Chapter 24 Contained

I couldn't recognize how many instances where I had my brain shocked and probed anymore. That and the countless amounts of fights I've had with Terra. She still had this sadistic side to her that seems to turn on with a flick of a switch. Her demeanor instantly changes the moment I'm on the verge of passing out or when I start bleeding from somewhere in my body. My body just simply started rejecting everything that they've tried to feed me. The only thing that kept my body from deteriorating were the pellets. Though today was a bit special from the usual brain churning for something that even I couldn't guess. Terra brought me to the cafeteria instead of the training hall. I haven't seen any other place besides the lab and the hall ever since I got here. The walls were still white and it was starting to drive me crazy. There were plastic tables that were lined up pretty well and directly left of the hall was a wall filled with food containers. I wasn't able to recognize any of the other foods there because I wasn't a local of Hyer. Terra sat me down on a table closest to the food aisle then took the opposite seat. The bruises in my body started to sing ever since I've finally had time to heal from the brain searching. It wasn't like any other pain I could handle because it was everywhere. She was busy looking around to see if anything looked interesting. This part of Terra is what makes me question everything that I know. She's normal but not the normal Terra that I would see. Her anger and thirst for battle becomes non existent to the point that it scares me. To me, she becomes unrecognizable, it scares me that I might become that if they keep scrambling my brain. I just sat there without saying anything because I didn't want to activate that switch. Terra might make a giant scene if I do anything. My hands were in my pockets.

Terra: I brought you something today. I hope you like it. And I'm sorry about the eye still… I feel responsible for that. Though I think the neural scrambling might have halted the healing factor of the pellets. I'm sorry.

Arc: What the hell are you doing?

Terra: I'm just trying to make you trust me again.

Arc: Trust you? Why should I trust a traitor? You did too many things to that... Nevermind...

Terra: I said it's not that simple. But here, take this. At least until your eye heals.

She passed me a small white box on the table. I reluctantly picked it up to see an eye patch within. My eye still hadn't recovered that day so I wasn't sure on how to handle my emotions. I felt something welling inside of me. Was it rage? Or was it powerlessness that I couldn't do anything to save myself from this hell. I took the black eye patch and placed it over my damaged eye. Even just putting my hands over my shoulders was a pain. I even started gritting my teeth from simply putting on the eye patch. Now my eye was starting to adjust without the other. It made a bit dizzy but it's not something that I can't try to get used to.

Terra: It looks pretty good on you. It suits someone like you. I don't know how to explain it.

Arc: I still don't understand… You're not Terra. This is not how Terra acts. The real Terra did this to me. I'm scared Terra… I'm scared that you might switch into someone else and try to make a scene of this area.

Terra: That's the first time you've ever said that you were scared of me. I'm sure that would've pleased her.

Arc: I always was but I never wanted that to get in the way of our work. Being scared means that you could possibly freeze up in a fight. Something that shouldn't happen in our work.

Terra: Work…

Arc: Who are you? This isn't you… Or is this you? Whatever it is. It scares me.

Terra: You're right. Maybe I am someone new. The Terra that you knew was someone born from the depths of the Platform. Is there anything you want to eat? You haven't eaten in days. All you take are the standard issues.

Arc: I'm fine with the standard issues. Wait don't just avoid the question like that.

Terra: It's not tasty though, I personally like…

Arc: Shut up already! You are not Terra!

For a split second, she recoiled from shock. It completely caught me off guard that I couldn't even look her in the eye. Her eyes looked different from the person that I knew and fought with. I recoiled back because I just realized what I did. My stomach started drop because she might raise her hand or something. But instead, she just sat there. There was nothing in the air.

Arc: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. This is… hard.

Terra: It's alright, it's understandable that you might be angry…

Arc: Those people in the lab, they mentioned Juxo. Why mention him now?

Terra: You know I can't tell you that.

Arc: I knew Juxo more than anyone else in the Platform until whatever happened. I think I deserve the right to know why y'all are trying to probe my brain for my memories of him.

Terra: So it is true. You can see what we're probing in you.

Arc: I can see every memory and every pain that I've felt for the last rotations because of you people.

Terra: Does it hurt?

Arc: Everything hurts. I didn't think that remembering can be so annoying.

Terra: I wasn't talking about the physical pain. Does it hurt when she gets brought up?

Arc: I try not to think or watch when she comes up.

Terra: I didn't know that you two had a thing. It's a bit strange not being able to see it.

Arc: We didn't. She just made an impact is all. I wish we knew her a bit more. Sometimes they just have to say the right words to make you feel a certain way.

Terra: Are you hungry? The food here is free to take. I personally like these things that they call meatballs.

Arc: I'm not going to stay forever y'know that right. Someday I'll leave.

Terra: No, you're staying. It's not something that can easily be decided. You can never leave Arc. Even if you run, I'll be the one that will chase you down.

Arc: I just need a chance and you won't ever see it.

Terra: NO!

In just a quick second, her fist bursted right through the table. Terra's killer instinct was already starting to seep into the entire room. This was the Terra that I knew. The soldier. Her sadistic spirit came out like a Deathnox out of the sand. She was trying her best not to smile. Terra's lips were trembling hard.

Terra: I said… no… Why is it that you want to release her so badly?

Arc: So you are aware of it.

Terra: Of course why wouldn't I be. It's more like I was the one within her the entire time. It's hard to keep her down the most when you're here. Or when you start bleeding.

Arc: You're not Terra then. I'm not talking to Terra at all.

Terra: No, I'm not. Not the Terra that you know but the Terra that should be.

Arc: A split personality?

Terra: I'm not sure. I wish I knew more.

Arc: You're not making any sense. If you came from Terra then shouldn't that mean you're just a different extreme personality?

Terra: I don't know. Maybe you're right at the same time maybe you're wrong. I just don't want to reveal anything to you. But I am Terra, make no mistake about that. Here try these meatballs!

She shoved a spoon full of food in my mouth trying to shut me up. I had no choice because that killer instinct was still fresh in the air. There were even a few scientists that looked like they refused to enter within a few meters of the affected area. This was a completely different person from who I've worked with over years ago. Her whole aura gave me goosebumps thinking if this was a truly impressive trick or was real. I wish I had a cognitive affinity to know what she was thinking about. We continued to consume the lunch hall food without another pip. After that whole event, she took me back into the wing of the lab that I was able to take a walk in.

Arc: How did it go? Did you just suddenly realize that you wanted nothing to do with the Platform?

Terra: It wasn't something that could easily be described because I was in denial too. Nitra had her chance to do the same and she rejected the truth. That would probably be the reason why she escaped our custody. As we speak, the Vanta team is probably on their way here to eliminate me. I already know that I'm a traitor to the Platform but I'm not so weak willed to ignore the truth.

Arc: You're making me even more curious to actually know about what you are talking about.

Terra: You'll see eventually. If only that mind of yours weren't so hard to crack open.

Arc: Are you scared?

Terra: About what?

Arc: The Vanta team. They're the platform's deathsquad. We know it more than anyone else what they're capable of. What Nitra is capable of.

Terra: In truth? I'm scared. But she's not. However, that isn't a reason for us to be scared. I want to take down the Platform and everything it's doing. She's just in here as something like my fighting spirit.

Arc: The Platform is our home.

Terra: It's a military boot camp Arc. They teach us to be soldiers to do what we can to survive and persist. If you only knew what I know about the platform…

Arc: Then tell me!

Terra: I can't! I just can't! But even if I would say, then it would be incomplete. Whatever Juxo knew, we want to know too.

Arc: Juxo…

Terra: I've said too much… Excuse me… I need some time alone.

Terra walked off holding her hands. Something that I never thought I would see. This person was not Terra. What the hell happened! I'm getting so sick of trying to learn everything from crumbs! I couldn't help but punch the metal wall. Guess I didn't level my strength there because it left a dent in the wall. Who the hell is she!

As I walked around the glass portion of the facility, I could help get frustrated with the amount of helplessness I had. The fires had finally reached beyond the first two districts and now towards the main capital district. There was nothing in my power to even try and help. Even if I had the power to help, how would I get down from here. The height of the lab was beyond anything I could muster with my broken magic. I didn't have anything else to do now but wonder about the metal walls of my room. However, as I entered the room there was a giant rumble in the lab. The tremor was strong enough to knock me off my feet! What the hell was happening! Before I could even lunge towards my door, it was sprung wide open with a familiar face. Goggles that only one person can pull off.

Olley: I found you!

She rushed to me then gave a strong straight punch to my nose! I didn't expect it so I had no intention to block. It managed to knock me down despite just getting to my feet. My nose was bleeding but I was able to muster a small smile. It was Olley! She was wearing a completely black Adamian combat uniform with what appears to be remnants of her old clothes now into a scarf. She got me back up to my feet this time with a quick hug.

Olley: That's what you get for leaving me teehee.

Arc: Now's not the time to just do that kind of stuff.

Olley: I don't want to hear it from the person who got captured instantly. Anyway! We have to get out of here and find the others.

Arc: Others?!

Olley: Your friends are here! We came here to rescue you!

Arc: I don't get it. Why is everyone here?

Olley: If we destroy this lab then we might have a chance to salvage Hyer! Quickly we need to move! These are one of the hatcheries of those things. This place is going to blow up if we don't get out of here!

Arc: Who else is here?!

Olley: Some older lady, a funny looking kid named Nex, and a bunch of assassin looking people. I had to volunteer even though they said that this was a suicide mission!

Arc: No, those guys came here for her.

Olley: Who?

I pointed towards the door. There she was with some killer instinct leaking into the room once again. I could feel the magic particles going crazy around but I was in no condition to fight! I still had no control of my powers! I jumped right in front of Olley to make sure that she didn't shoot her with a vibration cannon.

Arc: Stop! Don't kill her!

Terra: No trespassers, especially not here! Move out of the way Arc.

Arc: No! Please don't shoot her!

Olley: Who is this lady Arc?!

Arc: Someone that you need to stay away from if you want to live!

Terra: Who the hell is she? I thought you said never to trust the locals Arc.

Arc: She didn't do anything. She just volunteered to find me. Don't kill her. She didn't do anything wrong!

Terra: I can't do that.

Her eyes started to surge with magic and I knew that she wasn't going to miss her even if I was in front of her. Or worse, she was going to shoot right through me. Regardless, she was going to kill Olley! Olley took a braced stance as if she was going to survive the first initial shot!

Arc: STOP! I'LL STAY! SO PLEASE!

Terra: You'll stay?

Arc: I'll stay… just don't shoot Olley.

Olley: Arc!

Terra: Agreed.

Arc: You don't have a choice Olley. She was going to kill you. There was no doubt in my mind that you weren't going to survive the first blast.

Olley: No! I came here to get you! I thought.

Arc: And I thought I told you to stay! I wanted to make sure that you were safe from all this!

Olley: Safe?! The moment you left me with Kier. All hell broke loose until another two night cycles! I proved that I can take care of myself!

Arc: That's not the point! I just wanted to make sure you were safe…

Olley: Arc…

Terra: You better leave now. I wouldn't want to be caught letting you loose.

Olley: I'm not leaving with you Arc!

Arc: I'll be fine. We're just soldiers anyway.

Terra surged her eyes and sent a small vibration wave to knock Olley unconscious. As she dropped to the floor, Terra placed some arm braces on me. There was no going back. I had to follow or there would be consequences. She motioned me towards the door and we left. No matter what, I kept telling myself not to look back. Before we could continue through the hall, a giant explosion erupted in front of us. As we braced ourselves from the debris, a squad of five humans wearing Adamian combat armor and half gas masks with numbers appeared from the explosion. This was them! The Vanta team. Each of them had different hairs which made them distinguishable but there was one of them that stood out the most for me. Nitra was number four.

One: Surrender yourself Adamian. You have violated the multiple rules and regulations of the platform.

Two: You have already been charged guilty.

Three: You only have two options.

Four: Surrender.

Five: Or die.

Terra: Did you all rehearse that for me? Big talk for a bunch that took their time in finding me.

One: So be it.

Terra: This is going to be interesting!

I didn't know what I felt halfway. It was like I was watching some kind of show unfold in front of me. Terra's aura had already begun to create like some kind of domain. Every small movement that she made could be mistaken for a chance to kill. The five dispersed right into Terra but Terra just simply pushed them all back a half dome. She rushed right into the fight with that violent smile of hers. As she was fighting Nitra took hold of me. She was already starting to cast an air tunnel. However, as soon as it was about to finish. Her body flung itself towards the end of the hall with violent force. Terra was somehow managing against the rest of the four. One jumped right at her with strong combination punches. However, Terra didn't seem to retaliate with anything.

Terra: You have something up your sleeve don't you!

As soon as she said that One attempted to tackle her but only destroyed the wall! One had the ability to harden his body to the point it was like fighting a stone wall! Terra was dodging and weaving hit after hit. Nothing seemed to hit. One was about to throw a left hook but Terra simply shot a strong cannon directly on his chest effectively smashing One on the wall too. Now Three came into the fight after being dazed from the vibration dome. Three's eyes surged blue then shot a giant jolt of electricity right at Terra. It all seemed to miss because of how agile Terra was. Three charged his body up. However, Terra jumped right as we were charging for another shot. She threw an array of punches directed right to his head, Three was barely keeping up because he was a pure magic user than a close quarters combat person. With a swift gut punch and leg sweep, Terra shot another cannon to Three right as he was falling from the sweep. These guys weren't standing a chance against her! Two and Five were still in the back doing something though I wasn't sure what. Except, that didn't matter to Terra because she went right at them. Right when she was about to punch the Five, Two gave a strong left punch to Terra knocking her out of her stance. Before Terra could recover, Five took off her mask then shot a sonic scream slamming Terra right on the wall then the ground. Terra stood up but clearly in pain.

Terra: Damn this would've been easier if I actually had a team with me. Want to tag in Arc?

Arc: No!

Terra: It was worth a shot.

Arc: Just bring her out already!

Terra: Are you cheering for me?

Arc: I just want to get this over with. You're toying with them.

Terra: Gosh, I can see why she hates you.

One: Get her now!

One started to get into a ready position then charged right at Terra. I expected her to jump out of the way but she took the hit! I could hear the sound of the thud as it Terra's body. As soon as she held One. Five started to position herself for another scream. But in quick succession, Terra grabbed One's shirt then swung him right at Five making them collide. A jolt of electricity hit Terra right on the chest. Three had finally charged up! Tension was starting to build. Everyone was getting tense because this wasn't just a normal fight. Three's magic had finally reached its limit and Terra just simply shot another strong cannon which knocked Three out! Two were still behind waiting for Terra to push him. However, Two raised his hands in an attempt to surrender. He knew that there was no way. As Terra was about to lower her guard, Two disappeared and reappeared to deliver a strong right haymaker that knocked Terra to the ground. Teleportation? No, there's no other familia that has the ability to teleport! Before Terra could even get back up, Two was already appearing from nowhere delivering blow after blow to different sections of Terra's body. A liver shot that winded Terra to a strong left roundhouse kick that recoiled her to the wall. He's a speedster!

Terra: ENOUGH ALREADY!

Terra sprang back up and as soon as she saw Two from a distance. She changed up her guard. Arms extended and legs more compact. Two disappeared again! Except this time. Terra was already holding his legs like he was some kind of prey being hoisted up from the water. With quick precision, Terra jabbed Two's shin effectively breaking them.

Two: AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Terra: I like the way you scream Vanta squad. Now for dessert!

She quickly turned to me and ready to activate her magic once more. There was no way that I was in the condition to fight her. But it looked like she had already made up her mind or at least this version of Terra was. She had her fist raised right up in the air ready to strike me! A second before she was about to land a blow, a gust of violent wind threw Terra across the hall and on her stomach. Nitra ran towards me trying her best to break the collar and the cuffs right as she got close. She removed her mask and placed it on me along with the gas tank. I wasn't able to see a good glance of her face but she was clearly in pain. Nobody can take a hit of her Terra's canon without suffering an injury or concussion.

Nitra: Get to the roof! Find Nex then get out! This is our job now!

Arc: What about Olley!?

Nitra: I'll find her after thi-

Nitra had just narrowly avoided another vibration cannon just by a fraction of a second! It knocked me down on the ground again. With a quick punch, a blast of wind broke the windows creating a giant suction! However, the air current looked like it led towards the roof. This was the way out!

Arc: Take care Vanta team!

Terra: NO! DON'T YOU DARE RUN AWAY FROM ME ARC! ARGH!

NItra: Don't you think you're forgetting someone Terra?

Terra: Tch! I don't have time for you.

Nitra: We'll be just fine! Just go!

Terra: I'LL KILL YOU ALL!

I jumped through the window to finally feel that strong rich air again! It carried me straight up towards the top of what seemed to be an enormous airship. This place was much bigger than I initially thought. With every floor that I was passing, I could hear massive explosions from below. This place wasn't going to alst soon with this much destruction in it's integrity. A couple seconds more, I jumped right off the air current to land on the roof. A person was already waiting on top. It was someone that I definitely missed. His hair had finally been tied into a ponytail and he lunged at me to give a hug.

Nex: It's been a long minute hasn't it Arc. I'm sorry that we couldn't come sooner.

Arc: Stop apologizing already. It was my fault for getting captured anyway.

Nex: What the hell did they do to you?!

Arc: Long Story.

Nex: Look out!

A blast of wind and vibration cannons were starting to shoot out of the ground as if they were geysers. They were closer than I thought!