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A New World

Sitting nervously on an airline seat a boy plays with his thumbs and looks deeply at the red carpet in front of him. He looks at it so intensely it was like he could see the fabrics that make it. It was almost like he was looking through time seeing how the carpet was made and who had the honor to walk on it.

It was hard to believe that such an intense stare was being made in an airplane. Even more amazing that with all the other people walking around and sitting next to him in professional outfits he kept that distant look on his face, uninterested of any judgment in their minds because he was dressed the same.

Not even the secretly armed men aboard were enough to snap this boy back in reality. His breathing is steady, he is unafraid on the outside but inside he is shaking like a child. It wasn't the men with guns that scared him...in fact he had been around men with guns before.

This boy came from a family who was always around guns and the threat of violence. He was torn away from a peaceful life a long time ago. His innocence was lost far to soon...far to soon...

The men with guns aboard the plane were no threat though, in fact it made him feel safe. It was what's on the other side of the plane that made him nervous. Never did he think in his wildest dreams that he would be in this situation. It literally seems unreal but then this man has been known to take chances and it made he very popular with the public.

To other peoples eyes this boy with his dark brown eyes piercing through the fabric of time only seemed quiet and peaceful, but in his mind it was anything but peaceful. He was dressed in the best dress that his family could afford. His neatly combed back brown hair with gel made him look professional as if he has done these things many times before.

This boy felt completely out of his own world he wanted. This boy's name was-

"Collin? Are you all right? You look pale, are you sick?" A young female voice asked next to him as his jumped and shook his head slightly. He turned to see a girl about his age with blonde hair and glacier blue eyes.

The girl smiled but there was concern behind that. She also had a familiar feeling I was feeling right now. There was no way she was telling me she wasn't nervous at all. She shook my leg to see if I was cold but I always felt cold. This time though I had a great excuse.

The girl has always been like a second mother to him even though technically she was my greatest rival before. I didn't know to either consider her a threat to be crushed before or just give my all like any contest.

I think she might have liked me before but with my cold atmosphere I bet she was thinking she had to make a break through before I ever considered opening myself to her. She always gave me small kindness at our time in Harvard.

"Y-Yeah just a bit scared is all. Thanks for the concern...are you nervous too Paige? "I said before ending it with a nervous sigh thinking it was only a matter of time before I make a fool out of myself. Now would be the worst time in history.

Paige sighed to as my past assumptions proved correct. Then again who wouldn't be nervous in this place? I mean how many get this honor? It's the first time I ever heard someone allowing this.

"Yeah...I mean-What if I mess up? What if I don't set a good impression? I don't want to be responsible for letting a war centuries old continue for so long." She said as I shook my head understanding her fears...because they were mine too.

"I know...but come on you just have to make some heart warming speeches...I'm the one who has to assure military peace between the nations." I told as my very skin felt uncomfortable. It was hard to tell if I was shaking out of coldness or just the nervous itch.

It was like I could see myself failing in the future and my name would forever be placed as the person who let Israel and Palestine go to war thanks to incompetence or an easy mistake.

That's right...Paige, myself, and this Asian boy who I never met until now were all sitting in an airplane. Not just any airplane but Air Force One. The very same plane that's carrying the President of the United States and the Ambassadors from Israel and Palestine.

Recently a ceasefire has led to the chance to finally end the conflict once and for all. There have been no hostile acts in the last 5 years, which is practically unheard of, a few protests of tradition breaking but they subsided with time.

The President is a brave and foolhardy man willing to do whatever it takes to make history. I'm sure ending the hostilities between Israel and Palestine would be legendary for him. I respect for that, there was no way such bitter hate was going to go away with cautious ways, we had to take chances in order to get somewhere...the problem is always the fear of failure.

Why are 3 Harvard students in the same airplane with such a sensitive matter? Well the president thought that showing how spirited and well behaved the future generation is that Israel and Palestine would keep faith that everything would go well.

These ambassadors expect us to make a perfect impression to them but I've heard they are quite forgiving to others...well except for each other. In the letter they practically beat down that if we messed up we would be kicked out of Harvard most likely.

To show our competence for future peace we had to being the 3 most gifted students of what makes a nation. First is a leader, Paige will represent that as she plans to run for future president sometime. She has such a way with words that makes me feel confident of the idea of success.

Next is the Asian boy sitting 2 seats away from me was going to represent ideas for nation building like solar energy and construction projects. He hasn't talked to me at all but he must have some great ideas in order to be here. Perhaps he's just as nervous as us and doesn't want to talk. The pressure is just as much on him as it is for us.

And lastly there's me...with the military plans. Just because there will be peace doesn't mean they want to feel completely defenseless. Its one thing to fail a speech or have a rebuilding plan fail...but say if a missile accidently goes off. A-A gun goes off and strikes an innocent I'm the one who has to assure it will never happen again. What they don't realize is that I could just as easily make the situation worse.

"Well I'm sure we'll be fine for now. After all I couldn't see myself doing anything else really. I'm nervous but I will not give up." Paige said to herself proudly as she didn't realize what an arrow in the heart that gave me...

We were rivals before because I wanted to be the one to have the future leader position. The last thing I wanted was to do was be surrounded by people with more guns and stress of accidents...I wanted to be surround with people who were willing to talk and listen...and here I am having to convince 2 hateful nations that war was not the way to continue.

She and I took the first few classes together. I gave my all I really did. I cried a few times on stage but I didn't mind...she did the same. It was literally an all out war between us even though she never said so and neither did I. Eventually I saw my grades getting below hers. It was heartbreaking to realize that I wasn't going to be the best at making speeches.

I thought I could continue with the speeches but when she spoke it was like she was draining my energy and will...slowly but surely I lost my passion for it. I never thought I would be this kind of person but I wanted to be the best...and I lost.

I have no hate for Paige though she was clearly the better talker between the 2 of us. I am only jealous of her position nothing else. So how did I manage to get the thing I never wanted? Well when I failed speaking I went to other subjects like Math and Science...even though I passed I didn't pass with flying colors.

Then in History I destroyed the battlefield courses. I knew every war, every battle and every strategy that every general used in time. Then I was invited to gun clubs thanks to some professors I made friends with.

I-It was like I almost turned into a different person with a gun in my hand. I got bull's-eye with nearly every target I shot at. But it didn't make me happy...every time I did, every time that gun went off there was a recoil in my heart. A sharp pain of regret.

I was then pointed out to the CIA and they were impressed with my resume and offered me a chance to be a field agent when I graduate. My eyes started to water up in front of them making them think I was crying in happiness as I faked a smile...but I was actually crying in sadness.

I should have gotten out but it's the only thing I excel in...warfare and violence even though it was the complete opposite of who I was when I was little. I hated thinking back about myself...seeing a happy boy playing baseball...playing with his dog on the front lawn then-

A sudden jolt in my mind made me stop...there was only one way that I was ever allowed to relive my past in some way. When I was little...I would sit up next to a tree then close my eyes...and dream.

I would see visions...a vision of a world with endless trees...majestic waterfalls...it was peaceful...they never knew hatred or war. It was my dreamworld, the place I so badly wish were true but it felt so far away.

I know it might feel strange to say on one of most technologically advance airplanes ever but I wanted a peaceful mountain life...I-...I hate urban places. I do believe with a full heart that technology made us a violent race. Every since guns were invented wars exploded in violence...when all people could say I "accidently" pulled the trigger to kill another life.

Technology made it so easy for us to kill the other yet make it feel shameless. Its disgusting to me. We boast about how many missiles we have...how many potential of destruction we could do. Never before when only swords existed could you accidently hurt someone but what does it matter?

I sighed going back to my dream world...I could myself walking through the forest...the trees as tall buildings...the fresh air...the soft feeling of dirt on my feet. The sounds of wild life. Birds singing. Animals playing...

I was so envious of my childhood...he never knew how close he was to having that dream before. But it had to be taken away so cruelly and violently. That's what I hate...that such innocence is taken away and revenge that can be obtained so easily today.

But that's what gives me hope that I will be the right person for this job. If the person in charge of the military hates fighting and doesn't want war then it should give the people hope that I'm not just some war-obsessed freak.

"How are you doing boy?" A Russian sounding voice asked above before I felt a powerful hand on top of my seat. I looked up to see a giant of a man. He looked like he was maybe over 7ft tall but not likely. He was more like 6 feet and 8 inches

He was wearing a secret service dress and it looked tight on him. You could visible see the muscles on this guy beyond that suit. He must be a bodybuilder, certainly he would be a force to be reckoned with in a fight. I swear his chest was as wide as my arm span.

He has sort light brown hair, just a bit longer then a buzz cut in my opinion. Amazingly you would think such a giant of a man would look serious and evil but there was a soft smile on his face showing his concern. I readjusted myself before answering.

"I-I fine just scared about all this." I answered quickly and I actually heard a soft chuckle come from him.

"I don't blame you child. I'm sorry that your group had to be pushed into a stressful situation soon but I've heard only good things from you and the others." He told me trying to make me feel better but the pressing hand of might...his biceps were so large I think he could snap me like a twig if he wanted.

"I-Its alright I know its an honor. I hope I prove myself worthy is all I want right now." I said before the large man patted my back but it kinda felt like he was pushing me due to his strength.

"It is alright mister-?"

"Its Collin s-sir. Collin Gunderson." I told him my name. I knew I was going to regret this but I extended my hand for a handshake. Curse common courtesy I knew this man might break my hand. The man removed his hand from my seat and met his hand with mine.

His skin was remarkably smooth but you could feel the power in the arm that was attached to this hand, his arm size looked twice or more to mine. His hand completely engulfed mine but he didn't squeeze...maybe he had accidents like my fears before so he knew how hard to shake.

"My name is Alexander. Alex for short...I'm afraid we aren't allowed full names for now. Being bodyguards and protection and all." He told me as I nodded my head.

"Do not worry Collin I will help you out if you need it. I may look big but I can be a big softie to my friends." He said with a smirk as if actually comforted me to joke around with him a bit.

"And your enemies?" I teased for a moment.

"What enemies?" He teased before standing straight obviously showing off his chest. I chuckled knowing he meant that he was so strong that whatever enemies he had didn't last long. Alexander stood in a location for a while before having to move.

Must be security movements and that. I swear there must be a 100 armed men on this plane or something but then again this is the President making a legendary move here. I could be famous because of this. Alexander made me feel somewhat protected but I'm sure there's only so much he could do.

Alexander's company did put me at ease again but I was still fearful about everything else. Most of these men look at ease but there's something beyond that...what you realize what these men are trained for make me still fearful of a failure.

I went back into my dream world again feeling all the textures of this foreign place...but sometimes it doesn't feel like its just me....like there are others here too...people and-and...others but not humans...what am I-?

A door opened and we could hear a conversation between 2 serious sounding people. It made Paige and me jump in surprise but the Asian boy merely turned as if he was expecting it.

"-been persistent. I know you feel they are both ready to make peace but is risking yourself and all these kids the best way to show your faith? There should be more precautions and-"

"Enough Travis...I know you are concerned and in other times you would be right. But I was not elected to keep the same course like all the others. That's why our world is going down the way it is. I trust that neither side will try anything foolish. That's what makes peace...trust...honesty. So please trust me Travis." The president said grabbing the officer's shoulders and the man named Travis nodded his head.

"I will Mister President." He said before the president turned to us. The president! T-THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!! I hope all I had to do was stand in his presence but I knew that wasn't going to happen. The president smiled maturely at us and walked towards us.

It was like he stole my breath with each step. The man leading my country was right in front of me! I-I have to act maturely! I-I have to be calm and look professional! My entire body was trembling thinking that I might faint at any moment. Oh gods what if I threw up in nervousness?! Oh gods the embarrassment from that would be permanent! The president stood in front of our little group and smiled.

"I want to thank you all for being here. I think we're the ones honored to have such exceptional and talented young adults here." The president said before holding his hand out to the Asian boy who finally said the first word I ever heard him say.

"Thank you Mister president" He said with a catch of an accent. I was hoping he would speak again but the president moved onto Paige. We kept a straight stance like an army role call.

"Pleasure to meet you." The president said as Paige nervously shook his hand.

"I-Its such an honor Mr. President! I-I voted for you, you know? I thought your plans for our country were daring but so perfect! I watched every speech you made on your campaign trail!" Paige said going fangirl for a while. It was hard for me to keep a straight face because she sounded so childish.

The president was rather amused by Paige's childish confessions. His stance and movements didn't depict the serious and intense feeling you would feel from a leader but just a regular guy. It made me smile a bit to think that this man who had such a burden on his shoulders could still laugh at the simpler stuff.

"And you must be Collin?" He said as I felt a powerful jolt of surprise run up my spine. H-He addressed me?! By-By name?! I swallowed down my nerves trying to hope that something else would come up...words hopefully...but instead the feeling of fear kept pushing against my mind.

The president stood in front of me and it was like I was entirely a different being! He raised his hand to shake mine and I stood there for a moment. Handshake? What's a handshake? Who am I? What am I doing here?! My mind was completely out of order! This is the president don't mess up now speak come on!! I had such an overwhelming sense of honor going through me right now.

I placed my hand into his but didn't squeeze at all almost fearing that a powerful shake would cause him pain and make all the security tackle me and beat the living crap out of me! He chuckled again seeing my internal struggle as I finally found some words.

"A-I-Its such a pleasure-I-I mean honor sir! I-I never would have expected to be here in front of you!" I said immediately hiding my tongue behind my teeth almost expecting the president to be offended by my mess up and to be arrested.

But once again I was met by a soft chuckle...

"Its alright. If I were your age I would be nervous out of my mind as well. I will make sure the meeting will be brief and quick. There is no need to frightened." He said in such a calm and commanding tone. It almost made me want to salute him and call him sir like the security.

His smiled showed a man of great wisdom and courage. He talked about issues that all others would avoid which made him look like an upstart to the media but when he pushed the issues and offered solutions the public loved him and he won by a landslide....it made me feel so guilty for not voting when I could.

I was 19 I was old enough and didn't get a felony I just...had other things on my mind. Still I was glad we had such a man like him taking care of us. I know he'll be as famous as Lincoln or Washington. Still as much as I envy the man I cannot envy the pressure. He might not show it but I'm sure it's taking a lot out of him. His hair was still black with only the corners showing any gray but I wonder how he looks when alone?

"...I feel you'll be far more important in future things than me..."I heard him whisper out as I snapped back into reality wondering if I heard right. He then turned as if nothing happened and went over to Travis nodding his head.

"I think its time to begin the meeting. I hope you are in for a walk." The president said walking to the front of the plane. The plane was massive. Far bigger than any other plane, it was a custom Boeing 787. I wouldn't dare ask because it might give the security the wrong idea of my intentions but I'm sure its bulletproof inside.

It was the fanciest of fancy it could get right here. I looked out towards the window to see the ocean on the horizon of the soon to be set sun. The sun was blaring orange and the ocean was calm...it looked so heavenly...almost like from my dream if it ever did show me an ocean. All I ever saw were the endless trees...and I was running for what reason I don't know it felt like I just had to!

In my dreams it felt like I was caged for so long but I was free so I ran, I felt like I could run across the world again and again but-...but...its all just childish dreams. My silent atmosphere and nervous talking might give me off as just some ordinary shy guy...but I was still a child inside.

No! Stop!...I can't let my dreams take over the importance of this now! I looked up to see the officer named Travis in front of us with an imposing stance before motioning like a gentleman.

"Follow the president." He said bluntly but yet in...a soft way. Like he too was trying to relieve the stress for us. Paige and the Asian boy went on and when I was about to follow Travis put his arm out to stop me.

"I want to talk to you. Collin" He told me as I was shaking...O-Oh gods I didn't do something that made me look like a threat right?! I was half expecting a beat down but felt his hand on my shoulder.

"Listen I looked at your university folder...I know it must not have been-" He told me as I glared at him making him stop his words.

"I'm not talking about that." I told him sternly. If he were to ask anything else but that I would comply but I will not discuss 'THAT' to him! It must have been a shock for him to have a young man stand up to him in that way but I have my rights and I have the right to keep things to myself.

"Okay...by the way what did the president say to you before?" He questioned.

"He told me not to be nervous and that everything would be alright." I answered back.

"...I thought he said something else. Like he said something after that." He looked puzzled like I did before.

"Maybe...but I was just daydreaming I'm sorry." I said wondering if maybe I should have told him what I thought I heard but it didn't seem to matter or make sense.

"Well it doesn't matter. Come on don't want to keep you back for too long." Travis said motioning me to go on and he followed behind. Along the way passing all the president's office workers, flight attendants and the security. On some of the walls were pictures of legendary events...the flag of Iwo Jima...the signing of the declaration of independence. All such legendary events...what possible thing could I ever hope to be?...

We walked until we saw a heavily reinforced room along with 6 guards standing inside the room securing it from within and 6 others on the outsides of the doors. Obviously the important people wanted to feel protected. The door was already open waiting for the president's and our student group to enter and join the meeting.

It was still nerve wrecking to be in the presence of such people. Skilled fighters and wise leaders, it makes me feel so insignificant like I'm not meant to be here. The president took a deep breath before exhaling and then entering. Then the Asian boy and Paige entered. I almost wanted to run the other way but I had nowhere to go.

Just go in...oh gods I hope this will go smoothly. I can do this...I can do this...oh gods I can't do this! My legs moved as my heart screamed in protest. Like we were told we were asked to take seats on the chairs to the right side where we already on. Our little group of 3 took their seats.

I didn't even dare look at the rest of the room in case someone might get scared from my wide and in shock eyes. We all sat down and I took a deep breath like the president did before. I looked up to see a gray circle table. On the table were numerous papers and documents. There were 6 chairs spread out and sitting in them were the ambassadors and their translators in chance they needed them. Then we saw the president address them.

"Gentlemen." He said welcoming them to the meeting.

"Mr. President" The men from Palestine said.

"Mr. President" The men from Israel said as well.

All then took their seats and adjusted to a comfortable but elegant posture on their chairs. I just sat there in awe of all the other men. Here were people who had trained and prepared their whole lives for this moment, this one chance to have peace and my group just felt like rubble or debris caught up in the storm.

I was only 19 yet every single man in this room must be 30 or older. They have more wisdom and strength than me. It makes me want to just shut off and hope this ride over the ocean will go quickly.

I know many people fear flying over the ocean and drowning is one of the worst ways to go in my opinion but Air Force One would never let a single faulty or defect just slip by. The pilots must be tested for their loyalty too as well as their flying background, I only imagine the best of the best of pilots are allowed this honor.

...I feel like a fish out of water. I wish I could look out to the ocean but this room is like a little bunker in an airplane. The only lights were a single chandelier on the ceiling and a few decorations that were brightened up for all to see.

Travis stood beside the door, which was in the corner, and there were 3 other guards on each corner of the room. This time though I could visibly see Travis's pistol. I couldn't tell which kind it was but I'm sure it must be advance for a bodyguard of the president.

Everyone including Paige, the Asian boy and the bodyguards had stern and emotionless faces on them now when the meeting was about to begin. I just sat there clenching my fist in worry. What do these people think of me on my first impression? A shy, nervous boy must not look like the hardened general they want. I didn't know what to say right now if they asked me any questions.

"I want to thank you both for meeting with me. I know it must be hard to put aside years of hatred but everyone must see only the benefits of a peace between your powerful countries." The president said.

The Palestinian ambassador started to talk to his translator and I couldn't really make out a word of what he said. I didn't know any other languages but hopefully the translator would make it easy for us.

"We agree. Our people have seen the benefits of a cease fire and hopefully they will see the beauty of a truce between our people."

"The people of Israel agree. Far to long we have waged war and we are now willing to come to an agreement as long as they are fair." The men from Israel said as all men at the meeting table nodded.

"I assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure our nations will become the envy of the rest of the world. We have a chance gentlemen to not only bring peace to you but for others around the world to consider a peace agreement. Your children, your children's children and so on will thank you for this day." The president said with that sparkle in his eye.

I saw soft smiles on everyone's faces including the guards and Paige...and even I smiled thinking...even if this world wasn't the dream place I wanted it could still peaceful and worth trying to help.

I was starting to wonder if maybe that's all what anyone wants. The reason why people hide in their fantasy world to escape this one is because they believe no one seems willing to make a compromise and make this one better. These men will be recognized forever and I should feel honored to see where it all began...

Then something was annoying my eyes. Like I was almost twitching but I was sure it wasn't me. I looked up to see the chandelier flicker for a brief moment before going back to usual...odd...well then again maybe 'some' turbulence was expected even from Air Force One airplanes. I mean I'm sure we wouldn't ride in the middle of a hurricane or anything.

I wasn't the only one who noticed it either. Travis looked up for a moment keeping that stern posture of his but didn't think much of the flickering light either. I have not flown in a long time but then again it wasn't Air Force One. Probably nothing to worry about.

Then all of a sudden there was a small rattling that got everyone's attention. It wasn't too much kinda like a massager put on low. The meeting was interrupted for a moment but no really paid much attention. Travis though looked a bit more on guard but more like the "Am I going to have ask the pilot if everything is alright?" kind of guard.

"Oh I hope we don't run into any storms. I hate it when the plane shakes it makes me so scared!" Paige whined next to me and I admit rattling in the airplane is unpleasant but I'm sure-

Then out of nowhere the lights flickered again and went out for a couple of seconds before the plane began to rattle heavily now. The ambassadors had to hold onto their seats in order to keep balanced. The guards even stumbled for a moment but Travis looked terrified...and the more I thought about.... so did I.

I-I saw the weather outside just a moment ago. It was perfectly clear skies! Nothing should be happening. Things like this couldn't possibly happen on the president's plane! They just couldn't! Paige and the Asian boy looked around to see what was happening and Paige looked pale. She must have a fear of flying and I'm sure this isn't making her feel well.

"We must be running into a storm. I'm sorry gentlemen I hope we can just ignore it and continue with-" The president said hoping to calm any fears of flying...but what happened would be anyone's greatest fear.

All of sudden there was a deafening shriek the likes of which I have never heard. It was like literally someone had grabbed a big piece of metal and started slashing it slowly against a chalkboard. It forced everyone including the guards to cover their ears but as soon as they did another force hit the plane.

It sent everyone on the ground and we slide to the left side of the room. There were a few distant shrieks of flight attendants and workers when the plane bounced as if hit by something like a wave from the ocean!

"What the hell is going on?!" One of the guards asked getting to his feet.

"I-I don't know! Pilot can you hear me?! Are we approaching on a storm?! Why didn't you inform me right away?!" Travis said loudly clearly annoyed and angry that this happen on his shift. He speaking into some walkie talkie but there was no answer on the other side. Everyone was getting up but remained a silent we too were waiting for an answer.

Paige was beside and began to whimper. I even heard her starting to say her worse fears.

"O-Oh my god...are we going into a storm?...A-Are we going to crash?!....Or-..." She said as I went to comfort her but any answer right now sounded welcomed.

"What? Or what Paige?" I asked she looked at the floor distant for a while but when she looked up I could tell it was her true face of terror.

"What if its terrorists?"

T-...The possibility never came to mind that we would be attack during the flight! B-But who could have gotten onto Air Force One?! No one could have without an intense search and numerous checks for abnormalities in the plane or suspicious inventory.

"I-I'm sure its nothing Paige probably just a storm. We'll probably just turn around and go home or go around it. " I told her trying my best to reassure her but she didn't listen.

Then we heard the static of the other line of the walkie talkie. At first it was silence Travis yelled "Pilot! What's going on?!" into the walkie talkie before we heard stuttering.

"T-T-The left side! L-Look over at the left side!" The pilot screamed in horror before the talkie went off again.

"Open the left side windows! I want to know what the hell is happening!" Travis barked as some of the other guards went over to the president and the ambassadors tending to them.

One of the guards opened a panel box and punched in a sequence followed by an approving beep. The windows were located right above where the Asian boy, Paige and I were sitting. I guess they would put in windows in cases of emergency...which doesn't give me any comfort that there using them.

Travis and 2 other guards looked out at the window...and their reactions sent chills down my spine. I-I would think hardened troops who are the best of the best, who have seen death and all sorts of warfare to be prepared for anything and to be totally calm during it but...I could see the faces of shock on all of them.

The suspense was killing me what was out there?! I felt so cold that I didn't want to know but I had to! I barely managed to get on my knees and crawl over to one of the windows. I slowly peaked my head over to see...

W-....What the fuck is that?! I could hardly believe my eyes! I-I must be dreaming! I-I must have fallen asleep during the meeting! Come on wake up! I screamed in denial. But I couldn't even pinch myself to be sure. I simply couldn't move! My hands gripped onto the edge of the window and didn't let go as if stuck on it. My eyes were completely opened wide in shock at the thing.

Over the ocean...hovering at the same level as us was this....is...kind of...black hole or portal or whatever it is! It was shaped as a deformed circle and-and it looked...out of this world! Like literally someone just splattered some foreign thing over reality! The portal was giving off this misty haze of light purple color and we could see every once in a while lightening bolts come out of it.

I-Its-Its like some sort of wormhole! Except....w-what the hell is going on?! WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?! The center of the portal has this dark purple color and it looked like as if...time or space was being sucked in even though we weren't! I-I couldn't describe it! I-I've never seen anything like this.

"S-Sir!...W-What is this?! I-I've never seen this! A-Are we under attack?!" One of the guards said to Travis. I prayed to god he had some sort of explanation or plan but his face read the same as the rest of ours.

"I-I have no idea! P-pilot get us out of here! The trip is off! Repeat! Get us home right now!" Travis yelled into the walkie talkie but there was no answer.

"WAIT! LOOK!" The other guard screamed pointing at the portal outside!

"Something is coming out of it!" He said as everyone including the president went over to the window. I felt the others crowd around me to look at what was coming out of this 'portal' Gods what if its some advance weapon?!

Then as if straight from the sci-fi movies some sort of...thing...came out of the portal slowly! I-It looked metallic! It was shining so bright against the sun and it was shaped as in the form of a diamond! Slowly foot-by-foot it revealed these 4 crocked spikes at its sides and they looked sharp!

W-What if its-its aliens?! Or some sort of time machine! Is this first contact?! I was trying to think of anything that could be possibly true! No matter how far fetched it sounded I just wanted some comfort in the truth of the situation we're in.

"Oh my god! I-Is that some sort of ship?!" Paige yelled out but none of us could answer. We were all waiting for what would happen next.

The bolts of lightning started getting violent with each foot the foreign ship was shown. This thing looked about 50ft or longer but what could it be?! It was perfectly smooth looking diamond shaped hovercraft! I-Is such a thing possible?!

Then another blast of force pushed us all back but quickly we got up to the ship had completely pass through and was heading towards....holy crap!

"Its coming right towards us!" I shouted out!

"Jesus! Its gonna crash into us!" The American translator screamed.

"Pilot! Pilot! Go faste-Turn away or something I don't know just-" Travis screamed into the walkie talkie but then we saw the crocked spikes extending forward as if they were going to clamp right onto us!

"GET DOWN!" Someone screamed...I couldn't tell who. I saw my life pass before my eyes as the next thing I could remember was waking up to the airplane shaking violently. I thought at any moment we were going to plunge into a nose dive into the ocean. My ears couldn't hear anything except for the ringing of-of...impact.

Most of us just laid on the floor praying to god that the plane wouldn't explode into flames. But I saw Travis and a few of the other guards get up and started examining the situation.

"Sir its attached to us! The fucking thing is on us!" One of them said who looked out the window.

"Secure the doors! Defend the president and the ambassadors!" Another screamed at the doors receiving "Roger!" and "Yes!" as I heard guns being cocked.

Paige was still on the ground whimpering in shock. I couldn't make out a single word of what she was whimpering. I could only look at the others sit up wondering what was going to happen to us.

"Pilot! What is your status?!" Travis shouted into his phone but once again there was no answer.

"Lower level! What is happening down there?!" Travis demanded next switching to a different station.

"I don't know! We sealed off the room and we can hear noises inside!" Someone shouted back as I heard...more then just handguns being cocked this time.

"Orders sir?!" He said as Travis shook his head and I could hear his heavy breathing above all the others. Maybe it was because I never expected the captain of the personal guard of the president to ever be in shock and panic.

"Go in there and be careful! I have no idea what this is but if its hostile take it down! Zero Tolerance and no Mercy!" Travis said some code word that didn't sound good.

"Roger sir!" He said over the phone and we had to secure our own situation here. Travis snapped back into reality and went over to the president.

"Don't worry sir. Everything will be fine. Get down everyone! Protect the president and the ambassadors!" Travis said as the ambassadors and the president hid underneath the table that was attached to the floor. It was probably bulletproof or something but then again it's the only thing to hide in in this room.

I thought to myself "Its going to be okay...I'll probably be on the national news about some incident that failed." These are the best guards the world had to offer! Nothing is going to hurt-

"AAAHHH! WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE?! KILL THEM! KILL THEM KILL! AHHHRHG!" A scream over the phone sent such a chill down my body I swear I thought I was going to die from that. There was the sound of an intense gun battle followed by the sounds of-of something else! Some sort of groan but it-it didn't sound...human.

"Come in! Come in! What is happening?! Come in!" Travis screamed into the phone but there was no answer only the sound of more gun shots and-and...some other sounds. Like no guns I've ever heard before!

Then...silence...that deafening silence. I was surprise that no one was screaming in total panic...I looked at Paige who looked entirely gone and was only a body that could shake. She wasn't even whimpering but her eyes looked inhuman. I didn't think eyes were suppose to be that wide open...

I barely managed to get to my feet but my legs felt so weak...or maybe my body was heavy I couldn't tell anymore. I just wanted to go home. I-I want this to be over I-

"How secure is this door?" The Asian boy asked going over to Travis as-as the boy's strength rubbed off of me and I managed to stand straight but I had no idea what to say.

"Nothing is getting through this door! Radio in everyone! Code Firefall! Repeat! Code Firefall! This is not a drill! We are under attack by an unknown enemy!" Travis said before we heard the shooting again...but this time it was coming from...outside the north door.

"Jesus Christ they're right outside the door!" One of the guards whispered out in horror as Travis started barking orders.

"Defensive positions! Don't let them get through the door!" Travis said as he and the other 6 guards pulled out their guns. I was even amazed to see the translators pull out their own concealed weapons and they were all fixed on the door.

I crawled as far back as I could from the door were the shooting and screams were coming. I-It was like hearing hell from beyond that door! Then once again silence! We heard this marching coming towards us as if a heavy metal was pounding against the ground.

The marching was coming closer as I bumped into the legs of a guard who looked completely oblivious to anything but the door. The marching on the other end stopped and well all held our breath...m-maybe they can't get through the door!

Then we heard a loud pound against the door! Even readjusted their guns and their fingers were right on the trigger. T-They told us that this door was made from some of the strongest metals on earth! T-That not even a bazooka could break it down!

The pounding continued for several moments. We could even see the indentations of where...-whatever was punching on the door was making! Each punch made me flinch thinking it was going to break through but the door held on!

"Shoot to kill...Shoot to kill." One of the translators whispered to himself as that was the only sound being made now...The pounding...stopped. We waited for what felt years...or maybe even time itself stopped.

It was like everyone's breath was stolen away. The air itself seemed..heavy, thick, nearly poisonous. I stayed beneath the security guard thinking like he was my guardian angel like when...when....

"A-Are they gone? Maybe they couldn't get through the door..." The guard next to the president whispered out as I thought the same too. B-But still to inflict that sort of damage on the door alone....It sends shivers up my spine to think what would happen if they got through.

"All units be on alert! Unknown threat has attempted to breach the door! Get all available security here! Call for reinforcements!" Travis spoke through the phone.

"But sir it would take hours for the Air Force to come out here!" One of the guards said as only know I was realizing how hopeless and dangerous this trip was sounding now.

I remember that most presidents would have an escort of jets following behind but of course he thought it would be to dangerous looking to have jets with missiles escort a 'peaceful' trip. Dammit of course it would be the perfect time to strike for a terrorist group or whatever it is!

"Travis...you know what we need to do..." The president said underneath the table.

"W-What? What do you mean?" Travis asked glancing over to the president for a moment but he keep his attention on the silent door.

"We need to get to the lower level...and get the inventory." The president said sounding demanding but...w-what would be on the lower levels? Isn't that where all the paperwork and supplies for peace efforts are? Is he injured or is there some sort of distress call down there?

"Sir we-!" Was all I heard next before everything whited out.

For a moment I couldn't 'feel' my body. I honestly thought that maybe I had died or was gravely injured but I managed to suck in a few breaths of air...or smoke from the explosion. I cough heavily as everything was spinning. Another ringing was in my ears except...wait theres...bangs. A lot of bangs...Ouch...M-My head hurts what-?

I looked up to see the door had exploded and standing at the entrance was...something that would scar my mind forever. There were embers of fire and smoke from where the reinforced door once stood. There was a man a tall man...except skinny and...wait...

I noticed this was no man..it was only in the shape of a man...There was so much smoke and my head is killing me! Not to mention the gunshots going off can't help me. WHAT THE-?!

The thing stepped out of the smoke and-and...I-It was-...It was...some sort of robot! Not the clunky crappy kid ones like-like one of the fully moveable and athletic ones in sci fi movies!

Its armor was flawless as the ship, though riddled with bullets, it kept fighting. It was shining as if made new. It was shaped as if it were fit as well...perhaps to intimidate its foes...and it was working.

I saw it raise its arm and-and it looked like some sort of mini cannon! A loud swoosh kind of sound along with this red lazer came out of its arm and it struck one of the guards!

The guard fell straight to the ground after a cry and all the others kept firing at the metal beast. But to our horror it wasn't just one of these metal monsters attacking us. Two more appeared from the smoke and joined the battle.

My hearing was coming back and I could hear every standing guard unloading their clips into the robots but it looks like it would take more to take them down! My instincts were telling me to hid behind the guard behind me or hid underneath the table like the president and the ambassadors.

Paige laid on the ground covering her ears as the Asian boy laid on top of her covering her from any damage...they weren't moving. I prayed to god they were just pretending to be dead. I could only stare as the guards were losing men quickly my eyes went distant again.

A flash of memories...I was at home....and then after coming down the stairs I saw....I saw-

A lazer blast shot above me and struck the guard above me who dropped to the ground. I flipped around to see a burning hole where the man's heart was. T-The guard wasn't moving....h-he was dead. The smell of burning flesh made me want to hurl, I gagged for a moment before hearing this metallic communication between the robots.

I looked back at the direction of the door to see another guard charging at the robots with his pistol as it ran out of ammo. He delivered a hard punch to the robots stomach but it had little affect. The robot flinched slightly as the guard screamed in pain and grabbed his hand. No doubt punching metal was only a last option in his mind.

In terror I saw the mini cannon get sucked into the arm then after a moment of robotic sounds a 12-inch shredded blade appeared from its arm where the cannon once was. Emotionless the robot stabbed through the man then tossed him across the room as if he weighed nothing. The man landed on wall then dropped to the ground...and never moved again.

The beast then...turned its red eyes towards me. I could see the separate parts on its face...I-It looked like it was capable of showing emotion if it could. It had a mouth, it had eyes! It even had two holes where nostrils should be! It was designed in the shape of a human!

I couldn't make out everything that was going on in my mind. I think I wanted to go the other door and start screaming for the guards behind it to let me in. I could hear them shouting at each other to open it but there were problems occurring.

The beast with the blade walked towards me stepping over Paige and the Asian boy. A heartless part of me wished it would go after them giving me a chance to escape but it was too late. I crawled away screaming at the android to stop.

"STAY AWAY! GET AWAY FROM ME!" I screamed at it in complete terror. Backing away slowly. I was surprised my legs were actually kicking still but then again I was going with my instincts of trying to get away.

The beast kept walking towards me showing off its blades as it was still fresh with blood from the other poor man. Behind it I saw one of the androids fall down twitching then not moving...t-these things...t-they can be killed?!

I backed away until I bumped into the arm of the guard who once stood above me. I was going to throw the mans arm aside and continue making my way to the door until I saw...the gun in the mans hand.

I looked at it as...as if...it were a memory hidden long away. Maybe because it was...another flash of voices appeared in my head. I saw in my house again and something dropped then I heard a scream from-from my mother...

"Collin don't-!" She screamed before I once again everything whited out and I saw the android again.

I grabbed the gun from guards dead hand and pointed it at the android. I-I thought it would back away seeing as how I was armed but it kept coming not even fazed by my weapon. The memories of the past mixing with the tension of situation. I placed my finger on the trigger half scowling and half scared at the android.

I thought in this situation many would be breathing heavily...hardly able to lift a gun than point it and aim at the monster. I-...I felt a strange feeling of calm...easiness...like a primal instinct. I squeezed the trigger and-

I felt the recoil and the flash from my gun. It was time was so slow I could see the bullet travel through the air and go into the androids head. The android head twitched but it kept standing. I fired another shot...then another...and another. Each bullet meeting its mark.

Every one of them hit the head or the neck of the android. I saw electrical sparks coming out of the holes knowing it must be having some damaging effect. I kept firing until I wasted the whole clip. The android feel to its knees then collapsed on the ground not moving. I kept my pistol pointed at it though...thinking if it was trying to fool me I was going to fire at it even though I had no bullets left.

I saw Travis appear in front of me and shot into the androids head. I once again just looked...wondering....what happened to me back there? What was happening? H-How did I get here? I was in a daze and my head started to ache. Somehow...I was seeing my-my happy place...the trees...the ground...

"Collin?! Collin! Are you alright?!" Travis said as I snapped out of seeing his hand extended to pull me up. I looked at him as if I had never seen him before but I held my hand up and he pulled me up.

I stood on my legs awkwardly but kept my balance. I looked down at the android seeing the full extent of the damage I gave it then I looked around the rest of the room. I saw the Asian boy and Paige look up, I then saw the president the ambassadors and only one of the translators stand up. Two guards ran up to Travis but...that was it. The rest were on the ground...dead.

I felt a surge of sadness for these men. What lives did they live? They had memories...friends...families and just like that all taken away. I was in shock I could not hide it.

" Collin are you okay? Can you fight?" Travis asked gripping my shoulders as I looked at him stunned at what he said.

"W-Wha-?" I asked making sure my hearing wasn't going bad.

"I'm going to need every person to help us clear the plane! You can fire a gun right?!" Travis barked as I flinched. I wanted to scream no but-but this situation was dire. I saw 3 of these things take down over 6 men. Worse...there might be more.

"Y-yeah I can shoot." I answered as he handed me a clip. I emptied the clip and shoved the new one in and then cocked the next round in as Travis started telling everyone the situation.

"Okay listen up. I don't know how many of these things are in the ship but we need to secure the president and the pilots." Travis said as the guards nodded and so did I at first just going along with everyone else but I knew the deeper meaning of helping the pilots.

If the pilots got killed we would crash anyway and kill everyone on board. The president and the ambassadors had to be protected too.

"Can we open the d-" I was about to ask but I already had my answer. The door separating us from the rest of the guards opened up and we saw a dozen men with guns pointed and they looked ready to help.

"Alright listen up! We need to get to the cockpit and the lower levels! Everyone move!" Travis shouted and we started running towards the door that was blast open.

I let the more experienced fighter go through first then I went with them following close behind. As we ran through the plane we saw...bodies...bodies of flight attendants and guards alike dead across the floor. I even saw a few more android bodies on the ground too.

The president and others were left in the room for their own safety and nearly every other guard was to help us or help the president. This wasn't just some small hit make everyone scared attack...this was an assault on us.

Then I heard ahead more gunshots. I saw one man go down from a lazer blast as the others took cover and started firing at the androids but I could not see them. I took cover in the flight attendants resting area. I peaked out to see the guards firing everything they got the standing androids.

"What does it take to kill these things?!" One of them screamed as I thought hard...Wishing they would just kill the androids and not need my help. The androids had numerous bulletholes in their chest but still fought on while just one lazer shot brought down on of our men. It was an uphill battle. We weren't going to win at this rate.

I stayed out of the way but...my mind was telling me...reminding me of what happened before. The android I killed...Everyone was aiming for the chest...what if. I felt a fast gust of air whistle past me and it struck the man next to me. I looked down at him and felt...anger for his corpse. His twisted body...what was I so hesitant about fighting these things? They have no emotion they are androids!

Throwing caution to the wind. Ignoring all the danger I was placing myself in I stood out from my cover and aimed at one of the androids. I fired 10 shoots and many of them hit its head. Once again it twitched and flinched until falling to the ground.

"Aim for the heads! Aim for the heads!" I cried out and the others heard. I saw the androids one by one drop as if any other foe...those I did notice it took like 5 bullets in the head to take them down. Still at least we had a chance.

We rushed across the run before-

The plane started tilting to the right and everyone was stopped in their tracks. I panicked thinking the plane would go into a nosedive and crash into the waters but it didn't. It actually leveled out again.

"Goddammit! They must be attacking the cockpit! Come on we're almost there!" Travis shouted and we ran even faster than before to help the pilots. We ran to the door only to find it locked!

We smashed against the door hoping to bust it down forcible but it was no use. One of the guards even grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and tried to smash the lock loose. We all had our attention on the locked door until we heard a loud thumping sound coming towards us. We were terrified thinking it was some new bigger android coming up from behind us but we turned to see...holy crap!

"Get out of the way!" A russian voice said as we all did. I saw a massive man smash right against the door that flung open. The man dropped to the ground for a moment but stood up like it was nothing. He looked around to see the room was empty and turned to us.

"The room is empty sir.." He said as...hey that's Alexander! He noticed me too and looked confused as to why a kid was with armed guards.

"That's good you, Collin, and some others get to the cockpit! The rest of us will go down to the lower levels! Move out men!" Travis said as he went into the middle of the room and stopped bending down and searching the floor..w-what was he.

The out of nowhere we heard a click and a secret opening appeared and one by one the men went down. I stood there for a moment wondering if I could turn back before its too late.

"Come on Collin! We need to get to the pilots!" Alexander said pushing me forward and shook my head knowing it was too late to turn back.

Suddenly the planed turned left and we all were smashed against the wall. Once again the fear of crashing into the water came into my mind...gods to be trapped underneath the water not assuming we would burst into a fire inferno before that...I knew my heart was completely in dismay but there was something in me...I can't describe it-it was like it was telling me to push on...these people need my help...

The plane leveled out again but Alexander looked hardly dazed from being flown against the wall. I guess such a tough guy like him isn't hurt easily. He was the first one to get back up on his feet and go towards the cockpit door.

I don't know how but I was the second one to get up too and I was right behind Alexander ready to enter the plane controls. But instead of even to go check to see if the door was open Alexander once again charge and busted the door open.

The door fell to the ground but when Alexander looked up he saw an android covered in blood with its knife attachment looking down at him. I'm sure Alexander thought he was finished but he dove for its legs and made it trip! The android fell to the ground with a hard thud.

The android was about to stab Alexander from the ground but Alexander quickly countered by using his arms to smash down on its knife arm making the android defenseless for a moment. I ran up to him and fire 2 rounds into the androids head and it struggled underneath Alexander no longer.

Alexander stood up and nodded at me.

"Thanks Collin." He said before looking at the pilots confirming his fears.

"Dammit! The pilots..." He said as he turned the pilot chairs...to show the pilots having the chest slit open like you would do to a deer after hunting. T-The smell...oh gods that smell. I gagged on reflex but I held back the urge to puke. I could taste the flavor of my last meal in my mouth and the smell of poor dead pilots wasn't helping me.

"They're dead! D-Do you have any idea how to fly?" He asked me as I looked at him

"What?! No! For the love of god I'm just 19 years old! I can barely drive a car!" I complained as he swore out loud.

"We have no choice then! We'll have to fly it ourselves!" Alexander said as the gun in my hand dropped to the ground but I think my jaw beat it to it.

"W-WHAT?! I TOLD YOU THAT-!" I yelled in protest before he looked back with a glare that silenced me.

"Get in the co-pilots seat!" He demanded pushing off the dead pilot off his seat and he took the controls. I stood there for a moment wanting to run in the other direction. I saw the other guards go down the secret hole and join the battle on the lower levels. I could hear the echoing gunshots and screams from right here.

I threw my arms in the air in protest and frustration, as I had to grab the young co-pilot's mutilated body and place it on the ground. A shiver ran through me as some of his blood spilled on my suit. Worse was when a part of his intestine touched my bare hand.

I placed him on the ground breathing heavily as the scent of his death was making the urge to puke come back. I looked at the body feeling so sorry for him...imagine...he probably thought he was doing such a favor for a peaceful trip...and he dies being cut open. Whoever is doing this must pay!

I went back to the seat but it had stains of blood on it.

"Come on Collin I need you right now! Get on the seat!" Alexander shouted pressing buttons and putting on the headphones.

I think my body went numb for awhile as I sat down...the rough leather was comfortable I'm sure but the blood stains made me sit down awkwardly wishing I wasn't here. Don't think about it, Don't think about.

I figured in my mind that the only way to make me forget about it was to keep my eyes on the controls. I looked at all the numerous buttons, levers, and switches. Oh gods what the hell does me expect me to do?! What can a 19 year old possibly do in this situation?!

"Hello?! Hello?!" I heard Alexander scream at first I thought he was yelling at me but he wasn't, he was yelling into the headphones. Suddenly both of our headphones started to receive a reply.

"This is the British Royal AirForce. What is the problem?" I heard a jet pilot speaking over the radio. W-We got a response! W-We're going to be okay!!! A smile appeared on my face since this all began.

"This is Alexander! A secret service member for the United States! Air Force One is under attack and we are in need of aid! Repeat get everyone here or else this plane will crash!" Alexander spoke into the headphones.

"Where are you located?!" The jet pilot asked

"Are location is -" Alexander spoke into the headphones until there was an extremely loud static that cut us off! It was so loud that both Alexander and me ripped off our headphones. Alexander threw his to the ground.

"Fuck!" He screamed before it seemed like worse things ever started to happen. Shortly after the loud static was another shriek we heard like back in the room...but...I don't know...T-This one was different.

The meters on the controls started going out of control and the panel glass that separated us from the burst into our faces. I managed to get my arm up in time to cover myself from any bad cuts but I did suffer some scratches. Oh no...after the shriek was the-

A powerful wave hit us and momentarily it left us powerless. I was pushed hard against the pilot's seat and I couldn't push back. Like as if I was on some roller coaster I felt us go down and down.

At first all I could hear was our engines screaming as they plummeted towards the water. Then we saw the waves of the ocean look bigger...but the truth was we were getting closer. I couldn't possibly describe what I was thinking there at that moment. I was terrified about sinking down with the plane having trillions of gallons of water trap us in and drown us.

"PULL UP! PULL UP!!!" Alexander screamed pulling the control as high as he could and I did too. Alexander started to press some buttons he pointed to and a switch that he couldn't reach and I flipped it for him.

We barely managed to level out from that but god knows what damage it did to the rest of the plane.

"We dropped about nearly 3,000ft! Are you okay Collin?!" He asked me as I felt ready to have a heart attack or to pass out. My chest was visibly beating for him to see about how frightened I was. My hands were gripped tightly on the controls but my arms felt so weak at the moment.

"I-I'm fine! I'm fine but-..." I said over to him but...

"Oh my god..." I said looking at what was in front of us.

Another portal like the last one was in front of us but...this was much larger. I would have to say at least 20 times taller. It was about the size of the empire state building.

"Holy shit. That's the same portal that made the androids come out of." I whispered in horror. It felt like my voice would give out. Why was this happening?! Why?! It was suppose to be peaceful...it was suppose to be calm!

But things started to get even worse. Then like before lightening bolts started coming out of portal. Several of them nearly hit us and we saw a massive ship starting to come out of the portal.

"We have to go around it!" Alexander screamed

"Yeah!" I said quickly agreeing before noticing one thing I understand on the controls.

"Wait! Look the fuel!" I screamed pointing at it seeing it was nearly on E...Crap Crap Crap!!!

"Son of a bitch! How much longer will it last?! Will it be enough to get to land?!" Alexander asked trying flipping more switches and pressing more buttons hoping to make the fuel gage change in some way.

"No way in hell. I-I think we're going to run out in a few minutes!" I said

"What?! How is that possible?!" Alexander shouted.

"I-It must be damaged or the androids are draining it. We need to decide what we are going to do!" I told him, as he looked completely unsure about what to do.

We had to decide now...

Before either one of us could state an idea another white light blinded us and when we came to...we saw the foreign ship appear out of the portal. It was like something out of fantasy.

I-it was in the shape of a battle ship almost. It wasn't silver like the last one...but red. Crimson Red...On each side were these massive...hover blades. Blades that made it hover over the ocean like a helicopter would. Except these blades were massive on their own...probably the size of the plane itself.

I saw these weird looking symbols along the sides of this massive construct. What kind of things built that ship?! It must be an engineer's nightmare to even get the materials necessary for such a feat. It even looks like even if we did somehow manage to blast the thing out of the sky it could float on the ocean!

This thing didn't look defenseless either. I could see these 4 enormous barrels on the top deck of the ship. I could see other smaller ones appear as we got closer and it only made me shudder at what this ship might do to us. There's no way we are going to out fight this thing.

"WHAT DO WE DO?! S-Should we go into the water and hope it will stay afloat?!" Alexander asked

I thought deeply...w-what are we going to do?! I saw no good option in this. I-If we kept going we're going to have no fuel...there's no way the jet pilots are going to get here in time to help us...in fact we were going to need every single fighter jet in the US and the UK combined to beat this thing! And landing in the ocean...with 2 people who have no pilot experience would be a miracle...not to mention that ship might just shoot us down like a sitting duck.

One thing I noticed on the ship were these cannons. I prayed that maybe it was friendly but we heard this echoing sound and the barrel cannons moving towards us.

"WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW BEFORE WE RUN INTO IT!" Alexander screamed as I turned the plane on its side.

"We have no choice! W-We have to go through the portal!" I told him.

"What?! Are you kidding?! What if it doesn't lead anywhere or it tears us apart! We've never seen anything like this! It could lead into space for all we know!!!" Alexander screamed in protest but he looked ahead and saw were going to crash right into the thing. He knew we had little choice.

He turned left with me. Our plane stayed right along side with this alien craft. I can only imagine how close we were to smashing head on into that thing. We steered right along side it hoping maybe to get some cover but it didn't do any good.

We heard something massive and made of metal screeching. I leaned over the controls to see one of the cannon barrels moving towards us! My god that thing looks like a hundred meters long! We're going to die! We're going to die at any moment.

The cannon was directly pointed at us as we were moving closer and closer to the portal. A small part of me was franticly worrying that maybe it was better to be blasted apart then risk the portal. A horrible conclusion appeared in my mind..i-if we did go somewhere worse then...then the gun I have...

J-Just one bullet it wouldn't hurt and-

NO! I-I cannot think like that now! I must survive I-I must try!

Then a extremely loud shrieking sound was all I could hear next shortly after that the plane was shaking like crazy...and then an explosion. I thought I would feel a sudden burning sensation then nothing after that but both Alexander and me smashed our heads into the controls from the force of the blast.

For a moment I let go of my tight grip on the wheel to touch my forehead to see if I was cut. I looked at my hand to see nothing but sweat and black powder. I felt fine and the plane must be still flying as were not falling out of the sky...

I looked at Alex who looked at his side and looked terrified.

"I think I know why our fuel was empty so soon." He said as I wondered what he meant.

"How?" I asked

"Our plane is now on fire." He told me as I went over to see for myself.

I saw a steady stream of flame coming towards us...no...its coming out of us. Its literally a trail of flame...holy crap...our fuel was on fire! If it reaches the internal tank the plane will explode and we'll all die.

"C-Can we try to land in the ocean?! Try to put out the fire?!" Alexander suggested but I shook my head in frustration. It was like god was somehow making everything the worse it could possibly be without actually killing us.

"No. We don't have time to make a safe landing in the ocean and there's no way now we'll make it to land. W-We have to go through the portal! Its our only chance!" I told him and he agreed we had no idea what was going to happen but we had no choice.

We were now only about 100 feet away from the portal as I could see the terror we both had for our fates. All my life...every breath, action...It could end right here. In the matter of moments. I made an internal prayer hoping to be alive to be in a better place.

I opened my eyes to see nothing but the purple haze in front of us I closed my eyes again not wanting to see my end. I held on tight as I heard the sound of lightening and then...silence. I kept my eyes closed for a while not daring myself to look.

I half expected to hear screams or explosions but there was nothing...pure silence. Taking a deep breath in I opened one of my eyes to see-I had no choice but to open both of my eyes to see...something like a tunnel.

In the distance I saw this light but the walls of the tunnel...it was a dark purple with streaks of random colors passing by us. I-I could almost hear this distant hymn all around us but i-it felt like time itself has stopped. What was going to happen to us? Where were we going to go?

I looked over to the side of the plane where fuel fire was and...I couldn't believe my eyes...the flame...it was still there but it was motionless. Everything was! Everything...except me. The controls weren't moving the lights weren't flashing. What in gods name is this?

I looked back down the tunnel...wait...are we moving? Now that distant light was closer...and closer. Wherever we're going it was going to come soon. The hymning was getting louder as we approached the light. I sat back down on my seat waiting hoping that we might be safe.

Mom....Dad...I said in my head as the light was all I could see then all of a sudden we were smashed back into the controls. The plane screamed as we were plummeting towards the earth. I had wondered if maybe the portal didn't lead anywhere. But when I looked out the window I saw...plain fields. Miles and miles of wheat...What are.

"Collin?! Collin?! We're going down! We're going down!!!" Alexander screamed as I snapped back into reality. I got back on the controls thinking we had a chance now.

"If we can land with our emergency landing gear we might make it! It'll be rough but I think-" I told him before being cut off.

"it won't budge! I can't move it!" Alexander screamed as I thought he was joking for a moment that such a massive man couldn't move a lever but I saw him pulling with all his might. I tried to pull up on the controls only to find out we were going down anyway and there was no way I was going to change that.

The fuel flame at our side was getting bigger and I saw nothing that could possibly help us. I tried to help Alex pull the lever but it was stuck something must be broken. I glanced back up at the front window to see a forest now in front of us. I looked at our altitude to see it was spinning out of control but I knew we must only be a couple hundred feet above the air.

I don't know what we were going to do. I grabbed the microphone to address everyone.

"Everyone brace for impact!" I screamed seeing us coming closer to the trees. I actually heard some of them snap as we were tilting to the left side. The screaming of the plane getting louder and louder until. I heard the beginning of an explosion followed by a flash of white...

Then nothing but darkness....

(In a village, miles away)

"Wake up lazy bones!" A voice came from beyond the leather door

"Hmm...I want to sleep in more. Go away." I whined before the leather door opened up beaming in the sun and destroying my dreams.

"You can't sleep your life away little brother." I heard his voice say as I moaned loudly in protest.

"I'll show you." I said breaking away from the comfort of my feather pillow for a while before slamming my muzzle back into it. I heard a playful chuckle coming from my brother followed his footsteps coming closer to me.

"Come on don't think I'm afraid to drag you out and show you naked in front of the village because you know I would." My elder brother playfully threatened as I answered back with another louder moan.

I then heard him growl then he caught my leg tugging at it.

"Well come on! Lets show everyone what you look like!" He teased as I fell off my bed and felt the grass against my bare rump.

I immediately stood up giving my brother a playful scowl as he was still giggling like the demon he was. I went over to a sack full of loincloths and slipped it on. I sighed not wanting to leave the comfort of bed but Azah knows he will never leave me be.

"There you happy brother?" I said holding out my arms as my brother kept smiling.

"Hey don't blame me, if you slept in on your chance to become a warrior I would have never heard the end of your complaining to wake you sooner!"

"Oh! That's right! I can go to father and finally become a warrior! Thank you dear brother!" I said running past him brushing against lion tail for a moment before darting outside.

I heard my brother sigh in the tent knowing he was use to my sudden desires for sleep then adventure. I took a big smell of the air and gazed upon my village. We were located nearly in the center of the village because father is the leader of this village.

When our ancestors first found this place we called it Kanza for people of the wind. The reason for the name is the wide-open fields we have and the strong winds that blow here. I find it majestical when the crops blow against the wind showing and endless ocean of gold. We are completely surrounded by wheat fields because Rhia, the goddess of the harvest, cast her favor upon us.

And it is good that she has. Our tribe has over 800 members in it along with 250 warriors, which someday I will become! It is every boy's dream to become a warrior like the heroes in the tales our shaman tells us.

We hear tales of warriors fighting off the metal ones bare handed or single handedly holding off a hundred of them from a village. We are not alone in this area we have many brother and sister tribes who we trade and commune with but ours is the head tribe meaning we hold the council if an emergency were ever declared.

I should feel honored that I am part of the bloodline that leads this powerful tribe even if no else recognizes my talent! I-I'll show them! I'll pass the warrior trials easily and then they'll know I am no weakling!

I am Castro Talon. I am a husky in Kanza and youngest son to the chief Teryal. One of the most wisest and powerful leaders of our time. Our village is prosperous because of his leadership and the people are grateful for him...e-...even if they are not grateful for me.

As I walked by everyone doing their daily routine I hear their whispers even if they try to be quiet. I sometimes think they do not hide it so I can feel ashamed for my...errors of the past.

"Oh dear there's goes Castro. No doubt thinking he's going to be accepted as a warrior."

"I don't know why he even tries. He's just not fit for it."

"Remember during the metal men attack when one of them jump on him and he screamed and cowered away. Its not what a real warrior would have done."

Each word was like a dagger through my heart. I use to argue back that "I thought it was dead! I didn't move until I touched it!" or "I was 11 I can't be expected to fight at that age!" I use to tell on them but it earned me more hatred that I became unable to handle my own problems without my brother or father coming to my aid.

I know I will become a warrior. Father told me that if I trained everyday for a year then he would consider putting me into the trials and so I did. I lifted the heaviest bags of catch from the rivers. I ran into the woods never stopping for breath and I practiced with my spear until the moon rose. I will make my father proud of me!

I know I said that last year but...maybe...I should receive a blessing from the shaman just in case. Not that I think I will fail just to go by tradition is all! People only go to the shamans of the village regarding the gods or mystical situations so receiving blessings of strength and health was common for them to recite. They also had to know all the gods prosperities and the history of how we became to be.

The shamans hut was easily found by looking for the paintings of all the gods and their benefits. You could also tell it by the door, while the rest of our doors were made of leather the shamans must be made of beans.

By tradition you cannot walk into the hut without the shamans consent so you must stand outside their door until they invite you in. To do otherwise is to be rude and barbaric and against our ways.

I walked on over to the hut and stood outside her door until I heard a soft voice.

"Come in Castro..." It addressed me and I was already thankful for not having to wait for long so that I can get to my father quicker.

I stepped inside and looked at all the totems and charms I was familiar with. My father brought me in here many times when he was showing me the ways of our people. There were nine totems, each to the gods and charms when people needed their blessings.

In the center was a fire. A fire that was said to have never gone out even if they dumped water on it. Beyond the fire was a female wolf in her mid ages, her fur was light gray and her eyes were closed meditating on the spirits who are said to surround shamans.

Her legs were crossed and not even the shirt made of beans moved as she was in total concentration. I always liked the shaman I thought she was a woman of true wisdom like my father. She has always been kind to me unlike most of the others in the village.

I sat down crossing my legs as she was and felt the flames of the fire warm my soul which was said to help the gods and spirits find you. We both went into a brief meditation before we opened our eyes in unison and I saw a soft smile on her face.

"Welcome my child. What has brought you to me Castro?" She asked

"I've come to receive a blessing of good fortune during my warrior trials shaman." I told her as tilted her head to the left slightly.

"Castro you may address by my first name. As for the blessing of course I will child but...would you do me a kind favor and let me tell you the tale of our future?" She asked as I whined.

"But Akia! I-I don't want to be late for my trial!" I complained as her ears twitched and a small smirk replaced her smile.

"Oh? Shall I tell your father that you instead chose to ignore the shaman's advise?" She questioned not playing fair. She knows anyone who ignores a shamans word is a fool. I wanted to say no but I had no choice.

"Yes Akia..." I reluctantly agreed as she I heard her chuckle softly.

"Don't worry Castro it will not take long and if it does I will tell the chief that I held you against you will. Now then listen to what our ancestors have passed down for ages." She said as I adjusted myself for a long tale.

"It was long ago when ancestors were once blind people. It was said we only knew how to hunt, breath, drink, and sleep. We had no knowledge of a higher power until one day a messenger from the gods came down.

His form was said to be perfect and powerful and when the messenger came he gave us knowledge. Knowledge on how to make weapons, knowledge of language, knowledge of how to farm, and knowledge of how to rule ourselves.

We did as the gods asked at first until the old tribes became greedy. Instead of living in peace they thought "why not take what we want?" and so the tribes began fighting each other. The gods saw how much violence was done by our own bringing that they sent down the metal ones.

The metal ones struck down many tribes and kill many before our past differences had to be put aside for our survival. We knew we had angered our gods and prayed for salvation.

Our cries were heard when the gods sent down a massive burning white phoenix destroying most of the metal ones and sparing us of our doom. The gods though did not want any more fighting between our kind so he left some of the metal ones survive to keep us in check.

Our sister and brother tribes were once our greatest enemies until those days. It was then decided that our kind had to live with each other in order to fight back the metal ones. There have been attempts by many great heroes to wipe out the metal ones once and for all but they have never succeeded.

It is said that only until another white phoenix appears that will bare the scars of our greed. For we are the people, the ones who are at the mercy of the gods and will go about their willing." She said as I thought about all that she told me.

"Thank you for listening Castro. I hope this old woman didn't bore you too much. Its just so lonely without anyone around." She said as I felt a sudden pity for her.

"Akia...why didn't you just ask me to come around more often? I would for you." I told but she rose her hand.

"No it would be wrong to ask you to come around to much. Shaman's are only suppose to help those in need. Now here is a necklace for good blessing as you wished." She said standing up and reaching over to the walls grabbing on of the gems of good fortune shamans are suppose to make.

She hung the necklace over the fire for a while whispering the blessing of good fortune before placing it in my hands. It was still warm from the fire but I placed it on my neck proudly and bowed in respect for her.

"Thank you shaman."

"Of course Castro. I have a feeling you will be more blessed than you think" She said as I exited the hut.

I looked up at the sun hoping the gods were watching back and smiling upon me. I know this will work and I know I will be proud of myself!

I walked towards the center most hut until I heard some from behind a hut say.

"Tch...so you think you can become a warrior? Gods you are a joke." A familiar voice said as I stopped

"Why don't-" I said before I felt something hit my back. It wasn't a fist or stone...it was...it smelled awful! I turned around to see a rotten fish carcass at my feet and I kicked it away grunting about how disgusting it smelt! Worse it was the head of the fish so its eyeballs were gone and there were numerous flies swarming around it.

"YYYEEEWW!" I said trying to brush off the stink but it seems to have only rubbed off on my hands. I heard someone step in front of me and I growled at him.

"Fenrien" I growled out his name as he growled back.

"I heard you tried to get a blessing. You'll need it but it won't do you any good you smell trash. Why don't you just leave the village Castro. You are a disgrace to our name!" He said showing his teeth at me.

Fenrien is a leopard that is 2 years old than me and much taller than me as well. He also looks stronger and has more experience but I won't let him talk me down!

"Really? Is that why you are always left behind when my father goes with the others to hunt the metal ones?" I mocked back and I could see his fur stand upright at the remark.

"He's not your father Castro. You must be a blind ignorant fool to see that he is a lion and you are a husky. You were adopted into the lineage and I saw they should have just let you die where they found you." He said back as I felt just about ready to charge at him for saying that!

Fine! I get it! He's not my birth father but I treat as such because he took me in and treated me like his son. That's why I want to make him proud to have known to taken in such a brave warrior which I'll become!

"How dare you presume to tell me what my father should have done! Why don't you go to him yourself and say that if you are so strong Fenrien?!" I barked back as he scuffed.

"I'm no fool but neither am I cry baby who needs others to fight his battles for him. Just go back to sleep Castro, you're better tucked away and forgotten than making a public embarrassment. " He taunted before walking away with a smug look on his face.

I growled loudly wanting to just-...No...I shook off the feeling of revenge. The greatest revenge will be becoming a warrior so he would have to live with it forever. Ha! That'll show him! Still I had to find something that would mask the scent of the dead fish on my back.

There was...some concern about Fenrien's words before. Fenrien has always been nasty to me for some reason. While the others are secretly gossiping about me he tells his hatred out loud.

He's done just about everything that could shame me and make me cry but I will show him that I can stand up against the metal men! He may be a leopard but there's only so much he can do!

While it is believed that everyone can follow their own path there have been patterns which each separate species excels at. For example Bulls and Horses make the best bodyguards to the chief and the most talented blacksmiths.

Foxes and Cheetahs make the best scouts and hunters due to their slim stature and how far they can travel in one night. Wolves are considered to be the most mystical of all species so they are usually shamans or healers but they have been known to branch out to anywhere they wish.

Then there are warriors. Warriors are just about anyone of any race though most of them are Tigers, Lions, Leopards, and Panthers. Then finally are the chieftains who must always be either Tigers or Lions for they are considered the most dominate of all species.

And then there's me...a Husky...a Canine. I was told that the only Canine tribes are found hundreds of miles from here so it was odd that I was found so close to this tribe. I know little of my species but from what I can tell they don't excel in anything.

I've tried to make weapons but I always mess up or hurt myself. I don't consider myself mystical. I cannot run as far as the cheetahs or foxes and I cannot be a chief so...the warriors are my only chance.

I walked until I bumped into someone and looked up to see it was a female tiger. Oh hey wait!

"Ouch watch where you're...oh Castro its you. I didn't see you there." She said as my tail began to wag.

"Oh hi there Iona! How are you?" I asked my eyes gazing up at her form. She was wearing the customary clothes require for females and even though most women of the village were pretty there was something about her.

"I'm fine I was just going to help with the harvesting right now. Where are you going?" She asked.

"I'm going to my father to become a warrior! Then you'll see how strong I am! You have the honor of seeing the might of the Canine warriors Iona." I told her proudly hoping to entrance her with my words but she giggled not in flattery but more like how a sister giggles at a little brother.

"Oh right I heard about your desire to become a warrior. And Castro...um...you know I cannot be interested in you because-" She said looking over to another tiger in the distance who was sharping his axe as I frowned.

"Oh yeah...I keep forgetting..." I said to myself in despair.

Our tribe believes that both partners must be interested in the other in order to marry. I does not matter what species they are but it is common for them to mate with someone of the same species. And for being the only dog in the village...it...

"I'm sorry Castro. I like you but more in the sister way. I'm sure you'll find someone who you'll go crazy for." She told me as I chalked another rejection in my mind. How many women would refuse until I found her...or more likely until I give up?

Maybe Fenrien is right that I leave and try to find my own kind. But what if they are entirely different to what they are here? It would be like starting over and wasting even more time. No...I plan to stay here no matter what. I love this place to much to leave it.

Despite its people there is a peace here I find confining. It may be like a cage to some but I do not see it. I love this place, its simple ways, and the beautiful scenery. It is said where my kind comes from it is mostly woodland and even though I don't mind that theres something more...attractive about this place then the woods...I cannot describe it but its like something is telling me to stay here. Perhaps it is the spirits or the gods.

"What is that smell?" Iona said smelling the air as I remember the one thing I didn't like about this village...Fenrien.

"Fenrien..." I said as she shook her head.

"Him again? What is his problem? So your different so what? If we had his way there would be no one welcomed here. Here let me get some herb water." She said going back into her hut and she came out with a bucket and a scrubbing brush.

I turned around and she scrubbed my back for awhile until the smell was at least covered by the herbs of the nearby forest. It will have to do for now.

"There at least you'll be okay for a while. Probably for just long enough to pass the physical inspection." She said holding my shoulders. The sad thing was that most people here are taller then me. Probably another reason why people think I should not be a warrior but there have been many stories about unlikely people becoming heroes.

"Good luck Castro" She told me before I went off to the chieftain hut.

I had to act proud, confident of myself and my abilities in order to impress the judges. I'm sure my father is doing everything he can to boast up my skills so that they'll take a look.

From a distance I saw a massive hut where the council would hold meetings. Outside were a dozen bodyguards but I was only familiar with one of them. I walked up to him giving him a big smile.

"Hey there Boris! How are you?" I asked gladly as he gave me a soft smile back.

"I am well Castro." He answered back softly, strange for such a large bull.

Boris was a giant even among his own kind. He was probably the biggest guy in the whole village and the strongest too. He had brown fur and muscles that put everyone else's to shame. He is known to have quite the temper to those he considers enemies or rivals.

But I've known Boris since I was little and he's always been gentle with young ones and friends. Otherwise he is calm around strangers but he must be imposing to anyone looking to do harm to my father who he swore loyalty too.

People who openly hate Boris or challenge him to fights don't last long. In fact I only look at those people as future trips to the healers. Bodyguards usually get admirers and married soon in life but Boris hasn't found one. Whenever I ask he says he's waiting for "The right one" I guess that makes sense but still in his position I would happily take a woman as my own.

Boris has been challenged to fights before. In most tribes there is a contest of skill to show someone's strength over the other when an issue arises. It varies from tribe to tribes but in ours it is a wrestling match. We believe that if you can hold down your opponent for long enough or make him surrender then you have shown your power over the rival.

Boris usually makes short work of them, the longest only lasted 2 minutes because of his endurance rather than equal strength. Boris has become so popular during the matches that he has his own way of showing he is the most powerful. He places his hoof right on the opponent's chest and flexes his arms and chest to the crowd. I would be a show off too if I had his muscles.

I had wondered for a while if Fenrien wanted to challenge me to this but he never once mentioned it. I think he more or less wants me gone rather than fight me face to face. I would gladly accept the challenge but the feeling it mutual back to him. I just Fenrien to leave me alone.

"Good luck to you on your trials Castro." He told me as I smiled back at him. Boris must be like 7 feet tall so I have to look at the sky really to look him in the eye.

"Thank you Boris." I said going over to the hut. Okay...I took a deep breath in and puff out your chest. I had a slim build but you could see the outlines of a 6 pack. Act proud...be stern...and most of all-

I was saying in my mind before suddenly I saw a crowd of elders leaving the hut...w-wait...t-those are the-!

"H-Hey! Wait! W-Whats-" I said in protest trying to stop them but they walked by ignoring me. What?! I can't be late! I-I arrived just on time! I know it!

I went into the hut when the crowd left only to see my father looking into the fire in the center of the hut. This one was far larger then the one in the shaman tent and unlike it they put this one out when meetings have stopped. I saw father holding a bucket of water and I knew what was happening now.

"Father wait! I'm here! You need to call them back so I can show them my worth!" I said as he looked up and he hung his head in shame. I walked over to him hoping he would listen to my pleads but I saw the frown on his face.

"I'm sorry son. I tried to convince them but they didn't even want to judge you." He told me as I felt my fur shudder. I-it was like the gods had turned against me at that moment. I-NO! I cannot give up I-I!

"Father please you know how long I've been training! Please just let me show them how well I can use a spear!" I begged tugging at his arm but he shook his head.

"I'm sorry son. There's no way, the meeting has ended."

"But all my training! What will I do?! I got a blessing and everything! Please father I'll be a laughing shame if you make me wait until next year!" I felt on the verge of tears as he sat down on his altar chair.

"Castro...you could always become a harvester or a fisherman. I know it might seem as glamorous as a warrior but they have their own important part to play." He told me as I felt betrayed by his words but I know he's only doing his best to make me feel better.

"Father please!....Do...Do you think...I'm a disgrace?" I questioned wondering if maybe he never did defend me in front of the others. He looked at me as if he was the one offended by my words.

"Castro...I love you! I know your skill and your willpower and I tried to tell them that but there is only so much I can with people who have already made up their minds. I really do think you have the potential of becoming a warrior but the others are too blind to change their ways...

"W-What do you mean?" I asked

"They don't think you should try to be anything. In fact I heard a few of them suggest you go back to your own kind but I told them if they ever said such things again I would exile them myself." He said as it felt my heart was being crushed...I-I knew it...they do not want me here.

"I-...Should I leave father?...do you really want me gone? A-...Am I burden to you and my brother?" I asked as he looked at me sternly now clearly offended by my words.

"NO! and I don't want you to even think that! You have given me the joy I wished your brother had. I took you in because I saw the happiness you could give him and me! I could not leave you out there in the wet and cold! You've been the best son I could ask for-"

"Am I?! Am I the best son you could ask for? Zio is a warrior and has women asking for him! I have nothing I-"

"I love you son! If you left I would personally see you returned to me even if I had to drag you back. W-When my wife...when your mother died...I was such in a state of depression. I thought of ending myself until I found you. But then I saw you-saw how this baby even though left all alone in the cold...when I held him in my arms and looked into his eyes he smiled back with those blue eyes. I remember how you tugged against my fur and played with your brother whenever he felt saddened too. Castro...even if you think you've done nothing I would be long gone without you and

your brother would be a different man without you. I owe everything to you and I swear to you on my life son, ON MY LIFE! I will chain them down and make them see how powerful you can be!"

His words...touched me. This is why I am loyal to my father, this is why I consider him my father. I am his son no matter what the others say. His words did make me feel better and I accepted deep in my mind..."Well...until next year."

Father went over to the fire again and put it out with the bucket of water. Then...it was over. I missed my chance. I sighed in despair thinking about all the times training gone just like that. I remember all the taunts everyone gave me when I was little.

Father gave me the title Talon to make me sound more powerful but what he didn't know was that they would call me "The Talon of a Flea" But there was nothing I could do unless I told father which would shame me that I couldn't fight my own battles.

Father sighed too before reaching over to me for a hug, which I gave him. I know he's been trying. I was wrong to question his love for me but its just so infuriating for me to never get the chance to prove myself! I felt safe in his arms I may be 17 and have to learn what its like to be on my own but I still love being protected from the ones that saved me long ago.

"I'm sorry son...its me who should feel ashamed about not getting his son a chance. It should be me being hated not you." He told me as I heard him sobbing in regret. I held him tighter hoping it would calm him.

"No dad its not your fault. You're the best father I could ask for. I can wait until next years don't worry about me." I told him until something caught my eye. I know it seems strange but I actually began to chuckle.

"Hey dad come on cheer up...would it make you, the shaman, and the elders feel better if I played with the oracle from the gods?" I teased as the sobs now turned into chuckling.

He looked over to the oracle. It was said to have come into our possession hundreds of years ago. It was a stone but strangely shaped in the way of a box. But there were these strange smaller stones that could turn and these lines and symbols and numbers, which we did not understand. There were these strange black circle lines on each side of the thing along with these stone sticks that could be moved up and down.

It was said that sometimes the gods would let us know of the metal men's attacks on us by giving us a strange static sound the metal men made. Otherwise there was nothing but this silence but not silence at the same time. Almost like a sword constantly being sharpened on a grindstone but different from that. Anyway I remember as a child I would pick it up and play with it.

"Remember when I carried it around the room thinking it was a massive fish I caught?" I said letting go of father and walking over to the oracle. Father wiped away his tears and smiled at the memories.

"Yes! Haha I remember the shaman screaming in fright that you were going to anger the gods. That was the angriest I ever saw her." He said as we both laugh. I was almost tempted to pick it up and reenact the memory. But I was amazed to see father actually place his hands around it and he lifted it up.

"Look at me everyone! I caught the legendary Mirad shark! I am the best fisherman in the world!" Father said holding up the oracle and running around the room.

"You boy stop! I swear you are ill in the head!" I said changing my tone to an elderly man as I chased after father. I caught up to him and tried to tackle him down but father was much bigger and he dragged me for awhile before pretending to fall down on the ground making sure the oracle wouldn't really get hurt. I reached for the oracle too and I felt something strange...like a little pebble moved a bit and then all of a sudden we heard the noise...

We stopped playing and listened to what the oracle was going to say. Father immediately went over to the altar and placed it back on listening carefully to what the gods were going to warn us about.

At first nothing. I stood there in frightened silence, as did my father and the oracle. After a moment I thought maybe it was just a brief warning.

"Maybe it was just a warning. We-We were playing with a gift from the gods so maybe it will be better soon." I told him as he considered my words.

"It could be but...its never done that unless there was an attack. What are you telling us Azah? Is there some danger?" He asked the oracle until finally we heard a reply...but it was nothing like the stories told.

"Everyone brace for impact!" It screamed as father and I jumped away. Before either of us could say anything to the other a warrior ran into the hut looking shocked and in horror of something.

"Teryal! Teryal! Come quickly!" He screamed as father grabbed his battle-axe thinking the metal men were attacking.

"What is it? How many are there?!" He asked going in front of the messenger fox.

"I-Its not the metal men Teryal!" He said as we were both left stunned.

"W-What?! T-Then what is it?" He demanded an answer and the fox looked up at him...and whispered.

"The white phoenix...The white phoenix Teryal!" He said as both our jaws dropped. We ran out of the hut seeing everyone looking over to the east and in the air. Father and I looked up to see...

A white burning bird in the air. Even from this distance we could hear the phoenix screaming as it was moving towards the forest. I saw the shaman in the crowd holding her staff stunned as everyone else was.

"Its going towards the forest!" Someone cried as I saw it was indeed going to the forest fast...it-it will surely..

Eventually the trees covered up the beast until we heard a massive explosion and a great cloud of smoke and fire come up from the forest. No one knew what to say until we heard the cry.

"The white phoenix is here! The gods have answered our prayers!"