[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/b2N69y5.png[/img][/center]
Jumping to her feet, Nanami took a step towards Saya, who doubled over in clear agony. [color=1966ff]"Saya, what's happening?"[/color] Mouth dry, she gently grasped her friend's shoulder. [color=1966ff]"Are you ok? Can you hear me? Saya!"[/color]

The monster was nowhere to be seen, but [i]something[/i] lingered here, where Saya stood. That chaotic energy crackled around the two of them as if a storm were about to begin. It stabilised, but didn't fade completely, still thrumming in the air as Saya opened her eyes. Whatever had happened, she seemed to have shaken off the pain as quickly as Nanami had, but not the confusion.

"I'm ok! I... think. Just what the hell [i]was[/i] that? I think that thing was about to eat me or something."

With a sigh of relief, Nanami shook her head, glancing all around. No alien creatures in sight, but she frowned as she noticed something else out of the ordinary. Had the lamps brightened, or had her vision sharpened a little? [color=1966ff]"No idea, all I know is it tried to either drown me or dissolve me. But let's not stick around to find out."[/color] She took off sprinting down the path, quickly realising she didn't have to look over her shoulder to check where Saya was. She could sense her, a short distance behind. [color=1966ff]"Huh?"[/color]

She stopped, something else dawning on her. There was no strain in her muscles. Her athletic pursuits kept her in good shape, but that run had been as effortless as a leisurely walk. For someone who'd just had an apparent near death experience, she now brimmed with vitality, as if she'd had the best night's sleep of her life followed by an energy drink. She could chalk it up to adrenaline, although that didn't explain the radar-like sense. A shiver ran through her, equal parts fear and exhilaration, as she recalled the alien's words. [b][i]"You want to be the best, don't you?"[/i][/b]

That creature... It had been real. And it had done something to them, but what exactly?

Turning to face Saya, Nanami tilted her head, eyebrows furrowed. [color=1966ff]"Hey... Are you feeling different at all, by any chance?"[/color]