My eyes slowly opened as the sound of beeping machines rang through my ears. A familiar set of faces stared at me with tears and relieved and joyful smiles. Mom, Dad? A sudden wave of exhaustion and soreness rushed through my body like a fierce current as I tried to sit up. I let out a groan and my parents anxiously looked at me as the nurse told me to be careful while she helped me lay back down. My mom handed me a cup of water and I slurped down as much as possible to ease my sore throat.
My eyes glanced down and realized that my right arm was in a cast and my left was covered in scrapes and bruises. My head shot up towards the rest of my body, making me feel dizzy, and I saw that my legs weren't much better. My brain was filled with fog when I tried to remember what had happened and I began to feel dizzy.
A set of footsteps sped towards the door and opened to reveal a girl around my age with hazelnut skin and curly dark brown hair tied in a ponytail. Hailey? She looked at me with wide eyes that began to tear up as she nearly sprinted toward me, despite the nurse's warnings. "Mia, I'm so sorry." Tears spilled over onto dark circles under her eyes. "It was all my fault, I shouldn't run off like that. I was so stupid, and you almost died because of me." My mom embraced her as the girl cried on her shoulder. What is she sorry for? My brain felt too exhausted to remember anything. I only had enough energy to give a small smile.
"It wasn't your fault." My eyelids began to feel heavy as I spent what little strength I had and I immediately went back to sleep.
When I woke up, my mind still felt foggy and my muscles ached with every move. Hailey was sketching on her tablet, deep in concentration. "You always were the creative one," I smiled as I sat up.
"Here," She handed me a cup of water and turned towards the table next to my bed, overflowing with letters, flowers, and all kinds of desserts.
"What are you working on?" I asked in a raspy voice.
"Drink first. You sound like a zombie." The brown-haired girl said playfully. I let out a chuckle and took a swig.
"It's a sketch for a new necklace with the center charm embedded with a small camera," Hailey explained as she turned the notebook around. "What do you think?" It was a sketch of a silver necklace decorated with shiny jewels with the largest one in the center labeled as obsidian.
"It looks great. I could try it out on patrol one night."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves,"
"Whatever you say," I smiled and turned towards the table next to me crowded with gifts and get-well cards.
I shrugged "Might as well read a few of those," I murmured as my hand reached for a white envelope.
"When the police told everyone what happened a few nights ago, the hospital was swarmed with people sending gifts to your room. You're an overnight celebrity." She said with a smirk. I let out a small chuckle.
"I was kind of a celebrity before that," I replied as I opened the envelope and took out the card. The front was decorated with brightly colored flowers with the words "Get Well Soon" in elaborate cursive. I turned the page and read the letter that was written in neat and simple handwriting:
Dear Koré,
Thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for all of the lives you saved and the evil you've fought for us. I'm not sure if you remember, but one night when I was jogging through Central Park, a man tried to mug me and you dropped from a nearby tree and saved me! I wanted to thank you again in person but I wasn't sure if I would see you again. And when I saw what happened on TV, I had to send something, even if it was just a short letter. I'm sure you'll get back to swinging in no time, and remember to stay strong, Koré.
Sincerely, Sarah,
It was the first time I went out as a superhero, I thought as I smiled to myself. We were sixteen and had been planning it for a couple of weeks. Hailey made a hero costume out of a thick dark green hoodie, while I practiced fighting with the thick vines. It was a Friday night and I told my parents I was going to see a movie with some friends. I felt bad for lying, but I knew they would never let me go into the city at night. I borrowed my parent's car and drove while Hailey called me to review the game plan. " Remember, just stay in the park and use the trees to stay hidden." She explained.
"Don't worry," I replied in a relaxed tone. "I have it all figured out. I helped you with that plan, remember?"
"Yeah," Hailey let out a sigh. "But it's still dangerous out there." An image of Hailey being attacked in the city streets flashed through my mind.
"I know," I winced at the thought and dug my thumbnail into the top of my middle finger, making the vision disappear. She's in her room, I reassured myself. She's safe.
"Hey, are you still there?" Hailey's voice broke my train of thought.
"Sorry, I was focused on the road," I lied.
"No worries, how's the traffic?" She asked.
"Not too bad," I shrugged. The rest of the drive there was pretty uneventful, just complaining about annoying teachers and talking about upcoming movies. Eventually, I managed to find a parking spot and walked a few blocks over to the park's main entrance. I slid my phone into one of my legging's side pockets and connected a small wireless earpiece to my phone. I slid the case into my other pocket as I hear Hailey's voice in my right ear.
I stood in front of the park's main entrance with a metal plaque labeled Prominent Park. The trees were covered in dark, green leaves that were just out of reach of the lamposts' lights. Perfect for sneak attacks, I thought. I wrapped the vines around a sturdy branch and hurled myself toward it.
My eyes widened as I realized I'd used too much force. In mid-air, I used the vines to push me back and slow my momentum. And instead of a few broken ribs, I got the breath knocked out of my lungs and a lifetime supply of embarrassment.
What was that?" Hailey asked through my earpiece.
"Nothing," I said instantly as I felt my cheeks heat up. She giggled in response
"Whatever you say," Hailey replied sarcastically.
"To be fair, it looked a lot easier in the Spiderman movies," I whispered as I looked around the empty park. It's quiet. Too quiet.
I latched one of the vines onto a tall but sturdy branch and I swung across as quickly and quietly as I could. My feet were caught off balance on the landing and swiftly wrapped a vine onto a nearby branch for support. I let out a quiet sigh of relief as I regained my footing. Off to a great start, I thought sarcastically.
The sound of heavy breathing and footsteps approached. A woman wearing black leggings with a light blue tank top complimented her light brown tied up in a ponytail jogging on the sidewalk below. I don't see anyone else, I thought. Might as well follow her and make sure she's safe.
As the brown-haired ran past me, I grabbed onto one of the thick branches from a nearby tree and swung into the cloud of thick leaves. I managed to land without falling off. I think I'm getting the hang of this.
After swinging past a couple of more trees, a man in a black hoodie and jeans jumped out from behind a tree and onto the path in front of her. Now's my chance!
I flicked my wrist and a branch from a tree across from me shook violently. Instinctively, the man turned around with his back facing me. As he yelled and aimed his gun at the thick, dimly lit trees, I made another branch move next to the first one. That should distract him long enough, I thought as I carefully swung into another tree right above him. As I crouched hidden, I concentrated on the vines in my sleeves and lept into action.
One vine grabbed his gun while and yanked it out of his hands while the other tied his legs together as I kicked him square in the chest. He lay groaning on the sidewalk as both vines wrapped themselves around the gun. slowly crushing it. The woman looked at me with wide eyes and her jaw dropped to the concrete. "Who are you?" She asked in disbelief.
I don't have a superhero name, I realized. I scanned my brain for any interesting plant-related names until I remembered an old lecture from history class; Mr. Angelo spent three days solely on Greek Mythology. And in one of his classes, he talked about the famous myth of Persephone and Hades, and a certain name stood out to me-the name Persephone's mother, Demeter, had given her.
"Koré,"
I let out a tired sigh. Things were so much simpler back then.
"Are you ok back there?" My Dad asked, looking in the rearview mirror of the car. He had one hand on the steering wheel, while the other played with the radio. My Mom sat next to him in the front seat on her phone.
I blinked a few times. "Yeah, I'm good," I answered. "And you don't have to call me 'kiddo' dad, I'm 18."
"I don't care if you're 18 or 80, you're still a kiddo to me." I couldn't help but smile. "Besides, who else is going to watch cool movies with me?" A small chuckle escaped my lips as my Mom playfully rolled her eyes.
"We're here," Dad said as he turned into a near-empty parking lot in front of a moderately-sized building with a sign that read Central Sonia Hospital Physical Therapy Center. The three of us got out of the car and headed inside. As we approached the door, I ran my fingers along one of the straps that held up my broken arm.
Over the next few days of physical therapy, exercises that I could normally do in my sleep felt like an extreme workout. My muscles trembled and burned as if they'd give in any second. Oh how the mighty have fallen, a voice in the back of my mind laughed. And even though I was slowly getting stronger, I couldn't help but agree. If anyone wanted to fight me right now, they'd probably win. All the more reason to keep at it said another voice. And so, I kept going, despite my screaming muscles.
That night, I sat in my room, sifting through fanmail I'd gotten when I was in the hospital when I found one of Hailey's sketches. The same one that had changed our friendship forever.
It all started when I was getting ready for another night patrol around Prominent Park. And after a little less than two years of being a hero, I was getting the hang of it. I'd tried calling Hailey about it all day, but she didn't answer her phone. The thought of her being kidnapped and killed resonated in my head. I pinched the tip of my finger with my thumbnail to clear my head. It's already dark. I should get going.
Just as I opened the door to leave my room, Hailey walked in and we almost headbutted each other. The two of us laughed for a moment, and as I stepped back, I saw the strange outfit she was wearing. The brown-haired girl noticed my confusion and smiled.
It's my hero outfit." She explained. "What do you think?" Hailey spun around, showing off her skin-tight blue and black bodysuit with weirdly thick black gloves. "Look," The dark-skinned girl sighed. "I know I don't have any powers but I've been working on these gloves that form a layer of electricity when I turn them on. We'll be an unstoppable team!" Hailey pumped her fist in excitement.
Meanwhile, my mind raced faster than the speed of light, projecting visions of Hailey lying in the street in her bloodstained bodysuit. I've always been worried about her safety. Ever since I've wanted to be a hero I knew it'd put everyone I love in danger and I worry for her the most. That's why I've never let her come on a mission with me. And as my brain pictured every horrific outcome, one thought echoed through my mind.
"I can't let you, Hailey,"
"Why not?" Her voice had a sweet but angry tone, like the sound of a bomb falling from the sky before it explodes. "I can hold my own in a fight." I couldn't help but see the resemblance in my sixteen-year-old self when I snuck out two years ago.
"I can't risk you getting hurt." A knot began to form in my throat.
Quit acting like I'm some helpless child, Mia! Is it because I'm not special like you?!" Angry tears started to form in Hailey's eyes."You know what? I don't need you. I've never needed you. And if you just want me to be your nerdy sidekick, then I'll be a hero myself!" Rage boiled up in me as if I were sitting on a flaming stove.
"Fine! See how long you last out there!" I yelled back as she slammed my door shut. A wave of emotions hit me like a freight train as tears welled up in my eyes.
Did she really mean it? Does she want to be my friend anymore? After a fight, we'll apologize sooner or later and things will go back to normal. But now I'm not so sure. Tears finally spilled over as I curled up in my bed and shielded the blankets over my head, hoping to clear my thoughts. But I could hear Hailey's voice replaying so loud and clear it was like she never left. Soon, my eyelids turned to lead as I felt the energy draining from my body like water in a strainer and succumbed to sleep.
I jolted awake to the sound of my ringtone. I grabbed my phone and tapped the screen to see who it was.
Hailey.
I angrily sighed and answered. "I thought you didn't need me," I snapped.
"She changed her mind." I almost dropped my phone at the sound of the mysterious monotone voice. An icy chill slithered up my spine and tightened around my ribcage. "Hello, Koré, or should I say, Mia,"
"What do you want?" I asked, grateful that my voice didn't falter.
"You've made quite a name for yourself, Mia. But you're getting our way." Our? "Meet me at the old paper factory, and I'll explain more." This has to be a setup.
"And if I refuse?" He gave a light chuckle.
"Then your friend here will take a tumble off the factory roof." My panic rose even further as I heard Hailey's terrified voice.
Don't do it, Mia!" She yelled.
Shut up!" The man shouted and Hailey let out a pained yelp. He hit her. Any fear I had was replaced with pure rage.
"What time?" I couldn't help but picture him smirking on the other end.
"You've got one hour." The man hung up before I could say anything. I glanced at my phone's clock. 3:45 a.m.
I picked up my superhero hoodie and concealed it in the large pack pocket that connected to my sleeves. Then a realization hit me: how will I get there in one hour? The garage door will wake my parents if I take the car. Then a crazy idea popped into my head.
I bit back a scream as I was launched above the trees. The vines latched onto a large oak tree and pulled me up as much as my power would allow. But since rage still flowed through my veins, the vines catapulted me higher and farther than I had anticipated. I continued to swing from the vines like a monkey and used my phone's map for directions to the abandoned factory.
Eventually, the worn brick building came into view. Finally, I thought as my feet touched the ground. My eyes glanced at my phone. Just in time. I carefully made my way into the abandoned building.
The inside was empty. Dust floated in the dark, clinging onto the littered concrete floor or graffitied brick walls. In the middle of the vast room, Hailey sat tied to a metal chair gagged with an alarming amount of dried blood that ran down the side of her face.
But it was the man standing beside her that worried me the most. He was at least seven feet and made John Cena look like a toddler. I tried to keep a poker face and suppressed a whimper. Take deep, steady breaths. When you get the chance, choke with the vines until he passes out. Easy.
"About time you showed up," The man asked in a deep gruff voice. "We were just about to have a little chat on the roof." Tears streamed down my friend's face as I resisted the urge to use the vines and strangle him.
"What do you want?" My voice was filled with outrage.
"To see what you're made of. I've been itching for some good competition and I wanna see if you're as good as they say. Well, me and my boss do."
"Who's your boss?" He let out a roaring laugh that echoed throughout the empty factory. "And why would I tell you that?" The man asked sarcastically. "No one's that dumb." He chuckled.
"You still haven't answered my question." I snapped. "What do you want?"
"Isn't it obvious?" The man smirked as he unzipped his jacket revealing his abnormally large muscles that seemed to stretch his skin. This guy's built like the Hulk, I thought as my eyes widened.
"I'm here to kill you."
The man lunged at me with surprising speed for his size. I barely dodged his punch and kicked him in the stomach. He grunted before round-kicking me in the back. Pain erupted throughout my spine as I desperately tried to get up. The man picked me up by my hood before punching me in the face. My head exploded with agony and he tossed me to the concrete floor. As I coughed up blood, my eyes drifted to Hailey sobbing as she helplessly watched.
I clenched my fists. I'm not going to die like this. Fury reignited inside me, dulling my pain and giving me a burst of energy. Not here. Not now.
The vines raced toward him as fast as my power would allow. And just as vines were about to touch the man's he held them in his giant hands.
The plants thrashed back and forth like baby garden snakes to free themselves, but it was useless. He clenched his fists and the vines' stem snapped, falling limp into his grip. He yanked the vines toward him with unmatched strength, sending me flying in his direction. The man gave an evil grin as my head collided with his.
It felt like a bomb had gone off inside my skull as my vision and thoughts became blurry. A stream of blood trickled down my face and along my neck.
The hitman pulled the vines away from each other with insane force and tore my hoodie apart. As the vines lay dead on the concrete floor, the realization set in.
I can't win this fight. He's too strong.
As he grabbed my neck, I held my trembling arms up to my face to block, and he punched my forearm with a loud crack! I screamed as my right arm exploded with pain. Held up by his grip, I gasped for air, until his fist tightened, closing off my windpipe. As my lungs burned for oxygen, I heard a quiet voice cry out from the depth of my subconsciousness.
This isn't over, It whispered like a flickering flame in a cold winter wind. The tiny flame grew into a blazing inferno, giving me a sudden burst of seemingly unlimited strength. THIS ISN'T THE END!
I called on my power and it replied with a mighty roar as both of the vines wrapped themselves around the man's neck from behind with incredible force. He tried to loosen the vines' grip, but it was futile. After what felt like hours, the hitman finally collapsed with a loud thud! That echoed throughout the building.
With a final ounce of strength left, I wrapped the vines around the chains that confined Hailey, freeing her from the chair. She rushed to my side and held my head in her lap as more tears rushed down her face. And as my consciousness began to slip away, my friend reached for my phone in my pocket and called 911. Through the shattered window, the first light of a new day began to shine through. How poetic. I gave a small, but hopeful smile before my mind filled with white noise as my consciousness faded away.
My eyes fluttered open from the sound of birds chirping outside my window. Sunlight spilled into my room as I sat up and walked to my closet. I decided on a plain light blue T-shirt and black jean shorts since I didn't plan on doing much other than physical therapy exercises and watching a new detective show I saw an ad about on TV a few nights ago. I checked my phone to see a new text from Mom. I opened my phone to read what she'd sent me:
Your father and I are out getting groceries. Let us know if you need anything.
They usually go to the grocery store on Saturdays, I thought as I opened the door to my room.
The doorbell echoed throughout breaking my train of thought. I jogged to the front door, careful not to run into anything. The cold tile shocked my feet as I went through the kitchen. Curiously, I opened the door to a cop with an intimidating expression. If looks could kill, he could cause a massacre. His uniform was black, even though I've only seen cops wear navy.
Ms. Milson, my name is Chief Harrison of the SCPD. May I come in? There is something I would like to discuss with you." I blinked a few times before saying "sure," and opening the door. I sat in a light brown cushioned chair and he took the identical one across from me.
"So, what's this about Chief?" I nervously asked.
"First off I would like to thank you for your bravery in saving Ms. Carter." He's talking about Hailey! Does he know I'm Koré?! I just have to play dumb.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't know what you're talking about."
"You can drop the act, Ms. Milson, I know you're Koré." My eyes widened.
"How do you know?"
"While you were unconscious in the hospital, Ms. Carter told the doctors and nurses who took care of you so you could receive treatment. We asked each of them individually about your identity and injuries. Don't worry, they promised not to tell anyone."
"But why didn't you just ask one of them?"
"We had to be sure they were telling the truth. If they gave us identical or completely different answers we'd know they were lying." Touché.
"But that's not why I'm here. The police chief continued. "I have a proposition for you."
I stood next to a pedestal where Chief Harrison spoke into several microphones as cameras flash in his face. Even with three weeks to prepare for this, I'm still really nervous.
My hands ran over the soft but firm fabric of my new hero outfit. I wore a black cropped hoodie with an emerald green leaf in the middle and a matching plain T-shirt underneath with black leggings and tennis shoes. Another piece of dark green fabric covered my nose and mouth but was thin so I could catch my breath quicker.
"It is an honor to welcome this new era in Sonia City and the latest addition to the SCPD: Koré." I took a deep breath and took Harrison's place on the podium. Hundreds of reporters' voices crowded my ears and almost blinded me with their flashing cameras.
But amidst the chaos, I couldn't help but reminisce about that girl one year ago, clumsily swinging around Centennial Park with a couple of vines. And the one bleeding on the abandoned factory floor, half-dead with broken limbs. I smiled.
We've come a long way, haven't we?