Unity

By J.D. Becket

Leon, an average everyday guy, finds himself in a different form when he wakes up one night able to separate his soul from his physical body. Unbeknownst to him, there are repercussions and waves that form from the event that will take him and the girl of his dreams into the unknown. There are forces in which you cannot contend alone but, perhap

• Language: English
• Publisher: JP-cCompany
• Release date: Sep 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986794938

Book preview

PART 1: ARROGANCE

ONE

THE DIRGE

There are two parts to the human condition: the body, and the soul; and it is to be reminded that one cannot live without the other. A body with a broken spirit lives an empty life, while a ruined body leads to a diminishing spirit.

Humanity is on the brink of a transcendent evolution, yet they know nothing of it. The perfect world lies just beyond the measures of the human mind, and for those even capable of the capacity, they still cannot reach it.

Today, this evolution will commence and the nature of the entities that peddle, and labor will begin its absolution.

Delicate ferocity. The dangerous beauty of mother nature cascading in waves about the invasive structures built on her skin. Prisms of light breaking through the millions of droplets, hoping to distract from the burning pillars of blue ejecting into the sky around the many industrial towers and homes. A dredged, and dreary man looked on from a storefront awning that promised a façade of safety, ill-equipped for the scenario with a light jacket over his uniform. Normally, weather like this was his favorite, mostly from inside the windows of his second-story apartment, but that was still a ways away. Panning across the cityscape, a vast expanse of solar panels carefully laid out on every building seemed useless at the moment, but Leon reminded himself that they had thought of everything when his green corporate giants took on the Sun Never Sets promise. Each building was both on, and off, the grid. The modern design was smooth geometry, plenty of squares and triangles, but not without abstract windows and above ground connections - bridges and walkways alike. What you didn’t see was the vast underground network of battery banks, capable of powering each home for two days without being attached to the main line.

The city as a whole was a massive undertaking, and not cheap. Investors ranged from Green and Clean, to trade and shade, all with their own undertakings and agendas, but the end results were clear, and the bulk of the public was content with their living conditions. Not a single piece of trash floated downstream of the ankle-deep rivers that were once roads. The cleanliness, relative to the center of the city, was a minor positive to the trek he made daily. At least his socks would only be soaked in water. Other humanoid shapes, in far better gear for the circumstances, darted in and out of buildings with sandbags and buckets in hand to prevent flow into the vestibules of their homes and storefronts. While city plumbing was new and top tier with the latest backflow relief and expansion systems, today’s rain anomaly proved that nature was still very much in control.

Deciding it was as good a time as any, Leon dashed across the next street, back to the wind, doing his best to disregard the damp cold lapping over the top of his boots. But his expression soured into a grimace when it soaked into his socks. His monotonous daily journey from home to work and back was normally boring, and he could let his mind wander to the farthest reaches of tangential thought. But days like today, with the delays at hand, Leon found that his mind was focused on one thing: how much this sucked. Reaching the next checkpoint of cover, he turned to see the construction cranes in the distance getting smashed with wind far stronger above than in the streets. His city couldn’t annex more land, so they decided to go up, against the objection of seasonal abuse. They learned their lesson once, when the Yeltsan complex reached too close to the sun, but that hadn’t dissuaded the city’s architects and engineers from creating a style unlike any other. Each skyscraper petaled outward, resembling flowers appreciating their daily praise, giving the feeling that him and the rest of society living at street level were the ants in the grass. Life down below was like any other. As long as you weren’t drawing attention to yourself, nobody bothered to look, and Leon never desired to draw attention to himself. He shook the thought away, or so the shivering shook his whole body, teeth chattering and muscles fatigued, and turned back toward his journey at hand.

I’ve been through worse, he muttered, thinking about the last seven years of daily commutes. Rounding a corner toward a general store desperately trying to stop its automatic doors from opening to the water, a small complex sat on a raised concrete pad, just barely out of reach from the predatorial water encompassing the landscape. Leon trudged his way to a silver-plated disk on the first level. Centered on a pole, he took three steps clockwise to get the disk moving. It threaded itself up the pole, resting at the step to the second floor. His city’s emphasis on mechanical design was great in concept art, but in reality, it left him nauseous every time he stepped off the elevating platform. The rain was now beating his back and the plain aluminum door, hosting as the entry to his apartment. A few quick actions shifted the door back several inches and rolled it sideways, neatly tucking itself into the carved interior wall at the top left. Scuttling into the warmth of the dry apartment, the door carefully slid back into place, and sealed itself shut with a hiss. Struggling to peel his saturated jacket off his skin, he hung it on the rack next to the door, disregarding the pooling water that came with it. Leon turned back around to now reflect on the half-empty, uninviting flat that he called ‘home’. The passive gray walls were sparsely decorated with a clock and a printed image of him and his sister walking along some train tracks. Normally hosting a decent view, his windows only showed the elements pounding away at the city block.

A gray poof sat vibrating on the couch with the little rumbles of purring. Leon smirked and opened a curved cabinet filled with small cans of overpriced cat food. PuffPuff was worth it to him. PuffPuff… he reflected on the name. He did not name her, but he didn’t disagree with the choice. Fully grown, but no larger than a kitten, the cat was all that he had for company, and the only thing that he spent his limited money on. Opening the can, he set it on the floor next to her engraved water bowl.

Stomach grumbling, Leon walked to the bland stainless fridge and a bleak thought of the grocery store flooded through his mind as he counted the empty shelves. Resting at the top was a tasteless ham sandwich wrapped in foil. It would have to do for now. As Leon settled at the equally plain kitchen table, his existential thoughts crept up around him like shadows, dancing in the light as they competed for his focus. Easy to follow, even easier to accept, he uttered under his breath. Eventually, his dry eyes required blinking, and he once again caught himself dissociating. He forgot those thoughts and substituted his mood with a faint smile when PuffPuff rolled onto the floor and over to the fragrance of the can of cat food, Salmon Feast in Gravy. With the ham sandwich as his only option, Leon sighed and accepted his fate.

Tossing his trash into the bin, Leon flopped himself on the couch as his gaze rested on the end table filled with family photos. He grabbed at the nearest one, which was of his high school graduation. His family had managed to collectively sit still long enough to give the visual of cooperation, but he knew better. This photo was all fake smiles and empty promises. They told him they would help him pay for college if he got a job at the station. But seven years later, his uncle was the only one to hold onto that, and he had passed away somewhere in the middle. Now, all that Leon had was a CD that he would have to sit on for another three years, and a waning internal candle of motivation. Somedays he wondered if it would ever just go out and he would accept defeat. He knew it had to go on, at least for the sake of his sister.

Leon snapped out of that line of thought and shook his head before looking over at Puff. Do you ever wonder what it all means, Puff? Do you think it has an end or a conclusion? Leon asked the cat. I mean, it’s made enough of an impact that I am discussing it with my cat. Even if she was listening, her attention was rather lacking. Amused that was the best answer he was going to get, he giggled and rolled off the couch and scooped her up with a small mew. I think you got it, Puff. Carrying her into the bedroom, Leon gently tossed her onto the bed. He pulled the covers down and shuffled under the warmth of the blankets. Might as well get some extra sleep, try to catch up a little, he told her in his attempt at justification. Ignoring the fact he had said that everyday for the last six months, he leaned over and tapped the lamp off for the night. Puff curled under his armpit, immediately releasing her love and warmth into his skin, and they listened to the rain patter on the roof.

That was until Leon stretched and rolled over. He stared at the wall for a little bit before realizing it seemed rather bright for being two-thirty in the morning. Must’ve left the window shades open. He reached for the blankets to push them down. He pulled a glowing blue arm out from underneath him and it passed effortlessly through the bed, and then the blanket. His heart dropped into his gut and his synapsis were audibly snapping when the situation fully unfolded in his mind. Staring at his ghostly form, Leon frantically waved his arm through the blankets, desperate to grab anything real. "Holy hell, I must be dreaming. Please be dreaming! I have to wake up!" He started to yell in his head, but the words actually came out, not from his sleeping form next to him, but from his blue mist. "Wake up!"

His vision from the blue corporeal form rushed back to the bed like a river, and his real eyes snapped open as his sleeping body lurched upright, the weight of the blankets the most soothing relief he could have ever felt. Puff gave a little squeak and yawned before starting to purr. Gasping for air and groping at everything close to him, Leon tried to shake off the sweat and racing heart. What the fuck was that dream? he shouted. Giving a few more pants, he collapsed back into bed, where Puff curled into his armpit again, and they both fell asleep as is.

An alarm pierced the still air of the dingy room as Leon’s clock flared up in its panic storm, telling him to awaken. A short right hook left the clock sprawled on the floor, still chirping but much fainter from the muffle of the carpet. Leon garbled some unintelligible words and returned to silence, covering his head with his pillows. Soon Leon’s autonomous routine began as he dragged himself out of his bed and walked into the bathroom. Double checking that the reflection portrayed in the mirror belonged to him and not a gelatinous blue replacement, he settled into his normal questionnaire. What is it that I have to look forward to today? He asked himself this question every morning, sometimes with no answer. What is the purpose of my daily undertaking? Why should I bother?

No need for that this early, he reminded himself before turning on the shower, searching for the perfect temperature. Steam rose from the hot water as Leon’s mind started to reform from the clutter of morning drowsiness. Last night’s dream started prodding its way in. That was the first time he had ever experienced anything so surreal. It really felt like he had woken up like normal. He sifted through what he could remember, focusing on the part where he was moving through his blankets. Passing his hand back and forth through the water, he just couldn’t recreate that feeling of dread that a solid object instilled. He wandered off into distracting thoughts of life without material value until his auto-pilot dressed him and apparently fed Puff. Snapping back to reality, he looked left and right to double check that he didn’t miss anything, and gave Puff a few scratches on her head before displacing the door and taking the wheel down.

A quick pause at the bottom of the pole to reinforce that he was in his own reality, Leon stepped off and took in the aftermath of yesterday’s weather. The uniform humming of pumps set the rhythm of the walk to work. It was not the first time weather of that caliber had made landfall in the city, and so, the neighborhood was well enough prepared for the event. A few neighbors even made time to say good morning to Leon, as they had every day for the last several years. Leon quickly returned the gesture, hoping to avoid prolonged conversation. The main drag was always stocked with busy commuter traffic, so he only stayed on that for as long as needed before taking the last three turns to the terminal.

The inclement weather showed no signs of delaying the workforce, like droves of bees swarming all entrances for their commute on the rails. There were no delays at the station today. Still caught in the moment, Leon checked his arms one more time before clocking in fifteen minutes early… again. He stopped for a moment to enjoy the scene as a train arrived. A massive gear with meter-long cogs sat in the center of the sleek, but robust, double reduction engine. The single rail train boasted fourteen cars filled to the brim with passengers coming to and from the Panel Plant and other subsidiaries in the area. Some worked for the aptly placed battery manufacturer next door; others for the food court placed in the center of the factory for the linemen. The train was the primary method for worker transport and was top of the line for its purpose. An intricate design, single rail train. The cog wheel powered and steered the entire apparatus, while smaller, diagonal wheels tucked under each car were only meant for balance. The track itself resembled that of a chain on a bike where the gear slid in a pulley. Engine room work was dangerous. He remembered when a paddle brake failure almost cost a coworker his life. A heavy shudder ran through his body on the spot as he recalled the extent of his injuries, and he turned to his station of collecting tickets from impatient customers awaiting their boarding call. It was going to be a long day.

Finally, nine hours later, he pulled his punch card out of the computer, just about forgetting the entirety of the day itself, and, more importantly, his dream. Animalistic instinct kicked in as his hunger overwhelmed him, causing his whole body to rumble in tandem from his stomach. Like a migratory bird, his feet took the steps for him toward his favorite local diner. It was Wednesday, and that meant meatloaf night.

There were other reasons he liked the diner, but at the moment, it was meatloaf.

He walked into the joint filled with contrasting colors of all sorts, filling the room with vibrant displays of opposites. Chairs and tables didn’t match; the counter and bar stools didn’t match; even the kitchen was orange and blue. The description he told people never did justice, though, it just seemed to work for the setting, and Leon didn’t question it.

That is when the other half of his male persona quickly took over. Wearing her purple and yellow uniform, his local favorite sat him down at a table and didn’t even take his order. He fixated for a moment, enough to feel warm and fuzzy. Taking off his out-of-place gray and black jacket, his eyes wandered back over to her as she walked into the kitchen.

There were other reasons he liked the diner, but at the moment, it was her.

The waitress floated back with his meatloaf, taking a look around at her few and far between other tables, and sat down across from him, with a slight frown and slumped shoulders.

How’s it been, Kayla? Leon asked softly. Across from Leon, Kayla’s more petite form glowed in the amber of the table’s pendant light. The color tones pooled across her smooth and youthful skin but exaggerated her dry and cracked hands and her tired eyes. Her hair was pulled back tightly, as was natural in food service, but its attempts to escape the pins, and clips, was showing. It must have been a long day for her, too. She diverted her attention from Leon to a shady figure sitting a few tables away. Casually scratching his head and turning ever-so-slightly, Leon noticed the figure. The man wasn’t necessarily a stranger, in here, maybe once a month or so, always wearing a hood and never saying words other than his order.

Same old stuff, I suppose, she must have noticed Leon looking at her hair as she let it down and began to re-scrunch the flows back into a diner-appropriate bun. The rain flooded the stockroom, so we are a little low on basic supplies. Gary has plans to shore up the walls and make sure none of the food crates are less than a foot off the floor.

Good idea on his part. He’s always trying to be one step ahead, replied Leon. It was a genuine compliment. Gary was down to Earth and understood that in order to keep his business rolling, he was going to have to spend some money. He always aimed to get things right the first time, and rarely needed to try a second. Leon had a lot of respect for him, even if he only met him twice.

Content with her hair tie placement, Kayla nodded and looked back at the shadow of a man resting his elbows gently on his table. Something is different today, she whispered. His actions are twitchy; his breath is very shallow, almost like he is sleeping.

Maybe he is, Leon chuckled. Could’ve had a rough day being shady and such.

Oh, hush you, she replied quickly. You look pretty drained yourself… Have you been sleeping all right?

Leon frowned. Had a rough night from the rain. Puff was pretty restless, too. A convincing lie.

If you say so… Rapping her fingers on the table, Kayla swung her legs out into the aisle. Well, I have to get back to work, and you should really get some rest.

Leon agreed and thanked her for the company. Leaving a handsome tip as usual after his meatloaf, and with much effort to not hang around any longer, he walked home to repeat his daily dirge.

TWO

THE DIVINE

The weekend crept up slow and quiet, but was openly welcome to Leon. The weather was looking better every day; peoples’ dispositions at the train station were improving in parallel; life was decently gaining. He loved this time of year. The time after the cold and before the heat. It made his job easier in almost every way. People were friendlier, the walk was nicer, the sun stayed out longer, and for once, he had a little enjoyment. His day proceeded as usual, with the return home being more enthusiastic, considering it was Friday. Sometimes he worked the weekend shift, but not this week. Tossing his jacket in the usual spot and disposing of his uniform, Leon was ready for a relaxing Friday night. Puff was actively chasing shadows in his apartment as he treated himself to a warm bowl of mac n cheese. A bit of reading finished off the evening before retiring to his bed.

Entertaining a dream about Puff escaping from the apartment, a crashing noise in the distance of the real world sent a jolt through Leon’s body, waking him from his R.E.M. and would quickly ruin his day. As Leon cracked his eyes open and reached to grab the blankets, he realized they were not there to grab. An overwhelming thought wave racked his brain to begin the event as he frantically waved his arms in the air. But something mentally bid him to stay where he was, his natural curiosity and desire to question out pacing his flight response. He began to settle as he observed his hands. They were a rather dark gray in color with a faint blue glow radiating slightly on the surface. I’ve heard of something like this before… Lucid dreaming or something. It’s like an out-of-body dream experience. His lips moved, but he didn’t feel them. Nor could he feel his arms. All he could feel was his struggle between fear and interest. A struggle that felt very palpable. The faint blue strobed from a ghostly white back to blue, though with little effect on the situation. He was going to do it. With a ‘deep breath’ he heaved upwards to sit up, realizing it took no effort. He stared at his body, now cut in half by the blankets, and slowly began to look behind him.

There he was, sleeping deeply. His body was sweaty and shuddering ever-so-slightly. Does it know I’m not in it? What the fuck is happening? Leon watched his face tighten up as he uncertainly moved his leg to the left. It fell through the bed and the floor. Slowly but surely losing his nerve, Leon attempted to reposition his leg inside himself to no avail. His figure was shedding white now, and his body was sweating profusely.

Wake up!

Wake up! His body screamed, and then it was quiet. He was staring at the ceiling again. The weight of the blankets was the biggest comfort as he gasped for air and desperately wiped the sweat from his forehead and hair. Puff squeaked and stuffed her little face in his armpit. Holding her close, he stayed up for the rest of the night.

The next morning was rough, to say the least. Leon dragged his body off the bed, tumbling onto the floor with a shoulder crunching thud, eventually making his way to the chair in the kitchen. His thoughts racing, he didn’t eat, change, or even lock the door as he stumbled out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise. Glowing bright and warm, Leon watched the shadows dance about in the streets and grow larger and larger. The grand few in the center of the city stretched their arms and cast large swatches of dark across the western side of town. A menagerie of sparkles from rooftop solar panels offset the scene and reflected the light this way and that. Following the