He felt it, deep within his spiny cartilage.

The time was nearing, Not in a thousand generations had his cells felt the urge to move, but now it was finally happening. He felt an overwhelming surge of sensation, as every nerve in his regenerating body awoke at once.

The voice came back as well, the ancient voice that was four hundred thousand generations old. It spoke into his mind, and knew his thoughts.

Seek out the remaining species, it told him. Seek them out and find out what they fear the most. Then you must become that fear.

His body shuddered.

“Yes, my Master,” he said.