The Mysterious Door

Chapter 16

I don't really like the idea of Daniel going off alone with Sabrina. I trust Cyndy and Anthony, even though I know I shouldn't so quickly, meaning that one of them must be the empath. I'll need to convince them to come with me firsts.

I walk into the training room and unlike with the library it's amazing. Platforms stretch across the entire room, some divided by glass and others by running water. Here and there the platforms have some object on and some even have training dummies. It's no surprise Daniel came here the first chance he got, if you can run this course without any struggle, you'd probably be one of the best teleporters out there.

As would be expected Daniel is in the middle of a run while Sabrina sits on the sideline watching him go. I can't even begin to imagine what she's gone through. It's clear that their father gives Daniel a hard time, but it's unfair of him to take that out on her.

"Hey," she says, noticing me, "This was the last place I would have expected to see you."

"What are you talking about," I say, not really looking at her, "I like training as much as the next guy." Well, unless the next guy is just about any other guy.

"You know that's not what I mean," she smiles and beckons for me to join her on the seats, "Both of your friends are in the other rooms, yet you chose to come in here."

"Maybe I just wanted to see that you guys are okay. It's not safe for two people to be alone together."

"That didn't seem to bother you when you went to Cindy's room alone this morning," I can feel my cheeks burning, but she continues before I can say anything, "And besides, I know you don't care for me and Daniel."

"I don't have anything against you," I say, "But Daniel..."

"What's that supposed to mean," Daniel says angrily behind me, "You have something to say to me, say it to my face."

I have to use everything inside myself not to roll my eyes right now, "I have said it to your face a thousand times. You're just too daft to take anything in."

He takes his dagger out from the sheath on his belt, "At least I'm not daft enough to insult the guy with the big knife. I might just kill you and make the empath's job slightly easier."

"Daniel no," Sabrina says, jumping up and standing in front of me, "You know how it will look to everyone else if you kill Jake. Everyone already thinks you're the empath, don't give them any more reasons to think that way."

"I can't believe you're taking his side," he sheaths his dagger, "But I guess you're right. He's safe for now then."

"So, Jake, look" she smiles again, "I know no one trusts my brother, but I do. So unless there's anything else, I'd suggest we keep the rest of this interaction short."

"Well, Cindy believes there's a clue hidden in one of the books in the library that will show us what the next puzzle is. I think we'll find a way out of here a lot faster if we all help her look."

"Yeah I'm gonna skip that," Daniel says, "Reading's not really what I'd like to do for fun. I'll stay here and train some more."

"Everyone is gonna help," I say, "If you don't come, I will assume you're the empath and kill you myself. I beat you in a fight once and I'll do it again if it comes to that."

"That was pure luck," his face is pure anger, "You won't stand a chance if we would go again."

"Well," I say, "We can either find out, or you can come work with the rest of us." I'm not usually one to make threats, but he has pushed me a bit too far this time.

He doesn't say anything, but it's clear he's gonna give his cooperation. He throws his workout towel in the bin by the door and the three of us walk to the entertainment room to get Anthony.