Harry Gallagher
T2 2025 - "In the past," I started before shaking my head, "no, in my past," I corrected before continuing, "there was a Theatre that no one could pass. And as much as I hate to admit it, those that challenged that Theatre were more powerful than I, they were smarter, faster, better than me in many different aspects. As you have seen, Theatre attempts are broadcast, so, with each attempt, we learned more about what we were facing. We sent in new teams with this increased knowledge, but a fearsome truth was made apparent. What we had assumed was a one way path actually worked both ways. Chaos run rampant. It started with those screams, then those who retained their leadership banded together and a war against those that broke out from the Theatre began. I was amongst those who fought on the frontlines, with me were many allies of Isaac, that man back at the hotel. I always found it strange how he had managed to integrate with people more powerful than himself, but now, considering my being here, it finally makes sense. But anyhow, the one thing that stopped us from collapsing, was his cunning. But unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Even those who had no powers were forced to fight back, and the death toll rose exponentially. However, after what felt like years, we finally managed to win, but many were lost, and you, my dear, were one of them. I think that was what broke me, seeing you-" I paused as I wiped my eyes, remembering her twisted corpse on the ground surrounded by those who should have protected her. I breathed out slowly, forcing myself to continue, "You, you weren't supposed to be there, but you were, manipulated, into going. All at the promise of meeting the saviour, meeting the saint. He was there to empower us, but that was what he wanted us to think. I even met him and he gave me the power to fight, but only after the dust was settled and corpses littered the floor did I finally realise the truth. Sebastian, the so-called saint or saviour, whatever pompous title he was given, did nothing. He had the power to fight, but instead he had watched on from the sidelines. He watched as men and women were ripped to shreds, he watched as countries around the world drowned in the blood of their citizens. It broke me more than I care to admit, it turned me into this-" I gestured to myself as I kept a solemn look at Stacy who still looked at me with that loving gaze that made me feel whole, "I won't be making that mistake again."
"Are you, still you?" Stacy asked and the question sent a wave of horror through me.
"I am still me," I stated, unsure of my own words. I looked down at my hands, feeling the crackling electricity beneath. "Damaged, yes, but still the same man, I'm still the same person you fell in love with." I felt another tear fall down my face, she looked so beautiful. As much as I despised Isaac, he had given me another chance to be with her again. A chance that I won't pass on.
"That, that's a lot to process," she stated and the subtle shift in her emotion sent another trembling wave of sorrow through me, "but, I can still see my Harry in you, as weird as that might be." She tentatively reached out and placed her hand on my head, I initially flinched, but allowed the gesture. Her palm felt so soft. "I, I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" I asked, seeing her made me feel human again.
"I'm sorry you felt that way, I'm sorry that you were forced to change."
"That wasn't your fault, if anything it was Sebastian, he was the one that forced me to act."
"But, I, I was the cause, I, I hate knowing that it was me that made you hurt yourself the way that you have."
"Stacy, you have never hurt me, that's one of the many things that I love about you, no matter what I tell you, you still believe in me. It keeps me strong, knowing that you are here." I smiled but Stacy was obviously still taking everything in and I didn't blame her for it. I moved her hand away and rose from the bed. "I need to do something, so please wait for me until I get back, and if you find that you don't love me after I come back, then I will know that I tried." I pushed myself from the bed and ignored Stacy's words as I left the room.
"That was a bit rude," I spun seeing a scantily clad woman with bright pink hair smiling at me. She looked like a high class prostitute and probably was one judging by her attire. "Never leave a girl upset, that's something a lover should never do." I glared at her with disdain, how dare she!
"Who are you to comment on this!" I stated, furious.
"Well, you can call me Pink, and I believe that I can help you on whatever plot you are cooking up," I looked at her, my fury turning to confusion to intrigue. I channeled electricity into my legs and the world turned into a smear of colours as I shot forwards and found myself standing next to her, but the woman didn't flinch, just merely raised an eyebrow.
"Well that confirms one thing," I muttered under my breath.
"What's that?"
"You are one of us," I placed a hand on her shoulder, "but you should be careful of who you speak to in that fashion."
"You remind me of him, of Isaac," A bolt of electricity shot out from my hand that was on her shoulder, causing her to shout out in pain.
"Don't you dare compare me to someone like him," I whispered into her ear as I released my grip and withdrew the electricity.
"Are you always this rough?" she said jokingly, but I simply started to walk away.
"Only to those who waste my time."
"I wouldn't call it that," she had caught up to me, handing me a slip of paper, "I have only come to determine your usefulness for myself, and you are more than satisfactory."
"Satisfactory?" I questioned as I opened the paper, reading the contents and almost gasping aloud. I turned to the side, but the woman was gone. I placed the paper into my pocket as I made my way down the street, intrigued at the proposal handed to me.