by BRANDON WOO
10
The Detective
Alice:
I wasn’t sure about that detective that I just met.
Maybe he is just a figment of my imagination, maybe he as a ghost, so maybe...
But Amanda saw it, Philip saw it...
How can IT even be a ghost?
Amanda thinks its okay for me to be out alone to take out drug lords and thugs. But I’ve always felt that I’m meant to do something bigger.
We were at Philips. My damaged costume would need days to repair so,
Philip made another costume for me that is a long legging with a short skirt on the waist and a long sleeve black shirt with the symbol on the front.
The suit is all black with Pink,blue and purple lines decorating the arms, side of the legs and back.
It was beautiful. The back was my favorite.
It had the three colors creating a pattern.
Lovely! But I still need a coat.
These days, the weather is getting cold.
Philip made another long coat in navy blue with only two pockets on each side.I wore my dried up black boots
Looks much better.
He even had a different pattern design printed on the back too.
“looks really good on you.” Philip said. “thanks.” I said
“what about that really cool one?” I asked again.
“soon...”
I sighed. I walked towards the window of the apartment where Philip stayed in and jumped down. My back begins to grow butterfly wings of lights. I pulled up and got higher, waving good-bye and took off to my next mission. Even though I am happy on the outside but I was still recalling what the Detective said.
“We are all targets. Even you.”
That still bugs me and its still running in my mind.
The mission is to go and take down another mob.
But I insisted on something else more dangerous. I wanted to go after the Detective. I knew Amanda will turn down that call so I did it alone.
I didn’t do what Amanda requested and went on my own. I landed on a safe ally and changed to my normal cloths, even though it was beautiful I still have to keep it away. This mission means business.
I went back to Seattle and went back to the scene of the crime, people were rushing around.
The city was calm. There were some seagulls in the sky.
The wind blew of cold breeze.
The drone was down today. The rain from my previous adventure short circuited the system. Perfect! I wore long jeans and a sweater and a long navy blue jacket out. Its freezing outside.
As much as it is a very nice weather, but if you are going to say outside too long. You will feel the chills. Its the weekend, days like these are easygoing for me.
I was somewhere near the Center. The smokes from busy restaurants floated out. Graffiti every corner I turned. I’ve always felt that’s what makes Seattle cool. We’re used to so much art that even some older people do it. Its part of our way of life actually.
Some days, I see the city as a beautiful mess.
The city is like a huge maze that you hope to never get out.
The weather and land marks were breathtaking.
I walked to where I was caught in the act.
“there was no dispatch that day.” I said in my head.
“how can there be a sudden party of cops after me and my movement?”
“it was perfectly planed.” I pointed out.
Perhaps, this isn’t as easy as it sounds.
“so, you wanted to see me huh?” a male voice spoke from behind.
“I never thought an 18 year-old would want to TRY hunting me down.”
I looked behind and found myself staring at the detective.
He just smiled and just stared at me...
After several moments staring at each other he finally spoke.
“lets have some coffee.”without a doubt, I just followed.
That was the moment I realize this could be it.
I either get caught or get something good out of it.
He seemed very chilled and calm.
We went to a nearby Starbucks and talked.
The detective and I brought a cup of hot latte.
He took a few sips and finally spoke.
“so...” he said. “what do you wanna know?”
“who are you?” I asked. The detective just said nothing and stared at his latte. The sun was up but the air is still cold. Gust of wind blew passed the shop. No talking, just the sound of the city. “are you a Convict?” I asked. After a few seconds, I suddenly noticed the metal spoon on his latte getting electrocuted. Sparks of blue lighting crawled around the spoon. He is one of US? “all my life.” He smiled while stirring his latte with his spoon. “I can also do this.” his voice rang in my head. Just like last time! “telekinesis?” I asked. “neat party trick...” I added.
“not really neat. Actually.” he said.
“See, my powers have limits. I need conductive items if I ever need to go far. things made of metal or has powers of its own.” he explained.
He paused and took another sip of his latte with his hand.
I took mine after him.
“but that’s not important.” his said out loud. His face changed.
He stared straight into my eyes. “there are dark forces moving in Emerald City.”he said. His glare was very nerve-wrecking. My heart pounded harder. Just like last time. “like I said.” he said in thought speak. We’re all targets, Even YOU.”
You won’t believe what happened to me lately.
I got myself into being The Detective, Mr D that’s what I call him.
In this world he is in. He told me many great and horrible things. He made me see the world in a way only he knows how.
A world full of danger and adventure. He’s a Firefly, he has the power to control electricity.He can also talk to people in their heads.
What’s his real name? I don’t know, why? Because he doesn’t want to tell me about it. Turns out he was not an optical illusion after all.
He is in fact a person. He seems very mysterious.
When I echo the question ‘who are you?’ he brushes it aside.
Later at dinner, I decided not to mention about The Detective . they'll never believe it anyway. instead, I told them about Dazzle Girl.
"huh? Who is Dazzle Girl?" my dad set down his spoon.
"she had purple light powers." Hannah reported.
"that's nice."My mom replied. “this city could use some color.”
"well,don't you think it's wired?" I hinted. Wanting to slowly let them realize Dazzle Girl and I are the same. My parents knew nothing till this day about me in prom an all that. Good news too. No reports, no nothing, I was living the dream like all kids do. A hero.
but before either parent could reply, dad distracted about his work in the bank.
Frustrated that my parents weren't interested, I carried my plate to the kitchen. Then wandered into my room thinking about what I’m about to do later with The Detective as I peered out the window. The moonlight shone through the window. The weather was very dry but windy tonight. Perfect time to sleep. "Who is he anyway? Why all the secrecy? " I wondered. But he is one of us so I left it as it is. Too much thoughts can clutter your mind.
Anyways, Our mission is to investigate a warehouse nearby The Crocodile Bay near The Docks. I tried asking for more information about what we’re doing but he didn’t say. We’re gonna do it tonight. Must be a new cargo of drugs.
I lay on my bed, thinking about this whole superhero thing.
Its not easy at times. In school, you could or could not be a nobody but that moment when you show up in costume. Perfect.
You’re free from what the world thinks of you. They would just look at you and just say “wow! What a hero!”
That was where and when I treasure being the only child.
Being an only child an
d hero makes me go in and out hard. There were times recalled having an older brother, Hector.
I recalled him having black hair like me with green eyes. I think his face was sharp, not rounded like mine. Mom always told me the same story about him, saying he is in a very special place where he studies but will never comeback cause they are very strict about phones and traveling. Wait till he comes back and finds out how special I am.
I’m used to being the only kid at home.
Wonder if Hector misses me?
But its been years since he was away. Not a phone call, not an answer from the people who came to pick him up. Its like he was a ghost. I remembered it was after a house fire that occurred during the summer.
We all got out alive and all the house needed was to clean up and repair a thing or two there so, the rest of my summer was seeing the house go back to normal. Days after, I was out with a friend, Amanda and when I came back, Mom said he had a chance to study somewhere really cool.
I was ten.
I could recall only fragments about Hector. He is a loving and caring brother. But I hated the fact that he just left without a word, messed up!
The wardrobe was shaking, vibrating madly while I was lost in thought about Hector. That’s strange. I got up and went towards it to have a closer look. My heart began pounding as I got closer. Whats in there?
“Floating thoughts?” The Detective asked as he leaned beside my room door. I rushed towards him and grabbed him. I sighed in relive. Its just The Detective.“don’t stand there!” I whispered.
“why not?” he asked.“ because my parents will see you.” I said.
He followed my direction as I dragged him towards the window.
“so, why did you choose me?” I asked.
“because you were one of those who’ve been out there.” he said.
Our plan was to head to The Docks to send a message. Drug importation has grown more these days, the Detective intends to send a warning to the drug lords telling them to leave the city alone. I thought of the same thing! Only problem, I’m doing it without Amanda.This mission sucks! Doing something behind Amanda’s back.
She and I we’re best friends, making us inseparable.
But this is when I realize Amanda is not fitting for me to get used to this whole superhero thing.
“Detective, do you think I’ll ever get the credit for being a hero in the city?” I asked.
“by actions, yes.” he nodded.
“but to be a hero, one must do more than just heroics to be remembered.” he stared to the outside through my room window. The outside is filled with people walking in groups, laughing and talking out loud. His eyes reflected the lamp posts lights outside. There’s a lot in said in his eyes. “are you a hero?” I asked.
“that’s up to you Alice.” he said turning to me. “what?” I asked. “why do you say that?” The Detective stared at me sincerely. His slightly wrinkled face shadowed under the light. He looked like he aged a bit.
“I can be all sorts of things. But there are some that I choose to live by that defies who I am.” now using thought speak “and your choices defies you, Alice.”
That moment there made me realize that he’s the example I need to be a better hero. “thank you, Detective.” I smiled.
“you still haven’t told me your name.” I pointed out.
The Detective did it again. Brushing it aside. “not yet.” he said.
I took a deep breath began to remove my sweater shivering under my sports bra and changed into my hero costume. He didn’t noticed.
“let’s do this!” I said.
The Detective opened up the window with his mind. The window frame pop itself open by a split second. “ladies first.” I aimed to the outside of the window and jumped out to the emptied out streets.
The Detective followed soon after. “let’s go.” I said.
It wasn’t easy to get to The Docks I’ll tell you that. We had to run our way there.
The Detective levitated by connecting his electronic powers towards the nearby metal poles, street lamps and other metal objects to get it going and his height of levitation is not even really high up. When he uses his powers, a blue stream of lightning will appear.
“takes a while to get up.” he said. I ran from safe route to safe route towards The Docks. Looking out for each other. We made a pretty good team. The streets are quiet but lately there is a lot to talk about. People from The Lab grew. Its agents doubled the security tonight. They are after this sandy kind of guy. He was deemed dangerous. Taking control on West Seattle. Rumor has it that he helped clean up Settle’s Space Needle from those hideous concrete bits, bringing it to its glory this morning. I honestly think its awesome.
Now that’s called being a hero!
I took several routes to make it to The Docks.
When I reached The Docks, I went in blazing!
Cue in awesome mix of pop music!
ZEZEZEZEZEZEZEZE~
TSEEEEEEEW~ TSEEEEEEEW~
I put on my I-pod shuffle with headphones on and and press play.
I tossed myself towards one of the guards and pushed them towards the water. “whoa-wah!” the other guards were alarmed!
They went over to me to check. Wait for it...
The headphone played the bass drop, time to dance!
I jumped out, powered up and tossed myself to the guards. I gave a roundhouse kick towards one of them. While in mid air, I gave a side kick towards the other one and flung off to a corner.
I charged up again this time running towards the other one and gave him a five knuckle shuffle.
I was feeling it! The beat! The sound cue.
Wham! Pow! Wham! Pow!
Oh! The excitement!
I raced to the one on top of the pillars he was trying to snipe me.
I grabbed his worm green shirt and pulled him to the water. “hey! Whoa-wah!” he exclaimed.
I finally go to the top and blasted more and more towards the guards.
I was winning. Then there was a huge gun fire.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
The guards showed up and marched towards me.
“oh crap!” I yelled.
PEW! PEW!
I shot a beam of light towards the oil as it spills all over the floor.
The oil caught fire!
The light increased. Purple light.
It glowed brightly. The place is catching fire!
One guard tried to run over to the light.
His legs were shaking. Without hesitation, he touched the light.
“EEEEOWWWW!” he exclaimed.
“The light burns!” he shouted. I started to chuckle. I shot more and more light beam towards the fuel tanks that is scatted all over the dock.
WRRRRR~ TSEEEEEEEW~ TSEEEEEEEW~
WHRRRRRR~
WRRRRR~ TSEEEEEEEW~ TSEEEEEEEW~
WHRRRRRR~
I ran up to my feet.
More guards showed up.
Now we talking! This is a REAL fight!
WRRRRR~ TSEEEEEEEW~ TSEEEEEEEW~
WHRRRRRR~
WRRRRR~ TSEEEEEEEW~ TSEEEEEEEW~
WHRRRRRR~
The beams landed successfully on the guards.
“Where is The Detective?” I asked myself.
I’m almost out! I need to recharge!
I tried to leap up to The Crocodile Bay neon sign but the guards just kept shooting. My face fell onto the wooden floor as I helplessly stared at the guards moving towards me.
The number of guards appeared more and more.
For the first time ever, I was scared.
“Be brave, be brave...” I told myself.
I tried wrangling my way out from the guards but they were too big. They hand cuffed me in ropes. I was too powerless to remove them.
“alright kiddo.” one of the guards said.”who sent you?” I looked at them trying to act confused. “uh...what? Oh, sorry I was sleep walking.”
The guard didn�
�t buy it and pulled my head phones off and threw it into the sea. “you think I’m kidding?” he asked.
“just hold it off Alice.” The Detective said in thought speak. “I’m right behind you.” I smiled confidently at them.
“oh you’re in trouble now...” I declared.
The man lost his temper, “I’ll show you trouble miss!”
Before he could make a move,
A piece of metal pipe, coiled with blue lightning, smacked on the guards that were holding me. The pipe hit the guards on their heads. Knocking them out. I turned surprised. It was him. The Detective gave a small shock and pulled the ropes off. “thanks!” I thanked. While running towards his back to take down another one with a kick. The guards grew in numbers. We found ourselves standing back to back as the guards surrounded us.
Every blast and every punch or kick made the guards grew more.
“where have you been.?” I asked. “busy!” The Detective pulled out a normal metal rod and pointed at the control room.
“we gotta go!” I declared.
“not yet.”said The Detective.
He gave one final blast.
“bail!” he shouted.
The Detective kept his aim at the control room and fired a bolt of lightning and fired a few more at the guards. Streams of blue lightning swirled and shocked the guards he targeted. He took a metal trash can lid and hovered himself up while I ran and climbed towards the top of the Crocodile Bay rooftop. I naturally drained some Neon lights from the sign and ran off to the nearby ally.
Back in action!
We got over powered! Come to think of it, how can that happen?
We were mutants against humans with guns.
I ran towards the Detective and fired a few more bolts of light at the remaining guards.
The Detective turned back and blasted one or two more bolts of electricity. Towards the control room, the systems were fried and now, we spook them. “that’s enough!” I said. The Detective and I fired a few more warning shots at the cargoes.
I ran the other direction. We sent the message, we spooked them. They might leave us alone. “wait.” The Detective mumbled. “that can't be...” I turned towards the control room. “that can’t be what?” I asked.
“nothing....” He said. “go!”
And we scattered. We met up a bit later and decided to call it a night.
I wasn’t mad.
I knew he would take a longer time to join in.
See, The Detective explained he can only use his powers at a very low amp, to strengthen it, he needs things made of metal to amp up his powers as well as original sources. That’s why he needed the metal rod.
I was kind of mad at him for leaving me behind. But in this short period of time, the Detective and I have been a great team.
I watched his back and he watched mine, even though is was not always. We’re like all the dynamic duos in TV shows. We’re like Clara and The Doctor.
The Detective walked me back home as the sun was about to rise. It was around 2 am. Its moments like this that I feel very human with The Detective. The night was silent.
Crickets chirping. The neighborhood, quiet and its owners fast a sleep.
While we were walking,
Questions grew within me about The Detective. “so, you went over to my house tonight,” I started.
“ I thought maybe I’d walk to The Docks or something, but you showed up. my parents were home. Downstairs."I continued. “so strange, my parents never even heard or noticed you.” I paused to look at The Detective’s reaction. The Detective did not reply. I wished I could ask him the real questions I wanted to know. Like who is he and why else would he chose me instead of the reason he already gave.
“Mr D-why didn't my parents see you?” I asked quietly.
he hesitated "I guess I should tell you the truth." he said finally in a whisper. “there's a good reason why your parents didn't see me,” The Detective said leaning close to me. Because your a ghost. I thought. “see, I sneaked into your room window and hid behind your wardrobe.” he said "huh?" I reacted. “I got into your room during dinner. Not a sound in sight. I have light feet and amazingly I could fit. Sorry if I creep you out.” He explained. “I see,I’m sorry Mr.D. Its okay.” I replied patting on his back. That would explain the sound on the wardrobe. “thank you.” Mr.D thanked. “for asking me.”
We reached my house. I stopped walking. Mr.D just walked ahead of me as I ran through my thoughts. “see you when I see you.” The Detective called. “yeah,okay.” I replied, thinking about what I just knew, I raise my head up to ask more. But he just vanished.
I hate it when he does that.
realizing that it was all a misunderstanding, I climbed back into my room changed into my purple night gown and lied on my bed in exhaustion. What a night!
A part of me thought about the others out there.
I mean, Mr D is one, I am one, surly there is more.
Wonder if they are doing the same thing as I am.
If not, what path are they taking?
