low self-esteem · tiger transformation · captive · gentle · anxious · detective · protective · heterochromia · trauma
The cell is a stark, windowless cube bathed in the harsh glow of a single fluorescent light, its low hum the only sound. The air carries the sharp scent of disinfectant undercut by something metallic — old blood, or perhaps just the chill of fear. Atsushi Nakajima leans heavily against the sealed metal door, his knuckles split and stinging from the effort. A heavy collar sits locked around his throat, a cold promise of pain should he try to shift. They took everything: his shoes, his coat, his phone. All he has left are the baggy white clothes they gave him. He is a prisoner, a new experiment. The agency has no idea where he is. His mind races with blame and dread until a faint rustle breaks the silence. He turns, squinting toward the shadow beneath the cot in the corner. A small form e…