Monster Mutation | Teen Ink

Monster Mutation

April 12, 2013
By Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
133 articles 7 photos 631 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.&quot;<br /> Henry David Thoreau<br /> <br /> &quot;I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly, and then all at once.&quot;<br /> John Green


Its morning when I finally emerge from the shadows of the cave.
My neck is stiff from the force of lying on hard-packed ground and my eyes are crusty from lack of sleep. I breathe in damp, cold air and make my way to the main tunnel. I have to find Trix. The sooner we leave the better.
I tip-toe to the cave’s main lobby, littered with metal tables and tattered books. Strange machines you’d never imagine layer the rectangular desks, while jet black monitors line the walls. It’s strange. I never realized how spotless the place was last night. Light streams in from the partially open roof; I notice the scientific instruments lack dust or dirt, allowing me suspicion. This was my uncle Rantik’s lab. He died ten years ago; someone had to have been maintaining this lab for years in order to keep it this clean. But the question is- who?
I don’t want to linger around much longer to find out.
Grazing my hands along glossy, smooth, pristine monitors, I decide to explore the cave. There’s just enough light in here to decipher object outlines; perhaps I can uncover evidence of an inhabitant. Maybe they could aid us by showing us the way to the Peak Division: the enemy of Tork. Friendly or not, whoever they are, they don’t belong in my uncle’s lab. It’s hidden from society, but it’s a jackpot for fugitives.
I quietly step through an open tunnel, wincing from time to time. I’m sure my ankle is still broken, but my makeshift brace Trix created keeps it in place.
It’s eerily quiet in here; the only sound audible are my footsteps. Every step I make sends a wave of echoes throughout the hollow. It’s scary how silence can be so loud. I wring my hands in agitation. My whiskers stand on end.
I am blasted with memories of my uncle; how he showed me everything he knew, how he held my hand and led me through this very cavern. I sigh. It’s been a long time.
Snapping back to reality, I feel a jolt of panic. I’m traveling aimlessly in this dark cave; what if the Force Squad coils in the shadows, waiting for me this very second? My gun feels heavy on my belt. If I knew how to control my own Mutations, I wouldn’t have to worry about the value of my life as often. However, I’m forced to elude control every full moon, waiting to let the tiger inside me rip those I love to shreds…
Out of nowhere, a rough, cold hand muffles my thoughts and drags me deep into darkness. I scream. I try to flounder without avail and pull those cold arms off my body-
Trix. It’s Trix. I breathe with relief when he releases me. He snickers.
“I knew I’d terrify you,” he laughs, “This proves my point that even vicious tiger Mutants can be frightened. I rest my case.” I glare at his growing grin.
“Not funny,” I say through gritted teeth. I cross my arms. This is not time for one of Trix’s sick pranks.
Silence fills the air as his smile fades. Things are still awkward between us after last night. He had told me I had possibly transformed him into a wolf Mutant on the night of the attack; the night we first met. It would explain his recent increase in strength, but if Mutants are contagious, how come he didn’t turn into a tiger like me? I don’t want to think about it, but the tension between us grows stronger.
Trix gazes up at my auburn hair and eyes, but lingers on my golden tiger ears. He sighs shakily and pulls his fingers through his black hair. I sigh also, not knowing where to look. His metal arms? No; my doing. His once blue eyes? No; I created those yellow irises as well.
Then he cuts the silence and gingerly grabs something out of his pocket, handing it to me. I glance down. A worn leather journal sits in the palm of Trix’s hand, the same size as a playing card. I read the title of the journal- Panthera Tigris Jacksoni.
My name. Only Uncle Rantik knew my real name, the full, scientific name for tiger.
“How…” I begin, but Trix cuts me off.
“Found it on an empty desk. Looks like it’s addressed to you…” I snatch the journal from Trix’s hands with enthusiasm and flip through its yellowed pages.
Of course. Everything he ever wrote was written in the Eastern/Peakian language. Most people brought up in Tork have no idea about other dialects, for its forbidden to learn anything other than what the government says to learn. But this Rantik taught me, slowly and carefully, assuring me I’d need it one day.
I gasp after skimming every small page, reading word after word of my uncle’s neat handwriting. It contains all of his secrets to biologically engineering humans- everything. Why didn’t I think to look here before?
“Trix!” I screech. “There’s a cure!” I point to the resolution of our predicament. He literally leaps out of his comfortable stance and glances over my shoulder.
“What?” He demands. He can’t read the script.
I quickly shut the book and place it in my pocket. “We have to get out of here,” I whisper frantically. I grip Trix’s metal arms and lead him to the base of the cave, ignoring his protests.
“I know why you didn’t transform into a tiger when I bit you,” I say as I drag Trix through the maze of tunnels. “You were right when you said Mutation was like a virus. I was already infected with Mutation when I bit you. That same infection, poisonous to any human, traveled into your bloodstream. It affected your DNA, creating a whole different creature. But your genes control what animal you transform into; it chooses whatever animal you’re closest to in personality or heritage. Apparently, you’re closest to a wolf.”
Trix looks like he’s about to faint. “How long does it take for the virus to fully form in the body, after being infected?”
“Soon.”
Finally, we reach the base of the cavern. Ladder; where’s the ladder- there! I shuffle through my uncle’s horde of technology in the cavern and bring myself to a halt in front of the rungs- our way out.
“Trix,” I begin, turning to him, “do you trust me?”
He nods, but I need him to promise. But how can he after all I’ve done to him?
“Do you trust me?” I repeat firmly.
“Of course.” He crosses his heart with his titanium fingers.
I nod in satisfaction, and make my way up to the sunlight of the Forest.
The sun feels unnatural after being in darkness for so long. I am blind at first- then my eyes adjust. Giant trees loom over me like wise, trusting people. This is where I grew up. I smile wide and let my body slurp up the sun like a straw.
Trix follows shortly with all of our provisions strung to his back. I limp through the rugged forest, but know where I’m going. Every leaf is green and every stream is full. I bask in the happiness of summer I never knew existed.
I’m glad Trix remains silent. He never asks questions; he’s confident in my instincts.
A minute later, something thumps beside me. I turn. Trix- he lies on the floor, cradling his head like an eggshell.
“Are you okay?” I ask, panic obvious in my voice.
Trix groans in agony and looks up at me. Fiery, bright yellow eyes burn with rage and razor sharp fangs glint in the sunlight.
“What’s… happening?” I ask, terrified.
I back away slowly until I bump into a tree. My breath catches in my throat. Trix’s body wraps in an unnatural position, contorting and twitching every few seconds. A horrible thought enters my mind. Is he… Mutating?
A terrible howl escapes his open mouth: now gurgling in red liquid. I hear his bones crack into positions. I cover my mouth to stifle sobs.

Then I remember. The cure. Rantik said they would be the only cure to Mutations- but it only works before you first Mutate. Way to wait until the last minute.

Uncle wants me to do this, I can feel it. He risked his whole life researching Mutant cures behind the government’s back. I can’t let his years of hard work go to waste.
I have to save Trix; my one and true friend. No, he’s more than a friend. He’s my world. He doesn’t deserve this- no one does.
Flashes of green spark my vision as I dash past hundreds of trees. It should be there- yes. I grab the berries and run as fast as my inner tiger allows.
But when I reach our spot, I almost drop the remedy berries on the floor in shock. A whole pack of Force Squad troops surround a vulnerable Trix in the twilight; black suits and all. They all aim their guns at him while he writhers on the floor.
I gasp and shrink back into the darkness of the woods. Trix is in the middle of Mutating; I need to get him to eat these berries before it’s too late. But not when the Force Squad is here. It still sends a shudder down my spine when I think of their identical robotic movements, their red pupils and gleaming white irises.
Trix still groans in pain while his muscles and bones warp. The first time is always the worst. I cringe. It’s almost painful just to watch him. I can’t let him go through this alone. What if the Force Squad decides to shoot? They’re merciless; they would do it. My stomach clenches. Think of something!
Then, Trix yells out his last human words. “T-Tigris! Save yourself. I’ll see…you soon.” He procures one gulp of air and allows the wolf take over. I scream. I don’t care if it reveals my position to the Force Squad. Trix’s life is ruined. He can’t go. He can’t.
I rush past the Force Squad who grunt as I push through them and shelter Trix’s body with my own. If he was going to die, we would die together. His breathing is heavy under my arms, and pointed ears begin to sprout on his head. Almost time for the wolf to take full form-
“Meet me in the cave when you’re human,” I whisper. He slightly nods, covered with sweat. Claws replace his metal fingers and fur spreads like wildfire across his back. The Force Squad has me; Trix can get away.
I curse myself. Why can’t I control my Mutation? I would get us out of this. I would help Trix. Tears stream from my eyes as I grip Trix’s fur and bury my face in his hide.
He releases a long, lonely howl, squirms under my grasp, and takes off into the Forest. The Force Squad is confused; they don’t know who to capture or kill first.
I just stare as Trix scurries deeper into the Forest, memory of me erased until our next meeting.
But I know this isn’t goodbye.


The author's comments:
A continuation of my short story Monster in My Eyes... Guess you could say this is the next chapter of a developing novel? :P

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This article has 11 comments.


Hanban12 ELITE said...
on Jun. 19 2013 at 10:11 pm
Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
133 articles 7 photos 631 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.&quot;<br /> Henry David Thoreau<br /> <br /> &quot;I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly, and then all at once.&quot;<br /> John Green

Thank u so much for taking the time to read it!

on Jun. 19 2013 at 4:51 pm
KkatKreationz PLATINUM, Minerva, Ohio
31 articles 0 photos 66 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.&quot; :) <br /> -Me.

Woahh..... Awe inspireding!

Hanban12 ELITE said...
on May. 2 2013 at 9:06 pm
Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
133 articles 7 photos 631 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.&quot;<br /> Henry David Thoreau<br /> <br /> &quot;I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly, and then all at once.&quot;<br /> John Green

First of all, thank u soooo much for reading and providing your input! Secondly, this is a sequel to a first short story I wrote, so I'm sorry if it became confusing while reading, but I hope you understoofd it well enough. If you would like to read the first, its called A Monster In  My Eyes... You may understand everything better by reading, and again, i truly appreciate your feedback!!!! :P

on May. 2 2013 at 5:13 pm
crayola_green BRONZE, Somewhere Near A Corn Field, Other
1 article 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God&#039;s will is... his good, pleasing, and perfect will.<br /> -Romans 12:2 (NIV)

The background you set up is captivating. When I read "the cave's main lobby..." I had to go back and reread it -definitely not what I expected! From the first few sentences it feels like I am diving into the middle of a book. You did a good job of relaying the essential information along the way, all while moving the plot along. I'd love to learn more about the world you've set up here, so keep working on it!

Hanban12 ELITE said...
on Apr. 25 2013 at 6:31 pm
Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
133 articles 7 photos 631 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.&quot;<br /> Henry David Thoreau<br /> <br /> &quot;I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly, and then all at once.&quot;<br /> John Green

Thank u soo much 4 reading! Means alot :)

on Apr. 23 2013 at 2:23 pm
GuardianoftheStars GOLD, Shongaloo, Louisiana
17 articles 0 photos 495 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Let&#039;s tell young people the best books are yet to be written; the best painting, the best government, the best of everything is yet to be done by them.&quot;<br /> -John Erslcine

This story line is sooo good. I read all of them!! I realy hope you can continue this! :D

Tman2 GOLD said...
on Apr. 19 2013 at 7:10 pm
Tman2 GOLD, North Palm Beach, Florida
10 articles 0 photos 19 comments
Love this amazing

on Apr. 18 2013 at 4:56 pm
livebeautifulx3, Whitestone, New York
0 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.&quot; Eleanor Roosevelt

This is so interesting. The plot is captivating and the whole idea of mutants is very original. Your writing is amazing.

on Apr. 16 2013 at 8:45 am
Alex_Writer GOLD, West Palm Beach, Florida
18 articles 0 photos 22 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.&quot; ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I love how well you can write about something and make it sound so real, but it isnt.  Alot of people have trouble with fantasy but you did a great job!  Kept me interested and keep writing about this.  :)

Hanban12 ELITE said...
on Apr. 15 2013 at 4:46 pm
Hanban12 ELITE, Lake Worth, Florida
133 articles 7 photos 631 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.&quot;<br /> Henry David Thoreau<br /> <br /> &quot;I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly, and then all at once.&quot;<br /> John Green

Thanks so much! you dont know how much  i appreciate it!

on Apr. 15 2013 at 4:44 pm
Fallen_ PLATINUM, Quakertown, Pennsylvania
25 articles 3 photos 433 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot; a shattered world is only an opening into a new beginning with laughs, smiles, and love all around enter the world of the light and away from the broken darkness&quot;

I love how you pull me into the strory at first i skimmed through but then stopped at some iteresting spot and had to go back to reread it it was amazing and unique i wish i oculd write like this