Transcendence - 7 (Patreon)

7.1

Beth's consciousness fluttered back like a hesitant bird, her senses slowly grappling with the cold, clinical reality that enveloped her. Strapped to a gurney, her first instinct as a veterinarian was to assess her situation clinically, a professional detachment trying to override her rising panic. Her eyes, struggling to focus, scanned the array of medical equipment that surrounded her. Above, a constellation of surgical lights cast a sterile glow, their brightness almost blinding.

"Hello?" She said. "Is anyone there?"

She felt a peculiar numbness in her limbs, a sensation that was both foreign and alarming. Her gaze drifted to her arms, noting the IV lines that snaked into her veins, pumping unknown substances into her bloodstream. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor punctuated the silence, its green lines dancing across the screen with a cold, methodical precision.

"Hello!" she said, in a louder voice, trying to pull her arms from the restraints. "Hello!"

Beth's mind, trained in veterinary science, recognized the apparatus as a combination of anesthetic delivery systems and vital signs monitoring equipment. However, the setup was more elaborate than anything she had encountered in her practice. It was as if she had become the subject of an experiment rather than the practitioner.

Trying to move, she found her restraints unyielding, a stark reminder of her helplessness in this situation. Panic began to seep through her clinical assessment, the reality of her vulnerability overshadowing her scientific curiosity. Her breathing quickened, fogging the air above her as she fought against the rising tide of fear, struggling to recall how she had ended up in this ominous scenario.

An overwhelming sense of numbness pervaded her body, creating a disconnect between her mind and her physical self. She strained to lift her arm, to reach for the IV that was taped to it, delivering an unknown substance into her veins, but it was futile. Her limbs refused to obey her commands, heavy and unresponsive.

"Help!" She yelled, straining against the bonds. They were something other than straps, however, and no matter how much she struggled and strained, she couldn't pull her arms out of the confining straps.

Gotta get out, get out get out! Her mind cried. She thrashed, panicking, then tried to calm herself.

The air was thick with a metallic scent, and the only sounds were the distant hum of machinery and the slow drip of the IV. The clinical detachment of her surroundings was in stark contrast to the rising panic within her.

Beth’s mind raced, trying to piece together the events that led her here. The memory of meeting Jerome Raskin, the sudden prick in her neck, and then darkness. Now, she was trapped in this nightmare, the purpose of which she could only dread to guess.

She tried to call out, but her voice was a mere whisper, her throat dry and constricted. The sensation of helplessness was suffocating. As she lay there, the numbness began to give way to a peculiar tingling sensation, starting at her extremities and slowly creeping inward.

Beth's attempt to assess her situation was interrupted as a figure clad in a green surgical gown and a full Tyvek-like suit entered the room. The suit obscured any identifying features, rendering the person a faceless enigma. Beth's eyes, wide with a mix of fear and defiance, followed their every move, but the suit and mask left no clue as to who they were or what their intentions might be.

"Who are you?" she said, unable to keep the note of desperation out of her voice. "Where are we?"

The figure approached her silently, their movements precise and clinical. In their hand was a syringe, its contents unknown but ominous. Beth's heart pounded in her chest, a primal response to the impending sense of danger.

She struggled, not wanting the needle to pierce her skin. "No!" she cried.

As the needle pierced her skin, a sharp, burning sensation coursed through her veins. She hoped it would be the only one but it looked like an array of injections had been prepared on a surgical table. The 'doctor' or whoever, plucked each one from the tray, then injected it into a different area of her body each injection intensifying the feeling.

Instinctively, Beth struggled against her restraints, her body tensing as she tried desperately to break free. The restraints, however, were unyielding, holding her firmly in place on the gurney. Her efforts were met with the cold, unresponsive grip of the straps, each movement causing them to dig deeper into her skin.

The burning sensation from the injections spread each wave of pain fueling her panic and desperation. Despite her strength and determination, the restraints held her captive, leaving her at the mercy of the silent figure and their unknown agenda.

Beth's breaths came in ragged gasps, her mind racing to understand what was happening to her. The fear of the unknown, coupled with the physical pain and helplessness, was overwhelming. She could only watch in horror as the figure continued their work, the cold sterility of the room and the methodical nature of their actions adding to the nightmarish quality of the scene.

As the figure stepped away, leaving Beth alone with her thoughts and fears, she realized the gravity of her situation. She was not just a veterinarian now; she was a patient, an unwilling participant in an experiment that threatened to unravel everything she knew about herself and her world.

Fear gripped her as she realized something was happening to her body, something beyond her understanding or control. The tingling intensified, becoming an alien sensation that crawled under her skin, reshaping, redefining.

A…transformation was beginning, and with it, the gradual erosion of her humanity. Beth could do nothing but witness in horror as her body started to betray her, embarking on a terrifying journey into the unknown.

7.2

As Beth lay immobilized, her mind a whirlpool of fear and confusion, another person entered the room. Janice approached the gurney. Beth’s heart sank at the sight of her. Janice’s expression was a mix of apology and resignation, a stark contrast to the friendly colleague she had seemed to be.

“I’m really sorry about this, hon,” Janice began, patting Beth’s arm with a false sense of sympathy as she checked the IV drip. “I like you, I really do, but…”

“But what?” Beth managed to whisper, her voice strained with dread. “Janice, what is happening?”

Janice sighed, her eyes avoiding Beth’s. “It’s EquiGen, Beth. They see potential in everyone and everything. You refused to join us, but they still wanted you... in a different capacity.”

Beth’s heart raced with terror. “What are you saying?” Her voice was barely audible, each word a struggle.

Janice’s expression hardened. “If you won’t join EquiGen as a doctor, there are other ways you can contribute. You’re about to become a very valuable part of our research.”

A cold realization washed over Beth. “What do you mean? You can’t be serious!”

Janice gave a hollow laugh. “Think of it this way, at least you’ll be uncovering new territory. Your expertise in neural physiognomy will be invaluable, albeit in a more... practical application.”

Beth felt a wave of nausea at the implication. “You’re turning me into one of your experiments?” The horror of the situation was almost too much to bear.

“Don’t think of it as an end, Beth. It’s a new beginning. You’ll be at the forefront of EquiGen’s breakthroughs. Just not in the way you expected.”

Beth’s mind reeled with betrayal and fear. The room seemed to spin as the reality of her situation sank in. She was to be transformed, stripped of her humanity, all because she dared to stand against EquiGen.

As Janice walked away, leaving Beth alone with her impending fate, the gravity of her situation settled in with crushing finality. Her last thoughts before the darkness crept back in were filled with despair, a silent plea for someone, anyone, to save her from the nightmare she was being forced into.

7.3

A short while later, Janice returned to the room, her steps echoing ominously in the sterile space. She approached the gurney and began unhooking Beth from the IV. “See? That wasn’t so bad, now was it?” she said with a disconcerting cheerfulness.

Beth looked up at Janice, confusion and fear mingling in her gaze. Her mouth felt awkward as she spoke, her words slurring slightly. “You’re letting me go?” The very act of speaking seemed foreign, as if her mouth and lips were no longer her own.

With an almost clinical detachment, Janice helped Beth to her feet. Beth's body felt impossibly heavy, her movements sluggish and uncoordinated. She was hunched over, her muscles protesting in a way she had never experienced before.

Janice laughed, a cold and unsettling sound. “Oh, baby, I’m sorry, no, I didn’t mean that. I just meant the infusion wasn’t so bad. Now we just have to wait for the...effect...to finish.”

Beth’s heart pounded in terror. “What are you doing to me?” Her voice was a hoarse whisper, barely recognizable as her own.

Janice’s smile didn't reach her eyes. “Oh, I think you’ll figure that out very shortly.” She lifted Beth’s arm, guiding her gaze to her hand.

Beth stared in horror. Her hand... it was gone. In its place was something unrecognizable – a malformed structure,  something grotesque and transitional. She recoiled in shock, a guttural sound escaping her throat.

“This is just the beginning, Beth. The process has to run its course,” Janice explained, her voice eerily calm.

Beth could feel her body changing, contorting into something alien. Panic set in as she realized the full extent of her situation. She was being transformed, her humanity being stripped away, piece by piece. The horror of it was overwhelming, a nightmare unfolding in real-time.

As Janice watched with a detached fascination, Beth felt a profound sense of loss and betrayal. The world she knew, the person she was, was slipping away, leaving behind a creature she could not comprehend. The last remnants of her identity clung desperately to her consciousness, but even they were fading, lost to the horrific metamorphosis that had been forced upon her.

7.4

With a firm grip, Janice led Beth down a dimly lit corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the concrete walls. The air was damp and cold, adding to the surreal and nightmarish quality of the situation. Beth's movements were awkward, her body unfamiliar and heavy, each step a monumental effort.

They arrived at a room that resembled a cell from a bygone era — perhaps it had served as a dungeon or a jail in its past life. The barred windows and doors were a stark reminder of Beth’s complete lack of freedom. The room contained nothing but a twin bed with a thin mattress, a rudimentary commode in the corner, and a bare bulb hanging from the ceiling.

Beth shuffled into the room, her senses dulled yet acutely aware of the confinement. She could hear muffled sounds from the adjacent cell — someone or something else was imprisoned here too. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Janice’s voice broke through her thoughts. “I’ll be back in a few hours to check on your progress,” she said, her tone devoid of any empathy. “Try to get some rest. You’ll need your strength.”

Rest seemed like an impossibility to Beth in her current state. Her mind was a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and the growing realization of her loss of humanity. She turned to face Janice, a plea for mercy on her lips, but the words came out as an unintelligible garble.

With a final glance, Janice exited the room, locking the door behind her, leaving Beth alone in her new, bleak reality. The sound of the lock clicking into place was a cruel confirmation of her imprisonment.

Beth collapsed onto the bed, her body no longer her own, her mind racing with desperation. She was trapped, physically and metaphorically, in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape. As the reality of her situation settled in, a sense of despair enveloped her, deep and suffocating. The transformation continued its relentless course, stripping away her identity, leaving behind a creature caught between two worlds.

7.5

Fighting the overwhelming urge to succumb to despair, Beth forced herself to stay awake, to stay on her feet. She paced the confines of the concrete room, each movement a struggle against the changes overtaking her body. Her steps were clumsy, her limbs responding awkwardly as she moved.

As she passed the small barred window that looked into the adjacent cell, her eyes caught a glimpse of something familiar. There was someone else there, a figure with curly brown hair, much like Alex's. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Alex?" she called out tentatively, her voice raspy and unrecognizable even to herself.

What happened next was the stuff of nightmares. In a moment of unspeakable horror, she watched as the curly brown hair fell to the floor, the scalp sloughing off like a grotesque mask. The creature that slowly made its way towards her was an abomination, a nightmarish fusion of man and horse. One hoof clopped on the concrete floor, followed by the sound of a human foot.

It was hard to see in the dim light, but as the creature came closer to the window, Beth's worst fears were confirmed. It had once been Alex. Now, it was something else entirely - a being caught in the throes of a horrific transformation.

"Beth?" the creature whispered, its voice barely human. Blood and other fluids leaked from its distorted mouth. "Is that you? I can't see."

Beth recoiled in shock, her mind struggling to process the sight before her. The creature that was once Alex was a living testimony to the unspeakable cruelty of what EquiGen was capable of.

"Yes, it's me, Alex," she managed to whisper, her voice choked with emotion. "What have they done to you?"

The sight of Alex in such a state was heart-wrenching. His once bright and lively eyes were now clouded and unseeing, his body a grotesque patchwork of human and equine features.

"I don't know," he replied, his voice a tortured rasp. "They... they did something to us, Beth. We're changing."

Tears streamed down Beth's face as she looked upon her friend, a friend who was now more beast than man. The reality of her own impending fate hit her with renewed force. She too was on the brink of such a transformation, on the edge of losing her very essence.

The horror of the situation enveloped her, a crushing wave of despair and helplessness. Beth and Alex, two victims of a monstrous experiment, were now trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape.

7.6

"We have to figure out a way out of here!" Beth declared, her voice tinged with both determination and fear. Despite the grotesque changes happening to her body, she refused to succumb to despair.

The creature that had once been Alex let out a dry, humorless chuckle from the other side of the wall. "To where? As what?" it asked, its voice a haunting reminder of their grim reality.

Beth ignored the hopelessness in its words. She wasn’t ready to give up, not yet. She began to shuffle around the cell, her movements awkward and unsteady. The appendages that were once her hands felt alien to her, but she used them to feel along the cold stone walls, searching desperately for any sign of weakness – a crack, a loose stone, anything that might offer a chance of escape.

Her fingers – or what remained of them – traced the rough surface of the walls, feeling every bump and crevice. The room was solid, built to contain and imprison. But Beth's survival instinct refused to let her stop searching.

The reality of their situation was overwhelming. Even if she found a way out, what then? They were no longer fully human, their bodies twisted and changed into something unrecognizable. Escape seemed as much a physical challenge as a logistical nightmare.

Yet, the thought of remaining a prisoner to EquiGen’s horrifying experiments, of losing all semblance of her humanity, was unbearable. She had to try, for both of them.

As she continued her futile search, the weight of their situation pressed heavily upon her. The dim light from the bulb cast long shadows across the cell, mirroring the darkness that seemed to engulf her future.

But even in the face of such despair, Beth’s spirit refused to break. She continued her search, running her transforming appendages along the walls, holding onto the faintest glimmer of hope. It was all she had left.

7.7

As Beth continued her desperate search for escape, a sudden, excruciating cramp seized her. It was as if her very bones were contorting, reshaping. Her feet, no longer fully her own, cramped and twisted beneath her. She stumbled, letting out a pained moan, as the transformation sent waves of agony through her body. The world spun, and darkness crept into the edges of her vision.

When she regained consciousness, she found herself sprawled on the cold floor. Disoriented, she tried to push herself up, placing what she thought was her hand down for support. But instead of the familiar feeling of fingers against concrete, she heard a distinct and horrifying sound – the unmistakable clop of a hoof striking the floor.

Trembling, Beth looked at her hands, or what should have been her hands. In their place were the anatomical structures of equine forehooves. The phalanges that once formed her fingers were now elongated and fused, forming the cannon bone and pastern of a horse's limb. Her metacarpals had transformed into a single, solid structure, resembling the third metacarpal bone of a horse, commonly known as the cannon bone.

The keratinized hoof wall had replaced what used to be her fingernails, wrapping around the front and sides of the newly formed hoof. The digital cushion, a shock-absorbing structure in a horse's hoof, had taken the place of the soft pads of her palms, while the sensitive laminae and coronary band formed where her hand once met her wrist.

"Please!" she cried out. "Janice, whatever you want. Please just…stop this!"

She put her hand—hoof, on the floor and pressed up. At first it slid across the floor, and she fell painfully back down. But finally with immense effort, Beth managed to get to her feet, or rather, her hooves. The transformation had extended to her feet, reshaping them into the hard, keratinous structures of equine hooves. It was a surreal experience to stand on them, a bizarre mix of human and horse anatomy that somehow held her upright.

Beth's veterinary science training allowed her to recognize these changes in clinical terms, but the detachment provided little comfort. The reality of her transformation into a horse was undeniable and complete.

A wave of disbelief and horror washed over her as she looked at her new appendages. Her human identity was slipping away, replaced by the very creatures she had dedicated her life to caring for. In a cruel twist of fate, Beth was now becoming her own subject of study, an unwilling participant in EquiGen's monstrous experiment.

She shuffled slowly, awkwardly, towards the small window that separated her cell from Alex's. Each step was a challenge, a strange balancing act on her newly formed hooves. The cold concrete floor felt alien beneath them, a constant reminder of the irreversible changes her body had undergone.

"Alexxx," she managed to whisper, her mouth and vocal cords no longer fully human. The sound that emerged was a distorted version of her voice, a haunting whisper of what she once was.

The creature that used to be Alex stirred on the other side. It raised an equine head in her direction, nickering softly in a pained, confused manner. Then, as if the effort was too much, it laid its head back down. The sides of the creature heaved with labored breaths, indicating that Alex’s transformation was entering its final, agonizing phases.

Beth watched in heartbreak and horror. The creature before her bore little resemblance to the energetic, passionate Alex she had known. It was a grotesque fusion of man and horse, a living testament to the cruelty of EquiGen's experiments.

Tears streamed down Beth's face, though they too felt strange, tracing unfamiliar paths on her transforming features. She felt a profound sense of loss, not just for herself, but for Alex, for the life they both had known and would never return to.

They were both victims, caught in a nightmare from which there was no awakening. As Beth stood there, peering through the bars, the reality of their situation was overwhelming. They were no longer human, no longer the individuals they had been. They were the product of a twisted science, their identities stripped away, leaving them trapped in bodies they could not understand or accept.