Black River

[Raven]

"California," Kenny said. "War started when I was about your age. It's down here, watch your step." There was a sloped ladder leading down past a trap door into the floor, which Kenny led the way down.

[Gifted]

"Alright, I'll be careful." He nodded. "That must have been crazy. I've never really thought about what it must have been like before the war, even though I guess it really wasn't that long ago."

[Raven]

"There was a bit of tension, but it was a lot like just being normal," Kenny said. "Hopefully you'll get to feel that here."

[Gifted]

"That would be amazing." Rick agreed.

[Raven]

"When did your power develop?" Kenny asked.

[Gifted]

"I don't really know." Rick admitted. "We had no idea I had it until I got caught in a fight between a gifted and an agent for the first time. The gifted should have killed me, but the attack just vanished when it hit. I didn't even feel it."

[Raven]

"Good thing you had it then," Kenny said. "This is one of our kitchens, we have a fair few home ec classes in here, teaching kids how to cook and mend clothing to survive on their own." He entered the room which had several kitchen units, though not nearly as cleanly put together as in most high schools.

[Gifted]

"Tat's smart." Rick nodded. "Living out in that forest was no picnic."

[Raven]

"The class also covers how to make fires, but that's usually done in the combat room," Kenny said. "Of course, some of our students have natural advantages in that section of the class." He smiled and exited the kitchen into a large room with lots of tables, which was clearly a cafeteria. "How long ago did you leave home?"

[Gifted]

"Coming up on six months now." He admitted. "I generally broke into back gardens and sheds to find shelter until, well I got caught." He admitted. "Got lucky I was found by the right people."

[Raven]

"Everyone is," Kenny said. "There were a lot more gifteds running around distracting people at the start, and the government weren't really sure what they were doing. These days, six months is pretty impressive for kids. This hall is where most of the lecture-based classes are held."

[Gifted]

Rick nodded. "So what made you want to start a school?" Rick asked. "Isn't it dangerous to have so many people who can't fight well in one place?"

[Raven]

Kenny paused in walking and looked at Rick, "Well, I was thirteen when I started running. Even before that, I always had to learn things the hard way. It was rough, and I wanted to give kids a chance to be kids. It can be dangerous, but the older students and the teachers are experienced enough to help protect the younger children in the event we're discovered. We have several protocols in the event of a breach. You'll be run through what you should do if one happens today and tomorrow, and the teachers will quiz kids on it regularly... There's nothing more dangerous for most of these kids than being on their own."

[Gifted]

Rick nodded. His eyes shone with something like awe as he looked into the older man's face. "I think it's really cool what you're doing here, man. Most people these days only seem to look out for themselves. It's incredible to see people doing something different."

[Raven]

"Thank you," Kenny said, smiling. "It's much easier for people to help one another if they feel safe themselves." He pushed open the first of the classroom doors. "This is Miss Thompson's classroom. She teaches science and math." There were long tables with several chairs on each, and some cupboards at the end held text books and a small stash of supplies.