ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE: Ripples IV

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE: Ripples IV



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It was loud. The helicopter was still overhead, and a car alarm was going off. The rush of the wind had been joined by the sound of water sheeting down the pavement as it followed the slope of the bridge toward Apex. Somewhere behind Alden, a man was screaming profanities so vehemently that he sounded unhinged.

But despite all of that, there was a kind of shocked hush from most people in the immediate aftermath of the

What was that? Alden wondered as he shucked his poncho and let it fall. The plastic had ripped almost completely in half along his chest, probably from catching on some part of the bike or car as he scrambled away from the water. He wanted full-coverage armor now.

Saving his powers was important, but under the circumstances, he wasnt willing to be stingy with them anymore. Shielding his body wouldnt protect him from drowning, but for all he knew, the ocean was about to pick up a tugboat and throw it at him.

He plunged his hand into his messenger bag and grabbed the second poncho.

Shit. I didnt lose entrustment, did I? He was actually great at following skill rules, even when he was distracted. Theyd become second nature. But what had just happened was a major distraction. If hed accidentally rolled around on top of the bag and lost skin contact at the same time, if it had been temporarily airborne during that drop

He focused, wrapping his skills magic around both bag and poncho at the same time, preserving them then hastily undoing it so that the strain of holding two separate objects with Bearer wouldnt start to take a toll.

Good.

Preserving part of an entrusted stackor a single item from inside an entrusted bag in this casewould normally end entrustment on the non-preserved portion. Alden was redefining his burden when he did that, separating it out from the things that would no longer be under his protection. What hed just done was his way of making sure that he could bear the poncho and the bag separately from now on. Two burdens instead of one.

He slicked his hair back in a partially successful effort to make it stop dripping in his eyes, then threw on the poncho, ignoring the arm holes and just wearing it over himself like a big plastic bag.

Hed accomplished his manual wardrobe change quickly.

His heart was still drumming with adrenaline. People were still picking themselves or their companions up from where theyd fallen, looking around with confusion and fear.

Aldens eyes landed on a pink stiletto heel on the pavement nearby. He had the beginnings of a thought about how the owner must have abandoned it because it was bad for running, but he promptly forgot to wonder about something that mundane. The water rushing past the shoe was starting to interact with it oddly. The liquid piled around and on top of the stiletto, like it wanted to cover it.

He stared as more and more water snuggled up to the shoe until it was a vaguely stiletto-shaped blob nearly as tall as his knees.

Oceanic anomalies. Avoid seawater.

Im currently drenched in seawater.

His poncho had helped with the light rain, but it hadnt done nearly as much for him when it was ripped and all of the icy water that had crawled up to encase that lamppost had suddenly decided to let go. His jeans were soaked to the hips, and his shirt was saturated. His few dry spots werent going to stay that way for long.

Some freaky magic thing is going on. Is just being wet dangerous? Should I strip and try to dry off right away?

But I need to keep up with everyone.

The splash of approaching footsteps drew his attention to Dee, whod been clinging to a van a couple of car lengths behind him.

Are you all right!? She shouted the question way too loud in his face.

Yes!

Lets go! Lets run. I dont think my bicycle is the best choice with this much flowing water. She picked the bike up anyway and lifted it over her head as she started forward. Stick to the center of the bridge!

The bridge.

Is it okay? Alden asked, hurrying after her. Their feet kicked up small waves. The bridge dropped, right? Is it broken?

It looked all right to him, but the thing about bridges was you couldnt really see what was going on below them when you were standing on top of them.

All I know is were not at the bottom of the ocean. Since neither of us can fly, lets hope the pontoons and the anchoring are all still doing whatever it is they do! She was a lot less composed than earlier. She kept running fast then stopping for him to catch up. You cant fly, can you? Not holding that one back?

No. Im a Rabbit. I preser

Ha! Good one! Not the time for jokes, though! Theres chaos attacking right now.

Its not chaos, said Alden. This is just magic of some kind.

The watery assault hadnt touched his authority. Nothing on the bridge was being degraded or transformed in any way he could see.

And he was so grateful for that he couldnt put it into words.

Is the System holding it back somehow? Is it still out there at Matadero?

Dee stopped beside a hatchback that had water crawling up the wheels, watching it cautiously. I really want to blast this and see what happens. So Ill know just in case

Alden was looking ahead of him as he ran past her, trying to spot his classmates. Klein had already carried Jupiter, Everly, and Njeri forward to tighten up the group. Maricel had been with the instructor when the water had risen. As for the front runners, they were probably blasting toward Apex even faster now. Theyd be off the bridge in no time.

I should be able to see the guys at least. Haoyu, Lexi, Kon. Wheres Mehdis lion coat?

He wasnt too worried yet since he could feel the weight of his entrusters presence up ahead. Precise distance wasnt so easy to determine, but direction was. If Haoyu had fallen off the bridge somehow, Alden would know.

A woman suddenly appeared out of thin air thirty yards ahead of him, distracting him from his search. Her bare calves were sticking out from the bottom of a fluffy white bathrobe. Her feet were shoved into a pair of boots similar to the ones Lucille had worn for the obstacle course. All of that, plus her teal hair whipping around freely in the wind, made her look exactly like someone whod just been given a few seconds warning before the System stole her away from a peaceful night in.

Plopstar.

She leaped onto the roof of a minibus in a single bound and turned to face the west. She lifted her arms over her head.

[Warning: Hazard in your area. Do not interfere with Avowed on assignment. Avowed on assignment are indicated on your interface.]

A dark red interface-generated halo, very similar to the targeting halo Alden had previously used except for the color, appeared over Plopstars head.

Some distance away, tiny white lights formed high out over the watermore than Alden could quickly count. A crackling sound filled the air as they expanded and gained a fuzzy quality, like the edges were blurring into the air around them.

They shot toward the waves all at once, so fast and bright that they left trails in their wake. When they hit the surface, they burst. There was a sharp, loud pop of sound, and steam boiled up instantly, the white cloud of it lit from beneath with the rapid flashes of the hyperboles magic as it ricocheted around down there, still burning hot.

Assuming Aldens knowledge about Plopstars skill was up to date and she was using it to full effect, the area shed just fried was the size of a couple of city blocks. Through the thick white steam, he couldnt see what effect it was having on the ocean other than heat generation. Was there something down there to hit? Was she punishing a bad patch of water?

He didnt have time to stop and admire her work.

As he sprinted by her, another field of tiny stars was forming over the ocean, and up ahead, as if to mirror them, the lights of helicopters and spells rose above Apex as people sought the safety of the sky.

******

A minute later, Alden was dashing past a truck with the name of a flooring company painted on the side when he spotted a girl in a pink shirt and a denim skirt trying to open the latch on the door of the trailer.

Maricel!

She was so focused on her task she didnt seem to hear him. Instead, she said something in Tagalog and threw her right hand up into the air swiftly. A clamor of violent bangs sounded from inside. The whole trailer bounced on its tires and rocked back and forth.

Maricel was still facing the truck. She leaped back into Aldens lane, swept her hand through the air hard again, and the door burst open violently. Stone slabs and tiles crashed onto the pavement right behind the trailer. A pink granite countertop, dragging a wooden A-frame it had been strapped to with it, smashed into everything else with a clatter then broke free of the frame and flipped over onto the empty car parked behind the flooring truck.

The end of it went right through the windshield.

A couple of witnesses yelled, none of them as loud as Maricel herself.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Alden dashed toward her. Maricel!

She spun to face him; her brown eyes were huge.

I thought it would be little things! she said. Like the sidewalk bricks at school!

She made a gesture with her hands in front of her, as if she were trying to show him an imaginary, innocently-sized paver.

Wheres Klein? Alden asked. The others

He got teleported before we caught up to them. Before the water did thatAlden, the bridge felt like it was falling!

Up ahead, Dee was bounding along with the bike in her arms. She didnt seem to realize she was leaving them behind yet, but Alden wasnt worried about it. The uni student had been checking over her shoulder for him every few seconds.

What do you mean he got teleported? He just told me hed reject it.

He couldnt. It wasnt a rescue teleport. It was an official emergency summons to help somewhere else. He barely had time to give me this.

She held up Mehdis infogear watch.

The small screen flared, and an incongruously soothing voice announced that the neighborhoods around Nilama Marina should be avoided due to heavy flooding.

The System has also ordered local evacuations of the following areas due to increasing risks, the voice said. In Apex: Punta de la Luna, Albatross Cove, Snjio Beach

So the bridge gets Plopstar, and somewhere else gets Klein, thought Alden while the voice kept naming locations.

Maricel turned back to look at what shed just done. A small cloud of dust was hanging over the scene of the crime. I saw the word flooring, and I thought there would probably be something I could use. But I couldnt see inside. I didnt mean to break

Its fine. Lets just go.

Wait! I want something. In case the water comes again.

Oh, thought Alden.

She was trying to find a way to fly. That sounded awesome, but

But you cant move as fast while using your shaping. There was a reason we helped haul all that dirt around the track instead of letting you do it yourself. What if you wear yourself out? Do you have some idea of how much your skill has recovered since gym earlier? That countertop looks heavy, and if we start piling bodies on top of it, how much weight can you hold? Is it worth it to try this, or should we keep running and trust the bridge?

Alden had questions, but no time to stand around figuring out answers.

Lexi grabbed Kon by the hand and dragged him forward. They all chased after him. Dee lingered behind.

That old lady we helped is as fast as us, Mehdi said. Look at her run.

I feel kind of bad for that man, Maricel muttered, sending the countertop ahead of them a short ways, stopping it, then sending it ahead again in what she seemed to have decided was a good rhythm for her.

Dont, said Lexi. Hes had more than enough time to make it back to Apex. He didnt use it. Some people make their own problems.

Probably thought hed get teleported out early, said Mehdi.

I think a lot of people thought that, Haoyu answered. Did you hear some of them yelling about it? They were assuming the System would use Apex rescue priority numbers. Its like they all forgot the System doesnt work for Anesidora or follow our rules. And if it was a normal day, it would probably have burned through the ET allotment it gives us in seconds and nobody would be getting transported. Its working according to its own

Guys, about the teleport, Alden interrupted. Im leaving.

Whats your time? Haoyu asked, looking over at him. Dont worry about it. Well be hitting the end of the bridge really soon. If not for all this fog, wed be able to see it. We can head up to the top of a sturdy building or

Im teleporting out in just over a minute, Alden said quickly. Should I take some of you with me? I can usually hold people through teleports with my skill, so I dont see why I wouldnt be able to now.

What do you mean a minute? Mehdi exclaimed. No youre not!

Is it really a minute? Lexi demanded.

Why would I lie about a timer? Alden said. Lexi was so tense he was making Alden feel calm by comparison.

He needs Peace of Mind.

Why are you teleporting out before the S-ranks? Mehdi protested.

Im staying. Moms in Apex, said Haoyu. Im really hoping Ill run into her, and you dont know where the System is going to put you. It could be a safe location down in F.

Take Kon.

No! Lexi, Im missing teeth not feet. I want to join up with the others and help!

You have a head injury.

Youre freaking out about nothing. Its just a tiny lump. And my own timers shorter than the rest of yours any

The waters getting higher! Maricel said suddenly. Everybody

They didnt need telling twice. The second she lowered the countertop, they were all scrambling onto it. Haoyu hooked a leg through the hole that had been cut for some unfortunate homeowners kitchen sink and grabbed onto one of Aldens ankles and one of Lexis elbows as they all crowded together. Maricel, sitting in the center of the counter herself, lifted them.

Alden didnt complain about the strength of his roommates grip. If Maricel shaped just a little wrong, and they tipped

Actually I wouldnt fall very far right now.

She was keeping them just a couple of feet above the water on the bridge.

Its the same thing as last time. Kons voice was strained as he watched the ocean build up on the roadway, the side rails, the lampposts. Maybe whatever Plopstar is doing isnt helping?

Someones ordered her to fight the ocean. Give her time, said Mehdi.

Maricel, how long can you hold this much weight? Haoyu asked.

Its fine, she answered. Im sure I could get us all the way to the end of the bridge like this. ButI would rather not carry anyone else if I dont have to. Just in case.

There was a groaning, crackling sound from somewhere behind them.

It could have been anything, but Aldens imagination conjured visions of The Spanput under pressures that even the most creative magical engineers probably hadnt anticipatedbeginning to snap into pieces.

Youd better take us higher, Lexi said quietly. Before someone runs up and decides to invite themselves on board. Anyone who sees us is going to see a lifeboat with plenty of room, and they wont listen to you when you try to tell them theres a limit.

As if the illustrate his point, Dees voice called, Room for two more!? just then. The man whod been trying to get help crossing the bridge was with her. The water was piling higher this time than it had before. It was well past their knees.

Aldens heart raced watching it, wondering when it was going to start pulling the bridge down, and thenit just went back to being normal water suddenly. Like it had changed its mind.

There was another thunderous crash as the water fell away from The Span and back into the Pacific. Seaspray filled the air.

Whew! shouted Dee, wading toward them. Thats a relief, but lets not trust it too much. I got this gentleman to agree that Apex wouldnt be so bad after all.

Dee, said Lexi, Maricels not sure

Of course there will be room! Maricels voice was higher than usual. She looked at Lexi and lowered her voice. I can make it work.

You wont have to, Alden said, staring at his timer. Ill be disappearing, and I can take people with me. Two or three at least.

[Teleportation Priority Assigned: 23 s]

Dee! he called, whipping his length of paracord out of his bag and thrusting it toward Haoyu. Since he was heading toward safety, the others might get more use out of it. Im teleporting out in twenty seconds! Does anyone want to come?

ME! shouted the man in the Club Dandelion shirt. Take me, man!

He practically threw himself on top of Alden.

I dont know if Im going to F, Alden warned. I dont know where Im going at all.

The man laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. Ill go with you wherever. Its fine! Its fine! Were all in this together now, right?

He was staring down at the water and breathing hard.

Alden tried to muster some sympathy for the guy. Meeting him when Lexi was yelling at him hadnt been the best first impression.

Thats right, he said, shifting targets regretfully. Lets go.

He wouldve preferred to take any of the others. He wouldve preferred to take several of the others at the same time. But Haoyu staying meant Lexi was staying. Kon wanted to reconnect with the class and he wasnt leaving Lexi. Mehdi said he wasnt a cowardwhatever that meant. And Dee felt obligated to see the students to safety in Instructor Kleins absence.

They were less than a kilometer from the end of the bridge. At least Alden would be getting this person out of their hair and lightening Maricels load a little in the event that they needed her for the final stretch.

Always accept teleportation away from bad situations when its offered, you guys, thought Alden, gripping a frozen Mr. Dandelion as the timer approached zero. Always. Dont hesitate.

Sometimes, the chance for an exit didnt come your way again for a long, long time.

It was a confusing teleport.

Alden exhaled, and the bridge disappeared. Then, he was standing in a teleportation bay at the TC, arms tightly wrapped around one heavy passenger. He had only a second to see the space and take it in. The symbols covering the arched ceiling and floor were burning so white that they hurt his eyes. The air was stingingly frosty, and the floor was covered in a layer of water with actual shards of ice floating in it. People were calling out what sounded like orders to each other from beyond the metal door.

He inhaled and smelled a very faint mildewy smell. Like an Artonan jungle?

Then he was stumbling out of a completely different teleportation alcove.

Hed expected to end up on top of a tall building, in some kind of anti-chaos bunker, or possibly back at Celena North. Instead, he wondered if he might have left the planet entirely.

He was in a long, rectangular room lined with windows on three sides. All of them were covered from the outside by heavy wooden shutters. The air was warm, and the space was pierced by sharp shadows thanks to the unusual lighting; chubby glass lamps were evenly spaced along the floor beneath spiky potted plants. A pair of double doors carved with a logogram that meant welcome stood near the teleportation alcove. And the floor of the room was a dizzying puzzle of wooden stars and diamonds all pieced together, each one a slightly different shade for a muted rainbow effect.

System, did you send me to one of the Triplanets? Alden asked.

The System was too busy for boring questions like that, though. Which, on its own, was enough to tell him he was still on Earth. The other Systems would be functioning like usual.

He wondered if Earth was even listening to him right now. That teleportation bay had looked like it was in distress.

Did it accidentally bring the ice in from somewhere or does the equipment freeze over if its being used a lot?

He let Mr. Dandelion go, and the man came to life at once.

Whoa! he said, staring around. Just that fast. Andholythis is the Artonan Ambassadors residence!

It is?

Yeah! He laughed. They dragged us all the way here to see the floor when I was a kid. For a school trip. Wouldnt let us go any further inside, but we got a lesson about all the different kinds of wood theyd built this place out of while we ate wevvi popsicles and listened to some weird music. I picked the right guy to hang out with!

You didnt really pick me. I was just convenient for you.

So were in F? Alden asked.

No. This place is in Punta de la Luna. Apex.

Then why are you excited?

Didnt you want to go to F? Alden reminded him. To find your girlfriend?

yeah. That would be better. But well be safe here, wont we? I bet the Artonans built it to survive anything! The man was walking confidently toward the double doors. Are you someone really important? Big news S-rank?

I wonder if the girlfriend really exists.

Im a B-rank Rabbit. Hold on. I need you to entrust me with this bag. Kons teeth were in there. He needed to re-preserve it all thanks to the target swap hed had to do to get this guy here.

Some wizards favorite Rabbit, eh? The man grinned. Good for you!

Before he could touch the doors, one of them swung open and an Artonan carrying a tray covered in handleless mugs stepped through. He had dark purple hair so long his braid almost brushed the floor, and his eyebrows had an arch to them that made him look a little worried even though his expression was neutral.

He frowned at Mr. Dandelion, eyes flicking up and down, then turned to Alden.

Alden Ryeh-bt. He bowed low. I am very honored to meet you. I am very sorry for the nature of the occasion. The Ambassador sends his wishes for your long life and invites you to use one of our escape flyers until this perturbation has ended.

He held out the tray.

Before you go, I have prepared a selection of many teas for you!