Starstreak

The Black-Briar's Origin

I returned to the shadows as the dark spot lifted and waited until the people who had been robbed and beaten left the alleyway. 

After they had all left, I changed back into my usual clothes and started running home. I pulled out my phone and started texting Zara like mad, telling her what happened and about my new code name. I felt more exhilarated now than I'd ever have in my entire life. 

I got home a little later than I expected, but Mom still wouldn't be home for a while. 

And before you ask me about the rest of the school day, I'll have you know that this field trip was planned on a Saturday. All our school field trips are on weekends. Honestly, it's a waste of time that you could be spending relaxing. Or in my case stopping bad guys. 

I decided to take a stroll in the woods behind our house. The woods are my happy place. The sights, sounds, and smells are calming to me. It's like my own little solitary paradise. Not many people go in there for fear of wolves, bears, and whatnot. And spring is the perfect time to have a walk in the woods. It's absolutely bursting with life after being cooped up by the cold of winter. 

As I stepped outside, I was instantly hit with the sweet smell of pine needles after Friday's fresh rainstorm. The wind rustling the leaves in the trees was like gentle music that drained away the extra adrenaline and calmed me to an unmeasurable extent. 

I walked on to my favorite part of the woods near a mellow stream, a hot spot to find lots of friendly animals. Some of the rabbits and deer have even grown used to me even though they're skittish creatures. The stream and the wind always sang the most beautiful duets that you've ever heard. There were often spring flowers with the most breathtaking array of colors that they could make a sinner change his ways. Smells of flowers, trees, and other vegetation mixed together to make an aroma so sweet that you'll be sad to leave. 

I sat near the stream and thought about what had happened in the alley. I was more in control of what I was doing and couldn't help but feel proud of myself for it. I found myself lost in thought, thinking of all the crazy stuff that had happened to me already and wondering what would be next. 

One of the bushes around me started to rustle and a little, brown bunny hopped out of it. It hopped toward me and I reached out my hand to pet it. The bunny seemed to like it, so he cuddled up beside me. Then, a beautiful singing bird flew out of the forest and settled itself on my shoulder. 

I smiled at it and the rabbit. For some reason, I felt like Sleeping Beauty with her woodland friends. 

For the first time since getting my powers, I felt at peace. (Hopefully that didn't sound too cringey.) 

That night, I checked my phone for any missed calls, texts, or emails from anyone; I hadn't taken my phone into the forest. 

I had 2 missed calls, 14 text messages, and an email; all of them were from Zara asking if I got home safe and responding to my earlier texts. She seemed happier now that she knew what had happened. 

Suddenly, I remembered the conversation with the Unknown Contact. I wondered if he was waiting for me right now in the secret room connected to my closet. 

Should I go down there and meet him? I asked myself. It would mean finding out who this guy is. On the other hand, he could use it as an opportunity to abduct me. He's probably thinking that my curiosity will get the better of me. Well if my curiosity did get the better of me, I'd have already made the decision to go down there. How 'bout I wait until tomorrow to go searching in there? I could even bring Zara if I go tomorrow. Plus he'll probably not be down there waiting for me. I mean who could wait that long?