Annihilation Series-Searching for a Hero Read Free Page B

Suddenly the bowl vanished. Coryn jumped and looked at Ping.
    “It’s in the kitchen on the table.”
    Coryn looked frightened, “Why haven’t you told me before now?”
    “I love you too much to cause you to worry. However, I know you should know what I can do and now is as good a time as any to tell you; especially when I need you to help me avoid this trip.”
    “Aren’t you worried about someone reading my mind and seeing what you’ve told me?”
    “Not really; there aren’t many telepaths in the Realm and I believe the Cats are searching for some kind of reading that I would give off. The chance of someone that has telepathic ability questioning you is remote. At least that’s what I sense.”
    “Are you telepathic?”
    “Not yet.” Coryn gave a start. “Mom, my talents are constantly changing. I don’t know what I’ll be capable of doing as time passes.”
    “Do you trust this sense of yours?”
    “I do; it’s never been wrong.”
    Coryn sighed, “Let’s see what we can come up with that won’t cause suspicion.”
    “Thanks, Mom; I really appreciate it.”
    “I love you, Ping. I’m going to need some time to get a grip on what you’ve told me but I guess it’s not so outrageous; look at the former rulers of the Realm. I still don’t want to believe the Cats are searching for you.”
    Ping smiled and was glad he didn’t tell her about his reflexes and the full extent of his teleportation talent. He felt uneasy about the coming trip and knew he had to avoid going.
    • • • • •
    Mios looked up at the King of the Stars Realm and felt awe. He wished Ping was there to see the pageant. Jodie sat next to him and cheered with the thousands sitting around them in the stadium. Mios looked up and saw a giant Northern Mountain Cat walk down the aisle next to their row. The cheering stopped as the crowd was shocked silent by the mammoth size of the giant Cat. The cat looked to the left and right as it passed and Mios knew it was looking for something.
    Jodie sat down and said, “I wish Ping had come.”
    Mios looked sharply at her and held his finger over his lips. He watched the giant Cat move to another row and Jodie looked at Mios like he was crazy, “What was that about?”
    Mios looked off at the cat and said, “You know they’re telepathic?”
    “Yes.”
    “Well, I don’t want to discuss my best friend’s absence around them. I want that conversation to remain with us.”
    Jodie stared at Mios and he ignored her questioning expression. “Mios.”
    “Yeah.”
    “Why has Ping refused to accept me as his girlfriend?”
    Mios turned to Jodie and his eyes narrowed, “I thought the two of you were an item?”
    “No, I do all I can to be around him but he treats me like a friend and nothing more.”
    “Jodie, you need to ask him that question.”
    “He’s never discussed his feelings for me with you?”
    Mios shook his head, “Ping is a complex person. He’s one of the funniest people I know but he can be the most intense person I’ve ever seen as well. No, he’s not discussed his feelings about you with me and I wouldn’t tell you if he did. That’s something the two of you should resolve.”
    “Why don’t you have a girlfriend, Mios?” Jodie immediately noticed Mios grow tense,
    Mios looked at the King and said, “I just haven’t found the right one, yet.”
    She stared at him for a long moment and then another cheer went up for the King and they joined in. As they exited the teleporter on Earth, Jodie grabbed Mios’ arm and looked him in the eyes, “You weren’t being honest with me.”
    “Oh?”
    “You found the right one; you just refuse to tell her.” Jodie stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. She spun and ran away to meet her parents. Mios held his cheek and shook his head. How could she possibly know?
    • • • • •
    Mios and Ping sat on the edge of the pond watching their corks float on the water. Ping knew something was bothering Mios but