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BEYOND ORDINARY
As we headed to Ivory's house, we found ourselves in the town of Pueblo Jaguabico. Despite its size and popularity as a tourist destination, it was also one of the poorest areas on the island. Many homes were in disrepair, with crumbling walls, leaky roofs, and broken windows patched up with makeshift materials. Narrow, pothole-riddled streets made travel difficult, and the town's outdated sewage system overflowed with even the slightest rain. This was particularly problematic because it constantly rained, even on sunny days when clouds seemed miles away, you could catch winds of rain anywhere in the city. Government support was minimal, leaving residents to fend for themselves, and it was evident that maintenance was a low priority for many.
The town's well-connected highways stood in stark contrast to the struggling neighborhoods. Highway Rose, the island's Great Artery, led from the cruise port to the airport, linking numerous other roads that crisscrossed the island. Leaving the main expressway, we entered a street marked by a faded sign that read "Barrio Mezcla." The house was located in a quiet, secluded alley, which felt like stepping into a forgotten corner of the town, marked by a distinct lack of activity. The alley was flanked by run-down homes with rusting metal gates and overgrown lawns, meaning the people here were beyond caring anymore.
As I entered, I was quickly greeted by Braden, who had an indifferent face when he saw me. He's a vocalist and guitarist for the famously local band, 'Los Mártires', and that fame got to his head and he always looks at others as if he's superior to them and ignores anybody who is not in his circle, I speak from experience.
Braden wears punk-style clothes and has a vibrant red mohawk, with the sides of his head shaved. Braden it's his stage name. He's one of the people in Vanity Island who changed his name to one in the 'Columbia Registry Names List', a list where you choose your USC name when one changes his citizenship from Vanitans to Columbians
"Hey, Braden, right? I'm Ellion." I introduced myself but he just turned away and acted like he didn't hear me. He then walked to an armchair grabbed a wooden guitar that was next to it, and sat down.
What an asshole. I then slowly walked to the middle of the living room and looked around to see the house. A spacious living room, with a comfortable sofa and one armchair next to it. Walls painted on a warm neutral color and adorned with portraits of old photos of the people of Vanity. The floors of the entrance of the house were made of polished hardwood and the rest of it was made of cheap ceramic tiles but with a large rug in the middle of the room. From the living room, you could see the small kitchen with a gas stove and a refrigerator. There is a sliding door that leads to the backyard. I would never have guessed that Ivory lives as humble as most in this forsaken island.
Charles was nowhere to be seen but Alexander was at the end of the sofa on his cellphone. "Want something to drink?!" yelled Ryan while he was heading to the kitchen.
"Water is fine," I replied.
"Water is not fine. I'll bring you a beer, we're still keeping the party going!" He got two local beers out and gave me both of them. I looked at him confused. "You chug the first one and the second one you slowly drink it. That way, you get a quicker buzz, it stays longer, and you puke much later on. Enjoy it, fucker, you're going to need it." He winked at me while going back to grab two beers for himself. The wink worried me a little. I'm still unsure about all of this and I feel kind of out of place here.
As soon as Ivory walked in from the hallway, she greeted me and quickly introduced me to the others, even though I already knew most of them, I'm sure they don't know who I am. "Yeah, we all know Ellion. Ryan never stops talking about him." A voice came from the screen door, and a tall light brown skin girl came in. She had a ponytail with unconcerned eyes. I don't think I know who she is.
Ivory laughed a little and said, "Ellion, this is Yelena. She is the highest honor student in the UVI" Of course, she has to be someone awesome too. "She's a little quiet but very honest, as you can see."
Ryan put his hand around me as he exclaimed, "Hey! I don't mind it. He's my bro, I'll talk all night about this fucker if you let me."
"Yeah, I knew you threw a bone to the other side now and then," Yelena replied.
"Please no, leave him over there, we don't want him." Alexander quickly argued back.
"I can make you fall for me, Alexi. But I just stick to one side, unfortunately. Being in both worlds would not be fair to either." Ryan said while drinking his beer, with his other hand still over my shoulder. I hope they don't think I share my thoughts with him.
"Gross. Yes, please, stay away. You probably already have a disease because you 'stick it' to everyone you meet." Alexander said with a sly grin, making the group laugh, except Braden, who just made a smirk.
"Alright, alright. Let's all calm down and start what we actually came here to do. Get this fucker into our group!" He pressed my shoulders. It hurt a little but it didn't bother me, it actually got me a little excited.
Ivory turned to me, "I'm going to be straight and honest. You know we need to do something against the government here but nobody is doing anything and I get it, we're powerless. Even if we're more, we do not have the power to defend our island. Just like Albazor, we'll just end up killing more people from both sides without making any real difference at the end." She sat on the ottoman while putting her hands together as if she were about to tell me something very important. "Our group has the power to do something." The room got quiet. She was staring at me, but not gazing like before, no, like she was expecting an answer from me.
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"I'm guessing, you guys will use your social powers to group up people and make a big protest in the capitol? Or something like that?" I nervously asked the first thing that came to my mind. She laughed a little, closed her eyes, and inhaled. I was getting more nervous, not only was everyone staring at me, they'd gotten serious, even Ryan and that's not like him.
Ivory exhaled and opened her eyes, "Ellion, I know this might sound a bit crazy but my friends and I, we all have a unique cell called the Clemons Cells. These cells grant us special abilities, like, Ryan can manifest electricity off his body and I can sense the presence of others with these cells too. And I believe that you have these cells. I can feel it. And I want you to join our group, to help us start a new revolution."
I looked at Ryan and I wanted to hold my laugh but I couldn't and let it out while asking Ryan if this was a joke but he stood dead serious looking at me.
"Keep listening," Ryan said, pointing at Ivory.
I looked back at her and with a quick wave from her hand, she was suddenly sitting between me and Alexander, in a blink of an eye. I jumped back.
"This is insane," I said. This must be some kind of illusion, I'm dreaming or something because this can't be happening to me, this can't be real. The others were still silent, letting me absorb the information.
She took both of my hands with hers and looked at me with fierce eyes. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. I know you may be feeling lost and unsure about what you want to do with your life because all of us were on that point too. But this group gave us a purpose, a true goal towards revolutionizing the island and creating a better future for our people. And I think this is something that can also give you purpose." Her hands tightened now. "I'm passionate about this cause and I will not stop until we achieve it. No matter the cost, we'll break the chain they have on us and free our island. Either join us or watch from the sidelines, but right now you have the choice to trust me or keep wondering what to do with your life."
I couldn't help but feel captivated by her passion and determination. My eyes wandered around Ryan and the floor but Ryan held his silence. I always felt different from others and I do feel this is my shot. Making a difference in the lives of the people here in Vanity Island does feel like a great purpose. And that I also possess some kind of ability? "How can you be sure I have these, so-called, Clemons Cells?" I asked Ivory, not wavering my eyes this time.
"I'm not. But I haven't been wrong before. Everybody here had the same doubt you have at first but eventually, their powers came about."
As I looked around at everyone else, I couldn't help but wonder what their abilities were. I wanted to ask, but it felt silly like I was walking right into their game. But Ryan wouldn't have set me up, he's always been a good friend and I trust him. He gave me a nod of encouragement, and that's when I knew what I needed to do. I needed to change.
"I don't know what to think, but I'm willing to give it a try," I said, finally making a decision.
Ryan jumped, "Yeah fucker!" he yelled and everybody laughed. "I told you, you were going to like it. When you discover what kind of ability you have, we'll have some fun together, I guarantee it. It'll probably be something cool, like controlling the air or the fucking earth! We can be the Lighting & Mud Duo! I mean, you can pick a better name but for now, I think it works."
Ivory then interjected, "Well, before anything else. It's just like you said. We have to figure out if you even have an ability. We'll continue this tomorrow, for now, go home, think about it, and rest."
Rest. Yes, this is what I exactly need. "Alright." I got up and looked at Ryan. Waiting for him to also get up but he stayed on the sofa.
"Oh, you think I'll take you home? Nah, brother, I'm fucking buzzed. I can't drive. I held myself to watch you join us but now, I'm going to sleep." He threw his back to the sofa and closed his eyes. So much for keeping the party all night.
Everybody else got back to their business; Braden continued with his guitar, Alexander was back to his phone and Yelena went back to do whatever she was doing in the backyard. "I can take you home." Ivory suddenly said, out of nowhere.
I hesitated before answering, "If you don't mind. My sister and I are very close and she worries too much sometimes and I don't want her to overthink anything." I said, hoping this didn't make me look weak or uncool.
"I don't mind at all. Better to experience this sooner than later, I always say." She put her hand on my shoulder.
"Experience wh-" Before I could ask, everything went black, my body clenched as my lungs felt compressed for a fraction of a second. Dropping to my knees, I gasped for air. When I opened my eyes, I saw that we were at my house. I immediately recognized it because of its double-gated entrance with its white paint cracked and peeled off.
"We're here," Ivory said.
She had just teleported us to my house. I was in awe and couldn't believe what had just happened.
Ivory smiled and laughed, "Better get used to it. Goodnight Ellion. Oh! I suggest you pack something formal for tomorrow. We'll be going to a dance on the weekend. You made a good choice, don't overthink it." And with that, she teleported away again in a blink of an eye.
I'll ask Ryan tomorrow how she knows where I live. I got up, brushed off the dirt off my pants, and walked inside, for the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
I got up, brushed off the dirt off my pants, and walked inside, for the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to tomorrow [https://img.wattpad.com/13b2b6c950f0b723eda474ec94b43444eacfe777/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5073307150477864434c367059513d3d2d313334393634343032302e3137613961376534633537663037666435313231393134363937352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ryan Romulus
Clemons Cell Ability: Electricity Manipulation
Character Info: Ellion's closest and only friend. Very cheerful, and proud of his Taíno lineage. His infectious enthusiasm and spirit mean that Ellion is never left behind in any situation. His tendency to see the best in every situation it's one of his best traits, even though he is very naive in certain situations.
*STORY NOTES:
*Columbus Names - Like American names, James, Oliver, Robert, etc. The USC has a law, that if you want to be a Columbus Citizen, you got to choose one in their Columbus Sheets Names.