Gate Hunters

It was precisely 9:00 pm when the last train of the day brought me to my new destination.

Neon city.

The city is a dazzling spectacle of flashing lights and speeding cars, home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country.

As a man of tradition, I could never envision myself making a home in this type of place. I paid my respects at my family's resting place and conveyed a solemn vow that I would not return.

"Excuse me, sir, may I see your train ticket, please?" asked the train guard, blocking my path just as I was about to disembark from the train.

I pulled out my card from my blazer, and in a voice that was deep yet comforting, I asked, "Busy day?"

He swipes my card, punctuating the transaction with a weary yawn. "Not exactly the best day," he muses, "Four Gates popped up by the subway. If those Gifted folks don't do something, my wife will soon be the only breadwinner in the house." That explains why there were so little people heading to Neon City.

Wherever I go, the story of the Gates wreaking havoc follows. "Sorry to hear that. I hope those Gates close up quickly," I expressed to him.

Once the scan flashed green, the guard moved aside with a nod. "Same here. Anyway, have a great evening and make sure you get home without getting into trouble. Gates are not the only trouble we face here in the city," he remarked.

I offered a gentle smile to the man before exiting the subway. My wife, whom I married through an arrangement, was waiting for me outside the station.

Her name was Ruby Stainer.

With her long scarlet hair and striking blue eyes, the woman in the expensive black dress was a sight to behold. At twenty-nine, she was a widow with two children, now working in a café, seeking the anonymity that a low profile could afford her.

She, like me, is Gifted – part of a group of supernatural humans that possess elemental powers.

Stepping out of the subway, I spotted her leaning against her car, a cigarette in hand, her gaze fixed on the starry sky. "Ruby," I called out to her.

Ruby ceased smoking and turned her attention towards me. "Krist Page, I finally get to meet you in person. It's a pleasure," she said, dropping the cigarette to the floor and waving away the lingering smoke.

She remembers my fake name.

At least she remembers that part of our agreement, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Are the children at home?" I asked, my smile gentle yet tinged with nerves.

Ruby giggled softly, "Yes, they do. They're aware you're coming over, but I never mentioned when. I thought I'd test your abilities at a Gate before we head home. Is that alright with you, Krist?" She opened her car door and slid into the driver's seat.

I entered the passenger seat and asked, "I don't mind stretching my legs for a bit. Which Gate did you purchased?"

"It was actually my broker who managed it. He pulled some strings to secure the ones near the subway. So, I'm counting on you not minding working for free tonight," said Ruby as she fired up the engine and we took off.

I pressed a button, and the window rolled down, letting my hair dance in the breeze. "Sure, meeting you is more than enough," I said.

I get a hot wife, roof over my head and a long-term job.

Why would I want anything else.

We knew each other for five months online. In actually fact we were introduce by her broker who wanted us to form a partnership where the three of us earn money by doing illegal raids. We agreed under the condition that it stays between the three of us.

As our partnership progressed, we gradually began to enjoy each other's company more. Our interactions evolved from discussing work over the weekend to sharing daily video calls about our day-to-day lives.

We both share many things in common from liking old school music to singing to even dancing.

The common desire that united us was the wish to not be solitary. We yearned to experience love once more, and we aspired for our interactions to transcend beyond the confines of a screen. I had to move on from my old life and start over from zero and she wanted her kids to have a father figure.

So, her broker made it possible for us to be together with some illegal hackings and forging fake documents for us.

My new identity is Krist Stainer.

Upon reaching the night's initial Gate, bathed in a soft green glow, I requested a brief five-minute wait. Exiting the vehicle, I proceeded through the Gate and found myself transported to an expansive grassland.

This was a plant-base gate. Too bad for them, I'm a fire elemental.

They already emerged from the surrounding underground area, making their presence known.

Tree golems.

"Let's get this over with; I have two stepchildren to meet." A vast, serene white aura enveloped my body. Two pristine, bird-like wings sprouted from my back, allowing me to soar into the air.

The place I found myself in is known as the Gate, an otherworldly realm filled with two things: immense treasure and lethal monsters. Knowledge about the Gates is closely guarded by the highest echelons of the GEA. Little is known beyond their being a significant threat to humanity.

The first golem swung its wooden fist at me. With agility, I dodged the creature and executed a flying kick, my leg igniting in a bluish-white flame, which blasted its head off.

I shifted my focus to the others and soared towards my next targets. From my wings, I unleashed a shower of fiery needles, blanketing the ground completely.

Executing the Tori hand sign activated the needles, setting off an explosion that eradicated all the greenery from the area.

One remained, necessitating the use of my special attack. I aimed my right index finger at the target, summoning a condensed orb of fire named "Malice." With a forceful thrust, I propelled the fiery sphere towards it.

I created a stunning canvas piece titled "Saviour Walks Again," a name that truly reflects the innate gifts within me.

The name of my innate Gifted was Messiah.

We, the Gifted, possess unique abilities known as Gifts. A Gifted individual may have up to four distinct types of these Gifts.

A Negative Gift is intended to inflict harm onto others. To harness this aspect of Gifts, one must channel their negative energy as a weapon. For instance, my anger serves as the primary power source, enabling me to unleash potent fire base attacks.

Positive Gifts are intended for healing or enhancement. They are powered by positive energy. The ability to fly is made possible by the love and joy I carry in my heart.

A fusion gift combines positive and negative aspects to create a new ability. It is an advanced technique that requires a balanced mind to learn.

Lastly, innate gifts are special bloodline abilities possessed by only ten percent of the population, myself included.

I possess all four skills and have many years of experience.

This makes me one of the strongest individuals on the planet. My inherent ability, which I call Messiah, enables me to become a man who cannot be killed.

"But that's not what I desire. I yearn for a world devoid of these creatures, for a normal life where I can safeguard everyone from the shadows." With a swift sigh, I soared toward the gate entrance and departed.

Ruby was already there waiting for me when I arrived, "You're two minutes early, as expected. It seems I've chosen the right partner. Now then, we still have three more tasks to wrap up before we can head home. My kids are eager to meet you," she said.

Being born into a family that considers itself divine has only led to a sense of unfulfillment. I find myself acting as a mere component in an eternal mechanism, easily replaceable should I falter.

My life was already decided before I was born.

"Lead the way," I said. Marrying Ruby was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I get to use my powers the way I want to, and I get to live a family life in the city.

What more could I ask for?