God this is not getting over! It was supposed to be a short trip, and it has already taken us 7 chapters! (Mind you, each of them were huge enough!) You guys must have really prayed that bad!

Anyways, enjoy while it lasts 😉

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Hey grab those popcorns! This one's going to take take some time and what's better than reading drama alone? Reading with popcorns!

Keep some tissues too. Weak hearts may cry. Don't tell me I didn't warn ya.

Now go!

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KYRA'S POV:

At noon, I had warmed up and was ready for whatever Colonel had yet to throw at me for his evaluation. Well as ready as a dead person can be.

Atleast Dad is standing beside me, though he looks sore and tired too. I thought Colonel said he was exempt here this time. Maybe I'm seeing things but the way he is walking stiff and bending a little when he talks, it seems he is injured.

Instructor Kelly and Major Wills are already in the gym talking amongst themselves and from the looks of it, it isn't going well for the Major here. Poor guy! Don't get him angry, Kelly man. If we were to spar like Jane predicts, he already has 8 miles of fuel to kick my ass. There is no need to add anymore while I'm here.

Captain Renee rushed in and started taking deep breaths to calm down. She turned around thrice to check who's outside the door.

Finally, when she turned fourth time, she held her breath and composed herself. I didn't have a clue as to what she saw.

Then, Colonel enters and the entire atmosphere changes. That man sure makes his presence known without even a word. With just a flick of his hand, he had Kelly man by his side and Major standing behind. I was standing in front of him in attention with Dad right beside me at ease but quite stiff.

"Cadet, no soldier is battle ready until they can fight. I want to see how ready you are to fight till your last breath for yourself and for somebody else. On the mat in 2 minutes. Clear?"

"Yes, sir" Damn! No instructions on how long will it last or who is fighting. Good tactics, old man. I can feel my heart pumping already.

"Good. At ease then. Kadner, you WILL NOT speak a word during this fight. You are here only to observe. If you feel the need to intervene, you know where the door is. "

"Yes, sir" Fuck you, old man! I was hoping he could shout in some instructions to help his little girl out but damn! The fear is simmering greater inside me.

I stretch a little and step on the mat ready to give my best. There is no way I'm going out of here without his approval. Just be a lot sore like me, Major Wills. That will make us somewhat equal and hopefully I will do fine.

Colonel steps on the mat and my heart beats right out of my chest. What the hell! I thought I would be fighting Major Wills or even Instructor Kelly. But him?! Shit! In this state.

I look at Dad and he just gives a little nod of assurance. Thanks Dad, really! What am I supposed to do?

"Cadet, what is your choice of weapon - cane, knife or anything else ?"

"Cane, sir" I say unsure of my own self. My upper body is destroyed so I hope that I can lift one, let alone use it.

"Kadner, your girl seems ready to get beaten. A cane - you sure she is ready?"

"She is ready, sir" Dad says glaring at me. Yes, Dad. Your ass is on line like mine. I won't let you down. I'm not ready to face another hell just yet.

Major Wills gets two canes and hands one over to me and the other to Colonel. This is going to hurt like hell.

I get the cane ready before me and Colonel strikes hard on my head. I lift my hand up and protect my head. Damn! It hurts to even lift and I had to dig my heels to not get thrown back.

I swipe one across his knees but the old man steps back and avoids the hit. I use that momentum to change the direction and hit the cane under the jaw. But he used his hand to block it. Damn it! That would leave a mark on his hand.

In that thought, one hits on the side of my hips and I step back regretting losing the focus. The hit stings like hell.

I jump and swipe one on his ear but he ducks and throws a hit on my hip again. I see it coming and use my hand to block it. Ouch! The man has one hell of an arm.

I step on his feet and take the butt of my cane to his nose but he blocks the hit and takes his feet away as if I weigh nothing. Damn it!

I step back and try another hit at his elbow. He steps back but it hits him hard. Yes! Take that!

This time though I'm prepared to defend. The cane is constantly turning so he can't get in. He sends the butt of his cane to my nose but I block it right. He tries one across the knee but the turn of cane counter hits the same. Come on old man! Call an end to it. My hand hurts from the weight already.

I stop the stick ready to defend because the weight is already killing me.

The old man brings it down on the head which I narrowly avoid but he does not stop. You block one and he sends another hit. Head, ear, jaw, elbow, hips, knees and ball of the feet. He spared no joints. I defend each hit and I'm panting. No more please!

With shaking hands, I keep ready to defend.

He stares at me hard but does nothing. Waiting. Come on man! It hurts to hold this cane for so long.

After another minute, he steps back and drops his cane down. That's it. Done? I'm too afraid to put down my cane.

"We did it your way cadet. Now, my choice. Bare hands. Let's see if you are any good there."

My way didn't turn out to be as easy as you sound. And your choice doesn't sound any good either.

On his go, I keep my hands up and my eyes and mind open. The panic will have to wait for later. It hurts to even lift them.

We circle around each other and I wait for his first move. Each second passing, my heart beats faster. I clench and unclench my fists in anticipation and not get my panties in a twist. I need to be patient, he will make a move. If I lose my calm, I'll be licking the sweat of this mat soon.

After a few rounds, he chuckles and keeps his hands down smirking like he can see my fear. Damn it, old man! This is no time to play your mind games.

I keep my shield up and shuffle at the same place ready to defend for any attack but think through all my options to attack.

Calmly with each shuffle, I move a little ahead and when I feel like I'm in range, I throw a punch at his jaw but I don't even see him blocking me. Damn it! He is too fast.

He moves to throw a punch at my stomach but I step back immediately. I manage to avoid that one but the force of that air said just how much damage it would have caused. If I ate even a single punch of his, I'll be feeling it for quite a while.

We start circling back and I keep my eyes open and sharp on Colonel. When his feet shuffles forward, I tighten my guard. When his next punch aims for my nose, I block it and send my own to his ribs. He jumps back just in time and like a feather, sends a kick to my chest. Damn it!

I barely move out of the way and before I can even stand straight, he swipes across my feet. The swipe makes me lose my balance but atleast I manage to stay on my wobbly feet.

With more focus, I quickly stand up but Colonel is ready with a series of attack - punches and kickes at all points. I manage to duck and block them but can barely breathe, let alone land one of my own.

Each block is stinging like hell, I'm panting like a dog and my sore body wants to drop like a sack of potatoes. But I'll be eating these punches and kicks if I dared to even think of easing up.

With a hard push, I get him off me and take that time to get some space between us and my guard up. He circles back again and I know that defense won't work on him anymore. He is too fast and strong.

Just as he steps to punch, I slid a little to the side and throw a jab with my elbow as hard as I can combined with a punch to his gut, which he easily blocks. It is like my jab was a feather's kiss to him.

I take a swipe at his feet but he takes his foot back right on time. Damn it!

I used my already raised leg to kick his knee out and it works. Using that second of imbalance, I try a punch at his face but he catches my punch immediately. Fuck man!

I try to pull my right hand out but his grip only tightens twisting my arm harder. I nearly cry out at the pressure in my hand but he shows no mercy.

"This is what you call ready, Kadner? Don't come back here and become a trainer. You would ruin my years of sweat and KMA's reputation."

Dad says nothing but I can feel his glare on me. Damn you, old man! I can feel my blood boiling.

I tried elbowing him but it only worsens the pressure. He swipes my feet out and I land face first with my arm twisted and his weight on top of me. He weighs way more than he looks and it is killing me.

"This is the proof that girls don't belong here. You should convey this to your HO contacts, Kadner. It is a waste of my time."

You, old man, are a sexist pig. How dare you think we are any less than your boys.

With a grunt, I push my body hard and he loses his balance on top of me. I turn around and roll away from him before he has a chance to break some bones. Take that! Now say we are weak. See who thinks so!

I'm bubbling with anger and I punch wherever I can, adding kicks in between. He blocks each one of them so effortlessly. And that angers me more. He thinks he is invincible. Nothing can touch him.

I'll show him how wrong he is. I'll prove him wrong right here!

"Don't forget why you are here, Kyra." Major Wills say and I stop dead in my track for a moment. I realise it. Damn it! Colonel's mind games had almost worked. Thank you, Major!

The glare from Colonel means you will be paying hell but you still saved me. I take a deep breath and get my mind back in focus.

With some effort, I raise my right arm back up. If he so much as touches that arm, I'm gonna lose this. But, I need his approval. Come on girl! Focus! Do better!

We circle around again and this time, I use the worst card ever - a kick to the balls. Old man still values his manhood too much. He blocks it but that leaves his face wide open and I punch his nose hard. He manages to step back but the punch still hits him - though was less than I hoped for. If you ever had a punch to your nose, you would know - even a gentle hit to the nose will water your eyes. In that tears, his guard was up and I could not land a single punch. Damn it! Shit! Shit! Shit! That was my opportunity. He will be an angry red bull now.

We circle again and I'm panting as hell. Please stop this!

He sends a kick to my head and I duck. But getting back up from that felt like an entire Schedule in itself. He had send me to hell in wall sits yesterday.

A few more punches and kicks later, he manages to get me in a choke from behind. Damn it! I should have escaped this trap!

I struggle hard but the grip only tightens. No, no, no! I can't lose. Tears almost flow out of my eyes and I feel myself blacking out.

I tap out on his hand and he release me. Damn it! This should not have happened. I go down on my knees rubbing my neck. Everything is too painful right now. I try to control my tears but a lone one escapes away. Damn it! He needs no more ammo to make his point about girls.

"UP NOW, CADET" His booming voice makes me sigh and release all my self pity. The pity will get me nowhere. I need to prove him that I can do it without the tears. I sneakily wipe the lone tear and stand in attention before him.

He throws a bottle at my face which I manage to catch at the last second. Thank God! There is no need for more embarrassments. With another gesture from him, I complete the entire bottle thankful for some holy nourishment. I would rather have ORS or a bed - but hey, you can't ask for more especially when you tap out.

"Cadet, you continued fighting, giving your best long after you thought you had nothing left to give. Now, when you go out on the field, you will always remember this day and keep giving your best even if you think you can't go on. Am I clear?"

What? When I go in the field? But I lost! Uhhh! Is he really allowing me in the field?

"Clear, sir. But I do have two questions, sir?" Don't get your hopes up, Kyra. Don't. I can feel the glare of Dad on me and I know he does not want me asking those questions. Let's hope I don't land either of us in trouble.

"Go on, child" Colonel says and I can see the smirk on his face. Damn it! I'm not a child.

"Does this mean I passed the test and I'm allowed to go on missions?"

"Yes, you passed and therefore, allowed to go." He says with a smile that grates on my nerves. Keep cool! You atleast did not land in trouble. Ask the second question before anything else.

"I lost the fight, so why did you say I passed?" I add "sir" as an afterthought. I mean he could still fail me. Or maybe once he said it, he can't take it back. God knows what this man can and cannot do.

"It is not about winning the fight. It is about giving your best despite being tired, remembering your training even when you are under a lot of stress and above all, being calm and focused. You passed the first two and hence, you are somewhat ready. You, however, failed the last one but I'm leaving that on Kadner. You seem to have inherited the bull-headedness of his when provoked. I'm sure he knows how to keep that under control." He says the last part with a smile towards Dad and I wish I did not ask him this question.

What did Dad do or rather Colonel made him do when he fucked up like this? I'll be finding it out pretty soon.

Dad says, "It won't happen again, sir." with a pointed look my way and I know I'll be sore for quite a few days. There goes my victory and rest. Damn me! I had to ask!

"Good. Anything else, child?"

"No, sir" I say with gritted teeth. Him again with the child bullshit. I'm a grown adult.

With a nod, he leaves the room with Capt Renee and I sit my ass down. I'm hungry, tired, angry and where is that brother of mine named Ro?

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ROSHESH's POV :

I don't know what time is it. Or what time of the day. Or what day, for heaven's sake. I can only feel the feathery mattress under my back and bum. My heads feels like it is about to detonate. I haven't yet opened my eyes, because fuck they feel like they've been stitched!

Everything seems too slow... Every moment feeling like an hour.

I try to stare into the still darkness and find out what the hell happened that I feel so sore everywhere with my head pounding the most.

I could remember clearly - entering the Bar, trying to dodge colonel's orders of drinking, having a few shots and mugs of beer against my will.. And then leaving the bar. What happened after that?

Freaky fuck! I passed out?! But then why this soreness? Oh god! Call me up. Kill me right away if I'm not already dead. I can't face Dad again after this.

I must have fucked up real bad this time, as if I left any scope the last time. Dammit this is his academy, and I made a fool out of both of us. He going to kick me out of the country, forget letting me back in the team.

Oh god what have I done! And ah this headache! Someone hit my skull with a hammer!

I heard a door open and somebody's steps approaching me. I tried my best to open my eyes, get up, defend myself and may be give a punch or two to this enemy. But I just couldn't move. I couldn't open my eyes.

"ughhh!" came out of mouth in irritation.

"What? Too tired to even open your eyes?" That voice. It was that voice that I knew would wake me up from the dead. Why not today?

Get up Rosh, atleast wish him a good morning! Or don't. What if its still night and you fuck up again? But get up goddammit!

I used all my energy and opened my eyes only to shut them tight again. There was so much light suddenly that I felt I was in heaven.

The fact that Dad was standing here confirmed that I was hallucinating. (Fuck did I say that out loud?)

"Have some shame to atleast look at me." There. He said it. You're gone. I opened my eyes again, this time slowly, getting used to all the light around me.

"Good morning, Sir." I never knew a day will come when I'll be lying and he'll be standing and I'll be talking to him. Never.

"Good afternoon. You slept throughout the morning. You remember anything that happened yesterday, or is it a clean sweep?" He said with an eyebrow raised.

I nodded a no, since there was no strength in my throat to make a sound. That little movement created ripples in my brain. "My head." I close my eyes again and grunt loudly against my wish as a fresh wave of throbbing covered my entire skull. I could go hit my head to a wall if I wasn't so sore.

"It will pain." I heard him and immediately I felt better. Oh thank god atleast he doesn't think that I'm lying. But how does he know?

Damn! The memory hits me right on my face. Dad came to the bar to find me drunk. He cursed me hard but was stopped by Colonel. I still remember the hate in his eyes.

"I'm sorry." The words come out of my mouth without much thought and I immediately regret it. Shit. "Since when sorry started saving your ass?" He asked me in his usual tone and I knew I'm gone.

I opened my eyes forcefully again, enough offence, Rosh. I blinked a few times and despite the throbbing on my head, I managed to keep them open.

Before I could react, something came flying and landed on my chest. I used a million calories to move one hand- the one that had an i.v. cannula fixed to it, lifted that thing on my chest up and read it. Another million calories were spent to understand what it was. 'Oral Rehydrating Solution.' Oh.

"Thank you." "Sir."

While I thanked him, the sachet slipped off my hand and fell back on my chest.

I felt so ashamed at my state. I just wanted to drown and finish my life than show him that I'm weaker and more clumsy than a two day old baby.

"Pathetic. You can't even hold a packet and you claimed you're old enough to take care of yourself?" He cursed. I know, Dad. I know I'm a pathetic being.

I looked down at his feet accepting whatever he was saying.

"You wouldn't let us give you iv fluids! Dumbass wanted to be a fucking hero? Now bear this all by yourself! Dehydrated and Hypoglycemic. This hangover will be the perfect lesson for you. What were you thinking, shit head? Oh you clearly weren't thinking!"

He shouted at me like he waited whole night and whole morning to say this to me.

I wouldn't let him? When have I ever not followed any of his orders? Never. And I'm sure I never, even in my insane state, would say no to something he tells me to do.

I looked down and spoke "I was not in my mind. I would never do such thing. But I own it."

"You don't even remember what you did. And you still own up?" He asked me amused.

"I- I should.. It's me who scre- I mean who committed the mistake. I can't blame it on the alcohol. Neither for the last time, nor this one." I said looking further down.

"Why not? Isn't that the reason why you were out of your mind?" What is he saying? What does he want me to say? Accept that it wasn't my fault?

I said nothing but dared not look up. I couldn't face his angry but hurt mode again.

"It wasn't your fault, you fool." I jerked up and looked at him. Did he say exactly what I heard? Or am I hallucinating?

"I.. sir..." "It wasn't your fault, Rosh. It was partly mine that I made it so difficult for you to open up to me. And partly those gallons of alcohol you gulped down." he said calmly with eyes closed. Was there a smile I saw on his face? I'm dreaming. For sure.

"Please sir. You were -" "Oh so you want to prove me wrong again?"

"No, sir." Came my reply instantly followed by a reflexive "Again?"

"Yes. You sweat rivers and vomited gallons to prove me wrong yesterday." He said with one eyebrow raised and the same trainer look I've seen for years.

"I...." Goddammit what happened last night! Why don't I fucking remember anything?!

"Don't remember, right?" He completed my statement and I just nodded.

"First of all, tell me how much did Colonel make you drink?" He asked me genuinely concerned.

"He had ordered 15 shots and 5 mugs while I was sane. He kept adding but I couldn't keep a count." I said straining my swollen brain.

"That fu-. He really made you drink that much. I just thought he was lying. And on top of it, you did a freaking schedule, while you could barely stand? Never knew you were so stupid!"

"I did what?" Schedule? Damn! My whole body is sore. This explains why. I look at my arms and thighs as I feel every muscle cramped.

"Yeah. Sore much?" I shut my eyes in embarrassment. He wasn't supposed to catch me.

"I tried to save your drunk ass by sliding you out. But Colonel caught your right nerve and pressed you to go for it. You were more than willing to die sweating." What the freaking hell?

I'm sure I wasn't in a state to count properly from 1 to 100. And I did a workout? Was I crazy?

"Oh don't you look so bewildered now. I wanted to punch your face back then. What were you saying 'I want to prove him that I'm still his best student.' what was that heroic task for?" Oh my. Can the earth just open up and swallow me whole? I won't be able to face him ever now.

"Look up when I'm talking to you!" His stern voice got my eyes fixed on his face in no moment.

"Won't you ask 'Did I prove you wrong or not, sir?' ?"

Either he is grandly pissed at me, or he is having too much fun kicking my ass, but I bet my life there's no third reason he is having this conversation right now.

"Did I prove you wrong, sir?" Oh you thought I'll defy him again? No chance.

His tone changed suddenly. He sounded warm and soft. "You did, son. I told Colonel initially that you're too drunk to even stand straight. You took it your on ego and did half of the schedule that was planned for Kyra. Though you sucked, but you stayed. It was clear that you were in pain, but you gave no signs of giving up. You proved me wrong. You're better than what I thought. And yes you are my best student." He said placing a light punch on my shoulder.

I have no words to explain how I felt listening to this. It felt like a ton of weight getting off my back. Like someone untied that tight knot in my guts. Like suddenly I could breathe easily. I had almost lost it at 'son'. He called me son again. It is so much worth whatever happened last night.

Tears flow out of my eyes without my control. "I.. I promise I won't do it again. Whatever led to all this - I won't ever repeat this."

"By the way, who the fuck gave you permission to drink so much alcohol that day you fucked up? You clearly didn't drink any less than yesterday." It was my turn to look down again. His beast mode was back.

"Nobody, sir." "Nobody, huh? This is the part you own up. Let's get back and then I'll make you pay for things you're actually supposed to own up."

"Yes sir. Sir...?" I felt butterflies in my stomach while I framed the question in my mind.

"What?" "Does it mean I'm a member of the Misson team, again?" I asked carefully.

"You need to hydrate yourself. Your swollen brain is working not even half of your normal barely enough one." I looked at him, still waiting for a one word answer after his string of curses get over.

He sighted loudly, and said "Yes, you thick skull. You're back." That was accompanied by a hard knock on my head.

I groaned in pain. "Now do you dare to say 'I don't want an i.v. line?"

"I badly need i.v. fluids sir." I begged him knowing that I still have enough alcohol and lactic acid in my body which will take, if nothing, 6 litres of water to give me some relief.

As much as I'm capable, thanks to training days water punishments, I don't want to go through the horrendous memories again.

"Sit up and atleast rinse your stinking mouth. Till then I'll call the doc to check on you. If she says you're fit to travel, we can go back." I nodded. I'm not saying no to anything, not today atleast.

I was smiling like a five year old who was promised that she'll get her favourite doll now. Suddenly he turned around and spoke with extreme seriousness "The next time you drink - " and then he took a pause to check my expressions.

I waited for one second with my fists tight. But I couldn't hold on longer so I jumped in "Never again, sir. I'm never drinking again, ever!" This wasn't my brain saying, it was coming directly from my heart that was still floating in guilt.

"I didn't finish." I saw that coming.

"The next time you drink, you'll do it only in my presence." What? Well, that is equal to never, too.

"Yes, sir." I agreed without hesitation, because I know that's never going to happen.

"Good." he said and turned around to leave.

"What time is it?" I ask myself, and I must have said it loudly because dad stopped dead in his track.

He turned back slowly. "It's 3 in the freaking afternoon. You missed your sister's evaluation. She's going to eat your head for the rest of your life."

"I missed? Didn't she complete the schedule last night? Oh no." Oh boy. We came here for her, and suddenly I'm missing from the scene. Damn the alcohol!

"She completed. Beat Wills too once." He said proudly.

"She did? Wow! But then what did I miss?" What happened after the schedule?

"Her fight." What!

"She fought? With whom? Major Wills? That instructor Kelly?" I was guessing who she must have fought with.

"Colonel." "What?! Is she okay? Where is she?" I frantically turned around to see if she is on the bed next to me. There's no way she is walking on two feet if what Dad is saying is true.

He laughed again. "She's fine. In her room. And don't worry, she didn't break any bone. She managed to get his approval by fighting courageously with him. Right on the mat."

That's my girl! She is one of the most annoying siblings, but damn I'm so proud of her!

"I need to apologise to her too." I look down and say this to myself.

"You have quite a few apologies to make. But first, hydrate yourself. It will be a nightmare for me if I get you back in this state." Yes dad, Chief will kill you. He sent me to make peace. If I go back in this state, he won't be very happy.

"Just keep drinking ORS on the way back." "How will I drive, then?"

He looked at me like he wanted to break my nose right then and there. "Who said you are driving? I will."

What? And I'll sit behind? Or besides him? No way! "But sir. I-" "Did I stutter?"

Shit. "Negative, sir." "Who is driving?"

"You, sir." "I hope that's clear."

"Yes, sir." "Good. Sit up. I'll call Capt Renee."

That's him, back to his form. That's the Agent Prescott I've known for years.

He nodded and left.

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KADNER'S POV:

"Hey fatso!" "Stop calling me that, Flynn!"

I rushed towards him to take revenge. He spilled a few drops of oil from the bottle in his hand and right before I could see it or catch him, I slipped and fell on my bum.

"Damn you, Flynn!" "You too, fatty."

He laughed and looked at me, mocking me.

"Good job with Wills there. You solved the problem you started yourself. Thanks." Ah the sarcasm.

"What's the problem in sparring with the kid once? He definitely needs more exposure."

"Do you even know how or what's my technique to fight?" "Nope. I just know that you can pack a solid punch. And now I also know that your elbows dig deep too."

"So don't you think its better to keep the dead inside the coffin." That man is dark.

"Flynn I have never been so scared of you till this day. What's going on in your life now? You were doing too well!" "I'm still the same. Nothing is going on." He said rolling his eyes.

"So your visit got successful? Heard you now have Colonel's permission to include your girl in your team?" "Yea. She did it. Frankly speaking, I was doubting whether she'll make it or not. I was scared till he spoke those words."

He laughed at my expression. "You know the result deep inside when it's about you. But when it's about someone else, someone you want to win, you feel more scared. And when he wins, you feel the happiest. It happens."

He said with a smile I've never seen on his face.

"Did you feel all this for someone?" He nodded a no. "The other way. Hey! You're digging too much!" He realised he's giving away bits.

"That's because I'm your favourite and you can't stay away from me." I winked and heard someone clear his throat behind me.

"Go put your ass in some cold water first." I said without turning back.

"Kadner! Behave." "Alright fine! What is it dog?"

"Superboss, it's always a pleasure to meet you." He said and immediately I turned back.

"He-" I pointed at Flynn "-only he is allowed that sarcasm. You have absolutely no right to be smartass with me. What happened this time?"

He pulled the zipper of his track down and my eyes darted to blue and purple lines on his neck. "Oh. I... I'm sorry.. I couldn't afford to lose. I should have gone easier."

He closed his eyes and I knew I just worsened it for him. "Wear high necks for a few days. Hope Colonel doesn't see that. Not atleast till I leave." Man, Wills won't lie. I know that without a doubt, that if Colonel asks him how did that mark appear, he'll babble everything out like a three year old. And then, I'm just finished.

"I'll try." He said pulling the zip back up.

"So you boys are equal now." Flynn announced and as much as I hated, I nodded a yes. Wills let out a sigh as if he wanted to hear that too.

"But don't forget who owns your Boss's ass.". I reminded him before he forgets who he is.

"Yes Superboss." He said smiling.

"So Flynn, no parting gift?" I turned around and teased him a little.

He frowned for a moment. "Aww. Look at that. You're sad that I'm going back?" I hugged him tightly sounding like a teen girl.

He punched my gut just enough to bring my voice back to normal.

"You were saying?" "I'll miss you Flynn." I said seriously this time. After I lost my parents, I found my mother in him. He'd care for all the cadets just like my mom would do for me. He's saved me from seniors, instructors, and even training officers countless times. I wouldn't have survived those three years if he wasn't there with his great food and even greater words. His daily dose of motivation kept me alive and running.

"Don't cry like a fat lady now." He punched me again.

I couldn't resist a laugh. "And yes, I have a parting gift for you."

I looked at Wills and he looked at Flynn with a 'Really?' expression.

"I've written all the ingredients and the recipe. Chief Darhk will allow you to have it. It has no free calorie and no sugar. Don't finish it in a day!" "Now who's about to cry like a fat lady?" Wills said on my behalf knowing that I was short of words to thank him.

More than ten years, and his love for the kids only grows.

He blew Dog away with a hand and patted on my shoulder. "Stay alive, Kadner. I want to meet you more often." He requested me politely.

"You never asked me anything. And this is what you ask?" Comeon!

We all laughed at how I'll have to put in more efforts to stay alive now that he has made a request.

"Talking about staying alive, Dog, how are you still walking after three days of ordeal under him?" I wanted to ask him this the very first time I heard about it.

"Not just Colonel. It was under him and Nick. He wasn't gentle either. Screwed my mind harder than father." "I don't believe that! He did? Where is that dumb loser anyways?"

Wills gulped down the words that nearly reached his lips. "He's on a mission."

"And you are not? Who's Class-I amongst you?" "Don't sprinkle salt on his wounds." Flynn came to his defense while Dog looked down.

"His ordeal was because of his heroism. Tell me if I'm wrong." I asked "Yes. It was. But he has learnt now." Flynn answered again.

I laughed loudly. "Oh Flynn. Speak for yourself. We can't change who we are. He had a purpose and we all know if given a chance, he'll do it again, risking his own life."

I smacked a punch on dog's shoulder. Gotta respect that even if he is a dog who might send me to my grave early.

"I'm proud of you." I said knowing exactly how it works.

His eyes gleamed and he smiled.

"Thank you, SuperBoss." He whispered in relief as if he was waiting for someone to say those words to him.

I nodded at him, turned back to Flynn, took my gift and left before I could shed any tear. It's hard to leave this place specially when you have your own people around.

------

It's time to meet one man I hated from the bottom of my heart for those three damn years.

"There you are!" I made a comment and instantly get a cool look back.

Instructor Kelly turned around and looked at me - pissed like always - with one eyebrow raised.

"I heard you keep one extra set of uniform hidden in your closet, these days?" Ah the pleasure! I waited ten long years to say this and the wait was totally worth it!

He pressed his lips and continued looking at me. The moment he opened his mouth, I knew I'm done talking.

"You did not dare to speak in that tone last night, my boy?" He got me. Ofcourse I wouldn't! Roshesh and Kyra were at stake and I would never dare to piss off the man that will be supervising the schedule.

But now? I have nothing to lose.

"You may think so. But it's not like that." I really hate them for not teaching me mind-reading. Even Wills knows how to do that!

"You may think you have nothing at stake now, to say what you please. But don't think I don't know what affection a Boss has with his dog. And your case is special." Once an instructor, always an instructor.

"How do you find the weakest of the nerves?" "That's what our job is. So you were saying something about my closet?"

Darn it. "Did I? Nah. Must be someone else." "That's what I thought. All packed? Took permission?"

"All set. But permission is due. Leaving this place is as hard as staying at this place."

"Yes. The memories hold you tight. None of them is bad when you reach that end." "Yeah. Bad is not even a word when it comes to the punishments and tasks." I laugh a little, getting him to smile too.

"You cursed us black and white. But you did the same to your kids. And look how fine they turned out to be. I don't know which one to be more proud of." "Really? That's a compliment. Will save them when they fuck up in future."

"Language. The only thing we couldn't get out of your system. We kept trying." I laugh loudly. No they couldn't.

"Just like you're trying to teach Wills to fight?" Time to get back on his ass. There's no way in Hell he doesn't know about our fight and his defeat. He would never let Dog wear sophisticated high neck tracks while riding him.

"Now that's embarrassing. Don't worry, he's going to get what he needs." "He needs new people to practice with." Poor boy can't tell this to anyone. The only one he told, turned him down. Flynn must have had his own reasons.

"I know. Colonel got me back here specifically for this task. He noticed that his style and moves are becoming predictable. I was told to modify my own style and learn new ones." "No shit!"

"Yes shit. I rode myself hard to become better for this boy and he loses to you in less than a minute." "He's gone. Boy is dead."

"You bet he is. Don't worry about him. He'll pass. Just like you did. You - stay careful, specially for your team. I don't know much about what you're planning, but if you have come all the way here to take his approval for the girl, I'm sure it's serious. Be careful, Kadner. Life doesn't give you a second chance."

Well this academy is full of wise people and wisdom rains from the skies.

"Yes, Instructor Kelly. I'll take your kind leave now." The man has new grown respect in my eyes now.

"All the best." He said and I nodded, accepting his wishes. I left for the final meeting with a thumping heart.

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WILL'S POV:

A knock on the door and I hope that my prayers have worked. Father has nowhere to go on Sunday and neither do I. I won't last long in this state.

"Come in" Please let it be somebody who takes him away from here for now. Sweating on his carpet on a Sunday is the definition of volcanic trouble and I'm burning in it right now.

Super Boss enters with his feet thumping and I grit my teeth. The last person I wanted father to see was him - reminder of my latest offence - helping Kyra get her head back into fight. That little fox has quick reflexes but feather control over her anger. And since Boss was not allowed to speak, I knew nobody will, and poor girl will lose everything. Thanks to this another heroic task in my 'Never do' list, I am appreciating the colours and patterns of this carpet right now.

Others may have an angel sitting up there but I'm sure my protector is Satan. He enjoys getting me in deeper and deeper trouble instead of rescuing me. If father finds out about the fight or the marks on my neck, I'll be doing much more than push ups on his carpet. I keep pumping. Anything to avoid attracting any more attention.

Super Boss opens and closes his mouth while father just sits there saying nothing. Way to go, father! The giant is clearly uncomfortable to say that he wants to run out of here while his ass is still unburned.

After ages, or that is what it feels like trying to keep pushing in this state, Super Boss speaks, "Sir, Captain Renee has permitted Roshesh to leave." I wait for him to ask Father's permission but it seems like Super Boss was hoping father would fill in the blanks. Oh my! I wish I could look at their faces right now.

"Up, Wills." What? Please don't involve me. I would rather do push-ups.

"Good for Roshesh, Kadner. Anything else?" I hide my smile. He got you cornered, Super Boss.

"Sir, since Roshesh is medically cleared and Kyra has passed the test, may we leave? I mean, do I have the permission to leave, sir?" Nice save!

"So that is how it is going to be, Kadner! You have Chief now so I'm just another official for you. Is it?"

"No, sir. I-I"

"Oh shut it, boy. Other than wanting to avoid burning your bottom, you would not have come here."

"It's.."

"Did I not tell you to shut it? Or do you feel above it? Maybe Wills can speak on your behalf this time too!" Fuck! Now, I'm getting burned too. I thought I would get a bed atleast tonight.

SuperBoss says nothing and I keep my eyes on the floor only. I do not wish to get in any more trouble.

"Atleast tell me you have a plan? Or do you plan to be a hero too?"

"I have a plan, sir. I have no –"

"So, you promise to come out of it alive?" Shit! The entire thing was a trap!

"Sir-I-it-" If I weren't in equal trouble, I would have found the stuttering hilarious.

After a deep breath, he continues, "Sir, like all other soldiers out there, I cannot promise to come out of it alive. But I'll try to do my very best."

He continues, in a tone I have never heard from him before, "I'm not going on any mission unless the plan is approved by Chief and if the circumstances weren't necessary for the precautions, I would have taken your approval too, sir. This is the first time we have been a step ahead of him. We did not involve the officials and therefore, whoever his mole or informant is, knows nothing about anything. We have the access to all his information. Please trust me, sir. Or atleast trust that you have trained me to handle any situation that comes my way"

"It is not the situation that I worry about. It is your emotions. Just like this fool of a son I have, you too are driven. His drive is to became a hero I do not need while yours is to become a martyr avenging your parents. God knows if they were here, they would put you through an ordeal or smack your head against a wall just to get it through your fat skull."

SuperBoss just smiles but says nothing and if I hadn't been through the said ordeal, I would have melted too at his show of emotions. I have never seen either of them like this.

"Thank you for considering me your child and worthy of your time and affection, sir" I can find a lot more meaning in each of his unsaid word.

"Do I need to remind you on who not to thank, boy?" And we are back with a cane. I should get this story out of Flynn someday when I can show my face to him.

"Never again, sir" He shudders and damn it, the lesson must have been a really good one. Maybe Boss knows about it too.

"Aren't you getting late? Chief is allowing you to let loose too much it seems. Maybe I should call him and tell him you don't seem to be in a hurry to get out of here and that it seems like you have put on some weight...?" Father trails off while he looks at Superboss head to toe. It looked like he realised that the man standing in front of him has grown in size and weight over just 24 hours.

If my feet were not hanging in grave, I would have laughed at how Boss had sucked in a breath and held it there.

"N-no such intention, sir. I'll leave right away, sir"

"Good. Convey my regards to Chief. Now get out of here. You too, Wills. See you at 0400 hours tomorrow"

I nearly run out of there and take a deep breath of relief. He did not know about the fight. Thank you, Satan.

SuperBoss hits me on the shoulder laughing, "He had us by the balls there"

"I was already pushing in his plush carpet and yet I could imagine how worse it could get" My heart had nearly given out at one point

"You will be paying for saving Kyra! And those extra 8 miles or the bruises on your neck won't help."

"Those push ups were the starters for that comment, Superboss"

"While you deserve the extra miles and the bruises, that comment means you get a little off on your long list. I hope I can get my hands on you before I die"

"Father would kill you if you come back dead"

"Even though it makes no sense, I agree. He could fight God and resurrect me just to kill me with his own hands. I do not wish to piss him off that bad. Goodbye, dog. I better get out of here before he changes his mind."

-----

I go towards my room for the sweet bed waiting for me.

After what felt like days, this small visit got over.

Finally, father will go and kick that Dan's ass and get Nick back. I'm yet to thank Jane to perform good enough to win the deal.

And it will be in my best interest that he leaves before he sees the mark on my neck. I won't be able to lie to him and those will be my last words. I should have thought twice before threatening Flynn with his name.

And what on fucking hell was I thinking when I agreed to fight with Superboss. I knew the outcome before we even started.

Though I still want to drown myself in shame - it barely took him ten seconds to prove that I was a foolish monkey jumping around. That's why I was begging Flynn to spar with me, I need new people! But alas, like I proved - I'm not worthy for that.

Flynn must really want to stay away in this matter - I never thought I'll lose a fight this bad. He must have seen that coming too. He ensured that I never show my loser face to him, asking for this favour again. Well he won for now. But I promise I'll prove my worthiness someday and he will ask me to spar with him.

Before I could take the turn to my room, I hear my name. "Major Wills?"

I turned around to confirm that my ears heard it right.

Shit! I was this close to a bed and I had to run into this guy.

"Yes, Instructor Kelly?" "You completed the run, today?"

"Yes I did it before my morning reporting at 0800 hours."

"What's up with the bruises, sir?" Kelly's voice brought me down. And when I say down, I mean really really hard.

"I.. Mmm.. What bruises?" "The ones you're trying to hide on your neck. Either someone choked you fiercely in a fight, or you got yourself choked hard, with consent. As far as I know, you weren't given enough time for either. So which one is it?"

I bend my neck down in shame. Yes I got into that fucking with consent, and yes I got choked fiercely in a fight. I wish I could tell him that the marks were a result of reaching the final base with a girl, and not fighting with my superboss.

"So you sparred with someone. Let me guess, Kadner?" I jerked my neck. How on earth he took two milliseconds to reach that conclusion?!

"Did you win?" He didn't wait for the answer of his previous question. It was probably very clear on my face.

"It was friendly. Win or loss doesn't matter." I said clearing my throat.

"It matters to your instructor who teaches you fighting day in and day out. Now answer before I involve someone else." His tone meant business and I rubbed my face in shame and embarrassment.

"Instructor Kelly, you know what state I was in. Despite the rest, I had the extra run, then the documents, security checks and what not. I was tired still I gave it my best. But-" "So you lost. Don't give me excuses. Doesn't matter you were hungry or thirsty or insomniac or paralysed. You lost, that means you lost. And you know who else lost?"

I sighed loudly. "I own it. It's all on me. You or anyone has no role in it."

"Oh really? Six instructors, 2 junior training officers, one senior training officer, working on you every day for so many years - we have no role? Then why were we here all this time?" His tone was getting angrier and I braced myself for impact. This went out of my hands.

I stayed shut, knowing I have no answer. "No explanation. Sad to say, I have to report this to Colonel." He started walking away. I took a few moments to understand what he said and immediately I was on my toes.

"Instructor! No, please! I agree I was being casual and I had accepted my defeat before we even started fighting. Your efforts didn't go vain. I promise I'll give my best. Please don't do this." I begged him walking side by side.

"That makes you weaker than what I thought. And I'm appointed to train only the best man of the forces. I'm sorry, I can't -" "Please! Sir, don't do this."

Before I could use my all time 'one last chance, please' card, his phone rang. "Yes sir." Shit. That's father. Shit!

"But I have to report this to Colonel. I've been given specific orders to do so." What? This guy is not father?

"I don't want to die. He'll come to know anyhow." He said with his lips pressed. What's going on?

"Fine. But I'm telling the truth the moment he points a finger at me." Telling the truth? Is he going to lie now?

"Damn right. It was a stupid idea to allow him to keep himself in shape. He still needs 24x7 supervision. And that's exactly what he's going to get now." All this was said while passing a burning laser through my eyes.

I felt a deep pit in my stomach. The same feeling that I had when I used to go back from ground after my extra hours and knew that the seniors were waiting to screw whatever was left in me.

Kelly cut the call and now turned towards me. "You have disappointed me, Major. And I have been held responsible for you. You remember the condition on which you were given three extra hours of sleep?"

"I want improvement in his fight practice, then."

I've never seen Kelly this angry or disappointed in me. I used to be one of his most favourite and hard working boys. "Exactly. At that moment, I agreed to him thinking that I'll grip you harder for a few days to keep his words, and then get back to the normal routine, since you have shit ton of work on your head. But guess what are we going to do now?"

"Improvement in my fighting practice." I repeated father's words and got ready to get back to my cadet-days screwing. I guess I needed it.

"On ground in UCPs in eight minutes. Bring a cadet's cycle." That's it. I'm sorted out for this Sunday and for a lot more to come. I ran away because eight minutes are barely enough for me to climb up and down the stairs!

Nick, if you can hear me, fuck that mission and get back. This shit is only going to multiply here onwards.

I won't be given enough time to train myself and complete the paperwork. And one of them will always be owning my ass. Come back fast, brother.

************************************

First of all, let us breathe! topper93 deep breaths. Yea.

This was big! Frankly speaking, I needed tissues to wipe my tears during the last part.

'Memories bring back memories' I can relate to Kadner in so many ways! Missing a place that you lived at for a significant amount of time - the one place that made you who you are today - it's always overwhelming to visit it again. And what luck, when you have your own people still there!

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Past 7 chapters of our books reflect heart, soul, tears, sweat, blood, curses, cheers, motivations, fights, rises and falls of me and topper93.

We gave up two hours of sleep every night just to make it what it is today. This is not whining or showing off anything to anyone. This is just to show how much we love you guys. And how much you drive us to become better with each part published.

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With this, I have an announcement to make. Two, in fact. *Dromrolls*

My book has published 99th chapter today. I'm sure you all know what's the next count 😉 So yes, I'm planning something special in the next one - BUT HOLD ON! I haven't yet started thinking, and I'm bad when expectations are too much. A lot of you readers have asked me to write about a lot of things. I'm trying to cover each one of them slowly, but you can understand its not easy to place the parts anywhere in the story.

This brings me to the second announcement - *DRUMROLLS AGAIN*

I have planned to finish this book in near future. It started off as a casual outlet to my mind and now it has formed a whole world in itself with you all being by my side with each word. But there's no end to it and my phone hangs up everytime I try to edit any previous chapter 😅

Don't lose your hearts. I'll start with another one. This one will be more planned, better executed etc etc. I hope you'll stay by my side then too.

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Thanks for sticking with me all along 🙂