Hero Academies

Chapter 12: Shared Secrets

The blonde professor looked at the paperwork she was just handed. “Are you sure that they should be back on the field so soon Dean?”

“Yes, Professor Conlin, I am quite sure. They have the most experience regarding the situation, and are the most prepared. Considering we know next to nothing about this organization, we’ll need all of the experience we can get.”

“But what about the research facility incident? That happened two weeks ago, surely you don’t expect them to be ready to go on a mission again so soon! I’m sure that Zayn is still traumatized by the whole thing. Send in another one of the students!”

“Mr. Malik has demonstrated to be more than capable with his abilities. While his history is littered with similar incidents, I’m sure he’ll prove to control his emotions and successfully finish their job.”

“But dean-“

“Enough. My decision is final, they are going on this mission, and there will be no delays. Have the car ready and send them to the prep room. I expect a full report later.”

The young woman sighed. While the middle aged man had proved to always make correct decisions in the past, she couldn’t help but feel like this was going to be a mistake. And her instincts were never wrong. But there was no arguing with him. Dutifully taking the manila folder in her hand, she walked out of the office to call the five boys down to the office once more.

Liam had locked himself in his room, not quite able to accept the events of that day. It was just too much. His mind was in inner turmoil, and for once it wasn’t caused by him healing someone else. Things had started out alright until Professor Conlin told them they had another mission.

While he was glad that nobody thought poorly of them because of the incidents that occurred on their last job, and grateful they were given another chance to go out on the field, he wished that it had not happened so soon. From the look on everyone’s faces when they were told the news, he could tell that they were all nervous as well.

But it was especially Zayn that was edgy about the whole thing. Ever since they got back from their last mission, he had been hesitant about using his powers. When Professor Conlin told them they had a job, the raven haired teen had requested to stay back in the school and let the four of them go on without him. Of course she had refused. The entire car ride to the job location, he was jumpy and tense.

“Everything’s going to be all right,” the brunette tried assuring him.

“How do you know that?” the dark eyed boy asked.

“Because I trust you, and I know you’ll do fine. Last time was a mistake, you won’t do it again.”

Despite his attempts of comfort, Zayn was still a nervous wreck. During the week, Liam had been able to convince him to at least use his powers, but the raven haired teen was still unable to bring himself to pull off some of his stronger attacks, as they required more firepower.

Their mission this time was to provide reinforcements for a fight between heroes and the same people behind the research facility robbery from their last mission. Clad in their gray bodysuits, it was easy to pinpoint the enemy from the colorfully adorned superheroes.

The brunette partially blamed himself for the events that followed. They had agreed to separate, Louis and Harry off to one direction, Zayn and Niall in the other. He was supposed to stay on the sidelines, watching out for anyone injured to heal.

Although he was a little miffed at being put to the side, he understood that the only way to guarantee each other’s safety was to not fight alone. And Liam didn’t even have any offensive powers that could help him. They had promised each other not to dive into a fight recklessly, but Liam broke that promise.