"Hugo Hahn, you're coming with us."

Hugo looked around. So this was why the staff meeting had been called. His mother was crying. The Academy staff was staring at him, whispering to each other. He couldn't hear what they were saying.

"You have volunteered as one of our great and honorable King Cacus's chosen."

The torch on the Royal Legionnaire's armor stood out against the dull gray metal. He was holding a drawing, a perfect representation of Hugo's face. The man looked bored, like he didn't expect any trouble. But why would he, representing one of the strongest men in the world?

"We will be taking you to the Palace. Immediately. Follow me."

Hugo hadn't noticed the guards behind him. They were grabbing his arms. His mothers voice filled his ears. She was begging, pleading for him to not be taken, to take her instead. The guards didn't look at her. Hugo wanted to turn around, to run back to her and say goodbye, but soon he was outside.

He looked at the guard who had spoken and said, "So what happens to me there? Am I going to become one of you?"

The guards didn't say anything, and they soon reached a cage sitting atop a cart. They shoved Hugo in, and closed and locked the gate.

Hugo was silent as he left the Academy, his home, for what he was sure was the last time.