"Hannah, isn't it amazing," I say standing next to her. Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she took in the sight of the tree, adorned with colorful ornaments that sparkled and glistened under the lights. The tree itself must be at least 20 meters tall, and I can barely see the top.
"Wow!" Hannah exclaimed in awe. She looked up at me and nodded enthusiastically.
Our parents are trailing behind us, smiling as my father talks animatedly to my mother. "Mum, Dad, look! Look at the big Christmas tree!" She shouted excitedly.
My parents smiled as they joined us. "It's a really beautiful Christmas tree, isn't it?" my mother said, ruffling her hair and smiling softly. "How about we get a picture with the four of us?" she suggested, and my father nodded his head in agreement.
"Excuse me, could you take a picture of the four of us?" My mother asked, pulling a Polaroid camera out of her purse.
The man nodded. "Of course," he said, taking the camera from her. Everyone bunched up together my mother in the middle with my sister, my father and I on either side. "Okay, say cheese," the man instructed, and we all smiled.
"Cheese!" my mother and father said, while me and my sister just laughed.
*Click*
The man handed the camera and the developing photo back to my mother. "Thank you," The man hands back the camera, and my mother shakes the photo gently. "That's a cute photo," she remarked, showing it to my father.
She pulls out a marker, "Hannah's 15th birthday", she scribbles on the bottom. I watch as my mother puts the photo in a box full of other photos, some old, some new.
"Come on, let's go, who wants some cake," my mother says, leading us out of the mall.
"Me!" Me and my sister say in unison, following our parents.
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over everything as we left the mall and walked down the bustling streets of Orchard Road.
"Good afternoon, Singapore! Today, on December 20th, 2462, the sun is shining brightly. With temperatures ranging from a low of 28 degrees Celsius to a high of 32 degrees, we have clear skies for the next three days. Have a happy winter holiday!" A cheerful voice announced over the radio.
"I feel like having cheesecake today," my mother mused, looking around the shops.
"OMG... mum I was feeling the same thing. What about the cheesecake place by the subway?" Hannah suggested, giggling.
My mother chuckled, "Jagger, what about you?"
"Oh, I'm fine with anything," I said, smiling.
Making our way to the cake shop, I looked up at the towering buildings that lined Orchard Road. The once familiar skyscrapers had transformed into futuristic marvels, their glass facades shimmering under the afternoon sun. Holograms floated effortlessly around the buildings, displaying vibrant advertisements and festive decorations. A holographic Santa Claus waved cheerfully from above a storefront, his sleigh and reindeer hovering in mid-air, adding to the holiday spirit.
In the distance, a massive holographic snow globe projected onto the side of a building depicted a picturesque winter scene, complete with gently falling snowflakes and a cozy cabin surrounded by evergreen trees. Despite the tropical heat, the holograms managed to evoke a sense of winter wonderland, making the festive atmosphere even more magical.
"Look, Jagger, it's snowing!" Hannah exclaimed, pointing to the holographic snowflakes that seemed to drift down around us. I smiled and tried to grab but the hologram passed through my hand.
"Big brother, you know they are not real right?" Hannah giggled.
I blushed, embarrassed. "Yeah, yeah, I knew that. It just looked so real," I said, brushing off the comment.
As we continued our walk, we passed by storefronts displaying the latest high-tech gadgets and fashion, each one more dazzling than the last. A group of children nearby gathered around a holographic display of a Christmas-themed game, their cheers and laughter creating a festive atmosphere. Life was good in Singapore; technological advancements had led to a high quality of life, and the city had become even more prosperous than before. The streets were constantly filled with energy and activity as people bustled about, busy with work and leisure.
"Dad, can I have a browse around the tech store? They have a new VR system," I asked, looking at the VR headset that was on display.
"Go ahead," my father nodded.
"Hannah, come with me," I said, beckoning for her to follow me.
"Sure," she replied.
We walked into the store, our eyes immediately drawn to the display of high-tech gadgets and accessories. A virtual reality headset and bodysuit caught my attention, and I picked it up, examining the sleek design and advanced features.
"Jagger, can you afford it?" Hannah teased.
"Shut up, Hannah. I can totally afford it, why do you think I have been doing a part-time job for the past 2 months." Smiled petting the headset, "You beauty, you will soon be mine."
Hannah looked at me weirdly, "You are so strange sometimes."
"Oh, shush," I replied, rubbing my cheek on it.
"Alright, let her go now. I want to have some cheesecake, and if you keep delaying us, the place will be full." Hannah sighed, pulling me by the hand.
"Fine," I pouted, putting the headset down reluctantly. "I will come back for you, my love," I whispered, blowing a kiss.
"You are a freak," Hannah muttered, rolling her eyes.
We exited the store and rejoined our parents, who had been waiting patiently outside watching the holographic elves and Santa Claus dance around the street, leaving trails of festive glitter in their wake. The display was mesmerizing, but suddenly, the game glitched and came to an abrupt stop, causing the children to groan in disappointment.
Without warning, the bright rays of the sun dimmed, and the air grew unnaturally cold, a stark contrast to Singapore's usual tropical warmth. A loud buzzing sound filled the air, and as we looked up, a massive portal appeared in the sky. It was an astonishing 20 kilometers wide, black in the center with a pulsating blue aura.
The entire city fell silent, every face turned upwards, some frozen in shock and disbelief, and others looked at it in awe and wonder.
"That is a huge hologram," A person nearby remarked, trying to make light of the situation.
"Which company is it this time, and what are they advertising?" Another voice
My father also stared at the portal, "Why does it look so realistic? I have never seen such a realistic hologram before," he commented, furrowing his brows. He grabbed my mother's hands and looked around for us and walked over calmly, pulling my mother with her.
"Honey, it is just a prank right?" my mother said, grabbing onto his arm.
"let's go get the kids," my father whispered.
-
Me and Hannah stared at the portal, "Hey doesn't that look like a portal from one of the games you play?"
I looked at her, "Yeah, but that can't be real right? This is real life. It is just an advert."
Our father walks over to us, "Hannah, Jagger, come with me. Stay calm and stay close to us," he said, keeping a firm grip on my shoulders. "Grab your sister's hand and don't let go until I tell you," My father said firmly, and I nodded grabbing Hannah's hand tightly.
"What is going on Clark you are scaring me." my mother asked, her voice trembling.
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about that." my father whispered harshly, his voice laced with dread and urgency. "I don't want to stay here and find out. Walk calmly don't run, and whatever you do, don't let go of each other," my father ordered.
I grabbed Hannah's hand and followed my father and mother. We weaved through the crowds of people, all staring up at the mysterious portal. I looked around and noticed the other people had the same idea as us. Some were smiling, probably thinking it was an elaborate advertisement for a new game or product, but others looked concerned.
I kept looking back at that portal, 'There's no way that is real,' I thought.
The wind picked up suddenly, howling ominously through the streets. The Holograms flickered and vanished, replaced by an overwhelming sense of impending dread. My father tightened his grip on my mother's hand, pulling her along as we started to flee the area. In that instant, a human-like figure emerged out of the portal, as its cold, calculating grey eyes gazed upon the city like a harbinger of doom, looming over us. It exudes an ethereal, yet demonic aura as sparks of black lightning bounce off its body. Its skin, as pale as moonlight contrasting with its long white hair cascading like a silken veil flowed gently. It's wearing a black robe, billowing in the wind, making it look even more ominous.
"What is that thing?" A woman said as we walked past her, her voice filled with fear.
I looked back and saw the figure as it floated above the city, the black lightning arcing around its body. It was a sight unlike any I had seen, and I felt a deep sense of foreboding. I turned back around and hurried after my family, trying to shake the feeling.
"Don't look ba-" Sirens began to blare throughout the city as a robotic voice issued a warning.
"Warning: An unknown spatial anomaly has been detected in the downtown district. All citizens are advised to evacuate the area immediately and seek shelter underground. This is not a drill!"
"Wa, this one really getting out of hand sia, what kind of company got so much money?" A man laughs looking up at the portal.
"Ya lah, but this one seriously damn scary, feels so real," his friend replied. "Eh, come on lah, let's get out of here, it's starting to give me the creeps," his friend said, pulling him away.
Panic began to rise through the streets like a tidal wave, a torrent of fear and confusion that drowned out the usual hum of city life. People scattered in all directions; their faces etched with uncertainty. It is utter chaos, my father tried his best to forge a path ahead.
-
"Ye Gods of the forsaken, I, Ishtar'ka, do offer thee sacrifice in pursuit of thy blessing!" Ishtar'ka raises his arms to the heavens causing the earth to tremble in fear.
A scream pierced the air, drawing everyone to look up at the sky. The ominous black center of the portal began to shift, transforming into a swirling white vortex that defied natural laws.
My heart raced as I scanned the surroundings, terror tightening its grip. Suddenly, a deafening roar shook the ground beneath us, rattling windows and sending shockwaves through the air. The sheer magnitude of the sound reverberated in my ears, drowning out all other noise.
From within the portal emerged a colossal serpent-like creature, its massive form draped in deep purple scales adorned with shimmering silver stripes. Glowing crimson eyes blazed with otherworldly fury as it descended upon the city. Its maw stretched wide, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth that glistened malevolently in the fading sunlight.
The serpent's impact was catastrophic. Its massive body crashed down with an earth-shaking thud, crushing people vehicles, and buildings beneath its colossal weight, painting the surrounding area with blood. The force of its landing sent shockwaves rippling outward, windows shattering, and debris flying through the air like deadly confetti.
The serpent raised its head high and released a deafening roar that rattled our very bones, its razor-sharp teeth dripping with viscous saliva. The sight was enough to make even the bravest men quake with fear, yet the city was paralyzed as if time itself had stopped.
"Unleash thy fury, my dread beast, and slay them all! Rend their flesh asunder, and sow death and desolation. Let them taste the bitter wrath of the forgotten gods!" Ishtar'ka grinned menacingly, bringing his hands down as the colossal serpent rampaged through the city.
-
"RUN!" My father's urgent cry broke through the chaos, his hand tightening around my mother's hand, also grabbing me and pulling me along. The screams of the innocent echoed around us, but we were helpless to save anyone, our only option was to flee and hope to survive.
Hannah cried out, the sound of her desperate cries drowning out by the screams of terror and destruction around us, as the serpent began to rampage through the city, painting the streets with blood and rubble. We ran through the streets, narrowly dodging debris and broken glass, our hearts pounding in unison with the terrified screams of death that pierced the air.