Dual Fires

Chapter 1

K

urtz, the youthful bully, had been at it again. The largest of the kids their age, he spent his time tormenting weaker kids one by one. On this occasion, Kurtz had pinned a cowering child against the outer fence of their local play area. Kurtz held the kid's shoes high overhead as the victim pleaded timidly. While others escaped for home, Gyver and a few huddled onlookers lingered to watch this latest round of battle.

"Come on, Kurtz," a nearby sympathizer belted. "Just give the stupid shoes back."

"I'll be happy to," Kurtz boasted. "To whoever comes to take them, of course."

That was Gyver's cue. Like all the others, he had watched Kurtz's boastful behavior on multiple occasions. But today, Gyver would do something about it. With his fourteenth birthday approaching, Gyver had grown a lot lately. Admittedly, he remained a minimal physical threat to Kurtz. But honing his powers was more essential to Gyver than simple physical ability.

As Kurtz stood there chuckling, Gyver focused on the light he held within. Sending out lightfire to relax the bully's mind, Gyver hoped it would cause the enemy to ignore his surroundings. Sure enough, Kurtz' confidence seemed to grow and his concern lessen as Gyver worked his magic. Kurtz waved the shoes defiantly for the whole crowd to see, his back slowly turning towards Gyver.

Gyver ran, his lightfeet surging faster than ever before. Adrenaline mixed with lightfire meant he arrived at Kurtz in milliseconds. Jumping before Kurtz could react, Gyver tugged the swinging shoes free. Gyver executed his plan perfectly—until a lightning-fast foot tripped him on his descent.

Kurtz immediately pinned Gyver to the ground. "Well, it looks like someone finally accepted my duel." he snarled. "This won't last long."

A fist swiftly swung in Gyver's direction. In truth, Gyver had known he would not escape. But as the hammer came down, Gyver released a quick burst of lightfire pinpointed at the bully's knuckles. Though Gyver had practiced this move for hours previously, it was not until Kurtz's weakened fist glanced off his chin and Kurtz's agonizing scream filled the air that Gyver truly knew his strategy worked.

The cries of the bully fleeing the scene were overshadowed by shouts of adoration and praise from the crowd of nearby children. Returning the shoes to the younger pupil, Gyver smiled through the pain — it still hurt a little getting punched, but the crack of Kurtz's lightened hand made it worth it. The bully's target thanked Gyver repeatedly while Gyver soaked in the cheers of those in the yard around him.

Sprinting home, Gyver's energy deflated somewhat at the sight of his mother. As a physician, her work hours varied while his father worked a more rote schedule. And as a kind and loving mother, her enthusiasm for his physical conquest would shine much less.

"Ho there, Gyver," she said cheerfully from the kitchen. Gyver's father typically cooked but she enjoyed the chance to assist when her schedule allowed it. Helping others through less violent measures—that was Gyver's mother's definition of heroics.

"Ho there, mother," Gyver replied, unable to contain the pride on his face until his father arrived.

"And what has you in such a glowing mood? By the good Light, that is not the post-schooling smile I am accustomed to!"

"Nothing big, mom," Gyver lied, "just something I thought dad would find amusing."

"Well, your mother loves a good story too," she retorted, his bruised cheek hinting at the gravity of the withheld details. "Perhaps you ought to test it with me first, so we can perfect it by the time your father comes around."