Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Machinegun Angel ❯ Friend ( Chapter 5 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: plasticlove 
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Post-apocalyptic / Mecha / Cyberpunk / Action | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 11.13.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Post-apocalyptic / Mecha / Cyberpunk / Action | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 11.13.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
Episode 5~ "Friend"
Ophelia had made her way to the roof of the hospital.
It was a cold night, with a brisk wind and rain that chilled her to the bone. It had been 4 hours since the fight between Dublin and Gauge, and her mind could not rest. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she was frightened. What would happen between her and her husband now-- and more importantly, what would happen to poor Gauge, who was still in surgery after being so brutally beaten? Ophelia wiped her face, although tears had mixed with rain droplets on her pale cheeks. Once again Gauge had come to her rescue, and now, at least she knew one thing...
She had developed feelings for him.
Monet had been operating on him for a few hours before she finally came to tell Ophelia how he was doing. Unbeknownst to Ophelia, she had even bigger news for her.
The raven-haired nurse's gaze remained on her feet, allowing the rain to drench her body. She just couldn't speak.
"Gauge is going to be alright. I was able to repair the damage to his shoulder, and it appears he didn't suffer any kind of major head or spinal damage. He is banged up pretty bad, though, and will more than likely have to stay here longer..." Monet looked up at her friend, and she knew immediately that she was crying.
"As for Dublin...," She began "...he's been fired."
It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders the instant those words came out of Monet's mouth. Ophelia turned and looked to Monet wide-eyed, unable to believe what she had just heard. "...Fired?!"
Monet nodded. "He assaulted you for the last time, Ophelia, and he also assaulted a patient. Gauge threw the first punch, but only to protect you. There is no other way to describe Gauge's injuries other than attempted murder. I believe if the fight had gone any further, Dublin would have killed him. That is why I fired him." She walked over to where Ophelia was standing and placed her hands on her arms to reassure her.
Ophelia was absolutely speechless.
"I spoke to Daisuke, and you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you'd like... that is if you can deal with three little kids running around! Besides, it will be a much needed change for you to get away from him. I can see it in your eyes-- I'm not blind, Ophelia. You don't love him. You aren't even thinking about him right now, are you?"
Monet was right. Although the thought of being free from Dublin lifted her heart to levels she had never thought possible, her mind was completely focused on Gauge. Monet smiled and pushed a long, wet curl of Ophelia's hair back off her face.
"He's a great guy. Underneath all those scars, and that weapon he was cursed with is a genuine heart of gold. He is more than perfect for you, Ophelia. I believe fate may have brought you two together... I don't know how, but maybe your prayers have been answered."
Closing her eyes, Ophelia put her arms around Monet, and began to cry.
"Thank you, Monet. Thank you for saving him, thank you so much..." she cried. Monet caressed her friend gently and smiled.
"Go see him. Be with him. He needs you, and you need him."
___
Ophelia did just that-- in fact, she ran to him. Gauge was unconscious when she reached him, but just being there with him at her side was enough. Gauge slept soundly in Recovery, still heavily sedated from the operation to remove the imbedded scalpel from his shoulder bone. Luckily, he hadn't suffered any major injuries; a swollen cheek, a black eye, a few minor bruises and some nasty bumps on his head. Forty-five stitches now closed the once opened wound on his shoulder. Ophelia watched him sleep in the darkness of the hospital room. He looked so peaceful with his stuffed cat resting beneath his arm, and the warm, fuzzy blanket pulled up to his neck. She wanted so much to reach out and wrap her arms around him, but decided there would be time for that later. He had already done more for her in a few days than anyone had in her entire life.
"Thank you...." She whispered, and then made her exit, allowing him to sleep.
___
Gauge remained in the hospital for 2 weeks. Monet decided it was much safer for him to be there anyway, as under her protection he wouldn't have to deal with sentinels, or RUBICON- types finding out about him. Gauge grew to not mind it much, as long as they stayed away from him with needles. He could sleep all day, and be waited on hand and foot by gorgeous nurses all day long. Ophelia wasn't too fond of how popular he was with the girls, and got her first taste of jealousy.
It was growing more and more obvious that Ophelia had developed a major crush on Gauge. Everyone could see it in the way her entire outlook on life had changed. She was happy whenever she was with him or thinking about him, and now that Dublin was out of the picture, hopefully, she could rest and no longer be afraid to be near him. Gauge, however, was the only one who didn't notice her crush! For the first time, he had actually referred to her as his "friend", and this was enough for her.
It was growing closer and closer to the day when Gauge would finally be allowed to leave the hospital and return home to be with Koto-san again. Koto-san had even made a trip to visit once, and this was a major deal since the old master never left his shop. Gauge's wounds were almost completely closed, and there was no reason for him to stay.
Ophelia did notice, however, that Gauge seemed depressed. Although he put on a happy face around her, she could tell there was something eating away at him inside. Whenever he slept at night he would stir, and call out to someone, as if he were trying to apologize. Sometimes, especially when he was alone, he would cry, or become teary eyed when Ophelia brought him his dinner tray. She wondered why he did this.
It was on the last night of his hospital stay that Ophelia brought him his dinner tray as she usually did, only this time; her eyes were red with tears. She tried so hard to hide them from Gauge, but he could see as she walked behind the curtain that she was very upset. She placed the tray on his bedside table and folded her hands in front of her.
"Roast beef-- your favorite. I had them cook it just as you like; rare with extra gravy, and mashed potatoes with extra bread. There is ice cream for dessert... I brought an extra dish for you too... and milk. I know how much you like milk." Her voice was monotone, and laced with sorrow. Gauge looked to her as she lifted the cover off the plate. Although the food smelled orgasmic to him, he just couldn't bring himself to gorge while his new found friend was so upset.
"Ophelia, what's the matter?" he asked, rubbing his still tender shoulder gently. It was still bandaged as well, as was part of his bare chest under his hospital robe. Ophelia had glanced at his bare, sexy midriff and blushed. It was true what they said about clones. Gauge had no belly button.
"I'll be okay... I just had something in my eye, that's all."
Gauge's tummy was rumbling-- that food smelled so damned good. He fought so hard not to eat it, but it was too hard. There was ice cream! His absolute FAVORITE food in the whole world. He had been taught by a certain someone in his past not to be rude when a friend is in need, although right now, he felt he was in need of some roast beef.
"No you're not okay, you've been crying. Do you want to talk? I'm here if you need to talk..." he looked around and saw the patient in the bed next to him chowing down on his dinner. Gauge realized this wasn't a very good place to discuss things. "...shall we go for a walk?"
Ophelia looked up to him and wiped her eyes. She couldn't help but continue to cry, even though he had offered so kindly to sacrifice eating to comfort her. "I... have this place...” she whimpered.
Gauge pulled the blanket off himself and Ophelia walked over to the side of his bed. Gauge was still in a good amount of pain, and still needed a little help with getting up. Ophelia was more than willing to assist him. When she wrapped her arm around his shoulder to help him into his wheelchair, she could feel his warmth against her. He smelled so good, and his silvery hair was soft like satin. She wished she could caress him and hold him against her, but it was still too soon. She was afraid he would become frightened.
Besides, she didn't know his past up to now, but assumed there HAD to be at least one other person. Somebody before her, which his heart at one time belonged to.
Ophelia brought Gauge up a long spiraling staircase that lead to the top of the incinerator tower. Up near the top there was a small circular landing that could be walked upon, and the entire city could be seen. Gauge had some trouble making it up the long, twisting staircase, but eventually made it with Ophelia's help.
The two sat there on the edge of the landing, arms resting upon the iron railing, while their feet dangled down into the air. It was a 300 foot drop to the ground, but this didn't frighten either of them. Up there, Ophelia usually sensed freedom and tranquility. She hoped it would allow Gauge to feel the same way.
Gauge's ruby eyes gazed out at the city. The lights were slowly beginning to flicker on one by one. He could see them through strands of his hair that were being tossed around by the cold wind. His eyes focused on the huge power plant generators in the distance that supplied energy to the entire Sanction. They reminded him of his past, and he bowed his head in shame.
"You know what those are, don't you?" Ophelia asked, looking onward at the generators. "They are the life of this city. Without them, we would not be able to survive."
Gauge glanced over at her and then turned away once again. "You do realize where they get power from don't you? Inside those plants are thousands of living, breathing, human clones; stripped of their souls and connected to machinery to harness the power generated from their poor helpless bodies. It's enough to make me sick." He pulled his knees up to his chest and leaned back against the bricks of the tower.
"I know I was raised with the comforts of having this power... but... I just can't understand how humans can live peacefully knowing this is happening. I feel so terrible for them... and then for you. What... happened to you, Gauge?" Ophelia turned to him, and tried to look into his eyes. Gauge simply remained staring out into the distance to avoid any further emotional overload.
"You wouldn't understand... I don't think you ever could understand, Ophelia. I wouldn't want you to have to try."
Ophelia grunted softly, becoming a bit agitated. "And why not?! Are you afraid someone may care about you, and want to know about your past? You can't hide forever, Gauge. Sometimes you have to open up to people. I've seen the way you fight and cry in your sleep. You call out for someone with tears in your eyes, and pain in your voice. I'm not a fool. I know you are hurting. I just... I wish I could try to help you make it better. At least, a little bit..."
Ophelia's words pierced his soul, and he watched her hang her head low in shame. His eyes followed her movements. "...You care about my misery... even though you have your own?" He asked softly. Ophelia noticed a bit of loosening up in his tone of voice.
"Of course I care, Gauge. You are my friend. I only hope... you feel the same way, and that you can trust me and open up to me as a friend would."
Gauge sighed deeply then closed his eyes. For a moment he sat there and tried to take everything in. He hadn't had a friend like Ophelia in a long time, and maybe, he figured, it was time to allow someone else to know his feelings. If it helped his pain and sorrow just a little, then it would all be worth it.
"There... was this scientist... his name was Terubami Koishi. He worked for RUBICON's Override Faction. He fell in love with this prostitute named Sakuma Nimura, whom he knew as a child. Sakuma was a genetic experiment as a baby, and had become mutated. He was to be destroyed, but Terubami had rescued him. The two became separated for years until finally becoming reunited as adults."Ophelia's eyes lit up momentarily. That name... Sakuma.
"Anyhow, Terubami tried to make a better life for Sakuma by making him an intern. When Sakuma's pimp found out, he beat Sakuma so brutally he was near death. Terubami turned to Override Faction Arc General Luscious for help, whom he was very close to. Then, sympathetic Luscious suggested cloning Sakuma. It was against all laws to create a 'perfect clone', which is a clone capable of intelligent thought. But lying and saying they would create a drone would work just the same, and they figured nobody would find out their plan. But Terubami had other plans... in case Sakuma didn't survive, Terubami wanted to make sure he would never be without him... and he created a Perfect Clone of him."
Ophelia moved in closer to Gauge, wrapping her coat around him for extra warmth. "So the clone he created... that was you...?"
Gauge nodded. "I was born on May 12th three and a half years ago. I was the size of a normal human being of 19 years, the same as now. I couldn't speak, and I was yet to have memory chip implants, which would give me the same memory and mentality as Sakuma before the accident. I remember Terubami as being so sweet and so kind... then everything went completely wrong. Terubami was discovered and ordered to be killed. Everything was a blur to me after that. I remember running away, and then, I was caught. His image is so vivid in my mind... The Archangel."
"You mean... the leader of RUBICON...?" Ophelia asked quietly.
Gauge nodded. "Archangel Nova. The dictator of all RUBICON. He first ordered me to be put to death, just like Terubami, and I remember there was this one man... with red hair. I will never forget him as long as I live. Arc General Rogue of NEO Faction... he wanted to use my clone body to create his 'ultimate weapon'."
"NEO Faction... I've heard of Rogue, everyone has heard of him. Wasn't he involved in some terrible accident and was replaced? At least that's what I heard..."
Once again, Gauge nodded. "Yes... but back then he was still the Arc General. I was captured and he did his work on me. There were over 30 operations to connect the probes and reactors to my body. The entire bomb is intertwined into my nervous system. Not even the greatest surgeons alive could deactivate it. Rogue... you have to admire his genius, but he is sicker than sick in the mind when it comes to human emotion and suffering. I think that all changed 7 months later... I found out from Luscious that I was inadvertently set free by Rogue's rival for the Archangel's affections. He had devised a plan to destroy Rogue's reputation, I guess, and in doing so he unplugged me from my slumber. I broke free and was unable to at first control the power given to me. I nearly killed Rogue... severing his leg unintentionally, and completely crushing his left side."
Ophelia looked out into the distance once again. The sky was darkening fast as night was setting in. "Yes... I remember that! It was all over the news and all the headlines! That was only a couple of years ago-- they kept the cause of the accident limited to a machinery problem... I never knew it was you!!"
"It was me... and I still hear his cries of pain even to this day. I know he was replaced, but I believe he is still working for RUBICON. Anyway, after I managed to leave the lab I was caught by Luscious, who even further wanted to help me. He was deeply saddened by the loss of Terubami, and his only wish was to assure I would be safe. This is when... I lost my arm. There was an accident I remember almost nothing of. There was a blizzard... and a train... then everything went black."
A hush of silence came over the two of them. Gauge finally opened his mouth to speak again, but his voice was laced with sadness. "She took care of me... I remember. She called me her angel, and told me I would never have to fear anything ever again. I promised her I would never let anything happen to her, or the baby... but I broke my promise. I allowed her to be killed... I couldn't do anything to save her!! I loved her so much!"
Gauge collapsed into tears. Ophelia quickly moved over to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Who? Who is she Gauge?"
He looked up at Ophelia, his eyes swollen with tears. "Ellie... my Ellandra." he relaxed a bit and tried to calm himself down so that he could explain himself. "Her family found me after I was hit by the train... I was so badly injured they had to teach me to walk again. Ellie was a nurse, just like you, who was having serious trouble with her fiancée Malakai. He was cruel to her because she gained a lot of weight while she was pregnant with his child. He and I fought, just like Dublin and I did, and it ended in tragedy. In order to protect myself, I accidentally killed him... The scar he gave me on my eye before he died is a constant reminder of the first life I took. After that, I knew I would never be safe there, so I ran away, but Ellie would not let me go alone. We hopped a train and were on our way to Sanction Nine when Ellie went into labor, and had her baby in an old abandoned chapel. After she and the baby became ill, we set out again to Sanction nine for help. It was then that we were stopped dead in our tracks by a sandstorm and an army of sentinels... and him."
"...Him?"
Gauge stood up onto his feet "Rogue. He had recovered and was given all kinds of bioarmor to replace his broken body. His orders were to seek and destroy me, or be destroyed himself. That was when it all happened... I tried to shield Ellie and the baby from the bullets, but they pierced straight through me and hit her. I remember so vividly... catching her as she fell into my arms. She never even knew she was shot-- it was an instant death, and it was all my fault for letting her come with me." Gauge wiped his eyes. Ophelia stood up and placed her hand on his.
"It wasn't your fault Gauge... you had no control over the person holding that gun. He was the one who pulled the trigger, not you. Is this what has been eating away at you? You think... that her death is all your fault? Oh Gauge..."
"If she hadn't come with me... she would still be alive right now. I counterattacked against my will-- my emotions took over and I detonated myself. Luckily the injuries from the bullets subdued my power and I was able to control it. The army retreated, as did Rogue, but it was too late for Ellie. The baby had survived, and I vowed to Ellie that I would make sure Artemiss was taken care of. Although I was suffering from potentially fatal injuries, I walked towards Sanction Nine with the baby and ended up collapsing in an alleyway. Koto-san was the one who found me and took care of me and the baby. Eventually I had enough strength to have Koto-san write a letter to Ellie's family explaining everything. I knew they would come for Artemiss, but I never expected them to forgive me and welcome me back to their home anytime I wished. They called me family... and I will never forget that."
Ophelia smiled to him. "There you go, that's something to be happy about! You have someone out there who cares about you, right?"
Gauge shook his head. "I don't think I could face them again... not after what I allowed to happen to Ellie. She was everything to me-- my first love. We were going to be married, Ophelia... then she died. She left me without warning, and my stomach becomes ill with grief every time I think about her, or the memories we made together. I keep asking myself why... why this had to happen. Why weren't we both given the chance to be happy together? I just want to know why... why not me instead?"
Ophelia held his hand at that moment, and he looked to her with widened eyes.
"Because sometimes we are meant for a greater purpose. Something greater than we could ever imagine. Our lives are full of losses and tragedy, but that can't stop us from moving forward and embracing our futures for whatever they are worth. You never know what is ahead. It could be something more beautiful than you ever imagined."
The sky was dark and filled with menacing clouds. A raindrop fell onto Gauge and Ophelia's hands as they embraced. Her words were so clear and so beautiful to him, and he couldn't help but look into her eyes at that moment.
"Anyhow, we should get inside. It's going to start raining, and I don't want you to get any sicker."
"Ophelia..." Gauge interrupted as Ophelia started to turn away.
She glanced back at him from the corner of her eyes.
"I want you to come with me," he spoke softly. "I don't know where I'm going, or what will happen to me... all I know is I want you to be by my side as long as possible."
Ophelia's heart nearly skipped a beat at that moment. She smiled sweetly, a tear rolling down her cheek, and threw her arms around him.
Ophelia had made her way to the roof of the hospital.
It was a cold night, with a brisk wind and rain that chilled her to the bone. It had been 4 hours since the fight between Dublin and Gauge, and her mind could not rest. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she was frightened. What would happen between her and her husband now-- and more importantly, what would happen to poor Gauge, who was still in surgery after being so brutally beaten? Ophelia wiped her face, although tears had mixed with rain droplets on her pale cheeks. Once again Gauge had come to her rescue, and now, at least she knew one thing...
She had developed feelings for him.
Monet had been operating on him for a few hours before she finally came to tell Ophelia how he was doing. Unbeknownst to Ophelia, she had even bigger news for her.
The raven-haired nurse's gaze remained on her feet, allowing the rain to drench her body. She just couldn't speak.
"Gauge is going to be alright. I was able to repair the damage to his shoulder, and it appears he didn't suffer any kind of major head or spinal damage. He is banged up pretty bad, though, and will more than likely have to stay here longer..." Monet looked up at her friend, and she knew immediately that she was crying.
"As for Dublin...," She began "...he's been fired."
It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders the instant those words came out of Monet's mouth. Ophelia turned and looked to Monet wide-eyed, unable to believe what she had just heard. "...Fired?!"
Monet nodded. "He assaulted you for the last time, Ophelia, and he also assaulted a patient. Gauge threw the first punch, but only to protect you. There is no other way to describe Gauge's injuries other than attempted murder. I believe if the fight had gone any further, Dublin would have killed him. That is why I fired him." She walked over to where Ophelia was standing and placed her hands on her arms to reassure her.
Ophelia was absolutely speechless.
"I spoke to Daisuke, and you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you'd like... that is if you can deal with three little kids running around! Besides, it will be a much needed change for you to get away from him. I can see it in your eyes-- I'm not blind, Ophelia. You don't love him. You aren't even thinking about him right now, are you?"
Monet was right. Although the thought of being free from Dublin lifted her heart to levels she had never thought possible, her mind was completely focused on Gauge. Monet smiled and pushed a long, wet curl of Ophelia's hair back off her face.
"He's a great guy. Underneath all those scars, and that weapon he was cursed with is a genuine heart of gold. He is more than perfect for you, Ophelia. I believe fate may have brought you two together... I don't know how, but maybe your prayers have been answered."
Closing her eyes, Ophelia put her arms around Monet, and began to cry.
"Thank you, Monet. Thank you for saving him, thank you so much..." she cried. Monet caressed her friend gently and smiled.
"Go see him. Be with him. He needs you, and you need him."
___
Ophelia did just that-- in fact, she ran to him. Gauge was unconscious when she reached him, but just being there with him at her side was enough. Gauge slept soundly in Recovery, still heavily sedated from the operation to remove the imbedded scalpel from his shoulder bone. Luckily, he hadn't suffered any major injuries; a swollen cheek, a black eye, a few minor bruises and some nasty bumps on his head. Forty-five stitches now closed the once opened wound on his shoulder. Ophelia watched him sleep in the darkness of the hospital room. He looked so peaceful with his stuffed cat resting beneath his arm, and the warm, fuzzy blanket pulled up to his neck. She wanted so much to reach out and wrap her arms around him, but decided there would be time for that later. He had already done more for her in a few days than anyone had in her entire life.
"Thank you...." She whispered, and then made her exit, allowing him to sleep.
___
Gauge remained in the hospital for 2 weeks. Monet decided it was much safer for him to be there anyway, as under her protection he wouldn't have to deal with sentinels, or RUBICON- types finding out about him. Gauge grew to not mind it much, as long as they stayed away from him with needles. He could sleep all day, and be waited on hand and foot by gorgeous nurses all day long. Ophelia wasn't too fond of how popular he was with the girls, and got her first taste of jealousy.
It was growing more and more obvious that Ophelia had developed a major crush on Gauge. Everyone could see it in the way her entire outlook on life had changed. She was happy whenever she was with him or thinking about him, and now that Dublin was out of the picture, hopefully, she could rest and no longer be afraid to be near him. Gauge, however, was the only one who didn't notice her crush! For the first time, he had actually referred to her as his "friend", and this was enough for her.
It was growing closer and closer to the day when Gauge would finally be allowed to leave the hospital and return home to be with Koto-san again. Koto-san had even made a trip to visit once, and this was a major deal since the old master never left his shop. Gauge's wounds were almost completely closed, and there was no reason for him to stay.
Ophelia did notice, however, that Gauge seemed depressed. Although he put on a happy face around her, she could tell there was something eating away at him inside. Whenever he slept at night he would stir, and call out to someone, as if he were trying to apologize. Sometimes, especially when he was alone, he would cry, or become teary eyed when Ophelia brought him his dinner tray. She wondered why he did this.
It was on the last night of his hospital stay that Ophelia brought him his dinner tray as she usually did, only this time; her eyes were red with tears. She tried so hard to hide them from Gauge, but he could see as she walked behind the curtain that she was very upset. She placed the tray on his bedside table and folded her hands in front of her.
"Roast beef-- your favorite. I had them cook it just as you like; rare with extra gravy, and mashed potatoes with extra bread. There is ice cream for dessert... I brought an extra dish for you too... and milk. I know how much you like milk." Her voice was monotone, and laced with sorrow. Gauge looked to her as she lifted the cover off the plate. Although the food smelled orgasmic to him, he just couldn't bring himself to gorge while his new found friend was so upset.
"Ophelia, what's the matter?" he asked, rubbing his still tender shoulder gently. It was still bandaged as well, as was part of his bare chest under his hospital robe. Ophelia had glanced at his bare, sexy midriff and blushed. It was true what they said about clones. Gauge had no belly button.
"I'll be okay... I just had something in my eye, that's all."
Gauge's tummy was rumbling-- that food smelled so damned good. He fought so hard not to eat it, but it was too hard. There was ice cream! His absolute FAVORITE food in the whole world. He had been taught by a certain someone in his past not to be rude when a friend is in need, although right now, he felt he was in need of some roast beef.
"No you're not okay, you've been crying. Do you want to talk? I'm here if you need to talk..." he looked around and saw the patient in the bed next to him chowing down on his dinner. Gauge realized this wasn't a very good place to discuss things. "...shall we go for a walk?"
Ophelia looked up to him and wiped her eyes. She couldn't help but continue to cry, even though he had offered so kindly to sacrifice eating to comfort her. "I... have this place...” she whimpered.
Gauge pulled the blanket off himself and Ophelia walked over to the side of his bed. Gauge was still in a good amount of pain, and still needed a little help with getting up. Ophelia was more than willing to assist him. When she wrapped her arm around his shoulder to help him into his wheelchair, she could feel his warmth against her. He smelled so good, and his silvery hair was soft like satin. She wished she could caress him and hold him against her, but it was still too soon. She was afraid he would become frightened.
Besides, she didn't know his past up to now, but assumed there HAD to be at least one other person. Somebody before her, which his heart at one time belonged to.
Ophelia brought Gauge up a long spiraling staircase that lead to the top of the incinerator tower. Up near the top there was a small circular landing that could be walked upon, and the entire city could be seen. Gauge had some trouble making it up the long, twisting staircase, but eventually made it with Ophelia's help.
The two sat there on the edge of the landing, arms resting upon the iron railing, while their feet dangled down into the air. It was a 300 foot drop to the ground, but this didn't frighten either of them. Up there, Ophelia usually sensed freedom and tranquility. She hoped it would allow Gauge to feel the same way.
Gauge's ruby eyes gazed out at the city. The lights were slowly beginning to flicker on one by one. He could see them through strands of his hair that were being tossed around by the cold wind. His eyes focused on the huge power plant generators in the distance that supplied energy to the entire Sanction. They reminded him of his past, and he bowed his head in shame.
"You know what those are, don't you?" Ophelia asked, looking onward at the generators. "They are the life of this city. Without them, we would not be able to survive."
Gauge glanced over at her and then turned away once again. "You do realize where they get power from don't you? Inside those plants are thousands of living, breathing, human clones; stripped of their souls and connected to machinery to harness the power generated from their poor helpless bodies. It's enough to make me sick." He pulled his knees up to his chest and leaned back against the bricks of the tower.
"I know I was raised with the comforts of having this power... but... I just can't understand how humans can live peacefully knowing this is happening. I feel so terrible for them... and then for you. What... happened to you, Gauge?" Ophelia turned to him, and tried to look into his eyes. Gauge simply remained staring out into the distance to avoid any further emotional overload.
"You wouldn't understand... I don't think you ever could understand, Ophelia. I wouldn't want you to have to try."
Ophelia grunted softly, becoming a bit agitated. "And why not?! Are you afraid someone may care about you, and want to know about your past? You can't hide forever, Gauge. Sometimes you have to open up to people. I've seen the way you fight and cry in your sleep. You call out for someone with tears in your eyes, and pain in your voice. I'm not a fool. I know you are hurting. I just... I wish I could try to help you make it better. At least, a little bit..."
Ophelia's words pierced his soul, and he watched her hang her head low in shame. His eyes followed her movements. "...You care about my misery... even though you have your own?" He asked softly. Ophelia noticed a bit of loosening up in his tone of voice.
"Of course I care, Gauge. You are my friend. I only hope... you feel the same way, and that you can trust me and open up to me as a friend would."
Gauge sighed deeply then closed his eyes. For a moment he sat there and tried to take everything in. He hadn't had a friend like Ophelia in a long time, and maybe, he figured, it was time to allow someone else to know his feelings. If it helped his pain and sorrow just a little, then it would all be worth it.
"There... was this scientist... his name was Terubami Koishi. He worked for RUBICON's Override Faction. He fell in love with this prostitute named Sakuma Nimura, whom he knew as a child. Sakuma was a genetic experiment as a baby, and had become mutated. He was to be destroyed, but Terubami had rescued him. The two became separated for years until finally becoming reunited as adults."Ophelia's eyes lit up momentarily. That name... Sakuma.
"Anyhow, Terubami tried to make a better life for Sakuma by making him an intern. When Sakuma's pimp found out, he beat Sakuma so brutally he was near death. Terubami turned to Override Faction Arc General Luscious for help, whom he was very close to. Then, sympathetic Luscious suggested cloning Sakuma. It was against all laws to create a 'perfect clone', which is a clone capable of intelligent thought. But lying and saying they would create a drone would work just the same, and they figured nobody would find out their plan. But Terubami had other plans... in case Sakuma didn't survive, Terubami wanted to make sure he would never be without him... and he created a Perfect Clone of him."
Ophelia moved in closer to Gauge, wrapping her coat around him for extra warmth. "So the clone he created... that was you...?"
Gauge nodded. "I was born on May 12th three and a half years ago. I was the size of a normal human being of 19 years, the same as now. I couldn't speak, and I was yet to have memory chip implants, which would give me the same memory and mentality as Sakuma before the accident. I remember Terubami as being so sweet and so kind... then everything went completely wrong. Terubami was discovered and ordered to be killed. Everything was a blur to me after that. I remember running away, and then, I was caught. His image is so vivid in my mind... The Archangel."
"You mean... the leader of RUBICON...?" Ophelia asked quietly.
Gauge nodded. "Archangel Nova. The dictator of all RUBICON. He first ordered me to be put to death, just like Terubami, and I remember there was this one man... with red hair. I will never forget him as long as I live. Arc General Rogue of NEO Faction... he wanted to use my clone body to create his 'ultimate weapon'."
"NEO Faction... I've heard of Rogue, everyone has heard of him. Wasn't he involved in some terrible accident and was replaced? At least that's what I heard..."
Once again, Gauge nodded. "Yes... but back then he was still the Arc General. I was captured and he did his work on me. There were over 30 operations to connect the probes and reactors to my body. The entire bomb is intertwined into my nervous system. Not even the greatest surgeons alive could deactivate it. Rogue... you have to admire his genius, but he is sicker than sick in the mind when it comes to human emotion and suffering. I think that all changed 7 months later... I found out from Luscious that I was inadvertently set free by Rogue's rival for the Archangel's affections. He had devised a plan to destroy Rogue's reputation, I guess, and in doing so he unplugged me from my slumber. I broke free and was unable to at first control the power given to me. I nearly killed Rogue... severing his leg unintentionally, and completely crushing his left side."
Ophelia looked out into the distance once again. The sky was darkening fast as night was setting in. "Yes... I remember that! It was all over the news and all the headlines! That was only a couple of years ago-- they kept the cause of the accident limited to a machinery problem... I never knew it was you!!"
"It was me... and I still hear his cries of pain even to this day. I know he was replaced, but I believe he is still working for RUBICON. Anyway, after I managed to leave the lab I was caught by Luscious, who even further wanted to help me. He was deeply saddened by the loss of Terubami, and his only wish was to assure I would be safe. This is when... I lost my arm. There was an accident I remember almost nothing of. There was a blizzard... and a train... then everything went black."
A hush of silence came over the two of them. Gauge finally opened his mouth to speak again, but his voice was laced with sadness. "She took care of me... I remember. She called me her angel, and told me I would never have to fear anything ever again. I promised her I would never let anything happen to her, or the baby... but I broke my promise. I allowed her to be killed... I couldn't do anything to save her!! I loved her so much!"
Gauge collapsed into tears. Ophelia quickly moved over to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Who? Who is she Gauge?"
He looked up at Ophelia, his eyes swollen with tears. "Ellie... my Ellandra." he relaxed a bit and tried to calm himself down so that he could explain himself. "Her family found me after I was hit by the train... I was so badly injured they had to teach me to walk again. Ellie was a nurse, just like you, who was having serious trouble with her fiancée Malakai. He was cruel to her because she gained a lot of weight while she was pregnant with his child. He and I fought, just like Dublin and I did, and it ended in tragedy. In order to protect myself, I accidentally killed him... The scar he gave me on my eye before he died is a constant reminder of the first life I took. After that, I knew I would never be safe there, so I ran away, but Ellie would not let me go alone. We hopped a train and were on our way to Sanction Nine when Ellie went into labor, and had her baby in an old abandoned chapel. After she and the baby became ill, we set out again to Sanction nine for help. It was then that we were stopped dead in our tracks by a sandstorm and an army of sentinels... and him."
"...Him?"
Gauge stood up onto his feet "Rogue. He had recovered and was given all kinds of bioarmor to replace his broken body. His orders were to seek and destroy me, or be destroyed himself. That was when it all happened... I tried to shield Ellie and the baby from the bullets, but they pierced straight through me and hit her. I remember so vividly... catching her as she fell into my arms. She never even knew she was shot-- it was an instant death, and it was all my fault for letting her come with me." Gauge wiped his eyes. Ophelia stood up and placed her hand on his.
"It wasn't your fault Gauge... you had no control over the person holding that gun. He was the one who pulled the trigger, not you. Is this what has been eating away at you? You think... that her death is all your fault? Oh Gauge..."
"If she hadn't come with me... she would still be alive right now. I counterattacked against my will-- my emotions took over and I detonated myself. Luckily the injuries from the bullets subdued my power and I was able to control it. The army retreated, as did Rogue, but it was too late for Ellie. The baby had survived, and I vowed to Ellie that I would make sure Artemiss was taken care of. Although I was suffering from potentially fatal injuries, I walked towards Sanction Nine with the baby and ended up collapsing in an alleyway. Koto-san was the one who found me and took care of me and the baby. Eventually I had enough strength to have Koto-san write a letter to Ellie's family explaining everything. I knew they would come for Artemiss, but I never expected them to forgive me and welcome me back to their home anytime I wished. They called me family... and I will never forget that."
Ophelia smiled to him. "There you go, that's something to be happy about! You have someone out there who cares about you, right?"
Gauge shook his head. "I don't think I could face them again... not after what I allowed to happen to Ellie. She was everything to me-- my first love. We were going to be married, Ophelia... then she died. She left me without warning, and my stomach becomes ill with grief every time I think about her, or the memories we made together. I keep asking myself why... why this had to happen. Why weren't we both given the chance to be happy together? I just want to know why... why not me instead?"
Ophelia held his hand at that moment, and he looked to her with widened eyes.
"Because sometimes we are meant for a greater purpose. Something greater than we could ever imagine. Our lives are full of losses and tragedy, but that can't stop us from moving forward and embracing our futures for whatever they are worth. You never know what is ahead. It could be something more beautiful than you ever imagined."
The sky was dark and filled with menacing clouds. A raindrop fell onto Gauge and Ophelia's hands as they embraced. Her words were so clear and so beautiful to him, and he couldn't help but look into her eyes at that moment.
"Anyhow, we should get inside. It's going to start raining, and I don't want you to get any sicker."
"Ophelia..." Gauge interrupted as Ophelia started to turn away.
She glanced back at him from the corner of her eyes.
"I want you to come with me," he spoke softly. "I don't know where I'm going, or what will happen to me... all I know is I want you to be by my side as long as possible."
Ophelia's heart nearly skipped a beat at that moment. She smiled sweetly, a tear rolling down her cheek, and threw her arms around him.