Najicablitz
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Monsters Among Men Chapter 2
🕑 Added 2025-01-24 13:16:31 +0000 UTC"Ahh~ You're so beautiful~. Don't worry; it is almost finished. You will be able to awaken soon."
I can't stop staring at my creation in awe. After countless hours of painstaking research and studying genetics, it's finally come to life. I took a common lizard as the foundation and edited its DNA, growing it and splicing in the genetic material of various other animals. It was a complex and costly endeavor, so I had to take on some "side businesses" to fund the project. But it was all worth it - my creation, which I've named Talon, is a marvel to behold.
The way the scales shift and shimmer as it moves is simply mesmerizing. I can see the power coiled within its muscular frame, ready to be unleashed. Its eyes gleam with a keen intelligence that belies its reptilian nature. I feel a surge of pride knowing that I'm the one who brought this incredible creature into existence.
As Talon lets out a low, rumbling growl, I can't help but smile. My vision has become a reality, and it is magnificent.
When I first started this project, I had considered the possibility of it going on a rampage. During my early experiments, I mixed the DNA of a lizard and a rat, creating a creature about the size of my palm that moved only on pure instinct.
Those initial trials were a mixed bag. Most ended up with similar results - small, mindless beasts driven solely by their primal urges. I tried increasing the size of their brains, which helped a bit, making them less reliant on instinct. But their intelligence was still quite limited.
I tried splicing in some human DNA, hoping it would make the creature more intelligent. And it did help - the thing's cognitive abilities were a bit better than the earlier experiments. But it still had the mental capacity of a newborn baby. Not exactly what I was going for.
"Welcome back! Welcome back!"
I turn to see one of my earlier creations. "Hey there, Cliff."
Cliff is a unique specimen - a fusion of lizard, parrot, and human DNA that I created during one of my experiments before. Four scaly legs, two vibrant wings, and a touch of human intelligence in those beady eyes. A real marvel of modern science, if I do say so myself.
"How's it going, buddy?" I ask, reaching out to give his feathered head a gentle scratch. Cliff lets out a contented chirp, nuzzling my hand. "Miss me while I was out?"
My little avian-reptilian hybrid tilts his head curiously, as if pondering the question. Then, with a flap of his wings, he hops up onto my shoulder, settling there comfortably. I chuckle, giving his back a few affectionate pats.
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Eddie, Cliff wants food, food!"
I chuckle and head over to Cliff's enclosure, retrieving a few dead mice and some hard-boiled eggs.
"Here you go, little buddy. Eat up."
Cliff's beady eyes light up as I place the food in front of him.
"Ooh, yum yum! Cliff likes mice and eggs!" He snatches up the mice eagerly, gulping them down with relish. Then he pecks at the eggs, letting out contented chirps between bites.
"Mmm, so good! Eddie, thank you!" Cliff says, his voice a delightful mix of parrot-like squawks and childlike wonder.
"You're welcome, Cliff."
I gaze upon Talon with a surge of pride. After countless failed experiments, this reptilian creature is my greatest creation yet. I combined the DNA of a lizard, human, and various other animals to craft this marvel.
While Talon lacks advanced intelligence and consciousness, that was intentional. I'm currently making a device that will allow me to transfer my own consciousness into him. Once complete, I will be able to control Talon directly, fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a monster.
I've already installed a special receiver on Talon's brain, ready to interface with my consciousness transfer device. The anticipation builds as I imagine experiencing the world through the eyes of my creation, wielding its formidable strength and capabilities as my own.
This is the culmination of my obsession with creatures like Godzilla and King Kong. No longer will I simply admire them from afar - I will become one with my own monstrous creation, blurring the line between man and beast. The possibilities are thrilling to contemplate.
Soon, Talon and I will be one. My dream is finally within reach.
Bzz Bzz
I suddenly got a notification from my phone.
[Mom: Hey Eddie, how are you doing?]
I glance down at the text message from my mom, a small smile tugging at my lips.
[Eddie: Doing okay, Mom.]
[Just working on some...projects.]
My parents don't need to know the details of my genetic engineering experiments or the monster I've created. I'd rather keep them in the dark.
Talon lets out a rumbling growl, and I turn my attention back to my masterpiece. "Don't worry, big guy. You'll be up and running soon enough."
I turn my attention to the device I've been working on - a helmet-like apparatus with a sleek visor. This is the device that will merge my consciousness with Talon's body.
I've been studying the human brain, fascinated by the idea of transferring my mind to another body. At first, I thought about turning my own body into a monster, but that's far too risky. The testing would require human experiments, which is just too unethical for me. And finding willing subjects would be a major challenge. I'm already struggling to hide my current experiments from the people close to me.
Grabbing a screwdriver, I carefully tinker with the inner workings of the device, making final adjustments. The intricate circuitry and wiring must be perfectly calibrated to ensure a seamless transfer.
"Eddie, Eddie! Cliff wants to help!" my feathered companion squawks, hopping around my workspace.
"Not now, Cliff," I murmur, gently shooing him away. "I need to focus."
Cliff tilts his head, blinking his beady eyes curiously. "But Cliff can help! Cliff is smart!"
I chuckle and give Cliff a reassuring pat. "I know, buddy. But this is delicate work. I don't want any accidents."
Cliff lets out a disappointed chirp but obediently flutters to a nearby perch, watching me intently. I return my attention to the consciousness-transferring device, carefully tightening a few more connections. The final piece is almost in place.
I tighten the last connection on the device, finally completing my masterpiece. I grin as I admire the sleek, futuristic design - the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E., as I've named it. Subconscious Yielding and Neural Action Point Synchronization Engine. The key to merging my consciousness with Talon.
With a flourish, I set the helmet-like device aside, running my fingers over the smooth surface.
"Time to take you for a test run, big guy." I turn to Talon, my creation, my future.
Cliff chirps excitedly from his perch, hopping up and down. "Ooh, Cliff wants to try too! Can Cliff be a monster too?"
I chuckle and give the little hybrid a gentle pat. "Not this time, buddy. But who knows, maybe I'll make you an even bigger, scarier monster someday." Cliff lets out a delighted squawk at the prospect.
Facing Talon once more, I feel a surge of anticipation.
"Alright, let's do this." I pick up the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. and slowly lower it onto my head, securing it in place.
I start the mind transfer sequence on the computer. "Alright, here we go." The transfer will begin in 10 seconds. I watch the countdown tick down, my heart racing with excitement.
"This is it, Talon. Time to become one." The massive creature rumbles in response, its eyes gleaming with an almost eager anticipation.
Cliff chirps from the side, hopping up and down on his perch. "Exciting, so exciting!"
I just hope the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. won't fry my brain. The countdown hits zero.
"Here we go."
I take a deep breath and lower the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. helmet onto my head. For a moment, everything fades to black as the device activates.
I open my eyes, feeling like I'm drifting in midair. Everything seems muted and my body responds sluggishly. As my vision clears, I wonder if the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. experiment was a success. I find myself suspended in some kind of liquid, which gradually drains away. The tube enclosing me releases, and I collapse onto the floor.
I try to move my body, but it responds sluggishly. Gritting my teeth, I manage to stand up, my claws scraping against the floor.
Wait... claws?
Glancing down, I see my front limbs are long and scaly, tipped with sharp talons. Turning to a nearby reflective surface, I gaze upon my form, standing on my four feet, staring back at me. A surge of exhilaration rushes through me - the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. experiment was a success! I've transferred my consciousness into Talon's body. Nearby, I spot my original human form sleeping in a chair, the headset still attached.
I hear a familiar chirping sound and turn to see Cliff approaching. The small hybrid creature cocks his head and asks,
"Cliff wonders, is Eddie inside?" I nod, a rumbling growl escaping my new reptilian form. Cliff lets out an excited squawk, his wings fluttering.
"Yay, Cliff is so happy!"
I examine my clawed hands, marveling at the power contained within this body. My senses feel heightened, and I can detect the various scents in the lab. Glancing around, I take in the details of Talon's form, testing the range of motion in my limbs. Though I cannot speak, I express my awe through a series of low growls.
I notice my eyesight is much better, and I can see in the dark with ease. Glancing around, the details of the lab come into sharp focus. Curious, I spot a wooden plank nearby. Gripping it in my clawed hand, I give it a firm bite, feeling it crack and splinter under the power of my jaws. The wood breaks apart, and I let the pieces fall to the floor, impressed by my own strength.
I want to test Talon's movements. It's already night, so I'll be less likely to be spotted if I go out. The lab's connected to the abandoned subway system when I first started making. I head to the tunnels, seeing the long stretch ahead. Thanks to the night vision, I can see everything clearly.
I take a few steps forward, feeling the weight and power of this new body. My clawed feet grip the ground effortlessly as I pick up speed, testing the limits of Talon's agility. The tunnel walls blur past as I bound down the tracks, my reptilian senses heightened. I can smell the damp air, hear the distant dripping of water, and feel the vibrations of the ground beneath me.
Reaching the end of the tunnel, I pause, my tail swishing back and forth. Glancing around, I spotted a manhole and went to the surface.
I exit to a secluded alleyway, making sure nobody's around. Emerging from the tunnels, I spot the four-story building next to me and start climbing. No need for my claws - the tiny hairs on the soles of my feet, like those found in lizards and spiders, use Van der Waals forces to let me scale any surface with ease.
The building's rough exterior provides plenty of grip as I ascend, my movements quick and effortless. Reaching the rooftop, I pause to take in the city skyline, the lights twinkling in the distance. A light breeze ruffles my scales, and I relish the freedom of being up high, away from prying eyes.
Crouching low, I scan the area, alert for any signs of activity. Satisfied that I'm alone, I leap across the gap to the next building, my powerful legs launching me through the air. I land gracefully, the impact barely registering, and continue my rooftop journey, testing the limits of Talon's agility.
I land on the building's rooftop, my claws gripping the rough surface with ease. A surge of exhilaration rushes through me.
Throwing back my head, I let out a mighty roar that echoes across the city skyline.
I saw the hero approaching and quickly hugged the wall, my skin's pigmentation shifting to match the surface. Thanks to the chameleon DNA I'd added to Talon's genetic makeup, I blended seamlessly into the environment.
The hero arrived, his spring-like arms and feet propelling him in a yellow spandex suit. He looked around, but found nothing.
"Was I imagining things? Must have been the wind."
I drop my camouflage, sighing in relief as the hero leaps away. I got too excited and rushed things - if I'm spotted, it'll only mean trouble. Dropping down from the rooftop, I stick to the dark alleyways, keeping a low profile.
I suddenly felt my movements becoming sluggish. There was a delay when I wanted to move my body, and I could feel Talon's primal instincts creeping up. What was happening?
Damn, the signal to the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. must be weakening. The range to my body is too far, which is weakening the connection. I wanted to test more of Talon's capabilities, but I guess I'll have to call it a day.
After spotting a manhole, I quickly returned to the underground tunnels and headed back to the lab.
I stand on the platform where Talon's body was previously. The tube surrounds me again, and liquid starts flooding the tube. I close my eyes as the transfer sequence starts, feeling the familiar sensations of my consciousness returning to my original body.
The tube releases, and I collapse onto the floor, pulling off the headset. Cliff comes bounding over, his little wings fluttering excitedly.
"Eddie! You're back! Again!"
I give Cliff a gentle pat, relief washing over me. "Yeah, buddy. The transfer went well, and I got to test out Talon's capabilities a bit more before returning."
"Did you have fun exploring?"
I chuckle. "You could say that. Talon's body is incredible - the strength, the agility, the senses. I couldn't resist pushing the limits a little." I flex my fingers, still feeling the phantom sensation of the powerful claws. "But the connection started to weaken, so I had to cut it short. Guess I'll have to work on extending the range next time."
"Ooh, can Cliff come with you next time? Pleeeease?"
I consider it for a moment, then nod. "I don't see why not. Just as long as you promise to stay out of trouble." I give him a playful poke, and he squeaks in delight.
"Yay! Cliff can't wait!" He flutters up to perch on my shoulder, his tiny talons gripping my shirt.
Cliff flutters away, returning to his cozy enclosure. I watch him go, a proud smile tugging at my lips.
Turning my attention to Talon's body, I run a battery of tests, meticulously checking each system. The scans come back clean - no issues detected. I let out a sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders easing.
"Looks like everything's working as it should," I murmur, marveling at the sheer power and potential of this creation. My dream has finally been realized. Talon may not be perfect, but the foundation is solid. This is just the beginning.
I can't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me. There's so much more I can do, so many other DNA strains to explore and incorporate. Talon won't be the last of its kind. I'll need to work on improving the range of the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. technology, but the possibilities are endless.
Clenching my fists, I can still feel the phantom sensation of Talon's powerful claws. The strength, the agility, the heightened senses - it's all there, waiting to be unleashed. I can't wait to see what other marvels I can create, what new boundaries I can push.
The future is bright, and I'm just getting started.
I place my palm against the glass tube, gazing at Talon's hulking form within. "We're finally on the starting line, buddy."
Talon rumbles in response, the deep growl vibrating through the liquid. Even without a true consciousness, I can sense his eagerness - this is what I've been working towards all along.
I research more DNA strains that could enhance Talon's capabilities. Some are hard to come by in the city, but I don't need to rush. I also look into ways to improve the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. signal's range. I may need to build my own signal boosters or find methods to move Talon through the city without being detected.
I researched late into the night, until I finally dozed off at my desk.
Something wet and rough suddenly licks my cheek, and my eyes snap open to see Cliff hovering beside me, his tiny tongue darting out.
"Ugh, Cliff! What are you doing?" I groan, wiping my face.
"Late! You're going to be late!" Cliff chirps, his little wings fluttering anxiously.
"Late?" I glance at the clock and my eyes widen. "Crap, I'm going to be late!"
I hurry to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face and quickly changing into a fresh set of clothes. Grabbing a slice of bread, I shove it in my mouth as I rush to the door, where I hear Miyuki's familiar knock.
"Eddie! Are you awake?"
"Just a sec, I'm coming!" I call, pulling open the door with my shirt still half-buttoned.
Miyuki's eyes widen at my disheveled appearance. "Wow, you look like you had a rough night. Did you stay up too late watching that documentary again?"
"Uh, yeah, something like that." I chuckle sheepishly, shoving the last bite of bread in my mouth. "Come on, we'd better get going or we'll be late."
Miyuki shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Mou, you really need to work on your sleep schedule, Eddie."
I trudge alongside Miyuki, struggling to keep my eyes open. Without her by my side, I'd likely be stumbling through the streets, half-asleep.
