Couldn't My Reincarnation have been more Cliche!

Interlude One (A National Headache) Part 2

Walking out of the overly fancy military complex, the group silently approached the waiting armored vehicles, which would take them to the location of the rift. The journey there only took a few minutes, but for the siblings being stuck in such a close space with Selene was not at all comfortable. They didn't feel like they could joke or mess about as usual, and under her cold gaze, they had no choice but to act professional, both staring out the windows mechanically, trying not to do anything that would disturb Selene's delicate mood. So when they finally arrived at the temporary military encampment surrounding the rift, they practically burst out of the heavy metal doors, gasping for air as they both patted each other on the back and complimented each other for surviving the ordeal.

At this scene, Selene looked on coldly, ignoring the usual antics of the siblings, instead walking directly past the group of waiting scientists, soldiers, and reporters who had managed to sneak in amongst the crowd. Noticing that they were being left behind, the siblings quickly ran after her, following into the temporary enclosure set up before them.

It seemed like they had just barely made it in time. Inside the makeshift building, scientists frantically rushed around as various lights and warning signs flashed on instruments, drawing the entirety of their attention. A pair of guards stood by the entrance to the rift, contained in a cube made of concrete and sheets of reinforced metal, wires, and hoses running to different machinery all terminated into it. One of the guards spoke into a radio before hastily inserting an identification card into a slot, releasing a hydraulic bolt allowing the metal chamber to open. The trio didn't pay the scene around them any mind as they stepped into the pulsing rainbow light of unknown depth inside the chamber. One of the guards tried to shout something as they passed into the light, but this, too was drowned out, replaced with complete silence as the world transformed into that beyond the rift.

Expanding in front of the group was a large stone chamber. Water dripped from the ceiling, forming puddles on the ground as it fell beyond the reach of glowing moss strands that traced the room in light.

That whole sequence would almost be considered serene if not for a piercing whistle that echoed against the walls, breaking the silence. The source of the noise was enthusiastically poking the cavern wall with his pointer finger.

[Michael]: "Hey sis, it's a tunnel-type rift. Remember that time when we got lost in one of these and had to fight through all those parasitic demons for two days before backup came?"

Gabriella slammed her spear, letting out golden threads that shot into the different branching entrances that connected to the room before letting out a retort.

[Gabriela]: "Funny, I seem to remember that you were poisoned, and I had to carry your unconscious body through..."

She paused for a moment, focusing on something before speaking again.

[Gabriela]: "Hey, Bro, I just picked up some life down there, bet you I can make it to them before you."

Pointing her spear toward the tunnel, emphasizing her words, she continued.

[Gabriela]: "Who knows, maybe our wayward wanderers will be right over there. Oh, by the way, how about we bet on if, um, Selene, how many people are stuck here anyway?"

Selene looked at the pair with a blank expression on her face.

[Selene]: "Did you two really not read the risk report provided by the Association, if you hadn't this could be an issue in need of review, according to article 567 it is required that all wardens regardless of. . . . .?"

[Gabriela]: "Selene, just answer the question pleaseeeeeee"

Her questioning tone soon turned to a sigh as she explained.

[Selene]: "Our goal is to find out why this rift opened outside of expected bounds as well as to rescue two missing people. One civilian, one soldier alive. Putting particular emphasis on the word 'alive,'"

Cutting herself short, she mentally noted that she would need to educate the siblings some more, before heading in the direction that Gabriella had pointed out. The pair shrugged their shoulders before following down into the rock tunnel. The group moved with inhuman speed, the sound of their footsteps barely audible against the rough surfaces they traversed. Golden threads lined their route, connected to Gabriella; like luminescent guidelines continuously snaking in and out of different passages. In a brief moment, they emerged into an expanded section of the tunnel complex.

The cave walls slanted up at a steep angle, creating a triangular ceiling. Inside the room, about fifteen giant ants busied themselves stacking earth into strange heaps. As the trio emerged into the opening, golden light wrapped around the entire room, sealing the exits.