the start, and then you wanted to try and give them a chance, but now how can you defend them?" Arnette argued grabbing the front of his shirt. Chiffon took a step forward instinctively, but Varen waved a hand making her stop.
"Nothing has changed. I agree with you on all fronts, but I can't let you do something reckless. I know it seems like I'm defending them, but I'm protecting you." He said putting his hands on her shoulders.
"If being protected means I have to watch good people die then I don't want your damn protection. Where is the man who won the respect of all of West Genetics? The man who everyone knew that no matter how bad things got he would stand up for them. Have you become so blind in your self-appointed task to protect us that you've forgotten the very things you stood for?" Arnette said staring into his eyes. It was the first time that Varen looked back at her speechless. She let go of his clothes and pushed past him leaving the room with the slam of the door.
"These girls…they deserve more. You stood up for us when we needed it most. That's what being the Justicar was always about. Not just to stand up for us, but anyone who needs you. If you live in fear of the consequences of standing up for what's right, then you are silently accepting how they are treated." Attia said walking past everyone as well following Arnette. Chiffon and Ticy stood in silence along with Varen as he stared at the ground for many minutes.
"I know that I have influenced you a lot on how you feel about this place. You were skeptical before we even came, and I really tried to remain positive about it. I even yelled at Arnette and Attia about giving this place a chance. I know you tried to come around and reserve judgement, but now…" Chiffon trailed off shaking her head.
"You guys didn't do anything wrong. It's important to support projects like this. Even if they fail in the end we have responsibilities to uphold." Ticy said trying to make Varen and Chiffon feel better.
"Arnette and Attia…they're right on this. I agree we should always support Chevalier when they need us, but we should also say no when the situation calls. Following orders doesn't mean compromising our morals." Varen said quietly.
"Then what are we going to do?" Ticy asked and Varen looked up at her.
"If their lives are in danger, we're going to save them."
"I told you not to follow me." Elizabeth said angrily as Andre walked into their room they shared. She was seated at a desk typing on a computer terminal.
"I heard you." He said standing behind her. She took a deep breath and shook her head.
"This isn't something I want you involved in Andre get out." She commanded.
"I swore to protect you when I became your Limiter. I'm right where I'm meant to be." He resisted and Elizabeth smiled slightly.
"Alright then, if you insist."
"You've accessed the facility file structure." Andre said and she nodded.
"I don't have full access, but I have enough. I'm sending an official findings report to the Mably family. It should be enough to launch a full investigation on the facility and Chevalier for mistreatment of those girls." She answered.
"I'm beside you Elly no matter what, but that is leaking confidential military documents." Andre answered.
"That's why I didn't want you here or anyone else. I don't want anyone else involved. Varen and the others cannot know about this." She said.
"He would help." Andre said and she nodded.
"That's why he can't know. Only us Andre alright?" She asked turning to face him.
"Just us, I understand." He answered.
"Chevalier is covering up the fact that Gina novalized. They are glazing over the fact that their serum caused it, and that she was killed. They show no signs of ending this project. More of them are going to die, and next time Pandora may die too." Elizabeth said typing on the keyboard again.
"You think your family can do something?" Andre asked.
"My father won't ignore this. Once he gets word of this type of facility and what is happening here he will take action. I'm putting my mark on it so he will know its authentic." She answered.
"Let's hope they act soon." Andre said and Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"What's wrong with him?" Arnette shouted punching the wall. She retracted her hand and cradled it as blood dripped down her now split knuckles.
"Arnette…" Attia said reaching out and touching her arm.
"Just what are we fighting for? We formed the Nightingales to hunt down people who looked to hurt not only normal people, but killed our friends. The Nightingales were born because we wanted to fight against those who wanted to kill our comrades. These E-Pandora are just girls giving all they have to be like us. Why won't he save them?" She cried burying her face in her arm.
"You know it's not that simple. He has to adhere to what Chevalier asks of him. If he doesn't then our family could be torn apart. I'm not saying he's right, but I don't necessarily think he's completely wrong either. If he makes a move for the E-Pandora, then we are all put at risk. It's the right thing to do, but it jeopardizes our livelihoods." Attia answered putting her arm around Arnette's waist.
"I hate this! I don't want to sit by and watch them suffer. Their friend was killed and the reasoning given was a lie. How do you think Amelia, and the other E-Pandora's feel right now? They are expendable to Chevalier and are being treated as such. Just lab rats to be thrown out when their usefulness has ended." Arnette said bitterly.
"I know; I just don't know what to do." The small Pandora answered leaning her head on Arnette's back.
"I know he's trying to protect us, but why won't do something. He could contact General Renalt or something right? I don't understand why he's just watching this happen even though he was against it from the start. I'm so angry at him and I don't even fully understand why." Arnette answered tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Yes you do." Attia answered stepping back from her friend.
"What?" Arnette asked turning her tear streaked face towards Attia.
"You know full well why you are so angry at Varen. You just don't want to admit it." Attia responded. Arnette balled her fists and her face twisted angrily as she breathed heavily.
"Shut up Attia! I don't want to hear it!" She screamed holding back from punching her best friend.
"You want to hit me? Fine, hit me! At least I've accepted how I feel! If that'll make you feel better to punch me then do it!" Attia yelled back in her face advancing on Arnette. The red haired Pandora backed up against the wall as Attia approached. For all her jokes about Attia's height right now she seemed taller and stronger than she'd ever been before.
"Just stop!" Arnette yelled closing her eyes and shaking her head.
"No, you stop! You think feeling guilty for the rest of your life is any way to live? Why are you acting so childish!" Attia snapped back and Arnette's eyes flashed open furiously.
"Because I can't stop it! I see him every time I close my eyes! When I dream it's always about him! He haunts every waking moment of my life! The visions have been worse and more frequent he won't get out of my head!" She screamed bringing both her fists down onto Attia's chest. The small Pandora held her ground as her friend raised her fists and dropped them down on her chest again. The strength behind the blows grew less with each hit.
"It's alright Arnette." Attia said softly as Arnette fell to her knees pushing her face into her friend's body. She sobbed uncontrollably and Attia put her hands around her head stroking her hair.
"I don't want to anymore. Why can't these feelings just go away already? He'll never love me back." She cried harder into her chest and Attia felt tears fall from her own face in sympathy.
"You're strong Arnette, you'll make it." Attia soothed hugging her friend tightly.
Around the corner from where they were Chiffon held her chest to try and calm her heart that was now beating rapidly. She hung her head feeling ashamed that her friends were in so much pain. Quietly as she could she walked away slowly trying to cope with something she'd never felt before.
Heartbreak.