Arc 1 - Chapter 1 – A Hero’s Beginning part 1
In the beginning, there was nothing. An emptiness where neither light nor darkness existed. A void lacking life or death, time or space, without end. All that can be heard in this blankness is a deep, raspy voice telling a story to unknown listeners. Explaining how all this emptiness will soon be replaced with something else.
Narrator: The universe. It is a strange and beautiful place to some. The most terrifying to others. A place that a single species cannot truly understand… Our universe is one of many. A single drop in an endless ocean.
Within the blackness of the void a light slowly grows in size. It is unknown where it came from or when it appeared, but there it was expanding itself, bringing a golden radiance that lights up the seemingly endless void. In the centre of the light a silhouette of a mysterious bird-like creature is seen.
Narrator: In the beginning of our universe, there was nothing. Nothingness with no end, until suddenly, out of nowhere, a light emerged. It was bright and powerful; it was said to be the first star in existence. From that star came an entity.
The light continued to grow and grow until it began spreading itself outwards to the far reaches of the empty space. Its golden hue bringing life to the emptiness. At the centre of it all, the godlike being becomes visible for none to see. Its appearance heavily resembled a phoenix with some peacock-like traits such as a long, slender neck and long eye-spotted feathers as its tail and on its abdomen and head. It has a beautiful multi-coloured glowing plumage, complete with a golden torso, neck and tail, violet wings with a golden edge and two different coloured eyes. Its left eye was light blue and its right eye was green.
Narrator: A Celestial being of light. A being that sought to spread its light and create life filled with peace and goodness. This being came to be known by the inhabitants of the universe as Light Gaia… Light Gaia is a being that can take many forms, but it chose to settle on the form of a beautiful and majestic creature called a phoenix.
Light Gaia spreads his wings outwards and takes flight. Everywhere he went life followed. Every flap of his majestic wings sparked light that added to the brightness. Those single specks of light became stars, filling the blackness of space with spectral vibrancy.
All these lights shone down on Light Gaia, casting a shadow on a nearby sun. The shadow only grew with every new star Light Gaia created, fuelling its structure until it started to develop a consciousness of its own. Light Gaia hovers in place and glances back at his shadow, catching a glimpse of two different coloured eyes appearing at the top where his head was. These eyes were red and purple.
Narrator: But where there is light there must be shadow. And where there’s shadow there is darkness. And from that darkness came another Celestial being. The counterpart to Light Gaia himself… Dark Gaia.
Dark Gaia emerges from the shadow and takes on a physical form identical to his twin. His cries were eerily high pitched compared to the angelic sounds of Light Gaia. His feathers were black and purple. He had curved devil horns emerging out from atop his head and had red and purple eyes with reptilian-like slits. Instead of tail feathers he had purple snakes with red eyes.
Light Gaia stared down at his dark counterpart and knew instinctively that he must defend himself. This being was the incarnation of evil and destruction itself while he was the incarnation of good and creation. A being that can never be reasoned with and must be stopped at all costs, lest he risk the destruction of all he created.
Narrator: As it always has been, light and darkness shall always be opposites, as the universe quickly learned. Dark Gaia brought death, destruction and evil to the first universe, destroying all his brother had created.
For eons the two Celestials fought, constantly trying to overpower and defeat the other. But no matter what, they would always be evenly matched. It went on for so long until Light Gaia discovered he had the power to create other beings to assist him in his war against the darkness. Retreating to the furthest end of the universe, he began creating three all powerful Gods to serve under him as his first apprentices.
The Gods took the forms of mighty dragons to act as their true bodies. Each of them was born adults, built differently from one another and ready to fight the forces of darkness without question. The dragons bowed in respect to their father and Light Gaia blesses them with a name and a power unique only to them. Eventually more dragons/Gods were brought in this world to increase their chances of victory. Light Gaia designates them The Disciples of the Light and leads them towards the centre of the universe to engage Dark Gaia.
Narrator: Light Gaia began recruiting others to their aid by creating his own army of Gods. The strongest of the Gods, second only to Light Gaia himself, were his three apprentices. Zeus, the god of thunder and creator of Aura. Odin, the all-father and creator of magic. And Ra Solaris, God of the sun and creator of the elements. They too had kin of their own to follow them into battle, with Light Gaia at the front of the lines.
But Light Gaia was not the only one who came to the conclusion of recruiting others. Dark Gaia too started amassing an army of evil, foul creatures who would blindly follow their dark lord to the ends of the universe. Dark Gaia’s creations came out twisted and black until they took on forms of their own. A variety of dark creatures plagued the dark side of the universe, but perhaps his greatest champions were the Titans. They came to be known by the first mortal life forms across the universe as The Legion of Darkness. Creatures to be feared. The stuff of nightmares. They too followed their creator to the centre of the universe where they encountered the forces of good and didn’t hesitate to attack.
Narrator: Unlike his brother, Dark Gaia’s underlings were nothing but extensions of himself to destroy his enemies. His Titans proved to be just as powerful as the gods, that was all that mattered. The two sides clashed for the first time at the centre of the first universe, leading to a long and destructive war which ruptured and altered all of reality. We called it… The Celestial War.
The Celestial War served as the longest and most dangerous battle to ever be known by the first mortals inhabiting the universe. No matter how much distance lay between them and the conflict, the shockwaves of the opposing sides clashing would always reach them. The power of light and darkness infecting each of their home worlds, engraving their ideals into the very essence of their being.
Everywhere one would look, life was being created and destroyed over and over again with every strike. It made the fabric of reality unstable to the point that the first universe began to split apart in two.
Narrator: Every time they clash, their combined energy spread itself throughout time and space, effecting every single atom in the universe. Even the universe itself could not handle the infinite build-up of power and split itself into millions of smaller universes, forming the Multiverse itself. More stars and planets were formed with every wave of life only to die moments later under the blanket of darkness. It felt like this was destined to be a war that never ends.
All the death and destruction caused by them unknowingly fuelled Dark Gaia. Every trace of darkness and evil conjured up throughout the universe eventually made its way back to him, increasing his power dramatically. Finally, after centuries of even fighting, the incarnation of evil itself gained an advantage over the light bringers. No more did he have to live as his brother’s shadow. He can obtain a form all his own and grow to new heights.
Narrator: Dark Gaia soon discovered that he could absorb his own dark army to become stronger. Loyalty. Devotion. Support. Those were all traits that only Light Gaia and beings like him lived by. Dark Gaia had no need for such weakness, nor did he longer have a need for his servants if it meant increasing his powers so greatly that he was able to take on a form of his own.
Dark Gaia started undergoing a new transformation once he finished off the last of his underlings. His spectral body grew bigger and longer than any God trembling before him. The rate he was growing he would become so massive that planets and stars would be the size of tennis balls by comparison. He exhales a sigh of black smoke that instantly snuffed out the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to breath it in, Gods and mortals alike.
Narrator: The devastation became too great that Light Gaia needed to think of a solution and fast. Dark Gaia can never be destroyed or reasoned with, so there was only one way to hopefully stop him for good.
Light Gaia soars above the Gods and Dark Gaia and scans the far reaches of the universe for the decaying remains of all the worlds that died from Dark Gaia’s touch. A great golden aura completely surrounds him as he gathers all those scattered pieces of rocks and other debris together.
Dark Gaia attempted to reach out and grab him with one of his newly formed hands but was held back by the Gods who were all working together to generate a gigantic bubble of energy around the giant Celestial, trapping him inside. His body started shrinking under the blinding light of the field.
All the gathered pieces of space debris spin around the energy field before clamping onto it, covering the surface. Each piece of debris fitted together like a planet-sized jigsaw puzzle until Dark Gaia was completely covered. Inside the Aura bubble, Dark Gaia roared with such anger and ferocity that it sent a shiver down the spines of the lesser Gods.
Narrator: Hoping to catch Dark Gaia unaware, Light Gaia and his disciples created an energy field around him, trapping him inside. The energy field was known as a Planet Soul, the source of pure energy that allowed a planet to sustain life, much like how mortals possess souls of their own. But it wasn’t enough to keep Dark Gaia trapped permanently, so he siphoned energy from the souls of other nearby planets to strengthen it. It wasn’t enough to completely kill the planets, but now they had little energy to sustain any form of life.
The ball of rock Dark Gaia was imprisoned inside of soon became a new, habitable planet blessed with life by Light Gaia. He provided a stable gravity field and a breathable atmosphere while his Gods added the rest. Oceans. Continents. Elemental forces. An ecosystem of plant and animal life. And perhaps the greatest gift ever bestowed on a life form: Free will. The freedom to think and act for themselves, To become their own beings and live their lives how they choose. Light Gaia gave them this great gift when they were brought into existence, it was only fair they extend that gift towards the inhabitants of this new planet they’ve created.
Narrator: Life was then created on the planet known as Earth. Water covered most of its surface. Plants grew on the land, and life began to flourish. The Gods created and named many different species on this new planet, but one rose up above them all. The Human Race.
One day, without question, Light Gaia leaves Earth and his Gods to fend for themselves and keep the peace while he was away. He wanted to continue doing what he was born to do, create life within the reality that had become millions of times bigger.
He became one with the fabric of reality itself, creating life within its infinite number of universes, while the Gods maintain Earth and made sure Dark Gaia never escapes his prison. They constructed temples in seven specific spots across the planet in honour of their creator. Each one acting as a lock on the devil’s prison cell.
Narrator: The Gods maintained the peace on Earth for a few thousand years until they decided to extend that peace to other worlds like Earth, leaving humanity to fend for themselves.
Narrator: Its an ordinary day on Planet Earth. Well, on one side at least. At the brink of dawn, the planet’s inhabitants spring to life. The species of the Earth has a natural ranking system. Its either hunt… or be hunted. But one species has managed to stand above the rest. With their fierce intelligence they have become the rulers of this planet as the Gods once were. A species with nothing to fear but their own… Humans.
Humans have existed for quite some time. The very first humans theoretically were created around 6 million years ago on the continent now known as Africa. These early humans looked more like apes; except they can walk on two legs instead of four. This was a crucial step for human evolution as they now had two spare hands they can freely use for other purposes.
Over millions of years, humans continued to evolve until they began migrating to other parts of the world, creating new settlements and customs to live under. Even though they believed to be alone in the universe, humanity stood tall and kept moving forward. With each new discovery came a chance to evolve and progress even further as a species until they almost completely conquered the planet and made it their own.
Narrator: From cavemen to builders of large modern cities, humans have truly made Earth their home. But progress came at a price. Over the decades, Dark and Light Gaia faded into myth and legend and were forgotten. Even the great Gods that kept watch over them were forgotten by most. Only a handful still remember and pray to them, believing they were still out there… Watching over them from the heavens. Several places on Earth were named after them in their honour despite them leaving Earth centuries ago.
Earth. The city of London, United Kingdom. The year was 2012. The people were going about their business, going to work, visiting friends and family, just about every standard thing a person does. All was quiet aside from the sounds of the city and the people chatting in the streets. There was nothing to worry about… But all that was about to change.
To everyone’s understandable shock, the sky above was being torn open by tears in the fabric of space/time. Several portals appear in the sky, on the ground, and even at the bottom of oceans and rivers. But it wasn’t just the holes that frightened the citizens, it was what was coming out of them.
Without warning, an army of monsters of various species, shapes and sizes wander out the portals and enter the human’s world. Their instincts told them to destroy everything in their path, and so they rampaged. Chaos ensued and the people ran in a panic as the monsters spread themselves out throughout the city.
The united kingdom was only the beginning. More portals appear all across the world, allowing more monsters to cross over and attack the humans while their guard was down. There was little to no time to prepare for the horrors these visitors unleashed. And it continued on for days which turned into weeks and inevitably months, eventually extending into a war that lasted three years.
Narrator: The humans lived in peace for the majority of their lives. The only conflicts they’ve faced were ones created by themselves or nature. But this was something new to them. Something not of their world. An army of monsters came out of holes in reality and attacked their cities. This led to a war that lasted seven months. Some people called it Doomsday, others called it Armageddon… But most of them called it The Monster War.
The unknown monsters proved too powerful for the regular human military forces to handle. Many countries who once waged wars against each other were forced to form an alliance to unify against their common enemy. That day, a new, efficient, and highly advanced military organisation was born. Aegis.
With Aegis’s help, humanity was able to finally push back against the monsters and force them to retreat, making them regret the day they chose to invade their planet. Though humanity had won the Monster War, the casualties and destruction to their planet were monumental. London suffered the most with almost half of the city in ruins. It would take years to repair the damage. It could’ve been decades had it not been for the world’s largest successful technology company, Magna Tech.
Narrator: In the end, the humans were victorious and forced the monsters back to whatever dimension they came from. Years later, mankind managed to recover from the war and rebuilt their cities more advanced then how it was before, calling it New London. And Aegis established a base under it. From this point on they were prepared for any threats and will never underestimate just how big and unusual it may be.
The city of New London. United Kingdom. 2017. Two years after The Monster War ended.
It took two years for most of humanity to recover from the atrocities of the war. Many still failing to mentally get over the losses they’d suffered. Many people had lost friends and family throughout those long, gruelling years. That day marked the beginning of humanities first encounter with the unknown and they’d give anything to go back to the simpler times when they believed they were alone in the universe.
To help restore law and order, the various governments of the world agreed to come together and form a council of world leaders such as the emperor of Japan, the president of the United States and the newly elected King of England who was forced to assume the throne after the death of Britain’s beloved queen.
Many police officers lost their lives to the war and had to be replaced with Magna Tech’s state of the art police robots. Drones took over the post offices. And many factories have become fully automated. The war had claimed the lives of many workers, causing a need for someone to step in, that someone being Magna Tech.
The decrease in police was an opportunity for mercenaries to illegally continue hunting for bounties and stealing priceless relics. The only humans left to keep the peace were the men and women of Aegis. They needed the numbers and manpower more than anything else in case another threat arose, be it inter-dimensional or earthly.
Children had suffered the most from the war. Many had lost their parents and guardians and have become orphans with nowhere to go. An orphanage was quickly built on the outskirts of New London in a small town called Fordwich. The building was founded and run by Jackson Hills, an ex-Aegis combat medic who wanted nothing more than to give these poor children a roof over their heads and food on the table. The house sat beside a small hill surrounded by a few trees and a small road leading into town. It was named Hillside House.
Narrator: But where one story ends, another one begins. In this story, a new light will burn and shine brightly in this crippled world. But if light can return after being dormant for so long… then darkness will also return.
Inside the orphanage the children were living as best they could and trying to get on with one another. It wasn’t easy for most, but others don’t let the past hold them back from having a future. One of the most optimistic of the kids was a boy named Alex Laytham. He’s been an orphan much longer than most of the other kids there. He’s always been a good boy. He did his chores without complaint, always went to bed on time, and helped anyone who needed it. He was the perfect foster child, yet nobody wanted to take him yet.
He was sitting alone in the living room watching a superhero TV show on the big TV. He was so into one specific scene in the latest episode that the world around him was drowned out by one of his favourite 80’s rock songs playing during the third act action scene.
Alex: Yes! Another triumphant victory for Captain Cosmic! God, that episode was so sick! The way he fought Solar-Flare to Bonnie Tyler’s “I need a hero” whilst in orbit of a black hole was awesome! The scene where he and his old friend turned enemy, Star-Slayer, were catching up could’ve used some more screen time, but other than that, such a great semi-final episode. Can’t wait to see how this season ends.
Alex’s critical thoughts on his favourite show were rudely interrupted by the sounds of cruel laughter coming from the back door in the kitchen area to his right. As he turned to see what the fuss was about, he spotted a skinny white-haired boy running inside barefoot, tears in his eyes and his panda bear plushie clutched tightly under his arms.
Alex: Jason? What’s wrong?
Jason ignored him and hid himself behind the sofa. Alex leans over the top to check up on him and finds him curled up into a ball, hugging his teddy tightly. His tears soak into the back of its stuffed head. He didn’t want anyone to see him in this state of sadness.
Alex: Jason, it’s your bff, Alex. Are you okay?
Jason slowly lifts his head from his teddy and looks up at Alex with tear-filled eyes. His eyes and cheeks have turned red from all the crying. He shakes his head as he replies.
Jason: I’m… not fine. I don’t want to talk about it.
Alex: Come on, Jason. We’ve been friends for a whole year now. You should know by now you can talk to me about anything. Why don’t you let us help you?
Bully: Cuz he’s a freak!
Shouted one of three slightly older kids standing in the arch connecting the living room and the kitchen. The one in the middle appeared a little bit rounder compared to the other two with short brown hair. The one on the left was dark skinned with a shaved head, while the one on the right had long blonde hair.
Alex gets down from the sofa and confronts the three bullies, defending his friend. “It’s what Captain Cosmic would’ve done for anyone.” He thinks to himself.
Alex: No, he’s not! Leave him alone, Zack!
Zack: Or what? You gonna tell on us?
Michael: No, but you might get your asses kicked.
A new voice spooks Alex, Jason and the three bullies and forces them to look over to the living room entrance to the left. Standing in the doorway was Michael Mercer. He was a year older than Alex and Jason, same ages as the bullies but much more mature for his age. He readjusts his glasses as he stares down the three threats standing there.
Alex: Isn’t that Michael?
Zack: Beat it, Four Eyes, before we beat you.
Michael: Four Eyes? Wow, how original. But what did I expect from a bunch of stereotypical morons.
James/Bully 2: Wha- I mean, shut up!
Michael: “Shut up”? That’s the best comeback you’ve got. Well, if I’m “Four Eyes” then you three can be “No Brains.”
Zack: Now you’re just asking me to punch you!
Zack walks up to Michael and thrusts a right punch towards him. Alex and Jason watch with amazement as he sidesteps it and throws a punch of his own right in the jaw. Zack grunts as he falls to the floor. The other two bullies were shocked by this display of strength and hesitate to take their turn.
Zack: Don’t just stand there! GET HIM!
Snapping out of it, James and Liam blindly follow their friend’s orders and attack Michael at the same time, hoping one of them will land a hit on him. But to their surprise, Michael smiles, ducks and kicks their legs out, knocking them down on top of their leader.
Alex: Whoa! That looks like the same move that martial arts master performed in that car dealership advert I saw earlier… Oh no.
Michael loses himself as he delivers a harsh beatdown on the bullies. Thankfully, he was stopped by the orphanage’s owner, Jackson Hills. He grabs Michael by the back of his shirt collar and pulls him off the bullies, forcing him onto his feet whilst keeping the bullies from attempting to attack him back.
Jackson: That’s enough! Break it up now!
He turns to face Michael.
Jackson: What’s going on in here?
Michael: These guys were picking on those two. I was only getting them to stop.
Jackson: That doesn’t give you the right to attack them.
Liam: I think he broke my nose!
Jackson: You’re fine.
He said without looking back at them. His nose catches whiff of the delightful smell of something cooking in the oven, reminding him that he was in the middle of cooking dinner before the fight broke out. He needed to get back to it before it burned.
Jackson: We’ll discuss your punishment later.
He turns himself around to look down at the bullies with a frown.
Jackson: As for you three, go to your rooms now! You’ll be eating after everyone else tonight.
Bullies: Aw man!
Jackson escorts the bullies out of the living room until they’ve gone upstairs, allowing him to get back to the kitchen and continue cooking in peace. Michael approaches Alex and Jason, who finally emerged from behind the sofa and sat in the middle of it with his legs crossed and his teddy bear still clutched in his arms.
Michael: Are you guys okay?
Alex: Yeah, we’re fine. Thanks for helping us, Michael. I’m Alex and this is my friend Jason.
Michael: I’ve lived here long enough to know who you are.
Alex: Right, sorry. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve hung out with anyone other than Jason. Right bud?
Michael: Well then, let’s change that starting today. Whaddya say?
Alex: I’d say, sounds great.
Alex and Michael shake hands, officially becoming friends and acknowledging each other as such. But when Michael offers to shake Jason’s hand, he hesitates and scurries down the sofa.
Alex: It’s alright, Jason, you can trust him. He helped us, so that makes him okay in my book.
Jason looks at Alex who encourages him to trust Michael with a nod. Eventually he gets off the sofa and gently grabs his hand, shaking it in a weird manner. Michael, however, paid it no mind and accepted him as he is. His sad expression still remained frozen on his face. Michael had no idea why he was like this, but thought it was best not to ask.
Michael: I hope we will all get along and become good friends. I saw what those jerks were doing to you outside. I reckon its about time somebody taught them a lesson.
Alex: You were awesome, dude. You fought like a ninja. Where’d you learn to do that?
Michael: From my dad. If you want, I can show you guys how to defend yourselves in case those bullies come back and I’m not around.
Alex: Yeah, sure, that’d be great.
Jason: Okay, I’ll do it too, but only because I don’t want to be treated like a weakling anymore. I need to be stronger if I am to survive this cruel, unforgiving world.
Jason’s words made Alex and Michael feel concerned for him. Michael had seen a few kids acting miserable after losing their parents or guardians during the Monster War, but Jason may’ve lost much more than the others. He can’t recall ever seeing him smile. Alex was the only one who brought him any form of comfort. Hopefully he can as well the more he gets to know them.
As the days passed, Alex, Michael and Jason were spending a lot of time together, whether it was just hanging out inside or out in town. As they continued so their friendship grew and grew.
Alex and Michael mostly did the talking between the three of them while Jason stayed quiet, only speaking up when he feels he had something to add. Michael continued to wonder why Jason wouldn’t open up to him like he did with Alex, but he knew when not to pry.
A few years later, they have reached their teen years and continue to be friends. Alex and Michael are still somewhat the same personality wise, but Jason changed from being a shy, sad little boy to an angry shut in. His hatred of the world only grew larger with each year.
One Monday afternoon in the middle of April in the year 2025, Alex and Michael decided to leave their small town and venture into the big city if New London. It was a big deal for them as it was their first time going there without an adult escort. Jackson was confident they’ve grown independent enough to buy their own bus tickets and wander around the city, as long as they don’t buy anything too expensive or get themselves into trouble.
They offered Jason to tag along but he refused, claiming that he feels safer inside the house and wouldn’t fit in with society. Alex and Michael were saddened to hear that but respected their friend’s wishes and gave him, Jackson, and their fellow orphans a wave goodbye as they walked down the street to the nearest bus stop.
The two boys sat on the bench and patiently waited for their bus. Alex spots a stray cat wandering down the pavement behind him and tries to call it over with a few kisses and his hand stretched out. The cat noticed him but was not at all interested in getting petted. That left a look of disappointment on the young boy's face.
Michael lightly taps his shoulder, reminding him that their bus has arrived, and he should get his bus pass ready to show to the driver. Alex follows Michael’s lead and presents his pass before climbing aboard and taking a seat next to him.
During the trip, Michael converses with Alex as he stares out the window and checks out the sights of the town before leaving it for the bigger, more advanced city.
Michael: I don’t get it. Why won’t Jason just come with us? He needs to be more independent if he’s gonna make it in the world. He can’t just sit in his room all day looking miserable.
Alex: Jason isn’t good at interacting with other people, you know that. All his life he’s been afraid of going outside, always shutting himself out from the world. He won’t tell me why either, that’s why he’s always getting picked on, because he’s different. That and he has natural white hair.
Michael: I feel for him. We’ve all lost a lot during The Monster War. But he and the other kids will have to learn to get on with their lives sooner or later. Maybe I should ask him about what he’d been through during that horrible year.
Alex: I wouldn’t if I were you. He reacts… violently whenever I bring it up. Trust me, it would be best for him and us if we just forget about it.
Michael: Forgetting the past isn’t the best way to get over it. Someday he’ll have to face his trauma.
Alex: He will, in time. But like Jackson said, we have to wait for him to make that decision on his own.
Michael stuttered in his words trying to form a response to that, but eventually sighed and gave up. He doesn’t agree with that advice, but it wasn’t his place to decide how Jason should open up to others. As his newest friend, he was only thinking about what’s best for him.
The bus soon arrives in New London. Alex and Michael stare out the window in awe over how much has changed since before the war started. The buildings appeared larger and sleeker, and the streets look cleaner compared to how bad it looked before with all the graffiti and rubbish lying everywhere. Even the “Welcome to New London” sign was just a big TV screen with the words flashing on it in various colours and a moving city background. Magna Tech’s logo was also imprinted in the bottom left corner of the screen.
People used to say that The Shard was the city’s tallest building in London. But in New London, everyone can see plain as day that the largest structure is the newly rebuild Magna Tech corporate buildings. It consisted of one large tower standing in the centre of the city with four slightly smaller towers connected to the main building. It was standing proudly by the river Thames. The sun’s rays reflected off of its glass surface, lighting up the central city like a beacon of hope. It was how most of the citizens viewed it. If not for Magna Tech, their city would still be in ruin. They wanted the public to remember who it was that saved the UK, and by extension, the entire world alongside Aegis.
Even from the outskirts the bus was driving from the set of towers can be seen. Magna Tech was just another fancy building blended in among the skyscrapers until the monsters came. Now it’s all people focus on when they enter. It’s almost as if they’ve mesmerised the entire world.
They’ve rebuilt the Thames Flood Barrier after the old one was destroyed by the monsters in a vain attempt to flood the whole city. Fortunately, it failed, and the city didn’t have to suffer from flood waters on top of the fires and destruction. The company saw the loss of the old barrier as a great opportunity to clean up the river to the best of their abilities for several months until the water pollution was severely reduced, making the river the cleanest in all of Europe. And it didn’t stop there. Land and air pollution was soon close to no longer becoming a major issue to the planet, further earning the public’s approval.
Their factories, running on clean, re-usable energy, have never worked harder than any other in the world since the war. Producing more eco-friendly vehicles. In a few more years from now, petrol cars will be a thing of the past and electric cars will be all people can drive. Even if they can’t drive, they also came equipped with advanced AI systems that made the vehicles semi-automated. These self driving vehicles completely took over public transport as well. Ubers, Taxis, even buses. Even the bus Alex and Michael were riding in was being driven by AI. All they had to do was scan their bus passes and they were given a ticket.
The company practically ran this city. Everywhere one would look there was always something built by them around every corner. After the war there was a large housing crisis. Most of the city’s residents who survived lost their homes. Magna Tech built new modern, but mass produced, tower blocks with dozens of fancy apartment houses for the people. On the surface one would think they’re being generous for building new homes to give to those who have none, but like every other corporate business, its always about the money. They will only allow those who can afford them to move in.
So what became of the people who couldn’t? The answer lies in the old London underground. All the people too poor or never had a home to begin with found a haven in the old train tunnels and stations. At least they did for a time. Eventually, Magna Tech’s robots discovered their refuge and forced them out, seeking to build a brand-new Underground. Anybody who objected would be given a warning by the robots. Those too stubborn to heed said warning would be shot on sight by the robot’s stun rifles and arrested.
This goes to show that not everyone was okay with Magna Tech’s reign on their once beloved city. They claimed to have saved this city, but to some people they’ve almost completely taken over. Corporate greed prevents everyone from getting fair and equal treatment. Only the rich get to live luxurious lives whilst everyone else is forced to live in run down income houses.
On the way, Alex and Michael noticed how there were very few petrol cars still driving on the road with actual people behind the wheel instead of AI. These cars looked old and rusted and seemed to be running with spare parts of other old vehicles. These were all among the people who can’t afford to buy Magna Tech’s up to date vehicles.
Alex: I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a petrol car on the road. It’s so weird that these self-driving cars and busses are starting to become the new norm.
Michael: Magna Tech. Feels like nowadays they’re on every billboard we pass. Even looking at the city in the distance I can’t help but be reminded of them. It’s almost as if they’re boasting about how they’re the reason we’re all still here and they expect us to sit there and take it like good little boys. Tch… Disgusting.
Alex and Michael stopped gawking at what they feel other people wanted them to see and took in the sights of the rest of the city, preferably the parts left almost completely untouched by Magna Tech. Eventually, the automated bus pulls into the station and a computer-generated voice announces they’ve arrived.
Alex: Well, here we are. Come on, let’s go.
They exit the bus and start walking through the busy streets. This wasn’t their first trip to London, but it was for sure their first time being in New London. It definitely wasn’t the same city they used to know on closer inspection. Almost every famous landmark that attracted tourists had been modernised after its destruction in the war.
So much had changed, although the city’s most popular structures stayed somewhat the same, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London – or in this case New London – and Buckingham Palace to name a few. Big Ben’s clock mechanism had to be repaired, but out of respect for what the clock tower represented, the company agreed to leave it as it was. If only they could’ve done the same with the rest of London’s historical monuments.
The truth was, however, that these famous landmarks aren’t actually the same ones the old London city had. They were all destroyed as much as every other building in the city by the invading monsters. Magna Tech did step in to restore these monuments in their traditional styles, trying to make them look as identical to the old monuments as possible instead of modernising them as originally intended. Ideas like making Big Ben’s clock digital and ditching the clock hands and gears, but that would’ve led to massive public outrage and would be an insult to the history those structures held. It was the King’s decision to maintain London’s history despite its new modern makeover.
Alex and Michael didn’t exactly have any plans when they left the station. They mostly just wanted to explore the city and point out as many changes as they could. Apart from a detour to the nearest comic book shop to see if they had any new issues of Captain Cosmic. Alex was really into that space superhero series while Michael thought it was dumb he’d still watch it at his age. Of course, he’d never let him know he thought that.
A couple hours later, after getting lunch from a nearby fast-food restaurant, Alex and Michael continued to wander the streets and chat to pass the time. They both freeze up when they notice a Magna Tech police robot coming around the corner and heading in their direction, carrying its strange-looking stun rifle. The robot comes to a halt a few feet in front of them and looks down at them. Its blue visor scans the two of them, but the results came back negative on the potential threat meter.
Police Robot: Please stand aside. You are in violation of disrupting patrol.
Alex gulps and stands to the side with Michael.
Michael: Sorry, Officer. A-as you were.
The robot gives them no reply and continues its patrol through the streets. It passes by other citizens along the way, but they don’t even so much as glance at it. They’ve grown so used to having machines enacting law enforcement that their minds accept it as normal.
Alex: It’s still weird how robots have taken over all police, fireman, and other businesses in the city. And everyone’s fine with it? I’m surprised people aren’t protesting for their jobs back.
Michael: They did for a while. But only because people were too stupid to realise how many actual policemen and firemen we’d lost during the war. Our generation weren’t prepared to take those jobs when the monsters came. I may not approve of all the changes Magna Tech made, but even I can’t deny they are the ones ensuring our country still has law and order until one day humans can take their jobs back.
Alex: You think this is only temporary?
Michael: It sure as fuck better be.
Alex: Whoa, easy on the language there, Michael. Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?
Michael: No, I happen to think incest is very wrong… Besides, I don’t remember much about her.
He says with a deep sigh and a long pause. Alex pauses as well as he heard that. His curiosity started to persuade him to ask Michael for more information about his past for a change.
Alex: … Hey, Michael, how did you become an orphan, if you don’t mind me asking?
Michael: I was dropped off there by my dad. I was told by Jackson that he was a soldier, and he couldn’t take care of me. He left me at Hillside House because he thought it would be best for both of us, or so he says. And I don’t know where my mum is now… What about you?
Alex looks down at the pavement they were walking down before voicing his answer. He couldn’t remember anything about his birth parents.
Alex: I’ve been at the orphanage ever since I was a baby. Jackson told me he just found me one day and took me in. I never knew my parents either. I asked Jackson about them a few times before. He told me that they were scientists that worked at Magna Tech, and they may’ve died in The Monster War.
Michael: Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.
Alex: It’s okay. I never really knew them, so it doesn’t bother me too much. But thanks anyway.
Michael: Even if you didn’t know them, they’re still the reason you’re here. You should be grateful to them for that.
Alex: Course I’m grateful… I just wish I knew more about them.
Michael clears his throat before changing the subject.
Michael: What about Jason’s parents?
Alex sighs and looks over at his friend to his left.
Alex: I promised him I wouldn’t tell anyone this, even you. I’ll only tell you if you promise to keep it to yourself.
Michael: I promise.
Alex nods and takes a moment to recollect himself before delving into probably the most tragic tale he’d ever heard. The reason behind Jason’s inner turmoil.
Alex: Jason’s childhood wasn’t exactly a happy one. It was actually horrible… Ever since birth he was treated like trash by his parents. His father abused him, always hitting him for the smallest mistakes. And his mother just stood in the back and let it happen, neglecting him. They even tried to sell him for drug money once… When the Monster War started, they just abandoned him. It was a miracle he survived long enough for Jackson to find him and take him in. He’s been traumatised by those events ever since. I’ve known him far longer than you have and even now there’s still so much he hasn’t told me… That’s why I don’t think we should pressure him into talking about it more. I’m worried he’ll snap and do something he’ll regret for the rest of his life.
Michael was shocked by what he heard. Never had he thought about someone as innocent as Jason being treated like dirt by the ones he called mum and dad. He felt a mixture of emotions stirring within him. Sadness for Jason for all the pain he went through, and a deep anger for his parents for making their child suffer so much. No wonder Jason was so angry at the world and humanity.
However, his thoughts on the dark subject were rudely interrupted by the distressed sounds of a woman screaming for help coming from an alleyway a few meters in front of them. He and Alex hadn’t realised they’d taken a wrong turn and have ended up in a quieter, emptier part of town. Less people and police robots to bother whoever was assaulting the screaming woman.
The boys peek around the corner and see a young girl with purple hair and eyes getting pinned to a wall by an older-looking man dressed like an 80’s rock band reject with a red mohawk, piercings in his nose, ears, and bottom lip and wearing a leather jacket, black jeans and black boots. On his back was a inprint of a rabid badger with a snarling, angry mouth leaking foam and the word “Badger” written underneath.
Badger: Hahaha. Aw, relax, babe. It’ll be easier. Once I’m done you can give me everything in your purse.
Violet: HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!
Without thinking, Alex responded to her cries for help and enters the alley. Michael grabs his arm, trying to stop him, but Alex’s sense of justice and desire to be a hero were too strong to listen to logic and reason.
Alex: HEY! LEAVE HER ALONE, PUNK!
Badger stops whatever he was about to do, releases his grip on the girl’s neck and faces the one who interrupted his fun. The girl also looked in Alex’s direction, confused and worried why he would be foolish enough to intervene. Brave, but foolish.
Badger: Hey, Kid, you and your buddy back there just keep on walking. This ain’t your business.
Alex: It became my business the moment I heard that girl calling for help. Now let her go and walk away!
Badger: I ain’t playing, Kid. Walk away from this meeting. Don’t be a hero, or else.
Alex: Or else what?
Badger: Or else I’ll cut your eyes out!
Alex: Oh yeah? What will you be cutting my eyes out with? Your mohawk?
Badger throws the girl to the side and slowly pulls out a switchblade and presses the button on it’s handle. The blade springs out its socket as he brings it up to Alex’s eye level.
Badger: You really wanna push your luck? How’d you like to be dead, huh? Cuz you will be soon if you don’t leave now! Last chance, Brat!
Michael quickly intervenes once more and pulls Alex back.
Michael: Alex, stop! Don’t push him any further than you have already. He’s dangerous. Let’s just go. We’ll call the police and let them handle-
Alex: No. He’ll be long gone before they get here. No, this son of a bitch needs to be taught a lesson for taking advantage of innocent people like her! You told me that, remember?
Before Michael even had the chance to stop him, Alex charges into the alley and reels his right fist back, ready to land a punch on the criminal’s face. But things didn’t play out how he imagined it would. Badger knees Alex in the gut, winding him so much he struggled to get his breath back.
Badger got on top of him proceeded to beat the ever-living crap out of Alex with one hand whilst holding him still by his shirt collar with the other. When he was satisfied with the number he did on his face he stood back up and started kicking him in the sides, injuring the rest of his body.
Badger: Not so tough now are ya, you little shit!
He picks up his knife and places the blade against Alex’s throat. Alex’s eyes widen with panic, believing this may be the end for him right here and now. Michael intervenes and makes a blind dash for Badger, only to end up getting cut across the cheek by his switchblade. The young Mercer feels the cut on his right cheek and notices the blood on his fingers.
Seeing his own blood caused the nerves in his body to freeze with fear. Seeing it caused a few brief memory flashes of his past to play out in his subconscious. What was happening here seemed to have reawakened some old wounds he’d obtained during The Monster War. Wounds he didn’t even know he had.
Badger: Let this be a lesson to ya both. Kids who try to be heroes are the ones who don’t grow up to be men!
The girl the criminal had been harassing earlier decided to get some revenge on the bastard by landing a deadly football kick to the groin. Badger squealed like a startled pig as he could feel the pain rise all throughout his body. He drops the knife and grabs his balls and falls to the side, allowing Alex to get up and back away from him.
All the commotion drew the attention of a nearby police robot who identified Badger as a threat and points its rifle at him.
Police Robot: Halt! You are charged for attempted assault, robbery, and murder. You will desist and come quietly. Any attempt at resistance shall-
Badger: Fuck you, tin man! I’m outta here!
Badger dashes past the girl and runs further down the alleyway. The robot chases after him, leaving Alex, Michael and the girl alone. Michael, relieved to see him alive, pulls him into a tight hug.
Alex: Are you okay, Michael?
Michael: That’s my line, you idiot! What the hell were you thinking?!
Alex: I’m okay. I have a few bruises, but at least nothings broken. Besides, you didn’t exactly back me up when I needed you.
Michael sighs and let go of the hug.
Michael: Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry, Alex. I don’t know what happened. I just… froze up. That’s never happened to me before.
Alex: You were afraid. It’s cool. I don’t blame you. I was scared too.
Michael: I think we’ve stayed out long enough. We better get back to the bus station.
Alex: You go on ahead, I’ll catch up with you later.
Michael nodded and left the alley and headed back the way they came in the hopes of retracing his steps back to the bus station. Once he was out of sight, Alex approached the girl he rescued and handed her her bag she dropped when Badger tossed her aside. She smiles at him as she took it back.
Alex: Are you alright, Miss? Did he hurt you?
The girl said nothing and answered with a simple shake of the head.
Alex: Good… I’m Alex Laytham, and my friend who just left was Michael Mercer. What’s your name?
Violet: Vi- Violet. Violet Smith.
The girl spoke softly with an Irish sounding voice/accent. She and Alex shake hands gently.
Violet: Thanks for helping me. Not to sound ungrateful, but why did you do it?
Alex: I couldn’t just stand there and watch that guy hurt you like that. I had to do something.
Violet: But your badly hurt.
Alex: Better me than you.
Violet: Any other person would’ve just walked away. I’ve never met anyone as brave as you… It was stupid, but brave.
Alex: Well, I’m not like most people.
Violet: Clearly.
She smiles and blushes at Alex who chuckled in response to what she’d said. A few moments of awkward silence pass over them until Violet decided to speak up again after clearing her throat.
Violet: Well, thanks again. I should get going home now.
Alex: Do you want me to go with you in case that guy comes back?
Violet: Uh… sure, why not?
Violet wasn’t sure at first if she should walk home with some guy she just met. But she’s convinced he can be trusted with how he risked his own life to save hers. He didn’t seem to be the kind of guy who had an ulterior motive for being kind. He may just be a genuine nice person offering to keep her safe. She’ll have to wait and see.
They mostly stayed quiet on the walk back to wherever she lived. Alex was impressed that she lived right in the middle of the city. Living space had become even more difficult and expensive to obtain ever since Magna Tech rebuilt most of the buildings. It would seem Violet’s house was among the few structures still standing after the monsters fled.
Violet: Hey, um… Alex?
Alex: Yes, Violet?
Violet: Will I be seeing you again?
Alex: Sure. I would love to see you again. Maybe we could go hang out somewhere sometime, if you want.
Violet: Are you asking me out on a date?
Alex blushes and looks away sheepishly. His nervousness takes over, making it harder for him to form words right away.
Alex: Well, um… Y- yeah, I am… But only if you want to, and if you aren’t busy… You blew it, genius!”
Violet: I would like that a lot.
Alex: Re- Really?
Violet: You saved my life. It’s the least I can do to repay you… I think it’ll be fun.
Alex: Awesome! I guess I should give you my phone number now, huh?
Violet giggles and swaps phones with Alex. They both type in each other’s numbers and take a selfie to use for the contact profile picture. They then call each other to make sure the numbers work. Both their phones go straight to voicemail, showing that they worked like a charm. They take their phones back and and put them back in their pockets as they continued strolling through the streets.
Violet: I’ll call you when it’s a good time for me. My parents are working a busy shift at the pub and may need my help. But things should calm down during the weekdays tomorrow.
Alex: Hey, whatever time works for you, I will be there. Not like I’ve got anywhere important to be, haha.
The two of them continue chatting as the walked on. Both of them are completely unaware of the mysterious robed figure watching them from behind another alleyway. He wore a completely white robe and had the hood all the way up, hiding the top half of his head, showing only his mouth and a turquoise-coloured goatee beard. Nobody seemed to notice him as they walked by. Either they see him but chose to ignore him like everyone else, or he was invisible to them.
He continued watching them until they were completely out of sight. That was his cue to leave the scene.
To Be Continued