#act 3-3

I could only shrug my shoulders. “I...don’t know, honestly.” I respond uncertainly.

This makes her stumble somewhat, her eyes going wide. “You don’t know?!” She repeats.

“I’ve never met her.” I sigh.

To say that she’s shocked is quite an understatement.

“B-But how?!” She stammers, flabbergasted. “You plan and lead the raids on the HWDP facilities, you oversee the statuses of the rescued hybrids and you play an incredibly vital role in the Guardians of Twilight!” She throws her hands into the air. “And you haven’t even MET her?!”

I shrug my shoulders again, not sure on what to say.

At this point she rubs one of her hands on her face. “If not even you have met her before...then why does she want to meet ME?!”

That...is one of the main reasons why I’m nervous. To my knowledge...only Colossus, Kaiser, Penumbra, and the current Queen of Venhara know of The Lady’s true identity. So if she desires to speak with Bladesong, it makes me worry of what she intends to say or do to the cyborg.

“Your...guess is as good as mine.” I respond quietly. “She keeps her identity under complete secrecy, not even those who know who she is are allowed to speak of any details about her.” I shake my head slightly, laughing awkwardly. “So if anything, to be summoned to meet her personally should be considered a great honor.”

“Gee, thanks...” Bladesong mutters uncertainly. “I feel all giddy inside...”

I don’t really blame her, since I’m very unsure about this too.

Eventually we take one last turn, which then have us arrive to a massive hall. Standing on the opposite side of this hall is a giant pair of metal doors, and standing beside it is a Pokemon.

I nearly reached to pull my hood up, however upon recognizing that said Pokemon is Colossus I stop myself.

“Chimera.” The Aggron nods his head to me before looking at Bladesong, a small smile forming. “Bladesong.”

The cyborg waves her hand awkwardly at him. “...Hello?” She greets uncomfortably, most likely due to her having not interacted with any other individuals for some time.

The Aggron chuckles at this. “The Lady has been waiting for you, Singsong. Now although I’m not one to keep pleasantries short, I don’t think it would be wise to keep her waiting any longer.”

Bladesong cocks an eyebrow. “Singsong?” She repeats incredulously. “My name is Bladesong, you...even addressed me by it correctly a few seconds ago.”

I shake my head. “Don’t think too much on it.” I tell her. “It’s...one of the various things that Colossus does.”

“What Crumpet said.” The Aggron agrees cheekily.

This makes the cyborg blink before snorting. “C-Crumpet?” She says between quiet laughs. “That’s not even c-close!”

You’re telling me?

I roll my eyes in response. “At least it’s a new one, he used to call me ‘Christian’ for a few months before moving onto something else. Crumpet is a new one, so I’m...not going to complain.”

“At least ‘Christian’ is closer to Chimera than ‘Crumpet’.” Bladesong snickers.

“We can talk about names a little later.” The Aggron chuckles, his face sporting a full grin. “But now...” He gestures to the giant pair of doors.

“Yeah yeah, I’m going...” Bladesong sighs, walking up to the tall doors. She grabs one of the giant handles and pulls, but soon looks down at it with confusion when it doesn’t budge.

“It’s a push door.” Colossus speaks up, looking more than amused.

"I knew that.” Bladesong mumbles, embarrassed. With this newfound knowledge in mind she pushes one of the giant doors, and with a low rumble it slowly slides open.

From my point of view all I see is complete darkness in the room of the open door, even with my enhanced eyes I can’t really make anything out from where I am.

I watch as the cyborg walks into the room before the giant door closes behind her, creating a loud clacking sound once it closes.

“And now...we wait.” Colossus sighs, resting his giant form against the wall.

Project Chimera.

One of the many experiments that the HWDP wished to conduct. Although numerous kinds of Pokemon hybrids were made, there is one hybrid that they desired even more to create.

A hybrid of that of a Pokemon and a Human.

Yet...how could it be done?

The only reason why hybrids of Pokemon who are not even in the same egg group are even possible to make is that all Pokemon have that origin, that one entity that they all came from.

This entity is Mew.

Although they can no longer breed with each other, their DNA still have that source. Because of this, it’s possible to create such unique hybrids as long as we carefully direct it. The use of Ditto genes also make this possible, by injecting it into a host to make their cells more compliant to mutation when we inject the DNA of other species.

Nevertheless, this is not the same for Humans. Mew did not create us for we evolved through our own path, so we don’t share this origin with that of Pokemon. So does this make it impossible for a hybrid of a Pokemon and Human to exist?

The answer...is no.

There is one Pokemon that exists, and that is Deoxys. Deoxys is the DNA Pokemon, the Virus Pokemon. Its cells are highly unstable, yet also far more cooperative with that of other tissue.

The main goal was to inject a combination of Ditto and Deoxys cells into a Human host and guide its transformation, to create the first Human/Pokemon hybrid.

Yet there were two issues. One of which is that we had no idea how the test would turn out due to the unpredictability of the Deoxys cells, the other problem is that we had no Human willing to be a test subject for this likely dangerous experiment.

So...they went with an unwilling, expendable human instead.

Me.

...

...

...

Even though I’m technically unconscious, at the same time I’m also aware enough to properly know what is happening to me.

I’m inside one of the numerous Development Tanks, a gigantic canister whose purpose is to develop hybrids. The canister is filled with Perfluorocarbon, an oxygen-rich liquid that can be breathed just like air. The reason for this liquid being chosen is because it’s also a means of providing nutrients to the subject, specifically as they breath in the Perfluorocarbon.

Lining the walls of these giant tanks are mechanical arms for operating on the subject. Most of them consist of the Injection Arms, long robotic limbs ending in large needles capable of penetrating even bone. Not only are the purpose of these needles being to inject DNA into all regions of the body, but they also possess blood-clotting agents in order to prevent the subject from bleeding.

The subject is also given a powerful sedative anesthetic before the procedure in order to prevent them from struggling and possibly damaging themselves or their environment during their development. The company who developed the sedative gave it the trade name of ‘Zenital’, and it’s considered an incredibly efficient sedative due to how powerful it is and how little danger it poses to the body. Usually the subjects are sedated through injection with that of a different sedative, once they’re secured within the Development Tank we then infuse the Perfluorocarbon with steady streams Zenital vapors in order to render the subject in a controlled unconsciousness as they develop.

...

...

I...don’t know how long I’ve been ‘asleep’.

Days? Weeks? Months?

...Years?

...

Even when unconscious, I could feel my body change.

The Deoxys cells latched to the cells of my body and immediately began to change me, for the Ditto cells sent them into a frenzy. They grabbed everything they could find and began converting it, changing it into Deoxys cells like them.

Essentially, the cells were assimilating me from the inside out...transforming me into a Deoxys.

...

It is terrifying, the fact that your body is being destroyed and replaced with something different...piece by piece. Yet I can’t do anything, instead rendered helpless as I feel my own flesh change with each passing second.

It...has been going on for a long time. The cells destroyed my organs, yet then developed the crystal core that Deoxys possess. The heart of the Deoxys’ life and power, the sole thing that allows them to survive. The cells destroyed everything inside me, then it replaced it with a new method of survival.

Yet it didn’t stop there, for it began changing other parts of my body. Changed the skin, removed all of my hair and nails, and much...much more.

...

...

Eventually...I wasn’t even Human anymore.

Even though at one point the cells eventually stopped converting me, I doubt that I'm even part human when it finished.

Yet even though my body is now mostly Deoxys, at the same time it also possesses underlying traits that isn’t like that of a Deoxys. These traits belong to a Human, yet...at the same time it doesn’t.

I’m both a hybrid and not, a combination of Human and Deoxys as well as possibly being my own entity.

I...didn’t know what to think of it.

And I don’t know what my captors think of me either, which makes me feel even more afraid. Is my transformation considered a failure? Will they dispose of me due to not resulting in what they wished?

...

My conscious...it stirs...

...

...

...

My eyes slowly open, the changed orbs peering at my surrounding for the first time.

Everything is dark, for there is no lights within the Development Tank. Yet the alien eyes of mine are capable of forming a faint picture of my environment, it’s not complete night-vision...but it’s good enough that it gives me an idea of what my surroundings are.

I’m suspended in the center of a metal tank, several closed pods are located on the walls that house the inactive robotic arms. Attached to my head is a small pair of mechanical limbs, their purpose being to lightly keep me in place so that my body doesn’t drift around the tank.

I reach over to the hands with my own limbs and pry them off with little effort, yet at the same time the action feels so alien due to how...different my body is.

It suddenly occurs to me, the fact that I’m not...breathing.

I place one of my strange hands on my face and to my shock I discover that I lack a nose and mouth. The place where a pair of lips should be is smooth skin, while my nose is only a faint bump that gives the impression of something that used to be there.

However despite me not breathing, I seem to be doing just...fine.

How...much have I truly changed?

The container suddenly vibrates for a brief moment as a muffled rumble is heard outside of the canister, although the walls keep me properly insulated...I still barely managed to hear and feel it.

...

Is something going on?

I turn my gaze to one of the numerous cameras inside the tank, their lenses focused on my body. I feel that I should be worried due to them observing me, for they could do anything to me while I’m inside.

Well...almost anything.

Another thought occurs to me.

How am I conscious? The Zenital should be keeping me unconscious, did they cease providing it into the Perfluorocarbon?

...

Oh...yeah, I’m not breathing. Because of this the sedative anesthesia has no way of affecting me, which is why I’ve awakened.

Another shake jostles the gigantic container I’m in, making me look at the walls again with growing confusion.

What’s going on out there?!

The size and weight of the Development Tanks are nothing to underestimate, especially when filled to the brim with Perfluorocarbon. So if something is making the thing jostle for an extremely tiny moment, then it must be very intense...

I’m floating in the center of the tank, my curiosity outgrowing my fear. Whatever is going on outside of this thing, it must be very...very big.

I...want to find out what’s going on.

No...I need to find out.

The purple crystal in my chest suddenly glows, illuminating my surroundings. This startles me, my head looking down at my chest with surprise.

I feel...power radiating from it, radiating from me.

My desire to get out of here and discover the unknown, it’s fueling it.

My will and thoughts are fueling my power.

I feel the energy of the crystal collecting to one of my arms, making said appendage glow with a purple sheen. This power seems to flow like an electric current, flowing to my arm and then back to the crystal.

This power, it’s inside me.

But now...I want it...

OUT.

The energy explodes out of my hand, striking the wall of the Development Tank in front of me. The heavy metal quickly caves in, for although it’s designed to withstand physical trauma...it wasn’t built for raw energy.

With a giant hole punched straight through the liquid immediately starts gushing out, alarms blare outside the machine to notify of the compromised subject.

As the liquid continues to flow out I feel my body tense, prepared to meet gunfire by the guards that should be stationed nearby. Yet...nothing comes from it, nothing at all.

Hesitantly I step out of my makeshift exit, my legs shaky after being used for the first time in who knows how long. Several times they nearly gave out from under me, but I managed to keep myself up as I fully step out.

Although most Development Tanks are located near each other in gigantic labs, this lab I’m in is more secluded due to it only having one tank. In it are several computers and machinery whose entire purpose is to monitor me, yet...not a single living soul is nearby.

The place is empty. Not a single scientist, guard, or even a simple employee is in sight.

But then I heard the sounds.

The sounds of chaos.

My gaze turns to the automated door of the room, I can hear shouts and even gunfire from the other side of it.

With my curiosity overpowering my common sense I approach the door, my body still partially soaked with Perfluorocarbon as it drips down my form and leaves footprints whenever I walk.

Eventually I reach said door, the sounds having grown even louder now. On the ground I notice an ID, something that one of the HWDP members probably dropped in some hurry.

Nevertheless, it’s mine now.

I pick up the card and swipe it on the scanner, it took only a brief moment for it to approve my access and open the automatic doors.

And beyond it...is absolute mayhem.

The place is under attack.

The intruders are Pokemon, garbed in dark blue garments. Their efforts are only partially coordinated, however they seem to be holding themselves very well against the extremely well-armed guards of the HWDP.

I don’t know who these Pokemon are...

...but I have the strong feeling that they’re here to liberate their brethren.

I watch the carnage unfold, both Humans and Pokemon dying.

...

I clench my fists, the crystal in my chest glowing as its power circulates inside my body.

I made a promise to that Gardevoir hybrid, a promise that turned my own people against me.

A promise that had them turn me into a hybrid against my own will, thus destroying my very identity.

A promised her that I would make things right.

Osiris: “What has been found from these simulations?”

Reflection: “Every simulation focusing on this Taken entity all lead to the same end, which is that of the entity’s death.”

Sagira: “Wait...death?”

Reflection: “Yes, death. They’re thrown into an impossible scenario, regardless of the entity’s choice they ultimately die. Smaller simulations simply end once concluded, but more elaborate simulations continue to restart themselves and have the entity die a different death each time.”

Osiris: “Odd...”

Reflection: “It grows odder, we’ve noticed several discrepancies with this Taken - their behavior being excluded.”

Osiris: “What are these ‘discrepancies’?”

Reflection: “One of which is the lack of its reality shifting, the trait of randomly blinking from one location to the next that the Taken are known for. Each simulation shows a lack of this trait, and it’s suspected that this Taken is not aware of this change either.”

Sagira: “During that first simulation he was definitely teleporting, but now he isn’t? It’s...not like the Vex to just remove a key feature of something, since they’re all about hyper-realistic simulations so they can learn everything about someone or something. To remove something’s traits or strengths changes how a situation would actually go, thus providing false data.”

Osiris: “What else is there that all of you noticed?’

Reflection: “Whenever this entity is in a simulation that focuses on other Taken, these Taken automatically attack and kill the entity with extreme prejudice.”

Sagira: “Hold on. Taken...killing Taken? That’s a thing?”

Osiris: “It truly is...surprising, seeing the information we’ve obtained on the Taken and their nature. This may be caused by its unusual behavior...”

Reflection: “That is what we all suspect.”

Osiris: “Hmm...or it could be something else, something deeper.”

...

Osiris: “We’ve observed enough, yet there’s still some questions that need answers.”

Sagira: “Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”

Osiris: “I will create another isolated simulation with the Taken entity being the focus, but this time we will interact with it.”

Sagira: “Finally...”

Osiris: “Reflection, rally our numbers. Although I am more than capable of preventing any tampering from the Vex, I am not willing to take any risks.”

Reflection: “We are already prepared, once the simulation is made we will aid you in your efforts to prevent the Vex from interfering.”

Osiris: “Good.”

Sagira: “Talking with a Taken...this is gonna be quite an experience... Oh! Osiris?”

Osiris: “Yes, Sagira?”

Sagira: “What environment will we choose? The same one like last time?”

[Optional music for added ambiance - Here]

You shake your head, wondering where you are. The last memory you recall is standing in a forest combating other Pokemon, and in a last act of defiance against the Echo you stabbed yourself with your own blade to end your life.

But now you’re not only alive, but also in an unknown place.

That...and you’ve noticed that the presence of the Echo is now completely gone from your mind, making your thoughts devoid of any whispers of false promises or faint threats.

The place you’re standing on resembles that of a desert, with long rolling dunes of yellow sand. Overhead the sun burns down upon you, looking far larger than what should be normal. Its massive shape overtakes nearly half of the sky, thus explaining the intense light and heat.

You look down and realize that what you’re standing on is not sand, but instead stone. The stone is smooth, unnaturally so. It’s somewhat orange in color, however this is most likely caused by the bright yellow light emitting from the oversized sun.

You look back up and pause, realizing that there’s been something before you the entire time. In front of you are two circular rings with discs made of a dark metal, however on these discs is an intense bright white light. You eye these discs warily, since you’ve never seen anything like them before.

With a cautious step you approach the two discs, trying to gauge what they are. Within their intense light are lines akin to a grid and a soft, steady hum emits with from them.

You don’t know how long you’ve been staring at them, trying to figure out what they are. But against your better judgement you decide to walk up to one of them and with an extended claw...you poke it at the disc.

And much to your surprise, it passes through without resistance and disappears inside. You quickly yank out your claw and examine it, in which its shimmering white surface lays untouched and unharmed.

Then it suddenly hits you.

Are these discs...some sort of doorway?

Grabbing a stray rock laying on the ground with your claw you throw it at one of the discs, in which is vanishes upon passing through it.

Yes, there is no doubt in your mind that these discs are some sort of portal.

Glancing around again you realize that this place has nothing for you, since you’re standing on a protruding rock in the middle of a seemingly infinite desert. With this being the only place of significant important, you probably will never find anything if you were to wander out.

So that leaves these two portals...

Which one will you take?