Special Defense Force

Episode 6: Inner Demons, Shining Strength

The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife. Bobby’s breathing was slow and labored as Jayce readied his stance. The fighters stared each other down as they waited for the next move. Jayce slid his foot into position slightly, but Bobby’s eyes caught it, “Got you!” He dashed forward and swung at Jayce. He grunted and bent backwards to dodge. Bobby’s punch missed and Jayce held up a hand to his chest, “Got You.” Bobby braced for the shot when a loud alarm brought the combat to a close. Jayce powered down and Bobby helped him to his feet, “You ok man?” Jayce brushed himself off, “I’m good. How about you? I almost barbequed you.” Bobby patted his chest, “Not a scratch. You’ve gotten a lot better at your control since you came here.” Jayce chuckled, “Thanks. All of you have been a big help to me.” Bobby laughed as Dr. Sarah walked over, “Good job boys. I’m proud of your progress. Both of you.” Bobby smiled and Jayce gave a thumbs up. Bobby patted his shoulder, “By the way, have you come up with a Tac-Name?” Jayce nodded, “Sentry. I want to guard and protect. So it fits me.” Dr. Sarah nodded as Courtney walked out in her training outfit. She flicked her hair, “You guys almost done? It’s time for my match with bro.” They nodded as the other door opened and I stumbled in. Courtney smiled and almost waved at me, “Hey bro…” She stopped her wave as she saw me approach.

I hadn’t been in the arena two minutes, but I had already sweated through my shirt. My breathing was beyond labored and I felt like I would pass out at any moment. I was wobbly and shaky and had little strength in me. I gulped in a breath, “Hey sis.” She shook and held a hand to her mouth, “Daniel, what happened to you?” The guys stared at me in confusion as Dr. Sarah walked over, “Are you alright?” I wiped my brow, “Yeah, just a little fatigued. I’ll be fine.” Courtney adjusted her sword, “Bro, we can postpone if you want. I don’t mind.” I chuckled weakly, “No way. It’s my only exercise this week. So, let’s get to it.” The others walked off the floor but Dr. Sarah looked back in worry, “Daniel, don’t push yourself.” Courtney knelt slightly and held her sword, “We’ll just have a quick bout ok bro?” I stumbled into my stance and held my hand out, “Sounds good.” I started collecting the energy for my Spirit Sword, ‘Here we go.”

My sword sprang to life but it was different somehow. It was heavy in my hand and much larger then before. I held it to my side and looked at it, “Strange, even the color seems different.” Courtney stared at me for a moment, “His saber….it’s red?” I looked at it in my hand as the color slowly turned back to normal. I sighed, “Sorry sis. Let’s get this going.” She stood from her stance and shook her head, “I don’t think so. There’s something wrong here.” I sighed and sheathed my sword. I shrugged at her, “Look, I’m fine. Just tired ok?” I held my finger out at a nearby target, “See, I’ll show you.” I charged my finger and focused, “Spirit Gun!” My bullet flew from my finger and destroyed the target. The blast also destroyed a large portion of the wall.

I stumbled back and landed on my back, “Oh man! That hurt!” I gasped for air and pain shot all through my arm. I panted as sweat poured out of my body. Courtney ran over and knelt next to me, “Bro? What’s wrong?” I panted, “It’s almost like I’m sick.” She touched my forehead and yelped a little, “I guess so. Daniel, you’re burning up!” She looked at her hand and saw a light color change on her hand, ‘My hand is sun burned. What’s going on?” Dr. Sarah knelt and looked me over, “We need to get him to the Infirmary. Right now!” I tried to stand but found it difficult. The room started shifting on me and I soon fell unconscious. Bobby and Jayce picked me up and carried me to the Infirmary. Courtney followed as Dr. Sarah looked at the target I shot. She glared at it as she thought to herself, “For just a moment. I could have sworn…”

“Your Spirit Gun was red…”

I tried to calm my breathing as Lilly looked me over in the Infirmary. Her instruments sang in the quiet office as other machines beeped around me. She looked at a chart and drew some blood. Jayce watched from a window, “What could have brought that on?” Courtney shifted in her chair, “No idea. His fever was so high it literally burned my hand.” Dr. Sarah sighed, “At least he’s in good hands.” Bobby nodded, “Has anyone told the others?” Dr. Sarah nodded, “Emily and Anna are on their way. Sharon was at the commissary and should be here soon as well. Sam is out on a training exercise but should be done in about an hour.” As if to confirm her, the girls walked in with Anna in a mild panic, “Is he ok?” Jayce smiled, “He’ll be fine. Lilly is taking good care of him.” Emily walked to the window and sighed when she saw me panting on the examination table, “What about what happened in the arena? I saw the damage done and the footage from the observation tapes.” Dr. Sarah sighed and shook her head as Emily asked what was on everyone’s mind, “Why was his energy red?”