Jadon the Sea Bound Ohnyx

By Jacob A Landis

Jadon is fifteen years old, full of adventure, trouble, and missing memories of his childhood. He doesn't remember anything before he started traveling around the world six years ago on the high tech, trade ship, Taryn. Argo, his guardian, insists he's just blocking out the past after his parents' death. Even so, he's quite sure that's not it. He doesn't even know how they died.

Suddenly, on a day in port, a bright light forms when Jadon evades a man. He can't explain it, but his friend, Abigail, sees it too. This makes him even more determined to look for clues about himself and his past. With the help of his young comrades, he learns he's supposed to be dead, and while the image of red toothed man swarms through his mind, he discovers pirates are scared of him.

Then, someone Jadon thought he would never see again, tells him he made a heart wrenching choice involving magical powers he possesses. Will he ever learn what that choice was? Or what those powers are?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacob A Landis
• Release date: Jan 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301483655

Jacob A Landis

Jacob Landis is a maintenance technician who lives in the state of Pennsylvania. He enjoys snowy days and writing complex stories for young adults.

Book preview

Jadon the Sea Bound Ohnyx

By

Jacob A. Landis

Copyright © 2013 by Jacob A. Landis

All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to Sigrid Macdonald for her editorial assistance.

Dedicated to all my friends and family who helped or encouraged me along the way. A special consideration to my mother, and also to my friend, Deborah H.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1 Sea Monsters & Stolen Gold

Chapter 2 Fireworks & Candles

Chapter 3 Scuffles

Chapter 4 Storms & Scars

Chapter 5 Spies & Clues

Chapter 6 Tragedy

Chapter 7 Anger

Chapter 8 Instinct

Chapter 9 Resurfaced Memories

Chapter 10 Love at First Sight

Chapter 11 Truth of Character

Chapter 12 Sounds & Rivals

Chapter 13 Micah's Gift

Chapter 14 Home

Chapter 15 The First Ohnyx

Chapter 16 Followed

Chapter 17 Safe Haven

Chapter 18 Secret Places & Bright Lights

Chapter 19 Villains & Overlooked Sighting

Chapter 20 Ethan's Secret

Chapter 21 Disastrous Dream

Chapter 22 Triumph

Chapter 23 Captured

Chapter 24 Cursed

Chapter 25 Promise Kept

Prologue

Torrents of rain and small waves pounded hundreds of wooden docks that lined the inner harbor of a large city. The hour was late, and clouds covered the two blue moons that normally lit up the night. Only when lightning streaked through the sky were two men, a child, and a baby all visible on dock number fourteen. A fierce wind blew the large ship anchored there against the wooden platform, creating a constant loud banging. It wasn't even a split second after the lightning that thunder sounded, causing the baby to cry.

You don't have to do this, Nathan! yelled the first man over the roaring wind and thunder. In the dark, one could barely make out his pointed ears through the shadows.

You know I do. They already think he's dead, Argo, said the second man. Pushing his soaked hair to the side, he looked down at the baby boy of only a few months.

I love you, Micah, he told the baby, and gently kissed him on his forehead. The baby stopped crying almost instantly. While glancing over toward the nine-year-old child, he whispered a small phrase of comfort to the baby. Don't you worry. Before long, Jadon will love you, too.

Looking up at Argo, Nathan detected a hint of resentment. I don't have a choice. My son saw the man's face. It's a miracle he survived in the first place. You've heard how many didn't.

Still, you should come with him, Argo responded.

I already told you, it's too risky. I need to lead them away from him. I can't let anything happen to him, he cried, as both rain and tears ran down his cheeks. Handing the baby over to Argo, he pulled the nine-year-old child closer to him.

Mmmm-mmm. The young lad's words were incomprehensible.

Nathan let out a sigh as lightning lit up the sky. He knew the boy wouldn't be able to say anything audible for a few days. In fact, he wouldn't even remember this very day at all. "I understand you won't remember this, Jadon, but I love you. I really, really love you, my son," he cried. Kissing the boy's forehead, he hugged him.

Mmmmm, murmured the boy again.

Nathan looked into his son's eyes, only to see confusion. He glanced at Argo.

I wish there were another way, but this is it. If he doesn't know who he is, then no one else will either.

Argo shook his head.

Besides, it's probably best if he doesn't remember what happened, Nathan yelled as thunder rumbled around them.

"Nathan, while what you have done protects him, it only puts off him knowing and coming to terms with what happened to his mom that night. He will find out," Argo shouted back.

You're not going to… Before Nathan could finish speaking, a huge wave crashed against the anchored ship, slamming the ship against the dock. The dock shook violently, threatening to give way. Nathan struggled to hold on to nine-year-old, while Argo did likewise with the baby, who began to cry again.

Catching his balance, Argo spoke. No, I won't tell him. I made you that promise, but one day, he will find out on his own. What you did doesn't change the type of person he is or will be. Remember, you never could keep a secret from him.

Nathan looked down at the older boy. I know, but maybe, just maybe, he'll accept what's happened, when the time comes.

What happens if, while he's out exploring the world with me, someone figures out who he really is? And of his power? You know what he's capable of, and we've already seen ohnyxs like him corrupted. He won't have that problem with you, Argo replied.

Jadon's not like that. You've already said I can't change who he is or will be. Now, enough. Shivering in the cold, wet rain, he stared at Argo as thunder sounded yet again. He was tired of talking.

Nathan…

I'm not changing my mind, Nathan said. You can protect him. That's why he's here.

Argo sighed. Nathan had saved his life once, and thus at the very least Argo owed him this.

I can try, Argo replied.

Now, when he asks about his mom, give him this. Nathan handed him a golden locket. And tell him she loved him very, very much.

What about you?

I love him, too. However, as far as he will know, I'm dead also. Nathan hugged his son, and kissed him one last time.

Once again, the lad responded with an mmmmm.

Take care of your brother, Nathan told him. He stood up and looked at both the nine-year-old child and the baby.

Goodbye, my sons. Goodbye, Argo. And with that, Nathan turned and raced into the darkness.

Chapter 1

Sea Monsters & Stolen Gold

~Six Years Later~

What is that dreadful noise? Rolling over in the top bunk, Jadon pushed his hair to the side. Directing his eyes upward, he saw that the small, round window had opened again. The wind blew it back and forth, making it hit the inside wall. He sighed. Not only had the wind opened the window, it had also let the rain in. He could feel the back of his gray, scraggly shorts soaked through.

Cursed window! he yelled, and slammed the window shut so hard it opened again. Grumbling, he pushed it shut lightly this time.

Gee, Jadon, called out a Britik accented voice from across the small room. Some of us are trying to sleep, you know.

Shut up, Ethan! he said to the younger, twelve-year-old boy. They were set to argue when the room shook violently.

Bloody sea monsters! I'm never going to get any sleep, complained the younger lad again.

That wasn't a sea monster, Jadon whispered, as he lay watching out the window. The air outside had appeared to liquify for just a second. It could only mean one thing: trouble.

What do you mean?

We're at war, he told him. Quickly, he jumped out of his top bunk.

Where are you going?

What's it look like? Above deck.

But…

If you see water, take Micah, and get out of here, Jadon ordered, referring to the six-year-old who slept soundly on the bottom bunk. He knew the little boy could literally sleep through anything after a long day. Hurrying across the tiny, swaying room, he grabbed his knife, which was practically a sword.

Staring through the darkness, he glared at Ethan. Oh, I suppose you could make sure the girls get out, too.

Whatever, the younger lad replied.

Leaving the cabin, Jadon slammed the door closed and expertly maneuvered himself through boxes of cargo. As he raced for the rear of the ship, a loud boom rang in his ears. He knew it wasn't thunder, and braced for impact against an inner wall. The already swaying ship rocked violently, but the shields held. He smiled to himself. Their ship was unique that way; it had a shield, better known as a force field. Still, he hurried because if the ship tipped over, the shield would become useless. It was merely designed to block weapon's fire, nothing more.

Scurrying up a pair of circular stairs, Jadon climbed four decks. Running down a short hallway, he came to a halt in front of the operations room. Having a large, octagon, front window, and numerous controls, it was the capital command room for the ship. As he quietly edged himself into the room, he listened to the commotion of voices.

The ship is rocking too much in this storm! I'm telling you, no one will be able to get a clear shot, said a young woman with blue eyes, and long, black hair wrapped up in a ponytail. She was a pretty young woman in a neat, well-kept, blue uniform, but she was also highly arrogant. Jadon knew this from much experience. She was the first officer, and how she advanced that far in rank, he was curious to know.

I'm holding her as steady, as I can, you know, but we have very high winds out there. The sarcastic remark came from a dark-haired, orange-eyed man dressed in a white jacket with black pants. Jadon knew the tired, middle-aged man as the captain.

I'm telling you, I can do it, piped up a man with graying black hair that matched his kind gray eyes. Having the pointed ears of the Adarm race, he was also dark-skinned, and known to him as Argo. He was the second officer, which was contrary to the appearance his torn-up blue uniform gave. Looking below the old man's heavily muscled arms, Jadon noted he held a transphasic rocket gun in his hands.

You go onto the deck, and you risk falling into the ocean. We need you! the first officer told Argo.

Dab nabbit, Claire, I'm not some weak little… Argo stopped speaking as Jadon stepped into the room.

I'll do it, he told the three of them. Once again the ship rocked, even more violently this time. The real question is, why aren't we flying a peace flag? he asked.

We are, said both Argo and the captain.

You aren't going anywhere but back to your cabin, Jadon! said the first officer. Much to his dismay, she grabbed his knife, as if to prove her point.

That's what you think! Jadon replied. Then, before anyone could stop him, he grabbed the gun from Argo, who wasn't prepared for the ambush. The gun slipped from his hands, and he raced out of the room with it.

Get back here! Claire yelled.

Not today, Claire! he shouted. Running like mad, he headed for the stairs.

Stop him! she shouted to a crewman just starting down the hallway. The man looked menacingly at him, but Jadon had other plans. Kicking an empty barrel that had been lying in the hallway with all his might, it landed in the crewman's arms. It was just large enough of a distraction for him to scoot by, untouched.

Taking the steps two at a time, Jadon halted once he reached the main deck, and pushed the outside doors open. Rain greeted him, along with a coal black sky. He knew the two blue moons would not be out to help him tonight. A flash of light, and a loud thunderous rumble, warned him of impending danger. Bracing himself against the doorway he held on as the energy beam made its impact with the shield. The ship shook violently again, but stabilized.

As Jadon waited, he strained to get a closer look at the dark, spinning disc that would soon be his target. He smirked. Its small, red, glowing engine made it visible as well as vulnerable. Moving out, he made his way across the slippery deck, first by crouching down, and then by crawling on his hands and knees. The rain quickly drenched him. Once halfway across the deck, he took to utilizing the rope guides that he had practically memorized from abundant use. I'm always made to help with the cargo, and now for once, it comes in handy!

Kicking his foot under one of the guides, and gripping onto another, Jadon had a much better hold on the deck than he would have had otherwise. His efforts paid off. He aimed the laser sight of the transphasic gun at the spinning disc's engine, and pulled the trigger. A rocket shot from the gun, and followed the target its sensors had locked onto. Making contact, the rocket exploded with immense power, completely destroying the flying disc.

What Jadon didn't expect was such a large shock wave that forced him to lose his grip from the rope guide. Making matters worse, his foot slipped out from under the other guide as the ship lurched, sending him sliding across the deck. The light from the explosion nearly blinded him, making it more difficult for him to see anything to grab onto.

Aghh! he cried, scrambling to find another hook. The heavily-weathered deck tore at his flesh, but much to his relief, his hand grabbed another hook just in time.

Once his muscles relaxed Jadon slowly made his way back to the stairs that led to the operations room.

Claire stood there with her arms crossed, alongside the captain and Argo. All three of them looked at him with a straight face, though Argo appeared to be the least upset with him.

Well, I did it, he told them, and handed the transphasic gun back to Argo.

You could have been killed! Claire said angrily. She raised a hand to slap him, though before she could the captain quickly pulled her hand away, and shook his head.

You know, lad, your mom would've killed me if she knew I let you do that, Argo informed him.

Let me? questioned Jadon, and stared him in the eye.

Take it as you will, but I think you'd better get some sleep now. Tomorrow, we'll tie down in Arkabella, and there's no telling what we will find, Argo said. Turning away, he walked toward his own cabin.

Jadon grimaced for a minute. First, tell me what that thing was.

An Atlantin drone, Claire answered. Now, isn't it time you got back to bed?

Jadon narrowed his eyes. And isn't it time you grew out of your dolls? he asked, referring to the extensive collection of dolls she kept in her quarters.

Claire growled, no doubt wondering how he knew about that.

Jadon just smiled and walked away, satisfied.

So, what happened up there? inquired Ethan, back in their cabin.

Nothing much, replied Jadon, as he changed into warm, dry clothes.

You're not going to tell me again?

What's to tell?

Silence followed. They had had this argument many times and Ethan never won.

Jumping up into his top bunk, Jadon set to sleep, for he knew the sun would be up in no time.

###

Argh! screeched Jadon the next morning.

What? questioned Ethan, whose short brown hair, orange eyes, and freckled face could be seen today. He wore a white shirt that differed from Jadon's green shirt, but his black shorts were almost identical. Ethan was just an inch and a half shorter than the older lad, which was painfully obvious to him.

I have to swab the deck again. Didn't I just do that the other day? Jadon asked. Glancing in a half-broken mirror on the wall, he frowned. It wasn't his green eyes, or red tinged blond hair that bothered him, but his child-like figure. I'm supposed to be fifteen years old! Yet no matter how many times he saw himself, he only looked about ten.

Well, actually, that was a week ago, Ethan answered from behind him.

Jadon narrowed his eyes. I still think Claire had something to do with it.

Ethan just rolled his eyes at him as he pulled an apron on. You always think that. Although, if you do get things to change, get me out of the kitchen. I really hate peeling potatoes.

Jadon? inquired a high-pitched voice from below both of them. Tiny, green eyes peered up at the two lads.

Yes, Micah? he asked the light-blond haired, six-year-old with a softly freckled nose. Micah was small for his age, but Jadon knew he could count on the little boy. He also knew they shared the most in common, even with their age difference. They were both orphans, and brothers, though the latter was kept secret. Ethan had his dad, his mom having died when he was young.

What do I have to do today? the youngster asked. Twisting his hands inside the oversized blue shirt he wore, Micah looked up at Jadon.

Well, it looks like you're to help, Ethan. Quickly, Jadon helped him comb his short hair, which was moderately shorter than his own.

Joy, Ethan said. Grabbing one of the little boy's hands, they started to walk away.

Turning around, Micah smiled back at Jadon, showing his two missing baby teeth. The youth returned the smile. A short time later, after finding a mop and bucket, he climbed to the main deck. Once there, he paused, looking out past the railing, and across the ocean. Today was very sunny, with a few clouds, a slight wind, and good visibility, much the opposite of last night, he noted. Sighing, he started his cleaning routine.

After a few minutes, he sensed someone watching him.

Morning, Abigail, he told the long, brown-haired girl of fourteen, behind him. Four little, white, pointed horns on the center of her forehead barely stuck out half an inch, but gave evidence to her Vagmar ancestry, and added to her otherwise soft complexion. Much to Jadon's dismay, though, their heights matched. However, as each day passed, he found himself getting over it. Today, he took notice of the plain, blue dress she wore, and how it matched her bright, blue eyes.

Morning, Jadon, she replied.

So, why is it that you get up when we do, when you're allowed to sleep an extra hour? he questioned her.

Because I want to.

Because you like watching me work?

No, she giggled at him.

Well, that is what you do every day.

No, it just seems that way because you always spot me on my way past you.

Right, or maybe, you're just in love with me, Jadon said, and shook his head.

You wish, she replied, and started to walk away.

Abby, wait up! came another voice Jadon recognized. It was Abigail's younger sister, Shawnya. Their mom and dad had been serving on board the ship for the past two years. Shawnya's hair was brown just as her sister's, but cut slightly shorter and wrapped up into a ponytail. Her eyes were a deep violet, and her height was also shorter, to match her twelve years of age, but no one could mistake the resemblance. Three little, white, pointed horns rose out from the center of her forehead.

What are you two talking about? she asked as she straightened the wrinkles from her worn green dress.

How lazy you girls are, and how you like to watch me do all the work, Jadon told her.

Not me! Shawnya cried out. Only Abby likes to do that.

Abigail blushed, and pushed her sister along.

He smirked.

We'll see you later, Abigail said, and hurried down the hallway, pushing her little sister along despite her protest to stop.

Jadon watched them head toward the mess hall before going back to his job of swabbing the deck. He was surprised at how dirty the deck got each week, even after the recent storm. A short time later, he had finished, just as the breakfast bell rang.

Normally, Jadon would run to the mess hall, but today he had other plans. After all, they were soon going to be in port for three days. Entering the stern of the ship, he smiled. Built taller than the rest of the ship, it housed the operations room, several offices, and the captain's quarters on the second level. The first level where he stood housed several of the officers' quarters. Slipping quietly into the hallway, he stopped at the first room, and placed his ear against the door. He knew she was most likely getting her morning meal. Quiet as a mouse, he slipped a hair pin in the flimsy lock, and unlocked it with some expertise.

Jadon slowly pushed the door open. All the doors on the ship seemed to creak if they were opened too fast; this he knew well. The cabin wasn't much bigger than his, but had a bigger window, and only slept one person, Claire. Shelves filled with dolls took up an entire wall; they were of all sorts, each with unique styles. Still, he found them as creepy as ever with their fake eyes, though some more real-looking than others. A chest which held her clothes, and a small, single bed filled the room. Not much else populated the room, except a picture on the wall of her with an older man the youth didn't recognize.

Taking a deep breath, Jadon listened closely to any and all sounds; after all, he didn't want to be caught in here. A thought sprung into his mind. What would my mom think? He shook it aside. He didn't care. After all, she was dead. The thought quickly came back; it was a lie, and he knew it. He did care, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember her, or even his childhood, for that matter. It was as if he had forgotten, and it had altogether vanished from his mind.

Still, Jadon didn't understand how that could have happened. How could I forget my own parents? he asked himself, causing his eyes to gloss over. Argo had told him long ago that he was just blocking his memories out because of his parents' death, but he knew that wasn't it. He wasn't depressed. As a matter of fact, he didn't even know how they had died. Yet, he still couldn't remember even bits and pieces of his childhood. His earliest memory was from the trade ship he was now aboard. The whole ordeal angered him more than Claire ever could. Why can't I remember anything! Jadon's mind screamed. His anger boiled over, and he punched the wall directly in front of him.

It was then that he suddenly remembered where he was, in Claire's cabin. He took another deep breath, and closed his eyes. This cleared his mind, and consequently made him focus on the task at hand.

Claire's cabin was notably familiar as Jadon had already been in her cabin before. Therefore, he found what he was looking for rather quickly. Under a small doll on the second shelf was a box. Opening the box he found two sacks of gold coins. He took the fuller one, and then carefully replaced the box, and the doll back on the shelf. He shoved the bag of gold coins deep into a pocket in his shorts. Glancing around the room one last time, he didn't spot the knife Claire had taken.

Growling slightly to himself, he made his exit just as fast as his entrance, making sure to relock the door. Running back down the decks, he went down to the mess hall. Grabbing a tray, Jadon ran over to where Ethan was serving food, with Micah at his side.

Pancakes and orange juice only, Ethan. No one likes fried potatoes with this meal, he told him.

Hey, I didn't make up the menu, the younger lad said defensively.

I know. Just tell your friend, the cook, one of these days.

You know I can't do that unless I want to be skinned alive.

Yeah, yeah, Jadon mumbled. He then walked over to the table where Abigail and Shawnya sat.

Hi, Jadon. What are you going to do today? Shawnya asked cheerfully.

Go exploring on the mainland. Maybe some shopping as soon as we make landfall, he told them. Digging into his pancakes with a fork, he stuffed an absurd amount into his mouth.

Shopping? questioned Abigail. She attempted to ignore his table manners. I thought you hated shopping.

Well, maybe I changed my mind, and maybe if you're nice, I'll buy you something, Jadon told her. Immediately, he could see her surprise for he had not allowed her to come along with him before.

Really? Abigail asked.

Yes, he answered. Really.

Fine, I'll come with you.

Jadon narrowed his eyes. You'd better be able to keep up.

Oh, I'll be fine, she promised.

Very well.

Jadon? inquired Shawnya.

What? he asked, still chewing his pancakes.

Walking over to him, Shawnya whispered a request into his ear.

Chuckling, he nodded. I'll see what I can do.

Almost as soon as Jadon finished his pancakes, each of them felt the ship bump against the docks. Running outside, he headed up one deck followed by Abigail, who left her unfinished meal behind.

###

Shawnya rolled her eyes, knowing that she would have to clean up after her sister, and explain to their parents that she had gone off with the reckless hooligan, as she called Jadon. Sighing, she was sure she'd never know why her sister liked him.

###

Meanwhile, above deck, men were busy tying the ship to the piers. Abigail watched as Jadon didn't wait for a ramp to the dock. He made the three-foot jump to the dock easily. She followed, making the jump across, but her landing was not as smooth as his. She tried to regain her balance, but found it to be a losing battle as she started to fall toward the water.

Jadon! she screamed as the murky water loomed closer and closer.

Chapter 2

Fireworks & Candles

Jadon caught her the instant she yelled, grabbing her arm in the nick of time.

I hope I don't have to do this the whole time we're together, he said, and headed toward the edge of the town. The scene at the docks was pure chaos. It wasn't often that a ship from the west made it in to dock. Buyers and sellers rushed for the best deals.

Glancing over his shoulder to make sure Abigail was still with him, he caught sight of their ship. It was an older Jafarian trade ship, and as such, it resembled a caravel. This meant the stern which housed the operations room was the tallest part of the ship, at two decks in height. The center was then the lowest point of the ship, while the deck near the bow was raised. Two levels of round windows known as portholes dotted the wooden-looking hull that mimicked older ships. However, he had learned long ago that the hull was really a special type of metal welded together in such a way that made it look wooden.

To Jadon, the ship was big and strong, having easily withstood the ocean many times in the past. Gold letters reading Taryn stood out from the white-striped, navy blue paint job. Gazing up slightly, he saw how three giant wood beams rose toward the sky from within the center of the ship. Known as the mast, they carried the sails, at least when they used them. The ship was a hybrid, and could use either sails or its engines. Today, though, both the engines were off, and the sails were folded up, for they would be staying in port at least three days.

Even before they made it off the dock, they bumped into Teacher, who was helping to tie the ship to the pier. Be back soon. I plan to have a lesson for you young ones today, he told them both. Don't be late, he warned, looking straight at Jadon.

He laughed, and quickened his pace. Reaching the end of the dock, his boots met up with the sandy streets. He continued toward the tan, stucco buildings that largely made up the desert town. A fairly busy place, people seemed to purposely get in his way.

Would you wait up? These shops aren't going anywhere! Abigail tried to tell Jadon. It was no use, though. He rushed ahead anyway, rudely squeezing between people as he made his way through. Just then, the sound of a tiny bell rang out ahead of them.

…Money for the orphan children! Please share your extra parzacs! A lady wearing a tattered dress yelled out to the crowd. Jadon stopped, and pulled out the small bag he had taken from Claire's cabin. Abigail stopped beside him as he handed the lady two gold coins. The lady was almost speechless.

Are… are these gold? she stuttered.

Yes. Use them wisely, Jadon said, and walked off quietly.

Finally catching up, Abigail told him what she thought of his actions. That was kind of you.

You're welcome, he replied.

No, really, it was.

The sun beat down on the small town, and they heard voices everywhere. Jadon halted for a moment, looking around. Singling out one voice, he ran it through his mind.

Get your maps of Arkabella! Only two parzacs! yelled the female voice. He looked over, and scanned the area around and behind the woman's stand. Smiling, he walked away, until he came to a small alleyway.

Where are you going? questioned Abigail.

Jadon didn't respond. Taking the alleyway, he circled the area until he came to a stop behind the woman's stand. Just as he had suspected, he found a stack of maps sitting there, unguarded. As he got closer, he bent down, and hid behind the stand. Taking a map, he looked it over, and then began walking away with it.

Hey, you're not going to steal that, are you? asked Abigail.

Why not? It's certainly not worth two parzacs, he countered.

Jadon…

By now, the lady had seen them both behind her stand. Hey! Get away from there! That map's two parzacs! she yelled as she started around the stand. Jadon stared at the map, and then ran down the alleyway.

Jadon, give it back! Abigail yelled at him, and yanked his arm.

Fine, he said, and threw the map at the lady. She picked it up and stopped chasing after them, but not without yelling at them first.

That wasn't very nice, Abigail told him after they stopped running.

I didn't steal it, so be happy.

"That's not the