Chapter 650: 650
She took another deep, slow breath . In . Hold . Out . Wait . In . Hold . Out . Wait .
This was a cycle she remembered learning as a human on Earth, something her psychologist had told her would help her be calm . Cyclical breathing . That was the name of the technique . It had helped her, in her past life . Most of the time . She flinched away from the memories of her previous existence and once more focused on her breathing . Each stage five seconds long .
In . Hold . Out . Wait . In . Hold . Out . Wait .
Even though she wasn't conscious of it, a team of ants crawled over the enormous bear as she lay sprawled on her belly . The great warrior Sarah had contributed much to the defence of the Colony and her unselfish fight had made the ants well disposed towards her . As she rested, they tended to her fur, cleaning it meticulously and ensuring there were no small wounds or barbs that may cause issues later . It was the same level of care with which they tended to each other before and after a battle, Sarah deserved that much . Also, they had noticed that she breathed easier when they were active around her, the aura of violence and malevolence that suffused the air around her abated when they drew close . From this they surmised that they were providing some sort of emotional comfort, another thing they were pleased to do .
From the wall of the tunnel, Jim watched silently as his companion battled her nature . He had created a burrow within the tunnel wall and only his head emerged, protruding into the open space . From the moment Sarah had joined the front lines, he had been here also . Not to fight, he wasn't much use for that, but to try and support his friend . He could feel her now, sense the internal struggle with his mind as she battled against the violent nature that had lain dormant so long within her .
[Sarah… ] he eventually asked, [are you alright over there?]
The great bear opened one eye and for a terrifying instant an overwhelming pressure of violence pressed into the consciousness of the worm, filling his mind with a hunger for battle . He wanted to rip, to tear, to do all sorts of non-worm like things . How would he even tear? Then Sarah released a great huff, knocked over another ant and the aura was gone, restrained once more in the depths of her mind .
[I'm fine,] she replied, [it's alright . I've got it under control . ]
She pushed her feet underneath herself and forced herself to standing, sending the cleaning crew on her back to scatter quickly . She turned to face her friend in the wall .
[See? No problem . ]
[Sarah, you're the worst liar I ever met . Putting that aside, I can still feel the malevolence inside you . I have very sensitive mental faculties, remember? You can't conceal this from me . ]
Sarah just sighed and shrugged her massive bear shoulders .
[What do you want me to do about it? It's not like I can just stop fighting . ]
[Why not?] Jim asked indignantly, [you've done more than enough! How long do you expect to throw yourself against the golgari to defend a place that isn't yours? You don't owe …]
[Don't I?] she cut in . [Are you sure that I don't owe anything, Jim? If it weren't for the Colony, if it weren't for Anthony, where would I be now?]
[Then what about what you owe me?] the worm demanded . [Have I been useless? Have I not supported you and helped you escape? Huh? Don't I deserve a little gratitude?]
The two looked at each other for a long moment .
[So . What? You want me to pay you back by betraying the Colony? Is that it?] Sarah asked, her mental voice low and soft .
Jim recoiled as if struck .
[What? No! I mean…]
At that moment the two friends were interrupted as Coolant arrived .
[Hello to you both,] the ant said once the mind bridges had stabilised . [I hope I find you well . ]
[O-of course,] Sarah replied . [And you?]
The ant paused for a moment .
[I am also well . I am still not used to your human style greetings, I hope I was accurate . ]
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login