The Alchemist's Starling

The Flash Becomes Reality...

Chisa's POV

Clink...

Clank...

Clink...

The annoying sound of metal clanging against more metal fills my ears, pulling me out of my dreamless sleep. I struggle to open my eyes; they feel too heavy.

Then suddenly, my memories hit me like a brick.

The Chimera...
The blood...
Renfred...
Alice...
The pain...
Joseph's disapproving glare...
"I'll deal with you later..."

Fear pulses through my bloodstream as I force my eyes open; a blinding white light captures my sight and immediately I try to sit up.

Big mistake. Agony burns through my body like fire. I groan, tears seeping from my eyes as wave after wave of excruciating throbs rake through my small frame.

Carefully, I try to slowly raise myself from whatever I'm lying on; I don't get very far before I'm yanked back. I squint in confusion as my back meets a hard, cold surface - I didn't notice it before. I try again, only to be pulled back down a second time.

My fear heightens; realisation hits me as my eyes begin to adjust to the light. My breathing hitches as I recognise the hospital-like torture chamber. No no no! I start thrashing against the restraints, hoping somehow, by some miracle, that they would give out.

With my energy quickly diminishing, I stop. Panting heavily, a lump forms in my throat as tears fall from my eyes. Struggling... is pointless. I can't escape him, no matter how hard I try.

I spot Joseph instantly, exactly where he was in the Flash, shifting through the surgical instruments. He's humming that same tune, giving me goosebumps at how accurate my ability is. I see him lift the sharp scalpel... I immediately freeze. I start thrashing again, praying that these bonds will break - they don't.

He turns around. I can't stop the shiver that climbs up my spine as he gives his closed eye smile. Then he speaks:

"Are you afraid...?"

He pauses, and begins to walk over to the metal bed where I was tied down. I follow his movements - I instantly feel sick because I know what comes next...

I shake uncontrollably. He bends down and cups my check with his hand, leaning in closer to my ear. His next words chilled me to the bone...

"You should be, Chisa..."

I cry. What is he going to do? Is he going to kill me? Maybe I should wish for death...

"You seem distracted, puppy. I have to say, I was expecting a different reaction from you. Why do you appear calmer than I predicted you'd be?"

He's stalling. Thinking that I could get myself out of this situation, the words tumble out of my mouth before I think about them:

"I already saw this happening!"

No! Why did I say that?!

"Oh? Is that so? How, pray tell, did you see this happening, Chisa?"

I keep my mouth shut. He can't know. He'll find a way to take advantage of my ability. I know he will.

"Answer me, puppy. Truthfully. I'll know if you're lying..." he threatens.

And I believe his threat. He's in a position where he can make threats. Who knows what he'll do if I lie. So, out of fear, I tell the truth.