Sixty Three: Restricted*

*Gore, mature theme, SEASON FINALE!

I was pulled back to reality all too quickly – with determination and no plan. However just as I was being pulled through the darkness of my consciousness a throb began. Throbbing pain, then it grew. From the tips of my toes to the top of my head. It felt like my entire body had been thrown into a chipper and this pain was all that was left. My voice was lost - I couldn't even muffle a scream. I felt my own sanity becoming drowned by this pain.

Focus.

As clear as day Cerci's voice echoed through the pain. I held onto her voice like buoy. I forced myself through the pain - I needed to wake up no matter how much it hurt. Through what felt like a decade, I awoke, staring at the back of my eyelids.

Pushing them opened I looked around. The moment I did I was faced with the reality: I had been stripped bare, laying upon a metal table. Not only that but I had been cut open – metal prongs kept my ribs separated and jutted from my flesh, and my entirety of guts and organs were on display. My eyes widened, the cold of my tears little comfort against the heat of pain.

I tried to scream – only to feel something in my mouth, metal and sharp digging into my tongue. It prevented any movement from my mouth as well as any sounds. My eyes flickered around the bright room. Large, circular lights stuck to every part of the ceiling, reflecting off the white walls and metal counters around me.

"You're awake," Pearson's voice seemed utterly shocked.

My eyes flickered around until I found him. Dressed in white scrubs, my blood decorated his attire. He also wore a white surgical mask, accompanied with blue gloves. In his hand he held a syringe with red – my blood? I almost couldn't think over this pain. I could feel darkness etching at the corner of my vision.

I'll take care of it, just stay awake. Zero told me almost reassuring. I had no idea what she thought she could do – but I prayed it was something. Anything at this point. I'd even welcome fucking death.

Pearson walked over, fiddling with my metal gag before it clicked free and he pulled it from my mouth. I screamed as the metal spike slid from the inside of my tongue. My fingers digging into the leather restraints around my wrists.

"Maxwell was insistent on keeping you under," he mumbled, "But imagine the knowledge we'd learn by keeping you awake. Tell me, how do you feel? What is the scale of pain from one to ten?"

As he spoke, I felt a cold fill me. It extinguished the pain, leaving me completely numb. I sighed with relief, my eyes briefly sliding shut before opening. Once they did, I felt my mind much clearer and sane. Whatever Zero did certainly worked.

"Now that's interesting," Pearson hummed, his eyes watching as something slid down the corner of my mouth, "You blood has turned black. Not to mention your eyes have yet to resort back to their green. Perhaps they change when you feel threatened? And yet when you were under, they stayed red - I removed your eyelids myself. Not to mention your regeneration is more magnificent than any of us could have imagined. It was a struggle to insert those metal rods just to keep you open. I'd make a cut, turn to retrieve a rod then when I turned back you had already healed. If we could understand the why and the how – we could help so many of our people."

His words meant Zero had gotten stronger inside me – I had gotten stronger because of the virus. I wondered if that had to do with my acceptance. Of course, I knew it must have helped with me no longer fighting the virus inside me.

He wishes to use us to help people, Zero echoed. I realized Zero was right. All this time Pearson had only talked about the power of knowledge to further the people in this City of Ash. He reminded me of Dad in some ways, and yet he reminded me of Maxwell in too many others.

I couldn't let him live.

"Although, when I placed your own strands of the virus into test subjects they reacted as any host to the Lyssasolanum. It is interesting, truly interesting. What are we missing? What did Dr. Brooks know that we do not?" He asked me, "Do you have any idea?"

"Even if I did," I whispered, my lips dry, "I wouldn't tell you."

He nodded with a sigh, "I suppose you wouldn't. Tell me Erin, what are you willing to tell me?"

"What about my friends?" I ignored his question, "Assure me of their safety."

His eyes flickered to the corner of the ceiling; I followed his gaze were a small red light flickered. It took me a moment to realize it was a camera. Of course, Maxwell would be watching - I shouldn't have expected anything less. And yet it was like Pearson wanted to remind me Maxwell was here.

Why?

"They are safe as promised," Pearson said almost robotically, "Currently they keep General Finch company – unharmed. However that can change if you're not compliant, the illicit could always be moved down here and take your place. We will switch to questioning for today. No point in continuing research with you wide awake. I do not enjoy senseless torture."

I wouldn't tell him I felt nothing. Instead, I said nothing as he worked at pulling the rods from my body. It made me realize in a very fucked up way he was a kind man. A mad scientist most definitely, but kind in some ways. Once he was done, my body began to heal and seal the prodding gash across my stomach.

"After examining your body, I took note of three scars of bites, correct? It is interesting that your healing abilities cannot heal such bites. When did you receive the first one?" he questioned.

I pulled against the bounds – testing its strength, "I don't remember how old I was. My mom had turned and bit my hip," I said quietly, watching him carefully.

He nodded, his fingers prodding the reminder on my hip, "the other two – when are they from? I can do without the story if you will."

Asshole.

"This year," I replied, my eyes narrowing.

Once more he nodded, "And your abilities? Had they always been at what they are – or are they new? I want to know if it is evolving or if it has had no new developments. And, what abilities do you know of aside from the ability to regenerate?"

I paused, thinking his question over carefully. I didn't want to reveal anything he didn't already know and yet I knew I had to seam compliant. Yet, I had no idea how to respond – it was a moment I wished Zero would speak up but the virus in my body stayed silent.

"Pardon me, I didn't realize I asked a difficult question," he mused.

I swallowed realizing I had run out of time, "It wasn't one. I just cannot think of any abilities that are different from a normal person. I've heard adrenaline is a powerful thing."

"That it is," he frowned, "But I suppose you've been away from the average persons for far too long. I believe this is all for today. We will resume investigating your body tomorrow."

"You're leaving me here?" I gasped surprised.

Pearson nodded, pushing his glasses up his face, "Maxwell has requested it. I assume someone else will be in charge of moving you to a location for the night. I wish you luck until tomorrow."

With that he peeled off his gloves before placing them into the metal sink along with his mask. I watched him then leave the room – the metal door clicking behind him. My eyes flickered to the camera in the corner of the room surprised to see the red light had flickered off. Had the light broke? Or was Maxwell no longer interested in watching me.

This is our chance, Zero said.

My teeth found my lip as I wondered out loud, "And if it's a trap? What if he wants to see if we'd truly be compliant?"

We are trapped then either way, he does not need to barging our compliancy. Your friends could be dead or worse, down here with us and we'd never know, she replied.

A lump formed in my throat – she was right. Once again Maxwell had played me. Now was the time to act, and if I didn't in this moment then it would be too late. It already felt days too late regardless. But I couldn't let my fear stop me any longer. If Maxwell was a giant two-headed snake then I would be a fox made of flames – I would beat him at his own game.

"I won't stop trying. Not against you, no. I'd fight until my last fucking breath, and I would do it in every lifetime I'm put into. I would fight until my knuckles bleed and my heart explodes. I will fight you goddamn it, until your fall, and I would be sure to watch you fall," I screamed, my eyes not leaving the camera.

I knew those were dangerous words, but I hoped he heard every single one of them.

Strength. Wisdom. Determination, Zero whispered, It's time to act Erin.

"Yes," I replied.

My eyes fluttered shut. I could feel my rage built, my blood boiled. I could feel the fire start within my heart – the red that had promised me my humanity burn away. I could practically feel my blood bleed black. Black as coal, hot as the coldest ice. I could feel power throb within me. Telling me I had never truly been human. That day I was born was the day I died.

Focus.

That day I died again of cancer.

My dad had become a necromancer – the man who helped bring back the dead.

The day he brought me back.

Now.

I twitched my wrists – those leather straps broke. My eyes popped open as I ripped my legs free. Swinging myself off the table and darting to the door. It was locked – but not even metal would stop me now. I snarled like a monster, throwing my body at the door. It gave way, the hinges swinging wide open.

Check the rooms, Zero ordered, Make sure they're not here.

I nodded, moving to the first door. Busting it open it revealed a dark, lab much like the one I was in. I moved down the hall quickly, my side beginning to hurt from my efforts. All were labs – none held my friends. Thankfully.

Something's not right.

I knew what she meant. It was too quiet – why would they just leave me in that room? Then turn the camera off when I had been alone? That was possibly the stupidest thing that he could have done, and I knew Maxwell wasn't stupid.

My eyes flickered to the door at the end of the hall – Maxwell's office. I could kill him now. I could end all of this – he would never see it coming. But what about my friends? Was their lives worth taking such a chance? Another question Zero couldn't answer for me.

I sighed softly and shook my head. It would seem Maxwell would live for another minute.

My feet turned – I ran for the elevator. I could only stare at the panel panicking as I realized I didn't know the pin.

01100313.

I hesitated before punching in the number's Zero had told me. All four levels turned red before I hit the fourth floor – the elevator began to move down deeper into Maxwell's crafted world. I awkwardly listened to the elevator music as I stared down at my naked body covered in blood. I looked like I had crawled straight out of a horror film – I suppose my life was a horror film now though.

Finally the doors slid open and I tensed. Expecting a swarm of guards did not greet me but an empty hallway. Just as I remembered. Down the hall stood the door to Finch's 'office' and on the wall beside it sat the intercom.

"Ideas?" I asked Zero softly, walking down the hall with much caution.

I could practically feel her shrug in the back of my mind, Ask to be let in?

My eyes rolled as I reached the door. As if that would work. However, before I could contemplate banging down the door or buzzing in the doors slid open. Revealing the same large meeting room but this time it was filled with many guards heavily armed. Their guns set on me. This made me pause. My eyes slid around the room as I spotted Finch sitting at the head of the table, a very scared Lisa sitting on his lap in one of those horrible outfits. My breath caught as my anger spiked. At the table sat Leon and Lori – two guns to their head and Sebastian kneeling on the floor a metal gag in his mouth, with that brat Colton Holt holding MY sword to Sebastian's throat.

The brat had the nerve to smile widely, "Oh my god you were right! The dumb bitch did show up instead of going for President Maxwell!"

My heart hammered in my chest as I felt the urge to break down and beg for forgiveness. And yet, seeing Lisa upon his lap in that dress with tears falling down her face gave me a rage that fueled the thought to make this room bleed red.

Using my friends against me would be his downfall.

"I don't suppose you'd let them go," I said quietly.

Lori's eyes flickered to me, "Sweety you need to leave."

The guard's gun slammed into the side of her head, across from her Leon's fingers dug into the edge of the table as he watched his sister helplessly. I calmed my breathing and stood still as two guard's reached for me. I let them kick out my knees and bend my arms behind my back.

"It's a shame," Finch grumbled, "Maxwell is indeed in his office awaiting you. You would have killed him no doubt although the moment his door would have opened I would have gotten an announcement to kill them. Then again, with Maxwell dead, I think I would have kept this one to myself."

He gestured to Lisa who flinched. Inside my head, I could feel Zero assessing the room. Deciding what our next course of measures should be. I had to be patient – I would save them all, I refused to let any more of those I loved die.

"What do I do to keep them alive?" I asked trying to buy time, "How do I save them now?"

Finch smiled darkly, "I don't think you can now. Regardless of what goes on in this room they won't all survive. The illicit will be given to Maxwell for his experimental pleasures, and the woman will be at well... my experimental pleasure. Although I wasn't expecting you to come as you did – I might have to examine you first before handing you over."

My eyes shut for a moment as Zero whispered commands to me. Behind my closed eyes I could barely hear Finch rambling on – he sounded oceans away now. When my eyes reopened I smiled, my tongue licking the dried black blood off my bottom lip.

"And if I want to play?" I purred, tilting my head and shoving away my disgust.

Finch paused, shock widening his eyes and his face flushing red, "W-Well how could I oppose such an offer? Of course that won't change your fate."

"I don't expect it to," I forced a giggle.

Liar.

He shoved Lisa off his lap making her shriek. His hard on was clear through his pants. Now on the floor Lisa begged him to leave me alone, my heart hurt to see her trying to barging. He silenced her, shoving her away from him.

"Loyal friends you have Ms. Brooks," he chuckled amused, "Bring her to me."

The guard behind me pulled me to my feet. I was walked over to the left – right beside Sebastian. His red eyes were filled entirely with an emotion I knew well – rage. I couldn't help but wink at him, causing confusion to mix with those pretty eyes.

As soon as I could feel his breath against my leg I spun, using the chest of the guard that held me to lift me off the floor. With my sudden action Holt dropped my sword with a surprised cry. The blade dug into my bare leg causing a painful hiss to leave my lips. This was nothing however, compared to the pain I had already felt today.

"You idiot boy!" Finch snapped, "What do you think you're doing?"

Holt fell onto his heels as two guards tried to help him back up as others tried to free the blade from my flesh. It was this moment the guards on Leon and Lori seemed to be momentarily distracted – their guns lowered. Zero giggled with glee in my mind.

The guard on me dropped my arms. I stumbled, pulling my blade free and spinning with it. One: the blade shot across his vest – cutting through it. Two: I dragged the blade up and over his shoulders. Three: his head landed free of his body.

Chaos broke through the room. Holt began screaming. Bullets pierced my body. My eyes flickered around grateful the shots were towards me and not those I cared for. Finch was out of his chair, taking two steps back screaming for them to drop me.

I'd love to see them try that.

My feet moved around the room, I swung my blade wildly but with intent. No one dare reach me and those bullets fell from my body. Red blood dripped around me as black blood fell from my body. In the corner of my eye, I watched Leon and Lori disarm their guards – taking the firearms and take out the guards closest to me. I smiled, grateful before jumping onto the table, my leg already healing.

"You bitch!" Finch snarled, wrenching Lisa up by the arm and holding her in front of him, "Drop your weapon and submit or I promise I will end her life right here."

My eyes narrowed, as Finch melted away and all I could see was Landon.

He held Cerci by the arm as he positioned his knife towards her throat.

Not again.

"Not ever again will I let you hurt those I love," I screamed, sliding across the table.

Cerci smashed her head into his face making him grunt. Letting her go, he stumbled back. My feet hit the floor as she moved away and I plunged by sword into Landon's chest. I blinked as the image faded and I realized I had stabbed Finch through his crotch. He screamed and cried and the scene couldn't help but make me smile.

"You will never be able to hurt any woman ever again," I snarled, pulling my blade free.

He dropped to his knees, his hands pressed against his gushing crotch, "You bitch!"

Finch moved to grab me making me laugh. My hand caught his throat and I dug my teeth into his jugular – pulling away with his flesh between my teeth. The man sputtered blood, dropping flat on his back like the scum he was.

With this I grant you a worse lust, Zero whispered in the back of my mind.

I ignored her words and turned to assets the room. Seeing their leader fall, the guards dropped their guns. My eyes widened in suspicion before one guard stepped forward with his hands raised in defense.

"Our General has fallen, we're no match for you."

I stared at him in question before Leon reached my side, "There's no point in killing any more people. We need to leave before Maxwell realizes what has transpired. We can go through the garage – take a car on the way out."

I hesitated before nodding, "You're right."

"And this one?" Sebastian called, holding Holt by the scruff of his neck.

"F-Fuck you! Fuck you all! You stupid fucking bitch!" he barked like a small dog.

I walked over to him, my fist balled and my blade held out. He instantly quieted down, whimpering as the tip of my blade touched the sweetness of his throat. The room was silent as he realized none of the guards would be coming to his aid.

"Mira," Leon warned.

My eyes rolled as I lowered my blade, "Let's hope you learn to stay hidden behind Maxwell. Until I come back to rip his jugular from his body. Until then shut up and stay alive, I think I want you to see the new world to come."

His mouth opened but becoming sick of his words, I slammed my fist into his nose, satisfied with the CRUNCH. Instantly, his eyes rolled to the back of his head and as blood began to pump from the broken bone, Sebastian dropped the now