Chapter 9

A Soldier's Guise

Your personal vengeance will consume you slowly each and every day for the rest of your life. Even when those closest to you are given up for such a sacrifice. You will not stop until you are satisfied. When you do receive justice for what they have done to you. You must ask yourself one very important question in the end of it all.

Was what I committed? Worth the justice, the bloodshed, the violence? Am I even still human?

You must be prepared to ask the question at the end of it all. Even to those you love. Can you do it?

2 months later

A Train to Vacuo

"Kyran?" Flyresa asked as I looked up from the bestiary novel I was reading.

"What's up?" I asked closing the book with one hand. A loud echo pierced the relative silence of the train car as I looked up at the young lancer who had a very familiar inquisitive look. "Uh-oh, I know that look." I said as she chuckled.

"Sorry, I just have a few more questions for you if that is alright." She asked me as I put the novel down.

"If its concerning the security of the fencing tournament. I assure you, the Vacou Academy will lend some Huntsmen and Huntresses to our aid and local police will provide crowd control. We are just her bodyguards and are escorting. Everything should go smoothly." I stated as she smiled sincerely.

"It's honestly surprising how far you have come from being a soldier to a student of mine in a few short months." She said smiling.

"I have a great teacher. But aside from that I have a thing to ask you." I responded.

"What's that?"

"Why in the world is Edana here?" I asked her.

"Well, it doesn't hurt to have a huntress now does it?" She said as my eye twitched.

"You made her permanent party, gave her a security job." I gave an annoyed response.

"You're just mad because she is here." She said happily sipping on tea as I groaned leaning back on the seat.

"You're no fun."I sighed before opening my eyes to her again. "What questions did you have though?" I asked as she cleared her throat.

"Well, they are kind of personal, if you don't mind that is." She asked as I knew what was coming.

"Alright then, shoot."

"Are you sleeping alright Kyran?" She asked as I scoffed.

"I am not sure what that.."

"Because I know you are having nightmares." She said as I stopped mid sentence.

"How?" I questioned.

"I was walking the halls one night, heard the screams. I thought something was going on so I went into your room to investigate. And you were tossing and turning in your bed, I was seriously concerned for your safety." She said.

"If I am being honest. I barely get a nights rest at all. The ones I do get, are plagued by the horrors I saw on the battlefield. I don't like to think about it." I spoke in a somber tone.

"I'm sorry if that brought up any unpleasant memories. That wasn't my intention." She apologized.

"It's not your fault. But let me ask this: why are you here Flyresa?" I asked as she gave a confused look.

"Excuse me?"

"Because I'll tell you why I am. When I was 14 years old: I had to attend my older sister Arianna's funeral. She was a Captain of a Recon group. Raven 6. They were all slaughtered except her. Her fiance died among the squad. She was the only survivor for 2 more hours. When the White Fang assaulted a stronghold that was key to the protection of Vale. She gave up her life to save millions more. Yet she was regarded as a soldier who disobeyed orders to the end. I signed up to change exactly that. And when you can tell me why you do what you with pure honesty. Then you can understand the burden of what I do. And stop asking prying questions." I said getting up and leaving the private car.

"You alright Flyresa?" Edana asked me as I was still trying to process all I had heard.

"Yea, just..."

"Listen, a word of advice from one girl to another. He doesn't like it when people ask him about the nightmares. He lost his sister, his squad, nearly me. All I have seen him do is push himself more each time. He pushed me away because of it. I even recommended he be pulled from field duty." She said sitting down across from me.

"Why is that? Emotionally unstable?" I asked.

"Far worse. The doctors think it is psychological scarring far beyond their comprehension. But when they pulled him from field duty, it wasn't pretty. Its the only place he can call home." She stated.

"Why are you telling me this Edana?" My curiosity was now peaked as Edana laughed.

"The thing is, this is the first time I have seen him relax for a while. And I think its because of you." She said as I blushed.

"What?!" I demanded as she laughed.

"I didn't stutter honey. I know the way you talk to him, try to get to know him. Asking him all these questions. Make it a personal concern to care about him 24/7 like a mother. If I were you, I'd just ask him out already." Edana chuckled as my blush grew more.

"NO! T-That's not it! That isn't it at all!" I retorted.

"Mhm, sure it isn't. Flyresa, listen. Speaking from personal experience. Just admit it and follow your heart. I think you both would make a great couple. Just saying sweetie." She said with a flirtatious accent.

"Is your whole purpose just to embarrass me?" I asked looking away from her. "Besides, I am the teacher and he is the student. It just would be awkward between us." I said.

"On the contrary Flyresa. Couples grow through experience." She said.

"STOP PLAYING MATCHMAKER FOR ME!"I cried out as she laughed.

"Alright then, just keep my words in mind sweetie. However, we are just about to our destination. If I were you, go find him and apologize. Besides, it'll mend things for your future relationship." She said walking away.
"That isn't...!"

"Attention passengers, we will be arriving shortly at the Vacou central station. For those departing here, we do enjoy your company and hope that you do ride with us again. Thank you."

Is it really true what Edana said though?

Am I falling for him?