Solar Dust

3.

01/15/30

It's the week of preparation for the trials, and everyone is in a frenzy. The Pixie Trials isn't just to see if we excel in our magic, but to see if we are able to protect the City of Khan.

After my day off, I went into in my cycle of emotional blunting, shutting out everyone, being quiet, and focusing on training to keep my mind busy from thinking about anything else.

Unfortunately, when they called to tell me my mother was here. I relived it all over again, being cooped up in my room not moving from my bed.

Then I remembered if I embarrassed her, it wouldn't end well for me.

Sliding to the edge of my bed, I take a minute to hype myself up to get out of bed.

Putting some music on, the familiar sound of Ari Lennox plays around in my room.

Finding my fitted white button down shirt, my knee length skirt and tights with a black vest and my black boots. Putting my hair up in a neat bun.

Wearing no makeup, only lip balm. I walk out of my apartment and head to communal dining hall where the announcement would be held.

Finding a seat in the front so she can see me and not have a bitch fit.

The announcement started with The Justice coming out.

" Hello, and welcome to Prep week of the 207th Pixe Trials. And I would like to welcome Aurora Blythe for coming and helping with the training of our future members of Battalion of Khan."

Here she is Aurora, claps and cheers echo while she walks across the stage with a fake smile, taking the mic from The Justice and scanning the crowd until she lands on me.

I don't wave, smile or move. I just nod acknowledging her and she starts her speech about the importance of protecting the city, answering questions about being a leader, and how hard it is to run her battalion.

It finally wraps up and we clap, The Justice tells us we will be practicing in the compound that's similarly styled to the way the Trials will be.

I find Jilia and Koi, holding hands.

They notice me and greet me, Jilia starts talking about my mom and how she loved her speech.

I zone out, and try to think of something else.

" so why have you been ignoring us?"

I heard them but I didn't want to break my concentration and feel anything.

" I was busy" I don't look at them until Jilia puts her hand on my arm and I look at her.

Her eyebrows knitting together to read me, " Eli we know you've been acting weird lately and we are concerned about you. We just want to make sure you are doing okay"

I stare at her deciding on whether or not to share a bit to get them off my case or to dismiss them.

" I am very stressed, and focusing on working hard"

I told her part of the truth, she hugs me and then Koi hugs me.

I stand there, getting stiff as a board. Not knowing where to put my hands or what to do.