The New Breed

Healthy mind in a healthy body, as they used to say. Actually, if it weren’t for the tormenting dreams, he would have felt perfectly comfortable in here.

He decided to postpone the shower, went to the small kitchenette, and made himself a cup of tea. Sure, he didn’t really need to drink or eat, and he didn’t need to breathe either, but he did it anyway. Old habits die hard.

He found this place long ago, courtesy of the Temple Syndicate. How many like him are there in the world? He wished he knew. He wished he didn’t feel so alone most of the time.

Thank god for Rob.

No one could take this place away from him, they’ll have to kill him to do that.

Let them try.

He will return to the real world soon enough. After she gets here.

He tasted the tea. Perfect, just the right amount of chamomile, like his mother used to make for him when he was sick with the flu. She brought him tea with chamomile, yes. The memory was lodged inside his mind forever, the smell of mom’s tea, the smell of her love, before she lost her senses.

Suddenly, a nasty cramp lashed at his stomach, the teacup fell and crashed to the floor, he doubled over, and went to his knees. With effort, he managed to drag himself on to the bed, breathing heavily.

He didn’t expect this to happen now. If it’s happening before she’s even here, than it means only one thing.

A face appeared outside the window.

Kay threw a pillow at it.

"Didn’t they teach you how to knock? You broke my teacup"

"Hello, Kay"

The male voice was harsh, but with a streak of sympathy.

"So you finally came, you’re a little late, you know that".

"Sorry", said Rob, "I got hung up, there’s a huge traffic jam at..."

"The SUA gave me a lot of shit, it was getting to be a little dangerous... for them, I mean".

"I know, but I’m here now, I won’t let them do anything that..."

"Good, so stand back, go play with the children or something, I’ll need you soon, if... if anything goes wrong."

Kay shivered at the thought.

"I think you should probably let me in", said Rob.

"Hell, no".

"Look, you and I know what’s going to happen in a few hours, you should let me in. You know that we should do this together, let me help you, like would probably help me in the future. I just want to be nearer, in case..."

"I don’t need your help, I want to be alone when she comes. If you sense something out of the ordinary, you have my permission to break the window".

"Who knows what can happen out here if you’ll lose control? Why are you so infuriatingly stubborn?".

"I like it that way. Humor me, please".

"Suit yourself, but the whole building could be destroyed if it will get out of hand..."

"Don’t worry, Rob. I’m afraid, afraid that if she sees you she might run away." said Kay while turning on his side and facing the window.

"You are much more powerful than me." said Rob.

"Give me a break" said Kay to the peeping face of his friend, "I love you, but please go.