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“Thanks,” he says with defeat in his tone.
“You had it,” I assure him. That’s the thing about brothers, the unspoken rules that govern us. I don't need his permission to help him, but he doesn't need me to either. Knowing that difference is make or break out here. It’s something I know we’ll take with us when this final challenge is complete, and we can call ourselves proper mercenaries.
“Come on,” I say. “Let’s get cleaned up for inspection.”
The bright sting of the frigid water tugs the mud away from my scales in relief. Dirt clings to the rips in my six-pack abs, but hey, muscles like these don't come without consequences.
As I drip dry in the crisp afternoon air, letting the pure exposure of the sun’s radiant UVs to penetrate my scales and heal the nicks in my scales within seconds, I can’t help but feel excited by the coming challenge. It’s hard to believe it's almost over.
Supply check is all that remains of our training day as Danel and I step into the supply tent a few minutes later. Captain Leath stands proud over her post, surveying this year's challengers.
“Take note of the items listed for this trial and check that each item is fully accounted for in your pack. Water canister, waterproof area maps, holo-compass, etc. Are there any questions?”
“No, sir.”
“At ease then, and good luck out there.” She walks away with her hands behind her back while I search through my pack for the scant supplies they’ve outfitted for us in this trial.
While gripping my multitool in my hands, I spot the other five contestants come into the supply tent from the training grounds. Of the dozens of us who started, the ten that remain have been quieter with each challenge.
We glare at each other under the heavy lights of the supply tent, each too stoic to add to the uncertainty of our futures with meaningless words.
“Got everything?” I ask Danel before we head to the mess hall for the afternoon meal break.
He ruffles his pack easily, like the flimsy safeguard that it is. “I packed light, you know. For souvenirs.”
I smack him on the shoulder, a kind return for his endless jokes. “Don’t worry bro. I’ll bring you something nice from the finish line.”
Danel jabs me in the gut with a neat swipe, yet another reminder that no matter the test ahead, I can still call him brother. I grab him in a headlock and just as I am about to commence with the greatest noogie in our family history, Captain Leath calls us back to attention.
“Enough playing around, soldiers. See to your gear and get to mess.”
“Yes, Captain,” we both reply automatically. As she saunters away, I catch him checking her long Kaleidian tail from behind.
“Damn. Last year’s trial winner is looking good, eh bro?”
Like a jerk reaction, I set my eyes on the captain. She’s tall and pretty and decked in her captain’s uniform.
“Sure.”
He shakes his head, “One of these days, baby brother. One of these days.”
“Save it,” I shrug off the comments as I've done a thousand times. “She’s not my type.”
“They never are,” he scoffs. “I don’t know what you’re looking for, Garet, but try something a little local once in a while and see if maybe your tastes change.”
“I'm focused on other things,” I reply, pointing to his supply sheet to get him off my back. We’ve had this talk before. As much as he likes to flirt with the local girls on leave, I’ve got more to focus on than my next lay.
“Suit yourself,” he says. “But a little action could be good for you bro. I’m not talking about fated mates or anything. Just a good time.” With the clatter of the room around us, I can hardly believe the Kaleidian before me. How can he think about women at a time like this?
Soon enough we’ll be in the thick of things, fighting off untold dangers in a dense jungle only Kalei can provide. Soon we’ll surpass all niceties in the pursuit of the top spot at thefinish line. We’re minutes away from the survival challenge of our lives and he’s talking about Jalshagar.
“Fated mates?” I can hardly keep my disgust in. “Don’t be stupid.”
CHAPTER 3
TANIA
“Ican see it!” Alice barely holds her excitement at the first sight of Kalei. “It’s so green.” I hear her sigh in adoration as the luxury cruiser Sathior booked for our trip lunges for its final descent.
