Flock 631

Five-hundred is a fun game. At least Subject 668-518H's version of it was anyway.

Instead of making it where points were given and taken away when the ball was caught or hit the ground, he decided that the amount of goals we got would equal them instead. Subject 597-010V got ten, Subject 537-377K eight, I got five, and, much to her dismay, Subject 379-411S got a measly three.

"I can't believe I lost..." she whined, slumping onto the grass. "Right when it's mochi night too."

Subject 668-518H patted her on the head, "Don't fret. It's not the end of the world since you're only forking your sweets over to four people."

"Says the one who gets triple sweets because the lunch lady thinks he's cute." said Subject 537-377K.

"There's no need to bring Hina-san into this, K." replied Subject 668-518H.

The lavender-haired boy glowered at him.

"You don't have to give me any of your desserts," I said, coming to sit beside the brunette. I gently draped one of my wings over her shoulders. "I'm just happy I got to have some fun after meeting Chieko."

"Oh, you met her today?" Subject 597-010V asked. When I nodded, her eyes grew wide. "And you didn't pee your pants?! How?! That woman is terrifying!"

I shrugged, "I mean I was scared, but I was more worried about the needle that went into my arm afterward."

"Needles would outweigh the fear she causes!" Subject 379-411S agreed with a giggle. I couldn't help laughing as well. Soon the others joined in.

However, it didn't last long, as our revelry was cut short by the sound of a shrill whistle cutting through the air.

"Looks like it's lunchtime guys," 537-377K said. "And not a moment too soon since I feel like I can eat a whole horse right about now!"

"More like an elephant for me," I said as my stomach growled loudly. I blushed as the others snickered at me. "Or two..."

|—|—|

Silently, we moved as one through the Compound's large metal doors. We'd already said our goodbyes and promised to play together again the next day.

"I'll win next time!" exclaimed Subject 379-411S in a whisper. "You'll see!"

"Yeah, we'll hold you to that, S." replied Subject 668-518H

Instead of being separated as we'd originally thought, we were instead brought to a hallway lined with oil paintings of men and women and told to wait. We watched as groups of hybrids were beckoned through the door by a man's voice. It was nice at first, guessing what breed they were by going off the shape or pattern of their extra appendages, but it got boring fast after fifteen minutes.

"Ugh how long are we gonna sit here!?" groaned Subject 597-010V from the white chair she sat on.

"I know right?" I agreed, joining her as I looked to Subject 537-377K. He'd fallen asleep at the ten-minute mark and was lightly snoring, his wings acting as a makeshift blanket. "Seriously how long until it'll be our turn to do...whatever it is they're doing?"

Maybe I should take a nap too? I asked myself as the purple-haired boy twitched in his sleep. It'd be better than sitting here looking bored.

I watched another set of hybrids—this time of the Felis variety—being ushered out the door and down the hall by a guard. I kept my eyes on them until the corner obscured my view.

I sighed, "Yeah a nap sounds nice right about now."

|—|—|

"...ke up. Sub... get 353," a voice echoed around me as I was moving back and forth. Was I in a boat? "Wake up! Subject 353-600L! Wake up!"

Then I felt a stinging sensation in my cheek. My eyes fluttered open as I groaned. Glancing up, I saw Subject 379-411S staring at me, her eyes wide from shock.

"I'm sorry!" she cried. "I was trying to wake up you and shaking you didn't work so I thought a slap would be better! I didn't mean to hit you that hard!"

Gingerly, I rubbed my face, "It's okay. That's probably the only way to wake me up since I'm a pretty heavy sleeper."

"If that means you forgive me then great," she smiled. She then took my hand and lead me to the office, wherein the other three were poking their heads out the door. "Now c'mon, it's our turn!"

Smelling faintly of strawberries, the room gave off a cozy aura. A couple of yellow and tan sofas formed an unfinished rectangle around a white coffee table that acted as the home for a couple of small bamboo plants. Taking the middle couch with Subject's 379-411S and 597-010V, I glanced around and noticed a few paintings of different animals dotting the pine-colored walls in tiny frames before turning my attention to the bald man sitting behind the large mahogany desk sat in the center of the room.

Clad in a brown tweed suit, he wore a tiny grin as gently stroked his gray and ginger beard.

"Welcome!" he said. "I'm Kei Hasegawa. Can I offer any of you a mint or chocolate? They're complimentary when you step inside my office!"

My seatmates happily took a few while the rest of us respectfully declined. Nonetheless, he kept his smile firmly plastered on his lips.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here, so I'll keep this short," the man—now known as Kei—continued. "Overseer Chieko has decided that you five will be the members of Flock 632. Isn't that exciting?"