The Tracker Hive Academy Year One - Avery Song Page 0,26

final exams."

"No midterm?"

"Only if we deem it necessary. Those who are failing or doing poorly will have to take a mandatory midterm. I'm going to assume that won't be a problem for you."

"Shouldn't. Unless all these classes start ridiculously early," I grumbled.

"You are not a morning person."

"Neither are you, but if you gave me a bit of your coffee, I wouldn't struggle."

"We both know there's more than just coffee in my morning beverage."

"I do, but that acknowledgment came from you, not me," I teased.

"You love when people fall for your word games."

"It's a habit that appeases my boredom. Or I think far too much for my own good," I confessed. "Sixteen weeks, five days of the same class per week. Not bad. Weekends off since I won't do my homework."

Bianca gave me a judgmental look, but I ignored it.

"Seems fair," I determined. "Those girls from earlier. Is that what you consider bullying, because it was pathetic. A disappointment, actually."

"I'm not even surprised that you'd see it that way."

"Aw. I love when I don't surprise you." I laughed.

"To answer your question, yup. That was an early attempt to make you cave to their demands. Others fall prey to it, but most bullying isn’t so boring and childish," Bianca disclosed. "Fights break out often."

"Fights, huh?" The word had me excited.

Shadow Jade caught my attention as she pointed to the painting she'd been staring at. "Like!"

"You like the painting?" I questioned. Shadow Jade was picky like me, but once she liked something, she really loved it.

Walking toward her, I slipped my hand into my pocket to take my phone out. "Want a picture with it?"

"Picture!" Shadow Jade jumped up and down.

"Seeing you so excited in this form makes me see how I look when I'm overly excited," I muttered. "Another weird sight."

We took a quick selfie, and I took a solo of Shadow Jade. I was sure she'd want it in her beanie room somewhere. Nodding silently to myself, I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

"All right. Let's finish thi—" I stopped, only for Shadow Jade to raise her hand before us protectively; the wall in front of us exploded and sent large and small rocks everywhere.

"Oh, my," Bianca voiced, but from her tone that somehow managed to reach us over the rumbling, she wasn't surprised.

When Shadow Jade deemed us safe, her body dissipated, forming into dark energy that wrapped around me protectively. I didn't feel threatened in the slightest, my eyes trailing the commotion that was happening.

"You fucking wimp. No one likes your nerd ass who thinks he's the smartest in the room. It's about time someone ripped those eyes out of your sockets and showed you what being a Tracker is all about!"

Peering over to the boy on the ground, I took in his nerdy appearance. He definitely gave off those vibes, with curly ginger hair, freckles, big circular glasses, and a mini computer tucked protectively under his arm. He was curled on the ground and at the mercy of this 6’7" guy.

"I-I'm not afraid of you! Go ahead." His voice trembled, not in the least convincing as he shook uncontrollably. I could immediately tell his tall, buff opponent could control the earth element; the rocks and debris began to rise and gather behind him like bullets ready to fire at their target.

"Picture gone..."

I grimaced at Shadow Jade's sad voice. That was the one problem with her getting strong attachments quickly. If they got destroyed, she wasn't pleased.

You want me to do something, don't you?

"Kill!" she declared, beginning to sing.

The sound wasn't merry at all. It was like she was singing for revenge for her picture that was gone too soon.

Thank goodness we don't have a boyfriend. I wouldn't want to deal with the consequences if we broke up.

With my resolve clear, I glanced at Bianca, who was currently checking out her nails.

"Aren't you going to interfere?"

She looked at me, but I noticed the change in her attitude as a wide, mischievous smile cloaked her lips. "They're adults. Let them get at it. We'll finish your tour once the cleaners come fix the mess."

Not waiting for my reply, she turned around and walked away, the sound of her heels fading away as she turned the corner.

"Polar opposite of her usual self. Cool," I admitted out loud, bobbing my head in approval. "Guess she won't mind me interfering," I concluded.

Paying attention to the crumbled wall, I noticed the students all peering in excitement at what was about to