Chapter 7 - The Ties That Bind
That night, after the festivities had died down, the elders all left, and everyone had gone to bed, Anthony still found himself not able to sleep. He hated to admit it, but though he was confident that the teaching sessions might go without a hitch, he was still worried about Jenna and Lars. He wondered whether they knew what they were getting into...he knew they were told they would become Gamemasters, but wasn't sure they knew what that position might involve.
As it turned out...he wasn't the only one having a restless night...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was running...from those she originally considered her friends...
She saw the hateful look in their eyes, afraid of what she had become and what she might do to them...
She ran into an alley and found herself trapped. She watched as the leader of the mob, who was her friend, Wendy Koopa, look her straight in the eye and said, "We have you now, freak! Bet you didn't see this coming..."
She then watched in horror as the people grabbed her, and Wendy raised her wand to attack...
...and then gasped in fear as she woke up from the nightmare.
Amy looked around and found she was still in the bed chamber at the Larson Clan home. Her mother, who was sleeping in the bed next to her and heard her awaken, got up and walked to her bedside. "Amy?" Mary asked. "Are you alright?"
As soon as Amy hugged her mother tightly and began sobbing, Mary realized that she wasn't...
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Anthony also sensed something was wrong as he laid awake in bed. He sensed what seemed to be a mixture of fear and sorrow coming from the bed chambers next to him, and a quick Clairvoyance power showed him the image of Amy crying in Mary's arms.
"Amy must've had a nightmare," Anthony thought as he deactivated the power and laid back in his bed. Just as he was about to try to go back to sleep, he picked up a telepathic message from Amy...
*Anthony...can you hear me?*
Anthony became worried. Did something upset Amy THAT much?
*I hear you, Ames. Is something wrong?*
*Can...we meet out in the hall? I...I need to talk to you and it's hard to tell you with telepathy.*
*Alright...I'll be right outside your door.*
Anthony got up and walked out into the hallway, hastily putting on a robe en route. He didn't have to wait long as a familiar pink hedgehog walked out into the hall. Anthony could tell she was very upset over something.
*Amy...what's wrong?* Anthony asked, speaking telepathically so no one was awakened. *Did you have a nightmare?*
Amy said nothing as she felt more tears well up inside her. Anthony noticed she looked like she was about to cry and knelt down to try to comfort the young hedgehog. As Amy hugged him tightly, he heard her whisper, "I'm a freak..."
"Wha...?" Anthony said quietly, releasing the hug and looking straight into Amy's eyes. "Who says?"
"No one...I just am..." Amy said, trying to fight back another wave of tears. "I wish I never got these powers now..."
"Amy...these powers don't make you a freak, they're a special gift just like Tails's ability to fly with those twin tails of his," Anthony said, trying to calm Amy down. "I mean...you don't think I'M a freak, do you?"
Amy looked at Anthony after hearing that. "Of course not! But, your race..."
"Amy, just because my entire race has a latent psionic ability doesn't mean being able to control them is 'normal'. I mean...I'm still getting used to my powers, but I hardly consider myself a freak." Anthony placed a hand on Amy's shoulder before continuing. "Besides, Earth accepted me despite my new powers...and I know your friends on Mobius think your powers are cool, otherwise Bowser's children wouldn't have dared you to use that one power on them."
Amy began to feel better and chuckle quietly a bit at that last part. "Yeah...I guess you're right. I guess, I'm still scared..."
"That's understandable," Anthony said, then kissed Amy on the forehead and motioned her towards her room. "C'mon...you'd better get back to bed."
As Amy reentered her room, Anthony started to walk back towards his, but paused and looked back towards where Amy went. Amy feelings of being a freak began to worry Anthony, and brought back some of the doubts he was having before coming to the Clan home. As he walked into his room, he noticed Jenna and Lars were up and were looking at him.
"Anthony, is something wrong?" Lars asked.
"Well...Amy apparently had a nightmare where she thought she was a freak because of her newfound powers, but I managed to calm her down," Anthony explained and then sighed before continuing. "Poor girl...first Robotnik, now this..."
Jenna could see something in Anthony's eyes from that statement. "You...really care for that young hedgehog, huh?"
Anthony nodded. "If I wasn't able to find her mother like I did...I would've adopted her. Those feelings haven't changed...and Amy is still like family to me..." Anthony then looked up towards Jenna and Lars. "And because I'm so concerned for family...I don't think I can go through with teaching the two of you..."
Jenna and Lars looked at each other and then back at Anthony. "Why not, Anthony?" Jenna asked. "What are you afraid of?"
"You probably know that you might have to act as Gamemasters if I'm unavailable, but...if you had experienced what I had been through, you might not want to take that role..." Anthony explained, then looked sternly at the two of them. "If either of you have any doubt at all..."
"Anthony..." Jenna said, trying to calm Anthony. "We knew what we were getting into when we were chosen. We think it's an honor to be chosen for this..."
"Yes," Lars said. "In fact the patriarch told us as much and even said we could refuse. We didn't refuse, as you see."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then Jenna walked up to Anthony and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Don't worry, cousin. We won't let you down."
"I know you won't..." Anthony said, and then turned back towards his bed. "We'd better get back to sleep..."
All three of them returned to their beds and went back to sleep. Anthony even managed to calm down enough to finally fall into a deep sleep.
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The next morning, Anthony woke up to find himself the only one left in the room, since it seemed Jenna and Lars had awoken earlier. Since each of the rooms had their own bathrooms, Anthony took a quick shower and got dressed, then made his way downstairs.
As he waved goodbye to Alison Trasin, who was leaving to take the next plane to London since her job was finished, he found Jenna, Lars, and Olaf all talking in the main sitting room. A small breakfast buffet, complete with rolls, muffins, fruit, coffee, and juices, was set up. Anthony took a cup of coffee and a muffin and walked towards his fellow clansmen.
"Ah, Anthony..." Olaf said as Anthony sat down. "Jenna and Lars were telling me what happened last night. Is young Amy alright?"
"She's fine," Anthony said, "just a little scared of her abilities."
"...and, it would seem she's not the only one scared," Olaf said, looking straight into Anthony's eyes.
Anthony sighed, realizing Olaf was told the entire story. "Yes..." he said, almost with a guilty tone in his voice, and then turned towards Olaf. "After seeing how scared Amy was, I became even more afraid of how Jenna and Lars would take to the instruction."
Olaf nodded in understanding. "Yes...I guess you would be afraid, especially considering the fact you'll be teaching a power that is, in a sense, new to our entire planet. Still...if the way you calmed Amy down is any indication, I'm sure you'll do fine. You have Jenna's and Lars's full confidence...as well as my own."
Anthony smiled at that, beginning to feel better. "Thank you, Olaf," he said, then quickly finished his breakfast and stood up, addressing Jenna and Lars. "Jenna? Lars? Why don't you meet me outside in about an hour? I'll show you some of the powers you'll be using as well as give you some initial training before the actual lessons start."
Jenna and Lars nodded in agreement and Anthony left the room. The two of them then began talking with Olaf. About half an hour later, Sasha, Mary, and Amy entered the room and joined the three of them.
"Ah...good morning, ladies!" Olaf said, greeting the three Mobians, then turning towards Amy. "Anthony told me about your nightmare last night, Amy. Are you alright?"
Amy nodded sheepishly, a bit embarrassed. Mary then spoke up. "I'm terribly sorry if we caused a problem, Patriarch..."
"Oh, it's quite alright, Miss Rose...no need to apologize..." Olaf said. "This is a home for family, things like this are to be expected from time to time. I should tell you about the family reunion we held one time and had several rooms filled infant children." Olaf giggled at this as he remembered the fiasco, with children crying at different hours of the night.
Amy, Sasha, and Mary giggled as well. After talking about twenty minutes, Sasha spoke up. "Is Anthony awake? I didn't see him this morning..."
"He's outside...probably readying himself for some preliminary training he's going to give us," Jenna explained, then peeked out the window. "Lars, you and I should head out. It's about time."
Lars nodded and followed Jenna as she headed outside. Sasha also followed them out, deciding to see what Anthony was going to do, but as Mary and Amy stood up to do the same, Olaf spoke up. "Mary, Amy...can I speak to you for a moment? I'd like to ask you something..."
Mary and Amy looked at each other in confusion, and then sat back down, looking at Olaf with great interest...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Jenna and Lars walked outside, they noticed Anthony sitting near a cliff which overlooked the mountainous regions near the clan home. He was wearing his armor, was sitting down in the grass, and had the Sword of the Gamemaster stuck into the ground in front of him. As they approached, Anthony did not stir, but just stayed still.
"What do you suppose he's doing, Jenna?" Lars asked.
"Not sure..." Jenna replied. "But it almost looks like he's...meditating."
As soon as the two came close to where Anthony was sitting, Anthony stood up, pulled the sword out of the ground, and replaced it in its scabbard on his back. He then turned towards the two of them.
"Ah, good..." Anthony said as he addressed the two of them, also noticing Sasha approach. "I see Sasha came as well. Um...Sasha, if it's alright, do you mind if I talk to Jenna and Lars alone?"
"Oh...of course," Sasha said, and then started walking back.
As soon as Sasha started heading back, Jenna said, "So, cousin...did I see you meditating just now?"
"Yes, you did..." Anthony explained. "A regular regimen I've started to keep my emotions in check, ever since the incident with the Dark Gamemaster."
"Yes...we heard about that..." Lars said.
"...and something I don't want to see either of you turn into," Anthony said. "Thus the training. Even though you will have full control of your psionic powers once they are unlocked, you'll still need to be taught how to properly use them."
"We understand," Jenna said. "So...what initial training were you going to give us?"
Anthony smirked and gave an interesting look towards his soon to be students. "It starts with...a demonstration..." Anthony said, and then his eyes began to glow slightly.
Jenna and Lars realized they were in for something exciting...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Anthony seems to care a lot for you, Amy," Olaf said to Amy as she and Mary continued to talk with him. "I'm curious...how do feel about being his apprentice?"
"It's...unbelievable," Amy answered. "I thought he would choose one of those two that just left as his apprentice."
"Understandable..." Olaf said. "I'm also curious about something else...and you don't have to answer this..."
Amy gave Olaf a confused glance. "What?"
"When Anthony said he was willing to adopt you...would you have accepted if Mary wasn't found?"
Amy looked towards her mother, and Mary simply said, "It's alright. Just say what you feel..."
Amy then turned back towards Olaf and said, "Yes...yes I would have..."
Olaf nodded in understanding and then said, "In that case...I have a question to ask of both of you..."
Amy and Mary listened intently as Olaf explained...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside, Jenna and Lars felt that they were watching a magic show, except what they were witnessing was real and not an illusion. Anthony had demonstrated several psionic powers, from simple telepathic communication to a display of pyrokinetic ability. After he was done, Anthony began to talk again. "Those powers are just a small fraction of what you will learn to control. When your powers are unlocked, you will actually have full knowledge of a wide range of powers, but I will still teach you how to best use them."
"Amazing..." Lars said. "These powers actually exist amongst our entire race?"
"Yes..." Anthony explained. "In fact, it's how game makers, comic book makers, cartoon makers, and fanfiction authors have been able to see the worlds of Arcadia. Though...I'm still unsure how psionics can breach realities..."
"Maybe the existence of the portals, even dormant, was key to that..." Jenna said.
Anthony nodded in understanding. "That's possible...but we'll have time to debate that later. Now...for a very important part of the pretraining..."
"What's that?" Jenna asked.
"Simple..." Anthony said, and then sat down in the grass near to where the other two sat. "I'd like to know a little bit more about you two. It will help me to better understand you two plus...you ARE family, after all."
Lars and Jenna smiled at that and then Lars said, "Ladies first..."
"Very well..." Jenna said, then started talking. "I actually come from St. Paul, the twin city to your hometown of Minneapolis, Anthony. I came to Sweden on an exchange student program to better help with my studies on world economics...especially with all the talk of the Euro. Though...the real reason I asked to study abroad was somewhat different..."
"How so?" Anthony asked.
"Well...at the school I was currently attending, there was a problem with a local gang of toughs. When they were chasing this one underclassman to let off some steam, they ended up running into me...and I had to stand up to them..."
"Oh my god...what happened?"
"Well, nothing...at least to me. See, they didn't know I was studying martial arts as one of my classes. I was stopping them from chasing after the students and when they tried to attack me...well, let's just say the bruises and the broken noses didn't look too good on them."
"Whoa..." Anthony said, amazed.
"Naturally, the school found out about the incident. The underclassman, as well as several other students, demanded that the dean expel the lot of the toughs. He did...though he nearly did the same to me, saying that my actions might encourage other violence. Since other schools in the area might hear about this, I asked about studying abroad, remarking that another country might NOT hear about this incident. So...here I am..."
"I see..." Anthony said, deciding not to press further into what might be considered a sensitive topic, and then turned towards Lars. "How about you, Lars?"
"Well, I live in Shakopee, as you probably heard. I work at a small metal shop in that area. During the time that it's open, I even work at the weaponsmith's shop at the Renaissance Festival."
Anthony suddenly realized something. "I THOUGHT you looked familiar!"
"Yes...and I think you really freaked out Puke and Snot when you took Amy there that one time!"
Anthony laughed at that, remembering how they actually improvised a scene for Amy's benefit. He then got back to the discussion. "I also hear you have an interesting bloodline besides Sir Eric's."
"Ah, you heard about my Viking heritage," Lars remarked. "Yes...though I'm not sure if the rumors of my lineage to Eric the Red are true, I have used that heritage at the Ren Fest as well. During their Norse weekend, I've actually taken part in play acting duels, demonstrating various weapons used, while playing the part of a Viking warrior."
Anthony then began to understand. "So that's why you two were chosen...not only are you two of Sir Eric's bloodline, you also know how to fight!"
"Which is why we weren't worried about being asked to go into battle if the need arose," Jenna explained.
Anthony nodded and said, "Well, let's hope that you never have to see combat. Now..." He then saw Amy and Mary approach the group, followed closely by Sasha and Olaf, and Amy appeared to be excited about something. "What the...?"
As soon as the two hedgehogs got near, Amy spoke up. "ANTHONY!! You won't believe this! It's..."
"Whoa, calm down, Ames..." Anthony said. "What's up?"
"Allow me, Anthony..." Olaf said. "It has always been a tradition within the clan to allow new families into the clan who share a close connections with at least one of its members..."
Anthony's eyes widened. "You mean...Amy and Mary...?"
Olaf nodded. "Yes, Anthony. Because of the bond you share with young Amy here, I felt it was only appropriate that the two of them be admitted into the clan."
"That's great, but...what will the other elders say?" Anthony asked.
Olaf smiled. "Nothing. I have the final say regarding all new entries into the clan."
"That's great!" Jenna exclaimed. "Congratulations, you two!"
"Yes, especially considering you are the first Mobians to be admitted!" Lars pointed out.
Sasha then spoke up. "I don't think Amy cares about making history. Look..."
All eyes turned towards Amy, who at the moment was hugging Anthony tightly with a huge smile on her face.
That night, after the festivities had died down, the elders all left, and everyone had gone to bed, Anthony still found himself not able to sleep. He hated to admit it, but though he was confident that the teaching sessions might go without a hitch, he was still worried about Jenna and Lars. He wondered whether they knew what they were getting into...he knew they were told they would become Gamemasters, but wasn't sure they knew what that position might involve.
As it turned out...he wasn't the only one having a restless night...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy was running...from those she originally considered her friends...
She saw the hateful look in their eyes, afraid of what she had become and what she might do to them...
She ran into an alley and found herself trapped. She watched as the leader of the mob, who was her friend, Wendy Koopa, look her straight in the eye and said, "We have you now, freak! Bet you didn't see this coming..."
She then watched in horror as the people grabbed her, and Wendy raised her wand to attack...
...and then gasped in fear as she woke up from the nightmare.
Amy looked around and found she was still in the bed chamber at the Larson Clan home. Her mother, who was sleeping in the bed next to her and heard her awaken, got up and walked to her bedside. "Amy?" Mary asked. "Are you alright?"
As soon as Amy hugged her mother tightly and began sobbing, Mary realized that she wasn't...
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Anthony also sensed something was wrong as he laid awake in bed. He sensed what seemed to be a mixture of fear and sorrow coming from the bed chambers next to him, and a quick Clairvoyance power showed him the image of Amy crying in Mary's arms.
"Amy must've had a nightmare," Anthony thought as he deactivated the power and laid back in his bed. Just as he was about to try to go back to sleep, he picked up a telepathic message from Amy...
*Anthony...can you hear me?*
Anthony became worried. Did something upset Amy THAT much?
*I hear you, Ames. Is something wrong?*
*Can...we meet out in the hall? I...I need to talk to you and it's hard to tell you with telepathy.*
*Alright...I'll be right outside your door.*
Anthony got up and walked out into the hallway, hastily putting on a robe en route. He didn't have to wait long as a familiar pink hedgehog walked out into the hall. Anthony could tell she was very upset over something.
*Amy...what's wrong?* Anthony asked, speaking telepathically so no one was awakened. *Did you have a nightmare?*
Amy said nothing as she felt more tears well up inside her. Anthony noticed she looked like she was about to cry and knelt down to try to comfort the young hedgehog. As Amy hugged him tightly, he heard her whisper, "I'm a freak..."
"Wha...?" Anthony said quietly, releasing the hug and looking straight into Amy's eyes. "Who says?"
"No one...I just am..." Amy said, trying to fight back another wave of tears. "I wish I never got these powers now..."
"Amy...these powers don't make you a freak, they're a special gift just like Tails's ability to fly with those twin tails of his," Anthony said, trying to calm Amy down. "I mean...you don't think I'M a freak, do you?"
Amy looked at Anthony after hearing that. "Of course not! But, your race..."
"Amy, just because my entire race has a latent psionic ability doesn't mean being able to control them is 'normal'. I mean...I'm still getting used to my powers, but I hardly consider myself a freak." Anthony placed a hand on Amy's shoulder before continuing. "Besides, Earth accepted me despite my new powers...and I know your friends on Mobius think your powers are cool, otherwise Bowser's children wouldn't have dared you to use that one power on them."
Amy began to feel better and chuckle quietly a bit at that last part. "Yeah...I guess you're right. I guess, I'm still scared..."
"That's understandable," Anthony said, then kissed Amy on the forehead and motioned her towards her room. "C'mon...you'd better get back to bed."
As Amy reentered her room, Anthony started to walk back towards his, but paused and looked back towards where Amy went. Amy feelings of being a freak began to worry Anthony, and brought back some of the doubts he was having before coming to the Clan home. As he walked into his room, he noticed Jenna and Lars were up and were looking at him.
"Anthony, is something wrong?" Lars asked.
"Well...Amy apparently had a nightmare where she thought she was a freak because of her newfound powers, but I managed to calm her down," Anthony explained and then sighed before continuing. "Poor girl...first Robotnik, now this..."
Jenna could see something in Anthony's eyes from that statement. "You...really care for that young hedgehog, huh?"
Anthony nodded. "If I wasn't able to find her mother like I did...I would've adopted her. Those feelings haven't changed...and Amy is still like family to me..." Anthony then looked up towards Jenna and Lars. "And because I'm so concerned for family...I don't think I can go through with teaching the two of you..."
Jenna and Lars looked at each other and then back at Anthony. "Why not, Anthony?" Jenna asked. "What are you afraid of?"
"You probably know that you might have to act as Gamemasters if I'm unavailable, but...if you had experienced what I had been through, you might not want to take that role..." Anthony explained, then looked sternly at the two of them. "If either of you have any doubt at all..."
"Anthony..." Jenna said, trying to calm Anthony. "We knew what we were getting into when we were chosen. We think it's an honor to be chosen for this..."
"Yes," Lars said. "In fact the patriarch told us as much and even said we could refuse. We didn't refuse, as you see."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then Jenna walked up to Anthony and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Don't worry, cousin. We won't let you down."
"I know you won't..." Anthony said, and then turned back towards his bed. "We'd better get back to sleep..."
All three of them returned to their beds and went back to sleep. Anthony even managed to calm down enough to finally fall into a deep sleep.
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The next morning, Anthony woke up to find himself the only one left in the room, since it seemed Jenna and Lars had awoken earlier. Since each of the rooms had their own bathrooms, Anthony took a quick shower and got dressed, then made his way downstairs.
As he waved goodbye to Alison Trasin, who was leaving to take the next plane to London since her job was finished, he found Jenna, Lars, and Olaf all talking in the main sitting room. A small breakfast buffet, complete with rolls, muffins, fruit, coffee, and juices, was set up. Anthony took a cup of coffee and a muffin and walked towards his fellow clansmen.
"Ah, Anthony..." Olaf said as Anthony sat down. "Jenna and Lars were telling me what happened last night. Is young Amy alright?"
"She's fine," Anthony said, "just a little scared of her abilities."
"...and, it would seem she's not the only one scared," Olaf said, looking straight into Anthony's eyes.
Anthony sighed, realizing Olaf was told the entire story. "Yes..." he said, almost with a guilty tone in his voice, and then turned towards Olaf. "After seeing how scared Amy was, I became even more afraid of how Jenna and Lars would take to the instruction."
Olaf nodded in understanding. "Yes...I guess you would be afraid, especially considering the fact you'll be teaching a power that is, in a sense, new to our entire planet. Still...if the way you calmed Amy down is any indication, I'm sure you'll do fine. You have Jenna's and Lars's full confidence...as well as my own."
Anthony smiled at that, beginning to feel better. "Thank you, Olaf," he said, then quickly finished his breakfast and stood up, addressing Jenna and Lars. "Jenna? Lars? Why don't you meet me outside in about an hour? I'll show you some of the powers you'll be using as well as give you some initial training before the actual lessons start."
Jenna and Lars nodded in agreement and Anthony left the room. The two of them then began talking with Olaf. About half an hour later, Sasha, Mary, and Amy entered the room and joined the three of them.
"Ah...good morning, ladies!" Olaf said, greeting the three Mobians, then turning towards Amy. "Anthony told me about your nightmare last night, Amy. Are you alright?"
Amy nodded sheepishly, a bit embarrassed. Mary then spoke up. "I'm terribly sorry if we caused a problem, Patriarch..."
"Oh, it's quite alright, Miss Rose...no need to apologize..." Olaf said. "This is a home for family, things like this are to be expected from time to time. I should tell you about the family reunion we held one time and had several rooms filled infant children." Olaf giggled at this as he remembered the fiasco, with children crying at different hours of the night.
Amy, Sasha, and Mary giggled as well. After talking about twenty minutes, Sasha spoke up. "Is Anthony awake? I didn't see him this morning..."
"He's outside...probably readying himself for some preliminary training he's going to give us," Jenna explained, then peeked out the window. "Lars, you and I should head out. It's about time."
Lars nodded and followed Jenna as she headed outside. Sasha also followed them out, deciding to see what Anthony was going to do, but as Mary and Amy stood up to do the same, Olaf spoke up. "Mary, Amy...can I speak to you for a moment? I'd like to ask you something..."
Mary and Amy looked at each other in confusion, and then sat back down, looking at Olaf with great interest...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Jenna and Lars walked outside, they noticed Anthony sitting near a cliff which overlooked the mountainous regions near the clan home. He was wearing his armor, was sitting down in the grass, and had the Sword of the Gamemaster stuck into the ground in front of him. As they approached, Anthony did not stir, but just stayed still.
"What do you suppose he's doing, Jenna?" Lars asked.
"Not sure..." Jenna replied. "But it almost looks like he's...meditating."
As soon as the two came close to where Anthony was sitting, Anthony stood up, pulled the sword out of the ground, and replaced it in its scabbard on his back. He then turned towards the two of them.
"Ah, good..." Anthony said as he addressed the two of them, also noticing Sasha approach. "I see Sasha came as well. Um...Sasha, if it's alright, do you mind if I talk to Jenna and Lars alone?"
"Oh...of course," Sasha said, and then started walking back.
As soon as Sasha started heading back, Jenna said, "So, cousin...did I see you meditating just now?"
"Yes, you did..." Anthony explained. "A regular regimen I've started to keep my emotions in check, ever since the incident with the Dark Gamemaster."
"Yes...we heard about that..." Lars said.
"...and something I don't want to see either of you turn into," Anthony said. "Thus the training. Even though you will have full control of your psionic powers once they are unlocked, you'll still need to be taught how to properly use them."
"We understand," Jenna said. "So...what initial training were you going to give us?"
Anthony smirked and gave an interesting look towards his soon to be students. "It starts with...a demonstration..." Anthony said, and then his eyes began to glow slightly.
Jenna and Lars realized they were in for something exciting...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Anthony seems to care a lot for you, Amy," Olaf said to Amy as she and Mary continued to talk with him. "I'm curious...how do feel about being his apprentice?"
"It's...unbelievable," Amy answered. "I thought he would choose one of those two that just left as his apprentice."
"Understandable..." Olaf said. "I'm also curious about something else...and you don't have to answer this..."
Amy gave Olaf a confused glance. "What?"
"When Anthony said he was willing to adopt you...would you have accepted if Mary wasn't found?"
Amy looked towards her mother, and Mary simply said, "It's alright. Just say what you feel..."
Amy then turned back towards Olaf and said, "Yes...yes I would have..."
Olaf nodded in understanding and then said, "In that case...I have a question to ask of both of you..."
Amy and Mary listened intently as Olaf explained...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside, Jenna and Lars felt that they were watching a magic show, except what they were witnessing was real and not an illusion. Anthony had demonstrated several psionic powers, from simple telepathic communication to a display of pyrokinetic ability. After he was done, Anthony began to talk again. "Those powers are just a small fraction of what you will learn to control. When your powers are unlocked, you will actually have full knowledge of a wide range of powers, but I will still teach you how to best use them."
"Amazing..." Lars said. "These powers actually exist amongst our entire race?"
"Yes..." Anthony explained. "In fact, it's how game makers, comic book makers, cartoon makers, and fanfiction authors have been able to see the worlds of Arcadia. Though...I'm still unsure how psionics can breach realities..."
"Maybe the existence of the portals, even dormant, was key to that..." Jenna said.
Anthony nodded in understanding. "That's possible...but we'll have time to debate that later. Now...for a very important part of the pretraining..."
"What's that?" Jenna asked.
"Simple..." Anthony said, and then sat down in the grass near to where the other two sat. "I'd like to know a little bit more about you two. It will help me to better understand you two plus...you ARE family, after all."
Lars and Jenna smiled at that and then Lars said, "Ladies first..."
"Very well..." Jenna said, then started talking. "I actually come from St. Paul, the twin city to your hometown of Minneapolis, Anthony. I came to Sweden on an exchange student program to better help with my studies on world economics...especially with all the talk of the Euro. Though...the real reason I asked to study abroad was somewhat different..."
"How so?" Anthony asked.
"Well...at the school I was currently attending, there was a problem with a local gang of toughs. When they were chasing this one underclassman to let off some steam, they ended up running into me...and I had to stand up to them..."
"Oh my god...what happened?"
"Well, nothing...at least to me. See, they didn't know I was studying martial arts as one of my classes. I was stopping them from chasing after the students and when they tried to attack me...well, let's just say the bruises and the broken noses didn't look too good on them."
"Whoa..." Anthony said, amazed.
"Naturally, the school found out about the incident. The underclassman, as well as several other students, demanded that the dean expel the lot of the toughs. He did...though he nearly did the same to me, saying that my actions might encourage other violence. Since other schools in the area might hear about this, I asked about studying abroad, remarking that another country might NOT hear about this incident. So...here I am..."
"I see..." Anthony said, deciding not to press further into what might be considered a sensitive topic, and then turned towards Lars. "How about you, Lars?"
"Well, I live in Shakopee, as you probably heard. I work at a small metal shop in that area. During the time that it's open, I even work at the weaponsmith's shop at the Renaissance Festival."
Anthony suddenly realized something. "I THOUGHT you looked familiar!"
"Yes...and I think you really freaked out Puke and Snot when you took Amy there that one time!"
Anthony laughed at that, remembering how they actually improvised a scene for Amy's benefit. He then got back to the discussion. "I also hear you have an interesting bloodline besides Sir Eric's."
"Ah, you heard about my Viking heritage," Lars remarked. "Yes...though I'm not sure if the rumors of my lineage to Eric the Red are true, I have used that heritage at the Ren Fest as well. During their Norse weekend, I've actually taken part in play acting duels, demonstrating various weapons used, while playing the part of a Viking warrior."
Anthony then began to understand. "So that's why you two were chosen...not only are you two of Sir Eric's bloodline, you also know how to fight!"
"Which is why we weren't worried about being asked to go into battle if the need arose," Jenna explained.
Anthony nodded and said, "Well, let's hope that you never have to see combat. Now..." He then saw Amy and Mary approach the group, followed closely by Sasha and Olaf, and Amy appeared to be excited about something. "What the...?"
As soon as the two hedgehogs got near, Amy spoke up. "ANTHONY!! You won't believe this! It's..."
"Whoa, calm down, Ames..." Anthony said. "What's up?"
"Allow me, Anthony..." Olaf said. "It has always been a tradition within the clan to allow new families into the clan who share a close connections with at least one of its members..."
Anthony's eyes widened. "You mean...Amy and Mary...?"
Olaf nodded. "Yes, Anthony. Because of the bond you share with young Amy here, I felt it was only appropriate that the two of them be admitted into the clan."
"That's great, but...what will the other elders say?" Anthony asked.
Olaf smiled. "Nothing. I have the final say regarding all new entries into the clan."
"That's great!" Jenna exclaimed. "Congratulations, you two!"
"Yes, especially considering you are the first Mobians to be admitted!" Lars pointed out.
Sasha then spoke up. "I don't think Amy cares about making history. Look..."
All eyes turned towards Amy, who at the moment was hugging Anthony tightly with a huge smile on her face.