《Corrosion》


 chp 1

    Sunlight filters through the blinds into my room. Moving a pillow next to me, I cover my face. Groaning inwardly to myself, I sluggishly move to the closet.


    Looking at the mess that lies at my feet, I pick up a somewhat clean looking shirt and smell it.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t smell that bad, a little bit of deodorant would mask anything that lingers.¡±


    Picking out a black shirt and cargo shorts, I start my day.


    Moving out of my room and down the hall way, I switch the T.V. on as I prepare breakfast.


    [Their has been recent breakthrough in gene modification. Our guest host, Dr. Fitzhugh, is one of the leading researchers regarding this area. Dr. Fitzhugh, please elaborate on the article you submitted called, ¡°Single Most Important Breakthrough in the 22<sup>nd</sup> Century.¡±]


    [Thank you. As many of you guy¡¯s recall, the void that separates district 7 from district 9, is filled with many unknown creatures. Our research institute, Scientology of Eugenics, has been working closely with the military to develop a way for humans to be better equipped to survive in this place. My group of researchers and I believe we found a way to transverse this wilderness without any protective equipment.]


    [So in other words, you found out how to cope with the unknown energy in this space?]


    [Yes. Not only that, we even discovered how to use this energy to perform some of the unexplainable phenomenon we have found. However, the procedure to utilize this energy is extremely dangerous. Around 70% of our test subjects die during their adaptation process. But, I believe, along with our institute, that we can start human trials here soon. At least within the next year.]


    [Interesting. I would like to know when this surgery will be available to the public.]


    [As of right now, we would say in the next five years. For the military however, we are rushing to get this ready and completed in a vaccine form with in the next two years. So the military would be the first ones to get vaccinated. Right now though, we are currently looking for volunteers to undergo some of our initial experiments.]


    Looks like SE wants some guinea pigs for research. They have recently been all over the news, declaring that they have the knowledge to change the whole world.


    In my opinion, that is complete bullshit.


    Maybe, they did find a way to survive in the monster infested void. Even if they did, they clearly stated only a 30% survival rate.


    I better stay away from them in the future. I know I am currently unemployed, but a healthy twenty year old can always find a safer occupation.


    Standing up, I scarf down my food, before putting on my hoody.


    With my shoes tied, I step outside my apartment and into district 7.


    Before the cataclysm, the world was said to be at its most peaceful. No major wars, instant communication with one another, and the beginning of space exploration was just beginning.


    However, that all changed years ago when the sun disappeared one day. Not only did our sun disappeared, all of the other known planets also vanished. In its place, a giant fissure appeared in the sky, ripping our planet apart before sucking it through.


    It was there that our damaged planet entered an unknown solar system and partially crashed into another planet.


    This brings us to today, where unknown energy emits from outside our districts where electronics don¡¯t work.


    Looking up I admire the giant plasma field in the sky, blocking out the corrosive energy from coming in. I remember it uses an electromagnetic field to keep us safe in our dome.


    I recall in the beginning before the bubble, only those who stayed inside protective housing survived and those outside ended up dead.


    However, this has nothing to do with me for now. It¡¯s just something to think about while I¡¯m on these crowded streets trying to make my way to the employment center.


    My silent brooding is finally interrupted when I am tapped on the shoulder.


    ¡°William Lee. 20yrs, 5¡¯10¡¯¡¯, 180lbs.¡± a man greets me, holding a facial scanner being shoved into my face.


    Nudging the machine out of my face, I stare at the military recruiter. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Grunting to himself. ¡°Your name appeared on a list of possible recruits to the districts military. Out of 200 possible recruits, you rank around 13<sup>th</sup>. And¡­.¡±


    Interrupting him, I back away. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    Joining the military and following someone¡¯s orders, isn¡¯t something I¡¯m looking forward to. Also the whole part of fighting monsters and dying that comes along with the job. I can be perfectly happy just slouching away inside my apartment. The whole point I¡¯m even out here is to make it look like I am searching for a job.


    Walking away silently, I am stopped by a firm grab on my shoulder.


    ¡°Hey Will, at least let me finish.¡± He grumbles.


    Pushing his hand off I turn around impatiently. ¡°Hurry up. I¡¯m a bit busy.¡±


    ¡°As I was saying. You¡¯re eligible to join our new branch of our military. They will be outfitted with the newest technology, and will do recon out in the wilderness.¡± Straightening his uniform he starts walking forward. ¡°Not only that, they will be getting pay similar to our officers and three months of vacation a year. On top of that, they will have two years from now before they will be deploying.¡±


    ¡°Still not interested. I¡¯m not very stealthy and probably have horrible results in any of the training camps.¡± I replied, turning around and walking away. ¡°Also, I think I¡¯ll do better at a desk job, if anything else.¡±


    Hearing him trying to convince me to rethink my decision, I pick up my pace heading out of the local employment center.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    What would most people do if they were approached like that? Some of them might be pressured into joining in. Others intimidated into doing it. While some will just walk away like I did.


    No hard feelings to any military personal, but I honestly can¡¯t stand those who boss me around. I would rather be a manager or wait till the perfect job comes by.


    I would fight if I had to though. Being a pacifist won¡¯t solve anything now days. Just looking at the streets where a large amount of people sleep at, is a perfect place to be mugged.


    If I really had to choose a job, I would be some tech guy working on the new gadgets being produced.


    Finally convincing myself I did enough job searching for the day, I head over to the fitness center.


    Staying in shape is a status quota in our society. The government doesn¡¯t allow anyone to be out of shape if they could help it. For some of those who do get employed, would end up having to work out here. The only way out is pretending you¡¯re finding a job or live out on the streets.


    Checking my shoes and performing a few stretches, I head over to the track. Today¡¯s workout will be running and doing some leg exercises.


    Looking around, I start scoping out for some hot girls. It is usually a more rewarding run when you do the carrot and stick approach.


    Here comes a hot blonde. I wait until she passes me, keeping my eyes on the prize. One, two here I go. One step after the other, I start running just far enough behind where I push myself, but not to close where I have to slow down. Just at the perfect distance.


    I could never understand all those girls who get angry when you check them out. Like hey, if you going to wear yoga pants and a sports bra, you are just asking for someone to stare. It might just be a little game they play.


    Sweating hard, I start wondering if she is running a marathon or not. I was planning on just running a few laps, but now I¡¯m starting to wheeze a bit. I¡¯ll just run right next to her and try striking up a conversation. Hopefully, she¡¯ll stop then.


    Running next to her, I notice a slight glance from her. Smiling back I run in pace next to her. After a few more laps, I wave to her.


    ¡°Nice day for a jog, right?¡± I tried asking.


    Waiting for a reply, she ignores me. Was it that obvious I¡¯m trying to hit on her? Maybe she didn¡¯t hear me?


    Clearing my throat, I attempted another greeting. ¡°You come here often?¡±


    Another few seconds later, still no reply. I guess I should give up now. Walking off the track, I head over to the water fountain trying to catch my breath.


    It¡¯s just past noon, nothing new going on today. Everyday seems like the same thing. Sometimes I wonder if going out into the wilderness might be more exciting than living here inside of an overcrowded bubble.


    If I did go out there, would I get killed by the monsters or become some kind of super soldier from the movies. I won¡¯t ever know, considering I¡¯m not that brave. Unless I have a solid excuse to go out to convince myself.


    Sitting on a bench waiting for my fatigue to go away, I notice the blonde heading over here. Hopefully she will notice me. Waiting for her to get a drink, I straighten out my brown hair and remove any creases in my shirt. Seeing that I¡¯m presentable, I continue waiting.


    Noticing my stare, she turns towards me. ¡°Hey, were you trying to say something to me earlier?¡±


    If waving to you wasn¡¯t trying then what would be? ¡°Yeah, I was just asking you a few questions, but you never replied.¡±


    She slowly pulls out a pair of earbuds from her pants to show me. ¡°Sorry. I had my earbuds in.¡±


    Can¡¯t believe I never notice that. I guess I was too distracted by her assets to notice. ¡°It¡¯s all right. It was nothing important anyway. I¡¯m William, my friends all call me Will.¡±


    Seeing my out stretched hand, she shakes it. ¡°Aris. So what are you working on today?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. I¡¯ll be doing some work on my legs. What about you?¡±


    Thinking to herself a bit, she sits down next to me. ¡°I was planning on taking a break for a while. Then afterwards I don¡¯t know.¡±


    This is my chance. All I have to do is ask if she wants to work out with me. I have to take this slowly first. Perhaps build up our conversation before asking the big question. Really hope I won¡¯t screw up this opportunity.


    Scooting a bit closer to her, nothing to noticeable. I start thinking. ¡°It¡¯s pretty nice out today. Isn¡¯t it Aris?¡±


    Slowly she leans forward, retying her shows. ¡°Yeah it¡¯s really refreshing outside today. It¡¯s my first time being out here.¡±


    Leaning back to admire the view, I replied, ¡°Oh. I¡¯ve been going here quite often. I can show you around.¡±


    Sitting back up, she turns to me. ¡°Really? You don¡¯t have to, you know.¡±


    Just one more push and it¡¯s in the bag.


    Quickly doing a slight flex, I stand up. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± I say, extending a hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go look around Aris.¡±


    With an awkward grin, she grabs my hand.


    ¡°Over in this area we have the lap pool. Next to it is the weights area. The place we came from was the field and track. Finally, inside this building is the MMA place.¡± I gestured around.


    Following closely behind me, I glance back at Aris. Noticing her tied up hair bouncing up and down is rather entertaining. With every place I mention she runs up to it and checks everything out. Sometimes I wonder, if I was ever this hyper when I first came here.


    Coming to the end of our journey, we loop back to the weights area.


    ¡°This is about everything that¡¯s here. Except for a few areas that have a gymnasium for sports I didn¡¯t mention.¡±


    Slowing down next to me, she stares through the glass. ¡°Thanks for showing me around Will. You want to go into this building?¡±


    Following her finger, she is pointing to the benching area. Watching her turn around, I can see the slight sparkles in her eyes. Nodding my head slowly, I slowly walk next to her.


    Is it possible to be this excited? Maybe the answer is yes because she is already grabbing my hand and leading me in. Dear god, it looks like I¡¯m skipping legs today. It doesn¡¯t matter if I did chest yesterday. There is a hot blonde dragging me forward already.


    ¡°You know we could do some leg exercises right?¡±


    Grabbing a 25lb plate, she looks at me pleadingly. ¡°But Will, I want to try this out.¡±


    Silently clamping my plate into the bar, I hesitated. ¡°Okay...¡±


    The things I do for people. Sometimes I just have to suck it up. Looking on the bright side, at least I have company.


    Positioning myself as the spotter, I watch as the young girl lift the bar with ease. Going up and down repeatedly, I am surprise at how strong she is. Doing a set of 12reps for her size is pretty good. Even though I could easily do it too, though I am twice her size.


    Admiring her, I asked. ¡°You¡¯re pretty good at this. You been working out much?¡±


    Wiping her forehead, she sits up. ¡°I¡¯ve been getting in shape before Basic Training starts.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re joining the military. What branch?¡±


    Standing up and racking another 10lbs, she says ¡°It¡¯s the new division they¡¯ve been talking about on T.V. My family was visited by a recruiter, saying I was one of the 200 selected individuals to undergo the new surgical operation they¡¯ve created.¡±


    Sounds slightly similar to what I was told today. Are they scamming people? I remember I was number 13.


    Watching her rep out another set, I ask. ¡°Did you ask what number you were out of the 200?¡±


    ¡°189 I think. You work out much? It seems like you know your way around here.¡±


    Helping her put on another 10lbs, I lean back against the wall.


    ¡°I like working out. Earlier today a recruiter was talking to me about joining the military. I told him I would have to think about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well you should join the new division if you can. Would be nice having someone you know there.¡±


    Great, do I really have to find the recruiter from this morning? In the first place, I think I pissed him off. Secondly, do I need to join just for a single girl? There is plenty of fish in the sea as I recall; well what is still left of the sea after the cataclysm.


    ¡°I can let you know later this week. Do you want my number?¡±


    Please say yes. I recall you still have 2 years before you even depart from the district. Plenty of time to get to know each other ¡®better¡¯.


    Playing with her hair, she pulls out her phone from her sports bra. Handing it to me she says, ¡°Just type it in, I¡¯ll text you after we leave.¡±


    Having a goofy grin, I hurried to type in my digits. Today must be my lucky day. First girl I¡¯ve seen I tried hitting on and after an hour, I got her number/possibly a second date.


    Seeing me smiling, she swipes her phone back. ¡°Well I got to go now. I have to go help my family make some dinner. Tomorrow will you be here?¡±


    Stuttering a bit, I managed to stand up straight. ¡°Yeah I will. You should give me a call when you¡¯re here and I¡¯ll come find you.¡±


    Turning around, she starts walking away. ¡°Thanks Will.¡±


    ¡°No problem Aris. Be careful going home.¡±

 chp 2

    The sun starts to set in the autumn night. Wiping my wet hair with a towel, I change into my evening clothes. Walking out into the night streets, I head down to the local bar.


    When will the district council start cleaning up the streets? Look around, there is homeless people and litter all over the place. It use to not be so bad in the past, but with all the new restrictions on food and shelter in place has caused many to take to the streets.


    If I was the one in charge, I would attempt to increase our living area and find work for these people. Ever since our new government officials discarded our old paper currency for the new digital one, resulted in the destruction of personal savings and forced retirees to return to the workforce.


    However, I do agree we need a large labor force and not ones who just take up resources. Our space here is limited and this isn¡¯t like old Earth. People can¡¯t just sit back and get handouts, but need to contribute a little.


    How they contribute, anybody¡¯s guess could be better than mine. But we need to do something here soon, or dead bodies might start appearing soon.


    Coming out my silent musings, I walk up into the bar and slowly made my way to an empty seat. Smelling tobacco in the air, I get cravings for a cigarette myself.


    I don¡¯t smoke anymore, or at least try not to. Back in my younger days, I grew up by myself; with the help of government housing. Those days were horrible. Seeing people out on the streets dying from the irradiated air, to government officials forcing many to their deaths.


    Luckily I made it in one piece by the end of it all. Even though I did pick up some bad habits.


    Seeing the waitress waiting for my order, I came back to reality.


    ¡°Just give me a beer and some french fries.¡±


    Watching her take down my order I turn my attention to the T.V.


    [Currently we lost all communications with Districts 3, 5 and 8. The last communications we received is from District 8]


    [Our sources say there wasn¡¯t any signs of distress or anything that lead us to believe any foul play. The last message received was from District 8, being a basic report of their current affairs.]


    [With that said, there is nothing to be worried about. Usual delays like this, take a year to resolve, if it¡¯s just their equipment malfunctioning. In the meantime just wait for the council to make their statements official.]


    One district after another losing communication? And for a few months on top of that. Something is definitely going on. Might be a good idea to stock up on some supplies. It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.


    Looking around, nobody else seems to pay the news-station any mind. I wonder how they can continue their daily lives not questioning these things.


    Oh here comes my sexy brunette waitress. I might be on a lucky streak if I can get her to my place. One can never have too many ¡®girlfriends¡¯.


    Bending over she places my meal down. ¡°Here you go Will.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Catharine.¡± I mumbled, straining my eyes away from her chest. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit down next to me?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I could use a break.¡± Straightening back up, she sits on the stool next to me. ¡°What are you up to Will?¡±


    What would be the best way to pick her up? I¡¯m a regular here and on first name basis with her. She has a nice figure and looks a bit mischievous. Might need to be a bit bolder with her than Aris.


    Cracking open my drink, I take a big gulp. ¡°Well, I went around looking for work before heading to the gym. Other than that it¡¯s been pretty boring and this right here, is the best part of my day.¡± Pointing towards my drink.


    ¡°How was your day Cat?¡±


    ¡°Other than working here and saving money, nothing much.¡± Crossing her legs slowly, she snatches one of my fries. ¡°You should come here more often Will.¡±


    Good nicknames are a good start. She even ate some of my food. Maybe I could get her a drink. A strong drink.


    Watching her intense stare, I give a solemn smile. ¡°Sure I¡¯ll come here more. Want a drink too?¡± I gestured.


    Biting her lower lip, she gives a slight nod. ¡°Sure why not, my shift is about over anyway.¡±


    Yes, I am on a role now. First I need to get her a beer, then we can move up from their and finally¡­ I can initiate phase 2.


    Drinking a few beers, we enjoy our takes on the local news. Interesting enough she is sharper than she appears. Would anyone think a sexy brunette in skin tight clothes would be smart? Well maybe, but that would definitely won¡¯t be their first thought in mind.


    Regular people won¡¯t make up a theory of how the council is keeping us in the dark. Or how they are trying to prepare our military for an immediate response. The evidence is all there on our phones, from information pertaining to stockpiling to new military procedures.


    This means the media is hiding the truth, trying to keep the calm before the storm. All I was worried about was being drafted into service. I really don¡¯t want some drafting interrupting my fun time.


    Slowly, but surely we stopped drinking beers and started taking shots of hard liquor. After a while even I am feeling tipsy. Looking next to me, Catharine is just drinking it like water.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Staring at this hot perky brunette, I am infatuated with her. How could someone like her be such a heavy drinker and at the same time be so slim and beautiful.


    ¡°Hey Cath, you can hold your liquor well.¡±


    Seductively smiling at me, she laughs. ¡°Well better than you Will. I was always a heavy weight.¡±


    Placing a fry in my mouth, I lift my arms stretching. ¡°I can¡¯t help it. I was just born a light weight. How about we both head out of this place? We can go walk and get some fresh air.¡±


    Standing up quickly, I pull out my card paying for our meal. Turning around to her I stretch my hand out for hers. Gently her hand slips into mine and we head out.


    Night time in District 7 is calm, but dangerous at the same time. One could go out for a stroll and accidently walk into some trouble. Local gangs in the area have connections to some politicians and are able to roam about openly. Tonight, however, it¡¯s strangely calm.


    Looking into the sky, Catharine lifts her hand up. ¡°Will have you ever thought of what¡¯s outside?¡±


    Following her gaze, I stare into the leafless forest. ¡°Yeah, sometimes... In the future I would like to leave and see the other settlements. Maybe, when I come back, you could buy us some drinks as I recall my adventure.¡±


    ¡°That would be nice Will. I always wanted to see the world with my own eyes. But I don¡¯t enjoy the idea of you going off by yourself.¡±


    Noticing her gaze landing on me, I move my hand around her waist and bring her in my embrace. Silently we stood there, enjoying the calm atmosphere.


    ¡°I could bring you along if I ever go. Might be nice having you as ¡®my company¡¯.¡±


    Smiling gently, she pecks my lips. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t forget.¡±


    I forcefully seal her lips with mine. Separating I say, ¡°How about we head over to my place for the night?¡±


    Hearing her answer, I sweep her up into a princess carry and make my way back home.


    Placing Catharine onto the couch, I hurried into my room and start pushing all my laundry under the bed. Fixing my bed and making sure everything is in order, I rush back to meet her.


    Catharine was still in her waitress uniform, with her dark hair rolling over her shoulders. Leaving my trance, I make my way to her, before leaning over for a kiss.


    Feeling my tongue brushing against her teeth, she slightly blushes. Quickly she wraps her hands around my neck and pulls me on top of her. Knowing I was loving it, she proceeded to remove my shirt. Making myself more comfortable I tried pulling hers off too.


    With a slight tearing sound, Cat stares at me. ¡°Dammit Will. You will be paying for that.¡±


    Suddenly her hands found their way to my shorts and the zipper was torn apart. Seeing her satisfied smile, I could only shrug has I ripped her bra from her blushing body.


    ¡°Whoops.¡±


    Chuckling to ourselves, she takes the opportunity to flick her tongue across my chest. Startled, I grab her breast giving a slight pinch. With a slight yelp, five claw marks appeared on my back.


    Feeling my blood rising, I helped her take off her pants. Seeing the black laced underwear, I realized they were a perfect match for her bra. Looks like someone had the same idea as me today.


    Seeing my grinning face, Catharine grabs my underwear and tore it into two. Slightly surprised by my vascularity of my dick, she backs away slightly.


    No way am I going to have that now. Forcefully, I shoved it into her gaping mouth. With a few gurgling sounds, they soon became more rhythmatic.


    Leaning forward I pushed her against the couches edge, giving her no retreat. Noticing what I was doing, she gives me a slight bite.


    Suddenly it throbbed abruptly and caused her to choke.


    Laughing I pulled out. ¡°No biting please.¡±


    Picking herself back up, she slides her legs out of her laced underwear.


    Beckoning me over, she says ¡°My turn.¡±


    Wrestling to put my head in between her thighs, she finally succeeds. Realizing I need to return the favor, I start using my tongue to feel her out before outlining the number one. Hearing her breathing becoming more ragged, I proceed to the number two. Then the number three and all the way up to nine.


    Slowly her breaths turned into moans and I start getting worked up. I started moving my tongue quicker as she starts fidgeting. Hearing her saying faster, I tried speeding up more. Eventually, I reach my peak speed and she lets out a loud moan.


    Tasting a bitter taste in my mouth I shrug it off. ¡°So how was it?¡±


    Getting back on my feet, I look at what I have done. My couch cushion has teeth marks in it and the leather has nail traces all over it. I never knew I was such a good licker.


    With twitching eyes, she sits up. ¡°Will why did you stop?¡±


    Messaging my jaw, I say. ¡°My mouth is cramping up. Let¡¯s get to next base.¡±


    Not waiting for her to retort, I grab her tiny waist and thrust it in. With a nice pop, I made my way in. Using my arms, I proceeded to lift and move her to my bed.


    ***


    Sunlight filters through my bedroom, pulling the arm wrapped around me off, I make my way to the shower. Rinsing off last night¡¯s musk, I contemplate life.


    Dam Catharine looks like she had a wild night. Even I feel a little raw down there. I never imagined I would have such amazing sex with her. That smoking hot waitress which everyone eyed, ended up in my own bed. It¡¯s been awhile since I had such a good night.


    Feeling some pain, I looked at the drain, noticing some blood being rinsed down. Looking in the mirror towards my back, I notice long scratches all over my back.


    Last night¡¯s battle, really made her excited. With all these battle wounds I should really get them cleaned.


    Exiting the shower, I put on some clothes before walking towards Catharine. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, I shake her awake.


    ¡°Catharine wake up.¡±


    Rubbing her eyes, she sits up with the blanket rolling off of her. ¡°Keep it down. I¡¯m up Will.¡±


    Looking at those curves, I remember last night¡¯s fuck fest. Blushing slightly, I stand up before noticing my phone going off.


    Answering my phone, I hear a cute girl¡¯s voice. ¡°Hey Will, its Aris.¡±


    Oh shit. I forgotten all about her. Hopefully Catharine won¡¯t mind if I leave towards the gym. Might be best to tell her she¡¯s just a friend.


    ¡°Hey Aris, what are you calling for?¡±


    Noticing the sleepy Catharine perking up a little. I tried looking like there is nothing fishy going on.


    ¡°Oh well I¡¯m wondering if your free around 11am. I¡¯m planning on heading to the gym.¡±


    Looking at Catharine, I give her a weary smile. ¡°Yeah I should be free around then. You want to meet their later?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I can meet you at the track again. See you in thirty minutes.¡±


    Hanging up the phone, I turn towards a grumpy Catharine. ¡°It''s just a workout friend. She was recruited to the same military branch as I was. But I turned that offer down already.¡±


    Please don¡¯t be angry. Maybe if I try looking less guilty and little pitiable she might forgive me.


    Giving a slight nod, she says. ¡°Why are you getting so worked up Will? It¡¯s not like you slept with her or anything. Right?¡±


    Seeing my chance I give a slight hug to her. ¡°No Cat, why would I be seeing another girl when I got the best one here.¡±


    Standing up naked, she gives me a deep kiss. ¡°Now that wasn¡¯t so bad. How about we continue our adventure into the shower?¡±


    Even though I took a shower already, how can anyone say know to a beauty like her? ¡°Yes. Sounds like a good way to start the day.¡±


    Being pulled to the bathroom, my clothes are stripped off my body again. Intertwining my limbs with hers, we enjoy each other¡¯s company in a cool shower.


    After having sex once again, I notice someone at my front door. Hearing loud knocks, I hurry to throw on some pants and rushed to open it.


    On the other side is the same recruiter from yesterday. And today he looks grumpier than usually.


    Before he could even speak, a naked girl walks out from my bedroom. ¡°Hey Will, we weren¡¯t completely finished yet¡­.¡±


    Wiping my wet hair back, I give a strained smile. ¡°Hello. Um Sir. Why are you here today?¡±

 chp 3

    Covering the recruiter¡¯s eyes while turning around, I whispered. ¡°Catharine can you go get my shirt please.¡±


    Watching her white butt disappear back into my room, I stand their awkwardly with my guest. It isn¡¯t my fault you dropped by unannounced. You even stepped into my apartment without asking. There is differently nothing wrong with a twenty year old sleeping around. Right?


    Stop looking at me accusingly. I swear it is your fault and not mine. I know I didn¡¯t give you a great impression yesterday, but you didn¡¯t have to track me down. You even ruined my happy time I was having. Can you even imagine how fun it was experimenting with the shower head?


    Silently, the recruiter start going through my things. Picking up my magazines scattered about and even eyeing the couch.


    Looking at me, he jokingly asks. ¡°What happened to the couch? There is teeth marks all over it and scratches. I hope you don¡¯t have any wild animals in here.¡±


    Coughing awkwardly, I sit down in a chair. ¡°You sudden visit was unexpected. Can I at least know what your name is, considering you know mine? Also, why are you even here?¡±


    Looking at me amusingly, he pulls up a chair in front of me. Handing over a folder he was carrying, he says. ¡°First of all you may look through that file I just gave you. While you¡¯re looking, I guess you should know my name. People call me Richard and I¡¯m just a lieutenant looking around for possible recruits.¡±


    That¡¯s all I¡¯m going to get, I guess I¡¯m satisfied with his answer for now. Opening his folder quickly, I scan through the contents. Picture profile, hobbies, living arrangements, activities, places last visited, friends and current interests. What the hell is this all about?


    ¡°Why the hell is there an intelligence report about me? Who the fuck has been stalking me? Is it you Richard!?¡±


    Chuckling to himself, he just sits their drinking his espresso drink. Arching his bushy eyebrows, he watches Catharine come over to give me a shirt. Thinking for a moment, he crosses one leg over another.


    ¡°Interesting Will. We read your history, but never knew you had this kind of relationship with Catharine. Color me surprise, but I never knew you were such a player. Remember that girl Aris¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Stop making things up now.¡±


    Calm down Will. He¡¯s trying to mess with my mind. There is no reason for a verbal dispute. Let¡¯s think, he first came to recruit me, shows up unexpected and throws a stalkers alibi right into my lap. Either he is warning me or he is trying to pressure me into something.


    Looking over to a dressed Catharine, I notice her displeasure. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him Cat. He¡¯s the guy who I pissed off yesterday, when I rejected joining the military.¡±


    Visibly her face softens and turns into a sneering smile directed to him. Damn kind of hot seeing her displease with another guy. No stop thinking like that, got to first sort out my questions for him.


    ¡°Rich so¡­.¡±


    ¡°Call me Richard, William.¡±


    ¡°Richard is it. First stop making things up. Next tell me why the hell you are here. This report in my hands must be related to this whole charades.¡±


    Looking at me sternly, he uncrosses his legs and leans forward. ¡°Well William, I am here to give you a second chance to rethink your decision in joining. If you don¡¯t then some unknown person might be displeased enough to post you information online. He might also be trying to get you kicked out of your free housing as we speak.¡±


    The hell is this? Seriously, I wake up having a wonderful day and here comes the damn military coercing me into joining their guinea pig squad. I heard all about the survival rates for the new vaccines their creating, but I don¡¯t want anything to do with that. I would rather have them make do on their promise, and be able to live for another day.


    Standing up, I walk over to my liquor cabinet, pouring myself a drink. ¡°You know Rich. I don¡¯t like being pressured into things I don¡¯t like. Right here is a remedy for me when I make stupid decisions.¡± Taking a big gulp of alcohol, I bring an extra glass to Richard. ¡°Here, how about having a drink with me.¡±


    Seeing him accept my offering, I lean back in my chair. Glancing at Catharine whose kind of nervous I give out a sigh. Why couldn¡¯t he come here tomorrow instead? He totally ruined my time with her and now I might make a stupid decision.


    Waiting for Richard, he leans back enjoying his drink. ¡°Listen Will, I know we might have gone off on the wrong foot when I came unannounced. However, I believe we can become real good friends in the future.¡± Pouring his glass up again, he downs it. ¡°Listen I¡¯ll be honest with you. If you don¡¯t join I¡¯ll get in trouble with my superior. You¡¯ll most likely will be kick out on the streets for evading job employment. And you girlfriend here might also get in a bit of trouble seeing you.¡±


    You piece of shit. Threatening me by using my girl? You think I will just fold like those wimpy guys out on the streets. You are wishfully thinking, but I can¡¯t antagonize you. This is a serious matter.


    ¡°I currently don¡¯t plan on enlisting. I can rethink this if you just tell me why they are so interested in me. I¡¯m not that remarkable at all.¡±


    Watching him tense up for a minute, he pulls out a piece of paper. Writing on it he hands it over to me.


    [Will don¡¯t hate me for this, but even I don¡¯t know. ¡®They¡¯ only gave me an order to get you to join willingly. If I don¡¯t I have to tell them I failed, and get a slap on the wrist. Information wise, I only know that your genetics is a good match for what they want.]A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    My genetics? I know I¡¯m rather healthy and strong, but could that get the attention of the military. Possibly they just want some DNA or something to compare with. And communicating while writing? Are you telling me, they are listening to us right now? Did they hear last night¡¯s play?


    Writing on the piece of paper I reply.


    [Just tell them, I don¡¯t plan on cooperating. I don¡¯t like being threatened and if they want a DNA sample they can come get it themselves. I would be happy to comply if it¡¯s just a simple blood test if they leave Catharine alone.]


    Seeing my reply he frowns. ¡°William are you sure this is your answer? I promise you might not get to reconsider later.¡±


    Drinking straight out of the bottle, I fold my arms behind my head. ¡°Yeah Rich, I don¡¯t care what they want, but I will never reconsider.¡±


    Standing up, he retrieves his folder before walking away. ¡°I see William. I hope you won¡¯t regret this decision. If I see you on the streets I¡¯ll think about giving you a helping hand.¡±


    Shaking hands, I lead him to the door. Watching him disappear, I feel a pair of arms wrapping around my shoulders. Feeling a kiss on my cheek, I turn around and go in for a hot kiss.


    ¡°Will that was weird.¡±


    Thinking about the recent encounter, I reply ¡°I know. But, I will never agree to those who dare threaten me. Maybe if they compromise by taking some tests on me, I¡¯ll be able to keep this place. However, that may not happen now.¡±


    Embracing my chest, Catharine looks up to me. ¡°You could always come to my place if that happens.¡±


    ¡°Thanks¡­Do you think I made the right decision?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, even if I was in your position. But a good drink always helped me out.¡±


    Chuckling I said. ¡°At least my thought about drinking before answering wasn¡¯t wrong.¡±


    Noticing her smile, I come back to my senses and give her a peck on the nose. While Catharine is returning my kiss, I notice the time on the clock. ¡°Cat I¡¯m going to head out and let out some steam. You can stay here until your work starts.¡±


    ¡°All right Will. Say high to your girl Aris for me.¡±


    She¡¯s must be joking, I hope. ¡°Yeah I will definitely tell her about last night.¡±


    Laughing at our stupid joke, I wave goodbye to her and step outside.


    Walking up to the track, I look around for the spunky blonde. Seeing no sign of her, I sit down on a bench and admire the weather.


    It is late autumn, and the leaves on the trees are falling. There is a cloudy overcast, and a slight chill is in the wind. Perfect weather to go out for a jog. Sitting here, I pull up my hoodie and tuck my hands into my sleeves.


    Noticing a hot blonde looking about curiously, I take it as a sign. Standing up I waddled my way over to her. Sneaking up on the small creature, I slow my pace down. One bounce two bounce and three bounces, goes her ponytail. Watching her move about erratically, I¡¯m memorized by the sheer movement of her hair. How can something like this be so hypnotic?


    Hearing movement behind her, she jumps from fright when she sees me. Not realizing who I am, she backs up slowly. Seeing me continue to approach her, she starts fidgeting nervously.


    ¡°Stay away from me.¡± Slowly she pulls out a bottle from her coat. ¡°If you don¡¯t I¡¯ll spray you.¡±


    Is that a bottle of mace? Why would she bring that along with her to work out? Someone must be trying to stalk her too. Even I am pretty creeped out by Richards¡¯s fetish with me.


    Stopping abruptly, I take a step back. ¡°Aris calm down. It¡¯s me, and not Richy.¡±


    Not dropping her guard, she takes a closer step forward. Raising my hands I allow her to remove my hood. Taking in a deep breath she puts her can away.


    I¡¯m pretty happy I didn¡¯t just get sprayed on accident. I remember getting sprayed years ago when I was sneaking around after curfew. Anyone who gets sprayed by that stuff knows it sucks a lot. The only thing I wished for, was for the bastard who did it to me would get stabbed in some dark alley. The experience could be counted as one of the top five most painful moments for me.


    Distracting me from my thoughts, Aris sighs out of relief. ¡°Will, you scared me. You shouldn¡¯t be sneaking around like that.¡±


    Lowering my hands, I give off a laugh. ¡°Sorry about that. I saw you and just came over without thinking of much.¡±


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t do it again. Anyway who¡¯s Richy?¡±


    Richard is the military¡¯s dog. He¡¯s a bastard trying to peer pressure me. The man who followed me home and drank my booze for free.


    ¡°He¡¯s the military recruiter I told you about from yesterday. He came by earlier today and had a nice conversation with me.¡±


    Excitingly, Aris says. ¡°Oh. Did you make your decision yet? About joining?¡±


    It never crossed my mind of saying yes to that man. ¡°Unfortunately I had to turn him down. I think I¡¯m better fit working in the research field. I¡¯m sorry to disappoint.¡±


    Visibly her face deflates. No longer super cheery and hyper, her head lowers. Realizing I might have put a damper on things, I try to deflect any damage.


    Coughing, I hurriedly said. ¡°Aris it¡¯s not like things will be that bad enlisting by yourself. Sure their might be some guys in their hitting on you, but they wouldn¡¯t do anything bad. Well I think.¡±


    That last part just slipped out.


    Slightly shocked by what I said, an aurora of despair washes over her. ¡°Y.you think?¡±


    Not good Will. You can¡¯t say things like that, even if it could happen. Most likely there are some sort of rules they got to follow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it Aris. There are rules against things like that. Nothing will happen. I promise.¡±


    Calming down a bit, her cheerful attitude comes back. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. It shouldn¡¯t be a real problem even if you didn¡¯t join. We can be just be work out friends.¡±


    Just friends? Hm that wasn¡¯t what I was planning yesterday, but since Catharine did such a good job, I might accept just being friends. I don¡¯t really want to ruin what I already have with Cat. Whatever that is.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it. We can hangout whenever you¡¯re free in the future. Today let¡¯s get our workout out of the way.¡±


    Smiling, she beckons me to follow. Watching her small figure jog in front of me I realize today wasn¡¯t that bad of a day. I had shower sex, met a bastard and get to watch a tight¡­ Work out with Aris.


    Noticing my absent mindedness, Aris slows down for me. ¡°Hey Will want to grab lunch after our run?¡±


    Sounds like she is hitting on me. No that¡¯s not right, this is what friends do. They hang out, eat together and talk about girls. No not girls, girly things? I don¡¯t know, I usual have sex with my girl-friends.


    Pulling myself out of thinking, I smirk. ¡°Yeah you have a place in mind? I haven¡¯t ate all morning.¡±


    Well not the usual type of breakfast.


    ¡°I have a place in mind. It¡¯s a coffee shop with some pastries. I¡¯m thinking about getting some hot chocolate and a doughnut or two.¡±


    Pastries do sound good. I haven¡¯t went out for a normal lunch in a long time. This should be a good change of pace. I hope Catharine won¡¯t see us together. It could lead to some complications.


    ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯m craving some coffee and I hope they have some coconut doughnuts too.¡±


    Giving off a confident smile, she replies. ¡°They should I believe, but I don¡¯t know though. I haven¡¯t been their yet.¡±


    ¡°Seems like we can both figure it out ¡®together¡¯.¡±


    It¡¯s like I¡¯m going out on a date with this hot blonde. However, she is the one inviting me and not the other way around. Is this what being in the friend zone is? Interesting, but not a bad feeling.


    After running a few miles, we¡¯re both hot and sweating. I¡¯m behind Aris gasping for breath, trying to figure out how I even made it so far. Aris on the other hand is as hyper as ever. She is on the ground stretching and looking very seductive.


    Standing up, she pulls me to the showers.

 chp 4

    Aris and I took the main street towards the inner city. The electromagnetic field in the sky pulsed calmly, and the homeless start appearing less often. The upper district contains many politicians and researchers alike. Most of them are known to be entangled with high level council members by either lobbying for them or helping to cover controversial subjects. This in the end has caused a noticeable segregation of the upper and lower class, putting a divide between them and the common people.


    Those up high don¡¯t notice the conditions of the common people. They pretend to not see the severe repercussions their so called ¡®new world laws¡¯ have done to the regular citizens. Only thing they seem to care about are money and power. With a blind eye, they build new buildings in the upper district and have never attempted to revitalize the dwindling population in the lower districts. Instead they are forcing the elderly out of their homes and the young into the military. And currently, I¡¯m following Aris into the middle of all this.


    Nervously I look around, making sure no one might recognize me and/or try to stop me. I usually don¡¯t travel this far into the rich area, considering they look at me with contempt. Sometimes the local gangs note down those who leave and come back. Making sure they aren¡¯t up to something.


    It¡¯s not my fault I am traveling into the rich district. I would¡¯ve tried looking less conspicuous. Judging by Aris¡¯s unfazed face, I figure she comes from a wealthy family. No wonder she isn¡¯t as nervous as I am.


    I know I don¡¯t fit in here, but I didn¡¯t have time to change my clothes. I imagine I look very suspicious. Hopefully having Aris with me gives some sort of leeway.


    She is currently wearing a yellow skirt with a tan shirt. White heels and a golden necklace. I never imagined the sports bra, yoga pants girl to look so fancy before. I at least feel a bit more comfortable with her here now.


    ¡°You okay Will?¡±


    Snapping out of thought, I get my act together. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just surprised of the stark difference between here and the lower district.¡±


    Playing with her hair, she lets out a small chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s not a big difference. The upper district just have a different style compared to where you¡¯re from.¡±


    Difference of style? They have the newest gadgets here. T.Vs that are projected out like a 3D illusion. Rich kids showing off their gold watches, and girls talking about thousand dollar brand clothes. I wonder if you¡¯re just joking or just blind to these things.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Pausing for a moment, I ask. ¡°How much further till the shop?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s right around the corner up here.¡±


    Watching her bounce ahead, I start thinking about how all this class division doesn¡¯t matter. We all are human and we all die in the end. Some of them are just more fortunate than others. The only difference I see, is how much you can make out of your life. However, being rich, and without a care in the world does sound very tempting. However, I have to worry about the military breathing down my neck.


    Seeing the blonde disappear, I pick up my pace. ¡°Wait up Aris.¡±


    Catching up I stop next to her. Seeing her pointing towards a fancy shop, she pulls me in. ¡°Let¡¯s go in slow-poke.¡±


    Walking into the building, I first notice how expensive everything looks. The tables are made out of stained wood, the stools are made with velvet cloth and the front counter is some type of marble I believe.


    Feeling anxious, I follow Aris, trying to blend in. Seeing her glittering eyes wander over the selection of pastry, I take my time to look over the menu.


    Hot, cold, ice tea and espresso; I don¡¯t really see anything different from this place and down town. I notice they¡¯re using fancy Italian names, but they all seem like drinks I can just make back home. Looking at those prices I start to imagine my wallet catching fire.


    Waiting for Aris to get done looking, she waves me over. ¡°See right here? Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡±


    Looking at where she is pointing, I notice my coconut doughnut; except it¡¯s huge. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I search for my wallet realizing its missing.


    Patting my pockets, I say. ¡°Aris I think I left my wallet at home. Can you get this one for me?¡±


    Closing her eyes, she stretches out her hand. Counting each finger, she looks up at me. ¡°Yeah I think I have enough, pay me back some time. Okay?¡±


    Taping her shoulder, I give off a big grin. ¡°Thanks Aris. I owe you one.¡±


    Waiting by the window, I try concentrating on what I would do about the military. Would I have to pack up and run away? I have some preserved food and water bottles stored away. I could get my old backpack and store everything before they get me evicted. I guess after I¡¯m done with my little date, I can get everything packed up and call up a storage facility. This way, I won¡¯t have to worry about being blindsided by Rich and his group.


    Seeing Aris bringing our food over, we sat down by the window. Drinking my coffee, I admire how cute she looks with crumbs all over her mouth. She¡¯s like a hamster I saw on the internet, stuffing their cheeks with seeds. In her case, she¡¯s more like devouring everything. Grinning to myself, she stuffs a muffin into her mouth giving me a confused expression.


    Trying to speak, she asks. ¡°Is thew somtin wrung?¡±


    Chuckling to myself, I take a bite out of my food. ¡°It¡¯s the way you¡¯re eating. You shouldn¡¯t try speaking with your mouth full.¡±


    Swallowing hard, she gives off an embarrassed expression. ¡°It¡¯s because the food is so tasty. I kind of forgot you where here.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Nothing to be ashamed about.¡± Drinking my espresso, I give her a thumbs up. ¡°It¡¯s pretty good food. Honestly it¡¯s better than what I could have made back home.¡±


    Happily she gives her drink an audible gulp. Pulling down her cup, there is a milk moustache spread across her face. Without realizing it, her tongue slowly licks her top lip seductively. With the final drop running down into her mouth, I accidently choke on my drink.


    Grinning to herself, her face flushes red realizing what she done. ¡°Are you okay Will?¡±


    ¡°No. Um yes. I just remember something funny from last night.¡±


    ¡°Oh. What was it?¡±


    ¡°Just something I saw on T.V.¡± Attempting to make something up, I say. ¡°It¡¯s about how hamsters suck on their water feeder. They use their long tongues to lick up the drops at the end of the rod. Kind of fascinating if you think about it¡±


    Embarrassingly she covers her face with her hands. I on the other hand try to stop imagining Catharine from last night. Attempting to salvage the situation I say.


    ¡°Do you, um¡­ like your drink?¡±


    Pulling her hands down, she visibly starts to turn back to normal. Gathering her bearings she says. ¡°It¡¯s really sweet. My family never makes me anything like this. I¡¯ll ask them if they can have our cook make me some later.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ if you want, I could brew you something too. As thanks for paying.¡±


    ¡°Really? What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°I have an espresso machine, and some mocha flavoring.¡± Finishing my doughnut, I continued. ¡°Also some iced tea and some regular coffee. If there isn¡¯t anything you want there, we could go grab something from the store.¡±


    ¡°Would I have to go over to your house for that? I don¡¯t know what my parents would think.¡±


    ¡°What would your parents think? Aren¡¯t you old enough to make your own decisions?¡±


    Thinking for moment, she leans forward. ¡°It¡¯s not that Will. It¡¯s just my family doesn¡¯t like me being around those from¡­ you know, where you¡¯re from.¡±


    I see now. So you¡¯re parents are control freaks, and don¡¯t like people like me? Is it because I¡¯m poor or unemployed. It pisses me off thinking about how snobbish people can be sometimes. Is Aris being secretive by bringing me here?


    Calming myself down a bit, I say. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You are the only one who can decide. If you think we can¡¯t be friends then we don¡¯t have to see each other.¡±


    ¡°Will! It¡¯s not like that. I don¡¯t care what they think. They were always very controlling when I was young. What I meant was I can come over, but my parents might not like the idea. The whole point I¡¯m joining the military is to get away from them and see what I can do myself.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, I apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Aris. I got a little worked up. When ever it comes to things about where I¡¯m from and stuff, I sometimes take it rather badly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Will. I¡¯m the same way when people think I¡¯m just like my parents. I want to be different and walk in my own steps. My dream is to be independent and prove to my friends and their parents I can do better than them. In that way, I can laugh off other¡¯s criticisms of me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s rather admirable. It sounds better than my own dreams for the future.¡±


    Seeing my pensive expression, she looks straight into my eyes. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind Will, can you tell me yours?¡±


    Feeling her hand entering mine, I give out a sigh. ¡°I want to see the world with my own eyes. Go exploring and figuring out the truth in things. Maybe after that I would like to change the way the lower district lives and be a role model for the younger generations. I want to feel free of politics and class division, and make a worthwhile change to society.¡±


    Her vacant gaze is interrupted as I give her hand a slight squeeze. Noticing she was spacing out, her entire aura now feels a bit warmer. Instead of her excited personality, I notice a more familiar one like Catharine¡¯s.


    ¡°Will your dream is very different from mine. It¡¯s not as selfish.¡±


    ¡°Selfish?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her hands noticeably become sweaty, with an anxious expression she says. ¡°I want to be recognize by everyone. You instead want to help others in your own way. Mine is self-centered, while yours isn¡¯t.¡±


    Is it really? I only want to do this to give a slap to those who are in control. It¡¯s only for my self-satisfaction, nothing noble about taking care of the less fortunate.


    Coming out of my daydream, I tighten my grip. ¡°Thank you Aris.¡± Looking into her eyes. ¡°I never thought of it like that. In the future, you should help me.¡±


    Feeling my domineering tone, she blushes a bit. ¡°It¡¯s no problem. Do you want to walk me back home?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want sure. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Exiting the shop, we made our way down the clean streets. Up in the horizon, the sun starts to set in the winter skies. One by one the street lights come on, and people in expensive wool coats depart from work.


    In the afternoon rush hour, Aris guides my hand out of the busy intersection and down one of the side roads. Having calmed down, She lets go and walks in pace with me. Silently we made our way down the sidewalk, enjoying the calm atmosphere with each other.


    Looking at Aris¡¯s yellow dress I start feeling bad. It¡¯s slightly chilly out and I can see goosebumps forming on her rosy skin. Taking off my jacket, I offer it up.


    Awkwardly she accepts it and puts it on. ¡°Will, weren¡¯t you running in this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but you seemed cold. I hope you don¡¯t mind?¡± Scratching my head I walk a bit faster.


    Putting up the hood, she takes a deep breath. ¡°Thank you. Will you be fine?¡±


    ¡°I can deal with it.¡± With my hands in my pockets I joked. ¡°I have to walk back after this; so don¡¯t think you can keep it because I still need it for the way home.¡±


    Giving a giggle, she retorts. ¡°No. I think I¡¯ll keep it. You look warm so you shouldn¡¯t miss it.¡±


    Grinning to myself, I give her a flick on her head. ¡°Whatever you say.¡±


    After talking about all sorts of things, we slowly come up to her house. My first impression is how big and gothic looking it is. I believe I saw this building on T.V. about famous villas in our district.


    Noticing guards at her front gate, I start sweating a little. Hopefully they won¡¯t give me a hard time. I just need to imagine myself as an escort for the young miss. Whom happens to have mix feelings about our current relationship.


    Watching us come up to the front, the guards welcome Aris home. Turning towards me, they give a blank stare.


    ¡°Aris who is the guy?¡±


    Turning towards me, she shrugs. ¡°He¡¯s one of my friends I meet the other day. I just asked him to help me back home.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Please try not being so late. Don¡¯t want you to freeze out here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Taking off my jacket, she hands it to me. ¡°Will here you go. Be careful heading back and thanks for helping me home.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Slipping my coat on, I added. ¡°I¡¯ll see you later then. Give me a call if you need anything.¡±


    Nodding she walks into her house before disappearing. Now left out on the cold streets, I start my journey back home. Passing the intersection, the coffee shop and the fitness center, I managed to make it home safe.


    Opening my apartment and laying down on my couch, I can¡¯t help but wonder how Catharine and Aris are doing right now. It¡¯s quite and calm. The wind picks up making the house groan eerily. I pick myself back up and start packing my backpack with some supplies.


    Once I¡¯m done I pour myself some whiskey and sit in the dark. Feeling totally relaxed I imagine a life where I¡¯m sleeping with Aris and Catharine. Oh how wonderful it would be. But I¡¯m a one woman kind of guy I believe.


    Interrupting my musing I hear a knock on the door. ¡°Who is it now?¡±


    Grumpily I stand up and check the time. One in the morning. What asshole is knocking at this time? Putting down my drink, I walk over to the door. Turning the door knob, a click echoes through the room. Instantly the door is pushed open and men in military gear barges in.


    Disorientated by the light in my eyes, I hear someone screaming at me. Not knowing what is going on I raise my hands as a gun barrel is flung in my direction. With a punch in my gut, I bend over gasping.


    I watch as a black hood is tied around my face and feel my hands become bound.

 chp 5

    Dragging my feet on the ground, my captors throw me down the stairs. Every step causes me to gasp in pain. Time seems to slow down around me. I can see flickering lights through the darkness of the mask. Unable to catch myself I slam head first into the pavement. Curling up, I let out a loud cry, followed by a cold chill of blood flowing out.


    Why is this happening to me? I don¡¯t understand. I haven¡¯t done anything wrong to you. Thrown down the stairs of the apartment is beyond painful.


    Muffled footsteps come closer. Sensing light shining on me, a kick hits my gut.


    ¡°Get up now.¡±


    Fearing him, my elbows creak. While I try to stand, a gentle pull lifts me upright.


    ¡°Samuel we need to hurry. I don¡¯t know why the hell you had to push the poor sap down the dam stairs. You most likely woke some people up.¡±


    ¡°Sorry pops, that bastard wasn¡¯t listening to us. I had to show him a little pain for him to learn.¡±


    ¡°Well you fucked up. We aren¡¯t being paid to cause a ruckus, but to grab him.¡± Pointing towards me, he moves his figure over to Sam. ¡°Next time you pull this shit I¡¯ll throw your own ass down those stairs. You hear me son?¡±


    ¡°I hear.¡±


    ¡°You better.¡± Pushing my back, he picks up his pace. ¡°Greg. You and Sam get the van ready as I keep watch.¡±


    Noticing a strong grasp on my shirt, I¡¯m lifted up over someones shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Sam keeps out of trouble.¡±


    Bobbing up and down, I manage to loosen the sack over my head. Being able to see now, I search for Samuel.


    Locking my gaze on a small youth, he looks like a typical gangster. Messy blonde hair and baggy clothes, his scrawny figure could make anybody laugh. However, he made a personal enemy of me and when I get out I¡¯ll throw him off a fucking roof. We¡¯ll see who gets the last laugh.


    Swiftly we cover much ground. Running into alleys for two blocks, we finally made it to their getaway vehicle. Behind us, a gray haired man soon comes out. Watching us with stern eyes, he beckons Greg and Sam to hurry it up.


    Ripping open the backdoor, I¡¯m thrown into the back. With metal caging they used for wild animals, I realize there is no escape. Inside this light-less trunk, my anxiety goes out of control. It finally sets in, I¡¯m in deep shit.


    ¡°Let me out! I haven¡¯t done anything to you. You have the wrong person.¡± Taking a deep breath. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t say anything if you guys let me go. We can both go our own ways. I can even help you find the right person!¡±


    The front door is abruptly opened. ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡±


    ¡°Samuel, you guys have the wrong person. I can help you find the right one.¡±


    Interrupting me. ¡°I told you to shut up. We have the right mother fucker. Brown hair with a side of fucking stupidity.¡±


    ¡°What have I even done to you guys? I¡¯m innocent!¡±


    ¡°Last chance pretty boy; be quiet or we¡¯ll come back their and cut your tongue out.¡±


    Dammit. They must be positive I¡¯m their man. Having a getaway car during a random kidnapping? They must have that damn folder Richard showed me today. Fuck you Richard and fuck you Sam. No, I need to calm down. How the fuck can I be calm?!


    I¡¯m stuck inside of this piece of shit cage unable to see or hear. If only I can get out of here...And the only way out is the same way I came in...


    ¡°Sam you should let me out.¡±


    ¡°And why the fuck would I?¡±


    Jingling the lock on my cage. ¡°Because...You¡¯ll regret it, when my father hears about this. When he knows I¡¯m missing, you trio will be chopped up and feed to the dogs. Then the only one who will give a dam to remember you guys will be me when I¡¯m pissing on your graves laughing. So do us all a favor and open the cage Sam.¡±


    A brief moment elapses. One second two seconds. Is he still there, or did he leave the truck all together. Tapping the dash, Samuel gives out a low groan.


    ¡°You¡¯re full of shit. I ain¡¯t scared of anyone. If he wants you back it¡¯ll only be after we ship your dismember corpse to his door step. Now shut the fuck up!¡±


    Of course I¡¯m full of shit, but a grunt like you wouldn¡¯t even know it. Now stop being a panzy and let me out. Huh, I guess the only way out besides threatening him, would be pissing this twat off.


    ¡°I¡¯m full of shit? You are too much of a pussy to even do it.¡± Hearing him contort in anger, I continue. ¡°Oh, are you just scared to do it? It¡¯s all right I understand. It¡¯s that time of the month anyway. Being such a big pussy can cause emotional distress I hear. No worries, I promise to not tell anyone, Samantha¡±


    ¡°Youuuuu. Better stop¡­.¡±


    ¡°What was that? Did I just hear a chicken? Or maybe that''s the sound of you sucking your pops fat dick faggot.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, fuckface.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Am I hearing Samantha taking Greg¡¯s dick up his ass now? I guess if Greg doesn¡¯t want a bloody dick, that would be the alternative.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fucking it. You piece of fucking shit, I¡¯m going to bash your teeth out on the curb.¡±


    Whispering to myself. ¡°Ha. I would like to see a panzy try. Some scrawny fuck thinks he can do whatever he wants to me. He must be dreaming.¡±


    Hurried footsteps come around the side of the van. A few attempts to open the back, Samuel steps up to the wired cage. Seeing a hint of hesitation, I give out a sigh.


    ¡°I guess I shouldn¡¯t expect much. Once a pussy always a pussy. Right Samantha?¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Fuck you. I¡¯m going to enjoy carving you up.¡±


    Flashing a butterfly knife, he steps into my cage. Chuckling, I scoot into the corner. Pretending to look scared, I realize how crazy I¡¯m being. Would I ever be this daring before? If I was mugged I wouldn¡¯t try anything like this. Is it because I¡¯m afraid of the unknown future or is it cause I enjoy the adrenaline rush?


    Whimpering to myself, I wait for my opportunity. Five feet becomes four then three. Only two more feet before hes close enough. Flashing his knife in the street light, I make my move.


    Rolling away from his first slash, I make more room between us. Recovering his stance, he charges at me blindly. One slash after another is dodged narrowly, feeling my clothes becoming streamers I finally see my opportunity. Visibly sweating, Samuel gives out a low snort before lunging towards me.


    Realizing he missed again, he forgets about our distance. I reel back my legs and kick his knife. Crying out in pain, his knife is stabbed into his abdomen. Falling to the ground, I stand above him before twisting the handle. Seeing him sobbing on the ground, I hurried to remove my restraints.


    ¡°Oh, did you fall down some stairs Samantha? That looks pretty bad, let me take that knife out for you.¡±


    I guess Sam isn¡¯t in the mood to joke around any longer. I better take this knife and get out of here fast. I don¡¯t want grandpa or Greg to realize Samuel is the one bleeding instead of me. But where would I go? I can¡¯t go home, it is most likely under surveillance by one of the gangs. I guess I¡¯ll take my chance laying low somewhere.


    Gaining my bearings, I forget to remove my hood before leaving the truck. However, it¡¯s already to late as I¡¯m now standing right in front of the gray haired man.


    Looking at me furiously, he says. ¡°Where is my boy, Samuel at...¡±


    What should I say? That I lured him to the back by calling him a pussy. Or how I dodged his sloppy stabs. Maybe about leaving him in the back bleeding out? None of those are good answers. I already dug myself deeper as is. Might as well go all the way.


    Interrupting my thoughts, a bloody figure rolls out of the back of the trunk.


    ¡°Sam! What happened to you?¡± Rushing to his son, he try''s stopping the bleeding. ¡°Stay with me boy. What the hell where you thinking you dumb-ass.¡±


    Thank you Samuel. You made a great distraction for me.


    Using this god gifted chance, I make my escape. Running out towards the streets for help, I feel a burning sensation in my shoulder. For some reason my ears are ringing and a warm feeling flows down my stomach towards my legs. Touching my shoulder, I feel a sticky syrup. Bringing my fingers towards my face, I notice that its covered completely in red.


    Red? Why is my shoulder all red. Where is my shoulder at? Where is the rest of my fucking arm at!? Did it just decided that I''m to fucking, bat shit crazy and just dissipated. It¡¯s either that or I¡¯m seriously bleeding out.


    I can feel my legs slowing down. My hurried steps now feel like lead weights. I struggle to keep going on. Keeping my eyes down to my feet, I lean over. I try focusing on the trickles of blood falling down to keep me steady. With every step I feel the pain in my heart as it beats erratically. Thumb...thumb... thumb¡­.is the only echo I can hear.


    Seems like I¡¯m all out of luck now. I think I got shot and my whole arm flew off. Oh, no its still their, hanging by the skin. I guess I made the wrong decision yesterday. Should¡¯ve just been a good lemming and follow military orders. Haha, I guess my only wish is to be cremated, so they can¡¯t experiment on me when I¡¯m dead. Don¡¯t want to be a zombie or anything.


    Leaning against the alley wall, I leave a bloody mess as I slide down. Sitting upright, I can make out the images of Greg rushing over. Looking pale white, he nervously clips off the remains of my arm. He then stitches me up before placing an artificial graft over my wound. Seeing he succeeded in keeping me alive he turns towards the old man.


    ¡°Ralph. Your kid was just hurt. You didn¡¯t have to blow off half of his body.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off Greg. I call the shots. You go pick up that prick and throw him in the back. I need to stitch up Samuel before he causes a bigger scene.¡±


    Grunting to himself, Greg carefully drags me to the truck. Placing me into the cage, he lays me down and makes sure I can¡¯t move around much. Noticing he was mumbling I strain my ears.


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep doing this. To much shit and a sketchy job like this. I¡¯ll retire after this, and propose to Carine.¡± Taking a deep breath he shouts. ¡°Fuck it! You better not die or its my ass getting shot next.¡±


    Watching him close the door, I¡¯m all alone in the darkness once again. I tried counting numbers in my head, but the adrenaline is wearing off and my wound is throbbing. Clenching my teeth in pain, I curl my fingers until they draw blood.


    I can¡¯t go on like this. This pain is unbearable. I shouldn¡¯t have tempted fate and should¡¯ve went along with them all along. If I did, I would still have my arm. It¡¯s not like they wanted me dead. Greg patched me up and was sweating balls thinking I was going to die. So I can at least infer someone wants me alive. It¡¯s something to look forward to.


    Noticing the door opening up again, I see another person being brought in. Judging by their constitution, they should be a male and my fellow prisoner. With hands bound together, he sits in the cage across from me. Bawling his eyes out, I¡¯m surprised.


    Why is he crying? I got my arm blasted off and didn¡¯t shed a tear. I¡¯m not weak willed like him¡­ Their is always a way out, no matter what.


    Listening to his sobbing, It started to affect me.


    Groaning softly, I tried speaking. ¡°Shut...up¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hello? Is their someone here?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please. Stop. I. Got. Shot. You. Make-ing. This. Worse.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god. Am I going to die like this? Let me out!¡±


    Banging on his cage, he cries out like I did. Not using my tone, but crying about how hes a victim. Soon after the door opens and another person was brought in.


    ¡°Please let me go!¡±


    Not shutting up, I notice the young man is asking Samuel to let him out.


    Oh fuck. Samuel is going to rip him a new one.


    Watching by the side, I see the woman being shoved into the cage next to me. Turning around, Samuel waddles over to the young man silently. Pulling out his knife he stabs the prisoner in the shoulder and twists it. Hearing the painful screams and sobbing, Samuel just laughs it off and walks out.


    ¡°Told. You. To. Shut. Up. Ha.ha.ha.¡±


    Looking across from me, the woman is just sitting their blankly. With the bag over her face, I can see she is absent minded.


    Seems like she is in a state of disbelief. I was in disbelief all day. I thought I was on a lucky streak, having sex and stuff. Instead karma came back and shot me in the ass. Literally.


    Seeing no-one speaking, I introduced myself. ¡°My. Name. Is. Will. Yours?¡±


    After waiting a few minutes, the woman comes back to reality. Feeling my gaze, she starts shivering to herself. Crying softly to herself, I try ignoring my pain by overthinking.


    Why is everyone crying. They should do something about it like I have. I stood up and fought off my captors, and am still alive. Perhaps they¡¯re not as courageous. I never believed I had any balls at first, but I was surprised when I put my mind to it. It felt good to let it all go. However, their sobs are putting me off my high.


    Slowly the situation looks even more desolate as another person was pushed into a cage. I start realizing I might not make it out of this after all. Feeling the atmosphere overflowing with dispair, I let a few painful tears escape my eye.


    Interrupting my moment, the girl speaks. ¡°I¡¯m Elizabeth. Call me Lizy.¡±


    ¡°Will. I¡¯m. Hurt. You. Can. Just. Talk. To. Me.¡±


    Noticing my pained voiced and the gasping next to her, she wipes her tears away.


    ¡°I was going home from work today. Everything was normal, but I noticed on my way back someone was following me. I tried escaping. In the end I was caught and a few hours later they shoved me in here.¡±


    Giving a grunt to let her know I heard her, she visibly brightens up. Little by little, she opens up to me. Talking about her friends and family, to her pets. She kept on talking helping me to keep my mind off my missing limb. Eventually she collapses in exhaustion and falls asleep.


    Shortly after, the truck moves.

 chp 6

    The car picks up speed while turning frequently. I can feel every bump in the road and they¡¯re growing more frequent. I¡¯m guessing we are heading out of the city and into the woodlands. The other three prisoners don¡¯t seem to pay attention to our current situation and are currently biding their time. Only one I have hope for is Lizy considering she managed to calm herself when she spoke to me.


    I wonder why we are leaving the city. Isn¡¯t the upper district where all the research facilities are. I would¡¯ve assumed Richard¡¯s written message was true. In the inner city, all the newest technology is being displayed. Shouldn¡¯t the researchers for Scientology ofEugenics be their boasting about their recent breakthroughs. Unless this project of theirs, is flying under the radar¡­. Oh god I hope I won¡¯t become some kind of zombie.


    Breaking me out of my day dream, the vehicle suddenly stops. Hearing multiple footsteps I assume we are at some gathering point. Realizing the front of the van is strangely quiet I have a bad feeling.


    In the next moment, muffled gun shots echoed into the darkness. Hearing a few ricochet off the metal wall next to me, my fellow prison mates all coward while ducking. A few moments later, I see tiny pin holes spreading out next to me. With the moonlight filtering into my compartment, I discovered pointy needles sticking out of some of the holes.


    Looks like Samuel and his buds got tranquilized. Seems this operation just got more complicated. Just your everyday kidnapping involving no witnesses. Don¡¯t mind me, my new wardens outside, I can¡¯t even stand up, let alone make another prison break. I¡¯ll lay here laughing at how right I was about my conspiracy theory.


    Hearing heavy footsteps approaching our car, I¡¯m able to peak out from the pin holes. A squad of five full armored individuals cautiously move towards the bodies of Sam and his gang. Kicking their bodies over, they bend over to check their pulse. Signaling towards the forest, another group of soldiers appear to take away their bodies. Turning towards us, he calmly walks over.


    Oh, he looks like someone from our military. Is he here to save us? Please hurry up, I need someone to fix the sloppy stitch job on me. It itches and burns like hell. I know I labeled you guys as evil, but I didn¡¯t realized you guys were so familiar looking.


    With gleaming eyes, I wait anxiously for my savior. Opening the door he grunts at what he sees. Beckoning to his squadron, I watch as they take Lizzy and the rest away. With me, the leader walks over before checking if I was still alive.


    ¡°This one is still alive. Looks like those dumb-asses did a blotched job. It should¡¯ve been a grab and go. Not shooting the hell out of our merchandise. Tony get over here and move this bloody thing out of here.¡±


    Are you kidding me, I thought I was being saved. I know I¡¯m not in the right state of mind, but I still got my hopes up. You just had to come along and call us your merchandise. My last hope was crushed thanks to you fucking...


    ¡°bastards¡­.¡±


    Walking up to me Tony bends over. ¡°Did you say something? Weird, I could¡¯ve sworn you said something. Guess I¡¯m imagining things¡±


    ¡°Fucking...Bastards.¡±


    ¡°Okay, now I know I¡¯m not hearing things.¡± Not caring, he lifts me over his shoulder. ¡°Just hush up and keep your energy.¡±


    Keep my energy? For what? I¡¯m half dead as is. No one would want a cripple like me. I feel like shit, I look like shit and I don¡¯t give a fucking dam about any of you. This whole night has been one giant shit-hole of a mess. No the past two days have been. I just wanted to keep to myself, but you fucking dogs stalked me home and threatened me in my own house. Kidnapped me, shoved me down my stairs and shot off my fucking arm; now you want me to ¡®hush up¡¯. Screw you and screw all of you.


    Silently, I start laughing.


    ¡°Hey stop it. Nothing is funny about opening up your wounds.¡±


    ¡°Who cares. I don¡¯t.¡± Spitting up blood. ¡°FUCK YOU¡­.I DON¡¯T HAVE ENOUGH FUCKS TO GIVE TO ALL OF YOU. YOU BASTARDS CAN ALL FUCK YOURSELVES.¡±


    ¡°Stop it now. You¡¯re getting blood all over my equipment.¡±


    ¡°No. I won¡¯t stop because you asked nicely. You never asked me if I wanted to be here. For your information, I FUCKING DON¡¯T!¡±


    Shaking his head, he throws me onto the ground. Ignoring my mad laughter, he watches as the van we road in explode into a fiery mess. Turning towards me he shakes his head.


    ¡°Hey Phil, this one won¡¯t shut up. Come over here and knock him out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right over Tony. Wait until I get this chick into the vehicle.¡±


    Still laughing erratically, I attempt to stand up. However, Tony¡¯s boot find its way to my chest. Struggling under his pressure, I throw up dirt into his face. With little success, I flail my legs.


    ¡°It¡¯s pointless.¡± Shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re just unlucky. I¡¯m just doing my job, so you don¡¯t have to look at me like that.¡±


    Job? I don¡¯t consider manslaughter a job. Why would you work for someone, when it involves something like this. You¡¯re putting your whole weight onto a cripples chest. I¡¯m down here uncontrollably laughing, and bleeding from my throat for crying out loud.


    Slowly my body becomes limp. My energy dwindles away as my body can¡¯t move anymore. Before Phil could get over to me, all off my wild actions subside. I¡¯m now laying down, blindly staring up into the stars.


    Maybe this is the last time I¡¯ll look up to the sky. I don¡¯t understand anything anymore. Just take me away, I can¡¯t bear this pain anymore.


    ¡°Phil get over here quick. I think he¡¯s dead.¡±


    Rushing to lock Lizy up, He stumbles his way over to me. Looking down towards me, he grimaces. Hurried he checks my pulse and pulls out a needle.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°He went into shock. Nothing too major will happen once the medicine starts flowing. I can see why he¡¯s number 13. His vitality is astounding and you should be getting a bonus by keeping him alive; once you file your report.¡±


    ¡°Thank gods. I was worried I might get my pay deducted if I let him die on us like that. Would have been embarrassing if I couldn¡¯t stop a cripple from offing himself.¡±


    ¡°He should still be conscious, but he won¡¯t be able to move. Bring him over to my truck and I¡¯ll monitor his condition.¡±


    Moving my limb body, Tony sets me down on a stretcher. Watching Phil shove an IV into my vein, he clamps my finger into a device to monitor my health. Afterwards he activates a device on his wrist, where a 3D model of my body appears.


    ¡°Oh, you want to know about this thing?¡± Pointing towards his watch. ¡°It¡¯s one of the new gadgets us researchers get at the facility we¡¯re heading to.¡±


    Not speaking anymore, he does his own thing on the diagram. With a blue flash of light, I can feel my skin prickle. Noticing a change in the image of me on his display, I¡¯m shocked.


    Did I get scanned? Having a 3D image you can react with is already astounding technology. But by scanning me he is able to edit my model, showing the new damaged areas of my body. This is something different altogether.


    ¡°Not good. You lost a lot of blood and you¡¯re brain looks like it fried itself a bit. Your arm can¡¯t ever be recovered and besides the delay in our experiment on you, nothing else seems to be wrong.¡± Touching his chin, he continues. ¡°Good news is your body, should go back to normal in a few days.¡±


    Walking back and forth, he sits down editing some data. While he¡¯s doing that our car starts glowing a little.


    What is going on here? What is this blue glowing coating all over the car. It kind of reminds me of the electromagnetic field covering the city. Did they manage to make it portable enough to be used in such a small vehicle?


    Groaning I tried speaking. ¡°Where are we going.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. I might need to update the strength of your will and vitality.¡± Typing in new data, he says. ¡°We are currently heading out into the void zone. We can¡¯t have the media snooping around so we decided to build a relay station and conduct our experiments their.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°Doing what?¡± Thinking for a moment. ¡°I see. You want to know why you were kidnapped. Believe it or not, but we are in a rush against time to improve our experiments before beginning our trial runs. You William is subject 13 and was suppose to be operated on this week. Unfortunately you got yourself injured and would have to be placed into the 10<sup>th</sup> batch.¡±


    ¡°Thirteen? What are you even talking about.¡±


    Noticing my disheveled breathing, he tries thinking of something.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s right. I remember your friend Richard gave you a scare earlier. We saw his note he gave you and gave him a slight punishment. But I think we need to correct him a bit more.¡± Sending out a message, he sighs. ¡°He caused one of my experiments to be given away to a different researcher. If only you didn¡¯t have to be so over dramatic.¡±


    Richard was actually helping me out? Even if he pissed me off, I will give him credit. Only because he made me very jumpy, I was able to hurt myself; resulting in the delay of my turn on the chopping block. Time will only tell if this was a blessing in disguise.


    I notice our truck is slowing down. Soon another electric field passes through our vehicle and right afterwards, I start feeling sick. It feels like something foreign is worming itself into my head, making me feel awful. Glancing over to Phil, I notice he isn¡¯t better off than me.


    ¡°Seems like your heartbeat is picking up. Please be calm Will, nothing is wrong.¡± Smacking the wall. ¡°It¡¯s just these vehicles are the newest model. They still need a bit of fixing to completly shut out the outside contamination.¡±


    ¡°Contamination?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes. This must be your first time being out here. Before we made our current generation of shields, we had to use a more, ¡®lethal version¡¯. Our first communications with the other districts used these old generation models. Eventually we made great improvements creating a giant generator which we are currently using in the city.¡± Chuckling. ¡°This brings us to today, with our now self deploy-able shields on a go.¡±


    ¡°Next will be equipping individual shield to soldiers, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Yes, in our ideal scenario. However, we could never make it small enough for individual use. Instead we had to use the old generation model and find a new way to help block out the contamination that gets through.¡±


    ¡°And that brings us today¡­ I assume you guys are going to experiment on us to find out.¡±


    Thinking to himself for a moment, he stares down towards the floor. Noticing a slight hesitation, he smacks his leg.


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right. I at least am confident enough to pull off one of my tests successfully. I don¡¯t know about the person you¡¯ll be given to, but many people will not make it. Consider yourself luckily for being in the top 20 William. Those twenty subjects have the highest rate of success and will be used as a baseline for our soldiers.¡±


    ¡°What about the ones who were not kidnapped like me?¡±


    ¡°They will be recruited like regular soldiers. We will use our successful experiments to alter their genetic makeup and create something¡­ More Than Human.¡±


    At least Aris won¡¯t be tested on. My only hope now, is to survive or at the very least, make sure nobody else ends up like me. If I knew my last night was with her, I should¡¯ve gave her a goodbye kiss. Fuck being just friends, I should¡¯ve tried harder.


    ¡°Thanks for being honest.¡±


    Looking away from his gadget, he frowns a bit.


    ¡°I won¡¯t promise anything.¡± Exhaling. ¡°You¡¯re just a test subject to us. Nothing more and nothing less. Don¡¯t ever forget that in the facility, everyone is like me. That is my only advice for you as a researcher.¡±


    ¡°I see Phil. Can you promise me no one will do anything to Catharine.¡± Looking into his eyes. ¡°Consider it my will.¡±


    Nodding his head, he returns his attention to his display. We sat their silently minding our own business. The sun started to rise and filter into the car. Curiosity gets the better of me and I look out of the window.


    Nothing looks different besides the shade of the trees. I would¡¯ve assumed outside of our district would be filled with monsters as far as the eye can see. However, nothing like that seems to be out here. The grass is green the trees are a bright autumn color. In the sky, a few clouds are foaming and my breath turns into mist. Small snowflakes begin to fall to the ground while they glisten in the sunlight.


    My long night seems to be coming to an end. I can see the relay facility in the distance. The blue shield in the sky pulses calmly as we pass through it. Noticing my nausea passing away, our caravan is escorted inwards. All around, military personal are all dressed for winter chatting and having a good time.


    It looks like this place is being used for military lodging. They are gossiping to one another, oblivious to what is brewing underneath their feet. I believe they don¡¯t even know anything about the experiments that are about to take place.


    Slowly our convoy comes to a halt to the main building. On the roof there is a radio tower reaching up into the skies. I admire the view as I¡¯m pushed out of Phil¡¯s van, eventually I¡¯m brought in-front of a team of researchers.


    Looking at their smiling faces make me disgusted. They are definitely all in the know how. Right now I wish for nothing more than to strangle their cheerful expressions.


    ¡°Welcome back Phil. Looks like one of yours got a little bit injured.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He replies distressed. ¡°I¡¯ll need to change number 13 for one of batch 10¡¯s subject.¡±


    ¡°Wow, can¡¯t believe you have to give him up.¡± Looking towards me, he continues. ¡°Fill out the paperwork with the director. I¡¯ll get him situated in our holding tank.¡±


    Once everyone caught up, I was slowly wheeled into the facility. Numerous guards were taking shifts all down the hallway. The walls, ceiling and floor where white like a clean room. Once we took the elevator down below, I started to see rooms filled with 3D images of unknown creatures and the anatomy of the human body. Their was also a room showing the DNA structure being broken down and replaced during a meeting filled with researchers. Finally my trip arrives in the medical bay.


    It was here, where my last moments of being human ended. His smiling face, the syringe stabbing into my forearm:


    and the blackness that soon followed.

 chp 7

    Awakening to the fluorescent lights turning on, I cover my eyes. A few minutes go by until I adjusted my vision to my surroundings. Tile walls covered by a blue barrier and a single twin bed. A toilet in the corner along with a white sink. Everything is white and made to stand the tests of time.


    Sitting up I try fixing my hair.


    Oh, that¡¯s right. My right arm was vaporized and left in some alley way. I remember the abduction and getting shot, but everything after is blurry.


    Disorientated, I walk over to the mirror. Feeling how off my body feels missing a limb, I walk with an awkward gait. One step at a time, I manage to make it to my destination to assess the damages.


    My shoulder is a mass of scar tissue. Multiple nicks in my side show how lucky I was getting shot at point blank range. I either had my flesh ripped off by either a shotgun or a hollow point. Rolling both my shoulders, I attempt to loosen my stiff joints.


    After a few cracks later, I hear a mechanical noise. Looking all around, I eventually found the source of it all. In all four corners of the room, are cameras mounted in the ceiling. They¡¯re inside of a black sphere shape and the only thing I can see is the red recording light.


    It seems like they¡¯re currently watching me. Might be noting down everything I do, or perhaps updating their damn psychological profile of me. No use worrying. I¡¯m their prisoner and I tried everything I could to get away. I just hope my old cell mates are holding up better than me.


    Noticing nothing else besides the occasional camera flash from the ceiling, I bend over to check out the blue field in my room.


    Why would they have an extra field here? Didn¡¯t they have one outside too. Either they are trying to have extra protection for me, or they might be trying to use the contamination outside to mutate me.


    Shaking my head I could only shrug at my observation. Seeing nothing else noteworthy in my room, I went searching in my night stand. After a quick search I seem to have found a remote.


    ¡°At least they didn¡¯t leave and forgot all about me.¡±


    Using the remote, a TV screen projects itself onto the wall. Switching channels, I stop when something catches my eye.


    Isn¡¯t that Phil from yesterday? What is he up to.


    [So Dr. Fritzhugh, you say you¡¯re currently spearheading a new field of bio-science?]


    [I wouldn¡¯t say just I. But my team here next to me are currently the most advance scientists in their fields. We all together are the ones who have found a feasible way to redefine the way we view science.]


    [If that is so, can you explain whats is your groups current findings?]


    [I can, but it¡¯ll involve a lot of technical terms and data. I would rather summarize what we have discovered so far. Only if it¡¯s okay with you.]


    [It¡¯s fine. Please go on Dr.]


    [You see, the radioactive particles plaguing the air outside of the safe zone, is in fact not as deadly as we previously thought. It¡¯s not a contamination, but a natural thing found in nature on this planet. Have you ever wonder why vegetation and other forms of life can be found outside?]


    [No, it never crossed my mind before. Why is that?]


    [It¡¯s an easy answer. They have adapted and evolve around this uncontrollable energy. They have found ways to use this baffling power in ways we never imagine possible. How could something so natural to them, be such a toxin to us? It¡¯s because we are the aliens here and have never had time to adapt like them.]


    [In other words, you guys are trying to speed up our natural evolution?]


    [Yes and no. My team and I have discovered how to do that already. Implementing it isn¡¯t the biggest problem. It¡¯s what we want to achieve, is what causing the hold up.]


    [Then what¡¯s the hold up?]


    [We want to go beyond that. We were the masters of the food chain on Old Earth. Nothing could stand against us their, but here¡­ a common animal is able to use this corrosive energy to out-power and outmaneuver our current technology. They can hit harder than bullets. Run faster then cars. And fly better than our best planes. At Scientology of Eugenics, we want to be at the top again. At least be on the same playing field as the inhabitants of this planet.]


    [Interesting. How would you go about this?]


    [We are still in the planning phase. But my team and I believe we can achieve this in a relative short period of time and much more.]


    Turning off the TV I roll around in my bed.


    This has to be an old interview. I literally saw Phil yesterday and he looked super excited getting his specimen shipment. I doubt he¡¯ll go back into town just for an interview. And this Fritzhugh guy must be an upper manager or something. I might need to watch out for him or else I might be his next guinea pig. I hope my researcher I¡¯m stuck with is like Phil.


    Silently I stare up to the ceiling. I start counting the number of flickers per minute, to counting the number of tiles on each wall. Eventually I grew bored, and ended up taking a nap. Who knows how much time has passed, a day or two, I started to get hungry. I was able to drink from the sink, but no matter how long I wait, no one is showing up.


    On the second day, I feel the hunger pains setting in. I wonder back and forth in my room, hoping something would happen. In the end I give up and try to distract myself by watching the news.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Another day passes by and I¡¯m back at pacing around in circles. I used the bathroom and the smell fermented the cubicle I¡¯m in. It was a mistake leaving the toilet lid open for so long. A few hours later, my stomach growls and the pains set back in.


    In the recent days of my isolation, I grew use to my empty stomach. Ever since the third day past, I started to notice vitamins being sent into my room. No matter how hard I tried peaking through the slit in my door, I never was able to see exactly who gave it to me. Only thing I found out was a young nurse was the one secretly supplementing me.


    Satisfied with the idea of starving to death in a month, I start daydreaming about how hot this mysterious person could be.


    Could she felt bad about my situation. I woke up alone and she was the only human contact with me. I know she realized after the fifth day, I was looking forward to her visit. One time I opened the slit right when she handed the medicine out. I can only imagine how cute her reaction was when she screamed of fright. I just really need to see her face or something. I can¡¯t stand my urges for long. Every man needs to release some stress sometime.


    As I was taking care of business, I try remembering Catharine¡¯s naked body. Every crease of her tone back and butt makes it easier to get it up. Trying to ignore the four cameras watching me jack-off, I imagine my life having sex with Aris and her, and before I knew it, I already blew my load.


    Washing my hands in the sink, I notice a little package from the nurse sitting at the door. Walking over I realize it was a box of tissues and a bottle of germ-ex.


    Dear God, please help me get over this embarrassment. Why was the only thing I looked forward to, have to see me jacking off. What did she think of my dick? What about the vascularity? I know Catharine enjoyed it. The only thing I can do, is accept the offering she gave me.


    Everyday passed like this. Getting out of bed, drinking water, relieving myself, accepting pills from the fairy and feeding my worldly urges watching porn on TV. After another week passed, I can start seeing a six pack forming on my body. The hunger pains have disappeared and my body feels refreshed like never before. My damaged shoulder and ribs don¡¯t hurt as much and I start to grow special feelings for the nurse behind the door.


    ¡°Kind of interesting realizing you¡¯re going crazy. I haven¡¯t talked to anyone in three weeks. The scratches on my bed are starting to fill the frame. Soon I won¡¯t be able to mark my stay here.¡± Sighing to myself. ¡°Sometimes a blue flash appears scanning my body. And afterwords my cute fairy comes around to feed me some pills. I feel like a damn...¡±


    Guinea pig. That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a prisoner here. I have to keep my mind focus. Don¡¯t give in. I¡¯m William 20 years old and currently employed as a lab rat. I haven¡¯t ever imagine my occupation in life would be this. I hope Catharine won¡¯t miss me. I wish I fucked Aris too.


    ¡°Dammit. Do something! I¡¯m sick of this cold shoulder bullshit!¡±


    Laughing quietly to myself, I curl up in my bed. Another night passes until I notice the slit in my door open up. Walking over sluggishly, I discover a note to my surprise.


    Did the cute nurse pity me? She must realize I¡¯m going crazy or its just a cable bill for the porn I¡¯ve been watching lately.


    Unfolding the note, I begin to read.


    [Are you all right William. I¡¯ve been assigned to keep you in good health. I can¡¯t tell you my name, but I want you to know you¡¯re not all alone. I heard you last night talking to yourself and I couldn¡¯t help but feel how much pain you¡¯re in. If you ever want to talk, just write down what ever you feel and stick it in the door. Make sure you aren¡¯t seen.


    - Your Friend <3]


    Looking around quickly, I notice the cameras aren¡¯t focused on me. Sticking the note in my pocket, I hurried to the bathroom. Ever since I¡¯ve been held here, they don¡¯t try to film me on two occasions: on the toilet and when I¡¯m masturbating. Getting my priorities right, I sit down before getting my pen ready.


    What should I write? How I¡¯m currently going nuts or how glad I am to finally have a way to communicate to someone. I don¡¯t know what to say or how to start my note. It feel¡¯s like I¡¯m passing notes back in elementary school.


    Steadying my hand I begin my first of many letters.


    [I can sort of understand why you don¡¯t want to tell me your name, but could I at least have a nickname. People call me Will and I wouldn¡¯t mind you using it in the future. Would be nice putting a name to a face when I can.


    Currently I was about to go crazy in here. Not speaking to another person and watching reruns of TV programs everyday would do that to anyone. Counting the scratches on my bed I notice I¡¯m coming to my first month in this institute. I wonder if you could tell me if they¡¯ve forgotten about me, or I¡¯m just going to be stuck like this forever.


    Other than that, I would like to have more paper for my next letter.


    - Will]


    Flushing the toilet, I pretend to check out the slit in my door. Double checking, I hurried to stick my note out for the nurse. Standing back up, I lazily make my way back to the bed before continuing my TV series.


    The next day arrives and another note appears. This time I notice pink lipstick at the corner of the paper.


    She must have a thing for pitiable people. I guess my next letter will be about how awful my stay here has been.


    Walking to the bathroom again, I read the letter.


    [Hello Will. I couldn¡¯t sneak much more paper to you, so please forgive me. You can call me Triss, and I didn¡¯t know you came here right before I started to work. Imagining you all alone in there breaks my heart.


    In about another month or two, I heard I¡¯ll have to lead you to the lab where you¡¯ll be tested at. I don¡¯t know why they¡¯re holding you here, but I¡¯ll be in deep trouble if they figure out I was communicating with you. The only good thing, is after each of your tests, I¡¯ll be able to take you above ground for some exercise.


    - Yours truly Triss]


    Replying to her letter.


    [Thank you Triss. I¡¯m having the worst experience of my life in here. I thought being peppered sprayed was horrible, but being locked up in this box is a solid number two on the worst things ever. Number one would be when I got my arm blasted into pieces, which happened last month after I was brutally kidnapped and hurt.


    Other than knowing I¡¯m going crazy, I can¡¯t imagine another two months with-out letters from you. Please don¡¯t get caught and don¡¯t sneak in more than you¡¯re able to. I hope going up to the surface would do me some good. Pacing back and forth is an early sign of a mental breakdown. Thank you again for your note.


    - Will]


    Sticking my note back in the door, I begin my long wait until my experimentation. One month turned into two and eventually three. During this time, I¡¯ve been given razors to shave and haven¡¯t eaten anything besides an occasional juice, Triss manages to sneak in.


    I realize I¡¯m starting to become emotionally dependent on our little letter exchanges, but I don¡¯t believe its a bad thing. Anything is better than being deprived of basic communications, when humans are very social creatures. Other than our secret chat, the only other thing to look forward to is sleeping.


    And one day when I was sleeping, my cell finally slides open.


    Seeing the area outside of my cell so clearly, I¡¯m slightly taken back. I¡¯m nervous and start shaking subconsciously. Watching two armed guards coming towards me, I back off into the corner. Seeing them slow down they stop before beckoning towards the door. Then I notice Triss walking in. With her brown wavy hair and glasses, she gives me a warm smile.


    Slowly I move my way towards her, afraid of angering the two brutes next to her. Giving me a slight hug, she guides me by my hand outside my cell. Silently all four of us made our way to the elevator before heading straight to the lowest floor.


    Watching each floor flashing by, I tighten my grip onto Triss, until she rubs my back comfortably. Looking around, I realize everything is the state of the art. Floating monitors and multiple dome rooms created a perfect circle around the surgical platform.


    Interrupting my gaze, Triss pushes me forward and beckons me to go on alone. One step after another, I enter the center of the floor.


    Upon entering the white circular room, I finally met the person who will be experimenting on me.

 chp 8

    Laying down on the operating table, I¡¯m sedated. My arms and legs are bound preventing any movement and only my eyes are free to move about. The doctor who¡¯s going to be operating on me, is a middle aged man along with his assistants. I fail to see his face as it is covered with a surgical mask.


    Not bothering to cover my eyes from wondering, I look down to the rest of my body. While I¡¯m looking they take a pair of scissors and begin to remove my clothes. First goes my shirt, then pants and underwear. Now completely naked in-front of these people, I can only close my eyes and pray.


    If only Triss was allowed to come in here. I¡¯m extremely nervous laying butt-ass naked if front of strangers. Who would¡¯ve thought they would remove my underwear too. At least put a blindfold on me, so I can¡¯t see what they¡¯re doing.


    Washing their surgical tools, they put on blue gloves and spray disinfectant all over them. Content with their preparations, they walk over to the 3D monitor and highlight the core areas of my body. Arms, legs, torso and neck have clear markings of where my major veins are at. Nodding to each other, they each begin to make an insertion at the indicated places.


    My heart-rate speeds up as I watch them slice me open. Blood trickles down, while my veins are punctured. Putting pressure on the wound, one of the assistants hurried to bring out five hozes connected to a machine.


    One after another, my veins are subjected to the forcefully entry of the plastic instruments. Eventually, my blood flows into the hozes and down into the blood processor. One minute passes, two minutes passes and I¡¯m starting to feel lightheaded. Seeing splotches of black filling my vision, I hear the machine turning on and my blood reentering my body.


    Coming back from the verge of unconsciousness, I realize all the surgeons decided to wait for the timer on the 3D model to run out. The five minute count down starts to tick and the anticipation on their faces become even more pronounce.


    What are they doing? It can¡¯t be they are only purifying my body. Didn¡¯t I fasted for a few months on nothing besides vitamin pills and water. Their plan must involve me being in perfect shape.


    Finally, the timer runs out and the doctors take a few notes of my current health and after double checking to see if I¡¯m conscious, they begin their experiment.


    Out of a door behind me, I hear something huge being dragged in. Curious to what is happening, I manage to catch a glimpse behind me.


    Is that¡­ What is that? It looks like a mix of a lion and a parrot. It has the lions mane and colorful feathers all down its backside. The legs are furry and have long talons on each end. But why is such a huge thing being wheeled in, behind me. Is this, one of their failed experiments¡­.


    ¡°Subject 13¡¯s blood pressure is rising. I¡¯m going to administer a vasodilator to lower it.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Turning around the head surgeon walks towards the beast. ¡°All of us are rather experience with this procedure. I don¡¯t expect any of you to make a mistake here. Out of the 50 specimens tested on, about 9 of them survived this. Subject 13 is different from those trial runs, he¡¯s been reported to have a strong vitality and the best candidate for the improved version of this procedure.¡±


    Agreeing with him, they all pull up a display of the anatomy of the beast. Pointing at several locations and assigning everyone their jobs, the head surgeon begins to cut into the monster.


    After the first few incisions I can see its blood pouring out. It¡¯s red like mine, but it has a certain glow to it. Almost like a glow-stick broken apart and puddling up. Shocked at seeing this, I watch the head doctor use great cation using his scalpel. Noticing he¡¯s trying his hardest to not breath in or touch any of the vapors pouring out into the air.


    Is that monster¡¯s blood really abnormal? I know it¡¯s glowing, but it shouldn¡¯t be that dangerous. I really hope I¡¯m right, considering you guys are going to be injecting me with it, based off the models I saw.


    ¡°We¡¯ll proceed with a complete blood infusion replacing a quart of blood every hour.¡± Inserting tubes into the open wounds. ¡°I¡¯ll need one of you to inject the serum into 13 soon. Afterwards we¡¯ll have to monitor his condition and prevent it from going critical.¡±


    ¡°Sir it¡¯s every 45 minutes not every hour.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Nobody gave me an update about this.¡± Checking his notes he frowns. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯ll have to report this to Teresa and correct whoever screwed up. We¡¯ll carry out the experiment with a 45 minute intervals instead.¡±


    Wow. I can¡¯t believe you guys almost screwed up. This is my life on the line and a simple miscommunication could¡¯ve gotten me killed. If you ever find out who did this, please smack him for me.


    Saying my peace, I laid here until one of the scientist decided to administer me the serum. I don¡¯t know what was in it, except for a deathly cold chill that soon followed. This chill isn¡¯t one you get from a breeze, but something similar to a brain-freeze. It¡¯s so severe, that the sedative isn¡¯t able to block out all of my pain receptors.


    I can only feel the chill of death. It¡¯s slowly making it¡¯s way up from my waist and has already reached my feet. My toes are giving off a mist and the coldness is now making its way towards my neck. Am I going to freeze to death by something so strange?


    ¡°13¡¯s condition is starting to deteriorate.¡± Looking away from his screen he motions for the infusion to start. ¡°Hurry, we have less than 15 seconds before he freezes.¡±


    Watching with pained eyes, I can¡¯t even scream. I can see my blood being drawn out of my body and in its place, a bright red syrup is pumped into me. After a full minute, I can start to feel my body warming up a bit. Almost as if, I¡¯m defrosting at an astoundingly speed.


    Thank you, I was almost a goner. I didn¡¯t know what to say. Fuck you for putting me near death or thank you for saving my life. Either one works, but I¡¯m happy to still be kicking. At least the chill went away...but why am I starting to feel warm? Like really warm.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As fast as the deathly chill appeared, a searing heat overcomes my body. It intensity is a level below the coldness, but I can already feel my skin blistering from the intense heat. My insides feel like its about to boil and my veins in my body are starting to rupture one by one. The only thing I wish for now is the numbness I felt earlier.


    ¡°Subject¡¯s heart rate is stable. The infusion looks like a success.¡± Flipping through his monitor. ¡°We¡¯ll need to administer the serum every-time we repeat the infusion. Take note on his brain functions and see if we can tweak the experiment to improve its effects.¡±


    Can you guys shut up. My head feels like it¡¯s about to explode and I don¡¯t think you guys would like to clean that up. I think this can be ranked number 1 in the most painful experiences I ever had. Having your body freeze to the point you think you¡¯ll die and all of a sudden you¡¯re body is burning inside out. I can hardly think as is.


    Unable to keep my mind off the pain, I try focusing my attention elsewhere. The sweat all over my body has traces of blood in it. My damaged shoulder has protruding veins appearing out of it. I can¡¯t even explain how my body has a slight glow like the monsters blood from earlier. I¡¯m most likely radioactive now.


    What feels like hours, passed with in a handful of minutes. I¡¯m laying on the operating table, and the pain finally subsides for the most part. However, my next injection of this crimson alien blood begins. Once again, I go through the near death experience of freezing and burning up. This time it¡¯s more manageable as my body becomes more use to it.


    After the fifth time of the blood transfer, my body starts to dim noticeably and the burning sensation starts to subside. Eventually the doctors decided to stop injecting the chilling fluid and have a constant injection of crimson blood into my veins.


    Hours passed and the surgeons left one by one. Watching the head surgeon sitting on his chair monitoring my condition, he finally lets out a loud laugh.


    ¡°I finally did it! Phil and Ralph you can¡¯t be as boastful now. My subject has made a complete recovery and hasn¡¯t suffered any long term damages.¡±


    Walking over to me, he nudges me awake.


    ¡°Tell me. What¡¯s your name.¡±


    My name? What is it again...Will. I almost forgotten due to the torture you guys put me through. I thought my mind was about to break and I¡¯ll be forever changed.


    ¡°...Will.¡±


    ¡°Good good. Will is it. I¡¯m called Raimund and you just proved I was right all along.¡±


    ¡°Right? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Right about everything! You see, I created a model using you¡¯re DNA and realized we had to be very subtle in the change of your genetic makeup. First you have to be feed special medication and detox your system. Afterwards we used the blood of a A class beast to help slowly change your body from the inside.¡± Smiling cheerfully, he throws his hands in the air. ¡°I showed them all! They all took dramatic approaches in their research. Replacing organs, nerves, and body parts, all taking shots into the dark. All of them said you would die and my vaccine I created was a hoax and illogical. But, you¡¯re alive and the changes are already happening to you!¡±


    ¡°Ch.Changes?¡±


    ¡°Changes that would shake the world. Even I was starting to doubt myself, but being given such a good specimen¡­ I mean you Will. Has proven a high vitality is all I was missing to complete everything I hypothesis.¡± Pacing back and forth. ¡°Now we just need to find a way to boost the average constitution of a person. It won¡¯t be easy, but using your data as a base line will help change everything.¡±


    ¡°Um Raimund. W.What is going to happen to me?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Besides a few more tests, I honestly don¡¯t know. The most likely thing is you¡¯ll need recover and be lead outside into the void zone. If you feel fine and nothing happens than we succeeded. After that we¡¯ll need to find a way to produce the magic outside.¡±


    ¡°Magic? Are you talking about the phenomenons produced by those foreign creatures?¡±


    ¡°Not just creatures, even plants and sometimes natural disasters.¡± Pointing towards the sedative beast. ¡°This chimera we captured was able to produce lightning out of thin air. It¡¯s red bolts were able to bypass our force fields and is the main reason its categorize as a level A threat. How he was able to create this red lightning is un-explainable. The only thing we discovered, was its core in its body was absorbing and releasing the contamination from outside its body, and ended up creating lightning.¡±


    ¡°Magic¡­ Are you guys trying to make me able to do that too?¡±


    ¡°Of course we are. This is the main reason for all of this.¡± Pointing to all the lab equipment. ¡°Our first priority was to make us immune to the radiation from outside. And the second one was to level the playing field with the inhabitants here. I believe our next experiment will be trying to transplant this monsters core directly into you.¡±


    Not giving me anytime to retort, he lets in two guards to wheel me out. In the elevator I can feel my head pounding and a cold sweat dripping down my back. My room comes closer and the exhaustion starts to set in.


    This is all too much to take in. I¡¯ve been kidnapped and isolated for months. Told I was the perfect specimen and others died going through what I have. Now I learn I will be able to use magic and the only thing I need to do is survive having an organ from that chimera being put inside me. It¡¯s to much to think about, I¡¯ll have to lay down and sleep it off.


    Exhausted I finally was pushed into my familiar room. White wall, bed and bathroom. Cameras in every corner and the TV remote sitting on the bed. Sluggishly I crawled my way to the shower and rinse all the blood off of me. Noticing I was all alone, I discovered my skin was already healed.


    ¡°Is this a side affect from the procedure?¡±


    Hurried I looked into my mirror. My shaggy brown hair is slightly darker and my iris¡¯s have streaks of green in them. The scar on my shoulder has disappeared and my veins are more pronounced.


    Is this all the changes that have happened? Eerily greenish eyes and faster healing?


    Cutting my hand with my razor, I discovered my blood is bright red like the lion¡¯s. Also, the cut on my hand heals visibly to the eye. After an hour of watching my wound close, I conclude I¡¯m definitely not normal anymore.


    Like a chimera but in human form. I¡¯m happy with the changes, but my eyes are a little bit too different for my taste. Am I slowly becoming nonhuman? I look human and feel nothing wrong, unless I¡¯m mentally different. This room I¡¯m in, has already changed my outlook on life so a few experiments won¡¯t change me much. I hope.


    Standing back up, I can feel the exhaustion becoming to much to handle. Making my way to my bed, I flip on the TV and fall into a deep sleep.


    In my dream, I was a lion¡¯s cub. I walked around with my mother and hunted smaller creatures. Ripping them apart and swallowing them, I soon became the king of my domain. My mother became older so I had to manage my territory alone. Until one day, I notice hundreds of metal monsters crossing my domain. Threaten at a possible evasion, I woke my aged mother up and attempted to flee. However, a blue field covered us and my strength was starting to dissipate. It was around this time my mother was killed and I became vengeful. Escaping out of my territory I began to strike them repeatedly over the next few weeks. One red bolt after another, I managed to kill most of them. However, I was careless and got trapped before all went black.


    Waking up sweating, I realized dark lines fading from my skin.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡±


    Was I dreaming of that chimeras past? This is way to weird to be a coincidence. And what was those lines from earlier. I really need to be careful and monitor any more changes.


    Standing up, I notice another note from Triss.


    And after today, I started to have dreams of being that monster every night. All they way up to the schedule day I can finally go outside.

 chp 9

    A few more months have passed and I¡¯m still currently trapped inside of my 15 X 20ft holding cell. The bed I¡¯ve been using has ran out of space to count the number of days I¡¯ve been here. Around the sixth month, I decided to start a new set of marks on my table. During this time, my body has finally made a full recovery, but Triss¡¯s notes have been less frequently causing a bit of heartache.


    I can say thanks to the surgery I underwent two months ago for the quick recovery, but I do have some issues with the side affects of it. I¡¯ve been having nightmares of eating raw meat and fighting wild creatures I don¡¯t know anything about. Also, the color of my eyes have turned completely green now. Besides those negatives, the quick healing is nice.


    I¡¯ve experimented before and any cuts on my skin recovers in an hour and anything worse usually takes a week. I also tested my stamina and noticed a slight increase and ever since I¡¯ve been given real food last month, it has increased tenfold. All in all, I can say my life has improved since the first week of my imprisonment.


    Today was like most day, pacing around mindlessly, eating and working out. My body has become really fit due to the strict diet they have me on. I was visited a while ago by Raimund and talked to him about my strange dreams and cravings for meat. With his okay after a few inspections, I was finally cleared to go up to the surface to start the next experiment.


    Being their cherished captive comes with a few benefits. Number one: not being the first victim of any wild aspirations they have. Number two: I¡¯m being treated better than before. During this time, I haven¡¯t met any other prisoners like me, but I would rather not think about it. I already know the success rates of their experiments and sometimes I hope for the girl who comforted me to still be alive.


    Interrupting my thoughts, Triss with her brown hair and glasses comes into my room.


    ¡°Will. Raimund is ready for you up above.¡± Handing me a tech suit. ¡°He told me to have you wear this¡±


    Looking at the white skin tight suit, I¡¯m able to see a few sensors, made to monitor my body. They¡¯ll most likely be used to record data of how well I handle the contamination. One leg after the other, I manage to pull it up like a wet suit. With some help from Triss, I manage to have it zipped up from the back and ready to go.


    ¡°Thanks. Triss.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not keep them waiting now.¡±


    Pulling me behind her, I notice a squadron of armed guards following close behind. One of them I recognize as Tony, the man who stepped on my chest when I was severely injured.


    Lingering farther back, I grew closer to him.


    ¡°Hey Tony. What are we in for today?¡±


    ¡°You should know.¡± Grunting to himself. ¡°I¡¯m just hired security.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sour now.¡±


    Playfully I start slowing down and getting in his way. He keeps on stepping around me, but he fails to shake me off. Eventually I manage to trip him up and watch him slam against the wall. Chuckling at him, his face grows darker.


    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole.¡± Righting himself. ¡°Stop messing with me.¡±


    ¡°Nope. Next, time I¡¯ll try harder.¡±


    Not willing to put up with my shenanigans, he rushes forward to the front.


    Ah, I was only messing around. Anyway, he deserved falling over and probably more. Anyone who steps on a cripple should at least apologize, but Tony hasn¡¯t said anything remotely similar. I¡¯ll keep messing with him from now on.


    Marching forward, we take an elevator up to the surface. Finally I see familiar halls that look like a clean room and some military personal monitoring the area. Walking down the white halls, we come to the entrance, where Raimund and his group of researchers are waiting.


    ¡°Welcome William. I¡¯m excited to see you looking well.¡± Waving to me, Raimund comes over. ¡°Here is a helmet you¡¯ll be wearing soon.¡±¡±


    Being handed a white motorcycle helmet, I smile wryly towards him.


    ¡°Thanks for the...present.¡±


    Hearing my nervous reply, he shakes his head and continues to lead me out of the building.


    The winter when I came here is long gone. Trees are vibrate green and the warm breeze tells me its mid summer. My pasty skin heats up under the sun after a long period of time. I almost forgotten how nice it was outside. Compared to my dark cell underground, I would rather be up here instead.


    Following the scientists we made it to the edge of the facility. All around are other groups of researchers talking about their experiments. I on the other hand have to follow closely behind Raimund.


    ¡°Welcome, Raimund. I¡¯m glad you made some progress recently.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Fritzhugh. I was just lucky to have such a great opportunity.¡±


    ¡°I know, I was told how number 13 lucked out of Phil¡¯s group and managed to join yours. I hope you¡¯re ready to show us your findings and help us take the first step.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be my honor.¡± Signaling to me. ¡°William, come over here and introduce yourself.¡±


    Walking forward nervously, I recognize Fritzhugh. He was always on TV promoting his research group. I think he¡¯s the public figure for this whole mess I¡¯m in.


    ¡°Um, I¡¯m Will.¡± Stretching out my hand. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Pleasure is all mine.¡± Shaking my hand. ¡°Tell me Will. How has Raimund been treating you recently?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been all-right. Besides being isolated and the initial experiment, I¡¯ve been rather bored.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Bored?¡± Rubbing his chin. ¡°I could have you come under my group. I heard you know my friend Phil.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I got along with him fine.¡± Giving a small laugh. ¡°However, I believe I¡¯ll be fine surviving under Raimund.¡±


    Interrupting both of us, Raimund steps forward. Waving his hand back and forth he tries to hide me behind him.


    ¡°Fritzhugh, don¡¯t be trying to steal him away.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. If he agrees to come over to us, I can promise him to come outside all he wants under some supervision.¡±


    ¡°He already said he¡¯s perfectly fine with me. And I can even arrange some accommodations for him myself. And he could¡¯ve asked me himself.¡±


    Wait, I could¡¯ve asked him? How was I suppose to do that, when the only one I had contact with was Triss. I better demand a recreation place and also be aloud more visitors.


    ¡°Will you really do that? I read the reports about his current living standards. I think he would change his mind knowing you did it to him on purpose, whether he liked it or not.¡±


    ¡°Stop it now. That was only a temporary thing. We had to make sure he was mentally strong enough to not break under isolation and it proved willpower is also a discovered factor in my experiments.¡±


    ¡°Willpower? Raimund, stop thinking about dungeons and dragons. Magic, willpower and souls are just things made up. They can all be explained with logical reasoning.¡± Sighing to himself. ¡°We just haven¡¯t discovered those reasons yet and you are here today to help us take the first step in the right direction.¡±


    ¡°Fine keep being closed minded.¡± Stepping forward. ¡°Just remember I¡¯ll manage my own team and you manage yours.¡±


    ¡°You can say that, but I want to ask Will again.¡± Looking towards me. ¡°William won¡¯t you reconsider going over to our group?¡±


    Don¡¯t put me on the spot. I¡¯m just a specimen without any-rights. Even if I do like Phil, I¡¯d rather be with Raimond when he hasn¡¯t done me any lasting harm yet. Also, if I leave I won¡¯t be able to see Triss again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I would rather be with him.¡± Pointing towards Raimond. ¡°He also have a hot nurse taking great care of me.¡±


    Grunting displease, Fritzhugh glares towards me. Noticing my indifference, he begins to walk away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk with Terisa later.¡± Looking back at Raimond. ¡°And we¡¯ll see if you can keep him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also on record that I¡¯ve improved the success rates of everyone''s experiments to 60%. So you can go ahead and try.¡±


    Grunting displeased with this encounter, Raimond beckons me to follow. Following him, I noticed some stadium seats being set up and more scientists coming up. Most of the researchers looked rather old and visibly excited for the upcoming announcement. Coming up are our seats in the middle of a raised platform and infront of us is a microphone being set up for Raimond¡¯s speech.


    Sitting down, I calmly look back at the seated scientists.


    How many of them know what is going on in the basement of this relay station, when its clearly a research institute. If I had to guess, around 90% of them know something about the human experimentation, but all of their greedy eyes tell me otherwise. How can they act so normal when they already know they¡¯re the cause of me being a mutant?


    Feeling my blood pressure rising, my eyes glow a soft green. Lines on my exposed palm appear and I can tell I¡¯m releasing a dangerous aurora. Looking around, nobody seems to have noticed it besides Tony next to me and perhaps Fritzhugh. Tapping my shoulder, I glance back at Tony.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to make a scene. I¡¯d rather not knock you out and drag you back to your cage.¡±


    Trying to keep my anger in check, I can feel my blood calm down. The glow in my eyes dissipate and the lines on my hand fade away. Then the aurora changes to a chilling cold.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Giving him a smile. ¡°If anything, I¡¯ll bide my time until I¡¯m ready.¡±


    Giving me a grunt, he turns his attention away. Now calmed down a bit, I wait till the assembly starts.


    Right before Raimond begins his speech, he signals me to put on my helmet.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯ll try to make this quick. You¡¯ve been called here today to witness the first real success we had in our research together. I have had the honor to forward my research notes to you all earlier today. As stated, subject 13 has proven to us and everyone back home the fruits of our labor. We have finally figure a way to survive in the void and my experiments I¡¯ve performed on 13 while he was in isolation, has proven the effectiveness of the serum I¡¯ve created. He has been exposed to twice the lethal amount of outside contamination and hasn¡¯t show any signs of distress or illness.¡± Gesturing towards me. ¡°William, can you please walk outside the barrier so I can upload real time feed of your health.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Walking up off the stage, I slowly made my way to the edge of the electromagnetic field. Nothing appears to be wrong so far and with one final push, I manage to step out into the wilderness. Feeling nothing abnormal going on, I try thinking about what I learned.


    Raimond kept me isolated to test my willpower. How can you even measure it? I know I¡¯m a bit ¡®different¡¯ than when I came. Theirs no more worry of tomorrow due to how valuable I am. Triss and I still exchange notes once in a while. There is a TV and...


    Who am I kidding. This place is a small version of hell for me. From being trapped and knowing I can¡¯t even run away right now, shows how much control they have over me. I lie to myself believing Lizzy is still alive when she is most likely dead. Every time I look in the mirror, I can see the monster inside me coming out. The monster in my dreams start to resemble me more and more in the last few days. It¡¯s no longer a chimera out in the wild, but I, out their ripping people and creature apart. I don¡¯t know what to even make of this anymore. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll grow numb to it all. To everything I care about and forget who I am¡­


    Silently I stay outside in the wilderness. Looking up in the sky, I imagine myself free and in control of my life. I watch the scenery with gloomy eyes, knowing I might never be free. Embracing the warmth of the sun, I let all my worries melt away in the breeze. After a few moments, I here Raimond¡¯s voice asking me to come back. Walking back with heavy shoulders, I take one last look back.


    ¡°As everyone has just seen and witness, subject 13 has past every test we had. And with that I¡¯ll like to conclude my speech.¡±


    Walking away from his microphone, he beckons me to follow him.


    ¡°Good job out there Will.¡± Scratching his head. ¡°About earlier with Fritzhugh, I can make some arrangements about your living area and might be able to get you some access outside.¡±


    Access outside would be nice. It¡¯s peaceful and I can let my worries disappear.


    ¡°Thanks Raimond. Can you give me a place to workout and have Triss to meet me more often?¡±


    ¡°I can do the first thing, but...¡± Scratching his beard. ¡°I¡¯ll have to talk to her about it first. Okay?


    Nodding my head, I followed Raimond around greeting his colleagues. Some of them ask to see my face and were slightly spooked by my eyes. Others were more curious and tried to scan my face with their watches. After the meetings came the dinner party.


    As one of the main events here, I was allowed to roam about with Tony. We went to grab food and chatted mostly about his work. After a few drinks we move our conversation to past girlfriends and started to argue who had the hottest one. Once we grew tired of all of our bickering, I had to go back to my cell.


    Walking back with Tony and Raimond, I was told I¡¯ll be getting my new accommodations after the next experiment. Apparently the director Terisa, said I wasn¡¯t worth much unless I survive and provide satisfactory results for this new procedure.


    After being briefed about all the things I¡¯ll be going through puts a shiver down my spine. They¡¯ll be transporting the core of the lion/bird chimera into me. It¡¯s some sort of organ which is able to transform the ¡®magic¡¯ outside into a usable form.


    By what Raimond says, I¡¯ll be able to absorb, but shouldn¡¯t be able to manipulate anything with it. Only downside is just a little, 80% fatality rate and all the reassurance by Raimond doesn¡¯t mean much, if I don¡¯t have any human rights.


    Once we concluded our discussion, I¡¯m left all alone in my room and a few more days pass by. Then the day before my procedure, I received a note from Triss asking me to not die.


    Like hell I¡¯ll die. I have so much unfinished business. I want to escape and bring her with me. See Catharine again and warn Aris about the inhuman experimentation. However, I can¡¯t do anything currently. Wallowing in self pity, my big day arrives.


    Being led to the lowest floor, I met a worried Raimond.

 chp 10

    Once again I¡¯m on the cold operating table. Behind me is Raimond preparing his tools for the organ transplant. A while later, I watch the other surgeons begin to wheel in the lion/bird chimera.


    Looking into it¡¯s green eyes, I find it strangely familiar. Almost like we have an untold bound. Staring back it gives me a confused expression.


    What is this feeling I¡¯m having? Are we related somehow. Telepathically or by a primal instinct. I know the past few days I¡¯ve been feeling ¡®different¡¯. Is this one of the changes now?


    Realizing it¡¯s end is here, it gives a calm expression knowing it¡¯s not alone anymore. Considering me as its relative, the beast calms down and allows the surgeons to put him to sleep.


    Waiting for the operation to start, Raimond gives me one last reassurance.


    ¡°Will. I want to let you know that the chances of this procedure being successful is going to be higher with me here. I¡¯m the only one who has taken into account, all the unknown factors and calculated an 80% rate of passing unlike the 20% Fritzhugh predicted.¡±


    Satisfied with his statement, he hooks up the IV and begins going over how they¡¯ll proceed.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to remove the beast¡¯s core first. Afterwards we¡¯ll embed it into 13¡¯s chest next to his heart and hook up the nervous system to it.¡± Nervously, he panics a little. ¡°We have already done some trial runs beforehand and even though we¡¯ve been unsuccessful so far, Will has been the only one to pass all the tests I¡¯ve designed for him. Failure here is not an option and if it is, pack up and leave now.¡±


    Staring at his group of researchers, he waits a few moments before giving a satisfied nod. Hurrying his team, they begin to slice open the beast.


    Using a laser, they managed to cut its feathered hide. Flipping the skin flap up, they carefully begin moving aside it¡¯s stomach and liver. Now with its rip-cage fully exposed, they cut through its sternum, before breaking away the ribs. Eventually this process ends once the core is finally exposed.


    Did they need to do this right in front of me. It¡¯s gross to look at and I¡¯m slightly pissed off for some reason. Must be knowing something akin to me, is being butchered in such a fashion. Also, is the core of a beast, it¡¯s heart? I thought it would be some rock or squishy bag thing. Instead it looks like a glowing red muscle.


    Taking every precaution, they manage to remove it¡¯s heart and placed it into a machine to preserve some of its basic functions. Turning towards me, I fear I am next.


    Laying nervously, I watch as Raimond takes the lead to cut me open. Strangely I don¡¯t feel anything this time, not even a tickle. Noticing I¡¯m healing faster than expected, he beckons for someone to stab a needle into me. Visibly happy he managed to suppress my healing so far, he moves aside my organs and finds a place to hook up my second heart.


    The glowing mass is shoved up under my rib-cage by his assistant, and with some dexterity he manages to hook it up to one of my arteries. Once situated, he proceeded to fish out some nerves from my spine. Using a tool he manages to create a connection to the foreign organ and my body. Seeing everything is going okay, he sighs out in relief.


    ¡°Will. Now you need to keep conscious as we are going to use a defibrillator on the organ and hope for it to reactivate.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to think about seeing my own organs, but it isn¡¯t as bad as I thought. Has my state of mind changed that much? And here I was hoping It was all done with shoving it into my chest.


    Seeing Raimond¡¯s concentration, I watch as he slips two pads one on my heart and the other on the core.


    ¡°Everyone. I¡¯ve got both receptors on. We¡¯ll first stimulate the core and then sequence it with his heart¡¯s natural rhythm¡±


    Pulling up their 3D screens, they begin to inject fluids into my veins, while checking my condition. Once everything is green, one of the researchers brings over the defibrillator. With one last check, Raimond switches the machine on.


    Then all went black. And from the blackness, I noticed everyone scattering about frantically. My chest is still cut open, but now a huge syringe is stabbed into my real heart. I guess they injected adrenaline into me. And once again, Raimond switches on the electricity.


    This time, I was prepared for the shock. Instantly a wave of pain erupts from my body. I can hear my bones crackle under the stress and a faint glow rises from my chest before dissipating. Again Raimond stimulates the core. Another eruption of pain rises and the glow appears again.


    Visibly distressed at the disappearance of the glow, Raimond picks up a few needles before stabbing them into my two hearts. This time he hooks up the needles to his defibrillator and turns it to full blast.


    Raimond. Please calm down. You¡¯ll explode my heart at this rate. The pain was barely bearable, so lets try it a few more times before trying¡­ what seems to me, like man slaughter.


    Ignoring my pleading look, he closes his eyes and switches the power on.


    A tsunami of pain, more than I could ever handle assaults me. Electric sparks emerge from my chest and the glow in my chest shines a pail green. The whole room turns dark and a red warning light buzzes in the air. Not paying this any mind, I block out the pain as I try controlling this foreign substance seeping into my bones and tissue.


    It feels hot and sticky. My organs are twitching and my eye¡¯s begin to shine with a glow. The restraints on my limbs tighten and creak under my spasms. The only person who is still calm is Raimond. He notices the drastic changes happening to me, and shoves my mouth open. With a hoze in his hand, he begins to pump a purple fluid into my mouth.


    ¡°Will! Stay...Me¡­ Don¡¯t¡­.s.leep...¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Falling halfway in unconsciousness, I notice a bright light in my eyes.


    Am I dead; have I finally left?


    Coming closer to reality, I notice lights flashing in my eyes and the ground sweeping underneath my feet. Raimond is behind me with disheveled hair holding a IV bag. On the ground is trickles of blood flowing out from my stretcher. Next to me is Triss yelling at a group of doctors.


    Holding my hand, she tries to get my attention.


    ¡°W...Wi...Will!¡±


    Disorientated, my eyes focused on her. Triss looks the same as usual. Brown wavy hair and her glasses. Like a professional she isn¡¯t scared to see my condition. She is calmly instructing Raimond to help the medical team to stabilize my condition.


    The radiation from my chest has dulled a bit, but the greenish light is still there. My chest is being stitched close and a tube is being shoved down my wind pipe.


    Everything is blurry, but I can make out the silhouettes of Phil and Frithugh across the room. They¡¯re all huddled around Raimond excited beyond belief.


    I guess his experiment is a success. My body feels like grind-ed meat and all these hozes sticking out of my body itches. The new beating in my chest is strangely comforting. The energy it¡¯s releasing is slightly warm and the pain from it, is subsiding.


    Noticing my exhaustion, Triss comes over to check on me. Poking my forehead she gives me a smile and works down to check my stitches. Strangely enough they haven¡¯t closed up yet. Giving a shrug she comes closer to my ear.


    ¡°Good job Will. We can see each other more now.¡±


    Straining me eyes to focus on her, I give a satisfied smile before passing out.


    A few days passed and I¡¯m still in the infirmary. Raimond¡¯s split decision to electrocute me proved to be a success. Even if he plays it off like he knew he was right all along, I won¡¯t be so trusting in him from now on.


    My chest has finally closed up and being electrocuted has caused a spider web of marks on my chest. I can¡¯t see the glow from my chest, but I¡¯m able to feel the new energy in my body.


    It feels strange but also familiar. Like when in my nightmares of being a monster killing people, I had the same feeling. Is this what the chimera felt when releasing his red lightning bolts? I think If I tried, I might be able to do it.


    Interrupting my thoughts, I notice Triss coming to check up on me again.


    ¡°Hey Will. I got the all clear to let you out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡± Standing up excitedly. ¡°I hate being bed ridden.¡±


    ¡°Be careful now. I don¡¯t want to hear Raimond¡¯s bitching about you over-exerting yourself.¡± Wrapping her arm around me. ¡°How does it feel?¡±


    ¡°Feel?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You know, having the organ transplant.¡±


    ¡°It feels, different. Their is some kind of..energy. I don¡¯t know how to describe it, but it feels just right.¡± Wobbling awkwardly. ¡°You know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t really. I think Raimond would have a better idea at whats happening though.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. After what he did, I won¡¯t be so trusting in him.¡±


    Ignoring my grumblings, Triss brings me to my wheel chair.


    I don¡¯t know why everyone is so nervous with my health, but I can¡¯t just regret Triss¡¯s goodwill. My body feels healthy, and I might be even stronger than before the surgery. I just need to figure out how to use this unknown power like in my dreams. But, I need to do this in secret and attempt a prison break eventually. It¡¯s not my plan living out my life as a lab rat.


    Pushing me along, Triss brings me to my floor. At first I don¡¯t recognize anything different, but when we pass my old room I realized we are going somewhere else.


    The long white hallways stop and at the end is a small construction site. Everywhere are workers breaking down existing rooms and expanding them to make one giant floor. A pool, track and weight area are being set up. In the corner is a TV and a new bedroom being made.


    Noticing my entry, Raimond and Phil walks towards me.


    ¡°What is this Raimond?¡±


    ¡°Nice for you to ask.¡± Chuckling aloud. ¡°I manage to increase my projects funding and created this facility to help keep you in high spirits.¡±


    ¡°Raimond.¡± Interrupting, Phil continues. ¡°You should tell him what you have planned.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes. You see, I¡¯ve noticed a gradual change in your body''s physique. I¡¯m planning on using this area to test the increase in your abilities and optimize the results gained from it, to start my next experiment.¡±


    No not another experiment. The first one caused me to sweat blood and the second one roasted me half to death.


    ¡°Not another experiment...¡±


    ¡°William I promise this one isn¡¯t as dangerous.¡± Beckons towards Phil. ¡°I¡¯m going to have Phil help restore you¡¯re missing right arm. Wouldn¡¯t that be a good thing, Will?¡±


    ¡°Raimond forgot to mention we¡¯ll be transplanting a donors arm to you.¡±


    ¡°Phil I really am tempted to have my arm back, but¡­ what¡¯s the catch.¡± Sighing to myself. ¡°I can not imagine you guys are doing this for my goodwill.¡±


    Staring back and forth between each other, Raimond decides to break the news.


    ¡°As Phil was saying, we¡¯ll be grafting an arm onto you. More specifically it¡¯s going to involved using classified resources to do it.¡± Whispering under his breath. ¡°Using a recently discovered humanoid.¡±


    Did he say humanoid; like ones not like us but something from this planet? Am I going to have an alien arm stitched to me and go around shaking hands with people. Being like, ¡®Hey, I¡¯m some sort of freak, nice to meet you.¡¯


    ¡°Humanoid?¡±


    ¡°Shhh. Not so loud. We can¡¯t spread rumors now.¡± Growing closer to me. ¡°Our special ops have found some human shaped beings here. We captured one to dissect and decided to use it¡¯s spare parts for our experiments.¡±


    ¡°Also, what Raimond means: If normal people realize other intelligent beings are out their, it can cause some hysteria.¡± Leaning forward, Phil continues. ¡°These beings are not like chimps. They can critically think and have their own technology and culture. Now imagine the big fuss that will occur if we allow everyone to know about it.¡±


    It could cause a small stir. I don¡¯t think hysteria might follow, but human right groups might become more active and cause a headache to the city council. If they can use ¡®magic¡¯ like what Raimond is trying to teach me, then it will definitely be a bad thing to welcome them with open arms.


    ¡°I can see your point Phil. But why use an alien arm?¡±


    ¡°Well, Phil is going to be working on this new project with me. He already has some success fixing injured people like you.¡± Scratching his beard. ¡°And with the both of us, transplanting a native arm from this planet, should allow you to harness this ¡®magic¡¯ you said to be feeling.¡±


    ¡°Magic? I thought Fritzhugh said it was all a lie.¡±


    ¡°Blasphemy. He can make up all the excuses he wants. I¡¯ve already proved everyone wrong twice and managed to convince Phil to co-op with me. Even Terisa allowed me to name this new power, ¡®magic¡¯.¡± Boasting, he continues. ¡°Fritzhugh can suck it up and admit I¡¯m right.¡±


    ¡°What Raimond wants you to realize, is you¡¯re the embodiment of everything we want to achieve in this institute. You can survive out in the void zone and can now create the energy with in yourself now. Once we complete this next experiment, we¡¯ll be able to do some field testing to see if Raimond was right once again.¡±


    ¡°Where would I be field testing at?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do indoors training and then build up to outside training. Afterwards, we can compare the results and determine if this is a success or a failure.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡±


    Can¡¯t wait to have an opportunity to escape this place. I¡¯ll need to start planning ahead and try everything to hide my powers. I have a feeling I can already use them as I am now, but I¡¯ll hold off for now, until my next surgery.


    Waving goodbye to both of them, I continue to explore the place with Triss. I noticed she is visibly excited with the place as I am. Even more so after finding out I¡¯ll be getting a brand new arm. Hopefully, she wouldn¡¯t mind it being a little darker or having scales or anything. She is the reason I was able to hold out for so long in this place. If I didn¡¯t have her little notes and encouragement, I most likely be dead right now.


    Once I figure out my plan, I¡¯ll break out of this place and bring her with me. For now I can only wait out my time.