"What…did you just say…?" John's voice was barely above a whisper. "Stacy…was what…?"
Kayden's lips quivered, unable to meet his uncle's gaze. "I'm sorry… I did my best to try and save her, but I the end, I couldn't," he coughed. "We were walking back from school when it happened. Out of nowhere, a hand reached out from an alley, and pulled her in. Next thing I know, men appeared, all in black, and they ruffed me up." he added.
I can't tell him about their demands… Kayden thought, biting his lips. This was myfault. If anyone should be worried about getting the money, it's me. His eyes caught a brief glimpse of his uncle's expression. John's tears blurred his glass lenses, his face contorted in agony as he mentally processed what he's just heard. I know this is gonna hurt him. Lying to him like this…but it's the only way I can see to protect him. This town doesn't care about people like us. We're poor. Easily discarded. Uncle John, you can't make that kind of money to pay off Stacy's kidnappers, so the responsibility falls on my shoulders to carry.
His eyes fell on a portrait mounted on the wall in front of him. One that had an image of John and Stacy during her junior high graduation. I've already lost one family. I can't afford to let this one fall apart, as well.
"Did they…? Did they make any demands?" John eventually asked, his voice raspy. "They must have, right? Whatever it is, I can get it arranged. The amount doesn't matter. Right now, Stacy's life is more important than all the money I have!" He raised a shaky hand and rubbed his face, feeling the sweat oozing from his pores.
"I'm sorry…but they didn't," Kayden replied.
The silence itself was an answer.
"Damn it!" John roared, slamming his fists against the wall. "How could you let this happen, Kayden?! I trusted you! I told you that no matter what, you have to protect Stacy's life! How could you just let her get taken away so easily?!" His voice bounced off the walls, each syllable scraping Kayden's soul. "I was a fool for expecting you to protect her. After all, you couldn't even protect your parents when they needed it! I shouldn't have expected anything from such a useless boy like you!"
Kayden's jaws tightened at the mention of his parents. Don't you dare bring them into this… he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he looked up. "I know I failed you uncle, but you have no right to drag my parents into this matter," he said, shaking his fist. "What happened to them… if it were possible, I wish I could turn back the hands of time, and take their place. I'd gladly give my life just to make sure they were the ones standing here today, and not me," he added, his voice softening at the end.
John's expression shifted. "Kayden… I'm sorry. It's just…"
"I understand how you're feeling," Kayden cut him off. " Trust me, I'm feeling the same way about all this."
"I'm sorry for what I said. I'm just… not myself right now. Not after what you just told me," John replied, rubbing his temples. "I think… I need to sit down," he said, walking towards the couch closest to him. However, just as he was about to reach it, his legs wobbled, a heavy groan escaping his lips before his body collapsed against the floor.
"Uncle John!" Kayden ran to check up on him, but upon a closer inspection, he realized that his uncle had fainted. I'msorry… He thought, carrying John's unconscious body in both his arms. Prior to getting his ability, such a feat would've been impossible. …but this is a burden I have to carry. Alone.
He placed John on the couch, then picked up his broken glasses from the floor. All I need is the right source, then I'll take care of everything.
_______
The next day…
The first morning rays shun through Kayden's window, followed by the ringing of the alarm clock placed beside his bed. Slowly, his body tozzed and turned, until finally, dark eyes fluttered open underneath a mass of dirty sheets.
For the next few minutes, he remained in place, images of yesterday's incident replaying in his mind. Finally, with what bit of motivation he had left, he got off from the bed, and went about preparing for the day ahead.
It was a Tuesday, meaning another day of school. The town of Brinestone was already up and active with the break of dawn, all moving with the pace and rhythm they had known for years.
Kayden had just emerged from the bathroom, drenched in water. Today, it took longer than usual for him to get ready for school. Stacy usually starts yelling my name by this time, telling me to hurry up so she wouldn't be late. A sudden ache infested his heart. She was always so loud and impatient. But now, without her around, everything just feels… bland… and empty…
Eventually, he was done getting dressed, and went out from his bedroom. A charred scent filled his nostrils as he dragged his feet towards the kitchen. And she was always the better cook…
Arriving at the small space that served as their dinning room, his eyes stretched into the open window between the dining room and the kitchen, where he could see his uncle struggling to fry eggs and bacon. We're not gonna survive long without her… he tried to joke, but it did nothing to lighten his mood.
"Oh, Kayden. You're up?" John asked, flipping the pan in his grasp. "You hungry? Breakfast'll be ready soon."
"Yeah…" Kayden responded, his voice trailing off.
John frowned, then added. "You shouldn't be so upset with yourself, Kayden. I know you did your best to try and protect her. But you know, that's just how it is. Out of the several towns, cities, heck, even countries in this world, we just happen to live in one of the bad ones. The government doesn't care about us, and neither do the authorities. So what can we do? We're easy pickings for kidnappers lurking in the shadows," then, he turned off the stove, and dished out their food.
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I bring her back," he said, walking into the dinning room with their breakfast in his hands. "No matter what it takes. So don't worry."
"But didn't you just say the authorities don't care about people like us? Then what're you gonna do?" Kayden asked, digging into his burnt breakfast.
"I have a few connections in the police. People who owe me favors. I'm sure they'll be able to help me," John replied, his tone somewhat confident. "I'll see what I can do to persuade them, but mark my words, I will get her back."
"Also…sorry for the harsh things I said to you yesterday. I didn't mean any of that…"
"It's alright, Uncle John. I'm not holding any of that against you." Kayden replied. "You only said those things out of anger, so I'm not mad at you for it."
John's eyes watered. "Still, of only things hadn't turned out the way they did…" he said.
A heavy silence settled on the dinning room.
Meanwhile, in Kayden's mind, he was already considering something else, dismissing his uncle's last words regarding his parents. If only people in this town were kind enough to repay past favors. I understand the sentiment, but I can't just go ahead and dash his hopes. I'll let him do what he believes will help in bringing Stacy back, while I'll do mine, as well.
Both of them are their breakfast in silence right after, either of them occupied by their own knawing thoughts. For John, his thoughts took him to the legal, lighter side of life. He contemplated on how he would approach the authorities with his request. He didn't have enough in his savings to launch a full on search. After all, inflations were high, and he needed to make sure the police didn't do something reckless that ended up getting his daughter killed.
The people I know should be able to get something done. Anything. John pondered. Stacy, I swear, I will rescue you.
Meanwhile, for Kayden, his thoughts drove him beyond the righteousness of the law. He was far more accepting of the idea that life wasn't as black and white as certain people made it out to be.
There were those with power, and those without it.
Those who welded power to control situations and outcomes. Even the police.
He knew that, in order to rescue his cousin, he didn't simply need connections or favors. He also needed power.
I already have the power. All I need now is the right connection.
Once they were done having their breakfast, both went about going about their day. For John, he resumed his work at the local factory where he worked as a manager of operations. And as for Kayden, he returned back to school for another session of classes.
_____________
Brinestone High was bustling with energy as the students conversed amongst themselves, shuffling through classes and stirring up mischief whenever they liked. Most of these youngsters were powerless. And in the current world they lived in, not having an ability was a crutch they had to live with for life.
Sure, there were positions in the world that didn't require one to have an ability, the appropriate connections were just as important. Once most of these guys graduated, many would end up getting scouted by small scale agencies requiring minimum manual labor. Of course, such jobs would come with minimal wage, it was a far better option than being left to starve and die.
The day went by as a blur for Kayden. Though he didn't have any friends, it never seemed to bother him. I have far more important things to worry about than surrounding myself with fake people. He thought, eyes observing the clock placed on the wall in front of the class. Once all of this is over, I guess I'll consider joining a trainingprogram for ability users.From there, I could learn more about my powers, grow stronger, and become capable of fighting against those damned Duranes.
Soon enough, the clock struck 2:00pm, and the bell rang right after.
Students scattered across the hallways as they exited the school grounds.
Kayden found himself shuffling between the energetic crowd, eyes trailing past students as he made his way to the outer compound.
His footsteps hurried, teeth clenched as he pondered his next move.
It was then that he heard a voice, deep and cocky, call out to him from behind.
"Hey, punk! It's been a while. Where's your bodyguard? Haven't seen her all day," the boy said, his steps taking him closer towards Kayden. As he walked, other students in the hallway parted for him to pass. No one paid much attention to who he was taking to. They all just gave Kayden a brief side glance before continuing on their way.