Prologs

            Down the microscopic lens hid an alien world waiting to be discovered. “Eureka,” after years of research, the answer to a question asked a million times has finally been solved. This microscopic strand that wills the mind, a bottomless pit of information, to infinite conclusions never thought to ask now no longer represented a theory, but a reality. “There you are.” A young scientist whispered to himself. His eyes explored his discovery through the lenses as he observed, questioned, and praised. What endless possibilities you will bring me.

            Cataloging his every move, he took a sample of the gene and began to explore the root of its core. Monkeys rattled their cages as they were given their daily meals. Caleb, our young scientist, leisurely roamed the lab, picking the right subject to test his theory. A calm, but cautious, chimp ate its banana while observing the others. He slowly cuffed the chimp by its neck and brought it to his station. “Come along boy,” he spoke to it, “Let’s play a game of trial and error.”

            Unknown to his colleagues, he was beginning an impossible experiment. Testing his theory ambitiously, he documented his procedures, formulas and trials. He injected his test subjects with chemicals not yet tested by any federal lab, known by that matter. Caleb was embarking on a whole new expedition no other scientist would never dare. The experiment was considered inhumane. If others discovered his agenda, he would lose his fundings or worse his license. Secretly, he experimented with the animals provided by the lab.

            Prolog Entry: Day 5. He wrote. M10 has been injected with strand H and has shown similar symptoms to that of M5. Both share hair loss, discoloration of the skin and an unusual increase in appetite for rotten spoils. No sign of breakthrough. He continued his research, formula after formula, prototype after prototype; his quest for the answer kept him proceeding even throughout the dead ends. Countless animals fell to their death, all in the name of science. Yet another falls.

            Days turned to weeks as Caleb feverishly worked to find the right formula to make his theory possible. Close he could almost taste it, Caleb found a light at the end of the tunnel. He took his new formula and conjured a new chemical to inject his subject. Unfortunately, the new formula he’d thought would work failed. The monkey died horribly, slamming its head intensively; trying to end its own misery. Defeated and frustrated, Caleb pondered in his chair in the dark brainstorming yet another formula.

            His patience was running thin, but he was still determined. His infinite source of intelligence kept his mind active with ideas, questions and solutions. He would not give up so easily, especially now that he found his answer. No one had a clue as to what he was up to. A cure to all illness was the only lie everyone bought. The truth of the matter is he was on a mission to prove his theory correct; to find the gene that gave him his power. Now that he had found his gene, the next step was to incorporate the gene to a new host; but how? The strand rejected every subject. Distant he became with his colleagues as his research took him to depths he never dreamed of.

            Prolog Entry: Day 20. M24 has been injected with strand 347-H. Subject developed signs of fatigue, a possible small allergic reaction and flu like symptoms. For the most part, subject has shown some improvement, better than the previous two. He stopped as he observed the monkey. It sat gasping for air while others swung around. I’ve modified the strand with extra concentrated steroid hormones. I predict the subject might undergo a seizure or fall into a heavy comatose killer flu, too which, in some sense, I might keep this one alive.

            Weeks later, under constant observations, the test monkey did not die but instead became sick as he predicted. The other monkeys kept their distance for the infected subject radiated illness and toxics. Caleb took his experiment to its own cage and there, he kept a closer eye on its development. Prolog Entry: Day 37. M24 has fallen into a severe illness, nearly died but has improved. Subject is now swinging from vines, climbing faster than normal and its intelligence keeps improving. He took a look at his experiment. Have I come to the solution?

            At last, it seemed, Caleb had come to a conclusion. Countless months of sneaking around, lying to whoever crossed his path; hiding his true mission. The lives of many defenseless animals he took in the name of science now came down to one single monkey who managed to survive. It wasn’t long before his superiors began to question his hibernation. “Mr. Barnett, what a pleasure.” His superior began as he made his way inside Caleb's peculiar lab. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything what with you being locked away for months end. Productive, No less.”

            “No, not at all Doctor,” Caleb replied. “Come, sit.”

            “Rumor has it you’re on the hunt to find a cure for all cures. Sight restoration, limb rejuvenation, permanent remedies for hair loss, ear canal surgery procedures for hearing loss, memory loss. It seemed too good to be true so I thought I’d come by and check it out for myself.”

            “That’s the goal.” He answered. “But I’m not completely done. See,” in the midst of Caleb’s excitement of reaching his conclusion to his experimental quest, he had forgotten to keep his secret a secret, “I’ve been testing the monkeys lately and I’ve managed to keep one alive.”

            “You managed to keep what alive?” His superior repeated, shocked and bewildered. “What do you mean you managed to keep one alive? I don’t recall me signing you authorizations to use the animals in sector three. You don't have clearance for this.” The more he authorized, the more Caleb realized the trouble he had put himself in. “As your superior, I’m authorizing a cease and desist of this lab. You’re finished!”
            “But you don’t understand.” Caleb objected. “I’ve come so far to stop now. My research is almost complete! I can give you immortality if you just let me stay.” Caleb begged but was left ignored. He lied, said anything to keep them from stripping him of his license. Security confiscated his equipment. Scandal shocked the laboratory halls as rumor spread of his inhumane experiments. Dead carcasses of deformed monkeys, or what looked like dead animals, were wrapped and sent to the infirmary to be disposed of.

            Before he knew it, Caleb was kicked out into the streets. He was banished from the Science Exploratory, his only lab and home. Stripped of his license and left with nothing but his personal prologs, he were to provide his own equipment if he were to continue on his research. His once active lab now stood empty. The once Barnett Laboratory now read, “Doctor Asylum, home of the freak show,” as a reminder of his unspeakable experiments. Defeated but determined, Caleb moved back home with his family to finish what he started.

            Distant and short tempered, Caleb placed one rule for his family to obey. If ever he was needed and the only place to find him was the basement now turned lab they were not to disturb him, under any circumstances. “I don’t ever want to be disturbed,” he proclaimed the first day at dinner. “It cuts my train of thought.” Days, even weeks, he would spend locked in the basement, developing a new, better formula to test his theory. It wasn’t long before he began to seek subjects to test on. He started low then made his way up the chain.

            When the rats failed, the family dog was next in line to fall victim to his inhumane experiments. The poor dog became deformed, monstrous, and died weeks later. Soon, another fell to his sickening injections. By then, his quest had taken him over the edge and down a demented path. He wanted human subjects for it was the only reasonable conclusion that could prove his theory right. He was, after all, experimenting on the human gene, desperately finding a formula to surpass its full potential.

            Then, it dawned on him. Testing on human subjects would in fact produce a better outcome rather than on animals. He wanted two subjects to test this theory, two who share similar DNA traits. Two particular subjects came into mind as his plot thickened. Two brothers would then enter a world full of madness devised by a courageous scientist. The two brothers entered the lab where God dare not look, an underground basement of horror suited for the perfect mad man.

            Stacks of rotting, deformed, flesh stood exposed in one corner, behind a plastic curtain. The boys wondered into the table where delicious but toxic liquids stood, inviting a sip or two. A labeled skull warned them not to taste its refreshing waters. On display, behind thick glass, stood stray animals each suffering from their own demented hell. Some had missing hair; others had swollen eyes while some hung from its socket. The oldest couldn’t bare the sight while the other intensively observed.

            “Now remember boys,” Caleb began, “I’m not trying to hurt you in anyway; I simply want to bring out the best in you. All I ask is that you keep this between us, okay. If anyone were to find out about our little trial and error, I won’t be able to awaken your gifts. Your powers will be lost forever, never to return, do you understand?” He looked at them square in the eye as the two blindly agreed to whatever monstrosity he could do on to them.

            Once everything was set and done; his new formula he conducted over the past week was ready for inserting. Prolog Entry: Day 60. Subject V1 and V2 have been injected with strand 3.47-H. Both subjects are predicted to fall under a tremendous illness, but with the new formula, they might revive quicker than expected. He watched the two infected brothers play in the fields, wondrously flying through the air imagining a better world. He only hoped his new formula proved his theory correct; not thinking of the dangers he had put the brothers under.

            As predicted, the boys fell ill. Their mother came to him one night, tearful and full of panic. Loudly and rapidly, she knocked in his basement door pleading for his aid. “They must stay with me in the lab, May.” He informed her. She objected. “These boys mean the world to me!” He replied. “I will do everything in my power to restore them back to health, I promise.” And so, the lab became the boy’s new home. It wasn’t until they began to show signs of improvement, though, when they realized where they had been.

            Prolog Entry: Day 89. Both subjects seem to be in a coma like state but their brain activity is still very much active. Their will is strong but their state is fragile. It’s as if something’s keeping them alive. Breathing levels are normal. Brain functions are high, though V2 emits more activity than V1. I must confess, their state of illness should have reduced weeks ago. Slowly, it seems, their illness keeps increasing while their heart monitor slows. I’ve come to two conclusions; they’re either still in the weak state or they are slowly dying.

            Caleb feared his second conclusion was far more accurate than his first. Weeks turned to months and still the boys remained the same. The boys underwent strange unique stages of death, all curiously enticing his mind. Their mother grew impatient. “They’ve been under your control for some time now and still they have not improved. What kind of supervision are you installing on the children? You’ve had them for weeks, what have you accomplished since then?” She didn’t want to face the type of productivity he accomplished behind closed doors, but her motherhood instinct urged her to question everything.

            “I can assure you, they are in good hands.” Caleb replied.

            “I want to see them.” She demanded instantly. “I want to see my children, now!” No one, other than the two boys and himself, had ever stepped inside his laboratory. Caleb grew concerned. He didn’t want her to see the fragile state her sons were in because of him. Desperately, he tried to convince her he had everything under control. All attempts failed as she made her way to his underground basement. She was about to enter a world she could not stomach all at once. “Caleb,” she said as she discovered her two sons wired to a machine, “What have you done to our children?”

            Yet again, his attempts for the answer were stifled by the realization his wife had stumbled upon. First came denial. She didn’t want to accept the fact that her husband had been experimenting on their two children for selfish, inhumane reasons. Then came anger. She slapped him as hard as she could. She wanted to unleash all her frustration onto him for the pain he had caused their family. And lastly, she came to a realization. No more would she allow him to treat their children like mere subjects.

            Standing beside his desk, she skimmed through his journal. With each page came pouring regrets. The months of research, months of unspeakable deformity of experiments caused by one man’s quest to find an answer, were too fictitious to be true. “They aren’t just test subject, Caleb.” She began. “They are your children! How could you have done this to us, to them?”

            The next day, Caleb found a yellow folder on the table. Divorce papers filed by May for irreconcilable differences were placed before him, awaiting his signature. He would not let her take them away from him, especially now that the boys were showing signs of improvement. In the mist of all the drama, Caleb had found a ray of hope. Through the case hearings and meetings, Caleb continued his work for he had now come to a conclusion.

            Prolog Entry: Day 120. Both subjects have made an improvement. They are now up and walking. Let the data commence. The following week, as the house became empty, Caleb observed the kids every day closely and attentively. He wrote every detail, suspicion and hypothesis. Separately, he worked on the kids examining what traits they have gained through the past months. A lot has happened since, he added, Though V1 and V2 seem to acquire different skills.

            In his observations, Caleb came to find V1 had gained a queer skill in strength and agility. By the second day, he was lifting objects two times his own weight. He is able to withstand any amount of pressure and almost instantly shatter any type of concrete to bits. His strength is that of a mother’s will to protect her young, in a sense, invincible. He lifts 50 pounds of weight like if it were a feather. It’s come to the point where the strength of his legs allow him to jump at extremely high altitudes, higher than average; almost as if he were flying. He later wrote.

            His next focus was V2, the youngest of his experiment. Strength, it seemed, did not manifest on V2. It was but a far more precious skill V2 possessed, an unimaginable curiosity for the unknown. By the next day, V2 was solving algebraic equations Harvard students studied. No greater test kept him from solving the equation. I showed him a theory and instantly came to the conclusion it took me to solve months ago, he wrote, astonished.

            Unfortunately, his time with the kids had come to an end. As the divorce settlement came to a resolution, the family he kept his distance from now dealt the separation a broken family face. The two children were stuck choosing between mother and father. One instinctively chose his mother for he could not bear the sight of the senile man. He could not look him in the eye and respectfully call him his father. The other proudly chose his father for he provided what his mother could not, and that was answers. He was hungry to learn of the world he had awakened from.

            The family went their separate ways, only to meet on holidays at certain times. The brothers grew apart, distant if you may. They treated each other, not as brothers, but as strangers who meet every now and then. The brotherhood they once shared was now lost over the years that followed. As the brothers grew, so did their views of the world. Their goals and dreams would then shape their future.

            One brother grew to see the world full of hope with believes of a better today. Through the rough stages in life, he devoted his power to help those he loved; later those in need as the world became selfish with rage. The other brother grew with means of lunacy, mania and villainy . His father, known for his demented skills, helped mold the prefect villain. Together, their ingenious intelligence would bring forth a dark world where hope is lost and madness takes its course with no remorse. It is one, evidently, that will forever be immortalized as the king of all villainy.

Time Jump

         2000 years from Now… “International News Live, Sara Christo reporting 20 feet beneath Washington D.C.” An enthusiast journalist began as she broadcast an end of a nation. She steadied her microphone as the helicopter balanced it's course from the turbulence brought by the fire growing underneath. Her eyes screamed in horror as thousands upon millions of echoes vanished in the inferno. The world listened as they watched a nation burn to ashes. “An atomic bomb exploded in the capital, sending a blaze of nuclear destruction across the United States consuming the entire North and South American continent; incinerating the two nations into smithereens.”

         “Millions are known to be dead,” She continued as the camera lens zoomed into the fire. Footage of the unprecedented catastrophe incinerating in the flames of the atomic destruction sent horror to the viewers at home. Today’s news turned grim. “The UN has issued a national state of emergency and has sent the National Guard along with the embassy’s military for aid. No known attacker has been identified but sources say terrorist may be involved.”

          Now… “But does it work?” Asked the stubby little scientist, examining what has been presented before him. He secretly judged and took mental notes as he analyzed the remarkable invention. A helmet, of all things, sat on the table before three astonishing men whom stood hovering. One anxiously anticipating the others reply. Before them, a network of thin metallic rods intertwining with each other spread across the table, spilling onto the floor leading a trail to a massive computer. Patches of long thin wires were hooked onto the helmet connecting it to the computer that recorded its data.

          “What if by focusing on a distant memory and meditate on it, your subconscious mind could take you to that place? You're subconscious now would travel to your subconscious then, you're already there only you're here traveling to there. It may not work but it’s a step in the right direction,” the inventor began, “You see, by connecting the cerebral main brain to the computer’s core system, my assistant and I are able to run the numbers and in theory travel through time.” He paused as he noticed the scientist seemed more interested in his device than in his theory. “We haven’t run the procedure full course so we’ve yet to see any results. Everything is still in theory, as it stands. You see, we aren’t a hundred percent sure what the outcome may be. My concern lies in deciphering whether I’ll end up stuck between two walls or buried in rubble? The possibilities are infinite if you think about it.”

          “What do you think of me, a fool?” Spat the scientist. “Time travel is and will forever remain a theory. Power such as that must never fall in the hands of simple minded men. Power, Mr. Wonders, is man’s greatest weakness. Take the government for example, they deceive the people, the very foundation to their power, and turn average citizens into starving criminals. Then they justify their crimes with good intentions. They flawed their system then complain why everyone else continuously try to do the same.” He paused, “I take my work real serious and I'd advise you not to waste my time or yours any longer with such childish nonsense.”

          “No, no, please, you must understand,” begged the inventor, Mr. Wonders; the man who solved times tricky riddle. “If you could just separate politics and science for one second. The facts are staring you right in the face, look,” he showed the scientist his data once again, stating his claims and validating his theories. A set of series of infinite letters and numbers generating an advanced intricate vocabulary scribbled throughout the paper, solving a calculated time jump. A multitude of information overload bunched into little sections scattered across the paper puzzled yet fascinated the doubtful science man.

          “What kind of illusion material have you produce,” he finally asked, further analyzing the paper he held. “My God, have you been wasting your time on this? Mr. Wonders, if you ever wish to advance in the field of science machinery, you must develop a far more useful device than this mere sheet of cleverly formulated illusionist paper; of all preposterous silly little things.” He then took the focus back to the helmet that sat on the table before them, a far more suited construction worth his time; he thought. “This cerebral contraption, what exactly does it do?”

          “It’s my ship.”

          “Don’t toy with me Mr. Wonders for my patience is running extremely thin.”

          “Let me explain,” The inventor began, “By strategically inserting these wires into certain spots of the cerebral main brain, I will be able to be transported into the future or the past determining on the calculations my assistant submits to the computer.” The scientist seemed lost. “I can see you’re not following, because of this,” he gestured to the helmet then the computer, “I may be able to visit a time I no longer exist. Like I’ve said before, the answer is there only you have debunked it as an illusion.” The scientist noticed he still held the paper, a peculiar little thing riddled in words produced by numbers, letters and all sorts of hieroglyphics.

          “The computer is the captain and the helmet is the ship.” He finished. “Now, with my assistant’s help, I’ve come to find the right formula that will take me as far as 2000 years into the future. It’s a stretch but it’s a start.” He stopped to think of what he was about to propose, “If this works, I may be able to walk with our descendants and experience the impossible like never before; go where no man has ever gone. I must say, though, I am a little nervous for I am most aware and will try to prevent a paradox effect. Such a creation can alter time and space completely, I know.”

          “You’re a mad man for believing you can change history,” protested the scientist.

          “What do you care, you’ve convinced me you don’t believe.” He replied.

          “So then what, you expect me to stand by and let you alter the fabric of space, time and all reality?” He paused for an answer, but received nothing in return. The scientist aimed for the helmet but was too slow. Both the assistant and the inventor grabbed then dragged the scientist out of their laboratory. “You can’t do this.” He protested, desperately trying to free himself of their grip. “You’re making a mistake,” he continued, “You’ll be affecting the whole of reality. Come to your senses, both of you!”

          “It’s the price I’ll have to pay.” The doors closed with the frantic scientist trying desperately to stop him from altering history itself. Mr. Wonders prepared himself for the ride. The cold cerebral headpiece pierced his scalp as the thin needles dug into his brain. His assistant stood by the towering computer inserting the formulas, equations, and series of symbols. The machine began to run with the press of a button. The assistant turned as he watched the inventor rattle veraciously, a many side effects of jumping through time.

          He was gone in a blink of an eye, flying through time and space as his body stretched from miles end until his atoms tore into thin microscopic pieces. His bones scattered in the changing matter, his organs froze and his mind felt the pressures of traveling faster than the speed of light. Straight through realities worm hole then down its dark corridors of the unknown he disappeared. His head throbbed at every turn. Hoping he would soon reach his destination, a distant light appeared in the mist of the worm holes vastness. Images appeared in hazy particles stacking on top of each other until they formed moving stationary objects.

          Unbeknownst to the traveler and his assistant, they had missed one key element in successfully traveling through time. What they failed to calculate in their experiments was jumping through different dimensions in time causes a nuclear atomic reaction. Traveling at such extreme velocity creates a tear in the fabric of space, releasing an abundant amount of energy at impact. Mr. Wonders would fail to see his plan come into fruition. Once he arrived 2000 years into the future, he created a miscalculated apocalypse ending a nation in his tracks.

Encounters

            A haze of uncertainty clouded my consciousness as I awoke from a heavy slumber. I found myself in an empty grey room. Stillness hung all around. The pod I slept in was open. The others lay closed, and through the clear exterior I noticed no one lay inside. Shivers ran up my spine as I realized I sat naked on the cool gel interior of the pod. I had no recollection as to how I got here nor did I question it. The lonesome room almost felt natural, as if I were home.

            My feet dangled as I playfully swayed them back and forth. I remained sitting in my bed, awaiting further instructions. Someone must have woken me up, I figured, but who and why? Before I knew it, my mind began to race with thoughts, questions, and concerns. The more I thought, the more I began to feel uncertain about my entire existence without ever knowing why I had conjured such a question. I expected the worst and feared for my life for no reason. Who am I? I later questioned, one I never thought to ask myself until now. The thought made me reluctant to even want to know, but would I?

            “I would.” I said out loud without a second thought. A light beamed in the corner of my eye. It caught my attention, but do I dare follow it? Instinct told me to do so but fear prevented me from getting up. The light disappeared, fading effortlessly beyond my sight. I was up and walking before I knew it. I followed the light to where it once shined. An opening led me to a long hallway. Its floors were clear and reflective, and looking down I could see a fatigued young man staring back at me. Skin and bones is all I saw. Then, as before, the light returned up ahead and without hesitation I approached it.

            I blindly followed the light, not knowing where it took me. Though fear still lingered, I pushed it aside because I wanted to know who was calling. The glorious light, with all its warmth, guided me across cold corridors beyond the pod from where I rose and straight to a spacious room full of bright mesmerizing orbs. Beyond the glass window outside the room a sea of stars twinkled harmoniously. Some were big, others were small; all in different colors I never knew existed. Overlooking these celestial bodies sat two beings, their slender arms swayed at their sides. Suddenly, a soothing tune echoed in my ear. “Hello?” I said, curiously.

            The two beings stopped as they turned to me. I took a closer look at the strangers before me and noticed they had no eyes, a mouth or a nose. Their bodies resembled an endless cosmo of living light. Their skin was dark with illuminating stars in shades of blue, purple, white and everything in between. I nearly lost them as their bodies camouflaged with the background as they stood. I stepped back, not knowing where they had gone. Fear crept behind me when suddenly the glass windows closed and they appeared where they had stood. “Where am I?” I asked foolishly, wondering if they understood.

            A heavenly tune came from one of the strangers, it sounded like a beautiful melody. The kind that warms the heart and fills the soul with happiness. I didn’t understand what they were saying, nor did it matter. The soothing vibrations of their song gave me the comfort I needed. The melody assured me they were here to take me to a better place where I can be happy. The angelic tune stopped as they noticed I was lost in their beautiful song. One of the strangers raised its hand towards me. Greetings good friend, a voice echoed in my head.

            “Greetings?” I repeated. “Why am I here?”

            You, my friend, are here to conquer your destiny, he answered gracefully in my head. You see, you are like no other species. The human race is far more complex than we'd ever imagine. My kind has wandered the cosmos for centuries, since the beginning of time itself. Never have we met a species so rare and fragile like yours before; you are gods of your own will. The smallest influence can tip the scale and bring forth unpredicted change. We were ecstatic to have found you, in the most unexpected place at that. We’ve prepared you for a new beginning. One we are most anxious to see.

            “So, am I merely an experiment?” I asked, confused.

            No, not at all, he replied, we’ve seen your future. Though we can never interfere, you and your descendants will grow, conquer lands, and bring forth destruction and new life at the same time. The existence of your race hangs in the balance of the coming generations. You will teach them to coexist, or cease to exist. That is the will of our existence. Whether they choose to accept it or not is entirely up to them.

            “Did you wake me?” I asked.

            You woke yourself. He said. That is something most could not accomplish so easily. Another song echoed in my ear, this one had a higher pitch. You have a long journey ahead of you. Worry not whether you get lost for you will always find your way. He paused. We have arrived. Behind them, the glass walls opened once more, revealing a bright blue ball. A small white dot circled around the blue planet, playfully rotating alongside it. This is your new home, take good care of it.

            “Will I ever see you again?”

            In time. Remember, you are the first and the last. Embrace the future and honor the past, he said as they approached me. They stood before me; their long slender bodies towered beyond my own. They were giants and I was merely an ant in comparison. They placed their hands on my shoulder and surrounded me with warmth. I closed my eyes as the light consumed us all. Before I knew it, I stood alone in a field of grass. A cool breeze swept by, sending chills throughout my bare skin. Foreign animals echoed all around. This is my new home. I had no clue as to what to do, but knew exactly where to go.

Sight

I could feel myself coming back to consciousness as the numbness progressively faded. The earth burned as I remained on the ground. The sun never felt so intense. My vision adjusted to a bright blue sky up above. Slowly, I noticed the clouds hovering about, obeying the winds every will. Vultures echoed throughout the desert. A dark figure suddenly appeared before me with a brightening halo crowned on its head. It stood there motionless, watching over me.

A familiar face soon appeared in the vastness of the figure before me. The elder of my tribe, I came to find, stood watching. His eyes asked many questions but his mouth spoke no words. Always a kind soul, he stretched out a helping hand to me. I was on my feet before I knew it. My knees shook as he let me go. They felt weak and fragile. I was not ready to stand on my own. My head spun. I did not have a clue as to what had lead me to the desert. I stood lost in a haze of my own confusion.
            I cleared my throat to ask but to no sound. Only raspy, unclear jabber escaped me. What happened? I asked myself, looking around trying to find a sense of reason. Sweat rolled down my spine as we stood in the endless sea of hot sand.

“Save your breath, young one.” The elder spoke as he noticed me pointlessly questioning imperatively. “You will have your answer in time.”

“But how did we end up here?” I later asked, finding my voice through the unclarity. “Last I remember, if I remember correctly, I was with my father helping him with his labors. I don’t recall leaving his presence.” For reasons beyond my comprehension, I had left the comfort of my tribe’s protection and stepped into the savage world, full of ruthless dwellers, known as the desert.

“Follow me.” The elder requested as he turned around. We were heading home to its shelter from the dwellers. In this Godless desert, peace does not exist among those who roam its hot land. Home to the exiled and criminals, the desert is nothing but madness and chaos. If not the dwellers then its critters will end you. Thus my confusion as to why I had left the comfort of my home. A stampede of approaching horses rumbled off in the distance. “Dwellers, I’m sure of it.” The elder commented, without reassurance.

Up ahead, a steep cliff marked the end of our journey. Behind its rocky wall stood protection from danger. The dwellers threat lingered behind as we began to climb up the steep cliff. An iron arrow scrapped my shoulder, drawing hot sticky blood. The attack startled me. I scrapped my elbows as I slipped. “Careful now, reckless, we don’t want to lose you to them.” The elder said as he continued his climb. He, of all people, feared no fear for his years in this tough world prepared him to adapt to whatever obstacle whereas I had barely any experience outside my father’s stable.

Slow and steady, we climbed up the rocks while the dwellers aimed continuously at us. Though there seemed no end to their arrows, a cave up ahead assured us protection. I had exhausted my energy mid-way but refused to stop. The dwellers rage kept me climbing. No later did we took refuge inside the cave while down below the dwellers denied their defeat. They later came to their senses as we remained hidden in the cave.

“This may not be home, but for the time being, we shall call it home.” The elder said as he found a place to sit. I remained in the opening, looking for signs of more dwellers. There’s always one in every shadow. “You need not to worry, young one. We have found refuge. Time now for answers.” I looked at him. He sat patiently.

“What happened to me?” I asked. “Did I blackout?” Light appeared as the elder struck a fire.

“I received a message from our ancestors, the other night.” The elder began. “They came to me in a dream. They came bearing news of great change for our tribe. A gift of premonition has been given to the youngest of my bloodline.” He paused. “You, son of my son, are the youngest of my bloodline. Our ancestors blessed you with the power of sight. Only you can see the not yet seen. Now tell me, what did you see?” I was at a loss. No thought came to mind, I sat speechless. “You were given a gift, young seer, speak. Express that mind.”

“But, I don't recall a thing.” I replied moments later. “Are you sure that it’s me?”

“They had advised me to enter the desert and there I shall meet him.” He answered. “It’s you who I found lying in the desert and no one else.”

“I just don't remember.” I said to the fire.

“You must focus on what you’re being asked. The answer is there, only you can see it. Look within and there your answer lies. After all, only you were granted this gift.” He was right, somehow; as crazy as it seemed. Elders are after all far more intellectual than to those of youthful minds. Their years in this world give them that advantage, the knowledge they need to adapt; to survive, to thrive. He closed his eyes and began to meditate. “Maybe a few hours of silence will help you through your confusion.”

            I closed my eyes and channelled the chakras to my zen. I tried to remember what had happened. I retraced my steps as I breathed in the smoke. I sat in my own darkness when my father suddenly appeared in a hazy fog. We were back home, mending the stables and feeding the cattle. A familiar tingle in the back of my spine crept up behind me sending chills up and down my body. I felt numb again. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as I felt myself lean backwards.
            I floated in the abyss of my sub consciousness for a moment. A voice echoed in my head, calling my name in all directions. Suddenly, a bright light flashed before me; blinding me for a second. As I opened my eyes, I found myself lying in bed with a familiar face looking back at me. “Dude, what happened?” He asked me. I was now in the present, back to where I had left. “You were out cold for a good few hours.” He added as he helped me sit up.

“I passed out?” I replied. The atmosphere changed once more as I wondered noting the new surroundings, all the while steadying my spinning head. My voice was different, my clothes were no longer pieces of fabric draped by my waist, and I no longer sat in a cave but in a concrete room. I left home without ever leaving. “Where’s-?” I stopped before finishing the thought. I knew it wouldn’t make sense, nothing made sense at this point.

“So?” he asked as I took a hold of my senses. I did my best to piece the puzzle together, trying to shake the uneasiness out of me completely. “Tell me! What did you see? What happened?” I looked at him and the old man flashed before me.
            “I’m not exactly sure.” I answered. Though I still have no clue as to what I had experienced, one fact was for certain, it was real. The hot desert burning my back as I lay on the ground, the dwellers stampede and the scrape in my elbows; it all happened I saw it, I was there. This delicate type of matter might as well not had happened, but in the very least, perhaps this rare incident occurred when I was another where I lived a different life, in a different place, at a different time.

Madness

You got me doing things I never dared
Breathing in the light and walking on thin air
Got me seeing two
Now I can’t think things through

Hypnotize me with your charm
Send me to madness
Wrap me in your arms
And I feel no harm

We come together as we collide
Whisper in my ear and I come alive
We touch and I begin to thrive
Promise you’ll stay and I know I’ll survive

Tonight, it’s you and me
We are living  free!
And I plea, stay with me
I don't want to let you go

I’ve ripped my soul into pieces
Only to have found you, Jesus
I lost the will and the thrill, I’ve been spiraling down
Then you came along and now nothing is wrong

You hypnotized me with your charm
Send me to madness
Keep me in your arms
So I can feel no harm

Chasing Shadows

            “Please,” begged a mother of four sons. They told her weeks in advance of their trip to a secluded land where native legend says a hidden realm awaits adventure. Being a team of paranormal investigators, the brothers were anxious to chase the shadows in the night. She watched helplessly as her sons packed their things and left. “Please.” She begged one last time, squeezing the oldest son’s hand as he stood by her front door. She couldn’t let him go. Deep in her heart she knew she would never see them again.

            “Ma, we’ll come back.” The oldest assured her worried mind as he kissed her aging forehead. They stepped out into the world and disappeared into the horizon. Excitement raced in their hearts. Close friends advised them to stay cautious, their only parent begged them to stay; but the brothers were determined. All their lives they have been devoted to finding answers of the unknown. Their hard work, the sleepless nights and countless fights, lead them to an opportunity of a lifetime.

            During a filming of their saga, the brothers stumbled upon an old tribe hidden in the jungle. The brothers came to find the natives possessed a secret, an entrance to the other side. At last, they had struck gold. In time, they gained the natives trust and knowledge of the secret paths. The unknown trails that lead to other foreign worlds, lands no man has ever seen, now stood in their possession.

            “We dare not step in the devils playground.” The chief of the tribe warned. “Our ancestors believed the jungle is home to mischievous unknown.” He continued, “People of the outside world know not the truth behind its mystery and power. Heed my warning foreigners; if you dare knock at devil’s door, we shall see you no more.” Blinded by their determination, the brothers disappeared into the jungle; not aware of the dangers they were about to embrace.

Deep through the jungle the brothers hiked. As the sun began to set, they made camp by the river. The jungle came alive with creatures of the dark. The cold night air consumed them. The brothers huddled in their tent for warmth. They pondered over their loving mother when suddenly, off in the distance came the sound of faint footsteps. The oldest took a flashlight and stepped out into the darkness.

The footsteps became louder, nearing by the minute. The rest joined their brother as he stood aiming the light into the endless night. The brothers listened closely. The footsteps, it seemed, were coming from a short distance. The oldest called to whoever was lurking. They weren’t sure if they had gotten an answer. “Should we check it out?” One suggested. Each looked at one another noticing fear in their eyes, but curiosity tugged at their heart strings. With their cameras out and ready, the brothers followed the footsteps; ignoring the little voices in the back of their heads.

They disappeared into the night and further in the unknown. The light in their hands were their only guide as they ventured through unknown paths, following the echoes. Alert, the brothers listened, observed and questioned. Then the footsteps came to an abrupt end. They stood motionless, wondering where they had gone. “Let’s head back,” the oldest whispered, holding back the fear in his tone. Slowly, they turned to face the darkness and the creatures it brought. The brothers retraced their steps, or so they thought.

Up ahead, an unknown light beamed red. The brothers came to an immediate stop as a faint call echoed around. The brothers dared not make a sound. More lights appeared in the darkness. Chills ran down their spine as footsteps began to approach them. With fear creeping behind, they walked away from the lights that came their way. Blindly in the dark, the brothers chanted a prayer not aware they had already walked through the doorway. The brothers were in a trap, chasing shadows forever in an endless loop.