A Hero's Nature: Light in the Dark

5: The Pale Night

Abby was famous. Famous for something that, technically, hadn't happened yet. News of Abby's aptitude test had spread like wildfire; the results weren't public, but everyone knew she was S-class. Everywhere she went, someone asked for a demonstration. Not even the park next to her dorm was safe.

It was Abby's worst nightmare. She wasn't shy like Amy, and she certainly liked being able to show off, but Abby was a terrible conversationalist. She was awkward and weird; every interaction she had was a new opportunity to make a fool of herself. Not to mention the fact that most of the people she met were completely nuts.

After a week of this she could be found hiding in her dorm room with Amy. Link came over occasionally just to say I told you so, and that was all the social interaction she needed.

On Friday, they were supposed to head over to the school and see their test results. Naturally, both Abby and Amy slept through the alarm and were 20 minutes late when the school's doors opened. When they arrived, they were directed to a long hallway, with several bulletin boards, each with a small crowd of students looking at it. They were displaying students' names, their rank, and their ability nickname. Amy was on the first board.

"B-class," she breathed, disbelief plainly written on her face.

"Now You See Me," Abby read the nickname. "Classy."

It didn't take long to find Abby's name; it had the largest crowd in front of it. When those in the back saw her, they shoved everyone out of the way, so she could get through. When she got close, however, she noticed the whispers were less excited and more confused.

"That's crazy."

"We saw her in action, I don't believe it."

"Shut up, she's here."

Abby began to get worried as she scanned hurriedly for her name. She found it and breathed a sigh of relief: S-class - nickname: Whirlwind. What are they so worked up about? Then she saw it; the one difference between her name and everyone else's. Next to the "s" in S-class, was a small number 2.

"She didn't beat him."

"That Angel Gray guy is still number 1."

"How strong is he?"

So Abby was the second strongest Hero in the city. So close to the top, but not quite there. She didn't mind; she could handle being the best, but not the best of the best.

"Congratulations," Link said, appearing behind Abby.

"Jesus Link, when are you gonna quit doing that?"

"You're in the big leagues now. Shame you didn't surpass the Angel, but you're a Queen now."

"Hardly, you've never seen me in heels. So, what's your nickname Mr. Porter?"

Link looked around nervously, "Oh, uh, I don't know about that."

"Come on," Abby insisted, "What's the problem?"

"It's just ... not what you'd expect is all. I'm not sure if I should tell you."

Just then, Amy walked over and saw Abby's rank. Link snatched on to the distraction, so he could change the subject. They all retired to the dorm. Link hung around for a few hours, making sure they appreciated his skills at spotting talent. Then, he teleported out for lunch, teleported back with some sub sandwiches for the girls, and then teleported away again.

Abby spent the next few hours writing "Whirlwind" over and over in a notebook. She normally tried to avoid getting overly excited about stuff, but her ability was just such a rush. She felt that Whirlwind was the perfect name for her. Eventually, she got bored and grabbed a book, at random, off the shelf.