How can he be dead?

I jolt up hoping that's not him. Rufus is sweet. He's an innocent kid. Mr. Cree don't deserve this. His son's not dead. My aunt's neighbor is not dead. He's still alive out there.

I don't want to picture him being dead. Then as I place my drink on the hard surface of the table, I lay my hand over my leg. Then I feel something inside my shorts. I get into the pocket. I take out the crumple piece of paper. I unfold it to see the MISSING flyer. To see Rufus's face. Then I glance back at the screen.

I want to deny it. But I can't. It's him. It's really Rufus.

The same boy who laughed at my unfunny jokes, play with me when Aunt Verdi had to watch him. Invited to my last eight birthday parties. Mr. Cree's residence is only four yards away from my aunt's place.

How someone so innocent can died like that.

I glance back at the screen. The young body clawed multiple times, his eyes bleed out, and both his hands cut off. I don't want to be where Mr. Cree is right about now. His heart must be broken in a million pieces, watching that horrid frame of the brutalized remains. I know the rest of the city is.

If Rufus was related to me, I would be devastated. Beyond devastated at that.

I see Rufus' death as unfortunate. Why Rufus had to run. As much as Mr. Cree wants to be alone right about now, I wonder did Director Vartwild do anything or just remained behind the scenes. Stay invisible. That's what she does best.

The same reporter mentions that the director is going to make an announcement regarding the boy's death and the M.A.D.O.O protest bombing. Then the screen jumps to earlier footage of the M.A.D.O.O protest I saw before the explosion.

More of the signs proclaiming "Free Magic!" and "Repeal AMA!" I can see Dawning officials being afraid. I ponder the director wouldn't think I bombed those mages. And then there's Rufus. Who would kill him?

Thinking about the protest bombing, I wonder how the main M.A.D.O.O members are wondering. M.A.D.O.O stands for the Mages Against Dawning Officials Organization.

It's a group of selfish mages led by their prideful mage leader, Ellis Shaw. Shaw made a public announcement three years ago letting the officials know, if they didn't repeal the anti-magic act soon. He and his group were going to defy it. Use magic to show this city why they missed it. He said, magic was part of Neomerica before the war, and it will be thereafter. I heard Shaw is an excellent orator. He made a lot of good speeches. That speech, years ago had a lot of teachers referring to it as a freedom speech.

Some M.A.D.O.O members mention they could protect the citizens better than the centurions. Throughout school there has been stories going around, fellow classmates torn which side to go on. Some love magic while others want to be like the mages. Some are mages, but unbeknownst to the teachers, some were showing their abilities.

One classmate named Imogen certainly was one of them. She was fifteen. She told me last year that she was a mage. She showed me her ability, to read minds. She told me her father said she was a telepath. She put thoughts in my head. It was things I was never aware of. She told me about her favorite color being yellow; her favorite pet, a parakeet; her favorite food being baked chicken layered in asparagus sauce. That she loves wearing floral dresses. And that spring is her favorite time of the year. She told me all of this through her mind. It was awesome. I never got tired listen to it.

But back in school, there were times some kids teased her because how awkward she was. Having that birthmark, being freaky; some were confused that a nerdy girl with glasses and messy hair tied up in many, mini-buns would talk to a cool dude like me. Most of the beautiful girls there at the school already liked me, wanted to be my girl. Some thought Imogen was "my girl". But the many rumors made Imogen go crazy; I didn't get to see Imogen for a whole week. She felt so depressed because of the verbal abuse she took. Because of her telepathy, she heard their thoughts as well. She told me this in a letter her father found. She wanted me to have it and read it. Those thoughts of hate consumed her. She committed suicide the day she wrote that letter.

Imogen just wanted to show how awesome she was because she was a mage, but the war residues still continue to divide norms and mages. M.A.D.O.O used Imogen's suicide as inspiration to continue their fight to repeal the law and let mages use their magic freely again; however, as long as the act continues to be active, the more mages like Imogen will have to commit to killing themselves to prove a useless point.

I don't like it. I hated what the bullish jerks did to Imogen, but it didn't change anything.

I sort of tuned out when the Evening Report starts talking about recent Primeball results. Primeball is a fascinating sport. It's a hybrid of racing and rugby. The sport is Dawning's second most popular tradition. There are twelve teams, each quad has four teams. The rules are simple, grab the primeball, which is made out of a crystallized diamond-shape; inside is the quartin. I learned about this from science.

Quartin is a prism energy core that can change multiple colors. Each color in the primeball represent a certain game stage: white to begin, blue to play, green to score, yellow to pause, and red to end.

The goal is to battle the opponent, and race them at the goal before time expired. The team with the most points before the game's end wins. As fans, it's addictive to watch.

Younger kids love playing the smaller version of the sport. Professionals participate in tournaments. Of course magic is not allowed. Mages can play, but they can't use their magic to hinder performance. If they do, they'll get expelled from the sport and arrested for breaking the law. Dawning officials want an even playing field, they don't like cheating. I heard from the director herself. If someone cheats, they will pay.

I took a lot of trips to Central Dawning that's where the Bellator Stadium is located; right in the front of North Dawning. It's a golden domed stadium, like a round palace sitting right near the edge of Lake Thom.

I remembered Pratt, Zip, and I went to it to watch several games.

There's a reason we're the Gliders. Zip came up with the name because of how so much fun we do on our glideboards. We do silly challenges to annoy people and have fun like stealing those oranges. But we always do that in South Dawning, the most fun the quad had for years. Rarely the others and I go to East Dawning to do that, East is known to be subtle and quiet.

Zip had no problem being part of the Gliders. Pratt seemed hesitant earlier on, yet after some persuasion. Pratt became a part of it. Being a Glider is a right, a right to thrill out. As soon as the Gliders were created, I was stoked that a fan following has been growing around school. A lot of fellow classmates and even younger ones wanted to join. I had to tell them, they can become honorary gliders. One day, the group will expand. Just for now, it's three.

I lounge further back on the couch, my back hitting the soft pillows. I got a lot to think about lately, the fire, the bomb, and now Rufus' death. But my eyes suddenly glue back to the wall screen. The report's going on until they shift focus to a thin man with crimson, slick back hair.

That's Joa Goldveer.

I had seen him everywhere, mostly on the wall screens. He's Dawning's official spokesman. He's known for being a loudmouth, and as well being the head assistant to the director.

He always looks tailored and wears big fat, themed bowties. This one he's wearing a fish bowtie. I wonder what's up with that. He's perky and just knows where to hit it, in a loud way. He mentions about the director, that she'll have her comments regarding Rufus's murder and the protests at the earliest.

Joa says that, but in actuality. He means the director won't say anything until she's ready. That could take days. Having enough, I bam the edge of the table, setting off the button. The screen is turned off.

Hearing only Addie wagging his tail, I rest my head on the sofa's firm arm. Refusing to sleep when I was back in the holding chamber, I'm tired now.

Just as my eyelids slowly comes down. I suddenly feel something sticky and wet. I open my eyes. Addie's there slobbering over me. Drool dripping out of his lip. I pet near his neck area, spotting that silver bone tag around his blue collar. I notice some sort of symbol.

It looks like it has five points. I didn't realize that symbol was there. I been around this dog for years, and I never seen that symbol before. But I ignore it as I yawn right in his face.

Dozing off, I'm hoping the next day will bring luck.

***

Next morning, I head to the Southwest Café near the border zone between West and South Dawning. It has been the primary spot my Glider pals and I always hang around; most of our challenges begin and end in the cafe. I can remember the first time I went here.

I was thirteen. That was the first year I met Pratt. Zip I already knew since early middle school. We had been friends for a long time. Zip mentioned in a humorous way, this café is our third home.

Sitting in our comfortable, hardwood chairs, I place my elbows on the tough table. Zip is sitting right by me near the window. Pratt is on the other side. We haven't order yet. But we always get cheeseburgers, fries, and Sweetnade shakes. I look around to see the other customers-some eating and others waiting. I know this place so well, I actually enjoy waiting.

"So Naveman, sorry about that arrest." Zip says.

I decline talking about my stint in the Dawning jail. That overheated chamber and that senseless guard. "As long as I don't see mooseface around, I think we should talk about something else."

"You're right." Pratt mentions, and then he looks at the window to his right. Zip and I both look left. We observe a large protest going on, blaming not me but Dawning officials for the bomb. "Guess the M.A.D.O.O nuts and mageheads are appearing in swarms again." Pratt says.

"I heard they want to recruit us." Zip states.

"You're joking?!" I say, wanting to punch him playfully.

"No, I'm serious bro." He replies.

"And what tell Mr. Shaw, we support you, and we will defend you." Pratt starts laughing after saying that.

I really don't know. If M.A.D.O.O wants to recruit norm kids like us to represent the uncertain youth, I think it could be interesting. They believe we're confused about the situation. Magic should once again be legal. Magic should be safe for everyone. I personally think it's intriguing. Not to cause any stir with the others, I join Pratt by chuckling.

Then we hear one of the protesters outside shouting, "Remember Rufus Cree!" I then remain quiet after he said that. I then hear Pratt wishing that guy to leave us alone, or he'll be the one remembering...pain. That's what Pratt likes to be, tough.

"You guys feel sorry about Rufus's death."

"It's hard bro. Wasn't he your aunt's neighbor's kid?"

"Yeah." I sigh.

"Sorry man." Zip says, patting my shoulder.

I hear Pratt gives off his condolences as I hit his fist with mines. I wonder when Mr. Cree is going to reclaim the body and give Rufus a proper burial. I want to be there. I know my aunt must still be consoling Mr. Cree. He had it rough, lost Rufus' mother to illness a year ago and now this. I mention to the guys that I'm going to see Mr. Cree later today. But there's something else I need to take care of first.

"So where's Addie?" Zip asks.

I knew that was going to come up. I let them know I had to keep him in the apartment. Either leave him there or bring him to Aunt Verdi. Even though my aunt loves the dog around me, she just can't stand the barking. It's not that she hates dogs, it just it makes her agitated. The guys know Addie has been by my side; almost like he was stuck to me everywhere I go. But not this day. I let them know today is going to be huge for me.

Then a voice speaks out, "Why so huge?"

I then turn up to see this beautiful, young waitress; her angel-like face, light dark complexion, tawny long hair tied up in a ponytail. I see in her radiant, Asian eyes. She's Anita Belladon, same age as I am. And the most important fact, she's my girlfriend.

Last year right after Imogen's death, I felt so upset in her loss. There was one person I didn't expect to help me recover from that. I thought I would take weeks to heal. Sometimes I could still hear Imogen telling me.

Don't worry I'm alright.

Yet soon after I met Anita, of all places here. She was nice and beautiful as she is still now. She helped me a lot, being there for me. And eventually, things got serious I can still remember that day. The day right before winter break. I kissed her. During the break, we started dating. And when the New Year began, I found my girl. I was hesitant to have one, but the way Anita being so nice and sweet to me the past year. I felt in all my heart, she was the one. My first girlfriend I ever had.

I hope I won't mess it up. This is new territory. I want to achieve it. Even though she isn't an official member of the Gliders, she feels my antics with Pratt and Zip are idiotic. She wants me to stop before we end up in prison forever or worse. We had been battling on with that notion. I find it harmless. She thinks if I don't stop the Gliders. Someone we offended will get revenge.

"Well the huge part is that I want to make my aunt happy."

"I thought you were, by leaving her place." Pratt knocks it in.

We all giggle at that. I nod feeling that was good, but I actually tell them that is about me finding a job. I want to impress my aunt, and even more myself. I just don't know where to start. Zip then mentions to me about an opening at this bookstore. He knew someone who's working there. He let me know the boss over there is strict and precise, yet he keeps it loose. That's what his friend told him.

Maybe I should take a shot at the place. I don't think it'll hurt.

***

Stepping out of the hovbus, which is the local transportation that travels basically every quad and back. There are several of them. The buses only stop at the destination. The buses don't stop anywhere else unless you get picked or dropped off.

I walk along the sidewalk into the border zone of North and West Dawning. I stop at the place Zip told me. I see the small, two-story brick house. Dusty windows all around. It looks very rustic. Above the door is the sign, Arcane Crafts and Books.

The logo looks cool, a wolf shadow over the moon. I like it so far. Feeling the nerves bouncing on my hand, I slowly touch the brass knuckle. Then just as I'm about to push the door. A strange feeling overtakes me. Once I enter, there's no going back. It's that type of feeling. I hope it's nothing. I'm nervous.

I enter hearing the squawky sound from the door. A bell above the door hits, making a funny jingle. I check to see about six customers all in various colors and ages. Then I notice three employees wearing a black plaid shirt and jeans. I head to the counter as a nice looking female employee with purple hair and blue eyes welcomes me.

"Hi, I just wonder. Where can I find Emmet Willgood?"

"Emmet?!" the girl repeats.

Then a man comes out of the left side, a door that I could swear has no handles on it. He looks rugged, an average man with fade black hair, a small goatee, and a few scars crossing over his right cheek. He briefly stares at me, and continues heading upstairs.

I turn back to the girl, as she remains silent. She just nods. So that's him. I thank her for her help. I quickly head up the iron spiral stairs. I reach to the second floor. I walk to him, trying to act presentable. Straighten out my ivory, sleeveless shirt. Dusting off any dirt from my blue pants. I slowly exhale, as I later bite my lip.

The nerves are really getting to me.

"Hello, Mr. Willgood." I say extending my hand out.

Emmet turns a bit and then back, stocking up books. I wonder what's going on. I let him know that my name's Naven Blackvale. That I heard about a job offering here. Then I stand there as a statue, not saying anything else. He finally spoke. However, it's just four words. I thought he would've said, "Sorry, I'm not interested."

But without a hesitation, he let me know right then and there.

I got the job.