Freeing Cymbal

Chapter 6

Jolie left her office at six like she had told Cymbal. She left with all the tools in her brief case and Tula was still looking for the files she needed. She got home thankful to find every thing like she left it and Cymbal and Skip on the couch. Skip had his lap top folded out flat on the table. His holo-generator was on the table as well and a huge holographic chess board was floating in mid air. Skip made a move as she walked in.
“Check.” said Skip sitting back with a smug look on his face.
Cymbal made his move, “Check mate.”
Skip sat up quickly and looked at the board, “Aw, damn it! That’s five games in a row!”
He fell back on the arm of the couch and Jolie looked down on him.
“Oh, hey Jolie. How was your day?” he said.
She sighed and put her brief case on the table, “Very eventful. Dygon promoted me to Lieutenant General.” she said.
“No way.” Skip sat up and turned to her.
“Yep, she’s gonna be trying harder to get Cymbal back now, so I figure its time to try and get that collar off.” said Jolie opening her brief case.
“How?” said Cymbal.
“I snuck a few tools out of the lab to try out.” she said taking out the laser gun and the other things she borrowed from Tommy.
Cymbal sat on the ground so Jolie wouldn’t ruin the last piece of furniture she had. She tried the laser gun, nope. She tried the acid, spilt on the floor and burned a hole through her mahogany floors. She tried the wire cutters, almost broke them. She even went down to her lab and got her electric medical saw and it broke her blade. She threw it on the ground in frustration.
“God damn it! What the hell is this thing made out of?!” she shouted.

Then she sighed and said, “Sorry Cymbal. I tried.”
He sighed as well.
Pan rolled into the room.
“Dinner is ready when you are.” she said.
They all went to the bar in the kitchen. Jolie only ate in her dining room when she had more people. Of course she didn’t know she would soon be having dinner guests.
She had just begun eating the stew Pan had made when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” she said getting up.
She went to the door and opened it. Kevin, Tiffany’s son, was at the door one of his arms over a girl his ages shoulder. He was being supported by her while his other hand was curled around his gut.
“Kevin, what are you...” she looked at his other arm and it was covered in blood.
“Bring him here, come on.” she said.
She helped the girl bring him down stairs. Skip and Cymbal followed down far behind and stayed at the door. They helped him onto the metal table.
“Kevin, what happened?” she asked.
The girl spoke, “He was trying to talk to my dad, to straighten things out ya know, but the minute he saw him, he went insane and shot him.”
“Son of bitch.” said Jolie.
She moved Kevin’s arm and more blood came forth from his gut.
“Oh no. Ok uh...”
“It’s Ebony.” she said.
“Ok, Ebony. Hold pressure right there.” she said handing the girl a wad of gauze. She put it on his wound and pressed on it. He screamed in pain and bit his lip. Jolie hurried up and washed her hands putting on a pair of glove and a mask. She handed one to Ebony and took the gauze from her. She pulled a tray towards her and pulled out a pair of scissors. She cut his shirt off of him and grabbed an already filled syringe and injected it into his arm. She grabbed a scalpel and a pair of forceps and started to make an incision from the wound. His pain was starting to go away. Jolie stuck the forceps in his wound and extracted the bullet.
“Skip, go get my cell phone.” she said.

Skip went up stairs to get her phone.
“Why didn’t you bring him to a hospital?” said Jolie.
“Because then we’d have to tell them Ebony’s dad shot me.” he said.
“Yeah, I don’t want my dad to go to jail.” said Ebony.
“You’re lucky I don’t arrest him.” said Jolie.
“Your not gonna call the cops are you?” said Kevin.
“No.” she said as Skip came back with her phone, “Skip put it on speaker and hold number five.” she said.
He did.
“Who are you calling?” asked Kevin anxiously.
“Your mother.” said Jolie.
“Oh no! Don’t call her!!” said Kevin almost hysterically.
The phone rang and then picked up.
“Hello?” said Tiffany on the other line.
“Tiff, its me. Listen you might want to come down here.” said Jolie.
“Why? What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Don’t be rude Kevin. Say hi to your mom.” she said.
Kevin glared at her.
“Hey mom.” he said.
“What did he do?” asked Tiffany.
“He didn’t do any thing. He’s down her on my table. He was shot.” she said.
“Who shot my baby!!?” yelled Tiffany.
“Mom, its not...” started Kevin, but Tiffany intervened.
“I said who!!?” bellowed Tiffany.
“My daddy.” said Ebony.
The phone hung up and the disconnected signal came on.
“He would have been better off with the cops!” said Kevin.
“I know,” replied Jolie. “That’s why I called her. No offense Ebony, but you don’t shoot some one for trying to make peace. That’s just stupid.”
Ebony said, “Tell me about it.”
Jolie looked at Ebony. She seemed like a nice girl. She was tall slender, she had brown sugar skin and hazel eyes. She didn’t have any strange hair do’s like other girls her age, but straight long hair. Though she did wear clothes two sizes to small for her.
“So is he going to be alright?” she asked.

“He hasn’t lost consciousness yet so that’s a good sign. But he busted a main artery and is going to need a transfusion. You have to take him to the hospital.” she replied.
“But...” started Kevin.
“No buts. You don’t have a choice. If you don’t go to the hospital you will die.” she said.
He sighed. His eyes lids were half closed and his hands were shaking a little. Jolie sutured him up and she and Cymbal got him to the car.
“I know Skip, but who’s this guy?” asked Kevin.
Jolie replied, “He a genetically altered human that I busted out of VINA corp.”
Kevin said, “Figures. What’s your name?”
“Cymbal.” replied Cymbal.
“Gotta tight name.” he said. They got him to the car. Cymbal came in the front seat, but Skip stayed behind. Kevin was lying across Ebony’s lap in the back seat. Jolie dialed Tiffany’s cell. It rang about four times until she answered.
Tiffany said kind of winded, “Tiff here, kickin’ some ass.”
“Tiff, its Jolie again. I’m taking him to the hospital. Do I need to come pick you up...and Ebony’s father?” she asked.
“Na. I got my car, I’ll meet you there. And as for her father, its not life threatening. Let me talk to my son.” she said.
Jolie looked in the back seat and Kevin was laying there with his eyes closed.
“Can’t. He lost a lot of blood and I think unconscious.” she said.
Jolie heard a car door slam.
“I’ll be over there as soon as I can. If he wakes up before I see him, tell him I love him and I’ll be right there.” Tiffany said.
“Will do. Bye.” said Jolie and then hung up.
Jolie sped up to the max again. It would take longer than they had to get to the hospital. Cymbal was looking around inside of the car.
“Get ready to see the city at super speed Cymbal.” said Jolie.
They entered the city limits going 145 on the highway. A cop predictably showed up in her rear view.
“Shit.” said Ebony.
“Watch this.” said Jolie.

She took out her military flag from her purse and held it out of the window. She took it back in and stuck her hand out of the window and made a fist with her pinky finger sticking out and then made a peace sign. He drove in front of her and parted traffic.
“How did you do that?” Ebony said.
“Military has the right of way any where, so he’s going to escort us to the hospital.” said Jolie.
“That is so awesome.” said Ebony.
They got at the hospital in record time. Jolie ran inside and brought out wheel chair. They got Kevin in it, he was almost awake as Jolie wheeled him in. Cymbal and Ebony followed. Cymbal was fascinated with every thing and every one around him. So far his whole life had been Jolie’s house and the lab , so it was no wonder that he was so interested in his surroundings.
The emergency room wasn’t that busy, rather uncommon. Two doctors came.
“What happened here?” said one of the doctors.
“Bullet wound to the lower abdomen. I already extracted the bullet and sutured the ruptured artery and stopped the bleeding, but he is in need of a blood transfusion.” said Jolie.
The doctors looked at her.
“Are you a physician?” Asked the male doctor.
Jolie replied, “No, but I was gonna be.”
They brought him to a treatment room and a nurse pulled him behind a curtain. The male doctor went back to Jolie while the female doctor took care of Kevin.
“Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to practice on a person with out a license?” said the doctor.
“I had to. I live over an hour away from here, if I hadn’t done any thing he would have died.” replied Jolie.
He eyed her uniform, “Who exactly are you?” he asked.
“Lieutenant General Jolie Titan.” she replied.
His eyes widened.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize who you were.” he said.

“It’s alright. Some times I intend it to be that way. Just tell me when you move him to his room and tell me which one. His mother will be coming shortly.” she said.
“I will allow you and the mother in, but only family is allowed into the rooms while a patient is in unstable condition.” said the doctor eyeing Cymbal and Ebony.
“Well,” she said putting her arm around Ebony.” Ebony is his fiancé. My friend and I will wait out side the room while they visit.” she said.
The doctor nodded and left.
Ebony said, “Why do they respect you so much?”
Jolie sighed and replied, “I’ll tell you about it later. Kevin’s mom is here.”
Jolie turned around as Tiffany ran through the door of the hospital. She saw Jolie and ran over out of breath.
“Is he alright? Where is he?” she asked.
“Don’t worry he’s gonna be fine. Their giving him a blood transfusion right now and then their gonna move him to a private room.” said Jolie.
Tiffany breathed a sigh of relief. Jolie put her arms around her as Tiffany cried into her shoulder.
“It’s alright. He’s going to be fine, I will personally take care of it.” said Jolie soothingly.
“Thank you so much, Jolie.” said Tiffany.
Tiffany backed away from her looking over her shoulder. Jolie turned and Cymbal was just staring at Tiffany.
“What are you lookin’ at? You ain’t never seen a black woman before?” she said with some attitude.
“No.” he replied.
Tiffany looked at Jolie, “Who is this guy?” she asked.
“He’s the thing I couldn’t tell you about.” replied Jolie. “This is Cymbal. He a genetically engineered human from VINA corp.”
“Figures.” said Tiffany, an exact quote from her son.
The doctor came back.
“He has been treated and is resting in room 147.” said the doctor.
Jolie nodded to the doctor and they all went to the room. Jolie opened the door for Tiffany and Ebony.
“I’m gonna go see Ruben and come back later.” she said.
“Alright. I’ll see you later.” said Tiffany.
Jolie lead Cymbal along the halls.
“Cymbal is very confused. Where is this?” he asked.

“We’re at a hospital. This is where they treat sick and injured people.” she said.
“And who was the large dark woman?” he asked.
“That was my best friend Tiffany.” said Jolie. “She works at VINA corp. as a secretary.”
“And who is Ruben?” he asked finally.
“He’s a chemist for VINA corp. He ended up in the hospital after coming in contact with a horrible chemical.” she said.
They reached his room and Jolie knocked.
“Pisar.” he said.
Jolie and Cymbal went in.
“Hey, Chief.” said Ruben in a raspy voice.
“Hey, Klutz. How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Not too bad, except my throat is killing me...and I can barely talk.” said Ruben.
He looked at Cymbal and his face fell and completely drained of color.
“Mis Dios.” he said. “That’s the experiment from HQ.”
“How do you know about that?” said Jolie.
“It was an accident. I found the room and that guy, was in one of those tanks.” he said.
“This Ones name is Cymbal.” said Cymbal. “Ruben was in Jolie’s wedding picture?”
“Yeah...I was the best man.” said Ruben in awe.
“Listen you can’t tell any one about this. I mean any one.” she said holding up her right hand where every one had written on her glove.
“Lieutenants oath... alright it stays a secret. But how are you gonna keep the General from finding out?” he said.
“First of all, I’m the new Lieutenant General and second of all she, already knows.” Jolie said.
“Oh my...I’m gone two days and this happens.” he said running his fingers through his bristly back hair. It was hanging in his eyes and was in need of a trim. Jolie decided to tell him every thing she told the others and after a nurse came and asked her to leave so he could get some rest.
“Alright. When I go back to work, ask and you shall receive.” he said.

“Thanks, but I have a feeling, you won’t be back at work in time. Later.” she said.
“Adios.” he replied.
Cymbal and Jolie left. It was around eight o’clock now. Tiffany and Ebony were staying at the hospital over night. So Jolie and Cymbal drove to her house to pack her a bag. Tiffany’s house was a one story, but it was very nice. It was red brick and had a beautiful garden in the front. Jolie and Cymbal stepped on the porch and Jolie knocked on the door. It was answered by a fifteen year old girl, with great curves and long hair with maroon streaks.
“Sup, Jolie. How’s my bro doin’?” asked Briannie.
“He’s gonna be fine. Your momma’s staying there tonight so I came here to check on you and get her a change of clothes.” said Jolie.
“Well, I’m fine. I’ll just go ahead and pack her clothes. Come on in.” she said.
Jolie and Cymbal went inside while Briannie went to her mother’s bed room. When she came back with the bag she said.
“Whose this? You finally got a new boy friend?”
“No, he’s not my boy friend.” said Jolie.
“Hmm.” said Briannie looking him up and down.
Then she said, “He’s a meta-human, made up of human parts infused with animal DNA.”
Cymbal looked at her amazed, “How did Briannie know that?”
“How did you know my name?” she said.
“Jolie told me.” he said.
“Well I just observed you. Your eyes tell me that you were chemically and genetically unbalanced, while your claws, fangs and the texture of your hair told me animal DNA was involved.” she said.
“Briannie is very observant.” said Cymbal.
“Thanks, why do you talk like that?” she asked.
“Why does Briannie talk like that?” he answered back.
“Learned it off the street.” she said.
“Programmed into this Ones speech.” he said.
“I can see you two are getting along well.” said Jolie. “But we gotta go. I’ll see ya later Briannie.”
“Lata, Jolie...Cymbal.” said Briannie and they left with the bag.

After dropping it off at the hospital Jolie and Cymbal stepped out side waiting to cross the street through the busy traffic.
“So what do you think about the city Cymbal?” asked Jolie.
“The city is a very noisy and violent place Jolie.” he said.
“That, there is no denying. But there are better things about the city, for instance the food. Speaking of which I’m starving. Lets go to a restaurant.” she said.
She took Cymbal’s hand and lead him through the buildings and people until they stopped at a place called Bien Mange. Cymbal looked at the sign.
“Good eating?” he said.
“Yep, its supposed to look like a French place from the outside, but its actually a multi cultural place. Come on.” she went inside and he followed her in. It was amazing what her uniform could do in a good restaurant. The host said, “Table for two Lieutenant General?”
“Yes, sir.” said Jolie.
A waiter came and she heard the host say.
“Show them to our finest table.”
He showed them to a table with a perfect amount of light and a window facing the only park in the city. He handed them both menus and then left while they decided. Cymbal looked around.
“This place is very nice. Is it expensive?” he asked.
“Not at all. It’s all made to look like a very ritzy place. They serve good food, but at lower prices.” said Jolie opening her menu.
Cymbal opened his, but he had no idea what to order.
“Having trouble deciding?” she asked.
He nodded and she suggested, “Why don’t you try the Festival International. Its like a little bit of every thing so that you can try it first.”
The waiter came back.
“What can I get for you sir and Madame?” he asked.
“One Festival International and sirloin medium rare.” said Jolie.
“Oui, and to drink?” he asked.
“Two Chateau’s and spring water.” she said.
He took their orders and their menus and then left.

He came back about ten minutes later and put their plates and glasses on the table. Jolie picked up her knife and fork, but Cymbal was observing his food. They gave him a mix of different foods from many different cultures. After dinner they went back out side with to-go plates in a bag. Suddenly some thing grabbed Jolie’s bags and purse.
“Hey!” she yelled at who ever it was as they ran.
She took off after him and Cymbal was right behind. The person was shrouded in a cloak and they turned a sharp corner and they still pursued him. He ran into the abandoned park. Tired of the chase Cymbal leapt up high and landed in front of who ever it was and knocked him down.
“Awe come on! Look!” it sounded like a girl and she threw Jolie her purse back.
“Let this One have the food please! Bobby is starving.” Jolie stood next to Cymbal and the person named Bobby looked up at them. They were just visible in the lamp light.
“Oh my, Bobby never thought she would see another one. But she did sense him.” she said.
“Another what?” asked Jolie.
“Bobby, will not tell the VINA lap dog!” she replied scathingly.
“Jolie isn’t a dog!” Cymbal told the child.
“Hmm...Jolie must be different to have gained the trust of another VINA corp. project.” said Bobby.
“What do you know about the VINA corp. project?” said Jolie.
“Do you want to find out what I know or do you really not know?” asked the girl.
“I really don’t know. I need an answer, I’m trying to set Cymbal free.” said Jolie.
“Bobby knows almost every thing about projects 2511920 and 4522912. Why they were made, how they are going to be used and every thing about their powers.” she said.
“There is another project?” said Cymbal.
“Sort of. The first one was a prototype. It was activated about six years ago. But Bobby won’t tell you any more unless you do her a favor.” she said.
“What?” asked Jolie suspiciously.
“I have been living on the streets since I was a small child. I need a place to stay for once.” she said.
“I don’t even know who you are, why should I let you stay in my house?” asked Jolie.

“My name is Bobby Josephine Edward De Pedro Constantine the 2nd. I am biologically eleven and I have answers to your questions.” she said.
Jolie turned to Cymbal and they spoke amongst them selves.
“What do you think?” she asked Cymbal.
“This One thinks she can be trusted.” he said.
“Hmm. Alright. I’ll let you stay in one of my spare rooms.” said Jolie.
“Yay!!” said Bobby now showing her true colors. She did a half a cart wheel in the grass and stayed on her hands and rolled over on the ground back to her feet.
“Uh huh, come on, lets go.” said Jolie.
They walked back to the car with the strange girl in their wake. When they got to the car Bobby got in the back and buckled up.
“You know, Bobby has been looking for Cymbal ever since he was released. I could sense him in the city at first, but then his presence was lost.” she said.
“That’s because I took him home.” said Jolie.
“And Cymbal wasn’t released. Jolie helped Cymbal escape.” he said.
“Really? Bobby wouldn’t have expected that from the VINA Lieutenant General. You must have taken Dygon’s place recently.” said Bobby.
Cymbal always flinched involuntarily when he heard her name.
“How far do you live out side the city?” said Bobby.
“Pretty far, about half an hour away from the city going the speed limit.” she replied.
“Good. Jolie’s house is secluded.” she said.
Jolie was a little weary about this girl. Even if she was just a small child she had a strange feeling about her. She had the feeling that she could be trusted, but there was some thing just not right about her. It took a while, but they finally reached her house. When they go there Bobby had already eaten every thing in the to-go plates. She put the empty plates and bags in the trash can at her curb and then looked at her house.
“Nice house...it goes under ground?” she said.
“Yep. Two stories under ground.” said Jolie.
She followed them inside. Skip was on the couch typing with one hand on his lap top.
“So how’d it...oh.” he said, “You brought another one home. You have a habit for picking up people off the street you know?”

“Look whose talking, freeloader. You’re lucky I don’t charge you rent.” she said.
“And kind, you know you are so kind for helping people out.” he said kissing up.
“You have a nice house, but it looks like you didn’t have enough money to furnish it.” said Bobby, but then she saw the patio door and went over to them. She saw the small shards of broken glass still in the window frame.
“My mistake. It was all destroyed. That would explain the coffee table.” she said.
Thunder rolled in the sky. She stuck her head out side the door and looked up, lightening struck as well.
Bobby giggled in delight.
“Why are you so excited? It’s gonna rain.” said Skip.
“God is acknowledging our presence with music and fire works. Soon He will turn off the lights so we can see it better.” she said.
And so the power went out.
“Damn it!” said Skip slamming his computer closed. “Note to self, always put in back up battery.”
Bobby stayed at the door as it started raining. Lightening struck again and illuminated her outline.
“So are you going to tell us, what you know?” said Jolie.
“Yes.” said Bobby.
She turned around.
“Cymbal was the second experiment to be made. The first one was a prototype. But it still lives with in the city.” she said.
“Who?” asked Jolie.
“This One is the prototype.” said Bobby.” I was created seven years ago in the VINA corp. lab. This was before they had your plans for the chimera. That’s why I came out so wrong. Bobby was biologically four when she was born. When she woke, she was tested in the lab extensively. For her powers, but she never showed the kind of powers they were looking for. I didn’t have the speed, the strength, the senses or the animalistic instincts they had tried to build into me. They continued to test me for a year. Physical tests all the way to trying to force the power out of me.

“Bobby lived with pain the first year of her life. By the time Bobby was about five she was put in a holding cell almost all of the time. At the same time every day a woman would come in and bring Bobby food. Some times she would stay and talk with Bobby. We became very attached. She told me she was the one who created me, though she didn’t know what she had gotten me into when she did. So she was Bobby’s mother.
“After another day of very hard testing Bobby was put back in her cell. She was in so much pain, when her mother came in, she couldn’t take it. She took Bobby and she ran. We hid out for days and I was becoming very fond of life with my mother. She always took care of me.
“Cymbal was very lucky to be created second.” she said turning away from them. Thunder rolled in the sky again.
“You see Cymbal is the most perfect creature VINA corp. has created. Cymbal may be different, from other humans, but Bobby is a freak. Because they didn’t have the chimera plans they didn’t know how to put Bobby together with out flaws.” she said.
“What do you mean with out flaws?” asked Jolie.
Bobby turned back around and she lowered her hood. Lightening flashed across the sky lighting up her features.
Bobby was long and lanky, she had short flay-away black hair and eyes like Cymbal, expect they had green instead of turquoise. But what made it scary was her scars. She had a long scar going from her scalp all the way down her face winding around her nose and mouth down to her neck. Where it was intersected with another one going all the way around her neck. Every few centimeter of this scar there were stitches. It was as if she was sewn together.
“Bobby was put together like a rag doll. They made her ugly with all the scars they put on her body.” she said and then turned back to the door.
“When Bobby thought she was ugly, my mother always told me. There’s a beauty that’s with in us, that a mother knows. Its just like a flower, we just have to let it bloom. But, that was the last thing she told Bobby. Because then two dozen VINA dogs busted into her house and killed her!” said Bobby her voice growing malicious again.

“They took Bobby back to the God damned lab and they punished her so badly she hardly had enough energy to breath! But later when Bobby still showed no sign of powers, she was ejected from VINA corp. as a failed experiment. I spent the next six years on the streets by my self. However when I turned seven, I began to show powers. They some how figured that out and also figured out it was my age that kept me from showing powers before. That’s why when they made Cymbal they made a man.
“But then they also had Jolie’s plans to make him whole and almost normal looking. When Bobby figured out they were making Cymbal she had to know why they were making us. Bobby snuck back into VINA corp. as dangerous as it was and she hacked into the computer system. That’s when Bobby came across our designs and how we were created in the greatest of sin.
“Made only to kill and made from the killed.” she said.
“From the killed?” asked Cymbal.
“Yes, the cadavers we were created from didn’t die by accidents or from normal causes. They were all killed intentionally. I am made from five little girls and you are made from seven grown men. Six John Doe’s and one that I can identify.” she said turning back around.
“You have been sharing memories with another person haven’t you? Remembering things you’ve never seen or places you’ve never been.” she said approaching Cymbal who nodded. She stood in front of him and pointed at his chest.
“You received a heart from one Michael Titan.” she said.
Jolie’s body completely immobilized.
“M...my husband’s heart...is in Cymbal?” she asked.
“Yes. I my self received a heart from a little girl named Bobby Joe. I can remember her entire life as if I lived it my self.” she said. ”And for some reason I keep doing things she used to do.”
“This is way too ironic.” said Jolie.” Did you find out why they built you?”
“I found the file, but they sounded the alert as I was about to open it. It’s a file in the restricted area of the VINA corp. main frame. It can only be accessed by a VINA corp. computer, under the file name Arma-lypse. There main idea was that they would be able to control us with a special chip they placed in our brains. Able to activate a primal state at any time, give us orders and we would obey with out another thought, and able to control actions right down to when we breathe. However they killed the creator when they killed my mom and have not been able to activated them as of yet. That is of course when they had you create the collar to control Cymbal.” she said.
“If She can find a way to activate the chips...” said Cymbal.
“Then She will have all control over us.” said Bobby.

Thunder and lightening made them selves known one again and the lights came back on. Bobby put her hood back up.
“Cymbal is much better made than I in more than one way. My DNA is much more unstable and my primal state is triggered very often. I have all the same powers but because of my size I am easier to control. Plus my speech program malfunctions all the time so I either talk about my self in the first person or the third person. That is why they didn’t bother in recapturing This One, because she is so flawed.” she said. ”They called this One so imperfect they named my project Little Devil. Jolie, tell this One Jolie, wanted to know this because Jolie wanted to help.”
“That’s exactly why I wanted to know. If I can get that file, then I can figure out what exactly they are doing and formulate a plan.” she said. “Come on, I’ll show you your room.”
Bobby followed Jolie into a room, but it wasn’t a bed room it was a bath room.
“Oh no!” said Bobby and went for the door. Jolie however grabbed her and closed the door and locked it.
“Ah! Stop it, you’re gonna live here your gonna bathe.” said Jolie.
“Aw! Adults.” she said.
“Kids.” sighed Jolie.
Jolie let go of her and Bobby looked at Jolie and then turned away and took off her cloak. Her arms and legs had all the same scars like her face and neck. She was in a tattered tee-shirt that was way too small for her and pair of shorts that were the same.
“Hmm. Maybe I can find some clothes that will fit you.” said Jolie. ”Go on and get in the tub, I’ll find you some thing else to wear.”
Bobby looked at her in awe as she left. Jolie went to her room and dug in the back of her drawers. She found an old tank top and a tight pair of Bermuda shorts. Bobby was unusually tall for her age, so Jolie was sure these would fit her. She went back to the bathroom; Bobby was already lying back in the tub.
“You know the last time I took a bath I hated it.” said Bobby, but she had a smile on her face. Jolie put the cloths on the counter and then left again.

Bobby came out later clean and dressed. Jolie’s clothes fit her well. Her short hair was towel dried and stuck up all over the place, and looked surprisingly good that way. Jolie showed her to her room and the moment Bobby saw the bed she ran for it and leapt on it burying her face in the pillows.
“A bed, oh my...I have never slept in a bed.” said Bobby.
“Never slept in a bed?” said Jolie. “How did you live on the streets?”
“Bobby was a pick pocket and stole to eat. When it was warm out side Bobby would sleep in the park, but when it was cold Bobby would sleep in the stair well of an apartment building.” she replied. She rolled over and sighed.
“Bobby is sorry for her rudeness before. Jolie can understand why she would be hostile towards a VINA corp. Lieutenant General.” said Bobby.
“Yeah, its ok.” she said as Bobby started to bounce on the bed. ”Hey Bobby, how come you didn’t go to an orphanage or some thing instead of living on the streets?” she asked.
Bobby continued to bounce, “I did. The lady who owns the orphanage took one look at me and said no one would buy such an ugly kid from her. That I would only be costing her money to feed me. I wasn’t old enough to go to a shelter, they just told me to go to an orphanage and I’m too young to get a job because of child labor laws.” she said without a single change of her joyous tone of voice.
Jolie was in wonder at this kid. She had been turned down from even homeless shelters all because of the way she looked. Jolie thought she was a beautiful little girl, she just had some scars from her past.
“I’m actually surprised you didn’t turn me away too. That’s probably because you needed the info, though.” she said.
“That’s not even true.” said Jolie and Bobby stopped bouncing.
Bobby giggled, “Yeah right. Why would you let some ugly weird kid into your house?”
“Well you maybe weird, but you’re not ugly. You have scars, so do I. It’s really not that bad.” said Jolie.
Bobby giggled again, “How can you possibly compare your self to me? You’re so beautiful and I’m...”
“Bobby.” Jolie sat on her bed, “You are not ugly. You’re just different. I see your face and you are a very beautiful girl. All you have are scars. Do you really believe your ugly, or do you just say that, because that’s what other people have told you?”
“I guess I just got used to it.” said Bobby.

“In order to see what you want you have to look beyond what you see.” said Jolie turning to Bobby, “Other people don’t know that. All that matters is that you can see that. “No one can make you feel bad with out your permission.” said Jolie.
“Eleanor Roosevelt said that. But beyond what I see...” she said a little confused.
“I think you should meet Phelix.” said Jolie. She put her fingers to her lips and whistled. Phelix came into the room and jumped on the bed making it sink. Bobby beheld him and his strange appearance.
“Whoa, it’s a chimera.” said Bobby in awe.
“Yep, this is my baby.” said Jolie hugging him around the neck. Phelix licked her cheek. ”I made Phelix after they demoted me and took my plans so that I could prove them wrong. But I loved him so much I didn’t want to give him over, so he became a secret. But I today I had a revelation. I had been hiding all my life because I was different and people hated me for it. Until I met quite a weird bunch. Then I had friends. That’s when I realized I didn’t need to hide any more. And neither should you. Cuz it doesn’t matter what other people think. As long as you have friends who love you despite your flaws. Isn’t that right Phelix?” said Jolie.
Phelix gave a low roar in approval.
“But I don’t have any friends.” said Bobby.
“I don’t think you realize what you got your self into when you came into my house. You’re stuck with us for life kid.” she said and then rubbed the top of her head messing up her hair even further. Bobby giggle.
“So Bobby has friends? Bobby has friends! Woo hoo!” she started to bounce on the bed again. She jumped to her feet and started jumping.
“No jumping on the bed.” said Jolie laughing slightly.
Bobby jumped off the bed and did a flip in the air before she landed on the ground.
“So Skip and Cymbal are both staying here too?” asked Bobby.
“Yep...How did you know that was Skip?” asked Jolie.
“Because he is supposed to be the greatest hacker. CDSkip is the master of web disaster, but he has never met MLD.” she said.
“Who is MLD?” asked Jolie.

“MLD is the greatest hacker of all the planets. MLD can hack into any unit or main frame with the greatest of ease and never has MLD gotten caught. You ask Skip and I guarantee you he’ll have a fit that you didn’t know who he was.” said Bobby.
“Oh really...come on.” said Jolie.
She and Bobby went back to the living room, Skip and Cymbal were sitting on the couch.
“Hey Skip, whose MLD?” she asked.
Skip’s jaw dropped, “Are you serious? Who is MLD!? Only the greatest hacker in the galaxy! MLD hacked into an FBI file that led to settlement between North and South America!” he said having that fit Bobby talked about.
“Well, Bobby knows him.” said Jolie.
“No way. No one knows MLD, I heard he lives on a remote island on Mars all by him self.” he said.
“Please. MLD lives right here in this city.” she said.
“You’re so full of it.” he said.
“Really, Melvin Skip Borland.” she said.
Jolie snorted and then started laughing.
“Your first name is Melvin... Pffft...ha, ha, ha, ah!” laughed Jolie.
“Shut up! It’s not funny...that was my grandfathers name.” he said in a dignified tone.
“Skip your grandfather was a door to door sales man.” Bobby said.
“Yeah, well he was a good one! And how do you know any way? I changed my name four years ago.” he said.
“MLD has your file. He’s been thinking of challenging CDSkip to a hacking contests.” she said.
“No way...” he said in a far out voice, “He really wants to challenge me?”
“Yes, MLD wants to make it know that MLD is the greatest hacker there is.” she said.
“Tell him to bring it on. Any time and site.” he said.
“What about now and the US confidential files?” said Bobby.
“How are you gonna let him know?” he asked.
“She already knows. Do you know what MLD stands for?” She asked.
“No.” he said.
“It stands for Mad Little Devil.” said Bobby. Then she took a small black disk from her pocket. She put her thumb in the middle and it suddenly expanded into a lap top with MLD in green letters printed on the surface.

Jolie was very surprised. She thought she was the first one to learn how to rearrange matter for convenient size with her metal briefcase. But she was ever more surprised with what she thought.
“You’re MLD? There’s no way!” yelled Skip.
“Lets put it to a test, let see if you beat MadLD. I am so skilled I could bring up a file in less than two seconds about every thing from your birth to your dental records.” she said putting her lap top on the table. She opened it up and pressed and typed at an incredible speed for two seconds.
“Bingo.” she said and her computer beeped. ”Melvin Skip Borland the third. Born in New York, New York on the floor of a ladies restroom in the Hilton. Blue eyes, blond hair, weight 142, height 6'1", Race Caucasian, Age 19, gender male. Horse shaped birthmark on his right shoulder blade. Grew up Queens, father never found, mother died in May. No siblings, involved in the mob. Arrested five times. Incarcerated once for hacking charges. ...Won’t read that part...had corrective laser surgery at age fifteen. Got braces in the sixth grade. Graduated from ...wow Stanford and....”
“That’s enough!!! How the hell did you get a file on my entire life?!” he shouted a little peeved.
“Like this One said. This One could find your file in less than two seconds. This One wasn’t kidding. But what’s this last part...Tattoo of a...” Skip closed her lap top and turned it off. His face was very red and he sat back while Bobby giggled.
“You have a tattoo? Of what? Where?” said Jolie. ”Let me see.”
“No!” he said firmly. ”That isn’t your business nor is my life thank you very much.”
“Besides, his tattoo is in a place he wouldn’t normally display to the general public.” said Bobby.
“Oh my god! Skip!” said Jolie.
“Oh don’t even talk Jolie, you have a tattoo of the sun right on your ass!” said Skip.
Jolie’s jaw fell and Bobby busted out laughing, even Cymbal was snickering.
“You little...Hey! I never told any one that how did you know!?” she yelled.
“Oh my goodness.” said Bobby rolling around on the floor.
“You little pervert! I’m gonna mutilate you!” she hollered.

Skip got up and proceeded to run and Jolie chased him. After Cymbal had a good laugh as well he got up and grabbed Jolie around the middle and hoisted her off the ground.
“That’s enough.” he said.
She was still fighting him to try and get to Skip until she realized she was off the ground. She stopped fighting and crossed her arms. Cymbal put her down. Skip sat back down and Jolie walked around the other side of the couch and smacked him on the head as she went. She leaned against the mantle with her arms still crossed.
“Alright MLD, I’m gonna make you pay for that. Let’s see who can hack into the US confidential files the quickest.” Skip said rubbing his head. Then he unstrapped his other arm from his side.
“No Skip, you’re gonna hurt your self.” said Jolie.
“All I’m doing is typing, like its really going to do any thing.” he said.
“Have it your way.” she said.
“Alright. Jolie time us.” said Bobby.
Jolie picked up her left arm and pulled back her sleeve.
“Ready?” asked Jolie.
They both replied, “Ready.” and put their goggles on.
“Go.” she said.
She started timing and they started typing. Bobby’s hands were moving insanely fast across her key board Jolie didn’t know that the human body could respond that fast to a brains command. Skip’s face was becoming screwed up and he was starting to sweat. Jolie could tell he was in pain. The tension was building up after five minuets passed. Bobby had already gone through hundreds of windows as did Skip. Bobby’s mouth was curling into a grin. She hit a few last keys and her computer chime.
“I am there!” she said pulling her goggles on her head.
Skip swore and cut off his computer before he got caught. He ripped off his goggles and slammed his fist on the table.
“I was so close!” he said through gritted teeth.
He put his heads on the edge of the table his fist still on the table clenched and shaking.
“Are you alright?” asked Jolie.
“I’m fine.” he said he sounded a little angry. He got up and went to his room.

“Is he mad at me?” asked Bobby.
“No, he’s just gone and hurt him self again. Don’t worry about him, I’ll fix him up good.” she said. She grabbed the brace he took off and went to his room. He was sitting on his bed hugging his left arm to his side with tears streaming down his face.
“I told you, you were going to hurt your self.” she said.
“Yes, you’ve made your point, just please make it stop!” he said almost sobbing.
She was kind of concerned now, he shouldn’t be hurting that bad.
“Come down to the lab I need to check some thing.” she said.
She helped him up and they went down to the lab.
“It shouldn’t be hurting this much, I don’t under stand.” she said as they went down. She got him on the table and immediately gave him a shot in his arm. She took the sling off his arm and unwrapped his splint, he was positively crying. She gasped. His shoulder had swollen to twice its normal size, and then she looked at him. The medicine was starting to take effect.
“Have you been taking the pills I put on your table?” she asked.
“I took ‘em the first day, but it wasn’t hurting as much before.” he said.
“I gave those to you for pain yes, but also to prevent an abscess in your shoulder.” she said donning a pair of gloves.
“What’s an abscess?” he asked.
“It’s a pocket of fluid under the incisions I made.” she said and she pulled his shirt off of him gently.
“What do you have to do?” he asked.
“I have to remove the stitches, let it drain and then sew you back up.” she said.
She swabbed his old area with some alcohol and picked up a wad of gauze and started to cut his stitches and pull the out. Once she was done, the yellowish liquid in his arm began to ooze out of the incision.
“Eww! That is so gross.” he said as he looked on it.
“It’s about to hurt, hold on.” she said and squeezed the side of the cut. He covered his mouth with his other hand and kicked the table with his right heel. Soon blood came from the wound and she wiped it clean. She grabbed a large syringe filled with saline and flushed it out. She then re-stitched it and started to wrap his splint again.
“What have we learned?” she asked.

“Always, follow the doctors orders?” he said and she nodded.
After she wrapped his splint and put his sling and brace back on she had to carry him back to his room again, because his body went numb from the medicine. She told him to take his pills and then went back up stairs. Cymbal was playing Bobby as cyber-chess and he was still kicking butt.
“Check mate.” said Cymbal.
“Damn it. Why couldn’t I be built with a higher learning capacity?” said Bobby.
Cymbal shrugged. Jolie looked at her watch, it was ten o’clock.
“What time do you normally go to bed?” said Jolie to Bobby.
“When ever I can fall asleep. I am an insomniac.” she replied.
“Yeah, but you’ve never slept in a bed, it might work.” said Jolie.
“That would be nice.” said Bobby. ”On that note, good night.”
She got up and went to her bed room. Jolie went back to her room and got into a spaghetti strap shirt and a pair of pajama pants. She took down her hair and took off her make up and went back to the living room. Cymbal had taking his hair out of the braid again and was looking more like he did before. Rain was pelting the roof of the house and the thunder was letting out one roar after another. Lightening struck once again and the lights went out again.
She sighed and sat on the couch next to him. The holographic chess board was the only thing lighting the room.
“Cymbal is very over whelmed by every thing.” said Cymbal.
“I know me too. I’m gonna take a dive and get those files one way or another and once I do, there’s no turning back. I’m probably going to be arrested, but I’ll find a way out. I just have to make a full plan. The first thing will be getting that collar off of you.” she said.
“This One is very grateful to you Jolie.” he said.
“Thank you. It’s a labor of love I guess you could say. You’ve only been awake four days and you’ve gone from so naive to this. This is going to sound weird, but it’s like your just becoming a man.” she said.
“This One knows what Jolie means. Now he only wishes he would stop speaking like an alien.” he said smiling a little.
She smiled and shook her head.
“Why can’t you just say I? Its so simple come on. Say I am Cymbal.” she said turning towards him.

He chuckled and shook his head. He opened his mouth trying to make the word, but his brain wouldn’t send the signal.
“Come on I, trick your brain say Eye as in look into my eyes.”
“Eye.” he said.
“Now say eye am.” she said.
“Eye a......” he couldn’t say it. He laughed and shook his head.
“This One just can’t say it.” he said.
“I’ve heard you say it before.” she said sitting a little closer. ”You said it down in the basement when I was holding onto you. You said, I am a beast.” do you remember.” she said.
He nodded.
“Do you remember what I told you?” she asked.
He looked at her and smiled, “Yeah, this One does.” he said.
“Good,” she said, “Because you really aren’t a beast Cymbal, you’re a man. You may not be human, but you are a man.”
“This One is grateful for that as well. Jolie made Cymbal a man.” he said.
She was leaning into him now, and they were very close.
“You are a man, but I haven’t made you one. Not yet.” she said.
Her husband’s heart beat strongly inside Cymbal. They almost shared a soul, would this mean Cymbal would love her as he did? She had to find out she had to or she’d go insane. She leaned in closer and so did he. She put her hands lightly on his chest. She moved in and their lips met. She didn’t know how Cymbal learned how to do this right, but it was him. She didn’t feel her husband like she thought she would. And even though she didn’t, she did feel some thing she once shared with him. A fire that had gone out after his death now built up from the embers in the arms of another man.
They parted and Jolie almost expected to see her husband staring back at her, but it wasn’t him. It was Cymbal. She had only known Cymbal four days. Could...no. She sat back. Cymbal was kind of wide eyed and he had a strange look on his face. Then he smiled softly at her.
“This One is going to bed.” he said.
“Good night.” replied Jolie.
Cymbal got up and went to the hall.
“Good night.” he said and left for his room.

To be continued...

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RosettaMoon: Aw how sweet...see even this bitch has a romantic side. So...pwease!!! review. ^-^