New Home

They proceed to travel, first going west through the US. The ritual circles the globe, occurring in many different countries. There are times where it can happen twice or more on the same continent depending on the size. Two cycles ago, it was in Japan, and the last was on the American east coast. It’s abnormal to go from east to west, but he’s sure it will happen here again. It’s just a matter of where.

Chase and Hope used the same mode of transportation, typically train or bus, then stayed in different places once arriving. Since Hope refused to carry any sort of communication device, Chase had to search for her every time he was ready to move.

Frustrated by this process, he set a deadline of 10 days in each area. If neither of them found an ally by that point, they would move on. With Hope walking the streets with her weapon in hand, that should be more than enough time.

Though it’s not as if Chase didn’t do anything either. The sword may make it easy to find allies, but that option wasn’t always available. He used the old fashioned method: searching for and speaking with those who have yet to find their place.

After 6 months of traveling, by mid-March, they settled in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Although known to have harsh winters, it warmed up considerably even here in the north. It’s still 43° F which they both consider coat weather.

Today is a rare day where Hope is walking alongside Chase. Normally she would have run off on her own by now, but she’s never been to another country before and looks around at everything in awe. Of course, Chase doesn’t complain. He would have preferred this from the start.

Hope suddenly stops and looks up at the buildings they’re about to pass. It’s a set of 10, 2 story brick homes that are connected side by side and line the street. She’s seen plenty of buildings like this outside of Philadelphia. Compared to the others, these remind her the most of home.

Chase notices her interest, “You like it?”

“Yes.”

She gave a simple answer, but he could see a glimmer in her eyes as she said it. That settles it, Chase will look for one he can rent, and maybe she’ll be willing to stay with him.

After two days of searching, he successfully finds one on 102 Street NW. Chase invites Hope over right away so she knows where he will be staying. He always did this when they moved. Hope was the one who refused to share where she settled down. She wouldn’t visit him even once either.

“I’ll be renting this place for now. I don’t know if we’ll be staying here for long, but the landlord forced me to sign an 8 month contract and pay two months upfront.” Chase whines.

It’s normal to pay a deposit, but until now, he was able to negotiate a 1 or 2 month contract. This owner proved too difficult.

He looks at Hope who, similar to the other day, has her eyes glued to the building. When it seems as if she’s about to step towards it, Chase’s voice pulls her back.

“Did you find a place yet?”

Hope is about to open her mouth, but finds it difficult to say what she wants. She wouldn’t be asking for much. Her hesitation comes from barely interacting with people over the hundred years she was alone. Even though she’s been traveling with Chase for months now, to rely on him is–

She shakes her head as if to throw those thoughts away. She looks at Chase with an expression filled with child-like innocence.

“Is it okay if I stay here?”

“Of course!” he says, smiling from ear to ear.

**********************************

The security system that originated in the US, ‘New Chronicle’, was installed in Edmonton 32 years ago. When localized, the government changed the name to the ‘Royal Guard’. Even with a different name, it was exactly the same: security cameras on each corner, chips implanted in people’s wrists. The biggest difference is, they allowed people the choice to use chips and were more lenient to its use from the start.

The home Chase is renting has the system installed on the front door, but he didn’t pay extra to use it since there would be no point. Even with an 8 month lease, he only plans to stay here for 10 days.

Now knowing he’s capable of renting such a nice place, Hope wants to question where he gets the money to afford it, but is afraid of the answer.

Chase and Hope kept to themselves, simply greeting one another in the morning and at night. After finally getting her to move into the same residence, he didn’t want to push her boundaries.

Going out into the city day after day, it seems like a fruitless endeavor like every other place they’ve been to. Then, on the 9th day, she meets their first ally.

Sitting on a bench is a young man in his early 20s, wearing dark sunglasses with a walking stick leaning against his leg. He’s been blind for 7 years now, only able to see people and objects as ‘shadows’ or ‘outlines’, which is the best way he can describe it. He started living on his own 6 months ago and has been looking for a job to support himself. So far, it’s been more difficult than he imagined.

His gaze is directed toward the ground, practically lamenting his entire existence. He whispers under his breath, “If I can’t find a job in 2 weeks–”

All of a sudden, something catches his eye. Instead of the usual shadow, there’s a long object glowing of white. He turns his head to follow as it moves further and further away. Afraid of losing it, he shouts “Wait!” and reaches out to grab it, but falls to the ground.

Now on his hands and knees, he can’t help laughing at himself. “What the hell am I doing?” Seeing something as white and not a shadow, it makes no sense, making him assume he’s seeing things.

“Are you alright?”

Hearing a feminine voice, he looks up to see a shadow getting close and to their left is that white object. Rather than accept their help, he reaches for the object once more and grips it tight.

“What…is this?”

“So you can see it.” Although this is the moment Hope has been waiting for, she groans. “My name is Hope and this is a sword that seeks potential.”

Hope helps the man stand, observing the joy plastered on his face. When he’s about to speak, she asks him to wait for her roommate to explain what she means.

She guides the young man to their current lodging on the chance that Chase will be home to explain everything properly. Hope was the last to join the saviors so she can only go by what she remembers, which is limited to a strange classroom, a man exiting a hidden door, and the beauty of a person’s soul. That may just confuse him.

She knocks on the door and a few seconds later, Chase is there to greet them. He spots the man waiting at the bottom of the steps and asks,

“Who’s this?”

“I found one.” Hope says.

He welcomes them both inside and they go into the living room to talk. The man introduces himself as if it’s an interview. His name is Theo Leblanc, a 22 year old who currently resides a short distance into the city. He isn’t working at the moment, but is actively looking for employment, adding that he is very skilled in many areas. Chase chuckles at his enthusiasm.

“Well this isn’t a job per say. It’s more like volunteer work.”

“Volunteer for what?”

Chase hums and bluntly says, “To destroy the world.”

Hope is surprised he would describe their mission as such. It is true she never considered what happens, only knowing they are trying to prevent something. If humanity’s sins aren’t erased through the ritual, does it lead to self destruction?

“Sort of, anyway. Our mission-” Chase tries to clarify before he’s interrupted.

“I’ll do it.” Theo says. “Destroy the world. Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

“Do you mind if I ask why?”

Theo became blind due to head trauma from an accident. He was approved for disability payment, but his father would take most of it for himself. Theo tried to save what he could without him noticing.

Once he had enough money, he moved out to avoid dealing with his father anymore. To his surprise, his father didn’t go after him. Not that he cared either way. Theo continued to receive disability payments, but it wasn’t enough to support him living on his own. Not to mention, he’s been struggling to get a job and is now at the end of the rope.

“My savings is almost dry and I’ll soon be evicted. ‘Equal opportunities’ my ass. No companies are giving me a chance.” he changes his tone, “That’s why, in exchange for a place to stay and food, I’ll do whatever I can. Even destroy this world.”

“I think this will work out nicely.” Chase smiles and nods, “Being able to see the sword signifies a person having a latent ability. The potential Hope mentioned. In her case, she was granted superspeed. If you’re ready, I can wake it.”

Once again without hesitation, Theo agrees. Chase approaches him and places his hand on his forehead. He closes his eyes and whispers “exsuscito”. His body is engulfed in a white cloud as energy surges through his body, making him feel excitement.

“That was amazing!!” he says as he watches it dissipate.

“Your ability should awaken in the morning so for now, just head home and rest. Let’s meet at the park between 106 and 107 Street, that’s close to where you live, right? We’ll sort everything else out then.”

Theo waves before walking out, promising to meet at the park. Once he’s out of sight, Hope repeats Chase’s words from earlier,

“ ‘Destroy the world’?”

“Do you not like that idea?” Chase asks with a mischievous smile.

“It’s not that. I just…”

“I meant that figuratively. Though it’s not like we’re saving it either.”

Chase opens the curtain by the front window with a sigh. Hope is puzzled by his reaction. She figured he would be excited to have found their first ally. Now they won’t have to travel nor worry about missing anyone.

Well, there’s no point in figuring it out. Hope still has one goal in mind: Michael.

**********************************

The next morning, Theo opens his eyes and is shocked to see more than mere shadows. Although everything is still blurry, there’s definitely an improvement. He can make out the blue blanket on his bed, the wooden headboard behind him, the surrounding gray walls, and the kitchen table in the other room.

He raises his palms towards his eyes, with them becoming more clear the closer he gets, and touches his face to make sure it’s the same as before. Nothing feels different. Is it just his vision that changed?

Looking at a photo on the wall, he squints in an attempt to see it better, but that results in it seeming as if his eyes are right up against it. Zooming in so to speak.

He shakes his head from the sudden change and when he looks again, it’s blurry once more. He assumes this is linked to his newly awakened ability. Does it allow him to see from a distance? To spot the tiniest of details? Regardless, his vision is far better than it has been the past 7 years.

Tears of joy stream down his face and he raises his arms to cheer, laughing as loud as he can.

**********************************

A few hours later, Chase is at the park. He doesn’t have to wait long as he spots Theo wandering in his direction. However, instead of sunglasses and a walking stick, he’s sporting regular glasses and a gleaming smile as he takes in the scenery. When he reaches Chase, he blurts out,

“This ability-”

“Eagle Eye.” Chase says with his usual smile, “To be able to see long distances. Though it looks like it repaired your sight too.”

“These are reading glasses so they only do so much. I plan to order a better pair later today, but this really is amazing! I never imagined I’d be able to see anything again. I can’t thank you enough!”

“No thanks necessary. I look forward to working with you.” Chase holds out his hand.

“Likewise.” Theo says, shaking in return.

Hope chose not to join in and is watching from an adjoined sidewalk. This is the first time she witnessed someone’s ability awaken other than her own. To think it could create a miracle. Though the abilities could technically be considered miracles on their own. Or if this is part of his potential, does that mean there was a way to recover his vision and he hadn’t come across it yet?

Hope suddenly gets a splitting headache. “It doesn’t matter to me.” Hope tells herself before walking away. According to Chase, there are still at least 2 allies left to find. She wants to get this over with so she can continue her real mission.