Vreta seemed to be struggling almost as much as the rest of them. He saw memories around him more and more clearly, even as Rhia was trying to run interference. Though, she was having to try to interfere for both him, and herself. The memory he did see as he was starting to stagger around disturbed him in more ways than one. He could not trust Connie or Gene, that much was clear, though their minds seemed to be affected just as much as everyone else. There was far more to worry about than their Human companions. 

Rhia had to struggle to keep mental control for just a bit longer. She gave up on controlling motor functions, causing Vreta to stumble. While she still had influence, she did the best she could to hedge against what could possibly happen, scattering specific neural markers throughout Vreta’s hippocampus, as well as rapidly writing specific programs for his nanites. Ultimately, though, Rhia could only delay in the short term. He was the last to start to fall, but he knew it was inevitable. Staring straight ahead, he could feel that…something, that presence, permeating everything. “What…do you want?” He asked, though it was the last he said before losing consciousness. 

[hr]

Vreta was lying on his back when he opened his eyes. Immediately, he took in a long, deep breath. The air, though thin, was crisp and clean. His body felt light, and all of it was familiar, especially once he cast his gaze up to the sky and saw the swirling, colorful clouds of Throssai. He was on Syr’Jakra, up on the mountain overlooking the vast valley that contained his hometown.