A Tale of the World **HIATUS**

Chapter 23: Project T.O

Pulling out the file he came across many words and phrases he didn't understand; it was if the words were in another language. Therefore he couldn't make out much about the project itself. However, Ruen did come to the conclusion that this project has altered Rolan and the others.
He searched in deeper to the formulas of the serums and drinks. He noticed that all sorts of toxic chemicals were used; discovering that fact made him gag.
Obtaining most of the information he wanted, he placed everything back into its place and left.

* * *

Several days have passed since his discovery. He was careful enough to not let himself slip up, in both his daily routines and talks with the doctors. I have to leave. We have to leave. I need to find Rolan. Sensing that the future holds nothing but trouble, Ruen decided to escape.

The longer Rolan and Ruen were apart, the more Rolan went under their control, their surveillance, their ideals, losing himself even though he didn't know it. Ruen had a difficult time trying to get a private moment with Rolan with high security.
Finally, through the ceilings Ruen found the room Rolan was moved to. He slowly crept down and landed. Rolan was asleep. He gently shook Rolan awake. Suddenly, Rolan's eyes flipped open as if he wasn't even asleep, which took Ruen by surprise. Rolan sat up without saying a word.
"Rolan, listen to me very carefully, we have to leave this island, now," he emphasized.
Rolan just tilted his head to side, as if he didn't understand a single thing that was said to him. "You... Who are you?"
Ruen gasped softly, "It's me, Ruen. Your older brother."
"I don't have any family."
Ruen couldn't believe what he was hearing. Finally, he saw the lifeless color of Rolan's eyes. He was no longer the Rolan he knew. Anger started bubbling within Ruen; he gripped Rolan by his arms, "What did they do to you?! Rolan! It's me!"
Rolan remained silent as he was shook vigorously by Ruen.
"Rolan!"
Without warning, the door to Rolan's room busted open.
"I thought you'd be here, Ruen," Blake smiled devilishly.
Filled with anger, Ruen shifted his attention to the man standing at the door and charged at him, "What have you done to him?!"
Blake smiled, "Subject 269, stop him."
Suddenly Ruen's movements were halted by someone who seized him from behind. He grunted turning his head around. Rolan?!
"He's no longer the Rolan you once knew. Finish him," Blake waved to Rolan.
Before he knew it, Ruen's vision blurred and blacked out.

* * *

Coming to his senses, Ruen felt straps that confined his arms, legs and abdomen. There was a blinding light that shined on him. He blinked several times to make out what stood before him.
Rolan, Blake and some other people. However, Rolan was also chained up on a standing bed. Ruen flexed in anger.
"You know, I've always thought there was something with you, Ruen. You were smarter than the rest. You observed and researched," Blake complimented. "However, look where that curiosity got you- strapped up."
Ruen tried pulling out from the straps that started to gnaw against his skin. "Bastard! What you do to him?!"
"Nothing in particular," Blake walked towards Rolan. "I just simply took away his sense of emotion and feelings. All that's left is his consciousness to obey me."
Ruen growled, "For what purpose?! What is Project T.O?! Why celestial spirits?!"
"You ask too many questions. But I guess I can tell you a bit," Blake smiled. "Project T.O was created for that man's dream. He came to me when no one recognized my skills-"
"That doesn't answer my question," Ruen blurted.
Angered that he was interrupted, Blake stomped up to Ruen and pulled his shirt by the collar, "This project will turn all you celestial spirits into lifeless puppets in order to create the new world for him. Since celestial spirits have the most raw energy source, he will use it to recreate this world from the ashes!"
Ruen gasped, "Takeover..."
"Heh, that's right. Mind control. We will be giving the orders here against your will. You honorable celestial spirits will bend to the human will. Ah, how wonderful that'll be!" He moaned happily releasing Ruen's shirt walking back to Rolan.
"But I'm still surprise that you're alive. The Saveis drink, if you don't repeatedly drink it, you will go crazy and die. Must've been because you kept taking the serum injections. You truly are a rare one, Ruen. However, unlike your brother, you didn't succumb to me."
Ruen gritted his teeth angrily tugging at the straps.