Gatekeepers Fan Fiction ❯ A Rising Power: Your Heart ❯ An Assignment... Illusion? ( Prologue )

A Rising Power: Your Heart

Prologue - An Assignment… Illusion?

Legend:

Word - denotes a character's thoughts

[Word] - denotes setting, time

<Word> - denotes a sound effect

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[A college in Philippines; daytime]

"And this shows how the two current equations are used to find the current in the circuit…"

A Physics professor was giving a lecture on circuits inside one of the many air-conditioned classrooms in Asia Pacific College. The twenty students cooped inside were either taking down notes or listening. To one of them, it was just another typical day of class.

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Author: Those of you readers who are studying college in Philippines, it's a real-life college focused on IT education

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"Sigh… another sleep-inducing lecture. Lectures, notes, study, homework, projects, exams… it's a never-ending four year cycle for me," one of the students quietly said to himself. He looked at the view outside the few windows of the classroom. An aircraft carrier flew from the runaways of the domestic airport stationed within a distance. Trees and shrubbery surrounded the many residential buildings nearby the college. He looked up at the clock set against the wall, just above the whiteboard where the professor wrote pointers of the lecture he was giving --- It read 3:00 PM.

"Crap… 30 more minutes to go. Yawn…" he stretched his arms and body to ease the discomfort of his body fixed on his seat.

"Psst… hey, Danilo, don't get too relaxed, or the professor's going to add more to this lecture," whispered his best friend seated next to him. He adjusted his thick-framed eyeglass with his hand.

"Yeah, I know, Jun. But I just can't help it," Danilo whispered back, while doing a last stretch on his body.

"And that is how you can compute the total current of the circuit… hmm," the professor voiced toward the two, "Mr. Yamagami and Mr. Okamoto, would you two like to share your conversation to the rest of the class?"

His face twitched with annoyance.

"Uh, no thank you sir. Sorry," they apologized.

"Humph…"

The professor then resumed finishing up the lecture. The two buddies sighed in defeat and started catching up on their notes.

<RING>

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class.

"Hold it class! Before all of you storm off, write down your assignment marked on the board due for tomorrow. With that said, have a nice day," the professor announced. He left the classroom. A small remainder of the class stayed behind to copy down the assignment in their notebooks.

"Crap… not another series and parallel circuit diagram! This just bites," complained Danilo, who was jotting down the assignment on the small notebook clipped to his small binder.

"Well, at least that's the only homework we've got to do. Come on, let's stop by for a drink in Starbucks before going home," said Jun, cheering him up.

"Alright. Let's stop by the one near Vito Cruz LRT (Light Railway Transit) station. I want to go home soon," Danilo replied, closing his small binder.

The two buddies left the classroom and went outside, walking in a path behind a residential village. They crossed the overpass followed to the other side, and took a jeepney ride going to a nearby LRT station in Edsa.

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Author: Just like other countries with a subway system, the Philippines has one too. The stations mentioned in this story indicate the stations serving as stops in certain areas of the city area.

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[AEGIS Far East branch, Japan]

Situated in the disguise of a high school, the AEGIS Far East branch in Japan was on its usual atmosphere.

Inside the dark, secreted halls of the complex, the onboard staffs were on their posts doing their daily watch in the area for alien threat. In the main area, three female operators were typing on their keyboard panels linking to a huge computer interface system.

A silent figure looked on the system's screen showing the map of Southeast Asia. Numbers and grid squares served as coordinates of the various locations of the map. The figure studied the screen with his hands crossed together. His eyes mirrored the experience of his work in the organization, which was established as Earth's last defense against alien threat.

<DING>

A door opened in the main area. A female secretary walked inside carrying a clipboard holding slips of paper with one hand and a folder with the other.

"Here are the papers you asked for, Commander Shirei," she handed him the folder, "the overview reports, the news bulletin, and the list of Gate powers, all in that folder."

"Thank you, Ms. Ochai. How are the classes doing above?" he replied.

"They're resuming their normal schedule. Everything's at ease there."

"I see."

He gathered his thoughts about the last battle with the invaders and their disappearance, along with the disappearance of Reiji Kagayama, the gatekeeper possessing the Gate of Shadow.

Hmm… if it's true what Kagayama told Shun about the birth of invaders residing in the darkest desires of the human population then Earth wouldn't be completely safe. Sigh… it's not as if it's possible to achieve an ever-lasting peace from them, he thought.

"Commander? Are you thinking about that day? Surely, that's the last we'd hear from the invaders," Ms. Ochai said in concern.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Ms. Ochai. AEGIS was established to ensure that our planet doesn't become a target of alien threats. Unlike the sleazy higher-ups from our government, we're shouldering a huge responsibility, which is why this branch should remain on active duty at all times."

"But what about Reiji Kagayama's disappearance?"

"As to his whereabouts, it remains unknown."

Shirei had a thought of the young leader of the force.

"Hmm… speaking of which, can you inform Ukiya to report to me in the briefing room alone ASAP?"

"Hmm? What for?"

A puzzled look was on the pretty secretary's face.

"Just some business to discuss, that's all. I'll need you there for a briefing. Keep up with the good work, Keiko."

The remark caught her in slight surprise. He only called her by her first name whenever they were alone together.

"Thank you, Commander. I'll do my best as always," she said with a small blush on her face.

Shirei couldn't help but grin in satisfaction. He had been dating her for a couple of months after the battle; however, it turned out more than he bargain for. He waited for the right time to announce their relationship to the Gatekeepers.

The three female operators looked at their commander with questioning looks on their faces.

"Ahem… back to work ladies," he sternly warned them. They resumed their duties as they giggled on the intriguing sight of the two individuals.

<DING>

Ms. Ochai left the room with a smile on her face.

A label marked on a slip protruding out of the folder caught his attention --- CLASSIFIED: "Unknown Gate".

Well, well…

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[Philippines, in LRT Edsa station]

"Passengers are reminded to keep their LRT ticket cards at hand in all times. Please refrain from stepping over the marked red safety line in the platform," An LRT employee announced over the speakers attached around the station.

Large crowd of passengers waited in the heat of the summer weather. Nightfall occurred, and that didn't bring winds to cool down the heat. Many of the passengers brought out handkerchiefs to wipe off their sweat, fans to cool themselves, and a rich few small portable electric fans for relief. Danilo and Jun entered the station and joined them. They found a suitable waiting spot near a post with an advertisement for a new shampoo brand and settled waiting there.

"Kusou… crowded as usual. The trains in the LRT these days are as slow as an ox to arrive in this station," Danilo remarked to himself.

He surveyed the crowd to fight off his boredom in waiting for the train heading southward --- A group of nursing students chatted eagerly, employees from the nearby department store enjoyed each others' company, the elderly accompanied by their young relatives, etc. A strange dressed-up man in black then caught his eye.

What? I rarely see other foreigners dressing up like that.

He focused his view on the pair of black shades that the man was wearing.

Is he crazy? It's nighttime for crying out loud, unless he's blind.

The expression on the man's face was emotionless. Danilo felt a slight chill running through his spine.

"Hey, Danilo, you okay?" Jun asked.

"Huh? Oh… sorry. Get a look on that guy over there!" Danilo pointed out in the direction of the man in black. Jun's eyes followed where his best friend was pointing, but he saw just a usual group of passengers.

"What're you talking about, man? What guy? I see nobody unusual," he said.

Danilo looked at the spot where he saw the man in black. He was gone.

Weird, he thought.

"I could have sworn I saw a dressed-up guy in black!" he exclaimed to him.

Jun looked at his friend with questioning eyes.

"Crap. I'll tell you once we get there in Starbucks. It'll be meaningless to explain now," Danilo said. A wave of uncertainty swept on his mind.

"The air-conditioned train is now arriving. Passengers are to wait in designated areas. Please don't cross the marked red safety line in the platform," the announcement went through the speakers.

Sure enough, the air-conditioned train was arriving. The train was made up of nine cars, as opposed to the regular train of six cars. Apart from that, the good thing about it was the air conditioning system. Only two air-conditioned trains were on service while the rest were the regular issue. The government couldn't have enough funds to support the LRT system to introduce another air-conditioned train.

Ah, relief at last, looks like we got lucky, Danilo thought.

"Come on, buddy, looks like we can be cooled down on our way to Starbucks," he said. Jun grinned and followed him.

The train stopped at the stationed and opened its doors, letting the waiting passengers in. The two managed to get inside and settle themselves in one of the crowded cars.

<BEEP> <BEEP> <BEEP> <BEEP>

The doors shut tight, and the train resumed on heading southward.

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[AEGIS Far East Branch]

<DING>

The door to the briefing room opened.

"You wanted to see me, Commander?" asked a cheerful voice.

Shirei, who was seated with his back facing towards the voice, turned his seat around.

He looked to see a boy wearing a dark-blue buttoned up school uniform. The floor beneath him resonated with a squeak as his white sneakers shifted about. An insignia of AEGIS --- one half a shield while the other that of a globe --- adorned to the black leather gloves his hands were wearing. A faint area appeared at the curve of his nose where a bandage should be. He ruffled his short, spiky brown hair with one hand. His brown eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room.

"Yes, Shun. Take a seat," Shirei motioned him to sit down. As Shun sat down, Shirei threw lightly a folder bearing the AEGIS insignia toward him. It was marked "FOR YOUR EYES-ONLY".

"Projection monitor," Shirei commanded.

A projection monitor arose out of the floor panel in a distance. The lights of the room dimmed, and a movie started.

"Before you take a look inside the folder, I want to brief you on a situation," he said.

An image of the Earth was shown.

"As you've known, AEGIS was established as a non-government organization dedicated to the outmost security of Earth. The organization has taken many pains in preventing threats of alien activity and not disclosing them to the public. However, the battle with the invaders and the Gatekeeper of Shadow a few years ago near the parliament building here in Japan has opened the eyes of the world."

"I pretty much figured so. So much for the organization being secretive," Shun remarked with a smirk.

"Yes, all the pains of not disclosing our existence to the world were brought to a waste. Instead of interrogation by the government and the UN, we were given thanks and now the world council sees us as a last line of defense. However, although no news of invader activity has been found here in the Far East, I'm not at ease. I've decided for this branch to be on around-the-clock duty as a precaution. The other branches have been informed of my precaution and are taking notice."

"N-nani? I thought that'd be the last we hear from the invaders," Shun wondered, scratching his head in confusion.

"That's what I said to him before," said a sweet, informative voice. The figure of Ms. Ochai appeared among the room.

"Apparently I think he senses an uneasy threat."

"Konbawa, Ms. Ochai. I didn't know you'd be here," Shun said, surprised.

"Tee-hee-hee. I'm getting used to coming out of the dark, if you know what I mean." She gave him a wink.

"Before I go any further Shun, I would like you and the other Gatekeepers to know that," Shirei motioned with his hands for the secretary to sit on his lap, which she blushingly accepted, "Keiko and I are having a relationship."

Shun's eyes turned into saucers.

"Hey, hey! That's great news! The gang would be happy to know that. Congrats! Wait a sec, 'Keiko'? That's your first name, Ms. Ochai?" he asked before congratulating them.

"Yes it is, Shun. But that's only between me and the commander here," she exchanged smiles with the commander as she continued, "so be sure to keep it between yourselves, yes?"

"Yes ma'am!" he replied.

"Ahem. Back to business," Shirei gave a last smile to the secretary before returning his face into a serious look. She stood off from his lap and stood aside him. "Anyway, at present, I've had the research department in this branch study more on the Gate powers you and the rest possess. Based from their results, they conclude that it's a special power that a chosen few can draw from another dimension."

"The basic elements of the Gate are that representing to nature: Fire/Ice, Water/Thunder, Wind/Earth, and Light/Dark. The rest are non-elemental, but possess different characteristics, such as Kaoru's Gate of Close Combat, Reiko's Gate of Illusion, Megumi's Gate of Iron Wall, etc. The contents of that folder will explain the rest," Ms. Ochai added.

"What about Bancho's Gate? It's weird that he finally activated his during that battle," Shun asked.

"Hmm… I was puzzled by that fact also, but all the researchers could conclude that it had something to do with his physical stature. They're still continuing researching on him for the meantime."

"So this is what it's all about? Just about the details of Gate powers?"

"Partly, yes. But the other part is on the list of individuals who're also rumored to projecting Gate powers. According to the latest info we've received from our databanks, there're two candidates that are 100% sure of harboring Gate powers. One is located here in Japan, and the other is in the Philippines. I want you to investigate the other in Philippines first and see if the info is correct. If this isn't too much to ask from you, I want to hear your reply right now." Shirei looked at the young leader of the Gatekeepers with an uneasy seriousness on his face.

Woah… looks like it's an important assignment for me to handle. Sigh… after all I've gone through and finally being together with Rurippe at that day. Damn… what now, Shun thought.

"What if I say 'no'?" he asked cautiously.

"Hmm… then I'd consider having to look for another Gatekeeper to handle this assignment. If you agree to take it, I'll have Ms. Ochai here to forward a LOA (Leave of Absence) to your college for about a month so as to not arouse suspicion," Shirei replied.

"But why the Philippines first? Surely the one here in Japan could be checked immediately."

"I decided that the one in Philippines be investigated first. Our sources there in the country tell us that a strange activity has been spotted among their city areas, and it has been appearing in the scanners of our mainframe. The other one here in Japan is nothing to be cautious of. I fear there might be significance to be found in the Philippines."

"Hmm… that sounds kind of hasty to me," Shun then was in deep thought of his decision. His love, Ruriko Ikusawa, was on his mind.

But then again, this might be a good time to take a break from college for once. My 4th term semester is almost up soon.

He was in his final semester on his 2nd year in Tokyo University. He took up engineering as his course, due to his utmost respect for his late father. The course was for four years. Just one month and he'd be on his way to his 3rd yr.

He recalled a lot of things…

The time when he first met Ruriko after his Gate power discovery on the battle site of his hometown.

The time when he met up with the other Gatekeepers and saw their own Gate powers.

The time when he first met Kagayama.

The time when he risked his life to save Ruriko's father at the amusement park.

The time when he and the rest made a last stand against the invaders and Kagayama in the parliament building.

The time when he used every ounce of strength in his body to wipe out the invaders and defeat Kagayama. He then used his remaining breath to confess his love to Ruriko.

He felt a weight being placed on his back as he came up with his decision. He stood up and held the folder.

"Commander. I've decided…"

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[Philippines, Vito Cruz LRT station]

<BEEP> <BEEP> <BEEP> <BEEP>

The train's doors shut again, securing the new coming passengers who were waiting in Vito Cruz LRT station. The two buddies pushed and shoved their way out of the crowded train car they were on.

"Ugh… talk about being a packed sardine," Jun remarked on the stuffy condition of the train they just got off.

"A bunch of bakeros indeed there. Sheesh, they just have to push their way in!" complained Danilo.

"Well, anyway, we're out of the frying pan and into the other. Come on, I can't wait to dig in some iced coffee!" Jun said. The two buddies walked outside of the station and made their way to Starbucks. They seated themselves as they walked inside the famous hot drink stand.

"My treat this time. What do you want?" Jun asked his best bud.

"I'll take a hot chocolate drink with icing, thanks," Danilo replied.

As Jun left for the counter to place their orders, Danilo thought about the man in black.

I could have sworn I saw him there in Edsa LRT station. He was waiting among the crowd! Have my eyes been deceiving me? Humph… maybe it's because of the pressure from my hectic college schedule. But why do I feel uneasy?

He looked at the busy line of people walking about outside the many large windows of the stand. Then, suddenly, the man in black appeared among them.

What!

Danilo felt the same chill running through his spine back then in Edsa LRT station. Fear gripped him for a few seconds, but what conquered him most was surprise and confusion. He trained his eyes towards the man in black, trying to study him. He still had the emotionless look and the pair of black shades in his face. He seemed to be standing upright, and he hardly moved at all, almost like a statue. He felt a sudden impulse to stand up and run up to the man; however, as he was about to take it, Jun came back with their drinks.

"Woah there! Might I ask why you were about to leave?" he asked in surprise.

Danilo faced his best bud. He answered, "Uh… I-I just wanted to take a fresh breeze of air, that's all."

He looked back outside the window to see the man in black. In an instant, he vanished.

Am I seeing things? Frickin' hell! Who the heck is that guy following me around? Somehow, I feel cold deep inside.

"Oh well… I changed my mind," he said.

"Well, let's enjoy our drinks then!" Jun exclaimed with a smile.

Danilo grinned and savor his hot chocolate drink as he thought about the man in black once more.

Trapped deep within him, a power was starting to awaken.

<DOKI> <DOKI> <DOKI>

More like a heart.