Phoenix

[Niro]

Dull colors hazed in and out of the mans field of perception, weak and shallow breathes the only sounds playing in his head. He lifted a finger reflexively, trying to pull himself to together, an odd flicker flashing against his half closed eyelids a moment later and bringing a rush of clarity to his mind. He reared up from on his back, pulling violently against what where quickly realized to be cold, metal restraints against his wrists. A fierce pain instantaneously shot through his limbs as the lashings hummed devilishly and sent a debilitating shock through his body. He dropped down to his back instinctively, his eyes rolling back in his head in surprise and pain.

Please, please! A voice cut through the confusion. Stop that!

The flow of electricity shuddered to halt, leaving the man panting and befuddled on the table. His eyes shot to his right, looking the one speaking up and down. He appeared to be in his twenties or thirties, with wavy black hair falling just above his moderately built shoulders. His face was defined and strong, powerful blue eyes at either side of his sharp nose. The unknown detainee ran through his immediate memory, recognizing the stranger as of Hispanic descent. His vision flashed across the other people in the room, noticing easily that they all looked to be of the same nationality. He tore through his mind, digging through the irrelevant information and bits impossible to discern. He was a prisoner of either the Outcasts, or the Corsairs. While he could get a grip on very little, one thing sang clearly.

He had to get out.

The first one stood at his side with a strangely curious look across his face. Are you okay? Can you hear me?

The prisoner replied with a vicious jerk at his right arms restraint, an ear piercing snap of metal fiber shooting through the room as his hand found itself instantly around the Hispanics throat. The captives eyes burned through the mans head, furious and confused. Another crippling jolt of electricity shot through his body, his hand losing grip and his body falling back to the table. The Hispanic hopped backwards, rubbing his neck and shaking his head to shrug off the buzz of voltage shooting through his body as well.

Nn, who the bloody hell are you? He demanded as the remaining restraint gave up its current. Where am I, dammit!

An aide rushed over to his side, jabbing a thick needle in his neck and scurrying off before he could react.

Remarkable The Hispanic mused aloud. Im sorry, please dont fight us. We mean you no harm.

His energy level faded slightly, clearly an effect of the substance shot into his neck. He readied himself to break the other restraint, but abandoned the idea after realizing that he could barely lift his head.

No harm, aye? Give me one good reason I should believe that. He bit back, his eyes scanning his surroundings.

The room was large, incredibly so, he noticed. The ceiling rose for what looked to be thirty feet or so, multiple levels of footing visible from his position. His peripherals were mostly unseen, due to what looked like hospital curtains around the area he was in. Wherever he was, it looked to be set up for a massive undertaking. It only confused him even more.

Hm, yes, I can see how it might look. The man sighed, rubbing a light five o clock shadow across his chin with a sudden look of intrigue. I am sorry for this, really. We simply couldnt be sure of your reaction. He chuckled gravely, looking into the captives eyes. You cant blame us after that, really.

He returned the mans gaze with an intense stare, his mind poring over everything that was being thrown at it, easing his gaze after a moment. Fine, Ill give you that much, but what do you want with me? Why am I here in the first place?

Ill answer anything and everything you want to know, but I cant right now. Im sorry.

He shot the Hispanic and incredulous look. Not now? The hell is that supposed to mean?

Im sorry, but we fear damaging your mind and health by throwing this much new information at you so quickly. Youll need to sleep now. He explained, his lip twisting fractionally in helplessness.

Like hell Im going to As the words left his mouth a veil of black fell over his vision. How in the?

Sorry, that injection should have put you down instantly. Incredible, that reaction He chuckled tiredly, turning around and plucking a chart off of a table nearby. I promise well talk later. Ill tell you anything you want to know.

The detainee opened his mouth to reply, but he was already too far gone. His head rolled to the side as slumber overtook him.

Let me know the moment he wakes up. The Hispanic nudged a woman on the shoulder, receiving a nod in turn. Nine is the magic number, it seems

---