"We hope to see bright things in your future, Gate Keeper."
The words echoed through the small room but they played as a contradiction to Callum. His future was cast into darkness from the beginning.
Gate keepers were known as the saviors of the world. Yet here he was, with the promise to an ancient evil. That he will destroy it all.
The door of the screening room swung open.
A gorgeous woman with waving blond hair stepped into the room. She was tall and wearing the blue and silver armour of the Terra guards.
"Good job surviving your trial new blood. I am Raphaelia, the captain of the Terra guards."
Her voice was strong and had authority in it, but also soft and silky.
Callum had seen her before making announcements to the public but never been so close to take in her how beautiful she really was.
He stared for a second, still catching his bearings from the awakening.
"Here let me get those restraints off you arms and legs." As she approached the pleasant scent of rose water and flowers wafted in her path.
She released the restraints. Once free Callum rotated his wrists and ankles to let blood flow return to them.
"How long was I out for?" Callum noticed a numb feeling in his hands and feet. Indicating a prolonged period of comatose.
Raphaelia smiled. " You were asleep for an entire day. Some people claim their trial took months. Others mere minutes, yet they all awaken after a day. We believe it's the pain of the injection that causes the sleep and that time flows differently while within the trial."
Callum was processing what he heard. While his trial only lasted about a day inside the void. Imagining one taking months only to wake up a day later would be a really weird feeling.
"Follow me, we will go to the induction room. The other new bloods are already there waiting."
Callum followed Raphaelia down the corridor that led to the screening room. At the end of the hall sat a large oak double door.
She pushed through the giant doors with ease and revealed a large hall with rows of wooden seating and a center stage.
Despite the grandeur of the hall, it was mostly empty two people stood at the foot of the stage. A row of guards along either side of the room and at the center of the stage.
Dressed in a velvet lining with gold and blue tapestries draped down his shoulders. Stood the proud Lord of the citadel.
A smile crossed his face as he noticed Callum. Raphaelia led Callum up to the other new bloods before stepping onto the stage and taking her rightful place aside the Lord.
'Congratulations on the completion of your trials. I'm sure they were difficult but adversity creates a deeper strength than the abilities granted by the serum.'
The Lords voice reverberated through the walls of the hall.
'The three of you should hold your head high in esteem. Many have failed to accomplish what you have done today. Today shall be a day of celebration as you settle into the next phase of your lives.'
Callum glanced over at the two standing at his side. Directly to his side stood a girl with fiery red hair and sharp features. Her thin figure hiding lean wiry muscles beneath her ebony skin.
Beside her stood a short man with a wide frame. His brown hair was spiked and his face framed with a short well groomed beard.
Dextrus beckoned for the three new recruits to step onto the stage. Shaking the hand in a firm and powerful grip of each one. When it came time for Callum to step up the Lord leaned forward and whispered into his ear.
"It takes a strong will to subject oneself to further horrors. Most who have seen the destructive wake of the nightmare creatures were left broken. I have high hopes for your future.' a smile lit across the face of the kind lord.
The other two new bloods scowled at this blatant favoritism from Lord Dextrus. Callum noted the looks of disapproval from some of the gate keepers surrounding the room as well.
However the target the Lord had placed on his back didn't seem to worry him. Feeling the power coursing through his body.
Callum was sure that whatever the newfound power which had awakened inside him was. It was bound to be powerful.
Now stepping to the side, revered company lining both sides of the stage with these fresh recruits taking the center.
Raphaelia stood to the left, proud and strong. While Lord Dextrus stood to the right.
The guards lining both ends of the room stood in salute as Lord Dextrus notioned for the three to exit the stage. Making their way down the main aisle as the lines of guards stood in salute.
Once the new recruits made their way to the exit of the ceremony hall. They were pulled aside by Raphaelia.
'As is custom you three will be set up in living quarters. We recommend you rest up for tonight as tomorrow will be an eventful day.'
A puzzled look appeared on the faces of the three new recruits. Brazenly the stout man stepped forward and asked what was on everyone's mind.
"What happens tomorrow?"
Raphaelia looked the short man in the eyes before gesturing out the window. Her finger pointed over her shoulder. The gaze of all three new bloods followed the line of her gesture to notice the training grounds.
"Tomorrow we figure out who's worth what." The words came with a smile of slight madness before breaking into laughter.
"Now let's get you all fed and rested." Raphaelia passed the group off onto one of the guards standing at the ceremony room entrance.
"Dallas here will be your guide from here on out. Congratulations and we look forward to the bright future cast by you three young gate keepers."
With that Raphaelia took her leave, in her place stood a man with a look of indifference cast upon his face.
"Let's go then." He turned and walked down the corridor without looking back.
The group followed quietly as he led them into a cafeteria. Metal tables lined with tired looking guards eating plates of bland colored mush.
The group looked around the room in disappointment before Dallas broke the silence.
"What did you expect fine dining? Welcome back to reality new bloods." He commented with a smirk across his face.
"Line up there to grab your grub and find a seat. Once you're finished eating I will escort each of you to your quarters to rest."
"Damn and here I thought the life of luxury would start now." The short man huffed as he stepped forward into the line up for food.
Callum stepped forward without much complaint and looked to his side to notice the girl.
From her cold body language and darting, mistrust riddled eyes. Callum quickly surmised that she was from the slums.
"Hey I'm Callum. What's your name?" He asked while extending a hand out to the out of place girl.
She studied him for a second before answering in a cold unwelcoming tone.
"My name is Maria." With that she turned her shoulder towards him and stepped to the counter. Leaving his outstretched hand hanging.
Callum reached forward and grabbed his own hand, giving it a shake. "Yea nice to meet you too." He whispered under his breath sarcastically.
The unappetizing plate of grub was passed his way before he seated himself. The cafeteria was packed but aside from the scratching of metal utensils against the trays.
Very little idle chatter could be heard. The dull comaraderie of the guard made this seem similar to a prison cafeteria.
Callum had always been alone, scared to get close to people after the death of all that he loved.
Solemn silence was a comfort for him so he was not bothered by it all. However one presence came to change that all.
A handsome man with rugged and tough features seated himself across the table from Callum.
Callum paid him no mind but the man was unwilling to leave it that way.
"Hey new blood." Callum glanced up at the man and caught his eyes focused directly on him.
The second the man caught the eyes of the new recruits his face lit with excitement.
"Tell me all about your trial." The man smiled in a welcoming way.
Caught off guard by the sudden uplift of life brought by the man's presence.
Callum answered slowly "Do you normally start a conversation with a demand before even telling the person your name?"
The mans face changed, a look of surprise making it's way to the surface. Then suddenly he burst into laughter.
"You've got me there. Quinton Freed is my name. Now tell me your story new blood."
Callum couldn't help but smile. The bright mood of the man pairing starkly against the colorless room of gate keepers.
Callum hesitated for a moment. The prospect of a comarade was enticing, but he wasn't sure how much he should share of the deal he made with the ancient evil.
"It was a nightmare." He answered with a contradictory bright expression.
The man smiled at the reaction.
"That's the spirit boy, all the best gate keepers have a streak of insanity to them."