Air Control (bk 1 of Nature's Power)

Chapter 2: Discovery

For 20 nerve wrecking minutes, I sat on the ground of the testing grounds, awaiting my test moniter. Though I was nervous, I was excited at a chance to be one of the respected Gifted. Though I was not guaranteed a place among the gifted, I wasn't overly worried. I come from a long line of protectors. One of my ancestors fought in the Demolition Wars! Once the test monitor arrived, he greeted me with a warm welcome. "As you well know, these tests help determine whether you are Gifted, or not. Are you ready to begin?" "Yes!" I agreed with enthusiasm.

It turned out that the test was not as wonderful as I would have liked. "WHAT!" I screamed when I learned of the plan. "How could you lock me in this arena for 5 days, with no food and water? That's like removing all my rights! You don't have-". He quieted me with a raised hand. "I can, and I will," he said very forcefully. With a wave of his hand, he disappeared through the long, narrow, corridor. I was alone, alone in a large room, with no possible exits. The lone exit had been barred and barricaded with two steel doors, five iron rods, and diamond crossbars slanting across. There was no way out.

I was never the one to panick, but this was no ordinary situation. I ran around the arena like a raving lunatic. I beat the floor, and cried out. But no one would, or could help me. I was alone in a large arena, with no food or water. Despite my eagerness to become a member of the Gifted, this was turning out to be the worst day of my life. Not to mention my competition with Daniel, as he had passed the test in 3 hours! "I will get out," I said out loud. "I will get out."

Because of my knowledge that this was just a test, I knew that they would not let me die, though I think they allow suicide. But, if I am pulled out to avoid death, I would fail. I knew exactly what they expected of me. They wanted me to become overwhelmed by my feelings. This would either trigger a sense of defeat, or an urge to commit suicide. The Gifted would be the ones who would remain calm. Then, a part of their long forgotten inner being would show, bringing with it the Gift.

I am not sure if I can accomplish the wonderful feat of remaining calm. I am getting nervous; this is the most nervous I have ever been. What if I can't get out? What if I die? What if my father is watching? What if I- I snapped back into reality as a giant rumble filled the building. Then, out of nowhere, a huge beast materialised 3 feet in front of me! No one had ever mentioned monsters inside!