Silhouette

A/N: Third time’s a charm? Jeebus, I can’t believe how much grief this chapter has caused me. First it took so long to get finished, and then I posted the wrong version, and now this. Hopefully everything is the way it’s supposed to be.

---

Nero sighed, snuggling against the warm chest of his brother, inhaling deeply the scent of skin and sweat. He didn’t want to move; his body felt sore and tired, still aching from the abuse it had taken from their activities last night. But more than that, it was the sense of safety and security, love and admiration that made him reluctant to move. Nero wished that he could spend days nestled here, only waking to fall into the tight embrace of his brother, to feel the warmth and hardness pressed inside his body, making him arch and moan...

Nero had to shift his body, feeling the blood begin to pool in his loins once again. It didn’t help though, to feel his member brushing against Weiss’s sleeping form beneath him, the satiny feel of skin only making his predicament worse.

He had to get out of there. He had lingered too long and if Weiss woke up... Nero shivered, already hesitating. He really didn’t want to leave. Not like this. He wanted to stay in Weiss’s arms, to kiss and touch and thank him for everything he had showed and shared. But Nero couldn’t. He knew one thing would lead to another, and they’d grow careless, and there would be an even greater risk of them being caught. Nero sighed, and began trying to slowly disentangle himself from Weiss, hoping he wouldn’t wake him. It was all futile effort however, as strong hands almost instantly reached up to grasp his hips, gently but firmly keeping Nero in his place.

“What, not even a good morning?” Weiss chided, eyes still shut though there was a playful smirk on his face. Nero blushed, holding perfectly still as Weiss’s hands began to run over the “v” of his hips, fingers playing dangerously close to places better left untouched, especially in their current situation. Nero had to get out of there before they were caught.

Trying to pull away from the gentle caresses, Nero’s plan was foiled as those hands quickly tightened, disallowing Nero the range of movement needed to break free. Weiss clicked his tongue disapprovingly, peaking at Nero from underneath his still sleep heavy eyes.

“Good morning Nero...” He whispered, his voice losing its lightheartedness and dropping back into that deep purr that Nero had come to love. It would be enough to make any man reconsider. Nero’s head drooped a little, his body aching to rub against the strong form beneath him, wanting to find that mind blowing completion he had felt last night. What was a few more minutes...?

It was too much to resist. Ducking his head just a little bit more, Nero let his lips brush hungrily against Weiss’s, answering his brother’s words with actions instead, letting Weiss’s tongue play along his pale blue lips. He felt that ache in his chest disappear only to grow stronger in his cock, already growing aroused at the faintest touches from this body. Experiment or not, he still had the body and libido of a young boy, with the beautiful Weiss egging him on to unleash it in its fullest.

Weiss seemed to find the reaction amusing, chuckling into the kiss but refusing to break it, hands still holding securely onto Nero’s body, refusing to let the boy go. They continued to kiss leisurely for a few moments, soft, gentle kisses, full of love and devotion, none of the fiery lust that had dominated their play last night.

“If Restrictor could see us now...” Weiss muttered, finding the idea the amusing. The two of them, naked together on the floor of his throne room, lovingly embracing each other and sharing soft kisses. However, he alone found that thought amusing.

Nero jerked back, making a sound like an angry cat, suddenly becoming annoyed with Weiss, and worried that his fears might come to pass, especially if Weiss treated this as some sort of game. He really shouldn’t be here, they were going to be found together, Restrictor was going to walk in and... Nero felt his blood run cold. Restrictor... what if had come back to fetch him, only to find a shadowy imitation in his place, good enough to fool cameras, but under closer inspection... Weiss might find it amusing, but he did not. Weiss may not fear Restrictor, but Nero did, and he hated that fear more than anything else.

Nero lost all patience, breathing becoming frantic as he tore himself from Weiss’s hands, surprising them both as he scrambled to his feet, hissing as his body protested and pain shot up his back, causing him to stumble and almost fall.

“Nero...!” Weiss protested, wondering what the hell had spawned such a violent reaction in his younger brother. It was only when he saw the way Nero was scrambling to put his clothes back on, face flinching as he stretched and moved his sore limbs, but still moving at a frantic pace that it began to dawn on him.

“Shit...” Weiss swore softly, pushing himself to his feet as he strode a bit more calmly over to his brother. It really was stupid of him to mention Restrictor, knowing how dangerous it was for them to spend so much time together. Weiss had no idea how Nero managed to sneak away, and if his tricks weren’t fool proof, he might’ve put his brother in a dangerous predicament. What was worse, there was no way to protect him from it. Especially since Weiss had left some obvious clues to what they had been up to last night.

There were love bites that doted Nero’s neck, and finger tip sized bruises that surrounded his hips from where Weiss had gripped him too hard. Worse of all was the faint traces of blood that still remained on Nero’s ass from where Weiss had torn him with his abandon. It was lucky for Weiss that the sight was quickly hidden as Nero tugged the pants of his suit on, struggling with his half on shirt hindering his movements. The sight of Nero’s blood tore at his heart.

Silently Weiss offered his help, clipping on the armored plates, straightening the uniform to try and smooth out the wrinkles that had formed from an overnight of being strewn on the floor. The silence between the two of them was slightly uncomfortable, neither of them wanting to be parted, but facing the cold hard reality that this was the life they lived. It only took a minute or two for Nero get the rest of his clothes on, silently turning to Weiss, an almost pained look on his face.

He didn’t want to leave.

“Nero...” Weiss whispered, smiling softly as he leaned forward to kiss his little brother on the lips. Just a soft brushing of their lips against each other, before Nero stepped back, smiling at Weiss as a blush spread across his checks.

And then he was gone.

--

It had tricky at first, to create convincing clones of himself, to gain enough control of his shadows to create his dark counterparts to stand in his place when he longed to be with Weiss. They were imperfect, with glowing yellow eyes, and bodies that shifted and melded with the oblivion that swirled around the humanoid form, but as long as one didn’t look too closely, it was a convincing double.

It wasn’t hard to pull himself back in the exact spot that he had disappeared at, each clone like a open gateway to his oblivion, and with the constant swirling mayhem that was beyond his control any shifting or movement was bound to go unnoticed.

However they weren’t real. They were merely shadows, would disappear or fade when met with enough force, couldn’t even be touched; any solid object would pass through them. They were meant to fool passing eyes and cameras, not close inspection.

Nero breathed a deep sigh of relief when he reappeared in the training facility to find the lights darkened and the area deserted, the same as he had left it. Hopefully that meant he had gone undisturbed, and nobody had noticed his prolonged absence. Something must’ve distracted Restrictor, and the other scientists must’ve been too busy or too afraid to come check in on him on their own.

He remained curled up on the ground where had left himself before retreating to Weiss’s throne room, ignoring the cold, hard floor. So different from the heat that filled Weiss’s throne room, or the surprising comfort that he felt being curled up against that broad chest...

Stop it... Nero mentally scolded himself, knowing it would do no good to think of Weiss now. It would only make his body react in a way that he would rather have it not, at least without Weiss around to... Nero blushed, finding it hard to push last night from his mind. How could he forget the feeling of Weiss pushing inside of him, of finding that spot buried deep inside that he didn’t know existed, that sent such pleasure spiraling through his body...

Nero shivered, curling his body up into a tighter ball, ignoring the way his blood was pounding, hoping this feeling would go away on his own. Concentrate on anything else but Weiss... concentrate on the way his limbs were still sore, and how tired he was... it must’ve only been a few hours since they had stopped... coupled with how little sleep he had gotten beforehand... yes, try and rest here... concentrate on the cold and the loneliness, things that were far too familiar...

It was a harsh kick to his side that re-awoke him.
“Get up.”

Nero hissed, curling up into a tighter ball as the sudden sharp pain shot through his side, tearing him from his unconscious state back into his hateful world. All he wanted to do was find some place warm, quiet and alone where he could rest in peace, but he knew the chances of any of that were impossible. Still, his body refused to respond, and it took all his willpower to suppress the whimper that threatened to come out when he felt a harsh hand grab his hair and force him to his feet. He felt the urge to swallow this man in his oblivion rise, but he was forced to suppress it for the sanctity he felt towards Weiss’s life. However, all of this left very little energy for him to keep standing as he felt cramps shoot up his calves and thighs, and his teeth clamped together with an a sharp click to keep himself from crying out. His sparring match yesterday, his wonderful activities late into the night, and the pitiful sleep he’d just had was too much for his young, untrained body. It wasn’t just his legs either. It seemed that every joint, every muscle within his body ached, and he hadn’t even tried to move.

“Pitiful.”

Nero glared at Restrictor from beneath his hair but couldn’t summon the energy or the strength to pull away from the painful grip he still had on his scalp, and was left somewhere between standing on his own and being held up by the man.

“Surely you aren’t injured that badly?” Restrictor mused, half to himself. Nero snarled, spitefully wrenching himself away from Restrictor to stumble a few feet away. In his early panic to avoid getting caught, he must’ve not noticed the stabbing pain the shot up his spine whenever he walked, but now it was impossible to ignore. He tried vainly not to limp, and even harder not to collapse back to the ground, but his body was just so sore. Every limb and joint ached and the sudden movement left his head swimming and his eyes going hazy...

It was the sharp jarring pain in his knees that brought Nero back to reality, and the arm wrapped around the his shoulders that prevented him from crashing the rest of the way into the ground.

“Call off your shadows, boy,” Restrictor hissed in his ear, pulling him to his feet once again. Nero groaned, head rolling back as he tried to clear his eyes and mind, while at the same time, regain some control over his oblivion that had subconsciously lashed out at Restrictor the moment the man had ventured to close again.

“That’s better.”

It would all be easier if there was some kindness or compassion in his voice, an ounce of understanding, or even pity. But Restrictor felt no empathy for his charges. If anything, he seemed to loathe everything they stood for. A sarcastic and mocking undertone with every word that he said. It made Nero hate him ever more. It was neithers’ fault that they were here, yet instead of finding reason to share in a common enemy, they turned their hatred towards each other. At least Nero did.

Carefully Nero tried standing again, knowing now to take it slowly. The cramps in his legs had lessened somewhat, but the new pain in his knees as well as the throbbing pain in his side would prove to be a slight hindrance. It still hurt to walk though...

“Such a good little boy, waiting here all night for me...” Restrictor cooed mockingly, watching the way Nero’s shoulder stiffened slightly. He was a foul mood and was eager to punish something, anything, and Nero was such an easy target for him. He wasn’t valued on the same level as the others, and nobody would care if Restrictor broke a few unnecessary bones. Who was going to question him anyways?

“I was afraid you’d try and run away, but you’re too stupid for that, aren’t you?” Restrictor continued circling around the boy, loving the hatred that entered those pretty red eyes. It was always so much easier to hate.

“Too pathetic to be a solider, too stupid to escape and rid us of your presence... tell me Nero, is there anything you’re good for?”

Nero’s hands balled into a fist, gritting his teeth as he tried to drown out Restrictor’s words. He knew Restrictor was trying to provoke him, but he wouldn’t give this monster the satisfaction of getting what he wanted. He knew that if he lashed out at Restrictor now, he’d probably be killed.

“No? Then you really are useless, aren’t you? To me, to this project...” Restrictor paused, edging in closer to the stoic boy whose mask of indifference was slowly beginning to harden in his attempt to drown out his rage.

“... To Weiss?”

Nero twitched, trembling in his effort to not kill this man, his shadows snaking and twisting around his body with renewed vigor, beginning to leak beyond his control.

“Do you think he loves you, that he cares for you? You’re nothing more than a liability, something that can be used against him because of all the Tsviets you’re too weak to stand up for your own. He looks out for you because he feels like he has to, not because he wants to. Because he yearns for a sense of normality and as sick and twisted existence as you are the mere thought of a brother seems to ease him, makes him feel less alone.”

Nero’s lips curled back in a silent snarl, wishing he had some weapon other then his hands or his shadows... he wanted to hurt this man so badly he’d never come near him or Weiss again, but the that option was beyond him at the moment. He could only vainly fight him hand to hand, or devour Restrictor in his shadows and kill Weiss in the process.

“But I assure you, dear little Nero, that you are nothing to him. Weiss is the pinnacle accomplishment of this project, and he will forever be alone, from you especially. Do you know why we keep you apart, more so than any of the other Tsviets?”
Restrictor continued to egg, letting out weeks of pent up frustration when it came to the problematic Weiss and Nero. He knew he was losing his temper, but he was beyond caring at this point. It was always easier to hate.

“Because in the end, you’ll ruin him. You’ll ruin years of valuable research with your mere presence. You’re a tainted, twisted being, who will corrupt Weiss’s very being and in the end, you’ll kill him. Hojo won’t risk you polluting Weiss’s system with your shadows so you two are to be kept separate. Weiss is to be kept pure, strong, and healthy, and you, my poor little Nero, are never to go near him. He can’t love you, because it’ll destroy him if he does.”

Shut up! Nero wanted to scream, resisting the urge to reach up and cover his ears, to curl up in a ball, or most importantly, flee back to the safety and security of Weiss’s arms. He didn’t want Restrictor to say anymore, because the man always knew how to hurt him the most. What if what he said was true? What if what they had done last night had somehow hurt Weiss? What if they ran some test and saw some of Nero’s essence floating around inside of Weiss?

“You’re going to die down here little Nero. Cold, alone, and unloved.”

It was like part of him was detached from his actions as Nero felt something inside of him shatter. He launched himself at Restrictor ignoring his protesting muscle or the searing pain that shot up his back. He knew it was futile, part of him didn’t want it, but it was like something dark and dangerous inside of him had been unleashed. Screaming his fury he felt as though his body was being torn apart as he closed the distance between him and Restrictor.

Nero never landed his blow. He didn’t have time to react as Restrictor struck, so much faster and stronger then he was, especially in his current condition, even in his berserker mind-state. Everything when from white hot rage to blinding pain as something struck the side of his head. His body when flying in the opposite direction, slamming to the ground and skidding across the floor. Then all was still.

Restrictor stared at the small crumbled figure, cursing himself for losing his patience, but not caring in the slightest for whatever injuries he had caused. Nero wasn’t important, or if he was, it was only as a tool to get to Weiss. At least smacking the young boy around helped to wear off some of the edge of his anger. Perhaps he would meet up with Weiss later...

Walking over Nero, Restrictor checked to make sure the boy was still breathing before haphazardly lifting the boy, just enough not to cause too many undue injuries. His blow had left a jagged cut down the side of his temple that was already swelling and bruising, blood trickling down the abused flesh. Restrictor ignored it. Half carrying, half dragging Nero from training room, Restrictor tried to ignore the press of the boy’s body against his own. Truthfully, the only one of the Tsviets he truly hated was Weiss. All the others were easy enough to contain and control and ignore for the most part, while their futile attempts at freedom had so far proved amusing for his taste. It was Weiss’s strength and arrogance and indomitable spirit that Restrictor hated. He hated it, because the little part of him that was still human feared it. He knew that eventually Weiss might gather the strength to challenge him. It would be boring without a worthy adversary, but Restrictor would rather have assurance of his life and his position then a fight that could leave him dead. He had seen enough of that already.

And yet here he was, dragging the brother of that stupid Emperor to the infirmary, trying to forget about the porcelain skin with beautiful black markings, intelligent red eyes that held none of the disdainful arrogance of Weiss but all of the spirit. Even though Restrictor kept the two of them separate, Nero seemed to hold onto the strength that Weiss had given him, somehow...

Even if one fight had left him drained and battered and unable to walk. Restrictor sneered down at Nero, even though the boy couldn’t see, and continued to drag the boy along, even though he could’ve easily carried him. It was more uncomfortable for the other this way. He wasn’t a babysitter. His job wasn’t to make their lives any easier. He was there to keep them, and anyone else in Deepground in line.

Nero stirred slightly in his arms, but made no other movements. Nero presented a problem that Restrictor was finding hard to overcome. He knew he was attracted to sable haired boy, which in most cases only served to make him angry. But times like this, he was tempted to just act on impulse and use the boy to his own ends.

Restrictor pushed these thoughts from his head. He’d dwell on that later, right now, he was more concerned with ridding himself of Nero.

Striding into the Infirmary, Restrictor deposited Nero carelessly onto an empty bed, smirking behind his helm at the way the doctors and other medics seemed to tremble in fear at his presence, some of them even kneeling to show their respect, the others looking too frozen to move.

“Fix him,” he snapped, before turning on his heel and striding out. He had an appointment with the Emperor.

--

Weiss strode down the hallway towards the training center, ignoring the usual stares and the scampering of the people around him. They were insignificant, and didn’t matter to him. They were weak and weren’t worth his time or his acknowledgment. Let them fear him all they wanted, he could care less. He had other things to think about.

Like Nero...a voice in the back of his head said, causing Weiss to smirk. Nero... Weiss wondered where the boy was at now, and if had managed to avoid detection. He hoped so, because that would mean more nights with Nero sprawled against his throne room floor, back arched and legs spread, mouth wide and panting as he let out little cries of pleasure as Weiss..

Weiss shook his head, trying to clear those thoughts. Thinking about Nero was one thing, thinking about what he wanted to do to his little brother was quite another. It was distracting both his mind and body, something that probably wasn’t needed right now.
Restrictor had summoned him to one of Deepground’s numerous training facilities. He knew without a fraction of doubt that he was going to fight him today, and not some petty Tsviet or Deepground squadron. Weiss suppressed the uneasiness that rose in his stomach. He was always defeated by Restrictor, soundly and usually quite easily. He hated losing, and hated have his weakness thrown back in his face. He would defeat him eventually, but...

Weiss gritted his teeth, hands clenching hard enough that he felt his nails digging into the palms of his hands, but nothing. He was the strongest Tsviet here which meant that he had to be getting close to Restrictor’s strength. The whole point of Deepground was to create new, stronger soldiers... what would be the point if they’ve already developed methods that outdid them?

Closing the distance between him and his imposing battle, Weiss tried to rid himself of all his apprehension. He knew that thinking was half the battle, and if he went in there expecting to lose, then he was damn well going to.

Turning around a corner, Weiss froze when he saw a lone armored female standing in his path. Quirking an eyebrow, Weiss stared back, noticing the elaborate silver armor the woman wore, as well as the single grey eye that watched him calmly. Smirking Weiss tilted his head to the side, giving the stranger one more look over.

“Tsviet,” Weiss said, guessing from color schemes and the general lack of fear at a direct confrontation with him.

“Argento the Zilveren,” she confirmed, bowing her head slightly in greeting. Weiss resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he continued forward, not wanting another pissing match with one of his so called equals.

To his surprise though, Argento made no attempt at violence, despite the heavy sword she carried with her. Instead, she simply fell into step besides Weiss, following him the rest of the way. Perhaps she was to be his opponent, and wasn’t foolish enough to pick a fight with him in the middle of nowhere. Still, it was irritating to have this stranger following him around Deepground like some gods damned babysitter.

“You’re not a match for me,” Weiss pointed out, looking at Argento out of the corner of his eye.

“It is not my duty to fight. I simply watch, and observe...” Argento said, her face impassive, even though her words caused Weiss to halt in his tracks.

“You don’t fight?” he asked, incredulous at the idea that he spent most of his waking hours struggling for his survival and this female just stood around and did nothing?

“Battles are not won by brute strength alone. A strong man fights through his obstacles, a smart one goes around them,” she replied. Weiss snorted, jerking his head in the general direction of the training center.

“Tell that to Restrictor.”

“He prefers the use of my other skills. There are many strengths in this world Weiss the Immaculate, and not all of them can be measured by force.”

“Not here. Not in this world. You fight or you die. Simple as that,” Weiss said coldly, beginning to walk towards again.

“Yes, for many that is true. But do you think Restrictor has gained dominance over Deepground by sheer force alone?”

Weiss paused again. Of course that was the reason why. He was stronger then everyone else.

“It isn’t just a Restrictor, but the Restrictors. An entire unit of SOLDIERs, dedicated to serving ShinRa. But you knew this already, don’t you? You’ve been here your entire life, to know that this Restrictor isn’t the same as the one you’ve first met.”

Weiss’s eyes narrowed at Argento, wondering what all she knew from her watching.

“Why him?”

“He is cunning, and as heartless as he is strong. He doesn’t hesitate, and he never will. He was chosen to watch over the Tsviets as they grew and matured into their strengths, even you Emperor. Failure isn’t an option for him either, and he will leave no room for mistakes.”

“Then how the hell am I supposed to beat him?!” Weiss snarled, losing his patience. He didn’t like to be told by anyone that he was going to be trapped in this hell hole for the rest of his life. He wanted freedom, to be rid of this place, to go make a life elsewhere away from battles, safe with Nero and just away from it all.

Silence. Weiss swore, stopping angrily in his tracks and glaring at the single visible steely eye. Argento regarded him coolly, as though she had expected quite a reaction.

“You will never defeat him, the way you are now.”

Weiss resisted the urge to flinch, instead, changing his reaction into a narrowing of his eyes as he watched the silvery woman.

“And even as we speak, the scientists of ShinRa are experimenting on new ways of controlling their charges. Too many experiments have gone wayward as of late, and soon, even the Restrictors will become obsolete,” Argento continued, a small smile playing on her otherwise passive face. Weiss snorted, as though the thought of something worse then Restrictor was amusing.

“I’ve had enough of your words,” Weiss sneered, turning on his heel to stalk away.

“‘He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.’”

Weiss froze again, giving a small backwards glance at the other Tsviet. Ah, so that’s what she was hinting at.

“How many others are there?”

“Rosso, Azul, Shelke, Nero, Verde, Indigo and myself. With you, that brings the number of true Tsviets up to eight. Neither Shelke nor I are adept at fighting, though we both have our uses elsewhere. Rosso and Azul have both pledged themselves to you. Both Verde and Indigo are lose cannons, pledging neither loyalty nor submission to anyone. You’ll meet them soon enough though.”

“Sounds like you have everything perfectly planned out,” Weiss noted, looking a bit more intently at the strange female.

“I am merely the first raindrop in the oncoming storm,” Argento said, turning around to walk away from Weiss.

“Then what I am?” Weiss called after her, smiling at the retreating figure. There was no response.

--

Something was different this time. Restrictor could all but smell the change in Weiss. There was something different in his eyes, and his walk. Restrictor quirked an eyebrow as Weiss approached, his emotions safely hidden behind his helm. He knew without a doubt that Weiss was plotting something.

“If I didn’t know any better Emperor, I’d say you were plotting something,” Restrictor mocked, watching for any reactions in Weiss. There it was, the slight flicker of his eyes, the slightly deeper breath.

“Well, luckily for you, you do know better,” Weiss intoned, his face suddenly becoming impassive. Restrictor grinned. Too late for Weiss to remember his training now.

“You lying skills are worse then your swordsmanship Emperor. I’d ask you stop acting stupid, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s not an act.”

Weiss narrowed his eyes, a small smirk playing on his lips. Restrictor never tolerated him talking back. What was he looking for? Weiss knew that Restrictor was giving him leeway, expecting Weiss to let something slip about whatever he was thinking about. Weiss opened his mouth to retort, but stopped, mouth shutting with a soft click.

You will never defeat him as you are now...

“What, not even a snarl? No pathetic attempt at any attack? Why Weiss, I’m disappointed. Even Nero gave a better fight then this earlier.”

There it was, the slight flicker of emotion. Oh this was going to be fun.

“Lucky he’s such a small little thing. Easy to drag to the Infirmary, you see.” Restrictor saw the tenseness around the eyes, the slight increase in the heart rate. He was going to enjoy breaking this bond. But first, he must test the boundaries...

“Such a pretty one too. I’m looking forward to... training him more.”

Weiss felt his eye twitch, knowing that Restrictor was just trying to egg him on. He was still unarmed, and while trained in hand to hand combat, it wasn’t his specialty.

“I will enjoy seeing him suffer.”

Restrictor moved, slowly, casually, revealing Weiss’s sword that had been positioned behind him, point pierced through the floor so the sword was upright. Weiss knew Restrictor was just getting started. He was daring Weiss to move, to attack, seeing how much it took to break his restraint.

“I will enjoy breaking his spirit...”

Weiss closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Remember last night, and the warmth and comfort and mind blowing pleasure. Restrictor could hurt them, but he would never break them. A small smile played on Weiss’s lips, remember what he told Nero the night before. They belonged to each other, and no one else.

A sudden movement and Weiss felt himself tense as a figure loomed behind him, shadow of Restrictor looming over him as his nemesis used that ungodly speed of his.

“I will enjoy making him mine,” he hissed in Weiss’s ear, watching Weiss quiver with barely suppressed rage. “No matter what it takes. He means nothing to this project, therefore, unlike you, I can do whatever I wish.”

The smile had disappeared from Weiss’s face, replaced with a feral snarl that matched Weiss’s boiling blood. Nero was his...

“And you are powerless to stop me.”

Weiss clenched his fists, wanting nothing more then to lash out at this man. He was not powerless. He would never submit to this man.

“You will never defeat me.”

He was wrong, already the pieces where slowly but surely falling into place. Weiss almost smiled, but kept his emotions in check. The raindrops would soon be falling, and they would wash away this tyrant.

“You will forever fall to your own incompetence.”

Incompetent? Hardly. Do you see it Restrictor? Your own pawns moving against you? There are more of us, than there are of you. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. It’s our hatred that binds us.

“Because if you got the chance, would you kill me?”

Weiss slowly opened his eyes, staring ahead at his sword. Would he...

“Do it, Weiss. There is no one stopping you, not even me this time. Do it, Weiss, kill me, save Nero from the pain I will inflict on him for your insolence, save all the other Tsviets and soldiers down here from countless years of suffering.”

Weiss wanted to move, wanted to leap for his sword, or better yet, turn around and strangle this man with his bare hands.

“All it would cost you is your life.”

Weiss flinched, feeling his shoulders drop. Dark, mocking laughter from behind him.

“Is that too heavy a price? Or do you consider yourself too valuable?”

No, it was neither. He was afraid of death, of what it would mean for someone such as himself, artificially created from the opposing Lifestream. He didn’t want to die.

“Hnn, I thought so.”

Weiss felt the bitter taste rise in his mouth. He knew that Restrictor understood what was going on in his head. He knew that Weiss was afraid of death. He also knew that he was safe as long as Weiss continued to fear.

“So long, Weiss the Immaculate.”

There would be no fight today. Restrictor didn’t need to. He had dug out the heart of the situation. Whatever Weiss planned, it would never be executed until Weiss was ready to sacrifice his own existence.

For the first time since he could remember, Weiss felt as though he had truly lost.
—

The medic trembled as he patched up the injured Tsviet, looking at the strange bruises on his hips, bite marks on his neck, knowing from his examination of the damage elsewhere. Was it possible...

It had to be true. There was no other explanation. The Restrictor was the only one with access to the Tsviets, the only one strong enough to control them, force them to submit...

This was unorthodox, unheard of. But there was no point in denying. He almost felt pity for the poor boy, if he wasn’t so afraid of Restrictor’s wrath. Quickly covering up the bruises so he wouldn’t have to stare at them, the medic continued his check up with quivering hands. Such an unstable and fragile experiment... Restrictor shouldn’t be abusing them like this. He should report the incident to Hojo, or confront Restrictor about it....

No, he couldn’t. It would mean his job at the very least, his life if the Restrictor was in a foul enough mood. He’d stay quiet, wouldn’t talk of it at all. This Tsviet was a mute, so he wouldn’t complain of his ill treatment. No matter how... wrong it was.

There, he was finished. The wounds would heal, albeit slowly due to the boys unnatural Lifeforce. He worked in oppose to the Lifestream, which meant Materia had a lesser effect on him. Potions worked well enough, but weren’t nearly as potent as they should be.

He couldn’t wait for his charge to awaken so he could move onto less serious matters. It was a pity though; he was quite a fascinating subject. The way the darkness curled continuously around his body, the strange tribal markings that had no clear origins, the pale blue lips and black fingernails... all the result of G-Substance. It shouldn’t be long now. The boy seemed more exhausted than harmed. The medic didn’t want to even think about what that meant.

It was only a few minutes later before the pale eyelids fluttered open, revealing hazy blood red eyes. The young boy, no, wait... Nero. That was the name he was given by Hojo. Nero the Sable, named after that fascinating darkness that had been with him since before he was born...

“Ah... finally awake are we. Good, good...” Eyes snapped towards the sound of the voice, and the medic almost stepped backwards. Sharp, intelligent eyes, though confused due to the current situation.

“Err... umm... yes.... you... you’re injuries are not serious, though... ah... I would try to avoid such activities in the future...”

Activities? Nero tilted his head in confusion, unsure of what this Doctor was getting out. The only response he got was more stammering and muttering as the fidgety man turned away. Nero resisted the urge to shrug his shoulders. It wasn’t his concern what they thought of him. Sitting up, Nero saw the medic looking uncertainly at him, obviously struggling with finding the right words.
“It’s best... if you do not resist him. I know it isn’t right what he’s doing to you, but his word is law now.”

Nero’s brows furrowed, totally and absolutely dumfounded at his point.

“Restrictor is not a kind man.”

Nero wanted to roll his eyes at that one, but refrained out of risk of being punished. Even though this particular medic seemed sorry for him for some reason, Nero didn’t want to push matters if it could be avoided.

“He will do what he wants with you, regardless...”

Do what he...? Nero’s eyes widened, feeling a blush creeping over his face. The medic must’ve seen the bruises, and the other traces left over from last night, and since the Restrictor brought him in...

Nero felt laughter bubbling in his chest, and quickly ducked his head to hide his mirth. The doctor thought that Restrictor was responsible? As if Nero would ever allow that monster to touch him in such a way. He’d sooner die then lay with at vile man.

The medic must’ve taken Nero’s reaction as one of shame and not amusement, and quickly bumbled off to do something else. Nero was glad, as he was no longer capable of hiding his smile. Fool, he belonged to Weiss, and nobody else.

“Ah-h. Restrictor, you have retur-“

“Where is the boy?”

Nero sighed, knowing that cold curt tone anywhere. He dragged himself to his feet, knowing it was best to get out of there before the medic said something they would both regret. If Restrictor found out about Weiss’s marks, he would know that the two were seeing each other. Worse, that they were lovers as well. He knew it would mean endless punishment as well.

“Status?”

“Ah, well, he’s suffering from slight fatigue, and according to his blood work, he’s slightly malnourished as well. If I may... s-suggest sir, I’d recommend an increase in zinc as well as vitamin k. It should help to improve his body structure...”

“Hnn.”

The voices were coming from the adjoining room. Better get this done and over with, so he could go visit Weiss. Nero smiled softly at that thought, wondering if they could do that again.

“Oh! See, mostly sound.”

Nero strode into the room, eyes fixed warily on Restrictor. He didn’t seem to be in a foul mood, which didn’t bode well with Nero. He hoped it wasn’t at Weiss’s expense.

“You’re suggestion has been noted. Leave.”

The medic scampered away without hesitation, exiting the room and leaving the two enemies alone. Nero did nothing, only stood watching Restrictor with the utmost distrust. He could swear he saw a smirk behind the dark helm.

“I have decided what to do with you, boy.”

Nero’s eyes lit up with slight interest, noting the small box that Restrictor held for the first time. With another “hnn” Restrictor handed it over, allowing Nero to cautiously remove the lid, knowing it wasn’t beneath Restrictor to trick him in some way or form.

Instead, it held a weapon; one that Nero guessed was to be his. Holding the box steady with one hand, he reached in side with his other, fingers running over the deadly cool steel of the gun.


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A/N: Hopefully third time's a charm. The next chapter will be up later tonight!