The Wrong Side

Chapter 18

It's been two weeks now. I've been eating meals with Kadiya, Matthew and Luna every day. I usually don't participate in conversations, instead I just listen and give my opinion whenever they ask. I started going to school with Luna. I don't remember going to school or getting an education before, but each course I take is easy and I'm at the top of each class with Luna directly behind me. The first week was dedicated to class work and the second half, we started the physical portion.

I'm a better runner than everyone, and I'm also significantly stronger -- thanks to my robotic arm. We also began combat training and soon we're going to start sparring. I'm actually really excited to start. No one in my weight category is excited though. Today, we're going start and Luna is meeting me beside the entrance to the gym. When I see her, she waves me over and I jog towards her.

"Hey, Caden," she says.

"Hi."

"You ready to start sparring?" she asks, nudging my arm and I shrug.

"Yeah," I say. "You?"

"I've been part of this program for years so I'm not that concerned. I'm actually really excited to see you fight."

"Me?" I ask, a little taken aback. "Why?"

"Do you think Kadiya didn't tell us?" Luna rolls her eyes.

"Oh. About the soldiers?" I mutter nervously.

"Yeah!" Luna punches me lightly in the arm. "Mat also said you managed to knock him over. Let me tell you something: not just anyone can knock my brother over."

I glance over at her. She's smiling in anticipation and I raise an eyebrow. "I thought Kadiya said that you were quiet," I say.

Luna laughs. "Kadiya lied. The most often used phrase amongst my siblings is: 'Shut up, Luna.'"

"I can see why," I reply.

Luna rolls her eyes and I smile to myself. The sky is a dark grey today and the threat of rain constantly looms over our heads. The days have been getting colder as winter draws a little bit nearer. I learned that the HQ is pretty far up north; somewhere in Canada near the Canadian shield. I guess that makes sense because of all the old mountains nearby. In one of the classes, the teacher talked about the shield and how it's the one of the oldest parts of this continent, dating back to the Precambrian era, several hundred million years ago. Possibly a couple billion. Luna called me a nerd when I pointed out that I found that fascinating.

"Hey, should we go in?" Luna asks, motioning to the gym and I nod.

The gym is a large open area with tiled floors, mats on the sides and cold air blowing through invisible vents on the ceiling. It's only 7:28 am and class starts at 7:40 so I figured that we'd be the first people here but there are three other guys here who are having a spirited argument with the instructor. When Luna and I walk in, the guys stop talking and look over nervously in our direction.

I glance over at Luna and look behind me to see if anyone else followed us in. We're alone. The guys are staring at me. Why are they staring at me? What did I do?

The instructor sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. She's a shorter middle-aged lady with dirty blonde hair, thin lips, an athletic, strong physique and an aura that proclaims to the world: "I'm in charge here, so shut up and listen to me."

She turns the boys away and says something to them. I can't hear very clearly, but the guys are obviously disappointed with the result because one turns his head to look back and gives me the darkest glare I've ever seen. I actually take a step back nervously and he just rolls his eyes.