Time Traveling Vampire Assassin (TTVA)

Chapter 4: Maddox Grey

Over the next few days more experiments were performed with varying versions of the PTST, and after each one, Mark looked more and more tired and weak. After the fourth experiment (where they had managed to teleport him not only thirty minutes into the future, but also a foot to the left), he appeared on the ground and didn't even try to get up. He just groaned weakly and rolled over.

After waiting a few minutes to see if Mark was going to move, my father said "Well, it looks like we can go and retrieve the equipment undamaged today, which is good since rebuilding the machine every time he throws a tantrum was stretching our expenses a bit thin."

A few of the scientists chuckled and one of the assistants went in to get the equipment. As the assistant bent over to take off the sensors, Mark suddenly made a feeble lunge and tried to grab the him, but he was too weak and the assistant managed to hold him down and remove the sensors and bands.

"He's looking pretty weak after all these experiments," I pointed out to my father, "Maybe we should give him a bit of a break, or you might not have a test subject anymore."

"Well, I suppose he does look pretty bad," he replied, "We'll take a break for a couple of days and see how he's doing; it'd be a shame to have him end up like those lizards." He laughed and walked out of the room, talking excitedly to Dr. Kingsley and some other scientist.

I went up to one of the lab assistants and told them I could take over their shift.

"You sure? It's pretty boring—all he does is lie there or shuffle around looking angry," said the lab assistant.

"Yeah, I'm sure, you can go home early," I replied.

"Thanks!" and then they left, leaving me alone in the monitoring room.

I went up to the glass, tapping it to get his attention.

"Hey, do you want some water or something? Maybe a blanket?" I asked tentatively.

He looked up at me quizzically, probably wondering if this was a new tactic to get him to cooperate.

"You know, you're the first person here to ask me if I even needed food and water to live," he replied.

"Well, do you?"I asked.

"No"

"Oh, that's... good, I guess. Um, sorry about the way they've been treating you, they're just really focused on results and don't really care how they get there."

"And you do?"

"Well... I want to go along with my dad's, I mean Dr. Summer's, research. I want him to be proud of me, but I don't...," I glanced around the room, making sure no one was watching, "...agree... exactly, with all of their...um...methods. But don't tell them I said that," I added quickly.

He shrugged, "No promises, but I'm not exactly on speaking terms with them."

"Haha, yeah... but really, if anyone finds out, there will be serious consequences," I warned.

What am I even doing! I thought. I don't even know this guy! He's a test subject, not even human, and if my dad found out... I didn't even want to think about what he'd do if he found out what I just said.

"Hey, maybe, If you really want to help me out, you could get me out here?" he asked shiftily.

"Yeaaaah, no can do, I'm not that crazy," I laughed.

"Heh, yeah, didn't think so, but it was worth a shot."

"So, how long, exactly, can you last without, you know... "

"Drinking blood? I dunno, haven't really tested it myself, but the thirst is getting really bad now."

"Could you, I don't know, maybe use animal blood? Like, pig or cow blood instead of human?" I asked.

He seemed to think about it for a moment, before answering "Maybe, probably wouldn't taste as good, or work as well, but it might hold me over for a bit."

"I'll see what I can do, but it might not happen, so don't get your hopes up"

"Oh believe me," he said with a sneer, "I've learned not to hope for much here."

At that moment, Dr. Summers opened the door, startling me.

"Hey, you're still here? We're closing up—you can leave surveillance to the lab assistants."

"Right, I'm coming, I was just finishing up," I answered while pretending to arrange some papers and notebooks.

"Ok, when you're done, meet me in the parking lot, I'll start the car."

Once he was gone, I glanced back at Mark, but he had turned his back to the glass and was lying on the ground again, seemingly unconscious.

"See you tomorrow Mark," I said while walking out of the room."

"That's not my name," I heard him say quietly.

"Oh, really? What's your real name then?" I asked, turning back to the glass.

I heard it, but as if it was in my head, and not out loud, which was strange.

"Maddox Grey."

To be Continued...