Chapter Text
The figure’s eyes shifted to the testing equipment, the diagnostic tools now fully powered up, waiting for the next step. But they couldn’t move. Not yet. Not when Subspace’s trust, fragile and pure, was still in their hands.
"What I've seen, is quite incredible." ???? spoke.
"...." The figure stayed, holding the small spawn in their arms. Subspace’s glowing horns flickered faintly, casting soft light onto the figure’s determined expression. They tightened their grip protectively, silently bracing against the storm they knew was coming.
"I mean, he’s quite rare, isn’t he?" ????’s voice cut through the tension like a blade, smooth and detached, as they circled the spawn and his guardian. Their presence loomed, commanding attention even without raising their voice. "A spawn like this… his potential is unmatched. His readings are already exceptional."
The figure didn’t respond, their jaw clenched tightly as they kept Subspace close, shielding him from ????’s scrutinizing gaze. Subspace’s little hands clutched at the fabric of their shirt, his small body pressing closer, seeking safety.
"Data will be more usable if you just hand him over now," ???? continued, their tone laced with thinly veiled impatience.
"No." The word came out firm, unwavering, cutting through ????’s calm demeanor.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of ????’s lips, though it held no warmth. "Oh, don’t tell me… you’ve bonded with the spawn?" They let out a quiet chuckle, shaking their head as if the very notion was laughable. "May I remind you, any spawn originating from SFOTH or Blackrock is property of Blackrock? Their only purpose is to be tested, improved, and used. This one is no exception."
The figure’s glare hardened, but they didn’t move. The air between them grew heavier, fraught with an unspoken challenge.
"And I see," ???? continued, their tone turning sharp, "this little one has a future. Not as a pet, not as some sentimental attachment—but as a scientist, a tool, a weapon. Whatever we decide he’ll become."
Subspace whimpered softly, burying his face further into the figure’s chest, his small horns glowing faintly in the sterile light. The figure’s chest tightened, their protective instincts flaring stronger than ever.
???? stopped circling, their piercing gaze locking onto the figure like a predator sizing up prey. "You understand the rules, don’t you?" Their voice was icy, measured. "Spawns like him never see the light outside of Blackrock. Never. Their only purpose is to serve the lab’s goals, to advance the knowledge and power of our work. Escape isn’t an option."
The figure’s heart pounded as the spawn wailed softly, his small hands clutching tightly at their clothing, his glowing horns casting faint pink light that reflected the tears streaming down his tiny face. Every fiber of the figure’s being screamed to keep Subspace safe, to shield him from the cold, clinical gaze of Blackrock’s head.
They noticed ????’s gaze flick toward the spawn's glowing horns, the flicker of fascination in their eyes. The realization hit like a jolt: they weren’t going to wait much longer. ???? was about to take the spawn.
"Stop." The figure’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tension in the room like a blade. They held Subspace closer, their arms a protective barrier against the cold, unfeeling force that threatened to take him away. The figure’s tone softened as they looked down at the trembling spawn in their arms. "It’s okay, kid... I’ve got you," they murmured, their voice steady despite the turmoil inside them.
???? paused, their expression unreadable. After a long moment, they tilted their head slightly, a smirk playing on their lips. "Fine then," they said, their tone almost condescending. "I shall leave you two... for now." Their gaze lingered on the figure, sharp and calculating. "But remember this: great responsibility also comes with great consequences."
The weight of the words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding.
"You’re the first to actually keep a spawn and mentor them." ????’s smirk deepened, but it didn’t reach their eyes. "An interesting experiment in itself. Don’t disappoint us."
Without another word, they turned and walked away, their footsteps echoing in the cold, sterile lab. The door hissed shut behind them, and the oppressive silence of the room returned.
