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The room you step into is small and heavily decorated. There is little space to move about in, and considering that a large, slightly intimidating creature is occupying the majority of the floor, you are forced to linger in the doorway. Your eyes focus on a small sign above, which brandishes a few words in tiny font: Draik 97: Muirin Kendrayall Xhep
My name is 97, a suprisingly soft voice states. You must be guest?

Official name: Draik 97, Muirin Kendrayall Xhep
Nickname/preferred name: 97
Species: Draik
Gender: Male
Age: Less than a year old
Origin of birth: DARK Industries

You nod a little too eagerly, glancing around out of nervousness.
Sit down if you'd prefer, he tells you, and you hastily perch yourself on a ragged piece of cloth. The draik hands you a bean bag, worn and old, dropping it in front of your feet. Take this too; I apologise for... the accommodation is certainly lacking. He doesn't smile, or show anything other than disinterest, yet as he stumbles on his words, he furrows his brow in frustration. I don't often have guests over, though I have a friend who helps keep my cave clean. The word cave seems stretched, as the room is nothing more than an uninviting prison cell. He clearly doesn't entertain often, so you try to assist him. Your eyes look down to the purple collar that snugly hangs around his neck, and 97 nods, allowing you to look into his memories.

A hooded figure stood firmly in front of the DARK Industries employee. Their face was not visible, though this didn't bother the worker. In a place like this, you HAD to keep your identity secret. News reporters and journalists were always trying to blow the company's cover, and if customers were caught, it would be very difficult to help them out.
How long will it take? said the stranger, keeping monotonic. The employee continued to type away at his computer.
Well, it depends how pure your blood actually is-
How DARE you, you filthy little-! The hood dropped down from the customer's head. A flustered female draik gasped, pawing at her cloak. She was in her sixties it seemed, though the employee had not gained a good enough glance to truly know. She was very pretty for her age, but it was obvious that she had fallen under difficult times; the bags under her eyes dominated her slender face. I apologise, she said, her voice barely a whisper. I assure you- The draik looked down at the employee's badge, Harry', that our blood is as pure as it can get. Muirin has infected it, and she must be disposed of. Harry nodded, looking below at her hands in embarrassment. It was then that he noticed how much she was shaking.
Well, I can't give you a definite answer until we take a look at her DNA, but usually, this process takes no more than three weeks. Although he could no longer see her face, the draik raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Three weeks? I hope that the shortness of the creation does not compromise the result. I have already told you that I am willing to pay more for the highest of quality. Harry nodded with understanding.
I know that madam, but the amount of money does not affect the end result. We stand by our creations, and I can assure you, on Mr Arbisson's behalf, that you will be one hundred percent satisfied. The draik swiftly nodded once.
Very well. When do you expect payment? She began to withdraw a purse from her cloak.
We take payment before the creation, funding the research and time that goes into the result. Harry hungrily eyed the money the draik was now holding. She counted it out, twice to make sure, and handed it to the employee.
In case there are any problems… The draik slipped him even more neopoints to a grateful Harry.
Don't worry madam, there won't be. He nodded at her, bowing a little as she exited the building. Once she had left, Harry counted out the total money. She could have commissioned four assassins with the neopoints she had provided him with, which was definitely the most generous tip he had ever received. Still, he was forced to record it into the computer, and he knew that he wouldn't even see half of it again. The phone beside him began to ring. Good afternoon, DARK Industries, Harry speaking. How may I help you?

A thin, elderly techo examined a piece of DNA through a large microscope. His hair was minimal, and his face was weathered with the complexity of his job.
Laura, get over here, he hissed, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. Laura, the training lupe, hurried beside her mentor, curious to know what had caused his outburst.
Yes sir?
Look, look, look at this! He stepped aside, his whole body shaking in either excitement or fear. Laura apprehensively looked into the lens and gasped.
What is this? she asked, her voice a high whine. She fell back in surprise.
That is our newest target, he whispered, glancing around for anyone that might over hear him.
You mean we're going to try and clone this thing?! Laura shook her head in disbelief. You know what that would mean, how much time that would take, how much money we would need. The techo nodded, worry spreading across his face.
As it happens, the commissioner has deposited more than enough money for the creation to begin. It may just provide us with enough-
Don't be so naïve! Laura yelled, turning a few heads in the laboratory. Sir, I've learnt enough from you to know that this DNA is impossible to work with. She must be from a race as strong as… oh, I don't know, the Kendrayall Xheps? Laura began to laugh at the thought of it, but immediately stopped as her eyes connected with her mentor's. Do not tell me she is a Kendrayall Xhep. The techo nodded, his face now mutual.
I have checked, double checked, and triple checked. The Kendrayall Xheps have dwindled, but a few remain, this target being one of them. It's our job, Laura, so don't start making excuses. If anyone can, we can. Laura bit her lip, nodded lightly, and stumbled back to her work station. They were about to create a monster, and there was little that anyone could do to stop it.

The creation process began the very next day. Even without such a promiscuous investor the cloning of a pet wasn't quick and simple, and with the added pressure of a such a strong bloodline, there was no time for time wasting.
At DARK industries, the hours of each scientist differed. After a finished clone, the scientists involved would be required to take a week off to allow them to relax, whilst keeping themselves mentally sharp. There were never any exceptions to this rule since the The Situation of '06, when an overworked scientist had failed to spot a malfunction in a clone, which resulted in one less employee, and a very bloated skeith.
However, this rule was simply "forgotten" where the Xhep clone was concerned. It was ordered by Mr Arbisson himself that all other projects were to be put on hold (unless they were in the last development stages) to allow every scientist to contribute to such a foolish challenge. While many were unable to feel motivated about the amount of work it would include, Dennis Arbisson was sure that they could succeed.

PROJECT 377C: Muirin KENDRAYALL XHEP
ATTEMPT 1
It was expected that all would not go as planned on the first attempt of XHEP. However, the first result was a surprise to us all. When the cellular modification began, the DNA provided of the target simply disappeared. It was thought to be the fault of an apprentice, but after closer inspection, it was confirmed that the DNA sample was no longer under our observation. Although there is no clear answer to as why this happened, we have various physicists working on a possible theory.
Already, the target is proving to be harder than we ever imagined. The cost of such a project seems to be infinite at this time, though Mr Arbisson insists that the clone will be created eventually.

PROJECT 377C: Muirin KENDRAYALL XHEP
ATTEMPT 5
Attempt 5 is the closest we have got to the beginning the cloning process. We have managed to separate the necessary cells used in our operations, yet on removal, the cells deteriorated in remarkable speed. Under normal circumstances, the removed cells can last up to three hours without the need of containing them, yet these of the target were rendered useless in a matter of minutes. This provides another problem for our scientists, as none of them are able to perform the operation in just a few minutes time. Efforts are being made to try and expand the life of the cells using man made materials, though so far they are proving useless.

PROJECT 377C: Muirin KENDRAYALL XHEP
ATTEMPT 12
The embryo of XHEP has finally been created, though it is unknown how long it will last. There have been various difficulties along the way, but it seems that our scientists are progressing well. The embryo is currently the size of a pin head, and we expect it to grow to the size of a pea in a few days. However, considering the problems we have encountered so far, it is unlikely XHEP 12 will survive that long before destroying itself.

PROJECT 377C: Muirin KENDRAYALL XHEP
ATTEMPT 97
XHEP 97 is to be the last of our productions, as so ruled by Mr Arbisson. The amount of money spent on this clone has far exceeded anyone's expectations, and yet we still have not achieved the desired outcome. XHEP 97 is consumed in inconsistencies and imperfections, though it has been decided that his final product will be the assassin. No matter how hard our scientists work, the process from the start has been filled with disaster, and we have had to admit that we cannot improve our attempts past 97; it would be a waste of resources and time. To ensure that XHEP 97 is competent for the job assigned, it will undergo extensive indoctrination sessions to enhance its desire to kill. It is currently unknown how much memory and experience XHEP 97 has retained from the original subject, so it is essential that this should be tested once the clone has finished developing.

Three weeks didn't seem like a large amount of time, but for each scientist involved in working on Draik 97, it seemed like an eternity. Overtime was a thing of the past; working till you collapsed with exhaustion had become the norm (though you couldn't argue with the generous pay). Now, stood in front of them all was the toil of their labours. In an unbreakable glass container stood a draik on its hind legs, supported by chains and wires. It slept peacefully in the tank, its eyelids flickering as it dreamt, and staring at it in awe and adoration were over forty DARK employees. Some of the females wiped tears from their eyes, whilst the males patted each other on the back. Once the embryo had been created successfully, Draik 97 had grown with remarkable speed. In only a few days, it had skipped child development, and it had become a large 'teen' draik soon after. Today was the big day; the release. It wasn't normally a big deal, but considering the blood, sweat and tears that had gone into the clone, it was an important day for DARK Industries, and especially for Mr Dennis Arbisson. Dennis stood in front of the excited crowd, a content but stern look upon his face.
My friends! You have become like a family to me over the years I have known you all. When a Kendrayall Xhep first stepped into our establishment, I knew that I could trust you all to succeed. Blood line problems are a thing of the past; the future is DARK Industries! He raised his hands in a dramatic gesture, the applause of the employees bouncing off the walls. Draik 97's ears twitched. It has been a gruelling three weeks,
Here here! called a scientist, and everyone broke into laughter. Dennis signalled for silence.
It has been a gruelling three weeks, yet the end product was created. Xhep lives and breathes in our establishment, because of our dedication! Another round of applause erupted, though it wasn't filled with as much enthusiasm as before. The word 'our' seemed to sting several employees. It may have been Dennis's company that had allowed them to carry out the process, but it hadn't been the man himself, and to take credit for such a difficult operation seemed selfish. And now, my family, I am honoured to release our creation. Attempt 97, Kendrayall Xhep! Everyone seemed to hold their breath as Dennis pressed the release button on Draik 97's container. The wires that bound him to the tank coiled away, and the chains around his neck and legs unclasped. The creature collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. Its eyes flickered and opened cautiously, its nose scrunching in annoyance as the bright light of the lab overpowered its senses. He lives!

The draik woke, feeling woozy and sick. Once he had emerged from the container, he had experienced many different forms of testing as it seemed that the scientists still expected their hard work to fail due to some small technicalities. He was unconscious for the most part, and had evidently been locked up in a small cell once they had finished with him. He scowled at the light, and covered his eyes with his paws in an attempt to stop his burning headache.
Xhep? The draik looked up ruefully into the eyes of the apprentice lupe, Laura. How you feeling? She smiled weakly, bending down outside his cell. The draik, who didn't like the sound of the name Xhep, attempted speech, but his voice was scratchy and sore. Don't worry about answering back. Most creations find themselves unable to in the first few days. It's just a side effect of the testing. She stood up, produced a key from her pocket, and unlocked the barred door. Now, we're going to give you your first lesson, kay? It won't take long, and it doesn't require you to think too much. Laura stepped inside the cell. The draik looked at her curiously, but his eyes were drawn to a large metal collar and chain that was perched in her left hand. He tried to step back with fear, but the lupe was too quick. She fastened the collar around his neck, and attached the chain tightly. Don't struggle Xhep, I'm not gonna hurt ya. The draik wriggled against the constraints, but now that the collar was on, it would stay that way. That's yours now. You'll wear it until your job is complete. She tugged gently on the chain, and the draik was made to follow behind her. If he had the strength to resist, he would have easily done so. He was almost as tall as her when stood on all fours, so it would have been too simple just to tackle her to the floor. However, the draik was less than 24 hours old (technically speaking), and he was still very weak from such little life experience. Instead, he followed obediently behind the lupe, watching his large feet as he did so.
Is that him?
Too right. And I've been assigned to indoctrinate him. How cool is that? The draik looked up to see Laura talking with a large jetsam who stared at her with awe and jealousy.
Ain't fair that. I never get anything good. Anyway, let's see your clearance card. Laura showed him a small card, and he nodded, slapping her on the shoulder. Have fun Laura. I bet if you do well, you'll get a promotion! The jetsam laughed as Laura blushed, and she pulled harshly on the chain. The draik, caught unawares, made a small yelp as he hurried behind her. However, something didn't seem right to him. His legs were stinging, and he found it hard to walk on them. He forced a barking sound from his sore throat, and Laura turned to him, worry on her face.
Oh geeze, what's up Xhep? Please let it be something silly… The draik held out his front right leg and began to lick it, trying to indicate to her what the problem was. On sight, he realised that the colour had changed since had been asleep. Where the rest of his body was a dark grey, all of his legs were a raw red. Ah, right. Thank goodness. It's just where the chains rubbed against your skin when you were being contained. I'll get Al to see to that. Hurry up, we're already late. She wiped her brow with relief, and tried in vain to get the draik to walk faster. The pain in his legs wasn't getting any better with an impatient lupe yanking him every few seconds, and he found himself experiencing a strange sensation. His whole body was heating with his emotion, and without warning, the draik whipped his tail sharply across the back of Laura's legs.

Music began to blare through the draik's head. He lifted his heavy eyelids with shock to see a large, digital screen hung on the wall in front of him. He tried to move himself, but it seemed that he was strapped down to some device. He couldn't turn his head, and his legs were pinned back to his body. The draik tried to call out for help, but his voice was still maturing, and he doubted anyone would hear him over the noise. Suddenly, an image appeared on the screen. The draik couldn't look at anything but the screen, so the image filled his brain with questions. It consisted of a pretty purple draik who looked amazingly familiar. She had short stylish hair, markings across her body, and she was adorned in various gold jewels. The draik didn't understand who she was, or the purpose of her being there, but it was interesting just to watch her. She moved in slow motion, smiling at someone behind the camera as she rolled on the grass. The music that played along to the clip had been forgotten by the draik now; all he could do was stare at the girl.
This is Muirin, bellowed an intimidating voice through invisible speakers. This is Muirin. This is Muirin. This is Muirin. This is Muirin. The draik's eyes flittered with fatigue. As he drifted off to sleep, an image and name remained in his mind; Muirin the pretty purple draik.

Draik 97 stepped outside for the first time. His senses were overwhelmed by new smells, sounds, and sights, and his paws shook on the gravelly ground. The tests performed on him the previous day were of little help now; the scientists hadn't anticipated that the world would be foreign to him. The only existence this clone knew was the atmosphere of laboratory after laboratory.
The creature stood perfectly still, unsure what to do next. He had been given an hour to explore the 'back garden' of DARK Industries, and he wanted to make the most of his freedom. His unblemished mind was asking question after question, yet there was no one around to answer them. The draik took a wobbly step forward, weary of the future ahead of him. His large, clumsy paws crunched upon the ground. He bent his head to the gravel, staring with excitement at the tiny rocks that made up the path. The draik stood straight once more, sniffing the air curiously. He wasn't familiar with many smells, yet this one seemed inviting and friendly. It triggered a motion in his body, causing his stomach to growl with hunger. He peered down at his chest. That noise had come from him? He was unsure what that meant, but ultimately, it was the first time he had experienced hunger. Ignoring it, too enthralled in the colourful countryside around him, the draik began to stride forward confidently, though his legs were causing him unnecessary pain. It wasn't the first time that they had ached, but he ignored that for now; the songs of birds in the distance was too distracting to worry about pain. He closed his eyes as a light breeze blew against his face, cooling him down. His tail swished lightly from side to side in enjoyment, and his paws flexed themselves against the new found grass. His whole body was reacting to the fresh air, and he couldn't help but feel refreshed and healthy. Shaking himself, the draik felt a quiver on his back. Glancing curiously over his shoulder, he noticed a set of strong wings, something he hadn't thought about before. They twitched with anticipation, and though he didn't know what they were for, the draik knew they were going to be useful. He turned back to the fields of soft grass, and began to trot, getting used to using all four legs. It was awkward at first, and he fell to the ground a few times, but Draik 97 managed to synchronise his legs to an extent. As he gathered up speed, he felt a rush of adrenaline course through his body. It blocked out the rising pain in his legs, and he felt as if he could never stop running. Closing his eyes, the draik eased into a gallop. A sharp blow to his front right leg sent the creature flying towards the ground. He tumbled on the dirt and rocks, which had soon replaced the grass, and fell head first into a shimmering lake. For a split second, the draik's world went black. Underwater, he couldn't see anything, and his legs screamed with pain. His chest was filling with water, and he could feel his weight pulling him down. He had never experienced anything like it. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't navigate properly, and all he wanted to do was cry out in agony. His eyes were accommodating to the water, though the rest of his body wasn't. The draik could feel himself sinking, deeper and deeper. The panic he was experiencing disappeared as the pain became more intense. Death was coming closer, and his whole body relaxed. Still, the creature's eyes managed to focus on an animal in front of him. It had four legs, and was using them to propel itself forward, its tail aiding its abilities. The draik's instincts clicked instantly. His tail became a large oar as he kicked himself forward, forcing himself through the oppression of the water. His wings automatically flapped, and he found himself breaking through the water's surface. The clone hovered above the water for several seconds, before collapsing onto the muddy bank beside him. The draik's chest was rising and falling heavily, oxygen flooding his lungs. His legs stung with the salt of the lake, and his whole body ached with the gratitude of being alive. Struggling to sit up, the draik sat beside the water, looking into it with fear. It washed up gracefully against his paws, unaware of its near victim. The draik looked carefully into the water, staring at something that had caught his eye; his reflection. He examined himself carefully, trying to take in everything about his appearance. His eyes focused on something in particular, which seemed to contrast again his dark skin. Around his neck hung a purple collar, attached to a large, grey device. Draik 97 squinted, certain that it had something of interest on it. Even though he had had to teach himself how to run, and how he didn't know how to use his wings, the draik possessed the ability to read. He attempted to read out the writing, but his throat was sore with salt water. In his mind, he knew what the writing was, and he was happy to finally have a name that sounded right; 97.

Over the next few weeks, 97 was subjected to many indoctrination sessions. They began with just the same image of Muirin, but in time, they grew to contain different commentaries. The speaker told of Muirin's supposed 'sinful' ways, and how she deserved any punishment she got. 97 wasn't really sure what to make of this new development, because he had grown fond of the idea of Muirin, a carefree draik who knew how to have fun. Still, after each session, 97 was questioned by Laura. The questions were always the same: who is Muirin? Do you like Muirin? Do you want to hurt Muirin? He didn't know what the point of the sessions were, but they did him no harm as long as he cooperated. Besides, the company expected very little of him, and he didn't want to anger them in anyway.

Wake up Xhep, rise and shine! 97 yawned, opening one eye lazily. It was Laura. Time to choose your hobby! He glanced at her hand; the chain was ready and waiting. He hauled himself up, barely wincing at his routinely sore legs, and stood beside the door to allow Laura to make her way in. She smiled, clipped the chain to his collar, and pulled him forwards. Since the day he had attacked her in anger, she had been a lot more forceful, never frightened to smack him or yank the chain if he so much as lagged behind. He hurried towards her, forcing a smile at her. Still, his brows furrowed with confusion.
Hobby? he asked with curiosity. His throat had quickly recovered, and he had begun to talk. The word 'begun' was essential. With a normal clone, all memories, experiences and knowledge were active from the target. When 97 should have inherited all of Muirin's memories, he was instead 'born' as a baby neopet is; no life experience. The scientists involved could find no way of changing it, and because of this, 97 started life with a clean slate. He still seemed to remember the basic instincts of life, yet his vocabulary was very poor. He often had to ask what even simple words meant, which resulted in limited verbal responses, and a short temper of any who was around him.
Hobby? It means an activity that you enjoy. Laura looked back at him to see if he understood her explanation; it seemed he had. He nodded, his face lost in thought. Laura held her breath as she knew what was coming next.
Why? Laura chuckled. It was his catch phrase.
Because Xhep, you need to stay happy. She yanked the chain again as a subtle way of telling him to be quiet, and took him down to one of many perfectly white rooms. This place was new, because he didn't recognise the yurble stood in front of him.
Welcome Xhep. My name is Doctor Roberts, and I'm here to let you choose a hobby. 97 nodded with confidence. He understood the word now, and he was rather excited about it all. Now, there are various things behind me. Just look at them, and choose the one that interests you the most. 97 opened his mouth to ask a question, but was interrupted by Roberts. Don't ask any questions. Just take a look, and see which you want. Laura whispered something to the yurble, who laughed winked at her. 97 felt himself scowling. He disliked the lupe more and more, and the thought of her laughing at him made him angry. He ignored this feeling, and padded over to a small table adorned with a mixture of items and supplies.

You look at the draik with pity, and fear. Its story isn't exactly heart warming, yet you're not sure that it can be trusted. A genetically enginereed creature created for purpose of murder? It doesn't seem entirely safe to be alone in its presence, yet you're intrigued to know the rest of its tale.


Likes • Vaidao the plushie korbat • Painting, art in general • Cookies made by Ivhei • Learning new information • Curling up by the fire • Butterflies	Dislikes • Muirin • Ignorant pets • Water • Indoctrination sessions • Being angry • Friends in pain

Friends
97 smiles, and picks up a tiny little plushie. On closer inspection, you realise that it's a handmade minature of himself.

Vaidao made me this, he says, softly stroking the toy. It reminds me that at least one person cares for me. I have friends, but none of them mean as much to me as she does. She's accepted me into her life, and for that, I'm very grateful. Many pets… Some people don't understand my story, and are reluctant to become part of it, yet Vaidao wasn't. I hope that we can remain good friends, because I need someone like her who I can turn to.
97 stretches himself, his ears wriggling with enjoyment. Well, there's also… Ein. I don't know if I should call him a friend, because I don't know him really well. He lightly smiles, before looking back at you. Still, he was willing to hold a conversation with me, and it would be great to meet up with him again in the future.
97 furrows his brows for a moment, as if choosing his friends is proving difficult. V and Zaki are two of my newest friends. I met V in her bakery, and since that day, she's bombarded me with cookies! He reaches to behind his sleeping area, and produces a small pastry, wrapped in some type of kitchen roll. He offers you half of it, which you take with gratitude. He nibbles on it lightly and licks his lips. I don't eat regularly, but I must admit, her cooking skills are admirable. She's very kind and she… V is always in a happy-go-lucky mood, which often rubs off onto me. Zaki, on the other hand... 97 shakes his head sadly. She is almost the complete opposite. She's in a popular youth band, but also doubles as an amateur actor in our drama group. She's very friendly, but she's rather quiet. I don't… I think something happened to her not so long ago, and she's very unwilling to open up to anyone. Still, she's always very nice to me, and I try to return that favour all the time.

You notice that in the corner of the cell lies a delicate wooden box. 97 pads over, carefully lifting the carve wooden lid. You are tempted to peer inside, but there's no need as the draik takes out the contents. In his large paws sit a fragile, perfectly painted porcelin egg. It has such intricate detail, and you are surprised to hear where it came from.

I've always painted in my spare time 97 says, stroking the egg softly. I was given a choice of hobby when I was created, and the colours... They just caught my imagination. He hands you the egg whilst he rummages around in the chest. On closer inspection, you realise that the egg bears the same markings as 97 himself. This is what I work with. You look up, and he's holding a plain white egg. I wasn't interested in canvases, but when I saw these, sat in egg cups on the dining room walls, I knew I wanted to paint on them. He takes back his miniature, and begins to take out more. The colours and designs differ, each carefully made to be perfect. It was JD that encouraged my talent, he says, looking through his collection. She really thought my art was good, and she said that people... I should paint eggs of other pets. 97 yawns, his large, sharp teeth glistening as he does so. So, that's what I do. He pushes the box towards you, and it's filled with many eggs. I do two of each one. It means I can keep one, and if a pet... If an egg is broken, there is always a spare. His intriguing green eyes catch yours. If you want one, please ask. I always have time for one more, as long as you have a picture of the pet's colourings.

As you glance around the cell, you see a group of tatty looking pictures. 97 seems fond of them as he grins at you.
These were all done by JD. She hasn't done many because she insists she isn't good enough, but I don't agree. She has her own style, and I... They all look like me, which is a bonus, right?

Hidden away under the chest, you catch a glimpse of what looks like a photo album. 97 nods, and you pick it up with curiousity.
Those are pictures that JD has managed to collect for me. It's great to see yourself in someone else's eyes. 97 smiles weakly. Of course, they drew them from a photo of me.