The Dream of a Lost Childhood

𝟎𝟑 ~ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭

𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐯

Kaiden awoke to the sound of distant explosions and the murmured conversations of his new comrades. The safe house was an unfamiliar environment compared to the sterile bunker he had called home.

Here, the air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination, and the walls were adorned with maps, plans, and hastily scribbled notes.

Lyra had introduced him to the core members of the Libera Collective the night before. There was Thorne, a grizzled veteran with a scar running down his cheek; Jax, a wiry twenty four year old with a quick smile and quicker reflexes; and Elara, a young tech genius who could hack into anything with a power source. Each had their own story of loss and resistance, and Kaiden felt a growing kinship with them.

He stretched and made his way to the makeshift kitchen, where Lyra was pouring over a map with Thorne. They looked up as he approached. "Morning, kid," Thorne grunted, his voice rough from years of shouting orders and breathing in dust. "Morning," Kaiden replied, grabbing a piece of bread and taking a bite. "What's the plan for today?" He asked, mouth full of food.

Lyra exchanged a glance with Thorne before turning to Kaiden. "We've got intel on a supply convoy heading to the Imperium's main base. If we can intercept it, we'll be able to cripple their operations for a while."

Kaiden nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. "What do you need me to do?"

"You'll be with Jax," Lyra said. "He's our best scout. He'll show you the ropes. But remember, stick to the plan and stay safe. We can't afford to lose anyone."

"Got it," Kaiden said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

He found Jax in the corner, sharpening a knife. The young scout looked up and grinned. "Ready for your first mission?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Kaiden replied, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry," Jax said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Stick with me, and you'll be fine."

They set out, moving through the war-torn streets with practiced ease. Jax pointed out landmarks and hidden routes, his knowledge of the city evident in every step.

"So, Astrea, huh?" Jax said after a while, his tone casual but curious. "Who's she? Your girlfriend?" Jax smirks and turns to look at Kaiden. Kaiden turns red but immediately shakes his head "No, no, she was my best friend...how did you know about her?"

Jax chuckles and pats Kaidens head "Relax, I'm just messing with ya kid, you were sleeping talking about her." Kaiden turns red again before face palming and sighing. "I haven't seen her since the war started." Jax's smirk turns into a thin line and he rubs Kaidens back. "You really think she's still out there?"

"I have to believe she is," Kaiden replied, his voice firm. "She was my best friend. I can't just give up on her." Jax nodded. "I get it. We all have someone we're fighting for. Just... don't let it cloud your judgment, okay? Out here, you have to think clearly." "I won't," Kaiden promised, his resolve hardening.

They reached the ambush point, a narrow street lined with crumbling buildings. The rest of the team was already in position, their faces set with grim determination. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Kaiden's heart pounded in his chest, his senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Finally, they heard the rumble of engines. The convoy appeared, a line of armored trucks flanked by heavily armed guards. Lyra signaled, and the team sprang into action.

Explosions rocked the street as the rebels attacked, their movements swift and coordinated. Kaiden stayed close to Jax, his heart in his throat as they darted between cover and engaged the enemy.

The chaos of battle was overwhelming, but he pushed through, focusing on the task at hand.
As the dust settled, the rebels emerged victorious, the convoy in shambles.

They gathered the supplies and quickly retreated, their hearts pounding with the thrill of success. Back at the safe house, the mood was jubilant.

Thorne clapped Kaiden on the back, his gruff voice filled with approval. "You did good, kid." Kaiden smiled, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. But as the adrenaline faded, his thoughts turned to Astrea. Wherever she was, he hoped she was safe. And he vowed to find her, no matter the cost.

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𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟕𝟒𝟔