Once all relevant personnel for both the Black Dragon and Red Dragon clans had been gathered, work began swiftly on consolidating their resources. The Red Dragon had centuries to their advantage and hidden bases only they were aware of. Even though Daegon had been the one to propose this alliance, he maintained some degree of secrecy, not allowing his Black Dragon allies too much information, else it be used against him should their agreement go south.
Both clans were all too aware that they did not have the other's complete trust, and in all likelihood never would.
As weapons and other equipment were carted to and fro, the Black Dragons could not help but observe their rival clan's operation.
"Jeez, they're like a bunch of big black and red worker bees," No Face commented. "It's freakin' me out man."
"I dunno, I like it," disagreed Tasia. "They're efficient, and they don't blabber half as much as you fuckheads."
"Charming as ever, Tasia…" Tremor chimed in.
"Oh stick a rock up your ass," she shot back rudely. "No, seriously, it might come out as a diamond."
Jarek sighed. "This is why the Special Forces and Lightning-Pants are one lucky day away from wiping us out."
"Oh no buddy, that was all Kano's fuckup." Tasia disputed.
"Agreed." was all Tremor had to say on the matter.
"Just haaaddd to pick another fight with Blade," No Face added. "No surprise he got cut down. Geddit? Cut down? Because Blade?"
"Yes, dumbass, now shut your burnt off mouth." Tasia confirmed in her usual angry manner.
"Hey, my lips got burnt off, I still have a mouth." No Face corrected.
"You won't if you don't shut it." Tasia said as she avoided eye contact with the demolitions expert and well, anyone else for that matter.
Overhearing the conversation, Kobra lightly jabbed Kira on the arm to get her attention. Kira in return suppressed her instinct to stab him about fifty times. She had been told that love did that to people.
"What's her problem?" Kobra asked.
"She's allergic to people." Kira said sarcastically.
"See, she gets it!" Tasia confirmed. "Kira, this is why I hate you the least."
Kobra tilted a head. "Was that a compliment?"
"By her standards, yes." answered Jarek.
"I'll take it." Kira said nonchalantly.
One Red Dragon member walked by with a crate of illegally smuggled weapons when he stopped near the group momentarily. "Oh, hey Kira." was all they said before moving on.
"You know these guys?" Kobra asked.
"Know 'em?" Kira asked in return. "I was one of them."
"Were you ever going to mention that detail?"
The group looked over as Virgo approached, a headset attached and clipboard in hand, aiding in coordinating the movement of the two clan's resources and inventory.
"Never came up in conversation." was all the explanation Kira had to offer.
Virgo rolled her eyes. She was about to question further, when Kobra interceded.
"So why'd you leave?" he asked.
"Too many rules," Kira explained. "Too damn strict. A girl like me likes her freedom, y'know? Sell guns to whoever I want, kill whoever I want, raise all sorts of hell. The uhh...what do you Americans call it? The 'Dream'?"
"Yeah." Kobra confirmed.
"That," Kira affirmed. "Besides, they wanted to like, take over the world or whatever. Me? I just wanna burn it down."
"You and me both sister!" chimed in No Face.
"Hey Kobra. What are dreams like?" Kira asked.
"Whaddya mean?" Kobra asked back.
Kira shrugged. "Just askin'. Only ever had nightmares."
"I know the feeling…" Tremor said cryptically, causing a few scarce glances in his direction from the others.
"Oh great, look guys," No Face pointed ahead. "Here comes our 'partner in crime'."
True to the demolitionist's word, Daegon was approaching the group of Black Dragons, his hands folded behind his back like a war general as he did so.
"New associates," he said in a very businessman-like manner, before shooting a glance to the former Red Dragon in their midst. "Kira."
Kira gave a disinterested wave. "Sup."
"There something you need?" Jarek asked.
"Mastery over this realm, claiming my birthright," Daegon said plainly. "But all of that is in the works, nothing to concern yourself with."
"Right…." said Jarek, Daegon's meaning clearly lost on him.
The Red Dragon leader then moved his attention to Virgo.
"So, how goes transportation of cargo?" he asked. She just stared at him, seemingly trying to figure him out. "Well, answer me!" he said with noticeable impatience.
"In case you have forgotten, our clans are equal partners in this agreement," Virgo pointed out. "I am not your lackey, and therefore not yours to order about."
"My my, Mavado wasn't kidding when he ranted about how disorganized and unruly your clan is." Daegon said with a smirk and clear amusement. "Even your secretary has problems with authority."
"I am the Black Dragon's communications expert, information broker, and operations coordinator." Virgo corrected.
"So you answer the phones and pass along memos," Daegon responded dismissively. "Tell me, did you fetch Kano his morning coffee too?"
Virgo's eyes narrowed. "I would strongly suggest you leave my father out of this conversation."
"So you are the one." Daegon confirmed.
"What are you talking about?" Virgo asked.
"My sources have told me that Kano produced two offspring," Daegon explained. "How he managed even one is beyond me, the man is frankly repulsive, but I digress. My information also states that only one of these offspring was deemed worthy of his attention, and thereby recruited into the Black Dragon."
Virgo just stood there, eyeing the man for a moment. "Do you have a point?"
"Not really," Daegon admitted. "I am merely amused by the amount of pride possessed by an individual whose station is the product of pure and simple nepotism. I admit surprise however, that Kano would be capable of pity."
"Leave the kid alone, Daegon." Jarek demanded.
"I do not require assistance," Virgo argued. "His attempts at psychological warfare are ineffective, and furthermore, pointless, seeing as we now find ourselves on the same side."
"A sharp mind," Daegon commented. "I like that. I'm sure Kano tried his best to mold you into his loyal drone, but you don't answer to anyone but yourself at the end of the day, don't you?"
"I do have to wonder," Virgo admitted. "Exactly what kind of game you're playing."
"This is no game," Daegon corrected. "It is a test. One which you have passed."
"Test for what purpose?" Virgo asked.
"Loyalty is extremely valuable in our line of work," Daegon explained. "But not blind obedience. Thoughtless servitude does not produce results. I do not look for those who follow, I look for those who choose to cooperate."
"What, are you offering her a job?" Kira questioned.
"I have an offer, yes," Daegon admitted. "But not of joining the Red Dragon."
"You know I'll refuse." Virgo surmised.
"Yes," Daegon confirmed. "I can offer you something else, however. It's an ephemeral commodity. Hard to gain, easy to lose. And believe me, I would know."
"What?"
"Power." Daegon answered.
Virgo considered for a moment, before responding. "If you're referring to cybernetic enhancements, I've already refused that offer from both my father and Jarek."
"Nothing so banal as cybernetics," Daegon assured. "I offer you the absolute pinnacle of our research. Organic enhancements."
"The hell kinda Frankenstein's monster shit you planning to do to her?" Tasia asked, immediately standing up and pointing a sword at Daegon's throat.
Without even another word being spoken, about thirty Red Dragons aimed guns at her.
Tasia lowered her weapon. Tempermental as she was, she wasn't stupid.
"The Red Dragon's genetics department has recently begun making great strides in their work on a project involving the fusion of human and dragon DNA," Daegon continued as if nothing had happened. "Results have been mixed, however, we are very close to refining the process."
"What makes you think I'll be your test subject?" Virgo asked.
"Because I know that you know why it is that Kano kept you off the field," Daegon answered. "You certainly have combat training, but at the end of the day, you're only human."
"So are you." Virgo pointed out.
"Me? A mere mortal?" Daegon cackled at that. "How little you really know…"
That got many raised eyebrows from the Black Dragons.
"Think of it, Virgo," suggested Daegon, hoping to get some surprise from the fact that he knew her name, but she remained admirably unshaken. "I can make you stronger, faster, able to withstand bullets, heat….why, you might even be able to make your father proud and kill General Sonya Blade, something even he couldn't accomplish."
"What's in it for you?" Virgo asked, knowing there would be a catch.
"Only a field test of the hybridization procedure," Daegon answered. "And a good candidate for it."
"You'd hand off your little science project to us?" No Face asked.
"Yes," Daegon confirmed. "Because I know that the Black Dragon possesses neither the resources nor the intellect to replicate it."
"Gee, thanks." Tasia said dryly.
"May I give some advice, Daegon?" offered Tremor.
"Oh?" Daegon raised an eyebrow.
"While I concede that your forces could kill the rest of my compatriots," Tremor admitted. "I possess the power to bring this entire complex crashing down on your head."
"Your point?" Daegon questioned.
"Insults will do you no favors."
Daegon simply nodded dismissively, and returned his attention to Virgo.
"Well?"
Virgo had clearly been in contemplation since the offer was made. She had long desired some semblance of her father's admiration, but she had held a strong distrust towards the Red Dragon for almost as long. Risks were something she generally preferred to avoid. On the other hand, if she grew more powerful, she stood a better chance of fighting Daegon should he attempt a double-cross, and in one day claiming the mantle of leadership of the Black Dragon all-but uncontested when her father almost inevitably got himself killed. The only one who would be able to stand against her was Tremor, and his commitment to the Black Dragon had been heavily shaken after his mission to Dreamrealm. Tremor outright leaving the clan was far more likely.
This would be a calculated risk, but one that would eventually pay off….
"Fine," she answered. "I'll do it."
"Excellent," Daegon responded. "If you please, follow me. There is someone I need to introduce you to."
Daegon turned to leave the room, Virgo cautiously following.
"Someone go with her," Jarek instructed. "I don't trust Daegon to be alone with the kid."
"Very well." responded Tremor, getting up and following them.
"If the kid's getting an upgrade, I think there's someone we should visit." suggested Tasia.
"The doc?" No Face questioned.
"Yeah," Jarek confirmed. "My eyes have been glitching out ever since Raiden tried to deep-fry me."
"And General Blondie shot my damn teleporter," Tasia added, unfastening the device in question from her back, which was clearly damaged.
"How the hell did you get your hands on a personal teleporter anyway?" No Face asked.
"That's for me to know," was all Tasia said. "And you to shut the fuck up about."
"Some kinda government experiment?" theorized Kobra.
"Lay off the sci-fi movies, kid." Tasia suggested.
"Let's just go." Jarek said impatiently, Tasia nodding in agreement. The two began heading towards the portal room of the Red Dragon base.
Kobra looked at No Face, and then at Kira. "Hey, you guys wanna watch an underground bloodsport?" he said disturbingly casually.
"Sure, sounds fun." Kira responded.
"Will there be fire?" No Face asked.
Kobra shrugged. "Depends on the day."
"Hope you don't mind being a third wheel on our date, goggles." Kira joked.
"Least you can get a date." No Face pointed out with a bitter mutter.
"True." Kira agreed, planting a kiss on Kobra's cheek that left a noticeable red mark in the shape of her lips.
Kobra wiped some of it off and inspected it on his fingers. "Is this lipstick or blood?"
"Little bit of this, little bit of that." was all Kira offered for an answer.
Meanwhile, Tremor and Virgo followed Daegon into a somewhat strange looking laboratory. The various instruments and devices were all but alien to the two, and there appeared to be several pieces of organic material being preserved for the experiments. A large piece of red scaly skin, presumably from a dragon, sat in a tank next to a disembodied human arm. It would be a disturbing sight had the two not been Black Dragons for so long. In a large catch was a reptilian humanoid, banging against the metal bars and roaring like a rabid animal.
"You hush now, my pet!" shouted a man in a lab coat, hunched over some vials and test tubes.
Daegon made a throat clearing sound, and the man turned around. His skin was of a strange texture, not quite human and not quite reptilian. His teeth resembled small sharp fangs, visible through open scars in his cheeks that wound across his face, and his arms had noticeable protrusions that receded blades stuck out of, seemingly surgically implanted.
"Virgo, Tremor, this is Doctor Alan Zane," Daegon introduced. "Our chief geneticist."
"What's wrong with your…." Virgo stopped for a moment, not even sure what to point out. "Everything?"
"What you see before you is the results of my experiments in combining human and Tarkatan DNA," Dr. Zane explained, releasing the metal blade in his right arm as his cheeks pulled back in an approximation of a smirk. "Using the carcass of that beast who went around stabbing everyone in my neighborhood during Shao Kahn's invasion! Put a bullet in his head and then began getting to work."
The man was clearly unhinged, but neither Black Dragon felt it prudent to comment on this.
"The blades took some improvisation," Zane admitted. "One hell of a surgery. But I digress."
"Virgo here has offered to take part in our dragon hybridization process," Daegon explained, ignoring the geneticist's ramblings and motioning to the young woman. "I was hoping you could accomodate."
"Oh, most certainly!" Zane responded, before seeming to inspect her. "Hmm. Good physical health...did you test her mental fortitude?" he asked as he looked up at his leader.
"Indeed," Daegon confirmed. "It was quite impressive actually.
Zane put a hand to his chin. "Should prove a suitable candidate, but why a Black Dragon?"
"Calculated risk," Daegon explained. "For both myself and her."
"I don't need your assumptions," Virgo said annoyedly. "Let's just get this over with."
"Yes...let's…" Daegon agreed.
Tremor merely stood there and watched. He wasn't sure exactly what to do. While the Black Dragon were known for their heartlessness, he had grown a certain fondness for Virgo. Furthermore, he knew what it was like to irreversibly trade in one's humanity for simple power. A similar decision had haunted him for years now.
Still, he respected Virgo enough to allow her to make her own decisions.
Hopefully this one wouldn't turn out to be a mistake…
Even more worrying, was that Doctor Zane was not the only mad genius who offered service to such nefarious groups.
Deep in an underground laboratory was a balding old man in a large black trenchcoat, with red-tinted goggles covering his eyes. One of the lenses had several rotating eyeglasses around it, made for the purpose of magnifying anything he looked at in lieu of a microscope. He was presently working on an advanced cybernetic arm. Who exactly it was intended for was completely confidential, the man was always insistent on that.
Behind him, a glowing red portal opened. The scientist turned around to face his potential visitors.
"Ah, Daegon," the man said fondly. "I was not expecting to see you so soo-"
He stopped when he saw Jarek and Tasia exit the portal.
"Jarek? Tasia?" He said in surprise. "I was expecting the Red Dragon."
"Yeah, things have been…. Interesting, Rotwang," Jarek explained. "Us Dragons ended up havin' to come together."
"I see..." Doctor Rotwang responded.
"Can we cut the fucking chatter?" demanded Tasia. She held up her teleportation device and slammed it onto the table. "I need you to fix this damn thing. Like, yesterday."
"As I have told you before, Ms. Angelos, delicate work such as this takes time," Doctor Rotwang said calmly. "And requires patience on your part."
"Whatever…" Tasia grumbled.
"And what brings you here, Jarek?" Rotwang asked as he began inspecting the teleporter.
"The eyes you gave me have been buggy as hell," Jarek explained. "I imagine it has something to do with the jolt Raiden gave me."
"You ran into the Thunder God himself and lived?" Rotwang questioned.
"Yeah, I did," Jarek confirmed with an artificial bravado in his voice. "Impressed?"
Tasia rolled her eyes. "Why don't you tell the good doctor that you and Tremor only survived because the SF are a bunch of goodie two-shoes who'd rather arrest us than kill us?"
Rotwang chuckled. "And thus, the truth is revealed…"
"How about you just focus on fixing our shit?" Jarek suggested.
"All in due time my friend," Rotwang assured. "The damage to this device is fairly severe. I've already taken the bullet out, I presume from General Blade. It should take some time. As for you Jarek, your cybernetic eyes should take relatively less time to repair. No physical damage, only electrical issues. The unfortunate side-effect of my latest cybernetic eye model. Far more advanced than the one I created for Kano, but also far more delicate. The repairs will however require the removal of your cybernetic eyes to complete."
"Fine," Jarek said annoyedly. "Long as it gets done."
"Of course," Rotwang agreed. "Taisa, be a dear and keep Jarek from bumping into anything when I'm working on his eyes?"
"Want me to make sure his blind, eyeless ass doesn't break your shit?" Tasia assumed.
"I had presumed that my request already implied those sentiments." Rotwang responded.
"Nice to know you guys have such 'faith' in me…" Jarek said as he crossed his arms.
"Blindness can make anyone a bit clumsy dear Jarek," Rotwang pointed out. "My intention was not to deride you."
"Mine was." Tasia added.
Jarek tried rolling his eyes, but they seized up and failed to budge. "Whatever…."
As the good doctor attended to their equipment, Jarek and Tasia were left entirely unaware of the fact that their junior members and demolitions expert had gone off to some hole in the ground that served as the staging area for an underground fighting ring. Bloodsports like this had for a long time been a source of entertainment for Kobra, either as a spectator or as a direct competitor. It was how the unstable young man got his kicks. And he'd decided to introduce his girlfriend Kira, as well as No Face, a co-worker at best, to this activity. Kobra felt like they were the only ones who would want to tag along for something like this. The others were all far too focused on "work" for his liking. Too much time spent fretting over the Special Forces or Raiden or whatever else. In Kobra's mind, the whole point of the Black Dragon was to do whatever you wanted without letting anyone else stop you. But of course, the downside of organized crime is that it would never be truly that freeing.
A break from worrying about all that was certainly welcome to both himself and his two compatriots. The two walked into the seedy underground den of scum and villainy as any normal person would step into a bar. People were arm-wrestling, drinking themselves into oblivion, selling and using drugs, and generally being poor examples of the human race.
The three Black Dragons made an effort to ignore them all as they made their way to the main event.
One half-drunken thug leered at the group and asked Kobra "Hey, aren't you dead?"
"No, for the last time," Kobra responded frustratedly. "I'm not fucking dead."
"The hell was that guy talking about?" asked Kira. "Follow up question, you want me to gut him."
"That's sweet of you, but I'd rather not get into another bar fight," Kobra answered. "And anyway, I used to do fights like these. Liked the thrill of it. Then some chick with icicles for hair kicked my ass. The announcer said she'd killed me. Truth was, she didn't have the guts to kill nobody, it was all just hype. Least, 'till the Black Dragon used the joint to get their hands on Blade and Brigg's kids, use em' as ransom for some shit in Outworld, I don't fucking remember, ask Jarek and Tasia."
"Oh yeah, I remember that," No Face recalled. "Kano didn't even wanna bring me along, the jackass."
"So why come back?" Kira further questioned. "Looking to rebuild your reputation?"
"Nah," Kobra refuted. "I don't fight here that much anymore. Had to be on high alert and shit like everybody else after Kano got arrested, haven't had time for shit like this."
"Ugh, tell me about it," Kira agreed. "This past year has been a major drag."
"Yeah, which is why I wanted to do something fun," Kobra explained. "And why I brought you guys with me."
The three walked into another room, where they found a mass of people crowded around a boxing ring. Within the ring, two men were locked in combat.
The first was an African American man with a bushy mustache, a medium-sized afro, and a black karate gi with yellow trim, as well as bright red boxing gloves.
Opposite him was a man who looked to be of asian descent, shirtless except for a sash with the name "Hornbuckle" emblazoned on it in a loud green font. He wore a green bandana and gloves, with white bandages wrapped around his lower arms. He also had a golden championship belt around his waist, black pants just under it.
The two men were clearly giving the fight everything they had, blows being struck one after the other.
"Wait a minute…." Kira recalled. "Isn't the guy with the stache the one who taught you how to fight?"
"Yeah," Kobra confirmed. "Nimbus Terrafaux. Best fighter I know."
"Then why's the other guy got the shiny belt on?" No Face asked.
Immediately after, the answer became apparent as Nimbus was thrown onto his back, groaning in pain.
"And the winner is….the reigning champion…...HORNBUCKLE!" shouted the announcer, resulting in a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd, Kobra including himself in the latter.
"D-Do it, ya bastard," Nimbus pleaded. "K-Kill me…."
"I am here to test my battle prowess," Hornbuckle explained. "Not take life."
"F-Figured you couldn't do it…" Nimbus said before spitting out some of his own blood. "Pussy."
"Your crude insults mean nothing to me." said Hornbuckle, before turning and stepping out of the ring.
"Yeah… you better run, fucker." Nimbus said annoyedly, as Kobra, Kira, and No Face went over to him.
"You alright man?" Kobra asked.
"Did I fucking ask for your help?" Nimbus asked in return. "What the fuck did I teach you? Don't look for anybody but yourself. I know you're a dumbass Ben, but I was hopin' that much would make it through your thick skull."
"Hey!" Kira shouted, pulling out one of her "Dragon Teeth" knives and pointing it at Nimbus's throat. "Nobody talks to him like that when I'm around."
Nimbus chuckled. "You actually got a girlfriend, Benny? Ok, I'll admit. I'm impressed. Seems real cutthroat too."
"You have no idea, asshole…" Kira threatened.
"Easy babe," Kobra requested. "You ain't gotta cut 'im open."
"I kinda want to." Kira pointed out.
"Kira, please." Kobra pleaded.
"Ohhhh, alright." Kira conceded, putting away her dagger.
Kobra reached out a hand to help Nimbus up, but he swatted it away and got up himself.
"So," Nimbus said. "Your punk ass still hangin' with the Black Dragon?"
"Oh yeah," Kobra confirmed. "And you won't believe this, but we actually got into a truce with the Reds too."
"Man, y'all must be fuckin' crazy then," Nimbus said, shaking his hand in disbelief. "How long do you think 'till that falls apart?"
Kobra shrugged. "I dunno. Guess we'll have to wait and see."
"Wonderful," Nimbus said sarcastically, before pointing to No Face. "And who's this sonofabitch?"
"They call me No Face," the pyromaniac explained. "Also, be nice, or I'll, y'know, burn this entire place to the ground."
"He will." Kira confirmed.
"Noted," was all Nimbus had to say about that. "And what's your name, red?"
"Kira," she introduced. "By the way, why did you keep calling Kobra 'Ben'?"
Nimbus burst out laughing. "You ain't told your girl that 'Kobra' isn't your real name? Jeez, I knew you were an insecure little shit, but this is just…..." he kept laughing. "I'm sorry, that just cracks me up!"
Kobra sneered. "Fine yeah, 'Kobra' is just my street name. My real name is….."
"Benjamin Masterson…" he mumbled.
"That is…" Kira started to say.
"I know," Kobra stopped her. "The most preppy, snot-nosed white kid name you've ever heard in your fucking life. Why do you think I go by Kobra?"
"Fair enough." was all Kira had to say. "Personally though, I actually think it's kinda cute, Ben."
Kobra sighed. "Can you please not call me that in front of people?"
Kira laughed and ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair. "Your ego is so fragile…" she said with an affectionate tone.
Kobra couldn't help but crack a smile. "Yeah, I guess so…"
"You fuckers done with this romantic shit?" Nimbus asked rudely. "Because I got a feeling you didn't just come here to see me get knocked on my fucking ass."
"I guess you've got a point," Kobra admitted. "Look, the way things are for the Dragon clans right now, we need all the help we can get. You in?"
"Why don't you ask that Hornbuckle motherfucker that just beat me?" Nimbus asked.
"Simple, I don't know anything about that guy," Kobra explained. "You I can trust. I..I think."
Nimbus laughed. "Aw what the hell…"
"Wait, so Mr. T is in?" No Face asked.
"You got that right sucka," Nimbus confirmed. "Besides, you dumbasses are probably gonna need my fuckin' help if you wanna survive."
Back at Dr. Rotwang's laboratory, Taisa's teleporter had been successfully repaired and the finishing touches were being made on Jarek's cybernetic eyes. He was currently sitting in a chair, his eye sockets completely empty as the doctor continued his work.
"How much longer is this gonna take?" Jarek asked.
"Just a few more moments, I assure you," Rotwang answered. "Patience, my good man."
Suddenly, Tasia teleported into the room. "Well doc, it works."
"As expected, dear Tasia," Rotwang said as he continued to work on Jarek's eyes. "I do only the best work. That is, provided you can afford my price."
"Yeah…" Jarek started. "About that…"
"Has the Black Dragon hit upon hard times?" Rotwang asked.
"Do you even have to ask?" was all Jarek said.
"Jarek honey, I got this." Tasia assured.
"I'm not your husb-"
Before Jarek could finish, Tasia had unsheathed her katanas and now had them around Rotwang's neck in an "X" position.
"You're gonna fix our shit for free, and I won't cut your fucking head off," Tasia explained. "You got that, assface?"
"Yes, I think you've painted a quite clear picture," Rotwang assured. "Very well. In fact, I've just finished."
Tasia lowered her swords.
Rotwang sat up and walked over to Jarek, carefully placing the cybernetic eyes into his eye sockets. Moments later, they came online.
"Finally, I can see again!" Jarek proclaimed.
"About time," Tasia said annoyedly. "Now c'mon, let's get the fuck outta here."
"Now, I would warn against stretching the limits of the teleporter device," advised Rotwang. "Long-range uses can be rather draining, I would recommend making only short-distance ju-"
Before he could finish, Tasia pressed a few buttons on her gauntlet and teleported herself and Jarek to the Red Dragon base.
"Right then…" Rotwang said to himself. "I will simply claim payment later."
Back at said base, the human-dragon hybridization process was already nearing completion. The whirring of machinery, crackling of electricity, and screams and roars as Virgo adjusted to this new state of being were dying down. Eventually, it all ceased completely, the steam coming off of the machinery obscuring much of the room.
"Virgo, are you…?" Tremor asked, before seeing her silhouette step out from the steam.
Patches of skin were replaced by red scales, the remaining human skin also carrying a slightly reddish hue. Sharp, bony protrusions jutting out from the sides of her arms and legs as well as just behind her ears. Her eyes now carried a bright yellow glow, as did the inside of her mouth and throat, hinting at the fire that burned within, which subsided gradually as her core temperature adjusted. Her fingers now ended in black talons, far sharper than human nails.
"Are you….alright?" Tremor questioned.
Virgo wasn't entirely sure how to answer him. She wasn't in any pain, per say, now that the process had concluded. But she certainly felt…..different. Almost as if she were no longer human. The sensation wasn't entirely describable, but she presumed it would pass eventually.
"I….I'm fine." She answered uneasily.
Daegon approached her with a confident grin. "I believe we can call this test a resounding success."
"What exactly has been done to me?" Virgo asked.
"Doctor Zane, I leave that to you to explain," Daegon said to his geneticist, who nodded in response. "I have other matters to attend to."
"Which are?" Tremor asked.
"Strategizing," Daegon answered. "My sources outside of Earthrealm tell me that Raiden has started making his moves. We must be ready to disrupt whatever plans he might have, particularly in Outworld. Should he consolidate his power by removing all other threats to his vision, he will have a far easier time destroying both our clans, especially worrisome since he's come so close already."
"Jarek and Tasia will want to be involved." Tremor pointed out.
"As would I, as Black Dragon Operations Coordinator." Virgo added.
"I fully intend to keep them both in the loop," Daegon assured. "From there, they can pass on all relevant information to the rest of you Black Dragons."
Just as Daegon went to leave, the advanced doors of the base slid open, revealing the recently returned Jarek and Tasia.
"Good, just the Black Dragons I was looking for," said Daegon.
"We have much to discuss."