//------------------------------// // Prologue: // Story: Waking in a Strange Land // by Gray Valentine //------------------------------// Prologue I woke up to my alarm clock buzzing. I sleepily looked over and saw it was 6:30 a.m. I thought to myself, "5 more minutes", hit the snooze button and turned back over in my bed. 5 minutes later, the alarm goes off again. I get out of bed, and say to myself, "Alright, alright, I'm up.", and shut off the alarm. I stretch out my arms, as they are a bit sore from sleeping on them wrong. After yawning a couple times I decide to go downstairs and make myself some breakfast before school. On the way down, I notice the kitchen light is on. Strange. Usually nobody is up until at least 7:30. I walk into the kitchen to find my mother standing over the stove cooking. "Well your up early." I said to my mother. "What's the occasion?" She jumped and turned around, holding her left hand over her heart. "Geez, you scared me Lucas." She said, turning back to the stove. Smelled like she was making pancakes. "I couldn't sleep. What are you doing up so early?" "I'm always up this early." I said. "You guys are just always asleep till 7:30, so you don't notice. Those smell delicious by the way." I open the fridge and take out the jug of orange juice. "Would you like some? I'm just finishing off the first batch," said my mother. She pulled off the first pancakes and put them on a plate. "Thanks," I said, picking up the plate and putting it on the table. I moved to the cupboard and pulled out a glass. I filled it with orange juice, and left the jug on the counter. I sat down at the table to enjoy my breakfast before getting ready for school. I eat my breakfast slowly, knowing I have plenty of time to get ready. When I'm finished, I put my plate and glass into the sink, and head upstairs for a shower. After my quick shower I head to my room to get dressed for school. I open my dresser, grabbing whatever I see first, and pull it on. I head downstairs to the living room to watch some T.V before I leave. As 7:30 rolls around, right on cue, my father starts walking down the stairs. "Mornin' Lucas," says my father, "hows the show?" This is a typical morning routine in my house. I respond with my usual, "Not bad." My dad nods his head and walks into the kitchen to get breakfast. At 8, I get up, pick up my school bag and yell out to my parents, "Bye guys! See you after school!" And head out the door. About two blocks down the street, I see my friends Brian and Steve. I yell at them to wait up and run across the street. Three steps into the street I hear a car honk, and turn to see it heading straight for me. I put my arms out in front of me out of reflex, and hear a loud thud. I open my eyes and see nothing but white. I think to myself, "What the hell just happened? Am I dead?" All of a sudden I hear a voice coming from in front of me. It was calming, yet speaking in a tone of authority. "Yes Lucas. You are dead. But not for long. I have decided to give you a new chance at life, under one condition. All you have to do is accept, no questions asked." "What? Who are you? And what do you mean a new chance at life?" I asked the Voice. "You have passed away before your time. You were not yet meant to die, so I am giving you a second chance. All you have to do is say yes, and you will be alive again." "Ok? What if I say no?" "You will ascend to Heaven, but never see anyone again." "Well.... I'm not quite ready to die yet. I guess I have my answer then. Yes, please revive me." "Oh, Lucas. I will not be reviving you. I will simply remake you how I wish in a different plane. Good luck. You might need it where you are going." "Wait a minute. What do you mea-", was all I could make out before everything went black. When I finally opened my eyes I saw a blue sky above me. I sat up and looked around, noticing I was in some kind of field. I put my hoof to my face... wait. Hoof? What the hell?