Chapter Two - Change Of View
It was early morning and Lorc stood quickly from his bed. He managed to use his arms and legs with greater ease than before and began his body movement exercises. ''Mum..when are we going to the doctor?'',he called. His mind was still thinking about what happened yesterday. 'He was amazing...so I want to do better...I HAVE to do better...',he said to himself. ''We're leaving in ten minutes...I hope you're ready to go..!'',she called back. Then she entered the room and helped him put on his school clothes. ''I saw how you were so amazed by the HEROweapon yesterday. Wasn't he cool...??'',she said. Then Lorc perked up. ''He was amazing! He was so strong...so cool...I want him to be my brother..and we can fight evil together...'',he said beamingly.
Ellena looked at him preciously and picked up his bag. ''I'm sure you can join him one day...but for now...this bag is going to be your best friend!'' Lorc looked at the bag with disdain. ''Mum,I can put it on...it's fine...'',he said as he slowly hoisted it onto his back. There was a look of shock on Ellena's face then she left the room and stood at the front door. ''I'm sure the doctor will have great news,we're on a winning streak now!'',said Luke. He stood next to Ellena and looked at her with adoration. She smiled gently then hugged hm and the two left him in the apartment. They walked to the lift,and it creaked to their floor.
As they arrived outside, it was deserted but the morning sun still shone. Lorc and Ellena made their way to the bus stop and waited. ''It won't be too long now...Lorc, you have everything you need?'',she asked. Then he nodded and said,''I don't think the bus will be full at this time,it knows I'm coming...!'' Ellena laughed and remarked,''Knowing you,you're probably right. It probably made room for you,only! I think we will be done in time for you to get to school,though...'' He smiled weakly then he beamed as the bus,free of passengers, moved into view.
''See, I was right!'',he said happily. Ellena showed her bus pass as they laughed again. They entered the warm bus and sat near the back.
Several minutes passed and Ellena pressed the ''STOP'' button. The bus rumbled to a halt outside a long wall,then they got off the bus and walked along the quiet road. ''I hope..the doctor thinks I'm better now'',Lorc said to his mother. She looked at him and held his hand even tighter. ''I know you will be fine..like Dad said, we're on a winning streak now...!'',she said. He smiled and they came to the end of the road. A magnificent hospital stood in the distance and Lorc noticed the letters,''G-R-A-N-D'',spread across the front in green letters.
Numerous monitors were positioned all around showing various doctors who worked there,displaying strong smiles. Lorc's eyes widened as he watched them. 'These guys...have weird teeth...',he thought to himself. They were surrounded by ambulance vans that boasted screens on the front and the back. His eyes watched as a TV advert for a popular media website flitted across the screen. 'BAE-DAY -- Don't forget BAE! Get the latest deals for BAE right now!' He wrinkled his nose at it then they came to the end of the way.
A great square entrance beckoned with a doctor standing nearby.
'H-Hello,Lorc and Mrs Dorne. It's been such a long time but please come up to my office.I h-have really good news for you.'' His voice stuttered and fizzed. Lorc watched in shock as the doctor trembled and disappeared with a spark. 'What?! Is it...a hologram...?'',Lorc said. ''Don't worry,let's go, we have a little bit longer to go,'' and they entered the large reception of the hospital. Lorc was overwhelmed as he saw people rushing about,patients in agony and doctors walking from left to right. ''Excuse me,''one said as he brushed against him,then hurried away. Ellena led Lorc to a long walkway that ended with a series of lifts. 'Hmmm...we are going...there. Physical Underdevelopment Procedures,floor 16'',she said and she pressed the button. ''I thought it was on floor 6...'',Lorc said with a slight smirk. ''Lorc...what have I told you about trying that with me...?'',his mother said firmly. Her eyes flashed and Lorc immediately broke eye contact. The lift door swung open and gentle music played as a cool voice sounded.
''Welcome to the Grand Hospital : Felnid's best medical option for all your ailments and illnesses.'' An interface appeared and Ellena pressed the tab labelled,''Physical Underdevelopment Procedures'' A second later,the door swung shut. The lift shuddered and began to rise slowly. ''Almost there,Lorc,just relax...'',said Ellena soothingly. A ping sounded and the lift suddenly stopped. The door swung open again to reveal another large room,which held a single bed shaped like a capsule. It held a glass cover and a small dent was next to it. ''Hello. Ellena Dorne and Lorc Dorne. You are right on time. Please wait a few minutes as the other patients readjust to your arrival.''
Then Lorc looked around. The entire room turned a deep red and suddenly he saw multiple patients floating in mid air,holding a yellow glow. He had been here many times before but this was new to him.
The other patients seemed to be in a kind of trance as they moved around the high ceiling of the room. Some minutes passed as he watched them float gently,like butterflies in the autumn. Others swam through the air, with their limbs moving effortlessly. The patients suddenly disappeared and Lorc blinked. Then the red tinge dulled and the capsule bed opened. A dinging sound rang in their ears before a narrow tube rose from the bedside dent.
It fell to the ground then a hologram burst out and a short man with friendly eyes and straightened black hair appeared. He wore a long white jacket,buttoned down the middle,with black shoes. A stethoscope attached to a square monitor hung around his neck.
He held a warmth that Lorc recognised,and his eyes lit up when he saw him. ''Lorc,how are you? You're growing up so fast,next time I see you,you'll be going to university!'',he said with a laugh. ''Morning,Dr.Janeathen.'',he said as he leapt onto the capsule bed. The glass cover slid shut and turned upright. An interface gleamed in front of the door and Ellena. ''How is Luke,Ellie? Morning by the way! Sorry,but my mind has been here,there, and everywhere else! I'm hearing that things are improving in your estate...?'' She looked closely at Lorc in the capsule bed. It began to glow as it scanned Lorc.
''Yes,they are making all sorts of changes...but I don't think we will be there for much longer..'',she added with a smile. ''Oh,wow,big changes in everyone's lives! Why,are you guys leaving Felnid? It really wouldnt be the same without you..'',he said. Her face lit up more and more as she said,''No,it's just that I finally got a job with Friern,and I start soon...everyone knows they pay a large amount when you get a job with them...so everything is changing...'' But Janeathen looked shocked when she mentioned the famous company. ''You ARE something else...! Your hard work paid off and the world rewarded you...or something alone those lines...did you see the news about the HEROweapon? Isn't it mindblowing?'',he said. ''It's incredible...you would never think something like this would ever be real...I don't even think Lorc went to sleep...he was so fascinated.'' The doctor nodded.
''Of course. He's a young boy and they love that kind of stuff. It's very inspirational for the children of today.'' Their attention moved to a purple glow that came from the capsule bed.
Lorc was asleep;a split second later,he suddenly jerked awake. ''Hmm...that's interesting...let me check this..'',said the doctor in an interested tone. He prodded the device around his neck as Ellena watched cautiously. 'What's going on...the checks usually take a lot longer...',she thought. Then a beaming smile covered Janeathen's face. ''I don't believe it...'',he said breathlessly. ''What's the matter, Doctor?'',Ellena asked. ''The scans...it's totally bizarre...but it is known to happen sometimes...they are saying that...Lorc's joints...they are working much better than ever before...'' A look of surprise flooded Ellena's face as she stared at him.
''What do you mean? They said when he was a baby that he would struggle all through his childhood years...'' But the doctor shook his head. ''From my own experience, I have never seen anything like this. Lorc's condition is quite unique,as in it's not a diseasebut more of a natural occurrence. Like it was explained a few yers ago, his joints seem to slide against each other randomly. But the scans evaluated the marrow in his body and it is stronger than it was last month. Even from yesterday,it appears to have improved at this rate, his legs and arms will become stronger very soon,within a matter of years.''
Shock turned to happiness as tears flooded Ellena's eyes.''He's getting..better...? This is amazing...! Doctor, thank you so much...!'',she said happily. But then, a look of concern spread across the doctor's eyes. ''I think we should be cautious.Of course,it is good that he is getting better.But let us be more careful. I estimate that by the time he is a teenager,he will be completely healed. But I dont want him to put any unnecessary strain on himself. He is still quite fragile and we don't want all this to be undone by one reckless choice.'' Ellena wiped her eyes as she listened to him.
''Lorc is strong but hopefully...he will listen...'',she said,glancing at him in the capsule. It was still brimming with a purple light and he lay still.
The capsule door slid open and turned horizontally. ''Okay,Lorc, you can sit up. How are you feeling?'',said the doctor. Lorc looked up and his mother watched him. ''I'm feeling alright,but a bit itchy...'',he complained. He pushed himself up and stood. Then Ellena took his hand. ''Thanks so much,Doctor Janeathen. I'm so glad that we found this out today,but we really have to get going...'',she said finally. With that,she made her way to the door. ''It's never a problem seeing you and Lorc,but remember what I said. He'll get better...just give him time'',called Janeathen,with a warm smile. Ellena and Lorc walked back to the lift as it suddeny arrived with a ding. The door swung open and a dark haired woman clutching a clipboard stood. She glanced at them with lovely lilac eyes when they entered,then everyone stared at the door.
''Which floor?'',she said coolly. Then Ellena responded,''We're just going to the ground floor.'' As she pressed the button,Lorc looked around at the other woman. He noticed that she had a strange mark on her face. It was a horizontal line with a single dot next to it. ''That looks lke the letter,''i'',but it's asleep'',he said to his mother. A look of surprise fell on Ellena's face but the woman enquired.
''This child..he's so headstrong...how old is he...?'',she said,examining the young boy. Ellena replied,''He's six and a half years old but he's like a teenager.How he will be when he gets older is beyond me...'' As if to interrupt,the dark-haired woman shook her head.
''Don't push away his interest in the world...it needs strong ones like him. Encourage his mind...'',she added determinedly, and she examined him again. The lift shuddered to a halt and the door slowly opened to the ground floor. ''Thank you,'' Ellena said and she hurried Lorc out of the lift,leaving the woman in the lift. They walked through the busy reception and back out into the fresh air.
Then Lorc stopped. ''I feel...weird...'',he said as he grasped her hand. There was a pause and then Lorc's legs buckled. But Ellena reached for him and held him close. ''It's OK..every time you go to see the doctor,you always feel a little off afterwards...but it's OK,I'm here...'' Her heart beat faster as she looked at his legs. Lorc's knees loosely held together as he clung to Ellena. He grunted and pulled himself up on her arm as his knees slid back to place. The road they stood on was deserted but the Grand Hospital entrance was metres away. 'I can help him...it's fine..he will be OK...',Ellena said to herself determinedly as he stood up straight.
''Are you alright?'',she asked,watching him carefully. ''Yeah,I'm OK,''he replied quickly. He stood up straight and held Ellena's hand loosely. She still held his,then spoke. ''You're so strong..I know you can do it...'',she said softly.Then they continued slowly on the road which led to a busy shopping district. Their ears filled with noise as people walked busily in the afternoon. Children ran and jumped,whilst couples held each other close, and peered into shop windows. Pretty animal decorations hugged lampposts and adverts flashed often on huge screens,encouraging people to buy.
''Why is it so busy,I wonder...Christmas has already gone...oh,wait...that's the reason...,'' Ellena said. Lorc looked around in confusion as her eyes fixed on a huge red sign.
It boasted the words,''Sale-Storm Now Active''.She shook her head then they walked through the busy crowd. ''Hold my hand...'',she said to Lorc firmly. 'It's so annoying how we have to go through this long street...just to reach the bus stop...',she thought frustratingly as she bustled against people.
But Lorc showed no interest as he watched strangers moving left and right, back and forth. ''Wow...I wonder where all these people are going...they're probably doing stuff that's super important...'',he thought to himself as he brushed against endless passersby.
''We're almost there...dont't worry,Lorc...,'' said Ellena loudly but her voice was drowned in the hubbub surrounding them. They struggled through the crowd to an open space that overlooked the rest of the city. Then Lorc and Ellena stopped. A magnificent view arrested their eyes as a great,circular building stood in the distance. It was perched right on the edge of the city but it was hard to ignore.
Overshadowing it was a colossal tree-shaped structure which stood right in the middle of the city. Its branches stretched seemingly, as if it were begging the heavens.
Nearby,a large school sat next to a field of endless green and orange. But Lorc's eyes focused on a huddled set of large white houses that felt separate from the rest of the city. A long path beckoned in the distance,which led to an oddly square building. It held four windows that held no shine but the walls stood strong. For the first time, Lorc was speechless. Ellena looked at Lorc. ''Wow,someone's quiet...'',she laughed,with a look of surprise.
''So...this is really...Felnid..?I can see everything....'',he said,awestruck. ''Yeah,I suppose you have never seen it like this. It's amazing,isn't it?'',she said.''It's such an beautiful city....But we really have to go,we have to catch that bus..and you need to get to school...'',she said hurriedly.
They turned right and the road led to a downward slope revealing a bus stop. Its sign was weathered but the timetable was still visible. An old man sat on the bench nearby but he didn't look up as they approached.
His hood was drawn and his arms were folded. Lorc looked at him in interest,but could not ignore the sign on the man's clothes. It was a single horzontal line with a single dot next to it.''What do those lines mean..'',he said,catching Ellena's attention. ''I have no idea,but let's not disturb the man.'' But Lorc's interest grew.
''Excuse me,I think the bus is here,''he said to the man,but he didnt answer. Just as he raised his head,the bus rolled into view,full of passengers,and stopped. ''Lorc,let's go...leave the man alone...''said Ellena curtly,and they bundled themselves onto the bus.
Minutes passed and the bus moved along a narrow road. It was full of people in the afternoon,and chatter filled the ears of passengers. Lorc held Ellena's hand close as she gripped the overhead bar.
A slight tremble shook the bus but the driving continued. 'This driver...he needs to slow down a little...',Ellena thought cautiously. A greater tremble happened,and all of the passengers shook as the bus jolted. ''Scuse me but can you drive a little slower? We shouldn't be shaking like this'',one called to the driver. He looked at the driver's cabin then knocked sharply on the tinted window. It dimmed to reveal a raised platform holding a range of buttons and dials. ''Oh,for God's sake...it's one of the Self-Drives...'',he said disappointingly.
A third tremor hit and the bus suddenly went up. The passengers lurched and Lorc swept right into Ellena. They moved weightlessly in the air as the bus tossed.
Then it stopped suddenly as if something held it. '''Stay very close to me,Lorc...'',Ellena said strictly.
There was silence then the wheels screeched, the engine started running and the bus came back to life. ''What..was that?'',said one passenger. ''I don't know...but it had better not be one of those weird HEROweapon guys...'',said another. ''Yeah,did you see that on the news yesterday?! That was something I have never seen before...!'',one chatted excitedly. ''He seemed so...obsessed with stoppng Ruenn...it was a little worrying...'',Ellena added. But the other passengers shook their heads. ''No,I don't think so...he is obviously a good guy...and he wants to look after the city...and everyone in it'', said a young man,matter-of-factly.
However,Ellena stood firm. ''There was almost...a fury in his eyes...he LOOKED like a hero...but he seemed almost...angry...'',she said. The other passengers then turned from her,as she held Lorc's hand. ''Well,I think you should make sure he never has to save you...because you would be ungrateful!'',barked a well-dressed woman. The others murmured in agreement and the hubbub of the bus continued. Minutes passed,and the other passengers began to ignore Ellena.
The bus moved along again on its route,as passengers murmured. But Lorc was thinking about what he heard Ellena say. 'Do..heroes...get angry.?',he thought to himself. The bell rang and the bus shuddered to a halt.
''Alright ,time to go,Lorc,you're going to go in for a half-day today...'',she said, as they stepped off the bus carefully. The bus left them and they stood in front of a narrow road. ''Okay,Lorc,off we go'',she said enthusiastically. But Lorc protested. ''I feel a little sick...'',and he gave an exaggerated cough. Then Ellena's eyebrows rose. ''You know,I'm sure,'coughing',is not one of the side effects of the check-ups...?'',she said skeptically. ''It should be...'',Lorc said begrudgingly as he dragged his feet.They continued along and the path took them to the front of a black gate. A large,inviting school stood tall behind it, and the sounds of children laughing filled their ears.
Elena pressed a button on a small grey pad next to the gate,then a voice called.''Hello, this is The Grand School.How can we help you?'' 'It's Ellena Dorne, I'm just dropping Lorc off as he had an appointment.' ''Welcome,Mrs Dorne. Please come and sign in at the office.'' The voice buzzed and disappeared. ''I hope you are not too late for that visitor...'',she said as the black gate swung open and they walked briskly to the reception. ''What? What visitor?'',said Lorc. ''You've forgotten? A special visitor is coming to your school. It was in the newsletter.
But luckily they're coming in the afternoon so you won't have missed anything,''Ellena replied. ''Who would want to visit our school...this is so strange...?'',the boy asked. They reached the reception which was a large circular room,with the reception desk in the middle.
A woman watched them as they approached. Her brown eyes were deep and she smiled.''Hello, and good morning. Lorc is in Arc-3,but he had an appointment'',Ellena said,a little flustered. The woman did not answer,but a blue light covered Lorc and Elva. Then the woman spoke. ''Good morning. Your appointment has been cleared by The Grand School. It is nice to see you and Lorc is welcome to go to his class. Thank you for bringing him,Mrs Dorne.'' Ellena looked at Lorc then smiled.
''Okay,this is your moment...I'm going now but have fun at school...anything happens,you tell me when we get home...and don't forget your homework..I mean,your schoolwork..it's important'',she said,quite flustered as she straightened up his tie. He grumbled something under his breath but Ellena didn't hear. Ahead of the central desk were six pairs of sliding doors.''I love you'',she said,as she hugged Lorc tightly. Then he made his way to a pair on the left. She stared after him until he was out of sight then walked out of the school.
'I wish I could have stayed home...I don't want to go to school...',he thought as he passed through the doors. He was suddenly in a narrow hallway which led to a large circular room that held his class.'Errgghhh...I want to stay at home...I hate coming to this school...',he said to himself with every step towards the classroom. The class all sat in front of a pair of teachers,who noticed him as he walked in. ''Lorc! We were starting to think you weren't coming!'',one said. At the mention of his name, a small group of kids looked around at each other and began sniggering. The other teacher said curtly,''Is anything funny about what was just said..?'' The laughing died down a little. Then the amused kids immediately stopped when they noticed a child with wispy silver hair who watched them closely.
''Stop laughing otherwise you will miss your break time. Try and see if I'm serious'',said the more stern teacher. The teachers reclaimed the attention of the class and one continued. ''Now I know that today has been an interesting day back after your holiday. But there are more surprises for you today. If your parents didn't tell you,a visitor is coming today.She is an amazing person and I really hope you enjoy what she says,''he finished. ''Mr.Bronse,when will she get here?,''said one of the children. Then the other teacher spoke. ''We put our hands up when we speak, Connor'',she stated firmly. ''Sorry,Miss Kompani'',said Connor. He grinned slightly then looked at Bronse. Just then,two people entered. A relaxed woman entered,followed by a exhausted young girl,who held a beaming smile and a small leather bag. The first one somehow looked younger than the second; there was a single horizontal line on her face with a single dot next to it.
Her shoulder-length hair was black,and she dressed in a white suit; the children stared at her eyes as they were a friendly lilac.
She looked across the room and the teachers stood up.''Okay,well,this is the visitor we were just mentioning...although she is actually well ahead of time...'',Bronse said,glancing at the clock. ''Ah,don't worry,I find it rude to be late when meeting people. But now I'm early so it won't be a problem....!'',the woman said emphatically.
She scanned the room again then her eyes met Lorc's. 'I saw her earlier today...what is she doing here...?',he thought. Then the woman continued.
''Hello,everyone. i am Orai,nice to meet you. I am the Director of the Grand Enterprise,a large network of people that works hard to make this city a great place to live! I came today to tell you guys about a really great idear! But before we start,let's split you guys up into groups!I want you to draw a group of three strong people you know and tell me...WHY are they strong?''
She began splitting the class into groups of three students. A shuffling sounded throughout the class as the kids moved around,then Conor suddenly found himself next to Lorc. For a second,they made eye contact then they broke away.''I don't want to work with Slug..'',he said,annoyed. Lorc's eyes lit up then he angrily turned towards him. ''Don't call me that again...!'',he said in distress.
''If you do it I will punch you....!'' Then Mr Bronse came up to both of them. ''I don't want to hear anything else from you'',he said strictly to Connor.
Orai suddenly appeared at his side. ''Wow, you two should definitely work together,the friction here could melt an igloo'',she said. Some of the other kids laughed. She huddled them together, then a third child suddenly joined their group. It was the boy with silver,wispy hair but his eyes were fixed only on Connor,who looked away determinedly. ''Oh,Elva,thanks for joining these two,'',said Mr Bronse. Elva walked and stood next to Lorc,who watched him. His eyes were so determined, that Conor shifted awkwardly.
An hour passed and the classroom was buzzing with noise. No noise came from Lorc's group but they produced a large picture. Then Orai clapped her hands and the silence died away.
''Okay,guys,so tell me who your characters are,and why they are strong'',she called across the classroom. Hands fired into the air as she looked round then she locked on to Elva. He stood up and said,''We chose one person each that we know and drew them on our paper. I drew myself,as a GUARD.'' But Orai suddenly held a shocked expression. ''Wow,I wasn't epecting that! You're so young yet you know about the GUARDs...?'' He nodded. ''Yes,I do. Isn't it obvious that I'll become an A-GUARD? Only the strong can...and honestly,I should be one already...'',he said confidently,then he sat down.
The other children looked at him with their mouths open. Then Orai spoke.
''Wow,such confidence...! What is your name?What makes you strong...?'',she asked,her lilac eyes glinting. Elva closed his eyes and ignored her. ''No-one else here will become an A-GUARD,except me'',he said gruffly. Everyone in the room still stared at him then Orai turned towards Conor. ''Okay,and what is your name? Who did you draw?'' Conor hesitated then he began. ''I drew the HEROweapon. He's so strong,even better than some...GURD, or whatever it's called.... He's so cool,I want to be better than him...!'',he said enthusiastically and his face beamed. The other children tittered at the mention of the HEROweapon but Orai had heard what she needed to.
''Well,well...you are definitely a character,aren't you?I feel like you coud deliver on anything you say...''she said softly. She surveyed Conor just as a strange buzzing in the room.