Hello. Welcome to part two of the Lord of Crimson Series. If you are new to this story, I highly encourage you to go back and read Lord of Crimson Book 1:Judgment.
As I woke up from my slumber, I gradually opened my eyes.
Uncertainty clouded my mind as I pondered whether the room itself was shrouded in darkness or if there was something amiss with my own eyes. As I cautiously sat up, I could sense a faint cushioning beneath me, indicating that I was resting on some sort of thin padding. My curiosity compelled me to reach out, but my hands recoiled in surprise as they unexpectedly made contact with cold, and unyielding bars.
Startled by this, I instinctively pulled my hands back. I then tried to stand, only to encounter yet another barrier. The oppressive darkness continued to engulf me, leaving me feeling trapped and vulnerable. To make things worse, I realized that I was completely devoid of clothing, adding to the growing list of mysteries that plagued my mind.
Confusion and frustration surged through me as I grappled with the enigma of my whereabouts. How had I managed to survive? My memory harked back to the haunting image of Enzuk cradling my lifeless body, the life draining out of me with every passing moment. I gingerly touched my bare stomach, where Enzuk's tail had pierced me, expecting to feel the remnants of a deep wound. However, to my astonishment, there was no trace of the puncture, only delicate stitches adorning my skin. The area still bore a slight tenderness as I ran my hand over it, but it bore no resemblance to the gaping hole that had once marred my abdomen.
Suddenly, a foreign voice broke the eerie silence, offering a glimmer of hope through the darkness. "Easy," the voice said.
I shifted my gaze toward the source of the voice, only to be overwhelmed by a surge of panic as the veil of darkness continued to shroud my vision. Despite my desperate attempts to clear my sight by blinking repeatedly, the oppressive cloak of darkness persisted, obstructing my view like an impenetrable barrier.
"Who are you?" I stammered, my voice trembling with fear. "And where am I?"
Just as despair threatened to consume me, a sudden burst of illumination flooded the room, as if someone had flipped a switch and brought the lights to life.
"My name is Dr. Melxa, and I possess expertise in both medical and scientific fields. Currently, you find yourself on a transfer vessel, confined within a compartment designated for human occupants."
"Humans?" I questioned timidly, observing a being that bore resemblance to Enzuk, albeit lacking the same level of intensity. It was an intriguing sight. This individual possessed identical eyes to Enzuk, yet their physical build differed significantly. I was sure this new creature was male but he appeared less robust, lacking the same muscularity.
I stared at Melxa closer. He didn't have the shimmering scales that Enzuk processed. His skin had an otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of beings from another planet. The texture and color of his complexion seemed to defy earthly norms. He possessed a complexion that was remarkably pale, resembling the purest shade of white, almost ghostly, like it had never been touched by the warmth of sunlight. Why did Melxa not possess scales like Enzuk? I recalled reading in the journal provided by Darren that one of the captured Omna had its scales forcefully removed. Did this imply that some creatures naturally develop scales while others do not? Or perhaps their scales served as a protective armor that they willingly put on? I wondered if there is a deeper significance to their scale formation or if it is merely a physical characteristic.
I studied Melxa closer. Despite his youthful appearance, I knew it would be impossible to determine his true age. He could always be much older than he appeared. Initially, I had assumed Enzuk to be young, but to my surprise, he revealed himself to be centuries old. These creatures obviously didn't age at the same rate as ordinary humans. Melxa's hair was also a stunning shade of pure white. It cascaded down in short silky strands around his face, adding to his enigmatic aura.
I pulled my knees closer to my chest for comfort, as Melxa spoke.
"The healing liquid I applied to your wound may cause your vision to be temporarily blurry. Although the wound has healed well, the lingering side effects are still subsiding," he explained.
That was all fine and well. But, what I really wanted to know, was where my clothes were. Concerned, I asked, "Where are my clothes?"
"Your clothes had to be removed for examination purposes. Considering the severity of your condition, clothing is the least of our worries," came his response.
Feeling a mix of emotions, I rocked myself from side to side. "You actually healed me?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yes, miraculously," he confirmed.
"Why?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"That answer to that is...complex. For now, let's just say that you have been kept alive for the sake of scientific exploration," he replied. I couldn't help but scoff at the irony of the situation.
"You want to conduct experiments on me," I stated, my realization evident.
"Yes, but not at this moment. We will wait until you have your strength back. Also, we will need to return to my personal laboratory before any real testing can be done."
As he made his way toward his desk, his massive tail gracefully swayed between the folds of his pristine white lab coat. With each step, it seemed to possess a life of its own, adding an air of elegance to his movements. When he reached his destination, he delicately picked up a notebook and began to jot down something, his focused expression highlighting the importance of the task at hand.
"However," he continued, "Until that moment arrives, you can find solace in resting. I will provide you with small portions of easily digestible food to ensure your stomach can handle it. I have taken the liberty of making some adjustments to your enclosure. In the event that I am ever not present upon your awakening, be assured that all your essential needs are already taken care of. Within your cage, you will find a bowl of water conveniently placed on one side. On the opposite side, beyond the flap, lies a designated area where you can comfortably relieve yourself. That area has been thoughtfully designed to resemble a typical human bathroom, complete with all the necessary facilities, with the exception that standing is not possible.
The situation felt incredibly humiliating and I was sure my face reflected that.
Melxa continued. "For now, you will receive food twice a day, without any treats. I want to ensure that your stomach can tolerate them before introducing any additional indulgences."
I rolled my eyes. The idea of treats seemed absurd to me. I couldn't help but smile at the ridiculousness of it all. I felt like a lab rat. Or maybe some sort of pet. In a desperate attempt to regain a sense of authority, I found myself uttering the words in a firm tone, "Thank you for telling me all this. But, I insist on being provided with suitable attire."
He laughed a little, "You insist? I don't think you are in any position to insist anything. But, I understand your desire," he smirked at me. "I also know that humans have an impressive ability to adapt. It's something I admire about your species. You will adjust and adapt in no time," came his response.
"I don't want to adapt. I want clothing," I insisted.
"Yes. You have made that very clear. However, I am not here to cater to your preferences," he said in a more serious tone. "You should consider yourself fortunate to still be alive. Clothing should be the least of your concerns," he said dismissively.
The words spoken by him made me again question the reason for my continued existence. Wasn't it Enzuk's sworn oath to end my life? In fact, I vividly remembered Enzuk carrying out that very mission, as he mercilessly pierced my abdomen with a sharp blade. So how did I find myself on this ship anyway? And more perplexing, why was I still breathing? Enzuk had always boasted about never failing a mission, leaving me to ponder the enigma of my survival.
"Why am I still alive?" I wondered aloud, my mind consumed by this bewildering puzzle.
"As I said, that answer is complex. For now, let's just say that you have been kept alive in the name of science."
I scoffed. This was nothing more than a humiliating reversal of my and Enzuk's position.
"Enzuk," I murmured under my breath, my voice barely audible.
"Ah. Well at least your memory is in tack. He is currently absent," Melxa responded, his attention focused on a delicate glass object he was manipulating. "But I am confident he will rejoin with the ship soon. We have been journeying from Earth for three days now. However, Enzuk chose to remain behind to complete his mission."
I glanced around with a sense of unease. Had I really been out for three whole days? It was hard to believe that we were now three days away from my home planet, Earth. The realization hit me hard, especially knowing that Enzuk, had chosen to remain behind. Despite my overwhelming anger towards him, he still remained the sole Omna individual with whom I had developed a sense of familiarity. He was the solitary person who truly understood me, allowing me to express myself without reservation. Despite our conflicting interests, our unique bond provided a safe space for open communication. Still, I couldn't deny the fact that he had made a chilling attempt on my life. In fact, his sinister plan had come dangerously close to achieving its goal.
"You mean...he stayed behind to exterminate the remaining humans?" I asked.
He chuckled, a cold and unsettling sound. "I suppose, to put it bluntly."
Enzuk was assigned to kill me. So why didn't he? I was still consumed by confusion. "Why didn't he kill me? If he stayed behind to kill any remaining humans, why was I left alive?"
"Hmm. You have the unappealing quality of asking the same question over and over again, you know that? I have already explained," Melxa replied dismissively. "Science. As long as you are of use to me, you will be spared. But once you no longer serve a purpose, you will join the rest of your deceased species."
Apprehension gripped me as I asked, "What exactly do you plan to do with me?"
"That is not your concern," he retorted. "Also, the fact that I am answering your questions is not to be taken for granted. You ask a lot of questions. But understand that I am under no obligation to provide explanations to you."
"Fine. But if you want to work with me and expect me to cooperate, I demand clothing," I asserted.
He hissed in annoyance. "You do not make demands, human. And the situation is actually reversed. If you are obedient and work with me, you will be rewarded. However, if you choose to be difficult, the experiments will become excruciating. You should know that basic comforts, such as clothing, are considered rewards. Therefore, if you desire something from me, just as clothes, you must earn it. Do you understand?"
Fury ignited within me, causing my gaze to narrow, and he chuckled condescendingly.
"With that attitude of yours, you are certainly earning those rewards," he remarked sarcastically. "I heard that on Earth they refer to you as the 'little scientist,' but you don't appear to possess much intelligence if you are behaving that way."
"Intelligence has nothing to do with dignity," I retorted defiantly.
"On the contrary, it has everything to do with it," he countered. "If you were truly intelligent, you would realize that your fight is not for dignity, but to preserve your pride. Dignity encompasses being deserving of respect, possessing a noble mind and character. Your concern lies not in how I perceive you, but in maintaining your pride as a human, as you believe yourself superior to my species."
I remained silent as I listened to the sound of him closing a few drawers and shuffling through some papers.
"Now," he continued, "if you were to accept your current situation and collaborate with me for your own improvement, I might consider granting you some of the things you desire. However, at this moment, you haven't earned anything from me, and I have no intention of granting you any favors."
"You act like you wouldn't behave that same way if you were in my situation." I challenged, knowing that he obviously prided himself on his intelligence. "How would you react if someone took you away from your home planet and denied you access to the very things that cover your body? Like... your scales?" I was well aware from my conversations with Enzuk that his species highly valued their scales for protection. Nevertheless, I wanted to make a point.
He chuckled dismissively. "You're attempting to defend yourself by drawing a comparison between us, but it's a feeble one at best. To answer your question, though, I would do whatever it takes to survive and not provoke a species that holds my life in their hands."
"I'm not asking you to set me free or guide me in escaping. I'm simply requesting clothing. If you provide me with clothing, I will make an effort to cooperate with the testing you wish to conduct."
"That's where you're mistaken, little one. It doesn't work that way. It's not me who needs to prove or earn anything from you. My tests will proceed, whether you resist or not. You're the one seeking something, and to that, I reiterate my previous statement: earn it. Now, extend your arm."
I hesitated, questioning the purpose of his request. After all, I still couldn't clearly see what he was doing, and the idea of exposing another part of my vulnerable, unclothed body made me uneasy.
"Come on, human," he urged, his voice coaxing and persuasive. I wrapped my arms tightly around my knees, feeling a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "Human, I'm giving you one final opportunity. Extend your arm," he insisted with a firm tone. Reluctantly, I turned my palm upwards and slowly stretched out my arm, bracing myself for what was to come. His soft hand firmly grasped my wrist, and I winced as a sharp needle pierced my skin. Instinctively, I tried to pull my arm back, but his grip remained tight as he injected me with something. "Good girl," he praised, his words sickeningly sweet, before finally releasing my arm. "That was a pain-relieving drug to alleviate the torment that would have soon engulfed you as your wound continued to heal. Without it, I'm sure you would have endured unimaginable agony. Which would have been your punishment for not listening."
Memories of the excruciating pain I had experienced when Enzuk first stabbed me flooded my mind. It was a sensation I never wanted to relive.
He looked at me intently. "Do you see now? Obey and be rewarded. Resist, and you will suffer," he remarked, causing me to flinch as he affectionately patted the top of my head. His chuckle sent shivers down my spine. "Now, lie down. I want you to sleep. The drug will make you drowsy, and it's crucial for your body to rest."
However, I wasn't tired. In fact, I was too alert and on edge to even consider falling asleep. Turning my head to the side, I let my hair cascade forward, creating a shield between us.
"I know you don't feel tired now, and I'm sure you are very curious about your surroundings. But your body needs sleep. Lie down," he commanded, his voice dripping with authority. "Now." My eyes widened at the menacing tone he adopted.
Why did it truly matter? If I felt tired, all I had to do was lie down. There was no need for him to hover over me, dictating what I should do. However, I knew that if I continued to defy him, he would find some way to punish me. And to be completely honest, I desperately wanted some clothing. And in Melxa's opinion that was reward for listening. So, I had to at least pretend to care about the orders he gave me. I would try to earn the clothes if I could.
With a deep sigh escaping my lips, I deliberately shifted my position to face away from the front of the cage as I lay on my side. The openness of the enclosure unnerved me, as it allowed him to freely roam around and observe me while I slept. The mere thought of his watchful eyes made me uncomfortable, so I sought solace in turning my back to him. Closing my eyes, I curled my legs up to my chest and rested my head on the inside of my arm, while wrapping the other arm around my legs.
In a low tone, he muttered, "Good girl," before retreating with heavy footsteps. "I'll wake you when it's time to eat."
I knew I wouldn't be hungry. I felt like throwing up, I thought as I closed my eyes.
Suddenly, I heard a loud clank and felt the cage vibrate as Melxa had opened a door to my enclosure. Turning my head slightly, I gasped as something soft was draped and placed over my body. My hand instinctively reached out, grabbing hold of the edge of a smooth blanket, clutching it tightly to my chest as an overwhelming sense of relief washed over me.
"There you go," Melxa whispered, gently caressing the back of my head through the bars of the cage. "Obedience has earned you something you want. I want you to remember that lesson well, dear human." I attempted to speak, but my words were instantly stifled by the sound of automatic doors descending around me. Panic gripped me as the bars of my cage lowered, and glass-like doors replaced them, cascading down all sides of me.
Now, instead of being surrounded by bars, I found myself enclosed within thick, glass-like walls. The air was heavy and still, creating an eerie silence within my confinement. It was a sensation I had never experienced before, akin to being trapped inside a coffin.
Startled once again, I suddenly felt a cool breeze brush against my body, causing me to shiver. I hastily wrapped a heavy blanket around my petite frame, finding solace in its warmth as the cool air swirled around me. The cage had transformed completely, resembling a transparent glass box. And the concept of being confined within it didn't sit well with me. I whimpered a little, as I looked around my surroundings. I jolted as another sound reached my ears, causing my heart to quicken its pace. It was the gentle and soothing sound of ocean waves, as if I was suddenly transported to a beach watching the waves softly brush against the sandy shore. It sounded so real.
It took me a moment to relax. I was waiting for something else unexpected to happen. But when nothing else happened, I wrapped the cozy blanket tightly around me, finding much comfort and warmth within it. As I laid back down, I stole a quick glance at Melxa through the transparent glass. To my dismay, he greeted me with a condescending smile before manipulating a button on a remote control. Suddenly, the once clear glass transformed into an impenetrable blackness, obstructing my view of Melxa entirely. The smooth walls surrounding me now resembled a pitch-black box, enclosing me in its mysterious depths. However, amidst this darkness, I found solace in the presence of an air conditioner, gently cooling the space, and soothing sounds that embraced me, creating a serene ambiance.
Despite not being able to see Melxa, I had an unsettling certainty that he could still observe me from within the enclosure. The level of advancement displayed by this species was undeniably remarkable. However, the mere thought that he possessed the ability to observe me while remaining invisible sent an eerie sensation down my spine. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about it. It was a helpless situation. I was completely out of my element, far away from the familiarity of my home planet, and trapped within the confines of an ever-changing cage. Despite my best efforts, there seemed to be no solution within my reach. Except blind obedience.
As I immersed myself in the soothing symphony of the fan's whirring and the gentle crashing of ocean waves, my body naturally succumbed to relaxation. The medication I had been given was beginning to take effect, inducing a drowsy and dizzy sensation.
Gradually, my eyelids grew heavy, weighing down my senses, while my entire body sank deeper into a state of tranquility. Nestling into the comforting embrace of the blanket, I savored the refreshing breeze caressing my face, allowing the drugs to lull me into a peaceful slumber.
Reviews welcome! Thanks guys. I'll try to get the updates up and going again. :)