The Powerless Hero
Ema Nasteska | Harvest Home Primary School |
5/6 English | Term 4 2024
I know I don’t levitate or shoot webs out of my arms, but does everyone have to comment about it? I think it’s obvious I’m not an average kid but I also have a brain and a heart like every other kid, right? Or am I really as odd as a boring moth in a field of vibrant butterflies like everyone says? I sighed, remembering it was the first day of Grade 5 tomorrow and that I had to get some rest so I could be energised for the next day. I switched off my lamp and rolled into bed with the hope that I could wake up with at least one superpower tomorrow and be normal for once so that I’m not known as the useless, powerless kid.
My vision was in a blurry daze as I woke up from my alarm, maybe someday I wouldn’t wake up so I don’t have to be bullied everyday. I slipped on my slippers and headed downstairs for breakfast. I locked eyes with my younger brother, Mike, who was being praised for getting a high grade, like always. “Mum? Dad? I got a higher grade than Mike..?” I said in pure confusion, Mike turned towards me and his bright ocean blue eyes looked threatening. I got a chill down my spine because I knew that he could make everyone and everything against me with a flick of a finger. “Well you’re older, I’m sure you understand” My mum said, not even turning around to look at me. Dad just nodded. “Well where’s breakfast?” I curiously asked. “Mike’s leftovers are in the fridge” Dad answered. “Seriously?” I said in disbelief, “Be grateful you even have food to eat!” Mum snapped, I slowly walked to the fridge and hesitantly ate Mike’s disgusting crumbs. I mean, there was one happy thing in my life. My grandma. While she was here, she always reminded me that strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. But now without her, everyone is getting to my head.
I dressed up in my school uniform, put on my shoes, and packed my bag, just to walk out on my parents driving away with Mike in the car. “They must’ve forgotten about me” I whispered under my breath, starting the 15 minute long walk to school. I arrived at the school gates and then entered my class. “You’re late, again!” Ms. Brown scolded, “Another detention after school” She added on. I sighed and slumped down on my desk, just to hear Emily’s voice behind me, the head of all the bullies. “Why didn’t you use your teleporting powers, Bella? Oh right! You’re powerless!” Emily joked, and the entire class erupted into laughter. “Uhm, Ms. Brown, could I please be excused to the restroom?” I shakily asked, Ms. Brown nodded, so I made my way out the classroom. “Awhh.. Little powerless Bella is gonna cry!” Emily said with a chuckle, the entire class roared with laughter once again. Just as I was about to enter the girls restroom, my foot caught the edge of the door stopper, and I tumbled to the floor like a gymnast. But wait.. There was no floor? Panicked strikes through my veins, I let out a loud, gut wrenching scream and braced myself for the fall into what could be hard or soft.
To my surprise, I landed on something.. Soft..? I stumbled up to my feet, looking around the mysterious room I fell in. “Why hello there, Bella,” A random old man said, appearing out of nowhere. I let out a quick frightened gasp “Who are you? What am I doing here?” I questioned. “Who am I? I’m the keeper of lost souls, and you, my dear, have stumbled into a realm where your powers may be more than just a dream,” the old man replied with a mysterious smile. My heart raced as I tried to comprehend the situation. “But I’m powerless and useless?,” I protested, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. The old man chuckled softly. “Slow is just a feature on the washing machine. Here, you have the chance to uncover your true self.” I looked around the room, noticing strange symbols and glowing artifacts. “What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling. “You have the ability to harness your emotions and turn them into power. You just need to believe in yourself,” he explained, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. As I listened, a flicker of hope grew within me. Maybe this was my chance to prove everyone wrong, to show Emily and the others that I am more than just ‘powerless Bella.’ With newfound determination, I took a deep breath. “Okay, teach me. I want to learn how to harness this power,” I declared, my voice steady. The old man nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. “Very well, let the journey begin.”
He gestured for me to follow him deeper into the chamber, where a large stone stood at the centre. “This is where you will begin to understand your emotions,” he explained. “Each symbol represents a different feeling—joy, anger, fear, love. You must learn to channel these emotions into your power.” I approached the stone, my hands trembling slightly as I traced the carvings. “But what if I can’t?” I whispered, doubt creeping in. The old man placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Remember, Bella, every great power comes from belief. Trust in yourself, and you will find the strength within.” Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused on the emotions swirling inside me. I thought of all the times I had felt small and powerless, but also the moments of joy and love that had lifted me. As I concentrated, I felt a warmth building within me, a surge of energy that felt unreal. “Now, release it,” the old man instructed. I opened my eyes, and with a determined shout, I unleashed the energy. A brilliant light erupted from my hands, illuminating the room and casting away the shadows of doubt. In that moment, I realized I was no longer just ‘powerless Bella.’ I was becoming something more, something powerful. The journey had truly begun. Returning to school felt strange after everything I’d been through, but I tried to fit back in. One day, chaos erupted in the hallway. Armed invaders had entered the school. Fear gripped me, but I knew I had to act. I slipped out of class and confronted the invaders. Focusing on my powers, I raised my hands and shouted, “Stop!” Energy surged from me, disarming them and creating a protective barrier around everyone. The authorities arrived soon after, taking the invaders away. My classmates and teachers looked at me with gratitude. I realized I had a responsibility to use my powers to protect others, and I felt more confident in my purpose every day. and I guess you could say I finally realised that strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.
