Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 4 : Crystal

"About time you woke up," Hayden remarked, leaping effortlessly to another building before dashing towards its edge and propelling himself to the next, all the while carrying Crystal in his arms. Her eyes remained shut as she absorbed the recent events. It was as though she had just emerged from the depths of an extended dream. Everything appeared simultaneously unfamiliar and reminiscent. 

Were these the recollections of Lincoln Blaze, the original Cyber Wielder? A multitude of inquiries flooded her thoughts in that instant.

Hayden stopped and looked down at her. "What happened?" His calm voice brought her back to reality, and she wriggled out of his arms, landing on her feet. "You're welcome," Hayden grumbled, disappointment showing on his face.

Crystal didn't reply; she couldn't. The dizziness overwhelmed her, making her feel like she was about to puke. But then, something strange happened. Her body went numb, and she started to relax. "Ray..." she whispered, calling out to the person responsible for her state.

"No need to talk, just relax and let your body unwind," Ray said, his voice now amplified for her ears only.

Crystal didn't even have the strength to nod, but she obliged, gradually coming down to her knees. She could hear voices but couldn't make out their words. They were probably questioning what was happening. She didn't know either.

After a few long minutes, Crystal had finally gotten her strength back. She stood up and Hayden was by her side in a matter of seconds. The others surrounded her shortly after. This made her uncomfortable, she didn't like the attention she was getting.

"Bright white light and poof you're knocked out. That about sums it up." Amadh said, breaking the silence. 

"I feel like I've just lived through a part of someone else's life. This person could be the Lincoln Blaze." Crystal explained while rubbing her forehead.

"Hmm. You relived the memories of a dead person. While this is not new, this requires the body of the person, a necromancer, and a mind mage to at least have a chance at such a task. Yet you just touched a box." Ray said. 

Crystal lowered her face into her arms. He had a point. Could all of this just be a random happening? Maybe another one of her dreams? It felt too vivid, though. In the past, her dreams usually carried some message, but this one unfolded like a complete story.

"She needs time. For now, let's get back to the bridge and get to base, we can sort things out better over there." Hayden said, slowly pushing them away from her. 

Crystal was grateful to him for this, but she didn't show it. 

"Hmm. Good idea. Let's move," Ray declared, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the approaching Hydes. 

"Those guys never give up," Lucien said, shaking his head. 

"That's why we gotta pick up the pace," Ray responded and began to move.

Mid-leap, Crystal's anticipation turned into realization, a sudden awareness that sent a chill through her. She landed on the building but couldn't shake off the unsettling truth. Clasping her hands together, she stared at them as if expecting something to happen. "No..." she whispered, a sense of loss and disbelief echoing in her voice.

Hayden noticed her sudden stillness and halted beside her. His furrowed brows revealed his confusion. "What's wrong?" he inquired, concern lacing his words. Crystal met his gaze, the weight of her discovery sinking in. "I... I don't have my ability anymore," she confessed, the realization hanging heavy in the air. 

The familiar power that once surged through her fingertips was now absent.

"How is that possible?" Hayden exclaimed, his disbelief evident in his voice. Though the others had forged ahead, Hayden lingered, taking his time with Crystal. He was confident that they could catch up once they resolved the situation at hand.