Psycho Social

Chapter 31: Prepare to Win (Part 1)

Shidge sat in study hall and tapped his pencil against his desk. His thoughts had been filled with the upcoming fight night for weeks, and he was stressing about it. The last fight night, his friends had gotten pretty severely injured. And even though they had been training really hard, he was still worried it wasn't going to be enough.

He put his things into his bag and tossed it over his shoulder, strolling out of the classroom and heading towards the gymnasium. Mr. Lithium was in his office, typing something into his computer. Shidge knocked gently.

"Mr. L? You got a second?"

Lithium looked up from his computer screen and adjusted his glasses on his nose. "Of course son! How can I help you today?"

Shidge sighed and took a seat across the desk from him. "So I've been thinking. Is it possible I could borrow the battle simulator? I want to get some extra practice in, and I think it would be really beneficial so we don't have a situation like last year."

Mr. Lithium pushed his hair off his forehead and leaned back in his chair. "I suppose you could, as long as a teacher or an adult were here to keep an eye on you kids."

Shidge nodded. "Yes of course. I could ask Nesrin to supervise while we used it."

Lithium grinned. "Ah yes Ms. Nesrin. What a delight. When would you guys like to use it?"

"I was hoping sometime tonight after school."

"Yes sure! I can leave it out for you guys. Just be careful with the settings alright?"

"Yes sir."

Shidge stood and grabbed his bag. "I greatly appreciate your generosity." He smiled and then left the room, pulling out his phone to send a text to Nesrin.

NEW MESSAGE: NESRIN

Shidge: Hey Nessie. Can you meet us at the school around 5 today? I have an idea I'd like your help with. Let the group know practice will be here today.

He shot a quick text to Nate explaining the situation, and then he headed home for the day.

He stepped outside of the school and unfurled his platinum blonde wings, letting the wind ruffle his feathers gently. He practically purred at the feeling of being able to stretch his wings, after having them cooped up all day. He took off in a running start, launching himself into the air. The wind quickly caught under his wings and he soared towards the house. He would need to change out of his school uniform if he was going to do this.

After a short flight, he landed gracefully at the house and walked in the door. "Nate you here?" he yelled, setting his bag in the kitchen.

"Yeah one sec!"

Nate bounded down the stairs, emerging in a t-shirt and long shorts. "So what's this about the gym?"

"We have to prepare to win this time."

Nate's eyes widened. "You're not using the simulator again are you? You know what happened last time."

Shidge could hear the fear in Nate's voice, and he placed a comforting hand on his mate's shoulder. "It's gonna be alright. Nesrin will be in charge of the simulation, and you're a lot stronger this year. You'll do just fine."

Nate rubbed the back of his neck. "I guesso. I'm just nervous."

A knock on the door got both of their attention. Hunter strolled in, his hair in a perfect quiff, and his blue eyes sparkling. "You guys ready for this?" He kissed his boyfriend on his cheek and grinned.