Ells' POV
I have to admit, I always found this shape shifting skill really amazing. But, I noticed something different about Mrs. Kuro. She seemed a lot happier today than when I met her at school the other day.

Maybe it was just to please her audience or maybe because she's hiding something from us. I don't exactly know.

"Now, I know you guys are probably feeling really excited right now."

Yeah, sure. We're sooo excited.

"But, before you get to go out there, we'll need to train you guys. You guys will be separated into four teams, based on your results. Team Hearthstone, Team Nightblade, Team Explosion, and Team Lunaarrow. The last team left will then move onto the games, where the best of will be left standing." She said and the teens and kids started whispering in low conversation.

I hope I get on a team with Wendy, Violet, and Astrid. They seemed really nice, and really strong. Crystal, though, she... well, she's too addicted to that stupid phone of hers.

I looked towards Astrid and I saw his eyes quickly turning away from me. Why was he staring at me? Do I look bad? Did I do something wrong?

"So, now that we've got that covered, it's time for you guys to eat! Tomorrow's your first day of training. So fill up your tummies." She said, as Mrs. Kuro transformed back into the black bird, and flew off.

All the chatter that had once paused resumed, as everyone began to order their food.

~*Timeskip*~

We left our plates at the table, and walked off towards the elevator on the other side of the room.

While we were eating dinner, they told us that all five of us were going to be part of Team Nightblade. Our teacher, Mr. Coal, was waiting for us on our floor.

We were walking in silence, so I randomly blurted out something.

"Are you scared?"

"What? Of course not! I'm going to do great!" Wendy said, smiling from ear to ear. I think she really loves the fact that she's part of this.

"No, not really." Violet responded, putting some more gum into her mouth.

Crystal was still trying to get some cell phone service...

Am I the only one who is the tiniest bit nervous? I feel so out of place...

"Hey. Is everything ok?" I glance up to see Astrid, catching up from the back.

"Yeah, I'm alright." I said.

"It doesn't sound like it..." He said, looking at me with concern.

I take a long breath.

"Alright, yes. I'm a little scared. I-I just... what if we die out there? I don't wanna die..." I said, looking down at the ground.

"It's ok... Your not the only one that's scared..." He said to me. Finally! Somebody who understands how I feel!

"You guys are going to die first from worrying too much." Violet said, popping her bubble gum bubble.

We got to the elevator and Violet pressed the button. We could hear the song Shake it Off playing in the background. I whistle to the tune we started to go up, and up, and up...