Nova Force Book 1

My heart thundered within my chest as I sprinted toward the gate, the distant cries echoing through the air, resonating with an agonizing intensity. The anguished voice sounded eerily familiar—undeniably Josh. I was certain of it.

Upon reaching the scene, a chilling sight greeted us—only seven figures stood there, or rather, I should say, five and a half.

Frantically scanning the area, I noticed the absence of Robert and two others. Horror gripped me as I observed Josh's missing hand, and beside him, another guy—whose name escaped me—suffered a ghastly injury. His left eye was absent, a grotesque portion of flesh torn away, resembling a savage bite.

The remaining individuals bore various cuts and bruises, yet their expressions conveyed a haunting blend of fear, defeat, and an unsettling madness glimmering in their eyes.

"Where are the others?" Ted's voice broke through the tension, but silence reigned supreme. The two females dissolved into tears while the guys sank to the ground, overcome by hyperventilation. Only one other person seemed detached, gazing aimlessly as if his mind had deserted him.

This portrayal heightens the sense of urgency, adds depth to the emotional turmoil, and amplifies the suspense within the scene.

My mom and the medical team hurried, rushing the injured to the medical center. We just stood there looking at them until Kero Shouted seriously and slapped one of them. Once his hand landed on his face his mind immediately started working again. "Huh! Wait! What! Where am I?" Said Rushane. 

He was the other guy that went with them. Three females and seven guys. Now that I mentioned that I didn't see Ariel. Only Landa and the other girl. 

"Where's Ariel?" Sarah inquired, her voice tinged with worry.

"I...I...I..." Rushane stammered, struggling to find his words.

"Do you need another wake-up call?" Kero asked, his tone filled with urgency. Deep down, he knew the situation was dire and wanted Rushane to speak up quickly.

Rushane began to explain, his words hesitant and stumbling. "Well... umm... we headed toward the river, but before we got there, we passed a small settlement. They warned us about the monster, but we didn't heed their advice. We thought we could handle it, just like you guys did."

"Didn't you hear how dangerous our encounter with the monster was? Why didn't you turn back?" I inquired firmly.

"We wanted to prove ourselves. You guys aren't the only strong ones around here!" Rushane retorted before continuing, "But it was nothing like we expected. I don't even think the entire village could face something like that."

Analu rushed to my side, gently holding my scorched hands. I didn't even remember I was just in an intense battle with Kero. As her touch eased the pain, I couldn't help but focus on Rushane and his account of the events.

Rushane continued, and we listened intently. They reached their destination, even encountering a group of people who warned them to turn back. However, Robert and his team believed in their strength and proceeded.

Describing the scene, Rushane spoke of a powerful water blast that could split trees in half and roars like thunder. He hadn't seen the monster itself, as Robert and Ariel swiftly played the decoy to allow them to get to safety while carrying the injured.

Based on the information received, one thing was certain; this was no ordinary threat. Its mere presence sent tremors through the earth. It reminded us of the colossal spider we faced a few weeks ago, but with even more formidable water magic. 

Two of our best fighters were wounded, and Ariel and Robert was missing, or worse. The situation was dire, and we needed to uncover more about this creature. Perhaps Josh, who had suffered severe injuries, could provide some insights. 

We made our way to the medic center to check on Josh. My mom had done her best to mend his injuries, but his missing hand remained a stark reminder that her abilities had limits; she couldn't heal mental damage or trauma and she couldn't restore lost limbs. It was a sobering realization, and from now on, I was determined not to lose so much as a finger.

Josh lay sleeping, unaware of our presence. Time was of the essence; Robert, Ariel, and the other guy's lives hung in the balance.With a sense of urgency, I gathered my gear. I was prepared for a rescue mission, not to engage in combat, but to retrieve them swiftly and make a hasty escape."Why am I always like this?" I questioned myself.

It seemed I consistently prioritized the safety of others without a second thought. I was ready to confront a monstrous threat that had rendered ten people powerless. Was I scared? Undoubtedly. But curiosity and a sense of responsibility weighed on me heavily. After all, I was the one who had sparked the idea to create cement and directed them to the necessary materials. This situation was my responsibility, and I had to take action.

Trouble and Rescue

My plan was to slip out through the rear quietly, traversing the farm area and nimbly vaulting over the fence. It wasn't overly tall, and a single leap would suffice. As I retraced my steps towards the recent battleground, the evidence of our intense confrontation lay before me—the ground bore the scars of Kero's last, powerful attack. It was a testament to our growing strength and progress.

Continuing past the damaged area, I veered towards the children's play area. It felt eerie, devoid of the usual laughter and playful shouts.

My curiosity was piqued when I stumbled upon a hand-carved wooden toy soldier, clearly made for Atwaine. It rested incongruously on the ground near the entrance, an anomaly since Atwaine rarely let it out of his sight. I debated whether to pick it up, reasoning that I could return it to him when we were reunited. Then, second thoughts crept in. The trouble this might cause for Atwaine's mom and grandma was unimaginable. He would annoy the hell out of them to get back his toy. But this was not the time for such considerations.

Resolutely, I retrieved the toy soldier and headed towards my mission.

As I poised to leap over the fence, ready to embark on my solo mission, a sudden voice disrupted my solitude. It was Sarah's voice, resolute and unwavering.

"We're coming with you," she declared, nearly causing me to stumble in surprise. To my astonishment, it wasn't just Sarah; it was the entire old gang, standing there, prepared to join my quest.

"No, it's meant to be a quick scouting or possible rescue mission. I wouldn't dare consider facing such a formidable foe head-on. Besides, I'm faster than all of you," I explained hastily.

Amidst my explanation, Analu discreetly cleared her throat, drawing my attention. I couldn't help but grin; I knew exactly why she did it. While she was indeed faster than me, I couldn't bear to put any of my friends in harm's way.

"Guys, I'm fine. I can handle this on my own," I insisted. But John's stern voice quickly followed, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by seriousness.

"Think before you make reckless decisions! Do you think you're invincible just because you're fast?" John scolded, sending shivers down my spine and a rush of clarity to my mind.

Kero chimed in, voicing his concerns. "That's one of the things I dislike about you, your impulsiveness. We all have to think and use our brains."

I realized that I hadn't been thinking rationally. Even God had a divine plan with 24 elders, and Jesus had 12 disciples; it was proof that we couldn't do everything on our own.

"Apologies, my judgment was clouded. I felt responsible because I suggested making concrete and directed them to collect the materials," I admitted, finally acknowledging my own fallibility.

"They were aware of the risks. We all are, everyday we venture out. Even living in this new world carries immense risk. It's not your fault alone to bear," Analu reassured me, sounding like a motivational speaker, reminiscent of those YouTube videos on motivation I once watched.

With newfound clarity, I agreed, "Alright, let's do this." Their smiles and resounding battle cry lifted my spirits.

Our rescue mission comprised myself, John, Sarah, Kero, Celestia, and Analu – the old gang, plus the girl I was growing quite fond of. We brought Rushane along for his expertise in directions and geology.

Our plan was straightforward: scout the area first. If we spotted any survivors, Analu and I would swiftly move in for the rescue, while the others launched attacks from a distance to divert the enemy's attention.

A distant shout pierced the air just as we were preparing to leave. "Rome! Rome!" My sister Janessa came sprinting towards me, her voice trembling with fear as she screamed my name.

"What's wrong?" I inquired urgently.

"Have you seen Atwaine anywhere?" She fired off the question, her anxiety palpable.

"No, I haven't seen him, but I found this a few minutes ago," I responded, showing her Atwaine's cherished toy. 

Our confusion grew, for he never went anywhere without it.

"Where's Eugene?" Kero's anger was apparent as he demanded, "I'm not sure," Celestia replied tentatively."

I thought we all rushed toward the commotion," Sarah chimed in.

"Alright, let's split up and comb the entire village. We'll regroup at the medical center," Sarah ordered, her voice authoritative. We dispersed, determined to find Atwaine.My search took me to every corner of the village, but Atwaine remained elusive. 

After what felt like an eternity, we reconvened at the medical center, desperation mounting."What about the guard who was supposed to watch them?" Janessa's anger was now seething.

Atwaine and Eugene were nowhere to be found, and the guard who had been responsible suddenly materialized."Where's Eugene, and where's Atwaine?" Janessa's rage erupted as she seized the guard, her grip unrelenting.

I quickly intervened, gripping her hand tightly. "No, it's not his fault," I assured her as she slowly let go.

"What transpired?" I questioned, my curiosity burning to unravel the enigma. The guard, visibly shaken now, commenced recounting the sequence of events. "I knew the moment I found him, I'd..." Kero's threats against Eugene grew increasingly ominous, sending shivers coursing down our spines. My sister teetered on the brink of panic, tears streaming unchecked down her face. I pondered if my seething fury was palpable to all those present. My desire to crush Eugene pulsed within, yet I forcibly redirected my focus.

"I'll go search for him. I can track, and he couldn't have gone far," declared Analu with determination.

"You can track?" I questioned, surprised by her hidden skill.

"Yes, I have another ability that could help me find him. No time to explain. You guys proceed with our original plan without me; I'll go search for him," Analu insisted.

"I'm coming with you!" my sister shouted, her fierce determination evident. I hoped Eugene had luck on his side because when my sister caught up with him, he would be in serious trouble. She was truly intimidating when angered, and her unique ability to project laser-like beams of light made her even more formidable. Her stamina was unmatched, too. While not much of a fighter, one should never underestimate a mother's determination to protect her child.

Though my face remained calm, I was deeply upset about the situation. Analu must have sensed the simmering anger within me, prompting her quick volunteerism to search for Eugene. I hoped they would locate him soon.

These thoughts raced through my mind as we set out in search of our missing friends, traveling on foot since we had no horses. We had acquired three horses and two donkeys from Analu's village, but Robert and his team had taken two horses and one donkey with them on their journey to assist with carrying supplies. I suspected they were either lost or had escaped during the attack. Either way, it was a loss for us.

We pressed on, with Rushane reluctantly joining our group. Kero had convinced him, albeit forcefully. While I didn't necessarily agree with Kero's methods, they proved effective in persuading Rushane to accompany us. He possessed crucial knowledge of the exact location we needed to reach, which made his presence invaluable.

We had initially planned for a brief break, but the rain had other intentions, detaining us longer than expected. The sky displayed a mesmerizing dance of dark and light blue clouds, with the rain-laden ones dominating the scene. Those blue clouds were a rarity in my experience, sharply contrasting against the inky backdrop painted by the rain clouds. There was even a moment when I contemplated the possibility of blue rain, but that particular wonder eluded us.

Seeking refuge, we huddled beneath a colossal tree that could've easily been mistaken for a banana tree on steroids. Its towering presence rivaled a three-story building, and its expansive leaves formed protective arches. One of those mammoth leaves was wide and long enough to shelter four of us from the relentless downpour, so we hunkered down underneath it.

"Damn I wish I had my phone to take a picture of this beautiful moment." Said Sarah.

"Yea, I do miss my phone and social media and all." Said Celsestia.

Meanwhile, John, the fifth member of our group, reveled in the rain's embrace."Come on, guys, don't be so glum. It's not like we can't have a good time without our phones," John chimed in, attempting to lift our spirits as he danced in the rain. 

"Besides, we've got each other for entertainment and this exquisite rain to relish. We should be grateful; phones were just distractions, anyway."

John's words resonated with Celestia. "He's right," she agreed. "We shouldn't let the absence of our phones further spoil our day. After this stress is over can still create wonderful memories, enjoy each other's company, and revel in nature."

Sarah slowly started to cheer up. "You're absolutely right. I apologize for being such a downer. Let's make the most of this and have a fantastic life after we save our friends of course"

"That's the spirit!" John exclaimed with a grin. "Now, let's move on before it gets any darker. We have quite a journey ahead of us to reach our destination." 

Kero couldn't share in our newfound optimism. "You guys can stay positive through anything that's happening. But when I catch Eugene, he's done for," he declared resolutely.

"Yeah, let's focus on rescuing our friends," I added, echoing Kero's sentiment. "There's no time for laughter right now."

While John's attempts to lighten the mood were appreciated, my thoughts remained preoccupied with worry for my nephew, Robert, and Ariel. With that, we trudged forward through the pouring rain, determined to reach our destination as swiftly as possible

"We're almost here," Rushane announced, and before us lay not so much a village, but rather a collection of tents. As we walked through, curious eyes followed our every move, though most remained silent – or so I believed at first. 

Suddenly, an enraged voice pierced the air from behind us."I explicitly warned you folks not to venture here! But you just won't listen, will you? Now, we may all be forced to relocate."

I chose to remain silent, placing my hope in Rushane to handle the situation, seeing that he had already met them, yet he took refuge behind Kero. 

Stepping forward, John attempted to quell the brewing confrontation, sounding strangely like a magician introducing a grand spectacle.

"Ladies and gentlemen of this post-apocalyptic world," he began, "I must offer my sincerest apologies for the disregard shown by my companions towards your warnings. However, we do possess a legitimate purpose for our exploration, and we do not require your permission to traverse these lands. Thank you."

John's words, intended to ease the tension, seemed only to incense our disgruntled host further. 

"What did you say you imbecile!!" He barked.

It was then another figure emerged from the crowd.

"Hello, I'm Joe. How do you do? I apologize for my friend's fiery temper; he only seeks to protect you all, as you may have gathered by now. Allow me to get straight to the point."

Joe sported a weathered, well-worn leather jacket that offered protection against the elements. Its multiple pockets served as storage for essential tools and items.

With a calm and measured demeanor, Joe managed to pacify his companion, and it was clear that he had a background in public speaking. He then enlightened us about the creature dwelling in the river, known as 'El Rio Croc.' Joe explained how they provided it with sustenance, using it as a deterrent against more menacing monsters. They hunted weaker creatures and animals to feed this colossal guardian, ensuring peace in their enclave.

As we absorbed the description of the colossal crocodile, disbelief coursed through us. Standing at a towering height of over four meters and stretching a daunting 13 meters in length, this behemoth dwarfed Kero by more than twofold and matched the length of a standard trailer. Its sheer mass was estimated to exceed a staggering 10 tons, and the most astonishing revelation lay in its ability to unleash high-powered water blasts from its gaping maw.

"Damn, sounds like those poor souls are in deep trouble, or maybe dead" Kero exclaimed, his voice tinged with concern.

"Let's hold onto hope that your friends are still out there," Joe responded with a hint of optimism. "We provided a hearty meal for it just a day before your friends arrived, and we typically ensure it's well-fed. It does have a preference for live prey, savoring the chase, but in this unpredictable world, we can't discount the possibility that it might have already crossed paths with them."

We expressed our gratitude to the man for the information he had provided us. We also mentioned that our community was open to new members and suggested that he and his village might consider joining us. Kero seemed hesitant about this idea, but he didn't fully object to our decision. 

"Join us, especially after that mess with Eugene!?" Kero's exclamation reverberated through our steps, his incredulity unmistakable.

Celestia chimed in, her expression one of mixed emotions, as if she were wrestling with her own thoughts. "Yes, Kero's right. We should gather everyone and lay it all on the table before making any decisions." She punctuated her statement with a frustrated slap to her own face.

I nodded in agreement, understanding the weight of Kero's suggestion. "You're right, Kero. It's a significant proposition, and we owe it to ourselves and our companions to have a thorough discussion. I won't make any stupid decisions anymore."