(The New) Power of the 8 Elements: Part Two

Chapter Seven: Extra Recruitment

"I get by with a little help from my friends." - The Beatles
PRESENT DAY
CELESTE

When I wake up, I take on the faint smell of bacon. Mama's been cooking I presume. When I check my phone, I realize my alarm hasn't gone off. It's 10:45. I've overslept. No, I've been suspended. I won't be able to go to school for three days. I climb out of the bed, take a shower, and dress in a robe. When I go downstairs after getting dressed, I see only Proteus in the living room, drinking coffee.

"Ah, Celeste, you're awake."

"Good morning, Proteus. Where is Mama?"

"She went to work early, I'm afraid. It's just me at the moment. Although, I would like to speak with you."

I sit at the table in front of him. He hands me a French toast muffin which I take gladly and begin to eat politely.

"You gave your mother and I quite a heart attack."

"I'm sorry." I lower my head. "My goal was never to get pregnant. I just wanted to feel what it was like-"

"-and what did it feel like? Sex. Was it everything you hoped for?"

"At the moment, yes. But afterwards, it felt like nothing had happened. Pardon my discussion of this, but people always treat a woman's virginity like it's a glass bottle containing a priceless wine. When you lose it, you are judged. However, when it comes to men, you are judged if you haven't lost it."

"Yes, I'm afraid the world is very unfair. Dark ones and light ones. Flames and aquari. Men and women. Parasites and medicals. Everything's gone topsy-turvy though I suppose it already has been for a long time."

"The police judged Lucifer after finding the body. And Mama believed them."

"Yes, she did."

"But why? I was expecting her to take my side, yet she continuously judges Lucifer for no reason."

"I tried to explain to her what Lucifer has been through. She shouldn't have slapped him. He has trauma from that, you know."

"Yes, but Proteus, I want justice. I want justice for dark ones. I want justice for all those marginalized in society. I know it'll ruin my reputation, but I've already seen so much hate towards them, and with all this trouble involving the murders...I want to help."

"Yes, but you should understand that there is only so much we can do as a community."

"You would be surprised."

Proteus smiles. "You're so much like your mother."

"I get that a lot, but apparently, I've been told that I remind others of my dad as well."

"You know, I went to high school with her. Her and Rhea as well."

"Rhea?"

"Your "angelic" foe from last year."

"Oh..."

"Do your friends still speak about her? Do you ever expect to pick up your weapons again?"

"Well, Proteus, we're not superheroes. We don't just dress in a jumpsuit and defeat robbers when we feel like it. Terry, as our leader, makes those decisions."

"Well, I guess that depends on what your version of a superhero is."

"Well, we don't wear capes or masks. We don't have an actual brand, and we're not famous. We're just known as "those weird kids who happen to have powerful weapons"."

"Not all superheros wear capes. You saved a lot of people that night, and I have no doubt that you will save many more. Now, I suggest you check with your classmates about the work you miss. You certainly want to establish a good look for yourself when you get back."