Captivity

Chepter 12: Jet Black

It had been three days since they'd received the call about the sickly mer that two agents finally set foot on Florida soil. While they had already received initial contact through email about the creature from Dr. Manson, they hadn't been prepared for the sudden phone call asking for help and thus it had taken a bit of time for them to scramble together everything they would need for the trip as well as treatment for the beast's sickness. Not that they minded meeting the creature a few weeks ahead of schedule.

From what had been discussed over the phone, it was clear that the mer was in bad shape, emaciated from refusing to eat and under a great deal of stress, most likely from its stay in captivity. They'd struggled with similar behavior with some of their specimens within their first few weeks in the facility, but apparently this wasn't the first time for this particular mer. It was also a surprise to find that the creature had been living within the aquatics center for over six months, to which most of their animals mellowed out within the first three. It left a wonder as to just what they would find behind those glass doors.

"Hey, K. This is one piece of work ain't it?" The man whistled, pulling his sunglasses up into his shag of blond hair, letting his eyes take in the sight of the structure before them.

"Well, what did you expect, O.? It was advertised as such," The second agent huffed, shifting his pack around a bit before taking in the sight as well. It was truly an impressive aquarium, there was no doubt about that, especially after having looked into its background and found the build funded by none other than the billionaire, Vlad Masters. Though considering what they knew of him, it was an honest surprise, seeing as the man had no real interest in marine life. But they could ponder his motives later, they still had their objective hidden inside.

"I wonder what kind of beast we'll be dealing with," O pondered, pocketing his hands with a look of amusement on his face. Even if they were here to treat a sick mer, it was still a mer, and he couldn't help the feeling of excitement that bubbled just beneath the surface. K apparently didn't share his enthusiasm, though it was less to do with what they were about to face and more to do with the current circumstance; shifting the heavy pack over to his other shoulder.

"Well, we won't know until we see for ourselves..." the agent frowned at his companion, giving a huff.

He was just greeted with a grin before the other started his way excitedly up the steps.

"Hey! Wait! Don't leave me to drag all this stuff up there! I'm not your pack mule!" K hollered after him.

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"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Dr. Manson."

"Indeed, I'm glad you could make it on such short notice."

The three scientists shook hands before turning down the hall towards the exhibit. The chatter mostly consisting of their visit, travel, and the overall condition of the secreted mer. From what had been disclosed over the phone, this particular specimen was quick to anger and held a wary disposition towards strangers. It was going to make for a difficult study.

Upon entering the exhibit below, they were greeted with the impressive view of the underwater tunnel, a shame that it had yet to be seen by the public eye, and at the same time, it was quite a fitting tank for the resident mer. But as their eyes scoured the waters in search of the elusive creature, they found no trace, only scars upon the rocks where claws had bled.

"So where is our little friend?" O frowned, eyes scanning the glass. If not for the files he had read over, he would have claimed this as a hoax. It was those specific details that no one without prior experience would know that kept him searching.