We, the 13: Sky Breaker

By Nolan Johnson

In the year 2010, Science has advanced to the point where Mankind has succeeded in creating the Super Heroes that they would need in dire times. Artificial Humans, known as a Homunculus. But this first attempt, caused New York City's destruction, simply known by all as "The Darkest Hour." Twenty Years later, The need for Heroes was still there, and as such Thirteen of them were created to be just that. But the 13th, Adam is treated as an outcast. But all of that changes, when a trio suddenly appear, having relations to Adam. Not only that but they know about what makes him special about the Thirteen, and what will soon befall the city of Neo Tech in the coming future. Adam must find out who these mysterious Homunculi are, his relations to the first Homunculi Alpha and Omega, and what he needs to do to become the Hero that the World will need him to be...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nolan Johnson
• Release date: Mar 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781495106507

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We, the 13: Sky Breaker

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Prologue: Welcome to my World

Superheroes... Read them in comic books and watch them in movies, they're the symbols of hope that would swoop in and save the day. Thwart bank robberies, stop mad scientists, and in the most extreme cases, prevent the apocalypse. If only they were real right? The world would probably be a safer place knowing that there’s someone or something watching over you. Well, what if I were to say they were real? Okay, now you guys are probably scratching your heads, so let’s start from the beginning. First off, Introductions: My name is Number Thirteen. What? I’m not kidding that’s totally legit. Man, you guys really have me starting from the beginning huh? Alright, guess I should at least give you an idea on what you’re about to get into…

First thing’s first: It’s the year 2033. Since the start of the millennium, mankind has been striving to create real life superheroes. People with the strength of a hundred men, with the speed of the fastest animals on the planet, and the common sense of justice within all of them; started off as a dream that quickly evolved into what we know today as Genetic Recreation, a science that expanded on the current study of Synthetic Biology. Translated: Humans can play God now. After years of studies, tests and research, in the year 2010, the very first sign of non-robotic artificial life, a Homunculus, as they’re called was born.

Her name was Alpha. Her creators sometimes called her Allison or Allie for short. Alpha was known to be a happy go-lucky kind of twelve year old, always having a smile on her face. It was pretty contagious so I heard. She was kind, sweet, and didn’t hesitate to save whoever was in need. But her creators, the scientist at CORE, noticed the lonely girl behind that bright smile. So after a year of work, they managed to make her a friend. His name was Omega; but like his predecessor he got a personal name as well: Owen.

Alpha and Omega were almost inseparable.  They looked out for one another, cared for one another. They were as close as a real pair of siblings. However, Omega began to show signs of hostility towards those around him. It was after Alpha’s life was threatened that he truly lost it. The order was given out to dispose of him, but that’s the thing about humans. Most of them are overconfident.

Omega went berserk, destroying everything in his path, slowly destroying the City of New York with each passing moment. The only thing that could stop him was the one person he was trying to protect: Alpha. As a result, the two Superhumans fought, bringing about an event known as The Darkest Hour, an event that nearly wiped NYC off the Map.

In the aftermath, Alpha and Omega were erased from this world, not a trace left of them. It was unthinkable for mankind to attempt to re-create Superhumans after what happened. Ironically though, they were needed more than ever at that point. And after three years of rebuilding NYC which is now known as Neo Tech City, Numbers One, Two, Three and Four were born; the next generation of Artificial Humans. This was the start of Project Thirteen.

Part 1: My Name is…

Chapter 1

There are thirteen of us. Thirteen Homunculi created to be the Heroes that Mankind would call for in their times of need. To be honest there should be twelve. I mean after all, I’m the Appendix.

The Thirteen of us are divided into groups of four known as Generations. Generation One: One through Four, Generation Two: Five through Eight, Generation Three: Nine through Twelve. And then there’s me: Number Thirteen. I don’t know why I’m the only one in Generation Four, nor does anyone care. The other twelve are still wondering why I exist. I'm surprised they haven’t killed me yet. Maybe they’re waiting on me to destroy myself?

I stared at my ceiling as the morning sun crept into my blinds. Another day, another sixteen hours of ridicule and resentment; better make the most of it. I threw the covers back and forced myself out of bed, taking a quick shower and getting dressed. I tossed a dark green t-shirt over my wet brown hair and stared at the jade-eyed seventeen-year old in the mirror. He looked neutral, as if he didn’t care what happened to him. Despite that he said something in my voice.

It’s my Nameday tomorrow… we told each other. And then I heard three knocks at my door.

I walked over and pressed the button on the side of my door. It slid over to my right and into the wall, revealing a girl on the other side. Her strawberry-blonde hair fell slightly past her shoulders and her bright blue eyes made contact with mine.

Ohayou Gozaimasu Adrian-chan! She exclaimed with a bright smile that practically lit up my room from its once gloomy state.

Adrian…? I raised my eyebrow.

Her smile slowly turned south. Don’t like it? She raised her finger to her lip and pondered the thought some more. How about… David? Or maybe Marcus, oh wait! Michael! I really like Michael and it kinda suits you don’t you—

Eliza! I snapped. I appreciate it but I can think up of a name for myself, thanks.

I saw her retreat a bit but her smile grew back. Sorry about that. Just a bit excited. I mean come on! You’re turning Eighteen tomorrow and you know what that means. It’s Nameday.

I realize that. But this is something that I need to come up with on my own, and you know that.

Of course I know. But you’re my little brother right?

Yeah, sure thing... I rolled my eyes. I turned around and began to walk but she grabbed my arm to hold me in place.

Ok don’t give me that. She said with a more serious tone, noticing my gesture. No matter what the others think, you are not an Appendix or whatever they call you. You were created with just as much importance as the rest of us and you know that.

I turned back to her. Yeah… whatever you say.

She grinned and released my arm. Now then, smile for me. She took her pointer fingers and forced my lips to make a smile. Her attempt actually made me smile anyway. It was hard, but ever since we were young, Number Twelve, Eliza Jones always tried to be my friend. She always defended me when the others would ridicule me or taunt me for one reason or another. Most of the time I’d reject her, assuming it’s just a way to make the taunting worse by making me think someone cared for me. But over time and as we got older, I slowly began to realize it was real love. I’m still sorta skeptical about it, but she doesn’t mind. She says that’s how little brothers are supposed to be. I never argued with that.

So then, for the real reason why I came here, She cleared her throat and became serious. "A Bounty’s gone berserk in Japan and we’re providing Bodyguard service for the Prime Minister on top of taking it out. I want you to come with us; you know, since with you turning eighteen and all, you should be receiving your DTs and your BEAT System at any time.

Japan? I repeated. Well, that explains her greeting. Shark Face doesn’t have a problem with this?

Trevor doesn’t have a choice in the matter. She said confidently. Director Collins approved my request and Trevor has no choice but to follow. As a matter-of-fact the Director encouraged the thought as this will provide training for you as you’ll be a Hunter soon.

A Hunter; The Thirteen of us gained that Nickname ever since the first wave of Bounties made their appearance. Bounties are just like us, Homunculi created by various countries around the world. After Alpha and Omega became a public statement twenty years ago, the study of Genetic Re-creation became a popular topic of discussion. But unlike CORE’s leading scientists, they haven’t figured out the right balance of DNA and BNA. You see, Homunculi are made up of two components: Human DNA, to make us look, act and feel like regular humans, and the Bestial Program, or BNA: artificial DNA intertwined with the Human one to give us characteristics of non-human creatures, most common: Animals. BNA gives us the strength and abilities to preform our feats; it’s what makes us super. Without it, we’d be normal human beings. After the Darkest Hour, the scientist here at CORE decided that the less influence the Program had within us, the better. The others…? Well let’s just say that for the Hunter, it’s normal to see an intelligent man-sized rattle snake strolling through a desert.

So, shall we? She held her hand out.

I nodded and grabbed her hand. Okay, if you say so.

She gave me another smile and my body involuntarily smiled back. Let’s go hunting then.

Chapter 2

God I'm so bored. I yawned looking out at the clouds that resembled big white fluffy mountains. Considering that we were as close to Heaven as we were going to get physically, I actually imagined God replying to that comment, telling me ways to kill my boredom.

As of now we’ve been flying for about two hours and we were just getting ready to enter Japan’s atmosphere. So then, you’re probably wondering how we managed to cut a Fourteen-Hour flight down to two. Well, CORE’s R&D Department saw the need for the Hunter to make lengthy trips in extremely short periods of time. So with the contributions of some airline companies, they were able to design some extremely powerful Hovercraft machines that can travel around Mach 4, and yet feel as smooth as a regular airplane. The idea was first conceived back in 2025, but in the last four years or so, it was perfected. As of now, it’s being worked on for commercial use as a new way for airline travel, but as of now it’s only being used for military purposes, and of course for our use.

We should've left you home. Waste of space, you’re only going to hold us back. The voice next to me replied. I turned to the auburn haired girl that sat next to me. This, my new friends was Kelly Robertson, AKA: Number Eleven. She's beautiful, I'll admit it. But her attitude towards me is one that I'd personally stay away from. Even from kids we had this sort of sibling rivalry with each other. She kept her legs crossed as she flipped the page of her magazine, keeping quiet aside from that comment she made about my boredom.

Oh come on Kelly, be nice. I heard Eliza say in the adjacent row.

Kelly glared at her, clearly annoyed at her as well. You better have a good reason for bringing him along Eliza.

Don’t worry. With his Hunting Exam tomorrow, he needs all of the experience he can get. I promise that this will be worth it.

Kelly shrugged her shoulders, not interested in what Eliza had to say to her. She flipped another page of her magazine and continued to read. I turned back to the window and continued to look out. I didn’t know what Eliza was thinking when she talked the Director into letting me come with them, but from the looks of it, Kelly wasn’t having it. I’m sure Mitchell and Shark Face weren’t thrilled either.

Attention Passengers, and Number Thirteen. A voice said over the loud speaker. We’re approaching our destination. The Pilot asks for everyone to stay strapped in as we make out descent. Thank You for your cooperation and also for flying with Draco Airlines. We hope you use this service for your future Bounty Hunting Missions.

That’s Number Ten, Mitchell Rodriguez. A bit of a Joker about 90% of the time; the other ten, he could probably be the most serious person you could ever meet. Personally I don’t think he has anything against me, but since he’s best friends with Number Nine, Trevor McKnight, one of the few people who despises me for how close I am with Eliza, I could understand him taking his friends side.

Finally, I can’t wait to see what we’re going up against! I stretched my stiff limbs, looking forward to breathing some fresh air. Being next to Kelly and her snake-like presence has made me felt uneasy since we took off.

I don't see what you're getting excited about, Kelly commented. "This is our mission, not yours. You're just going to be studying us for your exam tomorrow. Although, we all know you’re going to bomb it.

I gave Kelly a glare and turned back to the window. Sorry, guess I forgot.

But how could I forget? I've been on dozens of missions with the twelve, and all I’ve done was study, get berated, and study some more. The only thing keeping me from going off was Eliza. Hard to put it into words, but it was like she’s the only one that can keep me calm. Maybe I trust her more than I give her credit for.

Maybe I was actually experiencing real love towards her…

Chapter 3

After about ten minutes the Hovercraft slowly landed in place on the helipad among one of the many buildings, and we found ourselves in Tokyo. The five of us walked out, Trevor, Mitchell, Kelly, Eliza and finally me. The four of them had Katana’s strapped to their backs and standard pistols on their waists, with their DTs around their necks, the three items that make up the Bestial Enhanced Armored Transformer System (Or BEAT System) of the Bounty Hunter.

Mitchell let out a whistle as he stared out all around at the glimmering lights, advertisements and various other high-tech features that would put NTC to shame. This place looks sick. Only thing that would make this place even more awesome is if Godzilla came out of Tokyo Bay.

Oh please Mitchell. Kelly rolled her eyes. Don’t Jinx it. We already have enough on our hands with the rampaging Bounty. By the way, where’s the Prime Minister?

"Ohayou Gozaimasu! the cheery voice of the older Japanese man said as he walked up to us with his suited agents behind him. It surprised us all since we didn’t notice him or his guards come up here. I am Prime Minister Gentaro Hashimura! He introduced himself and bowed. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!"

Hajimemashite, Trevor stepped up and bowed. "You can call me Number Nine. We are the team from CORE that has been assigned to aid you in your Bounty Situation. Any information that you can provide for us will be greatly appreciated.

The Prime Minister nodded and motioned his hand, telling us to follow him downstairs to his cars, which consisted of two limousines. These would take us to one of his safe houses where he would be able to explain the situation to us without being threatened by the Bounty. Trevor and the Prime Minister were going to ride together with the agents, while the rest of us were jumping into the second one behind it.

The cars pulled out of the area and onto the main road which lead us into the inner city. Taking in the sites, I was surprised how Tokyo resembled NTC, possibly even more high-tech than back at home. Kids going back and forth on Jet Blades and Jet Boards, people using the new smart watches that Apple just released weeks ago internationally; come to think of it I’m sure some of those blimps in the air are based on the same hovercraft tech that our ship was. Not saying it’s the same, because our R&D took it and came up with some one-of-a-kind machinery.

So what are you guys going up against? I asked Mitchell as the green holographic screen sat in front of his face, being held up by the air itself. Since it was just Eliza and Kelly around, and since he didn’t pay much attention to Kelly’s distaste of me, he answered my question civilly.

Trev is sending me the info as we go along. Apparently, this Bounty went nuts about three days ago. No deaths have been reported however, just a few injured.

That doesn't sound like a Bounty. Kelly remarked. More like a Homunculus searching for something.

Mitchell nodded in agreement. But searching for what exactly? If we knew that much we might have an idea on where to look. I noticed his sudden change when Trevor sent another batch of information his way. What the…? There’s no way this can be right!

What's wrong? I asked.

This Bounty… Mitchell started to say, making the rest of us kinda skeptical.

What about it? Eliza spoke up, a slight hint of fear in her voice. She's known Mitchell to not be scared of anything when he’s in his serious mode. If he was scared normally, he’d make a joke out of it to ease the tension. But his expression was something different. It’s rare, but if something could even trigger a slight disturbance in him while he’s like this, then that's definitely a major cause of alarm.

His bio readings are nearly identical to ours… He told us grimly.

All three of us felt our spines freeze up hearing that. As I mentioned, America's the only country with the ability to create perfect organic life forms such as ourselves. The other countries failed constantly in attempts at that, resulting in Beastmen-like mutants. But Mitchell just made the discovery that Japan succeeded in making a Bounty that was just like us.

Are you sure that Trevor isn't messing with us? Kelly asked, skeptical about this sudden revelation.

Mitchell shook his head, wishing that was the case. "These readings are identical, there's no doubt about it. Whoever this Bounty is, it can pass for one of us easily.

Well since it hasn’t caused so much destruction like a normal Bounty, what are the chances that it did go berserk? Eliza brought up. "I mean by the looks of it, if it’s looking for something, then its mindset must be stable enough for reasonable thought.

Well if it's not going berserk, then why did he break out? I pondered.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is where we got our answer.

Chapter 4

The Limos came to a screeching halt that took us all by surprise, which was followed by loud crashing and explosions of cars up ahead of us. All of us flew forward but were stopped by out seatbelts. Amongst the sudden event we each came up with three answers that could’ve been the cause of this:

A) It was an attempted assassination of the Prime Minister.

B) Our new friend is causing a riot in downtown Tokyo

C) Our new friend is the assassin gunning the Prime Minister.

We all jumped out of the limos to see what was going on, and that’s when we saw the burning wreckage of the cars and the people scrambling for their lives. As Hunter, when we encounter a Bounty, two things must happen without question. One: Protect the public; get anybody and everybody as far away as possible and save anyone trapped in the crossfire. And number two: Detain the Bounty and kill it if necessary.

Kelly, Eliza and I didn't hesitate to do option 1 as we ran over and guided people out of the area. Since we're Superhuman, our bodies could endure crazy heat temperatures and most other things that would normally overwhelm a normal human.

Eliza, check on the Prime Minister, make sure he's safe. Kelly, get everyone else to safety. Mitchell, you’re with me. And Thirteen: just don’t get in our way. We can take care of this. Trevor ordered us.

Eliza nodded and ran over to the first limo, escorting the Prime Minister to somewhere safe while Mitchell geared himself up.

Let’s go. Trevor told him as they moved up on top of the limo. He turned back and I noticed his annoyed expression when he saw me still standing there looking for people in distress.

Did you hear me? Get out of here until we come get you, you’re only gonna get in the way!

Not happening; I'm just as part of this mission as you guys are. I shot. I hated the idea that I came to ‘study’ them, but it was too dangerous for me to do anything. I’ve been on plenty of missions and this one was no different. So if I got in the way, then it’s on them.

Kelly scoffed. Don't kid yourself brat. she then moved on ahead to assist people out of their cars.

As much as it annoyed me that Kelly has made it a hobby to put me down, I didn't let it get to me. I shook off the thought and ran back, flagging the cars behind us from coming through, as whatever was about to happen would get worse from here on.

Chapter 5

Trevor and Mitchell hopped on top of the first limo to look out ahead and find the source of the destruction. Trevor set his sunglasses on his face and Mitchell pulled a pair from his pocket, sliding them on.

Target's dead ahead. Trevor confirmed. His sunglasses had data running across them as they focused themselves on the target, which stood on a burning car roughly five yards ahead. His lips turned slightly down, as if he wasn't thrilled to see the Bounty. I was afraid of that.

So it is just like one of us, huh? Mitchell asked as he drew his Katana. He swung the red-hilted sword away from him and turned back to Trevor, who did the same with his blue hilted one. Well, guess it was only a matter of time until a bunch of mad scientists finally cracked the code on making us.

Is this really the time to be making jokes Mitch?

Put it this way bro, be glad it's a Bounty and not Godzilla rampaging through Tokyo. He laughed.

Trevor sighed, losing patience with his best friend. Focus, will you?

The silver-haired Homunculus turned his head and saw Numbers Nine and Ten staring ahead, drawing their weapons. He adjusted his black blazer and smirked, his red irises making contact with Trevor. It took you long enough. Actually thought I had to resort to getting my hands dirty to lure you Hunter out of hiding.

Is he mocking us? Alright then, I got dibs on him. Mitchell said pulling one of the DTs from his chain.

No, I want this guy gone. Trevor held his arm in front of Mitchell. "Back me up, alright?’

Mitchell nodded and gave the floor to Trevor. Roger that Boss-Bro. I got your back.

Let’s go hunting then. He nodded. He detached one of his two Dog Tags from his neck and slid it onto a slot of his Katana.

"LEVEL: ONE!" The device announced. The air around Trevor grew colder as his blade froze into ice.

You’re going to freeze him to death? Mitchell raised his eyebrow. Personally I'd like to see the reject light up like those cars he demolished.

Trevor ignored Mitchell's comment and jumped from the roof of the limo onto another roof as he sprinted towards the mysterious Bounty.

Eat Liquid Nitrogen! He jumped forward and lunged towards the Bounty.

The opposing Bounty smirked and grabbed the blade. Due to its properties however, the Nitrogen began to freeze his hand rapidly, Ice growing across his hand.

Didn't think that one through did you? Trevor smirked.

The Bounty looked at his hand and smirked as well. Guess you don't know me as well as you think you do. He threw his right fist and socked Trevor in the face, forcing him to let go of the blade and fly back in the air.

Trevor slid on his hands and shook it off, wiping the blood from his lip. Standing back on his feet, he turned back and realized that the nitrogen was melting off the Bounty's hand. He was surprised by that, seeing that Liquid Nitrogen was way below the freezing point.

A fire-based Homunculus, Trevor asked. My odds couldn’t be ever more in my favor.

And you a Water-based one. The Bounty replied, tossing Trevor his blade back. He drew his gun, a Glock 17 9MM and slid, to Trevor's surprise, a DT.

"LEVEL: ONE!" The Bounty's gun announced as he aimed at Trevor.

How do you have one of those? He asked shocked to see the devices in his hand.

You have no idea what you got yourself into. The Bounty smirked. Let's just say… I'm the newest model.

He pulled the trigger, shooting black-flamed bullets, which Trevor didn't hesitate to move away from as he leapt behind one of the crashed cars.

Just what's going on? Flames are one thing, but DTs too? Trevor contemplated, while thinking of a counter attack.

"Need help?" Mitchell's voice travelled from Trevor's headset.

Jump in at any time, Trevor replied. Floor’s yours.

Kid Draco's incoming! Mitchell announced.

Trevor looked up and saw Mitchell leaping overhead with his Katana igniting the crimson red flames.

The Bounty reloaded his gun and aimed at Mitchell, the smirk not leaving his face for a second.

He fired three shots, but Mitchell swung them aside like nothing still flying towards his target with his hunting intent.

Gotta try harder than that you bootleg freak! Mitchell called out as he sent his blade down overhead. The Bounty blocked the blade with the barrel of the gun, the force of the clash blowing the flames of the blade upward.

Mitchell pushed down with his blade, trying hard to break through his guard; however the Bounty stared at him, his demeanor not changing. The same amused expression that his body gave off remained as Mitchell struggled. Hard enough for you Salamander...?

Not bad for a reject. Mitchell commented, forcing the blade down through his guard.

Why thank you, The Bounty replied. However, I'm no reject.

So what should we call you then, 'Mr. Not-a-Reject'? Mitchell asked in a humorous, but serious manner.

You can call me: Number Fourteen. He replied with a sadistic look in his eyes, knowing full well that it was going to sink into Mitchell's concentration and throw him off.