The child was crying, begging the man to stop, his bright blue eyes glistening with tears as he clenched a hand around the 'good luck' charm of the necklace that hung around his neck. The other hand was being pulled along by a man's hand, clamped around his thin wrists, pulling him toward two strangers that stood at the door waiting to take him away.
"Please! I don't want to volunteer for this!" His voice was high pitched from frenzied panic, knowing only too well what was happening. He looked up at the man, desperately hoping a change of heart but the man simply clenched his jaws as he dragged the weak boy closer towards the door. The child stumbled behind him, unable to resist.
"Dad! You can't do this!" A voice rang out as a boy with golden brown hair caught up to the both of them, putting a hand on the man's and stepping in between the two of them, demanding the man's attention.
"Gabriel, this is none of your business. Go back upstairs." The man's voice was stern and demanding as he looked down at the teenage boy.
"Cas isn't going anywhere." Gabriel's eyes flashed with anger, his voice quivering as he tried to control his rage. "He's a person! Not a guinea pig for some lab! How can you be doing this?!"
"Do you think I actually want to do this?" The man's eyes softened, his voice dissipating to a whisper. "But this gives Cas a fighting chance. The doctor said he wouldn't live past 20 years… this is his only hope."
Castiel had been doomed with ALS, a rare genetic disorder that ravaged every muscle of the body, wasting away every bit of muscle until the body could no longer function. No treatment or cure existed and it was no better than a death sentence. Castiel gazed up at the man with silently pleading eyes, fresh tears dripping down his face.
Gabriel gritted his teeth as he looked down at his younger brother, met only with a frightened face that sent a painful stab reverberating throughout his chest. "That doesn't give you the right to do this. Volunteering my ass." Gabriel spat out the words in disgust.
The man's eyes darkened. "She already signed the papers. There's nothing I can do." He jerked his hand away from Gabriel's as he made his way to the doorway. Gabriel tried to pull Castiel back but a teenage boy was no match against a full-grown man and in his hastiness, ended up falling backwards flat on his rear. By the time Gabriel had recovered, Castiel was being dragged off to the car in the driveway.
"No Cas!" Gabriel screamed, his eyes widening in horror, furiously running towards the door only to feel strong arms wrap around his chest when he was only a few inches away from the entrance, holding him back. He scrambled wildly like a mad dog trying to escape while his eyes were still fixated on his little brother.
Castiel turned his head at his name as he wiped away tears, meeting Gabriel's panicked eyes a split second before the man slammed the door shut, muffling Gabriel's cries of rage.
Castiel gasped for air as his eyes snapped open, quickly sitting up before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He closed his eyes, the nightmare still fresh in his mind. His hand unconsciously clenched the necklace around his neck. Gabriel, his artistically talented brother, had made it especially for him. The thread was made of twisted black leather and dangling from the center were two feathers, one golden and one white. Hanging in front of the two was a dark red stone that was chiseled in meticulous detail in the form of a majestic bird with two wings spread out wide, each feather carved with care and attention.
He let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair that was damp with sweat and stretched out his arms. At the same time, two black wings spread out in unison before he folded them back up behind him. He grimaced in distaste. When he saved up enough money, the first thing he wanted to do was to have them surgically removed.
He had been one of millions of volunteers for human experimentation and he remembered the whole thing like it had happened yesterday. A disease that had popped up out of nowhere killed everyone who caught it and continued to spread like wildfire. The unusual thing about it was that not one single species from the animal kingdom was affected and later, it was found that they were immune. Governments of every country were desperate and soon, there was a campaign of rounding up people who wanted to give themselves up for experimentation for a good cause, in the hopes of a finding a cure. In order to find the cure, scientists would turn to genetics and attempt to combine animal and human DNA together in order to fight the disease. Thus, a dark era of legal human experimentation began.
Anyone could participate in the human trials and if they were under the age of eighteen, their guardians could make the decision for them. In exchange, families of the volunteered would be paid a handsome amount of money. Desperate times called for desperate measures and younger test subjects were highly sought after and so the money offered for them was even higher. Castiel was only twelve when he was dragged away that day.
A cure was found in the end. Chimeras, the first humans that were immune due to the combined DNA with animals, were the leftover reminder of how close human kind had been to extinction. Unfortunately, society overlooked the sacrifice that was made and instead, chimeras were viewed as revolting beasts and mutants who had no place around humans. Society made rules against chimeras on boundaries and interactions with people who were "normal." Chimeras were pushed out towards the outer edge of each city, away from humans and told that they could not enter the inner city without permission. Humans built gates that separated them from the chimeras outside their inner city. Chimeras could only gain access if they were allowed to do so… which was never.
Chimeras built communities amongst themselves, shut out from humans. Each chimera was unique in their own way, exhibiting animal qualities that they had been combined with as well as heightened senses of the animal that had been their counterpart. However, every single chimera looked more animal than human, whether it was scales or gills or a whacky combination of several different species and even if they had retained their intelligence and ability to speak and think, it was clear that each chimera wasn't completely human … all except for Castiel. His genetic counterpart had been an eagle and interestingly enough, he had only retained the majestic black wings and the perks that came along with it, such as extremely sharp vision and an awareness on a level that was way beyond human. Even in the chimera community, they were spiteful towards him out of envy at how he had retained all his human looks. Ostracized by both humans and chimeras, Castiel didn't belong anywhere.
I should have never let them take me away that day. My death sentence back then would have been better than this living hell I'm in. Castiel shook his head at the thought and stole a glance at the table, wondering what the time was. 7:00 PM. He sighed. It was still three hours before the big event but he figured he might as well get ready. He got up, heading towards the bathroom, his black wings turning into an ashen silver color where the moonlight shining through the window hit his feathers.
"We've pulled up everything we could on her so far but we still need some time to do more digging before we can give you a full report. The big news is that she was given control over the company when her older brother suddenly fell ill and died mysteriously."
Crowley folded his arms, crossing one leg over the other as he brought a thumb up to his lips, a pensive look on his face. He looked back at the hologram of an Asian boy sitting next to him.
"Her doing, no doubt."
"Bingo. Charlie and I are going to see what other files we can dig up and see what other dirty secrets she's hiding."
"Careful, the both of you. We don't want her to know we've been snooping around," Crowley replied in a warning tone.
"Yeah yeah yeah, mother, I get it," Kevin retorted back, rolling his eyes, before the hologram faded away.
Crowley let out a sigh before leaning back into the seat, gazing out the window.
"Well that's just great. She sounds real swell." The voice belonged to the driver of the car, chiming in as soon as the call had disconnected.
"Doesn't she? A real charmer, by the sound of it." Crowley looked at the rear view mirror, lush green eyes staring back at him.
"Crowley, I really don't like this. I don't think you should be meeting with her."
"Oh please, Squirrel. You complained first about us driving and now about the meeting itself? Really? One complaint a day is all you get."
"Shut up Crowley, you know I'm right. Who the hell in their right mind owns a private jet, helicopter, and all the cool toys you could ever have but chooses to drive instead? You do know we're in danger driving around out here in chimera territory…"
"Sometimes, a good ol' fashioned road trip is good for the soul Dean."
"You're sounding a lot like this ol' fart right now," Dean replied with a chuckle, stealing a quick glance over to the man seated in the passenger's seat beside him. The man had his two feet up on the car front, his arms crossed, a hat covering his face with the seat leaning back.
"I heard that, ya idjit," came a muffled voice from under the hat.
"Hey! You were awake this whole time. Tell him! Tell this stubborn dumb ass that this whole thing is a bad idea!" Dean had a bad feeling deep in his gut about this meeting and he didn't like it at all.
"Like that'd make a difference," came the blunt answer.
Crowley grinned at the comment, amused by Dean's relentless worry. "Oh Deanie boy, it's flattering that you're worrying so much about lil' ol' me, it really is, but I've got this. I know what I'm doing. Even Bobby knows, isn't that right darling?"
"Mmmmm," was the only reply he got before it was followed by a soft snore.
Dean let out a scowl, knowing full well that he would lose this argument. He always lost to Crowley. No matter how much he had thought out something, Crowley always seemed to be a step ahead of him... ok more like ten steps ahead. He knew that Crowley must have thought through everything and had a good reason for agreeing to attend this pow wow but it didn't hurt to voice his opinion.
"Whatever. Just be careful. This bitch seems like someone who'd royally screw over everyone, just like she did to her own brother."
"I know Squirrel, I know," Crowley replied, his grin morphing into a grim frown at Dean's warning. Dean had a point though. He would have to tread carefully because from the information they'd found, he was going to have to stand his ground against a deadly and two-faced potential business partner.
A few miles away from the edge of the city were a bunch of gigantic and worn down warehouses. In the daytime they always seem abandoned and empty but at night, they all come to life and tonight, frenzied screams and cheers of a huge crowd were coming from inside each one.
Castiel could hear the racket echoing through the night sky as he steered his motorcycle off the main road towards the source. He sped up as his eyes glanced at the clock of the holographic screen at the top right corner of the visor of his helmet that read 9:45 PM. His event was at 10:00 it. He had gotten carried away and lost track of time, scrounging around a junkyard for useful things he needed.
The roar of the crowd got louder as he pulled up to the first warehouse. In a big lot off to the side were rows of motorcycles and Castiel parked his with the others. Chimeras couldn't afford cars but motorcycles were a cheap and efficient way of transportation that was popular nowadays. Speed trumped comfortability any day because really, cars were overrated.
He smoothed his hair back as he slid off his helmet, hanging it on the handlebars of his motorcycle and pumped his powerful wings once, rising a few feet in the air before falling back down, landing nimbly on his feet on the ground. He straightened his black leather jacket, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air to calm his jittery nerves. Here goes nothing. He made his way to the entrance and entered the warehouse.
The entire room smelled musky and salty with sweat, the smell of metallic copper from blood dominated the other scents. The room itself felt lukewarm and humid due to all the warm bodies in one place. In the center of the room was an elevated stage in the shape of a square that took up the center of the roomy warehouse, the crowd encircling it. In the ring were two chimeras fighting each other, blood all over their bodies and the floor; the crowd going back and forth between cheering and booing as they rooted for their favorite fighter.
Castiel pushed his way past the assortment of all different kinds of chimeras of all shapes and sizes, trying to make his way to the check in table that was near the ring. He could feel wary eyes, judging and scrutinizing him. Their eyes darted away as he got closer and their bodies scooted away from his, making it obvious that he was unwelcome. Castiel ignored them, making his way to side of the arena where contestants were supposed to check in.
As he approached the table to check in, the chimera sitting there looked up at him with disgust. Castiel was used to this type of treatment so he simply pretended he hadn't seen anything.
"I'm here to check in for my fight," he said, forcing a smile on his face. It was only met with a sneer.
"Cassssssstiel." The chimera hissed his name out in disgust; a long tongue split at the end flickered out before quickly slipping back in his mouth. The chimera was a mix of a lizard and some sort of bird. Green scales covered the chimera's entire body with feathers of all different colors that puffed out the top of his head and went all the way down following his spine and to the tip of his tail. He still had a human face with slit nostrils and had reptilian green eyes that reminded Castiel of the Eye of Sauron that stared back at him with hostility.
"Your luck won't lasssssssst long," the chimera hissed as he checked in Castiel into the holographic screen in front of him before flicking a green finger in the direction of the ring. "You'll need it, conssssssidering who you're up againssssst but really, you don't sssssstand a chanccccce."
Castiel just shrugged before he walked away towards the ring, just as a loud cheer erupted from the crowd. He now had a front row view and saw the losing chimera, bloody and close to unconsciousness, being helped out of the ring by his buddies. The winner waved to the crowd before exiting the ring.
A booming announcer voice filled the room and Castiel perked his head up at the sound.
"The final match of the night, the big fight we've all been waiting for! He's won all his matches and so far, his luck has been holding out. Here's Phoenix!"
Castiel grabbed onto the ropes, hoisting himself up and ducked under them, entering the arena, taking his jacket and shirt off and hanged them on the ropes so that he was bare chested, his necklace glinting in the light. His name brought an awkward hush amongst the crowd and shushed whispers. He gritted his teeth, looking down at the blood-splattered floor, avoiding those eyes… those eyes they gazed at him with… It made him feel so alone. Why? What had he ever done to - He cut off his thoughts, closing his eyes. He had to stay alert and focused. Come on, focus! He repeated it to himself over and over again as he lounged back on the ropes, waiting.
"And his opponent and our favorite, the mighty Minotaur!"
This name stirred up an enthusiastic roar as a gigantic chimera jumped over the ropes of the arena. Impressive. Castiel was lean and tall but he looked like a child in comparison to the muscular giant. Minotaur flexed his arm muscles that were literally as big as Castiel's head as he raised his fists in the air for his fans. Minotaur was completely ignoring Castiel, enjoying the attention.
The colossal behemoth had giant black hooves and his legs were bent at where the ankles would be on a human, in an anthropomorphic way, as well as a thick tail that swung from side to side like a snake. He still had hands and a chest that were human and thin almond shaped eyes. His face was that of a bull, snout jutting out and his chest was pure raw muscle that rippled every time he moved.
Castiel took the opportunity to look over his opponent for potential weak spots. His eagle vision eyes were incredibly sharp and could detect anomalies that indicated injuries. The slightest bump or faint scar were signs of weakness that Castiel could pinpoint and target to end the match quickly. Minotaur had none of these and only massive sharp horns that shined in the light threateningly. Castiel couldn't help internally groaning to himself. This match wasn't going to be easy. A ghost of a smile spread across his lips as Minotaur twirled around the ring. The chimera was all muscle but it was ridiculous how he had chosen to wear a super tight wrestling singlet because it looked like he would explode out of it at any moment.
Minotaur turned around and the arrogant grin on his face transformed into a deathly glare as he caught Castiel smiling. Oh shit, what a way to make a good first impression… Castiel stood up, as a hologram appeared in the center of the ring. It showed how many fights each of them had won.Minotaur: 59 wins. Castiel: 43 wins. The hologram quickly switched to a countdown starting at 3… Minotaur huffed, like a bull, readying himself. Castiel jumped up and down, ruffling his wings up, warming up his body a little. 2… Castiel and Minotaur made eye contact. 1… They both tensed up in anticipation and a loud horn resounded over the ecstatic crowd.
Minotaur struck first, fist coming straight at Castiel's face. If a human were watching the match, it would be impossible to follow the quick movements of a chimera. Despite his hulky appearance, Minotaur was fast for his size but Castiel was faster and rapidly dodged the series of punches Minotaur was throwing at him. However, one of the punches connected with a sickening crunch that sent Castiel flying back.
Castiel shook his head, wiping blood off his lips. Damn. His cheek throbbed from the blow and if he hadn't turned with the blow, he would have had his jaw dislocated. Minotaur attacked again but Castiel side stepped, the movement surprising Minotaur. He kicked Minotaur in the chest with a satisfying thump, catching the muscular chimera off guard, causing him to land flat on his back.
With startling agility, Minotaur was back on his feet, rage clear in his eyes and huffed. Anger was good. That meant he'd make mistakes. Castiel bounced on the balls of his feet, hands raised slightly in a defensive stance.
Minotaur charged, his head tucked down just like a bull would in a bullfight. Castiel was ready for it and leapt up, flapping his powerful wings to get height as he did a flip in air and twisted his body around. Gravity brought him crashing down on top of Minotaur's back and he quickly grasped the sharp horns, as if they were his motorcycle handlebars, at the same time wrapping his legs around Minotaur's chest.
Minotaur bellowed in fury, arms trying to get a firm grip on Castiel who slithered out of his grip, yanking his horns sharply to the side, sending both of them careening toward the edge of the arena. The crowd screamed loudly in complaint at what Castiel was doing but he didn't care; he just needed to win and at these matches, anything and everything was allowed. He wanted to tire Minotaur out so that he could end this match because he did not want press his luck and end up getting his eyes gouged out.
He was about to jerk Minotaur's head again but this time, he felt a sharp sting across his back, realizing that it was Minotaur's tail. It burned like hell and drew blood as it created a long lash across Castiel's back and he lost his grip for a split second. It was just enough time for a vice like grip to clamp down on his forearm and he was thrown forwards, straight at the ground. He timed a roll as he hit the ground, stretching out his wings at the same time that smacked Minotaur right in the face which was enough distraction for Castiel to get up, ready for the next onslaught.
Instead of attacking, Minotaur circled him and Castiel mirrored his movements, eyeing those horns in wariness. Minotaur lowered his head but instead of charging again, his tail suddenly lashed out like a whip, wrapping around Castiel's wrist as he was tugged forward straight towards the horns.
This was exactly what Castiel had been worrying about but he hadn't expected Minotaur to make such a bold move so early in the fight. It caught him completely off guard and he was about to get skewered if he didn't do something. He grunted in exertion as he lowered a wing and brought it back up as an uppercut right below Minotaur's chin, just in time before those horns pierced his chest.
Minotaur's eyes widened in surprise as his head flew backwards from the blow but Castiel wasn't finished. Using Minotaur's tail that was still bound at his wrist as leverage, he yanked his arm as hard as he could as he bent towards the ground, one of his legs shooting out to trip the Goliath. There was a loud smack as Minotaur hit the ground with his entire weight, gasping for air as the breath was knocked out of him.
Castiel took advantage of this opening, getting up on his feet to send a powerful kick right in Minotaur's gut, watching him roll over to his side in pain, completely at Castiel's mercy. He sent another kick right in the face, a splatter of blood coating the ground. At this point, the crowd was yelling encouragement even if at the beginning of the match, they had all been rooting for Minotaur. A majority of them had bet on him and they'd be losing out lots of money if Castiel won and yet, here they were, egging him on for more blood even if they despised him.
Castiel looked out at the crowd with mixed feelings of anger and pity. The only time he ever felt accepted for a moment was in fights and in the heat of the moment, everyone forgot they hated him. Chimeras were part animal and human, meaning that animal instincts kicked in when they got worked up, a key factor that had led humans to believe that they were all no better than animals and unfortunately, there was some truth to it. These instincts were hard to control and the blood lust, even more so. Violence and blood stirs up these carnal desires: just like now, the hunger for more blood was stronger than their loyalty to their favorite fighter.
Minotaur was still on the floor immobilized from pain and Castiel, in his fit of anger brought a foot down hard on Minotaur's rising and falling chest, pinning him down to the ground. He raised a fist and a wing on the same side and began to pummel Minotaur's face like a punching bag. With each punch, more and more blood flew onto the floor, creating a splatter painting that grew more and more red with each blow. The crowd was howling for blood at this point and they were all chanting now.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
One thing about these fights was that the winning fighter had the choice to kill his opponent or knock him out and show mercy. Usually, chimeras killed the losers out of their instincts they couldn't control. Castiel couldn't help but wonder how many of Minotaur's opponents were killed… Castiel, on the other hand, had learned control and self-restraint of his animalistic instincts, a skill that was extremely difficult but not impossible and he had managed to master it.
Minotaur looked straight back at him with a spark of fear in his eyes behind the bloodied and beaten face. Castiel stared coldly back before lifting his feet off Minotaur's chest and gave a final sweeping kick to the temple of Minotaur's head, knocking him unconscious. The crowd jeered at him, wanting him to draw more blood, more violence, to tear apart the flesh of his opponent.
Castiel backed off, waving his arm, signaling that he wanted to end the match. The announcer's voice cut over the loud crowd who were disappointed, shouting out insults because of how cowardly Castiel was.
"Luck hasn't failed him yet it seems! The winner is Phoenix!"
Castiel grabbed his jacket and shirt, leaping off the staged arena. The chimeras made a path for him out of fear after what they had just seen. He headed towards a booth, wanting to collect his winnings for the night and just go home. He looked down at his fists and a quick look at his wings, drenched in red… the color fit perfectly with his life, full of violence and anger stemming from the simple fact that he would always be alone in this world.