2 Here Goes Nothing

A month later I find myself standing before the front gates of the Star Legion Academy with my heart about to come out my ass. To say that I was nervous and scared would be an understatement. I was terrified and truly questioning whether this would really work or not.

If I get caught, maybe I'll get a cell right next to my parents... I shake all the negative thoughts out of my head and straighten my shoulders. I can do this... I have to do this! I pull my bag close to me and walk in with my head held high.

Fake it until you make it, right? When I look up at the imposing Academy walls and large statues of past heroes, I swallow hard and keep going. The Academy trains young recruits straight out of high school to fight on the front lines.

Several hundred years ago, multiple wars broke out which led to a near end for all mankind but when the nukes were dropped... the initial deaths were just the beginning. You see, humans and plant life have an amazing way of adapting and evolving and that's just what happened.

Humans became more advanced in terms of fighting and now carry inhuman strength, speed, and even magic but the magic is very rare and only a few actually carry it. But just like a coin, there are two sides to everything and the others outside the walls protecting our city, are called Ragers.

Ragers are human but that's where the similarities stop. They're violent, aggressive, and extremely dangerous. They're more animalistic than they are human... and then there are the Ghouls. I've never seen a Ghoul but I've heard the terrifying stories.

I think one of the only reasons my brother was accepted was because we both hold power. We're twins and both share the same magical gifts but we've hidden it for most of our lives... well until now. The only thing I can thank my idiot brother for is doing the physical when he signed up.

They require a physical and blood work on every recruit and thankfully they already did it on my brother so at least I don't have to worry about that part. The only thing I'm worried about it the strength difference. My brother is much stronger than me but I'm much faster and my powers are much stronger.

I might be able to pull it off and no one will notice the difference... maybe. I look down at the small map provided to me by mail and head to the dorm rooms. Because so many sign up to the Academy every year, the rooms are limited so everyone gets a roommate... myself included.

As much as I'd love to demand my own room, I also know that it's impossible so I'll make it work. As I wander to my new room, I try to ignore all the pointing and snickering but it's hard to do when they're making it so obvious.

I keep hearing "puny" "short" and even "girly" but no one actually thinks I'm female so that's a win in my book. When I finally make it to the room, I look up to the door number 'Thirteen' and frown. I look back to my papers and then start looking around in confusion.

This hallway seems to be for the seniors... There must be a mistake. I go to turn around and walk to the administration office when I come face to face with a guy with ice-cold blue eyes. His jet black hair is damp like he just took a shower but when I pick up on his irritation, I quickly step back.

He looks to the papers in my hands and says "Your the new one?" I awkwardly look to the papers before stammering out "I.. I think I have the wrong dorm. I'm a freshman and this.." He cuts me off and says "You're at the right dorm. Move."

I quickly jump out of his way and watch as he walks into the room. He leaves the door open and ignores me as I slowly inch into the dorm room. Why does it have to be this guy!? I would prefer an idiot like my brother!!

I awkwardly clear my throat as I walk over to the empty bed and put my bag down. I look around the standard issued room before looking to the back of my new roommate. "Uh... My name's Valen... and you?" I say trying to introduce myself.

He continues digging through his things as he says "Thane" Charming... I decide to try again and say "I'm sorry... I just feel like there's some kind of mistake. You're clearly older and my senior. I'll ask to be moved so I don't bother you."

Thane turns around to face me as he says "I told you before, you're in the right dorm. My last roommate was killed in The Voids and they need the room." I open my mouth to say something before awkwardly closing it. I nod my head and turn around to unload my clothes.

This is a great start... I look down at my new bed and sigh. How many guys slept in this bed and died? As I'm unloading my clothes, an announcement is made over the intercom. "Welcome, New Recruits!! You are now part of the Star Legion! Where pride and honor is our way of life. Tonight, we rest and prepare for a new term. The mess hall will be serving top of the line steak! Come get you a plate and greet your new comrades. I look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you."

The announcement ends and leaves the both of us in awkward silence. Without a word, Thane grabs something and walks out the door, leaving me all alone. I blow out all my nerves and deflate onto the bed like a balloon.

I can do this... I can do this.