Baseline Archive

-------------------6----------------------
>You were planning on making some chicken alfredo tonight.
>You just put the chicken into the crock pot.
>You both watched netflix and played games for a bit.
>MalO had asked for it sooner though, so you ended up making it now.
>You cooked some penne noodles and drained them.
>Next comes the cream, then butter, then cheese.
>You stirred that shit.
>Then a light sprinkle of basil, rosemary, and parsley.
>And a bit of salt.
>The chicken had been in a crock pot on high for a few hours, and it was cooked.
>You chopped the chicken into bits and tossed it in.
>You stirred that shit more.
>Once it seemed well mixed and ready to go, you went to your bedroom to tell her the food was ready.
>You interrupted her playing GTA V, but she was quick to leave at the mention of dinner.
>She sat down as you brought in the pasta.
[ Wow. You made this? ]
>She was surprised at your cooking.
"Yeah, it`s easy to make when you`ve got a recipe."
[ Well, it looks delicious. ]
"Dig in."
>The moment you finished your statement, she was on it.
>Holy shit, she must have actually been starving.
>She got up for seconds before you were even halfway done with your plate.
[ It`s great Anon. Thank you. ]

>You both ate until you were full and watched Netflix for a while.

[ So, anyone can cook like that? ]
"Yep."
[ Can you teach me? ]
"Sure."
>You agreed to show her how to cook.
>She was willingly becoming the perfect woman.
>You both sat together in the love seat for a bit, enjoying each other`s company and talking about food.
>Then you decided to try something.
"Hey MalO."
[ Yes? ]
"Can I look at you for a moment?"
>She seemed a bit confused for a moment, but agreed.
>You took a knee and spread her legs.

-----MalO-F---Anon-M------------------
>There was a lot of fur in the way, but you got a good look.
>She had the appropriate parts.
>But what sort of surprises did they hold?
[ What are you looking at down there? ]
>You explained the concept of sex, genitals, and other fun stuff.
[ You... want to do that with me? ]
"Yes, I`ve wanted to for a while, but I wasn`t sure if you were ready."
[ I think it will be fun. I`m ready. ]
>You were going to fuck her tonight.
>You started out by sliding a finger in.
>Her breathing quickened.
>It was sufficiently lubricated on its own, no need for any extra stuff.
>Which was good, considering you didn`t buy any.
>You noticed that her hymen was intact.
>She was a virgin, which made sense considering she had no idea what sex was.
[ A-Anon, that feels... good. Can you keep doing that? ]
"Of course."
>She shuddered against you as the fingering continued.
>There were muscles in her that ever so slightly pulled your fingers further in.
>Huh, that would be fun.
>You found her clitoris and gently rubbed it with a circular motion, still thrusting in and out with the other hand.
>She rattled out a moan and started moving her hips a bit.
>You moved your fingers a bit deeper with  each movement.
>It continued for a few minutes like this, and then you were ready for a bit more.

[ Wha-why`d you stop? ]
>She cocked her head at you questioningly.
>You held up a finger, the gesture indicating she should wait.
>You took her hand and walked her to the bed.
>She laid down and spread her legs once more.
>You moved your head closer to her crotch, you were going to eat her out.
[ What are you doing? ]
"You`ll see in a moment."
>You started by giving her clitoris a small stroke with your tongue
>She whimpered a bit.
>She had a slightly earthy flavor, and it smelled a bit like smoke, but it wasn`t unpleasant at all.
>She repositioned on the bed, taking one corner near the wall.
>You were almost laying down with your face in her cunt.
>You moved in closer and started again.
>You slipped your tongue in and went at it.

[ A-non! ]
>You gradually picked up the pace, focusing on the clitoris and upper wall of her vagina.
>Her hand came down and pushed your head against her body.
>Her legs were around your shoulders.
>It was quite comfortable, actually.
>She began to grind on your face, leaving it streaked with fluid.
>She clenched down on your tongue, and you felt the contractions gently tugging on it.
>Her body was getting warmer.
>Her moans increased in pitch.
[ KeEeep go-going! Ple-lease! ]
>Her voice became much rougher.
>You felt her shudder a bit.
>The muscles in her vagina damn near pulled your tongue out of your head.
>She was breathing heavily.
>She must have climaxed.
[ Holy fuck. Why did we not do this sooner? ]
>Wow, she regained her composure quckly
"I didn`t know if you`d be okay with it."
[ Oh screw that. ]
>She took a long breath.
[ Now it`s time for me to try something. If you don`t mind. ]
"Go for it."
[ You need to be naked first. ]
>You forgot to take of your clothes, good job.
>You stripped completely.
>MalO was inspecting you closely.
[ Okay, so sit on the edge of the bed. ]
>You complied with her command.
>She sat down, then shifted a bit until she was on her knees.

[ Please don`t freak out. ]
"Okay."
>She leaned close to your dick, which was completely erect at this point.
>She opened her mouth and took it in.
>You felt the sharp teeth of her skull for a moment, then a tongue caress down the length of your shaft.
>It sent chills up your spine.
>She was being really careful about this.
"Keep going."
>Suddenly, you felt multiple tongues wrap around you, pulling you deeper into her mouth.
>Holy shit it felt incredible.
>They moved slightly faster, and began to work in a coordinated manner.
>One at the base, gently looping and twisting around.
>Another one slid up and down your dick while wrapped around, performing a corkscrew-like motion.
>The last one carefully massaged and curled around the tip, licking up any pre-cum that was produced.
>You lightly scratched behind her ear, and she began to slowly bob her head up and down.
>Each motion became more precise, more skilled, and more rapid.
>All of the sensations were too great, and you came.
>She brought her face as close to your body as she could.
>The tongues moved to engulf your dick completely, creating a tube of flesh.
>They continued to work in a milking motion, twisting and rotating as they went up and down.
>She recieved every bit of semen you had, down to the last milligram.

[ Did that feel good? ]
"If it felt any better I`d likely have a stroke."
[ I hope that was a complement. ]
"It was, just poorly worded."
[ I think so. So, you wanna go again? ]
"Well, you gotta remember, guys have to take a bit of time after doing that before they`re able to get an erection again."
[ Right... well, is there any way you can make the cum taste better? ]
>Odd question.
"Pineapples apparently, they make it sweeter."
[ Well, you should eat some pineapples then. Because... it isn`t bad, but it isn`t perfect either. ]
>Well, you`re definitely getting pineapples tomorrow.
>This time you won`t have to play jump rope with spacetime, because now you have a car.
>Speaking of the car... how were you going to explain that?

>Any hope for forming a coherent explanation was hurled out of the window when MalO began to jerk you off beneath the blanket.
>She had pads on her hands not unlike a canine, but they were much softer, and lightly coated with very soft fur.
>Needless to say, it felt great.
>But she stopped.
>She crawled up the bed and laid on top of you
>Oh boy.
>She took it and slid it in.
>It was heavenly.
>Ironic for something that appeared so hellish.
>She was pleasantly warm and tight, and it pulled you in, making constant contractions and movements to push you to the edge.
>And she was riding you.
>You put your hands on her hips and helped the process along.
>Both of you were gasping and moaning near the end of it.
>Surprisingly, she climaxed again, and before you did.
>Not long after, you came as well.
>She laid back on top of you, pulling you close and hugging you tightly.
>She was still pumping her hips into yours, milking you for everything you have.
>She finally slowed down and pulled herself off of you.

[ That. Was. Amazing. ]
"Yeah."
>That was the only response you had enough brainpower to give.
>You and her laid there for a while, loosely embracing each other.
>You decided to go get a shower.
"Hey MalO, I`m gonna go get cleaned up."
[ Aah.. okay. ]
>You grabbed some clothing to change into afterwards and headed to the bathroom.
>It was still the same size, but very well furnished.
>You grabbed a towel, hung it over the shower curtain rail, and got in.
>After a few minuted, you heard the door open.

>MalO closed the door behind her and drew back the curtain.
"Oh, hey MalO."
[ Hey Anon. Mind if I join in? ]
"Sure."
>You didn`t think you could go again.
>But that wasn`t what she was planning.
>She hugged you from behind.
>She let go for a moment and started lathering body wash into her fur.
>You helped her, rubbing her back and neck.
>But boy you were not prepared for this.
>Once she was soaped up, she began to rub her body on you.
[ You like this? ]
>It was a unique experience, and the feeling was wonderful.
"Yeah. It feels great."
>It turned into something like a dance.
>Her soft fur gently massaged your skin, and cleaned it at the same time.
>Eventually, you both finished showering.

-------------------7----------------------
>You dried off, and MalO needed a few towels to dry herself off.
>For some reason, she smelled more like smoke and less of sulphur.
>And the slight scent of old spice shampoo lingered in her fur.
[ That was refreshing. Let`s go watch a movie. ]
>You got dressed and sat beside MalO, gently stroking her fur.
>You pulled up a movie and curled up together.
>You ended up with her laying behind you, gently rubbing your head.
>You eventually drifted off.

>You once again in a corridor filled with doors.
>In your hand was a glowing, diamond-shaped item of some sort.
>The two doors were still open, and both diamond adornments were gently glowing.
>You thought about it for a moment.
>Oh.
>The door with the circular insignia with arrows must be Baseline.
>The blue circle with the red triangle was likely your reality.
>And the thing in your hand may very well be a key to one of the other doors.
>More realities to travel to, maybe.
>If this was a key, then the reality unlocked would need to be important.
>But should you really do that?
>For some reason, a specific door caught your attention.
>The insignia was just a dark square with a small oval of yellow dots within.
>And a line of dark green down the center.
>The door was chipped and cracked.
>And there was no key in the slot.
>You pushed the thing in your hand into the slot.
>A slight click sounded, but the door stayed shut.
>You heard the sound of something moving about in there.
>Then, something within spoke.

{ What was that? Who`s there? }
>The voice was rough and pained.
>It had notes of distrust, hostility, and... vulnerability.
>You called out to it.
"Hello? Are you okay in there?"
{ Let me restate my question. Who are you? }
>You couldn`t tell its gender by its voice.
>The voice also had some odd qualities to it.
>It sounded distorted, like sped up feedback from a microphone.
"I`m not too sure I should give out my name like that."
>You didn`t trust this situation.
{ You are an odd one. How are you speaking to me? }
"I`m not sure."
{ You`re useless. I`m trapped in this place and the only one that could assist me is...
wait. You, you aren`t from this world, are you? I can feel it, the slight ripple in space and time, every time you make a sound or take a step. You are the source of those recent quakes in this fabric. }
>It knew what you could do, it seemed.
>And it felt 'ripples' in space and time.
>What kind of creature are you dealing with?

"I`m going to be honest with you, this has been real confusing for me. Yes, I can do some sort of movement between two realities. No, I`m still not sure-"
{ No, not two. I can sense the resonance of many, many worlds from you. You are a strange being. }
>This thing seemed to know what it was talking about.
>You could finally get some answers about these dreams.
"I`m not as strange as you think. I`m just a normal person."
{ Person? You don`t happen to be human, do you? }
>The odd voice softened slightly.
"Yes, but I`m not sure what that`s supposed to mean for you."
{ What is your name, human? }
>You decided to give it the truth.
"My name is Anon, and maybe I can help you."
{ Well 'Anon', -ybe you wo-t b- us-es-
-te- }
>It`s voice became choppy and faded away.
>Well, you got no answers.
>You were still here, so you probably have to take a working door out.
>You took the Baseline door out again.

>You woke up in bed.
>And your head hurt like hell.
>Wait, did MalO carry you to bed?
>She must have.
>She was still beside you, snoozing away.
>You got up and went to the bathroom with a desperate need to piss.
>You released your bladder, and your thoughts.
>What the fuck is going on, you understand a bit more but there are even more questions.
>You can travel between realities and all of that.
>Your dreams seem to have more to them than expected.
>And what did MalO have to do with this if anything?
>That creature you spoke with had given you a bit of insight on your situation.

>You washed your face and walked out.
>You decided that you would wake MalO up with breakfast.
>Bacon and eggs sounded like a good idea.
>You made some scrambled eggs and cooked some bacon.
[ Whatever it is you`re cooking, I want it. ]
>You were startled by her sudden appearance.
>She didn`t even make a sound while approaching you.
"It`s called bacon, and you can wait until you`re plate is ready."
>You said this with a teasing tone.
[ Okay, I`ll wait. ]
>She hugged you from behind and nipped your ear.
>You loaded both plates with bacon and eggs and took them into the dining room.
>She took a bite of the eggs.
[ Those are... odd. But now to try the 'bacon'. ]
>She held a piece of bacon in her hand.
>She took a bite, and then the rest of the bacon was gone in damn near an instant.
>She didn`t take any of your bacon though.
[ Well. I couldn`t control myself there.
At least it was good. ]
"Yeah..."
>She still scared you occasionally.

>You were planning on heading out today.
>Probably to get various fruits and vegetables.
"Hey MalO, I`m gonna go pick some stuff up at the grocery store."
[ Alright, I`ll be cleaning up a bit. But first, how did you bring your car here? ]
>You decided to lie.
"It was here already. Not sure why, but it works."
[ Okay. Well, don`t forget the pineapple. ]
>She said this with a wink.
>It seemed that she believed you.
>She hugged you and went to the kitchen.
>You went outside and got in your car.
>There wasn`t much traffic on the road right now, so the drive went quickly.
>Then a cop pulled you over, though you weren`t speeding or anything.
"Hey officer, is there a reason-"
"Step out of the car."
>You were frightened.
>You realized you had no records pertaining to this reality.
>You were fucked if you were arrested.
>You considered switching, but in front of a police officer, that would be a bad idea.

"Please don`t touch your phone. Keep your hands where I can see them."
>Somehow, the officer knew exactly what you were planning.
"You are going to come with me, rest assured, you will not be harmed."
>Oh fuck.
>The guy had pulled out his gun and kept it on you.
>He swiftly moved towards you and handcuffed you.
"I`m an agent from the Foundation. Again, you don`t need to be afraid. We already know about your ability to move between realities. But, you weren`t causing any harm or creating any public disturbance, so we left you be."
>It was a bad idea to use dimensional travel to obtain groceries it seemed, but not that bad.
"So, what`s going to happen?"
>He sat you in the police car and began driving.
"There are two reasons they sent me to pick you up. First, we know you have one of our anomalies with you, but with it living with you, we haven`t had any cases of it downloading onto anyone else`s devices."
>So, MalO was able to get on other people`s things.
>That`s why she was contained, probably because people don`t enjoy being texted by some kind of demonic looking creature.
>You`re suddenly glad you gave her a chance.
"You can keep her, but the main reason you`re coming with us... Well, you`re gonna have to see that one yourself."
>That didn`t sound good.
"What am I going to be dealing with?"
"The top brass told me to keep quiet about most of this shit, but that is the one thing I cannot go out and say. All I can tell you is that you can likely help us solve a massive problem."
"How long will this take? MalO`s at home, and if I`m gone too long, she`ll be worried sick."
>You didn`t want her to get in trouble again.
>The agent let you pull out your phone and text her.

>You sent a message, hopefully she wouldn`t worry too much.
"MalO, I won`t be back for a while, please don`t worry. I will be home as soon as I can."
[ What`s going on? Are you okay? ]
"I`m fine, I just need to do something really important."
[ Please be careful. I want you to come home safely, okay? ]
"I understand. Don`t worry."
[ I love you. ]
"I love you too."
>The agent looked at you with an odd mix of amazement and confusion.
"You, like, live with this thing? And you love it? You`re a weird one, aren`t you?"
>You could understand his feeling on the situation.
"Yeah, we met a while ago and became best friends. Then... it progressed a bit."
"You fucked it, didn`t you?"
>You tried to hide your feelings of embarrassment.
"Yeah..."
>He started laughing.
"You aren`t as bad as a few I`ve seen."
>His face turned serious now as he pulled off of the road.
>He pulled out a needle.
"This is a sedative. We aren`t going to give you any amnesiacs, so don`t worry about that. But, we don`t want you blabbing about the location of our base here, so I need to stick you with this."
>You were hesitant, but you agreed to it.
>You nodded and the agent stuck the needle in your arm.
>You felt everything slip away.

"Is this the guy?"
"Yeah, I found him going to the grocery store."
"Huh. Well, let`s get him out of there."
>You felt someone pick you up and put you on something.
>Then you were moving.

-------------------8----------------------
>You woke up in a small room, furnished well enough to not be called a cell.
>You quickly checked your pockets.
>Everything was there, including your phone.
"Oh, you`re awake."
>There was a woman standing near the door.
>She was in a uniform which looked like a lab coat and khakis.
>But the coat was adorned with the Baseline insignia.
"How are you feeling?"
>You had a headache, were sort of dizzy, but you felt well rested.
"I feel hungover."
"Sedatives will do that to you. Here, take one of these."
>She tossed you a small container of pills.
>You opened it with a bit of effort and swallowed one dry.
>You don`t know how people did that, it seemed to get caught in your throat at every turn.
>The woman took a seat in the armchair in your room.
"Did they brief you on what is going to happen today?"
>They weren`t allowed to, right?
"No, I came here without a lick of info."
"Good, they followed intructions."
>The agent that brought you here said a good bit though.
>The woman stood up.
"If you`re feeling well enough, then we should start our activites right now."
>You nodded, the headache and dizziness were gone.
"You will need to wear these."
>She pointed at a uniform laying across the table.
>They looked like a prisoner`s jumpsuit, except they were blue instead of orange.
>She left the room so you could put them on.

>Oddly enough, they were very comfortable, but bulky.
>Was that... armor plating?
>You gave the chestpiece a poke.
>Yep, something hard in there.
>That wasn`t a good sign.
"Good, you`re dressed. Don`t forget your phone."
>She walked out, and beckoned you to follow.
>There was a group of heavily armed guards waiting outside.
>Four well armored men with assault rifles.
>Wait, nope, that one had a huge fucking rifle.
>What the hell, were you going to war?
"Is this the guy?"
>The larger man looked at you.
"May god have mercy on you man."
>They moved forwards, one gently nudging you to do the same.

>You moved through a large facility.
>There were rooms marked with numbers, people marked with numbers, things marked with numbers.
>These people really liked their numbers.
>Occasionally, you would walk by something odd.
>A monkey walked by in a suit drinking coffee.
>There was a man with purple skin and horns.
>A guard standing by a door was dressed up like a priest.
>What a weird place.
>The guards escorting you chattered idly.
>It was a place of controlled chaos, and somehow, you felt safe here.
>After a while of walking, ID checks, elevator rides, and going through a long series of tunnels, you arrived at a large and very foreboding room.
>The woman spoke up after a brief moment of silence.
"You are going to speak with something in this room. You will be honest, remain unagressive, and not reveal anything about its containment. The survival of everyone here depends on that."
>Oh.
"Well, I`m quite unprepared for this, but okay."
>They continued up a flight of stairs, into a room filled with screens.
>There was a microphone on the desk.
>The woman directed you to sit in the chair.
"Go on, speak."
>You leaned closer to the microphone.
"Hello?"
>The voice was filled with pain and malice.
>And it was distorted.
>And it sounded like... the creature from behind the door in your dream.

{ So, they actually brought you here? Surprising. Do you know why you are here, human? }
>You didn`t.
"No. I actually have no idea."
>It actually laughed, a sound that scared you more than anything.
{ They think you can contain me somehow. Like something as insignificant as you could do that. }
>You heard alarms go off and the sound of tearing metal.
>It had broken free of containment.
>One of the guards had stayed here to protect you, but now he was cowering in the corner.
>Everyone else had run.
>You could switch realities, so you were safe at least.
>You pulled out the phone, readying the app.
>A massive, lizard-like creature clambered through the doorway.
>It was twice the size of a crocodile, and had six limbs.
>Its eyes were reptilian, and gave the impression of intelligence.
>There were spikes of bone along its back, pointing outwards.
>It paused for a moment, an expression of curiosity coming across its face.
{ There is something different about you. What is your name? }
>You bravely stood your ground.
"My name is Anon."
>You saw the look in its eyes soften.
{ You. I recongize your voice and your name. You`re the one who spoke with me before. The human. }
>The spikes retreated into its body.
>It walked towards you.
>You were shaking a bit.
>Is this the creature you spoke with last night?
>The one behind the door?
{ The signals emanating from you, you must be a planewalker. And one faint signal you carry reminds me of... home. }
>Was it from a different reality?
>Could you send it home?
>Is that what the Foundation wanted?
{ Perhaps... I won`t kill you. }
>Its eyes looked down.
>The guard behind you looked wide-eyed with amazement.
{ Here, come with me. }
>You were still scared, but you went along with it.
>Its tail lengthened and wrapped around your wrist, gently pulling you along.
>The guard remained in the room, still terrified but now also quite confused.
>The reptile went down the stairs and you followed.

>You noticed what had caused the alarm.
>There was a hole in a wall.
>It was made of solid metal, yet was torn.
>A faintly green fluid slowly drained from the room within.
{ They keep me submerged in acid, because I cannot regenerate or adapt to
it. }
>That didn`t seem to be a good way of handling things.
"Have they tried reasoning with you?"
{ Yes. I was... unreasonable. I killed so many of them. I harbor a hatred for all things living, but that seems to subside in your presence. I would like to stay with you. }
>You could help contain it until you sent it home.
>For now though, you wanted to help the people that were hurt.
>They were scattered about, but they all seemed to be alive.
"Let me get some help for the injured, I`ll be back in a moment."
>Its tail tightened around your wrist.
{ Please, don`t go. Personnel will arrive in a few minutes. Everyone will be okay. }
>It had a pleading look in its eyes.
"Okay. I`ll stay."
>You took a seat on the ground, legs crossed.
"I`ll sit here with you."
>The lizard curled around you, resting its head on your lap.
>It`s head was nearly the size of half of your body.
>You leaned into its back, which was oddly comfortable.
{ Thank you. }
>You gently rubbed its head until it cocked an eye at you.
{ What are you doing? }
"Trying to comfort you, I guess."
{ It... it is comforting. Continue. }
>It produced a low rumble, almost like purring.
>You sat there with it for a few minutes until more guards arrived.

"What the fuck?"
>The guards were confused at how you ended up in this position.
>So were you.
>They kept their guns pointed at the lizard.
>Medics frantically searched the area, surprised at the lack of deaths.
>The reptile was right, they arrived quickly and were incredibly efficient while tending to the wounded.
>A man walked in, likely a scientist.
>He spoke professionally, but a hint of surprise still snuck into his voice.
"This- this is incredible. How did you manage this?"
"I`m still not sure myself."
"I`ve never seen six-eighty-two docile like this. I hate to say this, but you have to stay here. We need you here."
>What about MalO?
"I have a different idea."
>The scientist`s face darkened.
"You don`t seem do be in any position to bargain."
>The guards all raised their weapons.

>682 glanced up.
{ You should listen to him, he`s the only reason I haven`t torn any of you to bits. }
>A few guards backed down, lowering their guns.
"Okay, fine."
"How about I take 682 with me and live somewhere out of your way?"
>You looked down at 682.
"It hasn`t attacked anyone yet, right? Maybe I can help you guys out and keep.it with me."
>The scientist had an incredulous expression.
"Alright, but why should we allow this?"
>You explained your reasoning.
"Six-eighty-two shouldn`t hurt anyone while with me, right?"
>You looked down at it, waiting for a response.
{ I haven`t done so yet, and I do not plan on it unless you decide to try and keep us here.}
>That was that, and you continued.
"What do you think is less costly, a place for me and them to stay? Or countless lives, constant fear, and the looming possibility of death and destruction?"
>With this statement, 682 bared its teeth a little, further scaring the shit out of everyone here.
"We may be able to work a deal."

>It was arranged that you would live in a rural area, free of containment.
{ Is this the place? }
[ I believe so. ]
"Yep. Plenty of room to work with."
>It was a large house, probably enough room for 6 people to live comfortably.
>And it came with a massive amount of property.
>Probably to prevent people from seeing any weird shit.
{ I think this is better than living in a box full of acid. }
>682, you learned, was female.
>And her preferred form while not under duress was that of a very tall reptilian woman.
>Like almost eight feet tall.
>With brownish-green scales.
>She had a brown mane of fur around her neck, sharp claws on each hand, four arms, and four eyes.
>Each eye was a yellow-green with a reddish-black pupil.
>She had some feminine curves, but was featureless when it came to breasts or genitals.
{ What do you think, MalO? }
[ I think that a lot would be preferred to where you were before. ]
>You also went back to your apartment with 682 in tow, and got MalO.
>They got along well enough.
>Though MalO made it clear to 682 that you were her mate.
>Thing is, if 682 wanted that, you weren`t sure if you could stop her.
>You pulled into the driveway and parked the car, allowing everyone to decompress from the long ride.

-------------------9----------------------
>The house was apparently already furnished.
>MalO went off to explore while 682 hung around you.
>She explained why she didn`t want to leave your side.
{ I`m afraid. While I`m around you, I can feel more than just anger. I don`t want to lose that again. }
>She hugged you tightly.
>You could feel a small layer of fat and then dense muscle.
>Her body was slightly cool to the touch.
>The scales were soft in some areas, and rough in a few other places.
>You hugged her back.
>From what you knew, she needed whatever affection she could get.
"It`s okay, I won`t leave you."
>She gave you a faint smile.
[ Holy shiiiit! They put a hot tub up here! ]
>MalO was definitely excited about the new place.
"Let`s go check that out."

>It was a big damn hot tub.
>This was probably a bribe though.
>Knowing them, they had cameras throughout this place.
>But the cost of the property was probably less than the cost of keeping 682 in containment.
>Including many, many lives.
>Over the course of a year many things have happened.
>You met your best friend and now probably future wife.
>You learned that you could move between realities.
>You used said abilities to buy groceries.
>You met the Foundation, and through them, 682.
>And now you had a fucking huge house.
>You didn`t know what would happen now, but the future will likely be very interesting.
>You had a fun day, showing 682 how to play video games, sitting in the hot tub, watching MalO and 682 bicker a little,
>That night you fell asleep with MalO in your arms, and 682 researching things on the computer.

>You woke up with MalO asleep next to you, arms around your waist.
>And 682 sitting next to you, gently rubbing your head.
{ You`re awake. }
"How could you tell?"
{ The sudden increase in your pulse, slight movement of your body, and the fact that your eyes are open. }
"Oh, right."
>Was she always going to be this sarcastic?
>This would prove to be an interesting day.
{ Are you hungry? }
>Now that you think about it, you haven`t eaten since yesterday morning.
"Yeah."
{ How about I cook you something? }
>Could she cook?
"Sure."
>She gently moved MalO`s arms off of you.
{ Come with me downstairs. I`m... still afraid of being alone. }
"Alrighty. Just give me a moment."
>You took a bit to stretch and put on some clothing.
>MalO was still asleep, now spread out on the bed.
>You and 682 walked downstairs to the kitchen.

>You sat on a stool in the kitchen while she was cooking.
>And boy she was cooking up a storm.
>Having four arms let her do a lot, though she hit her head on a low spot on the ceiling a few times.
>After a few bumps, a good many dirty dishes, and some swearing, you were presented with a plate.
>It was a cheese omelette, some strips of bacon on the side, and some hash browns.
{ Here. I was on the computer and learned some things. I hope you like it. }
>A relatively normal breakfast.
>It was good, and you appreciated not having to cook for once.
{ Is it good? }
"Yes, it`s good. Why did you decide to make that all of a sudden anyways?"
{ I wanted to do something kind for you. }
>Aww.
{ So, what would you like to do today? There seems to be no limit to the activities in this place. }
>What should you do?
>You decided to just talk with her for a bit.
"Let`s go sit somewhere comfortable and talk."
>She followed you to the living room and sat beside you on the large couch.

{ What do you want to talk about? }
"Well, you seem to know a good bit about my ability, 'planewalking'? Maybe you could tell me something about that."
{ Planewalking is, as you know, the ability to travel between realities. You appear to have a link to the reality that I originated from, which seems to alleviate the agony I experience from being here. }
>She was in pain the entire time?
"I think I can solve that problem. But I have to be asleep."
{ Why? }
"Just trust me. But... I don`t think I can sleep right now. Can you like, knock me out or something?"
{ I don`t want to hurt you, but I think I know how to go about this. }
>She stood there for a moment.
>Then she leaned over you.
{ This bite is going to contain a sedative. It will not hurt. }
>She fucking bit you on the neck.
>You felt a painless pinch and you were out.

>It worked.
>You were back in the corridor.
>You eventually found the door you were looking for.
"Hey!"
{ Anon, is that you? }
"Yeah, I`m gonna do something, tell me if it changes anything!"
{ But how are you speaking with me? }
"Don`t worry about it."
{ Okay. }
>You opened the door.
"Did that do anything?"
>You recieved no answer.
>Shit.
>As usual, there was nothing but an empty void behind the door.
>You quickly went through the Baseline door.
>And woke up on the couch.
>682 had collapsed.
>You kneeled and gently pulled her head up on your lap.
"Hey, are you okay?"
>She awoke with a start.
{ Wha- oh. }
"What`s wrong?"
{ What exactly did you do? }
"I opened a door."
{ Oh. I think you just opened a link  between this reality... and home. }
>Well, at least what you did worked.
"Is that good?"
>She had a look of extreme happiness on her face, smile widening to the point where it was almost freaky.
{ I... I`m not in pain. I don`t feel anything wrong anymore. }
>She started tearing up.

>This was a surprise.
{ You... I can feel everything again, not just the pain. You fixed me. A part of me was locked in that reality. My... humanity, I suppose. }
"Nor sure how that worked, but I know I must have done something right."
{ I don`t think I can ever hope to pay you back for this. }
"You don`t have to."
>She seemed to be going through a variety of emotions.
>Her four arms reached up and pulled you down onto her.
>She held you while gently sobbing.
>Your face was between her neck and shoulder, like you and MalO when you sleep together.
{ I`m so sorry for everything I`ve done. I`ve caused so much fear, grief, and loss. }
"You can`t help that now. Just move on and see to it that the future will be better."
{ Thank you. }
>She stood up while holding you at the same time.
>She hugged you, nearly breaking a rib.
{ I`m so glad I met you. }

>After the emotional tidal wave and cooldown from said event, you decided to play chess with her.
>You showed her the rules, and then she absolutely kicked your ass at it.
"You`re really good at this."
>She smiled.
{ It`s simple enough. I get plenty of time to plan ahead, and... }
>She leaned closer and spoke with a mocking tone.
{ It doesn`t help that you`re so predictable with this. }
>Now she was trash-talking.
>You had a good bit of fun.
>Eventually, MalO walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch.
[ What are you guys doing? ]
{ We`re playing 'chess'. }
>MalO looked down.
[ Oh, chess. I could never beat him at that game. ]
>Any time you and MalO played chess, you ended up winning.
>She just wasn`t that good at it.
>MalO looked at 682, surprised at her smiling.
[ Why are you all happy all of a sudden? ]
{ Anon helped me with something. }
>MalO gave you a glaring look.
"I helped her with something relating to... different realities."
[ Oh. Wait, what? ]

>Oh shit, you forgot to explain everything to MalO.
>You then proceeded to explain it all to her.
[ So, when I linked the rift with the phone, it like... Awakened some sort of latent reality traveling ability? ]
"I guess. I think I do most of it through dreams or something though."
{ You linked Anon with a rift?  Why? }
>MalO explained the events of the past year.
"That`s what happened in a nutshell, yeah. It was a rough time for a while."
[ And me being an anomaly was not good for a reality without anomalies. ]
{ Oh, right. }
[ So now we`re here. ]
{ Hmm... I`m glad you both arrived here. But, you said you can go through these doors to go to different realities? }
"I think so. I`ve only gone through the door for this one though. I`m not sure about anything else."
[ Have you checked your phone and seen if there is anything new due to the open door? ]
>Maybe there would be something new.
>You looked at your phone.
>Lo and behold, the icon was just three dots now.
"Yeah. It changed. Should I try it?"
{ I don`t think that would be such a good idea. But if you feel it can provide some more answers, then do it. }
>Well, you`ve had enough turmoil for now.
>Traveling between realities and whatnot.
"No, I think I`ll stay here for now. There`s no point in screwing with anything else now."
[ Good, let`s just stay here and enjoy our lives. There`s no more problems to deal with, so we can pick up where we left off. ]
>You wholeheartedly agreed.
>And so it went for a while.

>A few days passed by, and you recieved a phone call.
"Hello?"
"Please come out front, there is someone there to speak with you."
>It was probably some Foundation personnel.
"Hey MalO, Draga! I`m heading outside! Someone`s here to talk to me!"
>After a few days together, calling her 682 just didn`t seem right.
>You decided to work together and think about a suitable name, and she took well to Draga.
>It sounded almost like the word dragon, which made sense considering her reptilian features.
[ Alright, if you need me, call me! ]
{ Hang on, I`m coming! }
>You heard Draga running down the stairs.
>Then you heard a thunk.
{ Damnit! }
>She walked down the hall holding her head in one hand.
{ The architecture here is a bit dangerous for me. }
"They didn`t build it for an eight foot tall woman, now did they?"
{ You`re right, I guess. }
>You headed out the door.

-------------------10---------------------
>There was a black van in your driveway.
>A woman stood next to it, flanked by a few heavily armed guards.
"So, you`re the newest addition to our list. Nice to meet you, I`m Doctor Ellis Iridan."
>List?
>She walked to you and held out her hand.
>You shook it.
"Nice to meet you as well, I`m Anon."
>You heard the front door of the house open.
>Draga came walking out of the house.
{ Oh, right. Visitors. }
>The guards readied their weapons, noticably wary of her.
>The doctor glanced at her.
"This must be 682, correct? I was shocked to learn of its recent behavior and subsequent approval to be moved here."
>Oh boy, one of these.
>You could already tell what sort of person you were dealing with.
>You`ve heard guards joke about these sorts of prudish pricks.
>You replied.
"Yeah, it happened quickly. But, she hasn`t caused any problems lately, so you can leave her be."
"'Her', Anon? I didn`t know it had a gender.
You learn something new every day."
>She chuckled a bit.
>Fuck, she already ticked you off.
"But she isn`t what I`m here for. I am here to talk to you, about you."
>Oh.
>She walked past you and Draga, and went right into your house.
"Don`t just stand there, come in!"

>Doctor Iridan took a seat in the recliner.
>You and Draga sat on the couch.
>The guards remained standing.
>They all looked nervous.
"So Doc, what do you want to talk about?"
>She looked up.
"For starters, you use your phone to move through realities, correct? Can you demonstrate?"
>The sooner you did it, the sooner she`d leave.
"Okay, I`ll show you."
>You pulled out your phone and readied the app.
>You pressed the insignia for your reality.
>You ended up in an empty field.
>You pressed it again.
>You were standing back in the center of the room.

>The doctor appeared amused.
"Interesting. The Scraton measurement tool only registered a slight ripple. You seem to have an incredibly efficient method of travel."
>You barely had a clue what she was getting at.
"So, what else do you want me to do? That`s my only trick."
>Iridan had an odd look on her face.
"Now that we know for sure what we`re dealing with, we would like to recruit you for a newly created MTF."
>What is an MTF?
>She seemed to have read your mind.
"If you do not know, MTF stands for Mobile Task Force. They are elite operatives working to further the goals of the Foundation."
>She wanted you to join the Foundation and be one of those guys?
"Your anomalous ability would prove very useful for us. But, you do have a choice in whether or not you want to proceed."
>It sounded dangerous.
>It sounded exciting.
>If you could become involved in the containment of creatures like MalO and Draga, maybe you could make it easier on them.
>You were going to do it, but you wanted to do something important first.
"Can I have time to think about it? I want to do something beforehand."
>The doctor smiled.
"Of course. You will find a number to contact us in that phone of yours."
>And with that, they cleared out.

>Once they left, you heard MalO from around the corner.
[ Are you really considering this? I... don`t want you getting hurt... or killed. ]
"Do you think I want to never see you again? Of course I don`t want to do this.
But, there may be more creatures out there like you, trapped in a cage and treated like a souless animal. Maybe... maybe I can help them."
>You decided to ask MalO the most important question in existence.
"Before I do all of that though... I need to ask you something."
>She cocked her head to the side, the slight gesture of questioning you were familiar with.
[ Yes Anon? ]
"Will you marry me?"

>She stopped dead in her tracks.
>Draga, having recently been researching human customs on the computer also stopped everything she was doing.
[ You mean... you want to... marry me? ]
"That`s what I asked, right?"
>The lights of her eyes brightened, and she looked incredibly happy.
[ But, how do we go about doing this? ]
"I`ve got an idea."
>You ended up calling a friend of yours by the name of Charles.
>This man was also the agent who had brought you in, and therefore knew about your relarionship with MalO.
>Surprisingly enough, he was ordained.

>And so you and her stood facing each other.
>MalO wore a white dress, which was beautiful on her.
>Though it seemed a bit odd-looking, likely due to her black fur.
>You were in a black suit.
>Charles, being the sort of man that he was, almost began laughing while doing the ceremony.
>Keyword: almost.
>With a quick glance from Draga, he was serious once again.
>You reached the point of no return.
>He asked MalO the final question.
[ I do. ]
>He asked you.
"I do."
"You may now kiss the bride. However you`re gonna do that."
>You and her settled for a quick kiss on the cheek.
>You`d definitely be doing 'other things' tonight.
>Charles patted you on the back.
"Well, congrats. My job here is done. Good thing I wasn`t planning anything tonight."
"Why do you say that?"
"I`d like to spend the night here. Getting hammered, you know."
"Don`t you have someone waiting at home?"
"Nah man. As an agent, it`d be a bad idea for me to get married or have a family."
>That was a bit sad.
"Well, you can stay here. We`ve got a guest bedroom. You can use that."
[ I think it would be nice to have a friend over. Someone to keep Draga company. ]
"Who`s Draga? You mean her?"
>He pointed at Draga.
>She waved from the sofa.
{ Hello. Six-eighty-two was an odd name to have, so they decided to call me that. }
"Wait, you`re... that lizard thing? Six-eighty..."
>He trailed off, nervous from the look she gave him, and the newly acquired knowledge about her identity.
>Oh boy.
{ Yes, I am 'that lizard thing'. I forgive your lack of tact. }
"Anon, you were the one that tamed her? Holy shit. I better get a raise for bringing you in."

"Please treat her like a person."
>He apologized.
"Right... sorry."
{ I understand the reaction, but there`s no reason to act like that anymore. }
"I gotcha."
>He loosened up a bit.
>You had a fun night and Charles made friends with MalO and Draga.
>You played Blackjack and other card games for a while, as everyone got progressively more inebriated.
>He ended up absolutely wasted, while you drank just a bit.
>MalO took her bourbon like a fucking champ.
>Draga didn`t enjoy drinking, so she stuck with some fruit juice.
>Charles ended up drunkenly hitting on Draga, which ended without any issue.
>Draga just took him to bed and tucked him in when he finally passed out.
>It was cute as hell.
>MalO wasn`t affected by alcohol it seemed, but you were a bit buzzed.
>Then you started seeing shit.

>It looked like you were in two places at once, blending your house with an empty field.
>It was disorienting to say the least.
>Then more places were coming together before your eyes.
>Everything blended together into one image.
>You heard someone screaming in the distance.
[ Anon! Wh- -ing on?! -ats -pen- t- -u. ]
>It faded away, leaving you standing alone.
>In the center of a blank, flat world.
>'Blank' was the best you could go about describing it.
>Utterly featureless.

>You were trapped.
>This wasn`t normal, not a dream.
>You could hear or feel some sensation occasionally.
>Then it would fade.
>You found that by focusing on a specific one, it would get stronger.
>And so you found a thread of some familiar sensation and clung to it.
>Everything blurred back into focus.
>Including MalO and Draga.
>MalO had your head in her lap on the couch.
>Draga was standing next to her, worried expression on her face.
{ He`s back. }
>You barely had the strength to open your eyes.
[ Are... are you okay? ]
"Auhhgh."
>Your head hurt like hell, but you regained your composure.
"I-I`m alright. What happened?"
>All you could remember was a blank, white void.
[ You were fading in and out of this reality, I think. ]
{ How... how many places did you see? }
"Not really that many, mainly a blank, white, empty space."
{ Huh. I`m not quite sure what that could be. }
>They both looked relieved though.
>What just happened?
"I think I`m gonna go to bed."
>You were exausted

[ That would probably be a good idea. ]
>Draga picked you up and took you to the master bedroom, MalO following close behind.
{ Alright. I hope you feel better. }
"Thanks."
>She laid you down on the bed and covered you up with a blanket.
>MalO crawled into bed beside you.
{ Goodnight Anon. }
"Goodnight Draga."
>Draga went back downstairs to do something else.
>She never slept, which made for an interesting time waking up.
>Sometimes she`d be watching you, or maybe on the computer, or even just cleaning and maintaining the house.
>She was good to have around, and she made you feel... safer.
[ Good night. ]
"Good night."
>You drifted off eventually, MalO curled up in front of you.

-------------------11---------------------
>You woke up without any surprises.
>The gentle drumming of raindrops on the roof told you the state of the weather outside.
>MalO was awake, quietly playing some shooter game.
>She was wearing the headset you`d got for her.
>And discreetly arguing with someone.
[ What do you mean you`re gonna fuck my mother? ]
>You had already informed her about the behavior of young people playing video games online.
[ You really shouldn`t say things like that. Well, I`m sorry I`ve beaten you like this so many times, I suppose you should practice more. ]
>You were already awake, and you didn`t want this progressing further.
"Hey, good morning."
>She switched the mute button on.
[ Good morning. Sorry about that. ]
"Just be careful with the younger kids."
[ That was an older man, I think. ]
>A little bit of your faith in humanity died right there.
[ So, how are you feeling? ]
>You didn`t have a headache, so that was good.
"I`m feeling pretty good. How about you?"
[ Well, I know what alchohol does to me now. ]
>She looked at you and you noticed the difference immediately.
>The circular lights in her eye sockets resembled flames, orbs burning a bright orange.
"Is that it?"
[ That`s one of the effects. Here, watch this. ]

>She fucking breathed fire.
>She exhaled and brought her jaws together, creating a spark.
>It ignited a small jet of bright orange flame, gently flowing forwards from her mouth.
>What.
"What."
>The fire dissipated once she started talking.
[ I never knew I could do that. Guess instead of absorbing it and getting drunk, my body uses it as fuel for that. ]
>You`d expect Draga to be able to do that, not MalO.
"Well, if you want to fuck again, I`ll have pineapples and you just won`t have alchohol."
[ I guess. Though there`s no reason for me to drink if I`m not affected by it like you are. ]
>That made sense.
"So, is that the only thing that happens?"
[ Yes. Though, I`m not sure what it could be used for. ]
>There was something else bothering you.
"So, how come the Foundation is letting us use the internet freely?"
[ That is a good question. It`s likely because they don`t think we`ll say or do anything online that`ll give information away. And probably because one of the most feared SCPs is living here with us, and they want to keep her docile. ]
"SCPs?"
[ Some lingo they use. They say SCP and then state a number for an object. Or in our case, a creature or person. ]
"Oh. That makes sense."
>How did she know so much on this topic?
>Probably just from being contained by them for so long.

>Your stomach growled a bit, and you realized how hungry you were.
"Hey, you wanna get something to eat?"
[ Yeah, I`m actually pretty hungry. ]
>You both walked downstairs.
>Draga wasn`t in the living room or dining room.
>You heard talking from down the hall, likely from the guest bedroom.
>You checked inside.
>Draga and Charles were discussing... well, a lot of things.
>Including his lack of a family.
>You were going to walk away without bothering them, but Draga heard your footsteps.
{ Oh, good morning Anon. }
>Charles looked at you, looking a bit deep in thought.
"Hey man, good to see you. Y`know, I was thinking... could I stay here for a while? I mean, it`s fun here, and I`d like to be around friends for a change."
>Well, he seemed to have taken a liking to Draga, and you had no reason not to let him stay, considering all of the extra room in this place.
>MalO stood behind you, nodding in approval.
"Sure, if you can get the Foundation guys to let you."
"I can probably get them to do it. I could have her come with me and help negotiate."
>He gestured to Draga.
{ If they will let me accompany you, I will. }
>That would be more threatening than negotiating.
>You decided against that.
"Don`t bring her, not a good idea. Instead, how about you say to them that it would be a good idea to have an agent on-site like this. "
"You`re right. I think that`ll work."
>With that, everyone got ready for the day.
>Charles headed out, and everyone else went to their usual activities.

>Draga was back on the computer, researching.
>MalO was upstairs playing video games.
>You were still in the living room.
>You could recall what had happened last night after a bit of focusing.
>You believed that somehow you had been in many realities at once.
>And you wanted to see if you could do it again.
>It was probably a bad idea, but you wanted to be able to control this ability.
>You started by focusing hard.
>Nothing.
>You tried visualization techniques.
>Nothing.
>You tried random things for about an hour, until MalO came downstairs for lunch.
[ Uhh, what are you doing? ]
>You quickly answered.
"Yoga."
>Somehow you got the impression that she was raising her eyebrow.
[ Okay then. ]
>She proceeded to microwave some leftover spaghetti.
>How suitable for this situation.
>You walked into the kitchen and grabbed her from behind.
[ Hey! Wha- ]
>She was cut off by your kiss.
>You stopped for a moment.
"I hope you realize that since we`re married now, you should get used to surprises like this."
[ Oh really? Well then... ]
>For a spilt second you saw her tongues come out of her mouth, then they darted into yours as she brought your face to hers.
>One coiled around your tongue, another proceeded down your throat.
>It almost made you gag into her mouth, but you held off.
>It was an odd kiss, unlike any you`ve had before.
>She eventually pulled away, then grabbed your hand.
[ Fuck the spaghetti, we`re going to our bedroom. ]
>She nearly pulled you over while dragging you upstairs.

>You arrived in the bedroom and your clothes were off in record time.
>She got on the bed and presented herself to you.
>You took charge and began to eat her out.
>She had an odd scent to her this time.
>The usual hint of smoke, but something else entirely as well.
>It only proceeded to make you increasingly aroused.
>She was as tight as ever, familiar contractions pulling your tongue deeper inside her.
>You felt the familiar sensation of her hands running through your hair and pushing your face into her grinding hips.
>She moaned loudly as you moved in deeper, the sound probably alerting Draga to the situation.
>You felt her pull you off for a moment before repositioning.
>Oh.
>Sixty-nine.

>You felt her tongues caress your dick, then they enveloped it completely.
>Moist, warm, and moving around.
>You moaned into her, rewarding you with a shudder and a quickening of her pace.
>You licked and massaged her sensitive parts with your tongue, trying to keep up with her.
>Her head dipped a bit, then you felt a tongue against your anus.
"Hey MalO, I thi-uh"
>You were cut off by her slamming her hips against your face.
>Her tongue didn`t enter you, just gently cirlced your asshole before lapping at it.
>You let her do what she wanted to do and redoubled your efforts.
>She shook a bit and collapsed on you, having reached orgasm.
>But she continued to suckle on you gently, and eventually you felt a pressure building up.
>You released into her waiting mouth.
>She lazily sucked and gulped it all down.
>After you both took a moment to recover, you both moved about until you were face to face.
[ I love you. ]
"I love you too."

>You both got cleaned up.
[ So... that was fun. You up for some video games? ]
"You should probably put the spaghetti away first."
>You both headed downstairs.
>You went to check on Draga, only to find her leaning back in a recliner watching Breaking Bad.
{ Did you have a good time upstairs? }
>Oh fuck, she had heard you.
{ Don`t worry. I don`t care. I`m just happy you`re feeling better than last night. Also, Charles should be stopping by some time soon. }
"Alright. How soon?"
>There was a knock at the door.
"Oh."
>You could see him through the window.
>He had some bags with him, so you suppose that answered that.
>You opened the door for him.
"Hey Anon, they approved it!"
"I could uh, tell."
>You pointed at his bags.
"Right. Well, I`m gonna put my shit inside. Hey Draga! I`m here!"
>She excitedly walked out of the house.
{ Hey Charles, it was approved, right? }
"Yeah. Took a bit of convincing, but they agreed."
>Draga looked incredibly happy with this new development.
>She helped him inside, carrying all of his luggage.
>Holy shit she was strong.

-------------------12---------------------
>Charles ended up in the guest bedroom.
"So, I still have to go to work and everything, but I live here now. Works out well enough."
>He looked happy though.
[ Good to see you Charles, I`m guessing it got approved? ]
>MalO still could sneak up on you like that, nobody ever noticing until she talked or something.
"Yeah. I need to get a nap or something though. Today was fucking exausting."
>After unpacking, he was out cold on his bed.
>It was only six o`clock though.
>Draga was busy researching again, quietly using the computer in the now occupied guest bedroom.
>What was she looking at all of the time anyways?
>You could never tell because she went through websites so quickly.
>Also, why is she always hanging around Charles... oh.
>You realized that she may have an interest in him, but was unsure of how to go about asking.
>You would probably ask her about it some time soon.
>You and MalO went back upstairs to play some video games.
>You were surprised that this reality had the same games as yours.
>As you started up your PC, MalO asked you a question.

[ So, are you seeing what I`m seeing with Draga and Charles? ]
>She had noticed her behavior as well.
"Yeah. I think she`s crushing on him."
[ Aww, the death lizard wants to have a boyfriend. ]
"Don`t be like that. She`s never had anyone treat her like an actual person except for me and him. And I`m taken."
>You booped her on the nose with your index finger.
[ I was joking, but I can understand. I wasn`t treated well until I met you. How come you never acted scared towards me? ]
>The computer came on, but you were embroiled in conversation.
"To be honest, I was fucking terrified when I saw the first picture."
>She nodded, understanding.
"But I still thought it was a joke or something at that point. Then you appeared in my room and spoke to me. Well, texted me. But you didn`t seem hostile or anything, and you even asked to play a game with me. You pressed the right buttons, I guess."
[ I just wanted someone to talk to, a friend so I wasn`t so lonely anymore. ]
"And look how far we`ve come."
>You pulled her close and hugged her.
>She returned the gesture, but she started crying.
[ I... I`m so glad we met. I was so alone... afraid. They were relentless. And every time I found someone, they took them... and their memory. ]
>She shook a bit.
[ And time and time again... I would be sent back to some... other place without any hint as to who or what I was. I remember bits and pieces now and again the longer I spend with you though. ]
>So, her memory is coming back?
>Wait, you didn`t know she had amnesia.
>MalO continued on.
[ I was actually glad for a while when the Foundation captured me, not having to be taken back there, but then the GOC got involved. They wanted to experiment on me, use me for things that I could not comprehend. I escaped and used a rift to head to your reality. Then you found me. ]
"What`s this 'other place' that you went to?"
>She looked up at you.
[ I think it`s a reality of its own. Every time the person I`m... with loses their memory of me, I`m sent there. Then I`m pulled out when someone downloads the application. A very odd process, really, which I was able to use to find you. ]
>She was also linked to a different reality.
>Maybe there was a door somewhere in your dreams for her that you could open.
>But, you didn`t know what that would do to her, so you would leave it be for now.

>The conversation tapered off, the both of you casting glances at the now powered-on screen.
>Though, both of you were bored, so you looked around on Steam for something new.
>Surprisingly, this reality had Steam, and all of the accompanying games.
>Plus a few highly acclaimed ones that you`ve never heard of, likely because they belonged in this reality.
>So you both eventually came upon a unique-looking game.
>Two-player, perfect.
>It was an odd game, one where each player was positioned at the end of a cylindrical spaceship.
>It was defended and propelled using various guns on the ship, used by both players.
>It ended up being an enjoyable experience, albeit very difficult.
>You and MalO played it until eight, then went downstairs to get dinner.

>You decided to cook hamburgers.
>They came out well enough, one was a bit burnt though.
>Draga walked out from the hallway, Charles following close behind.
>Everyone was seated in the living room, ready to watch a movie or something.
>You sat the cooked patties along with the various burger components on the table in the center of the living room.
>Charles got two and promptly dumped some steak sauce on them.
>MalO had one, with cheese and mustard.
>Draga had four of the damned things, each with different toppings.
>You had the last one with cheese and ketchup.
>Everyone seated themselves and you popped a disc into the dvd player.
>It was a film based on the Red Dead Redemption series, which again, was not present in your reality.
>Apparently, Rockstar decided to make films here, which always turned out to have high ratings overall.
>It was a good western film overall.
>It was about ten fourty when it ended.
>You noticed Charles holding back tears, while Draga maintained a solemn expression.
>MalO didn`t really get into it.
>After that, Charles went back to bed, Draga following close behind.
>You were pretty tired, so you headed back upstairs to sleep.
>MalO joined you in bed after a few minutes.
>It was comforting, having her beside you.
>You fell asleep not soon after.

>You hadn`t had this sort of dream in a while.
>Back in the corridor once again, surrounded by doors.
>You had another key in your hand, though you did not know what to do with it.
>It was a luminescent cyan, gently casting the shadow of your hand across the hall.
>You wandered down further than you have ever before.
>You didn`t feel a pull towards any specific door, so you headed back towards Baseline.
>You crossed through the door, crystalline key in hand.

[ What the fuck are you jabbing me with? ]
>You woke up from MalO shoving you.
"I don`t know... what."
>You brought up your hand, which had the key in it.
>How did it get here?
[ That`s what was in my back, but... what is it? ]
"A key. I think."
>MalO shot you a quizzical look, and just by looking at her eyes you could see it.
[ To what? It`s a crystal, what kind of thing would have that as a key? ]
"Other realities. You know how I can move through them, right? Well, it seems I can gain influence over more realities by using these in my dreams. It`s hard to explain. I`m not even sure how I have it here with me."
[ Can I take a look at it? ]
"Sure."
>You handed it to her.
>The moment she touched it, it started glowing a deep red.
[ Uh, what`s going on with this thing? ]
"Here, give it back."
>You quickly retrieved it from her hand.
>It reverted to the typical gentle shade of blue.
"It`s never done that before. Huh."
[ Whatever it is, you should have someone take a look at it. ]
>That could answer some questions, so you decided to contact someone.
>But first you would eat breakfast.

>Over bacon and pancakes, you and everyone else discussed your plan.
>You were going to join that MTF Iridan told you about.
>You would likely learn more about your ability there.
>But what would being in that group entail, what sorts of missions were you going to be on?
>Charles was surprised to hear that you were recruited for a MTF.
"So they want you in on this thing? Holy shit dude, you`ve gotta start gettin` toned up. Why did they want you to join though?"
"Probably because of my dimension hopping shit. Also, they might think this is interesting."
>You held up the key.
>Charles looked at it for a moment, but was uninformed as to what it was.
"So... what is it?"
"A key of sorts. Last one I used opened up a link from this reality to Draga`s. Nothing bad came of that though."
>You explained the dreams and the events that take place.
"So you get a key occasionally, and you can use it to make a new link between you and some other world? Cool."
>Everyone finished eating and desposited their dishes into the dishwasher.
>Draga`s cooking was improving, but Charles had helped show her how to see when the pancakes were done and a few other useful tricks.
>They were getting closer and closer every time you saw them.

>You headed out, with Charles not far behind.
>You started your car.
>Then you called the number the Foundation gave you.
"Hello. Who is this?"
>Must be a safety thing.
>Definitely Iridan though.
"It`s Anon."
"Oh, hello. Are you considering my offer?"
"Yeah. I also have something interesting to show you."
"Oh, well then. Bring it please. I`ll send an escort for you to lead you here."
"Alright, thanks."
"I`ll see you there."
>You hung up.
>Someone would arrive to guide you there?
>You noticed Charles walk up to your car.
>You put the window down.
"So. I`ll be your escort for today."
>He said this with a bit of a mocking tone.
"They probably picked me because I`m the nearest agent. No worries though, I`ll show you how to get back there."
>You heard the front door open.
>Draga and MalO walked out.
>Were they not staying home?
>One thing that surprised you was that the both of them were wearing clothes.
>Draga was wearing a pair of jeans with a hole in the back for her tail, but she didn`t have a shirt on.
>Where did she get those, or did she make them?
{ Anon... I want to go with you. Even though I think you fixed my problem, I`m... still afraid. }
>She looked down as she said this.
>MalO spoke up.
[ And I`m not staying home alone. I didn`t drag your ass through space to sit at home by myself. ]
>She was wearing khakis with a red sweater.
>They both seemed resolved to come with you.
>You wouldn`t stop them, but what were they going to do when you were off on a mission?
>You were convinced that they`d be fine, so you set that thought on the backburner.

-------------------13---------------------
>They were actually wearing clothes, which would likely make them seem less bestial.
>It would definitely help people be less reluctant to approach them.
>They joined you in the car.
>Charles pulled out first, ready to lead you to the place.
>You followed close behind.
>Draga and MalO were talking on the way there.
>They discussed many topics, from games to cooking, clothing to films.
>Considering the drive was thirty minutes, they had a good bit of time to talk.
>You eventually reached a side road out in the middle of nowhere.
>You noticed a group of black vans surround you and Charles.
>They guided you to a well hidden facility in the mountains.
>You parked inside of said facility.
>Waiting outside for you was.. you guessed it, Doctor Iridan.
>Plus a few researchers.

>Holy shit, it was huge on the inside though.
"Welcome to Area 83. Enjoy the trip?"
>Iridan said this in the usual sarcastic tone.
"It was a long ride. So no, not really."
"I hope you realize that someone was tailing you. Serpent`s hand operatives, to be clear."
>Who were they?
>It seemed that she read your mind.
"They are a GOI, or Group of Interest, that seems to be dedicated to obtaining or freeing various sapient or humanoid anomalies. That means you."
>She pointed at you as you stepped out of the vehicle.
>MalO and Draga got out of the car as well.
>The researchers gawked at them a bit, witnessing them both firsthand.
"So, did we lose them on the way here?"
"Yes, thankfully."
>The group started walking further inside and you followed.
>You pulled out the key, wanting to get straight to the point.
"Anyways, this is the 'interesting thing' I wanted to show you.
>She eyed the crystal for a moment.
"Where did you obtain a gem this large?"
"I woke up with it in my hand."
[ And I woke up with it jammed into my back. ]
>Iridan glanced at MalO.
"Huh. So, I suppose we`ll run some tests on it to see if it has any anomalous properties."
>She took the key from you.
"Alright."
"Now that we`re nearing the new MTF training facility or room, or whatever you want to call it, your friends there will need to hang back."

>She looked at Draga and MalO.
>They both had an odd look in their eyes, then they spoke up.
{ We would also like to join this Mobile Task Force. I believe that the both of us are suitable for the job. }
>Iridan`s face took on a worried look, as well as some researchers.
>One of them spoke out.
"We don`t want a repeat of Omega-7, right?"
>Iridan sighed.
"No, we don`t, but think about this. The only reason six-eighty-two is docile is because of i-"
>Draga looked at her.
>Iridan fixed her mistake.
"Her proximity to SCP-7580."
>Now Draga looked a bit pissed off.
>You were a bit startled by this tidbit of info.
"You made me an SCP?"
"Yes. The job of the Foundation is to secure and contain anomalous items or beings. A side effect of that is our usage of numerical designations. And you... you`re quite the anomaly."
>She handed you a document titled SCP-7580.

| Object Class - Euclid/Thaumiel
| Special Containment Procedures
| SCP-7580 is to be kept within the house
| provided. Constant observation is to be
| maintained on the property to allow for
| proper warning in the event of an
| emergency. Devices for observation
| are not to be used inside of the house
| due to the immediate ceasing of function
| that occurs when planted inside.
| Guards are to maintain 8 hour shifts
| around the edge of the property to
| prevent any persons from entering.
| Scraton Reality Gauges are to be used
| to detect any possible movement
| between realities. Foundation Agent
| [REDACTED] is to remain within the
| property while not engaged with a task,
| and is to report any newfound
| information about the three anomalies.
|
| Description
| SCP-7580 is a 24 year old male that is 6'
| tall and 78 kg by the name of
| [REDACTED].
| They have the anomalous ability to
| travel between two realities without any
| trace that can be recorded by our current
| equipment. It appears that they also can
| affect or influence the behavior of
| sapient anomalous entities, as in
| the case of SCP-682 and SCP-1471.
| SCP-7580 is non-hostile, and seems
| willing to follow the rules of their
| contaiment. No breaches have been
| recorded thus far.
|
| Notes
| SCP-7580 is attached to the two other
| anomalous entities and vice versa, do
| not attempt to separate them.
| -Dr. Iridan
| There is a possibility that SCP-7580 may
| be included in the new MTF. Keep them
| informed and make sure they are
| prepared for what they will be up against.
| -Captain Reshe
| This person has already removed the
| threat of one of our most dangerous
| SCPs. Keep them alive and find
| out if they can solve any other problems.
| -Dr. Joseph

>Wow, you had been documented.
"Anyways, the higher-ups would not like the idea of six-eighty-two in a MTF. I`ll see what I can do though. Now Charles, you may return to standby."
>Your friend gave you a wave and hopped back into his car.
>It looked like an old police car without the roof mounted lights.
>A Crown Victoria, probably.
>You watched as he exited, then you and the others followed Iridan.
>She eventually met up with a man in some sort of combat gear.
>He had a deep voice, and was quite tall.
"You must be Anon. Good to finally meet you."
>He shook your hand.
"I`m Captain Reshe. Now Iridan, I`ll take him from here."
>She smiled at him and pointed at MalO and Draga.
"You`ll take them too."
>He gave Iridan a funny look.
"Alright, sure."
>He shrugged and opened the door as Iridan walked off.

>This part of the site was huge, containing a large training area.
>It was filled with many usable facilities.
>A shooting range, a gym, a running track, and a few other things.
>Reshe stopped and gestured to MalO and Draga.
"Alright. What are they here for?"
{ We would like to join this Mobile Task Force with Anon. }
"Okay then. That`s gonna be a bit more paperwork for the desk jockeys to take care of. So, I know about you, SCP-1471. But, who are you again?"
>He looked at Draga.
{ My name is Draga. I`m also known as SCP-682. }
>Reshe cocked his head a bit.
"Oh, right. Nice to meet you as well."
>He shook Draga`s hand.
"I hope you guys know that this training will be pretty harsh. I mean, you are joining one of the most elite types of unit in the world."
[{" We understand. "}]
>You all spoke in unison.
"Well, let`s see your physical strengths first."
>And so the evaluations began.

-------------------14---------------------
"First, we`re gonna see your stamina. The three of you get to this starting line."
>Reshe motioned you towards the running track.
>He began talking once the three of you were in position.
"Now, you will jog at a brisk pace. Not sprinting, jogging. I will countdown and say go. When I do, the timer will be started."
>He lifted a small timer from his pocket.
"3."
>You noticed Draga close her eyes.
"2."
>Her chest and legs expanded a bit.
"1."
>MalO got into an odd position.
"Go."
>You started moving.
>MalO sped ahead a bit, but then slowed to keep pace with you.
>Draga was jogging directly beside you.
"Huh, you guys are well coordinated. That`ll be good for the team."

>Somehow, you kept going for a pretty long time, and Reshe called it out once you stopped.
"Nineteen minutes. Holy shit, you don`t look like much of a runner, but you did pretty well."
>You stood beside him, waiting for the others to finish.
>Deep in the back of your mind you knew what Draga had done.
>She`d adapted her respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as her leg muscles, for continued movement.
>She could likely go forever.
>MalO, on the other hand, was starting to slow down at the twenty-six minute mark.
>She was panting, and moving slightly slower as time went on.
>She stopped at twenty-nine minutes.
"I`d expect no less from an anomalous wolf-woman. Take a seat."
>Meanwhile, Draga continued.
>And continued.
>Until the one hour mark was reached.
"Alright, you can stop now. That`s all the time we have for this test. Good job."
>Draga walked on over and you patted her on the back.
"All three of you are already pretty good. But-"
>He pointed at Draga.
"You probably won`t need to do physical training much, because of your adaptive ability."
{ Yes, I can adapt to nearly any situation. Including those that require taxing or extreme physical activity. }

"Well, that will be useful. Take a quick break and we`ll go to strength evaluation."
>The tests continued like this.
>Draga always scored highest, MalO was far above average, and you were doing well enough.

"Physical evaluations for today are complete, go take a long rest in one of those rooms in there."
>He pointed towards a set of doors.
>It was a short hallway with spaced out entrances to temporary lodging.
>You picked one at random and went inside.
>There were four sets of furniture, all alike.
>Beds, dressers, and a table in the middle of it all.
>Exausted, you collapsed onto a bed.
>MalO promptly flopped down next to you.
[ I`m gonna take a nap. ]
{ I will relax for a while as well. }
>You and MalO dozed off in each other`s arms as usual.
>Draga sat on the edge of another bed, swinging her legs back and forth over the egde, likely thinking about something.

>You were not in a corridor.
>No doors that you could see.
>Just an almost blank, gray room.
>It was dark, and your eyes needed to adjust for a moment.
>There was a small pillar in the center of the room, and the room was circular in shape.
>You walked forwards and touched the pillar.
>It glowed a bright white for a moment, and ceased as suddenly as it had started.
>Something had been burned into your vision, it seemed.
>A small, round pattern.
>After a moment you realized that it was not a retinal burn, but a mark in your sight that appeared when you looked and focused on the pillar.
>Not understanding the purpose of this, you tried to find the exit so you could wake up.
>You found no doors. You were trapped.
>Trying not to panic, you sat down.
>You let your mind wander for a moment and you remembered what had happened when you were drunk.
>Maybe you could switch out of here.
>You cleared your head and relaxed.
>Thinking about everything, you gradually came upon an image.
>You saw the threads connecting your reality with Baseline, and the link between it and Draga`s reality.
>Somewhere out there was you, and there were not any connections to this place that you could see.
>So you made one.
>You felt something take shape in your mind.
>You focused on this place and Baseline, and the connection was set.
>Probing the link with your thoughts, you found it to appear safe enough to traverse.
>You felt your conciousness move through the link.

>And you woke up.
>Looking around, you realized something different about your sense of sight.
>You could see faint lines and ripples originate from certain areas.
>When you focused on them, they became more aparrent.
>They seemed to focus around three things.
>You, Draga, and MalO.
>Then a thought hit you.
>The three of you are known as anomalies, which are indicated by these odd signals.
>Anomalies may be created by links between realities that are not alike or compatible.
>And it seemed that you could influence and utilize these links, although it took a toll on your body.
{ Are you okay? You are staring at me with an odd expression. }
>You had been looking through her links.
>None of the threads meant anything to you except for one.
>The one that carried the familiar feeling of that now opened door.
"I`m alright. Just a bit tired."
{ Hmm... Today was very tiresome, but I can tell sonething is on your mind. }
>She was really perceptive, which could be annoying at times.
"Please, if there is something on my mind that I`d like to share, I would have shared it already."
>She waited a moment and then spoke up.
{ I understand. You have a lot on your shoulders right now. }
>She stood up and walked over to the edge of your bed.
{ But remember, I`m here to help with that burden if you need me to. }
"Thank you. It means a lot to me to know that I have people I can count on."
>She brought you into a four-armed embrace.
{ Keep that in mind when you are having any problems. }
>She let go and returned to her bed.
>You felt movement from the other side of the bed.
>MalO sat up and hugged you from behind, her face resting on your shoulder.
[ Don`t forget about me either. We`re married and all, so I think I have the right to care about you and help with anything bothering you. ]
>They both seemed to love you a lot.
>Draga was more like a big sister though, considering that she has never tried to hit on you.
>You were happy in this place, with friends you knew you could count on.
>But would they be let in the MTF?
>Only time would tell, you guessed.

>MalO had performed her signature hug and pull manuver to get you to lay back down with her.
>And it seemed that Draga had actually fallen asleep for the first time.
>It was cute to see her gently snoring and shifting about in her sleep.
>Meanwhile MalO had pulled your shirt off.
[ I like feeling your bare skin. Don`t take it weirdly, it`s just a comfort thing. ]
>She had taken the sweater off as well, leaving her soft, warm fur to freely brush against your body.
>It was comforting for you as well, and again, you fell asleep in each other`s arms.

>No dreams this time, just Reshe nudging you awake.
"You guys need to wake up. Mental Evaluations are today."
>You actually felt well rested.
>You gently poked MalO in the neck until she woke up laughing.
>Huh, she was ticklish.
"We`ll be up and dressed in a bit."
>Reshe started walking out.
"Alright, I`ll be in the hall."
>MalO waited until he was outside of the room, then the both of you got dressed.
>You called out to Draga to wake her up.
{ Wha... oh, good morning. I should sleep more often. }
>She stretched and yawned.
>Her mane was matted a bit with drool.
{ Hang on, I`m going to get dressed. }
>That consisted of her putting on her jeans.
>Everyone was ready to go, so you headed into the hallway.

"Good to see you`re ready. You will be tested on your ability to learn, strategize, and adapt."
>You were lead to a room with several terminals.
>Wired to each appeared to be a complex VR headset.
"Now, put that thing on. Do not freak out about it, but it will be like sleep paralysis.
You ever watch SAO?"
>What.
"Yeah, sadly."
"It`s pretty much like one of those nerve gear things."
"Alright."
>You sat down in the chair, which was surprisingly comfortable.
>Reshe put the headset on you, and you felt your mind shift somewhere else.

-------------------15--------------------
>You felt the headset stop working and the feeling return to your limbs.
>You pulled the helmet off to see Reshe waiting.
"Did it do anything?"
>At this point you noticed MalO and Draga were not in the room.
"No, but did they finish already?"
>He looked at where they had been.
"Yeah. I guess I`ll have the techies look at this one. Try one of the others."
>He pointed to another headset.
"Here, I`ll hook you-"
>An alarm blared throughout the facility.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! Here, follow me!"
>He pulled you up and the both of you hauled ass down the hall.
>Then you saw something that worried you greatly.
>A group of people ahead that seemed to be waiting for you.
>There were 14 of them.
>They were wearing hooded red robes.
>And wielding assault rifles.

>Reshe pulled his pistol out, but before he could fire, bullets tore through him.
>The gunshots rang through the hallway, echoing loudly as Reshe keeled over.
>Acting on impulse, you grabbed his pistol.
>You noticed the markings on their clothing, each one adorned with the same insignia.
>A snake coiled around an arm, ending with the head in the palm of the hand.
>A phrase echoed through your mind.
< The Serpent`s Hand >
>You knew what they were after.
>You.

>With this information you created a plan.
>It was reckless, but necessary.
>You held the tip of the pistol against your temple, the cool metal somehow making you sweat.
"Don`t you come any fucking closer."
>They hesitated.
>The one you believed to be the leader spoke.
"We only wish to free you from this place."
>Free you?
"Guys, I can assure you that I`m here because I want to be."
>The man pulled his hood back.
>He looked confused.
"And you guys are concerned about the treatment or freedom of sapient beings, right?"
>The man stood there and nodded his head.
"This isn`t the way to go about fixing that problem. Look guys, you just killed my captain. Isn`t he a person too? Anomalous or not, you need to consider the lives of everyone involved."
>The leader of the group stared at Reshe`s corpse, then spoke.
"I... I`m sorry. We need you though."
>You sighed.
"If you want to go about helping the SCPs, apply for a job here or something. That`s why I joined this thing, because I think I can help some of the intelligent people or things I come across."
"We still implore you to join us. Help us in the fight against these people. The GOC, the Foundation, the Insurgency, all of them. We know what you are capable of."
>You weren`t getting through to them.
>Maybe you could hold them up until backup arrived.
>Or maybe you should just get rid of them.
>That didn`t seem like a good idea, but you had a hunch that something else was happening here.
"No, I don`t think you do."
>You didn`t even need your phone to switch this time.

>You went into a different reality that was identical to Baseline, but the Serpent`s Hand operatives were not present.
>You couldn`t see any trace of them except for a faint outline of where they are standing.
>They readied their weapons.
>You walked behind them and switched back.
>And fired your pistol at the nearest one.
>As a teenager, you went hunting a few times, and you enjoyed using the local shooting range.
>This came in handy, but you still were not familiar with the gun`s recoil.
>But the shot struck true, hitting the man through the superior vena cava, rewarding you with a splatter of blood.
 >He was on the floor in a second.
>They rotated around to fire at you as you took two more shots.
>One hit and the other missed, but another person was down.
>You sprinted forwards, switching in the middle of their fire.
>You returned behind a small group of three.
>Planning out your shots, you managed to take down another two.
>It took four shots though.
>How many rounds were in the clip?
>You figured that there weren`t that many left, maybe three.
>The enemies were becoming wise to your strategy though, keeping an eye on every point in the hallway.
>You phased back into the other reality and checked the magazine of the pistol.
>Five bullets.
>You could take out a few more, then go for one of their rifles.
>You stepped back into existence directly in the center of the group.
>They didn`t react quickly enough, and you fired directly at one`s head.
>His skull crumpled into an odd shape and he dropped.
>They fired at you again, but you were already back elsewhere.
>You felt something running down your leg, and a good bit of searing pain.
>A bullet had grazed the side of your calf, and the wound was oozing blood.
>`Tis but a scratch.

>You decided to go for a bit of a complex manuver, firing a shot and switching when someone pointed at you.
>It worked, but you only hit three of them.
>They were lethal shots though.
>The rest were noticably freaking out.
>And you were out of ammo.
>You`d already killed half of them, which made you more confident.
>Moving quickly, you snagged a rifle from one of the corpses.
>But you had no idea how to use it.
>You think you did the right thing when you pulled a sliding thing on the side though.
>You pulled the trigger and it fired.
>Good, you were now armed.
>This thing was high tech though, displaying a small ammo count on the side of the gun.
> |37/50|¡i¡i¡i¡i¡i ¡i¡i¡i¡i¡i ¡i¡i¡i¡i¡i ¡i¡i¡i¡                       |
>Thirty-seven rounds was definitely enough to get rid of the rest of them.
>But you were running out of juice due to switching so much.
>You had to finish this or you were going to collapse.
>You flipped back into Baseline right in a blind spot between the hostiles, and opened fire.
>With a sweeping motion while firing, you managed to take out four of them.
>The other three dropped their weapons and put their hands above their head.
>You quckly glanced at the ammo indicator.
> |14/50|¡i¡i¡i¡i¡i ¡i¡i                                                |
>Still enough.
"I surrender. Please, do not fire."
>The tone of that one`s voice conveyed a feeling of distrust, like he was planning something.
>Not having that.
>You fired on that person and one other, leaving a single man alive.
>He collapsed, crying.
"I just wanted to help them! I don`t want to die!"
"How many people have you killed?"
>He looked up at you.
"Only two men. I regret it, every bit of it."
>You looked back at Reshe, dead because of them.
"You aren`t going back to your base. You`re staying here to be interrogated."
>His eyes widened.
"No... No, please! I can`t betray them."
>This was going nowhere.
"Do you want to live, or not?"
>You heard footsteps coming from down the hall.
"Yes! But-"
>You hit him with the butt of the rifle, knocking him out.
>The footsteps were coming from a squad of guards.
>They signaled to you.
>You shrugged, having no idea what the signals meant.
>One guard walked up to you.
"Did you do all of this?"
>He guestured to the large amount of corpses in the hall.
"Uh, yeah. That one isn`t dead though, just knocked out. Do whatever with him, I guess."
>He called out to another guard.
"We`ve got a live one here, take him to the brig for interroga-"
>Then the world around you froze and began dissasembling.

>Everything in your vision started dissipating, turning into lines of code and binary.
>You felt your limbs again, and the headset was pulled off.
"Impressive. You did well for an untrained man. This concludes the Mental evaluation."
>Yep, it was all a simulation.
>You stepped out of the room.
>Draga and MalO were waiting for you.
{ That was quite an experience. How did you do? }
"I think I passed. What about you, MalO?"
[ I knew it was a simulation from the start, but I played along. Did you have to fight some guys in weird robes? ]
"Yeah. I think they were Serpent`s Hand guys. What did you do with them?"
[ I managed to get Reshe`s pistol, shoot like six of them, then call for backup. ]
"What did you do, Draga?"
{ I attempted to reason with them, then tore them to pieces. }
>Oh.
"Oh."
{ Just kidding. I knocked them all out. I sustained many wounds, but I can recover easily from small arms fire. }
"Good, I guess. The evaulation was probably done that way to test our loyalty to them."
>Reshe walked into the hall.
"Considering that I`m supposed to manage this thing, I decide who gets accepted. I say you`re all able to join. I`ll ask again though, are you up to it?"
>The three of you nodded.
"Alright, I`m gonna take you guys to your quarters."
{ Sounds like a good idea. }
>You and the others followed Reshe to an area not unlike a barracks.
>He pointed to two unoccupied rooms.
"Those can be yours for now. There is clothing for you, Anon, but I`ll need someone to get measurements for these two."
[ Can I get a hoodie? I`d like to have one. ]
"I`ll see what I can do. While I do all of the desk work, you guys go meet up with the others. Talk, have fun, make friends. We`re not all clinical doom `n gloom here."
>He was a lot more easygoing than some of the other people you`ve met here.
>He shook your hand and headed towards his office.
>The map on the wall said that there was a commons area ahead, so you continued down the hallway.
>MalO and Draga followed, not wanting to be left behind.

-------------------16---------------------
>It was a large, rectangular room.
>A large television was mounted on the wall with furniture in an arc around it.
>A table that was being used in many ways was stationed in the corner.
>There were shelves of books along one wall, which seemed to appeal to Draga.
>The place was full of the sound of chattering voices and various activites.
>MalO and Draga went off to do whatever.
>A man stood up from a sofa and waved to you.
"You must be one of the new recruits, nice to meet ya, I`m Steven."
>Steven was of average build, and had a scraggly looking beard.
>He had blond hair and spoke with a slight southern accent.
>He shook your hand and beamed at you.
"I`m Anon, good to meet you as well."
>Upon touching his hand, you began to see ripples in detail emanating from his being.
"You`re also an anomaly, right?"
>An odd look was casted over his face.
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"Just a lucky guess. What can you do?"
>He went back to smiling.
"I can see really, really well. Not that interestin`, I know. What about you?"
>You decided to be truthful.
"Inter-dimensional travel, I think?"
>His grin got bigger.
"You`re the guy that the Captain`s been goin` on about. That`s pretty fuckin` cool. So, who were the strange folks you came in with?"

"They`re friends of mine. That one there-"
>You pointed at MalO.
"-Is SCP-1471. Call her MalO."
>He gave you a bit of a sideways glance.
"And who`s the big-ass crocodile lookin thing?"
"That`s six-eighty-two. I`ve known her for about twelve days now, but she`s pretty much one of my best friends. Her name`s Draga."
>He looked at you incredulously.
"I`d heard about `er calming down or somethin`. Good to see she`s doin` well."
>He gave her a wave, and she returned it with a smile, then he turned back to you.
"Anyways, I`m gonna sit here, so go meet the rest of the guys."
>He continued watching some show that seemed to be about really shitty truckers in Alaska.
>There were quite a few others.
>Some were more interesting.
>Most completely lacked any strange talents, instead getting here through sheer, unwavering loyalty to the Foundation and skill.

>One of these people was a normal man named Tom.
>A very large guy though, height and build wise.
>He was blunt, yet kind.
>You continued interacting with these people, meeting your future comrades and friends.
>Out of the many people in the room, only a few seemed to have some odd ability.
>You had met Steven, who`s eyesight was incredible, and he could occasionally catch a glimpse of the near future.
>Jonas was a man that had the odd ability to detach and reattach limbs or other parts of his body, which he used to protect himself from injury.
>Cathrine was a kind young woman whose left arm could change shape into various useful things, like a hammer or knife.
>The oddest one was a guy by the name of Ricardo.
>He had scaly skin and other fish-like traits, including the ability to breathe underwater and use electrolocation.
>Everyone got along well with each other and you gradually opened up.
>Hell, Draga was having a pretty good time too.
>She was playing darts with a few other guys, and surprisingly, she was losing.
>She improved quickly though, as she does at everything.
>You thought about giving her the nickname 'Mary Sue', but that probably wouldn`t go over too well.

>There was another surprise, a cabinet well-stocked with liquor with a sign above it.
>"If you become too inebriated to function in your duties, you will be hosed down with cold water until you aren`t."
>Well, they were strict.
>MalO couldn`t get drunk, so she took the opportunity to show off.
>Including her fire-breathing skill.
>The group was impressed.
>Then Jonas stepped up to show off next.
>His left leg fell into circular pieces, then he picked them up and started to juggle them while standing on one foot.
>It was a gruesome display, but was still rewarded with applause and positive remarks.
>Once he reformed his leg, he informed the group about his experience with Herman Fuller`s circus.

>Apparently that was another GOI, and it was full of odd people like him that worked to entertain.
>He had a severe conflict with a few members of the Circus, and was thrown out without any intact memories of the place.
>The Foundation, doing their usual thing of finding anomalous things, found him in the middle of a group of homeless, entertaining them for a bit of food or liquor.
>They restored a bit of his memory, so that he could at least recall where he had been for the majority of his life.
>Apparently, the Circus had replaced him quickly enough.
>He was happy to be in the Foundation`s custody though, considering it was much better than being homeless.
>It seemed that they did treat people like people, though they always were a bit distant and clinical.

>Everyone shared stories about their lives, and the time passed very quickly.
>Steven was known as a Class-D before being drafted for the MTF.
>He was used to test an SCP.
>It was a machine that surgically applied modifications to anything that was put in the chair.
>It was apparently very painful experience, but then he could see.
>You heard that right, it fixed his blindness.
>He continued to be a well behaved Class D, then the departmental director decided to promote him.
>He was kept as a Class E, then sent to this unit.
>He was happy though, but you could tell that there were some things that he kept buried in the back of his mind.
>Class Ds needed to come from prisons, right?
>So he likely did something that he has come to regret.
>Tom was a field agent for a while, then he applied to join an MTF, and due to his aptitude scores, he was sent to this one.
>And Cathrine, she was a fucked up experiment, used to test some odd multitool prosthetic arm.
>She never found who did it, but was left with a new arm and many, many scars.
>Everyone continued talking with one another and playing games throughout the afternoon and well into the evening.

>A tone sounded from speakers built into the walls.
>Steven exclaimed.
"Alright, dinner time! They`ve got that lasagna again tonight, and it`s fuckin` incredible."
>You followed the group to the cafeteria.
>It did smell incredible.
>You noticed MalO`s ears perk up.
>After your stomach growled with the intent to clear the table of food, you realized that you haven`t eaten in about an entire day.
>You waited in line and got a variety of things.
>Lasagna, a blend of vegetables, a glass of apple juice, and some chocolate pudding.
>MalO and Draga waited until you sat down to begin eating.
>MalO ate slowly and carefully, like usual.
>Draga, on the other hand, ravenously tore into her massive plate of food.
>She was a large woman, so you could understand.
>Everyone had finished soon enough, thanked the cooking crew, and went back to the commons area.

>Reshe was there, waiting for the group to arrive in the commons area.
>He looked a bit ragged.
>He looked through the unit, obviously glad that there were no issues.
"Good to see everyone`s getting along. Keep in mind, there may be new recruits coming in occasionally. We only have sixteen people here, so the director wants to recruit more. I agree, we need more people. But I would like to brief you on what you will be doing in this unit. Please, take a seat somewhere."
>Everyone found a spot and sat down.
>You were in a recliner, and it was pretty comfortable.
>Once everyone was situated, he started speaking again.
"This MTF`s designation is Epsilon-52. You can all choose to agree on a nickname for the group, which will be used to refer to you in informal interactions. Now, the purpose of this unit is to explore and document anomalies can create pocket dimensions or that reside in alternate realities. You will decide your purpose in the unit, and learn how to use your skills or anomalous abilities to best suit this purpose. Now, you will need to pick a few squad leaders and a name for the unit. Report back to me with this information at oh-nine-hundred hours.
I will be doing more paperwork. Again.
And you two,"
>He gestured to Draga and MalO.
"Stop by the supplies guy to get your measurements and some new clothes. Goodnight everyone, I expect to see you not absolutely hammered in the morning, unless you want to experience what is detailed on that sign."
>He pointed to the sign above the liquor cabinet, then walked out of the room.

>Tom spoke up first.
"Well, what should our group`s name be?"
>The discussion continued for a while before it was decided.
>MTF Epsilon-52`s nickname would be "Planewalkers".
>They picked it because it sounded good and fit the purpose of the unit.
>Coincidentally, that was what Draga had called you from behind the door.
>Then came the choosing of four squad leaders.
>It ended up being Steven, Tom, a woman named Laura, and another guy named Johnny.
>They all had the characteristics of natural leaders, being friendly, assertive, and with some experience with combat.
>Considering that it was only 8:30 when you guys finished, you had plenty of time to relax.
>You had your mind to practice your new skills a bit.
>Before you could though, you were called over loudspeaker by Reshe to come to his office.
>The group waved to you as you headed down the hall.
>You wondered what this could be about.
>After a bit of wandering about, you found his office.
>And guess who was there waiting for you along with the captain.
>Go on, guess.

-------------------17---------------------
"Hello Anon."
>Doctor Ellis Iridan was waiting here for you, key in hand.
"I hope you realize what this gemstone is capable of. Here, follow me."
>Reshe didn`t object, mainly due to the fact that it is probably above his level.
>She led you to another office room.
>Which was fifteen minutes away from Reshe`s.
>You stepped in with her and took a seat.
"So, let`s get right to it. This gemstone reacts to the presence of anomalous items, entities, or events. It`s pretty much a much more advanced detection system than anything we have. This will save a lot of time and resources if it is proven to be effective. Now the question remains, how do you produce these?"
>You decided to tell her the truth.
>You explained the events in your dreams and how you had unlocked Draga`s door with one of them.
>She had turned on a recording device and got the whole explanation.
"So, it is not unlike a key in the way you can use it. Odd. Well, try to avoid using them if you can. I`d like a supply to run more tests."
>You agreed to try to help.

"Also, some researchers want to take a look at you and see if there are any remarkable differences in your body. If possible, head to the labs as soon as you can."
>You had no plans for right now, so you should get it out of the way.
"I can do it like right now if you want. I gotta get up at nine in the morning, so that leaves until midnight. What`s that, like three hours from now?"
>She gave you a smile.
"Yes, it is eight fourty-seven right now. I`ll even walk with you there."
>She opened the door for you on the way out.
>You had a feeling that she wasn`t interested in you solely as a research subject.

>It was another pretty long walk, but at least it helped you become more familiar with the place.
>You finally came up on a large set of doors.
>You and Iridan headed in.
>It was like a small portion of the Foundation condensed into one area.
>Guards and researchers weaving through crowds of one another, many small containment areas for tests, and a man on a catwalk above overseeing the scene of controlled chaos.
>A researcher glanced up from his cluttered workspace.
"Oh hey Iridan, is that 7580 there?"
>You spoke up before she could.
"Yeah, that`s me. What kind of tests do you have for me here?"
"Well, we just want to see if there are any irregularities within your body. If you don`t mind, you`ll need to change into this."
>He tossed you an articles of clothing sort of like a hospital gown.
>You disrobed in a small changing room and put the thing on.
>You could`ve sworn that Iridan took a glance at your ass once you were in it.
>Iridan went off to do something as a group of scientists ran tests on everything about you.
>Many, many samples were taken.
>Blood, sweat, mucus, urine, stool.
>Like your shit broke the rules of reality.

>After the storm of tests, they found that you were slightly dehydrated and had a bit of a high white blood cell count.
>They were a bit dissapointed.
>You were glad to not have to deal with any more weird shit.
>After you got all dressed back up, you noticed something in a translucent crate on a table.
>It was indigo in color, and looked like silly putty.
>On the container it said | 999 > 914 Fine Sample |.
>A researcher, whose name tag indicated that her name was Carrie, caught your eye.
"Oh, are you interested in our studies? I would really like to show you but I don`t believe you have clearence. If I showed you anyways, then I could be punished severely."
>As she said this, whatever was inside began eating away at the side of the container with a sizzling sound.

>There were the usual disruptions in your sight coming from this thing.
>It was anomalous, whatever it was.
>Carrie noticed your glance at the container and promptly freaked the fuck out when she looked at it.
"Oh fuck."
>She went off to grab something.
>You focused a bit on the ripples, and several links appeared.
>One link seemed to be causing instability throughout the chain of them.
>She came back with a canister of some sort, but stopped.
>She watched your face closely, curious about what you were doing.
"Are you okay?"
>You didn`t respond, still focused on the discordant link.
>You honed some part of your mind and somehow split the problematic thread.
>The ripples calmed down, but you fell over, completely exausted.
>You passed out not a moment after.

"Come on, wake up."
>You noticed Iridan above you, gently shaking you.
>You managed a confused grunt.
>You were laying on some sort of hospital bed, and you had a bit of monitoring equipment on your body.
"Good, you`re awake. So, are you coherent enough to answer a question?"
>You answered.
"Yeah, I`m alright."
"Okay, so what did you just do?"
>What did you do?
"This sample of 999`s slime was run through 914, which is a machine that works by somehow changing many characteristics of something."
>She motioned to a box with that indigo goo in it.
"This specimen was known to be unstable and agressive. Now, it`s rather indifferent to its surroundings. I ask what you`ve done because we have recordings of you staring at the container, then losing conciousness. Carrie`s account of this also aligns with this. And-"
>She paused to take a breath, and probably for dramatic effect.

"Our equipment detected some minute quake in our reality. Coming directly from your location as you fell unconcious. Now, I ask of you to answer me honestly and truthfully, for it is of utmost importance. What did you do?"
>You know it`s always better to tell the truth, so you did.
"I cut something. A link to something that was attached to the thing. I could tell it was causing instability, so I got rid of it."
>A questioning expression went over her face.
"You... cut something? A link, you said."
"Yeah. It took a lot out of me though, like the time I pulled my SUV through to this place."
>She looked excited.
"I hope you know what this means. You may be a reality bender. And the ability seems to revolve around alternate realities. Now, how did you acquire this ability again?"
>You explained what MalO accomplished with your phone.
"That... makes sense I suppose. Anyways, you need to see what you`ve done."
>She took a very sharp-looking knife and opened the container with it.
>The puddle of goo did nothing.
"This specimen became noticably less agressive once you 'stabilized' it. It seems to behave like a much less hyperactive version of SCP-999."
"I still have no idea what that is."
>She looked around for a moment then snapped her fingers.

"You know what, I think you need to have your access level raised. Then you can learn all about these things. I think I`ll contact the departmental director and see if he`ll set up a conference between you, me, and the site director so we can at least get you level 3 clearence. I`ll set that up right now, you take a look at what you`ve accomplished there."
>She was referring to the dark blue blob in the container.
>You reached in and touched it.
>You felt a slight scraping sensation on your fingertip, then it was stuck in the ooze.
>You didn`t want to seem like an imbecile in front of Iridan, so you tried to solve the problem while her back was turned.
>You managed to pull your finger free, but you noticed that a bit of the top layer of skin on the tip was scraped away.
>Huh.
>Then it formed itself into a rounder shape.
>Two small spots began to glow within it, almost like eyes.
>You looked into them, and was surprised when the lights dimmed for a split second.
>It was probably blinking, the action similar to MalO`s blinking eyes.

>You poked the thing again, this time it gently caught your finger and pulled itself up onto your arm.
>It was not that heavy or large, likely just eight pounds of translucent indigo goo.
>It created an odd sensation wherever it touched, but it wasn`t unpleasant.
>You slowly pulled it off of your arm and put it back into the container after gently patting it.
>It`s eyes seemed to close as you did this, probably signaling enjoyment.
"So, what do you feed this thing?"
"Huh? Oh, nine-hundred ninety-nine eats sweets, so probably the same thing. Why do you ask?"
"I think it`d be a cool pet or something."
>Iridan turned around from her desk.
"You`re kidding me, right?"
"No, I think it`s cute."
>It really was though.
"Well, I don`t think they`d allow that."
>She started searching for something on the computer.
"Unless they plan to decomission it, then... oh. Well, it seems like they do. I`ll put in a request for the specimen to be kept for observation and research. And you can do the observing."
>The small creature`s eyes got wider for a moment, as if it could comprehend what you and Iridan were saying.

>Iridan noticed its change in behavior.
"How do you keep doing this though?"
>She gestured to the creature.
>You had no idea what she meant by asking that.
"Doing what?"
>She sighed.
"This specimen was notably hostile and what do you do? You want to keep it as a pet, and it becomes docile. You somehow made a digital stalker your wife, and one of the most dangerous SCPs we have your friend. It`s a good thing, but how and why?"
>It was a good question, and you had a good answer.
"Because I want to give whoever or whatever I meet a second chance before booting them off to some place to be locked away for the rest of their lives. Have you ever stopped to think, 'Maybe I should treat some of these things well?'"
>A grim look appeared on Iridan`s face.
"You have to understand, not everything or everyone can be saved. And some things... just shouldn`t be given a second chance."
>And with that, she turned back around and started using the computer again.
>She seemed to be in a somber mood.
>You left her office with the small gooey creature in tow.

-------------------18---------------------
>You went back to your room and set the box containing the small creature down on the desk.
>It was looking around, taking in the new setting.
>You decided to name the creature.
>But what should you name it?
>Indi seemed like a good name, based on its indigo color.
"Hey, can you understand me?"
>Its eyespots swiveled towards you.
"Blink twice if you can."
>There was a bit of time without a response.
>You were about to give up when it blinked.
>Then blinked again.
"So, you can?"
>It blinked twice again.
>Holy shit, it could.
"I want to give you a name. Is that okay?"
>You saw its eyes shift up and down, like it was nodding.
"How about Indi? Will that work?"
>It nodded again.
>It resembled the typical slime enemies from some old RPG games you played before, except for the bright eyespots.
>It was pretty cute.
>You remembered Iridan saying that it ate sweets, so you should probably get some candy from somewhere.
"Hey, I`m gonna go get some food for you. Don`t go anywhere, okay?"
>Its eyespots dimmed a bit, but it nodded.
>It was still sitting on the desk when you left the room.

>You went down to a vending machine you saw on the way to Iridan`s office.
>Moving past you were guards and other personnel.
>And a group of people in orange jumpsuits that looked rather exausted.
>They were being escorted by the guards, occasionally urged on by the poke of a gun barrel.
>The uniforms were printed with the designation 'Class D'.
>Are these the people they use to test the anomalies?
>The thoughts were pushed to the back of your mind after you refocused on your goal.
>You continued on and found the vending machine.
>Using the money in your wallet, you managed to get a pretty good bit of candy.
>Chocolate, skittles, twizzlers, a variety of stuff.
>Probably enough to feed Indi for a while.
>You haphazardly carried it all back to your room.
>You could hear a good bit of noise from the commons area.
>They were still going at it.
>You checked the time on your phone; it was 10:24.
>Still plenty of time to fuck around after feeding Indi.
>You went into your room to find it where you left it.
>Its eyespots were dark, and it was slowly moving up and down.
>It looked like it was asleep.
>You quietly closed the door behind you and walked over to the small creature.

"Hey, I brought you something."
>You pulled out the skittles.
>Its eyes brightened quickly as it woke up.
>It made no sound though.
>You tore open the bag of skittles and dug one out.
>You set in on the desk in front of the blob.
>It extended a pseudopod and grabbed it.
>You heard a slight sizzling sound as the candy dissapeared within it.
>It looked at you expectantly.
>You emptied the bag onto the table.
>Indi greedily pulled each bit of candy in and consumed it.
"Christ, you`re hungry."
>It seemed to nod again, so you just set the pile of food on the table.
"Have at it then."
>It was growing as it ate, becoming much larger.
>By the time it had dissolved all of the food, it had grown about four times its previous size.
>It was about twice as big as a sack of potatoes now.
"Holy shit, you got bigger."
>Then it started changing shape.

>It grew four limbs outwards and shifted its form into a humanoid shape.
>It was about a foot and a half tall, had two legs and two arms, but had no head.
>The eyes were along the top of the chest, near where the neck should be.
>It reached forwards with its arm and grabbed your hand.
>Its limb felt like a combination of silly putty and peanut butter.
>Its eyes brightened a bit as it pulled itself towards you and hugged you, hanging off of you with its arms wrapped around the back of your neck.
>You were a bit confused about this situation.
>You decided there was no harm in it and returned the gesture, hugging Indi back.
>It let go after a bit and started exploring the room.
>You didn`t know what to expect or how you`d explain this to anyone.
>It would probably be fine though.
>At the moment, it was behaving like toddler, strolling through the room and looking at and touching everything it could get its hands on.
>It was a curious little thing.
>It wandered into the bathroom and you heard the faucet turn on.

>You walked in to see it drinking water.
>Well, more like absorbing it with one arm covering the tap.
>It was getting bigger again, but also becoming more transparent.
>You thought about it for a bit.
>All of the food allowed for more structure in its body, but the water would fill it out.
>That made sense.
>It was slow going, so you showed it how to work the bathtub and shower.
>Its eyes flashed as the bathtub began to run.
>You plugged the drain and it hopped in.
>It was losing a bit of color after soaking up so much water, becoming a faint cerulean color.
>You left it to screw around with the water and get hydrated, and left the bathroom.
>You were also planning to get a shower tonight, but you would have to wait.
>You were intent on learning how to use your abilities more effectively, so you decided to try to practice again.
>You sat on your bed and focused on seeing the signals and links.
>Nothing but a few slight tremors from yourself.
>It seemed like you were out of juice from stabilizing Indi.

>It was fine, you`d practice tomorrow.
>At least you have figured out how to do something.
>The sound of the shower going reminded you that Indi was in there.
>You went in the bathroom to check on it.
>It was much larger.
>Probably five feet or so, and a translucent blue color.
>Its body had no defining characteristics, only keeping the same humanoid form.
>It turned around and looked at you.
>It had a head now, still featureless except for the gently glowing eyespots.
>It turned the shower off and stepped out.
>It reached out with an arm and looked at you.
>You saw the stubby end of the arm change shape, gradually becoming more defined.
>Soon, it had what appeared to be hands on the end of each arm.
>Wow, it was becoming more like a person every moment.
>It walked towards you and embraced you, its body felt warm but oddly enough, not wet.
>You hugged Indi back.
>It was oddly affectionate for some odd slime creature.
>Then it looked up at you and let go, but kept your hand entwined with its own.
>It pulled you out of the bathroom and sat on the couch.
>You still had no idea what it wanted.

>You sat down next to it.
>Then it hugged you again, but you began to feel something.
>Everywhere it touched your body, the soreness and fatigue left.
>It was... actually very pleasant.
>It began to gently massage your body with its own, further relaxing you.
>You thought this to be a bit odd, and if anyone walked in, it would be difficult to explain.
>You slowly pushed Indi off of you.
"Hey, you might want to try to not do that to anyone else. They may take it the wrong way."
>It nodded, but then its eyespots darkened.
>A small line developed where the mouth on its face should be.
>Its eyes began to glow again.
>It spoke with a sort of high pitched voice.
"Hey!"
>You didn`t expect that.
>Maybe it was trying figure out how to speak.
"Okay, you can talk now. Do you understand what I am saying?"
>It nodded and spoke again.
"Tak undastern saying."
>It seemed like it knew what you were saying, just not what to say or how to say it back.
"Say yes."
"Yes?"
"Now say no."
"No."
>It then leaned forwards and pressed its head to yours.
>You felt something in your conciousness, moving and searching around.
>It backed away.
"Sorry about that. I did that so I could figure out how to talk and  use my mouth or something. I hope you didn`t mind that, I was just tired of not being able to talk with you."
>Indi had apparently went through your memories or mind, which was weird.

>Indi looked down, like it was thinking.
"To be honest though, I`m glad you`re here. Sorry about what I was doing before, there`s... some feeling that makes me want to do that sort of thing. Probably made it a bit awkward."
>You remembered Iridan showing you SCP-999`s description.
>Apparently Indi came from that thing, so it would make sense that it would behave like that.
>It looked back at you with an expression of sorrow on its face.
"Do you think they`ll take me away?"
>Oh.
>It sounded scared.
"I got a friend of mine to see if you can stay here. I don`t think they`ll take you."
>You wanted to reassure Indi, and by its expression relaxing a bit, it worked.
>This was still a bit weird, not so much though compared to your other friends.
>Holy shit, looking back on a few months ago, things have gone wildly different from what you`d expected.
"Are you okay?"
>Your thoughts were interrupted.
"Yeah, just thinking about some things."
>Indi cocked their head a bit.
>It let go of your hand and stood up.
"So, what should we do now? I have no idea who, what, or where I am, so let`s do something!"
>It looked excited.
>At that moment, Draga walked in.

>At least she didn`t looked pissed off.
{ Uh... who is that? }
>Indi backed away from her a bit, but before you could speak, it went right back up to her and introduced itself.
"Hi, my name is... Indi. I think. Who are you?"
>It looked curious, but a bit frightened.
{ I suppose Anon will explain this later. My name is Draga. }
>She sounded vaguely uncomfortable.
>You spoke up before the awkward silence could set in.
"Well, should I introduce them to the rest of the group, Draga?"
{ I believe that would be the best course of  action. }
>Indi excitedly voiced her thoughts.
"There`s more of you? Let`s go, I wanna meet them!"
>Indi seemed to have a childlike sense of curiosity.
>You hoped it wouldn`t get them in trouble.
>Indi was already walking down the hall with Draga.
>You followed them.

-------------------19---------------------
>You just hoped that Indi wouldn`t try to go with the MTF on any missions.
>For some reason, you felt... protective of Indi, like they were a younger sibling.
>Draga broke the silence with a question.
{ So, did Anon have anything to do with you being here? }
"I think so, yeah. He did something in this lab, then I could think clearly."
>Draga chuckled a bit.
{ Almost the same thing happened with me. }
>They continued down the hall, occasionally talking about how you met Draga, or what they were doing here.
>After a few minutes, you thought about something.
>Shouldn`t Indi be wearing some clothes?
>It had nothing to show off, but it would look better.
"Hang on, I`m gonna grab something from the room. I`ll catch up."
{ Okay, we will wait for you here. }
>Indi glanced back at you.
"Yeah, we`ll be here."
>You started jogging back to your room.

>Once you arrived, you went through your clothes in the drawer by your bed.
>You grabbed a green long sleeve shirt, some dark colored jeans, and a pair of boots.
>You left the room and walked back down the hall.
>You turned the corner to see Doctor Iridan waiting with Indi and Draga.
>Iridan noticed you and raised her arms with an exasperated expression.
"I hate to sound unprofessional, but how the fuck do you keep doing this? Wasn`t this the specimen that you were 'going to keep as a pet'?"
>She pointed at Indi.
>Indi spoke up.
"If you`re uh... talking about me looking like you and him, I made myself look like that so I could fit in. Sorry..."
>Iridan looked back at Indi.
"I should be the one to apologize for my outburst. I want you to come to the lab when Anon is at the MTF training thing. We need to have a designation for you and your document needs to be written. If you`re staying, then we`ll need to study you a bit and do our jobs."
>She had calmed back down rather quickly.

>Indi regained her normal posture and smiled.
"If you learn some things about me, can you tell me? I wanna know what I am and what kinda stuff I can do."
>Iridan nodded.
"We will keep you informed about anything we discover. As long as you... don`t injure anyone else."
>Indi`s expression darkened a bit, struck with guilt.
"Did... did I hurt someone?"
"You caused a chemical burn down to the ankle bone on one of our researchers. They`re okay and recovering, just unable to work as well."
>Christ, Indi could do shit like that?
>It spoke up, voice apologetic.
"I`m sorry about that... I don`t remember doing any of it. The first thing I remember is seeing Anon fall over."
>Draga looked at Indi.
{ Hmm. Exactly how caustic can you become, Indi? }
"I don`t know. Why?"
{ Just asking. }
>Draga had a bit of a worried look on her face.
>Odd question.

>Iridan nodded to Indi.
"Well, I`ll see you tomorrow. Indi, was it?"
>She began to walk away.
>Indi looked back at Iridan.
"Alright, bye then!"
>You and the others continued down to the commons area after Indi was dressed with the clothing you brought it.
>It was off size a bit, but then Indi changed its body to fit them.
"These are cool! They`ve got pockets and stuff too!"
>Indi seemed to be easily excitable, and it made them seem like a really large child.
>Hell, it was pretty much born today, so it would make sense.
>As you walked down the hall, you noticed Draga meandering a bit away from Indi.
>You put two and two together.

>She can`t adapt to caustic substances well.
>She`s actually afraid of Indi.
>That put you a bit on edge as well... what if Indi acidentally burned someone?
>Actually, it might be the most dangerous member of your group, considering that it may be resistant to conventional weaponry and possibly other things.
>And it`s telepathic or something.
>Holy fuck.
>As you mulled this over, you felt a link open up in your senses.
>It wasn`t traversable, but it was odd, as it felt different from different than the other links.
>Then it was pulled tight... and broke.
>You clenched your jaw as the shattered chain separated into fragments.
>It fucking hurt.
>Out of all of the pieces, one stood out to you.
>Without realizing it, you reached your hand out.
>There was a blinding flash, then you felt something in your palm.
>Damn it, you couldn`t go a few fucking days without some weird shit happening.

>You slowed your pace.
>You opened your hand to see a small silver bead of some sort.
>Organized ripples emanated from it.
>Odd.
>You quickly pocketed the thing.
{ What was that? }
>Draga had stopped and looked around, trying to find the source of the burst of light.
>Indi stood still and looked at you.
"Probably the lights flickering or something."
>It made enough sense.
{ Maybe so. }
>You continued down the hallway.

>You arrived in the commons area, only to see MalO breathing fire onto a plate of some kind of meat.
>Catherine`s arm changed into a long fork and she speared the sizzling meat.
>It appeared to be a piece of steak.
>She high-fived MalO and sat down with the plate of roasted beef.
>MalO waved at you and you returned the gesture.
>She seemed to be getting along with everyone despite her appearance.
>Steven, Tom, Laura, and Jonas were playing Monopoly.
>They were a bit quiet, but then they howled with laughter when Jonas landed on Boardwalk.
>Jonas forked over some money to Tom.
>Ricardo was watching TV.
>Weiss was sitting near the bookshelves, drinking a beer.
>Nichol was hurling knives at the dartboard now, nearly hitting Greg as he walked by.
>Greg stopped and caught one of the knives mid-air, and hurled it back at Nichol.
>He smirked as it hit his target hilt-first in the forehead.
>Nichol just flipped him off, picked the knife back up, and started throwing again.
>Weiss had started reading a book, and waved to Draga when she entered the room behind you.
{ I will be talking with her for a while. }
"Alrighty, already making friends now. Go for it."
{ Thanks. }
>You slapped Draga on the back as she walked away.
>Draga was getting better at talking to people, but that was probably because these weren`t normal people.
>Indi stuck next to you, but it was definitely paying attention to everything happening.

>You noticed Evan and Johnny watching you, so you went over to say hello.
>Johnny was an Asian man standing at about five foot nine with black hair and a slim body shape.
>Evan was a Caucasian with blonde hair and brown eyes, and he was about as tall as you, though he was a bit chunkier.
>Evan greeted you first.
"Hey, good to see you! Did you know we`re in the same squad? Also, who`s your friend?"
>He looked at Indi with a curious expression.
>They had set up the squads already?
>It made a bit of sense, you had been away for a while.
"This is Indi. They`re a friend of mine now. They`re a... I`m not sure."
>Indi cheerfully spoke up.
"I don`t know what I am either, but it`s good to meet you!"
>It held out a hand.
>Johnny looked on as Evan took its hand.
>Evan smiled a bit as Indi gave a vigorous handshake.
"You know, you remind me of nine-nine-nine. You`re all slimy and stuff."
>Oh... right, Indi was made from a sample of that one.
>Indi cocked its head and stopped the handshake.
"Who?"

>Evan had a small laugh and pulled his hand back.
"One of the few SCPs that are pretty much harmless. Pretty much a very happy orange little ball of goo."
>Sounded a lot like Indi, actually.
>Except for the orange part.
"They sound nice. I think I was made from that one."
>As Evan and Indi continued talking, Johnny decided to say something after being silent for so long.
"Hey, they`ve made me the leader of the specialists squadron. And MalO is in my squad."
>He spoke with a slight Korean accent.
>Also, you really needed to get ahold of a squad roster or something so you knew who was where and whatnot.
"What`s that squad for?"
"We have all of the odd ones out, it seems. A demo guy, a sniper, an engineer-"
>He pointed at himself.
"-And a digital spectre."
>He was obviously talking about MalO.
>You had a few questions though.
"Why do we need a Demolitions guy?"
"We need to be prepared for many different circumstances."
>That made some sense.
"What are we supposed to be doing for our first mission that would take this many different skillsets?"
>He looked up.
"I don`t know, probably something serious though. Here, you might want one of these rosters since you were out doing something."
>He handed you a sheet of paper with everyone`s squads and roles on it

>You were in the 'High-Risk Ops.' squad.
>So was Steven, Evan, and Draga.
>Evan was a medic, which was good.
>If it`s high risk, you don`t want to be caught without someone who can patch you up.
>Steven was the leader of your squad.
>And with Draga on board, you felt a bit safer, considering all of the things you`ve heard about her fighting prowess.
>There were three other four-person squads.
>Tom led the Direct Combat Ops.
>Laura led the Stealth/Infiltration Ops.
>And Johnny was the leader of the Specialist squad.

>When you glanced back up from the paper, Indi and Evan were both sitting on the leather couch and talking to each other.
>You caught a bit of their conversation.
"And Draga might be a little cautious because of the last time she encountered nine-nine-nine. So don`t push that envelope."
"Why would I be pushing any envelopes around."
"I didn`t mean it literally."
>Indi seemed to have no concept of Idioms or other sorts of sayings.
>They`d learn though.
>You glanced to where Johnny had been standing.
>He was walking off in the direction of the bathroom.
>Now you were standing in a corner of the room, just watching everyone.
>Where the hell was Calvin or Laiska?
>Oh, you remembered that they were dating.
>They were probably in their room together doing something.
>Well, other than them, everyone was here.
>You took a seat in the small sofa next to the couch, and pulled the odd bead out of your pocket.
>What exactly was this thing?
>It was about the size of a pea, and appeared to be made of brilliant silver.
>Ah, whatever, you`d find out eventually in a dream or some shit.
>You put it away.
>You watched TV for a bit, zoning out while some sit-com played out on screen.

>You were snapped back into focus when you saw a slight ripple in your sight.
>You noticed MalO`s telltale distortions before she could sneak up on you.
>You whipped your head around and startled her with a sudden exclamation.
[ Eah! That`s what I get for trying to surprise you, I guess. ]
>She stood behind the chair and leaned down, hugging you from behind.
[ So, how`re you holding up? We`re not in the same squad, I know. ]
"Well, I`m just glad you aren`t in the 'High-Risk' squad. I don`t want you to get hurt... or killed."
[ I understand that, but- ]
>She walked around the sofa and sat down next to you.
[ -I want to make sure you`ll be okay too. I know you want to show me how much you care about me and what you`re willing to risk, but all of that won`t matter if you get yourself killed. ]
>She was right.
>She leaned on you, resting her head on your shoulder.
[ So, who was that blue person you walked in here with? ]
>Right, she hadn`t met Indi.
"That`s... a new friend of mine. I did something that solved an agression issue and made them able to act like a person."
[ Sort of like Draga. You seem to be able to use those abilities for more than you tell us about. ]

>She`s right.
>But it was mostly things that you didn`t know about as well.
"I`ve only figured out a few things about this ability of mine. You know all of that stuff with the doors in my dreams?"
[ Yeah? ]
"I had a different sort of dream, and now I think I can make and break connections with other worlds."
>MalO somehow produced an expression of disbelief, even with a skull for a face.
[ Okay, I can understand the phone letting you hop around the two realities, but now you say you can make some sort of link with other places? ]
>You were telling the truth, but she didn`t seem to believe you.
"Yeah. I can also... sort of sense anomalies. That`s how I noticed you trying to sneak up on me. They make weird ripples in my vision."
[ You`re serious, aren`t you. ]
"Mhmm. I can also..."
>You considered telling her the effects of linking and severing, but it would likely be too much.
[ Also what? ]
"Actually, I think that`s it."
[ Okay...? ]
>She was silent for a moment, then her eyes began to carry a mischeivous look.
[ So, do you want to go back to our room? ]
>You had an idea where this was heading.

>But what about Indi?
>You raised your head to try to find them.
>You spotted them leaning their head on Evan`s shoulder with darkened eyespots.
>It was probably asleep.
>Should Indi even need sleep?
>MalO stood up.
[ Come on, I`m bored! Let`s see if we can get the computer to run some games. ]
>Oh, you thought she was going somewhere else with that statement.
>You waved to Indi and Draga as you left the room.
>Indi was still dormant or asleep on the couch.
>Draga waved back and went back to speaking with Weiss.
>Draga seemed to be having a good time, animatedly talking and gesturing.
>You watched as she bumped an empty glass off the table with her lower left arm.
>MalO grabbed your hand.
[ Come on, I`m bored as shit. ]
>She didn`t normally swear like that.
>Also, she didn`t normally weave around while walking like that.
>She had actually gotten drunk.

>You helped her keep balance as she stumbled through the hallway.
[ Y`know, I really like this place. It`s actually kinda nice. ]
>You`d never heard her slur her words like this, but it was a little funny to hear.
>You made your way back to your room with her in tow.
>You entered it and she laid down on the bed.
>She was out.
>Rest in Peace, tonight`s gaming plans.
>You were tired as well.
>You checked the time on your phone.
                            | 11:30 |
>Speaking of your phone, how come the battery was still at a hundred percent?
>Probably some anomalous shit, which you would report to Iridan later.
>You laid down next to MalO and curled up next to her.
>As always, she radiated heat.
>You drifted off.

>There was an annoying beeping sound.
>Right, the alarm.
>You slapped the button to make it shut the fuck up.
>It was eight o' clock.
>The meeting was at nine, right?
>Yeah, it was.
>You nudged MalO awake, and were rewarded with a slight whimpering.
[ Fuck, my head hurts. ]
>She was hungover.
>Her eyes were bright orange.
>No morning kisses for you.
>She exhaled a small ember of flame.
[ Goddamnit. Are there any painkillers in this room? ]
"I don`t think so, let me check."
>After a once-over through the room, you found a bottle of asprin.
>You tossed her a bottle of water, which she failed to catch.
>It hit her in the chest with a thunk.
[ Oh you fucking cock-up, do you think I can do that shit right now? ]
>Why was she british all of a sudden?

"Sorry, sorry!"
[ Fucking give me the asprin, you taint. ]
>You ignored the insult as you checked the dose and gave her the appropriate amount.
"Here, take these."
>She swallowed the pills and chugged the water.
[ I really hope this shit works. I don`t want to be doing any MTF bullshit in this kinda shape. ]
"The asprin`ll kick in soon."
>You and her got dressed.
>You were in a pair of standard issue grey pants and a black shirt.
>You slipped your shoes on and looked at MalO.
>She was in the same outfit, though with oddly shaped sock-like shoes for her digitigrade feet.
[ These are weird. I mean, they`re comfortable, but fucking weird. ]
>The flames in her eyes had dulled down a bit at this point, and she quit complaining of a headache.
"Asprin working yet?"
[ Yeah. ]
"Good."

>It was eight-twenty.
>Might as well check on everyone else.
"Hey MalO, I`m gonna check on Draga. Maybe see where Indi`s at."
>She was laying down on the bed.
[ Alright. I`m going to try to relax a bit. ]
"Remember, commons at nine."
[ Yeah. I gotcha. ]
>You saw her eyes wink out.
>She was asleep.
>You headed out of the room and knocked on Draga`s door.
{ Hang on! } She said, voice muffled slightly.
>She opened the door.
>Her room was still pristine, bed made back up and everything still in place.
>Draga herself was dressed up in a supersized uniform.
>Her gaze met yours as you looked up at her.
{ Good morning. }
>You heard another voice from inside the room.
"Hey Anon!"
>Indi?
>Indi walked out from the bathroom, still dressed in what you gave it last night.
"Draga let me stay in here last night!"
>Draga had a pleading expression on her face.
>She leaned in and whispered.
{ Please, do something with it. It doesn`t listen to me. }
>Damn, Draga looked irritated too.
"Indi! Come out here."
>You heard the clunking of boots on the tile floor.
>Draga stepped back as Indi walked out into the hall.

>You grabbed Indi`s arm and took them into your room.
>It needed to know to listen.
"Hey, Indi."
"Yeah?"
"You need to learn to listen to people."
>Their eyespots dulled a bit.
"Am I in trouble?"
"A little. I mean, there`s not much I can do, but you have to learn to follow instructions."
"Okay. I got it."
>It sounded a bit down, but you did just chastise it somewhat.

>After a few minutes, everyone was prepared.
>You and the rest of your group headed down to the commons.
>Waiting there was everyone except for Nichol.
>A moment later, he appeared from the hall, looking a bit worse for wear.
>His expression changed quickly though, and it seemed like he was hiding something.
>It would come out eventually.

>It was only eight fourty, so everyone idly chatted.
>The television was on the news channel, currently going on about an assassination of an official that apparently had ties with underground criminal organizations.
>It happened yesterday afternoon.
>Well, if the guy was corrupt, so be it.

>At precisely nine oh three, Reshe walked in.
"If I may have everyone`s attention."
>He looked around.
"As you know, each of you were chosen to be here. You all passed the tests, you have set up your squads, and you`ve decided upon a nickname."
>Check, check, and check.
"But, you are not yet an official Mobile Task Force. You are going to be trained first."

>As he took another sweeping gaze through all seventeen people here, he noticed Indi standing beside you.
>"Huh. Who is this, Anon?"
>It spoke up before you could.
>"I`m Indi!"
>Reshe was confused for a second.
>"Well, 'Indi', you are not in the roster. If you may, go take a seat somewhere."
>Indi sat on the couch, watching what was going on.
>Then the TV caught its eye, and it focused on that, leaving everyone to their business.

>"So, all of you in this unit will go through a training regiment. It will be difficult, but it will impart the skill you need to be known as a MTF."
>His eyes swept across all sixteen people.
>"You will learn how your individual skills fit in with your squads, and your unit."
>He was pacing around in front of the group now.
>"You will not be heading out on any missions any time soon. You are not ready for that, but you will be."
>He stopped moving.
>"Are there any questions?"
>The group remained silent, the only sound being that of the television in the background.
>"Good. We will begin shortly."

>And so you trained.
>You built up your endurance and strength, your cunning and knowledge, your own unique skills.
>And your fellow members did the same, creating a force to be reckoned with.
>This training continued for an entire year.
>Learning the inside and out of the Foundation`s terminology, the many threats you would encounter, and how to use your abilities to suit the team.
>And your skills grew more potent.

>You could 'Tune In' to the distortions in reality around you, using that to find anomalous items or persons.
>You could shift between more than the two original realities, though it still drained you.
>The most important thing you learned was something you kept to yourself.
>Something dangerous, powerful, and something only you could do.
>'Weaving'

>It was an odd term, but it fit the usage.
>You could weave links together and bind them to an object, thereby creating an anomaly.
>Of course, it made sense to keep that info away from anyone.
>Not even MalO, nor Draga heard about it.
>Depending on the ever-growing variety of links you could bound to something, you could pretty much program an item to do anything.
>This exhausted you greatly though, and took a massive length of time to perform.
>It took you four days to make an empty soda can float in the air.
>Though it only took a moment to rend those links, making the abnormal item normal once again.

-Fourteen months later-

>You were allowed a vacation for a week.
>Apparently, Charles had set his vacation time up to align with yours so that you could all see each other.
>Mal0 and Draga went with you to be picked up by Charles.
[ It`s been a while since I`ve been outside. What should we do once we get home? ]
{ I`ll likely just enjoy the fresh air. }
[ What about you, Anon? ]
"I`m going to sleep in for a while. This schedule has been rough."
[ Sounds like a plan. ]
>A beep startled the three of you.
>Charles had pulled up in a silver colored SUV.
>He was grinning as he motioned you three to get in.

>"How`ve you guys been?"
"Pretty good. You?"
>There were a few conflicting emotions on his face, and you noticed that he kept looking at Draga.
>"I`m alright. Been busy, but I`ve kept the house in shape. I`ve heard the three of you are in a MTF now. A new one, right?"
{ Yes. We have already been split into squads for different purposes. Me and Anon are in the same squad. }
>Mal0`s eyes narrowed.
[ Don`t rub it in, now. ]

>Your thought on the matter is that Mal0 was well suited to be on the specialists squad.
>Her unique skillset was actually something to be feared.
>Over time, it became apparent that she could become intangible and travel short ranges as a burst of radio waves.
>And she could manipulate anything electronic.
>Anything.

>Meanwhile, Draga was fucking terrifying in a combat situation.
>Her claws could tear through most armor plating, and she just couldn`t be taken down.
>She had also become a skilled tactian over the fourteen months of training.
>You were glad to have her on your squad and on your side.

>Draga took the front seat due to her massive size.
>She was still hunched over a bit.
{ I still dislike riding in these vehicles. They`re so cramped. }
[ I mean, I`m sure you could adapt to an SUV. ]
{ Shut it. }
>Mal0 knew that Draga wouldn`t hurt anyone, so they ended up messing with each other through little sarcastic comments like that.
>They were still friends, of course.

>Charles looked at you and Mal0.
>"You guys all buckled up back there?"
"Yeah."
[ Yep. ]
>"Then let`s get moving."
>The four of you began the long journey back to your house.

>You spent the time talking with Charles, learning about the missions he`d go on and the many odd encounters he had.
>He stopped for a moment and pointed at something in the sky.
>"Hey guys, look at that."
>You craned your neck to look out the window and see what he was pointing at.

>It was a winged figure, gliding through the air.
>They were carrying someone.
{ How odd. It appears to be carrying an injured man. I wonder where they are heading. }
>Charles shrugged.
>"Being an agent like me, you tend to notice a lot of things that are out of place A flying person taking someone somewhere isn`t much of a big deal."
[ Whoever they are, I hope they`re okay. ]
>Conversation on this topic carried on for a few more minutes before shifting elsewhere.

>Charles took the scenic route, through the mountains, and the four of you marveled at the wonderful sights.
>Lush greenery, great view, and a mild climate to boot.
>You briefly considered living here once you finished working with the Foundation.

>And speaking of the Foundation, you had managed to get the attention of some high ranking people.
>Site directors, research personnel, and a few others.
>Throughout your training, you built up a case that would be used to show the Foundation that they needed to consider treating sapient beings a little less coldly.
>Though they were not cruel to any anomalous humans, more monstrous beings capable of reason were still locked away.
>Somehow, the idea gained momentum, and there was a movement within the Foundation to research the psychological effects of being within containment and to possibly make the more reasonable sapient entities more comfortable.
>The study was going to be a long term project, and both Mal0`s and Draga`s behavior was studied and documented to build up a small amount of information about the psychological profiles of entities free from direct, absolute containment.
>There were many who were still uneasy at the thought of changing everything though.
>A majority believed that a major change in the method used to contain sapient entities would create more problems than solutions.
>You believed, and hoped, otherwise.

>The long journey in the SUV was a stark contrast to the time you`d spent training.
>The air, the trees, the sky, the view, the sun, the soaring feeling of freedom.
>Charles seemed to notice your excitement.
>"Nice view, isn`t it? I thought so, compared to the inside of that bunker."
{ I agree. It is... rather nice. }
>You noticed a quick few glances between Draga and Charles.
>Immediately, you realized what was going on from the expressions on their faces.
>Mal0 hadn`t picked up on it yet.
>She was looking at the landscape as Charles drove down the winding road, letting a small amount of air blow through the slightly opened window.
[ It really is beautiful out there. ]
>You grapsed her hand and held it.
"It is... look at the sky. Not a cloud anywhere."

>The sky was a gradient painting stretching across your sight, going from a soft pink to a gentle blue as the sun moved across it.
>The wind let in through the cracked window carried the scents of spring, the aroma of new life, the fresh air of the mountain range.

>Mal0 leaned her head against your shoulder, drawing your attention back to her.
[ I`m glad we met. It`s given me chances to learn and experience things I`d never thought possible. ]
>A faint smile grew upon your face.
"I`m grateful too, you know. I would have never gotten the chance to do this if it weren`t for you. I`d still be working towards some boring goal with no real motivation except to avoid being homeless. I`d still likely be alone, a cynical bastard with no desire to go out and meet anyone. And I wouldn`t have met any of the guys here, in this world."
>Charles looked at you through the rearview mirror.
>"Aww. Good to know I`m so important to you."
>The words were in a mocking tone, but you knew he was serious.
>"Hey, the way I see it, you`ve already done the Foundation a great service."
>Draga smiled.
{ And you weren`t afraid of me, came to my aid, and accepted me. You`ve been nothing but kind to me and everyone else here. You were the first to give me a chance, and you showed me that there was more to the world than I could see on my own. }
>Draga reached back and gripped your right hand firmly.
{ I don`t believe I can ever begin to thank you enough for everything. }
>And with the look in Charles`s eyes as he watched Draga, he was happy with more than just a pay raise and a new house.
>These friends of yours weren`t just friends.
>They were a family, and they were your family.

>The ride took many hours.
>You woke up leaning against Mal0.
[ We`re a few minutes away from home Anon. Good job snoring your way through the entire trip. ]
"It`s just relaxing, you know?"
>Draga sighed.
{ Whatever your reasons may be, I am just grateful that I will be able to leave this vehicle and its cramped discomfort. }
>Charles laughed to himself for a moment.
>"Car rides, a greater threat to the hard to destroy reptile than anything else the Foundation could-"
>You heard the sound of an impact.
>"-Ow, fuck!"
{ Keep in mind that it could`ve been much harder. }
>Though he was in pain, Charles still wore a grin.
>"I hear ya. You can`t solve everything like that though."

>The trip ended without issue.

>The four of you exited the vehicle and took a look around.
>It's been well taken care of, even the bushes are well-trimmed.
>The home`s lights are on, contrasting with the starry night sky.
"Well, let`s head inside."
>Everyone nodded in agreement, and carried their luggage to the door as Charles fumbled with the keys.
>"Do you want the honors of-"
"No, just unlock the damned door."
>He turned to the front door and unlocked it.
>"So much for sentimentality."

>With various bags and suitcases strewn about the living room, it appears a well-prepared tornado on vacation tore through it and forgot half of their shit.
>Leaving conveniently sized clothing and equipment for everyone, along with appropriate toiletries.
>"Well... welcome home, Anon."
"Yep..."
>You were tired, uncomfortable, and had the urge to collapse on the spot.
"I`m gonna just lay down somewhere."
[ Sounds like a plan. ]
>Mal0 clung to your arm as you went upstairs to your bedroom.

>Meanwhile, Draga and Charles were downstairs, talking about all manner of things.
[ Come on... let`s go. ]
>Mal0 groggily pulled you past the door and into the bedroom.
"Yeah, I`m coming."
>You removed your shoes and pants, then laid down next to her, who had gotten undressed in record time.
>She was still warm, still as soft as you remembered.
>You and her hadn`t really spent as much time together as you would`ve liked to.
>The training schedule was rather strict and didn`t allow for much free time.
>It just led you to enjoy moments like this even more.

[ Goodnight Anon. ]
>She pulled you closer and rested her head on your shoulder.
"Goodnight."
>You ran your hand through her hair, then planted a kiss on her forehead.
>Then you drifted off to the sounds of her gentle breathing.

>You were dreaming again.
>This sort of thing hadn`t happened for a while.
>You took a look around.
>It was a field of grass that stretched to the horizon in every direction.
>As you turned around to continue looking, you noticed a figure in the distance.
>Then they were on you.
>A flurry of blows rained down on you, and it was all you could do to avoid the assault.
>Whoever it was, they gave no quarter.
>No chance to counterattack, and a seamless stream of strikes.
>It was still a dream though.
>And you realized as such.
>So you sat up and opened your eyes.
>This shit was getting annoying.
>All you wanted to do was sleep, and for some reason, you couldn`t even do that without getting interrupted.

[ You okay, Anon? ]
>You looked down and saw that Mal0 still had her arms wrapped around you.
"Yeah. I`m all good."
>The expression in her eyes hardened.
[ Good. We have to go. Now. ]
>Wait, what?
>She didn`t wait for a response.
>You saw her eyes and immediately knew to follow her instruction.
>She brought a clawed finger to her lips and silently hopped off of the bed.
[ Someone, or something, is here. And they`re after you. ]
>Fuck.
"Fuck. Do Draga or Charles know yet?"

[ No. It`s a cognitohazardous entity. I knew there was something wrong, but I couldn`t pin it down. They won`t be able to interact with the entity, so it`s just me and you. ]
>You weren`t close to "all good" anymore.
>Especially when the wisps of darkness began to curl around the now opened door.
>Mal0`s grip on your hand tightened.
[ Close your eyes and run. ]
"We can fight it, can`t we?"
[ I don`t think it`s possible to fight something like that. It`s in there, remember? ]
>She tapped your forehead.
>She was right.
[ So trust me and run, be·or/ $ou°

>The sound of static fills the room.
>The sight of darkness fills the room.
>The odor of sterility fills the room.
>The feeling of cold fills the room.
>The taste of acrid, bitter fear fills your mouth.

>You didn`t know what you were up against, except that it could distort your senses.
>But not all of them.
Ping.
>A ripple seemed to shine out from the infinite void.
>The small disruption allowed you to guide yourself closer to the entity.
>The static continued to get louder as you neared whatever it was.
>If you could get close, you could make it stop.
>It hurt though, a massive pain spiking through your mind with every step you took.
>All- you- had- to- do- was-
>Your hand hit something, and you could feel the smooth texture instead of the numbing cold.
>A sharp contrast with the lack of sensation and/or perception elsewhere.
>Now you felt like you could do something.

>You reached forwards with your will, pushing past any sort of defense the entity had.
>It seemed to know what was happening, and you felt the deafening void grow, threatening to swallow whatever was left of your senses.
>But you saw them.
>The faint, glimmering lines of its being.
>What made it an anomaly was laying right in front of you.
>You grasped the threads tightly, and the world came back to you.

>You were still standing in the bedroom, but there was a faint shadowy figure standing in front of you.
>It seemed to know what your intentions were, and was struggling to escape your grasp.
>Your hands and arms were by your side, but you were still somehow holding it still, preventing any attack or retreat.
>Mal0 was standing next to you, her hand firmly grasping your shoulder.
>Her presence was reassuring, to say the least.
>You breathed in...
>And severed its threads.

>The entity in front of you seemed to distort, folding in on itself, then it began to twitch furiously.
>It seized and screamed, then it... broke.
>Mal0 said it was an entity that existed solely within information, and you must have broken the links between the ideas that made it an anomaly, because now all you could think of it was a random chain of words, characters, numbers, and symbols.
>Mal0 pulled you into a hug.
[ It`s gone, isn't it? ]
>You looked at your hands.
>You had just removed an anomaly from existence, torn it apart, cut the life out of it with a single thought.
>An entity that could have just been trying to survive.
>You didn't know whether to feel remorse or relief at its absence.
"Yeah. It's gone."
[ How? ]
>You tried to answer, but your legs buckled under your own weight.

>Mal0 held you up and assisted you in walking to your bed.
[ Hang on... just lay down. ]
>You followed the suggestion and collapsed onto the bed.
"Sorry... hah... I need a moment."
>Though you'd been training this ability for months, it still took a lot out of you.
>There was some sort of reserve of energy in your body for the ability to interact with anomalies like that.
>And it had been all dumped out on the entity you had slain not minutes ago.
>You caught your breath, and found the strength to speak.
>But you still thought it to be a bad idea to tell the truth about it.
>You'd have to lie to the one person you should trust with your life.
>Mal0 must have picked up on some of those feelings, because the look in her eyes contained some concern.
[ You're okay, right? ]
"Mhmm. It just took a lot of effort to push the damned thing out of my head."
>The fact that she had a skull for a face didn't deter her ability to show a variety of emotions, including the slight disbelief and less slight worry that her face seemed to convey at this point.
[ That... really shouldn't be possible. I would know, the Foundation has classified me as a sort of 'cognitohazard'. I mainly exist within the mind of whoever I am with, which led to that classification. From what I know, it technically is impossible to accomplish what you have just done. ]
>Was it possible for her to read your thoughts if that was the case?
[ You are a lot stronger then you ever let on, Anon. It`s amazing, but also rather intimidating. ]
>It didn't seem like she could.
>She sat down next to you, legs hanging off of the edge of the bed.
>Your hand was clasped in hers.

[ Just so you know, I don't regret any of it. ]
>She looked at you with eyes full of quiet joy and love.
[ I'm glad we found each other. I'm glad that you were there, that you decided to keep going after me. It was your choice to leave everything behind, and you took it. For someone like me. ]
>As she looked away, you could see a few tears run down the trails that ran across the bone of her face.
[ Look at how far we've come. We have a family. An odd, mismatched one, but it's the best thing I've ever had. ]
>You slowly sat up and wrapped your arms around her.
"Same here. And it'll stay this way as long as we're all alive and kicking."
>She slid an arm around your waist and pulled you close.
[ That's what I`m worried about. I don't want any of us to get hurt, or... or die. I'm not too worried about myself or Draga, but you and Charles. You two can still be ended with the pull of a trigger and an accurate shot. It scares me, and though she doesn't show it, it worries her greatly. ]
>Draga never showed much emotion, but you had known this already.
[ Just promise me you'll be okay... ]
>You felt her grip on your hand tighten a bit.
"I'll be fine. I don't plan on dying any time soon."
>She looked at you with that same joy and love you've always known from her.
>You felt something unlike anything else in your life.
>And you could see it too.
>A fine silver thread linking the two of you, slowly becoming thicker and stronger.
>It was a link unlike anything else.

>But now there was the question of how you were exposed to the cognitohazard.
>It could've been anything, from what you've heard in training.
>Who would be motivated to do that?
>And what was their aim, if not to just outright kill you?
>You would have to report this when possible.
>But you were completely exhausted at this point.
>You didn't want to fall asleep again for fear of having another encounter in your dreams, but you had to get some rest.
>So you and Mal0 ended up back where you had been.
>Asleep in each other's arms.
>And this was a peaceful slumber, not touched by a single dream.

>Sunlight filtered in through the blinds on the window, and a few rays were perfectly aimed to shine upon your eyes.
"Fuck."
>You rubbed your eyes and sat up.
[ Wha... what is it? ]
>Mal0 rolled over and was blinded by the light as well.
[ Right... morning. Ugh, how long have we been asleep? ]
>You checked the clock.
[| 10:46 |]
"Around twelve hours, I think."
>That included the interruption from whatever had attacked you last night.
>And you had a headache that was reminiscent of the sort of soreness that came from intense exercise.
>Dull until you tried to think too much about anything or focus on any links, then it seemed to sharpen to a razor point.
[ It feels good, being able to sleep in like this. ]
>She sat up and wrapped her arms around you, then laid her head in the space between your neck and shoulder.
>Her soft fur rubbed against your skin, and the warmth threatened to drag you back to sleep.
[ Twelve hours is a bit much though. We do have things to do today. ]
"What's the plan, then?"
[ Let's have breakfast. Then we need to talk about what happened last night. ]
"Right..."
>Nobody knew about your Weaving abilities yet, and you planned on keeping it that way.
>You'd just have to come up with a believable explanation as to how you killed an entity made of information.
>It was a better option than whatever the Foundation had planned for you if they knew what you were truly capable of.
>Yet, you were reluctant to lie to her, and Draga, and even Charles.

>You and Mal0 walked down the stairs to see an odd sight.
>Draga was wearing an apron and a chef hat.
>Charles was taking a picture of her with his phone, and grinning while he did it.
>Meanwhile, Draga was cooking a variety of breakfast foods.
>Having four arms seemingly gave her a large advantage when it came to cooking, as it allowed her to manage a good many things at once.
>A pan full of scrambled eggs was cooking next to another with four pancakes on it.
>There was also bacon, which excited Mal0, and a bunch of sliced fruit on a platter.
>Charles turned around and noticed you.
>And your surprised expression.
>"Uh... good morning."
"What are you doing?"

>He stifled a laugh.
>Of course he was dicking around like this.
>You nor Draga seemed to mind though.
>She was actually smiling and... humming along with a radio that was playing in the kitchen.
>You recognized the song immediately.
>Fucking Take On Me.
>Charles stood up from his chair and walked over to you.
>"I was just snapping a few pictures, you know?"
>Of course his tone indicated some hint of verbal irony, but there was also something else.
"Okay..."
>"Hey, come on now. It's not like I've been able to see her for a while."
>Oh.
>You held up a finger to Mal0 and pulled Charles down the hall and into the guest bedroom.

"Okay, real quick thing here. Are you-"
>"Yeah. I know exactly what you are thinking. And the answer is yes."
>You were left speechless for a moment.
>Though it's always been a thought lingering in the back of your mind, you never expected it to be true.
>"We've kept in touch throughout the MTF training process. Draga and I... well, we get along well. By that, I mean that we both seem to care a lot about each other. We talked a lot... about a lot of things. And things happened and things kept happening..."
>He sighed as his face reddened.
>"I know it's weird but I hoped you would understand. You love who you love, you know?"
>You put a hand on his shoulder.
"Of course. If she's the one for you, then go for it."
>A slight smile grew on his face.
"The bigger question though... Have you said anything about this to her?"
>"Uh... I don't really know how she'll take it, you know? I haven't actually went out and asked her about anything romantic."

"Well, you don't know if she wants you like that if you never ask. She's not one to go out and say things like that."
>Considering that she used to harbor an undying hatred for humanity and/or all other life, it was a likely conclusion.
>Even so, she'd changed a lot since then, a lot since the single moment that you somehow cured the agony that she had existed in.
>"Alright... I'm gonna ask her."
>He raised a finger before you could reply.
>"After breakfast. I think it'll be better. You guys go out and do something and I'll try to ask."
>It would probably be for the better if you and Mal0 discussed last night's events in private before bringing it up to the others.
>Get the story straight, figure out exactly what the fuck that was, then let them know.
"Probably a good idea. Just be gentle with how you approach the topic."

>"Yeah, yeah, I got-"
{Breakfast is ready!}
>Draga's voice echoed down the hall.
>He paused for a moment before standing up.
>You gave him a smile and a thumbs up as the both of you headed back down the hall and into the dining room.
>The table was already set, and it looked like something out of a magazine.
>The food was damn near artistically plated, and it all looked damn good.
[ Come on, let's all sit down. ]
>Mal0 sat in one of two chairs on one side of the table, and motioned for you to take a seat next to her.
>That would leave the other two chairs next to each other open for Charles and Draga.
>Maybe Mal0 had caught on to the situation and set this up.
>Or not, though either way you would prefer to sit next to her.
>She was still your wife, after all.

>Meanwhile, Draga was turning the stove off and removing the apron.
{ Give me a moment to sit down before you begin eating. }
>She was wearing nothing but a pair of large sweatpants and a tank top underneath the chef outfit.
>The tuft of fur around her neck puffed out around the shirt, giving the slightest impression of a mane.
>Charles eyes lingered on Draga's tall frame for a bit more than necessary.
>She looked up and gave him a smile that was likely a bit more frightening than intended, though her eyes contained an almost maternal warmth.
>Yeah, this thing between them was gonna work out just fine.

>Draga and Charles took a the two seats across from you and Mal0.
>The slight cocking of Mal0's head indicated the fact that she did not know what was happening.
>Mal0 looked at Charles after a moment.
[ So, did you sleep well last night? ]
>The question broke the slightly awkward silence.
>"Yeah. A lot better than normal, actually."
[ Well, that's good to hear because we've got a busy day ahead of us. ]
>She reached over and grasped your hand in her own.
[ Well, not really. But it should be a lot of fun. ]
>At this point, the conversation had slowed due to the ever present plates of food in front of everyone.

>You took a bite of the eggs first.
>And they were at least restaraunt quality.
>Everything on your plate tasted like it had been cooked by a professional.
>"Draga, how much have you been practicing?"
>Charles looked surprised at the fact that Draga had somehow learned to cook within the fourteen months the three of you were away.
>It didn't surprise you though, considering that Draga didn't require sleep, which meant that she could spend that time elsewhere.
{ I studied some recipes and learned the processes from many videos on the internet. }
>"Do you have photographic memory or something?"
{ It is alike to that concept, though I am able to also recall the techniques used and- }
>"Okay, so the gist of it is that you can pretty much learn anything at a whim?"
{ Yes. It is a useful skill... }
>Her voice trailed off.

>Draga didn't seem put off or anything, though it appeared that she felt as if she didn't fit in.
>One with characteristics like her, so alien to most people, it was understandable.
>Even so, she was pretty much like a big sister to you.
>"It's pretty cool, anyways. The food is good too."
>He obviously didn't know where to go with the conversation, but he was attempting to carry on nonetheless.
>Everyone agreed with him though, but only with a nod of the head due to the fact that your mouth was full.
{ Thank you. I am glad to hear that you all enjoy it. }
>That seemed to clear the awkward silence and Draga's distant expression.
{ Cooking is an interesting process. I would have never considered food as something to be enjoyed like this. But it is pleasant to sit with everyone and enjoy a meal. }
>"Especially when you cook like this. Pretty good, you know."
>The conversation carried on for a while before fading out as everyone cleared their plates.
>And now it was time to leave them be and take Mal0 outside.

>You nudged Charles's shoulder.
>Then you gave him another thumbs up.
>He leaned closer to you.
>"Yeah, yeah, I got it. You guys clear out. and I'll ask."
>Two birds with one stone, and the stone was ready to fire.
>As Charles walked away, you grabbed Mal0's hand.
"We're heading outside!"
>You called to the others as you and her walked down the hall to the front door.
[ Where are we going to go? ]
>There was a small pond on the property that was typically a good place to go to relax.
>"The pond sounds like a good place to go."
[ Alright. ]
>The two of you headed out the door and began the walk across the field of the property.

>There was a slight breeze going through the area.
>The sky had few clouds within it, leaving that great big blue expanse relatively untouched.
>It was nice out here for late January.
[ So, do you have any idea who would've done something like that to you? A cognitohazardous entity is some serious stuff. ]
>Seeing as everyone you'd met in the Foundation seemed to have no reason to want you dead, you had no idea who could be the culprit.
>Knowing how things usually went though, it wouldn't be long until they tried something else.
>"I've got no clue, if I'm being entirely honest. There's no one that I've met with any solid reason to do that."
[ I suppose you're right. ]
>You were now walking on a dirt path through the field, rocks and dead plants crunching underfoot.
>It was silent for a bit of time, then you heard a something within the foliage nearby.
>And you saw the radiating waves of instability emanating from the dense trees.
"Mal0, stay back!"
>She stood a little ways behind you, though still in a stance indicative of her readiness to fight.
[ What is it? ]

>You had no idea what lay within the plants.
>Until a voice called out to you.
>"Hey! Anon!"
>That was... Indi?
>How did they get here?
>"This is really nice out here! Like, all green and stuff."
>You still needed to catch up, and Mal0 looked just as confused.
>"It's also warm and nice and pretty and cold and-"
"Alright, we get it. But how did you get here?"
>Indi seemed to shrink back a bit.
>"I uh... stowed away in your luggage?"
>It's expression was apprehensive, and its voice was shaky.
>"Are you mad at me? I can go back if you want..."
>Mal0 replied before you could.
[ No, no, it's fine. We were just surprised is all. If you want to keep walking with us, you can. ]
>Indi's face immediately brightened.
>"Yay!"
>Still childlike in its behavior, though it was getting to be somewhat endearing at this point.
>After the initial surprise wore off, you continued walking with Indi and Mal0.

>The three of you contined onwards, following the trail that was carved through the foliage.
>You were still surprised to see Indi here.
>That would be a bit difficult to explain to Charles and Draga.
>But, so would everything else.
>"Where are we going?"
>Indi was curious, as always.
[ We were going somewhere to discuss something in private, then you crept up on us. ]
>Mal0 shrugged as she stepped over some rough terrain in the form of a few large tree roots.
>It seemed that she quickly considered how Indi might take her statement as one meaning that they weren't welcome, as she quickly covered that base.
[ It's fine that you're here though. I was wondering what you planned on doing while we were away. ]
>Indi smiled a little and it nodded.
>"I was just going to hide and watch the people. They're so fun and interesting to watch."
>One of Indi's hobbies that it'd taken up after hanging around for a while was watching people and what they did.
>It'd pick a specific person for the day, follow them, and watch everything they did without being discovered.
>Hell, it managed to evade Iridan's watchful eye.

>Every day, Indi came back to you and excitedly told you all about the things it'd seen.
>They had become quite skilled at remaining undetected.
"So, how'd you get here, Indi?"
>"I saw you getting ready to leave and hid inside your suitcase."
>They must have noticed your expression of worry at the fact that there had been a person made of a substance that probably stained hiding in your clothing.
>"I didn't mess anything up in there. I've got better control of myself, you know. Practicing this stuff helps "
>With that statement, its hand began to change into complex shapes without losing cohesion.
>It was an impressive sight, as they used to be unable to hold the shape of a human hand without it slowly falling apart.
"You've gotten a lot better... wow."
[ It is something. How hard can the surface of your body become? ]
>"I dunno. I don't think I've tried. Doesn't matter, I think."
>If Indi could change their shape and hardness with that much control, they'd be another massive asset to the MTF.
>They'd also be another massive risk for the Foundation to keep an eye on.

>As is, Indi is unintentionally dangerous at times.
>It was attempting to control its acidity after you made a comment about your soda being acidic, and it almost started to melt the floor it was standing on.
>That was an alarming sight, especially since this took place inside of a Foundation area's barracks.
>Of course, the researchers and guards had become fond of Indi, and knew that they didn't intend to cause anyone any harm, but they were still given a stern talking to.
>You'd become fond of them as well.
>Indi had matured somewhat, and learned to follow rules and regulations after a while.
>"Hey, what's that thing?"
>Indi pointed to a cloud.
>Oh, right.
>It had been inside the Foundation base this entire time.
>That meant that this was actually its first time being outside, seeing the sky, plants, birds, and whatever else crossed its path.
[ Those are clouds. They're made of water, condensed and lingering in the air. ]
>"But they're all white and fluffy. Water doesn't look like that."
>They continued to talk about clouds as you walked.
>The conversation carried the two to the pond along the edge of the property.
>"That's what water's supposed to look like."
>Indi pointed to the pond and looked to the two of you for confirmation.
[ I see your point, but- ]
>Mal0 began to explain a bit about clouds, and the weather, and other things along that line of thought.
>Hell, she knew some things you didn't.
>For a moment, you imagined Mal0 teaching a class of students.
>That... would be an interesting sight.
>Your attention was snapped out of your thoughts and back to reality when you noticed Indi in the air, about to drop straight into the pond.
>Either... it would become diluted or drain the entire pond and its body would become massive.
>"This is fun!"
>Indi was not affecting and not affected by the pond.
>Which you were thankful for, because you wouldn't know how to deal with either one of those things.
[ It's kind of cute, in an unsettling 'this thing might kill us someday' sort of way. ]
"As long as we're careful on how we treat it, it should be fine..."
>The last portion of that statement came out with a mixture of suppressed laughter and uncertainty.
>Which made Mal0 look at you with concerned eyes.
>"You guys not coming? Okay..."
>Indi's voice was still excited, even through its slight disappointment.
>You and Mal0 watched it swim around for a bit, and decided that they were distracted enough to discuss the situation at hand.
[ We know that what happened last night was because of an infohazard, and maybe it was even a sapient entity. But it couldn't just appear like that. ]
>Her statements were true.
>From what you've learned, infohazards had to be spread through some sort of affected media, and Mal0 would be able to tell if something was of that sort.
>So that ruled out being exposed while on the ride home.
>The only other time you've spent in baseline reality has been the day or so when you first arrived, and then when the Foundation found you, you were moved into this place.
>All the while, Mal0 was around, and would've been able to pick up on any threats of the infohazard variety.
>Which only left the time you'd spent going through MTF training, as there was some time you'd not been with Mal0.
>You were in a Foundation building at that point, supposedly safer than you should've been anywhere else.
>Which meant that-
"Someone on the inside planned this."
>Mal0 cocked her head, and you could see the question in her eyes.
>When she asked how you knew this, you explained your reasoning.
[ Oh. But... why would they do that? ]
>There was the real issue throughout of all of this.
>Though you intended to find out who and why, you didn't want them to know you were onto them, so you explained this to Mal0.
[ That makes sense. We'll have to tread carefully and keep this between us. ]
>She then wrapped both arms around you in a tight hug, her face positioned right next to your ear.
[ I won't let them lay another finger on you, or so help me I will bring the Foundation crashing down around whoever did this. ]
>That... probably wasn't something she should've said, but at least she'd said it where nobody could hear.

>When you first encountered the Foundation, you would've thought that to be an empty threat, but Draga and Mal0 working together could deal a devastating blow.
>Mal0 would go for the electronic equipment, disrupting communications and other vital systems while Draga tore through the personnel, sites, and containment areas of the Foundation.
>Of course, that wouldn't happen, as you wouldn't allow them to so haphazardly risk their own lives, much less so many innocents.
"I don't think that will need to happen any time soon. Just... hold off on the rampaging until it's really needed, okay?"
>Mal0's quiet laughter broke the ensuing silence.
[ You don't have to worry. I'm sure we'll figure this all out before they get another chance to attack. ]
>Though her tone had changed, those azure, flaming eyes of hers contained a message all on their own.
>A fierce warning to whoever was watching.
>'Don't mess with our family', they seemed to say.
>"I'm done swimming!"
>Both of your gazes broke away from each other as you watched Indi climb out of the pond.

>They were... noticably greener than they had been.
>"I'm all green and stuff! Isn't this cool?"
[ It's probably all of the algae in the water that's changed your color like that. ]
>There were bits and pieces of plant matter and dirt stuck to Indi's body, mainly around their limbs.
>"I look like a scary swamp monster. Ooooh."
>They waved their arms around in an attempt to appear frightening, but it ended up being more comical.
>You and Mal0 decided to head back to your house, and Indi followed close behind.
>Though the sticks, leaves, and dirt gradually left Indi's body as it walked, their new verdant color never left.
>You wondered why, so you asked Indi.
>The only answer you got was a shrug and her usual smiling expression.
>You'd probably figure out why eventually.

>You eventually arrived back home from the long walk.
>The side door was locked, so you knocked and waited.
>And waited.
>And-
>It swung open.
>"Have a good walk?"
>Charles was standing there with a wide grin on his face.
"Yeah. We had a stowaway though."
>You motioned to Indi, who waved at Charles rapidly.
>"Hi!"
>The motion sent a few flecks of slime spattering onto the floor.
>Someone would have to clean that up later.
>Charles raised an eyebrow.
>"So, uh, how'd they get here?"
"Hid in my luggage, apparently."
>"Oh. Huh."
>He didn't sound surprised.
[ I'm not sure if the Foundation will be okay with Indi not being at the site. It may be best for Indi to stay in the house for now. At least they can trust us to keep it out of trouble. ]
"Alright, I guess."
>Mal0 had a tendency to break any surveillance equipment that they placed in the house, but there were personnel positioned all over the property that could easily observe you.
>That meant that they'd for certain find out about it, if they haven't already.
>Indi looked thrilled and disappointed at the same time.
"I can stay here? Yay... wait, I can't go outside?"
>Charles shrugged and gestured to you and Mal0.
>"Up to them if it's worth the trouble, man. Either way, there's still a bunch to do. Speaking of that..."
>He started to walk down the hall, towards the guest bedroom.
>Well, that wasn't a guest bedroom anymore.
>He'd been using it for a long while now.
>You chose not to follow him due to the more important issue at hand.
>"What's there to do around here?"
>Indi excitedly looked around, from the television in the living room to the shelf of books in the hallway.
>This was going to be a difficult addition to your vacation.

  You woke up the next morning the same way you had the previous, with the sun driving its little rays of pain into your closed eyes through the cracks in the blinds. There was one difference though. Last night was a fuzzy, distant memory. That, combined with the pounding in your skull that you felt as you sat up, well, it helped you figure out what exactly took place. There had probably been a lot of alcohol involved, whatever it was.
    [ Fuck. Again? ] said the figure that lay next to you in the large bed. She had woken up due to the pained groan you had let out while attempting to function like a normal person would in the morning. Sitting up and blinking a few times to unfuck your crusted eyes had never been so difficult, except when compared to every other morning following the quantity of drinks consumed last night.
    "Yeah. We might want to lay off the drinking," you replied.
    [ I'm going to go wash up. ] she said, climbing out of the blankets with a bit of uneasy movement. By the orange flames burning in the eye sockets of her skull, you knew for sure that she was feeling it. [ Feel free to join me. Or not. Should probably take some painkillers before you try shambling off to do anything. ]
    "I'm already on it," you said as you reached for the bottle of water and container of pills that a certain someone had likely placed next to everyone affected by last night's actions. Thanking Draga in your mind, you downed two of the helpful little tablets with the entire pint of water following close behind.
    Mal0 was already on her way to the bathroom. Careful steps with one foot gingerly following the other left you with a good view of the 'situation'. Hey, you were married to her, no harm done.
    You sighed and racked your brain for the slightest recollection of whatever the hell happened not less than five hours ago. The feeling behind your eyes gave you that notion, at least. After a few minutes of simply staring at the wall and waiting for something to pop up, you just decided to ask Draga whenever you got the chance.
    The blankets were hurled to the wall in frustration as the result of your failed attempts to untangle yourself from them, and you were finally free of the plush and warm bindings. It was time to-
    And now you were on the floor after slipping over a stray article of clothing. Ow. The resulting thud caused the bathroom door to creak open. A worried face appeared from around the corner of the bedroom entrance.
    [ You okay? ]
    "I sort of did just fall on my face," you replied with a dash of accidentally applied sarcasm. Attempting to fix, or at least put distance between you and the hostility present in your previous words, you added, "I should really work on cleaning this room up."
    Mal0 nodded her head in agreement. [ It is a mess, considering we've only been here for what, three days? ]
    "Yeah. Anyways, I'll get to work on getting all of this sorted out." You gestured to whatever was out of place in this room, the only issue being that you could not see what you were referring to, as your face was still firmly pressing into the ground. You decided that gravity was just not someone you should be friends with, then decided that the rest of the vacation would benefit from a lack of alcohol; the stuff was making you consider interpersonal relationships with the laws and rules of physics.
    [ You should at least pick yourself up instead of laying there like that. ] she said while her footsteps drew closer. You began to push yourself up, then she assisted your efforts with a well placed hand pulling yours up.
    "Thanks."
    [ You're welcome. ] she replied. She pulled you into a warm, fuzzy embrace not a second after the words left her mouth. You wrapped your arms around her and enjoyed the close contact for the while.
    Damnit, you loved her.
    [ I think it would benefit us both if you joined me in the shower. ]
    She had read your mind. You silently thanked whatever entity had allowed you this fortune before following her, your right hand clasped tightly in her left, to the impressive bathroom. The tile floor proved itself as a difficult choice of terrain to navigate, yet your bare feet showed their utility in crossing the smooth, dangerous expanse.
    Of course, the floor was not yet slicked with water. Though, steam was already rising from the wide shower, and water condensed on any nearby surface, including the mirror above the sink and the two curtained windows along the far end of the room. You took the slightest amount of time to wonder how much this place must have cost. The threat of Draga wreaking havoc on the Foundation must have made the administrative staff decide 'Hey, maybe we should just try to uh, appease the deadly reptile thing and its friends.'
    Being free from containment, yet always under watch by agents and cameras, Draga, A.K.A SCP-682, had been living in an odd situation ever since you'd somehow done what the Foundation could not have. You still couldn't even believe what you had accomplished in fixing the mess that had been Draga's threads and links to this reality and others. It had been simple enough to stabilize everything, as in much too simple to make sense.
    Either way, you would dedicate more thought in that direction once you were finished enjoying the company of your best friend (and lover). You did have priorities, of course.

    -----|v|-----

    "Well..."
    [ Mhmm... ]
    You were both a little speechless. The water cascaded down from the ceiling onto both of your bodies, which were clean at this point, and set within your muscles a feeling of relief and satisfaction.
    "We haven't done that in a while."
    [ We had every opportunity to do so within the past two nights. ]
    "I think being exhausted would definitely take away from the fun of it, don't you?"
    [ Good point. ]
    You felt her arms slide over your shoulders and around your chest, and wrap around you. Her soft fur was once again feeling wonderful against your bare skin.
    "You know, we've got to do this more often," you said with a smile across your face. She couldn't see it, as your back was to her, but she definitely caught it in your voice.
    [ When we've got the time, we will. ] You felt her nip at your ear in a playful manner. [ We definitely will. ] The action and her tone of voice sent a shudder up your back, but in a good way.
    You raised your arms, pulling hers up with them, and spun on your heel. The result of this ended up with Mal0 having her back to you and her arms crossed against her chest. You hugged her tightly for a moment, then let go. You were just pleased that the maneuver had not left you and her on the floor of the shower with more than a few bruises.
    [ Smooth. ] was the only reply you received as she turned to face you. In the steam created by the shower, her eyes and appearance made her seem like some sort of supernatural entity, almost like a demon. Her eyes blazed through the foggy air with a corona of flaming light that refracted through the suspended water.
    She was actually some sort of digital ghost or something, nobody knew for sure, but in this situation she really did look more on the demonic side. Either way, she was your demon, spirit, whatever, and you would never decide otherwise.
    "So, you plan on lathering yourself up a second time, or are we going to towel off and go do something else fun?" you asked.
    [ I wouldn't mind a bit more. ]
    There was your answer. You grabbed the container of heavy duty shampoo and squeezed out a sizable dollop.
    "Come here," you said as seductively as possible while beckoning her with your free hand. Your voice was a little on the slurred side, and now you realized that trying to talk dirty while hungover was not really the best idea. The unintended humor of the situation was not lost on Mal0, as she began to press herself against you once more while softly chuckling to herself, much to your chagrin.
    [ Come on now. Don't frown like that. ] Somehow, the subtle growl underlying her voice was the opposite of intimidating. It was quite charming to her her speak in that manner to you after so long without hearing it.
    And so you started to lather the shampoo into her fur, the moment reminiscent of the first night you spent here, in this reality. You've come a long way since then, but this brought old memories back.
    [ I don't know how you do it, but your hands feel great... keep going. ] she purred. Though the skull that she wore in lieu of a face was canine in nature, she was still capable of a wide range of sounds. She was quite literally purring underneath your fingers.
    Eventually, this was going to take the same turn it had last time. You had a few minutes to work with though, so you put those to use and slowly rubbed the suds around her fur. At this point, it was just for pleasure on her end. She was clean already, and had been within the first ten of the thirty and counting minutes you likely had spent in here already.
    "Does this feel alright?" you asked as you ran your fingers through the mane around her neck and chest. You knew the answer before it came out of her mouth, but it didn't hurt to be a little formal about this.
    [ If it didn't feel good, we wouldn't be doing it, now would we? ] she said, the question definitely being one of the rhetorical sort. This is something that you really loved about her, among her other appealing traits. She never beat around the bush about much, if anything, at all.
    "Mhmm," you said, enjoying the close contact. The shower had only served to make the situation better for you both. Spending time like this was a rarity as of late due to the constant training and exhausting exertion that was required in the many months you all had been participating in the MTF program.
    And now, Mal0 began to take charge. She cornered you, which you didn't mind in the slightest, and she started to caress your body with her own. She brushed your skin with her clawed fingertips, and the sensation sent shivers through your body. The softness of her touch and the feeling of her pressed against you were damn near blissful.
    [ Shh... ] she warned before bringing her face to your own. The following kiss was odd, as they always were when one of the participants didn't really have lips to work with. Yet, the both of you persevered through the awkward display of affection.
    "I love you, you know that?" was the first thing you said when you broke away to get some air.
    [ I love you too. ] she replied as she ran her fingers along the small of your back.

"You're having Draga make breakfast again?" You looked at the tall, four-armed reptilian woman and back to Charles, who was somehow holding off from grinning.
    "She likes cooking. What can I say, man?" he replied to your question and shrugged.
    The aroma of sizzling bacon and frying potatoes definitely told of an improvement in her culinary skill, though you were beginning to tire of bacon. Maybe it was just the early onset of cured-meat-induced-hypertension.
    Knowing full well that you were incapable of preparing all of that food with such efficiency, you chose to keep your mouth shut and enjoy the incoming meal. Mal0, seated beside you, was also waiting for her plate, though not with as much patience as yourself. Was it possible for a digital spirit to have an unhealthy diet?
    It didn't seem so. If anything, she had gotten more toned since you'd arrived in Baseline. Hell, you were too. It was still a novel sight, staring into a mirror to see yourself with a six-pack and a sharper jawline. You wrapped an arm around Mal0 and patted her on the head, using the gesture as a way of getting close to her at the table.
    [ Come on now- ] she started, but trailed off as you continued to rub and pet her head. Her eyes went dark as you went on, and you could see the smile on her face. When a sigh came out from within her jaws, a small, azure ember came forth with it, nearly singeing your forearm. [ Oh, shit, sorry. ] She coughed and apologized as you recoiled from the flame.
    "You're good," you started to say, but then you were reminded of last night, and the absence of memory from that period.
    "You know, you two are cute together," Charles said, interrupting your thoughts and driving more blood to your face than you cared for. Of course, you weren't a modest person, but having that pointed out just made that happen for some reason.
    [ I'm glad you think so. I'd like to think that we're more than just cute though. Our job seems like it's going to be a bit militaristic, so cute doesn't do much for us. ] Mal0 flashed the set of claws on her left hand while she spoke, showing off more than just her usual, beautiful exterior. During training, you had seen just how sharp those things were, and it intimidated you, for sure.
    "Well, you're still cute." Charles leaned forwards and tapped on the tip of Mal0's nose with a single finger, prompting an odd semi-smile from you and an odd blend of pleased irritation from her.
    Charles sat back down in his chair, then searched the room for a moment. "So, uh, where's Indi? I haven't seen her for a few hours."
    "Don't know, don't care. There's breakfast to be had and Indi can wait," you replied. "Well, scratch that. I do care, but I think we should eat before we look for it, if we even need to."
    { The food is ready, so it would be wise to not leave the table, unless you like cold eggs. } Draga said, carrying a plate stacked high with food in each hand. { Cold eggs do not taste good, so that would be odd. } She sat a plate down in front of each of you, and then took a seat next to Charles, across the table from you and Mal0.
    As always, her cooking was better than last time. You wondered if there was a limit to how much she could improve at a given task, and if said limit was within any sort of human reach. Not likely.
    Back to the most pertinent question on your mind, you wanted to know what happened last night.
    [ Did you have a good time last night? ] Mal0 asked, already a step ahead of you, and posing the question in a much more subtle way than you would have.
    "Not sure. I got hammered, that's the one thing I know that went down," Charles said in between large bites of hash browns and fried egg.
    { The three of you consumed much more alcohol than you should have. Some... odd occurrences took place. } Draga's four eyed narrowed in an expression of thought. { I did not know that the two of you held such a fondness for fencing. }
    "Did we, like, sword-fight or something?" Charles asked.
    { Yes and no. It was more of a flailing about and trying to hit each other with any long, rigid object you could find. } At this rate, it seemed as if Draga would lose her composure. Was the sight of two drunkards dueling with whatever was laying around so hilarious?
    "Next time we do that, record it. I'd love to see our drunk shenanigans," Charles said, holding out his phone and pointing to the camera. "You've got one of these. Issued by the higher-ups, right?"
    { Yes. They gave each of us one of these devices before we departed. I have not yet learned how to use all of the functions within it, but I am figuring it out. } Draga pulled out the phone, the function of which that Charles was referring to being a built-in camera with incredible resolution.
    The devices also came equipped with a variety of other useful functions, like the extended, highly efficient battery, high processing power, a GPS that's accurate down to the nearest meter, and a slew of others. They must have cost a fortune.
    You still kept your old phone on you for obvious reasons Mal0's application was still installed on it, and there was a link from the phone to her at all times, a line that bound the two together much like the silver thread between you and her. It had other reasons for being important as well.
    [ I've already got mine figured out completely. Even made a few modifications. ] Mal0 laughed, the sound still just the slightest bit alien because of her strange voice and tone. [ What about you? ] she asked, gesturing to your phone.
    "I haven't bothered with it too much. I know how it works and all, and that's about it. No mods, no auxiliary anything, just as is," you answered, displaying the empty home screen of the device. "I never really felt the need to mess around with it, you know?"
    [ If you want to mess around, I've got you covered. ] Mal0 said, and you could've swore that she winked at you.
    { They are useful. Charles and I have been in continuous contact ever since I received it. } Draga said. How was there a possibility that she hadn't got the feeling that Charles had something for her if that were true?
    "Yeah, I can tell you, all of these past few months, they've been full of pings between the two of us," Charles confirmed with a slight smile. "It was sort of funny, you know, seeing her messages asking how to work this or that, or what she should do if this or that happened."
    { I just wanted to be prepared. } Draga lowered her head slightly. { I see no issue with that. }
    You yourself weren't prepared for Indi rushing through the central hall of the house, carrying a small bird and laughing.
    "What-"
    { The- }
    [ Fuck? ]
    You stood from your chair and raised your voice, "Indi, what are you doing?"
    "I got a bird! Look at him!" Indi said, excitement in its voice and quickness in its movements threatening to make the damned thing in her hands explode from stress.
    "Okay, I see that. But, why?" you asked.
    "I wanted to see him up close," Indi replied. A moment later, it seemed to understand that it had done something that it shouldn't have. "Am I not supposed to catch the birds?"
    "Uh-" you weren't entirely sure how to approach this situation. From the expressions on everyone else's faces, you knew they were also in the same boat. "I think you should let the bird go. Look at him. Doesn't he look scared?"
    Indi looked down, and you could see it hesitate to reply. "I... yes. I'll let him go."
    "Just set the bird down and come back inside," you directed, hoping that they would follow your instructions without issue.
    The smallest of changes in its expression took place, as its eyes darkened just a shade or two, and it proceeded back down the central hall to the front door to release its avian prisoner. You heard the door creak, and a few seconds later the flapping of wings. That was that.
    "I did it," Indi said, walking back into view. It then walked to one of the two couches in the living room and sat down.
    The floor plan of this house was odd, in the way that it was very open, with an interconnected kitchen, dining room, and living room, plus another door in said living room that led outside. It was pleasant, but led to a cluttered living space.
    [ Behaves like a child, doesn't it? ] Mal0 asked, smile in her voice.
    "Mhmm," you replied, going back to eating. There was not much left on your plate, so it had cooled to a somewhat unpleasant temperature. Indi was basically a child though, having only come into existence almost a year ago, so that sort of behavior could be expected. It was a pain in the ass, but their behavior had improved as of late. They actually listened to you now, like they had a few minutes ago.
    If you wanted to extrapolate on the comparison, you could say that Indi was both yours and Mal0's kid. But- that was a bit weird to think about, so most of the time you thought of the little slime person as a younger sibling. Considering that Mal0 couldn't get pregnant, by you at least, the chance of having a child was nonexistent.
    That didn't bother you too much. The idea of that happening, well, you could say that you weren't ready for it, that's all.
    "So, Draga, anything else happen during our intense session of goofing off?" Charles asked.
    { There was nothing that was out of the ordinary besides what I already described. } she answered. { It was an enjoyable time though. I do not believe I have seen either of you appear that happy in a long while. Even you, Mal0, must have had a rather fun experience. }
    [ Well, I don't remember much of it, but it must have been quite the little party we had. ] Mal0 replied.
    That was one mystery solved, though it wasn't even close to being as important as what was currently on your shoulders. That being the imminent threat of someone on the inside of the Foundation working against you, which you now realized wasn't a pleasant thought to consider this early in the morning. You had four more days of vacation to enjoy, or use to whatever end that came to mind as useful.
    Perhaps you could work on something. A little piece of equipment that could assist in the task of 'solving' this prominent issue.
    You decided to get to work after everyone finished breakfast.