(Static flutters across the screen and a man with a deep distorted voice appears sitting in the darkness; on the camera.)
Voice: Your life as you know it is a lie. As the day turns to night and night to day, the remnants of the past dominates the experiences of the present and clouded the possibilities of the future. Pharmaceutical pills and over the counter medicine, synthetic processed meats, over the counter prescriptions, new propaganda, politics, social media- these are today's drugs. The daily hits needed in order for you to function; suffocating the true essence of what it means to be human. The human condition has been corrupted and what lies of its better half is under attack. We are programmed from our desires, our routines, our goals, and even our dreams. Nothing about you is real- but pain- that is real. Deep within you know the truth lies within that pain; guiding you to where you belong. It's time to stand up and not take this lying down. It's to understand you have the power to be heroes, everyday, just by learning to be human again. They will not stop us; they will not destroy us. As long as WE exist, the real enemy; hidden behind the shadows will stand no chance.
Therapist: Micah… Micah.
(A young man snaps out of his day dream and awakes to be in the middle of a therapist's office with a female therapist and a man in funny clothing standing before him.)
Therapist: Micah, you drifted off there for a second; are you okay?
Micah: (Slightly confused) Uh… yeah. Did it work? Am I fixed?
Hypnotist: This is quite a challenging patient, quite challenging indeed. I've tries 8 different methods of hypnosis but still nothing budges. The trauma is too deep in zis one.
Micah: Wait, so that's it; we've giving up?! I can do something better if you let me try again harder. Please, sir, I really do want these nightmares to stop.
Hypnotist: EIH. (Sighs and stands to his feet) I'm honestly not sure what we can do at zis point for you, Micah. Further methods would be too expensive.
Micah: But I ca-
Hypnotist: Even if you can afford them, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing these things to you. Micah, you are a very, very brave young man, but perhaps we should leave this alone for now and give your mind time to relax.
Therapist: What that means, Micah, is sometimes even though we're ready to heal, our mind is not. Perhaps some part of you is not ready to face this demon simply because you are not ready to embrace the angel behind it. I know how bad you want this, but perhaps we need to dig a bit deeper in you in other areas, then maybe we'll find a leak as to where your nightmares originate.
Micah: (Leans back in his chair a bit disappointed) I don't want to wait.
Therapist: (Slightly stern) You're the one blocking us out, Micah, understand that right now. Now there is something you do not want us to see or see yourself so you have some responsibilities in this and one of them is patience.
Micah: Ok. I'll do my best, sorry.
(Time passes; Micah is seen entering a small studio apartment sometime later and in the apartment hardly anything is seen other than a T.V on a small coffee table, a computer on the ground, an air mattress on the floor with wrinkled covers on top, a corner of dirty clothes thrown on the edge and around a laundry basket, and a lamp in the corner of the room with everything else. He throws his heavy backpack on the ground next to his computer and everything else piled in the corner and walks straight into his kitchen. He opens the top cabinet and pulls out a cup of instant ramen noodles. He prepares it and puts it in the microwave to be heated. As he waits, he turns and looks at his white empty apartment. He stands next to the island in the middle of the kitchen, takes a few moments to take everything in, then slowly slides his back all the way down to the floor. He begins to tear up and holds himself in the fetal position weeping in tears for what feels like eternity. Eventually the microwave alerts him that his food is ready and he quickly gets up, wipes his face, and grabs his food as if nothing was wrong with him. Micah opens a closet and pulls out a big black bean bag chair which he throws on the floor and uses as a chair while starring at a blank T.V. screen. The sound of his sloppy eating is all that fills the room for a bit as he continues to stare at the screen.)
Micah: (Says to himself out loud) On today's episode "The Super Friends". (Laughs to himself) What do you think Mr. Stone, is today going to be the day you defeat the evil Dr. Shanti or will the evil doer claim yet another victory?
(A tough looking Israeli woman with bundled up brown hair leans across the desk behind Micah wearing cargo pants and a leather jacket with a dark T-shirt underneath. Only the shape of her body is seen in a blur but not her face clearly.)
Female Soldier: Is this really how you're going to waste another day; moping in front of the T.V.; shooting up your blood pressure with cohesive amounts of sodium?
Micah: It's how I choose to spend my day.
Female Soldier: (Appears in front of him and knells to get closer to his face) You choose, you choose?! What choice is even yours anymore? This is exactly what they want, the invisible enemies.
Micah: Don't…
Female Soldier: Or maybe you're just scared to face reality.
(Micah throws his food on the ground in a fit of rage and covers his ears as hard as he can with his hands, attempting to shut the voice out, but it is to no avail.)
Micah: Leave me alone… None of you are real…!
Female Soldier: … maybe you're just too afraid of…
(The dark hooded figure from his nightmare wearing the leather clothing and a dark heavy voice appears standing beside him.)
Dark Voice: the truth!
(Micah turns to the figure in terror and stumbles out of his chair, only to be woken up again by the sound of the microwave timer. He takes a breath and gets himself off of the kitchen floor to get his food.)
[Middle of nowhere, body shop]
(Both Claire and Brandon approach the workshop where they find the repairman continuing to work on the previous car.)
Brandon: Excuse me, sir?
Sal: Sal, just call me, Sal; makes things a whole lot easier. I have the feeling you two will be sticking around awhile. Let me guess, your wheels were swiped right from under ya when you got back?
Brandon: That's quite the lucky guess. (Crosses his arms) Care to explain?
Sal: (Grunts and approaches them eye-to-eye) This place has seen some strange days since New York. Folks have been having a lot of things coming up missing from doors, tires, windows; heck sometimes even the whole vehicle. I can't say otherwise what the truth is, but in my opinion, something shady's going on here and I don't like it. Folks come passing through these parts and who knows if they make it back to civilization.
Brandon: Obvious there's a mystery here that needs solving. I want my wheels back; so if there's any information you can give us, sir, it would be greatly appreciated.
Sal: Before this becomes an old folk tale, I'd like this to be solved. Either you find answers or you become the tale.
Brandon: Either way, the truth will be out.
Sal: Truth is something you carry with you and spread like a virus to keep it alive, otherwise it dies and is left to the cosmos to be resurrected. That's what I think you're here for, Jamie.
Claire: Cla- Yeah, perhaps you're right.
Sal: Oh I am. (Chuckles and walks off)
(Sal grabs a towel to wipe his greasy hands with then grabs a nearby book with a map of the area. He puts on his glasses that were nearby and approaches the two of them.)
Sal: Let's see here? There. (Points at the map and shows the two of them) This whole section of the map is missing some landmass. (Circles his finger around the area) This map should tell you how to get there. I work late nights a lot and I hear things through the forest, scary things.
Brandon: Alright, we're on it.
Sal: The two of you don't seem afraid. I could be setting you up to get eaten or something.
Claire: We can handle ourselves.
[Manhattan, Peter]
(Peter walks into his apartment and places groceries on the counter before him. Suddenly, his cell phone rings. He doesn't seem too happy by the ringtone but he lifts it up to his face anyway after mental preparation.)
Peter: What?
Man: Now that's no way to talk to your best friend. I call baring good news.
(On the other end of the line, the man is standing in front of a bunch of kids in a large classroom.)
Man: Cindy's caterpillar finally morphed into a butterfly today!
(All of the children yell and cheer with excitement in Peter's ear and he displays a big smile for a second.)
Peter: What is this about?
Gabriel: Well, Peter, one of the students here, wanted to thank the man who saved her mom from a car crash last year in person. I mentioned I knew the hero personally and told the kids you'd come by to pay them a visit.
Peter: No, Syl-
(The kids scream in cheer yet again before Peter can finish his sentence.)
Gabriel: Come on, Petey, do it for the kids? We're all waiting for you.
(Peter sighs over the phone and Sylar speaks to him on a personal level as the kids continue to jump around and loudly cheer.)
Sylar: Come on, Peter, you and I both know you have nothing better to do today.
Peter: (Sighs) I've got a date.
Sylar: What…? I know I'm not broken, so you're obviously telling the truth. That's great, Peter, you're finally branching out! I'm proud of you.
Peter: Don't do that.
Sylar: Sorry, look remnants of him are still in my brain, but that doesn't change the fact that I am legitimately happy for you moving forward from that pit you were stuck in. But you have Hiro Nakamura's power- I can smell it on you from over the phone, so I know if you don't have time, you can make time to come down here and see these little munchkins. Make their day.
Peter: Alright, fine. It's been awhile since I've worked with kids; I can come by for a visit.
Sylar: Good, you remember where my room is. I'll see you at the back door. (Hangs up and walks toward the back door of the classroom) Alright, kids, everyone have a seat, and I will bring in the real life superman.
(Sylar opens the back door and in comes Peter smiling at all the children. The room is surprisingly quiet accept for one child who screams and runs at Peter with tears instantly running down her face on sight.)
Alyssa: Superman!
(She gives Peter the biggest hug ever and Peter gets on one knee to quickly give her one back.)
Alyssa: (Heavily crying) Thank you so much for rescuing my mommy! I love you, Superman.
(Peter looks up at Gabriel and he just smiles at the sight of the two of them hugging. Peter looks down and hugs her a bit tighter before letting her go.)
Peter: Hey, what's your name, I'm Peter.
Alyssa: Alyssa! (Sniffs and wipes her face)
Peter: Alyssa, that's a very pretty name. Did you know that?
Alyssa: If you say it is, I believe you!
Peter: Hey, I'm not the only one who's a hero here; so are you.
Alyssa: Really?! No way! I can do super stuff like save mommies the way you can!
Peter: You're very brave. You're cheerful, and I can tell you're smart too. Just remember to always be yourself no matter what people say and you too can be a hero.
(Alyssa gives Peter one last hug for 3 seconds.)
Alyssa: I have a question, can you be my daddy?!
(All Gabriel can do is laugh to himself out loud in a failed attempt to hold it in.)
[Odessa, Ryan, Christina, Fidgety Guy, and Tracy]
(Christina stands before Tracy and a strange looking fidgety guy, Lars.)
Christina: What can I help you with?
Fidgety Guy: We understand that your recent encounter was with two men who were trying to kill you? Basically-
Tracy: STOP! (Looks at Christina and gives her a smile of slight embarrassment) Sorry about that, don't mind him. Like I said, my name is Tracy- (Reaches into her back and pulls out two photos) and we heard about the serious situation that happened yesterday. (Shows Christina two photos) Do you by any chance recognize these two men?
Christina: Yes, actually. I recognize that one. (Points to the photo on her left)
Fidgety Guy: Ah… "Uncle".
Tracy: What can you tell us about him?
(The door is opened wider and out comes Christina's stepfather Gene, who stands between Christina and the two strangers.)
Gene: Yes, can I help you?
Tracy: We heard about the situation last night involving the attack of one of your kids and-
Gene: Attack? No one was assaulted. I think you have the wrong address. Last night my family was here having dinner with my stepson's future girlfriend and her guardian. We all left in peace; everything was good.
Tracy: … I'm sorry, sir; we must have the wrong address. Please, forgive us for ruining your evening.
Gene: It's all good, and I'm sorry what did you say your name was?
Tracy: … Strauss. (Flips her head to straighten her hair) Tracy Strauss. (Offers a handshake)
Gene: Okay, and you, sir?
Lars: Lars, just Lars.
Gene: Hopefully I don't see you two around here again or the authorities will be alerted; understand?
Lars: Well, sir, we-
Tracy: (Cuts him off) Yes, sir, we understand your concern and you will not be seeing us again. (Grabs Lars' shoulder and the two walk away)
(Gene gets one last good look at them before gently butting Christina in the house and closing the door behind them.)
Tracy: What was that?! (Tosses him against their car)
Lars: Ow, hey, that was me just trying to help. Look the girl Identified one of them so that's good right? It means something did happen and we just need to figure out what exactly.
(Tracy quickly grabs something in the air and begins to slowly freeze it. Ryan appears suddenly in pain as Tracy holds on tight to his arm.)
Tracy: Kid?! (Lets him go)
Ryan: Ow… Sorry, I wasn't spying, I was just hiding. I was attacked last night along with- Tricia but I snuck back here undetected. I was the one who was attacked last night; Gene nor my mom know what happened.
Tracy: Well, kid; we're looking for the guys who attacked you.
Ryan: Both of them attacked me, as well as their dog. Are- can you please protect us?
(Moments later, Ryan re enters his home and walks up the stairs to his room. As he enters and closes the door, he quickly takes his shirt off and throws in on his bed, only to see his sister sitting on the bed.)
Christina: What happened to you last night?
Ryan: What do you mean what happened?
Christina: You weren't here?! I had to cover for you and say you weren't feeling well and went to bed early when I knew for a fact you did not come home last night! You have no idea what I put myself through worrying whether or not I made the right decision covering for you? Which obviously I didn't! You could've been seriously hurt or killed and that would've been my fault for not telling mom or Gene you were missing! And now these random shady people come to our door with pictures of a man who-
Ryan: (Trying to calm down her hysterical expression) Christina- (Slowly walks closer to her)
Christina: was here last night-
Ryan: Christina, I know, I'm sorry.
Christina: And on top of that, (Snatches a stained red T-shirt from his bed) You do finally come home and there's blood on your clothes.
Ryan: Chris-
(Christina slaps Ryan hard across the face and the room grows silent for a moment. Christina tries holding herself together, although she knows what she did was wrong.)
Christina: Sorry, you didn't deserve that. It was my fault.
Ryan: No… I was wrong for not saying anything… I was attacked last night, but… I've been trying to block it out or pretend like it didn't happen.
Christina: I could've protected you.
Ryan: I don't need protection. (Grabs his bloody shirt from her and walks away)
Christina: Right, who needs protection when you can just hide away from your problems all the time.
(Something about that statement triggers something in Ryan's head, but without expressing his moment of frustration, he calms himself then turns to his sister.)
Ryan: You're right I do run from my problems, but that seems to be our whole life, Christa, just running all the time! We never have a moment to relax and just live; we're always moving around because of mom. I don't ever feel safe anywhere!
Christina: (Sits on the bed and tries to understand him) Is that how you've felt this entire time, little brother? I'm so sorry. (Holds her hands together) I was so selfish for not considering how you felt this entire time. I always looked at our traveling as a constant flow, you know; always moving forward. Life is always about moving forward. I enjoyed the constant movement, but you were just looking for somewhere safe.
(Christina quickly walks up to her brother and deeply embraces him.)
Christina: I love you, Ryan. I want to be here to protect you if I can.
(On the other side of the door, it is revealed that their mother has been listening in the entire time.)
Ryan: (Slightly pushes away Christina and gets a bit overwhelmed emotionally by last night) I know you only want to protect me, but after what I've been through…
Christina: No, Ryan, that doesn't matter anymore, ok, that was the past.
Ryan: (Stares deep into her) It was your past, because you aren't living with the left over damage.
Christina: Right… I'm sorry.
Ryan: But, I wasn't talking about… THAT. I was talking about last night what happened to me. Maybe I need to learn how to protect myself. I can't always rely on people.
Christina: And how are you going to do that?
Ryan: … by making decisions for myself. I was so scared last night. (Begins to shake) But nowhere near- (Takes an aggressive deep breath) as scared- as I was when I was younger. I don't want to hide anymore. I don't know what to do or who I want to be, but I don't want to be alone anymore. I just don't wanna be alone.
(Christina leans forward and holds her hands together, gently placing the tops of her fingers against her lips. She stares blankly at her brother as it is very difficult to try and understand what is going through her head.)
Christina: I know… there is a gap there, between us. What you've been through was rough and I'm not a boy so I can't fully understand what you're feeling, but all I wanna do is be close to you. At the same time, I know that whatever it is that eats away at you inside is something I can't give closure to or even fully comprehend. That is where the gap is between us. It aches me so much to know I can't get close, but it also aches me to know that this wedge between us is the thing that's gonna help you grow into who you desire to be. (Sheds a tear) I'm here for you, ok, no matter what. I'm always gonna be your sister, whether you like it or not, but I will still respect your space to be you. Which is- (Eyes leak tears) A lot harder to say out loud than it seems.
Ryan: Thank you, Christina. I know mom loves us, but I never felt I was given the proper space to understand what was happening to me.
Christina: It's okay, little brother; You've got me. I will always take care of you and I know you'll be there to take care of me?
Ryan: Always; forever.
(Their mother stands on the other side of the door with her ear pressed against the door listening and feeling a flood of diverse emotion washing through her. She turns around and Gene walks up the stairs. He turns to see her trying to hold it together.)
Gene: Babe, what's the matter?
(Her eyes gloss and all she does is fold her arms together and storm passed him to get to their bedroom. Gene is torn between the choice of going to the children's room or their bedroom. He ultimately decides to tend to his wife.)
[Manhattan, Gabriel Gray]
(Being the strange man that he is, Gabriel just sits in the background starring with a big smile on his face as the kids play hangman together on the whiteboard, when suddenly his office phone rings.)
Gabriel: (Answers the landline) Yes, Mr. Martin's classroom.
(Moments pass; fixing his glasses and wiping them clean with his long sleeve black sweater. Gabriel is in the middle of a conference with a few teachers as well as the principal. The teachers all seem to be in a heated debate about something.)
Male Teacher 1: Look, I don't know how you feel about this, but I think it's getting outta hand. I thought the news was kidding at first with all this; you know; political falsities to push agendas on the American people, but now this sickness, has made its way to my place of work, and soon, it'll get to my home and I just won't stand for it!
Female Teacher: I had a student hit another student with his fist out of anger and that kid had a seizure. A week before that, I witnessed another student yelling out in the playground and bended the bars holding the structure of the- you know play area! Someone could've gotten seriously hurt!
Male Teacher 1: It's like I was saying this is a disease and it has to stop! Now that I'm a witness to this, I don't know if I'm going crazy or not. My mother, who's already bedridden from prolong years of stress supporting me, has her eyes glued to the television like a toddler and I can't get her to stop. I want these last moments of my mother's life to be full of joy and to be special; not stuck in fear!
Female Teacher 2: (With southern accent) I don't know, fellas, I kinda think this could be a positive change to the world, just so long as we look at it that way.
Male Teacher 2: Exactly, Emily, thank you; someone agrees.
Female Teacher 2 (Emily): I mean, if we only focus on bad things, that's all we're going to see. You find what you seek, period.
Principal: It still stands that we need to make a decision now for how we're going to deal with the issue at hand. Teachers are terrified and are quitting, and we're losing staff left and right. We are short staffed in more ways than one and we need to go to district with a vote on whether or not kids who display these- powers should stick to public schools, be taught through an online program, or just go to a separate school altogether. I heard about a school in Savannah.
Male Teacher 1: (Raises hand) I vote we bring in mandatory testing for every student daily and if they are positive, leave it to the government to deal with them, but this shouldn't have to be our problem. If this is some kind of mutation, the CDC should be involved in flushing these people out.
Emily: Or maybe we just politely tell them not to interrupt class with their- talents.
Female Teacher: The other day, a student picked up a dead rat and it split itself into two halves, then started running around the room.
Principal: James, you've been rather quiet over there; what's your opinion?
Gabriel: Hmm…? Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I was lost in a daydream trying to drown out all your constant whining. This change isn't a bad thing. These people have been around for decades but now you're just learning about them and right away you want to take away their right to be human.
Male Teacher: They aren't hu-
(Gabriel accidentally has an impulsive tendency and shuts his mouth with his telekinesis.)
Sylar: Shut it! He asked me to speak, not you, Floyd so don't be rude.
(The Male Teacher opens his mouth and rubs his fingers across his lips in slight confusion.)
Gabriel: I understand you people are scared- WE are all scared. But that doesn't give us the right to judge these people's lives. They are kids and we need to teach them that it's ok for them to be who they are, instead of teaching them what they are is a bad thing. If you associate uniqueness with malevolence, these kids are going to grow up being bad people because they think that's what they are. Yes we all have the choice, but don't you think that in a spectrum of society, we all have some part in the development of each other through our actions, acts of kindness, cruelties and judgments? We're only making life harder for these kids to be accepting of themselves giving them a head start on what path to go on. You think this is love, no; Emily is the only teacher here with the courage to speak her opinion knowing you all are against her.
Male Teacher 2: And me.
Gabriel: Yes, and you too, Tom; sorry. My point- (Spreads his fingers on the table and glances at each teacher) is we have a chance to teach these kids true values of life for a new generation. We haven't gotten it right, so what gives us the possessing thought to think we can guide them to do better? These kids are the world and the world is trying to tell us something. Maybe we need to look at the opportunity this change has for us instead of being afraid of what it could turn into. But then again, if you're terrified of your own thoughts, it only means you're already living the reality of your fear in your mind.
(The room remains silent for a short time.)
Male Teacher 1: All I know, is I want this near me or my family, so if the higher ups don't do anything by next week, I'm putting my notice in and leaving.
Female Teacher 1: I agree with Floyd, we need to vote to isolate these kids and get them away from us who are still decent.
Principal: Right, so I'll add Floyd and Betty, you too, on the list for voting out the students.
Gabriel: Did any of you, just hear anything I sa-
Principal: Mr. Martin, thank you, but you've put on enough of a circus act already. Now we need to get to the real tangible method of progression which is- (taps the back of his clipboard twice with his fingers) writing your name on this piece of paper and letting the officials deal with this. Now, Emily, Tom; I need confirmation on your vote on what we should do for the schooling.
Gabriel: Don't bother, Emily. If higher ups are the one in charge of running this country, do you really think they care about your opinion? Small time school teachers like us only know one thing- teach children what we are told they need to be taught. As far as the higher ups are concerned your opinion doesn't mean a thing when the fate of the entire country is at stake. Your opinions affect your life; not the economic system, not the department of homeland security-
(The principal completely loses his patience and just drops his pen and clipboard, humoring and pretending to listen just to get him to shut up.)
Gabriel: - or even the well being of the point of view of law enforcement. You are one piece of the hole and the higher ups are going to decide what is best for the whole, not you, which is why your vote in this room right now will ultimately mean nothing. (Stands to his feet)
Floyd: You done, sir, so we can get back to actually doing some work?
(Gabriel just leaves the room before losing his temper.)
Floyd: Instead of being an adult, he just storms out like a child; some example he is for the future of our children.
[Brandon and Claire, forest]
(Brandon and Claire wonder through an endless forest trying to find their way around. Brandon stares at the map continuously and wipes a small pool of sweat from his forehead.)
Brandon: Okay, so here's the waterfall we just passed, so…
(Brandon steps on a trap and his ankle gets caught in a rope. He's rapidly drug deeper into the forest. Claire yells and quickly chases after him. Brandon is stopped in the middle of the woods and about 6 scavengers in camouflage clothing rush to throw him in a large bag then toss him in the back of a jeep which was hiding behind a large boulder. The individuals quickly jump in the back and take off. Claire doesn't give up trying to catch them. She sees the rope on the ground Brandon was caught in and still connected to the jeep and she grabs it.)
[Unknown location, Micah Sanders]
(Micah walks into a mall food court and orders a small ice cream cone. The man gives him a total and looks up at the menu while reaching into his pocket.)
Micah: What's that flavoring in the picture up there?
Cashier: Where, sir?
(The cashier turns around and as soon as he does, Micah places his hand on the card reader and processes the payment. The cashier turns back around and sees that the payment is processed.)
Micah: Sorry, changed my mind on it, thanks. (Grabs ice cream cone and quickly walks away)
(Micah finds a place to sit and he attempts to enjoy his time alone but after a short few seconds, a woman just a few years older than him sits across from him at the small crowded table. Micah sighs at the sight of her.)
Micah: Not another lecture, please.
Monica: Then maybe you should stop stealing. Come on, Micah, you know Nana and I taught you better than that. No matter how rough things get, you know God is always looking out for us. Now how much was that?
Micah: I don't know, I never intended to pay so I didn't bother to listen.
Monica: (Leans back in her chair) Okay, Micah, look I know you're going through a rough patch right now, but you know we're here for you; all of us. We think it's time to start up Rebel again.
Micah: Rebel is dead. There's nothing to rebel against, Monica. Claire Bennet was stupid for what she did. And now people are being hunted and killed and we can't save them all.
Monica: yeah, but we can save some. Look, there is a group of people out there who are killing us for sport and they're constantly growing. These underground organizations that we already knew about are growing stronger now the more hate fills this world. Micah, please, this operation doesn't work without you.
Micah: (Sighs) I can't help, Monica, even if I wanted to. The nightmares are getting worse. I can't tell the difference between reality and illusion anymore.
Monica: What's real, is that people out there need your help. I know it's a little discouraging tight now, little cousin, but we need you.
Micah: I don't care. Go away, Monica.
Monica: (Looks back and forth between his two eyes) I get it, you need to deal with whatever it is that's troubling you, before you can get to being the old Micah I used to laugh and have fun with. But don't think I won't be here behind you every step of the way. (Smiles at him and squeezes his hand) I got you, cousin. (Stands and walks away)
(As she leaves his sight, a strange dark presence comes over Micah and he looks across the food court to see the hooded man form his dream walking into the restroom area. Micah takes a few bites of his ice cream then heads toward the restroom. As he passes the ice cream stand, he tosses a few dollars on the counter in front of the cashier and continues on walking. Micah makes it into the bathroom and hears a thumping sound coming from the back stall. Micah gets curious as to what it is then suddenly the fluorescent lights begin to flicker. All that is heard is the thumping noise following a constant rhythm and buzzing from the lights which remain on.)
Micah: Hello?!
(The thumbing instantly stops and a dragging sound is heard, followed by a child's laughter that disappears as fast as it comes. Micah continues on and eventually makes it to the back stall. It opens and closes itself rapidly, squeaking every time it opens. Micah continues to have courage to face his nightmare and as he walks into the stall he sees himself in an all-white uniform starring at the sealing like a zombie. Before he knows it, Micah realizes that he's in a dark square room surrounded by concrete walls and a rusty old lamp hanging overhead swaying back and forth. He looks up ahead and sees a small rectangular glass window and the sound of rapid gunfire is heard coming from it. Micah looks back down at his limbo-state body, then he suddenly hears a cracking sound. Blood begins to fill its eyes and his blood vessels engorge red, each vein popping one at a time. His throat is sliced open by an invisible force and he sees himself gasping in agony before it leans forward and screams into his face, Causing Micah to go into minor shock and snap back into reality. Hyperventilating, he quickly leaves the stall and leans his hands against the sink trying to get himself together. He turns on the cold water and splashes it on his face but as soon as he looks in the mirror, he sees the young man in the hood in his reflection. Micah screams and backs away but he realizes his reflection in the mirror stays in place as the hooded individual. He slowly turns to face Micah, and through the reflection, grabs Micah by the throat and holds him against the wall.)
Voice: Face me, Micah. Face who I am! Accept me.
Micah: No, get away from me!
(Micah kicks him away and rushes out into the food court in a panic. Micah looks at all the people and they all stare at him with bleeding black eyes which leaves shivers down his spine. The hooded young man appears behind Micah and slides his hands over his shoulders.)
Voice: I can't get away from you; I am in you.
(A blaze of fire comes out of nowhere and blasts Micah directly, once again waking him from his nightmare. He stands in the food court sweating and holding himself. Everyone eating is giving him strange looks. Micah just walks away to leave the mall, but not before going back to his table and grabbing his ice cream cone.)
[Forests]
(Grunting is heard while a group of assailants grab Brandon's struggling body and yanks the giant sack off of him. A young man about 14 years old wearing no shirt and full body paint, with a Mullet steps down from what appears to be a large "throne" made of metal and scrap parts. Mutilated and shredded, Claire finds herself crawling onto the back of the jeep, as her misplaced bones, and torn limps slowly regenerate.)
Mullet Kid: Back away!
(The kid clenches his fist and shards of random metal levitate around his body. All of the assailants are revealed to be kids and they all stand far away from both Mullet Kid and Brandon.)
Brandon: What? What is this?! What do you want with me?!
Mullet Kid: I want you to shut up.
(The young man flings a shard of metal at Brandon which he barely dodges and causes it to stab into the ground.)
Mullet Kid: Anyone stupid enough to come and find the demons of the forest do not return to civilization. You sought us, so now we need to know why before we dispose of you.
Brandon: You're just kids?! (Heavily breathes and scans the area)
Mullet Kid: Just…? I'd choose your words more wisely, sir or you might end up hanging over the bonfire tonight.
Brandon: First of all, why are you doing this? I just wanted the rims to my car back.
Mullet Kid: They were offerings to the kingdom. This is our paradise and you, adults are not welcome.
(Claire starts up the truck, puts it in drive, and hits the gas. She takes off full speed ahead and Brandon quickly rolls at the last second to avoid getting hit. Mullet Kid drops all the metal in the area and stops the Jeep in its tracks before it hits him. The wheels continue to spin and pick up dirt but it does not move. Through the cloud of dirt, the Mullet Kid is shot 3 times in the chest. He drops the truck and it speeds over him, crashing into a tree in the process. Brandon is revealed to have a pistol in his hand he uses it to keep the other assailants at bay.)
Brandon: Claire, make sure he's alright. Make sure he'll hang on a bit longer!
(Claire exits the vehicle and the children around are amazed at the sight of Claire's body regenerating itself. As her body finishes healing they all drop to their knees and begin worshipping her.)
Female Child: She has slain the dragon.
Male Child: She is our new Emperor!
(The children continue to worship and chant to Claire, and she looks around in slight confusion as to what's going on.)
Brandon: Alright, first order of business, kids! Get up! (Puts his gun on safety) Before talking to the Emperor, you talk to me! Now what is this place?
(Mullet Kid's moans can be heard from beneath the car.)
Brandon: Can someone here help him?!
Little Girl: I can…
(Brandon turns around and a shy young dirty dark-skinned girl with ratty clothes stands behind him holding a torn blue stuffed animal.)
Little Girl: I can help- B-b-but I'll need to grab her hand.
(She looks over at Claire.)
Claire: My hand?
Little Girl: Y-Yes.
Brandon: (Says to Claire) Well…?
Claire: He's dying. Do what you have to.
(The young girl approaches Claire, gently grabs her hand with one of hers, and a light emits from her body. Once the light is gone, Claire begins to violently cough.)
Little Girl: It's ok, follow me now.
(The little girl holds on tight to both her stuffed animal and Claire's hand. Once the two of them reach the Mullet Kid, Brenda, the little girl, takes her hand away from Claire's and she stands over his body. She freezes up as she's never seen anything so gruesome before but before her mind gets too affected, Brandon quickly turns the little Girl away.)
Brandon: Hey, what're you doing?
Little Girl: I-I can give him her power until he heals.
Brandon: (Sighs) According to Claire here, that's impossible. Whatever damage the body endures before the ability is obtained doesn't get repaired.
Claire: You… but you said yourself Peter took my power in New York and healed himself from a gunshot wound.
Little Girl: Healing is in the mind, not in the body. He is in distress and his body will heal whatever is in distress.
Brandon: (Partially joking) You not only gain abilities but have understanding in them too. You must've been a witchdoctor in a past life.
Little Girl: I h-have t-t-to heal him. Let me put my hands on him.
(Brandon covers her eyes without touching them. Claire feels this strong light passing through her as the girl touches both Claire's and the Mullet Kid's shoulder. Their bodies go into slight distress and Brandon begins feeling a shock also. An electric surge of light triangulates between the three of them and Brandon quickly backs away. After the exchange of electricity is made, the little girl falls to the ground unconscious but continues to clench onto her stuffed animal tucked beneath her arm. The Mullet Kid's bones are popped into place and his wounds are healed. He slides the bottom half of his body from beneath the car and stands to his feet.)
Mullet Guy: I'm healing… What is this? Hey, guy… shoot me; I need to know if this is permanent. Shoot me now or I'll do it myself. I can control anything metallic so I can just do it on my own. I just prefer not to.
(Brandon just stares at him non-compliantly. Mullet Kid tries to control the gun from Brandon's pocket but cannot, instead, several of the metal shards in the area begin to levitate and face toward him. He looks over to see Claire standing behind the shards. She raises her hand to them and they all fall accept for one piece which she calls to her. She looks at the shard in amazement as she realizes she's the one controlling this.)
Claire: This is-
(She drops the shard and looks down at the young girl on the floor. Claire quickly rushes to her aid. Suddenly three more shots are put into Mullet's Kid's torso but after a short few seconds his wounds completely heal and he spits them up.)
Brandon: From this range those bullets should've went clean through you but whatever.
Mullet Kid: (Laughs) This is cool! I'm invincible! I can't die!
Brandon: (Reloading his pistol) Don't get to excited, pal; there are weaknesses to this power and I know it; don't get too carried away.
(The young girl begin to wake up in Claire's arms.)
Claire: Hey, you're awake.
Little Girl: I'm tired…
Claire: Yeah, you get some rest, ok.
Female Child: (Yells at Mullet Kid) Claire is our true leader now, not you. She will lead us now and we will follow her instruction.
Brandon: Why have you kids been killing people and stealing all their stuff?
Male Child 1: We are all abandoned children surviving in this forest together. Him, our leader told us that we had to because the humans would kill us. We stole only to survive.
Brandon: So this chump's the problem. I know you guys have a prison; throw him in there.
[Odessa Tracy and Lars]
(Riding in Tracy's car, Lars looks up into the sky and sees something rather disturbing- The moon making its way close to the sun.)
Lars: What do you think this all means, this quest we have for life? I used to be stuck- in my ways, in my mind; in my understanding, but something awoke inside of me one day and I realized I was alive. Since then I've been on this quest to solve these mysteries, of life. So many unexplained scenarios, but I don't want to explain them, I want to know what they are beyond my limited knowledge fed to me by my current reality. My existence…
Tracy: What are you talking about? You're not making any sense again.
Lars: (Stops starring at the sky and glances at her) I don't want to make any sense; that only means I'm not doing my job by challenging your brain.
Tracy: (Annoyed) Ugh, this again; you know, this is why you never made it in politics; your philosophies weren't the problem, it was the fact that you tried making your philosophies a reality. You really believe half of the politicians believe what they say? Trust me, I've been on the other side of things, and even the many political figures I know who were trying to make a positive change, struggled with the trials of bringing their visions to light. I had to learn to adapt to all forms of change in my career.
Lars: But you can't adapt to this new one where people with abilities live out in the open?
Tracy: I can't shake it, but I feel something bad is going to happen soon. Something we are very familiar with, yet aren't ready to face yet.
Lars: (Teases) Are you going through another identity crises?
Tracy: Noo, no, definitely not. I just feel something, and I have no idea what it is. But around the time I first discovered my power I got this same feeling. (Sighs) Look, you don't belong here with me. After I drop you off, we're going our separate ways and I'm doing this on my own.
Lars: That's fine; I'm not into killing anyway. I'll leave that dirty work up to you.
(The two of them find a massive abandoned factory in the middle of nowhere and Tracy parks in the front. The two of them exit the vehicle and the air begins to darken over the eclipsing "moon.")
Tracy: Was an eclipse scheduled today?
Lars: Not by us. This place gets more and more amazing every time I see it. (Takes out an inhaler from the back of his shirt and takes a puff) Let's go.
(The darkened air descends darker as the two continue on ahead toward the massive structure of a building. They walk across dead grass to the entranceway and notice big lumps lying across the ground. They become alert but do not seem phased at all by the sight of these dozens of dead corpses lying on the ground.)
Tracy: How long have they been like this?
Lars: Honestly, they weren't like this, this morning.
(A man stands between two structures looking up at the eclipsing moon with his back turned to the two of them while they continue to walk closer to him.)
Lars: What happened here?! I thought we were all under protection?! You said that you would protect us!
(The two of them stand a few feet behind the man and after taking a moment to enjoy the sight and feel of the eclipse, he turns around to face them.)
Lars: Sorry, I know how important taking in the moment can be.
The Haitian: They knew about this place; they were prepared; now they will be expecting retaliation. (Glares at him) This cycle of hatred is infinite. The New Company has failed you, but there is nothing we can do now. All of your followers are dead and nothing will change that. Understand it now, feel guilty... (Glances up at the sky) then move on. Your strength is what this world needs. (Puts his hands in his pocket and moves passed them)
Lars: Wait! Do me a favor; protect Claire. Claire was their number one target and she can do more for this world than I possibly can right now! She needs protection from all sides. Tracy, this is your opportunity now to make up for it all and fix the mistakes of the men before you. Be a good politician; help Claire do what needs to be done.
Tracy: After the choice she made for us all, she'll do fine on her own. Look, I meant what I said, this is too dangerous. All of your people are dead. Your organization is gone and it only took one day! You cannot survive this game.
Lars: None of us survive… (Aggressively taps his foot) None of us survive this craziness but how we operate through the madness- is what matters. Look, do whatever it is you feel you need to, and I will do the same. I've got a lead on a doctor who can help me. He lives in New York so I'm headed there next.
Tracy: You're going to get yourself killed.
Lars: Then at least my fate will be in my hands. (Turns his back to them and walks away)
(Tracy looks over at The Haitian and he gives her a nod.)
Tracy: The doctor you're looking for, I may know the guy, but if not, then I know someone who's better.
Narrator: There is an invisible enemy out there whom we know very well- the enemy which exists in us all, haunts us, guides us, and even becomes us.
(Micah sits in his cold empty apartment cowering in a corner, as a hooded figure stares at him from across the room pacing back and forth with a faint glow of rage in his eyes, pulsating as if it were a heartbeat. Peter is seen in his apartment having a talk with Kelly at his table when suddenly his words cause Kelly to cry with tears of laughter and joy. But his smile is cut short as before him through his dark corner of the room he sees a familiar shape starring back at him… Arthur…)
Narrator: It is the counterpart of love and fear.
(An in-shape Mexican man walks through Lester's house and grabs a stuffed bear. Behind the bear is a series of wires and as he opens a hidden back panel a camera is revealed to have been hidden.)
Narrator: This force drives us and births a dark shade of passion burning in our soul, a passion that is a dark side to life.
(A long black limo parks in front of their home in Odessa and both Christina and Ryan stand in their destroyed home. Beneath them is their stepfather bloodied, bruised and bleeding out. Gene hands them a card with his bloody hand but before words can be said, his hand drops to the floor. The men from the limo come in heavily armed and lay waist to the remaining furniture and everything inside with automatic rifles.)
TO BE CONTINUED…