Chapter 1 - Decisions

502 A.R. (Anno Restituo - Year of the restoration) June 19, Volkov Household, Midday

I stood by the fence and watched in confusion as two very strange people were moving crates from a cargo truck to their new home.

The man had clothes like a grownup but that was the only normal thing about him. He looked like a large human child and the only fur on him was a small patch by his chin.

He wore some kind of glasses on his nose, his skin had wrinkles, and there was big bald spot on his head where his hair was supposed to be.

My eyes grew wide as another one of them walked out of the house, this time it was a female human with a big dress. She also had creases in her face and her hair had a slight tint of gray to it.

The man noticed me by the fence and made a slight smile as he raised his hand to wave.

"Hi there," The man said.

"Hi," I answered in fright.

The man approached and I tensed up as I let go of the fence and readied myself to run.

"Nice neighborhood. I'm Charles, what about you young boy?" Charles asked while adjusting his glasses.

"Vilkas," I answered.

"Hi Vilkas, are your parents around?"

"Yes," I answered in an instant.

Charles seemed a bit surprised at the hasty answer but relaxed once more, "We have a son about your age, would you like to meet him?"

I blinked in confusion but eased down a little, "Okay."

Charles nodded and made a glad smile before marching over to the moving truck and started talking to someone. Moments later the door opened as a child just a few years older than myself hopped out.

"This is Jason," Charles said as he presented his son.

Jason held a large digital pad in his arms, he had light brown hair, glasses, and his face was peppered in freckles.

"Hi," Jason whispered as he looked at me.

Charles leaned down to Jason, whispered something in his ear, and then left.

"... I'm Vilkas," I said.

Jason made a slight smile and held up his pad, "Have you played Galactic Conquest?"

I felt a sudden sense of relief as I realized that this strange family had some element of normalcy to it.

"Want to play?" I asked.

Jason nodded, "Yeah, do you have it on a pad of your own?"

"I'll just run and get it, wait here."

I rushed inside in an instant only to be stopped by father as he stepped in front of the stairs and blocked my path.

"What's the hurry Vilkas?" Father asked as he crouched down with a rather serious look on his muzzle.

"Just fetching my pad," I said.

"I saw you talking with our new neighbors," Father said with a cautious voice.

"Yeah... they're weird... they have a son though, his name is Jason... he likes the same kind of games that I do."

Father was strangely quiet for a few moments before he reached out and patted my shoulder.

"That's great Vilkas, could you promise me something though?"

"What?" I asked.

"Promise never to set foot in their house without asking for permission first. Okay?"

I felt like asking why but the question seemed rather pointless as even I could understand the reason.

"I promise never to set foot in their house without talking to you and mom first," I said.

Father seemed to relax and made a warm smile as he moved out-of-the-way, "Have fun."

507 A.R. August 3, Volkov Household, Evening

"... you know?" Jason said.

I turned my head and stared at Jason with a frown, "No, I don't. What the hell do you mean?"

Jason glanced back, "You know... they're not..."

"What?" I asked as I felt myself flush red with anger.

"They're not your real parents," Jason answered before looking down at his pad once more.

I stared at Jason and clenched my fists, "Why would you say something like that?"

Jason didn't look up, "Because it's true... you're adopted just like everyone else with... folks like yours."

"And you're not?" I said as the seething anger continued to build.

Jason looked up as if both insulted and disgusted, "No, I'm not, my parents and I share blood."

"As if that matters!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, it does. Like God and nature intended... I'm pure and my parents love me."

I put the pad aside and felt my blood boil as my hands began to twitch.

"And mine don't?" I asked.

"Maybe... but it's not the same. You're not 'their' s-"

I moved forward and snatched his pad, "Not another word Jason."

"Are you saying it isn't true?" Jason asked.

"Take that back Jason... or I'll..." I seethed.

"Don't believe me, ask yourself, who would you love more? The child of another, or your own?"

"You bastard."

"It doesn't have to be this way," Jason whispered.

"Don't start with that bullshit Jason... just don't."

"You're smart Jason, you have to see... you're surrounded by animals."

Something snapped inside me and I lunged forward, I grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him down on the grass. Jason's shock lasted for a brief moment but then turned into a dark look of anger and resentment as he fought back.

We twisted and turned, I delivered the first punch, and he hit me back. I screamed bloody murder and started pounding at him like a rabid animal.

Things turned to a blur as both of us drew blood, without warning something big and strong grabbed hold of me from behind.

"Stop!" Father demanded as he lifted me from the ground.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I flailed in the air towards Jason.

Jason fled.

507 A.R. August 4, Volkov Household, Morning

"... and then?" Father asked.

I bowed my head in shame and stared at the floor, "He called you animals."

"And you attacked him like that?" Father asked with displeased voice.

I glanced up at father and met the intense stare of his yellow eyes, "He deserved it."

Father sighed, pulled up a chair and sat down in front of me, "You can't hit someone Vilkas just because they say something you don't like."

"Why are you defending him?" I asked.

"I'm not, he's wrong on every level, confused and brainwashed. But violence isn't a proper response to that, scream at him, swear, curse him to the end of time if you will, but you broke his nose Vilkas. That's serious."

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

I felt a clawed finger touch my chin as father prodded me to look up, "You know what he said isn't true? Right?"

I glanced away, "Some of it is true... I'm not your real son."

Father leaned in and put his head against mine, I felt his fur tickle my skin as he whispered.

"I will never forget the first time I held you in my arms, it was the happiest day of my life. You are our son Vilkas and it doesn't matter what genes you carry. Your mother and I love you with all our hearts, never doubt that."

I made a light smile and leaned into the makeshift embrace, "I know."

Father leaned back with a slight smile and then gave me a light bump in my chest with his fist as he spoke up, "You put up a good fight pup."

I smiled at the comment while mother walked up beside me and spoke up, "Don't encourage him David."

Father glanced up and made a sheepish grin as his tail started to wag, "Yes dear."

Mother shook her head and sighed as she put her hands on my shoulders, "Do you think you can mend things between you and Jason?"

"I already have," I answered.

"Oh?" Father said in surprise as his tail grew slack and his ears folded back a little.

"We talked over the web, he apologized, I said I was sorry for breaking his nose," I answered.

Mother hugged me, "That's wonderful."

510 A.R. February 20, Compatibility & Aptitude Testing Center, Midday

My chest was pounding and my t-shirt felt drenched as it draped over my body.

Nausea filled my guts as I stepped out of the testing chamber and was met by a hybrid nurse which looked like a golden retriever.

The nurse made a cautious but understanding smile as she motioned to the corridor.

"Your parents are this way," She said.

"How did I do?" I asked as I rubbed the now tender pressure points on my head that the device in the testing chamber had left behind.

The nurse glanced over, "I don't know, your parents have the results."

"Can I have them? The results?" I asked.

"They're available in your private records database," The nurse answered as we walked.

"Oh..." I said as I clenched my trembling hands.

The nurse led me to the waiting room, to my surprise only mother was there.

"Where's dad?" I asked as I approached mother.

Mother made a slight but strained smile that gave me the impression that she was upset in some way, the sight of her tense tail only added to the impression.

"He's outside by the car," Mother said.

"Is... everything all right?" I asked.

Mother put an arm around my shoulder and led me down the exit, "Let's talk with your father."

The knot in my stomach twisted and turned as I felt myself flush red with fright.

"I'm not sick am I?" I whispered.

"No dear, not sick... just..." Mother said.

"What?" I asked in fear.

Mother didn't answer as she led me outside and up to the car where father was waiting with a big pad in his hands. Father's tail was slack and there was a certain gloom about him as he stared at the pad.

"What's going on?" I asked as I walked up to the car.

Father stepped up and loomed over me as he handed the pad over, "Have a look."

I took the pad and found myself looking at a bar chart where most values were in yellow. Several bars stuck out with an angry red color.

Beneath the chart was a summary and a few notes.

'Compatibility Quotient: 40'

'Aptitude Quotient: 60'

'Excessive lying, difficult to gauge as a result.'

'Indications of paranoia, therapy suggested.'

'Subject is at this time barred from receiving a symbiont.'

"I don't understand," I whispered.

Father sighed and looked away, "It's those humans next door filling his head with their insane ramblings... I knew they were trouble from the very start."

"David," Mother said.

I glanced up at father with a frown, "Don't talk as if I'm not here."

Father took a deep breath and crouched down, he leaned in so close that I could see my own reflection in his stark yellow eyes.

"Why are you lying to the machines Vilkas? And to the point that it would label it as excessive? Why are you doing this?"

I leaned back and looked down at the pad as my heart began to race, "I'm not."

A sudden snarl filled the air and it made me freeze in place as I looked up at the sudden fury that made father's lips quiver while his hackles rose.

"Don't lie to me Vilkas," Father warned.

"I'm not lying," I said.

Father growled and snapped hold of my shirt with his clawed hand, I let go of the pad in surprise and heard it clatter as it hit the pavement.

"You're standing here, lying me straight in the face. I thought I had raised you better than this Vilkas."

Father sounded disappointed and more hurt than angry as he frowned and glared at me.

Mother stepped in and eased father's hand from my chest, "Calm down, both of you."

Father snatched the pad from the pavement and stood up before motioning to the car, "Get inside!"

510 A.R. February 20, Volkov Household, Evening

"Hungry?" Mother asked.

"No," I whispered as I stared into the kitchen table.

I heard a light clink moments later as mother placed a glass of water and a pill for headache relief beside me. She then sat down by the table while I took a sip from the glass.

"Vilkas," Mother whispered.

"I've never seen dad this angry before," I whispered.

"You were lying him straight in the face, what did you expect?" Mother asked.

I was about to protest but I couldn't bring myself to do it, instead I kept my silence.

"That machine can read your mind Vilkas, it knows when you're lying,"

I remained silent.

"Vilkas, did you lie?" Mother asked.

"... Yes," I answered.

"Why? Why to us?" Mother asked.

My throat tightened, my head pounded, my heart ached.

"Vilkas?" Mother said with a pleading voice.

"I was scared," I uttered as my vision grew blurry with tears.

"Scared?" Mother asked in surprise.

I gulped and wiped the tears from my eyes, "I'm sorry."

Mother got up, walked behind me and gave me a tight hug, "What's the matter dear? What are you scared off?"

"Everything... I've been reading... no one talks about these things... and I just... I get so scared."

Mother put her head to mine, "I don't understand, scared about what?"

Father's dark voice could be heard all of a sudden, "Is it about us? Are you scared about being paired with a symbiont?"

I steeled myself and wiped my tears before glancing back, father approached the table, pulled out a chair and sat down next to me.

"It's normal to be scared, being bonded with something alien, being told by everyone else that it's fine. I understand, but you need to talk with us Vilkas, what's the matter with you?" Father asked.

I gulped and glanced up at father, "Have you ever regretted it?"

"Receiving a symbiont? No, I had doubts at times, it was scary, unpleasant even, but I've never regretted it. The symbiont adds, it gives us new perspective, new ways to experience life."

I nodded but felt as if I was going to start bawling the moment I tried to speak.

Father leaned closer and touched my arm, "Please Vilkas, speak to us?"

"I..."

Father cocked his head a little, his anger seemed to have faded and instead he looked sad if even miserable as his ears clamped to his head.

"What can I say or do to make you realize that there isn't anything you could say or do to make us love you any less?" Father said.

I dug my nails into my hands to steel myself, "It's not that... I'm scared that..."

"What?" Father asked.

"Promise not to get mad?"

"Of course," Father whispered.

"The person you were before you received your symbiont, was that the same person that walked out with the symbiont?"

Father's ears perked in surprise, "Oh."

I gulped and stared at father for an answer, "Well?"

"The answer to that isn't a simple yes or no Vilkas," Father said.

"Then explain to me," I asked.

"Do you remember when you got the license to operate the car years ago?"

"Yeah?" I said.

"It opened up a new world for you, travel, work, fun and everything else that comes with the ability to get around."

"Yes?"

"Were you the same person before and after that?"

"That's not the same," I answered.

"Perhaps not, but it's close enough. You changed because your circumstances changed, right?"

"Yeah," I said with a nod.

"The same is true for being bonded with a symbiont, it changes what you look like, it opens up new ways to experience the world, it gives you instincts and yes, it does change your mind a bit. But it doesn't replace or exchange who you are if that's what you're scared of."

I sniffled, "Why doesn't anyone talk about this?"

Father shrugged, "Honestly? I think most youngsters just go with the flow and never stop to think about it. I know I didn't until I sat in the chair ready to be bonded with the symbiont."

I raised my brow a little and tried to imagine father's face as the worries I had dawned on him.

Father smiled, "I really looked forward to becoming a wolf type hybrid Vilkas, it blinded me to the kind of worries you seem to have."

"I see," I whispered.

Father made a light smile, "Vilkas, no one is out to get you, the world isn't like that and no one is ever going to force you into something you don't want. The compatibility and aptitude tests are meant to check if you're allowed to get a symbiont, it's not even mandatory to show up for the tests."

I nodded and was filled with a rather strange emptiness as years of angst ran began to fade.

Father took my small hand in his own, the thick pads on his hands felt a bit like oiled sandpaper.

"I know professors at the university that would be happy to discuss these things with you in detail Vilkas. There are no secrets about the process, no hidden agenda. The symbiont project is a system put in place to stabilize society and repress the less attractive traits of humanity. Not to warp it into a dystopia. Understand?"

"... Is it okay to talk about this kind of stuff in public?" I asked.

"Of course Vilkas, some might think it's weird but who cares?"

I nodded and made a slight but desperate chuckle as a throbbing headache formed in my head.

Mother brushed up against me, "How long have you been thinking about this?"

"Years... I dunno," I whispered.

"Is there anything else on your mind?" Father asked.

I nodded as another repressed question rose to the surface, "Where do I come from?"

"What do you mean?" Father asked.

"I know I was born from an artificial womb... but... what are my biological origins?"

Father shrugged, "There are none Vilkas, most of your genome is human, some of it is randomized, other parts are highly engineered and selected based on health, mental stability, and symbiont compatibility."

"And Jason?" I asked.

"They're cultists who reject both the symbionts and the human restoration project, that's why they're sick so often, why they need glasses to see, the reason they age so quickly. Humanity's genome has been damaged through war, pollution, and genetic diseases allowed to have free rein. Jason may be of natural birth but it's not to his advantage."

"Can't hybrids have children?"

Father shook his head, "Hybrids are infertile so your mother donated eggs and I donated sperm before we got our symbionts. It's a necessary requirement to keep an eye on possible mutations that occur, both good and bad."

Mother put her head to mine, "There is nothing wrong with you Vilkas, the artificial womb allows us to control population growth, it's safer, better, painless for everyone involved. We have nurtured you, watched you grow up, we love you, and we would die protecting you."

Something cracked inside me, years of isolated fear and anguish fueled by nightmares and doubt poured out in the form of sobs and wailing.

510 A.R. March 3, Institute of Technology, Morning

"Excuse me?" A male voice asked behind me.

I glanced back and found myself staring at someone's chest, I looked up and saw a hybrid buck with a grand pair of horns jutting out of his head.

"Yes?" I said.

The nostrils on the buck flared as he sniffed the air, "You're not a student, are you?"

"No, I'm here to see... Bernard Bolzano," I answered as I glanced around and took note that I was the only human in sight.

The buck made knowing smile, "Ah, the old goat."

"Do you know where his office is?" I asked.

The buck nodded and motioned for me to follow, "This way."

He led me down the corridors and I found it an awkward if excruciating experience as every hybrid in sight turned to look at me in wonder.

The buck must have noticed as he glanced down at me and whispered, "Don't mind them."

"Why are they staring like that?" I asked.

"You look old enough that you could be a student here, but..." The buck said.

"I'm human."

The buck made an awkward smile, "Don't take offense, people just find it weird considering the possibility."

"Are humans that choose not to become hybrids that rare?" I asked.

The buck made a light chuckle and nodded, "Yeah, there's supposed to be a human student here at the university but I've never seen him."

"... I have," I answered.

The buck grew wide eyed and almost stopped walking in surprise, "Oh?"

I felt myself flush red, "Yeah."

The buck started walking once more, "That's really interesting. How do you know him?"

"We live in the same neighborhood," I answered.

"Do you think I could get in touch with that person? I'd love to get an interview."

I raised an eyebrow and looked up at the buck, "Seriously?"

The buck nodded with a look of excitement, "Of course! I'm studying HTS, it'd be a great opportunity to interview someone like that."

"HTS?" I asked.

"History, Technology, Society. It's rather diverse but that's part of the charm."

"I see."

The buck stopped outside a large door and motioned to a name tag beside the door, "Here you are."

'Dr. Bernard Bolzano'

"Thank you," I said with a nod.

"Mind if I ask why you're here to see the old goat?" The buck asked.

"I'd rather not," I answered.

The buck raised his hands which were tipped with thick and blunt nails, "No problem, just curious."

I knocked on the door and received a near immediate answer from within.

"Come in," A rather hoarse voice said.

The buck raised his hand and seemed ready to pursue his quest for an interview once more, I moved in haste to cut him off and opened the door to the office.

"Bye," I said as I glanced back at the buck.

The buck made something of a disappointed sigh, "Bye."

I slinked into the office and shut the door behind me. A rather musty smell hit me and the office was bigger than I had expected, the walls were stocked with old books and humming equipment.

Set in the very middle of the office was a large desk stacked with tools and memorabilia.

The old goat as the buck had called him stood by a large window overlooking the institute.

"Hello?" I said.

The old goat glanced back, "You're Vilkas I take it?"

Bernard had thick coarse fur in drab brown colors and had large curved horns on his head. A long beard consisting of fur hung from the broad but short muzzle. To my surprise the old goat seemed to be wearing a robe that looked more like a bathrobe than a lab coat.

"Yes," I answered with a nod.

Bernard approached and offered his large stubby hand, "Welcome, I'm Bernard."

I took his hand and made a solid shake.

"Why are you here Vilkas?" Bernard asked.

The question stumped me, "I... my father wanted me to visit you."

Bernard cocked his head and stroked his beard, "That's all? You're here because your father commanded it?"

I glanced away, "No... I guess... I wanted to talk to someone... father recommended you."

"Good, so what do you want to talk about?"

I frowned a little as I pondered the question for myself, "... Society."

To my surprise the old goat smiled and seemed pleased by the answer.

"Very good, have a seat Vilkas," Bernard said as he motioned toward a chair by the desk.

We walked over to the desk and sat down on opposite sides.

"Do you have a good grasp on our history Vilkas?"

"The basics... the old world, the collapse, the restoration."

"Three major epochs. Do you know what caused the collapse?"

"The lusus," I answered.

"What made the lusus? Why were they created?"

"It's an engineered biotechnological life form that turned on humanity and caused its downfall."

"Yes. Lusus were created out of hope, progress, and a desire for a brighter future. Instead it caused the near extinction of humanity on this world."

"Where are you going with this?" I asked.

"You must understand our beginnings in order to understand the society we have today. Understand?"

"All right, go on?" I said.

"What brought on the end of the collapse and started the restoration?"

"I... dunno to be honest," I answered.

"We tamed the lusus once more, created hybrids from it, and fought back. It was the pivotal point that once more set humanity as the dominant life form on earth."

"Hybrids you mean?"

"No," Bernard said while dusting off a book.

"What do you mean?"

"Hybrids are infertile, we cannot procreate. We may be long lived but we can never be the 'dominant' life form on the planet."

"As long as you are dependent on humans?" I asked.

"Exactly. Hybrids brought humanity back from the brink of extinction and they became heroes for it. Do you know what happened afterward?"

"Our nation, Sophos was founded," I said.

"Why was Sophos founded?" Bernard asked.

"I don't know."

"The hybrids that had once been heroes became feared as the threat of the lusus dissipated."

"Oh," I said in surprise.

"Humanity multiplied and began to flourish while the hybrids became reviled as a tool that had outlived its usefulness. That's why Sophos was founded, a haven for the hybrids that remained."

"I didn't know that," I answered.

"Do you know what the old world was like?" Bernard asked.

"Only what I've seen from games and movies in the archives."

"The old world was one of utmost beauty and the worst of atrocities. Parts of the world lived in luxury while others starved. There were places of absolute purity and places where the skies were brown and the water black. Warfare was a constant on the planet and people were divided by borders rather than ideology and vision."

I listened and made a slight nod.

"What do you think made the old world such a twisted place?" Bernard asked.

"... I don't know," I answered.

"Human nature," Bernard said.

"... Is that fair? Calling humanity evil?" I asked.

Bernard shook his head, "I never said humanity was evil. I'd say most humans throughout history were born good and spent their lives trying to make the best of things. Unfortunately, that's not enough."

"What do you mean?"

"Patterns emerge when you view human civilizations from a distance and they all lead to destruction no matter what kind of political system they choose to use. The fault lies deeper, within a few but critical parameters in human nature itself, a bit too much greed, a bit less compassion than needed, a tad too much xenophobia."

"I don't mean any disrespect, but how can you 'know' that?"

"I have read history, I have studied the interactions of humans, and I have drawn conclusions from it. If you need something more tangible however you only need to look at the three human nations remaining on this planet."

"You mean..."

"The Empire to the northwest, and Dyssia to the southwest. The first is a dangerous military dictatorship embodying some of the very darkest aspects of humanity. The second is a decrepit society ruled by a despot that uses slave labor. "

"That's only two," I said.

"The third is the UCS, the United Civilized States. It is wedged between Dyssia and the Empire and has taken on the role of a neutral trade entity. Even Sophos conducts some trade with them and we have an embassy in their lands."

"What are they like? The UCS?"

"The UCS as a government depends and prides itself on being neutral in order to facilitate trade, as a people though... it would be naïve to think that their culture hasn't been poisoned by Dyssia, the Empire and the repercussions of their laissez-faire economy."

"So what makes Sophos so different?" I asked.

"Our ancestors realized early on that humanity would soon forget what had befallen it and return to their old ways. Sophos shifted from being a haven to a new civilization that sought to create an alternative."

"... I don't understand, aren't hybrids just humans with symbionts?"

"Not really, and you're still missing a key part about all this."

"And what's that?" I asked.

"The Space Initiative has existed as an organization since the very start of the restoration, they were the ones that discovered a rather peculiar aspect inherent in some symbionts, an aspect that would prove critical to our society."

I leaned forward and listened, "And that is?"

"You see, we tamed the lusus and created the symbionts, but they in turn tamed us by inhibiting certain aspects of human nature while strengthening others. Cooperation, co-existence, strengthened empathy. The symbionts were necessary to create our society, and the symbionts are necessary to maintain it."

"So the symbionts do change one's mind?"

Bernard nodded, "Yes, but so does everything else in this world and the influence of the symbionts are not a negative one."

"But... hybrids commit crimes... you only need to watch the newscasts to see that."

"True, like I said, it only inhibits and strengthens, its influence is not black and white. The significant part is that the influence is just enough to make society stable. Or at least more stable than the societies you would find in the old world or current human nations."

"Why is this kept a secret?"

Bernard shook his head, "It's not, you can find this information in any library as well as the archives, you most likely even heard parts of it in school but either ignored or forgot it."

"But... people would talk about this..." I whispered.

"Open debate regarding the mind altering properties of the symbionts would increase the number of adult humans, something that we wish to avoid."

"Perhaps that's a price we have to pay."

"Why?"

"Because it's the right thing to inform people?" I said.

"We're a pragmatic society Vilkas, we either accept the symbionts or our society starts decaying. Would you rather ease your conscience in a misguided chase for the right thing and see us succumb to our human nature? Or accept the slight veil hiding the necessary but uneasy aspects of the symbionts?"

"... I don't know. The elephant in the room here is the statement that humanity's nature leads to despair by default, and I only have your word to go on."

"True, and I guess that's something you'll have to figure out on your own. Things weren't always this easy though."

"What do you mean?" I whispered.

"Symbionts used to be created by merging what was called precursors with live animals, the animals left an imprint that could then be fused with a human to create a hybrid. A rather crude method compared to our current process."

"I see."

"Not to mention the revolution brought on by the artificial womb, it used to be that every human couple needed to sire at least two children before they received their symbionts. It was an age that caused a lot of suffering in order to keep building on our vision for a more stable society."

"Our society forced people to have children?" I asked in astonishment.

"Forced is too strong a word, but there were both societal pressure and incentives from the central government."

"Why would people accept this?"

"Because... you are one of the first generations that doesn't see the dark side of humanity, your doubt whether humanity's nature is destructive or not stems from the fact that you've been raised in a warm, caring, and safe environment. We didn't have that problem centuries back."

"So there are more people like me? That ponder these things?"

"Of course," Bernard said with a nod.

"Humans who reject the symbionts... does society consider them a threat?"

Bernard shook his head, "No. Their numbers are few and their influence is inconsequential."

"Are there really so few of them?"

"About 1 in every 7 000."

"So... there are about 1500 adult humans in Sophos?"

"Yes," Bernard said with a nod.

"There's still something I find rather strange about this..."

"Yes?" Bernard said.

"Hybrids are very different from each other... my father is a wolf, my mother is a cat, you're a... goat."

Bernard smirked and made a slight chuckle as he stroked his beard, "Go on."

"People are not united, they are divided on a thousand fronts, herbivores are called grass-munchers, canines are called mutts, and there are a hundred more, some harsher than others."

"The different types of hybrids do have a certain playful rivalry, but so far it has never devolved into violence or any sort of discrimination. In the end our similarities outweigh the differences. This does require vigilance though as we are not immune to our human nature, only resistant."

"I see."

"Society has tried to instill certain virtues, one general rule is that parents should try to avoid influencing the choice of hybrid type."

"That doesn't seem to work very well," I whispered.

"I know, one only needs to look in any neighborhood to see that most children take after their parents."

"Mm."

"What about you Vilkas? Has these doubts of yours tainted your view on symbionts?"

"I don't know at this point," I said.

"I see. Now, do you have the answers you came for?"

"I think so... some of them at least. Thank you Bernard," I said as I looked up with a slight smile.

"You're welcome Vilkas, I do have a few more questions if you don't mind?"

"All right?" I said.

"Do you know why you are here?"

I cocked my head in wonder, "That's what you asked me when I came here."

"No, I asked why 'you' were here earlier, now I'm asking if you know what series of events that led you here to 'me'?"

"... I thought my father knew you?"

"Your father received a recommendation, do you know who made that recommendation?"

"... No," I answered.

"Our society is watched over by the Space Initiative, they have several artificial intelligences that collate and analyze everything in our society. One of them is called Athena and she is the one who questioned you at the testing center. She recommended me to talk with you, and she made a recommendation to your father."

"That's... creepy."

"Their presence in our society is difficult to pick up on but it is not a secret. Do you know why Athena did all this? And why she was rather specific when she asked me to inform you of her meddling?"

"No."

"She saw the state of your mind, the doubts you had, the paranoia and the pain it brought you, she decided that the best medication for you was the hard if rather insensitive truth."

"Oh..."

"One last question," Bernard said.

"Yes?"

"Was Athena right? Did this help you?"

I was silent for a few moments as I pondered it, "Yes, I think it did."

510 A.R. March 3, Volkov Household, Midday

Somehow my thoughts seemed to reflect the swirling cereal in the bowl as I stirred it.

Going round and round with a never ending stream of thoughts that only seemed to dig deeper as I questioned what I wanted to do with my life.

My daze stopped as I heard the front door open followed by the sound of heavy paws. Father came to an abrupt stop by the opening to the kitchen, his tail swayed and the panting sound from his muzzle was enough to tell me that he was both nervous and excited.

I on the other hand found myself wide eyed in surprise as I wondered what had happened.

"Well?" Father asked.

I blinked, "Well what?"

Father stepped into the kitchen, "The meeting with Bernard, how did it go?"

"Fine," I said.

Father frowned a little, "Oh come on! I've spent all day pacing back and forth out of worry and you summarize it by one word?"

I made a light smile and felt a rather strange but warm sensation, "I'm fine dad, Bernard really helped put things into perspective."

Father stepped up to the table and put his hands on it as he leaned closer, "And?"

I squirmed a little, "I... don't know what else to say."

Father was silent and I looked up at his huge frame as he loomed over the table.

"Am I missing something?" I asked.

Father's ears folded back a little, "No."

"Would you... mind a question then?" I asked.

Father's ears perked with interest, "Go on?"

"... What kind of symbiont... would you want me to choose?" I asked as I felt myself flush red.

"That's... your choice Vilkas. Does that mean you... want a symbiont?" Father asked with a careful whisper.

"Maybe. I want to know if mom would be hurt if I... didn't choose a feline? Would you be hurt if I didn't want to be a wolf?"

Father became silent and looked down at the table with a conflicted expression.

"... I wouldn't be hurt Vilkas," Father whispered.

"Even if I wanted to become a grass muncher?" I asked.

Father looked up with a solemn expression and nodded, "Even as a grass muncher. Is that what you want?"

"No," I said with something of a smirk.

Dad sighed and made a relieved groan, "Gods... you're doing this on purpose to torture me."

I looked down at the bowl of cereal and started stirring it once more.

"Do you think we could arrange another session at the testing center?" I asked.

Father nodded and sat down by the table, "Of course, we'll just have to wait for the three month interval to pass."

510 A.R. March 5, Jefferson Household, Midday

The doorbell chimed and I stepped back to wait. It didn't take long for the door to open as Charles glanced out and smiled.

"Oh, hi Vilkas, so pleasant to see you," Charles said with a bright voice.

I made a slight nod but couldn't help but feel my eyes drawn to the elder man's now bald head and the hair growing our of his ears like tufts. Perhaps even stranger was the patchy beard covering his lower face and the thick wrinkles along his throat.

"Hi Charles, is Jason home?" I asked.

Charles opened the door wide and motioned for me to step inside, "He's up at his room, come inside."

I stepped inside while Charles fetched something that looked like a folder from his back pocket.

"Here you go," Charles said as he held out the folder.

I took the folder and looked down at it, "What is it?"

"Summer camp, fun times for a whole month. We'd love to have you Vilkas," Charles said with a bright smile.

'Happy Trails Outdoor Education Program'

'Spirituality and Mental Health'

'An introduction to a better way of life...'

'Maturity through spiritual faith and strength of body...'

'Equipping people for the restoration of God's kingdom...'

'Training leaders for effective service and a better tomorrow...'

Jason's family was pleasant, kind and considerate, the only problem were these strange and creepy things that made my skin crawl.

"Thanks," I said as I looked up.

"Should I sign you up then? Jason would love for you to be there."

I pocketed the folder as I answered, "Sorry, I've already made plans for all summer."

"Oh, I see," Charles said as his smile died down.

"Thanks for the offer though," I said with a light smile as I started walking and headed to Jason's room.

I opened the door and glimpsed inside to see Jason sitting by the sofa playing games using a controller in his hands. Jason looked over and grew wide eyed for a moment as I stepped inside and shut the door.

"What?" I asked as I looked at Jason's surprised face.

Jason shrugged, "I was starting to think they'd turned you into one of them."

"Would you stop that," I said.

Jason paused the game, "Sorry, look at this though, I got Kaywell 3 working."

I looked at the screen as I walked over and sat down in the sofa, "Since when was Kaywell a FPS?"

"You should give it a chance, it's not that bad even if it's not like the older ones."

"Uh huh," I said with a nod.

"So how did your test go?" Jason asked.

"Badly," I answered.

"How badly?" Jason asked as he started the game once more.

"Badly enough to bar me from getting a symbiont."

Jason paused the game once more and looked over, "Seriously? You... you can never get a symbiont?"

I frowned a little and glanced back, "No, I'm barred from getting a symbiont until my test scores improve."

"Oh," Jason said as he continued playing the game.

I pulled the folder from my pocket and threw it at Jason's lap, "So what's that?"

Jason glanced down for a moment, "Summer camp, only humans allowed."

"That kind of discrimination isn't legal," I said.

"Well... they don't say it on the folder, but what hybrid would be insane enough to attend?"

"You're a bunch of assholes you know?" I said.

Jason frowned a little and glanced over, "I'm not looking for a fight, just... telling the truth."

"... Uh huh," I said.

"So I take it your parents are furious?" Jason asked.

"Dad was ticked, but not for the reason you think."

"Hmm?" Jason said with a skeptical voice.

"I lied to him... that's bad..."

"So what do hybrid parents do when they're mad? Bury you like a bone in the yard? Put a collar around your neck and lock you up?"

"Really funny Jason," I said with dry voice.

Jason snickered, "Seriously though. Do they just yell or what?"

"Yeah, most of the time," I answered.

"So are you going to get tested again? Do you want to become one of them?"

"I don't know. Can we talk about something else now?"

"Come on, I'm curious. What was the testing like? Did they strap you to a table, drug you, drain your blood, brainwash you and ask strange questions?"

"I did get a helmet that's supposed to read one's mind. And they did ask strange questions."

"You sure they didn't reprogram you?" Jason asked.

"No, they didn't."

"I guess you wouldn't be here if they did, you'd be turning into another meat head wolf."

"Jason..." I said with a drawn out and tired voice.

"I'm not lying you know, I'm a couple of years older than you, I'm in university. My class went from regular people to a bunch of horny and out of control animals."

"Uh huh," I said.

"Don't believe me? Wait another year and you can see it for yourself, step by step everyone starts to disappear, and then they come back a completely different. And yes, the canines are the biggest meat heads of the lot."

"Wolves don't consider themselves regular canines."

Jason chuckled, "No, they have their 'pack' and are all 'special'. Take a look at your dad, the guy is walking tower."

"I'm warning you Jason, don't talk shit about my parents or I promise that this is the last time I'm ever setting foot in here," I said.

Jason stopped the game once more and leaned back in the sofa with a sigh, "All right... I'm sorry. You're my only friend Vilkas... do you know how worried I've been... that I'd lose you as well?"

"... You don't make it easy to be your friend at times."

"... I know. Lets... just forget this... want to play some Galactic Conquest?"

I made a light smile and glanced over, "Yeah."

510 A.R. May 20, Compatibility & Aptitude Testing Center, Morning

"Have a seat," The detached omnipresent female voice said as I entered.

I walked up to the big chair and leaned down a little as I glanced up inside the large helmet. The inside looked like a dotted matrix with coils wrapping around it.

"Are you Athena?" I asked out loud.

"Yes," Athena answered.

I stood tall and looked up at the roof, "Could we talk for a bit?"

"That's why you're here Vilkas, to talk," The feminine voice started to sound less monotone as it answered.

"Are you really a machine? An artificial intelligence?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Do you have emotions?" I asked.

"Not emotions in the way you experience them, but I have states that I find... for lack of a better word... appealing."

"What's appealing to you?" I asked.

"Order, truth, harmony, these things have a tendency to arise when the populace is content and at peace."

"I see."

"Please, have a seat, I'm curious to see what has changed."

"... Changed?" I asked.

"Your respiration, perspiration, the dilation of your eyes and the sound of your voice indicates that you are more at peace. I am pleased that my intervention has had a positive effect on you."

I found myself smiling for some reason, "It's a bit scary to be analyzed like this."

"One needs only fear the system if it cannot be trusted, your fear is understandable, it is my hope that you will learn to trust the system you live in."

"... Why are you so different compared to the last time I was here? Then it was just this monotone voice and weird questions, you almost sound... alive now?" I asked.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. To others I am merely a tool, I observe them, I keep my distance, I work in the shadows. My goal is to help you and therefore I am adapting."

"... What if I don't want your help?" I asked.

"That is your choice, the door is open, you are free to leave Vilkas."

I glanced back at the door but it only took me moments to realize that I didn't have the slightest intent of leaving.

"Are symbionts truly necessary to create a stable society?" I asked.

"At present the answer is yes. In the future, who knows."

"So why aren't you doing anything against those who reject the system?"

"I operate under a strict set of ethics, I am incapable of harming people. Further, the taint caused by forcing people would hurt the system far more than the potential benefit."

"I know of someone else that could use your intervention."

"I am not allowed to discuss other people."

"Oh."

"Have a seat, we can talk for as long as you wish."

"... Are you required to tell the truth?" I asked.

"No, however, I cannot lie."

"That's interesting," I said.

"A rhetorical observation, do you expect an answer to that?"

"No, can this machine manipulate a mind?"

"No, it is a receiver, not a transmitter."

I eased myself into the chair and leaned back, the helmet lowered moments later and fastened itself on my head.

"Comfortable?" Athena asked.

I took a deep breath and let myself relax, "Yes."

"Good... I'm going to ask you a few standard questions in order to calibrate the machine, answer truthfully. What's your full name?"

510 A.R. May 20, Compatibility & Aptitude Testing Center, Midday

I felt drained and could sense a looming headache as I stepped out of the room and caught sight of a familiar nurse. The golden retriever made a pleased smile as she stepped up to me.

"The exit is this way Vilkas, your father is waiting for you," She said.

"... My father? He's here?" I asked in surprise.

"He's been waiting for a few hours now. I guess he wanted to meet you when you came out."

"... I'm guessing he has the results?" I asked with a tightness in my chest.

"You're... nineteen years old, right?" The nurse asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'll be twenty in a few months."

"That means that you're still under their custody, thus, they have access to most of your records."

"Mm," I murmured.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but do you need help? Does going home scare you?"

I looked at the nurse in surprise, "What? No... What do you mean?"

The golden retriever made a slight but friendly smile, "Just checking."

"... Oh, I see," I whispered.

The nurse led me to the waiting room where father was standing beside a large potted plant. Things were different compared to last time, his tail was wagging, his ears were perked and there was a light but pleased smile on his muzzle.

His sharp eyes looked at me with a burning intensity that made it look as if he wanted to snatch me from the floor and give me a hug as he stepped up to me.

Father drew an excited breath as if he was struggling not to start panting, "Hi."

My eyes wandered to the digital pad in his hands, "Hi."

Father held out the pad for me, "Here."

I looked down at the pad and this time it looked vastly different, most were green and some bars were in the blue.

'Compatibility Quotient: 120'

'Aptitude Quotient: 90'

'Subject has an above average compatibility quotient, age restrictions lifted.'

'Subject is cleared to receive symbiont.'

I stared at the pad and felt my heart pick up pace as I flushed red with warmth and a sensation of nausea.

"Age restriction?" I asked as I looked up at father.

Father stepped closer, wrapped his arms around me and pulled me up so that I lifted from the floor.

I felt squashed against his chest as his muzzle nudged my head in a gentle manner.

"Dad..." I whispered as he squeezed me in the tight embrace.

"It's okay Vilkas, take as much time as you want to make a decision," Father whispered.

510 A.R. May 23, Jefferson Household, Evening

"Your turn," I said as I pressed the button to end my turn.

Jason sat up on his bed and fetched the pad as he started his turn in the game.

I started browsing the web to pass the time when Jason spoke up.

"It's been three months, did you go for another compatibility test?"

"Yeah," I answered.

"Why?" Jason said.

"Why not?" I said as I looked up.

Jason looked up with an obvious frown, "You know why... and why would you go there, unless you want to become one of them?"

"Why is it always us versus them with you Jason?"

Jason blinked, "... Do you have any idea what it's like being me? I'm just a couple of years older than you but it's enough for people to see at a glance that something is 'wrong'. I'm treated like a freak."

"... I'm sorry about that," I whispered.

"You're not the one doing it Vilkas. Besides, life is a lot easier with you by my side, people don't jump to conclusions as easily."

"Is it really that bad?" I asked.

"... If I tell you it's just going to make you even more eager to join the beasts," Jason said.

"What if I promise you that we'll be friends no matter what happens?"

"Promise all you want, I've already been betrayed more than once by others. People change, they say things like... 'you wouldn't understand' and 'I can't relate with you any longer'. I can't do anything any longer. I used to go to the gym trying to get rid of this gut of mine but I'm not wanted in the juvenile area any longer. The rest of the gym is used by hybrids that stare at me as if I'm from another planet. I can't find a job... even university is hell... they even tried to interview me because of my... choices."

"I don't know what to say... Have you... I mean..."

"Considered becoming a hybrid? To have my mind and body twisted by technology we hardly understand? In a way that goes against both God and nature? No thanks."

"Have you ever gotten yourself tested? They won't force you to do anything, just ask a few questions."

"Brainwash me you mean. What's your score now? Did it improve?"

"Maybe," I said.

"So what do they measure it in? Weakness? Depravity? Gullibility?"

"They have a compatibility and aptitude quotient, 100 is the norm."

"What does that mean?"

"The compatibility quotient is a way to measure if the reaction with a symbiont will be positive or negative."

"What the hell is a positive or negative reaction to a symbiont?" Jason asked.

I drew a deep breath and sighed, "Someone who is... mentally unstable... would be made worse by a symbiont, I'm not sure what a positive reaction is exactly."

"In other words, they're looking for people that won't resist becoming part of this 'society'."

"No, they avoid putting symbionts on people that will be hurt by it."

"Uh huh, so what's an aptitude?"

"It's not IQ, but I've heard it described as something familiar, it's a quotient of your intellectual abilities in some way."

"And what's yours? Still banned from getting a symbiont?" Jonas asked with an intense stare.

"... My compatibility quotient was high enough that they even removed the age restrictions."

Jonas looked pained by the news and clenched his fists, "They even lifted the age restriction?"

"... Do you know more about this than you're letting on Jason?" I asked.

"I checked it on the web... all right? You need to be at least twenty before getting a symbiont in regular cases."

"I know."

Jason drew a deep breath and stared daggers, "Are you going to do it? Is this goodbye or something?"

"Not yet at least. I haven't decided," I answered.

Jason looked away with his face twisted in anger and disappointment.

"Jason," I whispered.

"There must have been a reason why you scored that high... you're either here to manipulate me or they're so desperate to transform you that they even removed the age restriction."

"I think the compatibility index is influenced by understanding the world."

Jason made a dark laugh, "And you understand the world? If so... tell me why the world is so ugly?"

"What if it isn't?" I asked.

"Fuck you," Jason muttered.

"Do you want me to leave?" I asked.

"No... Damn it... Don't do this Vilkas... you're the only sane person I have left to talk with."

"I'm not in a hurry to reach a decision, and I'll be here all summer."

"... If you are... could you come with me to summer camp?" Jason asked.

"... You mean... that creepy place described in the folder?"

"Yeah," Jason whispered.

I shook my head, "No, that gives me the creeps Jason, far more than AI's, strange machines and symbionts ever did."

"Please?" Jason pleaded.

"No," I said with a determined voice.

"You said you were my friend," Jason whispered.

"I'm sorry, but the answer is still no. If you don't want to go, just tell your parents."

"I can't..." Jason whispered.

510 A.R. June 1, Volkov Household, Evening

"So how's work?" Mother asked as she looked up from her plate.

"Good, it's a bit weird though."

Father chewed and swallowed before glancing over, "How so?"

"Well, most of us who work in the storefront are humans, at first I thought it was because it's a low paid job and youngsters are eager to make a few credits."

"Yeah?" Father said.

"But... that's not really how it works," I said.

"What do you mean?" Mother asked.

"Those working in the warehouse actually make less than the rest of us, and you won't find any humans back there."

"That's a bit concerning, but I don't see your point?" Father said.

"What do you think when you walk into a store and see a lot of us?" I asked.

"I see a company trying to do young people a favor by giving them an opportunity to learn, also, it's cute to see the lot of you scurrying about."

"Exactly, we're children, we're the future, we're also neutral, we're not carnivores or herbivores, everyone can see something precious in us."

"Oh, I see what you're getting at now," Father said with a bemused nod.

"What?" Mother asked.

"It's a strategic decision for the store, it brings in more customers. What I said is still true though, it is a good learning experience," Father explained.

"I know, I guess I just never realized it before. The thing is..." I said.

"Yes?" Father asked.

"What happens after one of us turns twenty?" I asked.

Father hummed while mother made a troubled look.

"What?" I asked.

Mother sighed, "I know what you're getting at dear, but people aren't trying to be mean, it's just..."

"Weird?" I asked.

"Yes, it's unfortunate that adult humans get treated this way but at least it isn't like in the old world where minorities risked being beaten to death just for showing themselves. No one in this neighborhood has ever treated the Jefferson's badly, we welcomed them and respect their choices."

"But let's take the store as an example, isn't that discrimination if you don't allow adult humans to work there?" I asked.

Father spoke up, "A store depends on being competitive, but I have serious doubts that they'd fire an adult human, in fact, it would be illegal to do so. Nothing is stopping the company from moving them to a position that won't raise as much attention though."

"Yeah," I whispered.

"Vilkas," Father said.

"Yes?" I said as I looked to father.

"You are aware of the weaknesses inherent in humans? Right?"

"Yeah... we've gone over it in school," I answered.

"A human lifespan is a mere fifth of a hybrid, you can get sick with all sorts of things, frail. You'll have bad eyesight, bad hearing, and a sense of smell that is a joke compared to the rest of us."

I raised an eyebrow and glanced at father, "I get it, I'm a cripple."

Father sighed, "I didn't mean it like that Vilkas... but... this is what Sophos is, we embraced the symbionts and we gained from it."

"Yeah... how about we discuss something else... something I've wondered about lately?" I said.

Mother perked up, "Go on?"

"How did the two of you meet?" I asked.

Mother looked over at father and made an embarrassed smile, "That's..."

"A bit sensitive," Father filled in.

"But very exciting..." Mother said with a warm smile.

"Please? I want to know?" I asked.

Father looked over at mother who in turn looked to me.

"It's a bit sensitive because... youngsters like you can't relate or understand parts of it," Mother said.

I sighed, "You know, this is probably the reason why I got so paranoid, all these secrets, all of these things I'm told I won't understand."

"Because it's true," Father said.

"Athena gave me the honest truth, why can't you?" I said.

"She did?" Father asked with a curious expression.

"Who told you that name Vilkas?" Mother asked.

"Bernard, at the university, and I spoke a lot with her the last time I was at the testing facility," I said.

Mother looked back at me and frowned a little, "Did you really speak with her? Or just answer her questions?"

"We talked about a lot of things," I answered.

"Why?" Mother asked.

"She said... I needed her intervention, and she gave it to me."

"... How odd," Mother whispered.

"Is it?" I asked.

Father spoke up, "Athena usually works in the background, she ignores most people that try to contact her directly."

"I see. So how do you know her mom?" I asked.

Mother smirked, "When a big shot at work does something bad, really bad, then Athena gives them a call. After that the problem goes away, because no one rejects a recommendation coming straight from Athena."

"Uh huh," I said.

Mother leaned over to father, "If Vilkas wants to hear our story, why not?"

Father made a surprised but happy smile, "You sure?"

Mother looked back at me, "You see... it was me and a few of my friends... we'd had our symbionts for a few years so we were getting pretty used to the changes. Despite that..."

Father smirked, "You managed to get yourself lost in the forest."

Mother made a big grin, "Yes, so there we were, deep in the forest, the sun was setting, hopelessly lost."

"And then..." Father whispered.

"And then your father and his pack showed up..."

Father chuckled, "They screamed, they flailed, they fell on their asses and then tried to crawl away in fright."

Mother snickered and batted at father's arm, "What did you expect? Four big naked wolves drenched in blood dragging a deer through the forest, we thought you were crazed cannibals feeding on a person."

Father looked over at me, "We tried to explain but they just kept screaming bloody murder."

"Eventually we realized that it was just an animal and that we weren't about to be the next meal on their menu, so we asked them to show us the way home."

Father's ears folded back, "And... uh... we were rather lost as well."

"So there we were, a few cats and four wolves that didn't even have clothes," Mother said.

"We made a fire-" Father said.

"After we saw your disgusting habit of eating things raw and demanded it to be cooked," Mother interjected.

Father huffed, "We were hungry... we had been hunting that deer for hours... besides... there's nothing wrong with fresh meat."

Mother looked back at me, "We grilled the deer, ate, forced the males to take a dip in the river and then lay down by the fire. Your father and I fell in love that night."

I looked over at father, "That 'pack' of yours, is that where you go when you disappear several times a year? To spend time with them?"

Father cocked his head a little, "Yes, and sometimes I visit my parents."

"And they're all wolves?" I asked.

Father nodded, "Yup."

"What do you do?" I asked.

"We spend time together... we talk... we hunt... discuss our children."

"Why haven't I ever met or seen them?" I asked with a curious expression.

"Because... we want to give you a choice to make your own decisions in life," Father whispered.

"And... what if I choose not to be a wolf, then I never get to meet these people?" I asked.

Mother leaned over the table, "Vilkas... please understand... you wouldn't invite a deer to a venison roast. Just as you wouldn't invite a wolf to grazing session. We are part of a society where we co-exist and depend on each other, but we also have lives separate from that, where we can be ourselves. Some of these cliches in society are more tolerant than others, I've been to your father's gatherings several times. But I have a though stomach and I don't mind a bit of blood, gore, and rough manners."

Father looked back at me, "This is why we avoid conversations like these, because these things are weird and unsettling to humans."

Mother bit her lip, "Please don't judge us too harshly... we... realize what it must sound like... but we are not monsters."

I felt conflicted but oddly at peace as I looked up, "Don't worry... I'd never think something like that. It does sound weird but... we eat meat here at home... I guess it's not that different hunting your own game."

Father made a sigh of relief, "Thank you... for trying to understand Vilkas."

"But... there's something about this that I don't like," I said.

Father's ears folded back in an instant, "What?"

"Let's say I was going to get my symbiont... not knowing about this... were you going to tell me? Or would you have told me all of these things afterward? When it was too late for me to back out?"

Father seemed to shrink and began to stutter, "I... Vilkas... We..."

Mother spoke up, "Vilkas, please understand, if you placed a human in a hunt he'd be scarred for life, a symbiont makes you part of something else, it brings understanding, these things become easier to understand and embrace. We're not trying to deceive you..."

Father took a deep breath and raised his voice, "Vilkas is right... That's exactly what we're doing, we're hiding this, important things, and we do it on purpose, that's deception. But we're not doing it out of evil... we're doing it because we... love you... and I want you to be a part of that life..."

"I see," I whispered.

Father hung his head in shame, "I want to teach you how to hunt... help you make a pack of your own... I want you to meet everyone in my family and clan... and they want to meet you too. I want to go trekking with you... to walk the world with my pup. Can you... understand that?"

Something settled inside me as another piece of the puzzle fell into place.

"... Okay," I said.

Father looked up in confusion, "What?"

My gut tingled with the sensation of butterflies and I felt myself flush red as the words rolled of my tongue, "I want to be a wolf, I want a symbiont."

Mother raised her hands and stumbled over her words, "Vilkas... this isn't something you should say because of us... you need to consider your own wishes... we didn't mean to pressure you like this..."

"You're not, to be honest my doubts has always been regarding our society... not what kind of hybrid I want to be... I've never been able to even imagine myself as anything other than a wolf as a grown up. I hope you don't take offense to that mom?" I asked.

Mother smiled, "I don't, who wouldn't another handsome wolf in the house?"

Father rose from his chair and leaned over the table to the point where I could feel his breath on my face.

"Are you serious?" Father whispered.

"Yes... sorry for taking so long," I whispered as I looked up at the feral gaze in father's eyes.

"You're not lying?" Father asked.

"No, I promise... really... I'm not lying."

"You're sure? Absolutely sure?" Father asked once more.

"... I would like a few weeks to customize the symbiont... but I'm sure," I whispered.

Father reached out, reached under my arms and lifted me out of the chair and into the air.

"Whoa!?" I yelled out in surprise as I dangled in the air.

Father pulled me closer embraced me in a tight hug.

"Dad... you're squishing me," I managed to wheeze.

I felt a strange rumble in his chest followed by drawn out canine whine as his huge muzzle brushed against my face.

Mom got up and walked up behind me, "Oh, now look what you've made him do."

The canine whimper grew into a stuttering and panting breath followed by the sound of... crying.

"Dad..." I whispered.

I felt mother hug me from behind, "Your dad can be a real wuss at times."

Father made a sudden laugh followed by more tears as I hugged his neck with a warm and serene sensation welling up from within.