6 Part Two. Chapter Five

The GUARD Plan

''Ten years...ten years since I first saw you,Lorc...we have been friends since then,so I think you should listen to what I have to say'',said a girl with muddy brown,red hair. She looked at Lorc,but his attention was elsewhere.

They were sat in middle of Quinnan's,the restaurant next to their high school,and he hadn't received his order. ''It's been about 20 minutes,come on,Robin...'',he said frustratingly. Then she raised her voice. ''Come on,this is important...it's not a joke...'',she added. Then he rustled his brown hair and looked at her.

He looked at her face,and began counting the freckles dotted around on it. ''Okay,tell me. What do you want to talk about...?,''he said. ''Well,you,Elva and I haven't really spoke about what to do after high school. But I know that there's a job that the three of us can do,together.''

Lorc instantly said,''Aw,what job, I hope it's nothing boring...'' She tutted,then said,''Well,if you let me continue...No, I was thinking that maybe we should enter the Grand Test, and become GUARDs.It starts in a few days...'' Suddenly,Lorc's mind went elsewhere...back to ten years ago...when life was harder.

An echo sounded in his head,'I can't explain it..but I have to be a GUARD...' Then he sat up straight and concentrated on her. ''I'm a bit surprised that you mentioned it...because I haven't seen anything about the Grand Test being advertised...'',he finished.

''Well, my mum is quite well known in Felnid...she's good at finding out things...she was speaking about it at home last night...and she said it was in a few days...'' Lorc paused then he spoke. ''Okay, I will be honest. I think we can enter,but I dont want my joint problems to get in the way...I'm sure Elva will want to take part'',he finished.

Robin looked a litte anxious then she said,''I get that,but as long as we work together,we should pass.I discussed this with Elva...'' Lorc stuttered. ''What?! You told Elva about this before me?'',he said,annoyed. Suddenly,a young woman arrived at their table with a plate full of food. ''Okay,sorry about the wait, who ordered the...''

A second later,Lorc scooped the plate from her hand. ''Thanks. Okay,we can do it. I want to become a GUARD, and I didn't even know if you wanted to,actually...'' The muddy-red haired teenager looked at him,shocked,as the waitress walked off in a huff.

''What? Of course I want to become a GUARD as well...my mum literally gives me no attention...maybe if she sees me become a GUARD,I will finally get some time with her...or an interview'',she added darkly.

Lorc watched carefully as she wiped a tear that had escaped her eyes. ''I'm sorry,but i'm here for you. Once we become GUARDs, people will take us much more seriously and---Arrrggghhhh!'' He suddenly grabbed his knee, and held it. ''Woah, Lorc,are you alright...??'', Robin asked.

''Yeah...it's my joint thing again...it hasn't played up like this in like 2 years..but the less it happens the more it shows I'm getting better...'',he said,between breaths. ''Maybe..you shouldn't do the Grand Test...I'm sorry,I shouldn't have mentioned it...''Robin said apologetically.

But he snarled at her. ''What,what are you doing? You want to treat me like nothing just because of one incident...I never would have....thought you would look down on me like that...'',he said gruffly. ''I' m sorry,Lorc...I just don't want you to get hurt...anything could happen during the Grand Test...'',she pleaded.

But Lorc did not listen. ''Okay,let's just see what happens on the day. Go and tell Elva that we are entering as a trio,then,''he snapped. With that,she stayed silent. They sat,avoiding each other's eyes.

A hour passed and the two teenagers didn't speak. The restaurant held its hubbub,then suddenly,a teenager approached them. He was above average height, with wispy silver hair that fell close to his shoulders.

His eyes were cunning,and people stepped out of his way as he made his way to their table. ''So what do you think of her plan?'',he said to Lorc. ''It's annoying that she told you first...but I think it's a good idea...I always wanted to enter the Grand Test as a kid,the first time I ever saw it take place...but now we're taking part,the next few days are going to be tense...'',Lorc replied. But the silver haired teenager scoffed.

''The only reason I'm entering with you two is because I don't want you to hold me back...i can easily become a GUARD but I could use a reliable B-GUARD...hopefully Robin can fill that role..'',Elva remarked with a smug expression. ''So...basically, you need us more than we need you...'',Lorc said slyly. Elva ignored him,then continued addressing her.

''Robin. don't take the Grand Test lightly. The aim is not to take part, I aim to pass,''he said matter-of-factly. She nodded then spoke.

''Lorc,you're joining us,right? We won't know about what to do in the Test until it happens,we just have to be ready....,'' Elva interjected as he said,''No,that won't be true. I'm going to find out what I can about the Grand Test in the next few days. The day of the Test is the next time I will see you,so,goodbye.''

The teenager simply turned around and walked away from them and out of the restaurant. Lorc stared after him then said,''That guy...I don't know if I can trust him...'',Lorc said but Robin stopped him. ''Well,I do..he's capable...and he has the qualities of an A-GUARD,obviously...so we have a strong chance of passing...'',she finished but Lorc was lost in his thoughts.

'What...even she doesnt even think I'm good enough to be an A-GUARD...what's her problem?...I know I can become a GUARD...I have to...I will',he thought determinedly. His attention drew suddenly to the plate in front of him. ''Okay,well,this food is cold and I'm not eating it...'',Lorc said with disinterest. ''Let's just go home then,and prepare the best we can for the Test..'',he suggested.

Robin stood up,then she stared up at something. ''What's the matter...?'',Lorc asked. He also stood and they noticed a long screen that was projected overhead. The image it showed was that of a pretty woman with shiny brown hair,wearing an impressive suit,who was speaking hurriedly into a small microphone,on a cloudy beach.

The rain was falling heavily,and the reporter was being swept harshly by the wind.

Then Robin turned to the manager and said,''Can you turn up the volume,please?'' The man nodded and he walked behind the counter.

He pressed an interface,then did a cranking motion with his hands. The restaurant was filled with the sound of Evette's voice. ''----and the reports are getting much more strange. Scientists at G.R.A.N.D. (Grand Research Anthropology Network Design Enterprises) has noticed that there are strange occurrences in the sea near Felnid.

They are suggesting that a tsunami may be imminent on the east coast of Felnid but this may be simply speculation. I am presently on the eastern coast,reporting bravely for you and---'' But her speech was cut short as the camera swiftly panned to the ocean. A wall of water began mounting high,with bubbles gathering furiously at its base.

Evette began running ,but the camera was still focused on the tsunami. It moved slowly towards where she was standing.

Robin's eyes began to water as she watched. ''This is an emergency. There is a tsunami approaching western Felnid and this may cause irreparable damage. As you can see now, I am trying to get to higher ground to get a better look at the disaster....'' The camera suddenly pointed to the distance, as an small object dove quickly into the tsunami. ''I-I'm not sure what that was....but the wall of water is stiIl moving towards Felnid,and shows no sign of stopping...I...I have no idea of how badly this will affect the citizens of Felnid..'',she said bleakly.

Robin quickly held Lorc's hand and he held it back,gently. ''Robin...I'm sure she will get to higher ground...don't worry...',he said reassuringly. The camera showed the tsunami moving swiftly,then suddenly it stopped.

Evette and the cameraman stopped running and looked back,then he zoomed in on the small object. ''It...it is nothing more of a miracle...but there appears to be a person...PUSHING the tsunami back...the water seems to have stopped completely...'',she said breathlessly. Rain began to batter the camera as Evette watched in fear. The person swiped violently,then there was an almighty bang and the tsunami split in two;the water came crashing back down then the ocean settled.

A zooming rang through the air and the man landed not far from where Evette and her cameraman stood.

The reporter moved slowly towards him and said,''I believe that we are encountering the HEROweapon once again...I was the one who reported it ten years ago,but he has still been present in Felnid since then...so many times has he stopped disasters and crimes...just wait for me to speak with him...'' She bravely moved forward,even as the man watched her with cautious eyes. ''On behalf of Felnid...I thank you. You are the HEROweapon....the symbol...the hero this city needs. You have saved not just this great city, but its great people..''she proclaimed.

The camera zoomed closer on the figure. He stood proud and a strange symbol was emblazoned on his chest. It was a But the hero stood,with his arms folded. ''For 10 years, I have pledged to help this city. Yet your people take their safety for granted. They seek pleasure over justice. So many disasters have I stopped..so many crimes have I prevented...well,this day will bring a great change. I will still protect the innocent but...do NOT rely on me,''he said ultimately.

But Evette argued,''But we are not as strong as you. We need you to be the beacon everyone can follow...the light that leads the way'',she said confidently,stepping towards the hero. ''This tsunami...the GUARDs wont be enough...and what if other threats arise...?We can't manage as people without you...'' Then the hero spoke. ''I am called Axiom. The HEROweapon of Felnid, one of three. I will not be the crutch of this city...I only work towards justice...THAT alone is what interests me...'' Then he flew away,leaving Evette watching where he once stood.

She was silent,then turned to the camera. 'After ten years, we finally know the name of the hero that has saved our city endless times. But will the people of Felnid listen to what he said?'' There was a crackle and the camera suddenly zoomed on the ocean behind her,then it completely cut out. A black screen met the eyes of everyone back in the restaurant.

There was a burst of murmuring then a sign saying,'Transmission Failure',spread across the projected screen. Lorc looked at Robin,her cheeks covered in tears. ''Wow...I really wasn't expecting that...your mom,she really does what it takes for her job,doesnt she...'',he remarked. But Robin sniffed.

''It's OK..my mom's OK,and I'm happy about that. That HEROweapon...he really saved her...'',she said with a stutter. ''Yeah,he did...but I think you should get home...the next few days are so important for us...and your mom would want you to be ready'',he said finally. They suddenly both realised that they were holding hands, then they quickly let go.

She nodded shyly,then they walked out of the restaurant. ''So,what are you going to do now...?'',asked Lorc. ''I really need to get home...I want to see my mum.She's probably going to be a little shaken up...'',Robin replied, wiping her face clean of tears. Lorc looked sad, then he told her,''Look,if you need anything, then don't wati, just give me a call. I don't want you tinking you're alone...''

She smiled weakly then hugged him. ''It's fine but thanks a lot. I wil see you tomorrow,''Robin said. They looked at each other,then Lorc walked away,leaving Robin standing alone. 'i really need to get home...I hope Mom is there...',she thought urgently. She walked down the road,and it led her to a busy street full of people.

A few hours passed, and Robin arrived outside her house. It was large and homely but for some reason,she felt it held no warmth like Lorc's house did. The windows were closed and Evette's car was not in the long,stone driveway. Robin took out her key and unlocked the front door. A creaking sounded as it opened.

Then a light came on which brightened the front room. It held a smell of pinecones and the walls were adorned with photographs of a young child and her mother.The girl was giggling in every one of the photos but the mother smiled with her mouth,and not her eyes. 'It's been so long since I really looked at these photos...',she said to herself.

She walked past the stairs which led to a set of bedrooms but their oak doors were closed. Then Robin entered towards the living room,and she turned on the light once more.

It was a luxurious room,with a fine table and polished oak wardrobes that decorated the scene. China plates stood idle,whilst cutlery with exotic handles rested next to them. The light seemed to make everything somewhat brighter,more exquisite,even. There was a dining table made of glass that seemed to invite all and everyone.

Robin walked over to a spacious sofa,which softened as she sat on it. 'Hmmm...That's probably her second best interview...,'Robin said positively. She looked straight ahead and a large white screen hung from the ceiling.

The word,'RELAY,'was spread across it and she looked fleetingly at it. Then the sound of a car engine filled Robin's ears and a pair of headlights shone through the window.

Robin stumbled slightly,then she said,''I'm sorry,I just wanted you to speak to me about the Grand Test. I'm entering it with my friends and we could use some advice.'' Then Evette looked at her,dead in her eyes and said ruthlessly,''Well,I have some right here...YOU shouldn't.''

With that,Evette left the living room and walked upstairs. Robin remained in the living room,as if waitng for her mom to come back. She shuddered,as she remembered the dream she had.''That scared me....I don't want to see Lorc or Elva get hurt...' Then her thoughts were disturbed by the sound of a woman's voice. The front door opened, and Evette Young stood,speaking frantically into her in-ear microphone.

The reporter burst into the living room and Robin sat up. ,''Mom? i saw you,you were amazing on TV...'',she began, but the woman completely ignored her. ''----but it was I who SPOKE to the HEROweapon,I deserve the credit for the expose...what do you mean, the higher-ups think they need a new apporach...I'm Evette Young...I have at least 20 years in this business...my face turns on TVs!'',she exclaimed. ''The world was nothing before it saw the Ruenn interview ten years ago...and now it's a much better place!....okay,good,call the Editor tomorrow...tell him I want to speak to him about not just the expose...what do you mean, 'what else do you want to speak about'? Why would you think that is any of your business...!'' She gently tapped her ears and ended the call.

Robin had stood up and then Evette noticed her. ''You saw my interview,right? I hope you saw it'',Evette said quickly. ''Yeah,Mum,you looked great. Hey,listen,I want to talk about the Grand Test. Do you have any idea about what might happen...?''

But Evette suddenly tapped her ears and she began ranting as a new call began.

''What do you think you're doing....no,no,don't think I want a story...I GIVE stories...I don't listen to them...what do you think you're doing,keeping what the Editor said from me...what do you mean, you were going to tell me...I don't want to hear any more from you...explain it tomorrow...'',she said,briskly ending the call.

''Mom!'',Robin interjected. She stood closer to Evette,but the reporter's anger grew. ''You know better than to speak to me when I'm on the phone...'',she said,pushing Robin harshly.

Robin shuffled,then she said,''I'm sorry,I just wanted you to speak to me about the Grand Test. I'm entering it with my friends and we could use some advice.'' Then Evette looked at her,dead,in her eyes and said ruthlessly,''Well,I have some right here...YOU shouldn't.'' With that,Evette left the living room and walked upstairs.

Robin remained in the living room,as if waitng for her mom to come back. She shuddered,as she remembered the dream she had.''That scared me....I don't want to see Lorc or Elva get hurt like that...'' Then the teenager walked to her mother's bedroom door upstairs, and knocked. ''-----and you think you can----it can WAIT!...'',Evette bellowed.

Robin stood back,then she quickly walked to the bathroom and closed the door. A faint sobbing sounded,as the determined reporter started a new call,ready to berate someone else.