Two wolves sat in a shelter, the first was complaining of his inability to catch a prey, saying that it was unfair, that despite doing his best and trying hard to bring food to the pack only failure had been brought to him. The second wolf was observing the first with worry, after a while he said that maybe trying hard wasn't what would bring you food, that maybe he should try thinking of another way if this one wasn't fit for him. Those word angered the first, he started yelling about how each great hunter before him had hunted the same way, using their senses and natural ability, if he were to do things otherwise he would never be able the see himself as a true wolf.

The second wasn't convinced and started to talk to the other about how he would end up being hurt if continued, he said that if he wasn't gifted to be the best by doing things conventionally, he should try using tricks, traps and lies to gain food.

The first wolf stood still, for he had in fact thought about it, and a part of him genuinely believed it could work, but the rest didn't thought this sacrifice would be worth it, in his mind he saw the faces of his pack after seeing what he had done, this wasn't how he wanted to be remember.

He had made his choice, he had chosen to stand his ground, he wouldn't make such a sacrifice, he wanted to achieve his goals and be able to look back proudly, without shame of what he had to do to get there.

This made the second wolf angry, he started yelling about how this behavior would only get him killed, that he would end up leaving them all. But the first wouldn't listen, he yelled back, insults were thrown around and soon enough they threw themselves at the other in a bestial fury, claw met fur, tooth met flesh. And when this wave of violence finally stopped, only one was left standing in a pool of blood.

Griza was lost in her thoughts, trying to remember the dream she had last night. After a few moments of failing to do so she decided to go, something had to be done. Sometime later she entered a white room with only one occupier, who was currently looking through the window. He didn't seem to notice her presence, she slowly walked right next to him before patting his shoulder.

"Hi James" She said in a timid voice.

"Oh sorry, I didn't notice you miss... I don't believe I know your name, may you tell me?"

"Name's Griza, how's your injury?"

"The doctor said I should be fully operational within one week, but I will need a prothesis for my forearm, wich is probably going to take longer."

"I see."

An awkward silence settled between them, no one knowing what to say, at least until Griza reminded herself of something.

"I just remembered, the sergeant told me to tell you that what you did was pretty stupid. He also told me that you've been promoted, me too actually, we're both officer cadet now."

"That's good, now my father may be less angry at me for losing half my arm, I guess being reckless isn't that bad if they reward you for it. I just hope I won't have to lose a body part for all my promotions" He said slightly chuckling at the last part.

She was somewhat giggling at his attempt at humor but the stump that was his right arm kept distracting her.

"What do you intend to become in the army ?" Continued Ironwood.

"What do you mean by that ? I joined the army because it was my only choice, I wasn't really looking far into the future"

"Oh I see... I wasn't expecting this. Well to put it simply when you are in the army you have the option the become a specialist if your scores are good enough, alternatively you can stick to this part of the army and if you are promoted to Captain or higher your aura will be awakened and you will be given basic specialist training, there's another branch for the military specialists, nothing to do with the ones with aura. Military specialists are engineers, scouts, artillerymen, etc... The necessary studies are paid by the government so if you want to live most of your life in a safe environment it's probably the best place."

Griza was completely lost and thus asked the only logical question in this kind of situation.

"What are you going to do ?"

"Well I intend to pass the test to become a specialist, complete my specialist training, maybe do a few missions and then go back to the army, thanks to my specialist status I should be able to get a high ranking position in it."

"You seem to have put a lot of thoughts into it" Responded Griza.

"Of course I would, we're talking about your future here, you're supposed to take it seriously" Said James in a tired voice.

Silence was again the only sound between them, Griza was thinking about what James just said, and after a few minutes she finally had an answer.

" I think I want to be a specialist, I wish to be able to defend myself and I'm not feeling ready to be responsible for someone else."

"So it seem we will be together for a while, assuming we both pass the test of course."

"Yeah you're right, it's getting late I should be heading back to the barrack or the sergeant will kick my ass." She said while standing up and leaving.

But just before she passed the door, she turned around to say: "And thank you for saving me"

So to start with James won't have the same semblance as in canon and it's absence will have huge effects on the story.

As for his complicated career choice I did to have a comprehensive reason as to why he was both Headmaster and General in canon.

Griza's dreams may or may not predict the future. This one was very different from the last ones and I hope it wasn't too long.

The army rank are British

What is sleep ?

If some of you are interested this fic's title comes from a famous quote of Bismarck: "The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood."