Adventures of Charlie, #1 Awakened

Hi, my name is Charles Winston Jones III, but you can call me Charlie for short. I bet your wondering why this dingy notebook is in your locker. I bet you are wondering what idiot left it there. Well, that idiot happens to be yours truly. Yes, I will take offense, but will forgive and forget due to time constraints. The contents of this notebook are a record of the curious event that have happened in pure reality, not within the mind of some bored teen. This is probably the only existing record of these events as well, so the pressure is on. The world is full of strange events and is enveloped in a swirling cyclone of chaos that I have been unfortunate enough to sucked in to. If you feel that you wish to know of what I am getting at, then feel free to read, if not, please redeposit the notebook, kindly forget that you ever saw it, get a new locker, and don't touch strange items for a week.

Here goes nothing, well something really, but you get the point. My first time, the first time I became..... had you going didn't I? Really, I didn't, well darn. Fine, if you are going to be so stingy, then here is the real beginning.

I am what you would call normal with a hint of abnormal, the kind of guy that people don't avoid meaningfully, but not the one they go out of there way to meet. I'm a senior at Wilson High and will graduate in a few months. Thank God. Wait, I won't be graduating because of.. never mind. I'll get to that later. I really don't know what the big turn off is. I mean, I am not all great looking I guess, being kinda pale and wearing cheap clothes. I hope that my green eyes and brown hair, which I always get compliments on, are enough to cancel those traits out. Of course I will always have my quick wit and sparkling personality. I'm kinda average in weight and height, but I won't be doing any reverse three sixties on the basketball court, or be showing off a rock hard six pack any time soon. Hey, I never said I was a knight in shining armor riding in to save the hot damsel in distress did I? If I did, I apologize for such a benign mistake.

Nobody ever became my enemy, and a few were what I considered friends. I guess you could call me a ghost. The kinda person that fades into the background and people never remember when a few years pass by. The truth was, I could have stayed that way for my entire life, but destiny had other, more grand plans for my life. Just my luck.

The craziness started on a Monday, just like all bad things. Not just any Monday either, but the slow Monday that always follows spring break. The halls of Wilson High buzzed raucously, but no quite with the same intensity as normal. I rubbed my eyes with the back of one hand, while simultaneously trying to open my locker. Of course the combination I dialed in was wrong.

“ Come on!” I said to the dented metal container. Concentrating, I finally managed to open the rusty lock. Grabbing my Physics 1 and language books, along with a large notebook, I slammed the locker door with a metallic clang and began my usual, moronic routine.

Physics1 was always a bore. Mr. Fallen droned on about Newton and vector formulas for an eternity. I scribbled down a few notes, then doodled little clouds and airplanes, trying to ignore the dull monotone that drifted on the stagnant air. When the bell rang, I was the first one out of the class. Yeah, Yeah, I know your bored, but deal with it. The real story begins in Language.

My seat was in the back, where I conveniently avoided reading aloud or answering questions. After sitting, I felt a soft tap on my shoulder.

“ Hi” I heard her whisper. I turned to see one of my oldest friends. Her name was Melody. Let me tell you a bit about her. She is Hispanic, which means tan skin and dark hair that fell in a shroud around her face. Her features were soft, with no sharp angles, and her eyes were the color of melted chocolate. She also ran track, which kept her in great shape and gave her an excellent form. I know what your thinking, I'm the guy who fell for a friend and is now dropped into a friend zone with no hope. You would be wrong! I'm just waiting for the right time. Anyway, back to the girl.

She was about the only true friend I had, other than Jacob, that is, but Jacob had gone M.I.A. a while. No matter how hard I tried, I wouldn't get in touch with him, or any of his family.

“ Charlie, hey, snap out of it!” I snapped back into reality to see Melody looking at me with mild concern.

“ What,oh, hey Melody.” I stammered.

“ Why'd you phase out all of a sudden. I hope you weren't fantasizing or else I would have to........”

“ No! Nothing like that !” I quickly said. Maybe I said it a bit too quickly.

“ I was just wondering where Jacob disappeared to” I elaborated. She grinned a little.

“ Sure, Really I have been trying to figure that out too. I haven't managed to reach him since spring break started.” the grin had vanished as she spoke.

“ Neither have I. It isn't like him to just up and go. He never leaves the county!” I replied. It was a sad case really. Jacob was smart, funny, and strong as on ox, but both me and Melody assumed he was afraid of change. When things stayed in routine, Jacob was fine, but if that changed, well, the Chinese restaurant two blocks down still won't let him in. Need I mention he is also a bit paranoid?

“ Anyway, how was your spring break” I asked, trying to lighten the conversation.

“ Busy, you?”

“ In a word, boring.”

“ Sorry.” she said shortly. I didn't know why, but she was acting like she had seen a ghost.

That was when the world took a turn. Mrs. O'Harra came in with a deep scowl on her usually blank and business-like face. She didn't even walk over to her beloved cherry wood desk. Which was strange, since she had gloated about it for weeks and stayed at it instead of teaching.

“ We are having a surprise drug search today.” she said with a hint of annoyance. There was a general groan from one section of the class.

“ There are your dopeheads.” I whispered to Melody. She tried to smother a giggle. She tried, but failed. At that moment, Mrs. O'Harra chose to shoot a withering glare in our direction.

“ Was there a joke you would like to share with us Miss Ramirez?” Mrs. O'Harra growled. Melody shook her head vigorously in reply. Mrs. O'Harra harrumphed.

“ That's what I thought. Single file into the hall, now!” We all filed out int the hall. Dogs went in. Cops went in. Then, other, strange looking, guys in suits walked into the hall. I swear, they looked like agent from the “Matrix”. Melody went stiff beside me.

“ What is it, afraid they'll find your secret stash under the tiles?” I asked, meaning to be funny. I turned slightly when she didn't answer to see that she was staring straight at the suited men, who were now speaking with the police. There were a few nods. Then one of the suits walked up to us. Well, to me really.

“ Charles, you need to come with us.” he said in a low voice. I got worried for a moment.

“ This discussion is not about drugs. We all know that you are the kind that would never use such horrible substances.” the suited man assured. Which should have tipped me off. I had never seen the guy in my life, but something in his voice turned off any sirens that should have been set wailing in my brain.

“ Fine.” I replied, walking away from Melody.

“ Charlie,” she said, like a warning.

“ Come now Charles.” the men said and ushered me away from my friend. Okay, this was mistake one. I trusted weird feds.

The guys in suits led me out into the school parking lot to a car. The car was nice, I had to admit. It was steel gray Mercedes, with black highlights. The whole thing reeked of money.

“ Nice car.” I remarked casually. Then I was hit on the back of the head by something very solid, like a rock or baseball bat. I vaguely remember being shoved into the back seat, which was black preferated leather that had that new car smell. Hey, even when being abducted, a guy has to admire art.

I awoke in a building. Yeah, I know, that is a horrible description, but I couldn't give a more accurate one if I tried. All I know about it was that it was dark, creepy, and large enough to hold a car and two chairs. I had my hands tied behind my back, I think with zipties because the constraints didn't feel like metal.

“ Shall we talk?” a man appeared from behind me, which was where the car was by the way.

“ Who the heck are you?” I managed to stutter past a blinding headache.

“ Well that depends. I could be your best friend. I could be your worst and last nemesis.” He smiled. His voice reminded me of a bass drum, slow and melodic.

“ Huh. Figures.” I whispered. I guess I had better describe this guy, for obviously he is the the Lex Luther to my Superman. He had sort of an ageless face, maybe twenty or forty, sorry for my lack of judgment on that, my eyes were kinda having a hard time to focus. The guy had a real sense of drama. He wore a dark suit, kinda like a tux, with a flowing black and crimson cape, yeah, you see what I mean by drama now. He had wheat colored hair, which was meticulously groomed. His eyes were a piercing gray. The clothes were also made of silk. I had a hunch the man probably dated super models, but couldn't be sure. Lucky, and rich, two things that weren't high on the list of my personal characteristics. He smiled like he could read my thoughts.

“ All of that could change you know, right here right now.” Now, here comes my moronic reply.

“How?'” I managed to say, in the stupid enslaved tone. I hate it when I sound so hopeful.

“ Oh we will get into specifics later. So, would you like a change.”

“ Yeah. Definitely.” I muttered in a lazy, spaced out voice. I was talking and didn't even know what the heck I was talking about.

“ Good. Now that we are done with the pleasantries, we may begin.” the man motioned with his hands and I was seized by two pairs of strong hands from behind. I didn't know what was about to happen, but the man in the tux had me captivated.

“ This will hurt a little, but you can trust me. All of this is worth what comes.” He said reassuringly. I hate to say it, but the guy had me in his clutches.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash. The only sounds, how do I describe this, were gigantic wooshes, and sharp crashes. Of course, I also heard a bit of cursing mixed in. No, I will not repeat the curses, even for your own personal enjoyment. I remember my bonds being cut and a hand grabbing mine and nearly wrenching my arm out of socket.

“ Come on!” someone shouted, the voice sounded familiar. Once again, I was forced into a car and was being transported to only God knows where. The only change, is that I happened to know one of the kidnappers. Beside me, the one who had been shouting and the one who had dragged me along, was the girl I had though I had known for most of my life.

“ Hi Charlie” it was Melody.

I just sat there for a few moments before I utterly passed out. I guess the shock of the events had been too much, even for me. I was told later on that I was knocked out for the duration of the drive, a little over two and a half hours. My awakening was a bit rude.

“ Wake up kid.” a voice, deep as the ocean, boomed in my ears. All I did was groan and turn away.

“ Wake up.., What's this kid's name Lil” the voice asked.

“ Charlie.” was the reply. Funny, Lil sounded a lot like Melody.

“Right, Charlie, get up. We have work to do.”

“ Go away.” I grumbled.

“ Righto!” the voice was new, with a distinctive British accent. A wave of ice water crashed in on me, jolting me from my pleasant dreams. I yelped and jumped clear out of the car and slipped and fell to the concrete below. Not my most elegant awakening I admit. Now comes the telling of my new friends.

The one with the deep voice, I could tell just by looking at him, was broad shouldered, probably in his mid thirties, with dark eyes and a regal goatee of black, the same color of his hair, that was salted with gray. He had worry lines on his face and he looked like life had been no too kind. He had an aura of command that was intoxicating. He was dressed simply and professionally in what looked in a suit and tie. Not exactly my choice of clothing, but each to his own.

Then there was Lil, or Melody,. Her appearance was the same, accept now her hair was tied back and she wore a black t-shirt instead of the read that she had worn earlier. She looked at me with a bit of shock, and then turned to glare at the third guy, the British clown who had given me a bath in ice water.

He was tall, probably about six foot five inches. He was lanky and wore loose fitting jeans and a dark green shirt with a dark brown leather jacket. The bucket was still in his hands from when he had poured its contents on me. His eyes were blue and his hair was a blond mop that fell to his eyes. He was smiling like a maniac. I gave him my best evil stare but being soaked in water and trembling did not make for a very aggressive posture . All he did was laugh, even though the older man and Melody were also glaring at him.

“ Please, can you blame a guy for having a little fun?” he said, shrugging off the evil eye with ease. The guy's accent was giving me a headache while I was trying to understand him. I quickly decided to focus on the only familiar thing in this very unfamiliar environment.

“ Melody?” I asked hesitantly, hoping this wasn't one of the Siamese twin thingies. Melody smiled.

“ Yeah, it is me Charlie. No, your not dreaming, so stop starring at me like that.” she joked. Yeah, that was Melody, always trying to lighten everybody's day.

“ Okay, if you are you, then who are they?” I followed right after digesting the the sarcastic quip. Honestly, I believe it was reasonable to wonder who I was standing in a room with, I mean other than the incredibly hot teenage girl that I would have followed like a starstruck puppy. Dear God! Please skip that part. It would be quite unprofessional for me to scratch it out, and I'm writing in pen. Crap. Okay, proceeding.

“ They are friends. This is Joseph,” she said, indicating the older and shorter of the two, “ And this is Adam. He was sent here from Britain to learn how to behave himself.” She glared at Adam, laying emphasis on her last few words. “ But obviously he still has quite a ways to go.”

“ No kidding.” grumbled Joseph. The older man extended his hand out towards me. I realized that he was meaning to shake hands. I did so, but the old man had quite a grip. I felt like my fingers were being crushed in a vice. “ Nice to meet you.” he said as I struggled to hide my pain. If I failed, he didn't seem to notice.

“ Yeah...Likewise.” I managed to say in slightly higher version of my regular voice. He seemed to take the hint and quickly released my hand. I opened and closed my hand a few times to make sure blood got back into my pale, more pale than usual, fingers. Adam stepped up, with hand out stretched.

“ Put her there.” he said with a bright smile. I warily did so. Suddenly, I felt a sharp tingle shoot through my arm. I yelped and jumped back. I saw that there was one of those classic hand buzzer pranks in his hand. Adam was about to keel over with laughter.

“ You should've seen your face..” he laughed, trying to contort his face to and imitation of my expression. He failed miserably, he just couldn't mimic pain in the middle of so much laughter. He calmed down after Joseph nudged him a few times in the ribs. I felt my anger and frustration boiling over.

“ Two things. First, Adam, never touch me again. Two, could somebody kindly explain what THE HECK IS GOING ON!!” I shouted in outrage. What did they expect, hugs and kisses and other fuzzy and grateful gestures on my part? No way. I didn't know what the heck I was supposed to be thanking them for in the first place. I hadn't the slightest idea of what was going on.

“ Would you calm down.” rumbled Joseph. He smoothed his tie. “ Maybe we should get comfortable first.” he suggested while indicating a few chairs sitting around a table in the corner. Though we were in what looked like a large, well lit hall, everything seemed in place. We all sat around the table. I couldn't stop my fingers from shaking. Joseph finally began the explanation that was long over due.

“ First,, you are in one of our regional headquarters. It consists of three hall, one for meetings and practice, one for study and more practice, one for sleeping and personal time. Secondly, the main thing that was going on was the small event of saving your sanity and free will.”

“ Hold up right there for a minute. My what and what? How could those be in any danger?” I asked, bewildered.

“ Please refrain from asking any other questions unless they are absolutely necessary. Now, what I meant was that you were going to be enslaved by the Necros. The Necros are much like us, except they are the opposite, choosing to use their strength for the side of death. We are member of the Halos, committed to preserving life.”

“ Huh..,” I said, because I had no idea of what the guy was trying to stay. He looked like he was about to erupt and then calmed down for a more thorough answer.

“ Powers of the forces of life and death. The Necros can reanimate the corpses of the dead, while we can talk to animals and gain information from any form of life. Sure, there are common abilities between us. Mesmirization, mind reading, telekinesis, natural physical tendency for athletics, though that is sometimes not quite so apparent.” he said eying me. I hate it when people look at me like that! It is demeaning in every way. Joseph went on.

“ The abilities are completely random. They can appear anywhere at any time whatsoever. The man you saw today was the leader Hades. That is the name he stylized for himself. He is on of the triad of leaders that command all Necros forces.”

“ Sorry to interrupt, but, when was the last time you had a CAT scan?” I asked. I was worried that I was locked in a large room, only just better than a small room, with a bunch of weirdos. Joseph just grunted.

“ Funny, this is the truth kid. If you don't believe me, talk to Lil. Anyway, what they were trying to do is implant a little suggestion in your head that would have driven you over to their side. You would have been a servant for all of your days, and your body would continue to be a servant long after you were dead and gone. It would be a walking abomination until it crumbled into dust. If we hadn't stepped in when we did, that would have been your fate.” he said.

“ Thanks.” I said sincerely. Yeah, now that I knew, I was grateful. Joseph waved the thanks away. I try to thank the guy and look what happens.

“ Don't thank me. Thank Lil, she was the one that alerted us and made sure we came to get you.”

“ Right, thanks Lil” I said, emphasizing the name. I stared directly at Melody, wondering what the heck was with Lil. She mouthed, “ I will tell you about it later.” Joseph must have sensed the tension. He nudged Adam to get his attention.

“ Hey Adam, we need to try to again. We gotta locate him before its too late.” he said. Adam didn't quite catch on. I swear he was part neanderthal.

“ We've already searched a dozen.....oh..right........of we go then.” he said, finally leaving, but not without a closing sally. “ Stay away from my girl there Charlie boy!” He shouted back as they moved to another table which held a state of the art computer. Sorry, not going off on that tangent to describe the exact brand and specifications of the device. All you need to know is that it was new and shiny, and sounded like a spaceship about to launch.

“ He wishes.” mumbled Melody. Yeah, I knew the feeling. I had been wishing for the past year, but without any luck. I had to say something. Think,stupid think!

“ What's with this 'Lil' thing.” I asked.

“ Just a bit of common sense. Adam kept making fun of my name. Melody is in music, are you sure your name isn't confused with malady. I swear, sometimes his jokes make no sense. Anyway, my middle name is Lilia and Joseph just started calling me Lil and it stuck. Not the best situation but it got Adam off my back with the name calling. I guess he found something to do that was more interesting.” she explained. I had to fight my befuddled brain to even come up with some reply. A question, a comment, anything that involved words other than “ I love you” and “ I'm begging”. What? I might be overexaturating a little, but all you guys out there no the feeling. Don't deny it, you do. Okay, quarterbacks and sports stars excluded. Happy?

“ So, how long have you been part of this?” just making small talk. Keep it cool and calm.

“ Since the ninth grade. Been kinda hectic keeping up with it all. Every break I had was spent training here.”

“ Oh.” so that is why she was sick the time that she, Jacob, and I were supposed to go to the movies. Jacob and I had to cough up the extra cash to make up what she was supposed to give. That was the only time in my history that I might have been mad at her. Well, there was this one time that...never mind.

“ Charlie, you know that sometimes you can be a real poet. Anyway, Jacob has been a godsend, he has really been helping me out around here. He.....” I just had to cut her off.

“ Wait, Jacob was part of this too?” I asked, I have to admit I was a bit frustrated. Was I the only person in the world not part of this secret clubhouse? I felt like I was back in pre-k, when I got shoved out of a fort by some random kid saying we needed bait to lure the other team off. We were playing war. Yeah, I was always the bait.

“ Yeah, he's been part of it longer than me even. Why?”

“ Oh, no reason. Let me guess, that was why you were worried when he went missing.” I assumed.

“ Yeah. He isn't usually gone this long. We are all getting worried about.....” she was cut off, funny how much that happens, by Joseph yelling from his computer.

“ Lil, Charlie! You better take a look at this.” he shouted. He indicated the computer screen. What I saw sent a shiver down my spine.

There was Jacob, tied up to a chair in a shadowy, well furnished room. He had definitely seen better days. His faced was bruised and bloodied. His hand was twisted at a bad angle, and he appeared to have broken his nose as well. All in all, he looked a bit like Rockie ofter a fight with Mr. T. Then the guy named Hades appeared on the screen. He was still dressed in his Count Dracula imitation clothes. The same black suit and blood red cape. His smile was perfect, but it was as cold as a glacier.

“ You know what to do. You have four hours to respond.” then the video shut off.

“ Okay, Adam pack everything you can that we may need, Lil, train Charlie as well as you can in defense. We have three hours to get everything ready for a rescue.” Joseph barked.

“ Wait, what did he mean, you know what to do?” I asked. Joseph looked at me funny.

“ It should be obvious. We either hand you over or Joseph dies. But I have a hunch he would just take you and kill Joseph anyway. So we are going on a rescue. Now, go learn. Lil, don't be too rough on him.” he warned and gave me look of pity. How bad could it be? Melody lead me over to a wide open area. Probably the designated practice area. Then she walked back a few meters from me. She smiled, a little smile, not her usual smile. She looked like she felt sorry for me.

“ Okay, so what do I do. Quit looking like you pity me! It gets old.” I whined. Melody shrugged.

“ Alright. Just listen, don't talk or move, just listen.” she commanded.

“ Right.” I replied.

“ You talked.” she scolded. I was about to say something more, but held it back. She seemed to size me up, like any stranger would at a first glance. Then the pain began.

“ Alright, I need you to focus your mind. Think about one thing, and one thing only.” she commanded. Right. What was I supposed to focus on. No one thing could capture my imagination and mind so completely to obliterate all else. I closed my eyes to concentrate. I finally found something that caught my mind. Hey, I ain't telling. Its kinda personal. Nothing weird either for all you freaks out there with wild imaginations. Honestly.

I guess the feeling has been described before, but I would describe it as one of staring out across a crystal clear and smooth pond. A place where nothing is disturbed, where harmony and balance rule and strife and annoyance has no purchase. Where time seems to stand still, flow back, and forward all at the same time, where the petty troubles of this world are nothing of the least importance. Yeah, and I ain't overexaturating either. This was the ultimate calm, if I was a Buddhist, this would be my Nirvana. Sadly, that is all I know about Buddhism. I think I will just stick to being..... Well I guess I don't belong to any single religion yet. Back to reality.

“ Good, now hold on to it.” I heard Melody say, like a whisper. I nodded slowly and opened my eyes. I was still in the state of serenity, whatever, if you don't like the name, then make one up. I was under a spotlight when I came up with it alright. Anyway, I remained in that state.

“ Okay, now, you are gonna feel like something is rushing at you, or something is stabbing you in the brain. This is normal, I want you to fight that feeling and stay calm through it all.” she said slowly and calmly, like this was a normal experience. I often associate my reply with the slogan “ Don't do drugs” or any form of meditation that involves clearing one's mind and offering one's body up for sacrifice.

“ Uh, huh.” I murmured.

For some reason, I started feeling a little pressure, an unspecific pressure. I had no idea where it was coming from. Then that pressure built to a crescendo and I developed a murderous headache. I held my cool for about two minutes. Then I caved and rolled on the ground and pounded my head. The pain subsided and Melody shook her head.

“ Again. You've got to learn this.” she said.

“ Learn what?” I demanded. I rubbed my temples, trying to get rid of the residual pain.

“ Defense! The guarding of one's mind from attack!” she shouted.

“ Huh?” I said stupidly. Melody threw her hands into the air.

“ The powers that we talked about earlier include the battles of the mind. To defend oneself from attack is to be able to be calm, or at least stay lucid, in the middle of stressful situations. This even means when someone is trying to pry open your mind and the pain feels unbearable!” she explained. I got @#!*% . I don't know what happened really, but I just growled with anger and then there was a crash of something smashing into the wall. I spun around to see that a chair had somehow flown into the wall and had been destroyed. Melody looked at me with her mouth slightly agape and an expression of total awe. I don't know who was more weirded out, me, or her.

Melody recovered from her shock in just enough time to save a shred of her dignity. She looked from the splintered chair, to the wall, and back to me. Then she smiled for real. Nice to see that smile, not the grin of pity. Of course, my legs turned to jello. Why can a guy never look at a girl he likes and be his normal self? God really needs to rethink that addition to human character.

“ Nice Charlie, but don't get ahead of yourself. We need to focus on defense.” Melody said. Of course I was hyped up on my recent discovery, and had to wonder.

“ Why? Offense is always more fun.” I said, with a hint of a joking tone.

“ Sure, but when you can't defend yourself, I can do this.” she said and suddenly I felt a searing wave of pain smash into me. I crumpled to my knees and began whimpering. Then, my body rose without me telling it to and my eyes flicked back and forth. Then I scratched my head. I panicked. I felt like I was being smothered by an unseen force. I couldn't control my own body, but I started falling back within my mind and felt something that wasn't me there. My body started twirling and doing a dance, I had to do something, because this was getting embarrassing.

I tried to think, then my thoughts were scattered. Whatever was doing this, was making sure I couldn't defend myself. So I just stopped doing anything. I ignored what my body was doing and focused only on the alien force in my head. Slowly but surely, I began pushing the force away. The sensation was like removing a large splinter. Painful, but it was a good pain. Finally, I managed to regain control of my body and stop the dance. Melody started clapping.

“ Good, I was starting to run out of things for you to do. Again.” She grinned evilly. Once again the force, and the pain came back, but now I knew how to fight. The two of us wrestled for control of my mind and body. Sometimes, she would break through long enough to cause a twitch or yawn, but I was becoming fully capable of keeping her away from my motor function, but then the force switched tactic. Memories started flooding my consciousness MY memories. I realized that Melody was now trying to read my mind now, and every memory that I ever had. This was the last straw. There were memories in my head that she definitely didn't need to see. Mainly the one's where I was staring at her and trying to sort through my convoluted feelings. These thoughts were running through my head in the shielded zone. The zone of my mind that I was able to maintain control of. I went on the attack, shutting her out of my memories and all portions of my brain.

That was the beginning of the end. I started fighting more intensely, forcing my way past her attacks and into her mind. She defended, threw me back, but I kept coming. Before I knew what was going on, we both had each others body's stepping forward. Slowly, maybe only a step or two a minute. We came face to face, the only thing was the mental turmoil. Somehow, we both stabbed forward, both into motor function. We both gained control of one another. Then both of us leaned forward and kissed.

This wasn't the way I had imagined my first kiss with Melody. With both of us fighting for control of each others mind and managing it, but only partially. The shock sent us both back into our own minds, but we didn't separate immediately. I had expected her to jump back as quick as possible, but I wasn't about to cut off the single greatest moment in my life because of some stupid expectation.

We stayed there for a moment, frozen in time, a perfect monument of incredible luck and chance. I knew it couldn't last, but I wished it would.

“ Ahhhh.” I heard someone sigh. That sigh split us like a splash of cold water. Melody jumped back and blinked twice, and I just shot a glare over to where the killjoy stood. Of course it was Adam. He wiped a imaginary tear from his eye and maid sniffling noises.

“ It just is so touching to see little Lil, and little Charlie becoming so close.” he said in a falsetto. I swear I could have killed him at that moment. There I was, making out with the girl of my dreams and this idiot had to ruin it. Adam laughed a little, that was until Joseph came in, scowling. I didn't think I was gonna like what was coming.

“ Adam, aren't you supposed to be doing something?” he asked in a tone of controlled frustration. Adam took the hint and started walking away, but he couldn't leave without a parting jab.

“ Don't you two get all lovey dovey yet, I gotta get my camera!” he shouted as he walked out. Joseph have him a withering glance and then Adam disappeared outside. Joseph looked from me, to Melody, and back to me. Then he looked at the shattered remains of the chair. He looked back to me. Then Joseph turned to Melody.

“ What happened?” he asked, or should I say demanded. His tone left no room for argument. Melody started, and it took her a while to begin speaking.

“ I....I......I am not sure.” she finally said. Nice, she wasn't even sure that the kiss was a real thing. I didn't have control of my own body at the time of the event, and she didn't have control either, but the both of us had made the motion. I just had to hope. Like that had ever done me any good in the past.

“ You are not sure.” Joseph growled. I could tell that Melody's answer wasn't satisfactory. Don't call me captain obvious! It is rude, even if I am not there to hear you say it.

“ No, I'm not. Somehow, we both took control of each other at the same time.” she said, and then looked me directly in the eye. Right then, I could tell that the kiss had been true, not just some hoax that we both happened to play. Her eyes seemed to warn me, “ We will talk later.”

“ How!” Joseph shouted.

“ Like I said, I don't know Joseph.” Melody said calmly. Joseph growled and suddenly Melody winced. Joseph had seemed like a cool guy, but now I thought he was just down right evil. Once again, my anger got the best of me. I really need to see a therapist. I don't want to have this strange issue of breaking things and trying to fight people that could probably squash me like a bug every time I get a little mad. It could be very unhealthy for me one of these days.

“ Hey!” impressive battle cry right. “ What the heck are you doing?!” I received no answer, but Melody grimaced.

“ You are hurting her!” I shouted and threw my hand up and forward, like a punch, even when I was still four steps from him. Melody and I had jumped back a little farther than I had previously mentioned. This time, the table which we had sat around flew into the air and soared directly at Joseph. The table was about to connect when Joseph suddenly became aware of his surroundings. He held out his hand and the table stopped abruptly. If possible, Joseph looked even more @#!*% . That was when he saw me, and then his anger melted into, was that surprise?

“ Interesting.” he mused. Melody stepped back from Joseph, dazed. The table was still floating in the air . “ Lil, did you teach him how to do this?” Melody just shook her head. Joseph looked back at me with a maniacal gleam in his eye. “ Interesting.”

Then, he flicked his wrist and the table soared back at me! I didn't know what the guy was thinking, I didn't know what I was thinking! I didn't have but a split second to react, so I rolled away from the flying table, but the table boomeranged and came back at me. I held out my hand, somehow falling directly into a focused state. Then the table slowed to a halt an inch from my hand. I felt like ever muscle in my body was engaged with the struggles of my mind. My arms were burning and my leg twitched, but otherwise, I was fine.

“ Incredible.” Joseph said in awe. I collapsed to my knees and the table hit the ground. I had to say something about the irony.

“ Yeah, it is incredible how bad of a migraine I have right now.” I said between pants. For some odd reason, I was breathing extremely hard. Both Joseph and Melody laughed. Joseph walked over to me and placed his rough hand on my forehead. I was scared he was going to inflict some form of punishment on me, and I wasn't without reason considering what had happened only ten seconds earlier. However, the only thing that came from his hand was a soft blue glow. My headache ebbed and then vanished, and my quaking limbs steadied. I felt as if I had just had a hot meal and a few hours sleep. I wasn't fully rejuvenated, but I was far better off than I had been before the healing. I don't know what else to call it.

“ What was that?” I asked, in shock.

“ Healing is one of the powers of life. Thus, we all study the ability. You will learn it eventually.” Joseph said with a warm smile.

“ I'll add that to the list of these I have to do. Wait, I might not survive tonight. I had almost forgot.” I said sarcastically. When would I understand any of this? Joseph just gave a small laugh. Melody tried to suppress a broad smile. She would never win a poker match.

“ Don't worry kid. We aren't going to throw you to the sharks. Just stay with Lil. She will keep you safe, but it looks to me like you won't be helpless.” Joseph said, gesturing to the shattered furniture. Wooden chairs and tables were one thing, but that guy Hades was going to a bit tougher though. I just snorted as I thought of that. That was when Adam came in.

“ All set.” He said.

“ Okay. Let's get on the road.” Joseph said, picking up a cane. The cane was solid black with a silver eagle's head for the grip. I had to admit, with the black sports coat and sapphire shirt and million dollar cane, that Joseph had style. He looked like all those middle age guys in action movies that had double lives, one mild mannered business man, the other a guy who knew all types of martial arts and broke drug cartels. I know that is a stupid comparison, but I am not Shakespeare.

We all entered a charcoal mustang. Joseph turned the ignition and the engine roared to life. I love sports cars, I guess everybody does, but this one was a peace of work. It was a manual six speed, the engine roared like a cage of wild lions, supercharged, and had two huge nitrous tanks. The seat belts were racing harnesses. I whistled.

` “ I could get used to this.” I admonished. Melody, who was sitting beside me in the back seat smiled.

“ This car is special issue. We only use it when we need a lot of speed. Adam was the one gave this thing a complete overhaul. He likes to drag race on weekends.” she said.

“ You know it.” Adam said, looking back at me. He was wearing a pair of ridiculous star shaped sunglasses. I gave a small snicker. I could imagine Adam driving this monster of a car in those glasses and getting pulled over by some cop. I could imagine Adam saying something like, “ It's because I'm a Brit isn't it!” I am sorry to say that was the last light bit of the story.

We arrived at a mansion. I know what your thinking. Does every bad guy have to own a mansion. Apparently so, because this one did.

“ Be careful.” Joseph said. Now, you can call HIM captain obvious. We entered the door, which was large enough for a giant and entered the den. A fire was burning well and bright. In front of the fire, was Jacob, hands tied behind a chair. In front of him was Hades, and the same two henchmen as before. Then, there were two more new henchmen. All of them looked fit and trained. Now, we were outmatched, five to three and a half. I only count myself as a half. I didn't intend to to anything. Hades was wearing his cape and a black suit with a dark silver tie. He was giving us his deluxe “ Welcome to my humble castle, please give me what ever I want, the please is just a compliment to you, to make you fee more my equal when you obviously are nowhere close.” smile.

“ Welcome brethren. I trust that you are ready to trade prizes” he said in a honeyed voice. “ I promise that this can all go smoothly.”

“ Fine Hades. Take the boy.” Joseph said, shoving me forward. This was all part of the plan that we had discussed in the car on the way here. I had to admit though, I was still frightened out of my mind. Hades was a master manipulation, and any other powers that I was supposed to have. He was a leader. I fought against the terror. Joseph had warned me that Hades gave of waves of confusion and terror as a preemptive strike, but they were easy to block. I recited my mantra, “ Remember today, look for tomorrow, remember today, look forward to tomorrow.” It was something that Melody had said helped her when she was learning.

“ Now hand over Jacob.” Joseph demanded. He gripped his staff tighter. I could tell from his darting eyes that he was thinking of ways to fight the goons. Melody and Adam were doing the same thing. I quickly looked around, using only my eyes to find any weak points. Hades frowned.

“ Yes, I believe I will let him go.” Hades said. He drew a knife, and before anybody could act, stabbed Jacob. I gasped in shock, but Joseph leaped into action. He drew a sword, one of those like Watson's from Sherlock Holmes, from his staff and lanced out with both the blade of his sword and his mind. One of the goons dropped to the ground without a fight and whimpered. Joseph was then set on by two others who fought with the furniture. Chairs and books flew at Joseph. Then Adam jumped in. The door ripped off its hinges and flew at the two who were fighting Joseph. The distraction gave Joseph enough time to stab out with his sword to wound another and force the remaining one back with his mind. Then, Hades began fighting Joseph. Somehow, Hades had found a sword and was dueling Joseph with mind and sword.

Adam looked to be in a bit of trouble, taking on the other three, but Melody waded in. The hailstorm of books slowed, then intensified as the entire room came alive. The two were fighting there way to me, but couldn't make there way passed the flying chairs and tables.

I felt a lance of pain in my mind. I quickly retreated into the deepest recesses of my brain. Then, when I knew my innermost thoughts were guarded, I fought back. The attack came from the two that were downed by Joseph's sword. Their bodies were wounded, but they were still strong in mind. I lanced out at one, fell before the other. I fell back, barely able to guard, and managed to lift a chair and break it apart into several pieces. Then I sent the pieces at the pair of enemies. I was just barely able to break their concentration and send lances into their minds. I thought I was doing rather well. I heard a shout. Adam went down with a cracked skull. Melody went down to her knee. I could tell that she was under assault. Four enemies circled her, the storm of projectiles quieted. The only struggle was in our minds and in the clashing of Hades and Joseph's swords. Melody screamed, I felt a wall of rage erupt in my mind. I swept my hands out wide, willing the struggle to end. All six of the Necros acolytes flew into the walls, and each one received a mighty concussion of force directly into their skulls, knocking them unconscious.

Hades, still smiling, forced Joseph back and then held him in place with telekinesis. Then he looked at the room, and then he looked to me, the only one still standing free in the room. Both Adam and Melody were out of commission, and Joseph was struggling back up from the thrust of power from Hades. I was alone.

“ Well, this is surprising.” Hades said, striding slowly towards me. I felt little pinpricks in my defenses, everywhere on my defenses. Then pain shot through my body as the pressure rose drastically. I refused to go down. I kept repeating the mantra, Hades would reach into my mind and scatter my thoughts. The battle lasted for about twenty seconds. I lost control of my body and was immobilized. We had lost, but I kept fighting, just like I knew Joseph was. I didn't see how he was still down. Then I realized that he was bleeding from his side and a huge desk was on him. He must have been using all of his strength to just keep himself alive.

When all seemed lost, I felt a dramatic slack in the force on my mind. I regained control of my body and looked at Hades. He seemed to be struggling against something. He turned toward the fire place.

“ You!” he said harshly. Jacob was up on his feet, barely. Blood soaked his shirt, but I felt his mind pressing in upon Hades. Given new hope, I launched a full scale attack on Hades. Together, Jacob and I were just able to keep Hades in check, but it was hardly easy. Have you ever tried to hold onto a greased dolphin in the deeps of the ocean with one hand? Good, I haven't either. If you have, then you are weird, but you know of what its like to try to force Hades into his mind and not let him in yours.

Melody slowly got up and managed her way over to Joseph. With her aid, Joseph was able to rise from under the desk. Melody placed her hand on Joseph's side and sealed the wound. Joseph hesitantly got to his feet, and locked his stare on Hades. I could feel Joseph go on the attack with his mind. Melody added what little strength she had. I actually felt that the four of us were just strong enough to beat Hades. Hades then growled in anger and smacked his fist into the ground. I was lifted off my feet, along with Jacob and Melody and forced back. Joseph shielded himself enough to stay standing. Both him and Hades, weakened by their struggles, began fighting once more, sword on sword. Joseph took advantage of a quick opening and stabbed Hades in the leg. Hades didn't slow at all, but he moved with a limp. Finally, Joseph was able to disarm Hades, who lashed out with pure force. Joseph skid back a stride or two, but stood strong.

Enraged, Hades did something I had never thought would happen. He made a claw with his hand towards the fire and the fire actually responded. Gouts of flame poured on to the floor and at Joseph. Jacob was surrounded by flames, he was weakened by blood loss and Hades attack. I didn't think he had any more in him. I was right. Jacob tried to move, then tried to put something between him and the fire, but collapsed unconscious. I decided to give this mind battle thing with Hades one last shot. I guess I get points for being stubborn, and being a dummy. Whatever you want to call me, I pushed a small end table at Hades. The table didn't hit Hades full on, but it did manage to clip him enough to distract him. Joseph didn't require any more incentive. He lunged, and stabbed Hades in the middle of his chest. Hades stumbled back into the flames. Then the house gave a crack. Joseph looked at the room.

“ We need to get out of here.” definitely obvious. He scooped up Adam and ran/ limped through the doorway. I picked up Melody, and tried to walk forward, but felt pulled back. Hades clutched at me from the back of the room. He was obviously dieing, but he was going to try and take me with him! I fought, I struggled. Melody seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. God I'm glad she isn't going to read this. I would be killed very unpleasantly. So much so that Hades might have been more merciful.

I know that I had my share of miracle saves, but I got another one. Jacob, poor dieing Jacob, had somehow risen to his feet and tackled Hades.

“ GO!” He shouted in a raspy voice, so unlike his own. I could tell that Melody was awake now and fully aware of what Jacob was doing.

“ NO! Charlie, go back. We have to get him!” she said.

“ GO!” Jacob shouted. Hades was struggling to get back up. I honestly didn't know what to do, then fate decided for me. Half of the roof, the half that Jacob and Hades were under, fell onto my friend. The rest of the roof began to cave. Adrenaline kicked in and I sprinted toward the exit. I barely made it out.

“ Wheres Jacob.” Joseph asked. I for once took the initiative. Melody was too stunned. I was nearly there myself.

“ He's gone.” that seemed to take it out of Joseph.

“ Right. Get in the car and let's get out of here.” he said, quite deflated.

On the ride home. Adam was healed and conscious He was silent. I have to say I missed the sarcastic jokes. I would rather have had gone back laughing and being made fun of than in the dormant silence. The all suppressive silence. I had to say something. Something I knew I would regret.

“ Teach me.” I said strongly. Joseph and Melody looked at me strange.

“ What?” Melody asked.

“ Teach me to be one of you. A Halos, or whatever.” I elaborated

“ I thought you would want to go back to your old life.” said Joseph inquisitively.

“ That was before. This is now. Things have changed.”

“ You got that right.” said Adam.

“ I don't care what it takes. That guy killed Jacob. Now, I want to destroy all of them.” I said, shaking in rage.

“ Calm down.” said Melody.

“ Not until I can defeat every last one of them.” I said, looking them all directly in their eyes.

“ Teach me.” I repeated.

That is how it all began. I have no idea when my next adventure will be written. I will write it down whenever I can, but until then I have to tell you this. Be very careful, look over you shoulder. The Necros are out there, and they are looking for people like me and my friends. You might be one of us, and if you develop any powers or sense some strange people following you, contact me at the e-mail on the back of the notebook. If you never do, then pass the book on. People need to know what is going on, and this is the only record. I hope that we can win. I hope you never have to go through this war, but if you do, we will be here to help you. We will train you. We will protect you. There is a war going on, and we plan to win.

Author's Note

Please tell me anything that can improve this story. Anything at all, other than the grammer.