z: “002. To the laboratory.”
In an instant, the atmosphere at the center froze. "To the laboratory." It was just a laboratory, but it was no different from being told to go to a torture chamber. It was something I endured every day, saw every day, heard every day... but even though I'd become accustomed to it, it was torture I couldn't get used to. There were days when I returned home covered in blood, and days when the trauma left me unable to go outside for a while.
002 was practically dragged to the underground laboratory. The door opened, and the smell of blood assaulted his nostrils. 002 screamed and resisted, but it was no use. The administrators were capable... but the test subjects were not.
Manager: “Stay still. If you move, I’ll shoot you.”
002: “ …Ugh… Please… Don’t do this… Ugh…!”
002 couldn't come to his senses due to the constant electric torture. His entire body ached, and he couldn't move. It was the moment he realized how weak he was before them.
…
When I opened my eyes, 001 was next to 002.
002: “Brother…”
001: “Don’t… say that. Just… don’t do it…”
It was the greatest comfort to 002. His only true family, the one who always protected him, had to be bright. The two swore to protect each other... and thus, they became a true family.
That night, the two of them had a long, long dream. It was just a dream, but... they were happy. Friends and family... things they had to protect...
They were just children... too young and immature to take on such great responsibility... too young to have to protect themselves.
They first met ten years ago. They were both very young, but they had to protect themselves, and they became a family, sworn to protect each other. On rainy days, 002 would cry in 001's arms. 001's embrace was always so reassuring and warm, enough to not need to explain anything.
001 took his seat, holding 002 in his arms.
So, the two of them, reminiscing, fell into a deep, quiet sleep. Cradled in each other's arms, they dreamed a very happy dream.