Chapter 7 - Recovery

Unknown

Arise young wolf, your time is not yet at an end...

The voice was dark, ancient, powerful, it reverberated in my very being as my heart thumped to life.

Every beat felt like a rush of fire being forced throughout my body, it burned, it ached, and it tingled.

I gasped for air and opened my eyes, an initial darkness shifted and became a grand night sky filled with stars and a full moon that shone like a weak sun.

Am I dead?

I was laying on my back and there was the sensation of wet grass on my hands, I turned my head and saw that I was in some kind of glade surrounded by a dark forest.

The place felt familiar somehow and it smelt of spruce. I exhaled and watched as a cloud of vapor left my muzzle while my heart kept thumping with a strange sensation of panic.

A sharp memory hit my head like a jagged piece of glass and made me tense as I began to understand the agitation in my heart.

An axe... I was at home... Jason...

Panic, fear, despair, fright, it all slammed into me at once and made me yelp as I jumped up with a flash of emotion assaulting my mind.

I panted and clutched my throat as I felt a phantom pain return, it seared my nerves and my body screamed with the sensation of sharp metal invading my throat.

Yet, my hands could feel nothing wrong apart from what felt like a light ridge near my neck and throat.

The pain faded but the fright remained as I turned In circles in wonder of where I was.

Calm down...

I looked down at myself and saw that I was still a hybrid, and naked to boot.

Moments later a light jingle like that of a bell could be heard from the distance, I looked up in an instant and stared into the dark forest as I tried to pinpoint the origin.

The bell struck once more and my ears swiveled to focus on what looked like a dark path leading into the forest. I considered stepping closer but stopped as I saw a blue glow emanate from deep within the forest.

DING!

My ears cringed a little as the sound grew louder while the blue light approached. The core of the entity became visible and it seemed to consist of a small pillar surrounded by rings that were constantly exchanging parts of itself like a cloud of insects.

It entered the glade and I stepped back in wonder of what I was seeing.

"Hello Vilkas," The entity said with a female voice that I recognized as Athena.

"Athena?" I asked with a whisper.

The entity floated closer and bathed me in its blue glow as I looked up at the pillar.

"Correct, I am Athena," The entity answered as parts kept shifting between the core and the rings.

"... Am I dead?" I asked.

"You were, but you are once more among the living."

"Where am I? What is this place?" I asked with a shaky voice.

"This is known as the mindscape. It is like a virtual reality used as a communications platform between minds, it is technology from the old world that you have inherited through your symbiont."

"This... isn't real?" I asked as I looked around.

"Correct, it is a manifestation of the habitat that your symbiont was raised in."

"Where is my real body?" I asked.

"Your real body is inside a rejuvenation tank housed at a local hospital, you've been recovering from the physical damage for almost two days."

Something clicked inside my mind as I remembered everyone else.

"My parents! Jason! What happened!?" I yelled out.

"The human you know as Charles Jefferson struck you in the neck with an axe as you were walking out the door, you were dead within minutes."

I felt my neck and throat out of sheer reflex and felt along the scar.

"What about everyone else, are they all right?"

"They are alive," Athena answered.

"But?" I asked in suspicion.

"Calm yourself Vilkas."

I frowned and snapped, "You'll have to excuse me if I find that a bit difficult!"

"I understand."

"Did something happen to my parents!?" I demanded.

"They have been informed that you are alive, but your father does not believe me."

"What do you mean?"

"Your concern should be for yourself at the moment."

"Stop! You know me Athena, tell me the truth or I guarantee you that my mind will break!"

"The damage to your body was severe Vilkas, your father saw it all, you died in his arms."

"Get to the point! What happened to my father!?"

"Your father is distraught and his mind is in turmoil, we were forced to sedate and restrain him. He needs your help but I need you to be calm and stable for that, do you understand?"

"... I understand... I am calm," I whispered as my hands trembled.

"No, you are not. Your mind is confused and the shock to your nervous system was severe," Athena said.

I felt my head and had to agree as my thoughts felt like a crumbling highway assaulted by pangs of panic.

"I am administering an anxiolytic agent to your body, it will help you focus," Athena said.

A strange sensation hit my mind as my breath began to calm while a focus and flurry of questions rushed to my mind.

"How can I be alive? How long was I dead?" I asked.

"Your body was in a halted state for almost 40 minutes."

A sensation of fear gripped my heart, "We suffer brain death in minutes... am I really alive?"

"Humans suffer brain death in minutes because of something called an Ischemic Cascade. Hybrids do not have this weakness, you are young however and your symbiont is not fully developed, time was of the essence but you have suffered no ill effects."

"What about my mother?"

"She trusts me enough to know that I'm not lying when I tell her that you are alive."

"What about Jason?"

"Jason is being cared for, your concern is not needed."

"... That sounds like bullshit," I whispered.

"I cannot lie."

"True, but you can keep the truth from me. What happened to Jason?"

The entity shifted a little as if growing uncomfortable, "The trauma to Jason's mind has broken him, he is now under my custody and will remain as such until his mind has healed."

I gulped and shut my eyes, "This is my fault."

"You should have informed the police of your actions, your behavior and that of your family was misguided. But you are not responsible for Charles actions."

"Why did Charles do this!?" I yelled out.

"Little more than conjecture can be drawn at the moment, focus on the task at hand."

I drew a deep if shaky breath, "Where is Charles now?"

"Charles is dead, slain by your father in a fit of rage."

My eyes widened as I looked up at the blue entity and its swirling rings.

"... I can't... remember," I whispered.

"That's understandable considering the trauma you experienced," Athena answered.

I thought back and caught a glimpse of memory, it sounded like every electronic device in the house had gone mad and I was looking down at my phone.

"... All the phones started ringing in the house. Why?" I asked.

"That was me," Athena answered.

I looked up at her, "I don't understand?"

"I have surveillance equipment watching every street, I saw Charles approach your house with an axe in hand, I tried to contact you and everyone else in the household, but it seems my intervention backfired as it distracted rather than saved you."

My hand rested by my neck as I tried to wrap my head around the fact that I'd been struck with an axe.

"Can I see the footage?" I asked.

"I'm not sure that's for the best Vilkas."

"I want... I need to see what happened Athena, please?"

"How are you feeling?" Athena asked.

"I feel... a bit numb I guess, I'm just taking in information, I mean... I died... how does one react to that?"

"Seeing your own death won't help," Athena said.

"Neither will my uncertainty, I demand to see what happened."

The entity squirmed, "It is within your right to see the records, I cannot stop you."

The blue entity moved to the side as a giant black screen appeared out of nowhere. The screen came to life and showed a view of the street that must have come from the top of a streetlight.

Charles could be seen walking out of his house with a heavy axe in his hands. His face looked red and distraught as he walked onto the sidewalk and then entered the garden.

The camera reoriented and focused on the house, the sound grew louder and one could hear Charles footsteps as he marched over to the car.

Charles looked into the car and seemed to stare at the packed bags inside. He then moved over to the house and hugged the wall as he glanced into a window near the front door.

A sudden chime emanating from the house made Charles jump back as he ended up near the door.

The camera zoomed in further and focused on the door as the handle began to move.

Charles fidgeted and near danced with his feet before something shifted inside his mind. He stepped back and hid while his hands tightened on the axe.

The front door opened as a loud murmur of ringtones could be heard. Charles shuddered and raised the axe as he stepped in front of the now open door.

I could see my own self step out toward him like a blind fool as the axe was swung. A painful cringe ran through my body as I saw as the axe lodge deep inside my neck.

Charles let go and stumbled back as blood spurted out and began to cover the walls. The phone and bag fell to the ground as I stood there with a stunned look on my face.

Jason's scream could be heard while I collapsed and fell into the obscured hallway. Charles inched closer and reached out his hand as if urging to Jason. The noises became frantic as mother joined with Jason's loud screams.

My partially obscured body shifted and I could see the edge of my father as he settled next to my body.

Father's voice was distorted by emotion but I could make out screams for someone to call an ambulance. Crimson blood pooled along my legs and then began to trickle onto the white plates leading away from the door.

A near minute passed before something happened and father's scream turned to a desperate cry of anguish.

Father let go of me, and then rose drenched in my blood.

Charles stumbled back and raised his hands while father stepped out of the door. In moments father turned from a kind giant into a monster as his eyes lost their intellect.

The big wolf swelled in stature, his hackles rose while the lips pulled back, a ferocious snarl could be heard as he lunged forward and caught hold of Charles.

I could hear bone breaking, a ribcage being crushed, the snap of an arm as it was ripped from its socket. Father grabbed Charles by the neck and a loud crunch could be heard as it broke like a twig.

The now feral wolf made a loud roar and threw the remains like a ragdoll, Charles maimed body flew through the air and slammed into the wooden fence with enough force to create a gaping hole.

Father shuddered in fury and turned to face the door as mother reached out and pulled the door shut.

The camera zoomed out as several police cars arrived by the street. Wolves, canines and big felines rushed out while father walked up to the door and grabbed the handle before tearing it from its hinges with a loud crack of splintering wood.

One of the officers rushed up with a massive rifle and took aim, the air shuddered and sparks danced near father as some kind of electric jolt burst through the air.

Father's body trembled and puffs of smoke could be seen emanating from his fur. It didn't stop the rampage though as father stepped back and snatched up the officer before hurling him through the air.

Green darts flew through the air and stuck to father, moments later a trio of big wolves slammed into father and began to wrestle him to the ground.

Father was pinned and the rampage seemed to end as he squirmed and screamed while reaching out toward the house.

Several medics rushed past and entered the house as the big screen darkened and disappeared from sight.

I crouched down to the grass and stared at the ground with a nauseous sensation.

"... What's going to happen to my dad?" I asked.

"The court will settle that but I suspect that the outcome will follow my recommendation."

"And... what is your recommendation?"

"The circumstances are important, your death caused considerable distress to your father, his reaction to Charles actions were understandable, though, unfortunate. I will recommend probation and therapy, nothing will be gained from punishment in this case."

I drew a deep breath as my heart pounded, "I see."

"You are stressed but your mental state shows considerable improvement. I am concerned with your father and your presence would ease his mind. Are you willing to help?"

I looked up at Athena, "Of course I am."

"Heed my words Vilkas, the world is not a playground and you are not immortal, an axe knows no prejudice."

"I understand," I whispered.

The entity rose and the world was engulfed in a blue light, "Rest, you will awake soon."

Unknown

I awoke to the sensation of something invading my throat, my hands reached out in panic and slammed into something hard and slippery as I opened my eyes and saw that I was trapped in some kind of open cylindrical pod.

The weight pulling on my body told me I was laying down and I could see something big and white attached to my muzzle.

My hands wrapped around the object and I felt something shift deep within my throat, I coughed, choked, and pulled at it as I forced it to dislodge.

The thick breathing tube left my muzzle with trails of slime as I made a dry heave and gasped for air.

My fur was wet and the air was full of stinging chemicals as I reached up and grabbed the edges of the pod. I pulled myself into a sitting position and felt a stinging ache in my shoulder and neck.

A pained whimper escaped my mouth as I panted and looked around.

There were pods lining the corridors as far as the eye could see. They varied in size and all of them were connected to large alcoves in the walls that were fitted with dark and plated machinery.

Thick tubes covered every free spot and there was a deep resonant hum in the facility.

Most of the shields covering the pods were opaque but a few had an unearthly green glow and was filled with a semi transparent gel hiding the vague outline of bodies.

The sound of footsteps and the click of claws made me turn my head, I leaned back against the pod as I saw a tall green skinned reptile in a lab-coat approaching me.

The reptile held what looked like a bathrobe and made a rather unnerving blink with only one eye at a time.

"Greetings Vilkas," The reptile said in a monotone voice as it stepped up to the pod.

The reptile had thick scales that varied in hue from dark green on the upper face to near golden along the throat. It had a strong yet lithe build and the hands were sinewy but surprisingly human, the fingers themselves seemed slitted as if it had retractable claws.

The tail of the hybrid was thick and seemed to hover mere millimeters above the ground.

I looked at the face of the reptile and met a sharp look of green-yellow slitted eyes that seemed to stare deep into my very essence.

My eyes must have looked like saucers as I gulped and whispered, "Hello?"

The reptile made another unnerving blink and spoke, "You will be disoriented for a while, that Is normal considering the trauma to your body and mind. Here, allow me to help you out of the pod."

The reptile extended its free hand. I stared at it for a few moments and then reached out as I took it.

My legs trembled as he pulled me up on two legs and eased me out of the pod. My heart pounded and I felt a bit cold as my nerves tingled.

"This will help you keep warm," The reptile said as it presented me with the bathrobe.

"What is this place?" I asked as the reptile stepped behind me and held up the bathrobe.

"This is the main medical bay for hybrids, these chambers can restore most injuries."

"Oh," I whispered as I slipped into the bathrobe.

"I have been ordered to guide you to your father, a wolf named David, am I correct?" The reptile asked.

"Yes," I answered.

My balance faltered for a moment but the lizard was quick to snatch my arm as he helped me balance.

"Should I fetch a wheelchair for you?" The reptile asked.

I shook my head, "No, just give me a few moments to get my bearings."

"As you wish," The reptile answered.

I turned my head and looked at the reptile, its teeth were sharp and there were four nubs along its head that looked like the start of horns.

"It's not often you see a reptile," I said as I considered that it looked more like a thing of mythology rather than a species one would find on Earth.

The reptile nodded, "True, the circumstances for our creation is uncommon."

My strength began return and my heart calmed as I eased away from the reptile.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

The reptile nudged me along, "Ignore it."

I kept my mouth shut as we started walking along the creepy pods lining the walls. We passed through a bulkhead and ended up in a maze of white and well lit corridors.

"Will my dad be all right?" I asked.

The reptile glanced over at me, "Athena thinks so."

We found ourselves by another bulkhead with a big print of black text on the wall. 'Psych Ward 03'

"This place... seems empty," I said as the bulkhead opened.

"It's night, the patients are sleeping and this place is well isolated," The reptile answered.

I nodded and my ears folded back as I was led through the ward and until we stopped by a sealed door with a display on the side.

'Room #37'

'David Volkov - SYNE# W50136E855'

'Warning: Class 3 subject, Restraint collar in use.'

"Your father was quite violent and had to be fitted with a restraint collar, he is incapable of harming you," The reptile said.

"... My father would never hurt me," I whispered.

The reptile stepped up to the display and stared at it, moments later the door clicked and unlocked.

I stepped up to the door, grabbed the handle, and pulled it open as I glanced inside.

The first thing to hit me was father's smell, it was strong, familiar, but there was something strange about it, a marker that my mind interpreted as DANGER!

It unnerved me and my eyes widened as I saw the wretched state he was in.

There were several tufts of fur on the ground which led up to father who sat in the corner of the small padded room. Father was dressed in a simple hospital gown and kept his head buried in his knees while his tail lay flat on the ground.

A low threatening growl could be heard as father lifted his head, his ears had folded back and his hackles were raised in a seemingly permanent manner.

A large metallic collar was strapped around his neck, the device had a glowing loop that seemed to act as some kind of indicator as its color shifted from yellow to red.

Father's eyes were like pin pricks devoid of any intellect and warmth as our eyes locked.

"Dad?" I whispered.

The growl ended in an instant and something shifted in his eyes, the irises swelled as he leaned back while his muzzle opened as if stunned.

"Vilkas?" The whisper was one of disbelief.

I stepped into the room and felt my lips quiver, "I'm here... I'm alive."

Father sniffed the air but didn't seem able to catch my scent as he got on his knees. His muzzle wavered while he raised his trembling arms as if scared that I would turn into a puff of smoke.

I inched closer and reached out but father recoiled as if scared.

"It's me dad... the silly pup who wanted to be a wolf-cat when I was small."

Tears pearled up in father's eyes as his lips began to tremble, a sorrowful cry akin to a canine whimper could be heard as he leaped at me without warning.

His arms wrapped around me in an instant as I was lifted from the floor while his muzzle brushed against my face as he cried and sobbed.

My arms embraced him as I felt the mental block inside my mind crack, I felt so very scared and wounded that my heart ached with physical pain.

Father squished me and kept wailing while I cried in turn and watched as the glowing loop on the collar turned from red to a bright green.

5** 10 *A.R.* July *1* 3 *,* Car *,* Midday**

I was sitting in the back seat of the car and watched as houses passed by outside. Father held me in a tight embrace and there was a distinct wet sensation along my neck as father licked at the scar.

My instincts were at peace and it made me feel warm on the inside, something in the back of my mind told me it was weird but I repressed as I took solace in the sensation.

I looked over at mother who sat on the opposite side, she looked stoic but wore a slight smile, the rest of her face looked pained though and it was easy to see how shaken she was.

"I'm okay mom," I said as I held out my hand.

She took my hand, clasped tight, and nodded, "I know."

Until now the events that had transpired were little more than facts and a generous amount of panic.

That began to change as the events seeped into me, it made the world feel 'different' and the weather seemed to reflect my mental state as a patter of rain started hitting the car.

My meddling had caused a disaster, it had destroyed a family, and it had shaken my own in the process.

"What are you thinking about Vilkas?" Mother asked.

"I screwed up... I was the one who started all of this," I whispered.

"You tried to help dear, we all screwed up," Mother answered.

"Jason's life is ruined," I whispered.

Mother shook her head, "You're wrong."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I know it sounds cruel, and I wish that it had ended differently with all my heart, but I also think that this is a chance for Jason to have a normal life."

"As a hybrid you mean?" I asked.

Mother shook her head, "Of course not, if he wants to remain human, so be it, if he wants to emigrate, so be it. Athena will help mend his mind and he'll be given, perhaps for the first time in his life, the ability to make his own choices."

"Always look on the bright side?" I asked.

Mother nodded, "Yes, we should always strive to do better, to encourage autonomy while nurturing cooperation."

"Sometimes you sound like Athena," I said.

Mother made a light smile, "Some would consider that a compliment Vilkas."

The patter of rain increased and became a downpour.

"Do the news know about what happened?" I asked.

"They've kept our names out of the picture but have openly discussed what has been classified as manslaughter, they've also mentioned Charles death."

"So what are people saying about it?"

"Events like this has a tendency to spark debate regarding the dangers of adult humans in our society."

"I see. Why do you think Charles attacked me?"

Mother was silent for a few moments, "I don't know."

My ears perked, "... Are you hiding something?"

"Vilkas," Mother whispered.

"Please mom, no lies..."

Father stopped lapping at my neck and tightened his grip, "Athena thinks he was convinced that Jason was being taken to SYNE."

"So... he only sought to protect Jason?" I asked.

"Perhaps," Mother answered.

The car pulled into the driveway of our house and came to a stop, I looked over at the Jefferson house and noticed that the place had been sealed off with yellow tape. An eerie sensation filled my gut and my hands began to tremble.

"Are you all right?" Father asked.

"Just my nerves," I whispered.

"Close your eyes Vilkas, I'll carry you through the house," Father whispered.

I glanced up at father, "I'm... not a small child."

"No, you're my pup."

I met father's eyes and saw something pleading to me, he needed to do this, to care for his pup for his own well being. I swallowed my pride and gave him a hug as I buried my head in his fur.

Father lifted me, opened the door, and stepped out. The air smelled like wet asphalt mixed with a rather scary tint of blood. It made me clench my eyes tight as I didn't want to lay eyes on it once more.

"Tired?" Father asked.

"Yeah," I answered as I felt myself being carried.

"You're sleeping with us tonight," Father said.

I didn't protest.