Authors: Brian Terenna
My olive skin, a shade darker than normal, glistened in the summer sun. I looked at the sky to see puffy clouds and a screeching hawk spiraling between them. My head fell, and I trudged onward despite my heat-induced lethargy. We rounded the corner of the Basic Education Academy, where the path narrowed between the main building and the wooden storage sheds. The grass was not well worn here, but Ben and I preferred the shortcut.
Continuing down the path, I flinched as three brutish boys emerged around the corner. I recognized one of the uglier ones from our medical class but couldn't place his name. His pale skin and pug-nose were severely unflattering. His forehead seemed too short for his face, his eyebrows too big. The other two looked like brothers. They had short-cropped hair, angular jaws, and deep-set, angry eyes. When they saw us, they scowled lowering their eyebrows. The act screamed caution. I glanced over my shoulder, considering escape as I typically did when faced with a threat.
The pug-nosed one spoke first. “Ben... The Destroyer of Good Times. You shouldn't have got involved in what we were doing. That was dumb. You and your little friend are going to pay.”
I hated when people called me little. I wasn't little; I was lithe. Although I only weighed about a hundred and forty-five pounds, on a five foot ten frame, I commanded greater strength than one might expect from lifting my homemade weights regularly. I despised this guy already.
Ben clenched his jaw and flexed his muscles.
I decided to step up to calm down the situation. “Sorry, boys no time to talk,” I said, pushing by the pug-nosed one.
He yanked my arm and crashed his fist into my stomach. I doubled over, my breath fleeing from my lungs.
On the ground, I thought back to the years of bullying that I endured in school. I remembered the groups of boys that intimidated me or beat me while others laughed. I thought back to my fitful nights filled with nightmares, and my anxious days, avoiding my tormentors. I remembered the feel of my stomach twisting and the taste of acid at the sight of one of them. Sven was the worst, but there were many more. My parents had abandoned me by then and my uncle never cared. No teachers or students ever stuck up for me until Ben came along.
I stood with gritted teeth. I didn’t like violence, but now that I had talent, I wouldn’t be bullied anymore. Before he realized my intention, I head-butted Pug Nose in the face. He stumbled backward clutching his broken and bloodied nose.
“Maybe it will improve your looks. They certainly can't get worse.” I laughed, past the point of reason.
Before I could react, one of Pug Nose’s friends bashed his meaty fist into my ribs. One of their feet slammed into my head while I was bowed forward. I crumbled to the ground, my vision darkening. Another kick slammed into my side, and I strained to wield my talent strength. It wouldn’t work. Panic crept over me, and another boot smashed into my ribs with a crack. I curled up, gritting my teeth at the pain. Would they kill me?
“That's enough,” Ben yelled.
His command must have stilled them, because I felt no more blows. After my vision cleared, I looked up. Ben and the three boys stood close, with tensed muscles and lowered eyebrows. I couldn't let Ben fight those odds. Breathing frantically, I scanned the area, my heart pounding in my chest. What could I do? Suddenly, my body felt stronger as energy coursed through me. My talent! Just before I charged, the shed caught my eye; one of the boards glowed green. Eyebrows raised, I couldn’t look away from it, like it was trying to tell me something, like it was a part of me.
“We’re going to destroy you,” Pug Nose said.
My eyes jerked over to him, my anger boiling. Suddenly, the glowing board sprung to life and sailed through the air. I gasped, and the boy groaned as it shattered on his face. After regaining his balance, he gapped at me unmoving, blood flowing from his nose.
Lifting both hands to my face, I tried to understand what had just happened. I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t just strong... I was telekinetic. Ben’s words repeated in my mind, ‘It was green.’ I should have known since telekinetics were the only people with talent who glowed, but I never thought I’d be one. Telekinetics were the rarest of all the Talented. I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around the discovery. I was the first Coalition telekinetic since Commander Victor Deo.
The other two boys stood like stones, their jaws slack, staring at their friend. Seeing my chance, I charged Pug Nose. My fist slammed into his head, lifting him from his feet and knocking him on his back. I leapt on top of him, my hands a shimmery green and hammer fisted his face until he lay still. I heard grunts and gasps behind me. I strained my neck to see how Ben was fairing. He fought furiously to hold them off until the one boy’s fist pounded Ben’s jaw. Ben’s eyes rolled into his head as he crumpled to the ground. I dashed toward the thugs, ready to defend him. Their angry, battered faces fixed on me.
My kidney exploded with pain, weakening my knees. Pug-Nose had recovered behind me. I guess I didn’t beat him enough. The boys in front pummeled my face, chest, and stomach. I threw my hands up, attempting to protect myself to no avail. Amazingly, I still stood when the barrage stopped. I raised my chin and stuck out my chest, daring them.
The speed of the left brute’s fist caught me off guard, rattling my brain. Battered and bloodied, I lay sprawled on my back, in an all too familiar condition. This is where I typically gave in, accepting defeat. But no... I was talented; I wouldn’t give in. What right did they have to hurt me? The fury that washed over me made me shiver. I gave up control, opening the gates to my rage. It ended now.
Bounding to my feet, I focused my hate. I felt my talent swelling and churning inside me. My rib cage compressed as a wave of force exploded around me. The brothers flew from their feet and launched in an arc. They struck the ground with dull thuds and grunts. My jaw dropped at the display of my talent, but I loved it. I finally had the power to defend myself.
The two boys scrambled to their feet before fleeing down the road. Someone grunted behind me. I rotated, and my eyes locked on Pug Nose. He was wedged through the shed boards. When I approached, he kicked his feet, screaming wildly.
I locked his eyes, reveling in his fear. I scowled, then spit on the boards next to him, pushing my advantage. His eyes bulged when I grabbed his neck with one hand. I lifted him from the shed into the air, my talent making me strong.
“You’re an animal and deserve to be treated like one.”
My grip strengthened, my talent feeding on my adrenaline. His face grew red as he strained to breathe. He slammed his fists into my arms to no avail.
I knew that I should let him go, but I wanted to make him pay. I wanted revenge for all the times I had been bullied. I breathed deeply, holding him still while I decided what to do. Eventually, logic won out. Exhaling sharply, with a bitter look, I released my grip. Pug Nose crumpled to the ground before he rubbed his neck and gasped for air. I stepped up to him, growling.
“Please, please don’t. Give me another chance. I’ll never bother you again... Just let me go,” he said, beginning to tear up.
I rolled my shoulders back. “All right... I'll give you a second chance, but if you ever cause me or Ben any trouble, I will destroy you, your friends, and your family.” I wouldn’t really, but he didn’t know that. I stepped closer, my eyes drilling into his. “Run.”
In a flash, he scrambled to his feet before bolting away, his arms pumping rapidly.
I walked over to Ben as he started to stir. I laid my hand on his shoulder, helping him shift to a sitting position. “Are you okay?” His jaw was already swelling.
First, he sat stunned, then glanced around wildly. After a second, he settled down. “They’re gone?” He looked at my face, his eyes opening in alarm. “Talent! You’re bleeding all over. Are you hurt?”
I shrugged. “A little. It’s no big deal.” I was used to pain.
Ben squinted at me, but nodded. “What happened to our friends anyway? Did you win?”
I stood up straighter raising my chin a bit. “I guess I did. After you were knocked out, I was taking a beating. Eventually, my rage got the better of me. Then my talent exploded, throwing all three backward.”
Ben’s eyes widened. “You’re powerful
and
a telekinetic. I can’t believe it. That’s so rare.”
“I know. At first I didn’t feel that strong, but my anger changed that.” I sat down next to Ben on the grass beside the path. “I can’t believe that my mind is so powerful.”
“Good for you... our teachers always say to use your mind and not your muscles to resolve conflict.” He beamed at me.
I laughed as the tension of the scuffle faded from me.
After a moment, Ben’s eyes darted over to me as he grabbed my shoulder. “Oh no, you used your talent against citizens. What if they go to the council?”
My stomach soured, ushering in a sense of dread. We all knew the penalty for injuring citizens with one’s talent. If they told, I’d be doomed. They looked pretty scared though. “Honestly, I don't think that they’re going to report me.” I stood, extending my hand to Ben and helped him up. “Let's get cleaned up at the medic.”
“Good plan. Thanks for standing up for me today,” Ben said while patting me on the back.
“You always do the same for me.”
We walked in silence for a few minutes. After I wiped off some blood dripping into my eyes, I asked, “How come Pug Nose hated you so much?”
Ben chuckled, his ponytail blowing in the breeze. “Pug Nose, I like that. He deserves all the disdain one can muster. I didn't tell you, and I'm not sure why, but I ran into them a week ago.”
“What happened?”
“I broke up their fun, as they put it. I stopped them from raping a young female student.”
I gasped. How dare they? “We need to report them.”
Ben shook his head. “The girl and I did, but the boys got off with a warning.”
“That’s disgusting. We’re supposed to be safe in the Coalition.”
“Seriously.”
“What bastards. Maybe I should have roughed them up more.”
Ben’s head bobbed. “Maybe so. That was pretty aggressive though when you head-butted Pug Nose in the face. I didn't think that you had it in you to challenge three people.”
“I tried to defuse the situation first.”
“I know. You’re usually passive, but I certainly have seen your angry side before. Remember that time you broke your javelin in half during combat training because it wouldn't fly right.”
“Umm... yeah,” I said, my face feeling flushed as I looked away. “I've been much more controlled since then. Sometimes my anger gets the better of me.”
Ben laughed. “
Sometimes
? I’m not sure if that’s the right word.”
I winced, thinking about my past anger. “Hmm.” Maybe I had a problem.
Ben patted me on the back. “Hey, you can get angry anytime you need to save me. Thanks again. It means a lot to me. I'm not going to believe what anyone says; you truly are a great friend.” Ben winked.
Did I really do it for him though? He thought so, but I ended the fight out of anger, because I didn’t want to feel small. I wasn’t going to correct him though. I did try to stop the fight first at least.
Looking like half-dead soldiers, Ben and I hiked the rest of the way to the medic.
☼☼☼
I pulled back the heavy oak doors, and we entered the medical facility. The lobby was a large open space, well lit by skylights and solar lighting. There were several other people seated along the left wall, presumably waiting to be treated. An older gentleman with deep-set wrinkles was holding a blood soaked cloth to his forehead. There were two women to his right. One stared at the granite floor, frowning. From time to time, she glanced at the old man while wringing her hands. The second woman with vivid orange hair was wearing horn-rimmed classes on her chubby face. It was rare to see an overweight citizen; we had very little excess. Ben and I approached the reception desk. A young dark-skinned woman sat munching on a carrot with papers strewn out in front of her.
The woman glanced up. “Names and injuries please.” She placed her half-chewed carrot on her desk and picked up a pen.
Ben took the initiative as he did in social situations. “I'm Ben Lockhart. My jaw is swelling, and I was knocked out for a few minutes.” He clapped me on the back. “This is my friend Jaden Stone, defender of the weak,” he said.
She tapped her pen, unsmiling. “And his injuries?”
I stepped up to her desk, feeling bold after my victory. “Gestational diabetes and dementia,” I said with a straight face.
Frowning at me, she put down her pen. “What was that?”
“I can't remember,” I said.
Ben started cracking up next to me, covered his mouth, and turned away.
She eyed me with pursed lips. “Look. This is a medical facility. We have people to care for and no time for tom-foolery.”
I shook my head. “No, not Tom. It’s Jaden.”
She huffed and said, “Sit down,” as she pointed to the row of chairs. “I’ll call you when we’re ready.”
She’d probably make me wait the longest now, but it was worth it.
I sat a seat away from the large woman with orange hair. Ben sat next to me and started a conversation with the woman. I took the time to examine and clean my fingernails.
After a while of silent sitting, someone turned on the radio. “Welcome back. You’re listening to Coalition radio. Locke’s Coalition: Where Freedom Reigns. And now the weather... hey folks, it’s going to be beautiful for the next three days. We’re looking at nothing but sun—”
“Jaden,” a medic said, pulling my attention from the radio.
I followed the female medic through the double doors and down a white walled hallway, lined with first-aid posters. The medic stepped into a small room on my left. I followed her in. She turned around for the first time, permitting me a good look at her. My eyebrows lifted at her beauty, and I immediately felt tightness in my chest as my nerves kicked in.
She looked to be a few years older than I was, but not over twenty or twenty-one. Her low-cut purple blouse complemented her caramel-colored skin. The neckline revealed the top of her seemingly soft breasts. When she moved they swayed slightly, and I caught a scent of her perfume. It was a crisp, sweet aroma; it was intoxicating. She was out of my league; she was out of everyone’s league. I didn’t care. Opportunities like this didn’t come around too often. I racked my brain for something clever to say, but mumbled something unintelligible instead.