DCW IRL Round 8: The Habitat

[Misaki-chan 164]

PLOT:

Medicorps. Starting out as a small drug making company, it has grown into an internationally well-known corporation. They have made many advances in the scientific field and still continue to work towards revolutionizing the world. Anyone with a love of science wants to work there, be a part of the company. With Medicorps, if you have an idea, they will make it happen.

 

To the world, they are known as an amazing company, with thousands thanking them for their work. Without their scientific advances, so much could have not happened. To the world, Medicorps is a miracle worker.

But there’s more to the company that meets the eye. Hidden deep within several of their research facilities, are labs. Secret labs. These labs test things not for the sake of helping humans, but for the sake of experimenting on them, to see how much man can play God.

To the limited amount of scientists allowed to roam these labs, it is called The Habitat. A place for the experiments to live, to grow, to be used for learning. In the Habitat, plenty of experiments happen. But the biggest one is genetic mutation. The small group in charge has managed to successfully mix the DNA of an animal with a human. They have had many successful experiments. To them, all is well.

But not everything is well, for a storm is brewing in The Habitat. One that will break everything this small world has ever known. 

ROLES:

 

Experiments: You’ve been in the Habitat almost all your life. You don’t exactly remember when exactly, but you know it’s been a long time. While you all treat each other equally (since you would almost never get such treatment from the people in the lab coats) some of the experiments here look a lot like the lab coat people, though their senses and abilities are far beyond what the lab coat people could ever achieve. Others have features that can only be described as animalistic. On some, a tail or some scales. On others, a set of wings or a pair of fangs. You’ve even heard there’s someone with gills.  Everyone is a different animal apparently. At least, that’s the rumor that goes around. So far, it holds true. While there’s been plenty of the same type of animal, the specific species has been different. You see some people each day. All in white coats, they check on you. They mostly don’t talk to you though. They just talk to each other. They run tests on you, probing and yelling and so much more. You don’t like it. You want to leave. But can you? Can you leave the only world you’ve known for a new one? Max: 5

Scientists: People think you work for Medicorps, and you do. But there’s more to the company that
meets the eye. But you know. You know the truth. You know what truly lies beyond the walls of the well-known company. You know of the experiments that are meant to mutate people, not help them. Of the children kept in the small rooms, where they never know of a parent’s love. Not that anyone here truly cares (at least, no one seems to care). No one talks much to each other. Not unless it’s about work. Everyone has their own agenda, following it as they please. So what is yours? Max: 3

 

NPCs:

Name: Xero

Number: 1

Age: late teens (around 18)

Species: Fennec fox

Appearance: 5’5, crème colored hair, large fox ears, black tipped tail, sharp teeth, dark brown eyes, looks younger than he is, pale, simple white shirt and pants

Personality: Very smart, sharp senses, able to blend in, rebel, charismatic
Background: Xero was the first experiment in the Habitat, hence why his number is 1. He came to

the Habitat when he was about 2. He knows everything about anything when it comes to the Habitat, from the scientists’ schedules to hiding places (knowledge which he shares among the others). Most, if not all, of the experiments look up to him to some degree.

Name: Ziva

Number: 18
Age: mid teens (around 15)

Species: Barbary Lion
Appearance: Golden eyes, short black hair, sharp nails and teeth, 5’7, brown skin, simple light brown shirt and pants
Personality: Apathetic to most things, sharp senses, smart, doesn’t speak much, loner, mature,

believes in “an eye for an eye”

Background: Ziva came a few years after Xero, though she was one when she came. She had made a friend while in the Habitat, though they died at the hands of one of Hunt’s trials. As a result, she holds a grudge against him.

 

Name: The Director

Age: Unknown
Appearance: Unknown
Personality: Charismatic, highly intelligent, manipulative, heartless
Background: They are high up in Medicorps, being a part of the company for years and being close

to the head of the company. They started the Habitat in order to combine human
and animal DNA to create a superior race.

Name: Dr. Patrick Hunt
Age: 46
Appearance: Slicked back silver hair, glasses, 6’, blue eyes, short silver beard, light blue button up, slacks, white lab coat
Personality: Cold, uncaring towards experiments, only cares about data, very smart, innovative

Background: Hunt was becoming a leading scientist in his field, genetics, and making plenty of
discoveries, which caught the Director’s eye. So he was offered a position at
the Habitat, which he decided to right away. Currently he has been there for 12
years.

Name: Dr. Grace Webb

Age: 34
Appearance: Red hair, light freckles, green eyes, 5’6, pale, light green blouse, black pencil skirt and heels
Personality: Kind, intelligent, secretive, just a tad naïve,
Background: Grace has been working in the Habitat for five years after another scientist recommended her to the Director. Before, she majored in biology. Unlike most of the scientists, she treats the experiments well and has even given them names since she doesn’t approve of how numbers are used to refer to them (though she calls them by said numbers when other scientists are around).

 

Name: A1

Description: Jae's personal experiment, essentially a mutated vulture with an extremely large wingspan and golden feathers. Its screech was modified by Jae to directly strike any animal (or human's) fear instinct, causing them to cower. Jae himself is immune. Its eyes can also paralyze anyone who looks directly into them. Again, Jae is immune to this ability.

 

HOW TO SIGN UP:

To sign up, please PM me your application that consists of the following: 

 

~Name

~Age

~Species (Experiments only; be specific!)

~Appearance

~Personality

~Background

~Number, 2-100 (Experiments only)

 

I will start taking applications right away, though you have until Tuesday, May 7th, midnight CST. The round will officially start at Wednesday, May 8th, midnight CST. 

 

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE THAT I WILL ANSWER NOW:

Q: How will inactivity be enforced? 

A: If you're inactive three days, you get a warning. Five days, you get kicked. If something comes up or happens that results in you not posting for five or more days, tell me. I'll try and help the best to my abilities. (By inactive, I mean you don't post/post one or two sentences every few days.)

 

Q: Can we make NPCs?

A: You may, though try and only make one. If you do make one, I would like a bio for them to post in case someone needs to reference it. And be warned, everyone has control over the NPCs made, myself included. Also, keep it so that it isn't OPed or benefits just you since I can and will rid of them as I see fit. 

 

Q: What if there are too many applications for one side (EX. 6 people applying to be an experiment when five is the max)?
A: If that ends up being the case, I will choose someone(s) by using a random generator and ask them if they would mind switching to the other side. 

 

Q: What if I have a question you didn't cover?
A: Then feel free to ask it either by PMing me or commenting on my profile! I'll give you the best answer to it that I can.

[Misaki-chan 164]

You guys can officially start posting! Since there are still spots left (one for each side), I'll keep taking apps for another week. As for members already in, if you want to update something in your bio, now would be the time. But have fun! I can't wait to see where you all take the story!

 

Members:

 

Anime Girl 4 Eva (Experiment):

Name: Sakila

Number: 7

Age: 16

Species: Snow Leopard

Appearance: Black-and-white streaked shoulder-length hair, black left eye and blue right eye, fangs that hang over the lower lip, fluffy ears that peak out from her hair, claw-like hard nails, black rosettes on the skin of her right arm and leg with a few surrounding her right eye; wears a faded pair of jeans that are ripped at the knees and an orange t-shirt

Personality: Tries to think things through, amiable towards most experiments. emotionless in front of the scientists, likes to learn useless information, tries to be optimistic

Background: Sakila has been in the Habitat for a while now, but was too shy to interact in the beginning. She became more involved in the small society only shortly. Although she's been enhanced with cat genes, she's very afraid of birds for an unknown reason. She has a very good memory and remembers many of the conversations the scientists have in front of her. However, she also knows an unnecessary amount of useless information.

 

Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief (Experiment):

Name: Vivi

Number: 99
Species: Pygmy Owl.
Appearance and abilities: very small sized. 1.4m tall and very light. Has the size of a ten year old. Wears a huge black hooded cloak to cover her wings. The cloak reaches above her knees. Always on bare foot.
she can rearrange the bones in her feet to become strong talons which she can use to grip. Has wings on her back which isn't attached to her hands and it fly very silently. She also has good hearing and can determine direction and depth through sound. Not as well as a real owl but close enough. She is a new one so her mutation has not completed. Her wings have not grown full sized yet and her talons haven't been trained. So she can only fly slow for now and no one knows how strong her grip strength is. As to what other abilities she has, is a mystery.
Personality: Keeps to herself. Doesn't express any emotions on the surface. Even when brought for experiments, she may twitch and show signs of pain but never screams or cries. However, she has a scary/hateful look in her eyes. Makes people wonder if she is biding her time for revenge. However, because she always hides herself in the cloak, and covers half her face with it, the rest of them don't really know her gender. 

Background: was in the habitat since birth. Was never told where she came from or who she is or why she's there. She has never tried to find out though. She has the feeling that it would make things even more complicated than it already is. Has a twin. As to where her twin went Is a mystery.

 

Alcadeias (Experiment):

Name: Lionel

Age: 17
Species: Combined with the bird Swift. Wings attached to shoulder blades hidden beneath clothes.
Appearance: Tall, straight black hair with pink streaks, white dress shirt and pants with shoes. Pale, light brown eyes and a light scar beneath his ear lobe.

Personality: Arrogant and rude, but selfless. Innocent towards perverted nonsense and dense
Background: Coming back from their vacation home, Lionel's(then 9) parents were involved in a car accident. His father was a huge tycoon who kept his life highly private and no one knew who Lionel was as he was shifted to the hospital. His name had already been written in his fathers' will, the fortune to be inherited when he was 18. Waking up in the hospital, Lionel who had suffered memory loss escaped the hospital and was staggering by himself on an empty road where he was abducted and then smuggled to another country. There he was kept in a container with some other people at the mercy of their human trafficker. Using his intelligence, Lionel escaped the container by himself when everyone else was asleep and hid somewhere in the pier where the container was being kept. The traffickers, who failed to find him moved away quickly to avoid being caught that same night. Abandoned, orphaned, and having no memories, Lionel, unrecognizable in his tattered clothes and filthy state was the ideal target to be used in experiments by Medicorps. When he was 10 he was taken in by the Medicorps and rehabilitated. The night he was introduced to the Habitat, he woke up from a nightmare, remembering his memories and name: Lionel. Realizing the situation he and other test subjects were in, Lionel spent his following years learning all about the layout of the Habitat. When he was fifteen, he was used as an experiment, after which he got his wings. Now he lies in wait for the day he reveals to the world Medicorps' reality.

 

Sparrow (Experiment):

Name: Hex

Age: 18
Species: Grey Wolf
Appearance: Short grey hair, grey eyes, sharp canines, a fluffy grey tail and ears
Personality: Observant, protective, can be temperamental about the lab coat people. Serious, pack-oriented, inwardly hostile, cold. 
Background: Hex was born Hidegarde  Erinson in 1995. She went missing at the age of seven from her home in Lower Saxony, Germany. Until her disappearance she was raised by her father, Bastian Erinson, a wildlife photographer.

Number: 93

 

Mohorovicic (Scientist):

Name: Jae

Age: 21
Appearance: Long black hair, pale skin, somewhat tall, commonly wears skull T-shirts and jeans under a lab coat.
Personality: Stoic, extremely logical and intelligent, calculating, manipulating. Rarely speaks.
Background: Jae suffered a car accident at the age of 18 which caused incredible brain damage. Left alone, he would be rendered completely paralyzed for the rest of his life; however, his incredible mind brought the Director to Jae’s attention. The Director implanted a device in Jae that would recover Jae’s mobility (it works by stimulating electrical signals), in exchange for his service in the Habitat. The car accident also took away Jae’s ability to perceive pain. Without the ability to perceive pain, Jae can contort his body at disturbing angles with the help of the device. He serves as security and a scientist in Medicorps.
 

Jae’s main Achilles’ heel is the electrical device’s battery time. At full charge, the device lasts 15 days. Jae must recharge the device before that time, which takes a few hours. If the device runs out of charge, Jae will be rendered immobile until the device is recharged. Notably, the device is perfectly capable of recharging from sources other than the charger; for example, if Jae touches a live wire, the device will absorb the electricity without harm to Jae. Jae has modified the device (how he did remains a mystery) to render it immune to outside manipulation. He has also previously modified the device to increase the battery time from 12 to 15 days.

 

IdentityUnknown (Scientist): No longer playing

Name: Phin

Age: 24
Appearance: Long brown hair, usually in a ponytail. Hazel eyes. Usually wears black shirts (varies depending on weather) and jeans along with a lab coat. Has glasses around neck, but is almost never seen wearing them.
Personality: Phin is quiet and works hard and fast. She doesn't spend extra time fussing over things and always finishes any work required as quickly as possible. Phin is very intelligent and will do what is required. She used to feel bad for the experiments, but she's learned to ignore them. While she is fairly high up in the ranks of Medicorps, she has no loyalty at all to them. Her main goal, if any, is self-preservation.
Background: Phin joined Medicorps during her freshman year in college to pay off her school fees. Originally only doing it as a job to earn money while she tried to earn her degree, her intelligence attracted the attention of the people higher up in Medicorps. Convincing Phin that Medicorps was the direction to expand her scientific career, Phin dropped out of college. Eventually, Phin ended up in the Experimental section due to her work in genetic modification.

Phin attempted to leave Medicorps three years before the current events, however, one cannot leave Medicorps after entering the Experimental section. Her younger brother was killed in a threat and Phin ended up staying. She blames the Experiments partially, though she mostly blames herself. Her brother's death is why she refuses promotions and doesn't strive to do more in the company. Her parents died a year ago, so her only goal at this point is self-preservation. She also changed her name to Phin after her brother's death. No one knows what her real name is.

She used to be disturbed and feel sorry for the experiments, but after her brother's death she became colder to them. Now she just finishes her job as quickly as possible.

[Sakila 88]

"Yeah, this one is good for today. Escort Seven back to the Habitat."

 

Sakila narrowed her eyes at the scientist they called Hunt--Patrick Hunt, if she recalled correctly. And she always recalled correctly. Ignoring her glare, the scientist rolled his eyes and moved on. One of the men without lab coats, but with a tranquilizer gun slug across his back walked around the table and grabbed her upper arm, roughly pulled her off her chair. Sakila noticed the fact that he held the "clean" arm and not the spotted one. They tended to that.

 

"There. Get in."

 

Sakila held in a growl and stepped inside the artificial landscape created for the experiments. It was a large atrium with a lights above the high glass roof to imitate sunlight. Sakila hated it.

 

There was an area reserved for every experiment and it all meshed together quite well into a mysterious man-made forest of sorts. There were trees for the ones who liked to live in them, water for the ones that needed to swim and plenty of room above for those with wings. It was also divided between different climates. Sakila remembered overhearing something about the setting helping them get more accustomed to their animal instincts four years ago.

 

"Sakila!"

 

"Yeah? Oh, Xero."

 

The fox motioned her over. "What did they do today?"

 

"Just the usual, inspecting the rosette progress."

 

"I see... some of the others said they got a shot today. We're trying to see if it has any effect."

 

"Gotcha. I'll let you know if I find out anything."

 

"Thanks."

 

"Yup." 

 

Sakila walked back to her area near the opposite end of the Habitat. A large squawk erupted above her head and she ducked. Birds, she thought annoyingly. She couldn't stand them. She continued on to the colder region of the atrium, sighing. It had already been over a decade since she'd been here. And she was sick of it.

 

Very sick of it.

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

*Drip* *drip* *drip*

Streams of red rolled down the legs of a small cloaked figure as it staggered weakly back into the "habitat", with the huge and heavy metal chains on its ankles clanking noisily as it walked.

*whispers filled the air*

"Another failed experiment I suppose...?" "Maybe... But she's always back like this... It Couldn't be she always fails it..." "Oh. It's a 'she'?" "You can't tell?" "Nah just wondering... But looking at the condition... She'll die sooner or later." "But I heard the director is very fond of her... The scientists too.." "Of course. I heard she's overly obedient. She will do whatever is asked of her... Even to sacrifice her life..." "What a b****. She's a disgrace to all of us experiments..." "Yea. She should just-"

"Alright guys. Enough chatter. It's getting louder and disturbing. Lets quieter down." Xero distrupts the conversation.

The girl dragged her bare feet towards a tree-like structure, leaned against it and slumped onto the ground. The next moment, she fell asleep.

[IdentityUnknown 216]

"Number 72, peregrine falcon." Phin lifted the blinds, revealing a woman around twenty. Her arms were grafted into large speckled wings and her legs were claws, dirtied and yellowed. She opened her mouth, a noise erupting from her throat that sounded like a mixture between a blood-curdled scream and a screech.

 

The other scientists eagerly began to take notes. A girl, who looked like she'd just gotten out of high school, turned a little green. "Oh God," she murmured before she bent towards the ground, gagging. Almost robotically, Phin lifted a trash can towards the girl. She accepted it gratefully, puking into it.

 

New. Phin hated having to lead rounds with the newer recruits. She'd wondered why she'd been assigned to 72 and 19 today--they were the somewhat more normal Experiments and weren't currently under any new medication or genetic modification process.

 

She watched as the girl continued puking before finally lifting her head weakly. Some of the other scientists were pointing...the girl had gotten a little something on her white lab coat. She heard a snicker behind from one of the more senior scientists. Phin watched as puke girl cringed. Phin stayed silent. All recruits did this, all went through it. It was like initiation. You're strong enough to make it to the next level or not. Each man for himself.

 

Did she mention how she hated leading rounds with new recruits? Heck, she hated rounds.

 

Phin finished her rounds half an hour later and returned to the experimental lab. She'd much rather work with chemicals than the animals. She worked better in the lab, and she didn't have to see the results of her work. Phin wasn't naive--she knew what Medicorps was doing and what her work was being used for. Her own morals had vanished three years ago with her brother's life. To some, Phin was impenetrable. It was better to keep it that way and Phin would rather stay away from the creatures. That was easiest.

[A L 217]

Lionel sneezed. Unlike rest of the experiments, he was considered a bit 'weak'. Being human meant catching a cold if he stayed in the cold region for too long. Completely human except for the small wings of his back that expanded to till his elbows if fully opened. But it wasn't the size that mattered.

He pulled the front of his shirt up to his nose and jumped up, traveling vertically upward before he dived horizontally, gaining speed. The icy region soon vanished from under him replaced by a moderately cold environment. But he knew it was all artificial. Even the 'sun' didn't provide heat, just light. He flapped his wings for one final burst as he left the colder end of the Habitat, passing by some other flying experiments in a blur, who in turn squawked angrily.

He could see his favorite tree in sight, the place where he slept most of time, when the scientists weren't using him. Landing softly, he lay down on a thick branch and closed his eyes, taking in the quiet. Apparently. Loud clanks started reaching his ears, growing louder every passing second. Sighing he got up. 'What gives?' he descended to the ground and saw the sight her. Number 99. He (or was it a she?) never talked to anyone. And here she lay, blood dripping down her legs.

He walked over and nudged her bare feet with his toes, careful not to let his/her blood touch his clothes.

[Rukia Kurosaki 357]

She'd been curled up, napping in the tall grass near the 'stream' of the habitat, when she began to hear hushed whispers. Hex folded her hands over her fluffy ears, pressing them against her short grey hair. Probably a ways off and still troublesome. Her hearing was so sensitive that she tended to stay away from groups of other experiments, especially when they got to talking, or worse, squawking... She shivered a bit and stretched up on all fours before standing and glancing in the direction of the voices. It didn't sound like they were enjoying what they discussed, and the tone was familiar... Then Hex remembered the hooded girl. She was an even later experiment than herself, and Hex remembered seeing some of her data when she was in the experimental stage of her modifications, testing her capabilities. Pygmy Owl, if she remembered correctly. She sighed and scratched her ear, now flattened in annoyance at the immature experiments. She ambled to where she figured the girl would be, her tail swishing behind her lackadaisically. But when she saw her, Hex clenched her teeth, cursing the labcoats under her breath. It pissed her off when they toyed with the experiments. It may have been her pack mentality which ironically they'd created that caused her to resent them this way, but since she'd been in the Habitat she'd seen terrible things happen. And she was sick of it. 

  Hex was about to approach the prone girl when another figure appeared. Agh, another bird... She hoped he wouldn't squawk while she was in the proximity... And she glanced back, wondering whether she should approach now that another had taken unbiased notice of the small girl. Hex sighed and shook her head, weaving through the crowd of onlookers and growling at those who were talking about Experiment 99, her ears flattened against her head. The fur on her tail bristled as she reached the two, one standing and the other prone. Hex glanced at the boy who was prodding Vivi but said nothing as she knelt beside the girl, checking her pulse for bird-like regularity and taking a look at the source of the blood on her legs. "What have they done to you now?" she breathed, cleaning off the blood with a rag from her pocket.

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

(I typed for an hour on my iPhone and when I tried to click submit, it hung and made me click "full version" instead... Urgh now I have to retype. Please pardon me for a shorter version... >__<)

--------

Vivi was asleep. But also awake at the same time. Even though it is still undeveloped, her hearing has started to improve dramatically. an owl's asset is its advance hearing capabilities. She could hear that there were people around her. But she paid no attention to them. She needs to sleep to recover.

Thanks to a certain experiment which was only successful on a limited number of experiments, including herself, she's been brought for experiments everyday and from morning til night. However, she made no resistance. Not even when the scientists punched some holes into her or tried bullets on her. Even though she only recently became an experiment, she has gone through thousands of trials , much more than many of the experiments in the habitat. So much til she's practically immune to the pain and after effects. It is highly possible the scientists started physical experiments on her because she's already practically immune to all the poisonous injections and there would be no use testing those on her.

As for the certain experiment, it was an experiment where a certain type of protein is to be removed from the genes of the creature so that they have the ability to regenerate. A certain trait which has been researched on mice for the past century. Normal humans would just die of cancer a few years after success. Not sure about Pygmy owls though. But since it was successful, the scientists will not give up the opportunity. A mouse with the gene will be able to regenerate a ear even after the entire ear is cut off. Maybe the scientists will try and pluck off her wing or ear, or perhaps her arms next time.

As she ignored the rustles and whispers and movements around, she forced herself off to sleep.

--[in a dream]

"Heya! You're 99 right!? I finally get to meet you!" A cheerful girl skipped happily and spun around her.

Vivi was lying on the hospital bed after she fainted. It was the first week since she woke up from the merger. She had forgotten everything, all her memories before her fusion with the owl. "How are you~ I am 100!"

"Ah. You..?" Vivi was surprised.

"I know what you are thinking of~" she smiled and plopped down beside her. "That I look exactlyyyy like you. Right?"

Accurate.

"Well~ I can't really remember but the director told me that you are my twin~ and seeing that we both look so alike, that must be true!" She giggled and grabbed Vivi's hand.

Vivi stared at the little wings sprouting from the girl's back. It looked like hers too.

"100. It's time." A man from the door called to the other girl. "The director wants you over."

"Sigh. Again... I got to go. But I know we'll meet again. I know we will~ see ya soon!" The girl jumped off Vivi's bed and disappeared through the door.

Vivi opened her eyes slowly. Her surroundings is now dark. But she still could see clearly. It was silent but she could hear all the rustle of leaves and the movements of the other experiments. She could hear the minimal sound of breathing as though it was right beside her.

Right beside her?

She spun around to see two exps beside her. One on her left and one on her right. She tried to recall and remembered that there were movement around her earlier when she was trying to sleep. Could be these two. She quickly stood up and tried to move away. Owls are silent creatures. They can move so silent like an assassin and strike when the prey is most unaware. However, there is a huge problem. She has two heavy and noisy shackles strapped on her ankles. A preventive measure by the scientists supposingly.

Her sudden jerk seemed to have awaken the two beside them. The other bird has stirred but continued to snooze whereas the wolf has noticed that she woke. A wolf has great hearing too.

"... Huu." Vivi sighed as the wolf woke up and turned towards her.

"Mind your own business." Vivi spat the words softly as she dragged her bare feet together with the shackles and walked away. The wounds in the day does not hurt much anymore. It looks like her wounds have more or less healed.

[A L 217]

(wait I was standing a minute ago, now I'm asleep??)

 

Lionel woke up due to the loud clanking which had ruined his previous attempt to nap. Wait, woke up? He closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep longer.

 

"Mind your own business." He heard the words, barely audible. Wait, that girl that, God have mercy on her, had no fashionable clothes to wear. Softly getting up, he noticed 99 and started walking towards her.

 

"Hey there!" he said cheerfully. No answer.

 

"Could you turn around?" Negative. He continued to follow her, wondering long he/she would stand him. Sighing, he flew to her side, and continued to walk.

 

"What gives?" He asked him/her.

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

(I slept long. It is night now. earlier on it was awfully bright so you're still awake. Some Pygmy owls are nocturnal. :V)

"What gives?" She heard the swift boy following her. So the swift's awake too. And at this time of the day. He's gonna turn nocturnal soon enough. The wolf stared a far at the two then started following as well.

"..." Vivi sighed and stopped.

She turned to stare at the bird with gleaming eyes that seem to shine in the dark. "..."

She then turned and lay down on another tree, ignoring the other two following her. Why they were following her is a mystery to her. But she never really cared.

----------

(And lol to the fashion. By the way vivi is not wearing anything besides the cloak. There's a reason to this. So don't try to peep. . :V)

[Sakila 88]

Deciding she had nothing better to do, Sakila walked over to one of the sunnier areas to eavesdrop on the scientists. It was a small vent in the far wall that Xero had discovered six years ago let you listen in on some of the scientists. One of their labs must have been close by. Ever since it's discovery, a committee within the Habitat had it constantly under surveillance. Occasionally, Sakila would help out.

 

"Hey, hard at work, I see?"

 

"Oh, hey, Sakila. Nice to see you here. It was 19's shift today but she's been called out for suddenly. We're short on surveillance. Are you here to help out?"

 

"Yep. And come on now, doesn't Xero ask you guys to call each other by your real names as much as possible?"

 

"Uh... 19 and I don't talk much..."

 

"Alana."

 

"Thanks. Bye!"

 

The other experiment crawled off. He was mixed with chameleon and was giving into his animal nature more and more. It was sad to see.

 

With a sigh, Sakila sat down on the leaves in front of the vent and began to write down what she heard. The paper and pens they'd swiped from one of the scientists' rooms.

 

"...Maybe we should give it another go..."

 

Sakila wrote it down. She was one of the few who remembered how to read and write and often tried to help out the younger kids who wanted to learn.

 

"...The last one didn't work out too well, remember?"

 

"...Director really liked that one... thought it would be a good idea if they had a control too..."

 

"Wait, you're not thinking... but that one isn't...mature enough..."

 

They were starting to walk away and Sakila strained to hear.

 

"... Why not?"

 

"...Well, let's wait a few days to see her progress...then we'll bring her in for..."

 

"...I honestly don't think she'll...handle it..."

 

What? Handle what?! And who is it they're talking about?!

 

"The last one couldn't... but I think... Yeah, 99. Definitely."

 

She heard that loud and clear. Alerting a nearby bat in the committee, she ran to report it all to Xero.

[A L 217]

Seeing as this creature had no interest in him, Lionel eventually got tired of talking to her, or rather himself, though it had more to not seeing her eyes. It was a scary sight, but intrigued him even more. Keeping a close eye on her, he silently observed her. It struck him how human she looked. Maybe her mutation hadn't completed yet.

 

Years of being in the Habitat, Lionel was one of the few that had rarely been tested on. Scientists were more keen to create creatures that had unbelievable features than those who retained their human ones. He only had his wings, while he noticed others as they grew beaks, talons and feathers over their whole bodies. This was a strange one.

"So how long have you been here?" he asked, standing next to her. No response. Ah, what was her name? it was.....Vivi. Thank Xero for that.

 

"Hey Vivi!" he called.

[IdentityUnknown 216]

Phin opened the shades to the main Habitat. This was where most of the animals who weren't in isolated confinement and observation tended to be. Unfortunately, Phin had to come do inspection every day.

 

A couple of the experiments were standing near the vent. That wasn't unusual...Phin imagined the air might be better near the vent. She frowned as one of the experiments ran away from the vent. Phin didn't spend enough time near the Habitat to know the regular patterns of the experiments, but she was pretty sure that the experiment hadn't fled from agression.

 

In fact, they seemed to be listening. Phin didn't particularly care if they figured anything out. The vent was connected to one of science labs, not one Phin regularly worked in, but still one of the genetic modification labs. Phin frowned. What were they doing? The only thing that the laboratory would tell them would be the experiments they were planning to conduct. It wouldn't help them much if they were trying to escape. Maybe they could turn back into humans though...

 

They should stop. Phin didn't think that way because she was loyal to Medicorps...not at all. But if they did escape...where would they go? They'd be alone. Even if they turned human, it'd be long and arduous to get used to life. Here, at least they had one another. At least they weren't alone.

 

Phin shrugged the thoughts away. She didn't care for the Experiments or Medicorps. Once, she would've--she might even have helped. Not this time though. She'd let whatever happen happen.

[Rukia Kurosaki 357]

Hex started awake as she heard a light clanking. She glanced at Vivi, who was now awake. "Mind your own business," the girl said, walking away. Hex watched for a minute, her ears flattened against her head, as the bird guy followed her. Then she sighed and stood, stretching and shoving her hands in her pockets. She followed silently for a bit behind them, knowing they'd likely noticed her there. She heard the swift say a few things to her, heard mention of a name. But she'd only followed for one reason. "I helped you because you needed it, Vi. Don't push away aid from those who would give it. There are not many here who would offer it." She scratched her ear, then stopped and stared at her hand, remembering what had happened to her human ears, why her hair had grown over where they had been and she let it get no longer... "Look, next time they call you in for a test, tell them ninety three's observing you. They'll understand." They'd better. It had been a while since she'd seen an experiment that battered. She remembered her own treatment, and how she'd been dodging tests in the habitat for weeks on end after springing a cat from the lab and 'removing' some dangerous chemicals they'd been using on her... "But whatever, if you want me out of your business, I'm gone." She turned and walked away, leaving the birds to their devices, though she did glance back worriedly at the small girl. "I'll just have to play with the labcoats new toys now..."

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

"Hey Vivi!" The swift called out.

Vivi straightened stiffly. She was sensitive to that name.

How on earth does he know!? She remembered that only a few people know and they know how sensitive she is to people calling her that. Not that they know why. Must be Xero. And that swift guy must have overheard.

She stood up and glared at the bird. "Don't call me by that name. 99 is fine."

Then it's the wolf's turn.

"I helped you because you needed it, Vi. Don't push away aid from those who would give it. There are not many here that would offer it."

The wolf continued. "Look. Next time they call you in for a test, tell them ninety there's observing you. They'll understand."

It paused for a moment before continuing. "But whatever, if you want me out of your business, I'm gone."

The wolf then walked away leaving Vivi and the swift.

"Hng." Vivi laughed dryly.

Thats so like her to say such stuff. vivi thought. But she knew that even though she claimed that she'll not interfere, she will still continue to monitor and do things her way. Vivi had found out that the wolf has been monitoring her for quite some time. Even thought he wolf rarely approaches her, Vivi has senses sharp enough to realize. The wolf must have realized that Vivi found out, so she deliberately came to tell her all that.

But she knew she didn't need help. Or didn't 'want' help to be more exact. There's nothing they can do anyway. The more help she knows she can get, the more the experiments hurt. If she's alone, if she doesn't struggle, if she doesn't care, if she didn't think about it, she'll get through. Any concern would only break her resolve. Her fate has already been sealed the moment she met her twin. It makes her wonder if it was a deliberate attempt by the director.

Vivi turned back to the swift. "What do you want from me?"

[Rukia Kurosaki 357]

Hex walked back to her napping spot, stomping down the mutated grass to squash it and clear a space to lay. She curled up and lay there with her eyes open, touching the scars on the sides of her head. She couldn't fall asleep.

[tengaku squared 291]

Jae blinked. Even blinking was a tedious task; Jae needed to consciously blink through the machine. As far as he was concerned, he was the small machine embedded in his neck.

 

He watched the experiments. He saw 99 being growled at by a group. Jae didn't know the experiments' names, and he didn't care. They aren't human after all...

 

He saw 7 eavesdropping near the vent, then in a hurry, rush over to 1. Interesting. Jae knew the vent allowed the experiments to listen into scientist conversation, but for 7 to be in such a hurry, it must've eavesdropped on scientists talking about "The Plan". He made a note to reprimand the scientists who leaked the information; though, it didn't really matter if the experiments figured out "The Plan"; any prevention effort could be easily put down. It was helpful that the experiments didn't figure out, but more importantly, he had to keep the other scientists in check. Jae couldn't account for potentially more devastating leaks across the road; better to keep the scientists in line now, where the secrets are weak and exposure wouldn't be damaging. Better safe than sorry...

 

The other experiments weren't too interesting, though Jae took a glance at 99, but quickly looked away; he didn't want 1 to potentially notice his interest. 

 

1. That experiment bugged him. Too sharp. He was the only real threat among the experiments. Jae wanted to put him down, but the Director himself said that he was too important. Too important...

 

So, Jae was restricted to watching 1. He looked for even the smallest incidents that Jae could use as a reason to eliminate 1, but 1 was too cautious. Like Jae. Like me...

 

The damn experiments. They're not even human...

 

Jae rubbed his neck. He looked back at the groups of experiments. He looked at 1. 99. 7. The vent. And I'm so jealous...

[Sakila 88]

(Apparently, the NPC is a "he" but I'm an "it" )

 

There was only one real window inside the atrium. It gave a view the scientists a grand view of the entire Habitat. There were tinier windows, of course, but they were one-sided. The experiments only saw their own reflections.

 

The large window was closest to Xero's den. As soon as Sakila entered the hotter region and saw it, she started bent down on all fours and leapt the rest of the way. She was a bit uncomfortable now. Despite the fact that she hadn't grown any extra fur, she felt more comfortable in the cold.

 

"Xero?"

 

"What? Sakila? It's unusual to see you awake at this time of night."

 

"There's something going on. Where' s Vivi? They're in trouble."

 

"Find her immediately," he ordered.

 

Sparing a glance at the scientists looking through the big window, Sakila went off to find her.

 

She wasn't too hard to find, considering there was a large trail of blood nearby. Recalling... recalling...

 

Name: Vivi.

Gender: Supposedly female (according to Xero's observations).

Species: Pygmy owl.

Signs of mutation: None visible. 

Number: 99

 

"Hey! You two! Ah! Vivi! We need to get over to Xero's ASAP!"

 

All she got in response was a glare.

 

"Uh... okay. Please accompany me to Xero's den at this moment if you would be so kind?"

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

Suddenly out of the blue, a voice called out to them.

"Hey! You two! Ah! Vivi! We need to get over to Xero's ASAP!"

"Vivi" again. 7 should know better. Vivi glared at her.

"Uh... okay. Please accompany me to Xero's den at this moment if you would be so kind?"

Vivi pulled down her hood. "Why should I? There should be nothing you will need from me and nothing I can provide for you. I will not involve myself over your meetings nor join in any of your discussions. Even if you found out something interesting, please do not include me."

Vivi turned to leave, but was stopped when the other girl grabbed onto her cloak. "Even if it involves you?"

Vivi answered without hesitation. "Yes. Even if it involves me, or even if the scientists decide to get me killed. It would be for the better anyway."

"Well, how about... if you went this time, I will stop pestering you for our discussion meetings in future?"

Vivi paused.

"If you didn't, I will be even more persistent next time..." the leopard added in, rolling her eyes.

"Keep your promise." Vivi replied after thinking for a while and turned back. "Where is Xero?"

--------

Hope you don't mind me making you promise something.

[A L 217]

Just as Lionel was about to speak, she came. Sakila. Usually so afraid of birds, but now she was trying to drag Vivi away, asking them to go to somewhere. Wait, did she mention Xero? He watched as Sakila tried to convince 99 to come with her. He didn't really know 99, but she was really concerned.

 

"Even if it involves you?" what involves Vivi?

 

"Well, how about... if you went this time, I will stop pestering you for our discussion meetings in future?"

 

He noticed 99 become still.

"If you didn't, I will be even more persistent next time..." the leopard rolled her eyes.

 

"Keep your promise," 99 spoke. "Where is Xero?"

 

"Oi, take your hand off 99." Lionel said. He was careful to remember what happened when he or Sakila called him/her by his/her name. Sakila deadpanned.

 

"Well, excuse me-"

"Excused."

 

"Do you know how much I hate you?" He was getting on her nerves, but her sickly sweet tone was annoying him even more.

 

"Yeah, love you too. But what happened? Can I come?" Lionel asked.

 

"I need to get Vivi to Xero." Sakila said. Another glare from 99, but Lionel stared back defiantly,  again intruged by her hateful eyes. Hmmmm...

 

"ASAP?"

 

"You deaf?" he jumped into flight.

 

"Let's go then." He followed Sakila as she led the way to Xero's den.

[Kaitou Kid Legendary Thief 197]

Just as the leopard was about to lead them off, the swift boy remarked. "Oi. Take your hands off 99."
The leopard was shocked.
Vivi had no interest on what they were arguing about but was quite relieved the leopard didn't pull off her cloak. It would be terrible if ever it happened. In the end the argument ended with the swift tagging along. Vivi didn't turn back to check if the wolf was following.

The habitat wasn't very big, but it ain't very small either. The leopard took them for a three to five minute walk before they finally arrived at the den of Xero at the other side of the habitat. It probably took that long because Vivi couldn't walk fast. Firstly, she's a bird and birds dont have as strong muscles on their legs as leopards or wolves. Secondly, her flight is disabled as well thanks to the heavy chains the scientists put on her. But in the end, they still reached.

"Oh hey. I'm surprised you agreed to come, Vivi." Xero came out of his den. Vivi frowned.

"Don't get angry, I'm used to calling you by name. I'll stutter and bite my tongue if I call you by your number."

"So why am I here?" Vivi asked.
"That's a very good question." Shrugged Xero. "Why is she here Sakila?"
"Huh!?" Sakila's eyes widened in surprise. "But... But..."
"Haha it's a joke Sakila. Don't look so shocked."
"Oh... Xero..."
"Vivi. I know you don't really care, but I heard from Sakila that they (the scientists) are going to implement some dangerous experiments on you. I happen to hear of the rumor myself. I'm not the oldest here for nothing. I get all sorts of information from many sources. However, there hasn't been much confirmations on who they are testin those on. From the plenty of sources that I've gathered, this is something very important, where the scientists have to report all the way up to the director. It is also pretty secretive that even I do not hold the specifics. Even the tests are at random timings and I am unable to predict which experiment they will be conducting it on next. A few experiments have died through the trials and none of them lived to report the details to me... As you can see, the things they are trying to do is very bad indeed."

Still looking nonchalant, Vivi replied with a word. "So?"

The experiments beside wore expressions of fury and seemed to be angry at Vivi for the insolent remark. The leopard tried to speak up as well due to concern but was stopped by Xero. "Great attitude. Great courage Vivi. I hope it's not because you surrendered yourself to fate or destiny."

"Whatever it is, is none of your concern." Vivi grumbled softly.
The fennec fox shook his head. "Nope. It's not."
"XERO! You're supposed to-" Sakila tried to butt in but the fox continued.
"But you're an interesting one. I know its not very possible, but I hope I can get you under my wing... Oh that's a pretty good metaphor don't you think? What I meant was that I want you to help me out. Well then... What do you say?"
"Hng. Not intere-"
"Have you heard of number 100?" Xero interrupted Vivi before she could reject.
100? Wait... What? vivi paused in shock.
"Well, the newest one out of all experiments. Ever since her introduction, there has not been any newer ones. Do you know... why?"
Vivi's eyes widened. Wait... It couldn't be...?
"Hahaha~ of course you didn't know." Xero's expression changed. "I'll be awaiting your reply then Vivi~"
The fox smiled as he went back into its own den, leaving vivi speechless outside, and everyone else wondering what happened.

All of a sudden the sounds of a vehicle could be heard and a jeep stopped beside the experiments.
"Hey number 99!" A scientist in the vehicle called out.
Time passed so quickly that they never realized it was already dawn. Vivi gave a cold laugh before heading towards the jeep. Another day of fun, laughter and joy.

[IdentityUnknown 216]

(Sorry, but I'm gonna have to drop out. :/ I was looking forwards to this too...)

[A L 217]

(Sorry, but I'm gonna have to drop out. :/ I was looking forwards to this too...)

 

(WHAT!? *sighs* I wonder, can someone replace IU or will we continue without her?)

[Rukia Kurosaki 357]

Hex stood outside Xero's den, listening to the conversation the other experiments were having. I knew Vi was being targeted...

Her ears perked up at the sound of a jeep coming near. Shit...  She dove into a bush beside the path, watching with annoyed grey eyes as Vivi was summoned to the vehicle. No... They can't test that shit on her! It doesn't work, dammit!

The wolf stood and walked beside Vivi, who took no visible notice of her. "Oi, labcoat-creeps! Whattaya think you're doin' with her? Are we gonna have problems? Cause if you think you're gonna test "The Experiment" on her, you'll have to tranquilize me again, or I'll start acting like the monster you made me." She snarled at the scientists, her ears down and her tail up in a gesture of challenge. 

[tengaku squared 291]

"You...are already a monster," Jae strained. Blinking was annoying enough, but speaking required the specific coordination of his mouth and vocal chords, making it doubly straining. Hence why Jae didn't speak often. "So...how can you threaten...to become a monster...when you already are?" Jae gestured at the scientists to get moving, then turned his attention to the experiment.

 

"You...misunderstand...your position. You...are just an experiment...an abomination of nature...a side-effect of our quest." Jae felt the machine hum in his neck, increasing its electrical output. He moved forward with lightning speed, dealing a powerful blow to the experiment's neck, then backing away quickly. He got in three more punches before the experiment could react, then put his arm to his sides. "But...don't worry. But this experiment...won't hurt your friend...I think. But there's...always unknowns...in an experiment." Jae lifted his eyebrow, then walked away.

 

After hearing that her comrade was "endangered", she would likely react. It's an obvious instinctual reaction. Her speech patterns suggested that she acted not on orders but impulse, so she didn't hear from 1...and her reaction suggests she knows of the previous experiments.

 

Experiments. So high and mighty do they see themselves. But they're not. They're not even human.