Meeting Up

Kevin looked around the place . The place was dead silent as everyone was either at the canteen or wandering around the front compound of the school . He didn’t tell Zack or Michael or anyone about the letter even if they agree to obey Riley’s request for only Kevin to come . That is because he fear they might end up stalking them .

“ Over here .” a voice called out to Kevin . The medium-height , fairly skinned and all-black figure stands in a dark corner at the back of the school . Kevin looked around to make sure no one was following him , and proceeded to approach Riley .

“ Hey . So , why are you calling me –…” before Kevin could finish his sentence , Riley intervened , “ What did you do down there .” Kevin had a weird expression . He really didn’t understand Riley’s question , but he could have if he has the memory .

“ Wh-what ? What are you talking about ? Down where ?” he asked .

“Don’t pretend like you didn’t know . I can feel it from the moment you were fighting those bullies.” Riley continued to confuse Kevin more .

“ Okay , I don’t know what the hell you’re going on about , just tell me why you called me here for .” Kevin replied .

“So , it seems like your memory about it is gone . But be honest with me , don’t you feel anything different about your body since yesterday ?” Riley further the conversation .

“ Where the fuck is this dude going with his weirdass questions .” Kevin thought , then he replied , “ Well , no … why ?”

“ Remember yesterday ? At the canteen ?” Riley said . Kevin then recalls the weird soup boiling thing that happened at the canteen yesterday , and he does remember that Riley saw the sight as well . That immediately triggered Kevin’s curiosity .

“ Yeah ! yeah ! What about it .”

“Come on . A smart kid like you should be able to at least figure out something out of that . Okay , l wanna see if you can finally understand . You were holding a metal spoon . And the soup’s boiling . What causes the metal to heat the water it is in ?” Riley explains , really trying to get Kevin to figure out that weird event himself .

Kevin took a few moments to find the answer to Riley’s question . He thinks and thinks and then he finally came up with a possible answer , and that answer stunned him . His eyes sprung open in shock and he immediately looked at the palms of both of his hands . Riley then realizes , without a doubt , that he got the right answer and didn’t bother to ask for it .

“ Good . Seems like you finally understood . You have electricity flowing in you . Now I know you are shocked , but just listen to what I’m gonna tell you next.” Riley stated .

“ No . Way . Wooahhh , how did I - .” Kevin said in total surprise and shock .

“ Yes , you now posses a power . And I’m gonna be straight to the point with you . This is meant to happen to you , and I am prophesied to train and make you an elusive fighter .” Riley explained to the stunned teenager .

“Wait , what ? Prophesies ? How can a normal , unexperienced and innocent dude like me has to do with anything at all ? I am confused as hell right now . Tell me , am I destined to do something ?” Kevin replied .

“ You’ll find out when the time comes . It’s surely better for me to keep my mouth shut .”

“ Woaahhh , HEY ! Is that why you’ve been travelling across states and cities ? To find that certain person , which is me ?” Kevin said enthusiastically , telling Riley what he thinks is the reason for Riley’s weird background story .

“ I guess you can say that .” the calm-looking man replied .

“ Ohhh okay okay now I get it . And I bet all my money that I’m destined to take down an evil guy who plans to take over the world and be the saviour of the world . Right ? Right ?!!” Kevin childishly said . This is not his normal way of speaking to people . He’s usually more calm and composed . But this matter somehow made him a little bit different in terms of speech .

Riley ignored Kevin’s question and continued , “I’ll tell you where we’re gonna meet for our training , but before that ….” , Riley then , at an incredible speed even the naked eye couldn’t keep up with , appeared behind Kevin . He held out his palm and placed it on Kevin’s back . Then a weird sensation spread through Kevin’s body . It’s not a painful sensation , just a bit weird .

“ I’m more than sure that you now know what my abilites are , haha . Anyway , until we’re on training , I can’t afford to let you wander around the place with a power you couldn’t perfectly control yet . So I’ve put a supress seal inside of you , a certain something that will completely supress your use of those electric powers you possess .” Riley said as he finishes up the seal he’s putting on Kevin .

“ Oh my god . That speed . This guy , he’s … he’s … not normal. And I have some powers too , does it mean we’re gonna be a duo that’ll save the world ? That’s kinda cool . But I hope he’s the sidekick though pfftt .” Kevin thought to himself . 

“ Alright I understand … so , where are we gonna meet up again ?” Kevin asked . Riley then took out a piece of paper and handed it to Kevin .

“Just go to this address right away after you return home from school . Bring anything that you think you’ll bring to the gym . Remember , don’t tell anyone yet about this . It’s crucial no one knows about this until the time is right . It’s just gonna be between us two for now .” Riley explains . Kevin scans the contents of the paper and gave an understanding nod . Later , the school bell rang , signalling the end of recess .

“ That’s all I have time for you today … I’ll tell you more tomorrow . Later .” Riley said as he turns around and walked off the place with his typical , cool-guy walking style .

Kevin still stood there , looking incredibly stunned . He still can’t quite get what’s happening to him , but he decides he’s just gonna go with it . He is surely curious about what Riley has in store for him in the training .

THE DAY AFTER

“ I’m just gonna be at a friends’ house . Come on it’s Friday . School’s out tomorrow . I have to have some fun eventually .” Kevin whines to his brother , who seemed doubtful to letting him go anywhere considering the fact that their parents are gonna return home that day .

John thought for a few seconds , then replied , “Alright then . But MAKE SURE you get back before 10PM…. Mom and Dad will be home at around 10:30 … you better be home before they do . Got that .” 

“ Thanks bro … Yeah I’ll make sure I’ll be home before 10 … well then , I’ll be going now . See ya .” Kevin said as he exits the house . He was suited up in a blue Adidas sports jacket , black track shorts and running shoes . He brought along a large sling bag … the one he usually brings to his exercise routines and workouts at the gym . In the bag are a few large bottles of mineral water , energy drinks and a few juices , all put in the freezer the day before to make sure it’s icy cold . He also brought some food along . There were also some towels , gloves , spare shirts and spare sport shoes . He also brought along bandage packs , and a few headache medicines , just in case .

Kevin was pumped up . He cannot wait to see what he can learn from after the training with Riley . At the driveway , he hopped up and down to warm up and did a few light stretches to get his body up and running . “ Alright , let’s do this .”  he whispered .

“ So … this is the place eh . Seems like a small house . Where are we gonna train though .” Kevin said to himself as he stands in front of a shabby and old-looking house . It really looks like the kind of a place a retired , old bachelor would live in , the type of people to get drunk every day because he has no one to play with .

Kevin stuffed the piece of paper in his jacket and proceeded to walk into the porch . The gate was wide open . He walked up to the door and pressed the doorbell . Right after he did , Riley walked up to him from the right side of the house compound . He tapped Kevin in the back of the shoulder .

“ Oh , hey , there you are . Well , I’m here . And uh , where do I start electrifying some shit .” Kevin asked .

“ I’ve expected the question . Yup , this place looks messy and seemed abandoned , but yeah this is where I’ve been living ever since I moved here . Follow me , I’ll take you to the training area .” Riley replied as he walked to the back side of the house .

“So this guy’s been living alone . I’m more than sure he doesn’t have any family . If he did he surely would’ve needed to introduce me to them or likewise. Damn , just what is Riley’s back story ….”  a thought ran across his mind . He simply couldn’t imagine how he could manage to handle the entire house and his entire life all by himself . To Kevin , that’s pure misery .

They went to the backyard of the house and there , a metal door was seen standing on top of the grasses . The door looked really high-tech and it is evident that it is password guarded . Kevin looked really amazed . Riley typed in the password and the door opened itself .

Riley led the way as the two walked down metal steps . It was dark and Kevin could only see as far as his feet on the steps . Riley then stopped to press some buttons on a wall when they reached the bottom of the steps . Those are the switches that activate the lights . When the lights switched on , the sight that awaits Kevin was outstanding .

The training ground Riley talked about was the size of half of a football field . Some parts of the floor were grass , some were concrete and there was a little bit of steel too . Stadium-styled spotlights hang from the roofs of the place . Metal training dummies were around the main field . Some are large sized and some were human size . There were also some gymnastics rings hanging from off the roof by long ropes . Another interesting sight is what seems to be a table filled with controls and a screen next to the field . Multitple benches were prepared for rests , bathrooms and a changing room . That was all that Kevin could see , but he was more than sure there’s more if this is gonna be a superpower training .

“ So this is it . I’ve been working on this place myself for like forever , secretly . I’ve actually been at this town for about 3 months already before I entered school . Almost all those 3 months are spent building this place . I knew that the person I was looking for was here … and that’s why I decided to get started on a place to train that person which is obviously you .” Riley explains as he and Kevin walked on to the field . “ Go settle down your stuff over there and get back here .” Riley said as he gestures his hand to the benches and rest spots he prepared .

Kevin puts down his sling bag and unzipped it . He places a few bottles of his drinks on top of a table and hurried back to Riley .

“ I’ll undo the seal first .” Riley stated . He puts his palm on Kevin’s back and the seal then disappeared , leaving the sense of the electricity running back to normal .

“ Okay , so what should we start off with ?” Kevin excitedly asked .

“ First things first , the basics . You won’t be able to use your powers if you can’t bring it out , obviously . Now , the first part of your training . It’s simple . Try emitting a visible ray of electricity from one of your hands , then if possible , try and maintain it” Riley explains to Kevin the first part of their training .

“ Just that ? Oh okay , that shouldn’t be a problem right ?” Kevin said .

“ I wouldn’t be so sure . For first timers , it’s not gonna be easy bringing out the power you have in you . There are two types of powers . One , the power that comes from within you . Two , the power that comes from outside of you . What I mean by outside , is powers that control nature and it’s characteristics , for example , wind powers . Their bodies only prepare the starting point of the power which is the activation of the type of control they want over the nature of the wind . Then everything else around them handle the rest . Those powers are easier to master than powers like yours which entirely runs from within the body itself . The quality of the power your bringing out depends on your control . Don’t be angry if you can’t get it the first few tries  . It definitely takes time . For this start , we’re just gonna work on powers focused on only one arm , then when you’re skilled enough , we’ll advance into using both arms . “ Riley carefully explains to Kevin . Kevin didn’t look bored and paid full attention to his same-aged “coach” .

“ Understood ! Alright … lemme try it right away .” Kevin stated . He tried very hard to emit his electrical powers on his right hand , but to no avail . He didn’t give up , he tried and tried and tried and still , he couldn’t make even the tiniest spark appear from his hand . Then he turned to talk to his coach , who apparently just stood there and watched quietly at Kevin’s attempts .

“ But , HOW THOUGH ?!” he asked .

“ Your powers are now only limited to small bits of force that only remains under the skin . That’s fine . It’s not a problem for beginners . Your powers are working , that’s what’s important . If not , the soup wouldn’t have boiled . Okay , let me just put it this way : Your powers depend on focus you place in one position , therefore the flow will also move the way you place your focus on . Try and channel that sensation of power you have to one point , which is your palm . BUT , it does not depend on focus entirely . Another important aspect is calmness . At the same time your focusing , it is important you keep calm and don’t rush it . Just now you were just going straight on hard and didn’t keep your calm . When you rush , the flow will get disrupted , and cannot harmoniously sync with your body . That results in the flow unsuccessfully reaching the spot you intend it to be . So after this , keep your calm . Don’t rush it . Take your time and focus it carefully on your right hand . Sit down on the floor if you need to . We’ll not start any other training until you pass this one .” Riley explains . Kevin just gave an understanding nod .

Kevin then took a few deep breaths to calm himself down , then he proceeded to sit down legs crossed on the floor . He needed to sit because he feels the most calm when sitting . He reaches out his right arm , and started flowing the electricity . He sat there and concentrated for 5 minutes , and when nothing happened , he started to lose his patience . His face expression turned stressed and he growls out a bit trying as hard as he could . That right there , failed his attempt right away . He lost his calm .

Riley took a seat at one of the benches and just looked on at Kevin . Kevin tried lots and lots of times . But at every single failed attempt , there were tiny progress inhim . He looked more calmer in every attempt because he knew the attempts before , he had small bits of rush in him . After about half an hour , Riley accidentally fell asleep as he waits for Kevin to finally succeed in doing it .

The two already spent about 1 hour and a half at the place .

“ Hey , hey Riley ! Wake up . You gotta see this !!” Kevin excitedly said as he shook the body of his coach . Riley immediately opened his eyes and he took a few moments to refresh .

“ So you did it ?” he asked .

“ Yep ! I managed to make a rather large amount of electricity appear . I did make small bits appear when you were asleep but I wanted to wait until I can make a larger amount so that you’ll pass me right away !” he continued .

“ Then show me .”

They both headed over to the field and Kevin sat down while Riley looks on . Kevin looked really calmer than before , with a confident expression on his face and good breathing control . As he took out his right arm , he remained silent and not a single sign of rush is shown at all . It took like 3 minutes , but along that time Kevin remained silent all the way .

Finally , a really good amount of electricity started to form on Kevin’s right hand . The sparks start getting more and more longer as the power gets stronger , and Kevin still remained composed . He finally reached the largest form he could do , and he slowly opens his eyes . The spark was light blue , and running excellently smoothly . But Kevin still couldn’t perfectly handle the heat on his palms , so it was kind of hot , nevertheless , he managed to resist it and successfully brought out the power .

He looked up to Riley without saying anything , waiting for Riley to say what he expects him to say .

“ Good . Seems like you could bring out a good amount and can maintain it . Amazing . For a first timer , this is probably the shortest time ever for anyone to accomplish this . You really are something . Alright , you pass .” Riley said as he gave a congratulating clap .

“ Heh , it wasn’t really hard though . I feel good . Damn good . What’s next .” he said .

“ This is nothing compared to what you’re gonna have to do next . Are you ready for it ?” Riley said to Kevin .

Kevin then deactivated the spark and stood up . He cracked his knuckles and gave a smirk to Riley .

“ Bring it on .”