"Oof!"

Ember landed right on her butt after a blow to her stomach.

Laughter erupted from her classmates. Ember had been the last in line to practice 'simple' hand to hand combat skills. Everyone else had done it perfectly, but then there was Ember. She had a few blocks, but that was about it.

Ember slunk onto the floor. She wished she could just melt and never be seen again. All of her other classes were going the exact same way. Weapon handling, she dropped her weapon before using it, fitness, Ember collapsed half way through the course, and agility was just a nightmare. There was nothing Ember could do.

"Alright class! Settle down," barked the professor who was trying to hold back his laughter.

The bell rang signaling class was over. Ember slowly got up and watched as students left, still laughing. She gathered her books together and followed them. Her classmates were walking in lines of two; one strong capable student, and a henchman like student. Ember was obviously by herself.

Her next class was defeating obstacles which she was debating wether or not to go to. She would just make a fool out of herself so why bother? The only problem with this plan was that she had no where to go. The towers were all closed during class time, and every classroom was closed. Ember decided to go outside and get fresh air.

After getting lost several times, Ember finally discovered a door that led to outside. There was a patch of grass with a climbing wall next to it, and some dummies. This was obviously some sort of training area for Heroics but Ember didn't care.

She found a log and sat down. Ember tried to take deep breaths to keep herself from crying. This was the one thing she wanted, and when she finally got it, it turned out to be a disaster.

Ember put her head in her hands and considered going home if classes did not get any better. Suddenly, she could feel a hand on her shoulder and Ember shot up.

"What-" she started then paused when she saw it was Aaron.

He gave her a smile. "What are you doing out here?" He asked her.

Ember sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I could ask the same about you," she retorted.

Aaron chuckled. "Touché. I needed some fresh air. I don't work well being stuck in a small room all day."

She nodded. "Same," Ember lied.

He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Ember shook her head. "No," she said. "It's just that I am awful at being a Hero. I have failed every single class! I am th laughing stock of my classmates, even my teachers laugh at me!"

Aaron studied Ember for a minute. "Is it just the physical part of being a hero that you need help with?"

Ember shrugged. "That seems to be the only part."

"Well," Aaron began nodding, "I suppose maybe, I could help you."

Ember looked up. "What?"

"I mean, I know a few things about being a Hero. I trained half my life to be one."

Ember smiled softly, but quickly shook it off. "Isn't that against rules or something?"

"So?" Aaron asked with a smirk.

Ember looked at him. She could not seem to make out his character. "Fine. But if we get in trouble it's your fault."

He laughed. "You're the one who needs help!"

"It was your idea."

Aaron laughed again. "Okay deal. I'll help you and if we get in trouble it's my fault. But what do I get out of it?"

Ember thought for a second. "My lovely company."

Aaron smiled and nodded. "Deal," he finalized and stuck out his hand.

Ember smiled back at him, feeling a little better already. "Deal," she agreed and shook it.

So sorry I haven't posted in awhile!! I hope you liked this chapter! If you have some free time, go read my other book Impossible Girl. What do you think of Aaron? Is he your type of Prince Charming?
-Secrets