January 1st, 2044. Williky Residence, West Flame City. 3:40 PM
"So, what's next?" I asked.
"For now, we need to keep our eyes open," said William. "Perhaps we may need to draw some attention to ourselves."
"But we must not over do things. Our actions may or may not draw out the enemy," added Arthur. "Bill, Daina, and Tanaka, I am going to be staying in Santa Pyre for a while. William and I can do some investigating on our own, but I want you three to focus mainly on school and work for now."
"That's not a bad idea," replied Tanaka. "If you two were to run into any trouble, you would probably be able to handle it as long as you look out for each other."
I gave a bummed out look, but I quickly quashed it. Arthur had a point. "I want to argue, but the thought of making my Mom and Dad worry and making myself become distracted enough to flunk school has crossed my mind."
"Bill, I'm glad you are so mature for your age," said Arthur with a smile. "And you have the discretion I told you about."
I smiled back at him. "It's like you said, we have to use our heads."
"Good, Bill," praised Tanaka. "Let's all always remain vigilant."
"Alright, if nothing else, then you are free to go. We are adjourned," said Julie.
"I'll stay and help you train some more, William-san," offered Tanaka.
"Oh, well, see you later, guys," I said.
"Have fun. See you in school, Tanaka! Bye, Julie!" said Daina as we went to the blast door.
"Bye!" replied Mrs. Williky.
Punjabe Residence, Brown Hills. 5:00 PM
At home, Daina and I showed our new suits to Mom, Dad and Ameera. We also decided to reveal most of what was talked about in our meeting.
"So let me get this straight," began Dad. "Santa Pyre is possibly in an unknown danger, and you have decided to form a gang in response?"
"Pretty much," I answered. "And 'gang' is such a negative word… It's more of a squad."
"What about school?" asked Mom.
"I never said anything about dropping school, Mom, Dad. Besides, there is something more important going on. Santa Pyre is in danger. Ameera and I won't be able to attend school and you two won't be able to work if we are consumed by evil."
"What!? Bill, what are you talking about?" asked Dad.
"It's complicated. Look, all I am asking is that you bear patience with us. Daina and I aren't even going to really be doing anything yet. Arthur said he and William were going to test the waters first. Daina, Tanaka-san and I will be primarily on standby, focusing on our normal duties for now."
Knowing what was coming, Daina joined me. "Together, we are the Plasma Force, defenders of justice!" we declared together as we did a special pose. It was so cool that my parents were left baffled. "I think we broke them," whispered Daina.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"You guys are funny," snickered Ameera.
"Okay, I see," said Dad finally. "But, can't the local authorities handle this... crisis... you speak of?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Punjabé," answered Daina. "You saw those poachers these people hired to fight with Mr. Sakamoto. They themselves probably have quite the firepower in stock, as well as other surprises. The police can't handle it, and Santa Pyre has no military. But with our powers, we, the Plasma Force, can protect this land."
"I'm sorry guys, but there is no other way. Since we don't have a clear idea as to what we are actually dealing with, we can at least promise not to be reckless."
At that, Dad sighed. "Do what you must, but please be careful."
"But dear..." started Mom.
"No, honey, it is alright. I too can sense the approaching calamity riding on the winds of change." That last statement surprised everyone. "Bill, Daina, you two survived and got your abilities for a reason. I can suppose that this is that reason. So, I will have faith in you two and your team."
I smiled upon hearing those words. "Dad, remember when you said that there were great things in my future?" He nodded. "This is far more than what you meant, right?"
He nodded again, but with a smile. "Yes, Bill. Good luck, my son. You two, Miss Daina."
Daina and I nodded in sync.
"So be it," said Mom. Ameera smiled.
January 2nd, 2044.
On Monday morning, the first day of the second semester, week one, I was donned in my white short sleeves and navy-blue trousers. My tie was neat and my badge gleamed in the morning sunshine. Brown Hills was bathed in the early morning gold. It was a perfect way to start the day.
Except for one thing; Daina and I had no way of getting to school if Samantha was not going to pick us up. And we had not seen a sign of her. As a matter of fact, I had not seen a sign of her or Sammy for quite a while leading up to today. It was really strange. Now, I did not believe that I would be able to run all the way to Fire Flats while carrying Daina. But after several minutes of waiting for a sign, luck seemed to be on our side.
A Jeep stopped at our driveway. "Konichiwa, you two! Need a lift?" called Mr. Tanaka's voice as the window rolled down. Though we were shocked, Daina and I wasted no time. We could question him on the way. And that was what we did.
"Tanaka-san, what's going on?" I asked.
"Now that we are a group, I felt that we should travel together," he replied.
"Well thanks! My parents are too busy in the mornings to take us to school."
"And our old carpool might not be picking us up anymore," added Daina.
"Really? Well it's a good job I thought of this, or you guys would have been late or even absent for the first day of school!"
"Yikes! We've got 30 minutes left to make it on time!" I exclaimed, checking my new watch on my left arm. "Step on it, Tanaka!"
"Steppin'!" replied Tanaka, flooring it. The jeep accelerated with a roar. We arrived in Fire Flats with a minute to spare.
At school, even more surprises were waiting for us at the morning assembly.
"Good morning everyone, staff and students," greeted Mr. Florence. "Welcome back. I hope you all enjoyed your vacation. Before we proceed with our regular assembly, Miss Diego would like to make an announcement."
As Angelina came up to the podium to take the microphone from Mr. Florence, I took notice of three things. One, both Samuel and Samantha were absent, curiously. Two, Angelina was not dressed for work, but in a rather drab and dark casual outfit. And third, there was a new man among ranks of the male teachers whom I did not recognize. Who is that guy? Has the school hired a new teacher? I thought.
"Good morning, students of Fire Flats High. It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the termination of my tenure here. It has been my genuine pleasure working with you all." Everyone gasped, including me. "Just joking! But in all seriousness, I am taking a break this term. In my place, you shall be served by my handsome brother!" She looked at and extended a hand to the new guy, and I almost had a mind crash. "Come on up here and say few words."
"Good morning, students of Fire Flats High. I am Santiago Aguanandez Diego, but you may call me Mr. Water. I am a history teacher and I will be with you as a temporary coal to this great furnace known as Fire Flats! Let us enjoy our time together, however long, however short. I thank you." As I eyed him, I told myself that he was not his sister and that I should give him a chance before I judge him. My beef with Angelina had nothing to do with him, so there would be no need to raise any fuss.
"Bill, I'd be careful with this guy," whispered Daina's voice suddenly, shocking me. "I don't know why, but this guy gives me a bad vibe. I've never met nor heard of him before, and yet I can't seem to shake some feeling of suspicion."
"I hear you, Sister Daina. Let's just try our best to be natural and not instigate war or anything."
"Understood." Daina moved away.
After the assembly, I proceeded with my day as normal. A short homeroom with Daina, a smooth operation. First period was an uneventful English with Daisy Hollis. Second period was a not too boring Math with James Crook. The third was a sweaty Physical Ed on the field with Carolyn Thomas. Well, I did not sweat. We were doing various races such as hundred meter dashes and team relays. Excess body heat was regularly converted back into Plasma Energy, and these drills were nothing compared to Arthur's training. Carolyn even challenged me to race that went on until one of us got too tired to continue. I won with Miss Carolyn giving up after two laps around the field covering a distance of two kilometers. I ran an extra five hundred meters into the third lap before pretending to be tired in order to minimize all surprise.
At break time, Daina, Lauren, Joe, Tanaka and I sat at our usual table. As expected, Samuel was conspicuously absent. "Bill-san, where is your other tomodachi?" asked Tanaka.
"Boku wa to-mo-da-chi? My friend? Oh, you must mean Sammy. I really have no clue. I have not seen either him or his sister for the day."
"Huh? Well, I heard that both him and his elder sister are absent, so I thought you would know something," replied Tanaka quietly.
"Really!? Samantha too? That sounds really odd..." said Daina.
I looked down at my food. Something's just not right. I can smell it.
We ate in silence for ten minutes. Then Lauren asked, "Hey, Bill, when did you get so athletic?"
"Huh!?"
"You were amazing on the field today," she added.
"Well, after Daina and I were released from the hospital, we have been working hard to become and keep fit, especially over the midterm break of last term and the holidays before this term." I flexed my 'guns', showing my impressive-for-my-age muscles.
"Huh. That's interesting."
After lunch, I followed Tanaka along with Joe and Lauren to the Computer Lab for our fourth period. Our lesson was creating databases with Microsoft Access. This inspired me to form my own on my laptop when I would return home.
Moving on, fifth period was a boring Social Studies. Lucas Brown was a boring man. He never smiled and spoke almost emotionlessly, like a robot. I hope his brother was better, because I wanted to learn geography one day.
Finally, sixth period was here. Darn, it was History! On the bright side, I would get to see Mr. Water in action. Dear me, I honest to goodness begged that he would be different. I could not allow my grade to drop; it was already in the range of 65 and 70 because of last term.
"Good evening, class," greeted Mr. Diego as he entered. Like his sister he was quite good looking. Glancing around, I could see hearts in the eyes of the girls.
"Good evening, Mr. Water," I greeted back along with the others. With a smile, he proceeded to have us do introductions.
I stood up when it was my turn. "Hi, I'm Bill Punjabé. I am 13 years old, from Brown Hills and I love ducks, water, fishes and boats. I don't care too much for History." With that, I sat down and awaited his reaction.
Instead of any sort of comeback I was expecting, he calmly replied, "Ah, so you are the one. Alright young man, have it your way. Next student please." To say I was shocked at his near casual dismissal of me would have been an understatement. He did it without even a shred of conceit. No hidden malice, no anything.
When we were done, he proceeded to have a regularly planned lesson. Whether it was an act or it was real, I did not care after a while. The guy was too pure. Any preconception of him or reason I may have had to hate him was soon dissolved by his cheerful demeanor and mentoring attitude. He was a simple man who loved what he was doing. This guy is nothing like Miss Diego. But somehow, I feel that I shouldn't let my guard down all the same.
As the school buzzer rang, signifying the end of class, school, and our misery, he turned to us and smiled warmly. "Alright class, that's a wrap. No homework today in honor of today being day one. However, I want to leave these words with you. As boring as history appears to be, there is real gold to be found if you keep an open mind. Within our land is a white triangle pointing to the south. Somewhere above the base of this triangle, X marks the spot... but only against a green peak!"
What the heck? What does that all even mean!? I thought. I noticed as he shot a quick glance my way. I could have sworn he had winked. What is even going on anymore?
"Alright, get outta here! Enjoy your evening!" No one moved as he stepped out of the classroom. They too were shocked by the vagueness of his words. But after a few seconds, everyone at once remembered that they had a home and a warm lunch to return to. I still pondered the saying as I climbed into the Jeep; as Mr. Tanaka drove us to Brown Hills; as Daina and I waved Tanaka off before entering the house.
"Wow, what a day," I remarked. "I'm beat." Daina went straight to the kitchen after resting her bag down on the table. I went after her. "Here, I'll help with lunch."
"That won't be necessary, Brother Bill. You should get changed. I will be fine by myself."
"Okay." I backed off and went to my room. I have a feeling that it's going to be a really short term. Anything can happen. I changed my clothes, had a shower and then returned downstairs to try again. "Daina, I'm all... Whoa." Daina was already far along with the cooking. "Wow."
"Well? Don't just stand there! Come on!" she demanded.
"You got it!" And I went on to help her. By the time everything was ready, Dad and Ameera were home.
After lunch, I went out of the house and walked two streets over to the lane whereupon sat the Fuller residence. I went to the front door and knocked. No one answered within a few minutes of waiting so I tried again. Same result.
"Wait, why is there no one home?" I decided to use Sensory Amplification and listened. "There's not a sign of life here. Where did everyone go?" Finally giving up, I returned home. How mysterious.