Welcome

Part 12

I didn't know what time it was when I woke up. It was either really late at night or really early in the morning. Either way, there was a slight chill in the air. It felt nice to actually feel it.

Before we all knocked out, Maya gave us the special bracelets for our... abilities, just in case something were to happen in our sleep.

I don't even know what to call them anymore. We don't have powers, we're science experiments. I kinda expected that, but now that I know, it ruins everything.

I get up quietly, trying not to apply too much pressure on my arm. I still think I'm the one who actually cut it. Once I settled in the water, it started to freeze around me and then Max's shoe shattered it and a shard cut my arm. Sounds simple enough.

I should really start wearing my bracelet from now on. I'm getting tired of almost exposing myself and putting myself in danger.

I walked over to the lake and sat at the edge. Everyone's still asleep. They're not going to be waking up any time soon. I want to go swimming so bad but I can't really dry myself off as Scarlet or Max can. Plus, it would probably make too much noise, even though I would probably be underwater most of the time. I sigh and stand up.

I take the bracelet off, now used to the abrupt temperature change, and use the water from the lake to make a simple bo staff.

Not sure if it's on the list for beginner weapons, but I really like it. I remember Maya showing me how to use it in March. She called me a quick learner with me knowing all the basics in about twenty minutes. I didn't take it as a compliment then. It just sounded like a smart remark. But now that I think about it, it wasn't.

I slightly toss it around. It's light enough for me to use, but it's durable even though it's made out of ice. I start awkwardly twirling it since I don't have anyone one to practice with. It's weird because out of all the things that I could be doing at this moment, I'm training. If anything, I should be doing the complete opposite since this is what they want us to do...

I shake the thought off and take a stance. Once I know I have control in my grip, I start swinging it. It's slow at first so I can make sure I'm doing everything right, then I pick up the pace. After about ten minutes of this, I start adding other stuff that Maya taught me.

Even if it is a combat technique, it's pretty cool. Like you could do it for a talent show. And apparently, there are a lot of tricks and flips you could do. I can't do a flip without a trampoline. I never tried because I don't want to break my neck but I would like to one day.

I start twirling the staff above my head and quickly turn and strike behind me, trying not to yell in the process.

"Wow!" It abruptly stopped as I saw Maya with her hands above her face. I guess she stopped it from hitting her.

"How long were you standing there," I ask, starting to feel embarrassed. I didn't know anyone was awake. "For a little while actually. You're getting better," she said softly, but I knew she meant it, "Why are you up?"
"I couldn't sleep. You," I asked, placing the staff under my arm.
"There's no sleeping in on the run," she shrugs, knowing that she's repeating herself. I couldn't help but smile.

"It's kinda early," I said with a slight chuckle. "That gives us more time to think," she said, smiling, "And train. Can you make me one," she asked, pointing to the bo staff. "Sure," I said, automatically making one like mine since I was by the lake.

"I'm not sure how this works. Of course, mine wouldn't, but won't yours melt," I ask, handing it to her. "Don't know, but just in case," she trailed off. I felt a tug on the pole and it slipped out of my hands. "I'll use it this way," she said.