"You told us to prove why we deserve to live. You asked us to show you why we deserve the spot. Well, here it is!"
Zeth holds the necklace high, his grin still on its cocky display. His body has regenerated, but leftover blood from his injuries remains.
Meanwhile, Zion and Zoey are still completely knocked out. The newly recruited underling is unconscious but slowly regenerating, and red steam rises from all over his body. However, Zoey lies still and unresponsive, bruised and battered..
"We showed qualities of teamwork! Is that enough for you?"
Zeth shouts as he tosses the necklace back to Zach, who caught it.
"Not really. You say teamwork, yet you're the only one standing while these two aren't. Now, why is that?"
"They — They did their part. We did the plan, right? So what?"
"You only told Zoey the plan, I assume? Did Zion know of this, or did he just go along with it?"
Zach wears the necklace, putting it back around his neck, then hides it beneath his jumpsuit.
"I just hoped they knew what they were doing."
"Do they also know about your Zystem? Does Zoey know you're an underling?"
Zach's words surprised Zeth, causing him to take a step back. Baffled by his revelation, his mind was disoriented. He was so careful and sure that no one would know.
"I watched you fight that Zark fella. Interesting Zystem by the way! But you look like someone who doesn't know how to use it properly."
"You watched? Did you let your squad die? Is that why you're recruiting us so that you can have sacrificial pawns?"
"They did their duty."
"Ha! Then you're a hypocrite!"
Zeth steps away further, but Zach approaches slowly.
"I saw my comrades die. I watched many of them get eaten by the Zenos, get turned into a Zeno, and get split in half by enemy underlings. I lost many of my friends… But I'm still here. I'm still here because of them. That's teamwork. You're still here because of you. See the difference?"
"So, what now? You're gonna arrest me?"
"For snatching my necklace? Maybe. For being a secret underling? No. You killed the enemy, even though the report said my team defeated him. I have no reason to turn you in. But I do wonder, what is your agenda here?"
"What do you mean?"
"No more lies, Zeth. I know you're the one who killed the poor patrol squad in the woods. Why did you do that, by the way? If you're not our enemy, then why join us?"
Zach stops, puts his hands in his jumpsuit's pockets, smiling.
"You have no records anywhere. You're not a recruit, you're no Burns citizen. But you know what? I found your hospital record."
"Bastard!"
Zeth clicks his tongue, disappointed that he should've come to the hospital himself first.
"Seth, was it? Why change the name? You did not put your parents' names or your city of origin. I assume because you were ready to die from cancer. But an underling can't have any sickness because they're basically half dead!"
"You talk too much. Are you going to arrest me or what?!"
Zeth roars, driven to a corner, finally caught and exposed.
"Yawn! Whatever. You killed that Zark dude anyway. I think you're not a bad guy."
Then suddenly, the whole mood shifts. Zach stretches his back and purrs with pleasure.
"W-What?"
"I am a hypocrite. I've done things… Look, whatever you're doing. Just make sure you're doing it for the greater good. I won't share our little secret, the court-martial, and you'll be part of my team. Deal?"
"B-But why are you — Why?"
"Why?"
Zach rubs his chin, then looks at the fallen Zion and points at him.
"Let's just say I like giving people second chances."
Zach approaches Zeth, who is still anxious, and he pouts and puts his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"But make no mistake. I have a bad history with people betraying me. One wrong move and I will end you."
Zach said childishly, his tone unserious, his right hand raised, fingers in a position. His index and pinky fingers extend upward, while the middle two fingers curl inward, pressed by his thumb. His eyes glowed white in a split second.
Then he pats Zeth on the shoulder, turns around, and gets back to Zion and Zoey.
"If you were betrayed, then why would you still give out second chances?"
Zach stops, seemingly thinking about what Zeth said. He glances back, forms a cheeky smile, and shows a thumb-up gesture.
"No idea, I guess I'm just a sucker for a good redemption story!"
Zach then hoists up the unconscious Zion and Zoey onto his shoulders, carrying them like limp sandbags. He picks them up with ease and starts walking back to the barracks.
"Let's go, Zeth."
Zach said, signalling Zeth to follow.
"To where?"
Zeth follows, raising a brow.
"To court-martial. Hearing is today."
"What?! I thought you'd train us for a week!?"
"I lied. I said that so you will give an effort worth a month's training!"
Zach laughed, loud enough for Zeth to grow frustrated.
"Have you been lying to us?!"
"Have you?"
Zeth didn't answer. He didn't prepare a good comeback.
The area they were in is part of a massive training field located inside an expansive military complex run by the Zoldier Forces of Burn Abbey. The field was just a small part of the complex. Other administrative and logistical departments also operate within the area.
Surrounding the complex is a separate wall, different from the walls outside. It is built with pure military-grade materials, built with longevity and durability in mind, unlike its poorly made counterpart in the city.
It houses recruits in the barracks, stores tools and weapons in warehouses, treats patients in their own hospitals, and employs Zoldiers and upper-class citizens in administrative positions in government buildings.
Additionally, it features its own commercial space, where shops, tailors, and cafes are located. It is truly different from the rest of Burn Abbey, like it is a town of its own.
The posh and luxurious residential area for upper-class citizens is also located nearby, and it is gated, with its own security personnel.
"Sure looks different up here, huh?"
Zeth remarked, still following Zach.
"You'll get tired of it."
Zach replied, still carrying his two recruits on his shoulders as he led the way.
From a distance, Zeth sees their destination. They approach a grand building with marble columns that support its glass dome, acting as its roof. This is where the road they were treading on leads and ends, the Grand Court.
The Grand Court houses the judicial and executive branches of the Zoldier Forces. Both upper-class civilians and higher-ranking officials of the Zoldier Forces run it. Its grand architecture is a testament to humanity's desire for survival, as Burn Abbey is the only city with this kind of building from the past.
[Whoa.]
"I've never been here before."
Zeth comments again, awed by what he's seeing so far.
"Meh."
Unimpressed, Zach continues his pace towards the gate.
But as they continue walking, they see a squad of Zoldiers waiting for them.
"Squad Leader Zach, I heard you took out the prisoners without us knowing about it."
A tall, voluptuous woman steps in front to meet Zach and Zeth. Her posture thrusts her chest forward, her jumpsuit highlights her curves, while her lower back arches, and features her round and toned buttocks. There is an air of authority in her. Behind her are big, muscled regular Zoldiers accompanying her.
"Ah, Squad Leader Zephyr! My favorite Triple Zero rank Zoldier, how are you?"
Zach attempts a high-five with her, but she ignores it.
"Don't mention my rank every time we meet, and don't make me ask again, why did you bring out the prisoners?"
"Had to check how strong they were."
Zach gives the unconscious Zion and Zoey to one of the muscular grunts.
"Wait, you said we were free to go?!"
Zeth interrupts the two, confronting Zach.
"Ha! I think I lied again!"
Zach laughs heartily.
"You are not free to go, you little monster."
Zephyr snarls at Zeth, giving him a piercing gaze before she continues to speak.
"I will escort you all to the Grand Court. There, we'll see how free you really are, scumbag. Now come!"
[Whoa. What's her problem?]
Zephyr said as she nodded, giving out orders to the armed grunts she brought. A few of them stand behind Zeth, imploring him to move.
Zeth grows indecisive. He wonders how much longer he is going to stay around the Force, also anxious about Zach, who seems to know his secret. In his mind, he tries to conceive a plan, asking himself if he is strong enough to engage in battle when the time comes.
He grew more uncertain as they approached the Grand Court.
[We should eat these tough-looking soldier boys!]