@calellory @Syguy20132
I can do both of your stuff still! Originally, I thought I could have it done by today, but school's kind of beating me up right now. I'll try to get it done on Friday and Saturday. Is that okay? My apologies!
That's a-ok with me!
So, here it is!
Chapter 1: Burning Flames
It had been a month since Jason was released from Central Midtown Juvenile Center. His hair was now dark brown. His eyes had also become darker. They were now a slightly darker brown than they were before. Jason sat in his english class, looking through his notes for the part that he needed. The class was taking a test, and Jason was happy that he was allowed to use any notes that he had on any test or quiz.
*Thank God for IEPs.* Jason thought. He had been trying to remember the names of the survivors from Stephen King’s *Under the Dome*. He knew that *Dale “Barbie” Barbara* and *Julia Shumway* were two of the survivors, but he was having trouble naming the last two required for full credit on the question. He sat flipping through his notes.
“You’re cheating!” Someone spat out, but Jason didn’t pay them any attention. He finally found what he was looking for; a full list of the twenty seven survivors. You got extra credit if you could list all of them. Knowing this, Jason wrote the names down. He then had to write a paragraph of the differences between the book and its TV counterpart. Luckily, he had been avidly watching the show and had made mental notes of the differences. He still located the list of them in his notes.
“You’re cheating!” Someone said again.
*I swear, the next time I hear that, I’m going to explode.* Jason thought. He flipped through his notes until he had found the section that compared *Jim “Big Jim” Rennie* to Hitler, for he came to a part on the test that wanted him to give the similarities between these two men. He was scanning the similarities when he again heard somebody accuse him of cheating on the test. He stood up quickly, his papers went flying through the air along with his pencil and binder. He had flipped the desk and his chair. The desk had scorch marks on it, and Jason’s chair was melted. All eyes were now on him, including the teacher’s.
“I’ve had it up to here with people saying *‘you’re cheating’!* First off, I am *not cheating!* My IEP states that I can use *any* and *all* notes that I have on *any* and *all* tests, quizzes, *or* exams! Secondly, who the hell are *you* to accuse *me* of *cheating* when you yourself are looking over at someone else’s test?” Everyone was staring at him in shock. He had become known as ‘Jason the Silent’, for he wouldn’t speak at all unless he had something to say, or if he were talking to his friends.
*“Mister Flayme!* Pick up your things, hand in your test, and meet me in the hall. The rest of you, not a word. Resume your tests, and don’t trade answers. I will be standing by the door. If I hear anyone talking or trading answers, they’ll automatically fail the test!” Mister Stockton said. He was strict, but fair, and this made him the best teacher in employment at East Midtown High. He had a thick head of brown hair, brown eyes, and a stern face. The girls of the school all had a crush on him. He happened to be one of Jason’s favorite teachers. He walked out into the hall, and held the door open for Jason. He let it close once Jason was in the hall.
“Jason, what was that about?” Mister Stockton asked. Jason stood facing his teacher.
“I heard someone say that I was cheating three different times, Mister Stockton.” Jason said.
“Why did you react the way that you did?”
“I got angry. In every class that I have a test, quiz, or exam, somebody always accuses me of cheating, and I’m sick and tired of it! Some of my other teachers have even tried to write me up for it, but they would fail when I would remind them of my IEP. If they wouldn’t listen to me, I’d go to my caseload worker, and they’d go have a meeting with said teacher.” Mister Stockton stood and let Jason rant. He knew that it would be good for him to let out most, if not all of what he had problems with.
“Jason, I’m not going to write you up. While you were right in telling them off, you should’ve went about it in another much calmer way.”
“Then what is my punishment, Mister Stockton?” Mister Stockton stood and thought for a while.
“I’m going to talk to the custodian responsible for cleaning this part of the building. You are to come to school an hour early tomorrow morning, and you will personally clean my room.” Mister Stockton opened the door. “Now *army crawl* to the office, Mister Flayme!” He winked at Jason after saying that, and walked into his classroom. This was Jason’s cue for him to go to the place that he’d be able to calm down at. While Jason was walking he could hear Mister Stockton biting into the rest of the class. He smirked at this, for they would get a punishment far worse than his own. Jason walked down the hall, and entered the so called ‘abandoned’ part of the building. It was actually a separate building from the one that he had exited. He sat down, and tried to calm himself. He sits there until the time that the bell would ring.
He got up, and went to his locker. People were standing at a distance from him. He grabbed his gym bag, and went to the class that he didn’t like the most. He changed into a black t-shirt, black shorts, and put on black tennis shoes. He walked out into the large gymnasium, and tried to ignore the looks of contempt that he was getting. News spread like wildfire in that school, and word had gone out about his outburst in Mister Stockton’s class. People were whispering about him, but he could hear them. He was so glad that this was the class that he had to go to before one of his favorites, which was art.
“There’s Jason the Silent. Did you hear about what he did in Mister Sexy’s class?” A girl asked her friend.
“Yeah, he flipped out! I heard that he threw a chair at Katie Smyth.” Her friend said.
“I heard that he had tried to punch Mister Stockton.” A boy said. Jason found this amusing, for he sickly enjoyed that people feared him. Those that were friends with him knew that he would do no such thing. He stood in his place for attendance. Misses Hert walked out of her office. She had dark hair that fell to the small of her back. She was of a medium height, and was healthy for her age. She walked along the floor holding her clipboard, and would occasionally pause to ask someone where their gym clothes were. She went to the sports room, and came back out with a basket of jerseys and a ball.
“Today we are going to play full-court basketball, but first, your daily exercises.” She said. The class took to the walls, and did their stretches. One of Jason’s friends, Brandon Singer, took lead of the stretches that day. Brandon, like Jason, wore dark clothing. His dark brown hair looked black under the fluorescent lighting, and he was tall for his age.
“Left!” Brandon’s deep voice bellowed. Everyone started to swing their left leg as Bryan counted to twenty.
“Caterpillar, pushups, and situps.” Everyone took to the floor and stood bent over to touch the floor. Jason had recommended that they do their push ups while doing the caterpillar at the same time. They would do a pushup before going back to their bent over position.
“Alright, five minutes of running!” Misses Hert bellowed out. There was a collective groan from the students, yet they hobbled along into a jog. Misses Hert decided to join them during the five minutes of running. “Cry babies!” She yelled. Jason was running next to one of his friends, Addrea Toney, who he was attempting to touch. They both detested their gym class, and had come up with a way to make it somewhat enjoyable for them. They would play tag during the running time. Addrea had brown hair, and was shorter than Jason. She wore a white t-shirt and blue shorts. They decided to give themselves a rest from their running game, and slowed to a walk. Misses Hert passed them three times during their walk.
“Flayme, Toney, kick it in gear!” Misses Hert yelled. Addrea started to protest, but Misses Hert wouldn’t hear it.
“We might as well jog, so that she don’t yell at us again.” Jason suggested. Addrea thought this over, and accepted. They both went into a light jog. Other people passed them, but Brandon decided to join them.
“How ya guys doing?” He asked.
“Alright, I guess.” Addrea responded.
“We’d be better off if Misses Nag would lay off of us.” Jason said. This had become a name for Misses Hert when she either wasn’t paying attention to them or nowhere around them. Misses Hert blew her whistle, and then everyone lined up against a wall. There were thirty students in that hour, so Misses Hert decided to evenly split them for sports games. Jason hated playing basketball and anything that wasn’t dodgeball or poison ball. He was great at those games, for he would trust his instincts and quickly move out of the balls’ way. He usually wound up being one of the last few still in the game if they were playing dodgeball.
“Sammy Wintergreen and Mary Mackay are the team leaders.” Misses Hert said. A boy and a girl walked out onto the gym floor in front of the rest of their classmates. The boy, Sammy, was muscular and one of the jocks. His blue eyes shined brightly against his tanned skin. Mary had hair that she had dyed dark red. She was a foot shorter than Jason was, whom stands at a height of six feet, seven inches.
“Misses Hert.” Sammy called out.
“Jessie McMair.” Mary said. Jessie had shoulder length dark curly hair that tended to hang in her eyes.
“Jack.” This was the very same Jack that had been friends with Jason back in elementary. His hair is shorter than it was in the past, and he had started to wear fashionable clothing. In fact, he would help set the latest trends. He was on all the sports teams, and was lusted after by not only the girls, but some of the guys as well. He was one of the ‘popular kids’.
“Jane.” Jane, Jack’s twin, was the object of many a guy’s dreams, but was furiously watched over by her brother. As a result, the guys were scared to ask her out. Jack had his own, unspoken list of those that he’d let date her, and if they were to do anything to hurt her, there’d be hell to pay. Jack had become a bully to Jason. He’d call Jason a loser, fire starter, psycho, pyro, jailbait, and a slew of other things. Jack would also tell Jason that he’d never be good at anything, that he was stupid, and that he’d never have a girlfriend. All of these deeply angered Jason, but not as much as how gym class ever would.
“Katie.” Sammy called. Katie had long blonde hair, and beautiful brown eyes. She was one of the ‘in between kids’. The in between kids were those that had just enough friends to be between the losers and the populars. This was where Jason and most of his friends fit at on the social food chain of school life.
“Jessie Newkirk.” Mary said. A girl wearing jeans and a laced top over a blue shirt walked over. There were just four more people to choose from. Jason, Addrea, Brandon, and Alex McMair. Alex was a part of the so called ‘geek squad’ of the school. He had a kind soul, and loved anything that was otherworldly. Science fiction and fantasy were his expertise. He could often be found reading about supernatural beings, or even drawing them. His light hair fell over his eyes, and he wore an orange shirt with blue shorts and neon green shoes.
“Brandon.” Mary called after thinking it over for a while.
“Alex.” Sammy said. This left Jason and Addrea as the last two to be picked from. Unless they were the team leader, they’d usually end up being the last ones chosen for a team.
“Here we go again, Addie.” Jason said.
“Yeah. Remember, just care about your grades, nothing else.” Addrea told him. Jason nodded. They had preferred being on the same team, and would act like one during dodgeball, poison ball, or when they were in the weight room.
“Addrea.” Mary said after struggling with trying to decide. She wanted to go with what she knew, for she was one of the more competitive students in that class. While she knew that Jason was tall, and would be great for passing the ball, she also knew that Addrea would be able to weave through the other players unnoticed. This would allow Addrea to get to the hoop and score baskets. Jason knew immediately which team that he was on; Sammy’s.
The game began, and Jason had tried to get the ball in his possession several times. The other players on his team ignored him, even when he was completely open for a pass and basket. There were some on his team that would try to get him more involved in the game, but other players would get in the way.
“Jason, get your butt movin’! Play the game!” Misses Hert would occasionally blurt out.
“I am!” Jason would blurt back. This always happened when Misses Hert had them play a sports game. Jason started to get angry, and as the game progressed, he got even more angry. Misses Hert had repeated her ‘play the game’ mantra three times by then. Jason’s anger rose, and the basket ball burst.
“What the hell?” Jack said.
“What did you just say?” Misses Hert asked him as she went to grab a replacement ball.
“Nothing!” Jack said.
“Good, watch the language!” Misses Hert said as the game resumed.
After ten minutes of the usual, Jason gave up on trying to get the ball, and went to sit against one of the walls.
“Jason, what are you doing? Get out here and play the game!” Misses Hert said. Jason refused, and just stayed sitting where he was. He had placed himself next to one of the doors that led outside. The air coming through felt good against his hot skin.
“Jason, get out here and play the game!” Misses Hert repeated. This, along with other things, made Jason’s temper rise. He was angry with those that wouldn’t let him play the games. He was angry that Misses Hert wouldn’t listen to him. He was angry that despite the fact that he was passing the class, Misses Hert acted like he was failing. Some of the overhead fluorescent lights flickered, but nobody payed that any attention, for they would occasionally do that. As Jason’s anger rose, the replacement ball burst open.
Addrea, Brandon, Mary, and Jessie N. came over to sit or stand next to the flow of cool air that blew through the crack between the doors. There was a small waste basket in the gymnasium for people to spit their gum out. There were also some power outlets in the gymnasium for other appliances, such as a projector. The school would rarely watch movies in the gym. The waste bucket sat next to one, and was currently on its side, its mouth opening to the power outlet.
Nobody but Jason had seen what happened. A spark flew out of the power outlet and into the wastebasket. A thin wisp of smoke slowly wafted up from the basket. Jason, remembering the horrific scenes of the fires that he had created, leapt up, and went outside. He didn’t warn anyone of the impending peril. The sprinklers in the building were still being repaired, for parts of the newer building were still being built.
“Jason Flayme, you get back in here this instant, young man!” Misses Hert yelled after him. It was something that his mother would yell when he’d leave the house before he was kicked out. Nobody inside was paying attention, for their game had again continued. Soon, Jason could hear people inside the gym yelling. He watched as Addrea, Mary, Brandon, and Jessie N. came rushing outside. Smoke followed behind them. People were yelling, some, it sounded like, in pain. A few more people managed to get outside before the flames blocked the exit. The school’s fire alarm eventually went off, and people, students and staff alike, came flooding out of the other areas of the school.
Flames shot out some of the windows in the gymnasium. People scurried to get further away when the first explosion happened. It was followed by two more explosions. Some of the onlookers were caught in the aftermath of these explosions. As the heat from the blaze rose, people moved back, for the heat was too much for them to bare. Flames soon engulfed the gymnasium portion of the school. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars could be heard in the distance.
As the first of the fire trucks arrived, firefighters went hard to work to fight the inferno. A total of five fire trucks came out, followed by three police cars, and two ambulances. They weren’t sure how many paramedics would be needed. The firefighters could do nothing but keep the blaze in check. Onlookers gawked in horror as the school burned. Parts of the roof collapsed, and the flames reached higher into the sky.
Jason noticed that there were people missing from the crowd, and knew that they were either trapped in the raging inferno, or already dead. Despite the torment that he had endured at the hands of others, he was hoping against hope that everyone would somehow come out alive. He was hoping that all of those that he had called his friend at some point in his life had made it out to the safety of the warm, late spring afternoon day. Jason watched, just like everyone else, in horror as the building was eaten up by the burning flames.
Chapter 2: Framed
Flames shot outward from the now caved-in roof and broken windows. The fire spread to other parts of the school, making it even more difficult for the firefighters to gain control over the blaze. The fire burned hot. Students, teachers, and firefighters alike watched as the flames eat the building.
*How did this happen?* Jason thought. He knew that his powers hadn't been the cause of this particular fire. This only left the youth confused. Jason was relieved when he saw Addrea and Katie walking over to him.
“This is horrible and awesome at the same time!” Addrea exclaimed. “I heard the principal talking about how it’d be best to send us home.”
“She’s right though. I mean we can’t just continue on with the rest of the school day as usual now can we.” Katie said.
“Besides that, there could possibly be people trapped in the rubble.” Jason said somberly. The three fell quiet for a while.
“Hey *Matches!*” Someone yelled out through the crowd.
“Oh no, not this jackass.” Jason said, a look of dread coming over his face. As if on cue Jack emerged limping his way through the crowd of people. His clothes were now disheveled and he was covered in soot.
“Thought that you’d get out of gym by starting a fire, didn’t you, Firestarter!” Jack said in a snobbish manner. Jack was limping on his right leg. “How many fires does this make it now; 12? 15? You’re lucky that they haven’t locked you up and thrown away the key yet, Flame-boy.” Jack said, adding emphasis on ‘lame’.
“I didn’t start this fire, *Jackson.*”
“Pfft, yeah right! I bet that you did it just so that you wouldn’t have to have gym class ever again!” Jack taunted.
Jason could feel himself getting angrier and angrier by the moment. He could feel the heat rising inside him along with his anger. Jason, without realizing what he was doing, moved forward, and went to strike at Jack.
“Heh, piccola scintilla thinks that he’d be able to beat me in a fight. You know what, bring it; this has been coming for a long time now, Jason.” Before Jason could hit Jack Addrea put herself in front of Jason, barring his way.
“Knock it off Jack!” Addrea said. “Jason isn’t responsible for this fire; he couldn’t be. I was standing right next to him when the fire started, Jack. There’s no way that he could’ve started that!” She concluded by pointing at the now dying inferno.
“Shouldn’t you be looking for your sister, anyway Jack?” Katie asked. This caused Jack to get wide-eyed. He started to breath a bit faster. He started to weave his way through people in a frantic search for Jane.
________________
A few weeks had passed since the fire had happened. Police chief Clark Keen was busy writing up reports, and making a list of those that had been killed in the fire. He let out a sigh as he was going through the list of those that had been horribly injured enough to require being sent to the hospital. Amongst those on this particular list was his own daughter, Jane.
“Excuse me Chief Keen?” Came an unexpected voice. Clark turned to see who it was. Kelly Bradshaw stood holding a file. Her long auburn hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her green eyes were shining.
“What is it Bradshaw?”
“Your son is here.”
“Send him in.” Clark says. Kelly saunters away only to be replaced by Jack several moments later.
“Hey dad.” Jack says.
“What ya want Jackson? You know that I’m busy with trying to sort things out from the fire.” Clark says and sneaks a swig from his flask.
“I know that dad, but I think that I have some information that you need.” Jack states, and plops himself down into a chair. Clark turns to look at his son.
“And what would that be?”
“That the fire was started intentionally.” Jack states.
“There was only one sign of arson, Jackson, so that bit of info is useless to me.” Clark tells his son, and turns back to what he was doing. He takes another drink from his flask, and lets a sigh while running a hand over his head. “Your poor sister. She’s burnt pretty badly. Doc says that she’ll be stuck in a coma until she’s fully healed.”
Jack stands up, walks over to his dad, and places a hand on his shoulder. “I’m worried about her to dad.” Jack states. “I also have a feeling that I know who started the fire, and did this to her.” Clark looks up at Jack at this, a look of slight hope hanging in his eyes.
“Who did it, Jackson? Who hurt my baby girl?”
“Jason Flayme.” Jack responds.
“His name has been popping up quite a bit lately. With how many fires he’s been accused of starting I’m surprised that the system is letting him out on bail.” Clark states, and takes yet another drink from his flask. “However all the evidence against him is purely circumstantial, and doesn't really hold up in court. Gotta wonder how he wound up in the juvenile system then. Oh well, everyone deserves another chance.” Clark admits. Jack takes the flask from his dad, and puts it back where his dad can’t get to it.
A knock at the door has both of the Keens turn to see who had knocked.
“Sorry Chief, but it’s urgent.”
“Then out with it, Bradshaw!” Clark snaps. Kelly glances over to Jack.
“Um, I’m not sure if he should be in here for this, sir.” Kelly says. “It’s about the fire.”
“What now?” Clark asks. Kelly stands silent, searching for the right words to say.
“Something’s been found, sir. Something that I think is crucial to the case.”
“And that would be?” Clark asks, and then realizes that Jack is still in the room with them. “Jackson, why don’t you go back to the hospital, and spend some time with your sister.” Clark suggests instead of asking. Jack walks out of the room, and leaves Kelly alone with his father.
“It should’ve been emailed to you by now, Chief.” Kelly states. Clark opens up his email account, and sure enough there is a new email entitled ‘New Evidence’. He clicks on it to open it. The email links to the profile of a student from Midtown High.
________________
The next morning Jason is woken up by loud knocking on his door. He has been staying at the Midtown Homeless Shelter where he has surprisingly been getting the help that he needs to survive.
“Just a moment!” He belows. Jason climbs out of bed, quickly pulls some sweatpants on, and opens his door. At the door stands the woman responsible for running the homeless shelter, Josephine Monroe.
She had long dark gray hair that she had pulled up into a bun, deep electric blue eyes, and wore a dark green blouse with high-rise flat-tops.
“I’m so sorry Jason, but they left me with no choice. I tried to stick up for you!”
“What are you talking about Miss Josie?”
“I’m sorry Jason.” Josephine repeats.
“Jason Flayme, I’m gonna need you to come with me down to the CMJC for some questions.” Johnny said. Realization hits Jason like a ton of weights. “Just remember that if you resist in any way that we’ll have to restrain you.” Johnny reminds Jason, as if he didn’t know what was about to happen. Jason becomes nervous, but reluctantly puts both of his hands behind his back, and turns around, knowing that they’d eventually restrain him at some point, for they have done it many times before. “Go ahead and cuff me.” Jason says. “I know that you’re going to at some point. You guys should just do it automatically by now when it comes to me.”
“….Right.” Johnny admits, and another officer comes over with some cuffs to put onto Jason. “Careful, you don’t want to touch his skin. Burns like no other!” Johnny warns. Jason is dragged out, and tossed into the back of a police cruiser.
“Jason Flayme, you are to be held for questioning on information in regards to the Midtown High School fire. Anything that you say or do can and will be held against you in the court of law.” The other officer says.
That’s right, come out and enjoy the show. Jason thought as he noticed that a crowd had gathered to see what was going on. “That’s only if I’m under arrest, dumbass!” He glares at Johnny as he enters the car. “What did they find, Johnny?”
“I’m really not supposed to tell you Jason, but since you always treated me with your own brand of respect, I guess I can break that rule and let you know.” Johnny says as he turns in his seat to face Jason. “A post posted onto the school’s social media networking page was traced back to the computer that you use in school.”
“What did the post say?” Jason asks.
“As if you don’t know. You were the one that posted it!”
“Humor me.” Johnny lets out a sigh, and pulls something up on his tablet.
“Here’s what it says: ‘I intend to burn the school down.’” Johnny says. Jason sits still and quiet for a long time as they transport him back to the Central Midtown Juvenile Center.
“I was framed.” Jason says. “Framed!”
So, here it is!
Chapter 1: Burning Flames
It had been a month since Jason was released from Central Midtown Juvenile Center. His hair was now dark brown. His eyes had also become darker. They were now a slightly darker brown than they were before. Jason sat in his english class, looking through his notes for the part that he needed. The class was taking a test, and Jason was happy that he was allowed to use any notes that he had on any test or quiz.*Thank God for IEPs.* Jason thought. He had been trying to remember the names of the survivors from Stephen King’s *Under the Dome*. He knew that *Dale “Barbie” Barbara* and *Julia Shumway* were two of the survivors, but he was having trouble naming the last two required for full credit on the question. He sat flipping through his notes. “You’re cheating!” Someone spat out, but Jason didn’t pay them any attention. He finally found what he was looking for; a full list of the twenty seven survivors. You got extra credit if you could list all of them. Knowing this, Jason wrote the names down. He then had to write a paragraph of the differences between the book and its TV counterpart. Luckily, he had been avidly watching the show and had made mental notes of the differences. He still located the list of them in his notes. “You’re cheating!” Someone said again. *I swear, the next time I hear that, I’m going to explode.* Jason thought. He flipped through his notes until he had found the section that compared *Jim “Big Jim” Rennie* to Hitler, for he came to a part on the test that wanted him to give the similarities between these two men. He was scanning the similarities when he again heard somebody accuse him of cheating on the test. He stood up quickly, his papers went flying through the air along with his pencil and binder. He had flipped the desk and his chair. The desk had scorch marks on it, and Jason’s chair was melted. All eyes were now on him, including the teacher’s. “I’ve had it up to here with people saying *‘you’re cheating’!* First off, I am *not cheating!* My IEP states that I can use *any* and *all* notes that I have on *any* and *all* tests, quizzes, *or* exams! Secondly, who the hell are *you* to accuse *me* of *cheating* when you yourself are looking over at someone else’s test?” Everyone was staring at him in shock. He had become known as ‘Jason the Silent’, for he wouldn’t speak at all unless he had something to say, or if he were talking to his friends. *“Mister Flayme!* Pick up your things, hand in your test, and meet me in the hall. The rest of you, not a word. Resume your tests, and don’t trade answers. I will be standing by the door. If I hear anyone talking or trading answers, they’ll automatically fail the test!” Mister Stockton said. He was strict, but fair, and this made him the best teacher in employment at East Midtown High. He had a thick head of brown hair, brown eyes, and a stern face. The girls of the school all had a crush on him. He happened to be one of Jason’s favorite teachers. He walked out into the hall, and held the door open for Jason. He let it close once Jason was in the hall. “Jason, what was that about?” Mister Stockton asked. Jason stood facing his teacher. “I heard someone say that I was cheating three different times, Mister Stockton.” Jason said. “Why did you react the way that you did?” “I got angry. In every class that I have a test, quiz, or exam, somebody always accuses me of cheating, and I’m sick and tired of it! Some of my other teachers have even tried to write me up for it, but they would fail when I would remind them of my IEP. If they wouldn’t listen to me, I’d go to my caseload worker, and they’d go have a meeting with said teacher.” Mister Stockton stood and let Jason rant. He knew that it would be good for him to let out most, if not all of what he had problems with. “Jason, I’m not going to write you up. While you were right in telling them off, you should’ve went about it in another much calmer way.” “Then what is my punishment, Mister Stockton?” Mister Stockton stood and thought for a while. “I’m going to talk to the custodian responsible for cleaning this part of the building. You are to come to school an hour early tomorrow morning, and you will personally clean my room.” Mister Stockton opened the door. “Now *army crawl* to the office, Mister Flayme!” He winked at Jason after saying that, and walked into his classroom. This was Jason’s cue for him to go to the place that he’d be able to calm down at. While Jason was walking he could hear Mister Stockton biting into the rest of the class. He smirked at this, for they would get a punishment far worse than his own. Jason walked down the hall, and entered the so called ‘abandoned’ part of the building. It was actually a separate building from the one that he had exited. He sat down, and tried to calm himself. He sits there until the time that the bell would ring.He got up, and went to his locker. People were standing at a distance from him. He grabbed his gym bag, and went to the class that he didn’t like the most. He changed into a black t-shirt, black shorts, and put on black tennis shoes. He walked out into the large gymnasium, and tried to ignore the looks of contempt that he was getting. News spread like wildfire in that school, and word had gone out about his outburst in Mister Stockton’s class. People were whispering about him, but he could hear them. He was so glad that this was the class that he had to go to before one of his favorites, which was art.
“There’s Jason the Silent. Did you hear about what he did in Mister Sexy’s class?” A girl asked her friend. “Yeah, he flipped out! I heard that he threw a chair at Katie Smyth.” Her friend said. “I heard that he had tried to punch Mister Stockton.” A boy said. Jason found this amusing, for he sickly enjoyed that people feared him. Those that were friends with him knew that he would do no such thing. He stood in his place for attendance. Misses Hert walked out of her office. She had dark hair that fell to the small of her back. She was of a medium height, and was healthy for her age. She walked along the floor holding her clipboard, and would occasionally pause to ask someone where their gym clothes were. She went to the sports room, and came back out with a basket of jerseys and a ball. “Today we are going to play full-court basketball, but first, your daily exercises.” She said. The class took to the walls, and did their stretches. One of Jason’s friends, Brandon Singer, took lead of the stretches that day. Brandon, like Jason, wore dark clothing. His dark brown hair looked black under the fluorescent lighting, and he was tall for his age. “Left!” Brandon’s deep voice bellowed. Everyone started to swing their left leg as Bryan counted to twenty. “Caterpillar, pushups, and situps.” Everyone took to the floor and stood bent over to touch the floor. Jason had recommended that they do their push ups while doing the caterpillar at the same time. They would do a pushup before going back to their bent over position. “Alright, five minutes of running!” Misses Hert bellowed out. There was a collective groan from the students, yet they hobbled along into a jog. Misses Hert decided to join them during the five minutes of running. “Cry babies!” She yelled. Jason was running next to one of his friends, Addrea Toney, who he was attempting to touch. They both detested their gym class, and had come up with a way to make it somewhat enjoyable for them. They would play tag during the running time. Addrea had brown hair, and was shorter than Jason. She wore a white t-shirt and blue shorts. They decided to give themselves a rest from their running game, and slowed to a walk. Misses Hert passed them three times during their walk. “Flayme, Toney, kick it in gear!” Misses Hert yelled. Addrea started to protest, but Misses Hert wouldn’t hear it. “We might as well jog, so that she don’t yell at us again.” Jason suggested. Addrea thought this over, and accepted. They both went into a light jog. Other people passed them, but Brandon decided to join them. “How ya guys doing?” He asked. “Alright, I guess.” Addrea responded. “We’d be better off if Misses Nag would lay off of us.” Jason said. This had become a name for Misses Hert when she either wasn’t paying attention to them or nowhere around them. Misses Hert blew her whistle, and then everyone lined up against a wall. There were thirty students in that hour, so Misses Hert decided to evenly split them for sports games. Jason hated playing basketball and anything that wasn’t dodgeball or poison ball. He was great at those games, for he would trust his instincts and quickly move out of the balls’ way. He usually wound up being one of the last few still in the game if they were playing dodgeball. “Sammy Wintergreen and Mary Mackay are the team leaders.” Misses Hert said. A boy and a girl walked out onto the gym floor in front of the rest of their classmates. The boy, Sammy, was muscular and one of the jocks. His blue eyes shined brightly against his tanned skin. Mary had hair that she had dyed dark red. She was a foot shorter than Jason was, whom stands at a height of six feet, seven inches. “Misses Hert.” Sammy called out. “Jessie McMair.” Mary said. Jessie had shoulder length dark curly hair that tended to hang in her eyes. “Jack.” This was the very same Jack that had been friends with Jason back in elementary. His hair is shorter than it was in the past, and he had started to wear fashionable clothing. In fact, he would help set the latest trends. He was on all the sports teams, and was lusted after by not only the girls, but some of the guys as well. He was one of the ‘popular kids’. “Jane.” Jane, Jack’s twin, was the object of many a guy’s dreams, but was furiously watched over by her brother. As a result, the guys were scared to ask her out. Jack had his own, unspoken list of those that he’d let date her, and if they were to do anything to hurt her, there’d be hell to pay. Jack had become a bully to Jason. He’d call Jason a loser, fire starter, psycho, pyro, jailbait, and a slew of other things. Jack would also tell Jason that he’d never be good at anything, that he was stupid, and that he’d never have a girlfriend. All of these deeply angered Jason, but not as much as how gym class ever would. “Katie.” Sammy called. Katie had long blonde hair, and beautiful brown eyes. She was one of the ‘in between kids’. The in between kids were those that had just enough friends to be between the losers and the populars. This was where Jason and most of his friends fit at on the social food chain of school life. “Jessie Newkirk.” Mary said. A girl wearing jeans and a laced top over a blue shirt walked over. There were just four more people to choose from. Jason, Addrea, Brandon, and Alex McMair. Alex was a part of the so called ‘geek squad’ of the school. He had a kind soul, and loved anything that was otherworldly. Science fiction and fantasy were his expertise. He could often be found reading about supernatural beings, or even drawing them. His light hair fell over his eyes, and he wore an orange shirt with blue shorts and neon green shoes. “Brandon.” Mary called after thinking it over for a while. “Alex.” Sammy said. This left Jason and Addrea as the last two to be picked from. Unless they were the team leader, they’d usually end up being the last ones chosen for a team. “Here we go again, Addie.” Jason said. “Yeah. Remember, just care about your grades, nothing else.” Addrea told him. Jason nodded. They had preferred being on the same team, and would act like one during dodgeball, poison ball, or when they were in the weight room. “Addrea.” Mary said after struggling with trying to decide. She wanted to go with what she knew, for she was one of the more competitive students in that class. While she knew that Jason was tall, and would be great for passing the ball, she also knew that Addrea would be able to weave through the other players unnoticed. This would allow Addrea to get to the hoop and score baskets. Jason knew immediately which team that he was on; Sammy’s.The game began, and Jason had tried to get the ball in his possession several times. The other players on his team ignored him, even when he was completely open for a pass and basket. There were some on his team that would try to get him more involved in the game, but other players would get in the way.
“Jason, get your butt movin’! Play the game!” Misses Hert would occasionally blurt out.
“I am!” Jason would blurt back. This always happened when Misses Hert had them play a sports game. Jason started to get angry, and as the game progressed, he got even more angry. Misses Hert had repeated her ‘play the game’ mantra three times by then. Jason’s anger rose, and the basket ball burst.
“What the hell?” Jack said.
“What did you just say?” Misses Hert asked him as she went to grab a replacement ball.
“Nothing!” Jack said.
“Good, watch the language!” Misses Hert said as the game resumed.
After ten minutes of the usual, Jason gave up on trying to get the ball, and went to sit against one of the walls.
“Jason, what are you doing? Get out here and play the game!” Misses Hert said. Jason refused, and just stayed sitting where he was. He had placed himself next to one of the doors that led outside. The air coming through felt good against his hot skin.
“Jason, get out here and play the game!” Misses Hert repeated. This, along with other things, made Jason’s temper rise. He was angry with those that wouldn’t let him play the games. He was angry that Misses Hert wouldn’t listen to him. He was angry that despite the fact that he was passing the class, Misses Hert acted like he was failing. Some of the overhead fluorescent lights flickered, but nobody payed that any attention, for they would occasionally do that. As Jason’s anger rose, the replacement ball burst open.
Addrea, Brandon, Mary, and Jessie N. came over to sit or stand next to the flow of cool air that blew through the crack between the doors. There was a small waste basket in the gymnasium for people to spit their gum out. There were also some power outlets in the gymnasium for other appliances, such as a projector. The school would rarely watch movies in the gym. The waste bucket sat next to one, and was currently on its side, its mouth opening to the power outlet.
Nobody but Jason had seen what happened. A spark flew out of the power outlet and into the wastebasket. A thin wisp of smoke slowly wafted up from the basket. Jason, remembering the horrific scenes of the fires that he had created, leapt up, and went outside. He didn’t warn anyone of the impending peril. The sprinklers in the building were still being repaired, for parts of the newer building were still being built.
“Jason Flayme, you get back in here this instant, young man!” Misses Hert yelled after him. It was something that his mother would yell when he’d leave the house before he was kicked out. Nobody inside was paying attention, for their game had again continued. Soon, Jason could hear people inside the gym yelling. He watched as Addrea, Mary, Brandon, and Jessie N. came rushing outside. Smoke followed behind them. People were yelling, some, it sounded like, in pain. A few more people managed to get outside before the flames blocked the exit. The school’s fire alarm eventually went off, and people, students and staff alike, came flooding out of the other areas of the school.
Flames shot out some of the windows in the gymnasium. People scurried to get further away when the first explosion happened. It was followed by two more explosions. Some of the onlookers were caught in the aftermath of these explosions. As the heat from the blaze rose, people moved back, for the heat was too much for them to bare. Flames soon engulfed the gymnasium portion of the school. Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars could be heard in the distance.
As the first of the fire trucks arrived, firefighters went hard to work to fight the inferno. A total of five fire trucks came out, followed by three police cars, and two ambulances. They weren’t sure how many paramedics would be needed. The firefighters could do nothing but keep the blaze in check. Onlookers gawked in horror as the school burned. Parts of the roof collapsed, and the flames reached higher into the sky.
Jason noticed that there were people missing from the crowd, and knew that they were either trapped in the raging inferno, or already dead. Despite the torment that he had endured at the hands of others, he was hoping against hope that everyone would somehow come out alive. He was hoping that all of those that he had called his friend at some point in his life had made it out to the safety of the warm, late spring afternoon day. Jason watched, just like everyone else, in horror as the building was eaten up by the burning flames.
Chapter 2: Framed
Flames shot outward from the now caved-in roof and broken windows. The fire spread to other parts of the school, making it even more difficult for the firefighters to gain control over the blaze. The fire burned hot. Students, teachers, and firefighters alike watched as the flames eat the building.*How did this happen?* Jason thought. He knew that his powers hadn't been the cause of this particular fire. This only left the youth confused. Jason was relieved when he saw Addrea and Katie walking over to him. “This is horrible and awesome at the same time!” Addrea exclaimed. “I heard the principal talking about how it’d be best to send us home.” “She’s right though. I mean we can’t just continue on with the rest of the school day as usual now can we.” Katie said. “Besides that, there could possibly be people trapped in the rubble.” Jason said somberly. The three fell quiet for a while. “Hey *Matches!*” Someone yelled out through the crowd. “Oh no, not this jackass.” Jason said, a look of dread coming over his face. As if on cue Jack emerged limping his way through the crowd of people. His clothes were now disheveled and he was covered in soot. “Thought that you’d get out of gym by starting a fire, didn’t you, Firestarter!” Jack said in a snobbish manner. Jack was limping on his right leg. “How many fires does this make it now; 12? 15? You’re lucky that they haven’t locked you up and thrown away the key yet, Flame-boy.” Jack said, adding emphasis on ‘lame’. “I didn’t start this fire, *Jackson.*” “Pfft, yeah right! I bet that you did it just so that you wouldn’t have to have gym class ever again!” Jack taunted.Jason could feel himself getting angrier and angrier by the moment. He could feel the heat rising inside him along with his anger. Jason, without realizing what he was doing, moved forward, and went to strike at Jack.
“Heh, piccola scintilla thinks that he’d be able to beat me in a fight. You know what, bring it; this has been coming for a long time now, Jason.” Before Jason could hit Jack Addrea put herself in front of Jason, barring his way.
“Knock it off Jack!” Addrea said. “Jason isn’t responsible for this fire; he couldn’t be. I was standing right next to him when the fire started, Jack. There’s no way that he could’ve started that!” She concluded by pointing at the now dying inferno.
“Shouldn’t you be looking for your sister, anyway Jack?” Katie asked. This caused Jack to get wide-eyed. He started to breath a bit faster. He started to weave his way through people in a frantic search for Jane.
________________
A few weeks had passed since the fire had happened. Police chief Clark Keen was busy writing up reports, and making a list of those that had been killed in the fire. He let out a sigh as he was going through the list of those that had been horribly injured enough to require being sent to the hospital. Amongst those on this particular list was his own daughter, Jane.“Excuse me Chief Keen?” Came an unexpected voice. Clark turned to see who it was. Kelly Bradshaw stood holding a file. Her long auburn hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her green eyes were shining. “What is it Bradshaw?” “Your son is here.” “Send him in.” Clark says. Kelly saunters away only to be replaced by Jack several moments later. “Hey dad.” Jack says. “What ya want Jackson? You know that I’m busy with trying to sort things out from the fire.” Clark says and sneaks a swig from his flask. “I know that dad, but I think that I have some information that you need.” Jack states, and plops himself down into a chair. Clark turns to look at his son. “And what would that be?” “That the fire was started intentionally.” Jack states. “There was only one sign of arson, Jackson, so that bit of info is useless to me.” Clark tells his son, and turns back to what he was doing. He takes another drink from his flask, and lets a sigh while running a hand over his head. “Your poor sister. She’s burnt pretty badly. Doc says that she’ll be stuck in a coma until she’s fully healed.” Jack stands up, walks over to his dad, and places a hand on his shoulder. “I’m worried about her to dad.” Jack states. “I also have a feeling that I know who started the fire, and did this to her.” Clark looks up at Jack at this, a look of slight hope hanging in his eyes. “Who did it, Jackson? Who hurt my baby girl?”“Jason Flayme.” Jack responds.
“His name has been popping up quite a bit lately. With how many fires he’s been accused of starting I’m surprised that the system is letting him out on bail.” Clark states, and takes yet another drink from his flask. “However all the evidence against him is purely circumstantial, and doesn't really hold up in court. Gotta wonder how he wound up in the juvenile system then. Oh well, everyone deserves another chance.” Clark admits. Jack takes the flask from his dad, and puts it back where his dad can’t get to it.
A knock at the door has both of the Keens turn to see who had knocked.
“Sorry Chief, but it’s urgent.”
“Then out with it, Bradshaw!” Clark snaps. Kelly glances over to Jack.
“Um, I’m not sure if he should be in here for this, sir.” Kelly says. “It’s about the fire.”
“What now?” Clark asks. Kelly stands silent, searching for the right words to say.
“Something’s been found, sir. Something that I think is crucial to the case.”
“And that would be?” Clark asks, and then realizes that Jack is still in the room with them. “Jackson, why don’t you go back to the hospital, and spend some time with your sister.” Clark suggests instead of asking. Jack walks out of the room, and leaves Kelly alone with his father.
“It should’ve been emailed to you by now, Chief.” Kelly states. Clark opens up his email account, and sure enough there is a new email entitled ‘New Evidence’. He clicks on it to open it. The email links to the profile of a student from Midtown High.
________________
The next morning Jason is woken up by loud knocking on his door. He has been staying at the Midtown Homeless Shelter where he has surprisingly been getting the help that he needs to survive.“Just a moment!” He belows. Jason climbs out of bed, quickly pulls some sweatpants on, and opens his door. At the door stands the woman responsible for running the homeless shelter, Josephine Monroe. She had long dark gray hair that she had pulled up into a bun, deep electric blue eyes, and wore a dark green blouse with high-rise flat-tops. “I’m so sorry Jason, but they left me with no choice. I tried to stick up for you!” “What are you talking about Miss Josie?” “I’m sorry Jason.” Josephine repeats. “Jason Flayme, I’m gonna need you to come with me down to the CMJC for some questions.” Johnny said. Realization hits Jason like a ton of weights. “Just remember that if you resist in any way that we’ll have to restrain you.” Johnny reminds Jason, as if he didn’t know what was about to happen. Jason becomes nervous, but reluctantly puts both of his hands behind his back, and turns around, knowing that they’d eventually restrain him at some point, for they have done it many times before. “Go ahead and cuff me.” Jason says. “I know that you’re going to at some point. You guys should just do it automatically by now when it comes to me.”“….Right.” Johnny admits, and another officer comes over with some cuffs to put onto Jason. “Careful, you don’t want to touch his skin. Burns like no other!” Johnny warns. Jason is dragged out, and tossed into the back of a police cruiser.
“Jason Flayme, you are to be held for questioning on information in regards to the Midtown High School fire. Anything that you say or do can and will be held against you in the court of law.” The other officer says.
That’s right, come out and enjoy the show. Jason thought as he noticed that a crowd had gathered to see what was going on. “That’s only if I’m under arrest, dumbass!” He glares at Johnny as he enters the car. “What did they find, Johnny?”
“I’m really not supposed to tell you Jason, but since you always treated me with your own brand of respect, I guess I can break that rule and let you know.” Johnny says as he turns in his seat to face Jason. “A post posted onto the school’s social media networking page was traced back to the computer that you use in school.”
“What did the post say?” Jason asks.
“As if you don’t know. You were the one that posted it!”
“Humor me.” Johnny lets out a sigh, and pulls something up on his tablet.
“Here’s what it says: ‘I intend to burn the school down.’” Johnny says. Jason sits still and quiet for a long time as they transport him back to the Central Midtown Juvenile Center.
“I was framed.” Jason says. “Framed!”
I have no clue why the font is doing strange things.
that's perfect no problem!!
Sy, do you want really detailed editing in which I correct and edit what I think would make it sound better? Or step by step? I'd prefer the first, but I can't remember what you wanted.
Sy, do you want really detailed editing in which I correct and edit what I think would make it sound better? Or step by step? I'd prefer the first, but I can't remember what you wanted.
Either way is fine.
Hi there. So Ive got a character that I'm afraid is a bit tooover the top. she's intentionally over the top, but i feel like it might be too much for one of my protagonists.
I'll get your character looked over by this weekend! Have no fear :)
I didn't forget any of this, by the way! I just have about 4820174 major tests this week, and editing does take time. Tarrant, I'll do yours really quick right now because it's the shortest, but everyone else might have to wait more for deep constructive criticism :)
The link doesn't work, Tarrant. Could you try again?
Would you take a quick look at Lukas? Most specifically his nature, I feel like he might be too perfect and underdeveloped compared to my other characters, any thoughts?
Anyone here?
Could you critique my character Rie? Here's the link; Rie Katayama