Who Am I?

Casper Henderson

Rex saunters confidently over to the tree and reaches his hand to grab the branch and screams in pain.

“OW! Theres some kind of force blocking me!” He yelps.

“Oh, sure. ‘Real man.’” Dane guffaws.

“Only Casper will be able to do it… he is so strong.” Jem says, her voice sounding rather huskily. She bats her eyelids furiously. I look at her with a concerned expression before returning my focus back to the tree.  I decide to take a logical approach, and walk straight up to the tree with my hand outstretched. It touches softly against a hard surface. After a few minutes of poking and prodding I turn around to expectant faces.

“Yup. There’s a barrier.” I say flatly.

“Why the hell would there be a barrier around a tree?” asks Dane, frustration in his tone.

“For the protection of the human race.”

We all spin around, wondering where this voice has come from. We see a lean leg merge from behind a tree, and another. Our mouths drop in horror.

“That… that’s a deer.”

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We don’t move. We don’t speak. We all stand glued to the spot, staring at this deer who has just spoke to us.

The deer doesn’t seem too phased.

“Do any of you speak? Master said you may be simple creatures…” the deer states.

Carmel speaks up.

“US? Simple creatures? We are the smartest beings on the planet!” she says defensively.

“He also said you may have tempers.” The deer chuckles. Again, I take the logical point.

“Um, excuse me, Mr Deer, could you may be explain what’s happening?” I ask politely.

“Yes, but call me Xavier, not Mr Deer.”

“Oh, um sure Mr… Xavier.” I respond.

“Better. So, where shall I start? Oh, I know! Welcome, to Wildefell.” He says, a proud look upon his face.

“Cool intro dude, but that tells us barely anything. Details!” Yells Rex, frustrated.  The deer sighs, and continues talking.

“As you may have noticed, peculiar things have beginning to happen to you. And this is not the first time it has happened to you either. Passing out, I mean. You five are special. Rare breed. One of a kind. You all possess extraordinary powers.”

“We do? Because honestly, I think you may have me confused…” Carmel starts, but the deer interrupts her.

“You know nothing. I am wise, and you are learning. You all possess planets, and the gods of those planets are within you. You can perform amazing feats, coming from the traits of your gods.”

“Dane Ericson, you possess” the deer is interrupted by Jem.

“How did you know his name?” she yelps.

“We have been waiting for you for a long time. How could we not know your names?” he replies with a shocked expression.

“Waiting for us?” I ask.

“Yes. Ancient legend states that five heroes would be born the same year. Then, once all of them had turned sixteen, the end of the world would come. All of you need a small amount of training, but you are mentally ready. The world is being threatened by three others, also born the same year as you. The cherry tree,” he gestures behind himself “holds the power to human life. These three other humans want to destroy it.”

“How do you know all this?” I ask

“We have been waiting for thousands of years. Our whole lives have revolved around waiting for you.” Xavier responds, and continues explaining our powers.

“Dane Ericson, you possess Jupiter. Jupiter is represented by Zeus, leader of the gods. Therefore you are the leader of your… friends. You have super strength and are able to withstand large amounts of force. Jem McBain, the beautiful one. Your planet is Venus, hence your inner god is Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. You hold siren-like abilities, such as luring men in, and morphing skills. Rex Henderson, you epitomise the planet mars, and you represent Ares, god of war. You do not have an ability per se, more an object of power. You have a multipurpose weapon which can form into nearly anything. Carmel, you hold the power of Neptune, the god is Poseidon. You have the power over water and you can turn into a mermaid. And lastly, Casper, you withhold the power of Mercury, so your god is Hermes, messenger to the gods. You have the ability to mind read, and pass on messages telepathically. You are expected to protect our world and yours. Any questions?” Xavier asks. There is a small pause and then we all start talking at once.

“I can’t save the world I’ve got cheerleading?”

“Are sure I’m the right guy? I can barely lift 20 pounds!”

“I don’t have time! I have to study!”

“Um, No. I’m the star foot baller! People EXPECT, no, people NEED me to be at the games!”

“I’ll do it.”

We all turn and look at Rex, who non-committedly shrugs his shoulders.

“What? I’m bored, and I don’t want to die.” He says, tipping his head.

“Well that’s fantastic that at least ONE of you are slightly enthusiastic. But, you don’t have a choice in the matter. You are PERMITTED to do it. The world is depending on it. You have one week to adjust and hone your powers. Also, you are not close. Organise some time to bond. Good bye now.

“WAIT! We need to know more!” Dane yells, but its useless. My vision is disappearing and I can feel that everybody else’s is too.

I wake up, back in the classroom.