Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I ran a hand through my hair as my eyes scanned patient records, it was past the time I should've left as I looked up and transferred the information from paper to digital filing. The sound of typing filled the small medical room on the east wing of Hadal, I took a sharp inhale as my wrist ached loudly, stopping my movement a low groan leaving my throat as I rubbed my aching muscles. My eyes scanned over the two other papers I needed to transfer before I stood and put them away within my cabinet, the doors making a soft creak as I opened and closed its metal drawers. 

 After gathering my belongings, which wasn't much I unlocked the security door of the medbay. My keycard was standard clearance, blue in color with white lettering reading my name and MEDBAY across the top. I breathed heavy as I pulled the door open, the pain in my wrist making me wince before It stopped, door closing with a hiss behind me as it locked again automatically.  I felt the weight of my exhaustion weigh on my shoulders as I made my way through doors before stopping, I listened closely nearby, hearing a soft cry. Turning to it's direction, I managed to catch the slightly ajar door, beeping in warning of being left open with a placard displaying in bold black simple font 'Z-317' and I felt something tighten in my chest at the sound of the cries from within the room. 

Despite my better judgement, which followed the same path with every thought, 'I'm not supposed to be here, this is just a shortcut.' 'what if I get caught?' however my feet carried me onward as my hand made direct contact with the doors cold surface and pushed with little effort. I've walked by this room so many times during night duty without fail, the door was always closed with no noises beyond. 

The room shifted to smell sterile, more so than the medbays cleaner I was used to, It smelt like straight up bleach. My nose wrinkles as the smell assaults me, making my eyes close as I wince. A soft gasp leaves my throat as I spot a large tank, my hands gripping my water bottle in a vice grip turning my knuckles white. Inside the way too small tank was an almost pitch black bullshark, the cries were apparent now as the shark seemed to.. shake? I looked around the room now, noticing the monitors hooked up to the sharks vitals as a soft beep signifies the heartbeat. 

I felt something pulling at my mind as I set my stuff down on a nearby desk, walking past lines of tape on the floor reading 'DO NOT CROSS' without a care to it. The soft sobbing was clearer now, cries of pain, of need for help. My mind was flooded with mixed emotions, anxiety rising as I stood now merely 6 feet from the glass the shark was contained by. 'Is this what hedal is doing?' was the first and most prominent thought to occur as my mind swirled, It the only thought that seemed to be my own as I rested my hand against the glass softly, taking care not to tap my nails against the warm surface. I watched in horror as multiple green eyes opened from the bullsharks body, I was stunned by the intensity of the green and X-shaped pupils which seemed to stare at my very soul.

A whine emanated from everywhere, nowhere? inside me? as the shark pushed it's giant head against the glass, the respective eyes on top of it closing as it grazed against where my hand would be. When it sobbed within me upon finding no palm against it's rough skin I felt something within me snap, eyes wide and full of tears as I seemed to be it's only source of comfort. Separated by 4 inch thick glass and water. 

"shh, I know I know. I'm sorry." left my mouth without thinking, words low and almost whispered. However the shark seemed to hear me, understand me even, as It moved to circle back, all eyes trained on my still form. I looked over it's body instinctually, noting mentally the heart monitor sensor as an extreme contrast to it's coal black body. I looked intently over it again as it swam about lethargically, catching sight of an exposed bone on it's back, I grimaced before I moved to a desk displaying vitals and other assorted information. I sorted through papers and tabs before finding what I was looking for, a list of current medications, a few things I didn't understand as they were above my clearance but I found a pain management section. Looking for the vial in a cooler nearby I walked shakily as I held it up, noticing instantly the way the shark seemed to panic at the sight of it within my palms.

"It's ok, it's ok. This is a pain med, I uh, wont dope you up but it should help.. I hope" I said with a shaking voice, suddenly realizing just how massive this creature was compared to me. Swallowing the knot in my throat I double checked the vial, making sure the paper I held in my off hand matched a dose for something like this. I tried not to think too hard on the fact they even had this as a treatment, I felt my heart break regardless as I loaded the vile into the metal bottom to the tank. Closing sliding door I entered the dose, times and frequency before hitting enter. The vile was taken into the innerworkings of the machine below, I heard a faint POP as the tab on the vial was broken, the faint color of blue medication seeped into the tank. 

I noticed the shark was hesitant to allow the medicated liquid near it, I placed my hand on the glass where the color floated as she rounded the glass again, my mind was flooded with warmth and words of affection and thank you as she slid past allowing the medication to hit her spines wound. A smile hit my face before I heard the door open behind me, my blood running cold as I heard a gruff voice shout at me to stop moving and get behind the line. I moved out of fear, hands above my head as the outline of a flashlights beam haloed me, the shark seemed to become aggressive as I was handcuffed and walked out, two doctors rushing in as a green light filled the room and an emergency was called overhead through the speakers.

I spat blood onto the white floor as I looked back up at the guard above me, right eye blocking some of my view of him as it rippled in purples and black colors. He grunted and wiped his hand on a provided towel as the man across the steel table watched with no emotion. 

"What did you give z-317." his voice rang out again, I sighed out a choked sob as I spat more blood onto the floor from my nose dripping into my mouth. My lip curled as a snarl ripped it's way through my sore throat "I already fucking told you, I medicated it with a provided vial listed in the pain management section. You stupid insignificant fucks were letting it suffer, alone-" a fist grabbed my hair and yanked me backwards making my head connect painfully with the metal chair. I whimpered in pain, wincing as the guards fist raised again, aimed at my already broken nose before the door to the room opened. A woman with blonde hair enters handing the doctor in front of me a document before leaving, not even sparing me a glance. 

The guard let go of my hair and stood next to the seated doctor, both reading over the document. The doctor hummed before snapping the folder closed and looking at me with oddly warm eyes and a smile, "I see, we'll. You might not have lied, but you have disobeyed several direct orders, being in a restricted sector for one." he said as he stood and rounded the table, I flinched as he sat in front of me on the table, looking down at me like I was just some misbehaving animal. Tears escaped my eyes as the doctor I had once seen as a mentor look at me like I was nothing. The normal warm smile on his aged features now replaced with one lased with malice and power. "And you've seen too much, you understand, right y/n?" he tilted his head to the side with the same smile plastered on his features. 

"We take pride in keeping everything under wraps, Y/n." He tilted my chin up sharply with his thumb and pointer finger, my eyes locked onto his cold gray with my own reflecting hate and fear. I spit blood in his face causing him to flinch back and grip my chin tighter as I spoke "You're a fucking monster, Chris." with as much venom as I could muster, I felt my cuffed hands ache to reach for his throat as I shook with adrenaline. The guard walked behind me, taking the towel and handing it to Chris before gripping my hair again, making my already abused scalp ache as I swore under my breath. 

Chris cleaned off his glasses and face with the once pristine towel, glaring at me as the towel came down to rest on the dirty floor below, causing my body to try and shrink under his gaze. He stands now above me, the light in the ceiling causing some sort of sick angelic halo. Before I could react his fingers grabbed my face while his free hand snapped my nose back into place, I screamed as I tried to thrash away from him, but the guards hold kept me still as a while hot pain spread through my face into my nervous system. Tears falling clearing tracks of new and old blood alike down to my chin where it dripped on my white lab coat. 

"After all I've done for you." he said darkly before moving away, the last thing I heard before the door closed was a sentence that made my heart stop,

"Get him ready for injection, might as well make use of him." 

My back ached as I felt another silent scream rip through my throat. I tasted blood as my bones popped with rapid growth, eyes rolling into my skull as I tried to fight off fainting again. It felt like hours passed as I take gasping breaths to look down at my prone form on top of a feeble plastic mattress, my fingers had elongated, my legs slowly fusing and growing into a tail that mimicked a.. snake? no, axolotl? I couldn't tell. I turn my arm slowly, crying from pain to see fins with razor sharp nails breaking through the skin, the pale pink covered in blood as the beeping of a heart monitor became white noise. 

It's been god knows how long since Chris decided I was worthy of his and UrbanShades wrath and experimentation. The days truly blurred together with pain and skin tearing and the sick crunch and popping of joints and bones. They, the doctors and chris, were not gentle in my transformation. Injecting me with several vials of varying DNA spirals two at a time and watching on with clipboards at the ready for when another transformation occurred. They learned the first time to move me into a blocked off room, thick ballistics glass separating them from me after I had proven a fighting spirit with the trachea of a doctor who got too close to me during my first injection between my sharp needle like teeth. 

I whined as the spine along my arm finished ripping at my skin and seemed to shift in place, the long fin stretched from my mid bicep to the knuckle of my middle finger on both sides. I felt exhaustion consume me once again as a sweet smell filled the room, lavender? lilacs? my brain and vision swirled as darkness took my vision and the faint sound of a thick door unlocking resonated within the room.

Chapter Text

the water from my pond was still as I laid at the bottom, back resting against the white sterile sand looking up at the entrance hole leading to the dry section of my cell. I had fully transformed not too long ago now, legs replaced with a long sea snake like tail coal black with white spots that glowed with the use of my escas, my entire body now could change colors, well at least the belly of my tail and some spots on my arms. With a huff I stretched my back with pops muffled by the water reaching my ear like fins. I roll onto my stomach and drag my long raptor like nail through the sand, making shapes or writing my name over and over before mixing the sand up again. I move my flowing hair out of my face to see what I was doing better, there wasn't much to do but I didn't mind. I was simply killing time before I was needed or was fed, the hours between didn't matter to me anymore. The soft greenish blue glow of my escas make the darkness of the water seem thicker as the darkness was amplified by my light, reflecting gently on my hair.

My gaze was caught by people walking by the glass of the water part of my cell going about their own objectives. They moved slow at their own pace, mouths moving in conversations I couldn't care to focus on. My pupils watched over them with a predatory gaze as I followed them from my position, I felt something crawling up my spine as my stomach seemed to rumble in response,  the colors of my body turned hypnotic colors of pinks, purples, oranges and blues. I tense my spine as I watched two doctors talking outside the glass, my fins pressed tightly against my skull as I become eerily still, ready to pounce.

"Z-0X1, Do not hunt them." a voice from inside the water spoke, rick as I've come to know, the small imbedded speaker was aloud enough to catch the still talking doctors attention from outside the window, eyes drawn to the now dimming colors of my esca and skin. I huffed out air bubbles as I settled onto the sand again shooting glares at the speaker and camera. The two doctors shakily speed walked away from me, the feeling of frustration swarmed me as I went back to writing in the sand. 'It's not like I can help it' I thought bitterly, lips pulled into a thin line. I don't mean to, but what else could they expect? I felt like a starved Lion in a cage with meat on a hook just out of my reach.

I heard the speaker crackle to life catching my attention again "Z-0X1, stay in the water while we bring in your meal." my head tilted hearing the thick door to my cell hiss open, fins perking up at the smell of food, it was diluted but not unnoticed as I felt the water ripple while someone walked above me. I stayed still as I was told before being given the go ahead to eat, my body moving swiftly as I swam upwards with some grace. My head peaked out of the water once I reached the surface, my hair sticking to my wet skin as I lifted my heavy body out onto dry land with a grunt. I wasn't build for easy land travel, but the more I got used to the dry floor under my body the easier I found it to slide across it. 

On a table nearby a plastic tray displayed todays meal, yellow gruel with rice and mackerel. I can smell the fact they were definitely canned fish, my nose or well, nub of a rose, wrinkled at the smell but I ate anyways, the chewed fish and gruel slid down my throat with an uncomfortable texture, but the feeling of the fishes spinal bones crunching under my jaw made a noise leave my throat, something like a soft whale call. I lick my hands clean, preening my nails against one another to rid them of the fish guts and chunks of rice before moving to the water again, submerging into the darkness once more. I slid into the small cave I was so graciously  provided, enough room to fit me and nothing else, though I suppose I didn't have much else to bring in with me. I sigh in satisfaction and curled in on myself, the translucent end of my tail floating in front of my face and closed my eyes. 

A while later, now on the dry section of my cell I placed blocks one on top of the other with a bored expression. The doctor behind the observation glass claimed they wanted to test my intellect, see If my IQ has diminished with the years of almost full solitary confinement and mutations. Something however was making the doctor anxious, and due to prior experience the normally stoic doctor was not anxious because of me. That statement made my spinal fin prick on my back as I knocked the blocks over on the metal table, I laid my head against it with my arms under, one sticking out to tap on the glass like a kid at a pet store. How funny. 

"Something troubling you, doctor Tyler?" I say with a curious tone as I gazed into the thick dark glass, I always hated that I couldn't see who was observing me, the sense of paranoia however for the moment was gone when the nearby speaker crackled to life as the doctor spoke to me again, his voice seemed unfocused and.. anxious. "No, Z-0X1. Continue with the blocks" the speaker was quiet, I didn't and instead ceased my tapping as my eyes scanned the dark glass for any sign of movement that I could see. Catching the corner of the glass near me I stared where I thought his face might be, eyes unmoving as I sigh dramatically. "But doc, I'm so bored. Can't we do something else?" I asked lowly, truthfully I was, however I enjoyed what little acts of defiance I was allowed. Since Chris was no longer employed due to several 'work related mishaps' I was given some leniency. 

The speaker crackled again and I suppressed a grin "Like what, Z-0X1?" the shadow from inside the room seemed to shift at my unrelenting gaze, as he spoke I could hear the sounds of a pen on paper before it was silence again "oh, I know" I said as I rose to a somewhat sitting position, tail curled under me as I peered down at the shadow. "remember that little hunting exercise we did, doctor?" I tilt my head, eyes closed as I remember the feeling of the ocean against my skin as I dashed through a makeshift agility course chasing fish. "I would love to do that again, doc." I stated somberly, It felt bitter that I had to ask for it, It felt humiliating. When the speaker activates again I perk up, expecting a response

"Give me a second Z-0X1. What do you mea-" the last part of the sentence cut off, obviously not directed at me as the shadow moved out of the room behind the glass, leaving me alone again. My lips fell into a frown as my hands moved my body to almost lay down fully with my humanoid top half propped up on a nearby wall, I groaned as my spine protested my movements, spinal fin not happy with the decision as I get comfortable. Time passed before suddenly I heard the speaker outside the thick entrance to my cell burst to life with a sharp noise, causing me to flinch harshly as it booms loudly, the lights in my room flickering

"ATTENTION HADAL STAFF, THIS IS NOT A TEST. A SUBJECT HAS ESCAPED CONTAINMENT. DO NOT PANIC. SECTOR-" the speaker was cut off suddenly as the lights overhead went dark, my eyes taking a moment to adjust as my heartbeat quickened, someone got out. I grinned wildly, mouth seeming too wide, proud of the unknown escape-y for doing what most died trying to. The emergency red lights activated as something screaming rushed by, causing them to flicker again but remaining on. My door hissed as I felt it rumble, unlocked now. 

I slid over to the door, testing it as I moved it to open, my heart thumbed in my ears as a crack of the hallway appeared before it was fully exposed. Something caught my gaze, guards rushing down past me, having not noticed somehow the door sliding open from the inside. That feeling came back down my spine, I watched them in seemingly slow motion, the way their muscles moved drawing me in like a cat with a toy. I zeroed in on them as they ran past me, before I could think rationally my large hand reached out, snagging one by the leg and pulling him inside the now dark red casted room. His eyes were wide as he struggled in my grasp, hands pulling him under me as I opened my jaw, wider than anything even remotely human should. He tried to fire his gun into my stomach but failed as he screamed, only for a moment.

My jaws latched onto his head, a satisfyingly grotesque CRUNCH resonated as his team halted, struck by fear as they watched me swallow, leaving his body twitching under me as the last of his brains function died out within his body. I heard one gun fire, then another as I bolted into the waters edge. blood following in my wake. I pressed my hands against the glass before pulling one back into a fist and slamming down.

SNAP, the glass made contact with my knuckles, barely cracking. 'what did I do' my rational mind spoke, suddenly trying to claw its way back as the taste of iron and meat hung on my tastebuds

A speaker crackled to life again nearby "WARNING, Z-0X1 AND Z-283-BLITZ HAVE ESCAPED CONTAINMENT, ABANDON SHIP PROTOCOL NOW IN EFFECT" 

SNAP, again my knuckles cracked the glass again, I didn't care.

SNAP, I wanted out.

CRACK, water began seeping through as I animalistically punched and clawed at the crack, encouraged as the water rushed past me and into the awaiting hall. 

Suddenly the damn seemed to break as I slid into the hallway, the water rushing past filled my ears as I stretched, a sick smile gracing my features again as I spotted fleeing doctors, techs and guards within the hallways nearby. A melodic call left my throat, pleased by the development. 

I lurch forward,

Let the hunt begin.

Chapter Text

Sebastian's POV

The rumbling of metal as someone started crawling through the vent caught my attention, drawing it away from the static and beeping from the radio as I made my way back to my usual spot within my shop. First comes a short man with an unremarkable appearance, seeing so many of them made their faces and details blur together. Second comes a slightly taller man, thinner than the first and breathing heavy. I recognize them as repeat customers, Thomas & Joseph, though when I don't hear the familiar screech of an angler my brow raises at their breathless and panicked forms. 

I clasp two of my hands together as I tilt my head, the glow of my esca illuminating the small shared space as they kneel on the floor or crouch over, gasping for breath. My eyes thin as I grin wide, amused by their panic, my voice fills the space and seems to catch both of them off guard "As much as I would love to watch you two have your little panic party on my floor, buy something or leave, gentlemen."  My statement makes Thomas, the shorter of the two groan and curse at me from his kneeled spot on the dirty floor.

"Can you shut up, we dodged death here man." came his ragged replies behind his diving suits visor. My grip on my other hand seems to increase as my posture straightens, not taking kindly to his disrespect. Before I can retort however Joseph's wide gaze inside his helmet catches my attention, I expect the expendables who wonder within my shop to panic every now and then. However this was different, both being ex military had a knack for handling panic on a daily basis so to see their faces pale and eyes wide made my stomach twist in an unfamiliar way, filled with some sort of fear? anxiety? 

Caught in my thoughts I'm drawn back into the conversation half way "-I didn't think the beacon would piss it off, alright? hop off Joe." Thomas's gruff voice echoed within their small argument, full of frustration and left over panic. My grin returns as I lean backwards onto the wall behind me, relaxing my posture slightly as my spine aches "Caught the bad side of eyefestation again, have we?" I speak with a tone reading smug, it wasn't the first time Thomas had pissed off the multi-eyed shark. 

"no, no god no not again." Thomas swallows thickly, I can nearly hear his pulse quicken from here, he reaches into his bag, grumbling to himself and pulls out a manila folder with HQ's logo printed in bold font, on the tab was written in sharpie 'Z-0X1' with a slight smudge over the Z. My face brightens with interest as I look between the folder and him, I extend the hand closest to them and feel the pristine folder touch my palms, a stark contrast to the normally worn and torn ones found within the facility. "HQ calls it Stalker, apparently it's 'come out of hibernation' or something" joe speaks as I open it, making air quotes as he slides down the wall to rest and remove his mask. I bite back a remark of them buying something before my eye catches a photo at the corner of a paper held within. "Whatever the fuck any of that means, bottom line it's a scary bitch I'll tell you that" joseph finishes, pulling a bottle of water from his pack. 

My eyes scan  over the printed image, a small timestamp in the corner reading 02/21/2013, two years before I made my escape. My eyebrows crease as I turn to look at Thomas and joseph, who seemed to have calmed down enough to breathe normally. And thank god because the sound of their arguing and panting made my skin crawl. I clear my throat as the folder lays butterfly in my palms, their eyes drift from shooting daggers to straining against the glow of my esca that dilutes my features to his gaze.

"Where did you see it?" there was a low cut to my voice, I wanted to know, no. Needed to know more, if this thing has been in the waters all this time what else lays within the oceans embrace? Though my thoughts are lost once my eyes lock onto the creatures twin esca making my throat tighten as I swallow, for a moment I see myself within the image instead.

joe clears his throat as he thinks for a second "Near door 70, it c.. came from the bottom of the building, I think the floors below it are completely submerged." his voice cracks and wavers, obvious distress as I raise an eyebrow "You ran.." I think for a moment before continuing "30 doors back here." my voice had amusement, finding it humorous they were scared that shitless to run god knows how hard all the way back here. Thomas shakes his head as his eyes peak through his greasy hair "no. god no, we tried pushing forward and it just, it made this noise." he swallowed thickly, hands trembling "I.. god I thought it was eyefestation so I flashed my beacon at it." Thomas says and leans into his hands with shaking fists 

I close the folder, the soft sound piercing through the silence and laying it on top of my own beside me on the desk. My hand rubs my face as I let out a heavy sigh, the expendables have no survival instincts down here. 'maybe it's eyefestations radiation killing off what's left of their brain' I thought and looked down at the two below me. "You two are complete idiots." joe groans and throws his hands up, looking at me with distress I've only seen once or twice from the newer expendables sent down to explore the massive facility "No. Sebastian you don't understand." his voice was strong but ached with fear, I my grin falters for a moment as I tilt my head allowing him to continue "The noise, it sounded like some distorted whale call, or maybe a bird song I don't know, It felt like it was in my head." he shivers, flicking his hands as if to remove water "all I could see was green and blue lights on the wall in front of me, we faced the wall thinking it was just eyefestation again."

"It broke through the glass, it looked so angry. Kept screeching as It chased after us. Not even eyefestation has been that upset." joe stares off into space making my tail flick in interest "we managed to escape through an airlock leading to a stairwell. so that's where it's locked in, hopefully." he finishes speaking and I lean forward and hum "so, because of your little fucking mistake how many rooms are flooded now?" I ask with a bite of annoyance, while I could very easily traverse those waters with ease during my rounds I was not pleased that I may need to swap locations for my shop if it means expendables wont pass through here anymore. "only 4, we were on the lower levels, chain-smoker made us divert course down a floor or two and our NAVI redirected us through into it's territory I guess." he finishes and gulps down the rest of his water, my gaze flickers between them as I clasp my hands together and straighten out "well, as much as I enjoy chit chat, you two have caused quite the mess. Chop chop, buy supplies and leave." I watch as they groan and stand, looking at my inventory. 

'what a mess.' well, of course now I need to read the file and see if there's anything else within these hollowed halls with information on it. I take the USBs and files of DNA from their gross hands and pocket it on the desk, casting my voice through the vent as they leave "stay safe, boys." making joe curse at me as their footsteps fade.

Reader's POV pre encounter / during the encounter with joe and tom

The calm currents rocked my curled form, deep within ruined pipes and broken walls at the bottom of the facility that I burrowed my large body into. My mind feels dazed as my eyes peak into the ruins around me, the vast ocean outside my small dwelling. I stretch as much as I can, my spine pops and moves uncomfortably as I shift and slide through the gaps and into the dim waters. My gills blow bubbles as my throat rumbles a low hum, I slowly stretch more now, satisfied as my tail stretches and unfurls completely. My body stills as my sharp eyes look about the space above me, my once prison. I've been awake for several weeks now, however food was getting scarce now, fish no longer satisfied my hunger as it one did.

A low growl emits from my stomach with a jolt of sharp pain, I groan as my eyes cast upwards, I feel vibrations in the water as I move my eyes across the building, spotting lights flickering before going out as something massive passes through the hallway. I tilt my head, feeling the water for more vibrations my long hair swirling with the movement as I slowly allow my body to float up, my hands grasping the walls to guide my massive body up the side of the structure. My nails scape into the metal as my tail gets back into the swing of propelling my body through water, my drowsiness fading as I hear talking, one floor below where the lights flickered. I stop a few feet under and away from one of the hallways lined with windows to the dark abys. 

I feel my pupils dilate as two men wearing odd subversive uniforms enter through the door, the corridor was dark, the only light being cast from the surface many fathoms above us. My body stills as they pass me, I haven't seen another person since my violence fueled spree upon escape. I can feel my skin tighten and twitch as I rise to the window, my esca's casting a dance of greens and blues to draw their attention. Almost automatically they face away from me making my head tilt in confusion,  I trill and boom a call through my throat into the water and watch as a shiver runs down their bodies. My spots and stomach light up with dazzling colors as I chirp, coo and call to them. My stomach aches as my teeth grind together, my eyes are locked onto the way their muscles tense under their clothing, the faint memory of iron on my tongue makes me purr.

I notice the shorter of the two shifts against the wall, something in his hands as he quickly turns making me flinch. Light burns my eyes making me screech in pain, having blinked right as the flash went off saved me from being as stunned as I could've been, or worse lost my eyesight completely. My veins feel like they burn as hot rage filled my body, I banged on the glass as my eyes screamed anger and hate. I watched as the shorter man gulped thickly, his Adams apple bobbing as the taller one starts to shake having turned to see what happened, both their terrified gaze now locked onto my massive body. My nose flares in rage releasing bubbles as I bang my fist against the glass, I feel it crack as another scream leaves my throat, escas and skin flashing colors at an alarming rate. 

They speak but I don't hear them above the sound of water suddenly rushing through cracks, and with a final punch my fists break through. They run backwards and I follow, a loud guttural bellow leaves me as I allow the water to help me along after them. My skin stops shimmering as my escas go out with a simple pull, the lights within the halls going red as water ruins electrical wires and breaker boxes before being cast in complete and swallowing darkness. I can hear them whimpering as they run, the taller of the two seems to be chastising the smaller one. I growl as I slam into a wall, they take a sharp turn and bolt again. I gather myself and continue in suit, my nails making deep marks on the floor and walls as I drag my body across the harsh surface, my stomach feels like boiling oil as my hunger becomes more apparent making me breathe heavily, the air burning my water soaked lungs as it pours out of my gills and my vision clears, now I can see their uniforms more clearly, catching a large logo on their backs. 

Urbanshade. I let out a loud screech as I see them fumbling ahead of me with a card, the water rushing behind us as I gain speed, somehow ahead of the rushing liquid. They scream as the airlock opens, rushing to be on the other side. Now they slam and hold the door closed with a struggle, I feel a very human fear etch its way into my core 'I'm so hungry, I need to eat, let me eat, i'm so sorry. Your body wont go to waste I promise, PLEASE, I WILL RIP YOUR SPINE OUT OF YOU LET ME EAT I PROMISE TO BE GENTLE-' the door seals shut, water rising above me cutting my thoughts short as I scream "PLEASE" my voice sounds foreign to me, extremely loud, almost raw and distorted. My nails dig into the side of the door, water slowly seeping through but I'm unable to open it, my fists make contact as the water rises more, splashing at chest level now. 

"DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!" I scream as the water muffles my pleas, I taste blood as I breathe water through my lungs, my throat ripped raw. I slam my body against the door, but I'm weak and barely make a dent. My shoulder aches as does my fists, I curl in on myself as a silent but violent sob echoes with soft calls and pleas through the silent waterlocked hallways, my eyes trail to my hands and see it's littered with deep cuts and scrapes from the glass and door. I whine animalistically and hit the floor as I breathe deeply, my gills on my neck opening and closing with rapid succession as the sea water stings my wounds, which have already begun to heal, but slower than normal due to my lack of food. I float limply in the water for what seems like forever, limbs idle as my eyes stare at nothing trying to fight off exhaustion, my stomach growls again and I can feel my body screaming for something, anything to eat. 

the water ripples nearby, something echoes maybe a door away or so on the same level. My head snaps in the direction of movement, an open door nearby catching my attention as I sense movement within, I chitter something inhuman, briefly my mind flashes to the grudge, the sound of her chatter echoes in my skull as I shake my head like a dog shaking off water. I push through the water silently, my nails being used as hooks to move myself or stop as I scan the darkness for any sign of movement. I catch what appears to be another human in a suit, confused and looking at his wrist. Something builds within me, almost like a cat, stilling before a pounce. My spinal fin stiffens and without warning I lurch forward, catching him off guard, my hands rip into his stomach and shovel what I can into my open mouth. I can feel his nails hit my face but don't cause major damage as I consume him, it's too late to fight back.

His screams within his mask die down quickly as I swallow, bubbles no longer seep from behind his visor and his hands no longer grab at my face as the water, clouded in red drifts and swirls around me as I devour everything but the bones, a low hum reverberating my chest in response as I swallow.

I go to lick my hands clean and freeze, I look down at them in horror as my adrenaline leaves me and my rational mind comes back but not for long, I feel like a cloud passes over my brain as It dawns on me what I've done. The taste of iron fills my senses and despite my hunger being satiated and the taste seeming pleasant I feel it rise back into my throat as I struggle not to vomit, I drift uncoordinated away from the corpse, bumping into walls and doorways as my mind races with emotions as I struggle to break free from the haze capturing my cognition. It feels like I'm being pulled into third person as I try and find somewhere to hide, to grieve, to vomit. I find a small room and practically throw myself into the furthest corner, curling into myself as I sob.

'What a monster I've become.' echoes within my mind, jarringly different from the voice I spoke with not too long ago, the voice was still human, still me. 'Have I been changed that much?' I think as my hands grip my sides in an attempt to ground myself, only to end up stabbing my soft skin making me recoil to look at my hands in shock. My nails are longer now, way longer. I try and think clearly, even for just a moment. I remember a containment breach, and the hallways and the feeling of bones crunching between my maws. My hands tremble as I take a look around me, this sector unfamiliar but I see how unclean and messy everything is, even under god knows how much water. 

I remember running away, stomach full and sleep pulling my eyelids, I found somewhere to rest.

'how long has it been?' my hand runs through my hair, and much like my nails it's longer, almost down to my hips. I've been so focused, so animal, so not human since I awoke again, never even thinking to take a single look around me. My body shakes as a sorrowful call leaves me and enters the water, grief seems to fill my lungs and ribcage as my hands are placed over my face, my tears don't make a difference within the water as I sob, screaming in pain.

'what have I become?' 

Sometime later I've begun moving around the water filled hallways, I don't have a goal in mind other than to explore and get my mind back to me. I look around a desk I've found in what seems like an office area, the space was wide and open with nailed down cubicles and floating, well, everything else that wasn't nailed down. My hands grasp a picture frame, the image distorted with water damage and time but I can still see the woman and child colored within, smiling at the camera. My hands trace the woman's face as sadness fills me again reading over the thick blue icing glue lettering on the frame. '#1 best mom!' makes my heart clench and ache. I set it down and continue moving, mind still foggy but clearing slowly as I traverse the waters. 

I find nothing of use as I swim, now a long hallway similar to the one I broke through merely hours ago now, save for an already broken window segment. As I swim through I catch something watching me from the waters outside through the broken section of glass. I still as I watch it, mind becoming unblurred as memories spike through my brain like an icicle when the green eyes lock with mine. 

I rested my hand against the glass softly, taking care not to tap my nails against the warm surface. I watched in horror as multiple green eyes opened from the bullsharks body, I was stunned by the intensity of the green and X-shaped pupils which seemed to stare at my very soul. My breathing quickens as it seems the sharks many eyes graze my body, seeking any signs of threat. I attempt not to display any.

"shh, I know I know. I'm sorry." left my mouth without thinking, words low and almost whispered. However the shark seemed to hear me, understand me even, as It moved to circle back, all eyes trained on my still form. 

We stand still, observing one another as my hands tremble again as the shark swims through the glass. It's smaller than me now, the thought of that creature seeming so so big back then compared to now makes me weep silently. A speaker nearby crackles under the water, somehow working, or is it? I cant tell as my eyes drift to it as a mans voice flows audibly through the water "shh, shh, It's ok" reaches my ears as my hands lift out to the shark upon realizing It was speaking to me, I sob as my hand makes contact with the rough texture of it's head, it's eyes closing upon contact as It allows my hands to glide on its body. I'm careful not to scratch it as I look over it's body, my eyes spot a large scar on it's spine making me coo out a short whale song. 

The shark turns again, allowing my hands to drift it's face as a sense of calm fills my body making my panic and disassociation disperse. The shark stills, which I thought Impossible, my hands rub against it soothingly and it seems to lean into my palms. I feel myself drift lower onto the floor as the shark follows suit, the cold floor hits my side as the shark lays between my arms, still huge but comforting as I rub over its massive head. I curl around it, being mindful of where it's eyes and gills are as It speaks again through the speaker "rest, I'll keep watch." I feel my eyes droop, my esca dimming but not turning off as my muscles relax, sleep pulling at my senses as I slowly drift within the water

"it's ok, friend, I've got you." 

Chapter Text

Y/n POV 

the oceans gentle rocking and the weight of eyefestation between my arms like a stuffed animal soothed an ache I'd ignored since the needles entered my skin, to be treated so kindly despite the bits of flesh beneath my nails seemed to console and allow my body to relax once more, into a deep and weightless sleep. Like a child, innocent and pure I welcome the comforting presence as I drift. 

Darkness surrounds my vision as the water filled corner hallway with glass nearly floor to ceiling bleeds into blades of green flourishing grass and a clear blue sky above me. I blink once, twice three times before looking down at myself; expecting my discolored skin and scars only to be met with my once healthy and glowing skin, freckles i had not seen in years suddenly in their rightful place along my wrists, arms and collar bone. My eyes follow my body downwards, I'm wearing a white suit and shoes. Like the inverse of a black suit worn for weddings my inner shirt is a pitch black that almost seems to smoke with an unfelt air current.

My body feels light and foreign as I sit up suddenly, eyes wide and staring as I wiggle my toes from inside my white shoes, the feeling of sock covered feet rubbing against the toe inline meets my senses and I want to cry. I do. The tears cascade down my cheeks like pearls, literal pearls that clink together as they fall, I raise one arm to wipe my eyes but it's no use as a sob echoes through my chest. A dam has burst as I lean forward and sob, tucking my legs crisscross as shaking hands lift my pant leg and reveal dark black socks and my flesh untouched, unchanged. 

More pearls fall into my lap and through the fabrics folds onto the green ground below me, which seems to sway like ocean waves through this seemingly infinite landscape. My legs have been returned to me, I stand and turn in a slow circle looking at the vast empty landscape. 

Empty? A house appears through waving fields of grass, like it had always been there and always would be. My feet move before I realize it, I'm halfway across this field to what appears to be a run down two story house, base tone a faded white with cracks and weather damage along the outside, the living room window smashed to pieces. I step onto the porch, the wood beneath creaks and groans with my weight and feels to almost settle into the earth below, like pushing a cookie cutter down on dough it gives way as I stand staring at the front door. 

Deep red wood coated in a shiny lacquer seems to be the only part of the house undamaged, its gold door handle reflecting the distant sun with almost a halo affect it draws my eyes to it. The urge, no, itch to open the door eases into my senses naturally, but my movements to do so are staggered at best. It feels as though my limbs have doubled in weight and lost all grip strength. 

With a huff I manage to grip the door handle and push downwards as a click rings through the silence alongside my oddly loud breathing. The door opens and air rushes past me knocking me off my feet and into the main hallway, landing on my hands and knees I cough at the smell of dust, like a heater had been turned on after not being used in years. The smell is thick and heavy as I sit.

I open my eyes once the coughing subsides and my lungs grow used to the heavy dense air, the home looks nothing like the outside. Decorations for Christmas hang from a nearby staircase banister, a short wood table is lined with Santa's and nutcrackers, red flowers and white doilies sit upon its warm colored surface. A painting hangs on a blank wall leading into the living room, a family of three but the faces seem to swirl in patterns and obscure their details from me. 

I walk up to the painting and study the swirling patterns, trying to focus my eyes enough to see through it. The swirling is reminiscent of van gogh, the male figure's swirl leads into the wives and the newborn the woman holds, all moving and swirling into one another as if on loop. I catch sight of movement in the kitchen out of the corner of my eye, my head swivels and I freeze. 

The familiarity of the house settles over me like a wet blanket as I stare into the face of my mother, maybe twenty feet from me standing in her usual attire holding a tray of ginger bread cookies. Her face is warm, gentle and soft as she gazes at me behind her lashes, neither of us speak for a moment before her face turns concerned 

"honey, are you alright? you're pale" her voice sounds crisp, real and clear. I don't move, I don't speak as I swallow, a heavy dry feeling coating my mouth as she sets down the hot tray upon pot holders and walks swiftly to my frozen form. She raises the back of her hand making me flinch, her brows crease before she slowly places it against my forehead "you're burning, I thought you'd stop walking in this kind of weather after you got sick last time, poor thing"

I feel her skin against my forehead, she looks younger than I remember, maybe 30? 35? I would've been younger, 12? 13? her eyes have a light I don't recognize as my vison blurs, her face becomes concerned again as I crumple against her, her arms loop under my own as I wrap mine over her shoulders and sob, pearls fall between us and over her shoulder as I sob once more. She speaks to me but I can't hear her through my cries, her old perfume hits my nose as I burry my face into the crook of her neck. Her hands rub my back, she soothes me like a child.

"oh don't cry, it's all okay" her voice almost cracks like a tape recorder, an uneasy feeling settles over me for a moment before she pulls back and wipes the pears falling from my eyes. She sighs worriedly before turning and going back into the kitchen, out of sight. It's been years since I've seen her, and already her face is fading from my mind like sand. I turn to the portrait again and find my younger self staring back, the painting changed to me, around 13 standing picturesque next to my mother and father, his face barely comes into view, and now seems to have a red pigment added to the swirling that slowly drifts onto the faces of myself and my mother. 

I tear my eyes away from the painting and now find myself in a darker setting, the house quiet and the once pungent smell of dust almost completely gone. All lights are off, the dark night sky outside casting a blue hue across the once bright orange hued interior. The decorations that once covered everything now missing, it's cold I realize as every hair stands on end. Movement comes from my left inside the living room as the box TV lights up with an electric hum illuminating the darkness with a technicolor static screen.

The darkness within the living room seems suffocating as I step into it, and almost instantly i realize my father is sitting on the couch, baggy black shirt old jeans and a can of an unrecognizable brand of beer.  

The smell of it hits me next as his eyes drift from the TV, my heart catches in my throat as he makes a gesture with them to sit down, right next to him. Without thinking my body seems to move forward, the couch greets me with cold fabric that rustles as I stiffly stare at the static screen. Silence fills the space as the darkness seems to creep closer and closer, my black inner shirt seeming too tight suddenly as he speaks, voice rough and full of poison.

"Your mother tells me you want to be a doctor." He doesn't want a response, I know the routine by now. He gains information, he berates and if I'm lucky he wont strike. "A pathetic little C- student like you, a doctor. God help the man who comes under your care" he laughs cruelly, takes a deep drink from the can that crinkles under his grasp and sighs "You'll be lucky if they don't kick you out, make you an uneducated fuck instead. How does that sound?" silence falls heavy again, he finishes his drink and crushes the sides of the can with his hand. I flinch making him smirk, my blood runs cold as he stands and tosses the can at the tv, making the glass crack with the force of impact.

I cower ready for his outburst before he turns and screams "you will never make something of yourself! you are a bastard child, I should have never let her fucking keep you" spit bursts from his mouth and lands somewhere on the floor below with each bellow of voice, i can feel my hair pushing back with the force as i cover my ears and curl into myself.

It's silent. I raise my head to find myself laying on my side within the grass once more, my breathing slows as I sit up, the sky beginning to brighten with morning colors as the sun slowly began to rise over the waves of deep green grass. 

I sigh and lay down into the grass again, wishing the ground beneath would give way and swallow me whole.

I close my eyes, breathing in the fresh air and feel the earth shift below me. My wish answered. 

I don't panic, instead feeling an unmistakable sense of calm and peace as my world goes dark.

My breathing is slow, deep and steady as water filters itself through my gills. My limbs are heavy with sleep as I crack one eye open and allow myself a moment to adjust to wakefulness, eyefestation is gone and I assume back out doing whatever it was I interrupted her with hours prior. Stretching dull pops are heard throughout my spine as I push myself upwards and begin moving forward through the dark submerged corridors. 

Moving swiftly I dodge jutting debris and fallen concrete as my senses slowly begin returning to me, my stomach twists with hunger again. I push back the memories of flesh and bone between my teeth and wrack my mind for sources of food I haven't tried in my prior bursts of feeding. 

Clams, muscles those surly would suffice. My brain fires with possible areas of the hedal site that may host a bountiful marsh of muscles as I make my way outside into open ocean. A thought strikes me as I drift alongside the hull and widow of a lower floor, the outside covered with thick vegetation that weaves through exposed pipes jutting from split sections of the platform. I turn my head towards the open dark ocean, the sun long past dusk and the moons delicate light unable to penetrate this deeply makes it feel almost like space, or what I imagine nonzero gravity to be like.

I could leave, explore the depths of the ocean not seen by man. Find answers to my own questions within it's dark depths. Be free. The human part of me is sad, no sickened with the realization the ocean will be the only place left for me. The faint recall of my dream, my mothers face lumes in the back of my mind, could I find her? would she even want to see me again? The dark pit that greets my eyes seems almost like a thick black curtain, that if I just reached forward and parted it, I could be free. Be home again. 

But something within me still boils with anger and rage, a dark headspace that craves the death of every member of faculty that allowed this to happen. A primal and dark anger that bubbles at the back of my throat and forms a snarl across my wide lips as I crack open a muscle in my palm. An all too familiar crack that brings me back to the moment from my hate. 

The muscle is fresh and delicious as it hits my tongue, my teeth chewing through one, two so on and so fourth as I glide alongside the hull. Deep into my thoughts I neglect to notice a faint hue of cyan through the thick glass watching my shrouded form intently. 

Sebastian's POV

The expendables once again blur together, suits armed with bombs and brains clouded with plans and terror soon dwindled into the late evening. I sigh as the crackle of radio static and occasional Morse code with no new useful information formed white noise to my thoughts. Reaching beside me My hand finds a familiar folder tucked between my side and the wall I rested upon within the shop, flipping it open I am greeted with a familiar figure.

My brows crease at the sight of the predatory expression drenching the figures features, eyes locked onto the photographer as various spots glow in rainbow colors, the green and blue escas floating between strands of long hair. Whoever this was seemed less than friendly, less humanity than I'd hoped for. Would there be any reason to seek them out? the benefits seemed written out clear as day in my palm. With a moment to prepare my eyes glide across the paper, while a majority redacted enough was clear and from what I can read, urbanshade had a special kind of hate for him. The Poor idiot.

"Subject Z-0x1, known as stalker (birthname ████ ████) was reprimanded by his senior Doctor ████, Security Chief ████ & Mr ████ for tampering with Z-317 testing, trespassing on multiple occasions into restricted sectors with the help of faulty door locks, threatening a superior & breaking contract 6148 section ██ page 34 of ████ ████ and as punishment Doctor █████ breached proper protocol & introduced subject into gene testing program." 

"Subject has shown intense hostility towards Doctor ████ and general faculty staff, going as far as biting the hand off of assistant █████ Cole in response to Doctor ████ attempting sedation. Hand was not recovered." 

"Subject will need 200mg ██████, 40mg █████ and 100mg ████ for sedation prior to any testing."

"Subject is not allowed to roam dry cell section while meals are being given, nor be allowed near entrance to dry section of cell until all faculty have exited and the door has been locked."

"Subject has shown skill in hunting trials, IQ tests and pattern recognition. However with aggression towards staff and prior loss of life Subject should not be allowed into open waters. Failure to upkeep this will result in █████ ████ protocol and subsequent punishment."  

"As of 3/17██ Doctor ████ is no longer with the company. Files related to subject stalker or doctor █████ have been sealed by ██████. Quality of life maintenance & research are priorities to reduce breach risk." 

 My face contorts before I realize it, a familiar kind of pain fills my chest for a moment. Floods of thought fill my mind, the pain he had to experience at the hand of urbanshade was not unlike mine. I read on, face contorting in the dim lighting as I read over his genetics, the timestamps of injections all within one week, some only hours apart. My stomach lurches at the included photographs labeled Phases 1-8, each polaroid containing the same subject in the varying stages of transformation and each image if his face isn't obscured in the fetal position or under sedation upon a cold slab his skin is soaked with tears, scars and pain.  

I snap the folder shut with a heavy sigh, one arm reaching to rub at my eyes and face trying to ease away the migraine that has begun trying to eat away at my skull. Setting it down I stretch, joints aching with stiffness popping and settling into place as I gather my own materials and close up shop. 

I need to find more data, maybe check up on pAInter however his mood has been less than pleasant to deal with as of late. With a groan and a slight struggle I heave my massive body up into the piping above my shop, the metal creaks and groans as I maneuver my way through familiar passageways and past already explored rooms. The distant screams of chain-smoker echo through the darkness, i grimace at the silence that follows after before moving forward once more. Hands reach out to grasp metal pipes, concrete bits moved from my path and nail marks in certain spots as I  pull myself through tunnels within the guts of the facility.

A slight glow of light catches my attention, moving my way over I spot a new opening through a ceiling of what I can only identify as urbenshades take on an office room. Squinting at the dim lighting from the darkness of the ceiling I peak my head through, my hair dangling over my face for a moment before I finally manage to peer around the dim room. 

The floor is flooded, the water pools around table legs and anything in the first shelf of any desk is definitely ruined. Adjusting myself so I don't end up injured my body is big enough to slide out of the ceilings opening like a snake, using my arms to keep my upper half as out of the water for the moment as possible as I shift into my full height now fully out of the ceiling. 

I tower above the plethora of desks and office supplies, monitors either still in place as they once were or knocked into varying positions. Folders upon folders cover almost every inch of the room and it feels like a jackpot before my rational mind realizes it's all probably useless information if it's been left to ruin within the grave I now traverse. Nonetheless I move through the room, cubicles get bumped out of place with the movement of my tail, minding the glass window that lines the wall into the dark ocean, slightly cracked and caked in algae. The sun has long set yet thankfully the lights within this level still work as they hum annoyingly in the background of my thoughts, though not enough lighting for anyone else to see the darkness is a comfort after a few expendables learned not to flash me. Again.  

Reading a few lines, tossing into the shallow water below when it doesn't give anything useful. A few are promising, unredacted faculty records and payrolls feels like a rare blessing as I shove them into my satchel alongside a few USBs. The movement becomes routine, a small moment of peace I find so rarely as the sensation of water around my tail and folders against my fingers, information scanned by tired eyes and barely processed.

A shift in luminosity catches my attention, snapping me out of my robotic practiced movements instantly as the wall in front of me has a cast of rainbow lights. I turn slowly and nearly drop the stack of folders in my arms, through the doorway and into the main room with the large window glides a figure casting blue, cyan and rainbow lights like a shining light refracting through crystal. They look older than the photograph, hair once behind the shoulder now floats like thick clouds down their spine and halos their face. 

It's strange, watching from the darkness as they eye just below the window face contorted with focus as his eyes turn to what looks like a cracked muscle within his palm. Bits fly of shell float alongside a cloud of debris, he picks the muscle clean before plopping it into his wide maw with a pleasant expression. He almost seems peaceful, drifting by I realize his size and features, catching my attention is the tip of his tail, translucent revealing spinal bone floats within dots of pinks light oranges and purple spots blinking like starlight. 

I allow myself this moment of human curiosity, a soft expression coats both our features theirs unknowing bliss mine in peaceful fascination. They chew a few more muscles before it seems something down the hallway catches their eye, they lower themselves to the edge of the window as my ears catch the voices of two familiar individuals, their cerulean eyes the only glowing part showing casting an eerie glow upon their hair as they zone in on the approaching footsteps. 

Oh no. 

I move forward instinctively, not sure if my fear of bloodshed is caused by a worry for temporary loss of income, damage to the already slowly flooding room or genuine bloodshed should the lurking figure behind cracked glass decide to strike. Their eyes jet over and instantly catch mine, eyes wide and glowing as if drinking in my image. The footfalls continue for a moment before the voices cease through the open door, I don't move my eyes away from their locked gaze; almost transfixed my voice carries my expected tone through the thick silence. 

"It would be in your best interest to find another door, friends." Thomas catches sight of my gaze and follows it as his eyes widen and face pales, gripping the arm of the taller joseph he begins to pull backwards with rapid nods much to josephs initial confusion turned rapid attention and retreat as they move down another hallway and out of my line of vision out of my peripherals.

No movement is made aside from their eyes rapid movement over my form within the dim lighting the sound of bubbling water and humming electricity fills the space. The image of their predatory gaze flashes into my mind in stark contrast to the almost meek figure still hiding behind the edge of glass. The image reminds me strangely of a cat, peaking over the armrest of a sofa; unsure and yet completely fascinated by whatever has captured its attention. Our eyes lock once again, its a gentle silence as the glow of their escas blinks off and on slowly causing realization to strike. 

My own yellow hue is cast as I tilt my head to the right, mirroring their peaking face almost teasingly. It's rare a moment, they gaze intently at the bobbing glow above my face moving slightly to get a better view as their own blinks off and on back. It feels natural, a second form of communication I'd not realized would be so intimate. No words spoken yet they ease out of hiding, drifting upwards I can't help but mirror their analyzing gaze taking in the hues of skin and faint glow of bone and tissue. 

Moving towards the glass slowly we stand face to face, separated by thick glass It feels more like a mirror. Where normally catching my reflection would cause unease or upset it feels comforting to gaze into someone so familiar yet so little known, I raise a hand slowly to the side of the glass and press my large palm against its cold surface. It feels cliché, but the feeling of peace is almost addictive as I watch them intently between look at my palm and face. For once I display no hostility, attempt no display of dominance or snark like I would with expendables or other subjects in the far and few encounters we've shared. 

I don't expect the slow lowing of their head against the glass, resting forehead against where my palm meets glass I can feel a faint vibration against it even through the thick surface, bubbles release from the gills on the side of his neck in bursts resonating with the bellowing rumble like chuffs. Rubbing against the glass for a moment before resting almost as if holding his face he gazes at me, a moment passes before he blows bubbles at me and moves away from the glass. He gazes at me for a moment before waving and beginning to leave, turning away and disappearing into the darkness.

My lack of sleep weighs heavily inside my being as I pull my palm from the glass, adjusting the held folders and moving through the hallways this time in search of my shop to rest. Thoughts full of details with this encounter, my analytical mindset picked up from years at hedal categorizing everything about him within the folders of my mind, no detail left unprocessed.

What an interesting creature.  

Chapter Text

Turning my head from the bits of shell and muscle, head once solely filled and focused on my thoughts is tugged away, face feeling a new literal tug of an unseen force my eyes lock onto the open door near the window I floated by, a hallway slightly basked in darkness the sensation of energy approaching meet my senses for the first time, shadows approaching nearing closer. Familiar voices seemed to cease upon the smaller one stilling within the doorway, their conversation once sided behind the dull padding of deep ocean. I register my movements after the fact, moved so my face was peering over the metal section below the pane of glass that separates myself from the two unknowing figures, my entire body tenses as quick movement nearby startles me. 

Glowing hues now dim from their once bright flashing upon my skin, flashing in and out of existence in quick succession as my body stills within the dark depths, the lures that once illuminated the thick oceanic shadow I swam through now off, my body nearly blending into the dark blue surroundings as I push myself lower, eyes peaking above the thick metal and glass as I feel my heart thump against my ribcage. Fear, right, I'm not the biggest thing in here am I? Notes about deep sea gigantism flash through my mind as I lock eyes with-

wow, bright cyan in a set of three stare intensely back at me from the tall figure now 'standing' in the path of the two expendables, he speaks in a low, controlled tone but my mind doesn't comprehend it. His eyes don't leave mine however I can't stop my own from wondering over his gray scaled skin, tall looming body with a shirt, jacket & packs along his serpentine tail. Dark hair frames his features, nearing his shoulders it obscures his ears from view but I capture the light movement of fluttering beneath it. 

I barely notice the expendables fearful departure, instead focused on the sensation of my heartbeat in my neck as I drink in detail after detail of what I could see over and over again before movement once more captures my attention. A tilt of his head and yellow blooms from his crown blinding me for a moment before I still eyes mesmerized as an unfamiliar sensation spreads over my skin, eyes trained upon the deep glow of his esca against the dim emergency lighting and my own responds in turn. Warmth spreads up my spine as my own blink in and out of Lumosity fading one after the other before fully glowing between dark shadows. 

Floating upwards I resume my colorful display, mind aflutter with an odd kinship as I attempt to remain as nonthreatening as possible, my mind tries to justify my actions and feelings however it all blurs together while floating into full view. Eyes again wondering his face, upper body and long tail decorated with bags wrapped tightly, peaks of small objects catch my attention; USBs, keycards, and more. He shifts to fully face me, maybe arms length from the glass. His eyes seem to reflect my curiosity as his glide over my floating form, My skin prickles with warmth and tension as we gaze into one another. Peaceful, addictively mundane as no words are spoken, yet the flickers of escas convey safety, familiarity and warmth.

No fear, no displays of dominance or territory just...peace. Mutual fascination I could feel within my bones, a warm fire sparks in my chest as my brain rapid fires, my esca glowing in time with some unknown rhythm he seemed to understand as we mutually cataloged one another, eyes soaking in details patterns and habits with soft silence. 

His form is tall, not bulky but as he sits better, more comfortably upon his tail I come to realize his size compared to mine. I do not falter, eyes scanning him constantly for signs of hidden hostility but instead finding a tender softness among his features. I remember once that two stars will drift in eternity, constantly in a tug and pull; a dance in an exchange of energy. As we gazed, i felt the blurry confines of my mind sway with contentment, bones and joints relaxing in the company of someone so unknown, but a deep sensation settles into my bones as if his gaze was falling into mine, particles of energy exchanged as my mind whirled with everything but worded thought. 

His hand raises before I think he realizes it, palm to the cold glass. Claw tipped fingers, massive even compared to mine and the near perfect size it could fit my face in his palm. Moving forward slowly my forehead makes soft contact with the smooth surface. Familiarity in the situation strikes, had eyefestation had no company all that time? alone in an isolation tank, never to feel gentleness upon her skin? A longing seemed to ache within my bones, a need for contact had been low among my needs. Nevermind considering another like me resided within this watery hell. I sigh, deep pulsing rumbles reverberated through my chest as bubbles rise through my gills.   

I peak between his thumb and pointer finger, slowly moving against the surface as my eyes capture his face that holds a soft fondness. His esca blinks in patterns softly complimenting his already slow blinking, I couldn't help the deep rumbles from continuing within my chest as chuffs reverberated through the glass, he definitely felt it as the muscles in his hand seem to tense and relax into the sensation. 

Coming to a halt against the glass, peaking steadily through the gaps in his fingers I watch silently for a moment, contentment written across both our faces before my conscious mind seemed to finally come back online, right as mine began to lower and chuffs begin to meld into purring.

Anxiousness filled my chest as I blew bubbles at him against the glass, Pulling away to drift a few feat back into the water his hand falls against his side once again. I study him for a moment as my mind sends itself into a frenzy of thoughts, befriending a stranger like me is one thing, expected if at all. However to completely melt against the glass with the touch starvation of some sort of companion animal; a pet, made my stomach twist with uncertainty that fought a different unfamiliar emotion that swelled under my skin. 

Realizing my stare I wave before moving downwards, arms and tail propelling myself as the light only reaching so far from the window before I'm obscured within the depths once more. I swim for an unknown period of time, the darkness unchanged so no more than perhaps a few hours I've been drifting through the depths of hedal and the ocean surrounding it. 

My body is slugish, but my mind races with thoughts as I find a way into another flooded section of floors. 'The first interaction with someone and I nearly break the glass with my weight leaning against it, great' I chuff, exhaling bubbles once more as I move through broken floors and walls with ease, my hands moving debris as needed. It takes a moment to realize what else i've been gathering since my entry to this new sector, 4 USB drives float slightly within my grasp. 

I remember he had these, they seemed so so small compared to me. Images attempt to creep of what my hands used to look like, what a USB in medbay used to feel like taking up more space than it does now. 

I swallow thickly as that feeling returns, the attempt made by my brain to spiral interrupted by the dim image of the same objects collected within the figures tail packs. Perhaps it would be useful. It suddenly feels like thinking through mud as I sigh deeply, like a dog comfortable on the couch bubbles release through my nose and gills as I move with intent through the small rooms, crumbling hallways and multitude of file cabinets I gather as many as my hands could hold before realizing my dilemma. Well, dilemmas. 

Firstly that the USBs might be ruined at this point, information lost to water damage and the forces that thrive within its murky depths. Secondly, he was inside where no water was able to reach him, though features similar and my ability to breathe air wouldn't make it impossible my large form is not accustomed to long land travel, nor the sharp edges unavoidable out of water. 

I huff and still for a moment, around 40 USBs sit within one hand attempting to keep ahold as I moved through the water no doubt having dropped a few behind me in the process. I look around, an open hallway with a ceiling caved in, noticing also green lights thrown about the room above and below. I tilt my head and begin my ascension through the levels, I can feel it in my bones as I traverse enough flooded flooring to feel the pressure change as I finally spot fully functional lights shining through the dark waters. 

A landing leading into the water below, I surface and notice several things in quick secession. The locked door leading further into the dry facility and two sleeping figures, one propped up like he was awake however his closed lids and deep snores signify his peaceful rest, the second smaller man is facing away from me with his jacket over his shoulders like a mock blanket, his deep breathing is indictive of his possibly deeper slumber. 

I recognize these two, the smaller one instantly bringing forth memories of the dark hallway, cracked glass and flash of blinding light. Anger builds within my throat before it quells at the sight of their torn up bodies, dirty bandages wrapped around the shorter mans ankle has a large dark patch of red and from what little skin the suit exposes clearly they've been through hell, too. 

It feels slightly like guilt as I watch them from the water, no doubt the smaller man would argue at the sight of his comrade sleeping on the job when he awoke, however I make small movements to place a pile of USBs upon the concrete edge leaving water to coat its once dry surface. Realizing the opportunity, and familiarity it seemed the figure had with the two men perhaps they would be of use to me. 

A pleased content smile waves over my features as I dunk below the surface again, the hazy fuzz of what I recognize is my more animalistic instinct phases through my mind as I gather what I can from the depths below only to return to the isolated room to drop off the plentiful bounty of my search. Part of me recognized my guilt for attempting to eat the two men, and in turn being seen as a beast in their eyes, while a majority tried to rationalize the need for that illusive figure to receive what you've found. Alongside grabbing several vials of glowing genetic looking substance, with each return I still for moments between movements to ensure my deeds remain unseen for the time being. 

Unfortunately I don't think they would appreciate my lurking form stalking them from the depths not too far from their vulnerable forms, nor did I want to directly deal with their reaction to my generosity. 

Stalker, the nickname rings through my brain causing a disgusting taste to coat my tongue. The scientists called me that, I liked to people watch and sometimes it would result in reprimand or less foot traffic by my tank. I disliked the name, It felt natural, to sit within the darkness and observe. To hunt unseen, It's natural. I go beneath the depths of the water once more, finally having exhausted the floors below of all valuable items I could find and now the heavy weight of sleep tugs my eyes. 

Now I must rest, just for a little while. Finding a nearby secluded area that would fit my body I glide into the abandoned room, no items no furniture, just empty with a door that works. A soft sigh escapes me, as i curl into a ball within the dark room, door closed behind me as the current attempts to pop it open with each movement of the facility. I settle into place, allowing my mind to drift with contentment at my successful somewhat apology, hoping they could make use of the documents and vials if that ever thought of figure couldn't. 

But I hoped he would, last waking thoughts of the glow of cyan and yellow within dim lighting, the memory hazy at best. But brings me peace as my blinking slows, lures beginning their slow rhythmic blinking before darkness swells within its absence as sleep claims me once more.

Chapter Text

The soft lapping of water on the edge of concrete and snoring became the white noise of a small half submerged room, two sleeping figures found a quiet safe area to rest for what limited time the higher ups allotted them this run, finally zero risk of exploding simply because you needed a moment to collect yourself or rest. In fact the explosive devices and gear lay among supplies and straps nearby. The ever changing rooms in the distance made the ground rumble and tremor like the wobbling of a stretching limb, creaking whines of metal beginning to falter under the many fathoms of water weighted down upon the sites aching bones, monstrous screams cutting short tariffed yells; it all became background noise in the small moment of rest they seemed to have 'earned' for making it further in than recent parties. 

One of them was supposed to keep watch for a forgotten amount of time while the other slept, then was meant to wake the other and swap. Their error allowed me to return once more after my nap, observing them from the slightly shadowed waters edge, concrete ceiling having given way above some time ago covers the other end of the hallway leading into another sector, their only other exit now occupied by an observing entity with a bite force and speed to rival second best to only few other animals currently alive on earth. However I felt no urge to attack nor desire for their marrow down my throat as I watched silently, my thought's more stricken with their worse for ware appearances.

The taller figure, back against the wall nearest to the door no less than five feet has a pale complexion littered with specks I can only squint at and assume are freckles or bit of grime from their adventures here. He seems more lanky than he is fit, however that's not to mitigate the strength I can see, the littering of scars equates to some sort of survival skill if any, he in the moment seems more so like a sad puppy in a puddle pile with another equally as sad looking man. Choppy mid length brunette hair, a slightly crooked nose or perhaps bump from a previous fracture compliments his long lashes. 

It feels odd to watch and observe in detail but the soft peacefulness and obvious comradery between the two drives an interesting situation.

Initially the bare bones of what I may call an idea was driven with an unfamiliar instinct, a need to establish some sort of line between me and someone with kinship in perhaps a desperate attempt to scream 'I'm not alone here! you're not alone here! I understand!' an innocent need really, similar to the soft comforting weight of eyefestation between my arms lulling me to sleep. Now though, watching the two sleep as a distant scream beyond human rings through the silence and twitching lights I watch his hand curl into the fabric of the wetsuit of figure laid beside him, an instinct to check that he's still there even in his deep nearly disturbed slumber. He in turn seems to arch his back into the contact, releasing a deep sigh of contentment as they relaxed once more. 

Urbanshade was sending criminals, made obvious by the orange jumpsuits tucked under their black torn wetsuits and general past experience with the company, into the decaying ruins but why? beside incriminating information and deformed life I can't wrack my head around possible reasons. Damn my security clearance and memory gaps, If I knew I'd get caught I would've been walking into every room I'd held curiosity for, logging every file to memory I would have kicked and screamed harder. My eyes watch their still sleeping forms with anger turned worry, it's been a long while since I first found them tucked away.

The pile of USBs, redacted papers and files sat now dry and messily about the ground just before the shadow that swallows the waters edge. I move quietly as I continue to watch the pair and relax upon the steady repeated breathes from them, memorizing the number of each inhale and exhale in a familiar way I gaze at the visible wrapped wound upon the smaller one, a dirty bandage sticking around his ankle bore a deep dry stain of aging blood, the skin that peaks around it looks irritated and swollen almost like blisters. For once my gaze moves away and onto the pile of aforementioned data, hopefully they'd be able to carry it all.

Before I really have a second thought I pick up the fragile papers in my palms and gently combine them into a stack, repeating a similar process I organize each item into select piles with the stacks steadily growing a bit high, just like I used to, I sight at the remembrance of my office and quiet night filing away data with a slight frown, dealing with wounded guards with varying mind boggling ailments made more sense now. I look at the smudged letters upon one of the sticks, barely legible the hedal logo seems to fade the more I look at it, No clue if any of it's truly useful to anyone anymore, words upon paper sometimes illegible or completely faded however hope filled my chest at my attempt. I continued my motion as I got lost in my thoughts;

I hadn't been awake this long before, and not in the sense of sleep just- aware? my hands move strands of my hair from my face and out of my view as I sort. Wet fingertips dampening paper and drying soon after, it's an odd thought but I have it as I attempt to recall the other moments I'd been awake since the breach. Hazy instances soaked with red swirl behind my eyeballs, a frown seeps onto my face as the swirling thoughts continue into warm orange lights in deeper water as my brow creases, in my recent waking moments I'd never encountered what I remember.

Large glowing figures swirling through deep open waters, lights from their bellies cast onto the cold dark rock and metal below them. I close my eyes hands steadying my sway within the waters currents as I try to focus through the thick fog, I remember following hazy figures through a few submerged levels I now recognize more clearly from the nearby sleeping pair as another group of criminals sent by urbanshade. My lures pulse as thoughts flow freely, the blue hue seen through my eyelids as I breathe in and out slowly, the smell of sea water, human and iron greet me as a sound repeats within my skull.

A loud sound resonates through my skeleton, a deep almost animalistic call like a whale song but.. wrong. My spine prickles at the faint memory of bright surrounding lights, an orange hue cast over my body from above before a searing pain crashed into my side. Opening my eyes as the nails of my right dig against concrete my gaze drifts down my left side with my hand following after. Below the cool surface a large healed gash rests between my ribcage and hip, discolored skin gnarled with scar tissue that caves my side in slightly reveals the aftermath of my blurred recall. Stabbing pain, thrashing- a missed strike unseen blinded by my carnal need for companionship. 

Urbanshade does shady deals, that much should be obvious- should have been too at my time of employment, but something within these depths is gigantic and violent. I pause my shudder, suddenly deep seeded sadness swells in my chest. Another living breathing being, perhaps an animal is down here the same as I. Trying to survive the same as I. My ears droop, saddened at the extent this hell company was willing to go for something. But what? they had genetic testing, they had lifeforms weaponized at the press of a button (that alone would gain massive military interest on a world wide scale), genetic code rewritten like notes on an aspiring artists music sheet. As if it was that simple to alter life, they made it seem like a simple cold cured and better flavored medicine instead of horror and ripping skin. I remember the adverts for it, the job applications my friends in collage flaunted alongside acceptance letters.

I ignore the bile that rises in my throat with a thick swallow at the high likelihood that my old friends ended up under the same umbrella as the rest of these fucking monsters. Irony is not lost on me the same way the slowly awaking forms isn't as I quickly, too quickly pull my idle hands from stacking USBs- fathering them up, letting them fall , rinse repeat- and cause two of them to tumble into the waters below. In a panic my head and body submerge below once more, intaking water pushing bubbles through gills I steady myself. I hadn't really considered how I'd interact with them, interaction was foreign and mostly animalistic. Reading body language, vocal cues and eye contact that was normal. That's what my vocal cords were used to.

Diving below I find one USB glinting in the darkness, catching the above florescent lighting that managed to reach below. My thoughts run wild with panic as for seemingly the millionth time in my life I question my knowledge of human communication, Hi hello how are you but does my throat remember the words like my mind does? I sense movement behind me, from the entrance into the dry portion of this route and tense. Thickly swallowing I resume my search and ignore the swelling emotive voices above me in favor of finding the other USB. 

I find it, truthfully it took me longer than I wanted though time doesn't seem to feel as solid as it once did. I slowly float upwards again, head breaching and hair sticking to skin as their voices become clear. 

"-been your fault if we died what if you used your head for once?" the smaller one screams, standing now and I see his buzz cut and tan skin in better light. I still just above my nose bridge and eyes my escas bob up and down with the change in weightlessness, 'take a deep breath' my thoughts swell trying to form the words in my mouth before I spoke, as well as my unwillingness about confrontation in this regard that makes spikes of ice shoot through me, anxiety swelling at their conversation.  

"Listen, listen-" the taller one holds the shoulders of the smaller one, quelling his violent decrees "I'm sorry, listen. You saw it, I saw it WE saw it Tom. If it was something that could kill us it would have and YES-" the smaller one seems to pout, completely hitting the mark with my earlier comparison, as the taller seems to cut off whatever remark he had holstered "however, we are not dead if you haven't noticed. Maybe it's one of those things you look at and it goes away? we haven't died to it yet so no file about how to survive the damn thing but keep a note of that, the other time we saw it and call this an IOY" silence fills the space for a moment as the smaller one looks over his face before nodding and preparing to move once again in silent agreement. Oh yeah, the flash of white light that sent me into a blind rage. If only I could I'd dissolve into seafoam and never return, guilt at the terror I put them through hitting like brick after brick. 

My stacks of data seem untouched save for my spilt USB pile I knocked over in my haste to retreat which sparks worry once again, my gift left ungiven and terror left in the wake of alliance. I chirp. They freeze. 

I swear silence so heavy the sound of wind through gaps of metal beams, concrete and wires sounds loud, deafening the buzzing seems to only intensify at their slow turnaround. Eyes lock with mine, fear strikes them I see it in their eyes but I act quicker than their escape plan or legs allow with swift quick movement and the splash of water I grab the pile of USBs and chirp again, hands cupped outstretched eyes drooped posture relaxed. Brain melded into swirling thoughts and instincts that blend together in an odd display. 

From their perspective I imagine I'm terrifying, large alien body beckoning from the shadows leading into the underbelly of hedal the only thing within view being my eyes within shadow contrasted by my large clawed hands filled with USBs within luminescent lighting. A monster that's chased once, what's saving them this time? a siren calling from the shadows, faint rainbow colors drift beneath the hue of my eyes trained on them with wide pupils anyone would run. Should run.

Heartbeats pass in silence as I chirp again, mouth opening attempting more of a response to ease their worries a pitched dry response leaves my throat strangely "take" silence falls again, I feel hot tears well within my waterline as my mouth opens and closes with no noise attempting to form a response. Deep breath, in out okay. I slow blink, escas casting their blue green glow against the dark shadows in slow on//off patterns offset to my blinking "take? . . " thick swallow, ignore the swelling heat of acid reflux at the back of my throat "I.. Didn't mean..hh-" a sound of frustration leaves my throat, bellowing like the chuff of a hyaena if the two had a moment to consider it I put the USBs back onto the concrete, further from me this time and move the others to the same of varying degrees. 

I chirp and huff, water ripples below me as I back further into the shadows with an expression of concentration written across my now realized human like features. If the escas weren't enough it's noted the true similarities between each monster within hedal. Angler fish seem to be among the highly favored varieties it sickeningly borderlines obsession. The two aren't relaxed, the taller covering the smaller with his body presenting a very brave face laced with confusion, worry and fear; I can smell the sweat forming on each of them as the shorter one peaks around his arm. A little more annoyance is written on his face than the other at the physical blockage, if anything he reads curious and empathetic. 

"..You take, okay?. . I.." another chuff as my mouth forms the words prior to noise "apologize for.. anger. Yes." I chirp, a pleased expression eases over my face along with a tilt of my head making the bobbing lights of green and blue that befall my face allowing them to note the large Cheshire mouth peaking with pearly points inside. A weird mix of cute and creepy, something the smaller formed a softer expression at and the taller seemed to tense even more, cautious was normal I remind myself. 

"You're.. sorry?" the smaller questioned earning a very pointed look from the taller, his hair blocked the view slightly of the hidden figure behind him however the sentiment was felt and responded with a roll of his eyes. I sit within the water, curious of the dynamic at display as the taller whisper-yells "Thomas-" the smaller, Thomas, moves out from behind the taller much to his visible dismay. I realize their gruff appearance truly, their behavior not what I expect from what I assume are well seasoned criminals going by their scars and prior attitude with one another. "You feel bad about-" "Thomas-" A sharp shush leaves Thomas's lips making the other raise his hands in mock defeat and cross them over his chest. 

"Listen, we accept this apology. However, why?" the question rings for a moment or two as I draw my lips into a thin line considering a response, billions of words flood my brain in overwhelming waves on one hand in truth I felt bad, the taste of their flesh was to stratify a self no longer needed. One bred as an apex predator running on fear and hate. The guilt would consume me, and they had every right to deny me of any solace of an accepted apology, on the other- i realize in one crushing moment it all leads back to one thing. 

"..Lonesome." is what i muster, it's more complex than that but my mouth still struggles to push air in the right direction to speak any faster than my body willed itself to. A look washes over them in the same bated breath, I shrink under their creased brows and looks of deep concern replaced by their own individual moments of consideration. 

Life was hell with urbanshade, true effortless hell on earth, none of us have sinned enough earn where we stand within it's unforgiving corpse. The shorter walks forward hesitantly, the taller reaching instinctively for him but pushing his hands into his pockets instead, shifting his weight under the tension as Thomas moves forward. I swallow, ears flattening against wet hair and skull as he inches forward and bends to collect the stacked papers, manila folders and scattered USBs in his grasp. With his movements his clothing shifts up his arm allowing me to see just the edge of what looks like an American flag and talons wrapped around it. 

Ah, military perhaps. Filling in the gaps as they swiftly pocket the varying data into varying compartments or pockets readying themselves to depart I chirp again gathering their attention by the door. I glance between them and literally anything else I can get my yes to focus on as I repeat the familiar song and dance between thought and mouth, "tell...hhhh..Uh him" I focus on both their faces again, trying to seek any semblance of understanding as I speak "uh hhhello" i chuff again, intaking air and releasing it with a familiar bellow much to the smaller ones soft gaze and nod. 

Feeling satisfied with myself I sink below the surface to the sound of the two attaching their air tanks and reporting in their awakening much to the reprimand of an unfamiliar voice resonating through an unseen device. I allow myself to explore throughout the submerged levels, the distant sounds of rooms collapsing bubbles between screams I've grown familiar with.

Now to explore, perhaps i'll find something not ruined by water that will answer my own burning rage questions about urbanshade.