Thank you all that reviewed! I hope you love this chapter! . Or at least like.
I somehow smell like…you know when you just went skiing or snowboarding, and you were in all of that gear, and then you go to a contained area filled with others who are taking a break from the hobby/sport? I smell like that. I wonder why I smell like that, because I didn't do anything for the past day.
o-o-o
It has happened. One of the things that I feared the most is happening. More men came in the house and went to grab me. Soda placed an arm protectively in front of me. "You can't just take him!" He exclaimed.
"Actually, we can. He's a danger to society and a murderer." Nathanial said.
"He's not a murderer!"
"Soda's right. H has never murdered anyone!" Darry added. A cop reached over Soda's outstretched arm and grabbed me tightly. He shoved myself to the ground and I didn't resist. Why would I? I have no clue what to do now. How will the gang react to me after all of this fiasco? Everything would change! Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if some stopped talking to me. I started to evolve into a monster, not that I was already one from the start.
My vision started to darken, but I couldn't tell if it was because I lost my breath as I hit the ground or it was because that darker me was starting to emerge. I can only hope it's not the later. But, I have the worst of luck. I could already feel its glower and presence that's forcing itself free.
I cried out in agony as I tried to prevent it from taking control. A force left my back. Before I could process what it was, I fell into darkness.
o-o-o
Johnny's POV
I had to watch my best friend get grabbed faster than anyone could react and get thrown to the ground. I couldn't do anything since more cops came in and held each individual back. Some of the stronger greasers took more on them to halt them from pushing the police officer off of Ponyboy. I waited though. Ponyboy can probably get himself out of this situation, right? Right? Yet, he didn't show any sign of a struggle, nor was he planning on it. He just lay there, the officer on top of him. His eyes were dull and were emotionless like a doll. Was he really going to give up?
"Ponyboy!" I called out, too quiet for my liking. I squirmed in the hold I was in. But all of my attempts were futile. I didn't want my friend to be taken away! He was one of the few things that kept me alive. I don't know how I would deal without him. Not only that but he was fourteen. He shouldn't have to deal with that. He's so young. The youngest of us all.
Ponyboy let out a scream and the officer that was pinning him own was flung to the wall and knocked unconscious. Everyone else was hurled away; as well as some pieces of furniture.
I managed to land softly on the unconscious officer that held me captive. I should have been a lot happier of that, but my mind was somewhere else; Ponyboy.
The feeling of the room changed drastically. My eyes flickered towards Ponyboy and then to the mirror that was cracked slightly. Something had caught my attention. My eyes widened at the sight of it. Ponyboy's reflection was there; it too was lying down. But his form was covered in blood and no wounds. He had a smile curved up evilly and his eyes shimmered with insanity. I ferociously rubbed my eyes, deciding that I was too tired. When I looked back, it was gone.
Sighing in relief, I looked back. Ponyboy was stumbling back on his feet. His lean body swayed to-and-fro gently, arms following suit. I watched in horror as his lips curled up just like how his reflection was before. A low, almost inaudible, chuckle came from his lips. A look in his dull eyes screamed out that he wasn't Ponyboy. The form before me reminded me of a demon or a shadow. Or possibly, something darker. His insane eyes moved over to us and Soda, who was also conscious, gasped.
"You're… You're not Ponyboy..." Soda stammered.
Ponyboy smiled in amusement. "No, of course not. I wouldn't compare myself to someone as weak-minded as him. I would kill you, but when Ponyboy becomes conscious and sees your dead, lifeless forms lying on the carpet, he would take his own life. That would mean I would die with him. But, that won't be the same for them." Ponyboy jabbed his thumb at some of the dizzy detectives and scientists that came in when there was an uproar in the house. He turned to them. "How should I take care of you? The power Ponyboy has is so limited right now. It's not quite yet complete. I could just stop your organs and hearts simultaneously with just a touch, but what's the fun in that. I want to hear you beg for mercy; have blood paint the walls. In the same time, though, I don't really want to do work. So I'll watch something else shred you people up."
A whistle pierced through the air, dog barks crashed in soon after. A few seconds later, a wild pit-bull came running in the house. It growled at everyone and everything. Ponyboy scratched behind its ears and mutter lowly, "Sick them." The dog immediately went into action and pounced on a scientist. Its teeth sunk into his stomach and tore up the skin. Just like he had said, blood started to flicker onto the wall. The scientist screamed until the dog lashed at his throat and everything went silent.
Ponyboy laughed, but his laughter stopped short when a needle pressed into his leg. He looked down and saw Nathaniel lying on the ground a syringe in his hand. The result was almost immediate. Ponyboy's body went limp and he fell to the floor in a heap. They had drugged him.
More reinforcements came in, taking the unconscious teen away. "No…" I whimpered out. My beaten body shook. I should have been more confident to prevent Ponyboy from going, but right now, I'm terrified. I will admit, some parts of me are relived that he is being taken away. But that is all fear talking. I could see on Soda and Steve's faces say that it's the same as what I was thinking. Tears fell down my eyes. I willed my legs to move and run after my best friend, but all I could do was sit there, petrified on the belly of an unconscious officer. Is this…the last time I would even glance at my best friend? Is this the last of everything together?
o-o-o
Ponyboy's POV…
I creaked open my eyes, my head pounding in pain. White light streaked my vision and I instantly covered them. I took a moment to get used to the lighting before uncovering them. I sat up, ignoring the dizziness. Where am I? I was in a white room that certainly wasn't mine. Looking around, I noticed that all that furnisher the room had was a twin sized, wire bed with white sheets and a pillow and a metallic dresser was put to the side. I would mention that there was also a sink, toilet, and shower, but those were exposed so the camera in the corner of the room could see. No privacy at all. There was also no windows. This room reminded me somewhat of an old mental hospital that was slightly mixed with a prison. There was one thing missing though: the gang.
Everything came rushing back to me. Oh, right. I was taken away. Would it be better this way? Probably. But the question still remains: where am I? I slipped out of bed, only to jump back in when my feet touched the cold floor. I forget that not all bedrooms have carpets. I slipped out again, now expecting that the floor is cold. My blue hospital gown fell back down to full length. On the floor, next to my feet was a fair of slippers (which I gratefully put on). Now what? Should I go see what's outside this room to help me figure more out? That sounds like a good idea.
I walked towards the metallic door, reached out for the cool doorknob, and found that it was locked. Sighing in defeat, I retreated back to bed.
An hour of just sitting there, taking a few naps along the way, the door opened and a scientist pushed his way in. He looked at me and smiled, but I could tell that it was strained. "You're awake, Mr. Curtis!" He mused and walked over to me. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine…" I answered awkwardly. He caught onto it quickly.
"Oh, I forget my manners. I'll be your doctor while you're here. Jones is my name."
"Were am I?" I asked, a bit calmer.
"The Institute of the Gifted. It's a place for people like you. We help you control your powers."
That caught my attention. They could help me? "When can I leave?" I immediately asked.
"When we know you're ready. Do you have any other questions?"
I opened my mouth to ask another, but before I could do that, my stomach growled. My ears turned a bit red in embarrassment.
"I shall get you food and you can ask me after or during the meal. Are you allergic to anything by any chance?" I shook my head and he left the room. Minutes later, he came back with a tray of food. On the tray was a cup of water in a Styrofoam cup, a spork, and a paper plate with…is that chicken? I poked the food with my spork right after it was placed on my lap. It looks like food…smells life food… I nibbled on a piece of chicken. It did not taste like food. It sort of did. But the other types of food on the plate tasted pretty much the same. Food was food though, and I munched on it.
After I ate, Mr. Jones pushed the tray to the side and asked me to proceed in the questions once more. But, my mind was still in a daze so I asked a concerning question. "How am I supposed to take a shower and go to the bathroom in private?"
Mr. Jones chuckled a bit before answering. "In the drawer there is a shower curtain you can hook up. As for the toilet, you can just take the curtain off and block yourself from the camera. I know, we should have given you more privacy, but we can't risk the alone time of some patients. Now, shall I take you on a tour? I will leave the room and you can change. Your new clothes are in the drawer. The door will be unlocked during the day and locked during the night."
I nodded once more and he left the room. I got back up and opened the drawer. Inside, I found skin-tight suits (some were creepily latex), shirts, pants, underwear, and jackets. A pair of combat boots were pressed down in another drawer.
I chose out a new pair of underwear, black cargo pants (not wanting to wear the skin-tight suits, especially the latex), slid on socks and the black combat boots, which were my size, and a black shirt with a matching jacket. Most of the clothes in the drawers were black. I guess it's because the color matches with anything. I placed the hospital gown on my bed. Where have my old clothes gone? I shrugged and opened the door. Mr. Jones nodded in approval.
"Most choose the same outfit as you." He said as we made ourselves down the long hallway. I was at one of the last rooms in the hallway. I memorized the number on the door: F89. "There are units for every hallway. A, B, C, and so on. This is unit F. There are 100 rooms for every unit."
We passed more rooms. As we went along, there were more people, all of which were leaving or entering their room. I noted that the rooms inside most were decorated and colorful. I gave Mr. Jones a questioning look.
"You aren't supposed to leave the institute without special permission from the director. It's hard to get permission. I haven't even seen him, you see. But, since anyone would go crazy if the room stays like yours, we offer points."
"Points?"
"Yes. The more points you have, the more you can buy. Food is free because of that. You gain points in winning. Every day, more competitions are put up on a bulletin board in the lounge room. These competitions range from obstacle courses to dodge ball. But, each competition can be fatal if not done carefully. Killing or maiming is forbidden, and can cost you all of your points. But once in a while, it happens. To sign up, you go to the board and sign your name under the competition you want to do."
At the end of the hallway, we turned a right and Mr. Jones ripped out a paper. It was my schedule. I looked over it.
Ponyboy Michael Curtis Age: 14
6:00 AM- 7:00 AM: Wake up
7:00 AM- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: Mess Hall
8:00 AM- 10:00 AM: Physical Education: Field
10:00 AM- 10:30 AM: Break
10:30 AM- 1:00 PM: Controlling Powers: North Gym
1:00 PM- 2:30 PM: Lunch: Mess Hall
2:30 PM- 4:00 PM: Obstacle: East Gym
4:00 PM- 4:30 PM: Language Arts: LA1
4:30 PM- 5:00 PM: Science/ Math: SM2
5:00 PM- 5:30 PM: History: HIS2
5:30 PM- 7:00 PM: Supper: Mess Hall
7:00 PM- 9:00 PM: Free
9:00 PM- 10: PM: Check-Up
10:00 PM: Lights Out
At least a few were normal classes. On the back of the paper was a map. My classes as well as the Mess Hall and room was circled in orange marker. We walked more, passing many hallway entrances that were labeled. We first came upon the Mess Hall. Mr. Jones showed me how to use the food machine and told me that it cost points to get snacks and desserts. That means no chocolate cake for a while.
We then passed the lounge room. It was a large room with rows of sofas thrown around and with tables. A few TVs were scattered around as well as bean bags. A few patients were already there. They turned towards me, sizing me up. They smirked upon each other, shaking their heads. Rude.
Mr. Jones showed me where the library was as well as my classes. He then returned me to my room. I was still full of energy but I could tell it was getting late since some kids were retreating to their rooms.
"Your classes begin tomorrow. I understand that you don't have an alarm clock or a wall clock in your room. Each patient starts out with 1,000 points. You can choose the two and any other product from this magazine. This will be your magazine. To order, all you have to do is write it down on the back with this pen. Include page number. Then leave it on your dresser. It shall be delivered to you in that same day. Good night, Ponyboy." He handed me the items.
"Good night. Thank you."
I entered my room and sat on my bed (noting that the robe on my bed was gone). I looked through the large catalog, searching for the clock section. Each item was expensive. Just n standard alarm clock costs 300 points. I looked at all of them and decided on a bronze colored alarm clock with roman numerals on it. That was 350 points. I also chose a wall clock in a similar fashion. That was 300 points. I also picked a color to paint my room. I chose sunset orange. The paint was 100 points. I was reminded that there would be homework from my educational classes and looked through other sections. I picked a dark brown backpack (which was 50 points). I would have to get a desk and a chair later. They cost a lot of points. After scribbling my order down and placing the catalog on the dresser, I got ready for bed and fell asleep as soon as I hit the pillow. I didn't realize how tired I was. It was going to be a strange day tomorrow, that's for sure.
I had a regular dream that night. It showed the faces of the gang. How I miss them already.
The next morning I was awaken by the ringing of an alarm clock and the smell of paint. I sat up, not recognizing my surrounds. I looked around and remembered where I was. I stood up and went to the light switch. Thank you night vision for coming in handy. Once it was on, I saw that the room was painted sunset orange. The ringing alarm clock was on my bed and I rushed to turn it off. Note to self, get a nightstand and lamp. On my dresser was the catalog, which had the orders crossed out, the backpack, and clock, which I would have to hang later.
I then went to get ready for the morning, not wanting to mess up anything on the first day. My stomach twisted and turned in nervousness. I wish Mr. Jones could just go with me everywhere on the first week. After getting ready, I left the room and to the Mass Hall. As I pass, I saw other students dressed like me with backpacks heading the same direction. A lot of them were using their powers already with smiles on their faces. That's right I'm not alone. I smiled gently. It dropped as soon as a girl ran through me and everyone that got in her way. Will I get used to that?
Some kids flew over the others to get to the Mess Hall. I remembered Mr. Jones saying that most patients here have one power. That makes me abnormal here. But, if that's true, then they would suspect me to have only one. I could use that to my advantage.
I ate breakfast alone and headed to my first class after. I got looks from other kids upon entering the field. I never actually entered the field on the tour, but when I did today, it took my breath away. I was expecting an indoor field or actually being let outside in a closed off area. Well, I was technically still inside. There was a large grass field (not turf), surrounded by a track. On the side of the track along-side a wall were chin-up bars. A few weights were scattered on the side too. The field's "walls" were actually windows and you can see the sky on the roof. Through the windows, you can see the outside world. Outside was an everlasting plain. I guess they had small holes in them because I could feel a slight breeze coming from them. There was over fifty people on the large field. Most of them were talking to each other, informing me that they are older students. There were some alone ones, telling me that they are new or that they are socially awkward.
"Alright you weaklings! Listen up!" Someone shouted, quieting down the class. I could already see, towering over everyone was a tanned, muscular woman. Her head was shaved and she was disturbingly in the latex suit. My eyes started to burn in horror. It got worse when she took off her sunglasses to show her hard, small, blue eyes. "Stretch then take twelve laps! If I see you walk or stop once, unless it's for tying your shoe, you will take another twelve adding onto how many you have left! She blew a whistle and everyone started to stretch. Meanwhile, I paled, blood running cold. I can't do this. Running two miles nonstop gets me tired. How am I supposed to run twelve laps? Plus, the track is way larger than the track at Will Rodgers High School. I'm going to puke.
Kids were already starting to run by the time I got my first stretch done. They sped through it and, in seconds, were done. I wish I had super speed. I soon went to start my jog. I had stripped off my jacket long ago. At the fourth lap, my breaths started to burn, but I kept running. Some kids had stopped along the way and were yelled at. I only stopped a few times to tie my shoe, thankful for the short break. By the last lap, I was staggering. My vision swayed back and forth. Once I finished, I flopped on the grass, trying to catch my breath. I licked my lips, hoping for water. A few drops fell on them and my eyes snapped open. The teacher was slowly pouring bottled water in my mouth.
"Good work. I never seen a new kid run that well on their first day unless they were the fast ones. For that, drink this water well. There is still one more activity." She said. I desperately gargled the water like my life depended on it. It was the best water I had ever tasted. It was another hour until everyone finished.
"Okay, go do twenty pull ups! Then you are dismissed!" The teacher, who I now know as Ms. Benet, ordered. I stumbled towards a bar, already sore. It'll only be worse tomorrow. I slowly went through the exercise (noticing the people with super strength go through this like it was nothing) and left to go to my room. I needed to take a shower after all that.
The water of the shower soothed my muscles and I felt like I wasn't suffering for those few minutes. It was a short break to me. Sadly, I headed to my next class.
The gym that I went to was like a normal gym but way larger. It had targets littering the floors, rings in the sky, and areas for tournaments and lifting.
"Welcome back, everyone!" A man walked in. He was bald and old, but had the feeling of power consume him like a fog. "Welcome newbies, also! Today, we are all going to be separated in groups. People that can control the weather, go over there." About nine went to the instructed area. I had to grab my forearm to prevent one person from bumping into my left hand. "If you have multiple powers, I want you to join a group you want to practice in. Anyone who gets premonitions, go over there." The list went on and I decided to join the flying group. I needed practice on that, no joke. My landing isn't the best. I listened to the others, not hearing of a death hand group. But, everyone was separated.
The teacher that sorted us went to the pyromaniacs, conjuring a ball of fire in his hands almost instantly in front of them. Another teacher walked towards us. She looked young (very short), but her eyes displayed years. I could tell that she was way older than she seemed. Over twenty, that's for sure.
"Hi!" She greeted, waving her hand in her latex suit. Almost all the teachers are wearing that suit. Wonder why. "So we're going to be taking this to the sky. Follow me!" She jumped up and easily floated near a ring. We followed suit. I was a bit unsteady, but that was better than some of the kids. Some went up and came crashing down before coming back up unsteadily. "It will be simple today. We're just going to go through these hoops. When you finish, you will land. I will note of all that needs to be fixed. Start!" The teacher floated to the side. Kids, one-by-one, went through them and landed on the floor. It was soon my turn. I went through them. Leaning my body left to go left, right to go right, up to go up, and down to go down. As I went through, flying became a little easier. I also noticed that the rings were of different shapes and sizes. The further I went through the obstacle, the harder it became. The rings were extra small now. But I squeezed through them nevertheless. My landing was rough and I slipped on the floor. Chuckles came from the other flyers. The more talented ones went first to show off their skills.
Once everyone completed the skill, the teacher went to each one of us to talk. "Mr. Curtis." The teacher began when she came to me. How did she know my name? "You did quite well for a beginner. But, I noticed you had your head in the clouds at some points. When flying, you have to be extra watchful. You might get hit by storms, flying objects, birds. You never know. Your body slightly leans to the right more than the left so try straitening up more. When landing, all you have to do is slightly slow down to the point where you are nearly at a stop, then plop on the floor. Good job, though."
We went through the rings again and I could already feel my improvements. I was completely steady and I landed smoothly on the ground. After everyone finished, she changed the course to those with obstacles. Trainees from other groups joined ours. The weather controllers floated up on a cloud or stayed on the ground. A lot of people with sharp senses grabbed Frisbees or poles, getting ready to throw them. The first person went and was instantly shot down by lightning. More came and more fell. My turn came up and I watchfully went through. A Frisbee was thrown at me and I dodged up and was cast aside by a blast of wind. I hit the wall and plummeted to the floor, managing to catch myself before I broke anything. I couldn't have people find out about the power to heal or they might actually try to kill me during the competitions.
I went back in line and tried again. I dodged a bolt of lightning and dove around a javelin. A gust of wind came and I went towards the source, managing to stay afloat. Fog crept up and I couldn't see. A Frisbee was thrown at me and I blocked it at the last second. I slowed my pace down through the fog, relying on the silhouette of everything to guide me. A small tornado formed at suck me up, throwing me aside against the wall again. I continued these conditions until the class ended.
Next class was the obstacle class. I went to another large gym that was similar to the field, but this one was slightly different. It was just wood flooring on the ground. The images on the walls kept changing back and forth like it was fighting itself.
"The wall changes from illusions if you're wondering. The teacher is a master of illusions." A nerdy boy around the age of eleven explained before walking off. The teacher walked in. He had an eye patch on his face, and had messy platinum blonde hair.
"I will count you off and that would be the group you are in. The tactic is to get to the other side as fast as you can before anyone else. You can use any method besides killing or crippling." The teacher assigned everyone off, putting me in group four. When we waited for the others to finish, we went to the observation hall in the gym. It was soon my turn and I went on the platform. Numbers floated up above us, counting from ten. When it reached three, a jungle rose around us, enveloping us in darkness. Good old night vision.
3
2
1
A bell rung and it started. I flew upwards, seeing how the first obstacle was a large cliff. I flew over it, looking behind me to see people jump. Some grabbed onto the other side and some fell. I hurried along and landed when I got the more wild areas. I ducked under vines, getting scratched by some plants. I leaped over fallen trees, flew over more cliffs, and tripped a few times. The humid air was almost unbearable the farther I went through.
I kept running until my foot caught on a trip wire. My eyes widened as boulders fell from the sky. I flashed my arms, freezing time and got to safety. They boomed behind me, but I kept going. I dove under more traps almost dying many times.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw flares, fire. Trees quickly caught on fire and was spreading. I kept running, going faster than I had before (but not fast enough like the guys at the track). I pushed through spider webs and vines.
Something snapped a branch behind me and I turned to look back. A hairy, giant spider looked at me with soulless red eyes. I shrieked, flinging my hand and making it fling across the jungle. I ran away again only to be tangled in vines. The more I struggled the more I got tangled. It was hopeless. I stopped struggling. Ten minutes later the illusion shimmered away as well as the vines. I was still cut up badly.
The pyromaniac cheered in victory and clapped hands with his friends.
The rest of the classes were uneventful and awfully easy. Check-up time came and Mr. Jones walked in my room. He winched at the sight of me.
"Rough day?" He asked. I gave him my are-you-serious look. He shrugged and went over to me, holding up a hand. Golden light flowed out and he scanned it over my body. Already, I could feel wounds disappearing and my muscles lighten up.
"So, why do all the teachers have powers? Wouldn't they all be students or leave? Wouldn't scientists be the ones in your place?" I asked.
"Actually, they were let out, but most of them didn't have any place to go or they were not accepted so they began living here as a teacher. Each job is separated by your power. I'm a doctor here because of my healing ability, and so on."
My mind swam. What would happen after all of this? Would I be accepted back?
o-o-o
Long chapter for you guys. Whew! Hard work! So if you're wondering:
The institute is in Texas (not real)
No one had seen the director
Mr. Jones would be the only friend Ponyboy would have in the institute
Mr. Jones's appearance is up to you. It's open.
The educational classes are because it's like a school and it's required so they don't have that much time on it. Some kids were actually born there so they also had to learn languages.
