Curse of the Abyss -First Epilogue-

Web of blood permeate from center of Cassandra’s body and people surrounding her was shocked when she fell from the hospital building. A young man steps closer for a better observation, causing her body to twitch and everyone starts to back away in fright, just hoping the medics will arrive. “What's going on?” a stranger ask the crowd then someone yells: “She's alive!” pointing to the slowly rising body. The young man inch closer, his unwavering steps continue to gain distance and when he reaches out with his hand, a red dot appear on his temple. Gushes of blood imploded, it splat to a lady nearby as she screams at the headless man. Instantaneously, green smoke sweep the crowd, causing everybody to cough then faint. Droplets of blood drip from Cassandra’s neck and her blurry vision reveal several figures in the background. Black armored soldiers manifest out from the fog and stood parallel to each other as a lab-coated gentlemen walk out in the center.

“My, my. It seems like we're having a party here.” He exclaims while glancing around the floor that's layered with bodies. He stops before on one of the them and withdraw a syringe from his pocket then thrusts into the civilian’s neck and squeeze. “Oh. Cassandra, I'm surprised to see you here.” he forms a strange smile before facing her. She squint her eyes and rush of memories flow to her head of who this person is.

It was a beautiful morning when Mick was recovering in the hospital. Dr. Steven called me about my brother and we met a his office. A boy with muzzle brown hair was pinned on the poster board. He stared at the picture until he heard a knock.

“Come in.” I opened the door and closed it behind me. I sat on the sofa while casually viewing the artworks that's hanging on the wall: glassy trees, child's playground and many odd pictures. I concentrate on a portrait of a man while a rapid succession of typing is heard from the computer.

“Your brother's condition is going well, it's astonishing that he had survived that horrible accident.” Turning his chair to my direction. “He should have died.”

“What about the woman?”, he stared at the picture on the board again then turned away. “What?”

“Who's that boy on the wall?” I skipped my question and he hesitated, “Don't worry about it. He's long gone.....” We both sat quietly as he lit a cigar and carefully smoked.

“Cassandra, I wanted to ask you a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I wanted to borrow your brother for a few weeks for my research.”

My body froze. “What research?”

“Trust me, it's just for the department's project.” He adjusts the seat and ruffle his folders.

“Project?” He handed me a pamphlet. “We're collecting patients who've recovered from a fatal accident and study them for changes in the brain.” I briefly skimmed over it.

“Your research can wait. I need to take him home.” Then he urgently replied, “Wait – it's an important research that must be assigned quickly.”, and immediately passed over a sheet. “There will be a full scholarship reward if you participate and I understand that you cannot afford to have a decent education right now.”

Providing no feedback, I said out loud: “What are you up to?”

“Please Cassandra, you must listen to me. I need him.”

I shook my head. “No, Mick needs to rest and regain his health, I'm the only one left to take care of him.” His back hit the cushion of the chair and puff of smoke swayed the air when he exhaled. He reached into his chest pocket and flipped open a check book. “How much do you want?”

“Why, Doctor.” I said in disbelief. “How much?!”, he repeated. My hand smacked the table, “Tell me why!” He closed the book and burnt out his cigarette, remain captured by the same picture.

“His name is Robert.” He turned his head. “Your brother may be able to bring him back to me.”

“What are you talking about?!” I shouted. “He's dead. I won't let you touch my brother.”

Fingers sink deep into his hair and breathed heavily. “I missed him. He shouldn't have died, I could have saved him the torture and misery.” His remorseful eyes gazed deep into mine. “Just like how you would save your own brother.”

“My brother is none of your business.” There was only silence. The clock ticked slowly in each second. His arms loosened and switch his gaze to the ceiling.

“I've seen my share of what they've done in this hospital, kids with no families will be “donated” to the government and they have no liability for what happens to them.”

“And you're doing nothing about this? Going after my brother to fulfill your selfish needs and you call yourself a doctor. Ridiculous.” I tightened my grip.

He chuckled softly. “It's not just me who's responsible for this. Government are adopting children from homeless shelters to orphanages and sending them to military camps while others were coerced into the research labs.”

Streaks of light entered his iris. “And they are coming after you too.”

A sudden chill tingle up my spine and an overwhelming fear tremor all the way to my heart. I pressed my chest and breathe uncomfortably. “Why? Because the world is at war, millions of lives will be lost if it continues.”

My heart accelerated.

“ By creating super-humans through the fusion of technology and medicine, those kids will be endowed with the greatest breakthrough, redefining beyond what's human.”

It pumped even faster.

He scooted his chair then paced toward me. “They are the next generation of species and the savior of mankind.” His steps edged closer and as veins uncloak themselves beneath my skin, my mind ached.

“They will capture Mick and torn him apart on creating the perfect killing machine.” I sense a drop of pressure from the seat and his voice whispered to my ear.

“If you want to save your brother, then hand him over to me.”

I shoved him away. “I don't care about the government but if they come after my brother--” The heart stopped and my eyes flashed red. “I'll kill'em all.”, a demonic voice echoed.

The door slammed shut and the pendulum rang. The gongs and chimes reverberates the flow of air throughout the room. Doctor Steven sat on the sofa, looking next to him but there's nobody. He patted the seat and it felt cold.