Extraordinary Mistakes

May 2028

“How did we get to this point?” an older man asks his two younger accomplices when he steps out of the bus and sees the tumultuous protests that take place.

The demonstration is against the celebration of the Day of Peace. One hundred, maybe two, people hold signs and shout. No peace while deviants live. #notmypresident. Some also hold a photo of a young woman, Emily Roberts, her green eyes are covered with red ink.

Despite the disturbance, the line of people expecting to make it to the ceremony moves peacefully. The city hall employees make sure that everyone who has a ticket passes the gates.

“Hatred,” the younger man replies dryly.

They keep their heads down while passing by and stand as close to each other as they can.

“We used to be considered extraordinary beings. The closest we had to gods walking on Earth. Now we’re nothing more than genetic mistakes,” the younger man continues.

“When you fight for your freedom. You stir the pan,” the woman whispers.

“I think you mean pot,” the younger man says.

They raise their heads when they finally make it to the entrance of the park.

“Happy Day of Peace!” They show their tickets to the employee.

The park raves and buzzes with all the energy. People talk happily, families gather and there are a lot of distinct smells on that beautiful spring morning. There’s popcorn, cotton candy, and chocolates being sold. And to their surprise, also traditional foods from deviants.

Naturally, there is no such thing as deviants’ food. The only thing they share is a genetic modification, which affects a minority of the world’s population. They have no cultural heritage in common and are as diverse as humans. Another misguided effort from the president of the United States of America to work toward acceptance.

The gene has always existed. Why it never become dominant is a matter of much research and has shown no increase in numbers as years go by. Scientists around the world have tried to reproduce it, but have failed. Since 1980s that there is a test for newborns to determine if they have it, even though it only manifests when the children turn seven. An enhanced immunity in all cases, and in some also an ability.

Those three are not guests of honor. In fact, they are infamous deviant terrorists. If anyone recognizes them, they would be immediately arrested. Nonetheless, here they are. In disguise, obviously. Not with the hats and sunglasses, those are only because it’s a scorching day. But by using the ability of one of them, body shifting.

The older man is actually Megan Grant, or as she is known, the Angel of Death. Rachel Moore, the leader of the terrorists, is disguised as the younger man. And Diego Álvarez chose to hide his identity as the woman.

They slowly walk up to the stage, which is on the eastern end of the park, nearby many residential buildings.

Children run by. With t-shirts with the face of the young woman that the protests held. A band plays, the first deviant-human band from the United States of America. Social media fills with hateful comments and as soon as they are posted, they are immediately deleted.

“Such an amazing show!” the presenter congratulates as the band walks off the stage, “please give your warmest welcome to the president of the United States of America, the president of the Institute, Madeleine Clark! And... Emily Roberts!”

They walk up to the stage and everyone in the audience cheers. The three terrorists pretend to be excited as well and clap.

Emily Roberts waves enthusiastically with her right hand, in her wrist there’s a blue bracelet similar to a smart watch.

Madeleine Clark stands next to her smiling as well and pointing to Emily’s bracelet. The Institute that Madeleine runs is a private and public founded organization that educates and employs deviants with abilities from the United States of America and abroad. There, deviants are taught how to properly use their abilities and scientifical developments in the name of peace are made.

“We love you, Emily!” Someone in the audience waves a sign with her face. This one without any red ink on it.

“Thank you, it is such an honor to be he-”

Emily’s smile disappears for a second when she’s interrupted. Only for a second. It comes back easily when she notices the cameras on her.

“It is. Emily is an example to follow! The world’s most powerful deviant wants to live in peace with us humans. Fun fact, everyone! Emily is more talented than Ariston himself!” Madeleine claps at her own speech.

More powerful than Ariston? This puppet? Rachel, still disguised as the young man, lowers her sunglasses. Despite the distance, she can perfectly see Emily on the stage.

Ariston was a powerful element controller in ancient times. He saved many lives when he stopped a tsunami from hitting the shore. Emily Roberts is not an element controller and there’s no records of Ariston’s levels to compare to hers.

“We are here today to present the newest invention of the Institute. The bracelet on Emily’s wrist stops deviants from using their abilities. It can be quite painful, and we don’t want to hurt our dear Emily, right?” Madeleine laughs.

“That wouldn’t be necessary!” The president of the United States of America adds with a laugh.

The audience shouts no.

Diego, still disguised as a woman, rolls his eyes and looks at Rachel that taps her foot and smiles. Megan, on the other hand, still an old man, just focuses on the stage.

“This is a monumental step toward a more peaceful future. May we never be at war again!” The president of the United States of America shouts and the audience claps, some in tears.

Rachel sighs, grabs from her fanny pack and older phone and texts do it.

The screen behind both presidents and Emily begins playing an apparent live stream video. Rachel Moore, in her true appearance, wearing a white dress all splattered with red ink, is in the center. On her left side is Megan and on the other side Diego.

“Happy Day of Peace, my fellow citizens!” Rachel smiles from ear to ear.

At first, silence fills the audience. Some begin weeping, others shout. Rachel opens her mouth widely, Diego pretends to hyperventilate, Megan stays frozen. The president of the United States of America holds his hand, preventing it from shaking. Madeleine Clark keeps looking around the stage and moves closer to Emily. Who just stands there, shoulders and head tall, with tears beginning to form on her green eyes.

Devil! I knew you’d try to ruin this day. Her heartbeat begins pounding.

“Peace for those who believe-” Rachel continues.

Out of nowhere, a gunshot fires and no one sees it coming until it the president of the United States of America falls to the floor of the stage, bleeding. The agents near him react immediately and take cover for him.

Madeleine Clark freezes when she sees the blood pouring out of him, filling the floor. The people on the audience scream louder than before and start to rush out of there.

The video from the terrorists keeps playing on the background, but Rachel’s speech is no longer understandable because of all the noise.

How... where... focus... Emily takes a deep breath. I have to save everyone. She focuses on her ability, telekinesis. Another deep breath. She accesses it and time slows down for her. Another gun shot is fired in their direction, but this time, she sees it coming and stops it.

An electric shock goes through her entire body. Something she never felt before. It was as if she was connected to a power outlet that she couldn’t turn off.

They said it wouldn’t hurt. Madeleine Clark promised, her father promised, the president of the United States of America promised. They all did. Of course, she was also told she wouldn’t have to activate her ability today, only show the bracelet.

Pull it together... this pain is nothing. Focus on the bullets. She bites her lip and begins bleeding from it.

“Turn off the bracelet!” Madeleine runs off the stage and shouts at her secretary. Her security detail form a circle around her.

Emily sees Madeleine running off. You coward.

Another shot, this time against a child in the first row, Emily holds it. Takes several deep breaths. Tries her best to ignore the pain. Another shot. Once more, she keeps it from hitting someone. Sweat runs down her face, the bleeding from her lip continues, she curls her fists.

Don't give up. Everyone is counting on you.