I could barely read the scribbles.
Can you read my thoughts? If you can, I need to tell you something.
“I’ll try,” I whispered.
Focusing my attention on him, I heard his voice.
“Can you hear me” he asked.
It was as if he was talking to me directly, but his mouth wasn’t moving.
I nodded, immediately putting a barrier around our conversation.
“You were supposed to be given a low dose of the serum per the original schedule, but they forced me to give you a full one. It’s much stronger. I’m sorry. If I don’t obey, they’ll exile me.”
“Who?” I whispered.
“Dr. Simon and whoever he works for.”
“Why?”
“They wanted to see how the full dose would affect you. The leaders need results soon or they’re going to pull the Reader program. Thousands of mutants are gathering outside our bunker, and the walls won’t hold forever. They said if we don’t do something soon, we’ll all die here.”
It took everything I had to keep my face from showing signs of strain. As I glanced across the room, Chase was still under, and Dr. Simon was talking to him.
The white coat walked over to me with a blood pressure meter and wrapped it around my arm, then his eyes caught mine.
“I just thought you should know.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Your blood pressure looks good,” he said.
“That’s good to know.”
“My name is Milton, by the way.”
I smiled. My white coat had a name.
“Abi,” Dr. Simon called from across the room.
“Yes?”
“Are you still feeling good?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Why don’t you go ahead to your room and rest? In an hour, we’ll all be going to the Arvy chamber for a bit of training.”
My stomach started to twist.
“Who will be going?” I asked.
“All of us.”
A huge knot formed in the pit of my stomach.
Milton carefully helped me out of my chair, and as I stood a wave of dizziness hit me.
“Whoa,” he said, catching me. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I almost blacked out for a second.”
“The same thing happened to me, Abi. It’ll go away soon,” Dr. Simon noted.
“Do you need help to your room?” Milton asked.
“I think I’ll be fine. Thanks for asking though.”
“No problem.” He let me go and continued putting his things away.
As I walked toward the door, I kept my mind blocked.
“See you in an hour,” Dr. Simon said.
“Yeah, see ya.”
I quickly made my way to my room and when the door closed, I ran to the bathroom. My insides were trembling. I walked up to the sink and pressed my face toward the mirror, the iridescent rim was still there, but it seemed to be fading, just as Dr. Simon said it would.
I wondered if they’d given Chase and Chloe the same full dose they gave me. If they did, I hoped they would be able to handle the effects. That vaccine was much stronger than the other and I seriously thought at one point I wasn’t going to make it.
All I could think about was jumping into a hot shower, and letting the hot water pound down on my tense limbs. It helped, but my insides were still knotted. Chase was right. We were guinea pigs. The scientists didn’t care about us. If they did, they would have given me the correct dose, and gradually let my body get used to it.
But they were afraid. The leaders needed results and they were willing to do whatever it took to get them, even if it meant giving us stronger doses. If everyone’s lives were truly at stake in the hive, I guess I could see the urgency and pressure they were under.
In the end, I hoped this stronger dose of serum would do something to drastically help our progress. I did want to find a way to rid our home of the Arvies. But when I really thought about it . . . how would we ever stop them? There were tens of thousands versus our four telepaths. It was not only ridiculous, but preposterous.
“WE’RE GOING TO TRY SOMETHING new today,” Dr. Simon said once we were down in the Arvy chamber. “I’m putting all three of you in one room with three of the mutants.”
“Awesome,” Chase cheered. “I’m ready.”
“What are you ready for?” I asked, wondering what our goal was. “What do you want us to do exactly?”
“Today, I want to see if you can manipulate their minds, and this time, they won’t be strapped in chairs. They will be chained to a wall, giving them access to move, yet unable to reach you.”
“No,” I snapped. “Why would you do that? These things are much stronger than they appear.”
“We can take care of them,” Chase snickered.
“You have no idea what they’re capable of,” I pressed. “They need to be properly secured.”
“We know exactly what they’re capable of,” Dr. Simon added. “We can channel them, just as you can.”
“Channeling is one thing, but seeing what they can do firsthand is another. They are strong, and fast, and smart.”
“Not as smart as we are,” Chase puffed.
I shook my head. “This isn’t a game. I don’t like it.”
“There will be scientists and three armed soldiers inside. Each soldier has been assigned a mutant to look after. If anything happens, they are ordered to shoot and kill.”
When I didn’t answer he added, “Abi, if you don’t go through with this, they’ll see your behavior as uncompromising, and you’ll be exiled.”
“Then I don’t have a choice, do I?” I huffed, staring directly at him.
“I’m afraid not,” he answered. “I’m sorry.”
“So am I,” I said under my breath.
ATTACHED TO ONE OF THE walls were three Arvies restrained with iron fastenings, secured around their wrists, ankles, and necks. The shackles were attached to the wall with iron chains, giving them about three feet of play.
As soon as they saw us, they violently thrashed about; their weight pressing against their binds, trying to get to us.
Dr. Simon turned and addressed the three soldiers at the back of the room. “I want your weapons drawn and at the ready.”
“Yes, sir,” they answered.
We were led to the middle of the room and instructed to stand ten feet away. Each one of us in front of our own Arvy, their hatred evident. Sharp claws and teeth were bared, ready to tear us apart.
“Okay, you three,” Dr. Simon said. “If anything happens, I want you to immediately drop to the ground and cover your heads. The last thing I need is for one of you to be shot. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” we answered.
But inside I was still boiling at the idiotic decisions they were making. This whole exercise was careless, shackling mutants to a wall and throwing us in front of them like bait. It was obvious they had no idea what these creatures were truly capable of. Bastards.
Dr. Simon turned to the three white coats sitting to the side of us. “Ready?”
“Ready,” they responded.
Rattling chains tensed as the Arvies thrust forward with great force, tearing their skin with the bonds and constricting their airways. Determined and unyielding, their lips curled back and saliva dripped like venom from their sharp, infectious teeth.
The screams became so loud I could barely think.
Chloe wailed and covered her ears.
One of the white coats pulled out a handful of earplugs, but they were short a couple pair. Figured. I refused the offer so Chase and Chloe could have them.
Dr. Simon paced behind us, attempting to speak above the madness. “I know it seems impossible, but I need you to quiet them. I believe in you. It’s time for you to dig deep and believe in yourselves. In your minds, I want you to picture a peaceful place. A place of calm and serenity. Then I want you to center your thoughts on the word peace, and trans
mit it to them.”
“What if we don’t have a peaceful place?” Chase questioned in an embittered tone.
“Then make one up,” Dr. Simon said. He placed his hand on Chase’s shoulder. “I need you to do this.”
I was already trying to settle my mind and calm my body, attempting to block out the insanity.
The Arvy in front of me was suffering under immense pressure and pain, struggling to get to me. It bashed against the restraints with such force, blood splattered on the ground.
“That’s definitely not sanitary,” Chase whined.
“Focus.” Dr. Simon’s voice was strained. He lifted his glasses and rubbed the pressure point between his eyes. The stress and demands being put on him were beginning to weigh heavily.
I shut my eyes, trying to seal myself inside my mind, and as I relaxed, the racket around me reduced to a muffled white noise. I slowed my breathing and fixed my thoughts on my intentions.
Using the same vision as before, I focused on the ocean waves crashing onto a sandy shore, birds flying through the air, and salty breezes blowing against my face and through the trees. It was the most peaceful place I had never been, but dreamed about many times.
I took this image and all the warm, peaceful thoughts connected to it, and directed them to the Arvy standing in front of me. As I did, the clanging of chains quieted, and the deafening screams and growls hushed. The room fell so quiet, I could hear the scribble of pencils as the white coats furiously took notes.
Opening my eyes, I witnessed all three Arvies in docile states. Their respiration slowed, their arms were relaxed and dropped to their sides, and their milky eyes were wide with bewilderment.
As I glanced around, I became aware that everyone’s attention was turned to me.
I aimed my attention to Chase and Chloe. “We did it,” I said softly, raising my hands in celebration. “We really did it.”
Chase shook his head. “No, Abi. You did it. We had nothing to do with this.”
“What?” I exhaled, completely baffled. I glanced back to the Arvies and noticed all three sets of eyes were aimed at me. “No…” I shook my head. I couldn’t have. I never sent my thoughts to the others.
Drowned in confusion, I felt my anxiety building, causing the Arvies to snap from their placid conditions.
Guttural growls reverberated off the walls, and Chloe screamed, throwing her hands over her ears, doubling over.
Before I could analyze what was going on, I heard the most disturbing sound. The sound of bones snapping and popping of tendons and ligaments as they pulled apart. Then the tearing of flesh as the Arvy in front of Chloe pushed its right arm forward with such force, it severed its hand from its wrist. Its screams of rage and pain resonated through the entire room. Its bloodied stub stretched out for her, but she was still outside its grasp.
“Chloe,” Chase screamed. But she didn’t respond. Her eyes were closed and ears were covered.
In another split second, it threw its body toward Chloe, severing its arm at the elbow. The sound was unbearable, and blood was shooting and covering the ground.
Chase charged forward to push his sister out of the way, but slipped on Arvy blood. His left leg flew behind him, sending him tumbling forward, into the mutant’s reach.
“No!” I screamed.
The Arvy pounced toward Chase, but the chains around its ankles pulled tight, sending it crashing down on top of his back.
The soldiers were screaming at Chloe to drop down, but she was frozen. Terror filled her eyes as she watched the Arvy’s bloodied arm wrapped around Chase’s neck. Chase struggled against it, his eyes wide and bulging as the Arvy squeezed tighter.
The creature’s eyes were locked and focused, seething with murderous intent.
As I witnessed the event, Pike flashed through my mind.
Oh God. It couldn’t happen again.
I had to stop it.
Anger and hatred filled every cell, until it consumed me.
As the Arvy opened its jaw to sink its teeth into Chase’s shoulder, I held out my arms and screamed, “Sto—p!”
The Arvy’s head snapped toward me, its growls exchanged with piercing screams of agony. Releasing Chase it rocked back to its knees, its bloodied stubs clutching tightly to the sides of its head.
I channeled every ounce of the anger flaming inside toward the creature.
I couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to.
The Arvy wailed and writhed on the ground, convulsing. Its opaque eyes turned blood red . . . and then, it was motionless. Arms fell to its sides, and its chest stilled. Blood poured from its orifices, pooling on the ground.
The other two Arvies were coiled against the wall, their hands covering their ears, blood seeping from their ears and noses.
I blinked, pulling myself back.
The room felt claustrophobic; everything was chaotic and muddled. I felt like I was lost in a delusion, in some nonexistent world. Men were screaming, Dr. Simon and another soldier were pulling Chase and Chloe toward the back of the room, while the others ran forward with their guns aimed at the Aries.
But they weren’t moving.
A soldier pressed the butt of his gun to the first Arvy’s chest, and then nudged it with his foot.
“It’s dead, sir,” he announced, looking over to Dr. Simon. The other two guards cautiously approached the other two Arvies and found the same results. Both guards turned to stare at me. As I looked at every eye in the room, they were all focused on me, awe on their faces.
“Her eyes. Look at her eyes,” they whispered amongst themselves.
“You did it, Abi. You killed the bastards,” Chase exclaimed.
“She saved you,” Chloe sobbed. Tears filled her eyes. “You almost died.”
He scooted over to his sister and wrapped his arms around her. “I owe you one, Abi. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
My entire body was weak and trembling uncontrollably.
“You owe me nothing,” I said, shaking my head.
I couldn’t pull my eyes from the lifeless body on the ground. I looked at it with different eyes, seeing the being behind the monster.
I was no different. I appeared human on the outside but my brain was altered . . . mutated with a serum created by them.
I buried my face in my hands, wanting nothing more than to hide away from the entire world. Warm liquid ran from my nose and as I pulled my hands back, my palms were covered with blood.
Dr. Simon ran over to me and handed me another handkerchief, then wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “It’s alright, Abi. You did well,” he whispered. “Come. I’ll take you back to your room.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now,” he answered softly.
I felt like I was breaking down, but I held my emotions in. As I took a step, my legs buckled. Dr. Simon caught me around my waist and called for help. One of the soldiers ran over, placed one arm around my back and one under my legs, and then swooped me up, cradling me into his arms.
“Thank you,” I said. My voice was weak.
“The pleasure is mine,” he answered. He looked around the same age as Uncle Frank, and he was just as fit. “That’s quite a weapon you’ve got there young lady. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“She’s one of a kind,” Dr. Simon whispered, almost to himself.
“Dr. Simon,” one of the white coats called.
“I’ll meet with you in a half hour,” he answered firmly.
As we walked out of the room, I rested my head on the soldier’s chest and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to talk to anyone or answer questions. I was beyond the point of exhaustion, and right now, all I wanted to do was disappear.
THEY DELIVERED ME TO MY room, and as soon as the door closed, I dragged myself into the bathroom. When I caught glance of my reflection, I froze. The iridescent ring around my irises had grown and was covering more than half of them. No wonder they were staring at me with ghastly looks. I looked like a freak.
S
omething significant happened today. Something I couldn’t explain. I murdered three Arvies using nothing more than my mind. And what scared me the most was during that brief moment . . . I had no control over it.
I wondered if this was what happened to Chase and the man who abused him. Maybe his mind channeled all of his hatred and anger into him, which in turn incapacitated his brain, slipping him into a coma.
Maybe Chase hadn’t been able to stop it. Then again, maybe he hadn’t wanted to stop it; like me in the chamber with those Arvies.
My dreams for the future disintegrated in that room. How could I ever live a normal life? Having so much power inside…power to kill with a thought and not be able to control it.
I could only wonder what the scientists in the room were thinking. They saw what I could do, and that made me afraid of the future. My future.
I feared I’d unleashed Pandora’s box.
There was a knock on the door, and according to the time, it must have been my dinner.
When I opened it, Juan was standing with his cart, wearing a weird expression.
“Hello, Abi. Your dinner is served. Where would you like it?” His brows rose.
“You can just set it wherever you want. I’m not really that hungry,” I sighed. From the corner of my eye, I saw another person’s arm shift just outside my door.
Juan noticed my confused reaction to the person and quickly pushed his cart into the room. As soon as the door closed, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the bathroom.
“What the hell is going on?” I asked.
“Shhh . . .” He placed his fingers to his lips. “You have guards outside your door.”
“What?” I gasped. “Why?”
“I don’t know, I’m guessing they don’t want you to leave?” he replied matter-of-factly.
“Obviously.”
“What the hell happened today?” he questioned.
“They took us to the Arvy chamber and . . . and I—”
“What did you do?”
My face fell into my hands. “You don’t want to know.”
“Look, lots of change is about to happen. Every day there are more and more Arvies gathering outside our walls. Much more than they ever anticipated or have the manpower to overtake. They’ve been tirelessly trying to find a way in.”