Nothing did. Instead, Cobalt just stood there, staring down at his opponent, that same hard look still on his face. No sign of happiness or pride in winning the fight. No emotion at all.
After several tense moments he twisted around, briskly walking through the rest of the field and down into the pines, disappearing amongst the tall trees.
Ponytail stood up, the slightest hint of red coloring his cheeks. Wiping his hands on his pants, he puffed his chest and sauntered back over to his fellow trainees.
Turning back to Aurora, I saw a shocked expression on her face that I knew mirrored my own. “What was that?” she mouthed at me.
I shook my head. I had no idea what it was about.
And truthfully, I didn’t want to know.
✽✽✽
The next day, I found myself back in the same small room I’d been in during the first Emotion training session when we were shown images and asked to rank the threat level perceived.
But today was different.
The chair and table were no longer there, and instead of the screen, a translucent material now covered the wall in front of me. I could sort of see my reflection in it, but just barely.
A countdown started on the screen. 5,…4,…3,…2,…1,…
A knife flew out of the screen, sailing right towards me. Letting out a startled shriek, I leapt to the side, narrowly missing it. But as quick as my relief came, it vanished as another weapon, a dagger this time, came hurtling at me. Jumping, twisting, and diving to the floor, I contorted by body, continuing to duck, turn, and side-step as one weapon after another tried to stab me through.
But as I darted to the side to avoid the spear that came flying towards me, I unknowingly moved directly into the path of a viciously sharp knife.
It seemed to happen in slow motion. I watched in horror as the knife point skimmed towards me, only mere inches from my torso. It was too late. I couldn’t get out of the way in time. But just as the very tip of the knife was about to hit my skin, just as I braced myself for the burning agony as my flesh ripped apart, the image froze. It distorted, growing wavy and flashing, and after a moment, disappeared into the air with a wisp. I didn’t feel a thing!
Shocked, I patted my body, feeling for any injury. I lifted my hands and they were clean, not covered in blood as I’d expected.
It wasn’t real. The weapons weren’t real!
But there was no time to wonder about how that was even possible. Because a moment later another knife came shooting right towards my head and I flung myself to the floor.
A few minutes later it was all over.
Surprisingly, I did much better than I thought and ended up having only five weapons total hit my body. And the only reason the number was that high was because once I’d realized they were actually holograms and the weapons couldn’t physically harm me, I became less afraid of being hit by one.
As I headed out of the room and walked back to the main entry hall, voices carried towards me. Familiar voices. Raine, Coral, and Ivy. Another girl was with them as well and I recognized the voice. Misty, the girl with short blonde hair who’d been with Raven that first day, trying to stop her from arguing with Flint. Moving closer, I could begin to make out their conversation.
“I got hit by almost every weapon,” Raine’s voice wailed.
“Three! I only missed three. Got hit every other time. I’m sure my performance must have been the worst. I don’t know what I’m going to do,” came Coral’s upset voice.
They were so intent on their poor performances, no one noticed me until I was nearly upon their small group. Immediately they all fell silent. Smiling briefly, I stood there awkwardly for a moment before realizing that they didn’t plan on including me in their conversation. Of course not. What was I thinking? If they were friends with Ivy now, they certainly wouldn’t be with me.
Blinking eyes that were suddenly prickling at the rejection, I nodded to the group, then continued on my way, hearing their voices echo behind me again after a few seconds.
“How did you do, Ivy?” Coral questioned.
There was another pause.
“Not good,” came a sad voice.
“How many did you avoid?” asked Misty.
Silence. “None,” came the whispered answer.
The others started to offer what sounded like encouragement, but I was too far away to discern their words anymore.
A thought came to me as I continued on towards my room. There was one other trainee besides Ivy who didn’t avoid any weapons. Then again, she wasn’t hit by any either.
Because she wasn’t there.
Raven would likely have been a part of that conversation if she was still here, would have been friends with that group of girls.
What happened to her?
✽✽✽
Sunshine poured into my window the next morning, pulling me from sleep, though the inside of my room still had a chill that even bright rays couldn’t eliminate, the weather outside continuing to grow ever crisper. Snuggling under the warm quilt a moment longer, I forced myself out of bed, quickly washing and dressing before grabbing some breakfast.
It was interesting how quickly I’d grown accustomed to the routine here. Sleep, wake, eat, lessons, train. Repeat.
After wolfing down a bowl of oatmeal topped with perfectly ripened peaches, I made my way into the classroom. The first thing I noticed as I entered was the blackboard. Written across it were several words in a fancy script.
Creation of the Divisions and the Training.
Taking her place at the front of the room, Eden cleared her throat, casually running a hand over the top of her french braid. She wore a black pleated skirt today, a gray silk blouse on top. Again, so unlike the other trainers here. And maybe she truly was unlike them if the conversation I’d overheard between her and River meant anything.
“As you can probably tell from the board,” Eden began, “Today we are going to learn about how the different Divisions came to be and why their formation led to the creation of the Training.”
“Initially there were only the four Societies. Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. No Divisions existed. Everything functioned as it was meant to, generations of people born and passing as years upon years went by. But as each Society’s population grew, their needs did as well. Resources grew limited, supplies dwindled. Strife broke out. In time, it was decided that there needed to be a group in charge. A group to keep order over the members of the Societies, to govern, and to discourage any attempts at dissension. At opposition.” She paused. “At rebellion.”
My shoulders trembled at her words and Aurora glanced over at me, concern growing on her face. Shaking my head, I managed a fake smile. After a moment she seemed to accept it, giving me a small nod and twisting back to face Eden. Letting out a low sigh of relief, I tried to focus back on her words.
“Thus, Regent and Combatant were created. At first, it was only those who initially had come together and decided on the need for these two Divisions who filled their ranks. But there was a problem. Eventually, they began to age, and the question became who would take their places. They needed a plan in place for the future once they were gone.”
She gazed around at all of us, pausing a moment before continuing.
“And so, the Training was created. All those who turned seventeen were brought here, to train and to undergo examination. To determine if they possessed the skills required for either one of the Divisions. The same skills we are now testing to see if you possess. To be successful in all four areas of training is necessary to enter either of the two Divisions, but each specific Division requires certain qualities. The need for physical strength and skill as well as emotional detachment is crucial for Combatant. The high level of stealth and secrecy needed to spend time as a moderator in each Society, as well as an elevated level in intellect to know about each particular Society and the laws binding its citizens is essential for all Regent members.”
“But of course, just as it is n
ow, there were those who went to the Training, yet were not suited for either Regent or Combatant. And so, Proletariat was created, a place where those not chosen for the other two Divisions would go before returning to their home Society.” Again, Eden didn’t offer any further explanation about Proletariat.
Clasping her hands together, Eden looked quietly about the room. “Are there any questions?”
I didn’t even turn my head to look around. Ever since the incident with Raven questioning Flint, rarely had anyone asked a question.
“Yes?”
My head snapped up, as did countless others. Cayenne, the girl from Fire Society, held a hand in the air.
“You said there was a time when there were no Divisions, only Societies, right?”
“Yes,” Eden repeated, slower this time, her gaze narrowing just the slightest as if anticipating what was about to be asked.
“Is it the same with the Societies?”
The entire room fell silent. Eden stared at Cayenne, her body motionless, face growing wary.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand your question.”
Cayenne leaned forward against her desk, eyes not leaving Eden’s. “Was there ever a time when there were no Societies? A time before they existed?” She slowly annunciated each and every word.
Everyone was frozen, the tension palpable. Even the other trainees originally from Fire Society appeared surprised at Cayenne’s question, all eyes now turning to Eden.
Worry. Definitely worry on Eden’s face now. “That is not a relevant question to the topic of today’s conversation,” she said in a tight voice. “So, if there are no further questions on what we’ve just discussed, I’ll continue.”
And that’s exactly what she did for the next hour, giving us details about previous leaders in the Training and how it changed overtime. No mention of Proletariat again. And certainly, no mention of what Cayenne had just inquired about.
Chapter 16
That afternoon, there were no training sessions scheduled. So, taking advantage of the break, I chose to do the same as most of the other trainees, and went outside to walk around in the fields.
It was a beautiful day out. Though there was a definite chill in the air, the warm sun poured its rays down on us. As it touched upon my face, I felt a sense of calmness slowly envelope me. A smile spread across my face.
It was short-lived.
A group of trainees from Fire Society passed by. While none of them looked particularly friendly, for the most part they ignored me, talking amongst themselves. And I did the same, looking down and continuing on. But as the last few walked past, I was hit by the sensation that someone was watching me.
Looking up, my eyes immediately fell upon a pair of dark cobalt blue ones. He continued walking, not taking his eyes off me, hand moving towards that chain he always wore around his neck. He stared with such intensity, I could almost feel his gaze penetrating through me.
Those dark blue eyes. Constantly watching me. Staring at me. I didn’t know who he was. I didn’t even know his name. And he certainly couldn’t know me.
So why did he keep staring like that?
Suddenly it was all too much.
My feet took off from the ground as I broke into a run, charging through the field and down the hill, not even knowing where I was going. I knew the other trainees were staring at me as well now, wondering what I was doing. I saw his head whip around, blue eyes following me as I took off. But I just kept running. Needing to be alone and away from everyone’s watching gazes. Darting towards the trees, I rushed into them, pausing to catch my breath only once they became so dense, I couldn’t see the field anymore. Crouched over and gasping, I slowly raised my eyes.
Tall pine trees surrounded me on all sides, their feathered limbs climbing towards the sky. Reaching out, I placed my hand on the nearest trunk to steady myself, its bark rough beneath my fingertips. Inhaling the fresh pine scent, so much stronger here compared to the grassy field, I slowly began to relax, my breaths coming more easily.
I gazed around, my eyes locking onto a sandy trail that wandered off into the distance. For a moment I hesitated. I should go back. Back to the field, back to practicing. And yet…slowly I turned, my feet leading me along the gritty path, taking me further and further away.
Twisting and turning through the pines, I continued down the path until the crowded forest finally started opening ahead of me. Taking a few more steps forward, I ducked underneath one more low hanging branch, then stood motionless, absorbing the picture in front of me.
The pines had opened into a wide, treeless, expanse. The ground was covered in tall grasses, already partly browned and wilted from the coming winter weather. In the far distance, mountains rose, purplish tones streaking their otherwise slate gray surface. I could just make out snow dotting the tops of the very highest peaks.
But what really captured my attention stood only twenty feet before me. A pond. A perfect crystal pond. Its perimeter spread out widely in all directions, its calm waters reflecting the bright blue sky and mountains above.
Making my way closer, I spotted a small wooden bench, positioned right at the water’s edge. Even though the boards had worn gray with age, the bench was stable and smooth, despite its constant exposure to the weather.
Taking a seat, I stared out at the pond and began to think. To think about everything that had changed for me. And in such a rapid period of time. Being here was difficult, especially because of the terrifying unknown that loomed ahead. But at least I’d finally made some friends. Having people to eat my meals with. To talk with. I was so thankful for Aurora and Finn. Even though I’d only known them for a short while, I could already feel a bond forming. It made the absence of Rowan, which I still didn’t understand, slightly more bearable.
Taking a few more deep breaths, I gazed around at the beautiful place I’d stumbled upon. I had a place now. A place for me. A place I could go if I ever just needed to get away for a bit.
An hour later, as I rose to make my way back. I was no longer anxious or panicked, the serene setting allowing calmness to pervade.
Now if I could only figure out why the blue-eyed guy from Fire Society kept staring at me.
✽✽✽
Opening the armoire in my room that night, I began to strip off my clothes from the day and get ready for bed. But just as I finished removing my gray sleeveless undershirt, my gaze fell on the white scarf and knit hat that sat on the shelf. Neither had moved since I placed them there the first day I arrived. Picking up the scarf, I gripped its soft material tightly in my hands, breathing in its warm wool scent. And the memories started rushing in again.
I thought back to the time I collected the wool for my mother to make the scarf. And all the other times I’d gone to the Distribution Center to collect allotted rations. And how now each and every time I went, I was afraid.
I thought back to the time that fear began. Four years ago. The first time Juniper had talked me into breaking the rules. I didn’t argue too hard against it that time either…
I laid in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, listening to the rustle of leaves outside my window. It was the middle of the night and everyone was asleep. The house was completely quiet. And I was about to sneak out of it.
Silently creeping down the dark hallway, I eased myself through the front door, closing it behind me soundlessly, then quickly made my way to the Distribution Center. While there was no real law against being out after dark, no one did it. It was an unspoken rule.
Hurrying along, while trying to remain quiet at the same time, the dark metal roof of the Distribution Center soon came into view. Making my final turn, the building appeared ahead of me. And so did Juniper and Shale, already waiting outside.
Quickening my pace, I made my way up the path towards them. Juniper, as expected, appeared confident and perhaps a little cocky. Shale, on the other hand, had the sense to look nervous. He was trembling ever so slightly, the moonlight revealing the sheen of swea
t on his brow.
“Are you sure we should do this?” asked Shale, his voice wavering.
Shaking his head in annoyance, Juniper stared at him. “We made an agreement. We are going to go in there and get supplies for our families. We are going to take them because we deserve them. Our parents work hard every single day, and soon we will too. And what do we have to show for it?”
His voice grew louder and louder, and I started to worry he would wake someone, even though the nearest house was a good distance away. “Barely anything. Because everything we receive must come in measly allotments. We can’t even produce our own food anymore. They just control us more and more. This time we are taking something back. For us.”
He paused and Shale and I stood there, surprised by Juniper’s impassioned speech.
“All right then. Let’s go,” I said, walking the last few steps to the door.
“What if it’s locked?” Shale tried again.
Gripping the handle tightly, I pulled it forward and watched his eyes open wide. “Not locked,” I murmured, holding it open for them, then slipped inside. Of course it wasn’t locked. Because no one else was foolish enough to even contemplate doing what we were about to.
It was dark inside. So dark. But what was truly terrifying was the silence. Absolute silence.
All the conveyor belts were finally still, motionless.
“Now what?” I murmured, my low voice still seeming loud in the stillness.
“Now we grab bags and start filling them with supplies,” Juniper replied briskly, making his way back to the counter.
“Hey, look at this,” exclaimed Shale.
I turned to see him reaching towards a container. A container filled to the brim with sweets. My mouth dropped open. It had been so long since I’d had even the smallest morsel of candy. We never wasted our allotments on sweets. It wasn’t something necessary.
Awakening Earth and Fire: Earth and Fire Trilogy Book 1 Page 13
