Only Through Pain [Collab with kayfiles]

Chapter Twelve [kayfiles]

Sophia felt her chest tighten when her name was called. She felt like she was going to be reprimanded, although Benjamin said she was going for some individual training. She couldn't help but suspect that Benjamin was actually leading her into the room to tell her privately that they were kicking her out of the program and that she would have to leave immediately. Her heart starting beating twice as fast and her hands were sweating. 

She gave a final glance around the room before following BJ. Everyone was staring at her. She wouldn't be surprised if they would all remember her as "that girl who got slapped and kicked out on the second day." They probably thought she was bad news, the girl to stay away from. But they wouldn't have to worry much longer, because now she was following BJ straight to her dismissal.

He led her down a hallway, back to the room where she faced the mirage of Roy and unlocked her Karma. He held the door open for her and she stepped inside. She heard the door snap shut behind them.

This time, the room wasn't completely dark. There were some lights on, not just the bright spotlight. She could actually see all four walls and the two way glass off to the side. She wondered if this room would look like this for everyone's special training, or if they only put the lights on so they could look her in the eye when they told her to leave.

"I'm sure you think you're in trouble," BJ said from behind her. She gulped. So, she was right. "But you're not."

Sophia turned around to face him, eyebrows shooting up. "I'm not?"

BJ gave her a small smile. "What happened in the dining room earlier wasn't exactly okay, but you're not going to be punished. I know you were only trying to do what you thought was right."

Sophia shrugged, crossing her arms. Now that she wasn't in trouble, her nerves faded a little and she was ready to assume her usual unresponsive sarcasm. "He was really rude to Kitra." She felt her stomach squeeze, remembering the other girl and how small and helpless she seemed. She felt like a big sister, taking the fall for beating up her kid sister's bully. That was clearly what the situation seemed like, even if she had no relation to Kitra.

BJ nodded. "It's okay, Sophia. You weren't wrong. Eric has a bit of a temper, but for good reason. He was taken to cool off and he'll be able to resume training tomorrow. For now, it's better if you keep a bit of distance between the two of you." 

Sophia nodded, but remained silent. She didn't know how much of a distance there would be between herself and Eric. She wouldn't have a problem staying away from him. It was Eric she was worried about. Twice in one day, he'd come to her, coming off much too strongly for her liking. She wouldn't be surprised if he did it again when he got back, approached her or Kitra. 

BJ clapped once, "Alright, let's begin some training, shall we?" He was beaming down at her, and under any other circumstance, she would feel uncomfortable. Instead, BJ's smile put her at ease.

"What exactly are we going to train?"

"Well, like I told you before, you have a slight attack premonition. Which means, you have the potentional to be a great fighter. But you need to polish those skills. If you can't control them, they'll be completely useless. You were able to get a taste of that earlier, when you reacted just a second too late with Eric. With some training, you'll be able to see a slap or punch coming minutes before it actually happens."

Sophia thought about Benjamin's explanation. If it were true, if she did have slight attack premonition, it woul give her an unfair advantage when fighting anyone. At least, anyone who didn't have the power to set her on fire or break her in half with super strength. But with a normal person, she would have the upperhand. She would know every move they wanted to make, and she would be able to beat them to it. She couldn't lie, the idea was appealing to her.