Life for the Haven brothers quickly went back to normal. Schools were opened back up, and the students of Beach Shores High quickly returned to their studies. Constant talks about the attack were everywhere. News Headlines were all over the place with the heading:

THE XENTON WERE HERE!

All the media outlets were talking about their new superheroes The Xenton. Videos online surfaced from CCTV camera footage, which to Dye's surprise were still operational considering all the damage that had been done at the time.

“See Dude, their heads are clearly exposed.” said Joss at Dye’s locker. He held up his phone to show Dye. To his dismay, they were caught and for a second he believed that Joss might’ve learned his secret. Until he realized the footage was so grainy that no one could possibly make out any details about the people under the armor.

Dye laughed. “Okay, but you can’t see anything. That video is trash.”

Joss looked at it, squinting his eyes and then looked at Dye.

“Wait a second…” he said. Dye turned to him. He looked at the video and then back to Dye. “It kinda looks like you.”

Dye raised his eyebrows. “Right, I’m a Xenton.” Dye laughed. “Please, I can barely make it to school on time let alone fight giant monsters and stop runaway monorails.”

Joss closed his phone and placed it in his back pocket, giving up on the idea.

“Hey guys,” said Jenny. “What’s up?”

“Nothing, Joss thinks I’m a Xenton.” Dye giggled.

She looked at him. “Him? He can’t even put a golf ball right. You want me to believe he can throw fireballs and run at superspeed?”

“See?” Dye turned to Joss, deflecting any suspicion that he was right. They begin to walk down the halls.

“Did you guys hear the Outreach Program is hosting a free Summer Camp this year?”

“What’s that?” asked Dye.

“It’s like a non-profit charity that helps kids pay for things they couldn’t otherwise afford. Basically, you can go to summer camp for free this year. Ten weeks of outdoor adventure.”

“You serious?” Dye was thinking of something.

“Yeah, my dad wants me to go. I haven’t decided just yet.”

“Where would you sign up?”

“In the main office.”

“Oh come on you guys!” cried Joss. “You’re not leaving me here by myself this summer are you? We have the beach literally right there. What more do you need?”

“Hey, a girl needs some adventure in her life. What about you, Dye?”

Dye couldn’t say yes or no. If he said yes, then he would be obligated to go, which he couldn’t because this was the perfect cover story. Something to tell his parents while in secret he went with Arayan to master his powers. It was the perfect plan. Saying no would probably send the wrong message to Jenny though.

“Um, I don’t know. I’d have to talk to my folks first. I’m sure they might have a vacation planned or something.”

“Well, I gotta get to algebra. See you guys later.” Joss trailed off leaving Dye alone with Jenny.

They walked.

“So…” he said.

“So…” she said.

It was awkward. The last time Dye saw her they shared a kiss. A pretty meaningful one at that. Dye was half expecting Griflore to win so taking a chance and showing Jenny how he felt at the time felt right. But now that everything was back to normal and the heroes saved the day, it felt rushed and ill timed.

Dye didn’t know how to bring it up. He felt that doing so would be rushing her into something she wasn’t ready for, and Dye never had a girlfriend before so how could he know what to do.

“Have you ever been to camp?” he asked.

“Once or twice but I was really little.” she replied. “For the cub scouts.”

He wanted nothing but to bring it up. Not make small talk. He thought she wanted him to as well, but the uneasiness of it all made it damn near impossible.

The bell rang.

His chance was lost, at least for the moment.

“I got French to get to,” she said. “See you after school?”

“Uh, yeah,” he replied. “Sure, I’ll be here.”

“Okay,” She awkwardly nodded and headed to class.

Dye exasperated, throwing his head back, turning and banging his head into a locker.

“Stupid!” he banged

“Stupid!” he banged again.

“Stupid!” he banged for a final time.

“Dude,” Dye looked over and saw Jason. Dye was surprised. He has never seen his brother in these hallways at all, at any time of the day. “That’s my locker.”

Dye squinted his eyes. Trying to mentally take in that his brother was actually at school. “You’re actually at school.”

“Don’t remind me,” Jason sighed, opening his locker. “Dude, the swells are beast today but VP Charles has got the place on lock down since the attack at the school. Dude is doing some serious Morgan Freeman Lean On Me type stuff.”

Just as he said that. “Theodore! Jason!” Vice Principal Charles called from down the hall. “You two better be getting to class!”

Jason saluted. “Yes Sir! Vice Principal Charles, Sir!” He closed his locker, carrying his books and left with Dye.

As they turned the corner Dye saw the main office. Looking at the front desk, he saw the brochure about camp.

“Dude,” said Jason.

“Go on, I wanna check something out.”

Jason rolled his eyes, shrugged and carried on down the hall.

Dye picked up the brochure and opened it. There was a website where he could register and on the back of it he learned they were looking for volunteers to help as camp counselors. He stashed it in his backpack and made off to class.

The day had ended. Once again, Dye saw Jenny but the uncomfortable atmosphere kept them from talking about what they really wanted to talk about. Her father pulled up and she waved goodbye while Joss and Dye lingered in the courtyard of the school.

“So you really thinking about camp?” asked Joss.

Dye was caught off guard. “Oh — um – yeah. Could be fun.” he lied.

Joss’s father pulled up. “You enjoy that. And if you go, don’t forget to write.” he teased.

Dye played along with playful gestures of the eyes. “Yeah, sure.”

Dye secured his backpack and began on his way home.

It had been a little more than a week since Corrine came home. So far, she felt like she wasn’t adjusting well. It was as though she was shoehorned back into a life that wasn’t hers. Sure she got along with her brothers. She loved her parents but it all felt so forced as she didn’t really know where she fit in. She was given her own bedroom, but found herself not being able to do much during the day. She thought about completing school and getting her GED but she didn’t know where to even begin. Her parents even discussed her going to college afterwards if that’s what she wanted to do.

The problem was, she didn’t know what she wanted to do.

She found herself at the park where she first met Dye. She sat on the swing set, rummaging through head about everything. Trying to figure out what her next move should be.

“Hey,”

The young woman looked over to find Dye.

“Hi,” she said, trying to force out a smile.

“No more wearing rags, huh?” Said Dye.

Corrine looked at her clothes. Her jeans and yellow cami shirt gave her a new look. Far removed from the ripped and dirty clothes she had before. Something she wasn’t used to yet. Her hair was tied back bringing out her face and eyes.

“Yeah,” she replied, “Mom took me shopping yesterday. Who would have known that shopping would be so much fun?” She lied. It was the most uncomfortable thing she had been through thus far.

Dye dropped his book bag and sat next to her on the swing set, smiling.

“You don’t have to lie. We’ve all been shopping with mom and it’s hell.”

Corrince snickered and so did Dye.

“How ya been? We haven’t really got a chance to talk since you’ve been back.”

Corrine sighed. “I’m not gonna lie. It’s been weird.”

“I figured,”

“Mom is constantly worried about me. Dad is always trying to get more out of me. Mack is awkward to be around. Sam just studies all day. Jason is never around. You’re probably the only one I’ve talked to this much since I’ve been back.”

“Yeah, we all do our own thing most of the time. Funny thing is, this whole Xenton thing has brought us all closer together.”

“Yeah. So how was school?”

“Okay, I guess?”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“You guess?” She asked with the essence of a big sister in her tone.

“Well, finals are coming up, and of course I’m not ready for those. Everyone is still talking about Griflore and his rampage through the city and of course the Xenton, who stopped him. It's hard keeping a secret that everyone is constantly talking about when I wanna brag about it.”

“Why do you wanna keep it a secret? Just go ahead and brag about it,” Dye looked over at her with a confused look. “Nobody said you have to keep the whole Xenton thing a secret,” she said.

“Yeah, I know, but what if everyone finds out. There will be the media and all of these reporters always bothering us and ruining our lives.” He replied.

“And that’s why it's a good idea to keep it a secret,” she answered, “this whole experience has taught me that nothing can make you do anything. Your life is how you make it and if you decide to keep your identities a secret, then who’s standing in your way?”

“I don’t know. Being able to hog the glory for a day or so wouldn’t be all that bad.”

“Wait! Does this have anything to do with a girl?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No – Yes — I mean — No!” Dye blushed.

“It’s always about a girl with you boys.”

“That’s not true.”

Corrine rolled her eyes. “Listen, I don’t know the details. Just, if you really like this girl then just be yourself.”

“That is the most generic answer I have ever heard!”

Corrine laughed. “Hey, I’m still trying to figure this whole big sister thing out.”

“So what are you going to do now?” Dye asked.

Corrine sighed.

“I don’t know at this point,” she replied. “I want to stay here, but —.” Dye waited. He raised his eyebrows waiting for her to say more. “There are some things I need to figure out on my own and I don’t think staying here is going to help.”

Dye nodded his head agreeing with her. He stood up from the swing, reached into his backpack and handed her the Summer Camp brochure.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Read it.”

She opened it and scanned through the folds.

“Summer camp? Are you serious?”

“They’re looking for counselors. Could be an opportunity for you to get away.”

She thought about her time in the forest with Stella. It wasn’t something she was into.

“No, I think I’ll pass,”

“Okay, hear me out.” Corrine frowned. She looked at him not wanting him to say another word about the camp.

“This is just a cover.”

She immediately became intrigued, though puzzled nonetheless. “A cover for what?”

“I wanna go train with Arayan. He’s going to help me become a stronger Xenton.”

“Wait, who’s Arayan?”

After briefly explaining who he was, Dye returned to his initial question.

“Why don’t you come with me then. It’s a perfect way to get away. This is our cover story. There’s no way we can get caught. Besides, this is the perfect opportunity for us to get stronger.”

Corrine sat in her swing and thought about it. It would be the perfect way to get an opportunity to clear her head. Also, training would no doubt take her mind away from her current situation and help her figure out what to do next.

“Oh, come on! It’ll be fun,” he said, “just me, you, and Arayan traveling the world. We can learn how to use our abilities just in case something like Griflore shows up wanting to trash the city. What do you say?”

She thought about it. Like she was weighing out the pros and cons in her head, she agreed with herself and looked at Dye, “Sounds like fun.”

That next week was the last week before summer vacation. Dye walked into school that week, not with the confidence of a superhero, but the confidence of a student. He completed his finals with ease and when the bell rang on the final day of school he strutted out like he was the king of school.

With his two best friends right by his side, the three of them walked and enjoyed each other’s company. They talked and laughed, and the subject of the incident easily came up in the discussion. Remembering what his sister said, he thought about his choice to reveal his secret. Luckily, he resisted his urge to tell his friends.

“Maybe one day I can tell them, but not today,” he thought to himself behind an expression of laughter.

“So have you decided about camp?” Asked Jenny, excitedly.

“Oh – my folks have some plans already made,” he lied, “my aunt and uncle down south.”

“Oh,” Dye saw her mood immediately shift. When do you leave?”

“First thing tomorrow,” he replied.

“So soon,” said Joss.

“When will you be back?” she asked.

“Like the beginning of August, I think?” Dye replied. “Don’t worry you guys. I’ll be back, and we’ll be able to hang out before school starts up again.”

“If you say so,” said Jenny sadly.

Joss saw his father pull up. “You guys better call AND text me over the break!” he said.

“Don’t worry, we will!” said Dye.

Dye looked at Jenny. “Hey, listen, he began. I wanted to talk about what happened —”

“You don’t have to say anything,” she said. “I get it.”

“You do?” Dye was confused.

“Listen, I’m not ready for a relationship and it’s obvious you’re not either.”

“No — I mean, yes I am, but —”

“But?”

Dye didn’t know what to say. He wanted to be with her but didn’t know how to tell her. It was all too much to say in the little time he had left. Jenny waited for him to respond. When he didn’t respond right away she spoke.

“For now, let’s just stay friends. We have the next three years to figure out what we are.”

That’s not what Dye wanted. Jenny wasn’t sure that’s what she wanted. Nonetheless, Dye nodded and she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Her dad pulled up. “I still expect you to call me while you’re away. I demand a text everyday and send pictures!” she teased as she walked towards her car.

“Same goes for you,” he said.

“Pssh! Yeah right! I might send you a photo.”

Dye smiled. He waved goodbye as she got into her car and drove off.

Dye had his bags packed. The next day he awoke eager to go. When he came downstairs, his parents and brothers were having breakfast. Corrine was at the table with her duffle bag lying on the floor next to her.

“All packed and ready? asked his father.

“Yep!” he said with his bag slung over his shoulder.

“Oh, I’m going to miss you!” his mom hugged him. “You got sunscreen?”

“Yes!”

“Toothbrush?”

“Yes!”

“Soap? Towel? Clean underwear.”

“Mom!”

“Keep an eye on him, Corrine,” said Mr. Haven. “He gets into trouble!”

Corrine nodded. “No problem, Dad.” It was weird to her calling someone Dad, but for the first time in a while, she was okay with that.

“Let’s get going!” said Mack, getting up from the table. “The bus leaves in thirty minutes.”

Jason and Sam wished their siblings good luck while the two parents hugged their children goodbye. Corrine, Mack and Dye loaded into the truck, throwing their duffle onto the bed, and drove off. Jason, Sam and their parents waved goodbye as they left. Instead of going to the school, Mack pulled into a deserted shopping center. The parking lot was empty and there was nobody around. They got out, Dye and Corrine grabbed their belongings.

“Take care of yourself, Sis,” said Mack.

“Yeah, you too!” she said back.

“Little brother, don’t get too strong! You’re still the baby!”

“Shut up!” he said playfully, giving his brother a fist bump. He turned to Corrine. “Arayan said we should be able to find the sanctuary.”

“How do we do that?” Corrine asked.

“Trust your instincts.” he looked back at her daringly.

Corrine transformed into her Xentonian form. She took off into the sky then dove back down and grabbed her brother and flew away. Leaving Mack alone to watch them disappear into the sky. After a few minutes of flying, the Sky Sanctuary came into view. Corrine had never seen the sanctuary before. It was really a sight to behold as she landed on the crystal tiled floor.

They met Arayan, who was waiting for them. After Dye had introduced Corrine, Arayan bowed his head as a greeting.

“Are you ready to go?” he said

Corrine and Dye exchanged looks.

“Absolutely!” said Dye.

“Then, we’re off!” he said, smiling at the two of them.

He seized the medallion around his neck and it started to glow. Instantly the three were gone, leaving the sanctuary empty.

LATER

The hospital was bustling. Nurses were on the clock tending to patients as doctors went from room to room checking on each patient.

As if from nowhere, a man in a white suit appeared just outside the hospital doors. His hands were laced behind his back and as he entered he observed the place as though he had never seen a hospital before. His pearly, polished shoes tipped and tapped on the tiled floor of the lobby, getting the attention of the administrator at the front desk.

“Pardon me, Ma’am,” he said. His accent was british. The woman looked upon the finely dressed man and for a second she didn’t know what to say.

“Yes Sir. How can I help you?” she finally replied.

“It is to my understanding that a woman named Corrine Haven was recently admitted to his hospital.”

The woman behind the desk began typing. She came to the name on her screen and turned back to the man. “Um — yes. But it says she passed away a few weeks ago.”

“Ah,” said the man. “I also understand there's an outstanding bill for her care.”

She looked back at the screen. “Yes, over twenty thousand dollars.”

“Splendid,” he said. “I would like to pay that on her behalf. If you don’t mind.”

“All of it?” The woman was surprised.

“Indeed. Is that possible?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Fantastic.”

The man reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a checkbook. He grabbed a pen from his front pocket, licked the tip, and began writing the check.

“May I ask what the exact amount is? he asked.

She looked at the screen. “Um, it’s twenty thousand, four hundred and sixty three dollars.”

“Quite the penny there.” he said as he wrote the figure in the amount box of his check. He signed it, tore it from his checkbook and handed it to the woman.

“There we are. I believe things are in order now.”

The woman took the check and looked at the man. His white goatee and bald head gave the man a distinctive look. But the most striking feature would have to have been the man’s two very different colored eyes. One eye was crystal blue while the other was an emerald green. Both of them were piercing as they stood out against his white suit and facial hair.

“May I ask what relation you have to the deceased?” the woman asked.

“Oh, of course! I am her Grandfather.” the man replied with jolly. The woman found it odd that he replied in such a way when he knew Corrine was dead. “But please, I would like to make this payment anonymously. If that’s okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Splendid! You’ve been most helpful!” he smiled. “Enjoy the rest of your day,” he graciously added as he walked off.

The woman watched as he strolled through the double doors and back outside. She looked away and went back to work, thinking about how weird that encounter was.

The man laced his hands behind his back and looked up towards the sky. He smiled at the beauty of it all and just liked that, he was gone.