The violet rift dumped me like garbage.
I hit cold stone hard, rolling until I stopped. Ash coated my tongue. Smoke burned my lungs.
Phoenix chirped weakly inside my jacket. That small warmth was all I had left of the last world.
I pushed up on shaking arms.
Long barracks hall. Neat cots in perfect rows. Armor racks shining under lamps.
Recruits stared. Bronze sashes tied exactly the same. Hair disciplined. Backs ramrod straight.
I looked like a disaster next to them. Blazer torn, tie loose, oxfords ruined with underworld ash.
This place felt too ordered. Too clean. I didn't belong here at all.
A sergeant marched over.
"New arrival. Strange clothes. Strip and armor up — move it."
They shoved heavy plates at me. Cold metal. Straps dug in as I fumbled.
I clanked when I walked. Phoenix hid deeper, tiny heart racing against mine.
Great. I'm a walking joke already.
First drill at dawn.
Wooden pole felt alien in my hands. I swung too hard — missed the dummy completely and whacked its backside.
Laughter rolled through the yard.
A short guy with an easy grin stepped up.
"Hey, I'm Maelis. That was the most creative hit I've seen all week. You okay?"
The tall quiet one nodded.
"Thalric. Plant your feet wider next time."
A girl with sharp eyes and a smirk crossed her arms.
"Serelys. Nice form, clown boy. You swing like you're scared of hurting the air."
I rubbed my neck, face hot.
"Yeah… still figuring it out. Thanks."
They didn't grill me. Just let me stumble.
But over the next days, they started sticking close.
Morning runs under palace walls. My lungs screamed. Maelis slowed to match my pace.
"You'll get used to it. I puked behind the armory my third day. No one ratted me out."
I managed a laugh between gasps.
"Feel like puking now. This air's too clean."
Thalric ran beside us silent, but later during formations he tapped my shoulder.
"Elbows in. Weight forward. Try it."
I copied him. Felt steadier.
They're helping without making it weird. When's the last time anyone did that?
Serelys teased constantly.
"Watch it, outsider — you almost took my head off with that pole."
But when a senior recruit swung too hard at me, she stepped in and blocked.
"Easy. He's still learning."
I caught her eye after.
"Thanks for the save."
She shrugged, smirk softer.
"Don't get used to it."
Mess hall became my favorite part.
Spicy stew hit like fire. My eyes watered every time.
Maelis watched me tear up and laughed.
"Too hot for you, young boy? What do you eat back home — boiled grass?"
I wiped my face, grinning.
"Fish and chips. Curry that pretends to be spicy. This stuff wins."
Thalric pushed extra bread my way.
"Helps with the burn. Try it."
Phoenix hopped on the table, stealing fish scraps. Recruits cooed.
Maelis held out a piece.
"Come here, little one. You're cuter than half the recruits."
It chirped and took the offering.
I watched them feed my bird, laughing when it nipped fingers.
They're treating him like he's theirs too. Feels… nice.
One evening after drills, we sat polishing armor.
Maelis tossed a rag at me.
"So... London. Tell us one true thing. No palace, no sashes — what's it really like?"
I paused, rag in hand.
"Rain every day. Mum makes terrible curry but I miss it anyway."
Serelys leaned on her elbow.
"No one telling you how to stand or bow? Sounds like chaos."
"It is," I admitted. "But it's my chaos."
Thalric spoke quiet.
"Chaos can be home."
I looked at him. Something clicked.
Yeah. Maybe.
Late nights in the longroom.
Lights out. Whispers across cots.
Thalric's voice drifted over.
"My brother died on the scarred plains. Taught me everything about swords. Still expect to hear him laugh sometimes."
My chest tightened.
"I've lost people too. Every time the world changes… pieces of them stay behind."
Maelis sighed.
"Left my village at twelve. Nothing there but debt. This place gave me a sash and a purpose."
Serelys, softer than usual.
"I act tough because real battle terrifies me. Always has."
I listened in the dark.
No one rushed to fix it. Just shared the weight.
I'm not the only one carrying ghosts.
Avelin kept pulling me for "integration checks."
Gardens. Fountains. Quiet paths.
She walked beside me one evening.
"Your bird trusts me now. Look."
Phoenix landed on her wrist, chirping soft.
I smiled despite myself.
"He's a good judge."
She studied me.
"You're settling in. Less lost in the eyes."
My heart stuttered.
Don't say that. Don't make me hope.
The squad interrupted before she could say more.
Maelis burst through the garden gate.
"Observer! Stop hogging him — tavern night!"
Thalric and Serelys dragged me away laughing.
Avelin just shook her head, amused.
Lantern Causeway at dusk felt magical.
Hanging lamps glowed warm. Street vendors called. Palace walls loomed beautiful in twilight.
The Salted Lantern was packed. Woodsmoke, spiced cider, lute strings.
We squeezed around a corner table.
Phoenix peeked out. The whole tavern roared approval.
"Rift-boy's firebird! Round on me!"
Mugs clinked.
Maelis leaned in, eyes bright.
"More truths, Joshua. That uniform — no sash, no trim. Where are you really from?"
I sipped cider. Sweet burn down my throat.
"Earth. London. Big city. Constant drizzle. Giant red buses. No one drills at dawn or wears pretty sashes."
Serelys laughed.
"No palace telling you what to do? How do you not all kill each other?"
"Close sometimes. People argue on screens instead of with swords."
Thalric smiled faint.
"Sounds exhausting. Or freeing."
Maelis poked Phoenix gently. It nipped playful.
"This little guy — magic pet? Guardian? Spill."
I stroked its feathers.
"He showed up when I needed him most. After I lost everything."
Phoenix chirped. That ancient melody rose, pure and haunting.
The table went quiet. Even nearby patrons listened.
Serelys's voice soft.
"That song hits the chest. Ever been in love back in your rainy city?"
My face went hot.
"Yeah. Girl named Yumi. Told her under roses. Then the world broke."
Maelis nodded slow.
"We all leave someone behind. Some come back. Most don't."
Thalric raised his mug.
"To the lost ones. Wherever they are."
Serelys clinked.
"And to the ones we found tonight."
I clinked too. Chest full, warm.
These people… they get it. I don't want to lose this.