Such a bright and beautiful day. Fluff of clouds merged with the blue sky was a delight. Fresh grass smell wafted with crisp suburban air. Neat, high-tech building architecture in the background felt like a scene of a net movie. Such peace! Too bad I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wished. The uneasiness in my gut told me something was off. Something... Like a stupor. Gradually, the situation became tense, like a moment before an earthquake. I gave myself a mental slap and exerted my focus on the environment.

When I awakened from my daydream, I felt something warm and squishy. I cradled a bunny in my arms. Such a cute critter supposed to comfort me, yet my knees shook in fear. Where was I, again? Scattered broken wall parts mimicking a scene of a sunken ship in the open sea. Holes decorated the buildings in the background. The clear air now mixed with a shroud of dust. I remember, now. It was a catastrophic mess! The suspenseful situation gave me nothing but a sliver of fear. 

I heard a loud noise when an enormous silhouette was moving within the dust. Cold sweat rolled down from my temple. Heart beating fast, like a wolf bolted from a hunt. I gulped nervously as the giant creature emerged from the dust cloud. The thing groaned, breath like steam, and howled with deafening rage. It looks very agitated with my presence and readied itself into a charging stance. Crap. What have I done to anger it? I really wanted to flee, but my muscles stiffened like logs. It was an overwhelming fight-or-flight situation, but I could only ask myself:

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!?

* * *

A few hours earlier

CUCKOKOOO! CUCKOKOOOO!

The bird clock screeched like it’s about to die. As I opened my heavy eyelids, I could see the blasted mechanical bird popping in and out from its iron nest. Sure, it’s a classic clock, rare in this time and age, but I hate it. Though maybe the thing was a proper fitting to adorn my rusty room. Not much of a suburban apartment could offer. At least the space was enough to breathe with a bed, a desk and wardrobe. Dreams were better than this. Light penetrating the window blinds told me it was the time to start the day.

And the cuckoo clock screamed still. Seven times. The noise irritated me.

“Ugh, why did I agree to this?” I grumbled out loud. It seemed that someone heard me, and a light voice shouting from the first floor. “Archie!? Have you awakened?” “How’s the alarm clock for you? Cute, isn’t it?” Rhetorical questions came from the woman who deceived me to take part in another one of her shenanigans. 

“Yeah Aunt Penny, it’s cute.” obvious sarcastic comment, I hoped it reached her conscience.  “Can I throw it from my window?” I added, with a louder aggressive voice.

“Hahaha, I knew it! I know you will admire the beauty.” I couldn’t tell if she was serious about it. My aunt seemed to be proud of her latest finding. An antique clock, a piece of junk from her job. Her work was about recovery and the study of pre-war technology. Well, those relics were not always bad.  One time she brought me an ancient data disk. The relics contained various interesting stuff inside. Some kind of picture book with a story inside, a comic I presume? It’s relatively rare nowadays since most art came in video or animation format. But this time she brought something weird, maybe not that useless, but still annoying.

“Come now, get ready! You don’t want to be late into your first day into the academy.” I could hear her voice in a cheerful glee and those words woke me up. I need to prepare for the academy.

The plan was simple. I would enroll for two years into the academy and take it easy. Then graduated as a splendid average student. After that, I would get accepted into the company as a supporting corporate staff. It would be a safe and well-paid desk job! A slow life that I always look forward to.

It was a solid scheme. I wouldn’t join the hype to enlist in the military, or going out as an adventurer. Never a hunter, even a freelancer with so much freedom in their gut.

Unlike those stupid teenagers full of testosterone, I’m a man of logic. I realized that living outside the city walls as an adventurer would be bad. I might get attacked by mutants or die by the vicious elements of nature. Not even the glorified job in the military with a lot of benefits. I wouldn’t risk dying on the battlefield. I wouldn’t gamble on a chance of a bullet and laser weapon piercing my skull any day. Screw adventurous life, I would live and die a boring man. But still, this boring man had to wake up and move his ass to achieve his dream.

I’ve decided to lift my twin bottom, make the bed, then prepare all the things that I needed to carry. My bag and books scattered on top of my desk. It was the first day, but I brought them just in case. Next, I decided to open the brownish wooden wardrobe and get my uniform ready. I could hear a slight creak from the door, revealing various clothes inside. I picked that official academy shirt they sent me a week ago, also the vest and pants. When I moved the shirt away, I remembered something. I opened the shelf with a round handle. There I found this black synthetic leather holder with some tube of auto-injectors next to it.

A doubt ensues whether I should take them with me. But no, I wouldn’t need these. Besides, I haven’t completed my training properly. My aunt currently forbade me to use them, unless it was training time with her. Also, for an emergency or when they needed maintenance. 

Aunt Penny taught me how to use them. Since It’s important to have some way to defend yourself in this day and age. Even for my relaxing lifestyle. I couldn’t afford to get mugged or stabbed while buying a pretzel on the street. It was a must for my own survival.

Or just ran.

“Archie, come now. What’s taking you so long? I made some food, get them while they’re warm.” The sounds of kitchenware like plate, spatula, induction stove and frying pan collides. The smell of boiled soup, potato, and some eastern spices seeped into my room.

“Yes, my lovely aunt Penny.” I replied sarcastically, “I’m coming!”

My stomach was hungry, I would love to go down there and feast. But before that, I need to check up on myself first. I got to go to the bathroom on the first floor. Brought my uniform with me since I might want to get changed there as well. I rose from my bed and took a few steps, still wobbly from drowsiness. 

As I went to open the auto pressure door, it jammed 1/3rd way.

“Sigh.”

I slammed it lightly. It made a low banging sound. That worked and thus properly opened the door.

The first few steps downstairs felt a little heavy, but I kept on marching. The rusty iron creaking, I fear it would crumble anytime, but I survived. I arrived at the living room with several doors. It was rather clean, even though we couldn’t bother to fix the brownish panels on the wall. The kitchen was separated with a table bar, Aunt Penny was still busy finishing her cooking. The delicious aroma of spices was getting stronger.

The bathroom was on the other side of the living room. The door was working properly. A manual sliding door with a rough opening noise, scratching the slightly rusted iron. I walked into the room with a plastic-looking wall. It was quite spacious to do laundry and your hygiene related business there. I could see the mirror inviting me for a chat. I questioned myself if I should take a shower. Then the reflection had me convinced. The freckles add up even though I didn’t go outside often. Golden brown eyes adorned with dark pockets made me look like a dead fish. “Shower it is.”

10 minutes have passed, I got out from the shower drenched in lukewarm water. I was glad for the heater to work properly that day.

Refreshed. I encouraged myself with more excitement in the mirror as I stretched out my hand. I looked better. I complimented my own fresh looks as I rub my red fuzzy hair with a towel. This blob had grown too big.

I had a thought that maybe it was time for my new academy hairstyle debut. So, I hummed as I held the brown comb in my hand, pulling the red bush to the back. It turned into a shiny red field, like a grass being swept by the wind. Before I could celebrate the new classy look, those strands of reds were starting to shake in tremors.

BOINK! The slick, rich boy hairstyle exploded back into a red wild bush.

“I need industrial gel for this.” I sighed in defeat and decided to move on from the novel idea. Grabbed the towel to dry the rest of my body and get changed into the uniform immediately.

- - - -

The metal scratching noise could be heard by my Aunt as the bathroom door opened.

”Oh!? You smell good even from here? And look at that. My little boy is so dashing in his academy uniform.” Teased aunt Penny with her annoying facial expression.

“It’s rare to see you put some effort into your look. Trying to reach your dream and get a cute girlfriend in the academy?” She added with a wink.

Well, I couldn’t disagree with that “dashing” part. The buttoned shirt was quite normal in light turquoise. But the Navy blue academy summer vest was cool. This could give you a sophisticated formal and semi-military feel. One more detail was on the badge, showing a silver gear symbol. To give a little rebel sensation, I purposely let the shirt untucked.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Aunt Penny, I can confirm that I will achieve my dream goal,” I calmly replied.

“But not that cute girlfriend part, okay! I’m going to study properly so I can get a good career, possibly a desk job with an expensive, comfortable chair!” For some reason, I blushed a little. I probably snapped as a defense mechanism for having zero romantic experience.

“So please don’t--”

“Aha! My little boy is being embarrassed, what a late bloomer.” she interrupted.

“ugh-” I was in a speechless state to comment on that retort.  I just pretended I didn’t hear that, calmly regained my composure and walked into the table bar. I sat on the side where there was a single empty plate.

Aunt Penny smiled in victory and then prepared the food. Some potato mesh, processed cheese, green veggies, and roasted beef served on the table.

“Tada! here’s your breakfast.” She placed her hands on her hip proudly.

“Thanks, this looks good.” 

“Your welcome boy.” She smiled, then she proceeded to clean up the kitchen.

”uhh, How long are you going to call me boy? I’m already 15.” I complained while chomping down the potato and the beef.

”hmm, I don’t know. Maybe when you’re married and get yourself a son or daughter?” she replied with a giggle.

”Hmmm hmmm” I hummed in annoyance.

As I was having my breakfast, the TV in the living room was turned on. It was quite noisy with the usual 7 AM program. They were having news and discussion with some invited guests.

“Welcome back to our morning program, 2nd April 3345, continuing with our discussion. . .” 

The program was about various discussions related to the city. The very city that we were living in, Prosov. And at that time, something hot happened In the program. I could see this bald guy debating with some military looking dude. It was something about injecting human mutagen into animals. Which were almost impossible at the time. The debate heated so much that I started to feel bad for the host. This lasted tens of minutes until I ate my fill.

“Alright, I’m stuffed.” I finished the meal and walked into the sink to wash the dishes. As a proper human being, I didn’t want to add more work for Aunt Penny.

“Ah, thank you. Make sure that you wash the dishes properly.” She responded to actions with a chuckle and a popular teenager pose.

I ignored that play where she was trying to look cute and ran the water into the dish. Such a monotonous activity. It didn’t take that long before my mind floated away. My gaze went through the window, the ceiling, the dying sponge, and the person next to me. As I was paying more attention to Aunt Penny, I realized that we have been together for a while. A rather strange situation, if you think about it for a minute.

It was a strange family. We didn’t really look like close relatives at all. First, her purple mutated tied hair differed from mine.  She had a small chin, a sign of an eastern Asian descendant. Her eyes were golden brown, the only similarity we have. She was at a quite young age to be an aunt and look a lot more like my sister. I never know her exact age. probably 32, up to 35, yet she seemed 10 years younger. She never told me and got mad when I asked her that. 

Our personalities were also different. She had an adventurous heart while I was a boring guy. She loved action flicks, I loved documentaries. Sometimes we were like oil and water. Yet, no matter how far the gap existed between us, it didn’t matter at all.

This woman took me 7 years ago when I had nothing left. Peace was brought into me and I hope this quiet, simple life will continue forever. Even though one day something will change, I just hoped. Similar to these dishes I washed, it shall never stay dirty. I would clean them all, eventually. I kept on thinking further with my philosophy, but something was poking my arm.

“Chie.  .  .”

“Archie!” She poked me with her elbow, getting harder every time she got ignored.

“Ah? Yeah, what?” I replied like I awakened from hypnosis. 

“Tch” She clicked her tongue and pouted. “Were you listening? I was asking!”

“Sorry, I was concentrating.” I rubbed the dishes faster.

“Really? Concentrating on washing dishes? Whatever, listen.” She regained her composure and began the interrogation.

”So, Archie. How’s your telekinetic training?” 

”Well umm. Ah. . .” I vaguely replied.

”Well? What? Don’t you tell me that you’ve been slacking off!” She posed angrily. “Well, there’s only one way to find out.” She then stared me right in my eyes.

”Now, Show me. Armen G. Dalton!” Her tone changed seriously as she mentioned my full name.

I knew that she would ask me about this routine. But I thought we would skip it today. Well, I was wrong. No use arguing with the woman. So, I gave her a slight nod.

I skimmed the room to find something feasible for my plan, then decided on a bowl of forks. I turned around and led my hand towards the forks inside the red bowl near the sink, freshly washed.

Before I started, I tried to remember the basics about telekinetic. This ability was nothing special anymore. A common knowledge, It’s a skill where most people could do it. Some historians said Humans mutated, while some experts said that we evolved into it. The ability, however, would not be that useful unless you put a lot of effort into training. For example, A seven-year-old kid should be able to manipulate a bit of air. Maybe a few grains of sand to a size of a rice. 

The trick was by imagining an invisible hand or blanket. Then you must envelope the object of your choice with it. Once you can feel the object, you’ll start to have control over it. That is an amateur method, quite easy to do. For an expert, you could feel the object itself to the molecular level. You took control of the whole object and moved it directly. 

Aunt Penny taught me to use the best method, and that was to do both of them. First, I would envelop those forks. Imagine a blanket or a third invisible hand holding it. When my imaginary hand held them, I could feel those forks present. It felt hard but slippy because of its smooth surface and very solid on the inside. With the first step cleared, here came the next phase.

“Phew. Alright, here I go.” I squinted in concentration.

A few seconds later, I lifted 3 out of 6 forks in the bowl. They were floating with a bit wobble at first. Gave them some few milliseconds before I could move those three forks more swiftly. Aunt Penny placed a finger on her chin and gave herself a thinking pose.

“hmm, you are still using your hand as a catalyst for your imagination, huh? You still have a long way to go. I told you to stop relying on that.” She said it while she was opening the fridge. Then she took an apple inside.

It's possible to do that, but this method was easier for me at the moment. I understood what she meant, though. She said that out of concern. Well, in reality, there might be some situations when I couldn’t use my hand to use my ability. Given some time to train, I believed that anyone could do it. Though Aunt Penny, as my mentor, could perform it skillfully.

“Hey, look. Using my hand to imagine grabbing them is easier. Now I can flawlessly manipulate 3 light objects instead of 2! Could you praise me instead?” I complained about her verdict.

“Yeah sure, I guess. Most of the other kids your age can only control one tiny marble at best.” Her lofty standard loosened up.

“But you know exactly why you need to increase your brain capacity, don’t you?” She turned to me with those serious eyes.

I could only nod in silence since controlling these forks consistently was difficult. Couldn’t afford to get distracted.

“I hope one day you’ll be free and stop depending on this” she added, while grabbing my left arm.

I know exactly what she meant by that. I also hope that one day I wouldn’t need this medical implant for good. Quite different from most of the people living today in this world. My mutation was artificially created. It was a genetic alteration and mutation that resulted in my high brain capacity. This condition enabled me to gain more precise control and multitask elemental manipulation. According to her research, I should be able to control dozens, even hundreds of objects individually. As strong as it may sound, the modifications on my brain has made my mutation come at a stupid price. I get side effects of headaches, migraine, vertigo, and even collapse into a coma. There was more detailed information about this. One day she would tell me more when I was ready. So, what did this medical implant do? It circulated special sedatives that only affect my brain capacity to stay at a low or average human level. And periodically, I had to refill this injector. That was about it for now. I should get back to the task at hand. Aunt Penny seemed really eager with her test already.

“Now hit this apple, all three forks at once. Ready?” She said it as she was holding the apple down, prepared to throw it upwards.

“Now that’s pushing it, Aunty! We usually do it one by one!” I complained.

“Just do it. We don’t have time for your training routine today and you, YOU need to go soon or you’ll be late on your first day. I need to see your progress now.” 

“Ah, fine. Okay, then. Throw!” I said as I placed the forks closer to my right side, in order to get a proper aim and momentum. Those forks were floating steadily, prepared to fly into the air at will. I saw a slight grin on Aunt Penny’s expression. She was looking forward to what was about to happen.

“There!” She threw the apple into the air. The momentum brought that red and round object passed above the table into the living room.

The sound of the forks were almost silent as it whistled through the air. The forks flew into the targeted apple as fast as an eagle dive into her prey.

STAB! STAB! STAB! We felt a crunchy sensation throughout the room, like a sharp object penetrating the juicy texture of the fruit. Was it a direct hit? It was so fast that I couldn’t tell them myself.

BUMP! Finally we could hear it stopped in motion as a soft squish sound hit solid ground. The apple fell onto the floor and we could see two forks stabbed into the middle and bottom part of it.

“Not bad, Archie! You hit two of them!” She said proudly.

“Whoa,” I said in amazement. I swore that was just some lucky shot!

“Now where’s the last one? Hmmm. . . AH! It’s there!” She said as she pointed her finger into the ceiling.

“No way, It’s stuck into the steel plate. It’s thin, but the fork actually pierced it a little.” She paused and took another look. “That’s amazing.” She added.

Well, we were always practicing with vegetables and ballistic gel. So, these results were new for both of us. The fork was made of stainless steel, and our apartment ceiling was a mix of steel plates and wooden boards. That specific part I hit however was made of metal. It was unbelievable. My years of training might finally pay off. 

“Now to end this discussion with Mr. Bogdan and Mr--” I could hear the conversation on the TV in the living room. I looked at the time on the screen to confirm. 

“Oh my, it must be 7.30 already. I got to go!” I grabbed my bag and wore my shoes. I knew exactly my time limit, I don’t want to be late to catch the monorail. I had to get into the station in 30 minutes.

“Here, take some food for lunch.” She slipped a lunch box into my bag.

“Thanks!” My shoes felt right, and the uniform was neat. Time to go.

“Bye, Aunt!” I ran and closed the door.

“Yes, take care now!” She replied. A fraction of a second as I closed the door I could see her expression was there worrying for me. Rest easy, Aunt Penny, everything would be just fine. Unfortunately, I forgot to say thanks for everything she had done. Truly, I believed at the time that she earned her own peace and happiness in the world. 

As her last echoing voice fading out behind me, I took the first step into the future.