A SOLDIER's Pride

"Even if the morrow is barren of promises...nothing shall forestall my return." Genesis Rhapsodos, Ex-SOLDIER 1st Class ((Independent FFVII:CC RP Blog - I own nothing unless stated otherwise)) ((Multiverse/Multiship)) ((Selective)) ((Please read rules page before interaction)) ((May be NSFW)) ((Sidebar image credit to Rueme))

[prideofasoldier]

☼

[prideofasoldier]

Cauterized || Closed with ToRewindTime

[prideofasoldier]

torewindtime:

prideofasoldier:

{☼} – 

            Without hesitation, the SOLDIER tossed himself onto his bed face-first. It had been a long day and it took little to no time at all for him to drift into the bliss of sleep. He didn’t waste time getting dressed - simply passed out in his towel and slept for as long as he could.

While Genesis slept in nothing more than a towel Xeha scoped out the kitchen to see what he did or didn’t have. He’s been gone for a while, so he honestly didn’t have much. So it looked like they were having takeout tonight. Xeha ordered some food and set the delivery for a bit later in the evening to give Genesis some time to sleep.

{☼} -- 

            By the time he woke the room, previously having been lit by natural light, was beginning to slide into darkness. Clearly he’d been out for some time. As he slowly returned to consciousness he worked out that it must have been at the very least three or four hours. His towel, long since having been removed during the shifting sleep, lay on the floor beside his bed. Moving to stand with as fluid a motion as possible, and ignoring the pain he felt in his joints, the SOLDIER began to dress and slowly made his way out of the room.

[alannasroleplaymemes-moved]

Tell My Muse What You Want To Do To Them On Anon.

I don’t care if it’s cute, sexual, or violent. Just do it!

[deathwalksamongarchive]

god of war (2018) starters

❝  long way from home, aren’t you?  ❞ ❝  why do you even care? you could have just walked away.  ❞ ❝  i almost feel bad for you.  ❞ ❝  i can tell you a thing or two about family matters.  ❞      ❝  lucky for you, my schedule’s wide open.  ❞ ❝  they’re gonna be sorry they picked this fight.  ❞ ❝  i heard you. it’s not up for discussion.  ❞ ❝  i will rain down agony, every possible violation, upon you.  ❞ ❝  um, alright…that hurt a little.  ❞ ❝  you think you understand, but you don’t.  ❞ ❝  didn’t you hear that? voices. it felt…evil.  ❞ ❝  you do not want this fight.  ❞ ❝  truth is more important than kindness.  ❞ ❝  i know every corner of these lands, every language spoken, every war waged, every deal struck.  ❞ ❝  it should have been you. you hear me? you. not her.  ❞ ❝  only use this as a last resort.  ❞ ❝  deny it all you want, but you saved me.  ❞ ❝  you don’t want me and you never will.  ❞ ❝  they do not stop us, so they do not concern us.  ❞ ❝  only time you talk to me is when you need something.  ❞ ❝  that doesn’t mean you should lie to your friends or family.  ❞ ❝  will i see you again?  ❞ ❝  don’t leave me alone ever again.  ❞      ❝  you see in the eyes of a child.  ❞ ❝  i know you hate gods but you really can’t stay away from them, can you?  ❞ ❝  you are in your head. let it go.  ❞ ❝  it is wise to be discreet.  ❞ ❝  you are right…i do not believe you.  ❞ ❝  the power of any weapon comes from your heart…but only when tempered by your head.  ❞ ❝  wow, you’re so stupid. that your father’s doing? or your mother’s?  ❞ ❝  will we see people on the road? friendly? will they try to rob us?  ❞ ❝  smells like rotting eggs. is it still good?  ❞ ❝  you’ve only killed those deserving, right?  ❞ ❝  you’re sounding more like your father by the minute.  ❞ ❝  that thing was trying to kill us. it’s not like you don’t get angry in a fight.  ❞ ❝  leave. my. home.  ❞ ❝  you killed against my wishes.  ❞ ❝  it’s all you talk about, over and over. do something about it or shut up.  ❞ ❝  behind you, watch out!  ❞ ❝  don’t know, don’t care.  ❞ ❝  this used to be a challenge.  ❞ ❝  this place feels like a prison.  ❞ ❝  it feels like something is waiting for us down here.  ❞ ❝  don’t be sorry. be better.  ❞ ❝  kill for survival, not for indulgence.  ❞ ❝  can’t believe you’ve lasted this long.  ❞ ❝  in war, a soldier sees beauty in the blood of his enemy.  ❞ ❝  the winds of fate have given us a strange coincidence.  ❞ ❝  close your heart to their desperation. close your heart to their suffering.  ❞ ❝  you’ve had to kill people before, haven’t you? you’re used to it.  ❞ ❝  why do you say nothing?  ❞ ❝  you’ve seen it with your own eyes. you can’t hurt me. nothing can.  ❞ ❝  anger can be a weapon if you control it.  ❞ ❝  whatever it is you seek, i do not have it. you should move on.  ❞ ❝  when they find you - and they will - they’ll make things difficult.  ❞ ❝  there is one unavoidable truth you will never escape: you cannot change.  ❞ ❝  only time you talk to me is when you need something.  ❞ ❝  we do what me must to survive.  ❞ ❝  follow down this path and head for daylight.  ❞ ❝  heh. thought you’d be bigger.  ❞ ❝  you have a knack for ominous statemants.  ❞ ❝  just tell me what i want to know! no need for this to get bloody.  ❞ ❝  we all gotta take responsibility sometime, huh?  ❞ ❝  that was a waste of a perfectly good apple.  ❞ ❝  you think i’m weak, because i’m not like you.  ❞ ❝  but…you told me never to go down there.  ❞ ❝  you know, i really hoped i’d never see this place again.  ❞ ❝  until our journey is over, one of us must remain focused.   ❞ ❝  you must be better than me. understand?  ❞ ❝  did something change? the forest feels different now.  ❞ ❝  with power comes a big choice. you serve yourself or you serve others.  ❞ ❝  do not mistake my silence for lack of grief.  ❞ ❝  we are not men. we are more than that.  ❞ ❝  i know i was never what you wanted.  ❞ ❝  mourn how you wish. leave me to my own.  ❞ ❝  hurry! i’m slipping.  ❞ ❝  do not allow yourself to feel for them. they do not feel for you.  ❞ ❝  do not concern yourself with what might be. focus on what is.  ❞ ❝  we do as we please. no excuses.  ❞ ❝  your father can kill. are you going to be able to do that?  ❞ ❝  accuracy over speed.  ❞ ❝  you left me here. again. why don’t you care?  ❞ ❝  what, you want a hug?  ❞ ❝  finish what you started.  ❞ ❝  you know, for someone so strong, you worry a lot.  ❞ ❝  you are hunting deer - not chasing it.  ❞ ❝  i don’t know you and you don’t know me… don’t seem to want to.  ❞ ❝  killing animals i get. they’re food. but people… they’re just trying to survive too.  ❞ ❝  do you hear that? it sounds like someone screaming.  ❞ ❝  i’m going to cut off your head now.  ❞ ❝  it’s…it’s still alive.  ❞ ❝  we are here because of you. never forget that.  ❞ ❝  do not speak again.  ❞ ❝  your anger…you can get lost in it.  ❞ ❝  you don’t have to be the smartest man in the world to see that.  ❞ ❝  we’ve come so far. there has to be a way.  ❞ ❝  don’t you see? they never gave up hope. and neither should we.  ❞ ❝  you can change your path. it’s not too late.  ❞ ❝  i’ve been to many strange places… but this is a new one.  ❞ ❝  oh, cut it out, princess. you’re gonna get me all weepy.  ❞ ❝  you are too quick to temper. you a rash, insubordinate and out of control.  ❞ ❝  the path ahead is difficult and you are not ready.  ❞ ❝  you are not ready - stay back.  ❞ ❝  think i’m afraid of you?! you’re nothing to me.  ❞ ❝  stay by me. touch nothing.  ❞ ❝  you were gone for so long i thought that you…  ❞      ❝  you will always be a monster.  ❞ ❝  look at me! look at me!  ❞ ❝  you are going to have to kill me for that to happen.  ❞ ❝  can you kill something that big?  ❞ ❝  on our journey we will be attacked by all manner of creature.  ❞ ❝  so we’re gonna go toward the creepy singing?  ❞ ❝  why are there two beds in there?  ❞ ❝  slow down. your haste will cost us.  ❞ ❝  i warned you. you would not listen.  ❞ ❝  no, wait…i’m not giving up. i just…have to catch my breath.  ❞ ❝  well, this is it. it’s been an honor.  ❞ ❝  you left me alone to fight.  ❞ ❝  are you the last of your family too?  ❞ ❝  my mother made it for me.  ❞ ❝  fight until we stop or we are dead.  ❞ ❝  the last in his realm of all this kind and you shoot him.  ❞ ❝  come. no looking back now.  ❞ ❝  you’re more concerned with their safety than our goal.  ❞ ❝  i don’t think we’re supposed to be in here.  ❞    ❝  i’m…sorry for your loss.  ❞ ❝  i hoped that’d you, out of all the people i’ve faced, would make me feel something.  ❞ ❝  slow and old. you should never have come here.  ❞ ❝  that bow’s a little big for you, isn’t it?  ❞ ❝  earlier you said people might kill us. i’ll kill them if they try.  ❞ ❝  pain we endure. faulty weaponry we do not.  ❞ ❝  let me guess…you’re gonna be smug and say we shouldn’t have got involved.  ❞ ❝  no. you’ve been gone a long, long time!  ❞ ❝  if you try, i’ll try.  ❞ ❝  wow, uh…that was something, that fight.  ❞ ❝  you did not think it was important to tell me?  ❞ ❝  death suits you better.  ❞ ❝  is it dishonorable to grow old?  ❞ ❝  so unclean. so, so unclean.  ❞ ❝  you won’t stop me.  ❞ ❝  and i thought my family was fucked up.  ❞ ❝  i’m strong. i’m smart. i’m not what you think i am.  ❞ ❝  when i require your counsel, i will ask.  ❞ ❝  don’t you know when to give up?  ❞ ❝  listen to me. i can help.  ❞ ❝  you’ve taught me so much. let me teach you something.  ❞ ❝  okay. there are a few gaps in my knowledge.  ❞ ❝  the path you walk. vengeance. you will find no peace.  ❞ ❝  you know i love you. you just can be better. i know you can be.  ❞ ❝  let them go. take me instead.  ❞ ❝  i’ve never felt more alive.  ❞ ❝  no…you’re bleeding.  ❞ ❝  do you have any idea, any idea at all, what you have cost me?  ❞ ❝  i used to dream about getting eaten.  ❞ ❝  relax. do not think of it as an animal. it is simply a target.  ❞ ❝  try to find forgiveness, and we can start something new.  ❞ ❝  there is much about me i won’t have you know.  ❞ ❝  have you ever heard the term “tempting fate?”  ❞ ❝  your memory was a comfort in dark times.  ❞ ❝  she meant more to me than you anyway.  ❞ ❝  you are not yourself.  ❞ ❝  if seeing me dead will make things right, i won’t stop you.  ❞ ❝  i’d bow if i could, your majesty.  ❞ ❝  then we will go home. to give up this easily, so close to the start…  ❞ ❝  only fire when i tell you to fire.  ❞ ❝  not my blood.  ❞ ❝ nobody’s killed a dragon for hundreds of years.  ❞ ❝  are they dead…? oh! not dead! not dead!  ❞ ❝  a dangerous beast. we’ll take him down together.  ❞

[rpsentences]

SENTENCE STARTERS | SKYRIM ( DAEDRIC QUESTS )

❝ You look like someone who can hold their liquor. How about a friendly contest? ❞ ❝ I’d love to help you, truly, but I’m too busy cleaning up your mess! ❞ ❝ You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here. What do you have to say for yourself? ❞ ❝ You really don’t remember stealing a goat and selling her to a Giant? Are you thick? ❞ ❝ Look, I’ve been patient, but you still owe me. ❞ ❝ Darling! I’ve been waiting for you to return…so we can consummate our love! ❞ ❝ Sorry it didn’t work out between you and ____. I know you were excited for the wedding. ❞ ❝ You’re here! I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it! ❞ ❝ I haven’t been so entertained in years! ❞ ❝ Get a hold of yourself! I promise you, they’re just dreams. ❞ ❝ We’re in serious danger, but there’s so little that I can do about it… ❞ ❝ I’ve said too much. If anyone overhears what I’m saying, it could start a panic. ❞ ❝ I won’t lie to you, there is risk involved in this… ❞ ❝ I swear I’ll do everything in my power to prevent harm from befalling you. ❞ ❝ We must remain here and guard this place…with our lives, if necessary. ❞ ❝ You’re a traitor. You left me here to die. ❞ ❝ Is this punishment for my past? Is it your will to torment me so? ❞ ❝ One day, I’ll tear your face apart so that you leave me alone. ❞ ❝ I’ve been waiting for someone as fit as you to carry out my will. ❞ ❝ Your world is admirably steeped in lies and inclinations. ❞ ❝ Sometimes the world can only be cleansed by disease. ❞ ❝ I have been watching you for quite some time. The decisions you make intrigue me. ❞   ❝ I will not stand for betrayal. I want you to kill ____ , in my name.❞ ❝ Your betrayal will be punished, and your obedience will be rewarded. ❞ ❝ An empty pocket is better than a full grave. We should leave. ❞ ❝ I feel the hunger inside you. Gnawing at you. ❞ ❝ It’s alright. I will not shun you for what you are. ❞ ❝ You’ve found a friend who understands you. You can let go of your guilt. ❞ ❝ Why don’t you lay down and rest while I get the meal ready? ❞ ❝ I knew when you walked into this place that you were special. ❞ ❝ Follow me and keep your eyes open. You never know what we might find. ❞ ❝ Fool! Did you think I would so easily reward you? ❞ ❝ I want you to bend your knee and give me your soul. ❞ ❝ Are you here to kill me? To slay me, while I sit here tired and helpless? ❞ ❝ Ah, you mortals and your frail, limp, pathetic bodies. ❞ ❝ When your enemies lie broken and bloodied before you, know that I will be watching. ❞ ❝ Who sent you? Was it ____? We agreed there would be no more questions. ❞ ❝ You are nothing. An empty vapour dispersed by the slightest breeze. ❞ ❝ You have caught my attention. That is most unwise… ❞ ❝ You have proven the strength of your will and your tongue’s gift for lies. ❞   ❝ Are you able to cast aside your honour and strike with the hidden blade? ❞ ❝ I will not give you the dignity of defending yourself. ❞ ❝ You have earned my respect, a feat few manage and live to tell about. ❞   ❝ Why don’t you come in? I have a job you’d be perfect for! ❞ ❝ I don’t declare a winner whilst there is still a pawn on the board. ❞ ❝ You’ve been a worthy tool. Fill the world with destruction in my name. ❞ ❝ What’s your heart’s desire? What kind of deal can we strike? ❞ ❝ It seems a shame to give away a weapon like this, doesn’t it? ❞ ❝ You forget how nice supreme power feels when you’ve been stuck in a cave for years. ❞ ❝ It’s a shame you wished for something so dull…A lack of imagination on your part. ❞ ❝ A lack of ambition like yours really should be punished. ❞   ❝ Your free will is an illusion. ❞ ❝ We cannot carry on this way! We’re doomed if we don’t do something! ❞ ❝ I have no wish to depend upon a stranger, but I have no choice. ❞ ❝ You’re weak, you’re small, and you’re an embarrassment. ❞ ❝ You’re always trying to scheme yourself out of responsibility. ❞ ❝ Your deceitful ways have cost everyone dearly. ❞ ❝ A new day is dawning…and you shall be its herald. ❞ ❝ This wasn’t anything I intended to do, believe me, I just…lost control. ❞ ❝ There’s no purpose in keeping secrets if we’re going to die here anyway. ❞ ❝ I feel the animal inside me, stronger than ever. ❞ ❝ Why does everyone ignore me? Why will no-one help me? ❞   ❝ You are far too hard on yourself, my dear. ❞ ❝ What would people do without you? Dance? Sing? Smile? ❞ ❝ Have you any idea where you are? Where you truly are? ❞ ❝ I’m finally ready to love myself…and continue hating everyone else. ❞ ❝ I find everyone being out to get you so terribly entertaining. ❞ ❝ You wield fear like a cleaver. ❞ ❝ The trouble you can get into while I’m gone simply boggles my mind. ❞

[givemeameme-blog]

Worried Sentence Starters

“Where have you been?” “For all I knew, you had been ambushed!” “I just don’t like it when you disappear.” “What if no one ever notices we’re gone?” “I don’t think I can do this.” “There’s a lot of people between us and that door.” “You’re injured! Sit down!” “What if we don’t have enough money?” “The whole plan is falling to pieces.” “I’ve never done this before.” “You ever get that empty pit feeling in your stomach when you’re nervous?” “I haven’t seen them for three days.” “Are you alright?!”  “Stay down! Don’t let them see you!” “If we get out of this alive, I’m going to kiss you.” “What if it’s not enough power?” “How many times do I have to tell you I’m scared for you?!” “Just for once could you do what you’re told?” “Please don’t go out there.” “I need you here, with me.” “Good luck. Be careful.” “And if time runs out?” “I thought this was meant to be easy.” “If I lose you, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

[veilled-deactivated20160315]

send one for my muse’s reaction to your muse ---

[naru-uzumaki]

veilled :

alternatively send ‘ + ‘ after the symbol for the roles to be reversed where possible !

✘ = hugging them . Δ = playing with their hair .  ❤ = kissing them .  ₪ =  asking them out for dinner . ☀ = giving them a gift of ___ ( asker’s choice ) . ♘ = stabbing them . ♕ = bowing down before them . ♒ = lying to them .   ✿ = buying them flowers . ☾ = being found shirtless . ♢ = reading them a story . ☂ = giving them their jumper to keep warm . ✎ = speaking in a different language . ✏ = teaching them a different language . ▄ = telling them a joke . ♬ = singing to them . ☹ = insulting a loved one . ஐ = slapping them . ✂ = threatening them . ❃ = dancing with them . ▤ = falling asleep on them . ☮ = waking them up after a nightmare .  ♣ = discovering them crying .  回 = patching a wound .  ✮ = stargazing . ▓ = caught stealing their belongings . ☽ = wandering alone at night . ♡ = complimenting them . ≡ = offering a place to stay overnight . ☢ = falling over . ✦ = being well-dressed . ❂ = wiping blood off their face . ◎ = taking care of them while ill . ☁ = being caught in the middle a storm with them . ⇕ = holding their hand . ↱ = being lost with them . ☠ = pushing them against a wall .

[rpmemes-gallery]

Invade my inbox. Flirt with my muse.

[prideofasoldier]

“Even if the morrow a is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return…”

{☼} – Home

{☼} – Ask

{☼} – Rules

[prideofasoldier]

Out of Pride: An Update

I’m feeling like I missed a bunch of replies, so I’m going to go in and check on each of my threads to make sure I didn’t miss anything. 

In the meantime - don’t hesitate to let me know if you wanna start something new! 

Especially those of you who are new!!

[rp-memes-cafe]

Tell me why you followed me and what made you stay.

[prideofasoldier]

venctii:

@prideofasoldier // starter call 

The former Turk  did not always spend his time sleeping within the confines of the coffin…there were times where he had desired to stretch his legs, though far and few in between. He never went to the town, mostly just stayed within the confines of the Shinra Manor…of course when no one was there. Thankfully, in these past years, the Shinra manor wasn’t as occupied as it used to be.

And given that it was in such a state this silent evening, the gunman took this time to head to the research library of the manor, skimming through the various works that lay within and for a time he had thought he was alone…

Of course…with his luck, that was not to be the case. 

Keeping his eyes on the book in his hand, the gunman made no move to turn and face his new guest, but hidden beneath his cloak , his hand rested upon the hilt of Cerberus–

“ …Something you need? “

Calm as stone was his voice, Vincent acknowledged the guest with an almost nonchalant air to him.  

{☼} --

            The SOLDIER slumped against the wall and grit his teeth. The pain in his body was getting unbearable and so he’d fled to the Manor. No one would think to look for him here...why would he be in a Shinra owned building? Let alone an abandoned one. He needed a place to hide and this run down little mansion was a perfect place to figure out how to cure his degradation.

            Running a hand through his hair, now becoming an unsightly mixture between his normal crimson and the deathly off-white that was a result of his affliction, Genesis pushed off the wall and steadied himself against the indescribable pain he felt.

            He’d heard that Shinra had once used this manor for experiments and, given it’s location, he surmised this was likely where his own genetic deformities had been born. It served him well to come here for more than just a base of operations, but it could serve to illuminate the cause and potential cure for his cells.

            Slowly but surely he found his way to the library, but was surprised to find another dressed similarly in red from head to toe shuffling around and, to his surprise, seemed aware of his presence.

            “A great many things, though primarily I would like to know who you are and why you’re here...”

[prideofasoldier]

Cauterized || Closed with ToRewindTime

[prideofasoldier]

torewindtime:

She followed him out of the bathroom, but not into his bedroom. Xeha just leaned against his door frame for a few moments. “All right, I’ll figure something out. Enjoy your nap. I’ll be around when you wake up.” With that she stood up and stretched a little before walking out to one of the other rooms.

{☼} -- 

            Without hesitation, the SOLDIER tossed himself onto his bed face-first. It had been a long day and it took little to no time at all for him to drift into the bliss of sleep. He didn’t waste time getting dressed - simply passed out in his towel and slept for as long as he could.

[prideofasoldier]

~♦~

[prideofasoldier]

holy crap! you're back! i haven't seen you in forever dude! welcome back!

(( Ye. I live. It’s been like....too long since I last was on here but I live. No idea who you are anon, but I am pleased to be remembered ))

[prideofasoldier]

xmisericors:

“ You would not be the first to stare, but I do not think I mind having those gorgeous blues’ following me.” Angela winked, then returned to her soldiers at hand. Instructions were given in quick words in German, followed by the doctor packing her gear back onto her person. A few glances between each other finished the interaction and Angela turned to Genesis. The soldiers immediately began their trek back home.

“ I appreciate the offer but no one shall be dying today. Not while I am here. Now do not let that concussion grow worse, yes? See your doctor immediately and perhaps take the next few days off. I can cure most ails but I am not a miracle worker. ” Angela turned to go, but quickly stopped herself. Half-turning back to the stranger.

“ I will visit again. I promise. Perhaps we can chat on less strict terms. You must wait for me. I want to know more of this ‘magic’ you seem to harness.” A stunning smile as she continued to follow her soldiers, wings seemingly keeping her afloat. 

{☼} --

            Well this was amusing. To find a woman who could match him for wit and still be practical at the same time. If he wasn’t mistaken he’d just received an order of flirtation with a side of medical advice. Not everyday he ran into that, though he was sure it wasn’t necessary to point out the amusing nature of their little...exchange.

            “If that’s a promise, then it’s one I certainly hope to hold you to. A conversation with you is something more than worth waiting for.” She’d left him with more than a few questions of his own after their interesting, yet brief, introduction.

            “In exchange for me explaining my magic, I fully expect to hear more about where it is you’re from that you’ve never heard of magic to begin with. And that accent...” It was something completely new to him - and as someone who had travelled the world..?

            Regardless, he watched her recede from sight with her crew and wondered when he would next get the chance to speak with her. In the meantime, he turned on his heel and began to march back to the city to take her advice and take a day off.

[prideofasoldier]

Aftermath || Closed with Misericorsmxrtyris

[prideofasoldier]

misericorsmxrtyris:

“You? You think she made you into a WEAPON?”  She never saw him that way. She thought this was his redemption, a second chance at life. His perception is different. He doesn’t see himself as a person, but as a weapon that wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice his life for the Planet. She has no other words. Maybe what Genesis said was true. 

The heaviness in the atmosphere weighs on her with this revelation. Part of her wants to say it isn’t true but is it? Is her denial just from knowing the pain of being seen as an object? Is denying his claim to be nothing more than a WEAPON just her guilt of not knowing what the Goddess thinks? Thoughts are cut short with his words. Nostalgia hits her right away.

“That line.” 

Harmony shifts to her feet.  “It’s been forever since I heard that. I…I almost forgot about how it goes. I used to read it so many times.” She says with a laugh. It dies as quickly as it came. Harmony looks to the sky, watching the clouds floating away. Carefree, free from the troubles on earth. Free from the chains of duties and of fighting. Always fighting just for the Planet to live another day.  “Genesis, Do you see yourself as human?”  

{☼} --

            He scoffs at her question. What an ironic thing to ask. Does he see himself as human? He’d come to terms with the answer to that question so long ago in the aftermath of a revelation that had changed his entire perception of himself, his job, his parents, and life itself. And it was such a simple answer too, so easy to reconcile.

            “No.”

            The word was spoken with a singular distaste. One word carrying nearly a decade of anger, pain, and torment. He hadn’t been human since the day Hollander had implanted those damn genes into his body. He’d lost what little humanity he’d had left that day in the training room when his cells began to mutate and die.

            He could sprout a wing with feathers so black they rivaled obsidian and turn any human being into a genetic clone simply by touching them. Those were not human powers. Those were not human traits. He knew exactly what it was and it was the one thing he truly knew in his life.

            “I’m a monster. Intelligent, attractive, maybe even sophisticated; but a monster nonetheless.” There was no other word for it.