That was kind of true, although it didn’t excite Bailey as much as it would have had it been under different circumstances.He thanked Nate for trying, but didn’t get out of the slump he was in.
“Hey, in all seriousness, once Zane actually starts applying himself, you’ll be back to a normal life in no time,” Nate added.
“What makes you say that?”Bailey asked, since Nate didn’t seem that fond of Zane and that almost sounded like a compliment.
“Chris told you about Raiffel Academy, right?”
“A bit.”
“Natalia and I were there with Zane,” Nate admitted.His somewhat cheerful demeanor dissipated.“Battle simulations are a great way to learn your abilities.When you’re backed into a corner, your powers amplify tenfold just like normal people do.The adrenaline, y’know.Zane was powerful even when he wasn’t scared, even when he had nothing to lose, so imagine just how strong he’ll be when he finally has something to lose.”
Nate glanced at Bailey from the corner of his eye, taking in the wide-eyed expression the boy wore.His heart may have skipped a beat, but it was a mixture of flattery and sorrow.The idea that Zane felt forced to do something he didn’t want to do made Bailey sick.However, knowing Zane will go through it to protect them both was equally heartwarming.
Nate mentioned battle simulations, though, implying that they went through such treatment at the academy.Not to mention Chris claimed they had a rivalry and went up against each other a lot.Did he mean that happened at Raiffel Academy?
“Did you ever have to fight against Zane?”Bailey inquired.He hoped to learn the truth about Zane from him, but Bailey felt some questions he could ask others, the ones that were a little less personal.
Nate scowled.“Yeah.”
“Did you beat him?”
No answer.
“You never beat him, did you?”Bailey smiled at the glare Nate sent him from the corner of his eye.“What about Natalia?”
Bailey was shocked when Nate remained silent yet again.When Bailey asked if they had fought Zane together, he still got that annoyed response.If that were true, it meant at one point Zane was strong enough to go up against two Level 9 mutants and win.That was proof he had to be Level 10.There was no doubt about it, which meant Zane really was what Chris said; a unique case.
“Are Zane’s side effects so bad due to a powerful mutation that he doesn’t regularly handle?I know mutants must practice, but I’ve never seen anyone suffer as badly as him.”
“Yes, the higher the level, the more work it is to maintain ourselves.Zane has been out of practice for too long.His body hasn’t caught up.”
“After training then, these side effects won’t continue?”
“Nope.”Nate clicked his tongue.He’ll be as annoying as ever.”
“You say that, yet I feel you really like Zane.”
“He was my idol once.”
Nate’s honesty shocked him.He wasn’t sure if it was because they were alone or perhaps Nate felt bad for him.However, the guy revealed more secrets about his, and Zane’s past.
“Raiffel Academy was tough on all of us, but more so for Zane.Regardless of that, he stood up to those rotten bastards, even stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.He was the big brother I always wanted.It sounds lame, but he was cool.”Nate smiled, though that smile melted away with his next words.“But people change, and though I know I’m an asshole for holding a grudge against him, it bugs the shit out of me when I look at him and see the amazing person he refuses to show.”
Nate gripped the wheel a little tighter.His jaw clenched, although his words didn’t sound angered.They were somewhere between disappointed, but also understanding.“He has no obligation to anyone to be a hero, but it’s hard to see what he has become.I’m rambling though.Sorry, probably just confused you more.”
Bailey shook his head, giving Nate a reassuring smile.“No, I’m flattered that you told me all that.I don’t know the whole story, but, if I may make a suggestion?”
Nate hummed to show he was listening, but Bailey wasn’t sure if Nate would like what he had to say.He wasn’t that surprised to see the scowl on the man’s face when he said, “You should tell Zane that.All of it.”
“You think I haven’t?”
Bailey was shocked by Nate for a second time.He stared wide-eyed at the man who so easily explained, “I’ve told him.Natalia has told him.Chris has told him.It doesn’t matter what we say, he has made up his mind, but,” Nate winked.“I think someone may make him change his mind.”
“What?Me?No, no, I mean...”Bailey sputtered his words out so quickly even he didn’t understand himself.He wished he could say he believed Nate, but it felt like Zane was getting farther away by the second.How he was acting at the hospital.Perhaps Zane regretted ever knowing him.
“You’re looking glum again,” Nate pointed out when pulling into the school parking lot.
“Don’t you feel like Zane regrets meeting me?He wouldn’t be in as big of a mess.”
