Swamp Thing: The Darkness Within

Chapter Three - The Green Provides

Abby was still surprised by Alec's human appearance. She spoke "Hi", but she knew she could have said other words. Alec almost laughed "Hi". Abby smiled and laughed, and she turned her head. She was still finding this situation unbelievable. Abby stammered "I just...I just... don't understand how is any of this...". Alec smiled "I think the spores you inhaled had some hallucinogenic properties or something". Abby smiled "So you are not actually..." and Alec quickly replied "...No" his voice was stern and friendly. Abby turned her head to the left, and she was still stunned by Alec's appearance. She quickly turned her head to it's normal position.

She laughed, but she felt embarrassed "Sorry, it's suddenly so weird to see you as the um...". Alec finished her sentence "...charming man I used to be", he was slightly blunt. Abby blushed "Yeah...". Abby questioned him "And how long will this hallucination last?". Alec smiled and laughed "A minute...a year I have no clue...". "...it's not like I am doing this on purpose". Abby spoke "Is this the Green making this happen". Alec nodded "Yes it is, it's like a new world". Abby smiled and looked down. They were both creating an awkward tension. Alec quickly spoke "So...". Then he quickly found his words, he clicked his fingers "...I can get you something to eat?".

Abby laughed, and then stopped. She was stunned by his words. She was not expecting him to say that. "Um...well...now that you mention it I actually haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning so...". Alec  looked serious, but his voice was slightly humourous. "Oh no, that won't do". He moved over towards the kitchen area of the lab. He was rummaging around "...I think I remember some crackers over here". Abby laughed, and she turned around as she heard sounds coming from the windows. She spoke nervously "Alec?". She saw a plant breaking into the window, and Alec walked towards it. He smiled and spoke "We have mangos and some plums...". Abby spoke "Um...plum...". Alec smiled and walked towards her "Plum". He handed it to Abby.

She took it, but she was slightly cautious, but at the same time she knew Alec would never hurt her. She bit into and smiled. Alec spoke "What's the verdict?". Abby laughed with her mouth for of plum "It's so good, so you can make this out of thin air". Alec spoke "No, the plants, the trees and the green they react to my thoughts and my feelings". Abby swallowed "What do you mean by that?". Alec's voice was soft "I was so concerned about you being hungry, and the Green...well the green provided...". Abby smiled "Well can you tell the Green thank you very much, because this is incredible".

Alec laughed and smiled, but then that died down. He then turned his head away from Abby. She questioned him "What's wrong?". Alec sighed "I think the Green sensed how much I wanted you to see me as myself that it created that flower, to provide the perfect disguise...", he laughed at the end of his sentence. Abby was concerned for him. Alec spoke softly but he seemed saddened "...you know how much I have longed for that  connection". Abby looked at him with sympathy, and he turned to face her. Then his eyes burned red, and the veins started to turn green. Abby spoke "Alec, what's the matter?". Alec spoke, with a slight growl "The Darkness, it is quickly spreading". Abby questioned him "How do you know this?". "Because the Green is speaking to me" he added. Abby was concerned.

Abby spoke "Then let's go straight to the source" she added. Alec protested "No, this is dangerous I cannot allow you to get hurt". Abby grabbed her bag "I am going with you, and you cannot stop me". Alec sighed "Fine, but you have to listen to me". Abby added "I know, but what I am doing is help cure you". Alec walked out of the lab, his footsteps thumping on the ground. Abby followed him out of the lab, and they walked deeper into the swamp. Abby just wanted to help Alec, by any means necessary. Deep down she felt responsible for his 'change'. She ran away instead of helping or saving him.

After a while, Alec and Abby found themselves into a rotted part of the swamp. Alec spoke "Do you hear that sound?". Abby could hear the trees creaking and groaning. She quickly nodded. Alec carried on "That is the sound of the trees, they are in pain, they dying Abby". Abby questioned him "So how is the Green defending itself?". Alec replied "It is, but it is struggling...". He carried on as they walked deeper into the rotted swamp. "There has to be a balance between the Green and the Darkness, but the Darkness is destroying that balance". As Alec spoke his voice became more stern. "If the balance shifts, life suffers...". Abby finished his sentence because she understood this force of nature "...bringing death and decay".