The W2RLD

Chapter 23 - The Ultimate Sacrifice

The W1RLD

Written by: The Masked Eidolon

Edited by: Adam K.

Enjoy 🙂

Chapter 23 - The Ultimate Sacrifice

TRIGGER WARNING: EXTREME VIOLENCE AND DISTURBING IMAGERY

Specialist Chandler Grant and his friend Lucas Cunningham sat on a bench in the sun, waiting for a shuttle that would take them to the castle.

"Say, Lucas." Chandler started, "Do you remember what I told you about Captain Stone, like, two months back?"

Lucas put down the rock he was messing with and responded to Chandler, "Yeah, I remember pretty well. She came down to your dorm at midnight and started grilling you on the Empire's flaws. What about it?"

Chandler cursed under his breath, "Ah, nothing. Was just checking in, that's all."

"Oh, okay. Well, if you ever need anything, I'm always here."

"Yeah." Chandler muttered, gazing at his friend's innocent smile.

Lucas had no idea the level of danger he was in. The level of danger that Chandler had gotten him into. Chandler doubted that Alex's political party would go so far as to kill him, but blackmail and bribery were not out of the question. And Chandler knew Lucas. If he were to receive money or a threat, it would only rattle him, making it more likely for him to talk. And if Lucas talked... Chandler didn't even want to imagine the can of worms that would open up.

Chandler shuddered at the prospect, but calmed down after a few seconds of angst. Alex's party would likely consult him before taking action. That would be the smart thing to do. And Chandler had more pressing things to worry about, anyway, for he needed to learn as much as possible during the tour.

Just as Chandler finished ruminating, Derek Byrd strolled up to the group, notepads and pens in hand.

Derek tossed a pair to Chandler and Lucas before sitting down at the bus stop himself, "Brought the supplies."

"Thanks, Derek." Lucas said.

"No biggie." Derek responded, putting his hands behind his head and basking in the sunlight, "Who'd have thought the day would come when we three were the top students in the military?"

"I sure did!" Chandler said, slapping Lucas on the back, "Finally managed to pass your physicals, eh, Lucas?"

Lucas scratched his head, "Actually, I didn't pass them."

"What? Then how did you get top 3 in the class?"

"My critical thinking scores." Lucas claimed, rummaging through his backpack and taking out a paper, "I don't think I got a single question wrong."

Chandler peered at the paper, and saw that his friend had indeed earned a perfect score, "Wow... that's incredible."

"Hey, guys." Derek interjected, "I think our ride's here."

Both Lucas and Chandler turned to face the direction Derek was looking, where they saw a black Virgilian taxi driving towards them.

"So it is." Chandler declared, getting up from the bench, "I call shotgun."

"I wonder who our chaperone will be." Lucas chimed as the taxi came to a stop right next to the three students.

Chandler couldn't help but wonder the same thing. If he had to guess, it would probably be Alex Stone or one of her party members, since she'd want to keep eyes on Lucas at all times. But as Chandler pulled the passenger seat's handle and opened the car's door, he saw none other than his old rival, Ethan Clarke.