Chapter Text
On the second of March, every year, the city’s population gather in the park, in the center, to observe the new entries. It is the first time in ten years that parents will see their children. The teenagers will wear nametags, as if it were an auction. Parents will cry, because of the flurry of emotions they feel. The teenagers will remain stood there, nervous, because they know that not all of them are returning to ever see their parents.
Michael was at the back, his arms crossed against his chest, his brown cape tied, with his diamond shaped brooch pinned to his shoulder. His curly hair an unruly mess, his legs and shoulders an equal width apart. He was terrified. His parents were here, somewhere, curious to see what ability their son had. He was glad he couldn’t recognise them. He didn’t want to witness the disappointment on their faces when they realised their son was the embodiment of evil.
"Gavin, are your parents here?" A voice asked. “Can you see them? Is that them there?” Another added. “I don’t know, I haven’t seen them in a while.” Gavin responded with a shrug. He didn’t like talking about himself, or his family, despite not knowing about them. He was excited though. He wanted his parents to be proud of him, of all the effort he put in to controlling and harnessing his ability.
"My name is Professor Haywood. As you can see, we have our students prepped and ready to discover the destiny that awaits them. Now," Haywoods booming voice paused, gesturing toward the nervous teenagers. "It’s time to show you exactly what they’ve learned."
Several students shuffled out of the line and performed a few tricks using their abilities. One named Ray, who was one who Gavin would actually consider a friend, opened his closed hands to reveal a dead bird. He closed his eyes and a small blue light emitted from his palms, directly into the bird, which flew off into the distance. He glanced at Gavin and cracked a smile, before stepping back in line.
It was Michaels turn. He stepped forward. “I’m Michael Jones. I have the ability to do an internal infernal, as I like to call it.” He clenched his outstretched hand into a fist, directing it toward the ground and a blast of fire errupted from his fist, causing several parents to leap back in fear. Michael chewed his lip and stumbled back into line.
After him was Gavin Free. He leaped forward and grinned.
“I’m Gavin Free and I can create things!” He held out his hand and a green light enlightened his veins, following them to his hand, before a single rose appeared in his hand. He threw it into the clapping, smiling audience and returned to his group. A few more students did the same, exhibiting their abilities, before Professor Haywood spoke again.
"Now, Mister Ramsey would like to personally announce this years partners." He gestured offstage as Ramsey walked up, his shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal his tattoos.
“Ray and Kerry. Miles and Lindsay. Gavin and Michael. Arryn and Barbara. Caleb and Chris…” He continued listing off the partners, but Michael had stopped listening.
Two names were ringing in his head.
Gavin and Michael. Gavin and Michael. That meant he’d have to live, and possibly die, with the most popular, most careless student in their year. He had full responsibility over the safety of them both. Great. Just what he fucking wanted.