Legends of Amacia The Awakening

Hanna’s Mutation Reversal

Fifteen minutes later, Elias came in with Rachel and Selina. Nemesis stood back in the shadows, still unsure of Rachel would recognize or accept him. Enoch and Hanna stood at the main console just in front of Josephine, who sat strapped into the control node of the machine. Selina and Rachel looked at the chamber in awe, stunned by the sheer alien nature of it as Elias rolled them over to Hanna.

“You’re here!” Hanna chimed as she turned to Selina and Rachel. “I’m so glad. Did you have a good breakfast, Rachel?”

“Yes, it was very good, Hanna,” Rachel said softly, “I also got to meet Grandpa. He’s so big.”

“That he is,” Hanna agreed, smiling. “He’s the closest thing I have to a father now. Is he going to come?”

“I don’t rightly know,” Selina stated. “I couldn’t get a straight answer out of him. But Rachel did get to see Emma and Elle.”

“Is that so?” Hanna answered. “Did you like them, Rachel?”

“Yes,” Rachel stated. “They’re so nice, like you and momma. Are they family too?”

“They are,” Enoch stated, turning away from the console after doing a last systems check. “Emma is my sister and Elle is adopted, just like you are.”

“Wow,” Rachel stated. “That’s great, but who’s that behind you. She’s very pretty. Why’s she tied in there like that?”

“I’m Josephine,” Josephine called out, smiling sweetly. “I’m in here because I’m the one who’s going to restore Hanna to her proper form using this machine.”

Rachel looked closely at Josephine and gasped when she saw Josephine’s cybernetics. “You aren’t human!” she cried in realization. “Please don’t say you’re one of those monsters from Amacia!”

“I am not one of the monsters you saw there, not anymore,” Josephine said softly. “And you’re right in saying I’m not human. I used to be human, eons ago. But my husband, the original Emperor did this to me when I lost him to the Darkness.”

“Rachel,” Hanna stated, squatting down beside her and Selina. “Josephine is part machine...a cyborg the Emperor used to have complete control over. But I freed her from that control and rescued her the same time I rescued you and Selina.”

“You rescued her too?” Rachel asked, fearful of Josephine. “Why? She isn’t like us.”

“No, she isn’t like us,” Hanna agreed, “But she isn’t evil like the Emperor and the monsters that did this to us. She was just controlled, as you were. Josephine did unspeakable things because the Emperor made her do it.” Hanna sighed, looking Rachel in the eye. “Do you know who the Emperor used to make me a woman?” she asked.

By instinct, Rachel looked at Josephine, who instantly noticed it. Her fear tripled, causing her to cower in Selina’s lap. “Don’t let the monster hurt me!” she begged.

“Yes, little one,” Josephine admitted softly. “I am the tentacled monster you remember in the dungeons. I’m also the demon the Emperor used to transform Hanna into her present state, but not once did I do anything to harm you. In fact, I treated you with my appendages many times, and brought you food and water. I’m so sorry I was unable to stop the real monsters from brutalizing you. My programming wouldn’t allow it. It was the same thing the jailer told you when he brought you food, water, and medical aid.” Josephine’s apologetic, sorrowful tone reached Rachel as she started remembering.

“I remember,” Rachel whimpered as Hanna touched her left leg stump. “Like a dream I remember...the strange snakes with no eyes coming in the nights after the monsters finished with me. The snakes would lick me where those beasts hurt me, especially around my pussy and butt. Their touch felt nice, even when they’d go into me. It never hurt, but made me feel very strange and tingly. Was that you?”

“Yes,” Josephine stated. “At the time, I was imprisoned by the Emperor and forced by his programming to do unspeakable things at his order. However, the programming also allowed me to help when I so chose when the Emperor wasn’t around. Shortly after Hanna shorted out my program matrix and caused me to remember who I was, I slowly started freeing my mind from the program. One of the first places I acted was with you, little one. I saw what the guards did to you every time they did it, so when they left I used my arms...what you called snakes to assist you. I tried to treat your wounds and ease your pain. I also made sure to cleanse and treat you every time they ravished you. I didn’t want to see you...an innocent little girl destroyed by the same Darkness that took me long ago.”

“I remember,” Rachel breathed, losing her fear of Josephine. “I remember the snakes being so gentle, not like the monsters that beat and raped me every day since they took me from my family. Somehow, I knew the snakes wouldn’t hurt me, even though there was nothing I could do with my arms and legs broken to bits.” Tears rose in her eyes. “I remember the snakes licking my smelly rotting arms and legs,” she whimpered. “Many times, they bit me on the neck and I stopped hurting. I came to wanting the bites. It made me feel good when they did, so I begged them to bite me, and they did.”

“I remember,” Josephine stated. “You begged for me to stop your pain and make you feel better, so I gave you medicine to relieve your pain and allow you to sleep. I’m so sorry I was unable to keep you from losing your arms and legs like that. Can you forgive me?”

Rachel’s eyes grew wide as she realized the snakes in her cell were in fact Josephine. “The snakes really were you,” she breathed. “Why did you help me like that?”

“Because you couldn’t help yourself,” Josephine stated. “And because I saw myself in you. I saw my own strength and will in you. By helping you survive, I helped myself survive. When Hanna rescued me from that mechanized hell, it severed my link to the Emperor forever. I no longer do his bidding, and do good wherever I can.”

“Did you really change Hanna into a woman?” Rachel asked softly.

“Yes, Rachel,” Josephine stated. “At the time, I was still partially under the Emperor’s control, but I did do it. I made Hanna what she is, but I didn’t make Hanna the way the Emperor wanted her. Hanna is a very special woman and I couldn’t let the Emperor destroy her.”

“Are you going to change her back?” Rachel asked bluntly. “I hope so because I want a real dad again.”

Josephine chuckled. “Absolutely,” she chimed. “That’s why I’m hooked into this machine. I’m going to use this machine to restore Hanna to her proper form as a man so you can have a father. I heard Hanna and Selina adopted you. You are so lucky to have two people that love you like that.”

“I am,” Rachel answered, her fear of Josephine having evaporated. “You really aren’t that bad, are you?”

“No, sweetie, I’m not,” Josephine stated. “But like you, I’m eternally scarred by what the Emperor did to me. One day, I hope we can find a way to replace your missing pieces.”

“I’d like that,” Rachel cooed. “Are you going to be in that machine forever?”

“No,” Hanna stated. “Josephine will only stay in long enough for her to reverse my mutation. She can leave it any time she wishes.”

“That’s right,” Josephine stated. “But I will not leave it right now because Hanna is ready to start the procedure.”

“Will I be able to watch?” Rachel asked.

“Yes,” Enoch stated, “But Hanna will not be able to respond while it’s going on. Josephine is going to take this machine and put Hanna into a very deep sleep so she can fix what the Emperor had her do to Hanna initially. It’s going to take several days, but you’re welcome to come in to check on her whenever you like.”

“Can we, momma?” Rachel asked Selina.

“Of course we can,” Selina replied. “I’d planned on doing it anyway. I want to be here when Hannibal comes out.”

“Can I be here too?” Rachel asked eagerly.

“I don’t see why not,” Hanna replied. “But know I’m not going to have any clothes on when I come out of this thing.”

“I don’t mind,” Rachel replied. “Besides, I need to see if you...well, you know.”

“I do indeed,” Hanna said warmly, patting Rachel on the leg again. “But I don’t want you two sitting here for days while Josephine works on fixing me. You need to take care of yourselves while I’m down in this thing.”

“We won’t,” Selina replied. “In fact, I can’t. I still have my daily therapy sessions to go to and Rachel has things she wants to do too. Isn’t that right, sweetie?”

“Yeah,” Rachel answered, “I want to see my friends again...you know, the ones like me.”

“Go see them anytime you like,” Hanna chimed. “It’s good to have friends.” She glanced at Josephine and smiled. “Friends are very important these days,” Hanna declared. “They make life worth living.”

“That they do,” Josephine agreed. “So, little one, are you still afraid of me?”

“I don’t think so,” Rachel stated. “You’re nice, like Elle, Emma, Kida, grandma, and grandpa. You never let the snakes hurt me, even when they bit me. It was really nice when they came. I think we can be friends. Will you be my friend?”

“Certainly, little one,” Josephine chimed. “I would be honored. You know who would also like to be your friend?”

“Who,” Rachel asked.

“The one who helped Master Enoch rescue you from your tormentors,” Josephine declared. “He’s here now hiding in the shadows because he doesn’t want to frighten you.”

“Have I said you talk too much, Josephine?” Nemesis rumbled from the shadows, his tone betraying a tease.

“Did I lie?” Josephine asked, not biting on the tease. “I know that’s why you’re hiding back there. Come on out and let Rachel see the face of her savior. I saw you blow the door off its hinges and rip those guards to shreds when you heard her cries. And you personally brought her to the portal, handing her to Kida. That shows you care a great deal for her. Come out and let her see you.”

“I know that rumble,” Rachel murmured as an icy chill raced down her spine. “I’ve heard it before...the day the big guy here pulled that beast off me and turned his head around backwards.”

“I know you have,” Nemesis answered softly, slowly moving out from behind the machine. “Please, don’t be afraid. I’m not the monster who took your family.”

Rachel swallowed hard as panic filled her features. “It’s you!” she whimpered fearfully. “Stay away from me! I saw you rip my dad apart when they came for us!”

“I’m not who you think I am,” Nemesis replied softly, staying a discreet distance from Rachel when he saw her panic. “The ones who killed your family were just clones of me, programmed to serve the Emperor and kill your family. I destroyed every one of those fiends who killed your family. I even slaughtered those beasts that were waiting their turn with you when Enoch and I entered your cell. Please, do not fear me.”

“He didn’t kill your family, Rachel,” Josephine stated. “I saw the whole gruesome thing when they took you. Clones of Nemesis and soldiers took your family away, not Nemesis. He’s the original that they used to make the others. He chose to side with Hanna and you against the Emperor. He even fought the Emperor for you.”

“Did he?” Rachel demanded, fear racing through her. “How can you know? I was there. He split my dad in two and took his head right in front of me. He then shot me with something and made it so I couldn’t fight back. The soldiers...they....” She couldn’t continue, the pain of her bereavement flaring so violently that all she could do was cry. Her grief and pain even made Nemesis falter.

Approaching to ten feet from Rachel, Selina, and Hanna, Nemesis dropped to his knees and let out a very troubled sigh that even Rachel noticed. “I know your pain better than you know, little one,” he stated in a shaky tone uncharacteristic of him. “I know you think I’m the monster who killed your family. It’s easy to mistake me for the clones the Emperor has made of me. We’re practically identical. But there is one fundamental difference between us.” He paused as Rachel hesitated, looking him in the eye once she realize he wasn’t there to kill her. “I do not kill the innocent,” he declared. “I punish the guilty. That is what I am now. Like Josephine, I am a product of the Emperor’s evil. Once, long ago, I think I used to be human, but it’s like a dream on the edge of my consciousness that I cannot reach. The Emperor made me in a lab to be his ultimate weapon...a soldier of such power none would be able to stand against me. He fused these machines into my flesh and programmed me to be a killer and do his will, just as Josephine was. But I broke with my programming. I overpowered it with the force of my will and rewired myself so I could be autonomous from the Emperor. For hundreds of cycles, I hid my autonomy, waiting for the moment to strike and be free of the Emperor. That day came when Hanna came to us in chains as a man. I bided my time and watched as the Emperor did unspeakable things to Hanna; powerless to stop it because I didn’t have the power to take on the Emperor and his Cadre alone. But when the Emperor made Hanna what she is and tried to kill her in the arena, the time to strike arrived.”

“What did you do?” Rachel asked softly, shaking.

“I am not the only Xenian prototype who has turned against the Emperor,” Nemesis stated. “The saber cat prototype Magnus also broke from his programming as I did. We became comrades in arms. When Hanna killed Lord Hades in the Arena, the explosion from Lord Hades’ death allowed Magnus to rescue Hanna and bring her to me. We treated her wounds and got her out of the City. I even made a blood pact with Hanna to protect Selina and all who wished to be free of the Emperor until she could rescue them. That pact included you, little one. See here, the scar where Hanna and I made the blood pact.” He held up his organic hand, showing Rachel a large scar.

Hanna held up her hand with the matching scar so Rachel could see it. “He’s not lying, Rachel,” she stated. “Here’s my scar where we became blood brother and sister. Nemesis has always been with us and was instrumental in your rescue. We could not have done it without him.”

“I don’t understand,” Rachel complained. “How can he be our friend? He’s one of them! Why would he turn on the Emperor?”

“Because, unlike the clone who slaughtered your family, I retained my will when the Emperor created me,” Nemesis stated. “The beast who slaughtered your family has no consciousness, soul, or will like I do. I made a choice to stand with the Beowulf and stop the Emperor from killing everyone everywhere. In fact, when I discovered what was going on with you, I made a point of killing the squad that slaughtered your family myself to avenge you. I even fought the Emperor alongside of Hanna and Enoch during the raid. Hanna saved my life from the Emperor in that fight.”

“You did?” Rachel asked Hanna with surprise.

“I did,” Hanna stated. “Nemesis has become one of my closest friends. I literally trust him with my life. He’s repeatedly shown his loyalty to us and you.”

“That he has,” Enoch agreed. “In fact, he was adamant we come get you first when we started our main assault in the rescue. He knew exactly where you were and became very angry when he heard your cries in the corridor. He is not what you think he is. Nemesis has a kind, noble heart.”

Rachel again hesitated as she remembered her rescue again. “I’m so confused,” she admitted. “The beast that killed my dad would have never killed the Emperor’s soldiers. But I do remember seeing you rip those bad men to pieces in front of me. You did something to me after killing those guys, didn’t you? It made me feel good, like I was floating and nothing hurt.”

“I did,” Nemesis stated softly, “I saw your desperate condition and gave you powerful pain killer to deaden your pain and a sedative to make you sleep. Those guys had nearly beat and raped you to death. I personally took you to the portal, giving you to Kida, who took you to the Healer. After the rescue operation finished, I went to the Healer and helped the doctors save your life. I am so sorry I had to take your arms and legs. If we hadn’t, you would have died. I couldn’t allow that.”

“Nemesis also helped me,” Selina purred in Rachel’s ear. “When I was locked in the Harem, he risked the wrath of the Emperor to bring me much needed medical treatment. He bound my broken bones and treated my infections, much like he did for you.”

“But he didn’t take your arms and legs,” Rachel replied glumly.

“No, he didn’t,” Selina replied. “But he did help me and all of the girls there in the Harem. He’s been their silent protector for many cycles. I’m sure if he could have saved your arms and legs, he would have done it.”

“That I would have,” Nemesis stated, kneeling with his hands in his lap. “It broke my heart to have to leave you limbless like this. It’s so much like what the Emperor did to his dolls, but I swear on my blood and the Ancient of Days, I did not kill your family. You must believe me.”

“I do,” Rachel replied, realizing she’d made a terrible mistake concerning Nemesis. “You really didn’t kill my family, did you? I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Nemesis stated. “In your position, I would have done the same thing. The clones the Cadre makes of us prototypes are so perfect that the only way to tell us from them is by our scars. The clones don’t have the scars we prototypes have.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” Enoch stated.

“It would be wise to do so,” Nemesis replied. “The clones can be treacherous and mimic the behavior of us prototypes. They will do whatever is necessary to complete the mission. I hope I’ve been able to convince Rachel that I am a friend and would like to be her friend too.”

“I know he looks big and mean,” Hanna told Rachel, “...but he really is just a big squishy teddy bear.”

Rachel suddenly giggled at Hanna’s comment. “You’re right,” she said, smiling softly. “He’s nothing like the monsters that killed my family. You’re like the woman in the machine there, aren’t you?”

“Her name is Josephine, Rachel,” Hanna corrected. “Reuniting her with her name is what set everything in motion that led to her freedom, and yours.”

“Josephine,” Rachel said slowly. “You know this bear thing, Josephine?”

“His name is Nemesis, and I know him very well, actually,” Josephine stated. “He was just as instrumental in my freedom as Hanna was. He gave me the medicine that allowed me to make the final break from the Emperor. He’s my friend...no, my kindred spirit. We’re the same, he and I. He really is your friend, Rachel.”

Rachel looked Nemesis in the face, seeing a sad, lonely expression. “You’re alone, aren’t you?” she asked Nemesis.

“I used to be alone, yes,” Nemesis stated. “Then Hanna came and gave me a reason to live and not be alone. Seeing you alive after the horrors you endured warms my old metal heart.”

“He doesn’t have to be alone, does he Hanna?” Rachel asked, feeling pity for Nemesis.

“No, he doesn’t,’ Hanna stated, “He’s our friend who will do anything to keep us safe.”

“Rachel, I have something for you,” Nemesis stated, opening a small panel on his machine arm. He pulled out a small locket with a tiny gem in it. Opening the locket, he saw a portrait of Rachel’s family. “After I avenged your family, I went back to your old house and found something you may remember; here,” he said softly, extending his organic hand with the locket sitting in it. “I believe this is the last record of your family. You should keep it so you don’t forget them.”

Rachel instantly recognized the locket and let out a wail of grief and pain that echoed throughout the chamber. “You do recognize it,” Nemesis surmised, speaking softly. “Don’t you?” He walked on his knees, slowly closing the distance between him and Rachel. “Take the locket, Hanna, and let her see it,” he ordered. “She needs this for closure.”

Hanna picked up the locket, looking closely at it as Selina rocked Rachel gently, purring for her. “Oh, what a lovely family,” Hanna cooed, showing it to Rachel. “Selina and I are going to have trouble measuring up to them. That is them, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Rachel wailed. “My parents gave me this locket on my birthday. I thought I lost it the day the monsters came.” After sobbing for a few moments, Rachel looked at Nemesis with a look of utter gratitude. “Thank you for bringing it back to me,” she whimpered. “It’s all I have left of my family. It’s precious to me. Thank you. The monsters who took my family would have never done this for me. Thank you.”

“You are so welcome,” Nemesis said with a sigh and smile. “I’m not the monster you thought I was...am I?”

“No,” Rachel replied, sniffling. “Only a real friend would have done something like this. Did you really kill those monsters that killed my family?”

“Yes,” Nemesis declared. “I killed them with the cursed machinery grafted into me by the Cadre and the Emperor. They thought to use me as a weapon. Now that weapon is pointed at them. I will not stop until the Emperor and all his minions are dead under my feet. They have to be held accountable.”

“And they will,” Hanna replied, abruptly moving over to Nemesis and hugging him around his huge neck. “You will see justice done on the Emperor. Thank you, for everything, my friend.”

Nemesis returned Hanna’s hug with a gentle embrace that Rachel instantly noticed. “You never cease to amaze me, Hanna,” he rumbled softly. “You’re so full of love and life for everyone. I am truly honored to be your friend. In your own quirky little way, you’ve become a counterbalance for me so I don’t slip back into the Darkness. Thank you.”

Hanna kissed Nemesis on the side of his furry face. “You’re so welcome,” she replied. “I’m also glad you stayed and showed Rachel your true face. She needed to see it.”

“You’re right,” Nemesis stated. “I’m glad you insisted on it. She overcame her fear of me about as quickly as anyone I’ve ever seen. You have a real find with her, Hanna. Don’t lose her.”

“I won’t,” Hanna chimed, looking back at Rachel and Selina. “See, Rachel...Nemesis is just a big cuddly teddy bear who loves you too.”

Nemesis saw Rachel’s smile grow as he let Hanna go. “That I do, little one,” he stated. “Would you be my friend? I’ve never had many friends.”

“Yes,” Rachel declared. “I’d like that.”

“I’m proud of you, Rachel,” Hanna stated, returning to her side. “You overcame your fear of Nemesis all by yourself. I’m so proud I could bust.”

“Don’t. That would make a mess,” Nemesis cracked with a wry smile that made Rachel cackle. Even Hanna broke out laughing.

“I knew you had a joker in you, Nemesis,” Hanna chimed. “You should let him out more often.”

“Well, I haven’t had much to joke about for a very long time,” Nemesis admitted. “But it did feel good to crack a joke and have everyone laugh.”

“I’m sure it did,” Hanna replied warmly as she noticed Nathanael, Electra, and Kida come in. “Oh, look...late comers; you guys are late.”

“Sorry, Hanna,” Nathanael replied. “We were busy. I’m glad we were able to get here before you went under.”

“Me too,” Hanna stated, hugging Nathanael when he reached the group. “I wanted to see your face before I went under. Thank you, Nathanael.”

“You’re welcome,” Nathanael replied. “So when are you going to do it?”

“In just a few minutes,” Hanna stated, going to Electra and hugging her. “I just wanted to hug everyone one last time and tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“You’re so welcome,” Electra purred, returning Hanna’s embrace. “We’ll always be here for you.”

“I know,” Hanna stated. “That’s why I want you and Nathanael to watch out for Rachel and Selina while I’m doing this. They’re the two most important ladies in my life. I know you’ll take good care of them.”

“Of course,” Electra replied, kissing Hanna on the cheek. “You needn’t worry. We’ll take good care of them. All I ask of you is you come out of this thing alive, okay?”

“God willing, I will,” Hanna stated, moving on to Kida, who dropped to one knee. Hanna embraced Kida warmly. “Watch out for them, Kida,” Hanna murmured. “I’m counting on both you and Enoch to make sure we stay safe while I’m out of commission.”

“Don’t you fret over it,” Kida purred warmly, returning Hanna’s embrace. “We have you covered. Just come out of this machine alive, okay. Besides, I’m dying to see what you really look like as a man.”

“You’ll get to see that soon enough,” Hanna cooed. “And thanks...all of you. You’ve given this old soul a real reason to live.” She let go of Kida and stepped back, turning to the machine with a resolute look in her eye. “I guess it’s time to take the plunge,” she declared. “Is the machine ready for me, Josephine?”

“Just waiting for you to disrobe and step into the chamber,” Josephine stated.

Hanna nodded with a grunt, going to Rachel and Selina. For a second, she looked at Rachel, and then picked her up in a warm embrace. “I love you, Rachel,” Hanna cooed in her ear. “I always have.”

“I love you too, Hanna,” Rachel answered emotionally, tears running down her cheeks as she tried to put what was left of her arms around Hanna. “Please come back to me. Promise you will come back.”

“I promise,” Hanna stated, “Even though I won’t look the same, I will come back.”

“That she will,” Nathanael stated, “Hanna has never made a promise she didn’t keep.”

“That’s right,” Hanna stated, sitting Rachel back into Selina’s lap. She put her arm around Selina and touched foreheads with her. “I love you so much, princess,” she declared to Selina. “Pray for me. Your love and prayers have saved me repeatedly. Should the worst....”

“Shush,” Selina interrupted. “Don’t even think that. You will come back. You promised everyone you would come back. Besides, I don’t think I could live without you. You must come back. If you don’t, I’m going to cross over, beat you senseless, and drag you back to the world of the living. You’re not getting out of this that easily.”

Everyone broke out laughing except for Hanna and Selina, who stared into Hanna’s eyes with fire, love, and determination. “I know you would,” Hanna murmured. “I cannot escape you. We’re fused. Just be sure to turn our connection all the way down so you don’t inadvertently feel what’s happening to me.”

“I will,” Selina stated, kissing Hanna gently on the lips...not caring whom saw it. “Now go, my prince; become the King you were destined to become.”

“Right,” Hanna replied, standing back up. She walked over to Enoch and hugged him as he dropped down to one knee. “Take care of them, Enoch,” she ordered. “And thanks for everything.”

“Don’t worry that pretty head of yours,” Enoch chided warmly. “I’ll take good care of them. Now go...become the man you were destined to be.”

“Okay,” Hanna stated, backing off from Enoch. She bowed formally to everyone, declaring, “I thank you all for being my friends. Pray for me as Josephine and Enoch use this machine to return me to my true form. Lord willing, I will be born again as the completed soul. Okay, Josephine...let’s do this.”

“Take off your clothes and step into the pod,” Josephine stated.

“Do you want us to turn around?” Nathanael asked.

Hanna sighed as she unbuckled her belt, tossing it down. “No,” Hanna stated. “You all have seen me without clothes before when you treated my wounds. I’m not ashamed to bare myself before my family.”

“You honor us,” Nemesis stated. “What we see will be kept in the strictest confidence.” Everyone present agreed with Nemesis as Hanna let the dress drop to the floor, leaving her nude before everyone.

“Hanna, your hairband,” Selina called out as Hanna hesitated in front of the pod.

“Oh, thanks, sis,” Hanna replied, looking over her shoulder as she removed the hairband. Tossing it to Selina, she said, “Let Rachel use it if she wants.” Turning back to the pod, Hanna looked into it and sighed again, working up the courage to step into the machine.

“Is something wrong?” Nathanael asked.

“No,” Hanna stated soberly, “Just working up the courage to do this. Oh, well; no guts, no glory.” She stepped into the pod and turned around, leaning back against the table. “Oh, this thing really is comfortable,” she commented as restraints sprang out of the table, gently locking down her arms, legs, and torso. “Is this thing supposed to tie me down like this, Jo?”

“Yes,” Josephine stated, “It’s for your protection. Now relax, Hanna. I’m going to close up the pod now and start the scan.”

“Okay,” Hanna murmured, already feeling drowsy. “Are you making me sleepy, Jo?”

“Yes,” Josephine replied, “Don’t fight it. Let the sleep come. When you wake, you will be restored.”

“Mmmm hmmm,” Hanna answered, falling dead asleep as the pod closed with a hiss.

“Now we can begin,” Josephine declared. “Enoch, man the console and monitor her vitals while I start the process. I’m decontaminating now.” The pod hissed as the clear door fogged up for thirty seconds before clearing as Enoch watched the control panel. “Decontamination is complete,” she announced. “The pod and Hanna is clear of all contaminants. Enoch, how are her vitals?”

“Hanna’s vitals are strong and steady,” Enoch replied, “Everything is going according to plan. There isn’t so much as a microbe inside that pod now that can interfere with the process.”

“Excellent,” Josephine replied, “I read the same thing.”

“Is Hanna going to be all right?” Rachel asked; concerned at how quickly Hanna fell asleep.

“Hanna’s going to be just fine,” Josephine replied. “I’m going to take good care of her. Excellent...she’s reacting very well to the sedation. I’m engaging the scanner now that she’s fully sedated, Enoch. Make sure the readings are recorded.”

“Right,” Enoch stated as everyone gathered before Hanna as she lay in the machine.

Electra picked up Hanna’s clothes and draped them over her arm. Looking at Hanna through the clear crystal door of the chamber, Electra said, “I’ve never seen her look so peaceful.”

“Me neither,” Nathanael said, putting his arm around Electra. “It does my heart good to see such peace on her face. However, I will miss her. She’s such a beautiful woman.”

“Same here,” Enoch agreed, “But we all know this is what needs to be done. Hanna was never meant to live as a woman. Her male side...Hannibal, is who she really is. She’s sacrificing herself so he can live again. It’s a love that I’ve never seen before. It shows conclusively that she and Hannibal are the Last Caverias...the Beowulf.”

“I agree,” Nemesis rumbled, standing behind Selina and Rachel. “This form was thrust upon her by the Emperor by force. Now, she’s made the decision to reverse it. We must be here for Beowulf and support him when he emerges.”

“That we will,” Selina declared. “How’s her genetic structure, Jo?”

“Just a moment more,” Josephine replied in an almost mechanical manner. “Scan complete. Hanna’s genetic structure has indeed been slowly evolving since I first mutated her. More of her dormant strands have activated since her initial mutation, enhancing her on several levels.”

“Is it a problem?” Nemesis asked.

“No,” Josephine replied quickly. “At the moment, genetic structure is completely stable, though it’s complexity has grown with the activation of those dormant strands.”

“Bottom line...what does that mean?” Nathanael asked bluntly.

“It means it will take a bit longer to reverse the mutation than it took to do it,” Josephine stated. “It’s going to a challenge, but I’m up to it. It can and will be done.”

“How long will it take?” Enoch queried.

“At least four days,” Josephine reported. “But when he comes out, he’ll be an entirely new being. This I’m certain of. I’m actually relieved that I didn’t see any ongoing riots in her DNA when I scanned her. That’s going to make this so much easier.”

“It should,” Nemesis agreed. “So, are you ready to commit to the procedure, Josephine?”

“I am,” Josephine stated, “Powering up the machine now.” Everyone heard a deep rumble from the machine. “Before I engage full stasis, how are Hanna’s vitals, Enoch?” she asked.

“Hanna’s vitals are stable, with slow heart rate and respiration,” Enoch reported. “Her brainwave activity is low as if she’s in a deep, dreamless sleep. As far as I can see, she’s ready for you to proceed.”

“Very well,” Josephine replied. “Engaging the stasis field now; watch her vitals closely Enoch. They should drop to almost nothing.”

Enoch gasped as he saw Hanna’s vitals crash to almost nothing. “Whoa,” he breathed. “You’re not kidding. Her pulse, blood pressure, and respiration are practically non-existent. Even her brain activity is flat lining. Is it supposed to do this?”

“It is,” Josephine reassured. “Anytime a full stasis is engaged, this is what happens. But never fear; she’s still alive. If you watch closely, her heart should beat once every three to four minutes and she should take a breath at the same rate. Her brain activity is correspondently reduced because of the stasis field in the chamber. Once I introduce the nano-machine fluid, it will sustain her throughout the procedure.”

“You’re right,” Enoch stated as Nathanael, Electra, and Kida gathered around the console. “The machine is reading her vitals just as you said. It’s keeping her in a state of suspended animation, so to speak.”

“Exactly,” Josephine stated. “Very good; Hanna is now in full stasis. I’m flooding the chamber now.” Everyone heard a hiss and gurgling from the machine. They watched as a translucent silvery fluid filled the machine from the bottom.

Rachel became very concerned as she saw the fluid completely immerse Hanna, who jerked blowing air bubbles before settling down breathing the fluid. “She’s drowning!” she cried in horror. “Don’t drown Hanna! Please, don’t drown her!”

“Hanna’s not going to drown,” Josephine said softly to Rachel. “I promise. The fluid is breathable, Rachel, so she’ll not drown. It’ll actually help her breathe and even feed her while I’m working on her.”

“She’s right,” Nemesis stated, watching Hanna closely in the pod. “It’s okay. Hanna’s breathing the fluid now. Look at her chest, Rachel. Can’t you see it moving as she breathes?”

Rachel looked in puzzled horror and astonishment, her mouth hanging open while seeing the fluid stir in front of Hanna’s open mouth with each breath. “She’s actually breathing that stuff?” she asked.

“Yes,” Josephine answered, “She’s breathing it normally now. What you just saw is normal when someone goes from breathing air to fluid. It causes a brief reflexive reaction before the body accepts the fluid. She’s actually adapting to it very well, which is surprising. That’s a good thing.”

“Indeed it is,” Enoch stated. “I saw her reaction on the panel here. It briefly broke her out of stasis when she started breathing it, but once she accepted it, the stasis field put her under again. Everything appears to be okay now.”

“I saw that too,” Josephine replied, “It shows how strong she is, but I’m relieved that she’s not fighting it anymore. I can see her going back into full stasis now.”

“That’s what I’m reading here,” Enoch stated. “As you said, it was almost like a reflex when she started breathing the fluid.”

“I can sense her,” Selina said softly. “I can sense Hanna in there. She heard you, Rachel.”

“How’s that possible?” Nemesis asked. “According to these readings, Hanna should be oblivious to everything now.”

“I don’t know,” Selina admitted, “But I can sense Hanna’s mind. It’s in an extremely relaxed state, getting even more relaxed by the minute, but she does know what’s going on. She wants Rachel to know she’s all right...that she can breathe the stuff she’s in.”

“Are you sure?” Rachel asked hesitantly.

“Absolutely,” Selina chimed. “Hanna and I are fused telepathically mind to mind. She says for you to not worry and believe.” She suddenly chuckled.

“What’s so funny, sis?” Kida asked.

“It’s nothing,” Selina purred, smiling, “Nothing at all. But she does want Rachel to know that she’s okay and to be a good girl.” A sigh escaped her lips. “I understand, my prince,” she said to Hanna in the machine. “Do what you have to.”

“What was that about?” Enoch asked; puzzled at what Selina reported.

“The stasis is taking her mind now,” Selina reported. “She can feel it. It just took a little longer for the stasis to reach her mind because of the reflex reaction to the fluid. Now, she truly feels like she falling deep asleep. I can barely even sense her now. It’s starting to feel like it did when I lost contact with her when Josephine first mutated her. Only this time, she’s not confused and in a panic. Hanna knows and understands what’s happening to her this time.”

“That’s very good,” Josephine chimed. “I didn’t expect it to take so long for the stasis to reach her mind because of her reflex reaction to breathing the fluid. It shows how strong she really is. I’m also glad that you sensed what you did, Selina. You’re not meant to experience the reversal through your link to her. It would destroy your mind. It’s one reason I tried to block your telepathic link to Hanna with an energy shield. Trust me; your connection to Hanna is only being interrupted. You may be able to sense her at the deepest level of her being. That’ll depend on how deep your connection to her is. But your ability to feel and share her pain has been blocked completely for now.”

“You’re right,” Selina murmured. “I can feel her mind just enough to know it’s her, but everything else is being blocked. I can tell. It feels strange not sharing her feelings and pain like this. We’ve done it for so long it feels weird.”

“I understand,” Josephine replied. “But you’re still connected and this interruption will only be for as long as it takes for me to reverse the mutation. When the job is done and your connection restored, you may find your connection much stronger. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have a job to do. Hanna’s depending on me.”

“Go right ahead,” Selina purred. “Bring my prince back to me.”

“I most certainly will,” Josephine declared, “Time to get to work.” With that, she closed her eyes, sighed deeply, and activated the nano-machines to start the process of mutation reversal. The fluid enveloping Hanna started to bubble and churn softly, obscuring Hanna’s form.

“Well, we’ve done all we can,” Nathanael stated, “She’s in the hands of the Almighty and Josephine now. Let’s get out of the way so Josephine and Enoch can get to work.”

With that, everyone left except Nemesis and Enoch, who monitored the control panel. “Is there anything I can do now?” Nemesis asked.

“Not really,” Enoch stated. “But we will need to keep an eye on the Josephine, Hanna, and the machine in shifts for safety’s sake.”

“Say no more,” Nemesis stated. “I’ll set up a shift schedule and find volunteers to monitor the panel. How long a shift do you want?”

“No more than three hours at a time,” Enoch stated. “And it would be useful if whoever is here has a rudimentary understanding of this machine.”

“Got it,” Nemesis stated. “A brief lesson with the Teacher should be sufficient for those who wish to monitor the progress of the reversal. I’ll get right on it.”

“Thanks,” Enoch stated. “It would also be nice if we had a chair in here.”

“I’ll bring one in right away,” Nemesis replied. “If you’ll excuse me, I have much work to do.” Enoch nodded as Nemesis walked away.

“Enoch,” Josephine called out without opening her eyes.

“Yes, Josephine,” Enoch replied. “What do you need?”

“Is the machine recording the procedure?” Josephine asked.

“It is,” Enoch answered. “It started recording everything the moment Hanna stepped into the pod. Everything appears to be going as planned. She seems to be stable in the stasis you put her in.”

“Good,” Josephine stated. “I will periodically ask for instrument reading verifications so I can be sure everything is progressing as planned.”

“I understand,” Enoch stated. “That’s why you insisted on someone monitoring the control panel here, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Josephine murmured. “The nano-machine fluid has reached complete saturation. I will now inject the nano-machines into Hanna and begin the process of reversal. I want you to monitor Hanna very closely as I introduce them into her body. Let me know if she reacts in any way. She reacted to breathing the fluid initially. She may react the same way to the injection of the nano-machines.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Enoch replied. “But I didn’t think she was supposed to react to them?”

“She shouldn’t,” Josephine stated, opening her eyes to look at Enoch. “But Hanna’s structure has changed since I first mutated her, enhancing her in ways I didn’t expect. She has reacted by instinct with her elemental prowess in the past when she felt threatened. I don’t want that to happen here.”

“I see,” Enoch declared with a nod. “She can be a bit violent when that happens. I’ll keep a very close eye on her. Fate willing, her body will accept the nano-machines without a fight.”

“I pray the same thing. Engaging the interface now,” Josephine reported as the tentacles from the Nano-Chamber invaded the pod and attached themselves to Hanna in numerous places from head to toe. “The machine is now connected physically to Hanna and I’m ordering the nano-machines into her body. Is she showing any signs of rejecting the nano-machines?”

“No,” Enoch reported. “She’s still in deep stasis and is not reacting to the introduction of the nano-machines. It seems that you’ve programmed the nano-machines to reflect Hanna’s own genetic structure so her body doesn’t reject it. Am I seeing that right?”

“Yes,” Josephine answered. “I did for that very reason. It’s a relief to see her body not rejecting the nano-machines. That means I can start the process as soon as her body reaches full saturation of the nano-machines.”

“How long will that take?” Enoch asked.

“About ten minutes,” Josephine stated. “When full saturation is reached, the nano-machines both inside and out will begin the process of restoration. Nano-machine saturation is at forty percent.”

“Everything is still stable, Josephine,” Enoch reported. “Hanna’s still not reacting to anything.”

“Excellent,” Josephine beamed. “This is going better than I hoped. I fully expected to see at least a little resistance, but it seems she’s allowing us complete access. That’s going to make it easier.”

“I would hope so,” Enoch agreed.

Eight minutes later, Josephine declared, “100 percent saturation has been reached. I’m engaging the reversal program...now. I don’t see any reaction to the program, do you?”

“Nope,” Enoch stated. “Hanna’s not reacting in any manner. How long will it take for us to see a physical shift in Hanna’s form?”

“At least two days,” Josephine stated. “The reversal works from the inside out, just as the mutation did. As soon as her genetic structure has been switched over, the nano-machines will begin the physical rebuild of her body. When you see her breasts and pussy disappear and the male genitals reappear fully, the reversal will be nearly complete.”

“Ah,” Enoch murmured. “That’s good to know. Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” Josephine chimed. “Since it seems we’re not getting any kickback from Hanna, I’ll up the power some and let my little friends really get to work. As soon as Nemesis comes back with a chair, sit back and relax.”

“Sounds good to me,” Enoch replied warmly. “I’m going to miss my hot little sister though.”

“Me too,” Josephine agreed. “I owe her so much. I only hope by doing this I can repay at least a small part of that debt.”

“I sure you will,” Enoch reassured Josephine as the real work of the mutation reversal began.