Log 8

The sound of the breach alarm going off was so very loud within her ears, and the ever so growing fearful tension that was slowly creeping up within her mind at this very moment. Colette would have to decide what she should do and fast, and the only thing that seemed to flood her mind as well at this moment was to get out of there safely with her mother. She soon looked at 049 now who was waiting at the open door for her still, and well he looked rather expectant. The entity was very serious in wanting to accompany her, no matter where they go. Just knowing that 049 was there with her during this uncertain moment, it made her feel oddly safe. Comforted even.

Taking notice that she was looking at him, 049 merely tilted his head slightly to his right in acknowledgement. "Shall we go, Colette?"

Colette couldn't help but let a smile show itself upon her lips as she nodded at 049, and she done so with a new found courage and belief that she was safe if 049 was with her through this. "Yes!" Her eager response and her courage made the entity chuckle, for it was like he found it very amusing. Again he lifted his right hand toward the open hallway that could be seen from the open doorway that he was standing in. "Come along then." 049's voice was rather polite and inviting as he looked at Colette with his eyes closed toward her as he bowed his head ever so slightly. Just seeing him do that around her now and quite oftenly at that, it made her imagine that he was smiling toward her. A smile that was full of trust, elation, and true friendship. Or maybe it was more than friendship? She just didn't know.

Why did he act this way around her, and why was she finding more comfort the more she spends time with him? Her mind just didn't know, and no matter how hard she tries to figure it out. She still ends up with nothing. Rinse and repeat. Colette nodded again to 049 as she quickly approached him, and seeing that she was following him did 049 continue forward. Though he made sure to match her gait quite skillfully, so that they were walking alongside each other.

"So do you have a plan in mind?" asked Colette as she looked at him curiously, even though she could hear the distant screams which belong to people somewhere within this massive building that they were apparently in. Those screams were actually terrifying to listen to, but she tried to be strong since she wasn't alone. She actually had an ally, and this ally wasn't even a human. Her eyes were locked onto the eyes of 049 who was more than happy to keep eye contact with her, and from the sounds of his voice. He was glad that she asked, which was a little strange to her. But she figured that he was happy that the two of them would be together, even when they get out of this place. "Ah yes! We find your mother first off and then we get out of here."

"Heh! You just have everything figured out huh?" somewhat laughed Colette as she smiled up at 049 who was very happy to join in with her laughter. The both of them were laughing when everything was going to shit around them, what an odd situation that they were in. Even Colette was surprised by that fact that they could laugh when there were people most likely dying around them. Just what is happening right now? Was this normal?

"Of course! These people and the others before them didn't really have any control over me to begin with. I merely just stuck around to observe them and get more information, for my journals. They were useful, up until they became useless and blind to the horrors of, The Pestilence." 049's voice was straight forward and to the point, even though he chuckled when he first spoke. As he continued to speak to her however, did he maintain that seriousness and honesty. "I can leave at any time I see fit, and they can do nothing about it though they try to stop it."

Colette watched him as she listened to him with great interest, and she looked a little surprised when he brought up the last part. That must mean that he was very skilled in escaping things, not to mention that he was rather cunning. He had to be in order to successfully escape every time. She smiled at him after letting that information sink in, but then her thoughts strayed to what he calls, 'The Pestilence'. It made her then wonder, was what killed her family...was that, 'The Pestilence' he speaks of?

Slowly stopping once that entered her mind, did Colette look down a little uncertain. Scared even. 049 was rather perceptive at that moment that she had stopped, that he stopped almost in time with her. He must watch her closely and read her rather well in order to follow what she does almost perfectly. As her eyes slowly raise up to meet his own to speak, did she actually blink fast as she heard him speak to her. "Does The Pestilence scare you, Colette?"

I swear he reads me rather well!, screamed Colette's baffled mind at that exact moment. The look on her face was completely stunned and that was all it took for 049 to know that he hit the nail perfectly. Colette watched as he calmly chuckled some at her or rather at the face that she was making. His eyes remained opened though his eyes narrowed at her now, almost kindly if that was even possible? Finally opening her mouth to reply to him, did she carefully nod her head. "It does, only cause I think I may of seen it at work...?" her voice was very cautious when speaking to him now as her eyes looked away from him.

049's expression changed somewhat the moment that he heard her words, for he looked at her rather long without saying a word. Picking up on that right away after a good few minutes of nothing but silence from him as the breach alarm went off in the background, did Colette panic a little bit. "I-I mean I don't know for sure!?! A-All that I know that this illness that happened killed just about everyone within my family but only my mother and I were spared!?!" Lowering her head down now with her eyes closed, Colette was actually scared to what he may do to her. Even thinking about it now, this was the first time that Colette told 049 about her family illness.

"Colette..?" 049's voice was quick to gain Colette's attention for she lifted her head to look at him, but what she saw was him looking at her with his head lowered slightly so that they could meet eye to eye. "Are you telling me that you and most likely your mother don't have long?" his words and voice were strange to her. Colette was rather fast to pick up on it, for he sounded so abandoned. 049 made it seem like she wouldn't be here tomorrow and was almost dreading it. Even his eyes were shifted to show great displeasure at the news.

Why? Why does his voice and gaze make her feel things...

It was like she hated seeing him like this.

She could of just not said anything to him at all, but he needed to know right? She argued with herself for saying that to him. Then there was that faint relief, and actual joy for telling him that. Since he knows now then maybe that drive and motivation can help him cure that horrible plague once and for all. "Yes, but I don't know when it will..?" replied Colette as she looked at him. As she looked at him, she didn't know what kind of face to make so looked at him with a faint smile. In hopes that it would help ease him. Colette watched as 049's eyes narrowed a bit more before fully closing and fixing himself to stand upright. He even placed a black gloved hand upon the chin part of his mask, as if in deep thought.

This probably wasn't a good time to share such information but it came out, only cause she was actually scared to what he might say and actually do. However in a funny way, 049 surprised her and it also showed how strong their bond has gotten in such a short amount of time. Which was something extraordinary. They seriously had a strange connection, and it was bringing them closer no matter how short or long they spent time with the other.

"If it means anything? I will try my hardest to help you in anyway I can! I read your journal and took notes so I can do that!" nodded Colette looking determined now. Then it occurred to her that her journal was still in her cell, which means that she would have to go back and get it. "B-But we might have to make a quick stop to my cell to get the journal! If that is okay?"

Colette tilted her head in question as she watched 049 nod to her words but he still doesn't respond, his eyes were still closed as well which made her think. What exactly is going on in that head of his? Perhaps he has a good idea on how long it will take to perfect his cure? Of course that was a guess that she had. There honestly was no telling what he was thinking about, and it would probably take her years to figure it out. Maybe even longer?

Colette was so focused on her thoughts about what he was thinking about at that very moment, that once he finally did speak his words after sometime did it take her by surprise, as he looked at her with a curious gaze. "So is that what they were talking about? Your blood?" though his words were somewhat directed at her but he was more than likely thinking out loud on purpose just to garner a response or reaction from her.

"O-Oh! Yeah! Apparently my blood isn't like normal blood? It to put it perfectly, It changes color after sometime?" nervously replied Colette who was taken back by his words and how yet again he is showing how cunning he really is. 049 really was a mysterious being, who had a lot of things figured out. Of course he had many years to get to where he was now, but still it was impressive and a little jarring to her all the same. Her eyes which were wide became a bit wider as 049 looked greatly interested. It was like he wanted to see it for himself, and right now of all times. "Ah! Would you allow me to see it?"

"A-Ah!?! Not now but maybe later when we are somewhere else and safe!" comedically cracked Colette in the worlds most funniest of faces to ever grace her features. Even her face was some what red to show her embarrassment. Wait, why was she getting embarrassed by this!?! This friendship of theirs is odd, so very ODD.

049 looked at Colette in surprise to her reaction and the cracking of her voice all of a sudden, even the entity didn't know what to make of that face and reaction from her. "Did you perhaps have a heart attack, Colette?"

"WHA-! NO!?!" jumped Colette who laughed at him now as she looked at his questioning gaze. He seriously is thinking that she had a legit heart attack all of a sudden, but from the looks of his eyes he has never seen such a dramatic reaction before. She could almost see that as cute, even though it is a weird cute. "You just greatly surprised me by asking that now of all times!"

049 blinked once more as he registered her words, and she watched as his eyes were immediately closed as he chuckled loudly in both elation and delight. His shoulders shook in his laughter, with his right black gloved hand over the chin part of his mask. 049 laughed for a good bit, and she had to assume that he was laughing at both himself and her. There was even a chance that he was laughing at himself more, for he misread her for once. Who knew that she could confuse him like that? 049 in truth has never encountered such a human being like this before, who was rather unique as well as she was amusing. The more the entity spends time with her, the more he sees that she was definitely one of a kind. No human has ever made him feel like this, and it was probably cause Colette really wants to help him in anyway that she can. Unlike the other humans who were inside this facility, who were to blind and arrogant to see what he has to offer them. He could save them, and that was a promise. "I apologize for misreading you, Colette." chuckled 049 now as he finished his laughter.

"Oh it is okay!" smiled Colette in response to him as she looked at him. "My reaction did seem a little over the top huh?"

"Yes, but it was quite amusing!" nodded 049 coolly now as he looked at her now as he stood up straight with his arms crossed over his shoulders. "You really are different from the rest, that is for sure." 049's eyes narrowed ever so slightly now as he said this to her, which made Colette gasp silently for a second before smiling as she closed her eyes. "Thanks! You too!" She did open her eyes though as 049 made a distinct 'Hm.' sound as he looked up toward the ceiling. Colette watched him now curiously as she tilted her head to him in question, as she stood before him. He was thinking about something, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about. From the looks of it, 049 had just now thought of something rather important. Maybe he had an idea? She wasn't kept in the dark for long though, for he looked at her as his eyes shifted some. 049 really must trust her at this point, for the look in his eyes gave it away. "I have a interesting suggestion, Colette. Would you like to hear it?"

"Yes!" eagerly nodded Colette to him. "I take it that you have an idea?", she asked now as she waited for him to speak. Colette watched as he nodded to her, while ignoring the alarm that was still blaring loudly around them. Even the distant sounds didn't seem to faze him, which she guessed that he has seen this a dozen times before. Why else would he look calm, and unbothered by it. "I know that you want to escape this place with your mother, even I wish to escape it. But since you do not have long, perhaps we should use these people to our own advantage?"

Colette was quick to blink in light surprise to his words now, and she raised her right eyebrow. "Use them?" replied Colette now as she thought about it now. It didn't seem like a bad idea entirely? By staying here, they can use them for their own benefit as they finish the cure. It was a smart idea, despite the fact that she really wanted to get out of here with her mother. But if what his words from earlier were true that he can easily escape anytime that he wants to, then they could escape at anytime right? "That doesn't sound like a bad plan? But if we are not escaping now then what are we going to do?" asked Colette with furrowed brows in confusion.

049 watched her silently as she thought about his words, and the plan to stay here further. He could tell that she was confused, for it was evident upon her features. "We make plans to perfect this cure, as well as meeting someone else who will no doubt help us. When it is time for us to escape." was the response from the entity now as he shifted his gaze in a different direction, or rather a different hallway. "Oh? Who would that be?" asked Colette now as she looked in the same direction as 049 for a few moments before returning her eyes on 049.

049 kept his eyes looking down the hallway for a little bit more, before returning his attention onto Colette who was looking at him now. "I have met him on my travels long ago, and he could help us. When it is time."

"Okay! So are we going to go see him now?" asked Colette curiously. Her eyes were fixed on 049 who nodded as he began to walk away, and she was quick to follow him. 049's eyes were quick to glance to look at Colette who was behind him, and he slowed his gait again so that she could walk alongside him. Colette may not know why he wants to walk with her, but this was his way of showing that both he and her were equal. "Yes, we should have enough time to speak with him." were the cool words from 049 who was now looking at Colette directly. He watched as she lifted her head, so that her eyes were looking at him. Just that alone, made him chuckle calmly. Colette watched him silently now, as he looked at her with great interest. She then allowed a smile to appear on her lips the moment that she heard him chuckle toward her. In response to him chuckling did Colette laugh a little bit as she spoke, "How do you know that we have enough time?"

"It is not that hard to tell. This kind of breach tends to happen from time to time, but that is cause these people tend to pick on something that they can not control." was the reply from the entity in a cool tone as he kept eye contact with Colette as he continued. "The one they call 682 is a beast who always escapes, no matter what."

"Really!?" exclaimed Colette with her eyes wide. "That is a little scary if I am to be honest?" her words made 049 chuckle again, and though he laughed he nodded to her in a type of understanding. He knew that she has never seen such things before, so of course he understood where she was coming from. Fear was a normal reaction to the unknown, and he knew that. After all she was a bit scared of him as well as she was curious, the moment that he called out to her the moment that she had entered this place. A place where these people honestly believe that they had some kind of control over the unnatural and the dangerous. And yet, these people had no control to begin with. In time, this place will fall apart and it will be these people who will suffer the consequences.

****

The sounds of the alarm continued as 049 and Colette continued to walk beside each other to meet who she believed was another entity kind of like 049. As they walked Colette wasn't sure who they were going to meet, but she trusted 049 and his judgement which said a lot. When one really thinks about it further, both of them had to trust one another at this point. For this facility and its people could not be trusted, not completely. And the both of them knew that. "So who is it that we are meeting?" asked Colette as she looked at 049 curiously. "Is he like you?"

Her words immediately captured 049's attention, as he looked at her with his eyes shifted ever so slightly in amusement. "He doesn't look like me, but he is like me in some ways." chuckled 049. His words made Colette smile as she looked at him, and she was quick to close her eyes and laugh a little bit herself. "Okay!" she nodded afterwards as her eyes opened back up. Her response made the entity chuckle some more as he continued to walk toward the cell where 035 was being held.

The moment that they reached the cell did 049 stop and he looked at Colette who was right beside him. He nodded to her before looking into the cell that held 035, who was standing there and was looking at both of them. From the looks of it, the people of the facility were doing their normal testing as they talked to 035. But the test was called short due to the breach that was going on now. As 049 looked inside of the cell, so did Colette who was rather perplexed by what she was looking at. There standing in the cell was what looked like a man who was wearing a orange jump suit like she was wearing, but the man had on a very distinct mask. One that would be seen in some kind of play of sorts? But what stood out to her was that there was a black oily liquid oozing from the man who was wearing the mask. It was like the body was withering away, but why was it? It made no sense to her.

"Oh hey buddy!~ Long time no see!~" cheered the man in glee as he opened his arms to 049 who nodded to him. "Here to save me again have we?~ Cause I really want to get out of here!~" His voice was rather charismatic, and yet to Colette it made her feel funny. It was like she was scared of him or maybe she was feeling very cautious.

"We will escape soon, but not right now. There is much work to do before we even think about leaving." replied 049 to 035, and in response to 049 did 035 make a dramatic sigh as he lowered his head in a type of sulking. "You work to much my friend..."

Colette was silent as she looked between the two as they conversed, however she blinked with wide eyes and looked at the man who has taken notice of her now. "Oh!~ Who is this little vixen?~" asked the man wearing the mask as he looked directly at her. "This is a first!~ You never hang out with simple people like this before my friend!~"

Interesting, even he is surprised by our strange connection?, was the thoughts that occurred in her mind now as she listened to him talk about her to 049. It then made her think, did 049 stay to himself all the time?

049 was listening to 035 as he watched him come closer to the window of his cell to get a better look at Colette. Speaking of Colette she took a step back away from the cell, for she didn't like how he was eyeing her. He soon replied to 035 as his eyes narrowed a bit in faint annoyance. "This is Colette, we are trusted colleagues."

"Colette?~ Well it is a pleasure to meet you!~ Tell me? Is he right when he says that you two are trusted colleagues?~" chimed 035 now as he looked at Colette's face in different angles while close up to the window that was in between them. As he did this, Colette looked a little uncomfortable and was glad that the glass was keeping them apart. Just knowing that he was in a cell made her feel a bit better, though he was eyeing her like crazy at this point. It was almost suffocating, intimidating even. "Y-Yes." lightly stammered Colette who struggled to keep up with the intense eyeing of her face.

"Oh wow!~ You must-no you are special!~" laughed 035 in a happy gleeful manner which made chills go down Colette's spine. It honestly was like she could feel his laughing breath through the glass window that kept them apart. "When we do escape?~ Why don't we spend time together?~"

"Uh...!" shivered Colette feeling even more uneasy than before. She soon stopped shivering however as 049 spoke up quite sternly at 035. "I suggest you stop it. You are making her feel anxious." hearing his stern words to the strange man did Colette look at 049 some what shyly. Honestly it made her happy that he would do that for her. Truthfully she was glad, grateful even to 049. "Oh come on!~ It isn't like I'm going to eat her! Hahaha!~" eerily cackled 035 in response to 049 who was actually glaring at 035 as he laughed. The laughter that escaped 035 made Colette cower some, to the point that she was kind of hiding behind 049. His laughter together with the breach alarm really added a ominous tension in the room, unlike never before. It was actually terrifying to witness. Colette was silent for barely a moment before she gasped some to 049 who all of a sudden snapped. His voice was borderline threatening, and cold. "You will do no such thing to her! If you even so much as dare do anything to her, I will make sure that you will regret it!?!"

The reaction to his words was practically instantaneous, for 035 stopped laughing immediately while Colette who was standing behind 049 looked at him in bewilderment. Even her heart was oddly racing to how protective 049 was over her. Even now he stood fully before her, and making sure that her form was covered with his own taller form. As the silence from 035 went on for a awkward moment despite the alarm being the only sound to be heard, did 049 close his eyes. "We are leaving now. See you again when we plan to escape."

With those words said to 035, did 049 look back at Colette from over his right shoulder and he closed his eyes in what one would guess he was smiling behind the mask. That look was all that it took for Colette to nod at him with a small smile on her lips. Colette was quickly to follow 049's lead as soon as he turned and left from 035's cell. She ran after him obediently and stopped once she was walking alongside him. The both of them would look at each other and talk as they left 035 alone in his cell. Little did the two of them know, 035 was interested. Very much so in Colette. "She is special. Special indeed~" whispered 035 as he watched the both of them leave. "I'll be keeping my eyes on her~"

****

Colette was looking at 049 and was listening to him as he talked about the plan to stay in the facility for longer. That way they can work together and complete this cure once and for all, and by doing so would they save Colette as well as her mother. "So I guess we are heading to my cell?" asked Colette with her smile very much strong on her lips. She laughed softly as 049 nodded to her, with great vigor while he chuckled in elation. "Ah! Of course! Besides I want to read your notes that are within your journal!" 049 looked to be greatly excited about the notes that she has written and couldn't wait to read them. Just seeing him like this, made Colette laugh more as she said, "I hope that they are good enough to help you?"

The entity merely chuckled more as he looked at Colette. "Oh Colette, I am sure that they will be more than helpful!"

Hearing his words and how sure he was that her notes are good enough, it made Colette feel strong. Something that she has never felt before. She was strong, and she was going to save both her mother as well as herself. No matter what. Colette would not stand around and let that horrible illness take her mother away, she was going to fight with every fiber of her being. Some would even argue that she is way out of her league, but she did not care. She is not one to give up.

Colette and 049 walked the entire way to her cell, and once that they saw her cell ahead of them did Colette run forward with a smile. She felt greatly empowered and it was thanks to 049. Who was with her through it all. Entering her cell did she approach her bed, and lifted her pillow where the journal was hidden. Picking up the journal did it occur to her, that Dr. Collins wanted the journal. He wanted it so much that he would even go as far as to threaten her and her mother. Now thinking about it, she probably should go check on her mother. But would she have enough time to do so?

The sounds of footsteps took her out of her thoughts, for 049 walked into her cell in a comfortable gait like he had done so before when he escaped his cell to see her. Colette smiled at him as she held out the journal he had made her to him, "Here you go. I hope that my notes are good."

049 looked at the journal as his eyes shifted in a bit of friendly glow. "I know they are good. No need to worry, Colette."

Colette watched as he carefully took the journal from her hands, and was being very mindful to not touch her hands with his black gloved hands. Her smile grew a bit in size as she looked at the entity who looked to be in a good mood, despite what had happened earlier with that weird man who was wearing that play mask. She didn't know who he was, but 049 knew him. Maybe it was better off that she doesn't get to know him? Truthfully it would be best that she stays away from him entirely. Lest his laughter haunts her dreams at night.

She doubted that she could get those intense stares out of her head either. It really bothered her more than she would like to admit.

Blinking her eyes suddenly, did she shake her head softly and glanced up at 049 who was now looking into the back of the journal where her notes were located. Shyly she watched him, as her heart raced in such a way that it was pounding hard in her ears. "W-Well?" she cautiously asked him. Her eyes were locked on his downcast eyes, as he read the notes that were in the journal. "They are exceptionally good.", was the words from the entity who lifted his head to look at her now. Stunned by his words, Colette blinked her eyes fast a couple of times. "Really!?!"

"Your notes and thoughts are so good that they opened my eyes to what I have been doing wrong." chuckled 049 as he looked at the notes again with his eyes narrowed in a form of admiration, "How did I not see this before? It is outstanding that you saw it, but I did not! Well done, Colette!"

Colette looked at 049 even more surprised by his words, that she felt her eyes getting misty with tears. "I-I...-Thank you!" she bowed her head to 049 ever so lightly in gratitude, for she was honored by his words. Her hair was hiding her face ever so slightly as she looked at the ground, but she could see that he was approaching her. It was then that she heard his voice, which held a bit of laughter to her bowing to him. "Come now. Raise your head, Colette." Doing as she was told, she lifted her head a bit slowly and looked a little surprised that his hand was close to taking a bit of her hair into his right gloved hand. He of course quickly moved his hand away, as he looked to the side. Looking up at him fully now, did she see the look in his eyes. They looked greatly troubled. Was it cause...he tried to touch her?

Colette knew of the danger, for if he touches someone directly by skin contact. They die. So why did he try to touch her? As she thought about it, her heart raced again in a strange way. Just what is going on between them? Was this a good thing, or would it become a bad thing? She just didn't know, and honestly she feared the outcome. And yet, she fully trusted 049. Trust was such a powerful thing.

She was silently looking at him before standing up straight once she cleared her thoughts. It wasn't long that a smile appeared on her lips. "I'm glad that I can be useful to you!"

049's eyes were slow as they shifted to look at her, and it wasn't long that he nodded to her chuckling. "You are more than useful, Colette. I knew that you had what it takes." Colette's smile became a full blown grin as she closed her eyes to his words but they opened up quickly to the breach alarm turning off. "Oh! I guess that means that they got it under control?", asked Colette as she looked at 049. "It would seem so? I don't doubt that there is a lot of damages somewhere?"

Colette's face became a bit cloudy at the realization that she had no time to see her mother now, which means that she will have to wait next time to go see her. She sighed before looking to the side as 049 walked over to her, and she watched as he handed her the journal with great care. As he done so, he made sure to not touch her hands directly. "Do not worry, we will get out of here soon. But work needs to be done to save your mother, and you." The entity was certain that he could save the both of them, no he would and by doing so he wouldn't be tormented with such atrocious thoughts. Just thinking about them and the world without Colette in it, it done something to him. It made him feel unbelievably lonely. He has never felt like that before. And if that wasn't enough, 035 was acting unruly with Colette. Seeing him eye her in such a manner, it angered him. Trying to ease his thoughts, or rather ignore them did he look toward Colette's bed curiously before approaching it. "Let's talk for a bit, Colette. At least until they come for me."

Colette was hugging the journal close to her chest when 049 finally spoke, so she was quick to say her reply with a smile as she walked over to her bed. "Oh sure!"

She watched 049 sit down onto her bed with his right gloved hand on the chin of his porcelain mask as he looked at her with interest, with his right leg crossed over his left leg. Sitting down beside him, Colette looked at him with a smile. "I will read the journal later tonight and write down more notes!"

049 chuckled lightly to her words as he closed his eyes, "Good, I can't wait to read it."

Before Colette could say anything more to 049 did she hear the loud and aggressive sounds of guards outside of her cell. Hearing these sounds, actually scared her. Her eyes were quick to look at the closed door of her cell, and in that moment did her door open to reveal many more guards than before. Not to mention that they look different. These guards had more armor on their bodies, and held some intimidating looking rifles. Plus they got here way faster. It was clear that this place and people were not playing around. Not anymore.

"COME WITH US NOW 049!?!", demanded a guard who was holding his rifle up to intimidate the entity. Thing is, he didn't look bothered by them as he stood up and obeyed. But not before looking back at Colette from over his right shoulder with his eyes closed. This was his way of saying that all will be well. But would it be fine? That she didn't know, as she sat there on here bed with several guards staring her down.