Awake far before the morning sun comes close to its rise. Dean stares into the stars for a few minutes, trying to fall back asleep. The moon is covered by clouds, making it darker than it already is. However, nearby streetlights give a little illumination.
Dean (Inner): I've probably been like this for an hour. Why can't I get back to sleep? I might as well get up I guess.
He gently pulls the blanket off of himself. A cold wind passes by, making him shiver. He quickly grabs his hoodie and pulls it over his head to warm himself up a little. He soon stands up and stretches, making sure to be silent, as to not wake Lexi, who is fast asleep just a few feet away. Her limbs are spread out, like she's trying to be in the shape of a star. Her mouth hangs open widely as she snores softly. A stream of drool gently drips down her cheek.
Dean smiles a little at the sight. He then walks a little ways into the forest, looking for a good place to pee. The cool night air is calming. It clears his mind. It feels nice. But the itchiness from sleeping in the grass is not so great. He continuously scratches himself as he walks, which slows him down a considerable amount. Eventually he stops walking and uses the bathroom. The itching seems to have gone away.
Dean (Inner): What are we even gonna do for like the week and a half before this concert? Wait… What are we even gonna do after the concert!? They have like jobs and stuff there right!? I mean, going there is far better than staying here but… Is it still a good choice? Will… Will I even be living a good life? A fulfilling life?
He ties up the drawstrings on his shorts as he thinks. He soon crouches down and tangles his hands in his hair in panic. His eye twitches as he stares to the floor.
Dean (Inner): After this concert… Is there even… A reason for my existence? A reason to keep going? It's all gone to shit anyway. It'll just only get worse, won't it? Would it be easier? To just let go?
The ground lights up in a faint milky glow. He looks up and sees that the clouds over the moon have moved. The moonlight shines through the leaves, directly onto him. He relaxes slightly. Even starting to laugh a little.
Dean: Is this just the universe telling me I'm being dumb? Guess so.
He stands up again, staring at the moon in awe. It gives him a feeling of importance. A warm feeling spreads throughout his body. Without realizing it, or knowing why, he starts to get choked up. A few tears drip down his cheeks. He quickly wipes them away and tries to calm his breathing.
Dean (Inner): No. Stop. Nothing sad is even happening. I'm not allowed to cry. I've cried too much lately. Stop being a little bitch.
He sniffs and looks back up to the sky again.
Dean: But… No, I'm wrong. There is something to cry about, because there's not much to be happy about. I've been abandoned by god, and yet he still wants me to keep moving forward.
He lifts up his hand and extends his fingers to the sky.
Dean (Inner): Can I even reach heaven? Am I allowed in after everything? Or will I forever be punished for bad luck?
The birthmark on his chest begins to glow. He can feel it tingle like all the other times it has. He panics again and puts his hands over his chest. He shakes his head as his eyes widen. He begins to sweat.
Dean (Inner): No! No please! I don't want to hurt anyone! I don't want to destroy anything! Stop!
The glowing doesn't go away. It doesn't even fade in the slightest. In his peripheral vision, he can see the faint blue glow of his portals in front of him, just a few feet away. His head slowly tilts up just in time to see a tree fall through the portal. He squeezes his eyes shut in fear.
Dean: Close!
The portal instantly closes. The glow in his birthmark fades away completely. The top half of the tree topples over. Dean stares at it with a mix of relief and overwhelming panic as the tree falls over. The leaves sway and crash into each other as it hits the ground with a loud noise. Dean falls to his knees, his gaze never leaving the sight.
Dean (Inner): Where did the bottom half of the tree go? Where did the multiple buildings and thousands of people that I portaled away go? Space? The ocean?
He looks down at his hands. They're sweaty, and shaking.
Dean (Inner): Can I control where they go? Would I have to imagine the sight? Or can I just think of something basic like "I want to make a portal to Lexi"? And then would it bring me to wherever Lexi is, even if I don't exactly know where that is? Is there an in-between space? Or does another portal always open to a set destination when I open one? If I can customize where things go, does that mean if I don't, it just gets randomized? I guess that would support the idea that the tree went to space, since most of the universe is made up of space. It'd be pretty unlikely for anything to portal to somewhere on earth in that case. Am I overcomplicating things?
He instantly stands up and looks back up to the sky with a hopeful expression.
Dean (Inner): Wait! I've proven that this power is really dangerous and powerful and stuff. So if I trained it, learned to control it, then I'd be super strong. Then I can get all the other people with powers to revolt against Christina to make things equal. I can learn from my mistakes and make up for what I've done.
His optimistic smile fades away as reality begins to set in again.
Dean (Inner): Right. Like I can do that. I'm not in some movie. I'm just a dude who doesn't know what he's doing. It's not gonna work out, no matter how hard I try. Well… Does that matter? Even if it is an unattainable goal, it's still a goal. Something to work hard to achieve. Something I can dedicate my life to. A reason for living.
He stands proudly and looks into the sky as he throws his fists into the air in celebration.
Dean: I found a reason. Something to live for. Just had to look hard enough for it. I will achieve this goal. Someday at least. Oh shoot. I should probably get started then huh?
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. A warm light begins to glow on his right side, signaling that the sun has started to rise. It's a faint light, but it combines with the cool night air to make a very comfortable setting for Dean.
Dean (Inner): It'll be dangerous at first. I won't practice anywhere near Lexi. I don't want to accidentally hurt her. Don't even think about her. Okay. Okay. Deep breath. Okay.
He slowly extends his hands outward. His palms face up as he does.
Dean: Portal.
He opens one of his eyes a little. Just to take a peek at if it worked. He groans in frustration when it doesn't. He quickly waves his hands before resting them on his hip.
Dean (Inner): Whatever whatever. Didn't expect it to work on the first try anyways. How does it even work actually? As much as I don't want to, I gotta think of the times it did work to figure out a pattern.
He holds his elbow up with his right hand as his left holds his chin in a very studious pose.
Dean (Inner): So the first time was when I portaled onto the world tower. I was disappointed and angry because I wanted to see Ashley's concert. The next time was right after that when I fell off the tower and freaked out 'cause I thought I was gonna die. Next time was with Jack. He hit me I think and I fell to the ground. My head hurt 'cause I hit it. He then started to choke me. My senses were really bad so I couldn't tell what was happening at first. All I knew is that I was probably dying. But he was choking me. I passed out and started to panic while unconscious. When I woke up… Ugh.
His stomach starts to turn as he remembers it.
Dean (Inner): I'm good. Okay. The next time was after I got shot, right? I was freaking out 'cause I thought I was gonna die. That seems to be some sort of pattern so far. Except for the first time. I wasn't in any sort of fatal situation. So that can't be it. The next time however was a life threatening moment. It was when that freaky goblin dude tried to kill me.
He feels dizzy.
Dean (Inner): I really don't wanna go into details. But the next time was right now with the tree. I was upset or whatever because… Uhh… Oh yeah! I was upset because I thought the universe was going to punish me for having bad luck. I was scared of whatever awaits me after death. I think that's about it, right? Okay. Analysis. I was very upset for whatever reason in all of these. Wait a minute. There technically was one other time. When I was running home after finding out that Ashley uploaded a new video. I didn't make a portal, but I did feel that tingle in my chest. I wasn't upset at that moment though. I was excited. Thrilled even. Maybe it has something to do with strong emotions. I mean… That sounds like it would make sense. But that'd be really really hard to control. You'd have to be able to maintain and control your emotions, which isn't easy at all. And on top of that, you'd have to trick your brain into feeling a strong emotion when you want to use a power for a non-serious situation. Like if I was too lazy to get up and portaled a bottle of water to me or something. I'd have to keep myself calm and collected, while also being able to convince myself that I'm feeling something I'm not.
The sun has risen more. It creates a beautiful red-orange glow on Dean's skin. However, the shadows of the trees are still cool. A perfect blend of warm and cool.
Dean (Inner): I'd say I'm pretty calm right now. So if I wanted to make a portal, I gotta do something that brings my emotions up super high. I could stub my toe or fall over or hurt myself. But that doesn't seem like a very effective method in the long run. How am I supposed to be emotional while not actually feeling emotion? How can I trick my brain into feeling something that has no reason to be felt?
Dean lightly smacks himself in the forehead a few times, trying to think of a solution.
Dean (Inner): If I can't figure this out, then I'll never master my power. I'll be arrested or killed by someone because I'm weak. I found my reason to keep going after I've lost everything, so how can I achieve it? I don't want to die. I don't want to give up. I need to do this. I need to figure this out. If I can't… then I'll just die!
His internal rambling instantly stops the moment he feels a slight tingle in his chest. It's very faint. More than usual. A dim blue glow shines out of shirt and onto his neck and chin.
Dean (Inner): Oh my god… It doesn't matter, does it? I'm always beating myself up about everything, always thinking about all my mistakes. But that might not be a weakness. If I can beat myself up, convince myself that I need to open a portal or else I'll be a failure, or make even bigger mistakes, then it just might work.
He holds his hand out in front of him for no particular reason other than it feels like the right thing to do. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He whispers to himself.
Dean: Thousands of gallons of blood were spilled because you messed up. Because you couldn't control your power. How many more mistakes until you kill everyone? If you don't open a portal right the hell now, then you will drown in an ocean of blood, as the corpses of the people you killed drag you under. Open a portal! Now! Come on!
He gives up. He angrily kicks the dirt and smacks himself in the head.
Dean: Why!? Why!? Why didn't that work!? Do I not have enough incentive!? What do I need!? Is my whole idea of this just completely wrong!? Am I just a stupid kid who should've died already!?
Dean stops shouting and jumps at the sound of footsteps coming towards him. He freezes, unable to turn around.
Dean (Inner): SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!
Lexi: Dean? Whatcha doing? All of your screaming woke me up. I was having a dope dream too, man. Why you gotta ruin it like this? Not cool bro.
He breathes a sigh of relief. His body relaxes as he turns around to face Lexi.
Dean: Sorry. I was just… Well I was trying to figure out how powers work at all. I want to try and master mine!
Lexi rubs her eyes and yawns. She looks at Dean with a puzzled expression.
Lexi: Why? Isn't that dangerous? What if something else happens while you're trying to figure it out?
Dean: Well… That's why I have to master it. So nothing else ever happens. I gave myself a whole heroic goal and everything. It's gonna be awesome. I just really need to figure out how this works.
Lexi: Okay? What's this "heroic goal" you mentioned?
Dean: Well it's pretty obvious that my portals are much more than basic portals. I can't think of any moment in history where someone was able to open a portal as big as I did.
She closes her eyes disapprovingly and crosses her arms like a mom scolding her kid.
Lexi: Okay stop. That's great that you have that and all. But that's the worst possible example for your portals being "special" you could've given. Based on what I know about you, this ability of yours has brought nothing but pain for you. If I were you, I'd want nothing to do with it. I'd definitely want to be able to control it, but only so that it never goes haywire again, you know? Not to achieve something grand. But continue. I do actually want to hear your goal.
Dean: I… I want to control it so that I can convince the people in the bad part to fight back against Christina and future world leaders. If I'm strong enough, it would definitely be possible to do something like that. Things need to be equal. It's stupid that this is how the world is. I want to change it. I want to make up for the things I've done, okay? I don't want to have to live with the guilt of what I've done forever. I want to live with pride.
Lexi's expression changes from disapproving to empathetic. She takes a few steps forward, almost closing the gap between them, and puts her hands on his shoulder.
Lexi: Dean. That's super noble of you to want to do, but it's just not real. I'm really sorry to shoot you down like this, but this just isn't possible. You don't think people have tried something like this before? For whatever reason, the world leaders have been able to keep this order going for who knows how long. I don't think a sixteen year old kid is gonna change that. I hate that I have to be telling you this, but it's true.
He looks down in disappointment as his fists clench slightly.
Dean: I know that. I know it's just a fantasy. But can't you at least let me try? There's no harm in it, right? In just trying? Because otherwise I don't have anything to devote myself to. I'd rather live my life chasing something impossible, than live with my own negativity.
Upon hearing his words, she gives a sympathetic smile.
Lexi: You know what? Sure dude. I'll let you try. I don't really think I can help, but if this is what you want, who am I to say no? Guess I gotta support you since I also don't have anything else to be doing. Heh heh.
Her chuckle makes it sound like she's incredibly nervous. Dean gives a real chuckle and steps forward.
Dean: Well we better get going, right? Don't wanna miss our train, you know?
Lexi: Wait, can we get breakfast first actually?
Dean: Uhh yeah sure. Is peanut butter okay?
Lexi: I gueeeesssssssssss.
She says it overdramatically as she crosses her arms. Dean giggles in response.
Dean: Alright alright. You gotta get some water though.
Lexi salutes him and sticks out her tongue a little.
Lexi: Sir yes sir! Right away! It shall be done with haste!
Dean continues to giggle at Lexi's antics. She waddles off in a silly way. He follows her until the hill they slept at. As Lexi walks down into town to get water, Dean cleans off the blanket and pillow. He brushes all the grass off and folds the blanket up neatly to put back in the plastic shopping bag. Before he does though, he takes the peanut butter out so that he doesn't have to dig for it later. He sits down on the grass and waits for Lexi to come back.
Dean (Inner): I hope she gets a third cup of water for us to use to brush our teeth. Although I don't know how she'd carry three. Either way, I should probably get that stuff out of the bag while I wait. Along with the deodorant.
He shuffles over to the bag and digs into it for a few seconds before pulling out the toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Then he waits for Lexi to come back.
It takes about ten minutes to return. She only has two cups.
Dean (Inner): I guess it doesn't take that much water to brush your teeth, so we can just use my cup for that then.
Lexi: Whaddup loser. Back with the cups.
Dean: Awesome. I'm gonna brush my teeth while you eat. If that's cool?
Lexi: Um of course it's not cool. Like seriously what are you even thinking? This is unbelievable, Dean. You absolutely are under no circumstances whatsoever allowed to brush your teeth.
Dean: Oh.
Lexi: I'm messing with you dude.
Dean: Oh! I'm stupid.
Lexi: Yeah ya are. Yeah go ahead and brush your teeth. I have no problems with you performing an action such as that. No problems whatsoever.
Dean: Cool cool.
Lexi lightly punches him in the arm and laughs. Dean takes his water and lets some of it drip onto his toothbrush before he puts toothpaste on.
She eats peanut butter and drinks her water as Dean brushes his teeth. Once he's done, he uses some of his water as mouthwash.
Lexi: So you decided to brush your teeth before eating? Weirdo.
Dean: I'm not hungry. Do you want to brush?
Lexi: With the toothbrush that you just used?
Dean: Is there any other toothbrush?
Lexi grimaces and shakes her head slowly. She takes the toothbrush and dumps a little more water than needed over it, in an attempt to get the filth out.
Dean: Sorry. It's either that or not brushing.
Lexi: Yeah yeah whatever. It's fine.
The whole experience makes both of them uncomfortable. Lexi rushes through it and spits at least fifteen times after she's done. She uses the rest of the water to wash the rest out.
Lexi: Yuck.
Dean: You wanna get moving?
Lexi nods her head. Her expression is still disgusted.
Lexi: Yeah. Let's just go.
Dean: Okay. Cool.
He packs everything they have up in the plastic bag before they start walking. It's mostly silent. Neither of them know what to say. Lexi tries to break the silence by bringing up an earlier topic.
Lexi: So about that Ashley girl…
Dean jumps slightly at hearing her name. He sweats a little, knowing that Lexi is probably going to ask him an embarrassing question.
Dean: What about her?
Lexi: If something does happen, if you do get that special moment alone where you can confess your feelings, and she accepts, then what?
Dean: Oh… I mean… I don't know. Go out I guess? Kiss her, hold her hand, hug her, relationship stuff.
Lexi: Relationship stuff? You have no clue, do you?
Dean: Shut up! I dunno. I don't have experience with this stuff. I might mess up a lot. But that's just hypothetically. It's not gonna happen. No point in getting my hopes up.
Lexi: Come on man. Don't talk like that. Just earlier you were going on about how you had an unattainable goal. Is this not the same thing? Plus, who cares if you mess up? As long as you learn.
Dean: Yeah, you're right. I guess… I just like the idea of love.
Lexi: Why?
Dean: Why? What do you mean "why"? Doesn't everyone want to feel love? Isn't it supposed to be like the best feeling?
Lexi: Eh, it's not as cool as it's hyped up to be. I personally don't think love exists.
Dean: Why's that?
Lexi: I've never been in a loving environment. Why should I believe something exists when I have no proof of its existence? That's why I'm not religious either. No point in it in my eyes.
Dean: I guess that's fair. But haven't you ever wanted a boyfriend or something?
She pokes her cheeks in to make a silly face.
Lexi: Nerp.
Dean: Never once? Not even as a passing thought?
Lexi: Well sure in like kindergarten. But boys are nerds. And dicks. I don't like boys. Except you I guess. But you just haven't given me a reason to not like you yet.
Dean: You like me?
Lexi: As a bud, sure. But never as a romantic partner.
Dean: Huh? Why no-... OH! I get it! Sorry.
She chuckles and pats him on the back.
Lexi: Took ya long enough! You're really clueless aren't you?
He crosses his arms and looks a little defensive as he closes his eyes.
Dean: Wah wah wah. Whatever. I'm not stupid.
Lexi: Yeah I know. You're a good little boy.
She sticks her tongue out jokingly and pats him on the head.
Dean: Dude! Stoppit!
He swats her hands away angrily. She backs away and holds her hands up in defense, laughing like a maniac as she does.
Lexi: Sorry! Sorry! I jus- hahahahaha! I had to!
Her laughing relaxes Dean, putting him in a better mood. He starts to smile.
Dean (Inner): What could've possibly happened to her in the past? It can't have been serious. She's such a lovely and funny person. I refuse to believe that she didn't grow up in a loving environment. She just makes me so happy. I forget all my problems like they don't exist.
He looks down to his chest.
Dean (Inner): I guess not happy enough to set off my power though. I could've just used the thought of her as the catalyst to set off my power. That actually probably wouldn't work though. It might have to be specific to the moment. Like I'd have to connect the thought of Lexi to whatever's happening. If I was falling off a building, I'd have to connect that to Lexi somehow. So only having one catalyst isn't good. Plus that's a lot of quick thinking. This is all just theoretical though. I could be totally wrong. I have only had this power for a few days now, so I'll probably learn a lot more as I go along. Okay wait… What if I just lie to my brain? Make up outlandish situations that could happen if I don't use my power.
He lifts his head up to see a building at the end of the backroad they're taking.
Dean (Inner): Okay. If I don't open a portal, then that building will fall over and kill Lexi. How would that make me feel? Imagine it. Her getting crushed under it. Her blood splattering everywhere.
His eyes widen as his stomach twists.
Dean (Inner): Blood. As much as I hate it… that could be a catalyst. Lexi's blood. Picture it. Her blood splattered all over me.
He clutches his stomach in disgust as he imagines the sight. His skin is pale as he groans softly. Lexi looks back at him.
Lexi: You good, dude?
He looks up at her, unable to stop picturing her crushed corpse. It sickens him.
Dean (Inner): I can't let that happen. The building's gonna fall! It's gonna kill her! I don't want her to die!
The whole world gets sucked into a metaphorical void as Dean feels a slight tingle in his chest.
Dean (Inner): HOLY SHIT! IT'S WORKING! MORE!
He stares at Lexi, the glowing in his chest getting stronger.
Dean (Inner): I want to portal us to safety. If this works, I'd have to think of where the portal would lead us. The woods! The woods nearest to the world tower! It's around the edge of the city! That would work! It would probably be like a thirty minute walk! The woods next to the world tower!
A portal suddenly opens up underneath them. While Lexi shrieks in fear, Dean pumps his arms into the air and lets out a loud "YEAH!". And sure enough, they land in the woods, thirty minutes away from the world tower.
Lexi bends down and holds her knees as she controls her breathing. Dean continues punching the air and twirling around in celebration. There's a huge smile spread across his face.
Dean: HELL YEAH! I DID IT! WHOOP WHOOP! I'M THE BEST! LEXI LEXI LEXI! I FIGURED IT OUT!
She looks over to him with a nervous smile. She then gives a shaky thumbs up.
Lexi: Awesome sauce dude. What exactly was that? Freaked me the hell out.
He runs over and grabs her by the arms, violently shaking her as he speaks.
Dean: I FIGURED OUT HOW TO USE MY POWER! I'M SO COOL!
Once Dean stops, Lexi stares at him in awe.
Lexi: Wow actually? So that was us falling through one of your portals.
He aggressively shakes his head.
Dean: Yep yep yep yep yep yep yep! I did it!
Lexi: That's actually really dope! So did you purposely bring us here?
Dean: Sure did! I didn't wanna get too close, 'cause then we'd probably get spotted using a portal. So I brought us here since I knew there wouldn't be anyone.
Lexi: Look at you, smarty pants! It's still gonna be a bit of a walk, but definitely a lot better than it was before!
She holds out her fist.
Lexi: Don't leave me hanging, dude.
Dean smiles and the fistbump.
Dean: Thanks, Lexi.
Lexi: Wait, don't worry, I got another reward for you!
Dean: Really?
Lexi: Yeah, watch this.
She quickly pokes deep into his side, below his ribcage. Dean jumps and yelps after being tased. Lexi laughs again.
Lexi: Sorry sorry sorry! I had to do it!
Dean starts to chuckle too.
Dean: You gotta stop man. Come on, we gotta get moving.
Lexi: Right right, of course. Lead the way, sir!
They start walking again. They're still laughing and joking as they do.
Dean (Inner): Maybe all that bad stuff is behind me now. Just a quick punch in the gut to introduce me to this new life. Things will be awesome from now on. I can tell.