3: Hybrid Born, Fusion Complete

Do you still not understand these things that I speak to you, the beast questioned. No, I mean yes, I mean… I don't know, this is all so new to me, Rouche responded. I still can't understand where you came from, or how you were infected into my mind. But Jack, I am a part of you, how can't you understand that? I'm in your DNA, in every fiber of your being. Those scientists, as you call them, merely put me where I would be better suited. That subject was you, and now we are one, so what is so bad about that? There's nothing bad about it, its just all so new to me, and I fear what I have become might have people fear and hate me. I didn't take this test to become an outcast in society. Then what did you take it for? I don't know!! Stop questioning me, OK? I'm still trying to adjust to you, no less this transformation. I don't even know how to change back into my human self. All you have to do is will it, that is the basis of all things Jack. Will power spawns determination, and determination is what spawned competitiveness. Competition is what spurs beings to fight. That, dear friend, is why instincts were evolved into every living being on this planet, though some faster than others. How do you know this? You think that all I am is just DNA, injected into you for enhancement? No, I have evolved into much more than that. Why do you think that you failed at your first attempt, why your energy was depleted so fast? They said it was because my body wasn't prepared for the power. No, no, no, no, it wasn't that at all, I was merely testing your body for myself, and unfortunately it wasn't up to my liking. What I did like, however, was that it spurred me into combining with your natural brainwaves, creating the being that speaks to you now. But that's not possible!?! Oh Jack, anything is possible, it's just that people agree to void out what they can't believe to be true. That is why the world is in the state it is. Humans were meant to live with animals in peace, but when man got greedy, animals retaliated, forming a living barrier, causing some sympathetic humans to try to protect us. Now, through mutation, zoanthropes have appeared, and again, humans fear the results. That is why humans constantly have the urge to fight, so they can see that they are dominant in a world that merely wants equality. Do you understand now Jack? Yes… I..I think I'm starting to understand where you come in to play too. Very good, you have achieved the first goal and have gained my approval. Now rest my friend, for these humans wish to know how you are. Relax yourself, and you will revert back to human form. Slow your breathing and relax your muscles, that's it.

Slowly Jack listened to his beast and relaxed his muscles and slowed his breathing. He felt the rush of adrenaline fading from his system. He suddenly felt weak and his legs quivered. Black consumed his peripheral vision as he collapsed to the floor. His face greeted the faded gray tile with warm embrace, as blood mingled with sweat and his consciousness shifted. He knew this feeling all too well, as images soon began to appear throughout the vast void of the mind. At first fearful, he had grown somewhat accustomed to this feeling. His beast had revealed to him a world that only fools chose to ignore. He would now see things in a new light, and the world as it knew him would have to adjust to his needs. Yes, he now had power, and it would be used as he saw fit, not as some government official saw fit. Besides, how could they stop him…?

As days passed, and the final tests were issued, Rouche was finally let go back into society. The analysts had told him that all statistics pointed to green, and though they still couldn't find a valid enough reason for his sudden chemical change in his brain, they assumed it would return to normal after being re-introduced into the real world. And so Jack Rouche left this dark place, left this evil and proceeded to try to live a new life.

* * *

Three years later

Two years was what it had taken for his mind to accept his inner beast for its entirety. He finally realized all it had begun to show him in his days as a guinea pig. This third year was just testing his powers, for the two years had taken a huge mental strain on him. But now he, as well as Draedgo as his inner beast wished to be known, felt the need to pursue other stakes, attempting to rid the world of all these prejudices against himself, as well the other zoanthropes throughout the world. He knew exactly how to do it too. If one were to take out key officials in the political ladder, one by one a chain reaction would start. Zoanthropes would then be able to have less prejudice pressured upon them, and maybe this would change man's outlook upon zoanthropes. Judgement had been clouded in fear. In order to clear this judgement, fear must be removed, leaving way for intricate thoughts to develop. The thoughts would then spread, much like a wildfire, and soon the world would realize its error. Yes, the world must be proved wrong, not one or two people. One thing remained a problem though, for zoanthropes with more twisted minds than he lurked about. They wished the total end of human kind. Eliminating all traces of their former history, their former lives and family. Draedgo would not deem this fit, though, for as twisted as he may be, their purpose was beyond his reasoning. He only wished to have equality, even if it meant starting over, but he did not wish genocide of the entire human race.

Therefore, Rouche constantly ran the plan over and over in his head. Draedgo was his guide, and the first step was to eliminate the top threat. Keshra Gailbo proved to be such a threat, as his anti-zoanthrope organization proved to be growing in immeasurable strength. Even the great Alan Gado was having troubles delaying his plans. If he helped his fellow zoanthrope, he would gain clout and be able to move up on the influence scale. Yes Rouche, he is the prime target. Eliminate him first. Show him that some zoanthropes are worse than he fears. Pain beyond suffering awaits you Gailbo, and I shall be your only savior, sent to release you from your life here on Earth. With mission in hand, Rouche located the nearest hotel to Gailbo's residence, and completed the first phase of his plan. Dragging his nearly limp body to the warm and serene bed, he felt himself drift away from his troubles and drift into the sweet embrace known as the dream realm. Soon, he thought, I will slowly become the single most powerful and influential zoanthrope since Gado himself. But… for now…… I need… to.. rest.