Eternal Purity

Chapter One

November 18th, 2004
Three weeks back

"Fire!"

A large jewel fired out of a large machine, hitting but inches away from a little girl's face.

"550 Jewels complete. Firing at 600 Jewels."

The girl tried to tense every part of her body for another upcoming blow.

"Fire!"

Another jewel flew out and this time managed to hit the girl right in the face. Her head hung low. Ignoring the pulsing pain, she tried to hum to herself to keep her sanity in control. She was relieved to hear the words, "Testing Complete.", as the shackles were released from her wrists. She sat down, wondering when she would be able to go back to her cell to sleep. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard the door open.

"Meal time, #63." a lab assistant called out before setting down a piece of bread and a bowl in the middle of the cell. "You have ten minutes. After that, it's back to your cell." he threw a towel to the girl. "And clean the blood off you." he then quickly left, making sure at least two lab assistants were behind the glass watching her.

As she crawled towards her food, the girl recollected two fuzzy memories before she came to this strange place. One was when the police took her away from her mother, and the other was playing with another strange person that she didn't seem to recognize, into the shape of a young man.

Suddenly, a small voice whispered in the girl's mind. Hello, #63, the voice said. Or would you prefer, Juno?

Who is this? The girl, Juno, thought back in surprise. You're different.

Relax, the voice continued. I'm not a threat. Well, at least to you, I hope.

I don't trust you, Juno argued. What do you want?

Let me tell you this, the voice continued, that you will be exchanged into my cell. I know this because the lab assistants have been talking all about you. Plus according to the chief of this place, he said it would be best for you to meet me in person.

What's your name? She asked.

Just call me Itoko-san* for now.

How are you talking in my head, though? Juno asked. She felt this conversation was taking her nowhere.

Us Diclonii have a sixth sense in our horns that not only gives us the ability to kill, but also talk in our thoughts. That way, humans won't be able to hear us.

When will I meet you? Juno asked.

I'm not sure. Probably later. In the meantime, I have a surprise planning.

What's that?

Juno swore she heard the older girl slightly chuckle. I can't tell you. Otherwise it'll ruin it.

Okay... The conversation ended after that, and Juno had went through the rest of the routine for the next few months. Just the same. Tests and Injections and possibly inedible food.

It was on a Monday when Juno met the older girl. No names were exchanged except for Juno's. After that, the cells were switched. And now Juno was living as some sort of replacement.

It came around a Sunday night when Juno finished her daily experiment. While eating her bread, a loud alarm erupted. She jumped as she saw more guards running towards all directions. Luckily, it seemed they're weren't interested in her. Suddenly, Itoko-san's voice rang out in her head.