Authors Note: Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but school has just started and it's taking up all my time. Thanks to those have reviewed, but please if you haven't and you're reading my story. Please review, I'm asking nicely. It shows to us writers that we actually have people reading our story and it gives us encouragement to write more chapters and stories. So read and review!

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Chapter Seven: Prelude to Power

When he left I had prepared the food for lunch and other simple enmities. I decided to construct a fire pit that was now only just awaiting the wood, as was I. Since Cooler had left thirty minutes had passed since he went to go look for wood. I sat on one of the logs that I had placed around the fire pit. My arms and legs crossed, twitching slightly in anticipation and aggravation. I was getting bored just sitting here and having no one to talk to. Surprisingly, I wanted Cooler to come back soon, before the silence soon took over my mind.

Just then I heard the frightening squawks of some little birds from behind me along with a strange squeaking. Birds flew over my head scattering in all directions to get away from what ever had scared them. And what ever it was, it was coming in my direction. I put up my guard immediately and turned around on my spot on the log.

All I saw were trees, endless forest that emitted a cool dank smell of animals and dew that was now starting to evaporate from the heat of the sun. Then more trees. Wait, were these ones floating?

Out of the forest emerged several trees; whole trees, floating on their sides that were coming towards me. I've seen weird things, but this was ridiculous.

"I got your fire wood that you wanted." I heard someone say, it was almost like the trees were talking to me. Now I know I've gone crazy.

My eyes then grew wide at the sight before me. Carrying the trees was none other than Cooler, he had them resting on his shoulder and had his arm out supporting them from underneath. Together they must have weighed over a good five tons, and he was holding them like they were nothing. I couldn't help but stare as he dropped them off to the side.

"Is this enough?" he asked.

"….I think you got enough for a small house." I said after a moment.

"I just don't want to have to go back." He stated. Turning around and walking back to the logs. He picked one up with one hand and threw it into the air. He raised one finger and shot a series of laser beams that sliced through the log. All leaves were incinerated along with half of the branches. Within twenty second all that remained of the tree was a perfect pile of logs, neatly arranged on the ground. That would have to have been the coolest thing I've ever seen…ironically done by a man named Cooler. Ok, maybe I should just keep that one to myself.

I was in complete awe at the small amount of power that it took for him to complete such a large task. And he didn't even have to move. He then brought over some logs in one arm and some kindling in another.

I just watched as he dropped them into the fire pit and shot a beam of energy at the wood causing it to burst into flames.

"There, now make the food. I'm hungry." He crossed his arms and looked at me to encourage me to move from my spot, that I now seemed rooted too. I would usually retort back for bossing me around like that, but I was hungry myself and I didn't feel like arguing when I was hungry.

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It wasn't the best food I ever had, but I always thought that campfire food; especially Hotdogs, was really good cooked over a fire. Cooler was now lying down on the log to my right and was rubbing his stomach in satisfaction. He had one leg propped up while the other rested on the ground. We were finished our lunch and just sitting…and lying, awaiting for something else to happen. Or for someone to say something to break this undying silence. I was watching his tail as it sung from side to side, then glanced down at my own. They really did look a lot alike, other than color, I wonder if he had the same weakness as me with his tail?

Cooler got up, startling me and started walking into the woods heading down the mountain.

"Where are you going?" I asked getting up.

"None of your business." He continued walking.

"I think it kind of is. I need to know in case something happens." I chased after him until I was behind him. His tail was swaying back and forth enabling me to get too close without stepping on it.

"Well if a fleet of spaceships come, then you can warn me." He said sarcastically, continuing to walk forward.

Watching the ground to make sure I didn't step on his tail I suddenly ran into something very hard. Not knowing what I had run into I instinctively put up my hands to protect myself, which I now regretted. Slowly looking up I realized it was him and my hands were resting gently on his broad chest. For some strange reason he had stopped and turned around. Wasn't sure if he was going to say something, but when I ran into him, any thoughts he had must have vanished. I looked up into his dark red eyes, completely mesmerized, while he looked down at me, staring into mine. We stood like that for a few seconds until I realized the position we were in. And I think he just seemed to notice too. As if an electric shock went through us, we pushed away, trying to get as far away from each other as possible. I was blushing furiously.

Turning back around to face him, he had spun in the other direction and had his arms crossed. He didn't look like he was going to say anything too soon, so I spoke first to change the subject. I just couldn't stand an uncomfortable silence. "Um, I just wanted to know where you'll be. Just in case." I looked at my hands, hoping he wouldn't look at me. I could tell this day was going to get much worse, maybe it was woman's intuition.

He sighed and spoke. "I'm going to the lavatory."

"The what!" I asked.

"The Bathroom!" He yelled turning around with a red face from embarrassment and rage.

I was surprised at his sudden outburst as he glared at me. He was breathing heavy trying to cover his embarrassment and suppress the redness.

"Well if that's all you have to do then you could have told me that, to save us from having to go through all this. Sheesh!" I then turned around and strutted angrily back to the camp. I didn't want to be where he was going. I'll never understand men, they keep everything to themselves. And who calls a bathroom a lavatory?

He came back a few minutes later and sat back on the same log. He gave me a dirty look then crossed his arms and closed his eyes. I just remained in my spot on the log and stared at him, with a smile on my face. I have to admit, what happen was kind of funny.

"So what do you want to do?" I asked, breaking the silence yet again.

"Nothing that concerns you." He said sitting in his spot, while he kept his eyes closed.

"Well I'm bored, I need to do something." I wined resting my chin on my hands. He couldn't just expect me to sit here all day? I need to move.

We both sat, while he continued to meditate. I would glace at him then at the ground occasionally, hoping one would inspire me to think of something to do.

Then I got an idea.

"You want to spar?" I asked looking at him. He looked at me and raised one eye brow wondering in interest. He then gave me a once over, which made me uncomfortable. It also reminded me of the incident that happened before. This made me blush all over again, one day I know I'm going to get a nosebleed.

"Fine." He said suddenly getting up. As I looked at him when he stood up, it came to me what I had just put myself in. I come up with the dumbest ideas sometimes; maybe what he said before was true. I really don't think well when I'm bored. I knew right then that I was going to die or pummelled. Either way it was going to hurt a lot. I didn't even measure up to him in our calm states and his biceps were large enough to crush small boulders.

We relocated to one of the many open fields surrounding the mountain so we could have more space to fight in and not be concerned with trees or any wild life in the area. If my assumption was right, we would need as much space as possible.

"Are you sure we're not too far?" I asked looking if I could see anything, like houses or people.

"Were far enough, now stop you yammering and get into your stance." He said lowering into his, steadying his feet firmly on the ground.

I glare at him, irritated. Oh he's just asking for a pounding, and I was ready to deliver. I bent my knees and placed one foot far behind the other, crouching and reaching my equilibrium. I arched my back so it was curved slightly which looked like I was going fall backwards. I always liked this stance, if fooled my opponent into thinking that I was off balanced. And it was working on Cooler; he gave me the oddest look.

"That's your stance?" He said half laughing. "Then this fight will end sooner than I thought." He lowered more and pushed off his back leg.

He was aimed right for me, flying head first. He swung his left leg as if to hit my back where it was arched, and before he hit me, he vanished! I was surprised at first then pushed out my senses to try to find him. I found him just in time, before he came crashing down on top of me.

I flew off to the side and he crashed in the ground where I just stood. Gathering a small energy blast in my hand I shot into the cloud of dust, where he was, or where I thought he was. Knocking the air out of my lungs, his fist was now firmly planted in my stomach. Why didn't I see that coming?

We continued on for a few minutes throwing a series of punches at each other, some missing, others hitting their mark. We then flew into the air each trying to counter the others hits. He was going to spin around to hit me with a roundhouse when I saw that his tail was unprotected. Perfect!

I ducked under the kick and grab onto his tail, holding on with both hands to not lose this chance. He was utterly surprised to say the least. A look of shock was all I saw before I started spinning round and round, gaining speed as I spun. When I was at a speed which I was sure he couldn't stop himself, I let go. He went flying into the air and crashed landed in the side of the mountain. Swarms of birds flew from their homes and numerous trees fell from their spots. So much for not hurting the wildlife.

He came out a moment later gasping for breath, which didn't last long. He regained his composure and spoke. "Not bad…for a woman. I have to admit I didn't see that coming. But I warn you, it won't work on me again." He smiled which gave me goose bumps. What was he going to do? I hope he hadn't forgotten that this was just a playful spar, well maybe not so playful anymore. But that 'woman' remark wouldn't go unheeded, he would pay for that.

I flew at top speed towards him, ready to throw a punch at his chest. He blocked it, along with every other punch and kick I tried. He wasn't even hitting me back, which got me madder. Time for one of my secret tricks, this one he won't be able to withstand. I jumped back and crossed my arms to form an X.

Gathering my energy and concentrating hard, I managed to create four other images of myself. A handy trick if I wanted to be in more than one place at a time. His eyes grew wide as he looked at every one of my clones. We flew off towards him, coming at different directions. He readied himself for the impact, until we change direction. We began circling him like a bunch of vultures, stalking their prey. Scowling as he looked at each one of us to see which one was the real me. The best thing about this technique was it was undetectable, no one has ever found the real me or even beaten this attack and he wasn't about the start. Darting at him and psyching out at the last minute, we where starting to confuse him. I felt like a kid, playing a game that I didn't want to end. As we darted in and out, he got angrier, which was making me happier. I loved doing this!

Having my clones continuing with the fake attacks, I shot up into the air. Luckily he didn't notice that one of the Amber's had vanished. Taking my chance, I vanished all my clones and shot down, aimed right at him. He noticed that my clones were all gone and tried to find me, but it was too late.

Flipping in mid air I landed in a sitting position on his shoulders, he was shocked to say the least. I wrapped my legs around his arms and grabbed them from behind. I pulled on his arms overextending them; I could hear slight pops as I pulled harder. He screamed in pain and anger.

"You give up?" I asked trying to look at his face, as I sat on top of him. He was under my complete control, or so I thought.

"Never!" He said looking up at me. Then I remembered that I forgot to wrap my tail around his legs, so that meant they were still free.

He flipped backwards, so I landed on my back, hard. Loosing my grip on his arms he got free and spun around so he was on top of me. My mind was screaming with embarrassment as I looked up at him, while he lay on top of me, but I knew I had to keep my cool. If I showed any weakness he would take control. He then sprung up and shot an energy blast right at my face. Certainly that had to be unfair.

Everything was black for a few minutes; actually I don't know how long I was out for. All I knew was that I needed to get back on my feet and find Cooler. I managed to open my eyes, where I was met with dust, which burned my eyes more. When it settled I got up from my engraved spot on the ground. Rubble fell and dust off me as I got up, I quickly looked at myself and saw numerous cuts and soon to be bruises. Great, tonight I'll be covered in bandages. Because I certainly wouldn't have the energy to heal myself.

I scanned the area around to see if I could find my opponent. Then I felt something I didn't like. I looked up and saw none other than Cooler. He was gathering energy, which was rising to a dangerous point. He better not do anything stupid.

It continued rising and rising. He then raised his hands above his head, where his energy started gathering in one concentrated spot. He was forming an energy ball!

I was shot with immediate fear, from the fact that I couldn't withstand such a large blast. And if I couldn't redirect it away from where he was going to shoot it; which from where I was, would certainly hit the planet and most likely blow it up!

Does that mean what he said before was a lie? I know that he doesn't care for this planet, but after everything I've done for him, you'd think he'd spare my home planet. Maybe he made up his mind and took this opportunity to kill me off along with my home and its citizens. What was I going to do?

He continued to gather his energy all the while the massive ball began to grow bigger and bigger. His face; blanked with no emotion while his eyes just bore into mine, as he held the thing that would end my life along with everyone of this planet. He really was a heartless bastard!

I had no choice; I promised myself I wouldn't do it. But this current situation has called for drastic measures. I just hope I won't end up the one killing off my home planet.

I started to power up, my energy passing my limit that I allowed during fights. It grew along with the energy ball. If I was to stop it, I would have to pick up the pace. I screamed, focusing all my anger towards him and what I had to do. I didn't have a lot of time to think after that. I wasn't really sure what happened next, but what shocked me was that; even through my blurred vision, I saw the massive ball begin to lower. Either at me or the ground itself, I wasn't quite sure.

I scream so much that my throat began to throb, getting very thirsty. I could see the ball heading straight for me, but it seemed to be coming at me from a different angle. Wasn't Cooler up higher off the ground before? Well I guess it didn't matter at this point, I hadn't gathered enough energy to stop it.

It came closer to me as I put the energy, I had gathered into a force field, which I hoped would keep me alive. AS it hit me, I was so sure that I had died, I didn't know how it was suppose to feel, but it felt strangely like a hot flash that we woman get when going through our monthly cycle. Does everyone feel this when they die? Because I don't think woman want to be reminded of the constant discomfort that we had to deal with all our lives. Then everything went dark.

A strange light filled my closed eyes so I only saw the redness of my blood flowing in my eyelids, assuming it was the light of heaven. Hoping that was where I was. Blood? Seeing the light? Wasn't I dead? Those were the things that people are suppose to see when they die, aren't they? I'm not any religious practitioner, but this was getting all too real from me not to believe.

I opened my eyes slowly; I still had my physical body. Does that mean I'm not dead? I opened them further and when my vision came back, I was met with the bluest sky I had ever seen, with small little clouds that appeared here and there. I wasn't dead!

I sat up surprisingly without much pain and looked down at myself. Still the same cuts and bruises from before, but with some added burns that were starting to swell. I glanced up and saw everything around me from before, the grass, the field, the mountain and a very large half moon crater that started about fifty feet in front of me and ended about another forty behind me. That wasn't there before?

Everything came flooding back to me and I came to the conclusion that, what I had seen, was actually Cooler lowering towards the ground before throwing the death ball. Now one question came to my mind, where was Cooler?

I scanned the area hoping in finding him. I didn't want him thinking that he killed me and now he could go finish off everyone else. I had to find him quickly. I stood up to get a better view and looked around while trying to sense him.

"Cooler!" I yelled, I didn't know how much that would help, but I had tired everything else. That's when I heard a faint grunt from my right.

"Cooler?" I walked over to where I had heard the grunt come from. And to my greatest surprise there was Cooler, lying on the ground battered and bruised. This was bringing back memories.

I knelt beside him and poked him like I had done before, instead this time I got a reaction.

"Ahhh!" He screamed. "What the hell was that for?" He opened his eyes and looked at me; his eyes were filled with pain and humiliation.

"I was just making sure that you were still alive, but now that I know you are..." I said looking at him, scowling. I raised my hand and slapped him across the face, forcing his face to the side. He turned his head back around slowly and glared hauntingly, but I was too pissed to care.

"What the fuck was that for!" I screamed.

His anger turned to confusion. "What was what for?" he screamed back.

"That whole energy ball shit? What were you thinking? I could have died!" I yelled more, getting closer to him with each word.

Reversing my technique back at me, he sat up, which caused me to fall back on my butt. He got up slowly, his face filled with pain as he did, most likely from all his wounds. Wait a minute; I hardly touched him during the fight, so how could he be this badly damaged?

"I wasn't going to kill you. I wouldn't hurt you or this planet and I always keep my word. You said you wanted to fight and that's how I fight. I also was testing your power, yet in the end I was the one who failed. Now stop screaming like a harpy and let me be!" He tired to get up once and failed. Finally getting up the second time, he was on his feet; he turned away from me and walked towards the mountain looking defeated.

I never felt so ashamed in my life, I felt really bad. How could I think such a thing? I thought I had read him clearly, yet I found out I was the one who was wrong. Maybe I'm not so good at reading people like I thought I was. Maybe he's not so bad, he did keep his word. Wait! Did he say that he would never hurt me? What does that mean? This was all so confusing and all in one day.

"Cooler, wait!" I got of from my spot and ran towards him. He turned around to watch me run up; I stopped in front of where he stood.

"What?" He said slowly, he looked almost sleepy, which was very strange for him.

"I'm sorry." I said looking at him, with a concerned and pleading look. Then I did something which I wouldn't think I'd ever do; I hugged him. Wrapping my arms around his torso and resting my head on his chest. He looked at me with a loss for words. I'm pretty sure no one has ever treated him this way, because his arms went up in an attempt to not touch me. Slowly he lowered his hands and placed them on my shoulders, pushing me away to arms length. I think he knew I had meant it, and answered by turning around.

"Let's go back to camp." Was all he said. He walked a few feet then flew into the air back towards camp. I began to wonder what exactly had happened just a few minutes ago. And what had got Cooler so upset with in the first place? I'll have to ask him later, right now I'm looking forward to a nice warm shower. Oh no! I forgot we're in the woods. Where am I to find a place to bathe? Because I'm certainly not showering with him around. Another problem I had to fix…great.

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Author's Note Very Important: On Wednesday September 13, 2006 there was a tragic incident at Dawson College. If you saw it on National News you would know that a 25 year old male went on a shooting rampage and injured 20 people on the street and second floor, one now has passed on. I dedicate this chapter to all my friends and fellow students at Dawson College that was in the school at that tragic time. Violence is never the answer and is a very serious issue. I am thankful to be alive today and grateful that I had left my class which finished at 12 on the third floor and was gone before anything had started. I just wished that everyone could have been as lucky as me.