Breaking Butterfly

My Day Off

Sweltering was the day. If I were to go outside and crack an egg open, I'd be able to watch it fry on the sidewalk. It was the kind of stereotypical weather one would expect from the month of July.

The soft blankets encompass me as I chill in bed with my favorite book. Reading isn't the most glamorous thing a seventeen year old superhero could be doing on her day off, but it's still a tranquil alternative to a life or death fight. I trace my fingers along the edge of the page; one more paragraph left; soon I would have to turn the page.

Several layers of tape line the spine of my book. I've read it so many times; the binding is worn to the point of falling apart, and yet I keep reading it. Even the page I'm turning has a taped up rip in it. My favorite chapter is just a few chapters away. The hero is going to discover that the villain was actually her ally the entire time. Even to this day, I can't get over how amazing the plot twist is. It completely blindsided me the first time I read the scene. Plus, everytime I reread the book I find more places where the author was foreshadowing.

Somewhere in the distance, police sirens sound. I momentarily perk up, but quickly remind myself that today is my day off. Brianna can handle a day on her own. That's at least what Molly told me when she scolded me for working too hard. According to Molly, I pick up too many patrols outside of my scheduled times, and apparently too many of my extra patrols are too late at night. She says I need to get my sleep schedule back on track, or else my life is going to fall apart. She even went to the extent to point out that, 'No one wants to be saved by a hero who is grouchy from sleep loss'.

I try to return to reading, but my mind begins to wander. I wonder what's going on? Is there a villain causing trouble? What if it's Vortex? Wait no. If it were Vortex, the wind would pick up, or there'd be thunder outside. I just need to relax, and keep reading. Then again, Silver City has more villains than heroes, so I always feel like I need to step up and patrol more, even at the cost of my own free time.

"Just relax, Brianna can handle it," I mutter under my breath, as if saying it out loud would break my train of thought. Brianna is my best friend, and partner in crime fighting. She uses her super speed to fight crime as the beloved hero, Shooting Star. She can talk your ear off, just about as fast as she can run.

I pick up my book and attempt to force myself to continue reading. Yet, I can't seem to ignore the part of my mind that is saying, 'It wouldn't hurt to at least check the news'. Instead of reading, I set my book aside and climb out of bed. Logically, it wouldn't hurt to check the news. That way I can have peace of mind in knowing that Brianna has the situation under control.

"Good morning Aurelia, it's nice to finally see your face," Molly greets me as I enter the living room. Her light brown hair is pulled back into a loose bun, and although her gray eyes look tired they seem to light up as I walk over to her. Molly is in her late thirties, but most people mistake her for being in her late twenties.

I remember this one time a few years ago, we went to a cafe while visiting her cousins in Myst City. While we were there, the waiter mistook her for being my older sister. He might have just been trying to flirt with Molly, but she definitely thought it was amusing.

I roll my eyes. "You can come talk to me at any time if you miss my face that much. You know I don't leave my room when I'm reading a good book." I flop down on the couch next to Molly, and snatch the remote from her. Molly is my mom, even if only through adoption. I'd feel comfortable calling her mom, but she prefers being called Molly.

"You had better not be doing what I think you're doing." Molly gives me a look of warning as I change the channel from the cooking show she was watching to the Silver City Now news channel.

"Well I'd be lying if I said I was going to watch cartoons," I deadpan.

"Give me that!" Molly demands as she tries to take the remote back.

"Nope. I need that," I reply with a smug grin, as I hold the remote away from her.

"Au-re-lia!" Molly draws out every symbol of my name. Whenever she says my name like this, I know that I'm in trouble.

"I'll give it back when I'm done," I tell her as I shift my focus to the television.

The breaking news headline scrolls across the bottom of the screen, while a Joshua Jenkins speaks to the camera. He's the head reporter for the Silver City Now news channel. Due to his position, he's usually the one reporting on big news stories, and by 'big news stories' I mean all things superpower related.

"This is Joshua Jenkins, reporting live from the City Council Building, where the Vortex has struck yet again. As I speak he has the Mayor's daughter held captive on the roof. No one is sure what his motives are, and the rapidly growing storm is preventing rescue helicopters from reaching them," Joshua Jenkins reports as his usually well groomed salt and pepper hair is tousled by the strong winds blowing around him.

"Where's Star?" I ask under my breath as I watch the news story unfold before me.

"Police forces have tried to rescue the girl, but have been unsuccessful at making it past Vortex," Joshua Jenkins reports. He stumbles momentarily from the sheer strength of the wind. "So far, none of the SIRA's heroes have been spotted. If any of them are watching this broadcast, I urge them to help."

I bite my lip as I plot my plan of action. Molly won't approve of what I'm about to do, but if Star isn't there yet, then she must be occupied elsewhere. That means, it's up to me to stop whatever Vortex is planning.

"Here, have the remote," I mutter as I drop the remote in Molly's lap and stand up.

Molly sighs in frustration, "I already know you won't listen to me. Just promise that you'll try to not to get hurt."

The sound of thunder echoes in the distance, breaking our conversation momentarily. My heart picks up its pace, that was one of Vortex's classic calling cards. As a villain with the power of atmokinesis, all things weather related is his specialty.

"I promise," I reply, before racing to my room. Once in my room, I fling open my closet door and dig to the back of my clothes. "Who needs a day off anyways?" I say as my fingertips meet the purple material of my suit. 

***

Hey, it's @AureilliaSkyland here, but feel free to call me Ramen (Ramen Noodles is one of my nicknames). I'm the author of Breaking Butterfly. I'd just like to take the time to thank everyone reading this, both new readers and people who read the original version. As I work to rewrite Breaking Butterfly, I'd really like hear reader input on my writing. I'd especially like it if you comment when you find a spelling or grammar error, it allows me to fix my mistakes. For the sake of any first time readers, I request that readers refrain from leaving spoilers in the comment section. 

Now, in keeping with a tradition from the original version of Breaking Butterfly, here's the questions of the chapter:

What going to happen when she fights Vortex?

Who's excited to see Aurelia in action?

Is anyone curious about the SIRA?

Until next chapter -AureilliaSkyland