Life underground has its ups and downs. With not much light around, people don’t quite pay much attention to other’s faces, which is nice. But it does make it harder to tell what the other side intends of you. Words also echo here, which makes whispering secrets and plans that much harder. But I manage, as much to try and make futile attempts at alliances or spy upon fruitless rumors. Angan's followers had a loyalty that I did not foresee when I first joined. But I digress.

With Kook’s help, I managed to find out the true nature of Sos’ tests. With a year to complete the task Angan gave her, Sos created four stages of tests done one after the other. The first stage, “Nios”, was what I’d been enduring for the last three months or so. It was to test the limits of my body, of its failings, and possible ways to improve it. The second stage, “Submer”, had trickier goals to pin down but Kook said there were hints towards the mind. The last two stages, “Milato” and “Viction”, remains completely unknown for now.

I looked at my hand and tried to feel the changes I now know lie within. But all that was present was my hand, dangling over my face. I considered then that Kook was playing me for a fool. It would not be the first time that it happened, for sure. I reminded myself then, that any information was better than none. It could be that whatever part of me they changed needed something more to awaken them. A connection not yet present in my mind, which would explain the purpose of the second stage.

I need to do something around here. Anything. I'm about ready to help Manam out now. I sighed as I tried to sink deeper into my bed. And going to the bar doesn’t count. An image of Oso came to mind, bare-dressed and inviting as ever. It seemed inviting enough that I sat up on the side of the bed. Sex. I let the word float like a wish before letting it sink in again. It’s not quite the right mood for it now. She might disagree, but then again, we haven’t been doing it lately.

Since she took up her new job with her sister, Oso became a rare sight. No, that wasn’t quite right. She was always present at every test, hiding near the exit. With a new hooded cloak and hunched while in the dark, she was the shadow itself. It was a side to her I didn’t know existed. When I inevitably pass out and wake up in one of the health rooms, the Oso I knew would standby, holding my hand. And I’d squeeze it back, hoping she’d stay longer. But she never does.

A knock came upon the front door, then another. I turned at the strange sound, expecting the only person I care to come through. But the knocking persisted. Groaning, I stood up and got dressed with whatever clothes were lying close. I closed my room door behind me and wondered who had visited me. Sos? No, she never came to my place even back then. Or Manam? We’ve hung out a couple of times, complaining about our jobs, but Oso was usually around as well. Oh, who could it be, who could it be?

I waited a bit at the door, practicing some generic lines useful for any situation. Then, I opened the door and peeked out. No one was there until I had the idea to look lower. A young human girl looked at me in fear. Roots tied her hands and legs, which explained her hunch. It was at this point that I noticed the scores of guards standing by, lining up in perfect order. Feeling inadequate, I closed the door and ran off to my room. A quick shower and wardrobe change later, I walked through the clear path the guards provided. The girl followed me from several steps behind, her fear all too palpable for all to see.

The path led to the laboratory’s entrance, where Sos and her entire team were waiting. I looked at Sos, waiting for an explanation. Instead, a guard near her shuddered and sprouted a flower. “We meet again, Carran Carer.” Angan’s voice flowed through the flower. “I can see that progress has been made since we last spoke.”

“I … yes, you are too kind, Angan.” I inadvertently bowed out of reflex. “Sos is more able to explain how much we've come. She’s the head researcher and all.” Even with my praises, Sos didn’t look the slightest bit pleased by Angan’s appearance. She only gave a brief, composed smile before returning to her usual, stone-faced work self. The flower’s petals seemed to droop from Sos’ lack of a reply, but it stood tall soon enough.

“I have conversed with her. Her results are promising if a bit roundabout.” A branch bent up to scratch the flower’s non-existent chin. “If things were to continue, a year would not be enough to create the magic tool I have in mind. Fortunately, my brother has given me an apology gift.” A branch reached out to touch the girl behind me, to which she replied with whimpers. “I trust you know what to do with her?”

“Yes, Angan,” Sos replied.

The flower seemed satisfied and withered away. In unison, the guards began filing out to their usual places. Sos’ team went back to their posts as well, with Kook catching my eye for a second before following suit. Eventually, the ones left were me, the girl, and Sos. With not much merit in looking up Sos, I turned my attention to the newcomer.

She was lean but had a decent amount of muscle on her. With short hair and a flat chest, she could have passed as a boy well enough. What gave it away she was a girl, though, were the jewelry and tattoos that she had on. Austere and simple-made, their make still had beauty in mind. One, or two tattoos I suppose, stood out for me. Following the line of her right jaw were a row of plants, while the opposite was a line of animals. It seemed familiar somehow.

Angan, your brother has a weird taste in gifts. My mind tried to fit this new puzzle piece into the mystery of my fate. First, he led some adventurers here, and now he’s sent a lone human girl. What does it all mean? My gaze turned towards the laboratory and the tests awaiting me. I almost feel bad for the little thing. She’s going to endure the same thing I went through. Maybe. By chance, my mind somehow leaped to an intriguing and outlandish idea.

What if she’s here to keep me in check? My thoughts raced as I tried to keep pace. If I was Angan, I wouldn’t want my magic tool to be misused. But any limitations put on it would hinder my goals. An uncomfortable tightness came upon my neck, and I breathed relief as it passed. So a leash that can stretch to any length, but can never snap. Or any attempt to remove it would incur punishment in some way. Yes, that’d be what I would do. But then …

“Carer,” Sos spoke up. “I will see you inside. Bring the girl.”

“Hey, wait-”

But she didn’t and entered the laboratory. Typical. I saw the girl from the corner of my eye and considered leaving her be. I didn’t like the implications of her arrival. I need more eyes and ears than what Kook has, and soon. Some drastic plays need to be made. Most important of all, I needed to avoid the new girl as much as possible. As I mused these finer points, I felt small hands clasp over mine.

“… help … me.” The girl’s tiny voice spoke with what seems to be the last dregs of her courage.

My mouth moved to say the answer I always give to hopeless fools, but the words died in my throat. Instead, I headed off to the laboratory, with the girl hand-in-hand.