Chapter Sixty-Three – A Rude Awakening
John blinked awake, or at least his eyes opened. He didn't feel tired though. What was I…doing? He wondered, something not feeling right. It wasn't just one thing. It was everything. He blinked and it felt wrong. He raised a hand and flexed his fingers. It looked normal. It felt wrong. A window opened in his vision. A notification about systems that were activating. What…What is that? John thought, fear darting through his chest as he forced himself upright. Error windows opened, warnings of stress. He tried to breathe, but he didn't know how. I can't breathe! He panicked, unable to focus on the voices beside him urging him to calm down.
It's alright, you don't have to be afraid. A new voice soothed, a firm grip holding his hand. It was like someone was in his head, manually closing the boxes for him, and activating new systems. John whimpered fearfully as he looked to his left to see a familiar figure. You'll need some time to adjust, just calm down…I've activated your respiratory function. Breathe. The tanned man ordered calmly, his mismatched eyes reminding John of Lin.
"L-Li…Li-n." John tried to speak, his heart pounding as he heard the strange static hissing tone of his voice. He flinched as he felt a strong hand pressed against the front of his neck. He followed the hand, up the arm, to the worried face. It was his uncle, who gave him a tight smile as he tapped away on a computer. The computer, a laptop that Elijah did a lot of work on, had multiple cables attaching it to something. John shuddered in realisation.
Just give yourself a minute…The voice in his head urged gently, John watching as his stress levels rose and fell. He felt safer knowing Elijah was with him. He closed his eyes, thinking back to the last thing he remembered. He remembered the pain in his shoulder, raising Lin's hand with his own, a kiss, and then falling. He had no idea what happened after. Lin! Where's Lin? He wondered fearfully, unable to control his mind as it rapidly played memories of Lin on a loop. He's fine! He's fine! Lin is fine…Try not to think too much. I can see your memories when we're connected like this. The man added, John's head jerking towards him in horror. The man looked away, confirming that he had indeed seen John's private memories.
"Uncle Eli…" John murmured, his voice suddenly sounding crystal clear. Far too clear. Elijah turned his attention towards John, his fingers pausing on the keys. "What…am I?" The blonde asked, fear coating his voice and creeping up his spine. The older man seemed unconcerned as he gave John an assuring smile and ruffled his fluffy blonde locks.
"You're you John." He replied simply.
