Alan's chest continued to go up and down in a rhythmic manner, a clear sign that he was still very much alive.
Ezekiel looked at the condition of his friend, unsure of how to react. He could clearly see the resemblance in the facial features now that he got a clear look at him, adding to the fact that this Silik helped them fight against the other Silks, he felt the words of the Scientist might be real.
Veronica on the other hand did not let her guard down, even though the Siliks escaped, she did not know if they would be attacked again. After dragging Alan's body over, she focused her attention on the Scientists.
"What should we do now?" One of the Scientists asked with a worried expression.
"We have to return to the settlement." The leading Scientist replied.
"There's no way we can take him back in that condition. Besides, what will you tell them when they ask about the serum?" Veronica shook her head, contemplating for a while, she said, "We should wait and see if he can return to human form. If he can, then we can go back."
"Isn't it better we take him in this condition? At least we know we can handle him in this state. If he wakes and…"
The Scientist was in the middle of speaking when he noticed Alan's fingers move, halting his speech, he looked in that direction with a scared expression. When Alan was battling with the Siliks, they had nothing to worry about and were in fact, happy to see him fight them. Now that they had to face Alan without the Siliks around, they were worried he would attack them. From his look, he seemed like someone who lost his sense of reasoning after the transformation, hence the reason they were apprehensive.
Everyone's attention was drawn to Alan's moving fingers. From his fingers, his closed eyes snapped open. A fierce light within them as he looked around and jumped to his feet.
Ezekiel retreated when he saw the way his friend stood up. He did not dare to get close to him, after all, he witnessed him fight with the Siliks and knew a single swipe of his hand could end his life.
Veronica was the only one who had a collected expression, she did not seem to have anything to worry about as she walked forward and stared calmly at Alan in this form. She had thought he would stay unconscious for an extended period, but it seems she was wrong. Looking at the condition of Alan, she was slightly taken aback. She knew he was injured from the collision with the Silik a few minutes ago, hence the reason he passed out. Recovering in such a short time showed just how powerful his recovery abilities were.
She signaled the Scientists to hurdle together, before raising another protective water dome around them. She left Ezekiel out for the purpose of seeing if Alan would recognize him. Alan was able to discern between the Siliks and her in the previous fight which at least showed that he might still have some form of awareness, but now that the Siliks were no longer in sight, she felt the only person Alan might recognize would be Ezekiel since they came here together.
Immediately Alan got to his feet, he looked around, lost. Observing his environment, he showed confusion. It was only after a few seconds did his gaze turn to the people around him.
Veronica was ready to strike, while Ezekiel was on edge. This was a situation that no one could have prepared for, so seeing the person he has spent most of his years with in such a state, he did not know what to do.
Alan slowly opened his mouth, only for a low growl to come out from it. He took one step forward, only to notice something was wrong.
Upon seeing Alan showed no signs of attacking, Ezekiel heaved a sigh of relief. He was the most nervous one among the group. Only now did he realize his back was drenched in sweat.
Veronica also noticed the brilliance in Alan's eyes, there were clear signs of sanity in them which made her relieved. She had just been through a grueling fight, and even though she did not have any serious visible injuries, her organs were in disarray and she knew she had to recuperate as soon as possible. Engaging in any more battle would only put more strain on her.
Likewise, the Scientists all felt at ease at the way things were developing. Since Alan did not mindlessly attack them as soon as he noticed them, then it meant he was aware of the people there.
"Alan." Ezekiel called out lightly, his voice as calm as he could make it. He did not know if Alan would develop any strange behaviors after transforming into a Silik, therefore he had to try his best not to use a tone that would show aggression.
Alan, in his Silik form, followed the sound of the voice to his friend. His eyes glowed as he tried to reply, only to have the same result, a low growl.
'Huh? What's that sound?'
Alan thought to himself. His consciousness was currently fuzzy and he could barely see properly. He was elated when he recovered his consciousness, unsure of what had happened. The last thing he remembered was injecting himself with a serum.
'That's right, didn't they say all their test subjects end up dead?' This question sprang in his head. Not thinking too much, he turned to his friend.
'Huh? Since when did Zeke become so short?'
Ezekiel is a few inches taller than he was, and as much as he would argue with him, this was a well-known fact. Feeling something was wrong, he looked at himself, only to get a scare which made him jump.
Alan's sudden frantic movement frightened the others.
Ezekiel called out again, "Al!"