Sliding on his uniform, Youden looked into the mirror inside his home. His bulky build and pale skin were barely within the frame. But he did look clean and well-kept because he was. Today is finally the day, he knew, the day that we will leave to invade Saputa. On May 5th, how joyous a day it would be. He could hear cheering outdoors and when he looked out the window, he could see people waving at the marching soldiers, prepared to go into the boats at the finished dock that would take them to Saputa. He walked downstairs, looking one last time at the home that wasn't even his. He would miss this place, but it served its purpose. He opened the door, and even more, cheers occurred. He saluted back at the people on the street and hopped into the carr waiting to take him down to the dock. As they drove past the marching soldiers, saluting back at him, he kept his eyes forwards, letting his hair flow with the wind.
After a solid twenty minute drive, they stopped in front of a large gate, leading to the docks. From where he was, he could see several ships and many smaller boats, ready to load the soldiers and equipment ahead. He could see the large tarrs being loaded onto the transport ships as well as their carrs. Hopefully, if their map was still accurate, the Ariocasters would land at a field not far from the landing spot once they secured the area overseas. They should have enough fuel to make it there, he was told, at least 30 minutes of it once they reached the coast. He carefully stepped out the carr, slightly grimacing from the pain about a month ago, from his fight from the Masked Fighters. Thankfully, he had acquired a weak healing power some years ago, but over time, he adapted it to his own needs. It might have left a small scar, but he doubted that. Plus, he had more important to worry about, as the general with the Masked Fighters behind him approached him.
"Good day, sir. I assume you must be well." he greeted.
"I'm fine and the fighters are fine as well as they appear to be so." he directed towards them.
They nodded at him, still not saying a word. Youden eyed the speedy fighter, looking straight at him. He went towards him and brought out his hands. He grabbed it firm and they shook. Youden knew that this would be the one to carry and lead this team. He still didn't know how well he was doing, but he didn't make a sound, so one could only assume he was well enough.
"I'm glad you are all here. Now, the general has told you, you're purpose will be to assist on the frontlines and to take out Saputa's soldiers alongside our army. You will be awarded with whatever you request after we take over the capital, shall we make it that far. Am I clear?" Youden elegantly declared.
They nodded and walked past the gate, to hop on one of the boats that would lead them to the mainland.
Youden watched them pass by. All of these preparations would be worth it. His general cleared his throat behind him, and he turned around.
"Youden, can you be honest for a minute? Do you really think we can win this?" he asked.
"I guarantee you, we will win. Look at all of this! Have you seen what we've been creating! We are the most advanced nation on the entire planet, for powers sake! Our army can not fail, with everything we've done. This war will change the world forever. How dare you question my authority and what I've done!"
The general backed away, cowering.
"I excuse my lack of knowledge and judgement, dear leader. Please forgive my thoughts."
"Oh come on! I'm harsh, but not that cruel. You just need to know your place. You have been forgiven. Now go to the other generals and commanders, and continue planning! We'll be there in two more days, most likely May 7th, at the night, which will be perfect for us."
The general nodded and rushed towards one of the larger ships, ready to continue planning with the other generals and commanders. Youden had to maintain this appearance. If a leader is showing weakness, then imagine what the army would see. He would not let anyone mess this up, and he made sure it showed. He continued to watch the soldiers pass by and load up into the ships, or continue to help load equipment into other ships. It wouldn't be long before they left the docks and were on their way to Saputa. Oh, they wouldn't even know what hit them and Youden knew and was taking advantage of it.