Chapter 1: Parents

Title: Xtremist Control Manipulators, XcM


Author: Darrell Er
Wilson Ng




A single decision in life can change your destiny……





Chapter 1 So close yet so far

Chapter 2 The Great Escape

Chapter 3 The Organization

Chapter 4 Training Begins

Chapter 5 Ultimate Ability

Chapter 6 Rebirth

Chapter 7 Soul Transplantation

Chapter 8 Debrief

Chapter 9 The Hidden Chamber

Chapter 10 The Key

Chapter 11 Eiffel Tower

Chapter 12 Water Cave

Chapter 13 Final Fight

Chapter 14 Until We Die

Chapter 15 Mission Accomplished




Chapter 1 Parents

The dressing room was in total silence despite the loud cheering from the audience outside. Nobody knew what the outcome of the match would be but they were all ready to give the best they got. Before anybody spoke, the speaker in the dressing room sounded, signalling to them that it was time to make their way to the field.

The match was held at St James Park in Newcastle. Although we were only the youth team, the fans showed equal support for us like how they had supported the main team. After all, we are the upcoming stars. After the captains of the two teams shook hands with the referees, the match started very quickly to the delight of the anxious fans.

Both sides were on par, holding equal possession and players were all positioned well. For the next 30 minutes, neither of the sides had a chance to get near the opponent’s area. It was until the 35th minutes when the Gunner’s talented right winger, John Winston cut open our defence with a well placed cross into the penalty box, where their main striker, Nikon Bastier, was waiting patiently. He leaped into the air and finished with a glancing header to break the dead lock. Our coach, Sven, already warned us to keep our guts up against John Winston. After all, the Arsene Wenger is famous for his reputation of bringing up talented youth players. John Winston happens to be one of the talented youth players. The 1st half ended with the Gunner’s leading with one goal.

The next 15 minutes were crucial for us. Coach Sven wasted no time and went straight to explaining to us new tactics to exploit the opponent’s weakness. We were told once again to watch out for John Winston. Suddenly, I had a plan in mind to stop John Winston. He may be their best weapon, but it can also be their Achilles heel…

I managed to convince coach Sven to let me play against John Winston. He had the tendency to draw the ball left and right to fake the defenders, however there was a huge flaw in this movement. The ball will always be positioned in between his legs and that means a simple touch of the ball and he will be beaten as he is too offensive by moving at high speed. By playing the ball through his legs, he will definitely be unable to change his direction fast enough to catch up with me. Keeping this extra information in my mind, we entered the field with extra confidence...
The second half started with the Gunners attacking fiercely, trying hard to slot in another goal to secure their win. Once again, John Winston was running down the flanks. He was dribbling like I expected. I was keeping my distance from him, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Without warning, he made his move and attempt to cut in through the middle for a shot. But I was already waiting for this moment. I stepped up to him and with a mere tap of the ball, John Winston was beaten, flat.

With one of their players down and majority of their players up front due to John Winston's offensive playing style, we had a lot of space for our counter attack. I brought the ball down the middle and spotted Johnson Wee, our forward, making the run behind the defender. We made the eye contact and I immediately crossed the ball into the open space where he was running to. With a lot of space and time, Johson slotted the ball into the goal. Now, we were on par but the outcome of the match was yet to be decided...

The game was intense, I repeated my little trick over and over again, but this time, the Gunners seemed to be playing slightly defensive and we did not manage to score. The score line remained the same till the 90th minute mark. Both side were clearly very tired, what was left to compete is the battle in the mind. Which side that loses their focus first will lose.

There was only 30 seconds more to go, our keeper had the ball. I was waiting at our defensive zone for the ball. I knew, deep down in my heart that even if we had possession, we cannot score anyway. Johnson and the other forward were too tired. In fact, everybody was tired, sweating profusely. Most of their hands were already on their knees, waiting for the match to end and get a good rest.

My mental will was far stronger than any of them, I knew the match was not over yet. I glanced at the keeper and instantly sprinted, as fast as I could, down the field at an amazing speed. All of their players were dumbfounded, staring at me as if I was mad. My lungs were burning profusely yet I kept running. I was at the mid-way line when the keeper released the ball. The ball flew in the air, landing very close to my foot. With a gentle touch, I controlled the ball and moved towards the goal post.

15 seconds left on the clock. There were 2 defenders in my way now. As a defender, I knew of no tricks or moves that can get me pass them easily. The image of John Winston's dribbling flashed in my brain. Immediately, I copied the move and did what he did. Amazing, it left the defenders helplessly chasing after me. Now, only the goalkeeper was left between me and the goal-post, our victory. The goal seem so big but now it seem so small. 3 seconds left. The entire stadium was silent. I took the decisive shot.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the ball went around to the top right corner and it seemed to bounce off. My heart immediately sank, feeling that I had failed my team members and my coach. But the ball did not and went in. I could not believe myself. Tears oozed out of my eyes. A thunderous roar emerged from the audience. “Beeeeeeeeep!” The match had ended. We had won. Victory to Blue Knights!

After what seemed like an aeon episode of cheering from the Blue Knights’ fans, the whole team went to the table with jubilance where shining medals awaited us. We were finally rewarded for our many months of hard work.

Each of us was awarded a medal by the Guest-Of-Honour for being the overall champion for teens under 18. The Guest-Of-Honour took a photo with the team and congratulated each of us, one by one. When it was my turn, he said, “Kid, you are a true star player. Perhaps, you can get into the National Team someday!” My face glowed with great pleasure. How I wish that the whole world have heard that!

The Blue Knights’ fans went home jubilantly while the Gunner’s fans went home drenched with disappointment. The parents of the winning team came down to shower their kids with praises for their wonderful achievement. My smile slowly vanished as I remembered my parents. My parents are both bank managers and they go overseas to almost 16 countries every year. They are only at home for a few days each month. How am I supposed to believe them that they are there working their butts off instead of enjoying a holiday? They are probably having fun right now in Paris, leaving me in New York all by myself, alone. The thought of it made my blood boil.

My thoughts were interrupted when Johnson, the American-Born-Chinese forward, slapped me on my back. My back ached and I could feel it turning red. “Yo, Dude! You looked all stressed out. Cool down, okay?” I glared at him angrily.

He gave me the pathetic look, like a little kid begging his parents for an ice cream. I could not stand that face and gave in. We both laughed deliriously. Team-mates and their parents patted me on the back and praised me for my excellent work done. After all, I scored more than half of the number of goals for our team in this match! Coach Henry ruffled my hair and told me, “You did a great job and thanks for leading the team into the finals!”

Suddenly, I was lifted off the ground. At that spilt second, I thought that I was flying. Actually, I was lifted onto my team mates’ shoulders. They went round and round the soccer field, shouting out my name, “David! David! David!”

My smile was laced with joy. I felt a surge of exuberance wash over me. Athough it’s a bit embarrassing but I felt great. This went on for about 5 minutes. Before we headed to the showers, I ran to the camera crew and asked them when this news will be broadcasted. One of them answered, “Tonight news.”

I spent a long time in the shower. When I came out, the rest of the team were kind of hanging around. It felt weird being the only guy naked and getting dressed while the others were all dressed already. I felt bigger in size than the others due to the long period of training arranged by my dad. Karate, tae kwon do, judo, mountain climbing, swimming, diving, weight lifting, jogging and having me to have a nutritious diet was what my dad had me to do since I was 3. How I wished mum and dad was there when I received the medal.

When I was tying my shoelaces, Scott came over and asked, “Are you unhappy? You don’t look good to me.”

“What is there to be unhappy about,” I answered back in an innocent voice. After the shower, Scott and I took our bikes and cycled home together. Scott and I had been classmates, and also neighbours, since we were six years old.

While we were cycling home, I met someone which I had totally not expected to see. It was Rachel, a girl whom I had a crush on when I was young. I tried to open my mouth to say but nothing came out. I looked at her foolishly. She smiled back at me. I was so embarrassed that I wish that the ground would crack and swallow me up. Scott saw the situation and tried to ease down the tense atmosphere. “Hey there! Long time no see and you are growing more and prettier by the day,” he said. She simply smiled. I was so nervous that I was sweating although I was cold. I looked into her blue eyes and when she turned over, I immediately looked away. “I got to go. Bye,” she told us. Scott and I waved her good bye and continue our journey home.

After she left, I had the urge to kill myself. Why didn’t I say anything to her I asked myself. I clenched my fist in fury. I turned to Scott and questioned him, “Why did you flirt with her?”

“I didn’t,” Scott denied.

“Are you sure?” I shot back. He nodded his head. Since Scott is my best friend, I decided to just let the matter go. When I was 10, I told Scott that I liked Rachel. He is the only person who knows this secret and he did not tell anyone else. He was indeed a great buddy.

When we arrived in front of Scott’s house, we waved goodbye and went separate ways, I headed home while Scott went into his house. When I was about to step into my house, Scott’s door flung open. Scott’s sister, Kate, asked, “Would you like to have tea with us?”

“That’s a good idea and we can also celebrate for our victory today,” Scott added.

“Sure,” I said. After I placed my bike leaning against Scott’s house, I took off my shoes and went into the house.

The dining table was filled with food and a young boy was wolfing down the delicious food on the table. That boy is Scott’s younger brother, Samuel. ‘Look who’s here, Samuel,” Kate said. “Brother David!” Samuel exclaimed. “He will be joining us for tea today,” Scott continued. “Yippee!” Samuel cried out in joy and he came over to embrace me. I was both surprised and delighted of receiving a hug. I sat next to Scott. It was completely silent when we ate. When I was having my second piece of cheesecake, Samuel broke the silence. “Can I go to Brother David’s place after this?” Before I could say anything,

Kate said, “You haven’t finished doing your homework yet.”

Scott sulked.

Right deep in my heart, I would really love Samuel to come to my house to play. I did not have a sibling and I treat Samuel like my own younger brother. It was a pity he could not come. After the sumptuous tea served by Kate, I told them that I needed to go home. When I was at the doorstep, I thanked Kate for the tea. “It was my pleasure,” she replied. I took my bike and went home after that.

My house is five storeys high with a swimming pool, gym, sports facilities and a huge backyard. It was the biggest house in the district but with nobody living in it except for me. That’s why I always invite friends and Samuel over to accompany me when I’m lonely. They will most probably come as there are a lot of things we can do. We can swim at the swimming pool, play billiard at the billiard room, play badminton, surf the internet, play squash or tennis, watch the latest movie at the cinema room installed with the latest sound system or play street soccer in my backyard. I usually get a thousand dollars weekly for my pocket money although I could hardly spend them.

Dad and Mum thought that they could make me happy by giving me the best of everything with the money they made. But I am not elated at all. The last time they celebrated my birthday with me was five years ago. They were barely home. Sometimes, I get to see them for only ten times a year. Suddenly, the phone rang. I answered the call. It was Mum. My face brightened up as she began to speak. “How are you recently? We both miss you very much. We will be back very soon. Bye.” And mum hangs up. I sighed as my smile faded away. All I wish is that dad and mum will spend more time with me and pay more attention to me. But that wish would only be granted when I pay a price that will change my destiny forever……

Meanwhile in another part of the world, a lady hang up the call she had made earlier on. She looked at her husband and nodded. The man stepped on the accelerator and the car zoomed ahead and it crashed through the gates. Once they were in, they immediately charged into the buildings. The man, Dave, took out a G76 pistol, fully loaded with 5mm bullets from the holster. An FBI, armed with a shotgun, rushed out of the blue. He immediately took aim and fired at the dangerous man. The experienced agent dodged the shot by diving sideways at that juncture when the FBI fired. The shot hit the window instead of Dave. The window shattered into a million pieces.

The man fired back. The 5mm bullets struck the FBI on the neck. If the bullet struck the FBI on the chest, he could have survived as he was wearing a bullet-proofed vest. The FBI crumpled onto the floor, unable to breathe. A few seconds later, he died. One accurate shot at a vital part is enough to kill someone. That was what Dave had learnt when he was training to be an agent. Spending more than four months to sharpen his shooting skills was also part of the training. The woman, Susan, glanced at the watch on her wrist; there were five more minutes to spare. The couple ran down the stairs, two steps at a time, which lead to the France’s military weapon storage base.

When they arrived at the entrance of the basement, two burly policemen were charging towards them. They took out their gun and fired at the intruders. The couple in black had already predicted that. They dived forward and followed by a forward row. They were now standing in front of the startled policemen. They immediately grabbed the policemen’s arm which was holding the gun and twisted it in a way that the person will surely drop the thing they were holding onto. The men in blue screamed in pain and the gun fell to the ground. The two agents immediately kicked the gun away.

They each took out a syringe filled with mercury, it will immediately make the victim to be unable to control his movement, turning every muscle in his body numb and the victim will soon be unconscious for 8-10 hours. They injected the lethal chemical into the policemen’s thighs. The effect was immediately activated. The well-built policemen tumbled to the ground. The couple winked at each other and continued on with their mission. They ran to the exact spot where they should place the bomb. The lady agent activated the bomb which was produced by the organization. The bomb will most probably be unable to be defused. Normal bombs can be defused when the power supply was cut off but this bomb has ten power supplies and thirty wires that will cause the bomb to explode the moment it was cut. It would be impossible for the bomb to be defused. The bomb was to be placed at the place where the inflammable fuels were stored. The bomb will explode exactly 5 minutes later, allowing the two agents to escape in time.

The consummate couple ran to the car which was parked quite near the exit. Most of the car parts such as the windows, the tires, the bonnet and windscreen were bullet-proofed. The two adroit agents hopped into the car. The engine roared into life and they escaped successfully. Mission Accomplished.

5 minutes after their escape, the whole military base was completely destroyed. The weapons which were supposed to be transferred to the British military were also destroyed. At the same time when the bomb had exploded, the couple was already driving another car, heading to the isolated location where a helicopter will pick them up and leave France, just like the way the entered this country. The car which they had used to enter and escape from the military base was parked at the top level of a multi storey car park, where they switched cars. The car will blow up in 20 minutes to prevent the police from get evidence. The two agents were dressed in normal clothes now. The man just wore sunglasses, a T-shirt, blazer and jeans while the lady wore a designer dress and a hat.

When they reached the destination, the couple came out of the car, their hearts swelled like an inflated balloon floating in the air. As they slowly walked toward the grassland where the helicopter would land, someone two miles away was already aiming at Dave’s chest with a sniper. He pulled the trigger. The male agent immediately collapsed onto the ground, with blood oozing out of his wound on the chest. Susan drew her breath sharply. Before she could even figure out what had just happen, she was shot at the heart too. The lovely couple lay on the ground, gasping their last breath. The man said, “We will be back…” The lady merely nodded. Seconds later, they left the human world…