My Life

**My Life** is a story about a homunculus, called "Compound 73A-SU3", dealing with a defective parody of a body whilst surrounded by people who merely see a test subject for them to experiment on.

Its only friend is the one it ironically has its drab existence to thank for, and feelings for the doctor grow, though are hard to decipher and pursue in its restrictive environment.

The story was conceived on May 7, 2023, and Wiki exclusive artwork made public at Tumblr on November 26.

## Story

> **CHAPTER 1: Introduction**In a distant future where men have become mostly infertile and women's bodies struggle to keep their developing infants alive long enough to ensure their survival, scientists all over the world try to investigate and stop the lurking extinction of mankind. One organization in America shows interest for the practises of their age-old rivals, Russia and China, who deduce that artificial life might be the only plausible solution at this point.
>
>
> Not convinced today's humans can be cured, either, BIRTH urges the government to lift the ban on all morally questionable alternatives for the greater good. With the financial support they've long waited for, a team of curious and willing experts are collected to help create the first human out of (synthetic) DNA.
>
>
> After 10 uncertain years and 72 prior failures, a stable humanoid body is produced, thanks to the efforts of a new team member, but having wasted so much time and eager to see their creation in action, the group wishes to abandon further development to test its intelligence and determine whether or not they're even on the right track.
>
> Dr. Axley urges them not to let their impatience jeopardize their work, but the majority vote for it, believing this creation doesn't need to be preserved and it'll be easy to recreate the basics using their stored samples.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 2: Asue is Born**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Compound 73A-SU3 is released and gains consciousness, though looks stuck in a daze. Despite a store mannequin having more of an expression on its face, the team is happy it's alive at all and assured its brain can be started up with some stimulation. It's dragged to a compact room and exposed to games and tests with the intent to awaken its ingrained intelligence.
>
> For an entire week, every minute of the day, Compound 73A-SU3 is handled by the day and night shift, but nothing changes. Upon inspection, they find its brain activity is still worryingly low.
>
>
> During a meeting, Dr. Axley argues it should be treated with more care, starting by giving it a bedroom to retreat to, as for clothes to wear. Though some agree this might be good for its mental development, the majority calls it a waste of time and resources, since Compound 73A-SU3 doesn't need sleep or has anything that should be covered up. Axley warns them that leaving humanity in the hands of people who're fine with discarding theirs is a recipe for disaster, but the head scientist urges him not to look so deep into it. Even so, he settles on silencing the disgruntled doctor by agreeing to his terms.
>
>
> Compound 73A-SU3 is given a minimalistic, white room and minimalistic, white clothes that are clearly too small for it. A large screen is moved to its room, and every night, a language tutoring program is played while the lights are kept on, still not giving it that moment of rest Axley asked for.
>
>
> Though Compound 73A-SU3 doesn't and can't care, Axley struggles to turn a blind eye to what he considers to be a mentally challenged person suffering social and emotional neglect. Out of his own volition, he makes sure his colleagues stop bothering it around bedtime and buys some outfits with his own money. With Compound 73A-SU3 not responding to anything he shows off, he dresses it up to his own liking and goes for an undeniable feminine look.
>
> That same morning, Axley's colleagues are quick to comment on the sudden upgrade. They either don't see a girl in the homunculus or find it pointless to assign a gender to the genderless. Axley is somewhat left embarrassed by the absence of support for his cool makeover, but insists its face is clearly that of a woman and argues that the clothes he picked are the least restrictive for a person who isn't used to wearing them. One of them grins he's just an old pervert who wants to see a skirt on a man and that his reasoning doesn't explain the big ribbon in its hair.
>
> Regardless if they approve, Axley understands there's truth in the assessment he's projected an identity onto something that doesn't even have a personality, and tries better to address Compound 73A-SU3 as "it" after some earlier slip-ups.
>
>
> That night, he visits its room like he's been doing for a while. Since the others don't concern themselves with Compound 73A-SU3 after their shift is over, he again finds it fully dressed, sitting on its bed by its lonesome self. He turns off the annoying TV and tucks it in, its eyes always wide open and unblinking, not pointing at anything in particular. He kindly urges it to keep them closed this time, warning this kind of habit will negatively affect its vision, but like always, it says nothing.
>
>
> Axley figures it'll be easier for it to sleep with the lights off and walks over to the switch next to the room's exit. Though he knows it has to stay on for the cameras, which don't record as well in the dark, he confidently flips it and tells Compound 73A-SU3 goodnight.
>
> As he opens the electronic sliding door, feet are heard hurrying themselves towards him. He curiously turns around to the loud pitter-pattering, and the light of the hallway reveals a stationary Compound 73A-SU3 just an inch away from him, nearly giving him a heart attack. He looks at it for a few seconds, but it appears as brain-dead as ever. Axley jokes if it "only kills in the dark", then tells it to go to bed like an unconcerned parent. He guides it back, but the same thing happens when the lights are turned off again.
>
> Axley ponders to himself, then flips the light switch on. This time, he's not followed as he leaves.
>
>
> Concluding it fears the dark, the lights are dimmed instead and Compound 73A-SU3 earns itself a reassuring pat on the head with some matching words. While fear is not an emotion you'd wish for anyone to be their first, to have seen a glimpse of Compound 73A-SU3's personality pleases Axley, and he leaves content with his discovery.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 3: Asue is Alive**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Time passes, Compound 73A-SU3 is not making progress, and the coddling of Dr. Axley is testing some people's patience. Besides always switching off the TV in its room, he forces everyone to let it take breaks throughout the day and has it join him in the garden for as long as half an hour if not disturbed.
>
> After two weeks of this, two employees take their concerns to their boss, who promises to keep an eye on things and determine for himself if Axley's practises are hindering work. Dr. Terneuzen keeps his word and is seen around more often than usual.
>
>
> As the written reports on his desk already conveyed; Compound 73A-SU3 is a walking corpse. Terneuzen wants to have it hooked up to all internal examination devices more often, hoping to detect an increase in its heartbeat or that little flash in its brain the others might've missed, but the screens confirm that nothing sparks its interest.
>
>
> At the next staff meeting, they entertain the prospect of ending its life and starting anew, a suggestion that displeases Axley. He's immediately scolded by Terneuzen, who blames their lack of progress thanks to his messing around with the experiment. He reminds him what BIRTH hired him to do; and that he "belongs in the kitchen" -not getting involved in Compound 73A-SU3's education or acting like its caretaker. Axley won't take the blame lying down. He argues he's barely interacted with it and all their problems are thanks to them aborting its development. Terneuzen can't disagree it to be an additional probable factor, yet his opinion remains it's taking too long.
>
> The Creat1.0nist is turned on again and a new human is ordered for assembly, but typical for Axley, his attention remains with the psychology crew that's been tasked to get some last data out of Compound 73A-SU3. Their days are filled with the same repetitive tests and inconclusive results, draining their motivation.
>
>
> Nevertheless, one of the employees happens to witness Axley and Compound 73A-SU3 sitting outside one day, the latter turning its head towards the doctor as he drops and picks up an apple. With no one else having seen it and Compound 73A-SU3 not acting differently in their presence, it's assumed to be the result of a push by Axley bending over, though the story still manages to grab Terneuzen's attention. He instructs to have it hooked up for examination again, and isn't the only one with renewed intrigue, as some staff members try very hard to get a reaction out of it.
>
> The familiar long hours bother Axley, but as he's already on thin ice with Terneuzen, he knows better than to barge in when the man's around.
>
>
> For a physical check-up, Axley is asked to get a blood sample of Compound 73A-SU3 to take to the lab. Terneuzen, sitting at the monitors, sees a swift change in its brain activity as the doctor enters the room and greets his "sweetheart". He's baffled to see it coming from the unmoving body in front of him, but says nothing as he watches on.
>
> When Axley leaves, so does Compound 73A-SU3's excitement, until its brain and heart rate return to a state of tonic immobility.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 4: Asue Made a Friend**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> The theory that Compound 73A-SU3 needs social and emotional stimulation in order to progress is one BIRTH wishes to test before their next human is born; and the condemned practises of Dr. Axley are given the official green light for all employees. Even so, not everyone can find the time in their schedule to hang out with it, and many feel uneasy in its presence, thus simply refuse.
>
> Those that play along clearly do so for the sake of the project, which Axley always points out, but never leads to change amongst his colleagues. With so few people seeing the point in building a relationship with a half-baked humanoid creature, scheduled for incineration, there's no one who cares to spend time with it outside of working hours.
>
>
> Compound 73A-SU3 itself remains undisturbed by its surroundings, also confirmed by the internal readings. Axley is an unsubtle exception, and with so much activity going on inside its head, Terneuzen thinks he should assist the psychology team. He's called over to the examination room and given the request, to which he smirks he can't, as "he belongs in the kitchen" -a cocky response he feels to have earned after all the snitching and scoldings he's endured. Terneuzen doesn't care to acknowledge his pettiness and gestures to the table, with Compound 73A-SU3 already sitting at it.
>
>
> A rectangular wooden box with holes and differently shaped blocks sit on the table. A typical children's toy, but one too difficult for Compound 73A-SU3. Or perhaps too boring.
>
> Instead of urging it to push a block in the matching hole, Axley starts describing them in irrelevant detail, and just from the circle block, rambles on about the planets and whatnot. After a minute or so, the team present asks him to stay focused, to which Axley clarifies it's equally important for it to know what it's even looking at. They think he's working too many steps ahead, and it would help Compound 73A-SU3 more if they stuck to the basics.
>
> Axley has already grown tired of his complaining audience, but obeys. He grabs Compound 73A-SU3's hand to place the circle block in, then lowers its head to have its lifeless eyes point towards its general direction. He asks if it likes it.
>
>
> The staff worriedly glances at Terneuzen sitting in the corner, who appears not concerned with Axley's duncery and intently watches the readings on the monitors. After some eventless silence, Terneuzen asks Axley if he's ever witnessed Compound 73A-SU3 move. He's inclined to say no, until he reminds himself of the time it became scared in the dark.
>
> His boss can hardly contain his anger upon hearing the confession. He barks why he didn't tell them immediately, to which Axley has no good excuse, except that he didn't think to do so. Getting yelled at again wasn't what he signed up for, though, and he says this could've easily been avoided; since there are security cameras in Compound 73A-SU3's room that recorded this incident for anyone to see. Terneuzen argues there was no incentive to check them, since Compound 73A-SU3 never moved before, which Axley doesn't think to be his problem.
>
>
> Terneuzen calms himself down, then admits with lingering rage in his voice every one of them has continuously dropped the ball in what should be a crucial moment for mankind. He urges them to report everything from now on, then heads over to the windows to close the electronic shutters. When he moves over to the room's light switch, Axley asks him not to do it, since it scares Compound 73A-SU3. Terneuzen wants to see it move for himself, to which Axley tells him to check the footage, but assuming it happened in the dark, he doesn't trust the quality will satisfy him.
>
> Then, with slight reluctance in his hand, Terneuzen asks him if it'll become dangerous. Axley hopes to stop him by saying it'll freak out, but it only results to a few staff members leaving the room, whilst Terneuzen picks up on the doctor's little smirk and remains determined. The door to the hallway is kept ajar and the remaining staff braces themselves.
>
>
> When the lights cease, they shriek in surprise as Compound 73A-SU3 shoots up and runs in front of the one strip of light visible in the black void. The cowards waiting outside the room can't contain their volume either upon spotting the wide, unblinking eye of Compound 73A-SU3 behind the door, like a Japanese horror movie ghost.
>
> Though feeling rather on edge himself, Terneuzen is good at keeping his composure and walks over to it. He touches its shoulder, trying to see if it's conscious, but its blank stare is all too familiar. Axley picks up on the thick air of discomfort and tries to calm everyone with his own theory on what's happening. He deduces it could be some kind of preservation response from the body to test and confirm its eyes are still in order, since it only has two working senses to help it perceive the world with: sight and hearing. Even so, he also acknowledges it's only ever been exposed to light since the day of its conception, thus isn't used to darkness.
>
>
> While the doctor rambles on, Compound 73A-SU3 slowly turns its head, as if grabbed by two invisible hands. Some staff members flinch and take a cautious stance, and even Terneuzen feels inclined to take a few steps back upon witnessing the uncanny spectacle. Like a possessed doll, its upper body keeps turning towards the sound of Axley's voice, until the man enters the center field vision of its static eyes. Axley stops and looks back. Its stare is admittedly unsettling when it actually connects, but having spent so many weeks with it has him know better than to think the worst. He asks Compound 73A-SU3 if it's feeling alright, though not with the expectation to get an answer.
>
>
> Like an owl detecting its prey, it speeds forward. Spectators lose their minds again as it happens and Axley is caught too much off-guard to move aside. He feels a heavy body bump him and park itself there upon impact. A soft head of hair slightly leans against his temple, but not purposely so, just the result of a neck bending after a sudden stop.
>
> He's never witnessed this kind of behaviour from Compound 73A-SU3 and it's hard to see what exactly is happening, but after the brief shock, he doesn't comment on it and instead speaks soft, comforting words at it while caressing its head. Terneuzen turns on the lights, concluding the experiment, but his face doesn't really convey what his opinion is on the whole ordeal.
>
>
> Later that night, Axley drops Compound 73A-SU3 off in its bedroom and goes through the usual routine. He gets out a shopping bag with new pyjamas for it to wear, but the first dress he grabs is too titillating in hindsight, though Axley excuses himself to his absent-minded dress-up doll it looked pretty graceful on the mannequin.
>
> He decides not to put it on, and as he browses his bags, reminds himself of what his colleagues said some time ago. He knows it'd be more fair to offer Compound 73A-SU3 unisex attires and not buy increasingly feminine clothes with every store visit, yet he can't shake his established views and again gets out a strap top and matching pants made of cyan satin.
>
>
> He lies it down and dims the lights, but Compound 73A-SU3 won't stay put this time and runs after him as he exits. Axley believes he might've dimmed them too far down and slightly brightens the room, but it joins him again at the exit.
>
> He tells it not to be afraid and nothing will happen, but doubting it can understand him, he guides it back to bed and sits down next to it on the ground. He proposes to tell it a bedtime story. Though unusual to do for an adult, he smirks not to mind if it's for a friend. He gently places his hand over its open eyes as he thinks of a story.
>
>
> He chooses the short about the fox and the crow, but adds a whole ending to it about the crow showing understanding for the starving fox' trickery and taking his fake flattery as something he could strive for by pursuing singing lessons. His journey to becoming the only crow in the world with a beautiful voice inspires other animals to try and overcome their limitations as well.
>
>
> Axley slowly raises his hand and sees Compound 73A-SU3's eyelids have closed. He carefully pats its head and assures it did great today.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 5: Asue Sees You**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Dr. Terneuzen monitors Compound 73A-SU3 while the psychology crew tries to get its attention, but it proves to be a pointless endeavour without Axley. No one understands what makes the unkempt doctor special, but his crucial role in both the creation of the next specimen and growth of their current one leaves Terneuzen in a difficult position.
>
> The leading psychiatrist too concludes they’ve hit a wall and asks what they should do -perhaps abort the assignment altogether. Though it’s tempting, Terneuzen states there’s too much uncertainty on whether they’ve succeeded at creating a working brain at all, and Compound 73A-SU3 is the only living result they have to try and find this out. Since brains are the most complex organs to replicate and intelligence is a primary human feature they can't rush, it’s the one thing they need complete certainty of.
>
> Foster finds the speed of Compound 73A-SU3’s cognitive development not reassuring and wonders if they’ll get the data needed before their new human arrives. Terneuzen can't deny the possibility, but knows that getting rid of Compound 73A-SU3 now will only ensure they'll stay clueless and put their next homunculus at risk of also getting released faulty.
>
> For the sake of humanity, BIRTH can't waste time and resources it doesn't have, but both decisions arguably do so.
>
>
> Terneuzen looks at the motionless Compound 73A-SU3, its heartbeat so slow, setting it in front of an art documentary series might just kill it. Seeing him stuck on a crossroad of indecisiveness, Foster argues that if he trusts his scientists and they're deserving of the position BIRTH granted them, everything should go fine without Axley's full attendance. It's convincing stuff and Terneuzen decides to risk it.
>
>
> At the bio lab, he finds Axley walking around, checking in on his many colleagues to make sure that any new addition is compatible with their current compound. The majority is seemingly too invested in their work to hear him, while some don’t appreciate the hovering and remind him they’ve been experts in the field for years. It's a snarky *“Go away!”* Terneuzen would've normally let slide, but he loudly interjects they weren’t getting anywhere until Axley showed up. Seeing their boss suddenly standing in the room has everyone working a few gears harder. Very typical.
>
> He then calls Axley over, who obeys, but not without asking if he came to yell at him over something again. Terneuzen apologizes if he hasn't felt welcome these past few weeks, but adds there’s a lot of responsibility resting on their shoulders and he can’t have people conducting their own experiments behind his back.
>
> Axley's face shows off the usual resistance, but since his boss isn't wrong, he decides to keep the peace by not responding. When Terneuzen begins to make his request, though, he hurriedly turns around with the intention to reject and rejoin his team, but upon hearing it involves Compound 73A-SU3, he changes his mind just as quickly and tells his Frankenstein buddies goodbye.
>
>
> He greets Compound 73A-SU3 as he enters the room, who naturally gives him the cold shoulder. Terneuzen gets to the point and instructs him to play games with it using the toys on the table, visibly not exciting Axley. He hoped to schedule his own dates with it and asks if they're going to make him do everyone’s job for them -referring to the psychology team standing around in the room. Terneuzen doesn't care to argue with him and leaves.
>
> Axley sighs, but can't pass up on the chance to hang out with his pale weird friend.
>
>
> He sits down at the table, overstuffed with all the cliché baby toys parents like to open their wallets for. Or used to. It’s been a while since a baby was born. In any case, the team was apparently getting desperate with Compound 73A-SU3 and had thrown everything at it.
>
> Axley turns to them and critiques BIRTH's approval for these purchases, while Compound 73A-SU3 couldn't get a real bedroom, to which Foster states they're important, then tells him to focus on the assignment. Axley leans back and looks at the table for a while. He starts a conversation with the lifeless Compound 73A-SU3 about how much it reminds him of a theme park. Foster interrupts the pointless chatter, clearly having no sense of humor.
>
>
> Axley removes the clutter and chooses to leave the large bead maze standing, if only because it's heavy. Every dentist office used to have one for some reason, but this one was quite large. It was the rollercoaster in his theme park comparison.
>
> Axley appears to have no love for items like these and begins questioning its usefulness in the educational sphere. Before Foster’s face can turn any more sour, he grabs Compound 73A-SU3's head and points its gaze towards the table, finally beginning their game.
>
> He makes a fair attempt at teaching it the workings. He places its hand on a bead, again and again, and traverses the differing roads together with it. His genuine efforts produce no results, and with its floppy hand not even motioning as much as a squeeze, the team loses confidence in Axley. Foster especially proves to be a short-tempered man who disapproves of every moment Axley stops to long-form explain something Compound 73A-SU3 cannot begin to comprehend in its state.
>
> Axley ignores the wallpaper of disappointed faces and ends his lesson with the conclusion all beads end up at the same side, regardless what road is taken. He then looks at Compound 73A-SU3 with the hope -yet not expectation- it listened, but nothing on its face conveys as much.
>
>
> He releases a pitiful smirk and moves the maze out of the way, down on the floor, going for something familiar this time. He picks up a wooden box, and places it and the blocks inside down on the table. When he goes for the circle, Foster warns him to keep it short. Axley growls how someone like him became a psychiatrist, then turns his attention back to Compound 73A-SU3, its face briefly entering his gaze. He feels something changed, but he doesn’t pick up on it and continues the lesson.
>
> He places the circle block in its palm and instructs it to have a closer look, but though he wants to give it that time, the prison guard with the stupid little notepad doesn't and believes it's better to brute force it. Axley fights hard with himself not to utter a disgruntled sigh and grabs Compound 73A-SU3's hand and moves the block over every wrong hole in the box.
>
> With his thumb caressing its skin, he reassures it mistakes can be made and not to feel pressured. He offers it a smile for good measure, but Compound 73A-SU3 doesn't care and just stares him down.
>
>
> It's staring him down.
>
>
> He finally notices its bottomless dark eyes looking straight at him. The others don't pick up on it from where they’re standing, and confusedly look at Axley moving his head from left to right. He then stands up and positions himself next to it, and after a short few seconds, its head shoots into his direction, startling everyone. They start writing in their notebooks and questions are asked on what he did, but Axley can't begin to guess. Everywhere he stands, its eyes point at him a few seconds later. It's somewhat surreal and scary, but wanted progress, despite it being as smooth as a stuttering internet connection.
>
> Foster moves over with renewed interest, but their joy doesn't last long and contact with Compound 73A-SU3 is eventually lost. He instructs Axley to play more games with it, but after hours of nothing, Axley's had enough and tells everyone it's bedtime. Without their say, he grabs Compound 73A-SU3 by the hand and escapes to the garden for those last minutes of fresh air and exercise.
>
>
> Outside, Axley has unusually little to say and just keeps sneaking peeks at it, waiting to see if it looks back again. But with the sun setting, there's no more time to exchange stares or stroll around, and they head back inside.
>
> In Compound 73A-SU3's bedroom, he takes out a new set of pyjamas for it to wear. The top half has a sheep motif, because Axley appreciates a sleepy time classic. He tells it goodnight and dims the lights, but immediately after, Compound 73A-SU3 gets up and walks over to him. Axley increases the brightness again, but as he lowers his hand back down, he quickly turns around and just about sees it sitting back up on the bed, giving him an intense stare when their eyes meet, seemingly waiting for him to make a move.
>
>
> Axley slowly walks back, its eyes not breaking contact with him the whole journey. He tucks it into bed a third time, then offers to tell a bedtime story again. He sits down on the ground and thinks to himself, but struggles to come up with anything. He admits not to know that many stories, since his parents never read to him as a child -claiming he never paid attention to anything but himself. He jokes people still say that.
>
>
> He proposes to buy it some books, then waits for it to nod its head or something of the sort, but it's still giving him that soul-piercing stare. A man can only take this much. He urges it to go to sleep and gives it a little rub on its shoulder, promising nothing will happen to it in the dark.
>
> With nothing else to do or say, he cups and lowers its eyelids with his large hand, and leaves it there for a few seconds. He coos they'll see each other again tomorrow. Upon removal, Compound 73A-SU3 obediently leaves its eyes closed and does not chase him when he leaves.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 6: Asue Has Ears**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> More than a month has passed. Compound 73A-SU3, officially dubbed "Asue" by Axley, exits the bed and gets dressed for the day. The people it passes in the hallways aren't feeling too comfortable by the free reign their now mobile creation's been given and cautiously greet it, but Asue won't acknowledge them either way.
>
> It stops to wait at the far end of a door it knows staff use when needing to be in this sector of BIRTH. When it finally opens, many faces enter, but none it came to see. The arrivals give the statue in the distance nervous glances, but continue to exchange their morning greetings.
>
>
> Shortly after, Axley enters. Asue glides over, but then an employee shows up to demand his attention, leaving it standing next to them like a sad third wheel. After the back and forth -the details of which it can't muster interest for- Axley turns to face it. His smile makes its heart feel so strange again and its body becomes fidgety, but Asue hides its restlessness by showing off its outfit to the doctor.
>
> Axley wants to praise it for dressing itself, until he notices it's wearing 5 different tops. Not wanting to hurt its feelings, he decides not help it get changed, though there's also the evil inside of him that enjoys letting it walk around looking like a fool.
>
>
> Together, they head over to the old game room, redecorated into somewhat of a kindergarten class room, but more boring. Now that Asue can move on its own and is conscious of its surroundings, the next course of action is to learn it speech, and Terneuzen ordered for today to be its first day. Axley cheated a bit by practising with it, and though it never uttered a word back, he feels confident to have produced results.
>
> The room doesn't have the usual staff waiting inside, just Dr. Foster. Axley scowls, unhappy to see Terneuzen assigned him to be Asue's teacher, but if there's no one else around with the time and supposed expertise..
>
>
> Asue sits down and Foster brings over a stack of cards with images and words on them. Axley decides to stick around a bit to see Asue in action, but it won't do as told and just stares at the cards. Foster repeats the words again and again, but Asue instead begins to identify the body parts portrayed on the cards and touches its own face. Axley smiles excitedly and praises it, but Foster is not impressed and his tone becomes more urging. The differing reactions confuse Asue, but with Axley being its friendly ally, it feels inclined to look at him and not its tutor.
>
> While its face still doesn't convey much emotion, Asue's open eyes indicate excitement and Axley can sense the pride it has for its job (seemingly) well done. The two are testing Foster's patience, who asks Axley to leave and focus on his own assignments. He turns around, but not without throwing more words of approval Asue's way. As he walks off, he continues to hear Foster hopelessly trying to get it to speak.
>
>
> Later that evening, in Asue's room, he asks how it went and is curious to test out the results of today's lessons. He utters some of the words from the cards, but it just points at him and his correlating facial features.
>
> It shows some hesitance with words of which the drawings do not completely match his appearance, and Axley knows what's up. He ensures it that the monstrous thing on his face is indeed a nose and reveals that his mouth is partially hidden by his facial hair. They go over some more words, Asue continues to point at him and itself, then becomes unsure about the location of its own ears, since its hair has always covered them up. Axley gets out a pocket mirror for it to hold, brushes the hair aside, then pushes its inoffensive little ears forward so it can see. Asue looks satisfied to know it's all there.
>
> It then goes for Axley's giant flappers and pushes them forward as well, as if he needed the insult. He grumbles it may not all look as pretty as its, but no matter how it looks, it's all the same.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 7: Asue's First Hug**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Asue is dropped off at "school" every day, but whenever Axley asks for the details, no response is given. It still can't speak and weeks pass with it not uttering as much as a sigh, and yet, he recognizes something is off.
>
> Though mute and already not very expressive, Asue rarely looks him in the eyes anymore. Questions if it's feeling sad about something can't be answered, so he tries cheering it up with new clothes and by sticking around longer after work, and though the latter helps, every new day is the same story.
>
>
> Axley won't let it continue on any longer and settles on visiting the security control room, hoping to get a recording of the room Asue and Foster study in. Since he's an important employee and the room itself nothing special, the guards see no reason not to give him a copy and have him browse the weekslong footage on a computer.
>
> While speeding through it, his head and back becomes hot like a fever. Countless of hours of an enraged Foster striking, kicking, and strangling Asue reveal themself. Curse words and impatient hissing are accompanied with most of the abuse, while Asue just watches on and lets it happen.
>
>
> Axley's fingers tremble as many thoughts and emotions flow through his head, none of them wise. He tries to maintain his composure in the presence of the other staff, then gets up and rushes to Terneuzen's office.
>
> Shortly afterwards, Axley shows up in the classroom to pick up Asue, announcing it's break time, and Terneuzen himself follows behind to collect Foster.
>
>
> In Terneuzen's office, Foster remains calm upon getting confronted with his practises and confidently shares the reason for his lashing out. He says not to see a human being or any value in the defective Asue, and finds his job of teaching it a waste of his fleeting life. Terneuzen responds shocked to the pessimistic confession and urges him to do his best, if only to keep their nr. 1 bioengineer from retaliating.
>
> Foster calls Axley a self-serving fool who shouldn't be trusted either way -warning him that BIRTH's overdependence on him will only cause them trouble in the future. Terneuzen is aware of his flaws, but advocates for his brilliance and repeats Asue can still be of use to them. Foster disagrees and claims to see no light behind its eyes.
>
> Foster appears to have given up, but Terneuzen thinks that acknowledging this will make things worse and doesn't want to lose an important employee now they're this close to success. He advises him to rest up and collect his thoughts before his next shift begins.
>
>
> Meanwhile, Axley is sitting with Asue in its room. He feels miserable and has trouble looking at it after what he's seen, but realises he's not the victim in this and turns to it. He says that whatever it's been told isn't true and urges it to let him know if someone lays hands on it again. Unsure if it understands the concept of abuse, and knowing it can't feel pain because of its stifled senses, he clarifies what kind of actions are inappropriate.
>
> Asue gives off no signs that it understood, but when Axley raises his hand to put on its shoulder, its eyes point at it with what looks like some careful curiosity. Axley pulls back, disheartened to learn the past few weeks haven't evaded it and this'll forever remain a chapter of its life.
>
>
> He gently pushes Asue towards him, letting it fall into an embrace. Asue doesn't move and lets this new experience wash over it. Its eyes inspect every element of what makes this hold on its body a "hug" and not an attack, and watches Axley's face to see what it could mean.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 8: Asue is Snow White**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Dr. Foster has been reported to have quit, and since Terneuzen has little confidence in his remaining psychology team, Axley is asked to play Asue's teacher until a new professional has been found to take over. Since he's more or less been doing this since Asue's birth, he sees no reason to object and Asue itself also appears happy with the increased playtime.
>
>
> It gradually learns the words Foster could not strangle out of its throat, and the moment the basics have been set, Asue seems to experience a boost of intelligence. It rarely struggles to form coherent sentences and is good at figuring out not yet explored words with help of its knowledge of the alphabet itself. Any book Axley brings it, the words and their pronunciation it learns without his help or that of any cheat sheets.
>
> While Asue doesn't care to put its knowledge into practise much and chooses silence over speech, it lives for Axley's praise and showing off its progress for the chance to hear his overjoyed voice -or preferably and less commonly- his touch.
>
>
> One day, it decides not to wait for him and heads over to the canteen to meet him for lunch. The staff already present watch Asue with unwelcoming eyes, though some take a more neutral stance and tell it good morning. A man tries to get it to leave by saying Axley is still busy in the lab, but Asue replies it can wait. Its emotionless face and standing around puts people on edge and some make it no secret when they get up to leave. One woman wishes to keep the peace and tries to get it to wait in the garden, which Asue agrees to do.
>
> After a while, Axley shows up, carrying two cups of fish food. He greets Asue on the wooden bridge that stretches over their small pond.
>
>
> They drop the thick flakes down to the koi carps below, while Axley complains about his day and how tired he is. Asue just stares at its reflection in the water. He asks if everything's alright, and like always, it takes some repeating for Asue to even entertain the question.
>
> It answers not to be sure, but a little while later, states it needs different eyes. The randomness of it catches Axley by surprise. He asks what makes it think so, to which it clarifies its stare has been called "scary" and thus its eyes need replacement.
>
> Axley calls it preposterous and assures it's a real-life Snow White other people are clearly jealous of. Asue is not familiar with the compliment of being called "white", reminding Axley he does know another fairy tale after all and it's one he could introduce it to. He says it's the name of a princess and that he'll look for an easy storybook when he has the time.
>
>
> As said, Axley shows up with an illustrated version of Snow White the next morning and tells Asue to practise its reading until they see each other again. As it's a new book, there's no familiarity for the writing and most is indiscernible scribble to Asue. By going over the pages, they turn into letters, then slowly into words, then sentences that finally give clarification to the drawings provided.
>
> Asue already has many books with similar settings as Snow White, all neatly tucked away in the small night stand next to the bed -the only other piece of furniture in the room, next to the iron chair Axley once dragged inside and nobody cared to retrieve. People appeared very fond of the concept of royalty, castles, forests, and animals that acted like humans, but Asue didn't have any strong feelings for any of the books it owned, despite reading them every day.
>
> It was the act of reading itself that was somewhat comforting, since getting read to was one of its first memories of Axley. But, having that said, Asue preferred getting read to, or rather, hearing Axley's voice.
>
>
> Suddenly, its interest peaks at the last page. A drawing of two humans pressing their faces together, a confusing sight, but one it can't close the book on. The words written above claim a miracle has happened and call it a "kiss". It watches on, but is unable to form an opinion about it. It decides to read a different book, time keeps passing, and with Axley not showing up, it revisits most of its collection.
>
>
> When it's already evening, a highly apologetic Axley enters the room. Since Asue doesn't have a concept of time and there's not even a window or clock in the room, it doesn't comment on his late entrance and instead sits up to give him its devoted attention. Axley occupies the iron chair with a loud sigh and starts making excuses anyway, then smiles he'll stay longer to make up for it. That pleases Asue, though it's not visible.
>
> He looks at the open night stand and asks if it enjoyed itself today, to which it's honest enough to answer no. Axley feels very guilty and comically grabs his chest in his pained humiliation. He gets up to check the inside of the stand and concludes he should look out for proper novels from now on, since most of what he bought is for toddlers. Asue doesn't think of telling him not to bother; and no book ever really entertained it.
>
> While Axley sorts out the night stand's contents, Asue spots the cover of Snow White. It grabs the book and browses through it again. He looks up and asks if it found the story any good, but it doesn't look too excited and just closes it again. Axley puts it back with the others, then sits down in his chair, Asue's silent eyes staring at him the entire time.
>
>
> Suddenly, it asks him what "dead" is, a question he wishes to know what sparked it. It explains to have seen the word in the Snow White book, which stated it happened to her after she ate food. He chuckles the food was poisoned and that's what killed her, but after seeing Asue's pondering face, quickly adds Snow White wasn't dead, but under a spell that made her sleep. Asue asks if sleep and death are similar, to which he briefly answers they are, but one of those you can't wake up from.
>
> Asue stares him down for a bit, causing him to dread the next question it's thinking of, but instead, Asue tells *him* not to worry, since death is curable with a kiss. He smirks and reiterates Snow White was never dead, but cursed. Not wanting to end on a dreary note, he clarifies death can sometimes be cured if you're fast enough, but he advises Asue not to kiss the dead, as that's unhygienic.
>
> Luckily, It doesn't care to pursue this conversation, freeing him from answering any more difficult questions. But, as he watches his little Snow White lie down on its bed, he knows this won't be the last time and worries for when it'll come.
>
>
> He asks if it wants to check on the koi fish, but since it likely won't answer him anyway, he gets up and gestures it to come along. Asue obediently follows. Time for some distraction.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 9: Asue Has No Nipples**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> It's a sunny day and Asue is standing outside by the pond. The koi saw it coming from a mile away and are excitedly tripping over each other to receive the food it's visibly not holding. The sight of them would evoke a reaction amongst normal people, but Asue continues to watch them with a face of indifference, as if the fish aren't even there.
>
>
> Suddenly, a loud voice from behind shouts "Push!".
>
>
> It calmly turns around to see it's Axley, looking real disappointed not to have scared it. He lets Asue know as much, but the complaining doesn't move it and its continuing silence makes Axley feel even more awkward. He begs it to say something back, after which Asue confirms to have indeed heard him sneaking. He sighs and sits down in the grass.
>
> Asue joins him, and the two watch the dumb fat fish getting their hopes up a second time. He then looks over at Asue, its face still emotionless as ever.
>
>
> He's gotten pretty good at guessing its mood and desires without it having to speak -alot can be said with the wideness of your eyes and position of your body- but the deeper details could never be explored if it didn't learn to, at the very least, raise its eyebrows somewhat. Whenever they met up, Axley often sat there, basically talking to himself. It made him worry Asue wasn't truly enjoying itself with him and just tolerated his presence because it had to. It's not like there was anyplace it could run and hide from his sense of humor.
>
> Asue gave off an air of maturity, serious and formal, which just wasn't his style. He liked to fool around, but more importantly, he liked to know what would make Asue laugh.
>
>
> Axley decides to make it a topic of conversation and says it doesn't have to act so serious around him, since they're friends and equals. It says nothing and just stares a hole in his soul. He insists they should joke around more often and it's healthy to do so. It says nothing and just stares a hole in his soul.
>
> Axley moves his head away, looking slightly distraught, but not letting it get to him. It's moments like these that made him feel the most lonely and insecure. He just wanted the reassurance he's not being a nuisance to someone who has enough on their plate.
>
>
> Asue keeps its eyes on him while indiscernible thoughts go through its head. After some silence, it remarks to have not only heard his feet shuffle through the grass, it picked up on the little nose exhale he does whenever he's about to do something bad. Axley is surprised to hear he has a quirk, but more by Asue's decision to go back to that and verbally destroy him over his failure to prank it.
>
> He bumps Asue's shoulder and demands respect as its perfectly-nosed teacher. Asue won't let that description slide and gives his face a concerning glare, then corrects him his nose is large. Axley utters to have had enough, then gets up and chucks Asue into the pond as punishment. The fish flee upon impact, it wasn't the food they were waiting for.
>
> Asue, ruiner of moods, silently emerges from the water and carries itself towards the edge, not acknowledging Axley or what happened. Since it doesn't seem like it understood it was a joke, Axley's short-lived joy is erased once again.
>
>
> He helps Asue out and apologizes many times, insisting it was not out of malice, while lovingly stroking its drenched head and shoulders. Asue then asks if jokes are for smiling and he understands the somewhat confusing sentence enough to confirm they are, and seemingly inspired by it, it starts dragging Axley into the water, proclaiming "push".
>
> Axley fights for his life, but the raw strength coming from Asue's well-dressed feminine body is surprising and he proves no match for it. Whenever he tries to escape the pond, Asue is there to pick him up and throw him back in. The old man's cries are ignored, even by the staff having lunch indoors, but though it's an exhausting scuffle, he can't believe the stupidity of the situation he's created for himself and enters a laughing fit.
>
> Finally, he accepts defeat and lets his exhausted body drift in the water. Now that Asue has nothing to do anymore, it wants to join him, to which Axley smirks if it's come to finish the job. He tells it not to bother and he'll teach it swimming some other time.
>
>
> Soaked in pond water and feeling chilly, he suggests to go inside and take a shower, but upon remembering to have never seen anyone wash Asue, he asks if it knows how to. It says not to remember ever sitting in water before today.
>
> He thinks to himself for a bit, then figures the reason might be because its skin pores work differently; and its body might not produce natural oils. In any case, he tells it not to be afraid and this will just be another new experience to embrace. Not that Asue sounded worried.
>
>
> But with it following him as he takes off, another question enters his mind. Who is going to help it? He looks Asue up and down and can't help but feel uneasy. He tells it to ask a female staff member, but since Asue doesn't understand the details of showering, it can't even question his reason for not joining in on this particular water adventure.
>
> In the canteen, he targets the first lady he sees and asks if she wants to teach Asue. She and the others in the room find his perception Asue is female -or should be shielded like one- laughable, and tell him to shower with it himself.
>
> While he knows its body has no features that should make him uncomfortable, his feelings have only increased over time and he can barely look at it when it's walking around in its underwear. A pointless piece of attire to buy it in its case, but one the modern human concerns themselves with, so Asue should too, he guessed.
>
>
> With everyone ridiculing him and understanding it to be his problem, he's forced to take Asue with him. They undress in the locker room, where Axley does his best to act casual, but always keeps his back turned if he can do so inconspicuously. Since Asue seldom comments on anything happening around it, he manages to make the whole journey to the shower cabins without laying eyes on it once.
>
> He asks if it'll be able to follow his instructions from its own cabin as he hands over some supplies, but its silent eyes are multi- interpretable and he feels bad for cutting corners over personal insecurities. He asks with more seriousness if it thinks it'll be able to do this, or wants to share a cabin with him. Asue is quite quick to pick the latter. He worried as much.
>
>
> Despite everything, Axley doesn't make it awkward and does a good job at explaining how to best wash hair and what bottles to use. After applying the shampoo to its hair, he gives a more visible example by shampooing his own next. Though it wasn't asked, Asue carefully joins in and moves its fingers through Axley's soapy reddish fur. For someone who can't feel pressure, he's surprised it isn't scratching his scalp off. He gives Asue a hearty praise for its excellent first try. In response to his approval, it rubs a bit harder and moves its hands all over his face, taking his beard with it. Axley disappears inside the ever-growing white foam, and though he appreciates the effort, maybe it was time to kindly ask it to stop.
>
> He grabs a chunk of foam and throws it on top of his bully, whilst trying to get rid of the remainder under the pouring shower head. Asue doesn't even blink -its eyes fully unbothered by the prickly substance- and instead, watches Axley to learn what needs to be done when one "showers". The man seems happy and relaxed to be ridding himself of the algae and fish drool, which allows for Asue's eyes to drift. It looks him over, from top to bottom, then realizes something it never did before.
>
>
> Axley opens his eyes and picks up on it. The judging turns him a bit bashful, so he moves aside and tells it to get under the water next. But Asue looks ready to ask a terrible question. Luckily for him, it's about the colour differences on his chest. He gratefully explains the term and purpose (or uselessness) of nipples, as requested, whereafter it turns quiet again. Asue's attention then sets on his lower oddities, but Axley can't with that shit and deems the both of them clean and ready to leave.
>
>
> A big can of worms has been opened by exposing it to the naked human form, and yet, days keep passing and it's never brought up again.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 10: Asue Has Expired**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Months have passed since Asue's release from the Creat1.0nist. Its emotional capabilities have improved, leading Axley to the discovery its personality is that of a composed listener, probably not changing much in the grand scheme of things. Its smiles are subdued and nothing will make it laugh out loud -no matter how perfectly crafted Axley's jokes are, arguably- but that extra facial flexibility is enough for him to no longer needing to guess its feelings.
>
> Axley is glad to have found himself someone with the potential to be a friend, not just someone he calls a friend.
>
>
> But, he's the only one who's impressed. Terneuzen calls him to his office to discuss the unsatisfactory results, leaving Axley rather insulted by his low expectations of Asue. He doesn't see the reason for the meeting, since Asue has clearly become what everyone wanted: a functional human being. Terneuzen quietly looks through the diaries and reports gathered on his desk, most of which have nothing written on them, and gives him a stern look. Axley doesn't care for the response and repeats Asue's doing great.
>
>
> Terneuzen disagrees, as there're no signs its IQ is above the human average. It only reads books on a 1st grade level, has never even been introduced to math, history, or the arts, and rarely speaks. Axley states the latter to be its personality and the subjects they tackle his decision, not proof that Asue is incapable. Terneuzen asks if it ever even showcased "human curiosity" and expressed to want more in life. Axley turns silent.
>
> He declares humanity is doomed if the ones taking over are dumb and disinterested in the world, and with that, he announces to schedule Asue's incineration.
>
>
> Axley again advocates for its intelligence, but his boss doesn't care to hear it, pushing him into a panicked rage. He insists again, telling Terneuzen to look Asue in the eyes and recognize the person inside, but the shouting just gets on his nerves.
>
> Terneuzen gets personal by asking if Asue is just another family member he created for himself -referring to the doctor's distant, notorious past. He criticizes his unprofessionalism and barks Asue is not his girlfriend. Axley turns quiet again, though his anger remains visible on his face.
>
> Terneuzen proclaims that they serve mankind, not themselves, and their experiments are experiments. He asks if he plans on keeping and caring for every defect they'll produce, and expresses the belief a community of liabilities can't uphold their legacy. Axley is seen thinking about the question, but Terneuzen isn't looking for an answer and shares with him the conclusion that any flaw a test subject may suffer will always be their fault, which is the game scientists are forced to play, yet in the face of a practical solution, the consequences they shouldn't have to bear.
>
>
> Axley reminds him there are many impaired humans in the world, and asks if he would've thrown them in the incinerator if given the chance. His boss doesn't think that's the same thing, since these humans are living in a world of luxury that allows their comfort, while BIRTH is making preparations for a dire future that's in need of flawless humans who're able to survive and thrive without the humans of old there to guide them.
>
>
> Axley pleads with him to at least spare Asue, but Terneuzen says that not to be an option, as the state of its body will always require someone else's assistance in keeping it alive. It can't eat, and the chemical injection that keeps it running costs BIRTH more than lunch for 500 people. Axley doesn't accept the excuse and asks how money is a factor when they're all heading towards mass-extinction. Terneuzen can't give an answer to that, except that they have to follow the laws of society, still set in place.
>
> Axley huffs at the preposterousness of it all and storms out the room, warning him to not come near Asue.
>
>
> An unfavourable outcome follows, where Axley refuses to leave its side and won't come to the laboratory anymore. He makes the chair in its room his new bed and won't talk to his colleagues about anything. Terneuzen understands to have made an enemy out of him.
>
> He knows Asue will never be given the green light for its release, but also that Axley would sooner choose the side of a wronged runt than partake in the preservation of humanity and all they've built. His unparalleled craftiness and expertise makes him a much needed employee, and Terneuzen is forced to find a quick solution.
>
> He attempts to meet and convince BIRTH's partners there's value in prolonging Asue's evaluation in the hopes to bring an end to the strike, at least until Axley produced him a complete and faultless human, to then finally get rid of the difficult man.
>
>
> After a period of distrust and hindered work, he invites Axley back into his office with the offer to grant Asue a year. It's not enough for him, to which Terneuzen clarifies it's a minimum time frame and matters will be up for discussion again when the contract nears its end.
>
> Axley looks over the document with skepticism, his eyes shooting back to Asue's shadow standing outside the door, making sure it's not being kidnapped while he's talking with the boss. Terneuzen remarks they both know he's too important to the company to pull any moves that'll make him lose his devotion to them, but at the same time, suggests he uses these 12 months to ease himself into the possibility their luck may run out and comes to realize it's more mercifull to kill a creature suffering this many defects.
>
>
> Axley sneers and has nothing to say to his fake concern for Asue. He signs the contract and departs, without gracing him a look.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 11: Asue Feels Warm**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> That night, Axley sets up a campfire in the garden, a last-minute celebration of the contract he signed. Asue isn't sure what is being built and keeps its distance as instructed. Axley's never camped before and slightly struggles turning on the fire, but after some delay, the branches finally begin to burn and Asue is invited over to come sit. It walks over, holding a large packet of something it also doesn't know the use of.
>
> Axley takes the item and opens it up, popping some of the contents in his mouth. It could've never guessed it was food. Axley smirks and tells it not to tell on him, since it's vegan. Asue has no idea what's being said or why it matters.
>
> He then gives it a stick with some of the food pierced on it to hold near the fire, just for the sake of having something to do. He grabs his own stick, and now that they're finally settled, he lets out a pleased grunt. His troubles may not be over, but at least they've been postponed.
>
>
> He comments on the warmth of the fire and how roasting marshmellows is a first for him as well. Asue doesn't respond and just looks at the flames. He turns to the daydreaming Asue and asks if it doesn't like it, offering to do something else. It says not to mind. Then, when Axley comments on the hotness of the fire again and instructs them to sit a few inches away, it can't help but ask what "warm" is.
>
> It's a question that shouldn't come as a surprise, yet reminds Axley it can't even experience fire. Since it rarely to never asks questions or mentions its own limitations, it's easy to forget it has them, and he's unsure on how to describe warmth. He stares at the fire and their marshmellowed sticks; simple pleasures it can't enjoy, making him feel really stupid, if not sad. The gusts of irritating smoke that keep getting blown into his face are his just deserts.
>
>
> They say nothing for a while, and Asue starts turning away. Axley doesn't want their party to end like this and lays down his stick. He raises his arm and tells it to sit under it, which it does. He describes warmth as being with someone you like, and there to be little else to it. The "hug" makes a return and Asue looks up, seeing Axley's once uncertain face smiling again, though still carefully awaiting its response. It replies to understand.
>
> His eyebrows raise up in joy and he rubs its shoulder approvingly, something it can't feel, but picks up on by the aggressive shaking of its body. He confidently states things in life can be felt in different ways, and adds they should leave BIRTH sometime and try all sorts of activities, like theme parks and theaters.
>
>
> Satisfied to have dug himself out of that hole, he lets go and turns his attention to his marshmallows. After finishing them, Asue looks at its stick. It knows it can't have them, nor enjoy them if it could. It looks at Axley, then plucks off its marshmallows to offer him. He's more than willing, though it looks like Asue wishes to feed him opposed to handing the candy over. He decides to let it have its fun and opens his mouth.
>
>
> As he eats from its hand like a grateful horse, his eyes twinkling in the light of the fire, Asue too begins to smile, the likes of which Axley has never seen. Or perhaps, has never paid attention to. Asue appears before him like a nymph from an ancient fairy tale, its calm air of contendedness making his heart flutter.
>
> But when he looks down at his hands resting on his lap and the hand in front of his face, the differences are staggering, and he knows to have no business thinking a sweet smile is an invitation to anything.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 12: Asue is a Man?**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> In the following year, Axley introduces Asue to more leisure activities and a higher level education. While he can't get the permission needed to take it outdoors into the real world, he spends their spare time well and often stays the night at BIRTH, turning the underused staff chambers into a second home.
>
> The exposure to song, dance, and other hobbies don't appear to impress it much, but Axley's presence is always wanted. It's not the most desired outcome, but Axley is glad to see it has established wants and considers it a success in that sense.
>
>
> Asue has not shed its calm composure and reluctance to speak unless necessary, but has reached full awareness and is assertive in some ways. Axley's affection for it could be interpreted as platonic, while Asue always seems eager and waiting to get touched by him. If the situation deems it appropriate, it will crawl against him or onto his lap -behaviour he allows for and acts casual about, but in the presence of others, doesn't receive the most supportive stares.
>
> Eventually, Asue becomes inspired by some of the movies they watched and tries out a few non-verbal calls for attention it hopes Axley will better pick up on. Whenever bedtime draws near and it knows he'll soon depart, it tries to make him stay without having to speak the words.
>
> But moments between them that dare to grow even a little bit serious are immediately aborted by Axley, which feeds the already brewing doubt within Asue concerning itself.
>
>
> The educational material Axley gifted it includes a biology book, which gives a full picture of what's wrong, and explains it better than he ever felt comfortable doing. Asue learns it has no body that it or others can engage with, and with the world around it enjoying simple things it can't relate to, it begins to doubt the point of its existence as a disposable creation, hardly human, hardly a living creature. Its absent relationship with the other human staff members begins to make sense, and perhaps, their rejection of Asue is the normal response to have.
>
> These thoughts press heavy on its mind, but as is usually the case, it keeps it to itself and tries to find the approval it seeks in Axley's company.
>
>
> Somewhere along the way, BIRTH's other experiment passes away during development, a stressful period of time for everyone involved. While some want to blame Axley's short time of absense, Terneuzen points them to the incompatible strands of DNA that killed the experiment's genetic makeup. The wrongdoers are embarrassed by their attempts to show off and again bring up Axley, but Terneuzen won't have him be the scapegoat this time and commands everyone to shape up.
>
> Axley combines work with his Asue time the best he's able to, but often finds himself falling asleep. This doesn't bother Asue much, but being in the presence of his knocked-out body just allows it to have an uninterrupted look at someone it doesn't have and something it's not.
>
>
> A month before its first birthday, Axley asks if it has any wishes in mind. Asue knows the word from past storybooks, thinks to itself, and wishes to be human. He chuckles at Pinocchio that it already is, but it's not smiling back, shutting him up again.
>
> Asue laments the inability to eat food with him, having no sense of touch, taste, or smell to help it experience more of the world, and its featureless torso, always reminding it it's not supposed to be alive. Axley tries arguing there are many humans out there born with missing features and it's not as awkward as it thinks it is, but Asue is unimpressed and gives no response to his nervous attempts at cheering it up. Axley understands to have entered the chapter of Asue's life he's dreaded the most.
>
>
> In bed he lies, exhausted after all the work, but not falling asleep. His heart hurts for Asue and the real concerns he can't dare to imagine how long it's had. Thoughts he shouldn't be thinking run through his head, and every day, he eyeballs the equipment in the lab.
>
>
> The day before Asue's birthday, he crosses the line and gives it the opportunity to have most of its missing organs implanted. While some things can never be recreated or added, Asue shows some excitement, yet can't give Axley an answer upon understanding it'll cause him trouble if others were to find out. It's not something he wants to play a factor in its final decision, and he assures it he's already made his.
>
>
> Though he's always dressed it to his personal liking, he asks if it ever thought about what kind of body it wants. Asue says it not to matter and it should be what he wants it to be. This doesn't satisfy him and he urges it to properly think about it in order to avoid feeling like a stranger in its own body. It's not sure what is meant by that, but does what is asked and concludes to like his body the most. Axley flinches upon hearing the answer and checks if Asue means to say it wants to be male, which it confirms.
>
>
> As planned, Axley takes it to the lab in the dead of night, where he uses its DNA to develop compatible organs with. Thanks to his expertise and the Creat1.0nist's quick work on small body parts, most of it has been implanted after a month or so, and traces of the nightly operations are easily erased before staff shows up for the usual duties. The properties of Asue's skin allows for quick healing, and in combination with its inability to feel pain, no one suspects a thing.
>
>
> On the day of reckoning, Axley asks Asue again if it knows to be a man. It responds to still want this body.
>
> He gives it a gentle, but pained smile, and leads it to the operation room to finalize its birthday wish. As he watches the machine do its thing, Axley becomes more anxious, and his discontent grows when he lays eyes on Asue's resting face next to his set of knives.
>
>
> He's made a good-looking crotch. The best crotch no one has ever made.
>
> And he'll make sure this operation will go perfectly.
>
>
> But this is not *his* Asue.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 13: Asue is Not a Man..**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> The duo's days of sneaking are over and Asue has its gift. With its digestive system, it can now join in on meals, if only for the social aspect of it. The injections that were once a talking point for Terneuzen are no longer needed, though this has to be kept secret for obvious reasons; and Asue can't eat or enter a bathroom when others are present.
>
>
> It feels more human than ever, and yet, its insecurities stick around. It and Axley meet up like they've always done, yet he's become noticeably less physical and removes himself from its presence when it tries to be. It's consistent behaviour and Asue is forced to admit something has changed for the worse. While he's kind and generous like always, there's an emotional distance between the two, and eventually, Axley starts going back home again.
>
> Asue knows it shouldn't complain and still sees a friend in him, yet it longs for his touch and the little nicknames he'd give it. It feels lonely and abandoned without his coddling attention, and begins to regret its choice of body. It loses the will to do anything, and once again, Asue feels like a failed creation no one could love.
>
> Axley isn't blind for Asue's listless behaviour, but doesn't know how to appropriately comfort a man and convinces himself that Asue is better off getting treated like the gender it chose. He tries to cheer it up with new, appropriate clothes and their usual activities, but won't actually ask it what's wrong or try a different strategy.
>
>
> One night, Axley finishes up late and decides not to drive home, but reclaim his little bunkbed. Asue can't resist the chance to seek him out, making it the first time it's left its bedroom during curfew, without guidance. Upon arriving at his chambers, it can hear the familiar breaths of Axley, alone and audibly sleeping.
>
> Asue stands still in front of his bed and looks at the moving hump, barely visible in the light of the emergency sign above the entrance. Its sorrow grows only stronger as the seconds pass. It lies down against his turned back and quietly sobs. The sound and water hitting his skin is enough to get Axley out of his coma and he turns on the lights.
>
> He utters surprise to see Asue, but isn't sure what to say to the crying face of someone usually so stoic. Asue can't find most of its words, either, and just says to know he finds women pretty, but wanted to be like him. It's a miserable confession and he curses himself for being the literal cause of everything Asue is suffering through.
>
>
> He grabs hold of it and begs it not to cry. Asue wraps its arms around him to absorb that which it has long been without. Its eyes focus on the muscles in Axley's arms, thightening while in his grip, and its bangs as they move along with the hand petting the back of its head; all indicators of touch and their severity. Axley apologizes for his behaviour and the two drift away in each other's arms -Axley overtaken by fatigue, Asue the hypnotizing ecstasy of the moment.
>
> It can feel every fibre of Axley's body using its eyes, an indescribable experience it wished would never end.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 14: Asue is with a Man**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Morning arrives, and Axley shoots awake upon seeing Asue's open eyes greeting him. Other than that, he acts undisturbed by the whole ordeal and normalcy returns as the day progresses, which doesn't give Asue the confidence anything has changed. Axley gets dressed for work, instructs it to brush up on its reading, then hastes himself to the lab.
>
> As Asue walks through the hallways back to its room, it comes across Dr. Terneuzen. The man looks it up and down with intent and suspicion, yet says nothing and moves on.
>
>
> The day feels long and Asue has no interest in reading, though obediently does its assigned mundane task until evening arrives. When Axley finally shows up to hang out, it can't help but stare him down the whole time, waiting for him to do something or say something that acknowledges their heartfelt moment from the night before. Having put on a movie, he has plenty of reason to keep his eyes on the screen, yet he can't ignore Asue, either. He gives it some quick glances, then eventually, raises his arm as an invitation to get underneath. Asue's joyous excitement makes it hard not to cry, but it know it's not warranted this time, and it soundlessly glues itself to the man.
>
>
> Axley is nauseatingly nervous. On his chest lies the face of the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, on his lap her equally beautiful knees, covered by a long beautiful skirt.. under which hides a discouraging fact. Last night's embrace was the best- but most confusing moment of his life.
>
>
> His eyes go back and forth between its body and face, whilst trying to keep up with the very bad romantic comedy flick playing in front of them.
>
> Asue's ears pick up on the subtle fidgeting. Seeing his discomfort, it wants to get off, but this alarms Axley. His large hand pushes its head back and he can barely muster to speak besides a "don't". Asue isn't keen on the way he forces himself, but decides to stay put as requested.
>
> Nevertheless, Axley's head appears to be turning towards it and Asue looks up to meet his eyes. His expression is a conflicting mix of sadness, unease, yet determination. A lengthy, uninterupted stare follows, one normal people would find uncomfortable, but for these two loser virgins, it's really romantic probably.
>
>
> Axley tries to figure it all out and looks like a scared high school boy sitting alone at home with his crush. Eventually, he takes the shot and his face draws closer.
>
> Asue is given no time to respond, as loud knocking is heard at the door, followed by the voice of Terneuzen calling for Axley. Very annoyed by the timing of it all, he gets up.
>
>
> He meets with him outside and Terneuzen looks like he knows something, but asks how the project is going. They discuss that for a minute or so, until he goes over to the subject of Asue's contract. Axley says he'll be waiting for a new one, but Terneuzen makes it clear that won't happen and suggests he stops putting in time and effort where it's not needed. Axley doesn't care to hear it and demands to receive that contract, but his boss replies to have already given them more leniency than warranted.
>
> Axley maintains Asue is an intelligent, proper human being, but Terneuzen is quick to disagree. He argues that everything it does, it does for him, and deems Asue a mindless creature that has imprinted on him, just because he was the first person to stick by its side. It has no personality, dreams, or hobbies besides being his fan and appeaser. Axley is insulted by his evaluation, but knows he can't deny Asue is quite attached to him.
>
> Terneuzen commands him to cut their days short and prepare Asue for the inevitable.
>
>
> Back inside the room, the mood has greatly soured and Axley lost all interest in the movie. He tells Asue he's not feeling so great and asks if he may be excused. It says that to be fine, in spite of its own feelings.
>
>
> Midnight has long passed and Asue's restlessness is still high. It wishes to visit Axley, but is unsure if he'd appreciate it, since he's the one who cut their date short. The previous night was a dream it couldn't get out of its head and wanted to experience again. It wanted confirmation that Axley loved it back, like characters always did in books and movies. Surely, not everything was just a story for entertainment, there had to be love in this world?
>
> Asue couldn't explain it to itself, but wanted to share all of itself with him. For as long it would still be alive. It felt so happy in his presence, that couldn't be for no reason. It hoped this wasn't the trait of a mindless creature, but a real human, one Axley would recognize himself in.
>
>
> Desperation takes over and Asue gets out of bed. When it almost reaches Axley's chambers, though, another employee shows up and punishes it for strolling around the facility. Before he can drag it back to its room, the chamber door opens. Axley shows up to vouch for Asue, claiming he called it over for a belated check-up. It's not questioned and Asue is released.
>
>
> Inside, he asks what's the matter, to which Asue gets to the point and asks if it may sleep with him. Since there are so many empty bunkbeds, he sees no reason to deny, but Asue thinks it to mean his bed is up for consideration as well. As he lays down, it immediately follows behind him and attaches itself to the startled body pillow. It's not a two-person bed, but since they've already shared it once and Asue looks determined, he allows for it.
>
> When he wants to turn off the lights, Asue asks him not to, because it needs to see. Axley doesn't find the logic in that, since it's bedtime and there's no reason to look at anything. Its piercing eyes are begging him, but he tries to get it on his side by arguing it'll make it hard for him to rest, and the light of the emergency sign should be enough. Asue doesn't want to inconvenience someone who actually needs sleep, unlike it, and gives in.
>
>
> As darkness fills the room, Axley encounters an unexpected development; and immediately starts feeling on edge. The distant green light faintly reveals the shape of Asue's body, nestled into his, an image that only gets clearer as his eyes adjust. The same appears true for Asue, who starts to crawl a bit more upwards after getting its sight back. It's looking to get an embrace out of the doctor, but Axley is petrified and can't even get himself to blink.
>
> He was about to do something unbecoming to Asue earlier that evening, and now that it's back in bed with him, he's reminded of that.
>
>
> The face of his blond, affectionate worm is getting closer, but regardless how he feels, he won't let it end in tears this time and raises his arm again. It takes the invitation and parks on his shoulder. He gently rubs the back of its head as a sign of acceptance, which is really stupid and pointless, since it can't feel, but really, he's doing it for himself.
>
> Asue's head has been demoted to stress ball, but it's not disappointed by it. Based on its current position, it assumes the treasured, anticipated hug has been set in motion. It wraps its own free arm around Axley's skinny torso, prompting him to finally turn his head and acknowledge the head next to his. He nervously proclaims not to have meant to dump it, and his choice to leave wasn't because of anything it did. Asue has nothing to say to a long past incident that's irrelevant to the blissful moment it's experiencing now.
>
>
> Suddenly, Axley's face bumps into its. It's hard to see what's happening, though Asue tries. Axley's head is moving, yet not away from it, and is accompanied by sounds. It reminds Asue of eating.. and that one exhale he does when he's about to do something bad, but louder and more of it. Some movie scenes also come to mind, and since it's unlikely it's being cannibalized by its one and closest friend, it guesses this is the fabled "kiss".
>
> As it watches and listens on, taking it all in, Asue concludes Snow White was right about these. It has never felt this alive.
>
>
> Axley starts moving himself on top of Asue, causing its heart to skip many more beats. This sensation changes its expression into something he didn't think it had the facial muscles for. Though Asue only has the low quality media it consumed to refer back to, it kisses him back the best it's able to, and surprisingly doesn't make too many atypical motions. To Axley's dismay, though, it needs to keep its eyes open at all times in order to know where the both of them are and what's going on.
>
> It's the weirdest make-out session in history, but the hilarity of it is kinda helping him relax.
>
>
> Asue watches his every move and listens to every sound that follows. Sounds it's never heard the man utter before in the 1+ year they've known each other. The things being done to its body are surreal, but moreso is the face of its beloved Axley -the growing intensity of which it can't keep its eyes off of.
>
> Asue's smile widens, almost turning it unrecognizable. The uncharacteristic excitement, the crazed stare pointed at its lover, like its brain is experiencing a literal overload of stimuli. Sweet, precious Axley never looked this happy and vulnerable, and it was the reason.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 15: Asue's Contract Ends**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> Asue and Axley are an official couple and dialed the physical affection up to 1000. Since staff already found their interactions strange and aren't interested in spying on them, it's not picked up on and the two are allowed to live out their romantic sitcom.
>
>
> Nevertheless, Asue distracts him from the still unsolved problem that is its scheduled death, and is only reminded through Asue's changing mood. By having everything it ever wanted, it understands better than ever what death will take away, and a palpable gloominess grows. It cries when it thinks it's alone, and Axley's old habit of checking security footage has him bear witness to it.
>
> He feels foolish for sitting idly by and expecting Terneuzen to crawl back and surrender to his demands. Not only has he no reason to believe he won an argument where they were snapping at each other, he knows there won't be a happy ending regardless, since any positive verdict would just be another extension of the inevitable. Even so, more time was the only thing he could fight for right now. If Terneuzen couldn't do it, or didn't care, maybe going to court himself was the answer.
>
>
> Axley is feeling the pressure and tries to force an extension by boycotting their current project, causing another life form to crumble before completion. While nobody knows who to blame and Axley is not suspected by his team, Terneuzen isn't blind for the timing and can't help but look at him. He's spared from any scoldings, and instead, Terneuzen calls him to his office to report he hasn't been able to convince their partners; and Asue's incineration will go through as planned.
>
> Axley doesn't appreciate getting reminded and snarls him down, but Terneuzen is visibly tired of the same old fighting and asks him to leave. Axley runs off, but after a few seconds, returns to the office with Asue in hand.
>
>
> Like before, he demands him to look it in the eyes, a call to emotion Terneuzen is not interested in partaking. Axley demands again, stating Asue deserves this much after everything it's gone through. Terneuzen's tired gaze moves over to the figure standing in front of him. It looks like a young woman, wearing a lovely set of clothes, with woe on her face. It -or she- is nothing like the walking ghost house carcass he first knew it as.
>
> With Asue looking directly at him, Terneuzen sees what it has become. Dr. Foster was wrong. And yet, this realization changes nothing.
>
>
> Terneuzen looks somewhat regretful about it, but can only give them his apologies. Axley looks like he's about to burst, but takes Asue and storms out without saying a word.
>
>
> The stress of Asue's approaching last day is energy-draining and makes it hard for him to put any effort in his work. There's no scheme, plea, or legal loophole he can think of to save it. There's just no time left. Asue isn't pleased to see Axley like this and suggests he stops trying, so they may spend their last month together undisturbed and without regrets.
>
> Axley understands Asue's reasoning, and though letting the timer run out on them is not calming his nerves, he's willing to pretend for its sake.
>
>
> Every day and night, Axley won't let Asue out of his grip. Like conjoined twins, they might as well be merged together. It feeds his anger, worsens his heartache, and familiar unwise impulses -the same ones he had those many years ago- start taking over.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 16: Asue Elopes**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> BIRTH sounds the alarm after finding Axley and Asue missing just a handful of days before its scheduled incineration. The bio lab has traces of unauthorized use, cameras have been destroyed, tapes erased, and when looking at the overall mess that's been left behind, it's clear the doctor took off in quite the hurry.
>
>
> Fabian Axley is a talented man with a loose cannon attitude, who once before betrayed the trust of his employers. 25 years ago, when creating life was still frowned upon, he made a baby in his insatiable desire to be a father. Though it was deemed morally wrong and a highly punishable crime then, today it made him one of the most wanted scientists in the world.
>
> But as authorities and commoners wanted him persecuted, he fled and disappeared like a shadow in the sun. No one ever managed to find him; it was he himself who responded to BIRTH's call for his assistance.
>
>
> Now, BIRTH had to deal with a repeat of the past.
>
>
> Since Axley broke a consequential contract by abandoning the project, took their property, and an unknown creation no one knows the details of, it's deemed crucial to find him. The best of the best are sent after him, but he cannot be found, and once again, Axley beats the authorities.
>
> With the media oversensationalizing the incident and entertaining the prospect the notorious Axley might've created himself a beast for protection, Terneuzen struggles to keep BIRTH's partners and their donations. He won't allow for his reputation to crumble like this and tries to keep everyone's trust by not calling off the search.
>
>
> 5 long years pass, and Terneuzen receives an overseas tip he wouldn't have taken seriously if it were given at an earlier time, but he decides to look into in sheer desperation. It leads to the low quality camera footage of a small town supermarket that's only recently invested in this security measure. The Eastern European town has stayed unmapped throughout generations, and that fact alone spikes Terneuzen's interest.
>
> The colourless images show a skinny man who looks nothing like Axley. Nevertheless, his mannerisms, fashion style, and choice of food are notable, and the longer Terneuzen looks at the choppy, blurry figure, the more he wonders.
>
>
>
>
>
>

***CHAPTER 17: Asue and Axley**
 (Click "Expand" to read)>*

> The grass violently rustles and armed forces pop up from the ground, startling the man they believe to be Dr. Axley, busy hanging his laundry up to dry. Large guns force him in place, and Terneuzen too shows up to see and confirm for sure if this is the thief who left all of humanity to die.
>
>
> Terneuzen receives no response upon calling out his name, but doesn't need to, as the noise of the ambush sparks the interest of two people inside the quaint rural home. One is a woman Terneuzen knows all too well, but the child is a stranger. She looks alot like her supposed mother, but with small ears in a pronounced shape that resembles her father's. Knowing that the defect couldn't have given birth to the little girl, the only possibility left is that she's the unknown creation Axley took with him.
>
> Terneuzen is shocked to see the child and the officers too can barely keep their eyes off of her. It's been long ago since a human was born and children her age had become a rarity. Terneuzen's shock then bleeds into anger upon realizing Axley created a human being, by himself, in a small amount of time -effort he didn't put in when it mattered.
>
>
> He turns to the officers to remind them Asue has permission to die and to confiscate the girl, but Axley has already joined his family before he can finish the sentence. Since the doctor is ordered to stand trial, no one may open fire on him and he's allowed to escape inside the house. Terneuzen follows after him, despite the instructions of the officers, and confronts him inside.
>
>
> Axley looks visibly caught off-guard and has not prepared himself for the possibility he'd get found. With nothing else to do, he stands in front of his wife and daughter and starts to beg. To see the self-righteous troublemaker and jokester in tears and humble himself is an odd sight, but Terneuzen is stern as ever and not interested in discussing anything but the facts. He proclaims the two are his property and he's broken his obligations to BIRTH.
>
> Axley pleads again and expresses this to be all he's ever wanted in life. Terneuzen barks he's not the only one and has no excuse for his actions.
>
>
> Axley continues to sob with a misty-eyed Asue pressed against his body, their clueless child sitting between them, struggling to keep her composure amongst the ruckus as well. They look like a normal family getting terrorized.
>
> Wanting to dilute the drama, Terneuzen asks all officers to wait outside under the guise of wanting to share sensitive information with his ex-worker. They don't think it's wise to leave him alone, but he argues Axley wouldn't commit a crime that doesn't benefit him and they've already got him surrounded. The men join the others, already stationed at every exit of the house, and Terneuzen turns to Axley.
>
>
> He expresses willingness to drop all charges in exchange for his return to BIRTH. Since the deal does not include Asue and their daughter, Axley acts like it was never offered and repeats he wishes to be left alone. Terneuzen snarls if he's more interested in playing house than saving the entire human race, to which Axley mutters they can do without him. He huffs at the selfish comment and remarks he's leaving behind an empty world for his daughter to grow up in, but Axley isn't swayed by his guilt-tripping, since it's already been announced his daughter will be taken away. Terneuzen clarifies she'll be granted life if proven fully functional and thinks Axley should take the deal if he truly cares about his family. But with Asue again not included in the picture, Terneuzen might as well said nothing.
>
>
> He watches the weeping couple. Asue whispers indistinct compromises to the stubborn Axley, which only strengthens his grip around its body.
>
>
> It shouldn't impress him, but there was a recognizable tragedy in all of this. The uncertainty of the future was pressing hard on society. Happiness was hard to obtain, and even harder to let go of. The latter required the kind of empathy that's become lost on many, and Terneuzen himself wasn't blind for the way he's conducted himself throughout his career.
>
> People were dying in droves, not only from old age, but by stress-induced illnesses, nihilistic murderers, religiously motivated defeatism, and the more conventional suicide attempts. So, when was it time to let an almost elderly man go and enjoy his long overdue life? Axley's brushed-up appearance didn't hide his faded youth, and unlike Terneuzen, he's never had someone to return home to. Seeing this man, his faux wife, and lab-made child, it saddened him how enviable it was.
>
> Terneuzen knew very well that it didn't make sense how they kept him tied to "budgets" and "contracts" -concepts that will automatically lose their power the moment the last human breathes their last breath, regardless if they succeed at creating a race to replace them.
>
>
> ..Because, who's to say if these neo-humans will adapt their rules? Maintain their cities? Value anything they've built? Ingrained intelligence is a helpful feature that prevents an organism from dying a clumsy death, but it does not come with an objective moral compass. Objective morality is impossible to recreate, as no regular human on Earth has the same interests and viewpoints, which is why different cultures exist in the first place.
>
>
> Terneuzen couldn't help but wonder.. what was the point of all this.
>
>
> What's the point of anything if every one of them dies miserably and unfulfilled. What's the point of hunting down this one single failed experiment if that failed experiment is docile and able to maintain itself. He had his suspicions back then; but the dishes on the living room table confirmed that Axley had some work done on Asue. It was able to eat.
>
> It cost no one any money anymore and it belonged to no one that wanted to keep it, this was solely a legal pursuit. A legal pursuit ordered by a court that represented Terneuzen's wishes, but in truth, moreso represented the wishes of the richest people on Earth. Laws, money, and his own pride created this manhunt, things that would soon become obsolete.
>
> Axley had to already know both he and his child are too valuable to kill or subject to harsh punishment. It was Asue he was fighting for. The completion of his family, his dream.
>
>
> Terneuzen looks at Axley's arms, shielding the homunculus, the muscles of which never stopped tightening themselves. Only a dumb defect could love a man like him, couldn't it. Outside of his scientific accomplishments, what did this criminal have that he could swoon a respectable woman with? An uncharitable view Terneuzen couldn't disperse from his mind. He wanted to hate the people standing in front of him, but it just tired him out.
>
>
> Even if Asue were to succumb to its shortcomings, how was that anyone's problem. In fact, it would solve the problem.
>
>
> BIRTH will likely fail without Axley. BIRTH might not.
>
>
> He was so tired.
>
>
> The officers waiting outside are unsettled by the silence, and it isn't helping that the front door was kept ajar, but in the end, they were deployed on behalf of BIRTH, so if Terneuzen wished to be left alone, they could only advise against it and stand by.
>
> They were given some reassurance by the fact the small stone house was located in the puszta, there was no way their targets could escape without being seen, so it was unlikely they'd pull any stupid moves.. Then, they hear three gun shots.
>
> The men hurry over, but before they can go inside, Terneuzen appears. He informs the crew that Axley has killed his family and himself, and a gas-enduced fire trap has been set in motion. Everyone escapes the area, and in the far distance, they watch the house violently burst into flames. The fields of high grass aren't helping, and the fire department is notified to bring an end to the growing destruction of the land.
>
>
> The crime scene is examined. No human remains are found, but as the entire interior of the home has disintegrated, no one finds it suspicious and Axley is pronounced dead. BIRTH suffers a great loss with Axley and the child, causing investors to lose faith in the company. Even so, the incident sparks an important conversation that people before could only hypothesize about, concerning the value of synthetic humans. When are they deemed human enough to receive rights? While some consider Axley a creepy, insane coward who murdered his "toys" the moment he got caught by police, others see a tragedy in his story and think humanity is leading itself to an unflattering finale by not letting people live out their harmless fantasies in their last moments on Earth.
>
> Whether Axley's story will loosen the quality check on artificial life is something that needs to be seen, but is a potential outcome Terneuzen is wholly indifferent about.
>
>
> Back in his office, he mentally prepares himself for the work that needs to be done, if only because of his own mistakes. He takes out a gun from his drawer and looks at it -like he's done many times before. But he can't do it. There was still so much he needed to do, and if he wasn't going to do it, who in this cursed world would. His moment of weakness with Axley was the only time he fired that thing, he liked to keep it that way.
>
> He wondered what they would've done if the officers hadn't listened and went inside to check. He wondered what would've happened if the explosion wasn't big enough to distract them or even function as a cover. But, there was no point in wasting your time thinking about something that didn't happen. Back to work.
>
>
> He hoped that fool Axley was enjoying his retirement and he'd never have to see his face on some cheap webcam footage again.
>
>
>
>
>
>

## BIRTH and the Creat1.0nist explained

**The "Boston Intelligence Researchers and Technicians Headquarters"** is an organization that focussed itself on bioengineering government approved subjects, like insects and rodents, for educational purposes.

Being small with no reputation to lose, they were the first American organization to ask approval for creating artificial humans -a bold move they made at the right moment, when desperation was at a global high.

Talented and interested outsiders joined their team, and a machine was built, called **the "Creat1.0nist"**; a relatively compact device that is able to assemble a body or any desired body part with as much or as little DNA believed necessary. For example, it has the ability to recreate an organ, yet have it consist out of elements that made it look the part, without the genetic code to make it act the part. It's also possible to replace certain features and thus "improve" the organ.

The Creat1.0nist is also special in that the organism it holds inside continues to stay malleable, like clay, and alterations can be made until it's believed stable for survival. Whether the body actually is, is something the machine cannot deduce for its handlers; and years of work can be made undone in an instant if too many matters haven't been taken into account. When released, the body tends to "harden", making certain additions no longer possible if not taken care of prior.

It can also happen that DNA conflicts with each other, or there's not enough to qualify the target as a living being at all, turning it into an ominous puddle of gore the moment it's freed. Regardless, the Creat1.0nist appears pretty lenient with smart handlers and can easily grant life to a mostly inorganic creature, though its survival is not guaranteed.

BIRTH has long tried to build a human being using real human DNA, though humanity's infertility proved to be part of a larger issue. Human DNA has weakened tremendously throughout the generations and is no longer strong enough to build anything new with, just to maintain what already exists. There are multiple theories going around on the odd logic and workings of it, but one thing experts eventually agree on is that it can never be fixed and artificial life is the only solution to allowing the human race to continue on in some way -whether in the form of a computer, intelligent non-human, or otherwise.

Despite having many talented people under their belt, not until the controversial Dr. Axley was welcomed in did BIRTH succeed at creating a stable humanoid body. The genetic code he designed makes out nearly a quarter of Compound 73A-SU3, and appears to cover so many crucial basics, it allowed for his colleagues to abandon its development without it succumbing to its incompletion.

## Characters

### Compound 73A-SU3

"Compound 73A-SU3", called "Asue" by Dr. Axley, is a synthetically constructed human being. It has the appearance of someone in their 20s.

It's BIRTH's 73rd attempt at creating life and their first stable specimen thanks to Dr. Axley. In their excitement, its development was aborted early for the chance to examine it, but this decision caused it to awaken unresponsive. Staff showed it little rest and patience, except for Axley, who was disturbed by his colleagues' behaviour and their rushing of the project. He demanded respect and basic human needs for the vegetated homunculus, but not until this proved to produce results were these officially implemented. Though it didn't seem like Asue recognized Axley's kindness, or could, it became quickly attached to him and would convey as much, even in its compromised state.

Since its conception, Axley saw a female in Asue and couldn't help but address it as "she" -something he fully committed to after a month or so.

Nearing its last educational stages, Asue begins to feel miserable over its incompletion, knowing it'll never be properly human. It was made no secret BIRTH planned to replaced it with an improved specimen and Asue knew it ran on borrowed time, but not until Axley returned its love did it grieve its fate.

### Dr. Axley

Dr. Fabian Axley is an employee of BIRTH and the main reason Compound 73A-SU3 came to be. He is between the age of 50 and 60 years old.

Axley has simple desires and a very ordinary sense of humor for a man of his IQ. He's a diligent worker in many ways and was one of the few team members who expressed disapproval for aborting Asue's development. When it awakened, he felt disturbed by its locked-in symptoms, but also the constant harassment it suffered at the hands of his overly eager colleagues.

Despite knowing it couldn't perceive or needed certain things, he wanted Asue to learn what it's like to be human the best their environment allowed.

He used to work for a different organization, but was ironically fired for using their resources to successfully create a child with, using his own DNA with synthetic one. He raised this baby as his own in secret for 2 years, until his employers became suspicious and confiscated what they believed was theirs. While he was shunned for his work back then, his reputation earned him a call from BIRTH 25 years later.

Axley told Asue not to know what happened to his son, but fears he was disposed of, as his synthetic half might've not made him a human being under the law and thus not entitled to protection.

He loved the child and it stung him he couldn't be a father, though admits no woman ever showed interest in him in the first place and he's lived his entire adult life by himself. Asue's affection was a new experience for him and he long assumed it was platonic.

Axley has a bit of a starved, dishevelled look to him and it's made apparent he hasn't lived in comfort after his "crime" came to light. Religious and humanitarian groups were so disgusted by his practises, it forced him to actively go into hiding for at least 10 years. Where he lived and what he did in that time is wholly unknown, though there's a slight insinuation that both Russia and China sought out his help long before BIRTH did, but Axley declined to team up for unspecified reasons.

Since he has a strong moral compass, despite his past and the assumptions one can make, it could be the case that these countries had even less rules set in place to ensure fair treatment towards test subjects.

Despite his rough appearance, Axley is a generous and empathetic man. He wants to believe in happy endings and the good of humanity, yet his occasional listless, distant staring implies he's a pessimistic nihilist faking it. Nevertheless, the birth of Asue allowed him to do what he truly enjoys and wanted in life; to care for another living being and have his company be appreciated.

Though he's undeniably brilliant and important to the preservation of mankind, he is also somewhat of a loose cannon who'll choose his own needs and wants in the end. He'd again create a baby in secret and flee with Asue, leaving the fate of humanity in the hands of less capable people so he may live out his dream of having a family.

Axley has dark eyes, a large nose, large stretched ears, messy, brownish-orange hair with some faded and grey hairs throughout, and a beard in the same colour.

### Dr. Foster

Dr. Carl Foster is the head psychiatrist of BIRTH. He is nearing the age of 80.

He and his team were hired to test the intelligence and overall mental capabilities of any surviving test subject, with Asue being his first assignment. He presents himself as a stern and uncaring person, not at all reflective of his many accolades and patients who have been cured thanks to his efforts.

He suffers from severe depression and has taken on a defeatist mentality in his old age. He doesn't like Dr. Axley much, though it's nothing personal and Foster merely prefers a "joyless" workplace atmosphere; believing this is the right mindset to have to push everyone into working harder and more seriously on this important project.

He didn't see a real human being in Asue, and feeling his precious time was being wasted by it, he turned violent towards his student and didn't care to hide it from Terneuzen after getting caught on camera.

After sharing his thoughts with him and realizing his lifelong devotion to helping others left him lonely with nothing to return home to, he committed suicide, which Terneuzen covered up in order not to lower his staff's morale.

Foster was Terneuzen's only companion at BIRTH and the two often met up to talk, though whether or not they considered each other friends stayed unexplored.

Foster is wrinkly, has short grey hair, thinning eyebrows, and hazel eyes. He has a preference for sweaters, even when it's hot outside.

### Dr. Terneuzen

Dr. Mark Terneuzen (*pronounced: "Ter-noew-sen"*) is a renowned scientist and the leader of BIRTH. He is between the age of 50 and 60 years old.

He's the story's pseudo-antagonist in the sense he's stern and abides to the rules, which are not in favour of preserving Asue. He's the one thing that stands in the way of Asue and Dr. Axley's happiness, yet Terneuzen is not unsympathetic -rather someone who's under tremendous pressure and knows that in a world where the elderly are becoming the majority, BIRTH can't waste their time and resources.

He's good at enforcing order inside a company that has to answer to high expectations, and keeping its critically demotivated employees from staying at home. He's remained closely involved with BIRTH's assignment and did not leave any sector unsupervised, though has not felt supported by his staff in this, who more often than not keep to themselves and rarely report potentially important matters.

He has no friends in the workplace, though he and Dr. Foster talk alot. They have much in common, though Terneuzen has a different way of expressing his emotions and is more professional. Like Foster, he too suffers from depression, but is driven by the responsibility that comes as BIRTH's boss and enjoys the company of his wife at home, helping him not entertain the kind of decisions Dr. Foster would eventually succumb to.

Generally speaking, Terneuzen is respected by his surroundings, with Axley being only one of the few with a visible disdain for him. They don't like each other much, but he's tried to grant him leniency in the hopes of keeping him loyal. These slivers of kindness were not recognized by Axley, who wished for a solution to his concerns, not a delay to the inevitable. Despite everything, Terneuzen respects him for his work and stands by his side when it matters.

While he wanted Asue gone, it proved hard for him to go through with it in the end. He would frequently check security footage, and allowed for Axley to use BIRTH's resources to adjust Asue's body, though wasn't entirely sure what their late night visits were for, since Axley obstructed the cameras and its footage.

Despite turning a blind eye to this criminal offense, he didn't plan on setting Asue free without official permission and wasn't hopeful that would come, making this one of the strangest decisions he's made.

After the government insisted Asue should be killed, Terneuzen agreed without fighting the verdict, yet his views on Asue had already changed and this would lead him sparing the lab-made wife and child of his runaway doctor. Axley's desire of wanting a family and Foster's suicide over never having had one called on his emotions like no other issue has, and though it's of small importance in the grand scheme of things, he chose to jeopardize mankind's fate by letting the world's best bioengineer escape and live out his last years leading a simple life that's become intangible to so many.

Terneuzen has a slightly sturdy, but average build, neat black hair, dark eyes, thick eyebrows, and often wears a suit.

## Gallery

**Fullbody image of Asue, unclothed.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Asue watching Axley.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Axley praising Asue for having dressed itself. Properly.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Axley having a great time with Asue.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Axley, Asue, and child.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Shaved Axley.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Asue looking like an unsuspicious woman.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Asue looking like an unsuspicious woman.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)***Asue looking like an unsuspicious woman.**
 *(Wiki upload, 2023)*
## Trivia

* Axley and Asue's initially planned designs drew heavy inspiration from the human Lorax and The Once-ler from The Lorax reboot;
	+ Axley's last name is a remnant of this;
	+ The first codenames entertained for Asue were variants of Once-ler's real name, like "73RON" and "73-RON-S".
* Axley's ears and nose are stolen from VampireMeerkat's brother-in-law, I hope he hates it.
* Axley is vegan on principle.
* Axley has a slight New York accent.
* Axley is extremely ticklish.
* Asue learned Axley's first name very late in time;
	+ He hasn't heard anyone say his name since leaving college and stopped introducing himself as Fabian.