Chronicles of Ror Departure

By Karen Langolf

Chronicles of Ror is continued in book four, Departure.

While recouping at White Rock, Sarah Gold begins to train with both Black Hair captains Ror and Brecht. At night she experiences dream visits from the ruler of the Colleen Jade, Aeriy, who appears to be trying to gain Sarah’s favor, but to what end Sarah doesn’t know.

Danger arises when Sarah believes she’s determined the portal’s next location, and it’s inside Colleen Jade Wilderness. Fearful of what might happen to her fellow Earth people, she convinces Captains Ror and Brecht along with a Rested tribesman named Lieutenant Hiro into hunting this portal down.

Ror begins to question what will happen if they do make it through the wilderness and find the portals. Will Sarah leave to go back to Earth? If she decides to stay, will the Rested tribe forgive her for getting their Prince killed? Has Brecht convinced her to become the queen of the Black Hair tribe? The last question is the one that bothers Ror the most, for he would have to kiss her to make her the queen. Fifteen years of living alone and now the woman who will become queen belongs to his womanizer friend?

Meanwhile, Detective Ron Smith is no closer to finding answers to who killed his corpse and time is running out. If Sarah has truly determined the portals then he’s got his ticket home. What’s more important to him, solving the murder or returning home? That puzzle is answered in book four, Departure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Langolf
• Release date: Mar 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310553790

Karen Langolf

First time author publishing the Chronicles of Ror series.

Book preview

DEPARTURE

Chronicles of Ror

Book IV

By Karen Langolf

Book I: Chronicles of Ror and the Whisehitel Portals, copyright 2010

Book II: Chronicles of Ror the Prince’s Decision, copyright 2011

Book III: Chronicles of Ror Necessary Lies, copyright 2012

Book IV: Chronicles of Ror Departure, copyright 2013

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Dedications and Memorials

In memory of my grandfather Harry, great-uncle Eldon, family friend Dick O’Brien and baby Blake. We miss you and think of you often.

A special thanks to my editors Harold Langolf and Trisha Tinsley. As always, you help make my work complete.

To Ray and Jackie as my inspiration for the character of Ror; no matter how far I travel and how famous I become I realize that without you I wouldn’t have thought of this series. Thank you and I look forward to your next projects.

Core Characters

Captain Ror: half blood Rested tribe and Black Hair tribe. His physical features include a thin build at 5 foot 6 inch frame, spiky white hair, silver eyes and darkly tanned skin. Approximate age is thirty-five. Raised by the Black Hair tribe his strengths are the same as a regular Black Hair male. He can use Pulse to varying degrees but too much exertion can kill him.

Sarah Gold: secretary from Oakland, Maryland. Physical features include over weight build from poor diet choices, a five foot eight height, medium brown hair and green eyes. Approximate age is twenty-eight. She is quick witted with an analytical mind.

King Yimiry: leader of the Rested Tribe, pure blood Rested Tribe man. Physical features include six foot height with slim build and blonde hair with silver streaks like age marks. Approximate age is early seventies. Father to Prince Gallant, brother of Mabu.

Ron Smith: detective from Oakland, Maryland. Physical features include over weight build from poor diet choices, a six foot height, graying white hair, trench coats and fedoras. Approximate age is early-sixties. He was the first to discover the body of the murdered Black Hair tribesman. Stuck in the other world, he is trying to solve the mystery of how the body was murdered.

Tim Burns: lead singer and guitar player for Distraught Maniacs. Physical features include five foot eleven inch height, sandy red hair and fair complexion. Approximate age is mid-twenties. Desperately in love with waitress Tiffany Collins and is willing to do almost anything to impress her so she’ll marry him.

King Ryeloc: leader of the Black Hair tribe, pure blood Rested Tribe man. Physical features include six foot height with bulky athletic build, blonde hair with silver highlights, and vanilla red flecked eyes. Approximate age in the mid-sixties. Husband to Teela, pure blood Black Hair. Adopted father of Captain Ror. Ryeloc and Teela have four children; three boys Chear, Alex, and Simon and one girl Zhiff.

Sidi: apprentice to the Rested Tribe’s powerful Seer, half-blood Cave Dweller and Rested tribe. Physical features include four-foot tall height with slim build, and gray hair bundled on top of her head into a thick bun. Approximate age is early thirties, true age is unknown. No family is known but she has very powerful Pulse technique. She was given to the Seer at an early age to train as her apprentice.

Locations

White Rock: main settlement of the Rested Tribe in the Northern Domain. Located on the eastern side of Briarwoods Wilderness, the foundation stands over six hundred feet in the air. It resembles a white fortress and is protected by Pulse Shields created by its inhabitants.

Shadow Falls: main settlement of the Black Hair tribe in the Northern Domain. Located south of Briarwoods Wilderness several miles from the Valley of Echoes between Mt. Heil and Mt. Ventanas. It resembles a Native American tribe living in wigwams.

Melding: living quarters of the Seer, the prophecy stricken Rested Tribeswoman. Located somewhere inside of Mt. Heil. It’s exact whereabouts are unknown to visitors. Said to resemble a wooden cabin inside of the mountain.

Colleen Jade Wilderness: living quarters of the Colleen Jade tribe in the Northern Domain. Located west of Frozen Crossing, the river west of Mt. Ventanas. Wilderness is expansive, covering hundreds of miles up the coast of Frozen Crossing.

Prologue…

My name is Ror. I am a captain of the Black Hair tribe on the planet of Whisehitel. In all of Whisehitel, the Black Hair are known for being the best hunters and fighters. They are also lacking in verbal communication skills. At my birth I was abandoned by my parents because I am a half-breed of the Rested Tribe, a race of powerful sorcerers and farmers recognized by their blonde hair with silver highlights. Being a half-breed of both the Black Hair and the Rested Tribe should have been an automatic death sentence when I was discovered by a wandering hunter. Instead the Black Hair tribe took me in and I became the adopted grandson of the king, Bold Light. He was the first Rested Tribesman to become king of the Black Hair tribe because he led a team of hunters through Mt. Heil to rescue their young princess, Blake. That was sixty years ago. Bold Light was killed by the prince of the Rested Tribe, Mabu, during a duel and now Bold Light’s son, Ryeloc, rules the Black Hair tribe.

Whisehitel is broken into two domains, the Northern and the Southern. The Southern Domain has always been the main home for the Black Hair and the Rested Tribe, along with several other tribes including the Mint tribe and the Ring tribe. A few hundred years ago both the Black Hair and the Rested Tribe began to move bases into the Northern Domain. This domain has been the home of the Colleen Green, the Cat Tribe, the Swamp Snakes, the Winged Beasts and the Cave Dwellers. Around twenty years ago I made peace between the Cat Tribe and the Swamp Snakes, allying both tribes to the Black Hair. Cave Dwellers were once members of the Rested Tribe and now work inside of the mountains mining for ores and gems. Also in these mountains are the Winged Beasts; eel-like creatures with an armor skin which is nearly impenetrable.

Over the years I developed the ability to Pulse, a trait only those born in the Rested Tribe can use; although not all in the Rested tribe can Pulse. Those with the ability are known as Pulse Riders. This typically means I can shoot lasers out of my finger tips, leap hundreds of feet into the air, drop a thousand feet and not break any bones, or create a window of communication using a drop of water. The most recent trick I learned was to send my subconscious form out of my body and use it to track a pattern through the mountain in which I could escape the Colleen Green, a tribe of cannibalistic women with green veins protruding from their skin.

I was captured by the Colleen Green because I tried to rescue the visitor woman known as Sarah Gold. Sarah, myself and another captain of the Black Hair tribe, Brecht, were flying in hang gliders to locate where the Winged Beasts lived. The idea was to create a plan of attack against them. Almost like it was planned, Sarah’s hang glider malfunctioned and she crashed into the wilderness beyond Mt. Ventanas. Before that day we did not know much of this wilderness but we now know it is the home of our enemy the Colleen Jade, the non-cannibalistic version of the Colleen Green. They are ruled by one known as Colleen Jade Wilderness Wildwood, someone who also has the ability to use Pulse. Who she really is and how she is able to use Pulse, I do not know. I do know that without Sarah’s help I would have been left inside the Frozen Crossing River to die. Somehow Sarah survived the crash and wandered around the wilderness looking for a way out. I suspect the Colleen Jade Wilderness Wildwood has intentions for Sarah but at the moment I do not know what.

Sarah came from Earth through portals that open every twenty to twenty-five years and remain open for a span of a few minutes to a few days. Those that come through these portals to Whisehitel are called Visitors by our world. Once they are here the likelihood that they will ever be able to return are slim to none. This is because we do not know how or why these portals open and until very recently we did not know when or where, either.

It was through the combined efforts of the Rested Tribe King Yimiry and Sarah Gold that we know these portals are opening now and will continue to open at least for the next two years. Sarah has developed a tracking system with the hope that she will one day be able to determine a pattern of when and where the portals will open. She was getting closer and closer each day until King Yimiry’s son, Prince Gallant, was murdered while inside of Mt. Heil. King Yimiry’s brother Prince Mabu believes that Sarah was behind the murder. Hard to argue when they were both in the mountain together to see the Seer, the most powerful prophet of the Rested tribe. Sarah says that Gallant took her to the Seer. My king, Ryeloc, believes her. He believes that she is the key to tracking these portals and also the key to bridging the boundaries between our two tribes. King Ryeloc wishes to make her the queen of the Black Hair tribe because of this.

Problem is; it is my prophecy, as granted by the Seer, to make the next queen of the Black Hair tribe. I’ve searched for fifteen years to find the woman I believed should be the next queen. At first I believed this would be a great prophecy until I learned that it was my next kiss that would make the queen. King Ryeloc knows of this prophecy and since he has met Sarah he has tried to force me into choosing her. Even with all her accomplishments I just do not believe she is queen worthy. Then as I think that very sentence she does something that makes me believe she is.

Tracking the portals has become her focus. She believes she can find them and send her people home, but does that mean she would leave with them?

Chapter One

Briarwoods Wilderness several miles from White Rock

The camp fire was so small very little heat could be felt through the chill of the day. Old and withered from the journey, King Yimiry sat next to the fire an unhappy wreck.

Even unhappier was the younger prince lounging against a nearby tree, his head pushed back and eyes staring up at the night sky watching the full moon make its way across the grounds.

it’s quiet, brother. Mabu remarked. The army of green headed monsters have stopped their attacks.

They stopped some time ago. Nearly the same time we were safely away from the settlement. King Yimiry said.

Where is Milan? Mabu asked. What happened? Why did we leave White Rock? A faint red glow filled the prince’s eyes, taking over the sclera of his eyes like a raging madness.

You shouldn’t have done this, Mabu.

Answer me! The prince hollered, anger raging inside of him. He’d lost control of his brother the moment he’d lost consciousness. The realization brought out the worst in him and he didn’t try to stop it.

King Yimiry sighed lightly and spoke softly as though he spoke to a child. Milan is with other elders, protecting them. He took them to safety down in the Southern Domain.

Mabu turned his head to Yimiry forcing his red gaze into his older brother’s eyes. A red line paper thin left Mabu’s eyes and invaded the king’s, changing his once vibrant eyes lifeless and red. The king slumped over in his seat, jaw dropping as drool left his mouth. A snicker left Mabu’s lips, he had his brother under his control once more.

Such an ugly catatonic state you are in now, elder brother. I despised the Truth Seeking Pulse when our father used it on us but you give me no choice. Why would you send them to the Southern Domain?

He had to wait as his Pulse worked its way into the king’s subconscious. Once there it was able to pull the truth from his brain. Anything he would ask would be answered truthfully.

To stop you from taking them over as you’ve taken over me.

It’s necessary to control you. Otherwise you might try to stop me. I cannot allow you to stop me, not now. Not after all these years. Even the Colleen Green won’t stop me.

That was the Colleen Jade. They’ve come for revenge against you for the slaughter of their people.

Mabu sat in silence for a minute. The words were truth as Yimiry could not lie in his current catatonic state. This made Mabu mad.

You think they only came for me. It was you who helped to kill all those women. Don’t forget that!

You controlled me. My fate is sealed because of your anger.

I’ve had enough of this. Mabu waved his hand letting the red glow fade from Yimiry’s eyes. It wasn’t gone, merely sleeping at the moment. Yimiry sat up straight in his spot looking around him like he’d been caught sleeping at the throne. When he saw Mabu glaring at him with a partial snarl curling his lips he knew exactly what had happened.

Find out whatever it was you wanted? The king asked.

Yeah. I got it.

Good. Yimiry said softly. Good, indeed.

What are you so happy about? Mabu growled.

It’s almost the full moon.

So? Mabu asked.

Our home is currently filled with Black Hair who’ve come thinking they will get to battle a massive army of Colleen Green. Can you picture their faces when they realize that Winged Beasts are also coming to attack?

Sitting back against the tree Mabu stroked his chin thoughtfully for a long time. Our home is going to be destroyed. Those huge monsters carry boulders with them. They’re going to take down the walls with no elders to make shields.

A grin of sheer pleasure eventually broke out on King Yimiry’s face. I think the Winged Beasts won’t know what hit them. Our problems with those creatures may soon be over.

Chapter Two

Pulse Dream Wilderness…

A campfire similar to the bonfires she’d attended in high school was before her. Sarah stood next to a tall tree without branches. Where the branches should be were large knobs. The image was creepy.

Please come closer, Sarah. The most beautiful brunette woman Sarah had ever seen beckoned to her from a log at the fire pit. Aeriy sat perfectly poised, the very image of refinement and beauty.

Why did you bring me here again? Sarah asked choosing to stay at the tree.

We need to talk, Sarah.

I assume this talk is not meant for anyone else’s ears?

Aeriy nodded. Girl talk is best done where only girls can hear it.

If she is Colleen Jade then she would not come to White Rock without some probable cause. Most likely to seek out someone from the Rested tribe.

Come, Sarah. Sit with me.

In Aeriy’s left hand two silver goblets suddenly appeared. Each was the same height and width as a wine glass, but these were beveled at the bottom into a square pattern, not the oval shape of a wine cup.

Why not? She’s using Pulse to calm me. So long as I’m in this dream I can walk. That’s a big plus. My back isn’t killing me right now.

Sarah took a seat beside the beautiful woman taking the opportunity to study her again. The same brown hair was perfectly in place. The light from the flames before them would shimmer and change Aeriy’s hair to a rich red color but the moment the light was gone it was back to brown. The effect was cute but a little weird. Sarah had to admit, it made Aeriy more beautiful.

You look beautiful, Aeriy.

The older woman smiled shyly and handed a goblet to Sarah. I promise not to keep you long. The work you are doing with the portals…I want to help you.

How can you help me with the portals? Sarah asked sipping from the goblet then stopping once she tasted the white liquid. At first glance Sarah thought it was endurance. It wasn’t.

Aeriy caught the surprised look and smiled knowing her effort was rewarded. Chocolate.

It’s amazing. Sarah said.

Thank you. You asked how I can help you. The information you’re tracking the portals with is limited to the Northern Domain from the Valley of Echoes to the Briarwoods Wilderness. I’m offering to give you information for the region beyond.

You mean you’ll give me data on the portals from the Frozen Crossing and Colleen Jade Wilderness? Sarah asked, excitement growing in her belly.

And Mt. Ventanas, the parts where the Colleen Jade travel, at least. Would this be of value to you? Aeriy sipped from the goblet and waited for Sarah’s answer.

Yes. This would be of value. Suspicious, Sarah held the drink but didn’t drink any more from it. What do you want from me for this information?

I wish to have Pulse dreams with you for the foreseeable future and discuss both our worlds. Helping you permits me to access these portals some time in the future.

You want to travel to Earth? Sarah was shocked by this. Why? It’s nothing like Whisehitel.

I can only imagine. Aeriy’s eyes looked about them at the very common wilderness. The plainness of it appeared to bother the older woman.

How about a peace offering.

If you seek something less than boring I’d recommend San Francisco. The gardens are beautiful and there are many cultures living inside the city. You could spend days there and not see everything.

Aeriy chuckled. You’ll have to show me. I find it hard to believe.

Sarah smiled, a happiness she hadn’t felt in quite some time bringing a light to her eyes and face. If Aeriy truly intended to give her information from the portals on the other side of the mountains it would help a great deal in perfecting the tracking device. That might be worth a few nightly discussions with the older woman.

So, how does this work? You’ll tell me information and I’m supposed to remember it all once I wake up?

Yes, that is how it works. Thankfully you have a tactful mind. You tend to remember things much easier than other visitors do.

Most other visitors didn’t work for a high profile philanthropist.

Perhaps. Aeriy held out a small red parchment to the younger woman. Or perhaps you’re just that good. I’m betting on the latter. This is the first set of portals. They opened over two months ago just inside the wilderness across from Putilli.

That’s Frozen Crossing, right?

Yes.

Sarah took the parchment eager to open it and read the contents. Upon opening it she found the writing in the same Rested tribe characters beautifully scrawled across the parchment. Studying it hard, her temptation wore off and she soon felt only annoyance. Moreover, she was annoyed by her own selfish greed to get her hands on the coordinates. She was too quick to take the information and now didn’t know how to read it.

I recognize a few characters but the rest is jumbled. Sarah confessed handing the parchment over to Aeriy. "Six people came through a portal but this looks like a month ago, not two.

Aeriy smiled slyly but her eyes were beaming with delight. You’re further along than I had hoped. That indeed says one month ago.

Were you testing me? Sarah asked putting her goblet down on the ground and moving both hands close to the flame. A sudden chill filled the air around her, one she hadn’t noticed before inside of the dream.

Yes.

So, why are you testing me? She continued turning her hands around to warm the backs. Hm?

That doesn’t matter, Sarah. You passed. She gave the parchment back to Sarah letting her hand linger against Sarah’s wrist for a moment. It was as though she wanted Sarah to know how soft her skin really was. Like a baiting trick women use on men to draw their attention. It was an odd gesture but Sarah didn’t pull her hand away.

Good to know. So, what do I do with the rest of this?

You’ll find it in your Earth scribble, now.

It’s still the same pretty handwriting. Sarah said thoughtfully. I expected it to look like chicken scratch.

Aeriy gave her a big laugh covering her mouth with her hand to hide the wideness she opened it while she laughed.

A dark shadow lurked around them as though the sun were trying to set but it went the wrong way.

Is this normal? The sun rises and it gets brighter, not darker. Sarah asked Aeriy, her eyes watching the darkness creeping upon them.

Oh, it is normal here. This is Dream State Pulse. As time grows later the sun will rise but darkness envelopes us. It is how we know we must be heading our separate ways.

How weird. I’d have thought a bell would ring or some kind of alarm.

A little black clock appeared next to Aeriy on the log but the moment she looked at it the thing disappeared.

How odd. Aeriy commented. You can create objects from your world inside of Dream State Pulse.

Is that bad? Sarah asked.

No. In fact, it’s very good. That means you can control the dream. We’ll have to play with this some other time. Aeriy rose from the log and held out both hands to Sarah. My pleasure to see you again. Tomorrow night?

Sarah took Aeriy’s soft hands and stood. Looking forward to it.

Chapter Three

Colleen Jade Wilderness…

I think that was the dinner bell. Peter rose from his crouch on the upper landing, looking over the side to see if Bruce had heard him. Did you hear me, old man?

We heard you, dude. It wasn’t Bruce that answered him but a red head whose bruised face almost matched the black and purple of his tunic. Peter turned away from the ledge but thought of something and returned.

Hey Tim?

What?

If we get some time will you play some music with me later? I found another visitor who does trap set.

Music to his ears. Sounds like fun. What did you want to play?

How about Linkin Park?

Tim hit the hammer one more time on the wooden frame before leaning against the wall to catch his breath. We can try but my range doesn’t make those high notes.

A hand reached out and touched his forearm like he was trying to reach the man’s shoulder but couldn’t quite find it. After a moment, the hand rested on his shoulder but it took some effort. Thankfully it wasn’t the first time the old nearly blind man had done that. Tim didn’t want to have his thumb smashed in accidentally again. Are you going to fight again tonight?

I probably shouldn’t Bruce, I can barely move right now as it is.

The beautiful Pulse Rider’s been kicking my rear for the last few weeks relentlessly. She’s so persistent. Some enemy is coming, you must be prepared. Hundreds of people will try to kill you. What is this? Some kind of game?

Bruce shook his head in disbelief at Tim, That means you’ll be fighting tonight. Your tone says as much. Using Tim’s arm as a brace, the older man kneels down and grabs the steel toolkit. She might be happy just knowing you’re willing to do this.

He was shaking his head in reply but realized that Bruce couldn’t see him doing so. She’s not that sweet of a girl. Not her personality.

Ah, Bruce sighed dreadfully, that type of girl. Must be a beauty then, to put up with all of this.

That she is, Bruce. Tim’s thoughts drifted off to the beautiful golden hair cascading down Tiffany Collin’s shoulders. In his mind she was walking down the red brick street in Oakland, Maryland, leaving Met’s restaurant for the evening. Sometimes he’d catch her leaving at sunset as he was coming into work and he’d stare at her, watching the colors of her hair change from golden to orange to red to bright pinks and purples.

My lyrics are coming to me. I just can’t help myself. It’s got to come out.

"I just can’t wait, any longer.

It’s like a lifetime ago we were kissing in the silver moonlight.

Lips so red, hands trembling

Holding onto me as I’m holding onto her ever so tight.

Time was lost to us

Each breath apart was like a lifetime waiting for the right time."

Bruce cocked his head to listen to Tim’s singing and smiled at him. Don’t think I know that tune, boy. Is that something from your generation?

Tim’s cheeks turned bright red to match his hair and as he started blubber his made-up flabbergasted answer, another whistle rang out. Dozens of guys jumped down from the wooden decks to the ground below and booked it across the forest floor.

Let the feeding frenzy begin.

A blonde man in his late thirties yelled up to them from the ground. Get moving or you’ll miss dinner.

Okay! Tim yelled back waving the guy ahead.

Bruce held out a shaky hand to Tim who took it. You should be playing and singing with that John Charles guy. I heard he managed to gather real equipment. Portals bring through some unusual things sometimes. Once they carted in an entire drum set without the drummer.

His name is John Charleston, like the dance, and I don‘t want to sing that horrid dark rubbish he’s singing. It’s not music.

Ah, but those girls are crazy for him. Must be a real looker, that one. Boring music, yes, but he’s doing something right.

Tim reached over to the other side of the wooden deck and grabbed Bruce’s white walking stick. Peter had tried to explain the significance of the white stick to Bruce but the imagery was lost on him, since he couldn’t see it. He flat out refused to use it most of the time. It was the rare occasion when he did use it, but occasionally Peter would get stuck at work and couldn’t walk the old man around from site to site.

Those girls are simply loose. They’d give it up to anyone.

I don’t want to use this stick. Bruce complained but gripped the end of the handle tightly, a little bicker frown forming on his lips. It makes me feel old. Those girls don’t want an old geezer. Young girls want…

Want young guys. I know.

They walked along together, the gentle click click of Bruce’s stick against the ground nearly drowned out by the rustle of over forty people also finishing up their work on the frames and heading off to dinner. You know, boy, you sing pretty good for a construction worker.

That’s what I used to do back home. Helped to pay the bills while my band tried to make it big.

Oh, that’s right. You’re in a band just like Peter was. That’s what he says, anyway. Almost everyone played guitar growing up. But not this unusual music you sing and play. We had love songs but we also had disco and boogey. A lot of funk music.

A smile crept onto Tim’s face while they walked and talked. Bruce had played a little years ago but he declined to even touch a guitar now. It surprised Tim to find that several people were band members among the Colleen Jade tribe but after a tour of their stock room a few weeks back he stopped doubting almost anything that was said. No boasting went unchallenged, or unanswered.

Bring forth the electric guitar. I’ll never live that down.

Not too far ahead of them stood Peter, a bucket in one hand and a straw hat in the other.

Hey Tim! Do you think your friend, that detective, made it back to the other tribe?

Probably, Tim answered flatly, he’s pretty tough. Never met anyone who could scare him. Besides he’s still got a mysterious murder to solve. Dead body tells all kinds of stories. What’s with that hat?

Lost a bet.

Again?

Yep. A half-hearted grin plastered his face and he stuck the hat on top of his noggin. We’ll see how long I can hold onto it.

You’re not doing that training exercise with the advanced fighters are you? Bruce’s voice held concern like he knew of some horrible prophecy that might come about.

Don’t worry, old man.

Bruce snarled at him, unhappy to be reminded of his old age. Who are you calling old man? I can whip the floor with you…if you’d just move a little closer so I could reach you!

Tim burst out laughing, surprising both of them.

You guys truly amaze me sometimes.

Peter smiled brightly and whipped his fingers over the brim of the straw hat in the fashion of Zorro. The effect was lost on Bruce who stood waiting for the two of them to continue on. The trio walked together for nearly a mile before the store front popped out in front of them. At the sight of the long line of people ahead of them each paused.

Looks like we might be here awhile. Tim sighed.

How many are there? Bruce moved his head back and forth like he was trying to see through the cataracts and failed. Sounds like an army!

Pretty close. Tim answered, unhappily.

Peter didn’t give up on Tim. The fight’s in a few minutes. Come and cheer me on.

You sure? Last time those green haired girls made fun of you for having a cheerleading squad.

Yeah, but that wasn’t you! Peter’s hands clamped onto Tim’s shoulders and he tried to steer him in the direction of the fight. He was partially successful before Bruce’s cane tripped them both and they fell flat to the ground, Peter’s arm caught underneath Tim’s head and Tim’s knee stuck against Peter’s gut.

Laughter broke out around them, giving Peter an unusual blush.

A hand holds out to them and Peter’s eyes trail up to see Bruce. Gripping the wrist he pulls himself to his feet brushing dirt and leaves off his clothes. Tim crawled to his knees remaining there for a moment as if catching his breath before standing.

Maybe you better come after all… Peter’s voice broke through Tim’s thoughts, looks like I’ll need all the help I can get.

You mean distraction.

How bad will it really be? I’ve fought a dozen of these guys before and didn’t get hit once!

Tim rolled his eyes. Yeah, but the first girl you fought took you out in her first combination. Right-left-right-left then upper cut! He mimicked the movements with his fists as he spoke and pretending to attack an invisible opponent.

Watch out Storm Shadow, I might need you after all. Peter laughed, blocking one of Tim’s punches with his fists. The two disappeared around the corner leaving the lines of men waiting for food and heading into the thicker portions of the wilderness.

Are they really building a ring? Tim asked.

Better off building a cage. Then we can do cage fighting. Peter made a jab at Tim but the red-head blocked it effortlessly. Did you train or something, man? You are tougher than you look.

Nah, never trained in my life.

You lie.

It’s true.

Ahead of them a crowd of people appeared. Tim couldn’t see beyond it but he knew there was over a hundred guys watching and betting on the upcoming matches. It was the only entertainment they had after a long day’s work.

Bet on me. Peter said quietly.

No way, man.

Come on. Peter pleaded. I am the best in basketball.

This isn’t basketball. This is get-your-ass-kicked for ten minutes. Tim pointed out. Besides, you were best in the college league, not the pros.

Oh. Hit a man’s ego. Stupid cracker.

Whatever, man. I’m not betting on you.

Ten minutes later eighteen rough and tough guys stand in a semi-circle calling out names and pulling fists. Not surprising, most appear supportive of Peter’s opponent; a tall green-haired man at least thirty years old. Tim had seen him fight several times and each time he’d knocked the other man out in a matter of seconds.

This wasn’t any different. Within the first minute Peter was lying on the ground, face trying to rise from being planted in the dirt.

Come on, Peter. Tim yelled, Get up!

A thick dark tanned hand bunched itself in what hair it could atop Peter’s head and lifted the black man to his knees. Tim couldn’t believe it. How anyone could grab that practically bald head is beyond me. He continued to cheer his friend on despite the odds. The Colleen Jade man’s moves were systematic. Each punch the man threw and follow up kick made a pattern. While he was truly gifted, moving back and forth almost like he was made of fluid, Tim couldn’t shake the fact that something was off as his eyes followed the man’s movements.

One of the other man’s accomplices sat with two sticks pounding on a thick log keeping a straight beat. It clicked. That’s two-two time he’s beating, like a freaking march or something. That’s what’s so strange about that dude. He’s keeping his movements with the music, like a game or something.

Almost instantly Tim had an idea. Clapping his hands in time to a four-four beat, he begins to chant his own little cheer for Peter.

Get up. Get up. Fight fight. Get up Get up. Stand and fight.

Once he’d started his cheer the other man’s attention broke slightly and Peter got a shot in but it only bought him a moment’s time. Stamina was something the other guy had and Peter lacked.

It didn’t bother Tim that he suddenly became a cheerleader. He knew it was going to happen. It happened every time he went to a fight. The crowd wanted him to scream and holler but they really expected him to sing. It became his calling in this world just as it did on Earth.

Tim repeated it three times and at the third time a few others caught onto the cheer and began to chant along with him. They repeated the chant over and over. And each time the hollers of the other side grew louder trying to overpower Peter’s little cheerleading squad.

The fighting resumed and once again Peter was on the ground. The chorus cheer no longer held any purpose as distraction or encouragement for either man. Time to change the lineup…but how?

More words came to Tim and, just as he did when he was screwing around the house, rhymes came out more clearly than anything else.

Get up. Get up! You’re quite a sight. You’re on the ground, you’re in the grass, one more problem and you’re head’s shoved up his… Tim paused, for some reason not able to get the swear word out he wanted to say.

Hysterical laughter lasted for only a second as the chorus cheer began once more. Peter’s opponent faltered in his steps and the black man got a gut shot in. Tim watched the fight quietly taking in how the lyrics affected the Colleen Jade man standing there. It was the highlight of the day to know the green haired jerk was affected by music just like all the visitors were. Better yet, he was affected by the very jeering of his peers.

These guys are just like visitors. They want to show off and be the best. I think I know how to distract him.

Some of the other men screwed up the original chorus lyrics but Tim thought it was funny listening to them. He occasionally heard lines like, Turn and fight, then, This is gonna bite! to more raunchy lyrics that Tim was unimpressed with.

Bring up your knee and kick with your foot, eh…um…huh… One of the other guys started yelling out his own rap in turn but struggled when it came to rhyming the ending of his words.

You’re face is covered in crap and soot! Tim had no problem figuring out a rhyme for foot.

Get up!

Get up!

Turn and Fight!

Whether the guys were trying to be funny or simply throwing out advice other men began to take turns with the rhymes.

Watch that fist, it’s like Bill’s block!

No kidding, Ted, he’s like a rock!

That blows, dude.

Boo’s erupted around them and the green haired man got slapped out of sight. Tim couldn’t hide the humor on his face while he watched everyone ganging up on the guy who sucked at rhyming. It was a change from them beating up on Peter. He liked it.

A new green haired guy pushed the man standing next to him away and grabbed a