Five Marks

Beyond the limits of the visible world lies a small Base,a sanctuary where its inhabitants have fought an ancient war in silence. They strive to protect unsuspecting people living ordinary lives, unaware that something else exists right beside them. Something just as real, and far more dangerous. A reality their limited and distracted minds are unable to perceive. Here, in a world shifted out of phase, new allies must be found.

“The time has come. Go and find them. This has gone too far. We can wait no longer.”

“Yes, sir.”

The Trackers answered and set out in search of the future members of the Society. The Commander exhaled slowly, whispering under his breath: “Forgive me, my friends, for drawing you into this.”

Nearly a month later, the Trackers returned with those they had been sent to find. All but one.

“They are here, sir, just as you requested. But one is still missing.”

The Commander smiled faintly. “You will find her very easily.”

Seli was on her way home from work. She had just endured a truly exhausting week and was trying, unsuccessfully, to push the last few hours out of her mind. Another one of those days when everything comes crashing down on me. Sometimes I wonder what the point of it all is. Oh, let me just get home already. I don’t feel like doing anything.

Meanwhile, the Trackers, Ted and Ben, were trying to locate the final piece of the puzzle among the crowd. “Easy for him to say. He doesn’t have to push his way through a crowd.” “No. He was right. Look. There she is. Exactly as he said.” Ted pointed at her in astonishment. “How did we not see her sooner? She lights up everything around her. And her hair... isn’t it incredible?” “Oh come on, Ben. Get a grip. So she has short hair. And?” “Short hair—and what color even is that? Red?” “For someone so small, she walks pretty fast. Move, or we’ll lose her.”

Seli was crossing the street not far from her home when she felt something strange. As if someone were watching her. She turned around but saw no one. “She knows about us now,” Ben smiled. “Then let us begin.”

In front of the building where she had lived since leaving her parents, a note lay on the ground with a ring beside it. The note read: “Put it on.” She slipped the ring onto her finger. To her surprise, it fit perfectly.

“Hello, Selendin.” She spun around, staring in shock at the two men standing behind her. The shorter one, Ben, wore a kind smile, his thick dark hair curling wildly. The taller one, Ted, looked far more serious—his blue eyes and fair hair gave her a cold, sharp look.

“How? Who are you?” she asked hesitantly. “Easy now,” Ben spoke calmly. “How do we know your name? Because it was given to us. And who are we? Servants, messengers, Trackers, whatever you prefer. Our task was to find you, Seli.” “Why me?” “Because we need you,” Ted snapped. “And for what?” “So many questions. Did anyone else ask us so many questions?” Ted turned to Ben, who answered without hesitation. “That is exactly why he wants her. You must admit, she asks the right questions.” “Hello? I’m still here!” Seli protested.

Both men turned to her at once. “Sorry,” Ted continued. “We need you for the fight.” “A fight? Have you lost your minds? No, thank you.” She pulled the ring off her finger, and Ted and Ben instantly phased out of sight. “Hey, what the hell was that? Where are you? What did you expect? Oh great... now I’m arguing with myself,” she muttered irritably and went inside.

“Well, that didn’t exactly work out, my friend,” Ben remarked. “The Commander won’t be pleased,” Ted muttered. “Let’s follow her. She might change her mind,” Ted added with a hopeful, if weary, smile.

Inside, Seli paused, trying to process what had happened. She held the ring, examining it. Something about it drew her in irresistibly. She slipped it back on. What she saw next frightened her so badly she almost went gray. She tried to run back outside but collided with the two men in the doorway.

“Easy, Seli. It’s nothing. Ted will take care of it.” She struggled for breath, watching as Ted swept his hand toward the apparition standing in her living room. With a single motion, it vanished. Ted smiled with satisfaction. “What was that?” Seli gasped. “That is why we came to you. We need those who will fight against such entities. They are everywhere, trying to destroy everything good—the last traces of humanity. They must be stopped.” “And that’s supposed to be me?” Both of them nodded. “Fantastic.”

“Would you come with us, please?” Ted asked. “Do I even have a choice?” Neither of them answered. “Fine. And where to?” “Another question... To the Base. To the Commander.”

“Hold on,” Ben said. They both took her hands, and in the next instant, they shifted.

They stood in an entrance hall that looked like a fortress or an ancient palace. It was dimly lit by enormous crystal chandeliers. “Selendin. A pleasure to meet you. I am Mike. Welcome.” “Good afternoon,” she replied, confused. Mike was a broad-shouldered man with a warm smile that made him look younger than his thirty-seven years. “You are probably wondering why you are here. We need people like you. I would be truly glad if you joined the Society.” “The Society? People like me? What does all this mean?” “You really do ask a lot of questions. Come, let’s take a walk.”

As they walked through the narrow, dim corridors, Mike explained their world. “Among people, there are some with a sixth sense,those far more perceptive than others. You felt the Trackers, didn’t you?” She nodded. “The Society exists to stop those apparitions you saw. Their only purpose is to spread pain. Sometimes their mere presence is enough to cause harm.” “And you can stop them? How?” “Simple. Your presence is just as powerful. The next time you see one, simply will it to leave. Disappear. Use your hand as a focus if it helps.” “That’s all?” “Yes. But you must believe it. And the ring—it’s part of your gear. If you connect it to this pendant, you’ll phase out, and only others in the Society will be able to see you.” “So I’ll be invisible? Can I use it whenever I want?” “Only while on duty.”

To demonstrate, Ted took off his ring and turned into a glowing sphere of light. “I see,” Seli said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Fantastic.”

“Excellent,” Mike said. “Now, let’s find out what kind of gift you have. Connect the pendant and let’s go.” “Where?” “Give me your hand.”

Suddenly, they were back on the street near her home. A cold, unpleasant feeling washed over her. Seli froze like a cat preparing to strike. Her senses sharpened. She saw something rushing toward them and instinctively stretched out her hand. The entity simply dissolved.

Mike stared in disbelief. “That was fast. Very fast. I think I know exactly where to place you.”

Back at the Base, Mike led her to a group of three. “I have the final member of your team.” One of them walked over, looking irritated. “A rookie? Mike, no. We have enough problems without babysitting someone who hasn’t even realized where she is yet.” It was Jefri. His brown eyes were sharp, his stance aggressive and resolved. The only untamed thing about him was his unruly hair. He cast a mocking glance at Seli’s ring. “Jefri, trust me,” Mike said firmly. “She doesn’t need you to guard her. On the contrary—you need her.” “No.” “I wasn’t asking, Jefri. Give her a chance.”

Jefri saw there was no point in resisting. “Fine. But if she messes up, she’s gone.” “Deal,” Mike smiled.

Seli pulled Mike aside. “What? I’ll definitely mess it up! I don’t even know what I’m doing!” But Mike acted as if he didn’t hear her. “You’re leaving shortly. Get ready.”

“Come on, little one,” another member of the group said. It was Rik, he looked much more approachable, with curly hair and kind eyes. “Don’t take it personally with Jefri. He’s just careful.”

“I’m Amanda,” the third member added, reaching out. “Give me your hand. And the ring, put it on the chain.”