The elevator finally returns to the usual surface of earth. Light finds its way into Blakes puffy red eyes. Singeing the surface of his retinas, from the lack of organic light. Looking back at the base he's inherited, ideas of the future start to flood in his mind, almost bursting at the seams.
"I have to hurry, I don't even think I have any time left". Blake mutters to himself annoyed over his loss of time again.
A loud hum reverberates throughout the forest, the new model powering up finally. Bright green breaks up the usual collage of earthy tones in the forest. His feet are already moving, urgency taking precedence over everything. Rocks, twigs and debris all bounce off the armored boots.
''Won't be tearing into my shoes now. Titanium was the way to go''. Satisfaction from his success fills him.
"Let's see if I can tame this speed I'm gonna need it". Blake says preparing himself for the challenge. Tapping the tips of his boots to the ground he turns up the power on the new model. An intense burst of speed surges out of them. The familiar gestures still present from the previous iteration.
Slowly but surely his momentum increases, a green trail is left behind him in his wake as the leaves and detritus break apart against his body.
"I've got to hurry"
"I've got to hurry". Blake says, repeating to himself the importance of the goal at hand.
Exiting the forest at last. His speed continues to increase. Blending in with the bustling traffic. Starting to pass by the regular traffic in his forming momentum.
"Keep going Blake". A dominating voice creeps in the back of his mind.
Control starts to fade away from Blake as it gets harder and harder to keep his grip on the speed. Just before he can wipeout, all of his leg muscles contract. Forcefully redirecting control into the chaotic speed.
"Child's play" The same voice echoes out into his mind. Blakes psyche begins to shudder again, his hairs standing up on end.
Reflexly he calls out inside his mind. "Hello"?
Deafening silence is met in the depths of his mind. His subconscious starts to go on high alert.
Time continues to breathe down his neck. Responding in kind to this Blake starts to become more risky in his travel there.
"15 minutes and I don't even know if the retakes start today". Blake says as he strains his legs to keep up with the weight of control needed.
His green trail became more and more prominent. Losing track of his surroundings everything starts to blur together forming into tunnel vision. Blake extends his prosthetic gripping the ground, trying to create as much traction for a drift as possible.
Bearing the weight of this brutal turn, his muscle fibers begin to burn and scream. Holding firm his legs held together and managed to not give in.
"I wonder if this is what Kiara feels" Blake mutters a thought to himself as wind starts to blast by him from the redirection.
"Out of the way asshole". Honking and Road rage enters his ear as his attention is brought to oncoming hover shippers. Its weight makes hovering any higher a struggle. The haul behind it covers the whole view of the route ahead.
Sadly braking is a long gone option for Blake. A green glow fills his eyes as the same loss of control is felt. His body acts, grinding on the soles of his boots he brings his body as low as possible using all the built up speed.
Black curls brush against the underside of the electromagnetics of the vehicle. A cold alien calmness starts to dissipate from him. Clearing the massive shipper.
''Just what is happening to me''. Thoughts streak their way throughout his mind. But the worry and anxiety refuses to follow. Determination of the goal is all he can focus on.
"I have to keep going I'm almost there".
Dizziness starts to cloud his awareness, having to rely solely on one direction now. His destination comes into view. The gigantic tower of floors for exams. Tripping from the delirium, he crash lands as usual. Arriving at the registry facility for the retakes, his boots chime indicating 75% energy left.
"Not bad considering how hard I was pushing this new model". He says breathless with a little forming madness, sleep trying to claim him viciously.
Rushing up the stairs as fast as he can, dents made by him are quickly formed over by the Regencrete.
The worst outcome comes into view, the retakes tower is already starting. But before the crushing blow can be delivered. His watch starts to buzz, projecting a notification.
You have mail.
[This was a late decision, however due to much consideration of the exam staff. We want you to take the exam again. If you are willing to, show up at this site.]
An exhilarating rush enters his body. Lady luck tipping her hand once again to Blake but in a more desirable way.
"YES!" A joyous shout escapes him. Attracting the attention of the general public. He rushes forward to the receptionist, informing her of his situation.
"Retakes are about to take place. You have a little time before they start to hurry". The receptionist says with a knowing smile.
His sag ridden puffy eyes gleam with excitement. "Not a problem, thank you so much". He says his feet are already tripping over each other.
"Take the elevator behind me, before you waste what little time you have. I'll set it to the floor you need." She says the wrinkles in her mouth are showing off more wisdom than they should.
Rushing away with a final thank you Blake clammers into the elevator, the doors close as his final chance starts to come within reach.
"Kind, but what is it you saw in him Pyre"? She says checking over his file.
"A non power user. I keep telling him we should prioritize on providing for the promising one. We need to strengthen the strong of this generation.
"Not waste time on the ones that show no strength of especially potential for strength" Her jadedness is taking full front of her judgement.
"We will not repeat the past. I refuse for anything like that to happen again".
"Even if the method to get there isn't pleasant, sacrifices have to be made". She says as her resolve takes full root of her stance.