Chapter 12

The air was filled with the clanging of metal on metal and the occasional shout of encouragement or correction from Mage Thompson. Alice was attempting to execute a new tactic that made use of her Surge ability, repeated cracks echoing as she practiced.

On the edge of the yard, Penny, ever the driving force, was attempting to convince Ethan and Mei to generate some essence, eager to see what Mei could do while Boosted.

“Come on, you two,” Penny urged, her voice laced with excitement. “I know you’re just as excited as I am to see what you can do!”

Mei hesitated, her eyes flickering between Ethan and Penny. “I think I’m fine waiting until another session to practice with Boosting my abilities,” she said unconvincingly, her voice giving away her desire to do as Penny suggested.

Penny shook her head firmly. “No way. We need to find out what you can do so we can better plan out our training. Also, it’ll be fun!”

Mage Thompson, focused on instructing Alice on the finer points of electricity in combat, gave them a distracted wave as Penny grabbed Ethan and Mei by the hands, leading them out of the training yard. They made their way down a quiet hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the brick walls.

Penny opened the door to what appeared to be a staff break room. Several tables and couches were scattered around the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. The scent of old coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of cleaning supplies.

“Tada!” Penny put her arms out, presenting the room. “Our very own break room!”

“How did you find this place?” Ethan asked, opening up a cabinet door, investigating. “This building is the next thing to abandoned.”

“I got a key.” Penny hopped up to sit on the edge of a table.

“They hand out keys to students?” Mei questioned, her eyes following Ethan as he looked around the room.

“I asked Mage Thompson. She knows about the sexual aspects of our team in rough terms.” Penny leaned back on her hands, kicking her feet. “It wasn’t hard to convince her.”

Mei blinked. “Wait, so she probably assumes we came in here to refill on essence?”

“We did come in here to refill on essence.” Penny continued in faux innocence.

Mei’s mouth opened to respond before she caught herself, realizing Penny was teasing her. She leaned back against a table, crossing her arms.

Penny hopped back down to her feet. “If you won’t I will.” She said over her shoulder to Mei as she began to walk towards Ethan.

Sensing Penny coming closer Ethan stood up from where he was checking out the room, spinning to face her. Penny slid in close to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and looking up. “I want a kiss.” She demanded.

He gave Mei a look that said following Penny’s lead was the best option, and that he had no say in it. He leaned down, kissing Penny until she pulled away. Penny took Ethan by the hand and led him back to where Mei was leaning against the table, positioning him in front of her. With a gentle push on Ethan’s back she edged him closer to Mei. “Your turn.”

Ethan gave Mei the same look as a moment before. “I’ve learned things go best when you listen to her.”

A smile tugged at Mei’s lips, cracking the mask of composure she was trying to maintain. “I suppose if Mage Thompson already thinks we’re in here for essence, we may as well.”

“Yes, yes, now more with the listening to me.” Penny teased, giving Ethan another playful push towards Mei.

Mei, leaning casually against the table, arms crossed, barely had time to react as Ethan was nudged forward. Instinctively, her hands lifted just as Ethan caught himself on the table, palms landing on either side of her, framing the space between them. Her crossed arms unfolded mid-motion, reaching up to steady him, but the gesture stalled as they found themselves face to face. Her hands, meant to catch, now rested lightly against his upper chest.