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MOTHER: Origins [EBB Novel] [ILLUSTRATED]

CHAPTER 20: "Alien Investigation"

Struthio Camelus

Written by Ostricho and Mr. Meme

Illustrated by Zonsai

Edited by PKBeats

In the early 1900s, a dark shadow covered a small rural town…

You know the story… now get to know it in a different way.

NINTEN’S BEGINNINGS

Chapter 1: “George and Maria”

Chapter 2: “Paranormal Activity”

Chapter 3: “The Scent of Death”

Chapter 4: “Secrets of the Crypt”

Chapter 5: “Into the Lion’s Den”

Chapter 6: “Otherworldly Foe”

Chapter 7: “Journey’s Calling”

Chapter 8: “Governmental Affairs”

THE WEAKLING LLOYD

Chapter 9: “Little Star”

Chapter 10: “Shouts and Whispers”

Chapter 11: “Doctor’s Orders”

Chapter 12: “Heroes and Villains”

Chapter 13: “Critical Miscalculation”

Chapter 14: “The Black Bloods Strike”

ANA AND THE SHIVERING COLD

Chapter 15: “The Hand of God”

Chapter 16: “Invisible Footprints”

Chapter 17: “In Vitro”

Chapter 18: “Snowman Under Siege”

Chapter 19: “Out of the Cage”

Chapter 20: “Alien Investigation”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 1: “GEORGE AND MARIA”

“You’ve written enough for a day, dear. We’ve got places to be, don’t we?”

“I know, I know.” George said. “But this is an important article I’m working on. Everyone’s talking about it. Everyone can see it. I mean, it’s right there. Even now, right through the window…”

He motioned towards it. Of course, Maria didn’t need his help to see where it was. The highest peak of the land — the one that pierced the heavens themselves — was not its normal self today.

Instead, that peak was covered with dark clouds, as if a shadow had covered their little rural town.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Sandtide

This is so good! Looking forward to another chapter!

idk

Struthio Camelus

Thanks so much Sandtide! We are working on the next chapter and hope to release it soon.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 2: “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY”

“Suddenly, Allen heard a bump!” He smacked his knuckles against the nearby nightstand, and the two girls yelped, giggling between heavy breaths. Ninten couldn’t help but laugh, too, as he prepared for the punchline to his newest disturbing tale. “And, wondering what it could possibly be… he reached for his lamp, pulled the cord, and…”

With a tug, Ninten turned on the lamp, revealing a piece of paper taped upon it. And upon that piece of paper, a horrifying, open-mouthed scowl had been drawn. It was the most terrifying lamp the girls had ever seen, so together, they screamed with delight.

“The lamp,” Ninten said, “was alive!”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 3: “THE SCENT OF DEATH”

As the zombie crumbled into ash, Ninten remained frozen at Mick’s side, staring down at the grey pile of dust in front of his feet. In his confusion and shock, he couldn’t bring himself to scream anymore.

“I think we need to get out of here, Mick.”

Mick wanted to reply, but a putrid smell befouled his nostrils and reduced his barks to coughing gags. The earth rumbled, shaking branches and leaves from the trees; then, it shattered, and a legion of rotting hands shot forth to grasp at the sky.

Mick began to growl as undead rose from the ground — eyeballs drooping, flies bursting from pockmarks in their skin. They were truly unsightly things. To think, they had once been human, the same people Mick would see commuting to work or checking their mailboxes or kissing their wives goodbye. It almost made him hesitate to bear his fangs.

But when the dead threatened to encroach upon the living, he knew who he’d rather side with.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 4: “SECRETS OF THE CRYPT”

“He… He is struggling…” Bailey moaned, sizing up the intruders with her one remaining eye. “More are leaving. More are ignoring… his commands. He promised us… power… but…”

“Bet he ain’t got… none ta give… heh.” The Gang Zombie reached into his tattered pocket with his only arm and pulled out a stale cigar. He stuck the smoke between his green lips, leaned forward, and let Bailey light it up for him. “Still… a deal’s a deal… an’ I intend ta… hold up our end… of da bargain.”

The undead mob boss puffed out a trio of smoke rings, which gradually morphed into the letters R, I, and P as they dispersed on Ninten’s face. “Lookee ‘ere, kids… see dis joint behind me? It ain’t no place… for da livin’ ‘n’ breathin’… So I’m gonna say dis once… ‘n’ once only…”

He sucked the cigar into his mouth, chewed it up, and spewed the ashes all about as he spoke his next word.

“Scram!”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 5: “INTO THE LION’S DEN”

“This… way…” The doll hovered over the wooden fence surrounding the cemetery, and Ninten quickly scaled it, hopping down on the other side. Mick and Pippi, being much smaller, simply clambered underneath the posts. “Close.”

“I see it, Eustace.” Ninten adjusted his cap and looked towards the distance. There it was, standing right next to a billboard advertising its presence. CREAM PUFF ZOO, HOME OF GOD’S SWEETEST CREATURES. Surrounding the property were tall, iron bars that normally would’ve kept anything from breaking and entering. However, something wasn’t right.

Entire sections of the bars had been toppled, meaning that no matter which way you approached the zoo, you could slip right on in. Ninten mumbled to himself, squinting to get a better look. Sure enough, there were intruders making good use of those openings. Zombies. Dozens of them. Maybe even hundreds. The dead were wide awake, and they were heading towards whatever had interrupted their slumber.

Ninten could hear it, too. It was like a piercing screech.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 6: “OTHERWORLDLY FOE”

“GOTCHA!” There was a stifled scream as Starman Junior grabbed Pippi and hoisted her into the air, its arms like boa constrictors on her neck. She kicked and flailed about, but to no avail. The alien’s grip was greater than a vice; and it was crushing the life out of the young girl.

“Let… go!” Pippi shouted. In the corner of her eye, she saw the office door beginning to crack, and the yellow gaze of a tiger met hers.

“PITIFUL EARTH THING. YOU CANNOT COMPREHEND THE FORCES WITH WHICH YOU CONTEND.” Starman Junior tightened its grasp on Pippi. “THIS IS ONLY THE START. SOON, ALL YOU KNOW AND TREASURE SHALL BE IN OUR GRASP. YOU, YOUR PATHETIC FRIEND, AND…”

The machine laughed coldly.

“…EVEN YOUR OWN MOTHER. WE SHALL CONQUER THIS PLANET IN ITS ENTIRETY… UNTIL ALL THAT LOVES, AND IS LOVED, IS NO MORE.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 7: “JOURNEY’S CALLING”

“I’ll be honest with you, since you’re a big boy now: I was worried about this. I’ve always been worried that you’d end up like your father. Not because he’s a scumbag or anything like that. No, your father is the most magnificent man in the world; but he leads a hard life. I guess that’s the price you pay when you’re one of Heaven’s People. What I’m trying to say is… well, it’s a mother’s duty to worry about her children, and Ninten… you’re about to fly the nest early.”

There was a sparkle in the dimming light, and Ninten quickly realized that it was a tear streaming down his mother’s face.

“You’re my big, strong man, but no one’s invincible. Whatever ends up happening, promise me… promise me you’ll come back home, alright?”

She wrapped her arms around Ninten as her tears intensified.

“I can’t lose you. Okay? I can’t lose you, son.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 8: “GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS”

“Goodman,” Ken spat. “I have been to the most remote areas of this continent in service of our country’s interests. It isn’t often I’m assigned my own stomping grounds for an investigation. Imagine my surprise when the weirdest stuff I’ve ever seen was a mere train ride away from my house.”

At this point, Ken began opening up his suitcase.

“Anyway, I’m glad you have the privilege of believing that aliens aren’t real.” Slowly, Ken reached inside, a deep frown carved across his face. “So sorry to take it away from you.”

Finally, Ken produced something from his suitcase and presented it to Governor Goodman. At first, it looked like an ordinary steel bar. However, anyone with a functioning pair of eyes could see that this piece of scrap had a pair of its own. Eyes that continued to blink.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 9: “LITTLE STAR”

Soon enough, everyone was getting to work on their dismally simple science experiments. Lloyd, predictably, was done in a matter of seconds. As he stared at the meager amount of bubbling liquid within his beakers, his eyes couldn’t help but keep wandering back to Todd and Derek, who were busy pouring baking soda down another kid’s shirt.

Oh, how he hated bullies. To Lloyd, there was nothing more despicable than picking on someone for the sake of making them feel miserable. There was just nothing logical about it — just pure sadism. Unfortunately, as much as he envisioned himself delivering swift justice unto such unsavory souls, he knew that he was no match in a straight competition. His arms were so skinny that his bones practically poked out, and the less said about his stamina, the better; he could barely run a single lap in gym class, let alone survive in a fight.

But Lloyd was still sure of himself, because he knew he had one thing over drooling bullies like Todd and Derek: his mind.

Already, he was gathering supplies for his counterattack.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 10: “SHOUTS AND WHISPERS”

“Lloyd,” Stanley whispered. “Lloyd, we’re here.”

He passed underneath a stone archway, and at long last, they had entered Canary Village. And what a sight it was to behold. Around the edges of the sanctuary, flower beds hosted lush varieties of flora — red roses, purple violets, and blue poppies. Every once in a while, a canary would swoop down to explore those growths before fluttering back up to one of the many birdhouses that adorned the field.

However, the ultimate haven rested in the center of it all. A mighty oak, twisting around itself and reaching high into the sky, stood as a monument to this sacred place. Within its leafy canopy, canaries big and small socialized — chirping and chattering to their hearts’ content. The earth may have been filled with troubles, but they were above it all.

“Lloyd!” Stanley stopped the bicycle, turned around, and ruffled the boy’s hair until he was at attention again. “We made it. This… This is where I always went when they picked on me at school, and when Mom and Dad were fighting. Even now, when my wife is really getting my goat, I come here. We… We can do whatever we want here. Sit around in silence. Walk around. Hang out with Laura. She never judges… none of the canaries do.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Fox4729

Just finished Chapter 7, this is getting interesting. Mother 1 is my favorite of the trilogy so I’m looking forward to seeing what other changes you end up making going forward.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Struthio Camelus

We appreciate your support! We have more on the way.

Merry Christmas from the MOTHER: Origins team! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful day with your friends and family. We are also pleased to announce that Chapter 11 is fully written, and that we are just awaiting our illustration before launch. Releases have been slow recently due to the holidays, but look forward to accelerated progress moving into the New Year!

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 11: “DOCTOR’S ORDERS”

Instantly, the ground below was stripped of leaves and grass, and even dirt and roots were quickly absorbed into the machine. Lloyd gasped as he felt the edges of his jacket and shorts being pulled toward the saucer as well. His glasses shook on his face, and he secured them just before they could fly off into the maw of the void.

“It’s trying to abduct us, like we’re cows or… something!” Lloyd grabbed Stanley by the collar and dragged him until he got to his feet; then together, they stepped away until they could no longer feel the pull of the saucer’s tractor beam.

The canaries, on the other hand, were not so lucky. On the ground or in the air, it did not matter. They simply did not have the strength to escape the saucer’s grasp. Birds big and small were sucked into the light, disappearing from view. It should have been impossible — there was certainly not enough physical space within the saucer to house so many birds — but this machine was good at defying logic as it was.

Laura screamed, rearing her once-unseen talons at the little disc, but it was too late; as fast as it had appeared, the machine exploded into the distance, leaving only a circle of barren earth as proof of its unwelcome visit.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 12: “HEROES AND VILLAINS”

“HALT, INTRUDER! STAND DOWN! STAND DOWN, OR WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO NON-LETHALLY INCAPACITATE YOU!”

Sparks danced along the robots’ outstretched arms as they drew ever nearer to Lloyd.

“N-no! Stay away from me!” He skittered back only to hit his head on a piece of machinery. Every way he turned, he saw more tin men marching toward him. In a matter of seconds, they would be upon him, and then, Lloyd would face the same fate as his father.

Captured and made to be a guinea pig for the wicked Dr. Distorto.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 13: “CRITICAL MISCALCULATION”

“Well, Lloyd,” Duncan dropped to one knee, facing Lloyd at eye level. “Your actions today were… regrettable, but I am willing to forgive it all on account of your current circumstances. The comments you made about your father especially have me concerned. Is it true that he has gone missing?”

Lloyd, with quivering lips, nodded his answer.

“And is he your only guardian? No other… relatives around?”

The young genius shook his head. Duncan’s eyes became engulfed with a look of pure pity.

“Mmm… I worried that would be the case.” He got back to his feet and ushered over the policemen. “Why don’t you go with these officers, then? They can care for you in your father’s absence. Furthermore, I will personally ensure that he is found and reunited with you.” Duncan placed his free hand over his heart and bowed. “As the owner and CEO of the Duncan Works corporation, you have my promise.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Dershka

Just a quick message to say that what you are doing is sooo great ! And the illustrations, omg are so damn good !

Instagram : @pepin_malin

Struthio Camelus

Thank you so much Dershka! The entire team over here appreciates your compliments As always, more is on the way so keep an eye out!

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 14: “THE BLACK BLOODS STRIKE”

“B-Boss,” Walker whimpered as he stared at Teddy’s sunglasses. “Boss, it’s… it’s like you said… it’s like the monsters you told me about…”

“You’ve seen them, too…?” A shaky Ken asked, struggling to catch his breath. “You’ve seen those… things…?”

“I… I haven’t,” Walker said. “But… But Teddy…”

Teddy attempted to keep his expression neutral, and to everyone else, it probably looked like it; but Walker could see the tell-tale signs that something wasn’t right. His ever-so-slightly furrowed brow, his almost imperceptible sneer, and the way he began breathing through his mouth all pointed to the same thing: the sight of this lifeless robotic head deeply unsettled him.

With the same caution as one would approach a wild animal, Teddy stepped over to where the open suitcase lay on the counter, then continued to stare into the Barbot’s eyes.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 15: “THE HAND OF GOD”

Ana gave up anything she was about to share about the dance and instead kept staring outside. Even through the fog, she could make out the boundaries of Snowman, this frozen land that always seemed too far from the sun. Beyond the faint rows of houses, the beginnings of mountains lined the city limits no matter which direction you went. A wall of rock, only interrupted by the occasional boarded-up gold mine. Ana knew about the other towns that existed away from here — places like Podunk and Youngtown and Ellay — even though she’d never seen them.

The only thing she could see from here was the Holy Loly Mountain Range. Mount Itoi, the greatest peak of them all, reached high into the distance, higher than Ana would ever reach herself. If she wanted to see more than mountains, she’d have to go through the train tunnel. The only exit from this place. She’d travelled every route in this town except for that one.

She shivered some more. It was so, so cold here.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 16: “INVISIBLE FOOTPRINTS”

“Snow.” Ana scooped up a handful of it for herself. Then, when it started to make the flesh of her palms go white, she summoned small flames, which consumed the powder whole. “That’s called snow, Bigfoot. And I’m glad you like it, but… but I don’t know if I like it at all…”

She made her way back over to the log and sat down again. Moments later, Bigfoot took a seat next to her once more, staring with questioning eyes.

“Snow, and…” Ana pointed upwards, where icicles dangled from a tree branch. “And ice. I don’t like snow and ice. I don’t like the cold. I don’t even like it here in Snowman. Sometimes, I think the only things here I like are dance classes… well, and you, Bigfoot.”

She did like Bigfoot. She was able to teach him things, and he was such a great listener, too. In fact, Ana couldn’t help but wonder if Bigfoot was the only thing in existence that actually cared to listen to her. To watch her dance. To think about the way she felt. Bigfoot wasn’t just part of a dream, either. He was real, and he was Ana’s only friend.

And he wasn’t even human.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 17: “IN VITRO”

Before she could make out any more shapes, it suddenly occurred to her that she was not breathing. Her lungs did not burn. Her throat did not beg for fresh air. Even still, she did not inhale, nor did she exhale.

She wasn’t choking, but she wasn’t breathing, either.

She tried to turn to her left, only to feel an unseen force prevent her movement. She tried to turn to her right, and the same thing happened. In a sudden panic, she reached outwards with both arms, only for them to pound against what felt like a thick layer of glass. Next, she kicked her legs, and similarly, they struck against an invisible barrier. She was enclosed. Surrounded. She was in a space where she could hardly move forward an inch, and she wasn’t entirely sure she could turn around, either.

Ana wanted to scream, but nothing came out.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Bimble

Holy cow, all of these are incredible! Hats off to everyone working on this!
Also, I gotta say, thanks for finally getting me to register here. I might not be too active, but hey, at least its something.
I’ll be readily awaiting the next chapter of this thrilling retelling!

“When in doubt, add a monkey.” – Me
This is where I post my art!

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 18: “SNOWMAN UNDER SIEGE”

Ana cowered behind the trunk of the tree, and Bigfoot cemented it in the ground before also hiding himself. It was just in the nick of time, too. On the side of the great tower, a metal door slid open with alarming speed. Despite the panel being so enormous, it swept itself away in the blink of an eye, and without so much as a grinding noise. Then, something emerged from the tower — something that made Ana’s eyes bulge out of her sockets.

She had seen metal men and tentacled creatures already. But whatever this alien was, it looked more like a cat. A hairless cat that was faintly purple, its arms crossed in front of itself, its tail swirling around itself like one of Saturn’s rings. Remarkably, the entity did not walk — rather, it merely levitated forward, defying gravity itself. At its side, a two-toned capsule hovered alongside it, nearly as large as Bigfoot was.

A shrill sound emerged from the capsule for a moment, but eventually, it came to a halt once again.

“This town fell so quickly.” The entity observed the snow-ridden land around itself. “By all means, these people are nothing more than animals. Yet they do not react to the signal the same way the other animals do. I must figure out how, and in the process, provide purpose to Lord Giygas’s meaningless war…”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

LET THE FISH WHO THINKS HE KNOWS NO FEAR LOOK WELL UPON MY FACE

this is my rank #2

Hey hey, an Ostricho sighting! Nice to see you again pal!

I am a Coolio Burgers kind of guy.

Fox4729

I second that. It’s always good to see him putting in that work.

Can’t wait to get into this latest chapter.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Struthio Camelus

Thanks for the kind words! My partners and I have more content on the way, so stay tuned. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 19: “OUT OF THE CAGE”

Beams rained down upon them, deathly close to their position. Muscles tense and exhaustion rising, Bigfoot moved to block the hellfire rain and protect his friends. The lasers exploded against his goliath body, burning holes into his pelt, and the great ape let out a howl that shook the very snowcapped mountains around them.

But he continued to scrape through the blockade all the same, and at last, though his nails were chipped and his fingertips had nearly been rubbed off, he managed to create an opening just large enough for Ana to slip through.

As fatigue ensnared his body, Bigfoot took one last look at Ana. Her eyes were awash with tears; so too were his, for he knew exactly what was going to happen next.

“Friend, Bigfoot… I… sorry.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Yezz

Excellent chapter, by the way, nice name you gave to Ana’s mother, Abigail, that’s also my mom’s name.

Disconnect for a while from reality and have fun
Earthbound My Memories

Struthio Camelus

It’s a pretty name, isn’t it?

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Fox4729

Great chapter, I can’t wait to see how you end up bringing the party together.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Struthio Camelus

We’re incredibly excited to have all three of the kids meet. Unbelievably so. We’ve been waiting for that for far too long.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Bimble

It’s been three thousand years… By god it’s still just as good as it was when I just discovered it a year ago! My patience has been rewarded, and oh boy, I’m psyched to see the trio all unite at last!

“When in doubt, add a monkey.” – Me
This is where I post my art!

Struthio Camelus

Thanks for continuing to follow along! Nice to see ya!

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Struthio Camelus

CHAPTER 20: “ALIEN INVESTIGATION”

Teddy withdrew his sword and took out some of his anger on a nearby fern, just barely sprouted from the dirt. His blade cleaved through the bark as if it were paper, and like a rabid woodchipper, Teddy swiftly reduced it to mulch.

“All you feds know how to do is get in the way… Sittin’ pretty in your ivory towers, blind to the world and deaf to the streets… until we act up. Then it’s suddenly your business. Well, get this through your red tape…”

Ken and Teddy were mere inches apart now. Walker unconsciously began to mow his fingernails as the knot of tension somehow grew tighter between his boss and their uneasy ally.

“Wanna know how to get rid of a wasp nest?” Teddy asked. Ken replied with a blink. “…You burn it down.”

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins

Waruilo

Yooo a new chapter dropped! Thanks for your Mother Origins project, can’t wait to see the reunion of all characters

Struthio Camelus

It means a lot, Waruilo. Thanks for following along! We are actively writing all three of the kids meeting up, and we are having lots of fun.

Still lingering. Still writing.
EarthBound: Faraway Skies
MOTHER: Origins