Chapter Text
Ryo stared at the beaming light infront of him. The light was shapeless. He couldnt make it out, but he felt the guards behind him push him forwards towards it. He reached out to touch it, then hesitated. The asylum never gave him anyting good without a catch, so why was everyone lookin at him like that in that expectant way, as if this was a reward. As if he should be grateful. The sight of the light filled him with slight dread. He didnt take a step forwads so they forced him closer. Till it was almost blinding him
"Expiriment 037. You have the choice to regain your memories" the robotic monotonous voice on the intercom said.
Ryo froze in shock.
"Yes, you are being offered your memories. If you choose to take this offer-all you have to do is vacuum them out of the lantern. Take your pick." The recording ended with a click.
He reached out the let his hand hover over the light (lantern). He could take all his memories, but what if it was worse than the facility? What if they were fake? What if-
His mind made the decision for him. he felt a searing pain in his head as countless cut off parts of his memories flashed in his minds eye. He knew he could absorb others memories but this wasnt the same. It never hurt this much. He saw a light amber sunrise from the landscape of a park. The white swingsets empty. He saw himself-presumably 8-9 running through the forest-another memory: a mans voice soothing him as he cried
"youll be okay ryo..i promise." The voice made his heart ache in a way he didnt think was possible-he had no idea why though. He tried to focus on that memory..ryo..ryo..RYO! That was his name. Not "037" his name was ryo. He knew that but still..who was that man-he felt the memories slipping away as he was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea and he felt his words spinning..then he was falling.
The world went grey.
When ryo Woke up in his cell, absolutely exhausted, he didnt bother trying to think of what happened-then he felt pain as if he had been hit directly on his skull. Those memories from before flashed again. Blinding him..then they went away. all he could hear was that damned voice "its not your fault ryo." another memory of someone close who he couldnt remember, he hated this. He felt his vision clear as the head pain faded
Ryo closed his eyes again-longing to remind himself of that calm comforting voice. It made him feel safe in a way. Like nothing could hurt him. It felt ridiculous, he was trying to tell himself everything would be okay-because of the voice of some random man who he couldnt even remember clearly.
He noticed his fork melting infront of his eyes, reverting back to its liquid metal state.
He needed some fresh air.
Immediately.