The-X-Species-Graphic-Novel-Sample

The X Species
PROLOGUE
PREHISTORIC NORTH AMERICA
MIDDLE PALEOLITHIC, 40,000 YEARS AGO
Heavy snow blows across the prehistoric Nepalese
landscape. An eerie silence between the violent
flurries.
Shadows from the hearth flame dance on the cave
wall of the ancient dwelling as the shaky hand of an
elderly Neanderthal, the family patriarch, carefully
etches images into a stone wall. A vignette of his
people, a historic footprint to serve as witness to
their time here. Nearby, mothers and children of his
clan scuttle busily about as they carry out assumed
day-to-day chores.
Just East of the village, and far removed from
the warmth and tranquility of the prehistoric den, a
group of Neanderthal men trudge slowly through the
blinding snow storm. It is obvious from their
organized efforts they are searching for someone. The
blizzard bares down on them mercilessly, making the
blanketed terrain increasingly difficult to navigate.
Reluctantly they call off the search and reverse
course head on into the storm. A lone Neanderthal,
NALU, remains behind. He surveys the snow ridden
landscape one last time. Regret, sorrow, and pain
collide simultaneously to visibly carve themselves out
among his rugged, weather beaten features. His heart
cries, but he will not, for here, tears freeze and the
will to live follows. He turns, heads off to catch up
with the group.
Several of the clan women are huddled over the
hearth preparing food. Others are cleaning, and still
others are readying animal hides for wear. A young
clan boy rushes into the cave. He is GRUNTING
excitedly, incomprehensibly, as he motions toward the
Neko Sparks 5