Iridescent

2 | Our New Troop

The light escaped through the gaps between the leaves, and I felt the breeze caress my cheeks in subtle comfort. I wasn't feeling too happy, because as much as I wanted to be strong, I'm still human, and my insecurities are the beasts that gnaw me inside out. 

I lost humiliating against Lambert. He was right – I was a weakling compared to everyone here. We all had the same level of skills and being at this school meant we were just competing with who was more unique. Otherwise, we will become the forgotten. 

I don't want to be ignored. I just want to belong somewhere and know that... I can do this. 

Great start to a school year, right? It was my first time away from my parents – my fight against them on my so-called independence – and yet on the first-day I already made a scene. 

I made my way into the troop area and I felt my heart swelling at the sight. The trees that lined the path gave us a nice shade, but the light still dimly lit through. There were stalls set up by different troops, and troop members were waving pamphlets in the air. 

Someone shoved hard past me as they ran to a popular stall to sign up. I crossed my arms. Was it just me, or did people get ruder as they got more education? 

I tiptoed, stretching my neck to peer over multiple heads in front of me, except a tall boy walked into my view and blocked my way. 

I sighed. I internally regret for sleeping past midnight during my growth peak. 

I walked to the side, with the intention to avoid as much people as possible. The different caves lead to different troops, and I eyed a troop flag that snapped straight in the sudden gush of wind. Papers fluttered, the crowd were gasping and unsettled by the wind, but I was calm, my eyes on the golden swan that flew elegantly against an ocean blue background.

A boy sat at the troop sign-up table, and he leaned forward, his words edged with a strange tone. He waved as me as though I couldn't see. "Uh, hello? Can I help you?"

I managed a smile. "Oh, I'm just looking."

"Well, okay." He shrugged and sat back. 

Don't think I want to join that one. 

I slipped back into the crowd, shuffling along to a troop with a fantail on their purple flag. My eyes met a girl's, her gaze hard and bold. She sat with her elbow leaned on the table. 

"Can I sign up?" I said, almost shoved forwards by the people crowding behind me. These people gotta chill. 

The girl's eyes wandered over me with a glazed look. She slanted a perfunctory smile. "Sorry, we're out of places." 

I muttered a thanks, my smile faltering as I let the others push past me. If she was out of places, why would everyone rush forwards? What a straight-out liar! 

Definitely not my kind of team. 

I moved against the currents and I was back on search. I took one look at the fantail, my shoulders slumping as I shuffled away.

I padded past a stream, coming close to the end of the line of stalls. It was less busy here, but people were still eager. As for me, my eyes landed on a scarlet flag. It swayed gently in the breeze, sagged towards gravity. It was difficult to spot the troop symbol. 

I walked closer, brows furrowed. A hawk. A winged-hawk that refuses to fly. 

I looked over my shoulder at the others and back at the cave. There were no troop stalls and there was no one outside promoting their troop.