Damas had the Spargan by the name of Kleiver, drive out to the cave to fetch her belongings. Dolly kept her behind, intending to find out the purpose behind the "natural" bleeding. Needless to say, she and anyone else listening in, were disgusted. "So, if your 'baby starter pack' doesn't get used in a certain amount of time, you shed it out, not absorb?"

"Yep. It only lasts about five to seven days. Any chance you have a large scrap of cloth I could use for now?" Jen was desperately trying not to laugh, the faces they're making were just too funny. "Actually, you have bucket or something? Gonna get sick again." Catching the items tossed over, she trotted back to her bed. Dolly just shook her head, already deciding to keep Jen in the Ward whenever the 'cycle' hits.

"Going to keep her in?" Dolly turned to her King who was released from a medic's care. "Most likely sir. Despite what she says, her current health is far too abnormal to ignore. Should've been bed bound for at least a month," they both ignored the wrenching sounds on the other side of the room, "how was her attempt with green eco?" Before Damas could answer, the door slammed open. "Never mentioned how small that tunnel was Lordship." "Slipped my mind." Kliever just grunted and dropped the items from his arms.

Glaring at the lack of respect, Jen shakily slipped down to assess the last of her belongings. One empty plastic bin, an empty duffel bag, and bike with saddle bag still full with odd bits and ends. Including a large pack of hearing aid batteries she'd forgotten about buried at the bottom. 'Oh, thank the Lord Almighty. This will give me at least another month.' Supplies were a bit squished but in good condition. So far, no one notice the bowie, so she quietly slipped it in the bag.

"Grey one," Monks are far too quiet, "you are to see the Head Monk."

"Later." Jen just wants a room with privacy right about now.

"It was not a request." The wispy tone is already irritating her. 'Time to get rid of 'em.'

"If the Head Monk is in the city, he can find me. If not, oh well," she said nonchalantly, brushing past the monk. "Oi, Dolly! Got a spare room I could borrow?"

Following the direction of the pointed finger, Jen rushed inside. When the business was done, she curled in a corner. 'Way too many people! Completely different place! I killed to live!' Now that she didn't have to watch her back and remain in control, everything came crashing in. The anxiety, memories, and fear. Especially the memories. 'I somewhat understand now when people say their life flashed right before their eyes.'

Some time passed before Jen was able to calm her mind and body. With a grunt, she pushed herself up and started heading the door. As much as she wanted to hide away, reality comes first. Bracing herself for the crowd, she quickly stepped out, only to almost run smack dab into Seem of all people.

Seem was in what was most likely traditional monk garb. Dark neutral colors, skin painted white, orange and yellow markings on the face. Physical age, with the little bit of baby fat on the face, maybe 16 years old. So far, Seem appeared to be the only monk with a precursorian chest plate. All the other monks only had bits here and there. Perhaps with Seem's standing, she needed the extra protection. Or she earned it through hardship and trial.

The two females stared at one another, assessing what they could. Seem was cool and collected. Jen was bruised, eyes bloodshot and exhausted. "I was told that I was to find you instead of simply doing as suggested." Identity of Head Monk: confirmed.

"Suggested? More like ordered!" Jen knew she should stop there but her patience has just about run out. "Not even a full day here and I'm expected to be obedient to a buncha people I jus' met!" Seem was starting to have a glimmer of trouble on keeping her schooled expressions. Upon seeing that, Jen sighed and backed a few steps, "Look, I'm sorry. But after everything that happened in the last few weeks, I'm on my last bits of sanity here. I jus' wan' teh sleep." Pulling out her best puppy eyes, she made eye contact.

Seem appeared to have accepted the explanation and calmed down. "I have to apologize as well. You are in dire need of rest. But there is a matter that must be attended, rather sooner than later." Moving her fingers in a series of signs, "the eco you hold within, it is massive. We need to ensure that it will not react in an undesirable manner. A test will need to be conducted at the temple."

"Fine," the sooner the stupid test was done, the sooner she can sleep, "jus' don't expect me to walk the whole way."

Jen's POV

Turns out the med bay had a warp gate hidden in the back. Going through was weird. Instead of jumping through, for I believe I lacked the energy for, I grabbed the ring and simply stepped through. Pins and needles everywhere.

To say the place was an eye opener is an understatement. The room we entered had numerous fire pits along the walls. Carvings etched in everywhere. The air itself felt old and so full of history. I had to forcibly tear my eyes away to keep an eye on Seem, who almost disappeared around a corner.

We passed by multiple monks on the way to the supposed testing grounds, stopping every time. I think Seem was simply passing out orders. Hallway after hallway, we kept walking. Thankfully, we didn't need to get by any traps. There were also a few times when we passed by a few eco vents. They may have been closed off, but I could SMELL the energy.

I may have recognized one area when passed a doorway but I don't know. All I do know is that this place is in good shape unlike in the game. Maybe it's because the metalheads haven't snuck in yet to do damage.

I was waiting for Seem to finish talking to yet another monk when I caught a glimpse of blue light around a corner. Curiosity kills the cat. Or I just might get into a bit of trouble and a slap on the wrist for wandering off.

Oh, it was one of the statues that helped Jak gain light eco abilities. And the eyes are glowing. Good. The furry gods and I are well due for a chat. With newfound determination, my feet strode forward and up the platform. It was only a moment of waiting before a deep voice echoed throughout the air.

"Greetings new world comer."

"Furballs."

Silence. Don't think they were expecting that. "That is not relevant . . ."

Now for the low blow, "Shad up ottsels! I wan' answers!"

The statue dimmed out. A tiny door opened at the bottom to show a very small warp gate. It waivered a bit before the ottsel stepped out. He was maybe 20 inches tall. Grey white robes. Little claws poked out from the fingers gripping on the scepter. Looks like he was trying to hide it but I saw the slight limp. Probably from an injury or old age. The fur couldn't hide the stress bearing down on him.

Kneeling down, I brought up the one question that was begging to come out. "What happened?" The ottsel sighed. "Apparently the seal you have found was one of the artifacts that bypassed the laws of space and time. Upon claiming it, you have set yourself a destiny."

I let out a small snort. Destiny? "I'll set my own path."

Hearing the small chuckle and seeing a smile instantly made me weary. "I'm sure you will. Now, onto business. I know the questions you have in mind and I'll answer them. You are unable to go home." Well, that was a blow to the heart. "The future will be stable as long as you think hard about any possible consequences. Let's make your glasses indestructible for up to, say, ten years." A quick tap on my glasses with his scepter. "The stability of your eco is . . . adequate for the time being. You are in need for training soon. And we apologize for how the eco was introduced to your system."

The unknown weight on my chest eased up. "I . . . can live with that. Hmmm, quick question. Dark Makers are basically Precursors corrupted from the dark eco, right?" There's a nod, good. "So, your fuzzier self came from light eco."

"Correct. Due to our . . . disposition, we were uncertain if we were to be taken seriously or not at the worst time possible." Leader Ottsel shook his head. "Now is not the time. We must get started."

"Started? For what?" Leader, who started to pace around the platform with determination, made to grip the air and pulled out a pair of orange gauntlets. "To attend the new timeline you are about to make. This armor will ensure that your inner eco will never be picked up by any radar made by the mortals, no matter what." That will definitely come in handy. "Unfortunately, it is not the same with our corrupted relatives. You can remain undetected, as long as eco is not in use." So, I'm going to have to learn how to sneak around. I can live with that.

Seeing the orange metal float over, I snatched the metal and slapped them on my arms. The buckles automatically snapped shut and the gem embedded in each lit up for a few seconds before dimming out. "They will only come off to your touch. So no worries of them being stolen." Good.

A wave of fatigue washed over me. "Look, as important this is, I really need to get the monks' test over with. Seem's probably wondering where I went. And speaking of Seem," I made sure to lock eyes with Leader to ensure my point is made, "I'm going to tell Seem the absolute truth on how I know too much. I need someone to talk to without having to worry about secrets." Plus Seem needs to know the truth about them. They need to coordinate when the Dark Makers come. "Very well. Head out and send her in."

When I stepped out of the room, Seem looked pissed. Before she can rip into me for wandering off, I shoved her through the archway and the doors shut. It was maybe ten minutes or so of fighting sleep off before the doors slid open. No idea of what happened in there, but she looked a bit shook when she walked away from the statues. I was so fucking tired, it's not funny. Everything was a blur but I was able to recall specific details.

Seem said that I need to tell the truth now while all other monks are out of hearing range. It was a bit of tale, but she accepted and suggested that I take on position of a seer of 'A Future' to explain how I know too much for my own good for an off worlder.

She was told from the Precursors that a ritual to unlock the dark and light ecosystem in me needs to take place or it will go off like a bomb.

Ok, ritual stung.

Light: I glow and have angle wings.

Dark: long curved horns, black and white eyes, talons and fish tail. My Dark represents Capricorn.

We head back to the med bay to be greeted to an odd sight. Everyone was cautious around a huge crocadog that somehow worked its way inside. It perked up upon seeing me. It seemed to make sense to the others but not me. All I heard was that the crocadog finally chose its partner. Me.

I didn't care. I just plopped down in front of Poofy, he curled around me, we went to sleep.