A World Just Out of Reach

Chapter 9

Apologies for not updating sooner! I got distracted by media, comics, ect... anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter! I plan on updating sooner, but I am quite forgetful, so, sorry if I don't!

-K.N.

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"Will you be able to fix it-" I was cut off by a loud screech that echoed along the corridor we were walking on. "What the heck was that!?" My eyes widened with fear, this better not be one of those Sakti creatures he had been telling me about.

"A Sakti. They're everywhere." Darien shook his head.

"Are you always cooped up inside this building?" I ask, looking around as we walked down the hall.

"No..yes..well, mostly. I haven't been out in a few weeks, actually." He replied. "That was the last time I was contacted. My commanding officers told me to stay here and keep working on connection with your universe. I tried telling them about you, but I can't reach them."

"Could the Sakti have gotten them?" I widen my eyes a little, surprised that he wasn't more concerned.

He sighed before responding, "Communications could have been destroyed...I'm just not entirely sure. I would've expected a fleet to have arrived to guard the building, but their way must be blocked."

"Shouldn't you go out and see what's going on out there, then?" My voice was a bit exasperated, but shouldn't he? I mean, isn't he even a little curious about what's going on?

"I'm not properly armed to face the Sakti. It would be ridiculous to go out there." His answer was logical, but...what if all the people are gone? What if they left...or worse, died? The Sakti sound powerful, a lot more so than Darien and his people.

"Yeah...can't you just peak?" We were headed towards some stairs, now. They headed downstairs, which was a big, dark area. Large, metal doors lie at the far wall. "Just crack open the door..." I jog ahead and down the stairs, going to the door and grabbing the handle.

"Cassie, don't open that!" I ignore him, turning the handle and pulling the door open, slightly. I am met by intense heat and screams beyond ear shattering. I feel a strong hand pull me away from it and shut the door back. I'm pretty sure I'm in a mild form of shock. What were those screeches?? Humans or Sakti??

I'm met by piercing blue eyes, Darien's. He had a strong grip on my shoulders, his expression full of concern and anger.

"That's why you don't go out." I state, surprised the words actually got out of my mouth.

"Are you all right?" I nod at his question. "Good. Now, what the heck were you thinking!? You could've gotten hurt!"

"I-I know..it's just...what if that's all that's out there? You heard the screams...there can't be anyone left-"

"No. Don't say that. There's always a chance some survived. With your technology I can find them." He cut me off, but even past all the optimism in his eyes, I could see fear.

"Darien, I can't even get you anymore technology, right now. Who knows how long it will be before you get the transport working again!" I run my hands through my hair, stress and fear overcoming my previous shocked state.

"Hey..." I feel his hand on my arm and turn to look at his, now calm, face. "everything is going to work out. You'll get back home, I promise. I just..have to make sure no one is out there. You wouldn't want to be abandoned, would you?"

"No...but there's nothing left here, Darien. You are living in an old lab, surrounded by nothing but darkness! You need to leave...you...you could come to my world." The words escape my mouth. I didn't realize it until now, that he was alone. Solitude for months, possibly years. He needs to be surrounded by people. The only good choice is to come back with me, leave this world and start a new life. There can't be anyone left here. This world is gone.