“I’ll be here… I’ll be ‘waiting’ here… I’ll be waiting for you, so… If you come here… You’ll find me… I promise…”

	Brian stirred in his bed in the patient area of the infirmary waking from a dream. A pleasant dream of a place where wishes came true, and war was non-existent. A young man dressed in light blue stood next to the window by Brian’s bed. Before leaving he whispered: “It’s good to see you again, Brian. Take care of yourself.” Then he walked out.

	As Brian sat up in bed, the doctor came in to check on him. She was a young woman, around the age of twenty, and healed using the art of mana. She was a child prodigy, and knew many different healing spells, which actually wasn’t uncommon at her age. She had dark brown hair, cut short, and she had on a white coat, much in the fashion of a doctor.

	“Well, Brian. I see you have finally decided to join us in the living world.” She walked over to him and sat on the bed. “Next time you decide to spar, make sure you are only PRACTICING.” She made sure to sound out every syllable, making sure Brian understood.

	“Melanie, I’m fine. I just tripped!”

	“Don’t lie to me, Brian. I know when you’re lying.”

	“I’m telling you the truth! I tripped.”

	“Then please, will you explain the burns on your back?”

	“Oh. That.”

	“Exactly. Be more careful next time.” Melanie got up from the bed and walked to the door. “I’ve healed your wounds, but next time you may not be so lucky.” As she walked out of the room, Brian stared down at the floor, muttering. “Whatever…” When he looked up at the window, he remembered the young man that was keeping vigil over him. “Who was that?”

	But before he could ponder it for even a second longer, his teacher walked in, a stern look on her beautiful face.
	“Just what in god’s name were you two thinking? You could have been seriously injured!” Her name was Lindsay.

	“But Instructor Peterson, the both of us had agreed not to use mana. Ethan went against what we had agreed upon.”

	“I am very aware of that, from what Dr. Marcus has told me.” Lindsay began to pace the room. “Ethan has already been punished for it.”

	“Good… arrogant fool that he is.”

	“Look,” Lindsay demanded his attention. “Let’s just get back to the classroom. You still have to finish up your written exam for the Secret Weapons Organization Regarding Defense.”

	As the two of them made their way out of the infirmary and outside into the lush gardens and pathways leading to the classrooms, Brian had the mysterious man who’d come to see him earlier on his mind.

	One would wonder what a school like this was all about? Babylon Garden was a military academy, training youths across the world for battle. There were three in all, all situated in different regions, training in the same ways. All of it was for the sole purpose of war. S.W.O.R.D.’s were just mercenaries for hire.
	
	Brian had much on his mind that morning… he always took the weight of the world on his shoulders… it’s just that no one ever noticed.

	Lindsay finally stopped and asked him. “Brian. Is there something on your mind?”

	Brian kept his eyes on the walkway. “…Not really.”

	“…Not really. Hahaha!” Lindsay imitated him.

	Brian was serious as he turned to her. “What’s so funny?”

	“Funny? No, no, it’s not that! I’m just happy. I feel like I’m beginning to understand my student a little. That’s all.”

	Brian was perplexed at her answer. “I’m more complex then you think.”

	“Then tell me! Tell me more about yourself!”

	Brian just looked on ahead. “It’s none of your…

	“…Business?”


***

	“Good morning, class.” Lindsay stood behind her desk, leaning on it with both hands as she continued. “There seems to have been some rumors flying around since yesterday… yes, the field exam for S.W.O.R.D. candidates will begin later this afternoon. Those not participating and those who have failed the written test are to remain here in study hall.” Lindsay walked around to the front of her desk. “Field exam participants will have free time until the exam. Just be sure you’re in top condition. Meet in hall at 1600 hours. I’ll announce the team assignments there. Any questions?” Everyone remained silent. Then Lindsay pointed to Ethan. “Oh, and Ethan! Do NOT injure your partner while training. Be careful from now on.” Ethan visibly threw a fit. “Field exam participants, I will see you all later. Class dismissed.”

	As Lindsay piled up her papers, Brian walked up to her, handing her his paper. “All finished, I see. Let me grade it, and see if you pass.” Lindsay took the exam and placed it into a special reader. When it turned off, she picked it up and patted him on the back. “95% was correct, Brian. Great!”

	“What! Wait… what about the other 5%? I studied everything!”

	“Brian… nobody is perfect. Nothing is for that matter. Just another thing to remind you, that you can never be too prepared. But, you passed, and that’s all that matters anyway.”

	“I guess.” Brian paced out the door, with Lindsay shouting to him as he left.

	“Remember to meet in the entrance hall at 1600 hours!! It’s field training today. You want to be in top shape for this exam!”

	Brian just waved his hand to her as he left.

***

	Brian was walking out of the classroom, making his way to the entrance hall, when all of a sudden; a taller man came running in his direction. 

	“I’m late, I’m late, I’m LATE!!!” and then came the impact. “Waaah!” and both went tumbling to the ground.

	Brian got up and offered the taller man a hand. “Are you ok?”

	“There. I’m fine. Sorry I was kinda in a hurry. Oh yeah! Hey, did you just come from that class? Is… homeroom over?”
	
	Brian just nodded. “Yes.”

	“This place is soooo much bigger then my last garden! Oh, hey, hey. I just transferred here.” He gave Brian his hand. “I’m Emmett. Do you think you could give me a tour of Babylon?”

	Brian ignored the hand given and just stated. “Brian. And no. I don’t have the time.”

	“Oh, bummer. That’s too bad. Well, see ya!” and then Emmett was gone, leaving a very confused Brian just standing there.

	Brian decided to ignore the obviously flamboyant man, and decided to just continue his way to the entrance hall. The words from his dream lingered on his mind.

	“I’ll be here… I’ll be ‘waiting’ here… I’ll be waiting for you, so… If you come here… You’ll find me… I promise…”