Earth Man Read online

  It had begun in the darkness, when all existence was a realm of pain and corruption and nothing good could form. All things change and even evil could not rule forever, not even in a universe without time. The old, dark universe collapsed under its own weight and from its death came a light, a spark that ignited the potential of a new existence. The new universe was born in a Big Bang and with its birth came the concept of life. As the stars began to settle into their orbits they began to attract and compress matter which then formed into new planets. Inside the light of the new universe was HOPE, precious and precariously balanced on the edge of time and space. In that balance the idea of good and evil formed. Hope’s fragility gave all things in the universe a meaning for their existence.

  The planets carried a sentience within them, a small developing form of consciousness much like that of an unborn child. More importantly though they carried in them something that had not existed in any of the previous incarnations of the universe; they carried a piece of universal hope within them. With a stable orbit and a nurturing star, the planets became sentient individuals, with a greater population spread throughout the galaxy than all the people on Earth. Like humans, each was different and unique in their own way. Some remained barren, lonely rocks with no interest in changing their natural formation. Others created massive chemical changes inside themselves which gave them atmospheres and elemental deposits of various colors and hues. Some created life that lived and died symbiotically with them, while other life forms moved on, only remembering their home world as footnote in history. The lives of the planets spanned millions of years and when they died their bodies served as their own tombstones Eventually the parent star would collapse and the cycle would began anew.

  Visions floated through his mind, drifting him comfortably through history. From the beginning explosion known as the Big Bang to the formation of his own solar system, Danny watched it all as if he sat in space.

  Two planets around our Sun formed water, the rarest and most delicate element of all. He saw Mars struggle to hold on to its water, creating life that ended in misery when the liquid evaporated. As it dried up, Mars pulled back into itself and went to sleep. On Earth the water took hold and turned the planet blue, so blue that it could be seen from space. The Earth was proud of itself and when life sprang from its precious liquid it felt complete. Danny could feel the planets pride at what it had done. Water was so abundant on Earth yet so rare an idea to the other worlds. With that life giving liquid the planet experimented with a diversity of different life forms, channelling its own living energy into the different branches of evolution.

  Danny also saw other things in glimpses, barely more than raw flashes of imagery from the farthest reaches of space where the light ended and the forever darkness began. The planets on the fringe grew without love or comfort. The evil that had ruled over the old universe still hid in the edges of creation. It could not manifest itself in another reality, its time had passed and it could not touch another realm directly. It was a stain, a black smear left over from the time before the Big Bang. The shadow’s very presence was enough to corrupt anything that came too close; Danny could feel the Earth’s fear of it.

  On a world ten thousand times the size of the Earth a simple bacteria grew on the side of a massive mountain. Each time the planet’s orbit brought it into contact with the membrane of the universe, each time it grazed the darkness, the bacteria grew larger. The slow caress of evil at the edge of the universe rotted the planet, forming the Growth on the surface with each rotation of the sick planet’s orbit. It was nothing more than evil seeds, growing with each passing year. Eventually it spread across the entire face of the planet, covering every inch of it until the life force inside was suffocated. That world was home to the earliest incarnation of the Growth and on its own it was only a simple bacterium, virtually powerless. If not for random chance the Growth would have died eventually when its home planet crumbled to dust. The corpse of its world began to crumble, its gravity collapsing as it broke into hundreds of massive pieces. For a hundred thousand years the planet fell out of orbit, pulling away from the edge of the universe. Eventually the remnants fell into a nearby star but before it was incinerated it spread itself through spores into nearby solar systems. The bacteria could live even in the vacuum of space and through the destruction and distance between worlds it waited patiently.

  The Growth was nothing more than a sentient fungus; it did not have the ability to grow beyond that, not until it came into contact with other life forms. To the Growth living DNA was malleable and changeable; the flesh of other living things could be controlled. The tiny spores infected the bodies of other living creatures and used their own genetic advantages to further their own biological imperative. It did not matter if the aliens were made of iron or water, the spores would infect them eventually and immediately change them into a suitable host by mutating and controlling them. Any living thing with DNA was a puppet to be controlled by the Growth.

  Once all life on an infected world was part of their collective they would destroy the planet, the explosion spreading their spores farther into space. The planets tried to defend themselves the only way they could; by creating life. A hero was chosen on every world to stop the spread of the Growth, someone who the planet believed could save it. Some heroes won and purged their world of the taint. Others, far too many, failed and were consumed, corrupted and eventually destroyed. The death of the protector meant that world had fallen, for their flesh too would become part of the Growth. The bigger the planet, the more evolved the technology, the farther the Growth could spread itself. The Earth was proud of its diverse life and it did not hesitate in choosing its defender. Just as the living planet knew that the aliens had reached it, it also chose Danny to protect it. There was no reason given as to why, perhaps it was random chance, the Earth was not saying either way.

  Danny opened his eyes and took a deep breath. The sun blinded him but it was warm and comforting on his skin. The wind stirred the grass and it brushed gently against his face and he decided to lay there a minute longer and enjoy it. All the stress and fear he’d felt the last few days was gone. Although his head hurt and his legs were sore he felt better than he’d ever felt before. There was no urgency to move, nothing more important at that moment than watching the grass sway in the wind. With his eyes closed he could almost feel the planet moving through space beneath him. His mind had been opened to see the larger picture, the bigger universe that existed. Earth was more than just a home; it was the birthplace of all mankind. Knowing how unique the diversity of Earth’s life was, knowing there was other life out there, gave him a feeling of intense joy. Humanity was no longer alone and while there was great danger, he liked feeling as if he was part of something grand and impossible.

  As he stood up he looked down at his feet, wondering where his shoes were. Then he suddenly remembered leaving the house in his pyjama pants the night before.

  “Oh shit! Helen!”

  As he took to the air, he’d already forgotten the strange alien/animal people he’d met in the woods. The joy he was feeling numbed him to any regrets or worries. Danny was elated that he was the Avatar of Earth and nothing else that day would break through the haze of happiness he was experiencing.

  EARTH MAN

  PART 2

  WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

  My little horse must think it queer

  to stop without a farmhouse near

  Between the woods and frozen lake

  the darkest evening of the year.

  - Robert Frost

  Danny managed to wave down a burly looking man in a pick-up truck, even though he was standing by the side of the road in a pair of plaid pyjama pants. The large man’s name was Greg. He was kind and believed Danny’s story of sleepwalking during the night. Greg dropped him at the nearest gas station and even gave him a pair of old flip-flops a woman had left in his truck a long, long time ago. The way Greg spoke of the woman made it clear there we
re still open wounds, it made Danny miss and appreciate Helen even more. As he waved goodbye to the man Danny couldn’t help but feel a small kinship with him. There were few things in life as memorable as love, or more painful. Danny had to call the house collect; he didn’t have it in him to ask the heartbroken trucker for money, not even a quarter. Helen sounded tired when she picked up.

  “Hello?”

  “Helen, it’s me. I’m okay. Everything’s fine.”

  “Why aren’t you home?”

  “Something strange, something wonderful happened.” Danny replied.

  “Well where are you?”

  “Edmonton, I think.”

  “How the hell? Never mind you can explain when you get home. You’re okay?” Helen’s voice had changed and he could tell she was awake now, probably angry too, but she was doing her best to be understanding.

  “Yeah. Helen I’m great, don’t worry about me. Are the kids okay?”

  “Yeah. They were worried and didn’t sleep much, wondering where the hell you went, but they’re at school now. Morgan was pretty upset but I gave her cookies for breakfast.”

  “Okay. I’m at a gas station right now but I’ll be home really soon.”

  “How soon?”

  “I don’t know. How fast does a bird fly?”

  “What?”

  “Nevermind. I’ll be home soon, I promise.”

  The moment she closed her phone Helen broke out into tears. Her sobs lasted only a moment before she regained her composure. Chastising herself, she grabbed her tool box off the table and headed for the door.

  Later that day while in the middle of her work, Helen suddenly felt upset, the emotions she’d experienced earlier coming back twice as strong.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes Mr. Swelter. Just taking a quick break.” She shouted.

  There was no reason to even tell the old man, he was oblivious to what was going on, but he was a client and Helen always treated them with decency and respect. It was her livelihood and even though it had been one hell of a tough week for her, she had to keep them happy. Reputation and reliability was the most important part of her job; people needed to know she had the skills required and that she was reliable in getting the work done.

  In her entire life she had never cried as much as she had recently. Helen had been in love with Danny since the day they’d met in junior high. No matter how irresponsible he’d been she could always forgive his mistakes because she’d always known he had it in him to change. Now that he was finally changing, she found herself more afraid of what the future had in store than she’d ever been before.

  Once she was in Mr. Swelter’s backyard she opened her toolbox and took out the pack of cigarettes hidden beneath the top tray. As soon as she took the first puff she immediately felt better. With all the things that had happened, from the accident in the woods to the strange events that followed after, Helen knew she was in over her head. The cigarette was her little secret, her act of rebellion against the organized chaos of her life. As relieved as she was Danny was safe, she had a feeling it was not over. A primal, maternal instinct seemed to have awakened in her. She could not shake the idea that her family was in danger. Not just Danny but her children too, Raymond and Morgan. There was only time to smoke half a cigarette; she had to have the Mr. Swelter’s pipes repaired in time to pick up the kids from school. Looking around for a place to toss it, she finally leaned over and buried in the garden next to the back stairs. Just to be safe, she stepped on the soil and pressed down gently. Just like her feelings she kicked dirt over it and forgot about it, burying it just enough to be sure no one could find it.

  Danny stood on the asphalt of the parking lot looking up at the sky. Tying up the string on his pyjamas he reached out into the world, using the abilities he’d been given by the planet itself. The power he’d used unintentionally to tap into the natural abilities of animals and insects was now fully under his control. It felt natural and he stretched out his arms as the power spread outwards. He skipped over the insects and animals and focussed completely on the birds. An owl slept in a nearby tree; three miles away an eagle scouted for food on the outskirts of the city. Choosing the eagle he felt the energy surge into his back and up his spine and then in a burst of red sparks two pairs of giant wings burst from his shoulder blades. They flexed themselves, spreading each detailed feather and shaking as if the wings had a life of their own. Danny began to run and immediately the wings responded, flapping until his feet were lifted off the ground. The wings seemed to reach above and pull him up with them. Although he looked as graceful as an albatross, Danny could not help but let out a hearty laugh as he went higher and higher into the sky. Once he reached a few thousand feet he began to glide on his new appendages, looking down on the world from above for the first time in his life. He was not sure how he knew which direction was home, but he had a clear picture of his destination in his head that showed him the way. Then he began to climb higher and higher, up into the clouds until it became hard to breathe. The eagle who’d given him the wings coasted next to him, watching him curiously with its tiny eyes. It had never seen a human in the air and yet the eagle had no fear. There was a bond between them, an understanding between the creatures of the sky that Danny could only barely understand; the power of flight was a miracle and mystery shared by few things on Earth. The eagle approved of him and as soon as he crossed over into British Columbia the eagle turned back.

  Beneath him passed hundreds, perhaps thousands of living creatures. Each of them had a unique signature he could feel, like invisible tags read on a computer game, popping up as you need them. A lynx chased down a wild rabbit. Born from pet shop stock, the rabbit had little chance but it ran even though its heart was ready to burst. A black widow spider, farther north than she would normally travel, had an elaborate web thirty feet in the air between two huge trees. Two large bats living underground had eaten the previous spiders with the same plan. A trio of bears of different ages, their families lost to them, form together to hunt, learning from the older female who had lost her own babies the previous winter. Every living thing seemed to have a story to tell and a power to share. As much as he wanted to meet them all and try all the various combinations of abilities that were at his fingertips, he knew his family had to come first. The world was not in danger, not as far as he knew. Danny wanted nothing more than to get home to them to share his excitement over all that he had discovered. His life was suddenly filled with mystery and he couldn’t wait to bring those he loved into his new world, to share his amazing story with his wife and children. Danny wondered how his kids would react. Would they believe him? He grabbed onto his pyjama pants and pushed himself to fly faster. The flip-flops flew off, disappearing behind him into the blue sky.

  Helen watched Danny touch down from the driveway. They had just gotten out of the car, Morgan running to catch up to her Mom as Helen dug into her small purse for her house keys. Danny floated out of the sky, bare feet gently touching the grass with red streams of light evaporating off his back and disappearing. With her eyes wide in amazement, Helen pointed to the sky, in shock that Danny had somehow flew home.

  “Daddy!” Morgan shrieked.

  She dropped her Toy Story backpack and running to her father. Her tiny red pigtails bobbed as she ran. Danny swept her up in his arms and her laughter rang out like tiny crystal bells.

  “Hey Pumpkin!” Danny said, kissing Morgan on the nose.

  Helen walked over to them with a smile on her face and Danny wrapped an arm under her butt and lifted her into his arms as well.

  “Hey!” Helen shouted. She kicked her feet as Danny kissed her and Morgan repeatedly.

  “Flying, Danny? What the hell??” Helen whispered to him. Morgan hadn’t noticed and she didn’t want her to ask the same questions Helen was asking.

  “Yeah I’ll explain it later. Where’s Ray? I’ve barely seen him lately,” Danny asked.

  “He’s at a friend’s house. He’ll be home in t
ime for dinner. Put me down please.”

  “Nope. It’s just me and my girls!” Danny laughed as he spun them around.

  Danny began to walk toward the house but Helen pointed toward the backpack on the driveway.

  “Morgan’s backpack,” Helen said.

  Danny put his daughter down and she ran over and picked it up. With his arm free, he swept up Helen’s legs and carried her toward the house. Morgan dragged her bag behind them, running as fast as he little legs could move.

  “You’re crazy, put me down, I’m too heavy for you,” Helen said, kicking her feet. To impress her, Danny held her under her tail bone, balancing all her body weight with his right hand while opening the door to the house with his left.

  “Okay, what are you on?” Helen asked as he carried her over the threshold of the house.

  Morgan squeezed in beside them, kicking her shoes across the floor. Danny and Helen ignored Morgan as she spread her clothes and school bag across the living room. Instead they kissed, lost in their own world until Morgan fell over her own shoe and let out a loud howl. Danny slowly broke their kiss off and placed his wife on the ground.

  “Daddy, why are you still in your pyjamas?”

  Hours later after Danny got dressed he decided to prepare dinner. He was definitely no chef but he was brimming with confidence and wanted to do something for his family. Wearing an old black and white Adidas track suit from his days as an athlete, he tied an apron on over the front. They didn’t have the money to go out to dinner but they had a stocked fridge, which Danny stared into for a few minutes. Helen was willing to wait until after the kids went to bed to hear his explanation of what happened the night before. His optimism was infectious and Helen figured she could wait considering how happy Danny appeared to be.