by David Barco
"Well, I’m glad you missed me, I guess that means something," Harrison replies, giggling.
“Yeah, that room is kind of scary when you aren't there at night," JT replies.
"I hate to tell you, but you better get used to it a little. Some nights I’ll be getting in late," Harrison says.
"What are you talking about? Where would you be in the middle of the night?" JT asks.
"I asked Tommy to train me secretly at night to help me get my Power Flow control down.”
"What? Why would you do that?" Jaylen says.
"Yeah, that sounds crazy," Joseph says.
"Listen, if someone is out there trying to kill me, then I got to get stronger and be able to create energy attacks if I want to protect myself. I just need extra help with it, and Tommy is the only one that can do that right now.”
Approaching the dorm room, the light gray clouds start dripping cold raindrops on them.
"I start training tonight.”
Chapter 17
Training at Night
The rain beats against the roof like bricks falling from the sky. JT watches as Harrison packs a small backpack with extra clothes and puts his black hoodie on. JT cuts the light on. "You are really leaving to go and train with him?"
Harrison throws his backpack over his shoulders and heads to the door. “Yeah, I wasn't playing."
Harrison opens the door and peeks out.
"Don't get killed tonight then," JT lays back in the bed.
Suddenly, JT lifts his head up quickly, glaring at Harrison as he begins to step out.
"Dude, are those my grey sweat pants you have on?" JT says.
"Yeah, I needed a pair since I ruined mine when I washed my clothes with blue raspberry juice," Harrison shuts the door behind him.
Quickly exiting the backdoor of the dormitory, the fence separating the forest and the Academy towers over him. Harrison flings his hood up as he feels the rain attacking the top of his head. He starts climbing the fence, feeling it shake as he gets closer to the top.
Sliding his leg over the top, he slips on water. He crashes on the other side, landing on his back. The soft muddy ground helps soften his landing. Looking up, he sees Tommy looking over him. Extending his arm down, he helps Harrison up.
"You alright?" Tommy says.
"Yeah, never better," Harrison fixes his hood.
"Alright, let's go a little further in the forest. I found a spot we can use," Tommy says, signaling him to follow.
Traveling down a dirt trail, the woods tower over them. The rain falling off the trees makes a dripping sound that gets louder the further they go. Darkness hovers over the whole forest, making it hard to see.
"Here we are," Tommy says.
Harrison surveys his surroundings. The clear area without any large trees allows the rain to fall freely on them. Harrison takes his backpack off and throws it next to a broken log on the ground.
"Okay, so where should we start?" Harrison says.
"Well, just like in class you have to learn to harness the energy from your Power Flow into your hand. That is the basic part of the whole process," Tommy replies. "Once you learn that, then you can harness your energy to really any part of your body."
"I remember when you fought in the First Spar, you did that to your feet.”
"Yeah, I sent my energy to my feet so I could run up the energy wall. To be honest, if I didn't do that, I knew I was going to lose. I had to get the high ground. If I didn't then the outcome would have been different," Tommy rubs the back of his head.
"Well, I want to learn a move like the one you used on Clark and me. I want you to be able to teach me in a couple of months my own personal move like your Omega Supersonic Blast.”
"Whoa, you are way ahead of yourself. It takes time to learn and perfect an energy move of that caliber.”
"Like how long are we talking about?"
"Like two years.”
"Two years. I don't have two years."
"Let's just get the basics down first. You know, harnessing energy and doing simple energy ball attacks. Then we will worry about your own personal move," Tommy says. "Alright, I want you to focus and try to harness it into your hand now.”
Harrison moves closer to Tommy. Closing his eyes, he begins to focus. He feels the energy heading towards his hand. Opening his eyes, his head drops in disappointment.
"The energy was starting to get there, it just didn't last," Tommy says.
"Dang it," Harrison says frustrated.
"Just keep trying, we got all night.”
Harrison nods and starts to try again.
◆◆◆
Harrison opens his eyes. The light green energy fizzles out of his hand.
"Dang it. Why can't I do this?" Harrison walks over and kicks his backpack. "It's been hours and it's almost time for us to stop."
Harrison sees Tommy rubbing the back of his neck as if he is trying to figure out something. "Okay, well I really didn't want to do this, but it's worth a shot."
"Do what?"
Tommy moves closer to him. Suddenly, Tommy punches Harrison in the face. Harrison wobbles to the left.
Holding his chin, Harrison looks up in confusion. "What the heck?"
Tommy rushes energy on his hands, turning them purple.
Immediately, he pushes Harrison. Harrison glides and slams into a tree. Harrison slides down the tree. His back throbs in pain.
"It’s sad. I mean I agree with everyone else. I expect more out of the famous Douglas Grady's son," Tommy paces slowly. "I guess it’s a good thing he’s gone or dead because you would be an embarrassment to him."
Harrison feels the rage rushing through his body.
"How dare you say something like that? What gives you the right to say something about my dad?" Harrison stands up.
"You really took it hard huh? Was it hard growing up without him but having to hear all the famous stories?" Tommy stands still. "It has to be rough knowing that your dad cared more about his missions and his team than he did about you."
Harrison feels his whole-body tingling. He stands there staring at Tommy in anger.
"I guess to you, Douglas Grady isn't just the famous captain of the legendary Silver Falcons. He is also famous for being a father who didn't want anything to do with his own son," Tommy smiles. "I guess that is one heck of a legacy. I understand though, that would be a hard one for you to follow."
"Shut up, before I make you shut up," Harrison screams loudly.
"C' mon let's head back, I got to check in with my dad who actually wanted to be in my life.”
Screaming in rage, Harrison's hands turn green as green energy circles his whole body.
Tommy stares at him, taking a step back with a look of concern.
"Take this!" Harrison screams.
Suddenly, two small green energy balls form in his hands. He launches them at Tommy. Tommy stares at them soaring towards him. He doesn't move, allowing them to smash into his chest. Soaring backward, Tommy pushes them off and does a backflip on to the ground. Harrison falls to one knee, and the energy disappears instantly. Tommy runs over to him, helping him up.
"Sorry about all that, but I had to say all that stuff and hit you to see something," Tommy brushes off the dirt on his black hoodie.
"What? All that was just part of your little test?"
"Yeah. I heard people talking on the first day when we arrived at the Academy. Some people were discussing how you and Samuel got in a fight again. I was curious about where you were at when it came to controlling your Power Flow so I asked a person who saw it if you used an energy attack on him," Tommy helps him up. "They told me not that time but said the first-time you guys fought at some skating rink, he talked about your dad and you got angry and you had energy come out."
"Yeah, but what does that matter? It was just some rare incident.”
"It matters because it had me think that your power may be triggered off of your emotions.”
"Wouldn't most peop
le be?"
"Actually, you are the only one I have ever seen.”
Harrison's heart races.
"That's a good thing though. That just shows me that you got something special about your power. That now has me really intrigued." Tommy says.
"Yeah, me and you both.”
◆◆◆
Harrison wobbles towards the dorms with a slight limp. Water squishes with every step he takes, from his soaked socks. His clothes are stained with dry mud.
"What time is it?" Harrison says.
Tommy gazes at his watch, squinting to see it. "5:15, we better hurry and wash up. Breakfast starts at 7:00.”
As they approach the dorms, Harrison recognizes the Elder and captain from the Red Hawks walking towards the main building.
I thought the Elder said the Red Hawks wouldn't be back for two months.
"What are you staring at? Come on," Tommy opens the door.
Harrison heads up to the main building.
"Dude. What are you doing? Are you crazy?" Tommy says. "The Elder and the Red Hawk captain just went in there. If they see you, we are screwed."
"Just go to your room. I got to check something out. I won't get caught, I promise," Harrison creeps to the main building.
Quick footsteps sound behind him. Tommy is crouching along with Harrison. Entering the main building, the lights are barely lit, forming minor yellow rings on the floor. Tiptoeing down the hallway, a bright illumination gleams through the Elder's door.
"Yes. That is exactly where I wanted them to be," Harrison says.
"What are you talking about?" Tommy whispers. "This doesn't make any sense. You sure you didn't hit your head too hard on that tree?"
"Shhh. I’m fine. Just be quiet.”
Approaching the entrance to the secret room, Harrison opens it. Harrison notices Tommy's mouth open wide like he is yawning. The yellow energy glows and lights up the whole room.
"You have to be kidding me. This is crazy," Tommy surveys the room. "How did you find this room?"
"Long story. I will fill you in some other time," Harrison walks to the wall and punches the same spot as last time. "Just be quiet so we can hear their conversation."
Reclining in his chair, the Elder glares at the Red Hawk captain who is standing in front of his desk. “Amazing that you managed to get this information in such a short time. I truly thought it would take the whole two months we planned for.”
"We were able to get some leads faster than what we thought. After the intel we collected, I thought it was urgent that we report it to you immediately," the captain says.
The Elder sits up slowly, laying his elbows on the enormous desk. "What did you find out?"
"We found a letter from Douglas Grady to an unknown individual stating that the secret mission was, in fact, him going on a search to find the Ark of Power.”
The Elder gently caresses the tight wrinkles on his forehead. "We can't let that get out. We must keep that piece of information secret."
"Yes, your Honor.”
Lounging back into his giant chair, he removes the large hat from his head. "If people find out that the Silent Mission was, in fact, him searching for the Ark then some will worry that an impending war looms with the other nations. Also, if the other nations hear that we are seeking it they too would worry that we are planning an attack. Everyone is a little anxious since the War of Sorrows."
"Yes, Your Honor. I understand. I will protect this information with my life."
The Elder places his hat back on his head, hiding the wild, white strands of hair. "Thank you, captain."
The captain opens the door slightly.
"Captain. One more thing I need to ask of you and the Red Hawks.”
"Yes, Your Honor.”
"I need you to keep an eye on Harrison Grady. Sebastian found his name on a list indicating that the individual we are seeking is coming after him."
"Yes, Your Honor,” he nods. "So, you believe this person also put an energy bomb in his acceptance letter?"
Pulling his hat down slightly the Elder walks towards the door. "Yes, I believe that.”
Opening the door, they exit together. Harrison feels his clothes sticking to him as he helps Tommy up.
"You weren't playing when you said you thought someone was out to get you," Tommy says.
"Yeah, I wish I was," pulling his sweatpants from being attached to his thighs.
"I am just glad I heard them talking. Now I know that the Elder sent my dad and the Silver Falcons to find the Ark of Power."
"Yeah, but what did the Elder want the Ark for? It's been missing for a long time. Why did he send your dad to find it thirteen years ago? It doesn't make any sense.”
"I don't know but the important thing is I got one more piece to this crazy puzzle," Harrison says. "C' mon, we got to get going."
Opening the door, Harrison peeks out. The sun rays start beaming through the windows. Harrison gestures Tommy to move out. Running towards the dorms, the sun rises behind the forest, shining a giant beam of sunshine. Before entering the dormitory, Harrison places his hand on Tommy's shoulder. "Listen, I am going to lay low for a couple of months since the Red Hawks are going to be watching me. We will only meet when we have a chance.”
"Okay, I understand. No problem.”
Harrison removes his hand from his shoulder.
"Thanks for everything. I guess I should go up to the room and fill the guys in.”
They head to their rooms. Harrison opens the door, hearing what sounds like a large drill cutting into a rock. Quickly, JT shoots up out the bed, stopping his loud snoring. Standing beside his bed, Harrison cuts the light on. "Dude, we have to talk.”
JT sits up. "Darn right we have to talk. Look how you ruined my favorite pair of sweat pants,” JT wipes his eyes. "What did you do roll in mud?"
"I rolled into something more than mud. I rolled into a little bit more of the truth."
Chapter 18
The Compass of Destiny
Strong bangs sound at the bottom of the door. Harrison jumps out of bed, walks over, and opens it. The door releases a screeching noise as Harrison gazes out. He surveys the area, but no one is there.
"Hey. We’re down here, kid," a familiar voice says.
Sanford and Edwin stand there with neatly creased envelopes.
"Oh, hey, sorry about that," Harrison scratches the back of his head.
"Yeah, yeah, sure you are," Edwin crosses his tiny thin arms across his chest.
"Listen, we got your mail for you. So here you go," Sanford hands the envelopes to him.
Harrison stoops down and grabs them. "Thanks. But I got to ask where the guy is that normally delivers the mail? I haven't seen him since before the holidays.”
"Don't get me started. That guy said he was attacked by a group of Chihuahuas at the beginning of the New Year and he is still in the hospital," Sanford says. "I mean come on, like those things could actually cause any harm to anyone."
"Yeah, so until he recovers, Elder Dirk said we are the team for the job," Edwin says.
"I hate my team. I wish I could be traded," Sanford says.
"Listen, if I could have a different teammate I would,” Edwin says. “I saw a goldfish in one of the rooms and I was tempted to ask if he wanted a partner."
Resting against the door frame, Harrison stands there a couple seconds watching them argue.
"Okay, well it was great seeing you guys again. Happy New Year," Harrison closes the door.
"Wait, hold up kid," Sanford says.
"Yeah, what’s up?"
"In the last two months we are always having to clean up dirt tracks that come from the forest. Apparently, someone is going into the woods at night a couple of times throughout the week," Sanford says.
"Yeah, and like he said we realized that it only happens when the Red Hawks are gone. We guess, that they are up to no good in those woods and are afraid to get caught. You see or hear anyone leave at night?" Edwin says.
&nbs
p; Pretending to be in deep thought, Harrison caresses his smooth face. "No, sorry I haven't. But I will keep an eye out for you guys.”
"Thanks, I know I am tired of cleaning all that dirt off the floor in here," Sanford says.
Harrison closes the door and flops on his bed. He looks at the two letters. One is from his mom and the other is from Gavin. He opens the one from Gavin first and reads.
Harrison,
Happy New Year. I hope you have been enjoying the last couple of months at the Academy. School is so boring right now. But when these winter months are over, we have a field trip planned for The Purhara mountains in the Golic nation. I can't wait to see you this summer and for you to show me all your cool energy moves. I hope I get to see you use them on somebody, just not me. Anyways, train and study hard.
Gavin
Harrison smiles and puts it back into the envelope. He rips open the one from his mom and starts to read.
Dear Harrison,
Hey sweetie, Happy New Year. I hope you are still enjoying your time up at the Academy. I sure do miss you around here. The holidays were really lonely since you didn't come back home on break, but I understand you have to do something for your Power Flow class. I can't wait till you get to come home in the summer. I am counting down the days. Write back this time, please.
I love you.
P.S. Here is a letter from your dad that you asked for. I think it's neat that you are doing an assignment on your dad. Tell me how it goes.
Mom
He snatches the other letter and hurries to a red notebook. He takes the ripped book page out and the letter that was left for him. Surveying the three side by side, he looks to see if they are all identical. His breathing ceases for a couple of moments, as he feels his heart pound in his chest.
I can't believe it. All three are the same handwriting. That means my dad really did write those notes to my uncle Adam and did write this down in the book.
Rubbing his hands continually through his hair, he paces slowly, gazing at the letters.
If the letters are real, then there is a great possibility those pictures are too. Which means my uncle Adam did meet my dad that night and he lied to me.