“Wow, I guess you have a seriously interesting life. But if your clan is off “spreading life”, then why aren’t you there helping them?”
“That’s the problem. Since I came to Earth to get you guys, there has been a recent discovery of another group trying to stop us from keeping the peace. The Raggles! They are the most vicious species in all of the galaxies. We’ve been at war with them for the past 78 years.” When he said that, the first thing that came to my mind was the comic book my parents had read to me so I could get use to America’s “heroes”. There was one hero, he had a ring and glowed green and there were a bunch of them all over the universe. What was his name again? The Green Ring? The Glowing Lantern? Whatever it was, I’m calling this guy the Orange Lantern!
“So you came here to get us and risk your entire civilization, eh?” I asked.
“Of course. Besides, if you agree, then no clan will ever have to worry about extinction. If you agree” said Zenox. We all looked at each other, except for Warren who was still laying on the floor.
We all agreed, “Yes.” Now that made him smile for real.
“Great! Now, unfortunately, you really need to stay here for now. The bad news: Some people might miss you, but we really need you to get started helping us with this emergency. The good news: Since your parents know about the Riders, they won’t worry. Also, no more school and all of these things are yours” Zenox said gesturing to all the items around him. Wow, this is better than going off to college. We even have our own king-sized beds and all-you-can-eat pizza. Definitely, wouldn’t have had this in Canada.
The Fight of the Love Birds
Jeremy
My life has just gone into a world where there are no limits.
Unfortunately I am 10. People mistakenly believe my age affects me in a negative way, such as the time I was in gym and the teacher had me do two laps, instead of running for six minutes. “It’s less stress on your younger body.” That was how he put it. I was feeling bewildered about how my life has suddenly been transformed into a fantasy/adventure story. Warren was finally awake and was struggling to catch up. I tried, with no success, to give him all the information we just learned from Zenox. “Ahhhh!!!!!” was his response every time.
“Alright gang, it’s time to assign jobs and powers” barked Zenox.
I responded with, “Pardon the interruption, but will we take action against the troll who’s terrorizing our acquaintances and demolishing our school?”
“The troll? Oh, him. He’s my pet. I sent Boral to herd you here, but now that he’s done his job, he shouldn’t be there anymore” he replied.
“You have strange pets.” Warren announced.
Zenox had summoned everyone to his dwelling room. I must profess, I cannot comprehend why he provided us with king-sized beds and gave himself… well, nothing. Papers were scattered here and there. It was so disheveled that it resembled a junior high locker.
“You were saying something about powers. What powers?” Leah asked.
“Ah, yes. Powers such as speed, air, and others. Only unlocked by these motorcycles.” Zenox answered.
“Okay, dude, now you're getting somewhere.” Warren said. I’m assuming his attitude lifted when Zenox mentioned “motorcycles”.
Zenox grinned. “I thought you’d perk up at the sound of that. Now as I was saying, there are four motorcycles. Each bike has a special ability. The first is the red bike of strength. This rider will be the leader of the group,” There was immediate muttering of greed coming from Leah and Warren.
“Second is the blue bike of lightning. The rider shall have an increase of speed and the ability to use electricity. This one, no doubt, belongs to Jeremy.” Zenox said. I was in such shock, I could not speak. I turned pale. All eyes were targeted on me. I do not like being the center of attention, I consider myself quite bashful.
“Wait, seriously?! No offense Jeremy, but how do you know it for sure belongs to him? I mean, you didn’t say who the first bike is for!” I could tell Warren was losing his temper.
“Actually, it was quite simple. The lightning bike was meant for a brainiac, and we all know who that is.” Zenox said it with so much affirmation, no one could say otherwise.
Zenox shoots a stern glance at Warren, “Continuing on. The next one is the white bike of air. The rider will be able to bend wind to her will. This rider will be Melanie.” No one disagreed this time. Melanie had a look of pride on her face.
“And last but not least, the neon green bike of plasma. This rider's bike can bend and flex into an illuminated laser whip.” Zenox finished.
“Hold on a minute! What about Warren and me? We don’t have our motorcycles!” Leah complained.
“I know. Your bikes will be chosen tomorrow by how you act today. In the meantime, why don’t I tell you what you're up against?”
Up against? That was the item I had not yet taken the time to consider.
“Man or woman? Genius or dumb? Strong or weak? Ugh….. I have so many questions, it’s frustrating!” Melanie said.
Zenox paused and then replied, “Slow down my dear. Your enemy’s name is Ramahlya and she is the queen and unchallenged ruler of the Raggles. Man? Obviously not. Genius? Yes. Strong? Absolutely. She’s only trying to bring about the end of the galaxy by changing the rotation of Uranus.”
Zenox paused and looked at each of us, to make sure we understood the seriousness of the situation. “I’ll let you know when it’s time for you to move out. I’m not exactly sure when, but it will be sometime later this week. Remember, when you face Ramahlya, she’s more clever than you think. She’s the cunning leader of that vicious clan.” Zenox successfully answered all of Melanie’s questions.
“So she’s technically the most evil mastermind in the entire galaxy?” I asked.
Zenox smirked, “Basically, yeah.”
“Great! Now I’m definitely going to have happy thoughts.” Warren said sarcastically.
“Oh yeah, that reminds me. Leah and Warren, I need to speak with you in the morning. Separately” said Zenox.
“Happy thoughts.” Warren muttered.
Platforms, Good. Nausea, Bad
Warren
I was positive that this creepy orange guy was calling me out for an execution. It’s likely that whatever he wants this morning, won’t be the best thing. I looked over at Leah and she looks about as terrified as I feel. But the worst thing was that Melanie and Jeremy left us so quickly when Zenox showed up, you’d think they were running a race. Melanie scurried away whistling, I mean literally, full blown whistling. It’s like, who walks away whistling leaving your friend with an intergalactic Orange Lantern?! Come on! Leah and I slowly got up and followed Zenox to his room of death.
“Warren and Leah, I’ve come this morning to tell you that you don’t have to worry about which motorcycle you will receive. It’ll be decided during random times, and how you respond to random situations.” Zenox explained.
So it’s a test. I hate tests. Looking at him, I asked “So, are you trying to tell us that if a knife comes flying toward our head at light speed- I’m just saying if- if we stop it, we’ll be worthy of the “captain” bike?”
“That’s sort of what