Benjamin Dragon - Awakening (The Chronicles of Benjamin Dragon) (10 page)

Chapter 24
: Hero

The Sioux boy woke up halfway back to camp. Except for being half scared to death, he was fine. He thanked Benjamin and Nathan and asked that they not tell anyone about what happened. The last thing he wanted was to be bullied more by the Mohawk boys.

Benjamin knew how he felt. He’d been through it before. Sometimes when you told on a bully (or even worse, your parents did), the harassment got worse. They would keep the secret.

They looked like drowned rats when they got back to their cabin. Everyone was gone.

“I guess we better go tell them it was a false alarm,” Nathan suggested.

“Do you mind going alone? I’m gonna get changed.”

“But…” Instead of finishing, Nathan looked at his friend and nodded. “I’ll bring you some food back, if there’s any left.”

“Okay.”

Nathan walked back out into the driving rain. Benjamin waited two minutes then left through the cabin door. He had to talk to Wally.

+++

He somehow found his way in the dark. Benjamin knocked on the door. There was loud movement from inside. Latches scraped and the door opened, flooding firelight through the entryway.

Wally looked down in surprise at the soaked and shivering young man.

“Benjamin? Are you okay?”

Unable to find the words, Benjamin just smiled wide, tears of joy mixing with the rain running off his hair. Wally’s look turned from worry to confusion when he noticed Benjamin’s grinning expression.

“Come in here, you crazy boy.”

Benjamin stepped into the welcome warmth of the cozy cabin. He stood on the doormat as Wally went to fetch a towel.

+++

Now sitting comfortably in front of the blazing fire, sipping on a welcome mug of Wally’s hot cocoa, Benjamin relayed the story of the falling tree. He explained it matter-of-factly as if he’d just been a bystander instead of the one in the thick of it.

Wally whistled over his steaming mug. “Sounds like you’ve gotten a bit of a knack for it.”

“I don’t think so. Out there I could do it, but just a second ago I tried to move that log by the fireplace and nothing happened.”

Wally chuckled as if remembering a private joke. He stared into the fire contentedly.

“What?” asked Benjamin.

Wally almost dropped his mug in surprise. “What? Oh, sorry. I was just remembering back to when I first found out about my healing gift. Felt a lot like you do right now. Scared, excited, confused. Sound familiar?”

Benjamin nodded, eager to hear the story.

“Well, we all tend to get our talents around the age of ten.”

“When did you find out?”

“I lived on a farm with my parents and my little brother. On the morning of my tenth birthday, my dad woke me up before the sun came up. He told me to keep quiet. I snuck out of the house with him and followed him out to the barn. Waiting for me was the most beautiful chestnut mare I’d ever seen. My dad said it was my first birthday present as a man. You see, by that time I was already taller than most kids in high school. Plus, on the farm everyone chipped in. By the time you turned ten you were considered a man. My dad even let me drive his old pickup around to do errands on the farm.

“Anyway, I gave my dad a big hug and he helped me saddle her up. I remember him telling me that I couldn’t name her until I’d ridden her, that way I’d know her spirit and give her a proper naming. The sun was just coming over the horizon as we pranced out of the barn and into the daylight. I’d ridden plenty of horses before so I knew what I was doing. I took my time at first, not wanting to get her tripped up on paths she didn’t know yet. It didn’t take us long to fall into a rhythm. We walked, then trotted, then cantered and then galloped at full speed. I was in love. I whispered her name into her ear and she whinnied: Daylight.

“After a good run around, I pointed her back toward the house. I was getting hungry and wanted to get her all cleaned up before I had to start my chores. We were walking along a little creek that ran the border of our farm. All of a sudden, Daylight reared back on her hind legs. There was a rattlesnake in the middle of the path soaking in the sunlight. It was early for rattlers, or I would’ve been more careful. Well, Daylight spooked and threw me off. I landed hard and watched, like it was in slow motion, as she reared back again and one of her back hooves stepped into a hole. I barely rolled out of the way or she would’ve landed right on top of me. Instead, she flopped into the creek with a crash.

“When Daylight fell back, I heard a loud pop. She snapped her leg bone clean in two. Now I don’t know if you know this, but most times when that happens to a horse you have to put them down. Do you know what that means?”

Benjamin nodded. It meant that someone had to kill the animal so it wouldn’t be in really, really bad pain.

“I knew what it meant as soon as I heard the break. My heart almost burst as she started screaming. Staggering to the creek, I watched her thrash and cry. Her leg was bent backward, obviously broken. That’s when it happened.”

Wally stared into the fire, willing the memory to come. He smiled at the thought.

“My heart swelled and I could’ve sworn that I felt what I can only describe as a warm breeze blow off of me and toward Daylight. What I saw next I’d only heard about in church on Sundays. Her screaming stopped and a peaceful look came to her eyes. I thought she’d died. Hot tears ran down my face. Then I noticed she was still breathing. I looked back at her broken leg and watched as it adjusted into how it’d been before the fall. The wound mended together as I stood there. It was like I’d willed it to happen.”

Wally sipped his drink.

“What happened next?” prodded Benjamin, his eyes sparkling in amazement.

“Well, Daylight got up and walked over to me. She nuzzled into my chest. I didn’t know it then, but animals have this sixth sense about healing. They know when I’ve helped them. It’s how I can have these mean ol’ bears hangin’ around.

“What about your parents? Did you tell them?”

“Are you kidding? I was too scared to tell them. I thought my mom would take that beautiful horse away. Didn’t want to get in trouble.”

“I know the feeling,” said Benjamin.

“Yeah. I think you destructors have it worse than us healers. At least my gift can only be used for good. That’s why Kennedy tries so hard to find any new destructors before they can hurt anyone. I can’t imagine the fright you got when yours first came out. Speakin’ of fright, I think it’s about time you got back. Should be lights out soon down at the camp. Don’t want them sending a search party out for you.”

Benjamin groaned. He’d like nothing more than to sit in front of the fire and hear more of Wally’s stories. The sturdy cabin felt like home.

+++

Benjamin somehow returned just as the other campers were streaming into the Tomahawk cabin. The only one not smiling was Nathan. He glared at Benjamin when he walked in, once again soaked to the bone.

“Where were you?” hissed Nathan.

Benjamin motioned over to their bunks. He wanted to talk where no one else could hear. The rest of the Tomahawks were probably too engaged in tearing off their water-logged clothing to care, but Benjamin didn’t want to take any chances.

“Where did you go? I got everyone calmed down at the chow hall and then I come back and you’re gone. You had another five minutes and then I was gonna tell Tony that you were gone.”

Benjamin hadn’t thought that Nathan would be so concerned.

“I’m sorry. I just went for a walk.”

“Out in that?!”

“Shhh.”

“Are you crazy? We almost get squashed by a tree and you want to go back out in the rain? What if something had happened?” Nathan was breathing hard as he spoke.

“I already told you I was sorry. What are you my mom now?” Benjamin smiled.

The smile caught Nathan off-guard. He made to blurt out another angry comment and stopped. A laugh burst out of his mouth. Nathan clamped a hand over his mouth.

“You’re right. I was just worried. I know you’re like all powerful…”

“Shhh…”

“Right. Sorry. I mean. Never mind. Let’s get ready for bed. I’m pooped.”

Benjamin was glad his friend had calmed. He never liked people to be upset, especially if it was his fault. The walk to Wally’s probably hadn’t been the smartest decision, but at the time he’d wanted to be with his own kind, someone who knew what he was going through. It was all so confusing.

With all the excitement of the night coursing through his body, Benjamin knew he’d never fall asleep. He changed into dry set of boxer briefs and shorts, joined the others to brush their teeth at the door with a canteen of water, then hopped into his bed. Much to his surprise, he fell asleep before the lights were off.

Chapter 25: Lingering Threats

The next morning, the campers walked outside to see what kind of devastation the storm had left behind. To everyone’s relief the sun climbed into a clear blue sky. There were branches and debris all over camp. Other than a couple lifeguard umbrellas getting blown into the lake, the camp came away relatively unscathed.

Campers weren’t happy about having to help with the cleanup effort. Kids moaned and groaned as they helped counselors and camp staff haul the fallen branches to the large fire pit. They’d use the wreckage for future camp fires once the wood dried out.

After the cleanup, things went back to normal. All were happy to be back in their chosen activities. For Benjamin, the return to reality wasn’t as exciting. He’d just saved a boy’s life and he couldn’t talk to anyone about it. It felt like a volcano trying to bubble its way out of his chest. He had a hard time concentrating on what his instructors said and one time completely missed his Wilderness Discovery teacher asking him a question. Laughter from the other campers snapped him from his daydreaming.

At lunch Emily sat with the Tomahawk boys. Benjamin envied the way she could move so easily between her different groups of friends. Everyone seemed to like Emily and knew her by name. He was happy to claim her as a friend.

After they ate, he strolled with Emily toward their canoeing class. She’s become quieter than usual. The conversation almost sounded forced. Benjamin cringed inwardly. His mind swirled with possibilities. The most important being: Was she going to stop being his friend?

Emily took a deep breath and said, “Benjamin?”

“Yeah?”

“I just wanted…I don’t know how to say this.” She had her eyes locked on the path, avoiding eye contact.

Benjamin’s stomach dropped like a rock in a deep pool. It had happened before. He’d made one friend at an old school and then the boy had told him that he couldn’t be friends anymore. He’d made up some excuse about not having time because of homework or something. Benjamin knew it was a lie. He’d heard the whispers in the halls. The boy was getting teased for being his friend. That’s why he couldn’t be Benjamin’s friend.

Benjamin took a steadying breath. Before the tree incident, he might have looked at things differently. He might have felt like crying. Now he just felt sad.

“It’s okay, Emily. I understand.”

“Huh?”

“I know that you can’t be my friend. It’s…”

“Wait. What?” She stopped walking. “What are you talking about, Benjamin?”

“I just…I know that the other kids are probably making fun of you for hanging out with me, and…you don’t deserve that. It’s okay.” He tried to put the most understanding looking face on that he could. It looked more like he had to pee in his pants.

Emily started laughing. Benjamin didn’t know what to say. First she was going to stop being his friend and now she was laughing at him? It was more than his fragile heart could take. He started walking away, his head hanging.

Still laughing, Emily grabbed him by the arm. He shook it off angrily.

“Benjamin, wait.”

“What do you want?”

“You thought I was going to stop being friends with you?” she said quietly.

Benjamin didn’t say anything. He stared at his feet instead.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” said Emily. “But no, I wasn’t going to say that.”

Benjamin’s head snapped up.

“What?”

“I was going to tell you…I mean I…I wanted to say thank you for…for saving my life.”

Benjamin blushed and averted his eyes.

“Well…I didn’t really save your life. Err…the car swerved and missed you.”

“I know, but I wasn’t paying attention and I think the car swerved because you were running toward me.”

They stood quietly, each avoiding the other’s look. Thankfully Emily changed the subject.

“I guess we should be getting to canoeing, huh?”

Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yeah, uh, let’s go before they stick us with that fat canoe.”

Emily giggled. It was a glorious sound to Benjamin and he soaked it up as they once again went on their way.

+++

The campers in the canoeing class had a splash battle that day. They were given small buckets and the instructor let them use their paddles. In order to win, teams had to keep their canoe upright (using the buckets to throw water could be effective, but only if you didn’t tip your canoe in the process) and keep water out of your canoe. Emily told Benjamin that the winner was usually the canoe that didn’t flip.

After close to twenty minutes of paddling, splashing, hollering and laughing, Benjamin and Emily’s canoe was the last one of ten standing, or at least floating upright. Their prize was not having to help clean up the canoes and gear for the rest of the week, and bragging rights, of course.

“That was amazing!” said Emily as they walked away from the lake. They had a thirty minute break until their next classes. “You were awesome steering us around the other canoes.”

Benjamin blushed for what felt like the millionth time. Do you ever stop blushing around pretty girls when they compliment you?

“You were the one that kept splashing everyone with the bucket. How did you stay up so easily? Everyone else kept falling or tipping.”

Emily shrugged nonchalantly. “Must be the gymnastics my mom made me take when I was little. Hey, wanna go over to the store? I’d kill for a soda right now.”

Benjamin agreed. They chatted happily as they walked.

When they arrived at the camp store, an unfortunate scene greeted Benjamin. The five Mohawk boys they’d chased into the woods were leaning against the wall.

Emily saw Benjamin’s face tighten.

“What?” she asked.

“I don’t feel like going in anymore.”

Emily looked up at the store and saw the Mohawk boys.

“Have they been picking on you?”

“No,” said Benjamin, not quite convincingly.

“Look. I know the blond one. He’s the ring leader. His name is Manning. He almost got kicked out last year. You can stay out here if you want, but it would be really nice if you could come in with me.”

Her pleading look won him over. Benjamin assented. The pair walked up to the store. One of the boys noticed Benjamin and nudged Manning. The five Mohawks stopped talking and watched with narrowed eyes. Benjamin did his best to keep his eyes facing forward.

Inside Emily chose an orange soda and a candy bar. Benjamin opted for a pack of gum, a small bottle of grape juice, and a bag of Doritos. They paid by signing their chits and stepped out into the heat. The Mohawks were waiting.

“Hey, Emily,” sneered Manning, tossing his blond hair back.

“Hi, Manning,” said Emily without stopping.

“Why don’t you hang out with us? As long as you don’t bring your little friend.” The other Mohawks laughed.

Emily wheeled around to face the blond bully.

“I heard they kicked you out of riding again. Was it because you smell worse than the goats? You really should take a shower you know.” She smiled innocently and batted her eyes. Manning frowned and the vein on his forehead bulged.

“Never mind. Maybe you should go hang out with your boyfriend and the loser Tomahawks,” said Manning.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Emily and Dragon, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…” the rest of Mohawks sang along.

Emily turned around and took off at a fast walk. Benjamin followed.

“This ain’t over Dragon!” Manning called over the singing of his gang. Benjamin kept walking.

+++

“I hate him,” said Emily once out of sight of the Mohawks.

“How do you know him?”

“He was really nice when we first got to camp last year. Then for some reason he just started being mean. Promise me you’ll never do that, Benjamin.”

“Of course.” Benjamin almost laughed at the thought. Him, a bully? Then Old Kennedy’s words came back to him. As a destructor, could he go bad? He shivered at the thought.