( Sorry for the last short chapter, I hope to make it up with this one! )
The following days, Emily recovered from her small cuts and bruises and was able to attend school once again. Without the issue of being bullied at school anymore, Shiva was finally able to concentrate more on her tasks and the teachers began to see improvement in her academics. The trio had departed back to their stations and Shiva was once again alone at home. Emily visited frequently to watch Beach House with Shiva and engage in casual activities, all until Shiva brought up the subject of her joining the army.
"I'm gonna miss these moments when I depart for the army" said Shiva.
This was the first time Emily heard of this and was stunned.
"A-Army? Wait, when did you decide to join the Army!" yelled Emily.
"I sent you a message about it over Glitz, didn't you read it?" said Shiva.
"NO! I've been hanging out with you most of the time. When I get home I do my homework and go straight to sleep. I haven't had time to check my messages. WHY are you joining the Army?" yelled Emily.
"Emily don't be mad...I just wanted to better myself, so I asked my brother to enroll me in the army next year. He said if I get good grades and graduate by next year, he'll come pick me up and take me. Don't worry, I promise to write everyday and call when I can!" said Shiva.
"But...it won't be the same. What about college? What about our friendship...you're gonna be away for a long time..." said Emily.
"Like I sad, I will write and I can visit too! I mean once a year but...still! I'll write" said Shiva.
"I don't like this. We're best friends and we're always supposed to be together..."said Emily.
"If we're best friends, you should support me with this...believe that we'll be still be best friends even if we're apart. Pysically we will be apart, but we'll always be in each other's hearts, I promise" said Shiva.
Emily began to cry.
"Shiva, don't leave...please?" cried Emily.
"Emily, I want to go. I promise I'll be back...pinky promise" said Shiva holding out her pinky.
Attempting to dry her tears, Emily locked her pinky with Shiva's. This of course touched Shiva and caused her to sob a little, knowing that she will miss Emily dearly.
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and finally, the year had passed in a flash. Emily was at Shiva's house waiting for the arrival of her brother, yet in the meantime they sat down in the living room to watch Beach House. Through the year, Shiva didn't mature much body wise or mentally for the simple fact that she only reached a height of 5'5" and weighed 145lbs. Eyes fixed on the television, they almost missed the honking coming from outside of the house. Turning off the tv to step outside, the trio were waiting outside in their desert camoflauged Scorpion Jeep. Gary stepped out of the vehicle to hug his sister and shake Emily's hand.
"Oh, don't forget your luggage" said Emily running inside to fetch it.
Emily helped carry the luggage over to the jeep as she stared at it in awe before saying farewell to Shiva.
"Good luck, Shiva. Please come back in one piece, I'll be waiting"said Emily hugging her tightly.
"I will, I promise" said Shiva returning the hug.
Loading herself onto the vehicle, she sat in the back with Simon as she waved farewell to Emily before the vehicle took off. Emily stood in the same area waving until she could no longer see them and let out a small tear in hopes of seeing her friend again soon. Looking back one last time to see the image of her best friend fade, Shiva let out a small sigh.
"It's alright, you'll see her again" said Simon.
"I hope so...I'm gonna miss her. She's the only friend I have" said Shiva.
"Skittles!" said Gary.
"Already thinking of a call name, aren't ya" said Price.
"How about...Nibbles...no wait, scratch that..."said Gary.
"Call sign? What's a call sign?" asked Shiva.
"It's your nickname. Given to you by your 'buddies' in your squad. Chances are you won't like it" said Simon.
"Ah true...can't give her one, it's gotta be her squad" said Gary.
"Wait...what names am I going to get?" asked Shiva.
"Something you won't like. It can be because of something ridiculous you do, or something that has to do with your last name" said Simon.
"...I'm afriad to ask...but what are your call signs" said Shiva.
"Ghost" said SImobn.
"I currently don't have one" said Price.
"Your brother's is Roach" said Simon.
"Why did you tell her! You could've give me a cooler name..." said Gary.
"Do I want to know how you all got your title?" asked Shiva.
"NO!" they all said in unison.
"Alright, alright...I was just asking..." said Shiva.
Their little chit-chat was cut shortly afterwards and the ride felt like forever. Its been several hours since they left town and were now wandering through miles and miles of desert, with nothing around except the hot blazing sun. Her eyes were closing on her as she rested her head on the firm head rest while Gary continued to drive to to their station. The ride was long, but after an entire day of driving, they finally arrived to their destination.
"Simon, wake her up will ya?" said Gary.
"Shiva, hey time to wake up, we're here" said Simon nudging Shiva until she woke up.
"We're here?" asked Shiva rubbing her groggy eyes.
"Yeah, welcome to your temporary new home" said Gary.
Parking his vehicle with the others, Shiva grabbed her belongings and followed her brother into the camp. The camp itself was massive, with men and women alike performing various activities. From a distance, yelling could be heard as a drill instructor whips his squad members into shape. Specific areas had certain activities for trainees to work out or engage in tasks that their leaders provided them with. Over all the place was extremely active and people were running back and forth with something to do. Guiding her over to the recruitment center, Gary was the one to lead her in and introduce her to her drill instructor.
"Sergeant W, I would like to introduce to you a new recruit" said Price to a man sitting down behind a desk.
He wore the traditional D.I. uniform and stood up from desk to listen to Price.
"Lieutenant Ghost, Sergeant Roach, Captain Price, and what is your name new recruit" said Sergeant W.
"Shiva, sir" she said.
"Shiva, step outside and go find Sergeant D, you will be enrolled with him for your boot camp training, GO" said Sergeant W.
"Who?" asked Shiva confused.
"Did I not make myself clear! Why are you still standing here? MOVE NOW!" yelled Sergeant W.
Startled a bit by the yelling, she looked at her brother who was unable to look at her as she walked outside rather confused and a little scared. Not given a specific location, she didn't know where to start looking for Sergeant D. Remembering the yelling from near the entrance of the camp, that was her first choice to walk to.
"You think she'll be alright? It was a bit sudden to test her in locating someone, especially when yelled at" said Gary.
"The point of it is to communicate with others and get the information she needs. One of the skills she will have to develop here" said Price.
"Still, from what she's been though, don't you think it's a little harsh?" said Gary.
"She'll have to get over it, mate. That fear needs to develop into strength, she'll be alright" said Simon.
"...I'm gonna go check up on her!" said Gary running out.
"Sibling I assume?" asked Sergeant W.
"Sister, only family left" said Price.
Make sure he doesn't get too involved with her during training, it won't help her become a better person if she has someone to always rely on" said Sergeant W.
"Right" said Price.
"Let's hope for the best for her" said Simon.