Million Dollar Gift

by Ian Somers

  Pepe emerged from the bushes looking aggravated. He bolted out of the undergrowth and charged right at me. I sent out a nudge at it, but it wasn’t enough, the dog latched onto my trouser leg and wasn’t letting go. It swung its head and I fell face first in the dirt. The dead tree rocked and almost fell.

  I felt a sliver of anger and sent out a shockwave. The dog toppled over the dirt, but stood and growled, unharmed and undeterred.

  Romand was right when he said these were the toughest dogs in the world. Pepe was unstoppable.

  I rose from the ground, inspected my torn jeans then taunted the dog.

  ‘Come and get me!’

  The kangal got ready to charge, but before it did I had a moment of inspiration. Pepe raced forward, raising a cloud of dust in its wake then jumped at me. I pointed my hands at the ground, channelled all my powers downward and I was lifted into the air. Pepe slid to a halt and snapped at my heels, but I was over eight feet from the ground, levitating.

  I looked at the dead tree. It was still standing. I was starting to realise that anything was possible!

  Pepe abruptly sat down, shut his eyes then trotted off to sniff at the base of a tree. Cathy opened her eyes and got off the ground. She looked up at me and laughed, ‘You’re good. You’re real good. Romand can’t even do what you’ve just done.’

  I slowly came floating back to earth and the dead tree crashed down behind me.

  ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’ I looked at her and we both laughed from the excitement and exhilaration of using our gifts against one another. ‘I didn’t appreciate you chewing up my good jeans though! If you want to see me without them you only have to ask.’

  ‘Don’t flatter yourself,’ she snorted, shaking her head. ‘I’ve seen you in your boxer shorts already.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘The first night you were here … Pepe was watching you getting into bed …’

  ‘You dirty little—’

  ‘You’d have done the same if you were a mind-switcher!’

  ‘Oh-my-god!’ I said incredulously. ‘I am truly shocked!’

  ‘No you’re not. You’re a boy. Get over it.’

  ‘I have to keep my eye on you in future.’

  ‘You’ve been keeping an eye on me since you arrived, mister.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I catch you looking at me.’

  ‘Now, who’s flattering themselves?’

  ‘I have to flatter myself, no one else will.’

  ‘Well … I think you’re kinda … nice.’

  ‘Okay … that almost sounded like a compliment.’

  ‘You’re face is … not bad for looking at. I mean …’

  ‘You’re not too good at this, Ross, are you?’

  ‘Oh, give me a break.’

  She laughed then took the shredded hoody from the dirt and handed it to me. ‘I think we’ve had enough combat for one day. Come on, let’s find something to do.’

  I followed her without question through the thick forest, down an incline and to the bank of a small, lazy river with long reeds on the opposite side.

  ‘I come down here a lot,’ she told me. ‘You know, when I need some time away from my mum and Romand. I do my own training here too.’

  ‘How can you train yourself using a river?’ I asked, making a funny face at her.

  ‘There are a lot of ways. Hey, are you good at this?’ She stooped, took a smooth circular stone and fired it at the calm surface of the water. It skipped four times and she jumped and cheered. ‘What do you think? Not bad, eh!’

  I shrugged and picked up a stone. ‘Let’s see if I can do any better.’

  I spread my feet apart took a very dramatic stance and threw the stone. It skipped five times across the river, then changed direction and continued skipping in an ever decreasing circle before it finally sank beneath the surface. ‘Twenty three skips,’ I bragged.

  Cathy grinned ruefully at me. ‘That’s cheating! You and your bloody psychokinesis!’

  ‘I can’t help it. Just comes naturally to me.’

  ‘I’ve an idea!’ she said excitedly. ‘This way!’ She took me by the hand and hurried along the river bank until we reached a clear sloping patch of dirt to the side of a large oak. There was a tyre swing hanging from one of the thickest branches.

  ‘You’re on pushing duty,’ she said.

  ‘I can do that,’ I replied as she climbed into the large tyre. ‘How high do you want to go?’

  ‘Real high! But don’t you dare send me into the water. If you do, you will die!’

  ‘I won’t. Promise.’

  I stood back from the river and gently summoned some power into my mind. I pushed the tyre and it swung slowly out over the river then back up over the bank. I sent more power towards it and Cathy screamed with excitement.

  ‘Higher, Ross.’

  Her joy was infectious and I felt an immense level of energy entering my body. I’d never been that content in my whole life and my strong positive emotions were drawing in an enormous amount of energy. Moving Cathy and the heavy tyre swing was like flicking a feather. I’d never felt so powerful, even when I’d smashed the block of Metaliglass during the tests.

  The tyre swing was extended to its fullest and she roared with giddiness. It was dangerous, but I had total control over the situation, I figured I could have uprooted the giant oak if I’d wanted to. I swung her for as long she could laugh before her sides hurt.

  ‘You have your uses,’ she said as she jumped out of the tyre.

  She was unsteady on her feet and had to sit down. She removed her shoes and dipped her toes in the cool water. I sat next to her and we looked out over the peaceful waterway.

  ‘Look,’ I whispered, pointing at the opposite bank. ‘It’s a kingfisher. I’ve never seen one in the flesh before.’

  ‘There’s lots of them around here.’

  ‘He’s beautiful.’

  ‘How about a closer look?’

  ‘I’m not a good swimmer.’

  ‘You don’t need to be.’ She closed her eyes and hung her head then transported her mind. The little bird sprung from the reeds and fluttered into the air. It glided fast over the river’s surface and flew over my head.

  It darted around the trees then hovered close to me before it landed on my forearm. I laughed and gazed at its glittering blue wings and bright eyes. It hopped up my arm and stood on my shoulder, chirping a tune. I laughed again; the bird was chirping the opening bars of VivaLaVida by Coldplay.

  I laughed uncontrollably. ‘Wow! That is the coolest thing ever!’

  The bird hopped further up my shoulder and went silent. It watched me very carefully then tapped my cheek very gently with its beak. I was speechless and the kingfisher flew off across the river.

  ‘You see how I do my training down here?’ Cathy said suddenly.

  ‘I do. You’re incredible, really incredible.’

  ‘So are you. I’ve met some gifted people in my life, but you’re the best.’

  ‘You’re embarrassing me now.’

  ‘I’m embarrassing you again, you mean. You went very red in the face when the bird gave you a peck on the cheek.’

  ‘No comment.’

  Cathy looked down at the white earphones hanging from my trouser pocket. ‘You wanna listen to some music?’

  ‘Wouldn’t be very sociable for me to do that …’

  ‘I meant we share the earphones.’

  ‘Oh, I knew that. I was just joking.’

  ‘You’re silly.’

  She took one earphone and pressed it into her left ear and I thumbed the other into my right. I searched for a good song, but she swiped the iPod from my hand. She flicked at the screen until she found a song she liked and pressed play.

  ‘I love this band!’

  ‘Me too.’

  When the song was over, the iPod randomly went to another. I took a deep intake of breath and my eyes searched the river for anything I could comment on; it
was a real lovey-dovey song!

  ‘Shall I change it? Bit smoochy isn’t it?’

  ‘Leave it,’ she replied. ‘I think it seems appropriate in a way.’

  ‘You do?’

  We looked at one another and I felt her hand wrapping around mine. I leaned close to her and kissed her softly. Her arms swept over my shoulders and mine wrapped around her waist. I felt as if I was drawing energy into my body; I hardly noticed that we were both rising into the air and hovering out over the river.

  ‘Don’t let me fall,’ she said, holding me tight.

  I didn’t know how I was making it happen. It was subconscious. It was like there was too much energy flowing into me because of how much joy the kiss had brought me. I didn’t care though, it felt amazing! We were practically flying!

  ‘Don’t let me fall!’

  ‘I’ve got you,’ I replied confidently. I kissed her again. ‘I’m not letting go.’

  I don’t know if it was just a coincidence or if it was something to do with Cathy’s gift, but suddenly we were surrounded by a flock of birds that circled us over and over again. It was the most magical moment of my life.

  Romand was sitting by the back patio doors when we returned. He was eyeing us very suspiciously, and I was thankful he wasn’t an emotomagnet; it could have been awkward if he knew we had kissed.

  ‘Hey, Romand,’ Cathy said. ‘How was the trip?’

  ‘Not as productive as I had wished.’ He looked at me and pulled a seat from under the table. ‘Sit. Cathy, give us some privacy.’

  When she left the kitchen I reluctantly sat. I felt like a child who was about to get an earful for not doing his homework.

  ‘You two seem…’

  ‘We talked, that’s all.’

  ‘Make sure it stays that way. Here,’ he said, taking a few sheets from the table, ‘take these and read them tonight.’

  ‘More pages from your study on the gifts?’

  ‘Yes. This may make up for the time we lost today.’

  ‘Thanks, Romand. I want to thank you for all the things you’ve done. Without you I’d be still in that hotel with the vultures.’

  ‘Try not to forget it.’

  ‘I’ll try my best.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE -

  Advanced Techniques

  I got under the bed sheet and turned off the overhead light, leaving just the bed-side lamp on to read the text Romand had given me. Th ere were only three pages, numbered: 49, 50, 51.

  Fighting Strategies Using The Gift of Psychokinesis

  Translation of Mongolian Texts, circa 13th century

  These texts were found amid ruins on the eastern border of the Gobi desert that were excavated in 1923 by Sir Alfred Tompkins.

  The author of the original material is believed to be Ala-Qush, a noted chieftain of Genghis Khan’s.

  Most of the text was destroyed. The following is what was salvaged.

  I discovered my gift when I first left my mother and began to travel with the men. Our caravan became lodged in loose dirt during heavy rains. I managed to lift the caravan, two horses and four grown men from a flooded section of the road using my will alone. News of what I had done spread quickly across the lonely plains of my homeland, and I was soon summoned to the tent of our tribal leader, who did not believe any man could have powers that only a god should have. He demanded I display this strange power so he could witness it for himself. My hands were bound and a sword was put to my neck. If trickery were employed I would have been put to death. My good name was upheld when I lifted his four sons from their chairs with my mind. Within weeks I had been drafted into the army, under the service of the great Khan.

  I mastered its use on the battlefield. So skilful have I become that I do not arm myself with any conventional weapons during ground warfare. While on horseback I continue to use my trusty bow but I use my mind to direct any arrow I fire. I now have a rank of Chief and my days of frontline fighting are behind me. This has afforded me many hours to study this rare power. The results of my studies are contained within these pages.

  Ala-Qush.

  I found it amazing that I was reading the works of another psychokinetic who lived eight hundred years ago, a man who fought alongside Genghis Khan! To think I had something in common with such a man.

  I read on and the next two paragraphs were explaining the powers he had and what he was capable of, parts of which seemed quite familiar to me.

  On the second page there was more enlightening text. It was arranged into three sections and had simple diagrams accompanying them.

  Methods of increasing my power

  1. Name given by Ala-Qush: Tornado

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Spin Technique)

  Spinning the body creates slight confusion within the mind, a subconscious panic over a perceived loss of control. Panic makes me extremely powerful for a brief moment. When I complete a spin I channel energy into my body, through my shoulders, arms and finally my hands. In the battle of Zhangjiakou, I managed to kill or maim a grouping of more than fifty soldiers of the Jin Dynasty using this technique.

  2. Name given by Ala-Qush: Waking Nightmare

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Power from false memories)

  I have found this to be most effective while preparing for battle. I have created a waking nightmare: my wife and children being slaughtered by Jin spies. The fictitious scenario sends my emotions into turmoil and I can summon great energy for an extended period of time.

  3. Name given by Ala-Qush: Pain Clouds

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Mass Neurological Disruption)

  I have recently invented this technique. It can be achieved by drawing large amounts of energy into my body then releasing it without any direction whatsoever. This leads to, what I call a cloud of pain. A large area is affected by this cloud and anyone in that area has their brain functions interrupted resulting in loss of muscular function and severe pain.

  Killing techniques

  1. Name given by Ala-Qush: Spirit Sword

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Decapitation Slice)

  This is the quickest and most humane method of killing. First I must draw in negative energy, saving it in my chest, then I swing one arm with all my strength, in a chopping motion. This seems to create an invisible disk of energy which slices through the opponent resulting in them being severed in two. Death is instantaneous.

  2. Name given by Ala-Qush: The Spear

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Energy Shot)

  This is a very similar attack to the slice, but the movement of the body is different. The energy must be channelled into the chest then both arms must be quickly stretched out in front with the index fingers touching. This releases a very precise bolt of power. The effect on the body of the enemy is deplorable and almost always fatal.

  3. Name given by Ala-Qush: Stone Swarm

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Small Projectile Firing)

  Very effective when outnumbered in a ground battle. Small stones or other light projectiles require very little energy to move, even at incredible speeds. Pebbles can be fired so fast that they pass straight through the body of an enemy. I have perfected the technique of firing multiple small objects, and in different directions which can prove a very successful attack against a large number of men.

  Defensive Manoeuvres

  The Emperor Xuanzong has long been aware of my powers and has been scouring his lands for someone with similar powers. In the battle of Yangtze, 1219, three Chinese soldiers emerged from the main Chinese force and targeted me directly. They all had the gift of moving. They had not honed their skills though and I defeated them quickly. The incident inspired me to develop defensive moves, in case a more powerful mover is ever found by the Jin.

  1. Name given by Ala-Qush: Floating Falcon

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Levitation)

  Most effective in one-on-one situations. This technique is extremely difficult to mast
er. One must draw energy from the earth itself then channel that energy back towards the ground, resulting in lift. Positive emotions work best when attempting levitation but this takes great discipline while in combat.

  2. Name given by Ala-Qush: Air Shield

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Deflection)

  The easiest and often the most effective defence when under fire from arrows and throwing weapons. Short bursts of energy must be sent at the objects but calmness of mind is required. Once perfected, deflection can protect against projectiles of almost any size.

  3. Name given by Ala-Qush: Wave

  (Modern phrase by Alfred Tompkins: Energy Pulse)

  All energy must be sent out of the body in a pulse. This results in a shockwave that surrounds my body and travels outward in all directions, protecting me even from a barrage of arrows.

  I turned to the final page and there were only two short paragraphs, this disappointed me deeply; I could have read the combat techniques of this great warrior for hours and hours. I was starting to learn that the possibilities were endless.

  I am now in the twilight of my life and illness is the opponent that I battle from day to day. My gifts cannot defeat this new and insipid enemy that slowly conquers me from within.

  In life, rage was my only weakness. Pure rage can summon so much power that I kill or injure as many of my comrades as enemies. This happened twice in battle and I regret that over three hundred of my countrymen have died by my own hand. I see this strange power as a gift but without a sound mind it can become a terrible curse. My greatest fear is if this power was to fall under the control of a demented mind. It could lead to butchery on an unimaginable scale.

  The next day began early and with Romand in bullish mood. He woke me at 6am and only allowed to me to have two slices of toast for breakfast. Once I finished the scant meal we left the house and headed across the fields to the training barn.