Kindred Connection

Chapter 8 - She Awakens

Meanwhile, outside of the Aztec temple...

Military guards block off the main entrance as patrols sweep the area. The convoy from before is now accompanied by a tank on high alert. Men stand attentively outside the glowing temple. The path to the center of the temple is lighted as a guide. At the center of the temple is a small room, which has been artificially blocked off with a steel door. Liz, Ryan, some soldiers and scientists are crammed in this space, as they are examining a certain amulet.

The amulet gives off a gentle glow. Streaks of light are escaping the gemstone. It levitates, bobbing up and down. The group is anxiously examining the relic. Suddenly, the amulet begins to move irregularly. A blinding light emanates from the amulet.

"Liz? What's going on?" Ryan asked in astonishment. Liz is further back taking test results with wires plugged into a machine taking energy readings within the room which then connects to a rugged laptop she is working on.

"Its energy levels are getting stronger! Sir back away from it!" Liz warned. Ryan backs away slowly. She motions towards the doors as two guards rush to open the door. Other guards and scientists in the room turn away and start to cover their faces to cover them from the blinding light and prepare for a potential explosion. Suddenly, a beam shoots upwards and everyone is thrown back with a sonic boom.

The light suddenly begins to take the form of that of a young child. The amulet begins to lay around the neck of the young child who slowly begins to look like a 5-year-old ghostly pale girl. The outer layer of her body slowly turns into clothes, and bit by bit everything begins to solidify. Her eyes are closed as she is awakened by the powering energy spiraling around her. The temple's new radiant glow begins to fade as her body begins to absorb all of it.

The darkness swallows everyone in the room, save the girl. The room goes quiet for one moment until the girl slowly opens her eyes. A sudden last blast comes out from around her. Everyone tries to hide from the blast apart from Ryan, still in the open.

Afterward, slowly but surely the girl's levitation wears off as she begins to touch the ground starting with the tip of her toes. She begins to look around at everyone in the room. She tilts her head and speaks an ancient tongue, awaiting a response.

"It's... a child?" gawks Liz. The girl's face is a mixture of fear and curiosity as she repeats the sounds.

"Translator," Liz gets up. A scientist brings it up but no match to any language is found.

"So, you're the power source, huh?" Ryan looks at the girl. Ryan begins walking towards her with his heavy boots stomping on the ground.

"Sir! Wait! You're scaring her!" exclaims Liz. Ryan continues.

Ryan chooses to ignore Liz. The girl, Nea, protects the amulet with her hands. She shrinks into the corner as Ryan finally reaches for her.

"Now now, little missy. You're going to need to come with us. We just want to run a few tests." Ryan explained. Nea, unaware of what Ryan is saying, panics, seeing the threatening figure in front of her. Ryan stands tall in front of her, eventually losing his patience.

"Come on now. Don't make this any harder than it needs to be!" snaps Ryan.

"Sir, please. Be careful with her!" Liz insisted. Ryan yanks Nea from the corner and Nea yelps in surprise. She struggles in his arms to no avail. As Ryan approaches the door, Nea's eyes become desperate. Her arm and hand begin to radiate a white light. Liz opens her mouth and points at the girl, and by the time Ryan sees, there is nothing he can do. A bolt of energy shocks Ryan as his arms convulse.

"AAH!" Ryan screams in pain. Nea quickly escapes Ryan's grasp and bolts towards the exits of the structure. Ryan points with a numb hand towards the doorway.