Chapter 2: The First Move
"So, everyone, how do we intend to change the world?"
Mika leans forward, eyes shining with excitement.
"I have an idea! We could start by helping people in need and stopping bad things from happening!"
The others nod in agreement.
Truly naïve.
Lunch ends, and we head back to class. But my mind is elsewhere. I need to test my power.
I raise my hand. "Mrs. Amy, can I talk to you outside for a minute?"
She gives me a curious look but nods. "Of course. Let's go."
Once we step into the hallway, she smiles. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
I grin. "I'm going to kill everyone in class. Including you."
Her face twists in horror. "What?! Have you lost your mind?!"
I place my palm on her forehead.
Delete.
Her expression resets instantly. She blinks, confused.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
My heart pounds. It worked.
I feign a weak smile. "Actually... I'm not feeling great today. I think I should go home early."
"Oh, of course! Make sure to call me if you need help with any homework. Get some rest!"
I nod and walk away.
When I arrive home, I sit on my bed, my thoughts racing.
If I can erase memories, can I manipulate them too?
There's only one way to find out.
"Sako! Come to my room for a second!"
A moment later, my little brother peeks in. "What is it, big bro?"
"Come here. I want to show you something."
He steps closer. I place my hand on his forehead.
Erase.
His eyes go blank.
Then, I rewrite his past. In his mind, he grew up in a household of terrorists. He was trained to bomb a shopping mall.
The moment I release him, he stumbles back, eyes blazing with hostility.
"Who are you?! Do you want to die?!"
Amazing. It really works.
I press my palm against him again.
Restore.
Sako blinks, his expression softening.
"So... what did you want to show me?"
I smile. "There's a new movie coming out soon. Wanna watch it together?"
"Yeah! That'd be awesome! You're the best brother ever!"
He grins and runs off.
I lean back, grinning.
I can plant memories. I can rewrite reality itself.
The possibilities are endless.
I start planning. First, I'll need a name—something criminals will fear. Something that will make them tremble before they even act.
Then, I'll manipulate their memories. I'll make them believe they've planned their own suicides. They'll die before they ever commit a crime.
I chuckle.
No—I laugh.
But I need to be careful. If I'm reckless, I'll get caught. And what good is power if I die before I use it?
Beep. Beep.
A message.
Mika: "Yo, feeling alright? Why'd you go home? Want me to come over?"
I type back.
Me: "Nah, just a headache. No need to come over. Sorry for worrying you."
Mika: "Alright, man. If you need anything, call me!"
I toss my phone aside.
No more testing on family. It's time to move to real targets.
I pull on my hoodie and head to the bad side of town.
A drug dealer leans against a wall, counting money.
I approach cautiously. "H-hey... do you sell those pills everyone's taking?"
The dealer smirks. "Yeah. How much you need?"
"O-only one, please..."
He chuckles. "First timer, huh? Be careful, this shit's hardcore."
I lurch forward, pretending to trip. My hand lands on his forehead.
Plant.
His body stiffens.
I step back, grinning. "So, what's wrong? Scared?"
His hands tremble. His breathing quickens.
"No... there's something I have to do..."
"Oh? And what's that?"
He pulls out his gun.
BANG.
Blood splatters against the wall. His lifeless body slumps to the ground.
I stare at the corpse, heart steady.
It worked.
"Hey! Get back here!!"
I turn. Two more dealers sprint toward me.
Wait. Why am I running?
I smirk and charge toward them.
Before they react, I press my palms against their foreheads.
Plant.
BANG.
BANG.
Their bodies drop.
I exhale, exhilarated.
I really am unstoppable.
By the time I get home, the news is already on.
"Tonight at 9 PM, three convicted drug dealers were found dead, having shot themselves in an apparent suicide. Witnesses report seeing them chasing an unidentified individual before turning their guns on themselves. Authorities believe it was a failed robbery attempt—"
I turn off the TV.
I smile.
Then I sleep.