Read Barcode: Cavern of Youth for Free Online Page B

transformation as promised. Due to extreme circumstances, my adopted son will accept this responsibility. I’d like to introduce all of you to Kay.”
    Malik’s eyes widen, and the barcode on his hands and chest glow. He wasn’t too strong last year, but Professor Jules had Monte and me train him. I thought he’d never gain any serious strength, but near the end of the year, he began showing incredible potential.
    There are two dog heads tattooed on his hands and one on his chest. I discovered the hard way that the mutt’s punches can feel like bites and even draw blood. At the time, they were minor scratches, but I’m sure the puppy’s grown up a bit. Though he doesn’t have the power of a full Egyptian god, the tattoos for Serapis are comparable.
    Egyptian tattoos are rare. In fact, there’s only one other host on campus. Children born with this power in America are often killed because of their insane power. Mayan gods are attacked as well. Because of Serapis’ foundation in Greek history, Malik was safe from harm.
    Though he tries to fight his rage, Malik takes a step forward. Vincent blares, “Stay in position for the ceremony. Let me handle these pathetic excuses.”
    Turning to Dennis, I ask, “You think he’s talking about you and me, or the explanation you just gave?”
    Vincent’s eyes twitch as he hears my voice. “Remove your hood, boy. Who is behind that cloak? I thought you said the—”
    “It’s exactly as I said, so let’s not get into that.” Dennis addresses the students, “I need to ask you all a favor. You must have heard about the explosion downstairs. Because of the honor and prestige you hold, I will honestly tell you that there was an assassination attempt on this beautiful girl’s life.” He walks behind me and pulls the shy girl away. Some of the boys laugh at the sight of her. Why? “Well, I need her to be followed twenty-four-seven, until I get to the bottom of this. You’ll be hired as security for Colt Arena and paid accordingly.”
    “That’s outrageous,” Vincent bellows while Dennis speaks, but the big man in the black suit never breaks stride.
    “She’s allowed to choose her security personally. Carmen has healed most of your wounds this year and knows your power, so I’ve asked her to choose the strongest of you.” Whispering to the frightened beauty, Dennis says, “Choose wisely.”
    The boys chatter as though no one can hear them. Malik’s the first to banter, “I hope she chooses me so I can finally end the sexual tension between us. The girl wants me to poke her, I swear.”
    Patrick laughs and adds, “Please. I need someone to get into myself.” But that’s strange. He doesn’t even play for that team. Am I the only one that knows? I’m seriously going to have fun with this.
    “You already have a girl. Let me finally end her misery. She wants it bad.”
    Nudging Carmen, Dennis commands, “Pick now.”
    She turns hear head towards me and plays with her fingers anxiously. She knows my ability. Thus, she’s aware that I can see her. Carmen’s waiting on me to acknowledge her, but I refuse. If she wants me, she better fight for it. I’m no easy catch.
    “I’ll choose Mal—”
    “Dennis! Outside. Now!” Vincent fumes as he storms out of the room.
    Dad mouths, “I think I’m in trouble,” as he follows. After nearly a year with me, he’s picking up my sarcastic humor. I laugh openly as he exits.
    Malik doesn’t waste time approaching me. He and his gang of Patrick, Wesley, and Addison march towards me.
    “Addison. That’s a chick’s name. Right?” It seems my greeting isn’t very welcomed because the demigod flashes his tattoo. I continue anyway, “Hector wasn’t really a demigod was he? I saw this one old film—really poor quality, twentieth century stuff—anyway, Achilles kicked his ass.”
    The mutt barks, “Who the hell are you?”
    “Kay. Kinda nice to meet you. I’d shake your hand, but I don’t know where it’s been.