The Dark Side of War - Chapter 3

“Why do you think we’re the chosen?” asked Alex curiously, an eyebrow raised.

“Well, think about it. How’d you win against your opponent in the war? Didn’t you say that the atmosphere got cold, yet you weren’t really cold, you were comfortable?” asked Harry.

Alex sighed, and nodded, thinking hard. “Yeah…I did.”

“Same goes for all of you.” he said.

Everyone nodded, except for Caleb and Brian. Caleb was glaring deep into the flames of the fire in front of him, his eyes distant. Brian was watching him worriedly.

“There is one thing, though…” murmured Harry.

“What?” asked Crystal.

“Well…this really only concerns Caleb…”

Caleb looked at Harry, and sighed as if saying: What now?

“There is an attack of the Fire. It’s rarely used, and for good reason.” explained Harry. “it’s called the Ragnarock. It’s used when the person of Fire, that’s you, Caleb, changes his life force into flame. It’s very dangerous, and very powerful. Though, you won’t live to see the results.”

Caleb sighed, going back to looking in the flames, aware that all eyes were on him.

“It should only be used as a last resort, if used at all.” said Harry.

Caleb nodded. Now, will you be quiet and leave me alone? he thought. He didn’t like being the center of attention. He hated it. Absolutely hated it. He always had, as long as he could remember. Except when he was with his parents; he had loved it then, but those times were gone, and they weren’t coming back.

“Well, I suggest we all get to bed. You all have a full day ahead of you.” said Harry as he walked towards one of the three tents they’d set up.

Brian walked towards the tent on the end, and stopped before entering, looking back at Caleb. “You coming?” he asked.

Caleb looked up at him and shook his head. “Go ahead. I’ll be in later.” he said softly.

Crystal and Rachael went into the tent in the middle, while Alex went with Harry.

Brian sighed. “Fine, but come in soon, okay? You need your sleep just like the rest of us.”

Caleb nodded. “Yeah, okay.” he said.

Brian gave him a look full of genuine concern, before he entered the tent. As he lay down for bed, he sighed. Something was still bothering Caleb, but what? He wished he knew what it was, so he could help his friend.

The next day, everyone awoke around the same time. Caleb woke up first, after hearing the birds chirping, which left Brian to wonder how he could be woken up so easily. At the look he got from Caleb when he asked, he knew it had to do with something that Caleb didn’t want to talk about, and that he shouldn’t ask again.

“Now, I want each of you to try something with your powers. Caleb, would you like to try first?” asked Harry.

Caleb gave him an irritated look, and sighed. He shrugged as he got to his feet. He pointed his finger at the firewood, and concentrated. A small ball of flame shot out of his finger and onto the wood, lighting it on fire. He almost allowed a smirk to come to his face, but held it back as he sat back down, glaring into the fire he’d created. It reminded him too much of his childhood; what he’d done. Everyone was watching him with shock written on their features. Except for Brian, who looked at him worriedly, wondering what was going through his mind.

“Okay, now…Crystal, why don’t you try something. What are you? Air?” asked Harry, looking at her.

She nodded. “Uh, yeah. That’s what you said, anyway.”

“Okay, well, try something then.”

And try she did.

“Caleb, hey, wait up!” shouted Brian as he ran after Caleb. Caleb had suddenly gotten irritated or mad about something, and had simply walked away from everyone, and into the darkness of the woods. Brian had chased after him, excusing them from the group. “Wait! Stop already!”

Caleb sighed, and came to a stop, head faced towards the ground. Brian came up behind him, panting for breath.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong?” he asked.

Caleb only shook his head. “Nothing, go back. Leave me alone.” and he started walking again, giving his friend the cold shoulder.

“Wait!” shouted Brian, hurrying after. “What’s wrong? Just tell me already, please.”

Caleb sighed again, and stopped. “Look, okay, don’t take this personally, but I just want to be alone for a little while. I need to be on my own for now. Go back with the others, and I’ll be back later.” he explained quietly, glaring unseeing at the ground as if it were the most repulsive thing in the world.

Brian shook his head. “No, I’m not leaving you, Caleb.”

“Brian, please. I need to be on my own for now, okay? I’ll be okay. Go back to the others, and I’ll be back later.”

“…Promise?” asked Brian, looking away.

“Yeah, sure, I promise. Now, please go back.”

“Yeah, okay…um, I’ll uh…see you later, then?” he asked.

“Definitely. Now, go.” said Caleb, not even bothering to turn around.

“…See ya…” and he walked off.