The Powerholders

Chapter 13:

In the backyard of Malcum's house, an old tree grows in the far back of the 20 square feet of grass and a few bushes can be seen dotted around the place. Malcum stands in the centre of the backyard and lifts his hands up in front of him. He is wearing a plain white shirt and denim pants. He makes a circular movement with his hands as blue energy traces behind his hands creating somewhat of a cold breeze around him. He suddenly plunges both hands forward and the energy move forward frantically, but then at about two feet dissipates. Malcum stands there with a disappointed look on his face.

"I thought this was going to be easier than this. This makes it attempt number 32. Still no progress."

Malcum makes a fist with his left hand.

"So, I can copy a person's power permanently and also use it with other people's powers. But it is super hard to do or even attempt at this point. What am I even doing wrong? Maybe it has to do with my state of mind? Let's try it."

Malcum takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, then when his mind is clear checks his pulse, then he shakes his body a bit.

"Everything is fine and calm now, so let's try this again.".

He repeats his earlier motions, fails again but has gained around another foot in distance.

"Well, it helped a bit I geuss. Maybe posture has something to do with it."

He repositions his body in many ways and sees no clear difference in the power.

"Nope, maybe chants? No, he never used it and I have not seen it as a requirement to use a power, though people like doing it anyway. Hmmm, maybe I should re-enact the situation I was in, but from his side."

Malcum corrects his posture to fit that of Claudia's father and then slightly tilts his head forward, just like he did when he took Malcum to that ice prison.

"Now how did he feel? What did he want to achieve? Anger? Caution? Provoked? Did he want to test me? Get rid of me? Or prove a point?"

As Malcum lingers on these words, he realises that somewhere in this time the ice power responded, but the exact moment was unclear.

"Hmm, so intention and emotion activate and fuels powers. Interesting. I'll have to practice more."

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Malcum walks into the kitchen to find that Claudia after doing the dishes, had passed out sitting at the table, while laying her head on their arms. Malcum simply smiles at the sight.

"I might just get used to seeing this."

He reaches out to touch her, but then retracts his hand at the last second.

"Best not to disturb her."

Malcum walks around the table until he reaches her, where he takes a coat that was hanging over a chair and puts it over her shoulders.

"May your dreams be sweet and full of happiness. May your consciousness travel to distant lands with berry trees and great fields. May you find a warm sun to greet you and a gentle breeze to calm you. May you have peace there, away from the world outside."

By the end of Malcum's words, a faint white glow appears around his eyes for a second before disappearing. Malcum then returns to his room to read more on the Powerholders and the people he met recently.

Unbeknownst to him in the kitchen, a certain Claudia who was listening to his words is drifting into a faraway dreamland. She is not sure how or when she got there but she was at peace and enjoying it.

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Later Malcum and Claudia is sitting at the table again and this time they are both reading a book.

"So, when are you going home Claudia?"

"Later, but not now."

"Oh, ok. No problem."

There is a knocking at the door. Claudia practically leaps off her chair to answer the door. Once there a conversation can be heard between her and a man before a few men with boxes come walking into the house and placing the boxes in the living room. Malcum takes one long good look at the situation before looking back at his book with a 'I know what this means' look on his face. Claudia then thanks the men and sees them out. After they leave, she then walks over to Malcum and sits back in her chair.

"So, we going to talk about this or is it just something I should know?"

"The second part."

"I see. In which room are you supposed to be sleeping?"

"Yours naturally."

"Yes, naturally."

Malcum looks up from his book and gains a sarcastic smile on his face, which is matched by the smiling face of Claudia.

"So, where am I going to be sleeping?"

"Your room, where else?"

"Hmmm, I see."

"I am glad you see it my way."

"Like HELL I am sharing my bed and room with you! Take my bed, I will sleep in a different room or on the couch."

"Like HELL you do. This is your house; I will not make you sleep anywhere else but your bed."

"Then why will you share my bed?"

"Who said anything about sharing a bed? I brought my own."

"Ok, but still the same room?"

"Security measures. And who knows, maybe I want to sleep there."

"What was that last part?"

"Nothing, just get over it already."

"Fine. But please don't blame any accidents on me."

"Like what?"

"Like you are stripping in the night because it is warm and then getting angry at me in the morning."

"Oddly specific but fine. As you wish."

Claudia continues to read her book but conceals her disappointed face.

Idiot, now how am I supposed to create a situation for you to take interest, huh? Stupid i***t.

"Well fine then it is settled. Now what do we do from here?"

"Oh, there are people looking for you and I know where the gargoyles came from. Which would you like first?"

"Hmmmm..."

Malcum puts down his book and crosses his fingers.

"Tell me about the people first."

"Ok, they are the Powerholders and some government officials..."

"Figured, what can I do about it?"

"Get stronger, that's about it. With strength comes fame, with fame comes support, with support comes a defence against them."

"Ok, then tell me more about those gargoyles."

"Gladly."