“Ugghhhh….”

A sharp pain throbbed in Jaire’s skull. It felt as though a hundred needles were piercing him constantly, each a millimeter apart. Slowly Jaire’s eyes creaked open, only to shut abruptly against the bright sunlight. The needles continued to press and he groaned once more. God it feels like my brain is going to explode…

He turned his head to the side before opening his eyes again, only to find another ray of sunlight beam straight into his eyes. What the hell??

Confused, he turned over once more. This time, he covered his eyes with his hand before opening them, but found that the sunlight still shone through.

He sat up with alarm as his eyes flung open. Everywhere he turned, beams of light shone straight at him with painful brightness. He shut his eyes tightly against them, yet somehow they penetrated through his eyelids as they burned their way straight into his skull. The sharp pains in his head resonated with the beams, growing in intensity as his head felt ready to crack open.

Before he could even begin to panic, the pain and lights suddenly vanished, and darkness returned to his shut eyes.

What the hell was that?! What the-

“Stay still already!!” A voice called out from behind, startling him enough to open his eyes. With the bright light missing, he was finally able to see his surroundings, and what he saw stunned him immediately.

Everywhere he looked, millions of tiny white lights danced him. They glittered as they flew by, following an invisible current that he could not feel. Strangely, despite their quantity and constant sparkling, he could still see through them. He found himself within a small tent sitting upon a stretcher, and completely covered with the specs. Curious, he tried to hold them, but stopped as a voice spoke once more.

“Stay still,” the person said, “I’m almost done.”

He turned his head towards the speaker, and found Lin standing there with her hands upon his shoulders. The motes of light also fell upon her, however they had a different property than the rest. Instead of twinkling white lights, the lights on her were bright green, which glowed brighter the closer they got to her hands. It was then that he finally realized that he felt something flowing within him.

A soothing warmth emanated from her hands and surged throughout his body. As it flowed he began to feel relaxed, all the tension he hadn’t known he held easing beneath its embrace. The feeling was so calming that his eyes slowly closed as his consciousness drifted. Just before he lost himself to the relaxation, the warmth abruptly stopped.

“Wha???” He spoke with a dull as his mind slowly awoke. What just happened??

As he looked around, he found that the lights had vanished as well, and the only noise he heard was Lin panting behind him.

“Oh man,” She gasped, “that was tougher than I thought. Humans and plants are pretty different after all.”

Plants?? What do plants have to- Mind finally snapping awake, he quickly turning around and stared at her with wide-eyed astonishment. “Did you-”

“Shh,” She cut him off while she placed a finger to his mouth. The typical sly smile emerged on her face as she leaned in to whisper, “Yes, I did. It’s something I’ve been dabbling in. Glad to know it was a success. How do you feel?”

She used magic on me. Giddiness ran through him as a stupid smile crossed his face. That was amazing!! Is that what she meant by an ecstasy? “I feel fantastic.” He replied with a goofy grin.

“Great. I’m so glad it worked, would be a shame if you started to sprout flower buds or something.”

Huh? Flower buds? His giddiness ebbed as her words confused him. Why would I sprout flower- Suddenly the implication set in and her words repeated themselves in his mind. Lin’s magic revolved around controlling and manipulating plant life, not humans. Oh my god, she had no idea what she was doing! Was I just her test dummy?!

“You-” He began but was quickly cut off by another finger upon his mouth as Lin devilishly smiled.

“Welllll, it’s not like I have anyone else to work with. Jaq and Cherry are too good to be pummeled around, and no way I’m gonna experiment on myself. Soooooo~”

“Y-you!” He stuttered as anger and fear swam within his mind. I could have died!!

“Oh please,” She spoke as she stood up, “don’t be so dramatic. You wouldn’t have died...Maybe. Look, what matters is that it worked and you are alive and healthy, so let’s not fuss over the details okay?”

“...”

“Awww, don’t be like that. Don’t you have faith in me?” She brought her hands to his cheeks as she bent down and kissed him on the forehead. “You know I won’t let anything bad happen to you right? C’monnn, please forgive me?”

She batted her eyes and pouted as she continuously gave him pecks on his face and cheeks, until he finally resigned.

“Still…coulda warned me.” he sighed. I can never stay mad at her. Bah.

“I’ll make it up to later okay?” She giggled as she kissed him again. “Now then, let’s get going. They are announcing the placements soon.”

Placements? OH!! He jerked up as he remembered the situation before his nap. “Right! Let’s go-whoaaaa.”

Dizziness overcame him and he almost dropped to the floor, but was caught in time by Lin.

“Easy there tiger, you took a hell of a beating and I’m not good enough to fix you up instantly, so you gotta take it slow ok?”

“Ah...right.” His legs wobbled as he righted himself. “Er, do you mind telling me what happened? My memory is a little hazy…”

As they walked out of the tent and joined the other students, Lin told him the events of the fight and how he came to be in the tent. As she finished, he internally frowned as he tried to recalll the events for himself.

Strange...I don’t remember a ring out...let alone getting up to fight again...

Why can’t I remember it??

--------------------------------------------------

“Now, without further ado,” The principal finally said at the end of another long winded speech, “We shall announce the Path’s decisions!”

He stood upon a stage again, but unlike before, the stage was laid out to create four distinct walkways behind them. Each walkway led towards a tower that had been brought out. Each tower had the insignias and markings of one of the Paths carved upon them, and served as platforms for the chosen students to stand upon as they were welcomed into their Path.

The stadium erupted into cheers as the students had their names called out. One by one, they walked onto the stage and towards one of the Paths. Jaire cheered as Jaques and Cheryl were called out. Both of them earned high praise for their accomplishments and joined the Hunters and Bulwarks respectively. Cheryl was also the winner of the brawl, but that was as expected. When Lin was called, she hesitantly looked to Jaire’s shaky form.

“I’ll be fine.” He spoke with a smile, “I’m just tired. Go now, I’ll see you on the other side.”

She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before she marched away. She too had earned high praise, and promptly joined the Seekers.

Ugh there’s so many of us, this will take forever. Jaire thought as he sighed and concentrated on not keeling over.

Damn that girl, she was really out for blood...I wonder if she’s just like that or she hates me.

God I’m hungry. Can we hurry it up please?

Ugh, my head started to hurt again...but I don’t see any lights this time around. I wonder what that was about. I should ask-

“JAIRE NEVIZE. PLEASE STEP FORWARD.”

Startled, Jaire looked up to the stage to the frowning principal. Woops.

He began making his way forward, but hesitated. Something’s...wrong…

Confused, he looked around, and found that he stood alone. That’s not right...It’s alphabetical isn’t it? So where is everyone?

Then he saw them. Every other student had already stood upon the towers. The stadium was eerily quiet as trepidation grew within him. Shakily, he walked towards the stage.

“Jaire Nevize.” the principal spoke, a hint of disgust in his voice, “You have failed.”

What?

The principal continued to speak, but none of the words registered in his mind as he stared blankly at the man.

I failed?

“For your failure to be of use to society, you are from here out banished from the town and-”

I...failed?

------------------------------------------------------------

Jaire sat numbly as he looked at his cuffed hands.

This can’t be happening...

He sat in a chair, flanked by both parents. To his right, his mother screamed and cussed at the principal in her personalized mix of common speech and a bastardized old world language. On his left, his father silently fumed, remarking only to support his mother. In front of him a massive stone table separated their side from the principals, and upon it, dozens of papers with comments and scores were strewn about.

Coward. Weak. Lacking resolve. Unambitious. Indecisive.

The papers continued on and on, none giving him a single redeeming quality.

This can’t be happening...He thought as his body shook. His failure would come with a price, which was the equivalent of a death sentence.

As it were, there were no jail cells or prisons in Rivivera. Instead, the town had a harsh and effective method to deal with criminals and undesirables. First, they would be charged with a fine based on the crime committed; next, they were banished from the settlement, restricted from re-entering until the fine was paid.

As it is impossible to survive in the wild and the nearest town was a two week trek away through Zvyr territory, criminals had no choice but to pay the fine. The problem however, was that the fine could only be paid in resources, and not Qip. Thus criminals had no other option but to work as auxiliary collectors.

Auxies worked alongside the town-approved Gatherers to collect resources, but with none of the benefits. While Gatherers had homes to return to and were protected by Hunters, Auxies had to collect and survive all on their own. Acknowledging that this would have brought about a quick death with no benefit to the town, the government gave the Auxies the right to take on more debt in exchange for daily rations, shelter, and gear. When put into practice, this meant that a 100 Qip fine could take weeks to pay off, even months if the Auxie wasn’t careful.

For Jaire, the fine of failing was equal to the resources that were wasted on him over his ten years at the Academy. In essence, it was a life sentence.

I’m never paying it off, I’m going to be stuck as an Auxie until I die...

“That is enough!” The principal yelled as he slammed his fist upon the table. It shook from the pure force of his strike, despite being constructed of an incredibly heavy mineral and looked to weigh about 5 tonnes. The feat would have been impressive and daunting to anyone else, however...

“I’LL TELL YOU WHEN IT’S ENOUGH!” His mother bellowed as she slammed her own fist down, causing the stone table to snap in half. She raged on for another 15 minutes before a sound from behind interrupted her.

“We’ll take him.” A gruff voice spoke from the doorway. They all turned to stare at the newcomer. A disheveled man stood in the doorway donning a tattered poncho as he reeked of booze.

“You!” The principal spat, though Jaire sensed he was secretly relieved to not be the target of his mother’s viciousness.

“Yeah me.” The gruff man said as he took a swig from his canteen. “Like I said, we’ll take him. He’ll fit in perfectly.”

The principal sneered, turning to face Jaire who had finally come out of his stupor to stare at the man.

...why does he look so familiar?

“Jaire.” The president spat, “Unfortunately, they have given you a pass, which is regrettably still allowed. So now you have a choice. Honorably take on your banishment and subsequent fine, or give up whatever dignity you have left to join him and his scum.”

The man just rolled his eyes as he took another swig of the canteen.

“But, who is he?” Jaire questioned as he tried to recall where he had seen the man.

“He’s a Sentinel.” The principal responded, and finally Jaire understood his disgust.

The Sentinels were the fifth Path. But unlike the prior four, Sentinels were reviled and hated by everyone. Once upon a time they were hailed as heroes who protected the caravans along the trade routes, but after the rise of the Seekers, they became irrelevant. What’s more, their tactics were seen as cowardly and pathetic, as they would often choose to run and save their own skin than continue their mission. It was a mystery why they were still allowed to exist, but everyone wished that they would finally be disbanded for the disgrace that they were.

Screw that. He thought as disgust formed within him. I’d rather die than…than...

He paused as the situation sunk in. In the past, he had often spoken those words, `I'd rather die than be a Sentinel’, yet now with the reality of death as the other option, he didn’t feel so sure.

I really would be choosing death over them...but...

“Do the right thing.” The principal spoke, “Hold your head high and willingly accept your fate, as a true warrior should. There is no greater disgrace than-”

“Enough.” His mother spoke. She glared at the principal until he huffed and looked away, and then turned to face him.

“Jaire,” She began, “Do what you want, worry not of what others will say.”

“Whatever happens, we will always support you.” He father pitched in as he held Jaire’s shoulder.

I...I want…

The room trembled and cracked. Visions of blood and gore filled the room as the wails of the dead cried out to him. As he watched in terror, he heard a whisper speak to him.

Surrender.

-----------------------------------------

The room was silent as the boy kept his head down. Disgraceful. He thought as he watched the boy quiver in his chair.

Every year, there was at least one of them, a failure. It was a common occurrence, yet he had the utmost hopes with this year’s class. For the ten years that he had been president, he had put his full focus on raising these children, more so than any class before them. They were to be his crowning jewel, a 100% passing class, an achievement that would have given him the right to leave this god forsaken place and finally move to the capital state of Charavalon.

He had spent countless hours nurturing the students, ensuring they were properly trained both physically and mentally. Day in and day out they were taught that there was no greater calling than being soldiers, no greater sacrifice than those made for the good of the people, until they believed it themselves. His methods had worked wonderfully, and he was so close to his goal, that he had already packed before the Ceremony had even begun.

Yet one child had ruined everything.

He had known about Jaire for a while now, about his tendencies to transfer courses or slack off, but he had paid it no mind. The boy was as equally capable as three of the top rated students and had proven himself before, so he had let the child do as he pleased with the assumption that when it mattered the most, Jaire would step up to the challenge.

How foolish of me. I should have forced his hand when I had the chance. There is nothing I can do to salvage this situation now either, the Onlooker must have already seen the results.

Barely able to restrain his anger, he decided that enough time had passed.

“Bah!” he spat, “I will not allow you to sully our reputation by throwing your lot in with these scoundrels! You are from here on out ba-”

“THEM! I CHOOSE THEM!” the boy screamed with fear ridden eyes.

You pathetic child. He thought as he grit his teeth. You can’t even allow yourself to be useful even when all else is ruined.

“See?” the fallen Sentinel spoke, “Told you he’d fit right in. Welcome to the Sentinels kid.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jaire sighed as he stared up to the flower-adorned ceiling. After he was uncuffed and allowed to leave, he had excused himself and made his way back to Lin’s home. It was the one place where he would always find comfort, and he needed it now more than ever.

Striking his hand out, he attempted to make the plants move, but as usual, nothing happened. I guess I’m a failure at that too…

Sighing once more, he turned to his side as the events of the day played over in mind, each accompanied by more self-pity.

Did I make the right choice? He questioned himself. At the time he had acted out of fear, but now that he had time to calm down, reason had returned to him.

Although dangerous, it was possible to live a long life as a Auxie. Plenty of people had done it in the past, and plenty more were doing it even now. Perhaps he could have made a new friend, met someone who would have shown him the ropes and taught him everything he would ever need to know. Auxie’s weren’t necessarily bad people, thus the government did try to help them out, perhaps it was not as bad as he had imagined.

But no. I didn’t think about that. I was too wrapped up in my fear to think clearly. I really have turned into a coward…

“God damn it!” He yelled as he slammed the floor.

“Jeez Jay, what did my floor ever to do you?” Lin spoke out as she entered the room from the outside.

“Go away…”

“Excuse me? This is MY house you know.” She scoffed and lightly pushed at his prone body with her foot.

“I’m sorry...I’m just…”

“I know, I was watching, which is why I knew I’d find you here. Come on you big baby, get up.”

Despite her prodding, he stubbornly refused to move. He was exhausted, physically and mentally, and he just wanted to lay down and rest. How can I tell her...

“Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to get undressed in front of you since you won’t leave.” She spoke, “No peeking.”

A moment later, he heard cloth shuffle behind him. He peeked. She stood with her arms on her waist while fully clothed.

“Pervert.” She said with a snide smile, “Get up already.”

Damn. He sat up with an exaggerated sigh. “Alright alright I’m going. Jeez, what does a man have to do to brood around here?”

“Well you can always join Jaq upon the roof.”

He smirked and shook his head. “No no, I can’t pull that off.”

“Neither can he but has that ever stopped him?” Giggling, she sat down next to him. “Feeling better yet? Or do you want to bash on Jaq some more? Did you see him fight today? I mean talk about dramat-”

She abruptly stopped as he laid his head upon her shoulder. “This is good enough. After all...I won’t be able to see you anymore…”

“Don’t think that way.” She cooed as she ran her fingers through his hair. “You know that isn’t true. Besides, it’s not like its a life sentence, you just have to be careful about where you gather and don’t take up too much debt. I read that a human can go three weeks without food so if you just diet-”

“Lin...I won’t be an Auxie...I joined the Sentinels.”

He felt her body stiffen beside him as a silence fell within the room. She began to tremble slightly as she fidgeted with her fingers, which brought pain to his heart.

I knew it... she’s disgusted by me. How could she ever love a coward? I made the wrong-

“Let’s run away.” She spoke in a soft voice. It was so low, that it took a second for him to realize what she had said, and another to comprehend it.

“What??” He questioned as straightened up to look at her. His eyes grew wide as he watched her. Rather than the confident or playful face she had always shown him, now a new one had formed, one he had never seen her use before.

She was scared.

“Run away with me Jaire.” She repeated, her voice quivering as she stared into his eyes.

“Run away??” He repeated, too bewildered to process. “Run away to where?”

“To the wild.” She responded as she reached forward and squeezed his hand.

“You know that isn’t possible, there’s nowhere to go out there. We will be eaten within a week.”

“I’d rather live a week with you than a lifetime without.” She replied as she squeezed his hand tigther.

His heart ached as realization dawned on him. She’s scared, who wouldn’t be, yet still she’s willing to risk her life just to be with me. Oh Lin…

But...I can’t let you do that. A grim determination hardened within him. I screwed myself over already, but I refuse to bring you down with me.

“I’m sorry Lin but...I couldn’t ever let you do that. I don’t want to lose you but it’s too dangerous. I can’t protect you...” Even if I could, what could a coward like myself do?

“Hmph!”

A warmth radiated out from where she sat and the room trembled. He sat shocked as all around them, the once peaceful garden grew monstrous. Deadly thorns erupted upon every vine as they grew triple in size. The flowers opened to reveal maws lined with gaping teeth that dripped with a sizzling ooze.

“I don’t need you to protect me.” She spoke as her eyes glowed with a green hue, a feature that had never occurred before. Mouth agape in fear and awe, he sat dumbly as the flowers retreated and reverted back to their original size.

“Five...five years.” She panted as she fell against his chest. She was covered in sweat and panting heavily, yet still she continued to speak, “Give me…five years...and I can...I can be so much more. I can...protect us…”

Amazing. How can she be so amazing? But...

You are weak. A coward.

His heart raced as the voice spoke. Dozens of images flashed within his mind, full of blood and death.

You cannot protect her.

“I’m sor-”

“P-please,” Her voice quivered as she trembled within his arms, “d-don’t...don’t leave me…”

Within his mind, hundreds of bleeding eyes encircled him as the room around them trembled.

Surrender yourself to me, and I shall keep her safe.

Hundreds of bodies surrounded them, each carrying her face as they cried blood and wailed his name.

Yet, the images didn’t cause fear within him. Instead, a burning anger ignited in his chest.

I will never let that happen to you. Never.

“Okay.” He spoke, voice steady and strong. I am NOT a coward. I WILL protect you!

Gently as he could, he stroked Lin's hair as she had done to him many times before. “It’s going to be okay. I’m here for you. Please don’t cry anymore.”

“S-stupid, I’m not crying, you are.” She sobbed out as she pressed herself tighter into his chest.

He chuckled and reached down to kiss her forehead. I won’t let you down. I swear.

He wrapped his arms around her trembling body as he continued to kiss her forehead, moving lower with each kiss. “I’ll never leave you. Come now, let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”

“...okay…”

The following morning, he returned home.