Gatekeepers Unlimited: Reverse Darwinism
Prologue: Other Voices
Foreword: Here we go. The ideas swirling in my head for the past six months will now take shape in writing. This is a teaser chapter, hopefully you will come back for more.
Standard disclaimer, I own nothing except what I created.
11/1/1997
0657h
Singapore
A quarry in a nature reserve
The sound of a solitary dew drop falling into a silent, turquoise lake was the only sound heard. It was early morning, and the soft morning rays of the Sun were being reflected off the unruffled surface of the lake. The slight morning wind breezed along, and all around, life was awakening, getting ready to face another day of trials and tribulations.
The lake was formed as rain filled the empty quarry, and now it was the habitat for many of the flora and fauna in this small city-state.
A solitary crow made its way swiftly to the bank, dipping its black head into the water, quenching its burning thirst. This action caused ripples to spread out over the lake surface, and the leaves floating on the lake rocked slightly. Abruptly, the winged creature ceased its drinking, and took off, cawing. It had sensed the presence of another larger animal. One that walked on two legs.
The boy walked towards the lake, taking each step slowly, deliberately. He was clad in slippers, a shirt, and swimming trunks. Placing his swimming gear down he proceeded to walk into the water, letting the cool liquid lap around his shins. He felt relaxed, as he raised his head to look at the rising sun.
No way I am going back there..
He fingered the pendant around his neck, which opened to show a picture of a happy family. Clenching his fist, he closed it, and quickened his footsteps. The water was up to his waist already, and the boy wading was the only movement in the quarry.
The boy continued to gaze at the sun, which by now hung higher in the sky, brightening up the place considerably.
An aeroplane streaked across the illuminating sky, and the boy responded with a shock. He ran faster, diving into the deep water.
Without holding his breath.
He tried to prevent the voices from talking to him, but he could not. They had been in his mind ever since that fateful day, goading him, driving him crazy.
".only survivor of plane crash. Parents died.."
"..the reason why he survived because he has the power.."
"..Gatekeeper?"
Gatekeeper.
One simple word, yet it has such a profound and great impact on an 11-year- old's life. Now he was a person that would shoulder the burden of defending the civilised world against extraterrestrial beings called Invaders.
When all he wants is to be with his family.
He felt his breath slowly escaping, or being used up rapidly. Soon, he told himself, soon it would be all over.
He felt his lungs fail him, and from his pocket he procured a large knife, which he then slashed himself on the wrist. The red liquid spilled into water, dyeing it crimson. He smiled weakly to himself.
I'm coming Mum, Dad.
****
When they were still alive, his parents told him that before one dies, he will see a bright light, signifying that Heaven had opened its doors to welcome him.
He thought he saw that light.
However, it was light of another kind.
Pale blue light blinded his eyes, and he instinctively closed them. Now, starved of oxygen, he knew that he was not far from Heaven's Gates.
Then he realised he was not bleeding anymore.
Looking around him, he saw that the redness had disappeared mysteriously.
Then, he looked up, and two brilliant rings of ocean-blue light, seemingly mocking him.
Strangely enough, it would not let him die.
Before he blacked out, he cursed his gift again, and he heard the familiar sound of those voices, those that he did not want to hear.
Those other voices.
"There he is!"
"Get him out quick! We cannot lose a Gatekeeper!"
Gatekeeper.
How he hated that word.
Like it? Hate it? It has been a long time since I wrote, so I need time to get back in gear. Post your comments please. This fic is planned to be twice the length of the previous one.
Prologue: Other Voices
Foreword: Here we go. The ideas swirling in my head for the past six months will now take shape in writing. This is a teaser chapter, hopefully you will come back for more.
Standard disclaimer, I own nothing except what I created.
11/1/1997
0657h
Singapore
A quarry in a nature reserve
The sound of a solitary dew drop falling into a silent, turquoise lake was the only sound heard. It was early morning, and the soft morning rays of the Sun were being reflected off the unruffled surface of the lake. The slight morning wind breezed along, and all around, life was awakening, getting ready to face another day of trials and tribulations.
The lake was formed as rain filled the empty quarry, and now it was the habitat for many of the flora and fauna in this small city-state.
A solitary crow made its way swiftly to the bank, dipping its black head into the water, quenching its burning thirst. This action caused ripples to spread out over the lake surface, and the leaves floating on the lake rocked slightly. Abruptly, the winged creature ceased its drinking, and took off, cawing. It had sensed the presence of another larger animal. One that walked on two legs.
The boy walked towards the lake, taking each step slowly, deliberately. He was clad in slippers, a shirt, and swimming trunks. Placing his swimming gear down he proceeded to walk into the water, letting the cool liquid lap around his shins. He felt relaxed, as he raised his head to look at the rising sun.
No way I am going back there..
He fingered the pendant around his neck, which opened to show a picture of a happy family. Clenching his fist, he closed it, and quickened his footsteps. The water was up to his waist already, and the boy wading was the only movement in the quarry.
The boy continued to gaze at the sun, which by now hung higher in the sky, brightening up the place considerably.
An aeroplane streaked across the illuminating sky, and the boy responded with a shock. He ran faster, diving into the deep water.
Without holding his breath.
He tried to prevent the voices from talking to him, but he could not. They had been in his mind ever since that fateful day, goading him, driving him crazy.
".only survivor of plane crash. Parents died.."
"..the reason why he survived because he has the power.."
"..Gatekeeper?"
Gatekeeper.
One simple word, yet it has such a profound and great impact on an 11-year- old's life. Now he was a person that would shoulder the burden of defending the civilised world against extraterrestrial beings called Invaders.
When all he wants is to be with his family.
He felt his breath slowly escaping, or being used up rapidly. Soon, he told himself, soon it would be all over.
He felt his lungs fail him, and from his pocket he procured a large knife, which he then slashed himself on the wrist. The red liquid spilled into water, dyeing it crimson. He smiled weakly to himself.
I'm coming Mum, Dad.
****
When they were still alive, his parents told him that before one dies, he will see a bright light, signifying that Heaven had opened its doors to welcome him.
He thought he saw that light.
However, it was light of another kind.
Pale blue light blinded his eyes, and he instinctively closed them. Now, starved of oxygen, he knew that he was not far from Heaven's Gates.
Then he realised he was not bleeding anymore.
Looking around him, he saw that the redness had disappeared mysteriously.
Then, he looked up, and two brilliant rings of ocean-blue light, seemingly mocking him.
Strangely enough, it would not let him die.
Before he blacked out, he cursed his gift again, and he heard the familiar sound of those voices, those that he did not want to hear.
Those other voices.
"There he is!"
"Get him out quick! We cannot lose a Gatekeeper!"
Gatekeeper.
How he hated that word.
Like it? Hate it? It has been a long time since I wrote, so I need time to get back in gear. Post your comments please. This fic is planned to be twice the length of the previous one.