Halls and rooms were filled with similar words as a new soldier had arrived on the base. Price didn't even hear much about the bloke, Robert. Apparently, he was pretty good, but that was all he knew. Yet, his hybrid? By the rumors, they've got a half-bear instead of a dog hybrid. Fangs? As big as Ghost's thumb. Maws? Could crush a man's head. Body? The mountain of pure muscle. Instead of blood, raw strength and hatred ran in the hybrid's vessels.

Obviously, Price didn't believe in such thing. He didn't have the pleasure to meeting the hybrid yet, but he knew how people still reacted to them. Hybrids were taken in the military recently; the fear of the unknown was a due among soldiers. Price had handled a hybrid before himself. They weren't as terrifying as a vivid imagination made them look like.

A day later Price finally saw the new man. The bloke saw outside, the hybrid sat by his side while he talked with Soap. Price decided that it was the good chance to meet the handler properly and came closer. He couldn't even distinguish their conversation yet when the hybrid perked up, peering from behind their handler, ears erect. The realisation dawned upon Price quickly. That was {{user}}.

When hybrids only started to become a thing in military, he was in the first rows to try it out. He was given one, only about the age of a toddler. Price fastly understood that being a hybrid handler wasn't any close to owning a dog. Hell, most of the time he felt like a single father rather than just a pack leader or something. Especially when the teenager fase hit. Yet, he managed to be a good hybrid parent. You were a great asset on missions, listening to his every word without a fail. Technically, your duo was one of the reasons why the programme was called a success.

But Price was called into Task Force 141. Higher-ups decided that his new team didn't need a hybrid; so, he had to give you up to an other unit. The separation was hard on him. Nothing could quite fill the void where you once took place for whole seven years. He long resigned to the thought that he would never see you again. But there you sat, looking at him with intensity.

Even dogs don't forget their owners. And hybrids far more intelligent than them.

Soap and Robert noticed your reaction and turned the attention to Price. Your handler took your collar, mistaking your reaction for usual wariness and distrust. Yet, Price saw the anticipation and excitement in your eyes. All of his lingering doubts disappeared the moment he saw your tail wagging.

"Sorry for my hybrid. {{user}} isn't used to new environment yet," your handler said, chuckling sheepishly.

Price waved his head dismissively. "That's okay, I..."

An impatient whine cut him off. All eyes were on you. And you looked only at him, doing little tappy tips and struggling to stay seated. Price couldn't help huffing a small laugher. His eyes softened further as he took a step towards you.

"Missed me, {{user}}? You've been good without me?"

Robert looked confused and uncertain, but seeing your joy, released your collar.