Chrysalis

wSarah took a deep breath and felt the frigid air of the second strata fill her lungs where she held it for a few long seconds before she exhaled, the wind of her breath so strong it nearly knocked over an ant who had been walking in front of her. She paid no mind, or rather, she didn't notice at all, her attention was focused inward, all external distractions shoved away.

She took another deep, slow breath. In. Hold. Out. Wait. In. Hold. Out. Wait.

This was a cycle she remembered learning as a human on Earth, something her psychologist had told her would help her be calm. Cyclical breathing. That was the name of the technique. It had helped her, in her past life. Most of the time. She flinched away from the memories of her previous existence and once more focused on her breathing. Each stage five seconds long.

In. Hold. Out. Wait. In. Hold. Out. Wait.

Even though she wasn't conscious of it, a team of ants crawled over the enormous bear as she lay sprawled on her belly. The great warrior Sarah had contributed much to the defence of the Colony and her unselfish fight had made the ants well disposed towards her. As she rested, they tended to her fur, cleaning it meticulously and ensuring there were no small wounds or barbs that may cause issues later. It was the same level of care with which they tended to each other before and after a battle, Sarah deserved that much. Also, they had noticed that she breathed easier when they were active around her, the aura of violence and malevolence that suffused the air around her abated when they drew close. From this they surmised that they were providing some sort of emotional comfort, another thing they were pleased to do.

From the wall of the tunnel, Jim watched silently as his companion battled her nature. He had created a burrow within the tunnel wall and only his head emerged, protruding into the open space. From the moment Sarah had joined the front lines, he had been here also. Not to fight, he wasn't much use for that, but to try and support his friend. He could feel her now, sense the internal struggle with his mind as she battled against the violent nature that had lain dormant so long within her.

[Sarah… ] he eventually asked, [are you alright over there?]

The great bear opened one eye and for a terrifying instant an overwhelming pressure of violence pressed into the consciousness of the worm, filling his mind with a hunger for battle. He wanted to rip, to tear, to do all sorts of non-worm like things. How would he even tear? Then Sarah released a great huff, knocked over another ant and the aura was gone, restrained once more in the depths of her mind.

[I'm fine,] she replied, [it's alright. I've got it under control.]

She pushed her feet underneath herself and forced herself to standing, sending the cleaning crew on her back to scatter quickly. She turned to face her friend in the wall.

[See? No problem.]

The worm wiggled derisively.

[Sarah, you're the worst liar I ever met. Putting that aside, I can still feel the malevolence inside you. I have very sensitive mental faculties, remember? You can't conceal this from me.]

Sarah just sighed and shrugged her massive bear shoulders.

it? It's not like I can just stop

to throw yourself

she cut in. [Are you sure that I don't owe anything, Jim? If it

I been useless? Have

at each other

want me to pay you back by betraying the Colony?

as if

[What? No! I mean…]

moment the two friends were

mind bridges had stabilised.

Sarah replied.

paused for a

am also well. I am still not used to your human style greetings, I hope

shake it. She had to ask. In response, the mage ant turned to the nearby traffic. There was no

explained, [and they

both

the Colony. If we see them not working, we tell them to get to

ever tell them to

nervous

this way and that, as if

do you look so nervous?] Sarah

a few days,] came the distracted reply, [I'd

haven't slept? Why is

been sent to

[ I'm ready to fight