Everyone knows about the Infamous Dolph Laserhawk and his betrayal of Eden. But what if there was a secret project that was kidnapped and experimented on in secret since he was a child? One day, "Zero" decided to escape and killed all those involved...
I was walking through the alleys of Mega City 1 tired and covered in blood. I've been in hiding and moving nonstop since I escaped Eden's labs. I sit down on a bunch of boxes as it begins to rain. At least it'll wash the blood off me. It's been days since my escape. And I had to kill Eden Enforcers to keep myself a secret.
Zero (Thought): The last thing I can remember is red... and screaming. All those who experimented on me in that god-forsaken lab had it coming. They stuck needles and cut me open several times, and when the tables were turned they begged for mercy. Like they deserve any. They didn't even treat me as a person. Just bragged about how they killed my mother when I was a kid and that I'm just a filthy experiment. They got what they deserved
My stomach starts growling and I realize that I have no money on me. I should've searched those scientists and taken what was on them. I look and see a bar that looks like it's for high-paying customers. I'll wait for whatever drunk bastard comes out and steals his money when he's not looking. I hide in a dark corner and see a tall and fairly youthful woman with an eyepatch over her right eye come out of the club. She walks past me without noticing I'm hiding.
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???: They think they're hot shit just because they have money. Fuckers.
Zero: Pretty
Suddenly, four drunk guys come out of the club and start heading for her.
Drunk Rich Man: Hey come on pretty. Have some fun with us.
The other men pull out guns and knives
Drunk Bodyguard: Or else we're going to have to get too rough with you.
I run up and impale my hand through the back of one. The others look in surprise as the body falls and they see me. I pull my hand out and look up at the assailants.
Zero: If you drunks want to make it out alive, you'll hand over all your possessions.
Drunk Rich Man: Kill this kid!
One of the guards charges with a knife and tries to stab me with it. I dodge his attacks and disarm him before lodging the knife into his throat. Another one tries to shoot me and I use the corpse as a shield before throwing it at him and slamming them into a wall.
Drunk 1: Stay away!
The remaining guard manages to shoot my arm and move away. Suddenly the guard is shot in the head and I turn to see the woman holding a gun that has smoke coming from the barrel. The rich man looks behind and the last thing he sees is the woman shooting him.
I hold my arm as I look at the woman who smiles at me.
???: I could've taken care of them. I'm no pushover. But thanks for the assist.
Zero: No problem.
I try to walk and nearly fall but the woman catches me.
???: Woah! Take it easy. What's your name?
Zero: My name's Zero. Like the number.
I moved and grabbed whatever was on the rich guy and tried to walk before the woman spoke to me.
???: My name is Valmet.
I turn around and see her walking toward me.
Valmet: Why don't I get you someplace warm?
My stomach suddenly growls.
Valmet: Any maybe some food.
I want to say no, but I don't know how much longer I can last.
Zero: I'll try to not be a bother.
Valmet helps me walk a few blocks until we reach her apartment. It's a little small, but it's far better than how the lab was. Valmet helps pull the bullet out of my arm and wraps a bandage around it. She goes to her refrigerator and grabs food she puts in the microwave. Valmet takes them out and hands me one. I open the lid and can already see how good it looks. I take a bite out of it and cry at how delicious it is compared to the gelatinous protein they served in the lab.
Valmet: I'm not sure I want to know what your diet is if this is enough to make you cry.
Zero: Sorry. I haven't eaten anything in a while.
We finish our food and I sit down on the couch with Valmet.
Valmet: Why were you in that state?
Zero: I was trapped in a lab and experimented on by scientists who work for this thing called Eden. I thought I'd be better off the grid than be under Eden's control.
Valmet: Sorry to break it to ya, but Eden controls everything. This country used to be called the United States of America until Eden Corporation came into power and changed its name. But it's not a paradise, it's a goddamn oppressive empire. And they are all about control rather than doing things right. They won't hesitate to kill and monsterize anyone who doesn't agree with their rule.
Zero: I hate them more already.
Valmet: Yeah. I want nothing more than to escape this damn place. But unfortunately, I can't get far on my own.
Zero: Would you like me to help? I learned a lot of skills in the labs I escaped from. Maybe we can work together to get out of this place.
Valmet: You know you're likely to die in trying to escape as you are in fighting against Eden.
Zero: Better than living under their rule.
Valmet: (Sigh) Yeah. You're right. I think I might know a place to start. For now, why don't you get some sleep.
Valmet stands up and walks to her bathroom.
Zero: I could use some sleep under a roof. Thanks.
Valmet: Don't mention it.
I lay on the couch and enjoy how soft it is compared to what I've had before this. Valmet returns and lies on her bed.
Valmet: I guess you've been on your own for a long time?
Zero: Not a long time. But it was better than living in a cage. I don't like those things.
Valmet: Me neither.
I drift into sleep and find this whole thing better than the cruelty I faced in the labs. But I know that this country is just a bigger cage. However, I made a partner that I plan to help escape this empire. I can't wait to get started.
