When describing myself, I wouldn’t say I stand out. My dark brown hair isn’t a dead give away in a crowd, and I’m not very tall. If you saw me, you would probably look right past me trying to find someone else. I have no scars or markings that make me memorable, I am just your average kid. Compared to my best friend Dustin, I am truly invisible.

Dustin Strong is the one girls go crazy for. He is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. He knows it too. In addition to his good looks, he has powers to boot. You might as well sign him up for a tv show, or a movie deal.

Then, there is Rachel Wilson. Her blonde hair instantly draws peoples attention. She has an aura of beauty enveloping her. I would never tell her any of this of course, but she really is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Whenever I step on the bus, people don’t stare at me or go out of their way to talk to me. Those two, on the other hand, draw a crowd wherever they go.

I was nervous that people would be looking for me, but the idea that I would be arrested for changing words on a whiteboard made me laugh. I shrugged the fear off and went to school.

While on the bus no one mentioned the incident from yesterday. I sat there on the bus just wondering if Rachel would be mad at me forever if she found out. It was an accident after all, but still, it was a very confusing class.

As we traveled thru the city on our way to school, we saw all the billboards and advertisements you could have ever imagined. Our city had signs everywhere you looked but one board stood out to me. It was a beer sign with the word “delicious” on it in big capital letters. It reminded me of my uncle who kept getting in trouble with the law for drinking and driving and the word “disgusting” came to mind.

As we continued I had a dangerous thought came to me… “What if I could change the signs…?” I asked myself quietly but quickly squashed the idea. “I’m going to get myself caught if I openly think like that.” And I put my head down the rest of the ride.

My first class that morning was history. When I arrived Dustin was standing next to my desk waiting for me.

“Dude, did you hear about some random who messed with Rachel yesterday?” He asked in an excited voice. Gossip traveled fast in my school like it does in every school, but imagine supers and monsters and it really could make some excellent stories.

“No?” I replied trying to play innocent.

Dustin gave this quizzical look. “Ryder it happened in your class man, you must have had your face buried in your work to not notice. Anyways, whoever it was really jacked up Rachel’s face.”

Maybe I miss heard him. “What do you mean? I thought they only messed with the whiteboard?” I responded somewhat worried.

Dustin smiled at me mischievously, “And I thought you had no idea what happened? You must have missed this though when everyone saw what the whiteboard had said they all looked at Rachel and her face had…” but Dustin didn’t get to finish because the history teacher walked in. Dustin then made a b line for his seat. He quickly looked at me with a non-worried look “Not that it mattered though, with her powers she cleared it right up.”

“Cleared what up?” I asked but Dustin had no chance of answering because the vice principal came in.

“Mrs. Siboot, I apologize for interrupting your class, but I need to take Dustin Strong. He has been accepted into Mountain View Academy, and will be leaving us to receive the finest training in the west.” The vice principal spoke with great anticipation.

The only thing great was the giant hole in my stomach. My best friend was about to leave me. The cheering and shouting in the class as Dustin stood up only made it worse.

He turned toward me and smiled. “ See ya on the flipside Rydo.”

I hated that nickname, but when your best friend uses it knowing he was going to get away with it what can you do. You probably will never see him again, and you can’t help but smile at the playful strategy. “You’re so dumb!” I replied with a chuckle. “You better send me souvenirs .”

And Dustin Strong left the class…

The rest of the class was pretty boring. I did discover though how to take notes more efficiently. I guess my power isn’t that useless when I could just think of what to write on my paper and my homework by writing a line anywhere on the page. The line would come apart and form whatever words I wanted it to. That was also the downside because sometimes my mind wandered.

The next class, I was able to complete our hour-long homework assignment within minutes just by using my power. I figured if I am going to be cursed I better make the best use out of it right?

In Art class is where I decided to have some fun. While the teacher was giving us an art history lesson on some guy and how his art changed the way we see things, I was doing what any typical fourteen years old does in class. I started drawing two stick figures and set them a few inches apart.

As I stared at them I spoke in a deep dark voice. (In my mind it was deep and dark). “FIGHT!” The two stick figures came to life, it was like an animated movie in my art book. They fought with every ounce of lead they had in them. “This is awesome,” I said to myself. “People would pay to see this.” But I knew that I had to keep this a secret.

As classes went on I felt more and more comfortable with my powers. It was actually a lot of fun, but that joy went away quickly as I entered the hallway before lunch.

I saw Rachel Wilson and Dustin Strong standing outside the office, with a man in a grey suit vest and slacks. His hair was long and in a ponytail, he had tan skin and glaring white teeth. He wasn’t skinny, but he was thin. His swagger though as Dustin would say “Was on point.”

The man was looking around the students who were in the halls, he seemed to actually be searching but if he was it didn’t take him long to find what he was looking for. As soon as he turned my direction he looked directly at me.

I pretended not to notice the man and waved at Dustin. Rachel looked in my direction and waved, but I assume she saw one of her friends behind me.

If I didn’t know any better the man that was standing with Dustin and Rachel was walking towards me, he didn’t seem threatening but when living in a world of supers and randoms, it’s best to never let your guard down.

“Hello!” The man said to me. “I was looking for you.” He said with a casual voice. If you could sway someone in your favor just by the sound of your voice, this is the guy who could do it. I was willing to bet this guy never had problems with the ladies.

“You were looking for me?” I asked in surprise.

His reaction wasn’t what I was expecting. “Oh please!” He said in what sounded like a sarcastic you know what I am talking about kind of manner. “You know exactly why I was looking for you, no need to pretend.”

On the outside, I pretended to be calm and collected, but on the inside, I felt like I could faint at any moment. My heart was pounding, “Surely this guy doesn’t know…” “Um, I’m not sure what you mean?” I said in the best brave face I could give.

Maybe I should have given him a confused face because he didn’t waver. He then came close to my ear and said: “Relax! Judging by the way you’re hiding it, you are a random am I correct?”

If the term pale as a ghost is real, then that would be the shade my face went.

“By seeing your reaction, I would say I hit the nail on the coffin. Pardon the analogy.” He then grabbed my arm in a firm but soft manner. “No need to worry, I am a random too.”

My jaw dropped, I was seriously speechless. Standing in front of me was a real life random. I had no idea what to say.

He smiled at me again, and I swear this guy could convince a salesman to buy from him. It was so weird but he had this aura that everything was going to be just fine. Even though he knew my deepest darkest secret.

I assume the man could see that in my facade because he said: “Glad to see you understand.”

“Understand what?” I blurted out.

“You can tell I am here to help you.” He said to me.

He was right, it was like I could feel this guy wasn’t a bad guy.

“So… are you friends with Mr. Strong and Ms. Wilson?” He asked me.

Before I knew it I felt like I could tell this guy everything. What has got a hold of me? “I am, well with Dustin. He’s my best friend. I and Rachel are just classmates. Doubt she even knows my name.”

I couldn’t tell if I thought his smirk was annoying but I felt like he was looking at me like I was a sheep. It felt like he felt bad for me because he knew something I didn’t and just smiled because of how wrong I am. “Suuurrreee…” he said. “Well! That will make things a whole lot easier. I came to pick up Mr. Strong and Ms. Wilson and take them to Mountain view school of the powerful and gifted, I would also like to invite you as well. That is if you’re willing?”

He asked me like I had a choice, in my mind this guy knew I was a Random, and I just found out for myself yesterday. “If I say yes, what will happen to me?” Will, they put me in some kind of monster prevention program?”

He laughed really loudly as if I was doing stand up comedy. I didn’t really understand what was so funny, but apparently, there isn’t a monster prevention program.

“Kid, there is no such thing as a program to stop people from turning bad, our school would teach you how to become a hero. We train the best of the best despite what other schools think, and we are proud of every student who graduates. The powers don’t make the hero, its the heart that makes the hero.”

If there was paperwork to be signed, I would have signed right up then and there. “So I would be like all the other students? No torture chambers or prisons for someone like me?”

“My word kid, what kind of people do you think we are? We want to make you a hero, not a prisoner.” He said to me in a slight shock and discomfort.

“Well? What do say? Would you like to tag along? You don’t have to decide right now but you can ride with us. We have snacks and soda in the limo.” He suggested.

Really all he had to say was a limo and I was game. I followed him back to Dustin and Rachel. If they were surprised I was traveling with them they didn’t show it. Well, Dustin was just glad I got to go with them.

“I never asked you young man but what is your name.” The guy in the suit asked.

“Its Ryder Young sir, and what is yours?”

“My name is Anthony but you guys can call me Tony. We need to hurry up and get into the limo we have a long journey.”

“Where are we headed Mr. Tony?” Dustin asked.

“When we get to the limo we will head to Ms. Wilsons home than yours Mr. Strong,” Tony replied.

We followed him to the limo but everyone in the school was waiting for us. I say us but really I was the third wheel. When we were walking by the students they were all cheering for Dustin and Rachel.

One of Rachel’s friend came hurrying up to us and asked Mr. Tony if she could ride with Rachel since Dustin had me riding with him. Mr. Tony handled it like a seasoned pro though and turned the girl away. I could hear her muttering how unfair it was that I got to go.

When we got into the car I was the only one surprised by how nice it looked. It was like taking an entertainment room and squeezing into a bathroom with nice comfy seats. It had a huge flat screen tv and mini fridge along one side. It had candy and pizza waiting for us. Even chips and a sushi bar. I assume that is more for Tony than for us.

Dustin and I sat next to each other and wasted no time getting food to eat. Rachel in the other sat across from us and picked out her sushi after Tony picked his.

If Rachel was nervous she kept her cool, it almost seemed like she had met Mr. Tony before. When we arrived at her house, her and Mr. Tony got out first. They were greeted by a beautiful blonde woman that I couldn’t help assume was Rachel’s mom.

Tony motioned for me and Dustin to get out of the car. As we stepped out we were invited inside Rachel’s home.

If you described her home in one word, it would have to nothing other then… Wow. There was classy stuff everywhere. If my dad was here he would tell me not to touch anything because if I broke it I couldn’t have afforded to replace it.

Rachel’s mom introduced herself to me and Dustin. She seemed sure of herself but extremely friendly. If I was mistaken it looked like even Tony was nervous around her.

“Thank you for allowing us into your beautiful home Mrs. Wilson,” I said as we stood by the couch.

Mrs. Wilson turned toward me as if she just noticed me fully for the first time. She smiled softly like she was remembering something sweet. “I know who you are.”

At those words a strange reaction occurred, both Tony and Rachel jumped to stop her from saying too much.

Mrs. Wilson laughed at the spectacle she had just started. “Oh stop it you two, it has nothing to do with either of you.”

“How do you know me?” I asked. Have we met before?”

“My name is Shelly, no need to call me Mrs. Wilson. I believe you knew my husband.” She said like it wasn’t really a question.

When she said that I just assumed she meant in general because everyone knew who her husband was. He was the surgeon, a very well known hero who was killed in a rescue mission. Rachel’s dad was known to be one of the best healers in the world.

Shelly continued looking at me like she expected an answer. “Well Mr. Young, do you remember my husband?

“I remember who he was, but I don’t ever remember meeting him.”

Her expression changed slightly. She still had a smile but it was more out of sympathy instead of happiness. “It was a long time ago, but that’s okay.” She turned to Rachel and cleared her throat. “I packed your bags dear they are in your room.”

Rachel left and grabbed her bags. As she came back she kissed her mother and said her goodbye. We all bid farewell and got back into the limo.

We then headed to Dustin’s place. Mr. Strong, (Dustin’s dad) is a coach for the local power team Steel Toe Titans. With all his responsibilities and events he is apart of he is rarely home. When we arrived Dustin told us to just wait in the car. He went inside grabbed his stuff and came back to the car.

“Are you ready D?” I asked him.

“I was born ready for this bro.” He said beaming with confidence. “No really, I was told if I fail this then I’ll become a cleaner for the arena, and if you saw the amount of sweat those guys produce, you would be prepared for this too.” Dustin shivered in disgust.

Dustin and Rachel then looked at Tony, and he just silently sipped his sprite.

“What now Mr. Tony?” Dustin asked.

Tony set down his spirit in the cup holder then looked at me. Now, Mr. Young, shall we head to your house and get your things?”

Dustin stared at Tony then looked at me. “Wait doesn’t Ryder have to go back to school?”

What Dustin didn’t get, Rachel figured out quickly. “Ryder isn’t going back is he Mr. Tony?”

If Rachel knew my secret she never showed any hints, but she isn’t dumb.

“That is up to Ryder, well are you going to join us, Mr. Young? Are you going to enroll at Mountain View Academy?” He asked me without really asking because he knew my answer.

It was a simple question. And by the time we came to this point in the conversation we were already at my house.

“Woe Hold up! Ryder is coming with us? But he doesn’t even have any power… Tell them, Ryder, you can’t go bro it would be suicide.” Dustin suggested.

Rachel just kept looking at Mr. Tony but once in a while I would catch her briefly looking at me. As she contemplated the situation she asked Mr. Tony; “So how bright is Ryder?”

This question confused both me and Dustin but it intrigued Tony. “So you know who I am Ms. Wilson?”

She nodded, and Mr. Tony smiled. “You are really a smart one Ms. Wilson.” Then he turned toward me and Dustin. Well to put it into perspective, you Mr. Strong and you Ms. Wilson are as bright as a flashlight when I look at you. And that is saying something at your age.”

“ You have officially lost me,” I said.

“He has the power to see how powerful people are by looking at them. The brighter the person is the more potential they are.” Rachel responded.

“In an ironic sense you could say I see potential energy,” Tony said.

“I have never heard of that power before, is it rare?” Asked Dustin.

“Very, you could say it’s one of a kind.” Said Tony.

This made Dustin gasp. “ Doesn’t that make you a…”

He was interrupted by Rachel; “A random, and a very well known at that.”

At this point, I was confused. Mainly by ignorance. This guy who see how powerful people are just by looking at them, I wonder how I stack up compared to my best friend and Rachel. My curiosity got the best of me, I mean I figured I was useless with little potential but still when you see a weight scale you step on it wondering if you have grown. I simply just wanted to know my max weight.

“Mr. Tony, when you look at Rachel and Dustin, you see a flashlight. But what do you see when you look at me.”

He smiled, it was like he had all this wisdom and he was just going to barely share it with me. “Well Mr. Young, when I look at you I do not see a flashlight.”

My heart sank, I knew the answer but it still hurt to hear it. Maybe I’ll be lucky and be a firefly.

Tony continued, his smile got even wider though. “Not a flashlight at all, I would say it is more like a… lighthouse.”