1

They said today is a good day for a vacation. The sun shines bright in the sky. The wind blows in the most supreme breeze. The sky looks so dewy.

Justin wants to go surfing. He has been craving for it since last year.

But, he knew well too much about the current situation. There is no way he can go surfing! He twists the handler to the right.

"There is no way you can pass it, Pegasus X!"

"I can! Just... trust me!"

"It is a suicidal act!"

"Cover-up for me, I know what I'm doing!"

Pegasus X dashes across the sky. The fastest speed in the universe.

"Dirt at 12!"

He flicks the switch and press the red button. Target in radar. He fires the target without hesitation.

"Watch out, Pegasus 1!" he screams.

It's too late. All he can do is watch it roll down to the earth. Screams can be heard from the communication device.

He can only shut his eyes, and pray.

"Go!"

"Wait, what!?"

"Go! I'll take over the scene! Go!!" he screams aloud through the communication device.

"You can't do that, Pegasus X!"

"Go!! Just save yourself!" from far, he can see Pegasus 5 make a detour towards the destination. He takes a breath heavily and prays for the last time.

After losing so many comrades, he can't bear watching more death. That is why he choose himself as the bait. He knew himself too well. He knew his limits. He knew he can save their life. And his own as well.

"Let's get it!" he speed up and flew across the sky, baiting the enemy to just follow him.

***

Flashback

"In the name of The House Of Black Wolf, with the highest honor we present you, Lt. Justin Finn a token of bravery for your excellent performance!" cheer surrounded the main hall of The House Of Black Wolf, the military body of Cosmos City. It is an honor to be part of the house itself. Being awarded from the body itself is a golden bonus.

Justin smiled proudly when he showed the token to his comrades. They cheer happily and extremely celebrated the day.

"Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!" all of them screamed together, jumping up and down.

It is the final day of the Survival Challenge at the Black Wolf. It is a tradition for recruits to join the event that looking for a recruit that can proclaim himself as Super Wolf. But, in decades The House Of Black Wolf couldn't even find any recruit that can claim the title again.

Suddenly, the air changed when Justin won the final round of the challenge. Even the selection team were shocked by his courage and determination.

As for the trainer department, it's not a shocker. Justin is not any ordinary boy. He was born gifted. Not only physically, but mentally as well.

He is among young recruits in The House Of Black Wolf. His father was a retired admiral and his mother is the senior scientist at Cosmos Research Center. He is the only child in the house. So his parents tend to give him full attention.

He was born with a genius gene from his mother and courage from his father. He finished school at an early age and decided to follow his father's steps to be one of the members of Black Wolf.

But still, Justin is a human too. When he is not a wearing that military uniform, he is just a shy boy who couldn't even speak to a girl. He is so shy if he ever encountered any girls in the camp. He tends to be quite afraid and reserved when it comes to communicating with others.

That is why he spends most of his time on the training site. His social life is just a small circle of friends, roommates, and some seniors. But, he is popular among recruits, as he is so talented and has such a good look.

Today, he wrote a new history. The youngest Super Wolf ever being recorded. He couldn't be more happier and proud of himself. He still couldn't believe he got the token and the title.

But, he knew it was a result of his hard work.

He was laying on his bed when he opened the velvet box. It is a beautiful dog tag necklace with the word 'COURAGE' craving at the surface. He looked at the material. It is made of some kind of metal but he wasn't sure about it.

He flipped the dog tag. It has another craving but he wasn't sure if it is some kind of code or letter.

Guess it's just a pattern.

He put on the dog tag necklace while standing in front of the mirror. He smiled as he looked at the necklace. Suddenly, it twinkles for a moment. Justin was mesmerized by it.

"Hey! Looking good!" he startled as one of his roommates tapped his shoulder.

"Yeah.."

"Say, did you already fill up your form?" he nodded.

"So, you already choose your unit?"

"Yes. I'm joining The Pegasus.."

"Are you sure? I mean you can perform well if you join Black Knight.."

"I'm not into secret operation. I wanna fly swiftly in the sky. That's freedom, you know!"

"I hope I do not affect you in making such a decision.."

"No! I think your story about your late brother inspired me to be an excellent pilot. Thanks, York!" he gave him a big hug.

"So, I guess you are my roommate, again?"

"Yes. I am not someone who you can easily get rid of!" they laughed together.

"See you up there!"

"See you up there, soon!"

***

He couldn't hold his tears when he remembers York's Pegasus got shot right in front of his eyes. He held his breath and continues dashing away from the enemy.

A critical sound from his radar indicates that his Pegasus is in a critical state. Suddenly, he feels like spinning. Looks like he got hit from behind.

He closes his eyes, holding the dog tag necklace tightly in his fist. All he can do right now is pray.

A good day for some fun turning into a disaster.

It would have been nice if he had gone surfing last year.

Now, seems like it is too late!