Dharma Boards - Revolution: Dharma Boards, #2

By Justin Dalrymple-Kelly

Dharma Boards - Revolution is the sequel to Dharma Boards - Manifesto. The epic adventure continues, following Maya, Adam, Ubuntu, Zeddefungo, Tjikko, and of course- Dharma, on an exponentially thrilling fulfillment of the 1-2-punch of the Dharma Boards series to date. 

When evil messes with their fellow children of the world, recruiting them, exploiting them, possessing them with mind control devices, Maya must dig even deeper to save them, and Adam must make sure his sister doesn't lose her way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Justin Dalrymple-Kelly
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224933488

Book preview

Chapter 1

Silent hills. The air, bright grey and crisp with birds in flight. Water droplets gathered after recent rain and dripped off deep-green colored leaves. The stillness of the forest on the slopes was thick.

The slash of an object cuts through the silence like a knife. Another follows like a one-two punch. 

Maya is shown sweeping down, across through trees, weaving, seamlessly. A black squirrel above leapt across a gap of branches in the canopy, perpendicular to Maya’s path and took an acorn home to feed his family. Adam ducked between the tunneled brushes. The black squirrel returns back down the spiraled branches joining several other racing rodents on their course, like dashing lights in slow exposure on a camera. Maya sprayed a massive turn of leaves along the banking edge of the side of the mountain. Adam transfixed glances up at the threading squirrels. He caught his edge on a stump, careening him back-first flying through the air. He then came to a jagged rest several feet, in front of Maya.

Maya stared at Adam, yet detached from him, while slightly recalling her perfect run. Adam came into her attention now, as he slowly roused from his fall. She peered about him as he stood up covered in a mess of leaves and dirt.

He looked at Maya, as he blew a wet leaf off the corner of his mouth. Maya returned his glare of embarrassment with a pleasant stare. She pointed silently to her own cheek showing Adam where he had a leaf.  He brushed it off. She pointed silently to her hair. He wiped his hair. She then gestured everywhere with her hands, jokingly. 

The black squirrels ate acorns in the branches. Four great flocks of birds were circled in the air, before alighting on a section of leafless branches in the forest. Each one quietly squeaking, but in such a great number, altogether they sounded like running river water. 

Queen of Boards, joked Adam. Pray thee, why can’t we ride our magic boards ‘stead of thy walking great distances?

Cuz, we can’t, answered Maya.

Yes, Queen, said Adam.

Maya glared at Adam. Adam smiled. The two continued trudging up the slightly muddy slope. Soon they crossed a meandering ravine by way of a sodden mossy oak tree that had fallen across the gap. The mist remained thick this morning. Slowly and steadily they climbed the slope.

Don’t choo just love it? Maya opened up.

Don’t choo start with your absurd adventurism, Adam joked.

Yes, Maya answered. It’s good to have a break from magic whooshing, whirling, and winding to at least feel the analog, the manual, the texture of the earth. I get mathematical seasickness from all the smoothness of that magic motion.

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Adam said. I’m just gonna go swerve the Himalayas for a moment and be back for dinner.

Yeah, yeah, it’s all the same, all the same, said Maya.

It’s not the same," said Adam.

Gravity...surface texture...those vibrations, Maya continued, like a record player. You may as well be on Venus with the other board.

Right! Exactly! Give me the MP3! Adam demanded.

No, earth is— gnarly, Maya said, with un-arguing definitiveness. She looked out toward the world. The colossal super-flock of birds chirped loudly at the sound of something crashing at their feet. Maya suspiciously looked over to Adam. He stood a little lurched with his shirt ruffled up at his shoulder from the recent launch of something with his arm.

Sorry, he said.

They passed away the misty morning carving, slipping, sliding, and exploring the mountainside and its many zones, its inlets, its pockets, spines, tree lines and features.

I’m starving, said Adam.

Yeah, let’s get some pop, said Maya.

What? I need a granola bar or something, said Adam. "Can we please activate the boards for the trek back?" Adam pleaded.

No, said Maya.

Aaaaaaaaah! Adam echoed.

In the distance the super-flock took flight.

Chapter 2

At the Rainer house, Maya and Adam’s mother, Dharma-Sophia Rainer admired herself in the mirror. The depth of admiration had many layers for this ancient mother. She was wearing one of her old sweaters and a pair of jeans. Feeling trepidation with a touch of sentimental heartfelt emotion, like a soul swept out to the ocean, she thoughtfully descended the stairs while running her hand along the banister.

Mr. Rainer, Maya and Adam’s father, David poured a cup of hot coffee at the kitchen counter. He spilled a little while looking at his wife. 

That’s my cup, Dharma said. She sat down at the stool opposite him at the counter.

David wiped the mess. She just smiled wide and warmly at him while taking a sip of her coffee. It’s like none of that, your death, ever happened, David said.

Except I don’t remember this, Dharma said, motioning to the room.

And I don’t remember any of that, David said, and he looked aside. 

It’s so weird, Dharma said, bringing him back. It’s like some kind of amnesia, but, lives...places...dreams.

You know more than I do, said David.

Yeah, that’s weird too, said Dharma. 

They both continued taking sips of coffee. The suburbs were quiet, while the fog began to lift, and the sun began to glow. The whispering pines glittered within the golden rays. A garage door opened, breaking the morning sound of tweeting birds with a mechanical hum and squeak.

Dharma made her way into the living room where pictures of her with the family still remained, along with new memories of the years she had missed. Tears of joy, tears of grief, and tears of wonder begin to well up in her eyes. She rubbed her thumb along a photo, as if she desperately hoped to feel the moment.

They’re beautiful, said Dharma.

David leaned on the arch between the kitchen and the living room. He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words evaporated.

It’s good to be back, said Dharma, looking at David, her husband. I hope to get those moments back someday, somehow.

Yeah, said David, quietly. Hey, perking up a little. He grabbed the board of petrified snow in the corner of the room. ...So, I guess I’m a little bit rusty on these things. Would you mind giving me some pointers?

Sure, said Dharma. Let’s take this in the back yard. She carefully took the board from his outstretched hands. Things could shatter in here.

We can’t go out there with a floating board! said David.

There are kids with floating boards all over now, argued Dharma, pointing out the window.

Well that’s new, said David, looking out the blinds. But they don’t have the petrified snow edition. Furthermore the neighbors might recall you look a lot like my deceased wife Sophia, even though you are!

Let them recall! Dharma said.

I don’t think that’s such a good idea, David said.

Okay, I’ll take care of it, Dharma said.

You’ll— how—? David stuttered.

Dharma stepped gracefully out the sliding door onto the deck, and into the yard. The wet leaves glistened in the grass. The breeze rattled the dry leaves in the trees. She let out a little shiver from the chill.

Come on! Dharma said to David, gingerly approaching from the deck. Looking at him she held the board out as it floated on the air at waist level. David looking around scanned for an onlooker. Dharma spun the board, and soon a thread of light emitted from the center of the spinning board. The thread of light disseminated and rained down a dome of a luminous running water substance. David, with hands in pockets, froze, raising his eyebrows highly.

See? said Dharma.

I... David started to say.

Right, and no one else will either, Dharma said, as she stared with cheerfully excited eyes, into David’s.

David blushed and said, Now, let’s get started.

Chapter 3

Two bikes rolled into a grass-cracked parking lot, and pulled up to the bike rack underneath a simple yellow sign that read The General’s Dollar.  Maya and Adam stepped off their bikes. Adam was still covered in one or two wet leaves and a little mud. Maya was clean, but had a small cut on her arm from some sharp pine branch that snapped and cut her. With their boards strapped beneath their backpacks, they started across the parking lot toward the store entrance.

It didn’t take Maya more than two steps to recognize the group of hooligans standing by the store door. Four boys jittered around and laughed in matching menacing mating calls. It didn’t take Robbie, their leader, too long before he recognized the quality of the boards on the backs of the approaching duo.

Oh my goodness, Robbie launched in, I did not know we’d be so lucky to see you here.

The four hooligans had boards of their own. They seemed to be propelled or compelled toward Maya and Adam like a magnet, like a puppet with a joystick.

What are those boards they have? Maya whispered to Adam.

And yes, beautiful, you’re still barfing around on those Barf Boards, Robbie mocked.

Earth Boards, Adam said, quietly correcting him.

Barf Boards, that’s what I said, said Robbie, laughing to his flock. Well, what if I enlighten you with a demonstration of the brand new Hover Board. He began by tossing the distressed-metallic, heavy looking, plastic board down in the air.  Brought to you by Tomorrow Boards Incorporated, he continued.

Maya looked back at Adam for a moment. Where have I seen that before? asked Adam under his breath to Maya. He motioned with his board from off his back for Maya to allow him to activate it. She shook her head so slightly looking back at Robbie’s presentation.

Robbie continued, The Hover Board utilizes rapid anti-magnetic pulse and dark current to propel itself in any and all directions. This is too secret, alien technology, brought to you for the affordable price— for some families— of $1,295.00... plus tax. He wobbled on the board a little bit and tried ascending and descending. He slowly traveled towards the wall of the store, then touched the wall and turned around. Be amazed! I just got mine today, but I’ll be shredding streets in no time!

Lame, said Adam, somewhat bored.

What was that? asked Robbie.

I said your board is clunky, slow and too expensive, Adam said.

Oh, as opposed to your sleek design of angel’s leather sandals? Robbie asked.

Yeah, actually, Adam said. He kicked the Hover Board out from under the armpit of one of the boys behind Robbie, who was leaning all his weight upon the object. Not only did the board begin to spasm and spark and say things like recalibrating and system fire danger, The boy was injured by the board hitting him in the rib. The hooligans wrestled Adam for a while, just to shake him up. 

Chapter 4

Adam burst through the front door of the Rainer house. He had a black eye that was beginning to shine. Maya followed calmly.

Mom? Dad? Maya called. Isn’t that just great to say that again?

Adam begrudges and humphs while throwing his Earth Board and his backpack in the corner. A lot of back up you were Maya! Adam exclaimed.

I— it worked to say that I was calling the police, didn’t it? Maya answered.

A little late! Adam shouted.

Well... Maya said, looking around. You were asking for it.

I’m always asking for it, Maya! Adam said. Always.

Adam yanked the fridge door and grabbed the milk. He poured a giant bowl of cereal and then grabbed himself a spoon. Maya continued checking every room.

No sign of Mom and Dad. That’s odd, Maya muttered.

In the invisidome, Dharma held David’s extended wobbling hands.

I feel elderly, said David.

Yes— I mean— no, you’re doing great, said Dharma with a smile. You’ll be shredding with the best of them in no time. If my intuition is correct in remembering, you had some pretty wild style.

I hope you are correct. Or else it’s amateur hour forever for me, David said.

Aww, but it’s kinda cute, Dharma giggled.

What, my style? David asked, blushing. Suddenly he slipped and shoved the board out bouncing around the dome.

Maya noticed a subtle flickering outside.

David fell, head over heels, flat on his back, and Dharma landed exactly flat on top of him.

Oh, Dharma paused, propping herself up.

Uhh, said David, awkwardly.

Maya opened up the dome and interjected, followed closely by her brother.

I knew it was a bad idea to leave you two alone! Maya shouted, in disapproval.

Dharma brushed off her sweater and stood up in all innocence.

Well... said David.

Ah, rekindling an old flame, said Adam. Nice.

Maya gave Adam a little upward smack to the back of the head.

Ow! cried Adam.

Adam, Dharma said with concern. What happened to your eye?

Adam bowed his head a little, and answered, Some dumb hooligans jumped me by the The General’s Dollar.

Dharma looked at Maya.

Something like that, Maya said, shrugging. Adam called the leader’s Hover Board lame. So, the leader and his guys wrestled with Adam.

Dharma came to Adam, lifted his chin, and brushed the dirt off his temple. Let’s get some ice on your eye, Dharma said. That wasn’t very nice of you to call their new toy lame.

Oh mom, you’ve been away from this cruel world too long. The board is just a pawn in their endless game of mocking Maya and me! Adam said.

Why? asked Dharma. What did you guys do to them?

Nothing! Adam explained. Well, generally they are repulsive and I just can’t have any of it so... 

Yep, ever since the sandbox days...bad blood, said Maya.

You know, usually there is an underlying reason for repulsive people behaving how they do, said Dharma.

Maybe in the world of clouds and magic boards, but it’s not that simple here, they’re evil! Adam answered.

Dharma looked at David. He was leaning on the counter eating apple slices. He winced a little and shrugged.

Oh, it’s far from simple in the world of clouds, just a different... magnitude, said Dharma. Okay, I’m sorry. Yes, I understand.

Dharma set the ice pack back inside the freezer.

But still, peace and harmony needs to be the goal, Dharma said. Love to be exact.

Blecchkk, said Adam, pretending to throw up.

Peace and harmony to the entire world, repeated David, he sang and danced. Peace and harmony to the entire world.

Are you mocking me? Dharma asked.

No way! David answered. This is honest. Are you mocking me?

Dharma put her palm to her forehead. I’m going back to the cloud world, she said.

Hey someone has a birthday coming up if I’m not mistaken, said David, with a crooked smile. On the date today, is it your birthday?

Maya restrained a smile and blushed just a little bit.

Changing the subject? Dharma said, under her breath.

You guys are like an old married couple or something, said Maya.

I can’t wait! My little girl is growing up and I will be here for her when she blows her candles out! Wanna help me make the cake today? Dharma asked, cheerfully.

Sure! Maya answered, stealing apple slices from her Dad.

I’ll be doing magic kick flips in the basement, Adam said and walked away.

Oh, Adam could you get some blankets and some pillows to put on the couches down there? Dharma asked.

Huh? Adam asked, turning.

Oh, I hope you don’t mind Maya. I invited some friends, if that’s okay, said Dharma.  Just a few friends and I think you will be happy to see them. It’s been quite some time.

The light goes on in Maya’s eyes and mind, and warmness spreads into a hug across the room for her mom.

Chapter 5

Maya galloped down the wooden staircase on this lazy Sunday. She had passed the morning away in the foothills of the forest for her daily dose of analog adventure with her brother. Like every great Boards Men, supernatural or not, it was almost a religious thing to get out on the slopes and enter the experience. She never knew exactly what the ride would hold, but it was always something, some dimension she tapped into, some emotion in her DNA. She could stay this way forever. She could ride among the pines as the unknown spirit guide of timeless nature calls. But nothing doing, cuz the push of pushlessness is not an easy art to master. It requires grace and confidence. Letting go and sweeping hold of your imagination, sewing your immortal soul into your shadow, and splicing that with what you feel. It gets deeper. She hears a voice within saying, Practice, Maya, practice. Everyday her feelings deepen, as she dreams of the immense depths of the Boards Men, as their auras extend into endlessness dimensions right before her eyes, in mundane life.

Returning home, she cleaned up. She left her room with her hair still very wet. Her feet sang measures of her cheer, Th-thump, th-thump, th-thump, as she clambered down the stair way, sliding into the arena of the entry way, and catching an edge of a sock, just-so with dampness of a little sweat, sent her slightly through the air into the wall. She checked the dry wall for a crack with widened eyeballs, and mouth agape.

Teenagers, her father said lovingly, as he shook his head.

Happy birthday!! Dharma exploded. She put a cheesy birthday cone hat on Maya. David looked at Adam.

Girls, said Adam lovingly, as he rolled his eyes in jealousy. Happy birthday sister, again, he said, smiling reluctantly.

Maya, before the guests arrive, your father and I got you a little gift, Dharma said.  Goodness, I just love to say things like that once again! She disappeared around a corner reappearing with a present. She dragged the massive box with holes along the ground. Here you go! The box was shaking, and then suddenly something tore the wrapping paper and flopped out onto the floor in a furry ball of black.

A puppy!! Maya screamed.

Woooah! Adam said, lighting up to three times the size of his heart of a moment ago.

Dad would never let us get one when you were gone! Maya managed to say while fielding millions of puppy bites and kisses. It’s adorable.

I can’t argue with that, said David. I tried. Although, I wonder now if I should have considered this years ago.

Thank you dad, I love you! Maya said, gratefully. Thank you mom!

A side of Maya I have rarely ever seen, said David to Dharma. He extended his arm around her shoulder. I saw this side of her once in a blue moon, once when we were the 13th caller in a sweepstakes. For that minute, in a toy store with a cart, to get as many items as we could, I saw this side of her.

Dharma was not listening. She was overcome with warm emotion for her daughter and her puppy.

What should we name him Maya? Adam asked.

I don’t know, Maya answered. Umm, what about — Snowball!

Snowball? Adam halted. Are you color blind?

No, you dweeb! Maya said, lifting snowball up on to his back legs. There’s a little, fluffy, round, white patch on his chest.

Snowball, Dharma said, melting in accordance. Aw, I love it.

You’re gonna get me beat up again, Snowball, Adam muttered. But I love you still, he said with puppy lips, while petting him.

They passed the afternoon as the Rainer family together in the backyard, fetching with the freshly added puppy to the family. Laughing, rolling, and training Snowball on how to sit and lay and shake. All enjoyed their good puppy.

Chapter 6

In the kitchen Dharma put snacks together. Adam passed out the snacks, and placed them in all the rooms. The Winter Olympics were playing on the TV in the background.

Weird they’re not having them in February this year, David said, while tossing popcorn in his mouth.

The times are changin Adam said, as he swung his arm in the air across his body.

David stared at his son for a minute. Where are these guests of ours? Do they know how to get here? David asked Dharma.

Sorry, they should be here any minute, Dharma answered.

Then just like magic, a shabby, rattling, jubilant, loopy voice came ambling from the background in some corner of the house. Happy birthday too youuuu, it sang happily. Zeddefungo appeared from the living room into the group. Happy birthday, dear Maya, happy birthday to you, Zeddefungo sang, with joy.

How did you get into our house? asked David.

Zefu! Maya yelled, as she bum rushed the sight for sore eyes of the wilderness man of the woods of the Wild West, with twigs still in his hair of course.

Adam joined the hug. Snowball peed on Zeddefungo’s foot. Zeddefungo looks on without a care. I love shrimp! Zeddefungo said excitedly, helping himself. Am I the first one here? Astonishing? He looked around for the other guests.

As it was in the beginning, Dharma said, exuberantly giving him a loving hug.

The beginning of what? Zeddefungo asked.

Oh, brother, Dharma said, resting her head on his shoulder. He returned the warm hug. 

David came in and gathered Snowball to stop the puppy from gnawing on the leather laces of the moccasins on Zeddefungo’s feet.

Hello, do I know you? Zeddefungo asked David.

No— I don’t know— do you? asked David.

Zefu, this is my— husband, David... Maya’s and Adam’s father, said Dharma.

Zeddefungo critiqued him for a minute, from a lean and tilted head position. Suddenly he snapped up shocking David, who jumped a bit. Another beautiful brother! Zeddefungo shook his hand, and grabbed his other hand too, and pulled him in and hugged him.

Zeddefungo is... well, I won’t ruin the surprises— the many surprises that are Zeddefungo that I have in store said Dharma.

Just then a crash and a bash sounded in the garage.

Adam that’s your science project, Zeddefungo jested.

Yes, wait, no, I don’t have a science project, replied Adam.

Yes, well... Zeddefungo said, as he crept towards the door. There’s only one other explanation for this then.  He started flicking the light switches beside the door into the garage. Confused, he looked at Dharma.

I’ll get it, Dharma said, in this ridiculousness. Dharma opened up the door into the garage. The rest of the party members were leaning, tippy-toe-ing, just to see what was going on.

In the garage a gnarled fur drenched beast rummaged among the tools and paint cans.

How many dogs do you guys have? Zeddefungo asked, over Dharma’s shoulder.

Dharma flicked the light switch in the garage.

Yep, Zefu said.

The mangy furry figure came to light. Helllooooo! Boomed Tjikko from the rubble. He came up swiftly, sweeping Maya off her feet high into the air. She ducked beneath a light fixture, beaming with exuberance to see her grizzly uncle. Happy birthday, Maya! Tjikko continued to boom.

Snowball barked repeatedly at the massive furry grizzly.

I agree with puppy, too much fur for mid-October, Zeddefungo said.

Aye, get over here you sly fox, Tjikko gnarled at Zeddefungo, squeezing him tightly.

Come in Tjikko, come in, so good to see you, Dharma said. They kissed each other on the cheeks.

The party guests made their way into the living room and kitchen dining area connection. All were gathered around the chips and Tjikko.  All together: Adam, Tjikko, Dharma, Zeddefungo, Maya, and David.

So, Tjikko, how are things in Sweden? Maya asked, with cheer.

Oh, you know, the elves they’ve all got part-time jobs this time of year up north, said Tjikko.

Up north? Maya asked.

Further north, Tjikko answered.

Oh, right, Dharma said. Seasonal jobs.

Aye, Tjikko accorded.

Elves, Maya said, realizing.

Santa, Adam added.

Yeah... what? David asked, confused. David reached across the face of Tjikko through the tight-knit circle ‘round the chips to get a pile of salsa. He reached back and bringing a chip to his mouth crunching it in front of Tjikko’s gaze of part wonder and part fondness.

Who’s this guy? Tjikko asked, as he motioned to David.

That’s David, Zeddefungo answered.

Hi, David said.

Do I know you from somewhere? Tjikko asked.

I don’t think so, David answered.

Just then the doorbell rang. Snowball