Behind the Light - tag: reader

[amaris]

I need my fix. I need my fix. I need... I need...

His eyes were red and filled with irrational worry, his heart rapidly palpitating beneath the black, tight uniform that the techahumans were required to wear. He was quite fond of it and his fit frame had already stretched out the fabric just enough to fit him like a glove. However, his body would never get used to this empty feeling. It couldn't have been more than twenty-four hours since the last dose he had received, and yet here he was, on the brink of insanity. His head ached, throbbed with thoughts of need. Need to refresh. Need to regain his strength back. Need to feel useful. It was safe to say that he was an addict and that all those techahumans that he worked with were no different. Why the vampires would want such soldiers under their command was beyond him, but Newton wasn't ready to think about that. I need my fix. I need my fix.

After nine years of being given the damned injection, whatever the hell it was, and after so much time of giving the damn thing to others like him, wouldn't the vampires have figured out a way to work all the bugs out? Maybe make the damned doses less frequent? Maybe more powerful? It would only be logical that after so many years of giving it out and jotting down observations of it's magnificent effects that his superiors would know a thing or two more about how it works within the bodies of their lab rats.

Newton hurried down the corridors of the VSF, ignoring every glance, every word spoken and any eyes that turned in the direction of the altered mutant as he strode past the lobby. He raised a shaky hand to brush back the strands of long hair that had fallen over his eyes; a sign of warning for those getting in the way of the soldier. This didn't happen when he was younger. Daily doses would keep him awake and alert for a full day if not more, but now, at twenty four, Newton couldn't perform as well as he did. As he grew, the jobs grew tougher and his abilities were called upon more often, particularly those that he didn't tap into very often, and that wore him out incredibly.

When he arrived at the location where he received the doses, the women behind the glass didn't hesitate to bring him in, sit him down and prepare another dose of the substance. "You need to be more careful," one of them told him as she placed her fingers right under his jaw, examining his erratic pulse, trying to ignore his heavy breathing. No shit sherlock, he thought as the nurse turned away from him and he proceeded to roll up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing his arm. It was no surprise that it was "decorated" with pinpricks from previous injections. Some had healed better than others, and he was just about to add another little pinprick to his lifelong collection. The nurse returned with a new syringe, filled with the dose he needed to live on, to calm his senses before they drove him up a wall.

Then it plunged in. Newton shut his eyes. Bowed his head. Breathed in.

The white hot liquid hurt like hell as it ran through his vein, but the promise of another, maybe another, twenty four hours of being able to function was worth the pain that he had gone through as a child and the pain he went through now.

It was only a matter of time before the nurse pulled out the needle and pressed a small, cotton pad against his skin. It wouldn't take long for the dose he had just received to kick in, and soon he could sleep in his bunk bed, in peace. Newton air back into his lungs, looking at the nurse beside him as she looked over his record of doses, shaking her head. Newton shrugged, pulling down on his sleeve after the pinprick ceased bleeding. Yes, he'd be shaking his head too if he was slowly sucking up the supply of whatever that thing was, but he didn't say much. He simply listened.

Newton knew he would be back earlier than he should be, and honestly, that scared him. The fact that he couldn't hold up could be the tip of the iceberg, the beginning of his end working here for the VSF. He didn't particularly like this job, but hell, he didn't feel like gambling in a casino or making his way through the clubs every night was in his cards. Now, what to do next? The night was young and he was a new man. His eyes soon returned to their bright blue, and he didn't feel like his heart was going to tear through the fabric of his uniform.

[reader]

Another day...another shot...

Just when things were looking up for Reader...he remembered he was not human...he was a techahuman and was dependent on these accursed shots. But Reader could not complain. He had an amazing night with Mathias...the techahuman couldn't stop thinking about the vampire. Reader knew he had to keep it a secret...he didn't want the chief's name tarnished. Reader let out a sigh and barely could feel the shot as the 'nurse' injected him.

Though, Reader did tense slightly once the contents of the shot released throughout his body. The techahuman inhaled deeply and exhaled. He felt energized. Reader nodded at the nurse and stood up before zipping his bullet proof vest and grabbing his Ak-47. He walked out of the injection room until he was stopped by a VSF officer.

Reader nodded his head in respect at the vampire officer. "How can I help you Officer?" The vampire gave the techahuman a once over and the techahuman could see the look of distaste on the vampire's face. Reader wasn't bothered by this anymore. He was used to being treated this way. All the officer's knew he was Mathias' techahuman....and whoever messes with Reader...deals with Mathias.

The officer rolled his head, "I need you and Newton to patrol the cities tonight."

Reader nodded obediently and went back into the injection room. He looked around until he noticed Newton just finishing up his injection. The techahuman shook his head slightly. He tended to push his limit when it was time for injections...always went pass the time until it was just too late. Reader hated seeing comrades die...and Newton was powerful...a valuable asset to the VSF.

Reader walked to Newton; his face stoic and voice emotionless. "We are on patrol tonight. Let's grab your gear and head out."

[amaris]

A glance of acknowledgement. That was all it took to register Reader's presence in the nurse's quarters. Unlike Newton, he seemed anything but unnerved, much like the younger Newton when he began his "treatment" of painful shots and training that left the youngster tired, on the brink of death, and then the shot came, that Red Bull in a syringe. After that, shots became a routine thing, and his body was used to the light treatment from the officers, given his young age and the fact that his abilities had not reached their full potential, but now, his energy was being depleted, and there was nothing, absolutely nothing, that could mimic the effects of the substance running through his veins. It was a necessary evil, something he depended on, and as he grew older, that dependence grew more and more; it was the gasoline that kept him moving.

To a certain extent, he was jealous of Reader. He had not been here long enough to earn the respect of his superiors, and he still had a few years before he experienced the side effects of the long term use of the shots. Did the vampires even test run these shots before giving them to their experiments and soldiers? Did they know this addiction could happen? Newton sighed and raised his gaze as Reader approached, proceeding to roll his eyes at the mention of the monotonous task at hand.

"Just when I was thinking of heading to bed," Newton said, his tone laced with annoyance and a spark of anger. He wanted to rest. He needed to rest, make the best out of the shot that the nurse had just administered. Over the nine years Newton had been working, he had the time to acknowledge his body's limits and the way it worked; his metabolism, how many pull ups he could do in a minute, push ups, crunches... he hoped that tonight wasn't another one of those crazy nights, but he wasn't pushing his luck. Reluctantly, he slid off the chair, sighing. "Fine. I have my things in my locker..." He wasn't excited, and he sure as hell wasn't going to show it.

[reader]

Reader shook his head slightly and just sighed. Newton has been a techahuman long enough...he should know better. His attitude was too rebellious to be a techahuman. At this rate, this solider wouldn't last long. He had seen this so many times and techahumans like Newton only had three options. One is being killed. Two; killing himself. Or three, he would have to change his attitude...the first two options were more likely than the third.

Reader frowned at Newton's response, "We must do what we are ordered to do. It is our duty as techahumans. Either that, or we get killed off." The techahuman merely shrugged at the last bit. He accepted a long time ago that he could die any day without notice. Techahumans did not have their own lives...their existence is purely based on orders of their vampire superiors. Reader gave Newton a slight nudge as he followed him to his locker.

Reader looked around the locker room and couldn't help but remember when Mathias saved him from the vampire that attempted to kill him. He wondered if Mathias really would turn Reader...and take him out of this life as a techahuman...to not have to receive those horrid injections everyday. Reader waited until Newton gathered his supplies and the two headed out into the streets of New Vegas. Reader looked around as the citizens of the city were out having fun...drinking...dancing...oh how Reader wanted to join them.

The telepath let out a sigh and looked at his co-worker. He didn't want this to be awkward. "So...been hearing about your powers. Seems you are quite powerful."

[amaris]

"No need to lecture me," Newton responded in a somewhat neutral tone. His attitude towards the situation was the kind that one would have expected from a youngster of his caliber and maturity. Yes, there were aspects of it that might alarm the vampires and superiors, but Newton knew better than to lash out and rant in front of any of them. He had no intention or any reason to leave. After all, it was their medication, substance, whatever they injected that kept his heart beating and his lungs functioning the way they were meant to do. Without them and their injections, he would be dead. Without those doses and the encouragement from his early trainers, his ability wouldn't have been developed to the extent it is now. "I've been here long enough to know that, sweetie," Newton told him as he passed right by him. Sweetie. Boy, he called nearly everyone cute names when he was annoyed. Why, he never knew. It just came naturally. Darling. Sweetheart. Babe. Every word of that kind reflected his frustration, and who better to take it out on than a fellow, understanding techahuman?

Newton walked up to his locker and took out a key from his pocket, which he introduced into the lock that kept his belongings safe. He proceeded to take out his bulletproof vest and his Glock handguns from his locker, along with the belts that would keep them close, on his thighs. There was nothing else that Newton felt like he needed, so he closed and pushed the lock closed before he sat down on the bench to check his magazines, taken by surprise by Reader's question. He merely raised a brow and shrugged, looking down at the magazine, counting bullets. "People tend to exaggerate," he replied. Newton knew his powers well and how useful they were when it came to doing his job, whether it be serving as a bodyguard or simply doing rounds. They were fantastic, yes. Incredibly useful, but boasting about it wouldn't make him any better than his lesser counterparts. "Maybe tonight you'll see."

[reader]

"People tend to exaggerate...Maybe tonight you'll see."

Reader nodded and smirked slightly, "Perhaps I will." This was his first assignment with the techahuman and the telepath wondered what he could really do with this powers. Sure, he saw them being used when they were training but not when they were on assignment. A part of Reader wanted the two of them to run into trouble so that the telepath could see his power first hand. Reader was a powerful telepath...no doubt about that but his power was mainly used for interrogation purposes.

Although, Reader could easily cripple his enemies with his mind; sending mental attacks to pierce the minds of those he comes across. It was a useful skill, but doing this took immense amount of energy. Reader only used this skill when he had no other choice. The telepath looked over at Newton and wondered why he couldn't just accept his fate as a techahuman and work to improve himself. Their lives weren't supposed to be free like the other citizens of New Vegas...guess Reader was attempting to make best of the predicament they were in.

Reader looked around the streets of New Vegas and let out a slight groan. He wanted nothing more than to go to bed and rest but of course....they had to do rounds. The telepath yawned slightly and checked his gun, making sure the safety was once so he accidently wouldn't shoot...that would have been bad. Reader let out a slightly yawn but stopped at the sound of growling. The telepath held out his arm, as if to stop Newton. Reader clicked the safety off his gun and looked towards a dark ally.

The telepath released his mental shields and narrowed his eyes as he focused on the ally. He sensed activity...but the sound was rabid...the thoughts were all jumbled...unclear...but the only word the telepath got was blood. Reader gritted his teeth, "Lycan...tainted...fourth one this week..." The telepath aimed his gun at the dark ally and looked over at Newton, "Ready for this?"

[amaris]

Newton pulled the vest over his upper body and pulled at the nylon straps on the sides. After that and after he had made sure that his weapons were loaded, he began to place the holsters on each side of his thighs. His weapons were lifelong friends. Without them, he would have survived some dangerous encounters with other species. When he was to exhausted to tap into his abilities, he simply pulled one of those babies out and aimed with careful precision. A clean shot was never guaranteed, and a shot to the head of his enemies rarely happened, but a bullet or two was enough to take down someone. Legs were easy targets, and once his victim was down, he could get up and crawl up a wall, away from the scene.

Newton was not a coward. He simply knew his limits and how far he was capable of taking his abilities. He hoped that this man, Reader, had something useful and interesting to bring to the table, something that could be combined with his own ability. In the past, he had experimented with a teleporter, allowing him an area in which he could float in whatever point he desired, but that teleporter had sadly gotten himself into the worst of situations, kept captive by monsters like the one in the alley. It was only a matter of time before he died, before the ticking clock inside came to a stop.

The duo walked down the street, over the clean, sandy pavement, only to be stopped by Reader's hand in front of him. Newton had admittedly sensed something as well, but it didn't seem very strong or magical. He raised his gaze, his brows coming together as he looked about, searching for a reason why they should stop, and then he looked at his counterpart, and into the alley. The smell was strong. The smell of dog was disgusting. It was soon clear what they were going to face, and Newton was less than thrilled to deal with it. Newton didn't say anything, merely sighed, and reached for his gun, clicking off the safety as he began to walk into the alley, but instead of going further into the darkness, the walked into a wall.

It only took him a few seconds to shift his point of gravity, and shrugging, he raised a foot and set it against the moist brick wall, gun dangling from his hand, ready to aim at anything that was inside the alley or whatever could pose a threat. He was careful not to step over windows (he had broken some in the past by accident) and stopped to look over his shoulder once he was convinced that he had a pleasant point of view. From the second floor, he could see the scene a little better than he did on solid ground, and he could also see Reader. "Ready," he confirmed with a neutral, unenthusiastic flair.

[reader]

"Ready,"

Reader watched as Newton began scaling the walls with ease and couldn't help but admire his powerful ability. The telepath wished he had a more 'useful' ability but telepathy was something that was used inside the walls of VSF rather than on the field. The techahuman is often in charge of walking through the hallways of the security force building; to read the minds of vampire officers to see if any were planning to rebel against the magistrate's wishes.

The techahuman was proud to say many vampires were put to death because of Reader. He let out a sigh and focused on the task ahead. Tainted lycans were a force to be reckoned with but he was not alone...he had Newton watching his back...well...hopefully. Reader wanted to get this over and done with...he wanted to tell Mathias the success of the mission. Who knows...perhaps the two of them could have a repeat of last night. Reader shook these thoughts from his head and pointed his machine gun towards the ally.

He did not sense other minds within the ally. It was a lycan against two techahumans...the rabid dog had no chance. "Now!" Reader pressed his finger against the trigger; sending an onslaught of bullets to the lycan. Reader did not know exactly where the werewolf was...but it was bound to get filled with lead. Unfortunately, the bullets wouldn't kill the vampire...no silver...but they were to sure hurt like hell. Reader continued to shoot into the dark alleyway, hearing the howls of the rabid wolf. "Die!"

With that, the lycan jumped from the darkness and attacked Reader. The techahuman went wide eyed and fell to the floor as the massive beast tackled him. Its' massive jaws aimed for Reader's head but the techahuman quickly placed his Ak-47 in front of its mouth, blocking the beast from consuming him. Reader's heart beat raced and his muscles tensed from keeping the beast at bay. Reader let out a growl, "Off me you beast!" Reader narrowed his eyes and began mentally attacking the werewolf...sending mental daggers to strike in the mind of the savage beast.

The lycan began to howl and immediately jumped off of Reader. Its' claws began to hold his head as if to stop the attack but to no avail. Reader quickly stood up and squinted his eyes, continuing his mental attack. The techahuman began to sweat, "Newton! Finish it off! I don't know how long I can hold it!"