"I'm a Psion, Claus."

Lucas regretted saying those words before he even said them. Claus' face was a mixture of sadness, confusion, worry, and urgency. The house was so quiet, you could hear your blood flowing. Finally, Claus spoke. "Are they gonna take you away to the Capitol..?" Claus cried. Lucas got out of his bed and backed up against the wall to give his brother some space. Claus never cried. Not even when Hinawa died.

Hinawa's death had been short and tragic. Nobody was quite sure how she died, but after she didn't return home after running some errands, Flint began to search for her. She had been found dead in an alley, laying peacefully on the ground, in a creepy way. She wasn't wounded in any way. They couldn't afford a funeral, so one day, at midnight, Flint snuck out to the forest around Tazmily and gave Hinawa a proper burial, though it was against the law. She had always loved the forest. The twins were both 8 years old when it happened. Very soon after, they began to work at the Stitchery.

Lucas decided it was time for him to comfort Claus instead of Claus comforting him. "No. I won't let them take me," Lucas began, "I'll hide. Pretend I'm too sick for The Testing. If they find out I'm a Psion, I'll run away." "Isn't that risky? You might get arrested," Claus said. Lucas hadn't thought of that. The only way he would be able to escape was to run away and return later.

"Claus, I'm going to run away. I'll flee to another town or city until I can return." Lucas started grabbing various objects from inside the small house. "Lucas, if you don't go to The Testing tomorrow, they'll know something's up," Said Claus. "Then I'll go to The Testing and make a plan later," Lucas argued.

The twin's argument was hushed by Flint entering the house. Lucas debated in his head whether to tell his dad about him being a Psion. He eventually decided not to. He would find out tomorrow at The Testing. Flint broke the awkwardness by grabbing some eggs from the groceries Claus brought home and began cooking them over the small stove with an old frying pan. Lucas and Claus knew what was going on.

"Omelettes!" Lucas and Claus cheered in unison. Omelettes were a rare treat ever since Hinawa died. Flint made a big show while cooking, singing songs and cracking jokes. One of the few times everyone was happy was when Lucas, Claus and Flint were together. Soon, the omelettes were ready to eat. The trio sat down at the wobbly wooden table. Claus immediately shoved half of his omelette into his mouth.

"Esh sooo guud," said Claus in a muffled voice, his mouth full of fluffy yellow omelette. Lucas burst out laughing. Claus swallowed the massive amount of food in his mouth and smiled. "What's so funny?" Claus questioned playfully. "Well m'boy, you've drooled all over the table," said Flint, chuckling. The area of the table where Claus was eating was a mess. Drool and small chunks of omelette were everywhere. Lucas couldn't help but giggle. It was as if the news that Lucas was a Psion seemed to dissipate into thin air.

After about 20 more minutes of playing with their food, the trio put their plates in a small sink next to the stove, ready to be washed later, likely without soap. It had been a long day, and Lucas needed sleep. He climbed into bed with Claus, and Flint climbed into his bed. Soon, Lucas fell into a deep slumber.

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Said Claus. "We're gonna be late for The Testing!" Claus seemed excited, but Lucas knew it was fake excitement, a mask so his dread wouldn't show. They both knew Lucas might be going to the Capitol that very evening. Flint was awake and hurriedly preparing to rush to Main Street, where The Testing was held. Flint grabbed a blanket to keep the twins warm, and then the three ran down to Main Street.

Lucas trailed slightly behind his father and brother, saddened by the fact that he had almost no time to come up with a plan. He would be going to the Capitol, most likely. He bumped into a pink haired girl wearing a hoodie, causing her to drop what she was carrying. Lucas gasped. "I'm so sorry, miss! I wasn't looking where I was going and-" The girl interrupted Lucas by picking up the bag she was carrying and walking away. Lucas felt bad.

A few minutes later, Lucas and Claus were in the long line of citizens in Tazmily. Main Street was a long road that branched off into other roads, where most homes and businesses were. The Testing was a simple process. One of the Psions would read everyone's minds to see if anyone was a Psion as well. There was no hiding the fact you were a Psion if you were one. Lucas felt doomed. Claus looked at his brother reassuringly.

The Psion that was performing The Testing this year was Ninten. Lucas thought Ninten was a decent person, though from what he had heard, all he did was eat Oreos all day. Lucas had never had an Oreo before. He couldn't afford them. He had always wanted to try the cookie, however.

Ninten began walking along the line of citizens, seeming bored. He passed Lucas, then stopped, as if something was wrong. Ninten walked back to Lucas. "Citizens of Tazmily, I've found a Psion."

Flint looked at Lucas, confused. Claus began to break down and cry. Lucas cried as well. He couldn't go to the Capitol. He had to stay in Tazmily and help support his family. Suddenly, Lucas felt an immense rush of energy and felt the urge to shout. He shouted the first words that he could think of. He didn't mean to say them, they just tumbled out.

"PSI Teleport Alpha!"