Remember More

Chapter 36

REMEMBER MORE

CHAPTER 36

John was staring up into the night sky. Turning his head, he focused his eyes on his son, there meditating by his feet and his good friend, Yan, watching over him.

Zhang took a step closer to the group. "Well? Did you hear what I said? Will it be your turn to extend the challenge now, Big John?"

John sighed. He shook his head. He pivoted around to face Zhang, standing in the distance. "No, sir. That is not what I came for. I came to find my son. To save him. And now, I have."

Zhang frowned at this. "So…you will go?"

John dipped his head. "By your leave, Guardian, we will go."

Zhang smiled. He tossed his head back and laughed. "This is a wonder indeed!" Shaking his head, he continued to chuckle, though softly and to himself. He crossed his arms over his chest. "Every initiate whom I have encountered has always wanted for the chamber. I have never met anyone, all down through history, who has come this far, achieved as much as you have, but would not give his very soul for the secrets that are hidden within the final room. Of this, you are the first."

John smiled. "I have all I need. I have my family. And he is safe. I…"

"Dad…"

John swung around.

Jonas had opened his eyes. "Dad…" He had stopped his meditating for the moment. He still looked like he was in pain, but he raised his hand and signalled for his father to come closer.

John approached his son. He knelt down beside him. "What is it, Son? Are you all right?"

Jonas smiled and shook his head. "Dad, we've come all this way. I want you to do it. Go face the challenge. I want to know what's in the final chamber."

"But…"

"Please, Dad." Jonas turned his head and coughed. He coughed some more and Yan rubbed him down on the back. "I nearly died," Jonas continued. "I want to know." He gazed deep into his father's eyes. "Do it for me."

Back in the distance, Zhang heard what Jonas said. He planted his hands on his hips. "Come, Big John. Why not? I won't hurt you. I mean…I won't kill you…on purpose, anyway." He laughed.

John frowned at his son. He leaned in and touched his forehead onto Jonas'. He turned to Yan. She was smiling, nodding. John nodded himself.

He took to his feet and pivoted around to face the Guardian.

Zhang rubbed his nose with his thumb. "Just so you know. I'm not going to go easy on you. Just because you helped me with my garden and all."

John shook his head. "You're a funny little man."

~~~

John took a deep breath in and then stepped over to where Zhang was standing, waiting, still with his hands on his hips. John stopped ten feet away.

Zhang remained where he was, standing, smiling. He folded his hands behind his back.

John also remained still, except now, he shook his hands out, trying to relax them.

Time passed. It got a little awkward.

John frowned. "Well?"

Zhang frowned back. "Well what?"

"Well…what are we supposed to do?"

Zhang began to smile. He chuckled. "You're kind of new at this, aren't you?"