G-2764, Ina

The young boy who I trained with, his name was Astar, was very talkative. One of those people where to keep the conversation going you just had to nod and laugh every couple sentences. Which made everything a little easier, I could concentrate more on my task then whatever he was saying most of the time. Though, occasionally a word would spark my attention and I would enter into a quick conversation before returning my attention to the task at hand.

Unfortunately, having an unknown subdivision made me a special case. Jordan explained that an unknown in a lower class would have been easier. Considering high levels were already so rare, the unknown managed to even stump Jordan.

Luckily Astar already had a subdivision, though vague- life. That made the poor boy’s training very bland, his job merely to focus on a small potted plant in front of him. Additionally, a caged song bird kept the two of them company.

“You are from the city right? What’s it like there? My grandma is from there. She will not say a word on it though. Says she doesn’t remember anything, but her Jinx is memory!” Astar let out a small fit of giggles, turning his attention away from the bird to study her instead.

I gave a small grin before answering, “It is very gray. And people don’t smile like they do here. You are lucky to be born in such a happy place.”

The statement silenced Astar for a moment, and for a few seconds the child seemed to genuinely concentrate on the bird. Though, his concentration was interrupted by the appearance of Jordan. His sudden materialization making me jump and release a small squeak of surprise.

“Kane said for you that evoking strong emotions might trigger it. It helped your friend at least.” Jordan swept his arm in the direction of Ryker, who seemed to be having no problem hitting the bullseye of moving targets.

“You aren’t going to drop me off that tree right?” My voice gave away the slight hint of fear, and obviously the shaking was funny to Jordan. Earning a smooth laugh from the teacher.

“No, I figured we would start with frustration.”

With that, he showed me a small cube. Each side of it delightfully uniform in color. Though, the pattern would quickly dissolve at the quick work of his hands. Spinning each row and column until every color was mixed up. Handing this to me, I was left awestruck.

“Now, make it look like it did before I scrambled it.” A keen smirk lifting up his lips.

“This is so easy, how is this going to make me frustrated?”

I would later regret speaking those words.

Three hours later, I was sitting next to Ryker still fiddling with the cube at dinner; too busy trying to get the colors to align then to focus on my food.

“Put that down and eat-“ the instructions died on Ryker’s tongue as he caught my glare, obviously giving up in persuading me and insead sighing.

Turning back to pick at his assortment of vegetables and grains, occasionally a curiose eye glancing up towards the head of the table.

With a clearing of his throat, Jordan stood. His voice the only thing drawing my attention away from the cube in front of me. “I would like to congratulate two people on discovering their Jinxes tonight. Though, they will continue to train with us until they master it. But, congratulations Olive and Ryker.” With that short speech, Jordan then moved his hands in such a way that made it clear everyone was dismissed.

Without so much as looking up from my fidgeting hands, I made my way back to the treehouse I shared with Ryker. Not taking notice that the fellow teen was not following, but instead enjoying my time in solitude in the living room.

My brows knitting closer together as the sides got closer and closer to being complete, but always one block seemed to mess it up. A low growl of frustration leaving me as I finally retired to my room- opting out of a long, relaxing bath to instead quickly wash myself before setting up post on my bed. Focusing intently on the colorful squares in front of me as the sky outside gradually became lighter.