#drbenjamin

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.

“You know how it is here.” He continues. “With all of the stuff that’s been happening lately, the escapes and deaths...” The man shakes his head. “The higher-ups are putting extreme effort into security now, we can’t afford it.”

He turns his head to me, his green eyes showing his disappointment...and sadness. “And then...that stunt you pulled.” He sticks his tanned hands into the pockets of his lab coat. “It’s all recorded, not even I can cover for you.”

“It’s wrong.” I croak, my voice barely audible. “What we’re doing is...wrong. We’re hurting them.”

McCoy turns his head away, his eyes closing. “I know this, Rich.” He shakes his head again. “But we’re in no position to object, not anymore.”

I feel myself growing dizzy, but there’s one thing that hasn’t been mentioned yet...but needs to be brought up. “Are they going to kill me?”

My question makes Dr. McCoy fall quiet, his face growing pained.

Eventually...after a long silence, he speaks. “They’re...not going to kill you, Rich.” He tells me, breathing deeply through his nose.

I feel no relief from those words, for his expression makes me grow ever more anxious.

“What...are they going to do to me?” I whisper.

The man fully turns away to me. “Dr. Hendrix ordered for you to...become a test subject.”

I take a step back. “T-Test subject?” I stammer, the horror of that sentence sinking in. “F-FOR WHAT?!”

Dr. McCoy doesn’t respond, but I see his body tensing.

The more time that passes the more panicked I grow. “WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO USE ME FOR?!” I shout, my voice becoming hysterical.

“To become the first hybrid of Human and Pokemon.” A familiar voice replies from behind me. I quickly turn to face the source, and I feel my horror grow tenfold when I see the cold expression of Dr. Hendrix. Flanking the man’s side are two security guards, one armed with a fully automatic rifle while the other possesses an anti-personnel taser.

I stumble back, my stomach clenching. “H-Hybrid?

He nods his head, his dark eyes narrowing. “It has been a planned project for a long while, but we didn’t have a test subject.” Hendrix shakes his head. “You were a good worker, Richard. But we can’t afford anymore ‘incidents’.” The corners of his mouth curve up slightly. “So thank you for volunteering.”

The guard with the taser pulls the trigger, causing the cable to shoot out and impale my arm. It crackles loudly as electricity courses into my body, making my body to spasm and cease up. With my balance lost I fall over like a stiff board, hitting the ground...hard.

The guard walks up to me with his finger still on the trigger, with his other hand he pulls out a metallic syringe. “Sorry buddy.” He whispers to me. “Hate to be you.” Once he reaches my prone form he releases his finger on the taser, ending the current of electricity. However he then stabs my other exposed arm with the needle, in which the syringe automatically injects its contents into me.

Immediately I feel the drug kick in, my vision blurring and my consciousness fading.

“Bring him to the lab.” I hear a muffled voice, however it’s growing distant... “It’s time we proceeded with Project: Chimera.”

I can’t feel anything...

My vision...I can’t see.

I can’t...feel...

I...can’t...

I walk past several cells containing the surviving Pokemon from the Scorpion project. Inside a Drapion/Clawitzer hybrid, Drapion/Scyther hybrid, and a Drapion/Forretress hybrid. The giant centaur-esque scorpions eye me carefully, the Forretress hybrid (dubbed SC-07) glares at me with open hatred.

I swallow a lump in my throat, yet that doesn’t banish the growing pit in my stomach. I...knew what I was doing was wrong, but...just...seeing these Pokemon...

“I’m sorry.” I mouth silently, giving the most apologetic look I could give as I continue to walk past SC-07. The Pokemon continues to glare at me, however eventually he stomps to the back of his cell.

I turn my eyes forward, the feeling of sickness growing with each second.

There’s at least thirty hybrids here, not including the ones currently being experimented on...and the normal Pokemon that are being held to become new hybrids.

I pass another set of guards, both of them give me a nod as I walk past them. I nod numbly in response, but keep my eyes forward.

Eventually...as I near the end...I hear something.

Singing.

The voice is angelic, making me stop in my tracks. As beautiful as the singing is, I can hear great sorrow in its tone.

No, not it. Her.

I follow the melody, my mouth growing dry. Eventually I reach the source of the singing, a cell containing a hybrid.

Gar-03, a hybrid between that of a Gardevoir/Milotic/Meloetta. The end result ended with a perfect mix, however it has also given her the appearance similar to that of a Mermaid. Due to being unable to walk on land, she’s forced to crawl with her arms in order to even move.

I stand at the transparent door, watching with awe as she sings her sad song. There’s no words in the music coming from her, but they weren’t needed...for her vocals alone depicted the emotions she felt.

Sorrow. Fear. Despair. I can hear them all, feel them all. The pit in my stomach becomes a swallowing black hole, the sickness within me intensifying further.

This feeling I’m experiencing...it is guilt. Guilt, shame, regret...I’m feeling it all at once. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but...seeing the direct effects of my work...it’s...

...mortifying.

The Pokemon’s singing stops with a gasp, the Gardevoir now noticing my presence. She immediately backs away, using her hands to pull herself to the wall.

I can see her face clearly now. Her bright blue eyes are puffy and red around the edges, showing that she has been crying for a long time. Her cheeks are still glistening, containing undried tears.

I raise my hands slowly. “It’s okay.” I whisper quietly, my voice shaky. “I don’t mean any harm. I-” The words stop, my own hands visibly shaking now.

I stare into her eyes, her...fearful eyes. She thinks I’m probably going to move her out of her cell, to attach a collar to suppress her abilities and take her to be put through excruciating tests and experiments. Just like the numerous humans in the past.

She has a right to fear that, for any Human within this wretched building will bring her nothing but pain.

She doesn’t deserve this. None of the Pokemon here deserve this.

I fall to my knees, my body shaking violently. “I’m sorry...” I whisper to her, tears rolling down my cheeks. “I’m sorry...I’m sorry...”

I lower myself further, resting on my hands and bowing my head. “I’m sorry...” I repeat over and over, my quiet voice cracking further. “I’m sorry...I’m sorry...I’m sorry...”

I needed the money, I needed to make a living. But in exchange for a well-off life, I’ve done unforgivable things to these poor Pokemon.

I’m a monster. A heartless, despicable monster.

I deserve to rot in hell.

“Shhh...” A quiet voice hushes me. I look up with bleary eyes, and I see the Pokemon now next to the glass...looking at me with a sad smile.

Her fear...it’s gone... She willingly approached me...

My teeth clench together. “I have done wretched things.” I say quietly, my body shaking more and more. “Things that no one deserves to be inflicted with.” I clench my eyes. “I'm sorry, sorry with my entire being. I will try to make this right, I promise.” I slam my fists. “I PROMISE!”

I feel a hand grasp my shoulder, I could only gasp in surprise as I’m pulled to my feet. “Get a hold of yourself!” I hear a masculine voice growl at me, I turn my eyes fearfully to see that one of the guards is next to me.

My eyes quickly look at the Gardevoir hybrid, who has pushed herself to the back of the cell again...watching the two of us with returned terror.

“Buddy, do you realize where you are?” The guard hisses, shaking me as if that’ll help me return to my senses. “To do what you just did will only get you into deep shit.”

I hastily wipe my eyes. “I k-know...” I shakily respond. “It’s just-”

“People disappear.” He growls again. “Show any sign of remorse? They’ll make you disappear. I’ve been catching word, how lately people who become sympathetic towards hybrids end up doing something drastic. Because of this the HWDP are cracking down hard on them, the second you start getting second thoughts...” He waves his hand. “...gone. Nowhere to be found.”

His concealed head glances up, in which my gaze follows...and the feeling of dread fills my being as I see a security camera looking straight at me.

“...Shit...” The guard mutters. “...Listen, I’m sorry. But I have to take you in, if I don’t...then I’m gonna fucking get it too.” His grip tightens on me. “I’m sorry buddy, but I have no choice.”

I nod my head numbly. “I understand... Let’s just...get this over with.”

As the guard proceeds to escort me out of the hall, I look back at the cell.

The mermaid...she’s pressed against the glass again, her looking at me with fear. Yet this fear isn’t for her well-being...

...it’s fear for me.

I give her a weak smile, since that’s the only thing I can do.

“For what it’s worth, you're a good guy.” The guard sighs. “You never should’ve set foot into this place, should’ve turned down the job and found something more legit. Places that promise you good money while never telling you the details till after you sign the contract are always bad news.” He shakes his head. “If Arceus is truly up there, then I hope the big guy or girl will take it easy on you.”

I hope they wouldn’t, since I don’t deserve any mercy.

Steeling myself I turn my gaze to peer through, only to tense upon what I see down there.

Beyond the glass is a large chamber with reinforced walls and doors, its entire design purposed for putting things through field tests in order to study their capabilities.

And within this chamber is a newly created subject, an artificial hybrid. This one is identified as HYD-01, the first subject of the Hydreigon Hybrid Project. Its genetics compose of the Hydreigon being the ‘Host DNA’ while Aggron being the ‘Splicer DNA’.

Through careful observation and biological manipulation, the end result is a Hydreigon with a metal carapace. The Hybrid itself isn’t capable of flight due to the added weight of the armor, so it’s forced to drag itself around the chamber with his heads in order to move to places.

In other words, despite our efforts…the fact that it can barely move on its own means that it’s considered a faulty hybrid. It’s obvious that they didn’t even bother to begin to put it through tests yet.

I feel myself cringe when Hendrix speaks up. “I’ve had high hopes for this specimen.” I look over to him through the corner of my eyes, seeing the man’s face twisting into a scowl. “However in the end it proved to be a complete waste to both our time and resources.”

“I don’t see it that way, doctor.” I say to him, finding the nerve to disagree. “Because of it we’ve become more familiar with the biology of Hydreigon.” I feel my hands grip each other anxiously. “In fact, I believe that it would be better that we keep HYD-01. There’s perhaps other properties and characteristics that we’ve overlooked, maybe even-”

“Benjamin.” 

I immediately stop speaking when Hendrix said my name. With a deep breath I turn to face him, looking into his eyes. “Sir?” I say uncertainly, but I already knew what he’s going to say.

“We are disposing of HYD-01.” He tells me, his tone leaving no room for argument. “There is nothing we can gain from that failed experiment, keeping it will waste further resources on something that will give us no use.” His eyes narrow. “Understood?”

I nod shakily. “Yes sir.”

[PoV: Chimera]

I awake with a sharp breath, sitting abruptly I glance around to room. Seeing that I’m safely within my room I sigh, feeling my body relax.

Looking down at my hands I gaze at the orange and blue skin, reminding me of my condition.

I’m a hybrid, artificially and unnaturally made.

I pull myself out of the bed, not bothering to utilize my psychic power. Even if I could very well just levitate myself out or even move the blanket without touching it, I’m…very reluctant to use those abilities for the sheer fact that they feel wrong.

Like that I’m never meant to have them to begin with.

Walking over to my hooded cloak hanging in my closet I grab it and put it on, taking care that it covers every inch of my form to conceal it.

Many hybrids don’t mind walking into the world as what they are, the only thing they would conceal is the identification numerals that the HWDP put on their bodies in order to mark them. I however…am greatly ashamed of my very existence, to the point where I hide myself from the world so that they’ll never see me for what I am.

Pulling my hood over my head I let my hand drift to my face, feeling over the area where my mouth would normally be. However all that’s there is but smooth skin, another trait of the genetics I possess.

Even if many already know what I am, I still wish to hide myself. Walking out into the world leaves me exposed, allowing people to see what sort of abomination my existence is.

I may be a Hybrid, but I’m a Hybrid of a completely different level. Some Pokemon may be composed of multiples of DNA, such as two or even three separate Pokemon.

My genetic composition is only of two separate entities spliced together, but what makes me truly different is what I am.

I possess the genetics of Deoxys, the reason why I’m something that should never even exist.

Daring to look at the mirror next to me, in its reflection I see a humanoid individual who’s identity is hidden by dark blue cloth. Within the darkness underneath the hood is a pair of glowing yellow eyes, the only thing I can’t truly conceal.

Now fully ‘dressed’ I leave my room, entering a somewhat empty hall that many would consider unusual seeing how much traffic tends to go through the GoT.

But there’s a reason for this. I am located in what is known as the ‘Rehabilitation Branch’ of the HQ, the place where all rescued HWDP Hybrids are kept.

This section is cut-off from the rest of the building, the only ones who are allowed to enter are those who are directly approved for access. The reason is so that all of the Hybrids within are given a sense of security, the quietness and lack of the normal GoT bustle making it so that it’s easier for them to recover and find themselves.

Within this branch are numerous places, some of them being classrooms. Those rooms is where these Hybrids are taught my teachers, giving them the much-needed knowledge on the world so that they may properly rejoin society if they so choose.

Taking several turns I pass by a set of guards, stationed by a large set of doors that lead to the ‘High-Security Wing’. They give me a nod of acknowledgement, recognizing me for the cloak I wear.

Although most Hybrids are given their own rooms to stay in, the High-Security Wing is a different matter. Inside it are cells meant to contain very dangerous Hybrids, specifically those who have great difficulty controlling their abilities. However this is also where we imprison extremely aggressive we’ve captured, that way we can try to rehabilitate them instead of killing them outright.

“Chimera!” A voice calls the name I’ve chosen for myself, upon hearing it I quickly turn my head to look.

Much to my surprise it’s Penumbra, the leader of the Night Watchers. The Luxray-Arcanine Hybrid approaches me, although her movements are as controlled and disciplined as always…her eyes betray the urgency that she’s truly feeling.

“Penumbra? What is it?” I ask, turning to fully face her.

She stops in front of me, her expression growing tense. “I’ve received a report from one of my Watchers.” She says gravely. “One of the escaped Hybrids have been spotted.”

My glowing eyes narrow. “Then we must prepare to send out a team immediately.” I turn away from her, heading to a new destination in mind. “Bring me the reports, I am going to notify Jezebel.”

I knew this company was shady when they had me sign that waiver, but...I never realized how far we were going. Even if the pay is extremely good, all of this is starting to weigh on my mind.

Some of the Pokemon they bring in, they’re not Feral. They would kick and scream, begging us to not harm them. But we’d just lock them in cells before eventually bringing them to one of our test tubes, forcefully injecting them with chemicals to ready their bodies for genetic splicing and mutation.

It’s not even ‘animal’ cruelty, it’s completely inhumane in every way possible.

I look up from the computer screen and lean back on my chair, brushing a hand through my long hair. I’ve just finished looking over the reports of the latest hybrids we’ve created, ‘Project: Scorpio’.

The central focus was on Drapion hybrids, specifically on how far we could alter the genetics of the scorpion as well as implement the genes of other species. Out of the eight subjects, one of them died immediately due to an internal failure with the machinery and two others had to be ‘disposed of’ because of abnormal mutations that made them useless for what we had in mind.

The rest of them however show great promise, especially subject four, five, and seven. For those three we’ve chosen to go with a ‘centaur’ form, with a humanoid-shaped upper-torso and an ‘insectile’ lower-body. Four was spliced with Scyther genes, five was spliced with Clawitzer genes, and seven was spliced with Forretress genes. All three also possess great intelligence, meaning that they were not Feral Pokemon before the operation was-

...

I breath out through my nose, trying my best to push the thoughts away.

...

They were not Ferals, they were thinking Pokemon that came from civilization. Yet...they were abducted from wherever they were and forcefully taken here, becoming victims to our experiments.

...

I sit up from my chair, my expression like stone. Grabbing my badge off the desk I proceed to make my way out of my office, a new destination in mind.

I’m going to look at all these Hybrids with my own two eyes, to observe their behavior as well as even question them if I can get the opportunity.

I need to do it, for my own sake. I have to know the condition these hybrids are in, to fully grasp their situation.

[PoV: Chimera]

“How is she?” I ask Euterpe.

Although Euterpe is the head of the medical branch of the GoT, she also plays an important role in the ‘Rehabilitation Branch’. Even if there’s specifically chosen individuals to care for the Hybrids we bring in, Euterpe has been chosen to oversee the care of two individuals due to both her abilities and her skills in handling delicate situations. So when she’s not giving orders within the medical branch and taking care of injuries herself, she’s checking on the ones that she’s been assigned to oversee.

And currently the discussion focuses on one of said Pokemon under her watch, a...unique individual.

“Doing...alright?” She says uncertainly. “It’s difficult to say, seeing her...different condition.” The mermaid wheels herself to her desk, looking through various files. “Physically...I have nothing to say due to it not being my expertise, but mentally and emotionally?” She closes her eyes, letting out a sigh. “It could be better, she’s so detached to the world around her. Although she’s starting to open up to me, but...”

I nod my head understandingly. “Even if it’s slow, progress is progress.”

“Even then, it’s still incredibly disheartening.” She glances down at herself. “You and me, despite us losing our identity due to being transformed into what we are, we’re still...part of the world.” Euterpe ceases looking through the files, deciding that it could wait till later. “But her? She’s experiencing what Asmund had gone through, except on a different level.”

That...is one way to describe it.

“But unlike Asmund, she doesn’t have any sort of drive. She’s just sitting around, feeling empty.” She rubs her eyes with her fingers. “I would be worried for her physical health, but her body...isn’t like yours or mine.”

“It’s going to take her a long time to get used to things.” I tell her softly. “Her old life was completely taken away from her, it’s...not something you can easily grow accustomed to.”

A soft crackle is heard on the speakers in Euterpe’s office. “Attention!” A voice shouts through the PA System, although more quietly due to the volume being turned down. “Team Floral Triad please report to Kaiser’s office! You have a new mission!” The voice repeats it one more time before falling silent.

My eyes linger on the speaker before turning back to Euterpe. “I will speak with her.”

“Excuse me?” She blinks, looking caught off-guard.

“Having more exposure to others would perhaps make the transition easier for her.” I explain. “Not to mention...with my own condition, it might even be common ground for her to open up more.”

The Gardevoir-hybrid looks at me uncertainly. “Are you sure about this?” She asks carefully. “You don’t need to do this.”

My eyes harden. “She’s a victim to one of the most cruelest experiments done by the HWDP, I feel that if I talk with her...I can help her feel less alienated to the world itself.”

“If you feel that way, then I won’t say anything more on it.” She smiles softly at me. “Thank you, Chimera. You’re doing a great kindness for her.”

"She needs it...” I respond quietly. “Like how we all need it.”

...

I give Euterpe my farewells before leaving, the holding chamber of the girl being my next destination.

Well...perhaps ‘girl’ isn’t the right word to describe her, since she’s a full-grown adult.

But at the same time, with how lost she is...it’s almost as if she’s a child.

A lost child, without a place in the world.

Just thinking about her makes my heart both ache and burn, a mixture of sorrow for her condition as well as fire for the evils that the HWDP has committed in order to create her.

She doesn’t deserve it.

None of us do.

...

But...I shouldn’t refer to her as ‘girl’, since she has a name.

The only thing that she has to call her own. The single thing that she clings tightly to, for it’s the only possession that grants her some form of stability in this scary and confusing world.

Bladesong.