totherelentless | CMO 2021 !

[Subject D-32 had been held captive for so long that time had become nothing short of meaningless. It certainly felt like he'd been kept here for longer than just a few days, or even weeks. It didn't seem to matter one way or the other. But even though the time spent, as well as the tests performed on his body so thorough that they had managed to warp and even destroy much of his memory in some places, he couldn't forget his time here at all.

The first few days had been the worst. Possibly more grueling than the actual testing and subsequent transformations themselves. He'd been distraught, hysterical even as he fought against his captors, but it wasn't long until he'd been pumped so full of sedative drugs that he could scarcely do more than breathe and move his eyes. Honestly, he wasn't sure his body had been running at full capacity since that day. Everything felt so...slow. As if time itself were halted in this place. No one ever came for him. No one must have cared for one missing boy whose own name had been scrubbed out of mind and spoken word to further pull his identity away. So long as he remained a letter and a couple digits, the inhumane acts performed on him seemed less...well.

Inhumane.

He couldn't understand the purpose of the mirrors. Why continue to show him this visage, this...monster that they'd created? Was it to remind him of what use he had to these people? How insignificant he was as nothing more than an elaborately expensive experiment? Sometimes he wondered if they would destroy him once they were done playing with him and experimenting to see just how far they could push the limits of human ingenuity.

His body ached, constantly. New things appeared by the week. He just wanted to sleep.

Today is the same as all of the rest. Mind numbing and pointless. Even the attempts of the doctor to try to keep the "boy"'s spirits up had eventually ceased to do anything for him. He couldn't find pleasure or any real enjoyment when he knew that the moment he tried to have a brief respite, it would be back for more tests. He has no reason to think today will be any different.]

( inside, the doctors are going over plans for later. the subject has grown numb and tired, but that doesn't ensure complacency or obedience, after all. morais is the one pushing for it the most, coldly shutting down objections, unflinching in the face of the suffering she causes.

outside is another story. a breaker rigged to be cut in a few minutes, all kinds of things designed to disrupt the electricity and mess with the technology within and one sneaky girl finding her way through the vents... it really is too easy sometimes. at her call, they go off.

the power shuts down, startling everyone within. the backup generator only kicks in enough to restart some of the lights, and subject d-32 can see the scientists all shuffling out, a comment about how they might need to 'sedate everything on this floor' being sighed out.

as the door clicks behind them on the other side of the glass, it goes quiet. everything is dark, but there's some red lights flickering there. but really, that's not the important thing here. what is is the puff of air as a piece of the wall on his own side slides to the side. and on the other side of it is a girl in a motorcycle helmet and somewhat baggy jacket hiding her body, beckoning him over. at her hip is a few rods and tubes, some with odd pink glows and others plain. when she speaks, her voice is soft and quiet. )

Hey- over here. I'm getting you out of this place. Hurry.

( the doors she'd tampered with would only hold for so long, after all. )

[This isn't the first time d-32 has borne witness to some kind of outage. It's very rare these happen, and when they do the staff is usually on top of things quickly enough that it doesn't matter to him one way or the other. They either get everything back online within seconds, or he's sedated immediately until the problem is resolved so there's no risk of him trying anything. Not that he would. Any will to fight was beaten out of him a long time ago, though one wonders how intimately he even knows how to control the new parts his body has been..."blessed" with. He can't even remember what he looked like before, or what real skin felt like, so maybe it doesn't matter either way.

When the girl suddenly opens up the side wall where d-32 is housed, he goes very, very still. Yet, he seems to expand where he's huddled up in the corner of his enclosure (because that's what it really is, given the way he's seen more as a specimen than a boy), because every part of him that can briefly shifted to make himself look bigger. His scales, any webbing visible on him, the frills lining his neck, back, and tail. But once he realizes that he's being asked to...

...

He doesn't move. He stays in place, not even shivering. Completely paralyzed with maybe fear, or indecision, or something else hard to quantify. His eyes are wide and the only thing truly visible in the dark, reflecting what little light there is back at her. Even if his expression is distant and resigned (as much as his face can emote these days), his eyes are alight with terror.]

( --was she too late? fuck. after a moment- she looks down the hall before slipping into the room, careful not to approach too quickly. once she's closer to the cot, she speaks again, voice soft and gentle. )

We don't have a lot of time. I promise you though, I'm here to help. Okay?

( after a moment, she considers something. she didn't know the full extent of everything that was happening in this hell hole, but she had been able to dig through a lot of the stolen files in a short time. unaware of the truth of his nature, but not entirely ignorant, she chooses to make a gamble. )

... Midoriya Izuku, right? I don't know if there's going to be another chance to escape.

( and here, she tugs off a glove, and holds out her hand. even if she can't take off the helmet, not just yet- not here- this is a risk. she's not even sure if he's safe to touch, but... it's more than latex gloves and tools, right? )

So, come with me, if only to get out of here.

[Midoriya...

..........

Is that...him? Is she talking to him? It's so hard to remember. His name, anything that could have identified or connected him to his humanity, had been carefully scrubbed from not just his small existence, but from his memory as well. They'd done this by making sure to never call him that for starters, and any time the possibility of him not being d-32 was completely dismissed. Punished even, if he were present to see and hear what was going on.

It had all been very deliberate and cruel, a methodical attempt to turn him into the perfect specimen for testing. That way, he'd have no real reason to hope for escape. This life was all he knew...all he had. If he left here, he wouldn't have anything...and that on its own is a scary thought.

But being here is just as bad. He lives dealing with the daily stress of the unknown, not knowing when he's going to be needed for yet more experimenting. He never knows if it's going to be fine, or if he will hurt. Most of the scientists don't seem to care either way. If he screams, he's just placed in a soundproof chamber where it can't be heard. Business resumes as normal.

Yet...when Jinx reaches a bare hand out to him, the boy hesitates before- extremely slowly- reaching a claw-tipped hand out as well. They're such a bright green now it's near flourescent, scales covering every square inch of what used to be skin. But when his padded fingers touch hers, she'll find that it's very soft...like suede. They're a little tacky, but only when he applies pressure, which he's doing very little of right now.

He says nothing, simply holding her hand...his fingers moving as he marvels at the feeling of her skin, having not touched someone directly in months.]

( oh jesus christ, what did her mother do. (more than she realizes, even with this display.) jinx lets him hold her hand for what feels like hours, but... thankfully isn't, or they'd both be caught. the way he seems to slowly light up at the touch, though- her heart's gonna wind up hurting a lot in this rescue, isn't it? she always was more compassionate than she wanted to let herself be.

it was easier, doing what needed to be done, when it didn't hurt. but then, if she didn't, would she still have that same drive?

after a moment of taking in the sensation and letting him do the same, she tries again. )

Come with me. Please?

( it's an earnest plea, because she truly can't force him to come with. ... well. she could, but it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone. instead, she just curls her fingers around his, disregarding the claws and accepting the tacky, soft feeling. )

No more tests, or experiments- you just get to be you. Do what makes you happy. Learn what makes you happy, if it's come to it. So, come with me.

[...

Escaping this place wasn't something he'd even allowed himself to consider. That didn't mean he particularly wanted to stay, of course...he just knew that if he made any sort of attempt at an escape it would not only fail, but he would be punished severely for it. He wouldn't be killed- that would be too much of a mercy, and he's had too many funds pumped into him to be disposed of that easily- but they would remind him that he could never be free. He belonged here. He belonged to the scientists.

To Doctor Morias.

The frills that line his body shiver. They rise up like goosebumps, trembling before laying back against his scales as he glances back into the open space of his enclosure. Yet, in spite of the fact that he's looking back, he does take a step forward closer to Jinx.

He wants to leave, but he's afraid.]

Once you're out, they can't take you back. Not legally- and I won't let her come for you again.

( jinx takes a step back, but doesn't let go of his hand- if anything, she encourages him to follow by putting her other hand over the one she's holding, and takes another, smaller step.

she'd spend as much time as she could reassuring him if they had it- but the guards will have found her blocked doors soon, might have noticed her ride out already. if he wasn't so timid maybe she could afford to be a little more hasty, but it's like she's trying to remove a lit match with a room full of gas between her and the exit- if she wants to get there with the flame still going, she's got to be careful. )

I can protect you. I may not look it, but I'm pretty tough.

[They can't take him back? How is that even possible? He doesn't really understand what's stopping the scientists from just collecting him again, or apprehending Jinx to get him back, but...

He doesn't want to think about that right now, as much as he feels like a terrified, cornered animal right now. Hell, that isn't far off from what he is, the tip of his tail curving anxiously around one of his ankles as Jinx takes his hand in both of hers.

He steps forward to follow her, his claws clicking against the metal floor beneath his feet. It was always so cold, even though they kept the temperature regulated to suit his new body. Cold, unwelcoming...

But she's warm. Her hand...it's warm.]

( is that doubt in his eyes? or is that hope? she can only bank on it being something kinder. even behind the helmet, she still smiles brightly when he takes a step. )

You're doing so good. But we have to hurry, okay? I'm not sure how much time we have. Once we get out of the woods, we can slow down again. I promise.

( one or two half steps become a little more, until she can lead him to the door- the hallway is quiet, dark and empty, just how she wants it. )

I'm going to get you out of here- ( a sincere promise, despite hating such things. ) -and then, I'll take you to my home, alright? But you won't have to stay there. I just want to make sure you're okay, and that you have some time to rest from all of this.

( she's sure he can understand her, given that her mother likes verbal commands- but if she's just talking to herself, she hopes she still sounds soothing, because... because once the helmet comes off...

... that won't be for a while though. )

[Hurry hurry...d-32 continues onwards with Jinx leading him by the hand, listening to her intently as she speaks. She can give him credit for one thing, and that's the fact that he really is paying attention, even if he isn't saying much of anything back. Maybe he will later, or maybe he's forgotten how to speak entirely. She probably won't actually know until they're out of the facility, one that's going to be considerably more dangerous for both of them in short order.

Home...he can't comprehend that. He'd forgotten what a home could be like, much less the one he'd lived in before. Surely she doesn't live someplace as cold and heartless as this one, right?

As they start to come up on the door, the sound of scientists on a different floor will suddenly start to become more apparent as they're rushing around trying to get the power working again. It causes d-32 to look up at the ceiling with his tail anxiously sweeping the floor, a hiss of a sound escaping him under his breath.

What it also causes to happen, however, is that he speeds up, suddenly moving right up by Jinx's side.]

( FUCK. okay. okay! she spent a bit too much time being comforting when they were on a time limit- but. considering he seems to realize that they're out of time and hurry up, it might have been for the best regardless- better he be willing than her being just another control point in his life.

she lets him hold onto her hand still, but takes the still gloved hand back, hovering over one of the tools hanging from her hip. otherwise, she can lead him at a much faster pace now to where she snuck in. she came in through a vent, but with those wings, he's going to struggle.

quietly, jinx relays the map of the building to herself- splitting up would get him recaptured and seal himself a far worse fate, so they have to find the fire escape stairs. ... on the bright side, there's only two ways to go- one leads to the scientists' viewing area, and the door they had left from. the other? freedom! probably. if not, well. a little property damage never hurt anybody.

(it has definitely hurt people, jinx.)

with that in mind, she takes the lead again. )

We're going to get out of here. Promise.

[At this point, he's going to be completely at her mercy when it comes to navigation. Unlike Jinx, he can actually see quite well in this darkness...there's some night vision going on, thanks to his new, unasked for traits. So if somebody comes after them, there's a chance he'll actually see them before Jinx does. Otherwise though...he has no idea what the layout of this facility actually is. He's never been beyond his enclosure...just going this far is enough to leave him feeling antsy.

He gives a low sound in his chest, affirming as much as anything.]

( the worst part about her mother's lab is that idly, she can see other doors along the wall. but are they empty? or do they have something within? is anyone else here capable of being saved? she doesn't know. but with the 'star project' holding her hand still, she can't afford to find out.

this time. maybe...

no. she has to focus. there was only so much information and she can't blow this on them.

they reach the door to the stairwell without trouble, and she sees no guards on the stairs, but even so her hand hovers over her hip- over those strange tubes. and carefully, she leads izuku up the stairs. when's the last time he even saw them? the thought doesn't leave her mind, even as she offers comforting whispers. )

Easy now, just a little bit more and we'll be outside. It might be a lot, compared to what you're used to, but it's going to be worth it. We'll get out of here, get out of the woods- I have a place, I can get you in and you'll get to nap. Do you like cats? Belle might want to see you...

[Jinx continuing to whisper to fill the silence helps, even though it's perhaps more talking than he's heard at once in quite a while. Sometimes some of the kinder scientists will speak to him gently, but there's always the point being driven home that he isn't to have too much direct contact or socialization, lest they reverse progress. He's been changed into a completely different creature for a reason, after all. They don't need him remembering his roots.

That means that he's quiet as he follows, listens. Cat? He's not sure he knows what that is...maybe he would if he saw one. Jinx seems to be speaking of it fondly, given her soft, gentle tone. And being able to rest- properly rest on something that isn't a hard cot- would be lifechanging. They just have to-

There's another sound above them. Footsteps, rapid ones. It causes d-32 to shrink closer to Jinx, his hand tightening its grip on hers.]

Damn. Looks like this won't be as simple as I wanted... I'm not gonna let them take you. So, don't be scared, okay? It gonna be a bit rough.

( and almost immediately, jinx has pulled out one of the rods at her hip, holding it at one end and- well, it might be hard to see what she does to activate it, but there's a faint hum as it charges, a soft pink light starting to collect just ahead of the other end. she contemplates... and then swings it in the direction of the wall, and.

well.

if guards weren't coming already, they definitely are now, because there is a gaping hole in the wall that came all too quietly. but hey! the stars are lovely, aren't they? )

C'mon, just a bit more and then we can go someplace safer.

( again, she's charging the device up while leading the way through the wall, still watching and pointing it towards the stairs behind him. as far as she's concerned, however, she's already won. )

[Oh that sure is a weird laser.

The boy actually makes a sound when the wall breaks open- a sort of trill of surprise, gutteral in the back of his throat- but he doesn't shrink away or try to run. If anything, he remains frozen in place as the dust gives way to the millions of stars blinking in the night sky overhead. Stars that he hasn't seen in...

Well. At the point he is now, he's not sure he remembers ever seeing them. He must have, at some point, for them to feel as familiar as they do.]

A...ah...

[It's also the first time he makes a sound like that, an almost concrete vocalization leaning towards speech as he steps towards the opening. He doesn't even hear the guards running their way now, drawing their weapons as they make their way down to the chambers they'd ended up in.]

( jinx glances at him for a moment, the way his eyes water up at the sight of the sky. ... she squeezes his hand in her own, and then turns her attention back to the building. ... mom doesn't need these stairs, right? because she's firing again, shattering the stairs leading up and cutting off the main route. small fry. )

I was gonna blow a hole in the wall anyways, t'be honest. Just wanted to be sure it would actually lead outside... come on. It's a bit of a jump down, but it's not so bad, okay?

( she wants to let him have this moment, she does- but they're on a crunch now, and her bike is waiting. ... they might have to wing some things, all things considered. she hadn't accounted for wings and a tail. still, they have to move before they start getting shot at. squeezing his hand again, jinx smiles behind her helmet, and steps over the edge of the hole to drop--

--harmlessly into dirt. it's fine! they're fine. and now, they're free. )

[While it might be a bit of a drop for some, to him it's...strangely as easy as walking. It doesn't feel quite so high up when you have wings to catch you, legs and arms powerful enough to withstand drops from such heights. If anything, he's surprised that Jinx was okay with jumping that far.

Either way, all of a sudden, the insidious white noise of the inner sanctum of the lab has given way to the sounds of the outside. The forest. The crickets chirping in the grass and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. Without thinking, he finds himself looking back towards the facility, making a soft sound.

He thinks they'll come after him. They were so insistent about him staying in that one spot, that one enclosure of his day-in and day-out.

But he's decided. If those scientists come out before they get away...he's not letting them take him back.

He's not letting them hurt her, either.]

( she can hear shouting, and running- there's probably a door around the other way, people storming to arm themselves and get their precious project back. not a chance! jinx tugs at the hand she's holding lightly before running to the trees. they're outside now, there's no way they'll let themselves be caught now, so all they have to do is get to the bike.

the halls are stupidly complicated, it could take the guards minutes to get out unless they jump the stairs and then the hole. but by then- by then it could be too late, because jinx finally lets go of izuku's hand with a gentle squeeze and rolls out the motorcycle. it's big enough to fit two riders- but as said, she hadn't expected wings and a tail. it's fine though, it's chill. )

Ready to get out of here for good?

( and as she asks that, it's hard to hide the exhilaration in her tone. )

[The boy either has never seen a motorcycle before, or hasn't in a long time, because he looks shocked when Jinx rolls it out. It's possible he has, and just can't remember...but either way, he's initially (understandably) a bit hesitant. He's not going to let it stop him, not when those scientists are hot on their heels, but OH BOY HE'S BABY RN...

But Jinx sounds...excited in a way that rubs off on him, his tail swaying a bit as he pads forward towards the bike with a low grumbling sound. He's willing to get on, if they can figure out how to situate him.]

CMO 2021 !

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Imma get back to the other psls I just wanna focus this one a bit bc...monster h/c...

OH NO...... (also sorry i was dying all week)

ITS OKAY <3

Re: ITS OKAY <3

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she wanted to be gentle for his comfort but she had weird lasers for a reason

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