Chereads / The Cripple / Chapter 26 - Hybrid

Chapter 26 - Hybrid

Grald violently pushed the door open and a horrible smell struck their noses. My body was on a ground surrounded by a pool of blood. Their faces immediately dropped in fear.

"What the-"

Grald rushed towards me before stopping dead in his tracks halfway through.

"He's still breathing. Let's leave him rest. I'll explain tomorrow," Grald said.

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My eyes gently opened and I stared at light on my ceiling for a good moment.

"Is this heaven?" I thought to myself.

After realizing that I was still alive, I shook my head and slowly stood up. 

"What the hell," I said to myself.

"How am I this high up?"

My clothes were covered in blood and a black substance and I was standing in a puddle of bodily fluids. My garments were soaked, so I promptly removed them. I took off my coat and my dress shirt first. My eyes widened at what I saw. My torso had nearly doubled in length and size.

Step by step, I made my way to the mirror and could not believe what I saw. I was way taller than before. In fact, I was bigger than most young orcs! My muscle mass was also similar to that of youngsters in the tribe. My face was more rugged and I did not look ten years old. My physique was similar to that of an orc with human skin and my face was still humane.

My bones were thicker and more dense and my organs had expanded. My sense of smell had become unbelievable acute as I could even smell what Jasper was cooking in the kitchen. Needless to say, my physical abilities had increased exponentially. I needed to test myself to understand my new limits. Without wasting a breath, I slammed the door open and ran downstairs. My step was now heavy and caused a thud. As soon as I entered the dining room, Quincy's and Jasper's mouths were wide agape in shock. 

"I'll explain," Grald said.

"The pill that Luke took was a pill designed for orcs to increase their strength. When he ingested it, the pill cause him to mutate into a hybrid. He is now part beast. He still looks human, but his physique is that of an orc."

 

Quincy and Jasper began grabbing my muscles and analyzing my physique with a close eyes. They poked around my body and groped my arm.

"What are you guys doing? Are you into small boys?" I asked.

"Don't be crazy," Quincy said.

"Let's leave early, we need to bring your friend's mother to the doctor," he added.

My appetite had tremendously increased. I was eating just as much as the orcs and my hunger was not easily subsided. After filling my stomach, the orc and I left home. We ambled towards Ralph's house on the outskirts of the tribe. 

"You know, I used to live in a place like this," Quincy said.

"You did? I thought that you were a spoiled brat."

"Very funny. My brother and I had to struggle to move up in the tribe. He relied on his brains while I relied on brawn," he said.

"Your friend will be able to succeed if he is dedicated enough," he added.

We chatted while walking and soon enough, we were in front of Ralph's modest house. I knocked on the wood panel as hard as I could. Little footsteps echoed inside the house and the door slowly swiveled open to reveal a tiny orc. 

"Hello big brother. How did you get sooo big," the toddler said.

"Hello Sarah, is anyone else home?" I asked.

"Sarah who is it?" a voice said loudly.

Ralph's father neared the entrance and had a delighted expression when he noticed that it was me.

"Are you here to play with the little one?" he asked.

Even though he noticed the significant change, he did not bother questioning me.

"No I'm here with my friend, Quincy. We will bring your wife to his brother who is a doctor in the center of the tribe," I said.

His eyes widened and tears began blurring his vision. He burst out crying and had to hold his head in his hands. The orc approached us and hugged us with all of his strength.

"I-I'm not dreaming right?"

"Th-This is not a joke?" he asked while still sobbing.

"This is real. Your wife will get the medical attention that she requires," Quincy said.

"Dad is everything okay?" Sarah asked upon seeing her father cry.

"Yes child everything will be fine now," he replied.

He led us into the house towards his wife's room. Ralph was spoon-feeding her crushed food and she could only swallow small bites.

"Oh you're here so soon Luke. What happened to you?" Ralph said.

Yesterday, I had to look up to face him, but now I was towering over him. He saw his father's tears and his expression soured. His face wore a worried look. 

"Don't stress Ralph. These two will bring your mother to a doctor."

His face lit up in disbelief. The family finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Without any hesitation, he lunged at me and hugged me. Without wasting any time, we all lifted the sick orc with care and put her in a chair with wheels. On our way to the center, I explained what caused the change in my body. The young orc could not believe that something like that was even possible.

Sarah wanted me to carry her, so she was admiring the city from my arms. This must have been one of the few times that she visited the center. Her eyes were scanning every nook and cranny of the buildings. Quincy kicked the door to the doctor's office. 

"I was wondering what kind of idiot would be so rude, and now I see that it's a massive imbecile," the doctor said.

"We have no time for your jokes. Examine her," Quincy said.

"Since when do you give me orders?" the doctor asked as he approached the patient.