//------------------------------// // Chapter Fifty Four: Small Steps // Story: We don't go to Sub-Level Five // by RadBunny //------------------------------// The two stayed in that position for some time, Astral not saying anything as Sassi leaned on his shoulder. His wing pulled her close. It wasn’t tight enough to constrict, letting her pull away if she so desired. But the gesture was a simple one. ‘I’m right here.’ The lights in the room flickered, Astral frowning as a familiar disembodied voice echoed out of the speakers. “Warning. Multiple power failures detected. Re-routing subsystems. Estimated time of restoration, unknown.” the voice relayed. “Well. I don’t want to go wandering around in the dark. But we could still make some progress,” Astral mused. “But I’d say this is more important.” He felt Sassi smile, the mare blowing out a tired breath. “Thank you,” she added softly, pulling away and gesturing to the couch. They walked over, sitting down as their eyes quickly adjusted to the dim backup lights. “It still hasn’t settled in that you don’t think I’m a freak, that you aren’t going to leave me,” Sassi admitted, gaze on her hooves and voice soft and insecure. “But I’m trying.” “Just let me know how to help. I can safely say I’m not going anywhere.” His immediate reply made Sassi smile, the previous frustration and anger having dissipated. Now confusion and nervousness radiated from her demeanor and gaze. The mare was clearly struggling with her thoughts, something Astral couldn’t help with, as much as he’d like to. “You deserve some answers,” she admitted, ears perking up in surprise as Astral shook his head. “Not if it hurts you to say. I knew what you were hiding was a doozy, so I didn’t ask. That still is the case, even more so.” Sassi’s gaze immediately softened. The fact she still felt safe with this stallion was incomprehensible. She couldn’t understand fully how or why. And he was still here. Nothing about Astral’s behavior had changed, even when he had learned about her. “I want you to know,” she finally said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve never had to cope with this before, someone outside of Flask or Vial treating me like a normal pony. And you’re different, so much more. I want you to know.” “Then I am here to listen. I am certainly curious, but just tell me as much as you’d like.” I want to tell you everything. The unbidden thought made Sassi’s throat close up. It was so close now. He knew about her past, about what she was. And Astral was still sitting right next to her. Maybe he won’t leave. For the first time, Sassi found herself truly believing the hopeful thought. All she could do was take another small step forward. “Well, the stuff I told you before wasn’t entirely lies. Just partial truths. Flask is my dad. As in, he’s the reason I’m here,” she explained. “Only a few other ponies were viable in my batch; I was the only fully capable one. Someone corrupted the initial chemicals and development process. To what extent I still don’t know.” Astral’s eyes widened at that. “Flask?” he asked, Sassi nodding. “As best as I can tell. He didn’t tell me a lot, mainly to protect me. I discovered what little evidence there was through documentation. Some incidents rendered almost all of the experiments ‘useless’, and then Flask resigned from the Board of Directors. That’s when the active gene-splicing experiments were shut down, as far as I know.” She paused; her ears flat against her skull. “I thought I hated him for a while. Maybe for a bit, I did, but only because I understood,” she admitted to herself quietly. “Hated him?” “He’s the one who helped develop the original program. Plans for Joro, creating me, the others. It’s how he got onto the Board. But when things began to be put into motion, something snapped. I don’t think he originally intended to grow ponies, only use existing ones. A super-soldier program of sorts. So, when it started with growing them, with doing those modifications on foals, he couldn’t see it through,” she paused, the mare shaking her head. “That’s what Vial told me. Apparently, Flask is the reason I wasn’t terminated. I wasn’t the ‘ideal’ super soldier, but close enough. Even so, he could give me a somewhat normal life. So, he adopted me and left the Board. That was the condition to have the Company leave him, and me, mostly alone.” “Wow.” She nodded, scooting over to lay on Astral’s shoulder. Talking about this was far too easy. It just flowed off her tongue. Sassi tried not to dwell on the thought that she had never had this before. Telling a creature about her past and not judging her. “When I said I’m not a pony, I meant it,” she said. “Project Chimera is what the name describes. I’m kind of all of the ponies. And some dragon thrown in there too, and…some other stuff.” “I figured it was something like that.” “There’s also something else. Joro? She…” Sassi’s words drifted off again. “Comic books always talk about some super-soldier serum? Well, the Company found it. Turns out, the key part of that serum was some refined genetic markers in Skitter Queen DNA. That’s the key.” Astral blinked, staring at Sassi in surprise. “Wait. Those experiments Joro was talking about…” “Part of her DNA was used to bind together everything I am. A small fraction of a percent, but it was the key. That’s why she…” a few tears brimmed in Sassi’s eyes. “She said she was sorry. I still can’t process that. I guess if it takes two creatures to make someone, she’d be my mother in a way. I’m one of the few successful ponies it worked on. But my project being canceled derailed any future efforts. Flask didn’t tell me what else they did with their serum or the efforts before me. Or he didn’t know.” Her counterpart didn’t say anything for a time, the stallion finally letting out a long breath. “That explains the odd looks you two shared. I figured there was something else. That’s a doozy.” A choked laugh left Sassi’s mouth, the mare drying her eyes. “No kidding. But their adaptive qualities are what made it the perfect agent to bind all of what I am together. I try to not think about it,” she admitted. “I’ve got a bat pony body, earth pony strength, unicorn magic resistance, and Pegasus flight muscles. Dragon for…I guess poison resistance, tougher skin, and to lengthen my life,” those last words turned to ash on Sassi’s tongue. “Like, hundreds of years?” She waved a hoof at that, seeing Astral’s eyes widen. “Fifty. Seventy most likely. Maybe more. Just enough to make the ‘investment’ worthwhile. Not creating a new super-soldier every generation. They were also experimenting on some repeatable rejuvenation spell, but I didn’t hear too much about that.” “Huh,” Astral murmured, “well, I guess I’ll have to find one of those age-boosting spells when we get out of here.” Sassi sniffled, Astral looking at her with concern as she waved a hoof. “Just, you’re so casual about it.” That goofy grin that made Sassi’s heart flip flop slid onto Astral’s face, the mare wiping her eyes. It was so second nature to him; just immediately acknowledging and supporting… “That’s basically it,” she continued, “I grew up partially above ground with fillies and colts, a normal elementary school experience. I just had the booster treatments on the weekends. It was after that when things got tricky. More extensive training, and modifications. I wasn’t the ideal soldier, but the Company wanted to make sure they got their investment. Even if I wasn’t what they wanted, they could observe the effects of the DNA splicing on their product.” The disapproving snort from Astral made Sassi smile. “I eventually just grew to lead a security team here. Handling prisoners, escaped experiments, all that stuff. And that’s the rough version of it all. I didn’t get to have a normal teenage life or anything like that. Growing up was…hard.” “I don’t doubt it, and I won’t pry.” “I’ll end up telling you, just not now,” Sassi sighed. “I’m still processing all of this.” No words were said for a few moments, the mare’s shoulders shaking slightly. “I’m-you’re still…” her words trailed off. Reaching over, she gently poked his chest with a hoof. “Still here, Sassi,” Astral said softly, two violet eyes meeting his. “And I’m still not going anywhere.” Her lips trembled, Sassi shaking her head. It was when Astral gently reached over to hold her hoof that she sniffled again. “It doesn’t feel real,” she whispered. Her hoof was quickly squeezed, Sassi not saying anything further as she snuggled up against Astral. She needed to think. And for the first time, she felt completely safe as the Thestral’s wing wrapped around her shoulders. Sassi didn’t bother to check the clock. She simply stayed settled next to Astral until her head stopped pounding, her thoughts finally settling into a river rather than a tsunami. The stallion hadn’t moved, only occasionally shifting to a more comfortable position to rest his head against hers. She had been wrong. All of her doubts, all the scenarios that had plagued her for weeks were gone, snuffed out in an instant. The remnants still lurked, but Astral’s simple presence prevented any thoughts from going further. The mare’s violet eyes flickered to the floor, wincing as the lights came back on unexpectantly. She felt odd. There was an emptiness, but not in a negative way. A simple lack of anxiety, expectations, and training. For the briefest moment, she simply was. Is this what it feels like to be free? To not think about this place? No objectives, simply…whatever I want? The initial shock of Astral’s reaction, or lack thereof, had worn off. Instead, the peaceful emptiness was quickly filled by a warmth that bubbled out of her chest and up to the mare's eyes. A few tears trickled down her face, and all Sassi could do was smile. I’m not sad. Why am I crying? That’s when it hit her, just as Astral looked over with concern radiating from his green eyes. “Sassi?” She shook her head, wiping away the tears as a shy but genuine smile pushed onto her face. “I’m ok. Well, I’m better,” Sassi admitted. “I’ve just- I’ve never cried like this.” Head tilting curiously, Astral’s brow furrowed. “Like what?” he asked, not understanding. Sassi’s lips trembled, the mare not able to look at him out of an abrupt wave of shame, illogical as it may be. “I’ve never cried because I’ve been happy,” she whispered. The compassion bubbling up in Astral’s eyes made Sassi’s throat close, his expression of nothing but genuine care. A jolt of surprise made her pause for a moment. There was a surprising tenderness in the stallion’s eyes, a softness that she hadn’t seen before. It only made the warmth in her chest overflow even more. She watched as he lifted a hoof carefully, eventually resting it against her cheek gently. “Well, since I assume that’s a good thing,” he said softly, the affectionate tone still managing to catch Sassi off guard. “I hope I can give you a lot more of these moments. I certainly want to.” The laugh that left Sassi’s lips came out half-choked, the mare still managing to smile as she simply leaned forwards, Astral gently hugging her. “S-since when did you become such a romantic?” she asked, the tears thankfully slowing. The mare hadn’t known how much tension had been building inside her mind and heart until it was just…gone. “Well, I’m…” Astral stammered, his brow furrowing as Sassi slid out of his hug at the pause, finally having regained some of her composure. “You,” she said, pointing a hoof at him with a grin, “are adorable with that blush.” Naturally, that didn’t help Astral’s case at all as the mare cackled, her movements becoming more fluid and confident as she slid back into her armor. “Even if you don’t answer, Astral, thank you,” Sassi whispered, glancing back at him. Astral walked over, brow still furrowed in thought to strap on his armor and guns. “You’re welcome,” he finally said, making sure his saddlebags and guns were secure. “And to answer your second question, I’ve always been one. I just…” the Thestral paused, green eyes darting to his hooves. “It just went away for a while. Afterward. It had to.” She knew what he was referencing, and simply nodded. A hoof gently poked his side, Sassi smiling. “Well, I look forward to learning more about that side of you. Fairs fair!” she said with a grin, Astral’s smile now matching. “Oh, I think you will.” The slight eagerness in his tone made Sassi shiver; that was new. Was she really getting flustered over more hugs and a potential kiss? Evidently so. Did her thoughts stop there? Absolutely not, but that was something Sassi refused to dwell on. The shock of having such thoughts was jarring enough. Shaking her head to clear it, Sassi then let out a soft laugh. “I forgot. We should stop at a level three below us. Just for a bit. Assuming it’s intact, we can take another break there. I think you’ll really like it.” Head tilting curiously, Astral simply shrugged. “Sounds good to me. But shouldn’t we go towards Vial?” Sassi nodded, then took a deep breath and sat down in front of him, not able to meet the stallion’s concerned gaze. “Look, Astral, I’m doing better but not even close to a hundred percent,” Sassi admitted quietly. “Breaks more often than not is a good thing. I was a mess a bit ago.” Understanding as always, Astral nodded firmly. “Well, then let’s get to this mystery floor and re-evaluate, yeah?” She smirked, giving him a playful bump with her flanks. “You sound like a soldier.” Caught completely off guard, Sassi’s chest erupted with a warm glow at the sly look Astral sent her way. Just as his gaze had been gentle and serene a few minutes ago, there was now a knife’s edge in his eyes. A confidence, a far cry from the panicked security guard from weeks ago. “I guess you’re rubbing off on me.” She chuckled, putting on the armored helmet as Astral did the same. “Perhaps. Let’s get to this floor.” It was an uneventful jaunt to the elevator, Astral occasionally glancing Sassi’s way. “I’m not going to break into pieces, Astral,” she murmured, the stallion chuckling. “Just making sure.” “Being a soldier is what I’m good at. Being vulnerable and letting myself dwell on feelings? Total mess,” the mare admitted. Her words made Astral laugh in partial agreement. He looked at her curiously, Sassi meeting his eyes. “But…thank you.” Astral simply nodded, their visors now sealing. A warm glow spread through Sassi’s chest. The fact Astral was watching out for her made the mare feel… Dwell on that later. The elevator doors opened, and an empty office greeted the pair. “This floor, then time for the surprise,” Sassi muttered. Stepping out into the hallway, it was almost more disturbing at the fact the office floor appeared mostly untouched out of anything. A bit of blood, but mostly intact. Sassi was about to remark about the fact, but a large spider launched itself from its hiding space in a cubical. With a smooth step to the side, Sassi backhoofed the creature into the wall, the experiment meeting concrete with a wet *slap!* A second spider jumped from its position now on top of the cubical walls, its legs abruptly twitching as Sassi’s knife spun to stick it neatly in place. She was in the process of turning around, bringing her guns to bear on any threats to her right when Astral bumped into her. Forelimb swinging, the stallion sent one of the two spiders soaring into the solid wall with a growl, the first spider having been turned to mush under his hooves. “I. Hate. These. Things,” he muttered, Sassi looking at him in both partial surprise and approval. “What?” “Rubbing off on you indeed.” He snorted, the pair resetting the backup switches and returning to the elevator. “I don’t like how few Skitters we’ve seen. Most must be congregating in that bottom level?” he suggested, Sassi nodding in agreement. “That’s my thought too. But for a few minutes, I want to show you this. Then…look, I’m really trying to not think about meeting with Vial today. Just give me another fifteen minutes of that,” Sassi explained, her voice hitching. “Please.” “As you wish.” Unable to stop herself from giggling, Sassi shook her head as the elevator came to a stop. “Ah. Here we go.” The two walked out into the copy-and-paste elevator lobby, Astral looking up at the large golden lettering. His ears immediately perked up. “Virtual Observatory and Simulation Apparatus?!” his voice all but squeaked, making Sassi laugh. “Yep! They model space phenomenon with their satellites, intercepted transmissions from the large telescopes Equestria and the Kirins constructed, along with the Gryphons. I thought you might want to take a look,” she said with a grin. “Oh, and did I mention it was all holographic?” Astral’s joyful affirmation was cut short by the shattering of metal. Sassi was barely able to bring her guns to bear as a long, fleshy arm lunged out of the air vent in the ceiling. It whipped violently against the stallion with a lightning-fast blow. He lurched through the air, impacting the nearest wall with a crunch. Something let out a loud crack, concrete spider-webbed out from the impact. Metal armor shrieked in protest. A feral, horrified cry left Sassi’s mouth as a head with three empty eye sockets peered from the vent. The needle-filled mouth opened in a gruesome smile as a loud clicking echoed around the room. “ASTRAL!”