RedCrest

Chapter One

One week before

"Another lap". I looked up from where I was lying sprawled on the grass. After already completing ten laps, my knees felt like they were going to give out - to which I happily gave in - which led to where I was now, on the grass trying, and failing to calm my breath.

I met Doctor Mayfields eyes, schooling my face to look as menacing as possible, hoping he'll take it as a threat to what I will do if I am forced to do another lap.

"Nova, another lap" he walked closer to me. I put my hand up to halt him.

"Stay, stay right there" I told him, as he was now in the perfect position to block the sun from my face. I laid my head back, and closed my eyes. Taking a couple more breaths, my breath calming slowly.

Whatever calm I was in the middle of was interrupted by the shooting pain along my ribs. "Hey!" I yelled. Opening my eyes, I found a very pleased Clara with a smile so wide it reached her eyes.

I moved my hand down, and began rubbing my sore ribs. "Is she giving you trouble, Doc?" Clara pointedly asked Doctor Mayfield.

Doc sighed, "No more than the usual" he said as he extended his hand to me, intending on helping me up, to which I accepted. He gripped my hand tightly, and yanked me harder than necessary, which was clear because I was sent stumbling for a handful of seconds before finding my footing.

I whirled around to see the two people that I care about the most with the biggest grins on their faces. I couldn't help but smile back.

"So, are you ready for another lap?" the smile on my face was replaced with a grimace, "come on" Doc said as he began to walk back to the track.

"You know as much as I would love to, I think that Clara has something she needs my help with" I spoke as I threw my arm across Clara's shoulders. I looked at her pleading that she would go along with it.

"Actually" Clara walked out of my arm, and started to follow after Doc "I have no plans for the rest of the day, and would love to train with you guys". My mouth fell open, in shock.

She did not!!!!!

A scream erupted from me, and I charged towards Clara. Her eyes widened a split second before she turned, and started running away from me giggling.

45 minutes later

 "Have I told you how much I hate you?" I asked Clara as she jogged next to me. After a minute of chasing Clara around I realized that I was running on the track again. It was such a Clara thing to do that I should have realized that she would use my own anger issues against me.

"No, I don't believe you have" Clara answered back.

"Ya, well, I hate you" I turned my head towards Clara, and stuck my tongue out. Just taking my eyes off the track for a couple of seconds was all it took for me to stub my foot on a rock protruding out from the ground. Next thing I knew gravity took hold, and I was headed face first towards the ground. I put my hands out in front of me, but I was too slow. The ground met my face. "Uuhh" I groaned, and continued to lay there.

I turned my head towards Clara, and her roaring laugh. Her hand was on her belly, and her face was turning a deep shade of red.

I braced my hands on the ground, and pushed myself up right. I looked down on myself, and frowned. I was covered in dirt. I started brushing my hands over my body. "Ya, haha very funny" I looked up at Clara "This is all your fault".

Clara threw up her hands "I played no role in this".

As I began whipping the dirt off my face, Doc was by my side.

"You alright, Nova?" He asked as he placed a hand on my shoulder. 

"Ya, ya i'm fine" I told him "can we be done with laps now? My legs feel like jelly" I complained. I turned, and pointed a finger as Doc "and I get that all this" I gestured to the track, and gym "is all mandatory, and all, but do we have to do so much running?" I threw my hands up in the air, and let out a frustrated groan.

Clara walked closer towards me "Oh, stop complaining" she spoke as she threw an arm over my shoulder, and started guiding me towards the gym, with Doc following.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Doc beat me to it "Your right it is mandatory, and seeing as I was charged with your health, you will do whichever workout I tell you to do" We made it to the gym, and Doc stepped in front of us, and opened the door for us to walk through. "Now get in there, and stop complaining" He placed a hand on my back, and guided me through the door.

I whirled around towards him "You're not coming" I asked, placing my hands on my hips.

Doc rubbed the back of his neck "Sorry kiddo, my superior called right before you ate dirt, and told me I'm needed at the front, that they are running low on doctors" my face fell. I opened my mouth to speak, and then closed it. "But don't worry I'll be back in time to see you off to Redcrest in a..." I didn't let him finish before I threw my arms around his waist. Doc wrapped his arms around me in return. I buried my face into his chest, willing myself not to cry.

"Promise me that you'll be safe" I said softly as I squeezed him tighter, silently hoping it won't be the last time. He's the closest thing I have to a father. I can't lose him.

"I promise" His chest vibrated as he spoke. Before I knew it my eyes started watering.

I held him tight for a couple more seconds, before pulling away. I looked up at him, studying him, from his gray/blue eyes, to his salt, and pepper beard. Using his right hand he wiped away the stray tear sliding down my cheek. "I'm going to be fine. Okay" he spoke, breaking the silence of our goodbye.

"Promise me you won't do anything foolish, well i'm gone" I let out a short laugh.

"Only if you promise That you'll come back to me" I said, my voice thick with emotion.

"You know I can't promise that, kiddo" He said as he began backing away. My shoulders sagged in defeat.

"I know old man, I know" I gave him a small smile, which he returned, before he swiftly turned, and headed towards the main buildings.

I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, allowing myself some time to compose myself. Clara tugged at my elbow, I looked over at her "Come on" she inclined her head towards Alex, my sparring instructor. I let her pull me, glad that she didn't bring up Doc, knowing I'm not ready to talk about it. To be honest I don't think I'll ever be ready to talk about it.