Chapter 21: Relocate

“It’s all ruined.” Ferral cursed, throwing a piece of metal across the room. The two walked into every room, and each one was a mess. Destroyed machines, broken monitors, and shattered glass littered the floor. “But there’s gotta be some stuff that survived?” Atlas looked around the room. “Barley,” Ferral hissed, “It’s going to take months to get this cure done with whatever we can salvage. And trying to rebuild everything would add even more time.”

“How could this have happened?” Altas asked, looking down at the fungi that scattered around the floor. “I don’t know.” Ferral sighed. They left the room and headed back to the main area. Ferral slumped in a clean chair, placing his hand over his mouth as he lost himself in thought. Atlas continued looking around, still baffled at this unfortunate circumstance.

He turned to Ferral, “You don’t think the fungus did this…do you?” Ferral lifted his eyes, moving his hand down to his chin. “What?” “You know…like…it did this on purpose.” Ferral looked back at the ground for a moment before sitting up. “You’re suggesting the fungus is sentient?" Atlas nodded, “But that’s impossible, right?” Ferral raised an eyebrow at him, “You’re talking to an over seven-foot-tall half-wolf half-human hybrid. Sentient fungi sounds normal in comparison.” Dr. Atlas let out a small chuckle.

“But, it’s a possibility that I really never considered." Ferral continued, “If that’s the case, then this whole operation has become increasingly harder.” Atlas let out a long sigh, “Great, just when I thought things started going our way. We get this shit.” He kicked the piece of scrap. Ferral got up, “Well, we'd better get out of here. If this thing IS aware, then it’ll try its damndest to stop us.” “Let’s bring some of the stuff we can salvage with us, too. I’ve got an idea.”

The duo grabbed some boxes and looked around for whatever Ferral said was still useful. They filled each box and carefully left the building. They went to a nearby creek to check and get off any spores that would’ve attached to their skin or clothes. Once the two walked far enough from the lab, they took a seat on the large rocks.

“Alright, what is this plan of yours?” Ferral asked. “Unfortunately, your lab is done for, but the one I work at back home is completely clean and functional.” “Absolutely not.” “OH, COME ON!” Ferral threw a pebble at Atlas’s forehead. “I’d rather take my chances with the fungus.” Atlas groaned, “This is no time to be petty, Mr. Ferral. Our people are still in danger if we can’t make that cure. Please…” Ferral took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Rolling his eyes and shaking his head. “Fine, fine. Whatever.” He threw another pebble, but this time Atlas caught it. He smiled, “Thank you.” Atlas took out his phone again and called the facility where he worked at. He told them about the situation, they didn’t believe him at first, but kept explaining the discoveries Ferral and him have made. They eventually agreed, but said a transport wouldn’t arrive for around two days. The whole continent was in lockdown.

As the two walked back, they started working on the formula for the cure. Luckily, Ferral remembered it completely. “And you’re positive it’ll work?” Atlas asked, looking at the formula. Ferral nodded, “I worked my ass off to have it be perfect. It’ll work.” “To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this to be easy. Guess we’ve got some time on our hands, what should we do?” Ferral raised an eyebrow and scoffed, “WE? You’re on your own, I’ve got a village to run.” “Oh, don’t be like that, Mr. Ferral. This is a chance to further build trust. I’m going to show you that humans aren’t as bad as you remember.” Ferral scoffed, “You could sooner convince me hell froze over.” Atlas shrugged, “I don’t believe in heaven or hell. I’m an atheist.”

They got back to the village, the streets bustling with people. The smell of breakfast emitted from several homes. Children played, enjoying their weekend. Even up in the canopy, it burst with life. Villagers greeted Ferral with a “Good morning,” being offered a fruit or even joining their families for breakfast. He politely declined. However, the same couldn’t be said for Dr. Atlas. As he passed them, they glared, staring daggers at him. Whispers from the people burned his ears. He looked at the ground, upset at the divide between the humans and the experiments.

Ferral looked at Atlas, noticing his sad demeanor. He lightly put his fist on his head. Atlas looked up at Ferral. He shook his head, “Don’t let them get to you,” He said, sincerely, “They don’t know better.” Dr. Atlas was shocked by this sudden show of empathy. He smiled, “Yeah, thanks.” Atlas could’ve sworn a small smile curled the side of Ferral’s mouth. Even if he couldn’t quite prove it, Atlas would still believe it. It was a good sign.

They made it to the mansion, went inside, and Ferral got some of the housekeepers to take the boxes they had and put them in his office. Nia was walking down the stairs when she saw Ferral and Atlas. “Back so soon?” She asked, “I assumed I wouldn’t see you for the rest of the day.” She and Ferral shared a quick hug. “We got caught in a snag,” Ferral replied. “But, you shouldn’t worry,” Atlas added, “We’ll just be a bit behind schedule.”

“What happened?” Nia looked at the two. “Seems this fungus is more troublesome than we thought. It’s become sentient, and is seemingly on to our plans.” Nia’s eyes widened, “Sentient? Wow…so what’s the plan now?” Ferral motioned his head, “Let’s talk about it in the office.” The three went into the meeting room, and the two told her about the incident at the Facility and how they’ll have to move to Atlas’s lab.

“Absolutely not.” She responded. Atlas chuckled, “Like husband, like wife, huh?” “Look, I’m not ecstatic about the idea either, but it’s this or nothing. And this fungus could be getting more dangerous by the second.” Atlas nodded, “We have to act as fast as possible.”

Nia groaned, “Then let me come with you.” Atlas looked at her, confused. “You need to stay here and manage the village.” Ferral said. “I’m not letting you leave by yourself.” Nia protested, “This isn’t some trip through the forest; we’re talking about being whole continents apart.” She walked over to Ferral, “What if something happens?” She said quietly. Ferral gave a soft smile, placing his hand on her cheek. “It’ll be fine. If everything goes smoothly, I’ll be gone for only a few days.” “But what if they try to pull something?” “Then I’ll handle it. They’re nothing for me, even if I’m on their turf.”

“If you want, I’ll tag along.” The three spun their heads around to see Leona peeking her’s in the room. “Sorry, I just came back from training with your kids and wasn’t too sure whether to knock or not.” She let herself inside and closed the door. “Anyways, if you’re that concerned about your hubby, I can always join. Not like I’ve got anything going on here.” Ferral’s demeanor dropped, “Oh, please no.” “I’m not opposed.” Atlas said. “Neither am I.” Nia added. Ferral looked at her, shocked. She shrugged, “Look, I know you two have tension right now, but whatever ensures you come home safe.” Ferral grumbled, “Alright, fine.”

So it was settled. In two days, Ferral, Dr. Atlas, and Leona would head off to Europe. To make the cure that would save not just humans and experiments, but all life on Earth.