"Rex is joining the next batch of Vanguard academy training, which starts July 7th," Felix announced as they sat around the low table to eat.
"Yes!" Rex exclaimed, his smile bright with excitement as the others looked at him in surprise.
"What? Is he even 15 yet?" Fabian asked, frowning.
The Vanguard Academy was a training ground for teenagers between 15 and 18 who wanted to join the army. Those who passed the initial test were admitted into the Academy, and those who graduated became part of the Vanguard Army. Felix had been able to join earlier than most because he leveled up and completed all the required training before he turned 18.
Before the devastation, training was different, and the rules were more lenient. But after the catastrophe and the awakening of some humans, a new rule was enforced, one that favored awakened humans. Anyone with an Awakening, no matter how weak, became automatically eligible to enroll. In contrast, those without an Awakening had to rely on strong connections just to get a chance, and if they were accepted, they needed exceptional physical strength to pass the entrance exam. Alternatively, only those powerful enough to wield an energy core could gain entry into the Vanguard Academy and eventually join the army.
Apart from Rex, and Josh who was fourteen, there were no other known awakened kids below fifteen in North Avalon. Or perhaps there were, but they had yet to be discovered. Many of those who awakened flocked to the Vanguard, eager to become the superheroes they had once admired from afar. For them, joining the Vanguard was a dream come true.
"Why? Is this because of what happened at the marketplace?" Freya asked concerned.
Felix nodded. "Yeah, and his hair… Turns out Mr. Ray is tracking his every move."
Freya shuddered. "That's insane. Mr. Ray is really terrifying."
"No, it's not insane," Rex interjected. He glanced around the table, then lowered his voice. "It's definitely for our… own safety."
"The training isn't that bad, right?" Rex asked, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "As long as it makes us stronger to defend ourselves from the evil monsters you mentioned."
Felix let out a small chuckle. "I suppose so. Back when we trained, it was brutal, and we didn't even have awakenings to help us. So, yeah, this is better in a way."
Felix turned to Fabian. "You're turning fifteen next month, which means you're joining too?"
Rex was deep in thought. He thought only awakened individuals were allowed. Was Fabian awakened?
Felix's tone grew firm. "So, I'd need you to watch over Rex."
Fabian scoffed. "What the hell? He's not my little brother. Besides, he has awakened abilities, so he can take care of himself."
"He is your little brother now, Fabian." Felix shouted
"Never." Fabian shoved his pillow back, leaving his food as he stormed out.
The table fell silent.
Freya sighed and made a move to stand. "I'll talk to him."
Rex quickly stopped her with a genuine smile. "No, let me." He picked up both his and Fabian's food before following after him.
He found Fabian sitting on a wooden bench in the farmland, arms crossed. As soon as he saw Rex approaching, the intensity of his glare deepened.
Rex didn't falter. He simply sat beside him, setting the food on the bench between them.
"What are you doing?" Fabian snapped. "And take the food back. I'm not eating."
"It's hot inside," Rex said casually. "And the food's already mine, anyway. Unless… you want it?"
Fabian scoffed but said nothing.
After a few seconds of silence, Rex spoke again. "Can I tell you a secret?" he asked "No one knows about this. Not even Felix."
Fabian turned to him warily. "What?"
Rex's voice was quieter. "I remember everything."
Fabian turned to look at him, giving him his full attention, then turned back.
"It appears to everyone that I lost my memory and forgot everything before the apocalypse," Rex continued. "But I do remember clearly. I remember my mom's smile as I ran toward the field. I remember my friends. And sometimes... I wake up to nightmares, to screams, and find my pillow soaked with tears because I miss her so much."
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"After talking to Freya the day after I got here, I realized I need to get stronger. Not just for revenge, even though I don't have anyone specific to blame… but to make sure no one else has to go through that kind of pain ever again."
Fabian was silent.
"I don't know what you want, but I'm guessing it's the same as Freya's, getting revenge on the guys who killed your parents. She told me, and… I'm sorry about that."
Fabian clenched his jaw. "What I want is not revenge," he corrected. "But to protect my family at all costs. So I won't lose them too."
Rex nodded, his gaze plain. "Then I promise I'll protect your family too. While also getting my revenge." He added the last part with a small grin.
Fabian glanced at him. "How can I trust you?"
"Your siblings trust me," Rex said simply. "Have they ever been wrong?"
"Yes! Almost every time."
Rex blinked. "Okay… that was the wrong argument."
Fabian let out a short laugh.
"How old are you, anyway?" he asked after a moment.
"Thirteen," Rex answered. "Turned thirteen yesterday. April 4th."
"You're really smart and mature for someone who grew up in a town—and so young, too," Fabian replied plainly.
"I get that a lot," Rex said with a grin.
"And before your hair drama, I actually thought you were kinda dumb. Or couldn't speak properly"
"That's fair." Rex chuckled. "I was still trying to get everything"
After a while, Rex extended his hand for a handshake with a slight smile. "We brothers now?"
"I'll shake your hand when you've proven it," Fabian replied.
Rex nodded, and they sat there in silence, watching the sunset. A lot was going through their minds—the academy ahead, the new family—but it was a beautiful sight before them.