RedCrest

Chapter One

One day before

"He should be back by now, Alex" I paced in front of the sparring mats. "It's been over a week, he said he would be back before I left".

"And he will be, hun" Alex's voice was soft, calm. I looked over at her, examining her, seeing yet another person that has better nerves than I do.

I threw my hands up, not caring if the other people in the gym looked at me "How do you know that. He could be in a ditch for all we know" I froze "He could be dea..." Alex didn't let me finish that thought before she placed her hands on my shoulders. Her bonded - a small pit viper, Vaughn - slithered down her arm, and snuggled himself in the crook of my neck. I lifted a hand, and started stroking him, causing him to let out a small hiss.

"He's going to be fine, he'll be here to see you off" she squeezed my shoulders tight, then let go. I looked up into her amber eyes, finding comfort in them. The silence stretched out between us for minutes, both of us knowing that there is nothing that needs to be said.

Someone to my right cleared their throat, I looked over to see a man, looking to be in his late forties early fifties. His hair completely grayed, his face looking like it's seen better times. His clothes - no uniform - was a deep navy, with what looks to be splotches of dirt scattered on his jacket, and pants. "Letter for Nova Keller, from the front" He extended the letter towards me.

My eyes widened, my breath catching, remembering the last time I got a letter from the front "No, no,no,no..." I took a step back, I lifted a shaky hand to my mouth. My eyes started watering.

Alex looked between me, and the letter. She turned to the man taking the letter "Thank you". He simply nodded, turned, and left. Alex turned back towards me, and offered the letter to me. I shook my head, unsure if I could contain myself if it says what I think it says. Understanding flashed through her eyes, before she broke the seal, and started reading it.

I watched as her eyes flicked from one line to the next. She smiled, and looked over at me "He's fine, He's Okay". Relief rushed through me, so much so that my knees feel like they are going to buckle.

I let out a breath, and closed my eyes "He's Okay". I opened my eyes "Does it say anything else". She offered me the letter, and this time I took it.

Hey Kiddo,

I am truly sorry but I won't be able to see you off to Redcrest. There's more trouble at the front then I originally believed, I am going to have to stay a while longer. Not sure how long though, it could be a couple days, or weeks. But, I promise as soon as I am done I will find a way to come, and see you.Now remember your training, you're gonna need it. Don't let the other kids get on your nerves, you gotta stay in control. You're stronger than you think.

Love ya kid

I smiled.

I love you too, Doc.

"Nova?" I looked up at Alex. I lifted my brow. "What did he mean by 'stay in control'". She said as she pointed to that part in the letter.

"Oh, you know, my temper" I mean that wasn't a complete lie. She gave me a questioning look, but didn't say anything. Instead she kicked off her boots, and walked onto the mat.

"Come on" she gestured for me to join her on the mat with "Show me why I am teaching you".

3 hours before

I swallowed, finding my throat to be drier than usual. My eyes darted around the empty hall as I walked to General Bell's office.

He sent me a letter yesterday 'requesting' that I meet with him the morning of initiation. Clara voiced her concerns to which I responded "It's going to be fine, he probably just wants to go over the rules again". Clara grumbled, but said nothing more.

As I walk the ache in my back feels like it increases the closer I get to the general office.

The only comfort I had was knowing I had done no wrong that would cause General Bell to hand out a punishment, or worse send me to the block.

Other than one incident - that led to me being confined to my quarters for nearly 2 weeks - in the past year since General Bell originally told me that I would register in Redcrest, I have been in his good graces, or at least as close as I could get to them.

After walking for what felt like hours I finally saw the door that led to General Bell's office. I slowed my pace thinking that it would help avoid the inevitable. Before I knew it I was in front of his door, with my arm raised. I paused before proceeding to knock. Taking a deep breath in through my nose, and letting it out slowly through my mouth. I pulled my fist back ready to knock, but before I made contact the door was pulled open.