Fram Gage - Limited Series Edition

By Desmond Shepherd

Every hero must accept his past...
Every hero must protect those he loves...

Without memories of his life before arriving at Biality Orphanage or competing in the holographic room called The Ability Chamber, Fram Gage is determined to uncover the secrets of his origin.

Meanwhile...

Someone or something at Biality Orphanage wants to use Fram's Infinite ability for their selfish purpose. Attempting to stop them will lead Fram down a path of discovery that might be more than he can handle.

Will Fram be able to stop the menace and come to terms with what he learns about himself?

This action-packed adventure will take you on a thrilling ride that will show how important friendship and family are for everyone.

Includes three novels!

• The Infinite Ability
• The Three Adversaries
• The Holographic Man

• Language: English
• Publisher: Desmond Shepherd
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223138440

Book preview

FRAM GAGE

LIMITED SERIES EDITION

DESMOND

SHEPHERD

Fram Gage – Limited Series Edition is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 by Benjamin C. Young

Cover Images:

© Paul Castanié on Unsplash

© Sérgio Rola on Unsplash

Author Photo by Forever Young Photography (http://www.foreveryoungphotography.com)

All rights reserved.

Published by Benjamin C. Young

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THE INFINITE ABILITY

Chapter01

COME ON, FRAM. Quit being such a wimp. We can’t get hurt, Bagger Carson yelled. He gripped a brick window sill with his left arm, which kept him from falling four stories to the sidewalk below. A breeze caused his loose fitting green t-shirt to ripple, and the cuffs of his baggy tan shorts slapped his knees. The veins traveling down to his biceps bulged outward. He swung his other arm onto the sill, grabbed it, and hoisted his body up and into the opened window.

Fram Gage watched as Bagger’s short, stocky legs slid from view and into the building. Four stories was high. Too high. He’d have to scale the wall like a spider to get there. Even though he’d been assured of his safety, it was difficult to put himself in harm’s danger. He wasn’t a thrill seeker; he didn’t care about looking death in the face.

Fram! Bagger yelled down. His head stuck out the window just missing the top because of his purple Mohawk. Most days, he kept it hair sprayed hard like a rock, with five different points reaching up into the air eight inches. We got to make it over to finish. Whoever loses is toast. Why don’t you just play along? Don’t let your massy pants keep you from moving. He grabbed at a brick on the sill, ripped it from the building with his strength, and threw it down to the sidewalk below. Fram jumped to the side two feet, even though the brick landed 10 feet away from him.

Fine, Fram thought. He had to do it anyway; it was a part of class. Of all the things they taught, the physical training was the hardest; but Fram enjoyed it the most. He knew it would come to this; it always did. Go through the motion, run a race, get sweaty, and get a loss rubbed in his nose. But he couldn’t lose this time. He dressed right for the occasion—a skin tight, black t-shirt and black spandex pants with a green stripe down the leg; massy pants. With the clothes wrapped around his thin frame, he knew it wasn’t the most masculine outfit, but it was the best one for a chance at a win. Don’t ruin it this time. You always find a way to fail.

Fram reached his hand toward the redbrick building. The climb to the top would be six stories. Bagger might think he had a head start and even gave Fram a fighting chance by slowing up and urging him to compete. When his hand contacted the brick, they suctioned to it like a leech looking for blood. It freaked him out. It was like his body had a mind of its own, but he knew it was all an illusion. Just an illusion. Albeit a very real one. He reached his other hand high, and it too clung to the wall. Next his feet. He kept them bare, because if he didn’t, they’d just cling to the inside of his socks and shoes. Why’d they assign him an ability like this? Sure, he couldn’t get hurt, but he still felt the scrapes and bumps on his feet as they happened. His feet clung to the wall, and he crawled up the side of the building.

Oh, it’s on, Bagger said when Fram reached the second story. Don’t worry, Fram. You’ll be toast just like every other time. Bagger’s head disappeared into the building.

Not if I can help it, Fram whispered.

He alternated right hand up, left hand up, right leg up, left leg up. Within 30 seconds he went from the ground below to the fourth story window where Bagger taunted him. He peeked his head into the window. Not much there. There never was. All the details were left on the outside. The insides were included if they would be used extensively. Barren, cream colored walls and an open door were in the room. Fram could almost see Bagger running out that door and up the stairways to the roof. That was his only way up. The fifth story window was too high for him to jump to the ledge. It gave Fram an advantage, because he just had to move upward. While Bagger managed the maze inside the building, Fram would scale the wall and be on the roof in seconds.

As he thought about this, it reminded him he was four stories high. He turned his eyes toward the street, and instantly became dizzy. Fear made him realize what he did. If he fell from that height, it would hurt. It would kill him. No … wait. It wouldn’t. He’d be fine. He can’t get hurt like that. But as he looked down to an empty street with perfectly painted yellow lines going down the middle, he wondered what the impact would be like if he fell. What would stop him from getting hurt?

No. He couldn’t think about that. It’s what he always did. Didn’t matter if it was accepting defeat, not taking a risk, or just making a stupid move, he wouldn’t lose this time. He snapped his view away from the street and gazed up at the sky. White, puffy clouds stood still above him, and in them he swore he recognized the face of a woman. But he brushed it off. The rooftop was two more stories up, and his muscles were starting to burn. He had to move quick and without thought. He alternated his hands on the brick, climbing further skyward and then reached the ledge of the rooftop. He pulled himself over and dropped a foot onto the roof. Dust sprayed up at his feet where he landed, and a cool breeze caressed his face, evaporating the sweat dripping down his forehead.

To Fram’s right, 20 feet away, the rooftop door was closed, which meant Bagger hadn’t made it up. Straight ahead was the finish line. In the distance, the other students waited to see who would make it there first. They were 400 feet away, which isn’t far, but traversing the next two obstacles was the hard part.

Fram ran toward the next building. This one was made from metal. Sunlight reflected off the building, causing a glare. He raised his left hand above his eyes and examined his next obstacle. The space between the buildings was 40 feet. Too long for Fram to jump. He could try, but he’d fall short of the other rooftop and land on the wall about halfway down. Then he would have to crawl up again, slower than before because the other climb exhausted his arms. On the south side of the roof, a wooden plank connected the two buildings, making a bridge to the next building. Fram hated that option. It meant he’d have to look at the empty street below as he crossed.

Slam!

The rooftop door flew open, and Bagger ran out. Sweat dripped down his face, and he clearly had a rough time with the inner maze. That didn’t matter now. He approached the edge of the building where Fram stood. He stopped when he got next to him.

You may have gotten ahead, but we’re even now. Bagger looked at the building, then over to the plank.

Shut up, Bags. It ain’t over yet, Fram said. He spoke with a confidence he knew he didn’t have internally. Until recently, he always fought his battles alone, and this one was the same.

Looks like we got two options. I know which one I’m taking.

Bagger ran back 20 feet, stopped, and ran again toward Fram. His legs pushed hard, moving faster with each step until he reached the edge of the roof. He squatted down, while maintaining his momentum, pushed into the ground, then leapt into the air. He soared 30 feet in a perfect arc that landed him easily onto the metallic roof of the other building. He turned around and faced Fram, waved his hand and said, Bye-bye, Toast.

Fram knew he would never be able to do what Bagger just did. He had to walk the plank. He ran over to the wooden platform. His right foot softly touched down, then his left foot. At this pace, he knew he would never reach Bagger. He moved his feet faster, maintaining his balance by putting his arms out to each side. Then he made the mistake of looking down instead of forward. At that height, nearly 100 feet, he couldn’t help but get dizzy. He tried to ignore the feeling, but as his feet moved faster, his dizziness got worse. He lost his balance and tipped toward the right edge of the plank.

But he didn’t fall. Only his body tipped, while his feet gripped onto the plank just like when he climbed the wall. Looking down into the pit, he realized he couldn’t fall. With the plank secure and his feet clinging to it, it was like he walked on solid ground. His pace quickened, and he ran across the plank and made it safely to the other building.

Bagger was on the other side, standing at the last obstacle of the course. Fram ran to him and caught up without much effort. He stopped when he reached Bagger, rested his hands on his knees, and breathed heavily.

What you waiting for? Fram asked. You could of won this easily.

Don’t know how I’m going to grip it.

Before them, a large propeller, 60 feet in diameter, spun at a revolution every two seconds. The propellers weren’t meant for flying, and as such, they were just long, 10-foot high steel beams. Each one had a lip a half-inch long on the bottom.

Fram smiled, because he knew he won.

"Well, while you figure it out, I’m going to win. See ya, Toast," Fram said. He focused on the propellers and counted them. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 1 - 2—he jumped and grabbed the propeller. The small lip for gripping didn’t matter to him because his hands suctioned to the metal without a problem. He spun with the propeller for four revolutions, kept his eyes focused on the next rooftop, and released the suction. The speed of the revolutions flung him in the air, causing him to land near the middle of the last rooftop. Another 100 feet and he would cross the finish line.

Remember, Fram yelled over to Bagger, you can’t get hurt! But you sure can lose!

Bagger scrunched up his nose and pumped his fist at Fram. Without a second’s hesitation, he jumped up and grabbed the propeller.

Not today, Fram said. He turned around and ran toward the finish line.

A good size crowd waited for him. All the other students, ranging in age from 10 to 13, including Tia Umber, 12, who twirled her long fire-red hair with her index finger, cheered Fram on. Bagger always won these things, and Fram always lost. They were hungry for an upset. Dr. Traisal and his assistant, Dr. Samor, waited too, though they didn’t cheer with the students. They held clipboards in their hands and wrote furiously onto their notepads as they documented what happened during the race. Beside them were two monitors, each sitting on a three-foot high cart, used to watch the aspects of the competition out of their view.

Come on, Fram! Tia yelled. She jumped up and down and clapped her hands. You got this!

Frammy’s got it. Bet your butt! Lanker Mason, 10, said. He was a short little kid, with small round glasses, and he always managed to make Fram laugh.

Fram liked having all the support. He liked having everyone on his side. Maybe this would change him a little. Make him a little less fearful, more sociable, more liked. At the moment he ran to the finish, he felt freer than he ever had.

Meanwhile, Bagger hung onto the propeller and got ready to dismount. During the spinning, he swung his body back and forth, trying to gain momentum on top of what the propeller already gave him. Then he released the propeller and flew through the air at a greater speed than Fram did.

That’s when Fram noticed the look on Tia’s face. She had been cheering and smiling but then her mouth formed into a big ‘O’. Her eyes grew wider. Lanker had a similar expression; he pointed his hand in the air. Fram, while still running, looked behind and saw Bagger falling toward him, feet first. He was unable to react. Bagger’s right foot hit Fram’s upper back first, knocking him over. He kept moving his feet, but they tangled up with Bagger’s arms as Bagger fell onto his back. The boys slid along the roof’s pebbly top, blowing past the finish line. The group of students split apart to avoid a collision as Fram and Bagger slid toward a three-foot high wall of brick. Their momentum pushed them hard enough that it caused them to crash into the brick, break it into pieces, and fall six stories to the sidewalk below. As they fell, Fram ended up on the bottom, and they descended quickly until they slammed into the sidewalk.

Fram was pushed into the concrete, fully under Bagger. He remembered hitting the concrete; it didn’t hurt, but became soft like a pillow. But he had a pain in his back where Bagger kicked him. Then everything went black because he passed out.

Chapter02

SEAN TRAISAL’S WORLD at the Biality Orphanage was not what he always wanted. It would be hard to tell he worked at one wearing his white lab coat and small wire-framed glasses on the tip of his nose. He held a clipboard and pencil, always at the ready to make notes. He was a man of science, but the duties of the orphanage required that he use other talents; like dealing with two boys who didn’t get along. First, he would make sure they were all right, and then he would try to smooth over the situation. That’s the best he could do. Even an educated man still had things to learn, and these types of things were always hard.

Fram sat in a leather chair with a high back, leaning at a 45 degree angle. Four patches with wires leading to a monitoring computer were on his head and one on each of his hands and feet. He was asleep in the First Aid room. It isn’t the usual first aid though. Sure, there were cabinets with bandages, ointments, and more, but there was also equipment in the room that served greater purposes. In Fram’s case, the computer retrieved his brain activity from the race. It didn’t read his thoughts, but measured his current activity, comparing it to what happened in The Ability Chamber. Most people would see only a chart with peaks and valleys, but Sean understood them to a degree that gave him insight no one else, except Rolland, could achieve.

Sean looked at the boy and thought of his son, Steven. Like his son, Fram was quiet and wasn’t a troublemaker. For his age, 12, he was taller than the other kids at five feet-two inches, and he was skinny. Not much muscle yet on his bones. Wearing the black spandex looked silly, but he wore them anyway. He’d rather be made fun of, than lose another race. Sean never failed to learn something new when the kids used The Ability Chamber, or TAC, which everyone called it.

Fram, Sean said. Wake up, son. He reached out and gently shook Fram’s left shoulder.

Fram moved his head left and right, as if fighting the intrusion to wake up.

Fram.

Fram opened his left eye first, squeezed his right eye shut, and looked around the room. Finally, his eye stopped on Sean, who sat down on a brown stool next to him.

All you got to do now is get a peg leg, say ‘Argh’, and you’ll be a full-fledged pirate. Sean laughed.

Dr. Traisal? What happened? Fram spoke slowly. He reached his left arm up to grab his shoulder, but the wires attached to him were too tight, forcing him to put his hand back down.

Don’t worry. You’re okay. He tapped his pencil on the clipboard. I’ll have the patches off of you in a minute. Need some water?

Uh, yeah.

Sean went over to the gray cabinets, opened the one on the far left, and pulled out a paper cup.

I’ve got good news, Sean said as he turned on the faucet, filling the cup.

What’s that?

You won the race.

I did! Fram’s face lit up, and he sat up straighter in his chair.

Yep. Your hand crossed over before Bagger’s foot. I checked the replay.

I didn’t know what happened. One minute, I’m about to cross the finish line, the next I see Bagger flying toward my back.

A rule of TAC was that you can’t get hurt. The entire room is a simulation, and if you are ever in any danger, the computer monitoring the room automatically adjusts the environment to protect a person from harm. Sean invented the chamber, with the help of his assistant, Dr. Rolland Samor. TAC was used for many reasons, including measuring the mental abilities of each student, and how they would react to having an ability such as Super Strength, Wall Climbing, or Zooming Vision.

Well, you’re okay, Sean reassured him.

My back hurts though, Fram said. Again, he tried to reach it, but the wire kept him from doing so.

Well TAC keeps you from getting hurt, but only if it’s within the created environment, but it can’t stop something that’s real. Bagger flew through the air, and at that point, it was out of the program’s control.

Sean partly believed his explanation. In theory, even with Bagger in the air, the program could have put up a soft wall or something to stop the collision. But it didn’t. He had to check into it. The last thing he wanted in these exercises was for anyone to get hurt.

I can’t believe him. He’s losing and can’t take it, so he’s got to try and tackle me so I don’t win. Fram hung his head down. It was like the win didn’t matter suddenly because he remembered what Bagger did.

Now, wait a second, Sean said. Bagger hit you, but he didn’t mean it.

Still. I didn’t even get to enjoy my win.

You know the saying, ‘winning isn’t everything.’ Did you have fun? Sean asked, though his attention was drawn to the readouts of Fram’s mental activity.

Yes … well, no. I don’t know. Guess so. Fram rested his head back on the chair and looked at the ceiling.

What’d you think of the ability?

It was good. Weird at first. Glad you told me to go barefoot. Shoes would have made it a lot harder.

Sean ran down the list he had Fram use in TAC. He competed six times now. His first ability was Super Speed, which led to him crashing through a few buildings, losing his direction, and the race. In the second race, he had Transparent Sight, the ability to see through objects. Didn’t help him much because the computer couldn’t properly calculate what he tried to look through. It kept going too distant, then too close. In the third race, he had what Bagger just did in their competition, Super Strength. He did well in that race, mainly because he improvised by taking a large stone wall from a building and used it to block the path to the finish. Unfortunately, Grant Hume, an 11-year-old with an arrogant attitude, had Teleport ability, and he used that to get through the wall. In his fourth and fifth competitions, Fram’s ability was Invisibility. Both of those were wrestling contests. Fram lost both because he became clumsy. The opponent couldn’t see him, but Fram had a hard time seeing himself. It caused him to inaccurately grab and hold onto his opponent.

You fared much better with this ability. Looked like it came natural to you.

Guess I’m getting used to it.

The computer beeped repeatedly. Sean looked at the screen and examined the alarm. It sounded as if something occurred in the brain activity that was irregular with the current events or previously recorded competitions.

What’s this? Sean asked with curiosity.

What? Fram asked.

At a point within the competition, Fram’s brain activity spiked nearly off the measurable chart. Sean wondered if it was an inaccurate reading, so he had to verify it.

What? Fram asked again. He twisted in his seat and tried to look at the computer screen.

Sean ignored Fram, compared notes, and tapped his pencil on the clipboard. The brain spike occurred two minutes and 31 seconds into the race. He got up from his chair and went over to a cart in the corner of the room. A monitor sat on top of it and was hooked up to the video feed of the competition. He turned it on and began the race. The video showed Bagger and Fram at the start point. Then it followed Bagger as he jumped from window to window until he reached the fourth story. Sean didn’t care about Bagger though. He pushed a button on the keyboard on a shelf under the monitor, and the view switched to Fram.

Come on, Dr. Traisal. What are you looking at?

Quiet! Sean said, much louder than he intended. He didn’t want to be interrupted. He needed to see what happened.

Sorry, Fram said softly and sat back in his chair.

Sean didn’t mean to lash out. It wasn’t Fram’s fault. He just tended to become too focused on his work. Fram sat with a pouting face, and Sean felt bad about how he spoke. He wanted to go over to him, apologize, and promise to make it up to him. He should do it. He knew it. But … it just reminded him of too much. Better to focus on his work.

Chapter03

NOW, WHEN YOU were on the plank, Sean began, what went through your head?

Well, I got dizzy, kind of lost my balance.

Bagger only heard their voices travel from the room into the hallway. He sat against the wall, staring across at another wall. Waiting there in his condition was boring. The orphanage didn’t do anything to make the place feel homely. It was more like a hospital. White sterile walls, shiny vinyl tile flooring, and harsh overhead fluorescent lighting. Not exactly the place that one could run away with his imagination.

So what did you do? What made the— Dr. Traisal’s voice stopped. His footsteps approached the door, and the door closed. Bagger couldn’t hear a word that they said anymore.

Now he had to sit there with even less to occupy him. He wished he was in TAC. Of all the options, TAC was the most fun. He could be anyone in there. Do anything. He could do without the other classes: math, science, social studies. You name it, he’d like to avoid it. But TAC was the place to be. It was the place he was happy and most alive.

He wasn’t so fond of Dr. Traisal though. He always seemed occupied with Fram. Sure, he talked to the other kids, gave them some attention. But Fram was another issue, just like at that moment. Instead of taking Bagger in like he should, he came up with some excuse to make him wait and talked to Fram longer. Fram wasn’t the only one without a father. It wasn’t fair that he gave him so much attention.

Dr. Samor, he’s a different story. Bagger could always tell that Dr. Samor tried, even though he didn’t have a natural tendency toward being compassionate. Bagger saw Dr. Samor’s disappointment when he knew Bagger would have to wait to be checked-up on after being in TAC. Dr. Samor understood, but all Dr. Traisal cared about was Fram. Bagger couldn’t understand it.

The other highlight of Bagger’s days was dinner. The walls might be dull and boring, but the food was the exact opposite. Forget about the fact that he has no parents, no real home. When it was time to eat, he was in another world.

The door opened, and Fram walked out with Dr. Traisal right behind him. He had light red circles on his face and hands where the patches had been on his skin.

I know it pinched a little, but the shot was just for the back pain. Should help, Dr. Traisal said to Fram as he lightly tapped the bandage on Fram’s arm.

Hey, Fram said when he made eye contact with Bagger.

Hey, Bagger said. Nice win out there. About time we see you step up, Toast.

Toast? I won. I think you’re the one who was toast.

Nah, you know I let you win.

Did not.

Sure did.

Boys, Dr. Traisal interrupted. Relax. Whether you let Fram win or he won on his own, doesn’t matter. Fram won either way. No sense in arguing about it. Besides, winning isn’t the most important part.

There he goes again taking Fram’s side. It’s always about Fram. Even as he stood behind Fram making his statement, he had his hands on Fram’s shoulders, supporting him every step of the way. It just wasn’t fair. Bagger didn’t have a chance.

Now Fram, go on to dinner. Bagger, I’ll see you.

Bagger gave Fram a look of disgust, which caused Fram to flinch slightly. He’s such a wimp. Fram walked down the hallway and out of sight as he went to the cafeteria for dinner.

Dr. Traisal grabbed the handles of Bagger’s wheelchair and wheeled him into the room. Bagger hated the room. In his eyes, it was worse than the hallway, despite having more to see. Dr. Traisal put patches on Bagger’s forehead, his hands, and finally his feet. When he put one on Bagger’s right foot, just below the bandage, a slight pain shot through it from the pressure. Bagger swore Dr. Traisal did it on purpose.

Now, this shouldn’t take long. Banged up your foot I see. Sprained it. Got to be careful Bagger. TAC will protect you from harm, but it’s not so forgiving with harm that can be caused between two people.

He tried to avoid Fram, but when he released from the propeller, he flew in the air much further and faster than he expected. Once that happened, he couldn’t control where he went, and unfortunately, he kicked Fram right in the back. While he’ll admit he didn’t mean to, part of him felt kind of good that it happened.

While the computer read Bagger’s brain activity, they exchanged few words. Dr. Traisal would look at the monitor, then to Bagger, then tap his pencil on the clipboard.

Now, Dr. Traisal said. Let’s look at your foot. He took off the stretch bandage and massaged Bagger’s foot. Does that hurt?

Bagger winced a little and tried to hide the pain.

Nah, he said.

You sure?

Bagger didn’t say a word. He wasn’t going to play Fram. He wasn’t going to act all wimpy just so Dr. Traisal would give him some extra attention. So he kept an expressionless look on his face and said no again.

All right. Well the x-rays didn’t show anything was broken. But I’ll give you a shot for the pain. Should make it go away almost instantly, and you’ll be able to walk on it.

Fine by Bagger. He didn’t want to enter the cafeteria in the wheelchair. Dr. Traisal pulled out a needle about seven inches long. In his other hand was a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. He rubbed a section of Bagger’s bicep with the alcohol drenched cotton ball, and brought the needle to Bagger’s bicep.

Bagger hated needles. On all accounts, he considered himself tough, but when he saw needles, it freaked him out. He closed his eyes tight and braced for the pain. But the pain didn’t come. He opened his eyes, and just as he did, Dr. Traisal stuck the needle in his arm. The slight pinch from the needle surprised Bagger, and he let out a subdued yelp.

Don’t worry, Dr. Traisal said with a smile. I won’t tell anyone.

Bagger hated himself for showing the weakness and that it made Dr. Traisal show him a little sympathy.

Dr. Samor walked past the doorway, peeked his head inside the room, and nodded with approval when he saw Bagger. Then he went back out, walking down the hallway.

Roll, Dr. Traisal called.

Dr. Samor’s footsteps on the vinyl floor stopped, there were two more as he approached the door and stuck his head back in the room.

Yes, he said.

Have to ask you something, Dr. Traisal said. He looked at Bagger, flashed a finger up to say one minute, and went over to Dr. Samor. They went out in the hallway, and Dr. Traisal closed the door, but not all the way. It was just enough for Bagger to hear parts of the conversation.

What do you make of it? Dr. Traisal said.

Not sure. Dr. Samor said.

Clearly … beyond our expectations.

Appears so … jump to conclusions.

... breakthrough we need … infinite ability could be found ...

Maybe … I’ll check the record.

We’ll talk later.

Dr. Traisal came back into the room. His eyes focused on the floor as he walked, and he flipped his pencil back and forth in his hand.

What was that all about? Bagger asked.

Oh … oh nothing. Dr. Traisal said, quickly changing the subject. Now, let me look at these results.

After 20 minutes that felt like an eternity to Bagger, Dr. Traisal finally said he was finished, and Bagger could go and get dinner. Bagger gladly got out of the wheelchair, though he knew he’d only get scraps for dinner. By the time he got there, the other kids would have had their first and second helpings. He put some of his weight on his right foot and had no pain. He walked from the room without even saying goodbye to Dr. Traisal.

Now all he had to do, before going to the cafeteria, was get back to his room and fix his hair. There was no way he was going to show up with some of his spikes fallen down to the side of his head.

Chapter04

FRAM MADE HIS way to the cafeteria slowly. The halls were barren, as they should be since everyone was eating. Going from the plain white hallway of the First Aid area, to the loud, rambunctious noise of the cafeteria was a two minute walk.

Biality Orphanage consisted of two stories, excluding TAC, but Fram had only been on the first one. The right side of the building had offices, little decoration, and was used for stuff that Fram didn’t understand. Going toward the center, Fram reached the main lobby of the orphanage. No one ever used it though, and it remained an empty place most times.

The lobby was beautifully decorated like a home from 100 years ago. Most of the furniture was maroon with suede covering and high backs. The floor had a plush tan carpet that Fram loved to walk on barefoot. The walls were dark mahogany stained wood and several paintings hung on them. One of them was of an older man. He was bald on the top, hair was white, and he wore a black suit with a red tie. Fram couldn’t be certain, but when he studied the painting, he swore it looked like Dr. Traisal, but much older. He never asked, but he thought it might be Dr. Traisal’s father.

On the far wall, just above the fireplace, was a painting of a woman and child. The woman wore a dress like those worn in the 20’s, light blue with frills on the collar and cuffs of the dress. Her hair was a mixture of yellows and browns that flowed over her shoulders. She had her hands on the child, who was half her height. Maybe around Fram’s age. He had dark brown hair that was combed forward with the bangs stopping an inch before the eyebrows. The woman and child looked happy in the painting. Content. Fram wished he could have that painting. He dreamed about having a mother to take care of him.

Beyond the lobby area were more hallways that led to The Ability Chamber and the classrooms for learning. That section of the building was known better than anything else by Fram and the other kids. Every day, even on weekends, they were learning something or using TAC. But he liked this time of day, because he was hungry. He made his way through the lobby and down a similarly decorated hallway.

A set of double-doors led into the cafeteria. Even before Fram opened them, he could hear the noise everyone made. Mixtures of laughter, yelling, and one person talking over another filtered through the door and into the hallway. Fram hadn’t seen any of the students since the race and wanted to make as quiet an entrance as possible. Even though he won, he couldn’t get over the embarrassment of how it happened. Falling like that, off the building. They probably thought he was a fool.

He put his head down, took a deep breath, and pushed the doors open. The scene inside was the usual mayhem. About 50 kids were in the cafeteria, some threw food across the table, and they all sounded a lot louder as their voices traveled up two stories to the ceiling above. The tables were wooden, secured to the floor, and painted white. Everyone sat in brown, metal folding chairs, making the furniture look out of sorts with the rest of the room and its mahogany stained wooden walls.

Just when Fram thought his entrance would go unnoticed, one of the students saw him, stopped, and stared at him. Then another did the same. Like a set of dominoes placed and knocked over, all the students became quiet as they saw Fram.

At the table nearest Fram, Tia and Lanker stood up. Fram knew they wouldn’t make fun of him. Of all the kids there, Tia and Lanker were his best friends. Tia arrived at the orphanage just before Fram, and Lanker showed up a month later.

When Fram arrived at Biality Orphanage, he had been scared and couldn’t remember anything. His last thoughts were of being in a long black car, looking out a window at pine trees that blurred as they passed. Then, he woke up in the orphanage, was told by Dr. Traisal that they’ll take care of him, and he would live there for a while.

But Fram couldn’t shake the scared feeling he had. He knew he felt sadness, but couldn’t figure out why. Like a piece of paper blowing in the wind, every time he thought he understood his feelings, he couldn’t reach them. The reason behind them eluded him. The first week, he would cry himself to sleep in bed and isolated himself from the other kids. On day seven, as he sat in a corner of the orphanage’s playground, Tia Umber approached him. He had his knees to his chest, his arms wrapped around them, and his eyes closed as he fought back tears. Tia sat next to him in the same manner.

I know it stinks, Tia said.

Fram opened his eyes in surprise. He didn’t realize she sat next to him. When he did, his eyes were filled with her long, red, shiny hair. The sun shone off of it, creating a slight glare. When she looked at him, Fram swore it was the face of an angel—an angel with fire for hair.

What stinks? he asked.

Being here. Knowing we don’t have a mom or dad.

Yeah.

But you know what? she asked twirling her hair with her index finger.

What?

We got each other. Maybe our parents left us, maybe they died, I don’t know. Whatever the case, we’ve got each other. She smiled at Fram, her eyes twinkled, and she patted him on the back.

I’m Tia. Tia Umber, she said standing up.

Fram Gage.

Tia reached out her hand, and Fram grabbed it. She pulled him up to his feet, and he didn’t resist.

Nice to meet you, Fram. Now let’s go play before they tell us we have to go in. It’s a nice day for it, wouldn’t you say?

Yeah.

Been that way since I got here two weeks ago. Hasn’t rained a day and the temperature’s perfect.

If Tia hadn’t spoken to Fram that day, hadn’t calmed and soothed him like that, he probably would still be moping around. But she did, and he wouldn’t trade the friendship they formed over the past six months for anything. The same went for Lanker, though that situation was different.

Lanker Mason arrived at the orphanage a month after Fram. He was two years younger than Fram, and he experienced the same emotions only more intensified. At night, when all the boys laid in their cots and went to sleep, Fram would often hear the sounds of someone crying, and usually, it was the ones most recently added to the orphanage.

In the sleeping area, there were 10 rows of cots on the left and right side of the room. Fram’s bed was at the far end of the room, just to the left of a large window that let the light of the moon in. Some loud sniffles came from a few beds over, and they wouldn’t go away.

Fram sat up to see who was crying still, since it must have been close to midnight. In the darkness, aided only by some moonlight, he looked for signs of someone crying, their body shaking just a little. But it was too dark. He wished he had the Super Hearing from TAC to use. Then he could pinpoint exactly where it came from. He concentrated hard and listened to the sniffles. They couldn’t be far. A few beds down. He continued listening, hearing the vibrations, the position, and he got it. Two beds down, then across from there, the bed against the opposite wall.

He lifted his covers, got out of the bed, and crawled over to the sound of the sniffles. All Fram wore was a white t-shirt and light blue shorts. As the floor touched his knees and hands, he was surprised at how cold they were. As he got closer, he got more and more confident in his assessment. The sniffles became louder until he was next to the bed. He leaned his back up against the wall and looked at the crying boy. He saw him come in a few days earlier but never got a chance to talk to him.

The boy’s eyes met with Fram’s in the darkness. It was odd to look at him, because the darkness played tricks with the eyes, and the boy’s features seemed to shift in and out as Fram concentrated his focus on him.

Hey, Fram whispered. You okay?

Yeah, the boy said through sniffles. I’m fine.

Fram knew he was lying. He knew exactly how he felt.

It’s weird. I know. Not knowing where your parents are. What happened to them? Even who they are.

Yeah.

But listen, we got each other here. We’re all brothers. I’m Fram by the way.

Lanker.

Nice to meet you, Lanker. If you need anything, just let me know.

Okay, Lanker said.

Goodnight.

Night.

Fram started crawling back to his bed. He didn’t say much to Lanker, but he hoped it helped anyway.

Fram, Lanker whispered just loud enough for Fram to hear.

Yes. Fram stopped and turned toward Lanker.

Would you … would you sleep next to me tonight? I.... Lanker stopped talking to let a few tears out.

Fram knew the pain. Lanker just wanted to feel like someone loved him; that he had someone besides himself.

Sure.

Fram crawled back to Lanker’s bed, sat on the floor with his back against the wall, and titled his head, laying it on the mattress. Lanker reached his hand out, and Fram grabbed it, squeezing tightly. Eventually, Lanker’s sniffles stopped and he was sound asleep, and Fram fell asleep, too.

He cherished his friendship with Tia and Lanker. They helped him tremendously as he was in the orphanage. But still, sometimes, he had to face the challenge of dealing with all the kids there. Most times, they ignored him, but today all eyes were fixed on Fram as he stood there in the cafeteria.

Tia started it first. She clapped her hands in congratulations for Fram’s win. Lanker quickly followed, stopping only for a second to push his glasses back up his nose, and soon, the entire cafeteria of kids applauded. Most of them didn’t see the race, but word had obviously spread about it. Fram couldn’t help but feel good. Most days, these kids would ignore him. Today he felt like a hero.

Fram, Fram, Fram, Fram, Tia began chanting and the others did the same.

Fram didn’t know what to do. The way they chanted and cheered, he thought he might need to give a speech. But eventually, the cheers died down, everyone went back to eating their food, and Fram was able to go get his dinner. He walked up to the line, picked up a tray, and looked at his food choices. On most days, Fram enjoyed the food that got served. It was surprisingly tasty and not something that most people would expect from an orphanage. Each day brought a variety of choices to eat.

What do you want? the cafeteria lady, Miss Margaret, asked Fram. She was a tall, thin woman. Once, Fram asked her how old she was, and she told him 60. He didn’t believe her though because she didn’t have the wrinkles and gray hair people that age have. If he had to guess, he’d say she was more like 45. She had a white cap on her head and dark brown hair underneath. She had the standard cafeteria lady attire, a pink button up shirt, black pants, and a white apron she pulled over top of it. She wore way too much lipstick and mascara, at least in Fram’s opinion.

Uh, I’ll have some gelatin and mac-n-cheese, Fram said. You look pretty today, Miss Margaret. Most of the other kids would just ignore the cafeteria lady. She’s only there to provide the food. But Fram didn’t. Almost every time he got food, he’d say something complimentary to her or talk about her day. It never failed that when he did, she’d give him a little bit more on his plate.

Thank you, Fram. Miss Margaret said. Mac-n-cheese and gelatin.

Oh, cola, too, please.

Sure thing, sweety.

Miss Margaret dished out Fram’s meal, handed it to him over the counter, and he set it on the food tray. As he walked from the line, Tia and Lanker waved their hands back and forth as if Fram forgot where they sat. He walked over and took an open seat next to Lanker.

Oh boy, Tia said with a shine in her eyes, that race was awesome! You totally whooped him.

Nah, I wouldn’t say totally. I got lucky in the roll when we tangled up.

But you beat him for sure, bet your butt, Lanker said.

Yeah.

Fram scooped up a spoonful of the macaroni and took a bite. It was hot, gooey, and cheesy. So perfect.

Well either way, you got your first win in TAC. What was that ability like? Tia asked. She had finished her food and wasted no time grabbing some strands of her hair and twirling them.

Kind of weird, Fram said though it came out Knd a wrd because of the food in his mouth. He took a big chug of soda. Felt like my feet and hands grew suction cups. Almost fell on the plank, but they kept me on.

I can’t wait to get in TAC. It looks like fun, Lanker said. Since he was only 10, the waiting period to compete in TAC was six months, which fast approached for him.

Before partaking in TAC, training is done to acclimate the children’s bodies to the TAC environment. Once the first session is complete, a drug called Bilt is administered under the guise that it’s for muscle pain. Really, it’s for stabilization of the brain so it eases back into reality. Without the two, some kids had literally gone crazy and thought they had an ability and began using it in the orphanage, leading to many broken bones.

You sure about that, Lank, Fram said. Gets stressful. I haven’t been in their one time and not felt my heart beat so fast and hard I thought it would explode. Plus, it can get kind of scary.

Scary? No way. You can’t get hurt in there. I wouldn’t be scared at all, you can take that home, Lanker said.

You might not be able to get hurt, but I’ll tell you this, sure is hard to remember that when you’re standing over a ledge six stories high.

Where do you think they’ll place you now? Tia asked.

It’s only one win. I’ll stay where I am, but maybe they’ll let me train the younger guys. Fram looked at Lanker, whose freckled face couldn’t contain his excitement. He took a final bite of his meal and said, Maybe, I’ll go against you.

They won’t do that. They never put the girls against the boys.

Hey, first time for—

Fram stopped. The cafeteria had again quieted down. He turned his head to see the reason, and Bagger stood in the doorway. He had gotten himself together, the purple spikes of his Mohawk all stood up proud, and he avoided the gaze of the other kids.

Hey look, one of the kids yelled out. It’s Bagger. He lost to the kid in the massy pants.

All the kids laughed. All of them except Fram, Tia, Lanker, and of course, Bagger. Fram couldn’t understand it. One minute they are applauding him for his victory, the next minute they insult Bagger about who he lost to. In the process they indirectly insulted him. He knew nothing had changed.

Bagger ignored the kids and walked to the counter to get his food. Fram knew exactly how Bagger felt. Being an outcast doesn’t feel good. In Fram’s case, he’s an outcast because kids just like to make fun of him. In Bagger’s case, most of the kids didn’t like him.

Heard you hurt your foot, Bags, another kid yelled. You’re about as wimpy as Fram.

More kids laughed, and Fram couldn’t take it anymore. It wasn’t fair to Bagger. Yes, Fram beat him fair and square, but he didn’t have to act that way. Fram stood from his chair and surveyed the sea of kids laughing and making fun of Bagger.

Hey! Fram yelled. But the noise was too loud.

Tia saw Fram trying to get the kids’ attention. She got up, climbed onto the table, and stood on it.

Hey! she yelled. Everyone be quiet.

The kids, seeing Tia standing above them, quieted down but only a little.

What do you want, Fireball? one of them asked.

Fram here’s trying to get your attention. Now shut up. She commanded the authority of the room as she towered over everyone. To Fram’s surprise, they listened, and the cafeteria became silent, except for the sound of dishes being pulled and cleaned from the kitchen area. Okay, Fram. It’s all yours.

Fram walked over to Bagger, who stood holding a tray with food. Not much on there. Potato chips, milk, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Bagger’s look told Fram to leave. To let it go. He squinted at Fram angrily, but Fram ignored it.

Listen, he put his hand on Bagger’s shoulder. Who cares if he lost? We all have to some time. Look at me. I never won before today. The majority of the kids laughed. What happened to Bagger has happened to all of us.

Yeah, but we didn’t lose to Massy Pants, a kid yelled out and Fram swore it was Grant Hume. He really couldn’t stand him.

Massy pants or not, Fram said, just be quiet and eat your dinner.

Oh boy, Fram’s gotten all tough since his win. That was definitely Grant, but he was hidden in the crowd of children. Whatcha gonna do, Fram? Beat us up if we don’t stop.

Yeah, another boy chimed in, you gonna take your fists and … and....

Swing at the air and then have your girlfriend hit for you, a girl finished.

Everyone, except for Tia, Lanker, and Bagger, laughed. Somehow, Fram tried to do something nice, and the kids who applauded him only 20 minutes earlier, now made fun of him. Everything went back to normal. It was status quo. Bagger didn’t say a word, but Fram swore he held back a smile that would turn to a laugh.

Bagger ignored Fram, walked over to a table, the same one where he sat with Tia and Lanker, and ate his food. In an irritated manner, Tia picked up the empty trays, clearly disgusted with Bagger, and left them at the tray drop. She walked over to Fram, with Lanker in tow, grabbed his arm, and pulled him toward the exit.

Come on, she said. Let’s get out of here. Then under her breath she mumbled, What were you thinking?

Chapter05

TIA HELD FRAM’S arm tight as she pulled him to the other side of the cafeteria. All the while the other kids laughed.

What’s your mom gonna spank you? Grant said as they passed and all the kids laughed even harder.

No, Fram said and Tia jerked his arm slightly moving him faster.

They reached the glass double-doors at the other end of the cafeteria and went outside. The evening was nice. The sun was going below the horizon, casting dark shadows on the playground equipment spread out in a two-acre play area. A cool, crisp breeze gently passed, causing the swings to sway back and forth. Tia pulled Fram to one of the swings and made him sit on it.

Calm down, would you? Fram said. He wasn’t sure why Tia was so upset, but he had seen her that way before. He knew he should keep his mouth shut, even if Grant was right. Tia was acting like an angry mother getting ready to discipline her child.

Be quiet, Fram, Tia said and just like a mother; at least as close to one that Fram had imagined. What were you thinking in there? I mean … sticking up for Bagger?

Fram took off his sneaker and put his bare foot into the grass. It was cool and damp. The blades of grass pushed up between his toes, and he moved his foot back and forth through it.

Are you listening to me? Tia asked.

What?

He does nothing but cause us trouble, and you’re going to go and stick up for him when you have your one victory and the other kids want to rub it in his face. She took in a long breath and continued. Next time, just be quiet.

What’s your problem, Tee? Fram asked. "I know what it feels like. You know what it feels like. It doesn’t mean we have to join in with everyone else."

Tia sat in the swing next to Fram, and Lanker sat down in the grass at their feet.

After that win today, Fram, Bagger’ll treat you different. Bet your butt, Lanker said.

What are you talking about, Lank? Tia asked. Bagger’s a lonely kid and he’ll always be that way. He pushes everyone away. Doesn’t let them win. I don’t like him.

Fram knew she was right. He had been on the losing end of Bagger’s reputation, but at the same time, he had seen things about Bagger that made him think he wasn’t such a bad person. He rocked himself back and forth in his swing as he tried to remember something that could justify his sticking up for Bagger. Something that Tia would accept. After a minute, he had it.

Bagger’s not all bad. I don’t think I would’ve won today if he hadn’t helped.

What are you talking about? You beat him fair and square, you did, Lanker said. His eyes peered into Fram’s with a hopeful look that Fram beat Bagger without help.

Yeah. I beat him fair and square. But I got a late start, too. I was nervous about going up the wall. I don’t like being up high, you know. Bagger was already to the fourth window and I was on the ground. He stopped and urged me on to compete. If he didn’t stop, he would’ve run away with it.

What? You think he was being nice. ‘Oh let me give Fram a chance,’ Tia said mockingly as her voice deepened. ‘He’s such my bestest friend and all. Maybe I’ll let him win.’

Maybe he did, Fram said.

I don’t know. Bagger doesn’t say much to me, Lanker said. But he’s always acting like hot stuff, he is. Like he’s better than everyone.

You kidding? Tia brought her face up to Fram’s, stared into his eyes, and pointed a finger at him. Bagger doesn’t care about anyone but himself. There’s no way he let you win. Don’t you go bringing him in on our turf. You, Lank, me? We’re family. That’s all we need in here.

Fram didn’t understand her. The orphanage had more than three kids in it, but she wouldn’t let anyone in. There was a wall she held up, except when Fram talked to her the first time. Even with Lanker, she didn’t want to let that wall down. But Fram persisted. Told her Lanker needed somebody, because no one was helping at all.

Tia, Fram said jumping off the swing and forcing her to take a few steps back. You have to quit doing this. I don’t know what it is with you, but it’s like Dr. Traisal says, ‘We accept all—

Shut up about Dr. Traisal. You always have to quote him, like he’s our father. Well he’s not. He’s just some doctor that watches us with Dr. Samor.

Tia crossed her arms, turned away from Fram, causing her red hair to flip around in her face, and walked over to the long, orange slide in the far corner of the playground. She emphatically sat down on the wood-chip covered ground and shrugged her shoulders.

Fram and Lanker didn’t move from the spot they stood on the bright, green grass. Fram hadn’t seen Tia get so mad before. Sure, she tended to be controlling, but she never got angry.

Should we go over? Lanker said.

Fram stared at her. She brought her left hand to her eye and wiped it, a few seconds later, she did it again. Why wouldn’t she let the wall down?

Yeah. But just me, Lank. Fram said and slowly walked over to Tia.

After Fram got a few steps away, Lanker followed him. This didn’t surprise Fram at all. Lanker always wanted to be a part of everything. It was part of the reason Fram had convinced Tia to let him into their little fold: his persistence was impossible to stop.

Wait there, Fram said without turning around.

Lanker stopped.

Fine. But she’s mad. I’d be careful. No doubt ‘bout.

Fram ignored Lanker. He reached Tia and sat down next to her. The wood chips poked into parts of his legs as he crossed them, then uncrossed them. There wasn’t a way to get comfortable. It made it even harder when he realized Tia was crying.

I’m sorry, Tee, Fram said. I just—

I know, Tia said, her voice trembling through the tears. I wish I hadn’t gotten everyone to listen to you. I thought you were going to give some kind of victory speech. I should’ve known you wouldn’t. You’re just the type of person who wants to think everyone’s good.

I guess.

But you don’t get it, Fram. You just don’t. Who are we?

Huh? He didn’t know what she was asking. I’m Fram, your Tia.

No, she said. "Who are we? How’d we get here? Where were we before here? Did you ever wonder?"

Fram thought about it once and a while. He had a hard time pinpointing anything is his life besides the orphanage. There would be vague images and sounds that would come to mind, but they always eluded him. In the end, he only really remembered from around the time he arrived at Biality Orphanage.

Sometimes. He picked up some wood-chips and threw them in front of him. They spread apart, landing separately from each other on the ground.

Makes you wonder, you know, Tia’s tears began to dry up and she regained composure in her voice. Why are we here? Scares me really. I think about it a lot, and all I know is, I only care about you and Lank. Nothing else matters, because if I lose you, I don’t know what I’ll do. Anyone else, I don’t trust them. We’ll always be together, Fram. Us three.

Fram didn’t know what to say. He was flattered that Tia cared so much but disturbed that it came at the expense of her keeping Lank and him to herself. He wanted to reason with her. Tell her she couldn’t be so selfish. She was overreacting. Fram didn’t say that he was going to make Bagger his new best bud. Not by a long shot. He just stuck up for him. That’s all. He didn’t expect anything in return, and if Bagger’s sly smile after Fram stuck up for him was any indication, there was nothing for her to worry about.

But he didn’t say any of that. He kept quiet, picked up some more wood-chips, and threw them in the air.

Aren’t you going to say something? Tia asked with an irritated tone.

Yeah. Yeah. I love you, too. Fram laughed.

Shut up, she said, pushing him hard