Rise of Alpha (The Prodian Journey #1)

by Lorenz Font

  My phone buzzed with a text from Shannon as I was pulling up to Mark’s house. I parked and read her message.

  Hope ur doing ok. Running errands with mom. Don’t worry. Gilbert is with us. See u 2night. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.

  Despite myself, I grinned at her attempt to make me laugh and responded, “KK.”

  No sooner had I hit send than Matro appeared in the passenger seat, startling me.

  I glared at him. “Don’t you have a warning bell or something?”

  “Testy. You’ll just have to get used to it, my boy.” He stretched his long legs as best he could in the cramped space. “You got in a fight again.”

  “Well, duh!” I replied. “Aren’t you supposed to be watching out for us?”

  The expression on his face stopped me from continuing, however. Matro rubbed his chin and sighed.

  “I can’t see you when you’re in school. It’s weird. And Car’s out of pocket. I’ve been calling him, but there’s no answer.”

  Matro’s clear distress showed he wasn’t lying. If we didn’t have backup at school, it posed a greater problem for me. Kevin had no grasp of when to stop, even more than usual. Although I didn’t know Kevin well on a personal level, it was clear that he hadn’t been himself. He seemed almost dazed most of the time.

  “How is that possible? You see everything.” It was meant as a question but sounded more like an accusation.

  “It’s that teacher, right? I’m guessing he must be one of the leaders. He’s blocking my vision. I can’t explain it, but it’s like my radar shuts down. There’s this big bleep in the middle.” Matro opened the car door with a rough push.

  “So does this mean I’m on my own there?”

  Matro looked remorseful. “Forgive me. It will never happen again. You’ll never be on your own.”

  “Hey, I know what I have to do. No worries, man.”

  “Regardless, I’m to blame for that. From now on, I’m sticking to you guys like glue. I need some time to find out what’s causing the glitch.” We walked together to Mark’s house, and Matro patted my shoulder. “For now, just sit tight. There’s nothing much they can do while you’re near Shannon.”

  When I rang the doorbell, Mark answered right away. He gave me a cursory glance, then looked at Matro, then back to me. “You look like shit.”

  “Gee, thanks. I have a habit of rearranging my face every now and then.”

  We made our way to his room. Once there, Mark and I settled down to play video games, but Matro stayed by the window, staring into space.

  Nothing more was said until we paused to rest.

  “I heard what happened,” Mark said, his face scrunched in disgust. “What is wrong with Kevin?”

  “At least I didn’t get expelled with him.” The scene played out in my mind again. Nothing made sense. What did Kevin want with Shannon? Couldn’t he take no for an answer?

  “Well, Mr. Ax sure came through for you.” Mark shook his head and turned to watch the screen. “What’s up with that guy, anyway?”

  “Mr. Ax?”

  “Yeah. What went down? When did he show up?”

  I tried to remember. Where had Ax come from? Once I’d spotted Shannon and Kevin, everything else had been a blur.

  “He just appeared from out of nowhere. It was like he’d been watching the whole time.”

  Mark scratched his head, obviously as bewildered as I was.

  After an hour or so, Matro and I drove back to my house so I could get ready for dinner. He excused himself after receiving an urgent summons from Detherina. Although my curfew wasn’t enforced most of the time, I thought it would be wise to be around when my parents got home. I had a sinking feeling that this latest incident might not sit well with them, especially my dad. Even though they’d let the two prior brawls go without much drama, I suspected that they wouldn’t react the same way this time.

  When I came down to dinner and my parents saw my busted lips and the bluish discoloration around my cheek, Dad dropped his utensils and glared at me, his nostrils flaring. A sign he was harnessing his temper. Mom was utterly still. To mask my nervousness, I busied myself with scooping a glob of mashed potatoes onto my plate.

  “You got into another fight in school?” Dad asked.

  “Yeah,” I answered and began cutting through my steak with more force than necessary.

  “Care to tell us what happened?”

  I stopped slicing the meat and looked at my father. Mom still hadn’t moved. “I was at the pep rally this afternoon covering the pictures. I noticed Shannon was missing so I went to look for her. Kevin trapped her in the locker room and was trying to do something to her.”

  Dad pounded his fist on the table. “You know I don’t condone fighting. I let those two earlier incidents slide, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to ignore this one. Starting tonight, you’re grounded. Home and school, that’s it!”

  My mother gasped and stood up, turning her back on us. “Excuse me.” She ran out of the room.

  I stared at my father in disbelief. “What? I’m not the one who instigated it.”

  “Better watch your tone, young man,” Dad said. “Ever since you started hanging out with Shannon, you keep getting into trouble.”

  I twitched in response. A spasm rolled from my shoulders, radiating through my neck and arms, and for the next few seconds, I shook like crazy.

  “Dad, why?” I kept my tone low, even if I wanted to scream. This had to be the worst thing he could do to me, but I didn’t want to take the chance of making it worse still.

  He observed me, and for a moment, I thought he’d relent. “It’s for your own good. One week. After school, you’re expected to head straight home.”

  I pushed my chair back and rose. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve lost my appetite.”

  Stomping my feet, I headed upstairs, hurried to my room, and flung open the bedroom door. “I can’t wait to get out of this shitty place. A few more months, and I’m gone,” I muttered.

  “That’s not a nice thing to say,” Shannon said, startling me.

  I glanced at the clock, not having expected her back so soon. “You’re early. Is something wrong?”

  Shannon stood and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue earlier.”

  “You’re welcome,” I answered, feeling my skin flush with embarrassment.

  For a little while, I savored our proximity, but then I noticed her puffy eyes. “Hey, what’s going on?”

  Shannon glanced away. “You’re always getting in trouble because of me.”

  “It’s okay. I’m a big boy. I can handle myself.”

  I led her to the edge of the bed and we sat down. “Can you tell me what happened?”

  “I asked Kevin for a picture, and he told me to follow him to the locker room. He sounded calm and friendly, so I did. Then once we went inside, he started talking gibberish. He smelled funny, too.”

  I rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. “That bastard is head over heels in love with you, and I can understand why. What I don’t understand is why he keeps insisting on pushing himself on you.”

  “I don’t know.” Shannon shook her head. “I’m scared that he might take it out on you, now that he’s been expelled.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” With a light touch, I tilted her head up to see her face. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “So what are we going to do now?”

  “Since Dad grounded me for fighting—”

  “You’re grounded? What about the game? The homecoming dance?”

  “I’ll figure something out.” It was easier said than done, of course. Then a brilliant idea hit me. “Let’s go out and celebrate my grounding. Bring your backpack.”

  “But … ”

  I picked up my own bag from the floor and headed to the window. “After you, my dear.”

  Shannon giggled and started to work her way down the trellis, and I followed close behind.

&
nbsp; “So where are we going?”

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  We drove around until we found a donut shop. After we got some hot cocoa, a sprinkled donut for Shannon, and a bear claw for me, we settled into a booth at the end of the room.

  “If you’re ready to work on TGM, then we can start,” I said.

  “TGM?” She looked puzzled.

  “Oh, sorry. The Glass Menagerie. I shortened it.” I took a big bite of my bear claw.

  That made her smile. For the next hour, we worked on our analysis, pausing to read lines or bounce ideas off each other. After that, I moved on to my math homework while Shannon listened to music on her phone. In the silence that had fallen while I was in deep concentration, I glanced up to find that she’d fallen asleep, her head resting against the wall. Although I felt like a stalker, I decided to let her sleep for a bit while I watched over her.

  Why do things have to be so complicated? I nudged Shannon, but she didn’t stir. The place was empty, but this was hardly a spot we should be hanging around until the wee hours of the morning. Too bad. Shannon looked tired. A rush of tender protectiveness coursed through my veins while I watched her. Studying her features and feeling a bit lightheaded, I stifled the urge to brush my mouth against her parted lips.

  It felt like it would be a crime to wake her. However, we had to get home. Gathering our things, I nudged her once more. “Hey, wake up.”

  Shannon’s lids fluttered, and then she opened her eyes and jumped. “Oh, my God. Was I sleeping?”

  I chuckled. “Like a baby. Let’s go home.”

  During the short drive, I reflected that things were getting deeper between us, even if Shannon hadn’t said anything about her feelings toward me.

  I parked in the driveway and walked her to the door. “Good night.”

  She reached over and touched my cheek, caressing. “You’re amazing, Brian.”

  When I climbed the trellis back to my room, I found Matro leaning against the wall and grinning. “Restraint is a good thing. You’ve done well, Brian. I’m so proud of you.”

  I groaned and flopped on the bed. It was close to midnight, and I doubted sleep would come soon. “I’m going to go nuts. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Do you mind? I need some sleep here.”

  “Sleep well.” Matro chuckled then dematerialized.

  The remainder of the week was hell, but as any teenager would do, I figured out a way around the grounding. Mark and Darryl came home with me after we dropped Shannon off and would leave a few minutes before my parents got home. Also, Matro was more visible than ever. He even had henchmen with him.

  Two dilemmas remained—the football game that night, and the homecoming dance the next. I could forgo the game, but there was no way I was going to miss taking the prettiest girl in school to the dance.

  My biggest concern was leaving Shannon defenseless against the Ergans during the football game. I couldn’t possibly hang around the house while she was out there and vulnerable.

  Concocting an excuse was going to be difficult since Dad had been vigilant the past few days. He went to great lengths, checking in on me regularly and sending text messages that nearly drove me insane. Mom remained subdued, which puzzled me. I brought it up once, but she shrugged it off, so I left her alone.

  Good things come to those who wait, it turned out. By the time six o’clock rolled around, I heard my parents getting ready to go out. A glimmer of hope burned in my chest while I waited to find out where they were going.

  The much-awaited tap sounded, and Dad pushed open the door and stuck in his head. “We’re going to a fundraiser tonight. Your mom left you a casserole in the fridge for dinner. Don’t wait up. We’re going to be late.” He glanced around, as if he’d expected to find someone in there with me.

  I nodded, trying to appear indifferent. Dad bought my act, and his features softened. “I’m glad you’re taking your grounding well. A few more days, and you’ll be off the hook. I hope you realize this is for your own good.”

  I resisted the inclination to comment, and he headed back downstairs.

  The moment I heard the car drive away, I dialed Shannon’s number. It rang several times and then went to voicemail. With a curse, I threw on jeans and a jacket, packed up my camera, and left the house. A quick rub on the rock to summon Matro, and he showed up right away.

  “Have you seen Shannon?” I asked, stepping on the gas.

  “She drove to the school with Veronica and Brittney.” Matro stared straight ahead, looking a little preoccupied.

  We sped through the busy streets, weaving in and out of small openings between cars.

  I glanced in his direction again. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just have a bad feeling about tonight.”

  An unpleasant sensation washed over me. “I haven’t even told you about the dream I had last night.”

  “What dream?” he asked, turning his full attention to me.

  “A major calamity. Rocks, water, a long bridge, ground shaking, and fire everywhere. People will die. And I can’t even tell when or where it’ll happen.”

  “There’s nothing to give the location or the time frame?”

  “No.”

  Matro fell quiet and I was left to my own thoughts once more.

  Parking was the pits. It took me several turns to find a spot. Once I’d shut off the car, I noticed Matro had a weird expression on his face. “What’s wrong?” I asked as we began the long walk toward football field.

  “You have the Mertest with you?”

  I nodded.

  “Be careful out there. I’ll be watching you.” He looked tense.

  “Why?”

  “I can’t see a thing again. Something’s not right.” Matro stopped walking and gestured for me to keep walking.

  I shrugged and continued on my way.

  Then he said, “Know your surroundings, and trust no one.”

  That was exactly what I planned to do.

  Homecoming Game

  The marching band had already taken the field by the time I made it through the long line of students to the spot where our group would meet. I spotted Shannon with Darryl, and I breathed a sigh of relief until I also saw Mr. Ax standing next to her.

  I paused midstride and searched for Matro. Sure enough, he wasn’t too far behind.

  What could they be talking about? Then I remembered—photography teacher. Duh! I jogged toward them, and Mr. Ax met my eyes, sans sunglasses. My whole being shuddered at the darkness I saw in his.

  Suppressing the terror that gripped me, I approached with caution. Shannon waved once she saw me. Mr. Ax put his arm around her shoulder, as if he were trying to taunt me. Then he whispered something in her ear, and I swore Shannon’s body quivered ever so slightly.

  “Hello, Brian,” Mr. Ax greeted.

  I searched Shannon’s face, looking for evidence of discomfort, anything that would give me an idea of what he’d said to her. Her expression gave no indication at all.

  “Mr. Ax,” my response was curt before turning to Shannon again. “What’s your assignment tonight?”

  “I’m going to spend time with her tonight going over panning and flash usage,” Mr. Ax answered.

  “Why don’t I work with you and let Shannon do the stills?”

  Mr. Ax’s face darkened. “Are you telling me how to do my job?”

  Actually I am. I bit my tongue. My alarm bells were clanging, and I knew vigilance was the key.

  Instead of responding to him, I turned to Darryl. “Hey, bro.”

  “‘Sup?” Darryl shifted on his feet, looking uncomfortable.

  “If you want to learn those techniques, you could follow them around,” I told him pointedly, hoping he’d get my drift.

  “Oh, yeah—can I join you, sir?” Darryl asked. He sounded intimidated.

  Mr. Ax studied Darryl for a moment. “You’re going to have fun, young man.”

  By this time, the marching band had exited the field amid the loud clappi
ng and foot stomping, and the crowd was chanting, “Barristers! Barristers!”

  Shortly after, the team piled onto the football field, and a deafening roar erupted. While the noise rose to a crescendo, I planned how to juggle taking pictures while keeping tabs on Shannon, too. With all the chaos going on around us, it would be impossible to keep an eye on her every move.

  “Hey, can I have a word with you?” I pulled Shannon by the arm, and we walked a few feet out of earshot.

  “Is everything okay?” Shannon asked.

  “Yeah.” I raked my fingers through my wild hair, not sure how to tell her how I felt. Terror was making me edgy. “I want you to have your cell phone in your pocket. Call me if Ax starts acting suspicious.”

  “You’re scaring me.” She clutched my arm with a clammy hand.

  “Tell me what he said to you.” I glanced at Mr. Ax. He was surveying the crowd, and Darryl stood next to him, looking quite on edge, too.

  “He said he’d give me what I needed. That’s all.”

  “What kind of a lesson is that? No … no … I don’t want you with him.”

  “What are you talking about? He’s a teacher. Are you crazy?”

  “Maybe I am.”

  “Brian, I may like you, but don’t try to start telling me what to do,” she said, looking annoyed.

  Getting Shannon angry was a complication I didn’t need. Shit. “Look, I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I’m worried about you, but it’s your call. Either way, don’t let your guard down, okay?” I pulled her hood up over her head and then tightened the strings. “It’s going to rain.”

  “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “That’s the thing. I don’t know. I feel like something’s wrong, but I can’t pinpoint what it is.” I rubbed her back. “Call me, okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  It was time for us to take our positions. I stayed on our team’s end zone, while Shannon, Mr. Ax, and Darryl stood near the fifty-yard line. Marshall won the coin toss, and the game began. The crowd jumped to its feet the moment the whistle blew.

  Watching the game was fun. Mark in particular kicked some serious ass. I snapped shot after shot to edit later, taking more of Mark than was necessary. In a way, it was my apology for the times I’d ditched his games. I chronicled every hit, every fall, and every celebratory chest bump and huddle. It was exhilarating, even from the sidelines.