Featured Characters: Kain, Hero, Pirika
Takes Place: Early in Book 1.
Rating: K
It'd been less than two months since the founding of the Volunteer Army by the young Captain and already their ranks had begun to swell faster than anyone had predicted. The latest recruit being an individual no one had been expecting to join their ragtag outfit.
Juliana's arrival had marked a turning point for the fledgling army. They'd gone from a group of misfit, if not well-meaning, pseudo-mercenaries to a legitimate fighting force to be reckoned with. With the true Holy Queen gaining admittance into the Volunteer Army; naturally, those who served her soon followed.
With the likes of royalty and military commanders joining the ranks of the Volunteer Army, it would only be fitting for them to be the ones to take charge.
Except they didn't.
Juliana had been adamant on being treated like any other soldier and deferred leadership to the Captain. Her knights had likewise chosen to defer to him and his second-in-command. And who else would this second-in-command be but the very first person to join the budding Volunteer Army.
Kain sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair. "You okay?" a quiet voice spoke up from beside him. Starting slightly, the blond boy turned to see the Captain giving him a concerned look.
"Y-Yeah..." He coughed. "I'm fine."
"You've been sighing a lot lately." Pirika pointed out; floating just in front of his face. She waggled her finger at him accusingly. "I wouldn't exactly call that fine."
"You can tell us." The Captain's quiet voice was kind, as it always was, but his voice held a hint of reproachfulness. Kain flinched slightly. He'd always had a poor poker face.
"It's just…" He paused for a moment as a grimace made his way onto his face. "You know that I've always got your back, but… Are you sure I'm the best choice as your second-in-command?"
"What?" Pirika exclaimed. "What are you talking about, Kain? Of course you are!"
The Captain nodded his agreement. "I'm sure."
"But how can you be so sure?" Kain demanded. "You have so many others who would be better! Juliana, Wayne, Parchelle and Lephret… And those are just the knights! Don't even get me started on all the high-ranking guild officials that have joined recently!"
"Kain…" Pirika's voice was tiny. She had no idea what to say.
The blond sighed; once again running a hand through his hair. "I-I'm just a village kid." He said quietly. "I can hardly lead my father's cows out to pasture; let alone an entire army. You… You should choose someone else. Someone better than me."
"Kain." He froze at the sound of the Captain's voice. His face flushing, he turned to see the brown-haired teen staring at him solemnly. "You're right."
"H-Hey!" Pirika shouted; turning to him in shock. "Yuuri, what are you saying?!"
"I knew it.." Kain whispered; his entire face falling in dejection. Hastily jumping to his feet, he made to walk off, but a firm hand on his shoulder kept him in place. "C-Captain?"
"You can hardly claim to have the experience of someone like Wayne or Lephret," the brunet said quietly. "But can I really say the same?" The Captain shook his head with a wry smile. "We started the Volunteer Army with hopes of helping people. I don't think any of us imagined it becoming what it is now."
His face softened as he gave the blond a warm smile. "But I'm not going to let that stop me," he continued. "Our goal hasn't changed. We're going to get stronger so we can help the people in their time of need."
"That's right!" Pirika exclaimed happily. "You're our friend, Kain. We're in this together!"
"Captain… Pirika…" The blond teen mumbled; beginning to feel the tell-tale stinging in his eyes.
"Don't cry..." the sprite said teasingly.
"I'm not crying!" Kain snapped; furiously rubbing his eyes. "Something just… got into my eye…!"
"Kain." The blond ceased his actions and returned his attention to the Captain. "I didn't chose you as my second-in-command because you were the best for the job." He smiled. "I chose you because there's no one I'd rather have."
"C-Captain…" Kain once again rubbed his eyes before smiling. "I-I'll do my best!"
"That's all I ask."
"Kain!" A voice called out from nearby. "Yuuri! Where are you? We're ready to leave!"
"That'd be Phoena," the Captain said with a grin; patting him on the shoulder. "Best not keep them waiting."
"If we take too long to get to the next town, we'll have to camp out again!" Pirika exclaimed fearfully. "And you know what that means…"
"Phoena's cooking…" The two young men shuddered in unison.
"Let's go!" Pirika urged; her face pale. "I think I still have stomach cramps from last night's dinner…"
"Same here," Kain muttered as the three of them swiftly made their way in the direction of their companion's voice. If there was one thing everyone in camp agreed on, it was to never necessitate Phoena's cooking.
However, despite himself, Kain couldn't help but grin. He was glad he was here to experience it with everyone in the Volunteer Army.
'I'll do my best, Captain. For you. And for everyone.'
They ended up camping out that night.
