(The storm continues late into the night and Noah wakes from a terrifying nightmare. After calming himself down a bit, he walks out into the living room of his apartment and sees his old partner Lauren sitting in the kitchen in her PJ's starring at a computer monitor with a guilty look on her face.)
Lauren: Sorry, did I wake you?
Noah: No, no you didn't, it was just an- unpleasant dream was all; nothing new. (Proceeds to walk into his kitchen and make coffee)
Lauren: If you're hoping to get some coffee, I made extra just in case. It's in the pot warm and ready to be drunk.
Noah: … (Whispers) Okay… don't you mean "drank"? (Grabs a cup from the cabinet)
Lauren: Uh… Tomato, potato. Wait… Tomato , tomato…? I totally butchered that.
(The two of them both let out subtle laughs.)
Noah: Thank you, Lauren. (Pours himself a bit) Would you like a top off?
Lauren: (Ending her coffee sip) Mm… No, I'm alright, I'm actually on my second cup. I'm really hooked on this show Crossing Jordan; I wouldn't mind watching the entire thing a second time if you wanna give it a watch!
Noah: (Sits at the table next to her) Shouldn't you be investing your time on something less brain-washy? You are a government agent after all; you've gotta stay sharp when you're out in the field.
Lauren: (Smiles) I deserve some personal time to kill my brain cells in a healthy way and have fun doing it; I mean otherwise life gets jagged and boring; am I right?
Noah: (Smiles) That you are, indeed. (Takes a sip) I'm still working on that myself actually.
Lauren: Hey, remember that guy we had to bring in a long time ago who walked through stuff.
Noah: Acerra?
Lauren: No, the "guy".
Noah: The skinny one? No, he got away… Hawkins!
Lauren: I remember how determined he was to get to his family after discovering his ability. That was one of the few times we were out in the field together once you were partnered with Rene for majority of the assignments. It was fun.
Noah: I didn't realize how dark of a place I was back then. I can really see why Angela wanted me onboard.
(There are three gentle knocks on the door and seconds later, Angela Petrelli, so graciously lets herself in and locks the door behind her. She presents a bottle of wine to them and gives off a cocky smile.)
Angela: Please, no need to get up, except to maybe get me glass so that I may join the two of you. Please, Noah, don't be rude; attend to your guest.
Noah: … (Casually stands to his feet) Good thing I had some coffee in my system.
(Angela gradually takes her coat off and places it on the wrack near the door as well as her secured umbrella. She takes a seat beside the two of them at the table. Slightly embarrassed by her lack of attire, Lauren tries to remain casual and keep things cool.)
Lauren: (Nods) Mrs. Petrelli.
Angela: Oh please, honey, call me Angela. You don't work for me anymore so no need for the conditioned formalities.
(Noah returns and hands her a short glass with ice before sitting down.)
Lauren: Of course- Angela, my apologies.
Angela: Oh thank you so much, Noah.
Noah: So, it's pretty late; is something the matter, Angela?
Angela: That is beside the point, Noah. (Pours herself a drink from her bottle) I had a dream of your little get together tonight as well as a few others and figured here is where I'd rather be. (Places her bottle on the table and sips from her cup) I greatly appreciated your transformation over the years, Noah. I was also cold and the things I've done to survive in the past continue to haunt me to this day, but somehow you've managed to keep yourself together all nice and tight even in the face of danger.
Noah: With how strict things sort of were for me, it would only make sense how my psychological profile marked me as a sociopath of my time- but life sometimes throws you a curveball, and when you're able to catch what life throws at you, you'd be surprised how often you could find a miracle. Claire was a huge factor in that. May he rest in peace, but Kaito Nakamura didn't realize what he actually gave me the moment he put baby Claire Bear in my arms. She was always a healer, even before her ability manifested.
Angela: That's something we both could agree on. Claire definitely had a way with influencing others, just like her fathers. (Smile and slowly takes a sip)
(There is a short moment of silence when all that can be heard is the sound of rainfall.)
Noah: I'm sorry, Angela.
Lauren: What was he like- your son? Nathan.
Angela: (Takes a deep breath) He was an Angel- always taking on the heavy burden so others wouldn't have to. Some called him cold s well, a trait I'm sure inherited by one of his two disillusioned parents. But no matter what, Nathan always knew what was important. He never gave himself credit for that unfortunately. Everything he did was always for the greater good even if he was seen as the bad guy. (Sighs) What do you say about a person once they leave this world, other than live in the memory of what they've taught you? I'll always think of my son as my son, but- I cannot overlook the undeniable truth that Nathan was a man who always knew what was important.
Lauren: Wow… it sounds like you raised a very honorable man, Mrs. Petr- Angela. (Gently slides her hand over Angela's) Thank you for that gift. (Turns to Noah) So, Sociopath… interesting.
Noah: (Exhales and crosses his arms) Yeah… yeah it was why I was so good at my job but… no matter what, heroism doesn't discriminate. Even in a world full of people with powers, I feel all of us can be heroes, not just in what we do for others but also in how we heal those broken unloved parts of ourselves. When we better ourselves, we better what we offer to the world. All the power in the world doesn't mean a thing without heart to back it up.
Lauren: (Looks back and forth at the two of them) Wow… you two are great on light conversation. Um… how do you like this weather; beautiful, isn't it?
Angela: Rain is always brings a sense of peace but tonight's storm, I fear, brings a reminder.
Lauren: A little eerie… of what?
Angela: What could've been.
Noah: Or maybe what we're becoming.
(The two both smile at one another and Angela passes her drink over to Lauren, stealing her cup of coffee in the process.)
Angela: Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'll take a fresh cup of coffee. This'll hold me over until it's ready I'm sure.
Noah: (Smiles) Sure, Angela.
(Late into the night at a diner both Brandon and Claire are served their food.)
Claire: We should probably get back to Washington as soon as possible. There are a lot of people out there who could really use my help. I don't know, maybe I'd be of better use in a political lighting.
Brandon: (Glares at his food) Perhaps… but can save the world after we eat these delicious waffles.
Claire: (Smiles and nods) Agreed!
Brandon: (Chuckles and lets out a big smile) Just like mom used to make, huh?
Claire: Yummy and good for the tummy? Yes- just like my mom used to make.
(The two begin to dig in. While in the rain, both Claire and Brandon are seen exiting the dinner they were eating at and as they approach Brandon's repaired car, they see a teenage Chinese girl on the curb crying near the car. The two of them stop before getting too close and looks at one another for a second.)
Claire: She could probably use some help.
Brandon: Aren't you in a rush to go?
Claire: D.C. can wait; this is more important right now.
Brandon: Alright, let's go.
(Claire and Brandon both approach the young girl and as she looks up at the two of them her heart nearly beats out of her chest.)
Claire: Hi, are you okay?
Yuki: Y-you're Claire Bennett! You're that girl from the carnival!
(She quickly jumps up and gives Claire the biggest hug she possibly can.)
Yuki: (Stops hugging her) This whole time I've been asking for a sign and here you are! It has to mean something that you're here right now!
Claire: Oh Uh… Okay. Here (Gently pushes her back to create some distance) What happened; why are you crying?
Yuki: Oh… Well- I am like you! I also gave a gift. I told my parents about it and they were not accepting.
Claire: I see… I hope you're not running away from home. It may be hard right now, but your parents love you, trust me they do and they will come around to accepting you.
Yuki: Can you please come visit my parents and maybe you can help change their mind!
Claire: Well…
Brandon: Sure, kid; why not! Hope in, sit back and enjoy the ride!
(Brandon, Claire, and Yukio eventually pull up to Yukio's driveway. The three of them exit the vehicle and are provided an umbrella by Brandon.)
Brandon: You know I'm here for you, Claire, but if you need me to hang back and let you do your thing, I have no problem accepting that.
Claire: Okay. Thank you for that.
Brandon: (Smiles) I think you got this. I'm gonna hang back here for awhile and keep the car warm.
Claire: (Rolls her eyes and smirks) Okay.
(Claire and Yukio walk onto her porch and before they can grab the handle, the door opens. It's Yukio's mother. She rushes to her daughter and gives her a big relieving hug.)
Mother: Yukio where were you?! (Says in Japanese) My precious child is okay!
Yukio: Yes, mother, I am okay. Please let go of me now.
(Her mother lets go and checks to see if there are any marks or scars on her child.)
Mother: Good, you're okay.
(Moments later, her mother rushes into the kitchen where Yukio's father and little sister are gathered. Claire and Yukio both walk in after their daughter.)
Claire: Hi, everyone; I'm Claire.
Father: (Sighs) I know you. You were on T.V.
Mother: What?! (Gets a second look at Claire) Oh, that girl from the news! You're that circus freak who lied to the news and told them you had superpowers!
Claire: No, Ma'am I only wanted to show the world-
Mother: You wanted to show nothing! You only wanted to be famous and you lied on national T.V.! Since my daughter saw you on T.V, now she thinks she has superpowers! You messed up her mind!
Claire: I only- wanted to help.
Father: You can help by leaving my house.
Claire: I…
Mother: Leave now or we will tell the cops to arrest you for trespassing! We already called the cops to come looking for Yukio; they should be here any second!
(Claire looks over at Yukio with a sad look on her face.)
Claire: I'm sorry… (Sighs) All I can tell you, Yuki, is stay strong. They may not understand you, but don't let that misunderstanding stop you from loving them.
Mother: You're putting it in her head that she is something more than she actually is. She is sick in the head now because of you and need medication! I call cops now! (Rushes to the phone)
(Claire leaves the house and as she walks toward the car, Brandon gets out of the driver seat.)
Brandon: What happened? That didn't last long at all.
Claire: Her mother called the police!
(Brandon fully gets out of his car and closes his door. He approaches Claire and crosses his arms as he calming converses with her.)
Claire: What are you doing?! Get in the car now; we have to go!
Brandon: Forget the cops, Claire Stop running. Look at what you did.
(Claire looks into the window of the house and sees Yukio staring back at her with a look of heartbreak in her eyes.)
Brandon: You think you can face the President before facing your own issue? You're going to be the safe of this new change once we get to Washington; you can't let small time police intimidate you like this.
Claire: I'm sorry; but I can't help her. Even if I do help her out-
Brandon: It sounds to me like you're creating your own fear right now. Have you ever had a hero, Claire?! Just think about how you would feel!
(Claire looks back at him for a short time but then angrily storms off down the street. Claire is eventually seen walking down the street of a rough neighborhood alone. She hides on the side of a building and slides her back down the side of the wall. She sits on the cold hard ground pulls out her cell phone and makes a call yet again. She's obviously in a sense of distress as she makes the call.)
Answering Machine: Hi, this is Peter; sorry I can't answer the phone, but please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
(Claire holds her hand over her face and aggressively shakes her leg; debating whether or not to leave a message. After a short time, she decides not to and hangs up the phone. She searches through her phone for someone who she can call and she comes across her father's name. She debates, but then dismisses it and keeps searching. She makes a call and lifts the phone up to her head.)
Claire: Hey. Mom.
Sandra: Claire, honey! Are you okay; I haven't heard from you in such a long time!
Claire: I'm fine, mom. I- (Sniffs and fails to hold her tears back) Mom, I made a mistake and I don't know what to do.
Sandra: Oh, honey…
Claire: I should've never jumped and showed the world my power! I should've just left it alone! I met a girl today, who needed to help her parents understand she was special and had a gift, but I ran and didn't do much to help her. I was too scared, mom. (Cries a bit harder) I was scared!
Sandra: Honey, it's okay to be scared, it only means you're prepared for something huge that's coming. You can handle whatever comes your way. I've known your strength since before you could spit up bullets or heal yourself from any sickness. Honey you can come back from any kind of pain that is inflicted on you; that is your true super power. This obstacle you're facing is just one of many more fires you'll have to walk through. But whether or not you get burned, all depends on if you see your way through or stand in the fire with uncertainty and let the flames eat you up. If your problems are in the center, then any direction will be the right way out, just so long as you go whole-heartedly.
Claire: … Thank you, mom… No matter what, you're always my mother.
Sandra: I know, sweetie, I know.
Claire: I love you, mom. Please give that brat Lyle and Mr. Muggles a hug for me.
Sandra: (Chuckles) Duly noted. Trying to give your brother a hug might actually bring some excitement back into this household.
(Claire can't help but just smile at her mother's words.)
[Unknown motel room]
(Lars enters the motel room after walking out in the rain. He clips his umbrella closed and removes his old headphones as well as his coat. He looks over and seed Red Hood sitting at the desk with his back turned writing something while Samuel ties one of countless strings spreading around the room.)
Lars: What is this, Cat's Cradle?
Red Hood: Timelines- making sure we don't mess anything up; although we may have created a potential assassin for Samuel after revealing his involvement in Lydia's death. (Draws a long straight line)
Samuel: You've been out awhile; what made you come crawling back here now of all times?
Lars: I… came across this family- too hard for me to talk to.
Samuel: In the short time I've known you, you haven't been one to back down from anything, even death. This must be serious…
Lars: You- remember all those people who died by those Anti-Evo groups killing specials for sport? Well I've been slowly crossing the list off; telling the families about their deaths'. One family is just too hard.
Samuel: Well allow me to be of service. We'll go together and I'll help lighten your load.
Red Hood: Good, you two can get outta my hair and give me space.
Lars: Wow, so grumpy. We get it; we'll give you time- although you can control it.
(Both Lars and Samuel leave the room. Not too much later, they come across an abandoned series of metal containers across a field, abandoned and spray painted. The two of them enter one of the train carts and are welcomes by a homeless man on the ground pointing a metal knife at them.)
Carl: HEY! Back away; who's that?!
Lars: (Raises his hands to show he's not a threat) Whoa, whoa, easy. We mean no harm toward you, okay? We only want to talk.
Carl: You was here earlier, wasn't you?
Lars: Indeed I was, sir. I'm looking for someone- Caitlyn. (Looks down and sees a body beside Carl) Your buddy doing alright? I saw you with him yesterday.
Carl: We had some good times, Walter and I. He had two daughters; a wife. But people with powers started showing up and he was replaced with someone who could do the work twice as fast for less money. 12 years and in two days was replaced. He couldn't find anywhere else hiring and his wife left him with both children. He had no way of finding them. (Takes in a deep breath) He instead sulked what sense of decency he had left and blamed people with powers for what happened. (Adjusts his body position to get comfortable) I told him my story after he told me his. Ironically, I couldn't find a job because I was an evo and lost my family because of it. Once I'd told him the truth of what I was, companionship turned to vengeance and the fool tried to stab me. I had no choice, I had to defend myself.
Lars: … (Sighs) I'm sorry.
Carl: Eh, well. We had our good times together and that's all I care about. The man's dead; he can't defend his own memory, but we always remember the good ones.
Lars: You're a wise man; you shouldn't be here.
Carl: Wisdom doesn't mean a thing unless you use it benefit. Now go… your girl is over at that blue cart in the back.
Lars: Hang-
Carl: Get outta here!
(Lars nods and Samuel escorts Lars by his shoulders. The two of them approach the isolated cart and both of them walk in to find a teenage girl on the ground heavily crying and shaking on her back. Both Lars and Samuel rush over to tend to her but Lars gets there first.)
Lars: HEY, hey, hey! It's alright. (Looks down and tightly grabs her hand) I'm here.
(Caitlyn turns her eyes over to him in slight defensiveness but continues shaking.)
Lars: Hey… hey! (Clenches her body a bit with his other arm) What happened?! Stay with me. (Brushes her hair from her face) Caitlyn, right? I- I'm here on behalf of Joey. Yeah, yeah; you know him. I talked with Joey, at the last meeting-
Caitlyn: We took care of each other since I was 13. He always made sure to be top dog- (Shivers) So no one would hurt me. (Sucks in her tears and tries to focus) He tracked down those people who hate my kind. He wanted to infiltrate their secret meeting in order to kill all of them… (Begins crying again) I wanted him to stop; I'm not worth his life. He needs to go back to living a life for himself again. Becau- (Clenches her chest from the hard tear) Becaus- because I don't think I'm worth his life… P-please… tell me he's okay.
(Lars looks down at the nonstop incomprehensible amount of oozing blood coming from her deeply self-inflicted cut wrists.)
Lars: (He looks back at her) Is that why you did this to yourself so that he wouldn't die fighting for justice for your kind?
Caitlyn: Please tell me he's okay… so I can die happy.
(Lars looks deep into both of her eyes and ironically sees more light in them than the average human being. He gives her a hug and leans into her ear.)
Lars: He's alive.
(The sound of her choking on her own blood echoes into his ear for a few seconds before she complete goes silent. Lars lowers her body glides his finger over her eyelids.)
Samuel: Do you think lying to her was the best thing? Joey's dead, isn't he?
Lars: She'll see him in heaven and forgive me, if she's even thinking about me at all.
Samuel: Come on, let's get you out of here, but first.
(Samuel closes his eyes and within about 8 seconds, an earthquake begins to shake the area. After 18 seconds of shaking, everything comes to a halt and the cart they are in is slightly hunched over. Covered in blood, Lars leaves the cart along with Samuel to fine the entire area sunken underground, except for the cart they are in.)
Lars: (Heavily breathing) What did you do?!
Samuel: You were a weirdo lurching these parts searching for a young girl who all of a sudden turns up dead once we come to visit. Trust me, we can't afford having anyone coming after us for revenge thinking we killed this girl.
Lars: So you MURDER all of these innocent homeless people staying in these train carts?!
Samuel: A necessary sacrifice. Just be glad you're nt the one having to carry that burden on your shoulders.
Lars: I led you here, of course it's on my shoulders!
Samuel: Then kill me right now, otherwise ever wrong thing I do in the future will be on you. Not explain that logic to me. Stop blaming yourself for what other choose to do and let's get moving. (Walks away)
(Unable to leave with peace of mind intact, Lars grabs Caitlyn's body and buries it alongside the rest of the homeless individuals… As time passes, Lars is out walking with an umbrella in one hand and his cell phone in the other making a call. One the other end is a woman sitting in her office alone enjoying the drops of rain falling against her glass windows.)
Tracy: What is it?
Lars: How go you get over guilt?
Tracy: (Slightly caught off guard) What do you mean?
Lars: A girl died by me today- multiple people died; I couldn't save them, but I was responsible for their deaths. I led the reaper to them. I don't know I just don't feel right; how do I cope with this?
Tracy: (Thinks to herself for a bit) Hmm… Funny; I've sat in mine for so long, I forget what the meaning of connection. (Slightly smiles) I knew a boy once who needed help- Jeremy. He discovered his powers and accidentally killed his parents by touching them. I tried to save his life and almost got away but things just fell apart toward the end and he was murdered through fear. I've felt guilty since and made this school to help those with special powers feel safe.
Lars: You understand this uneasy feeling, hunching over your shoulders. How do I get it outta me?
Tracy: I asked the Haitian that once- he's very enlightened. Short version- he said that guilt can sometimes hold a person's soul captive and that even if a soul wants to move on, it couldn't be able to until the path is fully concluded. The path of guilt is a path we hold on to, but the faster you let it go, the faster you can move on from it before it gets too deep.
Lars: Do I deserve-
Tracy: Stop finding excuses to hold on to it. You don't need to prove yourself to know you're good or to accept better. Let it go. Unless you feel their souls are pushing you to help them find peace, then let that go. But just know that we need you to be happy in the world.
Lars: (Exhales) I guess you're right. I'm holding on to something I don't need to. I have the opportunity to let it go now, so I'll do so. And as for you Tracy…
Tracy: Yeah?
Lars: Honor your emotions and what you feel. You have the power to feel deeply, but maybe that means you have the gift to heal deeply. Maybe not so much on an empathic level, but on a level where you can feel the depth of a soul and help fill it with life- alive or dead.
Tracy: (Smiles) I guess I always thought my power was mainly for killing.
Lars: Nah… Your ability is life and determination to constantly move forward. Always remember to honor that power by living that way every day; that's the true meaning of having these powers.
Tracy: You seem to know so much about how these work.
Lars: I was a worshipper. It's easy to see the better in things and continue to help the better parts of it grow through worshipping.
Tracy: I see.
Lars: I personally feel that evolution is what you people are becoming symbolically. (Phone battery dies)
(Lars smiles and continues to walk ahead.)
[Tokyo Japan]
(Hiro and Ando both stand in the hospital watching as Kimiko slowly stands to her feet with assistance from the doctor. They all talk in Japanese.)
Doctor: She is doing fine. Soon she will be back to her old self.
Hiro: Oh, you mean yelling and calling us idiots?
(The 4 of them laugh and Kimiko twitches in pain after laughing a bit too hard. She eventually gets to her feet fully and straightens her spine.)
Ando: Kimiko, how do you feel?
Kimiko: I'm standing, aren't I? Obviously I'm doing great; don't be stupid.
Ando: Oh, right, uh sorry, lover.
(Kimiko lets out a sudden squeal and nearly falls to her knees again but Ando and the doctor quickly catch her before she fully falls. She lightly pushes them aside and attempts to stand on her own. She takes a deep breath then stares off into the abyss smiling as she displays a big smile to herself. Everyone looks at her slightly confused but then sits back down on the bed.)
Hiro: K-Kimiko, are you okay? You look like you were somewhere else for a minute.
Kimiko: I need to be alone right now. Please go… NOW!
Hiro: Okay, Kimiko, we will be back soon to see you.
Kimiko: I will call for you when I want to see you, please leave.
(The three of them leave the room and Kimiko lies in her bed enduring the highly emotional moment within herself. As they walk out into the waiting room, Ando quickly turns to Hiro.)
Ando: Kimiko is not alright, Hiro. She needs to know the man who did this to her must be stopped!
Hiro: I am angry too, my friend, but revenge will not solve this issue.
Ando: Being a time traveler, there's so much you do to limit yourself. I still remember that time we went to the Burnt Toast Diner in Texas America to save the cheerleader and you left me there waiting. You left me after Kirby Plaza, and you were nowhere to be found when Kimiko was hurt. Those words Peter Petrelli spoke to me that day at the diner never left me. Those words mean more to me now than anything. You have your own life, Hiro, and I'm still your friend, but now I have my life.
(Ando pulls out his phone and makes a call as he walks away from Hiro. Time passes and late into the night beneath the raining sky, Both Hiro and Ando are seen resting a seat away from one another in the waiting room. A hand is gently patted on Ando's shoulder and he wakes up in a slight panic.)
Hiro: (In his sleep) Charlie, no; I didn't mean those waffles… (Resumes snoring)
(Ando is given a signal to come his him. Ando and the individual who woke him up both stand outside beneath the covering shielding them from the rain.)
Mohinder: You had some nerve calling me like this.
Ando: I know, I had no right, but Molly, she can find anyone in the world, correct; just by thinking about them?
Mohinder: And you thought bringing a child into your endeavors would've been best for her?! She is a child, Ando; revenge has no place in her life.
Ando: I know but it's just this one time; please, help me with this.
Mohinder: … No… No! I said I was done and so I am. I have obligations at home back in India. I said I wanted to make amends and so I did. Someone you love is still breathing and able to be hugged by you. Cherish that, Ando, and never contact me again. (Turns and walks away)
Molly: What was that about? (Follows Mohinder)
Mohinder: Another person getting in the way of what we have established. Come on, we have a client to see.
(Ando goes back into the room but turns around to see two individuals standing behind him under an umbrella.)
Ando: Who are you?
Red Queen: Hello, Mr. Masahashi. (Offers him her business card) You want revenge on the person who hurt your lover, is that right? Well, allows us to help you with that. I have the feeling we're going to be great friends. (Grins)
Scowling Man: Please, memorize that number; no one needs to know we were here.
Red Queen (Kravid): Good day, Mr. Masahashi. (Bows and walks away)
(Ando is left slightly confused yet hopeful for the opportunity given to him. Ando looking at the card draws out to a painting in the middle of a warehouse where various paintings are seen scattered throughout the room. The Englishman stands over all of them and thoroughly scans specific paintings- one painting shows a man in a suit with a mean look on his face standing on a rooftop beside Samuel, Peter, and the mysterious man in the Red Hood.)
Englishman: Petrelli… so you're alive; or actually; we've found a reason to save you. (Grins)
(A light sound of thunder roars and a man with his face hidden in the dark loft is seen hiding from the Englishman and the female assistant, who stands near him the entire time.)
[New York, Sylar]
(The room is dark, except for a tiny dim lamp in front of him on the desk. The sound of a ticking clock floods his mind as Sylar, Gabriel Gray, sits as his desk in the middle of his classroom carefully putting together a black sports watch. As he carefully puts the last component in, the watch itself ticks and the sounds in his mind stop. The door is opened and the lights overhead are turned on. The sound of laughing children fills the room and in comes dozens of small students. One last student, a sad little girl holding a cardboard box, is last to enter. A fit male teacher comes in, completely ignoring the students and walks straight up to Gabriel's desk with a smug smile on his face, blocking Sylar's sight of the kids.)
Coach: I'm here on the dot! I know I don't have my watch but I always make sure I'm on time. (Chuckles) So, how's it coming along?
Gabriel: (Takes a moment to bring himself back to reality) Right, um… Yes, coach, your watch is all fixed up and ready to go. I literally just finished it. I just have to tighten the back screw and we're done. (Zones out and attends to the watch)
Coach: (Impatiently waiting for him to hurry) You should open up a shop; you could hire some people and they could get things done a lot faster. (Chuckles to himself) I'm just saying, it's good for business.
Gabriel: (Gives him a huge fake smile and offers him his watch from off his index finger pointed at his forehead) Here you are, coach; good as new.
Coach: (Quickly snatches it off his finger and begins putting it on without a second thought) Much appreciated, Mr. Martin. I'd stay and flatter you a bit more but I've got a class coming in 5 minutes and I've gotta get there before they do. You know how it is. Much appreciated, and I'll be seeing you soon. Oh, how much do I owe you? Do I owe you anything?
Gabriel: Just a sense of gratitude and a satisfying smile. (Displays his perfect teeth as he smiles to him)
Coach: (Nods in an attempt to acknowledge his humor) Eh, see you around. (Quickly leaves the room)
(Sylar looks over to see the young blonde girl from before starring into her large wooden box with a sad look on her face. All other students are around the classroom playing, laughing, and joking all except for her who sits at her assigned seat. Gabriel walks over to make sure she's alright and puts his hand gently around her shoulder from the side. She lets out a loud sudden squeal and Gabriel quickly backs off the moment she screams. She turns to him nearing in tears and Gabriel is slightly confused about the situation.)
Gabriel: Sorry, Cindy; I didn't mean to scare you.
Cindy: Mr. Miller. (Shows him the cardboard box) My butterfly died. (Sniffs her snot back into her nose and lowers the box)
Gabriel: Awe, Cindy. (Kneels down next to her) I know you're feeling sad now, but it's ok. Your butterfly is in heaven now, playing with all the other butterflies in open grassy fields.
Cindy: What's heaven?
Gabriel: (Dumbfounded) Wha- Hasn't your mom ever told you about heaven? (She nods to him no) What did she tell you your birth father was…?
Cindy: She just said he left and isn't coming back so to stop missing him.
Gabriel: Okay… that's different. Well, hey know that she's okay and know that she wasn't just a butterfly, so were you. And when you grow your wings, they're gonna be so beautiful. (Smiles and wipes her tears for her)
(Cindy smiles with joy in her heart and gives Gabriel a huge hug, thanking him for giving her such a good feeling inside. The two stop hugging and once again, Gabriel slowly slides his hand over her right shoulder, causing her to clench and jerk away. Her smile quickly disappears and without saying a word, she opens her bag and pulls out a Barbie coloring book. She pulls out her color pencils and begins silently coloring, completely ignoring her teacher's presence. The morning bell rings and the students start heading over to their assigned chairs. Time passes and the children leave for recess. While they're gone, Gabriel makes a call from the landline of his classroom. He patiently waits until someone answers.)
Woman: Hello?
Sylar: Hi, Mrs. Grant? My name is Tom Miller; I am a teacher here at your daughter's elementary school and-
Woman: Oh shoot. (Sighs) What's this about; spill it, please; don't beat around the bush.
Gabriel: Okay… Well, Mrs. Grant, I noticed today that your daughter, Cindy was a bit sad today. I don't want to make any assumptions but I've also noticed her change in attire. She mention-
Woman: (Heavily sighs over the phone which turns into a light grunt) Yeah we got a new dog last night, okay? It was one of those Retriever dogs and she got excited playing with him and they both went tumbling down the stairs. She is okay, but she was pretty banged up and with my boyfriend being on parole, I couldn't afford you snot wiping teachers getting into our business and accusing us of child abuse. She had marks and I tried to hide them because these parole officers are blood hounds and whether he's innocent or not, he's getting sent back to prison.
Sylar: (Not buying it) … Mrs. Grant, just know that harming of a child in any form does provoke serious consequences. I only want to make sure she's okay.
Woman: Ask her yourself what happened. But I'm at work, everything is fine. Just… Please, don't tell anyone, okay? It'll just complicate the situation and make things worse. Tell me we're cool?
Sylar: Yes, ma'am; we're cool.
Connie: Connie is just fine; thank you. You have a good day now. (Hangs up the phone)
(Gabriel sighs and hangs up the phone, concerned for the next step for the young girl Cindy. On one hand she could be telling the truth; on the other, the well being of a young girl's innocence and mind could be at stake. The bell rings before his thoughts can go too deep and he quickly reaches over to grab a pair of glasses to get into character as your everyday normal school teacher.)
[The next morning]
(The next morning, students come into the classroom and everyone sits at their assigned seats, all except for Cindy. Later, once again, Gabriel calls Cindy's parent's home but there is no answer. He hangs up and calls again. The next day, he takes attendance and yet again there is no Cindy. The third day comes and Cindy enters the classroom late… The first thing Gabriel sees and can't get out of his head is the site of this girl with a blue cast stiffened over her left arm. Powerful earth-shattering thunder roars within Gabriel as well as through the night sky later that night. The Grants have finished with dinner and are now winding down for bed. Cindy's mother, Connie, and her stepfather are both currently in the kitchen. Connie is finishing up with plates and her husband sits at the island chugging a glass of water breathing heavily with blood between his knuckles. Connie is as cool as a cucumber and doesn't seem to be bothered by her significant other's body language and angry behavior. Only the bottom half of her mouth is shown while she's over the sink washing dishes.)
Father: That little brat. Hopefully this is the last time.
(A light sound of thunder roars.)
Father: She knows not to cross me. She knows! SHE- ugh...
Connie: (Says casually) That's no reason to hit her, dear.
(Thunder lightly roars again.)
Father: Are you kidding me? What you're defending her now? You know just as well as I do, that brat deserves what she gets! (Heavily sighs) I haven't touched her, but she was outta line. She asked for juice! Why COULDN'T SHE GET THAT HERSELF?! (Punches at the counter 4 times with his bare fists then calms down again after gulping more water)
Connie: She was thirsty, honey…
Father: She a moocher is what she is. That kid needs to learn to grow up and fend for herself!
(He grabs a glass vase from the top of the middle island and pushes it off to the side, shattering it once it hits the hard tile floor. Connie gently puts the dish she was washing back into the soapy water and walks over to the pantry to grab a dustpan and broom. She walks over to where the shattered glass was and as she begins picking everything up, Cindy comes rushing out in her PJ's.)
Cindy: Mommy! Are you okay?!
(Her step father presses his fingers into his forehead and aggressively shakes his leg up and down.)
Connie: (Says casually) Mommy's fine, sweetie; go back to bed, okay?
Cindy: (Concerned and slightly confused) Okay… mommy… Mommy… can I have a hug?
(Connie freezes for a second then puts her broom and dustpan beside her. She walks over toward Cindy, stepping on the broken glass in the process in her socks then gives Cindy a loving hug. Her step father sees this and suddenly, all of his rage flat lines…)
Cindy: I love you, mommy.
(The two stop hugging and "Connie" whispers something to her in her ear. Cindy then turns around and runs to her room. Her step father looks at the blood around his hand then squeezes his fist to pop his knuckles.)
Father: I'm- (Gets up and quickly walks toward her room) -going to tuck her in.
(He opens the door to her bedroom and sees her jumping underneath her covers. He walks into her bedroom, closes the door, then sits on an old rocking chair in the corner of her room starring her direction with a hateful look in his eyes.)
Father: Just go to sleep; I'll keep the monsters away…
(Time passes and he starts to slowly doze off. After about an hour, he wakes up, stands to his feet, and walks over to little "Cindy" asleep peacefully in her bed beneath her dim-lit lamp overhead. He looks down at her sweet innocent slightly chubby face and mentally takes note of every detail of her innocence. His hands get sweaty and he lifts them up toward her neck; tightening his muscles in the process… After a short few minutes he enters his bedroom and his lover Connie is fast asleep underneath the bed, sleeping through the ravaging thunderstorm outside. He walks over toward his side of the bed, flips over his side of the covers then takes a seat. He takes a deep breath, rubbing his eyes in the process. He slides his legs beneath the covers and tucks himself in. He closes his eyes and a slow close up of his face shows something is wrong. He rubs his mattress then lifts his hand slowly to see red on him. He rushes out of bed and stands in the center of the room. He walks over cautiously toward his wife's side of the bed and slowly pulls the covers off, revealing her to be dead with long deep vertical slices extending from her wrist to the top of her forearm. A loud aggressive sound of thunder rumbles through the house, shaking him at his core and he quickly rushes into the restroom. He runs into the mirror and throws up in the sink. He begins to hyperventilate but take slow breaths to try and calm himself. After a long 12 seconds of him controlling his breathing, the sound of a man's voice moaning is heard, followed by the sight of his wife's bloody corpse, slowly walking passed the doorway from the mirror's reflection without him seeing. He looks up at the mirror and tries desperately to get his mind together. He turns around and walks out to his bedroom only to see her body missing. Once again, the sound of thunder roars followed by the sound of creaking. He turns to see His wife's body rocking back and forth on an old rocking chair with her neck disoriented and face starring up at the ceiling stiff. She comes to a sudden stop. Her face slowly begins to come down and look his way, but shaking and terrified, he reaches into the drawer on his wife's side of the bed and pulls out a small pistol. He quickly loads three bullets in it and shoots his wife's body in the chest three times, causing her body to fall to the floor. He turns his back to her unable to comprehend what he's just done. He hears the sound of metal pinging on the hard floor. His heart nearly sinks into his chest and he slowly turns around to hear two more bullets fall out of his body and onto the ground. The body stands up and the father is at a loss for words when he sees Sylar standing in the place where his wife once was. Sylar gives the man a chilling look. While his wounds begin to self heal.)
Sylar: Ouch…
(Sylar looks over at the dresser and becomes fascinated with something on the surface. The father quickly tries to reload the gun but Sylar flings it out of his hand using his mind then flings his body back into the rocking chair. Two pieces of the rocking chair are splintered off and shoved into both of his hands, pinning them to the arms of the chair. He lets out a loud scream and tries to jump out of the chair only to realize quickly he's unable to move. Sylar comes back into view whistling and slowly shuffling through envelopes of mail.)
Sylar: Darn, these things never have any money in 'em. Oh well. (Sits on the bed and tosses the mail beside him) You look a bit tense; you must not be very comfortable.
Father: Who are you? You're some sick monster!
Sylar: (Laughs hard and flashes his perfect teeth) HA; look who's talking. At least I'm not the one attempting to kill children in their sleep! That was me by the way.
(Sylar shifts into little Cindy with red choke marks on her neck.)
Sylar: That was me you were choking, daddy.
(Sylar shape shifts back into his original body than begins to laugh at the terror across the father's face.)
Sylar: What's the matter; you can't stand the literal sight of how you make these people feel?!
Father: What do you want? Why are you messing with my head?! Who are you?
Sylar: Well that's a pretty good question, Jeff! (Stands and paces back and forth) I am a product of my own making. (Walks up to him and leans forward to his face) I am a monster. (Stands up straight again and stands a few feet back) I am just like you.
Father: You think I'm a monster?! You don't know anything about me! You don't understand who I am!
Sylar: I understand you clearly; the yelling isn't necessary. In fact- (Locks his lips closed for a bit as he talks)
(Sylar watches Jeff struggle to try and talk and Sylar walks up to him, only to kneel beside him and looks straight in the eyes.)
Sylar: (unlocks his lips) I understand those in the world that fight to kill monsters, never try understanding where they came from. (Stands to his feet and paces) I used to find my victims; play a little cat and mouse then slowly- lift my finger up to their forehead. (Lifts his index finger and points it at him) And saw the top of their skull clean off. I would take my precious time dissecting the intact brain and learning how it- ticks… Every one of my victims had something in their mind I wanted, but you sir have nothing I want. So that's where the conflict comes in. There's always been a conflict of interest for my victims, or they were just in the way, but you are the first victim I sought myself for the sake of others. (Leans against the nightstand) You victimized people around you because as a child you were abused, beaten, neglected, and un-nurtured. That anger and pain in your heart replaces the innocence you lost. You think emotions are a weakness, you think being internally free is a weakness.
Jeff: (Hatred in his eyes) They don't deserve to be taken care of… They should all die. Children are a menace.
(Sylar takes another breath and keeps his energy subtle and less threatening.)
Gabriel: The anger you feel for that little girl, or for animals, or even children in general, has nothing to do with them; it's all about in here. (Pokes at his own chest) Your heart is what's black and the heart is the source within us that regulates oxygen. We literally breathe in our heart and our quality of life is dictated by the strength of our heart. Your existence is blackened by your own traumas and you inflict death upon others so their heart matches yours. Misery loves company. But that's the monster in you, infecting like a disease into the human condition. (Turns around and gently taps his forehead against the wall 4 times; then turns back around to face him) The monster in you wants to infect; the angel wants understanding. The truth is, you're not a bad guy. You're not evil because I've seen evil; I know evil. You are just a weak minded sad little man who would rather beat an innocent child than take responsibility for his own shortcomings. Yes you were beat as a child, but that doesn't mean you need to hold on to that and hurt others. The truth is, you're scared and I understand that. That inner child inside of you is drowning in fear and anger, but you have to sail those raging seas and lean to tame them, otherwise, they'll grow to consume not only you but all that is around you.
(Jeff's body shakes, his face turns red, and a desperate look of defiance is on his face. Tears are lightly falling from his eyes, but he tries to keep his pride intact to block out all of Gabriel's words. Sylar kneels right before him.)
Sylar: This is an external calling for your inner child to come out and be heard. I see you and I accept you. Your tough exterior and your pride are not needed here; just let it go. Let it all go. Accept Faith and release it-
(Jeff bursts out in emotional anguish and yells at the top of his lungs. The tears flood from his face and Sylar quickly gives him a tight hug. Jeff continues to scream and try to force his way out of the chair. Sylar uses his mind to rip the large splinters out of Jeff's hands and Jeff once again lets out a loud scream which causes him to choke on his own spit slightly. Able to find resolution, he gives Sylar a hug back and just lets himself go. A short time passes and the two stop hugging. Sylar quickly backs and as Jeff tries to get up, Sylar uses his mind to lock him in the chair once more.)
Gabriel: I can't judge, with all the bad things I've done. But because of how evil and dark I am, I have the gift to see into darkness. I don't need to care about what other people think because they hate me already. (Turns to Jeff and gives an evil smile) Sylar is the monster and Gabriel is the angel. (Chuckles to himself) So as a monster, let me infect your mind with what I am- a being of my own creation, sowed together through the fabrics of darks pasts leading to bright futures. You don't get away with what you have done to that little girl, but I will lay you off easy. Now stay still, this won't hurt a bit; it'll hurt a lot.
(Sylar lifts his finger to the man's forehead and with his mind begins carving a series of letters into forehead. The man just screams and Sylar continues to carve and watch the streaks and chunks of blood and flesh fall down his face and onto his chest and lap. The pain is finally over after seemingly forever and he drops to the ground nearly unconscious.)
Sylar: I made sure to get to the skull so that the spirit of these words are forever etched into you inside as well as out.
(Sylar wipes Jeff's forehead and the words "I AM Sylar" are carved in. Sylar stands to his feet and walks into the other room. He enters the living room and sees Connie sitting on the couch terrified.)
Sylar: When you asked me for help, I told you it wasn't going to be pretty.
Connie: Is he going to be okay…?
Sylar: He will be, if you call the police in time to help him. (Smiles)
Connie: I didn't know you were the serial killer, Sylar. Who is Mr. Miller?
Sylar: An alias I used after I killed the real Mr. Miller. He had a cool ability too I wish I could've used today. (Chuckles) Give Cindy my best, tell her everything is going to be okay, and don't let yourself fall for anymore relationships that'll put you or your daughter as risk of abuse again, because if you do, I'm coming after you.
(A flash of lightning is seen through the house and as quick as he came, Sylar has vanished without a trace. He stands in the window starring at little Cindy sleeping in her bed room peacefully with earmuffs on. He begins to float and takes flight through the sky. Cindy wakes and looks up at the window to see Sylar flying off. Connie quickly enters the room to check on her daughter with the house phone in her hand.)
Connie: Cindy, baby; I called the cops; they're on the way, okay.
Cindy: Mommy- I just saw an angel… but he was wearing black.
Narrator: Evolution is often a violent and imperfect process. One must know what to leave behind in order to move on, but in order to leave something behind, you must know of its truth nature, why was it here, what did it offer, how did it feel; what opportunities will no longer be able to come about and what memories will be lost in the past, never to be reformed as new memories? What if evolution is not about what we can become, but what we shed and find within ourselves, like the butterfly? Even if short lived, is it tragic to blossom ones wings just to die moments later, or more tragic to die in the cocoon in the slumber of our hidden potential?
[Odessa Texas, the next afternoon]
(Ryan and Christina are upstairs in their home. Christina is in her room resting on her bed reading a magazine when suddenly there is a knock on her door. She slaps the magazine down on the bed beside her, then runs up to her door. As she opens it, she doesn't see anyone. She goes back inside of her room and closes the door. She turns around to see her twin brother Ryan standing behind her nervously.)
Christina: Hey, where did you come from?
Ryan: I know how wrong it is to keep secrets, but I wasn't sure what was going on with me. I still don't, but I'm ready to share this with you. Ready, one, two three!
(Ryan closes his eyes and becomes invisible. Christina is shocked by his sudden disappearance. He reappears a few inches from her bed and nervously smiles at her.)
Ryan: Well, what do you think?
Christina: So this is what you've been hiding from me. (Smiles) Some family.
(Christina balls her fist, brings it up eye-level then opens it up to reveal a surge of blue electricity sparking through her fingers.)
Ryan: (Amazed) Whoa! You have powers too!
Christina: Maybe it runs in the family; I don't know. Mom for sure doesn't have any powers; maybe dad did. But we won't go there.
Ryan: This is so cool! You know what kind of amazing things we can do together now that we both have powers?!
Christina: Definitely not save cats out of trees. (Laughs) this is cool, brother but it is really late and we have school in the morning.
(Both Ryan and Christina make it to their home after school the next day to see their front door caved in. They quickly rush in and see that their house has been destroyed. Before them is their stepfather Gene bloodied and bruised. They attend to him to make sure he's still alive. He wakes up and pulls a card form out of his pocket.)
Gene: Listen, listen, I don't have a lot of time, but just know that I love you both. I know we haven't gotten along too much, but it's okay; you're here, with me in this moment and I won't have to die alone. Listen there's only so much I can do for you, being your stepfather, but take this card. They can help you. I know about the two of you and your powers. My past has caught up to me and they may be looking for the two of you. Don't let them get you and don't go to the police. You're on your own now… They… have your mother… They took her away, but do not try and find her, I promise it'll end bad…
(His head drops to the side and after a short moment of grieving, Christina grabs her brother and they run out the door.)
Narrator: Often times, things conclude, and some wounds, bleed with us into our new form of evolution only to be reborn along with whom we were meant to become.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Dedicated to Tim Kring – "We are all connected"