Hi guys. I'm back. I was inspired by nanowrimo and I'm in a much better place then I was before. I know it's been super long since my last update and I had to reread my chapters and notes for upcoming ones to get back into the flow of the story. I know there will be discrepancies. I apologize in advance for that. This chapter is not as long as I'm used to and it starts right where the last one left off. A teaser if you will. If you're a returning reader, thank you so much for staying with the story this far. If you're a new reader, welcome to Broken Hart. ON WITH THE STORY
"You people are aggravating," he grumbled.
"Right back at ya, Sir Skunk," Magenta said, rolling her eyes as she, Zack, and Ethan walked up to the group. Jaden's mouth dropped open.
"What the-Sir Skunk? Where did that even COME from?" Jaden asked, waving his hands exasperatedly.
"Your hair. With the white stripes and the black, it reminds me of a skunk," she replied, her mouth curling into a crooked smile.
"Really? I always thought zebra," Layla mused, putting a hand to her chin and staring at Jaden. "Though I can see the skunk too."
"You know, you're quite monochromatic all over, Jaden," Magenta said, looking him up and down.
"Quite, quite," Layla agreed.
"Don't you two even start in on my clothing color preferences, Miss...Miss Grass and Miss Bubblegum!" Jaden huffed, crossing his arms over his chest defensively.
"Miss Grass?" Layla said, smiling.
"Miss Bubblegum?" Magenta scoffed.
"Shut up. I'm not creative," Jaden growled.
"Obviously," Magenta sighed.
"Why you-" Jaden was cut short, as Boomer roared at them.
"EVERYONE BACK TO THE BLEACHERS BEFORE I VOLUNTEER YOU TO BE THE CITIZEN IN THE NEXT SAVE THE CITIZEN MATCH!"
Needless to say, everyone scurried back pretty quickly. Warren noticed, however, that one particular boy took his time getting back to his seat. Jaden sat down gingerly, trying to keep himself from wincing as his torso bent painfully. He was pretty sure he had a broken rib. Who knew Lash could squeeze that hard? He was going to have to test his powers and see if he could heal broken bones whether he liked it or not. Hospitals cost money and want background information. And Doctor Spex. Well. He was never going back THERE again. Psh.
Jaden had taken a seat in the front again but this time, Will and company, decided that they would smother him with their presence. Layla and Will surrounded him on his right side, Zack and Magenta on his left, and Warren and Ethan settling behind him. Why did they feel the need to be buddies? Seriously? WHY?
After two torturous hours with the dream team, Jaden was freed from his misery in order to attend his fourth and final class, Hero Support Tech. Dragging his backpack by a strap, he trudged into a room that was similar to a science lab. There were some Bunsen burners, glass containers he'd probably knock over at some point, and lab tables? Counters? Bars? Tall structures that seated two. He picked one close to the window, settled into his seat and hoped his scowl was enough to scare off any potential seat mates.
Of course, nothing ever went the he wanted them.
The shape shifter porcupine slid onto the stool next to him and threw him a grin.
"Well hello again, Jaden," he greeted.
'Shit. What was his name again? Spiky? No. Steven? Sam? Oh damn, I don't know.' "Hiiii…um..dude."
"You forgot my name didn't you?" the boy smirked.
"Ha ha, no of course not. I just-ah-misplaced it," Jaden said sheepishly.
"The name is Spencer. Spencer Thompson,"
"Yeah, well. You already know my name. Since the re-introduction is over, um, why are you sitting here? I mean, there's plenty of other tables and I don't exactly enjoy company."
Spencer seemed to ponder over this a minute before shrugging. "You're interesting. We all grow up in this high school together so it's nice to get some new blood. Plus, I think your power is pretty cool. Much better than mine anyway."
Jaden recalled the illusion scenario of Warren and Spencer, knowing that Spencer had been the one taking out people while Warren assisted. His power was actually useful in that aspect. Like he'd ever tell him that though. That'd almost be a compliment. BLEGH.
Jaden rolled his eyes and glanced out the window at the dark skies. Layla's comment that morning about the changing weather came rushing back to him and he felt his heart jump in his chest. Rain, okay. Lightening, not so much. His small panic attack was interrupted by a nasally voice yelling at people to take their seats. A man came is with a large head. I mean large. Like, this was the largest noggin Jaden had ever seen attached to a body. He wasn't even sure if this thing was human and if it was, well, he would love to know how it kept upright.
"Good afternoon, hero support! I trust you all had a fun time gym, sweating and violently attacking one another when you could be using your brain to solve all your problems."
Jaden perked a brow. Sounded like somebody might have a slight complex.
"Most of you should know my name by now but in case any of your intelligence was knocked out of your head last period, I am Professor Medulla. Today, we will go over the homework I assigned yesterday so take out your sketches for weapon prototypes," Medulla waved his hand at the class of students.
Jaden gulped. Homework? He didn't remember OH RIGHT. He had been in the nurse's office yesterday this class. Surely that was a good enough excuse for not having it done?
"Medulla is very serious about his homework. If you're missing even just one assignment for the term, he docks a full letter off your final grade," Spencer whispered to him, confirming his fears.
"But. Ah shit. I'm in enough trouble with Powers already. I don't need extra counts against me," Jaden sighed. "Can I borrow a pencil? I could just draw something real quick before he gets to this side." Spencer nodded in approval and handed him the pencil he'd been holding. He watched as Jaden hunched over his notebook, rapidly scribbling across the page. The way he controlled his pencil and seemed to know exactly what he was doing, Spencer imagined the sketch would be very detailed. A moment later, Jaden held up his drawing and grinned. "It's perfect!"
Spencer leaned over, taking a look at the masterpiece.
"So-uh-what is it?"
"Can't you tell? It's a bird cannon."
"A bird cannon?" Spencer asked. The look on his face was surely incredulous.
"Of course. Birds are scary as shit. Can you imagine them being launched at you?" Jaden retorted, matter of fact.
"You're scared of birds, huh?"
"What? No. We just have an…understanding between us," Jaden mumbled.
"An understanding?"
"If they don't come near me, I won't throw rocks at them."
"Ah. Of course. But back to your sketch. What part is actually the cannon?" Spencer leaned in closer to the page.
"It's this part right here!" Jaden huffed, jabbing a finger at what looked like an elongated fish.
"And the birds?"
Jaden motioned to the small figures in the corner that looked a bit like, well, like flying pizza slices. Spencer shook his head. "Well, I guess you get an A for effort. Here," he said, handing him a page out of the stack of papers on his side, "Use this. I have extra sketches anyway."
Jaden took the drawing and gaped. It was amazing! 'What the hell. How can people draw like this. Like, why are they even here to torment the rest of us aspiring artists.'
"Are you sure?"
Spencer nodded. "I like to draw so it's no big deal to me. And it's an electric crossbow, by the way."
"Of course, yeah. I can tell. I mean, I don't think it's as good as my bird cannon but it will do. Thank you," Jaden said, glancing over to him. Spencer released an exasperated sigh and straightened up. Medulla was on his way to their table.
"Mr. Hart! Mr. Thompson! I trust you are ready for me to check your designs?" They both nodded, though not enthusiastically. Medulla merely glanced over Spencer's sketches, smiling. "Beautiful as always, Mr. Thompson! Love the saber made of highly concentrated light particles! Let's see your homework, Mr. Hart."
Jaden slid the paper towards the teacher, visibly wincing as he did so. Medulla looked it over, brow furrowing. "It looks like you've made a friend in this class already, Mr. Hart," he mused, slanting his eyes in Spencer's direction. "But may I remind you, cheating is not tolerated. Please do your own work, Mr. Hart and nice crossbow, Mr. Thompson," Medulla said, walking back towards the front. Jaden released the air he hadn't known he'd been holding.
"You knew he'd know it wasn't mine, didn't you?" Jaden hissed.
"Possibly. But he didn't dock points now did he?" Spencer grinned at the boy. Jaden opened his mouth, then closed it, only to open it again. "Ah, I've rendered the smart mouth speechless!" Jaden's cheeks flamed red and he crossed his arms over his chest. Spencer propped his chin on his feet and returned his attention back to the board. He took elaborate notes the entire class, not once removing the smirk he had on his face. Jaden silently sulked to the side, doodling bird cannons for the rest of the class. When the bell rang to signal the time to go home, Jaden bolted from the room, leaving a bewildered Spencer behind him.
Again, I apologize for the shortness. This is more of a filler until I can get my notes reorganized. It'll get better, I promise.
Reviews are welcome and appreciated. Constructive criticism is loved.
As are all my readers. I love you. I really do. Thank you so much.