The Awakening

By Adarsh G.Harakangi

Then he found oblivion. His body jerked up in mid-air, yet he felt no pain. A sense of freedom, hope and inspiration filled his heart. As he crossed his arms on his chest, a strange feeling of solitude crept in, and through it he saw the enormous responsibility that lay before him. He was alone, deserted but powerful, tiny but self-reliant, he was human but Invincible.

David has had only one true friend all his life. Shaun has never been in love. Alisha has always been with him. Jane has just got her first boyfriend. Michael, never mind, for him, it’s always complicated. All of them have one thing in common. They are born with intricate tattoos on their body. As they blend together as a team under the guidance of their other-worldly teacher, little do they realize the magnitude of responsibility that rests on their shoulders.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Notion Press
• Release date: Aug 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9789352061488

Book preview

Author

Chapter One

THE ORIGIN

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Nobody knows where the place is located. The only thing that is seen is the blaze of an eerie fire in the centre of the room. Two people stand near the fire, conversing. One of them is seated while the other bows his head. The seated one waves his hand and light floods the whole room.

In the light, one can see a throne at one end. On the throne is a weird creature with an abnormally huge head. The room is very one-dimensional where almost everything is brown. The bowing figure resembles an attentive assistant and the large-headed figure on the chair looks regal.

The man who is standing starts talking. His snakelike features are accentuated by his harsh voice and sloppy accent. Mi Lard! Thiz world eezz een danger. You need to choozze an heir. You must retire and pazz your power,

The expression on his face shows that he is worried about the other person’s health. Deep down, he is probably thinking that his master would banish him.

But, he was taken aback by his master’s reaction.

You are right, Lopex. I need to retire. However, to whom shall I pass my powers? My race has been destroyed,

Mazzter, extenguiz your power! Lopex said.

No, I can see… I mean, I can feel that if it is not passed on, the world will be in danger, said the master after a pause. He was in deep thought that was clearly apparent through his sunken eyebrows.

I think I will have to give it to the human race… he said after a while, breaking the silence.

But mazter, don’t you have to die to do it…. I meen, to pazz your power? stammered Lopex.

My time has not come yet, Lopex! came master’s cold reply.

How can I zerve you, mazter? asked Lopex, switching over to a different topic, noticing his master’s reluctance.

Go around the world and get back with a report,

Azz you zay. said Lopex and vanished from sight.

A little over a year later, Lopex was back to the same place from where he had set off, the monochromatic cave. As expected, the place was filthy and untidy. As he stepped inside, he almost stepped on a scurrying rat. However, cleaning was the second most important thing on his list. First, he had to get to his master.

Taking rapid strides he entered into the long room still having the eerie glowing flame, he saw his master clad in white.

In front of his master were five orbs of different colors floating in midair.

Welcome back, Lopex! his master said.

I am zorry, mazter. Am I late? fumbled Lopex as words failed him at the sight of the orbs.

No, you are not. You are right on time,

Lopex was quite taken aback by his master’s sweet voice and silken touch.

Mazter, what are thoze thingz in front of you? Lopex asked, curbing his inner hesitation.

You don’t need to know! As the situation develops, I’ll tell you, his master yelled.

I am zorry, zir! said Lopex, rather alarmed by his master’s sudden mood swing. He felt that he had let his master down.

Go, leave me alone. I’m sure you have something else to do. We’ll talk later, said the master.

But, mazter, I can hel–

Goodbye!

Lopex went his way. He had cleaning to do.

Lopex cleaned the place thoroughly. Once done, it looked as though Lopex had never left. Lopex was happy with his work and hoped that his master would also appreciate it. Several days later, Lopex finally heard from his master.

Lopex! I have a job for you and I wish it to be done perfectly without a single mistake. If you commit one, I will kill you in the most gruesome way this universe has ever witnessed! threatened master, his voice cold and cunning.

Shivers ran up and down Lopex’s spine as he replied, his voice shaking, I will zee that eet iz perfect. Pleez tell me what to do,

Tell me whether you went to the United States when I sent you on reconnaissance, where did you go? asked the master.

Yez, my lord! said the curious servant.

Did you visit New York City?

Yez, mazter,

Boston?

Yez,

Denver?

Yez,

Washington D.C.?

Yez,

Dallas?

Yez, zir!

How did you feel in those places? the master asked.

I felt free. They made me feel like there was still hope for this planet, Lopex reported, despite the fact that he had hardly noticed any difference.

Do you know why I am asking you all this? his master asked nonchalantly.

I don’t know, mazter. Forgeeve me, my lord, said Lopex, now tense.

Well! The heirs to my power are being born, he said and smiled.

What?!? said the servant wonderstruck.

Are you pazzing on your powerz, zir?

Yes, I am… here is where you come in, said the master and removed the lid of an ancient looking box, delicately carved by intricate designs.

As he removed the lid, five orbs of different colors hovered above the box and emitted bright light.

Mazter, you will die az zoon az you pazz on your power. Who will teach him to control the power? said Lopex. His eyes welled up visibly.

Oh, stop it! And by the way, it is not ‘him’. It is ‘them’, said master and beamed.

No! Zir! You cannot split yourzelf, cried Lopex, You will die, zir! You are weak!

Shut up, Lopex. I have decided that I will pass on my powers to five humans and these… he said pointing towards the glowing orbs.

These are five parts of my power, the master ended his sentence.

Congratulationz, zir. You have achieved a great thing despite your advancing age! Lopex said and beamed with pride.

How can I help you? he added as he completed his customary bow.

First of all, take the red orb and place it in the womb of Mary Danster. You will find her in Washington D.C. Her husband is Jake Danster. I am warning you again. No living soul should see you doing this. his master gave a warning.

The servant nodded and disappeared.

After a day, Lopex returned.

Mazter, that waz one of the mozt difficult tazkz you have given me! said an exhausted Lopex.

His master’s high pitched laughter filled the room. There is more hard work ahead! he added.

Then he gave his servant a note with the four colored orbs. The note read:

Yellow : To Robert and Margaret Senest, Boston

Orange: To Jordon & Jenny Hampburn, New York City.

Blue: To Alex and Sally Raplett, Dallas

Green: To Bill and Grace Wilfird, Denver

I have finizzed all five…. Ahhhh! Lopex’s scream pierced the darkness, before he could finish his sentence. For a moment, his senses went black. The pain was enormous, but Lopex knew he was alive by the end of the ordeal.

I am sorry, Lopex. It was necessary. You have served me well, the master said.

It was an honor, my lord. Lopex said, not bothering to question his master’s actions as he knew he would not be answered.

26th May, 1997. The wait of 9 months ended for the Hampburns. It was a beautiful dawn and the orange rays of the sun were breaking into the hospital when a baby boy was born to Jordon and Jenny Hampburn in New York City; the city that never sleeps.

What’s that? he said, gaping at the baby’s chest.

What’s what, Jordon, let me rest!? Jenny asked, fluttering her eyes open.

There’s a tattoo on the baby!

It’s ‘our’ baby!

Whatever, look at it, I mean this isn’t ordinary!

He pulled his chair closer to his wife’s bed so that they could examine the strange tattoo on the baby’s chest together. It was slightly towards the right and wasn’t exactly placed in the center.

The tattoo consisted of a burning flame and within it was the graph of the heartbeat. The flame seemed to be placed in a bowl. There was also another bowl opening downwards having a common base with the bowl that held the flame. The mark was completely orange in hue. It looked so real, so life-life that at first sight it looked as if a flame was ringing in the baby’s chest.

So what do you make of this? Jerry? a puzzled Jenny asked her husband.

Mr. Hampburn replied by putting his spectacles back into the coat Seriously, I have no idea,

My scientist husband seems to have run out of ideas, she teased.

Well, does my scientist wife have any?

She’s working on it! said Jenny as her husband passed on the baby to her.

Mrs. Hampburn kissed the baby on his forehead. The room disappeared and she found herself in midst of blinding bright orange light.

Jerry! Are you there? she asked rather petrified.

I am beside you, it’s just that I can’t see you, honey, she heard.

The light subsided and when the Hampburns looked at the baby, they found something startling, the bright orange light which was shining out of the mark, was now slowly diminishing.

Wow! Am I dreaming or is it true? asked Mrs. Hampburn as the glow of the orange light from the tattoo slowly faded away.

Let’s forget about the tattoo for a moment, Mr.Hampburn urged.

But if this is not important at this moment then what do we give more importance to? Mrs. Hampburn asked.

Naming him I suppose! replied Mr. Hampburn.

All right! Let it not be with a J. It will add up another ‘J’ in the family, the baby’s mother said, sulking.

How about Ivan? Mr.Hampburn said jokingly.

He is not such a terrible guy! his wife said disapproving of her husband’s suggestion.

Okay, then how about David? he enquired.

Yeah that sounds good –‘David Hampburn’, she said and smiled.

You are right! replied Mr.Hampburn telling himself the name again.

Sir, you have a memo. Someone left it at the receptionist!

Thank you, said Jordon Hampburn, receiving the envelope. His heart skipped a beat.

What is it? asked his wife, worried.

You won’t believe this! he said and passed on the memo.

David Hampburn, 9.00 a.m., 14th November 2013, Lincoln Memorial, it said.

But we just named David! said Jenny hysterically.

There’s something wrong with him!

Nothing is wrong with my son!

’Our’ son. Jordon corrected his wife this time.

It was a normal day with a similar beginning when the Hampburns set out for office, except for the fact that they were being picked up by a car for the day.

David, who was fascinated by his grandma’s mobile phone was recording a tune that he was playing on the piano.

Davie! Come down here! We are leaving! David heard his mother’s voice from downstairs.

David sighed, pocketed the phone absentmindedly without switching off his record and ran down to see his parents off.

Davie! We’ll be back in the evening! Take care! Granny will pick you up from school! It might be late but we will be back, okay? Goodbye!

Yeah, David replied and kissed his mother.

Bye Davie! See you in the evening, his father called out to him as he went to the front door.

Can we play football in the evening, Dad? he called out as his car was leaving.

I guess I might be too late for that… he heard his dad’s voice fading away.

Honey! We have a got an important meeting tonight. And I want you to stay focused. Alright! Take care of yourself, don’t mess with anybody and most of all, don’t forget to have lunch!

Yes, Ma’ am! David mocked, smiling facetiously.

His mother walked a few steps towards the door and then turned back, knelt down and kissed his forehead.

I’ll always be with you! I promise! I love you! Don’t ever forget that!

I know that, mom,

You’ll do something really great in life! I am so proud of you! she said and kissed him again.

She went by the door and David waved animatedly till his parents were out of sight.

He looked towards his grandmother and said, Don’t you think it was odd, what mom said to me today?

David was let off early that day, from school, which made him curious as well as nervous, it had been a strange day so far.

Why are you picking me up so early, Gran? he asked when he saw his grandmother waiting for him in the atrium.

I wanted to take you home early today, sweet heart! she said, struggling to keep up the smile.

Why? Are Mom and Dad back so early today? asked David, excited.

His grandmother choked; she couldn’t speak and then a tear slipped down her face. David knew something was very wrong.

Did I say anything wrong? he asked the receptionist.

What if I told you that your parents are never going to return? said grandmother after they sat in the living room for an hour without speaking to each other.

I’d think you would be joking! replied David and smiled, one of his teeth missing.

David, what am going to tell you know, it’s really bad. Your parents never meant to do this to you, I promise, they would never want this to happen to you. They are gone, David, they are dead!

But Dad said he would come back home, late. I don’t believe you! Gran, you are lying! he shouted and screamed and then broke down sobbing.

In the years to come, David would realize that his parents had died in a freak laboratory accident and that they weren’t the only ones who had lost their lives. There were seven others who went down with the laboratory. He had visited the place many times, probably because he felt they were still there as their bodies could never be recovered. For some time after their passing, he just thought they would come back one day, but when that day just didn’t seem come, he gave up. There were times when he felt alone and was jealous of his friends especially during the parent-teacher meetings which his grandmother attended. The world seemed to grow polite to him. Sometimes it seemed to be pampering him and he hated it.

But life went on and David seemed to get better every day. He often wondered what he would end up as. It was his grandmother who listened calmly to all his worries, played the role of both parents and never let him be alone. He felt indebted to her and she was the only thing that he had in the world. The death of his parents helped shape a very radical view of the world. He now saw it as a place which was ever competitive and never compromising. This was probably the reason why he only made few friends. His life was anonymous – he sat in the last bench, remained there during break time and his social life was non-existent.

Your parents wouldn’t want to see you like this! he heard his grandmother say leaning towards the door. As for himself, he was busy solving math of a higher grade.

They were scientists. They would be happy actually, but Gran, you should sleep, you don’t have to come and monitor me at night, you are not getting any younger. So please go sleep! said David, noticing that it was past midnight.

I heard that there was a party at Nash’s place today and that you were invited. Why didn’t you go?

Well, he isn’t a friend. He invited me because it was formality. I mean, come on, Gran, he invited the whole classroom! David said, pulling out a chair so that his grandmother could sit.

You are thirteen kid and you’re yet to have your first girlfriend! How ridiculous is that?

Well, it isn’t. Its not mandatory, right? asked David, smiling.

Well at the very least you got to have a friend circle. Go for camps, the last camp you went was with me four years ago, if you remember!

Well, we stopped camping because you grew white hair! Come on, Gran, I’m not an outdoor person!

We have new neighbors. Their son is of your age. He’s fun. In fact, I’d like you to be friends with him!

Gran, that’s ridiculous! Why do I have to take the first step? said David and rolled his eyes at her.

Well, because I asked you to! said Grandma, finding no better reason.

Neil Paleferry changed David’s life. Perhaps it would be more apt to say introduced David to his first love – computers. For the first time in his life, David found himself passionate, rather than just determined. His grandmother was a bit reluctant to get him a high-end laptop as she feared it would have a counter effect on his outdoor activities, but when she saw her grandson getting up early to join Neil for the morning jog with a football, she was filled with optimism. By the time he was fifteen, David was a different person.

Excuse me, can I have David for a second! asked a tall young woman bursting into the classroom.

Yes, you may!

Neil shook David awake just in time to make sure he wasn’t caught sleeping in class.

What is it? Should I call you Madam inside school or is Cathy fine? he asked, she was Neil’s elder sister, their computer teacher.

Cathy would be fine! Come along. There is a huge bug that’s making a mess of late! she said.

Why me? Couldn’t you do it by yourself? he asked, confused.

I just wanted to test your problem solving ability! she teased as they went into the lab.

One of the high school guys had the virus injected into a computer and LAN did the rest, it’s infected the rest of the computers straight away! Cathy added.

That’s it? asked David’

Yeah, that’s it. I am sure that you will make your way from here! she said and walked away.

David got down to work. It wasn’t at all hard work for him. No more than fifteen minutes had passed and he announced that he had done it.

Impossible! said Cathy and rolled her eyes.

Well, why do you think so?

Well, it reprogrammed itself overtime, didn’t you notice? she asked.

Well, there was an extended loop, technical stuff, you won’t understand! teased David.

I’ve rebooted the system. I guess I’ll go now! he added, when she smirked.

Thank you! she said, smiling.

No, thank you! You saved me from the history class.

Hey wait! There is something here?

Now what?

It says to the man who untied it, a last message of admiration! – but the message itself seems crappy,

What does it say? asked David from the doorway.

Its numbers and a few symbols.

4.1.22..9.4.&&8.1.13.16.2.21.18.14&&0900&&14112013&&12.9.14.3.15.12.14&&13.5.13.15.18.9.1.12

Can you stop thinking about it for a moment. This doesn’t make sense! said Neil giving up. They were in David’s room, trying to break the code.

Maybe we should try to check in on the site from where the file with the virus was downloaded,

Cathy already tried that. Webpage not found! replied Neil.

I got it! This is it. I was to crack this, the whole of this was meant for me!

What the….?

Look 4 is D, 1 is A… this is so simple. I am such a fool!

So, what are the double & supposed to mean and how do you figure out 14112013…. Wait is that a date?

Double &’s are spaces, which leads to –

David Hampburn 0900 14th November 2013, Lincoln Memorial.

David, this is something serious! I guess we should tell someone!

I guess, it’s time I told you something, Neil. Don’t call me a freak after this, please! he said and told him all about the mark and the way it glowed.

I think its cool. said Neil at the end of it.

When he told his grandmother, he was caught by surprise.

I know about this! Your parents received a memo, just after you were born, she told him the story.

Why didn’t you ever tell me this? asked David, stunned.

Because you didn’t ask for it, she replied blankly.

Are we going?

Of course we are!

You are just too awesome to be old! said David and hugged her.

I want you to know something! You aren’t to cry at the end of it! Promise? she asked later that night.

David nodded, rather confused, but when his granny pulled out her old phone and played a track, his demons returned to haunt him.

When your mother died she said something like this! She asked me to record it. I was asked not to tell you until you figure out yourself about it. Listen to this. she said and pressed play.

MOM, THIS IS JENNY. I KNOW THAT I CAN’T SURVIVE! BUT MOM I NEED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING THAT YOU NEED TO TELL DAVID ONCE HE IS 14 OR 15. DAVID ISN’T A NATURAL BOY. HE IS ONE OF THE FIVE PROTECTORS OF THE WORLD. ONCE HE COMES AND INFORMS YOU THAT HE WANTS TO GO TO WASHINGTON DC. TAKE HIM THERE MOM! PLEASE! THIS IS MY LAST REQUEST….. AAAH! GOODBYE MOM .GOOD BYE DAVID MAMA LOVES YO…… the recording ended with the sound of a huge explosion.

Five protectors of the world? he asked out aloud.

I know nothing. I promise! she said and hugged the young boy.

Thank you! whispered David in a shaky but happy voice.

You will be fine!

My parents knew about it all along? he said.

Maybe.

Alisha Senest

Energy

It was early in the morning on the 26th day of July in Boston when Robert and Margaret Senest became the parents of a sweet little baby girl. The doctors had noticed it, the nurses had noticed it too, but the parents still hadn’t been notified. It was only later that the mother noticed a yellowish glow on her daughter’s left shoulder. Her husband came in and her curious look surprised him.

What’s wrong? he asked taking her hand and squeezed it tight.

There’s something on her arm! she said smirking.

Really? Robert asked and lifted his daughter delicately.

It’s a birthmark! But it’s just too intricate! he said after having a look at it.

At the center of the mark there was a circular ball with straight lines in it. The circle was inscribed within a small flame. The flame was covered laterally with similar designs, the right design was a bit longer than the left. At the bottom of the flame, was a sleek curve that acted as a barrier to the flame from the third side. Below the sleek curve there were waves of water. These waves were bounded by all side with curious patterns. Below the waves there lay the ECG graph. This whole set-up was bounded by petal-like structures on either side of its laterals. They were symmetrical in nature. The whole structure was surrounded by stripes which formed a circle round the mark. The stripes seemed to have no beginning nor end.

What is this? he said after a long look at the mark.

I don’t know, but it’s beautiful! she said.

Maybe we should call the nurse. he said and went out leaving their newborn with her mother.

We found it when we took her for a wash, replied the nurse.

We could have conducted tests and even tried to erase it, but then the newborn’s skin is sensitive and moreover it wasn’t causing any harm to the baby. We let it go. the doctor added.

Is there nothing we can do it about it? asked Margaret.

We could try out some treatments, but she needs to get bigger for that!

Thank you, doctor!

By the way, it’s a lovely tattoo, don’t you think?

Maybe… just too odd for a newborn though. the father retorted sarcastically.

It was always either Austin or Alisha and now it was Alisha Senest. She was a simple little thing, according to well wishers. She was usually very quiet, shy and hardly let go off her smile. She kept things simple, never made a mess and hardly complained. She wasn’t the smartest kid in her class, but worked very hard. She adored spending time amongst flowers and was particularly fascinated by sunflowers. It took fifteen years for the mark to glow, but when it did, it made sure it had a lasting impression on her.

I think it’s the most boring thing in the world! a youthful voice brought back Alisha into the school again. It was one of her friends, Neha.

What are you talking about? she asked, yawning.

We have the science exhibition tomorrow did it just slip out of your mind?

No, but I think it’s going to be fun! Alisha disagreed.

Well that’s because your boyfriend is the head boy and he can visit you anytime you want him to!

Oh! Shut up, will you?

Don’t forget the batteries, we need them tomorrow. Neha reminded her. Alisha nodded. They were partners in a science project they had been working all summer. They had made all-terrain mobile vehicle. Though it didn’t look pretty, with tubes and black insulation tape all over it, it could fly, sail on water and move on land as well. Neha hated explaining things to people, while Alisha loved simplifying things so that she could reach out to many people. Despite their differences, they were good friends.

Don’t give me that look. I remember bringing them! said