Scorching

Fresh Air

Hunter

After Lucas left, I fell back asleep. Crying always works well as a sleep aid. Luckily I didn't have another night terror. I think I'm too mentally drained, even for those, not that I'm complaining. It's been less than 24 hours, I don't know how I'll get through this but I may need a meal to even accomplish getting out of this bed. My stomach has been rumbling since I woke up. I'm started by the curtains opening again, and then presently surprised by the man behind them. "Hey sleepyhead," oh I can give you some sleepy he— "I figured you haven't eaten in a while," Jesse pulls a sandwich out of a bag and tosses it to me. "The deli down the street is my favorite, I didn't know what drink you wanted but there's a vending machine down the hall what do you want?" I'm in love. Is this what hunger can do to a woman? Extinguish her conviction with sliced turkey in mere seconds? "This looks insane, thank you Jesse. I'll have a coke." I grab my purse to pull out money but he grabs my hand. "Stop it Hunter, my treat. Consider it a welcome gift. I didn't want to leave you at the mercy of the dining hall food." The combination of a man in glasses and pepperocinis is lethal I'm finding out.

Jesse sat with me while I ate and told me a little more about healers. "We use the raw form of our star to heal. Everyone learns how to do it to an extent, but some of us specialize in it, channeling a larger portion of our stars to heal more serious injury." This is useful, Peter never told me my CV about this. He didn't want me healing myself after a beat down. He said he would heal me when I had endured enough. Although sometimes Kayce would sneak into my room at night and heal me, and he did a damn good job. Another one of his secret talents, however, teaching was not on the list. I never understood a word he said about it. But Jesse does a great job breaking it down. He's making sure I understand without an ounce of condescending energy in his tone. "I will show you the ropes one of these days, you can come find me whenever." Tomorrow. "And you can ask any questions you have, I know is a lot to process, but we're all here for you." And I'm here for you, Jesse.

He had to go to a meeting so he left me alone with my thoughts. Is this what it feels like to have a crush? I guess I've never really had one, at least a normal one. I flirt with Kayce all the time but he's always been there, that doesn't count. I really didn't have a childhood, I should have been passing love notes in middle school, not burying my mom and killing creatures from dusk till dawn. Kayce. I should text him he's probably worried, he definitely saw me pass out again. Maybe I shouldn't text him I'm not in the mood for a lecture.

I grab my phone, 14 text messages, and 3 calls from Kayce. I peak around the curtains to see if anyone is around, and i dial his number. "HUNTER. ARE YOU OKAY ARE YOU HURT, DID THAT GUY PULL ANYTHING LAST NIGHT?" "Jeez Kayce I'm fine, really. And no he—" I'm cut off again. "Good because if he did I would drive over right now. I don't like the way he was touching you." "I was out cold, what was he supposed to do, drag me? And don't lie I know you too well, you're already close by aren't you?" Silence. "Kayce Black." "Fine, yes I am, do you blame me. I see you pass out and then don't hear from you for 16 hours." "I'm sorry I just woke up, I panicked last night when—" "You don't have to say it, I know. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." I feel awful. I know he's been up all night worrying, and he's probably parked across the street like a dumbass. "It's not your fault, it's mine. It's part of the mission I knew I would have to face one barehanded, I just didn't anticipate—that. But I'll be fine, they're treating me good so far, and they offered me a spot on Lucas' team, everything's going according to the plan." "Good. They better treat you well, especially whoever that was last night. I don't like him, he had a cocky attitude and almost didn't make it in time. Watch out for him." "I'm being weary of everyone, don't worry." Footsteps. "Shit someone's coming I gotta go." I hung up. I pull my curtain back but no one's there. Weird. Maybe I'm hearing things. Whatever, I should go find Lucas, I have to tell him I'll join the team. I don't know how I'll face him. I thought all I could feel was anger and hatred towards him but the icing on the cake is how awkward it is to know someone's your dad while they don't have clue in the world who you are.

I've waited a few hours, but Jesse hasn't come back, I should go look for someone. I start making my way down the hall and the absence of light is eerie. I forgot how early it gets dark in October. I open and few doors and take a peak. Dust fills my lungs as I open a door full of abandoned cleaning supplies. This wing seems to have nothing but the nursery and storage closets. I find my way to the end of the hall and step outside. The fresh air feels incredible. There's a covered walkway that leads in to 3 other buildings, or a little path to a garden. Plants sound nice. I guess I could explore while I look for someone. I make my way over the hand painted stepping stones. Never thought the curriculum would include art class.

The garden is stunning. A pergola engulfed in vines stands at the center, giant bushes and flowers lining the area, land so many flowers. The most beautiful weeping willow hangs over a small pond, home to some coi fish. The shade of orange my scythe takes from the sun has always reminded me of a coi fish. I make myself comfy on the grass next to the pond, leaning my head over to watch the fish. If I didn't sleep all day, this would be the perfect nap spot. I'll have to remember that. Suddenly the water reflects someone other than me, I turn and see him.

Kaien

"It's so peaceful out here isn't it? Perfect spot to get your story straight before you worm your way into my team." She stands up, I can see the gears turning in her head, thinking of what her next move will be. "I'm not worming my way to anything, Lucas asked me. Maybe if you were more likable, the spot would have been taken already." She's got balls. Let's see how far she'll keep the innocent act. "Maybe if you admitted that wasn't the first time you've seen a creature I would be friendlier." "I told you already, I have no clue what you're talking about, and I can assure you, no matter what I do, we won't be friends." "No actually I'm not sure. I'm pretty popular around here, especially with the women. The reason no one has filled that spot is because they don't meet my standards. Jack was the second best in this school, after me of course. That's a hard act to follow" "I'm sure you are so very popular. Girls want nothing more than a guy whose ego is bigger than his dick." "My ego must be huge then." She wavers for a moment, her cheeks taking on the slightest pink shade, before continuing. "And I'm sure everyone who 'wasn't up to par' figured they should join a team who makes sure their comrades don't die." You fucking bitch. "Don't fucking talk about jack. You have no clue what went on. Actually maybe you do. Is that what happened, you killed him to open a spot on this team? That's why you mysteriously show up, supposedly never having seen a creature before or channeling your star, when most diviners figure it out before age 12. Either you're scheming something or you're really that damn incompetent ." She starts storming off but turns back around. She takes off the jacket I put on her last night and slams it into my chest. "Fuck you." "Get in line."