tocino lives: curiosity- act i- the uprising

8/10/2019 Tocino Lives: Curiosity- Act I- The Uprising

1/62

T o c i n o L i v e s : C u r i o s i t y | 1

Tocino Lives

Curiosity All Access

Act I:

The Uprising

D.J. Bacon 2014-2015


2/62


Chapters List:

Act I- The Uprising Extended Edit:

1. Prologue ..Pg. 3

2. IntroductionPg. 5

3. Chp. 1- The Midnight Storm...Pg. 7

4. Chp. 2- The Awakening..Pg. 11

5. Chp. 3- Normal Routines..Pg. 15

6. Chp. 4- Who am I?...........................................................................Pg. 33

7. Chp. 5- Consequences....Pg. 37

8. Chp. 6- The Downfall .Pg. 45

9. Chp. 7- Desolation..Pg. 48

10.

Chp. 8- Hopeless (Marias Perpective).Pg. 5311. Chp. 9- Coma.Pg. 55

12. Chp. 10- The Uprising....Pg. 59


3/62


TL: Act I: The UprisingBy Dakota Bacon

Prologue

Always and forever..we are stuck here. In the shattered and battered

society that continues to fall and plummet every day, lays a weakening

democracy looming in the distance, with the thread becoming ever so narrow.The thought of having no freedom scares me. What would we do? Who would

have control? The United States gets closer to a war at its homeland every day.

What will happen if we turn into Nagasaki and Hiroshima? Would we survive?

There are no heroes in the real world, only false heroes who want to be

recognized for idiocy. However, in my life I learned that we dont live to live

but however, instead we live to learn something new every day, and also to

become somebodywe were always destined to be. This is a story of

somebody who ultimately became our hero in the end. Its a story not onlyabout a war, but it is a story of love, freedom, hope, and ultimatelyhow to

redeem yourself.

Its a curious thing to be curious. Always wondering what lies ahead is

something I always used to worry about. However, time was ending and I had to

repair it. The war had changed us all, it defined us and through our destiny we

became who we are on the inside. The war started 3 years ago. At first it was

simple and small, until we learned the ultimate truth that frightened us all. The

war was provoked from the very beginning, leading to the worlds ultimatedesolation and destruction. There is a chosen one meant to lead this world to

redemption however today is the last day of the war. We have fought long and

hard together through this ultimate monstrosity together and today is our

defining moment. The hero eventually emerged and sacrificed himself to end

the war we thought was gone, however he did survive. After the war was over,


4/62


we lived in peace and prosperity together as a family..as a society of our own

in the new world. The journey of the Alpha Guardian was ending as the dawn of

the new Alpha Guardian was nearing. The father of the child ultimately learned

that the war was not over, and was worse than ever before. Something had

escaped from the simulation and it was trying to reverse his life and destroy it.This new enemy wanted something badit wanted to consume the power of

the Alpha Guardian and destroy him. Eventually, the hero faced the enemy

head on and did all he could to bring an end to this once and for all to protect

our child. In the final moments the war came to an end, the enemy was

destroyed but as I found him, he was wounded badly. The enemy had gotten

what it wanted but not before being destroyed. I tried everything I could to save

him, but ultimately he told me to protect our daughter as she was our new

leader and our new protector. I left him and returned home to check on ourdaughter, Aurora, and there it was lying beside her. The matrix had found its

new master. The power of the matrix was hers now. However, before the first war

ended he gave me my life back, and in the process of healing me he shared

some of his powers to me. So as our daughter grows older I will teach her who

she is always meant to be. It was time now that I let her rest, I walked over and

kissed her upon her forehead and I placed the ring beside her, the one I gave

him 4 years ago when all of this was beginning, it was the sapphire ring that had

Tocino Lives engraved in the inside. All the memories rushed inside my head,

and I was full of regrets. However, I did not want to wake our daughter as she

had drifted in a peaceful sleep. I walked over to the balcony and watched over

the sky to see the Northern Lights ever so brightly, in which he came up with

name Aurora Sky for our daughter, and I think its beautiful. The time for peace

had come, but we will never forget him.our true hero.

18 Years Earlier


5/62


Introduction

A door opens slowly filling the room the room with a vibrant light. A man

dressed all in white enters the large room in what appears to be a laboratory.

The man stops in front of the other guy in the room. With a simple voice, the

man says, Are you ready Mr. Gonzales? More than ever. Lets just hope that it

isnt a failure like last time. Mr. Gonzales says with a vague expression buthowever stressed about something, it was like he needed something, and it must

be important. Of course Sir, what happened to Olivia was the most unfortunate.

However, I believe that if the childs DNA is stable enough he will be the one you

need in the end. The man in white said with complete certainty with complex

smile on face. He approached Mr. Gonzales and offered a vial of a clear blue

liquid.

Excellent, I believe this is perfect for what we need to do. My son has my

DNA which will make him stronger for the effects of the serum. Mr. Gonzalessays while grabbing a baby out of an incubator and places him in a machine

that looks like something out of star wars with the advanced technology and

advanced glow. Dear Dakota, thisis our last opportunity, you are my son and

you are my only chance at stopping the convergence and the impending

destruction of our world. He says as he injects the serum into the machine and

closes the doors. The machine activates and the serum disperses into a fog and

after about 30 seconds the machine appears to electrocute the child. The heart

rate of child drops and begins to beat louder and louder. Ok, shutit down!

Now! Mr. Gonzales says with a panic expressed wildly across his face.

What the hell is this place!? A woman enters the room screaming and

shouting says, What did you do to our child? She says with anger and sadness

as she tries to retrieve the child. You have to understand that it was simply an

experiment. An experiment! Are you crazy, the last one killed your own


6/62


daughter, so how I trust you with my child? She says. Melody, the child is both

of ours, I would never risk his life, and you know this! He says with anger. What

happened to him? What did you do? Melody says with a tense posture. Im

done with you and all these experiments! Melody says as she takes the child

and begins to leave. You cant stop this; the simulation is world we can survivein! Arent you tired of this world? We can leave anytime we want, I just need the

Matrix. It is the only thing powerful enough to restore the balance. Dakota is now

the only key we have to this future. Dont destroy it. Please, dont leave. How

are you going to raise him when his puberty cycle finishes and the serum finally

takes effect? Just wait.. I dont need him! I figure it out! He says as she finally

leaves with the child and continues to l ive prosperity.

I awake in a room full of people watching me, and I stand up. I know the

truth now. I saw what I never seen before. Its time we do something about it. He

wants the Matrix, but only the Alpha Guardian can get it and use it. We must

find him before he does. My friends, we have a big battle coming before us. Will

you join me and reclaim what is ours?

Of course we will always beby your side no matter what. Its time to end

this, but only you have the power to do so. For right now you are our only

chance. Arent you curious how this all ends, Dakota? Its time. Annabelle

says with my friends and family surrounding us all. The time had come and only I

had the power. This was simply just the beginning of whats to come in the

end


7/62


Chapter 1: The Midnight Storm

It all started as a normal pleasant summer night. The ladybugs where flying

about lighting up the path for kids who were on their way home or the little kids

who simply wanted to catch them. I used to be one of those kids long ago,

racing outside with a pencil box or jar trying to capture as many as I could. The

crickets were chirping and the cicadas were buzzing. All with the distant

common smell of a barbecue in the short distance. It was the middle of summer,

where kids could enjoy the time off from school, chill and relax. Personally, I love

the summer. I love the summer storms, the times I get to go swimming, and

hanging out with my best friends in the world. However, tonight was little more

muggy then usual and the collision of cool and hot air mixed in the wind. The

perfect brew for severe summertime storms.

However, I dont panic from the bad weather. I enjoy it. I love the feel of

the raindrops upon my face and the cool wind blowing across my body. It

reminds me that there is a force out there still much more powerful and superior

then us. However, everything we know about the world was about to change.

Tonight, however, my mom and I were catching up on one of our favorite shows,

Lost, as the bad weather began to roll in. As we got closer to the ending of the

show my mom felt more shocked as each surprise came out of nowhere. I had

already watched the entire series, but it was just so good, I had to make my

mom watch it, you now? So after watching Lost for a few hours, it was finally late

enough at night to try to get some rest. However, I still wasnt tired.

As I tossed and turned in bed for over an hour, I could see the bright and

destructive lighting glowing and flashing brighter and brighter by the second,

with the loud, booming, thunderous roar following soon after. I kept looking out

the window watching it, as to me it was peaceful watching the works of nature

around me. I then finally tried to allow myself to go to sleep as I listened to the

pat, pat, pat sound of the raindrops hitting the window next to my bed. As I

begin to slowly drift away into a peaceful sleep, thats when I heard it out the


8/62


corner of my ear. The sudden shriek and high pitch tone of siren immediately

awakened me. Mom, wake up! Wake Up! Do you hear that? I said with

recognition. Yes, Dakota, hurry up, and turn on the news, Hurry! Mom said

frightened when she heard the sirens. I turned it to channel 7 to find that

Meteorologist Tom Hagen is on the news with a horrific message. We regret toawake you at this hour to inform you that we have received early reports from

storm spotters that a very large tornado has touchdown in southwest Topeka

and is going to be making its way towards the downtown area then possibly

towards the Highland Park area. We advise any citizens living in these areas take

immediate action and seek shelter now. He saidwith a serious face and his

hands trembling pointing to the map of our city of Topeka surrounded by a red

box, indicating a Tornado Warning for that area had been issued from 3:15 a.m.

until 4:00 a.m.

Shit, shit, shit, what do we do? Why didnt the damn weather radio go

off? Shit. Ok, I have to go rescue everybody and tell them to go to Highland

Park Centrals tornado shelter. I said knowing that I need to do whats right,

because all of those people in my neighborhood were still sleeping, and I was

the only one that could warn them. My body was tense with fear and anxiety

but I needed to be brave. Are you crazy, that tornado is coming, you could die,

we could all die, Im not letting you do this, leave it to God, Dakota.My mom

said trying to tell me to protect ourselves, but I could not and would not be thatselfish. Its what God would want me to do, just take the cat and grandma and

get out of here, Ill save as many people as I can. I told my mom as I went

outside in the stormy weather.

As I ran into the severe weather, the wind nearly took me of my feet, and

the rain was blowing so hard against my eyes, it made me wish I had windshield

wipers for my face. I pushed on against the forceful weather. I slowly made my

way to the first two houses warning them of the oncoming threat and told them

of where they could get their safety at the schools shelter nearby. Then, Imarched my way up the flooding streets to my friend Marias house to warn her

and her family.

As I pounded on the door, I shouted, Maria, Maria, answer the door, its

an emergency. As I continue to pound on the door I began to have

flashbacks of the memories I had with her and her family. The good times, the


9/62


sad times, every regret. Come on somebody answer the door, please God. I

said as I started to cry not wanting them to get hurt. Then suddenly the door

opened, and she stood there and said, Cody? Why are you here? This late?

Are you trying to wake us up?Maria said with a grumpy attitude probably from

being tired and she was still wearing night clothes. Sorry, but yes, there is a verylarge tornado coming and we have to go to the shelter at the elementary

school! Tell your family! I said trying to hurry and warn her. Hes right youknow,

my dad and I just saw it on this news. Hondro said with his dad Davy, and

brother Matt coming outside with bags of supplies on their way to the shelter.

Ok Maria, go get your family andlets go before it gets here. I said not trying to

rush her although a very large tornado began to become visible in the distance

with its debris cloud ever so large with pieces of everything floating around like a

shield to protect itself.

Ok, lets go, guys. Marias dad, Miguel said as he left the house in a

super bright yellow and extra-large poncho. We all couldnt stop laughing, but

the water level was way past our ankles now, and the path to the shelter

became more difficult to overcome. However, we made it and I felt proud that I

helped rescue these people. However we had a problem, as the roars of the

tornado grew louder and the roar of destruction sent chills down all our spines,

our safe haven of a shelter was starting to flood because the doors were still not

shut. The tornado was now almost on top of us and thats when I realized thedoors can only be shut from the outside. Thats when I knew what must be done.

It must be me that closes the doors, but if I do I will die. I thought about it and

realized I had nothing to lose, so I accepted my fate.

I turned towards my mom and my grandma and I said, I love you, but I

have to do this, I have to save these people. No, Dakota, you are not going to

do this. You dont need to do this, God will protect us, no matter what. Mom

said trying to convince me to change my mind. What do you think God wants

me to do, huh? To just sit here and do nothing and not try at all? I have to try, Imust try, and its what he would expect me to do! I said turning away from my

parents and nearing towards the exit. However, before I made my sacrifice, I

turned towards Maria. You know, you are my best friend and the sister I never

had. Meeting you and your family has been the pleasure of a life time. I never

had more amazing memories then with you. Maria, Im going to go out there


10/62


and shut those doors, but before I do. I want you to know how much I honestly

care about you, and that I love you and I always will. I said with tears leaving

my eyes. I then marched out the exit before she could respond back and I

closed the doors and latched them shut.

I turned around and faced my opponent. The tornado ripping up

everything in its path and the power flashing from the power lines ripping from

the transformers and telephone poles. I thought about everyone close to me,

my friends, my family. I couldnt help but wonder what kind of pain I was going

to put everyone through. As I faced my imminent death of the approaching

debris cloud from the base if the tornado, I made one final prayer to God while

reciting Psalms 23. Dear Lord, I may have liveda life doing the wrong things

and corrupted by the temptations that surround me, however, I know it is the

right thing to do what I did by protecting these people. I am ready to die now,

Lord. I am not afraid. I only wish for you to protect my friends and family, guide

them through this and bless them. You teach us to be by l ike thy neighbor, thy

Good Samaritan, and help others. I have tried. I have succeeded. I know that I

must die now and I am not afraid. The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not want. He

maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul, he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names

sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no

evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thoughpreparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointest

my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow

me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

As soon as I finished my prayer, I looked up and saw my house being decimated

and thatswhen I saw a giant chunk of wood fly towards me and impale me

though my chest. Thank you Lord, for everything. I said in my final breath asI

began to collapse and as I started choking up blood and I died watching the

final blurry images of the tornado ripping our neighborhood apart.


11/62


Chapter 2: The Awakening

Early reports are showing that this could be one of the most destructive

and economically damaging twisters to date in recent U.S. history. Some are

calling it an EF5 tornado, officially making it the highest on the Enhanced Fujita

scale which rates tornadoes on destruction and death rates compared to size

and wind speed on the typical Fujita scale. The twister was first reported and

started developing around 3:03 a.m. with touchdown around 3:12 a.m., the

tornado stayed on the ground ripping a 23.5 mile long, 1 mile wide path from

southwest Topeka, through Downtown, and finally through the Highland Park

area of Topeka, before uplifting around 3:57 a.m. on the Tecumseh side of

Shawnee County. Rescue teams have already been dispatched across the

flooded and ravaged city. To the citizens of Topeka, stay safe, stay strong, and

keep your Lord with you. The Aftermath is over and rescuers are on their way to

save as many as the can soon enough. This has been Derrick Merrick from the

National Weather Service in Maple Hill broadcasting over the frequency from

Topekas National Weather Serviceas we regret to inform you that the tornado

wiped them out. However, I hope everyone has a safe night and rescue teams

will be there soon.

Davy, why didnt you tell us you had a weather radio with you this whole

time? Maria asked Davy surprisingly while looking at a yellow device with a

long antenna in his hand shaped like a walkie talkie. I like tokeep up to date

with the news and I didnt say anything about it because I thought it wouldnt

really matter. Davy saidas the batteries died in the radio. Yeah, those rescuers

need to hurry up; I cant stay in this shelter forever, why does the latch have to

be on the damn other side?Hondro said agitated with his body posture tense.

Guys, calm down lets all be patient, main thing is that we are safe, and noharm has been done to any of us. The other neighbors in the shelter said. Well,

my son is probably dead or severely hurt, I cant take this. Dakotas mom said

crying.

The rest of the night went smoothly for the survivors and early in the

morning there was a pounding on the door. Bang, bang, bang. The sound of


12/62


a loud bang immediately woke everybody up. Hello, this is Lieutenant Cole

McKnight, if there is anyone in there that can hear me, please respond. The

Lieutenant said from outside. Ugghh, yes, hello, yes, there are many of us, could

you open the latch door? Davy said waking up from a napin the wet water.

Immediately, the latch was unlocked and the door opened. The shelter floodedwith light and the rescuers all asked if everyone was ok. As everyone was

rescued, everyone took the time to notice the destruction surrounding them and

our neighborhood that was now destroyed. No, no, no, our home, our property,

its..its gone..man, my Xbox was in there. We lost everything. Hondro

said with disappointment. Well, at least you didnt lose several collectors

editions of Playboy magazines. Matt said as he drank the last beer he had

brought with him while having his mind content on inappropriate subjects.. As

long as you have insurance, Im pretty sure that most of your stuff is recoverable,but for right now, I need the names of all the survivors. The Lieutenant saidas

gathered the people up in line starting with Matt. Sir, do you think Ill get

insurance for my Playboys? Matt said with his drunken voice. Im sure your

insurance will do the best they can. The Lieutenant said as he started to laugh.

Hey my Playboys are very important to me. Matt said as he left to try to go

home to recover anything he could find. Ok, next please. The Lieutenant said

as everyone gave their names and the rescue team provided people with

water and food and a place to go to for shelter temporally, one of the rescue

crew members found a body. Sir, I found a body approx. 20 yards from the

shelter site, Male Teenager, Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, wood impaled through his

chest, sir. The crew mate said. Ok, get the body bag, and take the body to

the morgue with the other victims. The lieutenant said. No, thats my son, no,

he cant be dead, no dont take him away from me. Dakotas mom said sad

and frightened to see his listless body. Codys dead, no, it cant be, he saved

us, and he paid the price for it. Rest in peace, best friend. Maria said as the

zipped the body up in a black bag and drove off with it. They then placed the

body in the morgue with the other victims, but what happens next changes

everything.

Its not your time yet..youre strongyoure

fearless..there is still hopethings can still be differentjust

believe in the voice that created you.you still have a lot to learn...be


13/62


patientall will be revealedwhen the time is right..just remember

Im right here.watching.waiting.making sure you make the right

move.dont give upkeep fightingyour future is bright.

An unknown feminine voice inside my head begins to speak for an unknown

reason and without meaning.

What-is-is going.on.some-body.anybody.is there anyone

there? Hello? I said afraid as I noticed the darkness surrounding me. I tried to

move only noticing I couldnt move but only a few inches, It was like I was

buried in my own coffin with limited air and limited space. As I become more

and more frustrated I began kick and kick, until finally, I slid out of my dark

compartment. Why is it so cold, and wh-, thats when I noticed the other

bodies in the room, like me but dead and disfigured. Then I remembered the

tornado, the memories suddenly flooded back to me like morphine flowing

through veins of blood. No, no, no, it cant be. I said surprised to be alive. I

looked to where the wood impaled me and not even a single scar or wound

remained. Dear God, what did you do?I was ready! I was ready! Why do I get

a second chance? What is the meaning for this? I said confused and bitter

over my resurrection. That is when I decided to accept and appreciate that I

was still alive and return home and show my friends and family this miracle. So as

I left the hospital, the nurses and doctors all started reacting in horror and shock

as if they see a ghost and yell Come back, but Im too busy finding my wayback home.

As I leave the hospital, I see the devastation first-hand. The tornado

literally destroyed everything and I realized its going to take forever to rebuild

our town. The streets where flooded with debris from houses, vehicles, and trees.

It looked like a war zone. It had looked like as if someone had detonated an

atomic bomb. With this much destruction in my path I would be lucky to find my

way back home. Eventually after a while I did find my way home and my

presence shocked everyone.

Cody, it cant be, you died, and we all saw your dead body. Maria said

shocked and almost speechless. Bro, if you came back from the dead, you are

a true warrior, youre a samurai now. Hondro said shocked and trying to make

a joke. Everyone began to come back out of their house talking about how

could something like this ever happen, but it did, Im the proof. Everyone


14/62


welcomed me back and finally my mom came outside and saw me. The instant

she saw me she started crying, and thanking the Lord for the blessing of my

resurrection. You just love us too much dont you, you just missed us too much

didnt youthat you just had to see us one more time, you will always be my son

and Ill always have to look out for you. I can honestly say this is the greatestmiracle I have ever seen. Everyone begin to hug me and cheer for me as I

begin to thank the Lord for giving me a second chance at life, except this time, I

will do what must be done.

1 Year Later..


15/62


Chapter 3: Normal Routines

It had been a year since my resurrection. It was quite a curious situation.

People arent just supposed to come back to life. However maybe there was a

reason for it. Was I meant to do something, or was it luck, or am I special? At first

it made me popular and I had so many friends. However as the year went by

everyone began to forget about me. Slowly things returned to normal, but not

exactly. Things were starting to change. Everything I had ever known was

evolving, but I didnt know how.

Ring, Ring, Ring, goes the ever so annoying alarm, telling me that its

time to get up and get ready for school. No, not yetwhy cant I just stay

home and sleep in.. I grumbled. Today was a Tuesday, meaning that any

ROTC student, such as myself, has to wear their uniform for the weekly inspection.

So, as I forced myself to get out of bed, I slowly made my way to my closet to

get my uniform out and I preceded to the bathroom to change into the spiffy

clothes. As I finished putting the uniform on, I reached to grab the lint roller to

get the dirt off, I kept grumbling about how much I hate wearing the uniform.Ugh, I hate wearing these damn clothes I said to myself. Well, Mom

overheard me complaining and said, Youre forgetting how proud you should

be while wearing it, its a great honor to wear thatuniform as it embraces our

country, plus, not only that, guys who wear uniforms, usually get more girls,

Mom said with a grin. Pshh, yeah right, have you been around girls these days?

Most of them have too many high expectations that I could never meet, so

what makes you think that I can ever get a girl? I said doubtful. No, no,

no..Youre getting it all wrong, not every girl is like that. Some go by the way

your personality is set up or just from the good and nice things you do. So Im

sure one day, you will find the girl you were always meant to be with, remember

Dakota, coincidence is disaster, and fate is meant to be. Just dont confuse

them and youll be fine. Mom said trying to preach me to death.


16/62


Ok, Ok, I dont have time for this nonsense, Ugh, are you freaking kidding

me, I just shined these damn dress shoes last night. How the hell, did they get

mud on them? Well, Ill just have to shine them again. Mom, where is the damn

shoe polisher? I said frustrated with my OCD clearly showing.Its behind the TV,

and you shouldnt have gone to bed so late last night, youre going to be agrump all day now, and I feel sorry for your friends. Mom said seriously. Mom,

its not my fault, I couldnt sleep last night. My head.there were these flashes

of light, that kept causing me to have headaches, and when I did finally fall

asleep, I had these nightmares where our city was being torn apart by some sort

of militia, and I saw the Bank of America building explode, and there were tons

of people trying to run away from the raining debris, and I saw these soldiers

march out and they started murdering these families and their kids. It was

horrifying. I said explaining my nightmare in detail. You know I dont like youtelling us about your dreams, you know its bad luck to talk about them. Mom

said worried.

Mom, its not like its actually going to happen, now is it? We live in a

country that has more protection and has evolved immensely more than any

other country in the worldaccept China and Japan though, but you get the

point. Mom, we live in the U.S. and most importantly we live in Topeka, Kansas

which is practically nothing compared to all those other cities out there. So if the

war ever did come here, they would hit the big cities like Dallas, NYC, Miami,L.A., Kansas City, etc. first. Ok, so lets get that shoe shine. I said as I begun to

shine my shoes the easy way by using an instant shine sponge. You really

believe were safe? Mom said very serious. No, mom, we are not safe. Society

has collapsed and we cant fix it no matter what we do, the Government is

constantly controlling us, I know this. Hard times will come, but we just have to

push through it, because that is what teaches us how to live life, but for now we

are safe, because I dont see any tanks blowing up houses outside. Do you? I

didnt think so. I said expressively as I finished up shining my shoes.

There..mmmmmmm.I got the sexiest shoes on the block

now.Mr. Tocino coming through, I said proudly. Its not a big deal.

Mom said trying to ruin my vibe. Of course it is, I happen to like to have my

uniform nice, clean, and spiffy, I said compassionately about my uniform. And

you say that you wont get any girls. Mom said as a smartass. Mom, for the last


17/62


time, it has nothing to do with suit or my perception of myself, its all about that

good looking hunk of meat in the clothes, and I happen to not like myself too

well and Im ugly, there isnt any way the suit could possibly fix my ugly ass up. I

said loud and clear. Well, with that attitude you diffidently wont get anyone.

Mom said trying to tell me its best to use my true colors. Well, I dont l ikeanybody right now anyway. Im not trying to get a girl, and do you still see any

lint on my uniform? I said trying to change the subject. No dear, youre all good

and ready to go. Good luck on your uniform inspection, and I hope you do well,

with your history presentation. Mom said proudly. Ok, thanks mom, bye. I said.

Oh, and remember I get my Money today, so if you want pizza tonight, then do

well, you hear me? Mom said. My mom always gets her money the 1stof each

month from social security since she is disabled, which actually still makes me

worry, because that money comes directly from the government, and itsgotten to the point that they are no longer trust worthy. They are the sly fox,

sneaking around, and they always get what they want, but today is October 1st,

2013 and well, lets just say when mom offers me these bribes, it makes it a lot

harder to get through the day. Ok, mom, Ill try my best. I said as I opened the

door and begun my daily walk to my high school, Highland Park.

As I walked outside, I was met with the sudden surprise of a steady rain

fall, with the valiant lightning and solemn thunder whispering across the sky. I

love the rain, but while wearing the uniform, you cant put a jacket over it, andyou have to deal with it as you walk, but it didnt bother me, it felt peaceful. Oh

rain, how I love the days you pick to fall upon these withering grounds. I said as

I was walking in the dark through the rain with the lightning making an

appearance ever so often and lighting the way. Believe it or not, whether it be

rainy, hot, cold, or gloomy, I love walking to school. It gives me the time I need

to think about life and such.

Today, I thought about the nightmares I had, and the troubling events

from my past. I didnt think long about them, because I felt so much peacewatching the wonderful acts of nature work around me. As I walked, I noticed

the rain dripping off the leaves of the tulips, and I watched the birds shake the

rain off their wings, and the most pleasant view was just watching the lightning

dance across the sky like the perfect acrobat. Sometimes, I hadnt even

realized that the thunder still existed, with the booming bass rolling across the sky.


18/62


However, today something changed, I could feel it, as if this is a day to

remember, a day where everything would change. As I continued to walk, I felt

more and more peace overwhelm me. I felt no fear, and all my horrific

memories seemed to drift away. While watching nature unfold around me, it felt

as if they were telling me a bedtime story, as I just wanted to fall asleep as thesound of rain and thunder enveloped around me.

Beep, Beep, Beep, suddenly sounded the horn of a car trying to make it

way past me to drop off their kids. So I suddenly snapped out of the trance I was

in to realize I was standing in the middle of an intersection next to my school with

angry drivers honking at me and some even yelling at me to get out of the road.

So as I crossed the intersection to get to my school, I started feeling warm drops

rolling off my lips and landing on my hands. I looked to see that it wasnt the rain,

it was blood..my blood. It turns out my nose started bleeding but why?

So, as I walked up the last few steps to my school, I rushed inside while

covering my nose with my hand to prevent any blood getting on the uniform. I

rushed into the bathroom where I washed the blood off my hands and my face

while watching the red water go down the drain. I sat there a few minutes with

a paper towel up to my nose to make sure it had stopped bleeding. As soon as

it stopped I washed my face once more, and as I stood back up to leave the

restroom, dizziness began to overwhelm me, and I grabbed the door handle to

prevent myself from falling. As I opened the door, I was suddenly overwhelmed

with noise and the large amount of stimuli coming from all around me, but I

continued to try to make my way down the stairs to go to the cafeteria, but my

vision was blurred as my head continued to pound like an abused drum.

As I finally made it to the door leading to the cafeteria, all the symptoms

suddenly stopped, like if it had never happened. Everything went back to

normal, and I called my mom to tell her that I just got to school, as she expects

me to do every morning, and after I ended the call with her I set my phone to

vibrate and I checked the time to see that it read 7:30, which meant I still had 20

minutes left to eat breakfast and talk to some friends before the bell rings.

As I walked into the cafeteria, I was overwhelmed with the smell of melted

cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and oregano. I instantly knew what was for

breakfast. It was breakfast pizza. The schools breakfast pizza was probably the


19/62


best meal option in my past thirteen years in the school system. Im in the tenth

grade now, and I never forget the people I meet or the food I eat. Just thinking

about it, made me want to run over there while jumping over any table and

flipping any chair out of the way that is in my path, just so I can hurry up, get in

line, then get my slice, and for the first time in never, my head kept thinkingabout, Why is it rectangular instead of the classic triangular slice? Oh well.

Then my drifted spirit journey through food land came to a tragic end when my

friend called me from behind.

Hey, Bacon, so, today we have another uniform inspection. So are you

ready? Im ready, but your probably like, we never get a break, huh? Watson

said proud of his uniform. Yeah, your right, it seems like we never get a day off,

but then I would be wrong wouldnt I? We only have to wear these damn things

once a week, so I guess we have some form of a break. I said with realization.

Hey, you smell that? Thats breakfast pizza. Or they havethe other option, Eggs

and Bacon. So, if your last names bacon, then why havent I ever seen you eat

bacon? Watson said with a grin. Well, I prefer Breakfast Pizza, so you coming?

I asked while trying to change the subject. Sure, lets go, Mr. Tocino. Watson

said laughing.

Hmmmm.It still feels like everyone has gotten used to either calling me

Bacon or Tocino. For the past several years Ive gone by the nickname Cody,

but Ive decided to start going by my real name, Dakota Bacon. However, once

people find out that my last name is Bacon, they go all crazy and think Im cool,

but Im not, whether thats the self-esteem talking or not. So everyone likes

calling me Bacon now, and lets just say, it has actually grown on me. However,

some of the Spanish speakers will call me Tocino, which is Spanish for Bacon,

and to me, Tocino sounds really cool, so thats like my favorite nickname.

So, my friend here and I would both like the breakfast pizza, Maam. I

told the server nicely. Here you boys go, dont eat it too fast. Its still hot! The

server said while handing Watson and I the mouthwatering entre. Thank You!

Watson and I said back to the server. So as we checked out our breakfast, I saw

our friends walking in, still wet from the rain. Hey, look whos here late. I told

Watson with a grin. Damn, they almost look as soaked as you, Bacon. Watson

said surprised. Well, I have to walk to school, and they ride the bus, but either

way its down pouring out there, of course, were goingto get soaked. I just


20/62


hope my uniform dries before the inspection in 2ndhour. I explained to Watson.

Dont worry, Sgt. Adams isnt here today. Major Kind is always nicer about it

anyways. Watsonsaid. Yeah, youre right, Ok, so lets go sit with them. I told

Watson as we were still hungrily awaiting that first bite into our breakfast.

Hey guys, I said as Watson and I approached the table where our

friends were sitting. Hey, most of them said back. At the table were some very

close friends. Emily, the semi-goth white girl that loves listening to Black Veil

Brides and Blood on the Dance Floor while drinking her favorite beverage,

Monster energy drinks, which I also love (the drinks anyway). Next was Andres, a

close friend of Emilys,whose glasses refuses to break and I feel sorry for the

torture that his girlfriend always puts him through, except I never really took the

time to see what kinds of things he liked, but he is one of the few class clowns

we have, and sometimes, hell do these endurance tests with one another to

see who can take more pain, plus we always love cracking yo mommas jokes

with each other and some other things. That leads me to the next person, Josh,

the Nintendo and food loving mixed kid who is always one of Andres test

subjects per say, but Josh is the kind of person that can tolerate a lot, but

sometimes I feel sorry for him letting people take advantage of him. Then, we

have Michael, who is the super skinny, tall, mixed kid, who is also a really good

class clown and a good person to crack jokes with, except with Michael, he has

a passion with Xbox and is constantly trying to prove that it is better thanPlayStation. Lastly, we have Elijah, the huge, but skinny white kid, that I like to call

the giant, except he doesnt talk a lot, but he sure eats a lot, plus he is forced to

play on Highland Parks football team, which is absolutely horrible, but I think

they would do better if they let me play. I love football, and Im good at it,

however a few years ago I was hit by a car that left me with a concussion,

rendering me unable to participate in most sports.

So, why do you guys look like you each took a shower in the rain? I

thought you guys rode the bus. I asked my friends. The bus broke down a fewblocks back, and we all had to walk the rest of the way. The lucky kids that are

still at the station wont be able to come today. Emily said wishing that she was

one of the lucky ones. Well, that sucks. Watson said. Wow, look at you Andres,

you look like Pikachu. I said laughing as I noticed his yellow hair. Hey, I tried

bleaching my hair last night, its not my fault it didnt go as expected. Andres


21/62


said embarrassed while rubbing his head and placing his hoodie over it. Omg,

hes right. All you need is those two little red dots on the sides of your chubby

cheeks and you will for sure! Emily said laughing. Mmmmm.this breakfast

pizza is so delicious. Im in love! I said as I took my first bite out of my rectangular

pizza. Ha, you cant love your food. Michael said. Sssshhhhdont disturbhim, if he wants to make out with his imaginary girlfriend, then let him. Emily said

seriously. Hey, now! It may not be my girlfriend, but who wouldnt make out

with this delicious food, honestly? I said back.

Well, guess what guys, since my dad works for Sony I got an early PS4

with a copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts yesterday! Watson braggedtrying to make

us all feel like we had nothing in my opinion. Really, the PS4 doesnt come out

for another month and a half, thats amazing. Good for you, Watson. I said

jealous because I didnt have one and I probably would not get one. Really,

you got to invite me over, Watson. I love playing Call of Duty, especially the

Zombies mode on Black Ops 1 and 2. I can play them all day while listening to

my favorite bands. Emily said excited. Well, my dad got an early Xbox One

through his contract deals as a game developer and he also has Ghosts for it.

Michael bragged as well. So, the PS4 is so much better than the XboxOne.

Watson said. Ha, my ass it is. Michael said trying to prove himself. Hes right

you know. The PS4 is much better. The PS4 has a slightly more powerful processor,

has 8 GBs of GDDR5 RAM, while the Xbox One has 8 GBs of slower DDR3 RAM.Not only that, the Xbox One requires you to have a gold membership even just

to use simple things like YouTube or Netflix, while the PlayStation doesnt require

the Plus membership, but at least, if you do have a PS Plus membership it not

only is cheaper than Xboxs Gold service, but Plus offers free games every

month along with it. Furthermore, next summer Sony is introducing a streaming

service to offer select PS3 titles to be streamed directly to the PS4 and within a

couple years after that, Sony hopes to eventually have every PS One, PS2, and

PS3 game all playable on the PS4. So, how can Xbox possibly top that? I said

while activating my inner nerd. Damn, I wasnt expecting that. Andres said

sitting next to a stunned Emily and Michael, while Watson felt proud having the

better system. Lets just say, technology is a passion of mine. I said as the bell

went off. See you guys at lunch. I said as I walked back into the rain to go to

my next class.


22/62


23/62


Good Morning, Major Kind. I said as I walked into my ROTC class. Good

morning, Mr. Bacon. Are you ready for the uniform inspection this morning?

Major Kind asked seriously. Of course, Sir. Im always ready. I said back. I like

your spirit, Dakota. Keep that up, and youll never fail this class. Major Kind said

happily. Thank You, Sir. Oh, and sir, wheresSgt. Adams? I asked curiously.Well, I dont know. He hasnt showed up, and he hasnt called in sick or

anything. Im even starting to worry, thats a good question, Dakota. Major Kind

said worried. Come on, Adams is a beast. Nothing can happen to him.

Abraham said as he entered the room. Wait, whats going on withSgt. Adams?

Wayne asked. Well, he hasnt called in sick and he hasnt sho-, Hey, baby.

Wayne interrupted me as he saw his girlfriend, Meresa walk into the room. Hey,

Wayne. Hows my chocolate bar doing? Meresa said to Wayne. Oh, I think Im

melting in the presence of your beautiful goddess body. Wayne said back toMeresa. Oh, how sweet of you. Meresa said back to Wayne as she kissed him.

Ugh, no PDA inthe class room. Abraham said while pointing his finger down his

mouth. Dont worry, I heard you, Bacon. Wayne said.

Ok, class, lets get started.Watson said as he is this weeks class starter.

Ok, class. Let stand for the pledge of allegiance. Watson told the class. I

pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the

republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and

justice for all. We all said together in the daily speech to recognize our country.Ok, so next up is the Star Spangled Banner. Watson said as the slides started

rolling with the lyrics to our nations anthem. We all sang together, some singing

seriously and others messing it up. Some of us laughed and chuckled as we sang,

but it was a very serious song to sing as our nation is very important. Ok, you

may be seated. Watson said. Good job, Mr. Samuelson. Ill take it from here.

Major Kind told Watson. Thank You, Sir. Watson said back to Major Kind.

Ok, class.Its time for your weekly uniform inspections. Please line up in

alphabetical order. Major Kind told the class. We then preceded to line up,with me now first in line with my last name first on the list. As I tried standing still as

Major Kind prepared to start the inspection, I suddenly felt overwhelmed with

dizziness and nausea. I felt like collapsing to the floor, and I started having

flashes of an explosion in my head, but I did my best to stand up. Is something

wrong, Mr. Bacon? Major Kind asked. No, sir. I said back. Okay, you ready


24/62


for the inspection. He continued. Yes, sir. I said. As he started my inspection a

ringing noise came from behind us. It came from the computers speaker

indicating Major had gotten an email. Ok, class. Let me check this email real

quick. Major Kind told us.

As Major Kind read the email and opened the link attached, I could see

the horror fill his face while watching the video. Then, the rest of began to fill with

horror as well. The video showed a car driving down the street. As the car

traveled through downtown, lightning struck the vehicle. The vehicle flipped and

twirled through the air and it proceeded to explode on impact. The man in the

vehicle died instantly. His name was Fernando Adams, our secondary ROTC

commander. He hadnt called in sick or showed up because he had died and

none of us had known.

Ok..class. Uniform inspections are canceled. You may be seated and

you may continue to talk to each other the remainder of class time. I have some

calls to make. Major Kind said seriously with a sad face. Omg, Sgt. Adams

is..dead? Wayne was the first to speak. I cant believe it, and all the mean

things I used to say to him. Im sorry Sgt. Adams. Abraham said in disbelief. No.

He was a great teacher. He was my mentor. Watson said depressed. Man, he

was funny too. He always had great jokes. Meresa said. I sat down in disbelief. I

was shocked to the core. Somehow it felt like I remembered him dying or I knew

he would. Was it true? Could my nightmares be premonitions? No, it cant be. I

just couldnt understand what was happening. As, I sat down and decided to

write a memorial for Sgt. Adams, not only my pencil, but my note book as well

moved. My mind was confused. People cant have powers.Telekinesis isnt real,

but could it be? As everyone else was mourning, I continued to sit in confusion

until the bell rang. The rest of the day was just beginning to unfold

Its 3rdhour now. I was in Spanish class. I was so upset, dizzy and nauseous I

decided to sleep the entire hour. As I tried to sleep, the class room kept getting

calls informing them of Adams horrific death. Then, as I woke up the last few

minutes of 3rdhour, Mr. Toledo told us to start working on some form of a

memorial project in honor of Sgt. Adams. I knew what I was going to do, but I

couldnt help but feel relief when the bell rang once more. It was time to go to

history, and present the speech Ive been working on for 3 weeks now.


25/62


Hey, Mr. Haberkorn. I said as I walked into my 4thhour history class.

Good morning, Im glad to see that your one of the few kids that are hear

considering the bus breaking down this morning. Mr. Haberkorn said with relief.

Oh, I dont ride the bus. I have to walk to school. I said. Oh, Im sorry to hear

that, you must of hated walking in the rain. Mr. Haberkorn said. No, actually Ifelt relaxed while walking this morning, it was great. I said leaving out the part

with the nosebleed. So, you have your speech ready to present? He asked.

Of course, itsgreat, and its a surprise. I said excited forgetting about Sgt.

Adams. Great, cant wait to hear it. He said. I dont really know most of the

kids in my history class, but it was still my favorite. As I waited for my turn to

present my speech, my mind began to spiral. Visions out of nowhere started to

overwhelm me. Then, I heard my name. It was time for my speech. Hey,

everyone. Today my speech is on the subject of the NSA and Edward Snowden,and the true hero he actually is. The name of it is, Our False Government I told

the class. Ok, Dakota, feel free to start your speech. Mr. Haberkorn said.

Ive realized the importance of our freedom today. I 've realized that last

year when Edward Snowden leaked out everything about the NSA, he became

a hero. Our government is not who they say or what they say they are. Our

government and its media has created false heroes, so who can we really trust?

Our Government was founded on the principle of Democracy and a true

freedom. However, today is our freedom really free, do we actually have anyrights. The Government is abusing its power and is no longer trustworthy. The

Government has been spying on us, watching our every move, they know who

we are and what we do when we do it. We have all been compromised and

our freedom no longer truly exists, and let me tell you why. Last year, Edward

Snowden revealed to the world that the USA's National Security Agency has

been spying on us and watching our every move, and now we have the

proof. Every phone conservation, every text message we send, every website

we visit, and even when we walk outside, it is all recorded and analyzed by the

NSA. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are, whenever you send a

message to a boyfriend or girlfriend, or talking on the phone with mom, or going

on YouTube to watch a music video, they know exactly what youre saying and

they have files with our names on them. Even the cameras on our laptops and

phones will be recording you without you even knowing it, and anything you


26/62


type on google, or any website you visit will all be sent to the NSA. The NSA also

takes advantage of our satellites and they know when you go to the store or

when you go to school. The NSA has also pretended to be Facebook, Google,

and many others in the past and when you go on the NSA's servers, they fill your

computer or phone with malware that records everything on your device. So doyou really believe you are safe even in your own house? Think about it.... Like

how do they know where to find us when we murder somebody, or steal

something? It's because the NSA has access to every camera, every computer,

every phone, every satellite, and they are always watching us, and they always

know who we are! They even have access to our finger prints and our DNA,

because the hospital takes your DNA when youreborn and saves it in your file

and sends it to the NSA, and you want to know something even freakier? The

NSA can even predict who you are going to marry, or the TV show youregoingto watch that day because they're able to make these predictions based off

the things they know and record about us! The government has abused the

Constitution and some argue that it is no longer a valid democracy. The

government is our enemy and they can't be trusted. Keeping something like this

a secret, and even if they told us from the beginning I don't think anyone

would've approved. Technology is a weapon they are just starting to

understand.... When the first computer was made decades ago it marked the

beginning of a lie and the start of the most traitorous act ever conceived by our

government. The government has abused our knowledge and turned it against

us. The future of our society, internet and technology all relies on the policies of

our government, but will we let them control us? Will we let them take

advantage of us? The answer is no, because together we can take a stand

against our government, and we can fight for our freedom and our rights, and

this will be the greatest battle to ever erupt through our society, but we will not

let our government overtake us, and we will push through the flames, we will set

our boundaries, and together United we will win.......... Concluded my Speech.

Great job, Dakota. Mr. Haberkorn said as the rest of the class

applauded. Thank You, everyone for listening. I said as I bowed and headed

back to my seat. As I walked towards my seat, my vision started to blur. As my

vision refocused I found myself walking into Geometry class. I dont know what


27/62


28/62


the packet, and instantly the questions looked like a foreign language. I tried to

answer them, but after going through a large portion of frustration, I gave up. I

sat there moving my pencil without touching it, as that was my new and only

way to fight off boredom. As I moved my pencil around, my mind instantly went

back to confusion mode. My memories began to rush into my head, somewere photographic memories of the things I learned. As I traveled around inside

my mind, I found the answers to my questions. I went back to the questions in my

packet, and as I looked at the questions, the answers instantly started popping

up in my head. As I used my head to answer these questions my vision began to

blur once more, with my head pounding, my heart racing, and my hands

shaking. Suddenly, books, pencils, and packets of paper started twirling around

the room out of nowhere. People were screaming. Then it got worse. The desks

started flipping over, people began to cry in fear thinking that there were ghostsor some other form of a paranormal entity there, then finally Ms. Gress slipped

and fell on her face. She stood up and her nose was broken and started pouring

out blood. Then, the infrastructure of the classroom began to cave in with the

walls crumbling. Then, my head went back to normal and everything stopped

when the bell rang. Did I just do this? Whats happening to my body? How doI

control it?

As I walked out of the classroom on my way to lunch I ran into Nick. Hey,

did you just do that in there? Nick asked in fear. I think so, but I dont knowhow. I said panicking. Can you control whatever this is yet? Nick said. No, I

dont know what the hell is happening to me. It started when my head started

giving me the answers to my Geometry problems. I said. Wow, man. Whatever

is happening to you I wish it would happen to me. Nick said jealous as we

walked outside in the rain towards the cafeteria. Trust me, whatever thisis, you

dont want it! I warned Nick. Wow, they are so stupid. Nick said as we

noticed a truck with a crane carrying tools and supplies to workers on the roof to

work on the cafeteria. Well, that is stupid. Sgt. Adams got struck by lightning,

and theyll probably be next. I said seriously. Yeah, plus theyre welding up

there with those propane tanks, yeah, thats not good. Nick said smiling. Well,

you want be smiling if those things explode. I said seriously. Ok, lets just go get

lunch, and were going to show our friends the cool tricks you can do know with


29/62


30/62


the lightning striking in the distance with the boom of the thunder echoing for

miles all around, its getting closer and closer. Oh no. Isaid with recognition.

What. They asked. We have to get out of here. Go, hurry. I said to the group

in a panic. As we tried to run outside, everything switched to slow motion. I

looked up to the sky and I watched the lighting circuit slowly from cloud tocloud and finally striking the men on the roof. I saw the propane slowly flash in a

small ball of flame before igniting into a huge ball of flame.

Pop, Pop, Boom! Was the sound of the exploding tanks of gas on the

roof. The explosion was so powerful we all fell on the ground as the roof of the

cafeteria caved in and went up in flames. Aaahhh, dammit Tocino! You said it,

and it happened. Nick said trying to recover only to find his leg pierced with a

side of a brick. Hey, dont put this on me. I said furious. Those people are

dying now. Michael said while listening to the screams of horror and pain

coming from inside. No, they are not. Im going in there and I will save them.

Oh and call 911! I said wanting to do the right thing.

I marched toward the cafeteria door, and as I opened it I was slapped

with the toxicity of black smoke and immense heat. I walked inside, only to find

bodies torn apart and scattered everywhere. The tables were now mere splitters

on the ground, with paper, book bags, and clothing turning into ash. The flames

continued to surround me as I covered my face to prevent breathing in the

toxic smoke. I walked through the burning embers in my ROTC uniform, trying to

find survivors. Then I heard screams coming from the back where they serve the

food. I rushed over there to find two women and a guy who was impaled in the

ribs with a broomstick. Sir, can you hear me. Are you alright? I asked the man.

Yeah.ju-just ple-ple-please get me out-outta here, I don-dont wanna die

alone man. He said. Sir, youre not going to die. I picked up the injured man,

and the two unconscious women, and forced my strength to its highest

capacity as I placed them on my shoulders. The flames grew higher with the

building beginning to collapse on top of me. I had no choice but to marchthrough the flames, and I felt my skin burning as I pushed for the door. The

bottom of my suit went up in flames and my legs began to scorch and burn. The

pain was excruciating and I nearly fell, but I made it to the door.

As I rushed out the door, my uniform was leaking out rich, dark, black

smoke, with my shoes and pants in flames. I ran towards the ambulance and set


31/62


down the 2 women and the guy. The people began to cheer and say I was hero,

then they asked if I needed help. I declined and continued to run through the

safe building, and I was in immersive pain. My head pounded, and I started

seeing bright flashes of light, then my vision blurred as I ran towards the stairs. My

nose started pouring out blood from both sides, and my clothes becamedrenched in my own blood. Then, as I walked down the stairs I collapsed from

my own suffering, and as I landed on the bottom of the stairs, I fell unconscious

from the shock I absorbed form the pain and tragedy of today. As I lay on those

steps close to death, my uniform continued to smoke and fall apart from the fire

I walked through.

About thirty minutes later, I woke up in an ambulance in front of the

school. What happened? I asked. Well, where can we start? You ran into the

cafeteria and saved 3 people. So youre a hero. The freaky part about it is you

walked through the flames and burnt your entire body. Only now, all your injuries

are gone as if they never happened. The ambulance nurse said shocked.

What, how can that happen? I asked surprised. Well, thats on you kid, Ive

never seen a miracle like this before. Well, you free to go now. The nurse said.

As I left the ambulance all my friends rushed up to hug me and congratulate me.

Asking how I did what I did, but I dont know how. We were able to leave school

early today because of the accident, and I was in shock from the whole day.

As I walked home in the rain, I carried with me my burnt uniform, but my

skin wasnt burned at all. Today, one of my teachers died and I did things that

are supposed to be impossible. I kept walking and thinking as the rain continued

to roll down my face, but sometimes I didnt know if it was the rain or if I was

crying, because the shock was huge. As I got closer to home, I realized I

couldnt tell my parents about my abilities. I didnt want to put them in danger.

The horrifying events from today continued to race in my mind, and I kept

seeing these bright streaks that pounded inside my head each time. I began to

get frustrated with trying to figure out who I was and what I was when suddenly,I swept my hand in anger, and a streak of lightning eased from the types of my

fingers into the house in front of me. Instantly, the house blew up and went up in

flames. I then ran and hid trying to tell myself I did not just do that and possibly

hurt more people. Then, I realized that if I can shoot lighting from my fingers,

then could have been me that caused everything today? Could it really have


32/62


been me? Powers are not supposed to be real! Why do I have powers? Is this a

nightmare or a dream? Am I going crazy? Is this actually happening? I finally

pushed my head to its l imits, and my nose gushed out blood once more, and as

I continued my final, dizzy, bloody, blurred steps up to my house I began to ask

myself, Who am I?


33/62


Chapter 4: Who Am I?

We all have moments in life where we question everything. Things from like,

Howdo I add two plus two? Or even complicated things like, Who am I

going to marry in the future? We all have questions we want answers to. I have

special abilities now, and I have no idea how to control them, but Im going to

try to learn to use them the best I can. However, when the situation arises what

do you do? How do you save somebody? Everything I had ever learned about

life was finally about to change.

As I walked through the brisk rain to my front door, I couldnt help but

stumble and fall onto the door. As I tried to twist and turn the knob, my bloody

hands from my nose smeared bright red body paint all over our silver door

opener. My mom must have heard my fumbling as she suddenly opened the

door with me nearly falling on the floor. Are you alright? You got blood all over

you. Mom said anxiously. Its nothing Mom; I just had a small nosebleed on the

way home thats all. I said trying to be as secretive as possible to avoid putting

them in danger of something I dont know how to control yet. Then, wheres

your suit, where is it, and why are you wearing clothes that do not belong to

you? Huh? Mom said trying to push me further to the truth. Ok, there were a

few incidents at school today. Sgt. Adams had a serious accident in downtown

today, where his car exploded following a rollover accident and there was fire

at my school. My suit got burned because I tried rescuing some people. I said in

a partial truth statement. Now, Im not sure if I can believe that. You really

expect me to believe that your second in command ROTC commander just dies

out of nowhere and your school cafeteria goes up in flames? Plus if your suit got

burned, wheres the proof and where are the burns on your body? Mom said

believing my truth to be l ies. You dont believeme then watch the news tonight,

it will show it, trust me, today has been a stranger day then you will ever believe,

even if I did tell you. Plus here, you want to see my burnt suit, Ill show you. I saidback trying to prove to my mom that I was being truthful while I begin pulling my

suit from my backpack. As I pulled out my long, navy blue, ROTC suit full of burn

holes and scorch marks, I began to see my moms face change. How? My

mom said surprised looking at my skin. I dont know, I guess its another one of

Gods miracles, like you keep calling it, but trust me, if you were living my life, I


34/62


wouldnt be calling it a miracle. I said still continuing to leave out the part

about my powers or special abilities. Cody, you have to trust what happens.

Everything happens for a reason. There is a special purpose for everyone on this

world. If God chooses to bless you, than let him. Mom said trying to appreciate

the good in life while we still have the chance. Then you tell me somebody elseyou know in person that has died and came back to life, why me, Im not

special, Im not a genius, Im not the best looking, Im not perfect. So, why me?

Who am I?I said frustrated with not knowing the solutions to my unexplained

problems and phenomenons. Give it time, it takes patience. Mom said trying

to teach me one of lifes most important values. I dont have time for patience,

Im going to bed, and Imgoing to pretend that none of this ever happened! I

said agitated.

As I lay down to take a nap, my restless mind continued to keep me

awake. I kept seeing my past over and over again, including the times with past

bullies that used to beat on me and spit on me, call me names and take

advantage of me. Then I couldnt help but remember the troubling times in my

life I went without a father or a brother. I remember the stories my mom told me

about how my father abandoned us when I was just a newborn, how he never

wanted a child, and wanted nothing to do with me. Then, that made me

remember when I was almost a month away from being six years old, and I was

in the hospital with mono. I was there for nearly a week. The last day I was in thehospital, I spoke to my father for the first time, where he told me and promised

me he would see me the next summer. However, I waited and I waited, but he

never came. It made me more depressed and angry on the inside as each

summer passed by. However, it helped me think of the happy, good thoughts

where I met my new friends such as Maria for the first time. After we moved here

to 28thand Kentucky, my life has been great. My friends are great, and I hope

nothing comes between us. However, when I met Maria for the first time, I was

shy of course because I didnt know her, but I instantly knew were meant to be

best friends. Shortly after I met her, I helped her fix her bike, and thats how I met

her dad. Marias dad, Miguel thanked me for helping her fix her bike, and then

he left to go to work. However as time passed, Marias mom and dad have

taken me in as their own family in a way. They taught me their language, their

culture, and more. It was Miguel that finally filled that empty void in me for so


35/62


long of not having a father. I loved Maria and her family; they help me

complete the circle I always wanted to complete. However, as I try to dream of

things I want to dream about, my mind is suddenly flooded with visions of

destruction and horror once again. I can see the capitol of Topeka collapsing,

with people running in every direction. Planes flying overhead dropping bombson innocent targets, and finally, I see a world obliterated with only me left

standing to watch the innocents die.

NO! I shouted in my bed, full of panic and fear. I rushed out of bed, I

raced to bathroom. I turned on the sink, and I splashed my face by cold water.

However as I rose by dripping wet face, blood slowly began to seep from the

sides of my nose. I tried to wash away the blood, but it just continued to flow. I

stepped back and looked in the mirror. My shaver, toothpaste, and deodorant

immediately flew off the bathroom sink and stopped in midair and started

spiraling. I begin to panic, because I still did not know how to control my

newfound abilities or what new abilities may be next. So I just continued to

pretend none of it was real, so I closed my eyes, and starting saying to myself,

What am I? Who the hell am I? And then, I opened my eyes.

I was startled to find myself outside in the middle of night in the cold rain.

My shaver, toothpaste and deodorant were on the ground. I finally decided

that it was time to see what I can really do, so I can get these power fluxes

under control. Okay, time to see what I got. I said to myself. The nearby

dumpster was an easy first target for me with my telekinesis, as I already know I

have that ability. Its just time to master it. Okay, focus and lift, should be simple,

easy, right, I hope. I said trying to motivate myself. As I focused on the dumpster

I put all my force into it and it didnt budge one bit. I focused harder and harder,

letting go of my past as I moved forward, slowly making it budge more and

more. Finally I concentrated and focused solely on that one object and as I did I

finally lift it high into the air and I gently placed it back down. Ok, next up, brain

computing, this should be fun. Since I had no problems to work with, I saw abasketball nearby and used my telekinesis to bring it to me. What Im going to

try to do is use my head to calculate a perfect trajectory for the ball to make it

through the basket over and over again. As I began to focus harder this time I

saw the angles and formulas pop up into my head and when I shot the ball, my

body made the basket, as I continued, it became easier and the shots


36/62


improved. Then, eventually I had another idea, to run and jump on top of the

building. As I began to run, I used a combination of my brain computing and

the telekinesis to power my movements, and with that I was able to leap from

the ground onto the roof of the school and jumping back down was no problem.

I ran and leaped over objects in my path, I used my increased strength to knockthings out of my way. Then, finally it all came together, I leaped into the air and

focused completely and using my super hearing and slo-mo, I was able to have

lighting strike though my body, giving me immense power and also pain, but I

was able to redirect the lightning back into the sky. Then, finally, my body

decided to give out on me, and my body plummeted to the ground, as I rose

up against the rain, I could feel the weakness in my body, but I could also

recognize the greater potential of these powers. This is going to come in handy.

I said to myself as I reopened the door to find my mom standing there. Whatthe hell you think youre doing outside in the middle of the night, and why do

you have a razor, deodorant, and toothpaste with you? Mom said angrily. I

couldnt sleep, so I decided to take a shower in the rain, but dont worry, I did it

where nobody could see. I said trying to cover up the truth. Nobody takes

showers in the rain, so why were you outside? Mom said skeptically. I couldnt

sleep so I thought the rain might relax me, do you really have to worry about me

all the time. I said frustrated Yes, Im your mother. Im the one that has to

worry. Mom said calmly. Then, dont worry about me anymore, I can take

care of myself. I said as I went on to change out of my wet clothes and went

off to bed.


37/62


Chapter 5: Consequences

Fire. Smoke. Devastation. Screams of horror and panic coming from all

directions as the buildings fall all around me. Panes of glass shattering like wavesof water crashing on the sea shore. Tangled wreckage everywhere and debris

raining down like a brilliant meteor shower. The whim and hum of the planes

engines could still be heard, and they were combing back for another bomb

run. This time they were heading for our capitol building and before my eyes I

could see a flash followed by the collapse of the Bank of America building and

the capitol building nearby. The crowds of people were all rushing away from

the devastation trying to outrun another attack, it was in the late evening with

sun setting peacefully while a war was raging everywhere else, I saw my body

lying on the ground bleeding out, near death and suddenly the ground started

to fade as the dream steadily collapsed and reality began to come alive again.

My alarm was telling me to get up.

As I hit the snooze button, I rolled out of bed and realized that my dreams

of the upcoming world war III were coming back. As I managed to wake up, I

once again saw a drop of red fluid splash onto the ground. I raced to the

bathroom and washed my face to stop another nosebleed. As I lift my head, I

noticed the water droplets rolling off my face in slow motion and as I looked in

the mirror I could feel all my new energy and I realized starting today, things are

going to go my way, and if anyone has a problem with me at school, then they

are going to be messing with the wrong kid today. For I, have powers.

Ok, so maybe I was feeling a little too special about myself today. As, I got

ready for school I couldnt help but smile like this is going to be the best day of

my life. It was only 6:02 in the morning, but I was so excited to get to school

today. Whats up with you? Mom said stunned to see me already out of bed

and ready to go to school. Nothing mom, its just do you know that the day isgoing to be great? Like have you ever felt that way before? I asked my momif

she had ever experienced something unique about her own past before. I did

before, but it turned out to be one of the worst days of my life, it was the day

you were born. Mom said explaining. Ouch mom, I didnt know my existence

was so bothersome. I said confused. What I meant was, is that, right after you


38/62


were born your dad just left us, and he never came back, and thats what

made the day awful. Mom explained. Ok, I want my dad too, but hes gone,

he left, I already know the story. I said as I no longerwanted to even think

about who my father was, even though I know his name is Eric Raymond Luis

Gonzales. However, I have tried various times to contact him via letters in themail and even messages on Facebook only for him to block me. Yeah,

especially after what he said to you when you were in the hospital on the

phone. Mom said bringing up old memories. Mom, dont even bring that up,

you know how much that hurts me. I said not wanting to remember just yet. I

can feel the tenseness rise in my body and the energy surge as I tried to force

the painful memories away. Mom, I think you should know that Im having the

dreams of the war again. I said slowly. Dont worry about them I told you, they

are only just dreams that confuse the mind, if you dwell on it for too long, it willdestroy you. Mom said trying to be my new psychologist. What if it is

something that is about to happen? Have you thought about that? Right now

the United States is in a very dangerous position between all these different

crises in Ukraine, Russia and Iraq. The United States also does not have the

money to support war. If we do go into war, they will target the heart of the U.S.

and that is us, because Kansas holds all these major oil refineries and plus if

something triggers the fault line here in Topeka, it will spread like wildfire in a

massive chain reaction across the U.S. and put us in a pit of economic plunder.

I explained how they could attack us. Sounds more like to me, that youre the

terrorist knowing all these things. Mom said thinking Im crazy. Okay, you dont

have to believe me, but I have feeling that war is coming. I said as left home

for school. Trust God, Cody, he will always show you the path you need to

follow. Mom said wisely. I know, I do trust him, I have faith, but even the bible

says that war will come, anyway Ill see you later.

As I took my first few steps into the darkness outside, I knew that big things

were coming and as I took a deep grasp of breath, I knew that starting today

things would change. As I walked down the street, I saw my friend Brittanys car

go by and I waved. I guess she didnt see me, she didnt wave back. Oh well.

As I carried on my walk, the looming sun began to rise from the east and it

highlighted all the things that are beautiful. I saw the squirrels wrestling for the

acorns, I saw a mother robin feeding her baby chicks, and the breeze in the air


39/62


was just so relaxing. I walked the usual route of all the different streets it takes to

get to my school, but everything was more vibrant today. I couldnt help but

immediately go into action mode and start running down the streets and I

started jumping over the cars that came towards me with them honking at me

as I go. I just had so much energy that had to be released and I could just lookat the sky and picture myself one day flying through the clouds. As I tried to hold

in more of my abilities, I finally got myself to school.

Hey Dakota, anything new today? Nick asked ashe saw me walking

towards breakfast. Bro, you have no idea, I think I finally have control over it,

but there is just too much energy to go along with the powers, it might be kinda

hard to hide some of them. I said excitingly but also worrisome. Dont worry,

just go with the flow, these powers of yours can be used for multiple things, have

you ever thought about the potential, you can be like a superhero or you could

even be a supervillain. Honestly, I wish I was you right now, having all these so

called powers. Youre lucky. Nick said with a hint of jealousy. Well, I dont feel

so lucky, because I dont know what the powers mean or why I have them. I

said as we walked into the remodeling cafeteria. So topic aside, what do you

think is for breakfast? Nick asked hungrily. Biscuits and gravy, I can hear them

talking about where to put the next pan of biscuits at in the oven and I can see

a large pot of gravy from here. I said putting little aspects of my powers in focus

to observe and hear. Wow, youre good at this. Nick said as he and I got ussome biscuits and gravy. Well, it just happens. It gets easier to use the longer I

use my powers. I explained not mentioning the dreadful nosebleeds that come

with it.

As we sat down with our usual morning friends for breakfast, I could tell

they were all shocked to see me. I still cant believe you didnt get burned in

the fire yesterday, but your suit did, how do you explain that? Emily said while

nervously taking large sips of the assault branded Monster Energy Drink. I dont

know, how do you explain a year ago when that tornado rips through the city, Idie, and I merely come back to life the next day with not even a single scar, so

you explain that. I said still trying to explain old memories. We all know about

your abilities Tocino, so dont be afraid to explain what you been though.

Meresa said trying to be more positive than the others. Okay, all I know guys, so

far is that I have telekinesis, super hearing and sight, lightning bolts shooting from


40/62


the tips of my fingers, super speed and jump with agile climbing abilities. There

may be more powers, but my body starts shutting down when I overwhelm it

and I get these really bad nosebleeds. I said explaining the powers I have

tested so far, but unsure on how capable my body really is in withstanding

pressure under certain conditions. So you were calling me Pikachu yesterdaywhen in fact, youre the one with all the crazy powers. Andres said making us

all laugh including Wayne as he came in to find Meresa.

Tell him Im not here. Meresa said quietly as she eased under the table,

put her jacket over herself and surrounded herself with our book bags. Youll

think hell see me. Meresa whisperedtrying to disappear, but she wasnt so

good at it. Hey babe, are you trying to hide from me? Wayne said as he

pulled the coat from over her head. Well that didnt work.Meresa said as she

got out from under the table trying to avoid saying a word to him and trying to

walk away. No, I was just practicing some techniques for search and destroy, of

course I was hiding, you been obsessing too much today. Meresa said plainly.

Obsessing over what? Wayne said confused. Oh nothing, Im just not in the

mood for you today, so dont follow me and leave me alone. Meresa said with

as she left the cafeteria leaving Wayne and the rest of us confused and with

mixed emotions. So whats her problem? All I did was come and look for her.

Wayne said still co

tocino lives: curiosity- act i- the uprising

Documents