A new era

A Story by Winter

When a person dies, their body weighs 21 grams less. Those 21 grams were the soul. If we could collect it and transferred it into another body; perhaps an artificial one; the person could live on with their memories intact. I didn't believe it when that theory was announced, heck no one in the world did. They all laughed and mocked at the good doctor saying that it was impossible and he was crazy. The good doctor was sick of people telling him that he was wrong and didn't look at his result. Out of rage and annoyance, he announced to the public when he dies he will have his revenge. Everyone in the the world shrugged it off but those words sank in my head like stone in water. His words rang in my head until the creature came. It stood there in front of everyone in the world. Every single man, woman and child could see it. Reporters and presses chattered in front of the camera. Its eyes were close, dark hair combed neatly, a peaceful look on its face. Colourful wires were connected to its arms, legs to a dark looking machine. A heart rate monitor sat next to it displaying a flat line ;dead. It was the doctor. However, he had died ten years ago; his body would have become a rotting corpse almost a skeleton yet he was there like he just died. Soon, another man came up on the stage next to the body. In his hand was a small cylinder container narrowing down into a needle like syringe filled a cream aqueous like substance. I still remember what the scientist said like it was yesterday.

"Ten years ago, a great doctor discovered that the body loses 21 grams when it dies. Those 21 grams are the soul," he recited. :"Everybody thought it was silly but I have discovered that it is true. If we collect it just in time and with the right equipment, the deceased could still live on. Death is temporary!"

Women began to whisper amongst themselves while men snickered. Most left the hall, thinking that he was mad as well like the good doctor. I was there in the hall, watching the scientist falter a little when his audience lost interest in his work. He quickly regained his composure and continued on: "I have succeeded in collecting the soul of the doctor!" he raised the syringe in the air. ;"And created an artificial body for his soul to live on! Now, watch for he shall come back to life!". Injecting the cream aqueous substance in the artificial body, the scientist pulled the lever on the machine. It hummed to life, electricity crackling loudly in the quiet air. Bright white sparks flew across the stage. I sat there holding my breathe, watching electricity running through the bionic body. Then, there was a loud bang, followed by the groaning of machine shutting down. The scientist ran towards the machine, pressing buttons and mumbling curses.

"Give up you lunatic!" a man jeered.

"There is no such thing as death is temporary!"

More of the audience murmured amongst themselves and even more of them got up and left. The conventional part of me wanted to leave but the unconventional part of me told me to stay and note down what I had just seen in which I did. The scientist pulled the lever once more and the machine hummed louder back to life. Sparks crackled noisily. The body began to jerk and convulsed from the strong power; too strong. A bright flash of light along with a loud bam sent the scientist across the stage signalling too much power. Black smoke filled the electrified air. The scent of burning wires filled my nose.

Beep Beep Beep

There was a steady beeping sound echoed in the silent hall. My eyes landed on the heart monitor that was attached to body. The green line spiked up in a steady rhythm instead of being flat. I looked at the body, feeling a thousand emotions swirling within me. The chest rose and fell, breathing. What was left of the audience held their breaths, awe and disbelief painted on their faces. The auburn pen that I was using fell out from my trembling hands. His eyes opened revealing sky blue orbs, looking around the hall. The doctor no creature flexed his hands and fingers. I couldn't believe my eyes: he was resurrected.

"What am I doing here?" he asked slowly, eyes darting around.

"You're alive!"

"I remembered feeling tired, needing to sleep this off,"

"Teacher your theory was correct,"

"Indeed, my student," the creature's voice got darker and deeper.

I felt my blood running cold all of the sudden. Its eyes has grown darker and seemed to glimmer with pure malice. My stomach churned realizing that he knew this would happen.

"Roman, I do not like this," I whispered.

"Me too, kid. Let's get out," He agreed, getting up from his seat.

We both sneaked out of the hall when suddenly, the hall began to shake. Men and women let out cries of shock and horror. Bits of the ceiling collapsed along with lights flickering on and off. Sparks flew from the broken wires. I could hardly move my legs from the strong tremor. Roman held me tightly, trying to steady the both of us. Something metallic fell down from the ceiling creating a loud thumping sound. Then, there was a loud shriek of a woman. My instincts were telling me not to turn around for it was something horrific. Roman and I pushed the door opened and were met with a terrifying sight.

Orange flames licked and devoured anything that stood in their way. Blazing buildings fell apart, crushing anyone who was unlucky to be in its way. The once blue sky was as dark as night itself. Men and women were running for their lives. Children crying and wailing in the chaotic street. Masked people carrying the new syringes, knives and guns chased civilians, killing and taking their souls. I watched in horror as one of them drove the blade into a child, killing in cold blood.

This was the beginning of a new era.