So I looked up to the ceiling, thinking what I should do from now on. I'm already 16. Most of guys at my age had already started joining the Guardian Corps unit and serve as the protector of Cocoon's peace and justice. But here I am, just lying down on my bed thinking and thinking and thinking! And finally through lots of thoughts and choice playing in my head, I decided to join the Guardian Corps too.
Guess I should introduce myself… My name is Al, just call me Al. I'm 16 as you know. Living a normal teenage life, thinking myself as a warrior but I'm actually just a kid with a head which keep thinking of saving this world from the freak creatures been showing up recently. I guess, joining the Guardian Corps can actually be my head start of 'saving the world'. Huh, I chuckled myself, what a kid my age can do, most of them who joined the Guardian Corps ended up being the one who carries the luggage, weapons, ammunition and all sorts of maid jobs. But I'm going to change that! I'm going to prove that a kid at this age can do more than that! I dozed off later on, tired from all the thinking…
The sun rises up as always the next morning, shining bright through my window pane. The shimmering warm light brushes my face as if it's always there for me to wake me up. I smiled like an idiot at the thought of that. Not wasting any time, I got up from my bed and head to the shower. After getting myself prepared, had breakfast, I quickly head myself to the Guardian Corps base. As I head there with my velocycle, I keep thinking about my future.. Where is my destiny going to take me?
Few minutes later, I arrived at the base. Can't lie, my hands were trembling and my knees were shaking. I was nervous, but I told myself that there's nothing to be afraid of! So I went directly to the registration booth and sign up. I can tell, by the soldier's body language and a smirk at the face, they think they've got me all summed up! Not to really be bothered by those I quickly write down all the information they needed from me. I hand up my registration form and a soldier behind me told me to follow him. I did as told.
As I walk, my eyes can't stop looking around the surroundings. And suddenly, it stopped at this young woman. She has a tint pink hair, blue eyes and a pretty face… She looked like a Goddess! It didn't take long before she realized I was staring at her, she then looked at me with a glare, I quickly look down. Feeling awkward and embarrass as she caught me staring at her, I then quickly catch up with the soldier whom I lost during my little 'daydreaming'. I managed to catch up with him and he handed me my uniform. I proceed to change to my uniform as I can't wait to get started. He then handed me a piece of paper with all the information I need. He even wished me good luck with a friendly manner. I wonder, how bad is it going to be?
I read the piece of paper with full concentration, don't want to miss any important things I should know, at the last column it's written my commander's name. LIGHTNING. Written in bold, just Lightning. So I asked around searching for my commander. Without hesitation, I decided to asked the young woman I saw earlier. I then got up to her and asked, she then took my paper and signed it, I was feeling weird and when I looked at the paper, I was taken aback! It's her! She's going to be my commander?! I thought to myself. 'What's the matter?' she then asked me. She realized I was talking to myself in my head, I told her it was nothing. Without wasting time, she handed me her weapons and the other soldiers luggage, I knew this was going to happen, well I can't do anything to fight back. My brain can't seem to think properly, my heart beat's beating fast like it's going to pop out from my chest anytime at the presence of Lightning, my commander. I don't know what's this feeling I'm having, could it be love at first sight?
Without thinking of it too much, I proceed to accept it open heartedly, somehow I feel delighted that I can serve under her. Never thought I would get her as my commander. Whatever it is, I'll try my best to get out of this maid jobs and actually serve Guardian Corps in protecting Cocoon. At noon, there's a break time, I'm feeling exhausted with all this walking and running, giving the soldiers their weaponry. There's a 'special' room for someone in the ranks like mine. As I enter the room, all eyes were on me, it was a sudden pin-drop silence. I felt uneasy. What's their problem? I thought to myself, few second later everyone was back doing their own thing. I didn't feel like eating, so I just got myself a glass of ice cold sky juice. I was sitting alone till a guy came sitting beside me, I don't mind as I was really hoping for a company. He then asked my name. 'Just call me AL' I said. He reluctantly accepted it without questioning. So I asked his. 'Xero, Xero Lazarus, I'm 23'. I was stunned, judging from his rank from the shoulder pad, he's a Sergeant, just like Lightning, but why is he here in this room.
Like a mind reader, he told me why he's around here and not hanging around with the other. It seems that he's more comfortable around here, and to add in to my surprise, he's scouting on me to take in as a corporal. He told me I got potential. But I just started. I said to him, how does he even know that I have such 'potential'? He just got up and left with a mysterious smile on his face. Well, that was weird, I guess. After I've finished my drink, I got up and quickly head back to Lightning. Can't wait to see her again I thought to myself gleefully. Before I reached there, I saw Xero, the guy who sat with me earlier talking to Lightning, I wonder. Are they talking about me? Wishful thinking I told myself.
So, no playing around, I got to Lightning as fast as I could, she was looking at me, I was looking around to see if anyone was around, and nope. No one was around. Means that, she's looking at me! Well,that's dumb of me to look around. She then handed me a Corporal rank shoulder pad! I told her I can't accept it since I've just started, not even a day I'm here and I got to be a corporal, no way! It's not fair to the others I said to her. She somehow understands it and kept it on her red pack that hangs from her waist and strapped to her left leg. 'I'm going to train you and make sure you're worthy enough to get it' she said in a calm manner. 'I was expecting you to take it without saying anything but I was wrong. I would like to see what you got and what you can do. Don't expect me to take it easy on you just because you're new '. I was delighted that she understands. This is exactly what I wanted! To get a chance to prove myself that I can protect Cocoon!
My blood was rushing fast, my mind keep asking me to ask her name. Her real name! Without hesitation, I asked her real name, I immediately regretted it! She then smiled and said 'Call me Light'. Shouldn't I address her formally, like Commander Lightning. 'But here, in the Guardian Corps you call me Sergeant Lightning! You hear me?' she said seriously. Without questioning, I said yes. She then questioned me, 'Yes?' I realized then she wants me to address her formally now. 'YES SERGEANT LIGHTNING!' 'Training starts tomorrow, get some rest and sleep early. It's not going to be easy' she told me. I then proceed to leave her and went home. Still, my mind is still wondering of her REAL name. Why won't she tell me? I guess, I have to earn her trust first. Before I got home, I even asked Xero for her real name. To my surprise he doesn't know it either. So after that, I went home.
Man, first day is not that bad after all, got a beautiful commander, training starts tomorrow and to top it off, she's going to train me! I was delighted. And I also thought that calling her Sergeant Lightning is kind of too long. 'Just Sergeant.' I told myself. ' Huh, I'm falling in love with my own commander who's older than me, how funny is that?' I chuckled. And with that thought, I went to sleep.
Another day comes. I woke up earlier than usual, got off my bed. My mind's full of things I want to find out! Can I be one of Guardian Corps warrior? Will I actually get to know Lightning's real name? And most importantly, will I be the one who saves Cocoon from all its misery? Put that thoughts aside for now, I told myself. Today's an important day, got to prove myself to Lightning I'm worthy enough! Head myself to the shower. People said that the shower is a good place to relax. Well, they're not wrong after all. Put on my Guardian Corps uniform and I have plenty of time left before I head there. While waiting, I played my electric guitar. Which I haven't touch it for so long now. The frisky steel strings, the heaviness of the guitar and the tone. 'Ah I miss you buddy'. Strange enough the strings are pink. Which reminded me of Lightning's hair. I smiled at the thought of that. Truly is I've fallen for her, but I got to put it aside so I can focus on Guardian Corps training later on. Played a few songs until I realized its time for me to go.
Started up my velocycle and I begin my journey. Few minutes later, I reached my destination. From the dark panel of my eyewear, I see her. Waiting for me I guess. I got off my bike and head to her, reporting in duty. It didn't take long before she gave me a weapon. The weapon that she gave me looks unique. It's dark black in color with yellow stripes at certain part of the gun/blade. It's a gun blade! 'It's called the Axis Blade, it's a lower level of my Blaze Edge. Until you can handle the Axis Blade, then only I'll let you create your own weapon' she said. 'Woah woah! My own weapon?' I said excitingly. 'Don't get too excited, pass the training, then we'll see about it.' Without any moment of waiting, she quickly start the training. She told me the basics of weaponry and battle. I want to tell her that I got the basics covered up. But I didn't because I like communicating with her.
Not long after that, she finished explaining the basics. About time, I told myself, can't wait to start shooting and blow shit up! The training field is big though. Big enough to for a monster like the King Behemoth. But then, instead of showing me how to shoot, she demonstrated how to transform the gun blade from a blade to a gun or vice versa. 'How hard can this be?' I told her. She grinned sinisterly. I took out the Axis Blade and stand in her posture and start transforming it. Suddenly I felt a sharp piercing ice cold blade slits my finger. My eyes opened up wide and blood starts pouring out of it. I dropped the Axis Blade and screamed my lungs out. A taste of my own medicine of being too arrogant.
Add in to my pain, Lightning looked at me without even a look of surprised. She took out the first aid kit from her red pack and start dressing up the wound, it was painful. 'You wrongly positioned your hand, should have paid attention when I was doing it'. YOU THINK!? I said to myself. 'Get up! And do it again' she said after dressing up my wound. 'Are you crazy?!I was lucky my finger is not fully decapitated. And now you want me to do it again?!' I shouted. Through my mind, I didn't mean to shout to her, she's my commander…And also I love her. I can get disbanded for shouting at her. 'I'm sorry! I didn't mean to shout at you'. I said with a shameful feeling. 'You're going to stop just because your finger's wounded. Huh, and you want to be a Guardian Corps warrior? Get real kid!' Her words pierced me. I stood and picked up the Axis Blade and requested her, humbly to demonstrate it again. She did it once more.
I see it now. I was able to transform it, but the pain from my finger, I can't hide it. Each transformation my face is revealing more and more of the pain. The chain rotor is now fully covered with my blood. She's not going to proceed until I'll be able to transform it perfectly. But I won't give up! For Cocoon! For LIGHTNING! I'll show her and everyone that I'm not just an average kid!
I repeated the transforming cycle until my whole right hand feels numb. Lightning is just in front of me. Observing my training. At one point, she stopped me and then proceed to the next one. 'Transformation training complete'. Even a transformation training got me bleeding, I wonder what's in store for me next. Blood from my finger is now completely dried out. She then draws her Blaze Edge towards me. I was stunned, I froze there. My mind stops to think! 'Grab your Axis Blade and fight me'. What!? She wants me to fight her! I can't do anything but did as was told. I grab the Axis Blade and trying to hold it firmly. I can't seem to do it!
How could I? I mean, to fight someone I loved! But I forcefully pushed my feelings away and began attacking her. She was swift. Her speed, agility and strength. It stopped me on my tracks and I can't seem to move because I'm too caught up mesmerizing her. Just a few second later, my blade got off from my hand and her blade was pointing directly towards my heart, at any point, if she was my enemy she can just stab it anytime. 'FOCUS! You would be dead already!' I then picked up my blade and start facing her again. And again and again after so many tries I can't seem to overpower her! She was just too good! I mean, is it really this fast till I get to face her. Wouldn't it take months of training till I finally face her. At one point, her blade sliced up my leg, I can't stand! Is she trying to kill me?!
She then transform her blade to a gun and points directly at my face. I lost. I'm no warrior! I'm just a kid with imaginative and crazy dreams! Why do I even sign up for Guardian Corps at the first place?! I should have just let it go and let others save Cocoon! 'I can't do it!' I told her with my eyes closed in regret. 'That easy you're giving up?' she asked. 'I'm not giving up! I'm just not ready! I can't even beat you, how am I going to protect to Cocoon?!' 'Then it's my job to get you prepared. I understand what you're feeling. It's not easy to see all the pain people's suffering. And you can't do anything about it. It's painful I know. I know you want to protect these people. But first, you got to learn how to protect yourself. So do me a favor and don't give up on it! I will help you get through it' she smiled.
Her words! Her smile! Her encouragement! It got me back to my feet, she's definitely something else. She's SPECIAL! I said! And with her words, I carved it in my soul and make it as my motivation to keep going! So I got up and keep facing her. Though not once I'm able to defeat her, I'm improving. I can see her movements and be able to read it. Hours gone by and the training for today stopped. I was feeling exhausted and in pain. I was brave enough to asked her if she's interested to join me for a quick dinner. She laughed gently and turned down the offer politely. Well, I understand or perhaps I'm being too straight-forward…
Well, since she turned down the offer I didn't feel like eating anymore. My plan now is to head straight back home, clean myself and hit the sack. I know tomorrow is going to be much more excruciating and tiring. Revved up my velocycle and head home. Before I could begin my journey home, Xero stopped me and offered me for a dinner. How weird is it? I just asked Lightning out for a dinner, now Xero asked me. I couldn't turn down his offer, so I accepted it.
He told me to follow his velocycle closely. The moment I saw his velocycle, I was feeling amazed! He's velocycle is striking red with silver rims, to summed it up, a much better velocycle than mine! So I followed him closely trying not to get lost on the way.
The roads on Cocoon is always busy, cars and cycle are always up lighting up the road. After a while he stopped at a restaurant called Oerba Dia. Hmm, I thought to myself. Oerba is also a name of a village in Gran Pulse. Not thinking about it too much, I followed Xero in the restaurant. It has a nice cozy feeling to it. The music that's playing, the service so far and the atmosphere is great. I proceed to sit down on a table together with Xero. Without wasting any time, he called up a waitress to take down our orders. The waitress that served us had bright red hair curled in piggy tails and green eyes. Her nametag written 'Vanille'. Nice name,I said to myself. 'As usual' Xero said. From that I knew he eats here often. I'm looking to the menus can't think of what to order. So I decided for a sky juice and egg sandwich. I was feeling weird and funny at the same time. Vanille chuckled at my order and proceed to take our order.
While waiting for our food, Xero and I talked about so many stuffs. Most of it were just normal chats. Until at one point, I was talking about Lightning, and how great she is. And how her training really improves me a lot. He just smiled and seem to understand what I'm trying to say. Then he said, 'Go get her,tiger' and winked. Here it comes again, that weird feeling. I mean, did he really actually supported me to go get her and winked!? I then told him that she's older than me and plus she's my commander. 'So?' he said reluctantly. 'If you love her so much, you wouldn't even care about those things, you would only care about Lightning.' I thought about what he said, it's true. If I really love her I wouldn't care about those things.
'Do you like her Xero?' I asked nervously. 'Who? Lightning? Nah.. She's not really my type.' Just few moments later, our food arrived. I was glad that Xero's not into Lightning, because if he did, I would have to face him to get her. And that's not something I would want to do. But for Lightning, I might rethink my thoughts. But, since Xero's not into her, then there's nothing to worry about. So we ate our dinner. 'That's a cool velocycle you got there!' I said to break the silence. 'Yeah you think so! Build up that bad boy from scratch. She's my baby man!' Xero said gleefully. He really loves his cycle huh. After we're done with our meal, we proceed to leave.
I told him that I wanted to pay for my meal but he eagerly pushed my offer as he wants to treat us. 'Plus, it's me who offered you for a dinner! So, I'm the one who should pay!' I'm really lucky to meet someone like Xero. It's not easy to get someone who's kind enough for you and sees potential in you. And not to forget Lightning. How can I forget about her? She brought me back up when I'm at the point of breaking down. And her face is now imprinted in my head, can't stop thinking about her! And I'm glad that I can't stop. Am I going crazy for her? Is this truly love?
So Xero and me parted ways back to our home, as I reached home, I lie down on my bed thinking what Xero told me. 'If you love her, then you wouldn't care about other things but Lightning'. As my head keeps replaying my conversation earlier with Xero, suddenly my phone rang. I was snapped out of my little dream and it's a text message from an unknown number. Strangely enough my phone visuals became distorted! And with this a large bold text written in crimson red showing '13 DAYS!'.
