“What were you thinking?” Joseph exclaimed furious.
“Lower your voice.” Riley whispered. He looked over at the bed where an unconscious Raynin laid. “It had to be said.”
“No, it didn’t. You were being insecure and needed validation. Next time, work your own issues out without dragging an already powerfully unstable girl into them.”
“Tread carefully, Joseph.”
“Or what?” They stood facing each other, neither of them backing down. Raynin finally began to stir so Joseph walked away from Riley. “Raynin?” Her eyes slowly fluttered open. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got shot,” Raynin laughed. She looked at Riley. “Sorry about your nose.”
“It’s okay. It didn’t break.” Riley started to come closer. “We need to...”
“No,” Raynin said, cutting him off.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not ready to talk about it.”
“Okay, but...”
“I said no, Riley.”
“Raynin.” Joseph stepped in front of Riley as he tried to come closer and shook his head.
“Please just go, Riley,” Raynin spoke softly. Riley looked over Joseph’s shoulder at Raynin before leaving the room. Joseph shoulders eased as he finally relaxed. “What’s up with you two?” Raynin asked as Joseph sat at the foot of her bed.
“Nothing,” Joseph replied with a tight smile.
“It’s not his fault, you know,” Raynin said, sighing.
“Yes, it is. Don’t defend him, Raynin.”
“I’m not. I’m just saying that, I’m the one who lost control. I’m the one who let him get to me.”
“He shouldn’t have riled you up, Raynin. He, better than anyone else, knows how unpredictable you power is. What would have happened if Dr. Wyler hadn’t showed up?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do. You would have killed Riley and that guilt would have consumed you. There would have been no bringing you back from that.”
“Don’t be dramatic, Joseph.”
“No, stop down playing the situation. This time it wasn’t your fault, Raynin. But if you don’t get your power under control, it will be. And you won’t just kill one person, you’ll level this whole planet.”
“I get it, Joseph.”
A knock on the door silenced them. Dr. Wyler came in and smiled. “Good. You’re awake. How do you feel?”
“Better than I deserve. I’m sorry about earlier.”
“No need to apologize. Your episode, for lack of a better word, just gave me a sense of where you are and how I should train you.”
“I see. So, do you think I can get out of here anytime soon?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
Dr. Wyler glanced at Joseph and then back at Raynin. “On whether you are stable and don’t pose a threat to anybody here.”
“I can assure you, Dr. Wyler, that I am under control,” Raynin responded tightly. “I am fine.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Raynin rolled her eyes and muttered to herself in frustration as she climbed out of the bed. Dr. Wyler’s phone began to buzz. “Try and get settled in. Training starts today.” Dr. Wyler answered his phone as he stepped out of the room.
Raynin looked at Joseph who was now eyeing her. “What?”
“It’s okay to admit you need help. We wouldn’t think any less of you.”
“I know. But I’m fine. Really,” Raynin assured him with a fake smile.
“So you keep saying.”
“Look, I don’t want to argue about this. I said I am fine and if that changes, you’ll be the second to know.”
Joseph backed down and held up his hands in surrender. “I’m done. I’ll leave it alone.” Raynin visibly relaxed. “For now,” Joseph added with a smile before walking out.
Raynin picked up her sai from the side table and walked over to the mirror. “You’re fine,” she spoke aloud, trying to convince herself. Cameron came into view in the mirror. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Cameron approached her cautiously prompting Raynin to roll her eyes. “Sorry,” she said laughing at herself. “I’m being ridiculous, I know. This is all knew to me, so I don’t really know how I am supposed to act.”
“It’s okay. Did you need something?” Raynin asked, changing the subject.
“Oh, no. I’m here to take you to your room.”
“Well, I am ready if you are.”
“Right.” Cameron turned to leave but stopped. “I’m here if you want to talk.”
“I know.” They exited the room in silence.
Cameron broke the silence and started talking about her love life.
“So, you’re seeing someone but can’t tell me who he is?” Raynin asked.
“Correct.” They came to a room and stopped. “Here we are. Riley’s room is across from you, the Twins are on your left and Joseph is across from them. The remaining members of your
group are housed in another building. My room is down the hall, as is my father’s,” she explained as they entered the room. “So, what do you think?”
Raynin glanced around the massive room. The room was practically bare, housing just a large bed pushed against the wall, a comfy chair near the nightstand and a vanity mirror across the room, above a table. “This is perfect.”
“Good. Riley told me about your night terrors so I’m glad you like it.”
Raynin walked over to the bed and opened her weapons case. “So, back to this guy you’re seeing. Is he on planet?”
Cameron sat on the edge of the bed as Raynin neatly laid out her weapons. “No. Not at the moment.”
“Do I know him?” Raynin placed her sai on the bed with the rest of her weapons.
“Yes. Now, that’s all I’m answering about him. Your questions are bound to make me slip up.”
Raynin laughed. “Fine, I’ll stop. I just don’t understand why it has to be a secret.”
“Because we aren’t ready to announce to everyone that we are dating.”
“Why not?”
“Because,” she hesitated and then continued. “We want to ease my father into the idea of us.”
“I guess.” Raynin reached down to pick up her duffel bag.
“Oh, I already put your clothes away. They’re in the closet,” Cameron pointed towards the closet doors as she got up from the bed. “Now, if you’re done getting settled,” she emphasized with quotes, “I want to show you around the compound before we start training.”
“You’re training with us?”
“Yes. You didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you?” Cameron joked as she rushed a protesting Raynin out of the door. “You don’t need your weapons. They’ve been catalogued and inputted in our system so when you are in the simulation they’ll be accessible or already on you.”
“Wow, your dad’s a genius.”
“That he is.” They fell into a comfortable silence. “So, Riley,” Cameron said casually with a smile as she glanced over at Raynin.
Raynin laughed and shook her head. “What about him?”
“Is he a good kisser? How do you feel now that you are finally together? Are you happy? Does he make you happy?”
Raynin frowned. “Do I have to answer these right now?”
“Yes. Now that you are awake and alone, I want the details.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be showing me around?” Raynin reminded her.
“I can multitask. Now, spill.”
“Fine,” Raynin sighed. “He’s a great kisser, though I don’t really have anyone else to compare him to.” Cameron squealed and she rolled her eyes in amusement.
“I knew it! So, you’re happy then?” Cameron continued.
“I am. Riley makes me happy and I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.”
“So, you’re not into Colin?”
“No. Why would you think I was into Colin?” Cameron cut her eyes to the ground. “Riley,” Raynin said answering her own question. “Are you spying for him?”
“No. Riley told me what happened, so I wanted to know for myself.”
“And?”
“I believe you. You’re too wrapped up in Riley to think about any other guy. I just don’t see the resemblance between Rose and Acidria.” Cameron held up her hand to keep Raynin from
interrupting. “However, if you believe there’s something there, we can investigate and look into it.”
“That’s all I’m asking.”
“Now, come on. There’s really only one thing I wanted to show you.” Cameron pulled Raynin along until they were walking side by side. “Before I forget, Colin is coming to train with us. My dad thinks it will help bring his memory back if he is around you and Riley a lot.”
“Let’s hope he’s right.” Raynin stopped to admire the house. It was technologically advanced but still homey and spacious. “You seriously have the coolest dad.”
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Cameron rolled her eyes and smiled. “He’s alright.” They continued outside passing through the courtyard to the garage. Raynin’s eyes grew wide as she looked at the many vehicles in there. “Pick one.” Raynin looked at Cameron with wide eyes. “You’re gonna need something to ride while you’re here.”
Raynin browsed excitedly through the different vehicles. She finally stopped at a white motorcycle and climbed onto it. She messed around with the gears before looking up at Cameron. “I’ll take this one.”
“I knew you’d like this one. I had my dad buy this one and a few more. The others really like theirs too.”
“That I can believe. On Naphtali, we only ever get to ride horses because my father banned motor vehicles. He has some aversion to technology and change.”
“Well, we have some horses too if that’s more comfortable. It’s just, we’re a tech savvy realm, so the use of horses as transportation is rare.”
“Trust me, I noticed. The change will do us some good.”
“Alright, let’s go find the others. My dad’s probably ready to begin training now.”
Raynin climbed off the bike and followed Cameron back towards the house. As they neared the entrance, Trent came out to meet them. “There you are Princess. I’ve been looking for you. Riley told me you were awake.”
“Of course he did. Relax. I was just in the garage checking out my new bike.” They sidestepped Trent.
“I understand, Your Majesty, but you are supposed to take me everywhere that you go. I can’t do my job and protect you when you go off unannounced by yourself.” Raynin stopped in her tracks and turned around to face Trent.
“I don’t need round the clock protection. I can protect myself. And I wasn’t alone. Cameron was with me.”
Trent frowned. “I beg to differ. You’re impulsive and hotheaded which makes you the most likely to be killed, Your Majesty.”
“Then so be it.” Raynin turned and followed Cameron into the house.
They joined the others, minus the Twins and Cairo, in the training room. “Impressive,” Raynin remarked looking around the room. Bio Pods were scattered throughout the room. The room itself was metallic with glass windows separating the adjoining rooms where each of them would be assessed and monitored.
“She show you your new ride?” Joseph asked walking up to Raynin.
“Yes! I can’t wait to ride it,” Raynin responded with a huge smile.
“Me too.”
Dr. Wyler joined them in the room and immediately began to instruct them. “To start off your training, I’m going to split you into two teams. Most of you are used to fighting alone and or
have never fought alongside anyone in this room.” Dr. Wyler handed Riley and Raynin a piece of paper. “We’re going to remedy that.”
“Wait, you’re splitting us up?” Riley asked nodding towards Raynin.
“Yes.”
“But that’s nothing new. We always train against each other.”
“That may be true but it’s never been with teammates. The two of you are used to going it alone, so my goal right now is to teach you to rely on your companions. If you can’t master this, you don’t have a chance when it comes time for war. Now, if you’ll please, read off the names of your team members.”
Raynin smiled at his frankness and began. “On my team is Strykes, Joseph, Yana, Trent and Sierra.”
“And on my team is Colin, Cameron, Skylar, Taylor, and Yoel,” Riley read.
Everyone gathered into their groups and followed Dr. Wyler to the Bio Pods as he gave instructions on how they worked to those who had never been inside one.
Colin slipped into the room and joined the group. “What did I miss,” he whispered to Cameron, making her jump slightly.
“Don’t do that. You scared me,” Cameron hissed as Colin let out a soft but deep chuckle. “And you haven’t missed much. We got split into teams. You’re on Riley’s team with me.” Colin groaned. “Oh shut up,” Cameron retorted, elbowing him in the side.
“Is that how you treat all your teammates.,” Riley whispered playfully, joining the conversation.
Cameron started to stumble over her words and turned red in the face.
“Relax Cam, he’s joking,” Raynin insisted, coming to her aid. Colin laughed even more at Cameron’s apparent discomfort, earning a scowl from her.
The room went silent, garnering their attention. They looked up at Dr. Wyler and the rest of the group who were now staring at them. “Am I interrupting?”
“No, sir,” Colin answered.
“Then I would advise you to pay attention. There are new features to the simulation and I don’t want to explain it twice.” Dr. Wyler shook his head at Cameron as they rejoined the group. “Now, in addition to your weapons already being pre-installed, I’ve added a feature that will monitor and assess each of your abilities. It will show me the best way to help you master your powers and take you to the next level. Every time you use your powers, my program will build on it and show me the endless possibilities that can come from your abilities.”
“And will all of those possibilities be achievable?” Raynin asked.
“Of course. My system wouldn’t generate anything impossible. Whether you master certain things depends entirely on you.” Dr. Wyler beckoned for his assistants. “Now, if there aren’t any other questions, let’s get started. My assistants will help get you situated in the Bio Pods.” Dr. Wyler took the papers back from Riley and Raynin. “Also, each of you will be given earpieces so that I can communicate with you inside the simulation,” he added before heading over to the control room.
As they got situated in the Bio Pods, Dr. Wyler took note of their vitals and did a communication check. Everyone gave a thumbs up, as the bio gel filled their pods, signaling that they were ready. Dr. Wyler rechecked the monitors to make sure everything was okay. Starting the simulation, each of their bodies went limp in the Bio Pods as their minds were transported elsewhere.
“You have 5 minutes to strategize.” Dr. Wyler said in their earpieces.
Now dressed and equipped for battle, each person separated into their respective group on opposite sides of the battlefield and immediately ran for cover so they could strategize. Riley assumed command and gave out orders while Raynin appointed Strykes as the leader of the team due to his experience.
“Okay, here’s what we are going to do. We’re going to mix things up. Raynin, you’re going to go after Colin and let loose. Steer clear of Riley, he knows you too well and he’ll be expecting to fight you.” Raynin nodded in understanding so he continued. “Joseph, you’ve got Cameron. Take her from within. You guys don’t know each other as well so she won’t be prepared for you.”
“Got it.”
“Trent, Skylar is all yours. Yana, you’re taking Taylor, and Sierra, you have Yoel.” They all nodded in acceptance. “I’ve got Riley. One more thing, there are no rules in war, so if you’ve got hang ups, leave them here. When we’re out there, anything goes. Don’t go easy and don’t let your guard down. Play defense and offense, never just one or the other. Also, we’re a team, so watch each other’s back.”
“Time’s up,” Dr. Wyler announced to the groups.
The groups emerged from hiding and faced each other. “Remember what I said,” Strykes called out as he drew the Monksram.
“So that’s what it looks like,” Joseph remarked, standing next to Strykes. “Glad I won’t be on the opposite end of it.”
Strykes smirked. “Not yet.”
“Ha ha, very funny,” Joseph said. “Wait, you are joking, right? He’s joking right, Raynin?”
Raynin laughed and glanced over at Strykes. “I don’t know, Joseph. He looks serious to me.”
Joseph looked between the two of them and frowned. “Real funny.”
Growing impatient, Riley’s team began to charge Raynin’s team.
“Steady,” Strykes called out to the team. “Let them come.”
Raynin drew her sai and twirled them. “This should be fun.” She closed her eyes briefly and reopened them, revealing red eyes.
Everyone unsheathed their swords as the other group closed in on them. Strykes started the advance forward and then broke out into a run.
“Guess that was our cue,” Joseph said before following Strykes with the rest of the team.
As predicted, Riley headed towards Raynin but was waylaid by Strykes. Their blades met with a force, sending Riley back a few steps. “She’s off limits.”
“Not from me.” The two of them circled each other before continuing their fight.
Undeterred, Raynin headed straight for Colin. The air began to fly wildly and the dust began to float in the places she stepped as she picked up speed. Colin braced himself for impact and raised his sword to strike Raynin but she dived head first before reaching him and turned over, slicing his inner thighs as she slid through his legs, forcing him to drop to his knees. She stood and impaled him as she lifted both of them up in the air.
Blood poured from Colin’s mouth as his body went limp and slid forward off of the sai, landing on the ground with a thud. Raynin drifted back down to the ground. “Use your power next time. You’ll last longer.”
Raynin turned just in time to see Strykes slice up Riley effortlessly with his sword, now double sided and in dual short sword mode. Looking around, she watched Joseph emerge from Cameron’s body as she fell dead and turned in time to see her remaining teammates finish off their opponents.
Dr. Wyler ended the simulation pulling their minds back to their bodies. They each jerked forward and gasped as they came to inside the Bio Pods. As the bio gel drained from the capsules, everyone began to cough up water.
“In all your upgrading, you couldn’t have gotten rid of this side effect?” Joseph groaned as he climbed out of the Bio Pod.
“Some things are beyond my control,” Dr. Wyler responded before addressing the rest of the group. “Follow me. There are some things I want to point out about the poor performance I witnessed in the simulation.”
“Poor?”
“Would you have preferred me to say, ‘pathetic’?”
“Nope, poor is fine.” Joseph shrunk to the back of the group. “You’d think he would pat us on the back,” he whispered to Raynin.
“Not really. There is always something that could have been done differently. Winning is important but how we win is just as important. I’m sure if you ask him, he would say that we could have won the battle without having killed everyone on the opposing team. It’s all about strategy.”
They were the last two to enter the room and as they did, Dr. Wyler stopped Joseph and whispered, “She’s right.”
Joseph rushed to his seat behind Raynin once Dr. Wyler stepped aside. “Man, he’s got good hearing.”
Clipboard in hand, Dr. Wyler leaned against the desk as he examined his notes. “First, I want to say that I was impressed with some of the abilities I saw in the simulation.” They waited for him to continue. “But that’s nothing to be excited about,” he added. “I was impressed with your gifts, not any of you.” Dr. Wyler scanned his clipboard. “Colin, how’s your chest?”
Colin winced as he stretched. “Sore.”
“Tell me, were you paralyzed?”
“No.”
“Was Raynin in possession of a Diffuser?”
“No.”
“Then tell me, why exactly didn’t you use your power? It was given to you for a reason.” Dr. Wyler yelled.
Colin shifted in his seat. “I thought I could take her.”
Water flew out of Joseph’s mouth, landing on the back of Raynin’s neck. “Yea right. Fat chance.” Raynin’s nose flared as she turned around. “Sorry, Raynin.”
Riley left the room and returned with a towel. “Colin, I’m sure you are really skilled but not many people can keep up or handle Raynin,” Riley said as he passed her the towel. “I’ve been fighting with and alongside her for years and I can barely beat her.”
“I made a mistake, I know that now.”
“There are no mistakes in war, Colin,” Strykes spoke up. “If you have a power, use it. It could be the difference between life and death.”
Colin nodded.
“Give it time. Riley’s being modest when he says he can barely beat me,” Raynin added. “It’s not about strength or powers. The trick is to know your opponent and exploit their weaknesses.” Raynin motioned towards Riley. “He does that.” Riley shrugged unapologetically.
“It’s all about strategy and tactic,” Dr. Wyler cut in. “Riley, you and your team failed in that respect.”
“How so?”
“You were predictable. The opposing team knew what you would do and how you would lead your team and that’s what got all of you killed. Despite being experienced in fighting, you are quite inexperienced when it comes to leading a team in battle. Consider relinquishing command to Skylar until you learn a few things. You guys might last longer.”
Riley nodded as he spoke. “Okay. Anything else?”
Dr. Wyler shook his head. “Not that concerns you. Strykes, although your team came out victorious, you guys still failed. You of all people should know the resourcefulness of taking the enemy alive. What you guys did to your opponents was overkill and not entirely necessary.”
“I beg to differ. Considering we didn’t need any information from our opponents, we made the right call in killing them. There was no point in keeping excess baggage. Elimination was the only option.”
“Fine. I’ll give you that but for the sake of training, make use of different tactics. I don’t want to see you kill everyone on the opposite team every time we go through the simulation. Mercy goes a long way. Everyone needs to remember that.” Dr. Wyler placed the clipboard on the desk. “Lastly, Raynin.”
“Yes?”
“You’re still holding back. Get out of your head and just let go.”
“That’s easier said than done,” Raynin replied as she rubbed her temple and stood up to leave. “I really don’t want to talk about this again. I’m doing my best so just leave me alone. When I need your help, I’ll ask.”
“Have a seat, Raynin. Your tantrums may work on Riley and others, but not me. They end now. Am I clear?” Dr. Wyler berated her as she dropped back down into her seat.
“Crystal.”
“Good. If no one has anything to add or say, you’re dismissed. We’ll begin training again at 6 am.” He looked at Colin. “Don’t be late.”
Everyone filed out of the room as quickly as possible and parted ways. Riley dismissed the Royal Guard and joined Raynin, Colin, Cameron and Joseph. They walked in silence as they left the house and stepped out into the cold night air.
“That was interesting,” Joseph remarked, ending the growing silence.
Raynin rolled her eyes. “He’s lucky I didn’t throw him across the room.” Cameron gasped from behind Raynin and Riley causing Raynin to wince. “Sorry, I forgot you were here.”
“He’s just trying to help you,” Cameron whispered in defense of her father.
“I don’t want his help. I can figure this out on my own.”
“It’s not about what you want. It’s about what you need,” Colin exclaimed, startling Cameron. “Dr. Wyler can help you overcome whatever is going on in that pretty little head of yours so you can tap into your powers fully. What’s so awful about that?”
“You don’t know me, so I don’t expect you to understand.”
“We both know that’s far from the truth. We aren’t kids anymore, Rayn. Get over yourself and stop being so prideful.” Colin turned to the rest of the group. “I’ll catch you guys later.” Colin took off leaving the group standing there.
“He’s right.” Joseph said before turning to leave, followed by Cameron.
“I guess he’s starting to remember. Though, I doubt he even realizes what he just said.” Raynin ignored Riley and screamed in frustration. “Feel better?”
“Not really.” They remained silent for a while. “What if I can’t get it under control?”
Riley ran his hand through his hair and let out his breath. “Then we’ll figure something else out.” Raynin peeked up at Riley as he looked ahead. “I’ll always do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“I know.” Riley grabbed a hold of Raynin’s hand and interlocked their fingers. Shaking her head and snapping out of the moment, Raynin pulled her hand from his. “I’m still mad at you.” She headed back into the house, leaving a smirking Riley behind without a second glance.