Griffy
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YEAH MAN PARALLEL ISH POST WOOP. xD … That’s pretty self-explanatory. But I also included some afterward stuff AND included some Akira-ness. … Also, I apologize but I am off the market. I AM MARRIED TO CCC’S WRITING. She’s awesome. It’s awesome. JUST SAYING.
★☽★☾★☽★☾★☽★☾★☽★☾★☽
The darkness was all I knew, all I was certain of. It was the sole thing that never changed.
I loathed it.
With every fiber of my being, I despised its existence. Yet, at the same time, I relished in it.
It would never abandon me. I could always count on it to welcome me with open arms. Though its embrace was suffocating, it comforted me.
Like mother used to do, ages ago. Back when my life had been normal. When I had never been alone.
Had those times existed? Or had I just imagined them? I could no longer be sure.
The bouts of unconsciousness were shorter after a few days. I supposed the scientists wished for me to be awake while they forced me to endure their torture.
Beyond my eyelids, a light flashed on, flickering for a few brief moments before remaining steady.
As I started to come to once more, a groan wrestled its way through my lips.
Another round of torture. Another round of agony. It was only to be expected.
I was used to the monotonous tones of the scientists that all seemed to sound the same. However, there was another voice, one from the past.
A friend.
I had missed the first part of the conversation, and that only increased my confusion.
“You mean soon-to-be-angel?”
It was Violett. Oh Gods from heaven above, they captured her, too. No one had been safe.
Even though I recognized her, the peppy nature infused in her words, there was something off about it.
Corrupted. Manipulated. Defiled.
How dare they. She is but a child.
“And let’s see what’s behind curtain number one!” Unnaturally cheerful, Violett’s voice rang through me. She cannot see me like this, not in this state. I do not even know the extent of my injuries. How wretched it will be. Please, Violett, do not...
She opened the curtain, peering down at me with glassy eyes. Frail, distant. Disturbing.
Somehow, I managed to voice a single word. “Violett?” By the way she continued to stare at me, eyelids lowering, I figured she had not heard me.
In her hand was a pair of scissors, identical to the ones the scientists had used when testing my pain tolerance. Shocked, I felt my eyes widen.
“Violett? You... you were in on this? I thought...” Regrettably, my voice shook with the reality of the situation. Not Violett. She was so innocent, so pure. I should have done more to protect her. Now she will be my end.
A smile peeled her lips back, baring her teeth. “Don’t worry, Griffy. It’ll be over soon. You’re so close to being an angel! I just have to make a little cut here and there. It’ll only hurt for a little” Blanching, a chill ran down my spine.
Angels? What could she possibly be thinking?
“Violett... There are no angels here beside Dante. You realize you are working with Xenogenesis, correct? They are the enemy! Please, Violett, tell me you know the truth!”
For a moment, she appeared puzzled, brows furrowed and a sliver of her old self flickering in her eyes. Then, it was gone, replaced by the dazed look once more. “Oh, Griffy. You’re silly! They aren’t that bad. We’re all gonna be angels! Halo-wearing, harp-playing angels!”
She giggled.
“Well not really. But we’ll be good people. I’m already good.We can help people! Isn’t that what we wanted to do in the first place? Isn’t that what you wanted to do?”
She has cracked. They broke her, too. Am I the only sane one remaining? Am I sane?
“They lied. They have been lying since the beginning. They have brainwashed you!”
I swallowed, hands trembling against the metal table beneath me. It was no longer cold, my body having grown accustomed to the temperature. I was as frigid as the surface, and so was my heart. But that would not stop me from trying to change Violett.
“Please, they are not bettering us. All they have done is hurt us. Have you not heard the screams of our friends? XL has shed our blood more times than I could possibly count. They are going to kill us. Can you not read their minds to see that they are not what you think?”
Pursing her lips, she shrugged. “They told me not to do that. It’s bad, wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. I need to be a good girl.” Recovering from her confusion, she smiled. “Come on, Griffy. We’ll talk when you’re an angel.” At that, she moved closer, brandishing her scissors as if they were her weapon or tool of trade.
“No, PLEASE!” Desperation ripped itself from my throat, reducing me to nothing more than begging. “Violett. Violett. Please. How... how would they know about us? About our abilities, our strengths, our weaknesses? They are killing us. And they took your brother! Does that not mean anything to you?”
Her eyes narrowed. “... No... No they didn’t.” Denial.
“Answer me this. How did we get here? How are we having this conversation, while you wield a utensil you wish to cut me with and I lie trapped on this table?”
Blinking, she stared at me, refusing to move her gaze away.
“Griffy... Don’t lie...”
“I AM NOT THE LIAR HERE. OPEN YOUR EYES, VIOLETT. PLEASE!” Quelling my fury, I sighed. “Please.”
“But... the... I... You... Locke... They...” Words broken, she could not expel anything she wished to. Then, a sob built up in her throat, escaping in a hiccup as the tears overflowed.
Eyes wider than before, I longed to reach for her, to comfort her. Alas, I was tied down. And I had only felt this helpless once before.
“I-I-I’m so s-s-sorry, Griffy. I-I became one of them. I’M ONE OF THOSE MONSTERS!”
The scissors fell from her grip.
Her hands covered her face.
Body shaking, trembling, she weeped, blubbering incoherent apologies and despairs as the tears trekked down her cheeks.
“No, do not cry. Please, Violett. We...” I cannot lie to her... but I cannot stand to see her like this. “We will figure something out. Stay with me. Do not—” In that instant, a hulking figure of a man entered the room, appearance unfamiliar.
“Griffy, I can’t...” she muttered, still crying, as the man picked her up with ease. NO. I CANNOT LOSE ANOTHER. Violett did not seem to understand, her actions similar to that those of one enduring a seizure. Her eyes glazed over, her body quaking.
“Release her! You dirty...” No English would suffice. “GAMOTO. Bring her back this instant! She is a child! Have you no soul?”
The man turned on me, eyes dull yet livid.
“More than you could ever hope to have, daemon. At least I didn’t kill my brother. Doesn’t that guilt kill you every day?” It seemed as though he did not mean his insult, his expression still and steely glare faltering, but its effect was all the same.
“You...” I could not voice my anguish, my fear, my fury.
“It’ll be okay, Griffy!” Violett, the optimist, called as she was towed out of the room. “I... We’ll...” She was a worse liar than I. And her planning skills were not adequate.
Then again, who was I to judge? I got us into this mess. It was my fault.
The door slammed shut behind them, leaving me in silence once more.
That did not last long, my shouts of frustration replacing the void.
Not only had I lost Akira, been forced to witness her fall into insanity, but now I had experienced the extent of Violett’s corruption.
I could not handle this.
I was not prepared.
I was not invincible.
Innocence does not matter to these monsters. They take like all humans without ever considering giving something desirable in return. Why? Why must we be subjected to this? Why Akira? Why Violett? What could have caused such corruption?
With my luck, my questions would not be answered. I was left in the dark, shrouded by blinding light, in my lonely cell, pinned on a table, awaiting my demise.
I only wished it would come soon. I wished for mercy, a swift end.
And I wished for the safety of my friends.
I doubted any would be granted.
Gas filtered in from the vents once more. I did not bother to fight against it. What was the point?
Simple.
There was none. Not anymore.
It was hopeless.
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Hours passed. At least, I assumed they were hours. For all I knew, it may have been mere seconds or a few years.
I did not know, nor did I care.
Despite the damage that had been done to my body, a quarter of the skin on my arms and legs having been replaced by scales and tortures repeated from my past, I had had hope.
I did not believe I could say that any longer.
Throat ripped raw and voice hoarse, I silenced my shouts, knowing all too well that Violett could not hear me. Knowing that I could do nothing.
The metal around my wrists had cut into my flesh with their serrated edges, bleeding gashes replacing the skin that had once been there.
I could not feel a thing.
Perhaps it was part of their "treatment" or perhaps I had simply grown numb. Either way, pain was of no consequence. Physical pain I could handle.
These feelings of hopelessness? No.
I was a shell of myself. Where did the man I had been before vanished to? He was nowhere in sight.
Limp. Numb. Cold. Cold all over.
Cold air.
Cold hands.
Cold heart.
I laid upon the table, silent, still. Wrapped up in my churning thoughts.
Have they broken me? Could it be true? Do I not have any strength to fight left? Is this the end for me? For us all?
Once more, the sound of a door creaking open interrupted my thoughts. I could not force myself to look away from the ceiling.
Do not fall into their trap. When you show interest, they know they have control. My thoughts, while not entirely coherent, scared a sense of obedience into me.
Quiet, still, calm. Silent. Be a good patient.
Violett and Akira’s insanity had both influenced me, my actions and thoughts. I was not myself. I could never be myself, not after this hell.
Broken.
"Oh, Griffin. Aren't you even going to humor me anymore?"
You are a repugnant creature.
"Don't you wish to see what Akira is capable of?" His tone was almost disappointed.
No I do not you foul-mouthed, wretched monster. My thoughts refused to make themselves known aloud. Keeping then to myself was harder than I had imagined.
He tsked. "That's too bad. I thought you might be interested in seeing an advancement. After all, she is so close to perfection."
Vi's words came to mind. "So close to being an angel!"
"I would rather dive into the heart of Tartarus," I spat, unable to hold myself back any longer. He merely laughed. Gods, I hated that man.
"Then I suppose you won't mind if we conduct a little... experiment," he mused, words dripping with venom.
Nauseous, I could not prevent myself from jerking my head in the direction his voice had come from.
Hiraku held Akira's hands behind her back, her bared shoulders, arms, and legs coated in dried blood. Though she struggled to maintain her composure, her exhaustion was overwhelming, tears falling from her partially-closed eyes.
NO! NO. No. No no no no no no no nononononononononononononononono. Not again.
Over his shoulder, the man called to scientists beyond the door. "Tie her up. I need to get my instruments."
A mad rush of at least five men entered, seizing Akira and dragging her to the table opposite me. She offered a weak smile. I could not return it, my stomach twisted in knots.
Once the men left, Hiraku reentered, a silver table on wheels in tow. He grinned, baring his teeth in a feral smirk. “Play time.”
After shutting the door silently, he fingered a gleaming metal apparatus, plucking it from its tray. Eying me with disdain and mockery, he strode over to Akira’s side, resting a single finger on the side of her cheek. She growled, and, had I been stronger and in better spirits, I would have applauded.
“Now, now. What have I taught you, my pet?” he cooed. Immediately, she ceased, settling for a heated glare. “Good.” He tilted her head to the side.
Vision growing red at the edges, I hissed, drawing an amused stare to myself.
“Oh, Griffin. Don’t worry. You’re next.” Laughing, he turned away, standing so Akira was still in full view.
It is just another test. Do not panic. Another stupid test Akira can handle. She can handle anything. She is—
He plunged the knife down.
He stabbed her.
Embedded the blade into her soft stomach.
The scream she released was agonizing, her spine hunching, eyes wild.
“AKIRA!” My own cry wrenched itself from my throat, heart racing.
I... Akira! Blood. Death. Fatal. Knife. NO! Nothing made sense, even in my mind where nothing seemed illogical.
She... was dying.
Enraged, I thrashed as hard as I could against my restraints, ignoring the biting pain as I used my wings to beat the air, the table, the ground.
It seemed as though my sudden actions surprised Hiraku, judging by his wide eyes and tense stature.
I disregarded him, focusing on my attempt at escape.
He laughed then, shaking off his shock. He assumed I would not succeed. He thought I was simply frantic, panicking at the fear that crept over me.
No.
He was wrong. So wrong.
You hurt her. You did it without so much as a hint of mercy. By doing so, you hurt me. I... Akira...
Her screams had quieted, replaced now by rapid panting, her eyes shut tightly.
“Akira do not give up!” I ordered, struggling. Hurting. Bleeding. Fighting. Desperate, my voice wavered, disrupted by the tears now streaming from my eyes. “Akira, no. No! I... I...” I love you.
As if she had heard me, her eyes flashed open, pain no longer visible in them. She seemed... perfectly fine. Despite her blood-soaked tank top and scar-ridden features, she was... okay.
How is this possible??
“Remarkable,” Hiraku breathed, running a delicate hand over Akira’s abdomen. I shuddered, unsure of whether to be disgusted or angry as I let out a hiss through clenched teeth.
My adrenaline had vanished, gone with the screams of my love.
“You heal at eight times the human rate. We have been successful. Welcome to the club, my perfect wolf.” Chuckling, he stepped over to me, grinning. “All that’s left is to perfect you. Your flaws are so many, much like your brother. Scars... such ugly imperfections.”
“Cyrus had no scars. He was unmarred by that which plagues me. He perished in the flames, as you are well aware.” Growling, my words sounded more animalistic than human.
Something flashed in his eyes. Anger? Knowledge? Evil? “Oh, dear Griffin. If only you knew the truth about us. You would think twice about spouting off what you claim is truth.”
... What?
He ruffled my greasy hair as if he was a father figure. “Doctor Alkako, would you mind coming in here?”
My blood ran cold. No... I thought that was a ruse. One to strike terror into my heart. I did not think...
An ever familiar face, now adorned with a pearly goatee and mustache combination, appeared from the hallway, replacing Akira’s scientist as they exchanged short greetings.
Hiraku smirked in my direction as he backed out, closing the door once he left.
Leaving us.
Alone.
With a monster.
He smiled, his odor reeking of alcohol even across the ten feet that separated us. “Hello, Griffin. It’s been far too long. I’ve missed you.” Moving closer, he grinned broader. “We have a lot to catch up on. And you have a lot that must be improved.” He retrieved an X-Acto knife from the tray. “Let’s get started, dear boy. Little puppy over there will enjoy this show.”
Despite how calm I tried to remain, how hard I tried to hide my panic, I could not disguise the pathetic tone in my voice as I let out nothing more than a whimper.
Cyrus... How I envy you now. How I long to be with you... Alkako took my chin in his hand. Gods on Mount Olympus, save me. Save me. Save me. Please.
No answer arrived, and, in the frightened gaze of Akira, I was forced to endure torture far beyond anything in my imagination.
Forced... to relive my nightmares once more.
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♫♪Look who’s going insaaaane. Griffy’s going insaaaaane.♫♪ He joined the bandwagon. Tsk tsk. xD Open to you, dear Anime-chan, should you wish to continue. :3
Hope you liked it! (or at least... moderately tolerated it... o.o ) <3
