“Shifting is a transformation in a shifter’s body,” Dr Brausman began explaining his research to Mr Murphy, who was already mostly aware of the concept of shifting. “the changes can be subtle or exaggerated, but there is a change nonetheless.”

“Their body undergoes a great deal of stress to quickly grow weapons or to increase the overall mass of the body” Dr Brausman continued.

“I have only had the opportunity to study 9 subjects that had matured enough to display this phenomenon, 0076 being the most recent, and only member of this group.” Dr Brausman began taking notes on what he was seeing, the notes were illegible to Darren, but he supposed the doctor could probably read it.

“the subjects can usually hold this form for about a minute before the stress becomes too much for them, forcing them to revert to their regular form for a while”.

“I’ve always wanted to see what would happen if they exceeded this limit first-hand.”

“They go mad.” Darren chimed in, “Their instincts take over and they lose their sense of self, becoming more beast than person.”

“Exactly, that was the exact reason why the empire went through such lengths to bring them under control. Dr Brausman gave Darren a side look and smiled, “I suppose you would have first-hand experience with that wouldn’t you, Mr Murphy.” Darren Scowled and returned his gaze to the other side of the glass.

0076 was screaming out as his sharp teeth extended in his mouth, becoming prominent fangs. His eyes darkened and his skin became flush. 0071 was expecting this to happen at this point, when 0076 realises he is losing he freaks out and shifts. 0071 turned to run away from him, hoping to get some distance, but she could hear 0076 getting on his feet, she knew she was not going to enjoy what was going to happen next.

0076 leaped onto 0071, using his weight to force her to the ground. Rhea turned onto her back, as she did so she slammed her elbow into 0076’s jaw, to little effect. 0076 clamped his teeth down on 0071’s forearm, he could feel the bone. What little sense 0076 still had debated on whether he should break her arm, or if that would be too much, honestly, he just wanted to let her go to just get the taste of blood out of his mouth. 0071 kicked 0076 off her, he released his grip on her arm. The two of them slowly got up, 0076 spiting out blood, 0071 grasping her arm hoping to stop the bleeding a little. 0076 charged at her and forced her against a wall, screaming into her face.

“That’s enough, I have seen all I need to see here” Darren was already uncomfortable with the situation, seeing two kids fighting like this made it worse, even if they were shifters.

“I’ve made a decision.”

“Of course, there is only one viable option here, right? The crème of the crop one would say.” Dr Brausman was eager to cut in.

The both of them spoke at the same time, Darren saying “0071”, whilst the doctor says “0076.”

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The reality of who Darren had chose suddenly hit Dr Brausman, “Wait what? Her? Are you sure? 0076 won the fight!”

“I don’t need a fighter; I am plenty proficient at that myself.” Darren began looking directly at 0076 through the glass.

“The boy is impetuous, quick to anger and slow to learn. He was getting hit by the same shit over and over without him taking the time to think of a way to deal with the situation.” Darren began to get angry.

“If his answer to every conflict is to shift and bring harm to those around him, he is no more than a beast in disguise, he disgusts me.” 0076 relaxed his shifting, he fell to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes. He felt like everything he was, was wrong, everything he was taught, how he was brought up to be the best, it was all a joke, a lie, he was scammed. 0071 was trying to hide her surprise. She was shocked, this was not how this was meant to play out, what does this mean?

Dr Brausman slouched, pressing his back against the glass, “I-I-I guess? But he is still the more complete shifter subject. You really don’t want him?”

“I don’t want either, but I have to take someone, and I don’t care enough to see you show me the others, I would rather just take her.” Darren began moving towards the door. Dr Brausman slid onto the ground.

“Well alright, I guess it will give me more time to study him, though I need to ship out this batch soon, I dunno who to send him to.”

Darren was not listening to the doctor’s mumbling. He turned his head to get one last look at the room before saying, “By the way, is the priest in?”

“Johan? Yes, he is in, do you want me to send 0071 there?”

“Yes, I will be waiting with him, but I am not in a rush so, you don’t need to be either.” Darren left the room, closing the door behind him, leaving the doctor on the ground, with his own thoughts.

A few hours later 0071 finds herself walking alone along a corridor, following directions told to her by her caretaker. Her arm was bandaged, but still in pain. She stopped in front of a door marked by a sign labelled as “Johan Jostuss, Priest of Law”. She knew what a priest was but did not know what a priest of law was. Did they make rules? Make sure people follow rules? Punish people for breaking rules? She didn’t know. She slowly opened the door, spotting two men sitting in front of a desk inside. One of them was the man from behind the glass, the man who now owned her. The other person was a little more confusing to look at.

Johan is a light skinned Kalashtar with red hair that he combs back. He wears a purple scarf, and beneath that, a choker displaying the holy symbol of the Church of Order, a religious group that follows the god of order, Tyr. He wears an open chested blue shirt that is loosely fitted onto him, as well as light blue jeans and black leather shoes. He is sat comfortably on a well-made seat, the design of which matches the complicated design of his desk. His leg is crossed one over the other.

Johan is having a cheerful discussion with Darren, it appears that they are talking about an occasion where Johan placed a particularly nasty curse on someone who spilt ale on him in a pub. Johan noticing the door opening, turns to see the young shifter girl staring at him. He smiles and invites her inside. “Your new ward I take it?”

Darren having just noticed the girl leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “yes, that is her, I asked them to send her here so you can give her a check-up.”

“That is a rather nasty wound on her, what happened there.” Johan shows concern for the injured girl bleeding in his office.

“Idiot doctor downstairs wanted to show off his prized pet, things got out of hand.”

“I was never a fan of Dr Brausman, his work seems so… unethical… But I can never find a lawful reason to shut him down.” Johan appears to be talking to himself. “Anyway Darren. Move ya ass, give the girl the seat so I can do my work.” Begrudgingly Darren vacates the seat, allowing 0071 to sit down, giving the priest a chance to inspect her.