I thought back on the time I dreamed about a city that hadn’t been ravaged by war, a city with beautiful architecture and a thriving populace. As I had that thought, I turned my head east towards the sandy expanse. That’s when I saw some strange movement. From here, it just looked like a layer of black smoke covering the ground. But when I focused my gaze, I nearly fell back in shock. It wasn’t smoke. It was Demons, thousands of them running and scuffling amongst themselves. Their snarling grew louder, and I found myself feeling rather nervous about this invisible platform I was standing on.
I was then startled by a thundering boom coming from deeper in the fog, followed by a rush of hot wind. Then another came, further pushing back the wall of mist ahead of me and revealing the rest of the city. The sound got louder and louder, and my heartbeat quickened with each new pulse of air. I looked around frantically, trying to make out any kind of movement or shape in the dense fog, all the while hoping I wouldn’t fall to the ground. After what seemed like ages, I saw them.
Three Titans were walking out towards me. They were much, much larger than the last one I’d encountered. At my current elevation I must’ve been level with their heads, towering over even the largest skyscrapers of the city. The Demons below got louder as they moved towards the city. I heard the Swarms moaning, the Minotaurs bellowing, and the Sirens shrieking. I kept telling myself it wasn’t real, and my terror slowly turned to fearful amazement. Then, out of literally nowhere, a fleet of Dragons emerged from the clouds above, roaring furiously and following the Titans’ path.
I looked ahead to see where they were going. The clouds had yielded to the moon, and it finally revealed a most astounding scene. It was a skyscraper that stood more than three times taller than any of the surrounding buildings. Even at my current elevation, the peak must’ve been hundreds of feet higher than where I was standing. It was in pristine condition; not a single window was broken, nor was any part of it structurally damaged. At its tip, a green light flashed at timed intervals, like a beacon. The base was surrounded by a small lake, over which tiny waves danced in the moonlight.
That’s when I realized where I was. This was once the city of Dubai, and I was looking at the capital Sanctuary of New Earth. I was heartbroken to see that this architectural masterpiece, the only building left untouched in the entire city, was about to be destroyed. The Demon army surrounded the building, and I watched in horror as the Titans made fists and raised their arms, preparing to attack. The Dragons that were circling overhead turned for a dive. An onslaught of Minotaurs, Sirens, and Swarms charged at the Sanctuary’s foundations. However, before the Titans’ attacks landed, some kind of blue force field lit up around the building and knocked them back with incredible force. Their arms crackled with electricity, eventually surrounding their entire bodies and reducing them to dust within seconds. As the Dragons flew into the barrier, their bodies disintegrated from head to tail. The Demons charging from the ground. Within seconds, the entire army was destroyed, and silence fell once again upon the city.
Now I knew why this was the only building still standing. Its defense systems were the most powerful that I’d ever seen. It could survive just about any form of Demon attack. I only hoped that what I was seeing depicted reality, and wasn’t some fabrication of my imagination. I could assume this dream-induced omnipresence was some side effect of my power, but even now I didn’t fully understand it.
Just as I was feeling calmer, I heard another deep reverberation in the air around me. I turned around and looked into the distance. In the fog, I could make out over a dozen massive shadows. An alarming number of other shapes seemed to be flying alongside them. On the ground, a thick layer what seemed like black smoke was quickly advancing towards the structure. Another wave of Demons was coming for an attack, but if they failed, there would be another, and another, and another. I didn’t know how long the force field would last before it was finally broken, and one of mankind’s last bastions of survival would be lost.
In a panic, I woke up with a start. Everyone else was asleep, with the exception of Cora, who was sitting up in her bed.
She gave me a reassuring look, and said, “Don’t be afraid.”
Somehow her words brought some degree of comfort, and I was able to fall asleep once again.
Chapter 16
The next morning we made our final preparations in relative silence. I strapped on my boots and donned my purple cloak. I’d had it with me since the beginning, and would take it with me to the end. In my pack, I kept a health kit, some ammo, a spare knife, and a set of tools. I woke up Mark, by which I mean I turned him on, and walked with him to our rendezvous with the others.
We met in front of this large gate, a short walk south of the entrance hall. Some were talking, some were quiet, keeping to themselves. I saw one telekinetic keeping a bullet in perpetual revolution around her finger. A flyer was floating about 20 feet in the air, back towards the ground and arms folded across his chest. Another Neogen was looking around the room, and I could only guess she was a psychokinetic, reading the mental state of everyone in the room. For me, it was hard to tell who was excited and who was nervous. Most of them were probably a combination of the two.
After a few minutes, we were called to action.
“Alright, Betas with Michael,” Micah said, entering the room with her brother and father.
“And Alphas with Micah,” Michael added.
We split up into our respective teams, then turned our attention to Cameron.
“Well, here we are. After these long, uncertain years, you’ve finally been given a purpose, a real chance to benefit your people. You have trained for this. You are ready for this. Each and every one of you will be remembered as part of the generation that brought humanity back from the brink of extinction. This is your world now, and I know you will make your Parents proud.”
And at that moment, for the first time in a long time, I thought of my parents. It’d been months since the attack on my Sanctuary, and I’d made peace with their fate. I felt a sense of pride that I was continuing the work they’d started those many years ago. Dubai was the center of New Earth’s government, and perhaps there was the solution to reuniting mankind.
When Cameron finished his speech, there was an uproarious applause with cheers erupting from everyone in the crowd; morale had never been higher. Amidst our shouts of confidence, the gate slowly groaned open and revealed a circular tunnel with gray walls and pipes running along the edges. The dim ceiling lights lit up one by one, leading further into the passageway . Michael and Micah stepped in front, and led the charge.
We ran through the tunnel for several minutes. The tapping of a hundred footsteps echoed throughout the tube, amidst an otherwise air of silence. I was afraid the residual excitement was starting to wear off. But my fears were put to rest when various passionate battle cries erupted in the darkness.
“Whoop Whoop!”
“U.S.A!!!”
“Hell yeah!”
“I say ‘Neo’, you say ‘Gen’! Neo!”
“GEN!”
“Marco!”
“Polo!”
Our cheering and laughter reverberated throughout the tunnels, and I was almost certain the Demons could hear us coming. With any luck, they’d be intimidated rather than provoked. I caught up with Olivia and gave her a tap on her left shoulder, while standing to her right. She looked left, then turned to her right and smiled.
“Wow, you gonna trick a Dragon like that?”
“Oh just watch me.”
“I’m so pumped for this.”
“You ever think we might be too excited?”
“Not once. You?”
“Nope.”
We smiled to each other and continued onward. I overheard Cora talking to Isaac behind me.
“I never thought I’d willingly run towards danger,” she said.
“It’s a good thing in my opinion,” Isaac responded. “If this were a book, many would call that character develo
pment.”
“And that’s a good thing?”
“Usually.”
“Well, I’d still rather not die. That hasn’t done any developing.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll die for you as many times as you need.”
“That’s…that’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me.”
“To be fair, not many people can say that and mean it.”
A short distance ahead of me were Aaron and Rachel. They were excitedly running along, probably talking about various methods of dismembering Demons. Lynn was running alongside us as a cheetah, and I think I heard Micah tell Raphael not to accidentally use his power. He chuckled nervously.
When we finally reached the end of the tunnel, a few of us at the front helped to push open a large trapdoor that led into the house and we filed into the ground floor. Cracks ran along the walls and floor, and the windows were completely gone. Ahead of us, the entrance opened up into an empty, sandy expanse, beyond which the ocean sparkled in the sunlight.
We cautiously stepped out of the building, scanning the landscape. The trees swayed in the wind, waves crashed on the distant shore, and there was not a single Demon in sight.
“Are you. Freaking. Kidding me.” Rachel said in a calm voice. Not like the complacent calm of someone at peace with their lives. More like the calm in a person’s heart just before they commit meticulously planned murder.
Micah sent out scouts to check the area, including Jared. They reported back within minutes, reporting no hostiles in sight.
“Well, this is awkward,” Micah said. “I guess, uh, let’s carry on then?”
I wasn’t sure if the others were disappointed or relieved. I knew Rachel and Aaron definitely frustrated.
“We’ll stay with you until you reach the airport,” A Beta Neogen offered.
“Much appreciated,” Micah responded. “Let’s move out. Be on your guard.”
We walked down the long road, half expecting a Minotaur to come charging out of the trees or the sinister cry of a Siren to corrupt everyone’s mind. But nothing happend. We reached the field without an incident, and then decided to let the Beta Team return to Sanctuary.
“I think this is far enough,” Micah said. “There’s no sign of danger, we can make the rest of the way.”
“Agreed. I can see the airport from here,” Michael concurred. “Best of luck Alpha Team.”
We said our goodbyes and the twenty of us began our trek across the field. The air was thick and humid, and most of the grass was flattened. Something had definitely been here recently. Why they’d left was anyone’s guess.
We finally reached the airport after about half a mile. It consisted of a large hangar, outside of which stood a single airplane. It was a dark green color with a large, rectangular body and broad wings. The rear of the plane had a ramp that would close inward upon take-off. We assumed it was most likely a military aircraft. Micah sent the flyers to have a look around, while the rest of us cautiously approached the plane.
We stepped inside through the back ramp. Circular windows lined the walls, upon which hung various packs and equipment. Seats were set up on either side of the cabin, and a set of bay doors lay on the floor. Straight ahead was an opening that led to the cockpit. All of us had flight training, thanks to a few rounds in the VRC, but we agreed to let Micah and Aaron be the pilot and co-pilot, respectively. We all got settled and strapped in as Jared and the others returned.
“So, don’t panic now,” he said.
“Is it a Swarm?!” Aaron asked hopefully.
“Is it a Minotaur?!” Rachel added.
“No no, it’s - “
“Is it a Dragon?!” Lynn jumped up.
“No it’s - wait - yeah…yeah it’s a very large Dragon. Fast asleep in the hanger.”
“I got this,” Lynn said.
“No! We’re not risking fights if we don’t have to,” Micah ordered. “The plane is ready, save your strength.”
“But - “
“You are not a child, and this is a serious mission. Stand down.”
She did what she was ordered to but under protest, and the flyers strapped in as well. Micah returned to the cockpit and turned on the power. As she did so, a voice spoke over the plane’s intercom.
Welcome to Air Unit 420. This is your Pilot, courtesy of Eltech’s Military Division.
“What the - “
Oil reserves at half capacity. Approximately 4000 miles remaining. What is your destination?
“This plane has a 3rd generation AI installed, the latest firmware since before the war,” Mark informed us. “I can interface with it if you want a more familiar voice.”
“It’s fine, we might need you for something else,” Micah said. “Let’s chart a course for Dubai.”
The voice paused for a moment. My records show there is an airstrip available for landing just outside the city limits of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Please confirm.
“Confirm.”
Yes, ma’am. Route distance: 3529 miles. Prepare for take off.
“Well, so much for all my flight training.”
The engine roared to life, and a low humming sound filled our ears.
Running plane diagnostics. Please standby.
Various lights blinked around the cabin, and beeps and tones played near the cockpit. But after a few minutes of this, the bay doors hadn’t closed yet.
“Hey, uh, Pilot?” I said. “The doors are still open.”
I am detecting a jam in the apparatus. Please standby.
We weren’t moving, but the engine was still running. I began to feel uneasy with all the noise. We went to check out the jam, but I couldn’t see anything.
“Friends, I see it,” Aaron said, unbuckling his belt. We still couldn’t see anything, so we let Aaron go in and deal with it. Just as he approached, there was a crash outside, followed by a metallic screech. Then, we heard the unmistakable roar of a Dragon.
“Finally some action,” Rachel said, preparing her Orb.
“Mark, take care of the door,” Aaron said.
The Dragon would almost certainly fly after us if we took off. Knowing this, we stepped out of the plane and prepared to fight, giving Mark time to fix the jam. The Dragon roared again, but this time it was overlapped by another, and then another.
We took one step backward before the walls of the hangar suddenly burst open, and four Dragons emerged onto the runway.
“YOU SAID THERE WAS ONE, JARED!” Cora exclaimed.
“IT WAS DARK I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ONE REALLY BIG ONE!”
“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”
“I’M SORRY!”
“Guys, c’mon,” Aaron said calmly. “It’s twenty supernaturally badass Neogens against four Dragons,” Aaron said.
“You know what,” Micah said. “You’re right. Formations, everyone!”
The Dragons approached side by side, slowly spreading out as if to flank us. We responded by standing in a large circle, psychokinetics in front and supports behind. Then, without warning, the Dragon to our left unleashed a ball of fire. Fortunately, it stopped cold in front of an invisible shield cast by a Neogen.
To counter, two pyrokinetics stepped forward and retaliated with their own blast of fire. The flames advanced in a cone, rapidly growing and engulfing the Dragon in flames. Our advantage only lasted a few seconds before the Dragon spread its wings wide and dissipated the orb of fire around it, standing on its hind legs. It then landed with a crash on the ground, and in a blinding attack, picked up one of the Neogens that had attacked it and swallowed him whole. It clawed at the other one, knocking him aside with intense force.
“Careful now! Aim behind the left horn, same as before!” Aaron yelled.
Suddenly, with a sharp inhale, each Dragon released an ocean of fire at our position. Cora and two others quickly summoned a layer of shields, and we found ourselves trapped in a prison of flame, bombarded by a storm of hot air. I had my knife and I knew their vulnerability, but the only
problem was that even if I could stop time, I was surrounded by an inferno.
One of the pyrokinetics tried to part the wall of flame before us. He opened up a corridor of flame and attempted to widen the opening to allow for an escape. But he was only able to hold it for a few seconds before it snapped back shut, releasing a burst of wind and knocking us back.
The others fired their weapons at will, and Rachel was forced to use her Orb defensively. There was no way Isaac could even hope to provide a distraction like last time; he’d be burnt to a crisp within seconds. Just then, when it seemed that there was no escape, Lynn cried out.
“Cora, now!
Reading her mind, Cora triggered a kinetic wave from her shield. Having absorbed an immense amount of heat energy, the pulse exploded outward in a wide arc, interrupting the rush of flames and stunning the Demons momentarily. Immediately, Lynn ran head first into the two Dragons directly ahead of us. We thought she was suicidal, but then we saw the smoke emanate from her body, and her skin began to turn a pale white color. Suddenly, in a flash of bright light, Lynn transformed into a massive Dragon, twice as big as our enemies. She glided forward and tackled two of them hard into the pavement.
This recovery was exactly what we needed. Aaron and the others targeted the Dragon to our left. Rachel molded her Orb around her arm and ran fast at the other. It snapped its jaws at her but she swiftly ducked right. Jared then swooped in, picked her up, and dropped her directly on top of the Dragon’s head. Upon landing, she buried her Orb deep into the beast’s temple, just beneath the left horn. She then dropped to the ground and extended her arm, palm down, pushing the Orb further into the Dragon’s skull. The Demon roared in pain, thrashing around violently as we all watched. Once the Orb completely disappeared into the Demon’s flesh, Rachel turned her palm up, then crunched her hand into a fist, causing the Dragon’s head to explode in a splatter of blood and brain matter. Rachel retrieved the Orb and telekinetically purged it of any Demon residue; the whole attack was orchestrated in a matter of seconds. However, Rachel stumbled forward and dropped to her knees, clearly exhausted from the feat she’d seemingly accomplished so easily.
The Children of New Earth Page 18