AWAKEN

{7}

I open my eyes to a blinding overhead light, which immediately turned off as I heard a familiar voice whisper my name to others. At least I believed it was a whisper, but everything seemed far and out of focus. Suddenly a pair of hazel eyes came into view, I managed to crack a smile.

"You look terrible." He teased.

"You should see the other guy." I croaked out. He cracked a crooked smile. I attempted to sit up, and received help to do so, two strong arms on either side of me helped prop me up, one belonged to James, and the other Grayson.

"Sparky! Glad to see you haven't completely spoiled our victory." Evelyn smacked his arm, then rolled her eyes. Summer bounced in place beside James, who hadn't taken his eyes off of me. Anya leaned against the wall in front of me. I finally took the time to soak in where I was. It was a small room, with one window to my right, beside Summer and James. The door was to my left behind Evelyn and Grayson, and a cheesy inspirational picture hung crookedly on the wall beside Anya. My bed creaked while I shifted to get up, James gently put his hand under my elbows for support, as if I was breakable china.

My arm was wrapped in gauze and bandages, I could feel the bruises and burns from my lightning I earned on my hands after grabbing the mans shoe. That hand was also wrapped. Looking at the others, they all had their fair share of cuts and black eyes, but so far they seemed okay.

"We were worried, you've been out since around 3 in the morning, Summer wouldn't leave." Anya stated.

"Neither would Gus." I heard Grayson mutter, and wince after Evelyn once again smacked him. James's cheeks burned scarlet, and he refused to meet my eyes.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Almost 5 in the afternoon." Summer answered, I gawked. Had I really missed a whole day of training? Withers was going to work me overly tough tomorrow.

As if reading my thoughts, Anya answered them. "Don't worry, all Withers is worried about is you staying alive, so I wouldn't be too afraid of him. Besides, we skipped today anyways, so his wrath will be towards us." She winked. I smiled, practically feeling the warmth of the not so strangers that have gathered around me.

I felt a sudden wave of strength come over me, !y head washing free of fuzziness, my hands and wounds not burning as much. I wasn't sure if it was some form of pain killer u til I looked out the one window in the room, past James. It was my pain killer. Lightning webbed the fields and clouds, and I inhaled with relief. If only I always could feel this way. James looked behind him and realized my next moves before I even acted.

"No, don't even think about it."

"But-"

"Nope." I clamped my mouth shut as he said this, grinding my teeth, I'd have to sneak out later, when they left. I felt drawn to it, and that feeling the lightning gave me, it was strengthening.

I shifted, until my legs were dangling over the side, then I hopped up. My head spun and I felt pains from the sudden movement, but I seemed to be alright. I looked to James, who understood, and helped me stand. The same effects happened, but I pushed on walking. The others gathered into the hall and waited, but James stayed at my pace the whole way back the tents.

~•~•~•~

I skipped dinner, not feeling up to it. When Withers saw our band walking back to the tents his face turned purple with strain. After about a half hour of yelling we convinced him practice couldn't be salvaged for today, and to wait for tomorrow.

We all sat in the wind tossed grass after that. Listening the the water in the river nearby and staring up at the to ted clouds through the drizzly haze.