Little Flower PT.1
Little Flower
What would you do if the fate of the world was suddenly thrown into your hands? As hero’s it’s bound to happen one day but it happened so fast to me. One moment, I was walking peacefully and the next shattered my entire life. It was like someone dropped a nuke and completely destroyed everything around me, leaving nothing but blurry flashes of that day. The screaming, reckoning, panic, and most of all the loss are just a few things I had to endure that day. If only I had been stronger, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. What if I didn’t freeze? It’s my fault my aunt died. “Just keep going, my little flower,” were her last words to me. As I lay, holding her in my arms she shakily drew in her last breath. Even at the end I was her flower. Such a precious nickname she gave me. Ever since, the pain of her passing hasn’t left me, weighing down on my being and never giving me a second to breathe.
Ivory Wyndham, The United States number one Pro Hero, had lost her life to The Reaper. Her fate was the same as my ancestors, taken too soon by that conniving snake of a man. The Reaper had been terrorizing New York for the last 115 years, killing every hero that got in his way. His goal was to decimate New York. He had no motive in doing so, all he wanted was to hurt people. No matter what he was always stopped by one of my ancestors. His terrifying strength led to the legacy of my family, one day we knew one of us would bring a stop to him. The people noticed too, holding so much hope that a hero from the Wyndham family would arise to bring about an era of peace to this dying city. No matter how many of us died, we kept on fighting for them. After every battle Reaper was always too injured to complete his goal. But the outcome of each confrontation was never as bad as this, half of New York City had been led into utter calamity. His injuries rendered him unable to continue but they were proof that he was only getting stronger. What happens if-
“Iris!” A voice yelled, pulling me back to reality.
“Hm?”
“Are you listening to me?”
“No, sorry Mr. Stakes. I got lost in thought,” I answer with a sheepish smile.
He sighed while rubbing the bridge of his nose, the teacher had become like a second father to me. So once he heard I was dropping out of school, of course he came to talk me out of it.
“Listen kid, I know you’re going through a hard time with Ivory’s passing, but this isn’t what she would want,” he claimed. I knew he was right but that didn’t matter. It's not like I want this too but with my circumstances it’s necessary.
“I know, but that’s not going to stop me, I have to do this,” I mumbled. Talking about this never ends well for me, memories of that day tend to grip their boney hands around my heart, suffocating my lungs until my brain finally shuts them off. I’m trying so hard to stay strong for her but my emotions are definitely not helping.
“Iris, listen to me. Think this through before you do anything rash. Dropping out of school and getting revenge won’t bring her back. She’s gone and you know-” before he could finish his sentence I cut him off. “No, you listen here Damien,” I would never call him by his first name but my anger got the best of me, “I’m dropping out of school because I have to, I’m not stupid, I know it won’t bring her back! I’m the last person who can stop Reaper, he will hunt me down until I’m dead!” My chest heaves with despair, contempt for my weakness arising, “That doesn’t change despite the fact I’m only 17! I’m doing this to protect my classmates. They’re my friends and I can’t live with myself if I put them in danger!” Tears stream down my cheeks, leaving annoying streaks behind. Somewhere in my fit of rage I ended up in front of him, not recalling when I got off the couch and stomped over to him. His gaze softens with understanding, “That’s the Iris I know, always so considerate about her friends,” he smiled while wrapping me in a comforting embrace.
“I’m sending my students to UA High in Japan, it’s why I came to see you today. I want you to watch over them, without you they can’t function. If you drop out, you won’t be able to go with them,” he warned, arms still around me. I stood there, no doubt soaking his shirt, uncertainty cascading through my body.
“Why UA?”
“Well it’s as close to Wyndham High as you can get,” he answered while releasing me. The warmth faded all too quickly, leaving a craving for more deep within the cavity of my sternum. Wyndham High is a big staple in New York, named after my family when my ancestors lost their lives trying to save it. All of them, including myself, had attended the school. I pause for a minute, thinking over the choices I’ll have to make. If I dropped out, my friends would be safe but they wouldn’t have a leader to guide them. Going to UA means a higher chance of Reaper finding us and doing unspeakable things to my dear classmates. Some time ago I promised that no matter what I would always have their backs. What would Aunt Ivory do? …She would honor her word and stay, so that’s what I’ll do.
“I’ll go,” I answered.
“Seriously?”
“Deadly.”
“Oh thank goodness, I was worried I’d have to drag you there kicking and screaming.” He says through a relieved chuckle.
“You really weren’t going to give me a choice huh?” I question, slightly squinting my eyes in suspicion.
“Nope.”
“When are we leaving?”
“Tomorrow. So you better get packing.”
“Dear God,” I said while pretending to faint. Mr. Stakes sniggers while walking over to the front door. “Well I better get going kid,” he announced, stepping out of the house.
“Hey, Damien?” I call, respectfully this time, wanting to convey my point as a friend not a student.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for everything,” my lips lift into a gentle smile, crinkling my eyelids.
“No problem, Violet. Just keep hanging in there, you’ll make it,” he assured me. My brows lift in surprise at the way he addressed me. It’s known as a sign of high respect to call someone by their hero name.
“I’ll try my best, have a nice day Mr. Stakes,” I answered, closing the entryway.
“Thanks, tell your parents I said hi,” he said while waving goodbye.
“Okay!” I shouted back, gladly returning the gesture.
…………
Today was the day we left for UA High. It was about a 20 minute drive to the airport but it felt way longer. Imagine putting 20 teenagers that are all the same age into one bus. It also makes it worse when they’re all friends. I made sure to snag a spot next to my best friend Liam, joy erupting in my veins when he let me sit by the window. We’ve known each other since we were 4 years old, having been the only kid who played with me because my powers developed a little late. I live in a superhuman society, with 80% of us possessing some uncanny ability called a quirk. Most only have one but rarely some are born with two. Then you get the people who are like The Reaper, possessing the skill to take and use someone else’s quirk. There are also those who never develop a quirk, the general public view them as weak and useless. My father was born without one unfortunately, leaving him with little job opportunities. I’m honestly so relieved at that fact, Reaper doesn’t have any reason to kill him. I was considered a blessing because not only did I remarkably gain the quirk my father should’ve had, but I also developed my mother’s ability. Electric Shock, a power that had been in the Wyndham family for the last 115 years and was only growing stronger. Then there’s Inferno. A pyro type skill, allowing the user to create flames so hot it’s dubbed ‘The Gateway to Hell.’ Those two powers added together are a mesmerizing sight to see. According to Aunt Ivory, I’m considered the strongest of my family. But what if I freeze again? What if I can’t defeat Reaper? These powers are useless if I can’t muster up the courage to act on the battlefield. I’m the last of my bloodline who stands a chance at even beating him. What if I-
“You ok?” A familiar voice asked, snapping me back to reality again.
“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine Liam.”
“I know you better than that, Iris. You’re not ‘fine,’ I can tell.” He says with a knowing look.
“How is it that you can see right through me?”
“I’ve known you for 13 years that’s how,” he responded while putting his arm around my shoulder, the movement so smooth I couldn’t help but lean into him. Everyone always mistakes us for a couple but we’re not, he’s more like a brother to me. Neither of us have siblings so we vowed to be what the other never had. “Oh my God, look! The love bugs are cuddling,” Brooklyn squeaked, clearly teasing us. “We don’t like each other!” We both yelled in sync. Will they ever stop picking on me and Liam? The whole bus exploded with laughter after that.
…………
Six months have passed at UA. During that time I made new friends, had several mental breakdowns, and continued to help my class. You know, the usual. I’ve always had more experience than they did. Before my aunt died, I trained with her for 7 years to get my quirks at their peak. Though, I never told my friends about the extra training. I didn’t want them to put me on a pedestal that would no doubt put unnecessary pressure on me. For years I hid how strong I actually was, setting limits for myself so it looked like I still had more training to be completed.
What would you do if the fate of the world was suddenly thrown into your hands? As hero’s it’s bound to happen one day but it happened so fast to me. One moment, I was walking peacefully and the next shattered my entire life. It was like someone dropped a nuke and completely destroyed everything around me, leaving nothing but blurry flashes of that day. The screaming, reckoning, panic, and most of all the loss are just a few things I had to endure that day. If only I had been stronger, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. What if I didn’t freeze? It’s my fault my aunt died. “Just keep going, my little flower,” were her last words to me. As I lay, holding her in my arms she shakily drew in her last breath. Even at the end I was her flower. Such a precious nickname she gave me. Ever since, the pain of her passing hasn’t left me, weighing down on my being and never giving me a second to breathe.
Ivory Wyndham, The United States number one Pro Hero, had lost her life to The Reaper. Her fate was the same as my ancestors, taken too soon by that conniving snake of a man. The Reaper had been terrorizing New York for the last 115 years, killing every hero that got in his way. His goal was to decimate New York. He had no motive in doing so, all he wanted was to hurt people. No matter what he was always stopped by one of my ancestors. His terrifying strength led to the legacy of my family, one day we knew one of us would bring a stop to him. The people noticed too, holding so much hope that a hero from the Wyndham family would arise to bring about an era of peace to this dying city. No matter how many of us died, we kept on fighting for them. After every battle Reaper was always too injured to complete his goal. But the outcome of each confrontation was never as bad as this, half of New York City had been led into utter calamity. His injuries rendered him unable to continue but they were proof that he was only getting stronger. What happens if-
“Iris!” A voice yelled, pulling me back to reality.
“Hm?”
“Are you listening to me?”
“No, sorry Mr. Stakes. I got lost in thought,” I answer with a sheepish smile.
He sighed while rubbing the bridge of his nose, the teacher had become like a second father to me. So once he heard I was dropping out of school, of course he came to talk me out of it.
“Listen kid, I know you’re going through a hard time with Ivory’s passing, but this isn’t what she would want,” he claimed. I knew he was right but that didn’t matter. It's not like I want this too but with my circumstances it’s necessary.
“I know, but that’s not going to stop me, I have to do this,” I mumbled. Talking about this never ends well for me, memories of that day tend to grip their boney hands around my heart, suffocating my lungs until my brain finally shuts them off. I’m trying so hard to stay strong for her but my emotions are definitely not helping.
“Iris, listen to me. Think this through before you do anything rash. Dropping out of school and getting revenge won’t bring her back. She’s gone and you know-” before he could finish his sentence I cut him off. “No, you listen here Damien,” I would never call him by his first name but my anger got the best of me, “I’m dropping out of school because I have to, I’m not stupid, I know it won’t bring her back! I’m the last person who can stop Reaper, he will hunt me down until I’m dead!” My chest heaves with despair, contempt for my weakness arising, “That doesn’t change despite the fact I’m only 17! I’m doing this to protect my classmates. They’re my friends and I can’t live with myself if I put them in danger!” Tears stream down my cheeks, leaving annoying streaks behind. Somewhere in my fit of rage I ended up in front of him, not recalling when I got off the couch and stomped over to him. His gaze softens with understanding, “That’s the Iris I know, always so considerate about her friends,” he smiled while wrapping me in a comforting embrace.
“I’m sending my students to UA High in Japan, it’s why I came to see you today. I want you to watch over them, without you they can’t function. If you drop out, you won’t be able to go with them,” he warned, arms still around me. I stood there, no doubt soaking his shirt, uncertainty cascading through my body.
“Why UA?”
“Well it’s as close to Wyndham High as you can get,” he answered while releasing me. The warmth faded all too quickly, leaving a craving for more deep within the cavity of my sternum. Wyndham High is a big staple in New York, named after my family when my ancestors lost their lives trying to save it. All of them, including myself, had attended the school. I pause for a minute, thinking over the choices I’ll have to make. If I dropped out, my friends would be safe but they wouldn’t have a leader to guide them. Going to UA means a higher chance of Reaper finding us and doing unspeakable things to my dear classmates. Some time ago I promised that no matter what I would always have their backs. What would Aunt Ivory do? …She would honor her word and stay, so that’s what I’ll do.
“I’ll go,” I answered.
“Seriously?”
“Deadly.”
“Oh thank goodness, I was worried I’d have to drag you there kicking and screaming.” He says through a relieved chuckle.
“You really weren’t going to give me a choice huh?” I question, slightly squinting my eyes in suspicion.
“Nope.”
“When are we leaving?”
“Tomorrow. So you better get packing.”
“Dear God,” I said while pretending to faint. Mr. Stakes sniggers while walking over to the front door. “Well I better get going kid,” he announced, stepping out of the house.
“Hey, Damien?” I call, respectfully this time, wanting to convey my point as a friend not a student.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for everything,” my lips lift into a gentle smile, crinkling my eyelids.
“No problem, Violet. Just keep hanging in there, you’ll make it,” he assured me. My brows lift in surprise at the way he addressed me. It’s known as a sign of high respect to call someone by their hero name.
“I’ll try my best, have a nice day Mr. Stakes,” I answered, closing the entryway.
“Thanks, tell your parents I said hi,” he said while waving goodbye.
“Okay!” I shouted back, gladly returning the gesture.
…………
Today was the day we left for UA High. It was about a 20 minute drive to the airport but it felt way longer. Imagine putting 20 teenagers that are all the same age into one bus. It also makes it worse when they’re all friends. I made sure to snag a spot next to my best friend Liam, joy erupting in my veins when he let me sit by the window. We’ve known each other since we were 4 years old, having been the only kid who played with me because my powers developed a little late. I live in a superhuman society, with 80% of us possessing some uncanny ability called a quirk. Most only have one but rarely some are born with two. Then you get the people who are like The Reaper, possessing the skill to take and use someone else’s quirk. There are also those who never develop a quirk, the general public view them as weak and useless. My father was born without one unfortunately, leaving him with little job opportunities. I’m honestly so relieved at that fact, Reaper doesn’t have any reason to kill him. I was considered a blessing because not only did I remarkably gain the quirk my father should’ve had, but I also developed my mother’s ability. Electric Shock, a power that had been in the Wyndham family for the last 115 years and was only growing stronger. Then there’s Inferno. A pyro type skill, allowing the user to create flames so hot it’s dubbed ‘The Gateway to Hell.’ Those two powers added together are a mesmerizing sight to see. According to Aunt Ivory, I’m considered the strongest of my family. But what if I freeze again? What if I can’t defeat Reaper? These powers are useless if I can’t muster up the courage to act on the battlefield. I’m the last of my bloodline who stands a chance at even beating him. What if I-
“You ok?” A familiar voice asked, snapping me back to reality again.
“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine Liam.”
“I know you better than that, Iris. You’re not ‘fine,’ I can tell.” He says with a knowing look.
“How is it that you can see right through me?”
“I’ve known you for 13 years that’s how,” he responded while putting his arm around my shoulder, the movement so smooth I couldn’t help but lean into him. Everyone always mistakes us for a couple but we’re not, he’s more like a brother to me. Neither of us have siblings so we vowed to be what the other never had. “Oh my God, look! The love bugs are cuddling,” Brooklyn squeaked, clearly teasing us. “We don’t like each other!” We both yelled in sync. Will they ever stop picking on me and Liam? The whole bus exploded with laughter after that.
…………
Six months have passed at UA. During that time I made new friends, had several mental breakdowns, and continued to help my class. You know, the usual. I’ve always had more experience than they did. Before my aunt died, I trained with her for 7 years to get my quirks at their peak. Though, I never told my friends about the extra training. I didn’t want them to put me on a pedestal that would no doubt put unnecessary pressure on me. For years I hid how strong I actually was, setting limits for myself so it looked like I still had more training to be completed.
