Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dark skies, heavy rain, and wind that can chill you to the bone. This sort of weather is more or less consistent in the area, setting a grim mood for an everyday horror novel. While the pitter-patter of rain is normally a big welcome when he was stressed, it’s a consistent annoyance when he would have to run in it. It is expected of him, he has to set an example. An example of stupidity that added to the list of things that he hates about himself, and will always hate along with everyone else he went to practice with.

What kind of practice? Not the one that you’re thinking of. More of a practice that is required of every single student attending this...school of sorts. You are required to be able to control yourself, and this class is a way to get rid of excess energy. While it is handy for those that need to release it, Batter personally didn’t think that he needed it. No, he's a walking brick wall for a reason, at least he himself thinks he is. The reason he is this way, is that as long as his emotions didn’t show, he could control his form. This became an immediate interest to his instructors, seeing as his kind is more energetic than most. Took a lot of exercise to really get rid of their hyperness, so to speak.

A place full of all different kinds of people. All different in their own unique way, and while his family is more monstrous than most, he isn’t really into showing it off. He didn’t like changing forms, and he would prefer not to. He’s hideous inside. His mother was one of the purest being that he knew, while his father was one of the lesser wanted beings. Putting the two together created a disaster. He wishes that he could take more of his mother’s angelic form, but alas, genetics did no such thing. He’s not fond of his guardians in general, being as they fought nonstop, and his mother left him to suffer. He remembers how she blamed him for their terrible lifestyle. His dad was found dead in a ditch, transformed, and a bit too bloody. They only knew it was him by taking a DNA test and tracing it back.

He remembers being in the police station all day. Remembers being accused of the crime, but having an alibi is what saved his ass. An easy statement that shouldn’t have taken police officers all day, but what did he know? He’s just an emotionless orphan whose mother left him, and whose father was killed. It’s not like he liked them anyway, what with the constant abuse of alcohol and drugs, not to mention physical abuse adding to it more times than he could count. He has scars, but lucky for him, he would prefer not to take his shirt off. Not even to change forms for inspection. He fought hard on that one thing.

Inspection is sort of a way for doctors to test and make sure that you’re not taking anything bad. Some liked to get illegal drugs, pump it into their system just to make them stronger. Drugs that get you addicted. Drugs that slowly kill you from the inside out. Drugs that made some rich, and others dead. While these inspections were necessary before, they became monthly after drug gangs formed. Too many young kids taking them. Too many young kids wanting to look cool in front of others. Too many getting addicted. The school he attends is more of a prestigious one. His in particular is designed to shape them into being leaders and protectors of sorts. They have one being who rules over everything. They have four different Zones that needed to be looked after, and that’s where the Protectors come in. The Protectors are the watchful eye over each of the Zones. The smaller and more tedious work is given to lesser wanted individuals known as ‘Elsen.’ The Elsen do the dirty work, and barely scrape by. They have to report everything to the Protectors. The Protectors monitor their Zones, and that’s where reporting between each other Zone Protector comes in. They come up with ideas, they have requests from the Elsen, and then they run it by the Leader, who approves or denies any requests or ideas. In the end, the final word is always give by the Leader.

The Leader is located in more of a secluded area which is known as ‘The Room.’ There are only few other people that live in the area. Most are guards to protect the Leader, while others are workers that help the Leader with anything that they need. What about others? Well, any stragglers that went to the school worked as guard in each zone, or for the Leader. In reality, the discrimination against Elsen would always be apparent. They did the dirty work, everyone else got to live a more carefree life. Even if Batter didn’t go here, he could still land a small job doing something so easy, while the Elsen still struggled more.

Batter always feels self conscious on inspection days. No amount of praise (or the insults he did get) for his lineage or even perfect attendance and grades would make him feel better about what he is deep inside. While he was put in this school for having his mother’s blood, and his father’s strength to protect all, he’s not really welcomed there. He is of lower class, and many of the other students don’t want someone who is of relation to a lesser being, despite also being related to someone of higher. His outer appearance is the only thing that brings him peace. He didn’t look more like one of his parents, he looks like both. While this would bring discomfort to some, it brought him relief. He could look in the mirror and see himself. A mix of two people. No reminder of one or the other, just him. However, turning into this monster...that thing is a constant reminder of just who he really is. Every time he feels something, his appearance becomes as fragile as an infant. Like everything is glass. A side effect of having his father’s blood, really. Even the slightest change in his mental state made his beast inside want out. He’s hurt someone before, but it was when he was a mere child. They weren’t expecting a young boy to have so much strength. Something his dad was proud of. Something his dad wanted to be the leader of this world.

Something he didn’t want, but became too clouded to realize that he didn’t.

Batter frowned, distress filling him. He knows that he should be relaxed as always, but it’s hard. He doesn’t want to see himself in the three way mirrors that they have set up for the inspections. He doesn’t want to see this hideous thing that‘s made him hate who he is. The thing that’s taken everything he’s loved away. Has broken his bones.

Makes him fear.

He feels his bones shift inside of him, and he grips his hands together, wringing them a bit to maintain his composure. He grits his teeth, forcing the extra sets of eyes that slide upon his face to remain closed. He must appear calm. If he doesn’t, he will be forced to be exposed to that hideous thing longer than he wants. His lineage is nothing to be praised. He’s nothing like his mother. Just because he’s a halfbreed, it doesn’t mean he’s special. It doesn’t mean he’s capable of being a weapon to protect everyone else. He’s not on top like he wants to believe. No, he’s lower than the Elsen that breathe smoke. Even they have significance. More significant qualities than he himself. He doesn’t tell these thoughts to anyone. They are very unlike him, almost as if he were a different person when he felt like this.

The line moved slowly, and the closer he got, the more nervous he got. Just as he was next in line, he forced himself to take a few deep breaths, fingertips gliding over his pale blond, almost white, locks gently. His strong jaw is locked in place, and his body began to stiffen. Luckily, the breathing exercises helped him ease out of transforming. He adjusted his jersey, not liking that he had to get these monthly examinations in the first place.

“Next please.” A young voice calls, calling Batter out of his thoughts. He lets a breath out through his nose, taking a step through the door. He’s used to the mat squishing under his feet.“Stand right here, please.” The lady says, Sucre is her name, pointing to an X with her foot.

“Michael?” She questions like she doesn’t know who he is. He gives a noise of confirmation, calling her masked assistant over. Batter watches him out of the corner of his eye, the guys black hair seeming to follow his movements, his brown eyes full of dark circles. His mouth is covered by a medical mask, and on it is the dumbest smile that he’s ever seen drawn on. Batter’s never seen him before, and based off his appearance, he doesn’t seem to take care of himself well.

But who is he to judge?

“Alright Michael,” The nurse starts, grabbing some wires. “You know how this works. I attach these to your forehead, this to your wrist. I’ll draw some blood, and if we find anything in your system, well...I’m not too worried.” She finishes, attaching two round pads to his forehead, the other to his wrist. He takes in a small breath, waiting for instructions. She seems to draw it out, as if she knew that Batter hated doing this. Maybe he’s more obvious than he previously thought. She proceeds to take his height, weight, and blood pressure, before grabbing some odd bottles that he’s never seen before. Batter lets her tie the rubber around his arm, and she makes quick work of filling a few little tubes with his blood. He doesn’t have time to linger on the red liquid filling each vile, as she began to adjust his jersey a bit, smiling innocently at him. “Wouldn’t want to rip it, now would we?” She asks, causing a blush to rise to his cheeks, head shaking. He can feel his bones crackle at the notion. She apples a cotton and bandaid to the area that she drew blood, taking off the tourniquet. “Whenever you’re ready Michael.” She says, setting the viles of blood aside for her assistant to deal with as she waits. Batter eyes him for a moment, watching the way his gloved hands make work of signing his name and whatever else is needed for the label. Their eyes meet, but only for a moment as Batter quickly tears his eyes away. Batter takes a deep breath, finally letting his body relax. He suddenly feels his bones shift and crack, nails growing. He can suddenly see everything, yet not enough all at once. He doesn’t like the feeling of his eyes all blinking out of rhythm, the way his hands look like talons more than hands. He hates the way his feet force him to balance on the front, almost like a dogs. He despises the long snout in front of him, teeth long and pointed.

The machines beep hysterically. The woman’s assistant looks wide eyed for a moment, dark bags seeming to be more prominent. He looks deep into Batter’s eyes, but anything beyond that is unknown. Batter can feel his heart racing in his chest, causing the machines to contribute more hysterical noise. The noise makes him uncomfortable, but so does the hard staring from a complete stranger. It isn’t unnatural for them to beep, it just meant that he has a lot of pent up energy. This meant that he’d be forced to let out all of it. He didn’t want to deal with others. It meant having to see this monster.

Batter took a slow deep breath, trying hard to control himself, yet the staring drove him crazy. The woman began to poke and prod at him, shining lights into some of his eyes, before taking his temperature. Next she took photos of him, and that was that. The moment she gave the sign, Batter quickly turned back, shaking from nerves. The woman smiled at him, patting his back, before writing down what she needed to. “You'll have to sign up for an athletic class, but other than that you’re good at first glance. I’ll be looking at the documents for further information, but keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.” She said, before dismissing him with a “Good day, Michael.” And opening the door for him.

Her assistant eyeballed him longer than he was comfortable with.

oOo

The rain continued as Batter finally left the school for the day. He decided to skip the rest of the day. This of course isn’t without tying up loose ends. It isn’t hard for him to get a pass to leave early, he seldom ever does. He doesn’t mind school, really. Learning about how he could use his abilities to create a better world, how he is a perfect example of a strong leader. Of course, his opponent is none other than Vader Eloha. They are always in a match for perfect grades, perfect attendance. She didn’t act it, but really, she thrives for the competition. She attracted Batter easily. If she knew that she could have him wrapped around her finger, well…

She is the perfect example of a leader. Batter could see her as a wonderful leader, always keeping everything at peace. He loves her competitive nature, always getting a little too into the small games that they’d play with each other. Everyone thought that they would make a great couple, but Batter thought otherwise.

She’s soft, beautiful, powerful, cunning, and so much more. She’s one of the most purest beings that Batter has ever met, and as much as he’d like to take her hand, he knows that he isn’t right for her.

Something about himself that he felt wasn’t ready to woo such an exotic creature such as Vader. She needed someone who wouldn’t disgust her. Someone who could protect her emotionally, and understand her feelings deep down. All he could be for her is a pawn for fighting to keep the world at peace.

Batter does think about her more than he’s comfortable with. He does know that his feelings mean something, but not in a pure way. He knows that if he got ahold of her, she’d suffer. He would pin her down, and defile her purity. Just simply brushing the back of his hand across her cheek would ruin her even more. He’s tried it. He thought trying to give into the desire would spark something pure within him, but all he saw was a black scorch mark on her beautiful pale face. She never pushed him away either. Didn’t say a word about it. Batter just thinks that she’s too pure to show hatred towards an impure being like him. Batter sighs as he continues down the abandoned sidewalk. He’s not surprised that the neighborhoods are abandoned, who’d want to be stuck in the rain, after all. This is the usual time that the infamous Elsen Gangs are out and about, always doing their wicked business when no one else is around. Without a strong leader, the world would suffer. This is one of the reasons why their school became so concerned with picking the next leader. Their current one is becoming corrupt.

Only if Batter knew that the world would always suffer no matter what.

He could feel his insides churning, energy coursing through him. His bones cracked, and he’s once again seeing multiple things at once. He grit his teeth, stopping where he was, and closing his eyes.

He knows that he should attend evening practice to release his energy like he was instructed, but he didn’t really feel like it. No, instead he decided to take a walk. He adjusted his hat on his head, pulling the hood of his hoodie up, grateful that he had a bit more protection from the rain. He let out a sigh, enjoying the rain for a moment, before opening his eyes and trying to enjoy the scenery around him. He’s happy to have his form contained once more.

He turned down an alleyway, a short cut he normally took to get to his apartment. Ever since his father died and abandoned him, he’s resorted to living in a small studio apartment. He’s not expecting any guests to ever visit him, so the small space didn’t really bother him, plus he got it for cheap. It could be better, but he’s also grown to like the old wood and weird yellow stains on the ceiling. The way the window only opens halfway. The weird small burn mark on one corner of the wall, probably a cigarette, but he also found weed stashed in a floorboard, so…

He sort of...just threw it in the trash. He didn’t really care at that moment what happened with it. Maybe someone got a good high, who knows.

He walks at a slow pace, preferring to enjoy the comfort of the rain regardless of how it chilled him.

The small smacks of the rain as they landed, the smell of the air. It felt clean for once in the area. He lived on the poor side of town, right by all of the Elsen. The place is filled with heavy black smoke, the noises of poor breathing could always be heard. He would have preferred something a little more secluded, but he couldn’t afford it. He’s lucky to even have an income be coming in. His father seemed to like him enough to let him have a monthly income before he died, even if it is small. Oddly enough, he hoped that the air around him wouldn’t affect him. It never has, but he boiled it down to him being more filthy than he initially thought. He wanted out of this whole place as soon as possible, and winning against Vader is the only way to do that. But, he doesn’t quite see himself doing that. A weird part of him likes the idea of people bowing down to a halfbreed like him, but the thought always disappears when Vader enters his mind once more.

He shivers a bit from the cold, hunching in on himself as he finally neared the halfway point of the alley. Of course, just as he turned he’s immediately pushed down. His face scratches against the muddy ground, casting him in its filthy color. His hoodie and jersey are sure to be stained, and he felt disgusted. He’s quickly flipped over onto his back, and his eyes meet cold red ones. The being above him hisses at him, and Batter quickly took in that he’s transformed. His lizard like appearance made Batter cringe, but he began to push at the male. However, he’s instantly hit, forcing his hands to cup the bruising area, being his face. He grit his teeth, glaring at the lizard man above. He could feel disgust fill up inside of himself, and the moment the man hissed at him once again, Batter hisses back and punches the man above him. He manages to push the lizard off of him, and batter quickly gets up, ready to run away. As much as he’d love to stay and purge whatever this impure asshole is, he’d rather not be thrown in jail.

He begins to stagger away, but his ankle id grabbed, causing him to fall right back to the ground. Batter kicks at the man below him, managing to hit him in the face. He could feel his teeth begin to sharpen, and his eyes begin to open. Honestly, this is all stressing him out more than it should. Yet, no matter how much he kicked, the lizard man just wouldn’t stop. He could see a strange blue foam dripping from his mouth, dripping onto Batter’s foot. Batter cringed once more, trying to kick harder. He gasps as the lizard pulls him backwards and yelps when he’s thrown against the wall beside them. He groaned, gritting his eyes shut from the pain. Yet, the moment he heard shuffling, he tried to stand up, only to be forced back down. The weird foam is all over the place now, and the lizard hisses and snarls.

Batter didn’t understand what it wanted and why, but he’s ready for the worst.

Only it didn’t come.

Suddenly the lizard is screeching, clawing at its neck as it writhes on the ground. Batter almost couldn’t believe what he was seeing. More blue foam leaked from his mouth, and despite being attacked, something inside of Batter forced him to move. He quickly turns the lizard onto its side, commanding him to take a deep breath, only to have him die not long after. Batter sat back on his knees, hands moving away from the corpse, squeezing together. He grit his teeth, before standing up abruptly. He grabbed his hat that had fallen off, and began to speed walk back his studio. He ignored his small Elsen neighbors, who tried to say hello, and shoved his way inside his home. Once inside, he slammed the door shut, kicking off his shoes, and running into his bathroom. He felt ticklish tingles course throughout his body, making him shudder. He didn’t like what had happened, nor the way he felt. He felt nauseous, and…

He turned the hot water on full blast, quickly peeling his now stained clothes off, and stepping into the hot steam.

He scrubbed until his skin became raw.

Chapter Text

He found himself unable to sleep.

His skin was raw from the intense heat that he had forced upon it, but the sensation felt good. He felt clean and pure, even if it was temporary. Temporary bliss is all that he craved for, anymore. Of course, this wasn’t his reason for the lack of sleep. He keeps thinking about the lizard man that he was attacked by. He could feel disgust fill him at the thought of what he saw. He didn’t quite understand what was wrong with the guy, but he didn’t know of anything that caused blue foam like that. He wondered if it was drugs. Maybe the cheap kind. That wasn’t exactly unnatural where he lived. In fact, you’re more likely to find cheap drugs than the actual good kind, or that’s what his father said anyway. One of his earliest memories as a kid is finding a small white pill on the ground. He remembers the way it smelt, the scent intoxicating. He wanted nothing more than to consume, only his dad snatched it out of his grasp, practically hissing at him.

It wasn’t until he was older, that he realized that certain drugs affect certain types differently. In his case, it’s the more high end expensive ones. His dad really loved to spend a pretty penny on drugs.

Batter’s leg shook. He’s been feeling more and more antsy, lately. As much as he doesn’t want to, he should probably sign up for a club. He can feel his bones almost ripple behind his flesh. The monster inside is begging to come back out. No amount of yelling, of practically begging it to stay is doing anything. He grit his teeth, forcing his extra eyes to sink back down where they belong. He runs his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath.

It’s becoming unbearable. He can’t keep doing this, he can’t keep pretending, but he wants to. He wants to pretend that everything’s alright. He wants to pretend that he’s what this world needs to be better. He should be the leader. He should beat Vader, and then welcome her with open arms as his right hand man. She is a genius, graceful, and very beautiful. Batter wants to talk to her, but he won’t say a word. He doesn’t deem himself worthy to start a conversation. He lets her, and only then does he speak. He lets her brush her gentle hands across his shoulders, lets her curl her soft tendrils around his forearms, and lets her smile gently at him. He still won’t touch her. She hasn’t asked why, and thus he will not answer.

Batter takes a deep breath, closing his eyes. He presses his palms into his closed eyes, leg tapping slowing down. Thinking about Vader always seemed to slow his heart rate. He wonders if it’s because of the small meals that she will make for him at times, or the baked goods she forces into his hands. Maybe it’s her motherly nature, but he doesn’t see her do the same with anyone else. He doesn’t understand what makes him so special, but she deems him important. He lets an image of her smile flash behind his eyes, and his heart rate slows completely.

He lets out a breath, pulling his hands back. He stares at the floor for just a moment, before forcing himself to lie down. He needs to rest. He has to be ready for tomorrow. He has to show that he can be a leader, that everyone should follow him.

No. No he doesn’t need to. He should let Vader have that. Maybe he can stand by her side as her right hand, if he can’t have it.

’Defile her.’

’Make her yours.’

Batter slams his fists into his head. The whispers never know when to shut up. They never shut up. At this rate he’s never going to be able to sleep. He swallows the thick lump in his throat. Letting out a shaky breath. He just needs to turn the thoughts off. Just turn them off.

Turn them off.

oOo

Batter wasn’t able to fall asleep until a couple of hours later. Just as fast as he was out, he was awake to the loud beep of his alarm. He turns it off with a sigh, getting out of bed and getting ready for yet another long day. He knows that he should attend baseball practice this afternoon since he didn’t yesterday, but he also doesn’t want to feed into the system of messing around with his form.

Regardless, he does what he needs to. He puts on a fresh uniform, deciding to eat a bit before he heads out. Luckily the rain hasn’t started, so he doesn’t have to worry too much about getting wet on the way. In fact, he tunes out everyone and everything around him. He almost runs into a cat with a wicked grin, who hisses at him before running off. He rolls his eyes, and continues on his way. While he doesn’t like being at this place, it doesn’t stop him from showing up early and being punctual. His goal is to find a more secluded area and wait out the bell. He wants peace and quiet, his headache is not letting up.

“Batter!” A sweet voice calls to him. He makes eye contact, or as much as he can given her lack of eyes in the first place. Supposedly she says she has them, but he can’t tell where they may reside. He watches her walk over, her hair tendrils bouncing gracefully with every movement. She’s soft and sweet. He loves this about her.

“Vader.” He says as gently as he can. She gives him the sweetest smile, taking his hands into hers. He doesn’t wish to touch her, but as long as she’s the one that does it he feels a bit better about the situation.

He feels blessed.

“I didn’t see you at your practice yesterday,” Concern for him lingers in her voice. It is unnecessary for something like him. “Are you alright?”

“Fine.” He says, willing himself to pull his hands away from her. She simply grips harder, leaning more into his space.

“You don’t seem fine.” She says, rubbing his hands gently with her thumbs. He feels so overwhelmed, but finds himself craving her touch so much more than he should.

He gently puts a hand over hers, almost trembling at the fact that he even dared to do so. “I am merely tired, nothing more.” Is his response.

Her smile is full of sharp teeth, but they look beautiful in the light despite the rainy weather. Her lips are soft, he wants to devour them with his own. He does not need to think such thoughts, but he wants to.

Vader Eloha is high class, she does not need to control her form. She is allowed to take any form that she likes without consequences. He almost wondered what it would be like to be able to be like that. Stop hiding behind a fake facade, unleash the beast.

He wouldn’t dare.

“Meet me for lunch?” She asks, pulling her hands away gently.

“Okay.” Is his only response. She knows what he means. While his lack of enthusiasm would be lost on many, it isn’t on her.

She grabs ahold of his strong arm with her own delicate ones, pressing her breasts into it.

’Take her.’

His thoughts are less than kind.

He feels her soft lips press against his ear, her breath is warm. He can feel the way her hair tangles around him, clinging and twirling around his figure. The way the suction cups underneath pull away with a small ’pop’

His hidden eyes open from the actions alone, and his entire body rattles with want.

She knows what she’s doing, and he’s fully aware of how she feels about him. She used to be much more subtle, but has gotten a lot more straight forward since then.

She wants him, and he wants her. He doesn’t deserve to, but he wants to.

She lets out a low giggle, more of her breath hitting his ear. “I can help you relax~” she coos, gently nipping with her sharp teeth. When she finally pulls away, she’s staring into four red eyes. She lets out another giggle, turning away from him. “I’ll see you at lunch, Batter.” She says and finally walks away.

He’s left feeling heated. His pants feel a bit more tight than he wants too, and it feels both wrong and right at the same time. Anyone left in the courtyard looks at him with jealousy and contempt.

He’s used to these unholy stares.

’Impure. Tainted.’

He swallows the lump in his throat, rubbing his arms and taking a breath. Besides yesterday, he feels that today may be an average day. He prefers it. He can’t stand-

“Heyo mon ami~”

An arm wraps around his neck, and he stiffens. His body is trembling again. His heart rate is spiking, and he feels uncomfortable, but he can’t move.

“Everyone’s looking at you with the urge to kill. Who knew a belle like Vader Eloha would be so into you~”

Batter finally manages to turn his head, multiple eyes coming face to face with that nurse assistant from the day before. His dark eyes, that stupid mask- it has a grinning mouth on it now. Reminds him of a cat almost.

“Ohhh, what red eyes you have there monstre. Do they come out often?”

“No.” He answers, forcing them away. The man watches them slip out of existence, but it doesn’t stop him from staring. In fact, his dark hand tightens its grip on him more.

Batter can’t help but be entranced by his dark complexion, even if he couldn’t see his mouth. The assistant’s eyes tell the whole story themselves. “You don’t seem like you enjoy them, mon ami. Is this true?”

“What do you want?” Batter asks instead, not liking the way the man hangs off of him in the first place.

Anyone who was looking at Batter before has long since left. He needs to as well, but he’s stuck.

“Straight to the point, I like that.” The man says, eyes crinkling. “Let me introduce myself,”

“I don’t care.”

“I’m Zacharie.” The man finishes, ignoring his comment all together. “You’re Michael, or ‘Batter’ I presume? How about I just call you Batter.”

“Go away.”

“So feisty~! I love it.” Zacharie chuckles at him, his free hand pressing against Batter’s chest. “Just hear me out, Batter. I have something that may help you out.”

“No, you don’t.” Is Batter’s immediate reply. Another laugh escapes the man. “Let me go.”

Suddenly Zacharie’s strength increases. Batter’s breath catches in his throat, and his jaw is clenching. He didn’t think this man could have so much strength- It was almost hard to breathe.

“Listen to me, Batter. It’s rude to ignore individuals trying to help you. You come off as arrogant, which you are, but I digress.” Zacharie eyes Batter, who is stiff as a board. He sees the immediate anger in Batter’s eyes from the insult, and it makes him puff with glee. “As I was saying, I have something that can help you.” Zacharie continues, index finger pointing at Batter’s chest. The way it presses into his pec makes Batter almost shiver. “Your real form is unstable, am I correct?” Batter gives an immediate nod. “Well I have something that can help that. I am a doctor, after all. They don’t normally prescribe it, because it’s very expensive.” Zacharie pulls his hand away, hand going into his pocket to grip something. “I’ve read your information, you don’t have money to spend, do you?”

Batter shakes his head, eyes looking into Zacharie’s. His eyes are like a black hole sucking him in. He can’t look away, he feels like he’s suffocating.

“I’m willing to give you a free dosage, on the house.” Batter is ready to argue, but Zacharie squeezes him more, causing him to remain silent. “But, if they do help you, I will then require compensation.”

“I don’t have money.” Is batters immediate response.

Zacharie lets out another laugh. “I didn’t say money, mon ami.” His eyes crinkle once more. “All you’ll have to do are favors. Simple ones, nothing too outrageous.”

“Why are you trying to help me?” Batter asks, suspicion filling up inside of him.

“Out of the good will of my own heart.”

And it sounds absolutely unbelievable.

“How can I trust you?” Batter says immediately, already trying to push Zacharie away. The man’s grip increases.

“Because, I’m a doctor. I love helping people, Batter. I’ve already given aid to everyone else at this school, you’re next on my list.”

“Aren’t you just an assistant?” Batter questions, hands gripping into fists.

“Yes, but only because I’m not licensed as a school doctor.” Batter is even more skeptical. “Look, Sucre hired me to help you all, and that’s all I’m trying to do, mon ami. In fact, you are not obligated to take this medicine, I will not force you.”

Batter gave a hum, brows furrowing. “What does it look like?” He asks, not liking the look Zacharie is giving him.

The masked man pulls out a bottle with one single white pill. “It’s just a medication I’ve made to help you, and I am hoping that you’ll give it a try. Of course you don’t have to, but take it with you. If you decide that you don’t want it, throw it away, no harm whatsoever.”

“And you’re doing this, why?” Batter asks again.

“Out of the goodness of my heart.” He says.

This whole thing feels like a scam, but it’s not like he has to take it. He’ll just let the man give it to him, and then discard it somewhere. Like he said, no harm whatsoever.

“Fine.” Batter says, hoping to be let go finally.

Zacharie’s eyes crease, and he sticks the bottle into Batter’s pants. “Wonderful! If you do end up taking it, let me know if it helps. If you want more, remember, I’ll require compensation, but it’s nothing too difficult. Think of them as minor errands.”

And he finally lets Batter go.

Batter feels relief, making sure to take a couple of steps away from the man. “Fine.” He responds, dusting himself off and trying to fix the wrinkles in his clothes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Batter says, finally walking away.

“Have fun, mon ami!” Zacharie calls to him as he walks away.

This all has to be a mistake.

Chapter Text

After finally being left alone, Batter quickly went to his classes. As usual, on anything that she shared with him, Vader sat next to him without worry. She even went as far as to bring him a drink. Besides Zacharie sneaking and seeing his files apparently, Vader is the only one who’s aware of his financial situation. She kept trying to invite him out to hang with everyone else, and he finally used an excuse that, well, was true. Usually he could find credits in trash bins and such, but in Zone 2, it’s clean. It’s rare if you find anything lying around. Ever since she found out, she would sometimes buy him things before their lecture.

He wishes she would stop.

But he also enjoys it.

This time, she brought him…he didn’t know what it was. It was tall, brown, and it was obviously coffee, but he didn’t know what it was.

“It’s a Frappuccino,” she clarified as she sat next to him. She took a drink of his coffee, making sure to lick the tip after, before sliding it over to him. “It’s a sweet one.” She warned, a sharp toothed grin on her sweet, soft face. “It’s for how sweet you are.”

She stared at him, and he could see the smallest inkling of a blush cross her cheeks in embarrassment.

“I think you bought it for the wrong person.” He says, sliding it over to her. She lets out a giggle, confidence coming back.

“Then why don’t we share it.” She tries, picking up the cold beverage and holding it towards him. He could tell how eager she was for him to wrap his lips around the straw. She made it obvious when she drank it.

An indirect kiss.

Others in the class are fuming with jealousy, and if looks could kill, he’d be shot down. He takes the coffee from her hands, taking a big sip of it. While he’s not a huge fan of sweet things, he’s willing to be for her. The feeling of being able to have kissed Vader, even indirectly, causes his bones to shift and ripple. The sweetness that attacks his tongue is both nice and sort of gross this early at the same time. Regardless he relishes in the situation any sort of way that he can.

“Are we still meeting up for lunch?” She asks, her gaze locked on every inch of him. While he can’t see her eyes, he definitely feels them.

“Of course.” He says, not daring to even break something that she clearly wants to happen. While he can’t imagine what she has in mind, it seems very important to her. Part of him hopes that it’s food, and that the food has Abaddon’s Meat in it. It’s one of the things that he’s not afraid to let himself have when she cooks for him. She’s rich, and she’s not afraid to show it. Especially to him.

His mouth waters at the thought alone of the high quality meat, its sweet scent and succulent blood.

She leans into his space, lips pressed against his ear again. He knows that she’s doing this on purpose. If he didn’t know before, then he did now. She makes sure to breathe against his ear again for added effect. “What I have to give you will make you weak at the knees~” she cooed.

His bones rippled a bit too much for his liking, and the way she curls her lips tells him that she heard him lose his composure again. He looks at her with all four eyes, and he’s suddenly aware of what may or may not transpire at lunch. He’s both excited and feeling extremely frazzled.

He doesn’t understand why she prefers him, nor why she goes out of her way to do this to him in the first place. She has so many others around her that are not only of a higher breed than he, but also not poor in credits.

He doesn’t know why she became fixated on him in the first place. Maybe it’s because he’s not afraid to challenge her, he’s not sure. Regardless he finds himself sipping on the coffee to cool off and calm down. Her giggle is once again ringing in his ears.

Time passed quickly, she gave him the rest of the drink after their last lecture that they shared together. Afterwards, he spent his other lecture completely and utterly alone. Sure he sipped at the coffee, but he always found himself missing Vader’s presence when she wasn’t around. She always seemed to fill in some sort of hole that he had formed.

He’s surprised to see Zacharie sitting in the far corner at the front of the classroom. He’s conversing with the teacher, about what Batter wouldn’t know. Batter himself is in the far back area, and while the desks are long and have many seats to share, no one takes the opportunity to be near him. He’s not really surprised.

Zacharie glances at him briefly, causing Batter to stiffen and avert his eyes. He doesn’t know what the man wants, nor does he understand his goal, but he doesn’t trust him. Everything about the man is suspicious, but the only evidence he has is some pill and being weirded out. He would be the one to get in trouble first just for having it before they even decided to investigate Zacharie himself.

If they even decided to, that is.

Regardless, Batter chooses to not acknowledge the man any longer. He sips anxiously at his drink, and just like any class, this one is over as quickly as it had started.

Zacharie doesn’t confront him about anything. In fact, he leaves the room the moment the teacher is finished. Batter briefly wonders if he was simply there to observe, and had nothing more on his agenda.

Batter sighs, packing his things up and leaving. He decides to go empty handed to the spot both him and Vader share. He downs the rest of the sugary coffee, throwing the empty cup away, along with the pill in the bottle that Zacharie had given him. He even goes as far as to leave his bag in his last class of the day. He doesn’t have anything of value in the bag, so he’s not concerned. He meets Vader in an empty classroom. The teacher gave Vader a set of keys since she tended to use it for studying, and she trusts her to not be unreliable when using it.

Speaking of Vader, she’s currently sitting at one of the more secluded tables, one away from the window of the door. “Twist the lock, please.” She says, and he does so. He stiffly walks over, taking a seat next to her. She pulls out a lunch box, handing it to him.

Low and behold, the thing that he was wishing for is indeed there. His mouth drools, but he doesn’t start. Not without her permission.

“I know how much you like Abaddon’s Meat,” she starts leaning her head on her hand, watching him closely. “Please feel free to indulge, I’ve already eaten.” And he probably looks like a dog feasting on its owner’s scraps. His mouth starts to split at the corners, and he suddenly feels more anxious. He feels disgusting. Not being able to see her eyes has him shivering with anxiety. Her giggle makes him both confused and nervous. “Don’t be shy, Batter~ You have nothing to fear.” And the way she brushes the crevices of his splitting jaw has his bones rippling more. He focuses his eyes in the other direction, focusing on calming himself down. She doesn’t judge him for it, and only when he’s back to normal does he finally begin to eat.

She only watches him. He figured she’d have more to say, but she doesn’t. It’s like she’s waiting, but Batter can’t tell what she could be waiting for. She was right, he is weak in the knees. This meat makes him so, and the juices have him craving more. Alas, it is devoured too quickly, and he’s left using the napkin she gave him to wipe his hands and face.

If she has anything to gain from doing any of this, he can’t imagine what.

“Dessert?” She asks, and he’s taken back.

“What?” He asks, as that has never been a thing that she’s done for him before.

“Face me and close your eyes.” She says, and he obeys. He always obeys her commands.

He hears her shuffling, but he doesn’t open his eyes or move. Of course, the moment he feels her hands on his pants buttons, his eyes shoot open. “Vader,” he breathes, watching her unbutton them. “What are you doing?” He asks, hands hovering over hers.

“Giving you your treat.” She smoothly says. “But if you don’t want it…” she trails off, not moving an inch.

He should really tell her to stop, but he can’t find the words. Instead, he pulls his hands away, letting her continue. “Okay.” He breathes out breathily, letting her have full control.

She giggles more at him, pulling his pants down a bit over his hips, and letting his dick breach the air. He feels embarrassment fill up inside of him, and he wonders if he smells disgusting to her. If he does, she doesn’t voice it at all. He almost can’t believe that any of this is happening, it feels surreal.

“Batter,” she says, looking up at him, the most gentle smile gracing her beautifully plump lips.

“Uh-huh?” He questions letting her hair tendrils wrap around his wrists.

“You’re such an obedient little thing.” She says gently, pressing her mouth to his dick. His breath hitches immediately, and he shivers. She doesn’t hesitate to press gentle kisses up and down his length, before running her tongue along every crevice of it. She teases him by sucking spots on the base here and there, going as far as to graze the tip with her sharp teeth. “Does this change too?” She asks, hands massaging his thighs.

“I-I don’t know.” He admits, gritting his teeth.

“Then how about we find out~” she cooes, bringing his dick easily into her mouth. Electricity shoots up his back, and he wants to grab her head, but he can’t. He’s completely restrained. Realistically he could escape, but then that would mean hurting her. He’s not about to do that.

She has one mission, and clearly she’s dead set on making it happen, because she knows how to bob her head and graze her teeth and tongue in all of the right ways at every perfect time. She has him weak and moaning, and his body is rippling aggressively. He wasn’t aware how much being aroused like this could break the monster inside out, but it is. She knows it is, and he knows that it’s what she wants. He doesn’t understand her fascination with his true form, but she’s always eager to see it. And see it she is.

She hums around his dick, and his mouth is already splitting. He can feel the way his body is shifting, but she doesn’t mind at all. Even the way his snout grows doesn’t bother her in the slightest. When she pulls off with a pop to look at him, she’s flushed, but smiling so much. “I guess it does change.” She says, using her hand to rub the newly formed indents of his dick. They look like an awkward ribcage, and he hates it. She doesn’t seem to, but he does.

She happily rubs his snout, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip. He shivers, a clicking noise escaping him. “V-Vader,” he breathes, clicking more.

“Shhh, it’s okay~” she soothes, rubbing his snout more. “You’re safe here. You can let yourself go in front of me, Batter. I will take care of you~” she soothed, loving the way he shivers. The way those red eyes look so scared, so full of fear.

The way he clicks is enough to make her keep going. She deep throats him easily, holding on to him with both her hands and her hair. She makes sure to rub soothing circles into his legs and snout, loving the way his moans start to hitch just a little more. Most men would feel embarrassed by their voices like this, but she prefers it this way.

Soon enough Batter comes down her throat, and the way his body ripples has her feeling happy, but he hates the way his body looks. He hates what his body does.

He doesn’t understand why she likes him like this so much, and he doesn’t think he ever will. He doesn’t like that he feels good, but he does. But it also makes him panic.

“I-I apologize.” He clicks, feeling bad for cumming down her throat in the first place without even warning her, no less. He feels that he’s tainted her, but the strangest sense of sick fascination fills him.

The feeling is not a positive one.

She giggles it off, rubbing his snout more. She releases his wrists, using the ends of her hair to brush against his cheek bones. She let them suction on, before popping off gently. “You have no need for apologies, Batter.” She soothes him, mouth wide and toothy. “I thought you might need a more aggressive approach.” She admits, licking her lips happily. He wants to put his dick back in his pants, but he’s a bit awkward with his claws so she does it for him. He wants to revert back, but his body won’t let him. She easily picks up on this, pressing a kiss to his knee. “When you’re with me, you can stay like that.” She says.

“But-“

“Batter?” She interrupts, grabbing his claw and holding it in her hands gently. He gives her his full attention, another click escaping him. “When I become queen, I want you by my side.” The way she says it makes his breath catch in his throat. “I will always accept you for who you are, so become my right hand. I will make sure no one can hurt you, anymore.”

His clicks are rapid, and his heart is racing. He can’t stand how messed up this body is, it can’t handle anything. The warble noise that escapes him sounds so impure. So unholy, like it shouldn’t be escaping from anyone. His voice box sounds as if it was Frankensteined together from both his mother and father. Her words sound like a sweet lie, and he finds himself wanting to indulge in them.

“Okay.” He says, simply wishing that he could turn back to normal. He hates this, but he loves what she has to offer him. She sort of treats him like a pet, but he’s never minded. He likes the way she treats him.

She makes sure that there isn’t a mess in the classroom. She pets his head until he’s able to transform back to normal. Once he does, she leaves for her next class, simply mentioning to lock the door as he leaves.

He thought he would feel relaxed by this point, but he doesn’t. He finds himself rapidly tapping his leg, unable to fully relax. He cannot stand this level of anxiety, because even though he’s back to the form that he prefers, his bones don’t hesitate to ripple again. They crack and ripple, letting him know that he can transform back at any moment.

’Dominate her.’

He can’t keep going like this. He can’t.

And then it clicks. He doesn’t have to deal with this. He has a solution to handle this, one time won’t hurt. He can always find a way around it after. He has plenty of time to.

He gets up, making sure to lock the door behind himself like he was told. He marches down the hallways, avoiding the stares that he got. He knows why, his eyes are all out again. He needs to do this, because his body wants to break out again.

He finds the trashcan, relieved upon seeing it still full. He doesn’t hesitate to dig into it, grabbing the discarded bottle. He looks around for other students, and upon seeing none he finally opens the bottle.

The scent that fills his nostrils is both familiar almost, and so intoxicating.

He picks the pill up, logic telling him that this might be stupid. However, he hasn’t seen any other complications in the other students. Zacharie claimed that he only wanted to help them, and that this pill would simply do that. Help him relax.

It’s a one time thing. He doesn’t have to get more, Zacharie mentioned as such. He’s not obligated to anything else.

He decides to try it. The pill dissolves fast in his mouth, and it tastes like heaven. The relief he feels is oddly instantaneous. He almost refuses to believe that he can feel this good so fast, but here he is. He feels just a bit loopy, but it’s nice.

For once, he feels nice.

Nothing feels like a problem, he feels in control, and he feels like he can do anything. No thoughts enter his brain, he feels at peace. While he barely listens in his next class, it doesn’t worry him. He has no worries, not right now.

But he also can’t see the smirk from the man who gave it to him in the first place.