Space Soldier

It had been almost a week since I was visited by an alien. I was starting to accept that it may have been the work of hallucination facilitated by my sleep-deprived mind.

It was the reason why I said nothing to Mindy. I didn't want her worrying over my mental health on top of everything else. She was already worrying herself over my state of living, how she couldn't help me and barely even had a job.

It was because of her I even had meals to eat and wasn't digging through street trash. Her sister's children were picky eaters and her husband was rarely ever home, sleeping over at work, so there were lots of leftovers which Mindy always brought over to me.

My clothes were her brother in-law's castoffs that he'd grown past. Jail had done a lot to reduce all the bulk I'd gained in the military so the clothes fit, even though not by much.

Really, Mindy was minding my life and the only reason why I hadn't done something stupid by now. I knew I had nothing to lose so nothing stopped me from tearing into Stiff's mansion and murdering him.

Should I die in the process then I'd be so satisfied. But I'd be leaving Mindy to face the consequences of everything. That I couldn't do.

Sighing and letting go of all tensions, I relaxed my head on the soft pillow underneath it. Everyday I found a place to rest for the night. Today it was the attic of an abandoned home. And I always managed to stay in contact with Mindy with a phone she'd given me. I don't know how she'd gotten a phone for herself much less for me too, but I appreciated it.

Apparently she was adjusting well to the technology of this new world we'd been met with after gaining our freedom. She was learning a lot from a cafe she now worked at infrequently. It was the reason why our phones had SIM cards and data subscriptions we never paid for.

I shook my head in fondness at the covertness of my best and only friend. I closed my eyes as I welcomed rest after a busy day of continuous homelessness.

Hopefully, Mindy would be able to provide me with breakfast tomorrow as she'd always done for the past two weeks.

My eyes fluttered open, groggily taking in the faint light of dawn creeping through the blinds. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, wondering why I felt so exhausted. Just as I sat up, my eyelids drooped, and I fell back onto the bed, fast asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself standing in a realm so bright it defied comprehension. Yet, I wasn't blind. The light was everywhere, but it didn't sear my eyes. I stumbled, disoriented, and saw fifteen individuals surrounding me. Most were alien-like, with only three bipedal beings that seemed androgynous but had an otherworldly complexion.

A figure emerged from the radiant haze, clad in dark, futuristic armor and a flowing red cloak. He introduced himself as the Bastion of Finire, his voice resonating through the realm.

I stood stock still upon hearing that title. Whst the hell is happening to me?

"Greetings, chosen ones. You have been brought here for a greater purpose. Aeons, aspects, and elements of the universe in spirit forms, seeking balance and harmony have called you all to serve. You, Clarke, are the Bastion of Aeon Genesis – the Aeon of creation, life, fire, beginning, and origin."

My mind reeled as the Bastion of Finire continued, telling the others of their designated Aeons. I could barely listen to him.

So it had all been true? Primus wasn't a figment of my imagination. Or could this just be another figment of imagination? But I'd read somewhere that just as lightning doesn't strike twice a hallucination does not continue from previous hallucinations, just like dreams. So why was this happening?

"For those of you who are to be the Bastions of Genesis, you will unlock powers beyond your wildest dreams. Your first ability is conjuring – wish for something to aid you, and it shall appear. However, be warned, you have no control over what you conjure at the beginners stage."

As the Bastion spoke, I found myself doubting until ten mountainous figures appeared in the sky of this bright realm, shapeless and formless. Adorning the sky like colossal clouds. These were the Aeons.

From them beams of light were sent down and struck myself and the individuals, with I and two others getting beams from a single Aeon. It was harmless but the light suffused us. I felt an energy stirring within me. I raised my hand, and to my astonishment, a phone materialized in my palm.

"This power will serve you well as the Bastion for Earth's side of the Milky Way, encompassing 20 planets," The Bastion of Finire said to me. "But know that the Aeon Genesis and Aeon Finire are eternal enemies, making our roles as Bastions forever intertwined."

I paused upon hearing that. Bastion of what?

I seemed to have spoken out loud as the Bastion nodded at me. "You are all novices for now so your duties shall be seen to by others from our noble order. When you have gained control over your powers it would then be time to take up the burdens of the twenty worlds you're to protect, for now you must focus on your home worlds."

I felt myself struggling to comprehend this. Primus had been real. Primus had been right. Aeons existed. All of these felt real, so, so real. I could feel the primal force of creation coursing through my veins, the spirit of origin enforcing my soul.

I was a Bastion of Genesis and Bastions were protectors of multiple words. I get to see space as I was apparently the protector of aliens.

And humans too, let's not forget that.

I was now a space soldier.