The Forces That Control You And I: From Alpha To Omega

Singapore 1956

"Mommy! Daddy!" The excited voice of a child no more than 4 years old rang out. He was standing on the opposite of the road from his parents, asking them to come over and join him. They smiled warmly and proceeded to cross the road.

The boy wore a blue and white striped shirt and short black pants. His hair was an unruly mop, and he always wore a ready grin. He was an active child, always clambering his parents to bring him out to play. His parents could see from his exemplary progress in the academics that he was a gifted child, and they loved him dearly. His life was a picture of pure happiness.

And it all came crashing down, just like a house made out of cards in a strong gale.

The squeal of the tires, the horrified screaming of the boy's parents, the dull thuds they made as they fell metres away from the point of impact. The panicked driver reversed and drove away as fast as he could. The boy's parents lay still in a growing pool of blood.

Their blood.

"Mommy? Daddy?" The boy rushed to their fallen bodies, desperately trying to force a reaction from them. The boy sobbed quietly, as excited chatter resounded around, and the distant wail of an ambulance's siren became louder and louder.



"Who is this child?" A man in military uniform asked. On his collar, his allegiance was for all to see.

A.E.G.I.S Far East Branch.

Commander Shirei.

"He is one of us. I am sure of it. He is extremely gifted. At 4 years old, he already has the intellect of a 7-year-old. I am convinced he is a possible candidate. He recently lost his parents in a car crash, and now his relatives are reluctant to take him in."

"He saw the crash with his own eyes?" Shirei asked, amazement in his voice.

"Yes, he did. However, he is not emotionally scarred, as he has suppressed the scene in his mind. But he does accept the fact that his parents are gone."

Shirei pondered for a while. "I believe in your judgement and abilities. We have to ready the next generation for the battles ahead. I will be expecting great things from him." Shirei got up to leave.

"Enjoy your stay in Singapore Sir." He saluted the higher-ranking officer, and showed him the door.

Once Shirei left, the Commander of the A.E.G.I.S Far East Branch Singapore picked up the phone and dialled a three-digit number. "We have the go-ahead. Proceed as planned."



Shirei stared at a black file in front of him, sipping his freshly brewed coffee in his black limousine. "Where to, Sir?" asked his driver.

Shirei looked up, suddenly snapped out his thoughts. He kept quiet for a while, before finally answering. "Anywhere."

The chauffeur just continued driving. Clearly he was used to Shirei's idiosyncrasies. Shirei turned his attention back to the file on his lap.

He stared hard on the picture clipped on to the file. It was a photograph of the boy in happier times, laughing together with his parents and holding hands.

How cruel life is, Shirei thought.

Under the picture were the boy's personal particulars. His name was just simply Michael Tay Zhen Feng.



Michael peered into the eyes of the strange woman who had come to see him. Somehow, he trusted her. Something he had not done for a long while. Since....

Since that fateful day.

"Michael, this is Madam Lee. For today onwards, she will be your new Mommy. You will be going to her home and staying there. I hope you will be good and nice to your new Mommy." The matron of the orphanage said in that patronising voice of hers.

After the paperwork was done, Madam Lee led Michael to her car. He quietly sat in the car, making no noise at all. He was watching the busy traffic, craning his little neck to get a better view. She sighed. It would be much harder then she thought.



They reached her plush apartment without incident. Michael was still silent, refusing to make any attempt to communicate with the new main person in his life.

She sat him down on the sofa. He refused to look at her in the eye.

She knew what he was going through. He is refusing to get close to anyone lest they hurt him again by disappearing from the face of the Earth. Just like his parents.

"Michael.." she started, but the boy still refused to look at her, eyes vacant and void of life. "Michael, I know what you are feeling. I hope you would understand that although I am not your real Mommy, I will still love you like your real Mommy did. I understand why you don't want to talk to me. Someday, you will understand."

Finished, she stood up to retire into her bathroom. She could only take a few steps before a weak voice sounded out from her back. "Mommy..please don't leave me." She felt warm little hands grab her leg, and felt hot tears streaming down his face onto her leg.

She cried too, knowing that the child had managed to allow himself to trust other people again.



Singapore 1965

"Singapore is an independent country now, cut off brutally due to deep differences between Malaysia ...." The black-and-white television droned on, talking about the hottest topic in Singapore right now. Michael, now 13, stood up and switched off the television. He was now studying in the premier institution of Singapore, Griggs Institution, after completing his primary education with flying colours. He still lives with Madam Lee, who is also his teacher in Griggs Institution. He was home earlier today, and was awaiting the arrival of Madam Lee. He looked out of the window intently.

He scanned the surroundings, and spotted her slowly approaching the estate. Elated, he went downstairs to welcome her.

He could see her across the road. "Mommy!" he shouted, and waved vigorously at her. She smiled and waved back, before proceeding to cross the road.

Michael immediately felt the situation sickly familiar.

He saw the car approaching her. For the first time in many years, he replayed the scene where his parents died, the scene he tried so hard to suppress and forget.

He felt the pain again, the pain of losing someone dear.

He did not want to feel that pain again.

Ever again.

He charged out in front of his foster mother. I will protect you, he thought.

He stretched out his open palm.

The fast approaching car suddenly stopped violently, swerving left and crashing into the ditch. Michael sighed. He had done it.

Only then did he realised in front of his palm was a brilliant double- ring of pure white light.

Madam Lee placed her hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Michael."



"Are you saying that I am a ..Gatekeeper?"

"Yes. Ever since your parents' demise, I was assigned to protect you and be your guardian. At the same time, I was to develop your potential as a Gatekeeper."

"But why did my Gate power only come out just now?"

"You probably didn't want a repeat of what happened with your parents. The emotional rollercoaster in your head must have triggered off your Gate powers."

"But why do you want my abilities?"

Madam Lee sighed as she started to explain. "It's a long and sad story....."



Singapore 1967

"Mommy?" Michael said timidly as he approached her teacher's table.

"Yes?" Madam Lee placed her reading spectacles on her desk.

"Ermm...Well...Erm..I am not coming back for dinner as I..ermm..am going to the beach."

"With whom?" she questioned, even though she knew the answer. "Georgina Seah?"

Michael blushed. "Not so loud!"

Madam Lee smiled. "Okay. But be back before 11 p.m."

Michael brightened up. "Thanks Mom!" he said, before leaving quickly.

She shook her head. "That child.."



She remembered that the last two years were very trying, but Michael had got through it easily. A new school, a new environment, plus the fact that he had to be called upon to battle invaders. The technicians checked out his Gate, and they concluded that his Gate was the Gate of Electromagnetic waves. He had disabled the engine in the car two years ago by overloading the engine by emitting EM waves.

She stopped work temporarily, pondering the years she spent with Michael. He was a strong and positive kid, always willing to help others less fortunate.

But she knew he still had inner demons haunting him. She had found him screaming in his bed as he replayed his parents' death in his dreams.

Now, he had gone and fallen in love. Eventually, he will get burned, and she fervently hoped he would be able to handle the blow then. The feeling that someone had cheated him of his feelings after he had placed hid feelings on them.

"Michael, be strong." She let those words slip sub-consciously.



15-year-old Michael was now a lanky fellow, with his now trademark short hair. He was now the school's basketball junior captain, and the object of many girls' in the school attention.

But he only had eyes for the pretty Georgina Seah. She was in the same class as him, and they met under the influence of their peers. Her beauty and sparkling personality attracted Michael. He was on Cloud Nine all the time ever since she accepted his proposal to be his girlfriend. They went out for three months.

But all things end eventually...



He found her standing at the ledge near the sea, the sea breeze tugging lightly at her short boyish hair. She wore faded jeans and long-sleeved white shirt.

"Hi, have you been waiting long?" Michael asked.

No answer.

"After we take a stroll on the beach, we can go for dinner at the hawker centre nearby. I know of a stall that....."

"Michael." Georgina interjected. "I am leaving for England next week. And I am never coming back."

Silence. Seconds past as Michael absorbed her words.

Georgina stared into his eyes, then filled with life, slowly die into a pair of vacant and glassy eyes. She caressed his face.

"I liked you, Michael, I did. I hoped that we could be together, but we can't. I also have someone else now." Right on cue, a blond teenager of 17 stepped into his view.

"We now go our separate ways." She turned around. "I'm sorry." She muttered, as darkness fell. It did as well in Michael's heart.



The sound of the waves crashing against the sea wall was the only noticeable sound. A solitary figure sat on the soft white sand, staring at the endless sky, which was illuminated by the full moon and the twinkling stars.

Michael was confused. He felt pain, as once again his feelings were betrayed. Just like they were years ago.

He heard the soft crunch of footsteps behind him. Startled, he turned around to see a juvenile the same age as him. He wore a black jacket and long grey pants and a red tie hung around his neck. He had olive blonde hair, and a pair of tinted sunglasses was perched on top of his head.

"You must be Michael Tay." He spoke in his soft, but confident voice.

"Yes I am."

"I understand that you are what one would call a Gatekeeper."

Michael stiffened. "How did you know that? It is supposed to be a secret."

"I know a lot about you. Things about you that even you don't know." The stranger smiled mysteriously.

"What do you want from me?"

"Nothing. I just want to know you, that's all."

Silence.

"You broke up with your girlfriend just now, didn't you? How are you feeling?" The stranger spoke after a minute of silence.

"I feel....sad."

"Do you hate her?"

"Why should I?"

"She made use of you. She used you to while away her time as a toy-boy. She played with your feelings. Isn't that reason enough to hate her?"

"I liked her!"

"But did she like you? She used you like a piece of paper. After you served your purpose, she will throw you away in the dustbin."

"Stop it! Stop it!" Michael hollered.

"Now you are not accepting the truth! The cold hard truth is that she made use of you. You want to think that she loved you. If you think that way you are just deluding yourself!"

The stranger continued, intensity building up in his voice. "Your mentor is making use of you as well. They want to combat the invaders, otherwise they wouldn't care about you at all! Once you served their purpose, they will get rid of you. Like Georgina did!"

Michael sobbed. The juvenile changed his tone to a soft one. "A.E.G.I.S wants you to save the world. However, do you think this selfish world deserves to be saved? These selfish people, are they worth saving?"

He stretched out his hand. "I can help you get rid of these people who have made use of you, people who do not appreciate how good you are. Join me."

Michael stopped shaking, mind in a whirl. Slowly he reached out his hand, and placed it slowly on the stranger's one. A speck of black, which multiplied rapidly like a virus, suddenly attacked the brilliant white Gate in his eyes, before eventually Michael's Gate was as black as the night itself.

"By the way, I never caught your name."

"I am known to my enemies as Shadow, the Dark Gatekeeper."



That night, Madam Lee paced around her apartment for hours.

Michael never returned.



"What do you mean he did not return?" The A.E.G.I.S Singaporean Branch asked incredulously.

"He disappeared. Vanished. I cannot locate him ever since that day he left." Madam Lee reported, sadness evident in her voice.

The Commander paced about nervously. "And this is the good news?"

Madam Lee sighed. "I'm afraid to say that Michael has gone over to the other side. I have credible witnesses and sources."

The Commander took a second to digest the newest information, before sinking down slowly into his chair. "You mean to say... Michael has joined the side of the invaders."

Madam Lee nodded grimly.

"How can that be?"

"Reports are sketchy, but there seems to be a report where they see two Gatekeepers together. Apparently Michael's Gate has turned negative."

"Two negative Gatekeepers? We are in for it now."

"I can still try to talk Michael out of I, maybe persuade him.."

"No." The Commander interjected. "I am more worried about this negative Gatekeeper besides Michael. Something tells me he is more than meets the eye." The Commander pondered a while, before asking again.

"Any news about the invader movements? Now they have a new recruit, they should be more active."

Madam Lee bristled at the cold mention of her former ward. "No news at all. I have to admit, this is indeed strange."

"Maybe the two of them left the country."

"Possibly."

The Commander thought for a while. "I don't think Michael is at all a bad person. I believe that he was traumatised and forced to join the invaders. He is more likely to be controlled by this other negative Gatekeeper."

"I heard of a story before." The Commander continued, getting off his chair and started pacing again. "About this Japanese boy who could predict the future. He had the Gate power, but his Gate became negative when his father killed himself after a failed business venture and he had to fend for himself. The way people put him down pushed him over. Ever since, he has never been heard from. Unless, of course, he decides to turn up now."

"Commander, the situation is getting critical. Japan is reporting more incidents to invaders appearing, but they are not doing anything yet. They seem to be waiting..."

"I see." The Commander stared at the model globe in front of him. Absent- mindedly, he spun the globe with his right hand. "I believe their waves of attacks are not going to happen yet. But they are going to be. Very, very soon."

The globe continued to spin, albeit slower now. "We must act now. Erase Michael's records. Destroy everything related to him. Make it look as though he was never part of this organisation. I will explain to the higher- ups. Start scouting for a new Gatekeeper." He narrowed his eyes as he said the next sentence. "Re-classify Michael as a priority one threat and he must be taken out at all costs. Understood?"

The globe by now had stopped spinning. By luck or by destiny, the part of the globe facing her was Far East Asia.

"Understood." Was the reluctant reply.



Michael stared out to the night. He could see the Big Dipper, knowing that it could help him to find his way if he ever got lost. Then, he remembered who told him that.

Georgina.

Michael felt his guts twist inside out, as he was filled with rage and anger as he remembered her.

How she betrayed him

How she made use of him.

How she played with his feelings.

Michael gripped tightly at the balcony railing. Just you wait, he thought, I will get you back for all you did to me.

He could feel Kageyama's cold grip on his shoulder again.

"Good work, Michael." Came his voice.

Pondering his praise for absolutely nothing, Michael gave up after a while. It's nice to be appreciated, to be felt of worth, to be loved. Not like what she did to him...

Michael continued to stare at the dark sky, eyes smouldering with black flames. Soon, very soon.



Japan 1969

"Is this report reliable?" Shirei asked incredulously over the phone.

"Absolutely." The crisp voice of the Commander of the Singaporean Branch came over. "We have three people identifying them. We are positive. The two negative Gatekeepers are coming over to Japan."

Shirei thought for a while, before offering his thanks and hanging up the phone. Two negative Gatekeepers against one Gatekeeper here. Why are they coming here? He thought.

Could it be..?

"The Gate Engine is ready to be transported." One of the lieutenants stated.

"Very good. I shall follow the transport, together with our secret weapon."

"Is it necessary, Shirei?" Miss Ocihai asked.

"If my hunch is correct, she would be having her first combat scenario."



Kageyama stood erect on top of the roof of a house, looking down at the cluttered state of the housing estates. How ironic that humans are already living like bugs, he thought.

He heard the shuffling of footsteps, and turned around to see that Michael had arrived.

"First time in Tokyo. How are you feeling?"

"Bad."

"Good." He laughed mysteriously.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Because, today is the day, where alpha begins."



Michael watched from afar as he saw a longhaired girl come out of the bus the invaders attacked. They had attacked on Kageyama's orders, who seemed eager to destroy whatever it held. Too eager.

The girl used a portable bow and arrow to combat the invaders, and it was obvious she had the Gate power as well. She defeated those foolish enough to get close to her, while the rest retreated. They combined into a large cannonball.

Michael observed the battle with great interest. Why was this girl fighting? To save the world that is not worth saving? He pondered these questions. There has to be an answer.

Although almost unnoticeable, his negative Gate flickered for a split second.



The girl was almost killed by the invaders, but another boy, with his newly awakened Gate power, came and defeated the invader.

Michael was confused. How could they possibly want to save this selfish world?

Kageyama came up to him. He looked at him straight in the eye.

"What are we fighting for?"

"For the destruction of this selfish world. For the destruction of all those who did not appreciate you."

"If....If the world is so bad, why would those two want to protect it?"

"They are A.E.G.I.S agents! They work for the enemy!"

Michael's eyes flickered. "I don't want to be unhappy. I wish to be happy."

"What are you babbling about?"

"I see it now. The world is not as bad as you say it to be."

"Do you know what you are talking about?"

"Those two had a reason why they didn't want to destroy this world. I want to find that reason."

"Don't be silly! People will just betray you again."

"If that were to happen," Michael said softly. "I will accept it."

Kageyama reeled back, shocked by the absolute transformation of Michael Tay. At once he knew he was his enemy again.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way. Shadow Edge!" Three bolts of dark energy made their way towards Michael's back, but he turned around quickly and blocked the attack with his open Gate.

His open grey Gate.

Kageyama, realising he had lost both battles, opened a Dark Gate. "Someday Michael, you will realise the foolishness of your actions. When that day comes, I hope you beg for mercy. I will not chase you as well, as eventually, whether you like it or not, you will return to the Dark side."

With that, Kageyama left through his portal.

Leaving Michael behind on the rooftop.

Alone.



Michael glared intently at the rigid statue in front of him. Arms crossed, head tilted to the left, legs straight and made out of plaster, eyes of stone seeking out new areas to explore aeons ago.

Michael stretched out his hand and touched the statue of Sir Barlow Griggs, the founder of his school. He was a famous explorer who set up the school to allow the citizens of the new British colony to have a sound education.

"Sir, can you give me any answers?"

"I want to know if I deserve to live in this world."

"I want to know if this world is worth saving."

"I want to know if anyone appreciates me out there."

No words from the statue.

Michael remembered the times he had in the school. Arguments, fights, falling in love, tricking the teachers etc.

He enjoyed those times. Before he had his power.

"It's my power, is it?"

Silence.

"Answer me! I need to know!"

Silence.

"Sir!"

Silence.

In his enraged state, Michael smashed his fist into the statue, causing it to burst into a cloud of dust. The larger pieces fell to the ground.

Michael slumped to his knees in shock, staring at a piece which was once Sir Barlow Griggs' arm.

"I hate myself. I hate everything."

He began to sob quietly.

"I wish I never had this power."

He stared at his palm that was glowing strongly due to his activated Gate power.

It was mocking him.



Michael awoke with a jolt. He composed himself, and realised that he was on a park bench in Japan. He sat up and dusted himself.

He got no answers.

But he knew where to go for them.



1969 Singapore

Déjà vu.

Michael stood in front of the same statue again. The same white statue.

He knew he was not going to get any answers from it, but he spoke to it anyway.

He asked the same questions he asked in his dream again. A group of girls saw him talking to the statue and giggled at the weird sight. Michael ignored them.

Still no answers.

Michael turned around to leave.

Only to see his foster mother behind him.

"I can provide you with all the answers."

No longer driven by hate, Michael hugged his foster mother, hot tears streaming down his cheeks.



"How did you know?"

"We kept a close eye on you. We knew you were never evil, just misguided. We hoped for the day you return to us."

Awkward silence.

"Are you sad that I joined the enemy?"

"No, just disappointed with myself."

More awkward silence.

"Mom, I'm sorry."



"Mom, can I have the answers now."

"We all deserve to live. Good or evil. Only with the evil will there be good. Otherwise, neither will exist." Madam Lee's ageless eyes looked deep into Michael's. "Michael, understand that people in this world can change. Your enemy can be your best friend eventually and vice versa. That's why we shouldn't condemn the whole world because of a few people's actions. True enough, there are some people who do not deserve to be saved, but there are others, others worth saving as well. Isn't that good enough reason to save the world?"

"You are unique. You have a gift. You can either use this gift to save people or kill them. You shouldn't resent the fact that you have a gift. Be proud of it, and use it wisely."

Michael watched as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Her touch felt warm, unlike Kageyama's. "Michael, please return to us. I love you. I appreciate you. That's what matters. There will always be people who don't, but there will be others who will."

The car pulled up at the familiar neighbourhood. Michael could almost hear the excited voices of children playing in the playground.

"Welcome home, Michael."

Michael hesitated for a while, before nodding his head.

"It's good to be back."



31 December 1970 Singapore

"How is his progress?"

"Going well. He has now controlled his negative side and is able to control pure energy from his Gate just like a high level Gatekeeper."

"I am concerned about his colour of his Gate. Why is it grey instead of white like before?"

"The technicians say that it is because of contamination from the negative Gate he opened."

"Is that something to be concerned about?"

"Not really. It is unimportant."

"Good. Get him to get ready to go to Japan."

"What?"

"The Commander of the Japanese Branch has orders from World Headquarters to send him over."

"Why?"

"Simple reason. The invaders in Japan are massing to launch a final strike. They require assistance. In exterminating Reiji Kageyama, better known as Shadow."

"I see. I will prepare Ichiro."

Michael Tay, or Ichiro Kaketa as he is now known, stood erect at the platform overseeing the seashore. He observed the setting sun as its sunrays reflected off his spectacles.

Michael Tay Zhen Femg is no more. He represented a part of Ichiro's life which he desperately wanted to forget, and he wants nothing more than to start afresh.

He heard soft footfalls, and he turned around to see Madam Lee walking towards him. He flashed her a smile and helped her with her heavy files.

"You have something to tell me, don't you?"

She nodded. "You have just been assigned to the Tokyo Branch."

"I expected that."

Curious, she probed, "How did you guess?"

With a tone as harsh as the sunrays, he replied. "Because Kageyama is there."



The helicopter was waiting idly in the centre of the helipad. Ichiro carried two small suitcases in his hands and walked towards the helicopter. The pilot saw him approaching, hastily saluted and carried the bags into the vehicle.

"Guess this is goodbye." Ichiro said.

"Be careful, my son." Madam Lee said.

"I will, Mom, I will."

The helicopter rose steadily into the air until it was no more than speck in the vast sky.



Madam Lee proceeded to make her way back to her car with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, she heard the loud cawing of crows behind her. She swivelled around.

Three crows were streaking through the sky in the direction of the helicopter.

She felt her guts twist inside out.

The missing man formation.



Alpha will meet Omega.

Soon, very soon.