Six months has passed since the incident with Captain Abdul at sector 7.

Early in the morning Malek stands staring out the window of his bedroom. Looking at the streets below he sees many people collapsing due to intoxication of alcohol. But there was some that didn’t seem it was due to alcohol. Their eyes were green and their skin filled with pimples and scars. Itching all over as they looked around paranoid as if someone was going to catch them. They were so paranoid that they didn’t see what’s in front of them and would trip on themselves or objects on the ground. It looked like walking zombies. Malek took note of this then slowly made his way over to the kitchen where his mother was. Looking at her, Malek thought to himself ‘Ma’ imma get you out of here. Even if I have to become a filthy military dog, as long as you are safe, I’ll do anything. You’re the only family that I got here.’ His mother turns around and smiles widely before turning into tears. “Malek… oh have you grown so much. You’re already 16 years old. You’re finally going off to the military training. “ She says as cheerful as possible but deep down she is still worried about her son. “You look exactly like your father. If only he was here to see you like this. He’ll definitely say you look like your grandfather.” She walks up to him and holds his face with her battered hands. Malek couldn’t help but smile.

‘Granpa, I heard stories that you were strong, so while I’m gone, protect my mother.’ He thought to himself even though he does not believe in ghosts, he wants to feel as if his mother is always safe. Breaking free from his mother’s grip, Malek picks up his backpack from the ground and swings it on his back. Walking up to the door in silence, Malek looks back at his mother one last time, “Ma’ I’ll send you letters whenever. Ma’ before I go, I want to tell you something. My dream.” Malek says softly. “Your dream? Isn’t it to join the military?” she asked while tilting her head. “No, my dream is…” As Malek spoke about his dream in the future, all his mother could do is laugh and smile. “Hahaha! I know Malek.” She replied. “You knew?” “Of course I did, I know you wanted to join the military for my safety, its funny, you worry more about me than I worry about you sometimes. But… Thank you for telling me. You will do it, and I know you will, you are my son. I will always support you. So go, do it. But first you better thank Abdul. He was the one who got you accepted remember!” Malek kissed his teeth to that statement “He’ll get a thank you punch!” he replied. “Thank him properly you hardheaded idiot!” His mother yells with her hands on her hips. “NO I DON’T WANNA! ILL BEAT HIM THIS TIME FOR SURE!” Malek yells back before running out the door yelling. But at the end, both him and his mother smiled. ‘That’s a more proper goodbye ma’”

Arriving at the sector gate, Malek shows the guards his pass to let him through. This is the first time Malek has seen anything outside of Sector 7. After waiting around for a few minutes, a bus arrives to pick him up. But as soon as the driver saw the gate number, he turned around leaving Malek. “HEY WAIT! YOU FORGOT ABOUT ME!” He says waiving his arm. The guards laughed at him “Of course they aren’t going to pick you up kid. This is sector 7, even top guards don’t want to come here. It smells like shit, and so do you. Get walking kid.” Malek sighed before walking down a straight alleyway to get out of the entrance to sector 7. What he saw was something he has only seen in ripped up newspapers. A place filled with lights and clean streets. World filled with concrete buildings, walls, and streets. “So this is the big city, Concretia.” Malek spoke with eyes wide open as the sparkling building was absorbed into his dark onyx eyes. Seeing powers being used by street performers, people that are half animals, and happy families. This world was completely different from where he grew up. Malek started his walk towards the military academy. It wasn’t some place secret, it can be seen from practically anywhere, even outside the wall it can still be seen. The largest facility in the entire world, the Military HQ and its multiple training grounds. The tallest building in the city.

Checking the time from inside a building, “Man I’m going to be late. Hope I don’t get expelled the first day. I mean can you blame me, look at the shining buildings! Look that one is filled with cats, and they sell something called coffee? Whats coffee?” He talks to himself as his hands are in his pockets and strolls around the city. A hand grabs onto his shoulder. A man taller than Malek with a military officer uniform on. “Oi kid! Where are you from?!” Malek turns around looking at his hand on his shoulder. “Sector 7, why?” He replied casually. “S-s-s-sector 7?! HOW ARE YOU OUTSIDE THE GATE?! YOURE GOING TO BE TAKEN IN IMMEDIETLY AND ARRESTED FOR TRESSPASSING OVER THE GATE!” The man snaps as the civilians run away screaming in fear. Malek was confused on why everyone was scared, was there something wrong from where he came from? But then a hand was placed on the man’s shoulder from behind. The man turns around angered and shouting “WHO DARES TOUCH ME-!?” He quickly realized who it was and places his hand on his head and salutes. “Captain Abdul sir! I am so sorry! I did not mean it!” The man says in a frightened tone of voice. “Oh officer Janky. It’s alright. I am here to take this boy to the academy.” Janky turns around to look at Malek as he scratches the back of his head. “But sir, he is from Sector 7! We never had anyone from there join the military academy!” Janky states. “Officer Janky. Do not mettle with the business of higher ups.” Abdul says with a strict tone that sent shivers down the spine of Janky. “Yes sir! I am sorry! I will take my leave now.” Janky says running off. “Malek was it? Let get going, I brought a car with me.” Abdul says before turning around and heads over to the car. Suddenly he feels a hand grab his shoulder. He stops and turns partially around. “What are you doing?” He asks Malek. “Huh? Isn’t this how you greet people here?” He replies genuinely. There was a moment of silent before Abdul bursts out laughing. “You’re funny kid!” He says before walking up the car and opening the door. “Well hop in-…. Where did he go?..” Abdul sighs face palming his hand.

“WHY DID YOU GRAB MY SHOULDER HUH?! YOU GOT A PROBLEM?! Who and where are you from kid!” A shop keeper yells with his hand pinching his nose. “Hi, I’m Malek, from Sector 7. Nice to meet you to sir!” Malek says with a smile. Abdul catches wind of where Malek is, and already he started problems. He rushes over to deescalate the problem. “Sorry sir, this child is part of the military academy. I will take him away.” Abdul says. The man was relieved seeing Abdul arrive. “Ah thank you Captain Abdul. You are always so kind.” Abdul then physically picks up Malek as he flails around trying to break free. “Hey! Lemme go!” Malek shouts as he was shoved into the car and tied up. “Aren’t you supposed to be somewhere! Kid I came to bring you to the academy!” Abdul shouts out of annoyance then goes around and sits in the driver’s seat. “Oh, I got distracted by the lights again.” Malek responds. “This your first time out here?” Abdul says to carry on the conversation. “Yup, everyone is so friendly. They yell at me and put their hands on my shoulder as a hello.” Malek continues. Abdul sighs heavy. “You are weird.” “I’m weird?! You’re weird!” “You can’t use the same insult back at me you idiot!” Abdul says before smiling and laughing. “What’s so funny idiot- I mean dumbass!” Malek responds. “It’s nothing.” The rest of the car ride was them conversing about many things but mostly Malek asking questions in rapid speed succession and Abdul trying to block out Malek’s talking.

Malek luckily arrived on time to the academy grounds and follows the instructions that Abdul gave him. It was straightforward instruction. “Just go straight through those big doors.” But he went out of his way to give him a map that just shows him to go straight because he felt as if Malek was going to get lost again. Walking straight and through the doors, Malek opens the doors and sees many faces with kids around his age that are all different shapes and sizes. He walked around casually as many whispers started to go around. Rumors have spread about someone from sector 7 is joining the military academy and judging by how Malek looked, they all knew right away it was him. “Hm this is weird, no one is grabbing my shoulder, I guess everyone is nervous or something.” Many noble families were present at the arena, an outdoor arena with grass that barely lifts out the ground and in front was a stage with a podium. Moments later a woman wearing a black and gold uniform, around 29 years old walks up onto the stage. Chatter amongst both men and women all fell for her beauty the instant she stepped onto the stage. She taps the mic to check if it works and the whole arena goes silent.

(To be continued in part 2...)