Author's note: This is a very short version of what Etrius's arc is supposed to entail. Due to mental illness (executive dysfunction and depression), the full version will likely never get written. This is not an expression of my transition as I had this idea for far longer than I knew I was trans or intersex.
August, 2085
The battered door of the underground lab creaked open, the metallic sound echoing down the dimly lit corridor. Petrovich's lab, hidden beneath his simple home, now served as a sanctuary for the broken and the damned. It was here, among the flickering lights and humming machines, that Etrius found himself once more, dragged in by Julia, his savior, and his only remaining ally.
The journey back to Petrovich had been harrowing. The neurotoxin coursing through Etrius's veins had left him weak, his body barely able to withstand the torment of Ravenna's cruelty. Julia had done her best to keep him alive, her own desperation fueling her as they traversed the streets, avoiding the ever-watchful eyes of Ravenna's forces. When they finally reached Petrovich’s doorstep, Julia was near exhaustion, but she pushed through, knowing that Etrius's life depended on the old scientist’s intervention.
Petrovich, his once sharp features now softened by age and the weight of his sins, greeted them with a grim expression. He had seen the damage done to Etrius during their last encounter, but the state in which Julia presented him now was far worse. The scientist wasted no time, directing Julia to place Etrius on a nearby gurney. As she laid him down, Petrovich began his examination, his hands moving with a practiced efficiency.
"He doesn’t have much time," Petrovich muttered, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern. The neurotoxin had ravaged Etrius's body, attacking him at the very cellular level. "This toxin…it’s designed to target males specifically. There’s no way to reverse the damage done, nor cure it, not without…"
Julia’s eyes met his, the unspoken question hanging in the air. Petrovich sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. "We’ll have to re-sequence his genes. It’s the only way."
Without further explanation, Petrovich prepared a sedative, injecting it into Etrius’s leg. Within moments, his breathing slowed, and his eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the darkness. Julia stood by, her heart heavy as she watched the man who had fought so bravely fall into an unnatural slumber. Petrovich turned to her, his voice softer now, almost reassuring.
"He’ll be asleep for the entire process. When he wakes, he’ll be…different. But it’s the only chance he has."
Julia nodded, her throat tight with emotion. She trusted Petrovich, despite the horrors he had been part of in the past. There was no other choice now - he created Etrius and he was the only one who could save him. She watched as Petrovich removed the remnants of Etrius’s tattered clothing, leaving him naked and vulnerable, his huge and muscular body laying there, limp. Then, with a precision born of years of experience, Petrovich moved Etrius into a machine—a large, cylindrical chamber that hummed with energy as it sealed shut.
The process was slow, methodical, and intricate. As the machine began its work, Petrovich monitored every detail, ensuring that each sequence was altered precisely as needed. Etrius’s DNA was rewritten, strand by strand, transforming him from the inside out. Over the next six months, the machine meticulously reshaped his body, breaking him down only to rebuild him anew, from a broken man into something else—something stronger, more resilient, and agile.
Julia returned to her cabin outside the city, spending every day worrying about her best, and only friend, whom she had been through the fiery depths of Hell and back with. When a courier came to her with a note from Petrovich, she began the meticulous process of sneaking back through the city to see Etrius once again.
When six sleepless months finally passed, the machine’s hum gradually slowed to a halt, the transformation complete. The chamber’s door hissed open, releasing a cloud of cool mist that obscured the figure within. Petrovich stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to witness the outcome of his work.
From the mist emerged a figure, taller and more imposing than before, yet unmistakably feminine. Her fur, still striped with the familiar pattern of a white tiger, seemed softer, thicker, more supple. Her once broad shoulders were now narrower, her waist cinched into an elegant curve that flowed into her hips. Her chest, once flat and muscular, now bore the fullness of a woman, the swell of her breasts proof of the thoroughness of the transition.
As the mist dissipated fully, Petrovich saw her face, a perfect reflection of what Etrius had been, yet undeniably different. Her green eyes, still piercing, held a newfound depth, a subtle softness that had not been there before. Her long black hair, streaked with the familiar white patch, cascaded down her back, framing a face that was both familiar and strange, and looked much younger than the harrowed, aging face that once was.
The woman took a hesitant step forward, her movements fluid yet weak and uncertain. A gasp escaped her lips as she realized the extent of the change—her once flat, hard abdomen was now soft, her pelvis wider, and as her hands moved lower, she felt the undeniable difference between her legs. She was, in every sense, female.
Petrovich watched as the realization dawned on her, his heart aching for the struggle he knew would follow. "Etrius…can you hear me?" he called softly.
The woman turned her gaze to him, those green eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and fear. "I…I can hear you," she replied, her voice now higher, brighter, with a feminine lilt. "What…what have you done to me?"
"You were dying, poisoned," Petrovich explained gently. "The only way to save you was to change you. Your body couldn’t withstand the toxin as it was."
Etrius—no, she was no longer Etrius—struggled to process the information. The room spun, and she sank to her knees, her metallic hands trembling as they traced the unfamiliar contours of her body. Petrovich moved to her side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You’re alive. That’s what matters."
"I’m…alive," she echoed, her voice barely a whisper. But as the initial shock began to fade, something deeper stirred within her—a sense of acceptance, of understanding. She wasn’t just alive; she was reborn, given a second chance. Slowly, she rose to her feet, standing taller, her resolve hardening.
"My name," she said, her voice gaining strength, "is Itreus. I’m not the man I once was. But I’m still a warrior, and I will finish what I started."
Petrovich nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Then let’s prepare, Itreus. We have much to discuss."
Itreus, still adjusting to her new form, found herself exploring the intricacies of her body in private moments. The change was profound, not just in appearance but in sensation. She marveled at the softness of her skin and fur, the way her muscles moved beneath it, and the unfamiliar weight of her breasts.
But it was her new organs that fascinated her the most. Lying in the quiet of her room, Itreus traced the curve of her hips down to the junction of her thighs, her fingers hesitating as they touched the delicate folds of flesh. The sensations were intense, sending shivers through her as she explored the newness of her body, every touch a reminder of how different she had become. She pressed her fingers deeper, feeling the warmth and wetness that greeted her, the softness contrasting with the strength she still possessed. It was an exploration not just of her physical form, but of her identity—who she was now, as a woman, and how this new body would shape her future.
In those moments of solitude, Itreus found herself drawn to thoughts of Julia. The woman had been a constant presence, her support unwavering even as everything else fell apart. Itreus wondered how Julia would react to her now, what she would think of this new body. Would she still see the warrior within, or would this change alter their bond?
It was one morning, just as the first light filtered through the small window of their underground sanctuary, that Itreus received her answer. She had risen early, her mind too restless for sleep, and stood in front of the mirror, examining her reflection. She was still naked, the cool air raising goosebumps on her skin, when the door creaked open, and Julia stepped inside, having just arrived back at Petrovich's house not an hour before.
Their eyes met in the mirror, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Itreus felt a flush of embarrassment, instinctively moving to cover herself, but Julia’s gentle voice stopped her.
"It’s alright," Julia whispered, stepping closer. "You don’t have to hide from me."
There was something in Julia’s voice, a tenderness that hadn’t been there before, and Itreus felt her heart quicken. As Julia approached, she hesitated only for a moment before reaching out, her hand brushing lightly against Itreus’s bronze arm.
"You’re…beautiful," Julia murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Itreus turned to face her fully, her breath catching as Julia’s hands traced the curve of her waist, the gentle swell of her breasts. The touch was tender, almost reverent, and Itreus felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.
"You’re beautiful," Julia repeated, her eyes shining with something more than just admiration. Itreus felt a lump in her throat, her emotions swirling in a confusing mix of fear, desire, and something deeper that she couldn’t quite name.
"I…don’t know what to say," Itreus admitted, her voice trembling slightly. But Julia just smiled, her hands continuing their exploration, and Itreus found herself relaxing into the touch.
"You don’t have to say anything," Julia reassured her, her lips curving into a soft smile as her hands caressed Itreus’s body with a newfound tenderness. Itreus shivered under Julia’s touch, her mind struggling to process the emotions within her. This was different—intimate in a way she hadn’t expected. Her heart raced as Julia’s hands roamed across her soft fur, the warmth of her touch igniting sensations she had never experienced before.
Julia’s fingers traced the contours of Itreus’s breasts, eliciting a soft gasp from the newly transformed woman. Itreus had known pain and violence, had been forged in the crucible of war, but this was something else entirely—gentle, delicate, and profoundly intimate. Julia’s touch wasn’t just exploring her body; it was seeking to understand, to connect with the person she had become.
"I can’t believe how different you are," Julia murmured, her voice tinged with awe. "And yet… you’re still exactly the same. Still strong, still brave."
Itreus closed her eyes, leaning into Julia’s touch, letting herself be vulnerable for the first time since she had first been captured by Petrovich's minions so long ago. The confusion that had plagued her since she awoke in this new form began to fade, replaced by a sense of acceptance, of belonging. This body, these sensations— they were hers now, and she was ready to embrace them.
As Julia’s hands wandered lower, exploring the soft curves of Itreus’s hips and thighs, Itreus felt a warmth pooling deep within her. It was a new sensation, one that sent shivers of pleasure through her entire body. She bit her lip, stifling a moan as Julia’s fingers brushed against the sensitive folds between her legs. The touch was electric, sending jolts of pleasure up her spine, and Itreus’s knees nearly buckled as she clung to Julia for support.
"Julia," Itreus whispered, her voice husky with desire. "I… I don’t know what’s happening to me."
Julia’s smile was reassuring, her touch gentle but insistent as she continued to explore Itreus’s body. "It’s okay, Itreus," she whispered back, her lips brushing against Itreus’s ear. "This is part of who you are now. Let yourself feel it."
Itreus’s breath came in short gasps as Julia’s fingers continued their delicate exploration, teasing and caressing in ways that sent waves of pleasure crashing through her. She had never felt anything like this before—this overwhelming need, this desperate longing for more. It was as if her entire body was coming alive for the first time, and she didn’t want it to stop.
Julia’s hand cupped Itreus’s chin, gently guiding her to look into her eyes. "You’re not alone in this," Julia whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "We’re in this together, Itreus. You don’t have to go through this alone."
Itreus felt tears welling up in her eyes as she looked into Julia’s gaze, seeing the love and compassion reflected there. She had been so afraid of this change, of what it would mean for her future, but Julia was here, with her, ready to face it all together.
The two women stood there in the quiet morning light, wrapped in each other’s embrace, sharing a moment of connection that transcended words. Itreus’s heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude, love, and a deep sense of belonging. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she wasn’t alone.
Julia’s hand slid back up to cup Itreus’s cheek, her thumb gently brushing away a stray tear. "You’re still the same person," she murmured, her voice filled with tenderness. "But now… now you’re something more. And I’m here with you, every step of the way."
Itreus leaned into Julia’s touch, closing her eyes and letting herself be comforted by the warmth of Julia’s presence. "Thank you, Julia," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."
Julia smiled, pulling Itreus into a tight embrace. "You’ll never have to find out," she whispered back, her voice soft and reassuring. "I’m not going anywhere."
For a long moment, they stood there, simply holding each other, finding solace in each other’s presence. It was a moment of peace, of understanding, and of acceptance. Itreus knew that the road ahead would be difficult, that there were still battles to be fought and challenges to be overcome, but for the first time since her transformation, she felt a glimmer of hope.
When they finally pulled away, Itreus felt a sense of calm settle over her. She was still adjusting to her new body, still learning what it meant to be Itreus, but with Julia by her side, she knew she could face whatever lay ahead.
The two women dressed and made their way to the small kitchen where Petrovich was already preparing breakfast. The scent of sizzling Olenvolgrif bacon filled the air, and Itreus’s stomach growled in response, reminding her just how long it had been since she’d had a proper meal.
Petrovich glanced up as they entered, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he saw them together. "Good morning," he greeted them, his voice warm and welcoming, betraying the horrors of the old man's past. "I hope you’re hungry. I made enough for an army."
Itreus chuckled, the sound feeling strange but pleasant in her throat. "I think we could all use a good meal," she admitted, taking a seat at the table.
Julia joined her, reaching out to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "And some coffee," Julia added with a grin. "I think we both need that too."
As they sat down to eat, the tension that had hung over them for so long seemed to lift. Itreus found herself laughing at one of Petrovich’s horrible, nihilistic jokes, the sound filling the small kitchen and making her realize just how much she had missed this—these simple moments of companionship and connection. Something she hadn't felt since joining the US army 64 years ago.
As she sipped her coffee, Itreus glanced over at Julia, who was watching her with a soft smile. There was something in Julia’s gaze that made Itreus’s heart flutter, a spark of affection that hadn’t been there before, or perhaps had been hidden, or buried under the weight of everything they had been through.
When breakfast was finished, they lingered at the table, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other’s company. Itreus felt a sense of contentment settle over her, a feeling that had been elusive for so long. The road ahead was still uncertain, and there were battles yet to be fought.
Itreus knew that her war with Ravenna was far from over, but in this moment, she allowed herself to savor the peace, to enjoy the comfort of her newfound identity and the bond she shared with Julia. They had both been through hell together, but they had come out the other side stronger, together.
She wasn’t the man she had once been, but she was still a warrior, still a fighter, and with Julia by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The battle with Ravenna would come, and when it did, Itreus would be ready.
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