The journey took just over a day to reach the Sol System. Which was good, considering that there didn't seem to be any rations on the ship, something that would have become a problem for Koriand'r if it took much longer. I hadn't eaten since I was taken to the Psions' (the lizard people's) research station, and I felt fine. Granted, I had eaten sometime before I was taken, not to mention the countless species I had available to me that could survive without eating, but the point still... wait a minute, couldn't I just create food for her? I'm sure a Methanosian or Flourana could create some fruit for her to eat.
I should probably look into such things like that, just in case resources get short.
We talked a bit on the way there, though there was nothing substantial to it. I was a terrible conversationalist in general, and it was made worse by the fact that I knew what she had been through. Not to say that I knew her or any nonsense like that, just that... well... anyways.
I tried to keep things to lighter topics, asking her about her life before her capture and her family. Helps that there could always be something about her that I don't know about her, infinite universes and everything. Turns out her sister was denied the throne because a childhood illness took away her ability to fly, weird. I'm not sure if that was a mainstay of Blackfire's backstory, but it was interesting to know regardless.
I responded in kind when she asked, though I was forced to be evasive a few times when it would have revealed my true origin. I didn't like lying to her, but I wasn't sure what I should do about that. I'm not ashamed about what I've done; in fact, I'd say most of it was justified. But that's neither here nor there.
I did tell her about the various sights, foods, and cultures on Earth though. Some of my favourite foods from the planet, such as Chili- I mean, fries, pizzas, beef wellington, scallops, sushi, and my personal favourite out of all of them, caviar. Honestly, some of the best food that that dump has to offer.
She did ask about the Ultimatrix, which I expected her to do. And I told her straight, it was a stabiliser. She was a little confused as to what that meant, though she quickly got it once I explained it to her.
I didn't even have to lie to her about it. It was what it was. I didn't originally plan for it to be much else, though it did still act like an Omnitrix. Transformation mechanism and all. Though I don't know if features like the DNA scan were accessible or not. Hell, I don't even know if the translation function worked either. The only way it would be possible is if the Tamaranean language were in the Omnitrix, which, I'm sure I don't have to tell you, it isn't.
...Unless it was automatically decoding the language without my input. While I am the only one, second place to First Thinker Azmuth, that is the most knowledge about the inner workings of the Omnitrix. I'm actually not sure if the AI would do such a thing unprompted.
...No wait, what the hell am I talking about, of course it would. Even my stabiliser, via my own DNA, is connected to the Omnitrix, and I even coded it in mostly the same way. Not to mention that it would have encountered a completely undiscovered species.
I should look into the AI of my Ultimatrix when we land, it would probably be quite useful while I'm in the DC multiverse.
Anyway, most of the time during the ride, she was resting on the bench I had originally laid her on, so aside from the first few conversations, we'd have there wasn't really much talking between us.
At first, she resisted the idea, saying that she felt fine. I shot back, saying that we can't be too careful with scientifically modified powers. She was a little confused as to why exactly I was so worried about it, though eventually, she did relent and let the machine continue healing her back.
Either way, I was glad when an alert sounded throughout the ship, and I felt a slight lurch. Moving to the cockpit revealed the black of space once again, with one of the stars before us much closer than the others.
I looked over at my companion. "Can you pilot this ship? I'll admit that I'm not the best at piloting these things." That was a lie. Whether in this cumbersome human form or my true, Galvan form, or any other species I could become, I was confident that I could steer this spacecraft. I just wanted to know if she could.
She gave a small nod as she floated over to the controls. "I am not well-versed in this type of ship, but I have had a bit of experience. I shall do the best I can." She tapped a few buttons on the console before her before she took hold of the control yokes and looked up at me with a raised brow. "If I am to understand this, we are headed for the third planet from the sun, yes?"
"Yep. That's Earth."
She let out a soft noise as she angled the controls. I didn't feel anything, but I knew that we were moving. A few minutes passed as we got closer to Earth before she said, "I am afraid I am not proficient with these communications. Will we be fired upon for not answering hails immediately?"
"…We shouldn't be," I said, not liking how I couldn't give a more certain answer. As far as I'm aware, the Justice League rarely, if ever, stop spacecraft from landing. Not to mention, we're still far away from the plantoid to arouse any hostile response. I could just barely start to make out the blue orb of a hellhole known as Earth out of the cockpit viewport, as I said moving my hand towards the communications display, "If my knowledge is correct, we will probably get someone coming out to meet us-"
Suddenly, there was a flash of green in front of us, which resolved itself into a man. He was dark skinned, wearing a form-fitting black and green uniform that bore an insignia that was known throughout space, and a glowing green ring was on his middle right finger. He pointed the ring at the ship, and there was a brief squeal from the ship's audio system before it resolved itself into a voice.
"Unidentified vessel," Lantern John Stewart said calmly. "You have entered the boundaries of Earth space. Power down engines and state your intentions."
"…Right now." I finished lamely.
_________
I paused for a long moment, caught completely off guard by the Green Lantern's sudden appearance, mulling it over a bit, I finally spoke. "Testing communications, can you hear us?"
"Yes, I can." He replied, his posture as he floated before us unchanged.
One less complication I guess, I thought before I continued. "My name is... Albedo. A few days ago, I was abducted and experimented on by an alien race called Psions. Another prisoner and I have managed to escape, and I brought us here."
Through the viewport, I could see the man arch an eyebrow at that. "Are you trying to tell me that you're human? Because my scans from what I think is you are saying otherwise, it's a confusing mess of contradicting information. Mostly human, but still erratic."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at that. My natural Galvin pride moving before me. Though that didn't stop me from picking up on the interesting information. "Like I said, I was... experimented on. I don't really know what else to say. Look, I'm speaking English, isn't that proof enough?"
He hesitated for a moment before I saw him mouth something, and then his eyebrows rose in surprise. "Doesn't necessarily mean anything," he commented, though his tone was uncertain. "It's not hard to pick up a planet's language, even one as isolated as Earth's."
This time, Koriand'r spoke. "Please, this is not the time for suspicion. For what purpose could he possibly try to deceive you, Lantern? He has come here to return home, and I am here seeking refuge. I swear to you that this is true."
I don't know where she got the impression that I'm "returning home", but that's not exactly going to be doing me any favours right now if I denounce them.
Lantern Stewart was silent at that, but then he raised his other hand towards us in a gesturing manner as he pulled his ring next to his ear, most likely talking to another member of the Justice League, if not multiple.
I'm sure the motion was for our benefit rather than an actual need to do so, as he then started speaking without letting us hear. A full minute passed as we waited for the man before he lowered his hand and spoke to us. "This is unusual… but I guess not impossible. I'm going to escort you back to the Watchtower so we can get to the bottom of this. If it turns out you're lying…" The glow around him increased slightly. "Things are going to get very unpleasant." Yeah, for you maybe.
I let out a breath. Given the circumstances, that was probably the best I could hope for. "Thank you. So, how exactly is this going to work?"
"I'll be calling on my associates to verify your identity." He replied. Though I'm not sure how exactly they're supposed to verify us, especially me. I don't think that the DC and Ben 10 Multiverses are connected in any way. There are no Plumbers here. Which... is probably for the best. "Till then, you can stay in one of our conference rooms-"
There was a sudden loud rumble from Koriand'r's stomach, and as I glanced over at her, she put on a sheepish smile. My mouth quirked a bit before I looked back out at the man floating in space. "If you don't mind, do you think that we could make that a mess hall instead?"
_________
Have you ever seen a woman devour an entire rotisserie chicken in 76.6 seconds? Because I now have, and it has changed me.
Lantern Stewart looked on nonplussed as Koriand'r tore into her third helping, the empty plates scattered around the table proof of her conquest. I myself wasn't too surprised at that, watching anime and cartoons made me a little numb to such things. Though I can't say that I wasn't a little flummoxed at her appetite.
I had known that she was hungry, but I had no idea that she could pack it away quite that much. I was suddenly glad that the Watchtower mess hall was so well stocked and that the three of us were the only ones there as we, most likely, waited for more of the Justice League to arrive. Don't know why this is so important to them.
That said, I was under no illusions that we weren't being watched. Aside from how John Stewart had stuck by us the entire time he pulled our ship into the Watchtower hangar and escorted us to our current location, we had always been in sight of cameras. And I was sure there were other things I couldn't see as well. Two of those senses I had gotten from the tricorder I had incorporated were giving me something that hadn't been there before I set foot on the space station, even if I had no idea what they were or what they meant yet.
My best guess where other League members, but I can't be too sure while on the Watchtower. I'm sure they have all kinds of life on the station. Either prisoners or other lifeforms. I still wasn't used to the tricoder, though I was thankful that it wasn't forcing my vision into UV's or infrared. And that's probably why I couldn't quite make out what it was picking up.
Speaking of the Watchtower, it did not look at all like I expected it to. Rather than some kind of normal technological space station, it looked like a massive monolith that had been partially carved out of a rough asteroid. The flat side of this 'monolith' was lined with windows before it reached the bottom, and the whole thing led back into the uncut rock. At the very least, I now knew that I wasn't in any DC continuity that my human side was familiar with. That meant I couldn't completely rely on my knowledge of the superheroes of this universe, including the man standing next to me. After all, it's usually Hal Jordan who is the main Green Lantern.
As for John Stewart himself… well, he was a difficult read. Since I had met him, he hadn't done anything truly threatening or aggressive, but I could tell that he hadn't let down his guard either, at least in regards to me, though I wasn't entirely sure why I seemed to bother him so much. I look mostly normal from a human perspective. Sure, I may look a little sick, and my eyes may be red, but I could just wear contacts to cover that up.
And despite how generally quiet he had been I'll be damned if he didn't have a presence about him that seemed to fill the room. It may have been because my human side grew up with him being a fictional hero, but… I can't deny that there wasn't something awe-inspiring about being around Green Lantern John Stewart.
Though he was slightly shorter than I thought he'd be. That might just be a rather weird quirk for this universe to have.
I was roused from my thoughts when, in between bites, Koriand'r said, "I am… confused as to what exactly this Justice League is, and why a Green Lantern would be a part of it. Is it somehow an extension of your Corps?"
Lantern Stewart shook his head. "The Justice League exists separately from the Green Lantern Corps, though this isn't the first time a Lantern has been part of more local authorities in order to do their job. In short, the Justice League is an independent organisation of exceptionally powerful individuals that protects the planet Earth and the Sol System in general. Usually in the form of fighting local crime and warding off catastrophic threats."
"Ah! Not dissimilar from the old Warrior of Justicars back on Tamaran. A worthy occupation." She said, nodding her head in affirmation. Though quickly tilted it to one side, a finger lay on her chin as she inquired. "But does that mean you spend most of your time on one planet?"
"Yes, but I assure you that Earth is a handful. Surprisingly large number of supervillains per capita." He grunted. "I happened to be on monitor duty when you showed up, so I saw when the scans picked up your FTL signature entering the system."
As he said that, I realised something. "Earlier, you said you could tell that I wasn't physically human, even when there was an entire ship's hull between us. I take it your ring has some pretty advanced scanning abilities?"
"It's one of the most advanced pieces of technology in the universe, so yes."
"This may seem like an odd request… but can you use your ring to tell me just what is currently in my body?" I said, pointing at the hole in my, rather expensive shirt at the four small bolts sticking out of my torso.
That man arched his eyebrow at me. "What, you don't know?"
I shrugged. "I said I was experimented on. The lizards that put this thing in me didn't exactly explain what they were doing to me. All I know is that it reacts to technology and biomass." I spoke with little interest in the overall subject. Don't get me confused, I, by all means, want to find out. It's just that sitting here and talking about it doesn't change my situation nor understanding of what the device actually does.
Lantern Stewart hummed at that for a moment before he extended his ring hand out towards me, and a curtain of green light swept up and down my body. It felt… mildly unpleasant actually, and I had to keep myself from twitching or itching the bolts as a full minute passed before the light cut off. A screen appeared in front of the man's face, data that I couldn't quite make out from my position, though I knew it was something about my biology, and after a few moments, I saw his eyebrows rise once again. "That's… unexpected."
"Well, if it's dangerous or parasitic, I would like to know."
His mouth twisted a little before a green hologram popped up between us, showing something that looked squat and bug-like with a number of pincers lining the edges. If my memory serves me right, it looks to be the same thing that shoved in me when I first awoke. The same contraption that drilled into me and is just kind of sitting there. It probably integrated itself with my biology and biomass if I had to guess.
"Near as I can tell, your body, though mainly your torso, is made partly comprised out of some sort of bioorganic nanites, though you favor biological composition by about 7 to the nanite's 3." He paused, allowing me to mull over the information. Funnily enough, Koriand'r seemed to be following along. I don't know exactly her education or the technological level of her race. But it seems that she knew enough to understand the basics of what he was saying.
"The nanites appear to communicate with each other via a distributed network model, sharing information and power across your entire body. Effectively acting as a replacement and upgrade for whatever they assimilated with. Nerves, tissue, the like." He gave a continued before he looked back at me. "Ah, a distributed system is like-"
"I'm a computer scientist, I know how distributed systems work." I interrupted, noting that this John Stewart was more technically minded than I would have thought. Though if that was an actual difference, or poor memory or lack of knowledge on my part, I didn't know. After a second, I asked with some trepidation, "So, how does my heart look?"
He shook his head. "Your heart is fine. At least that I can tell." He continued. "Your nanites have formed into a number of different unique structures and tissues throughout your whole body. Like I said, they seem to resemble normal human neurological and organic tissues." He paused for a moment before he asked. "You said something about it reacting to technology and biomass, can you elaborate?"
I nodded as I told him my encounter is the B-Bear and how the machine in my chest, or at least, most of it, reacted to the tissues. Taking out the blood and murder and all the nasty stuff that these people hate.. The other man grunted as his eyes flickered between me and the screen. "Interesting. There are also traces of some kind of other technology around your eyes. No wait..." He paused for a second to carefully look at the screen.
"It's been integrated into your biology. Small traces of the machinery remain in your body, but that's just it, traces. Your body seems to be already taking care of it." I simply nodded in agreement. "You may need to figure out how to create more nanites if they aren't self-replicating. You'll probably need both inorganic and organic elements to replenish your nanites. At least based on what you've told me and the structure of them."
As he said that, a thought occurred to me. I brought a hand to my chin as I mused aloud, "I haven't really integrated that much since this started, but I somehow feel fine. So, where's that energy coming from?"
He let out a breath. "That's the interesting part. It looks like every one of your nanites is its own power source. It's negligible individually, the ring barely recognised it, but you're made of hundreds of millions of the things, and they can all reroute and combine their power flawlessly."
"So are they generating this power? Drawing it from somewhere? Or are they getting it from me?" I asked. I didn't know much about how this sort of nanotechnology worked, bioorganic nanotechnology that is. The entire Galvanic Mechamorph race is nanotechnology after all. But I don't know how nanobots work in DC.
Stewart's mouth twisted. "It's complicated, but the short of it is that they're tapping power from the spaces between different universes. From what the ring can tell, it seems to be something we call the Red." The Red?
I tried not to let my surprise show as he said that. I think it worked, as he continued without pause, though I will have to ask about it later. "Thing is, I've never seen a power generator tied to the Red. Let alone one that is this small either, or know why anyone would do it. These nanomachines have the make-up of a normal Bleed Torsion Generator, which can get about as small as a hand if you're one of the most technologically advanced species around," He said, motioning his own extremity. "The ring doesn't even know if the machines are getting power from the Bleed, and that's not even getting into how you'd get them all to play nice with each other if they are, as that much warping of dimensions in such a small space tends to cause problems."
I was silent for a moment before I said, "I can get the gist of what you're talking about, I didn't understand a lot about this 'Bleed' and 'Red' thing. However! I know that mixing dimensional energies together is incredibly dangerous. And it doesn't sound like this is something the Psions could make, given that their whole thing seems to be genetic modifications." I took a pause, formulating my thoughts before continuing.
"My only guess as to why they're playing nice with each other is the functionality of the device. I'll have to look into that later."
He shook his head. "They might be more advanced than most, but this is definitely beyond their capabilities. Besides, the Red is connected to a imal life, so I don't understand why they would connect the nanites to to." Never underestimate the opponent, that's something I've learned the hard way.
...Wait animals?
I was about to ask who he thought could have made it, and more about this 'Red' when the door to the cafeteria opened, and three more people entered. I wasn't sure who I had been expecting to show, but my breath still caught at the sight of them. Wonder Woman in a strapless red bustier held up by a brace of gold resembling two W's and blue briefs with five white stars on them, breaking up these two articles of clothing was a golden belt. Walking next to her was the cowl and cloaked dark knight himself, Batman, in, well, what you expect out of Batman. And walking in front of them, dressed in blue with a red cape and yes, his underwear on the outside, was Superman.
I know it was a bit of a disservice to the others, and, as much as I hated the feeling, I couldn't help but feel a bit of childish glee at seeing Superman. No, childish glee would be the incorrect term for this feeling. Awe would be the better descriptor.
I couldn't help but blink at that odd realisation. I knew the human I had bonded with influenced me, but I didn't think it would cause this large of a reaction. I am a Primus damned Galvan!
Or am I? I stray thought crossed my mind. Though I quickly dismissed it. I don't need such inane things. Of course I'm a Galvin, what else could I be?!
I glanced over at Koriand'r, who had stood upon the entrance of the other three heroes. In the comics, she was always very tall, I believe ranging somewhere between 6'4" and 6'7" when she was older, so somewhere between 5'9" and 6'1.
After a moment's observation, I realised that I was a bit shorter than her. If I were to give an estimate, somewhere between (my original) 5'7" and 5'9". Huh, that's... new. I knew the human had an influence on me, much to my chagrin, but I didn't think it would make me taller. Perhaps that growth spurt Tennyson had came a little early for me, or activated early, it doesn't really matter which is the case.
"So, you're the new arrivals I've heard about," Superman said as he extended his hand toward me. "I hope you don't mind the reception, but you have to understand that we don't get extraterrestrial visitors very regularly."
Says the alien, I thought flatly, and said, "Odd, last time I was here, there was a non-zero amount of extraterrestrials in the place I was at, but that was quite a bit ago. Though I understand the need for caution. Standard procedure." The words came to me reflexively, as I tended to default to polite when confronted with a new social situation. Well, when warranted.
I waited for a few seconds to wonder why his hand was still extended till I remembered why. "Ah, right, yes, sorry." I reciprocated his offer of a handshake. "Forgot about the whole handshake thing."
The man nodded in response as we shook before pulling his hand back, before he offered the same respect to Koriand'r. To which she looked over at me with a raised brow. Though not before he got to say, "I'm sure your companion knows, but I'm Superman, and this is Batman and Wonder Woman."
"A greeting ritual here on Earth. Usually a starting point for friendships. I was told that a strong grip helped leave a good impression." I filled in for her, knowing exactly what she was trying to ask me about. She thanked me and tried to copy the handshake I had given to Superman, though from the look on his face, she seemed to use a bit more force than he expected.
After the two shook, he looked at both of us. "Right, well, we've had a look at your ship, and it seems that you're telling the truth, at least about where you came from."
He gave us a broad smile as he turned his attention to Koriand'r. "Where I come from we have a long history of welcoming immigrants with open arms. We may need to get you up to speed as to how things work on this planet, but as long as you follow the laws of Earth, I see no reason why you can't stay." His face then fell as he looked back at me. "However, I'm afraid we've run into a bit of a problem with you."
Batman suddenly spoke, his voice stern. "There have been no Albedo reported missing in New York City, or any other city for that matter in the past few days, or even the past few years. Which means that you are either not who you say you are… or someone has taken your place."
The room was silent for a moment at that, and I wondered just how I wanted to respond. I didn't wait very long, though, because there wasn't much to consider; if I wanted to get back to my original multiverse, that was. "That doesn't really surprise me, sir. Mainly because of two things." I raised a finger as I spoke. "Firstly, I'm not human." I paused, letting everyone besides Koriand'r take it in before raising another finger. "And secondly, I know what I'm about to say next is going to sound even more unbelievable, but… I believe that this isn't my home universe."
Koriand'r straightened in surprise as she looked at me. She knew about me not being human, but not about the universe thing, which was fair; I didn't exactly need to tell her that. And if there was anyone who could help me with my situation, as much as I don't like it, it was the Justice League.
"What? What makes you say that?" Batman asked. Ever curious as he was.
"Because before I left Earth, there was no such thing as the Justice League, heroes, yes, but not an organisation like this." I replied. "The International Space Station was the only human-habitable satellite, and I think I would have noticed this when I had left your planet!" I said as I guessed to the Watchtower around us.
The assembled heroes cast odd glances at each other before they looked back at me. "It is a bit unusual for you to come to that conclusion so quickly. Is your home universe more familiar with interdimensional travel than ours?" Wonder Woman asked.
I nodded my head. "I assure you, interdimensional travel in my home multiverse was a, relatively speaking, common enough occurrence that I could experience it due to my... unique circumstances."
"Actually..." I paused as I brought a hand to my chin, "There was that one time a universe-travelling ship sort of, floated into Earth's upper atmosphere for a short time before disappearing. And besides, this is clearly not the Earth I left, and the only reasons I can think of for such a radical change are that and time travel, and I don't think…" I trailed off for a moment. "Actually, what year is it?"
"2010."
I blinked. "That's… two years in the past for me."
Batman grunted. "Then, barring any sort of massive reality restructuring event in the next two years, you being from an alternate Earth is the most likely assumption." Wait for it. "If we take everything else to be true."
I was starting to feel a little annoyed by this, mostly because I had already given them all the proof I had. What more did they want from me to know I was telling the truth? I suppressed the urge to become indignant and thought about it. After a moment, my eyes drifted over to Wonder Woman, and an idea came to me. Of course, I would never suggest such an idea, nor would I need to, or ever agree to go along with it.
Though, before I could contemplate more on the subject, I noticed Batman motioning something to Wonder Woman.
There was a pause before Wonder Woman spoke, her hand drifting to the lasso at her waist. "We do have a way to verify if someone is telling the truth or not, we just don't use it on people unless there is a dire need. Most consider it an invasion of privacy." She looked at me with a tinge of worry and apprehension.
I simply scoffed at the idea. Both at whatever false simpathy she was trying to give me and at the idea of agreeing to such a thing.
"Well, for the sake of clarity, tell me what it is and let me be the judge."
She took hold of the lasso and held it up. "This is the Lasso of Truth. When you are bound by it, you will be forced to tell the truth, as well as compelled to answer any questions I ask. Are you willing to be bound?" Phrasing.
Before I could reply, Koriand'r spoke up on my behalf. "This is unnecessary!" She exclaimed. "Can't you simply trust his word? If he says that he is from another universe, then he is."
I raised an eye at her words. While I knew she was the heart of the Teen Titans and an empathetic person, I didn't expect her to so quickly come to my defence. My hand raised towards her before she could go further. "Kori, it's fine. I'm not above a willingness to show a little trust to get some in return... despite the circumstances that we have found ourselves in." I made sure to highlight the word 'despite' with all the passive aggression I could conjure. "And if this is the fastest way to verify what I'm saying is indeed the truth, which I must add, it is. I'm willing to do it." I turned back to Wonder Woman. "That said however, if you start asking unnecessary personal questions, or anything unrelated to the current situation, that trust is going to disappear fast. Very, very fast."
She gave me a small smile. "Of course. I will keep my questions on topic. Could you raise an arm, please?" She said, and I obliged. Koriand'r tried to once again speak up, but seeing the look in my eyes, she left it alone.
With a trained flick of her wrist, the rope unfurled and the loop went over my left arm, the one my Ultimatrix wasn't, settling around my wrist before tightening. Even as it started to softly glow I didn't feel any different, though part of me was still a bit worried.
Now that I think about it, I find it strange that Lantern Stewart didn't mention it in our little conversation. Actually, that might be the reason for this little interrogation. Though I'm not sure why that would be the case. I currently don't have access to my Ultimates, and the Ultimatrix that I'm using is a little more than a glorified stabiliser.
"What is your name?" She asked.
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words got stuck in my throat for a second before I was allowed to speak by some unseen force.
"Albedo," I replied.
"Are you human?"
I was about to say no when I suddenly found myself saying "I… I'm not sure. Originally not, though after an incident with one of your kind, I ended up as I am now." Huh, didn't know that the lasso would keep you from saying half-truths. Good to know.
If Wonder Woman was thrown off by this answer, she didn't show it. "How were you abducted?"
"I don't know. I was... heading in for work one morning or working on something, I can't quite remember. Then, I blacked out, and then I woke up on a lab table." I said, and I kept going. "They put something on my chest, grey, chitinous, and about the size of my hand. It burrowed into me like a drill and... I think electrocuted me, and I think helping with an issue I didn't know I was having with my biology." I gestured with my head a Lantern Stewart. "He can tell you more. Beyond that, I… I don't know..." My mind started to strain as more foggy memories and images came into my mind. It had started to hurt to the point that I reflexively massaged my temples to help with it. "I... don't even know if my name is my own or someone else's, why I have memories of things that I haven't experienced or why I feel the things I do." The mental strain grew louder and more painful as my head felt like it was being boiled from the inside out "I-I-I-I-" I kept repeating nonsensically as I held my head in my hands, as my mind clouded up with things I couldn't understand. It was bad enough that I was starting to lose vision in my eyes.
Diana quickly, with another flick of her wrist, removed the lasso from my arm. To which I immediately took a knee, as I felt a huge wave of pressure leave my body. "I'm sorry, th-that's never happened before. I-I didn't know that that could happen-" I barely heard Diana's worry-filled voice as multiple rushed footsteps approached me.
Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again. Never again.
I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, my body only mildly jumping from the contact and shock as I was too exhausted to do much else. From the voice that quickly spoke out afterwards, it seemed to be Koriand'r's voice. And she, predictably, wasn't happy.
Though I wasn't able to hear what she or anyone else was saying as I promptly lost consciousness.