Talent Storm (2 page)

I stared at him, frozen. Mr. Lockhart was one of the four secret generals. He commanded a fourth of the Coalition’s armies from behind the scenes. Ben wasn’t supposed to know and neither was I.

“You can’t tell anyone that.”

I stared at him another moment before my tongue finally thawed. “Of course not.” I wished he hadn’t let it slip in the first place.

He offered his hand, and I shook it. “Thanks man. I can always count on you.”

I nodded gravely. “Your dad’s legacy is a lot to live up to, but I’ll respect you no matter what. You are amazing with the ladies,” I said, changing the subject.

A smile stretched on his face, breaking the tension. “I do my best.”

We walked in silence for a few miles. I thought about the implications of Ben’s secret and then about my uncle and how much I hated him. I clenched my teeth, wishing he’d just leave me alone. Eventually we passed the large white defense building where my uncle worked. It was hard to believe that it existed before The Great World War.

Before I knew it, we were at the western gate that led to the woods. There were five entryway gates into the main part of the capital. Each gate, a giant metal wall with steel supports, was the city’s first line of defense. On each side of the gate were watchtowers with rotating gun turrets and communication relays.

We reached the gate and stopped. “State your business and show your identification card, citizens,” a wall guard said.

“We’d like to spend some time by the creek,” Ben said as he pressed his I.D. card to the screen in front of us.

My eyes drifted to the ten-foot crack in the concrete wall, a crack secured by six large steel bars. I still couldn’t believe a Liberty Kingdom telekinetic had nearly smashed through the several-foot thick wall.

I showed my I.D. also and after a few moments, the guards opened the gate and waved us through. “Enjoy yourselves, but be careful.”

Most people didn't leave the main city, but Ben and I liked the change of scenery. It was relatively safe too, except for the occasional unaffiliated attack on the walls. Our main rival, the tyrant Archduke Goldwater, ruler of Liberty Kingdom, hadn’t attacked the Coalition since he executed my parents after the last war.

I’d been told that the people of Liberty suffer from terrible living conditions and a complete lack of freedom but who knew. People were free in the Coalition, unless they were talented like my parents. Then the military owned them. I didn’t entirely resent the military though. They did protect us after all.

☼☼☼

When we reached the creek, Ben said, “You look a little out of sorts also... did something happen?”

I hadn’t realized how tense my muscles were. I relaxed my shoulders, taking a deep slow breath. “My uncle was home…”

“And,” Ben prodded.

“And I hate him. He won’t ever leave me alone. He wanted me to help around the house. I probably should have, but I just can’t stand being around him. He always wants more out of me, and he’s such a jerk about it.”

Ben nodded. “I think that he just wants you to achieve something great, not average. You’re very intelligent. Maybe he wants you to be someone.”

“What, a hero like my parents?” I asked. “The military used them and now they're dead. My uncle always talks about how great my father was, but what did it get him? Nothing but death… and now I’m stuck with my authoritarian uncle.”

After we sat in silence for a while, I consciously relaxed my muscles that had tensed again. It was hard to stay angry amidst the bubbling water, the sweet smell of flowers, the shining sun, and the chirping birds.

Ben turned and gazed into the water. “Let’s have a drink.”

I pointed at the creek and smirked. “Ummm, I don’t think that water is safe to drink.”

Ben laughed. “How about this?” he asked as he pulled out a bottle of his homemade potato liquor. He sat down, took a swig, and passed it to me.

I sat next to him, sipping the clear, harsh liquid. It burned my insides, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. It wasn’t the taste that I liked about it though. I passed the bottle back to him, feeling the liquor begin to relax me.

“Any new ladies in the picture?” I asked. It had been a few days since we were able to talk outside of class.

Smiling, he turned to me before nodding. “It’s funny that you should ask. I had a little encounter last night with a cute redhead.”

“The Melmens’ daughter?”

He tilted his head. “How did you know?”

“I’ve been a telepath all this time and you never knew.”

He laughed. “My mom told you before I came downstairs.”

I nodded. “You got me. So what happened?”

“We ended up drinking my new peach wine until she asked to see my room and… well we had a good time.”

“Oh come on. That’s all you’re going to tell me,” I asked shaking my head, with a frown.

“Well…” he smiled his easy smile and looked off into the distance as if remembering. “Her legs were smooth and toned; her personality was rough and wild. Suffice it to say, I can’t wait until her parents visit again.”

“Good, for you,” I said, slowly shaking my head and thoroughly impressed. “I haven't had much luck lately. The few women that I meet, I’m not into. I want to meet someone that’s trustworthy, caring, loyal, and preferably fun,” I said as I lowered my head and ran my hand over my face. “Someone that I can give myself to fully and who loves me in return. I don’t just want casual flings.”

Ben took another swig of the liquor. “If that's what you're looking for, you should try to socialize once in a while. It really helps to meet women, if you talk to them.”

I rolled my eyes. “Funny guy.”

“You shouldn't just talk to attractive women either because people notice that. Besides, talking to people is interesting, and they might introduce you to other women. It also helps to pass the time. You always look bored.”

“I socialize when we’re drinking,” I said, raising my hands in defense. “I just get nervous when talking to people that I don't know. Believe me, I want to be as socially outgoing as you are, but I think that I have to build my way up to it. I’ll try harder though. I wish things worked out with Lilly, the girl from the park.”

He shook his head. “What do you mean worked out? You only met her once. Besides it was years ago. Forget about her.”

“It doesn’t matter. She was perfect for me. I was never so excited to see someone again, but then I never did. I felt like we were destined for each other, but fate decided to screw me instead.” Like my life wasn’t hard enough between my uncle and the bullies that still intimidated me when Ben wasn’t around. “Remember how she stood up for me against Sven?”

Ben crossed his long arms over his chest. “I remember, but I’m the one that stepped in first.”

I snorted. “You know I appreciated that. It was the last time he attacked me,” I said, patting Ben’s back, “but, she’s got you on looks.”

“That’s debatable. Anyway, it’s time to move on from her. She moved four years ago. Maybe you’ll meet someone new at the party.”

I lowered my head, wishing I could see her again. “Hopefully. Either way, the party will be a good opportunity to practice my skills and not just my social skills.” I turned and winked at Ben.

He smiled, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

“Tons of people have told me they’re coming. Have you heard from anyone? Oh and do you have the alcohol ready?” I asked.

“It’s ready. It’s taken me a while to brew up enough, but it's ready. I've heard from a bunch of people too. It’s going to be stunning. Hey... don’t you think that your uncle is going to be pissed if he finds out?” A gust of wind blew strands of hair into his face; he pushed them aside. “It sounds like you two just had a rough time and—”

“I don’t care. I’m not going to let him control me anymore,” I said, lifting my chin and puffing out my chest. “He won’t be around anyway. Still... we should make sure that there are no problems.”

Ben turned away from me before picking up a few small rocks. “Let’s see if you’re any stronger from lifting all those weights. Maybe you’ll beat me for once.”

Nodding and smiling, I pointed at him. “You first.”

Ben stood, then stretched, his back popping as he rotated his torso. Hefting a rock, he wound up and then threw it. The projectile crossed the wide creek and bounced in the distance before skidding to a halt. Lips pressed in a straight line, I shook my head, annoyed. He topped his last week’s throw by a yard; he always beat me. He turned and smiled, stretching his long toned arms above his body.

I shrugged. “Eh, an all right throw,” I said with a wry smile.

Ben faced me, his eyes crinkling. “Riiiiight,” he said, while slowly bobbing his head. “Okay… beat me then.”

Images of my uncle’s flushed-face appeared before me, fueling my strength. I gritted my teeth while drawing back my arm. In a flash, I whipped my arm forward, releasing the rock. It sailed over the creek, whizzing through the air. With a loud crack, it slammed into a birch tree, punching a hole through the trunk. My jaw dropped halfway to the ground.

Out of the corner of my eye, Ben wavered, looking like he’d topple over. He shook his head, his hazel eyes wide. “Wowww… how did you do that?”

What had just happened? I lowered my head to stare at my hands, turning them over repeatedly.

“Jaden?”

I slowly raised my eyes to fixate on the hole again.

“Jaden? Hello… Jaden.”

“What?” I asked, just realizing Ben was speaking to me.

Ben patted my arm quickly, conferring a sense of urgency. Reluctantly, I tore my eyes away from the hole to face Ben.

He leaned in close, shaking. He spoke in a low voice, eyes darting side to side. “I think it was green.”

“What?” I shook my head, attempting to re-ground myself in the world. What was going on?

Now, he spoke louder, emphasizing with his hands in rapid motion. “The rock… it was green. It glowed green. Don’t you see? You’re one of the Talented.”

The implication smacked me. “Nooo.” If I had talent, I’d have to work twice as hard as everyone else. I’d be a military slave like my parents. The thought disgusted me. I spit, scowling at the running water. What would my life be like now that I’d be controlled by the ones who caused my parents’ death? I couldn’t imagine how stressful my life was about to become.

Then another thought crept up in my mind. Talent meant power... safety. My uncle couldn’t hurt me anymore; I could just... what? What could I do? I didn’t know but I felt energetic, more sure of myself. I smiled, rubbing my hands together as possibilities flashed before my eyes.

For a while, we sat in silence. Eventually, I felt a twinge of pain in my jaw from clenching it. Relax. I’d think more about it later. I slowed my mind, and my thoughts dissipated. Breathing deeply, I felt a wave of relaxation roll through me. My stomach settled, my heart slowed, and my tension faded.

The sun warmed my face, imparting a sense of serenity. The sun’s light always made me happy. People were made to live outdoors, not cooped up in dark rooms. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the sound of rushing water. A steady breeze caressed my face and my body relaxed even deeper.

I jumped, returning to time, when Ben said, “You’re so lucky to have a talent,” he said as he stared off into the thick forest.

I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the light and frowned. Thanks to Ben, my previous concerns popped back into my head. “I don’t think so. My life probably just got a lot worse.”

Ben squeezed my shoulder. “Oh come on. It’s not that bad. Yeah, you’ll have to work for the military, but you’ll be able to do things very few people can.”

“I know. There are positives but think about the negatives? Military training is mandatory for all talented citizens. I hate the thought of being used; my life is my own. I want to fall in love and settle down, free from control.”

Ben frowned, creating lines between his eyebrows. “Hmm, that does make it sound worse, but I’d give anything for it.”

I threw my hands up. “I don’t even believe in killing unless it’s to protect. I’m a vegetarian for talent sakes,” I said, shaking my head and feeling exasperated.

“But what about the possibilities? You threw that rock harder than I thought possible. Your talent makes you strong. You won’t have to ever be bullied again.”

“I do like the sound of that.”

“I can’t always be there to save you.”

I looked away from the creek to see a big smile on Ben’s face; I couldn’t help but smile back. “Maybe next time, I’ll save you. Anyway, I appreciate your help. If only we could trade lives. You would be talented, and I’d be suave like you.” I lightly punched his arm.

“I’d make that trade in a second. Maybe I could finally live up to my dad’s expectations.”

“I know it’s been rough. You still might be talented though,” I said.”

Ben turned to me, running his hand over his face. “I don’t think so, and I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t have talent.”

“All right, Mr. Negative. Mind passing me that half full liquor bottle?”

Ben laughed. “Sure,” he said.

“At least you have a chance of getting into a union. The military has some of the worst pay and benefits relative to the job, besides housing. It’s not fair.”

“You’re right about that,” Ben said. “I always wondered why it was the only career that is not unionized.”

I shrugged. “Who knows?”

Ben pulled out a chessboard from his bag. “How about we play a few games of chess before it’s too dark?”

“Ready to get beat again?” I asked, patting him on the back. We played often, but I typically won.

After I bested him in a few games, Ben looked back toward the city walls. “It’s getting dark, let’s head back to town.”

“Tired of losing?”

He laughed. “No, tired of your ugly face.”

After we collected our things, we started home.

CHAPTER 2

Ben and I strolled home from class. With only a few days left of basic education, I was ecstatic. Ben on the other hand, seemed more down than he usually did. He wore his hair up in a ponytail, and the patchy scruff on his chin had grown a few days longer. We were both dressed in our matching green basic uniforms. Although my sleeves were rolled up due to the heat, it wasn’t enough to cool me down. Based on the perspiration dotting Ben’s forehead, he was overheated as well. A gust of wind sailed by, wafting his familiar and frequent scent by my face. I wrinkled my nose and turned away.