Against the Odds

Chapter 1

Note: Hello. It is my first time doing a Science Fiction story. I haven't read a lot of stories, nor watched movies, so I could tell I have limited access in this genre. Another thing, I am writing in a guy's point of view. I hope you bear with me. It is somewhat inspired with this pandemic.

I know, most of us want to have a cure with the virus. But here's the thing, SKL, before we can come up with the cure, dadaan muna tayo sa napakahaba at napakatagal ng proseso ng researches. Yes, researches, not just one but a lot of researches. It would need funding. So if we don't have funds, then, probably, it won't meet our expectation. Cure can't be created in just a month. Iyong process pa lang para ma-approve for human consumption would take a lot of time. Hindi lang buwan bibilangin, mostly, it would take years. There's a process. Kaya basahin muna natin 'to hahaha. Yes, I will still update my on-going stories (just in case, you're also reading that). Thank you.

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CHAPTER ONE

His eyes narrowed as he focused on the night sky. He welcomed the mellifluous night with that sight. Parang hinihila siya ng kumukislap na bituin sa madilim na kalangitan. He's been fascinated with stars. Madalas kasi iyong kuwento sa kanya ng kanyang ina --- that stars are our loved ones who passed away. How true is that in the world ruled by Science?

Ibinaba niya ang baso na may lamang alak sa mesa. Hinayaan niyang ilapat ang kanyang katawan sa recliner chair na kanyang inuupuan. He pushed a button to make the chair more cozy. Agad na kumapal ang foam nito at naging mas malambot at mas relaxing. He wanted to stay a little bit longer and admired the stars above.

"Kuya," a little voice called him from behind. "Kuya Xavier, anong ginagawa mo r'yan? Hindi ka pa ba matutulog?"

Sinundan ito nang maliit na yapak palapit sa kinaroroonan niya. Napoleon Exequiel Tiago --- his little brother. Ang kahuli - hulihang remembrance ng kanyang ama sa kanila. Agad siyang napangiti nang makita ang matabang mukha nito.

"You should sleep now, Leon." masuyo niyang sabi habang pinagmamasdan ang nakababatang kapatid. Sumilip ito sa mesa kung saan nakalagay ang alak na iniinom niya. Napangiwi ang kanyang kapatid nang makita ang alak.

Kung mayroon man siyang pinaka-iniingatan --- dalawang tao lang iyon. It is his mom and his little brother. Sila na lang ang natitira sa pamilya niya. And he would kill for their safety. He promised the old man, and his father that he would take care of them no matter what.

"Do you still have nightmares?" Napoleon asked softly. "Kaya ka ba umiinom ngayon? Hindi ka ba makatulog? Gusto mo bang samahan kita, kuya?"

Kumandong ito sa kanya at humilig sa kanyang balikat. Inalalayan niya ang kapatid. His fluffy hands enveloped him with a hug. "That's sweet of you, Leon. Kuya is fine. Kailangan lang niya nang pampa-antok." sagot niya habang ginugulo ang buhok nang nakababatang Tiago.

"Okay. Sasamahan na lang kita rito." hirit pa nito. Hindi na siya tumanggi o nagreklamo. Because maybe, in his depth, he needed someone right now. Whoever that someone is, he needed company.

Pareho silang nagpatihulog sa pagtitig sa mga bituin sa langit. Pakiramdam niya sinsamahan siya ng mga ito.

Itinuro ni Napoleon ang malaking flying saucer sa itaas. The luminescence of Heaven is clearly visible and it is bright as the stars combined. "Kuya, kapag lumaki ako. Gusto ko ring maging katulad mo. I want to be a legionnaire. Gusto ko ring makapunta sa Heaven." his little brother said enthusiastically. Unti - unting nawala ang ngiti ni Xavier.

Gusto niyang umangal sa sinabi ng kapatid. Wala itong kaalam - alam sa papasukin. Pero wala rin siyang magagawa. It's inevitable. At the age of ten, every boy in the State must comply to the training given by Heaven. Masinsinang training hanggang sila ay tuluyang maging legal. Isa rin siya sa umisip na pribilehiyo ang naturang aktibidad. They have to live by the word of Minda. Blood of a Warrior. Never a Coward.