The following morning, I got up and moved towards the cafeteria, searching for the one true gift of God: coffee

The following morning, I got up and moved towards the cafeteria, searching for the one true gift of God: coffee. It was the only thing that could wake me from sleep and keep my attitude straight for the day. Thankfully, I found the machine, poured myself a cup, and sighed. There were only a few people around, some in light conversation at the tables or milling around the buffet. Personally, breakfast made me sick: food so early in the morning. Coffee was all I needed.

"You know, that stuff stunts your growth."

I turned, finding Devon, staring at me with his arms folded. He was already in full uniform, and seemed fully awake.

"A little late for that, don't you think?"

He laughed, noting the good half foot height difference. It didn't bother me, though. I'd always been short, and always will be short. What I lacked in height, I made up for in strength.

"Ready for the first day of classes?"

I cupped the container in my hand and leaned against the counter.

"I'm sort of nervous, actually. I'm up against these people who know how to use their powers, while I'm lucky if I can get my hand to glow."

Devon put a hand on my shoulder.

"You'll get the hang of it. I've heard that mutants have more trouble controlling their powers than someone who is born with them."

There was that word: mutant. That's what I was, but I didn't care to be reminded by someone who I thought was a friend. I slammed the cup down and walked towards my room, not caring how incredibly rude it was. I didn't have to stand around and let that word be thrown in my face. I had enough issues.

The first class of the day was in a classroom, focusing on the history of heroes. It was a one time class, which was a good thing, considering all Batman did was hand out a book, point to the pages on the board, then sat in a chair with newspaper in hand.

"Why do we have to learn this?" some around me asked.

I looked back, seeing two students trying to look inconspicuous, talking under their breaths.

"They just want us to do busy work before the real stuff happens."

These people were only here to have the glory of being a hero. Of the twenty people that were here, that's what most of them wanted: fame. All I wanted was to control what was inside of me. I had tried for an hour last night to get the energy out, but nothing happened. I couldn't lift myself up, either. These people have probably had their abilities since birth and had no problem. That was life, though: one big kick in the butt.

After that class was a one on one course with one of the heroes. We were divided into what we specialized in, like if you had no powers, you'd be with a hero who has no powers.

I was sitting in a room with Fire, the only hero who really had a connection with me.

"Kat," she began in her thick Brazilian accent, "you just need to let go. Embrace the powers inside of you and let them out."

I closed my eyes, searching for that energy inside. A warm feeling ran from the center of my body to the tips of my fingers. My hands got warmer, and when I looked, they were glowing a vibrant green. I felt invincible.

"See! Now, take that feeling and lift yourself up, embracing it."

I filled my body with that energy, lifting me off my feet and carrying me throughout the room. It felt wonderful, looking down at Fire, who was clapping wildly. I could do this, this whole hero thing. I knew what to do, now…how to control it. With more practice, it would become as easy as walking, because this was who I am.

After dinner, I went back to my room and found a package laying on the bed. Lifting the lid, laid an outfit inside. It was dark purple and black, with a pair of boots that pulled up to the knees. A simple black domino mask sat on top. The bottom part itself was a leotard design and a belt sat in the middle.

"Wow," I breathed, holding up the uniform in both hands.

I slipped it on, then looked in the mirror. It felt so right, after bringing the energy to my hands. I was meant to be here…this was my destiny.

"Kat?"

I turned, finding Devon standing in the doorway. He looked quite impressed, looking the outfit up and down with his arms folded.

"Nice uniform. It suits you."

He paused, sighing.

"Listen, what I said this morning…I didn't mean it in a bad way. It can't be easy, coming here with these powers and giving up all that you had. I want to be here for you, Kat."

I smiled, shrugging.

"It's okay. Things are alright, now. I think I'm going to like it here."


End of part one