Small Oak
The kid had just discovered his powers. He was just walking down the street and he felt a sudden power coursing through his body. He felt like he can probably jump really high. To test his theory out he went to a nearby alleyway that was secluded and the kid even made sure there wasn’t anyone near him that may see him using his powers. Using your powers openly in public was illegal unless it was for self-defense. Training could only be done in the registered areas and facilities.
The kid was prepping for takeoff. He stretched his legs and arms and took several deep breathes. “Let’s do this” he said calmly. And he jumped! He jumped over 17 feet but he felt a lot of pain in his legs. He crashed landed back on the ground hitting dumpsters and trashcans near him. “Goddamit” he said, “that crap hurt like hell, but what hurt more were my legs during the takeoff. This power hurts me.”
The kid decided to take it easy and go home to rest. He than made his way home which wasn’t to far in from where he was. He lives in Oakland, California. He is a 15-year-old kid living in a world filled with super-heroes. The worlds population were 50 percent people with special abilities and 50 percent just normal everyday people. Though it has been many years since the world has been exposed to the superhero population, the people without powers are in fear that the supers will take over and rule with an iron-fist. But many people with powers became heroes of Justice. The boy wants to be a hero and he’ll do his best to become a hero to save many people. His name is Ahuatzi his name means small oak.
Ahuatzi told his parents about his powers. They were both very proud of him. Both of his parents also had powers but they never wanted to pursue a career in superheroing. His father’s power was strengthening which is pretty much what Ahuatzi inherited. However, his dad used his skill to further his construction career. His mother however, had the power of levitating objects. Though she never really used her powers so her powers never fully developed or evolved. “If you want to make a difference in the world, you should enroll in a superhero training facility and pursue your dream of being a hero,” said his father. He didn’t have to say more, Ahuatzi was already researching a good facility. He has a strong determination to succeed in superheroing especially for the fact that he is from Oakland.
In his research to find a good facility near or in Oakland, Ahuatzi learned a lot about the heroes or rather the lack of heroes in Oakland. In the one hundred years that the super human phenomenon occurred in the world no heroes came from Oakland. He found out that some people did try to become heroes from Oakland but faced adversity because people say that Oaklanders are all delinquents and if they had super powers, they would only be corrupted later on in their career as heroes. That led other potential heroes from other cities to harass and discourage the people from Oakland that actually wanted to do good. The irony of it all is a lot of the people that were shunned from becoming heroes became villains. Oakland than became a breeding ground for villains.
But that information didn’t discourage Ahuatzi. He stood firm and knew that he would be the one to overcome adversity and set an example for the people in Oakland that don’t want to go with the stigma of the citizens of Oakland. Ahuatzi is also Mexican-American and in the United States there is always prejudice against people of color and now with the super-human component added into the factor Ahuatzi feels the weight of the worlds prejudice on his shoulders. But he just feels more motivated to accomplish his dreams and lessen the stigma that is against Mexican-Americans and a citizen from Oakland.
The entrance exams to the training facility were the following week. They were being held in San Jose which is an hour away from Oakland. Ahuatzi did some research on the exams and what to expect but to no surprise the officials keep information on the exams very hidden and even the people that have passed the test sign a non-disclosure form in case anyone tries to get information from them and to keep them from openly talking to any news media or social media. This makes complete sense Ahuatzi thought, in the events that call for the need for superheroes often time the situation is hectic and I’m sure the hero has to be able to adapt to the situations and act accordingly. This has Ahuatzi anxious because though he has done some training on his own and has improved his skill he believes with just super strength and enhanced ability he can’t do as much as someone who can fly and catch people falling of a building or help with other types of crisis that don’t necessarily call for super strength. However, Ahuatzi has been studying as many heroes as he can that have similar powers or any superhero that he feels he can adopt their style and make it his own. He still feels pretty limited by his powers.
Ahuatzi found an abandoned warehouse in Oakland. He believes this will be a good area to train and hone in his abilities. He studied many heroes that have emphases on speed and maneuvering around areas to improve his flexibility with fighting different type of enemies. He has no idea what is in store for him in the exam but he feels that with all that he has studied and researched he is starting to let go of his anxiety.
The day of the exam has come. Ahuatzi makes his way to the stadium in San Jose and as he was walking in, he didn’t see anyway that could be from Oakland. The stands to check in were also separated by the areas of where you live. Most of the people are from San Jose, no surprise thought Ahuatzi. But he was surprised to see another guy go to the Oakland stand. The kid looked about Ahuatzi’s age, he had spiky hair and has a darker skin toned. But he had a really mean look on his face. “Hey whats up man!” Ahuatzi said walking up to the kid. If he’s from Oakland I want us to support each other, Ahuatzi thought Maybe a lot of discrimination in the world could be lessen if we all stick together. “What do you want? I’m busy.” The kid said coldly. Ahuatzi also noticed he had a cold look in his eye, an angry look. I wonder what his power is? “Ummm” Ahuatzi stammers, he was taken back a bit, he didn’t expect that kind of response well he kinda did Oaklanders are tough but he was hoping he’d have a similar disposition as him. “Nothing really bruh” Ahuatzi said, “I just saw that you registered in the Oakland line and I’m also from Oakland so I just thought I’d,” the kid caught him off. “Naw bruh, I know how things are. You from Oakland, and I’m from Oakland so what that means we gotta be boys?” Ahuatzi felt like the kid was being kinda being hostile so he took a few steps back. “Naw man I’m just trying to be nice.” Ahuatzi replied. “Well naw bruh, I’m going to be the only one from Oakland to come out as one of the best heroes out there and I aint here to make friends so get out of my face before I make you,” the kid said. As he was saying that his bodied started to glow and air was circulating around him. It started as a small gust then it started getting stronger, Ahuatzi took a step back. “Hey man I didn’t mean anything by it.” Ahuatzi said as he was powering up. Ahuatzi really likes the fact that his power doesn’t show off that he is powering of so he has the element of surprise. Ahuatzi just sped up to get out of reach from the kid. “Just stay out of my way kid.” He said to Ahuatzi. We look about the same age fool, Ahuatzi though as he was walking away, I didn’t even get that kids name. Oh well.
The exams were just about to get started. The testing that was being done for the group as set for the ages of 15 to 17. Great Ahuatzi though, I’m not competing against adults. He knows that his abilities could not compete with an adult who has probably had way more time to practice and train. There was a huge turnout for the exam and the test were divided into groups. Crap Ahuatzi though There goes that kid again. Just my luck I end up in the same grouping as him. He’s probably going to sabotage me or something the basterd.
The first part of the exam is a complicated maze but it was no ordinary maze and it came with some conditions. The task was to get across the maze while taking care of a balloon. What the hell do I look like carrying this balloon through a maze it’ll just make it harder for me to fully utilize my power. I know this will teach me how to care for civilians but if I’m trying to win a competition, I have to get to the finish line as fast as I can. The other kid from Oakland has a wind power so I’m sure he can speed up I don’t want to lose to him. The officials were getting everyone lined up. Of course, I’m right next to this guy Ahuatzi thought as he saw the kid right next to him. “Eztli, you may begin!” the officials announced. So that is his name Ahuatzi thought as he watched Eztli launch himself towards the maze using winds to push himself through the maze. It was like watching a falcon fly through being pushed by a gust of wind.
As Eztli made his way though the maze Ahuatzi heard explosions and all kinds of noises coming from the maze. “What the hell is all that noise?!” Ahuatzi exclaimed as he was preparing to take off as well. “This is no ordinary maze, keep your wits about yourself,” said the official. “Well crap isn’t that incredibly dangerous we could get hurt” Ahuatzi told the official. “Being a superhero is tough and dangerous, better get used to it. Good Luck,” said the official. Ahuatzi started powering up while holding the balloon. “I got this” Ahuati said.
Ahuatzi started running at a great speed. He started cutting through the corners of the maze, everything was pretty clear so far, no immediate danger. As he started running faster, spikes were being shot straight at Ahuatzi. “Holy Crap!” Ahuatzi as he dodged the spikes. He almost let the balloon get hit by the spikes but luckily Ahuatzi was faster than what he originally thought. He than started making it halfway through the maze when a giant boulder was released and started making its way to Ahuatzi. Ahuatzi smirked and said “Lets try out my strength”. Ahuatzi focused his energy on his arms and his legs and he stopped the boulder with his bare hands. He then started punching the boulder destroying it with every single punch. He was incredibly strong; his abilities have grown.
Ahuatzi kept pushing through the maze. He was getting closer to the end he could feel it. He turned a few more corners still holding on to the balloon. The balloon still being unscathed. The ground however starting shaking out of nowhere. “What the hell now?!” Ahuatzi yelled. He jumped out the way from the ground that was shaking. From the ground a robot appeared and started attacking Ahuatzi. The robot was very fast and Ahuatzi couldn’t land a single punch and is barely able to protect the balloon. “I got an idea” Ahuatzi said. Ahuatzi than punched the floor lifting a big portion of the floor in the midair. He than started rapidly punching the big portion sending out missiles of cement towards the robot at a very fast speed. The robot couldn’t dodge the attacks and was than broken apart. Ahuatzi made his way to the end of the maze. He saw Eztli at the end of the finish line. “Dam you are slow, I’ve been here for a few minutes already. You are making us Oaklanders look bad,” Eztli exclaimed as he looked down on Ahuatzi. Ahuatzi knew that he may be stronger than him but that wont discourage him to do bad in this exam.
The exam only consisted of two main trials. The maze and one more surprise test. No one knew what the test was going to be. Everyone gathered around as they started to announce the next trial. It was a tournament.
The tournaments main goal was not to have just one winner but to give everyone a chance to showcase their skills in combat. Heroes need to be ready to fight and protect people from villains. The way the fighters were picked was by a random computer shuffle. Ahuatzi name was the first to be picked. Ahuatzi was waiting in anticipation as he awaited who his opponent was.
His opponent was Etzli. Ahuatzi became very anxious he can tell Etzli is very strong and very experienced just by the way he was able to finish the maze so quickly not to mention from the air he was able to create when they met in the beginning of the exam. I’m going to have to really keep my wits about me. I’m not even sure if I can even hold a candle to him at my level Ahuatzi thought I have to think of something fast. I don’t want to lose. The stadium is a big white square raised a few feet from the ground. The rules of the fight were that the fighters are to fight until one is unconscious, yields, or falls out of bounds. He can freaken fly pretty much! How am I suppose to even get near him to land a punch let alone make him hit the out of bounds area.
Ahuatzi made his way into the arena as Etzli also walked up from the opposite end. He had a fierce look on his face and it came with a cold stare. Ahuatzi recognized the look. People in Oakland had the same look in their face. A look of hate and anger. Ahuatzi believed that everyone has the potential to be good but he felt that if Etzli continues to be consumed by hate he will lose himself and lose sight of his goals. Ahuatzi is going to use this fight as a way to reach an understanding with him.
“3!2!1!” yelled the official “Fight!” and so the fight began. Etzli blew air and propelled himself towards Ahutzi at top speeds throwing a punch aimed right towards Ahuatzi’s head. He knows if he had landed that punch it would be an automatic knock out. Ahuatzi powered up and jumped out the way just barely avoiding the punch but even than Etzli reinforced his punch with air so it blew Ahuatzi back. Oh, crap Ahuatzi thought, he just barely grasped the edge of the arena and kept himself from falling out of bounce. “Hey whats the big idea! If I wasn’t fast enough, I would have gotten seriously hurt, I know we are supposed to knock each other out but you can’t just go unloading your baggage on just anyone!” Ahuatzi yelled as he charged at him with his full speed, all strength put into his legs to help him accelerate faster than even Etzli’s speed. Ahuatzi land a small right hook on Etzli. Etzli jumped back after the damage was made. “Baggage you basterd?!” Etzli angrily yelled “We are constantly being looked down on in Oakland! Everyone thinks all we are ever capable of is being criminals and we are written off right from the start without giving us a chance and you and I are both Latino!! Everyone already hates us!! It pisses me off!” In Etzli’s rage he sent a air blast so fast it pierced Ahuatzi’s left shoulder.
Ahuatzi picked himself up bloody and wounded. “I understand that we all have hate towards the world and how they treat us. But just because we are treated so badly doesn’t mean we have to let the hate consume us. We can prove everyone wrong, we can be the change and we can make the difference in the world man,” Ahuatzi said to him barely standing. “We aren’t enemies.” Etzli looked down thoughtfully for a moment. When he looked back up the coldness in his eyes didn’t seem as intense as it was before. Ahuatzi smirked and powered up his body to the maximum amount it can and Etzli did the same. The next attack would end it all. They both charged at each other. Their powers clashed and all that could be seen was dust surrounding the arena.
The dust settled. The arena was completely destroyed and Ahuatzi was on the ground below whatever was left of the arena. Etzli was barely standing in the one little portion of the arena. “The winner of this fight due to out of bounds is Etzli!” This decision was called because Etzli was still standing in the tiny remaining part of the arena. Ahuatzi was unconscious and was taken to the medical facility but his injuries weren’t severe it was all from exhaustion from using his powers.
Ahuatzi regained consciousness and was very dazed. “What the hell happened?!” Ahuatzi exclaimed. The doctor said “You lost your fight with Etzli because after the impact of your guys attack the arena was completely destroyed and you both were blown away but he was able to keep his composure and used his skill to keep himself up on the arena. He’s a good fighter.” Yeah he was. I wonder if he made it to the finals. “Hey fool, I’m right here” Etlzli said as he pulled back the curtain to reveal he was also admitted into the medical facility. “Bruh what happened to you?!” Ahuatzi exclaimed as he tried to move around but was stuck because of the pain. “Hahah bruh you hella weak I wasn’t even trying my 100 percent,” Etzli said laughing. Etzli’s right arm looked badly damaged. Ahuazti wonders how it happened. “Did you make it to the finals bruh” Ahuatzi asked. “Naw, I made it to the semifinals and I was taken out by a guy who’s power was fire. He was able to shoot fire from his hands. But he was just a strong guy, he broke my arm and he didn’t need his flames for that.” “Where do you think he is from? Did you at least catch his name” Ahuatzi asked. “Yeah his name is Guatemoc, I don’t know where he’s from though definitely not Oakland.”
Ahuatzi and Etzli headed to the auditorium of the facility to see the results of who will be accepted into the training facility and have a strong chance to become a hero. To no surprise Ahuatzi and Etzli both made the cut and are accepted into the training course. Also Guatemoc was accepted but he wasn’t the person that won the tournament it was another guy named Marcus.
Ahuatzi was glad he as able to make peace with Etzli. He thought that he made a small impact on someone who was so full of rage that he couldn’t stop being cold. If people can be reached the way Ahuatzi reached Etzli a lot of things can change in the world. Maybe a lot of people could live a better life with less hate and more peace in the world. That Ahuatzi real goal in life. �
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