A/N: Hello, fellow readers. I have returned with a new chapter. Looking back at the previous one, I wouldn't say I liked how it looked, so I made some changes, as well as making small expansions such as this. So, with that out of the way, happy reading.
Disclaimer: The Carrie franchise belongs to Stephen King. The Killer Instinct franchise belongs to Microsoft/Rare.
The Ultratech Science Department in New York remained busy as usual. Their research and experiments led to advancements in various fields, such as medicine, technology, and climate change. Calming classical music played in the labs and offices throughout the day, creating a soothing and productive work environment.
As lunchtime neared, everyone gathered in the break room.
"Hey, guys! Lunch break is here! Who's excited?" a woman said. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, catching the light in a shimmering golden hue.
"I am," a man with short brown hair said. "My stomach growled all day."
"You and me both, Bob. I was so focused on my research that I forgot to eat breakfast," another man in dreads said.
The woman gasped. "Charlie, how could you miss breakfast?"
"Man, be lucky you were not hangry," Bob said.
The three scientists found an empty table and claimed it as their own. As they settled in, they unpacked their lunches.
"So, I made some discoveries this morning," Alice said. "A promising new compound that treats drug-resistant infections."
"Oh, that sounds exciting!" Bob said. "For the project I'm working on, I might be onto something."
"Geez, you two are progressing with your projects while I'm struggling," Charlie said.
Alice bit into a turkey sandwich. "Which area are you struggling with?"
"I've been trying to develop a more efficient solar panel design, but I'm not progressing."
"Hey, don't beat yourself up. It requires innovative thinking and tenacity. We've all hit roadblocks in our research," Bob said. "The key is to persist, learn from setbacks, and never give up."
The sliding doors opened, grabbing everyone's attention. Still fuming, Cinder walked inside, ignoring the whispers as he approached the scientists.
"Are you three from Grady's group?" the fire creature asked.
"We are," Bob said. "Why?"
"Here." Cinder flung a container to Bob, who almost fumbled his catch.
Alice peered at the bluish-silver gelatin in the container. "What is this?"
"Something from a mission I completed. I'm sure ARIA will call Grady soon. If you don't mind, I'm heading to my cell. I need some time alone."
"Uh, thanks. Awesome job on the mission, too!" Charlie said.
"Oh, blow me." Cinder gave the scientists the middle finger while leaving.
Charlie scowled at Cinder's retreating figure. "Sheesh, who or what pissed on his Cheerios?"
Alice sighed. "Cinder's always been a loose cannon."
Bob examined the gelatin. "Whatever this is, it must be crucial if Cinder delivered it to us."
Charlie leaned forward. "Perhaps he found something useful for clean energy?"
"Guys, I think this is deeper than our projects," Alice said.
"Hmm, you may be right," Bob said. "Let's talk to Carol."
"Just as I figured," Professor Grady said while examining the collagen through a microscope. Alice and her two colleagues entered her office earlier, explaining what had happened. "These samples belong to Homo Glacies."
"Do you mean Glacius? I assumed it left the planet," Charlie said.
Professor Grady adjusted her glasses. "Cinder's mission suggests otherwise. The creature is still present on Earth, and this sample confirms it. After lunch, ARIA called me. She wanted me to explore a theory regarding Carrie White."
"The murderous bitch that started the Black Prom massacre?" Alice asked. "How does this relate to her?"
"There is a possibility of a genetic link between Carrie and Glacius since they have telepathic abilities," Professor Grady said.
"What does that mean?"
"It's possible they share a common ancestor."
"Wait. Are you suggesting that our ancestors and Glacius's species were together? Oh, my God, even thinking about it makes my skin crawl," Alice said.
"Tell me about it, but it's not as frightening as face-huggers and chest-bursters," Charlie said.
"As unsettling as it sounds, it's only a theory," Professor Grady said. "We need to perform additional studies and gather evidence. Also, we must approach this with an open mind."
"Yes, ma'am," the team said in unison. They each collected a sample and headed to their workplaces.
Professor Grady continued her study of the sample under the microscope. Unbeknownst to her, the gelatin within the package melted into liquid, and two beady eyes formed. After unscrewing the cap, it slithered out while eyeing the woman. It crawled to the desk's edge, and after casting one last glance, it moved to the floor.
As the creature moved across the floor, it left behind a sparkling trail. It maneuvered between the grate of a ventilation shaft. The alien formed a hand, and an icy shard emerged, producing a faint glow. While traveling through the vents, Glacius recalled its adventures. During its cruise across space, it spotted Earth with all its beauty. It craved a closer look, which resulted in the planet's gravitational pull sucking its spacecraft.
Though it maintained its flight, its ship crashed deep into the Himalayan mountains. Groggy but grateful to have survived, the alien inspected the damage to its vessel until a German Baron found the entity.
The alien learned how humans exhibit violence and compassion in confinement. However, people used the creature's genetics to advance whatever technology was available. Despite being a pacifist, Ultratech forced the alien to fight. When the Killer Instinct tournament fell into chaos, Glacius escaped. It used whatever parts it had to repair its spaceship so it could leave the castle.
While longing to return home, Glacius had some tasks to complete, including finding Cinder. The creature sensed conflict from the fire effigy from their fight in Nepal. The alien hoped to convince him to leave Ultratech.
When it encountered a two-way juncture, Glacius paused, unsure which path to take. The left passage had a complex layout. However, the right passage was closer to the surface. After careful thinking, the alien trusted its intuition and took the right path.
A bluish-green glow grabbed the alien's attention as it continued its journey. Through the silts, Glacius discovered a room with tanks. After a quick check to ensure all was clear, the alien entered and morphed into its humanoid form. Ice formed and melted with each step, leaving frozen footprints. Hundreds of three-meter acrylic glass cylinders filled with stasis gel stood beside each other. Strange creatures and mutated beings, their forms distorted and twisted, floated in the goo.
In the aisle, the alien stumbled upon empty cylinders. On closer inspection, its eyes widened at the names:
Jago.
Orchid.
TJ Combo.
Thunder.
Then, it found four more vacant cylinders with unfamiliar names: Maya Fallegeros, Kim Wu, Pemba, and Carrietta N. White.
Angling its head on the far container, the alien tapped random buttons on a console. A projected image of a young woman appeared with detailed information. Its eyes brimmed with sympathy and curiosity as it read about Carrie's tragic past and unique power. Soon after, it recalled Cinder's words from their last meeting.
"So, there's this chick with crazy powers, and ARIA believes she inherited them from your ancestors."
The alien hummed, reminding itself to research the matter. Until then, it had to locate those listed on the cylinders and warn them of Ultratech's threat. One issue remained: how would it accomplish the task despite the language barrier? The answer came from a classical song echoing down a hallway.
After shifting into its liquid state, Glacius entered the air ducts and followed the sound. It came across a hidden room resembling a Medieval chapel.
A single cylinder sat in the chamber, emitting dim light. As it neared the receptacle, a blue spotlight turned on, revealing a naked man curled in a fetal position.
Afloat in cryonic gel, the man was lean yet muscular, with long black hair. Connected to him were umbilical cords and catheters, with instruments affixed to various parts of his skull and torso.
The ice creature pressed buttons on the interface next to the cylinder. Similar to before, a holographic image and information about the man appeared. While reading, Glacius spotted one crucial detail:
"Cloned using Eagle's DNA, a renowned Killer Instinct contestant with incredible combat skills. In the last tournament, Eagle died from injuries sustained by an entity called Spinal."
Slanting its head, the alien mused about this clone's potential. Above all, would he possess the same memories as the original? After seeing one tube that could provide access, Glacius slipped inside in its semi-liquid form. Only the alien's eyes remained visible upon entering. When it reached the skull, it expanded its tendrils, connecting itself with the probes attached to the brain.
Tipyeléhne walked in the woods. Most trees became bare in winter's grasp, their branches covered in thick snow blankets. He marveled at the serene beauty of the snowy landscape, the crunch of his footsteps muffled by the soft white powder beneath his feet. He wore his winter Nez Perce clothing, adorned with intricate beadwork and vibrant patterns. The fringed deerskin coat kept him warm as his breath formed misty clouds in the crisp air.
On his walk, an eerie screech filled the air. He stopped and surveyed the area, searching for the source. Turning toward the sky, Tipyeléhne became startled. Two emerald eyes appeared, followed by thunderous clapping.
Tipyeléhne stepped back, preparing to run. As the unknown danger approached him, fear gripped his heart. Should he stand his ground or flee? Adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his instincts as he braced himself for whatever awaited him.
A giant snowy owl appeared from its domain. Its pure white feathers blended with the winter landscape. With piercing eyes and a wingspan stretching for miles, it exuded wisdom and grace. Upon landing, the owl peered into his soul. For some odd reason, Tipyeléhne sensed a connection, as if the owl held knowledge and secrets meant for him. To ease the tension, the bird chirped, breaking the silence.
"I assume you are a friend." Though cautious, Tipyeléhne moved closer. While doing so, he spotted something different with this creature. Most snowy owls have piercing yellow eyes. The one before him had striking green eyes. "Are you a Weyekin?"
The owl was silent, tilting its head.
"Not much of a talker, I see," Tipyeléhne muttered. "If you are a Weyekin, what are your intentions?"
The owl answered by lowering itself to the ground, gesturing to its back.
Although hesitant, Tipyeléhne understood the invitation and climbed aboard. Once the owl arose, it pushed itself off the ground, taking flight. Tipyeléhne clung to its feathers, his heart pounding as they soared. The clouds enveloped them as they ascended, obscuring the world below. They arrived at a lush forest after passing through a sea of clouds. Nestled in the forest's heart was a lodge, with its rustic charm blending with the natural surroundings. Smoke spewed from the chimney, hinting at warmth and comfort.
Landing near the lodge, blooming plants and fresh foliage greeted him. As they approached a window, Tipyeléhne saw himself as a child with his brother, Hinmatoom. They sat on a couch, eating caramel popcorn while watching TV, cheering.
"Wait a minute. This place is my family's summer lodge, where my brother and I watched WrestleMania on live pay-per-view." Tipyeléhne turned to the owl. "How is it I have this memory, yet the emotions I'm experiencing feel... different? It's as if I'm reliving the moment but with clarity."
The owl tilted its head to convey a message.
"Anything else you want me to experience?"
The owl flew, leading Tipyeléhne deeper into intertwined time and seasons. Their newest location was a rock formation that stood tall and majestic amidst the vibrant forest.
As the owl landed on an adjacent rock, Tipyeléhne witnessed another moment. A teenage version of himself sat cross-legged on the structure, deep in meditation. A fierce storm raged around him, the wind howling and rain pouring down. However, Tipyeléhne's teenage self showed inner strength and resilience. At that moment, a fiery bird appeared to him.
"This was when I embarked on my vision quest." Tipyeléhne viewed his teen self commune with the flaming bird. The bird's vibrant plumage reflected the stormy sky. "I want to see more."
As if appealing to his request, the snowy owl extended its wings and flew farther into the sky. Upon reaching the troposphere, the temperature lowered. The air became thinner, and the ground became cloudy. The owl guided him through the ever-changing sky, offering glimpses of memories.
Sunlight broke through the clouds with its warm, golden glow. Tipyeléhne closed his eyes, allowing the sun's warmth to wash over him.
"WARNING. LIFEPOD SHUTTING DOWN. STAND CLEAR," a digitized voice announced as Glacius awoken to the real world.
The stasis gel turned liquid as a sucking and gurgling sound engulfed the pod. The alien's tendrils gripped the tubes, refusing to let go as the gel flowed into the drainage system.
Thick hoses lowered Tipyeléhne to the cold, metal floor, still fetal. After that, they detached themselves from the clone. With the liquid gel drained, the pod's glass casing opened. The chilly air seeped into his bones, encouraging him to stir from his deep slumber. After a while, he opened his eyes.
Where am I? As his vision cleared, Tipyeléhne found himself in a sterile, futuristic room with hints of a cathedral. Music permeated the air, producing a serene setting. However, Tipyeléhne was anything but calm. His heart raced while struggling to make sense of things. The sterile room and eerie music had a prison-like vibe.
Where's the forest? And the Owl Weyekin? Was all of it a dream? Tipyeléhne shivered, hugging himself. Why is it so cold? Why am I naked? What happened to me?
His mind raced with questions, desperate for answers. A slimy substance leaked from the tubes and gathered outside the pod. Tipyeléhne stared in horror as the slime turned into a creature, its eyes glowing.
"Please, don't hurt me!" Tipyeléhne's voice trembled as the creature drew closer. Huddled in the fetal position, he prayed it spared him. The same warmth washed over him once the entity rested its hand on his shoulder. Its touch was gentle and comforting, dispelling his fear.
As Tipyeléhne faced the creature, it blinked while purring and whistling. He thought back to the snowy owl and its unique green eyes. However, this creature possessed the same eye color. "Wait, are you…?" He unfurled, scanning the ice entity. "Who or what are you?"
The entity produced ice shards from its hands and used them to reveal its name.
"Glacius. It's obvious how you got the name," Tipyeléhne said. Then, using the same shards, the alien spelled another word: friend. It was as if it sensed the next question. "Well, that puts me at ease." He shivered again. "I have many questions, but first, I need clothes."
Glacius blinked until it remembered humans' strange garments. It gestured to say, 'Wait here' while slithering into the gutter as a slime.
Okay, that's cool and creepy. Tipyeléhne examined his surroundings. His eyes settled on a panel. With a deep breath, he arose, his legs shaking. He clutched the panel for support and guided his way towards it. He read his biography while staring at the screen, but what shocked him was when he glanced at the note section.
The entries explained how to construct a replica of the original, including memories and personality traits. What does this mean? Who created me and why?
His initial thought was Glacius, but he shook his head. The notes hinted at a more complex undertaking. Killer Instinct contestant, so the original was a fighter? That explains the physique. It also says the person succumbed to injuries received by a being named Spinal. What's a Spinal?
Then, a sharp pain struck Tipyeléhne's head as a brief memory of maniacal laughter echoed. He snapped himself out of it as the pain vanished. What was that? A memory from the original?
Minutes later, Glacius, in its slime form, returned as it emerged from the plumbing pipe. It switched to a humanoid shape while carrying clothing.
"Are those clothes?" Tipyeléhne asked, and the alien nodded. "Alright, let's see what you brought." He checked the clothing and found a badge and an access key. "You must have gotten these from a security guard. They'll do, though I hope it fits my size. Who is Spinal mentioned at the panel?"
The alien's eyes narrowed at the display. It spelled dangerous with its ice particles.
"I see. Well, I just found out I'm a clone. Someone must've spent a lot of effort making me. But who and why?" Tipyeléhne asked. "We should find out."
