When arriving at the location they were guided, the three were stunned into silence. "Hell, no I'm not going to this dump!" Protested Shaun when he saw Clortho. If Lakeview Super Academy showed the best that the city of Lakeview could offer, the Clortho showed the extreme opposite. First, it was located in one of the worst neighborhoods made famous by the news with its frequent murders. The buildings which rested on a hundred acres of land looked like it was made of subpar material, and by the stripping white paint, they had not been painted for years.
Lucy: "Strange, it looks nothing like the beautiful picture online, I was wondering why it had half of a star". While she spoke they looked at a picture of what seemed to be the peak of this institution's life, it was a startling contrast. Shaun sighed when seeing the picture was from twenty-five years in the past. They didn't even find it fit to update their profile, showing where this 'academy' priority lied.
Jamie: "I'm sure it's better on the inside. Besides, remember small steps". He encouraged a smile while pushing an unwilling Shaun through the squeaking doors of Clortho. At the top of the entrance was a vision statement, "Deriving excellence through fortitude and perseverance". That surely was ironic seeing as the sign was being held by mere a nail and swung over the entrance. Since school had not yet begun the place was nearly empty with only new recruits present bringing in their application. And just like Shaun, no one was enthusiastic when they saw the graffiti-filled walls.
They all had brown papers which, similar to Shaun, sealed their fates to this hell hole. Behind a glass was an overweight woman in her mid-forties who would fit seamlessly in at the DMV with her "wholesome" attitude.
"Next!" She impatiently yelled after stamping the application of the teen before Shaun. He cleared his throat and readied his routine which was basically him highlighting why he would be the perfect fit for Clortho. This he did at every other academy so far.
"Hi, I'm Shaun Sinclair and I would be a prime candidate to be a member of this "fine" institution. In my application, I have highlighted my key strengths and…" He suddenly stopped when realizing everyone around him seemingly paused in unison. The obese woman tapped on the glass as if trying to understand something. "Sweetie, are you willingly giving a pitch to join, Clortho..?" She inquired with a puzzled look as if she could not believe what she was witnessing.
Shaun then awkwardly responded, "Aaah.., yeah!"
Bah - Ha- Ha! - The place erupted into euphoria as though they had heard the funniest joke. The recruits were simply dying on the floor with laughter.
"This is some funny shit!" The woman uttered as she gasped for breath before grabbing her inhaler. It was like her previously grumpy mood instantly vanished. Her eyes were leaking tears as she laughed before finally getting ahold of herself.
"Sweetie, you're either the dumbest or the funniest kid to ever walk through those doors. Either way, you will fit right in", She then grabbed his application and stamped 'accepted' at the bottom right side of the application. "If you are from out of town, which by your accent I can tell you are, we don't provide housing. But that won't be a problem sweetie, rent is cheap around here".
She then continued, "School starts Monday, but before entering we expect to see the deposit in the bank. We no longer take cash, let's just say, if it's not the right printed paper we don't want it. Now be gone funny man, you're holding up my line", She dismissed Shaun who seriously didn't know what to make of the situation. Unlike the other academies, it seemed Clortho was simply happy that anyone applied. He could probably get in with a purple paper, that's how uncaring about those accepted this school was. It was then he knew there was no way of accomplishing anything within this academy, but what other choice was there?
When he exited the building both Jamie and Lucy saw an even more dejected look than when he had been rejected by the previous ten schools. This was quite startling considering that even the old doc guaranteed acceptance at Clortho.
Lucy: "Don't tell me that they refused your application".
Shaun: "I wish! I am not sad that they didn't accept me. I'm cursing in my mind that I was foolish enough to sign up so that they would accept me", He sighed while heading to the blue jeep. This was too depressing. From the luscious lawns of Lakeview Super Academy to a parking lot filled with potholes.
Lucy looked to Jamie and expressed some concerns she had, "Are you sure we shouldn't try convincing him against this fantasy of his? I do believe in him, but this place, let's be honest, is only an academy in the name. I read the reviews, they had one common theme and it was that the only opportunity available at Clortho is a fourth stream sidekick. That is not what he wants, there are far better opportunities going to a normal college".
She saw Jamie's expression and knew he didn't see it as such a big deal but seeing her constant stare he replied, "I'll have a talk with him tonight, the decision will still be his".
Later that night Jamie invited Shaun for a walk with just the two brothers. Lake view city was a buzz, with its famous nightlife. There was a reason it was a highly sought-after vacation spot as there was never a dull moment. The sounds of diversity could be heard by the music played from the cars going about their business. The only difference between the day and night was the amount of light.
"Order something nice", Jamie encouraged as they entered a small bar and grill with Jamaica roots. When hearing this Shaun had no hesitation, it wasn't every day that Jamie was this kind. But it did bring suspicions.
"I'm not dying, am I, big bro?" He jokingly inquired while his eyes lit up scanning the colorful menu. He had always been a fan of Jerk chicken, pork, festivals, and rice and peas. So this was a tough decision for him. Jamie chuckled when hearing the reply, "If you were dying I think a funeral home would be a more fitting destination. Seeing all the fancy coffins, you could choose any", He ended teasingly.
Shaun: "That's grim as heck, man". When seeing the waiter once more return he halted and made his order, "I'll have the rice and pea and oxtail". Jamie, not being particularly fussy, ordered the same and a Redstripe beer.
Jamie: "So little bro, it wasn't the greatest day today, you saw that talent is seen as everything for those that have already made their names. Clortho, let's be honest, is crap. If you want to be an alpha hero, it's all going to be dependent on you. Are you sure this is what you want?"
Shaun took a moment before he replied. He knew why Jamie asked him such a question. It was out of concern. He thought about it before replying, "You know I still have slight memories of our earlier childhood and how stern dad was. He was always so tense as if expecting the world to collapse above our heads, a complete contrast to mom".
He drank some water while waiting for their order to arrive at the table. His eyes were cues that his mind was reminiscing of a happier time, "The only times I remember him smiling at me was when I dressed up in my superhero costume and ran around the house. I think it was Titan, I used aluminum foil to represent that metallic chestplate with the T emblem. That was when the stern man vanished and dad came to the fold".
Shaun chuckled as he remembered the burly towering man whose voice was so rough he intimidated anyone he spoke to. "I was so happy to see him smiling I never wanted it to end. So I promised him that I would become an alpha hero and make all the money in the world, that he didn't have to always worry so much and we all could be happy. It may have been my imagination but I saw him tear up.
He said, 'A man should always have the power to protect his family no matter the obstacle' then rubbed my head and walked off. That's when I knew those silly proclamations were no longer silly. It would forever be my cause no matter the obstacle. I will be an Alpha hero, even if it kills me, Bring it on!"
Jamie didn't say a word, he always knew the reason behind Shaun's thirst to be a hero. It was to fulfill a promise made to their now-deceased father. It was a cause greater than himself.
"Was merely checking, little bro to see if that thirst still existed. Now let's fill our guts and bring something nice for Lucy", Jamie rubbed his hands when seeing the steaming trays of food heading their way.
"I swear the only time you act like a dork is when food is around", Shaun chuckled but he too was looking forward to the meal as well.