The Empire's Descent (First Draft)

Chapter 29: The Story of Ada: the Two Years (IX)

The Reaping of Vengeance (III)
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Ada struck the match and delighted as Marlon begged her to spare him. Beg? What use is begging? How many people did he spare?

But then, Marlon's face morphed into her mother's as Ada had already lit the pyre on fire. She scrambled to lift the heavy, burning logs, but she couldn't move fast enough. Her mother's wailing and pleading jolted her awake.

Damn, she couldn't believe she feels guilty over that bastard... Why?

She refused to sleep again so, she got to doing a light work out-- 30-minute HIIT. Shower. Yoga and meditation. Attempt to sleep. Wake terrified. Repeat.

This had been going on for three weeks now. When will it end?

It's now four in the morning, that's an appropriate time to start the day...
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"Ada, meet your junior Alpha team. These individuals will be your company in training. Remember, you are only as strong as your weakest link," Enzo gestured to the line of five people standing before them.

"Introduce yourselves," Enzo instructed.

The first in line said, "Elfie, 0058. Defensive support".

Next, "Aura, 0508. Defensive support".

Then, "Shadow, 0062. Reconnaissance and Extraction".

Also, "Ryot, 0206. Weapons Specialist and Tactical Specialist".

Finally, "Boo, 0258. Commander, Tactician and Offensive Support".

"You share something with these children, that is, you all came here with the intention of reinventing yourselves. They have given each other nicknames as part of that self-determination," Enzo shared.

The children, ages 16 to 17, gazed at each other, sized each other up and made certain determinations of one another.

"So, what name are you thinking of calling Ada?".

Boo stepped out of the line, looked her over once more and smugly said, "Steel". Ada chewed on the name for a minute...

"Reason?" Enzo asked.

"Her eyes are steel blue," Boo stated.

"Why not Blue, that's cuter," Enzo pouted. Ada found she quite liked the name, Steel.

"Because I wasn't able to save myself... thanks, Ryot-

"No problem!" She quipped.

-so, I saved my new partner...," he continued flashing a cute smile and little tiger teeth at Ada-- no, Steel.

"Fine. Welcome Steel among your ranks. Show her the ropes and we'll determine her position by week's end. Well, get to know each other for today. Tomorrow, we'll work on group coordination," Enzo concluded and left.

The two factions stared at each other and Ada refused to give in. After four tense seconds, Boo relented.

"Let's take a seat and we'll give you the history here," he began walking to the gazebos to the left of the building. The others followed up so, Ada made her way as well.

"Let's start with who came here first and why we each came here...," Boo guided.

"I'm Damian, but Enzo called me Elfie cuz of my ears," he parted his shoulder-length hair from his face and revealed elf-ish ears.

Ada nodded and he continued.

"At 15, I was a pusher for the Speedy G's in Banbridge. I got really hurt and was left to die. The incident took part of my left ear and made it pointy so, when Enzo found me, he offered cosmetic surgery to just complete the look. I thought, fuck it... and, a year later, here I am!" He gestured grandly.