“…and you will always be informed when a team is needed. Next! Will Stone, Emily Austin, Fiona Nexus, Andy Skylar, Inoke Banks, Ellis Greyson, and Sean Roth; auditioning as a team.”

15-year-old Suzanna Mortmain, commonly known as Zanna, watched her friends enter the audition room and followed excitedly. It was every child’s dream to join the Magiforce- the police of people with supernatural powers; anyone over 13 could join and finish their education while in the force. About 5 of the world’s population had powers of varying degrees, so Zanna knew how lucky she was to know seven such empowered people. She herself could levitate a few inches above the ground, but it was nothing special. Or so she thought.

There were two parts to a team audition (solo’s only had one): individual demonstrations and teamwork. For the first part, Will caused the candles in the room to flare hugely, Emily caused small waves of water to spread on the floor, Fiona used her earth moving abilities (which caused some distress to inhabitants of the room) and Andy created a small but refreshing breeze in the room. The examiner, an elderly woman with white hair, seemed impressed. However, when Inoke created a slide from ice and slid down it, she started to frown. Sean caused the lights to flicker with electrical jolts, with a similar reaction from her. And when Ellis shrouded the room in a heavy black mist, she could be heard to sigh heavily.

“Will, Andy, Emily and Fiona, your auditions went excellently. You shall continue to the next stage. However…” she turned to the other three “I cannot see what makes your powers elemental powers, and I certainly cannot see you being accepted into any team here at Magiforce. Goodbye.”

The three left the room, and Zanna followed. Ellis was balling her fists, Inoke’s face would probably combat his powers and Sean… well, the lights were still flickering.

These three had been the most enthusiastic about the audition; although Emily and Will were the unofficial leader’s, they had been the true heart of the group-and now they were being rejected.

“What was that woman on? You guys were brilliant!” Zanna said, trying to comfort her friends (and prevent the lights from sparking over their heads). They didn’t respond. Sean, Inoke and Ellis sat down heavily, and for the next ten minutes there was an awkward silence, during which a thick black haze descended on the room, courtesy of Ellis’s darkening abilities. Then, the other four exited the room, looking delighted. Will began to bluster excitedly.

“Hey, we’re a grade D team now! The term will start in a month so we’ll go to normal school until then and we’ll get our uniforms in the mail-”

“Spare us the excitement,” interrupted Ellis. “I dunno about you guys, but I’m going home. And…” she added, glaring at Will, Emily, Fiona and Andy “I don’t want to speak to you four as long as you belong to this corrupt organization.” Inoke and Sean nodded, and the three left the room.

Zanna looked round apprehensively. Then, Fiona shrugged in disbelief and led them out. They walked onto the train that would take them home.

They lived in a world in which the magic minority had a natural advantage; wars were generally fought using magic, so the non-magical people simply left them to it. However, the people with magic sometimes abused this privilege as well, and Zanna often wondered if there would be consequences before long…

OK, so what did you think? Suggestions in reviews are welcome; flames not so much. Thanks for reading!