Hello, I'm back. Just so you know I don't have summer break – life science all year baby. All I can say is that you should get one of those "hype songs" ready – in your mind/ new tab, up to you.
Camilla has had her fair share of grimm encounters. She's seen grimm that could burrow underground and even one that could possess objects. To be completely honest, she would rather go up against a flock of nevermore than engage in a conversation with her peers. She wasn't so sure about that claim now. Whatever this thing she was up against was clearly on a whole new level of monstrosity.
There was a gentle snapping sound from behind. It was enough to send warning signals through her mind. She turned and snapped her bow into position with her grip steeled and prepared.
But there was nothing there. It was just a cluster of torn bark, branches, and leaves. The same thing could be said to her entire surrounding. The beowolf changing tactics had taken her back in shock. Camilla anticipated a couple scenarios but closing her in with trees was unexpected. It had the advantage now. Camilla could just blast the trees away with one of her fire arrows but that would result in a massive forest fire. She had a big enough problem as it was.
The dreadful silence and anticipation was unnerving. The only things she could hear were the rustling leaves in the wind and her own rising heartbeat. She scanned the environment, her silver eyes darting from left to right in rapid succession. There wasn't even a hint of snarling.
Camilla couldn't do anything but wait.
And wait.
She was trapped in its twisted game.
An explosion of leaves erupted right in front of her followed with what she could only make out as unholy screaming. A large shadow soared through the air with its massive great-sword blocking out the sun. There was a brief second of fear and panic. Only a single second before something in her clicked and her combat experience and training consumed her thoughts. Her eyes narrowed, her breathing came to a steady standstill.
She rolled aside to avoid the incoming blow. The beowolf's strike shook the world beneath her. A cloud of dirt and a flurry of leaves filled her surroundings. Her dangling scarf tugged back from the wind as she struggled to maintain her foothold. She couldn't see anything but its silhouette. Not a second had passed before the shadow dashed in and swung at her. Her instincts fired signals into her legs, forcing her to jump away from the decapitating attack.
The fog dispersed immediately.
There was an unending fury behind its eyes as it ran to her. Camilla fired an arrow right for its eyes but the beowolf dodged it with ease. The sword came in as an arcing slash. Its reflection gleamed in her eyes. It was heavy, powerful, and fast. Yet it was predictable at the same time. She rolled aside and fired another arrow into its thigh. That earned her a furious snarl.
Her heart was racing, each rapid beat was loud enough that her ears could hear its echoes. It didn't matter if her aura reserves were full. She knew without a doubt in her mind that a single strike would destroy her. It was a terrifying thought. But it was just what she needed to focus.
It slashed at her once more.
But all it managed to cut was empty space. Its technique was clumsy, resembling a beginner holding a sword for the first time.
Another arrow plunged under its ribcage.
The beowolf's attacks were highly telegraphed. They were swift, that much was obvious. But there was always this brief windup – lasting no more than approximately half a second – before it slashed at her. That was enough time for her to analyze how the next movement would come out.
This time the beowolf raised the sword high into the sky. Before the downward strike could sink into the earth, Camilla had already slid past its legs and stabbed an arrow deep into its lower calf. She then used her momentum to kick herself into the air, twisting her body to aim and fire two more arrows into the exposed portions of its upper back.
The beast staggered forward.
Camilla pressed her advantage further. With a steady breath she pulled back an arrow, its tip dyed dark purple and fired it into the joint behind its left knee. The impact caused the alpha beowolf to fall on its knee. And then –
"AAAARRRRRHHHHHHHHH!" It roared out in anguish as torrents of burning steam erupted out of its leg. The greatsword fell to the ground from it twitching claws. Its entire body shook and vibrated from the heat shock. Fire and ice weren't the only elements she used for arrows. Steam was quite the effective element for dealing internal damage. She couldn't imagine how a human body could handle the massive spike in body temperature.
The beowolf's cries stopped. Its lone arm hung lifelessly by its still body. Trickles of blood seeped out of the impaled arrows. The frozen stump of where its left arm used to be had melted into a fleshy lump. Puffs of faint smoke and blood escaped out of its disfigured shoulder.
She let out a shaky breath of relief into her scarf. This should be enough to shut the creature down.
"Haaah…"
Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. "What?"
"Hah…hah…hah…" The distorted snarls grow louder and more feral with each passing second. No, that's impossible – there's no way it could have survived-
"HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!" The beowolf bellowed out a bizarre cacophony into the sky. Her blood froze at the nightmare in front of her. It was…laughing? A beowolf was laughing? It was enjoying this? That's…
The cackling stops. The air around her grew cold and hollow accompanied with an indescribable feeling of dread. Her heart was thumping frantically. There was still time to end this! All she needed to do was fire another arrow. So why? Why couldn't she reach for her quiver? Why was she trembling? This feeling, this was…
The beowolf reared its head at her.
Beads of chilling sweat crept down her cheek as she stared into its unblinking crimson eyes filled with insanity alongside a maddening grin that dripped hungering saliva.
Bloodlust.
It ripped the steam arrow out and impaled it straight into its left shoulder. "AAARRRGHH!" Its entire body trembled once more until the arrow was ripped out. And then everything became silent. Panic was reaching new levels that Camilla didn't even know she had. Did…did the beowolf just cauterize its wound? But how was that possible? Where did it learn the theory and application behind such a technique?
The beowolf reached for the hilt. It raised its right leg and spun to face her. It no longer stood upright, it was different; the stance was more feral. Its body was hunched over with the massive blade over its shoulder with uneven legs, bent and low to the ground. It was clear that the right leg was the sole pillar of support.
In a calm and methodical manner, she reached for another arro-
Without a sign of warning the beowolf had leapt through the air and slammed the sword straight into her previous position.
'What was that? That…that was too close. Way too close!' She managed to roll away at the very last second. A cold bead of sweat rolled down her face. She didn't have to time to think any further as she narrowly sidestepped a powerful rising swing. Debris of dirt and dust were flung into the air. A strong uplifting wind rushed through her. Now was her chance to counter at-!
The beowolf chomped into the upper shaft of her arrow with massive fangs. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. Wha – when did it close in on her?! Camilla jumped back as far as possible until she could feel the fallen branches poking the back of her neck. The destroyed arrow was discarded onto the ground while the arrow-tip was spat out.
This is bad. Camilla didn't know how it was physically possible but this beowolf became faster. It didn't make sense. One of its legs was barely functioning, not to mention the amount of blood loss at this point.
The beowolf howled, ripping through the air once more with the raised greatsword. She slid forward to avoid the meteor attack, leaving behind a loud crash and another earthquake. She reared her head and – the beowolf was already behind her! Camilla kicked away from the sword mid-swing. Purple sparks of her aura scattered across the air as the blade's tip slashed her neck. Her throat tightened from the sensation.
Another swing! Another lunge! Another chomp!
She didn't have time to counter-attack. Her entire focus was set on barely dodging its blows. She couldn't read the beowolf's movements anymore. Its attack pattern changed significantly. It wasn't a poor imitation of human sword techniques anymore. Now, the attacks were random and void of all logic and reasoning. They were primal, wild, and outright brutal. The only reason she was still alive was from pure muscle reflex and adrenaline. She could feel the constant vibrations running through her boots every time that stolen sword crashed onto the ground.
Something changed in that monster; almost as if a "switch" had been flipped.
It broke away from Camilla, opting to stay in the centre of the arena. It dug the blade deep into the terrain. What? It had the range advantage against her. Why would it – just what was it planning now?
Her eyes darted in all directions and soon the dots connected. The entire floor around her had been reduced to rubble! Why didn't she realize it any sooner? She thought it was just blind rage controlling its actions. That was far from the truth. The deranged beast had laid out its trap hidden in plain sight against her.
But it was too late.
The beowolf spun around like a twister. A chaotic storm of ruined debris kicked up. Her scarf tugged back. Her eyes narrowed from the ensuing waves of dust. She bit the inside of her cheek. She couldn't even make out its silhouette in the fog! What made it even more terrifying was the unnatural silence among the whistling winds. She expected the alpha to immediately attack.
She held her bow and primed arrow with stiff muscles and cold blood. Camilla let out a steady breath. Now was not the time to be freaking out.
'Just focus on the sounds around you and feel the shifts in the air current. I can do this. Do or die, Camilla, do or die.'
There was a faint rustling of branches from the far left. Without giving a second thought, she snapped in that direction and let the arrow soar through the fog.
It missed its mark and disappeared into a tree.
"Hah hah hah hah hah…!" That accursed strangled laughter haunted the air. She fired another arrow but it missed again. It "laughed" at her attempts, taunting her in what seemed like every direction. While most would have felt anger building up or fallen into despair, Camilla chose neither. For every missed shot, for every mocking howl, it only pushed her drive further.
Just as she was about to reach for her quiver she felt an incoming presence from behind. Something was whirling right at her! She rolled aside fully expecting another earthquake from the beowolf's impact.
But it never came.
Instead, there was a soft thud.
Her eyes widened. It was at that moment that her heart skipped a beat.
That…that wasn't a sword. It…it was…
Its severed arm!
'But if that's its…then…!'
"GGGAAAAARRRRHHH!"
Her instincts took full control of her body. She spun around and –
The mighty greatsword collided with the centre of her longbow. The fog instantly dispersed. The ground beneath her feet crumbled from the sheer force. A tremendous jolt of pain coursed through her legs. It felt as if her knees were going to shatter at any given moment. The power from its strike was overwhelming!
She had coated her bow in radiant violet light. Professor Peejun's teachings on aura utilization had saved her from being cleaved in half. But still…
"GRRRRHAAAHHH!" The alpha drove its fury forward, forcing its entire body weight on top of her. It stared down at her with wide pulsating eyes with drool oozing from the corner of its jaw. She clenched her teeth and squinted back with desperate defiance. She sank deeper into the destroyed surface; her legs shook and were on the verge of collapse. Her arms lit ablaze in agony as she struggled with all her might to repel its attack.
A haunting *CRACK* reverberated along her bow.
Her aura wasn't enough. The guillotine was approaching closer and closer. Immense sweat poured down her forehead. Camilla mustered as much aura as she could into her longbow. The protective light flickered and waned like a candle in the middle of a blizzard.
It wasn't enough!
A harsh ringing engulfed her ears.
The pain – oh god the pain! – her entire body was screaming out for mercy. Tears squeezed out from her shut eyes. There was a depressing dull feeling building up in the back of her mind. The insides of her chest were being crushed from within; it was the worst suffocating feeling she had ever experienced. One of her knees finally gave out and fell to the ground.
Did she…did she finally surrender? Has her body finally reached its breaking point?
Was this it? Was this where she would meet her end? Cut into pieces by a psychotic grimm consumed in its senseless howling?
An image of Argentum appeared in her mind in fine detail. From the various buildings she passed by. To the faint shadows of the people she came to know. The pain had overwhelmed her senses. She couldn't see her home.
Only the darkness of reality.
What a stupid idiot! She was never cut out to be Vice-Captain. There were far better candidates than someone as useless as her!
That's…that's right.
This was fine.
With Camilla gone, Argentum's militia will have a much better Vice-Captain.
If anything, she was doing the village a favour. What's the point of improving if you're never going to see results? It was all a lie. She was neither strong nor out-going to begin with. She should just disappear into nothing…
'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad at me Captain Rose. I tried…I really tried my best to meet your expectations. But it wasn't enough. I'm sorry-
A small gentle breeze brushed by.
A sudden surge of light sprang up in the haze of her despair.
Did she finally die? Was this the embrace of death?
No.
This was a familiar feeling – it was a nostalgic warmth. This warmth that hugged around her neck…
In her mind, she could see the still image of a boy. The features were all distorted and hazy – the only thing she could make out was his goofy grin. He was holding something with outstretched arms. What was he holding? It looked so familiar. It was…red?
Ah…
'That's right. I remember now.'
Her soul ignited in brilliant flames, illuminating every corner of her being. She could feel the grip around her bow tightening, its aura suddenly resonating with newfound strength. She pushed upward, commanding her body to surpass its limits.
'I can't die here. I won't! I still have a promise to keep!'
Camilla Invictus was going to survive.
Even if it meant coughing up some blood to do so.
(Mordred POV)
This euphoric rush coursing through my veins; it was so exhilarating! All the colors in my vision were so intense and vibrant. Ah, I'm drooling – but who cares. Let me have my fun! I could feel my heart pounding from battle, hearing its raging war cry reinvigorating me with a feeling I thought would never return. Yes – this is what it means to be powerful!
My muscles tighten and I force my strength against Violet. The sound of crumbling rubble beneath us only seem to excite me even more. What was it that made you huntsmen so special? Your unlocked aura? Well, how's that working out for you? It's hilarious that you think a glowing bow is going to protect you!
Hey…
That face you're making right now – this expression of despair…
I don't know why but it's really pissing me off.
Hey, Violet, is this really the extent of your abilities? Stop giving me that disgusting look and fight me. Fight me like the entire world depended on it.
If you don't, I might accidentally kill you. Is that what you really want?
"Guh…!" She screamed through her teeth. Her eyes shot wide open directly into mine. Her despair vanished and all I could feel was an overwhelming emotion similar to anger. Staring into those unflinching eyes filled with burning determination made the corners of my mouth skyrocket with glee. That's right. This is what I wanted.
I leaned further.
I must say…you are truly, truly, TRULY-
"HA HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!"
Wonderful!
How wonderful you are, huntress!
Her bow glowed even brighter. My racing heart skipped a beat when I felt a tremendous upward force.
~Ahhh~ I've forgotten how terrifying humans are when they've been pushed into the farthest corners of life and death!
I howled at her. That's right, show me! Show me your power! I won't let you beat me. You hear me? Never again will I endure that humiliation. I refuse to lose to a hunter!
Despite being locked in a struggle for her life I heard Violet release a slow exaggerated sigh.
It happened in slow motion. Without even a sign of warning, the woman beneath my sword vanished. There were no audible cues or visual effects – she just *popped* out of existence.
And somehow ended up right beside me holding what looked like a glowing white arrow ready to stab – Oh son of a b-
"HHHYYYYAAA-" That was the last thing I heard before I was consumed in a twister. The trees creaked and all the rubble that I made whipped up into the whirling air. I couldn't hear anything but the muffled whistling whirlwind. My head was going to split open any second now. My entire world spun and distorted. I found myself weightless, hurtling airborne all while my body collided and trashed with the cluster of debris. My flesh was being torn apart.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't breathe, dammit!
All I could do was scream away the remaining air in my suffocating lungs.
N-No! This isn't over!
Barring my fangs, I outstretched my free arm until my claws finally managed to reach the ground. I closed them inward with all my might. My arm trembled as I was dragged brutally across the ground. It felt as if my fingers were going to be ripped apart from this tornado! I…need to stay grounded! Come on, use your feet damn it!
I come to a sliding halt after half-burying myself into the ground. I endured inside the mouth of the raging tornado until the slashing winds died down. Violet had launched me at a very considerable distance. The path ahead of me had been reduced to ruin. Trees, boulders, vegetation – everything had been flipped upside down.
My breathing was unsteady. A sharp stabbing pain every time I take a breath. Oh god, I think my ribs punctured one of my lungs. My limbs have become numb and yet everywhere ached and burned. Cuts were scattered all over my body. Blood was pouring out of me like one of those park fountains.
My chest tightened. Not out of pain but out of building fury. That damn memory of the storm. The events kept looping. Over and over. All ending to the horrific scene in the sky. My wounded body was trembling with a paralyzing chill down my spine.
Damn…damn…damn…DAMN IT ALL!
This was fucking bullshit! Not again, not again! I resolved myself to become strong. To be the greatest beowolf that ever existed, right? I'm stronger than before. I know it. I practically feel it coursing through my veins.
So why?
What am I missing?
Why is it that every single time I have the upper hand against these huntsmen they always seem to have a "get-out-of-jail" card in their arsenal? Does everyone have a broken semblance in Remnant? Can I go up against a semblance that isn't cheat-broken? Where's my overpowered ability?!
H-hey…why is everything getting blurry? Shit. No, no, stay awake! Get up, now isn't the time to rest. Urgh, so heavy… did a tree manage to land on me?
"Ghrr…hrrr…" What the heck? That wasn't me. I glance up and a pang of joy hits me.
A stray ursa was lying on top of me. I could feel the warm liquid trickling away while the grimm was pressed over me. Its breathing was slow and growing weaker. Poor thing must have gotten impaled with my spinal spikes in the chaos. Hey pal, I have a favour to ask you. You look like you have some spare time so…
Could you help a fellow creature of grimm out and lend me a hand?
"Gr…hah..."
Oh? Sorry I couldn't make that out. Let me just flex my shoulders and –
"Guh…..."
The sound of evaporating ashes filled the air.
What's this? It's not just a hand you want to lend but your entire body as well? Well, who am I to decline such a generous offer!
Don't worry, I won't let your contribution go to waste.
I lifted myself up with my repaired muscles. I gave my new left arm a good stretch. Tsk, it feels lighter than usual. There probably wasn't enough Essence to completely restore my body.
My right hand felt empty. Violet's arrow robbed me of that old man's sword. I scowled at the destruction that the lone arrow had done. It doesn't matter! I don't need a sword to win against you. I'll find a way to adapt; just you watch. You haven't won, do you understand?
All you did was simply reset our game of cat and mouse. I'll hunt you down as many times as it takes until either my head gets blown off or I stand over you victorious. God, why do I feel so excited at the thought of fighting her again? It was making my fur stand on its ends while my tail wagged furiously from side to side.
I dashed into the forestry on all fours with an absolute focus on Violet's scent. High adrenaline rushed through my veins as I blitzed through the surroundings to the point where my feet were flying over leaves and stone. Faster! Faster! I don't care if my lungs get frostbite from the cold air!
I wonder what she's doing now? Was she running home or looking for my decaying corpse? Hope you're ready for a surprise.
"Aha! I found you Mordr – h-hey! Wait, come back!"
Once I'm close enough I'll –
"Mordred, get back here this instant!"
I heard a shrill and annoying scream from behind. Wait, that voice, why is - I slammed headfirst into a tree.
Last time I checked there weren't supposed to be stars in the middle of the day. Focus! I need to get back to-
Huh?
Wait…what was it that I was supposed to be doing again?
I saw a small figure in white from behind and already I could feel my irritation levels spiking. I grinded my teeth at Summer Rose. Did you just order me as if I was some pet dog? Again?! You arrogant little munchkin!
Just wait until I get my claws on you.
"Hah…hah…hah…" Summer panted heavily with a hunched over back when she caught up. Hold on, why do you have a tablecloth over your back? She raised a finger up to me. "Just give me a moment until I…haaaah…just …"
She leaned back and gulped in a large amount of air.
What now?
"Who the heck do you think I am?" Summer yelled at me at the top of her lungs.
I think you're an annoying girl that doesn't know how to pace herself. I could go and on but I'm sure the list would reach infinity.
"I'm the Hero, the main character!" Summer declared for the umpteenth time, pointing to herself with both thumbs for dramatic effect. Yes, yes, you're the protagonist, I get it. "In case you've forgotten, you're supposed to stop when I'm here. That's the whole point of hero-villain confrontation!"
"Grrr…" Yes, yes, I'm the antagonist, I get it.
"Don't get petty with me, Mordred. I'm just trying to help." She crossed her arms and looked away with a pout. I would have called this girl cute had I not come to learn how much of a brat she was.
I snarled while rolling my eyes.
Her eyes lit up with a playful smile. I don't like that look at all. "Oh? You're wondering about my super cool cape of justice?"
No, wait –
"Hoho, it's only expected that a hero should look the part when saving the world."
What are you –
Oh, right.
It's only been a week and I almost forgot about your delusions. Thank you for reminding me. Besides, your "cape" is a bit too large, don't you think?
The sparkle in her eyes hasn't left yet. In fact, I think they only got brighter much to my dismay. "Hey, watch this. You better burn this into your memory because I'm only going to do this once." Summer picked up the back of the white tablecloth and tossed it aside, allowing it to flutter with a flourish. She struck a pose and declared, "I am Summer Rose, Hero from Argentum, wielder of the holy sword. Face me Villain, your end has come!"
Argentum? That must be where she lived. I wonder if there was any meaning behind that name?
"Heh, I see my amazing performance has left you speechless." She huffed her chest full of pride.
Wait for it.
"…Nailed it!"
Honestly, this delusional girl was hopeless.
Hmm? Hold on…
The more I look at it the more it's starting to resemble the white cloak from the show. Maybe if I just reach over and…
"H-Hey what are you – no! Not the branch agai– huh?" There was a hint of confusion in her tone after I pulled her hood up. Hmm, no good. It still doesn't look right. Is it my height? What if I get on all fours and lower myself?
"O-Oh, I see! You want to see my introduction with my hood up. Why didn't you say so?"
My heart sank. Summer, please wait I-
She opted for a wide stance with outstretched arms this time. "On the darkest days, my sabre shall eradicate all evils! Beware evil-doers! I am the Sword-Saint S-"
I dashed in front of Summer, using my back as a shield from the incoming arrow. Luckily, it bounced off my plating.
…Why the hell did I do that? I don't know what overtook me. My animalistic instincts just yelled at me to move towards the white distant gleam.
And then it hits me.
My original goal to hunt down Violet.
Summer distracted me!
"M-Mordred? What's wrong? Y-You know you're drooling, right? Eww. Hey, you're making a really gross face right now. Please stop, it doesn't suit you."
I spun around ready to sprint at her. But Violet was gone. Her scent had vanished. She popped out of existence again! How on earth is she doing that?
I was growling from frustration. This was all her fault. Because of her, I can't settle things with Violet anymore. And what if this was my only chance? It left a hollow emptiness inside my chest.
"Mordred?"
I crushed the arrow beneath my foot and cursed into the sky.
DAMN IT ALL!
"…Hey, could you not? I'm standing right here you know!" The brat complained about my volume. My temper flared to new heights. Do you have any idea what you've done? Now I-
"If that's your villainous introduction then I think it could use a little more work. For starters, your pose is so boring." She chimed. Can you even read the mood? This stupid girl! Are you the dead-last of your class? You must be!
I could feel an artery exploding in my brain. I don't think I could clench my fangs any further. I turned to face Summer ready to unleash my wrath on her. Those silver eyes are really starting to-
"…"
"What? Is there something on my face?" Summer asked.
You have…silver eyes.
Looking back…didn't Violet have silver eyes?
And…that old man with the greatsword and the red-headed woman too?
And that poor guy I crushed also had...
O-Oh.
Oh my god.
I fell on my back with wide eyes and a slack jaw at the realization.
Summer loomed over my face along with an accompanying shade from the sun. She shook her head in disapproval. "You call that an introduction? Mordred, you're not even trying at this point!"
…I'm so screwed.
"Get up!" She started hitting the side of my arm with her boot. "If we're going to do this, we're going to do this right and with style! Mordred? Hey, Mordred! Are you even listening? I said get up!"
(July POV)
Light from the afternoon sun poured into the militia hall through the large windows.
When July heard that her Vice-Captain's party had returned early, she had assumed the awkward girl had given up halfway. July had prepared a whole motivational speech and everything to reencourage Camilla. Of course, said encouragement also involved some static shock should her speech fail.
The truth was much harder to swallow.
Only three managed to return. One of them had been disarmed and the other was a half-conscious mess.
That was over an hour ago. This would mean that Vice-Captain Invictus would have been missing-in-action for three hours now.
The air in the first floor of the militia hall was heavy and tense. Captain Rose with her donned helmet and Gungnir stood in front of fifty warriors all geared and ready. Not a sound could be made throughout the room. The warriors who weren't chosen all gathered at the tables with stern looks and silent prayers of support.
The sheer amount of people who volunteered to be part of the operation would have made her feel proud given the right circumstances. She worked as fast as she could. Found the most suitable men and women for the search party.
She slammed the flat of her spear on the wood. "You've all been assigned your roles and search perimeters. Stick close to your team and make sure to check every nook and cranny. If you encounter the alpha beowolf with Thrum's sword then engage with caution. Light the flare crystal and signal reinforcements."
"Yes, Captain Rose!" The hall echoed.
"Good. Then m-"
"Captain Rose, please wait a moment!" The voice of a young man cried out. There was a shifting treble of moving armour and weapons. A young man wrapped in bandages and poorly adorned armour had torn through the organized ranks and stood before her. "Please let me join! This is all my fault the Vice-Captain is in this position. Let me take responsibility!"
It was Poppy, the woman who was part of Camilla's team as well as one of the vanguards for the search party, who spoke. "Gale, what the hell do you think you're doing? You can't just-"
"Now hold on a second! If he's coming along, then I'm going too!" Someone at the tables declared.
"Me too!" Another joined in.
"I'm going too!"
Soon the entire hall was filled with chatter and nonsense. The Captain was having none of it. She slammed her spear with more force, releasing a thundering roar to silence everyone.
Every second here was a second wasted looking for Camilla.
July stepped towards the young man with a towering air around her. "You are in no position to fight, let alone move freely." She eyed the way his legs were trembling for support. How much longer until his body finally shut down from the stress? "Get back to the infirmary and rest."
The injured young man gazed right back at her with no sign of backing down. Gale was ambitious, she'll admit it. "With all due respect Captain Rose, you don't understand what that beowolf is capable of. It broke through my aura with a single claw. I graduated with the highest aura reserves in my class. I have three times the amount compared to Camil – Vice-Captain Invictus. Please! I'm telling you I can still fight!"
"And I'm ordering you to rest in the infirmary. What could you accomplish in your state? I need strong dependable warriors. What I don't need are ambitious fools who would carelessly throw their lives away after a comrade risked theirs to save it."
"But…!"
"Boy!" Thrum picked up the young man over his shoulder.
"Stop, put me down!" He protested.
"You're embarrassing yourself in front of everyone." He grunted. "I apologize for his interruption. He's still young. Gale isn't in the right state of mind right now. Please forgive him for his rudeness, Captain Rose. I will bring him back downstairs and make sure he gets his rest."
She nodded to the elder as thanks.
One quick scan of the hall was enough to read the mood. It seems morale could use a little boost.
She leapt onto a nearby table with her spear over her shoulder. All eyes were on her. "I am not mad nor upset at any of you for wanting to help. Raise your head with pride today for showing the utmost concern for one of your own. But who will protect Argentum if everyone left? I understand your worries – I understand that more than anyone here! But Vice-Captain Invictus is one the best that Argentum has raised. One beowolf won't be enough against her. I want you all to remember that she – huh?"
Her arm became limp and her spear dropped to her side.
The crowd broke into hushed murmurs. They all wondered what could have made their Captain lose her train of thought.
"She is…well…she's…"
"Captain Rose? What's wrong?" Poppy spoke up.
July pointed straight at the entrance to the hall, right at the slightly open doors. "She's right there."
Everyone whirled their heads around. People gasped.
There was a scarfed girl with wide teary eyes and a flushed face standing frozen by the doors left ajar.
Did she just try to sneak her way in?
"Um…hi?" She squeaked.
The floodgates opened.
"The Vice-Captain!" Poppy grinned.
"She's alive!" Someone screamed.
The entire militia hall broke into cheers and celebration. Everyone swarmed the poor girl who looked ready to vomit at any given moment. July relaxed her shoulders; a weight had vanished. Despite being surrounded by the warmth of the crowd, Camilla looked awful. From the way her body quivered with those puffy eyes, one would assume that she was overjoyed to have returned to such a welcoming party.
Camilla was staring straight into July's helmet slit across the hall. "Help me!" She mouthed among the ongoing cheers. She made no move to respond to her plea. July was trying her hardest to keep the stifles of laughter to a minimum in her helmet. Good grief, this girl was a handful.
If only the militia knew the truth of how twisted the Vice-Captain's perception was.
'Aw well, I might as well treat everyone for the occasion.'
"Hey bartender, what are you doing? Hurry up and whip out the ale. It's time to celebrate the Vice-Captain's return!"
"Hurrah!" Everyone chanted.
Kinds of reviewers I'm expecting:
1) The people who enjoyed the read.
2) The ones who question Mordred's sanity even though the reliable narrator has stated the beowolf MC is sane.
3) That one guy who keeps PMing me for Peter Port X Mordred (NO. You hear me?! Never. It was just a joke damn it, stop!)
4) "Camilla's semblance is clearly...X" You're open to guess, but there's no way you'll get it. (*DING* Did I just raise a flag?)
Speaking of Camilla, ch13 will be the conclusion of her little arc along with a small intro for the incoming arc. Be careful what you wish for; the domino effect is terrifying. Holy shit, I'm about to finish a character arc, this is weird. Also, what the heck. Didn't I say that I would keep a word limit to 3500? Why am I so close to 6000? See you...Sunday? Next week-ish?