Chapter 5: Sanctuary or Cage?

The Ascended Plane was a marvel of alien technology and bioluminescent flora. Towering structures, seemingly carved from living crystal, glittered with an inner light. Lush flora, resembling glowing vines and oversized mushrooms, provided a soft, ethereal glow that banished the need for conventional lighting. Yet, amidst this wonder, Vel couldn't shake off a sense of unease.The cloaked figure, Kai, remained silent, leading them through silent corridors and past robed figures who offered only fleeting glances. Anya, still recovering from her encounter with the Consortium, leaned heavily on Vel."Where are we taking her?" Vel finally asked, breaking the oppressive silence.Kai's hood remained fixed, obscuring its features. "To the Healer," it rasped, its voice devoid of emotion. "She requires medical attention beyond the capabilities of your primitive technology."Vel grimaced. "Primitive?" He wanted to argue, but something in Kai's cold tone made him hold back. After what felt like an eternity, they reached a large, circular chamber. Inside, a woman with gentle eyes and an ageless face tended to a shimmering pool of vibrant blue energy."Master Kai," she greeted, her voice soft yet firm. "Welcome. You bring visitors.""This is Vel Vanya," Kai introduced him, "and Anya Petrova. She requires your healing touch."The woman, who introduced herself as Elara, led Anya to a platform beside the energy pool. As Elara placed her hands on Anya, the blue energy pulsed and flowed, its tendrils enveloping Anya's body. Anya winced but relaxed under the soothing touch.Vel watched, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension stirring within him. This wasn't the kind of medicine he was familiar with. But as he saw the color slowly returning to Anya's face and her labored breathing ease, a sense of gratitude washed over him."What is that?" he asked, pointing to the pool of energy."This," Elara explained, "is Aethel, the lifeblood of this plane. It sustains us, heals us, and fuels our connection to the universe."Vel's mind reeled. Aethel. It sounded similar to Aether, the power Kai had mentioned. Was there a connection?"Aether," he began, "that's what Kai called my ability."Elara's gaze turned thoughtful. "Indeed," she said. "A rare and powerful inheritance. But raw, untrained, and potentially destructive."Vel felt a pang of fear. Destructive? Just what had he unleashed in his apartment?Elara sensed his turmoil. "Do not fret, young one," she said gently. "Here, you will learn to control your power. To walk the path of the Ascended."A slow smile spread across Kai's unseen face. "He will be a valuable asset, Elara. Perhaps the one we've been waiting for."Vel frowned. An asset? What did they mean by that? He glanced around the chamber, at the serene faces of the Ascended tending to their tasks. They seemed almost… robotic in their calmness.Suddenly, the platform Anya lay on emitted a soft hum. Elara removed her hands, and Anya, fully healed, sat up with a gasp."I feel… amazing," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "Thank you."Elara nodded curtly. "Rest now. You will be shown to your quarters."Anya blinked, her gaze flitting between Elara and Vel. "Quarters?" she echoed, a hint of suspicion creeping into her voice."You are guests here," Kai explained, its voice flat. "But guests with a purpose. You will be trained alongside Vel. It is for your own protection, and for the future of this universe."Anya opened her mouth to protest, but Vel placed a hand on her arm. He didn't like the way this was unfolding either, the feeling of being a pawn in a larger game. However, his desire to control his power, and to understand his heritage, was stronger than his fear."We'll do what we have to," he said, his voice firm despite the unease churning in his stomach.Elara gave him a brief nod, while Kai's staff pulsed with a strange energy. Vel knew this was just the beginning. The Ascended Plane may have offered him sanctuary, but the true price of his power remained shrouded in mystery.