The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

One

["She Healed Her Own Brokenness." - R.H. Sin]

"That's a wrap!" Cedric exclaimed, eyes wide. He was exhausted, much like the rest of us when training was over. I collapsed to my knees and dug my head within my arms. I was overwhelmed with fatigue.

Training was over, well for the week that was, until next week when all twenty of us "kids" have reached the age of training qualification.

Now it was the day before the youngest turned seventeen. She's able to drive, but still hasn't had full experience with her powers. That was all going to change drastically.

The party went fine, well, for a teens birthday party. It was mostly our older siblings bickering over who gave Maddie the better present or who'd be the one to show her what we did during training days. I just sat in a corner with Elle and Khai until the hell ceased for the time being.

***

Dawn came upon us, much quicker than expected. There was no time to waste - I had to get ready before I was deemed late. That would be tragic.

Cedric was patiently waiting for us to arrive. Maddie and Aaron were already there, probably trying to evade the inevitable chaos mornings brought. There was no doubt about that. I knew how it felt to be rushed by an older sibling who felt entitled to their bathroom privileges.

There I stood, in my usual attire of black and silver, contradicted by the bright colors of Aaron and Maddie's costumes.

Across the room, I noticed a pile of throwing knives. I guess I could warm up by throwing them at the target, pretending they're a distinct criminal who deserved some kind of punishment. That was my purpose, or what I thought, was to be my position in life.

Each one thrown carefully, precise at the ends. It was so precise in fact that after every throw, one knife would come flying back at me. They we're always caught before someone got an eye poked out, but sometimes I'd let them astray for a little fun. Who doesn't like that? It was a little... chaotic.

More and more exhausted young adults piled in, ready to collapse any second. I was more alert than normal, but I guess my daily dose of adrenaline kicked in. A lot of them had dark circles on their eyes. I guess it got pretty bad with age.

"Now. Since young Madeleine hasn't had a day in her life where she trains with the oldest, she shall start off facing Thorne. Any objections?" Cedric started. He was more... lively than usual.

Maddie's face changed from eager to disappointed. And her posture sunk down. As usual, I stood there with my hands behind my back as instructed from the first day, listening - or sometimes zoned out - to whatever Cedric had to say.

I guess we had to watch an arena match. How fun.

Everyone took bets on Thorne. I didn't even bother placing money, instead deciding to stay neutral was most likely my best option for this kind of thing. It's either one way or the other and I wasn't taking any chances. My guessing skills sucked ass.

"I believe that Mads can beat Thorne's ass. She's got the advantage." Aaron whispered.

"Oh, yeah? What's that kiddo?" Cohen replied, crossing his arms and spoke with an amused tone. Get a load of this guy.

"She's got voltage, remember?" Aaron mentioned. I sighed heavily.

"Correction: uncontrolled voltage. She's never been trained with her SYND ability." Cohen shot back. His words were so sarcastic that it made me feel like an amateur. He always knew what to say, even if it wasn't so nice.