“Sometimes the ends justify the means.” That was the motto that the lab workers seemed to live by at least In a hidden facility far off the west coast of some deserted island experiments were being conducted. These experiments were ones to create a new age of heroes. Ones to replace the current ones if they were to fall or take them out if they stray from the light. In a world where the power increased with each new generation this was the logical thing to do. If the sun rose on a grateful world no one would care about what happened in the shadows. In one of their white rooms sat 8192 in quiet contemplation. His thoughts were cut short as 024792 joyfully entered the room. ‘Get out of my room 024792.’ He was quick to dismiss her as he wasn’t in the mood to chat but 024792 wasn’t one who takes no for an answer. “You know if the others see you like this, they will deem you weak.” “Oh, who cares what they think they can’t even take me in a fight.”  “Strong physically but inside a little weakling.”  “I could beat you without batting an eye you know. “Yeah, you wish”, 024792 said laughing as she left finally giving him the peace he so desperately wanted. 8192 went back to staring at his white ceiling before deciding to leave the room. If she was to just disturb his peace at any moment, he might as well make some good out of it. Rushing to their training room he found her lifting some weights and decided to join her. “Finally, you got here, I was wondering if I would have to drag you here like I do every day.” “Oh, come on 024792, you should know better than that by now.”  Through the hardships of the experiments the 2 found one another and it allowed them not only to pull through day by day, but to excel as they were a team.

2 years have since passed from that moment with most of the subjects either succumbing to the alterations made by experiments on their physical bodies and genetic code or by killing each other during training. On this day, however everything was about to change. The intercom system roared to life with the voice of the Head Scientist booming throughout every room. “All subjects to report to Room 342 immediately!” Trained to keep time, within a minute the room was soon filled with children of various ages, powers and race. The Head Scientist was soon to follow, dressed in all white wearing a mask as to hide his real identity. Standard protocol for all facility staff. Turning to the children he addressed them in a powerful yet sweet manner as one would to a small child, “As all of you know you my children are warriors. My finest work if l do say so myself. However most of you aren’t well attuned to the ordeals you have to encounter once you leave this facility. Hence today there shall be (pause) (with a menacing look) A CULLING!” Gasps echoed all throughout the room. What was he going on about? The children exchanged horrified looks before he continued to address them. “Oh, my sweet, sweet children only the strong survive in the world, hence You shall be the ones to commence the culling. No holding back now and may the strongest survive.” Turning his back to the children he left the room and was met by his assistant outside the room. “Sir is this necessary they are just kids.” He coldly replied, “As l said, “Only the strong survive in this world.” Back in room 342, looks were still being exchanged. Who was going to make the first move and start the culling? Before anyone could decide 8192 quickly spoke up. “Guys listen and listen to me carefully. We are powerful enough to break out if we really want to. No one has to die if we just all overpower them. I’ll lead and you will follow, okay? If everyone does as I say we can all….” (BANG!!) 024792 screamed in horror as 8192’s lifeless body hit the ground. Instead of listening out of fear one of the kids had shot 8192 in the head. With the dead of 8192, all hell broke loose. Children desperately trying to survive turned on their peers giving their all to rapidly reduce their numbers. Limbs were torn off and used as weapons, others were impaled on various energy-based constructs and one even took pleasure in decapitating whomever he faced. Amidst the chaos the air sparkled as energy flowed throughout the room to 8192’s corpse. Levitating and with a bloodcurdling cry it pulled 8192 back to the mortal plane. With bloodshot eyes he eyed his first target before quickly moving to the next. Within a span of 59 seconds, 455 children dropped to 2. During the first 45 seconds 100 lives were lost. This was the time 8192 was dead.  As he attacked the last remaining child he found himself hesitating. A feeling of despair immediately rushed in replacing the feeling of ecstasy he had been feeling all but a moment ago. Quickly he grabbed her wrist to check for a pulse.” Oh no no no what have I done? What have I done? Wait she might still be alive.” He checked for a pulse and was relieved to see that she was alive. Entering the room the Head Scientist turned to address his sole victor. “My child only the strong survive in this world. End her suffering and offer mercy to 024792.” “But why, why won’t you help me?” he asked only to be coldly ignored as The Head Scientist prepared to kill her himself.

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I will not repeat myself boy.

Its then 8192 realized that no one was going to aid him. No one was coming to save her. He had done this himself and only he can save her. But not there not in that facility he had to escape….. somehow.

Placing her on the ground he charged the head scientist but he was faster. Every move he made was anticipated countered and returned. In utter defeat 8192 did the only logical thing he could do, flee. Picking up 024792 he charged for the door. Knowing no one would be currently guarding the doors except the main one his escape would be flawless. The only lives lost were those of the 3 unfortunate enough to have come to work today. Leaving the confined of the facility and finally tasting freedom 8192 was taken aback. Putting his hand up to block all the light his eyes were receiving, he realised t was the first time in his life he had ever seen the sun.