Acre City, August 10, 2110- Greenville residence]
"Ma, I'm going downstairs to play cyberball with Hailey and the others!" Joren yelled. "Alright but remember, no going out of the gates without adult supervision and no using your powers." Joren's mother replied as she clipped more clothes onto the rack. "Hey Hey Hey, how dare you start playing without me" Joren said cheekily as his friends were tossing a holographic ball around.
"Where's Hailey by the way?"
"Hailey? Not sure, she probably overslept. Again," one of the boys muttered, frustration evident in his voice. Not wanting to keep the other kids waiting any longer, Joren quickly suggested they start playing first. As the boys continued to play, Hailey still hadn't shown up, and the irritation among them was beginning to show.
Meanwhile, as the boys played in the field, Hailey was frantically feeding her younger sister and darting around with laundry in her arms. Her mind was a whirlwind of chores and to-dos, so much so that she completely forgot about her meeting with Joren and the others. It wasn't until her mother's gentle reminder to be careful and to not leave the estate without permission that the realization hit her—she was already late. Heart pounding, she panicked, knocking over a pile of freshly folded clothes in her haste. Clothes spilled in every direction as she hurried to pick them up, her hands trembling. In her rush and the cramped space of their small living room, she accidentally bumped the table behind her, knocking over the bowl of food with a loud splash. Flustered and overwhelmed, Hailey's mother quickly soothed her, telling her it was okay and she'd clean up later. Then, softly, she urged Hailey to go ahead and head down first.
After slipping into her shoes as quickly as possible, Hailey sprinted toward the stairs, dread tightening her chest. She hated being late— to her, it was a blatant sign of disrespect, a failure to show the effort and consideration she believed everyone deserved. Yet, here she was again, late. The sting of disappointment in herself grew with each step she took. As she hurried down the stairs, she berated herself silently, berating her poor planning and lack of discipline. She knew she should have managed her time better, should have left earlier, but instead, she had let everything slip away. Guilt gnawed at her, making her feel like she had let everyone down—most of all, herself.
"Hey guys! Sorry I'm la-"
Hailey's line was perfectly cut as she lost her footing on her way down the stairs, scraping her knee. Seeing Hailey on the ground, Joren could not help but smirk and chuckle.
'Klutz'.
"I heard that!" Hailey remarked as she shot him an irritated glance.
"Woah woah woah calm down medusa, I'm kidding" Joren defended. "You alright? That fall looked painful"
"I think I might have scraped my knee." Replied Hailey
"Scrape is a nice way to put it," Joren said, placing the side of his fist against his
mouth as he assessed the wound.
"Can you stand? Let's get you patched up," Joren said, extending his hand toward her. She nodded weakly and took his hand, feeling the roughness of his palm as he helped her to her feet. Together, they made their way toward a small shed situated at the edge of the open field. The shed was constructed from mismatched scraps of corrugated metal, rusted and weathered from years of exposure to the elements. Its uneven panels gleamed faintly in the sunlight, and a faded sign hanging crookedly above the door read 'Density's HQ' in peeling paint. The structure's door was slightly ajar, revealing a cluttered interior filled with tools, spare parts, and makeshift supplies. Joren gently guided her inside and carefully lowered her onto a battered wooden chair that stood near the wall. He then reached for a well-worn first aid kit, its edges frayed and its contents neatly organized despite the roughness of its exterior.
"Wait. Where are we? And who is Density?" Hailey asked curiously noticing the sign on the door.
Joren shuffled awkwardly in his mancave, scratching the back of his head as if trying to hide how nervous he was. "My mancave," he announced, voice cracking slightly, "this is where I come when I need... uh, some alone time. Density is—uh, my... super-secret... codename."
Hailey raised an amused eyebrow, trying not to burst out laughing. "Super-secret? Like you're about to save the world or just hide from your laundry?"
Joren's face turned a bright shade of red. "Well, I mean, maybe a little of both? You never know when a rogue sock might attack."
Hailey snorted, then quickly covered her mouth. "Okay, that was actually kind of funny."
Joren hurried to explain, clearly flustered. "Yeah, I just thought it sounded cooler than 'glowing fists guy' or 'One Punch Man'."
Hailey grinned. "Honestly, Density, it's kind of adorable. Like a superhero who's incredibly impervious to social cues"
Joren looked down, cheeks practically glowing. "Thanks... I guess. I just wanted a name that sounds impressive, but all I got was 'Density' because I'm, uh, kind of dense sometimes. Like a sponge."
Hailey reached out and gave his arm a gentle nudge. "Well, SpongeBob, your secret's safe with me. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're secretly a superhero in pajamas."
Joren blinked, then gave a sheepish smile. "Thanks, Hailey. That means a lot. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go review my hero costume... I mean, pajamas."
Hailey laughed softly. "Just don't forget to pack the cape... or maybe just a hoodie."
Joren grinned awkwardly. "Will do. And maybe next time, I'll come up with a cooler name. Like... 'Captain Klutz'."
[Acre City, August 30th, 2113- Acre High School]
"Alright class, don't forget to study for your finals coming up soon" The teacher said as he packed up his desk.
"Yo Hailey, how's your finals prep coming along?" Joren asked cheerfully as he sat on the desk next to her.
"Urghh, I've barely even started on it and it's already killing me. And don't get me started on Math. Seriously, how on earth is finding y gonna help me in my future." Haily complained as she slumped on the table.
"Still busy with the cafe?" Joren inquired.
Haily nodded, still slumping on the desk.
"Well if you are down, I can help you at the cafe then afterwards we can study together." Joren offered.
Joren sat on the desk next to Hailey, a cheerful smile on his face. "Yo, Hailey, how's your finals prep coming along?"
Hailey sighed heavily, slumping onto the table. "Urghh, I've barely even started, and it's already killing me. And don't get me started on Math. Seriously, how on earth is finding y gonna help me in my future?"
Joren leaned slightly closer, offering a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't stress too much. You've got this. Just take it one step at a time." Hailey looked at him, running a hand through her hair with a faint frown. "Easy for you to say. I feel like I'm drowning here. Math is like a whole different language. Why does y even matter?"
He shrugged playfully, a glint of warmth in his eyes. "Honestly, I think it's more about the challenge. Plus, y could be anything—future, your goals, even just a stepping stone."
She glanced at him, a hint of amusement flickering across her face. "You always find a way to make everything sound deep, Joren."
He chuckled softly. "Gotta keep you motivated somehow. Besides, I've been thinking about the new menu for the café. Maybe you could help me brainstorm to keep your mind off finals for abit after you're done studying?" He looked at her quietly, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. Then Hailey, breaking the silence with a shy smile, hesitated before speaking softly. "So… a date?"
Joren's face flushed bright red, and he stammered, "I-"
"Relax, I'm kidding," Hailey said with a playful grin. "But I'll take you up on that offer. I could really use an extra pair of hands. Ever since Dad left for work, my mom's been so busy at the café that she hardly has time for herself anymore."
Over the next few weeks, until their finals, Joren began helping at Hailey's café—cleaning dishes, serving food, and doing whatever he could to lend a hand. Afterward, the two would find a quiet corner of the café, sitting close together to study, sharing quiet moments amid the hustle and bustle
[Acre City, October 12th, 2113- The night before finals]
Hailey's Dad stood at the door, clutching a gift-wrapped box tightly in his trembling hands. His heart pounded fiercely in his chest, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he hesitated, hesitant to make a sound. The key trembled as he slowly turned it in the lock, his fingers unsteady, worrying that Hailey or her sister might hear him approaching. Every muscle in his body was tensed with anticipation, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding through him. He peeked through the narrow gap in the door, his face a mask of hope and apprehension, silently praying they wouldn't notice him too soon.
As soon as his face appeared in the small opening, Hailey and her sister shrieked with joy and immediately dashed forward, their arms open wide for a hug. Overwhelmed with emotion, he felt a rush of relief and love wash over him. "Aww, I missed you guys too," he said softly, pulling them close, his voice thick with emotion.
"Hey Hailey, how's your final preparation coming along?" He asked as he closed the door behind them
"It's going great, Joren came over to help with the cafe and help me with my prep after my shift. He's been a great help, I can almost feel the straight As." Hailey replied while pouring a glass of water for her dad.
"Sounds like my potential son in law." her dad joked with a playful grin.
"Dad! We're just friends" Hailey shot back, giving him an irritated glance.
"That's how it always starts," her dad said, raising an eyebrow. "Anyway, don't sleep too late. Your finals are first thing in the morning."
That night, before Hailey went to sleep, she received a text from Joren wishing her the best for her finals the next day. She smiled to herself and drifted off to sleep. A few hours later, she was suddenly awakened by her mother, who appeared extremely flustered. Still groggy and disoriented, Hailey looked around the room, trying to understand what was happening. Her mind was clouded with sleep and confusion, making it hard to grasp the urgency in her mother's frantic behavior.
She blinked a few times, her brow furrowing as she tried to process the strange atmosphere in the room. Her mother's tense silence only added to her bewilderment, and she felt a strange mix of worry and curiosity. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but her mother simply stood there, urging her in a hurried, almost desperate tone to pack her things quickly before leaving the room.
This was unlike her mother, who was usually calm and composed even in stressful situations. Seeing her so overwhelmed and panicked left Hailey feeling unsettled and unsure of what was happening. Her heart pounded with a growing sense of unease, and her mind raced to piece together what could possibly have caused such a reaction. While hurriedly gathering her belongings, Hailey overheard her father frantically talking on the phone. His voice was tense and hurried, and her curiosity spiked. She pressed her ear closer to the door, trying to decipher his words. Despite not catching every detail, the snippets she managed to hear were enough to fuel her rising anxiety. Her confusion deepened—she couldn't understand what was going on, but the urgency in her father's voice told her it was something serious, something she wasn't prepared for. Her stomach twisted with worry as she tried to make sense of the chaos around her, feeling more lost and frightened with each passing moment.
Seconds later, her parents hurried into the room, urgently carrying her sister and a bag of emergency supplies. Their faces were pale, and their hands trembled as they moved with frantic urgency. Her parents, now visibly shaken, quickly locked the door behind them and began stacking heavy furniture and other objects against it, trying to barricade themselves. The atmosphere was thick with panic and fear. Her parents then hurriedly whispered for Hailey and her sister to hide in the closet. Slowly realising what was happening, Hailey's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to be separated from her family. With a determined voice, she told them, "I'm not leaving you behind. We're escaping together." Her voice trembled, but she stood her ground, her eyes pleading.
Just as her parents seemed about to reassure her, a deafening thud echoed from the living room, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching rapidly behind them. Without hesitation, her parents shoved Hailey and her sister into the closet and slammed the door shut, muffling the chaos outside. Hailey froze in terror as her body stiffened in place. Seconds later, a piercing, blood-curdling sound shattered the silence—an ear-splitting scream that made her stomach churn. She turned ghostly white, feeling as if her soul was being pulled from her body. Despite her fear, she was helpless to stop her sister from screaming in horror, her voice echoing in the cramped space.
Hearing the scream, the two figures—dark, ominous silhouettes—turned their heads toward the closet door and slowly moved closer. The dread in their steps sent icy shivers down Hailey's spine. Her heart hammered in her chest as the figures drew nearer, each step feeling like an eternity. Terror rooted her to the spot, her entire body trembling as she and her sister sat huddled inside the closet, paralyzed by fear, helpless as the shadows approached—and the nightmare they had tried to escape was closing in around them.
"Kai, I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you... Sorry for not being brave enough, for not being strong enough..." Hailey whispered softly, her voice trembling with grief. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at her sister's lifeless face, the weight of helplessness crushing her heart. "But at least... we'll get to meet mum and dad really soon," she added, her voice cracking with a mixture of sorrow and longing.
As the footsteps drew closer and the figures loomed larger, Hailey's heart pounded painfully in her chest. The door to the closet was suddenly pulled open—only to reveal it was empty. Without hesitation, Joren hands covering their mouths to prevent them from screaming gently but firmly pulled them into a hidden passageway behind the closet, a secret escape route that seemed to vanish into the darkness. The trio crouched in the narrow passage, their bodies trembling with fear and grief. Outside, the figures searched the room desperately, their footsteps echoing as they moved in circles, trying to find the sound they had heard. Minutes stretched painfully long as silence settled over them, broken only by their ragged breathing. Finally, the figures gave up and retreated, their footsteps fading into the distance.
Hailey, Kai, and Joren sat huddled together in the suffocating darkness, the weight of silence pressing down on them like a shroud. Hailey's body trembled uncontrollably, tears streaming silently down her face as she clung to her sister's hand with desperate strength. Each heartbeat felt like a fragile echo, a reminder of everything they had lost. As the minutes stretched into eternity, a slow, painful clarity dawned on Hailey. She looked at Kai's trembling form, her sister's face pale and streaked with tears, and a haunting realization settled deep within her: she was truly alone now. No parents, no other family—just Kai, her last anchor to the world they once knew.
The grief threatened to crush her anew, but beneath it, there was a quiet, unwavering resolve. Kai was her everything—her sister, her family, her reason to keep fighting. In that suffocating darkness, surrounded by shadows and echoes of what once was, Hailey clung tighter to her sister's hand. For the first time, she understood with heartbreaking clarity: she had only Kai left.And she would hold on to her, no matter what.
Soon, they managed to find their way out, emerging into the open field where they used to play as children. The familiar sight of the rolling grass and distant trees brought a fleeting sense of safety—yet the tension still clung to them like a shadow. With the coast seeming clear, they began making their way toward the gate, hope flickering faintly in their hearts.
Suddenly, a figure loomed over them, shadowed and sinister. "And here I thought all the lives I've consumed were starting to drive me insane," the voice sneered.
Hailey's blood froze. Her eyes darted upward, and her gaze settled on the corpse of her father draped over the figure's shoulder. Her breath hitched, trembling overtaking her as a cold wave of terror washed over her.
"Oh? Is this yours?" the figure taunted, dropping the body in front of her with a sickening thud. "Oh don't worry, sweetheart, you and your friends will join him real soon." The figure's hand shot out, grabbing Joren and Hailey by their necks, lifting them with terrifying ease. Panic surged through Hailey's veins as she struggled to breathe, her vision blurring. But amidst the chaos, Joren's eyes flashed with determination. Clenching his fist, which started glowing with an ominous light, he summoned his remaining strength.
With a fierce cry, Joren punched the figure square in the stomach, sending him stumbling backwards and crashing into the garden with a thunderous roar.
"Hailey. Grab Kai and run now. There isn't much time. I'll stall for time while you make a run for it," Joren commanded, his voice steady but urgent.
"No, I'm not losing you too," Hailey shot back, tears welling up. "I've already lost enough loved ones today. I'm staying with you. We'll get out of here together."
"Hailey, listen—" Joren's voice hardened with urgency. "Even if we somehow manage to defeat him, we won't be able to handle the rest of the attackers. Heck, we don't even know how many there are. I'm not asking you—leave with Kai while you still can. Don't waste our efforts."
Hailey's heart pounded fiercely. She looked at Joren, his face set with resolve, then down at Kai, trembling but alive beside her. Her grip tightened on her sister's hand.
"I'll be fine, Hailey," Joren said with a faint smile, trying to reassure her. "After all, I'm Density." He strapped his backpack onto Hailey and Kai, a symbol of their hope and his strength. With a final, determined look, he sent them flying out of Greenville, the backpack glowing as it powered their escape.
As they burst through the gates and disappeared into the distance, Hailey stole one last look back. Her eyes welled with tears as she saw Joren standing alone, facing the looming darkness. Her heart ached with a mix of fear, love, and helplessness—knowing she could only move forward, carrying his sacrifice with her.