SYNERGY

The joy of groups 24.

Foster and I walked into the gym. It felt off being filled with people, it was strange to realize that it wasn't just my private place where Kip and I trained. Mr. Endwell was standing on one end of the gym and another female teacher was on the other, she was extremely tall and in shape, her hair pulled tightly back, her skin line free, dark, and flawless.

"Ladies over here!" She shouted.

I gave Foster a wave then headed over. Violet was standing with a few older students. I started towards her when the female intercepted me.

"Hey newbie! You're over there!" She barked while pointing to the corner of the room.

I went to the corner with the other new students, Penny included. I ignored her smirk and leaned against the wall.

"Oh, this will be rich," she commented. " You look like shit today by the way," she giggled.

Her red haired friend smiled at her.

"Ugh I can't believe I have to group train with these amateurs." They both shrieked with laughter.

I already knew I could easily kick her ass on the mat, so I continued to ignore her. Over the past couple of months I transformed into an action speaks louder than words type of person and I was rather proud of myself for it. I looked to Violet, she gave me a side smile and a thumbs up, you'll have your chance her eyes seemed to say.

"Ladies!" The teacher shouted, quieting everyone down, "I am Ms. Bard, you can call me Ms. B. I have been a trainer for this school for six years. I am here to teach you how to protect yourself with hand-to-hand combat. Against the wall are students who have completed my class already. They are here to assist you and make sure no one gets out of control.

"Violet, Kiera," she snapped her fingers.

Violet sauntered over followed by a short pig faced girl with blonde hair.

"We will split you guys into two groups. Violet and Kiera are team captains, the other advanced students will be on the sideline. They are willing to jump in if need be" she gave us all a hard look. "Violet picks your first team member."

"Astrid," she said with no hesitation. I heard Penny scoff behind me.

"Penny," the other girl picked, and she walked up next to her.

I'll have my moment soon enough.

The captains picked the remainder of their teams. Each team had 10 girls in all. The next week we learn to fight. We practiced against our own team mates first then learned how to work together. Week three of training was going to be when the two female teams challenged each other and then week four was when all teams, male and female go up against each other. Apparently, it was a school tradition and a way for those who lead missions to pick out recruits.

When we started, I was easily beating the girls, I guess the private training really did help.

Finally, Ms. B took me aside and asked me to assist Violet in training the other girls instead. Of course, I agreed and started working with them immediately. It felt good to take my mind off things, especially Kip.

Today I was working with a small brunette girl with long braids. "What's your name?" I asked her.

"Sarah," she spoke quietly.

"I'm Astrid, what's your ability?" She lifted her hands up.

Suddenly the ground around me started shaking she was an elemental like Foster. Everybody stopped what they were doing and stared. When she noticed them, she stopped shaking and blushed, Foster looked a little longer at her.

"Don't be embarrassed!" I said placing my hand on her shoulder. "That was badass! Are you able to manipulate earthly disasters?"

"Yes, it started when I accidentally drowned in the bayou behind my house last year," she began with a southern drawl, "I don't know how I did it but somehow, I made the water spit me back out, next thing I knew I was taken to this place. I don't like to use my powers. Last time I did I lost control, and someone almost got hurt."

My eyes softened, "I understand, you will need a safe environment to practice. I will speak to Mr. Endwell over there about it. But, for now let's work on getting some of that pent-up aggression out," I smirked,

"That sounds perfect!" She beamed.

After helping Sarah, I walked over to the bench to take a break. I glanced over at Penny, she was pointing and snickering at me while talking to a few girls.

That's it! I walked straight up to her, "you have a problem?"

"Just laughing at you, I don't understand why they let trash like you lead," she smirked.

"Your one to talk, have you done anything around here besides waist time and be a bitch?"

She scoffed at me, "I never waist time!" Her face got red. "Oh by the way how's Kip doing? I heard he went crazy and had to leave the school!" She screeched with laughter.

I shoved her.

"You little bitch! How dare you put your hands on me," she spat and reached her hand up to slap me.

I grabbed her wrist keeping her immobilized and looked her in the eyes, "you lay a finger on me and I swear to god I'll..."

Ms. B walked up. "Ladies!" She frowned, "save it for the mat! And Penny all you've done today is stand around, don't you have something better to do? I thought someone with your power would take things more seriously." Penny's face paled a bit.

I let her wrist go and smirked at her.

"Yes mam, sorry mam." She said to Miss, B and walked off.

When training was done Foster and I headed towards Mr. Grieves he was animating about group training, "so that girl you were working with today, she's pretty cute."

I smiled at him, "oh you have a crush!" I said as kindergarten as possible. "Foster and Sarah sitting in a tree."

"Shut up, I do not!" He laughed, "I just think she's cute," he said trying to play it cool.

I laughed, "well she's very sweet I can ask her to sit with us at lunch tomorrow if you'd like?"

"You would do that?!"

I cracked a huge smile. "Um, of course I'm like the best wing man ever."

"Okay I believe you, just stop smiling at me like that it's creeping me out."

I grinned as big as I could at him, "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

He saw Violet walking ahead and ran towards her, "Violet help me! I think Astrid's lost it!" We ran past her and he laughed as I chased him.

She looked mortified by our behavior.