Defiance

Everyone put their hands over their ears, including the Synthians. Callie immediately put up a shield of fire that blocked the sound from tearing at her eardrums. With a little extra push, she widened it to cover the Synthians behind her.

“You are part of me!” Its voice boomed down on her.

Callie shook her head. “No, I’m not.” She looked over her shoulder.

Santos stepped out into the clearing. The others moved aside for him. His face appeared to have aged ten years since she had left him. His hair hung limply and he looked like he could barely walk.

Moving slowly toward Callie, Santos kept his eyes on her. He stopped next to her and looked up at the common enemy they faced.

“Why are you here?” The creature boomed. “Return underground and die. You have served your purpose.”

Santos shook his head. “Obviously not yet. I still have some work to do before I quit this life. “ He put a hand on Callie’s shoulder. “It seems I’m not a very obedient pupil.:”