Cadets get an introduction to the Mist on their first night at the academy. After a dizzying day of outfitting and basic drills, we`re led beyond the protective barrier wall long after sun set. Without any gear, we followed the instructors into the Mist.

　　A line of shivering children strained squinting eyes, trying to see through the thick foggy atmosphere of the demon`s territory. Some test or baptism by fire, I guess.

　　I remember the loud rapid breaths and soft muffled cries coming from the other cadets beside me. And all I could think about was why the drill sergeants kept calling us meat. But now I know. At the time, we were meat. Without training, without goggles to help us see our enemies, without warrior weapons that had yet to manifest. Just meat for the demons.

　　As the nosey female cadet tears down the transport aisle and through the exit without goggles or gear, I think she`s meat. I watch her get swallowed up by the fog as soon as she jogs off the transport steps. No, she`s too tiny for meat, more like a nugget. A ready served nugget for the demons.

　　My hand reaches inside the duffle at my feet to pull out two sets of goggles. My modified set and the extra, properly functioning set I keep just in case someone wants to do an inspection.

　　It`s going to be hard enough dealing with who knows how many demons in unfamiliar territory. Now I have to keep this reckless cadet safe too. Reaching the exit, my boots disappear beneath a layer of fog creeping inside the car. I secure my goggles to my face, tighten the strap behind my head, and let my abilities enhance my sight.

　　The electric blue hue of my powers flash against the lenses. I jump off the transport car and the deafening crunch of the gravel sounds like an alarm to my sensitive ears and likely to nearby demons as well.

　　"Hey." Nugget says stepping into my personal space.

　　Her head only comes to my chest and is almost covered by the atmosphere. I push my spare set of goggles at her to move her away.

　　"Thanks." She says too loud, stumbling back from my shove.

　　I scan the area to make sure we`re clear and undetected. Her disregard of the situation grates on my nerves. She pulls her ponytail through the strap to fasten the goggles over her eyes.

　　I pick up the transport team whispering to each other. They move into formation to guard the cargo and call for backup. There`s no demon activity close by. I look at Nugget to see what I`m working with.

　　She aimlessly walks deep into the thickest part of the fog. Here we are, surrounded by fog and probably several incoming demons, and she`s wandering around. I see no defensive stance, no warrior weapon drawn. Her hands are clasped together behind her back like she`s on some kind of museum tour.

　　She charged out here like a seasoned warrior on the attack. For minute I thought she could handle herself. I march toward her gritting my teeth. She`s annoying and reckless but I`m still drawn to make sure she doesn`t get hurt. Even if it means she stays by my side.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

　　Sensing me, she stops and turns back. "What should we do?" She says.

　　Her carefree, loud voice makes my jaw ache. How am I supposed to keep her alive if she can`t remember her training? She looks small but close to my age. Her face is turned up to me waiting for my response. I move closer to keep my voice from attracting the enemy.

　　"You should keep your voice down."

　　She looks at me confused and I think I might just leave her to her fate, however short it will be.

　　"We`re not that far from the tunnel entrance. We should head toward the tunnel guards and help them secure it." I say.

　　Her head turns in all directions. "How do you know we`re close? You were asleep."

　　Her brows raise as she inspects me. I turn around to face the direction of the entrance to escape her big observant eyes. She`s right. I was asleep. I only know we`re close because I heard the tunnel guards give our location when they called for backup.

　　"We have to be close based off the time we left." I say.

　　"Oh." She looks unconvinced. "But shouldn`t we just wait for back up?"

　　I nod my head in agreement. That`s a great idea. She can wait here for back up and I won`t have to try and keep her alive. Plus, I`ll be able to use my speed to take out any demons if she`s not around.

　　"You wait for back up." I say. "I`m going to assist the tunnel guards."

　　She`ll be safer away from me. I`m more like the dangers in the fog than someone`s hero anyway. Her gaze wanders back over the distance and somehow I know she won`t stay by the transport for long. Maybe it`s the heroic stories my parents told me about our ancestors or some ingrained warrior instinct, but for whatever reason, I can`t leave her. I can`t trust her to stay safe. And I can`t believe I care if she stays alive.

　　"Look." I say with the force of my irritation. She jerks, eyes wide before narrowing back at me. "The tunnel gate must be compromised. We`ll need to help the guards secure the gate and keep the demons from escaping these tunnels."

　　If the demons are in the tunnels, they have access to every region and a straight shot at Centrum. She gives me one nod in agreement just as a fresh wave of fog covers her face entirely. I`m still a head above and clear. I hear the hum of her goggles power on.

　　I check our backs before I take the lead. I`m about to tell her to stick to me when I spot her several feet ahead. Yells and grunts ring out in the distance. The tunnel guards are under attack and she`s blindly heading right toward them.

　　I need to get there fast, but I can`t with her at my side. I look over her form and steady steps. How fast can those tiny legs go anyway? Keeping her with me is a bad idea. I`m restricted and the tunnel guards won`t last much longer.

　　"Come on, we have to hurry." I say, my long strides reach her easy.

　　"I was already on my way. What`s holding you up?" She asks with one eyebrow raised over her goggles.

　　Unbelievable. I move my face inches in front of hers.

　　"You were on your way alright. On your way to getting killed. You wouldn`t be able to see two steps in front of you without my goggles." I tap one of her lenses with my finger.

　　My breathing comes out as fast and loud as my words. I raised my voice. I never raise my voice. Or let my calm slip. Not even Cole got this kind of reaction out of me in all his years of trying.

　　I`ve never had to talk this much either. It`s draining. Standing tall, I pull my chin up and look down. Her attention is focused on me, but her face is blank. My emotions are whirling inside, and she`s got her hands on her hips giving me attitude. I slow my breathing and use my practiced condescending tone. The one that always makes others back down.

　　"I don`t know what kind of academy is training foolish, reckless cadets, but you will not make another move unless I say. Follow my lead if you want to survive. Got it?"

　　Gone is her snarky attitude and raised eyebrows. Nothing but a blank, wide-eyed face stares back at me.

　　"Keep quiet and try to keep up." I hiss, not giving her a chance to respond, I move out. The sound of a Blaze demon`s raspy inhale has me moving faster.