Power

Power Practice

I knew I was different. Ever since I was small, I knew. My mother tried to tell me that I was normal and that it was a part of growing up, but I could see in her eyes that she was just trying to make me feel better. No matter what anyone told me, I knew.

But I just had to keep going, even though I wasn't like everyone else. I still did my best in Academy, I played sports, and did my best to make friends. But it never worked.

Why wasn't I normal? Why wasn't I like other people? Was there even a reason why I was different?

I was hoping that the Ranking Ceremony would solve my problems.

The Ranking Ceremony has been happening for generations. Children and teenagers practice with the powers they were born with until they turn 15. On their birthday, they walk to a place called Pond of Powers. Then you present your power. The Elders, which are the top eight ranked in my state of Huntington, watch from a distance to make sure you don't do anything violent or stupid. But they have nothing to do with what happens next.

When you have finished presenting your power you must say, "My powers have been presented." Then the Pond of Powers shimmers and your rank number appears in the water. Your number can either be a blessing or a curse.

My Ranking Ceremony is tomorrow.

****

I decided I probably should go out and practice in the Coliseum with the other children and teenagers. My goal was to be somewhere in the middle of the rankings so I will be normal and unnoticed. I just had to pray and practice. A lot.

I threw on my black shirt, pants, and boots that we have to wear until we get our ranks. I put my hair into a ponytail, grabbed an apple, and headed to the Coliseum.

When I arrived I headed to the station for children with fire powers. I used my hands and created a small fire that danced lightly on my palms. Then I started a tornado of fire until it grew into an immense and hot storm. Then I closed my fist and it was destroyed, along with the warmth of it.

Then I decided I had had enough of fire for one day. So I moved on to a different station. Switching stations made the children at the fire station stare at me in either amazement or jealousy. I'm not really sure which.

I walked up to the mind control station and used my mind to create a chair. Then I went and sat in it and finished eating my apple, while the others around me continued to practice. I put the apple to my lips and lightly felt the juice on my teeth, when the apple was snatched out of my hand. It flew towards someone close by. And then I saw him. 

It was Jordan. Jordan has been the only real friend I have ever had. Even though I'm different, he has never left my side.

I sigh and roll my eyes, since this is not the first time this has happened. I stand up, destroy my chair with my mind and it disappears from sight.

He runs over to me, "Well, well, well. Great day for scaring the children at the fire station, huh Kamryn?" He smiles playfully. I nudge him in the ribs.

"I'm only practicing. Tomorrow's the big day." I smile.

"Oh yeah. You don't even need practice. You're better than everyone."

"I know, but you can never practice too much," I smile, "Should I be nervous?"

"Maybe a little, but I'm sure you'll be fine. Maybe even in the top 200."

"But I don't want to be noticed that much after the ceremony. What if my rank makes me even more different?"

"Is there anything wrong with that? I think you will be respected more than you are now."