[CHAPTER THREE]

Sloane shifted the pack on her back into a more comfortable position. She was still getting used to the weight of it. There was no way to know if she would be able to keep the supplies on the other side of the portal. But she would much rather take them on the chance she could keep them, then go through with nothing. Even if she came out the other side with nothing, it was better than leaving the money for her Mother to squander.

THE OTHER SIDE

Sloane floated, dazed and groggy, in a tank of unknown fluid. A mask provided breathable air. Strange voices, muffled and distant, could be heard. Her body hummed and tingled as if she was holding a live electrical wire.

"The translator has been successfully implanted." A deep voice, barely audible, spoke.

"This one is," a higher voice spoke but trailed off, "maybe a mistake…."

Sloane couldn't make out the conversation, but the nearness of their voices suggested they were speaking about her. She found it difficult to focus, she felt an exhaustion to her very core that weighed her down and consumed her. Reluctantly she slid back into unconsciousness.

LATER

Sloane woke up on what seemed to be a medical bed. Her body felt different, both lighter and heavier somehow. She sat up and looked around. The walls were a dull gray, the equipment around her and over every inch of the room were black and had strange illuminated glyphs. 

"Hello," a deep voice spoke from behind her, "Can you tell me your name?"

"Sloane Anderson," she replied, turning to look at the speaker. He was a short man, barely above her shoulder had they been standing, but sitting on the table their eyes were level.

"Do you understand where you are?" He asked as he shone a light in her eyes.

"I stepped through the portal." She answered, "I'm assuming this is a transitional or preparation area?"

"Correct," the man replied, "your body has been fortified to survive the environment beyond. Your body received the enhancements quite well. But now is the point where you get to choose between the enhancements your body can handle. You can think of this like a video game where you choose from starting abilities."

"What are my options?"

"Firstly, you can choose between healing aura, and telekinesis. Your proficiency with either one grows with use as any skill does."

"I'll go with the healing aura," Sloane spoke decisively.

"Good," he held out a sphere to her, "now to check your elemental affinity. Just hold this and try to relax."

Sloane took the orb in her hands and let out a deep breath.

"Interesting," he muttered, then spoke clearly, "you have three elemental attributes available, you may choose one. Fire, electricity, or water."

"What are the benefits?"

"You become immune to the effects of said element, and are able to influence or wield it with your proficiency level."

"Electricity." She chose resolutely.

"I'm curious as to why," the man asked as he tapped symbols on the panel in front of him.

"I chose healing aura as my skill, lightning compliments it the best."

"How so," he asked without looking up.

"It can compliment healing aura once I am proficient enough to use it in the capacity of a defibrillator, and it can be used offensively as well."

"Hmm," he rubbed his chin, "clever. Lay back and close your eyes, the bed will enclose you in a pod and the augmentations will be implemented. You will not remember this place. When you wake it will be in your final dimension."

Sloane laid back down and watched the bed transform into a capsule shape. Sleep overtook her as the pod filled with a thick, cold liquid.