The Ark of Power

by David Barco

  JT, Jaylen, and Joseph walk into the room. Harrison glances at them, picking the letters up.

  "Man, Sanford and Edwin are outside arguing. Those two argue worse than my parents do," JT says.

  "Forget that, look what I got," Harrison waves the letters.

  "Okay, you got some letters. We get it," JT throws himself on his bed.

  "No, my mom sent me a letter that my dad wrote to her. I asked her to send me one so I could see if the other two papers I had were in his handwriting.”

  "Whoa, so you told your mom that you wanted to do that?" Jaylen says.

  "No, I told her I was doing an assignment on my dad for a class and needed something he wrote.”

  "Oh, so you lied to her the same way you lied to her about winter break. You told her you needed to do something for your Power Flow class," Joseph says.

  "Yeah, and we know you just stayed here and trained with Tommy the whole time since you didn't leave for break," JT says.

  "Listen, I was kind of working on my Power Flow class during that time. But I got a lot accomplished. I can now harness energy with ease and use energy balls better now," Harrison says.

  "Okay, we get it. Back to it, you were saying the writing does match. So, the letter slid underneath our door a couple of months ago is real?" Jaylen says.

  "Yes, that is what I was saying. Therefore, if the letters are authentic, then there is a great chance we can say the pictures are too," Harrison replies.

  "Wow, so your uncle Adam lied to you," JT says. "So out of the three, who do you think is the crazy robe guy? Are you leaning more towards your uncle now over Mr. Drake and Mr. Lloyd?"

  "I don't know yet. I haven't ruled out anyone, because it seems like Mr. Drake is always trying to kill me in class. Mr. Lloyd almost said the same exact thing the robe guy said about history,” Harrison drops on his bed. “I’m so confused.”

  "Well, I know one thing we do know. We better get to Mr. Lloyd's class. We got to meet in front of the Elder statues today," Joseph says.

  Harrison tucks in his dark green shirt, grabs his backpack, and follows the others out the door.

  ◆◆◆

  Small snowflakes gradually fall from the clouds. Every couple of steps Harrison feels a cold itch on his face. Mr. Lloyd's voice travels to them.

  "Good morning. It's snowing," Mr. Lloyd says as the students approach him.

  "Like we can't see that it's snowing," Jaylen throws his hood over his head. "Who decided to have class outside in the middle of winter when it's snowing?"

  JT laughs and points at Mr. Lloyd who is springing on his toes. The snow makes the statues have a darker tint at the top of them.

  Mr. Lloyd walks in front of the First Elder statue, lifting his hand up to it. "This right here is the First Elder, as you all know. The great disciple of the Supreme Elder. I thought it would be fitting to come and have my lecture out here in front of his statue since today is his birthday. We come out here to honor the First Elder who did so much for this nation."

  The students around Harrison shiver as the snow gets fuller. Harrison puts on his dark gray hoodie throwing the hood over his head. The wind slashes quickly at times, making the First Elder statue seem like he is freezing. He tunes out Mr. Lloyd’s lecture as he gazes at the First Elder's statue.

  His eyes are fixed on the compass in his hand. Harrison’s eye’s grow heavy and he doesn’t blink. Finally, he shoots his hand into the air. The students let out a sigh in unison as they see his hand up.

  "Yes, Harrison. Do you have a question before we head back to the classroom since everyone is complaining about a little bit of snow?" Mr. Lloyd says.

  "Yeah, just a quick question while it's on my mind," Harrison says. "That object in the First Elder's hand. What is he holding?"

  Mr. Lloyd leans against the statue. "Great question. This thing in his hand is actually the Compass of Destiny. It’s an important artifact in our history."

  "Why is it so important? What does it do?" Harrison says.

  "Well, you see this compass was given to the First Elder by the Supreme Elder himself. The Supreme Elder created it so that it would be able to lead the First Elder to him no matter where he was, just in case he needed him," Mr. Lloyd says.

  "Wait, so how would the compass lead him to the Supreme Elder?" Harrison says.

  Moans and groans grow louder as he asks more questions.

  "It is said, that the Supreme Elder created the compass in order to be able to track him down by his energy. You see, the compass can locate where his energy is," Mr. Lloyd replies.

  Harrison's heart races. "Wait. Mr. Lloyd that would mean that the Compass of Destiny could now lead someone to the Ark of Power since it was covered by his power.”

  "You are right, Harrison. That is why the First Elder made it so no one would be able to use the compass again.”

  Harrison's heart sinks to his stomach. "What? Why?"

  "Because he was afraid someone might take the compass and try to find the Ark to use it sometime in the future. He didn't want to be responsible for that. So, he deactivated the compass by making it only able to work if his energy was placed on it. He actually did the same thing the Supreme Elder did and transferred his energy into gems, except they turned green. He then placed them in a cave deep in that forest behind the Academy," Mr. Lloyd says.

  "Are the green gems still there in the cave?" Harrison says.

  "No one in history has been stupid enough to go in there searching for them. It would be suicide with the type of different things in there," Mr. Lloyd says.

  The snow starts coming down hard covering up the compass in the hand of the statue. Students begin to walk off complaining about Harrison asking questions.

  "Okay, you all are dismissed," Mr. Lloyd says.

  Walking slowly with his friends, Harrison stays back behind everyone else.

  "Guys, it makes sense now," Harrison says. "My dad must have known that if he had the compass, he could find the Ark of Power on his mission. That is why he came to your dad's shop, JT, and asked if he had ever seen it. We have the one thing that can lead us to the Ark."

  They slow down and stare at him.

  "Dude, what are you trying to say? That we should use the compass to go find the Ark? Why?" Jaylen says.

  "Because, if we find the Ark of Power, we might just find out what happened to my dad," Harrison says as they open the door and the warm air blasts out.

  Chapter 19

  The Plan

  Grease gushes out of the crispy fried chicken as Harrison takes a large bite. Placing his chicken bone down into the rest of the collection, he glances at his friends at the table.

  "You know that you are an absolute slob when you eat chicken," JT says.

  "Yeah. It's pretty gross dude," Jaylen shakes his head. "About as gross as when JT eats cereal."

  JT knocks Jaylen in the arm. "Shut up. I am not a slob when I eat cereal. I don't have it all over my face like he does.”

  "Listen. You both shouldn't take a girl out to eat on your first date. If they see you two eat, you would never get a second date," Joseph says.

  "Whatever. At least I could get a date if I wanted, unlike you," JT responds.

  JT, Jaylen, and Joseph keep bickering with each other, resulting in the whole cafeteria staring over at them. A screechy sound creeps toward them. Felix stops his cart at their table, watching them. Sanford and Edwin are carrying tiny brooms, shaking their heads as they watch them quarrel. Tapping the table continually, Harrison motions for their attention. They quickly stop arguing.

  "WHAT" all three of them scream, gawking at Harrison. He slowly nods his head over to Felix and his crew. Sanford and Edwin both shake their heads in disgust.

  "You three are something else. I can't believe you guys would have the nerve to argue like that in a public place," Sanford says.

  "Yeah. It makes you three look bad. Get it together, " Edwin says.

  Felix pushes the cart forward, releasing a screech with eac
h push. Sitting at the table, they all remain silent, blinking at one another.

  "Can I please blast that mouse and cat with an energy attack?" JT says.

  Harrison pushes his dark blue tray full of greasy chicken bones to the side. Leaning forward, he lowers his voice, as the eyes around the cafeteria start moving away from them.

  "Okay. I think I know what I want to do. I think I have the plan," Harrison whispers.

  "The plan for what?" Joseph says.

  "What do you mean for what? What we talked about after history class," Harrison replies.

  "Yeah, I remember. So, what's the plan you came up with?" Jaylen says.

  Sanford and Edwin clean chocolate milk off the floor near their table.

  "JT, are you paying attention?" Joseph says, nudging him in the arm.

  "I can't believe those two actually had the nerve to tell us we shouldn't argue. They argue worse than anyone I have ever met," JT says.

  Slapping his own forehead, Harrison leans closer to JT. "Are you serious? You are worried about what they said to you just now?" Harrison shakes his head. "Worry about what we just found out."

  "I am, it just made me mad," JT rests his chin in his palms.

  "Anyways. So, like I said earlier. If we can find the Ark of Power, it could lead us to my dad. Whether he’s dead or alive," Harrison says.

  "Yeah, but what if it doesn't? What if we get lucky and find the Ark and your dad is nowhere around?" Jaylen says.

  "Look, it's worth a shot. I know it's taking a chance, but I think it's the best option to find out what happened to him," Harrison replies.

  "I understand all that, but we are still in a dilemma because the compass doesn't even work. We would need the gems that contain the First Elder's power and those are in a cave in the middle of the forest," Joseph says.

  "I know. That is why we will have to go and get them first. Then we can activate the compass and it can lead us to the Ark of Power," Harrison responds.

  "Whoa. You want us to go on a suicide mission and try to retrieve the gems? Dude. You heard what Mr. Lloyd said. No one has ever attempted that. It's too dangerous," Joseph says.

  "Yeah, that does sound crazy," JT lifts his head.

  "Oh, okay coming from the person who had us break into an antique shop and steal a blueprint in the middle of the night," Harrison replies.

  "It worked, didn't it?" JT says.

  "Yeah, and this may work too. We just won't know unless we try," Harrison replies. "C' mon."

  Patiently waiting, Harrison sits quietly, watching the cafeteria empty out.

  "Okay. Listen, if you guys don't want to do this I understand. It may be asking a lot. I can just ask Tommy to go with me," Harrison says.

  All three of them lean closer to Harrison.

  "What?" Harrison says.

  "Dude, why would you ask him?" JT says.

  "What are you talking about? I would ask him because you guys act like you don't want to really help," Harrison replies.

  Pushing his tray aside, JT leans in closer. "What do you mean, we don't want to help? We are the ones that have been helping you for months," JT says. "Tommy helps you train a little and now you guys are all cool?"

  "I didn't mean it like that. I know you guys have helped. I mean help now with this part-“

  "We get it, just ditch your friends who you have known since you were younger and become best friends with the strongest Kaden in school. Makes perfect sense," JT says.

  "What is your problem? It's not like that. Tommy is cool and all, but we aren't best friends. You guys are always going to be my best friends," Harrison says. "I mean I wasn't saying that in a bad way. I was just stating that if you guys didn't want to, I could just see if Tommy would help."

  They stand quickly as Felix screeches towards them. Harrison gazes around and notices the emptiness in the room.

  "Alright, boys. Let's get going. Everyone else has left, time for you guys to head back up to your rooms," Felix states.

  Harrison and his friends exit the empty cafeteria. Not a word is uttered as they walk to their rooms.

  "You aren't taking Tommy. We are part of this plan. We are going to be the ones that help you find the gems, then find the Ark, and see if it leads to your dad,” JT says. "I told you the moment I found out that you were trying to do this that I would help any way I can. I mean that."

  Harrison smiles.

  "I am always going to be here for you," JT says.

  "I know," Harrison replies.

  Sanford and Edwin stroll by them. They shake their heads slowly.

  "You guys are the most unique group of kids I have ever met. First, you're fighting, now you’re getting emotional," Sanford walks off.

  They stand there for a couple of moments watching them leave. Suddenly, all of them fill the hallway with laughter as they head to their rooms.

  ◆◆◆

  Harrison and Tommy walk to their typical training spot in the woods. Snow crunches with every step they take. The trees are buried in the pearl white snow as small snowflakes drop to help conceal them. Chilly wind rubs Harrison's nose, forming a numb feeling, as he stands to wait for Tommy's instructions.

  "Okay. Another midnight training session. You got me out in the snow so you better accomplish something," Tommy hides his face in his coat. "Let's just pace ourselves before we dive in. Just create an energy ball and throw it at that tree."

  Taking his fuzzy glove off, Harrison tosses it in a deep pile of snow. Closing his eyes, he extends his arm out with his palm facing up. Opening his eyes slowly, his hand shines green. Squeezing his fingers slightly, he snaps them straight as a small green energy ball the size of a tennis ball hovers over his hand. He grabs it and slings it at the tree. The green energy ball whistles through the air, slamming into a dense sturdy tree full of pearly white snow. It shakes the tree causing the snow to fall, making the tree bare.

  Harrison forms another one effortlessly. He smiles slightly. He slings it at another tree, watching the snow tumble off. Energy ball after energy ball, he knocks all the snow off each tree circling them.

  "Okay, well apparently you are just super excited that you have got that down, or you just hate seeing snow or trees," Tommy says.

  "Yeah, I am pretty excited. Training over winter break was huge for me. If I didn't stay here, I would be further behind.”

  Tommy paces over to him. "Okay, well it's time to try and learn your own custom move then.”

  "Yes. This is what I have been waiting for," Harrison bounces up and down. "What should I name it? I want an awesome name for it so when I am about to hit an opponent with it, it strikes fear in their heart."

  Scratching the back of his head, Tommy stares at Harrison as he continually bounces with excitement. "Ummm, I don't know. You can name it whatever you want. But before we name it why don't we learn how to do it?"

  Harrison halts the quick bounces and looks over at him.

  "Yeah. I guess," Harrison responds. "So how do we start?"

  "Well with an elite attack you have to summon more energy from your Power Flow. It usually takes a little bit of time since you are trying to harness more energy. After you bring forth the energy into your hand or hands, this is where it gets interesting.”

  "What do you mean interesting? What do you do next?"

  "You have to channel the energy into either a solid ball of energy or a ray. Like my Omega Supersonic Blast is a solid ball of energy that cuts through energy rays. That is why my move worked so well against Clark. His was a ray so it actually helped me out because it enhanced my move."

  "Wow. Okay well, I think I know what I want my move to do. I want to form a solid energy ball about the size of maybe a volleyball and make it spin to create more force. Then it explodes on impact.”

  Tommy's eyes widen as he paces in front of Harrison, smashing snow with each slow step. "That would be a crazy move. Alright, I will sit, and you just start working,"

  Harrison spreads his legs apart, balancing as he cr
ouches a little. Clinching his fists tightly, the rushing of energy flows through his body. Opening his right hand, he channels the gushing energy to it.

  "C' mon. You have to bring forth more energy from your Power Flow. Don't be scared, push all of it on your hand," Tommy says.

  The snow lifts off the ground. His whole body vibrates as green energy circles faintly around him.

  "This feels weird. I feel like it won't come out," Harrison screams.

  Tommy grabs the dead limb on the tree. "Just let it out. Screaming enhances it because it takes pressure off of your muscles. The same way as when you lift weights. Screaming helps the process."

  Tommy grips the tree as the wind picks up from the circulation of Harrison’s energy.

  Harrison yells. The energy flows rapidly through his body to his palm. His arm shakes overpoweringly. Grasping his wrist, his left hand seems as if it has joined in on a dance with his right hand. Harrison notices the green energy thickening around him, becoming more visible. A burning sensation forms in his right palm.

  An energy ball the size of a golf ball forms. Moving slowly, he tries to spin it. As he starts to turn it and increase its size, a burning sensation overtakes his hand. Gazing at it, steam sizzles from the flesh on his hand.

  Snow melts as it falls over his hand from the steam rising up from it. Suddenly, he drops to his knees, looking at the tiny scald in the middle of his palm. He slams it into the cold snow trying to stop the burning. "Oh. My. Gosh. That hurt like crap.”

  Tommy walks over to check on him. At that same time, crackling steps in the snow come from the darkness in the woods. Staring into the darkness, Harrison can't seem to focus as his hand feels as if it is on fire.

  Abruptly, a voice comes from the woods, approaching them. "Oh. My. Gosh is what I should be saying."

  Looking in the direction of the voice, Harrison spots Samuel and his two chubby friends walk out of the woods.

  "This is too good to be true," Samuel strolls around them slowly. "When that cat and mouse asked me if I saw anyone leaving at night to go into the woods, and I told them I would catch them, I would have never imagined it would be you.”