Disclaimer: This is a work of original fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 10.3 -- Erika (Part 2)

Specialized Medical Room No.2  (Underground), Medical Section Area, Somewhere unknown, Kentucky-Tennessee State Border, USA, 25 November 2020, 1300 hrs

Later after lunch…

Upon being escorted into a medical room, anxiety returns to Erika’s mind as she sees an unknown medical pod in the room. ‘What the hell is that thing? Don’t tell me I have to go into that enormous machine?’ Erika rattles in fear as she stares at it. “Oh! You must be Erika Zander. The newly converted Fledgling rescued by the Ravens, right?” A Young Templar medical specialist — Captain Mable Viviette stands up from her seat upon noticing the Fledgling. “Who are you? What do you want from me?” Erika asks as she stares at the approaching medical specialist with suspicion.

“It’s alright, Erika. I can tell that you are having a form of PTSD (Post Trauma Syndrome Disorder) event currently because of recent past events, but please calm down first. You are safe in this room, and they can’t hurt you here.” Mable reassures her. “You want to consume a sweet to calm yourself first?”

“I don’t believe your reasoning, so why should I take the sweet from you to eat it? Plus, your appearance as a Young Templar looked extremely suspicious to me.” Erika rejects.

“Not all Young Templars you have encountered so far are evil. Some Young Templars such as medical personnel took an oath to protect their patients from harm at all costs. As a medical doctor for the Young Templars’ military, it’s my duty to look after those who need medical help. Hence, looking after Fledglings is also part of it as well.” Mable explains why she chose not to hurt Erika.

“If you really want to protect us, revert us back to our human form now! We don’t want to quit humanity and become Young Templars!” Erika blasts her. “We never wanted to become heartless murderers to carry out your genocidal agenda!”

“I’m aware of your words but not all of us are evil Young Templars, Erika.” Mable corrects her. “I’m certain there are Young Templars in this world who would use their powers for good intentions. If you study our rich history, it will surprise you further about our origins and accomplishments. Maybe you will fully understand our decision one day about why we convert you into our kind.” Mable then pets her head before telling her the uncomfortable truth. “Sorry to break this to you, Erika. Once you become a Fledgling, you cannot turn back to being a human again. The changes are permanent and your remaining option is to complete your transformation process to become a full-fledged Young Templar. You can’t avoid it, Erika.” .

“So you are telling me I’m discarding my humanity by completing the transformation process?!” Erika raises her voice out of shock.

“Not entirely,” Mable assures her. “Your body will feel different as you gain new abilities, but not your human mindset. I know it is tough for you to accept these changes to your body, but please don’t hate it. Just complete your transformation process and accept your new identity as a full-fledged Young Templar. You will receive full support and help along the transformation process.” .

“Why should I complete the transformation process to become a full-fledged Young Templar?” Erika says in refusal. “My family would distance themselves from me if they found out what I had become.” .

“They won’t,” Mable says as she tries to change Erika’s thinking. “If you follow the true path of being a full-fledged Young Templar, they will be proud of you. If needed be, I can talk to them on your behalf. But please complete your transformation process by undergoing this Stage 2 — Awakening process first.” .

Although Erika hates herself for being a fledgling right now, she knows Captain Viviette is correct based on her words. She is no longer human and has to face her future identity as a Young Templar. Despite facing her harsh future, Erika hoped to keep some humanity within her when she reunites with her brother one day. “I will complete my transformation process to become a full-fledged Young Templar. What should I do next, doctor?” Erika asks.

“Good girl.” Mable pats her head lovingly. “Here’s a sweet for you. You can consume it later after you complete the Stage 2 process. Now, please get changed before you enter the pod to begin the process.” After finishing her statement, the Young Templar medical specialist passes a set of medical clothes for Erika to wear before directing her to a nearby changing room for her to change.

As Erika heads off to the changing room, Captain Viviette goes to her work desk and takes out a piece of sticky note paper before scribbling some notes onto it.

Moments later…

“Are you sure it is safe for me to wear this thing?” Erika asks as she stares at a piece of equipment that makes her uncomfortable. “You will be fine wearing it, Erika,” Mable reassures her. “Several generations of Fledglings had worn it before you, and they have encountered no serious health issues so far. You need to wear it during the Stage 2 process so that it can awaken your inner Young Templar spirit within you.” .

“I won’t die from this, right?” Erika questions out of safety.

You will be fine,” Mable nods. “Now, please lie back towards the seat and relax. Before I put this equipment onto your head, please listen closely and follow these instructions: First, calm your mind by emptying your thoughts. This is to prevent you from incurring any mental damage to your mind. Second, when your mind transports you to another setting, do not resist your inner spirit and follow his/her command when you encounter the inner spirit. He/She will be furious if you try to defy him/her. Third, avoid running away from him/her. Your inner spirit will catch up to you no matter how hard you try to run. Got it?” 

“Got it, doctor,” Erika replies. “Good. Now close your eyes so that you can wear this equipment before we start.” Mable tells Erika before putting on the equipment that covers her eyes and forehead completely. “Upon activation, you will hear the machine counting down from three seconds before transporting you to another world. So please keep your mind calm before it hits one second.” After briefing Erika on the instructions, Captain Viviette places the medical equipment onto her head before tightening the straps under her chin. Then, she closes the cover of the medical pod before walking towards a nearby computer to kick-start the Stage 2 process.

“Request received.” Erika hears a voice coming from the speakers within the medical pod. “Please do not open the pod’s door during the awakening process and ensure the Fledgling’s mind is clear of any thoughts before proceeding further. Countdown begins in 3, 2, 1.” .

In a quick instance, the machine transports Erika’s consciousness to another unknown world where she will encounter a terrifying entity that resembles herself.

In the unknown world…

As Erika opens her eyes to the unknown world, she sees her surroundings are completely void of darkness, with no one in sight. “Hello? Is anyone here, and where am I?” Erika asks as she looks around, petrified. “Good to see you here, Erika Zander.” An unholy lady's voice echoes throughout the unknown world, which sends a shiver down Erika’s spine. “Who the hell are you?!” Erika shrieks in horror. “Show yourself!”

Out of nowhere, Erika feels herself being pushed back to a cross by an unknown force before standing in a T-pose position. Then, several pieces of unknown strings tied her hands and legs to the cross, preventing her from moving. “Release me now at this instance!” Erika shouts in demand, but it is no use for her. Soon, a silhouette of an unknown entity appears and levitates off the ground like a ghost, which shivers down her spine.

“Oh, my! What a defiant Fledgling you are.” The unknown entity taunts Erika before appearing as a Young Templar in front of her. “Quite a shame that you have a bratty attitude. I was hoping you, like all Fledglings, would follow the path to become a complete Young Templar. However, you refused to follow that path. To me, I feel the need to fix your pathetic behavior, you stupid one.” .

“Why are you doing this to me?” Erika asks as she stares at the unknown entity in fear. Before the entity can respond, she removes her Ballistic Facemask, which resembles her face. “Wait. Am I you?” Erika asks, her face horrified in disbelief upon learning the unknown entity's identity is herself.

“That’s right. I'm you from the near future, you dum dum.” The entity resembles Erika, mocking her with an evil smile. “No…No… It can’t be.” Erika shakes her head in despair and disbelief as she sees the entity float towards her in an eerie fashion.

An insidious smirk appears on the entity’s face as she is happy to see Erika being fearful of her. “My my. It seems you need an unforgettable lesson to remove your fear of seeing me.” Fangs appear from her mouth as the entity plans to bite Erika.

“It’s time for you to accept my gift and your upcoming new reality, Erika Zander.” The entity opens her mouth as she is about to bite the Fledgling’s neck. “I don’t want… ARGHH!” Erika screams in pain as the entity pierces her neck with its fangs. As the entity drinks her blood, Erika’s eyes darken, loosening the iris, pupil and sclera, marking her transformation towards the Stage 2, Awakening process.

Author's end note: This will be the last appearance of Erika for this Hellwave novel. We will see Erika again in future Hellwave spin-offs and sequels.

To be continued...

End of Chapter 10.3

Note: All the characters, places and storylines are owned by Jeremy Mountbatten. All rights reserved by the author. Feel free to give some feedback and don't forget to vote for this chapter. If you want to support me, you can tip me on Ko-Fi (link provided below).