Awakened

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My teammates have a three way fight under the watchful eye of Master Hugo. I sit by the shed with Sunshine's head on my knee. I rub at my thumb nail. This morning when I woke up the white spots were showing through old nail polish. I had to re-polish them. A part of me is convinced the affliction is gone. These spots are but a reminder.

Geordie's posing as a Thunder while the other two try taking him down. Weapons practise gets lonely. I'm always out the mix sat watching them or learning defence skills.

Ashley comes around from the outside of the shed swinging a sabre. "What are you doing sitting pretty?"

"I'm under-skilled. What are you doing at our class?"

"My mission this morning is you. Master Hugo says you need an opponent." Ashley taps the side of her nose. "I'm in the loop about your night time classes."

"So he can tell people but I can't?"

"Only me because you need an opponent." Ashley pulls me up and links arms with me. "If anyone asks we're skiving off together because we're ever so naughty." She deposits me in the woods where I've been doing my training and lifts my hands to my eyes. "Count to thirty while I hide. No peeking."

Eek I'm gonna get my ass kicked. I count out loud to let Ashley know how long she's got. On fifteen hands smack into my back. I crash down and get pinned to the floor. Ashley is several inches taller than me and sure has a tight grip.

"I'm not letting you up. You'll have to get out this compromising position yourself. Don't be afraid to hurt me. I'm a tough girl."

"Just so you know I'm not a tough boy."

"You could be if you got over being sensitive over physical contact. Strange being able to kiss me without blushing but when I have you pinned down you get stuck. What are you thinking?"

"This is embarrassing like when Max tried to drown me in the pond." The memory makes me shudder.

Ashley lets me up. "You're going to be a challenge. Master Hugo did warn me. When did you start getting panic attacks and freezing when threatened?"

"When Jess was killed."

"Killed! I thought you meant the affliction got her."

"I let her down. Hid in my room. I've always been jumpy but after Jess I got worse."

I fall into silence as Collette runs through the trees out of breath and red in the face. "Ashley you're needed in the sky. Thunders are approaching Cloud High. This is not a drill."

"Thunders here?" I gasp.

"Remain calm. It wouldn't be the first time this year. The masters shield you from the attacks until you reach third year. Want to go on a practical, Corey?"

"Will it be safe?"

"Definitely not." Ashley swishes her sabre. "We'll be keeping Thunders busy until reinforcements can reach us. Are you coming?" Ashley looks through the trees watching for her griffon. Seconds later Snowshoe sprints over to us.

Sunshine jumps up and down in the same crazy rhythm as my heart. "I should ask Master Hugo first."

"No time." Ashley mounts Snowshoe. "I have to leave this second." She nods her head at Collette in a professional manner. "Tell Master Clover her message has been received." Off she goes, galloping through trees.

Sunshine's jumps get even more excitable. Riding after Ashley is a bad idea. I'll most likely freeze up there and cause more problems rather than be any help.

Hey!" Sunshine tugs at my sleeve. He really wants to go up there. I reckon all he's interested in is going for a fly. "There'll be Thunders in the barrier." Sunshine tugs my sleeve again as though to say please. "Okay we'll have a quick look. No getting too close to the action. We're not ready for encounters with Thunders."

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