The Artist

Chapter 3

6/5

Voices. I hear voices.

My eyes remain closed so that neither man realizes I'm awake. I recognize the Mind Bender's voice, though the other is not one that I'm familiar with. I listen in on their conversation in my desperation for a better explanation.

"She can't be trusted," the other says, and I hear the crunch of snow as he shifts his weight. A snort follows. "I think we'd all appreciate it if you discussed this kind of stuff with the League." There's an indecipherable mutter.

I don't dare crack my eyes open to assess Oscar's League mate. Though my sight is useless, I can taste the tension in the air.

"Look, Drake, I understand how your past makes you feel about these kinds of situations, but you volunteered." I can feel the Mind Bender's gaze on me and I refrain from shifting in my sleeping bag if only to shake it off. His voice drops to a murmur that I struggle to hear. "If she decides to withdraw from the team, we'll eliminate her."

Even though I catch his bluff, I'm still not sure whether he says it for mine or Drake's benefit, and my heart skips a few beats. My nerves bundle together, and I am barely able to restrain my now clenched fists. I don't want to stay with the Deviant League forever. What else does he expect me to do? Report him to the people who have haunted me since I was twelve?

I blow a steady stream of air through my nose, and both of them pause to wait for my reaction. My body remains still, and I can almost feel them relax.

Drake's voice drops, and I curse myself for doing that. "You know as well as I do that there are certain risks we cannot take."

Oscar sighs. I can hear him rub his face. "But there are some that are necessary to the growth and development of everything we've worked for. You know that as well as I do." Oscar repeats Drake's statement to try and convince him, and it seems to work. No argument follows.

I am tempted to run in their quiet moment, when I'm reminded of Oscar's team member's power: Super speed. I couldn't even get to the lake if I tried. Who knows how fast he can run? But, I could use what little power I have to throw them off. If only trees were inanimate objects, this would be a whole lot simpler. The thought makes me wonder whether I can ride the object I'm controlling. I could create a giant bird to fly away on, but the only solid things nearby are ice. Even that's too far for my reach.

Eventually, I decide to run. Even if I am killed. My life, in the end, has always been worth nothing. To the government, to the Deviant League, to me. When they turn, I will run.

I open my eyes the slightest amount, but the League members have not turned away. Feeling the snow all around me, I form a small divot in the snow, and the resounding crunch lets me know it worked. Oscar mumbles something, and walks toward the sound. I clench my teeth, wishing that Drake had been the one to investigate. I reach out again, farther this time, in hopes that maybe both would go to investigate, but I see Oscar walk towards the noise.

Of course I become stuck with possibly the fastest man alive. Drake is looking to where the Mind Bender has disappeared from my line of sight. He runs a hand through his hair, the material of his coat swishing with the movements.

Before my mind can think of anything else, my body has rocketed up off the ground and my legs propel me to the lake. Before I can run five feet, there's a blur beside me, and Drake is standing in front of me, mistrust glittering in his eyes. I can barely manage to stop before I tumble into the spot he was in the moment before. Now behind me, Drake twists one of my arms behind my back and kicks my legs out from under me. Being weak and tired, I fall against the ground, the breath escaping my lungs.