Autumn's Ravage

Raj was the first to wake from his deep sleep, Liz woke them from their slumber by knocking at the apartment door, and Raj knew he didn’t have much time, “I’m coming Liz, hold on, I’ll be right there.” Raj turned quickly in Dan’s direction, “Listen to me, and remember, everything that Barnes knows about hunting, tracking, weapons, and fighting, will always stay with you. Those skills, those instincts, and all of his experiences are part of you now. Every person that you become through the wonders of the Dream Cane will give you skills that you don't even know you have. You’ll see my friend; you're a changed man now.” Raj hurried to the door switching gears effortlessly, “Hi Liz, you caught us both napping again,” said Raj, while he unlocked and opened the door. Dan was still half asleep, still slumped in his chair as his weary looking Mother entered the apartment.

  “Come on kiddo, it’s been a long shift, and I’m ready for bed.”

  Dan moved to his feet slowly following his Mother out of the apartment and into the hallway. He was tired, excited, and relieved. He looked forward to sleeping safely tonight, snug within his own comfortable bed. Liz looked tired; she thanked Raj but she really needed to go to bed and rest. She wasn't in the mood to talk, and for once, that was fine with Dan, “Good night kiddo!” she said, closing her bedroom door.

  “Night Mum,” said Dan, with the deathly howl of a Karcon still ringing in his ears. Morning came swiftly, but Dan had slept deeply and was rested. No dreams or nightmares had interrupted his sleep, he felt good. Dan could hear the gurgling noise of the coffee maker and busy sounds emanating from the kitchen; his Mother was up and about. He rolled out of bed still dressed in his pajamas, and stumbled into the kitchen yawning.

  “Good morning sleepy head, I was going to give you another ten minutes before I came in to wake you up to start your big day.” She smiled and grabbed a breakfast bowl before pouring some cereal into it.

  “Big day? What big day” inquired Dan, oblivious to her excitement?

  “It’s your first day at a new school today, that's always a big day!” If Dan was sleepy and uninterested when he entered the kitchen then his whole demeanor had changed in an instant. He remembered that today was indeed his first day at John Hollins Public School. Dan had completely forgotten and was dreading this day, “We have an appointment with Mrs. Oakley, at 9am, and then she’ll get you assigned to a class, and then the big fun begins,” said Liz, with a large smile plastered across her face. Dan stared at his bowl of cereal trying to imagine the day that lay ahead. Things had changed since his Mother went to school. The fact that he was the new kid, and a boy, meant he would be put through some serious bullying to introduce him to the school. It happened in every school he’d joined, and this one would not be different. It didn't matter how nice the neighborhood was; it was always the same. Liz had a good feeling about this school; it was different with nice people, and a better class of kids. Dan was going to like this one and he was going to fit in.

  The morning moved quickly as he ate, showered, and dressed in comfortable clothes - clothes that would blend in. He chose a pair of black skater shoes, plain blue jeans, and a black backpack. He selected a baggy blue t-shirt, with a small white stripe that ran from the collar to the hem. He wore no logos or designs that would draw unnecessary unwanted attention. The goal today was to blend in unnoticed. Liz walked with Dan to John Hollins Public School’s administration building. He noticed a few late stragglers, but most of the kids were already indoors by the time they entered the school. A receptionist escorted them to the office of the headmistress, and Dan shook her hand. She seemed very nice and friendly, but they always do at the start. His Mother made small talk and soon she was leaving him with some lunch money and a worried smile.

  Mrs. Oakley showed Dan to his locker and allowed him to choose his four-digit padlock combination. He chose the number ‘1701,’ the number emblazoned across the front of the Starship Enterprise, from his favorite TV show, Star Trek. Dan was then led to a class in progress; he sat at an empty desk within a class of about thirty students. The teacher seemed friendly and she welcomed him to the class. The teacher continued with her class where she talked about the history of the area, and the effects the civil war had on the local region. Dan listened but his mind wandered to the Waishee Tribe’s Indian Chief, the Karcon, and the monk named Kaan, Barnes & Colder, Tom Jantz and Kevin Waits, the Asquith mine, and Annie at Autumn’s Diner. He was starting to get hungry, what he wouldn't give for a plate of pancakes and a cup of coffee at the diner right now. Dan secretly studied his classmates; they seemed okay, as they listened to the teacher intently. They did seem a cut above his previous school, for they were better dressed, better groomed, and were actually paying attention; some were even taking notes!

  The teacher, Ms. Claridge, would become his home teacher. She addressed the class and instructed them to take a thirty-minute break, “Dan and Ray, can you two please come and see me now, the rest of you back in thirty minutes at this same room.” The children dispersed quickly, as if they’d been excused for the whole day.

  Ray looked sheepish, “What have I done wrong miss?” he opined.

  “Nothing, but I need you to do me a favor. This is Dan, he’s new, and you Mr. Smeade, are going to help him through his first recess, you need to show him the ropes, introduce him around, and show him where he can get a snack. You know, the stuff you men do on recess, and when the bell rings, bring him back here in one piece, got it?”

  Ray looked like he’d been duped, “Yup, I’m the designated baby sitter for the fresher.”

  “Off you go, and behave yourself. Leave your stuff here, and I’ll lock the room,” she raised her voice to inform the class most of which had already left.

  The two boys exited the classroom and spilled into the packed hallway. “I’m Ray,” said the wiry boy with a shock of blonde hair, extending his hand.

  “Dan,” he said, shaking Ray’s hand firmly.

  “Ok Dan, just act cool, and stick with me, if you don't want to be beaten up.” Ray hurried down the hallway to a large common room. This is where you get your grub, at lunch time they serve food over there,” he said, pointing to a serving station that was currently empty. “If you’re hungry now, we have a delectable array of choices, dispensed by these lovely machines, and let me tell you, they’re more polite than the people who serve us food at lunch time. Want anything?”

  Dan thought about it, “Yeah, I’m starving.”

  “Stick your coins in here and then choose your poison.” Ray had already selected a number on the keypad when a Mars Bar dropped into the catcher at the base of the vending machine. Dan grabbed some coins from his jeans pocket and selected the same. They ate their chocolate bars and walked towards a side door. Ray opened the door and motioned for Dan to follow, “Ok Dan, here’s the rules to keep your face in one piece. See the benches over there,” Ray pointed and Dan nodded. “Those benches are off limits, they’re reserved for the cool kids, and right now you’re not one of them. The in-crowd gathers there, know what I mean, the best looking girls, the jocks, the rich kids and the good-looking people. If you go over there, well you’re looking for a fight. Over here, is where you and I will hang out, but there are rules. The fence and the trees are too far away. That's where the shady deals are going down, and where all of the fights happen. Far away from prying eyes and the teachers don't venture over there. It’s the most dangerous place in the yard, got it?” Again, Dan nodded. “This area here is safe, it’s where you need to blend in, and keep your eyes to the ground for the first few weeks, until you get some friends. Friends mean protection, and right now you’re out there on your own. I’m showing you the ropes, but lets get one thing clear, I don't know you, not well enough to get my face rearranged because I’m sticking up for you ok?”

  Dan nodded from experience, “Yeah, I get the drill.”

  “Good, you learn fast. The teachers only care about what happens inside the school grounds. Inside you’re safe, but remember, before and after school, you h
ave to leave the safety zone. So it’s best to blend in and try to go unnoticed. I’ve been here for four years, and the best looking girls still don't know who I am,” Ray cracked a smile, and Dan laughed. “That’s good, a sense of humor will go a long way to surviving John Hollins Public School. Let’s go back inside.”

  Ray and Dan chatted about life at the school, the daily routine, weird teacher habits, and generally how to survive, and most important, who to avoid. Ray was warming up to Dan, in truth, he liked him, and he seemed OK. When the bell rang they returned to their homeroom, and Ms. Claridge. She watched them enter the classroom, “Have you taught him all the bad tricks?” she said, with a wry smile. Ms. Claridge knew Ray was a good kid; he was careful, attentive, and had good grades.

  “Yup, showed him where all the land mines are,” said Ray, half joking.

  “Alright then, let’s get settled down, and we can learn about the South’s role in this war.”

  Ms. Claridge was a pretty good teacher; she described the civil war in a way the class could relate to. She made it interesting and engaging. She involved the class, and was never patronizing or superior. Dan could see why the kids listened, because she was fun, and the morning flew by. When the bell went for lunch, Dan looked at Ray like a lost puppy. Ray made his way over and asked Dan, “Do you remember how to get to the lunch area?” Dan nodded. “I’m sorry, I can’t come with you, I’m working on an assignment today, and we’ve got some computer time booked in the lab, so you’re on your own this time I’m afraid.”

  Dan understood, he nodded and smiled, “No problem, thanks for showing me the ropes.” As the class cleared out, Dan headed towards the common room, and the lunch station he’d been shown earlier. It wasn't too hard to find for he simply followed the steady stream of kids milling their way through the corridors in the same general direction. With his backpack slung casually over his shoulder, he tried to blend in and act like he belonged. He watched a boy in front of him join one of the food lines and followed suit. After inching forward for about ten minutes, he collected a tray, and followed the kid in front of him. He was presented with various food options, and he chose the Shepherd’s pie with vegetables. He selected an orange juice from the dispenser, and paid for his meal using his lunch money. That's when it started to get tricky; where was he going to sit?

  Dan found a small, empty table for two, pushed against a wall in the far corner of the eating hall. It was the perfect place to just blend in. He sat at the table, re-arranged his plate, tray, cutlery, and drink, before he began to eat. He kept his eyes on his food and didn’t make direct eye contact with anyone sitting around him. He managed to casually switch his attention between several conversations within earshot, as he entertained himself with other people’s issues, but he appeared conveniently dis-engaged by staring at his food.

  Dan sensed a figure standing perilously close to him; he wished he’d brought a book to hide within. The Catcher in the Rye, or Jamaica Inn, would have provided a nice shield, where he could have disappeared, but that didn't always work. The Call of the Wild paperback book got him into his last fight, and he’d decided against reading books at school, he didn't need to provide additional ammunition for the bullies. Just then a girl’s sweet voice broke his concentration, “Native Indian Legends,” she said.

  Dan raised his eyes from his plate of Shepherd’s pie, and stared into the most beautiful brown eyes he’d ever seen. It was the girl from the library smiling at him, “You're the guy studying Native Indian Legends, but you don't look like you're a native Indian. Normally guys your age are trying to find art books containing dirty pictures,” again she smiled, clearly teasing him. “I’m kidding! I’m Ally and you are?”

  “Dan, I’m Dan.”

  “I’ve never seen you around here before, are you new?”

  “First day, but don't tell anyone,” said Dan, finally relaxing and flashing an awkward smile.

  “Are you going to leave a girl standing here holding my tray, or are you going offer me a seat?” she said, flicking her brilliant eyes towards the empty chair. Without waiting for his response Ally moved her tray towards the table.

  “Oh, sorry yes, please sit down.” Dan pulled his tray towards him, allowing Ally to slide her tray onto the table. She wore a bright green t-shirt and black jeans. Dangling from her ears was a pair of silver earrings and she wore silver bangles on her wrist that clanged together when they hit the top of the table. She’d bought a small tuna sandwich that she proceeded to unwrap before taking a generous bite, “Ummm, this is so good, I’m starving, and yes, I do eat normally, not like some of these supermodel wannabe’s, I’m a normal girl, with a normal appetite, I actually like food,” she said, diving in for another bite.

  “That’s good,” said Dan, the words seemed to stumble from his mouth.

  Ally stopped chewing, “You poking fun at me?”

  “No,” said Dan, totally confused.

  In an instant her serious frown line relaxed, the chewing started again, and her eyes twinkled. “So Dan, which homeroom are you in?”

  “Er, Ms. Claridge.”

  “No way, you just got here, and they put you with Claridge, you lucky toad.” Ally took another enormous bite. With a full mouth of food she mumbled, “She’s the best.” She looked at Dan’s half eaten Shepherd’s pie and mumbled again, “You don't like your food?”

  “Oh, yes,” said Dan, scooping a mouthful onto his fork, and shoveling it into his mouth. Ally smiled and her nose crinkled in an indescribably cute way. Dan was mesmerized. He could feel the presence of another figure standing over his left shoulder. When Ally raised her head, her smile quickly disappeared.

  Dan turned to see a large framed boy, holding a super sized soda swishing around in a brightly colored paper cup, “Well this looks cozy Ally, I didn't know that you liked to slum it with the idiots. You should be sitting with us Ally, and not getting your pretty clothes all stinky by hanging around with degenerates like this retard.”

  Dan tried to remain calm but he wanted to punch this kid. He was huge and towered over the pair of them. Ally swallowed the last bite of her sandwich and looked at the giant kid, “This is Ted, Ted this is Dan, he’s pretty smart, and he’s just started at our school, he’s new.” Ally tried to sell it with a cute smile, but Ted wasn't buying it.

  “I don't give a crap who he is, he’s a retard, and you should be sitting over there, with us.” Ted moved towards Ally grabbing her small forearm forcibly. He started to tip the soda cup towards Dan when something very strange started to happen. Dan’s instincts kicked in, and without thinking, he pushed his right forearm upwards to deflect the soda shower he was certainly going to wear. Soda splattered on the floor behind him. He pushed himself to his feet, just in time to see Ted let go of Ally, and swing his left fist towards his face. Dan blocked the blow, by pushing his right forearm forcibly across Ted’s arm. Frustrated in his inability to land a blow, Ted took a step backwards and swung his foot towards Dan, in an attempt to kick him. Dan used his hand to deflect the blow, and with a single controlled movement, landed one, short, sharp, punch, to his chin, which knocked Ted out cold.

  The common room erupted with shouts, jeers, and spontaneous applause. Ted was a known bully, and the little kid had just flattened him; this was a popular move, but not for everyone. An on-duty teacher was quickly on the scene administering aid for Ted, and ordering Dan to go and see Mrs. Oakley. Dan’s fighting instincts were so honed they’d taken him by surprise. He was ushered out of the common room by a male teacher who was marching him to the principal’s office. “Barnes,” mumbled Dan, under his breath, “I fight like Barnes.”

  “What,” said the male teacher?

  “He started it,” said Dan.

  “Doesn't matter,” said the male teacher, pointing to a small row of chairs, “Sit and wait.”

  When Dan was called into the Principal’s office, Mrs. Oakley seemed to go easy on Dan, she knew Ted had a bad reputation as a bully, and she knew it was Da
n’s first day. She lectured him on fighting and warned him not to fight at school. She gave him a stern warning but she was lenient, “I won’t inform your Mother, or expel you this time, but there better not be a next time; we have a zero tolerance rule here.” Mrs. Oakley asked Dan to explain what happened. He completed his story and was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Stay here,” she said, as she left the office. After a couple of minutes she returned, “We have witnesses that agree with your version of events. Seems like you didn't start this one, but you certainly finished it. Ted’s a bully, and we know that. Dan, you have to tread carefully now, Ted has two older brothers who both attend this school. They’ll be looking for you, and you have to stay calm. I can overlook this but if I see you in here again for fighting, I’m going to have to suspend you.” Dan nodded, accepting the position Mrs. Oakley had outlined. He was going to have to address these brothers, but he needed to do this outside of the school grounds. As Dan left her office she knew he’d be back.

  Dan received strange looks and nods of appreciation from the school’s students for the rest of the day. He tried desperately to stay out of trouble. Afternoon break was spent in the common room where he stayed under the nose of the supervising teacher. Returning back to class, he caught a glimpse of Ally; she looked worried. Before taking his seat Ray managed to slip him a message, “Hey man, its all over school, the Smith brothers are gearing up for a wrecking after school, you might want to slip out the back way, just saying.” Dan smiled with a reassured air of confidence, but the truth was, he was far from being confident. Could he handle this? Would he get expelled and ruin the whole setup? His Mother was finally happy, he’d just found Raj, and now, because of this idiot, he faced being expelled, and possibly moved on again to another school. He couldn't bear that.

  The afternoon ended with his mind wandering to the impending confrontation. Raj’s words kept ringing in his ears. He’d inherited Barnes’ fighting skills, surely that would be enough to see off two schoolyard bullies. He had to trust his instincts; but he couldn't hurt them badly. Perhaps it was best to just slip out the back way. He knew he’d be hounded until the confrontation occurred. His mind was made up, they wanted a show, and he was going to give them one, but it had to occur away from the school grounds. Classmates would occasionally sneak a look at Dan, to evaluate his chances and his demeanor. When Dan returned the look, they’d always look away quickly, afraid of what might follow. When the bell finally rang, he grabbed his books and quickly stuffed them into his backpack. Ray was there in a flash. “Dan, I’ll show you the back way.”

  “Thanks Ray,” Dan said, with the hint of fear running through his soft voice, “but I think I need to face them and deal with this.”

  “Are you kidding me, there’s two of them, and they’re both big Muppets, they’ll kill you, and smile doing it!” Ray shuffled nervously, watching the gathering crowd loitering outside of the classroom.

  Dan could see Ms. Claridge getting suspicious, “Let’s go.” The two boys walked to the classroom door quickly met by a group of kids hanging around the hallway and expecting to witness the inevitable. Dan walked past them all and out of the main school entrance and into the yard. More kids waited, they would normally be rushing home. “Where’s the best place to go, outside of the school grounds?” he asked Ray.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. Just tell me,” snapped Dan, impatiently.

  Ray rubbed his face, “There’s a council soccer pitch, just around the block, that's where the fights usually take place. They’ll be waiting for you there.”

  Two boys approached, Dan didn't recognize either of them, “You Dan?” said the pimply one.

  “Who wants to know?” said Dan, acting tough.

  “I’ve been told to tell you to head to Clarke’s field, your welcoming committee will be there to greet you. Me and Eddy will be happy to escort you, so you don't get lost, you being new and all.”

  Dan glanced at Eddy, who didn't look like the smartest kid in the school, but could probably play linebacker on the school’s team. “It’s Eddy and I,” said Dan, correcting his grammar.

  “Huh?” said the pimply kid, in utter confusion.

  “Never mind, why don't you lead the way, me being new and all,” said Dan sarcastically. Ray was amazed at this kid’s bravery or was it stupidity? He wanted to see this and tagged along with the escort party. A small group of kids walked calmly through the main gates and turned left, away from Dan’s home and normal route. They walked a couple of blocks, before turning right, and walking up a small hill where Clarke’s playing fields were located. In the center of the playing fields was a soccer pitch. A larger group of about seventy kids milled about expectantly, waiting for Dan’s arrival. The kids parted in front of him and formed a circle. Dan was amazed at the choreography, as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times, and executed flawlessly. He found himself enveloped by a ring of nervous, excited, and jeering kids. Suddenly his escort party had fallen away and he found himself standing alone facing two, large, disheveled looking brutes.

  One kid was tall and muscular, probably the oldest. One kid was shorter but stocky, wide, and overweight. Together they approached him with hideous smiles attached to their smug looking faces. The Smith brothers were determined to exact revenge and couldn't believe their luck as they faced this small, spindly looking kid, who couldn't put up much of a fight. They were surprised he actually turned up for the fight, and were looking forward to the carnage that would inevitably follow. The chubby one hopped with excitement as he barked out his threat, “No one takes a cheap shot at our brother and gets away with it! We’re the Smith brothers, and you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!” It was a rousing speech, delivered in a passionate scream that incited the crowd to cheer. Dan felt unusually calm as he dropped his heavy backpack to the ground.

  ‘Focus on the facts, focus on the movements, and don't let the emotions determine your actions,’ said a calming voice, running through his mind. Barnes’ influence coursed through his body.

  The taller-one of the brothers stepped forward, “It’s time you suffer little man,” he shouted, as he lunged forward and began to charge at Dan. Dan remained silent, still, and calm, until the Smith brother had almost reached him, and was within range. Dan fell to the ground quickly, propping himself with his cocked wrists, and spun around like a modern break-dancer, whipping his legs around in a circle. Like the blades of a propeller, his leg caught the shins of the charging brother sending him sprawling head first into the freshly mown grass. He let out a surprised yelp, as he crashed hard into the ground. Dan sprung to his feet to meet the slower linebacker brother; he managed to step aside and easily avoid the brutish thug’s desperate lunge. He watched the boy trying to adjust his considerable weight while attempting to throw punches in a wild and uncoordinated manner. It was happening so fast, that the baying crowd didn’t have time to react to the unfolding sequence of events. It was an incredible feeling for Dan, as the whole fight sequence seemed to be happening in slow motion; Dan’s reflexes were so finely honed, it felt as if he had all the time in the world to make adjustments to his body, weight, balance, and posture. Dan could react ten times faster than his opponent; it hardly seemed fair. The brothers seemed to be running through mud, in slow motion, compared to the lightening speed of Dan’s moves. The linebacker brother was horribly off-balance, yet he contorted his bulky body in an attempt to land a punch on Dan. Dan could see it coming and had anticipated his move; he stepped to his left effortlessly before planting his weight firmly on his front foot. In one fluid motion he unleashed a powerful uppercut punch. The wild flailing movement of his opponent positioned the brother’s chubby chin perfectly as it headed downwards with some considerable force. It collided with the swift uppercut full on, and as a result whipped the boy’s head backwards with great intensity. His teeth and jawbone violently slammed shut, as the observing crowd let out a collective gasp. The pinpoint accuracy of the punch, delivered
with maximum ferocity, knocked the chubby kid out cold. His large motionless body came to rest in a carpet of lush green grass.

  Dan spun around to see the taller Brother angrily rising to his feet with a look of determination etched across his pimply face. He swung a wild punch into the air, followed by another that missed horribly. Dan remained upright keeping light on his feet with his fists held high to protect his head and face. The boy looked gangly and uncoordinated, as he wailed punch after punch. Dan wasn't worried, as the kid expended energy hitting nothing but air. The boy was advancing with each punch; he moved closer and closer as Dan patiently waited. Finally Dan felt he was within range and whipped out one single powerful jab. He backed the punch with his entire body weight and it landed squarely on the nose of his opponent. A splatter of blood streamed across his face, as he recoiled from the direct hit. The crunching sound of bone, as his nose broke cleanly, reverberated through the encroaching crowd. The boy fell to the ground, instantly clutching his blood soaked face. Breathing became difficult as he spit up blood that was streaming into his mouth. He lay on the ground conceding defeat as silence fell upon the crowd. It was over so quickly but it had been an awesome display of effective and efficient fighting. Two succinct and accurate punches had been thrown, both in self-defense.

  At that moment, Dan noticed something that had previously escaped his attention. Nudging through the crowd, partially hidden behind the fat face of a gingered haired boy, was a beautiful girl. Her face still etched with worry, but it was unmistakable; Ally had come to watch the events unfold. Dan didn't gloat or shout about his victory, he simply picked up his backpack, and walked away, heading home and not stopping to acknowledge the congratulations offered by the admiring crowd. Dan hoped this would be the end of it, but he was skeptical. Dan had hardly broken into a sweat, and received no cuts, bruises, or wounds. He would be able to go home, act normal, and not arose his Mother’s suspicions. She didn't have to know what had happened, because he knew she wouldn't be pleased, even if he did just stick up for himself.

  Once clear of the crowd, Dan began to run, it wasn't out of fear; he just wanted to be alone. He wanted that whole episode to be behind him and forgotten, as he ran, a satisfied smile forced its way across his face, as he reflected on how brutally efficient his fighting skills had become. He didn't even know how he’d flattened the first kid with that spinning kick. He felt brave, and it felt good. Dan had never felt adequate; his small frame meant he was always a victim, and an easy target for the bullies. As a shy, socially inept kid, he didn't exude the confidence required to survive within the cruel world of a new school. With his newly acquired skills, delivered through the Dream Cane, all of that had suddenly changed. Dan was a new kid, a new man. He ran through the streets and didn't stop until he’d reached the door leading to his apartment. Out of breath, he grabbed his keys and entered his home.

  Dan’s Mother had made a special dinner to celebrate his first day at school. He appreciated the gesture and they enjoyed each other’s company. She asked him questions about his day, his classes, his teachers, if he’d made any new friends, and if he needed anything. She asked him about his lunch and how long it took him to walk home. Dan managed to keep his cool and supply answers that satisfied her curiosity. She tidied the dinner plates away quickly; she wanted to get ready for her evening shift. “Dan,” she called out with some urgency, “start getting ready, I need you ready to go see Raj, in fifteen minutes.”

  If Liz only knew how Dan had been counting down the minutes for this time of the evening to arrive. He didn't need to be told twice, Dan was excited, for he’d been looking forward to resuming his adventure with Raj. His newly acquired fighting skills had filled him with more confidence. Dan changed his clothes and was ready, and waiting to leave quickly. Liz took his enthusiasm as his way of supporting her, “You’re a good boy; I really appreciate your cooperation.” She smiled at him with a sympathetic smile that he didn't understand. A knock at Raj’s apartment door signaled their arrival; as usual, Liz was in a hurry. The door swung open and Raj greeted Liz with his normal reassuring smile. “Hi Raj, I have to run, I don't want to be late. See you boys at the normal time.” Liz scurried away and Dan smiled at Raj, as he entered the apartment.

  Dan sat in his usual chair and fidgeted, as Raj locked the door. “I have to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell my Mum,” he blurted excitedly. “I was in a fight today, well actually three fights.”

  Raj crinkled his forehead in a disapproving way, and fell back into his comfy chair. “Who started the fights?”

  “They did, all of them. Three different boys, all brothers, but they started it every time” Dan sounded defensive, unsure of Raj’s reaction.

  “How many punches did you throw?” he inquired, knowing the answer.

  “Three. That's all I needed,” Dan smiled, and at that moment he felt nine feet tall.

  “Good,” nothing wrong in ending a fight, as long as you didn't start it, or deserve it. “I know you can fight now, but the trick is not to show off, or draw unnecessary attention to yourself. One punch each sounds pretty good to me. Just don't get too used to it, don't get too cocky, and don't start to like fighting. It's a mugs game that will eventually get you barred from school, and one day, you’ll find a better fighter than you. Do you hear me?” Dan nodded. He knew Raj was right, but he also felt good about how he’d handled himself today. “OK, wanna get back on that ledge and face that Karcon?” Dan straightened his slumping posture, and pushed his small frame to the edge of the comfy chair.

  “Come on, let’s go.”

  Raj stared at the young boy, “Are you absolutely sure?”

  * * * * *

  The Fourth Realm - Vianna

  Chapter 14: Facing your Demons

  The Village of Autumn, The Mine District.

  “A Hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”