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Chapter 9

"Do You Really Have A Future?""I never told you because I knew you wouldn't believe me. But when we met at the park today, I suddenly realized that I wanted to make things right again."(Pedro & Pablo's Story)"Pedro, you're an idiot if you think we could ever become friends. You may have fooled your mother but I haven't been able to deceive myself.""But why? If our families had never existed and you were adopted, maybe we would have become great friends in the future.""Are you sure? Do you honestly think that our families and personalities would be compatible in any way? And if our parents had never met, perhaps their children would not be so different than us.""But we grew up together, don't you remember?""That's true. Our childhoods were spent on the streets. We only knew each other through letters or when my mother and aunt came to visit.""Maybe we were lucky that we met when we did.""Or maybe fate doesn't care."*******[Pedro and Pablo's Childhood]------Tired and hungry, I stood outside the orphanage with an old man.We were both very tired; we both needed food. I looked around the dusty street for someone to sell us something.Finally, I spotted some beggars sitting around on the side of the road."Please, give me some food," I begged them softly. "Please, please…"I kept repeating until finally they agreed to spare me some food and give me some money.They gave me a few coins, saying that it should last me three days at most.I thanked them and left, running towards the street corner."Help! I need you to save me, please!"I yelled at the first passerby that passed.After walking along the alley, I ended up standing in front of a small restaurant. The waiter looked up and glared at me."What do you want?"he asked rudely."Food," I answered."What kind of food?"He looked angry."Just anything," I repeated, not knowing how to respond properly. He hesitated for a moment, then gestured towards the entrance of the restaurant."Come in.""And you are?""I am Pedro," I replied quickly.He led me to a table near the fireplace."Sit here. I'll bring you your food soon," he sighed as he left to deliver it."What is your name?"I asked him politely."I am...I am Jose."Jose" looked up in surprise. "Who told you my name?"I shook my head. "Nobody. I just saw you and decided that you were the man I wanted to meet."His eyes widened and he stared at me in astonishment."I've heard a lot about you," I continued, trying hard to ignore his stare. "All I've heard is that you have incredible powers.""I do indeed," he responded confidently."Can you show me how awesome they are?"I pleaded. "I promise that I won't tell anyone."His face darkened slightly and he began to laugh. I frowned; he sounded like he wasn't going to comply with my request."I am sorry, kid, but I can't do that," he explained, wiping the tears from his eyes. "If I showed those abilities in front of someone who I consider to be close, then I would die."I bit my lower lip nervously, thinking about his answer."So...so you aren't going to teach me how amazing they are?""No." I didn't feel sad though, because I already knew that."I have an idea," I whispered."What?"he raised his eyebrow."I don't know how to use the power yet. Can't you teach me how to control it?""Don't worry, kid. I'm not gonna teach you anything," he replied calmly. He went over to a shelf and grabbed several books before returning and handing one to me.I opened the book and scanned it carefully. The words 'Demonstration Technique' popped out in bold red letters."What does this spell?"I asked."In Latin it means: To create a demon." I gasped excitedly."Why do you think I'm the way that I am?" he smirked. I turned the page and read another section:"To change a human being's appearance without killing it, you require two things: an image of an object, and the intention of changing it. In order to accomplish these tasks, you must have a pure heart. Your actions will cause great change in your world."I looked up at Jose."Wow, thank you!"I exclaimed, jumping in excitement. "You are welcome."He sat down on the chair and closed his eyes."Now," he said slowly, "show me some of those wonderful things you promised.""Of course!"I ran over to the shelves where all kinds of tools and supplies were lined up neatly."Okay, let's see, what do we need first..."As I continued my search, the door to the room swung open loudly and a voice yelled:"Yo! Jose! Where are you hiding my coffee?"I froze, holding the knife in my hand tightly."You'll find me here." The man who entered seemed to notice that I wasn't alone because he approached slowly and took a look at me."Hey there, kid.""Hello, sir," I replied politely, trying hard to keep calm."My name is Pedro."I looked up into his dark brown eyes. They almost reminded me of the ones my father used to have."Hi, kid.""Pleased to meet you, sir," I said with a slight smile. Then he pulled out an iron skillet from behind his back."Do you mind if I borrow your knife?"he asked with a sly grin. I handed him the kitchen knife. He took a deep breath. "Now, just follow my instructions."After asking him the simple question: "Do you mind if I borrow your knife?"