“Yeah, I am feeling better.” Alexander replied without making eye contact with his brother.

“What happened to his shoulder Alistar?” their mother asked.  

“Apparently he got into a fight.” Alistar replied to her, “Seems he has covered up some kind of injury with a proper bandage.”

“What did he cover it with before?” their father asked.

“A piece of his shirt.” Alistar replied.

“Alexander, why would you damage your uniform like that? I will have to sew it up.” their mother said and stepped over to examine Alexander.

“I SAID I AM FINE!” Alexander yelled, taking everyone by surprise, and then quickly covered his mouth, “Sorry I shouldn’t have yelled, I am feeling better okay, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Alright honey, if it gets worse we will take you to the doctor.” their mother said and Alexander nodded, “Alistar, are you ready for your entrance ceremony tomorrow?”

“Yes, I am prepared to use whatever Sentry they give me.” Alistar replied.

“Given that most applicant’s this year are from Foundation families, us parents offered up our own Sentries to use in the tests.” Their father said to Alistar and patted him on the back, “Do your best son.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me Alistar’s entrance ceremony is tomorrow?” Alexander asked and looked around at them.

“I tried telling you earlier but you insisted on running.” Alistar said.

“Oh yeah, good luck.” Alexander awkwardly said.

The atmosphere that hung over the dining table while everyone ate was too much for Alexander so he asked if he could take his food and up to his room instead. His parents pondered for a moment and begrudgingly agreed. Half way up the steps he heard mumblings coming from the dining room, most likely they were talking about his behavior. It was whatever. When he got to his room he placed the plate on his nightstand and just went to sleep.

The first thing Alexander did the following morning was to examine himself and changed his bandage after a shower. He decided to wear a white hoodie over his uniform so that he could more easily hide his bandage from everyone at school. When he went downstairs he saw his parents adjusting Alistar’s new Foundation uniform.

His brother had on a red formal jacket, resembling a butler’s, with a split rectangular tailcoat. Alistar was bordered by the white jackets of their parents along with their Sentry carrying cases. All three had black shoulder pads, gloves and a pair of black trousers to complete their look. He had to admit that it was certainly a picture worthy sight. Even if it meant enduring an awkward morning he wanted to and went to see his brother off.

When he got closer he saw an additional difference in their uniforms, his brother had three white bands on both his sleeves while his parents had only one black band on theirs’. Despite his behavior the previous night he was met with a series of smiles.

“You’re looking good bro.” Alexander said and waved at Alistar.

“That he does, can’t wait to see how he’ll look when you eventually reach Purger rank.” their father said and chuckled.

“Dear, you know that will take time, now let’s go or we will be late.” Their mother said and walked over to Alexander, placing a kiss on his cheek, “Reach school safely Alex, we will tell you how it went when we get home.”

“Yes mom, I can’t wait to see what Sentry you get Alistar.” Alexander said.

“Don’t worry, I will be sure to let you touch it!” Alistar jested.

Alexander’s parents and brother left after another series of goodbyes and he himself left shortly after they drove off. The first thing that met him at school was Felix and Michael standing by the school gate. The moment that his eyes glanced onto Felix memories of the incident came flooding back. He couldn’t avoid them so he tried to walk by as quick as possible while blending into the crowd of students. However, when he thought that he was in the clear he felt a tug on his hoodie that pulled him out of the group.

 “Good morning Cromwell.” Michael said while holding onto him.

“Oh Good morning, fancy seeing you here.” Alexander said while looking at Michael.

“Do you have a moment to spare?” Michael asked.

“Of course, not like I have a choice while you’re grabbing my clothes.” Alexander said and was quickly released.

Michael had the same cold and intimidating demeanor similar to the one he had yesterday. For someone who was human, Michael’s physical strength was on a different level than his own. Behind Michael hid Felix, compared to yesterday, this him was clearly more bashfully. Felix clung to Michael like a child clinging to their parent in front of a stranger. The contrast was certainly astounding.

“Is he…alright?” Alexander asked.

“Believe it or not this is the real him, shy and all.” Michael replied, he turned to Felix and his tone changed from cold to caring in an instant, “Go on, just like we practiced.”

Alexander watched as Michael petted Felix’s head and encouraged him to come from behind. It was the first time he saw Michael make any kind of expression besides indifference, even to the point of showing a smile. Felix slowly creeped from behind Michael and stood before him, holding onto Michael’s arm like it was a life preserver.

“I am sorry about pouncing on you yesterday.” Felix sheepishly said while avoiding eye contact with Alexander.

“It’s fine, you kept your word and didn’t inject me so no harm no foul.” Alexander quietly said so that no one around could hear him.

“Thanks for forgiving him, he only gets that frisky when he’s hunger.” Michael told Alexander with a smile, “The change took me by surprise too the first time I fed him, I thought someone else had taken over his body.”

“Stop making fun of me Michael!” Felix exclaimed embarrassingly and punched Michael’s shoulder but was met with a laugh at every hit.

“We should go or we’ll be late, come on Cromwell.” Michael said and patted Alexander’s shoulder.