12-18-2006, 04:33 AM
The Prince of Darkness was slain, but his death left one painstaking question on the android?s mind: At what cost? Seventeen mulled over the confrontation as he lead his soldiers across the seemingly unending expanse of dried earth. In a moment of weakness, he had all but given up the fight, but then something had happened within him to spur him to victory.
Even after his physical body had faltered and collapsed, the onyx-haired warrior had found the strength to endure within the depths of his intricate central processing unit. Minoshia?s onslaught had liberated Seventeen from the confines of his mind and organic side, and then the Dark Prince triggered something else that had long been trapped within the twisted, confused psyche of the android to be unleashed.
The konat?s vicious attack against Kid Buu had been the catalyst that Seventeen needed to complete the fusion of cyborg and man. The amalgamation of rage, hate, and bloodlust had supplied all the ingredients that the machine-hybrid needed to shatter the shackles binding him. Like an overpowering wave, the energy had surged through his veins?the sensation coinciding with an almost limitless feeling of euphoria. A crimson tint had befallen the android?s sight, and then the world became a crazed blur.
The next thing that Seventeen knew was that Minoshia was a corpse huddled on the ground before him. A laceration had claimed the life of the Dark Prince, and the source of the gash was scintillating between the android?s clammy, shaking fingers. The machine-hybrid knew he should have felt something following the triumph, but all he could feel was emptiness swelling within him.
Was he not supposed to feel some type of satisfaction? Was he not supposed to feel righteous and prideful that he had slain not only an enemy officer but also a murderer? Despite all of his contemplations about supposed feelings, Seventeen felt nothing but cold and injured. With the adrenaline gone and the man back in control, the reality and harshness of the fight had surfaced with a vengeance. The medics had mended his physical wounds, but the lacerations upon his mind would sting for an eternity to come.
?What have I done?? Seventeen lamented as the faintest traces of tears began to escape from the corners of his heavy, charcoal eyes. The android turned his eyes to the gray clouds that loomed above him and frowned. His mind was in shambles?something about his victory over Minoshia was not settling well with the android?s organic side.
?What?s the matter, sweetheart?? Paige asked, sliding one of her hands over his waist and motioning him to lean on her. The cybernetic warrior only complied because he was too battered to dare shun his love?s efforts to console him. In his condition, he knew the jade-skinned woman could have easily plucked him off the ground and carried him like a child if she felt compelled.
?Have I become Minoshia?? Seventeen whispered, leaning his head upon the woman?s slender shoulder as they trudged ahead in tandem.
?Why would you think such a dreadful thing?? Paige replied, tilting her head slightly as she attempted to glance at the man?s face. Unfortunately for the former whitelighter, Seventeen?s face was concealed within a tangled web of his ebony locks.
?When I killed him,? the android began, his voice interrupted occasionally by what seemed to be light sobs. ?I felt such anger and wraths swelling within me. I killed Minoshia the same way he murdered so many innocents before?in a fit of hate and ire. By killing him, I fear that I may have inadvertently become the monster I sought to destroy,? Seventeen sighed, his body aching as he trudged across the ground.
?Don?t speak such foolishness,? Paige cooed, brushing aside the android?s matted hair and kissing him on his bloodied cheek. ?You just need to take a breather, Seventeen. You have just capitalized over a force of great evil, and your mind is still weary and susceptible.?
?What?s that?? Seventeen remarked, lifting his head and staring into the distance. ?Another attack!? The machine-hybrid bellowed, gently moving away from the woman and trying to get a look at the structure situated amid the horizon.
?Hyperton Fortress, Commander,? Wart said, liberating himself from the mass of soldiers and dashing up to his superior officer. ?We will have to move quickly in order to reinforce the structure. Our scouts and snipers believe from the smoke and so forth that the walls and building itself may have already been breached by the Dante Forces,? Seventeen nodded, turning to face the youthful lieutenant.
?I want you to stay behind momentarily and wait for any stragglers from our other column. After everyone is present and accounted for, I want you to follow me. Do you understand?? The onyx-haired commander stated, his fatigued eyes flaring to life at the advent of a battle.
?Yes, Commander!? Wart decreed, saluting once before dashing off to fulfill his instructions. Once his lieutenant was well on his way, Seventeen turned to his men and cleared his throat. It was going to hurt like a bitch, but the android knew he had to speak clearly and loudly.
?War has befallen our allies to the north, men. Hyperton Fortress has fallen under attack, and it is only a matter of time before General Super Buu succumbs to the superior numbers. Unfortunately for those fools clothed in blue, they waited too long to attack while we were dealing with their distraction. The time has come for all of you to truly seek your teeth into battle so are you all ready!?
The response was a thunderous, adrenaline-infused chorus of screams and war cries. Even as fresh pain sent new aches and pains up his body, Seventeen accumulated the gall and fervor to thrust the Power Sword into the air. With a wide smile, the Commander of the Outcasts led the march toward Hyperton.
Even after his physical body had faltered and collapsed, the onyx-haired warrior had found the strength to endure within the depths of his intricate central processing unit. Minoshia?s onslaught had liberated Seventeen from the confines of his mind and organic side, and then the Dark Prince triggered something else that had long been trapped within the twisted, confused psyche of the android to be unleashed.
The konat?s vicious attack against Kid Buu had been the catalyst that Seventeen needed to complete the fusion of cyborg and man. The amalgamation of rage, hate, and bloodlust had supplied all the ingredients that the machine-hybrid needed to shatter the shackles binding him. Like an overpowering wave, the energy had surged through his veins?the sensation coinciding with an almost limitless feeling of euphoria. A crimson tint had befallen the android?s sight, and then the world became a crazed blur.
The next thing that Seventeen knew was that Minoshia was a corpse huddled on the ground before him. A laceration had claimed the life of the Dark Prince, and the source of the gash was scintillating between the android?s clammy, shaking fingers. The machine-hybrid knew he should have felt something following the triumph, but all he could feel was emptiness swelling within him.
Was he not supposed to feel some type of satisfaction? Was he not supposed to feel righteous and prideful that he had slain not only an enemy officer but also a murderer? Despite all of his contemplations about supposed feelings, Seventeen felt nothing but cold and injured. With the adrenaline gone and the man back in control, the reality and harshness of the fight had surfaced with a vengeance. The medics had mended his physical wounds, but the lacerations upon his mind would sting for an eternity to come.
?What have I done?? Seventeen lamented as the faintest traces of tears began to escape from the corners of his heavy, charcoal eyes. The android turned his eyes to the gray clouds that loomed above him and frowned. His mind was in shambles?something about his victory over Minoshia was not settling well with the android?s organic side.
?What?s the matter, sweetheart?? Paige asked, sliding one of her hands over his waist and motioning him to lean on her. The cybernetic warrior only complied because he was too battered to dare shun his love?s efforts to console him. In his condition, he knew the jade-skinned woman could have easily plucked him off the ground and carried him like a child if she felt compelled.
?Have I become Minoshia?? Seventeen whispered, leaning his head upon the woman?s slender shoulder as they trudged ahead in tandem.
?Why would you think such a dreadful thing?? Paige replied, tilting her head slightly as she attempted to glance at the man?s face. Unfortunately for the former whitelighter, Seventeen?s face was concealed within a tangled web of his ebony locks.
?When I killed him,? the android began, his voice interrupted occasionally by what seemed to be light sobs. ?I felt such anger and wraths swelling within me. I killed Minoshia the same way he murdered so many innocents before?in a fit of hate and ire. By killing him, I fear that I may have inadvertently become the monster I sought to destroy,? Seventeen sighed, his body aching as he trudged across the ground.
?Don?t speak such foolishness,? Paige cooed, brushing aside the android?s matted hair and kissing him on his bloodied cheek. ?You just need to take a breather, Seventeen. You have just capitalized over a force of great evil, and your mind is still weary and susceptible.?
?What?s that?? Seventeen remarked, lifting his head and staring into the distance. ?Another attack!? The machine-hybrid bellowed, gently moving away from the woman and trying to get a look at the structure situated amid the horizon.
?Hyperton Fortress, Commander,? Wart said, liberating himself from the mass of soldiers and dashing up to his superior officer. ?We will have to move quickly in order to reinforce the structure. Our scouts and snipers believe from the smoke and so forth that the walls and building itself may have already been breached by the Dante Forces,? Seventeen nodded, turning to face the youthful lieutenant.
?I want you to stay behind momentarily and wait for any stragglers from our other column. After everyone is present and accounted for, I want you to follow me. Do you understand?? The onyx-haired commander stated, his fatigued eyes flaring to life at the advent of a battle.
?Yes, Commander!? Wart decreed, saluting once before dashing off to fulfill his instructions. Once his lieutenant was well on his way, Seventeen turned to his men and cleared his throat. It was going to hurt like a bitch, but the android knew he had to speak clearly and loudly.
?War has befallen our allies to the north, men. Hyperton Fortress has fallen under attack, and it is only a matter of time before General Super Buu succumbs to the superior numbers. Unfortunately for those fools clothed in blue, they waited too long to attack while we were dealing with their distraction. The time has come for all of you to truly seek your teeth into battle so are you all ready!?
The response was a thunderous, adrenaline-infused chorus of screams and war cries. Even as fresh pain sent new aches and pains up his body, Seventeen accumulated the gall and fervor to thrust the Power Sword into the air. With a wide smile, the Commander of the Outcasts led the march toward Hyperton.
![[Image: A17June08.jpg]](http://frozendust.com/sig/A17/A17June08.jpg)