I gasped a little as I watched, surprised to see that there was something behind the air itself. As the arms pushed down, cutting some invisible film, I could make out a swirling vortex of blue and green energy within this hole. Was this what their world looked like? A realm entirely composed of light? Or was this just the doorway leading to the world and I was marveling at the equivalent of a hallway?
They continued working as the rest of the Masara all hummed in unity, vibrating at such a high-pitched frequency that I found my own heart beginning to race from anxiousness as to what would happen next. Would I be able to get a glimpse of this world? To think that I, a humble nurse from some unknown village deep below the ground, would perhaps be the first human to see an entirely new world… I had already experienced so many historic moments in my life, but this seemed to eclipse all of them right now. I bit my lip hard as I watched the film continue to peel open.
The hole grew larger as the Masara finished the ritual. It was soon big enough for anyone to pass through. Strange sounds of hissing and popping energy from within echoed throughout the lonely mountainside laboratory.
“Well,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I guess this is goodbye. It was really nice seeing this, thank you for inviting—”
Before I could finish my sentence, something struck me from below. My danger senses didn’t even trigger. I glanced down in shock to see that two long crystals were now encasing my legs, sprouting from the ground. What the hell? I struggled to get free, but the crystals rapidly crawled up my legs, to my stomach, to my chest, completely paralyzing me. I tried to summon all my strength, to break free, but this material was too strong.
I apologize for the deception, the Overseer said as I fought in vain to break out of this crystal prison. I wasn’t in any pain, but my limbs were completely locked into place. It was as if I were simply frozen, but without the ice freezing me to death. The gifts given to your people will grant humanity a fighting chance. This much is true. But our own fate is still very much up in the air. It was my observation, Avery, that you are the strongest of your kind. While the Sogorn were great beasts imbued with the mightiest of talents when it came to hunting, they had not the inner strength that mankind holds. Humans seem to be driven by much more than a mere desire to survive or a hunger to hunt for sport.
“Stop…this…” I hissed as the crystals covered my head, slowing down and being cautious as to not injure me in any way. In seconds, I was completely frozen in place, still able to breathe but unable to do anything else. My Quiverling couldn’t even respond to my mental commands. A strange pulsing warmth overtook me, a gentle, kind sensation that began to ease me to sleep, try as I may to fight it off. As my eyelids sank downwards, pulling me into a long, dark slumber, the last thing I heard was the Overseer continuing to explain its actions.
It is unfortunate, but one of my missions was to collect anything that could aid us in our own fight for survival. You are a prime representative of the best of humanity, at least from what I have observed. It is my belief that your mind, your body and what you refer to as your heart make up for an excellent warrior, one that can turn the tide in my own world. With some time and dedication, we should be able to replicate you. Or at least, beings that function as exceptionally as you. Forgive me, Avery, but I must do what is right, not just for my own pod. But for all Masara. That is what you have taught me. I sincerely hope that you will survive the replication process. It would be a shame to lose a specimen as fine as you.
