The sun was starting to set when Zach and Nick left for the Academy. Nick shivered in the early cold fall weather. Shrugging the unfamiliar woolen cloak further on his shoulders and pulled a small notebook out of one of the pockets on his trousers. After writing something in the book Nick hands it to Zach for him to read. “What is your story? How did you come to find yourself at the Academy?” Nick had written.

“Why do you ask?” Zach said.

“Well If we are going to walk to the academy together I might as well as get to know you along the way.”

“You have a point, it was Community Service.” Zach answered.

“Oh, How did you get Community Service? It has to do with you stealing from the Capital Guard.”

A cattle drawn cart passes them and Zach grimaces at the sight. “I stole food and medical supplies for the injured and starving in my town.” Zach says.

“That must have taken a lot of guts to do.”

“Someone had to do it.” Zach said.

“Soooo, what is your ability?”

“Ability?”

“Yea, your ability, you come on the Academy’s behalf so you are obviously one of the Connected.”

“My ability has not yet surfaced, It must be something powerful because the Connection talked to me after I was tested. It said that I needed to save humanity.” Zach said with a hint of pride in his voice.

“Oh shit, You might be right.”

“Anyway, what is your ability and does it have to do with the mussel you are wearing?” Zach asked.