2026,Tomas
The Awakening has left the world forever changed.

I don’t know who thought giving clearance for a nuclear lab under Mount Saint Helens was a good idea, but I do know the name of the man who proposed it, Doctor James Scrawsky. That name sends ice through my spine and spurred fire through my veins,his desire for power cost more than the earth could give, and cost me my family.

At four years old, living under the volcano seemed like a grand adventure, I would pretend that lava was filling the tunnels and I had to race to save my “precious research” and evacuating my crew. Apparently Scrawsky’s research was more important than his researchers, and it was worth my father’s life. Dr. Scrawsky had filled the only helicopter with samples, equipment, and books full of formulas. Somehow me and my father managed a spot on the chopper, but he refused to leave his wife behind. “Please,” He begged,”Just five minutes.” The Doctor looked as solemn as you could imagine, he spoke in an earnest tone, “Would I ever ask a friend to leave his life behind?”
“Thank you!” He turned to me “Wait here Tomas, me and mom will be back soon.” He hurried into the quaking mountain side. Scrawsky’s mood immediately changed. Gone was the kind, understanding, compassionate friend, in its place was a power hungry, malifacant tyrant.
“Hurry, start up the blades!” To the pilot’s credit he hesitated,

”But sir, didn’t you say”—

Dr. Scrawsky’s face snapped towards the paling pilot, and no wonder. With his black goatee on his jutting chin, Snow White skin and piercing blue eyes, he could strike fear into even the bravest men’s hearts. “What is your name?”

“J-Jack,Jack Po.” The pilot stammered.

”Mister Po, do you really want to die this way?” Outside, the volcano was cracking, chunks of its surface raining down, black smog billowed out, and light seeped through cracks from the lava awaiting below “Mister Po, are you married?”

“Why, yes sir I am, with three children too.”

“Well Mister Po,” The Doctor started, with a murderous look in his eyes, “If you were to die, I would make sure that your family was cared for, however, my employees aren’t always…friendly.” The pilot stopped short, then the blades started to whir.

”No!” I screamed, grabbing Dr. Scrawsky, “Dad said to wait, he said that-“ I was thrown to a corner,

“Fool,” He muttered, then aloud, “Boy, your father and mother knew the most about my research, but now,” He seemed almost cheerful, “I alone have this power.”

It was after that I made the most important decision of my life, I jumped from the low flying helicopter, and just in time to witness the Awakening.