Puzzled

<div align=center>Pollyanna's bat ears flattened against her skull as she grew worried for Zeke, who had collapsed against the ground. [color=9B04F8]"Zeke..?"[/color] She whispered, her voice shaky. When he suddenly looked up at her however she folded her wings on her chest and felt very uneasy. She couldn't tell what exactly was wrong with him, but his expression of pain gave her a sorrowful hint. He was blaming himself... For her. [color=9B04F8]"No Zeke it's not your fault it really isn't-"[/color] But she cut herself quiet when he continued to speak. He was dedicated to his position, and appeared to strictly adhere to a code that determined his own conduct, and what he perceived as common knowledge for all scientists. The laws of robotics... They were... Familiar. Well, it appeared that the scientists that worked on Pollyanna didn't have the slightest care for them. But was it a case of progression over morale? To find out their answers, they had to blur the lines of right and wrong, for an experiment that was correct in their own morals. Sure, a few had to die, but in the future only a small mammal would have to be sacrificed to bring back a human. The question was, is one life worth more than another? And it seemed that she would forever be in the smack middle of both abducted lives. She was a breathing example of the consequences for not following this law.

In her mind, there was really nothing to do, about her at least. The scientists that have created her probably disappeared off the surface of the earth, at least in terms of hiding. Besides, she had grown accustomed to what she was. It was the only thing she knew. In this form, her body was more comfortable, as it bared closer resemblance for the base of the project. It wasn't anybody else's fault except the true people who caused this in the first place. And there was many, many more she knew that abused the system as well. [color=9B04F8]"Zeke, power abuse will always exist no matter what the field may be. You can't blame yourself-"[/color] But she was cut off when he started to apologize.

With that, Pollyanna ran to perch beside him on her knees, her right wing partially over his back to try to console him. She felt awful, and had no idea what to say. He couldn't keep blaming himself for something clearly out of his power! [color=9B04F8]"If you were there they would still find a way to perform their experiments. It's okay Zeke, it really is, you can't keep blaming yourself for this!"[/color] She exclaimed, a hint of a whimper in her voice. She looked up to Fletcher when he too was mentioned within Zeke's yells. Even someone from eons in the future... He felt responsible for his now. Both the mutant and the trapped man were existing now solely out of human engineering. Without the microchip, Fletcher wouldn't be here. Without her DNA splicing, Pollyanna wouldn't be here. Fate had a cruel way for both of them, and really neither belonged to see this very day if it hadn't been for some sort of science. For better, or for worse.

When she first met him, she assumed it was his ability to be so good with technology and equipment. But he was out casting himself, which simply wouldn't do. This place was for diversity and differences. Normal or not, this place had somewhere for him. [color=9B04F8]"You do have a place, and I know you'll do great things. To those who've gone against what you believe in... Know that you're better. You and Fletcher have a great chance with each other. It may be too late for me, but there's still time for others that will share my fate"[/color] She assured to him with confidence. Zeke did have potential to correct poor practice for the future. If he could just find out how to lead the way for just experimentation, he could make a difference... But the question was how. </div>

<div align=center>With Fletcher's statement, Pollyanna nodded in assurance that he wasn't alone, and had a place with her as a friend. Able to fix her or not, just being a positive influence was enough for her. And though she knew the probable impossibility of reversing her mutation, Zeke still pressed to make things right. And his desire to help make her life better was something that truly meant a lot to her.

[color=9B04F8]"Th-thank you..."[/color]

But of course, even she knew it was a far fetched notion. Luckily, Fletcher was able to put everything in proper perspective. She kept quiet as she let the two do the talking, and really did see that Zeke's intentions were pure. But there was no magic, non-breaking-the-laws-of-nature way to make things right. No doubt if they were to try it would be terrifying for the both of them. A chill went down her spine merely thinking about all of the prodding with sharp tools, the electrocution, the constant injections of fluids that either improperly numbed her or just set her insides ablaze, and the hooking up to various machines. Zeke wouldn't do these things on purpose of course, but anything would be no accident either. In this case, the ends didn't really justify the means. Plus, she didn't want to come to fear one of the few friends she had.

For right now, for in this moment, Fletcher was absolutely right- there was nothing they could do without being doomed to repeat the past. Unless some miracle happened, the process would be just like it was when her DNA was first spliced. And besides, whether or not she was technically a bat or a human before all of this was a mystery to her. For now she knew she had to face the music, and accept her identity. But at least, and thank god, she had those who were there to show support. [color=9B04F8]"It's alright, I know he doesn't."[/color] She replied simply to Fletcher, her voice quiet yet reassured. She looked to Zeke, a gentle smile on her face. At least he was much kinder than the scientists that created her.

[color=9B04F8]"I... I really am thankful..."[/color] She mumbled sincerely, unable to grasp another way to communicate her gratitude. With him, she didn't feel scared or threatened. He had seen past her monstrous appearance, and promised trust and honesty. And to her,

[color=9B04F8]"That's all I need to hear."[/color].

She looked in curiosity as Zeke raised his hand to her fluffy fur covered cheek. Her eyes traced to his face, looking like a hesitant puppy to a person. She hadn't been offered anything like this before, but she couldn't help but mumble a soft [color=9B04F8]"Of course"[/color] in response, trusting of his intentions and touch. </div>

<div align=center> When Zeke touched her cheek, Pollyanna felt a flush of warmth that would equal something akin to a blush, had she been in her human form. This never happened to her before. Whenever she was like this, the only touch she received was negative, nothing that ever felt so... Nice. She smiled when he did, and despite the jawline that was cramped with sharp fangs it was clear she was trying to convey her appreciation. She chuckled slightly with Fletcher's comment, her feeling calm as well when it appeared Zeke was no longer in distress. Her ears fell gently until they perked back up, when it appeared their machine was ready.

She watched once more as the two got to work, jumping slightly when the storm outside roared. She was impressed with the device's ability to harness the lightning outside, and knew that no doubt it would come in handy. There was a bit of concern with whether or not it was safe for human touch, but of course Fletcher was on it. With the machine ready for use, she smiled back at them, glad that it was a success. At least the bullies wouldn't mess with him, knowing what he was capable of doing. Heck, she would be surprised if they came up eventually with something that negated offensive powers together. That would be a good idea for the future. She chuckled with them, until Fletcher brought up an important question. She stood up, shuffling her wings.

[color=9B04F8]"Well, I can pretty much control my shifting, unless there's an occasional malfunction with me... Which happens usually whenever I'm sick or something. So yeah, for the most part it's at my will."[/color] In all honesty... She felt most comfortable like this, and she was less likely to lose her memories for some reason. But then again, she liked being able to have real hands. She giggled briefly, before saying [color=9B04F8]"I may need you to turn around again, though."[/color]

With Fletcher's offer, for once in the night did she realize that she was really tired. She stifled a yawn. [color=9B04F8]"Yeah, it is getting pretty late..."[/color] She looked outside, then back at them. [color=9B04F8]"You sure you don't mind?"[/color] She asked Zeke, making extra sure that the two (or three) could walk together. </div>

<div align=center> When Zeke turned around, Pollyanna readied herself to shift back. She could feel that tension in the base of her skull whenever she shifted back, as it was the result of forced concealment. Fletcher's question however did provoke her thoughts, and she sighed a bit. [color=9B04F8]"I guess I'm a little scared, is all. There's no telling how others would react, or if people would think that I'm something that I'm not."[/color] A threat, for instance. Sure, the school was open to people like her, but that in her mind was more in theory than in practice. Which was why she liked to play it safe. Silently, her fur disappeared, converting back into her usual tan skin. Her ears morphed back to their normal appearance while her tail ceased to exist. Her oddly shaped nose disappeared as her muzzle shifted back to her normal human face. Paws were gone in a few seconds. She flexed her hand as it reverted back to its normal appearance when the webbing of her wing no longer was apparent. With a roll of her shoulders and the zipping up of the hoodie she took off, she once more appeared to be a simple young woman. She smiled, clarifying once more [color=9B04F8]"You can turn around now."[/color].

Her cheery self faltered a bit with the mention of one bully-type girl. Throwing Fletcher? Now why would someone do that? [color=9B04F8]"Well, she sounds cruel. Sorry to hear that guys, it's a shame she was unkind."[/color] She remarked with an upset tone, not pleased at all with some of the behavior of the people here. Though this unpleasant fact had now been ingrained in her mind for future reference, she at least was grateful at the kindness they displayed. [color=9B04F8]"R-really? Thanks... That means a lot..."[/color] It really did, at least she could be who she truly was around someone and not have to worry about frightening them or hiding. It was a comforting thought, although she still kept hesitance about getting too comfortable. She didn't want to constantly flip between the two, and wanted to only transform when convenient for them. [color=9B04F8]"Hehe, I guess so!"[/color] She laughed a bit before picking up her bag, and headed towards the tower door. Pollyanna made sure that everything of theirs was together, before asking [color=9B04F8]"Ready to go?"[/color]</div>

<div align=center>Well, by the sound of it, karma had gotten the best of their tormentor. At least the two had come out on top this round, and perhaps the girl wouldn't mess with them anymore. With a smile she let them lead the way as they walked down and out of the building, through the front door and into the storm.

Luckily, she really enjoyed this sort of weather. The rain didn't bother her, and at least it was warm. Still she kept up a good pace to allow them to stand under the shelter of the grove, her clothes and hair now thoroughly soaked. No matter. She laughed a bit, running her hand through her wet brown hair. [color=9B04F8]"Dang, I guess it's going to be an indoors kind of few days..."[/color] But she wasn't complaining. At least she could catch up on her painting and clay projects. Her thoughts about changing her plans dissipated when Zeke held out the jar to her, her expression mixing with astonishment and anticipation. [color=9B04F8]"Sure!"[/color] She chirped, taking the jar and holding it carefully. She looked it over in awe, staring at the light inside with much curiosity. It was fascinating, to say the least. The bright lights and colors sure did capture her attention, and it certainly was an awesome sight to behold. [color=9B04F8]"It's so cool.."[/color] She replied with a smile as she listened to him explain the container's construction. She was sure that her upcoming physics test had something to do with all of this... And it was a much better way to learn than studying a boring old textbook. [color=9B04F8]"I woulda never guessed a jar could hold pure electricity... Very clever!"[/color] She remarked to the two, fascination in her voice. However, the serious intent of the electricity came to clarity as Fletcher explained. Those aliens sure sounded scary...

She looked once more at the jar, almost imagining what the energy inside could potentially do. They just might need a lot more jars than this to ward off a race in the future... But she trusted the duo's plans in combat. She gulped quietly at the threats doomed for this time period as well, and wondered just how bad things were going to get... It seemed like the two were about jump out of the frying pan and into the fire, and she was concerned about their safety as well as this time on earth. [color=9B04F8]"Oh man... You guys certainly have a lot ahead of you."[/color] Understatement of the millennia, but at least it was true. But even she wasn't safe, by the sounds of it...

Before she could delve into anything too hypothetical she was once more reminded of the microchip place on her vertebrae. She traced her fingers among its location, and twitched a smile. [color=9B04F8]"I've tried to get the school nurse to look at it, but apparently it's nothing they can handle at the moment, so I gotta go to the hospital in the city. I got an appointment tomorrow night, since they were backed up and all."[/color] She shrugged. [color=9B04F8]"They said over the phone though that taking it out might be really risky, and they won't know what'll happen to me. But they don't know much about it either yet, so I guess I gotta see..."[/color] Still, it looked like she was concerned. [color=9B04F8]"I just hope it hasn't done too much damage, and my body and mind isn't totally reliant on it at this point. I've had it since the girl part of me was five... Hopefully it'll be an easy fix."[/color] But there was no telling, at least not for her. </div>

<div align=center>Pollyanna feared for the safety of the two. But she knew from practically the start that they were at this school for a reason, and that they had business to take care of. It seemed like a large responsibility for just them, but she herself knew that she was technically of no use for them. All she could offer was benevolence and support, but she knew she had to find a way to do /something/. Perhaps it would come to her when she returned to her dorm, where she would bound to retain her insomnia that spawned in anxiety for her hospital visit soon.

Though the details of the chip that caused the visit were still a bit vague, the new information she had received from Fletcher did nothing short of alarming her. What did that chip say about who she was as a whole? [color=9B04F8]"Oh..."[/color] She whispered, a small look of fear in her eyes. [color=9B04F8]"I hope nothing bad's happen to me because I've had it in for so long..."[/color] But in all probability, that might be the case. She knew her IQ was shoddy, and that she could be a real ditz if she wanted to. But maybe at least removing it would cause this to not increase in severity... That was the least it could do, right? Fletcher's reassurance did manage to crack a smile from her, despite the uncertainty welling up from inside.

[color=9B04F8]"Well, I guess that's good then..."[/color] She assured while thinking. It would be for the better, or at least she convinced herself. Optimism was key, at least for the moments that couldn't be helped. She was reassured significantly when Fletcher said that he could come with her. Well, at least she didn't have to go alone, she thought with a smile. She was slightly afraid of hospitals in any case, but having accompaniment made it easier. [color=9B04F8]"Uh, that'd be great actually! I wonder how long the doctors will take, though..."[/color] Hopefully it wouldn't take too much of their time, if they could afford it. But she figured it wouldn't take long, depending on whether or not they would actually remove it.

She peered outside of their shelter, the rain still coming down but at a temporary drizzle. [color=9B04F8]"Should we keep moving..? It might get really bad again soon, unless you guys like getting soaked."[/color] She asked with a small chuckle.</div>

<div align=center>With the confirmation of pressing on, Pollyanna flipped back up her hoodie. She laughed at Fletcher's comment once the two were out in the rain, which was bound to pick up once more soon. But she didn't mind. At least she was in her human form and didn't have to deal with the pain of drying her fur. After shuffling the jar to a more comfortable position in her arms, she payed heed to Zeke's reassurance, which eased her anxiety significantly. [color=9B04F8]"Oh, you guys are too kind... In that case it won't be too terrible or scary going!"[/color] She confirmed with a nod, happy to have the accompaniment. Both the man and his watch seemed to be ready and willing to help her, which really was quite important to her mental well being. If she wasn't physically up to par, then at least she could handle having peace of mind. [color=9B04F8]"Thanks Fletch, but I'm sure the hospital had enough power for me."[/color] It was a generous offer, but she didn't want them to put in extra effort to make her feel better. Plus, how would that effect the rest of the hospital? [color=9B04F8]"Well Zeke, just having someone talk to while I'm awake is just good enough for me. No worries about that."[/color] She smiled sincerely, giggling a bit. [color=9B04F8]"I know I'll get lonely without anything else to do, so I'm glad I'll have friends with me."[/color]

With the dorm coming into view Pollyanna turned and walked backwards to hand Zeke back the jar. [color=9B04F8]"I hope you guys can build something very cool with this."[/color] She looked back to the path they were following, a bit more pep in her step. They were only a few feet away from the front door when Pollyanna began to walk a bit slower, looking at the two more calmly. [color=9B04F8]"It was nice running into you two again, I'm glad we could talk more."[/color] With that, she looked down.

[color=9B04F8]"Oh and uh, Fletch? It was uh... An honor for me to get to know your past a bit more. Thank you for sharing with me."[/color] She wrapped her arms around herself, an easy smile appearing on her face. [color=9B04F8]"And... Thanks for... You know, not being afraid of what I really look like. Even the man who raised me after the lab never quite got accustomed to who I really am... You guys are the first to do that, and it does really mean a lot..."[/color] Eh, it was sappy, but it really was a big deal to her. She looked up to see the door was in sight. [color=9B04F8]"Well, that was quick."[/color] </div>

<div align=center>Pollyanna nodded, understanding where he was coming from. It was peculiar to be talking to a man stuck in a watch from millions of years in the future, that was for sure. Still, at least it was no big deal that there was a species gap between them. This school, and the people within it, were great for that aspect. [color=9B04F8]"I suppose you're right!"[/color] She responded with enthusiasm.

They had a long day ahead of them, and by the sound of it had a good plan to follow through with it. With the mention of the weapon, Pollyanna beamed with excitement. [color=9B04F8]"Really? Ooh, can't wait!"[/color] She looked back down at the jar, wondering its potential for the future. She nodded in confirmation of the meeting place as she saw it reasonable. [color=9B04F8]"I guess I'll see you there, guys."[/color]

Responding with a smile to his gratification, she replied a simple [color=9B04F8]"Hey, I'm glad I could tell someone."[/color] She opened the door, propping it before she allowed herself to slide in. She laughed, though took in some seriousness as he stared in to see if the dorm security was around. [color=9B04F8]"You're right. Well, thanks again for everything, have a good night guys, and I'll see you tomorrow!"[/color] Pollyanna smiled brightly as she closed the door, headed upstairs, and prepared herself mentally for tomorrow. It was going to be a long day. </div>