The Peace Maker

'The weekend had passed and the school week began again. Luke and Melinda communicated over the weekend and Luke was also able to practice using the magical powers of the gem.'

Monday at lunch time in the school canteen, Melinda came and sat next to Luke as he and Kennrick sat in the canteen eating lunch.

Kennrick mind was blown away when he saw the actions of Melinda especially when she immediately greeted him and then started talking to Luke.

"What the hell did I miss, Friday " Kennrick asked?

"Nothing really," Luke responded jokingly.

Since Kennrick had a class coming up, he said his goodbyes and left the group.

Luke and Melinda sat quietly looking at everyone who entered the canteen looking for anything suspicious or irregular.

Then Luke spoke, I was able to time myself over the weekend.

That's great, and, she asked curiously?

I am able to stop everything for fifteen seconds. It's the most time that I can get out of the gem.

Is it consecutively?

No. Must wait a bit before I can do it again. It seems stopping time in a large area requires a huge amount of power.

'Luke wondered how those TV shows made it look so easy when the hero stops time or reverses time and saves his girlfriend.'

'The power utilized must be monstrous to keep things suspended temporarily in time.'

Mr. Benjamin, their school teacher walked into the canteen, ordered something and then walked to his two students. My two best students he stated. Studying, I hope he said with a sarcastic tone but with an underside of humor.

Luke looked at his broad shoulders teacher who was always properly well dressed, sporting an expensive watch as well as a antique pocket watch which was always strapped to his belt.

Taking a study break, Melinda answered.

Glad to hear that. If you plan on getting anything in the canteen, I suggest staying away from the tuna, he joked.

Did you try it, asked Melinda?

Heavens no but trust me. That's one road, you don't want to go down, leading to upset stomach and diarrhea. He laughed as he headed through the exit and disappeared.

Luke pondered what he has learnt about his gem's power.

He was able to stop time for a large period which awarded him only 15 seconds however testing over the weekend proved that Luke was able to get additional seconds if he used the power of the gem in short sequences or short bursts. Five short burst in succession with a brief pause, gave him five opportunities valued at four seconds each.

Greg was suddenly seen in the cafeteria ordering a tuna sandwich as well as a peanut milk drink then he left the canteen.

No sooner had he bent the exit corner, three guys stood up from sitting in the canteen. Jeff's face grew serious as he led his two friends with him around the corner in pursuit of Greg.

Reacting quickly, Luke got up and told Melinda to go and get the teacher Mr. Benjamin.

Melinda let out a slight giggle and asked, 'you actually need backup?' She was looking directly at the chain on his neck. It's best to do things right, Luke said quickly as he hustled to the canteen's exit. Melinda looked at some of the startled faces as she turned and ran in the direction that Mr. Benjamin had left in.