Chapter 13

Nexus Mapping Sequence

4047 7033 – song – OutKast – Rosa Parks

1288 3354 – painting – Edvard Munch – The Scream (1893)

9595 0000 – song – Hot Hot Heat – Running Out Of Time

* Nexus Mapping Sequence media is provided to support chapter contents.

The following day, Ethan noticed a flicker of optimism growing within the group. Even though they still had no concrete leads on where to find the last two kids, Akima was diligently working on a plan. She mentioned the leukocytes’ advanced database and theorized she could potentially hack into it to track down the children. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

Meanwhile, Wolf busied himself creating more bunk beds to accommodate the growing number of people in the cabin. Ethan didn’t mind the tight fit; in fact, it felt like they were on some kind of chaotic vacation. He just had to keep reminding himself that, despite the mounting pressure, they would get through this.

Not quite ready to leave his bunk, Ethan seized the rare moment of quiet to pull out his iPod and listen to the next track.

“A lot of the songs I’ve been playing have been pretty deep, and I’m sorry about that,” Ethan’s dad began. “I’m not trying to push an agenda, I promise. I’m just moved by the power of great songs. Art has an amazing way of teaching us, don’t you think?”

Ethan shifted under his blanket, chuckling softly. His dad always managed to sound both profound and laid-back. He glanced down at his clothes, realizing he had worn the same outfit for three days straight. The showers had helped, but he still felt grimy. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on creating a fresh set of clothes. To his delight, a crisp pair of jeans and a soft gray T-shirt materialized.

Changing quickly, Ethan felt a surge of pride in his growing abilities—until he tried to create a pair of Converse All-Stars. The sneakers appeared crooked and flimsy, barely able to hold their shape. He sighed, slipping back into his old shoes. Still a work in progress, he thought.

“While many of the songs I’ve shared with you are deeply meaningful,” his dad continued, “there are some that are just plain fun. This next one always puts a smile on my face.”

Ethan grinned, eager for something upbeat. As his dad introduced Rosa Parks by OutKast, the unmistakable rhythm kicked in, and Ethan couldn’t resist moving to the beat. Alone in the room, he danced with abandon, laughing at his clumsy steps but reveling in the music’s energy. His dad was right again—sometimes you just had to enjoy the moment.

When the song ended, Ethan tucked the iPod away and left the room. He was immediately hit by the tantalizing aroma of bacon and waffles. Wolf had outdone himself again, setting up a breakfast spread that rivaled any diner. Ethan grabbed a plate and joined the others at the table, practically inhaling the food.

“Wolf, I need to know,” Ethan said between bites, “how do you make food this good? You didn’t have bacon or waffles back in Chimera, did you? Or pizza, for that matter.”

Wolf beamed at the compliment. “We definitely don’t have delicious food like this in Chimera,” he admitted. “I pull it from your memories.”

“You what?” Marco asked, his fork freezing mid-air.

“I can’t read your minds or anything,” Wolf clarified, “but I can sense your memories and feelings. I don’t see specifics—it’s more like a jumble of emotions. Happiness, comfort, nostalgia… stuff like that.”

“So, you can sense our memories?” Alex asked, her tone cautious.

“Not exactly,” Wolf replied, scratching his head. “It’s more like hearing a bunch of voices at once. It’s not clear who they belong to, and I don’t know every detail. I just feel emotions tied to certain things. Like when Ethan’s near Alex.”

Ethan choked on his waffle, his face turning a deep shade of red. He avoided eye contact with Alex, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.

“So… you made this breakfast based on someone’s memory?” Ethan asked, desperate to change the subject.

“Essentially, yes,” Wolf said. “I’ve never seen a dinosaur, but I knew you had, Ethan. I borrowed your memory of one to create it.”

Ethan stared at his plate, wondering whose memory had inspired the perfect stack of waffles he was devouring. Whoever it was, he owed them a thanks.

“It’s the same with dreams,” Wolf continued. “We don’t have anything like Earth in Chimera. When I recreate something, like this cabin, I pull from your collective memories. That’s why it’s so accurate.”

“That explains why the stickers on my phone case were exactly the same,” Nicole said, nodding thoughtfully.

“Well, I guess we don’t need to go grocery shopping,” Will said, biting into his sausage.

After breakfast, Ethan and Alex volunteered to clean up. Even washing dishes felt pleasant in her company. Their easy banter and stolen glances made the chore almost enjoyable. Ethan couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this content.

But his momentary peace was shattered by a loud knock at the door.

Everyone froze.

“Who the hell is knocking out here?” Will muttered, peering cautiously through the window. He turned back to the group, his expression puzzled. “It’s a kid. Looks like he’s about twelve.”

Akima darted to the bedroom door, opening a portal as a precaution. Will approached the front door slowly, cracking it open just enough to speak to the boy outside.

“Can I help you?” Will asked.

“No,” the boy replied, his voice steady and self-assured. “But I can help you. Aisha sent me.”

Will blinked, then opened the door wider. Behind him, the group had gathered in a semi-circle, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.

“I’d ask how you found us,” Will said, stepping aside to let the boy in, “but I’m guessing you’ve got some off-the-wall explanation.”

The boy strode in, his confidence radiating with every step. He had dark skin, striking light blue eyes, and an unmistakable swagger.

“You must be Ethan,” the boy said, locking eyes with him. “I’m Jayden.”

Ethan stared at the boy, impressed and slightly intimidated by his poise. Jayden’s confidence seemed out of place for someone so young, but Ethan couldn’t help but feel he was exactly the kind of person they needed on their side.

“How did you find us?” Ethan asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and suspicion.

“I had a dream early this morning,” Jayden replied with a casual shrug. “Aisha told me you’d be thirty miles west of Lamesa. So, I stole my mom’s car and drove here from Dallas.”

“You drove here?” Alex asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Jayden said matter-of-factly. “I swiped my mom’s keys and left before sunrise. She didn’t notice. She’s either too drugged out or passed out asleep.”

A stunned silence filled the room. The matter-of-fact tone with which Jayden delivered such a heartbreaking statement made it all the more difficult to process.

“I’m… sorry to hear that,” Alex said softly, her eyes reflecting her sympathy.

Ethan, though sympathetic, refocused on the more pressing issue: “You said Aisha told you where to find us. What else did she say?”

Jayden leaned back, folding his arms. “Which time? She’s come to me in dreams all week. She said you guys were spinning your wheels and needed a little push.”

“What did she say about the world ending?” Will asked, cutting straight to the point.

Jayden’s confident expression faltered slightly. “Gerry’s boss is pissed,” he said. “Aisha said they think it’s time for a clean slate. According to her, this ‘boss’ feels everything’s spiraling out of control and the only solution is to wipe the slate clean.”

The revelation hit like a thunderclap. The room fell silent as the weight of Jayden’s words sank in.

“I didn’t even know Gerry had a boss,” Akima muttered, her tone dark with concern.

“Aisha said the only way to stop him is to find her in the Nexus,” Jayden continued.

“The Nexus,” Ethan repeated, nodding as pieces of his fragmented memory from the dream resurfaced. “I couldn’t remember the names of the other worlds.”

“I’m guessing you’re one of the seven kids we need to find?” Alex asked, cutting through the tension with a practical question.

“Yep,” Jayden said confidently. “Aisha also mentioned that Ethan already knows the last kid.”

Ethan froze. “What?” he said, taken aback. “I don’t know any kids.”

Jayden shrugged. “That’s what she said. Maybe you just don’t remember.”

Before Ethan could respond, Nicole chimed in: “Did Aisha tell you what we’re supposed to do once we gather everyone?”

Jayden nodded. “We stand in a circle around the crystal. It acts as a portal. That’s how we travel to the other worlds.”

It was a lot to process, but at last, the group had something resembling a plan. The challenge now was figuring out the identity of the seventh child.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of introductions and conversations as the group bonded with their newest member. Jayden’s cool, confident demeanor mixed well with Marco’s humor, Nicole’s curiosity, and the quiet resilience of the others. Despite the camaraderie, Ethan found himself restless. He stepped outside, seeking fresh air and clarity.

Will and Akima were on watch near the cabin’s entrance, scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.

“Starting to feel like you’re running a daycare?” Ethan joked, walking up to Will.

Will smirked. “You have no idea. But it’s not all bad—it beats the hell out of my desk job.”

Ethan chuckled. “Fair. I haven’t thought about my own job once since all this started.”

“Any idea who this last kid might be?” Will asked, his tone more serious.

Ethan shook his head, his frustration evident. “I’ve been wracking my brain, but I’ve got nothing.”

Will placed a reassuring hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Don’t burn yourself out trying to solve it all at once.”

Ethan nodded, his gaze drifting across the flat expanse of West Texas. The barren landscape stretched endlessly, hues of tan and brown blending into the horizon. Even the grass was parched and yellow.

“Let me know if you need anything,” Ethan said, turning to go back inside..

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ethan felt the weight of the day pressing on his shoulders. Before Ethan made it to the front door, he was a little surprised when Alex opened the door. 

“I was thinking about taking a walk. Want to accompany me?” she asked, her voice light but sincere.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Ethan replied, smiling despite himself.

They walked down the dirt road in comfortable silence, the blazing sunset casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The vastness of the desert plains, combined with the fiery sky, created a surreal beauty that Ethan couldn’t help but admire.

“I’ve got to tell you something,” Alex said, breaking the quiet.

Ethan turned to her. “What’s up?”

Alex hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. They stopped walking, and he found himself staring into her eyes. In the fading light, her eyes seemed even more luminous, a perfect reflection of her sincerity.

“These last three days have been insane,” Alex continued, her voice steady despite the vulnerability in her words. “But I wouldn’t trade any of it. You intrigue me, Ethan.”

Ethan felt his chest tighten. “Being around you, I feel like I’m quietly freaking out,” he admitted. “I’m definitely falling hard for you, but I’m terrified I’ll screw it up. Or worse… get us all killed.”

“Stop,” Alex said firmly, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m here because I believe in you. If I didn’t, I’d have bailed a long time ago. You’re not in this alone.”

They stood there, holding each other as the last rays of sunlight faded. Ethan felt an overwhelming sense of peace in her embrace, as if the world’s chaos had momentarily ceased.

A sudden rustling in the brush behind them shattered the moment. Ethan tensed, his heart racing. He scanned the area, half expecting to see an animal dart out. But the sound came again, sharper this time. He instinctively stepped in front of Alex, shielding her.

“Ethan,” Alex whispered, her voice tight with unease. “What is it?”

“I don’t know,” he murmured, his eyes locked on the shadows.

"Did you hear that?" Ethan whispered, his voice tight with tension.

"Yeah," Alex replied, her eyes darting to the dark brush along the road. "But I don’t see anything."

Ethan stepped cautiously toward the bushes, his pulse quickening. In the dim twilight, he squinted, trying to discern movement. As he drew closer, two large, unblinking eyes stared back at him from the shadows.

"What the hell is that?" Ethan exclaimed, stumbling back.

The eyes moved, and a small, two-foot-tall creature emerged. It had eerily human-like features—oversized eyes dominating its too-large head. Its pale, hairless body was devoid of genitalia, making it appear unnervingly doll-like.

"Do you see this?" Ethan asked, his voice trembling.

"Yeah," Alex said, her voice shaking. "And it’s freaking me out."

Ethan took a step back, retreating toward the road. As he did, the creature followed, its movements smooth and deliberate. Then another identical creature stepped out from the bushes, followed by another.

"We should go," Ethan muttered, his voice rising with urgency.

The two began walking briskly back toward the cabin, but the creatures kept pace, their numbers growing with every step. By the time Ethan and Alex reached the cabin, dozens—no, hundreds—of the bizarre beings were trailing them, their oversized eyes gleaming in the fading light.

"We have company!" Ethan shouted, his voice breaking as they neared the cabin.

From above, Akima leaped gracefully from the roof, landing next to them with practiced ease. She glanced at the swarm and her jaw tightened.

Ethan bolted inside, with Alex and Akima followed behind. He closed the door and leaned against it, panting. "We have a problem," he said. "There’s something outside. Hundreds of them."

The others crowded to the windows, their eyes widening in horror. The creatures had surrounded the cabin, their pale forms motionless as they stared at the building with unnerving intensity.

"What are those things?" Marco asked, his voice trembling.

"Those are chemokines," Akima said darkly. "Surveillance drones. They’re like human-shaped cameras, but creepier and smarter."

"We need to go. Now," Will said, his tone sharp with urgency.

Akima strode to the door and placed her palm against it, expecting the glow of a portal. But nothing happened. Her jaw clenched, and she let out a quiet string of curses under her breath.

"They’ve restricted my access," Akima said, her voice laced with frustration. "I can’t create a gateway. If the chemokine are here, agents won’t be far behind."

"They’re small," Marco said, his mind racing. "Do you think we could outrun them?"

"They were moving fast," Alex said, shaking her head. "I don’t think we can."

"Then we fight," Will said grimly, his hand drifting toward his holstered weapon.

Ethan glanced through the window. The chemokine’s enormous eyes stared back at him, unblinking and unnerving. They stood like statues, their unsettling stillness making his skin crawl.

Suddenly, as one, the group of chemokines tilted their heads upward toward the sky. Their mouths opened unnaturally wide, revealing dark voids inside. Their bodies began twitching and hopping erratically.

"What the hell are they doing now?" Marco asked, his voice rising.

"Are they looking at the sky with their mouths open?" Akima asked, her fingers flying over her axiom, panic flickering across her face.

"Yeah," Nicole confirmed, peeking out from behind a curtain.

"They’re broadcasting our location to Gerry," Akima said, her voice grim. "He’ll know exactly where we are now."

Ethan felt a cold wave of fear wash over him. The chemokines weren’t just creepy—they were heralds of doom.

"We can’t fight them," Ethan said, turning to Will. "We need to run."

"We won’t get far," Will said. "There are too many of them."

As the adults argued, the younger kids huddled together. Nicole’s determined expression stood out amidst the sea of fear. Seeing them, Ethan felt a pang of responsibility and knelt down.

"How are you guys holding up?" he asked softly, trying to keep his voice calm.

"I think I have an idea to get us out of here," Nicole said, her voice steady despite the chaos outside.

Ethan blinked, surprised by her confidence. "I’m sure Will and Akima can figure something out," he said, trying to reassure her.

Nicole squared her shoulders. "I have a plan, and I think it’ll work."

Ethan hesitated. Nicole’s resolve was palpable, and something in her tone made him pause. "Okay," he said, nodding. "Let’s hear it."

As Nicole explained her idea, Ethan’s skepticism melted away. It was a surprisingly clever plan—simple yet effective. It relied on their strengths and didn’t involve fighting the chemokine directly.

He stood up, his determination renewed. "If we’re going to do something, it has to be now."