Mates in Disguise

Chapter 8

SKY

After the bright wake-up call, I went quickly to do my morning business. We had only half an hour to the next test. I quickly told Liam to hold a place for me in the canteen for breakfast and went to the latrines.

I was not the only one who had the same idea. I grimaced upon seeing four queues to the wooden toilets. I got closer and saw one at the back, which had only one man waiting. I headed that way. When it was my turn, I understood why it had such a shorter queue. I walked in a small wooden hut made to fit one man. The wooden seat in the middle had a whole hollowed out. The whole space was in pee and little brown spots. The smell was repulsive. I didn’t want to think much what it was. So, I did my business in the air while holding my breath, as quick as possible and went out.

The fresh air outside felt almost like a blessing. Some men are truly disgusting. I quickly checked if my uniform was clean and checked my father’s watch to see the time. I still had 20 minutes till the next formation call.

I took off to the canteen.

I saw Liam standing with a bunch of people inside and walked up to them.

“Oh, here is our little hero!” He said as I stood next to him. He put his arm on my shoulders and pointed to me. “This little guy finished as second yesterday. Can you imagine? I don’t know where he hides all that skill in this tiny body.”

I shook my head and looked at the four men in front of me.

“You’re exaggerating.” I said with a shy smile.

“No, I’m not. You’re really good.” He took his arm off of me and pointed to the men on his left.

“Anyways. You’ve got to meet those guys. That’s Matt. He is an old friend from my village.” I shook his hand firmly.

“Hi, I’m Skyler.” I said.

“No shit.” He smiled. “If someone didn’t know your name from yesterday, they would know it from Liam. He can’t stop talking about his crazy fast friend.”

My smile grew. Matt looked very friendly. He was a tall blonde guy with blue eyes. The type which had all the girls wrapped around his little finger with just a single smile. He’s personality shone from him like a lantern – an easy-going heartbreaker.

“You’re talking like I’m some kind of a hero. Totally not going to stress today.” I laughed nervously.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you will do great.” He laughed.

Liam pointed to the other guy. Big looking guy with bald head and eagle tattoo on the side of his head. He was muscular, yet seemed a little overweight.

“The big guy is Ted, but we all call him The Bear.”

I shook his hand.

“Teddy the Bear?” I chuckled.

“The one and only. Someone thought it’s a funny name. So, with time it stuck with me.” He shrugged.

“You’re definitely good for cuddles.” I joked. “Girls must love it”

Liam intervened. “If he had any!” They all laughed, but I felt some sympathy towards the Bear.

“You’re saying like you could get any with that ugly face.” I pointed. He touched his heart theatrically.

“You wound me, man. My body count is excellent, thank you” He smiled.

“That’s Rick and Rory. Brothers.” He points to the last two.

I take a closer look. And I feel like smile is slowly disappearing from my face. I knew these two. They and the other one jumped me yesterday. They looked stressed. Jumping from one leg to the other, clearly feeling uncomfortable.

“Yeah, we met.” My voice sounded cold.

They both looked me in the eyes. Almost like they were trying to send a message. Pleading almost.

“You met? I thought I was the only one you knew here.” Liam asked, surprised.

“Yeah.. Well...” Rick started.

I quickly thought everything through. They looked embarrassed of what happened yesterday. I never knew what might happen here in the camp. If they truly felt bad... I could cover them and gain two more assets in the Academy. If I was to be the best here. I needed friends.

And what's better start of friendship then a little brawl.

“Yeah. We met yesterday” I said, looking them in the eyes. “I was on my way to the barracks and they stopped me.” I saw they averting their gazes. “To congratulate me for taking the second place.”

They both jerked their heads in my direction. Surprised expressions on their faces. Mixed with uncertainty and gratitude. I would probably look the same if someone I barely knew covered their shameful behavior like that.

“But I didn’t get the chance to know their names.” I lifted my hand. “I’m Skyler. Nice to meet you.”

They shook my hand a bit hesitantly. I smiled at them and nodded discretely to let them know I’m not holding a grudge towards them.

“Okay, let’s find some place to eat. I’m starving and if today’s test will be as exhausting as the last, I might pass out like a damsel in distress.” Liam joked.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be your prince charming then.” I laughed. “Would do the mouth-to-mouth on spot.”

“Oh, hell no! If I pass out, just let me die!”

We found a place to sit. Even with short amount of time we still joked here and there with ease. Even Rick and Rory opened up and sold a few jokes.

As we were getting up, I noticed Noah sitting alone at one of the distant tables. I felt a pang of pain in my chest at the sight. I know he’s annoying, but seeing him being lonely made me feel a bit of empathy. I will introduce him to our group at the next chance.

“Okay people. Let’s go and see what torture they prepared for all of us.” Matt said leading our group out. “I hope it would be something I’m good at for once.”

They started deliberating over what’s to come. What kind of test they will give us. They suspected shooting, some kind of logical test or another test of strength. I didn’t have a clue either. I never saw any more entry tests, beyond the track. It is a bit of a surprise, they decided to make more exams this year. I shared my hopes with the boys. I must be something I’m good at. I need to prove something here.

We gathered in the assembly point and waited for the officer. I felt someone’s gaze at the back of my neck. Almost like heat at the base of my hairline. I turned and saw Noah.

He was standing between two guys almost my height, which made him look gigantic. And he looked straight at me. Even with the distance I could see those frozen-like eyes drilling through my skin.

What is his problem?

He had his eyes furrowed like he was deep in his thoughts. But he was staring straight at me. So, it’s easy to say he must be thinking about me then.

I lifted my brow with question. He blinked and this annoyingly charming smirk lift up the right corner of his lips. I furrowed my own brows and turned to see the officer coming. I swear I heard a deep chuckle coming from behind me.

And to think I felt empathy towards this piece of...

Art.

Ugh.

He’s as annoying as they get. And sexy. And dominant. I hate those kinds of men. But the attention he gives me... as annoying as it is... It still makes my skin to raise goosebumps all over.

“Attention!” The officer’s voice interrupts my thoughts. “Today is the day of your second test! This one is all about physical endurance to pain. You will be paired up and put in rings. Those who passed the tests will be put against each other. The princesses will be paired with third year soldiers.”

Ouch... That will definitely hurt. I thought. Third year soldiers are well trained in hand –to-hand combat. No way some of the fresh cadets could beat them. I suddenly feel bad for Aaron. He will be grinded today.

“The rest will be divided with the next person on the list from yesterday. As it is. Two first times on the track – Noah Lewis and Skyler Lovett – step out!”

I took two steps and stole a glance towards my opponent. Sure, I was good at hand-to-hand combat, but my sparring companion has always been my father. He is big, but not as big as Noah. I held my breath and looked ahead.

I noticed he looked at me too. I could almost feel the smirk radiating from his face.

He thinks he will win.

Oh... Let me prove him wrong! A new load of determination spread around my body.