Loyal (Johnlock)

The Beginning (John's POV)

A.N: Updated 4/9/2016 at 9:00 PM...in case you wanted to know:)

"Now change back." The voice came over the speakers. I was in a room made entirely of metal with a one way window covering one wall. I shifted on my paws and gave a low whine.

"It's okay, John, take your time." Her voice was slightly strained. I barked, knowing that she was just trying to be courteous. I focused my attention on my regular form, closing my eyes and sitting on my haunches. I felt an electric current pass through my body and my eyes shot open.

"Changed!" I hollered out, as if my voice would make the pain fade quicker. The metal felt cold on my bare body, "Evidently clothes don't come with the changing." I stayed laying down as I heard the cheers from the speakers.

"We are bringing clothes to you now, John." She laughed from her side of the glass.

"Speed is appreciated." I murmured into the metal as my eyes started to drift close. A door that seamlessly blended into the cold and unforgiving walls popped open with a hiss. I opened one eye and could feel the ghost of the tail I had had start wagging. A large man walked in with a bundle of army issued clothing.

"Here you go, John." The burly man dropped the clothes on the floor and left. I sighed and wiggled my way into the white t-shirt, underwear and camouflage pants. I stood up and stretched.

"Much obliged, you guys! Can I talk to a human with a face now?" I stared at the black window, wondering if I was staring at empty space or a person.

"Just a second!" The woman's voice came back on and sounded out of breath. I rolled my shoulders back and popped my neck and back. Once again the door hissed open and I turned to watch as a short, slender woman came trotting into the room.

"Hello, Mrs....?" I raised my eyebrow and laced my hands behind my back.

"Just call me Anthea!" She replied breathlessly. She quickly bounded across the room until she stood right in front of me.

"Hey, Anthea." I was slightly uncomfortable with the way her gaze roamed over my body.

"My, you are well built, now aren't you?" Her voice was high and airy.

"Ummm, yeah, I guess." I shifted on my feet.

"I can't believe this actually worked." Anthea smiled and trailed her hand over my chest.

"Has it worked on anyone else?" I focused my will power on not scampering away from her or sighing and leaning into her hand.

"Sadly, they all died. It seems the serum only worked on you..." Anthea looked up into my eyes, "Any side effects?" She asked.

"I, ummm, wouldn't know." I scratched the back of my head. Her hand suddenly reached up and scratched behind my ear. A low noise escaped my lips and I leaned into her hand, eyes closing and slowly shifting my body so that I could rest my head on her shoulder.

"Definite side effects." She laughed, pulling her hand back to her side. I looked down at her and bopped my head on her shoulder before realizing how I was acting.

"Sorry." I mumbled and took a few steps back.

"Oh, no, it's fine John." Anthea giggled and patted my head before walking out and beckoning for me to follow. I chuckled subconsciously and tagged along behind her. I shook my hair and ran my fingers through its tangled mess, still feeling the aftershocks of the change.

"Where are we going?" I asked her.

"The higher-ups wish to see a demonstration." Anthea gave me an encouraging smile.

"Umm, what about the clothes issue? And why didn't they just watch the test run?" I was becoming slightly suspicious.

"We'll figure that one out as we go." She avoided my second question.

"Anthea...?" I prodded slightly angrily.

"John...I don't think you'd appreciate knowing." She warned.

"I'm a soldier, Anthea, I was made to handle hard news." I glared down at her, trying to prove my point with my eyes.

"Fine, John, we didn't actually think that you'd live." She grunted and pushed her black hair behind her ears. I wasn't even that shocked. I would've been more shocked if they had given me this random serum that hadn't been tested on anything before and had actually, 100%, believed that I would live.

"Sweetheart, that isn't news." I chuckled and rolled my shoulders back. She looked shocked for a moment as she grasped a door handle, still metal.

"Oh, well, I guess not." Anthea stammered. I just shook my head. After watching your death whizz by you on multiple occasions, it doesn't really scare you anymore. Anthea pulled the door open and ushered me in. In the middle sat a long table, filled with threatening looking political figures. They all wore suits with metals pinned to the breast.

"Hello Corporal John H. Watson." The man at the head of the table spoke in deep baritones.

"Hello sir." I responded and inclined my head respectfully.

"And hello to you too Anthea J. Burnswrite." He inclined his head in Anthea's direction.

"Hello General." Anthea nodded.

"Care to demonstrate your little trick with Corporal John?" The general smiled and looked hungrily upon me. Suddenly, all the heads had turned to face me, sizing me up. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

"Of course, John?" Anthea stepped out of my way as I focused on shifting. A sudden pain raced through my body, duller than the last time but still painful enough to make me yip. I stood on my four paws. The smells suddenly grew stronger, I could almost taste their amazement. My tail wagged widely, pleased with myself.

"By god!" One man jumped back in his chair, fear wafting off his body.

"Can he understand us?" The general inquired.

"Ummm, well, we haven't actually tested that out yet..." Anthea looked at me. I barked.

"Two barks yes, one bark no, okay?" The general seemed know what I was trying for. I barked twice.

"Good!" He grinned, "Is it painful?"

Two barks.

"Hmmm, increasing each time?"

One bark.

"Good! So it lessens with each change?" All the men were leaning forward now, watching the exchange.

Two.

"Are there any side effects?"

Two yaps.

"Bad?"

Three barks.

"Embarrassing?" The general chuckled softly.

Two hesitant yips.

"Can you change back?"

Two barks, though also thinking about the lack of clothes.

"Then do so, so that we may have a better conversation." The general leaned back in his chair.

I barked a single yap.

"No?" He asked incredulous, leaning forward rapidly.

"Sir, he won't have any clothing when he changes back!" Anthea jumped in to save me. I looked at her gratefully and wagged my tail.

"Fine, fine." The general grumbled, "Then I'll have to ask you this now, are you okay with using this...this...er, ability in war?"

I barked excitedly.

"Then let's start training!" All the men concurred immediately.