11 YEARS AGO

“While we wait, let's not slack off! What do the points of the star represent?”

“The Nation States that make the greatness of the Republic, sir. Will, Might, Fate, Insight, Yield, and Fortitude,” a lanky trainee in the black and red of Might rapid-fired at the question.

There were four trainees along with their instructor standing on the street right in front of the weapons testing facility where Uncle worked. While it was not uncommon to see Might soldiers patrolling the streets, it was rare to have still-in-training ones outside of Might’s district.

The instructor moved on to the next cadet. “That’s only six! What’s the seventh point?”

“The final point of the star is in remembrance of those lost before, sir!”

I snorted at the answer and leaned against the wall opposite them to continue watching. Perhaps it was because I’d entered my rebellious years but being a teenager had made me view much of Republic history as nothing but loaded propaganda - not that I would ever have said that aloud.

The trainer looked like he was about to ask another question when one of Uncle’s assistants came out to greet them. “Officer Fallen, it’s a pleasure to see you. Creator Shou is waiting for you inside. I see you have brought some fresh, young faces as well,” Assistant Tharn said with a tip-lipped smile. It was rather unorthodox to bring anyone who wasn’t designated personnel to such an important facility; a lot of secrets were kept there.

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The officer leaned forward and began a hushed conversation with Assitant Tharn, whose eyes went wide as they spoke.

I looked back over at the four teens. They were standing in height order, three boys and a girl. As I looked from one to the other, I realized that they all looked like carbon copies of each other. They all had the same sharp features, blue-black hair, and bright blue eyes.

I knew that face in its mature form; it haunted many of my dreams. These four were, no doubt, the children of Might Reydon, the man who took my parents.

For a moment, I considered if it would be possible to kill at least one of them right there on the street. Perhaps my bloodlust was palpable because the second tallest boy’s head snapped to the side and our eyes met.

I tensed, expecting something to happen, but he, uncharacteristically of everything I’d known about Might. smiled at me. It was so disarming that I couldn’t help but smile back. Then, the tallest boy nudged him in the ribs and he fell back into attention, looking straight ahead.

Assistant Tharn and the office finished speaking and Tharn ushered them inside. As the gates closed behind them, I pushed off the wall and walked over to the gate. I didn’t have any business with Uncle Shou today but I had a standing hand-to-hand defense training appointment that I was itching to get to.