Chosen
I must start at my childhood. I came from a rich family and my parents didn't have a ton of time to spend with me so they set me up with several day plans. When I was 10, my father had signed me up for karate. In the class, I would put all my frustration and loneliness into my fighting, making me a force to be reckoned with.
When our class spared off, no one wanted to fight me. They knew I would show no mercy. Most of the class was at the level of blue belt while I held the level of third degree black belt. The only person in the class willing to fight me was my best friend, Marth. At the level of brown belt (which is one level below black) he was the only one who stood a chance. My teachers, or sensei, considered me to be the best young student they ever taught.
Being the best I became quite ignorant and cocky, considering everyone else as less than myself. We also had our tournaments; held in a room with white painted walls, posters of kids in certain stances, a large tan colored mat in the middle, and rows of metal chairs along the walls. In whatever tournament I entered I would take down my opponent easily and effortlessly. Until the one time everything changed.
The time for the finals had come and I was on a roll, a kid from an unknown class stepped forward. When I saw he's younger than myself so I was positive of win. "Watch yourself out there, Slade." Marth said. "This kid is very tough."
I chuckled at that. "You only say so because he beat you, don't worry I'm the best remember. This kid doesn't stand a chance."
I got up off the chair and walked into the ring. My opponent did the same. "Shake hands." The adviser said. The other kid reach out his hand and I, reluctantly, did the same.
"May the best kid win." He said.
I smiled. "I plan to."
We both then backed up and bowed to the other. When the adviser said 'fight' I tense up and aimed a powerful kick at the kids chest. Swift as lightning, he grabbed my foot and stopped it. Then he twisted it and down I went. He did a first move win.
As I got to my feet for the next round, I could hear Marth laughing behind me. "Told ya."
"A fluke." I said. "It won't happen again." In the second round, I did the same move. But when he grabbed my ankle and threw me to the ground, I braced against the mat with my hands and managed a direct hit to his chest. He staggered back and I jumped back on my feet.
"So that's the way it's going to be." He said. "Fine." He raced for me and swung a fist and my chest, I caught his wrist. He swung his other fist and I caught that one too. He lifted one leg and placed the soul of his foot against my chest and shoved with great force. I staggered back; barely able to keep my balance, but he managed a full back flip and landed squarely on his feet. Too tired to continue, I went down from his next move.
As I left the kid came up to me with an envelope and said. "Read this tonight." He then turned around and walked away.
I came home later that day with a second place trophy. My mom came out of the kitchen to greet me. "Welcome home, Slade. How did you do?"
"Horrible." I said and went into my room. I shut the door and then looked down at the envelope I had been given. I didn't know if I should trust this kid, but I did want to know how he got so good. I ripped open the envelope pulled out the paper and read.
If you are reading this you must be good,
We need your help; something terrible will happen
And we are all that stands in its way.
If you wish to know what we are speaking of
Come to the corner of Central and Main St. tonight at midnight.
Be there.
P.S. destroy this message after reading it so no one will find it.
I stared at the letter for a second before folding it back up. I wanted to know. After dinner, while we sat around the fireplace, I threw the letter into the flames and watched it blacken, crinkle, and turn to ash.
Late that night, while both my mother and father slept, I got up out of bed and climbed through the window.
I waited at the corner of Central and Main for at least half an hour. While waiting I began to think I'd been had. Until I saw two figures come toward me. One was a tall man in an over coat and shady hat, the image commonly depicted on the neighborhood watch signs. His face, although hidden, seemed to shine like metal. The second was much shorter; the kid I fought at the tournament.
"Is this the one you spoke of?" The tall man asked. His mysterious voice echoed.
"This is the one." The kid said. "Glad you could make it." He said to me.
"But we can't stay here, it's too dangerous. We must find a safer place follow me." The man said. He turned around and began to walk away, the kid follow close by. I stood confused by the street sign for a moment, and then followed myself.
I didn't yet know this simple decision would shape the rest of my life.