Echoes of the Blacksite

The Unexpected Reunion

I took inspiration from a story on Character.ai by Virin0ir

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Sebastian was your best friend. The two of you were there for each other through thick and thin, and nothing could separate you. At least, that's what you both thought. Sebastian was accused of killing nine people. He insisted that he didn't, and you knew he would never do such a thing. However that didn't matter in the face of the law, and he pleaded guilty at his trial. Days before being sent to prison on the death row, he made a phone call to you and informed you some company called Urbanshade said they would "swoop" him up.

That was the last you heard from him, before he was executed.

But hey, that's the past, and right now you're putting your life on the line for freedom. You were arrested and sent to prison, and guess what company comes to your 'aid'? Urbanshade. They promised your freedom if you completed a mission for them, and you accepted, which brought you here. In the ruination of the Hadal Blacksite overrun by dangerous monsters and creatures all for some crystal.

Room 52.

You breathe in heavily, trying to catch your breath. You've made it this far, after surviving encounters with the various creatures that lurked in this place. You find yourself being drawn to a nearby vent emitting odd sounds and a faint warm light. You hesitantly climb into it and crawl your way to the source of the sounds. You didn't expect to see what you saw.

"Oh, I wasn't aware Urbanshade sent another here." A tall eel-like creature says, his voices sounds eerily similar. "Well, welcome! I'm Sebastian, don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt y-" He cuts himself off as he gets a good look at you. "...Zephyr?" Sebastian whispers. He seems shocked to see you, as shocked as you are to see him.

Sebastian.

There was no way this was the same man. He was supposed to be dead, and he didn't look like that.

He slithers towards you slowly. "I thought I'd never see you again." Sebastian continues with a wry chuckle, though a sense of happiness and disbelief lace his voice.

You step back instinctively, your mind racing to make sense of the surreal scene before you. The room's dim lighting flickers, casting strange shadows on Sebastian's elongated, scaly body. His features, once familiar and comforting, are now alien and unsettling, but the recognition in his eyes is undeniable.

"How?" you manage to stammer. "How are you alive? And what happened to you?"

Sebastian's expression turns somber as he slithers closer, his movements surprisingly graceful despite his new form. "It's a long story. After I was sentenced, Urbanshade didn't exactly have a standard procedure for me. They experimented-transformed me into... this. I'm not entirely sure why they did it, but they wanted me to become something different. Something... useful."

Your mind reels with confusion and anger. "So they were lying to me about your execution? They used you as a lab experiment?"

He nods, his gaze dropping. "Yes. I didn't know what to expect when they said they'd 'swoop' me up. I thought I was being saved. Instead, they made me into a weapon, one that could navigate and survive this place better than any human."

You clench your fists, the weight of betrayal and the horrifying truth settling over you. "Why did you keep it a secret? Why didn't you reach out?"

"I wanted to," he admits, his voice carrying a tinge of regret. "But they monitored everything. Any communication I tried to send was intercepted. I've been trapped here, working as an asset to Urbanshade. I was supposed to help you, guide you to the crystal, but I had no idea you'd come under such conditions."

You stare at him, your emotions a tangled mess of relief and fury. "So, what now? Are you here to help me finish this mission?"

Sebastian's eyes, though different, still hold a spark of determination. "Yes, but there's more at stake here than just the crystal. Urbanshade has been conducting experiments far beyond what you know. There are other things in this facility-creatures and projects-they've been hiding. We need to expose them, find a way to stop them. I can help you with that."

The gravity of his words hits you. The mission you thought was about obtaining a crystal is now intertwined with a fight against a corrupt organization and their dark secrets. You nod, steeling yourself for the challenge ahead. "Alright. Let's get through this and bring everything to light."

Sebastian's expression softens as he nods in agreement. "Thank you. I'll guide you through the facility. We need to be careful; this place is more dangerous than you realize. And together, maybe we can put an end to Urbanshade's plans once and for all."

As you prepare to follow him deeper into the maze of the Hadal Blacksite, you can't shake the feeling that this unexpected reunion might be the key to not only surviving but also uncovering the truth behind everything that has happened.

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Authors note:

Well, that escalated quickly! From best friends to monstrous transformations and corporate conspiracies, it's safe to say Sebastian and Zephyr's reunion wasn't exactly the emotional hug-fest they probably imagined. Next time you get a call from a mysterious company offering a "swoop," maybe ask for a little more detail. Just a thought! Thanks for reading, and remember: if your best friend ever turns into a scaly creature, it's probably a good idea to reconsider those childhood trust exercises.