The Disaster Born's

Chapter Eleven - Ash

I wake up after the longest, most comfortable sleep I've had since arriving on this earth. The bed feels like a cloud, and for a moment, I forget all the chaos outside. Just as I'm about to drift back into dreamland, there's a knock at the door. Before I can respond, it swings open, and there stands Jamieson, ever the punctual attendant, holding a towel like it's a royal decree.

"Your bathing supplies, Sir Ash," he announces with a flourish. I sit up, groggy but amused, and swing my legs over the side of the bed. As I approach him, he raises an eyebrow. "May I suggest putting a top on as well, Sir?" he says softly, handing me the towel and soap with a hint of a smirk.

I nod, trying to muster some dignity, and follow him out of the room towards the showers. Jamieson escorts me with the grace of a butler in a period drama, and we reach a door that he opens with a grand gesture. Inside, there are individual showers with lockable doors. I remember showers from the old earth, but I haven't had one since arriving here. Living in a desert and all, you tend to forget the luxury of running water.

I step inside the shower block and lock the door, stripping down and turning the dial to steaming hot. The water droplets hit my face, and it's like a mini miracle. I've never felt so clean—no sand, no dirt, just pure, blissful water. I let out a contented sigh, savouring the moment.

Suddenly, a horrifying realisation hits me: I've forgotten my training gear. Panic sets in as I grab the towel from the hook and wrap it around me like a makeshift toga. I open the lock just a crack and peek outside, hoping for a miracle. And there he is, Jamieson, standing like a guardian angel.

"I believe you may have forgotten something, Sir Ash," he says, his tone dripping with amusement as he hands over the training attire. His eyes flicker down to my half-naked body, and I can see him trying to stifle a laugh. His lips twitch, and his eyes sparkle with barely contained mirth.

I nod, feeling both grateful and slightly embarrassed. "Life saver," I mutter, taking the clothes and closing the door quickly. As I get changed, I can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Only on this strange new earth could a simple shower turn into such an adventure.

I arrive at the training grounds, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the field. The air is crisp, filled with the scent of dew and freshly turned earth. Leon spots me from across the grounds and makes his way over, a broad grin on his face. We fist bump each other, the familiar gesture grounding me. "Ash, my bro, the wet hair—I like it," he says, ruffling my damp hair playfully.

I laugh, shaking my head. "At least I have hair," I tease. Leon straightens his face, pretending to be offended. "Too far," he retorts, but there's a twinkle in his eye. I stifle a laugh, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, bro."

I take a moment to look around, observing the other trainees. Each one is identifiable by their bracelets, belts, and the emblems placed on the right chest of their T-shirts and crop tops. The variety of colors and symbols is a testament to the diverse powers and backgrounds of the Disaster Borns.

My eyes land on Alysia. She's wearing a crop top with a green leaf emblem and skintight shorts that accentuate her small waist and toned a...

"Ash," Leon's voice snaps me back to reality. He points towards the training arena, and I follow his gaze. Out of nowhere, the Over Lord has appeared, his presence commanding and regal as usual. "Today you will put your skills and power to the test," he announces, her voice carrying across the grounds. My heart races, adrenaline flooding my veins. "The aim of the game is to show me why I made the right decision choosing you," he continues, his eyes scanning the crowd.

An overwhelming desire to prove myself surges within me. I want to show off my skills, to demonstrate that I belong here. Leon rubs his hand against mine in a reassuring handshake. "We got this in the bag, bro," he says quietly, his confidence infectious.

"ASH, YOU'RE UP!" the shout echoes across the training grounds. I smile at Leon, and he fist bumps me, his confidence bolstering my own. I stride over to the centre of the arena with a determined gait, hoping my confidence masks the unease bubbling inside me. After last night's events, I need to prove myself more than ever.

I roll my neck from side to side, feeling the satisfying click of my joints loosening. Taking a deep breath, I prepare for the challenge ahead. The Over Lord's eyes are on me, his gaze piercing. "Show me why I chose you, Ash," he commands.

Right, so no one is summoned to the arena shows I wasn't fighting anyone directly. Fire manipulation it is. I've been saving this one for a moment like this. I crouch to the ground, feeling the heat and fire surge through my veins. The energy is intoxicating, and I let it consume me.

With a swift motion, I release balls of fire from my hands, each one morphing into a human figure made of fire. Three fiery adversaries materialise, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. They charge at me, their movements fluid and deadly.

I flip backward, narrowly avoiding their fiery strikes. As I land, I hurl fireballs from my hands, each one exploding against their fiery forms. The heat is intense, but I thrive in it. I summon a sword made of pure fire, its blade crackling with energy. Holding it steady, I clash swords with the fire creatures, the sound of our blades ringing through the arena.

One of the fire figures pelts me with a barrage of fireballs. I dodge and weave, my movements a blur. With a swift motion, I bring my blazing fist to my mouth and blow, creating a super wave of fire. The wave engulfs all three of my opponents, their forms disintegrating into sparks and embers.

The crowd erupts into applause, their cheers echoing through the arena. The Over Lord joins in, clapping with a broad smile. "Impressive stuff, Ash," he says, his voice filled with pride. Despite his praise, my eyes drift towards her. She stands there, unimpressed, and I can't blame her. Last night was a disaster for both of us.

Leon gives me a fist bump as he is called to the arena next. "You're a force to be reckoned with, aren't ya?" he says with a grin. Suddenly, a voice cuts through the crackling of the fire as Leon begins to display his skills. "And you are?" I ask, confused by the girl approaching me. "Oh, I am Neve, Earth Born," she retorts with a smirk. I nod, "I can see that," I reply, turning my attention back to Leon. I had met girls like Neve before—judgmental, ridiculing others. She was another Ruby, but in Earth form.

"Watch this, this will be funny," she whispers, pointing towards the training arena. "You suck!" she shouts as Alysia steps into the arena. I watch her closely; the confidence she had last night is gone. She looks timid, even scared, and I know the Over Lord is going to tear her apart.

"Alysia, the only Earth Born of Magnetism, to make it into the Disaster Born's," the Over Lord announces, his eyes gleaming with a sinister look, like a predator eyeing its prey. Alysia stands in the centre, facing us. She extends her arms, and her eyes glow a bright green. Metal objects—swords, knives, axes—begin to levitate around her. With a flick of her wrists, she sends them flying into the red targets scattered around the arena, each one hitting the bull's eye with precision.

The Over Lord nods at Alysia, then gestures for her to leave the arena. I watch as she pushes through the crowd and disappears into the forest.

"Ezra," the Over Lord calls. I follow the same path, hoping to find her and make sure she's alright.