Seth waited on the plateau alone and with nothing to accompany him but the sound of absolute silence. He and Rex continued training together at night in order for the outsider to learn the skills he missed during the five days he spent mastering Full Stop. It wasn't in his nature to arrive late yet there was no sign of him. Releasing a disappointed groan, Seth made for the exit trail to the barracks. No point in losing sleep over someone who wouldn't show. However, it was then his ears detected the pounding of footsteps. They belonged to two men, Rex and a stranger. They ran at him from the plateau's edge, a nervous grin spread across Rex's face.

"Hey, Seth! Sorry, I'm late!" Rex apologized.

"Who's this?" he inquired, his eyes cemented on Simon. "Haven't seen him before."

". . . We take the same tactics course with him every day,"

"Well excuse me! I'm not good with faces!" He shot a glare. "And I'm especially not good at remembering those who keep quiet."

"It's alright," stuttered Simon. "I'm Cadet Simon Serif, nice to officially meet you."

"Simon," Seth repeated. He was of average height, possessed a standard physique, had a set of jet black hair, and a pair of normal dark-colored eyes. Everything about him screamed "bland". At least, this was how Seth viewed him. Yawning, Seth asked, "Tell me, what is your purpose for coming here? These lessons are exclusive." He directed an annoyed glance to a whistling Rex who pretended not to notice. "Not to mention, what we practice is far more advanced than the stuff the instructors waste time on. You'd only slow us down. My advice: Put that exos suit back where you found it and go to sleep. Save all the energy you can."

Simon chuckled. "Rex told me you'd say that. I'm not sure what I was expecting to be honest. But the reason I'm here is that I want to stand by your side. I just-"

"Give me a break," a smirking Seth interrupted. "Sorry, we're out of your reach. You see, the two of us have something many of these other idiots can't possibly attain. It's nothing personal. We're just different from you, that's all. If extra training is what you seek try asking Rex's brother Chase or an instructor. You'll gain nothing by sticking with us."

"I know . . . You're far more amazing than I'll ever be but . . . There's no harm in trying. I at least want to be good enough to stand on my own."

Heartless emerald eyes peered. "You hard of hearing? I thought I said-"

"Hey Seth, can I talk to you for a second?" Without his consent, Rex grabbed him by the arm and pulled the annoyed seeker from the bewildered Simon. "What the hell, man? Why are you acting so mean? He only wants to improve his skills. You're perfect for teaching that kind of stuff. You're even better than some of the instructors. Can't you just throw him a bone?"

"It would appear Simon isn't the only deaf person here. Do you remember my reasoning for training you?" he sighed. "You're more special than the average dolt. You could really spice life up around here. Him, on the other hand," He aimed an accusing thumb at the dark-haired seeker. "I couldn't care less whether he stays or goes. Why would I waste my efforts training fodder?"

"You're wrong, he and I are similar." Rex countered. "He explained to me his situation so I offered to help. The only reason I've made it this far was because I had you helping me on the side. I could never fill the role as his mentor, being a leader isn't my thing." he admitted in a pained voice. "The fact stands that we're the same. Our ambition is unparalleled."

"Really? And how exactly do you know where his dream lies? You barely know your own past."

"Trust me, I can recognize someone who feels useless."

". . . Useless, huh?" Seth's eyes veiled in shadows, his scowl lowered to the ground. Rex didn't know why but it seemed as if he'd inadvertently struck a nerve. It wasn't his intention, although, he meant what he'd said. Looking at his quiet friend in the darkness he spotted his all too brief affronted expression. Bearing a forced smile, his aggrieved countenance was promptly camouflaged. Patting Rex on the shoulder, Seth surrendered, "Fine. I hate when you act like this." They returned to Simon who'd waited patiently to hear his decision. Seth's constructed smile was therefore shattered. Releasing a lengthy sigh, Seth said, "After much thought, as well as some heavy convincing, I decided it'd be beneficial for the three of us to train together."

"Really?!"

"Y- Yes." Rex could tell this was hurting him internally. "But only you, understand? I don't want to come here tomorrow night and find the entire damn brigade waiting for me."

So dramatic, Rex thought.

"Now let's quit slacking off and get to work. Simon, show me where you excel."

"Yes sir!"

"Don't call me sir."

"Yes si- Seth?"

"Whatever," he moaned. "To be clear, our goal is to master this suit prior to evaluation. This gives under a month to prepare. It won't be easy. Think you can handle it, Cadet Simon?"

"Of course! I promise I won't stop trying until I-"

"Yeah yeah I get it, enough already. It's time for some super intense training."

True to his word, Seth helped the two brush up on their skills throughout the coming weeks. Practicing all night only to train again in the morning. It was daunting, however, if they hoped to succeed there wasn't room for complaining. Rex noticed that Seth focused more on Simon than himself. They quickly discovered Simon to be highly analytical, almost to a fault. 

He'd overthink everything resulting in either his suit malfunctioning or a sloppy mistake. There was also the problem of honing his maneuverability and evasiveness. While he could move properly he immediately faltered whenever an obstacle blocked his path. Additionally, he possessed a fear of moving at high speeds, this becoming evident when Seth urged him to increase his acceleration. Despite his shortcomings, Rex didn't think he was hopeless. In fact, every night he steadily improved.

"Come on, idiot! Pay attention to what's in front of you!" Seth ordered.

"Right!" Simon shouted back, darting past a rock pillar.

Rex observed Simon through focused lenses. He stormed across the obstacle course in a blitz of speed. Tears flew from his eyes yet he refused to slow down. Curving his body to the left, he swerved passed the obstacle before swiftly altering to the right in order to avoid another. Unlike when they'd began, Seth noticed the grace in his movements. No more was his jagged and uneven posture. Simon leaned forward, his arms stretched behind him, his knees properly bent, his chest puffed outward, and his gaze concentrated. He certainly listened to Seth's advice. In fact, Rex identified a subtle smirk on the silver-haired seeker's face. I'll be damned, I guess he's not entirely hopeless. 

Though Seth's comments were unkind and critical, a layer of deceit lied within them. He recognized Simon to be the kid whom Dorvan picked on at the start of their training. He hadn't thought much of him then. However, as the weeks passed, his interest grew. Similar, huh? As much as Seth desired to witness his friends' progression, he realized they only had four days until the evaluation. Sitting over the ledge of the plateau he watched them walk to the barracks below laughing at each other. They'd practiced especially hard tonight, Simon insisting they do so. I wonder how they'll fare? If luck was on their side, Seth predicted they'd both perform well . . . For a pair of rookies.

"You're doing great!" Rex exclaimed, combatting his growing torpor. They trudged from the exos suit storage room at the foot of the plateau, their bodies completely sore. "Lets not rest easy until the evaluation has passed!"

"We'll show them!" Simon grinned. "To tell you the truth, I don't have to be as good as you or Simon or anyone else. I'll die happy if I can benefit the seekers in the slightest-"

Rex startled him with a smack to the head. "What's with all of that sappy talk?! You can't be serious?! After improving so much you still believe we aren't equals?! Don't be stupid! You're better than what you give yourself credit for!"

"Sorry," Simon whimpered, rubbing his bruised head. "It's always been this way. I can't stand on the same ground as everyone else." He downturned his head. His lips quivering, Simon said, "That's my life for ya. No-one expects anything great of me and I can't really fault them. A weakling like me would be nothing but a liability to this brigade. I'm a simple guy in the background only waiting to be abandoned in the sands. The sooner I accept my fate the sooner I can put all of my nerves to bed."

"Simon-"

"When we first started training I saw how much you struggled, saw how challenging it was for you to control the exos suit. Don't hate me but . . . In a sense, I took pleasure knowing I wasn't the worst. For once in my life, I wasn't at the bottom." Rex remained quiet, allowing Simon to rid himself of these pent-up thoughts. "Then you improved! Surpassing some of the very people that underestimated you, myself included. I thought if you could rise after falling perhaps I could as well. Simply put, you inspired me. For the first time in years, I felt I had an opportunity to change my fate. To be of use to someone . . . But I was only kidding myself. I'm not as special or skilled. I'm just a nobody awaiting death."

Emerald eyes watched. Seth heard the entire conversation from behind a nearby building. He'd never admit it, however, he deeply empathized with Simon's predicament. Truly, they weren't so different. He too sought to obtain some form of usefulness. To be a key for others' success. Covering his fake grin with a hand, Seth disappeared.

"You need to be more confident," Rex muttered. "If all you ever do is talk badly about yourself how can you expect anything to change?"

"I've always been looked down upon. From the moment I took my first breath I was already in somebody else's shadow." He stared at the cavern ceiling. "I come from a poor family, you see. My brother and I earn jen via our maintenance jobs so that we can afford to stay in our home district of Gourse. Even so, I wouldn't say my parents necessarily care for me. They look at me like I'm dead weight . . . A piece of garbage . . . A mistake. Really it's my brother they're more invested in. And if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be a seeker right now."

"What do you mean?"

"My parents told us they saved enough jen to send one child to a higher education facility in Phana District. Prior to their decision on who'd attend the school, my brother convinced me to join the Seeker Corps. He told me if I did then our parents may finally respect me." Simon's fists trembled with anger, an intense scowl present on his face. "All I ever wanted was for my folks to be proud of me. Naturally, I listened to him, passed the aptitude test, and became a seeker cadet. On the morning of our departure, my folks never showed. Actually, they'd forgotten I'd enlisted. That morning, the last thing I remember before I left home was my brother's snicker, more than likely happy with himself for getting rid of me once and for all."

Rex refused to accept what he was hearing. An older brother was meant to protect their younger siblings, regardless of their imperfections. He could always count on Chase. He trusted him more than anyone in this twisted world. There was no denying Simon and himself came from very dissimilar backgrounds. Yet, Rex was still of the belief anyone could overcome an obstacle or judgment.

The snores escaping the barracks' windows destroyed the quiet atmosphere. Upon arriving at its steps Rex stopped and muttered, "Four days remain . . ." Simon, his hand grabbing the door handle, aimed a confused stare. "Now's not the time to put ourselves down. We need to stay focused. While we've undoubtedly received ridicule and prejudice in the past, we can't allow the naysayers to threaten our futures. If you become a powerful and reliable seeker then you'll be proving everyone who doubted you wrong. Your parents would feel sorry for neglecting you. As for your brother, you'll be able to one-up him by aiding the saviors of humanity. Now's your chance to make something of yourself. Show the world why you're here and what you intend to do."

"How can you be so confident? No, how have you not broken already? I've heard stories of what you had to go through when you were found outside the walls, how Sanctuary saw you. A normal person would've broken under all the pressure and fear. I know I would." he whispered. "I even heard how someone sabotaged your aptitude test. From my point of view, it looks like everyone's trying to get rid of you. How could you be so confident after everything you've experienced?"

Rex smirked. "I just got used to it! Sure it kinda bugs me when someone treats me differently or calls me horrible names but it's not like I can change the views they have of me through words. I'll change their minds with my actions instead."

Simon didn't respond, partially because they now stood at the front of the barracks. He didn't know Rex for long though it was obvious whenever he said what he truly felt it influenced others. Simon stared at the front door, one foot on the creaky wooden step. "You really do have faith in me, don't you? You're probably one of the first who has actually bothered to give me a fair chance."

"Well, we only have one shot at impressing Dorvan so let's do our best!" Rex laughed, patting Simon on the back. "He'll keep a sharp eye on us due to our previous failures but I see it as a good thing."

"How can that be a good thing?!"

Rex clenched his right fist. "His attention is going to be on us. He'll have front row seats to our spectacle," Rex chuckled with sparkling eyes.

"Our . . . Spectacle?"

"You heard me! I have a plan! If it works, our perception as incompetent losers will shatter!"

". . . I'm not following."

"Don't worry. I'll explain it to you and Seth tomorrow night," he reassured, strolling to the barrack building adjacent to Simon's. "Just keep an open mind, alright?"