"Is that so?" Fonda asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I didn't know one could them so early." Jamal assumed.
He was inside the others' apartment, as he was discussing with them about Laken's new power.
"If you really think about it, he'll likely be stronger than you." Hops chuckled off.
"Maybe, but I'm really here to discuss when we're leaving. Tonight right?"
"Bro, I'm already packed. I'm just getting as much rest as possible so I'll be set for the days ahead. I want to know more about Laken's power though, as we can worry about the trip later. You said he attacked you?"
"Yeah, kind of hit me pretty hard. But it's nothing. Although he didn't stop thinking about "baddies"?"
"Maybe his power has a mind of its own." Brat entered the conversation, "Why else would he say that?"
"I don't know, but that was strange. He seemed like he didn't even know what was going on around him until Ula called him out."
"I think you should honestly let Ula train him or something like that." Hops burped out, as he was drinking some colored liquid, "Don't want him doing anything else to the place."
Jamal just eyed him, as he got up from the settee. He no longer had a reason to be here. He'll just be waiting by the sled Hops said he used to get down to the bottom of the mountain. Hopefully, he wasn't in some type of faze or zone by then.
"I think I'll be on my way out. Thanks for the advice." he just nodded at them while speaking, as he opened the door.
"Ah come on, you just got here." he could hear Hops slur out, as he began taking the steps down the apartment.
Yeah, he was glad he left there quickly. The only thing now was waiting for nighttime to fall, and he'll be gone for hopefully a week or so.
.....
"When you coming home?" Laken asked Jamal.
"In a week or two." Jamal promised him.
It was nighttime and Jamal would depart from the mountaintop in two more hours, but he had to make sure Laken at least was put to sleep, as he had to be in their bedroom since his room was basically destroyed.
"You going to finish the baddie that hurt me?"
"Uh, I'm going to find someone else that had to do with them, but your mother will be able to help you fight it." Jamal said, looking at her. "Right?"
"Jamal." she hissed through her teeth, "I'll try, but it will be hard. But I think you should get some sleep now."
Jamal watched, as Ula tucked Laken in the bed, before kissing his forehead. He'll miss the boy, but getting Leon would help protect many people. He felt Ula walk out the room, as he stared at his son for a few more moments, already knocked out, before walking out the room. As he closed the door, he stared at Ula, who looked displeased at him.
"You know I have to do this." he told her.
"Not that, that I have to train him?"
"Well, it's basically your powers, is it not?"
"A little bit, but I didn't think it would be this soon." she began to get frustrated, "I thought in a year or so, not now."
"It'll be fine. I'm sure you can handle it." Jamal assumed as he walked towards the front door, a large bag already packed with everything he needed.
As he turned around, he felt Ula grab his hands. He would miss her too. They temporarily embraced, before Jamal just stared into her dark beautiful eyes. For what would be a while, they kissed for what felt like an hour, before Jamal pulled back.
"Take care Ula. You got this." he was able to say, as he grabbed the bag, and made his way back outdoors.
As the ice crunched beneath his feet, Jamal looked at the door one last time, Ula watching him, as he just nodded at her, before continuing his way to the sled. It's time to make this trip count.