Powers

Saracen Rue and Dexter Vex stood in the middle of the training grounds, their voices raised in argument. Saracen had been keeping a secret from Dexter, and it was starting to take a toll on their friendship.

"I don't understand why you won't tell me," Dexter said, his tone frustrated. "We're supposed to trust each other, remember?"

Saracen sighed. "I know, I know. It's just...it's complicated."

"Complicated how?" Dexter demanded. "What could be so bad that you can't even tell me?"

Saracen hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Fine," he said. "I'll tell you. But you have to promise not to freak out."

Dexter nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Okay. I promise."

Saracen closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. As he did, his vision changed. He could see the bones and muscles beneath Dexter's skin, the blood flowing through his veins.

"What the hell?" Dexter said, taking a step back. "What's wrong with your eyes?"

"I have...x-ray vision," Saracen said, his voice low.

Dexter stared at him, his mouth hanging open. "You have what?"

"I can see through things," Saracen said, feeling embarrassed. "It's a side effect of my power."

Dexter shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe this. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want you to think I was a freak," Saracen said, feeling ashamed.

Dexter put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, I don't think that. It's just...a little weird, that's all."

Saracen nodded, feeling relieved. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry."

Dexter grinned. "No need to be sorry. This is actually kind of cool."

They spent the rest of the day testing Saracen's abilities, seeing how far he could see and what he could see through. It was a bonding experience for the two of them, and they felt closer than ever.

As they left the training grounds, Saracen felt a sense of relief. He was glad that he had been able to share his secret with someone he trusted, and he was grateful that Dexter had been understanding.

"Thanks for being cool about it," he said, smiling.

Dexter grinned back at him. "Hey, what are friends for?"