The Spring of Confusion

The clicking of their heels was in a fast succession of one another. Felicity didn't want to be the last one there. It was vital to gather as much information as possible in the beginning, so they knew what lay ahead of them. Nothing was predictable anymore. Anything could be real.

The unfathomable news first occurred a month ago. It was thought to be a hoax, but then the post went viral. A hole in the ocean? It was hard trying to wrap logic around the thought.

But it was so deep, the sunshine seemed to be swallowed by the darkness of the open crevasse. Felicity could remember the day when the news first crossed onto her own media pages. The second of April was when the world went into hysteria.

They arrived at the courtyard, and it looked like a military recruitment station. The students had changed out of their school uniform into a shapeless black sweat set.

Most of the workers were wearing masks to cover their faces, and Felicity couldn't help the strangeness of the situation get away from her.

"This looks like something out of a horror movie," River muttered under his breath.

Quinn shushed him. "You don't them hearing you say things like that. Don't dig yourself a hole before we even start."

River set Quinn a glare before quieting down. Felicity sighed. "Okay, guys. Let's try to get this started without a hitch."

Personnel wearing a black masks and in armed gear called out names. There were many people calling names. There was a system, but she was too tired to figure it out. Taller students were going to one side, but Felicity didn't think that was it.

Students were huddling in the corner, and they were slowly being pulled away as they got called one by one. Felicity was texting her parents the news, trying to calm their nerves and answer their questions. Her parents were freaking out per usual, but at least they were somewhat comforted by the fact that Felicity was still in one piece.

News went out about the recruitment of students soon after the program was released at school. How did all the timing work? Felicity had no idea. Luckily, her brother, Aston was only fourteen, so he was safe from all the chaos that she was experiencing. Aston was spamming her with messages already.

Aston: Did you leave already? I heard it was A to Cl's last names.

Felicity: Yes. I am waiting to be called.

Aston: Do you know what tests you're taking first?

Felicity: No. But I hope it's not the physical test first. I feel queasy.

Aston: Yikes.

Aston: I read that the physical has deadly combat fighting.

Felicity: Where did you hear that?

Aston: My history teacher is playing some news on the screen right now. Are you sure this is ethical?

Felicity: I don't know.

"Felicity Clarke!"

Felicity jumped from her little cove and brushed the hair out of her eyes. Her bangs were growing out a bit too long, but it looks like it was too late to do anything about them now. She looked around her surroundings to try and find where the voice came from.

River pointed to the front. "The person with the high blonde ponytail."

"Thank you," Felicity said.

Quickly weaving in between the crowd of the ever-growing students, she waved to Quinn and River. She wished that they were all called at the same time, so they would at least have each other.

She made it to the person with an impassive face, and the lady pointed Felicity to a black tent. "Your site should be on the table. Change there."

Felicity nodded and walked over to the tent. Before she was able to step in, a large body blocked her way. She glanced up, and he pointed to her backpack. "Give me the bag." She slid off her backpack and handed it to the man. Her phone was still in her back pocket, but she wasn't going to ask.

Stepping inside the tent, Felicity saw the black tracksuit that the students were wearing earlier and put it on. She didn't know what to do with her street clothes, but she just left them folded on the table.

It didn't seem like she was going to get them back anyways. Flipping her hair over, she strung her hair band around her hair and tightened it.

"Press the green button when you are done changing," the man yelled.

Felicity looked around the sparse tent and found a green button in the far back. It was connected to a large pipe that was layered on top of the tent's frame. She pressed the smooth button and waited for a minute. It was a smart way of telling when someone was ready.

A shimmery and white gas suddenly came down, and Felicity gasped in horror. She ran to the tent door at record speed and tried to unzip it. The zipper was stuck or rather maybe even taken off?

Felicity glanced around, but there was nothing sharp to pierce the material of the walls. She punched the door, but it was like punching a balloon.

"Hey! Let me out!" Felicity screamed. "Please let me out!"

Her vision was getting foggy, and Felicity laughed. She should have known that something was fishy. Crumpling to the ground, Felicity curled into a ball and coughed.

There felt like there was something lodged in her throat. At this point, she couldn't even see three feet in front of her anymore. Black spots finally coated her vision, and she passed out on the floor.