Chapter 12

Another week went by, as did another.

The nobles remained stubborn.

As did Micah.

He kept busy avoiding Josiah and concentrating intensely on his schoolwork. He also read up on modern technology in his free time and made a few more feeble attempts to get to know his teammates. All of them, with the exception of Keegan and Aiden, continued to ignore his efforts at unification. Edlen, and his three loyal aristocrats, remained elusive.

If the other boy's mission was to avoid breathing the same air as Micah, he'd excelled beautifully these past four weeks.

Despite his exasperation, Micah was reluctantly impressed. Who knew someone could be so immature and childish to the point of skillful and impressive elusion? The boy and his trio of Unda cadets ate at different times, showered at different times, and stayed up late to study in living quarters belonging to their peers.

Then again, Micah was doing the same thing with Josiah, wasn't he? Avoiding him out of some foolish sentiments of jealousy and petulance, all because the man scouted and spent time with potential followers when he could be giving Micah lessons.

Nonetheless, the situation between Josiah and Micah was entirely different from Kai and the team. Josiah was not seeking him out. As Chairman of the Academy and King of the Igni people, the man did not eat meals with the cadets. He did not teach. He did not loiter around the corridors or attend classes. He did not practice combative exercises with all the first-years.

In fact, Josiah probably wasn't even aware of Micah's stubborn avoidance.

In which case, Micah felt silly.

Granted Josiah warned him in the beginning that they would need distance. No one could know about their familiarity with the other. Yet, Micah felt a pull towards the other man, an insistence to be close. To interact. He despised the feeling immensely and wondered if it had to do with his status as Josiah's Chosen, a topic he remained entirely clueless over.

Then he thought of Sachiel's comment the other night at the academy garden. Everyone within Josiah's proximity experienced the overwhelming need to be closer to the man and immerse himself or herself within the manipulative web he spun. To think Micah was just like them made him furious. He was not a commoner who salivated over the presence of someone more powerful. He was not, nor would he ever, be such a simpleton.

Aside from his peculiar desire to see the man, Josiah also mentioned he would give Micah lessons. Yet, both Sachiel and Josiah hadn't approached Micah about training. In fact, he hadn't even seen or heard from Sachiel since that night outside the academy.

It was all very strange.

Had he somehow turned Sachiel away with his moment of seductive defiance? He hadn't thought so. He'd sensed the man's palpable excitement during their interaction. Sachiel appeared rather prevailing and untouchable with his political mask and infamous dueling skills, yet something told Micah the man would enjoy succumbing.

Succumbing to someone he thought worthy enough. Beautiful enough.

Perhaps Micah wasn't at that point just yet and Sachiel thought him too bold.

"I mean… why did he decide to combine our teams together if he doesn't want anything to do with us?" Keegan muttered.

Micah looked over his textbook. Keegan and Aiden were sitting together at the only table in their room, hunched over their abandoned coursework. Just down the way, Talia sat on the highest bed bunk with her back turned toward the door and her teammates. A book propped at her elbow, but Micah knew she hadn't turned a page in quite some time.

Like Micah, she usually kept to herself.

After several attempts to unify the team, Micah shut down, unable to find a lick of concern if they got along or not. Keegan and Aiden got along famously, as Micah imagined they would, simply because Keegan was able to get along with just about anyone. Micah even witnessed the other man interacting with other cadets in the corridors, jumping from student to student, engaging them with starry-eyed and enthusiastic conversation.

Keegan was a people-person.

He tried to lure a reluctant Micah along with him and introduce him to others, which Micah tolerated, only because it was Keegan. One of the fortunate things to come from Keegan's forced conversations was getting to know more of the cadets at the academy.

Micah soon realized many of them were decent people, at least the cadets that were not highbrow aristocracy.

"He didn't want competition, that's why," Aiden responded automatically with an air of someone who thought they knew everything. "He knew Micah would always pose as a threat, so he decided to combine our teams together."

Both Keegan and Aiden looked over at Micah, though he stubbornly kept his attention on his book. It was a reasonable deduction, he supposed. If he hadn't already known Sachiel said something to Kai, Aiden's theory might have held some weight.

"At any rate, Kai's reputation is failing miserably." Aiden turned back around and fiddled with his parchments. The boy always got excited over gossip. "It's why he's trying to avoid us. He thinks it will create some distance and reestablish his standing. Nereus isn't too happy with him, but he has a strong team, so what does he have to complain about?"

"We have a strong team," Keegan countered.

Micah couldn't help himself. He chuckled darkly.

"That's not creepy at all," Keegan admonished. "What's so funny, Micah?"

Across the room, Talia glanced over her shoulder.

Micah set down his book, forgoing the in-depth history behind electric lighting and the camera. He wasn't particularly interested in the technology, anyway, just as long as he knew what the objects were called and the general idea of how they functioned. A camera, though. How very interesting! A major improvement from oil paintings.

"We have strong individuals clumped together with varying degrees of skill," Micah corrected. He stood up from his bed. "We have no team. We have no sort of connection. None. We wouldn't last a day together out in real battle."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the door to their quarters opened abruptly.

Kai Edlen walked inside, followed by his three 'chosen' members. Edlen's expression, while properly schooled, held a hint of uncertainty. The reason behind said uncertainty was none other than Instructor Candace and Instructor Wilkinson following the cadets into their rooms. At their presence, Talia, Keegan, and Aiden all scrambled up and stood at attention.

Across the room, Viktor lunged to shut the lid of his trunk. Unfortunately, several pieces of rumpled clothing prevented the lid from closing entirely. He stood in front of it with a blameless expression.

Micah planted his feet firmly, his posture stiff with compliance.

"At ease."

Something was not right.

He could feel it in the air. He could sense Kai's doubt.

"There is a slight problem in Region 5. A village near the capital. A very minor issue that can be resolved by our resident gold team." Candace walked down the aisle between the bunk beds and cast sharp observation to each cadet. His mouth twisted sourly in distaste. "It will be your first mission."

A real mission.

From the corner of Micah's eye, Keegan stiffened, his face growing pale.

"I was under the impression we did not receive missions until we were ready, sir," Micah probed, his voice respectful but curious.

Candace rounded on Micah instantly, towering over him as he peered down his nose.

"Until you were ready?" Candace barked. "Verify your source, Cadet Egan. You're in the military! You are not a virgin preparing for your first time. You've had four weeks with your team. That is plenty of time. As you are the first-ranked team at the academy, your crew will receive their mission earlier than the rest." The Igni instructor turned his heel and made for the door. "Be sure to impress. You will be graded and evaluated. More importantly, your lives depend on working together as a team. On your way to Region 5, Instructor Wilkinson will brief you on the mission. You will leave immediately."

Micah and Kai exchanged a look, one stubborn, the other condescending.

* * * *

Instructor Wilkinson was a waif of a human being. A very pale, thin, and watery-like man.

Micah listened as the scholar briefed the nervous students about a group of rogue citizens who had taken a small sector of Region 5 captive and caused a disruption. They had weapons and they held the capital responsible for their people's 'suffering'. They wanted a response from the capital, but until then, they would keep the villagers incarcerated.

"There are five rogue operatives."

Just five, he said. Wilkinson said if there'd been more, they would not have sent a team of first-year cadets to take care of the deflectors. By 'take care of' Micah knew he was heavily insinuating execution.

No talk. No compromise.

After all, why would the academy and the capital send cadets to negotiate with rebels?

The mention of killing a group of strangers set his team further on edge.

Micah pinched the bridge of his nose, anticipating a total failure. He'd killed before, but it was a feeling that constantly plagued him. Not necessarily for the worse, as the act was justified, but it was still a sensation he would never forget. It had opened his eyes to the sheer control he held in his palm. A life was fragile. So easily crushed. His team would never be the same after this, he knew. This was no longer about fun and games, no longer about competition and who came out on top. This was real. This was reality and they were not prepared for it.

Wilkinson cautioned the risks involved, further scaring the others.

He then stood up and left the first-year cadets to mull over the situation.

Next to Micah, Keegan trembled noticeably.

"I- I don't even know how to wield a sword properly," he whispered to the group of grim-looking cadets.

"That is your captain's fault," Kai accused disdainfully. "You should have never been elected as a member of the gold team. You were a bottom-ranking cadet. Your nose should be permanently buried into a textbook as opposed to combat. The team you were meant to be on probably won't receive a mission until next term."

He then muttered something about said mission probably being escorting the elderly across the capital.

Micah offered him a cold look. For the past four weeks, they practiced sword techniques and studied combative strategy with various instructors. While Keegan had improved significantly from his first day, he was nowhere near the level of true combat.

Micah reached over and covered Keegan's knee with his hand. "I will cover you."

"Which distracts you, one of our best fighters," Kai reprimanded sharply. Though his tone immediately set their teeth on edge, he did have a rational point. "We need your focus on the radicals, Egan, not playing bodyguard to our weakest link."

Micah's attention narrowed on Kai. "Now you want to talk systematics?" he asked quietly, his tone ice-like. "I've spent the last four weeks trying to get our team unified and familiar with each other while you've been avoiding us and playing the simpering politician. Who, exactly, is the weakest link? I'd say you were a detriment to our team."

Before Kai could respond, Viktor chimed in.

"You're right, Micah," he said, looking pointedly at Micah. "My loyalty was to Kai, and while I understand the reason behind his actions these past few weeks, they were politically motivated. We should have considered all sides of the situation. Now we're on a train headed to our first mission and we know nothing about each other."

Out of all the students Kai selected to be a part of his team, Micah was far more interested in getting to know Viktor. The boy constantly tried to rebuke tradition, whether it be in cutting his hair short or wearing his uniform purposefully askew. He strived to stand apart. Micah wanted to know if that desire was truly engrained on the boy's conscience, or if it was a juvenile act of defiance against a relative in his life.

Cain, the bulkiest and oldest first-year cadet, grunted. "I agree."

Kai appeared positively furious. "You are ignorant to our position. All of you!"

Next to him, Wayde remained tightlipped, his displeasure obvious. Whether he was displeased with Viktor and Cain for standing up to Kai, or simply disappointed in the situation as a whole, Micah did not know. He assumed it was the latter. Wayde possessed some common sense, doubtless of his admission he would support Edlen no matter the circumstances.

The gold team remained silent after Kai's outburst, not knowing what to say or how to remedy the situation. It was too late, anyhow. They were four weeks too late. No amount of bonding over a short train ride would suffice.

They were just… too late.

Micah realized there might have been political factors involved in Kai's decision to remain distant. He understood that and acknowledged the need in such a high-class society. However, this was military academy, not political court. Kai's intentions were there, self-intentions, more like, but he fell short.

It wasn't long before the train came to a screeching halt.

Micah stared at the wall across from him, forcing himself to calm. It would be counter intuitive to let the others see his gloom and careless attitude. "Talia is an overall good warrior, as is Aiden," Micah murmured steadily. "Keegan isn't good with the sword, but he's observant. He should stay back with someone on your team and serve as a lookout in case there are more than five radicals."

His eyes fell on Wayde. The boy hadn't impressed Micah very much with his sword abilities.

In response, Wayde grimaced at him, taking insult in the prospect of staying behind.

"Not going to happen. Wayde will stay with us," Kai retorted fiercely, motioning to a grim-looking Talia. "She should stay back with your impotent cadet."

Micah took a deep, steadying breath, torn between two decisions. He could either inforce his will on the boy, certain it would work, though it would take some time. Alternatively, he could just forgo the arguments and agree to Kai's decision. Though they were one team, they were informally two teams forced to work together.

This was Kai's decision.

"Fine." Micah stood up and adjusted the sword holster across his back. "Talia or Aiden will stay with Keegan." He looked at the two. Both were impressively skilled with the sword. It didn't matter to him. "Make your decision. Quickly."

"I will," Talia consented, appearing rather dissatisfied.

He nodded his gratitude before motioning for them to stand. "Stay close. Keep an eye out on anything suspicious." Bypassing Edlen, he neared the exit to the train. "I want all of you to work together. It will be difficult, but you must kill those who oppose you. This is the capital's request. We can talk about the consequences later."

The three followed close at his heels, resembling a group of frightened pups fresh from their nesting environment.

He pursed his lips at their smothering proximity. This was also his fault. While he grew frustrated at Kai's continued evasive ways, he should have still trained exclusively with his own team. Made them stronger and more confident. The realization equally shocked and disappointed him.

He was a fool.

Such an idiot…

Pausing, he turned to look at Aiden and clapped him on the shoulder. "If you are forced to kill, can you do it? Or do I need Talia at my side?"

The boy's baby-face scrunched up and his cheeks turned red. "I can."

Micah glanced at Talia. The girl nodded sharply, her features a mask of schooled impassiveness. She would kill if the situation demanded it. Aiden, on the other hand, Micah had doubts. It would be a good test for him tonight.

"If I sense any sort of hesitancy, you will stay back with Keegan while Talia takes your place at my side." He peered into the stubborn, golden eyes of Aiden. "Do you understand this, Aiden? No protests during battle. You do exactly as I say."

Keegan caught his eye. The boy looked at him oddly, but with a spark of admiration.

"I understand, Micah," Aiden responded tightly. "I can and will do this."

He was fortunate to have a team that actually adhered to his orders, at least.

Kai threw him an unfathomable look before stopping at his side. "It appears as if Instructor Wilkinson will not accompany us," Kai observed, glancing towards the door Wilkinson disappeared through earlier in the train ride. "Neither will he give us a game plan on how to proceed."

"I believe he already did," Micah injected. "Kill all five members of the rebellion."

Kai turned and inclined his head to meet eyes with Micah. "That simple?"

"That's it," Micah confirmed dully, resisting the temptation to truly inquire after Kai's nonchalance on the mission. Killing five people was not 'that simple'. Micah had no doubt that the team was unprepared for this. "Is your team ready?"

Either Kai did not notice the mocking in Micah's inquiry, or he skillfully overlooked it.

"We're ready." He pulled on his white gloves and his three team members did the same at his back. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

Acting as if he were unfazed with the prospect of this mission, Kai opened the doors to the train and exited first.

Micah followed soon after.

Region 5 was not at all similar to Region 20 or even Region 10. While it was an outskirt region to the Concordia capital, it still possessed life, it was still close enough to the capital to indicate generosity. It was dark outside with the late hour, but Micah discerned the green grass and the small streams across the town. The train depot was on top a hill, allowing them to overlook the town below. Only a few lights shown from inside small homes and shops, the only signs of civilization.

Everything was hushed, quiet.

Their boots struck the paved road as they descended the hill and approached the heart of town. At least their steps were synchronized and uniform. Little did their enemies know that they were hardly in sync and every bit uncoordinated.

Micah gazed ahead, though he was aware of the small shops he passed.

Bakeries, clothing shops, and cafés.

Taverns, fresh produce stands, blacksmiths, and infirmaries.

Why there was a small rebellion, he could not fathom. Other regions had it worse off with poverty and famine. This region seemed to possess a flourish of food, resources, and gold. Even a very small touch of nobility. Their buildings did not crumble, their people were not homeless, and they had a variety of businesses that appeared very well off. Perhaps other villages located in Region 5, further from the capital, were worse off. However, this one seemed quaint and charming.

"Why would they rebel?" Keegan inquired with disbelief, mirroring Micah's thoughts.

"Just keep your eyes open for any surprise attacks," Edlen chastised sternly. "People always have to gripe about something and will blame the government for their troubles. It does not matter why but rather how well we eliminate the rebellion."

As soldiers, they did not question the ones in charge. Micah knew well enough that the capital eliminated rebellion activity as soon as it cropped into existence. They extinguished the flames before they could fan and grow. A smart move. Other than their intolerance of rogue activity, the capital was relatively lax with their stipulations. They allowed regions to do as they pleased and stayed out of their business. However, that was half the problem.

Their indifference towards the outskirt regions created problems.

As they neared the heart of town, Micah immediately took note of the unusual hush. Their enemies knew they were here. They would have heard the train stop, surely.

Just as the thought occurred to him, figures emerged from the building up ahead.

Micah threw out his hand, motioning for Keegan and Talia to stay back.

"A bunch of soldiers-in-training," one of the men hissed with displeasure. He and his four comrades were dressed entirely in black with tactical fabric wrapped around their heads to create a shemagh, a heavy scarf usually worn in the desert. While their mouths and noses were covered, their bronze skin and golden eyes indicated they were of Igni descent.

"Who were you expecting? King Calder himself?" Viktor inquired, amused.

Kai shot him a fierce look, immediately silencing the boy's mirth.

Micah tried to separate himself from the others and encourage them to space out and surround their enemies. Only, as he moved, they subconsciously moved with him. He had half the sense to scold them, though it would not be wise in front of their enemies.

Said enemies had swords strapped across their backs and they watched the cadets wearily.

"The capital insults us by sending cadets."

Instructor Wilkinson said no negotiations. He said to take care of them.

Keeping silent, Micah cast a look around the town, noticing a few faces peering out of their windows. They did not seem distressed like normal hostages would appear, but rather curious and eager.

"You see?" one of the rebels inquired loudly, speaking as if he had an audience.

Maybe he did. As if drawn by the man's voice, more faces pressed up against the windows of neighboring shops and studios. Micah had a very discerning feeling about the situation. His hands clenched at his sides, ready to draw his sword.

This was not a test by the military.

He'd known that before, but a part of him had wondered if this were simply an assessment put on by Instructor Candace to evaluate their strengths and their weaknesses. But no. This was real. He could sense the group's antagonistic emotions and their frustration. He could see the village, as a whole, stirring with anticipation at what was to come.

"No type of negotiation, no sort of compromise!" the man continued. "They send their trainees to do the dirty work, hoping for a quick elimination."

Micah took a deep breath. "Edlen."

"I sense it," the boy murmured quietly. "Retreat?"

"Micah, look out!" Keegan yelled.

Micah withdrew his sword quickly but turned too late. He thrust out a hand, desperation licking at him in hopes of somehow fending off the man. Fortunately, Kai's sword swung in front of him and blocked the attack coming at his back. The attacker, a sixth and unaccounted for opponent, stumbled backwards, flames suddenly engulfing him unexpectedly.

He screamed piercingly and dropped to the ground, trying to set himself out.

Not having much time to consider the inexplicable outcome, Micah dropped his arm, blinking in a daze, before refocusing on the five individuals across from him. They all charged at once.

One of the rebels was also a fire Elemental.

Micah took a step back, wondering if he should intervene with his immunity abilities, but Kai charged forward and met the man's flames with his own Element.

He hadn't known Kai was a water Elemental.

Not all nobles were Elementals, though it appeared as if Varuna had blessed Kai.

"Spread out!" Micah yelled at the cadets.

They hastily followed his instructions, forcing the rebels to fan out. Micah ducked below a well-aimed strike, drawing his blade across the man's stomach. Blood fountained and Micah wondered why he felt a strong spike of eager adrenaline at the sight. He wanted this. He yearned for this. It felt good.

His feet felt light as he danced around his opponent, catching him in vulnerable areas with his blade. The battle lust Micah experienced nearly suffocated and deafened him to everything but his steady and even heartbeat. The poignant sensation left him pleasantly breathless.

After trading a few lazy hits with the man, Micah soon realized he was playing with his weaker opponent. In the academy's dying gardens, Sachiel compared Micah's style of combat to Josiah's cat-and-mouse flair. Realizing it was a weakness in battle, especially with a weak team relying on him, Micah abruptly brought back his sword and beheaded the man.

He avoided looking at the carnage and instead searched for his team.

He focused on Aiden.

The boy struggled.

Dodging past Kai and his opponent, Micah zeroed in on Aiden's opponent and slid next to the boy. He wasn't entirely familiar with teaming up during a duel, though Aiden appeared relatively appreciative at his interference. The boy stepped back, allowing Micah to take control of the situation. The opponent wasn't very strong and Micah deduced the problem almost instantaneously.

Aiden didn't want to kill the man.

Angry the boy declared himself ready, when, in fact, he was not, Micah caught his opponent across the chest with his blade. In the man's moment of weakness, Micah shoved him with his foot and towards an unsuspecting Aiden. The chest wound wasn't lethal, but it would slow him down. For now.

"Now, Aiden."

It would have been an easy strike for Aiden. The man was unprotected and in pain.

Was Micah cruel for forcing Aiden's hand?

Perhaps.

Though he didn't need to ponder too hard on the dilemma, for Aiden trembled and his hand turned slack. His sword dropped to the ground and their opponent turned to him, recognizing the unprotected cadet across from him. Before the man could act, Micah's sword drove through the man's chest, right below his ribcage.

"I'm sorry, Micah. I'm sorry." Eyes wide, Aiden stumbled back, shaking his head as the man collapsed heavily to the ground. Stepping back ungracefully, Aiden grabbed his fallen sword, intentionally avoiding Micah's piercing stare.

"Go join Talia and Keegan." He turned his shoulder dismissively. "You're a detriment to the team."

None of the cadets were ready to take a life, Micah mused as he considered the last three rebels. It was a mess. The team looked unsynchronized and sloppy in their reservations. He understood the uncertainties over killing someone without knowing the cause, but when the enemies fought with intentions to kill, it should have spurred some sort of defensive instinct to do the same.

Kai, who impressively fended off the fire Elemental, did nothing more than defense. As much as Micah wanted to linger on that particular duel, he forced his attention to the others. Viktor fought alongside Cain, the latter seemingly the only one eager at the prospect of a fallen life, for his strikes were fierce and lacked hesitancy.

Across the way, Wayde seemed adept enough, though as he parried, he tumbled on his own feet, a humiliating and novice mistake.

Agni! What an idiot.

Fear suddenly took precedence over Micah's frustration when Wayde's opponent took quick advantage of the boy's mistake. Micah lunged hysterically toward the other boy, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste.

He was too late.

It happened so fast!

"No!" Micah screamed shrilly in denial, not recognizing his own voice.

Still too far away, yet desperate in his attempts, Micah reached for the boy uselessly as Wayde's opponent grabbed his long, blond hair and jerked his head to the side. The man's blade then cut across the cadet's throat, producing a spray of blood that hit Micah in the face.

A scream of pure and unfiltered fury reverberated across the town as Cain sprinted forward and attacked Wayde's opponent.

In one last moment of recognition, Wayde's eyes widened in shock. Micah reached clumsily for the collapsing boy, pressing his gloved hand against the gushing and bleeding neck. He fell to the ground with Wayde, cradling his head. His white gloves instantly turned dark crimson as they hovered uncertainly over the cadet's neck. The boy spluttered and heaved, staring desperately at Micah.

"I can't," Micah whispered, though he did not know the reasoning behind his denial. He couldn't heal this. He couldn't. His hands shook madly as the blood seeped between his clasped fingers. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

The light in Wayde's eyes abruptly dimmed. Permanently accusing as they stared up at Micah.

Kai screamed in despair.

Looking over, Micah hissed between his teeth and waved an arm. "Watch out!"

Kai, distracted with Wayde's fall, left himself exposed to an attack from the fire Elemental. The wall of flames blossomed angrily towards Kai's unprotected side. In a weak attempt at defense, the boy lifted his arm, his uniform catching instantly.

Micah stumbled to his feet and sprinted over, throwing himself against Kai. He cloaked Edlen like a blanket, his immunity of the Elements instantly protecting them from the onslaught of fire. However, Kai's arm remained burning fiercely. The blond-haired boy screamed hoarsely, summoning enough water and clumsily extinguishing the flames.

Together, Cain and Viktor managed to take down the fire Elemental by executing a blitz attack, the latter finally mustering enough courage to implement the killing blow.

Micah remained sitting on the broken pavement, smelling burnt flesh and the overwhelming scent of blood.

He had expected them to fail, but this…

While the rebels were dead, they'd lost one of their own.

Across the way, a woman stumbled outside one of the neighboring shops, instantly setting the cadets on edge. She bypassed their stiff forms and collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably over one of the rebels.

After a few moments went by, more civilians escaped their hiding places. Micah stood up, hauling Edlen to his feet. With the exception of contemptuous and revulsion-filled stares, the civilians left the military cadets alone as they dragged the dead rebels from the streets. Micah watched them numbly, wondering if they'd used these men to speak for them.

To voice their protests against something they deemed unacceptable.

Micah never did hear their voice.

Their protests.

"Let's go," he ordered sharply.

While the civilians were compliant now, he could not guarantee they would stay that way. He dropped Edlen's undamaged arm and motioned to Keegan, who stood shell-shocked next to the grim-looking Talia and Aiden.

"I need help moving him." He bent down and grabbed Wayde's legs. "Someone needs to support his shoulders—"

He stopped abruptly when Cain bent down low and picked Wayde up off the ground. Carrying the limp body bridal style, the large-statured cadet began the trek towards the train. Micah looked after the man, noticing the set shoulders and the white face.

Edlen started crying.

Micah rubbed a blood-soaked glove against his forehead, following Cain. They'd messed up. Utterly. The walk back to the train was agonizingly long. Micah dwelled with his decisions, his mistakes, things he should have done differently. Things they all could and should have done differently since day one.

Instructor Wilkinson greeted them when they returned. He ran a critical eye down Wayde's lifeless form, offering a strong, displeased frown, before wordlessly ushering them aboard the train.

It was an excruciating trip back to the capital.

* * * *

Micah stood at attention with his hands clasped behind his back. Instructor Wilkinson told them to wait in Josiah's office when they'd returned to the academy. Upon arrival, Healer Kendra gathered Wayde's body from Cain and tried to convince Kai Edlen to accompany her to the infirmary to heal his scorched arm.

The boy vehemently declined, choosing to stay with the rest of the team.

The office was empty and void.

It was a very late, or more appropriately, an early hour. The rest of the students were sleeping, as were the instructors.

Micah stared at the empty fire basins and the unused textbooks. Next to him, he could feel the waves of melancholy from his team members. They blamed themselves, he knew. Aiden for his foolish claim he was ready to kill, Keegan's inability to fight, Talia's regret of not joining in, and Edlen… Well… the boy had sobbed uncontrollably on the way back to the capital.

Micah suggested Wayde stay back with Keegan, hadn't he? He had identified the unassuming skills the boy possessed with the sword and felt he was not ready. He'd tripped on his own feet, for Agni's sake.

He'd been right.

Unfortunately, he didn't feel nearly as victorious as he'd thought he would.

The door to the office abruptly crashed open. If possible, the cadets straightened further upon the arrival of Josiah, Instructors Wilkinson and Candace. Micah stared ahead, unsurprised when the fire basins alit with deep, crimson flames upon the arrival of the Igni king.

Josiah sank in the chair behind his desk.

Steepling his fingers beneath his chin, he surveyed the first-year cadets assembled before him. Wilkinson and Candace took position near the side of the room, caging the cadets in under a sharp, relentless observational ring. "Wayde's family is assembled in the room next door." Josiah paused for a long moment. "We have yet to tell them that their son has passed away during his first mission for the military."

Upon Josiah's quiet admission, the students flinched.

"Would you like to tell me what happened?" Josiah inquired.

His voice was ice-like.

Micah stared stubbornly at the far wall, his expression crafted from stone. He refused to speak. Accusations would fly, or even worse, he would take all the blame in an act to spare his team the humiliation and the regret.

No one spoke.

"Instructor Wilkinson?" Josiah prompted.

The waif-like man stepped forward, readily eager to please the Academy's Chairman. "Failed to form a proper perimeter. Failed to assess the circumstances before approaching the enemy. Failed to observe their surroundings. No teamwork to speak of with the exception of Viktor and Cain. The cadets learned all these necessary requirements during the first two weeks of combative lessons. They failed all of them."

Micah turned his head and pinned the man with a cold look.

Wilkinson was there the whole time, simply observing the situation to report to the academy. How could he sit back and watch a student die at the hands of rebels? How could he recount the situation with a perfect balance of blandness and factual intrigue?

"Anything to add, Mr. Egan?" Josiah questioned, noticing his reaction.

Micah's eyes flittered away from Wilkinson's pinched expression and towards Josiah. His eyes barely skimmed the man before refocusing on the far wall. "No, sir," he responded distantly. "His account is accurate."

"They were hesitant to execute, even when the rogue operatives were lethal in their approach," Wilkinson added. "Again, there were exceptions to this. Micah and Cain were readily able to eliminate their opponents. The others were skittish and defensive, causing major distractions and an extreme lack of uniformity."

"It's my fault," Edlen suddenly blurted.

Micah took a deep breath and slowly exhaled with exasperation. "What good is it," he whispered, "to place the blame on yourself after everything has already transpired? It will not bring Wayde back."

"I know, Egan!" Kai retorted viciously. "But before the mission, I avoided—"

"We did not train as we should have," Micah interrupted calmly. He unclasped his hands from behind his back, allowing the crimson-stained gloves to drop at his sides. "There was a distinguishable rift between our teams. Correcting it will be our top priority after tonight. We were not synchronized, nor prepared. It cost a student their life. That burden and mistake rests on all our shoulders, not anyone individually."

"Spoken like a true captain," Candace said without any true approval.

"The fact of the matter is that we knew your team's shortcomings before the mission," Wilkinson informed crisply. "Which is why you were sent on said mission."

Micah paused at that before stirring angrily. His eyes locked with impassive orange. "You knew our shortcomings and sent us on the mission?" he demanded furiously. "How can you play with the students' lives like that?"

A hand came out of nowhere and slapped Micah across the face.

Hard.

His vision spun and he heard Keegan gasp pathetically.

"Watch who you're talking to, boy."

"Instructor Candace," Josiah crooned frostily. "That was uncalled for."

Though his tone was cold, the temperature in the room seared with sudden heat. As Micah touched the moisture beneath his nose, he was unsurprised to note the blood. It blended in well with Wayde's blood, only, it was much lighter and fresher.

"I apologize, My Lord. He should know his place."

Josiah appeared unexpectedly irate. "He is aware of his place." His eyes focused on Micah. "To answer your question, Cadet Egan, you are adults now. You've pledged your life and your loyalty to the capital. If we notice a weakness you do not correct, we will. The situation was extensively monitored and scouted beforehand. A team of your caliber and shortcomings should have easily been victorious. And yet, you were not."

The Igni king rose from behind his desk. "Mr. Edlen will be stripped of his captain status for his erroneous and careless behavior," Josiah informed. "Mr. Egan will be your sole captain."

Edlen stood at attention. "I would like to inform Wayde's parents of his passing, sir."

Josiah gazed at him, unimpressed. "I can smell the infection in your body from here. You will go to the infirmary immediately before amputation is required."

Kai didn't dare argue.

The Igni king looked at each of the students. "Get out of my sight."

They scattered quickly, though Micah lingered, immediately earning him a sharp look from Josiah.

"I would like to inquire after Councilman Sachiel's absence. Sir."

Sachiel was the academy's face. He should have been there tonight to meet with Wayde's parents.

Josiah leaned back on his heels, a small, forbidding smile crossing his lips. "You would, wouldn't you?" Aware of their audience, Josiah was quick to veil his glee. "It has come to my attention that Councilman Sachiel had little to preoccupy himself with. I sent him on an assignment. He won't be back for quite some time, I'm afraid."

A chill raced down Micah's spine as he stared at Josiah.

Somehow, the man knew.

Somehow, he had known about Micah's conversation with Sachiel.

Mocking eyes absorbed Micah's expression. "If that's all, Mr. Egan?"

"That's all," Micah responded heatedly, turning his back on the man. The man's actions were far clearer than a slap to the face. Josiah was putting Micah in his place by exercising his authority. He had enough control and power to send Sachiel away, simply because he wanted to eliminate him from the picture. Micah was powerless to stop it.

How was he supposed to rise up to this challenge?

He didn't know. But he had to find a way.

He walked out the office, his mind rather blank, his emotions haywire.