The Convergence dream was not simply next-door; it was a slow-motion flame. Benny and Elara were ahead of their time by miles. For a whole year, they have been the watchful eyes together, acting as the mediator between the demands of Sanctum and the Wastes' eco-friendly aspirations. This connection went beyond them just being partners. Not only did they work as a team, but they were also living the same feelings.
It was just an accident. During a standard inspection of the main hyphal link, a bizarre energy wave—a Reclamator's work glitch—travelled through the . Both kept their hands on the node. The shock did not cause any physical harm, but it did affect their minds.
For three terrifying, crazy seconds, Benny was Elara. He felt awesome, like fungal threads were his new skin. He saw the world with green eyes that knew exactly how to use the light for growth in everything. He understood her quiet, strong love for the network's slow, sure way of thinking.
Meanwhile, Elara was Benny. She felt the burden of the city's past and knew his protectiveness for his mother and his growing feelings for her. She heard the loud, yet good sound of people's thoughts.
And then it stopped. They fell over, looking at each other like strangers.
What the hell was that? Elara asked.
A short circuit, Benny said, his mind still seeing chlorophyll and roots. In us.
It kept happening. Since then, there seemed to be nothing that could separate them. They didn't read minds, but they shared feelings. If Elara was worried about something that might harm the mycelial network, Benny would be uneasy and want some sunlight. If Benny was sorry for losing someone to Withdrawal, Elara would taste metal and feel like burying something.
They were turning into one thing with two bodies. It was like the Convergence in miniature.
It was good and bad at the same time. They were never apart but still not complete. Their thoughts became open. Their happiness was shared, but also their fears and dislikes.
They attempted to conceal it, but it was evident. They could predict what the other was about to say and come up with the same ideas without speaking. When things got tough, they acted as one. Benny sensed terror while Elara found peace in the rocks. They were very effective in guiding people.
People gave them weird looks. They were the future, in person. And the future was way too near for comfort.
One day while resting and looking at the light in the Atrium of Breath, Elara murmured, I miss being me.
Benny was on the same page, feeling the same thing. Me too.
They were more united than ever, but their identities had been lost. They were a "we" without any "you" or "I" left to love.
But inside that shared world, something else was emerging. Not love or friendship, but something more, like they had always been this way.
They didn't know if it was good or bad, but it was forever. As the first people of the Convergence, they were finding out that being totally connected meant that there was no turning back. It was the ultimate sacrifice: giving up oneself.