Jayden

Lightning boomed in the distance, shaking the entire campus. Jayden didn't even know if he wanted to be here or in his dorm. Both options were terrible. Usually on October 30, he’d never get any sleep because he and Mateo were probably partying in their dorm. But yesterday night, Jayden lay awake with an empty bed on his left. He tried to get an appointment with the directors in the Overhead to ask if DJ could room with him since the older boy's room was renovating, but they’ve been putting him to the side.

“JAYDEN!” a voice yelled. He shook as he looked up to see an angry Professor Vernon. He realized he was daydreaming. You knew you were dead if you saw Vernon angry. I’m probably six feet under by the end of this.

“Yes, Professor,” he said, everyone snickering when his voice cracked.

“Jayden, I called your name multiple times already. I know it’s your birthday today, but please see me after class,” the professor said quietly. Vernon was a young man, sent to the Sunken after their last defense teacher was heavily injured by Everest Hawking firing, and missing, a cannon. Long story. When class ended, Jayden was severely bruised by DJ’s uppercuts and Heather’s nunchucks. His power seemed to have lost all its effect on people, and he couldn’t focus like before. As everyone else was sprinting down the hallways to get back to their dorms, Jayden slowly stumbled his way to Professor Vernon.

“Mr. Hudson, not feeling yourself today, I assume,” Vernon said calmly while organizing his notes.

“Yeah, I guess,” Jayden replied, eyes staring at the wooden floor scorched by firebombs.

“Jayden, I’m serious, you either tell me what’s wrong or I’ll have no choice but to give you detention. You’ll be lucky if I don’t send you to Professor Kane’s room.” the professor stated blandly, peering up at the boy from his papers. Jayden shivered, understanding that anything would be better than running 20 laps around the school for detention.

“Mateo...his death is just a bit disappointing, that’s all,” he murmured.

“A bit? Child, we all know your relationship with Mateo. As your professor, I have a reason to be concerned,” Vernon began, smiling. “Which is why we’re promoting you. Or ULTRASONIC is promoting you.” ULTRASONIC is promoting me? I’m like a speck compared to the entire Sunken, why did they feel bad for me? Jayden’s eyes went wide in awe. No words came out of his mouth.

“Wow, I-I'm honored. Sir, may I ask what I will be promoted to?” he eventually uttered. The professor laughed.

“You may indeed know that you are being promoted to the occupation of Guarder, the most important job in both cities. They usually have former gladiators or soldiers come to do this. Still, they believe that your power is strong enough.” Jayden felt like he was on Cloud 9. Everything seemed unreal. This couldn’t be happening, why is this happening? A Guarder has so much responsibility there has to be some kind of catch. He stared Vernon dead in the eye, reaching to find any source of dishonesty in his words. Then, in a single second, he concluded that the professor was actually telling the truth. Even though Jayden was quick, Vernon noticed and looked towards the door. He caught a feeling of sadness from the defense teacher as he stood up.

“Mr. Jayden D. Hudson, you have been invited to the Overhead. Please take Outercraft A5023 that is waiting for you in the West Wing. All the information will be given to you when you arrive. Have a safe trip,” the loudspeaker boomed, startling him. The professor didn’t even bat an eye.

“I guess that’s your cue,” Vernon commented.

“Yeah, thanks,” Jayden stammered as he grabbed his bag, too excited to be polite.

“Don’t get too nervous, prepare for the unexpected. And don’t forget to listen,” the professor whispered. Don’t forget to listen. He thought as he sprinted down the hallways to the West Wing. Don’t forget to listen.