Mackenzie's Pov)
I ran through the woods holding Ems hand tightly. I stared forwards shaking a little. I was exhausted.. we had to complete this challenge or.. we would be killed.
They were picking 7 elite kids.. to be in.. a squad to stop riots in the city.. and to stop citizens from trying to overthrow the empire.
We had to. It was right.
"I can't go any farther.." Em said weakly as I looked back frowning slightly.
"I'm...it's not much further.. we can make it.." I said as she nodded. We began running faster as em tripped. A kid who was also in the challenge ran at her holding the knife we were given to protect ourselves or.. lower the competition.
No.. I quickly brought my knife up stabbing him in the neck. Em gasped as she jumped up stabbing someone who was behind me.
"Are you okay?" I asked as she nodded. "Yes,... lets.. hurry.." Em said as I nodded. We began running up the hill. The sun was setting..
Eventually, we saw the camp.. my eyes widened as I began running faster. I dropped to my knees as the two leaders stared at me.
"You two pass. You were the first ones here." He said as I smiled slightly.
"Did you hear.. em.. we did it.." I said breathing heavily as she smiled.
It was a 10 mile run. I looked over and she was fast asleep. I smiled softly at her as I tried to move but I collapsed.
Later-
I opened my eyes relaxing I was bandaged up. "Kenzie.." Em mumbled as she sat up.
I sat on my knees staring at her.
"Huh?" Em mumbled looking behind me. The tent was open. The two leaders were staring at us. I held Em tightly staring at them both.
"Hello, MacKenzie, You'll be in my squad from now on. I'll be training you. My name is William." He said as I stared at him.
"Hello. Emily. My names Jeffery. I'll be your trainer. And you'll be in my squad." He said as Em gasped.
"No! Please!" Em cried as we held each other tightly. "NO!" Em yelled as William grabbed me pulling me trying to pry me away from em.
Jeffery grabbed Emily as we were slowly losing our grip.
"MACKENZIE!" Emily yelled as our hands slipped. We were ripped away from each other as tears slipped down her face.
"EMILY!" I yelled as I was pulled out of the tent.
"YOU MONSTER!" I screamed as he glared at me.
"Staying with her will only put you at risk. You'll risk your own life for her. People need to stop living for others. From now on...live for yourself. Dying for someone is ridiculous." William said as I stared at my hands.
"Will you survive or die like a pathetic weakling." He asked as I clenched my fists.
"I want to survive!..And see her again. As a person, I'm really lower than shit...But she knows that, and she smiles kindly at me anyway.." I mumbled as he nodded.
"Then fight to your full potential." He said as he held a katana.
"This. Is my weapon. It's called Ketsueki. Which means blood in English. This katana has the ability to kill someone with one slice. A curse will spread through their body in seconds and will stop their heart." He said.
"One day. Maybe. You can have it." He said as he grabbed another blade.
He handed it to me making me stare at it.
"It's A very beautiful blade. Only certain people who feel it's pain can hold it. And you. Are perfect." He said as I looked up at him confused.
