The story begins when a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere. This meteorite is however unique from other space rocks because it contains an inactive symbiotic creature—an extraterrestrial life form.
The organization T.E.R.A. which was founded to advance both technology and human life, decided to extract the symbiote and study it. They finally discovered after various years of research that the symbiote possessed the ability to control and adapt to any type of technology. It could also release an unusual but potent energy source. As a result, the leaders' and scientists' desires differed.
With this symbiote, the scientists believed they could unite everyone and build an ideal society devoid of laws from the government.
The leaders believed that this symbiote could be exploited to establish absolute control over every life force.
Unfortunately, their efforts were derailed by the fact that the symbiote was dormant.
One of the scientists working on the symbiote was my father, Professor Xavier, who mistakenly procured a way to activate the symbiote.
After a lab accident caused his blood to spill on the symbiote, the symbiote became active.
T.E.R.A. was pleased but there was a catch; the symbiote could only obey my father. The leaders attempted to talk my father into accepting it, but he wouldn't listen, saying that his ideal society was what was best for all people.
He was sacked and left to rot in Grey City, and the symbiote became dormant again.
After going to Grey City, my father married a beautiful woman, had me, and settled down. He always says that was one of the best decisions of his life.
T.E.R.A. operatives would occasionally attempt to persuade my father to join the dark side. And every time they arrived, he declined.
That was 20 years ago, fast forward to the present.
The day it all changed was February 14.
Hello, I'm I, and this is my story.
I reside in Grey City, which is not overcrowded, but neither is it underpopulated.
Nestled among rolling hills, Grey City's quiet appeal conceals the modest hardships of its resilient residents. The city, painted as a patchwork of struggle, hides victories under its commonplace façade. Everyday challenges transform into stories of quiet successes, establishing a sense of belonging among the underprivileged.
But this is my home.
My mother owns a bakery, but she only does it to pass the time; my father was a scientist in his day, so his money leaves us in good shape, but in a town like Grey City, you have to keep a low profile.
The wealthy and privileged live in the neighbouring town, Silver City, where you can find any rich brat or corrupt figure as my mother would always say.
"Wake up, honey, it's time for school," My mum says as she knocks on my door.
"Okay, Mom, I'll be on my way out," I say before yawning and getting out of bed.
I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth, take a bath, and put on a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. A Grey City student basic routine.
I go to the kitchen, where my dad is reading the newspaper like he always does in the mornings, expectancy written all over his face. Mum is busy serving breakfast and I make a quick round past the miniature island to pick up my food. The contents get stuffed in my mouth before I get to the kitchen sink.
"Good morning Mom. Good morning Dad" I force out through my stuffed mouth.
"Good morning son" My Dad grunts out. He’s halfway through his news search.
I grab my bag, already packed and loaded with the essentials courtesy of my mum. "Bye Mom. Bye Dad," I say almost through the doorway.
"Okay baby, stay out of trouble this time," Mum says as the door slams. She’ll chuckle at that.
----------------------------------------
In the now destroyed T.E.R.A Facility, the investigation of what caused the explosion is ongoing.
“It was the symbiote, it became active, it hasn't been active for 20 years.” Dr Mark, Head of Research told Ms Hera.
"So, are you saying the symbiote destroyed the whole facility?” said Ms. Hera.
"Yes. You see, it kept accumulating and storing the energy it produces, and eventually, it released the energy in a way that allowed it to continue producing energy," Mr. Mark said.
"So, where is the symbiote now? Ms. Hera asks.
"We can't find it, but don't worry; with the sensors we created, we can track the symbiote's unique energy signature." Dr. Mark
"And I’m not supposed to be worried? If you were doing your work well wouldn’t the generation of such an amount of energy be detected?" Ms. Hera asks. Her voice icy along the stainless white floors.
Dr. Mark mumbles an inaudible apology explaining the mistake as he brings his tracking device and swipes across the screen.
"It's in Grey- How did it get to Grey City!" Dr. Mark yells with surprise.
"Send more men and the Delta Squad. The existence of the specimen must not be known to the public," Ms Hera says to the attendant behind her. "Whatever it takes, bring that symbiote back.” She adds, her voice trailing off along with the order. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she is fixated on the scientist.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
----------------------------------------
"Gosh, I'm bored," I finally admit, sighing. George, John and I are sitting in the cafeteria.
"I can't wait for school to be over," John says.
"You can't wait for everything to be over," George replies.
“And we’ve barely started anything…” I add.
"Guys, look" John directs our attention to the popular girls sitting on their table.
"Kim Stacy, sigh," I add with a disappointed expression.
"Your nemesis, oh spooky, hahaha" John sniggers. "Or maybe your potential love interest, who knows," he adds.
"Oh please, ever since she did something to him in the third grade, he hasn't liked her since then, lol," George says.
"Yeah yeah, very funny, what are our plans today?” I ask.
"Oh me. Everyone’s going to my grandparent's place, for a family reunion I guess. I’d have to tag along. Plus I actually have to see my uncle Steve, finalist life issues. The man may look normal but he seems off," George said.
"I'm going to watch a movie with my sister later, she gave me her extra ticket, so I won't be free too. Something about men and disappointments." George says unenthusiastically.
"I'm going to spend my day alone then, or I can play games on my, Hmm" I replied.
"Do you think we need to get girlfriends though?" George asks John and I.
"Why would we need girlfriends?" John responds with a question.
"I don't know, we can't talk to ourselves forever," George replies.
"True but man, have you seen what happened to guys like us that go looking for girlfriends?" John poses another question.
"What happens to them?” Please enlighten us, oh magnificent one," George responds, trying to sound cynical.
"They get used and heartbroken dude, now I don't want to be single forever, but I’d rather hang with you guys than be used" John went on to say.
"You are overthinking John." I eventually speak about the current predicament.
"Maybe I am, but I'm just saying man, do you want a girlfriend right now? Hmm?" John asks us, raising his brow.
"We are finalists bro, we need to experience things. Nothing can be expected or planned thoroughly after this phase of our lives. This is Grey City bro." George adds.
"I dunno man, I don't think we can even get girlfriends at this point," I said.
"Speak for yourself, my man; I am a sanctified female magnet," George exclaims, high on himself.
"Yeah, instead of attracting ladies your age, you attract moms instead," I retort, sipping his smoothie and smiling.
"Oh, burn!" John chuckles at George.
"Hey, hey, some moms are hot though, okay. Let’s make a bet," George says while cracking his palms. He only does that when he's trying to sabotage someone.
"Which is?" I inquire, attempting to maintain a neutral expression.
"I dare you to ask Kim if you can take her out this evening" George half whispers, half grins.
"Oh shit!" John remarks with a surprised face.
"And if I refuse?" I ask.
"That means you don't know how to get girls bruh," George says and reclines. He’s struggling to not grin perfectly. "And if she accepts the offer and you guys have a good time, I promise to give you my call of duty account with all the legendary skins" He adds easily.
"Bro, you sure, you wanna do that?" John asks out of curiosity.
"He can't do it" George states while still blowing on his nails. Ever so confident.
"Deal," I say. With a full-blown smirk and exaggerated confidence, I walk over to Kim’s table. Breathe in, breathe out.
"Hey girls, hi Kim…" I say, smiling.
"Hi Alex…," The remnant of the table chorus before finding a suitable topic to switch to. Bet they were gossiping.
“Hey, Alex,” Kim responds, appearing ever so neutral.
"Can I talk to you for a bit, perhaps a bit more privately?" I say and nudge her towards her friends. She seems to smile but covers it up quickly.
"No problem," Kim says.
I lead her out of the cafeteria to the closest bench nearby, making sure I’m still in George’s and John’s line of sight. They’re in shock.
John laughs loudly and says something to George, cleaning the smirk off his face.
"So what are your plans for the evening?" I spit out to Kim. Way to go Alex. What are you, Flash?
“Huh?” Kim says shocked.
“I mean… I’ve been meaning to ask you.” I blow out a breath of air, knowing that I have to get serious. “Really though, I’ve been meaning to ask you, if you’d want to go out with me?” That’s not a lie in the least.
"Why are you asking me this, though? Kim says as she crosses her arm. Isn’t that the stance for a defensive posture?
"I don’t mean we should become a couple or something. Nothing too serious. Just that, if you aren’t doing anything this evening and you’d want to hang… I’ll be available. Like I do want to hang out with you if you’d be available?” I have the slightest urge to cover my mouth with my hands.
"You sure, Alex? This seems too weird even for you," Kim says while pointing at me. She drops her arms and stares off.
“There’s nothing weird about hanging out with a pretty girl,” I say.
"Shush, I don't need your compliments. Although, you are in luck. I don't have plans for the night" Kim says with a smile, somewhat tight.
"How does the fun park sound?" I ask beaming
"Yeah, sure. Just don't make me regret coming!” Kim yells as she walks back to her friends' table.
"You certainly won’t," I say as she goes out of hearing. I straighten up, a proud smile on my face, mirroring John’s.
"The way I'm going to beat you using your skin will get under your skin," I remarked as I sat down.
"You’re smooth Alex!" John exclaims as he extends his hand for a shake.
----------------------------------------
Meanwhile, on the borders of Grey City, the newly awakened symbiote searches for its former master.
"Must find the host's DNA signature". It says.
The symbiote carefully enters a mobile phone retailer. It discovers one of the Ethernet cables linked to the store's WiFi.
It hacks into some encrypted files and gains access to the internet, after which it looks through police department data and social media for Mr Xavier's location, it locates his home address also.
These files are typically encrypted, but the symbiote locates and opens them quickly.
As it exits the store, it states again, "Must find the host's DNA signature."
----------------------------------------
"All right, Mom, I'll be back before nine, I'm leaving already.", I say to my mum as I get down the stairs.
"Okay, be safe. Baby, don't get into any trouble," she says and turns to look at me as I get to the last stair. We lock gazes and I smile at her. I also don’t want any trouble.
"Okay, mom," I say.
As I leave through the front door, I notice a whirring sound but then, this is Grey City, we’re comfortable in noise pollution.
When I get to the amusement park, I see Kim, dressed in black pants and a red strapless top. Thought as much. It’s Valentine’s Day after all. The night light seems to favor her features immensely.
I grin and say, "You look beautiful, truly."
“Thank you," She says as her face flushes.
“Shall we now?” I ask, pointing to the park entrance gate.
Kim answers, "We shall.”
We both find our way into the park, excited and content with the night’s atmosphere.
As we are about getting into the gate, my eyes catch some black SUV’s gathered at the farther end of the park. Someone seems to be coming out of the SUV to the front but Kim drags me in before I can see anything.