It has been almost a decade since the Awakening. That's what everyone calls it now, at least. That one, indescribable moment when every single mind on the planet expanded past the bounds given for it. I guess "Awakening" is the most appropriate name we could find for the gift the Kwenth gave to us.

When they first game to Earth, noone really knew what to expect. I mean, everyone seems to have some idea of what they think first contact with an alien race will be like, from a glorious peace to an all out war, but I doubt many expected this. They arrived across the globe all at once, appearing in sudden bursts of light. Although some few people claim to have glimpsed some manner of shape within their shimmering, ephemeral forms, I was too entranced by the whirling colors before me and soothing voice resonating within my mind.

It spoke clearly to me, not through any language but purely through its meaning. "Do not fear." Although I could not truly comprehend its bell-like tones, that message was unmistakable. "We come bearing a gift so that you might become like us. Please do not be afraid as you accept it. Everything will be alri-" Suddenly another "voice" cut in, hash and metallic.

"Accentuator 561 improperly configured. Manual override confirmed. Activating accentuator in 3, 2, 1."

Suddenly, a searing lance of pain burst into my mind and I passed out.

I was out for almost a week, as the doctors told me. My friends and family reported similar experiences when they came to visit, explaining that these "Kwenth" as we inexplicably knew to call them had vanished almost immediately after I passed out.