"Alright, let's try this again," Lt. Ross' voice cut through the chatter as break time ended. He strolled back to the front, motioning Zara and Orea onto the mat while the others-Valtor included- stepped aside.
Ross positioned himself between the two girls. "No headshots. Same goal: show me how much control you've got. Clear?"
Both nodded, stances ready.
"Fight!"
Orea struck first, thrusting her arms forward. A rush of wind tore across the mat. Zara reacted instantly, raising a shimmering barrier that wrapped around her like a dome.
"Good defense, Zara," Ross called out.
Orea lowered her hand, the gust fading. Her lips curved into a sly smile. She wasn't finished. With one palm raised skyward, she pulled at the clouds above, summoning a jagged bolt of lightning.
Crack!
The barrier shattered in a flash. The shock sent Zara sprawling to the ground, the sharp scent of ozone lingering in the air.
Zara scrambled back to her feet just as Orea unleashed another surge of wind.
Gritting her teeth, Zara shoved her palms forward, releasing a blast of force field.
The two powers collided midair. The impact roared, hurling both girls backward to the mat. Benches rattled as the others clung to their seats, wide-eyed.
Lt.Ross stepped forward quickly. "You two alright?"
Instead of answering, Orea chuckled, brushing dust off her arm. Sitting across from her, Zara shook her head, lips quirking into a grin.
"Nice try, weather girl."
"Good work, girls," Lt. Ross commended as their friends offered gentle applause.
"Nice attack, Orea," he added, drawing a smile from the curly-haired girl.
Turning to the rest of the crew, he asked, "What was the highlight of this fight?"
Kymani raised a hand. "Zara's defense was solid, and Orea's lightning attack showed smart battle instinct."
"Correct." Ross paced slowly. "Anything else?"
Silence stretched for a moment.
"Zara's speed," Valtor said at last, drawing everyone's attention in the room. "She countered Orea's second attack almost instantly."
Ross allowed himself a faint smile. "Exactly. Which means you were paying attention. That's good, Mr. Steel."
He clasped his hands behind his back. "Now that I've seen how some of you handle your powers, we move to the next phase-
Improving your battle skills. Zara, Orea, take a break. We'll resume shortly."
From the back bench, Valtor's gaze lingered on Orea as she pulled off her headgear and untied her hair, allowing it to flow freely. His chest tightened, memories of their last exchange souring his expression. He pushed himself up and started toward her.
But before he could reach the mat, the doors swung open. A young soldier stepped in, posture rigid. "Apologies for interrupting, Lieutenant Ross."
Ross only gave a curt nod.
"Mr. Steel," the soldier continued, his tone brisk, "the Superintendent requests to see you. "Please come with me."
Valtor exhaled heavily, casting one last glance at Orea before turning to follow.
After the interruption, Orea drifted to the bench. She leaned her head against the wall, eyes unfocused until her thoughts slipped away.
Lynx slid onto the seat beside her. "Cool fighting back there," he said lightly. She gave no reply.
A few seconds of silence passed before he looked down and muttered, "I'm sorry."
Her voice was flat. "For what?"
"For being rash with you. And for going after Valtor so aggressively. I… didn't mean it."
At that, she turned her head, studying him with narrowed eyes. "Has anyone ever told you you're a terrible liar?"
Lynx chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Fine, you caught me. Maybe a part of me wanted to attack him."
Her stare lingered, sharp as glass, before she looked away again.
"I get it, though," he went on. "It's hard to swallow negative opinions about someone you trust."
"Can we change the subject?" she cut in, voice edged with weariness.
"Sure." He let out a quiet sigh. Another beat of silence followed. Then, with a crooked smile, he added, "Has anyone told you you're actually pretty scary?"
That earned her attention.
"That sly smile you had when you went after Zara? Looked downright ominous."
Her lips curved at last. "I didn't even realize I was smiling."
"Of course you didn't." He replied, his smirk deepening.
..................
Valtor was led into a different office. To his surprise, the professor stood waiting.
With a curt nod, he dismissed the soldier, who swiftly obeyed.
"Hello, son," Malcolm spoke up.
Valtor blinked, glancing around. "What happened to Superintendent Jeremy?"
"He left a few hours ago," Malcolm replied quickly. "I need you to come with me."
Valtor frowned. "Maybe you haven't heard, but fight training started this week - and I was kind of in the middle of it." He turned to leave.
"Valtor!" Malcolm snapped, seizing his arm.
Valtor flinched, staring at him.
"Son, you have to come with me," Malcolm urged, his tone edged with desperation. "There's something I need to show you—this may be our only chance."
Valtor wrenched free. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Dad. If you've got something to say, say it here."
"You want the truth?" Malcolm pressed. "Then let me show you. You'll understand everything… once I restore your memory."
Valtor froze, eyes widening. "Wait… really?"