The Shield Bearers were both an elite subrace of NeoHumans, as well as a research-oriented organization. There were divisions within this organization, however the specific title “Shield Bearer” was only given to a handful of individuals. Elisa was the eighth member of this elite subrace who were specifically defined by their genetically altered bodies.
Elisa was given a place to stay at the organization. Her room was nothing short of spectacular. Thousands of food and drink choices were at her fingertips, appliances cleaned themselves and windows lined the wall with magnificent views of the chrome-like city. Convenience was the utmost priority to the creation of everything that the Shield Bearers used. One thing, though, kept Elisa grounded in the reality of her situation. A holographic board, posted next to her automatic room door, flashed with the names of her fellow subjects:
Subject 1, Darius: Unique genetic modification, “Limitless Mind”. Ability to learn new information enhanced. The brain creates pathways more efficiently than a normal NeoHuman. Temporal lobe functions increased, focalized on the hippocampus. Subject’s memory is ever-lasting.
Subject 2, Magdalene: Unique genetic modification, “Durability”. Skin strength significantly increased, comparable to a steel/titanium alloy. Bone strength significantly enhanced. Deterioration of organs slowed dramatically.
Subject 3, Piper: Unique genetic modification, “Nocturnal”. Need for sleep is greatly reduced. Can go several weeks without adverse effects.
Subject 4, Jackal: Unique genetic modification, “Fuel-Efficiency”. Both food and water are better utilized by the body. Significantly less of both needs to be consumed for optimal performance. Heat regulation via sweating drains water at the same rate it would normally.
Subject 5, Reista: Unique genetic modification, “Heat Regulation”. Subject’s body is significantly better at withstanding drastic temperature change. External temperatures do not drastically affect core temperature, so long as the subject has required nutrients.
Subject 6, Leon: Unique genetic modification, “True Vision”. Subject can see further. Subject can see in the dark. Visual information processed by the brain is more detailed. Extrapolation of unseen information based on seen information seems to be more accurate, although this requires further testing.
Subject 7, Wynona: Unique genetic modification, “Strength”. Muscle tissue recovers significantly quicker and grows at an exponential rate. Capacity for muscle increased. Deterioration of muscle reduced.
Subject 8, Elisa: Unique genetic modification, “Regeneration”. REQUIRES TESTING.
Elisa was simply a rat in a maze. It’d been several weeks since she first arrived. Her peaceful introduction was cut short by a message delivered, via a hologram of a man, into her room.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
In a cheery and crackling tone it said, “Please report to room 15B for testing Subject 8.”
Elisa put on a white jumpsuit before leaving her room and mumbled, “Well…I knew this was coming sooner or later.” It took her only a few minutes to reach the room. She stood several steps away from the door so as to not trigger its automatic sensor. Despite the fact that she’d have to duck to enter the room, she felt as if the door loomed over her. After a long sigh, she cast her worries aside and steps into the room.
The testing was as rigorous as it was brutal. It started off with simple measures. Cuts, bruises, and abrasions were all given to Elisa. Each and every one healed quickly and with ease. Ouroboros returned her body to a pure state. Ability to regenerate was noted alongside time to regenerate.
The scientist noted, “Regeneration exceeded my expectations Subject 8! This is truly remarkable. Do you know who performed this procedure on you?”
Elisa coldly replied, “Unfortunately I do not, sir.”
The scientist ran over his notes, “It says here that Subject 7 saw you regenerate an eye in mere moments as well. Is this true?”
“It is true sir.”
“Would you say that’s the upper limit of Regeneration, Subject 8?”
Elisa stayed quiet for several minutes. She could see the scientist growing impatient, awaiting her response. The hum of lights, his computer, and the clock behind her began to pierce her ears. Elisa finally broke the silence between the two of them. Speaking in a dismissive tone, “I’m not sure.”
“Don’t lie to me now, Subject 8. This research is for the good of all NeoHumans.”
This caused Elisa’s demeanor to change. Her eyes lit up a bit and her tone softened, “They haven’t told me exactly what our goal is here. Perhaps knowing that would change my tune?”
The scientist scanned his notes once again, “Ah you are the one with memory loss. I understand. In order to fight the supernatural that threatens our race, the Shield Bearer organization wishes for its members to become immortal.”
Elisa whispered something to herself, “So that's what Wynona meant.” Something about that phrasing bothered Elisa though, but her emotions got the better of her and she laughed hysterically, “Oh irony is a wonderful thing.” Elisa walked toward the automatic door and put her arm through it.
“What are you doing? You can’t leave.”
“I’m simply answering your question,” her hysteric tone was followed by a cold and sarcastic quip, “Sir.” She pressed a red button next to the door. The soft click preceded the loud slamming of metal on bone on metal. The door slammed back shut crushing her arm between it and the wall. Leaving a mess of fractured bone and muscle along with a splatter of blood.
The scientist's face twisted from confusion, to shock, and to horror. But then, in a mere moment, he watched as her arm reformed. His horrific look twisted into a misplaced gaze of awe and longing, “Beautiful.”
Elisa then opened the door once again with the click of the button, “I’m glad you installed a manual function.” She left the room and thought to turn back. To tell him everything she’d wished to say for so long, “It’s best if they realize it themselves. Be careful what you wish for, NeoHumans.” She walked back to her room, whilst silently wishing they’d prove her wrong.