CH1: Daniel this is seriously awesome.

Colin looked at the body tight suit that Dan was holding in his hands. Yeah, but I have to try it first to see if it will fit me, Dan replied to his younger brother. Dontcha mean if you fill into it. Dan shot a look at his brother, shut up, he mouthed out loud. Then he smiled and responded Youre right though. I still might have to increase my workout. With an afterthought he also added Although there isnt much difference between this and a plastic bag when it comes to you. Colin laughed with his brother but he looked down at his skinny frame and sighed inwardly. He was and never could be strong even though he exercised enough to keep fit. He never seemed to fill out properly. To make it worse his older brother Dan had hung onto his childish teasing and although they never were punched in meanly he still wished them unsaid. Im gonna try it on now. Dan broke the uneasy silence and walked into the shed. A couple of minutes later he came out wearing the body suit. Tell me what you think, he called to Colin, I looked in the mirror and I think it fits. Colin looked closely, I think it does too, he replied and actually meant it. The suit definitely fitted closely perhaps a little too closely but then again Dan never bothered with things like that. The actual design of the suit was very simple, just a complete black with a red stripe down the sides and also down from his neck to his belt where he had stuck all their previous inventions. A twang of regret pulsed through his mind again. Those they had spent months on and even though he had made and designed most of them his older brother had still claimed them for his own. Cmon Col youll be late for the party tonight, his brother grunted as he pulled his BMX out of the pile of bikes in the shed. Colin sighed as he got his bike out and rode down his partially long driveway. At least I have the better bike he thought as he began pushing the spiked pedals. He was justified in this as his bike was worth up to nearly $1000 and was purely hand made with no welding marks anywhere on the solid metal frame. The few gadgets he had clipped on himself also put up its value but he would never sell it for he was too proud of it. Its not like I really wanted to go anyway, he said to himself. If there is really nothing else I can do, then I seriously need to check out my life entertainment system. He shrugged as the bike picked up speed and concentrated on the more important subject of cycling. They made a nice picture, two well-featured brothers cycling down the road the one in front with a huge muscular frame that made his brown hair and freckles look even better. The other had an average sized body and a completely smooth face and looked completely unaware of it which made him look even better to the girl who was sitting in the car waiting in its driveway. The only problem was however well his hair matched his face at school the helmet he was wearing miffed what you could see of his hair (his hair was the cause of a slim popularity in school as he managed to grow the fringe four and a half inches up and keep a

standard crew for the rest. All of this was done without using hair gel). But, she thought to herself, at least it shows he has more sense than the other who wasnt wearing any sort of helmet. Her thoughts were interrupted as the drivers door slammed and the car engine revved. CH2: For the past few minutes Jamie, the host of the end-of-term dress up party, had been evasive about the nights entertainment line-up. Finally, he stood up on a table and yelled, Tonights entertainment is a movie runner. (everyone held their breath) And the movies are (he paused) the Harry Potters! Sorry it has to be something the baby can watch because Im babysitting. Nearly everyone cheered but those who didnt werent heard in the noise as everyone rushed for the best seats. Colin sighed, he hadnt expected anything better but he was still disappointed. He walked over to Jamie and tapped him on the shoulder. Do you have a basketball and hoop? Jamie didnt even bother to answer but nodded his head outside as he ordered Priscilla off the best chair. She complained, but he persisted with threats as he was the host. Immediately, but to no ones surprise and Priscillas smug pleasure, Dan rose from the second best seat and offered it to her. With a smile that looked too wide for anyone but Dan, she sat down just as the movie began. As he ran outside, Colin mumbled a thank you and ran out the door. As he closed the door he looked back inside and his heart flip-flopped as Nichole and three others made their way outside. Of course he held the door open and tried not to stare too much at her as she walked by and mumbled a shy thank you. Colin felt elated. This was the first time the whole term anyone in the school was copying or following him and his actions. That was except for Augustus Grice who had copied a history paper word for word but that was to be expected as he couldnt write compositions and conveniently sat behind Colin. It did have to happen though, Colin thought, on the last night of term. He passed the ball in and they all began playing king as they began themselves for a long night. ***** Dan was getting bored. He had seen these movies several times over and they were starting to get repetitious. Come to think of it he had spent more time looking at Priscilla than watching the movie and they were halfway through the second. Most of them were getting a bit bleary-eyed Jamie thought as he watched the screen with every part of his body asleep except his eyes. Better call a short break, He thought and pressed the stop button. Immediately, everyone began to stretch, groan, complain, and grunt as they stretched out of their chairs and bean bags. As Dan got up he surveyed, for the first time, all the costumes everyone was wearing. The only two people that he couldnt place were Jamie and Priscilla. Jamie was wearing metallic clothes and had spiked his hair up so high it looked like Skrillex. Maybe that was it but who wanted to look like him anyway? As for Priscilla she was too hard to place but whatever it was it didnt include much clothing. He walked over to her and the two boys she

was talking to in low tones. Hi Priscilla, Steph and Jokai. Enjoying the movies? It was a poor question but anything to direct the conversation towards him. Priscilla looked over her shoulder to where he stood behind her. Hi Dan, she said simply and gave him a big smile. Thanks for giving up your seat for me. That Jamie person is such an annoying freak. Whoa! Keep it down he might hear and hed probably kick us out. Dan pleaded. Doesnt matter, she answered, were going down to Stephs house. You should come were going to do some things. She may as well of shouted that last line. What are we going to do? he asked. He saw the look of hesitation on their faces. You neednt worry about me, I wont turn chicken on you, he added hastily. Steph turned to him. He was thick set with his hair spiked left and both ears and nostrils pierced to make him look older than 16. Aint that we fraid of ya mate. But dis thing dat we doing is too complex to explain but yer can come if yer wants, he spoke in his thick voice. Yeah, Ill come. But it better be better than this cause I dont know what my dadll say to it so this better be worth it, he said slowly. Yer Dad? Yeah well I Forgit it. Its alright we aint doing nothing illegal. Jokais dad gave him a BMW for his 17th so well fit, he spoke easily, but there was obvious disgust in his eyes. Priscilla shifted impatiently, Come on dudes. Were wasting time here. Dan looked quickly around but Colin wasnt anywhere to be seen. You comin Dan? Yeah Im coming, he returned and walked out the door and into the car where they were waiting for him.

CH3: The thunderstorm had been building up for the last half hour and now it began to rain. Colin and the others ran for the shelter of an outside shed. Joseph stooped with his hands on his knees, panting after his quick sprint. We could go back to my house, its just over the fence, he pointed to his left. Everyone looked doubtful. Okay, okay, Im sorry, I should have explained. You can trust me, I dont mix with those people back in there, and besides my parents are home. With an afterthought, Its not like we can go back in there. Andrew nodded, that should be okay. Josephs right we cant go back in there. Any respectable Catholic shouldnt watch Harry Potter or hang around with them. They poised ready for a quick sprint and jump over the fence.

***** The car was up the driveway and the engine was dying as all four doors opened and five characters climbed out and started walking purposefully towards the house. Something in Dans stomach was twisting and turning but he paid little heed to it. As they got inside the house Steph called out, Dad! Dad! Your old man out then as we agreed? Jokai asked. As he crossed into the lounge Steph nodded. Dan now wished he hadnt gone. Stop it he thought to himself. Stop thinking the worst of people. In the past few months he had realised that Americans werent as bad as he had originally thought when he had stayed with his cousin in Chicago. Ask, he said. Ask and learn the truth instead of assuming the worst. Um guys, what are we doing exactly? Steph turned on him, Look mate we told ya before, its too complicated to explain but we aint breaking the law sos yer dont have to worry. Better but still not good, he thought to himself. Shall we show him? Priscilla questioned. Well make him swear of course. She faced Dan, As they told before we arent breaking the law, but we are showing you an object of power and it needs to remain a secret so we just need you to swear silence. Okay? Cant be any harm in just that, he thought. Dont forget curiosity killed the cat, said the annoying little voice inside his head. Shut up, he told it, youre just as bad as my younger brother except he knows when to give up. There is no harm in what Im doing, and with that he opened his mouth. ***** Joseph took the iPod out of his pocket and plugged it in the shed speakers after yelling to his mother that he was home with several of the more intelligent party guests. Colin smiled at that and then lost himself as did everyone else when Daft Punk blasted through the shed. There were various entertainment systems throughout the shed, such as a pool table, a Wii and an air hockey table, but there was one thing that caught his eye especially. There was a half sized indoor pool. Wow! No wonder this shed is so huge, Colin whispered. Wanna have a swim? Joseph asked next to him. I didnt bring any trunks. He looked almost miserably at the pool. I have plenty. Enough for us all. He yelled back over the music. Then he looked at Nichole. My sister is away for the weekend so she wont mind you using one of her bathing suits. He looked at her again. Dont worry, I know my sister she wont mind. Besides she has several. He yelled the good news to the others and an immediate cheer rang through the shed.

Five minutes later, Colin and the others were having the time of their lives. The diving board at the deep side was a good springy one and he could jump high anyway. Soon he was showing off all his acrobatic skills and to his secret delight everyone was applauding him. CH4: Bring it out, Priscilla ordered. She was in control of the whole situation. Her hands stretched out unusually far as she took two bowls both with cloths over them from Jokais equally distanced hands. Then she put them down, each on a separate table that Steph had brought in. Close the blinds, she commandeered and the three boys jumped to obey. After he had done as was requested Dan walked back over to the tables and sat on one the chairs that surrounded the two tables. He then looked into Priscillas eyes but they contained only wonderment and awe as they were transfixed on the two bowls. She became aware that he was staring and answered the unspoken question, These are two of the last few undiscovered objects of power and we are trying to discover their qualities. Watch, she instructed as she lifted the cloth off the first bowl. Immediately the room became shrouded with a black glow and all the lights dimmed but did not go out. Dan looked up. Did someone do that for effect or did it really make the lights dim? She averted her gaze from him and looked back at the rock that was in there. It was made of a grey stone and had jet black streaks in it. Then she lifted it up and held it to the light. It instantly darkened the light completely. Wow, Dan breathed, then he asked a question that bothered him. Should we actually be playing with things like this? Steph made a violent motion towards him, I thought you said you werent gonna turn chicken on us mate. He waved a fist in front of Dans face. Priscilla immediately motioned behind Dans back for him to stop and then began a short laugh as she edged herself towards Dan. You dont need to worry Dan, she laughed lightly, its not dangerous, and neither are we playing with it. Here hold it for yourself. Again his conscience gave him a danger warning, but he didnt even bother to answer it as he slowly reached out for the stone in her hand. He took it from her and for a second everything was alright. Another second and something was creeping into his brain, and one more and there was a loud explosion. Dan didnt fall over, he just staggered backwards as his chair fell to the floor with a crash that no one heard. His gaze went down to his hand and he had a mental heart attack as he did so. His hand was engulfed in a black wraithlike darkness with black streaks of it slowly spreading over his body. The others sat on the floor unable to move because of the immense power rushing around the room as they gazed at him. He staggered back some more as the streaks of black took over his whole body and then the lights went out. CH5: When the lights came on the first thing the other three saw was the last streaks of black curling into his screaming mouth. Then again his mouth was open and showing all

visible signs of screaming but no sound was being emitted. As the last streak went in he inhaled deeply, choked and then regained his balance as he took a fresh breath. He immediately threw down the stone and as it hit the floor the dramatic silence was broken by an ear piercing shriek from Priscilla. They all looked at her and then where she pointed. The stone had no more of the black streaks on it and everyone could guess where they had gone. Jokai broke the second spell of silence with a single, completely out of place word, Cool Dan immediately reacted, No it is not cool. Now I have this thing inside me that could make me do anything unpredictable. I was wrong to come here. You are all freaks and have gone up the wrong path somewhere and I dont want that to happen to me. Now it might and if it does, I know who to blame. He stopped for breath. Priscilla looked at him coyly, and then spoke in a voice Dan had never heard before, Wrong, now thats a word I havent heard or used for a long while. If you grow up one way or another you are taught one way or another. The words wrong and right are simple notions that depend on your upbringing, and as men go through different time periods these notions change. As you can see it just doesnt work, so I suggest you just drop this now and be sensible. How can I calm down and be sensible? he almost yelled. I have something alive or radioactive or whatever inside me and Im meant to stay calm when I dont even know what it is? Its name is the Aeade Stone. In the bowl there is its other half. It harnesses electro waves. This one was more fascinating, as we did not know completely what it does, but what we do know is that it blocks out all light except perhaps that of its brother. They come together with a positive/negative reaction and after that we did not dare to try that any farther and so as you saw we kept them apart. Their origin we do not exactly know but an estimation would be one of the stars near Pluto, but we do not know for sure. They were huge asteroids once, but when they burned through our atmosphere this was all that is left. Jokai finished by picking up his cap and pulling it down on his shaved head. Dan looked speechless. He looked from Jokai to Steph, and from Steph to Priscilla. I I guess it isnt that bad after all, he managed to say. Thats better. That came from Priscilla. Suddenly Stephs eyes widened, the other stone, he cried as he leapt across the room to get there first. He grabbed the cloth off the second bowl just as Jokai tackled him. As they fell Jokai smashed Steph in the face and so regained his footing while Steph fell to the floor. He too made a grab at the stone but was tackled at the legs by Steph and fell to the floor. Steph got up first and rushed to the stone, picked it up with a smirk of pure triumph on his face, and uttered a howl of rage as nothing happened except for another punch in the face. As it fell from his hand Jokai grabbed it and squeezed. Nothing happened. He threw the stone to Priscilla and she held it in her palm, but still nothing happened. After a moments hesitation, she also threw it to Dan. As soon as he caught it a huge roar filled the room as two powers clashed.

The stone, Dan had noticed was grey with yellow streaks on it, was writhing in midair centimetres above his open hand while streaks of yellow began climbing his arm and filling the room with a dark yellow colour, which added to the confusion started by the roar. This time Dan remained slightly calmer than before so he couldnt help but notice that this time the stone roared instead of the freaky, screaming, shivering sound the other one had made. The streaks of yellow had now come up to his elbow and he found that he couldnt move that arm. Just then the screaming sound from the first stone filled the air as well as the roar and the noise grew deafening. Dan yelled; his head was splitting! He covered his left ear with his free hand and rubbed his right one against his shoulder to ease the pain a little. Maybe I can somehow channel the power that is supposedly flowing through my body to ease the pain. He focused on this and as he did so the screaming began to overpower the roar. He stopped bending over and straightened up as he felt the power flowing through his body. Concentrating all of it on his arm the yellow wore off then increased a little then suppressed itself down to the stone. The immediate result was a huge explosion that effected nothing but Dan and the yellow Aeade Stone which flew across the room. Dan stood still, panting and looked at the stone. Unlike the first it still had its yellow streaks on it. Priscilla looked at him questioningly. Why does it happen only to you, and what does it feel like? For a second Dan thought hard. Then he said Its like power channels through my body and if I try, I am able to control it. Would you be able to show us? asked Priscilla. Ill try, he answered back. Then, reaching into the depths of his mind, he pulled out the forces inside and released them on the nearby table. When he pushed out his hands to release it, it did come out. Although since no one knew what to expect they were still in shock when it happened. The same wavy, misty streaks of black flew out of his body (mainly his hands) and threw the table into the wall. The others stood flabbergasted. This was better than they ever could have hoped for. Priscilla then bent forward and whispered something in his ear. He started and shook his head violently. She tried again and again until eventually he did give in. As he walked out the door anyone who had dared look into his eyes would have seen a cold hatred mixed with confusion, misunderstanding, and a total sense of despair as he walked away with a glowing yellow bag in his hand. CH6: After a while things began to calm down inside Josephs shed and the other three boys eventually drifted away from Colin. I suppose it happens eventually, he thought. Later, after some more brooding he decided that he should go home. He stood up to his full height letting the water fall off his bare chest as he sloshed his way through the water. To get to the steps though he had to go by Nichole who was squatting at the shallow end. Cripes! he thought, should I say something as I walk by her?

Its now or never, she said to herself as she saw him walking towards the steps while trying, but not exactly succeeding to look past her. 3 steps 2 steps 1 step. H... hello she managed to stammer. Stupid! she said to herself. You have been around him for hours on end and all you can manage is a stammered hello. Stupid! Stupid! H hello NNichole isnt it? he faltered as he paused in mid stride. Phew! That evens it. Yes thats right. She tapped the edge of the pool beside her, Come sit next to me. I believe we havent talked all term and I hardly know you. Quick, think of something to say, above all dont panic. So how old are you? He inquired. An awkward question one way but in another perfectly fair (he hoped). 14, and Im in year 9. Perhaps a bit simple. Say something else quickly. Same cept Im in year 10. Howd you get to year 10? she asked a bit nonplussed. When I was home-schooling back in Australia I started school a year early because I wanted to learn and although it was hard Ive managed to keep my year level up one. Then I moved to the outskirts of New York and enrolled for this school. I took some test which I easily passed and so I was allowed to keep my grade level. Im trying not to boast but I guess I have done well to keep the one up. Whoa! Whoa! That does sound like boasting, he said to himself. Calm down and think clearly. Do all boys in Australia have that kind of hair? She questioned. No, he laughed. Wait! Dont make it sound like youre ridiculing her, I just managed to do it. Besides, most of them stick to long hair. If you want, I can tell it to you but you must promise to never let it out. Oh, you can tell your boyfriend, but with the same conditions. I dont have a boyfriend, she said in a quiet mono-tone while she shifted uneasily. But if I did, then I would tell him because you cant get much better than that. I thought every girl in America had a sweet of sorts? By the way purple is really your colour. He smiled mischievously. You cheeky little She didnt finish, but splashed him and then sprinted off, smiling. Colin was caught unawares but quickly recovered and gave chase. He caught up quickly and tackled her underwater. But she slipped from his grasp and grabbed his leg and neck and held him under for several seconds. He came up gasping and coughing. Then leaning against the edge of the pool he gagged and stopped breathing. Oh! What have I done? she cried as she rushed forward. Suddenly he let go of his throat, drew in a deep breath and lunged strait at her. Taking her up in the same position, he dunked her for the same space of time and then drew her up. Then they climbed out of the pool together and went for their towels. A faint irony climbed into his head as the song switched to Instant Crush and he caught a faint glimpse of Joseph

running away from his iPod. It wasnt instant, but long awaited, he yelled back at the sprinting figure. Then his heart jumped as she held him just a little bit tighter and looking down he caught a smile on her face. Have you ever been to a school prom before? he asked. CH7: They walked in the door together. Two brothers, but both worlds apart and Colin could sense it. Not in hostility, but there was a sense of despair and hopelessness which only one possessed while the other was singing in the clouds. Their father looked up from his laptop where he was still working and wisely decided to say nothing, but continued on with his work. Dan fell onto his bed and slept the sleep of misery. As for Colin, he was up on his computer adding Nichole and the other boys to all his contacts and with an elated sense of joy he saw that Nichole had added him. His father received the notice that one of his two sons was on the internet and clicked to open activity. When he saw what it was he smiled and a small tear dropped down his face when he saw how similar to his wife the girl was. He then proceeded to her profile and posts and silently approved of his sons choice. Half an hour later the only light in the house was an odd yellow glow coming from an old, battered looking bag in Dans room. ***** As the sun crept slowly over the tall buildings and skyscrapers of New York Colin began to stir. He turned over and looked at his bedside clock. 7:36! This never used to happen because there were never any skyscrapers on the fields of the Cardinia shire back home. Home. If only Dad didnt have work in New York and they could have stayed in the green fields of around Melbourne. He was then rudely awakened from his daydreams by a knock on his door by Dan who then walked in. May I come in? he asked hesitantly. Standing in-between the door frame he looked like he was about to make an apology, he thought. No dont think that, he cautioned, and made a mental apology. Then he looked closer at Dan and was all the more sorry. If he had slept at all, it had been poorly and his eyes were dark as were the circles around them. Yeah sure, he returned. Whats the matter? he asked. Dan looked taken back, How did you know? You looked in the mirror this morning? Nope. Do I look bad? Terrible. What happened? Oh, I had a bad night. Anyway what was it you wanted to talk about?

Oh yeah, I um wanted to show you this. He then took the bag out of his pocket and threw it on the bed next to Colin. Colin reached out to the bag, Thats it? Yeah, thats it. He then closed the door and walked away. Dad went a few minutes ago. Its lucky Colin slept late. By this time he had reached his room and he walked in and closed the door. As he sat down another wave of sadness overcame him and he covered his face in his hands and waited. It came a couple of seconds later. There was a scream and several yells and then there was silence, broken only by the sobbing. Still sobbing he reached for a communications device and pressed the red button. Then he walked into his bathroom to take a shower with the vain hope of it washing his worries and guilt down the drain. ***** Colin was doing the exact same thing as he staggered towards the shower and pulled his top off in front of the mirror. After the recent shock of the yellow stone he wasnt (as would anyone) feeling completely stable and at the sight in the mirror he nearly lost it. He wasnt half skinny, his chest was huge and as he staggered closer he noticed something. He flexed his muscle and gasped in surprise it lifted gigantically and he felt it too. On a closer inspection he also noticed that his veins were no longer blue but yellow. Stanger and stranger, he thought to himself as he turned on the taps and very nearly slipped over as he turned the normally stiff tap down way too far. Oops he muttered to himself as he adjusted the heat to a desirable temperature. The story in the other bathroom was no different. CH8: Half an hour later a five seater BMW pulled up at their house. Both boys were just walking out of the shower as a whistle split through the house. The voice came next but it was too muffled by the wall for Colin to hear it breaking with emotion, Colin, were going someplace and wed like you to come. Okay Dan, I got nothing else to do so I may as well. They both stepped into the car. Colin immediately looked at Dan and rolled his eyes. Why didnt you inform me of the company that was taking us out for some Saturday morning entertainment? Jokai looked down from the front. You got a problem with us dude? Yes, your speech is lousy, you are not a practicing Catholic, you do stuff I dont want to mention, and youre a half-wit dunderhead and I probably shouldnt of said that. I guess I should probably say sorry, that was just a first impression. The answer Jokai gave though completely threw Colin off. Did you think I wanted to have people think otherwise? Colin paled. Then he pulled at the car handle. It was locked. He looked at Steph. Dyer like to pull the car over mate.

Steph didnt even bother to answer, but Priscilla spoke for the first time, Dont bother with Jokai, Colin. He is a dunderhead just like you said. He only said that for a joke. She smiled unconvincingly, and Colin wasnt convinced. When they got to Stephs house they all walked in, but Colin did notice when Steph locked the door and pocketed the key. ***** Why shouldnt I have it? It is rightfully ours. You know very well why. Come on you know the pattern, Priscilla is wrong. There is right and wrong and I also dont care what Dan says. Theyve gone batty. But Dan swore himself my enemy until one of us is destroyed. Hell get over it. I must admit though, they did make it sound tempting. Its wrong! Maybe I dont ca, Colin didnt finish. He knew he did care. He started running, where he didnt know, he was just running and running running running He fell down in the dead faint of sheer exhaustion. ***** Dan turned on Colins computer and surveyed all the info on his contact s list. Then his evil smile widened when he saw a certain persons name. He fished his mobile out of his pocket and dialled quickly then left a written message on Colins bed. We have Nichole We will set her free once you agree Be at the top of the Empire State Building at 8:00 Im sure you know the consequences of being late Or of disagreeing Hope you like your suit Your loving brother, Daniel

CH9: The wind was freezing as Nichole woke with her light brown hair in her eyes and a thick taste/feeling in her mouth. She looked down and mentally screamed. She was on top of the Empire State Building and could fall off at any second. What was she doing here and why? Where was Colin? Where was her captor? Where was anyone? At first she thought it was the wind playing tricks with her but then she knew it wasnt. There was a person up there with her and whoever it was knew how to laugh evilly. The gag was ripped from her mouth and she breathed in fresh, cool air. She looked up. Hello Dan. Dont you think that youre taking it a little bit too far? After all I only flirted with your brother. Dan didnt even flinch, but mentally smiled. At least his brother had picked someone with wits and a sense of humour. He definitely wasnt going to be bored anyway. Then he watched her as her mouth drooped wider and wider as he told all that had happen and mentally smiled at her thin attempts to humour him.

***** When Colin finally awoke he looked up. He was nowhere that he could ever recall being. He looked down into a valley that sloped deeply down from the highway. Then he remembered all that had happened and a small sob escaped from his lips. No use running away, he told himself. Maybe Dad can help. He stuck his thumb out and pretty soon a car stopped for him and he climbed in gratefully. The man in the car was talkative and soon put Colin to ease. Colin then asked where he was and the man replied, Tis south of New York City that ye be and down there tis the valley of The Rolling Stones. Tis called that ye know because of the stones that roll down it yest is. And the old hermit that be there he still wont get out even though the stone keep falling. One day, I tells him, they fall on you and then a pretty mess you be in then eh? CH10: When Colin got home it took him no time at all to find the note and the bodysuit. It was the same as Dans except that it had a lighting strike down the middle for o ther than super strength he possessed the power to attract lightning and to release it. This is my chance, he thought, this is it to show New York that I am a SUPERHERO! He arrived at the Empire State Building and got off at the last floor as he heard, It looks like your hero isnt here so Ill just have to go through with it. He gasped. Then another voice rent through the air, Ever heard of cops, pretty boy? They catch bad boys like you. Since when do rulers bring themselves so low as to kill in cold blood? Colin started at the sound of his own voice. I didnt say that he thought, it just came out of me. Ah well , better continue, save the girl in front of all the people watching and become THE superhero. He climbed out the window. I ask you one more time. Will you join us? Dan shouted above the wind. I think you know the answer to that, he retorted. I have found my own path to fame. Dan smiled inwardly, it was working. He then let loose a flow of dark energy. Colin smiled and deflected it easily as he then threw a huge collection of energy towards his brother. It hit him full on and Colin then dashed over and freed Nichole and together they ran back inside towards the elevator as Dan lay writhing on the ground outside. Colin turned to face him when Nichole was safe in the elevator. So Dan thought we could play superhero, did he? Well pride comes before a fall. He said it loudly so all the spectators who had gathered could hear. Oh and by the way did you know what Dad is gonna do to you when we get home. A laugh came from the spectators but then it turned to a gasp as Dan stood up straight and tall as he threw a huge flow towards Colin. This time even though he tried to deflect it. It went straight through his flow of energy and lifted him up off the ground. He writhed and squirmed, but Dan sneered. He lifted his head up high, bent his body back, and threw Colin with all his strength. He waved and he disappeared from sight. Then he looked down at the spectators who immediately started screaming and yelling. Hear me, he called, New York is mine.

CH11: A groan escaped from Colins lips. He looked at his surroundings and found himself in the valley with the boulder next to him. After getting up, which required a lot of strength, he saw that there was a house like the old man had said. Just as he started to walk over to it the door opened and the old man hobbled out. In with ye before the storm breaks, he mumbled. Colin looked up and saw an unusual sort of storm creeping in from New York. I didnt know he could do that, he muttered. Once inside he saw that the house was cosy and simple. The old man hobbled over to a cauldron and filled up a bowl with the broth that was inside, Here take it. Itll do wonders. He spoke with the several teeth he had left. After the soup, Colin felt much better and he asked the old man a question. Why dont you ever move out of this dangerous place? You could get killed. The old man looked at him strangely, You ever run away from a fight sonny? Colin shook his head. But I did get thrown away from one. He then told the whole story leaving nothing out, even his thought and emotions. The old man shook his head, I wont scold you. Thats not what you need. You need something in here. He tapped his head. Its called a conscience. At that Colin started. I have a conscience. Why else do you think I didnt join them? That was just intellect and common sense, the old man returned. You had no right to ridicule your brother. Pride was there and pride I would guess caused this whole thing. A man should be proud of what he cant and hasnt done, not of what he can and has done. You were right, pride comes before a fall and may I ask whose pride? Youre right. Somehow, just somehow Ive gotta go fix things up and and apologise to my brother for treating him wrongly. Thats better and all I can say is go with God in your heart and mind. Also keep in mind when you fell from your pride its lucky you fell to me. Back at the top of the valley, Colin stuck his thumb out again. A car pulled up and he hopped inside. You again. Is this starting to be a system or what? the man asked. Sorry I just need a lift. Oh, and you know the old man down there? Yes tragic isnt it. I always warned him to come away, but he didnt listen. He was buried this afternoon. Colin opened his eyes wide at that and started to say something, but then was knowingly quiet. CH12: Nichole was feeling sick after all she had said to Priscilla. But she had got the information she wanted and now knew the whole story. Priscilla had even shown her the other half of the stone which had those vital yellow streaks on it. She suddenly decided she

had endured enough and grabbed the stones and dashed out the door. Priscilla didnt give chase because of her high heels. Colin was making his way back to the Empire State Building when he saw her. Nichole! he shouted and ran towards her. He ran up to her as she jumped into his arms. What can I say but thank you, she murmured. And here I have for you, she stood back and dug in her pocket, the other half of the Aeade Stone. She gave it to him and gasped in astonishment at what happened. When it was all over she kissed him and said, Go now, he is waiting on the State Building. As he dashed off there was a tear in her eye. Goodbye Colin, she murmured disconsolately. The yellow electricity writhed around Colins legs as he used it to propel himself up to the highest level. I knew you werent that easy to kill, but that jump still surprised me, came the mocking voice behind him. Colin turned round, And I should have known that I was the idiot you thought I was. I must applaud your intellect. It was a good setup on your part. Also I must apologise for treating you the way I did. It was wrong and Im sorry. For a moment a flicker of hope and sorrow came over Dan, but it was replaced by the young adolescent gone mad with confusion. I dont want to fight you Daniel, but if I must, I must. If you are not with me, then you are against me. Why? Colin held his breath. Because I am right and you are Go on, finish it Suddenly Dan broke down in tears, I couldnt help it. It wasnt my fault. They tricked me. Im so confused. Then let go of your pride, and start doing what you know to be right, not what people wont scorn you for. Let it go and help me destroy the stones. Let all this be over. Suddenly Dan stood up, straightened his shoulders and reached out and grabbed the hand that held the stones. Instantly the fusions began. You do realise this could destroy us he, said quietly. We all die one way or another, but few that die claim true victory like you. And you. Your humility was what won me over. A chance to destroy this madness that overtook me. The fusions had spread all over their bodies. Goodbye Dan; you died a true hero! Goodbye Colin. So did you. We are both superheroes!

They exploded. Or rather their hands did. The power in their bodies leaked out back into the stones. They dropped them and as they hit the floor, a yellow and black cylinder of light descended upon the stones and when it disappeared so did the stones. Were alive! We did it! Never again. Never ever. For a man should be proud of what he cant and hasnt done not of what he can and has done.