Ticking Time Trouble (PpgzxRrbz Kids) |Book 4|

Chapter 15 (Benjamin)

Benjamin has been falling for hours. He couldn't stand that he is just falling down while his attackers flew next to him knocked out cold. His hair is whipping along with the wind, his arm is wrapped around his stomach and his eyes are glaring at the stars. 

He finally smelled salty water. Benjamin looked down and saw the ocean there. He plugged his nose, waiting for him to crash in the ocean. It only took five seconds before he crashed in the ocean. The cold water tingled against his skin, causing goosebumps to raise up and his blood turned heavy. Benjamin kicked his legs and started to push his arm to the test. He broke the surface, coughing out the saltwater.

His mouth is dry and his hair matted his forehead. Benjamin looked around for the shore. His dark pink eyes is trying to find the sand but a light made him stop. Loud snaps filled his ears, booming noises caused the oceans to rumble, and another spark of light flew into the sky. 

"Fireworks." Benjamin mumbled.

He waited for the next firework then swam to the line of fire. Benjamin didn't even count how long it would take him to get to the shore but the moment his hand touch the sand, he pulled himself on shore. Benjamin stood up, his body still feels as if he is in the waves.

"Where?" Benjamin asked himself.

Kids ran past him laughing. Benjamin almost got hit by low flying kite. He wanted to curse but stopped when he saw the kids. They are both black hair, olive colored skin but burn scars across their skin. Out of instinct, Benjamin grabbed his missing arm. 

Benjamin walked forward to see lights lighting a way towards the town. Benjamin noted that this is China from the structures, artwork and the clothing. He tried not to stand out but people looked at him. He couldn't blame them.

A boy with dyed black hair with red roots growing out, really skinny with one arm and wearing ripped ancient Greek clothing. Not to mention his nose piercing and ear piercing caught some wandering eyes. 

Benjamin knows that he looks like a mess. He is also sure that even Russell would flinch by looking at him. No matter how they feel about him, they would be shocked from his appearance. He looks very ratty and dirty. Now he is having the salt water dried on his skin.

"Python, she won't catch us!" Someone yelled.

"Bartholomew?" Benjamin asked as he looked around.

He saw two short boys holding hands, hiding behind a large temple. They couldn't be older than ten. Python, ten year old, peeked outside with his purple curls moving with the wind. He wore a baggy robe with red dragon designs. The taller boy is kneeling at the temple with a smile.

"Ethan," Python groaned. "We gotta hurry! Mommy is going to find out where we are!" 

Ethan? How can that be Ethan? He looks nothing like the Ethan that targeted me, Benjamin thought. He took a couple steps towards the temple with his confusion taking him over. He wants a closer look to Ethan.

His long black hair is pushed back with a headband. Ethan is wearing a light green robe with a Chinese symbol on the back. A paper lantern decorated with stickers and drawings laid on his lap. Ethan turned back to Python with a laugh. He grabbed Python's hand, bringing the smaller boy to sit next to him.

"Do you know what today is, Python?" Ethan asked.

"Tuesday?" Python replied, worried.

Why is he worried? Benjamin wondered.

Ethan laughed, "Yeah but today is October fifteenth. Water Lantern Festival." Ethan said as he put the paper lantern between the two. "The Chinese believe that they can talk to the dead on this day. But at the end they put the lantern on a body of water to float away, bringing the dead back to the spirit realm."