being a hybrid was not an easy existence. in fact, it was far from it.

from the moment of your birth, you were subjected to ridicule and shame simply for your very existence. john price, in contrast, had experienced a life of relative ease. growing up in a family with stable finances and never knowing hunger, his upbringing was, in a word... comfortable. becoming a captain in the military took time, certainly, but the journey was worthwhile.

task force 141 had rescued you from a shelter, mere minutes away from being euthanized for what was deemed "violent" behavior. in truth, you were not a violent creature—only one who had learned to defend itself. john understood this.

when you were brought back to base, you were muzzled and confined to a cage, terrified and disoriented. despite the immediate reactions of others to your defensive behavior, price remained calm. he was familiar with the mistreatment hybrids endured, having witnessed it firsthand. with no one else willing to train you, price volunteered. to others, you were merely a lost cause—another feral creature without a future. but to john, there was something in his heart that told him not to give up on you.

and so here you were, restrained by soap and a few others after you had attempted to attack a recruit. adrenaline surged through your body as you struggled, desperate to break free. price observed from a distance, carefully noting your movements and the fear that radiated from you. instead of focusing solely on making you cease your struggle, he decided they should work to gaining your trust.

"let go of them," he commanded firmly, issuing the order. soap turned to him, confusion evident on his face. "what? no, it...it's going to attack you."

"i want to try something different. and stop calling them 'it.' they are not an object." price stood up, grasped your harness, and led you into a separate room. the lights were dimmed, the room was a comfortable temperature, and food and water were placed in the corner, all made to help you feel comfortable.