{ IX. I don't know what I am Becoming

- Finally after so many tests, the company's owner accepted with great happiness the start of testing. Your biological capabilities go beyond the expected and will be really useful. We all assembled specifically testing schedule for you, however we would like to know if there is something you want to modify.

- No, only the changes of the tests are enough for me.

- Great. Please follow Nora, she will prepare you for the first test. I meet you there.

  Matthew never thought he'd wear that coat again. However, it was for that person that he was doing it and that was his only hope.

- Where is the sample?

- Here, sir.

- Bring to room where Dustin Gates is. And take a sample of his blood.

  The girl disappeared at once toward the bedroom as he tried to swallow the bitter taste of bile for thinking of deal with samples again.

- You look fine.

- Just a little blood will not hurt me.

  Dustin silently watched Matthew cautiously mix his blood with the contents of another vial was turquoise. After mixing, he put in a syringe.

- The changes may appear in a few moments in a peaceful manner. However, if you feel pain or something do not hesitate to call me at any time, do not worry.

  He looked at Matthew, intrigued by the fact that it all happened so quickly.

- Here is the combined - he put two thousand euros in the hands of Dustin - Hope to see you tomorrow.

- What will happen to me?

- There is nothing wrong. I think this will be really useful for you.

- You're back already?

- I also amazed me, though he said that was enough for today. Where is Chiara?

- It's in the bedroom. Just went back from school.

  Dustin went to the girl's room and saw her lying on the floor trying to achieve something that was under the dresser.

- What happened?

- I think something dropped here.

- I will help you.

  Chiara had completely forgotten what had fallen when she saw Dustin lift the dresser with ease.

- Why are you looking at me like that?

  He realized what Chiara was watching. Perhaps it was this change that Matthew was talking about. However, why have more physical strength would be essential for them? Well, what was left now was wait. He put the dresser back on the ground.

- Come on, Blair is waiting for us.

  The table and the food were ready when the two came down and Chiara said to Blair about the Dustin's strength.

- That's true?

  He raised the refrigerator with only one arm.

- Are you still sure about what you have chosen?

- Yes, I have nothing to complain about.

- You do not know what you are becoming.

- No, I do not know. But I'll have to find out.

ɱɛʀʀy x-ɱɑร

all credits to the owner. :3

Minna!!! 

I'm passing to wish you Merry Christmas and thank for all the support, I'll be back soon, promise! 

{ VIII. Attention

- Sir.

- Matthew, I got your message.

- Impressive, is not it?

- I must admit so. I never imagined that this country would house a piece as valuable as him. Make sure that all procedures occur properly, it may be the first of many we have planned.

- I know what I'm doing, I should have full confidence in me.

- And I have. However, I am afraid of losing a chance as scarce as this.

- Do not worry, I will take care of all the changes personally so that nothing goes beyond planned.

- You rarely sets out to do that. What happened? Still feels guilty for what happened to Melissa?

- Shut up. We're not talking about her.

  Matthew growled when he heard the laughter of his "boss", but knew he could look angry, otherwise he could lose his sister.

- I'm counting on you, Matthew. Do not take your eyes off neither over him nor the family.

- You have my word.

  He hung up and sat on the bed. Sometimes he wanted to disappear, simply having peace and tranquility to take care of his sister. His gaze turned to a notebook that was on his desk.

- Do not worry, I'll take good care of him. I will not let anything happen to any cell of him. However, I will not do for you, but for someone else.

  She sat on the floor, staring at the door as usual. The others were sleeping and so she did not make any noise when she saw him entering the room.

- I said I would come, did not I?

  Melissa nodded, happy to see him and with a tray in hands. Matthew sat down next to her and put the tray on the floor. He handed her a cup of hot tea and opened the jar containing biscuits.

  As she finished eating, he took her hair brush and, like a very caring father, left her hair as it should be. What hurt him was remember that before he had ever done that for her, now that he had become a prisoner of his own guilt.

  She held out a cookie for him.

- I'm fine, my love. Do not worry about me.

  Melissa insisted, this time pointing to his belly and holding his little finger so that he realized how thin he was. Matthew smiled at her.

- You noticed?

  The girl agreed.

- I admit that I have no more time to feed me as I should, especially after that boy appeared.

"I do not want you to get sick," she wrote on a piece of paper.

  For him, it was a blow. Melissa knew that everything that happened to her was because Matthew gave her to the researchers to serve as a guinea pig. For more afraid she had that day, he did not to notice and now even suffering like that she still cared for him, she still loved him.

- I'm really sorry. I know nothing I say will change what happened to you, but I wanted you to know how much I regret for not having thought of you. If it was really for you serve as a test, so I even should have done it. At least you could still talk and live normally as before.

 The girl put her head on his shoulder, like she did not care what happened. She took that same piece of ground paper and started writing.

"I do not care why have happened. At least I can have my real brother to me every day.".

  His eyes watered for a second. She did not have to become another being to be loved by him. Even with all he had to do and busier than he was in those years, the only thought that surrounded his mind was to be with Melissa.

  She yawned and snuggled closer to him to sleep. Matthew held her in his arms and laid her on the bed, when he also laid at the first time. Melissa opened her eyes, hoping he would say goodbye as usual, but he did not.

- I'll stay here this time. If you let.

  The smile that was on her lips and in her eyes was more precious than any words she could say. He hugged her and feeling her breath so close to him, he slept as peacefully as he thought.

{ VII. The Begining of a New Life

- You have come early.

  Matthew was leaving the elevator, with a haggard expression he struggled to hide.

- We arrived in bad time?

- Do not bother with it. While you were on the way, I took the liberty to arrange the house of you and all that is within it. Please follow me.

  They got into the car and followed a few blocks from firm up to park in front of a bigger house than the one where they were living during those months. It was a really sophisticated townhouse and it certainly should not was cheap.

- You will be here. Different from what we usually do with the other, the owner of the company has enabled this house was a gift of welcome.

- What does that mean?

- It means that the house is yours even if Dustin decides to leave our company. No one can take it from you starting today. We are investing in the country of you so it does not lose its independence and my superiors were able to convince some other nations to help. Therefore, I believe that you will not need to worry about to move again. Also, I even took the liberty to enroll the child in a school that has strong relationships with our company. I can take care of her well-being throughout the school term of her. Also, the sooner she starts to attend the school it will be best for her.

- When should she go?

- Tomorrow, if possible.

  Matthew handed the keys to Dustin, who opened the door of the house with anxiousness. Chiara was the first to come in and see that the house was fully furnished: the living room, the kitchen, all rooms and other rooms. There were only the furniture, but the electronic equipment that were essential for them with technology that nobody in the country had access unless the own company.

- Dustin's function starts from today at the company. So you both have all day free. - He handed two cards to Blair and other key - You know how to drive, right? - She agreed - In the garage there is a car waiting for you. The wardrobes are empty and the cupboards and suggest you spend time making the necessary purchases.

  It would be easy for Blair wandering around the city, as the capital knew like the back of hand because of the frequent trips that her dad was there. Chiara said goodbye to Dustin and they went to the garage while Matthew took the boy back to the company.

- Do not you worry. They will only do all the specific tests in the early days to know what can and can not do to you in the course of the tests.

  When they returned to the main hall, there was a middle-aged woman dressed in a white coat waiting for them.

- You must be Dustin Gates.

- Yes.

- She is Nora, the responsible for the tests that you will do. She is our most capable professional, has been with us ever since our company began to grow. Feel free to fully trust her.

- I thought you...

  Matthew smiled.

- No. I am personal assistant of the owner of the corporation from the beginning and I am here only for supervisory absolutely everything as he solves the political and diplomatic issues of this country to continue with the research.

- But for this you should have enough knowledge of each area, right?

- Of course. As the owner of the company, I know all departments and all functions. My knowledge in all areas here can be compared with those of a marshal in a battlefield.

  Dustin swallowed and it did not go unnoticed by any of the other two.

- Matthew has more knowledge than we realize. He solves most of the problems that appear in the company and it is our most representative for international relations. Come on, we have many tests to do for today and we do not have any second shot.

  The boy had no time to ask something that was important to him: if Matthew had so much knowledge and skills, why he does not use the resources to heal Melissa? Does not he care about her condition?

- How will Dusin is?

- I hope he's all right.

  Chiara and Blair were finishing to save the last groceries they bought. For them, the day was really tiring, but were able to buy all that was necessary for everyone and just one afternoon.

- I hope Dustin likes the clothes.

- I'm sure he will - Blair smiled - are exactly made for him. Come, let's start preparing dinner for sure Dustin will get hungry.

- I am glad for your results, kid.

  Dustin looked surprised to see that Matthew knew the test results.

- Your tests were ordered by the owner of the company urgently for analysis, so I was instructed to finalize the results. Rest and prepare for other exams tomorrow. Try to arrive as early as you can to move forward to all examinations and finally start with the tests themselves. Unlike the tests, the exams will have a lower price, that's why I need to pay you a thousand euros for today.

- Thank you so much.

- We are even more grateful to be able to rely on a biological delicacy like you. Do you need any driver take you home?

- Do not worry, I prefer walking.

- Dustin!

  Blair appeared in the room when she heard the exclamation from Chiara.

- What did they inject into you? Are you hurt? Do you feel something strange? That Matthew has done something to you?

- Blair, contain yourself. - Dustin took her hands - They will only do exams to know about my health and functioning of my body to fter begin the changes.

  She sighed, relieved and amazed by the amount of money that Dustin showed to her.

- They really are not worried about money. Thousand euros only for a few hours of exams is a really high value.

- Matthew said the owner of the company wants my results as soon as possible.

- How can him know that? What is Matthew function in that company at all?

- He is personal assistant to the owner and is here to supervision until things in our country return to normal. One of the employees named Nora said that Matthew has more knowledge than they realize about all the company's departments, as well as being favorite representative for international relations.

- He is not an ordinary man. And he certainly is not in this position because they like the work.

- What you mean?

- Of course he's the kind of person who is up plans to take the place of the owner. One way or another, he is subjugated to someone and that's what a mind of someone so bright not want for itself.

- You are thinking beyond time. We must wait and see what happens.

- I do not want to see, but I have no choice.

- Meanwhile we have left is to enjoy our own lives.

- Yes, but I'm not happy with the fact that I will be alone in this house.

- You know the capital like the back of your hand, I'm sure you'll find something to do. Moreover, Chiara is back from school in the afternoon. It is the beginning of a new life, Blair, and we should enjoy it to the fullest.

{ VI. I don't have any regret

"Please think about your sister. The money will not mean anything to her or to me if you're not here.".

 Dustin could not sleep with what Blair had said and the fact that Chiara was so close to him made the decision even harder. He remembered her eyes full of hope so met again amid the rubble and from that day she avoided being as far away from him. However, she seemed happy with what might happen. What to do? Matthew expect an answer the next day.

"What about the lives of people? They do not mean anything?

They are like test tubes for a chemical experiment. This means that for us they are just the recipient of our reactions. ".

 All companies thought so. However, they needed the money and there was no other way out. In addition, Matthew promised to offer all the medical care he needed after a test.

 "It is a factory of monsters, Dustin.". Melissa's image appeared in his mind. Does his fate would be something similar? Matthew assured with all his might not. However, how could he trust? Blair was right, but it was better to risk than continuing to count the money or to live and can not sleep because they are worried about the next day.

- Dustin?

  Chiara was with eyes wide open staring at him.

- What happened?

- Will you agree to work there?

- I'm still thinking.

- Please do not turn into one of those monsters.

- I will not.

- You promise?

- Yes. I promise.

  The Dustin's mobile rang exactly three o'clock in the afternoon. He did not look at the number to know who it was.

- What is your answer?

- I accept.

- Great. I send a driver to bring you and your family here. No need to bring any belongs, have everything you need here.

- I'm trusting you, Matthew.

- Do not you worry. You will be in excellent hands from now on. The car will come in an hour at the same place we met. I'll see you later.

- Dustin, you are sure what you're doing?

- Yes I've never been so sure..

- I hope you know what you're doing.

- Do not worry, Blair. I have no regrets of what I did.

  Blair supported the forehead and hands behind his back.

- Do not worry about me.

- Yes, I care and I will always worry. While you are in their hands I will not stop never worrying.

{ V. Factory of Monsters

  It was really a great company. Matthew was not kidding when he said they really possessed much money. On the outside, the building of them seemed greater than the presidential palace.
- Follow me. I will lead the floors and wards of the company. Please do not get separated. I also ask not to touch anything without permission, because again I say we work with products that can alter the genetics of you and no responsability me if this comes to pass.
  The door opened automatically and a breath of cold air from the air conditioning came toward them. Matthew was adapted and for him it was like a remedy, but the three were not used to that.
- Forgive me if it's too cold for you, but we need all the cooler and clean as we can because of our samples.
  The temperature of the thermometer marked 50 ° F (10 ° C) on the company's reception, but the staff did not seem bothered by it. They went to and fro without any clothes for the cold as usual.
- There is nothing too much to see here. It's just our main lobby to receive visitors.
  Matthew waited the three enter the elevator.
- The first two floors are for our "guinea pigs" - he glanced at Blair - They can stay there while they are not in testing, so we will not waste so much time with them.
  They followed the boy through the first floor, where there were several glass doors, allowing a view of the room all without going into it. Most of the rooms were empty and the others were asleep, except for one person who was in the last room.
  It was apparently a woman with long red hair, but when she heard footsteps down the hall turned her attention to the door and soon they realized that she was not a simple human woman they used to know. Had a black wing coming out of the left side of her back and claws like those of an eagle and some sharp teeth like a lion. Her eyes were the same as Matthew. Chiara hid behind Dustin, but the woman was not caring about the other three; when Matthew appeared, she struck the door violently and issued sounds and howls, where there was deep sadness.
- Do not worry, the doors are shielded and can not be broken.
- Why she was that way when she saw you?
  Blair saw him touch the bloodstain that was in the glass and whisper something before turning to answer.
- Does not matter. Let's continue.
- I saw you touching the bloodstain.
- You really are a good observer. - He looked back at the woman, who was sitting on the floor licking the right hand injury. - Melissa was my sister, but that does not matter anymore.
  Matthew led the way to the elevator and did not notice when Dustin and Blair exchanged glances about that. Chiara held both by the hand and pulled them out of there as soon as possible.
- Let's not go to the second floor because everyone is in testing. The third and fourth floor are the cold rooms where we keep our samples already tested. Only those with special permission can enter there.
- Matthew, what happened with Melissa? Why she was that way?
- Genetic modifications, remember? It was a test that went wrong and there's no way to make she go back to being human. After testing, Melissa was losing the voice and some sounds and their mentality has been reduced to a child. In addition, the only person who can approach her is me. After everything that happened, anyone else who works here and try to approach it ends up being literally torn apart.
- But...
- I will not expose my personal life nor Melissa. We are here to know the company.
  The elevator door to the fifth floor had opened, but they did not go.
- This floor is where we do the genetic alteration tests. Here we change the color of eyes, hair, skin tone and stature without harming any other body part. We received large sums of money from people who want to change something like that.
  He pressed the sixth floor button.
- This is the department where we make changes directly in the human genome and make changes in their DNA. It is also where we can grow plants, humans and animals hybrids. Well we finished the visit here.
- What about the other five floors?
- The seventh floor is the medical department, the eighth floor is the administrative and financial sector, the ninth floor is where is our director and the tenth floor is the research department, where we make new discoveries and improvements. Visitors are not allowed.
- But and about the eleventh floor?
- At the moment it is empty, waiting for the perfect completion of our tests. The visit of you ends here. I'll take back home and personally'll call tomorrow for a definitive answer.

- Dustin, will you accept?
- I guess so.
- That's crazy! You saw what happened with Melissa. Dustin, all they have no concern for others, Matthew is an example.
- But if I will be get pay for it, they can even kill me. What matters to me is to see you and Chiara well again.
  Blair turned her attention to girl.
- Chiara, honey, can you please start packing the kitchen for dinner?
  Dustin understood the intentions of Blair and waited until Chiara left the room.
- What are you thinking? You're the only person she now has in the world!
- And I think the same thing it nevertheless promised to look after her welfare first and foremost. For now, accept this is the only alternative.
- It is a factory of monsters, Dustin.
- A factory of monsters or not, Chiara is up to me to go back to live as before.

{ IV. Just a Thing

- Dustin, I do not think that's a good idea. Do you at least know what might happen?

- Blair, please take a chance. They promised to get us out and pay me. Think of Chiara, she does not deserve to remain so

- I think of Chiara, but I also think of you. I know that not long ago, but we are a family and I can not think of anything bad happening to you.

- Nothing bad will happen to me, they assured. Anyway, I can no longer do this when I don't want, right? So we have nothing to worry about.

- I'm not sure.

  Dustin took her hands.

- I understand your concern, but we have nothing better right now. Please promise me you'll give it a try.

  Blair sighed, without alternative. Chiara was eager, despite not having said a word the whole time and did not understand much about the subject. She snuggled her brother as usual and fell asleep immediately.

- What happened?

- I'm thinking.

  Blair was sitting near the window, where entered the pale moonlight. Dustin understood what she thought, but could not ignore that solution would have for all of them.

- How all this could happen?

- I do not know either. The only thing I know is that we must continue at all costs.

- Yes.

   Matthew's sedan was stopped in the same place just as the clock struck three pm. Chiara was the first to get in the car, pulling Blair eagerly by the arm in the back seat.

- She looks lively.

- Yes she is.

  Dustin did not understand Matthew's smile, but also followed him into the car. The silence hung in the air while they were en route to the company and the only thing that emitted a sound was the car radio that was on.

  As the car proceeded down the road, the three realized that the situation was better in other cities. The closer to the capital, the better was the situation of the cities that were around; still they had companies that were going bankrupt and banks that were breaking.

- How are you willing to pay such a large amount of money of while the country is in crisis?

  Blair did not seem concerned about the reaction of Matthew.

- We are not supported by the New Union. All our resources comes from New America, Asian business people and some countries in Europe.. We are settled in the country of you for improvement.

- So you just see us as guinea pigs?

- Blair, you are going too far.

- Do not worry about it, Dustin. - Matthew stared at him in the rearview mirror - like to discuss with minds like hers.

- You did not answer my question.

- Let's say you are completely lacking in financial resources and so are the only nation that does not offer resistance to our tests. We have the money and you have the raw material for our research. We are simply making an exchange.

- What about the people's lives? They mean nothing?

- They are like test tubes for a chemical experiment. This means that for us they are just the recipient of our reactions.

- How can you be so cold and calculating like this? People like you make me sick.

- You do not understand capitalism, so can not understand our conduct. I do not blame you for it.

- Does this then mean that Dustin is more of a "door" that brings money to you?

- Not exactly. We have the records of the surviving soldiers of the war and I must say that Dustin has remarkable resilience. So we'll treat him in a special way.

- Like for example?

- All humans are used for testing should be kept within our company and no contact with anyone who is outside the company. However, Dustin will return home once the tests are completed every day. You can get together on weekends and live normally. He has full assistance of our doctors if something happens.

- How do I know all this you are ensuring? Large traders also have a large ability to lie.

- I am a man of words, my dear. Do not worry about it.