Flight

Chapter Two

“Ella.” Agent Roscoe has completely wiped all signs of sincerity away. “Ella has been taken.”

A state of panic washed through me, my mind swollen with thoughts. I gripped my head in attempt to calm down but the whirling still continued. Ella was my best friend, I sneaked between manors just to see her. She was in Manor T, her power was fire. I tried to think about the last time I’d seen her. At the park in Grand Central Station, we pretended to be 19 and walked around fooling everyone. I felt a hand grip me and the chubby fingers reminded me that the agent was still sitting before me. I shook his arm off of me and started to stand up but the same arm was just pulling me back down.

“Listen kid, I don’t want to be mean but you have to listen.” His dark brown eyes stared back into mine and just for that second I could see a glimmer of fear flash through them. He reached down below his buckle and pulled out a gun. “You see I don’t have to use my power to kill you, and the people who have your friend don't either.”

“Just let me go.” I said through gritted teeth and tried to yank his grip away. His hands only tightened around my biceps causing me to sit back.

“Ella has been captured by someone of high power.” He paused for second, as if struggling to find the right words. “I have a feeling you know why they have chosen to take her.”

“I can give you all the information you want just...give me a second.” I let my body fall loose as if surrendering. As predicted his grip became loose and he started to shift in his chair. I bucked upwards and sprinted from the courtyard, kicking up dust as I went. When I made it to the gate where the guards stood I changed my appearance. I skipped casually past them dressed in a black suit and black dress shoes.

“Afternoon gentlemen!” I have them a two-finger salute and they swung the gate open for me. “That guy back there has been trying to escape. I assume he’s a Faker.” I tipped them off towards the very angry Agent Roscoe, who had begun to wildly thrash around in search of me.

Once out of eyesight of the guards I changed back into my regular attire of khakis and a white tee shirt. My shoes were caked in mud but they carried me the distance necessary. I swiftly bounded up the gravel path that led to the forest. The forest laid out farther then the outskirts and if I made it safely to the forest I could possibly shield myself from Agent Roscoe. I could almost imagine his gun pressed up against my skull, ready to pull the trigger. Thats when I decided to change my route and headed back towards Town Square. Of course the first place he would check would be the forest, no criminal was dumb enough to hide in plain sight. I slowed to a jog when I saw the large clock tower that stood in the center of the square. The plaque on the bottom of the tower read, “WELCOME TO HEARTWORTH, WASHINGTON!”  I found a common theme in the outfits worn by most people who looked to be in their early twenties, and tried to blend in to the surroundings. I soon found myself wearing loose fitting jeans, a polo shirt, and clean black sneakers. Stuffing my hands in my pockets I approached a group of guys.

“Why are you here?” A short bald man said.

“Why are you bald at your age?” I retorted and I could see surprised faces spread throughout the group.

“Is this how you make friends? What are you a Faker?” The man stepped forward to look me in the eyes. I laughed and made sure my fingers were hidden from view.

“I’m just wondering where the nearest government building is.” I chirped. “I have to get some, uh, forms in.” I saw another member of the group step towards me and I almost immediately turned to run.

“The nearest government building isn’t for miles but I could give you a lift if you want?” This guy was much taller and had a lanky stature. His eyes were a crystal blue and his hair long and jet black. I didn't know whether to get in a car with him but by the glances I was already getting I decided to accept his offer.