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Isolated Echoes
The evening air was cool as we gathered in the living room of our 'headquarters', we felt cozy and alive. The room was filled with half of The Sunspears – Kyriah, Ivory, Owen, Fabian, Max, Yelena, Daniella, and my sister, Annabella, who isn't a member but lately she's always around the house.
I looked around at the team and felt pride for what we've managed to achieve across the island. Our progress in recent weeks made me believe more than ever that I could lead this revolution to success. Of course, the Cell Seekers loomed in the background, but as long as we used our powers solely to aid and protect the people, they had no reason to interfere... Right?
Ivory couldn't hide her excitement as we went over the list of towns that have voiced their support for our cause. "Brisalina, Palmaría, Solimarí, and Cantamar! All of those towns are backing us up in our revolutions against the government. It's a miracle what we have accomplished in less than a month. It just goes to show, people are eager to support each other, rather than letting the government control everything." Her words, filled with enthusiasm, only bolstered our resolve and belief in our mission.
"Where should we head next?" Daniella asked, bubbling with excitement.
Annabella then shifted the direction of our conversation, "What about Amaracuya? We've been so focused on this island but haven't given thought to our neighboring islands. I've heard they're struggling with very limited resources and no help from the outside.
The room went quiet when she mentioned Amaracuya. Everyone's gaze shifted to Ivory, as the island was the place she grew up with Kyriah.
Ivory seemed visibly uneasy, "I don't have any business going back there. Going there won't help us progress any further on the problem we are already facing here in Vanity."
Despite Ivory's hesitations, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we had a duty to help them. If we could, why wouldn't we? Amaracuya might not be as advanced as Vanity Island and their population smaller, but they are still Vanitans and they're in need.
"We can't just turn our backs on Amaracuya," I said firmly. "We have a responsibility to help." We have the numbers and literally the power to help them.
Kyriah quickly showed her support, "Ellion is right. We should do whatever we can to help, even if it's just a little."
Her agreement brought a smile to my face. "So, what do you all think? Ready for an adventure outside the island?
No one said a word until Ivory broke the silence. "Fine, you can go, but Owen stays with me." Her declaration made Owen raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"What? Why? He's going to be far more useful there than here." I replied. Owen's abilities are crucial for The Sunspears' expansion. Without him, our progress would slow down.
"He's more needed in Vanity. He's already well-known among the locals, the 'Buhuique', they've started to call him. Because they remind him of an old sorcerer who once helped the locals during a heavy storm over a century ago. And with me, we can cover more towns quicker," Ivory argued.
I had always liked having Owen in my group, yet I couldn't deny Ivory made a good point. "Okay, Owen is yours," I conceded, my tone serious yet tinged with humor.
Owen, trying to return to his book on electricity amidst our back-and-forth, couldn't help but comment, "I feel like a pet being fought over by Mom and Dad about who gets to walk me next." He attempted to refocus on his reading, a challenging task given his habit of getting sidetracked by anything, like the television that was currently on, adding a layer of distraction.
"Ah, you like that we fight over you. You have that smile smirk you had over at Brisalina." I replied to Owen. "Now, who's going to fill in for Owen?" My gaze wandered around the room until it landed on Daniella, her usual wide grin in place as she enthusiastically waved at me. I gave her a slow wave in return. While her skills are incredibly dependable, her boundless energy can be a bit much. I figured she'd be better off staying with her idol, Ivory.
As I continued to look around, Fabian suddenly popped up beside me, his grin wide. "So, who are you planning to take along? I'd like to join you if that's okay." His eagerness caught me off guard. Lately, Fabian has been unusually cooperative and kind, and not once has he talked in a way that makes you think he is making fun of you.
"Um, I was thinking about taking Max," I said, hoping to gently push Fabian towards staying back.
Out of nowhere, Yelena, who had been half-asleep on the couch, chimed in without opening her eyes, "Fabian can take my spot." Her legs were draped over the armrest.
"Perfect!" Fabian's eyes lit up. His reaction was surprising, almost out of character for him. It made me wonder what had brought about this change in attitude. And if this is all a charade for something he wanted?
I did my best to hide my hesitation. "Great." I managed a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Looks like there's no reason you can't join us on the trip to the other island, for who knows how long." Shoot me.
Ivory stood up from the sofa, decisively ending the discussion. "Alright, it's decided then. You're going with Kyriah, Max, and Fabian. Meanwhile, I'll take Owen, Daniella, and Yelena to visit the towns we haven't gone to." She clapped her hands together, "Let's get those bags packed!"
Catching the look of sheer annoyance on my face, Ivory couldn't help but chuckle. I turned, hoping to catch Kyriah's eye for some moral support, but instead, I found myself face-to-face with Max, who had moved closer without me noticing.
"Hey, Ellion. I appreciate you including me on the trip to Amaracuya. I'll make sure to follow any instructions you have for me." Max said, looking somewhat embarrassed. Glancing over his shoulder, I caught Annie watching us closely. It looked like she had nudged him to express his thanks.
Honestly, my initial reason for choosing Max was to annoy Fabian, but clearly, that plan backfired. I have mixed feelings about Max due to what happened at the beginning of all of this, with Nicholas and Gustavo; the memories are still painful. Yet, I prefer his company over Fabian's. And having Kyriah by my side makes everything feel more manageable.
"You've stepped up these last few weeks. I'm happy to have you along." I replied, offering him an encouraging smile. Just then, I saw Kyriah walking towards her room. I made a move to follow her but hesitated, the thought of actually going into her room making me nervous. That's when Annabella snuck up behind me and startled me.
"Whoa! You're really on edge today, you okay?" Annabella remarked, her eyebrow arching in curiosity.
"Yeah! Yeah, I guess so. Just seems like everyone's tiptoeing around me lately." I responded, a bit bewildered by the sudden attention.
She eyed me for a moment, a knowing look on her face, then teased, "You were thinking of going into Kyriah's bedroom, weren't you? Ah, ah?" She proceeded to playfully poke me.
"Stop it, I was just thinking about our new group. I've gotten used to Owen and Yelena with me, and now I have to adapt to Max and Fabian." I said groaning.
"Hey! Max has changed for the better! He's been a lot more level-headed and hasn't let his emotions run out of control. He and Ivory have done great work in the towns they've visited. Don't go now and screw things up with him, no mean or sarcastic comments, especially not about the Nicholas situation. He's still pretty sensitive about that." Annie wagged her finger at me as if she was scolding me.
"Yes, I know! It's not Max I'm worried about." I said, glancing at Fabian, who was whispering something to Yelena on the couch.
"Oh, Fabian? Come on, what's with your insecurity? You're the leader here! He's probably just trying to get on your good side." Annabella countered, trying to ease my concerns.
"I don't know... It's just a gut feeling I have." I trailed off, cautious not to raise my voice too much, wary that Fabian might overhear. "Max will be fine in Amaracuya, I'm sure of it. Anyway, I should head home and start packing for the trip." After saying goodbye to everyone, I left Ivory's house and headed to my house to get my things ready for tomorrow's trip.
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As we prepared to board the ferry to Amaracuya, I noticed Annabella and Max engaged in conversation a short distance away, sharing a few last words before he joined us on the ferry. Their relationship still is very weird to me. Fabian, full of energy, had already taken the initiative to load all our bags onto the ferry in one go. Meanwhile, I stood by the railing outside, chatting with Kyriah and catching a final moment with Ivory before we departed.
Ivory looked at me intently, her expression serious. "If things start to get out of hand, just call me, and I'll consider teleporting over there. But it must be a real emergency," she instructed firmly.
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"I understand, but we'll be okay. Honestly, I think the situation is probably more intense here than it will be there. Don't be surprised if you're the one asking us to come back sooner than expected." I said, allowing a confident smirk to cross my face. She responded with a warm smile and waved us off as we made our way onto the ferry.
The ferry to Amaracuya was almost deserted, with just the four of us and a handful of local passengers making the journey. Their curious stares lingered on us, possibly questioning themselves about why anyone would venture to Amaracuya now. Though they kept their thoughts to themselves, their eyes said it all.
As the ferry began its journey, Kyriah beckoned me to join her on the deck. Stepping outside, I was greeted by a disgusted look on her face. "Can you believe this?" she gestured towards the sea. "The water's turned to a murky brown, thick with pollution. After we've done what we can for the islands, it's the oceans we need to tackle." she declared with a resolve in her voice.
"Absolutely, and after the oceans, we'll take on global warming. With you, there's no challenge we can't face." I joked, joining her at the rail.
She shot me a playful look, "Mock all you want, but you're onto something. The forests, the wildlife, the entire planet – we're going to save them all. And yes, you are going to be right there with me." Her words were light, but her determination was serious, as she rested her head on my shoulder, watching the murky waves roll by the neglected ferry.
The journey was calm, with the storm's dark clouds finally clearing, leaving the sky a vibrant blue. The sound of the waves and the cool breeze felt refreshing, but the highlight for me was Kyriah's company. Fabian, meanwhile, seemed to be in his own world, listening to music and propping his feet up on the seats in front of him, undisturbed by the sparse ferry passengers who kept their distance from us.
Max was out on the deck also, but he seemed to be lost in his thoughts. He and Nicholas shared a bond close to brothers, and I couldn't help but think that Max might be missing that connection, especially after the ordeal in Itayó Forest. Considering how Annie has warmed up to him, it seemed right to make an effort to be friends with him.
Approaching Amaracuya, the contrast with Vanity was stark. Amaracuya's state of negligence was evident, with rundown buildings and a port town lacking the life and color of our home. The landscape, devoid of Vanity's lush mountains, wore its abandonment openly, presenting a somber welcome.
Stepping off the ferry, we were greeted by the eerie quiet of a deserted port. A battered sign, "Bienvenidos a Pueblo Isabella" lay on the ground, covered in grime and marred by what looked like bullet holes. There were dozens of closed-up shops and beggars lining the streets. The locals' stares made it clear we were outsiders here, our neat and intact clothing was a dead giveaway that we weren't from there.
"Has it always been like this?" I asked Kyriah, noticing she wasn't shocked by our surroundings, which suggested she knew it had always been this way.
Kyriah took my hand and led the way, saying, "Let's head to La Escollera Plaza Square. It's close, and we can find a spot to drop our bags there."
As we made our way through the town, we encountered a young teenager arguing with an older vendor. We couldn't help but overhear the teenager's desperate pleas for medicine for his sick mother. Without hesitation, Kyriah diverted her path toward the vendor, ready to intervene.
"Please, I just need enough to help my mom through the night." the teenager begged, his voice breaking with desperation.
The vendor, his face etched with the marks of hard times, responded with a weary shake of his head, "I wish I could help, but I can't just give it away. We're all struggling."
As we drew closer, the boy, small and thin with frizzy hair and his eyes brimming with despair, caught sight of us. Immediately, he pleaded, "Hey! Could any of you spare some change? I swear it's not for drugs! Well, technically they are, but not for me! It's for my mom, really!"
Before any of us could offer help, the old vendor spoke up, "Leo! You can't keep doing this, asking foreigners for money. Do you know what people from outside think of us? They see us as nothing but dirty, lazy beggars! That is always looking for Vanity for aid. They have no idea of our true strength!"
Kyriah stepped forward, with a calm voice, "I grew up in Pueblo Esperanza, just south of Puente Verde." she told the old ranting man. "Believe me, I'm well aware of what we, the Sangre Savia, can do." The old man seemed to appreciate her words. Without saying anything else, he made a short, clicking sound and went back to his work in the small wooden stall.
To anyone else, this island might seem like a living nightmare, but Kyriah seemed perfectly at ease, almost as if she were back where she belonged. Even Fabian and Max looked around with a newfound respect. As for me, I was thoroughly amazed.
Kyriah then made Leo an offer, "Tell us what's happening here in Amaracuya, and I'll cover the rest of what you need for your mom's medicine. Deal?" At her words, Leo's face lit up.
"The hospital here's been a mess, even before the storm hit us." Leo started to explain, "But now, they're not letting anyone in, except for foreigners that arrived from the north port in Isabella and the USC officers. Every day, there's a crowd outside the hospital, everyone hoping for a chance to go inside the hospital. I've never seen it happen though, I waited ten days, day and night, and I never saw a single person from the crowd get inside." His voice was now laced with frustration but the undertone of desperation was also clear.
"We already had problems before with the hospital here even before the storm, but now, they won't let anyone inside. The only people who do, are foreigners who arrive from the other port in Isabella, and the USC officers. There is always a crowd in front of the hospital every day, hoping that one of these days a spot would open for one of them. I've never seen it happen, though. I spent ten days, day and night, waiting for a spot for my mom, and never once saw one of the crowd go in." Leo's voice was filled with anger, but more desperation than anything else. "It's like the USC has taken over the hospital for their use, probably for their own people only, leaving us with nothing."
"Has the USC expanded its forces here? Last I knew, they only had a small base in the north." Kyriah asked, clearly keen on knowing the USC's involvement on the island.
Leo looked at her as though the answer was obvious. "Yes, they've grown. They now cover the entire north and east coasts. There must be hundreds of USC officers here now, and they're the ones enforcing the laws here these past years."
Kyriah's expression hardened upon hearing this, though she chose not to comment further on the matter.
"Let's head to the hospital. We need to see what's happening with our own eyes." I suggested to the group. After Kyriah handed over the remaining amount needed for the medicine to the vendor, Leo started leading us toward the hospital, which was only a few minutes away from La Escollera Square, as almost everything in the northern island of Amaracuya, nothing is too far away.
As we made our way to the hospital, the seriousness of the situation became increasingly apparent. The hospital grounds were crowded with people, their faces etched with pain and frustration as the crowd's chants for help echoed against the hospital walls. The hospital building wasn't as tall or as wide as the ones on Vanity, but the amount of people surrounding made it seem even smaller.
Fabian's voice broke the silence among us. "This is worse than I thought. We can't just stand by."
Max, his eyes scanning the crowd, nodded in agreement. "We have to do something. These people need us."
As we stood there, taking in the scene, I realized the magnitude of the task before us. I made the right call to come here, the people here, much like those on Vanity Island, needed someone to stand up for them.
The air outside the hospital was thick with tension as we approached the building. The desperate crowd in obvious pain, parted to let us through, their eyes following our every move.
Outside the hospital, we spotted a doctor standing near the entrance, flanked by numerous USC officers. They had their weapons at the ready, making it clear that access was restricted. The doctor's expression was stern, his posture rigid as he noticed us approaching.
"Doctor, uh," I read the name on his badge, "Doctor Moreno, these people are in pain and need your help," I said, trying to stay calm despite the frustration bubbling inside me. "Is there any way to make room for them? Can we do anything to help?"
The doctor looked at us with indifference. "And who might you be? I'm too busy for charity groups!" he said dismissively, focusing back on his clipboard.
"We are The Sunspears," I said, raising my voice so those behind us could hear. This got his attention. He paused and looked back at us, and not just him but the USC officers too. It seemed they were already aware of who we were.
"So?" Still with his cold voice, unwavering. "Our resources are limited. We can't just give away medicine and treatment to everyone who shows up here."
Kyriah, standing beside me, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and anger, added, "But it's not about resources, is it? It's about who has money and who doesn't."
The doctor's eyes narrowed as he regarded Kyriah, but he remained unmoved. "I don't make the rules. I just follow them."
Fabian stepped forward, taking off his sunglasses, his patience was wearing thin and he seemed tense suddenly, "And what if we decide not to follow your rules? What if we just take what these people need?"
His voice carried the edge of a threat, subtly hinting at the power we could unleash. But the doctor, far from being intimidated, seemed almost to taunt us.
"Then you'd be no better than common thugs." he retorted, a smugness creeping into his voice. "Go ahead, use your powers. Show everyone who you really are, nothing but vigilantes."
I felt a surge of frustration at his words, the implication that our intentions were anything but noble. My mind raced with the possibilities and the consequences. Using force would be easy, but it would also be a step down a path I wasn't sure we were ready to take. It would change the perception of The Sunspears. Yet, doing nothing would mean turning our backs on the people of Amaracuya.
The crowd's murmurs grew louder, a mix of anger and expectation. They were looking to us for action, for a solution to their desperation. And here I was, caught in the moral dilemma I was desperately trying to steer away from.
I searched the faces of my teammates for guidance. Kyriah looked at the doctor with utter disdain, Fabian's face barely restrained his anger, and Max, catching my hesitant look, seemed equally uncertain.
"We need to think this through," I said, more to myself than to them. "There has to be another way."
The doctor observed us as we retreated with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of seeing us back down. He seemed to relish the thought of us crossing the line he had drawn. As we turned to leave, moving through the crowd that had once looked at us with eyes full of hope, those same eyes were now filled with disillusionment. I felt horrible for giving them hope only to have it crushed. I knew we had to find a solution, and fast. But it had to be one that aligned with our principles, one that wouldn't compromise the very ideals we are fighting for.
Just then, Leo came bounding over, his face alight with admiration. "I had no idea you guys were The Sunspears! That's amazing!" His enthusiasm cut through the gloom, offering a moment of warmth. "Let's go home, Mom got to meet you guys!" he exclaimed, eagerly taking Kyriah's backpack as if to guide us. Then, he led the way diving into the bushes... and weaving between the trees... Huh.
Name: Arianna Westwood [https://img.wattpad.com/c7c3a0e16804c6d58bf0cfaa4bbda4cb54dc58b2/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f56625350545774786e58397459413d3d2d313339373132393738322e3137623633643933636266643366316533353430393634363731382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Arianna Westwood
Age: 30
Character Info: She is remarkable with her stone ability, able to control it at ease. She can also turn things she is touching to stone, that's why she is always barefoot. She has a mysterious air around her, but she is one to quickly change mood from seriousness to a quirky one. She is part of the Cell Seekers.