Survival Of The Fittest- A Fourth Wing Fan Fiction

Chapter 1

I always knew my place. Being friends with a Sorrengail would come with some downsides. To General Sorrengail, I am just an expendable extension of her daughters. I was always training for the Riders Quadrant ever since I was little. I would train with my sister every day. Six years ago, both my sister and Brennan Sorrengail died in the rebellion. Except, my sister died fighting for Tyrrendor. We are Tyrrish, after all. After the battle of Aretia, General Melgren came to find me. I earned a sprawling relic on my back for my sister's part in the rebellion. Remi Sorrengail is the only one who knows about it.

I look similar to my sister: the same icy blue eyes and red hair. I miss my sister so much, and if it weren't for Remi, I am not sure if I would still be here. Both of us had no one after our siblings died. We held each other in our darkest moments. My parents were never there for me, Seren was the only one who cared for me. According to General Sorrengail, I was lucky to be alive and, because of that, owed a favor. The favor is when her daughters enter the quadrant. It is my job to protect them. To seal my oath, it is Tyrrish custom to take responsibility for that person. It is marked by the two lovely scars that their mother dug into my upper arm.

Conscription Day has always been the deadliest. This morning, I was going to watch the sunrise with Remi, but I couldn't make myself get up. The last few days haven't been great. I knew this day would come, and after I was marked, I didn't have a choice. When I hear a soft knock on my door, I can't bring myself to answer. To my surprise, behind Remi, I see Mira and Violet.

Remi walks over to join me on my bed as I sit up. She wraps an arm around me, “We came to help you get ready.”

“What is there to help?” I ask quietly. I notice Mira is carrying a package. She reaches forward to set it on my lap. “What is this?” I start to unwrap it.

“For our honorary sister,” the rider smiles. I pull out an armored corset and black leathers. I look at the corset more closely. It looks like dragon scales. “Seren was a close friend of mine. I wanted you to be protected.” Mira's smile falters for a second before she puts on a mask. She has always been better at doing that than me. I envy her for that.

I continue running my fingers over the armor. “It is Teine's scales,” Violet speaks up. We are friends, but not very close.

“Get ready, and then I will help you put up your hair. You really should have cut it,” Mira lectures. My hair is one of the features I had in common with my sister. There was no way I would cut it. I give the woman a frown. She knows my reasoning. “I lectured the twins, too.” As if that makes it any better. Violet, I assume, has her reasons, but Rem is just stubborn.

Once I am dressed, Mira hands me a pair of rider boots. I put them on and then sit down in front of her so she can put up my hair. I hear the first bell ring. I get up quickly, grabbing my rucksack. I sheath the seven daggers I have earned. I take a deep breath and walk out of my room. I will survive today. If not for myself, for Remi, and the memory of my sister.

We walk past candidates lined up for the Infantry Quadrant. Unlike them entering their ground-level quadrant, we riders climb. As I round the corner to enter the courtyard, the oldest Sorrengail pulls her sisters in for a hug. “Remember what I have told you. I love you three.” Her soft eyes look into mine. “Don't become another name on the death roll.” Her voice shakes slightly.

“We'll be fine.” Violet Sorrengail is always the optimist.

“I know you will.” We walk into the courtyard. “Find Dain Aetos.”

“Dain?” I see Violet pause slightly. Excitement plays across her face.

“I've only been out of the quadrant for three years, but from what I hear, he's doing well, and he'll keep you safe.” She eyes Violet. “Don't smile like that. He’ll be a second-year. Don't mess around with second-years.” She shakes her finger at her sister.