Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

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--|Nuemia Crosswinds|--

--|Chapter 2: Preparations|--

Page 7

Alex was still confused. "I don't understand."

Ruby started knocking her paw on Alex's head. "Hey, is anyone awake in there?" she asked as she proceeded to examine Alex's head, peering under his hair and looking into his ears. Alex, not knowing what to do, tried to ignore the feel of Ruby's paws scavenging his head.

"Alex," Court Jester explained, "You are about to go on a solitary journey. Without our help, you're going to need to be extra ready to defend yourself. Now, pay close attention."

Court Jester pointed to a bush, and it shook. "What was that?" Alex asked.

"That was energy from my finger passing through a bush. Simple. I just concentrate energy in my hands..."

Alex blinked twice to make sure he wasn't dreaming when he saw a faint yellow glow at Court Jester's palms.

"... Then I release the energy with focus and direction to make it strike what I want." Court Jester then sent the faint yellow energy zooming toward a nearby park bench. The bench was knocked back and toppled over.

Ruby jumped with excitement. "I want my turn!" She quickly focused her energy into a pink ball and fired it upon another park bench. With a great crack, the wooden boards of the bench snapped, sending two chunks of wood fling through the darkness of the park.

Alex stared with fear and amazement, first at the split park bench, and then at Ruby.

Ruby turned back to Alex and gave him an innocent smile. "Oops."

"Now, Ruby," scolded Court Jester, "there was no need for such an extraneous display of power."

"I'm trying to control it," retorted Ruby.

"Foolish child," mumbled Court Jester.

"Hey! I think you should try to remember who has the greater skills here!" Ruby yelled, throwing a green energy ball at Court Jester. He nimbly dodged the dangerous projectile, which knocked into a tree just behind him. Alex was so frightened by the great display of strength the he hid under a nearby bush.

"My point is proven." Court Jester rebuked. He began straightening himself when the tree Ruby hit fell behind him. He jumped, completely spooked. "You see, Ruby! You need to wise up! That could have been someone's house! Or even worse, it could have fallen on someone, like me!"

Ruby gnashed her teeth at Court Jester, then stuck out her tongue. Alex peeked from the bush at the other two. "Is the fight over? Can I come out of this bush without fear of merciless annihilation?"

All was quiet for a few moments, and then Ruby burst into laughter. Court Jester chuckled along. "I guess you're a scared-y cat!" he joked.

Alex gave a half-hearted smile. He was not as amused by the comment as the other two were. Slowly, he ambled back to them. "Now that all is at peace, may I actually learn something?" he asked.

"Ah," Court Jester responded, "of course. That is indeed why you are here.

"For starters, try concentrating your energy into your hands." Alex looked confusedly at Court Jester.