The Maplethorn Initiative (Book 1, The Maplethorn Series)

Practice

Cam hit the light switch and bounded up the ladder to his bunk. He thought about using his newfound ability to float into bed, but, as the sting from his knees reminded him, he didn't quite have the hang of it yet.

He was hugging his pillow and listening to the hum from the air vent when he felt the bed wobble. Although the blinds were closed, the lights in the yard were bright enough for him to see Tober tying his sneakers directly below.

"Tober!" Cam called as loud as he dared.

Tober either couldn't hear or was ignoring him.

Cam swung his legs off the bed and dropped to the floor. "Tober," he whispered again, this time right in his bunkmate's ear. "What are you doing?"

"I just found out I have superpowers," Tober answered, tugging on the laces of his final shoe. "There's no way I can sleep."

"We're not supposed to be out after curfew," Cam reminded him. "And you have a superpower. Singular."

"I can make myself invisible, and I can turn anything I touch invisible. I'm counting that as two."

"Pretty sure it's still just one," Cam said. "I'm also pretty sure you're going to get us both kicked out of here."

Tober faded away, leaving Cam alone in the semi-darkness. "Who'll see?"

"If you're doing this, I'm coming with!"

"Fine," Tober sighed.

Cam felt a hand on his wrist and looked down through his own body. He expected to feel queasy or tingly, but everything felt normal—except for being invisible. "Hold on," he whispered. "I need shoes. And my sweatshirt. You should probably bring yours too. It's kind of cold out."

"Yes, mother." Tober released his grip, making Cam visible again. "Just remember to forget your socks."

•  •  •

Minutes later, the two invisible cadets were in the hallway, with Tober impatiently dragging Cam toward the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Cam asked as quietly as he could.

"Where did you go?"

"The roof of the courthouse."

Tober paused just shy of the stairwell. "How'd you get up there?"

"There's a ladder behind the stage in the auditorium," Cam explained. "But they locked the main doors just before curfew. And warn me when you're going to stop like that!"

"Sorry," Tober apologized. "Are you sure the doors are locked?"

"Very sure."

"Then how'd you get out?"

"I jumped off the roof."

"Cool."

"Yeah," Cam whispered. "But since the courthouse is all locked up, we need a Plan B."

"Hey!" Tober yanked Cam in the opposite direction, keeping a firm grip on his wrist so that they both remained unseen. "I bet I know who has a key!"

Cam saw they were heading toward their floor captain's door and realized what Tober must be planning. "No."

"Mc—"

"Don't even say it."

"Guire."

"No."

"McGuire."

"No!"

"Yes," Tober said, letting go of Cam and making him visible again.