The New Recruit Novels & Stories

I watched as Tyler's hands balled up into fists, a clear indication of his growing tension. The unknown guy approached us with a grin plastered across his face, but Tyler's glare could have frozen molten lava. However, just as quickly as the hostility emerged, it dissolved into a mocking smirk on Tyler's lips. "Ah... Ricky, is it?" Tyler's voice dripped with sarcasm as he addressed the newcomer. "The guy who can only bitch and moan?"

Taylor's POV It's finally Friday and today, one of the top school teams in Canada will go against Zach's team for the Football competition. I was lucky enough to be discharged straight after Dr. Drake had checked the scans and informed my parents and me that nothing was wrong, and I could go home. Turns out Nora, my second sister, had been dating Dr. Drake. I found out that they were once friends from our hometown, and he had later moved here to pursue his dream as his doctor.

When the police knocked on the door, Frida finally woke up. She opened the door, looking startled as the officers entered. Her face was pale, and she was visibly panicked. "What's the matter?" she asked nervously. "We received a report of an attempted rape in this household. This is a routine response. Is there a Jenna Cross in this household?" one of the officers asked. Frida's face blanched as she glanced back at the master bedroom door that was tightly shut. She waved her hands frantically in denial.

"Who are the new guys? Nathan’s pals?” Nyssa scanned the line of new recruits. "The tall one with the red hair is Ash. Quiet but good with now. The twins are Ren and Corin—they're fast, but they argue constantly. The one with the scar on his chin is Dax. He's already challenged three warriors and lost every time." She paused. Her eyes lingered on the last recruit, a young man with dark curls and a quiet smile who was adjusting his grip on a practice staff. "And that one is Kellan." Freya followed her gaze. "Kellan."

He suddenly blurted and I grabbed him by his shirt and sent a sizzling hot slap to his face. “Are you trying to say that I'll be defeated?” I growled, forcing him to his feet. “Well, isn't it obvious?” He said, his eyes darting around while his innocent round eyes just moved about aimlessly in confusion. He's a new recruit but he sure knows what he's talking about.

Visibly annoyed by the fact that I did not stay close to him, Melz unceremoniously pulled me out of my numb state and led me firmly towards one of the counters where there was a small crowd holding out their hands full of money towards one or other names which appeared on a huge painting nailed against the wall or should I say the sheet metal of one of the numerous containers allowing the creation of a place as isolated but nevertheless clever as the armistice. This guy must really be an asshole to recruit a 15 year old kid into these illegal delusions. I said to myself, watching him unceremoniously push the others, angry at being ousted like this, who quickly calmed down when they recognize

I straightened my back, pressed my lips and without another glance at the folks staring at me, I graciously lowered my knees and picked up the things that fell out. “Let me help you with that.” That deep voice was followed by the sight of masculine hands. “First days are usually filled with nerves.” “I am not-” I looked up, and the boyish charm before me reminded me of my crush in high school. The man smiled with ease and picked up my ID card. “Annatoria Smith? You are the recruit,” he pointed out.

He never did unless someone was in danger. Ronan moved toward the door. “The new recruits are settling in. Callen already assigned them. They seem young.” “They are.” He looked over his shoulder at me. “Tomorrow will be a long day. Try to rest. You always do too much.” He left before I could say anything else. The silence settled around me. My shoulders relaxed just a little. I sat down. My body stayed still, but my mind did not. The day replayed itself without permission. The hundred new recruits, the ten older trainees standing in front, the shock on the boys’ faces when they saw a girl among the leaders.

It was the synchronized march of ten thousand boots. I looked at Barzil. The time for logistics was over. My lungs locked. Air trapped. "The recruitment drive is finished," I said. I closed the datapad. The plastic casing clicked shut—a final, sharp sound. I looked down at Neoma. She had stopped healing. She was standing up. She looked North. Her violet eyes were wide, sensing the intent on the wind. Her muscles were tense, a coiled spring. "The Purge Corps is here," the scout whispered.

I asked as we walked out of the office, "who's fighting tonight?" "The new guy," Sigmund replied. "Goes by the name Crimson. Filipino. Apparently, he was a victim of illegal recruitment." Sigmund clicked his tongue. "Doesn't look like he'll win, though. His opponent is Flame." A grin slowly formed on my lips. "You never know, Sigmund," I said. "Maybe he'll end up like me. Beginner's luck." Sigmund shook his head with a laugh. "You weren't lucky, boss. You were just strong."