EXO: "EXOPLANETS"
21

It's been a few days now, maybe four or five, I'm not sure. They had gunshot wounds as soon as we returned to the base, but they made sure not to give us any dope. I felt burns as they poured alcohol into my wounds and the sting of the clamps dug into my flesh, looking for bullets.

The process was very slow and made me wonder if they did it on purpose. As punishment, we ourselves are not allowed to heal wounds, they must heal organically. Of course, they never forget to threaten us and say that we will suffer more gunshot wounds if we do not obey.

After that, they left us alone in our cells and never checked us once. They did not even give us food or water. At this point, I seriously thought we would die of starvation. Maybe it's our punishment, they ignore us.

Hunger feels worse than previous torment because time moves too slowly. One day feels like a year and the only thing I can focus on is my empty stomach and my dry throat. I'm very hungry. I'm so thirsty. I need something, anything to stop that gnawing hunger.

My body was so weak, I could barely sit down so most of the time I slept. Although, when I cannot force my mind and body to rest, I will wake up feeling empty and have to endure hunger.

Finally, they came and took us to the usual experiment room. Doctor Choi greeted us and I realized it had been a long time since we had seen him. The last time was about a month ago, before Phase Two began.

We've been monitored by each of our own doctors, but I know he's always watching from the background because he's the mastermind behind this experiment. The word 'EVOLVE' came to my mind and I asked, is he really? Doctor Choi interrupted my thoughts and sang, "children, how happy to see you again."

I rolled my eyes unable to keep my expression neutral. I noticed that he looked different today. His pale complexion was glowing, contrasting with his black hair like night hair that was wavy on his back. Her lips were painted red and her cheeks were flushed pink. She looked even prettier than usual and my hatred for her grew. I wonder why he is dressed today? Who is he trying to impress?

"I heard you guys had a hard time following orders," Doctor Choi said and then said three times, "don't worry, I know something like this is bound to happen, so I prepared for the worst."

He flicked his finger once and a young lady stepped forward carrying a small silver bag in her hand. I wanted to know what the contents were but I was distracted when I saw the word EVOLVE printed on the case. Doctor Choi opens the suitcase with a click and picks up a round-shaped object.

"This is your punishment" he said with a smile. He lifted it so we could finally see clearly what it was and my eyes widened in shock. I know they are cruel but this is more than that. That's collar.

The guards next to me, held my hands together and forced me to my knees. This is the most embarrassing moment of my life and I want to vomit, it's disgusting. They would wear collars on me like I was a dog. All this time they treated us as if we were animals, first locked up and now tied up.

It's very inhumane. How could they watch with a smile on their faces? Does this not bother them at all? I was so angry, anger burned my mind and I started shaking. I felt the power from within the call to use so I reached into it, further than I had ever felt before and pulled it out.

People started screaming in panicked voices and more guards came to hold me. I was forced to the ground when six guards held me so I could not move anymore. They couldn't stop me; my strength was still moving full. I couldn't see what damage I was causing but I could feel the ground shaking through me and I knew it was serious.

Suddenly something clicked on my neck and everything stopped. The sound of pebbles hitting the ground surrounded me and I no longer felt the pull from within. There is only silence now and deafening.

I looked up to see the damage I was causing and the room was a mess. There was debris everywhere, holes in the ground and pieces of the room had disappeared. I was amazed, this was something I did without lifting a finger. With just a thought and a little emotion, I have done this and it makes me feel strong.

Although, now I feel nothing at all. The usual whirlpool of energy was present, nowhere to be found. It had just disappeared and there was no trace of it. I think this is what they are working on. The heavy device around my neck, acting as a control over my power.

After seeing what the device was capable of, the others reacted quickly. Throwing away their strength as a defensive barrier. We don't want our only upper hand taken away from us, but we also don't want a collar around our neck, reminding us that we are just objects for them and nothing more.

It was chaos: water and fire flowed out in the stream on both sides of me and guards flew across the room from Sehun's air manipulation force. Beams of light and ice shot out as lightning rumbled across the room.

However, I just sat on the ground in disbelief, ignoring my dangerous surroundings and staring at my hands. I focused and wanted the earth that had called me, to move but still nothing happened. I concentrated harder, closed my eyes and put my hands on the ground. I fumbled around looking for the pieces of gravel I had formed before, wanting no connection but nothing. There's nothing at all. Just emptiness.

Feeling panicked like a strangle, I pulled the object around my neck but did not move at all, no matter how hard I pulled. It stayed locked and for the first time in my life, I felt claustrophobic. It felt as if the device was going to suffocate me despite not moving.

After that, I just sat on the ground with a feeling of loss and disbelief. I never thought I would feel this way without my strength but I can't describe it. It felt like part of my existence was gone and I was incomplete without it.

One by one the other was held and his collar was locked around their necks. Things went from bad to worse and I saw no hope of escape. Now, we really have no control.