The Other Side

Chapter 1: Scott

Authors note: Hey, sorry this will be fast. The P.O.V.  will change between Scott and Mitch.  It is fairly easy to follow. Just a warning, this is my first story so sorry if it sucks.                                                                              

                           Keep it sane,  LinesOfBlack

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P.O.V.  Scott

       I remember when my 8th grade teacher, Mr. Demmy, told us about 'the ultimate Destruction'. He read from a brown leather book. Most of the class was half asleep, but I however was very interested in this subject, unlike most.  Mr. Demmy said that the only survivors were the clans, who have learned to survive underground.  He told us about the Entersoul clan, the Trayer clan, the Drembled clan, the Faux clan, the Rezmence clan and the Patron clan ( the clan of our own).

     By the age of fourteen you get a new name. One that was shorter than your original name. This is a tradition that only the Patron clan does, sort of like a trademark. I was nicknamed 'Hoy'. Personally, i hate it, but I don't really have a choice.

     I am not fourteen anymore, I am 18. According to the Patron law, today is the day I get assigned my job, start my training and  leave my parents house for one of my own.  Me and all of the other 18 year-olds sat on the black, glass- like floor of 'the pit'. The lights are always dim due to the whole pit being underground. The pit is usually bursting with life and as busy as a bee hive. Once a year the headmasters clear the pit for the assignment ceremony. I wouldn't really call it a ceremony, that would mean that there is parents, tears and certificates. I guess it is more of a right of passage. 

     We all stood in a perfect line, facing a tall man with a loose hat clinging to his longish brown hair, and a beard that perfectly suits his character. There were maybe twenty five of us. A few of us were whispering to our friends, but that quickly changed when the lead headmaster's deep voice filled the room.

" Today, you will become a resourceful part of our community. We have watched your performance first in the practice field and second in your study." 

   Scott had always been good in his action. He was strong. He didn't have to be smart. He was a just do it kinda guy, it worked for him. It was in his blood, his dad was the top of his class too. His dad had met his mother in the field, while on a group mission they had helped each other take down a Trayer. Together they plunged a dagger into his stomach. It was love at first sight.    

"Based on the information we have gathered, we will give you each a job. You will dedicate yourself to for as long as you can. You may be put into the repairer's task group, the healer's task group, the battle task group, the gatherer's task group or the crafter's task group. Before we start let's hear our motto, shall we?" Stated the lead headmaster.

"Act first, think second." My class recited together in a monotone voice. Headmaster Avi seemed impressed. Nodding to show this was true. That's when the lead headmaster started calling off names for people to come forward and find out which group they'd be placed into.

     Scott tried to push his nerves to the side but couldn't help but think about what his parents would think if he became a repairer or a crafter or worse yet, a gatherer.  Being a part of the healer's group wouldn't be a disgrace to his family's reputation, you still get to see battle, just not be a part of it. Everyone, however, wanted to be in the battle task group. Girls, guys, nerds or jocks all wanted to be part of this clan. He had to stop thinking, it was going against his whole motto.

"Kay!" Avi's booming voice called. The girl to the left of Scott strutted up to the stage. Everyone started chatting quietly with their friends again, since this really didn't concern them. Scott didn't have any friends. You can't have friends when you spend your spare time figuring out new ways to take someone down, knock someone out or punch harder. Scott was knocked out of thought when... "Hoy!"

     Scott stood in his spot for maybe two seconds longer than he should have before walking towards the headmaster. The blond stopped in front of a fairly tall man with caramel colour skin and a bright contagious smile. Scott and the man he heard other call Kev held a long burning eye contact before he heard the man say " Scott Hoying, nicknamed by others 'Hoy', you have preformed fabulously in the battle training area."

"We are very happy to announce that you will be assigned you to the Battle task group. You will do proud the Patron clan in every battle that you fight. Congratulations. Your training will start tomorrow. Act first, think second." Avi cut in.

"Act first, think second." Hoy repeated back to him. The tall, blond, muscular boy strode back to the line, gazing at the specks and chips in the ground, trying to not show his excitement of his results. "I know I'll do you proud." he whispered to himself under his breath.

Relief.