Passageway
Science Fiction/Fantasy/LGBTQ Fiction
Darwin McQuaid runs into an urban forest while fleeing thugs from his high school. They’re gaining when a young stranger steps behind him and confronts them. Within seconds they flee in terror.
Darwin discovers that his champion is of indigenous heritage, his own age and with a mental and physical prowess far beyond his own.
The teenager, called Daruk, greets Darwin by name and claims he was sent by a family friend, Uncle His, an old man who lives in a nearby cabin. They are members of the Ohlone tribe but are often vague on specifics.
Daruk offers to train Darwin in his brand of fighting, which includes mind stimulation, to enhance skills and mental capacity. Skeptical but trusting Uncle His, Darwin allows it and is surprised he is faster and doing better in school. As their friendship deepens, Daruk offers to take him to his village.