James_1_Bates

Some time in the not-so distant future, humanity achieves the latest step in its evolution: T.E.R.R.A., a man-made world to create a space for business, commerce, art, and culture. Sao, a man with nothing left to see in the real world, spends almost all his days in T.E.R.R.A. where he gets caught up with his fantasy, until reality comes to bring him back.
During his time he meets Hannah, a girl who captures his eye due to the petal birthmark on her neck. She is a native, a child of T.E.R.R.A., but only the humans know the difference. To her, they both live equally. To him, she takes him further from home.
The time comes when her life is in danger, but when her life could lead to a fate far worse than death for Sao, can he separate the fake from the real.

T.E.R.R.A

… Hannah? So, that's what you've been up to it is it? Playing family? I want to remind you that she doesn't share your family name and that she is not real! After your previous mishaps, I am surprised at how you are yet to put the two and two together. You were born to be lonely, it is in your genes, your blood – every attempt at playing house sent to a land of desolation and ruin, real or fake. How many times has it been? Four? Five? And how many have died? All, but one, but that's only because she got away first, before you put her in danger's way. 


Oh, but don't forget, you're innocent, aren't you? It's always 'their' fault; explain to me, how will this fabricated soul in your head ruin third time lucky. The girl turns out to become the daughter of the mafioso and have them set on you like a pack of dogs to a steak; or she has a brother who will return all the abuse you provide as part of your full board. Hmm, I wonder; I wonder if for once you find a group stupid enough to play your little game; I mean, you did find them when they were at their weakest. That is when someone is simplest to manipulate. But it is also when they're at their most dangerous. Corner a dog and it'll bite out your throat. Corner a human with nothing to lose, it'll remind you of what humans truly are: animals.


I do fancy your chances this time, though. As it is all in your head, you can control them through sheer will alone. That is the most crucial superpower you gain when you enter a lucid dream: complete control, like a god. Brings back memories of your heyday, back when everyone feared you, not just the ones who know you. I have always been in your corner, offering words of advice; A friend most would call me. I am someone who you turn to in tough times, and I've been extra busy recently with you as my client. 


Oh, I've just realised. You haven't woken up yet. How vivid can your dreams be? Hannah? A peculiar name. I may be suffering from déjà vu, but I am confident that that is a name you've shouted out before. Who could it be? It's on the tip of my tongue. Ah, never mind. It'll come to me eventually; or you.


Chapter II