Kingdom of Loradel, Lunodio Outpost, Present day.
The morning sun did little to repel the cold winds of the early morning.
"Commander?" said Rebecca as she leaned down to meet Xeto's lost gaze.
His eyes remained still as the heaves of his chest grew louder. "I…I need to return to Hansel."
"Hansel?" Rebecca's eyes bounced from the old man and back to Xeto. "Where's that?"
"Good of you to say that, my boy. That is a splendid idea," encouraged the elder man.
Xeto remained in a stiff posture as he nodded to himself. His eyes darted about as if searching through his own thoughts. "Rebecca, get your gear," he said without facing her. He quickly turned and marched for the center of camp.
"Wait…uh—Commander, where are you going?" She fastened her pace to keep up with him.
"I'm going to talk with the general." They reached the familiar tent. "Wait here," he commanded, before ducking into the entrance.
"But, sir…" She scoffed and crossed her arms. "Fine." Minutes felt like hours as she remained in place, the sun burning her nape.
"Morning Lieutenant Orvein." The gruff voice came from Kyone who's approach she hadn't heard until now. "Why are you out here taking sunlight like a wheat crop?"
Rebecca stepped into the kasaber's shadow for a temporary shield from the growing heat. "I'm waiting on the commander. He went in to speak with Taloz." She leaned her head towards the tent. "He seemed worried after talking with one of the new arrivals and immediately marched over here. Do you know anything about a Hansel?"
Kyone ran a hand through his whiskers. "Hmmm. Yes, there's a small village by that name near the border. In fact, it's Xeto's old home if I remember correctly."
It was clear now. Her commander would only share tidbits of his past every now and again. Two years of hunting under his command and all she knew for certain was that he was an orphan and that he used to live alongside his elder brother. Though regardless of his background, his actions revealed more than anything he had ever shared. His skill with a blade and aura, the way he listened and aided her through clouds of doubt, and his focus under pressure is what painted him as a respected warrior. A warrior that she would gladly follow to solitude and back.
The voices of Xeto and Taloz grew louder until both emerged from the tent.
"I can't have you two leave now, you've only just arrived," said Taloz as he continued towards the gate.
Xeto placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "But sir—"
Taloz quickly shrugged it off. "These people are being driven away from their homes by demons and who knows what else. Should whatever is pursuing them arrive at our gates, I'll need you here."
Xeto's sighed as posture slumped. "Then why not ask the kingdom to send more aid? I'm sure they could spare some men. You yourself said you wanted to find the cause behind everything that is happening now. I can find something if you just allow it."
"That was before I knew we were going to get another twenty-two mouths to feed…besides the military sees me—sees us as a jest. When people live in light, they forget what lies in the dark. Besides, even if they spared some men, they would only be slaughtered, they're not trained to combat demons like us." Taloz turned and took hold of Xeto's shoulders, his serene eyes met the Commander's. "I know you must be concerned, boy, but all of these refugees are someone's family and I can't prioritize your loved one's safety over these people. I'm truly sorry."
Xeto clasped his lips together as he broke from Taloz. He shook his head in disapproval before stomping away.
"Commander," said Rebecca. She tried following behind before but felt a tug on her shoulder.
Kyone eased her back. "Leave him be, I count he just needs to think a bit. I think we all forget what we are at times…"
"Perhaps you're right," she mumbled. "Excuse me." She left the company of the officers and dug through her thoughts on a way to help the commander. She prayed to the goddess that whomever it was Xeto cared for, that they may remain safe. It seemed like the only solution for the moment. Hopefully it would be enough.
~~~
The camp was covered in the orange haze of dusk.
Rebecca used most of the day helping the new arrivals in any way she could, be it helping distribute what little food they had, or helping with the construction of makeshift tents. They weren't much to gawk at, but they would hold against the wind and rain. Most of the refugees were farmers, so it was no surprise that they seemed to be accustom to middling housing. Enough so that they thanked her endlessly for her aid.
The thought brought a smile as she sat on an old stump near the refugee tents. She wiped the barrel of her rifle with a cloth until the blue steel shined and reflected the dusklight like a mirror. That looks good.
"Wow. Is that what you use to fight the monsters?"
Rebecca snapped back to reality and looked for the owner of the fragile voice.
The young girl that she had gifted the apple to stood inches away with her thin finger pointed at the cobalt rifle. Her fire-kissed hair was less untidy than before. Also, opposite to what she had arrived in, she now wore a clean thin tunic and skirt.
Rebecca held up her rifle. "This?" she asked.
The girl nodded.
"This is a magicarm. It's a weapon powered by my aura."
The young girl drew closer with a look of awe. "Oo-rah?"
Rebecca giggled. "That's right. Here, you can sit here." She patted another stump beside her own.
The girl obliged with a smile. "So, what is oo-rah?" she asked with a finger to her chin.
Rebecca leaned in, elbows on her knees. "Well…aura is magic that is in all living things. Flowers, animals, and even you." She bopped the tip of the girl's nose.
"Me?" she echoed as she pointed at herself.
"That's right. Sadly, not everyone has enough aura to conjure an element like fire, lightening, or ice."
"Oh, wow. Can you conj…conj—make fire too?"
Rebecca held her rifle close. "No unfortunately. But magicarm users like me have just enough to use these instead." She ran her hand down the base of the rifle and stopped on the large aurastone gem at its base. She admired its shine before returning focus to the girl. "So, what's your name—how old are you?"
"It's Gia, Gia Doavani," she answered. She then put up eight of her stubby fingers. "I turned eight seasons last month too."
Rebecca made sure to wear a smile openly for the young girl. "That's quite the name, Little Doavani."
"Thank you, it's the same as my mom, that's why I like it." She leaned into her hands. "But sometimes momma gets sad because we had to leave our house. It was a pretty house."
Rebecca ruffled the girl's hair. "Don't you worry, me and my commander will get rid of all the monsters. Then you and your mommy can go home, alright?"
"Is that the boy you were with? Do you like him? Momma says boys are icky."
The girl's innocence urged a smile. "Hehe. Who Xeto? No, he's like…like an older brother to me." She pushed loose strands of hair behind her ear. "He's a good person."
"Brother? So like family? Momma says family is important—and that we should always help family. Where is he? Do you think he would like to play hiding games with me?" She tilted her head.
"He's…off sorting some things. Once he's not busy I'm sure he'd love to play with you. But first he has to get rid of the monsters."
Gia's eyes lit up. "Maybe if you help him, he can finish faster, then we can all play together!"
Rebecca hunched over as a needle of guilt pinned her conscience. "You know, Gia. I think Xeto could use my help right now."
"Really? Then you should go help him, then both of you can make the monsters leave!" She jumped to her feet.
Rebecca stood up. "That sounds like a good idea." She ruffled the girl's head one final time. "You should get back to your mother before she worries about you."
Gia nodded before backpedaling and waving her slim arm ferociously.
Rebecca sighed in relief as she began for the barracks. Xeto had always done his best to help her in the past. Now it was her turn to aid him in this time of need.