EXTREME MAKEOVER - WORLD EDITION Chapter 4 – A Revelation Fulfilled
By Atlantis Jordan
DISCLAIMER: This fictional tale involves science fiction and adult same-sex situations. If you are offended by such material then this story may not be for you. All characters are fictional with loosely based material derived from my own real life situations and overactive imagination. Regardless of the title, this story isn’t about the popular reality show, Extreme Makeover. I hope you enjoy my first public offering. Comments can be sent to: atlantisjordan.com@gmail.com (yes, it’s a correct address).
The sunrise begins to brighten Dante’s room as he continues to slumber. As a single beam of sunlight shines directly on his face, he awakens with a start looking around the room as if not fully recognizing his surroundings.
“Wow that was some dream. I’ve never had a dream that seemed so real before.” While sitting up in bed, he feels a little bit disoriented. He recognizes his apartment surroundings (or is it his former) in Ann Arbor, Michigan but the question is... why does it feel like he doesn’t live there anymore? “Well, there’s no time to interpret that particular dream, a hot shower is calling.”
Dante reaches over to shut off the alarm clock. Why he even sets that thing since he always wakes up minutes before it even goes off, he’ll never know. At that moment, he notices the date shown on the clock. “Wait a minute. That can’t be right.” He checks his cell phone and sure enough it’s 2007. “Did I just dream about the future because I swear it feels like it is 2008?” Realizing that he’s talking out loud to himself, Dante gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom.
Staring at himself in the mirror, even while a bit disoriented, Dante starts to think about Daniel, as he does every morning since the incident. “Life really sucks right now, and on top of that, I’m having weird dreams about hulking aliens and the future? I guess I’m finally losing it after-all.”
“No, you’re not. What you experienced was what you can call a form of advanced premonition.” A voice says out of thin air.
This makes Dante jump and turn around to see who was in the room. “What the... damn, now I’m hallucinating and hearing things.”
“You are not hearing things and you are not crazy...” The voice states
“Oh, my god! Who is in here with me? Take whatever you want but please don’t hurt me!” Dante makes a dash for the bedroom door and stops in his tracks when a bright blue light appears in front of the door.
“Maybe this will help.” The voice says as a human figure appears out of the blue light. Dante just stares in awe as a blond muscular man with very handsome Nordic features emerges from the light. “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. And to help offer some explanations for what has and is happening to you.” Sticking out his hand, he smiles at Dante. “My name is Sol and I am your Guide assigned to help you with your transition.
Finally coming out of his trance, Dante steps back a bit. “A guide for what? And what are you? I’m still dreaming, aren’t I? That’s why my own bedroom doesn’t seem familiar yet it is, right?” Long pause... “Oh man, this is too much!”
“Dante! Please calm down. I can help you understand everything that is happening to you. It’s
important that you get your emotional state under control. Now, please sit down and I’ll explain to you what’s happening and why. Please?” The visitor motions for Dante to sit by pointing with his upturned palms towards the bed.
“I’d rather stand, thank you. Just tell me what’s going on.” Dante says as he adds another couple steps to the expanding distance from the stranger.
“Alright, first off, thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain. I know your first reaction is to escape but the fact that you are listening to a complete stranger shows that you are ready for the truth... and the completion of your transformation...”
“Transformation? Into what?” Dante blurts out interrupting Sol.
“The transformation into your birth rite as a full-blooded child of Gaia, of course. You are rare and the most coveted being in all of existence. Because of you, life exists and is maintained on planets such as your home world. I am a Gaian Emissary. My race was specifically created as spiritual guides to children of Gaia. Think of my kind like guardian angels. I know that you exhibited an interest in Greek mythology when you were a child. So you should remember that Gaia was the goddess of Earth. But the myth isn’t just a myth. The idea of Gods came from your ancestor who was revered as a God because of her powers. Her name was Aurora and she was born on a planet called Atlantis but was exiled to the colonial planet, Terra which you call Earth because of her corruption by the Centauri. By sending her to this primitive planet, she could live out her life free from the evil influences of those who would seek to destroy life as you and I know it.”
“Wait, wait wait a minute. Are you telling me that the dream I had last night was real? That everything that I was told actually happened? If that was true, why does it feel like I still live in Denver and it is 2008?” Sol smiles as he sees Dante taking his suggestion by sitting down.
“Impressive. You assimilate information and logic extremely well. Normally, a Gaian child without proper training never excels to that level but you have. And to answer your question... Yes, what you experienced was real. I am responsible for what you are experiencing now. I tapped into your dormant abilities and sent you back in time to your present consciousness. This was necessary as too much was happening to you without a clear understanding of who you really are. I apologize for this as it took me awhile to get past the Centauri Tracker Droids who had installed blocking devices to keep entities like myself from interfering.”
“What the hell is a Tracker Droid?” Dante asks, his mind still reeling from the time travel part.
“Excellent question.” Sol smiles as he can sense the dormant neural pathways of Dante’s brain realigning themselves as he reveals more information about his heritage. ”They are Centauri-created artificial life forms whose sole purpose is for espionage or gathering information. They have been tracking you and several other possible descendants since birth. You actually came into contact with one when you were 8 years old. They were the ones who abducted you. They retrieved a blood sample for analysis and then returned you unharmed. They posed as policemen who claimed to have found you. Do you remember Police Officer Jones from the Detroit Police Department?”
Dante had always blocked that experience out and hadn’t thought about that episode of his life since it happened. But the memories came flooding back against his will. He remembered how strange his abductors were and how odd their appearance was. He had seen albinos before so figured that explained their pasty white complexion and strange colored eyes. Now that he knew the truth... it sent a shiver down his spine. “Yes. I remember them. I think I knew they were different somehow, even then. Are they still here?”
“Yes, they are. Still tracking your whereabouts and reporting to the Centauri leader, Omega. You do remember the information that was shared about him during your mind link with Raynor?” Sol smiles as he sees the startled look on Dante’s face. “Don’t look so shocked. Remember, I was there your entire life
but couldn’t reach you because of the blocking device. But I am here now. Better late than never, right. I believe that is the saying the Terrans use?”
“What are Terrans?” Dante asks as he feels a severe headache coming on. This is just too much information all at once. His head feels like it’s swelling up like a balloon.
“This planet was named, Terra, by the Atlantians who colonized it. But the people of this planet call it Earth. I believe the name Terra means Earth in the Latin language?” Sol looks pointedly at Dante sensing his discomfort from the neural realignment. “We can take a break while your brain completes the realignment process. And, before you ask... your transformation is occurring as we speak simply by revealing more truths to you. I apologize if the experience is painful but we do not have a lot of time as the most important revelation is yet to come.” Sol pauses, unsure of whether to share this particular piece of information yet. Sensing that Dante is about to ask... “It involves your innate abilities and how they have been manifesting themselves without your knowledge on this planet and on Atlantis.”
Sol turns to walk out of the room when Dante touches his arm to get his attention. “Wait... when you mean manifest, are you referring to things that I may have done without actually knowing about them? Is that even possible?”
“Yes, but as I said... you will need a break before receiving that particular revelation. How about I take you out for breakfast?”
“Sure, but I have to be at work.” Dante checks his cell phone. “...and I’m already late!”
“Don’t worry about it. Didn’t you put in your two weeks notice already?”
“Yes, I mean no. I did... uhm, will do that tomorrow. This is so confusing to talk about events that have already happened in the present tense.” Dante says while scratching his head.
“I know. But it will get easier. Your brain capacity is increasing so you should easily be able to assimilate information more efficiently after the transformation is completed. Now where do you want to go for breakfast?”
On the moon’s surface lurks the Centauri mother ship. Inside, awaits the greatest threat to human kind in the universe... Lord Omega. And he has his sights on one human in general. The Gaian child. “What is the latest report from the surface?” Lord Omega asks as he monitors the feedback he received from the Tracker Droids.
“Sir, we registered a slight bio-energy reading from the same vicinity we identified as the location of the Gaian child. It would appear that something or someone is awakening the being. Thanks to your Gaian conversion program, we were able to decipher more accurate readings for the Gaian than with traditional technology!” The mother ship commander, Silaas, states while zooming in on a Terran city called Ann Arbor. “The Tracker Droids have updated their records to show the new location of the Gaian. I do apologize as it took a few years for the Droids to catch up after originally capturing the Gaian.” Silaas contemplates his next question as he nervously glances at his Lord.
“Just say what’s on your mind, Silaas. I’m listening.” Omega says as he approaches the ship commander.
“I was just wondering why you ordered the Droids to let the Gaian go after we captured it as a child. I would have kept the child and reprogrammed it in the Centauri way. We could be home right now enjoying the fulfillment of the great prophesy!”
“Normally, Silaas, that would be a great idea and the most logical but the child wasn’t old enough to undergo the conversion. Putting a Gaian into such a program eliminates any possibility of it ever having the ability to tap into its innate abilities later on. I couldn’t risk that so decided to just monitor the Child and
keep the Atlantians from finding its location.” Omega pauses for a moment and looks around as if trying to sense something. This makes the crew nervous but they are smart enough to stay silent. “That was strange. I just felt a shift in that planet’s orbit. I’m not sure what caused it but I am going to find out.” Reaching for his wristlink. “Science Office, Jenlos?”
“Yes, my Lord. How may I serve you?”
“There was a shift in Terra’s orbit. Find out what caused it and get back to me ASAP.”
“Yes sir. I’ll get right on it.” Jenlos says before pausing to add. “May I suggest implementing a decoy strategy since the Atlantians have recently discovered our position and will be monitoring our activities?”
“Yes, you may. Once that has occurred, notify me and I will share with you my plans.” Omega chuckles knowing how much of a fool the Atlantians will feel like when they discover they’ve been put on a wild goose chase.
Back at Dante’s apartment in Ann Arbor...
“Why are you laughing at me, Dante?” Sol asks when they re-enter the apartment.
“You caused quite a scene at Mark’s Midtown! You acted like you’ve never eaten before.”
“Well, technically, I haven’t. Meeting you finally has enabled me to become a solid form. Remember, my people are energy-based life forms.” Sol takes a moment to study Dante. “It’s good to see you laughing. You haven’t done that in a long time. You should laugh more often. It’ll make you feel better... as well as the planet.”
“What was that last part... you kind of mumbled it” Dante asks while taking a seat on the couch.
“Nothing... but I do need to make you aware of the huge responsibility being Gaian will mean for you. I believe you are ready for the truth now.” Sol has been immensely impressed with the Gaian for his ability to process the events of today including Sol’s explanation for why Dante was now in 2007 while his memories are of future events from 2008. He is not sure how Dante will process this next revelation.
“Sol, you have told me a lot of things in the past few hours that initially didn’t make any sense. I am not even sure why I feel I can trust you since you essentially broke into my apartment. I feel different and I understand on some level what has happened but it still feels surreal. Hell, I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this constant sense of déjà vu I’m experiencing today.”
“That’s okay, Dante. At least you no longer suffer from the migraine you had earlier.” Sol smiles at Dante for a moment and then becomes serious as what he says in the next few moments will be crucial for the young Gaian. “Dante... as a Gaian, you are physically and emotionally connected to Terra, I mean Earth. What this means is that your emotional and physical well-being is directly felt and reflected in the environment around you.”
“I don’t understand. I don’t feel anything. Are you sure you have your facts straight?” Dante looks at Sol questionably.
“You’re right; you don’t feel anything... yet. You would end up destroying both Earth and Atlantis if you received everything at once. But starting today, you will understand what being a Gaian means. And with this great power comes some unfortunate consequences.” Sol sighs and looks down at his feet for a moment before continuing. “Dante, since you were born, you have been influencing the weather conditions and geological phenomenon that has been plaguing this planet and Atlantis for the past 28 years.”
“What do you mean I have been influencing weather conditions? I don’t recall being aware of something like that. Are you telling me I can make it rain whenever I want?” Dante thinks over the possibilities.
“Yes, you can. But you have been unaware of what you are capable of not being able to fully connect with your heritage. Remember the incident that occurred in December of 2004? You lost your aunt whom has acted as your mother since you can remember. Do you remember how devastated you were?”
Dante gets off the couch and walks over to the patio door. “I don’t want to talk about that. It hurts too much to think about it. I lost my family that day.”
“I know Dante. And that’s not all that was lost. I know you don’t want to talk about it but this is important. What day did your aunt pass away?”
“Aren't you like all knowing? You should know the answer to that question!” Dante says angrily as he REALLY doesn’t want to rehash that particularly dark period of his life.
“I need you to tell me the date, Dante. It’s important. It’s important you understand what I’m about to tell you.”
Dante sighs heavily. He’s quiet for a moment as he struggles with the memory of that day. “December 25, 2004. There... are you happy now!”
“No, Dante I’m not. I am so sorry that you lost your aunt. You’ve led a hard life and I wish I could help change the past but I can’t. This is the path you had to take. As you’ll learn from here on... everything happens for a reason. Now, Dante... do you know what happened in the world the very next day. On December 26, 2004?”
“Uhm... no. I wasn’t very coherent that day. I just wanted to die.”
Sol crosses the room over to Dante and puts his arm around him to comfort. He waits patiently until Dante calms down from sobbing before giving him the rest of the revelation.
“Dante... On December 24, 2006. The second largest earthquake in human recorded history occurred. This phenomenon happened without notice and over 100,000 people died. In the past 20 years, weather patterns and geological activity have increased beyond normal. The most recent was Hurricane Katrina. Do you remember what happened on that particular day in your life?”
Dante shakes Sol’s arm off his shoulder and steps back... looking at the Guardian. “Are you saying... are you telling me that I caused the 2004 Tsunami??? That I killed all those people? All because I was grieving? How dare you accuse me of such an atrocity?”
“Dante, you don’t understand. You were unaware that your emotional state caused stress in the earth’s crust. The planet only responded to your pain. You had no way of knowing that you could have caused this incident. Don’t blame yourself. I just wish I could have reached you sooner to help you control your powers and prevented those incidents from happening. Listen to me, Dante. Don’t beat yourself up. Learn from this. You have a great burden to bear. You can either save this world or destroy it. The fates of two planets are in your hands.”
“I don’t believe this. Maybe I should just kill myself now and put an end to this if I’m so dangerous.” Dante says sounding defeated. “Seems like no matter what I do, somebody gets hurt.”
“Dante, all is not as dire as it seems. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Mother Gaia wouldn’t have put you through this without a safeguard. There are two counterparts that you must bond with in order to gain full control over your abilities. There are two beings that carry the genetic trait that can
temper your abilities and amplify them at the same time. I believe you already know of them... and have met one of them in 2008.”
Dante looks confused for a moment before remembering the events of his last day in 2008. “You mean that big dude who destroyed my kitchen door... I mean what will be my kitchen. Oh never mind, you know what I mean. Him???”
Sol chuckles to himself as he enjoyed the exchange between Orian and Dante. He knows that Terra and Atlantis’ best chance is with the union of these two beings. “Yes, Orion is one of your potential counterparts.”
Dante thinks back on his encounter with the handsome alien and feels unsure about being paired with such a pompous ass. “Okay, so who is the other potential? Raynor, perhaps? I liked him.”
“No... Lord Omega. The man responsible for your parents’ death. Among other things.”
“What?! My parents were killed? When were you going to tell me this???” Dante shouts at Sol, hysterically! “I can’t fucking believe this! I am tired of being the only person who doesn’t run his own life. That stops NOW!”
Just then a huge clap of thunder is heard outside rattling the windows followed by darkening skies and increased winds. Sol looks at Dante and realizes his mistake. He shared too much and Earth may have to pay for his error. Unless...
“Dante, you can get revenge. I’m sorry that you were told this way but as I said before, I wish I could have shared this with you sooner but because of Omega’s blocking device, I had to warp your consciousness back in time in order to reach you. Please, you need to calm down. Look outside and see what you are doing!”
Dante glances outside and sees his neighbors running for cover from the hurricane like winds. Something inside of him acknowledges the voice he’s ignored so long as the voice of the planet he’s connected to. He feels the air molecules that surround him and are in him. He feels the rotation of the earth for the first time in his life as well as the magnetic fields that surround the planet. His eyes widen as he realizes that the entire planet is a part of him... and talks to him. He’s confused but calms himself down enough for the weather outside to return to normal.
“Dante, are you alright? What happened? I sensed a change in you.”
Dante looks over at Sol and smiles. “I’m doing fine. I think I understand everything you have told me. I connected with Terra and it was beautiful. I have never felt so... connected before. It’s a weird feeling... I can’t explain it. But when I was angry, the planet was angry as well. I think I know what I must do now.” Dante walks out the patio door and stares into the sky.
Sol approaches cautiously trying to figure out what’s going on with Dante. He’s concerned that he can’t read the Gaian anymore. At that moment, Dante turns towards him and smiles.
“Don’t worry Sol. Your mission was a success. I have fully embraced what I am. And I want to thank you for saving me. You said that I had two options, two counterparts to choose from. What if... hmmm... what if .... I chose neither.”
End of Chapter 4....
Note from the weather has been so nice. But thank you to fans (old and new) who have continued to keep reminding me how much they like this story and for me to not abandon it. I do appreciate the reminders. It keeps me motivated to continue sharing. Please feel free to email me at atlantisjordan.com@gmail.com.