I had just enough with this idle morons, who exactly do they think they are… I rush towards the problem class of Lanseal, Class G.
When I arrive I saw the most disorganized classroom that I have ever seen. Violations left and right! This is the last straw! As I violently slam my hand on the board catching everyone's attention.
"This pristine academy has ill use for useless groups of failures such as yourselves!"
"Ohhh my, you're the girl from yesterday" he said with a pompous smile "I'm Avan Hardins, I'm in class G, starting today."
And here I am getting my hopes up… "And another misfit joins this pathetic little club, brilliant!" I'm starting to pity this whole class but introduction is need for the newcomers.
"I am Juliana Everhart, chair of Class A, finest and most competent class at Lanseal, we represent what Lanseal stands for, and all the other class represent what Lanseal stand for, ALL, except for, all of you!"
"Your class is a sort of landfill for those with abysmal score's and performance, I can't help but pity all of you." At this rate all of them would be killed or worse...
"Hey, what's your deal?" The red haired protested.
"It's the unalloyed truth. Most of you have been in this school for a few months, and yet you can't PRODUCE a single! Class chair! All the other class have already chosen their respective class chair, FROM DAY ONE!"
Have this lot forgotten that we are in a civil war that we are the only thing separating the rebels from the civilian population "Your sustained presence at this prestigious institution is both a shame and a hazard! Not just to me, not even to Lanseal but to the whole of southern Gallia!"
Things need to be restructured "I put it to you rejects! Is there not a single volunteer for class chair?" As I gauge their response, it's an utter dismay. "H-hmph. Not a single one! Y-you see? Just as I said you all reek of cowardice and incompetence."
"HERE!" Just when hope seems lost I heard a voice of a girl, but to my disappointment she raise a hand. She raised the hand of the person besides her.
Lanseal students have pride themselves with their ability to take the initiative and take responsibility for any course of action.
And as expected the young Hardins is confused at this strange turn of events if you looked at it in a certain way it's a comedy "Ridiculous. It's painfully obvious that you don't have what it takes, especially someone who can't follow a simple uniform regulation."
"What? What's your problem talking down to everybody like you own the place?"
"Perhaps, I do." I sigh again at this point I have lost count "The problem is your class itself, have you seen the casualty ratio of this whole class. It's three class combined for a period of one month!"
"Fuck it! Fine you want a Class Chair? Fine! I'll fucking do it!"
Finally! But I highly doubt he can enforce rules much less follow it. Still it's better than nothing. "Good, however you'll need some qualities that would make you an, elite."
"There are a few things more pathetic than the pedigree of a, self-styled elite."
I turned to my left "I'll hold my tongue if I we're you, Darcsen" I don't recognize him, a new student perhaps and a Darcsen to booth; just how many are they going to put here just for appearance sake.
"What's going on here? Even you lot don't usually make this much noise."
"Brixham!" the young Hardin's shouted.
"It's Professor Brixham, Avan." He then looks at my direction "Perfect timing, Juliana. The headmaster has summoned you; it has something to do regarding your recommendations."
At last we can finally put an end to this travesty "Understood Sir" I bow "if you'll excuse me." As the bell started ringing signalling for class to start, I headed straight to the headmaster office. Once at its door; I fix my uniform, knock and enter.
I step forward and salute. There he was sitting reading my paper "Miss Evarhart, I'm sure you already know why you're summoned."
"Yes sir, I've been brief by Professor Brixham."
"Good, since its class hour I'll get straight to the point" he put the paper down and push it aside "Regarding your proposal of putting Class G on indefinite standby, I'm afraid I have to reject it, we are in hard times and will need all the help we could get and as for your appeal in the new mailing policy, rejected for a different reason."
You can't be serious "Forgive me sir but… Class G is more of a liability, they are far too disorganized and the possible security risk with the new policy…"
"Even so Miss Evanhart, orders from the Archduchess herself, there's little I could do."
There has to be more than that, I step closer until I'm at the desk "Then sir why? Why is her highness admitting so many Darcsen and civilians, who frankly has no business in the military, into Lanseal?"
I decided to push the issue even more "And why did we allow an Imperial, to join the only military academy in all of Gallia?"
The headmaster stand from his seat and with a solemn voice said "Politics, the entirety of Class G is nothing but a big propaganda."
I was shock surely this has to be misunderstanding and surely we're not sending them just to get an image or message across.
"Miss Evanhart, what I will say will not leave this room" and with a serious tone he continues "I'm sure you have noticed the increasing number of scouted civilian and applicants… I'm sure you have also notice the Darcsen presence in the academy as of late. Those are not coincidence."
"She for all her, 'eternal wisdom' envisioned a world of coexistence and she started it here, in the only Military Academy in Gallia."
He chuckles "the image of racial tension in a classroom sure is… quite a view." He moves towards a detailed map of Gallia "In her defence, she ordered it way before her revelation as a darcsen… way before the civil war."
We both gaze at the Gallian Flag in the corner "You know full well what the implication will be if the whole of Class G is disbanded. To offset this, we put some gifted student and applicants in the mix. I have also taken the liberty of putting them all in one Class as to not hamper the overall performance."
That answers most of it but… "I see, but what about the Imperial?" There was a heavy silence.
"The Archduchess wishes to established greater relation with the Empire… That is all I'm gonna say. You are dismissed, oh and Juliana not a word."
I saluted and leave; it was a silent walk back to my classroom with each step feeling a bit heavier I contemplated and come to a conclusion as I open the door gazing at my fellow student.
"If Class G is a collection herded sheep, then Class A will have- no it must be a pride of Lion, such is the burden of an, elite such as ourselves! You're all gonna carry that weight."
-C G-
And with that Brixham class has finally finished, I wonder what the next class will be?
"A moment please, Hardins."
Well another girl approaches me and she's not alone "Yes? And you are?"
"I'm Franca Martin. I still haven't accepted you as class chair. But I thought I still ought to introduce the class shock troopers."
And so begins the introduction, yey.
"Anisette Nelson, shining star in the night sky of Lanseal, darling! I'm content to welcome you into my horde of adoring fans." Well she sure is charming, Nelson? Where have I heard that?
"Good day to you. My name is Marion Siegbahn, I trust we get along famously." Well she sure is proper. And the next is…
Well he sure is quiet, a shy type perhaps. Well either way I have to start somehow "So, are you one of-" and with a grunt he just turns and leaves. Fucking prick! With your fucking twig!
"And there he goes. That was typical Erik. Erik Kampmann. He can't even spell the word teamwork, and he's always getting in fights." Anisette said.
Is that so, I think I just found my friend "All right, I can work with that, I guess."
Martin once again speaks "Well that's most of us, however I heard a new guy is also joining us. I leave that to your discretion"
"Heh, leave it to me, and I'll leave the fire fights to you." And with that introduction I've officially meet the shock corps.
When the next class was finally over and it's our break, I watch as the class dispersed in different groups. After much contemplation I decided to tail the group heading towards the courtyard. Well time to meet the others.
"Ugh, fucking lost again. This stupid campus is way too big!"
"Yo, Avan! What's up, man?"
A new friend with a silly hat makes the first move. "Hey, you guys are from my class. You're… who are you again?"
"Ouch, man! Whatever happed to brother in arms, bro? Anyway I'm Joachim Osen, man! And these guys here are all Class G's armoured techs." He starts to scratch his head "Well most of us, except for Jamil just came last month…"
Next one is a man overly fixing himself "Um, I… I'm Morris. Lling. I'm Morris Lling. It'd be great if you can remember me, or at least just the name." So this guy is the low confidence kind of dude ehh.
Next is… WTF is that hair "I'm Alexis Hilden. I'm here to fight for mother Gallia and her leader. I look forward to seeing you prove yourself worthy of command."
"First off I think you're a girl. I honestly don't know. I'm trying to pick up on body language… your flat… but your voice can go either way, your confusing the shit out of me and junior."
Well he/she looks stunned or disgusted, anyway fight for mother Gallia huh that what he used to say.
Moving past that Issue, oh yeah last is a girl "I am Mischlitt. Pay no mind to me… I'm a Darcsen." Another four-eyed Darcsen is that in demand now days?
"Well that's most of us; do try to remember us next time, man!"
"Hah, I think I got it. Thanks for the intros. It's good to meet you!" and with that over the bells once again rang, guess I'll continue this meet and greet later on.
And it couldn't have come any sooner, the next class require us to go to the grounds and there I notice another group come a bit closer and "Dang son! The drill ground is huge. Hm? Isn't that…?"
"Yo, Avan! Used to campus life yet?"
Dang son that man is huge "Getting there! You guys are all in my class, right?"
"Here, I'll introduce you. These gals are Class G's lancers." What a lucky day a big man is introducing me to three girls.
"My name's Reiner Tristan. I enlisted to keep the folks back home safe."
"I'm Rene Randall, sport nut! I want this war to end so we can all get back to playing ball already." Well you can play my ball already and give you a serious nut. FUCK I'm going to hell.
Why does she have a beret? "I'm Noel Willoch, and making a name for myself, as a soldier is my dream. I look forward to serving you!"
Oh damn she's beautiful "Coleen Celsius here. I'm glad our little family's grown. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always around." I wonder if she can call me daddy… FUCKING STOP IT AVAN. Remember a stiff dick has no conscience… thanks for that hard advice Leon.
"Well that's most of us, oh yeah there is still the guy named Vario. He's probably chasing some Gals." Reiner said.
"Good to know. And good to know you guys have my corner!" and with that class resumed as normal however I notice another group detach itself so like a sane man I followed suit.
"Wow, the academy's got its own entire hospital." It's ten times bigger than the one in Mellvere.
"Mm? Hey, it's the new kid. Over here, Avan!" interaction continues.
"Yo! You guys are, er…"
He laughs "I guess it's early to have the whole class's name memorize yet. We are Class G's engineers." He goes for a handshake. I like this group.
"My name is Randy Hamsun. I'm just relieved to have the class chair decided. I looked forward to great things from you, Avan!" and as we shake hands I felt a bit of extra pressure, I have a strange hunch.
Next is… whoa this man is a contender for Reiner I wonder if the two fight who would win "I-I'm Raymond Moen, I-I'll try my best not to get in the way!"
"Okay, I'm Sofia Collins. And I have to say, I'm not impressed. Hayseeds like you aren't my type." After observing her secretly I can proudly say
"Feeling's mutual."
Next another Darcsen but hey she doesn't have any glasses "What, me? I… I'm… I can't, he's scary." She then covers her face with a book and run toward the sunset.
"Ha ha! Poor Magari is terribly shy, but she'll warm up to you soon."
Nice save Randy. "I sure hope so, because that was more than a little awkward."
"I guess you can consider us as your support team."
"I'll bank on that! Thanks in advance for keeping us alive!" and with that I continue wondering in Lanseal until another sound of bells rang meaning my best subject has started, Lunch."
When I enter the school's mess hall the scent of fried rice and sausage filled the room "So this is the Mess Hall, it's big and damn I'm hungry."
"Ooh! You're the new-kid-cum-class-chair. Perfect timing, dude! We were just starting to have a scout meeting… I don't think we've been properly introduced yet, dude. I'm Lanseal's top scoop hunter, Lotte Netzel! Whatever there's news, there's Netzel! I'm currently searching for Lanseal's forgotten star, Kurt Irving and his untimely disappearance."
First she's a fast talker, second she could be useful and third who? Anyway perfect timing dude.
"I'm Nichol… Nichol Martin. Um …My sister is a shock trooper here, too. Nice to meet you…" Okay… I guess.
"Helmut Bourdais, the thought of serving under your command is… Bah." Someone's getting sent in the frontline.
"I'm Melissa Dalen. Hee hee… Your back's wide open, Hardins. You could get shot…" the fuck men that's creepy and intriguing…
"Don't let her get to you, dude. That's just her way of saying hi."
"I'll remember that. I think. It's good to know that I've got you guys with me!" Well in front of me, that is.
And with that the interaction with the whole class is complete I better move along then. As I was about to order something I notice a red haired with an eye patch. "Hey, is that our other lancer. Vario, I think it was."
"Hey there, little kitten. Care to ride to heavens on the wings of my angelic voice?" Wait its Franca is he hitting on her. Damn the balls of this man, mad respect bro.
"Huh? Get real, jerk!" she turns and leaves, good attempt though.
"You're breaking my heart, baby. Why are my fans all so temperamen—Nn? Oh Yo, Avan! Need something from Mr. Vario Kraatz?"
At least he has confidence "Uh, not really?"
"Hahaha! Here to request a special number, huh? Alright, shy guy! You just have to ask, cat!" The only special number I want is the three size of a girl. Speaking of a girl Coleen and Marion arrives at the mess hall.
"Sorry, Avan! I, uh… just remembered something I gotta do!" he said while sprinting to the two girls "Hey there little kittens." Well good luck Coleen, Marion he's your problem now.
Vario has officially violated the bro code… bro's before hoes, your dead to me Vario! Anyway I better eat before more shenanigans ensue. After eating to my heart's content I was called by Brixham to welcome another member of Class G.
When I arrive at the meeting place, which is the gate of the Academy. I meet a rather eccentric individual; guess that's him, Nahum, let's say hello "Yo! You're the new trooper we got, right? Er… Nate?"
"How is it a page has forgotten his master's name? Preposterous! I am Nahum Dryer! Don't forget it again, page."
What the fuck? I'm pretty sure I only swear allegiance in the head-honcho of Gallia not this cunt "Uhh… Who died and made you the king?"
"My father is still alive and well, you scamp! I remain but a prince." And it should stay that way… forever.
"I… I see."
"No matter, it falls upon those in power to train their staff, however dim. Well begin immediately. I have a task for you." He handed me a paper and goddamn the paper looks and smells expensive "This list contains all of the items I will require as a student. Gather them at once, and deliver them to my quarters. Chop chop!"
"Hey, wait! I'm not… Ugh, what's even on this list?" as I slowly read what's in the paper "Silk pyjamas… Cashmere rug… Three Gallian beauties?! I realize "None of those even have anything to do with being a student!" When did people become so arrogant that they started to think their royalty?
Moving on, I continue my day let Nahum be damned. I decided to just explore and somehow by the valkyur miracle I'd find Jamill… And what do you know I found him near the old castle like structure, my work is never finished god must really hate my hubris.
"Hey, you're new, right?" he started "I'm Jamill Caines." He said rolling the dice, what's that supposed to mean? I guess I can call him a, high roller. That's both lame and stupid.
"Right, I remember. So, what brings you back here?"
"That building looks like it's been around a while." What lead you to that conclusion Sherlock?
"Yeah, it's like a castle. It's supposed to be super old. It definitely has, uh… presence, I guess."
"Presence, huh? Seeing presence or authority in age is the mark of the young, boy. There's no meaning in something being old. In building, or people, it just means they missed their cue to die, and now they're hanging on."
"What?" I didn't know he was such a pessimist.
"Well, the dice tell me it's time to move on. I'll see you around, boy." And with that he leaves, the fuck that guys deal?
The bells of Lanseal rang again, and with that the signal to return back. As the afternoon class begin so is our real drill exercise. And by that I mean a combat exercise, since I was the class chair I have to go and manage the whole show.
Giving orders, handing out equipment, making sure everyone is in-formation etc. You know it would probably be helpful if they would cooperate. But nooo! They either refuse orders or just ignore it, that's when I finally realize why no-one wanted to be class chair and why that Juliana whatever might be right all along.
Anyway back on topic we were thought basic training and before we knew it class is over and we all returned back to our dorm.
Alright first impression on the day was… You know it's bad when a town watch are better organized than this lot! I'm not saying there bad, I saying there horrible. To be fair the town-watch is better organize and teamwork because we knew and trust one another and the fact that we are fighting to defend our town. But still this is the Lanseal Academy the same one my brother use to go through.
I sigh. A different approach in needed and I knew just the trick. For now I'm tired, oh before that need to read the Leon Files.
A new day has dawned; I eat my breakfast, change my cloths and read the Leon Files. I immediately set out into the classroom, greeting everyone I saw. I reported to Brixham, told to check up on the R&D building and head to the Drill Ground for a day long maneuverer.
And when I enter the R&D building the tune drop of a wrench and a woman gasp where the first to welcome me "L-leon?!" and right of the bat wrong name and wrong person lady, the woman recomposed herself and our proper introduction began.
She introduces herself as Lavinia. With that I leave the R&D building but I swore that woman is kinda disappointed and sad.
That's about it really truth be told I'm more intrigue about the woman who is in the picture in one of Leon's Stuff. "You're one hell of a Casanova, bro!"
When I made it to the Drill Ground, everyone is already getting ready for the day long maneuverer and exercise. I reported to the Drill Instructor immediately "Good, you're here!" and with those word the day exercise began and by noon a skirmish drill.
As I once again head back to my room I muse at today's activity. To be honest their not 'that' bad… really, sure they are too disorganized, do things on their own and has no concept of teamwork.
I smiled knowing that my little plan would and will work. I then pulled the Leon Files and read the first paragraph "divide and conquer the oldest trick in the book."
I then took a piece of paper and wrote the schedule of the class and what follows is one week of 'setting up'. And on the start of the second week it officially begins.
After sleeping through Brixham lecture, I was woken up by Nahum.
"Oh, page!" he started
On cue "Mmmmzzzz… I couldn't eat another bite…"
"Page! You will respond immediately when called!" he carries on throwing a chalk board eraser on my expose face.
"Bwaugh?! Hrngh, cough! Wh-what the fuck are you doing, man?!" I started to wipe the fucking chalk in my face.
"What manner of manservant ignores his master's call? You're a terrible page."
"So you threw a chalkboard eraser at my face?! And wait, when exactly did I become your page?" Wait would I become a knight?
"Don't be foolish. You're the one responsible for managing my subject here."
"…How?"
"Well, no matter. I'll let it slide this once. You may thank me at any time. Henceforth, however, you will respond within one second of my call. Clear?" And with that he leaves.
"Ooh, looks like you just got hit by that royal tool too, chief."
First off where the fuck did you come from? "Hey, Lotte. What do you mean royal tool?"
"That dude just now, the new kid, Nahum Dryer. He's a prince from the Kingdom of Dryer. They're an allied state."
Well what the fuck do you know he's not so delusional after all "Wait, he's an actual fucking prince?! What's a guy like that doing here?"
"Word is the king had him thrown in here by force."
"The King? meaning his dad?" If it we're me I'd shot him there and then.
"Over in Dryer, the princes take a lot of political responsibility as adults. But word is our prince here is just about of age and still a total tool. The king got desperate and sent him here to grow up a little. So I hear, anyway."
"That's crazy! We've actually got a prince charming in our class! Too bad he's shit." Oh Anisette decides to join in probably wanting to vent some anger.
"Oooh, it makes me seethe! I don't care if he IS a prince!"
You can say that again "What's wrong, Anisette?"
"What's wrong? What's wrong?! Nahum Dryer! That's what's wrong! We're changing classrooms, and he demands I carry his bag and fetch him a drink! EEEEEagh! Just remembering it now has my blood boiling, darlings!"
"Ha takes the spoiled brat thing to an epic level, doesn't he?" Lotte says.
"Hmm, I'd better try and do something before we kill a foreign head of state." Please don't take this out of context.
When it was finally our break I immediately headed to the mess hall. After eating for a few minutes a guy came and handed me a piece of paper, a letter. I then stood and leave.
Looking at the clock I notice I'm gonna be late for my next appointment so I run as fast as possible behind the school. There I go to my secluded sleeping area and naps until my favourite subject, Lunch.
"Snrrrkt… Zzzzz… nyup nyup… No, I… couldn't possibly… eat the whole thing…"
The sound of training disturb my sleep "HraaAAAH! Hrnph! Again! HraaAAAAAHH"
"Dah?! Wh-what gives?! Who's attacking?!" I then rush towards the cause of the noise.
"Reiner! What are you doing, man?"
"Hm? I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing in the bushes, Avan?"
"Uh… Catching a nap?" obviously what else could I be doing?
"Ha ha ha! So that's why you're gone two hours, I should have guessed! I was just working out. Every little bit of strength training counts."
"Wow, you train over your lunch break?"
"Sure. I'm in no shape to beat the rebels just yet."
"You looked pretty ripped to me. Were you scouted for those muscles?" Raymond vs Reiner I gotta make that happened. One day!
"No, I applied here. My town was rich in ragnite ore. Every time a war broke out, it'd be among the first spots to get hit. This time around, it cost me one of my best friends." he then pulled a picture from his pocket "I want to keep my home and family safe from war. That's why I'm here."
"Sorry about your friend. I can relate to worrying about your home, though." I wonder how's Mom, Pete and everyone's doing back home at Mellvere.
"Oh, I'm not too worried. My closest friend stayed to hold down the fort. We swore at each other we'd fight for peace in Gallia, for our town."
"Nice. What's your friend like?" is he also as buffed as Reiner, oh can I have a battle royal?
"His name's Sigrid. He's smart, unlike me. Real good on his feet, knowing he's keeping our home safe lets me fight with a clear head here. This means I've got no excuse not to work as hard as I can! My job is now to beat the rebels and win back peace for everybody."
"You're really into it huh? Don't get me wrong, I like that in a guy! No-homo."
"Ha ha! Sure, Avan!"
"I get you about having no excuse not to work harder. I should, too!" Real HARD!
"Ha ha ha! I'll count on that, Mr. Chair!"
I bid my farewell and headed into the EC room it has one occupant namely Marion. After pulling one of the buttons in my uniform I entered.
She's once again operating one of those sewing machines "Hey there, Marion. Watcha working there? It looks pretty intense."
"Oh, good day, Avan. How nice to see you. This is just some simple lace work. I'm knitting a gift for my mother."
"Wow, didn't know you had such girly hobbies. I'm really impressed!" not even gonna add a girl joke…
"Hee hee. Well, I am a girl, after all. We have been known to act girly. You always make the most unexpected observations, Avan. It's sweet."
"Yeah? I've just never seen anybody make lace before, that's all." Though I've seen them practice.
"I only know what I learned from my mother. I fear my work is a poor example… Oh, goodness. It looks as though that button is coming loose, Avan. Shall I reattach it for you?"
Oh free service "Wow, you don't mind? Yeah, that'd be grea—" FUCKING SHIT BRO!
"ME TOO! ME! OHHH, ME! Can you fix my shirt for me too, Marion? Please?"
"Gah! Joachim?! What gives, man?"
"No fair hogging her all to yourself, Avan. Remember the bro code."
"What?! For one thing, you're crazy and for another, I'm so fucking not!" besides you're the one who broke the code, Never cock-block another man unless his you're father.
"Hee hee hee. Watching you two is more fun than a day at the theatre."
Joachims expression changes "Hey Marion, you look a little under the weather. Are you feeling okay?" and it reverts back "If you ever need anything, I'll be your Knight in shining armour! Just ask!"
"Er, I'd watch out for this guy if I were you, Marion. It sounds like he just wants to play a game of doctor." Also fuck you and your hat.
"That's not what I meant! Do you think Marion LIKES being forced into combat? Hello? Beautiful heiress to a historied house, pure and fragile like a lily! She wouldn't kill a fly! And you expect her to be fine out in the field?!"
Yeah right… wait if that's the case WTF is she doing in the only Military School in Gallia?
"It… really isn't all that bad, actually…" Something's fishy; no it's not her pussy.
"So, did you get scouted before coming here, Marion?"
"Oh, no, I applied. Father consented when I explain it was for Gallia."
"Aaaaah! Listen to you! You're too perfect, which is exactly what I expect!" Joachim says with a star in his eyes.
"Well, if you DO have any trouble, let me know. We'll figure it out." Heh we…
"A-All right, I will… thank you." If you'll excuse me, I should probably be going. Good day, gentlemen." She bows and leaves.
"Man, is she cute or what?"
"FUCK YOU… Ah! I never got that button fixed! Thanks a lot, Joachim."
"Sure thing bro… BTW, cutting two hours of class just for Marion is quite something, oh and that self-sabotage…"
"Shut up!" I'll leave it to his imagination.
And with that I the bell once again ring, as I enter the classroom I was called into the office… teacher's office. Once there I got berated, hard, by our music teacher… whatever her name is.
"Ugh, I'm sure he's there somewhere… remedial music lesson." As I got close to the place I heard Vario's singing voice. And after confirming its Vario I continue.
"It IS Vario. YO! Hey, Vario! Shut up a sec, will ya?"
"Laa… nh? Oh, hey, Avan. Come here to listen to me belt one out?"
Well yes but actually no "Get real! And what are you doing in here caterwauling at full blast?"
"What, don't you know who I am?! Cat, I'm one of Gallia's brightest rising music sensation, Vario Kraatz! Hayseeds like you may not have gotten the memo yet, but I'm going major."
You're only a singing sensation to deaf people "Wow, so you're going to go tour and all that?"
"You know it, baby! Amazing right? Or I WOULD be, if only! If only, man! When I got dragged here to Lanseal, that record deal dried up! Fame's a harsh mistress, but this is just unfair. I'm not even famous yet!"
"So, basically, you're NOT going major or touring."
"This reminds me! I've got something else to add to that list, Mr. Chair I'm not doing any class related stuff here. Not one bit! You dig it, man?"
I guess I'll add inadequate "What?! No!"
"It's only fair, cat! Who's dumb enough to sweat for a place he got forced into? Aaaaahh! Even thinking about it gets me steamed! Only thing for it is sing it out! You're here to hear me, right?"
Well yes but actually no "Not especially."
"No need to be shy! I can see you're nauseous with need for my rock!" oh no I'm captured "Well, it's your lucky day, cat! Just try not to swoon on me, baby!"
I attend eon's worth of singing and where the fuck is the teacher… "Ugh, fucking finally…"
"So, what'd you think? So numb and tingly you can't move an inch?"
"No, I'm just too exhausted to stand up."
"Yeah, fair enough, I'm not singing for anybody but me here!"
"Oh, good, you're both here. Let's get started on your extra lessons." For once I'm actually glad the teachers here!
Scrap that "What?! You're in remedial music, too?!"
"I told you, man. Philistines!" and so our friendship begins…
After that shit, I decided to move on with my life I headed to the grounds and saw everyone. After finding the person of interest I prepared the letter and approach Magari.
"And Magari is… Ah! There you are. Hey, do you have a second?"
"What is it?"
"Some guy asked me to give you this letter. I think he's from Class C. Anyway, give it a read."
"I don't want it. I'm sorry, but please take it back to him."
Oh no you don't "Aw, don't be like that! Just read it, would you?"
"I can't. Please, Avan. Just return it to him." She says while backing away.
I stepped closer "You should have seen the guy's face. He was super serious. At least just—k"
And I was hit by a fucking ball… BULL FUCKING SHIT "Somebody's got nerve, kicking a ball in my face. Okay, who of you MOTHER FUCKERS was it?"
"You're the one with the nerve, putting the moves on Magari in front of me!"
Oh great! How many times am I getting cock-block "Aw, it was you, Rene? And what do you mean, 'putting the moves on Magari?'"
"What do you think I mean?! You're pressing her, she's obviously upset!"
"I'm not pressing her; I'm just trying to get her to take this fucking letter!"
"That's pressing her, tool! And I don't take kindly to guys who harass her!"
On a side note why do you people say tool? And on a much pressing concern "Stop! Gah! Put the fucking ball down! Would you FUCKING LISTEN?!"
Never would I thought the time I would receive a ball kicking would be in the open grounds… anyways after that whole fiasco I somehow manage to talk things through with the help of Magari.
"Avan, I am so sorry! I kind of jumped to conclusion there. But can you blame me? I mean, just look at how cute she is! There's no end to guys slobbering over her. I kinda assumed…"
No offense but I don't have any Darcsen fetish, wait is that racist? "Eh, it's fine. You did it to help her out, right?"
"Right! You really wouldn't believe just how persistent some guys are."
Tell me about it "And you've made it your job to swat down flies?"
"Magari and I have been friends since forever. I can't help myself."
"Rene is nice to me, even though I'm a Darcsen. I'm very grateful. She's strong, and dependable… I really love her."
"H-Hey, now! You're making me blush here! Ha ha ha ha!"
Hmmmm… Change of plans "You guys weren't kidding about being close friends. Oh, and I wanted to ask. You've been playing soccer for a while, right?"
"Huh? Since forever! How did you know?"
"It takes some serious technique to hit a guy in the face from that distance. We should play a pick-up game sometime. You'd give me a run for my money."
"HA HA HA! You're the first boy brave enough to challenge me! You've got yourself a game! Just name your time."
I schedule for a match tomorrow and after she agrees we shake hands. Our chat was then interrupted by the Drill Instructor who orders us to change to our battle dress.
"Form up two teams! We'll run a mock battle today!" he then split us randomly into two groups "Hardins, Zeri, you're the team captains. Now, get started!"
"Hope you're ready to lose, Zeri!" alright time to show some magic.
"Hmph. I'll just sit back and let you sink yourself."
The two side ready at their respected location, waiting to begin. And when I look at the azure sky I saw a crimson flare.
"ALRIGHT BOYS LETS DO THIS! FORWARD!" I shouted to the top of my lungs, my blood is getting pump up. This is the time to show the Hardins Battle style!
"Um, Avan? Do you have a minute?"
"What is it, Morris? I'm kind of busy here!" seriously I'm about to surprise everybody.
"J-Jamill refuses to leave base camp. He won't listen to any of us. He says he only listen to the dice…"
OH FOR THE LOVE OF FUCKING "Dice? He actually brought dice to a combat FUCKING exercise?! WHAT THE FUCK IS HE THINGKING?" what's next a board game?
I order all force to halt and put Morris in charge. I have to discipline a certain CUNT here.
"… Snake eyes again. Better stay put a bit longer."
"What the fuck, Jamill?"
"Hey there, boy. Where's the fire?"
I'll give you Napalm if you want "It's about to come down on us, and you're just sitting there!"
"I'm getting nothing but bad rolls, kid. I'll just cool my heels here."
"What do you mean, 'bad rolls'?" he doesn't mean it literally right?
He proceeds to roll some dice.
He does "Yeah, Morris mentioned it. Look, I don't know what you're deal is, but—"
"I only trust the dice. They tell me where to go, and I listen."
What are you a piece on snake and ladder? "Well, now I'M telling you where to go. We've gotta hit their base!"
Again he rolls his dice "… You come up snake eyes, boy. I'm not in the business of telling folks what to do, but I'd move."
"Ugh, I don't even know what you're talking about! What do dice have to do—?"
"You're wide open, darling! Take this!"
"The fuck?!"
The sound of rattles and gunshot soon answered my question and with it the declaration of the victor.
"That does it, maggots! Zeri's team takes it!"
"Hee hee! I bagged us a big one!"
"It's hard to feel good about winning when it's this easy. What kind of commander leaves in the middle of combat? Seriously Avan, do you think you could at least TRY next time?"
"Fuck you, Zeri you got lucky this time… and also FUCK YOU JAMILL!"
"I told you, didn't I?"
FUCK YOU and my LUCK "What? This has nothing to do with that! I didn't buy that BS for a second!"
The Drill Instructor dismissed us for the day. Everyone returned back to their dorm… well everyone but me as I still has some shit to do. I report again to Brixham and collected activity reports and made my way towards the Student Council room.
"Yo. I'm here with the class activity reports for the week." There he was Randy with his friendly face.
"Oh, hello, Avan. Sorry for the trouble."
"Mm? Hey, you're Randy, right? What brings you here?"
"What do you mean? I'm on the student union board."
"Hey VP. This brings us down to two classes left."
There sure is a lot of Class A in here "VP?"
"What, are you new here? Randy here is student union vice president."
"WoW, I didn't know that. But, uh, isn't it usually the president's job to manage the paperwork? Her badge says secretary. Where's the president?"
"He's… Well, that's something of a long story."
"The president stopped coming about two months ago. He said he'd sooner eat glass than come back. Really, I'm disappointed." The secretary girl from Class A says so.
"Oh, I'm sure he has his reason. Try not to judge him too harshly for it."
"Eh, we get by, thanks to Randy. He's a shoo-in for Big P in the next election. Then student council will finally be back to normal. Plus we all love Randy!"
"Ha ha! I'll try my best not to let you guys down."
Big P in the next erection eh… I should give this a shot… "Well, I should get back to the classroom, guys. See you around!"
"Sounds good, Avan, and thanks again for bringing those papers by."
I leave the student council room and walk towards the dorm when I realized I forgot to turn the form too. I rushed back and behold
"Sorry, Randy! There's one more paper I—Huh? Somebody's sitting in the president's chair, but they said…" Who am I kidding?
"Heh heh heh… I made damn sure the office of president opened up. Now I just have to wait for the next election, and all of Lanseal will be mine!"
"Yo, Randy? What were you talking about just now?"
"You heard, did you? …No matter. You were beginning to be a nuisance yourself."
"What the fuck! Discount Light." I'm about to show this blonde bimbo who's the real Big Boss.
"Hey, VP. I got those last two classes report."
"Oh, wonderful! Would you do me a favour and show Avan out, please? Thank you again for your help, Avan. I'll see you tomorrow in class."
I was politely escorted out of the room "Those eyes… I'll just say I'm imagined the whole thing… Yeah let's go with that." So I headed to my room.
Today sucks; guess I'll make up for it tomorrow. I open the Leon Files and study, if I perfect the exam I'm sure that would salvage the whole week… After what seems like hours, I finally hit the bed and sleep. The next morning still cold because of the hail last night, I rushed to the class room and saw Jamill.
Great start everybody "Yo, Jamill."
"Oh, it's you. Look like somebody's in a foul mood."
All thanks to you "Can you blame me? What was that during the mock battle the other day? We would have won, man!"
"I'm afraid not, boy. I gave it a couple rolls before we started, and none of them were good. No matter what we did we were losing."
Dice roll never determines tactics and strategy unless it's war-games "Why are you even here if you're not going to try at all?"
"I'm here because the dice pointed me here. They told me this was a fitting place to die."
Oh great "Okay, that's enough bull crap! You're not letting some fucking cheap ass toy decide THAT!"
"Simmer down there, boy. Nobody decides when or where he dies. It's all dumb luck. The unlucky die and leave the lucky ones behind to clean up. We're quick to give the credit to ourselves or the gods, but its luck."
Well what do you expect where only humans "You can't know that?! You can't know what'll happen until you try-"
"I know. I'm living proof."
"What are you—" I shouldn't have said that.
"I was a militia back in the last war. I thought I could keep my town safe. Well reality's a bear. My entire squad was wiped out by an Imperial unit clad in black, every last guy but me."
Clad in Black? "… I'm sorry to hear that, Jamill."
"It was over fast. We thought we'd won, and then the black unit came. Next thing I know, I'm the only guy standing. We were the same… There wasn't a god damn thing different about them or me... yet I-"
I already dig this far, so why not even deeper "So, what then? Did you go home after the war ended?"
"Sure. Atleast, back to the burnt patch of dirt that used to be home, back to the burnt body that used to be my friends and neighbours… Ironic, huh? I survived because I left town to try to keep it safe. In the end, it's all dumb luck, the fact that I lived. The fact that I wasn't at home to fight…"
I shouldn't have expected a happy ending to a horror story "So you gave yourself over to the dice."
"Right-o, Thinking's just a waste of time, so why not use these? You get it now, boy? The only thing separating life and death is luck. Keep thinking you're the one in control and you'll get yourself hurt." He then leaves just as when everyone started to arrive.
"Maybe so, but I can't just give up and let my life happen to me. I know you've been hurt, Jamill, but… Can you really give it all up?" I opened the Leon Files; 'If you've never really experience what they experience, who are you to tell them what to do.'
Brixham has now entered the Classroom guess I'll have to ponder this on a later date. When all of us have taken our seat so is our exam.
"All right, class. You have one hour." He says with his usual smile. Seriously if I don't know better I'd think he's high all the time.
"Oof, I don't know any of this stuff. I may as well get a nap in." I can hear a few laughs. First part is over moving to the second part. "Ow!" who the fuck throws me this paper.
"What the heck? a note? 'Look behind you'? Why, what's-?" is Zeri helping me!
"Avan! No stealing glances at Zeri's answer!"
OH SHIT IT'S A TRAP! "Gah! N-no, man, it's not what it looks like! I was just-"
Murmurs soon filled the room "Ugh, cheating?" "I've never seen anyone quite so bold about it before" "Avan, why?" "Dude to ballsy" "Sorry bro can't help you there."
"Guys, I swear! You have to believe me!" Relax damage control… Shit! Now I'm force to fail the exam altogether… FUCK YOU RANDOM PAPER THROWER!
After that the test continues like normally and when it's over I was the lectured by Brixham and as punishment I become a fucking errant boy for the whole day… Great, fucking great all that schedule… poof.
But still it's not that bad, I can use this… One of the punishments was giving out letters this give me two opportunity; I pick one and examine it.
Strange there's no sign that it was opened or inspected… just how strict is this military school? I put in back and ponder while continuing my way.
"Well, that sure is awful, nothing like a lecture and force servitude after bombing a test." I then slap my face "Well, now its lunch. I'll get there first and beg for an extra-big ass portion—"
I suddenly fall, good thing the letters joined me "Why the fuck is there a wire across the hall?! That's a lawsuit waiting to happe—" and when I tried to get up I notice a pair of legs.
"Eeeeaaggh! You Pervert!"
She not wrong not wrong per say… But that's not the point. As I look up expecting the azure sky, I saw something much better a rosy bear, followed by the girl's rushing on the scene…
"What happened? What was that scream?"
"Avan dove head-first under my skirt!" Anisette screams while trying to cover what I've already seen.
"You vile sick twisted brute beastly thing!"
"Really, Avan How base" "Men are such animals" "Oh a new exclusive" "You're one brave soldier bro!" Are just some of the kind words they spat at me…?
"It's not like that! Man, how come nobody will believe me?!" also is it my fault that her skirt is against regulation? Not that I'm against it or anything… fuck my luck and fuck you wire.
After getting the death gawk of the girls I was left there to collect the now scattered letters and wire. After that I made my way towards the mess hall with infamy.
"Come on, Avan, it's not that bad! Don't get so down over it!"
Well at least Cosette still believes in me "Just leave me alone. Nobody believes me anymore! Well, fine…"
"I should have guessed you'd be here."
Zeri sits on the same table as us, is he here to add more salt "What do you want, Zeri? Are you here to laugh at me or something?"
"Here to tell you there's someone behind your woes, Randy, on student council."
"Wait, Randy? Like, RANDY Randy?! Nicest guy at Lanseal Randy?"
"That would be the one. I sit in the last row. It gives me a perfect view."
That Yagami wannabe… "Rrgh, so he WAS scheming something! I'm gonna pound that fucking cunt!"
"Don't. Everyone loves him. If you hit him face-on, you'll only hurt yourself."
Oh he's gonna wish I hurt myself when I hit him "Okay, so what, then? I just let him do it?!"
"No, you let me. I have a plan… You just sit there and watch."
If Zeri has a plan then I better let him. After eating I give their respected letters and bid my farewell to the two and preceded towards the ground, I don't even know if she will show up after that whole debacle… and surprise, surprise they she did.
We play for haft an hour or so, before we call it a day.
"Dang, Rene. You're a pro at soccer! I'm impressed."
"You're no slouch, either. It's been forever since I had that close a match."
One of the Class A student, joined us in our chat.
"Hey, Rene! Did, uh… Did you pass along the word to Magari for me?"
"Oh, right. Yeah, I told her, but she said she doesn't want to meet up."
"Aw, even calling in favour from her best friend doesn't work?"
"Sorry, but she said no. you can't force her to like you man."
"Tch… Just because she's cute, she thinks she can snub all of us guys? We'd be doing her favour, dating a stinking darcsen."
Oh shit's about to go down.
"What was that? You want to retract that while you still have teeth? Who cares if she's a Darcsen? She's still the same Magari!"
"Oh, spare me the BS. You're just her friend so you can feel superior. You just want to look better, so you stand next to a dark-hair?"
"Ugh, you're really scum, you know that."
"What, did I hit the right nerve?! You muscle-bound bitch!"
Okay that's enough "Don't, Rene! This guy's not even worth hitting." A slap would probably be more than enough.
"Yeah, but…"
"Heh. I should've listened to the rumours about you, man-girl!"
"Man…girl?!"
"You know what people call the two of you when they see you walking together? Beauty and the Beast! The only difference is that there's no magic that will save—"
One straight jab in the pillar right next to him should shut him up "Sure pillars don't fight back. So are you after getting hit by that punch."
He runs with his tail behind his back, fucking pussy!
"Ah ah ah… Wow. That's the first time I've seen a punch leave a dent on a solid pillar. Anyway thanks for the help, Avan."
That kind of sounds different "Yeah? I don't really get a lot of stuff like that. But okay…"
"Anyway, I get where there coming from. The difference between us is light and day. She's cute and beautiful to the point of wanting to protect. Sure there are days were I feel a little pathetic compared to her."
Oh shit her confidence is broken "Rene, you're not…"
"Heh, would you listen to me? Aha aha ha ha! Sorry to be such a huge downer. Let's finished our match another day, okay? I'm gonna head back in."
That's sad… "What a bummer…"
And with that I continue with my letter delivery. Delivering it to the girls become awkward but after some talking, with Zeri's help, I convince them that it was just an unfortunate accident.
It also convinces them when Randy becomes a victim on the same wire, it's like someone reuse the same trick to get revenge…
The bells of Lanseal once again ring this time were having another Drill after finishing it, I continue with my mail duty chasing student still in my battle dress.
"Ah, there he is. Yo! Reiner! I got some mail here for you! It's a letter from home, from that friend of yours, maybe."
"Let's see… It looks like his writing all right. Yeah, it's from Sigrid." He tears it open "Hmm…, WHAT?!"
Are thing's about to get juicy? "What's wrong? What'd he say?"
"This has to be a joke. Or a mistake, or… something!"
"Whoa, man chill! Calm down. What's going on?" Oh, how I waited for this.
"Sigrid's… He joined the rebels."
The implication of this… "Are you sure?! Why?"
"He says a speech they gave in town changed his mind about them. 'The blame for this war lies with Gallia's current ruler, not the patriotic revolution. And by ousting her, we'll see Gallia transformed into a peaceful, prosperous land. As a participant in the revolution, I can be one of the men shaping Gallia for a better tomorrow. I hope you'll enlist and join me in this fight.' And it goes from there."
"They gave a speech? So that's how they're getting people to sign up!" that's got to be one hell of a speech.
"But if he's with them, that means the two of us could wind up fighting. I… Can I keep fighting the rebels like before? Can I still kill them? What if I pulled off one of their mask and found Sigrid underneath?"
"We've got to, man…" were having doubts already.
"But I can't fight him. I couldn't…"
"Pull yourself together! You're usually our gung-ho rock, man!"
"There's no way I could ever fight Sigrid."
At least it's only your friend "Of course not! You've got to talk some sense into him, not fight him! You promised each other you'd protect Gallia, right? Keep the peace? Well, I bet if he was reminded of that, he'd stop tearing Gallia apart." It feels like I'm preaching here, but I practice what I preach.
"Right… You're right. If I remind him about Elena, he'll listen."
Oh… using a girl ehhh "Elena?"
"… I'm sure he hasn't forgotten the love he felt for our home. Thanks, Avan. I'll do what I can to steer him right. And Avan, don't tell anybody about this."
"Eh? Don't they check every mail student receives?"
"Well that would be the case however the Archduchess has ordered its termination. She says 'the military shall and will not trample citizen's personal life.'"
"I see…" What the actual fuck!
And with that any suspicion that I'm being monitored vanishes. Guess that's for the better.
I continue with my mailing duty and after giving it to different student and different class, I feel exhausted it didn't help that our class is in charge of cleaning the Grounds today. Anyway I arrive and notice a commotion so the wise thing to do is watch, rest and recuperate for about 15-30 minutes.
"Come now, serfs! Surely you can work faster! We'll be here until sundown!"
"It might go faster if you helped instead of just shouting out order, moron!" Franca shouted to the royalty.
Anymore and it would be a bloodbath "Hey! Sorry, guys! I totally forgot we were on campus upkeep duty! Looks like I didn't miss much… Is there a reason it's taking so long?" and that's an understatement.
Joachim sure has a lot to say "How about his Royal Highness the refuse to help out?"
"Now you listened to me!" Franca gonna go on a rant isn't she.
But before they shout long live the king and Viva la Revolution I have to step in "All right, well, I'm here now, so let's get it done! Pass me a shovel, Noel?" hey that rhymes.
"But… you're right. Here you go!"
"C'mon, guys! Let's FUCKING goooooo!" hey at least a few joined me in my cheer.
"Please. I don't need you to remind me, Hardins." Franca says while joining the crowd.
"Hmmph. I'll make an exemption this once."
After a few minutes of working we finally see some progress.
"You can really tell it hailed hard. Check out all this snow…"
Joachim you created the perfect opportunity "The soldiering life's full of dirty work, man. Ha ha eat dirt!" That's for the cock-block.
"Bwagh! Oh, you are IN for it now! SUPER SNOW BOMB… GOOOO!"
"Would you two quit goofing around and get to work already?"
The whole class seems to enjoy cleaning, all except for…
"Hmph…"
I'm gonna show-off my sneaking skill "Oh, Naaahuuuum!"
"Waugh?!"
"See? If you're the first to pick up a shovel, others are happy to help. And when you do it as a group, ground maintenance is pretty fun. C'mon!" I've given you a chance and you throw it… time to throw it back.
"S-Stop that! Unhand me! You'll sully my clothes!"
Too late "Who fucking, cares? That just means you wash 'em later!"
"Hey, Avan! Get back here, man! We're never gonna finished at this rate!"
My job is done "Ha ha! I'm coming!"
"Okay, we'll take care of returning the equipment. Thanks for the help, Avan!"
"Okay Noel, Thanks, you guys! I'll see you in class." I still have things to do.
"… You're a strange one, page."
"We've been over this page thing… And see? Working as a group has its perks." He doesn't have any concept of division of labour doe he?
"I remember seeing Father among the help one night, preparing for a fete… He did seem in higher spirits then than when attending to politics. Very well, let us return. You have my laundry left to attend to, page."
"You're in for a shock if you think I'm going near your royal jack, dude." He's father sounds like a good guy… whose mother did you came on.
And with that the ground cleaning is complete but I still have things to do with the R&D… so many things to do but I do notice something, majority of my classmate fail the exam hmmm.
After changing to my uniform I notice Vario slipping out and making his way towards the gate. It's just one after another.
"Uhh, Vario? Why are you climbing up the academy gates?" and where's the guards?
"Isn't it obvious? I'm getting out of this dumb! Give me a hand, would you?"
No shit Sherlock "Of course fucking not! Where are you planning to, anyway?! You know what'll happen if you get caught AWOL. Now get down here!"
"Let me go! Touch me now, and you're likely to get burned, baby!"
After a few minutes of push and pull he began explaining his reason to brave the danger of being AWOL. And it's not a good one.
"Haw?! You're going AWOL for a fucking CONCERT?!" I'm being entertained. Not.
"Yeah! She's the core of my whole musical world, cat! She's legend! Even you've gotta know about Brigitte Stark. They call her Rosie? You can hear that name and her voice echoing across the continent. She's Gallia's angel of peace! Aw, Rosie, I love you, baby! I love youuu!"
"Would you calm down?" Or I would put you down.
"It's her big homecoming concert tonight, and I'll die if I miss it, Avan!"
"You'll wish you WERE DEAD if they catch you sneaking out!" even I am not that stupid to go AWOL… please don't jinx it.
"I'll take any torture they can think up if it means hearing her live! If it weren't for her, I'd never started singing! She's my muse!"
He's determined that's for sure… "… Fine, But I'm coming with you to keep an eye on you. And, hey, I guess I get a concert out of the deal, too."
"Avaaaaaan! I knew you were a hep cat, baby! All right, let's jet!"
And that's how we climbed Lanseal walls and made our way too the venue. "It's starting! Quick, let's go!" When we made our way inside we saw her, giving a speech. Vario become mesmerize to it. Like someone who's been brainwash.
"I only started to sing seriously because of a friend of mine. She's the one who helped me see the meaning in singing for people."
"What meaning? What's that mean, I wonder?"
"That's when I really put my heart into my music, to share it with the world. I stopped singing for me, or for someone I knew, and instead sang for everyone. Because that's how I can make her dream a reality."
"I've never once thought about singing like that before. For everyone…"
"Umm, Vario?" You know she can't hear you.
"This one's got a lot of memories for me. This is her song: A Love Passed On."
And the next thing I knew I was in an ecstasy, the song is that good… really good.
"Dang, she could really belt it out! I think you made a fan of me, Vario." Damn if I have to rate it, I'll rate it 10/10 would climb the fucking wall again.
"She sang for all of us up there tonight, not just for herself… And I could feel that. It set me on fire, man. And this whole time, I've been singing to myself. What an Idiot. I ran calling myself a musician, but I was just a stupid kid."
Someone became enlightened today "Don't be too down on yourself." Beside she probably says those to preach.
"Naw, its fine, I just… I've got a lot to think about now is, all."
We returned as fast as possible and all that time Vario is quiet and deep in thought… it's kinda eerie. We then separate him going back to his room and me running to the R&D building.
After being berated, seems to be an on-going trend, Lavinia ordered me some odd job.
"Man, why's Lavina got to be such a slave driver? Ugh, I just want to get done with this and— Huh? That looks like…"
"Hm…"
"Marion? Huh. I don't see her in the R&D building very often. I wonder what brings her here. Well I might as well go say hi."
"…"
Wow, what's got her way back in the arsenal? So many clues I'm willing to ignore.
"Tee hee… I've finally found you. Yes, you're the one… Mm, just lovely, with this, I could…"
How do I catch his attention, oh I know "FUCK YOU!" I shouted that should catch her attention right?
"Who's there?!"
Hey what would you know, it did work "Sorry, it's me. I didn't mean to startle you." Or did I…
"Oh, Avan… what brings you here?"
"I just saw you come in and thought I'd say hey. Am I interrupting something? Did you need something back here?"
"No, I was just… Er, Ms. Lane asked me to come and, um…"
Oh I see she must be my backup "She got you too, huh? Man, she can be a real tyrant! Can't even say my name right."
"Oh, I don't think… I'm afraid I really must be going now. Good day!" she bows and leaves.
Well there goes any chance of splitting the work "It wouldn't kill Lavinia to do SOME of the work around here herself…"
"What was that, bucko? Care to repeat yourself?"
This is the moment I knew, I fucked up "Guh, Lavinia?! Ow-OWWW! Let go of my ear! I was just saying you work folks like me and Marion a little hard is all." If this keeps on I will subscribe to communism.
"Marion? Who said I asked her to do anything?"
"What? But Marion said—"
"Then she played you. Not that I'm surprised to hear you fell for it."
She played me like a damn fiddle "Played me? But why would she lie about something like that?"
"Search me. Maybe she was covering something up. Come to think of it, I see her every once in a while. She doesn't seem to come on any specific errand, though. It's kinda weird."
OH shit, please don't be Randy 2.0 "Huh. I wonder what she could be fucking hiding."
And that's how my day ends. With me doing some errand and finding some weird fuck about my classmates… After that nothing noteworthy happened, aside from drills, lesson and occasional bounding moments, it's pretty much just like the everyday just without the bull shit.
And that's where I am today, January is almost over and the month of Virgins is right around the corner.
When I entered the classroom, everyone's their and the chitchat is all around, guess I have to choose. So I walk and talk to Noel.
"So do you think it is, Avan? The Garment Goddess, I mean."
There's now a god of garments? "Uh, what's a Garment Goddess?"
"If you put your uniform by the classroom, somebody washes it overnight. Even the grossest stains are gone by the next morning. It's magical!"
"Sounds like somebody with too much free time. So what's with the 'goddess'" Now this is a religion I can get behind. Goodbye Protein stains…
"That started when the boys decided it had to be some cute female cadet. It's THE topic of gossip in homeroom. Everybody wants to know who it is."
The commotion cease to acceptable level when good old Brixy enters.
"Today we'll be covering the military history of Ancient Europa."
And so begins a new peaceful day "Barf. History is like my worst subject." Thank god for Leon's Reference Material.
"Don't be so modest, Avan. I'm sure you're equally bad at all of them."
"Fuck you Zeri!"
"Mm? Avan, you dropped this photo."
"Oh, man! Thanks for catching that. It must've fallen out of my notebook." I should add Cosette to the bro list.
"Is that your brother?" she says.
"Yup! That's my big bro, Leon! He's amazing at everything. He's totally my hero. I mean, he's strong, super dependable, and smart too! And he's like the nicest-"
"Pipe down. Class is about to start."
"Thank you. Now, everyone open your book to page 25, please."
The room was then shaken by the usual ring of the bells… the only difference is the sound, it's much scary like the sound of horror.
"Wh-What's going on?" seriously the fuck is everyone getting tense.
"It sounds like…"
"Like what, Zeri?" and why is there a commotion outside. One by one, everyone stood and walk towards the back picking up there weapons. And soon enough an announcement was broadcasted in the speakers. One after another, whom I presumed class chairs and their class were being called. And soon it was mine.
'The rebel forces are advancing through the Arlem farmland region. Avan Hadins, Class G. Report to the strategy room at once. Repeat…'
Then a messenger arrives and handed Brixy a letter.
"Report of rebel aggression in the Arlem region has come in. A large rebel battalion has been sighted moving south. There trek has left towns and farmlands in shambles in its wake. Lanseal has been given the order to deploy. Follow Avan's instruction and be ready to go as soon as possible, dismissed."
"But wait, you can't mean— are you saying that we cadets are expected to fight unassisted?" Zeri says with a tone of confusion.
"The Lanseal Royal Military Academy is responsible for policing southern Gallia. It falls on us to address any threats that arise in our jurisdiction."
"What?! But that's… We're not..." Cosette said stuttering his every word.
"Two years after peace with the Empire, Gallia's defences are still ragged. The militia can only be summoned against invasion. This is internal. That leaves you cadets. The crème de la crème of Gallia's youth."
"But…" she says with a defeated tone.
"War is not so kind as to spare those with no will to fight."
Damn so we really are going to live combat… Never thought they meant it literally. "Rrgh, I guess there's no getting around it."
"Meet me in the strategy room as soon as you're prepared to leave."
And with that Brixy leaves, leaving all of us to prepare for an upcoming fight. Guess first order of the day is making sure everyone is A-Okay.
"Avan, take me with you if there battalion is that big, there's a good chance Sigrid's in it. I have to find him and talk some sense into him."
I guess someone is more than willing to fight "Of course, man. I hope we find him out there."
"If we don't, that just means I'll keep looking and looking for him… But the hard part will be when I find him. I don't what I'll do if he doesn't come around."
"He will. You said you guys were best friends, right? He'll listen." I wish you'll listen as well, Brother.
"Yeah, I… You're right. Okay, let's get ready!"
And with that Reiner rushes out quickly, he sure is enthusiastic. As I look around a saw Jamill is the only one still sitting.
"Hey, Jamill. I want you to come with me."
"Just a second. Tch, snake eyes. I'll pass, boy. The dice aren't having it."
I'm the one who isn't having it "Don't give me that! If we don't go soon civilians would get hurt! You're dice aren't going to stop me from helping them. I'll make my own luck! Now, get ready to go! We head out in five!"
"Rgh… Don't make me stand in another field of corpses, boy."
Yeah corpses of the dead civilian, but anyway he moves reluctantly, guess that's a start. I then talk to Rene who still seems down. Steps of making someone feel better.
Step 1: first talk to them "We've got orders to move out. Would you mind coming along, Rene."
"Sure, no problem, Avan."
Step 2: look like a harmless idiot "Thanks, I, um… I can rest easy knowing you're there with us! Oh but I don't mean that like you're violent or manly or any of that junk!"
"Avan, are you still worried about me after what that boy said?"
Step 3: Stutter like a moron "Naw, that's not what I… I just thought, you know, that…"
"Ah ha ha ha ha! Look at how nice you are. I'm juuuust fine. You don't have to worry about me at all, okay? Now, let's get ready to head out. We're got a big day ahead of us!"
Step 4: ignore all steps 1-3 "Right…" I wish I was…
Well I guess things couldn't be any worse… Why is Reiner in such a hurry back at the classroom-?!
"Bad news, Avan! Get ready, on the double! Report says the rebels have been testing a new weapon out in some farmland. The fields and villages around it are all taking huge collateral damage."
No need to announce it dipshit "Ugh, all right. I'll be ready as soon as I can!"
"That's not all. Multiple tanks have been sighted. Combat may drag out. This one's going to hurt. We need to go into it ready for the worst."
"Thanks for the warning. I'll keep that in mind." And the good news just keeps coming!
"Um…"
"It's weird when you're quiet, Vario. You've been down for a while now." It makes you almost invisible.
"Yeah, I'm riding a massive spiral of self-doubt, cat!"
Isn't that the first "Why don't you come along with us today? You're grating, but you have a way of keeping morale at least. You keep us moving."
"I guess there's no rest for the weary. It's tough being a star. All right, I'm there. I can't let my fans down!"
"Then let's get ready to move out!" With that he off his feet again.
"Ah, Avan! There you are!"
I'm always here why are you spacing out? "Whoa, hey, Marion. What's got you all out of breath?"
"Please, prepare to sortie at once! Intelligence reports that the rebels have employed a new weapon on a farm town."
Yeah it just got announce didn't you heard Reiner? "All right, I got it; I'll be ready in just two shakes of a-"
"Avan, you simply must take me with you! Please!"
I am force to take you all with me, but I do intend to put you behind the line "If they're testing some new kind of weapon, it could be rough, you sure?"
"I shall happily endure any hardship! I've awaited this for so long…"
She's either patriotic or… "IS there something you wanted me to know about? Something you're hiding?"
"WHAT?!"
"I'm not forcing you to tell me or anything. But, you know, if it's something you wanted to get off your chest…" Hmmm, chest…
"Of course… Thank you. But I'm quite all right."
I guess I better leave it at that "So long as you're good, All right, I'll let you know as soon as I'm ready."
"Excellent. I shall see to my own preparation in the meantime."
"She seemed really keyed up about this mission. Is it personal, or…" I guess I also have to keep an eye out.
And with that I saw Zeri thinking quietly, like he always does.
"Did you see the paper? It had a story on the town we're headed."
"You mean the farm town out in Arlem, right? What about them?"
"Right, and it's being held by a rebel squad with some high-level officers. They're menacing the folks there into enlisting with a set of 'speeches'."
"Unacceptable, a nation's people are its most precious resources."
"Oh Nahum, you were listening?" wait a foreigner eavesdropping that's espionage! Not.
"My mind is set, page. I'll be sortieing out for battle. And with that decided, I have preparation to attend to. Farewell!"
What? "Uh, what? Ah— Hey! Wait, Nahum! …And he's gone. Well, I guess he's coming along." Is it okay that a foreign prince is going to battle? I smell international crisis.
Well guess I better find someone to talk too.
"Hey, Zeri do you believe everything the Gallian Times write?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you believe this war is just black and white? That it's us righteous enlightened against wrong bigots?"
"What are you getting at and why are you starting this whole nonsense."
"Just relaxing calming myself, that's all."
"Since when did you become a guru? But the world isn't black and white and the choice isn't either-or… it's like a rainbow of colours mashing together leaving only one."
"Right… isn't it better to just drain the colour from it then, till we're back to seeing black and white and wrong and right again." I guess it better to just justify it like that.
After changing into my battle dress I immediately went to the strategy room. I watch as student's marches in formation followed by tanks and APC. I wonder if we would be supported by tanks or APC or if this would be a joint op.
As I reach the door, Juliana and five others exited out and joined their respected class formation. And when I enter I prepare myself.
"Ready, then? As class chair, command in the field falls to you, Avan."
I'll show them that my time, in town-watch is not just for show "Right, I gotcha, Brixy."
"Your mission today is a simple one, drive the rebels back out of the town in Arlem Region. Intel from our vanguard unit reports a new develop tank within the enemy squad."
Wait are we going solo! "Do we get a tank support or… You don't expect a pack of foot soldier to take a whole town alone… right?
"Unfortunately the other class, along with the tanks, would engage the main rebel force. So no, you would not receive any support. I expect you to win however. Thinking of how to go about that is your job."
"That's easy for you to say! Their lives are all hanging on this!" but considering the scale of the Rebel offensive we really have the easiest job.
"Such is the nature of war. The exact same applies to the rebels as well. If you don't wipe them out, they'll gladly see you dead."
"You act like it's easy. Fine! I'll get us through this without a scratch." Yes I cross my fingers. Don't ask me the impossible.
"Heh heh. I look forward to it. Lanseal's bell has tolled. Squad G, move out!"
After receiving my orders I quickly meet up with the others there I notice Randy handing out canteens. I took mine and drink to my heart's content.
"Ngh ngh nhgnhg… Bwaaah! Mmm, that fucking hits the spot! A cool drink taste best when you're nervous."
"…Huh?"
"Something wrong, Randy?" Morris asks.
"Hm? Oh… No Nothing's wrong, Morris." He says while taking a sip at his own canteen, and then a few seconds later "Hrngh?!"
The Drill instructor then came and orders our immediate deployment.
Zeri then takes me to the side "He fucking did what?! Laxatives?!" right when were about to fight…
"I saw him slipping a mix into your canteen while you're away. I figure something was up, so I took the liberty of swapping yours and his."
Now that's amazing "Which means our friend Randy just made his day a whole lot more exciting." And the whole mission more exciting… someone might actually die today.
"Hnnnnnrrrrgh… Th-This is… I-It'll take more than… this to… stop me…"
"He looks like he's about ready to die. If we don't end this fast, there's gonna be… Well, things will get ugly!" I could let him take his shit, but karma's a bitch.
=Afterword=
Fix some spelling and grammar.