Chapter 2: Vortex

That night, Luna lay on her bed, deep in thought. At thirteen, she believes, she coped well with the powers and all. Any other thirteen years old would have gone crazy after all the not-so-normal things. Especially when she can’t tell others.

And Pipo knowing had been an accident.

Since the time her Mom forbade her to mention anything about her presumed abilities. Luna stopped trying to convince others. It was better that way.

But deep down, she wanted answers more that ever.

For years now, she lived with the ability to see the future. And thought it was just that one unique power.

But she was proven wrong. Controlling the elements came to her a few weeks before her Dad's disappearance. Just like how rain pours, it all came to her at once. Like before, she chooses to keep it to herself. Not even Pipo knows.

Because she was scared. Scared of herself. Of the power that is pulsing through her veins. She can feel it.

There was a time, when she wanted to test her new powers and use it to light the stove. Only for the flames to flare up, almost burning their home to ashes.

Luna knows she can't keep it a secret for long. Right then, she made the decision to tell her Dad everything.

She had been looking forward to seeing him. She wanted to ask why she have these... powers. Why she is not like other normal teenagers? Why is she stronger than others? Why does she feel older, so ancient compared to her classmates? Well, with the exception of Pipo.

A hunch told Luna, her Dad knows about her abilities. Even seemed to be anticipating them. The last time he was home for a break, he grilled her with questions. Asking if she noticed or felt any different. Is she able to move objects without touching them? However, she remained silent. Luna was afraid that her parents would get other ideas about her abilities or fear her. Or be terrified to have freak as their daughter.

And just maybe, if Luna had to truly admit it. She was scared to face the truth. Not prepared to a possibility that she was not their child.

So, she brushed off her Dad’s questions and nonchalantly replied, "Dad, I know I am weird. You and Mom are worried that my only friend is Pipo. But you know what, I'm fine. And I will always feel different. Just think about all the grueling training you have been putting me? Is this even normal?! Eh? ".

She thought she sounded convincing enough and saw her Dad shrugged his shoulders and heaved a sigh.

Or so she thought. Because at the end of their Judo session her Dad looked her in the eye with a very serious expression and muttered, "Remember, we are always here for you, kiddo. You can tell us anything. I mean anything. Okay?"

She was not ready at that time and just looked away.

"Yeah Dad, I know".

When she looked back to that day, she regretted not saying anything to her Dad. Now he is gone and she may never have her answers.

Turning her lights off, Luna settled on her bed and closed her eyes to sleep.

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Halfway through the night, Luna awakened to someone calling her name. A voice so sweet, she cannot ignore.

"Luna... Luna, wake up..."

Not fully awake, Luna heard the voice calling in singsong.

"Hmmmm..."

Luna hummed, stirring from her bed. Her comforter sliding off the bed.

Rubbing her eyes awake, Luna sat up and tried to shake off her sleepy head. She instantly noticed the light coming from her window. She stood up and went to look outside.

The wind is loud and strong. The trees are swaying. Its falling leaves whirled away by the wind forming waves and circles in the open air. The light coming from the moon shone bright, illuminating everything.

Then she heard the voice again. This time more urgently.

"Luna... Luna...!"

Her digital clock started beeping. It is already midnight. Then the most bizarre thing happened.

The fallen leaves suspended in mid-air began to swirl, creating a whirlpool. At the center of it is a hole. Luna closed her eyes and looked again. She must be having dreams again.

But no. Her dreams had stopped when her develop a gift of sight. Luna, pinched herself several times, still unconvinced. It left marks and it hurts.

Leaving the window, she hurriedly slips her feet in Spongebob slippers, grabbing her pink Patrick robe on her way out. She maybe weird but she still like stuff similar to any other normal teens.

It was eerily quiet when she walked outside. Running towards the back of their house on the outer part of the forest, she came to an abrupt stop.

The vortex was much bigger up close. She can still hear the faint call for her name. It was, in fact, coming from inside the hole! Luna hesitated but stepped closer to the vortex. Her hair and robe blown to different direction. The wind was getting stronger as she nears the black hole.

Flying leaves grazed her exposed arms but she pushed on. Raising her hand, she tentatively touched the water like center. With a gasp, she pulled her hand back and examined it. Her hand had shortly disappeared inside the vortex!

"If this is real, why did I not see this happening...?"

She was muttering to herself. And as if a beacon the voice came again, more coaxing and sweeter. Luring her to step inside the hole.

"No!"

She shouted shaking her head. Her mind is reeling. A battle is raging inside her. She does not know what lays on the other side. It could be dangerous.

The moon is beaming. Its light giving her ample view of the house and surroundings.

She suddenly thought of her Mom. To simply venture into a strange questionable place is insanity. She has her Mom to think of.

Indecision reign Luna’s heart. But her desire to know more about her abilities is so great. It continuously feed on her deepest yearning to go and seek answers.

May be this is the only way she will discover the mysteries of her life. Anyway, what could happen to her? After all, she has her powers. She’s neither defenseless nor weak.

Curiosity won her over. "I'm sorry, Mom... ".

"Well, here comes nothing."

Taking a deep breath, Luna stepped right into the void.

And she started to fall!

It caught her off guard. She thought she was "walking in" not "falling into" somewhere!

"Ah...!" Screaming, she spread her limbs trying to levitate. She cannot see anything. It was pitch black.

Closing her eyes, she tried to concentrate on using her powers but she kept falling!

Fast!

Luna started to panic.

Just great! She's screwed! Her powers are not working!