1.7 Man in the Lab Coat

Training continued for young Bendayo. "Before I put you to bed, make a Link Shield. I know you are very sleepy Benny, but it is important to protect yourself no matter how you feel."

Making the Link Shield was very tiring work but little Bendayo did it. He was asleep before his head could be laid upon his bed.

 

He also learned how to face his fears with a calm mind. He loved the dog but being so little, and with the dog so big, having her up in his face like that with teeth so big, well...it took him an entire year before he learned to control his mind in the face of 'danger'. He still had a long way to go to perfect this skill but he was doing a very good job so far. 

 

The planetary-style training also took place. This was Bendayo's favorite. He was quite good at it too. 

 

But there was nothing he loved more than to be with his mother. 

 

The day came, finally, when little Bendayo became a child. The outfit the Orbital Ship chose for him wasn't the best but he didn't know any better so he just stood there and wondered what life would now be like. 

One of the first things that Ambria asked of her son was for him to go to the park with the dog and observe the people there. Learn what they are like, what they talk about, who they are and what life means to them. When you see one you wish to converse with, go for it but be very careful. Not everyone is gentle and kind.

 

Bendayo did go to the park and he brought the dog with him. As he observed for most of the afternoon, he chose a man with an interesting hairstyle and a lab coat. Who was this man, he wondered? Well, he was about to find out.

After talking to the person he turned to leave, eager to share what he had learned with his mother. The lab-coat man on the other hand had been observing Bendayo all afternoon too and could tell that something just wasn't normal about him. As time when by and the boy actually approached him and began asking questions, his mind began to theorize about this young one. He knew that no matter the cost, he had to get this boy back to the lab for further testing. 

 

Sensing the intent of the man and hearing the quickened footsteps behind him, Bendayo took off on foot. He was tempted to 'jump' on the wind and transport himself home but he heeded the warning he had repeatedly received from his mother. Never show your powers in public unless dying is the only other alternative.

When Bendayo got home, he explained in minute detail everything he had observed.  Everything but one. The man that chased him, in his mind was not a threat and so he did not speak of it to his mother. 

Little did he realize that the man in the lab coat had followed him home.