20

The ground is shaking, the tremors and all the shriekings... The monster hordes from the deep are coming. Every refugee which ran to the Bali Doomsday Pillars are fighting for their lives. The fight lasted for 3 days, when the hordes attacks finally stopped. In the end, only thousands of survivors left within the Pillars' vicinity.

"The kids, what about the kids...?"

"Vina. Thank god you're alright..."

"Where are the others?"

Alex went inside the place where all the refugee's kids held out... it was such a horrifying scene. Mutilated bodies and blood... a shocking sight, it gave such a shock that it made him lose his breath and his heart started hurting.

"AAAARRRGGGHHHH"

"..."

".... another dream of the past..."

Alex awoke in a bed, even after such a horrifying dream, he didn't shout or sweat... he has been living with this experience for the past ten years. He had been repeating these horrible events when he slept. He has a PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,it is an anxiety disorder. It can develop when people are having such a trauma that it disturbs their mind. In the time of war, almost 50% of soldiers will experience this, Alex wondered what was the percentage number for doomsday survivor.

Alex actually awoke in such a wonderful morning, eyes burning from the sunlight, he heard a small voice and felt a small hand. An angel pushed his cheeks up in a smile. He stared at the big brown eyes and kissed the round soft cheeks. It's Tiarra, his 7 years old little daughter.

"Good morning Daddy, time to wake up!"

This was the reason for his existence, to protect his dearest one. He wished to be able to stay like this forever. But the nightmares always hunted him every night. He still didn't know the reason of his reincarnation, but he got this second chance. This time there were at least ten times more survivors in Bali compared to his previous life. But what about all the survivors in the other islands. All the islands in the east combined have 5 times the population of Bali and Java Island has 30 times. How many of them still survived by now. Alex has been up all night writing notes to be given to the divisions. He wrote down every important landmark and challenges that they might find. Alex hoped it will increase their chance of survival.

"Come on Daddy, you wake so late today."

Alex went out and saw there were few people waiting for him for breakfast. His wife and two daughters, Theo, Cindy, Aria, and Erik's family. These were the people who have been staying at the VIP warehouses. Erik himself currently still hasn't finished basic training. Alex invited him to stay with his family because he trusted him. His wife and kids could also keep each other company.

After breakfast, this morning Alex took Tiffany to the training ground, he planned to explore his daughter's ability. Tiffany currently sits on the chair smiling, she got to have some time with her father today.

"Tiff, I need you to focus today, concentrate and try to follow my lead."

"Yes, Daddy."

"You are now facing toward mount Agung. Remember the bird creature from two days ago, I wonder if you can feel if the bird is still in that mountain or not."

".... What do you mean daddy?"

"Just remember how you felt then, and try to feel it again."

".... Yes... I remember the golden light... Yes, daddy, I can feel her still there... very subtle."

"Her?"

"Yes daddy, it's a she."

"Can you communicate with her or can you understand her thoughst? Will she come back and harm us?"

"I can subtly understand her, but I don't really know, Daddy, I am confused... But I know for sure she won't hurt us..."

"Can you ask her to do something for you?"

"No Daddy, I don't think so... sorry Daddy"

"It's ok Tiff, you are doing great."

Alex thought maybe because the Garuda was a stage three animal, Tiffany currently couldn't control her. Alex started with his next plan, he brought some of the mutated beasts in cages. These were the badly hurt mutated beast who were captured during the battle.

"Tiff, there are some animals caught during the battle I wonder if you can feel or communicate with them as well?"

"Let me try Daddy..."

Tiffany has been blind for almost three weeks now, she has been trying to feel her surroundings from touch, hear or smell.But what she did to the Garuda was as much a mystery as everyone else.

"... Nothing Daddy..."

There were 3 mutated cats and a young mutated bear about 3 meters in size in front of her. It's an aggressive beast, it has been roaring for quite a while.

"... If you try harder Tiff, Daddy will get you some candy afterward..."

"What about ice cream?"

"..."

"That's a bit hard, what about shaved ice with syrup...?"

"Chocolate."

"Ok deal."

.

Tiffany took the time trying to feel the mutated animal, she actually could feel a slight red light.But she really didn't know what to do next...

.

"... I really don't know what to do Daddy.. sorry..."

"It's ok Tiff."

It's too bad, but probably he shouldn't rush it...

"Take these animals away!!"

"Daddy.. what will happen to them, are you going to hurt them?"

.

"... I'm sorry TIff they are very aggressive, there's nothing else we can do."

The soldiers were preparing to move the mutated beast... when suddenly Tiffany moved closer to one of the cages and touch the bear's head without Alex noticing...

"Tiff! Nooo...!!"

Surprisingly, the mutated bear suddenly became calm, and its eye turned white... Tiffany's eyes, on the other hand, turned red. This was exactly the same situation as with the Garuda. Tiffany could see through the bear's eyes. The bear could move with her command. Alex was excited, not only could she possess the bear repeatedly, apparently even when she didn't possess it, the bear turned docile. It seemed as if the bear confused Tiffany as its own kind and family.

Alex continued on testing with the mutated cats and concluded that with her current strength, she was only able to tame one of the mutated cats. Her possession abilities turned gradually weaker and shorter. Maybe with time, the other two could be tamed as well. But at the moment, it's already too straining on her. Just in case Alex kept the guards around these mutated animals for a while until Alex was fully convinced the animals won't turn aggressive anymore. Alex never knew a beast tamer in his previous life, he was not convinced that it's just a normal spirit enhancer's unique ability. Hopefully, later the doomsday pillars would have the answer.

Later that day, another message arrived from the Surabaya city of East Java, James Randall urgently needed help. Alex had prepared to leave with Farrell's Divisions of 7000 men, and Donny's Tiger Platoon tonight. Before leaving, Alex dropped by to see Rama in the medical center. Although he had become conscious and was not in any life-threatening danger, Rama won't be able to come along with the party. Alex ordered Rama and the 'pendekar' to stay and defend the base.

The expansion plan finally had started.