Iridescent

2 | Our New Troop

Light escaped through the gaps between the trees, and I felt the breeze caress my cheeks in subtle comfort. But nothing could fix the mood I was in.

I lost humiliatingly against Lambert. Worst thing yet... he was right.

I was a weakling compared to everyone here. Here at the Phoenix Academy, everyone was good. You had the team captains and A+ students. The talented benders, acing the class demonstrations... At this school, you need to be even better than all the shining, golden children.

I was once the shining, golden child—but not anymore. And somehow, that bothered me.

In this crowd, I'd be forgotten.

I don't want to be forgotten. I just want to belong somewhere and know that... I can do this.

Great start to a school year, right? It was my first time away from my parents – my fight against them on my so-called independence – and yet on the first-day I already made a scene.

I made my way into the troop area and felt my heart swelling at the sight. Trees lined the path, creating a nice shade for the rows of troop stalls underneath. There were groups and groups of people crowded around the stalls. Newbies like me, I bet, except... I wasn't eagerly asking for information or sign up sheets like them. The troops had tables of pamphlets, weapons leaned or sheathed against their sides, and colourful flags symbolising each troop swayed in the wind.

"Waverly!" One of the stall members waved toward the crowd. "We are top contestants in the National Championship of—"

Someone shoved past me roughly as they ran to a popular stall to sign up.

"—we have swordsmanship coaching and a lab to experiment you powers on!"

I tiptoed, stretching my neck to peer over multiple heads in front of me, except a tall boy walked into my view and blocked my way.

I sighed. I internally regret for sleeping past midnight during my growth peak.

I walked to the side, with the intention to avoid as much people as possible. The different caves lead to different troops, and I eyed a troop flag that snapped straight in the sudden gush of wind. Papers fluttered, the crowd were gasping and unsettled by the wind, but I was calm, my eyes on the golden swan that flew elegantly against an ocean blue background.

A boy sat at the troop sign-up table, and he leaned forward, his words edged with a strange tone. He waved as me as though I couldn't see. "Uh, hello? Can I help you?"

I managed a smile. "Oh, I'm just looking."

"Well, okay." He shrugged and sat back.

Don't think I want to join that one.

I slipped back into the crowd, shuffling along to a troop with a fantail on their purple flag. My eyes met a girl's, her gaze hard and bold. She sat with her elbow leaned on the table.

"Can I sign up?" I said, almost shoved forwards by the people crowding behind me. These people gotta chill.

The girl's eyes wandered over me with a glazed look. She slanted a perfunctory smile. "Sorry, we're out of places."

I muttered a thanks, my smile faltering as I let the others push past me. If she was out of places, why would everyone rush forwards? What a straight-out liar!

Definitely not my kind of team.

I moved against the currents and I was back on search. I took one look at the fantail, my shoulders slumping as I shuffled away.