THE DIFFERS : THE UPRISING

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Training started before dawn, the camp buzzing with energy long before the sun crept over the horizon. I was groggy, tripping over my own feet as the group trudged toward the training grounds. The air was charged with an electric hum, with too much anticipation. This was where we'd prove ourselves, or fall short.

"I kind of start to miss school, didn't think it was possible," Avani yawned and stretched out, gaining my first smile of the day.

"Yeah, was hoping for a longer sleep," Aria added, draping her arm over Ember's shoulders, rubbing her eyes with her other hand.

Nara yawned too, walking to fall into steps with me, taking my hand gently. There was something in the way she sought comfort into others. Something magnetic that pulled me to tighten my grip on her hand, receiving a warm smile from her.

The leaders explained the system during our walk. Everyone in the camp had daily tasks, from tending to the garden to assisting with repairs or gathering supplies. These responsibilities were non-negotiable. "Discipline keeps us alive," an older man named Cyrus barked, his tone sharp as the crack of a whip. "No one is exempt, no matter your status or power. We all pull our weight here."

We saw every types of tasks, while still being scrutinized by every pair of eyes on our way. The guy were on protective mode, we were walking as one, even though the guards where by our sides.

I yawned again when they started to explain us the utility of being responsible and do our laundry. Luke elbowed me while Ramiel, because I knew it was him, flashed me a horrific mental image that did the trick instantly.

I looked at him, awake now for sure, glaring while he tried to suppress his laughter. Maya looked at us warily, but then smile as she looked at her twin. He must have told her telepathically what he did to me. I rolled my eyes but caught Raiden looking at me, this distant look he was sporting lately.

As usual now, he looked away first and clenched his jaw. I sighed, putting my focus back into the instructions, trying to ignore the pain in my chest.

Then came the actual training. The trainees were divided by elements, a decision that immediately separated our group for the first time.

Raiden went with the lightning manipulators, his steps confident and unwavering. Avani, Adrian, Aria and Ember joined the elemental group. Ember practically ran to the fire manipulators, while Nara and the twin went carefully to their mental ability group. Ethan didn't want to go alone, but practically ran when he saw his group where they were exploding things.

I laughed at his reaction, making me roll my eyes but smile. He was a tender man stuck in an imposing body. But he was young, living this new life just like us.

Luke stayed near me, awkwardly hanging back. I didn't know where to go. I was so out of place, didn't even know how to use my power, where I stood in this world.

"You'll come with us," Carter said coming to us, his voice gentle but firm. Carefully telling Luke to leave us. "We'll see where you fit."

"You'll be fine," he whispered to me before leaving to find his own group. I was reluctant to leave him, but followed Carter hesitantly, watching Raiden scrutinizing the area, not meddling much with his own squad.

The training sessions began with a simple assessment of each person's control over their element. It was clear early on that everyone in our group was extraordinary.

I eyed as Ember sent spirals of fire twisting in intricate shapes with minimal effort, drawing murmurs of approval. Avani practically reshaped the terrain under her feet, moving rocks and dirt as if they were extensions of her body. Ethan was equally skilled, his movements fluid, his confidence unshakable.