The Good Intentions of a Cyborg Werewolf

Declaration - XXXIII

Mercer was careful to knock as softly as he could. He knew he wouldn't get an answer, but he didn't want to just waltz in. After a few moments he gingerly opened the door to the bedroom and leaned in. The lights were off, save for the one in the connected bathroom, visible through the open door. The bed was occupied, the blankets pulled up and wadded around its only occupant, concealing them. They sat huddled near the headboard, and as much as Mercer wanted to speak to them, he knew he'd get no answer. This was just checking in, but Erin made it very clear she wanted to be alone.

Mercer closed the door. He wished he knew what to do. There was no secret formula or mathematical algorithm that could solve this. He wasn't even sure it could be solved. He walked with his cane away from the one room and to the one across the hall, likewise giving a soft knock to announce himself. He opened it up to the small indoor pool and peered inside. Though he couldn't see him Mercer knew Mahi was in the pool. His injuries were grave but not life-threatening, and he had explained that while he never lost a limb before he may be able to heal in his liquid state. It could take several days, however, and he wouldn't be able to return to his solid state without having to restart the process. So as with Erin Mercer merely left the mer to recuperate, hoping he would be able to recover from his injuries as well.

That left only one more occupant in the apartment. He had no room of his own, but Mercer knew where he'd be. He continued to hobble down the hall towards the living room, and as soon as he entered it he could see the balcony door was open. A slightly chill breeze entered, and Mercer made his way over to check on the last one. Luke stood just outside, arms crossed, leaning on the railing. He didn't wear his jacket, despite the cold, but Mercer knew he didn't feel it. Mercer could, however, and as he approached he couldn't help but shiver a bit. Though he had taken medication for the pain he was still weak, and exhausted from the hasty work creating more chemicals. Luke didn't say anything, but Mercer knew he cared, but like Mercer there was little he could do. There was little any of them could do.

"You should eat," Mercer said.

"I'm not hungry," Luke replied. He took in a deep breath, his eyes still looking out to the city. "How is she?"

"No change," Mercer shrugged. Luke didn't respond. He just kept staring out at the setting sun that tinted the entire city skyline in amber. The sky above was darkening blue, and just to the West the yellow moon was already rising. Luke took in a long breath of evening air.

"I did this to her," he said.

"Lucas," Mercer began, "it isn't your fault. You did everything you could to-"

"I saved her," Luke continued, "that night in the park. If I hadn't..."

"You saved her life," Mercer rebuked, "you did so out of compassion. You couldn't have known what would happen, and even if you did, what was the alternative? Letting her die?"

"Yes," Luke said plainly. Mercer wasn't sure how to respond, and Luke didn't turn to face him, but could clearly sense that Mercer expected more.

"She's never going to be able to go back," he explained, "not now. It would've been better if she'd just..." Luke let out a sigh, "left with her humanity intact."

"You didn't make that choice for her," Mercer said as joined his friend on the balcony. "You gave it to her and let her decide for herself."

"And look how that turned out." Luke's gaze dropped off, staring off to nowhere in particular. Mercer didn't reply. There wasn't much else that could be said, but he was growing tired of the cold.

"Why don't we at least get inside?" He asked, "have something warm?" Luke didn't say anything, and at first Mercer thought he was going to remain outside, but eventually Luke gave a short nod as he came back inside. Mercer headed towards the kitchen, using his cane to point, "shall I brew some coffee?"

"I'll do it," Luke offered, "you really should be resting."

"Very well," Mercer sighed. He took the chair in the living room as Luke took over in the kitchen, the doctor relaxing with a slight hiss as he unintentionally put pressure on his side. While Luke prepared the coffee Mercer picked up the remote. The attack on Celestial's lab was all over the news, with witness and bystander testimonies. Mercer quickly changed to the news station to get the latest updates, but wasn't prepared for who he saw.

"-incident at Celestial Biotics' head office and primary testing facility yesterday," the anchor continued, "CEO and primary shareholder Angela Wintergreen has released a statement on the matter via an emergency shareholder meeting."

"First and foremost," Angela began amidst the flashing of cameras, "I want to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Steven Edgar, the man whose life was tragically cut short during the animal's attack. He was a brilliant doctor and good man who didn't deserve what happened." Angela turned her gaze down to her podium, likely reading from a script from this point, "we cannot confirm nor deny the entity of this creature. DNA and video evidence is still being scrutinised, and we are working diligently with authorities to uncover the source of this incident, however we have come to a partial conclusion: We believe this creature was not the first of its kind."

Mercer jumped as he heard the breaking of glass from the kitchen. He turned to see Luke standing above a broken mug, only to ignore it and walk towards the living room to watch the television.

"For nearly two years now reports of disappearances and unusual animal sightings have plagued this city," Angela continued, "however until now there has been little evidence. Celestial Biotics will collaborate with the police department in order to ascertain the exact nature behind these animals and take measures against them." Angela then took a few steps aside, moving out of the way of the large projector screen behind her as an image appeared. Mercer felt his back bristle.

"We believe this individual is involved," Angela motioned towards the picture of Luke, in his mer form, carrying Erin out of the building. Her face was thankfully not visible. "He bears a resemblance to the same individual seen during the altercation in Central Park earlier this month, which similarly resulted in panic and near-death of a young boy. Their identity and motives remain unclear but police are pursuing all avenues to locate them, as for Celestial Biotics..." Angela returned to the podium, this time without her script, and her eyes tracked along the audience before settling on the camera for this news station.

"In memory and honour of Steven Edgar, as well as any and all who have been silent victims to these animals and this perpetrator, I pledge on behalf of my company to devote as much resource and power we have to ending this threat. We will use our research and development labs to identify and help apprehend all aberrant creatures, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. Thank you." The audience erupted into chaotic questioning even as Angela exited the stage, and Mercer was left with a mix of emotions. He turned to Luke, expecting his expression to be dour, but it was entirely neutral.

"Well," Luke said with a shrug, "looks like someone just declared war."

"What could she hope to achieve?" Mercer wondered, then glanced back at Luke. "What should we do?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Luke turned back to the kitchen, "I'm going to show her just how 'aberrant' I can be."

To be continued.