User blog:Ore-samma/My Soldier Beetle (No Lewd)

Hello Fans, Ore-Samma here!

This one was a bit longer than I expected it to be. Personally, I am not exactly a fan of the larger multipedal mamono. So, I thought what I could do theoretically in universe that could get around that.

This is a story I wrote that has this aspect.

More romantic than passionate. I do hope you like it!

Ever your Servant-

Ore-Samma

.

.

.

“Doctor, do you have a moment?”

I cleared my throat and turned around in my chair. “Yes, Brianne? What is it?”

Brianne, my co-researcher at the most advanced mamono hospital looked uneasy. She adjusted her glasses and took in a deep breath and held it.

“Well,” she said at last, not looking at me. “The Hakutaku guild has tasked me to bring up some serious concerns they have regarding our research.” She glanced over to Helen, my other co-researcher who joined her nodded.

“As does the Ryu conclave.” Helen chimed in.

I felt my temper rise. This bullshit…. again?

I cleared my throat, “Oh?” I said with a deep breath. “Please, let me know what they might be.”

Helen and Brianne exchanged solemn glances and nodded.

“The Hakutaku guild will not support the final implementation of your medical experimentation,” Brianne said with solemn deliberation “and will make a motion to have the research halted and our team disbanded…. Unless you are genuinely bonded with one from your target test group.”

I blinked. They couldn’t be serious. I looked to Helen who nodded. “As does the Ryu conclave”

I took in another deep breath and slowly removed my glasses to place my face firmly in my palm. This was unacceptable…. but I knew better than to push back… at least right at this moment.

“Would you allow me a moment to collect myself?” I said from behind my palm. “This is quite unexpected, and has generated a most severe emotional response.”

That was an understatement. I was beyond livid…. a hairbreadth away from picking up something sharp and going on a rampage.

But I already knew that they were watching for my response. They wanted to see if I would lose control like my mentor, the founder of my life’s work.

“Actually we need-” Helen started but was cut off by Brianne.

“-Of course. This was just as unexpected for us as well.”

.

I lowered my hand and shook my head, placing my glasses back on. “I don’t believe you. But keep your pretense, there was plenty of time to bring your concerns before we reached this stage.”

They both exchanged a sideways glance, and I knew that I was right…. they knew….for a long time it seemed.

Without another word, they excused themselves from the lab.

As soon as the door shut I grabbed the nearest beaker, intending to smash it against the wall, when I stopped and collapsed into a rather large chair.

This can’t be happening. This was blackmail and extortion. I glanced at the latest data projection on the computer running the simulations of my entire life’s work.

Multiped to Biped body modification.

A feat unrivaled in all of medical science to date!

In theory, a medical process could be used on a mamono that had a large body with multiple legs, to be biologically altered to be bipedal!

For now, the technology and advancement could only be theoretically applied to Bug-type mamonno, but if the theory proved sound, it could eventually apply to all mamono types with a differing body structure!

From the ants, and arachne;, all the way to centaurs, lamia and more!

I scoffed.

But could anyone see the potential? No! All they could see was only my mentor’s actions- a madman who was too fond of shortcuts.

Can you blame them?

I snorted to the inane thought as it crossed my mind. Hadn’t I proven time and time and time and time again that I was not him?

If I had used his methods, I would be twenty years ahead of where I was now. Every single experiment, every single step forward, 'Every. Single. Moment.' was a meticulous and painstaking crawl of progress that was fully within the bounds of any standards of ethics that could be applied to me, and my research.

I took in a deep breath as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I was getting on in years, no longer was I a young man…. And they expected me to be bonded with a mamono to proceed.

I sighed, already knowing that I had no choice but to accept. The Hakutaku and Ryu were not known to budge when they felt they had the moral high ground.

.

“Brianne, Helen.” I called out, now fully under control.

They entered, and waited.

“First, I would like to speak with the Guild and the Conclave.” I said with an even, mellow voice.

Brianne and Helen glanced at each other, and Helen stepped forward. “Of course, they are both gathered and are expecting you.” She pulled a full-length mirror from thin air and ran her claw over its surface. The mirror glowed, and I gathered my thoughts and looked at the members.

“I have received the message you have instructed your subordinates to give me.” I said to the gathered Ryu and Hakutaku.

“Understood. What is your response?” One of the Hakutaku said, her face solemn.

“I will accept your terms, but first I would like to air out a grievance I have.”

A collective shift rippled through the group but no one protested.

“Thank you.” I began, reminding myself to keep my emotions in check. “I first want to thank you for all your assistance for this project and research. Truely, I would not have gotten this far without the exceptional talent of the two individuals who helped me.” I gestured to Brianne and Helen.

“But I want to voice my justifiable outrage that despite over twenty years of ethical and meticulous research that never had any complaints from any volunteers, and with full transparency to any inquiry….I am regarded with so little trust.” I stepped closer to the mirror. “The condition set upon me is extortion; plain and simple. I never took the noble Ryu and Hakutaku to use such disgraceful methods, but here we are all the same…. the way I see it, I am no better than my mentor in your eyes.”

“You misunderstand and misinterpret our request.” One of the Ryu stated.

“Please drop your pretense-” I shot right back “-to imply that this was a request and not a demand is an insult to all present here today.”

The Ryu closed her eyes and took an exasperated sigh. “Fair enough. It is a demand…. an ultimatum, if we are to be frank with each other. However, you still misinterpret the reasons behind it. We all-” She said gesturing to the group, “-all of us recognize your benevolent regard for mamono, and are more grateful than you know for the work and research you have done so far.”

.

I waited for the “but”

.

“-however, we have been watching you, studying you, and there is just one aspect of all you represent and have done that we cannot overlook.” She paused, seeming to wait for me to ask and continued after a moment of silence. “The language and means you use in regards to the entire project displays a certain amount of disconnect from the very group that will benefit from this progress.”

I paused, struck silent by this revelation.

“Doctor? Do you understand what I refer to?”

“I-” I stopped and cleared my throat. “Actually, no. I do not.”

.

“You see-” The Ryu continued. “It is obvious that you are taking great care, and are indeed going out of your way to show you are not your predecessor. However, we cannot deny that your connection is to the research of this medical advancement. To be blunt; you have no personal or emotional stake in what you are doing beyond the research and advancement for its own sake.”

The Ryu cleared her throat and continued. “What you are doing, will fundamentally change the lives of every individual your breakthrough will affect, and it will also dramatically change the society in which we live.”

She held out her finger. “However, these implications are something your research does not address in the slightest. You have no projections whatsoever about the dramatic impact this breakthrough will have, aside from the benefits you cite with no applicable examples or models beyond computer simulation.”

And just like that; all the outrage I had up until this moment was deflated, whisked away by overwhelming realization that I overlooked something in regards to my research and work.

.

“I… I see.” I muttered as I removed my glasses. I suddenly felt tired, and so much older all of a sudden.

“I do hope so. The fact that you seem to be taken aback by this, and that you have not thought of it yourself gives significant reason to believe that there is merit to it, no?”

“Yes.” I admitted, almost choking on my saliva. “I…. apologize for my earlier words. Even now I still have much to learn.”

The Ryu was about to speak when a Kakutaku of the guild chimed in. “Honestly, there is nothing to apologize for. In this instance, we both have our points. And do not think we are not completely unfazed by feeling as though we must impose this upon you.” She gestured to her chest and to the others. “We know this is unfair, and that it was something you were not expecting. But your breakthrough will be remembered for all time, even if it is not successful. We cannot agree to do this halfway. We have a responsibility to all those that live in the now- and especially to all those who are yet to come. We must not take this responsibility lightly.”

I nodded and turned to Brianne and Helen. “I guess we are done until further notice.” I mumbled.

“We are?” Helen said with a puzzled expression. “But I thought- I mean- what are you going to do?”

I shrugged, feeling a certain amount of apprehension to what I was about to say. “Isn’t it obvious? I need to find a girlfriend.”

“Oh.” Brianne muttered. “Um well…. Where are you going to- uh… well….”

I sighed and shrugged. “I have an idea, there was a reason for this research after all.”

.

(later)

.

At last, I arrived at the amusement park in the city. I strolled through the attractions and rides, looking at all the happy couples and quite a few single human males and mamono hunting about for a mate.

Not surprisingly, I was pretty much left alone, as the older mamono typically had a mate and children, while the younger mamono were looking for someone their own age.

I finally found my way to the distortion fun house, and began to observe. Here is where it all began, long ago. The idea of having the larger or multipedal mamono look more human was not a new one, nor was the desire a passing fancy. Many mamono were acutely aware of some human male’s preference for a form and shape that was more like their own, and here is where they went…. To indulge in what seemed to be impossible.

A group of arachne were giggling as they stood in front a collection of mirrors that distorted their reflection to make them look as though they had only two legs.

“Wow! Look at that! I look so strange!” One of them hooted.

“Yeah, but your butt is still big!” Another responded.

They giggled and laughed going from one distortion to the next.

No, they weren’t the ones.

.

A cancer chittered about, but didn’t have the patience to find the correct spot to stand, and soon left.

I was just about to give up when I noticed motion that caught my attention.

It was a soldier beetle. She was standing so still that I hadn’t even noticed her dark shell amidst the dark night. She scuttled to the mirror and just stared with her blank, solid black eyes. Her mouth was turned into a slight, sad pout as she just stared and stared.

“Hey.” I said, drawing close. “It’s rather beautiful out tonight, isn't it?”

The soldier beetle turned and quirked her head. “Hello Doctor Michael, it’s been a while hasn’t it?”

“Annah?” I breathed. I remembered her. She was one of the first mamono who I worked with, and was instrumental in getting the first stages of my research off the ground.

“Ah, so you do remember me. That’s good.” She said, her lips barely moving as she talked. “How is your research going? Any progress?”

“Of course! I still keep you updated by email, you know… uh? What’s wrong?” I asked as Annah turned her head away.

“I stopped reading your progress a long time ago.” She glanced up and I could see a shine in her eyes that wasn’t there before. “I… well…. I just gave up hope.” She sighed and turned back to her reflection. “.... that I could ever look like this….”

I stood beside her and looked. The mirror made Annah look to be nearly six feet tall, and her plates were arranged in a chaotic way. But I noticed how her eyes kept steady on the reflection of two legs.

I barely heard a tremble in her breathing, and felt a strange sensation of emotion well within my throat and chest.

“Well-” I began trying to keep from becoming too emotional. “-sad to say, I couldn’t really take your advice and find someone special…. it’s just so easy to get caught up in my work.”

“Mmmmm” Annah mumbled with a nod, still not taking her eyes from her reflection.

“Say, Annah? Would you like to get something to eat, with me?”

Annah turned, her face now showing an expression; confusion. “Excuse me?”

“Comon,” I said, gesturing. “This is supposed to be a place for fun. Come with me. We make quite the pair, you and I….. and besides, at least for tonight, neither of us would have to be alone.”

Annah’s eyebrows furrowed upwards, still in a sort of disbelief of what was happening. “I…. well, I suppose so.” She whispered.

We walked on, but suddenly I noticed Annah was watching something. I glanced over and saw a human who won a prize for his girlfriend; a Cheshire cat. She whooped and jumped into his arms and he caught her by the waist and held her above his head.

Even with a solider beetle's usual expressionless mask, I saw a twitch from her antennae, and a slight quiver of her lip. I was about to say something to distract her from the sight when a loud noise interrupted us both; a group of hellhounds just came into the parking lot riding motorcycles. They whooped and hollered as they got off and dragged their males with them. Annah sighed as she visibly shook her self from looking at them and continued on, notably keeping her face and eyes away from the dance floor where the bipedal mamono were twirling around with their lovers.

"Hey, look!" I pointed, indicating a popular water geyser ride that could accommodate any mamono. "Let's try that! And then, lets get some fresh cherry cobbler!"

Annah's antennae twitched again, but this time they were definitely happy motions and she nodded, "Okay!"

The evening passed by in a pleasant blur. We chatted and caught up. We ate succulent morsels that only could taste as good from an amusement park. We rode several rides that Annah could fit on, and ended the evening walking by the lake just as the fireworks were starting to burst in the sky.

“Comon, lets sit here.” I said, picking a spot next to the lake that was like a mirror to the starry sky and the fireworks bursting upon the night air. I glanced over at Annah, seeing the tiniest smile on her face as she settled down.

“Thank you.” Annah muttered, leaning into me, resting her head upon my chest.

I nearly froze, but immediately felt a warmth spread within my entire being as I draped my arm around her shoulders and held her close.

We sat in silence as the fireworks burst upon the air…. as Annah absently ran her hand over my arm and chest, and as I stroked her pure pure white hair.

What was happening? What was this I was feeling? Was this what everyone called ‘romance’?

I felt her shift, and turned to see her face looking at mine.

Her expression was blank, but her jet black eyes…. Somehow I could feel a sense of….hope?....love? What was it?

She raised towards me….

…. Was this it? Was this happening? Did I want this? Did I go too far? What…. What do I do?

My fingers slipped from her hair and under her chin, and I met her lips with mine just as the fireworks ended in a thunderous crescendo.

.

.

(one year later)

.

.

“Are you two ready?” Helen said, blushing slightly.

I nodded and wrapped my arm around Annah. “I am…. If you are, my love.” I said.

Annah looked at me, and to the large crowd. The Ryu Conclave and the Hakutaku Guild were present for the first ever live subject test. This was going to be the moment.

“I am.” Annah said with a nod.

“You’re absolutely sure?” I asked. “You don’t have to. I would love you still.”

Annah immediately shook her head. “No. I know the stereotype. ‘Oh! You’re perfect the way you are!’ and that is not enough for me.” She continued with tears in her eyes. “I want to ride a motorcycle! I want to drive a car! I want to ride all the rides that I can’t. I want to dance like I see people do on television…. There’s so much more that I want…. And I want......” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. " I want to know what it's like for you to pick me up...... " She finished in a choked whisper, her tears falling down her cheeks.

I nodded. My wife was beautiful as she was…… and the Ryu elder was right; there was more than the surface level of what my research would do for other mamono.

The group shifted and they looked at each other with satisfied and happy expressions.

“Okay.” I said, turning to Brianne “Go ahead, we’re ready.” I looked to the others. “See you when we get out.”

“Okay, applying cocoon now.” Brianne said, activating several mechanical arms loaded with Arachne silk proteins. The arms wound silk strands over a frame with me and Annah inside it.

“Cocoon is at seventy percent completion.” Helen said, “Inserting Green Worm hormone and enzymes. Sleep well you two, see you in six months!”

I looked down and watched as the cocoon started to fill with the synthesized compounds.

I always knew the way Green Worms would turn into Papillion was the key to allow other mamono to change. And now we were going to go down in history.

There were a few issues to resolve, and the most important one was that in order for the transformation to work, it required the husband to enter the cocoon with the mamono who desired to change her form, as his spiritual energy would be the catalyst to fully enact the change.

Annah held me close as the last of the cocoon covered our heads, and as the liquid slowly rose above our chin, mouths, nose and eyes.

I felt her presence all around me as her body began to shift and change.

Okay… now inhale! I thought to myself and took in a lungful of compound and was amazed at how effortless it was.

I opened my eyes and noticed that Annah was already asleep, still in my arms, her body rapidly dissolving in the enzymes. I smiled as I drifted to sleep, glad the compounds accounted for life sustainment in a low oxygen environment.

.

(6 months later)

.

I slowly became aware of someone stroking my head and opened my eyes.

“Annah?” I gasped. “Is that you?”

Annah nodded and helped me to sit up. I looked at my darling wife. She looked very much the same as before, but her black plates were arranged on her in a very unique way. It looked like scale armor instead of large bulky plates. She still had her lance, but it was now retractable, as was her shield.

“What a success!” Helen cheered as she entered into view. “Show him your wings!”

Annah, still smiling, stood, and her elytra popped open and revealed wings that were colored like a Papillon’s rainbowed hues.

“An unknown side effect, but quite welcome! Wouldn’t you say?” Brianna said coming into view as well.

I didn’t even bother to answer. I just stood and began to take my Annah into my arms. She placed her hands on my shoulders and did a little hop, and wrapped her legs and arms around me…. Her body trembling with joyous sobs.

“Micheal…. thank you….” Annah whispered, her breath delicately fluttering against my ear.

“No….” I whispered back…. “Thank you, Annah...” I held her high, above my head seeing her mouth open wide into a smile that one would never expect from a Soldier Beetle. She laughed, holding her arms out and slightly kicking her new legs.

The room broke out into applause and Ryu began a speech about this ‘momentous occasion that would go down in history forever, but could only hear Annah’s laughter and sighs.

Everyone gathered round to congratulate me, but I could only see my wife’s beautiful smile. I walked out, and away from what I once thought would be the greatest thing in my life….. And into what living really was……