Revelation Against the Nation Series: Legacies and Secries (Book 1)

Chapter 1: Unknown Existence

"There is a legend that very few know about. Some say it has been around since the beginning of time while others believe it's non-existent. Ultimately, it's whichever you choose to believe. I've heard this several times as a child so I know the legend well. In the beginning, there were two groups one known as E.N.D. and the other as S.F.H. Both these groups are immortal, at least that's what the rumors claim. These same rumors also claim E.N.D. has been after the destruction of the universe while S.F.H. has tried to thwart E.N.D.'s attempts and save humanity from extinction...this is the legend. This is the myth. Truth about it is far, but to me, it's only a story," I said to the fellow soldier lying in the hospital bed to the right of mine.

"That's interesting. So, you said earlier about being first deployed in 2020. Tell me a little bit about that," he replied while looking back at me with his undivided attention. And so, I began my story...

August twenty-fifth, of 2020, was a dreadful day; in fact, it was the worst day of my life. I found a white piece of paper containing the words "DEPLOYMENT STATUS" in bold black lettering. Because of those two simple words, the past couple of years have been hectic.

For those that don't know, my name is James Hollenberg. I'm twenty-seven and most people can spot my blonde head above others. I graduated high school with an honors diploma while being at the top of my class. After high school, I joined the Marines. I worked rigorously and persistently through the ranks to end up where I am today. My goal was to become a sniper. It was all I ever dreamed of being, and I have achieved it. Along the way, I obtained something even greater: platoon leader. The hard work and dedication I showed toward my job won me the position.

I joined the Marines because of my father. He had joined the Marines when he was younger. He was my role model and motivation. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. His modeling of what success looked like was what made me want to be just like him. He was a good role model, a good husband, father, and especially, a fantastic Marine. All I wanted to do was make him proud, and I know I have. He died six years ago, but he had told me the night before I returned back for active duty how proud he was. It wasn't long afterwards that he had a heart attack, which was the cause of his death.

My girlfriend at the time, who is my wife now, was my rock during that horrendous moment. She's my high school sweetheart, and her name is Sarah Hollenberg. She's currently twenty-five with long dark brown hair. Her body was slender, but lightly toned to a half formed muscular look. This five-and-a-half-foot woman didn't look Caucasian due to the constant exposure of her skin to the sun. Her misty crystal blue eyes shimmered like diamonds in the light of the sun. They always melted my heart with their beauty every time.

She was only a grade below me during high school, but that didn't matter. She was smart. She was the top graduate of her class as well. She was able to prove her intelligence in a way no one else could. Her reasoning and comprehension spanned a plethora of topics. When it came to controversial ones, she could lay out her reasons with logical facts that would support her argument in ways that helped others understand without needing to piece things together like a jigsaw puzzle; her reasoning allowed people to better comprehend her explanation.

Today was our fifth anniversary. On this special occasion, I wish I was able to wisp through the space-time continuum to celebrate this special day with her, even though I knew it wasn't possible, yet. If it were, I would leave and never come back. All the stress and fear was cumbersome, especially with all of the shooting, hiding, and the constant insecure feeling. The idea that no one knew who or what was lurking around put a toll on you, but it was something everyone on active duty has to deal with.

The Marines were constantly demanding my assistance and then withdrawing me from battles. They seem to be almost like my mother; constantly changing their mind about what they wanted to do, but each day has been a struggle to carry on. The days were tiring and endless. Each passing day was harder to push through as we tried to complete our missions. Sometimes, it seemed impossible.