Me: Camping was fun and I had a good time. Now I'm home (since Sunday) and I want you all to know that my birthday is the 31st, which is next Monday. I could use reviews for my birthday ya'll. Love ya guys. Read and review.
Disclaimer: (See Chapter 1)
It's been over a week since my talk with Courtney. School continued to go by slow and it was boring as ever. Steven finally learned about all of our powers by heart and Courtney trusted him more.
I was helping him with his homework again. He was getting better and better everyday.
"Thanks again dude," he said, putting his book away.
"Rocky Wolf!"
I looked up at my math teacher.
"Yes Mr. Todd?"
"I have a note for you."
I stood up and went to the teacher's desk. I took the note from him and returned to my seat.
Rocky,
I'll be picking you up after school, so don't get on the bus.
Love,
Mom
"What's it say?" Lea asked.
"I'm getting picked up today," I said. "My mom had the day off."
The bell rang after I crumpled the note. I stood up and headed downstairs before anyone else. I headed towards the parking lot. Steven was following me.
"I need to ask your mom something," he said.
"Okay."
I saw the jeep and walked over to it. (A newer one since Slade destroyed the other one in Book 1) I opened the passenger door.
"Hi Sweetheart."
"Hey mom. You remember Steven, right?"
She leaned forward and saw him.
"Oh, yes. Hello Steven."
"Hi."
"He wanted to ask you something," I said.
"What is it dear?"
"I was wondering if Rocky can go camping with my family and me next weekend," Steven explained. "But, after what I heard in Mexico, you've been a little worried about him, so its okay if you say no."
"What day?"
"Friday after school and going through Monday night. I would be grateful if he could come. With your permission of course."
She thought about it for a minute as I got into the passenger seat.
"I don't see why not," she said finally. "Next Friday it is."
"Okay, cool," Steven said. "See ya Rocky. Have a nice day Mrs. Wolf."
He walked off.
"He's a very nice boy," mom said as she headed out of the parking lot.
"Yeah, he's cool," I said. "Hey! Can we stop by the Skate Shop?"
"What for?"
"I need M&M to do something for me," I said.
"You mean Clarence?" mom asked. "The black boy?"
"Ma!"
"I don't like him Sweetheart," mom said.
"He's my friend Ma," I said. "He makes my board look cool. Please?"
She observed me for a while. I gave her the face that I had picked up from Beast Boy.
"Oh, fine! I'll take you."
"Thanks mom."
Ten minutes later we arrived and I got out of the car.
"I'll be right here. Don't take too long," mom said.
"I won't."
I crossed the street.
M&M'S SKATE SHOP
I opened the door and stepped inside.
Ding!
It was empty except for the shelves housing the skating equipment. M&M was nowhere in sight.
"Yo M! Where are you?"
"Hold on a second bra!"
M&M walked out of the storage room, backwards, carrying a large box in his arms. He turned around and placed it on the counter.
M&M, whose real name was Clarence, was a 5' 5" tall, skinny, black kid at the age of seventeen. He dropped out of High School at sixteen and started his own shop. He still lives with his parents, two brothers and four sisters. He had short, spiky blonde hair, but he dyed it all the colors of his favorite candy, M&Ms.
"How've things been M?"
"Been pretty good dawg," M&M said. "What can I do for ya today?"
I went to my pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper with my design. I unfolded it and gave it to M.
"Think you can get this design on my skateboard for me?"
"You got 300 dollars?"
"I have 230, in check, on me right now," I said. "I can have the rest in about a week, maybe two."
M looked at the design and examined every inch.
"'Kay dude. Since you're my boy and all, I'll let you pay the 230 and you can keep the rest," he said. "I guess it's the least I can do since I'm going out of town with my folks all next week."
"Okay. Cool," I said. "Now here's what I want done with it; I want the black board, top and bottom, leave the dragon and symbols and the bottom, but I want the tail to come to the top until it reached the nose. I also want the blue wheels with the silver lightning streak look inside. And I'm gonna sign my name on the bottom when its finished with a white out pen. Think you can get it done?"
"Man, I can do anythin'. I just can't have it done before I leave Saturday," M&M said. "When I get back, I'll work on it."
"Thanks M."
"No problem dawg." I gave him the 230. "Make sure you say hi to your momma for me."
"Will do."
I left the shop and went back to the car.
"You done now?" mom asked.
"Yep," I answered. "And M says hi."
We drove onto the street and headed home.
I guess I can talk to her now.
"Hey mom?"
"Yes Sweetie?"
"I know you've been worried a lot about me lately, but do you think you can tone it down a bit and…"
"And?"
"…Maybe not yell into the phone or freak out when I'm late coming home?"
She looked at me while the light was red.
"I guess I have been overreacting," she said. "I promise not to "freak out" anymore."
I smiled.
"Thanks mom."
The light turned green. We arrived home five minutes later. I got out and headed for the door. My dad was home and I walked in. He jumped up and stormed at me.
"Where have you've been?" he asked angrily.
"Mom and I went to M&M's Skate Shop," I said. "I had to give M something."
His face softened up quite a bit.
"Oh. I'm sorry son. I didn't mean to get upset. As long as your home, that's all that matters."
"Its okay dad," I said. "You just need to lighten up some."
"I know," he said. "I guess I have been overreacting a little bit, huh?"
"You and mom both," I said. "Mom said she'd stop freaking out if I'm late, so maybe you can stop getting angry if I don't call. Deal?"
"Deal."
We shook on it.
"Thanks dad," I said. "I have math to do, so I'll be upstairs in my room. Call me when dinner's ready?"
"Sure kiddo."
I went to my room and got my homework finished. I turned my laptop on and checked my e-mail. Lucy e-mailed me.
Hey Rocky,
How's it been w/ you? NMH. Hope your family is coping okay since your return home. It must have been scary. How's school been 4 ya? It's been pretty slow here. Oops! Gotta go. I'm late 4 work. Talk 2 ya later.
Love,
Lucy
I replied,
Hey Lucy,
Things have been pretty hectic w/ slow school days and all. I guess I'm doing okay. It's been pretty weird here 2. Both my parents have been flipping out, especially my mom. But things seem 2 B getting better. I've learned a few skate tricks since I've been home. Things R starting 2 look up. Both of my parents have promised that they'll back down w/ the worrying and stuff. Things are definitely looking up. G2G Lucy.
Catch ya again later.
Love,
Rocky
I sent it and checked the rest of my e-mails and sites.
"Rocky! Dinner!"
"Coming dad!"
Things were definitely getting better.
"Rocky? May I see you for a second?"
I stood from my chair and went to the teacher's desk.
"Yes ma'am?"
"I'd just like to say that I'm very proud on how your grades and test scores have improved. I'm very impressed."
"Oh. Thanks Mrs. Barkley," I said. "I do what I can."
I returned to my seat.
"What did she want?" Sheilee asked.
"She just wanted to tell me that my grades and test scores are improving," I said. "Everything seems to be getting better with school and my parents and home."
"That's good."
Class ended and we went to 4th period lunch. We played cards at the library. I won six out of eight games. Then 5th period came. Steven and I went to science. Then the rest of the day went by pretty fast.
"You ready for camping Friday?" he asked me.
"Almost," I said. "I'm gonna finish packing tonight."
"All you have to bring is a set of clothes. My family is providing the rest."
"Okay, cool," I said.
"And we'll be camping in a remote place without people around so that we can enjoy the sounds of nature."
"Awesome. See ya Steven."
"Bye."
I got on the bus and headed for the back.
"I don't think you should go camping tomorrow," Courtney said as I sat down. "I've been having weird vibes lately and I don't like them."
"I'll be fine," I said. "Don't worry, I promise."
"That's what you said the first time I warned you about something you stupid Baka," she said angrily. "And you got yourself kidnapped because you wouldn't listen."
I glared at her.
"Well if you would've told me about my powers from before, none of that shit would have happened in the first place."
"So now this is my fault?" she asked angrily.
"I'm the one saying it!"
We glared at each other before turning away.
"Baka."
"Paranoid."
The bus started going. We didn't talk for the rest of the bus ride to my stop. I got off after telling Ruth that I wouldn't be on after school. She drove away. I got home under record time. Mom hadn't freaked out for a while and she was in the kitchen.
"I'm home safe and sound mom," I said.
"How was school?"
"Good," I replied. "My test scores and grades have been improving."
"That's great Sweetheart."
"I'll be in my room to finish packing."
I went to my room. I was just putting my clothes on top of my Bo Staff and utility belt when Venus stopped by.
"Are you gay?"
I whirled around.
"What kind of question is that?" I asked angrily.
"Well, you are going camping with a guy, so I assumed you were gay," she said.
"He's my friend," I said angrily. "You've been camping with your girl friends, so does that make you gay?"
"That's different. I still think you're gay."
"Get out of my fucking room," I said angrily.
"I was kidding little bro."
"Get out!"
She left. I finished packing. Then I finished my homework by the time dinner rolled around. I ate, did dishes, took a shower, and watched TV with my mom. Then it was bedtime.
"Night Rocky.
"Night mom. Night dad."
I went upstairs, got into bed, and went to sleep.
"I hope you packed your Bo Staff."
"I did C," I said. "And I have my utility belt. I'll be okay."
"I'll see you on Tuesday at school then?"
We did our secret handshake.
"I definitely will."
"See ya."
She left and Steven came up beside me.
"Ready to go?"
"Yep."
He put my stuff in the back of the truck. I got in after him and we drove out of the parking lot and headed for the highway.
"We're camping an hour away from Salem," Steven said.
"Cool," I said. "Maybe we can stop by there. I've always wanted to visit the capital."
"We'll see."
About four hours later we arrived at a dirt road that we went on. We went into the deep part of the forest. We found the perfect spot with tons of shade and little sun. The sun was going down. Steven's father started a fire, while Steven and his mother put up the tent. I helped get the stuff out of the back of the truck.
"Thanks Rocky."
"No problem Steven."
It was dark now and we ate dinner.
"Food was excellent mom," Steven said.
"Dido."
"Why thank you dears."
An hour later, we went to bed.
"Night Steven."
"Good night Rocky. Night mom, dad."
"Good night kids."
I fell asleep instantly.
"Wake up guys!"
I sat up abruptly and looked around. It was still a little dark outside.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Six o'clock," Steven said.
"Why wake up so early?"
"We have a big day planned," Steven's mom said.
"We're going fishing most of the day," Steven said. "Then we'll come back here, play games while the fish are cooking, eat, have Smores, and you and I are sleeping under the stars tonight."
"Cool."
It took me half an hour to get up and dressed. We had breakfast and walked five miles to get to the river, fishing poles and tackle box in hand. Steven and I went off on our own and found the perfect spot. It was now 8:33. We had no bites for two hours. I looked around to make sure no one else was around.
"Watch this."
I placed my pole down and looked out into the water. A fish jumped into the air and jumped towards Steven and me.
"How'd you do that?" Steven asked as I caught the fish in my hands.
"Mind control."
"Oh cool," Steven said. "Wish I had powers like that."
"Yeah, but sometimes its hard to keep them under control," I explained. "I used to have problems with mine, especially when I got angry or upset. But that all changed when-"
I stopped and made three more fish come out of the river.
"-When that Slade dude came along," Steven finished for me.
"Yeah."
By the time it was time to go back to camp, Steven and I had "caught" ten fish.
"Good job boys."
"Thanks dad."
We went back to camp and started the fish after Steven's dad gutted them. We played cards while the fish cooked. Once dinner was ready, we got food.
"Eat up and we'll make Smores in an hour after eating dinner."
We finished eating and had Smores an hour later.
"Boy I'm stuffed," I said.
"At least you'll get to sleep easily tonight," Steven said.
"Yep."
Steven's parents went to bed while Steven and I stayed by the fire, our sleeping bags on the ground next to it. I lay down on mine and looked up at the stars.
"Hey. Why don't we go talk a night time walk through the woods," Steven suggested.
"Well I don't-"
"We'll be fine. My parents are asleep."
I looked at the tent and sighed.
"All right. But only for a few minutes."
"Okay, cool."
We stood up. I grabbed my utility belt and Bo Staff. We walked through the trees, the little light from the moon guiding us.
"What if your parents find out?" I asked.
"They won't."
We walked for ten minutes when I heard a noise from behind. I stopped, making Steven stop.
"What?"
"Shh!"
I extended my Bo staff and became alert. I looked around, but couldn't see anything. But, then, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I whipped around and dropped the Staff in surprise.
"I hope these guys are friends of yours," Steven said, sounding scared.
About 50 Slade-bots were in front of us.
"Stay back Steven!"
He backed away and I got into a fighting stance.
"Rocky, be careful."
Two Slade-bots came towards me. One jumped at me, but I sidestepped it and caught it in a Roundhouse Kick, destroying it.
"Is that the best you can do?" I asked.
The other Slade-bot pulled a laser gun out and fired it at me. I formed a barrier of chakra in front of me, ending the laser's fire. I crashed a boulder on top of the robot's head. The others didn't move.
"Why aren't they attacking?" Steven asked.
My eyes narrowed.
"I don't know," I said. "But I know how to destroy these Motherfuckers at once." I put my hands to the right of my body. "You don't stand a chance against my Midnight Tornado." Earth, water, fire, and wind formed into my hands. I heard a strange noise behind me, but I ignored it. "MIDNIGHT TOR-!"
My Tornado died down and disappeared. I slowly raised my hands to my face and looked at them. I snapped my fingers, but nothing happened.
"What happened?" Steven asked worried.
"I don't… I don't know," I said. "None of my powers are working. I don't know what's going on.
"Why not?"
"I don't-"
I stopped speaking and slowly looked at Steven. His voice didn't hold any worry in it like before. It was almost… mocking. Some kind of ball looking thing was in his hand.
"What?" he asked.
"What… Where'd you get that?"
"From me."
I looked behind me and backed up, my eyes wide.
"No."
"Hello… Apprentice."
"I-I k-killed…"
"If you've killed me, then why am I still here?"
"No one could have survived my Midnight Tornado," I said, fear evident in my voice. "Its impossible."
"Its possible if you know how to form a force field," Slade said. "A form of Ninjutsu."
"But Steven, he-"
"-Works for me."
"What happened to my powers?" I asked angrily.
"Steven has them."
I looked at Steven. He had fire in his hand.
"Steven?"
The fire disappeared and a chunk of rock came up in front of him. He chucked it, hitting me. I flew back and landed in the arms of five Slade-bots. I struggled in their grasp.
"As you can see, I make far better use of your powers."
"Steven! You Bastard! How could you do this to me? I'm your friend!"
"You can't always trust people Rocky," Steven said. "It was just my cover to get your powers… and your friends' as well."
"In exchange for the device to get your powers, Steven has given me you," Slade said.
I struggled harder as I tried getting away from the robots.
"See you around Rocky," Steven said. "Have fun being Slade's Apprentice."
He turned around and headed back to camp.
"NO! Steven! You don't know what it was like!" He stopped. "He kidnapped me Steven! He turned me against my friends! Slade manipulated me Steven! He-!"
"Shut him up for me, won't you Slade."
He continued walking.
"Steven! Please! STEVEN!"
Slade came up and punched me in the gut. My knees collapsed underneath me. I fell to the ground, the robots still holding on. Slade walked over and picked up my Bo Staff.
"I'll be taking this back, thank you."
"Slade! You Bastard!"
He paused.
"Oh, I'm sorry. What was that Apprentice?"
He turned around and came towards me.
"You heard me… Bastard!"
"Wrong answer."
He walloped me with the Staff.
I blacked out.
(Fade to black)
Rocky-White wolf of Curses
