Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Aquarius (Part 3)

I dashed out of the room, vanishing from everyone's sight as I sought refuge in the janitor's closet. I crouch to the floor, running my trembling fingers through my hair. As I glanced around the confined space, I noticed ice beginning to form on the walls, a manifestation of the magic that threatened to spiral out of control. Overwhelmed by panic, I desperately attempted to regain control, fearing the consequences of the unleashed power. I shake my hands rapidly feeling my throat close up as I try to stop it.

ZAP

In a matter of seconds, a flash of white light illuminated the space, and Uranus appeared beside me, crouching down to meet me at eye level. His gaze swept over the encroaching ice on the walls as he questioned, "Aqua, what happened?" with concern lacing his voice.

Overwhelmed by emotion, my voice caught in my throat, rendering me unable to utter a single word. A sense of suffocation seized me as the ice continued to spread, constricting my ability to communicate.

"Hey, it's okay." he reassures me, "Just breathe."

"I can't." I managed to slip out.

He grabbed my hand, imitating breathing exercises we'd practiced before. I followed him, as the ice slowly melted away.

Uranus embraced me in a hug, "See? There's nothing you can't do." He let go of me, moving the hair out of my face. "What's triggering your powers?"

"Libra." I sob, "She told everyone."

Uranus's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, "What?" His tone was filled with surprise, yet it was evident that he already possessed an intimate understanding of the subject matter we were discussing.

"Everyone hates me now," I whisper.

"That's not true"

"I can't go back and change the past." I cry out, "If I could I would have done it already."

He pulled me in for another comforting hug, "Do I need to come over?"

I shake my head, crying on his shoulder.

Uranus remained by my side, offering unwavering support until I regained composure and felt ready to proceed to my next class. Word about me has already spread fast and despite the disapproving gazes that were cast my way throughout the day,  I summoned the strength to navigate through the remaining hours of school. Upon arriving home, the zodiacs wasted no time getting changed into our activewear for indoor training.

...

"Sloppy," Capricorn calls out with his arms folded.

I threw another air boomerang at the target ahead of me but it veered off course, missing its mark.

"Aqua, that's the fourth time already." Capricorn sighs, rubbing his temples.

A sudden hush fell upon the training area as the other zodiacs paused their activities, their attention now fixated on our direction.

"Sorry," I mutter, diverting my gaze to the floor.

"I don't understand, this should be easy for you." He says, "Are you feeling okay?"

His hand reaches over to feel my forehead but I slap it away when I notice Libra watching.

"I think you need to take a break," he mutters.

I nod, backing away as I vanish into thin air. I leave the basement, using my sleeves to dab away the tears that stained my face before retreating to my room. I walk over to my bathroom, pulling the rug back.

WARNING: Self Harm
(If you'd prefer to skip this scene, you can proceed directly to the dots.)

"I wonder if it's still here," I mumble aloud, revealing a loose floorboard. I lift it, revealing a sharp knife inside.