A/N: This is where the actual story begins. It isn't going to follow the exact story line of the original book.
A scrawny, red-headed orphan-turned-nomad celebrates his 15th birthday with the caramel apple he nicked from a convenience store several miles behind. The candle stub he has carried since the start of his journey flickers pitifully as he trudges toward the shadowy metropolis. This is his gift to himself—a chance to look upon the capitol. A large furry overcoat, half his inheritance, shields him from biting winds and a pair of rubber rain boots, the other half, parts the thick snow around his feet.
"Make a wish," he murmurs and blows out the candle. Suddenly a shadow leaps out at him, knocking his half-eaten treat to the ground. The orphan tumbles as the shadow comes at him again. Scrambling to his feet, he turns to face his attacker, hands balled into fists and teeth clenched. His shaggy mop whips about his face. The shadow comes back at him and is swiftly delivered a punch to the gut. The figure grunts as it bends over. The orphan can now make out short, dark brown hair and an army uniform.
"It was self-defense!" He shouts to whoever might be watching, afraid he will be punished.
"We know." Bridgette steps out of the darkness, accompanied by a gold-haired man with amber eyes. The boy's eyes grow even wider when he sees the markings on her uniform—a general. Already planning his escape, he takes a step back. "Don't be alarmed." She holds out her hands in a gesture of peace, noticing his unease.
"Why did he attack me?" the boy points to the now-upright figure, a boy with light gray eyes and a smug smile.
"You don't belong here." The attacker speaks. "You needed to be taught what tough was, to understand why you don't belong here. Sissy." The last insult is a whisper.
"Quite the opposite, actually." Bridgette reprimands him, then turns back to the orphan. "You fought back. Why?"
"He was attacking me. I couldn't just run away—I had to defend myself." He says it as though it is the most obvious thing in the world. Bridgette looks at him with a hint of awe in her eyes.
"I'm going to make you an offer—join the military. You've got potential, kid. What's your name?" She seems to have just noticed the lack of introduction. A blush tiptoes into the boy's cheeks.
"I-I don't know." He stutters, ashamed. "I'm an orphan—I never really knew anyone. I've just always roamed around."
"Don't be embarrassed. Take pride in who you are." Bridgette orders him, her commanding personality shining through. "Why don't we give you a name?" The boy nods, excited at the prospect of receiving a title. "How does Brenton sound? It means fire. Now we will always be reminded of how we met you—your candle." She adds when he looks at her quizzically. "Now we should introduce ourselves. I'm Bridgette Falk, general of the Incaendium military. This is one of my most trusted soldiers, Leon Hart." She gestured toward the gold-haired man. "This is Griffin Tippet." She motions towards the attacker who is now smiling warmly at him.
"Why are you smiling at me?" he asks bluntly.
"You proved you're tough." Griffin replies, momentarily taken aback. The boy turns back to Bridgette.
"Brenton is good." He replies and she smiles.
"What about my offer to join the military?" He considers for a moment.
"I'm in." Determination is evident in his voice. Bridgette nods and a smile lingers on her face.
"Follow me." She spins on her heel and Brenton finds his place next to Griffin. The troop moves quickly and Brenton is practically running to keep up. Eventually they arrive at a red brick apartment building that is almost completely concealed by ivy and other various vines. Though it appears to be falling apart, it is quite sturdy and contains many apartments. There are no doors or windows on the first floor; only at 15 feet do they appear in the walls. A fire escape ladder dangles 2 feet above Brenton's head. Before he can ask how they enter, Bridgette launches herself at it and begins to pull herself up. Next, Griffin jumps up. He latches onto the bottom bar and hauls himself to the first landing. The two look down, waiting for their comrades.
"Alright," Leon begins, reaching to grab Brenton by the waist and fling him up.
"Wait!" Brenton stops him. He leaps up, putting all his energy into the jump. Barely touching the bar, he wraps his fingers around it tightly. Muscles straining, Brenton pulls himself to the landing. He tries not to reveal how tired he is. Bridgette and Griffin look impressed. Soon, Leon is on the landing as well.
"Where am I going to stay?" Brenton voices the question Bridgette has begun to silently ponder.
"I'll keep him. Actually, I'll adopt him. I have no children." Leon offers.
"You know he will not be staying with you—he will be with the other junior officers after tonight." Bridgette asks, curious as to Leon's proposition.
"I know. I think the kid should have a last name though. Brenton, would you like to have the last name Hart?" Leon turns to him. He doesn't hesitate.
"Absolutely." Brenton responds. Leon smiles a little.
"It's settled then." Bridgette says happily. "Leon, take Brenton to your apartment and set up a mattress." The four climbed to the third story.
"This is my stop. See you tomorrow, newbie." Griffin winks before carefully opening the door and slipping inside. Brenton can make out two other young men inside before the door is shut again. The remainder continues to the fifth floor.
"I'll see you early tomorrow Brenton." Bridgette begins to say goodnight but before she can finish a girl, about 15, opens the door. Brown hair, the same shade as Bridgette's, falls in soft curls around her face and blue-green eyes stare curiously at Brenton. "Goodnight." Bridgette dismisses them. "Come on, Melissa." She says to the girl, who takes one last long look at Brenton before retreating indoors. That leaves Leon and Brenton. They make their way to the seventh floor. The moon has risen high in the inky night sky and the hour is nearing midnight.
"Come inside," Leon opens the door, "You're going to need some sleep for tomorrow."
"What happens tomorrow?" Brenton mumbles.
"Bridgette introduces you to everyone." Brenton is ushered inside and he collapses on the couch while Leon makes a pallet. He fights to keep his eyelids open, barely taking in his surroundings. As soon as Leon is done, Brenton sheds his coat and boots, revealing a tattered black shirt and ragged jeans. He sinks onto the blankets and is immediately tumbling into the land of dreams.
Try and guess who the characters are!
