(Part 1 here: http://authspot.com/short-stories/mm-chapter-one/)

Now, I could give you a play-by-play report of all the tournaments, but that would be incredibly boring and take too much time. Let’s just say that we won some and we lost some, but we collected enough to try and win the “special” prize. It was July 4th, the Fourth of July, when we learned what it was. Mister Gamic called everyone down to the main lodge for a special going away party. We were among the last to arrive so we slipped in the back and stood. I was anxious, waiting to find out what this special prize was and how we had to earn it. I didn’t have to wait long. There was a puff of smoke on the stage and Mister Gamic appeared.

“Welcome.” He said eerily. “This is our last night together so let’s make it count. You all will be going home tomorrow so I believe it is time. I would like to ask all those who have collected enough medallions to come forward. We aren’t going to check each of you, but if you lie, you’ll be embarrassed deeply.”

About forty or so people went up, including Charles, Damien, Josh, and I. I smiled. This was it. It was time to find out what this mysterious prize was. Mister Gamic walked down the line. He stopped in front of me.

“Ah, Alex. I’m glad you were able to make it. So, do you think it is time for me to ‘bring it?’”

“That’s your call. If you do though, I’m ready.”

Mister Gamic smiled. “I like you attitude. Let’s see how it is after you demonstrate. Step out of line.”

I stepped out of line into the middle of the stage. I felt kind of nervous, not knowing what I was supposed to do.

“All right Alex. Now I’m going to ask you to do something that sounds silly but trust me. I want you to focus on the symbol from your medallion and jump.”

“Jump? Like in the air?”

“Exactly. It may seem stupid, but like I said, trust me.”

“Okay…” I said hesitantly. I focused on the symbol, my muscular four-armed guy. I jumped in the air. Suddenly, I didn’t jump normally; I jumped ten or twelve feet. I was surrounded by light and I could feel myself changing. My arms were expanding and two more arms were developing out of my sides. My calves shook as they gained muscle. It felt like I was on fire. Then it was all over. I landed smoothly on the ground. I looked at myself and screamed. I was the man on the medallion. I heard people screaming in the crowd. There was a loud bang, like a gunshot. Everyone fell silent.