Boarding pass

The shock had already more or less passed. The room was still and a clock could be heard ticking in the distance. Ace was sitting on the old, worn-down couch between Barry and Annie. He was staring at the white cube on the scratched dark wood table. 

- You mean to tell me that this thing came from me, that my blood looks like that? ... How did that happen?
- My guess is that it happened during the selection. But at what point exactly? No idea. It could be because of your drive.
- It's not like this for both of you is it?
Ace's voice trembled slightly, he felt alien.
- I'm afraid not.
Annie took a small, shiny scalpel and made a cut on her palm. A tiny stream of blood trickled from her hand to the floor. She gave Ace a wry smile.
- All of us aren't capable of taking as big of a beating as you.
She gently put the tiny, blood-covered blade on the table next to Ace's sword. Ace slowly stood up and stepped over the table.
- What does this mean? I mean, am I immortal?
He looked into her deep eyes.
- Ha, ha. Immortal? No. Far from it. Yes, you can, as we already know, soak up a lot of damage. But you can still die. If you push it too far.
She let out a short sigh and licked the wound on her palm. Looking into Ace's eyes with a cheeky smile she added.
- At least, that's what I think.

Ace shifted his weight
- Is there anyone who could know more?
- Mmmm..
Grinning, Annie slowly removed her lips from her hand.
- Yes, I think that there are two brothers, researchers, who might know more. Bookworms those two.
Ace's eyes brightened in excitement.
- Where can I find them?
- I think they own a book shop at the further end of the city. Quite lovely. They have a study on the second floor. I've spent a few nights there.
Ace shifted his stance again and after taking a breath asked.
- "Spent a few nights there"?
- Uhh, yeah. Research.
Barry had got up and walked up behind Ace. He placed his hand on Ace's shoulder.
- Maybe we should get moving? Don't you want to figure out what this means for you?
Annie moved herself closer to the table and reached for the Ace's blade.
- Let me infuse this..
She slid her fingers along the long weapon, leaving a blue radiance around it. Then she placed her slender finger on the white block of solution and with a flick of her fingers made them collide. The light was so bright it made Ace cringe. When he was finally able to look at it it was white. Annie had merged both objects making Ace's sword turn into solution.
- Try reaching for it and thinking of holding it real hard.
She smiled at Ace. Ace put his hand forward and stretched his fingers towards it. Nothing happened. Ace just stood there cringing and making faces. He let his arms fall to his sides and let out a deep breath.
- Screw this.
And with those words the blade lashed towards Ace like the tentacles of an octopus, wrapping around his fingers and finally forming itself back in his palm. Everyone stood with open mouths.
- W..w.. Wow. That's amazing!
Ace slashed at air, getting a feel for the upgraded weapon.
- What else can it do?
Annie put a finger to her lips and thought for a bit.
- You might be able to store it in yourself..
-WHAT?!
Ace's shout filled the room and made Annie fall back in her seat.
- W..well I think that would be possible..
- Would the brothers know more?
- Possibly. You can ask then when you're there.
Ace turned to Barry.
- We must go. Now.
Annie looked at them both and added nonchalantly.
- You'll be taking the train into town.