The Program [COMPLETED]

Chapter Thirty

"Come here, Idris. Your kicks are sloppier than ever."

The young private sniffed before sauntering up to Aiden in amusement. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned to one side, finding it ridiculous that Aiden could possibly do any better. Aiden didn't appreciate the attitude. He knew that the Program would break him, sooner or later.

Aiden had barely gotten any sleep the night before, which made his mood even worse. The nightmare had shook him to the core, and although Zariah's dog tag had helped him, it hadn't completely relaxed him enough to fall asleep for long. He was in no mood to deal with Dax Idris's backtalk today. He hoped for Dax's sake that the juvenile soldier picked up on Aiden's sharp demeanor.

"What about them?" the soldier replied loosely.

"You're all power and no finesse. It's embarrassing to watch. If you're going to kick someone, do it properly. You understand how quickly you would end up tiring in an actual fight, don't you?" Aiden told him.

Dax rolled his eyes. "Sure, okay. Did you ever think for a minute that maybe I'm just stronger than the other people here?"

"No, I didn't. Now, get back to your mat and do it right, before I throw your ass into the Pit," Aiden retorted.

"What's the Pit gonna do to me, huh?" Dax sneered. "Maybe they'll recognize my talent. Nobody else does."

"You certainly do," Aiden snapped. "Now, go."

"Yeah, whatever," Dax spun on his heel and strutted back towards his mat, where the other boy - Osric Rylen - was waiting for him. Osric was a very soft spoken recruit. He was an obedient soldier, not much of a leader, but very bright. He fought diligently, and above all, showed genuine respect for Aiden and Alena. He was unlike his rebellious comrade in far too many ways. Dax could learn a thing or two from Private Rylen.

Aiden turned his head to see Alena walking up to join him. She looked older every time he saw her, her hair becoming grayer and grayer with each passing day. While it may be a reflection of her age, Aiden found that it only made her look more distinguished. He wondered if he himself would still be part of the Program by the time he was Alena's age.

"He being mouthy again? Arrogant runt," Alena muttered. "I wouldn't have made you the joint leader of my squadron if I'd known Private Idris was in it."

Aiden shook his head. "Don't worry about it. He just needs someone with an equally sharp tongue to put him in his place. He's still practically a child."

"The Program has no room for children like him," Alena said gruffly. "I swear, there's no respect in this world anymore. Especially among our youth."

"I'm among those numbers," Aiden pointed out.

"Yes, but you're different, boy. I instilled honor in you!"

He cracked a small smile. "That I have to agree with."

"Nice stitches. Your girl do that?" Alena inquired, analyzing the sutures stretching along the length of his jaw.

"My girl?" Aiden furrowed his brow.

Alena chuckled. "I forgot, there's two of them now. Zariah, I meant."

Aiden's face turned a bright red color. "There isn't two of them. And yes, Zariah did my stitches. I talked to Theo, but he wasn't exactly in the mood to hear me out."

"Well, you tried," shrugged Alena. "And now he knows you haven't forgotten about him. And did I hear you mention that there's only one girl your heart is set on now?"

"You heard wrong," Aiden corrected. "My heart isn't set on anyone, Alena."

The woman's eyes glittered with mischief. "I'm calling your bluff, boy. Something happened between you and the girl."