by M. A. Torres
The man chuckled. “Kids, tell me the truth now. How long have you all known about that field of shiny trees?”
The kids traded an uneasy glance.
Kevin sighed. “Just tell him the truth,” he told Robbie.
Robbie cleared his throat. “We found it yesterday. We came back for our camping stuff and decided to check on it again.”
“Did any of you touch the saplings?”
The kids remained silent.
“No?” answered Matthew in a questioning tone.
The man chuckled once more. “Of course, you all did. Did any of you take one home?”
‘No! No. Nope.’ They all said.
“Good.” The agent pulled his wallet from his pocket. He flipped it open to reveal a shiny yellow badge. “I’m agent Joseph Law with the FBI. I’m down here to help y’alls police department investigate the recent disappearances. Then, some jogger alerted us to this field.”
The group nodded.
“Well, I’ll be needing y’alls names and addresses before you leave. You know, just in case I need to get a hold of you kids again.”
They had no choice but to comply.
“You know, we’ll get to the bottom of this. You kids be careful and call me if y’all remember anyone else who might have come into contact with those trees.” Agent Law handed each one of his cards.
“Yes, sir, we will,” responded Kevin.
“Very well. Y’all are free to go.”
The kids left in a hurried fashion. They grabbed their bikes and walked them towards the road.
“Those idiots don’t understand what they’re doing! They’re going to study the plants and end up spreading their seeds further throughout town,” complained Robbie.
“I’m with you, Robbie. They have no clue what those plants are capable of!” agreed Jake. “I think we should sneak back and burn it, anyway.”
The others agreed.
Robbie smiled. “It’s settled then. That field will be burning by the end of the week...”
Chapter Twenty-Three:
Mother Issues
Mr. Chew’s strikes were fast and furious. Kevin was doing an adequate job of blocking and parrying, but every fourth swing or so was finding its mark. No doubt his body would become a canvas of purple and blue dots by lesson’s end, but Kevin didn’t mind—he felt himself improving with every blow. His swings and strikes were quicker and more precise, and his defense was repelling a higher percentage of his sensei’s blows.
Mr. Chew seemed to notice his improvement too. Twice Kevin caught a smirk upon his sensei’s face, after Kevin’s ability to parry and deflect some of Mr. Chew’s new and improvised strikes. But just as his confidence soared, Mr. Chew would step up his game, unleashing a higher level of intensity, revealing how much more he still had to learn.
“Reflexes, Kevin! Reflexes!” he hollered. Kevin was getting hit more often now. “Anticipate my next move! You know what’s coming! Quicker now!”
They took their break after thirty minutes of sustained sparring. Both sensei and student were drenched. Kevin rested on a bench and sipped his water.
“Mr. Chew, may I ask you a personal question?”
Mr. Chew wiped the sweat from his brow. “You may ask... but I may choose not to answer.”
“Have you ever killed a man?” Kevin asked.
“No. I hope I never have to either. Why do you ask?”
Kevin drank some more. “No reason, Sensei. I was just wondering.”
Kevin closed his eyes and tried to re-focus before their break ended.
“Kevin, we have a visitor.” Mr. Chew said, interrupting his brief meditation.
Kevin stood and saw his mother walking through the front door. She was carrying Kevin’s bags of mid-evil gear. He rushed to her as quickly as he could.
“Mom, what are you doing here? We’re practicing; you need to go!” Kevin placed himself between her and Mr. Chew, obstructing her path. “Why did you bring that here, Mom?” he asked in a lowered tone.
“Kevin, I just wanted to thank Mr. Chew. And I wanted to pay him for the things he gave you.”
“Mom, you don’t have to... he said it was a gift...”
“Ahh, Ms. Martinez. Good to see you again,” said Mr. Chew.
Kevin sighed in defeat.
“Mr. Chew, good to see you too. I wanted to thank you for the lessons you’re giving Kevin. I came to pay you for them... and pay you for these items.” She placed the bags on the floor and opened them, exposing Flameclaw and the plates of armor. Then she pulled out her checkbook and pen. “So, tell me, how much do I owe you?”
Mr. Chew eyed the bags. “Ms. Martinez... my lessons for your son are free. I told him so at the beginning, I do think.”
“Mr. Chew, I can’t allow that. You’re using your time teaching my son. You have rent and bills to pay like everyone else.”
“Your son is helping me as much as I help him. I haven’t taught katana in decades, and he re-awakened my love for the art. I’m refreshing my skills with Kevin. I plan on offering these lessons to my students very soon.”
Ms. Martinez looked down at the bags. “Well, okay, but I will pay you for these items.” She pulled out the helm. “How much for this helmet?”
Mr. Chew frowned with confusion.
Kevin thought fast, trying to conjure up another lie... “I bought this stuff at the pawn shop, Mom.”
He couldn’t tell her the truth. Even if he did, he was sure she wouldn’t believe him. He could prove it by holding Flameclaw and making it burn before her eyes, but that would spell the end of his inter-dimensional monster-fighting knight career. She would never allow him back in Derathiel to further endanger his life.
“The pawn shop? With what money, Kevin?”
“I’ve been saving my lunch money for the past year.”
“What? So you haven’t been eating lunch?”
“Not every day, just sometimes when I’m not hungry.”
Ms. Martinez sighed and waved a finger in his face. “Don’t lie to me again, Kevin!”
“I’m not, and I won’t, Mom; I’m sorry again.”
She turned to Mr. Chew, who was clearly uncomfortable. “So sorry about this, Mr. Chew. Please forgive my intrusion.”
“No, no apologies needed, Ms. Martinez. You are welcome here any time.”
“Kevin, Tara and I are going to the grocery store across the street. You should be finished in thirty minutes, right?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“I’ll pick you up then.”
“I could ride back on my bike,” he suggested.
“No. I’ll pick you up,” she said sternly.
Before Ms. Martinez could zip up the bags, Mr. Chew leaned forward, eyeing Flameclaw. “Could I see the sword, please?”
‘Oh no!’ Kevin pulled Flameclaw out himself and held it out before Mr. Chew.
“This is it, Sensei. I need to put it away because my mother needs to go.”
“Kevin!” scolded Ms. Martinez. “Show him the sword, Rudeness!”
Kevin sighed and held it out.
Ms. Martinez grabbed the other bags and walked away. “I’ll be back in thirty, Kevin,” she said while opening the door. “So long Mr. Chew!”
“Yes, bye-bye,” Mr. Chew was focused on Flameclaw, his eyes wide with excitement. From the pale shiny blade down to the ivory-like hilt and crossguard, the sword was a sight like no other.
“May I?” he asked.
Kevin took a deep breath. “Let me know immediately if it burns your hand.” Kevin held out the sword.
Mr. Chew grabbed the hilt. “Burn my hand?
Kevin was too busy biting his nails to respond. His sensei swung the blade, then twirled it around his back, before swinging it around in a lightning-quick manner—a technique he had never demonstrated.
“Wow!” Kevin was impressed. “Can you teach me to do that?”
“In time. You must learn to walk before you run. You are progressing, but it’s a step-by-step
process. I will teach you when you are ready.” He brought the blade up to his face. “Kevin, the steel on this blade... where did you say you got this?”
“I found it at the pawn shop.”
“The pawn shop? Kevin, this blade here is something special. I have never seen steel this pure... this pristine. And the hilt... it’s beautifully made. Looks like... bone.” Mr. Chew handed the sword back. “Take care of that blade, Kevin. Keep it in a safe place. It’s very valuable, I do think.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I can tell it is not from the East, perhaps it is from medieval Europe. Seems more like a knight’s blade than a samurai’s katana.”
“Oh.” Kevin knew exactly where it came from, but had to play the ignorant.
“When you are more advanced, then perhaps we can train using that sword of yours. Until then...”
Mr. Chew flipped the heavy training sword towards him. Kevin caught it mid air.
“Good... now on guard!” Mr. Chew came at him with a flurry of swings.
They continued non-stop for the rest of the hour. By lesson’s end, Kevin’s arm felt numb from hand to shoulder, and the burn of fatigue had taken over his upper arm. He dropped the training sword and rested his hands on his knees, the sweat dripping off his nose.
“Good work, Kevin,” offered an equally drenched Mr. Chew.
“Sensei, I’ve been meaning to ask you, do you know how to fight with a spear or a war hammer?”
“War hammer, no. Spear, I do. Sojutsu it is called... the martial art of the yari.”
“The yari?” asked Kevin.
“Yes. That’s the name of a Japanese spear. I’m not as skilled with yari as I am with katana, but I know many basics. You should master one martial art before you move to another, I do think.”
“Oh, no. It wouldn’t be for me. I have a friend, my age, who wishes to learn the art of the... yari. I told him I would ask
you.”
Mr. Chew grasped his chin and thought for a moment. “Does your friend own a spear?”
“I think he can get one.”
“Bring him with you next week. If he can’t find a spear, any pole will do. Poles people use to net pools will work, I do think.”
Kevin smiled and nodded. “Thank you so much, Sensei!” He bowed.
Just then, Tara was at the door.
“Kevin, Mommy says let’s go, now. She’s in a hurry cuz she needs to go potty!”
“Tara! I’m going.”
Kevin bowed to Mr. Chew once more. “Thank you, Sensei. See you next week.”
“So long, Kevin.” Mr. Chew returned the bow.
“DON’T BE SPENDING YOUR lunch money on other things, Kevin. And I’m done with you lying to me,” said an angry Ms. Martinez as they drove north on Greenward Road.
“Mom, really, I’m sorry for lying! I didn’t know how you’d react to me wanting to buy a sword.”
“So you think that gives you the right to go behind my back and get it anyway?”
“No. No, it doesn’t.”
“That’s right; it doesn’t, Kevin. And just for that, you’re going to be punished all weekend! No going out with your friends... and no, they can’t come over either.”
“But Mom...”
“I don’t understand you! I didn’t raise you to do some of the things you’ve been doing! This is not you.”
“But we...”
“Hush. End of discussion!” she interrupted.
Not even Tara uttered a word the rest of the way home. Both she and Kevin knew when their mother was in no mood to kid, and this was one of those occasions. His friends would have to bring Sylvia up to speed and burn the field without him.
As they turned into their cul-de-sac, Kevin noticed Old Em had purchased a new animatronic—that of smiling Christmas tree. It had colorful spheres and twinkling lights. Its arms waved side to side and its face—embedded within the body of the tree itself—was bright and happy. A white, shiny star glowed over the tree’s apex.
No doubt, it would make an enticing item for any thief. It was larger, brighter, and more expensive-looking than all her previous decorations. Kevin hoped Zander would not drop by again, at least until after the holidays.
Dinner consisted of the dreaded spaghetti and meatballs. Afterward, Kevin sat at his desk and worked on his Math homework. He stalled on the second equation, unable to keep his focus. His mind was a swirl of thoughts, drifting from this to that, so he closed his notebook and pulled out his phone.
Me 7:22 pm
Mom grounded me for
the weekend. :C Won’t be able to
meet on Fri.
Jake 7:23 pm
You doofus. Start another
food fight?
Matt 7:23 pm
You better get ungrounded
by next weekend!
Me 7:24 pm
Had to explain where I
got Flameclaw and my armor
She caught me in a lie.
Matt 7:25 pm
OMG!
Jake7:25 pm
Did she pick it up?
Me 7:25 pm
Yes.
Jake7:26 pm
Does she still have a hand?
Me 7:26 pm
Yes, thank God.
Olivia 7:26 pm
Oh my! What did you
say?
Me 7:27 pm
Said I bought the stuff
at the pawn shop. Used my
lunch money.
Robbie 7:27 pm
Good one! No worries.
we’ll tell Sylvia everything.
Me 7:28pm
See u all @ school.
Kevin put down his phone, then pulled out Flameclaw. He held it with both hands, swinging at imaginary foes. He tried to mimic Mr. Chew’s awesome maneuver but ended up slicing his bed’s comforter instead. He tried again, but this time the sword slipped from his hand.
The clang of steel on tile invited a peek from his sister, who smiled upon seeing him red and sweaty.
“What are you doin’?” she asked with a devious tone.
“Just swinging my sword, Tara. You should close the door; I don’t wanna accidentally cut you.”
As usual, Tara did the opposite of what was requested. She left the door open and walked into his room.
“I need to tell you a secret,” she whispered.
“What secret?”
“Shhhh,” she said. Then she waved him down.
Kevin crouched beside her.
“Mommy’s going on a date this Friday,” she whispered.
“She is? With Mark?”
“Yes. She was calling Gabby to babysit us,” she informed.
“What?”
Gabby Murphy was Ms. Martinez’s longtime go-to babysitter. She was a senior at Wakefield High School and had been their babysitter since Tara was a toddler. They hadn’t seen her in over a year, but Kevin felt old enough to babysit his sister on his own. He had done it for short periods many times before. He felt capable of babysitting Tara for an entire evening and was offended his mother had not asked him first.
He put Flameclaw away and marched to his mother’s bedroom, where she was busy ironing clothes.
“Mom, you’re getting Gabby to come babysit us?”
“Son, I’m going to dinner with Mark on Friday night. Gabby is free to come and keep you guys company, just like old times!”
Kevin wasn’t having it. “Mom, I’m almost thirteen years old! I don’t need a babysitter, and I can definitely take care of Tara on my own!”
“Don’t listen to him, Mom, I want Gabby to come!” hollered Tara.
“I’m sure you can, but I would feel more comfortable with Gabby here. She’s good with Tara, and she’ll play with her.”
“But...”
“You’re telling me you’ll play Barbies or do what your sister wants for the whole evening?”
“I can do it, Mom. You can count on me,” he said.
Ms. Martinez thought for a moment
.
Kevin did too and realized his mother had a point. He did not mind playing Barbies for an hour, but the whole evening would be a stretch. Besides, if Gabby were there, he would have more practice time with Flameclaw.
He sighed. “Mom, never mind; you’re right. Whatever will make you more comfortable during your date.”
Ms. Martinez smiled. “No, you’re right, Kevin. You are getting older, and I should start giving you more responsibilities. This will be the last time I call Gabby, I promise.”
Kevin nodded. “Deal, Mom.”
“Oh, Mom!” complained Tara. “Kevin doesn’t play Barbies like Gabby does!”
“I know, Honey, but your brother will try his hardest next time, okay? He deserves an opportunity. He’s definitely old enough.”
Tara glared at her older brother.
“Tara, I promise I’ll do better. I’ll watch how Gabby plays with you, then I’ll be more fun than her next time!”
Tara smiled. “Okay, then!”
Chapter Twenty-Four:
The Devil at my Shoulder
“Did the lady in black visit you last night?” the group inquired.
“No, and I don’t understand. Three straight nights she came, and yesterday—nothing.” Sylvia pulled her science book from her locker as the others looked on.
“You know what that means, right?” asked Kevin.
Sylvia gave him a blank look.
“She’s done explaining. She gave you those powers and told you just enough to send you on your way.”
“How do you know that?” asked Matthew.
“Yeah, how can you be so sure?” asked Jake.
“That’s how they all are! These visions, ghosts, or beings that visit us. They tell us just enough to get us going, but never enough to reveal the entire story. They speak riddles! That’s how Charlie speaks. That’s how the light beings from my dreams speak! That’s how the Lady in the Rocks speaks! Why should the lady in black be any different? It’s frustrating, and it isn’t fair, but that’s how it is!”
Just then, Alexa, Maria, and Noemi appeared from around the corner. They walked by, side by side—the hallway crowd parting like the Red Sea. They cruised down their walkway, talking and laughing—queens of hallway five. Jake smiled for Maria, who walked by and paid him no mind. Alexa, however, shot Kevin a quick glance before continuing on.
