The Deadly Nightshade | { BOOK 1 of The Flower series }

[24] Tests pt. 1

Jade and Wanda stood side by side as Steve explained everything they'd be doing, except Jade kept a big space between them. What happened in Wanda's bedroom sent multiple feelings and messages that she liked and overwhelmed her at the same time. She wasn't used to this, and it happened way too fast. She needed to think and carefully read these incoming emotions.

The girls had changed into more comfortable clothes for this activity. Jade wore black sports leggings and a salmon-coloured Reebok sports bra; her long hair was pulled into a tight bun. Wanda was in similar attire.

The grounds were set up with many obstacles for the first station since it was parkour to test out their stamina and agility. Tony and Steve emphasised that no bionics or enhanced powers were allowed in this station while looking at Wanda since she was always stubborn when it came to training.

The next station was a defensive course. Sam and Rhodey were positioned there. They were ordered to throw dodgeballs at them, and the girls were instructed to dodge them, only allowing them to use their shields for three seconds.

After that, there was a target course where they hit their ten bullseyes before moving on. Steve had specified that since Jade had more than one bionic ability used as a firing weapon, she was only allowed to use her blue electric spheres.

Then they had to fight hand-to-hand combat with Natasha, and the objective was obviously to win. If the girls used any of their powers, they had to redo the whole course.

Steve told them that there would be a surprise test after the sparring session with Natasha before the final test. He didn't really specify what it would be because he knew it'd freak the girls out.

The final station was for the two girls to fight against each other. They were allowed to use their abilities and also hand-to-hand combat as well.

Steve and Tony held clipboards to track down data. Tony was collecting data for Jade while Steve was collecting Wanda's. "Now, let me clarify that this isn't a race between you two. Yes, we are timing you, but just to see how fast you can carry out the task at hand."

Tony held up a finger. "Also, this isn't a competition, but since we are collecting individual data, don't help each other out. Just focus on yourself."

"You girls ready?" Steve asked.

Both girls nodded. Tony smiled, holding up his stopwatch for Jade. "Okay, in three, two, one. Go!"

Jade and Wanda took off to the first station, while Tony and Steve quickly followed them on the sidelines, watching them like hawks. The first obstacle was the easiest. It was a medium-sized platform that they had to jump or vault over. Jade charged towards it and slightly turned her body to the side as she pressed the palm of her hands on the platform and leaped up, swinging the bottom half of her body over the platform. The performance was done easily and efficiently.

The next obstacle had two metal railings with decent-sized gaps on an upper platform. Wanda had caught up with Jade and ran past her. She used a lot of energy to jump over the railing and made it over without touching it. Jade saw the flaw in that move. Parkour was supposed to help you do tasks easily and not waste energy, but the bionic soldier was really impressed that Wanda had clearly made that jump without hitting the railing.

Jade jumped up on one foot as her hands reached out to grip the handle and swung her small body through the gap, making sure she flattened her torso and flipped her head back, so it didn't bang against the railing. When she made it through, she straightened back up and ran forward.