Endless Power (ELP)

I Can't Regret the Things I Don't Try

Ava POV:

Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.

Ava felt like a kid before Christmas. Unable to sleep in anticipation and excitement. The festival was tomorrow, and there was no way she was going in sleep deprived. Well, at least that’s what she told herself. In reality, she had pretty much tossed and turned until light was peeking in through the curtains. Begrudgingly, she pulled herself up from her bed. If only there was a contest at the festival for darkest and most bags under your eyes.

She quietly laughed to herself as she began getting ready. Schyler had left her some concealer after seeing her face after a few nights of insomnia, which Ava greatly appreciated. Finally, she wouldn't look like a zombie and traumatize the tiny children at the festival! Even if Ava hated Schyler’s job as a model, it did have its benefits. After choosing their favorite overalls, shirt and cherry hair clip, she was happy enough with her appearance to go out into the public with it.

After grabbing a quick snack from the pantry, she followed her dads into the car.

"Hey Ava, can you get into the back, back seat? We're going to pick up your mother and stepsister since we're all going to the same place." Ava's dad, Ben, asked them.

"Okay, dad." Ava responded, opening the door and pulling the seat forward so she could squeeze into the back.

"Here Ava, your allowance for today. Don't spend it all at once." Their step-dad, Nyle, handed back a small bag with $200. "Make sure you put that in your wallet, I don’t want you loosing it or having it get stolen."

Ava smiled at his thoughtfulness, "Thanks, pop. I appreciate it."

"Hopefully we have everything. I don't want to have to drive back here until tonight." Ben said quietly as he pulled out of the driveway.

The start of the ride was quiet, and before Ava knew it her eyes were getting heavy.

***

Eliana shook Ava gently. "Come on, Ava. We're here. We have to go meet the others inside, remember?"

"Five more minutes..."

"I will drag you out of this car."

"M'fine" Ava opened her eyes lazily and pushed herself up and out of the car.

"You better get your energy back before we walk in there or you are going to be trampled." Eliana laughed as they began to walk towards the entrance.

"We got lucky," mumbled Ava as they tried to wipe the tiredness out of their eyes, "All of us have VIP tickets because Silver is a prodigy, Schyler is a supermodel, and our parents all pretty much have a booth they need to set up."

"Our group is pretty weird to see out in public now that you mention it. I think it would be funny if we all had powers too. Just the most bizarre friend group of all time."

Ava looked down quickly at the mention of powers. She had powers, and as bad as she felt hiding it from all of her powerless friends, her parents had educated her on the danger of revealing yourself. The only people who had ever really revealed themselves were the heros of Eraydya, the people adored them, but a lot of people, such as herself and some of her friends saw the danger of them. Them just existing posses a challenge for any villain who is brave enough to step up. Some of the villians even have powers themselves like Hellion, Vortex, and Facade. Ava feared that if any of their friends ever knew, they wouldn't want to stay friends with her, and then-

No, no. No time to think like that. Today is supposed to be fun. Just have fun with friends. No more hero and villain thinking.

"Ava! Eliana! There you are!!!" Evan yelled from the entrance of the Festival. "We were starting to think you wouldn't come."

"Me? Come on. You know I won't miss the Eraydya Festival for the world." Ava responded, worry replaced by a fond smile.

"Good. Now let's do quick introductions and run over the plan before we go in and split up. For the most part you, me, and Eliana will be sticking together. Other than that, Silver and Kat's friends will be in their own group most of the time. Dani is the one in the purple, You know Jay, but he'll be staying with Silver because of he presentation, so unfortunately we won't see him too much. Ryleigh is the one wearing green who always looks ticked off, Comet is the one wearing pink and orange, you know my sister Kat, and obviously you know Silver. Schyler may be seeing us occasionally, but we don't want her getting mobbed so we won't see her much either. The only other thing I think I need to mention is that we'll meet to sit together in the booth during the 'announcement' from the heros. You can bring family with if you want." Ava did not miss the way his voice turned sour when talking about the heros.

"Okay, cool. Let's go in then. I'm excited to see the all the booths." Eliana responded.

"Fuck you, we're going to the food court first if it means I have to break your legs and drag you. I'm starving and need my dose of caffeine." Ava hissed out.

Evan and Eliana laughed at her intense reaction before beginning to walk towards the food court.

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Yay! One closer to the juicy plot! Next chapter is gonna be so much fun.

Pronouns of all the new characters:
Ryleigh (they/them)
Dani (gender fluid)
Kat (she/her)
Ben (he/him)
Nyle (he/they)
Comet (he/him)
Ava's mom (Lia) (she/her)

This chapter gave me room to add some of the beautiful worldbuilding finally!

Title from the song "Scrawny" by Wallows

Hope you enjoyed!!!

(900 words)