Chapter 5: Ravenna

Location: Rust town: The Waning festival; After the Trial

Time slows as I witness the unfolding chaos. Those affected by the energy extraction gasp for air; some collapse, while others fight to regain control over their breathing.

Through my detector, I watch the one-way flow of nexus energy being forcefully drawn from the victims, an act as taboo and forbidden. The energy streams out like black smoke, gathers at a central point, and then vanishes into thin air.

As the energy is extracted, the overhead lights begin to flicker erratically. The room's temperature drops, sending a chill down my spine. It feels as though the room's warmth is being siphoned away with each extraction. I shiver, not just from the cold, but also from the growing fear and unease that threaten to overwhelm me.

A woman staggers onto the platform, clutching her throat and gasping for air. Tears stream down her face as she pleads, "Please... help me." She falls to her knees, visibly shrinking, her eyes hollowing into deep black pits. She reaches out her withered hands toward me, triggering a flood of memories from my fight with Syph—the despair in the man’s eyes as I drained his energy.

The woman collapses on her side, her arms still reaching out. My chest tightens as I clutch my bracelet, a relic from my past. I remind myself that I chose this path to discover the truth about my history, no matter the cost. ‘ can't give in to despair,’ I tell myself. I need to stay focused and survive. We have to leave this place before our luck runs out.

"Rav, something is wrong with Simon” Claire shouts, drawing my attention to her.

Through my detector, I assess Simon's condition more accurately. As the device scans him, my brow furrows in concern at the data displayed.

"His energy levels are dropping," I inform Claire in a hushed voice, "but the rate of depletion is slower for him. He’s managed to activate his morphring, which is helping somewhat."

During our conversation, Simon's eyes flutter shut, and he collapses into Claire’s arms, his body becoming completely limp. The abruptness of his collapse sends a wave of panic through Claire, prompting her to look up at me with eyes wide with fear.

"Rav, we need to act quickly!" she implores urgently.

My mind races, thoughts tumbling over each other as I clutch at my bracelet for a moment of focus. Simon is still fighting, but time is running out. He, like our dad Bart, had a remarkable ability to control his own energy flow. Bart would have known exactly what to do in this situation.

"What should we do, Rav?" Claire’s voice breaks through my thoughts, her voice shaky with tears.

“I can’t lose him” she desperately adds as she shakes her head as tears stream down her face

"He's still alive, but just barely," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

"We need to move, now" I suggest urgently. "Moving away might slow the process further, or even stop it."

A deep voice from behind us interrupts, saying, "Distance won't make a difference. I turn towards the voice and notice a figure emerging from a dark corner at the platform's edge.

He walks toward us, bringing a subtle wave of darkness and shifting shadows along with him

“Once the extraction process has begun, it can't be stopped until it's complete. But there might be a way to reverse the processes"

He pauses just shy of leaving the shadows, his hands nonchalantly tucked in his pockets. His eyes, glowing contrasting the darkness enveloping him, catch mine.

Seeking answers, I ask, "Do you understand what's going on?"

Beside me, Claire, cradling Simon in her arms,says with a tremor in her voice, "Can you do anything to help my brother?"

"The situation is as you might suspect," he responds, stepping out from the shadows into the dim light. As he moves, the shadows clinging to his arm morph into black sunglasses that shield his eyes. "Someone is orchestrating a mass energy extraction."

He's dressed in a black suit crafted from a subtly reflective fleximetal that fits him like a second skin. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and his face is adorned with multiple piercings on his ears, an eyebrow, and his lip, a common mark of Mindshifters in Leight City.Now standing before me, he looms tall, his gaze from behind the dark sunglasses fixed intently on me. There's a nagging sense of familiarity about him, but with the crisis at hand, I push that curiosity aside to focus on the immediate threat

He lifts his right hand out of his pocket and holds a device that fits neatly in his palm. I take a glance. It is a small black device flat like a disk.

“I am no expert but this device acts as a harnesser and transmitter. It entangles with the energy of those around and diverts the energy flow to another location”.

My eyes widen in shock as I examine the device again. If what he claims is accurate, then this is dark technology, one designed to take without offering anything in return.

“You are a tech wizard, yes. “You could…..”?” he says

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Quickly completing the sentence “Reprogram the device to counteract or redirect the energy flow”

He smirks. "Exactly. By making the right modifications, you could transform the device from a transmitter to a receiver."

This suggestion ignites a glimmer of hope. Although I've never worked with this specific technology before, I'm a quick learner and confident in my ability to adapt.

I grasp the device from his hand, immediately feeling the smooth, hard texture of flexi-metal under my fingers, accompanied by a slight electric buzz upon touch. Connecting my detector to the device, I switch it to analysis mode, and my lens’ interface quickly floods with detailed data about its functions and structure.

As I delve into the data, the chaos around me fades to a mere background hum. Utilizing the link I have established with my detector, I navigate through the interface, entering commands to bring the device online. This initial setup is critical, allowing me to assert control over its functions.

However, understanding a device crafted by another tech wizard is inherently complex. Each creator leaves a unique energetic imprint on their work—a signature that infuses the device with life and aligns it with their specific intentions. This makes repurposing it a delicate operation, requiring not just technical skill but a deep grasp of the underlying energies.

I concentrate deeply on my task, mindful that any error could have dire consequences. As the device begins responding to my adjustments, a slow hum starts up—a sign it's coming to life under my guidance.

Claire's voice cuts through my focus with sharp urgency, "Rav, please... Simon doesn't have much time." Her plea underscores the critical nature of our situation, compelling me to glance at Simon. His worsening condition reinforces my determination to succeed.

The device's hum intensifies into a steady whirl, signaling full activation.

"Impressive," remarks the shadowy figure, observing the progress.

I refocus on the device, murmuring to myself, "Almost there." The most difficult task lies ahead: reversing the device's energy flow mechanism to transform it from draining energy to redistributing it back into Simon.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, feeling a twinge from my not-yet-healed wounds. Using energy to manipulate this device depletes what little I have left for my own recovery, but the urgent need to save Simon overshadows my own discomfort.

I enter the final command with a psychic push and hold my breath in anticipation. The device responds with a low hum, followed by a beep, signaling that the reconfiguration is complete.

"Let's see if this works," I tell Claire, injecting a note of confidence into my voice.

I activate the device, aiming it at Simon. A visible stream of energy begins to flow from it. We all watch intently as the device starts to whirl, yet nothing changes.

Claire's grip tightens on Simon's shoulders, her body tense with hope. The room is heavy with silent anticipation.

In an uncharacteristic move, driven by desperation, I grasp Simon's hands and close my eyes, whispering, "Wake up, Simon. Come on."

Claire, her voice edged with panic, asks, "Why isn’t it working?"

"Something’s off. He isn’t waking up," I reply, my focus sharpening as I try to connect with Simon on a deeper level. Amidst the silence, a faint whisper reaches me, too soft to discern. I concentrate harder, and an image emerges—a black raven staring intently at me. Suddenly, it launches itself towards me at great speed. I gasp, my eyes snapping open in shock. What was that?

The device emits a deeper hum and a gentle pulsing light. The dark energy stream, flows steadily towards Simon. His body responds with a slight tremor, signaling a rejuvenation of his life force.

Claire's eyes widen in astonishment as Simon's complexion improves, his breathing evens out, and his expression eases from one of pain to relief. "It's working, Ravenna, it's actually working," she whispers, her voice filled with a blend of disbelief and gratitude.

The shadowy figure steps forward, his curiosity evident. "Impressive work reversing the engineering of this device on such short notice," he remarks with a tone of respect. "Your skills are exceptional. You will do well at the temple," he adds, hinting at challenges yet to come.

I acknowledge his praise with a nod but keep my attention fixed on Simon. "We're not clear yet. I need to keep an eye on the energy transfer to make sure it holds," I tell him, monitoring both Simon and the device.

As I glance around, I notice members of 'The Division' arriving. They quickly begin to assess the survivors and manage the aftermath, moving the deceased away. Claire's voice cuts through the grim scene with a hint of sarcasm, "Just in time."

Interestingly, they keep their distance from us, likely due to the shadow’s presence.

I face him with an urgent question. "How did you come about this device?" His expression shifts, becoming somber as he considers his response. "The story behind how I acquired this device is long and painful," he says, glancing around the room, "and it's not the time for that story right now."

With his hands buried in his pockets, he continues, "However, there's a way you can repay me for my help today." Raising an eyebrow in anticipation, I watch as he corrects himself, "Actually, two things."

He pauses, assessing me behind his shadow sunglasses. "Don't worry, they're within your capabilities," he assures.

I cross my arms, my stance firm. "What do you need?"

"First, I'd like a thorough analysis of the device. Investigate how it operates, track where the diverted energy ends up, and identify who might be behind this," he explains, his focus shifting from the object in my hands back to me. I nod, having anticipated such a request.

"And the second favor?" I ask, observing as he steps closer, the distance between us shrinking.

He pauses, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "Do me the honor of showing me your face," he finally requests, his voice lowering to almost a whisper.

I shift uncomfortably and lower my eyes, my fingers instinctively curling around my bracelet for a moment of reassurance. Feeling the need for distance, I step back.

In Rust Town, showing one's face is a deeply personal gesture. We usually keep our faces covered outside our homes, only revealing ourselves fully to those we truly trust or seek to build a deep connection with.

The local saying goes, 'Only show your face to those who you let in your mind.' Revealing one's face is more than just a physical act; it's a significant sharing of personal truth.

Zeb's request for such a gesture suggests he's seeking a genuine connection, indicating either a profound respect for us or a strategic need for an alliance.

As his glasses fizzle away completely, his green eyes meet mine with an intensity that takes me by surprise. My surprise must be evident because he quickly remarks,

"Are you disappointed?"

"I expected something... darker, more aligned with all the shadows that surround you," I respond, motioning slightly towards the lingering darkness around him.

He smiles, a hint of amusement in his expression.

"Sorry to disappoint," he says, and after a brief pause, he presses, "Will you both, do me the honor?" this time a glances at Claire .

I hesitate. Who is he, and why does a high one care to know us personally? Yet, he did save Simon’s life, the only one who bothered to help while the most powerful fled without a backward glance. Having an ally inside the city could be crucial, especially since we still need to find Dad. His connections and his capabilities might prove invaluable.

My decision made I take a deep breath and state, letting my mask slide away to reveal my face.

“I am Ravenna,”

From behind me, Claire adds as she places Simon on the floor and stands to her feet, “You helped save my brother. Showing you my face is the least I can do.” She pauses and the pink metal mask splits the middle revealing her face.

He steps back, absorbing our introductions, then nods in acknowledgment. “I am Zeb.”

Zeb. The name doesn't sound familiar, but there's something about him that seems known to me, although I can't figure out when or where we might have met before. The choice to trust him isn't one I usually make lightly, but considering my urgent need to find Bart and unravel the secrets of my past, it's a risk I'm prepared to take.

He studies my face intently, his eyes briefly meeting mine with a spark of recognition or perhaps curiosity.

He suddenly asks, "Are you a dreamwalker?"

I blink, surprised by the unexpected question. "Erm, no, I don’t dream," I reply, puzzled.

"Hmm, we'll see," he muses cryptically.

With a casual wave, he turns to leave. "Guess I’ll see you around," he calls over his shoulder. As he walks away, he throws one last comment our way. “The temple will be in touch, Chosens.”

I take a deep breath and watch him walk away. Overwhelmed by exhaustion from using so much energy, I slump to the ground, feeling the pain of my wounds intensify. I lie flat on the platform facing the flickering overhead lights. The decorative virtual fire ring from earlier spins slowly across the ceiling. Claire quickly grabs the device and conceals it under her armor as Division officers approach us for questioning.

As officers question Claire and their inquiries about my condition fade into the background, I realize this situation marks the beginning of more perilous challenges ahead.