Omen was once again sitting in his wooden chair, staring at the wall of television monitors, all of which were muted. More of Der Ring des Nibelungen was playing on the record player as he sat. He slouched in his chair, but then he closed his eyes. As he sat, he reached over to grab a small remote and turn off all of the televisions. He kept sitting in the darkness as the vinyl record kept spinning and playing.
As the ceiling lights slowly turned on, Omen’s face slowly changed from stoic to afraid. His eyes opened and his breathing was very quick and short. Omen stood up and looked down at himself. He felt his face and looked at his fans before noticing the bathroom door being open. He ran over and turned on the light before staring at himself in the mirror.
“I’m an adult.” Omen said to himself, his vocal cadence closer to a child than an adult.
He kept looking at his hands and fell back against the wall, slowly sliding down and curling up into a ball. He suddenly began to cry and whine like he was an infant, but the crying very very slowly faded. The crying disappeared and he sat silently with his head resting against his knees before lifting his head up. He wiped his eyes and stood up, staring at himself in the mirror. The stains from the tears were still visible as he looked disgusted and disappointed at himself.
Suddenly, Omen very violently punched as hard as he could into the mirror, causing it to crack and become covered in cracks.
Omen pulled his hand back and stared at the glass sticking out. He watched the blood run down his hand as well as drip into the sink as he kept staring at his hand. He clenched his hand tightly into a fist, breaking the glass inside of his skin to do more damage. More blood trickled out as Omen kept staring, able to feel the pain but not reacting.
Finally after a few more seconds, Omen stopped clenching his fist. The glass all fell out before his cuts were sealed up and left his skin smooth. Omen shook his hand around before turning the light off and leaving the bathroom. He went back over to the chair, sat down, and turned on the wall of televisions again.
Omen sat for hours, watching all of the news stations waiting for something to come up that interested him, but nothing did.
A knock at his door broke him out of his trance as he quickly walked over, opening the door to see Pala.
“Ah, my good friend. How are you doing today?” Omen asked happily, pulling Pala into a tight hug.
“I am…um…fine Omen sir, you seem to be in a good mood.” Pala said.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToc1AG1u45
Omen released the hug and pat Pala hard on the back.
“I am doing what I must. To achieve our goal, we must keep moving forward.”
Omen was smiling wide, but his eye twitched slightly.
“Alright…just…take care of yourself.” Pala said with a worried tone.
Omen quickly walked past him as Pala looked into the bedroom with all of the televisions on.
Pala quickly jogged to walk alongside Omen.
“Um sir…what are the televisions in your room for?” Pala asked.
“It is important to stay educated in the modern world. News comes so fast you have to keep up with all of it.” Omen replied.
“Are you hoping for news about…those things?” Pala asked again.
Omen suddenly stopped in place.
“I’m sorry sir, I know we aren’t supposed to bring them up.” Pala apologized.
“Don’t worry…refusing to talk about them, refusing to say their name only gives them power.”
Omen suddenly cupped Pala’s face between his hands.
“Those Anomaly fucking bastards…are worse then pests. They are worse than a virus. I am the savior of humanity, and I will take this world into a thriving future.” Omen said, his voice constantly changing tone and pitch until he broke into short laughter.
“How do you know that?” Pala asked, fear hidden in his voice.
“Because I have seen it…I have seen the future…” Omen responded softly with a wide smile.
“Omen sir.” A voice behind him came out.
Omen turned around to see a young blonde boy standing with his arms behind his back, his back straight, and his eyes looking just above Omen’s head.
“Yes Walter?” Omen asked, clearing his throat as he spoke to get back to his calm tone.
“We may have some big news.” Walter replied.
Omen smiled as wide as he could, the black around his mouth nearly stretching to his ears.
Pala stood uncomfortable and unsure of what to do or where to look.
“I’m listening.”
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Omen was hunched over, staring at a large computer monitor.
His team of followers had managed to find security footage of a gas station. The footage showed somebody wearing a baggy sweatshirt walking in, grabbing a bunch of food and running out. The cashier went to grab their shotgun and ran outside.
They clicked to change cameras, showing the gas pumps as the hooded person ran by. The person waved their hand, and all of the pumps suddenly exploded, creating a massive explosion that sent the cashier flying back through the window and into one of the shelves, sending food flying out. The explosion shook the Earth as the camera kept recording.
Omen laughed and clapped his hands excitedly.
“We have found one! We’ve proven that they exist!” Omen hugged Walter tightly and laughed maniacally.
All of the other followers were excitedly cheering and high fiving each other, but Pala kept staring at the footage with an emotional and understanding look.
“Now we can start our mission.” Omen said, but then suddenly stopped and stood frozen in place.
“Omen?” Walter asked.
The followers looked concerned before all backing away.
“Um…what’s happening?” Pala asked.
“Just…step back a bit.” Walter said as they all moved back further.
Omen’s eyes suddenly began to glow faint orange.
He continued to stand frozen and silent.
All of his followers were breathing as quietly as possible as they watched.
Omen’s eyes glowed brighter and brighter.
Omen suddenly began to scream at the top of his lungs. He clutched his head and began to claw and punch himself over and over. Omen’s followers ran over to grab him, but Omen pushed them away and sent them flying back.
Omen began to claw his face hard enough to cut his rough skin, blood pouring out onto the floor.
Pala was terrified, but ran over to grab Omen’s hands.
Omen was breathing heavy and quick as he stared back at Pala, the glow illuminating his face.
“Omen…it’s okay…you’re safe…”
Omen kept staring as their hands squeezed each other tightly.
Omen’s eyes slowly faded until they were normal, pitch black pupils surrounded by white staring back. Omen finally caught his breath and was staring back at Pala. He suddenly pulled him close to hug him tightly as his self-inflicted cuts healed across his face.
“Thank you Pala…” Omen softly whispered.
Pala wasn’t sure how to respond or feel, but he softly patted Omen on the back.
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Pala was back home at his Native American reserve, cooking food for his family of twelve people.
“How is it coming along Pala?” Pala’s Mother asked in their traditional tongue.
“It’s almost ready Mother.” Pala replied.
He finished cooking a large spread of multiple pieces of salmon, multiple large bowls full of a variety of stews, and a large platter full of vegetables. He carried each tray one at a time before grabbing a large basket of bread, placing it in the middle of the large table.
The family gathered around as Pala pulled the chairs out for his Mother and Father, who sat on opposite ends of the table. Pala was about to be the last one to sit down, but stopped as there was a knock at the door.
Pala smiled and walked to the door, opening it before freezing with wide eyes.
“Omen?” He asked in a scared and surprised tone.
“I just wanted to give you thanks Pala. I know I can…well I am not the easiest to be friends with.” Omen laughed before he held out a basket of an variety of meat and fish.
“Who’s at the door?” Pala’s Father asked.
Pala turned to speak.
“It is my…friend.” Pala replied.
Omen just stood in the doorway smiling.
“Invite him inside.” Pala’s Mother said.
Pala swallowed hard before turning to Omen.
“Would you like to come in and eat?” Pala asked.
“That would be lovely.” Omen said.
Pala swallowed hard and stepped to the side as Omen slowly walked in. He smiled and waved to Pala’s family, all of whom waved back. Pala grabbed another chair that didn’t match the others, pulling it next to him and holding it out for Omen. Omen sat down and Pala pushed him in with a kind smile.
“I thank you for letting me into your nice and warm home.” Omen said.
Pala’s family looked at each other before Pala looked around.
“He thanks us for our hospitality.” Pala translated for him.
Omen smiled as he looked over the large spread of food.
“We must first have a moment of silence for our ancestors.” Pala’s Father said.
All of the family held hands with each other, lowered their heads, and closed their eyes. Omen followed and stayed in silence while gripping Pala’s hand tightly.
Pala sat in silence, his eyes closed and his heart pumping hard against his chest.
Once the moment of silence was finished, they all slowly opened their eyes one by one.
Omen smiled and reached out, grabbing some of the bread.
“So, your name is Omen correct?” Pala’s Mom asked.
“Yes. I work with your wonderful son here.”
Omen’s hand firmly grabbed Pala’s shoulder as he sat nervously.
“He’s the best employee I have.” Omen said with a wide smile.
“Bob, can you pass me some salmon please?” Pala’s Father asked one of the other children.
Omen’s eye subtly twitched as his grip around Pala’s shoulder tightened.
Pala tried his best to not be audible as he felt sharp pain through his bones. He gritted his teeth and looked at Omen with intense eyes.
“Bob, I said salmon.”
Omen’s entire face twitched as he slowly turned to the side.
“Interesting name for a son isn’t it?” Omen asked.
Pala’s Father looked at Omen confused as he took a perfectly cooked piece of fish.
“Why do you say that?” Pala’s Father asked.
“What is your name?” Omen asked.
Pala’s Father adjusted himself so he sat with a straight back and high chin.
“My name is Chief Calian.” He replied.
Omen softly nodded.
“And you have a wonderful son named Pala…which if I am not mistaken translates to guardian right?” Omen asked.
Calian seemed to look on edge as he crossed his arms on the table.
“What are you implying?” Calian asked.
Omen had to stop himself from just bursting out into uncontrollable, maniacal laughter before rubbing his hand over his face.
“So…you have…these wonderful names for your children…and you…”
Omen was shaking and clasped his hands together, pressing them against his chin. He was frantic in his movements as his eyes twitched even more.
“Are you okay?” Pala’s Mother asked.
Omen suddenly stood up, his chair falling backwards as the table shook in place. He immediately stormed to the front door before bursting through, nearly sending it off the hinges as he walked out. Pala sighed and quickly got up to run after him.
“Omen…please. What is wrong?” Pala asked as he ran after.
Omen kept walking forward, tears running down his hate covered face.
“Sir?” Pala asked softly.
Omen kept marching forward in quiet anger.
“Sir.” Pala sounded louder and more stern, which made Omen immediately stop. Pala felt his heart skip a beat as he swallowed hard.
Omen very slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder. His eyes began to faintly glow orange as he turned to fully face and stare at Pala.
“What…what are you seeing sir?” Pala asked, shaking in place.
Omen was finally fully facing Pala as his head tilted.
“You…” Omen’s tone was aggressive.
Pala’s eyes went wide as he was unsure of what was happening.
Omen suddenly opened his large black trench coat and reached to his hip, pulling out his black revolver.
Pala was still frozen in place, staring in fear at Omen. He suddenly stood up straight, stared forward, and put his arms behind his back.
Omen opened the chamber and slid a bullet in before spinning it, shutting it without even looking. Omen lifted the gun up and pointed it at Pala.
“Who are you?” Omen asked.
“My name is Pala. I am a member of the Hopi tribe…”
Omen pulled the trigger, but the bullet didn’t fire. He moved the hammer to make the chamber spin to the next slot.
“Who do you give yourself to?” Omen asked.
Pala looked at Omen with shock and confusion.
“I…wait…do you…want me…”
Omen pulled the trigger again.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQrXgWQm9f
No bullet came flying out.
Omen spinned it to the next slot.
“If you are my right hand…I need you to give me your all. I need your being to be sworn to me.” Omen said.
His eyes glowed more violently as his grip around his gun squeezed as tightly as possible.
Pala swallowed hard, but then Omen pulled the trigger.
Pala closed his eyes, but he was still alive.
He could hear the chamber moving one more.
Now, he was at three down and three more to go.
“Omen…” Pala pleaded, but Omen pulled the trigger again.
Now there were only two slots left.
Pala had a fifty percent chance of his head being blown off.
“I give myself to you and only you!” Pala cried out loudly.
Omen kept the gun pointing at him, but then dropped it so it was pointing to the ground.
His eyes slowly faded back to normal as Pala fell to his knees. Pala struggled to breathe. He struggled to stop the tears from running, but then he heard something.
He looked forward to see a all white revolver on the ground. It looked identical to Omen’s but with the opposite colors. The same size, shape, and material. He slowly looked up at Omen, who tossed him a small wooden box. Pala reached out with his hands shaking violently. He slowly opened it to see eleven bullets inside.
“I…I don’t understand…” Pala looked back up.
Omen was standing tall with his own arms behind his back.
“You give yourself…to me.” Omen replied stoically.
Omen then turned so his back was to Pala.
Pala looked at the bullets again. He noticed they had writing scratched in. He picked one up.
Chief Calian was scratched in deep as Pala’s eyes went wide. He grabbed another.
The name of his Mother.
He grabbed another.
The name of his youngest sister.
Pala looked up at Omen, but his back was still to him.
“Omen…” Pala whispered.
Omen stood firm.
Pala collected the gun and the box, getting to his feet. He turned to walk away.
“I will be waiting here.” Omen said, still facing away.
Pala felt his heart beating as hard as a shotgun blast over and over and over again. Pala took a single step, the hardest step he had ever taken in his life.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YDvXDfsiZ
He took another one, more difficult than the one before.
Pala kept moving step by step, every step addin the weight of the world onto his shoulders again and again.
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Pala’s family were sitting around the table, eating the food in complete tense silence. Nobody was even sharing looks amongst each other. They had their heads down, looking at their food sitting on their plates.
It felt as if time was moving slowly. Almost freezing as every second seemed to stretch into hours.
The family all turned as the door opened.
“Pala!” His Mother shouted with an enthusiastic tone. She jumped up from her table as the rest of the family quickly got to their feet.
“We were worried sick!” She said.
Pala stood in the doorway. He dropped the wooden box, which landed empty on the floor. In his left hand, he was gripping the white revolver tight enough that his knuckles were nearly the same shade. He lifted his head to show his eyes red and dry as his face was covered in a thick layer of tears and mucus.
His body was shaking before his arm snapped up, the gun rattling as it moved.
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Omen was still standing, staring out into the large expanse of private land. The ground was covered in dying grass. There were no trees, and very little changes in elevation. It was a long stretch of dirt, dust, and nearly dead vegetation.
Omen could hear footsteps moving towards him, but he stayed firm and stoic.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm3xWIEkEk
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Pala step next to him.
His face lacked any emotion or thought. His skin was pale and haunted. His hand was so loose around the revolver that it nearly fell out of his grip.
Omen finally turned his head as his arm went around Pala’s shoulder.
“Now…we can truly begin.” Omen said, his lips turning into an evil smile as Pala kept looking emotionless and jaded.
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