It's already late in the night when Tobias arrived at the camp. As soon as he came out from the stable, a staff member informed him that he had a guest waiting for him at his office.
Who could that be?
He then hurriedly proceeded to his study.
He saw a man with platinum tresses and striking blue eyes who kept fidgeting as if he couldn't wait any longer.
"Ka-el!" Tobias called his attention.
Ka-el immediately walks towards him with a serious face - which is very rare.
"Wh-What's wrong?" Tobias asked him.
"Do you know about Dorn from the very start?" he asked in a rather betrayed and trembling voice as he grabbed the Captain's shoulders.
"What do you mean? Can you calm down first?" Tobias said when he noticed Ka-el's trembling hands.
"I c-can't calm down. Y-you said that I s-should tail Dorn right? D-damn, I did but I think sh-shouldn't have."
"Tell me why."
"D-do you know that if a w-word comes out from my m-mouth, he would be in d-danger?" Ka-el managed to say as tears started to fall from his eyes.
Tobias realized how serious the information that Ka-el had. He never saw Ka-el cry but now he is crying for their friend. He immediately pulled him in his embrace.
"Calm down Ka-el and tell me. I promise that I wouldn't let anything bad happen to Dorn. I promise."
Ka-el tried to compose himself.
"O-okay. I followed him yesterday and we arrived at the southern border. Our friend then used his bow and arrow to deliver a message towards the land beyond the borders. Basically, what I am saying is Dorn is a traitor to this land and he could be put to death once this information goes out," Ka-el whispered to Tobias.
"Then no one should be able to find this information," Tobias said as he released Ka-el from his embrace.
"No one should," Ka-el repeated as he looked into Tobias' eyes.
"Also, let's give our friend the benefit of the doubt. Let's wait for him to tell the real deal. I will put my trust in him."
"But what if…it's really true that he is a traitor, what will you do?"
"Before, I had no plans to be a patriot for this land, but now, I have reasons to be one. So, let's just make sure that we will still be together in the end."
Ka-el doesn't really look good after hearing that one. He slumped right into the wooden chair.
"Come on. Would I slay a friend?"
"Well…I don't know. Ever since I knew you, you have been ruthless."
Tobias harshly sighed.
"With all those years, how can you not trust me?"
"It's not that I don't trust you."
"Okay, how should I assure you?"
"Swear on your parents' names."
Upon hearing that, Tobias froze and gulped.
"To-Tobias?" Ka-el stated when he noticed that Tobias froze.
"Okay. Okay. I'm swearing on my parents' names that I will not harm Dorn and you. Are you happy?"
"Mm," he said as he let out his usual grin.
"Do you want a bottle of wine?"
"Absolutely!" Ka-el exclaimed like a child who just got his candy.
"Okay. Then, wait for me in my quarters. I'm going to get you your liquor."
"Understood, Captain!"
Tobias then went on his way to get wine from the wine cellar. He couldn't help thinking of what Ka-el reported to him.
Dorn won't be acting alone. Who is behind him? And what pushed him to betray this land? Even though he is mixed, he still has the Largusan blood. Also, what could be the contents of those messages?
XXX
It's already noon when Ka-el woke up. He held his head tightly as he felt a stinging pain from his hangover.
"So, you're awake?" Tobias said upon seeing Ka-el already sitting down on his bed.
"Yes. What time is it?"
"It's already noon. Drink this first before we head down to the dining hall," Tobias said as he handed down a cup of chamomile tea to soothe his hangover.
Ka-el let out a cheeky smile.
"Thank you, Captain."
"Just hurry up," he said and left the room.
After having their meal, Ka-el and Tobias took a walk around the training field.
"Looking at this field reminds us of our training days," Ka-el mentioned.
"Right."
"We were frowned upon and we're bullied because we are Mixed. Miraculously, you secured the top spot and it shut off all those mighty acting Wishbones."
"Mmm."
"Looking back, you were really ruthless and devilishly strong even if we're still aspirants. Do you have any secrets to improve your strength?"
"You still keep asking me about that?"
"Well... I'm just always in awe with your abilities," Ka-el said and unsheathed his sword. He then pointed at Tobias who also unsheathed his sword.
Onlooker aspirants started to gather around them.
Sol, who just came from her morning drills at the nearby falls, also came to peek at the event.
" OH. Captain Karsh is here already... and Sir Braegen is also here? "
Sol stood from where she was and watched the duel from afar.
She watched how Tobias deceptively attacked Ka-el with his sword and how Ka-el tried to defend himself from the attacks. Even with the dust flying around with them, Sol can still see how quick and smooth Tobias' attacks are. He really lived up to his achievement as the number one aspirant of their batch.
Sol let out a sigh.
I wish I could be skilled like you, Captain.
But, it's okay Sol, you are doing your best. Even if I will not improve in the future, at least I wouldn't have any regrets that I didn't try harder.
As Sol is lost in her thoughts, a sound of a sword hardly dropping on the ground was heard. Then, it followed with a loud applause.
Sol lifted her face and looked back at Tobias and Ka-el. She saw Tobias returning his sword on its scabbard while Ka-el was lying on the ground – tired and defeated. The crowd that gathered around them also started dispersing.
Should I go and meet them?
Without thinking any second, Sol walked in large strides towards them.
"Good afternoon, Captain," she greeted Tobias without looking right into his eyes and then she turned towards Ka-el, "Good afternoon Sir Braegen."
"Oh…it's Aspirant Moraii! Come on, give me a hand. Your captain has been ruthless to me," Ka-el said and extended his hand. Sol immediately took his hand and helped him stand.
"What do you mean ruthless? I went easy on you," Tobias refuted.
"Good afternoon Captain. Good afternoon Sir Braegen," another aspirant greeted them.
"Good afternoon…and you are?" Ka-el asked the aspirant.
"Aspirant Dana Craig sir," Dana said.
"She is the aspirant under Captain Himenes," Tobias elaborated.
"Um. I'll be on my way Captain, Sir. It's nice to see you again Sir Braegen," Sol said and hurriedly left without hearing their replies.
Tobias followed Sol' retreating back with his gaze.
Why does she feel strange lately? Or did she already get tired of waiting for me or does she not like me anymore? Then, maybe it's for the best.
"What's with that puzzled look?" Ka-el asked Tobias.
"Um nothing. By the way, when will you get back to the Capital?" Tobias asked him as he started walking towards the administration building. Ka-el and Dana followed him.
"Okay, Okay. I will go now. Why are you so eager to chase me out?" Ka-el complained.
"Aspirant Craig, you may go now. I'll send Sir Braegen off," Tobias said to Dana when he noticed that she's following them.
"Oh okay Captain. I'll be on my way now," Dana said as she walked towards their quarters.
After picking his stuff from Tobias' quarters, Ka-el got on his steed. Tobias went with him.
"Tobias, remember your promise to me," Ka-el said after stopping his steed about one kilometer away from the camp.
"Mm."
"Then, I'll be on my way. Visit us at the Capital from time to time."
"Mm."
After one last glance at his friend, Ka-el went on his way towards the Capital.
Tobias watched the disappearing figure in the distance.
Right. I keep forgetting my goal on why I returned to this land. Don't worry, I won't let any harm come your way while I achieve my goal.
XXX
As soon as he returned towards the camp, he sent an aspirant to get Sol. He waited for her in the middle of the training field.
"Um. Captain?" Sol said as soon as she arrived.
"How are you doing?" Tobias asked her without glancing at her.
"I'm doing fine, Captain."
"That's good."
"Um, why did you ask for me, Captain?"
"Well, I understand that change is constant. I also understand that a change of heart happens. But we still need to settle it right?"
"Captain?"
"It's also hard to admit that you've had a change of heart. But don't worry, I'll let you go. I also think that I am not capable of taking care of your feelings. And I know that one day, I will hurt you and I don't want that."
"Captain, I don't understand what you are saying."
"You've been avoiding me this last week and I can count the number of words you said to me. No matter how many times I asked myself if I did something wrong and made you angry- I can't think of anything. That only means that the way you feel for me has changed. Don't worry I won't hold that against you. Everyone can have a change of heart," he said, still not looking at Sol and straightly gazing at the setting sun.
"Captain?" Sol can only say amidst the shock she felt from hearing his statements.
"Then, let's be back to being a trainer and aspirant," Tobias said and extended his hand.
Sol tries to look at Tobias eyes but she's afraid that she can only see coldness from it. Unconsciously, she took his hand and shook it.
"Then that's settled," Tobias said and went on his way.
His strides back to the administration building felt heavy and slow. It felt heavy like the sudden weight on his chest. He held his chest tightly as felt a stinging pain in it. Drops of tears flowed from his eyes.
He knows that he is being ridiculous. How can he shut her off when she even barely explained herself?
Why are there tears coming from my eyes? This is the only way to protect her. I need to keep her away from me. I feel like I'm finally getting clues and it will not take a long time before I… before I will achieve my goal. That's why I need to keep her away or else I might put her in danger.
XXX
The beautiful warm hues of the sunset didn't help Sol warm her broken world. It only helped the tears from her eyes to flow profusely.
The Captain completely misunderstood your foolish actions, Sol.
I want to correct him but it seems that he made up his mind; that's why I couldn't even speak up to explain it. But he could have asked me first before jumping to conclusions right...or …or is it because he finally found a way to passively turn me down that's why he didn't make me explain myself?
But I guess this is better than hearing the words that he doesn't like me.
I've prepared for this kind of situation just in case.
But, still it hurts.
I thought I could handle it… but at this moment, it enormously hurts.
As she held her chest, she fell on her knees and slowly laid on the ground. She closed her eyes thinking that it would stop her river-like tears. However, it didn't stop.
XXX
And when she opened her eyes, she saw the wooden board of the second deck on their quarters.
She sat down confused.
How did she get back to their quarters?
She doesn't remember herself getting here.
"We brought you back here last night," Serga said when she noticed that she's already awake.
"Oh, thank you," she could only say in gratitude.
"By the way, what are you doing in that field? Is that part of your special training?" Reicha asked.
"How can lying in the middle of the field be part of her special training?" Serga refuted.
"Stamina training?"
"It's just that I'm tired and I closed my eyes. I didn't know that I fell asleep," Sol explained before the queries turned into an argument. "Uh, I'm going to take a bath," Sol added and went out.
"Okay."
XXX
The aspirants just finished their early training and went to have breakfast at the dining hall. Like always Sol eats with her quarter mates. Now, it seemed like Dana also belonged to their table.
"Umm. This beef stew tastes great," Reicha exclaimed.
"Agreed," Serga said.
"You twins argue with everything but not food," Sol commented.
"Well, it's food," Serga replied.
Sol let out a grin and just listened to their conversations. Then, she kept getting a glimpse of other aspirants looking at her.
Why do they keep looking at me? Is it because I slept in the field?
XXX
Days went by and she still got stares from her fellow aspirants and they seemed to be talking about her.
"If I may ask, have you heard any rumors about me? I feel like our fellow aspirants kept staring at me and they seemed like they're talking about me?" she finally asked her quarter mates after they arrived at their quarters.
"Maybe because …you are gorgeous?" Serga answered.
"That should have happened on the first day of our training. Come on…anything that you heard."
"Well...there's a rumor that you are faking your strength and agility to have Captain Karsh give you special training that would make you much stronger than the rest of us," Reicha said.
"Eishhhh… how can you tell that stupid rumor to her?!" Serga exclaimed as she threw her pillow to her twin, hitting right into her face.
"Because she is involved," Reicha replied.
"Don't worry we don't believe in such rumors," Serga said.
"That's right," Reicha agreed.
"Let's not mind those rubbish rumors and let's just take a rest, " Serga said, ending the conversation.
Sol silently agreed and decided to get some sleep. She's used to the taunting and she won't let a mere rubbish rumor to mess with her, because she knew that it's not true at all.
The days continued with Sol still getting a lot of stares and her quarter mates would often tell them off. With those days, Sol still can't look at Tobias properly and she tries to mask the rejection with her smiles. The special training also went on as if nothing happened between them. However, right now, they can only treat each other professionally as if they have not spent a lot of time with each other. Thinking of their bond to be all just a memory, it is immensely painful. And right now, Sol can't still gather herself to try talking to the Captain again- conversing like before.
XXX
One evening of Sol's special training…
"Aspirant Moraii," Tobias called out to her while doing her kicks and punches.
"Yes Captain," she responded. She is currently drenching on her sweat and warmth is emanating from her body. It is a sign that she has been working very hard.
"I'll be going to the Capital so after this set, you can go and have a rest."
"Understood Captain."
Tobias stepped closer to Sol and gently gripped her shoulders. He then looked right into her eyes.
"Rest very well as you have been working very hard."
"Y-yes, Captain," Sol managed to say as her body trembled with the Captain's gentle gaze.
"I'm off now," he said and walked away.
"Have a safe trip, Captain!" Sol called out to him when he's already a few steps away from her.
The Captain stopped on his tracks and turned towards her… and he smiled at her. He then continued walking away.
"Heavens!" Sol exclaimed as soon as she saw that smile, "Sol, get back to your training. Don't mind your crazy beating heart!"
XXX
After an hour, she finished her set and went on her way after saying goodbye to Dana who's also finishing her set. After walking a few steps, she saw several of her fellow aspirants approaching her. She stopped on her tracks and waited for them. Her fellow aspirants encircled her.
"What is it?" she asked them as she glanced around her fellow aspirants surrounding her.
"Well, we are just here to test if you are really weak as you portray," one of them stated.
"What do you mean?" she asked as he gulped.
"No matter how you think about it, it is impossible for a Wishbone to be as weak as us, ordinary Largusans and mixed defenders," another one said.
"My current level of skill is really true. That's just how my strength can go," Sol refuted.
"Then…here..," another of them said and threw a wooden sword at her which she instinctively caught.
"Get her!" yelled one of them.
Each one of them gripped their wooden sword and started attacking Sol who had no choice but to fight her way out.
With some of the strongest in their batch, Sol knew that she couldn't take all of them as she exerted all her strength earlier during her special training. As of that moment, she is currently using her will to survive in order to escape them.
Thankfully, she studied hard on the art of deception that Captain Karsh taught them. Though she is slower and weaker than them, she is able to strike them as they are still not very good at the art of deception. True, she struck them but she received more blows than them. She felt her body becoming sore from the hard contact with their wooden swords. She can also feel her strength declining.
With that danger, she fervently searched for an opening. When she saw one, she made a run for it. She felt that she was already away from danger when a hard object -a real sword on its scabbard- hit her stomach while she was running. The impact made her fall backwards.
She tried to open her eyes and she saw a familiar face- Dana.
"Dana…?" she uttered.
"One of the few things that I really hate is when someone doesn't play fair," Dana uttered.
"I d-don't u-understand."
"Why do you keep pretending that you are weak? You keep having special training from the Captain. Sure, we all want to be the strongest; but don't cheat on your way to get it. Let us all play fair."
"I-it is really t-true that I am w-weak," Sol stated while gritting her teeth.
"If I am strong, I could have sparred with the Captain beautifully like you two did."
This statement made Dana more wrathful.
"Get her to stand up," Dana ordered their fellow aspirants. They then helped her to stand.
Sol barely managed to stand properly as she is trembling, maybe from fatigue or because she is nervous of what is going to happen. She couldn't care anymore. She already has trouble coordinating her senses. Her surroundings started to become blurry.
Dana unsheathed the sword on her hand that she used to hit Sol on her stomach earlier. She then threw the scabbard on the ground.
"I am holding a real sword here. Show me your strength if you don't want to bleed," Dana stated as she pointed a real sword at her that she borrowed at the armory.
"If you d-decided on making me b-bleed, then..then I can't g-guarantee your s-safety…" Sol managed to answer in her weak voice.
She is the Young Miss and anyone who makes her bleed will be guilty of Treason.
Dana ignored what Sol said and then raised the sword and tried to strike Sol.
CLANK! TUG!
Sol wasn't able to comprehend what was happening. Her vision just went blurry and she fell to the ground.
Meanwhile, Dana and Latras came face to face. Latras is the duel Champion during the level one training.
As Dana tried to strike Sol, Latras blocked it with the scabbard which was split crosswise because of the impact. Latras then proceeded to grip Dana' neck, choking her.
"You don't deserve to be here," Latras said, gritting his teeth. He could have continued choking her but Serga managed to talk sense into him. He unwillingly released Dana.
He then looked sternly at their fellow aspirants who were involved in beating Sol. Some of them have bruises but not as much as Sol who is unconsciously on the ground with blood dripping on her forehead.
"I didn't know that you could easily be swayed by the words of a person you just met, rather than the words of a brother whom you've been training with for several months. If you are not able to stand by your brother, then you should think again if you are fit to be a defender in the future," he stated, giving weight and emphasis to each word he is saying.
Just after Latras finished talking, Reicha and another aspirant arrived with a wooden carrier. They then carefully and gently placed Sol on it and went hurriedly to the Healer's Center, leaving the silent crowd whose heads were hanging low, maybe because of shame or they're just nervous to see Latras angry for the first time.
After arriving at the closed Healer's Center, Latras busted the door open and they continued carrying Sol inside. Reicha then went to find the healer while Serga stayed with them.
XXX