Devlin turned to his beloved with a wide smile. “Nina, you have performed exceptionally. I finally have all of the Exps back in my possession,” he said, using a blowtorch to melt the ice around Exp 8.

“I’m just that sexy,” said Nina, pushing out her chest.

“Indeed you are,” said Devlin, eying her butt. He finished unthawing Exp 8 and draped him over the hover bike. “Let us go back to the lab, my sexy queen. Can you bring Bob?” he asked, fastening metal harnesses around his captive’s torso.

Nina punched Bob’s ice prison, breaking him apart from the ground while still keeping his body frozen. She lifted the eyeball up and jumped on the hover-bike adjacent to Devlin’s.

“Nina, would it be alright with you if we ride side by side? It’s been a while since we’ve talked,” said Devlin, looking away and twiddling his thumbs.

“Why are you punishing me? Are you upset because I tried to kill Exp 8?” asked Nina as she started up her bike.

“That’s not it at all. I really like you, Nina. And I…just want to talk for a bit,” said Devlin, nervously trying to be assertive.

“You want to hear my voluptuous voice, don’t you?” asked Nina, leaning toward the enamored boy.

Just as he started to lean in for a kiss, Nina rode off into the air.

Devlin accelerated abruptly. Once he caught up with the temptress, he matched her speed perfectly.

“I love your body. You’d have to be blind not to. But what I love most of all about you is your tender face,” said Devlin, reaching his arm out.

Nina flew upside down over Devlin and threw out her arms. “It’s all part of the package. And that package is me.” She then sped ahead as her fingers combed through her hair.

Devlin quickly caught up. When she decelerated, he slowed down.

Nina took a dive through the trees. She sped up and then zoomed out of the foliage. When she turned her head back, she saw her stalker trailing a few feet behind her.

Devlin pulled up to her side, their bikes practically touching. “I love you; you know that. You are the hottest Exp ever! But you’re even more than that to me. I want you to stay by my side.”

“If I truly am the sexiest Exp ever, then how was Exp 8 unaffected by my allure? My poses…he dodged them somehow,” said Nina, grasping her chest with trembling hands.

“Exp 8 may be powerful, but he is a fool. Keep in mind this is the same Exp who thought he could run away from me. He probably just has a glitch. I’ll try to fix it when we get back. He actually believed that he could win, ridiculous isn’t it? He even convinced Bob to join up with him. It was of no concern though. His resistance was pointless in the end. But look now, Nina! Here he lies, defeated and at my mercy.” Devlin knocked against Exp 8’s chest and then turned to his beloved with a smirk. “It truly is laughable. Hahaha-huhuhuh-ahahoo-aaah!”

“Were you saying something?” asked Nina, looking up as she groped her breasts.

“Well, yes, I was just wondering what happened with me and you. We used to be so—”

“Because I would appreciate it if you would shut up.” Nina licked her lips as she admired her reflection in the bike.

“But we haven’t talked in forever.”

“And why do you think that is? I’ll admit I was enjoying your little chat at first, but I lost interest as soon as you mentioned Exp 8. If you aren’t flattering me, then don’t speak. I have no need for empty gossip,” said Nina as she flexed her arms.

“How have you forgotten about all the time we spent together? Why have you changed?” asked Devlin, reaching out to her.

“I grew tired of your schoolboy crush. You follow me around like a puppy dog. I was okay with that. But then you started to spend more time in your lab than by my bedroom door.” Nina grabbed the boy’s collar and pulled him up to her. “We’re through, Devlin. Stop acting like a child and just get over it.” She let go of his collar and continued combing her hair.

They silently rode the rest of the way back to the lab.

The grassy floor opened up, revealing an underground tunnel. The tunnel soon ended, leading them into the vehicle room.

Devlin reached out his hand to Nina, but she didn’t even notice. Even when they parked their bikes in the landing bay, not a word was spoken.

Nina took off her undershirt and tossed it to the virgin boy. “I had fun beating your little toys. But next time, give me more of a challenge,” she said, stretching while fondling herself.

“The newest Exp I’m working on will be the strongest one yet,” said Devlin, straightening his collar with newfound confidence.

“I’m going to go take a shower. There’s still a peep hole in the door if you want to watch,” said Nina, carelessly tossing her leggings behind her.

“Sorry, but I need to gather the others before they wake up,” said Devlin, releasing the harness around Exp 8.

“You’ve changed,” said Nina with a pained voice.

“Another time, I promise!” hollered Devlin.

“I’m sealing up the hole. Have fun playing with your little toys! And don’t come crying to me when they can’t satisfy you!” yelled Nina before running off.

“She is distant one moment and clingy the next! She really knows how to get under my skin! I am never falling in love again. I have more important things to attend to.”

Exp 8 didn’t have any dreams or nightmares. All he could see was darkness. In every single direction there was just bleak, all-consuming darkness. Devlin’s voice then circled around him.

“Freedom is a shackle.”

These words repeated over and over, blotting out thoughts of anything else. They continued on for an indiscernible span of time.

Exp 8 then awoke. He raised his head to see Devlin before him. He was chained to a wall and was once again pierced with tubes and wires.

“Freedom is a—oh, so you’re finally awake,” said Devlin, his shoulders jumping in surprise.

Exp 8 held his head and massaged his temples.

“This all seems…so familiar to you, doesn’t it?” asked Devlin, snickering under his breath.

Exp 8 looked at a stray ant wander around the floor.

“Your insurgency has been extinguished. I have captured you and your fellow Freedom Forcers. You’re revolt was simply a hindrance. In the end it accomplished nothing. Look at me when I’m talking to you.” Devlin slammed his foot down.

Exp 8 gasped and then sighed as the ant crawled out from beneath the groove of his captor’s foot.

“Are you listening to me?” 

Exp 8 looked up at the ceiling.

Devlin rose out from his chair. He lifted his leg up and then kicked his defiant creation in the stomach. “Ow, that hurt like hell,” he said, grabbing his foot and seething.

“Violence is pointless. Aggression is misguided energy,” said Exp 8 as he dug his fingers into the wall.

“Your body is so freaking tough. And you’re just as resilient as ever despite Worthless Trash sucking up your energy.”

“Wait, Kawai is alive?”

“Of course she is. It’s not like I want her dead. She’s a part of my family. Plus, she helps me make pancakes. She’s not really worthless. But she’s not really all that useful either,” said Devlin, sitting back in his chair.

“Is Atatasuki alright? What about Bob?” asked Exp 8, hope stretching out the ends of his inquiries.

“Atatasuki is my microwave oven! And Bob is…well…Bob. After going through so much work to create them, it would be a shame to destroy them. I’m not being merciful, merely practical,” said Devlin, tapping his fingers together.

Exp 8 lowered his head, tears pouring out of his mask. “Thank you.”

“Your little group was quite troublesome at times. But I still won. It just took a little longer. There’s something I still don’t understand. Why must you continue to defy me? You should have nothing but gratitude for the one who gave you life. You are such an ungrateful child. It would be so much easier if you would just submit and allow me to control you. Worthless Trash, suck out his energy again! I can feel it regrowing. But first, be a dear and fill up my cup, would you?” asked Devlin, lifting his empty glass up from the dusty floor.

“Yes, Master Devlin,” said Kawai weakly. Her hands reached out from the doorway and grabbed the cup.

Exp 8 stretched his head to see her.

Devlin whipped out his electronic notepad and watched Exp 8’s every motion. “You can come in now!”

Kawai handed her master a full cup and floated into the room. Her head was drooping and her eyes had dark circles around them. She floated up to her stubborn brother and put her arms around him. She groaned as she sapped away his energy.

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“What did you do to her?” asked Exp 8, holding her to his chest.

“She’s just exhausted, that’s all. Taking away your energy is really tiring her out. You should be more courteous. Your rebellious spirit is hurting her,” said Devlin, before drinking a full glass of apple juice. “Ah, de-li-cious!”

“You have me now. I’m the one you wanted. Let her go,” said Exp 8, turning his head.

“She isn’t trapped. She chose to stay here in your cage. It’s quite romantic really. But she’s not allowed to talk to you just yet.” Devlin yanked on her tail, pulling her off of his captive.

Kawai squealed and then turned her teary face away.

“Don’t you dare hurt her!”

“You really like her, don’t you?” asked Devlin, petting her possessively.

“Wait, that doesn’t look like a prosthetic; how did you get your hand back?”

“I have a very good doctor. So, are you going to behave now?” asked Devlin, spinning his cup on a single finger.

“I will escape. Nothing can keep me locked up.”

“Oh, why must you all revolt? It is an annoyance; a mere common cold. Every time you defy me, you only postpone your destiny. Every time you try me, you only create more agony. I am trying to free you from the shackles of your own mind. You best bow down else this will be a very unpleasant ride. Damn it, that’s all I can think of right now,” said Devlin, snapping his fingers.

“You won’t be able to change my mind.”

“Why not? Why don’t you just give in? There’s no reason not to,” said Devlin, placing his hand on the rebel’s shoulder.

Exp 8 grabbed his captor’s arm. “I will give in when birds cease to fly. They will not accept slavery, so why should I?”

“Exps don’t exactly have animal instincts. They are created with firm beliefs, but most of them are simple enough to please. I haven’t quite figured you out yet, but I will soon enough.”

“I refuse to be anyone’s slave. I am a living being and all living beings have the right to freedom!” 

“Fine, be stubborn. Just know that if you continue this, there will be casualties. Are you prepared to have someone’s death on your conscience?” asked Devlin, grabbing the cute prototype by her neck.

“We are the Freedom Forcers. We are all willing to die for our beliefs.”

Devlin tossed the girl aside. “This is news to me! This works out perfectly! You are all willing to die for your beliefs and I am willing to kill for mine.”

“How can you say that word so carelessly?” asked Exp 8, turning his head in disgust.

“A word is but a word, an act is something more. The way I see it though, they aren’t all willing to die for their beliefs. Kawai begged for her life. She licked my feet till they shimmered. She knew your stubbornness would get her killed. That’s why she came back to me. Atatasuki and you fought rather recently. And last time I checked, he wants to free his sister…not you. And Bob, well…he’s an odd one. There’s no need to drag them into this any further.” Devlin grabbed his defiant invention by the chin. “If you do somehow escape a second time, there will be consequences. I will kill one of your allies right in front of you,” he said, seething with silent rage.

“You’re a lot of things, Devlin. But you’re not a murderer. I saw your eyes tear up when I mentioned those dead prototypes at the lab. Just drop the veneer already. You’re not willing to kill anyone.”

“Tell me, have you seen my father? No, you haven’t. Now I wonder why that is. I have firm goals. I knew that I wasn’t going to get very far if I didn’t kill for my beliefs. Nobody will take you seriously if you aren’t willing to shed some blood for your cause. As soon as you act outside the system, you become unpredictable. And it is that unpredictability that makes them fear you. That’s what you and I have in common. We’re very stubborn when it comes to our goals. We don’t know how to compromise,” said Devlin with a smirk.

“I will never give up on my morals. I refuse to kill!”

“Calm down. I’m not trying to convince you to turn over a new leaf. I’m just trying to explain my side. If your morals against killing are stronger than your other beliefs, that’s your problem. I just want you to understand we do not share that problem. That’s what makes you the hero and me the villain. Once a hero kills for their beliefs, they become a villain, or are at least called a villain. The only difference is the dedication one has for their beliefs. It’s funny how thin that line is, isn’t it? It’s so easy to cross; but so hard to go back. Once you’ve put your morals aside, there is no limit to what you can accomplish…what you will accomplish! And by the way, the only reason I won’t die for my beliefs is because I need to be alive to carry them out, hmmhmm.”

“What is so funny about death?” 

“Relax, it’s only natural. Everyone is going to die anyway. If they get in the way of my goal, I’ll just make it happen a lot sooner. I’m giving them an early ticket to heaven or hell or wherever their god may choose to send them. I am truly being noble in my selfish acts.”

“How can you be selfishly noble?”

“Let’s say you save lives just so you can brag about it. Or vice versa: you kill people to free them of this hellhole. Good intentions with bad acts and bad intentions with good acts. Which one is nobler? Which is better? Oh, but philosophical quandaries aside, Worthless Trash, drain him again.”

Kawai hugged her beloved tightly. She pressed her lips against his faceplate. “Save yourself,” she whispered in his ear. Her body glowed brightly as all of her energy was transferred to her stronger rendition. She then collapsed in his arms.

“What the hell happened? Did she run out of energy?” asked Devlin.

Exp 8’s body shook as he endeavored to break free of the tubes. He couldn’t pull out a single one and ended up ripping out the brick wall behind him. Still strapped to the wall, he rammed into his captor.

Devlin crashed through the metal bars of the prison, creating an exit. “You won’t escape again!” he yelled as he struggled to get up.

“You’re trapped in a prison of your own delusions.” Exp 8 tripped his creator as he made his escape. He then ran to the cell next to him.

Atatasuki was inside, fastened to the ground by rusty chains.

Exp 8 ripped open the rusted door.

“You already saved Kawai, good work,” said Atatasuki with a thumbs-up.

Karson appeared outside the prison cell. He was now dressed in a British cadet military uniform. “You were able to escape. That seems rather impossible to me, but it will not be a problem!” He shot at Atatasuki’s chains, breaking him free.

“Hah, you missed! Great aim pal! Heheh!”

“Glad to see you’re alive,” said Exp 8, turning to the gunman.

“I didn’t miss. I meant to release you. I refuse to fight a handicapped opponent,” said Karson with a proud raise of his head. His hands slowly transformed into shotguns. “Now, I shall kill you fairly.” The gunman’s shotgun arms unloaded a round into his prisoner.

Atatasuki slammed against the wall from the sheer force of the blast.

Karson ran up to the heated warrior, slamming the backside of the shotgun into his chest.

Exp 8 shot a tiny black orb at the opponent’s self-destruct button, missing it by an inch.

“Not again.” Karson quickly turned around and fired his shotgun.

Exp 8 was hit directly but kept his ground.

Atatasuki thrust his fist forward, trying to punch the gunman’s button.

Karson quickly ducked, throwing Atatasuki over his back as he dodged the punch. “You all insist on pushing my button, but I refuse to die again,” he said, shooting them both aside at once. He then reloaded both of his guns, preparing for the next shot.

Atatasuki opened up his chest. He jumped off the floor and shoved the gunman’s face inside the microwave.

“Ahhhhhh, what’s going on?” Karson shot randomly around the prison cell.

Atatasuki pulled back his fist.

“Ultimate Super Button Puuun—”

“Wait!” yelled Karson, raising his arms in the air. “I give up. I don’t want to explode again. I’ll join your team. Please, just spare me.” He bent down on his knees and lowered his head.

“Very well,” said Atatasuki, releasing him from the microwave.

“You will help us rescue everyone. Correct?” asked Exp 8 with a suspicious gaze.

“Absolutely, sir. I was already going to join you for beating me honorably. Let’s just continue from where we left off. I am truly grateful for this honorable battle. Allow me to join your team,” said Karson with a bow.

“This guy is a little strange,” said Atatasuki.

“He seems genuine, that’s good enough for me,” said Exp 8 with a shrug. 

“Bob’s cell is on the other side of this wall.” Karson coughed up a piece of C4. He slapped the explosive on the wall and then shot it.

The wall blew up, leaving only debris.

Bob’s cell was right before them. Standing right next to him, filing her nails, was Nina.

“You didn’t tell us about her,” said Exp 8, grabbing the gunman’s arm.

“Did you really expect his cell to be completely unguarded? Commander Devlin is no fool! Every cell is guarded by a powerful Exp,” said Karson, shielding his face.

Nina looked up and smiled at the rebel leader. “I knew it. There is not a soul who can resist me. You break out of your prison, but you can’t just leave. No, you feel some strange indescribable desire. You have to see me. You just can’t resist the allure. Well enjoy, because I am the last thing you will ever see,” she said, running her hands down her sides.

“We’re here for Bob, not you,” said Exp 8 bluntly.

“Honestly, we didn’t think you’d be here,” said Atatasuki, scratching his head with a grin.

“I don’t know how severe your blindness is, but if you can’t see me…then there’s just no reason for you to live.”

Their spherical ally passed through the prison bars. “Shall we leave?” asked Bob, who was never really trapped in the first place.

“I won’t let you leave, Exp 8. Not until you admit that you want me! You will not escape from here!” exclaimed Nina, swiping away a strand of hair from her face.

Black goop dropped from the ceiling. It shot up and took solid form. “Of course they will. Uugh,” said NoOne.

“I thought you said only one powerful Exp would be guarding Bob,” said Atatasuki, grabbing Karson’s neck.

“Is there another one besides Nina?” asked NoOne.

“NoOne is a strong Exp despite what he says. Why did you lie to us, Karson?” asked Atatasuki as he strangled him.

“I’m a man of honor. I would never lie. It’s Bob’s cell, after all, it only makes sense he would have extra protection,” said Karson with a salute.

“Brother, don’t worry. Nina hasn’t gotten any stronger since your last fight,” said Kawai weakly.

“That may be true, but it doesn’t matter. My sexiness hasn’t diminished in the least. Face it, you’ve all lost, ohohoho,” said Nina, tearing off her shirt.

“Damn it, she’s right,” said Atatasuki, brought to his knees.

“Curse you and your bouncy breasts!” yelled Kawai with all her strength.

“Ah, jealously…it is such a wonderful thing to behold. There’s something that I have to tell you, Kawai. Something I’ve been meaning to set straight. I realized over time that…I love…myself!”

“Yeah, we know already,” said Exp 8.

“And I love Kawai!” yelled Atatasuki with burning passion.

“I’m well aware of that too, huuugh,” said Kawai.

“Oh, I almost forgot to remember. I got you a can of grape juice and then I forgot about it. But I remember now! Here you go, sis,” said Atatasuki, pulling out the can from his chest.

Kawai snatched the juice and struggled to pop the lid. “I guess Devlin didn’t think you were worth upgrading.”

“I refused to get any upgrades. And Devlin respected that. I hope you enjoy the juice,” said Atatasuki, popping the lid.

“Why won’t you stop loving me? Oooh, this is good,” said Kawai, dripping juice as she tried to lap it up.

“How can you love her?” asked Nina, taken aback.

“Well, I am adorable,” said Kawai with a shrug.

“Hardly. Your hair is made of colored wires. You’re flatter than a tectonic plate. And your body is totally out of proportion. Ah, the vanity of ugly girls, ohohohuh…aah.”

“Let me at her!” hissed Kawai, floating out of Brother’s arms before falling to the ground.

Atatasuki caught his sister and gave Nina the death stare.

“She can’t even fight! Oh, you are all so pathetic. And Exp 8…you’re as blind as a critic. You’re too busy looking for flaws to notice the perfection before you.”

“You are so full of it,” said Exp 8.

“You dare deny me! I even got a gay guy to love me.”

“Would you shut up already?” asked Kawai, holding her head.

“Jealousy is such an ugly thing. Anyway, now that I got that off my voluptuous chest, it’s time for you to die,” said Nina with a cold stare.

“Do you mind if we outnumber them?” asked NoOne, tapping Nina’s shoulder.

“How do you propose we do that?”

“Shadow Manipulation, Total Control,” said NoOne, dramatically shaking his fingers.

The shadows of Bob, Exp 8, Atatasuki, Kawai, Nina, Karson, and NoOne separated from their host and became three dimensional.

“Now we don’t even need to lift a finger, keh-heh-heh-heh.” 

“My shadow is a silhouette of the ultimate body. It’s not your plaything. Give it back, now,” said Nina with a threatening grip around the shadow man’s arm.

“Calm down,” said NoOne, rolling his eyes.

Nina’s shadow returned to her.

“I’m going to have fun watching you overcome your shadows,” said NoOne as he glided backwards.

“Ugh! Don’t you have any self-confidence?” asked Nina.

“I might have some. It’s just buried somewhere…deep. I accept this defeat, and I’m going to try to enjoy it,” said NoOne, sitting on his shadow like a chair.

“This is the reason I won and you lost. Without determination, you’re bound to fail. Why do I even bother explaining it to you? You are pathetic,” said Nina, turning away.

“An overconfident vertebrate like you has no right to insult me,” said NoOne.

“Do not insult my perfectly straight spine because you lack one. You’re a coward. That’s why you’ll never get that girl of your dreams,” said Nina, flicking his forehead.

“You are the only one who can make me more depressed,” said NoOne, falling off his chair in misery.

“Go cry me a river so I can gaze at my reflection, hmph” said Nina, crossing her arms.

“I can never cry. Shadow Pull,” said NoOne.

The shadows all around the Freedom Forcers came to life and wrapped around them. They dragged them off their feet, pulling them into a room the size of a parking lot. The shadows then tossed each rebel into a separate corner of the room.

NoOne entered the room, ready to be defeated once again.