by BRANDON WOO
8
The Departure
Hector:
Mel convinced me to start fresh and be a local hero in the part of the city she is in.
“you can do some good in this world, Hector.” Mel said.
What makes her think that I could be a hero?
“I am not a hero, Mel.” I replied.
“only if you think you aren’t.” she said.
Mel was trying to convince me about being a local hero and become that hero she saw in the streets the other day.
“you only become a hero if you start being one.” she pointed out.
“That was just basic instinct!” I said. “still, it was heroic what you did.” she replied. Even though I only spent a short time with Mel, I discovered that she could be very convincing sometimes. Her words assures I could trust her. She wanted me to keep that in mind that I’m a hero wherever I go but its up to me to decide, But nonetheless I’ve made up my mind.
This short lived friendship with Mel made me realized that some humans like us and some don’t. I’m willing to bet Mel likes people like us and are willing to sacrifice themselves for us.
Most humans don’t dare to speak of it because they don’t bother while some wanted to but are silenced under the issue.
Mel was helping me get some items to bring along while I get ready to leave for the town. After a few days of careful consideration, I’ve decided to head to town. It’ll be nice and quiet and no one will know who I am. The town Mel mentioned is just miles away from Seattle. Its near a lake and there are lots of trees there. Nice and quiet. No threats, no city.
Absolute silence.
Mel and gave me an untraceable phone so that we could keep in contact. No one but Mel knew about this...
For once, I believed that I’m actually going to be free...
When I climb on that bus and live in the town, I am free, free from the past, free from the city, free from anyone who is trying to get me. Free at last...
I climbed into the bus and waved good-bye to Mel.
That was the day we went our separate ways.
I slept while the bus drove to my destination.
I was too tired to stay awake.
It was a cold and dismal day. It was the kind of day that made you want to prolong the sleeping hours, and stay snug and comfortable in the warmth of your welcoming bed It was the kind of day that made you have to urge your muscle's to operate properly in order for you to get anywhere. These were the kind of days that I wished I could hide from.
I was thought about what Jake Flint said the other day.“things are about to change.” he said.
“just you wait. If I were you, I’ll head to the towns.”
Here I am, running scared from change.
What does he mean when he said change?
I have no idea.
Knowing Jake Flint, I know he is a crazy guy with all sorts of crazy schemes and one of his worked so he must have his reason for planing that for me.
The scenery outside was beautiful. The grass, the trees passed by just like that at the bus drove across the windy road.
We passed through the huge mist, the bus slowed down because its a one way path now.
I looked around me finding some of the passengers around here to be very old people. The one sitting in front of me finally turned to me and began to make conversation.
“that’s some girl huh?” he asked
She meant Melissa,
“she’s not my girlfriend.” I said.
Not knowing why I just said that. He wasn’t even asking.
“yeah right, that’s what they all say.” he teased.
I sat there thinking about Melissa, maybe he is right.
Though it was a short time with Mel, I could still remember her face.
Her looks, he soft hair.
To think that God has given me a beautiful angle to watch over me makes me feel that I can trust humans again.
I told myself this one thing.
When I go to Forks, no more powers,
It’s going to be a new day.
I am just a teen, jobless and homeless but I’m working on finding one. Just like any young adult here. The bus stopped and opened the door. I stood up from my seat and walked out from the bus. The station was a simple small one.
The stall owner stared at me like I’m some stranger. I passed by some the town residents and overheard something in their conversations.
From what I could gather. Recently, there were several fire incidents.
Most blame a killer on the lose but some claimed it was some mythical being.
“did you hear?” I overheard while looking.
“this killer just burnt down a farm house recently.” a man said.
“must be an angry spirit!” the other man said. “you know how the farmer treats his wife.”
Whatever it was, it got me into it.
Here’s what you need to know right now.
Let me try to break it down for you. So,
Mel sent me to a nearby town and promised to keep me safe.
For that, I am grateful. The town is a very homely place.
Simple life, simple things.
Welcome to Forks. It is about 139 miles away from downtown Seattle.
Its saturated at the Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington State, this small town exists under a near-constant cover of clouds. It rains on this inconsequential town more than any other place in the United States of America.
It is a small town with a small population, located in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington and is one of the rainiest locations in the United State. Forks is well known for its large timber industry, but in recent years the industry has declined. Currently the largest economic revenue in the town. Great! Perfect to stay low. Nobody knows me here.
The manager of the local post office was looking for a delivery boy and he sees that I fit for the job.
I may not know much about this town but it was enough for me to get started.
I just got to this new to town, looking for a place to stay, when I passed by the post office. I noticed the manager, Rudy kicking one of his employees out of the shop.
He dragged the man out like a ragged doll and threw him to the sandy road. From what I know, the employee was caught stealing from him and a few other people.
“If I ever see you again I’ll skin you ALIVE!”
The other man ran off without a thought. Rudy returned to to the shop as I quietly, follow him.
The shop uses wood mixed with cement. Racks of metal wall stands were drilled on it. The shop looks big and full of space. The shop looks like an old library than a post office. His face is quite round. His smile is the kind where girls will squeal and squeeze.Rudy looks like he is in his thirties. He wears a yellow shirt with black sleeves separating the yellow. He wore a pear of jeans and black Nike shoes.Rudy is quite big size for someone his age. He’s only a year older than me.
“um...hello.” I said politely.
“oh didn’t see you there.” Rudy raised his right hand towards me.
“Rudy Robertson, what can I do for you?”
“Hector Dagger, I need help.” I asked.
“well a friend in need is a friend of ole Rudy!” that's what he told me.
“I was wondering if I can have a place to stay.”
Rudy shrugged. “depends. How much are you looking for?”
I did not have any money on me so I told him kindly about my ‘current’ status. “I am actually an orphan and I just got kicked out cause I came of age. I can work for you if you give me a room.” I lied. I learned it from Jake who always did it when he messed with the shooting range back in The Lab.
“I see,” Rudy said. “well, there is a room up stairs but you must promise me that you’ll be my delivery boy.”
“deal!” I said with joy.
Thus, where we are now. Rudy lives his entire life here.
Rudy is a very adve
nturous person.
We would go out for hikes and bike riding around town.
He was the kind of person I needed.
He was a good friend.
I’ve been here for almost a while now.
I am part of this town now, and I am not going to let my powers to stop me from being normal again.
Mel was one of those who’ve made me feel normal. Through her, I discovered that some “normal's” can be trusted.
Rudy is new, but who knows.
I took over for Rudy being his delivery boy.
Though this town is small but most are already old.
Rudy gave me a skateboard to travel around. He used to skate but decided to stop and turned to bike riding instead. The skateboard is a Long-board Pin-tail. Its long and it has a well drawn design on the deck.
It has a picture of a part of an island with a palm tree.
It also has a design of huge waves rushing towards the island.
Its top is plastered with black sand paper.
The trucks are silver and the wheels are neon blue.
Rudy explained that he rode the Pin-tail for only a while because a friend gave it to him before his friend died in an accident.
Seems like the board had a history.
“why would you give something so valuable to me?” I asked.
Rudy shrugged “don’t worry about it man.”
“my old friend would be proud to let you have it.”
“besides you will need it to get around the neighborhood.”
“I never learn skating before” I said.
Rudy laughed and gave me a pat. “no worries kid. I’ll teach ya.”
I never learn skating before but there is a first time for everything.
I tried learning skating on my own before asking for help from Rudy.
Rudy just watched as I make a fool out of myself.
I placed my right foot towards the front of the board.
I gradually used my left leg to push the board forward and quickly moved my foot to the back of the board.
The board moved slowly as I got used to the board.
Quite stable actually.
I turned my front leg sideways to get more stability.
The board was quite easy to learn.
I pedaled faster and faster to gain speed.
This is going well! I was down a slope.
The board was rolling faster.
I tried to stable myself and keep my legs down. Its doing fine.
Till I realized there was a pebble ahead!
The board crashed towards the pebble and the board flew to the air.
I could already sense that I am going to fall.
“Not this time” I thought.
I began to flame up a dash of fire flying backwards and caught the board on my legs.
GOT IT!
I turned towards the road and landed to the road as usual and rolled down the slope.
Easy!
Rudy ran down to catch up to me. He was in shock of how good I was.
“how did you do that?” he asked.
“I don’t know.” I lied.
“that’s really cool...” Rudy said with a smile.
“you’re a natural!”
“just lucky.” I shrugged.
I got used to the Long-board very easily.
Its like riding a bike.Back when I was a kid, I used to ride them as a kid before I had my powers. Life back then was easy.
You go to school, you come back
You go to school, you come back
And the days carry on until you go for college
Or summer. Those were the days when life was easier.
But I never got that. Instead I had this.
A life on the run.
A life that can let others get hurt.
Bit this town has never even heard of the word Convict.
I doubt they do.
Rudy showed me his home upstairs the shop.
The house is very simple. Its small and simple.
The curtains were patterned with flower patterns.
It was just so simple.
Rudy said that his father died a few years ago from a car accident.
Rudy loved his father. His mother is still around and well. Mrs Robertson showed me to my room. The room is a very small room with a bed, a cupboard and a study table. The room is just a guest room. Its painted in a very homely coat of yellow green.
The whole post office/ library is well designed. Mrs Robertson explained that the house was designed by the late Mr Robertson and his family.
It has been a town landmark for generations. Now its just an old library but sometimes is a post office from town to town. I had a good rest and started working next thing in the morning. Mrs Robertson made pancakes and tea. Simple. After breakfast, I got on my Long-board and started my first delivery.
My first delivery is to a house of a small family up a hill.
Its was a very sunny day to go out delivering mails.
They didn’t have the internet here that is why they used mails instead.
I skated towards the bottom of the hill towards the home of the Millers.
The roads were well tiled and marked in white paint.
Trees were in every corner. The people here love to plant trees of fruits and vegetables. Some houses have well planted flowers and herb plants.
Its a Beautiful day here.
Better than the rainy and dirty City.
All its hustle and bustle, all its weather.
Here is much better.
I haven’t got a word from the City since the day I left.
Must be great back there for Mel.
Mel mentioned about how even in a busy city, we can also find nature.
Considering that Seattle is not much of a busy city, rather a town I can roughly get the picture.
The wind howled in a peaceful breeze and the grass rustled as the wind blows. The air was fresh.
Mel would love it here...
There were days where I was thinking about Melissa.
The truth is, I think I love her.
But who am I kidding? Plus, we’ve just met
Mel is a good friend. Why would I want her to get hurt?
Mel made me trust normal humans again.
She was one of those who’ve helped me.
I mean old folks in the streets help too but She did more.
Guess that’s what makes her such a good ally.
I delivered the letter to the house of the Millers and sent in the letters to their mail box. It seems that they are rich people.
The house is big and made of cement.
Its painted with white and its roof is dark blue.
The windows looked like they are well maintained.
But the best part is the surrounding garden.
It looked beautiful.
Morning glories, curled to the poles made for them.
Watermelons, big and fresh.
An apple tree, and a mango tree was planted on the other side.
And many other colorful flowers were planted.
Their mailbox was appealing. Its just like a normal mail box.
All painted in white with a bunch of colored hand prints.
It had red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green and brown hand prints all over the mail box.
It has a long red pole holding the mail box and a small red mail stand.
Seems like no one is home.
I left the home and went down with the Long-board.
The hill to the top is harsh but the road down was epic.
As you roll down the hill, the wind blows hard on you.
You feel that rush adrenaline and speed as you head down.
That sensation is thrilling.
The lush green forest was a total blur.
Nothing was clear.
The best feeling ever since I discovered I could fly.
With no one looking, I gave
the board a turbo by blasting green flames on the back of the board.
BOOM!
Super charge!!!
The board got faster.
Sending me off to the forest.
I tried to steer away, but it was too late.
The board slid off the road and send me off to the forest.
“Crap!” I said to myself.
The board flew off faster than I could hold it.
The board flew ahead of me leaving me on the air sending me off to a nearby tree.
I panicked and triggered my powers of fire.
My boots began to catch green fire, they were being infested in flames.
The blazing emerald flames took over the half of my legs.
My hands ignited and caught fire.
“oh no, not this again.” I thought.
The fire rose towards my torso and up to my head.
Before I could even notice it, where I was heading towards a tree.
My body slammed pass a tree and caused a large crash on the ground.
I was floating in the air. The fire grew to my head.
In a blink, my whole body was covered in fire.
I hit against another tree.
I kept myself calm and power down my powers.
I was rustling through the slope.
I was grunting and groaning as I fight with the slope.
Flying out of control.
The fire slowly extinguished.
I stopped hovering in the air and fell down to the muddy ground.
A bit later, I was heading for a cliff.
SPLASH!
I fell about four feet down to the sea.
Huge tide of waves blew in, taking me hit after hit.
I tried to swim up,
The waves blew in harder and harder...
I thought I was going to die.
I struggled, I pushed, I swam.
But the sea was too strong.
One big wave rolled over. It knocked me down to the ocean’s depths .
I was sinking. I went deeper.
The tidal water was murky green. Hitting me down.
It was all a blur for me.
Life flashed before me again. Just like the house fire.
Then, a spark.
The flame!
The fire grew from my heart and expanded all over me.
One minute I was cold from the water, the next thing I knew I got all warm.
It grew and grew.
I burst out the water and flew up.
WOOSHHHH~
I soar towards the top of the cliff, I flew higher and higher and took a quick turn up.My powers took me up back to the cliff.I powered down and landed on higher ground. I can still hear the waves rumbling from below.
My delivery costume which was a green cotton fiber shirt with a NIKE symbol on the right got really soaking while drying itself up with my powers, my long stretchy pants all cold from the water and my sneakers all soggy because of the cold wind. It was wet like as if I showered myself while wearing my cloths and only dried up a bit of the water. I began to heat myself up.
I’m okay, I’m alive...
That was the fourth time I used my powers.
I’m starting to treat this power more like a blessing.
I’m starting to forgive myself.
It saved me and it saved others more than once.
What is there to complain? The Lab is mine, one minute you use your powers, a man hunt will begin. Days will pass for the trial to pass but I’m sure they have bigger things to worry about.
I began walking home.
I had a hard time to explain to Rudy about the whole “I fell down to the ocean but got out thing.” The board got soaked wet.
The grip tape was rip away from the board mid way.
I can’t believe that I’m alive.
“so, let me guess.” Rudy said.
“you tripped and fell into the ocean and miraculously lived when most just die from such a big fall?” we met up in the garage.
The lights were dim orange and the tools were all over the place.
In the center is an old black Gran Torino with two white stripes on the sides and the roof of the car in the center.
No other decorations were made because it was Rudy’s grandfather’s car when he passed a few years ago. It meant so much to them that they kept it. The insides were unclear but I could tell that it has not been driven long but maintained well.
“uh...yeah.” I said while drying myself off with a towel.
“you got some superpower or something, kid?” he asked
My heart skipped a beat.
“uh...I guess so. But I guess I’m just lucky.”I pointed out.
To be honest I am considered lucky. There were moments where I should be dead but I didn’t.
Put it simply,I have a guardian angle watching over me.
My powers become an automatic defense.
They just spark out of nowhere and saves me from dying.
Its great when your facing a life and death situation.
Rudy was thinking of countering my comments about how I survived the fall. “you got a condition, Hector.” Rudy said with a face of disgust.
“let’s see what else you can do?”
“uh...no thanks.” I said.
Knowing that I just revealed part of my secret to Rudy but partly lying about it makes me ensure he will know eventually but this first step will make Rudy take in the whole “Convict” thing easier.
Rudy took the board and fixed it. The grip tape was removed and replaced.After doing the grip tape, Rudy took the trucks and cleaned them up.After several minutes of waiting, it was finally fixed.
Rudy warned it might not run like how it used to so smoothly.
“might be a it rusty.” He said. “Its alright. Thanks.” I thanked.
I was just about to leave when we heard a loud explosion from outside the garage.
BOOM!
“what the hell?” Rudy exclaimed.
He began to sprint out to the pedestrian, looking around for the source of the blast. I was following because I just knew I had to be there.
Crowds were panicking. The shop across the street was caught in a fire.
This is bad...
The fire blazed towards the roof. The blazing heat was intense.
A thick, sour, black smoke rose from the windows of the shop.
People were scrambling around the place, trying to put the fire out.
Rudy went back to his house and grabbed an Axe.
He ran towards house, madly swing his Axe. Breaking the wooden door.
The rising heat was intense.
Screams of a little girl was heard from the inside of the shop. Rudy heard it too. “Nicole is still in there!” Rudy immediately ran into the burning building.
I marched towards him, trying to halt Rudy.
I grabbed Rudy by the arm and asked.
“Rudy! Don’t go in there!”
Rudy gave me that look. He was wearing a sunglasses goggle. Its hard to see but I could feel it.
“Nicole is in there, someone has to help!” said Rudy.
Those choice of words, Rudy is really into saving the kid.
His eyes, though being covered by a pair lens spoke those words into me just by the glare of his eyes.
“then I’ll go!” I said. I took a deep breath and ran in. Normally, people will start coughing, covering their mouths with one hand while the flames danced around them. But I wasn’t afraid. Fire is my friend. “hey guys.” I said. I took a good smell at the thick, sour smell of the smoke. The fire around me began to grew less. Fire that was standing on the finishers and walls began to float and went into me. Recharged! Its been a long time since I did this. I turned and started marching inwards. "Nicole! Nicole!" I cried. Every step I took, the fire cowered away from me. This is my kind of place!
I turned left and right to find Nicole.
Using all my
strength, I braved through the flames and into another room. “help!help!” Nicole shouted from the distance. I walked slowly towards Nicole and reached out my hand. “Hey...” I said in a calm tone. “let's get out of here, okay?” I asked. Nicole was afraid but she reached out her tiny hand to mine. She stood up as I pulled her through the flames. The flames roared, burning everything it its path. Nicole walked with me at ease as the fires hid away from my sight. She tried not to breathe until we made it to the outside of the burning shop. Then, on her hands and knees,panting so loudly,gasping for clean air.
I looked towards Nicole “you okay?” I whispered.
“yeah...” Nicole ran to Rudy’s arms.
The other town folks were still trying to put out the fire.
A fire truck came by a few moments after I and pulled out a long yellow hose and began to fire water against the shop which is now consumed in fire.
A big thick smoke rose up,
Surrounding our atmosphere.
The sharp rise of heat rose to our eyes
The fire danced on top of the shop crackling and hissing.
I turned towards the shop.
The neighbors were still trying to stop the fire.
I rose my left palm.
The fire stopped growing, it turned green rapidly. The people stared as I walked into the shop again while the fire shrunk inwards the house. I marched in without fear. The fire shrunk into a small fire ball standing on a pile of burned magazine. Above it is a burned stand lamp with a broken light bulb.
The fire looked like it’s caused from the bursting bulb sending the spark to the old magazine. The fire must have then expanded later resulting the fire. The room was badly destroyed.
The room was burned black.
The furniture was badly damaged.
That seems new. My heart was pounding regularly.
I turned outside and walked towards Rudy.
Rudy was stunned.
He was still shocked that I walked into the burning shop without getting burned. “how did you do that?” he asked. I nodded.
“this is your ‘condition’?” he asked.
“more or less...” I replied.
