To My Reviewers: I am sorry for the lack of updates. But it took me nearly all summer to finish this huge chapter. Working as a mechanic and finishing my flight training made for a very tiring summer, now i'm in college and living in a dorm, man I miss home but this place is awesome. First I'd like to dedicate this chapter to one of my best friends (and non-related little sister) mother who passed away eariler in the year from cancer. Second at the time of this writing the hurricane just had struck New Orleans and I pray that those who have lost a loved one will find the strength they need. Well onward to the reviewer answering.
RWT: Sorry for the error I'm sure your right but I just couldn't remember that small detail. Thanks for the heads up i'll be trying to go back and make content corrections later on.
MiChi91: I'm glad you enjoy the story, but no i'm afraid Mr. Ritz is not baised off your teacher from Ekton MD. The story is actually set up in North Carolina. All characters are based on people I know and Mr. Ritz is based off the dean of students at my school. All institution names and people's names have been changed...hope he never reads this but i'm sure he'd understand its all in good humor. To those who haven't figured it out North County was originaly created before I wanted to reveal where I was since I was only in 9th grade, North County is actually Raleigh, North Carolina my home town. So that now ya'll know you can search the web to try and figure out all the locations. Like I said the names have been changed but there extreamly close to what they really are.
StoryWeaver1: I'm greatful for your continued support. Yeah Zech took some work to get his personality down, he's not as violent in this chapter but sicker than ever. You'll see what I mean. I hope you continue to review and enjoy this story! I hope to see an update on The Devil's Knighthood soon.
InDo: GeneralDragon is back and here to stay...sorry about the long wait but these things are long and while fun the other life activities make writing a bitch some time.
Chapter 12
Training Months
Water Temple: Hiroshima Japan March 18th 7:30 AM Friday
"Wake Up!"
Quickly Sion sat up in bed, scared to death. His breathing was rapid as he turned to look at just who the hell dared to wake him up. He was greeted with the face of Nall.
"Get up, get showered, and get dressed. Once you're done with that meet me outside your door. Wear something to run in."
Sion slowly got out of the bed. Reaching behind his back Nall took out an air horn and quietly put it near Sion's ear, then blew it. The noise could have made any one go deaf.
"NOW GO!"
Sion took off for the closet and gathered some clothes, then, he quickly hit the shower, got dressed and met Nall out side the door in under ten minutes.
"Next time step it up."
Sion looked at Nall in disbelief. The human formed white dragon just started walking down the hall way to the dining area.
"Well grab some breakfast and then were gonna take that run you had with Jamie a couple of days back."
"Fine with me."
They continued on.
"This is going to be hell isn't it?"
("Would you rather be a sitting duck every time you go out into the field?")
"Guess you've got a point"
As they walked down the hall Sion caught a glimpse of Jamie walking toward them. She looked at him and then ran down another hall way quickly. Nall also took notice.
"What's going on between you to?"
"Nothing!" Sion quickly let out, a little louder than he intended.
"Oh I see", Sion could see the smile on Nall's face.
"I'm serious it's really nothing."
"Look don't worry about it, your going to have plenty of mess to deal with today as it is."
"I really don't like the sound of that you know."
"Well, welcome to boot camp."
Nall opened the door to the mess hall. Sion started to get in line to order some of his favorite food but Nall stopped him.
"I don't think so. This week I'll be choosing what you eat, and when you eat it. Got me?"
"Yeah sure Nall."
"Sit here, and wait."
Sion sat patiently, and then he noticed the door open and Jamie poked her head in. She couldn't see Sion among all the other people in the room and went to get in line. Sion jumped when Nall slammed a tray down in front of him.
It was just a basic plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and orange juice.
"No ham, or biscuit?"
"Nope and no soda either, it'll cramp you up. Now eat up quick, we've got a whole work out ahead of us after the run."
"Great."
Nall walked off to get ready. Sion sat at the table eating.
"Not even a single dessert either; this is going to be one hell of a week."
Some one bumped into him forcing Sion to quickly grab his fork before it hit the floor. By the time he got back up the person was gone. Beside his plate was a chocolate energy bar.
"Well it looks like someone's looking after me."
The figure proceeded to the exit. When she got out of the door Ruby blocked her path with a smile on her face.
"You know my husband would kill him if he saw what you just did."
"Sorry Aunt Ruby."
"That's alright Jamie, I can't help it if you've got a crush on the boy, just remember don't give him any thing that's going to hurt him this week. You know how hard Nall can be for basic training."
"…but hey, I don't have a crush on him!"
"What ever honey."
Jamie stomped up to her dorm room. Grabbed her gym bag and headed over to the training building. Thinking to her self.
"I kissed him already, so why am I acting so nervous?"
Water Temple: Training Center March 18th 8:13 AM
Sion walked into the training center and saw Nall already dressed sitting on the mat, with his eyes closed. Sion thought he'd get him back by sneaking up on him. When he got close enough to lean over his back and yell in his face a hand came up and grabbed Sion's collar flipping him over Nall. When Sion looked up he was once again greeted by the loud screech of an air horn.
"Give me a week or two and you'll be able to do the same thing."
"Use an air horn?"
"No, be able to see things without your eyes."
"Alright so what are you going to teach me today?"
"What pain feels like, let's start running."
Thirty Minutes Later
Sion and Nall came back into the gym, with Sion lagging behind by several minutes.
"That….tha….that I'm not doing again."
"Ah don't worry that was the only warm up for the day, they can be kinda boring anyways."
"Boring?"
"Yeah let's start off by teaching you some basic kata and then we'll start on some techniques."
"What about the secret power stuff and everything?"
"That's not until after dinner."
"Wait a second what's the day going to be like?"
"Well we had breakfast and the morning run, then were going to have kata practice followed by an hour of meditation, then lunch, then the workout in the gym, then technique practice, and then dinner, and then finally we have the special workout where we try out those powers of yours. Finally we end at 11:30 you might want to take a shower before you go to bed though."
Sion just stood with his mouth open; he didn't have enough energy left from the run to complain. Did he have enough to make it through the rest of the day?
Water Temple: Meditation Garden March 18th 10:30 AM
Jamie walked through the garden and sat at the water fountain.
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Just sitting here and talking about it isn't going to get anything done you know", Ruby popped out from behind the bushes.
"Aunt Ruby, don't do that again."
"Sorry honey, but you look so sad out here alone. What's wrong?"
Jamie quickly looked away from Ruby, "Nothing."
Ruby studied the girl for awhile and then smiled, "Ah ha I bet this has something to do with that cutie Sion. Am I right?"
"No!"
Jamie was silent for awhile, "…maybe"
Ruby put her arms around Jamie's shoulders, "Honey, I know this is the first time you've felt this way. Lucia talked to me about it last night ya know."
"She did?"
"Yeah, and I've got a surprise for you."
"Really?"
"Follow me, let's go to the library, I've got something special to show you."
Water Temple: Training Center March 18th 11:07 AM
Nall looked at Sion as he finished instructing him on the last part of the kata.
"Alright, now let's see what you can do. If you get it right we'll break for lunch."
"If not?"
Nall thought for a split second, "I'm the white dragon of Althena; I can wait for lunch if I have to."
Sion thought for a second and closed his eyes trying to remember the movements. Then it was like something snapped he couldn't see the movements, but he felt them. He remembered how much each muscle was stretched, how each arm was placed, and the foot movement that went along with it.
Slowly opening his eyes Sion started the first movement he remembered. The rest of the movements flowed together like his body was reciting a song he memorized.
At the end Sion looked up at Nall for approval. As he stood in thought for awhile Sion began to get nervous. Then he noticed the smile appearing on Nall's face.
"You didn't memorize it did you?"
Sion got real scared, "I don't get it, didn't I do it right?"
"I don't mean that. You didn't just memorize the movements. You remembered the feelings behind it, I could tell. You executed it flawlessly, even if it was basic you grasped the concept quicker then I expected."
Sion's mood lifted, "Lunch?"
"Sure, let's go."
Water Temple: Library Private Section March 18th 12:16 PM
Jamie felt over the spine of the books with her fingers. Many had dust collecting on them. The room was old looking, especially when compared to the modern library that the rest of the people used.
"Aunt Ruby, why haven't you shown this place to me before?"
"I was waiting for Sion to show up."
Ruby was on the opposite end of the old library looking through a pile of older books.
"What are you looking for?"
"A special book that I'm going to show you."
Ruby spotted the book she was looking for and called Jamie over. Blowing off the blanket of dust that covered it she opened it to the first page and read the title.
"List of the Dragon."
"What's that?"
"It's the book that Lucia left behind along with the book of trails. It talks about the Dragonmaster, and it also talks about another person."
"Who?"
"Well there are two others actually. One mentioned talks about a person that will be here at the temple and will help the Dragonmaster go through the trails as his partner. The other one mentioned is the girl that possesses the other half of Lucia's powers that will have to join with the Dragonmaster's in order for him to achieve his final form."
"So why are you telling this to me?"
"We're just about 100 certain that you're the one that will help Sion through the trails."
Jamie's face shone brilliantly the smile almost covered her whole face, "You mean it!"
Ruby smiled, "Yes Jamie, you."
Jamie quickly hugged Ruby as tightly as she could, "Thank you Aunt Ruby."
"Your welcome Jamie, but could you ease off a little?"
Jamie quickly let go, "Sorry I'm just so excited."
"I understand sweetie, but I have to remind you Sion doesn't even know about this part yet, so how about we let Nall break the news to him ok?"
Jamie's mood softened alittle bit, "Ok Aunt Ruby."
Jamie paused for awhile, "Aunt Ruby?"
"Yes?"
"Does this mean I'm not the girl that has to um you know, with Sion?"
"Actually were not sure about that, the book doesn't say if the person mentioned is two different people or if its just two different roles that could be served by the same person. Only one thing's for sure though."
"What's that?"
"The girl with Lucia's powers will be chosen from four different candidates, were pretty sure about three of them, but we don't have any idea about the forth."
"Does that have anything to do with there being four dragons?"
"Smart girl aren't you. Your right though, there's four girls each displays a trait from one of the four dragons, and if I'm right I'm pretty sure you take after me."
Jamie blushed a little, "Thanks Aunt Ruby. Who are the others you know about?"
"We think Sion's ex-girlfriend Caitlin might be one of them, and also one of his friends Amy."
"Amy?", Jamie thought she had heard that name before, but couldn't place it. She didn't want to admit it, but it made her feel uneasy.
Ruby got concerned with Jamie's blank stare, "Well should we get some lunch, Jamie? Or should I start calling you the protectorate?"
"Lunch sounds great Aunt Ruby, but you better always call Jamie alright?"
"Sure…protectorate."
"Aunt Ruby!"
Both of them ran out of the ancient ward of the library and then towards the dining hall.
Water Temple: Dining Hall March 16th 12:47 PM
Sion looked over the food like he was some sort of rapid predator stalking its prey. Nall quickly noticed and grabbed the plate out of his trainee's hand.
"If you pig out after that exercise session you'll explode, remember that."
Sion looked a little disheartened as he looked at his plate in Nall's hands.
"I'm going to die if I don't get something in me though."
"Fine, but let me choose alright?"
Going down the line Nall slapped down some salad, a fresh orange, and a glass of water for his trainee.
"Can't I at least get some meat?"
"Alright some chicken to go with that salad, but that's it."
Throwing some chicken pieces on his salad Sion went and took a seat. He was quickly joined by a female.
"So how's it going?"
"Hey, I haven't seen you at all today."
"You didn't notice that present I left you this morning on your plate?"
"That was you?"
"Yep."
"Thanks I needed it."
The two sat in awkward silence as they both wondered if they should talk about what happened the night before.
"So…what have you been up to today."
Jamie was relieved Sion found something else to talk about, "Aunt Ruby took me to some hidden part of the library and showed me some old book."
"Anything interesting in it?"
"Maybe, but I'm afraid I've been sword to secrecy."
"Is that so?"
"Yep, but I'm sure you'll get it out of me eventually anyways. How's your exercise program going with Uncle Nall?"
"If I have to keep doing that much work, on this amount of food, I think I'll die."
"Yeah everyone knows how grueling the boot camp week can be, but once your body gets used to it you should be ok."
Sion thought for awhile, "Do you really think I'm going to get the normal boot camp?"
"Well then again, I guess your going to have an entirely different program."
"What good am I if this kills me before I even get to fight."
This pulled a couple of laughs from both Sion and Jamie.
"I'm sure Uncle Nall will ease up after awhile."
"Yeah."
Once again the two were thrown into silence. After awhile Sion started to speak.
"Look Jamie A…"
"Sion lets move!" Nall's shout made Sion jump out of his seat as he ran for the door.
"Sorry Jamie we'll talk later."
Jamie could only wave. Her stomach felt like it had butterflies in it, she knew Sion was about to bring up what had happened the night before; she wasn't ready to talk about it quite yet, not with Sion anyways. She almost screamed when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"So what's going on to make you look that awkward?"
"Aunt Ruby!"
Smiling Ruby sat next to Jamie, "You two couldn't look more relaxed together when I've seen you the past couple of days together, so what happened? It looked like you were about to explode there at the very last."
Jamie thought for a second debating with her self, "You promise you won't tell Uncle Nall about it?"
"Sure honey. How about you finish eating and we'll head back over to the library, we can talk there ok?"
"Alright."
Ruby gave Jamie a quick hug and went to help with the cooking again. Jamie sat in silence as she ate pondering over the events from the previous night.
"Did I ruin everything we had? Did I act too fast? What is he thinking?"
Jamie just gave up on her internal battle, "This is just too new for me to deal with on my own I guess."
Jamie shrugged the thoughts off and quickly finished her lunch. After dumping the remains in the trash she ran down the hall way towards the library, anxious to get what ever advice she could out of Ruby.
North County: Caitlin's House March 15th11: 15 PM
Caitlin laid awake in her bed, going over the events that just had happened days earlier.
"Why on earth did he take that huge jet?"
A mental picture of the Citation X taking off the grass strip flashed in her mind.
"What about that huge light at the movie theater?"
Another mental image from the event described played in her mind.
"And what was it he told me."
Caitlin fought the tears as the image of her departed boyfriend in her mind spoke.
"One to lead, one to fight, one to take the darkness of out the light."
It just seemed like the events were too unbelievably odd to all have occurred just before Sion's mysterious death. Yes they knew the plane hit the ocean, and yes they knew Sion was aboard. The only reason the FAA was able to come up with, was a massive malfunction in the auto-pilot system, but even they said it should have disengaged when the circuit breaker was pulled, however Sion had told him it didn't work.
Caitlin sighed as she gave up on trying to get to sleep. She rolled over in bed and turned on the nightlight. The light reflected off an object and caught Caitlin's attention.
The glossy finish on a business card was to blame. Caitlin noticed it as a card that one of the pilots from the airport had given her. He was a young guy, about Sion's age. He said he had trained along side Sion and would be more than happy to fly her over the site of the crash if she wished, and to call him anytime if she ever needed someone to talk too.
Picking up the card Caitlin debated on taking the guy up on his offer, "Kyle Ross, well it couldn't hurt."
Caitlin picked up the phone and slowly dialed the number fighting the fatigue that was building up inside her. It rang several times before someone picked up. The static noise made it evident it was a cell phone number.
"This is Kyle."
"Hi Kyle, this is Caitlin Turner. I met you at the airport the other day."
"Oh yeah sure, Sion's girlfriend, I remember. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could take you up on that offer for a flight over the crash sight perhaps this weekend?"
"Hold on let me check."
Caitlin heard Kyle rustling through papers before he came back on the line, "Let's see I could take you up in one of the Cessna Skyhawks this Saturday, the 24th. Think you can be out her around 9 AM?"
"Sure."
"Alright, we can run by a seafood restaurant on the way back. I'll see you then."
All of a sudden Caitlin felt very awkward, "See ya."
Slamming down the phone Caitlin threw her self on her bed crying, "I'm so stupid, he practically made it a date with the lunch thing."
Caitlin continued to cry until she fell asleep within a couple of minutes.
Water Temple: Library Private Section: March 16th 12: 57 PM
"You didn't take long. Must be important."
Jamie just nodded her head. Ruby was already sitting on one of the old chairs. Jamie sat on one next to her.
"You don't have to tell me, but this does have to do with Sion doesn't it?"
Jamie slowly nodded her head. She couldn't get her mouth to admit her feelings, so she did the next best thing.
"And something must have happened between you two right?"
Again Jamie nodded, inwardly cursing her cowardice. The pressure started to raise.
"Well if you want my help I have to know what happened."
Jamie couldn't take it any more, the dam broke, "I really, really like him. I was fighting over what to do because he was still stuck on his ex-girlfriend Caitlin. So Lucia talked through Sion and told me I should take the first step because he'd be open to it."
Ruby got a little agitated when she learned Lucia had been giving Jamie love advice, "And just what did you do after Lucia's little pep talk?"
"I kissed him and told him I was here for him."
Ruby sighed inwardly, "Lucia did you honestly think that was the best thing to do?"
("I was just basing it off my experience with Hiro.")
"That was five thousand years ago on another planet for pete's sake Lucia!"
Jamie was surprised by Ruby's outburst. Ruby put on an embarrassed smile as she sat back down in the chair.
"Sorry about that."
"Aunt Ruby what should I do?"
Ruby thought for a couple of seconds trying to phrase her response, "Sweet heart there really isn't any thing I can tell you to do that will instantly make the boy yours."
"Advice?"
Ruby sighed, "Look where advice has gotten you so far."
("I resent that.")
Ruby laughed at Lucia's comment, but stopped quickly when Jamie glared at her.
"Sorry something Lucia said. Honey this day in age guys are attracted to women by how hard they are to obtain. If there's no chase involved then you become less desirable."
"Did I ruin it when I kissed him?"
"No far from it, you let him know how you felt, that took guts. Now tell me if I'm right, but just by looking at how uneasy you two were around each other at lunch, I guess you haven't talked about it yet. Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now when he does bring it up you just tell him. Hey it was no big deal. Don't worry about it."
"But won't that make him think I don't like him."
Ruby smiled, "Not exactly. You see right now he knows you like him, but if you do what I just told you it'll throw him off. He'll be constantly thinking of weather or not you like him. He'll start analyzing everything you do around him taking it as a sign. So you'll be on his mind 24/7 and he won't have time to think about anyone else."
Jamie was dumbfounded, "Aunt Ruby you've got guys figured out."
"Oh quit acting like its so complicated sweet heart. The male mind is simple really. It's the female mind that no man will ever figure out."
Both started to laugh.
Water Temple: Training Complex March 16th 6:47 PM
"That, really, really….sucked."
Sion was laying on the mat covered in his own sweat. Nall standing above him looked down at his student, a defiant smirk stretched across his face.
"Ohh the baby's had enough huh? Alright."
Sion jumped to his feat, "Why you little, come here."
Sion ran at Nall desperate to land anything he could. Throwing a fake punch to Nall's face Sion's hopes rose when Nall dodged it, placing his neck in just the right position.
"Gotcha!", Sion wrapped his arm around Nall's neck putting him in an effective headlock. As Sion pulled back Nall grasped his arm with his hands. Lifting his feet straight up in the air Nall curled into a ball before throwing his feet down. The resulting force took Sion off balance. Throwing him over the curvature of his back Nall slammed Sion into the mat. Gasping for air Sion could barely talk.
"Ok that's…it you ca….can call me wa…whatever you want…I ain't getting up ti….till I hear din…dinner."
"On one condition, you shower first. I'm going to do the same, we both smell like crap."
"Deal."
Nall grabbed Sion's hand and yanked him off the mat, a little too hard. In Sion's wore down state his body traveled further then intended as his face slammed into the padded wall.
"Oh, that was on purpose."
"Sorry don't know my own strength."
"If I wasn't so worn down I'd try to get you back for that."
"But instead you'll do what?"
"Think about things to tell Ruby so she'll do it for me."
Nall felt a cold chill run up his spine, "We'll adjourn until after dinner then."
Water Temple: Dining Area March 16th 7:12 PM
"Now you remember what I told you to do right?"
Jamie nodded as she eyed Sion standing in line.
"Don't act awkward, if he even so much brushes the subject you hit it dead on and act like it was nothing. Don't bring it up though until he does, other wise it'll come across as important to you."
"Aunt Ruby I'm not going to storm a terrorist camp, we've already been over this five times between the library and here."
Ruby smiled, "Just making sure my little girl gets it right."
"I'm not little."
"I'm over five thousand years old sweetie, and I still don't look a day over twenty one."
"Rub it in will ya."
Jamie noticed Sion placing some food on his tray, she stifled a laugh when she saw Nall take the food off his tray and replace it with a salad.
"Alright, target in sight."
"Go get him", with a pat on the back Ruby vanished into the crowd. She was on an intercept course with her husband. She didn't want Nall interrupting Jamie and Sion's conversation.
Jamie in the mean time was following Sion as he tried to find a seat. She got to him before he was able to spot an empty table.
"Having a hard time finding a spot?"
"Oh hey Jamie, glad you showed up. I was meaning to talk to you."
"Ok Jamie play it cool, remember what Aunt Ruby told you." Jamie made sure to erase any expression that might hint at awkwardness on her face before she spoke, "sure, but lets find a seat first. There we go, how about that table in the corner?"
"Sure sounds good enough."
After the two sit down Sion gets visibly uncomfortable. Jamie knew he's about to bring the moment they shared last night up. She grew tense as well but fought with all her mental power to keep it from showing.
"So about last night."
Jamie's mind couldn't take it she started shaking some. To stop it she started to eat while listing to Sion. It worked; it made her look like she didn't care.
"I didn't mean to just brush you off like that. I do like you."
Jamie started to cough on a piece of food when she heard that. She quickly grabbed Sion's water and started to drink it to get the food out of her throat.
"Are you ok Jamie?"
After a few seconds Jamie was able to speak again, "Oh yeah sure I'm fine. Sion, Look it wasn't a real big deal or anything. Don't worry about it."
"Well I was just going to say I need a little while to get over Caitlin, that's all. I'm doing my best to get through it quickly."
"Oh take your time, its no biggie."
Jamie could see Sion's eyebrows arch, he seemed at a loss for words. Jamie was getting increasingly uncomfortable in her situation. She started to think of a way out.
"I can't just leave or I won't be able to face him later. Ah what can I do? I've got nothing to do today either so he could easily just run by my room…wait that's it!"
"Sion?"
Sion jerked his head up shaken from his period of deep thought. Jamie smiled knowing that her Aunt was right, the plan was working.
"Look I've gotta go and meet Aunt Ruby back in the library, how about you stop by my place after your done with Uncle Nall and we can talk all about it, ok?"
"Umm yeah sure."
Jamie left the table, with her back to Sion she put a smile on her face. Sion in the mean time was caught in the trap Jamie had laid. While eating his salad he couldn't get Jamie off his mind.
"Last night she seemed so desperate to get me, now it's like she didn't even care."
Sion paused after stabbing a piece of lettuce with his fork. Re-entering deep thought he forgot about his surroundings.
"She's not like those girls who just want the chase, and then when they think they've got you they lose interest, is she?"
("Sion how can you even think that?")
Lucia's voice caused Sion to once again jump. After getting a couple of glances from some people in the room he calmed down.
"Lucia, you mind? I'm thinking to myself here."
("Well maybe I can actually help, you know, it's what I'm here for." )
"So you're meaning to tell me you understand what's going on?"
("Of course, I'm a girl too you know." )
"Ok so explain."
("Sorry it's for you and Jamie to figure out" )
Sion just sighed and finished his salad. His stomach begged for more food, but he knew Nall would never allow it. He was going to have a full dinner after the workout anyways. His thoughts again returned to Jamie and the moment they shared from the night before. However, just as he went into daydream land Nall slammed his hands down on the table. For the third time Sion nearly jumped out of his seat in surprise.
"Come on let's go, time for the last exercise bit of the day."
Sion was actually excited about this part, "Alright."
Pyongyang, North Korea: March 16th 7:30 PM
It was a dimly lit room. A girl with bluish hair rested on the floor unconscious. Unknown to her, her kidnapper stood in a corner waiting impatiently for her to wake up. Soon his phone beeps, the noise bounces off the concrete walls off the room.
"Yes?"
A garbled voice could be herd on the other end of the phone, "Has the girl awaken yet?"
"No, but her breathing has become more regular, it won't be long."
"Good, do not risk injuring her Zech we can't afford to lose her."
"Yes master."
"And Zech?"
"Yes master?"
"We need her to help us not try to work against us."
"You wish for me to brain wash her?"
"Yes, begin her programming as soon as she wakes up."
"As you wish my master."
Zech ended the called and stared at the sleeping form before him. The girl was defiantly special. Slightly taller than a normal teenage girl her age, and most would consider her to be very beautiful. Her hair was blue with a slight green tint almost giving it a teal sort of color. Zech noticed her fingers started to move ever so slightly.
"She's waking up…good", an evil smile appeared on Zech's face as he watched the girl awaken. She rolled herself over and opened her eyes slightly, adapting to the lighting environment of the room. Zech remembered what his master had told him so he forced himself to go over to the girl and kneel beside her. She heard him and turned to face him, Zech was surprised she wasn't startled.
"Where the hell am I? And just who the hell are you?"
Zech fought down the urge to bitch slap the girl across the face, "Don't worry Kaname, your safe now."
"You didn't answer my dam question buddy!"
"You're in a sensitive holding area in which I can't yet revel the location to you yet. As for me they call me Zech."
"Whatever, how long do I have to stay here, and where's my mom?"
"I'm afraid your mother was kidnapped by the JDSF Special forces that broke into the North Korean base you were being held at. We think she's being held for treson."
Kaname looked at Zech with tears forming in her eyes; Zech fought the urge to smile.
Water Temple: Private Training Area March 16th 7:28 PM
The room was spacious for a private training hall, just about the size of a small dojo like Sion was used to back home. Tugging at the Gi he was wearing, he quickly tightened the belt. Nall was in the center of the room, holding the Lucian pendent. He motioned for Sion to step over to him.
"Today I'm going to try and teach you how to access the dragon soul, but just its basic aspects; we can't go too far in just one day."
Sion smiled, "Rome wasn't built overnight, I'm not going to expect much more."
Nall stared at Sion, "But much more than that will soon be expected of you."
Sion gulped and sat on the meditation mat opposite Nall.
"Now I want you to take a deep breath and calm your self."
Nall watched as Sion complied with his instructions; as soon as he noticed Sion getting relaxed he quickly picked up a small object and threw it directly at his face, very hard.
Sion saw the object coming for him and his senses heightened. He quickly grabbed the small object in his hand saving his face. He held up the object to reveal a small rubber ball.
"Didn't we go over this already?"
"Yes but you only know how to heighten your senses when in immediate danger. You need to be able to heighten your senses voluntary instead of waiting for your body to do it involuntary."
"And just how do I do that?"
"Simple look up, what do you see?"
Staring at the simple ceiling Sion noticed a large ceiling fan rotating at a slower than average speed.
"A fan so?"
"You ever tried following a single fan blade around with your eyes?"
"Yeah."
"Well while your doing that your actually heightening you sense of sight. However while your doing that you lose sense of what's happening around you."
Pointing to the ceiling with a remote Nall pushed a button. The fan picked up speed and seemed to be going a little faster than before.
"I want you to follow a single fan blade ready?"
Sion didn't understand how this was going to help at all, "Sure."
"Now remember follow the blade, but concentrate on the whole room, don't lose sense of what's going on around you."
Sion picked up a blade and started to follow it. Nall pushed a button on the remote and the fan started to gradually pick up speed, soon it got faster than a any ceiling fan usually would.
"Still have it?"
"Yeah, but I can only slow it down a little bit."
Sion felt something hit him in the face and he fell over backward. Looking up he saw Nall holding a red rubber ball in his hands.
"I warned you not to lose focus on the whole room."
"But you never said anything about attacking me at the same time."
"Sorry but that's just how this is. You're going to have to focus on the whole thing."
Sion sighed and once again focused on the fan blade, this time though he tried to watch Nall in his peripheral vision to watch for the ball. Then he saw it, the red object coming for him. Sion kept his eyes on the fan blade and to the human eye grabbed the ball out of the air with inhuman speed. Then he got hit from behind with another ball.
"Oww", rubbing his head Sion turned to Nall, "What was that for?"
"Just to prove there's always another lesson tomorrow, you'll eventually learn how to sense with out your eyes. You did well though not looking away when you saw me throw the ball. Let's move on to the next part, I'm going to teach you how to summon the dragon's soul."
Nall placed Sion in the center of the room and moved to a darker part in a corner. He called out to Sion from there.
"Remember the feeling you had when you focused on the ball and the fan, how it made your ears ring?"
"Yeah there was the headache thing too."
"That will go away with training, but for now recall that feeling. Like you did with the kata earlier today."
Sion did as instructed, and to his surprise everything slowed down, just like when Nall threw the ball at him, but this time he was able to control it. He herd Nall talking but he couldn't understand it since it was slow. Then Lucia's voice came through Sion's head.
("This is where I come in, while in the state your in you haven't reached the level where you can understand speech with your senses heightened. For now I'll just tell you what He's saying.")
"Thanks."
"Focus on your palm and flex you muscles in that area as hard as you can."
Sion did as he was told and a warm sensation started to grow in his palm.
("Now you must concentrate on an emotion. If you concentrate on a memory that causes you pain or anger you will lose concentration and the ball will not form. If you concentrate on someone you wish to protect or a loved one then that sense of needing to protect will form the destiny dragon soul ball. If you concentrate on a happier emotion like a joyous occasion you will form the mercy dragon soul ball. The destiny ball is red and lethal, the mercy ball is blue and has the power to stun and hurt, but can't kill. Choose your emotion and concentrate on it while still flexing the muscles in your palm.")
Sion closed his eyes and tried to remember the emotions he felt when he saw the guard aim the gun at Jamie's head. He continued to flex the muscles in his palm. Soon a tingling sensation built up in his palm, he opened his eyes to see a reddish orb resting in it. Almost a split second later it disappeared and Sion felt his senses returning to normal, exhausted he fell to the ground, panting. Nall walked up to his side.
"Not bad for a first try, not that I've really ever seen anyone use it before."
"Thanks…I T-think."
"Don't worry we'll practice this over and over again until we get you to where you need to be alright?"
"You have no…no idea…how comforting tha…that is."
"Well that's it for tonight, better get some sleep."
"Yeah, right."
Sion trudged out of the training center. He mumbled as he made his way to the dorm he was just about to open his door when a thought ran through his head.
"Jamie"
"Damit I'm supposed to meet her."
Cursing inwardly he turned away from his door and walked down the hall further till he arrived at Jamie's door. He knocked three times and waited. A few seconds later the door opened, Jamie had her hair up in a towel and was wearing what looked like some pajamas.
"Oh hey Sion, it was getting so late I thought you weren't going to show up."
"Oh…ok"
Sion turned as if he was going to leave, "You leaving?"
"I figured you were planning on going to sleep."
"Well I could, or we could go on a walk."
"Um sure."
Outside the two walked near each other. Jamie acted like nothing was going on, but she fought the urge to dangle her hand to see if Sion would grab it, likewise Sion was fighting the urge to grab her hand. Both walked through the night. Both knew what they wanted to talk about, but they stayed away from that subject thinking it would be the worst way to start out a conversation.
Sion took a look at his watch, "Man it's already 9:15 PM that practice took forever."
Jamie jumped at the chance to start the conversation with something besides their relationship, "What did ya practice with Uncle Nall? He wasn't too hard on ya was he?"
"No he was training me so I could make that sword again, like the one I killed your attacker with."
At the mention of Sion killing the Korean guard Jamie felt awkward pushing that subject any further so she decided to take a dangerous side step, "You did what you had to do Sion, I'd be dead now if it wasn't for what you did."
"I know."
Sion was silent, from the place they were at on the high end of the complex you could look out to the ocean. The faint light played off the waves making them barley visible. The sea air relaxed his senses as he decided to push the conversation towards something a little more sensitive.
"In order to form the sword I had to train on focusing on specific emotions."
"Which one was that?"
"The need to protect someone, I had to concentrate on that emotion."
Jamie went silent, she could easily guess where this was going. She knew if she took the next step she could either hear what she wanted, or Sion could bring up Caitlin again. Carefully she weighed it out, if the former happened it would almost be too painful to bear, almost.
"Who did you think about to help you concentrate on that emotion?"
Sion paused; he didn't know if he was ready to take this step yet. Ever since his encounter with Jamie earlier he wasn't able to stop thinking about her. Sion knew he cared about Caitlin, and he didn't know how it would be till those emotions faded away. But the more he dwelled on Caitlin the more he grew homesick. He knew that holding on to her from so far away under the circumstances would only hinder him. If he couldn't complete his training it could put every one in danger. Even though he cared about Caitlin, Sion understood the consequences of what could happen if he didn't accomplish what was expected of him. It wasn't like he didn't like Jamie, he cared about her very much as well, it was the fact that Sion didn't like the idea of dating someone when he still felt like he was Caitlin's boyfriend.
"Did you think about Caitlin?" Sion could hear in Jamie's voice that a yes to that question would be devastating to her.
Sion then remembered the time they shared during the dance. When he embraced Jamie all thoughts of his home, family, friends, and Caitlin washed away. He was able to focus on the here and now. Sion wanted to feel like that again, with that in mind he made his decision.
"I was able to pull it off because I thought about you, and that guard."
Jamie was shocked; she had to fight the urge to put a huge smile on her face, "You feel protective when you think about me?"
"Yeah."
Jamie let her hand out of her pocket and stepped closer to Sion, "Isn't the ocean nice this time of night?"
"Yeah", Sion felt Jamie's hand brush against his. He debated for a second and then brushed his finger tips with hers. He felt her pull his hand toward hers and he complied interlocking their hands. Sion felt any sense of regret slowly fade away as they enjoyed the moment. Jamie continued to stare at the ocean with Sion.
"You know how I feel Sion, I'll always be here as your friend if that's all you need."
She waited for an answer, "Jamie if I told you I had made my decision with you and Caitlin already would that be a bad thing?"
"No"
Jamie again waited for Sion's answer, "But I believe I deserve to know your decision righ…"
Jamie was caught off when Sion kissed her. Jamie put her hands around the back of his head and deepened it. Sion then pulled away.
"I choose you Jamie."
"Very good choice, Mr. Dragonmaster."
They kissed for awhile before they decided it was getting late, Sion went back to his dorm to sleep.
North County: North County Mall, March 16th 7:30 AM
Caitlin was in a jogging outfit running along side Amy. The two had made this a daily ritual ever since Sion's death. They would wake up early on the week days and join the mall joggers for a morning exercise, and then eat in the food court when it opened.
"So how's everything going?", Amy had noticed something was off with Caitlin.
"You remember the trip we took out to the airport to meet the pilots?"
"Yeah, of course I do."
"One of them gave me his card, I think his name was Kyle."
"Yeah so?"
"Well I called him yesterday so I could fly over the crash sight, but something happened."
"Let me guess, he made it sound like a date right?"
"Yeah I just wanted to fly over the sight, then he like said 'lets go get something to eat while were down there' I thought he was Sion's friend now it's like he just wants to date me or something."
Amy smiled, "My, aren't we humble?"
"Sorry its just that…"
"Look girl for all you know he might just be trying to help his friend's girlfriend out over a hard time, but I've got an idea just to keep you safe."
"and that is?"
"Ms. Amy Brinkstone is coming with you, let me see his card."
Caitlin smiled and handed Amy the card that had caused the whole event. Amy dialed Kyle's number on her cell phone.
"This is Kyle."
"Kyle this is Amy Brinkstone, I'm Caitlin Turner's friend."
"Oh hey how are ya?"
"Fine, look she mentioned that your going on a flight this weekend over the crash sight, I'd like to see it also."
"Sure would next week work for you?"
"Actually I'd like to go the same time Caitlin's going."
There was a notable pause before Kyle responded, "Yeah that's fine by me, make sure its ok with her too."
"Yeah that would be so much better!", Caitlin yelled into Amy's phone so Kyle could hear her.
"Alright then I'll see you two this Saturday morning. Looking forward to it."
"Yeah sure Kyle. Byeeee!"
Amy hung up her phone and the two couldn't control their laughter, "I can't believe it you were right, he wanted me to go some other time so he could be alone with you."
"Thanks Amy."
"No problem."
JR Line Kodama (Regular Express Bullet Train) March 23rd 11:20 AM
You could hardly tell that you were actually in a train with the smoothness of the ride. Nall was sitting calmly reading a newspaper, Jamie beside him. Sion sat across from her, dressed in a leather hat that would make any person remember Indiana Jones, epically when complemented by the tan leather trench coat he wore with it.
The two mouthed silently words of affection to each other periodically, and only when they were sure Nall wasn't looking. Ruby nor Nall, or for that matter anyone, knew about Jamie and Sion's relationship.
Sion, just having completed his hell week was invited by Nall to eat lunch and dinner in Hiroshima, while enjoying the city. Naturally with the plane event still somewhat fresh in everyone's mind they had to disguise Sion somewhat. Ironically it made him the most suspicious looking person on the train, but it seemed to keep everyone away from him at the same time. When Jamie had insisted on going on the trip as well it sparked Nall's curiosity.
They had started out early taking a small boat from the large private island the Water Temple complex is on to Mihara port where they got on the old Bullet Train. They had already passed through their first stop in Fukuyama and were on there way to Hiroshima.
Nall caught Jamie mouthing something to Sion from behind his newspaper, he then saw Sion respond however he wasn't sure what was being said, "Just what is going on with you two anyways?"
Jamie and Sion jumped up startled, like a child who just broke a lamp. Sion was the first to try to defend, "I don't know what your talking about Nall, there's nothing going on."
"Yeah seriously Uncle Nall, knock it off. Its starting to get super old ya know."
Jamie was able to pull off a far more believable front then Sion was. Nall just grunted and settled back down into his newspaper, making a mental note to keep an eye on them.
"Hiroshima Station, Hiroshima Station"
The conductors voice echoed as the train slowed to a halt at the bustling station. The Japanese always seemed to be on a schedule and the train station was proof of that. Everyone running to make the train, desperate to stay on schedule no matter what. Everything ran like clock work.
Nall led them through the station and to the underground. From there they proceeded to the entrance of a large department store. Sion stood in awe looking around.
"First time in a big department store?"
Sion turned to answer Nall, "Yeah, I thought they had big stuff in New York, but this really is huge. I mean we don't have anything close in North County."
A couple behind them picked up on Sion's American accent and stiffened at the mention of North County. Nall noticed and ushered Sion and Jamie onto an elevator quickly.
"Be careful about mentioning your city, and forget mentioning your name around here", Nall quietly whispered in Sion's ear.
They got off on the 10th floor at the food court and ate at a McDonalds, Sion was annoyed when the lady got his order wrong, even after assuring him she spoke perfect English. A TV in the corner caught Sion's eye with some footage of North County, but he couldn't understand it since it was in Japanese.
Jamie noticed Sion's dilemma so she translated, "Residents all over the world are concerned of the sudden disappearance of the Citation X lost a little over a week ago. The death of 17 year old Pilot Sion Nickson left a mark on many hearts. The Cessna Corporation has recalled as many as three hundred Citation X auto pilot devices since that seemed to be the cause of the crash."
Sion's heart skipped a beat when his picture appeared on the screen causing him to hide his face. Nall sat the tray of food next to him.
"Kinda hard to face it like that huh? Look on the bright side you're a celebrity now right? Eat up were gonna have to try 'n get out of here as quickly as we can.
After they finished eating they dumped off their food. Jamie thought that Nall had his back turned when she took Sion's hand tightly and smiled at him reassuring him. Sion felt all the pressure disappear, but was soon startled by the sound of Nall clearing his throat.
"Nothing?"
"He had some ketchup on his hand Uncle Nall. Damit how many times do we have to go through this."
"Sure, sure Jamie whatever you say", Nall smiled he knew something was going on. But he wanted to know if it was getting ready to start, or if it was already going on.
"Curiosity killed the cat", Nall whispered, cringing when he used the word cat, "Ah well I'm definitely not a dam cat."
Pyongyang, North Korea March 23rd 5:36 PM
Kaname shivered some in her thin robe. The room she had been put in was dark and damp. The man named Zech visited her on occasion and seemed friendly, but the rest of the people scared her. The North Korean guards seemed to hate her, and her mother was on her mind, she hoped she was alright. The door then opened and Zech walked in.
"Kaname I believe its time you learned why you're here. Do you wish to know?"
"Yes."
A smile crept onto Zech's face as he took Kaname out of the room and sat her down in a lavishly decorated conference area a short walk from her cell.
"Kaname you are a very special girl, much more special then you've ever thought."
Kaname was thrown a little off track by this. She had always thought that they had been terrorists after her mother and she had just been taken along to make her mother cooperate.
"Yes Kaname, you have a very special gift. Special power is the more appropriate term actually."
"Power?"
Zech had to fight to keep him self from turning his grin into a full blown smile, "Yes Kaname power. You are instilled with a great power you contain the knowledge needed to tap into a very special ancient device, the Dragon Heart."
"Dragon Heart, are you just making this stuff up?"
Zech kept his temper in check, he had to appear friendly to Kaname to get her to cooperate.
"The Dragon Heart is an unlimited power source. When we tap into it we can provide the global community with unlimited power without causing pollution or wasting resources."
"Then why kidnap me and all. Why not just ask, that would have been easier."
"I'm afraid we couldn't tell any other governments we were developing free energy or they would destroy us, afraid we'd tip the balance in power. North Korea provided us with funding and the means to accomplish our goal. Your situation was very unfortunate, however necessary. You are going to help make the world a better place", that last sentence left a bitter taste in Zech's mouth.
"What about my mother and the JDSF you were talking about?"
"She was captured by the JDSF and taken back to Japan. They tried to take you back too, they were going to convict you both of treason."
"YOU'RE LIEING!"
Zech fought to keep his cool, this girl was starting to perk his temper, "Am I?"
He slid a newspaper over to Kaname. The front page had a picture of her mother being taken away in handcuffs with highly armed Japanese Police surrounding her, the picture's caption read.
Highly acclaimed Japanese scientist Dr. Ami Konishi captured in North Korea by special forces. Suspected of helping the DPRK develop its nuclear weapons program.
Kaname couldn't hold the surprise back from her facial expression. Zech had to keep himself from smiling when he saw the look of shock on Kaname's face.
"What are they going to do with her?"
"Well Japan has banned the death penalty, but since there going to consider her an international terrorist they'll torture her until she gives up information."
"None of this makes sense, you were beating us when we were in North Korea, and those special forces guys got us out."
"Those DPRK soldiers were told you were prisoners of war so that no one would know you were in the country. Soldier's loyalty is easily bought here and we couldn't risk your safety being compromised. That night we were going to move you and your mother out here to the palace."
"Then why have you been keeping me in a cell the entire time?"
"Easy, you have thought from the beginning that we are the bad guys and we didn't need you trying to escape to the outside where you could be harmed. I'm supposed to show you to your room tonight right after dinner."
"I'm starving, what time is it?"
"It's nearly six, here I'll show you to your room so you can get washed up and I'll join you myself for dinner."
"Umm…thanks."
"And Kaname we are going to help get your mother back."
Kaname stopped walking for awhile to ponder what Zech just said. Could these people really be telling the truth? Her stomach sent a pain through her.
"Any thinking can wait till after dinner, right now I just play along and watch."
Hiroshima City: Tacoyaki Banzai March 23rd 7:15 PM
The smell of the restaurant instantly sent Sion's mouth to watering. It smelt like a fast food joint, and Sion didn't count the McDonald's fiasco as a meal since he had to woof it down when his face popped up on the TV, and especially after that diet he had been on all week. The place was loud and everyone seemed occupied with who they were dining with. Sion was thankful; no one would take the time to recognize him or listen in on their conversation.
"What is this place?"
Jamie smiled, "This, this is where you eat octopus."
Sion's dreams of a burger quickly faded, then his brain kicked in, "Octopus?"
"Its not as bad as you think, they fry it up with a bunch of other stuff in a dough ball and put some sauce on it, tacoyaki, really good stuff", Nall motioned for them to sit at a nearby table and the waiter soon brought them all a menu and some water.
"So you know I can't read this, how about ordering for me."
"I was already planning to", Jamie smiled at her boyfriend then realizing Nall was looking on she turned away and hid her face in the menu trying to hide her blush.
"How about we all just get a regular order with the original sauce, can't go wrong with that. Sides its Sion's first time with this stuff, gotta go easy."
With the order placed the waiter politely thanked them for their order and went to give it to the grill. Nall got him self in a comfortable position under the katatsu.
"So Sion what'd you think of Hiroshima?"
"For a city that was bombed just over fifty years ago it's amazing."
"Ain't it though, it's like nothing ever happened here."
"So Uncle Nall, what's Sion going to go through now that he's done with your hell week?"
"So nice of you to care Jamie", Jamie didn't know weather to try and hide again or get angry, she chose the latter.
"Will you just stop? What's he going to have to do form now on?"
"Well of course he'll have to do the daily PE workout just like everyone else on the Special Response Team. Then he'll head over to the clandestine center for firearms training, and sneaking techniques, then you and him can practice hand to hand, and to top off the day I get him for the evening going over historical documents and getting him to control his powers."
"Sounds like a task."
"Would you rather it be hell year, instead of hell week?"
"No, no not by any stretch of the imagination would I ever want that."
"Good, was beginning to wonder if I was too lax with you."
Sion sank into the foot well a little before the waiter brought the food and sat it in front of him. Nall was right it was little fried balls of dough with a brownish sauce on it. But instead of a fork they got two huge tooth picks. He watched Jamie and she stabbed both into the center and maneuvered the dough ball into her mouth. Noticing Sion's stare she took his hands placed the toothpick like object in his hands and helped him grab one of the balls.
"You have to find the piece of squid meet in the middle and skewer it, then just put in you mouth."
Jamie let go and watched Sion eat the tacoyaki. He smiled as he realized the taste wasn't as bad as he thought it would be after all. Meanwhile Nall sat and watched the two just trying figure how to broach the subject.
"Well Jamie how about you help him taste it too, just stick your tongue right in there."
"UNCLE NALL!"
Jamie's scream drew little attention over the noise in the restaurants, but she still quieted down with the glare the waiter gave her.
Sion leaned over and whispered in Jamie's ear, "Don't you think we should just tell him, I'm sure he already figured it out."
Jamie thought for awhile and then leaned in and kissed Sion. It only lasted a few seconds but Nall couldn't feel any happier for Jamie.
"I thought so."
"Yeah well, so what."
"My, my Jamie it looks like for the first time I've caught you, and you don't have a come back. I wonder what Aunt Ruby will think about all this."
"Oh Uncle, Aunt Ruby knew about this a long time ago."
Nall's mouth dropped, even cornered Jamie had managed to take a cheep shot at him, "You let your Aunt know and neither one of you decided to clue me in?"
"Sorry, it just came out in a girl talk."
"…Sure"
The two continued dinner and then caught a bullet train to Mihara where they boarded the ferry they had taken that morning and then went back to the private island the complex rested on, by boat.
NCRA General Aviation Terminal March 24th 8:52 AM
The G.A. Terminal had just been finished a few months prior and it showed. The floors were spotless and acted like a mirror, and the modern design of the building kinda gave you the feeling you were actually in an airplane. Amy and Caitlin sat on the top floor sipping on some drinks they had purchased while they waited for Kyle to arrive. The window provided a clear view of the ramp area and one of the airports busy runways.
Soon a small Cessna pulled up to the terminal and a young man with dark brown hair emerged from the plane. He was tall Caitlin guessed around 6'2 and was Asian. He wasn't bad looking but she could tell just from looking at him that he reeked of arrogance. Reluctantly she tapped Amy on the shoulder and the two went downstairs to great their pilot.
"Hi I'm Caitlin, and this is Amy."
"I remember, nice to see you both again. Shall we get going?"
"Sure."
They went over to the plane and Kyle gave the plane a quick once over, checking the fuel to make certain they had enough to make it to the beach.
"Alright, Caitlin if you could sit in front and Amy in the back for balance purposes."
Amy jumped in, "Actually we weigh the same, and Caitlin wanted to take the back so I'll sit up front with ya."
"Oh, ok fine by me."
Kyle handed both girls a head set so they could talk to him through the plane's intercom system. Within the half hour the plane was in the air on route to Beaufort Airport.
"Alright ladies here's how it's gonna go. If you want I'll narrate what was suspected happening in the plane, and do my best to show you as well, that ok?"
Amy turned to Caitlin for approval, Caitlin slightly nodded.
"Alright Kyle sounds good."
"Great, well the Citation X Sion was flying travels much faster than this Cessna 172. Right now were at 110 knots which is just about 150 miles per an hour. Sion's jet was going roughly five times as fast and was higher up too."
Images started to flash in Caitlin's mind of the last time she saw her boyfriend and that plane.
"The time it took the Citation to get to the coast was roughly twelve minutes, were gonna take about an half hour from where we are. When Sion's plane was about here he radioed ATC and declared an emergency with the autopilot and was unable to control the plane."
Amy spoke up, "Couldn't he just grab the controls and fly it manually."
"That's not possible with the autopilot engaged, go ahead and try, its on now."
Caitlin watched as Amy tried to turn the craft to the left and could see she was struggling, she got it to turn alittle but as soon as she did the plane adjusted and went back on course, the same happened when she tried to adjust for altitude."
"Alright I see your point, so how do you turn it off?"
"Well there's this little red button on the pilots control stick here see?" Kyle pointed to the button in question, "When you push it, it turns off the auto pilot."
He pushed the button and an alarm went off for a second, then the plane pitched down for a few seconds as control was returned to the pilot.
"Now if that doesn't work you can kill the auto pilot by pushing its circuit breaker here", Kyle showed Amy the button, Caitlin leaned over and saw the button under the control yoke. Kyle pushed it and the display panel on the auto pilot went blank.
"So did he try that too?"
"Of course, but apparently it didn't work. They think it might be faulty wiring, like the autopilot was drawing power from a different circuit breaker and was either incorrectly wired or the panel wasn't labeled correctly.
The continued to fly for some time, as the coast come into view Caitlin got curious, "So what happened then?"
"What after they tried the circuit breaker?"
"Yeah."
"The ATC guy tried to get Sion to yank the power wire out of the auto pilot to disengage it. Instead something went wrong and it sent the plane into a free fall, where it crashed over there."
Kyle pointed out to an area off shore. Caitlin could see a single boat near the site. Someone threw what looked like a reef of flowers onto the ocean.
"That boat's with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Some of the local members were talking about coming out to view the site. We're sorta like a fraternity of sorts; it was a real loss when we lost Sion, especially under the circumstances he died."
Caitlin's curiosity peaked, "Just what do you mean by under the circumstances?"
"He died while flying an airplane, and crashed into the ocean due to an autopilot failure. That's going to make everyone scared of getting on board any plane that has an auto pilot, and the media really did it up."
Caitlin had to control her anger, she realized that Amy was having a hard time keeping herself from knocking out Kyle.
As Caitlin watch the people below mourn her boyfriends death she started to feel a pain in her stomach, before long it became nearly unbearable.
"Kyle we need to land now."
"huh ok sure."
Kyle guided the plane down to Michael J. Smith field in Beaufort and put the plane down a little too rough for Caitlin's liking. Once the plane shut down Caitlin jumped out and headed for the terminal. She didn't know what was wrong with her so she just ran to the bathroom and quickly slammed the door behind her. Amy was trying to keep up with her but couldn't and only caught the door to the girls bathroom slamming shut.
Kyle came up from behind Amy, "Hope she didn't get airsick."
Amy hadn't quite recovered from Kyle's comments while up in the plane, "Oh she's sick of something alright. I know just what it was too", Amy stared at Kyle to give him a hint which by his facial expression he clearly didn't get.
The rest of the trip was shortened. After emerging Caitlin insisted in forgoing the trip to the restraint and returning home as quickly as possible. Once there Amy gave her a ride back home and she went straight to sleep. The memories of Sion flooded Caitlin's head as she laid on her bed trying to get to sleep.
"I should have never gone out there to see where it happened."
5 Months Later Hiroshima Training Complex August 17th, 8:30 PM
Sion was sweating from his physical training. Jamie and him had gotten in an argument the other day, and although they had made up for it during breakfast it seemed she had a little of it left over to take out on him during their sparing session that evening.
Dredging into the private training hall Nall had set up for what he called prep for the Dragonmaster trails proved to be irksome at best. Sion would get close to mastering another power and then only have it fail miserably.
He had managed to learn how to form the ball of energy for the dragon soul but he couldn't form it into anything except for a dagger, which wasn't much use in combat. He had also learned how to commute telepathically with Nall, Ruby, and even Jamie after a week of focused training.
He had also learned a great deal of the history of the Dragonmaster and Althena.
"Well Sion I know you want to do something with that ball of energy you form in your hands, besides just making a dagger."
"It'd be nice."
"Well usually I'd show you how to make the Dragon edge. A really nice sword, just below the sword of Althena, but instead I'm going to teach you today how to shoot that ball of energy right out of your hand."
Sion smiled, he knew his girlfriend would love to see this, "Jamie can you hear me?"
"Damit Sion were gonna have to work out a system for this, you scared the crap outta me."
"Sorry, Nall's going to show me how to shoot the dragon soul ball out of my hand, wanna come see it."
"Do I ever I'll be there in a few."
"I guess Jamie's coming?"
"Yeah she'll be here soon, so what do you want me to do?"
Nall walked Sion over to a place in the room that stood about fifty feet in front of a practice dummy.
"You're going to literally blow that practice dummy to bits."
"And how exactly do I go about doing that?"
"You form the dragon soul ball and then you have to concentrate on the emotion you want to use. Protection works best for the lethal blast where emotions like love will create a blast that merely stuns. The ball is then shot forward and depending on what emotion you concentrate on the degree of the blast differs."
"So the strength of the blast has to do with the intensity of like my anger?"
"Or sorrow, regret, anguish, excreta. What you would identify as a dark feeling. Usually you'll think of a bad memory that would trigger one of these emotions in you and then you release it. Now you have to be careful while doing this so that your emotions do not overcome you in the process and cloud your judgment. Just one moment of day dreaming in a battle and its all over, so there's a lot more to this then you think."
Sion turned when he heard the iron door off to there right open. Jamie walked in and smiled at Sion. She took a seat Indian style behind them where she could watch.
"Now don't let the spectators get you too ruffled up now."
Sion smiled and took his spot again. He closed his eyes and started going through the meditation steps he had learned from Nall months earlier to clear his mind.
Nall walked up behind Sion when he felt he had successfully cleared his mind of Jamie's presence.
"Feel the energy form in your hand. Concentrate on the warmth in your palm, then picture the target in your mind. Give strength to your energy, feels anger, sorrow, regret, and imagine pushing them out of your palm while focusing on the target."
Sion stood with his eyes closed focusing on Nall's instructions. The red glow formed in his palm and started to pulsate. It grew bigger then the first time. Then Sion's eyes shot open.
"Heeya!"
The beam shot out towards the karate dummy. In a huge flash of light it was completely destroyed, along with the wall separating the private training hall from the public one. All the trainees in the public dojo looked amazed, staring at where the wall used to be. Sion just stood with his eyes wide and his palm out stretched steadied by his other hand.
"Well I guess were going to need to replace that wall", Nall was amazed at the progress that had been made in only five months.
Jamie ran up to her boyfriend, jumped up onto him and gave him a hug. The trainees finally started to move again some were looking at what used to be the wall afraid to touch the edges for fear of them being too hot. Sion was panting from exhaustion. Although the technique was powerful it was only his first time performing it and it completely wiped him out. He walked with Jamie to the rec. room that they had-had there first real moment together, he stretched out on the couch and drifted off the sleep quickly. Jamie laid next to him a little concerned but she soon drifted off as well.
Both knew that the time was near for the trails to begin and while both wanted to move on to the next step it scared them both. They were both in their late teens but the prospect of facing life and death situations on a 24 hour basis and having the worlds fate in your hands is something most people wouldn't want to even come close to touching. But as she laid there she remembered the times she had with her boyfriend and what they had been through. Even while sleeping a smile formed on Jamie's face, she knew that Sion would pull though and everything was going to be ok one way or another, she had that much confidence in him didn't she? Then again she guessed, "A lot of this rests in God's hands too."
Preview of Chapter 13
The scroll depicted for objects, a sword, shield, helmet, and armor. Each had a different color for the text that described it. The sword text was silver, reading Althena's sword. The Helmet was red titled Red Dragon Helmet. Then the shield was written in blue, and the armor black.
"So what's all this."
"These are the magical items of the Dragonmaster. All of them were forged with the magic of their respective dragon. On his journey the Dragonmaster to be would visit each dragon's lair and upon completing the dragons trail he would receive the item from that dragon as well as their power."
"So what's this got to do with the trail?"
Nall: Well you sure showed us, you turned out a pretty long one.
Ruby: Yeah too long if you ask me, maybe i'll burn off some.
GD: Don't you dare this took me all f($ summer to write!
Ruby: What language, ahh whats this chapter 13 looking sorta slim
GD: I haven't finished it
Ruby breathes fire onto the poor unfinished work
Ruby: Well not its well done. Bwahahaaha
GD: Holy shit you bitch!
Nall: Well viewers we would like to thank you for your continued support. GeneralDragon is now a full time student at UNC-Charlotte and its kicking his ass. Reviews are guarnteed to bost his confidence and will inturn make for faster writing so REVIEW!