Crackerjack II

Chpt. 5: Variety Pack

Kristen was hesitant as she approached the bench. The white head never turned, even when she came to stand next to him. He stared calmly at the fountain, one area of the school that looked more like a park than a training ground.

Java gestured to the space next to him. "Have a seat. I promise I don't bite. Not anymore." He chuckled.

Kristen tried to smile, but she was pretty sure she failed.

He patted her knee. "I'm sure these last few days have been hard for you. Have you felt the strain on your bond?"

Kristen nodded wearily.

"Yes, I'm very sorry to put you through that, but we had to make sure it was genuine."

Kristen blew out a breath. "It is?" She'd meant it to be a statement, but it came out more like a question and her heart beat quickly as she realized the nervousness in her tone.

Java smiled. "It's completely normal for a young dragon rider like yourself to have doubts." He tapped his leg with a thoughtful hum. "Actually, you have a very strong bond with your dragon."

Kristen sat higher with the compliment but still couldn't muster a real smile.

He patted her knee again. "I'm aware that you must feel a little awkward. I want you to know that if I could turn my ability off, I would." He sighed and gazed at the fountain. "Not many crackerjacks can flip their powers on and off. That's why it's so difficult for us to hide. That's why we created places like this."

He paused and smiled. "Sorry, you don't want to hear a history lesson." Another pause. "I'm here to give you two pieces of news. One is good, the other is not-so-good. Which would you like to hear first?"

Kristen opened her mouth, but he interrupted with a laugh.

"Actually, the not-so-good news has to follow the good. It just wouldn't make sense the other way around. We've decided to allow you to train for your dragon."

This time, Kristen smiled widely. "Really?"

"It won't be anything big; we still have to determine the actual stage of your bond, now that we know there is one. Got that?" Java turned serious eyes on her. "When we allow you to meet with your dragon, later, don't ever meet with your dragon alone until we give you clearance, okay? I know that seems annoying or invasive, but it's for your safety."

She nodded excitedly. "Sure, thanks."

He waved. "Go on and brag to all your friends. Be at the training tent tomorrow morning."

Kristen grinned and waved.

She was so ready to tell William! He was probably still eating. She hesitated. She wasn't supposed to be in the boys' cafeteria, but lots of girls that didn't follow that particular rule.

~

The noise level was significantly higher than in the girls' cafeteria. It was also a lot more crowded since the boys got in more trouble for being in the girls' cafeteria than the girls did for being in the boys'.

Kristen searched the room, finally settling on the only person sitting by himself. She hurried over, ignoring all the calls her way.

"William, guess what I just got permission f'r!"

He tilted his head, chewing slowly before speaking. "Is this a rhetorical thing? Or do you actually want me to–"

"I get to train f'r my dragon!"

William stopped with the spoon halfway to his mouth. "You're a dragon rider?"

Kristen furrowed her brow. "Uh, yeah. Isn't everybody?"