Chapter 14: Again With That Smile

When I was young, after my first kill, I would feel haunted by the blood of the victims that stuck to my hands like gloves.

I stopped feeling that way after the number of people I have killed gotten from hundreds to thousands, to millions. And I never felt guilty because we all do things we wouldn't be proud of to survive.

I was foolish to think that my demons wouldn't come back to haunt me. Maybe they never left.

Maybe I never left them.

That's how I knew Alpha Q is still alive, because the only thing I fear most besides killing one too many people, is keeping one alive.

He is still alive. I know that, but how and where he is still a mystery I would have to uncover later. I have a mission to fulfill.

I have gotten away from RAYA once again, but it's just a matter of time before they find me. I need to choose a plan.

And I have the perfect one.

It only involves me getting tortured again. Still, nothing like a little pain to remind you that you're still alive. No matter how shocking it may be that you are.

And that's how I ended up in a chair with chains wrapped all around my body. They could've chosen something more comfortable.

"-an assault against essential personnel, murder, attempted murder, arson that led to murder, and mission failure that leads to murder. Any other things I missed?" Ultimate A said.

"Yes, actually. You forgot holding someone hostage that also led to murder," I grinned.

He scoffed, "Cheeky," he said, writing on his clipboard. Ultimate A turned around to leave.

I want food.

"Get me some food when you come back!" I shouted after him. When no one replied, my stomach grumbled, "Please?"

➰➰➰

"Imagine yourself in true peace, where are you?" The Imbue I am very not familiar with asked.

I smiled, "What did you say your name was again?"

"Imbue G," She answered.

I hummed, "Imbue G. You're a psychologist?" I asked.

"No, I am a psychiatrist." Oh, she's threatened. They chose a teenage Imbue to interview me, poor girl.

"Ah, so what mental illness did they say I have then, Doctor?"

Imbue G gulped, "Paranoid schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder."

"Very well, then. Ask me questions and I'll answer them honestly, I promise."

She nodded, exhaling loudly, "Firstly, what's your name and what are your true intentions?"

"My name is Phoenix X. And I intend to make my kind proud."

"That's a robotic response, Phoenix X. And I know your mind isn't synthetic, is it?"

"You're a smart one, aren't you, Doctor? No. I intend to seek the truth."

"The truth?"

"Yes. And justice. It isn't fair how they kept this project from us all this time, only to use us to destroy our own kind."

"But it's not our kind that's being destroyed, is it?"

Oh, she's good. She's seeing right through me.

"You're right, it's not. But still, justice has to be served."

"Justice or revenge?"

"I don't see the need for revenge. It is simply a waste of time and energy. Justice, however, is needed to remain in peace with yourself and others," I explained.

I noticed her writing in her notes. It looks full already.

"What, would you say, have you achieved in the last few weeks?" She asked another useless question but I'll answer it anyway. This plan has only 2 versions and I only have space for a maximum of 3 mistakes.

"Aside from ridding myself of my burdens of life? Satisfaction," I answered, which was a lie but she didn't have to know that. The people that are watching behind the wall don't either.

"And what is it that satisfies you?"

I chuckled, smiling in fake fond, "Death, destruction, chaos, insanity. You know, all those things."

"I believe they got your diagnosed disorder wrong, after all, Phoenix X," Imbue G smiled, getting up.

"Where are you going?"

"To send in my report. You stay here, I'll come back shortly."

She left the room, leaving me staring at an empty chair I could only imagine someone sitting in.

The door burst open, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the mirror on my left to see who it is.

Rogue F tutted, walking slowly towards me. He inched closer, bringing his face down to mine and he whispered, "What did you think you were going to achieve by going back here and letting yourself be captured again? I guess kicking me in the face wasn't necessary after all."

My laugh echoed through the room. For a second, I was determined to prove to him that I had a plan, just to rub it in his face. But I considered the possibility that they are still watching me behind the one-way glass. "Trust me, love, it was necessary. And I'm not expecting anything anymore. I did what I came here to do, kill the people that betrayed me."

It was his turn to laugh now, "Well, you seem to have missed one. Because I betrayed you the most, didn't I?"

"And you'll be suffering the most too," I smirked.

Rogue F's nostrils flared as he sat down harshly. "What's your plan here, Phoenix X? I know you. You wouldn't just let yourself be captured, you wouldn't have let yourself be controlled. I tried telling him that. I tried telling everyone! No one listened. Do you know what they said? They said that we shouldn't overcomplicate things that give us an advantage. But I know you and your mind. There's something else you're trying to hide and I'd like to know what, so tell me," He demanded.

I smiled, "You're right, having me here gives you an advantage, didn't it? So why don't use it? Oh," I gasped, "Or maybe I'm the one using you."

Rogue F hummed, "So that's your plan? Make us doubt ourselves and each other long enough for you to execute your real plan?"

"No, love, not at all. I'm sure the higher commandment's bonds are as tight as the straightjacket holding me right now."

He nodded, suspicious eyes watching me as he left the room and another entered. The person had a way of walking that made it so familiar, I just couldn't put my finger on it.

At least not until I saw his figure from the mirror while he was closing the door.

I tried to hide my surprise, excitement, and anger as the person sat down. It infuriated me that he's still alive and I hadn't known. And it surprised me that I'm actually happy he is.

Slowly, Alpha Q tilted his head to his left, "You didn't think I was actually dead, did you?" And there he is, again with that smile.