by Cooper Eaton
“I would be honored. I share your feelings and believe that now is the time to fight for change. My main goal is to make the world better for everyone including my parents.”
“The reminds me, would you like to see your parents? I could set up a hologram visit. “
“Are you serious? Yes, yes, yes! I would love to see them!”
“Well, alright then, I’ll get on with setting up a secure network. However, while we set that up, I thought you might like to see your friend Rasben who we did manage to save after the ray fight.”
He motioned, and in came Rasben! No way! “Rasben is that really you?”
He approached and we embraced so hard I almost disconnected a few tubes in the process.
He pulled back. “Hey man, how ya doing? I thought you’d never get done taking that long nap of yours. It’s about time you decided to wake up.”
“Haha, you’re hilarious. I’m doing pretty good actually. I don’t know what kind of doctors they have here, but they did a good job.”
“Well, seeing as how we’re in a rebel base, I guess your compliments would be going to the one doctor that they have in their infirmary.” He laughed.
“Wait, you're serious. They only have one doctor?”
“Yes, I’m dead serious. They couldn’t risk taking you to a hospital, because of your popularity. You’d have been recognized instantly. Luckily though, they have this place, where you’ve been for over a week getting better while the rebel force prepares for the government's backlash. It’s nice to know that the face of the rebellion is alive and breathing. Maybe you can inspire the troops a little bit.”
“I doubt it, but I can’t wait to get back in the fight.” I said standing up slowly but sitting quickly as my eyes went spotty with the sudden unexpected blood flow.
“Easy buddy, don’t get back in the fight to early or you might disappear from it altogether.”
“Speaking of disappearing, what happened to Chris, Jack, Jessica, and Rachel? I questioned.
“Unfortunately, I was the only one who got picked up with you. Jessica ran off before the disk arrived, as did Rachel and Jack.”
“What about Chris?”
“Well… he uh…”
“What happened?”
“He was never with us to begin with. He refused to escape with us.”
“Escape, do you mean the near dead testers below ground? By the way, how did that happen?”
“It’s a long story. I’d tell you now, but there isn’t time. All you need to know is that we broke into the castle and freed all of the knocked out testers. When we went to escape, Chris refused and tried to sound alarms. Luckily, we subdued him and were able to escape. Supposedly, he’s with the government now. I honestly don’t know what happened to him.”
“Well, it looks like we have some work to do Rasben. If you're willing, I’d appreciate your help in finding all of them.”
“But mostly Jessica.” He laughed. “I saw you two having your little farewell kiss. While you were doing that I was trying to keep people from shooting you two, but it looks like things are finally looking up in the love department.” He said grinning.
I felt a deep blush again. “Well then I guess, Thanks for the assist. I owe you one, and yes Jessica, I have to save her, but we need to save all of them, are you with me?”
“Just like in the test; commander, your wish is my command.” He gave a smirk and fake salute and then added with sincerity. “But really, I’m with you, we need to find them and I believe we can do it.” He paused to check his hollow watch. “However, right now I have a very important date that I gotta get to, but I’ll see you later okay?”
“Alright, see you man.” I barely had time to utter as he rushed from the room.
Once he left I was left to think by myself. I knew what we needed to do. We have to save them, we have to. They’re like family, and nothing gets in the way of family.
The hologram lanterns lit; and their standing before me were my parents! “Mom, dad!”
“William! How are you honey? My mother almost shouted.
“I’m good mom.” I said choking on unexpected tears.
“How are things, why haven’t we heard from you? Did they hold you against your will?”
“Well, let’s just say that you were probably right that I shouldn’t have come, things have been pretty crazy.”
“Are you feeling okay though?” My mom asked as tears began to rush down her’s and my dad’s faces.
“Yes mom, I’m fine. I know I may look a little battered, but I’m recovering.”
“What happened? We saw you on the news. It said that you’re a wanted criminal and that you killed a government official. What is happening down there?”
“It’s all a lie; you can’t believe what is being said.” If my parents don't know who I am then how will anyone else.
“The government sanctioned test that I was here for was actually just a test run to see if they could control people. When the results came back positive a man named Mr. Dark used the research to try and take over the world. I tried to stop him and things got ugly. I know things don’t look good, but I’m fighting against the government to help make you guys’ lives better.”
“What! Why would you do something like that? Now you’ll be hunted down like a common criminal.” My mother interjected as tears once again began to stream.
“Mom, just listen to me for a second. The government wants to take control of everyone! The people I’m with are the only thing between us and a total take over. I’m with them so I can protect you.”
“Son, why don't you come home and we can work this out together.” My dad interrupted.
“You don’t understand; this is where I want to be! This is where I need to be! If I don’t do this now, there will never be another opportunity. If I fail to act I’ll never be able to live a better life and help you guys. The least I can do is give back a little bit of what you’ve given me.”
“Honey we don’t care about a better life, all we want is you. Please come home darling.” Mother pleaded.
“Mom, if I come home now there won’t be a home for very much longer. If we don’t fight back against the government pretty soon we won’t be able to enjoy each other anymore. I have to fight, not only for us but for people across the country.”
Mom began to speak but then Dad whispered something in her ear. Her expression changed from one of fear to something resembling pride. “Okay son, if this is what you have to do then we believe in you. But always remember that your father and I will always be here for you no matter what happens.”
“Thanks mom.”
Dad jumped in. “I’m very proud of the man you’ve grown up to be son. I’ve always known you were going to do something special. Always remember that your mother and I believe in you. No matter where life takes you; whether it be up or down remember we love you. When you are faced with tough decisions, which I’m sure you will be in the days to come, try and think back to what we tried to teach you. When you're down in the gutter remember that nothing can keep you there but yourself. And remember that even when you're soaring high above those around you; remain humble and help those in need. If you stay strong you can accomplish anything.”
This is the man I so dearly love. This is the man who’s been there for me whenever I’ve fallen down. This is the man who tries to make every moment a teachable one, this is the man that’s held my hand when tough times have come my way, and this is the man that will forever impact my life in ways I’m sure I’ll never comprehend. And the women standing next to him, is the woman who has never failed me. She’s always taught me the true meanings of giving and helping. This is the woman who has been with me through every step of my life teaching and comforting me. She’s made me feel like nothing can ever stop me. I am forever indebted to them both. They will never truly know how much I love them and cherish their influence in my life.
I wanted to re
ach through the hologram and hug them both. I desperately wanted to go home in that moment, but it would never last. It would only injure them more than me being apart from them for so long.
“I love you guys.” I said with tears now freely running down my face. “I know I can make your lives better. I can’t wait until I get to see you in person again. I know I can make a difference.”
Mom was now sobbing. “My beautiful little boy is growing up. Baby, I know you can change the world for the better, the only thing I ask is that you stay safe while you're doing it.” Her eyes showed a smile underneath the tears.
“I promise mom.” I gestured with my pinky finger to her holographic image.
Then I turned to look at my dad’s imaged. He stared back for a while before he spoke his words of wisdom. “Remember son, don’t be afraid to ask for a little help every once in awhile. I love you son, and no matter what happens know that your mother and I will always be with you wherever you are.” He finished as a lone tear broke free and traveled slowly down his face.
Now, all three of us were crying knowing that this might be the last time we would have the opportunity. With upcoming resistance their safety as well as mine would most assuredly be put in jeopardy. I tried to ingrain this memory in my head. I had to make it stick forever!
“I love you guys so much!” I managed between sobs.
“We love you more!”
The live feed was cut short and their loving, tear streaked faces vanished; leaving me once again alone in the chaotic world I was now entrapped in.
I sat on my bed for the next couple of hours staring blankly at the wall opposite me trying to remember my parent’s final words. The words got jumbled in my head, but it didn’t matter, because the only important ones were, “I love you.”
I was deep in thought when Felicia, walked in.
“Hey, you made it.” I said with surprise at seeing the person I least expected.
“Yes, but no thanks to you.” She laughed sarcastically.
“Haha, I was a little bit busy crashing, but I’m glad to see that you didn’t.”
She sat gracefully on the foot of my bed as if she owned the place. “That was awesome what you did William. I can’t believe you survived that wreck much less managed take down one of the most powerful seers we ever encountered. You saved everyone; you’re truly a modern day hero.” She said making me blush a little bit.
“I did what anyone with a heart would have done. And without your heroic act of pulling that disk off my tail I wouldn’t have made it to Mr. Dark’s big revealing in the first place. I’m truly grateful.”
“You’re welcome for saving your life, but I’d say I did a pretty crappy job of it, in your present condition. I’m just glad you survived.”
“What did you mean when you called Mr. Dark a seer?”
“I called Mr. Dark a seer because that’s what you guys are called.”
“What do you mean all of us? What exactly is a seer?”
“It seems as though you have a lot to learn about yourself. Don’t worry though, there will be time for learning about your gift later, right now we’re going to move you to a more secure location.”
“Why? You mean now? Why not tomorrow, when it’s daytime.”
“We can’t risk losing the face of the rebellion, so we have to move now. I’m sorry, but Damian wants it this way. We can’t spare the manpower to protect you here. We need to get moving within the next half hour. Can you be ready?”
“I guess, but why so soon?”
“The quicker we act on orders the less time enemies have to prepare. I’ll give you a few moments to grab your stuff and put on some clothes. Someone will come and get you in 30 mins. Sound good?”
“Yes, I’ll be ready.”
With that she left and I began to dress from a pile of my clothes that looked like they were the ones I had brought with me to the testing. No way, my own clothes! Man was I happy not to have to wear animation clothing again.
I put on a comfortable pair of jeans and an old grey t-shirt. I grabbed my bag
and began heading for the door, but I felt something poking me in the leg. Dropping my back I reached into my pocket and withdrew a sharp piece of paper.
I glanced down at it ready to throw it away when I realized it was Matthew's suicide note! I turned it over in hands debating on whether to throw it away or not when I noticed something! Faint lettering on the backside:
“I’m not dead! I know my body probably is at this point, but my consciousness is alive and well. I faked my suicide! Right now I’m most likely floating around somewhere in my consciousness form. I need you to find me, and help me. I have no idea how to take control of a body and I am most likely lost and alone right now. I wrote this letter to you William; because you're the only person I can trust. I found some things out; some very frightening things! I can’t write them here, it’s too risky. Please find me and maybe we can figure things out. You need to keep a close watch on those around you, especially Damian, no one can be trusted! The knowledge I hold may be the key to your survival, if you want to live you must find me, and quickly!
Your future friend
Matthew.
P.S. Hurry!”
I was in shock! He’s still alive, and out there somewhere!
With the sudden excitement, yellow electricity unexpectedly began seeping from my hands! What the! This time, however, something was different about it. It didn’t feel right.
It definitely wasn’t golden, but it the cords weren’t only yellow! They had a small amount of black mixed in! I felt something… I could feel Mr. Dark’s power running through me! I felt stronger, I felt more powerful than before, what happened?
“Hey, you ready William?” Rasben called from outside my door.
“I guess,” I whispered to myself as I began walking for the door that would most likely lead me on a suicidal journey for freedom.
I knew what I had to do now: I had to save Jessica, Chris, Matthew, Jack and Rachel and I had to do it fast. I also had to save the world from being taken over by the corrupt people who lived in it. My journey was definitely going to be tough, but I felt stronger than before, I felt more capable than I had in the past, but I felt something else too. I felt a seeping darkness beginning to grow within…
