Chapter 12: Cole’s Gaze

Cole enters into the NGP main base. He learns a bit about MAGI, Cake, and what it means to be an Ultrasapien. Cole meets Gaze and uncovers a deeper plot.

Blazer forces Cole away, towards the entrance of the mountain base. Cole can’t help but to blather along the way, “I didn’t mean to.. I, I, just thought it was right. I had no idea that he would suffer like that!”

Blazer trying to comfort him shakes him a little, “Don’t worry about that guy, he’ll survive. He stole, then lied. We can’t afford stuff like that nowadays.”

“Ya but it was just a pair of boots!”

Blazer bites back harshly, “And he stole them from you! Master Death was dishonored because it was his will to give them to you as a gift.”

Cole’s will breaks from these words. His fatigue intensifies his feelings of helplessness. Blazer maintains their direction, steadfast in keeping Cole in tow. He speaks in a comforting tone, “I’m sorry it took me so long to catch up. But hey! I mean I just had to get that wolf’s pelt!” He holds the pelt in front of Cole’s face. “Just look at how envious people will be! It will be great for winter. A giant, thick purple coat with a mane.”

Cole doesn’t have the strength to show any interest. His head hangs low, barely keeping his legs in front of him.

“I can tell you one thing though. I’m not going to let you out of my sight again. Every time I do, you seem to get yourself into some sort of mayhem! And sorry about not telling you more about meeting Death..”

The memories of the intense encounter invigorate Cole, “Dude he attacked me! You left me alone with him! He tried to kill me! Then he tried to force a tattoo on me!”

“Awe come on it was just a joke. It was way more funny that way!”

“How could that possibly be a joke?!”

“Wait, what do you mean he tried? You don’t have a tattoo? Everyone initiated has one. See?” Blazer pulls up his sleeve showing the tattoo of his laser strings. “Come on, let's see yours.”

Cole fumbles for a second, “Uhh, no yea I have one. Umm, I would show you but it’s on my butt. It’s just a small circle with some air swirling around.”

Blazer laughs loudly as seems the fashion, “Ya it’s a lottery, you never know where he’s going to put it. Awkward! I saw one guy who had the tattoo on his forehead. Poor sap, spending eternity with a tattoo on his forehead! But ya like I was saying, he was going to push you no matter what. He likes to see the newbie’s power. That’s why I said not to aggravate him. Because no matter how hard you tried he was going to blow up anyway. That and if he didn’t accept you he would have disintegrated you and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. So it really didn’t matter.”

“You have a sick sense of humor…”

“Living in this world will do that to ya.”

Cole’s energy once again tapers off. With that comment they arrive at the entrance of the base. It's a large blast door similar to the one guarding the bunker Cole saw before. It’s firmly nested in the side of the mountain. Blazer points to the door, “This puppy was built before The Event. It’s a military base built inside of pure granite. Similar to the bunker the nearby humans live in. Luckily we have some electricity so we have some modern amenities.”

A red laser shines from above the door scanning Blazer up and down. A computerized female voice speaks from the door, “Welcome back, Blazer.”

“Thank you Magi.”

A series of mechanical sounds clang from inside before the door opens. Huge hydraulics force the door open revealing an endless black tunnel. Fluorescent lights kick on down the center revealing how endless it truly is. A long track runs down the middle of the floor. The two men walk inside allowing the door to close behind them. Massive metallic beams slide into place locking the door firmly in place.

“Where are you taking me?” questions Cole.

“Tonight you get to sleep in the most secure facility around. Amazingly you’re one of us now.”

Blazer walks over to a big red button on the wall, “Mind the track will ya?” He pushes the button. An incredible sound of a speeding train rumbles through the tunnel. Within moments a cart screeches to a halt in front of them, resembling something similar to a rollercoaster. Two sets of seats face both directions with a support beam in the middle.

“Get in.”

Cole gives pause, but ultimately decides to do it anyway.

“This is my favorite part. Hold on.” says blazer with a crazed smile.

Cole looks down, “What no seat belt?”

The cart rockets forward forcing his head back. Its speed accelerates as fast as a dragster. The overhead lights behind them turn off as they speed past them. They zip past a multitude of mounted automatic machine guns. Ahead another large blast door opens just in time allowing them to pass through. Along with it another barrage of mounted machine guns.

“Some serious security around here.” Cole murmurs to himself.

After what seemed like an eternity for Cole the cart slows its speed. They screech to a halt at a dead end. To their right an automatic sliding glass door opens. They enter into a large white dome. A small furniture set with some fake plants sits in the middle on a large circular red carpet. A dozen small cameras point in every direction. No windows of course, instead monitors projecting what’s outside. At the base of the dome six hallways give way to unknown territory.

Blazer points to the monitors, “There are cameras outside directly across from the TV’s. In essence they act the same as a window. It’s nice because you can become claustrophobic living under a mountain too long.”

Cole changes the conversation back to what’s still on his mind, “That ride, we were moving so fast. How far did we travel?”

The familiar computerized female voice that greeted them interjects, “The security entrance has a distance of one mile.”

Cole looks up, “Who said that?”

Blazer now also looking up replies, “That my friend, was Magi”

“Who’s Magi?”

A burst of light shoots down from the ceiling. A hologram representation of Magi now stands with them in the room. A tall slender female with long brown hair and black glasses. Her clothes are made of an unknown green mesh material.

“I am a Modern Avatar Graphical Interface, or Magi for short. Nice to meet you, Cole.” she says while adjusting her glasses.

“How’d ya know my name?”

“I’ve been monitoring you since you arrived yesterday.”

“Wow talk about big brother.”

“More like big sister to you.” counters the hologram sticking out her tongue.

“Do you watch us in the bathroom too? So not funny.”

Magi’s voice blasts through the base’s speakers, “Alert! The base will self-destruct in thirty seconds.”

“Oh great, a robot with a sense of humor.” says Cole rolling his eyes.

Blazer can’t control himself. He busts up laughing buckling to his knees, “You’re catching on quickly. Magi, do we have a room ready for Cole?”

“Yes section five room three.”

“Thanks, now, where’s Cake?”

Cole shakes his head disgruntled, “I’m not in the mood for cake.”

Blazer once again almost bursts out in laughter, but quickly goes into thought scratching his head, “No it’s not like that. He’s, uh, err, well the groundskeeper? The IT guy? He needs to get you put into the system.”

Quite fatigued and frustrated Cole begins yelling, “Everything you say makes me want to ask questions! I’m tired of asking questions! But why is his name Cake?! And why does he need to put me in the system?!”

“You crack me up man! No really you’re killin me!”

Another more robotic sounding voice speaks from the edge of the dome, although this time male in gender, “Why don’t you ask me yourself?”

Cole looks to see a large robot walking in the room. Easily as large as the ogre guards it stands eleven feet tall. Its tremendous arms and legs obviously made to handle anything. Its main body is a large hunk of metal containing a slew of flashing lights and sensors. A red light circles around the head of the thing. Each arm is equipped with three large metal fingers, which contain three joints and sharp tips. The hands can spin in any direction, allowing for this machine to have an innate ability to easily fix anything mechanical. Currently this robot is walking as a biped, yet it has an extra leg retracted behind him along with a multitude of thrusters beneath him. Cole can’t help but gawk.

What other mechanical features could this being possess?

“You’re, Cake?”

“Yes, but that wasn’t your question now was it? I thought you were tired of asking questions?”

Cole sighs again knowing he’s being trolled. He asks sarcastically, “Fine… Why is your name Cake?”

“Ask me a different question.”

“Ahhh! This world is driving me crazy!”

Blazer has now fully succumbed to a laughing fit. He’s fallen to the floor in tears. Magi, seemingly embarrassed by Blazer’s actions, simply holds her hand to her forehead. Cole continues his questioning, “Alright! Why do I need to be put in the system?”

This mysterious robot named Cake quickly answers, “Ah that’s Cake, because if we don’t the internal defense systems will annihilate you.”

Fortunately for Magi, Blazer seems to be gaining control of himself again. He’s been able to right himself, leaning against a chair. His newly developed case of the hiccups randomly interrupts his giggles.

Cake continues, “But that was too easy. Come on, ask me another question. Really try to stump me.”

Cole’s temper ignites, “I’ve had enough of this!”

A burst of wind explodes from him. The fake plants fly across the room. Automatic defensive systems deploy a multitude of lasered machine guns from the ceiling.

Blazer no longer laughing, jumps in front of Cole waving his arms, “Whow come on man! Cake was just trying to get the point across.”

Recognizing the position he’s in Cole calms down, along with his temper so too the winds. The guns rise back into the ceiling.

“Ahh! What point?”

“Just ask him a good question will ya?”

Cole looks up searching for a good question, then questions Cake, “Umm, what’s the square root of 6004?”

“That’s cake, 77.4854825112”

Blazer nudges Cole with his elbow, “Get it? Huh? Get it? His name is Cake!”

“I get it alright! But there’s no way I could tell if he’s right.”

Magi happily interjects, “The answer is correct.”

“Thank you Magi” replies the large robot.

“You’re welcome Cake.” replies Magi.

An awkward silence fills the room. Blazer throws his arm over Cole’s neck pulling him closer to Cake, “Some cool info. Cake is an Ultrasapien too.”

“What!? You’re an Ultra too? But you’re a robot!”

“Who says an Ultrasapien can’t be a robot?” replies Cake.

“I don’t know, I just thought Ultrasapiens were reborn into their bodies after they die. Right?”

“In all other cases I’ve seen, yes. Although I’m not actually a robot. To be more accurate my consciousness was reborn into the base’s computer. This is just a vessel Arch helped me build using some of Em’s leftover projects.”

Blazer interjects, “He hasn’t met Arch yet.”

“Oh, Arch is another, powerful Ultrasapien. You will meet him soon enough.”

“How the hell do you get downloaded into a computer? I mean that's got to be strange even for Ultras.”

“You’re right. I’m one of the oldest. Before the Event I was hired as a hacker to track down a horrifying terrorist group. I was trying to prevent the end of the world so I joined forces with an elite military group called the WolfPack. Next thing I know an eccentric scientist was telling me that I needed to interface my mind into the system. It would be much faster this way he said.”

“Oh I think I know where this is going.” replies Cole rolling his eyes again.

“He spoke fast, mumbling a lot. He said something about sacrifices must be made in order to save the world. He must have known I couldn’t turn down the chance to take my mind into the internet.”

Cole is too tired and grumpy not to continue being sarcastic, “Aaaand you did it anyway.”

Despite Cole’s replies Cake seems happy to keep narrating his story, “Everything was going better than expected. Within minutes I had located the terrorists and learned of their plans. I sent out a warning to as many people as I could. We sent the WolfPack to stop them before they could enact their plan. That’s when things got out of hand…”

Blazer calls out, “Cake!” shaking his head hinting not to continue.

The robot continues regardless, “Then the demon-”

Blazer is forced to once again interject, “He’s just a youngling! Don’t overwhelm him so early.”

Cole can’t help himself, the words just fall out of his mouth, “A demon?”

Blazer squints in reaction to the words, “Never mind that. It’s a story, for later...” He motions for Cake to continue in hopes of changing the topic. The big robot pauses for a moment considering what to say next.

“My mind, my higher consciousness had spread to the satellites. When they were knocked out by the KillShot I lost consciousness. Maybe my body would have been reborn like the rest of them, but my mind was already in the machine. When I awoke I wasn’t in my body. I was alive yes, and I could see. I could see everywhere in this base. I could see people running around in a panic, and my body lying helpless, connected in the chair. Once I started asking questions the answers flooded to me. The answers were there in the databases waiting for me to access them. Recalling information was as easy as recalling memories. Soon I learned that my energy was powering the base. That my life force was in this base.”

Cake quickly finishes noticing the wandering attention of everyone listening to his story, “This is a good story for another time. Needless to say we created a robotic body for me to have a physical presence. Over the years lots of things happened, but too much to describe in one sitting. It’s not all bad though, now I have as much intellect as a supercomputer.”

Cole has an idea to take advantage of his intellect, “So then, do you understand how this happened to you? To us?”

“Ah that’s cake. It’s a gift. We have been chosen for a higher purpose. Until then I will keep maintaining the functions of this base, and search for more answers.”

“Not exactly the answer I was expecting. Wait, if I just overlooked the fact that you somehow got downloaded into the base’s computer, then who’s Magi?”

“She was the old operating system. I enhanced her of course so I had someone intelligent to talk to. No offense Blazer.”

“None taken.”

Cake walks forward motioning with his robotic arm, “Now if you will, please follow me.”

Cole follows the group through the first hallway. He passes a few closed doors along the way. Cake comments, “These doors have sensors. After you get scanned the computer will recognize you. If the door opens then you have access.”

The end of the hallway opens up to a bright room. Inside monitors and four large robot arms dangle awaiting to be activated. A red circle sits painted on the center of the floor.

“Please stand in the circle.” says the robot.

Cole stands in the circle triggering the robotic arms. They move up and down scanning him with a barrage of different colored lights and lasers. They flash at different frequencies giving off quite the visual light show. After twenty seconds the lights shut off. Cake having already read the scans seems flabbergasted, or at least as much as a robot can be. He paces back and forth checking the monitors.

“Magi, I thought you said that Cole is a youngling.”

“Correct. Justice herself confirmed this. He was found and brought here directly after his awakening.”

“That does not make sense. This does not make sense! No, the numbers do not lie. According to this analysis, Cole has been an Ultrasapien for at least nineteen years.”

Blazer steps forward eyeing Cole up and down, “How is that possible? The Event was only ten years ago!”

Cole replies pushing Blazer out of his personal space, “I think it would show if I was nineteen years older.”

Blazer continues his examination then walks over to the monitors. He strokes his goatee, “Not necessarily. Ultras don’t age.”

“You say it like it’s normal! What do you mean I won’t age?!”

Blazer completely ignores Cole’s question, instead he questions Cake, “Hey maybe he had powers before The Event?”

“No, there is no way he had powers before The Event. He had to die first to gain his power, just like the rest of us. No, he definitely gained his powers after The Event. However, that being said he definitely has the oldest radiation signature of any Ultrasapien I have seen. The radiation rings are even tighter than that of Arch and I. On top of that it looks like there are two separate sets of rings… I’ve only seen something like that in one other Ultra.”

Cole questions squinting an eye, “Umm radiation rings? Scratch that, I’m too tired. My mind can’t absorb any more today.”

“Very well. From now on the computer will recognize your energy signature, or signatures I’m not sure, but allowing you safe passage through the base. He is all set Blazer, you can show him to his room. He’s in section five room three.”

Blazer pulls Cole by the arm. They exit the long tunnel back into the main dome. Cole can’t help but notice the doors he passed didn’t open. Blazer speaks, “Let me give you the overview. Now from the main dome there are six sections. The area you just saw is section one, which houses some storage and the scanning machine.” He continues to point and explain while keeping Cole moving, “This second hallway leads to the arboretum. The third will take you to the science station. Cake is usually in there. Now the fourth is my favorite. The holo station!”

“Holo station? Like Star Trek?”

“Kinda. It doesn’t create a reality where you can touch things. Think of it like a giant TV that you are immersed in.”

Blazer stares for a moment waiting for Cole to react, but Cole is hardly coherent. He decides to hurry up the explanations and takes Cole into the hallway. With each passing of a door Cole notices they don’t open.

“Here is section five, the barracks. It’s where the rest of the ranked NGP live. Lastly section six belongs to Lord Death. I call it Death’s Hall. I wouldn’t go wandering in there if I were you.”

Cole looks up just in time to see a man walking into a room. Dressed in a brown robe the only thing that stood out was his brown goatee and long brown hair. Cole feels a strange feeling from this man. Nothing bad, just something of importance. Cole exclaims, “Him, I knew it! I just saw Jesus! I knew I died!”

“Nah that’s just Arch. He’s pretty weird, keeps to himself. He’s really a nice guy though. Don’t play him in chess, he'll never let you win.”

Magi’s voice announces, “Identity recognized.”

On Cole’s left a metal door slides open. The room inside automatically illuminates. It’s a thousand times better than the shack Cole spent his first night in. A very modern looking room with running water, shower, electricity, and a big bed. One of the walls lights up projecting scenic images.

“I said you could relish in the finer things.”

“Ya but the technology involved in running this place is ridiculous! I mean do the others know?”

“The others are content being where they are. They’re safe. Per Death’s rule, only those who have ranked up in the NGP are allowed to stay in the base. No need in talking about it if they can’t be allowed in. Anywho I know you’re tired so I’ll leave you to it. You can ask Magi for anything. When you are fully rested have her call for me. I don’t want you getting into any more trouble.”

Blazer leaves and Cole falls backwards onto the bed.

“Ahh finally a nice bed. Hey Magi, are you watching me?”

“No Cole, but I can hear you.”

“Since I’m a ranked member of the New Generation Pirates does that mean I get special treatment?”

“Yes you are given special treatment as payment for your services.”

“Then why were there so many locked doors?”

“That information is restricted.”

“Ok… What questions can’t I ask?”

“That information is restricted.”

“Hmmm… What can you tell me about Ultrasapiens?”

“Ultrasapiens are beings that emerged after the Event, arriving at various intervals. Each of them have unique powers, many of which are unknown. No two Ultrasapiens have the same power. They are immune to the effects of radiation. Their powers can be classified into ten classes. E class, D class, B class, BB class, A class, AA class, S class, SS class, X class, and z class.”

“Wow what a mouth full. How can you tell the Class?”

“An Ultrasapien’s class can be determined by their radiation ring density.”

“What class is Death in?”

“That information is restricted.”

“This is getting old. What else can you tell me about Ultras?”

“They do not need to eat or drink to survive. Instead they retrieve restoration from entering a R.E.M. sleep state. It is unknown how many Ultrasapiens there are. Their bodies do not age with time.”

“What’s the source of their power?”

“That information is restricted.”

“Magi, can an Ultrasapien die?”

“That information is restricted.”

“Why would that information be restricted?” Cole says to himself.

“That information is-”

“Ya ya ya I heard ya the first time.”

“You have reached the limit of restricted questions. A protocol zero alert will be sent. All further communication will now be disabled.”

“Oh great did I break it? Magi? Hello?... Yep I broke it.”

Cole takes off his clothes to shower. He discovers some black crystals he forgot about in his pockets. He searches for a moment, then hides them in the dresser.

Better keep these for a rainy day.

After a long shower Cole stares at his bed. In this bunker it’s a thousand, no, a million times better than the night before. At least here he feels safe. Finally, he lays down exhausted. His thoughts swimming from his extremely eventful long continuous day. His thoughts drift to the day of The Event.

Dimitri… Dimitri! Why! We were so close!

Everyone he’s ever known, dead, and have been for years. In fact he himself died in a horrific event of mother nature, terrorism, and abandonment. Then he awoke alone, in the blazing sun, forever away from anywhere he’s ever known. Forced into a world where everything is strange. There are resemblances of what he knew and understood, but it’s just the carcass of the old world. He now lives in a reality where the plants and animals try to kill him at any chance. A world that is unrelenting in its presence, taking advantage of his ignorance. It seems, he must start over as a baby, and learn the rules to survive all over again. And he won’t die?! Even if he doesn’t eat or drink he has to endure this world for eternity?

Can I really do that?

Cole can’t help but to break down crying. Even in midday, his fatigue only allows it for a moment though, allowing him to escape this world if only for a little while.

“Cole... Cole... Wake up Cole, It's time…”

He suddenly awakes to someone entering his room. Who knows how long he’s been asleep, can’t be very long. She’s a beautiful girl, but not just any girl. The lights of the room illuminate to show someone very similar looking to Cole, except female, and wearing black lingerie. She is of similar nationality and physique. Her skin tone is an exact match to his. She even has similar hair, although her afro is larger pushed down by gravity. For all intents and purposes, she could be Cole’s identical twin sister, if he ever had one. In her hand she’s holding a basket along with a bottle of wine. Inexplicably the more Cole gazes upon this creature the more he’s enthralled by her. If his skin wasn’t so dark he would be blushing. At his core he has never been more instantly attracted to someone in his life. It’s as if he’d known this girl all along. On top of all that she bears a striking resemblance to him.

What a strange feeling. How is this possible? Am I dreaming?

Her powerfully vibrant green eyes stand alone as the main difference between the two.

“Who are you? What time is it?” questions Cole.

“Oh? Interesting... You don’t know who I am? I know who you are.” says the girl in a silky smooth voice. She moves closer still speaking almost in a whisper, “You’ve been asleep all day. I’m so happy I finally get to really meet you. I’m mean look, you’re here right in front of me. I was starting to think you were a figment of my imagination. You’ve been with me my whole life, in my dreams. My name is Gaze.”

Cole’s thoughts begin to race, That Voice?! So familiar. I know I’ve heard it before! Could it be the same one?

She pulls some food out of the basket placing it on the dresser. Next two wine glasses along with some new clothes for Cole. She remains silent while filling the glasses. Cole can’t shake the feeling that he already has a deep connection with this girl, but he has no memory. It makes his head spin. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Everything he’s ever looked for in a girl standing right in front of him. Such an alarming situation, yet he’s never felt so at ease.

“This has to be a dream, but at least it's a good dream.” he says aloud.

“I’m not a dream, not this time.” replies Gaze with a smile. “I’m your gift for the night. Master Death sent me, or so he thinks.”

“Thanks for the food, but really I don’t need a woman, I, I could never ask for something under that context. You don’t have to do that. What I really need is a good night's sleep. Now please, you can leave.”

Gaze pauses making a disgruntled face. She scrunches her nose then shakes her head as if fighting something off.

“That won’t work on me, Cole.”

“You know my name?”

“Yes of course.”

She moves closer to deliver the wine. Cole feels an electric, tangible vibration moving through his body. Her every movement capturing his attention. With each inch closer the vibrations intensify, until she stops just short of touching him.

“You poor thing, have you been crying?”

“I don’t know, I was just sleeping.”

“I understand what you’re going through. We’ve all been through it. It will pass.”

“Who are you?”

“I told you, I’m Gaze.”

“No, I mean who are you? This sounds crazy, but I feel as though I’ve known you my whole life. Why do I feel this way?”

Gaze hands Cole his glass of wine then sits next to him on the bed. Still, even the simplest of her movements capture him, her breath, her eyes, her voice. Especially her eyes, peering straight into his soul. She speaks softly, “I feel it too. You want to know who I am?... I’m someone very special to you. Someone who understands you completely, more than anyone ever could. Someone you can trust, always, and tonight I’m yours.”

Suddenly a white cross dangles from her neck shimmering, the light distracts Cole. However upon a second look it vanishes. He pushes it to the back of his mind, enthralled by this woman.

“How is this possible? I’ve only just met you.”

“We’ve met before, but it's, complicated...”

A look of concentration comes over her face. She takes a sip of wine before speaking, “I’m not sure you’re ready for all this.”

“You say I can trust you? I just woke up in this world and I’m completely lost. I need answers, please.”

“There’s no real good way of saying this... I’m from a different dimension.”

“A different dimension?!”

“Yes. I’m you Cole, from a different dimension, and female of course. I came from a world very similar to yours.”

“No way, but I feel it. I don’t even understand how this is possible. I mean before I wouldn’t believe you, but after coming here anything is possible.” says Cole now gulping his wine.

“I don’t quite understand it either, and there’s more… You aren’t the first, I’ve run into.”

“What do you mean I’m not the first?”

“I mean The Event happened to me just the same as it did for you. I woke up and met the New Generation Pirates, and Ultrasapiens. I made friends, I was adapting to my new life, but things turned terribly wrong.”

Cole reaches out holding her hand in support. A pleasurable tingling sensation reverberates through their bodies.

“Did you feel that?” he questions.

“I did, so strange.” she says with a smile.

“Please, continue.”

She speaks slowly, recalling bad memories, “A man came after me. He tried to kill me. A man who looks just like you. He is another one of, us. Even though he was a man, I could sense that he was just like me, or us now that you’re here. But he was different. There was something wrong with him. He was… Evil.”

“One of us. So there are other dimensions where other versions of us exist…”

With those words a flash of Cain appeared in Cole’s mind. He wanted to say something more, but now wasn’t the time. He lets her continue, listening intently to her.

“I think so. I’m not sure how many of us there are out there.”

“Well if this guy looks like me, then why would you come to me?”

“Because it’s you. I could just feel it, you know? That you weren’t the same person, and that you are good. No, more than that, you’re special, special to me.”

“So how did you get here, I mean, travel from another dimension?”

“I’m still not sure. Like I said the man, his name is Cain. He tried to kill me. The people of the NGP defended me, but Cain was too powerful. He killed everyone there. Not even Death with all his powers was able to stand a chance. It was all I could do to survive. I escaped through the forest to The Enlightened Ones, then they too gave their lives protecting me. I was at my wits end. Then it came, in its full demonic form, a giant black demon. It attacked Cain with unrelenting force. It was invincible, I thought for sure it was going to kill him then come after me next. I’ve never been so scared.”

“I think I’ve heard of this demon before.”

“Yes, that demon exists in this dimension too… Cain was losing then he escaped into a bright light. I think that’s how I got here. Everything was being pulled into the light. I fell into it. Then everything went black. When I awoke I was in this world. I went back to the NGP base. It was like none of it ever happened. There was no damage, everything was fine. Everyone was still alive too. For a moment I thought I just had an intense dream. When I got to the base nobody knew who I was! At first I thought I traveled back in time, but soon I realized that wasn’t the case. It wasn’t that everyone didn’t remember me. It was that they had never met me. Naturally I tried to recreate the friendships I had before, and I soon realized that there were differences.”

“What do you mean, differences?”

“Things were just, different. Some people looked different, or some had different powers. There were even people I had never met before.”

“Wow… Just wow.”

Cole downs an entire glass of wine. The effects starting to make him lightheaded.

Gaze continues, “So that’s my story. I’ve been hiding here at the base waiting for something to happen. Cole, you’re in danger. I’m in danger. Especially now that you’re here Cain could show up at any moment looking for us.”

“Thank you. I needed to know. I’ve felt completely out of control in this place. In the back of my mind I knew there was something more. Now I finally have a slight grip on my destiny. When do you think Cain will come for us?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe he isn’t even in this dimension, or maybe he is but he’s trying to figure out how to deal with that demon.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just a theory, but I think the demon is attracted to mass death. Like it can sense murder. So maybe Cain can’t attack us without summoning the demon too?”

“What makes you say that?”

“In this dimension, Ultras were gathering. We created a society becoming the NGP. Scouts of the humans in the nearby bunker killed some of our Ultras. They developed technology that could even rival us! Death said he went to the bunker to settle our differences. After he came back he told us as long as we stay away from the bunker they won’t bother us anymore. That was the deal.”

“Something doesn’t sound right about that.”

“No I didn’t think so either but nobody wants to question it. I don’t think he talked to them. I think he killed them and told us to stay away to cover his tracks.”

“I don’t get it. Why would he do that? How does this relate to Cain?”

“Because when Cain attacked my version of the NGP the demon came, and when Death went to the bunker that night the demon came.”

“It came here?!”

“It killed humans and Ultras alike. It was just as powerful as the first time I saw it. There was no fighting it. We could only hide. So many of us died. Once again Death was still powerless against it. If I’m right that Death slaughtered those people in the bunker, then it would have attracted the demon. Then if my theory is correct Cain can’t come after us or the NGP without summoning the demon as well.”

“Sounds like we are stuck in a holding pattern? And Ultras can die!… Does that mean that the demon is an Ultra too?”

“No, according to Arch it was around before The Event. He knows more about it than anyone.”

“Before The Event?! Then it really is a demon!”

“It’s definitely something out of this world.”

“So Death is the strongest Ultra here, and even he can’t take on the demon? What makes Death so strong?”

“There’s something wrong with this whole situation, this entire dimension. Something is wrong with this version of Death. He’s not the same. Did he give you the mark? The tattoo?”

Gaze lifts Cole’s arms examining his body.

“Hey that tickles! What are you doing?”

“That’s how Death gets his powers, how he’s so powerful. He’s a collector. He has the same powers as everyone in the NGP marked by the tattoo. He says he gives you a tattoo for protection, or marking you as his property but that’s not its true purpose. The tattoos allow him to use the power of those marked. That’s what I’ve figured out so far at least.”

“No. He never gave it to me. It was weird he was really aggressive about it, but I told him I didn’t want one and he just let me go.”

“Good I was able to use my power to avoid getting one as well. You should keep that a secret. We're lucky, we don’t want him using our abilities.”

“What do you mea-”

Gaze cuts Cole off wanting to change the topic, “I talked with Justice. She said she can help you. Considering it’s been ten years since The Event it’s strange that you just woke up. She said it's even stranger that she can’t see those missing years of your life. You need to seek her out tomorrow. I’m sure she can help answer some questions for you. I’m sorry to talk about all this. Obviously it’s not what I intended for tonight.”

“No it’s ok. Thank you, but wow what a mind blow right?!”

Gaze crawls across the bed whispering, “I have craved this moment all my life. Here let me take your mind off things.”

She throws her leg over him, nuzzling his chest. Cole can’t help but blush.

“No no you really don’t have to do this. Please leave.”

Once again she pauses squinting her eyes, then shakes her head, swishing her fluffy black hair back and forth. Cole tries his best to counter this beautiful girl, pushing away her attempts to arouse him. He babbles any excuse he can think of, “No really we can’t do this. I’ve only just met you. Wouldn’t this be like incest or something?”

“You’re hilarious pretending to be shy. What is it? I know you’ve felt my presence all your life. I know you’re attracted to me.”

“No it's not that. Definitely not that! It's just, I, I don’t really remember, I mean, I want to, but what about STDs, or what if I got you pregnant?”

She pushes harder with her attempts putting her full body weight against him. She replies with her silky smooth voice, “No we’re Ultras silly. We can’t get sick, or have children.” She whispers in his ear, “And you should know I’m not falling for your tricks. I have a similar power to you, so it won’t work the same on me, and I’m not taking no for an answer. Tonight I’m yours, and you, are mine.”

She pulls back allowing her green eyes to pierce into him.

This feeling. It’s similar to when Justice looked into my eyes. That feeling of magic.

“Look into my eyes Cole.” she says.

An overwhelming force comes over him. No, not a force, more of a need. An overpowering sexual need. She takes off her lace lingerie bra. The vibrations intensify exponentially. Cole can’t control himself, he pulls her in with strength. He rips off her lingerie then pushes himself into her. Through the vibrations it feels like he’s combining into one person. He’s never felt more connected to someone. He’s never felt so tied to the present. Nothing else matters to him right now. Cole’s wind power ignites violently. The blankets burst off the bed. Gaze’s hair whips fiercely. Loose items haphazardly fly in all directions. A brilliant aura of sparkles and white flashes of light emanate from them. After a good thirty seconds of hurricane winds and thrusting Cole abruptly stops. His face has a stupid grin as he collapses next to Gaze. He barely has the energy to say anything, but he has to ask, “Was that as intense for you as it was for me?”

She replies in an obviously displeased tone, “Umm thirty seconds? Really?”

Once again he can no longer stay conscious. His energy has been completely drained. With her passing words his head falls into an endless pillow.