Early September 2121

Tokage pushed through the crowd, knocking people aside in his desperate rush towards the operating doors. I watched with concern as he pounded on the large metal door, his screams muffled by sobs of despair. Something was clearly wrong if Tokage, usually so composed, sought Okamura's help with such desperation.

I refrained from further investigation, wary of the Burūto name's sting. Retreating from the crowded corridors, I shut out the cacophony within my cell. The gray metal walls enclosed my thoughts in frustration and hopelessness as I stared at my own pale reflection. Instead of our usual meals, we had been given supplement pills earlier, which I obediently swallowed. I couldn't shake the feeling that these pills had upset Tokage somehow.

Three long weeks had passed since our imprisonment began. Routine had settled over us like a suffocating blanket of despair. I hadn't spoken to Milly in weeks. Everything felt like it was falling apart.

Every day, I was scheduled for a three-hour workout in the gym. Okamura was preparing us for something ominous, something akin to war.

I recalled my conversation with Ness just two days ago. She had hinted that whatever awaited us was imminent. Tokage and Arimizu had kept to themselves during these three weeks. Howaida avoided interaction, except with Sarura, who seemed comfortable chatting with the women in the facility, especially Howaida and Milly. Risutto remained aloof, muttering to himself while privately jotting down notes on the other captives. Okamina rarely left her cell, often banging her large head against the brick wall; some speculated she was trying to create an escape route. The Konchū twins had reluctantly started serving us lunch, with Lune showing apparent displeasure while Kumo took pride in his role.

Everyone tried to maintain normality, or what passed for it in our confined world. My own time for whatever awaited loomed closer. I felt a sense of impending change, like the unfolding of a wing. I had once dreamed of escaping my mundane life, but I now realized how extraordinary it had been. Unexpectedly, I found myself longing for home, a place I never thought I'd miss.

"Why does Number Ten isolate himself? This is the fourth time this week, and it's only half past noon," a deep voice cut through the tense air in the room.

"Ten has been a loner since birth," another voice responded, prompting confusion among many in the assembly.

"If you bothered to read the patient profiles, you'd know that Number Ten's name is Kati Benjamin Aomori, the last of his lineage and the rightful leader of this very territory. Abandoned as a child, he was raised by elderly caregivers until he discovered his true identity and set off on a journey of self-discovery—he's always faced his challenges alone. Instead of betting on transformations, perhaps read the memos and reports for once," the voice continued, growing visibly frustrated. With a dramatic flourish, he slammed profiles and backgrounds onto the table, challenging his colleagues to take notice.

"Okamura?" a voice interjected.

"Yes, Kamitto?" Okamura responded calmly.

"When will my children transform?" Kamitto pressed.

"Soon," Okamura replied cryptically, his demeanor evasive.

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

"At least tell me what you've infused their blood with," Kamitto demanded.

Okamura smiled timidly but avoided meeting Kamitto's gaze directly.

"Each subject has received gene transfusions with traits from various animals. Remember, gentlemen, this is just the beginning of our direct experiments," Okamura explained, his tone hinting at both excitement and caution.

The feed from the fly camera abruptly shifted to Risutto, who writhed on the floor of his cell in a panicked frenzy. He clawed at his own skin, screaming and cursing in a terror-stricken frenzy.

"Is it happening?" one of the investors queried.

"Let's find out," Okamura replied calmly, settling into his seat to closely observe the monitor.

The room was tense with anticipation as they waited to witness the outcome of their experimental procedures.

The tense atmosphere in the crowded hallways gripped me as I hurried toward the commotion. A shrill cry for help had drawn everyone's attention to Risutto's cell, where panic and worry painted the faces of my fellow inmates—Ness, the twins, Milly, Okamina, Sarura, Howaida, Arimizu, and Tokage. Risutto's screams pierced the air, urging us into action.

"What happened?" I demanded, scanning the anxious faces for answers, but finding none.

An idea struck me, and I motioned for everyone to step back. Milly offered a small smile, but I focused on the task at hand.

"Okamina, can you ram into the door?" I suggested urgently.

Her expression turned incredulous. "The door?" She looked puzzled.

"Yes, run into it," I gestured, mimicking a headbutt against the door.

Understanding dawned on Okamina's face, and she nodded resolutely. "That's... intense."

Ness protested halfheartedly, while Kumo stifled a laugh. Ignoring objections, Okamina backed up for a running start and charged at the metal door. Her impact dislodged the hinges, and the door swung open abruptly, plunging us into silence as Risutto's screams ceased.

"It worked!"

"Risutto!" We called out, but the room was empty except for a few flies, a blanket, and a startled rat in the corner. Risutto had vanished.

"Could there be a trap door?" someone suggested.

"Maybe he teleported."

"But how could Okamura take him if he was screaming in his cell?" I interjected, dismissing the wild theories swirling among us.

Ness confirmed she had seen Risutto rush into his room clutching his chest, but now he was nowhere to be found.

That day was unlike any other; Okamura had skipped our usual check-ups, replacing our meals with pills. Something had changed profoundly, and the uncertainty gnawed at us. As Anais Nin once said, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Ness took charge, leading us to the courtyard for an impromptu meeting. The garden rat from Risutto's room scurried away as we gathered, concern etched on every face.

"What do we do?" someone asked, voicing the collective bewilderment.

None of us had an answer. We were adrift, grappling with the disappearance of one of our own. Theories ranged from supernatural to self-inflicted, leaving us disoriented and vulnerable.

"Calm down, everyone!" Ness's voice cut through the chaos, bringing a temporary hush. "Risutto didn't die or get taken. He transformed."

Her words hung in the air, silencing us momentarily. We were all too anxious to fully comprehend. We stood there, a mix of maturity and childish uncertainty, navigating the complexities of our situation.

"Then where is he?" Milly's question mirrored our collective concern, demanding an explanation we didn't yet have.

Okamura's hurried scribbles filled the margins of his clipboard while the others watched in silence, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Why a rat?" one of them finally ventured, breaking the tense quiet.

Okamura sighed audibly, clearly annoyed as he turned in his swivel chair to face the group. "Because," he began sharply, "Number Five's personality profile aligns closely with that of a rat. His exceptional intelligence and smaller stature make him more suited to such traits than, say, a Mountain Lion."

Understanding flickered across their faces, though some still looked puzzled. "Then why is he so small?" another asked.

Okamura's sigh was heavier this time. "To put it plainly," he said with a touch of impatience, "my calculations favored rat traits over a balanced mixture. It was an oversight that I will correct."

He shook his head at their ignorance but quickly refocused. "As for the others," he continued, "patience. Each subject's transformation will be revealed in due course. Mr. Smith, you agreed to sponsor Number Five; your payment is now due."

"Of course, Dr. Okamura," Mr. Smith replied nervously. "Where should I submit?"

"Zedak," Okamura instructed, motioning to his imposing assistant who stood nearby. Zedak accepted a large bag of Osakoins from Mr. Smith with a nod of gratitude.

Another member of the group spoke up with a note of concern. "Doesn't it worry you that Number Eleven seems to be taking charge?"

Okamura's grin was self-assured. "Not at all. A bit of leadership among them is expected. Besides, I've taken precautions for every scenario."

"But what if they rebel once they control their transformations? Aren't you concerned?" the member pressed.

The doctor's patience was wearing thin, his demeanor growing slightly tense. "I have contingencies in place," Okamura replied coolly. "There's no need for your concern."

The members exchanged uncertain glances, but none dared to challenge Okamura further. They understood their roles in this intricate and potentially volatile experiment, trusting Okamura's assurances while silently harboring their own doubts and fears.

We had all agreed to stay in our cells until everyone had completed the transformation. The constant scrutiny was palpable, but I couldn't understand how simply turning into animals could be seen as fearsome. According to Ness, we were meant to develop attributes, not undergo metamorphosis. What was Okamura's true agenda for us?

Milly's earlier gaze lingered in my thoughts—her perfect lips forming a sweet greeting that I had ignored and dismissed. What did that say about me as a man, as a husband? The tension between us needed to end; she meant everything to me, and I had vowed to cherish her. Yet, my pride had silenced my heart for too long. It was time to confront it head-on.

As I tried to step out of the oppressive darkness of my thoughts, a sudden searing pain erupted in my shoulder blades—a sharp metal object piercing through my flesh.

I yelped in excruciating pain and instinctively reached behind me, feeling the sharp object embedded in my flesh. Blood seeped out, warm and sticky against my skin. The pain was intense, radiating through my body as I staggered against the cell wall.

The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as I struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Was this part of Okamura's plan? Or was it something else entirely? Fear and confusion gripped me as I tried to remain calm, focusing on my breathing to dull the pain.

I tore at my uniform, trying to see the wound, but the angle made it difficult. With trembling hands, I managed to pull away enough fabric to reveal the source of my agony—a slender, sharp piece of metal protruding from my back. It wasn't just pain; I felt something else stirring within me, a strange sensation like a primal urge waiting to be unleashed.

In that moment, I knew this was no ordinary injury. Okamura's experiments had taken a drastic turn, and I was caught in the middle of it. Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to think logically. Whatever was happening, I needed to stay alert, to understand what was happening to my body.

The cell around me seemed to close in, the walls pressing in as if they could suffocate me. I staggered forward, trying to stay upright despite the pain. Every movement sent waves of agony through me, but I couldn't afford to collapse. Not now, not when the unknown loomed over me like a shadow.

Desperately looking around, I sought any sign of help or escape. Milly's earlier gaze flashed in my mind, her concern now echoing in my ears. How could I have ignored her? How could I have let pride drive a wedge between us when we needed each other the most?

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I stumbled toward the cell door. I had to find help, someone who could explain what was happening. The hallway stretched out before me, dimly lit and eerily silent. Each step was a battle, but driven by the need to survive, to protect Milly, and to uncover Okamura's true intentions, I pushed forward.

Reaching the door, I hesitated briefly, gathering my strength. With a final surge of determination, I pushed it open and staggered into the corridor beyond. Voices echoed in the distance, the sound of approaching footsteps. I had to move, to find answers before it was too late.

The pain in my back intensified, a constant reminder of the metal shard lodged within me. But amidst the agony, a new sensation began to emerge—a surge of power, of something primal and wild stirring deep within. Whatever Okamura had done to us, it was changing me in ways I couldn't yet comprehend.

Moments of sorrow gripped me as I leaned against the brick wall, seeking solace in its rough surface, hoping it might soothe my battered body. Gradually, the pain ebbed away, and I stood, tentative but determined. Then, I experienced the most incredible sensation I had ever known.

I felt alive.

Behind me, stretching from my shoulders to the blood-stained floor, unfurled the massive wings of a behemoth. Golden talons adorned my feet, matching the flecks of gold in the feathers that cascaded down my back, rendering my knees weak.

I had changed.

"Milly."

The single word clawed its way out of my throat, stinging like a scorpion's venom, leaving a lingering imprint on my consciousness. She embodied every longing and desire as I bolted from my cold cell into the brisk island air. With each stride, the beastly appendages on my back thrashed uncontrollably, gaining power with every desperate flap. Moments later, my golden talons lifted off the grimy floor, propelling me into the sky. I was airborne.

The wind sliced beneath my wings, accelerating me towards my destination. I soared like a bird—no, a hawk, a goose, a canary. The notion of escaping over the walls to freedom flickered briefly, only to be quashed by the realization that it meant leaving my beloved wife behind.

My wings faltered, and panic surged through me. I flailed, desperate to cushion the impending fall. At the last possible moment, my feathers spread wide, gently guiding me to land safely before Milly's cell door, amidst shouts and cries.

"Milly!"

I called out, pounding the thick door with my fist, leaving a dent in my wake. Abruptly, the screams ceased, swallowed by a heavy silence that enveloped us all. In that silence, I began to understand its profound depth and dimension. Yet, the stillness was deafening, compelling me to smash through the door with a strength I didn't know I possessed.

Dust clouded my vision as I entered the dark, frigid cell that housed the strongest and warmest soul I knew.

"Milly? Are you in here?"

"Aye."

Her voice quivered, fragile like a startled gazelle.

"Are you hurt?"

I extended my hand into the darkness, hoping she would reach back. Thankfully, she did, allowing me to pull her into the light, inspecting for any injuries.

The light caught her deep violet eyes, shimmering with tears. Her cheeks blushed faintly, adorned with tiny protrusions resembling whiskers. Through her platinum hair, two cat-like ears peeked out, complemented by a matching tail at the small of her back.

She had changed.

Averting her gaze, she blocked out her fears and muttered an apology quietly.

"You're a little bloody from the cuts, but you're still purrrrrrrfect," I couldn't resist the attempt at humor. But my joke fell flat with Milly. She shoved me away, growling through her newly formed fangs.

"Milly, calm down. It wasn't a joke. You truly are perfect, even after everything you've been through."

She gave a sheepish smile and slowly moved closer, falling into my arms where our bloodied bodies met. Instinctively, my wings lifted us into the sky, suspending us above our troubles. Though our bodies still throbbed with pain, we endured it together.

Pain is an inevitable part of being human. It feels like a stab wound to the heart, something I wish we could all avoid. It's a sudden hurt that can't be escaped. But through pain, I've learned that healing brings beauty, tenderness, and a sense of freedom. Pain may strike like a fast stab to the heart, but healing feels like the wind against your face as you spread your wings and soar through the air. Milly may not have wings sprouting from her back, but healing is our closest chance to feel that wind against our faces.

I felt the weight of my wings as Milly and I hovered above the chaos below. Her transformation, as shocking as it was, didn't change how I felt about her. She was still the same person I loved, now with cat ears and a tail. Her vulnerability showed through her uncertain gaze, but I knew we had to stay strong together.

"Milly," I whispered, trying to reassure her and myself at the same time. "You're still perfect to me, no matter what."

Her ears twitched, a nervous gesture that reminded me of the changes we'd both undergone. She leaned into my embrace, seeking comfort in the midst of our shared confusion and fear.

"You really mean that?" Her voice was hesitant, almost fragile.

I nodded, gently brushing her arm with my talons. "Absolutely. We're different now, but we're still us. Together, we can face whatever comes next."

A faint smile tugged at her lips, a flicker of her usual self returning despite everything. "I guess we're in this together, winged or whiskered."

I chuckled softly, relieved to see her spirit lifting. "Exactly. We'll figure this out, Milly."

Milly nodded, her eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before she reluctantly let go of our embrace. Together, we descended back to the ground, landing softly amidst the growing crowd.

Standing together, transformed and battered, Milly and I faced the uncertain future with a newfound unity and strength. The physical pain of our changes faded against the backdrop of our shared bond, a bond that would carry us through whatever challenges lay ahead.