Alex put his backpack down on a tree stump and dug out his notepad. Scanning over his results of the last few nights he put it down and walked to the center of the clearing. Spinning slowly he took in his surroundings, looking to see if he was followed. Sensing no one around him, he took his shoes off and dug his toes into the ground.

  Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes Alex opened himself up to his surroundings. The chill of the morning air settled around him. Harden, he thought as he slowly exhaled his breath. Squeezing his eyes he willed his powers to extend.

  “Nnnnghhhh!” straining to push his will out further, he all but collapsed when he finally opened his eyes. Breathing hard, he stood up taking his tape measure out of his pocket. “Let’s see if I made it any further.” Walking forward Alex measured his handy work.

  “Holy…” he started, “this can't be right.” he said, staring at the measure. “That’s three more feet!” walking the circumference of the hardened area he created Alex grinned to himself.

  “Alright,” he said, bending down and placing his hand on the edge of the hardened area. “Release.” Alex watched as his hands brightened and the ground before him rippled and returned to its original form. Alex smiled again and walked towards his bag. From his bag he grabbed a small shovel, the little dragon figurine and made himself a comfortable place to sit.

  “This will work,” he said, as he sat down crossing his legs. Reaching forward he used the shovel to dig a small foot by foot patch in the grass. Setting the shovel to the side he dug his fingers into the dirt loosening it up. Once he was satisfied, he placed the little figurine on top.

  “Ok, let’s try this again,” he said, as he exhaled. Closing his eyes and placing his hands in front of him he concentrated his thoughts, Come to me only from this patch. Focusing his energy he squeezed his eyes shut. After about 30 seconds he opened his eyes. In his hands was a square tower of dirt about two feet tall. The foot by foot patch was hollow between the two feet, but in the center at the bottom sat the little dragon figurine.

  “Huh,” Alex huffed as he furrowed his brow. Carefully setting the dirt on the ground he reached in and picked up the little dragon. “Why didn't you come with the dirt?” he asked as he spun it between his fingers. Setting it carefully on top of this pile, he placed his hands on his knees and closed his eyes again. Taking a deep breath, he felt himself relax, letting his breath match the rhythm of the world around him. “Return,” he whispered.

  Opening his eyes he watched as the last of the dirt floated back into place. Once again the little dragon didn't move. It sat on the ground where the pile was. Hmmmm, he thought, frowning slightly. “Why aren't you moving like you did in the apartment?” he asked, as he picked it up by the wings. Alex continued moving the dirt back and forth getting deeper each time but the little dragon never moved.

  “Oh man,” he yawned. “The sun is coming up.” Sighing, Alex stretched as he stood up and walked to his backpack. Well I got better at controlling where I want the dirt from and how deep I can go. I still don't understand why I couldn't get the dragon to move though, Alex thought, as he packed everything into the bag. “Oh, my dragon,” Alex said, turning to where he left it. All of a sudden his hands flashed and the dragon came soaring at him.

  “Ahh!” he exclaimed ducking as the dragon sailed past his head into a tree behind him with a thud. “What?! How?!” Alex stuttered, staring at the little figure on the ground beneath the tree. Walking over to it he picked it up and stared at it. Scratching his head he walked back, grabbed his bag and headed back towards the campus.

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  As he neared the border of the tree line he slowed his pace and checked to see if anyone was around. Seeing no one, he made his way towards his apartment. Closing his door behind him he sighed. “Better get ready to go to the lab,” he yawned. “I'm going to need a lot of coffee today.”

  As Alex rode towards the lab his mind worked through the trials he held in the woods. I increased the area of ground hardening and I was able to control moving the dirt better. I just don't know why I couldn't get the figure to move and then it just flew at me. Still pondering the results, Alex badged into the lab.

  “Alex!” Siddiq exclaimed.

  “Hey Siddiq, morning,” he said.

  “You ok man? You look a little rough,” Siddiq asked, raising his eyebrow.

  “Just a little tired. I, uh, didn't sleep very well last night,” Alex said, scratching his head. Or at all, he thought to himself. “What’s up though?”

  “Remember when we had that dinner at Reshma’s?” Siddiq asked, leaning in closer and dropping his voice.

  “Yes?” Alex said.

  “I think,” he started, looking around to make sure the others weren't near, “I think they are like dating, dating.”

  Alex snorted.

  “I am serious dude! Watch them. I don't know if it's cute or if I want to gag,” Siddiq said, as he scrunched his face.

  Alex chuckled and looked over at Reshma and Evalyn. As he did, Evalyn burst out in a high pitched laugh and playfully slapped Reshma’s shoulder. Reshma ducked and laughed, shaking his head.

  “See what I mean? It's gotten so much more noticeable since that night,” Siddiq gulped, terror filling his eyes as he watched them.

  “I think it's nice they found each other. If only we could be so lucky,” Alex said.

  “I guess,” Siddiq said, still looking at them.

  Alex shook his head and turned to Siddiq, “So what are we working on?”

  “I am starting to get the parts together and placing an order for the laser. I think they are doing another rebuild of the press,” Siddiq answered.

  “Hmm, alright. I have some numbers I need to run. If you need me though just let me know.” Alex said and headed towards the computers in the back, waving at Reshma and Evalyn as he passed. Alex sat at a computer and pulled out his notepad. Alright, let’s run some numbers, he thought.

  The day went by in a blur as everyone worked in different corners of the lab. Alex started to yawn and looked at the clock. Wow, he thought, I made it the whole day. I thought for sure I would have to leave early. Yawning again he looked back at the computer. My strength and control is definitely better, but it's still not enough.

  The lights dimmed and he looked around and noticed everyone had left. When did they leave? He thought, scratching his head. Alex shut down the computer he was on, grabbed his things and headed out of the lab. As he exited the lab building, he jumped as a siren began to echo across the courtyard.

  “What is that?!” he cried out. Scanning the courtyard Alex didn't see anyone else. “Where is everyone?” The Siren continued to blare its shrill pitch carrying through the campus. In between the rise and descent of the siren, Alex heard a rumble that was growing louder. So loud, the sound of the siren was starting to fade. Looking across the campus from where he stood, Alex watched as the trees seemed to move and the sky seemed to darken.

  Alex stood frozen in terror as a giant wall of water came barreling towards him. This is it, he thought, as the wall reached him and everything went black.