Forever Hold My Heart

3 weeks later

I decided to stick to my original 4 and found 3 more. I was now standing in front of my team; Mason, Bryson, Oliver, Derrick, Tyler, Jeremiah, and Hunter. Mason’s strength was his ability to talk to his bird Emma. He had managed to gather a flock, that Emma leads for him, so that way he only needs to talk to Emma. His weakness was he was still new and needed work on a lot of his skills.
Bryson’s strength was he always tried no matter what and he had more patience than everyone at camp combined. He was good at helping others. His weakness was he could kind of be a bit of a pushover.
Oliver’s strength was he would always fall through with his promises. If he set a goal he would achieve it. He was also very realistic and was good when it came to planning. Unlike Bryson he didn’t have much patience, I think it had to do with the fact that he wasn’t afraid to share his emotions.
Derrick’s strength was he was a very optimistic around others, he encouraged people and always knew the right things to say. He was always cracking a joke here and there. His weakness was he was wasn’t very good when it came to his studies. He was also very hard on himself. I found him twice sulking because he was disappointed with himself but the minute he realized I was there then he would become a ball of positive energy.
Tyler’s strength was he stood for what he believed in and always made a good argument. He also had really good reactions and making last minute decisions. His weakness was that he was stubborn as hell, he often got into arguments with his teachers and fellow students.
Jeremiah’s strength was close-up combat, when he fought it didn’t even look like he had to think about his next move. He was good at distracting people, but he would even distract his peers from getting to work. His other weakness was that he wasn’t good at aiming for targets from afar.
Last but not least was Hunter. His strength was being good at using almost every weapon he got his hands on. He would get this look in his eye, I almost expected him to shout with joy every time they would practice with weapons. His flaw was he didn’t care much for others, he had no compassion or sympathy. He was also lazy and a huge procrastinator. I always caught him doing his homework as the teacher was collecting it.
They just stood by each other side by side. It was 3 am and I was ready to get them started. Mason looked tired he still wasn’t use to this schedule.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Katelyn. Learn it, remember it, but keep it out of your mouth. I want you to get a good look at each other.” I said and they glanced at each other. “From now on you guys will be a team, my team. I have less than 3 months to get you guys in top shape. All of you guys will be going against the best team from camp.”
“How is that even possible,” Tyler started and so it begins. “Save all of your comments, questions, and concerns; for the end.”
Tyler rolled his eyes and nodded.
“I will push you to your limits, if anyone of you argues too much, all of you will pay the consequences. If one of you fails to do an assignment then none of you guys will receive credit. If anybody lacks compassion or sympathy for their teammates then I won’t have any compassion for you. If you’re a pushover, you better bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to push you until you push back. You’re more than just a team, you guys are supposed to be family. You guys have the potential to balance each other flaws.” I said and they just stood there.
“Any questions?” I asked and Tyler raised his hand. I smiled on the inside, was he still going to test me even after my speech. I nodded towards his direction.
“What if we don’t want to be on this team,” Tyler said, I was not expecting that.
“I’ll make a deal with you guys, if in a month you still don’t want to be on this team then you can leave. I understand if you can’t take a challenge.” I said
“Hey nobody said anything about not being able to take a challenge,” Tyler said and I raised my hand but he continued to talk. “You don’t know who you’re talking too.”
“Alright so anyways,” I started
“You can’t just ignore me,” Tyler said.
“We’re going for a run,” I said and Tyler still kept talking.
“Will you shut up already,” Oliver said
“Oh hell no,” Tyler said and it looked like they were about to start fighting. I pulled out my gun and shot it in the air. They just stared at me.
“Not another word or it won’t be the air I’m shooting,” I said
“When do we get guns?” Hunter asked.
“No more questions, comments or concerns,” I said and kneeled down to make sure my shoes were properly tied. “Are you guys in comfortable workout clothes.” I asked they all replied with a yeah.
“Positive,” I said and a wind came by I got the chills, after all I was in my more common workout clothes which usually consisted of a sports bra and knee length leggings. “Alright, its not just about yourselves anymore. I am going to take you guys through a course and you all have to finish at the same time.”
“How is that possible!” Tyler started
“Are you guys ready? The finish line is the once you pass the gate.” I said.
“What happens if we don’t all finish at the same time.” Oliver asked
“You’ll see,” I said, I put the safety lock on my gun and put it back in its holster. “Let’s go.”
I started jogging and they followed close behind. I opened the gate and they all hesitated. I was able to bend a lot of the rules with the board. I actually felt like I was already a board member which made me sick. I kind of wanted to be a board member but at the same time I didn’t want to be shut out from the rest of the world. I went on a full sprint, I had a whole map marked out, Travis would be keeping a watch from a distance. He even said he might make things interesting but I told him to save that for next time. I smiled at the thought.
My birthday had passed, I actually forgot about it until my phone notified me. Just like Travis had said birthdays weren’t seen as a big thing. I could understand because I was to busy anyways. I was now 19 years old. I haven’t talked to Gavin at all. He hasn’t even bothered to call or text me. I think it was for the best. I think it really sucked that Blake, Damien, Adam, and Landon were at that house. I would love to visit them but at the same time, I didn’t want any drama. Aside from that I had other things to worry about. I looked back the guys were running in a line. Oliver was in the front, I couldn’t quite see who was behind him. I just rolled my eyes and continued on.

About two hours and a half of running around the town Mason had fallen back pretty far. I was concerned about him. I was pushing myself as enough, I was waiting for one of his teammates to get him but they just ignored him. Not even Bryson looked concerned.

Ten minutes later and Mason collapsed. No one stopped not even me, I gave Travis the signal to get Mason. They had failed this trial, I mustered all of my energy and just full on sprinted back to camp. I took the shortest way I could but it still felt like an eternity. I would occasionally look back there was a visible gap between each of them.

We were just about to reach the gate and with the last of my energy I jumped over the fence. I hunched over, that was pretty intense. The others just came one by one, they all just laid on the floor. They weren’t even close to finishing together. They were missing the concept it was not how fast they finished as long as they finished together.
“You guys failed.” I said in between breaths
“How is that fair,” Tyler said he was breathing so hard.
“Where’s Mason?” I asked them and they all lifted their heads to look around, “Exactly not only did you not finish together you ignored a teammate in need. Now go shower, hydrate, and rest. Meet me back here in two hours, now get out of my face.”
They slowly got up and walked over to the buildings. I made sure they were out of sight and I dropped to the floor and tried to even my breathing. It was hard acting like I had more endurance than them when my body was screaming at me the whole time. I lifted my head when I heard footsteps, it was Travis
“Mason is okay,” Travis said and I gave him a lazy thumbs up.
“Couldn’t handle your own work out,” Travis said sitting down next to me.
“It has nothing to do,” I paused and took a deep breath, “with working out.”
“Then what does it have to do with,” Travis asked
“Working together.” I said trying to keep my replies as short as possible. Travis nodded then shook his head.
“How?” He asked. “With time, teams just learn how to work together and get along.”
“The point of the of the exercise is not how fast they finish but finishing together.” I sat up, “And I don’t have time anymore.”
“I guess I can see where you’re coming from.” Travis said and I put my hand on his shoulder, and put my weight on him as I got up, “I’m glad to have helped.”
“I’m going to sleep forget the shower,” I said as I walked slowly to the room. Yet again I wasn’t really sure if I was doing the right thing.

2 hours later.
I was waiting for the guys as I was munching on my fruit salad. I had just woken up 15 minutes ago completely refreshed, well physically. Oliver was the first one to show up, which didn’t surprise me at all. I watched as Bryson and Mason made their way over as well.
I waved Bryson over.
“What’s your favorite activity?” I asked him
“Swimming,” He said and I waved him back.
Everybody had showed up except for Hunter. When I was finished I put my bowl down .
“No Hunter?” I asked and they shook their heads. They looked pretty tired, and I didn’t blame them. “I guess that’s too bad we were going to be experimenting with weapons.”
“Here he comes,” Oliver said and I watched Hunter running.
“I slept in,” Hunter said as he took his place next to Derrick. I just sat there and looked at them.
“Are you just going to sit there and stare at us all day.” Oliver said and I smiled.
“I don’t know, Bryson what do you think we should do,” I said and I could tell he felt uncomfortable.
“No pressure buddy,” Derrick said with a smile, “Just tell her you want us to have a day off.”
“Even better some close combat time,” Jeremiah said
“I haven’t been to the shooting range in awhile.” Hunter added in.
“If we plan this out we can do a little bit of everything,” Oliver said
“Do you think we can fit a nap in there,” Mason said as he lightly petted Emma. I watched as Bryson thought everything over.
“Make the shot Bryson.” I said
“I guess we can do a little of everything,” Bryson said and the guys all lit up.
“Wrong answer,” I said and they just stared at me. “Sit down, in a circle.”
They did as they were told.
“So you guys don’t even realize how good of a team you could be if you just worked together.” I said with a sigh, “I’ve been trying to get you guys to understand but I’m just going to be as straightforward as possible. That way we don’t have to do these ridiculous course runs and all the other things I had in store. You guys need to, and I can’t stress this enough, work together. You guys need to work on your flaws.”
“What flaws,” Hunter said.
“Would you guys like me to tell you what you really need to work on?” I asked and they all looked at each other. “You guys have to trust each other, either that or I work you to exhaustion every single time we meet.”
“Okay, I want to hear mine,” Tyler said
“Once I start, you can’t ask me to stop,” I said and he nodded.
“Tyler you argue way to much than you need to. It’s good to stand strong for what you believe in but your arguing has cost a lot of time wasted in class and in your training. Also you’re freaking stubborn as hell, which can be okay if you know when to much is too much.” I said and he furrowed his eyebrows, he opened his mouth to say something, “That right there is exactly what I’m talking about.”
His eyes widened as he realized his actions. After Tyler then they all volunteered one by one. It was something they knew they had to work on, the only one who didn’t volunteer was Hunter.
“Knowing each other flaws can let you guys help one another.” I said looking at Hunter. I couldn’t believe I was about to do this. “Get up Hunter.”
He slowly got up.
“Do you know your biggest flaw?” I asked him
“I honestly don’t care.” He said as he shrugged his shoulder. I pulled out my gun and gave it to him. I took 15 steps away from him.
“Shoot me,” I said pointing at my leg. He didn’t even have to think about it. I tried to ignore the pain but had to clench my teeth. I limped over to him and took my gun away from him. “You don’t care about anyone else but your self, not once have you stopped to think of what others around you are feeling. Maybe this will help you learn.”
I shot him in the foot, and he hopped on his good foot.
“You just shot me!” He yelled
“I guess now you know how I feel.” I said pointing to my leg.
“You’re a crazy bitch,” He yelled and I rolled my eyes.
“The rest of you go do some team training,” I said and they all hurried off. “Come on.”
I put his arm around my neck as we walked over to the first aid office.

Once word had gotten around that I shot Hunter in the foot I got into a heap load of trouble from Mathew. Well more like lecture after lecture, I almost got my gun taken away but he knew I needed it. Hunter had left the team, I was disappointed but I would just have to deal. It had been a two weeks since Hunter left. Although there were some rough patches in the group I could see that they were improving. I was currently sitting on the grass as I watched Jeremiah give the boys tips and tricks to close combat fighting.
I looked back when I heard someone walking towards me, it was Hunter. I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to the boys. He stood next to me.
“Can I talk to you,” He asked and I patted the grass next to me.
“I want to be a part of the team again.” Hunter said. I knew I needed him but I wasn’t going to take him back if he wasn’t going to be willing to actually put effort into changing for the better.
“Why?” I asked
“I realized you were right,” He said and I looked at him, he was pulling on the grass. “After I left I tried to talk to my other team about what a crazy bitch you were.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“But nobody cared enough to listen. I realized that they didn’t care because I never did.” Hunter said
“So how did that change your mind to come back?” I asked
“Everybody knows I’m arrogant and selfish, but nobody has ever confronted me about it. I think you’re one of the first to challenge me to change.” Hunter said and I nodded. “So will you please give me a second chance.”
I looked over at the guys they were getting along pretty well.
“Yeah,” I said and he tried to give me a hug but it just turned into him awkwardly patting the back of my neck. “Just go.”
He nodded and he went over to the guys. My phone started ringing.
“Hello?” I answered
“So the board has decided instead of a masquerade, if the guys win, then we’ll just take them to each house at a time.” Clarence said
“Whoa, hold it right there,” I said, “Nobody ever said trying to bond them.”
“I mean its kind of how things work.” Clarence said
“No, they work perfect together,” I said
“Would you like me to request keeping them away from every Royal,” Clarence asked
“No, instead of trying to find their royal, let’s just leave it as it is. If they happen to bond when they are at a Royals house then fine, but I don’t want to go through every Royal.” I said
“You’re so demanding,” Clarence groaned. “By the way the board wants the fight to be moved closer, so you have 4 weeks to have your team ready.”
“Oh how lovely,” I said with sarcasm.
“I’ll call you back to tell you what the board says about your ‘idea’,” Clarence said
“Okay bye,” I hung up and just laid back down. I took that opportunity to order uniforms for the guys. If we were going to be a team we had to roll in style. I looked up several places, the shortest amount of time I could have them was in 3 weeks. I would have to go talk to Travis, he was usually easier to get on board with my ideas.
Only 4 weeks of more training... I think my team had a really good chance. I wonder if I was allowed to participate. I brushed the thought off my mind, that would be like saying I don’t think they could do it without me. I got up and stretched, I walked over to the guys because an even amount of numbers I had to fill in.

I had to convince the guys to take a break, lately they weren’t even taking lounge time. I told them that resting was good for their bodies. I made sure that they at least spent the last hour of lounge time in the lounge.
I stayed at the front and just looked around.
“Surprise, surprise.” Marcus said sitting down next to me.
“Hey there,” I said
“Decided to give your team a break?” Marcus asked
“More like I finally convinced them.” I said
“They’re looking good,” Marcus said
“They better be,” I said and he chuckled.
“I was talking to Mathew and he said that even if your team doesn’t make win that he’s going to keep them together,” Marcus said
“That’s cool but there is no if, I have faith in them.” I said
“That’s all you can do is have faith and of course give good guidance.” Marcus said and I watched as Mason quickly got up and ran outside. His team mates got up and followed him.
“Man, I just barely convinced them to give it a rest,” I said getting up. “You’re good at giving speeches.”
“I’m right behind you,” Marcus said
When we exited the building, I pulled out my gun.
“That’s a bear.” Marcus said
“No I thought it was a whale just chilling by the gate,” I said and we ran over. The boys were gathered around the bear. “Get back!”
As I got closer I noticed Mason was on top of the bear.
“Katelyn meet Mason’s new friend.” Oliver said and I slowly put my gun away.
“I never saw this coming,” Marcus said
“Emma found him so that I could use him during team testing.” Mason.
“Oh no!” Marcus said, “He’s too dangerous and aside from that the bear could get really hurt. He doesn’t heal like we do, so whatever attack is inflicted on him is going to have an impact on him.”
“Katelyn?” Mason said. It was like it didn’t matter what Marcus said. My word was what matter.
“I’m afraid he’s right, the bear could even die,” I said and Mason nodded.
“Alright then,” Mason said as he jumped off.
“You could always use him later,” I said and he nodded. “Once you let him back out you guys go back to the lounge.”
As we walked away Marcus just started laughing.
“What?” I asked
“Mathew just makes me laugh,” He said
“Always out of the loop,” I said
“It’s nothing,” Marcus said
“Sure.” I said
“Well I’m heading back to the lounge.” Marcus said
“Alright call me if my boys don’t show up.” I said and he just shook his head.
“Okay Warden.” Marcus said and I waved him off.
I walked over to my room. I could really use a swim, that seemed to help me clear my thoughts lately. When I entered the room, I saw Travis sitting on my bed he was coughing. I stopped and watched as he injected himself with something. He started to put everything away.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as I walked over.
“Yeah I just went to the doctor today,” Travis said
“And?” I asked
“Well he said the poison that was in me has increased up to 16% percent.” Travis said and I just looked at him.
“You’re dying?” I asked panic clear in my voice
“No, they’re just going to give me anitbiotics. Also it’s not even spreading fast at all, so I’ll survive.” Travis said and I let out a sigh of relief.
“Well its good thing that they’re stopping it now.” I said and Travis smiled.
“Would you miss me?” Travis asked
“What kind of question is that? Would you miss me if I died?” I asked
“Of course I would, you were my student after all,” He said
“Oh already bragging that I’m your student.” I said
“Hey I have every right,” Travis said and he started coughing again. I was concerned
for him what if he was lying to me just so that I wouldn’t worry. “I’m fine Katelyn.”
“You better not be lying,” I said
“I wouldn’t do that to you,” He said and we just sat there. I grabbed his arm he had really small black lines scattered, I traced my finger over them. “The doctor says that they should go away with time after the poisons gone.”
“Are they all over your body?” I asked and he stood up and took off his shirt. He sat back down and pointed to the back of his shoulder.
“The doctor said that there's more where the bullet actually hit me but it's mostly there and on my right arm,” Travis said and I got closer.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” I said
“Well it is what it is,” Travis said and I could see some of it going towards his neck.
“Hey this is kind of off topic but remember when I asked you about Mathew’s scar?” I asked as I traced his scar, “How did you get yours?”
“I got it because I didn’t listen.” Travis said he put his shirt back on.
“What do you mean?” I asked
“Well basically Mathew’s team went after your dad. I was told to stay back but being the kid I was I thought I was ready to take on anyone or anything. I went into the forest, I didn’t make it far at all. A latronum cut me but the knife had a weaker version of the anti-sleep serum. I was left there, bleeding to death. I honestly thought I was done for, but after what seemed like forever the anti sleep had faded and I passed out from the amount of blood loss. When I woke up I was here again. I was one of the lucky ones who went in and actually came out to tell the tale.” He said and I just looked down at my hands.
“Sometimes I get scared I’ll turn out to be just like him,” I said and I couldn’t look at him. He softly grabbed me by my chin and made me look at him.
“Don’t ever say that, you may have some similar qualities but you are by far a better person.” Travis said and I just hugged him.
“It’s because you were by far a better teacher.” I said