Running out of time

Chapter 25. Roy - The Vote

I kept seeing Lucy's final gust of wind fizzing out before it even touched me, the moment she collapsed. I crossed my arms, it was my fault. I reached into my backpack, it held everything from home that I was able to take with me to the academy. Pulling out a small box I heard the door opposite mine open... then close. I waited a few seconds. I just needed to make sure that I was alone. Slowly I opened up the box. It was the watch that my grandfather gave me for my fourth birthday, the only reason I don't wear it anymore is because it doesn't fit.

I looked at the watch for a few seconds. It was one of those kid watches with an elastic strap and plastic face. It was tacky and blue with printed superheroes on it but it was the only memory I've ever had of my grandfather. I've heard my mum call him a hero before, she told me that I didn't need a cape and a mask to be a hero. She said the only criteria for being a hero, is to be kind. As a kid I told her that she was wrong, that superman or batman weren't always kind yet they were heroes. Of course, I didn't understand that she was just trying to teach me a lesson back then, but now, I think I've finally learnt that lesson. I quickly packed the watch back away and into my backpack before Ben finally gets to the dorm. I've always wanted to be a hero, so why did I hurt her?

-

Ben was laughing about something with Lucy. Anna was trying to read but kept getting put off by them. I played with my food. I jumped and turned around to see that Avery was smiling over my shoulder. "Can I sit here?" She asked. I smiled up at her.
"Of course". Avery. I still had that problem to worry about. I wonder how long it will take before the truth comes out and she realises that Leona was supposed to be here.
"How's training?" I asked between mouthfuls.
"Not bad, my guide can't seem to figure out why I don't have a power yet so we're just doing basic combat training" Avery answered. I swallowed slowly. A kind person would tell her before it's too late, a kind person would save her from becoming a part of this world without powers. It's not safe for her here. Avery smiled. I can't tell her.
"That's too bad, I'm sure you'll be great when you finally figure out your power".
"Yeah I hope so... hey! I heard that you were sparring with someone today some of the kids were talking about how you almost killed them, what's up with that?" She asked. I opened my mouth and glanced at Lucy. She quickly looked away from me.
"I went too far, that's all"
"Well, you should give me some tips, maybe I'll get my power soon" she grinned getting up and taking her tray to the kitchen.

Anna scooted closer to me. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine" I replied, not exactly focusing on anything. Anna cleared her throat.
"Freya suggested that we all get together after we finished eating to 'talk', I think she only said 'talk' because we were around other newlys, anyway, she suggested the room we all arrived at when we first came here".
"How are we supposed to figure out where that is?" Lucy asked.
"I think I remember to route we took from there to the dorms, you can just follow me" Ben said finishing his meal.
"Great" Anna concluded piling up our trays to take to the kitchen. Both Ben and Anna strode ahead and I was left, jaw hanging as I turned to look at Lucy. I wanted to apologise but I couldn't find the right words. Then she was right behind Ben and Anna as I stood, barely a step away from our table.

-

Freya and Juliette were deep in conversation going over their charges' training. I slid back in my chair as Terrence nodded along to whatever the other guides were talking about. Suddenly Jet day up in his chair. "I think the newlys are ready" he said as everyone turned their attention to him. Ben, who was sat beside me looked so startled that he made me even more curious of Jets outburst.

"They're still in basic training cowboy" Freya said, her head rested on her hand.
"I told you not to call me that!" Whined Jet. Freya just rolled her eyes.
"This mission isn't designed for newlys - we already know that these four will have to join in at some point, so what's the point sending them in early and untrained".
"Freya has a point Jet" Juliette said eyeing Lucy.
"So does Jet, these four aren't newlys not really, Master Ruth came to see them herself which means that they're not like us - not like them" Terrence added gesturing to the rest of the school behind them.

I looked over at Ben. He was glued to his seat his brown hair covering his face but he looked anxious, anxious enough that I decided to speak. "What's the point in having us here if you won't talk to us?" I said folding my arms. Ben, Lucy and Anna turned to me then looked at their guides. Freya, for the first time I've seen, looked taken aback and unsure. Juliette was lost for words and Terrence, well, he had no expression. Jet however smiled. "I like you" he said pointing straight at me before facing the other guides. "I say we do a vote, go into battle early and hopefully save a lot of lives now" he paused and turned around. "Or wait until you are all trained but risk going into battle late when we could've helped earlier and potentially save more lives".
"Potentially" Freya said before anyone could say anything else.

"I think we're ready" Anna said. I looked towards her. I haven't seen her fight yet but there's something about her - a storm waiting to strike. It was infectious. The four of us seemed to be on the same page.

"Raise your hand if you want start your mission now" Jet said, eyes sparkling.

Terrence raised his hand, I mirrored it. Anna and Lucy both raised their hands. I looked over to their guides who both seemed to take a deep breath before reluctantly placing their arms in the air. I looked over to Ben. He was staring hopelessly at the rest of us. He bowed his head and I thought that this was it, but then slowly he raised his arm.

"Unanimous" Jet declared gesturing rudely at Freya who returned it without hesitation.

I smiled. We're going on our first mission.