Excitement buzzed in the air at Seacrest High. Today was the big Hero Naming Ceremony being hosted in the Power Training Centre. All students who had manifested abilities from the Coco Mosquito swarm were required to attend. Specialists from the Jamaica Hero Association would be on site to officially designate code names befitting each individual's unique gifts.

In one of the large open training halls, chairs were set up before a raised platform. The space was decorated with colourful banners, balloons and motivational posters extolling the heroic virtues of honour, courage and sacrifice.

Faculty busily prepared food, refreshments and stacks of commemorative T-shirts for the event. A costumed hero stood by to document the ceremony and take group photos. Everyone could feel the momentousness of this coming of age occasion. It marked the earliest steps of momentous journeys ahead for so many youths.

Among the bustling crowds was Devon, who had come to support his best friend Tanya. Since he had deliberately concealed his own abilities thus far, Devon was only an observer today, not a participant. But he still felt a flutter of excitement in his chest watching cohorts discover their special destinies.

"Hey Blur, yuh ready to witness history?" Tanya teased, bounding over in fox print leggings. "Today's when it gets real for we heroes in training!"

Devon laughed. "Yeah man, big things for sure. Yuh got yuh hero name all picked out already?"

Tanya had obsessed for days over finding the perfect alias. "I was torn between Volpe, Kumiho, She-Wolf..." She counted options on her fingers before finally revealing, "but settled on Cocoa Fox!"

"Solid choice," Devon nodded. "That name honours yuh shapeshifting and also yuh sweet personality."

Tanya playfully swatted his shoulder. "Charmer... so yuh really sure yuh okay being here when yuh coulda been up on stage too?" She asked quietly.

Devon just smiled. "Positive, don't fret. I'll join yuh up there one day. But no rush for this youth."

They fist-bumped before parting ways - Tanya heading towards the stage while Devon broke off to find a good spectator spot. He made his way through the bustling pre-ceremony mingling, smiling politely at staff and decorated upperclassmen adorned with colourful capes or masks, showing off newly fashioned persona.

Finding space near a wall to observe everything, Devon soon spotted Mei Wen's distinctive silky hair nearby. She was chatting with her bestie Gabriela, both wearing excited smiles. Devon sidled a bit closer to overhear their conversation over the ambient noise.

"...still can't believe this is really happening!" Mei was gushing to Gabriela. "All the heroes I admired seem so unreachable before. But now we're getting to join their ranks!"

Gabriela nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? My inner fangirl is shrieking!" She struck a silly dramatic pose. "Honey Gold will soon be buzzing in to save the day!"

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Mei clapped delightedly. "That is such a perfect name for you! And your bumblebee suit is just adorable."

"Says the girl with noodle whips and soy sauce shurikens," Gabriela teased. They shared a laugh.

"Noodles are more versatile than you'd guess for hero work," Mei winked. Noticing Devon, she gave a friendly wave that he returned along with a congratulatory nod.

So the perky Brazilian had named herself Honey Gold and boasted insect manipulation powers. Devon filed away that detail. He was compiling thorough profiles on every gifted classmate. Their unique abilities and weaknesses could prove useful knowledge someday, either as allies or potentially rivals. Devon hated to consider the latter, but had to be realistic.

Before Mei could come chat, Devon slipped away through the crowds. He needed to stay focused on the hero naming ceremony. There would be time to socialize later.

Finding a raised spot to stand on along the back wall gave Devon a clear overhead view as the event commenced. The school principal stepped up to a podium microphone and asked everyone to take their seats.

"Welcome students, esteemed staff and our special guests from the JHA," Principal Harrison boomed jovially. "Today marks a momentous milestone for all our pupils blessed with emerging powers. I know the journey has not been easy."

The mood grew solemn as the principal continued. "Many dear friends were lost that terrible day the Coco Mosquito swarms came. But from such tragedy, hope has also arisen. You newly gifted youths represent the future guardians of Seacrest High and Jamaica itself."

Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the audience. Principal Harrison went on, "With the guidance of the JHA's fine mentors, you will learn to wield your abilities responsibly and selflessly. But an important first step is choosing your heroic call signs."

Gesturing behind him, the principal announced, "To explain more on that process, please welcome our special guest - Agent Fibre!"

Taking the stage came a tall, striking man with mahogany skin and neatly twisted locks flowing past his shoulders. He wore an immaculate white blazer with blue accents and a radiant smile that flashed bright teeth.

"Greetings everyone, what a joyful occasion!" Fibre exclaimed, oozing charisma. He shook the principal's hand before taking over the podium. "As head hero branding specialist, I am honoured to help unveil all your epic new identities today. But first, a quick backstory for any unfamiliar with me."

With a flourish, Fibre splayed his palms forward. Devon's eyes widened as the man's fingers emitted a glittery substance that rapidly expanded in midair. In moments, shimmering strands had woven into a flowing indigo cape attached across Fibre's shoulders.

"My Coco power allows manipulating fabric threads," he explained to impressed gasps as the cape settled onto his frame. "With concentration, I can shape beautiful garments from any clothes I touch and create. My signature style is crafting sensational suits for heroes of all ability types!"

Students broke into loud applause and excited chatter seeing the cape demonstration. Agent Fibre let his new accessory billow dramatically behind him.

"So as you can imagine, uniforms are my forte! I live for designing costumes that allow heroes to move, defend and display their magnificence." More cheers answered that promise. "Alright, let's get started! When I call your name, please come up and share the amazing hero alias you've chosen. Together we'll make it official!"

One by one, elated students took the stage to announce their names to applause. Devon smiled hearing Tanya joyfully share "Cocoa Fox!" before shaking Fibre's hand as he inputted the moniker into his tablet.

Others went for creative options like Phantom Rose, Hotwire, Serpent King and Elementron. A colourful parade of unique identities emerged. Devon committed every one to memory.

When Mei Wen's turn came, she proclaimed, "Call me Jade Noodle!" eliciting giggles from the crowd. But her radiant confidence silenced any doubt. Honey Gold also embraced her insect theme with pride.

The naming ceremony was followed by distributing personalized T-shirts and a group photo session onstage where the costumed pro hero Banza Boar hammed it up. Watching the frivolity, Devon allowed himself to fantasize joining in one day.