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The Call of a Promise
I'm alive! That was my first thought as I regained consciousness. The sounds of the hospital room surrounded me, and the island's sun streamed in through the window, accompanied by the distant chirping of birds.
What happened last night? Was it a dream? No, it couldn't have been. I can tell what's real and what's not, and that encounter was definitely real. But who was that guy? It seems someone doesn't seem to want me involved with The Revolution.
Abruptly, the door swung open, revealing a young woman entering the room. At first, I didn't recognize her until I could see her face framed by long brown hair – it was Kyriah.
"You're up early! Good, I was hoping we could have a little chat," she said as she settled into a chair.
I was taken aback by the surprise and left momentarily speechless. On top of that, my mind started racing with irrelevant concerns, like how I probably smelled and had morning breath. My thoughts were betraying me – Shit.
"I'm sorry if this isn't a good time, I was just on my way to work, and thought I drop by. But I can come back some other time." She began to rise from her seat.
"No!" I yelled out, very stupidly. "I mean, I'm sorry. I didn't expect to see you here. But I'm glad you stopped by, now I can properly thank you for saving me back there."
Kyriah settled back into her chair, her expression softening. Her long brown hair, cascading below her hips, framed her petite face. Her thick bangs covered much of her forehead, giving her a somewhat mysterious look. Despite the warmth of her smile, her eyes told a different story—tired and heavy with the weight of sleepless nights. I noticed dark circles under her eyes. It was quite peculiar because said that we who possess Clemons Cells are healthier than others. Everyone else I had met from the group looked incredibly healthy and youthful, even Max despite his hardships. Yet Kyriah appeared like an overworked young adult, barely getting four hours of sleep.
"I talked to Ivory, and she said you still had Nicholas's power." Kyriah suddenly said.
"Yeah!" I exclaimed enthusiastically. I raised my hand, and a chilly mist started coming off it. I noticed her looking puzzled. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not at all!" she reassured, smiling widely. Her cheeks were round and big, almost covering her dark eyes when she smiled. "It's just that my powers are Erasure, they erase every bit of Clemons Cells completely. I thought I hit you with my powers, but apparently, I didn't."
But she did. I vividly remember how her powers felt running through me, rapidly destroying the cells inside me. I shouldn't have Nicholas's power, but somehow I do. It's like destiny is leading me down this path. "Yeah, it seems like you didn't." I chuckled a bit.
"Well, I'll let you rest. I'll see you around soon. Ivory already told me about your next plans. Good luck with that, you'll need it, she's a tough one." she said as she got up and headed to the door.
Next plan?! I haven't even told Ivory, I'm thinking about going back. She seems to think she knows me too well. That's not good. "Thanks, I believe we can do it." I didn't want her to see me clueless or out of the loop, for some reason.
She smiled once more and opened the door to leave. Just as she was about to exit, a thought raced into my mind. "Wait! What happened after I lost consciousness?"
She stopped and without looking back, she replied, "You want to know what happened to Gustavo, I understand. But you should trust Ivory. Bring up the question again at another time; I'm sure she'll tell you then." With that, she closed the door behind her.
Trust? The only person I trust right now in that group is Ryan.
Shit.
I just remembered I haven't returned any of his calls. These past days have been insanely hectic, dealing with the doctors and my sister. I haven't had the time, nor the energy, to hold a conversation with Ryan. He'd interrupt me while I tried to explain things, telling me how he would've handled every scenario. Love the guy, but he's like a part-time job.
I rang him up and he quickly answered, "CABRÓN! Finally! You up?"
"Yeah, just woke up a few minutes ago. How's everything?" I asked though I knew he didn't hear me as he started talking over me.
"He's awake!" I heard him shout. "Alright, we're heading over there now, see you in a few seconds."
This fucker! Can't I catch a breath for a few minutes? See me in a few seconds? He's already with Ivory!
"Sup, cabrón?" I heard Ryan's voice in the room before he jumped into the bed.
"Hey, Ellion!" Ivory was waving at me with a smile from the end of the bed as Ryan was getting comfortable next to me in the bed.
"Hey, guys," I said weakly, my annoyance clearly showing in my face.
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"I'm sorry we're bothering you so early, but we need to go to talk to someone. Your presence would be a big help." Ivory asked me.
"It's that chick from the protest, Lucía. She's already organized a protest in the Itayó Forest, and you know those folks don't sleep." Ryan said.
"Aren't you supposed to be 'those folks,' Ryan?" I replied, teasing him.
He shot me a raised eyebrow. "I am! But I need to sleep first. They'll be there protesting all day. Whether I show up early or late, it doesn't matter, as long as I'm there to support their cause."
My expression shifted entirely, I was going to say something but arguing with Ryan rarely gets you anywhere. He's blissfully unaware of the impact of his words. I'll let it slide for now. "What went down in the forest?" I redirected my attention to Ivory.
"Itayó has been completely sealed off by the government, and they're claiming it's under the USC's protection. Of course, that's the story they're selling to the public. But in reality, they've begun constructing bases and brought in a bunch of sketchy scientists from the USC. Lucía has been there every single day, fighting and doing whatever she can to halt their trespass on the forest. But, we need more than just voices. Words alone aren't enough, and we can't allow them to seize control." Ivory argues, her determination etched across her face as it always is when she discusses defending our homeland.
The clash between Nicholas and Max inflicted significant damage on the forest, but I never anticipated it would escalate to this point. At least this time, I have the chance to contribute. "Why Lucía though? Is it because she has a big influence on the island's people?" I asked Ivory.
"Because she's one of us, dude. She's also a bearer of the Clemons Cells." Ryan chimed in as he rose from the bed. "Now hit the shower and get ready. You're stinking up the place."
I brushed off his remark. He was the one who caused me to be unprepared. "If she has the cells, why haven't you brought her into the group before?" I asked suspiciously.
"That's why we need you, to recruit her. She and I don't see eye to eye on this matter." Ivory responded quickly.
Ah, that clarifies why she requires my help. "But why me? What about the others in the group? I understand why you wouldn't choose Ryan, but what about Alexander? Charles?" I wagered this was one of the tasks Nicholas had intended to carry out. I might possess his power, but I can't replace him.
"Ellion, I realize you might have reasons to be skeptical of me. However, you have to consider my position as well. Nicholas was meant to lead this, and I know it's not fair to put this on your shoulders. You're under no obligation to do it if you're not willing. I'm merely following Nicholas' desires. He saw potential in you, more than he did in anyone else. I see that potential too. It's time you started recognizing it." Ivory expressed to me, while Ryan silently nodded from his seat.
"That's what I've been telling him, uh-huh." Ryan kept muttering.
Maybe she's right, I have to trust myself more. If I don't do this, I already see my boring life, working myself to death, poor, and with pets to keep me from my loneliness. It may sound relaxing compared to this, but deep down it's not the life I want. I want to be able to say, I made a real difference.
"Let's save the forest," I said. "But before that, I want to say some words to someone."
Both of them looked at me confused.
"I want to go to Nicholas' tomb."
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As we teleported to the graveyard, the morning sun still was rising above the horizon. The rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves of towering trees, casting a warm, golden glow upon the surroundings. This was my first time in a graveyard, I didn't know what I was supposed to feel.
The graveyard was a tranquil place, with various tombstones and memorials adorned with flowers and what looked like small tokens of remembrance. As we kept walking, Ivory and Ryan were surprisingly quiet. In the distance, I noticed a simple tombstone with fresh flowers and by the way, Ryan kept his distance and Ivory stayed closed but gave me space, letting me know this was it.
As we approached, the morning breeze gently rustled the leaves of nearby trees, creating a soft, comforting whisper. This tombstone marked the final resting place of Nicholas, it read: 'Nicholas Everhart: A True Friend and a Beloved Soul.' Simple but no truer words.
I was still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. I hoped that by standing here, I could clear my mind and eliminate any lingering doubts about my decision.
My emotions started to stir as memories of what occurred started to flash in my head but also all the good times and the talks we shared in that small time. How could someone influence you so much in so little time?
"Hey, Nicholas." In the quietude, my voice was spread in the wind. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your funeral." I choked. I couldn't find the words, nothing felt right to say.
My heart felt heavy and I felt my insides empty. With trembling hands, I reached out to touch the weathered stone, tracing the engraved letters.
"I... I don't even know where to start. It's so hard to believe you're gone. It was only a few days, but you became such an important part of my life. I never thought I'd find a friend like you in such a short time."
A soft breeze rustled the leaves above, and I took that as a sign for me to continue. I took a deep breath, trying to find the strength to express the depth of my emotions.
"You trusted me. From the moment we met, you put your faith in me, even though we were practically strangers. And in those few days, you showed me what it meant to be a true leader, the one who truly cared for his friends and fought for what was right."
I paused, I felt the tears wanting to come out, but I held them back. Memories of our time together flooded my mind, the laughter, the training, and the moments of vulnerability we shared.
"You made me believe in myself, Nicholas. I never thought I could have powers like you, but you showed me that anything was possible. And then... you sacrificed yourself for me, for all of us. It's just not fair." I whispered, the tears finally breaking through.
"I promise, I won't waste the gift you gave me. I'll do my best to be the kind of person you saw in me. I'll fight for the revolution, for the change you wanted to bring to this island. Your sacrifice won't be in vain."
I closed my eyes, soaking in the warmth of the rising sun. "I wish I could have done more, Nicholas. I wish I could have saved you, saved Alba, saved everyone. But I was so helpless... I miss you, my friend. I wish we had more time together. But I'll carry your memory with me, always."
As the sun continued its ascent, I remained there, pouring my heart out to the tombstone that held the body of my dear friend.
As the sun continued its ascent, I remained there, pouring my heart out to the tombstone that held the body of my dear friend [https://img.wattpad.com/1d03a57f87999b7b8b5e4f12ce8a18ac0e2f5720/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f676e67364e5454734738716f36413d3d2d313335343932343633362e313765376331383764383038343361623837393739303231363031342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Charles Williams
Clemons Cell Ability: Volatile Explosion
Character Info: A member of the revolution group born at USC. He moved to Vanity to continue his acting career as portraying as a born Vanitan in his movies. His mother is a native of Vanity and his father is from the USC.