The crack in the transformed earth felt safer than AJ had expected. His new form pressed against the cool stone as he tried to adapt to his existence as something that was no longer remotely human.
Every sensation was different now. He could taste the mineral composition of the rock through his membrane, feel the energy fluctuations from the plants above, sense the subtle vibrations of movement through the ground itself.
The humans he'd detected earlier were moving closer. Their signatures registered clearly in his enhanced awareness.
He forced himself to flow deeper into the crevice, his translucent green mass conforming to every contour of the rocky gap. The basic clothing he'd been given—dark grey cargo trousers, a long-sleeved top, and simple underwear—lay abandoned where his transformation had completed. He'd absorbed parts of the fabric during his painful metamorphosis, leaving behind tattered remnants that no longer served any purpose.
Stay hidden until you're sure. One wrong move and you're dead, he thought to himself, the weight of vulnerability pressing down on him like never before.
Once the group of people had passed by, walking off into the distance, he decided that staying in the crack in the ground wasn't a good plan. He needed to find the others as soon as possible. After making his way back out he slowly made his way towards a forested area, hoping to use the cluttered underbrush as cover.
---
Lily crouched by a cluster of trees, the cargo trousers and long-sleeved top she was given were practical, if basic, and the small pouch at her waist contained the few supplies she'd managed to gather. Her enhanced senses—a gift she was still learning to trust—picked up details that would have been invisible to her old self. There was a trail that suggested recent disturbance.
Something had been here recently.
At least I'm not stumbling around in a hospital gown or something, she thought, grateful for the sturdy clothing despite its plain utilitarian appearance. The fabric felt strange against her skin—tougher than normal cotton, almost like it was designed to withstand more than everyday wear.
Her tactical awareness catalogued escape routes automatically whilst her enhanced reflexes kept her movements quiet.
I never thought I'd be sneaking through alien forests, she mused, her heart hammering against her ribs. Just a bit ago, my biggest worry was whether I'd embarrass myself at some party.
The trail that caught her attention suggested something small had moved through recently. Not footprints, but a trail of grass that was shorter than the rest—it was somewhat pressed down but also seemed like it had been cut, or eaten.
Please let it be one of them, she thought desperately. I can't do this alone.
---
Maria stood at the edge of what she remembered to be a suburban neighbourhood, now transformed into something unrecognisable. Twisted trees grew in spirals where houses should have been. The familiar grid of streets had disappeared, giving way to rolling fields. Her clothing—identical to what the others wore—felt like a uniform of survival, the cargo trousers already proving useful with their multiple pockets.
But she couldn't afford to stand here gawking at the changes. Her children were somewhere in this transformed world, and every minute she spent taking in the scenery was a minute they remained lost and potentially in danger.
They're only ten and twelve, she thought, her chest tightening with familiar panic. What if they're scared? What if they made wishes that put them in danger? What if—
She forced herself to stop. Spiralling wouldn't help anyone.
She scanned the area methodically. High ground for a better view—those hills that had never existed before. Potential shelter—the dense clusters of spiral trees. Water sources—she could hear the sound of running water beyond the next ridge.
Movement caught her eye—a figure in the distance, partially concealed by the forested area. Another survivor, moving quickly but cautiously.
Something about the figure felt... familiar.
Could it be? Hope fluttered in her chest, fragile but persistent.
---
Victor found himself analysing the new world with the same methodical approach he'd once applied to his job. Threat assessment, resource evaluation, strategic positioning—his instincts adapted surprisingly well to survival in an alien landscape.
His sharp business suit had given way to practical clothing, the entity's sense of humour, perhaps, recognising that corporate attire wasn't ideal under the current circumstances.
At least someone has a sense of irony, he thought grimly. All those years climbing the corporate ladder, and now I'm reduced to hunting for berries and hiding from monsters.
A sound caught his attention—voices, low and tense, not far from him. Multiple people, speaking in hushed tones.
He managed to catch fragments of their conversation: concerns about "strange creatures," references to "staying together," and something about "finding the others before dark."
Other survivors. Could be useful, and could be dangerous. His instincts kicked in automatically. What's their agenda? What do they want? And more importantly, what can they offer me?
There were other survivors in this area, they were banding together for safety, and they seemed as lost and confused as one would expect. The question was whether they represented potential allies or enemies.
His hand moved instinctively to straighten a tie that was no longer there, the familiar gesture helping him focus as he thought about his next move. _Old habits die hard, he reflected with bitter amusement. Even when the world ends, I'm still thinking like a businessman.
The voices were moving closer, and soon he'd have to choose between revealing himself or leaving the area.
---
AJ was on the move, slowly passing by trees, constantly on alert for people and hiding spot. On the way he noticed that his body passively absorbed some of the grass beneath him.
Some time later he detected a signature that felt oddly familiar and it was getting closer. Despite feeling familiar he wasn't sure whether they would be someone he knew. He wanted to find a safe spot he would be able to observe them from before making contact.
I hope it's one of them, he thought, equal parts hope and terror swirling through his consciousness. But what if they don't recognise me? What if they think I'm just another monster?
Suddenly, he froze. The energy of yet another human was approaching.
AJ had to make a decision—risk being spotted by one or both of them, or hide and wait until they passed?
What if the familiar presence was one of his teammates and the other person attacked?
I've become something that could terrify people, he realised with growing dread. No recognisable face, no voice, no way to prove I'm still me inside this... thing.
Should he take a risk in the hopes that the familiar presence would somehow recognise him anyway and get them out of there or should he lay low and observe the situation from afar?
I can't keep hiding forever, he decided, steeling himself for whatever came next. If we're going to survive this, we need to trust each other. Even if I don't look like myself anymore.