“Today
you become our children!” Led’s voice booms over the choosing room, causing
pride to move from my legs to my fingertips. “Today you will create, fight, and
serve our country! You will do no less because your only goal is to honor us!
You were raised by this Academy but you belong to this county!”
“Mint, if you keep fidgeting you’re going to drive me
insane,” Alex hisses next to me. Her hair shines next to her grey dress. As she
touches her hand to my lap, I feel the heat burning beneath my cheeks. Then her
hand is gone and she’s watching Led intently. I force myself to focus on Led
and not think of how close Alex sits to me. Sitting boy girl is supposed to
prevent distractions, but nothing is more distracting. I wonder if she feels
the same distraction burning within her, I wonder if that drives her insane.
“The Seers have watched you and have chosen the position
for which you deserve.” Led paces the thin, black platform as he speaks. The
red scar, that replaces one of his eyes, is the only color in the room. His
uniform is black, he is one of the Elite. In contrast, my peers wear the
undecided grey uniforms. “I will call your names in order of the Seers
decisions.”
I stare at the silver box that sparkles on the pedestal
in the center of the platform and clench my fists. It is only a hologram but it
looks so real.
“Alex Grey.”
A shift of movement next to me and then she is on stage.
She reaches her hand towards the box and slowly it glides open. The wilted
flower appears in its place and hesitantly she reaches towards it, the flower
grows thorns and pricks her finger drawing blood. Turning to face us she gasps
as a chain grabs at her wrist forcing her back towards the pedestal. The flower
is now a chained rose. She looks up at Led in confusion.
My heart freezes.
Led’s smile is curt, “Alex Grey…. Your new name is a rare
name. You forever shall be known as Alex Red Ares. You belong not only to
science but to our Elite. Today you serve as a military doctor. The Seers have
deemed you unique or different.”
I feel the air leave my lungs. Something inside me
hardens and refuses to allow me to breathe.
When Alex faces us her face is pale, causing her lips to
appear redder, her eyes bluer. Part of me knows I should look away because she
is different, but the way her eyes sparkle and her smile falters makes me want
to take her in my arms. I force myself to look down as the rest of my class
bows their heads. I shouldn’t think thoughts like that. I can’t take anything
in my arms besides a gun for my country.
Returning to her seat I glance back at her, “You okay?”
She smiles, “I’m different.”
“Stop smiling.” My voice warns.
“Why?” She touches her blond hair as she tilts her head
to the side, “Are you scared of a girl?”
“No… I,” My face turns red as Led calls my name.
“You go tough guy,” Alex winks and playfully punches my
shoulder.
I lift my head up and stand, back straight, I feel the
grey uniforms watching me. My palms are sweaty, I can feel my legs shaking, but
I force a sheepish smile anyway. Every breath I’ve taken has added up to this
moment and I will not falter. Led’s one eye is squinted in annoyance, his red
scar wrinkled along with his forehead. Steady, slow steps. What are the seers thinking now? Did they see me making eye contact
with Alex? The thoughts dissolve
into nothing as I step onto the platform. I
want to be like the Elite. I reach a shaky hand towards the silver
holographic box. It shifts open and the chains appear. Without a second thought
I force my hands into their bindings and turn and raise my arms above my head.
As the coils slit open my wrist, I suppress a smile.
“Mint Grey, you shall be known as Officer Mint Ares. You
will give your life for your parent country!”
Staring out at the crowd, I watch as everyone bows their
head to me, except Alex whose eyes melt with worry and lips curl as she lowers
her head.
Today everything changes.
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