Stuck in the Shadows
Chapter 3 - Syra
Of course Kibeom is afraid. Who wouldn’t be? These people look like humans, but their actions tell him they aren’t. They spit the word “human” like it is phlegm, they demand him around because they think they are superior and what is the world is the Galactia? Kibeom and the man walk in silence until they reach giant double doors. “Here is the training center.” Says the man. “You will listen to the instructor and do as they tell you.” The man nods, indicating that Kibeom is to go in. He pushes the door, but nothing happens. He smiles meekly at the man and attempts to open the door again but with both hands. Still nothing happens. Damn this door is heavy. “Humans are such weak beings.” Scoffs the man as he opens the door with one hand. Kibeom has to stop his mouth from dropping open. Who are these people? He thinks.
Inside the training facility, there is a figure standing in the middle of the room. Something is wrong about them. As Kibeom approaches, he realizes that the figure has eight tentacles for legs. “Kibeom.” The figure says in a sweet female voice. She turns around and Kibeom is struck with horror. The alien has cloudy blue skin, two big glowing red eyes and a mouth that splits from ear to ear with sharp, pointy teeth. “Kibeom, what is wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost! All the colour from your face has gone.” She giggles. Her voice was soft and sweet, just like a human. The only things human about her is her voice and the white lab coat she wears. “Uh…” Kibeom is lost for words, he is too scared to say anything. “Oh, right. I forgot. You humans always seemed to be frightened by our true appearances.” She says. “Turn around please.” She continues, waving her hand at him. “The transition is quite disturbing.” Kibeom does as she says and waits. He hears grunts and groans which quickly escalate to whimpers and screams. “OK. Done.” She says. He turns to see as beautiful human woman; her brown hair is bound in a tight bun, her skin is as white as milk and her eyes are a soft brown. “That is better.” She says happily. “Now let us get started with training.” She quickly walks over to the table on the side of the room and holds a clipboard and walks back to Kibeom. “Now it says here, that you are quite smart and athletic. Exactly what we need for a guardian.” She throws the clipboard and it lands back on the table. Kibeom’s mouth hangs open. Who are these people? “Now, show me all you know about hand to hand combat.” She says getting into a fighting stance. “Wait w-what?” he stammers. “Y-You’re my training c-coach?” She throws him a punch to the face and he falls on the floor. “Oh no. This won’t do.” She says, putting her hands to her cheeks. Kibeom groans, clutches his face and gets up. “We need to do a lot more work. We need to train your ability and strength until you can defeat me in a battle and you can open those double doors by yourself.” She points to the double doors and smiles. “W-What?” Kibeom gasps. “Stop with the stuttering please Kibeom.” She says. Unannounced, she throws him another punch. And again, she gets him in the face. And again, he falls to the ground. She clicks her tongue. “We have a lot of work to do here.” She says, helping him up. “By the way, you can call me Syra.”
