The Slate Of Vale

"I know mom". He muttered under his breath.

Annabel in bright blue dress, picked up the blanket where it lay and toss it at her son.

Reluctantly, Jeff sat up yawning; he sat on the cream colored bed with his two feet resting on the polished wooden floor.

"Good morning mom". He greeted, rubbing his eyes but no longer dizzy.

"A beautiful morning it is, don't you think?" she asked.

Jeff only grumbled a reply as his mother walked and stood over the open window, staring out into the city.

The Heroes' tower was miles away, but from this point one could see its spiral tower as though it were only an arm stretched.

"Get dress, today is your day". More wrinkles appeared on Annabel's aging face as she smiled at her son amiably.

"Sure you want me to declare the winner when the race has not even started; I won't argue with you mom, not this time.

Jeff stood up and busied himself with making the bed. This brought fresh smiles to Annabel's face, who watched him from the corner of her eye.

"You are finally learning what it takes to be a Gray born, your father would have been proud" Annabel said

Jeff chuckled. "What has my birth lineage got to do with my manners, I don't even have powers like the others"

"Everything my son, they think we are the weakest but without us they would all die. We the Gray feed the nation through our hard work, and hard work starts with good manners."

Jeff burst into hot laughter.

"You are funny mom, very funny, but also right. At least we got the speed like everyone else"

"That's why I need you to go out there and prove to them that we are the fastest in the history of Anadan." Annabel added

"When there are the Reds?" Jeff asked "I doubt, and talking about history, no Gray has ever made it to the fast five... " His mother cut in.

"...And I know you would, I believe in you."

Jeff paused for a moment then stood as his mother turns to face him. He saw hopeful eyes saying that they trust him, that he can do it, yet he had doubts swerving around him like vipers.

"I will mum; I'll give it my best shot." He managed to say. His mum smiled as if that was the perfect answer she had expected.

"I know you will. Matt is downstairs should I tell him to come meet you?"

"I don't think you should, I will be downstairs in a jiffy." Jeff said smoothly. His mother nodded in agreement and strode towards the exit.