After what had felt like an eternity of trudging through marshlands and mud, Elkay finally found a hint of civilization. The small logging village of Thredendra may have been in Rethan territory but its population was a strange mixture of Rethans, Skyans and Vrekans, all working together on providing renewable wood products for the other areas of Hertany, mostly exporting to the less tree-filled regions of Vriskera. At this time of year though, most of the village’s efforts were put towards planting rather than chopping things down.
As Elkay trudged his way into the village square though, he realised something was wrong. The whole town seemed incredibly uneasy, and Elkay had a feeling that he knew why. Throughout his journey through the forest, Elkay had done his best to avoid water or reflections of any sort, but he was certain that his… condition was worsening. At one point he was pretty sure he had about twenty tentacles growing out of his back and he had no idea why they had grown there.
Catching his reflection in a shop window though, Elkay quickly realised just how bad things had gotten. His formerly soft, smooth, rubbery skin had been replaced with heavy scales, his armour had become hard, chitinous and covered in spikes and for reasons unknown, he had two pairs of wings on his back, all scaly and horrible. His tail was suddenly adorned with poisonous thorns and two large spikes protruded from his shoulders.
No wonder why everyvok was scared of him.
A voice in Elkay’s head told him to leave, saying that no one would accept him, that they’ll try to kill him. Elkay ignored that voice and tried to make himself seem as harmless as possible. The fact that multiple villagers had run into their homes though didn’t fill Elkay with confidence.
Luckily, there was a village office, which almost certainly also acted as the local astynom. Elkay made his way over there, keeping his head down and doing his best to look innocent.
The door was closed, but two guards were standing outside. Two Rethans, both looking pretty normal aside from the fact that they were armed. The second they saw Elkay, they crossed their gunstaffs, denying Elkay the right to go further. Not wanting to cause any commotion, Elkay got down on one knee, submitting himself to them.
“I need help.”
“What are you?”
“My name is Elkay, I am a Rethan and I am very ill…” Elkay tried to explain as clearly as he could. “There was an accident. Something happened. I was on a flight to Portalia City to be transferred to a bigger hospital and the shuttle went down…”
The guards looked at each other. Elkay looked up at them but kept himself low down. He didn’t want to scare them any further.
“Wait here.”
Elkay did as he was told. One of the guards walked into the main office. He could hear muttered discussions, but couldn’t tell what they were talking about. The guard quickly returned, with several other guards. One of them was holding a heavy pair of handcuffs.
“Skinstealer, where did you come from?”
Elkay blinked. “Pardon?”
“You are a skinstealer. Your kind are not supposed to leave the confines of the mountains.”
“But…” Elkay hesitated. “I am a Rethan. My name is Elkay Theanon. I lost my ID but I have my embedded chip. I am not a monster!”
“That is exactly what a skinstealer would say. Misguided Temthaic creatures, always pretending to be something else. But if you come quietly, we will release you back into your own territories.
Elkay stumbled back, trying to get back to his feet. “I am telling you! I am a Rethan! A month ago, I was your damned High General!”
The guards eyed each other nervously. Elkay glanced over his shoulder to see that his wings had become much sharper. He’d instinctively made himself look more aggressive even though he hadn’t purposefully intended to.
“You are clearly a very young skinstealer, and hopefully a reasonable one…” the guard with the handcuffs stepped forward. “Come quietly and we will make sure you are returned home safely.”
“You… you cannot be serious…” Elkay stuttered. “You… no… this is not right… Why do you not understand me? Why do you not believe me? I am a Rethan! Just like you!”
“Little skinwalker, you should know that us Rethans can see through your disguises. Now please, come quietly.”
The guards stepped closer. Panic flickered in Elkay’s eyes as he desperately backed away. He didn’t care that he was covering himself in mud, all Elkay could think about was escape. Scampering back to his feet, Elkay rushed to the edge of the village. The guards all gave chase, some of them firing upon Elkay. But the limbs on his back shielded him from any harm, turning into a hard, shielded carapace.
Instinct took over as Elkay reached the forest. He scrambled for cover, racing through the trees and quickly outpacing the Rethan guards. Before long, they were both out of sight and out of earshot.
It took at least an hour for Elkay’s heart to stop racing. He found himself hiding in a small gully, covered by a fallen tree. But by then, Elkay had already accepted the truth.
Not knowing what else he could do, Elkay decided to head towards the mountains. If his fellow Rethans would not help him, maybe the monsters would…