The same, familiar light brushed up against my eyes. I opened them and found myself under a roof that wasn't mine.
I had almost forgotten that I had enlisted for the military. I sat up on the somewhat comfortable bedding that was given to me last night. Though it was true that yesterday was now a memory, I couldn't help but feel like it was some sort of far off dream. Like a sensation you can't quite describe...
Like some missing link that is begging to be put into the larger puzzle in my mind. It was an uncomfortable feeling, more or less.
Rubbing my eyes, I glanced at the opening of the tent. Taking the first breath of the day, I went outside. The Sun didn't wait for anything as it shone it's bright light unto my face as I took two more steps outside.
I noticed that every tent around me had their entrances facing East. A part of me wondered if that was intentional, a symbolism I have yet to know within the society of the Kingdom.
This was when I realized my place was in this country.
I was no more than an outcast.
I entered this world within the Kingdom willingly, but regardless of the strength of my will, I was alone. I had no one to turn to when it came down to accompanying me here. If someone were to say that the souls of my parents are here with me, I'd laugh it off and tell them they're right.
But who knows?
I always had a foreboding feeling that I'll find the truth soon enough. But even then, the fear would be washed away by the same hope that will guide me to the truth. What truth I'm after is a question I have yet to answer.
Rubbing off the sleep in my eyes, I took one last breath of fresh air as I allowed the Sun's radiance to bless my face, first thing in the morning.
Before I decided to go around the encampment, I went back in and organized my belongings. I've put every small object that would fit in my robe pocket on a small table beside the makeshift bed. I've placed a few other big ones beside the bed table afterwards.
And with that, I'm finished with my belongings. I truly don't have much on me, do I?
I looked around the tent. It was bigger than my home, but only slightly. The rune lamp that hung over the tent radiated a warm orange color, giving the tent a relaxing atmosphere. Beside the tent's entryway was a small table filled with papers. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look.
On the table, various papers were splayed all around, but one pile was kept neatly stacked. I took one paper on top. The paper glowed bright blue as inscriptions were written on the front. At the top left hand corner, it showed my full name. On the other side, the right hand corner, it showed today's date, 18th of Dawn Month. In the middle, the word 'ANNOUNCEMENTS' was displayed in bold, black letters.
I realized what that neatly piled stack of papers were for. I've read this rune contraption before, but only now did I witness how it worked in person. This was an automatic parchment inscriber. This was developed by the Rune Academy by a certain team studying applied magic.
I remember what father used to say to me about rune items, "Don't play around with things you don't understand, Roxas...". Looking back, it was a pretty dumb decision of me to do. I used to be so fascinated about magic. How it worked, and how it can be used to live better lives, but looking at the curse my family bore, that single spark of fascination in my heart faded along with the hope of being cured by this madness.
But even then, I doubt that the hope faded in the first place. And now, sometimes, I question myself if the doubt was ever real in the first place.
The very thoughts of the curse made me feel very aware of my right arm. It didn't exactly hurt, but, moving it around, I wasn't comfortable either. It felt like every time I wanted to move, I was in danger of hurting myself again.
Brushing off the discomfort, I focused on the rune contraption in my hand.
Underneath the bold word lay the only a single statement. It read:
"Meet with Sergeant Muca near Colonel Levon's Office after the first horn for your orientation. Good luck Private Von Zayne, and may the Sun guide your way"
Before I could even wonder what the first horn was, a great sound bellowed from somewhere in the encampment. One sound I could only associate that to, would be the first horn.
I quickly scrambled to my robe and threw it on me as I ran outside to Colonel Levon's office. Despite the hazy memory, I could pinpoint which tent to turn to as I ran. It wasn't a maze anymore, but it was still, more or less, as confusing as when I first arrived here.
But the fogginess of my mind had cleared the moment I arrived outside of the Colonel's office. Closing my eyes for a moment, I stopped and caught my breath. I should work on my stamina if I'm going to get anywhere in the army. "Ah, so you're Von Zayne?" a voice called out to me. I opened my eyes and saw a red haired man, who is slightly taller than me. I immediately stood up straight and did a salute.
Frankly, it is the first time I'd ever done it with all my heart. Even so, I was proud of myself at that small moment.
"Yes, sir!" I laid down my hand as soon as I could. "I'm Sergeant Jerome Muca. You just enlisted, correct?" I nodded. "Yes, sir."
Jerome nodded back. "Good." he looked around and scanned me for a moment, before looking at me while grinning in satisfaction. "Punctuality is an excellent trait to have in the army. As you may know, you are assigned to me for orientation. However, there are still many who have enlisted in the past week and have yet to be oriented as well. You are the last person to enlist, yet you are the first to arrive on time. I'll commend you for that. We'll wait for the others before we begin."
We both exchanged nods before Jerome went into Colonel's office. I exhaled a big sigh of relief before resting on the damp earth. I realized that there were still remainders of sleep in my eyes and began rubbing them. My body was still too stiff for this, and my mind was clearly dreading for the incoming days of hard work. Still, I have entered into this willingly, and I'm not going to back out any time soon.
After all, being cooped up in Corona didn't sound too pleasing to me.
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After several minutes of waiting, people began to come together and wait outside of the office. I could only assume that these people are the new recruits. Some are talking with others, others are sitting anxiously, and a few chose to stay away from the group as far as they could without missing the upcoming orientation.
All of these people were wearing smiles. Smiles I could only guess were made from the pleasures of everyday convenience. Still, even if some aren't really smiling away, I'm sure that they're smiling somehow in their minds.
And for some odd reason, this all made my stomach churn.
Despite the odd feeling, time finally came as Jerome exited the tent and called for everyone, "Gather around, new recruits!" We did as we were told and gathered in front of him with murmurs flying left and right above everyone's heads. The silent talk died down as Jerome cleared his throat, "As you all may know, I am Sergeant Muca and I will be the one who will orient all of you with what we do. But, first and foremost, Welcome, all of you, to the Sun Army!" Almost everyone around me were cheering, but all of that was silenced as soon as Sergeant Muca cleared his throat once more. "I'm afraid that, beyond this point, we won't be cheering for small things like that. We will only cry out for two things: when we're charging into the fight, and once more when the fight is done." He held out two fingers in front all of us. Cold had suddenly took control of my soon to be comrades as they all stood there, frozen in place.
Whether or not it was fear, it didn't matter one bit in the face of the adversity we were going to face someday.
"I'm sure all of you have been given this unique parchment..." Jerome held out the same rune contraption. "This is your Personal Update Parchment, or P.U.P for short." Everyone, including me,took out their P.U.P.s. "Each of you will have only one, so be sure to be responsible with it. In addition to that, the P.U.P. will only update for matters that involve only yourselves, which will be seldom, hence the 'Personal' part of the name, but I urge you to be vigilant at all times. Do you understand?" Everyone answered with a sounding "Yes, sir!". "Good. On your P.U.P., it should say today's date and your first update. I want everyone to read it out loud and in unison..."
I did not bother reading it for the sole purpose of not embarrassing myself. Still, I moved my lips around as if I was reading, to avoid any trouble in case I was caught. I did, after all, understand it. I'm sure everyone did, as well. As everyone finished reading, Sergeant Muca didn't look entirely pleased. "I'm sure you all understand what that meant. To the information of everyone, the Sun is already atop most of the mountains, therefore three horns have passed already. The P.U.P. stated that you should meet with me as soon as you hear the first horn." Sergeant Muca jumped down from the crate with a loud crash, his armor intensifying the metallic sounds. "Discipline is one of the many characteristics that make a good soldier! Since this is your first day, I'll be considerate. 10 laps around the encampment for everyone!"
Without hesitation, most of us ran towards the nearest exit to the clearing. I merely followed the crowd as I had no idea where to start. Soon, before I even knew it, most of my comrades stopped at the brink of the clearing. It was a grassy opening, where one could enjoy the day's breeze without any worry. However, we weren't there to admire the scenery, nor relax for one bit. One, two, four, some of them began to deliver their orders. Shaking off my anxiety, I pushed myself to a jog. I wasn't fast, I'll admit, but I was not getting exhausted anytime soon.
After several minutes, most of my comrades were now exhausted. Somewhere, I heard Sergeant Muca yell, "IS THAT THE BEST ALL OF YOU CAN DO? YOU HAVE ONLY COMPLETED FIVE LAPS!" Then, like scrambling mice, the people in front of me began to pick up their pace. We were now running. Now, I can feel the exhaustion slowly cling unto my shoulders as the weight of my robe dragged me down.
Nevertheless, I pressed on. I don't know what it means to truly be a soldier in a lifetime, but my body will soon learn what it is. Then, after a whole while, I felt my breathing become heavier and my legs began to ache. It seems I have reached my limit. However...
"OUT OF THE WAY, SMALL FRIES! THE GREAT SHARICE CARTERWELL IS COMING THROUGH!"
The same, insincere voice had echoed through the clearing and well into the crowd. I looked back and saw Sharice run past several of my comrades, and, like a bolt of lightning, she had managed to catch up to me. I tried voicing out to say hello to her, but she ran past me and disappeared into the group in front of me.
Watching a friend like that fly off like an over charged rune chariot, it made me feel energized. Looking back, even the tired ones were looking up to her for the last bit of strength to finish this supposedly deadly task. So, carrying a smile I gave to myself, I shot forwards, like an over charged rune chariot.
Soon, the laps were over and most of us were out of breath. I have to admit, even though I have spent most of my life working on the fields all day, even that made me exhausted. Everyone was motivating each other, some even congratulating themselves for a job well done even though they were sweating like a broken pipe. "Good work, all of you..." Sergeant Muca said as he climbed on top of another crate.
"But that is only the beginning..."
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Right now, I don't exactly know where to go...
I'm currently in the busiest district in Sun Capitol. The murmurs of the passing noblemen and noblewomen and the constant whirring of several rune chariots filled the approaching summer air. The aura of pride and sophistication carried the Capitol's citizen everywhere. Even the soldiers seem proud of what they do. If pride was a liquid, then I think it would be leaking from every arm and leg of every citizen here.
Something I, personally, am not used to seeing at all.
What I am used to is the warm smiles that everyone wore in Corona; smiles that said, "Hey, I'm not rich, but I'm happy where I am!". People who didn't have to bother everyone because everyone else was helping each other.
That was the kind of thing that I am truly used to seeing. And, to be frank, it feels like I'm watching a whole new world unravel in front of my very eyes. So much so that I'm trying my best not to look away and hide myself in my mother's ghastly work.
Again, I don't know where I am...
All I knew was that after our 10 laps, we sat under the heat of the Sun to listen to more of Sergeant Muca's words. Everyone, even the sarge, didn't like the idea one bit. We were sweating hard, unlike what happened with the laps. Then, we were dismissed and given our salary for the week by an officer whose face I didn't quite catch on the way here. I think it was more of a first day compensation than a real salary. Still, I do have spare curren on me that I am definitely not planning to spend on anything that isn't useful.
I do like the fact that I don't have much belongings. That makes moving from place to place easier, and I don't have to worry about being robbed. Unless of course the robber knows magic, in which case, I'm not too happy to be a part of that situation.
I merely followed the scattering recruit group into the Capitol. And I am beginning to regret the decision.
However, as luck would have it, I had caught the scent of meat that wafted in the air. So, I followed the smell of the cooking and found myself in front of a small, but rather welcoming tavern in a small corner near an alleyway. And what do you know, it is a welcoming tavern. The orange rune lights on the ceiling, the interior covered in smooth dark oak, and the somewhat quiet space in between the tables made it feel very homey.
"Oy! We got a customer o'er here!" a rough, but feminine voice echoed from within the tavern. "New one, eh?" "Oh, uh, hello. Yeah, I'm sort of new here, so...". Without another word, she raised her finger in the air and yelled into the back, "Fresh skin, Danny!" "What's he like, Julia?" another burly voice answered her from beyond the wall. "Armor, eh?" she looked back at me with her narrow eyes, darting from one point to the next like a fly on a pile of trash. "Soldier, right?" "Uh, yea-" "SOLDIER, DANNY! AND A NEW ONE, AT THAT!" "Comin' right up, miss!" and the kitchen began to clang with activity. "So, welcome to the ol' Wineskin, soldier! Take a seat, see where you fancy sitting, hehe~" she waved her hand to the rest of the tavern. The place was half full, so places to sit were still open.
I decided to sit near the exit. Somehow, my body told me to sit here. Whatever the reason is, I'm afraid I'm too shy to say.
The girl from the counter sat in front of me after a while. "Alrighty, then. What brings you to the Capitol, soldier?" I honestly want to be left alone with my thoughts. I want to think about what I want to do next, what I'm aiming for. But it seems that even the world doesn't want me to be alone for one bit. And so, I answered her anyway. "Someone recommended me, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try."
"Oh? And who would be bold enough to recommend you to the Sun Army? Ya see, soldier, many are called, but few survive. Ya get me?"
"Yeah, I do. And it was Officer Naya who recommended me, by the wa-"
"You SERIOUS there, soldier!? Woah, ho ho! I dunno what you did, but it looks like it worked!"
"What? Why? I mean, I just got recommended by an officer, I don't see why it to be a big deal-"
"NOT A BIG DEAL!? You sure like to kid me, soldier! I've heard many a soldier get recommended into the army, but not by an official that's CLOSE to the royal family! Trust me, soldier, I've heard ALL their stories! Talent, hard work, all that crap that makes you wanna puke instead of cryin'! But YOU, soldier, you must be something else!"
At this point, I had no idea what she was blabbering about. Sure, I got recommended by an officer, but I have seriously zero ideas as to why that has to be something big. Like she had told me a while ago, many are called. But, why do I get to be different?
Somehow, a deep voice in my heart told me that it was okay. But, even if I had to follow the voice in my heart, my thoughts couldn't seem to understand why. Why does fate want me to be so different from the rest of the people around me? Why can't I be a part of a community that does not depend on my uniqueness as a person?
"Order's up, Julia! For the new kid, 'ere..." the girl had stood up from where she sat and walked to the counter to get my supposed platter of food. And about time, too. I was getting hungry from that small talk. In hindsight, it was more like a shouting contest than a normal conversation. "Here ya go, soldier! That'll be 75 curren, aye?" "Oh, right. Hold on a second..." I reached into my robe, grabbing my curren pouch.
It had almost slipped my mind that we were given a compensation this week, so my money was well over what I was used to seeing. I gladly gave her the curren, which she received eagerly with a wave of her hand. "Enjoy your meal!" she said as she left to attend the other customers coming into the tavern.
Looking at my food, it was filled with things that I wasn't exactly familiar with. Despite that, the aroma was incredible and my stomach growled. I had no other choice than to dig in. The meat was incredibly tender and sweet, and the vegetables were crunchy and flavorful despite the lack of any sauce.
It was like mother's cooking all over again...
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"Come back next time, soldier! Danny and I are more than happy to serve, aye?" "Alright, I'll be sure to come back." with a nod, I left the Ol' Wineskin and returned to breathe the air of aristocrats and noblemen.
The homey atmosphere didn't exactly leave my mind as I walked back towards the southern gate. It felt like my eyes were constantly looking forward to my return to the welcoming tavern. If I'm able to orient myself into this lifestyle, I may be able to get my head in for the most part.
I'm almost missing the open fields of Paradise Prairie; the quiet and peaceful fields of my past. I wonder where Roger and Kittyeyes are right now... More so, is Koll still with them?
"Oy! OY! I'm talkin' to yer!"
The fuzziness of my mind had almost gotten the best of me as I heard a man shout from behind me. I turned around to look, my senses finally adjusting themselves since my leave from the Ol' Wineskin.
"Yeah, you! Damn, finally, you sure are full of yourself, huh?" the voice that had shouted a second ago belonged to a man who, along with a couple of people, was looking at me with eyes filled with anger.
"Er... what? I'm sorry, I don't know what yo-"
"SHUT UP!" The man's eyebrows had narrowed to the point where his face was full of wrinkles.
"Who are you...? I just arrived into the Capitol yesterday, and I don't remember meeting all of you."
"Of course, ya don't ya Pacifist Prairie-boy!"
"Yeah! You best be getting your ass out of here!"
"We don't want any outsiders from the Capitol!
"Yer better off with the Demi-humans in the slums, Praire-boy!"
I don't know what I did, nor do I know what I had done to make them feel this way. Like magic, it was as if they were created by fate itself to put me down. But, even if I tried, I know they're not people you can talk down easily. They're the ones that will hurt you until they win. I've dealt with these people before in Corona, before and during my time in the flower shop. The ones who will shout at the innocent just to get a moment of temporary glee.
My heart was flaring up, and my face was turning red. I did not want to be in a fight the day after I arrived in the Capitol. More or less, I didn't want to cause trouble for the sake of being here. It just didn't sound right for the people who lived here. "I'll just... do this." with a short glance, I turned my back towards them and walked away.
And that, even if it was the best choice for me at that very moment, was one of my worst decisions I have ever made.
The next step I took, I felt a sharp pain at the back of my head, then a metallic clang on my left. My right hand went over the part where it stung, and in the next instance, blood was all over my hand. I took a peak at what made the clang; it was a metal boot. I looked back, they didn't move from where they stood. They continued to look at me with hateful eyes. With whatever pride I had left for myself and my family name, my body turned to face them.
Talking was out of the question, and my legs didn't feel like fleeing either.
If they want a fight, who am I to deny them a brawl?
I approached all five of them, each with faces distorted with wrinkles.
"What'cha gonna do then, Prairie-boy? Hahahaha!"
Then, as if like magic, I felt my right hand punch the man in front of me squarely in the face. I felt the bones in his head move a bit, but I didn't feel them break. The man stumbled backwards into the arms of his friends. He spat on the ground, expelling a tooth,
"That's it!" he cried with all that he could, then all of his friends threw their punches. It was at this moment that I had forgotten I still didn't have a sword with me.
All of them threw their fists wildly at my direction. But, even if that were the case, one had hit my stomach. The pain surged through my body, but it was bearable at the least.
After all, I've been hit with Roger's gut wrenching blow. It was about time I've gotten used to it.
I recoiled backwards. Bearing the pain, I planted my feet firmly and threw another punch at the nearest man. I had hit him, but in return, I took another blow to the shoulder. Taking a step back, my right hand found its way unto my left shoulder.
I told myself that I shouldn't stop here, but I felt the gazes of the passersby dig deep into my skin. Now, we were drawing attention, but their assault did not stop. Truly, they were beasts without a sense of reason. Only fueled by the sense of hate they have for me.
And I still don't know what I did wrong.
Again and again, they continued to barrage me until my legs had given up. My back had already hit the concrete before I could even think. The only sensation I felt was the intensity of their kicks. I raised my arms, they were still going. I was now desperate for some sort of way to block out the pain.
Then, I heard a familiar voice.
"STOP THIS AT ONCE!"
My suffering had stopped. I lowered my arms, the men were now looking to where the voice was. I couldn't help but turn my eyes towards that direction, too.
It was Colonel Levon.
I looked back at them, they seemed scared. They were frozen in place, altough their legs were shaking in fear. Grunting as silently as I could, I stood up. Pain immediately assaulted my body, as well as my right arm beginning to throb.
It did not hurt as bad as it used to, but the pain was a memory that was etched into my mind. A familiar sensation that my mind was able to tell it apart from the rest. Gritting my teeth, I prayed that my legs had enough strength in them.
"All of you, encampment. NOW!"
All of them flinched at the colonel's words, and then they ran south towards the encampment, stumbling as they did so. "Are you alright, Von Zayne?" Taking a deep breath, I ignored the throbbing of my arm and answered him immediately. "I am, sir..."
"Let us get you to the encampment for treatment."
Like a surge of soul energy, I was hit with a realization.
"Wait, sir! Please, wait a moment..." I said, pleading for a momentary pause.
I looked down and saw my blood on the cold, concrete. I knelt down and placed my right hand over the stains. I took a deep breath in, and felt the life that I had lost come back to me. The pain in my cheek, back, and legs were fading, but the throbbing of my right arm remained.
"I see... You can use Life Magic?"
Clutching my right arm, Colonel Levon's words echoed in my mind. Life Magic, huh? It's funny how people judge things based on what they know, even though they know nothing of what I truly feel.
But, in this situation, I had no more words to say. Rest is the only thing that I looked forward to, and I much rather not argue with the Colonel.
I looked at myself. The pure white color of my robe was now dirtied with soot and soil, and a few bloodstains had covered it as well. If this was some sort of passage into the city, then I have experienced it first hand.
As much as I didn't want to say it, I had no choice. I am a soldier now, and it was time that I had some dignity for it. So, I spoke with absolute clarity of my voice.
"Please, show me the way back..."
I began to walk south, back to the encampment.
