NINETY-SEVEN: Fireworks

NINETY-SEVEN: Fireworks

97

Alden didnt write his name or the names of any future targets on The Beat List. He did see a lot of the other Bs update their personal hit lists, though, while he was putting his sandbags back in the correct stack. Not a single bag had burst. They were bulletproof, according to Rahul. You might as well be bulletproof, too, Alden thought as he zipped his empty suitcase back up and lifted the telescoping handle. Though it had been wounded during its assault on the club presidents cart full of junk, it hadnt died yet. It had a crushed corner, and one of the front pockets was badly ripped. But its wheels hadnt taken a hit. It still worked, so it was obviously volunteering for one more round of duty. Not joining the competitive crowd? Max asked him. He was putting the drone hed borrowed earlier back on its shelf. Nah. Who was Alden going to put on a hit list anyway? Winston? Hed had his fun beating the guy at the drinking game. Besides, the speedster was so jealous of Finlay he was practically punishing himself, and targeting a particular classmate for the sake of it sounded like a recipe for hard-feelings all around. If I beat someone, I beat them. If I lose, I lose. Ive got enough goals to keep me busy for the next couple of years anyway. Rahul said not to bother with the list unless it was motivating. Aldens motivation was growing more powerful so that in the future, doing the right thing would be easier and he would be less likely to die in painful, gruesome ways. One-upping a guy from New Hampshire in gym class didnt really inspire him. Anyway, the girl at the top of the list who seemed to be systematically destroying second-year As wasnt even participating by choice. Francis and BeeBee had put her there, and they were keeping track of her victories every week. Ella-Clara. Shed occupied Instructor Plims time for most of the hour, discussing something. Alden hadnt seen her using any powers. Probably a good attitude, Max said. I dont think were going to be dueling in class on the first day anyway. Competing in some fashion seems unavoidable, but just throwing us at each other again and saying fight wouldnt be that practical. True. A lot of their classmates were anticipating or dreading duels, but if there was a fighting component to gym tomorrow, it would hopefully involve someone who knew what they were doing actually teaching them. Instead of everyone going at each other in a repeat of assessment day. Max wasnt making any moves to add his own name to the list either. They headed for the locker room. Do you know what the girl at the top of the The Beat List does? Alden asked. Max nodded. Figurinist. Figurinist? Take a minute to look it up if you need to, Max said. I had to. They put on magic puppet shows? Am I remembering that right? Figurinist was an ultra-rare hed only read a brief description of when he was looking through class lists. And I thought they were all low ranks? he added as he claimed a stall for himself to change in. I mean actually low. Not Apex-low. They were. Maxs voice echoed. The System made around a dozen of them over the years. All Ds and Fs. Guess it was field testing. And now its made a B. Just one as far as anyone knows. She might as well be a U-type. Alden looked up the class while he dressed. He found a channel where a Tibetan Figurinist in an Avowed zone showed off his powers. A small man-shaped figurine, made of what looked like aluminum foil, walked around a miniature kitchen and fried a quail egg in a tiny pan. Thats some seriously fine detail and control. Im glad this guy is raking in views. Its like a little mind-controlled doll. Just one? Just one. But Ella-Claras is bigger according to the girl I asked. How big? The same size as her. Cool. If a mini one could fry an egg, then a big one could probably fight. He stepped out of the stall. Max was changing shoes on one of the benches. Before you go, he said, just as Alden was turning to head out the door, that favor you owe me From the party. Hes calling it in already? Thats fast. Have you got anything but your skill and Haunting Sphere? Is answering doing you the favor, or are you checking to see what kind of favors I can do for you? Alden asked. Max looked up from his shoelaces. Dont be cheap. Its the second. Unless youre about to make some kind of major revelation. I can interrupt weak enchantments, Alden said. And make small flames. Light Candle. Utility abilities, Max said thoughtfully. Okay. Have fun tonight. Yeah. You too.

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They had a lot of fun. Lute knew where all the best light displays, street performances, and firework sellers were. When the crowd watching the volley from the Apex half of the Span turned out to be pretty crushing and Emilija started to look uncomfortable, he led them all to an oceanside high-rise that looked out over the bridge toward the lights of F-city. Aimis gone out. She doesnt mind if we use her balcony. Wow, said Natalie, looking around the place as they crossed a white tile floor strewn with clothes and shoes. This place is swanky. Except for the laundry everywheredid Aimi Velra just strip and fling everything each time she walked through the door?she was right. The apartment was minimalist and modern, but there was something comfortable about it. Tailor Environment, Hadiza said. It feels like it. > said Emilija. Yes, Lute said. My family doesnt believe in skimping on the magical amenities. Aimi probably had the same Rabbit do this place that the Grandwitch uses on Libra. Grandwitch? Natalie said. Libra? Alden asked. Grandwitch is my grandmother. Libras her megayacht lair. And my former address. Lute slid open the balcony door. Wind rushed into the room, and the sheer curtains whipped around. Hang on. I forgot to activate the shielding. He stepped over to a series of foggy bubbles on the wall that Alden had mistaken for decorations and ran his fingers over them. They glimmered faintly, and the wind stopped. The balcony was obviously a major feature for the apartment, with a table, lounge chairs, and a hot tub that glowed with color-shifting lights. > Emilija gazed at the tub longingly while everyone else stood at the railing looking out at one of the the barges. The Wrights were firing up a device that made something that looked like plasma branch and twist over the water. Natalie held another sparkler out toward Alden, and he flicked his fingers over it. Hed been enjoying lighting them for everyone for the past couple of hours. It flared, casting sparks around her hands. She beamed at him. Thats a great spell impression. I wouldnt mind having it for myself. There was a loud roar, and a band of white light as wide as a river shot through the air over the bridge. The balcony was brighter than day for a few seconds, and then the light band broke apart and rained down over the ocean in sizzling motes. > There is, Hadiza said, glancing over at Emilija. Natalie nodded. Lute coughed. Im sure Aimi has swimsuits. You can borrow one. Shes not someone who would mind. Or even notice. Over the course of the next five minutes, Emilija played with the settings on the tub, and the girls talked themselves into going to explore Aimi Velras room in search of suits. As soon as they left, Lute rounded on Alden. Would it be good funny or bad funny if I got in the hot tub with all my clothes on? Considering the fact that youd have to splash your way back home in wet sweatpants, it might be sad funny. And uncomfortable. I think I can make it look cool. Thats the self-confidence chain talking. I can definitely make it look cool. Alden chuckled. Lute stood on his tiptoes and leaned over the railing. This has been the greatest weekend. I wish I could rewind it and do it all again. You just want to torment Lexi with eye jokes. Im going to do that anyway. It wont get old. They watched the barge on the other side of the bridge send up sprays of fireworks in the shape of a peacocks tail. Hey, Ill show you the physical gestures for the wordchain tonight. We can practice them tomorrow in Convo IV. Ill correct you, and you can correct my garbage Artonan. Itll make the class less boring for both of us. If you still want to do it after you see what a pain it is, Ill set up a call with my boss and get permission to teach you the full thing. Really? That was going to make that portion of his days so much more beneficial. Thanks! > Emilija appeared, wearing a very minimal red bikini and carrying a towel. Natalie and Hadiza were behind her in borrowed t-shirts over their swimsuits. Its fine to get these wet, too, isnt it? Natalie asked, gesturing at her shirt. It said Tokyo on the chest. Your cousins a different size than us, so the suits are Little boobs, said Hadiza, already slipping into the water. Lute smiled at them all graciously. Aimi will not mind. Her house is your house. Help yourselves. A second later, Alden got a text from him. [Dont thank me. I should be thanking you.] Then he walked right over and stepped into the tub, combat boots and all.

*N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.