sirsquidzzz

The world is nearly uninhabitable. Determined to fix this problem, a scientist has been working for years on perfecting a solution. But, her solution is slightly different than most. Instead of going to the root of the problem, the Earth itself, she modifies people to be able to survive. 
However, what happens when a scientist is consumed by their own curiosity? How many lives will she ruin? How many has she already hurt?
One of her experiments, Malachi, is placed back into the world after years of isolation and is forced to try and fit it with society. Unaware of how many problems the 'jobs' she has him perform will affect his life, he happily accepts.
Then, one fateful night changes everything, for better or for worse.

R.E.M.N.A.N.T.S.

"Enough," a commanding voice sounded from the open door.

Malachi smirked, folding his arms across his broad chest and turned his head towards the opening. He recognized the familiar, demanding tone of his old friend.

"Aery, I was wondering when you were gonna step in," Malachi teased.

Aeris simply glared at not just Malachi, but Mono as well. "...I haven't heard that name in quite some time," he remarked in a quiet, almost pitiable tone as he rested a hand on his hip.

"Mono, leave," Aeris said with a sigh, gesturing to the door. "You heard the man. Shoo," Malachi cut in with a smirk.

Mono left the room with a scoff, stomping out the door in a frustrated manner. Malachi chuckled as he watched Mono leave while Aeris pinched the bridge of his nose. Malachi then turned to Aeris, eyes glimmering with mischief.

"You've only been in the same room as me for three minutes, and you already look so very tired of my shit," Malachi quipped, a smirk playing on his lips as his gaze flicked over Aeris.

Aeris rolled his eyes, letting out a sigh before replying. "Your observation skills are as keen as ever, Malachi," he responded dryly. "Dammit, y'mean they haven't gotten any better?" He replied with a joking pout.

"Malachi," Aeris said in a firm tone.

"...fine," he muttered with a small huff. "Talk."

"You first. What does she want from me?" Aeris asked, keeping his voice steady. "Her research. Along with two other things from your storage," Malachi replied.

Aeris gave him a confused glance. Malachi wasn't typically one to hand out information for free. "Is that so?" Aeris decided to take advantage of it.

"What file was it?" He asked hesitantly.

"...can't say," Malachi said with a sigh, staring at the floor in front of him.

"Of course you can't," Aeris spat. "Because you're the same selfish, arrogant prick you've always been."

Aeris looked at Malachi for a moment, taking a deep breath before speaking up, his gaze on the ground. "I can't keep living like this, Malachi," he said, his voice quiet. "And to be honest, I don't think you want to, either."

"It's not up to us anymore. We got cocky, and we're suffering the consequences," Malachi knew it was only a matter of time before the guards arrived. He knew Aeris was probably stalling, but Malachi couldn't help but pity the man.

Aeris's fists were clenched as he glared at the floor. "Consequences? We were children, Malachi. All of that for a dumb mistake..." tears pooled in Aeris' eyes as he spoke.

Malachi couldn't argue with that, so he didn't. He stayed quiet for a moment. "Goodbye," he said, turning to leave.

"Malachi, please. What did she do to her?" Aeris asked, his voice cracking as he grabbed Malachi's shoulder.

"Eliah is dead," he replied simply before walking out of the room, closing the door behind him.

You Heard the Man, Shoo