How to be a Hero

Loss of Color

A week went by without a single update or word on the hero academy. Not even Violet was bragging about getting into the school. If not violet who else would make it in? Did shooting star think none of them were capable of getting a free pass into the academy?

Everyone could only wait and see or, wait and never know. Autumn turned onto her street, she walked up to her house stopping at the mailbox. She wondered if it was worth checking again. 

She reached out her hand, pulling on the handle quick, there was a single envelope, for the first time in weeks. Autumn took the paper examining it hoping it was just their monthly check. 

Her eyes scanned the information, Hero Academy. Her stomach sank to the floor as she stuffed the letter in her coat pocket. 

Maybe it was just a rejection letter, telling her to come and try out. Autumn walked into her house seeing the same scene of her mother sitting on the couch watching tv. She passed the den and went straight into the privacy of her room. The anxious teen sat on her bed and unfolded the piece of paper that determined the rest of her life. Autumn ripped open the envelope and yanked the official looking letter out.

She gulped and unfolded the paper her hand shaking. She read the words: 

Dear Autumn Light, 

Congratulations hero! 
You are one of the very few people we have selected to get into the Hero Academy! Though, your recommender, Shooting Star, would love to get you into the academy right away she has already selected someone.
Hearing about your outstanding performance we are giving you a special chance at a free try out. You may know, most students joining the hero academy will have to take a test before trying out for our program, you will be exempt from having to take these exams. 

We hope to see you at try outs, and may your ability take you far and wide. Remember anyone can be a hero!

-Mr. Kamin 
Hero Academy 

The piece of paper fell to the ground. Autumn was filled with emotions, each one being different. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know how she would get into the academy. She wanted to cry but she wanted to scream with joy. Though she froze as she heard a knock on her door. Autumn dashed to pick up the piece of paper, stuffing it into her pocket. "Yes?" She answered, her voice shaking. 

"Let's go" Rebecca said through the thin walls. Autumn got off her bed walking to the door. Rebecca was already half way to the front door as autumn closed hers. 

"Where are we going?" Autumn asked buckling herself up in the car. 

"Stop asking questions" Rebecca snapped at her as she was pulling out of the driveway. It was silent in the car for a few minutes, though it felt like hours. "We're getting rid of the crap in your hair you call an ability." 

Autumn screamed bloody murder. "No!" She cried. A swift hand met Autumn's mouth leaving a stinging feeling on her lips. 

"Yes." Rebecca had a firm tone, her voice overly aggressive with every word she spoke. "I already told you we would, now you have to obey." She said through gritted teeth. They both sat in silence. After what felt like days, the car pulled up to a rundown looking hair salon. It looked centuries old, the walls needed to be repainted, the windows needed to be replaced. There was a half-broken sign sitting above the door 'Sally's Salon'

They both walked in greeted by the noise of a small chime hanging from the door. The inside looked abandoned, there was nothing but some chairs and mirrors Autumn and Rebecca being the only people inside. A woman with a large bun sitting on top of her head came out from a door way.