(Third Person POV)
[New Haven, Dystopian Texas, Year 2229]
"You have really fallen from grace, Mael." A man in a black suit said, "From luxury in the High Towers to the outskirts of New Haven. It must be terrible for you."
There were two men, both wearing black suits and black shades. One was older than the other, with grey slick back hair and a grey goatee. The other, who was speaking, had short black hair and was clean shaven.
They were standing in front of a young man sitting on a bench, in front of a run down building.
The young man was wearing baggy pants and a large overgrown rain jacket with a hood. The young man had long messy red hair and had bandages over his eyes. He was holding a brown wooden walking stick in front of him as he had a neutral expression.
"You know him, Carlson?" The older man asked the other
"My younger brother used to go to school with him before the terror attack." Carlson said, "Before he ended up dying."
"Well, keep it professional." The older man said, "Don't let your feelings get in the way of things."
"You're right, senior." Carlson said, "Mael is no longer from a prestigious family that used to run Dystopian Texas's electrical grid. He is now a lowlife that is stuck here in poverty."
"Say something else and I will ask you to get your ass in the car." The Older Man said with a scowl, "This is no time for this."
Carlson nodded, "Yessir." He said, "Mael, how did you end up blind? Last I checked, you had no health issues."
Mael faced his head upwards, as if he was looking at them.
"Well." His voice was calm, "When I was fucking your Mom, I broke the bed that she and your daddy sleep in. As a result of the impact, a glass jar on the nearby shelf fell on my face, destroying my eyes."
"You little…!!" Carlson scowled and clenched his fists
"Enough!" The Older Man said as he placed his hand in front of Carlson, "I have had it. Your name is Mael, right?"
Mael nodded, "Who's asking?"
"We represent the Distortion Breaching Group in Dystopian Texas, the headquarters is here in New Haven." The Older Man said, "I am Trent. You already know Carlson."
"The DBG." Mael faced down, "Didn't know you lot took dumb fucks like this one."
"Listen, Mael." Carlson said, "I am more capable than-"
"Just be quiet." Trent said as he pulled out a black calling card, "Mael, you have been Chosen."
"Chosen?" Mael asked
"The Black Sun Event is upon us." Trent reached for Mael's hand and placed the card on it, "It is within a week. We must continue with this year's batch and prepare them. You have 12 hours to decide whether or not to accept."
"Accept…." Mael said, "The Texas DBG hasn't had a successful breach in five years."
"This year is the one." Carlson said
"And you know this how?" Mael tilted his head
"That is classified. For now." Trent said, "Upon accepting, you and your immediate family will be relocated to the High Towers, situated in the living dormitories for the DBG Headquarters. You have two younger sisters, do you not?"
"Mhm." Mael said
"I heard they were sick." Carlson said, "You don't have to think much on this, Mael. If you accept, we can give them the treatment they deserve."
Mael sighed, "Hm…."
"This is an important matter." Trent said, "After careful consideration, you are among the few chosen from New Haven. If we send you through a successful Breach, it could be huge for the city. And for your sisters."
"And if I die?" Mael asked, "Is the DBG going to take care of them?"
"Upon accepting, you and your family will be entered to a program that will cover the minimum requirements for a person to live." Carlson explained, "In your sisters' cases, they will be given food, shelter, clothing, and medicine."
Mael nodded, "For how long?"
"As long as you are in the DBG's employment." Trent said, "Further details about the benefits during DBG employment will be given at a later time should you accept. Upon your death, however there will he a limited amount of time that they will have said benefits."
"Hm…." Mael said, "A week, you said?"
"Yes." Trent nodded
Mael sighed and stood up, "I guess so."
"You..,,guess so?" Carlson asked
"I got nothing to lose." Mael said, "But if you guys are going to help my sisters, I suppose I shouldn't let this opportunity pass."
"You accept?" Trent asked
"Yes." He said, "I just want to make sure you actually keep your word and give my sisters medicine."
Carlson nodded, "That card we gave you, give it to the front desk at the building we will send you to." He pointed at his hand, "We will send a driver to pick you up and we'll send someone separately for your sisters."
Mael turned around and began to walk away, tapping the stick on the ground as he did so.
"Hm." Trent said, "That went rather well."
"Well, the little shit has been through a lot." Carlson said with a scowl, "Love him or hate him, his sisters don't deserve to die in this place."
He was referring to the run-down part of the city's outskirts, where most people in poverty end up. Some parts of it are filled with crime and debauchery that no innocent child should be a part of.
"Nobody does," Trent stated
"Some do," Carlson retorted
"That's the mentality of a piece of shit." Trent looked at him
"Well, I guess that makes me one." Carlson said
"You finally opened your eyes?" Trent turned around and began to walk away, "Sometimes, you're more blind than that boy."
**********
"The DBG?!" A young woman exclaimed as Mael sat on a chair next to the bed, "Are you joking?!"
He shook his head, "Nope." He said, "The DBG just approached me."
The woman was tall, slim and curvy, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her hair was tied in a pony tail as she wore black leggings and a crop-top shirt, displaying her midriff.
"That is not something you would consider, right?" She asked him
Mael reached for the hand of a little red-headed girl that was asleep, her breathing was labored and whistling. She had a wet rag on her forehead as she slept, her entire body covered in a blanket.
"I have no choice, Lisa." Mael said seriously, "With the DBG, we can give the girls some medicine."
Lisa scowled, "But we're talking about going through a Breach during the Black Sun Event!" She exclaimed, "The DBG in Texas has not had success in the last 5 years! Your death is guaranteed, Mael! Its too dangerous!"
Mael's face was facing down, "If I die, there might be a bit of hope for you three. You can take advantage of the DBG, work while they're being cared for." He said, "And when they get healthy, the three of you can find someplace nicer to live."
"But its going to be without you." Lisa said with tears in her eyes, "You can't be serious…."
This was Lisa, a childhood friend of Mael's. Ever since Mael and his sisters were left with nothing, Lisa had been by their side.After Mael was blinded, Lisa felt she had no choice but to help with his sisters, who were ill.
The one on the bed was Rose, who was 7 years old. Mael had always had a soft spot for her ever since she was born. Her loved her dearly and was more than willing to risk everything for her.
"Its a risk I can take." Mael said, "Anything is better than here. Remember, The Roaches will soon roam about this area and we won't be able to defend ourselves. The High Towers are our best bet. You could contact some of my father's old employees, to help with work."
Lisa frowned, "Mael, you're serious about this?" She asked, "N-No, you can't….."
Mael nodded, "There is no other way." He said, "Look at me."
"I am." She said softly
"No, you're not looking at me." He said with a serious tone, "I have no use. I'm blind, nobody wants to hire me, even in the Lower Districts. Even when hustling, I am merely risking the scum of the city to go after me. What worth do I have?"
"Don't speak like that." She walked over to him, "Don't talk like you don't matter. This is insane, Mael you know-"
"What's going on?" A voice said, "Lisa?"
A young girl walked inside the room, her brown eyes staring right at Lisa. She had red hair as well, shorter than Lisa was and was also thin.
"Lily." Lisa looked at the girl, "You're awake."
Lily walked over to the bed, heavy bags under her eyes. She stared at the sleeping Rose, blinking as her gaze set upon Mael.
"What's happening?" Lily asked
"Nothing." Mael said
"You have to tell her." Lisa told him, "Mael. This is serious."
"Tell me what?" Lily asked with a frown, "Mael, what did you do?"
Mael let out a sigh, "I did what was necessary." He stood up, "What was necessary for all of you, you have to understand that."
He walked past Lily, the sounds of walking stick's tapping were loud and clear. Lily watched as he reached the door, anxiety and anger filling her body.
"Wait!!" She shouted, "Brother, just what do you think you are doing?!"
Mael had stopped at the door, "I already told you." He said, "What is the point of repeating myself?"
"This is not like you." Lily said as she coughed, "You aren't this much of a serious prick!"
"Lily, don't push yourself." Lisa said as she gently grabbed her shoulders, "Sit down, please."
"N-No...." Lily said, "No. This...this...."
"Our world is going to shit." Mael said, his voice was barely audible, "I have to do something."
"What?" Lily frowned, "Brother, what did you do? Just tell me, please."
"DBG." Mael simply said before walking out of the room
Lily's face went pale, paler than it already was, as if she knew the meaning of those three letters. Her knees wobbled as she collapsed, being caught by Lisa.
"Lily....!" Lisa said, "Let's get you to bed, alright? Rose needs her rest."
"Lisa...." Lily looked at her, tears running down her eyes, "Is he an idiot?! Is he a fucking idiot?!"
"Yes...." Lisa closed her eyes, trying to keep tears from coming out, "He is.....fuck.....he wants to get himself killed..."
"That idiot brother of yours."
************
[A Few Days Later, The High Towers District]
In the middle of New Haven, there were a group of Skyscrapers that were built after the War of Monarchs nearly a century ago. They stand tall among the city, their shadows casting over the furthest corners. The surrounding area was known as The High Towers District, arguably the most wealthy district of the city.
Around said District were Lower Districts, which consisted of markets and other housing establishments. At the edge were the Outskirts, which contained the crime and poverty. It was safe to say that New Haven fell victim to Society's flaws, such as discrimination and violence, but the Police Force kept a tight grip on the Outskirts, making sure that crime was kept in check.
In the High Towers District, the Distortion Breach Group's Headquarters resided, being one of the Hightowers. Around the large tower, there were a group of buildings that were considered the housing dormitories for those affiliated with the DBG.
It was in one of these buildings that Mael and the others were currently, just outside the large brick structure. Mael merely stood at the steps, tapping at them with his walking stick, tilting his head as if he was examining the sound that it was making.
"Your sisters are inside." Mael turned his ear to the right, hearing Carlson walking up to him, "As is their caretaker, Lisa."
Mael nodded, "Okay." He said, "I take it that I can't go in yet."
"That is correct." Carlson said, "You are going to have to come to Headquarters, for debriefing. It is protocol. The Black Sun Event is close and we cannot afford to waste time."
Mael sighed, "Fine." He said, "But everything is good, right? No more paperwork?"
"No more paperwork." Carlson said with a serious expression, "You and your sisters are part of the program, as is that young woman."
"Good." Mael said
"Why did you want her to be part of it?" Carlson asked
"She's family." Mael said with a serious tone, "Should we go?"
"Yes." Carlson said as he walked past him, "Don't expect me to hold your hand, leading you along the way."
"Don't expect me to beg for you to help a poor blind guy out." Mael said as he turned around
"Mael!!" Mael stopped, having heard Lisa's voice, "Wait!"
Mael tilted his head to the side, "Hm?"
Lisa was running down the steps, "Where are you going?" She asked, "Rose is asking for you."
"I'm just going to the Headquarters." Mael said, "Important mission, after all."
He had a slight smile on his face, which caused Lisa to frown in response.
"Y-You...." Lisa said, "Rose is-"
"Worry not." Carlson spoke up, "Mael's sisters will be under good care. Starting tomorrow, we will start treatment for their illnesses. There is nothing to be concerned about. Mael will return later tonight, it is fine."
Lisa looked at Mael, "Fine...." She said before hugging him tightly, "Just.....just be careful...."
"I'm not going anywhere." Mael said with a grimace, "Not yet at least."
"Shut up." Lisa said with her eyes closed, "You stupid fool....."
"Let's go, Mael." Carlson said
"Yes, yes." Mael said with a sigh as Lisa pulled away, "Let's....."
Mael followed Carlson, tapping his walking stick along the way. The two of them made their way to the Hightower, which was the DBG's headquarters. They entered the glass doors at the entrance, walking down the lobby and reaching an elevator.
As they entered the elevator, Carlson looked at Mael who leaned on the wall, "Hm..." He said as he pressed the button of the floor where they were supposed to be headed, "You can still move about despite being blind?"
Mael shrugged, "I got good hearing."
"Interesting." He said, "What actually happened to you? You got in an accident, or so I've heard."
The elevator closed and it began to ascend, the two of them were alone, silence filling the enclosed space.
Mael cleared his throat, "It's not something you want to know." He said, "I mean it."
"Hm." Carlson said, "You know.....they never found the body. For.....for Luke, that is."
"I heard." Mael said seriously, "You have my condolences."
"Hm...." Carlson said as he rubbed his neck, conflicted thoughts in his head, "I mean.....it happened during an Event....and well.....I know your family had nothing to do with the Incident....but...well....."
"You don't have to speak about this." Mael said
Carlson sighed, "It's unsettling." He said, "I remember you as this cocky little guy, one who was always laid back, constantly thirsting over girls older than you."
"That was a different person." Mael said, "One with his eyes intact. You'd be surprised how.....well.....it doesn't matter."
"I'm not supposed to say this...." Carlson said, "But....I think there is a high probability that the Breach this year would be successful."
"Why wouldn't you tell me this?" Mael asked, "Isn't that what we want?"
"The higher-ups don't want to give you guys hope." He said, "Things can still go wrong."
"Hm, you're right about that." Mael said
Carlson closed his eyes and sighed, "We need to have a successful Breach." He said seriously, "You don't understand...we...."
"I am aware of what comes after a successful Breach." Mael said, "You remember? My family owned the electrical grid."
"Y-Yea...." Carlson nodded, "Right...."
The elevator stopped and opened, revealing the floor that they were supposed to stop at.
"We're here." Carlson cleared his throat,
"Let's go."
**************
"Hello." a tall and thin man with long brown hair and brown eyes said as he stood at the podium, wearing a grey suit and blue tie, "I am the Lead Director of The DBG's Event Coordination Team. My name is Markus."
He was speaking to a large oval table that was in front of him, Mael and a few other individuals were sitting down, listening to him.
Markus cleared his throat, "As you are aware, you are here because you are Chosen." He said as he picked up a document and looked at it, "The Black Sun Event is upon us, within a couple of days, so we don't have much time. We are holding this meeting to debrief you all on what we're going to do. Is there any questions before we begin?"
"Uhm...." A woman said as she lifted her hand up, "Yes..."
Markus looked at her, "Yes?"
Everyone at the table looked at the woman, who seemed to be in her mid-thirties, had brown hair, and blue eyes. She seemed to have a curvaceous body, with her white shirt showing some cleavage. Her hair was poorly combed and was tied in a bun, and there were bags under her eyes.
It was clear that she had some stress over this.
"H-How do you choose us?" She asked, a nervous tone in her voice
"I am glad you asked." Markus said, "In fact, I was about to start with that. Every year, we go through a long process of reviewing our citizens' files. Not only that, but we use other skills to locate proper volunteers for the Breaches. We look for a certain amount of Breach Energy within the bodies of everyone. As you are aware, everyone born in this world is bathed in the Veil's Breach Energy. But each individual varies in the amount of energy they possess. Each of you have the necessary amount to make you compatible."
"O-Oh..." The woman said, "I see....."
"How does that even work?" a young man with blue hair said, "Breach Energy. Where the hell did that even come from?"
"Let us rewind around 200 years ago." Markus said, "During the War of the Five Monarchs. A cataclysmic conflict that caused Nations around the world to release their nuclear weapons, annihilating parts of the planet. However, certain individuals stopped most of the onslaught but were unable to stop the Monarchs' destruction. To summarize, the legendary conflict ended in a Solar Eclipse, and it led to the first-ever Black Sun Event. It thinned the veil between dimensions and several Breaches were opened as a result."
"Huh?" the young man asked
Mael cleared his throat, "The openings of the Breaches released interdimensional energy that spread throughout the planet, completely eradicating the nuclear radiation that was caused by the bombs." He said, his face tilted down, "The First Event nearly shattered the planet but after stabilizing, the entire world was infused with Breach Energy. That is how humanity was able to survive."
"Oh." the young man said with a frown, "Who are you?"
"That is right, Mael." Markus said as he set the paper down, "Ever since then, there have been Black Sun Events yearly, defying the laws of physics and even logic itself. Total Solar Eclipses do not happen this consistently and cannot be seen from everywhere at the same time. These make them False Total Solar Eclipses that cause the veil to thin, plunging the entire earth into shadows."
He clicked a button, causing a screen to descend from the ceiling. Then, a projector turned on to display a picture of a large mountain landscape. The entire area seemed to have a shadow cast over it and on the edge of the mountain, a massive shadowy figure was seen. It looked humanoid, with long and thin legs and even longer hands. They didn't seem to have heads, their shadowy necks were but stumps.
"What is that?" A short young woman said, "That...."
"This image was taken in a Black Sun Event around 12 years ago." Markus said, "This is one of the clearest images we have of these entities. When the Event occurs, the Veil thins, as mentioned. And it is only then that these entities roam the earth. We call them Shadow Titans. The DBG's Files state that they are the ones responsible for allowing the Breaches to open."
"Shadow Titans....." Mael muttered, "Those are....."
"What do they do?" the brown-haired woman asked, "Do they....do they attack us?"
"No." Markus said, "Since the DBG's founding, throughout the globe, they have never reported the Shadow Titans to physically harm the Planet. They simply roam about. A report states that in Dystopian New York, around 65 years ago, during an Event...approximately seven of these Titans were spotted when the largest Breach was opened. It is as if they not only allow us to open the Breaches, but they also observe as we do so."
Everyone at the table began to murmur among themselves, a bit in awe at the information that they had just learned. They knew that the Black Sun Event happened every year, around the same time as the year prior, but in a close margin. They knew that for 24 hours, the entire world was placed in the same state; a mixture of day and night, light and darkness merging. It was a phenomenon that made no logical sense, defying everything natural about the universe.
Mael was the only one who remained unfazed, "Hm...."
"Now...." Markus said, "When the Event happens and should the Breach be successful.....you will all be transported to a different dimension."
"Oh yes...." the young man said with a smirk, "I've been waiting for this."
"The Dimension is known as the Distorted Godlands." Markus explained, "It is a vast world with many mysteries and great power. We don't know how exactly this comes to be, but when crossing the Breaches and entering the Godlands, every single one of you will receive 1 of 2 powers. Either the Superhuman Gene.....or a System."
"System....?" the Brown-Haired Woman asked, "What is that?"
"A System is a very powerful outer-dimensional entity that completely defies logic. While the Superhuman Gene does the same, gifting powers that one would dream of, it requires proper training and focus to progress those abilities." Markus said, "A System, however, does not follow those rules. It can progress a user's abilities in the blink of an eye, making them grow powerful without an issue, so long as certain conditions are met. And it all varies on the System. One System, according to reports, requires Points gathered after defeating enemies to level up. Another System simply requires the user to perform certain tasks, and their abilities are improved. The System is a very sought-after ability when it comes to Chosen."
"I see..." the young man said, "That is rather useful for over here."
"That is not how it works." Markus said, "While The Systems are very powerful, they can only be operated in the Godlands. The Superhuman Gene, however, can be carried over here in the world, but in a very limited state. Both abilities are very useful in their own right."
Mael lifted his hand up, "Excuse me." He said, "Can I ask a question?"
"What is it, Mael?" Markus asked
"What exactly are the Godlands like?" Mael asked
"Hm....I am glad you asked." Markus nodded, "The Godlands.....they are an amalgamation of both History and Fantasy."
"What?" the short young woman asked, "What does that mean?"
"Not all of it is explored." Markus explained, "But documents all over the DBGs all over the world state the same; many of its regions are like many points of the world's history. A region can be that of Dystopian America, with a wasteland surrounding a struggling city. Another region can be the same city, but at a point before the War, thriving. Other regions are reminiscing of Europe's medieval time periods.....or the Renaissance periods.....or the Victorian Eras."
"Interesting..." the young man said, "That is quite something, alright."
"Yea..." the brown-haired woman said softly
"But make no mistake." Markus said, "It is not Earth. It is a different place that resembles our world. The people there are not like ours. They could be dangerous, they could not be. Be on guard."
"I see..." the young man said, "I am getting excited."
"Another question." Mael asked
"What is it?" Markus looked at him
"This guy and his questions...." the Young Man said while rolling his eyes
"There has not been any successful Breaches for five years here." Mael said seriously, "What makes you so confident this year will be different?"
"Hm." Markus said as the door to the room opened and a short black haired woman wearing goth-lolita clothing walked in, "The reason for that is....."
The woman stopped next to Markus, looking at them with a serious expression, her cold yellow eyes piercing Mael especially. She said nothing, making them all unsettled.
"As mentioned before, the Shadow Titans allow us to open the Breaches." Markus said, "They use some kind of dimensional manipulation, aiding us to bend the Breach Energy and open the gateways. And while it is very inconsistent sometimes, there is a way to gain a Titan's favor to open it."
"How?" Mael asked
Markus gestured at the woman, "This is.....Demeter." He said, "She is the reason why this year's breach will be successful."
"What's so special about her?" the young man asked
"She...." Markus said, "Is able to commune with the Titans...."
"Making her a very valuable individual."