An Unlikely Hero

Christina Wake powered through the hallway of the school almost crashing into her locker. Slamming her key into the lock, she wrenched the door back and bundled her text books into her bag which she hitched over her shoulder unceremoniously. Then she high-tailed it to her class which had started five minutes ago.

Chrissie had been born in England, and had lived there most of her life, only having moved to America a month ago. Although she hadn’t made any friends as such, Christina still enjoyed America, even if she couldn’t manage to get to class on time.

When she opened the door she was greeted by the sound of Mrs Rathom’s grating voice, “Ah, Miss Wake, so kind of you to grace us with your presence.” She raised an eyebrow making it very difficult for Chrissie not to roll her eyes in response.

“I’m sorry Miss, I just-“

A static sound filled the room as the speaker system turned on just as Chrissie was about to give her excuse, “Could Christina Wake please report to the principal’s office.”

Chrissie glanced at her teacher, unsure of what she should do. But with a heavy sigh and a wave, Mrs Rathom dismissed her.

Chrissie smiled sheepishly before exiting back into the hall and running to the office, wondering what she could have possibly done in such a short amount of time.

When she knocked on the door a smooth voice sounded from behind it, “Come in.”

Chrissie stepped inside, the back of the chair was facing her, “You wanted to see me sir?”

The chair swung around slowly to reveal a man with black tousled hair, dark brown eyes, and an all too innocent smile, “Why yes, please take a seat.”

Chrissie gripped the strap of her bag nervously, “You’re not principal Staper.”

The man pressed his hands together, resting his elbows on the polished desk, “How observant of you. My name is Sylar, I’m afraid your principal has stepped out…permanently.” He suddenly moved to his feet making Chrissie flinch, her heart began to beat double-time as it dawned on her that she was in danger.

“What have you done with Staper?” Chrissie was beginning to sweat as Sylar moved around the desk.

But he seemed to be completely calm as if he kidnapped students all the time, maybe he did, “Wouldn’t a better question be ‘what am I about to do with you?’”

It had crossed her mind but she’d decided it would be better to try and distract the threat rather than encourage him, “Something tells me it would be better not to ask.”

The corners of Sylar’s mouth curled upward sinisterly, “I know what you are Christina.”

Chrissie’s jaw, twitched, “You don’t know anything about me.”

Sylar stood where he was, studying her, “I know about your abilities,” Chrissie let out a soft gasp and took a step back, “I know how they can be a lot to handle, I’ve seen them drive people mad. How old are you?”

Chrissie bit out her reply, “Seventeen.”

Sylar gave her a pitiful look and then held out his hand to her, “Let me help you.”

Chrissie noticed a glass of water behind the imposter, and knew what to do, “Alright,” she looked at Sylar and saw something in his eyes that told her his intention was far from ‘helpful’, “But you’ll have to catch me first.” With a flick of her wrist the water leapt from its glass and took on the shape of a whip a millisecond before it made contact with the sensitive flesh at the base of Sylar’s neck.