This year, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is to host the Triwizard Tournament. But why don't we talk about a seemingly unimportant academy all the way in The Middle Of Nowhere... which just so happens to reside in a separate dimension.
This is not a world simply riddled with war, but a world plagued by uncivil conflict. Same difference? No. This dimension is just a teeny weeny tiny bit unstable, this causes things to happen that don't really happen and people to know if things that don't actually exist. Confused? You should be. This world is confusing. 83% of the population has been or is part of a military force. Restless soldiers and bored officers have to have something to do, for instance, take up freelance jobs in private organizations. Maybe even just make a private military intuition of your own.
Of course, when this happens, The full general (4-star general, head of each individual institution. General Of The Armies would be the head of the board of each organization), will be biased towards mages- those with higher magical aptitude than most. One surefire way to secure these individuals is if you acquire their loyalty from a young age. That is the method many institutes as well as the renowned Redwood Army Institute, which is named after the forest in the back that has red soil, crimson trees with red leaves, red grass, and ruby bushes. By 14 the children are ready for duty.
Now, why should your attention be diverted from The Triwizard Tournament to some unstable, military-oriented world? Because this unstable, military-oriented world is about to collide with The Triwizard Tournament.
x
"Commander, we've lost connection with the 203rd artillery mage company and the 407th mage infantry company," Major Webb informed. "There seems to have been a rift, should we draw back our remaining forces?"
"No. Order the 491st engineer company to retreat and evaluate the rift from a safe distance. I will detour with the 101st aerial mage company to get to the base of the rebel forces and commute back." Lieutenant Colonel Griffins commanded. "Do you understand, Major?"
"Yes, ma'am," Major Webb saluted.
The small red gems on the Lieutenant's ears glowed and she took off towards the aerial mage company. In the short time it took for Kiesha Griffins to gather each platoon, she felt a small yet undeniable feeling of unease in the pit of her stomach. Communications with the Major and platoon leaders through intercom assured her that the operation was moving along smoothly, even with only two companies left. The base of the rebel forces was near, but the only building in sight was a small concrete place, nearly small enough to be considered a pillbox. Griffins pulls the collar of her uniform up over her mouth and spoke, "Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Kiesha Griffins to Redwood Command. There seems to be a mistake in the intel; the only thing out here is a pillbox. Over."
"Redwood Command to Lieutenant Colonel Griffins. You have received permission to detonate the rebel pillbox. Over.''
"The 203rd Artillery Mage Company and The 407th Mage Infantry Company have been compromised by a rift; It might take a while with only the Arial Mage Company. Over.''
"Get it done and retreat immediately. Over and out."
Griffins informed Captain Libby Pearce of their orders and Pearce commanded her troops, "Aim... Cast... FIRE."
Not every bullet hit, but every last one set off an explosion. When the bullets stopped, the concrete pillbox was reduced to rubble and bodies lay in shambles underneath it. Griffins contacted her Major to tell her to begin a retreat.
"We've been trying to, Commander. The rift has multiplied," Major Webb shouts through the intercom.
"What do you mean by 'the rift has multiplied'?... Major, do you copy?" Griffins was only met with radio silence.
"Captain Briggs, can you he-"
x
Battalion Commander: Lieutenant Colonel, Kiesha Griffins
I wake up to a peaceful silence, however, that seems to be the object of my fear. I was just in battle, how can I be laying in a tent? I stand up and step outside. The sunlight hit my eyes and I squinted just to see vaguely where I was. A forest? That can't be right. The clearing is littered with tree stumps and lined with rows of tents.
"Commander, you're awake! Should I go get the Major?" Sergeant Lane said as he saluted.
"At ease. Get your lieutenant," I replied and Lane went off to do just that.
I sit on a log that seems to serve as a makeshift bench and pull out the small metal orb that might be the only way to know where we are. I press down on the small circle at the top and a hologram screen appears. 88873520 is the dimension number of our current location. "eight eight eight seven three five two zero," I laugh as I spot Lieutenant Norman. "I don't know how I missed it," I mumble.
"Yes, we have been sucked in by a rift." Lieutenant Norman started. "The mana in this world is too unstable for us to return, however, we may be able to acquire a stabilizing agent."
"What are the odds?" I ask simply.
"37% based on the last scan we did."
"You are quite resourceful," I compliment.
"Thank you. And with all due respect, Commander, you may want to consult a mirror soon."
"The feedback is appreciated. As you were, Lieutenant," I dismiss.
I make my way back into the tent, which I've noticed that the interior is larger than most others even though the exterior of each tent looks the same. A mirror is hung on one of the supporting posts and I find myself more than just a little disheveled. My long black curls decorated with dark green highlights are frizzy and the gel keeping my hair in place has dried up and become little white specs that resemble dandruff. I immediately reach for the small pocket-sized book on my utility belt and, on a blank page, write out tub of water, shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, coconut oil, mousse, gel. The items appear on the dresser not even two steps away.
I lather my hair with shampoo and rinse about five times before I'm satisfied. Then, I condition and deep condition. I take my time and style my hair into six long braids that travel down my back. By the time I'm done, my hair is dry. I style my edges and apply mousse to my head. I tie down my hair and take a seat.
I relish in the brief moment of relaxation, but I know that I need more info. However, before I show my face again, I need to do my makeup. My yellow eyeliner and magenta blush might seem like much to an outsider, but at Redwood, many aspects of your life are controlled. Our appearance is one thing we take pride in.
I remove the satin wrap from my head and look at myself in the mirror. Now I am presentable. A knock at the door brings my attention away from my eyeliner.
"Commander, it's Major Webb. Is there anything you'll need?" Webb asks.
"Gather the captains," I reply. "I need more info."
"Yes, ma'am."
